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China, Central Asian countries launch secretariat of cooperation mechanism

Xinhua) 17:03, March 30, 2024

XI'AN, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China and five Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, held a ceremony in the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province and launched the secretariat of the China-Central Asian cooperation mechanism on Saturday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov sent their congratulatory letters.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, commended cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries under the China-Central Asia mechanism which was initiated four years ago.

Wang said the establishment of the secretariat signifies that the consensus reached by the heads of state of China and Central Asian countries has been implemented and demonstrates to the international community the firm determination of the six countries to work together for development and cooperation.

It is believed that with the joint support of all parties, the secretariat will operate smoothly and effectively, and the China-Central Asia mechanism will grow stronger and bring more benefits to the people of the six countries, Wang added.

Foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries say that parties related have high hopes for the secretariat and will fully support its work. They hoped that the establishment of the secretariat will inject new momentum into the cooperation between Central Asian countries and China.

Sun Weidong, China's vice foreign minister, said that the primary responsibility of the secretariat is to promote the implementation of the consensus and outcomes reached by the heads of state of the six countries, make preparations for the China-Central Asia Summit, and serve the foreign ministers' meeting and the cooperation mechanism in key areas.

It is hoped that the secretariat will actively perform its duties, earnestly ensure its services, and be a "servant" of the China-Central Asia Mechanism, he added.

Wu Yingqin, executive director of the secretariat, said that the secretariat will work actively to step up rules and regulations, fully implement the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit and the important consensus of the heads of state, promote cooperation in key areas, and push for new achievements in China-Central Asia cooperation.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu)
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Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia and Great Indonesia Movement Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto, who is on a visit to China, in Beijing on Monday.

Xi congratulated Prabowo on winning the election and asked Prabowo to relay sincere greetings and best wishes to President Joko Widodo.

Recalling the rapidly developing and fruitful bilateral ties over the past decade under the guidance of the two heads of state, Xi said both sides have made the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway an exemplar of high-quality bilateral cooperation and entered a new stage of building a community with a shared future.

China views its relations with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia, Xi said.

He said China will work with Indonesia to build a China-Indonesia community with a shared future that has regional and global influence, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

Xi said the key to successful China-Indonesia relations is to adhere to strategic independence, mutual trust and mutual assistance, win-win cooperation, and fairness and justice.

Xi said China and Indonesia are both representatives of major developing countries and emerging markets. In the past, the two countries have always supported each other in the cause of national independence and development, he said, while in the future, the two countries should also unite in good faith to set an example of win-win cooperation and shared development, and become a pacesetter for South-South cooperation.

The two sides should firmly follow the development path suited to their own national conditions, firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests, and understand and support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, according to Xi.

Xi said China is willing to maintain close exchanges with Indonesia, share experience on governance, strengthen synergy of development strategies, further promote the construction of the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor, and continue to deepen maritime cooperation.

He added that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia on poverty reduction and eradication, and provide support in this regard.

Noting that at present, momentous changes not seen in a century are accelerating across the world, Xi said the two sides should actively practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, vigorously promote the Bandung spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, strengthen multilateral coordination, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Xi said China is ready to work with Indonesia to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality, maintain an open and inclusive regional architecture, and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Prabowo conveyed President Joko Widodo's sincere greetings to Xi, and said he is delighted to make China the first country he visits after being elected.

China is a major influential country, and the two countries always respect each other and treat each other as equals, he added.

He expressed admiration for the great achievements made by the Chinese people under the leadership of President Xi. He said he is willing to learn from the experience of the Communist Party of China and deepen exchanges on governance.

Prabowo noted that China is a strong partner of Indonesia, and Chinese enterprises have participated in-depth in Indonesia's economic growth and contributed to Indonesia's national development in recent years.

He said that he supports the development of a closer relationship with China and will continue the country's friendly policy toward China, adhere to independence and stick to the one-China policy that is always pursued by the Indonesian government.

Prabowo added that Indonesia and China will firmly support each other's core interests, promote the comprehensive and high-quality development of bilateral relations, and implement the important consensus of building a community of shared future between the two countries.

The new Indonesian government is willing to actively strengthen the alignment of the development strategies of the two countries and push for more cooperation results in various fields such as economy, trade and poverty alleviation to further benefit the two peoples, Prabowo said.

He said he appreciated that China has always upheld fairness and justice in international affairs, especially on the Palestinian question, adding that Indonesia is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on international and regional affairs, and make a greater contribution to South-South cooperation.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi has expressed his belief that President Bola Tinubu will lead the country for eight years.

During an appearance on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television program, Umahi described Tinubus presidential election victory in 2023 as divine.

The former governor of Ebonyi state emphasized that Tinubus presidency is a result of divine intervention and highlighted the presidents efforts to rectify past mistakes and return the country to its citizens.

Umahi, who referred to himself as both a pastor and a prophet, claimed to have received a message from God predicting that the current administration would last for eight years.

The Minister cited President Tinubus perceived miracles in addressing national issues as evidence of divine support.

He said, You called me a pastor but I am also a prophet and you must know the coming of Mr President is divine and when God starts a thing he completes it.

I strongly believe and I am persuaded to let you know that God told me that this administration will last eight years because this administration is born of God and you can see the miracles that Mr President is doing to right all the wrongs.

He is giving back this country to Nigerians and that is simply what Mr President has come to do. We are just there to support him.

Umahi also revealed that some members of the National Assembly have raised concerns about the use of concrete technology in road projects across the country.

On the technology of concrete (for roads), I am very happy that the national assembly members  some of them are very critical of the technology of concrete, he said.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu had urged religious leaders to refrain from invoking curses on the nation during their sermons.
Some Ibadan residents, have expressed divergent views on the ongoing 2019 Big Brother Naija reality show.

Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that this years edition has not lived up to their expectations as with its theme entitled: PepperDem.



Adedamola Ogunwomoju, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Huhlboxng said: This particular set of housemates are a bit boring bringing a whole boring vibes to the show.

There have been backlashes on social media from the viewers about how boring the show is.

Also the process of evicting housemates, especially in the first week where two housemates were evictedn didnt go down well with us the viewers.

We are keeping our fingers crossed as to what might still happen, theres still time for Big Brother to redeem himself.

He needs to spice up the show, at least its called pepper dem for a reason, he said.

Jude Uzor, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jay Photography while drumming support for the show said, This season has been interesting for me so far because there are no dumb heads in the house

Everyone in the programme is a boss and wants to be heard and that makes it more competitive.
Nigerias High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Kabir Bala, said, yesterday, that over 6,000 Nigerians were being investigated for various crimes in the country.

Bala, who disclosed this while speaking to Channels Television in his office, explained that the crimes range from drug-related offences to murder, fraud and armed robbery.

Noting that the statistics were from the South African Police Service, the envoy said: We have to look at it from a proper perspective so that we dont tilt the balance. And then we overlook the fact that some of our nationals engage in things that are not legal here.

We have 6,089 of them having cases that are being concluded or investigated and some of them in prison, we have them.

The diplomat, however, explained that the accused persons, whether Nigerians or other nationals, have the right to fair trial before being convicted, if found guilt in line with the laws.

His remark followed a meeting of the heads of Nigerias two missions in South Africa in Pretoria, on the countrys crime statistics as it is related to Nigerian citizens.

Present were the Police Minister Bheki Cele and top police officials.

Bala, who was accompanied by the Consul-General, Godwin Adama, to the meeting, said the figures were quite shocking.
Terri is interested in settling with an African man and she was written to a relationship adviser and blogger, Joro Olumofin to post her request.

She wants a man who is not younger than 28 years and she is not really concerned about looks.

Once you can provide a valid proof of identification, then you are good to go. If youre interested in meeting Terri, send a mail to [email protected] with proof of ID.
Youths in Benue state on Wednesday stormed the streets of Makurdi, the state capital, to protest the recent call by the All Progressives Congress, (APC) for the deployment of the military to the state to oversee Saturdays governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state.

Recall that some youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had on Tuesday demanded for the deployment of more security personnel to the state for Saturdays governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

Similarly, leaders of the APC in the state including a former governor, Senator George Akume, and the Jime/Ode Campaign Organization had variously called for the deployment of more security for this Saturdays elections.

However, on Wednesday, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youths matched to the Benue Government House to register their protest.

Leader of the protesting youths and one of the founding members of the Movement Against Fulani Occupation, (MAFO) Pastor Dave Ogbole, said the request for the deployment of the military for election purposes in the state was suspicions and smacked of an intention to both strangulate the people and rig the elections.

Ogbole who noted that the group was aware of the recent deployment of top military personnel whom they heard has no regards for a civil relationship, insisted that Benue youths say no to the plot.

When the people of our state were subjected to unimaginable trauma occasioned by ceaseless killings and sacking of Benue communities by armed herdsmen, those now calling for the military for election purposes failed to impress it on the Federal government to deploy the military to stem the killing.

Governor Samuel Ortom, while receiving the protesting youths, pointed out that elections in the state had so far been peaceful and wondered why leaders of the APC were bent on using the military to subvert the coming election.

All we demand is a level playing field for all the parties. We are going into the elections prepared and for us, it is not a do-or-die matter because we know and they also know that Benue is PDP and the people will resist any attempt to subvert the process.
British Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus.

The 71-year-old heir to the throne tested positive for the deaded coronavirus and is displaying mild symptoms.

He is reported to be in good health.

This is a breaking newsmore details to be updated soon

Meanwhile, Nigerias president Muhammadu Buhari is reportedly sick and coughing persistently. He was always in close contact with his Chief-of-Staff Abba Kyari who tested positive for coronavirus.




Bishop David Oyedepo

A group representing northern youths by the name, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for the arrest of Bishop David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide.

A statement Wednesday evening by Yerima Shettima, AYCF National President, said the cleric was still walking the streets of Nigeria freely despite flouting the federal and state governments ban on large gatherings over the coronavirus outbreak.

He noted that Oyedepo mobilized a huge crowd of people at Canaan in Ibadan for so-called religious activities, in flagrant disobedience of the directives, following the spread of Covid-19 virus pandemic.

The group declared that there was no justification for bringing a large crowd of people together in the name of worship at a time the greatest number of deaths have been recorded because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The youths stated that it was callous violation of the Nigerian governments safety instructions at this critical moment.

Pastor Oyedepo has openly shown not only his disdain for the rule of law but also the value of human life. He has chosen to endanger the lives of many of his innocent followers by deliberately refusing to be guided in face ofthis global pandemic

We therefore challenge Pastor Oyedepo to tell us if he did not take advantage of his closeness to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in this flagrant disobedience to Nigerian laws and the United Nations Charter on the safety of human lives.

He owes this nation full explanation for being the only Nigerian to indulge in creating a gathering of the Ibadan Canaan magnitude, when the restriction of movement is respected all over world because of the current pandemic.

We therefore share the view of all prominent Nigerians that this Pastor should be promptly arrested for endangering the lives of innocent Nigerians, recklessly using religion as a cover.

We hope the Nigerian security agencies will swing into action so that the prompt arrest of this callous clergyman would serve as a deterrent to others, it read.

AYCF insisted that no Nigerian regardless of his/her social standing should get away with endangering anyones life, using religion as a smokescreen for achieving dangerous goals.
The man killed his wife

A pregnant woman has died after her husband allegedly stabbed her to death just two months after their wedding.

Rita Onyemauchechukwu Onyebuchi and her husband Mr Ikechukwu popularly called Agbada, both from Anambra state, got married on January 10, 2020.

On Tuesday, March 24, her younger brother Onyebuchi John Paul, who works in the same company with her noticed she wasnt at work  a rare occurrence. He called her but she wasnt picking her calls.

After work, he went to her house in Ezimezi village, Amawbia, Anambra state, but saw the door to the house locked. He also noticed that his sisters husbands car was not in the compound.

He went home then called the husband but his number was switched off.

On Wednesday, his sister didnt show up at work and their mother, who is suffering from high blood pressure, was already worried.

On Thursday morning, March 26, the brother stopped by his sisters house on his way to work and saw a crowd, including police officers, gathered in the compound.

He was led into the house where he saw the decomposing body of his sister lying in a pool of her own blood.

John Paul revealed that his sister is 2 months pregnant and he took to Facebook to call for justice for his murdered sister and her unborn baby.

He also revealed that the husband was arrested on Thursday, March 26 and held at Central Police Station Awka. On Saturday, March 28, he was transferred to the state CID Amaubia, Anambra.

He wrote: Dear compatriots am writing this with a heavy heart, a heart that seeks for justice and wants the law to take its full place about what I will say.

Please I want all Human right activist, lawyers to help us out on this. I am by name Onyebuchi Johnpaul from Achalla village, Enugu-Agidi town, Njikoka L.G, Anambra State.

One of my immediate elder sister Mrs. Rita Onyemauchechukwu Onyebuchi who did her traditional and marriage rites on 10th January 2020 married to her husband Mr Ikechukwu popularly called Agbada from Isu Aniocha village in Awka north LGA in Anambra State. My sister and i were staffs of Philip Smith Security Limited in Awka.The deceased (my sister) failed to be at work on Tuesday 24/3/2020 at Philip Smith security limited awka, which has never happened before because she is always at work and dedicated staff of the company. Following her absenteeism at work on Tuesday i put a call to my sister on her phone but it was ringing and she wasnt answering her phone calls.She never responded to those calls and never returned the calls which is unusual. I continued calling her even when i dismissed from work but still ringing no response.

After work hours i made way to her house where she is living with the husband at Chimas compound in Ezimezi village, Amawbia on reaching there i saw that the house was locked and the husbands car is not in the compound, after several knocks and banging at the door no responds too.I decided to head home and requested that the husbands number should be sent to me by. The husband number was sent and i called the husband but his number was switched off.

On Wednesday 25/3/2020 i went to work as usual but still my sister was absent unlike her because she was always punctual to work. I still called but her phone kept ringing no response. I even called all her husband number but it was switched off.

That Wednesday i look left work very late so i couldnt stop over her house to check. So i informed my mom who said she has been calling her too but no response and also that her son-in-law (my sister husband) phone was switched off.

On Thursday 26/3/2020 I decided to stop at their house before going to work.Reaching the compound i saw police men in the compound and crowds gathered. When the special crime unit of the police arrived i was taken to the room to find the dead body of my sister MRS RITA ONYEBUCHI laying in pool of blood . And the body has started to decompose. The whole place was smelling and blood all over the bedroom.

I was shocked i couldnt tell my mom at that point who also came to know why her daughter wasnt answering her calls. Mama was suffering high blood pressure that why i couldnt tell her then and pleaded that people should take away from the place. My sister was 2 month pregnant as i was writing this story.

Please I want the human right activist and lawyers to come into this matter and make sure that the suspect is brought to book to face the law. The suspect is the husband Ikechukwu by name popularly known as Agbada from Isuaniocha he lives with his wife Rita Onyebuchi at Chimas compound in Ezimezi village, Amawbia.

Please forward this.

And Share please ?

Any human right lawyer that is willing to help should contact Me

Below is a graphic photo of the woman.
A pro-NPP group, Walewale Youth Warriors has made a passionate appeal to the Overlord of the Mamprugu Paramountcy, to prevail upon the Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, not to consider the Energy Minister and MP for Manhyia South, Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, for the running mate slot.



The group argues that the character, demeanour and personality of the Energy is at variance with the values espoused by the leadership of Dr Mahamadu Bawumia and the ruling New Patriotic Party.



According to the pressure group, any attempt to select Dr Napo will pose serious dangers to the chances of the NPP Breaking The 8 and Dr Bawumia making history by being the first northern President under the great elephant family.



The call by the group comes at the heels of a recent outburst by the Energy Minister during an interview with journalists in Kumasi at the sidelines of the Ashanti Regional NPP Campaign launch held over the weekend at the KNUST.



Hon. Mathew Opoku Prempeh has come under a barrage of criticisms from a cross-section of the public following what is described as an insensitive comment in an answer to a question posed by a journalist about the recent power challenges and whether the government was considering a load-shedding programme.



According to the northern-based NPP group, the Energy Minister's action was a clear demonstration of leadership failure, having capitulated at the least provocation.



"This attitude, certainly cannot inure to the benefit of the electoral fortunes of our dear party, the Vice President is trying hard to win the hearts of many Ghanaians having outlined all the fantastic vision and programmes but people like Dr. Napo are making the work very difficult for him. Such a character can never be an effective running mate" the group argued



They are therefore appealing to the venerable Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohaga Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, to intervene by prevailing upon the Vice President to rescind any potential move to consider Dr. Napo for the running slot.



"We have no problem at all with selecting an Akan or an Asante but certainly not this Energy Minister, his actions are at variance with the Presidential Candidate, he will not add anything but a liability to our cause to Breaking the 8" they warned.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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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:

Photograph of an Adelie penguin breeding colony, Edmonson Point, Antarctica. Adelie penguin nests consist of a shallow scrape, pebbles, and bones. Credit: Carlo Baroni and Maria Cristina Salvatore, University of Pisa

Microsatellites are valuable tools for studying inheritance, genetic diversity, and population dynamics across a wide range of organisms including bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi. These short, repeating sequence motifs are a common feature of both coding and non-coding DNA and have been observed in all genomes studied to date.

Their repetitive nature leads to "slippage" in the DNA replication machinery, resulting in the addition or subtraction of repeats that causes microsatellites to grow or shrink in length. Because of this, there is considerable variability among individuals in the number of repeats at each microsatellite locus. A well-known microsatellite locus is the string of "CAG" nucleotides in the human huntingtin gene, which leads to the development of Huntington's disease in individuals with more than 37 copies of the repeat.

Despite being widely used in population and evolutionary biology, the evolutionary fates of microsatellites themselves remain hotly debated. In a new study in Genome Biology and Evolution, titled "Ancient and modern genomes reveal microsatellites maintain a dynamic equilibrium through deep time," an international team of researchers used a unique dataset of modern and ancient Adelie penguin genomes to uncover new insights into the evolution of microsatellites. Led by David Lambert from Griffith University, the study reveals the remarkable persistence and stability of microsatellites over vast evolutionary time.

To study long-term microsatellite dynamics, the study's authors sequenced the genomes of 23 ancient Adelie penguin specimens dating back over 46,000 years, as well as samples from 26 modern Adelie penguins, enabling a direct comparison between ancient and modern individuals, a situation that remains relatively uncommon among evolutionary studies.

"Ancient DNA provides a unique opportunity to look at old problems in new ways," note the study's authors. "In contrast to the traditional method of comparing living representatives of different taxa, ancient DNA gives us the opportunity to 'step back in time.'"

The researchers further compared this data set with over 27 million microsatellite loci from 63 other animal genomes, providing a look at microsatellite dynamics over more than 500 million years.

One of the most surprising findings of the study was that microsatellite length remained extremely stable over thousands and even millions of years. This answers a long-held question about whether microsatellites tend to get longer or shorter over time.

"We were all surprised at the lack of evidence for an upward genetic drift in microsatellite repeat length," says the research team, comprising authors from Australia, the United States, Italy, China, Denmark, and New Zealand.

"At the outset of this project, it seemed likely that microsatellite alleles would have arisen as 'pure' short repeats [i.e., perfect repeats with no errors in the repeat pattern]. Over time, we expected that these alleles would increase in length until enough point mutations effectively disrupted the repeat structure and stopped the upward drift. This cycle could be characterized as a general pattern of birth, growth, decay, and finally the death of the microsatellite."

Contrary to this expectation, however, the researchers found that microsatellites tend to grow by an average of only one nucleotide every 100 million years. This remarkable stability over time suggests a dynamic equilibrium in the replication slippage process that generates length polymorphism; in other words, longer microsatellites tend to get shorter, and shorter microsatellites tend to get longer, maintaining microsatellite length over time.

The authors were also surprised by how extraordinarily long-lived some microsatellites are, "We found that some microsatellite loci persisted for over half a billion years and therefore had survived many speciation events." The persistence and stability of microsatellites is especially notable given the high variability of microsatellite length observed among individuals.

According to the authors, one possibility is that "microsatellites might play a functional role in the architecture of the genome or in generating phenotypic diversity, as it seems unlikely that they would persist for so long unless they were being protected from degeneration by purifying selection."

The genomes of the ancient and modern Adelie penguins sequenced in the study will provide an incredible resource for future research, enabling investigation into more complex models of microsatellite evolution that include both point mutations and slippage. These data will likely be useful for investigating the evolution of other types of genetic elements and repetitive DNA sequences.

The creation of this rich dataset would not have been possible without the efforts of co-authors Carlo Baroni and Maria Cristina Salvatore, who spent decades recovering the subfossil remains of Adelie penguins from the Ross Sea area of Antarctica to characterize the changing climatic conditions of the region.

"Their research has been very important to us," note their co-authors, "and it has only been thanks to what might appear to be, on the face of it, an unlikely collaboration that we have been able to develop this exciting research project."

More information: Bennet J McComish et al, Ancient and Modern Genomes Reveal Microsatellites Maintain a Dynamic Equilibrium Through Deep Time, Genome Biology and Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae017 Casey McGrath et al, Highlight: The Surprising Endurance of DNA's Smallest Repeats, Genome Biology and Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae044 , doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evae044 Journal information: Genome Biology and Evolution
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A vast burn scar unfolds in drone footage of a landscape seared by massive wildfires north of Lake Tahoe. But amid the expanses of torched trees and gray soil, an unburnt island of lush green emerges.

The patch of greenery was painstakingly engineered. A creek had been dammed, creating ponds that slowed the flow of water so the surrounding earth had more time to sop it up. A weblike system of canals helped spread that moisture through the floodplain. Trees that had been encroaching on the wetlands were felled.

But it wasn't a team of firefighters or conservationists who performed this work. It was a crew of semiaquatic rodents whose wetland-building skills have seen them gain popularity as a natural way to mitigate wildfires.

A movement is afoot to restore beavers to the state's waterways, many of which have suffered from their absence.

"Beavers belong in California, and they should be part of our fire management plan," said Emily Fairfax, assistant professor of geography at the University of Minnesota, who shot the drone footage of a series of beaver ponds along Little Last Chance Creek that remained green in the wake of the 2021 Beckwourth Complex fire.

Fairfax's recent research found that beavers' skills are useful even in the face of megafires like the Beckwourth a 105,000-acre behemoth whose burn scar joined with that of the Dixie fire, which started weeks later and burned more than 960,000 neighboring acres.

"They basically build up an ecosystem that's resilient to fire through the vegetation mosaic, then keep it really well watered so it never dries out, never becomes easy to burn," she said.

Native to much of California, beavers were hunted to near extinction throughout North America by fur traders in the 1800s. Their numbers have rebounded in some areas, with populations in the Sierra Nevada, northeastern California and along the Salinas River Corridor from San Luis Obispo to Monterey, but they've had a hard time recovering overall.

The rodents chew up and move around large amounts of plant material, damming streams to create ponds where they can hide from predators. They dig channels stretching from those ponds deeper into forests so they can forage for food without leaving the water. These activities can convert narrow streams into massive wetland complexes.

"They are just trying to build themselves a mega shopping mart so that they can go and get the groceries all the time, in all four seasons," said Kate Lundquist, co-director of the nonprofit Occidental Arts & Ecology Center Water Institute. "And the result of that is you have these really resilient oases that won't burn in a fire."

Beavers can also help restore burned areas: Their dams trap ash and debris, and their wetlands help rehydrate landscapes, supporting the growth of grasses and shrubs, Lundquist said.

This can improve water quality, store carbon and support habitat for endangered species, disproportionately benefiting the entire ecosystem, said Brock Dolman, co-director of the Water Institute.

"All of these issues that we have state or federal laws and programs we're spending hundreds of millions of dollars on to address, in many cases, beavers are showing up as a partner that can help us mitigate some of those," he said.

But the same skills that make beavers such keen ecosystem engineers have also gained them enemies among farmers, ranchers and other landowners. Beavers' dam-building and tree-chewing can flood roads and pastures and damage or destroy crops, timber stores and landscaping plantings.

Still, their reputation as nuisance pests has been turning around.

"Over the recent decades, there's really been this major paradigm shift surrounding how beavers are perceived," said Valerie Cook, manager of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's beaver restoration program, which got up and running roughly a year ago and now has five dedicated staffers.

Last year, the department adopted a new policy formally recognizing beavers as a keystone speciesthose that play an outsized role in maintaining the diversity of their ecosystemand encouraging landowners to try nonlethal methods for living with them before seeking approval to kill them.

The state has made funding available to landowners for these nonlethal methods, which can include sand-paint mixtures to deter beavers from chewing through trees, devices to prevent them from blocking up water control structures and pond levelers that mitigate flooding by allowing water to flow through dams, Cook said. Tribes, public agencies and non-governmental organizations can apply to fund human-beaver coexistence projects.

Program staffers have also moved beavers from places where they're coming into conflict with people and released them where they're projected to do some good.

That kicked off in the fall with the reintroduction of a family of seven beavers into Tasmam Koyom, a meadow on the ancestral land of the Mountain Maidu in Plumas County. One of the young beavers appears to have paired up with a resident beaver who already lived a bit downstream, Cook said.

More beavers are slated to be released this summer on the Tule River Reservation in the foothills of the southern Sierra, where the Tule River Tribe has long been a leader of beaver restoration efforts in the state.

Kenneth McDarment, former vice chairman, founded the tribe's beaver project in 2014 as he watched the land grow parched and fire-prone amid years of drought.

"We were just trying to find another way to keep more water on the reservation for the people," he said. "So that leads back to the tribe's pictographs, where we have beavers."

The roughly 1,000-year-old pictographs depict how various animals, including beavers, created the world. Beavers paddled in the waterways that wind through the reservation until several decades ago: A tribal elder recalls seeing them there when he was a boy, McDarment said.

"We thought, why not bring the beaver home?" he said.

Tribal members and partners have spent years preparing the area, building beaver dam analogs to create conditions conducive to their return, McDarment said. Meadows along those dammed riverscapes have already acted as wildlife safety zones during several fires that burned through the reservation over the past few years, he said.

They've also ensured there are plenty of plants for the beavers to eat and deep enough pools for them to escape from predators, he said. Those now include members of the Yowlumni wolf pack, which was discovered in the area last summer.

"We've been waiting to get to this point for a long time," McDarment said. "It's just a good feeling to finally receive them, to get to that point where we can watch them grow and watch them spread out and watch them do their thing on the creeks and river."

The state's beaver program is now soliciting proposals from other landowners who want beavers on their properties for restoration purposes, and staffers plan to select at least one additional project to tackle this year, Cook said. They are in the process of developing a scoring system for these proposals to triage where beavers can do the most good. One of the things they'll be looking at is the probability of high-severity wildfire in the project area, she said.

Beavers aren't a silver bullet for California's wildfire problems, experts warn. The state's chaparral-studded hillsides and thickly forested mountain slopes have also grown more flammable due to interlocking legacies of human extraction, development and climate change. Those ecosystems require different interventions to restore their resilience to fire, Fairfax said.

"Beavers are really powerful within the riverscape and the river corridors, but they are not going to walk up hill slopes and mountainsides and deal with forests up there," she said.

Still, within river corridors, beavers can play a key role in creating natural fire breaks by rewetting meadows and reducing the encroachment of forests, researchers have found.

"It's a pretty simple concept of: wet a bigger, broader area and you're going to keep fires at bayat least to some degree," said Karen Pope, aquatic ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station.

Pope's research has estimated that there were once nearly three times as many meadows in the Sierra. But during the Gold Rush, colonizers altered vegetation and destabilized riverbanks with grazing, at times draining meadows to make way for different land uses. People eventually built roads with flow-constricting culverts and depleted aquifers with irrigation and groundwater pumping, making it harder for rivers to connect to underground water stores.

As a result, some streams became deeply incised channels that act as drains, lowering the water table and encouraging conifers to move in where meadows once were, Pope said.

"Basically what we're saying is, if we can do this restoration and these areas will stay wet late into the dry season, that's one place you don't have to maintain as a fuel break," she said. "Nature maintains it as a fuel break."

Pope's latest research, conducted in the Sierra and Plumas national forests, focuses on how people can rewet meadows in both burned and unburned areas by doing things like building beaver dam analogs. Preliminary results, which have not yet been published, are positiveafter these structures were installed, some depleted meadows began storing groundwater pretty much immediately, she said.

The goals of these interventions are twofold: restore the wetlands, and entice beavers to move in and maintain them, Pope said.

"The ultimate endpoint is to have the beavers come back in and say, 'We like what you did,'" she said.

Fairfax has become one of the nation's top beaver evangelists, gaining fans with her stop-motion animation video showing how beaver wetlands can slow the intensity of wildfire, and for her concept of Smokey the Beaver as a counterpart to the Fire Service's ursine poster child for fire suppression. She's working with Google to build a machine learning model that can identify beaver dams in satellite imagery.

Her past research has found that beavers create wildfire refuges: unburned or lightly crisped islands where plants and animals are able to survive amid flames. But there was some question as to whether that would still be the case during megafires, which burn more than 100,000 acres and tend to have extreme, self-sustaining behaviors.

In their most recent study, Fairfax and fellow researchers used remote sensing to examine the burn severity of three megafires that burned in the Rocky Mountains in 2020. They found that 89% of the area around beaver ponds and dams qualified as fire refuges, versus 60% of riverscapes without beaver dams.

These results are applicable to California, which also has coniferous forest and relies on snowpack to provide moisture during the relatively drier summer seasons, Fairfax said.

"Ecologically, this is like a bubble in the landscape that is what it was before the fire," Fairfax said. "Even if everything else around it has been changed and is like a moonscape of burning, you have mature trees, grasses, living beavers, bobcats and other animals, and they can then go reproduce and repopulate that landscape after the fire."

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A phenotypic screen in C. elegans identifies lci-1 as a facilitator of lysosomal Ca2+ import. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2317

Lysosomes, often reductively referred to as the "garbage disposals" of cells, play a pivotal role in our cells' digestive systems by getting rid of unwanted materials.

Now in a groundbreaking study, researchers from the laboratory of Prof. Yamuna Krishnan at the University of Chicago have identified the protein responsible for a key role in how lysosomes work: how calcium ions get into lysosomes.

Published in Science Advances, their research represents a significant step forward in understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying lysosomal calcium regulationand opens new avenues for therapies for diseases that involve lysosome function, including diseases like Parkinson's or ALS.

Finding the transporter

The function of lysosomes is tightly regulated by complex cellular signals, including calcium ions moving into and out of lysosomes.

Scientists have known how lysosomes release their calcium since their discovery in the 1950s by Christian Rene de Duve. What has received less attention is how lysosomes refill their calcium back up.

"Part of the problem has been an inability to measure calcium inside the lysosome," said Matthew Zajac, Ph.D., the first author of the paper. "Because it's a highly acidic compartment, it's been hard to measure the calcium without that acidity interfering with measurements."

It wasn't until the Krishnan lab developed their own pH-correctable sensing device called CalipHluor, a device that can report calcium concentrations in acidic organelles, that the group had a method to accomplish their goal.

Anand Saminathan, Ph.D. a co-corresponding author who played a critical role in developing the research, says, "We knew that calcium is important, but when it comes to the lysosome, we didn't know which transporter brings the calcium in. However, we felt that technologically, we had everything we needed to figure that out."

The identified protein may serve as a potential drug target for modulating lysosomal function and mitigating disease pathology at the heart of several common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

"I think everyone is excited about the addition of an importer, a regulator, to the system," Saminathan said.

Scientists Sourajit Mukherjee (left) and Anees Palapuravan at work in the Krishnan lab at the University of Chicago. In a new study, the Krishnan lab has identified the protein responsible for a key role in how lysosomes work: how calcium ions get into lysosomes. Credit: Nancy Wong

Zajac explains that with "certain neurodegenerative diseasesspecifically lysosome storage disorders that have defective lysosomal export mechanismsthe lysosomes end up having too high levels of calcium and they swell up. They get too filled with undegraded material."

"Current thinking mostly focuses on channel activators," said Saminathan. "Lysosomes contain numerous calcium channels and modulating that would bring down excessive calcium levels."

Ultimately the group is optimistic for their research. "We hope to determine that if you could find a way of blocking how lysosomes intake calcium, then you can sort of correct for that defect in export," Zajac said.

Setbacks, scrutiny, and success

While the group has long been studying lysosomes, their recent determination to confirm the elusive transporter was inspired by a rejected grant proposal.

"On that grant, we proposed to identify lysosomal calcium importers," Zajac said. "One of the reviewers on that grant said, 'Well, how do you know there even is one out there to look for?'"

Motivated by the criticism, the lack of a provable transporter set the group on a path to refine their findings and push the boundaries of their expertise.

Despite what Zajac calls "a grueling couple of years," Saminathan gives credit to Prof. Yamuna Krishnan as the driving force behind the project, inspiring and motivating her team to persevere through setbacks and scientific scrutiny.

In a transparent move not often found in the field, Professor Krishnan herself publicized the pangs of their research process, documenting their perseverance in a "tweetorial" that reveals what goes on behind the curtains of scientific determination.

"For me at least, it was easy to get disappointed when we would hear tough feedback from reviewers," said Zajac, "but she would always push us to address the tough comments and submit again, not giving up. She really both pulled and pushed this thing forward. Especially with this work, we used so many different types of experiments and had expertise from so many different people that were important to the research, it was a team effort led by her motivating us."

Having found a crucial piece of the puzzle in lysosomal calcium regulation, the researchers aim to delve deeper into the mechanistic intricacies of the identified protein and explore additional lysosomal calcium transporters.

More information: Matthew Zajac et al, A mechanism of lysosomal calcium entry, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2317 Journal information: Science Advances
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A periodical cicada nymph wiggles its forelimbs on the campus of Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge in numbers not seen in decades and possibly centuries. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

The periodical cicadas that are about to infest two parts of the United States aren't just plentiful, they're downright weird.

These insects are the strongest urinators in the animal kingdom with flows that put humans and elephants to shame. They have pumps in their heads that pull moisture from the roots of trees, allowing them to feed for more than a decade underground. They are rescuers of caterpillars.

And they are being ravaged by a sexually transmitted disease that turns them into zombies.

PUMPS IN THE HEAD

Inside trees are sugary, nutrient-heavy saps that flow through tissue called phloem. Most insects love the sap. But not cicadasthey go for tissue called xylem, which carries mostly water and a bit of nutrients.

And it's not easy to get into the xylem, which doesn't just flow out when a bug taps into it because it's under negative pressure. The cicada can get the fluid because its outsized head has a pump, said University of Alabama Huntsville entomologist Carrie Deans.

They use their proboscis like a tiny strawabout the width of a hairwith the pump sucking out the liquid, said Georgia Tech biophysics professor Saad Bhamla. They spend nearly their entire lives drinking, year after year.

"It's a hard way to make a living," Deans said.

A periodical cicada nymph wiggles in the grass in Macon, Ga., on Thursday, March 28, 2024, after being found while digging holes for rosebushes. Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge in numbers not seen in decades and possibly centuries. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

GOING WITH THE FLOW

All that watery fluid has to come out the other end. And boy does it.

Bhamla in March published a study of the urination flow rates of animals across the world. Cicadas were clearly king, peeing two to three times stronger and faster than elephants and humans. He couldn't look at the periodical cicadas that mostly feed and pee underground, but he used video to record and measure the flow rate of their Amazon cousins, which topped out around 10 feet per second (3 meters per second).

They have a muscle that pushes the waste through a tiny hole like a jet, Bhamla said. He said he learned this when in the Amazon he happened on a tree the locals called a "weeping tree" because liquid was flowing down, like the plant was crying. It was cicada pee.

"You walk around in a forest where they're actively chorusing on a hot sunny day. It feels like it's raining," said University of Connecticut entomologist John Cooley. That's their honeydew or waste product coming out the back end ... It's called cicada rain."

Georgia Institute of Technology biophysicist Saad Bhamla holds a periodical cicada nymph on the campus of Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta on Thursday, March 28, 2024. "We've got trillions of these amazing living organisms come out of the Earth, climb up on trees and it's just a unique experience, a sight to behold," Bhamla said. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

GOOD FOR CATERPILLARS

In the years and areas where cicadas come out, caterpillars enjoy a cicada reprieve.

University of Maryland entomologist Dan Gruner studied caterpillars after the 2021 cicada emergence in the mid-Atlantic. He found that the bugs that turn into moths survived the spring in bigger numbers because the birds that usually eat them were too busy getting cicadas.

Periodical cicadas are "lazy, fat and slow," Gruner said. "They're extraordinarily easy to capture for us and for their predators."

ZOMBIE CICADAS

There's a deadly sexually transmitted disease, a fungus, that turns cicadas into zombies and causes their private parts to fall off, Cooley said.

It's a real problem that "is even stranger than science fiction," Cooley said. "This is a sexually transmitted zombie disease."

Cooley has seen areas in the Midwest where up to 10% of the individuals were infected.

A cicada hole is visible in the soil after a heavy rain on the campus of Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga., Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Cicadas preemptively dig tunnels to the surface before they are ready to emerge. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

A periodical cicada nymph wiggles in the dirt in Macon, Ga., on Thursday, March 28, 2024, after being found while digging holes for rosebushes. Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge in numbers not seen in decades and possibly centuries. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

The fungus is also the type that has hallucinatory effects on birds that would eat them, Cooley said.

This white fungus takes over the male, their gonads are torn from their body and chalky spores are spread around to nearby other cicadas, he said. The insects are sterilized, not killed. This way the fungus uses the cicadas to spread to others.

"They're completely at the mercy of the fungus," Cooley said. "They're walking dead."

 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

More than 80 percent of EU agriculture subsidies support polluting livestock and animal product farming, undermining the bloc's climate targets, a study published Monday found.

With global food systems accounting for about a third of greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union's Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) currently "presents an economic disincentive for transitions" to more sustainable practices, the study in the journal Nature Food said.

"We found that the CAP disproportionately supports animal-based products over plant-based alternatives," said lead author Anniek Kortleve from Leiden University in The Netherlands.

"It came as a little bit of a surprise. It was a little bit higher than other studies reported before, and this is because of the proper inclusion of feed subsidies," she explained.

Direct payments to livestock farmers accounted for half of the subsidiesof which 57 billion euros ($62 billion) was budgeted in 2013funding high-emissions agriculture, researchers found.

The rest was largely made up by subsidies supporting livestock, particularly for animal feed production, it said.

For beef, the study reported that subsidies of about 0.71 euros per kilogram swelled to 1.42 euros once feed was factored in.

While focused on 2013 figures, "not much has changed" in the distribution of the subsidies up until 2020, the latest data the researchers reviewed, co-author Paul Behrens said.

'Damaging' incentive

Researchers said the subsidies challenge the bloc's goals to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Globally, "emissions from the food system are enough to drive us beyond 1.5 (degrees Celsius)", Behrens said, referring to threshold set by the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit the increase in average global temperatures.

"It's very difficult to meet those targets if you're setting up the economics such that you're incentivizing the most damaging products," said Behrens, an associate professor at Leiden University.

Dedicating land to livestock and their feed prevents reforestation and other practices to promote the return of more diverse plants and animals that can absorb climate-heating carbon, he said.

"You can't be using the land for so many different applications at the same time," he said.

With farmers increasingly experiences losses related to climate change through floods, droughts and wildfires, investment into how land is adapted and distributed could provide them longer term protection, Behrens said.

The subsidized products are not limited to consumption within Europe.

The study found that 12 percent of CAP subsidiesparticularly to "high value" products like cheese, pig meat and winewere exported to non-EU countries including China, Russia and the United States.

Acknowledging the importance of subsidies for farmers, Behrens said the CAP system needs "reimagining" to encourage "environmental benefits" while adapting to "far more precarious" conditions with climate change.

More information: Anniek J. Kortleve et al, Over 80% of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy supports emissions-intensive animal products, Nature Food (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00949-4 Journal information: Nature Food

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

For 200 miles, the Wabash River forms the border between Illinois and Indiana as it meanders south to the Ohio River.

On the Illinois side, lawmakers are scrambling to pass a bill that would protect wetlands from development and pollution, in order to safeguard water quality and limit flooding. But in Indiana, state policymakers hastily passed a law earlier this year to roll back wetlands regulations, at the urging of developers and farm groups who said such rules were overly burdensome.

That means the water that flows into the Wabash River from the west may soon be governed by very different standards than its watershed on the eastern side.

The divide is the result of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that stripped federal protection from millions of acres of wetlands that had been covered under the Clean Water Actleaving their fate up to the states.

"It creates a checkered landscape in terms of water quality," said Marla Stelk, executive director of the National Association of Wetland Managers, a nonprofit group that represents state and tribal regulators. "Even if your state is doing all the right things, you could be downstream of a state that doesn't have wetlands protections."

In the first full legislative sessions since the ruling came down, lawmakers in some blue states, including Illinois, Colorado, New Mexico and Washington, have been drafting state protections or have increased state funding to replace the loss of federal oversight. Some red states, including Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee, have passed or considered measures to roll back safeguards that are no longer mandated by the feds.

The lobbying from environmental groups on one side and developers and farm groups on the other has sent states moving in opposite directions during the 2024 legislative session.

A 'fallback plan'

The Supreme Court ruling in the Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency case last year stripped Clean Water Act protections from wetlands that do not share a surface connection with a larger body of water, leaving out many waters that connect through underground channels.

The decision leaves more than half of the nation's 118 million acres of wetlands without federal oversight. In 24 states, no state-level regulations cover those waters, according to the Environmental Law Institute, a nonprofit research group.

"Illinois did not have a fallback plan," said state Sen. Laura Ellman, a Democrat who is sponsoring the bill to protect wetlands under state law. "We're cobbling one together right now. The intent is to restore what we had in place before."

Democratic state Rep. Anna Moeller, the measure's House sponsor, noted that Illinois has lost 90% of its wetlands since the early 1800s.

"Wetlands are important in improving water quality for drinking water because they filter contaminants," she said. "They're good for preventing flooding because they act as a natural sponge. They're good for native species."

Ellman and Moeller said bill supporters are working with state regulators to make some minor technical changes before it advances. Paul Botts, executive director of the Wetlands Initiative, a Chicago-based nonprofit, said environmental advocates and regulatory officials have concerns about funding for the program, which lawmakers hope will be largely covered by fees on permit applicants.

Backers don't yet have a price tag for how much the permitting program would cost, and regulators in other states have found it difficult to cover their funding needs through fees alone.

But "the overall concept of Illinois stepping up where the feds have stepped back does seem to be resonating," Botts said. "There's plenty more sausage-making to come, because Illinois has not even had the bones of such a program. We're really starting from scratch here."

Unlike Illinois, neighboring Indiana did have state wetlands rules prior to the Sackett decision. But lawmakers moved quickly this year to shift some wetlands into classifications that have fewer protections.

"You have a ditch that's backing up water and all of a sudden we're calling this a wetland," said Republican state Sen. Rick Niemeyer, the bill's sponsor. "Our developers were having trouble with the definitions. Agriculture was getting hit with this."

In Indiana, Illinois and many other states, local homebuilders' groups have been among the leading voices to curtail wetlands regulation. Rick Wajda, CEO of the Indiana Builders Association, echoed Niemeyer's assertion that the law will reduce protections only for "low-quality wetlands."

"We look at any regulation to see if there's ways we can bring more houses to the market," he said. "If we allow a property to be used to its fullest intent, then maybe we can get more houses into the market and start to soften the housing shortage."

But many environmental advocates in Indiana say the new law's supporters are understating its effects. They argue that Republicans rushed the measure through the legislative process in just over a month to avoid public scrutiny.

"The more oxygen it got, the more Hoosiers would have spoken out against it," said Democratic state Sen. Shelli Yoder. "If you look across Indiana and see the increases in flooding, the increases in drought, the presence of the worst kind of PFAS [chemicals], it's hard to shrug off and say it's just a mud puddle."

Yoder said developers have told her that building on wetlands is an expensive task, even with no regulations in place, undermining claims that regulatory rollbacks will lead to affordable housing.

Writing new rules

Like Illinois, several other Democratic-led states have passed or considered bills to create wetlands protections or increase funding to state regulatory agencies to compensate for the loss of federal support.

In Colorado, state legislative leaders are expected to introduce a bill in the coming days that would establish state-level protections for the wetlands that lost coverage following the Sackett decision. Supporters say Colorado and other states with arid regions are especially vulnerable, because the Supreme Court ruling also cut protections for "ephemeral" streams that don't flow year-round.

"We really only have one shot to get this right," said Josh Kuhn, water campaign manager with Conservation Colorado, a Denver-based nonprofit. "Once these wetlands are destroyed, they're basically gone forever. If we don't have a strong program, we could see increased costs associated with water treatment, with the impacts of flooding, with the threat of wildfire."

In New Mexico, state regulators already had been working to establish a permitting program that covers wetlands. State leaders say the court ruling increased the urgency to put state oversight in place.

"It got our legislature's attention, hence the reason they were anxious to fund this," said John Rhoderick, director of the Water Protection Division within the state Environment Department. "It's easier to prevent contamination or degradation of your water than it is to have to clean it up after it happens."

In the budget passed by state lawmakers earlier this year, Rhoderick's agency received $7 million to help establish the program. The funding will allow the agency to hire enforcement staff, improve its mapping of state waters and establish a permitting database. Agency officials expect to publish draft rules this fall, with regulations officially in place by 2027. Once fully established, the program will require 35 to 50 dedicated staffers.

"The department has been short-staffed for a number of years," said Doug Meiklejohn, water quality and land restoration advocate with Conservation Voters New Mexico. "This is critical. We're pushing for development of a surface water permitting program, and that's going to involve hiring people with expertise to put together regulations and standards where they're needed."

Lawmakers in Washington state also provided a funding boost for agency regulators. The state's Department of Ecology already has well-established wetlands standards, but it's expecting an influx of permit applications for waters that were once covered by federal agencies. With an extra $2 million, agency leaders say they'll be able to add more staffers to ensure permits are processed on time.

"This will really help," said Lauren Driscoll, manager of the wetlands program with the Washington State Department of Ecology. "We're focused on getting things in place so we don't have any delays."

States step back

Indiana's move to cut wetlands standards followed North Carolina's rollback of state laws soon after the Sackett decision.

"We generally don't regulate more stringently than the federal government," Ray Starling, president of the NC Chamber Legal Institute, the legal strategy arm of the business advocacy group, told Stateline at the time.

While Republican lawmakers overrode the veto of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, the governor issued an executive order in February directing state agencies to conserve 1 million acres of natural lands, with an emphasis on wetlands. The order directed state leaders to avoid projects that would harm vulnerable wetlands, while also instructing state agencies to pursue more federal funding for wetlands restoration.

"It's unfortunate that the state legislature tried to lock in the damage done by Sackett, but there are still things that can be done in places where a governor is more interested in environmental protection than polluter profits," said Julian Gonzalez, senior legislative counsel for policy and legislation at Earthjustice, an environmental law group.

Meanwhile, a bill in Tennessee to eliminate state wetlands standards did not advance out of committee, following strong pushback from state regulators and environmental groups. Backers of the bill said environmental officials have made it too costly to farm or develops lands that have wet areas. The proposal was sent to a legislative summer study session.

The measure "has real consequences that would negatively impact Tennessee's natural heritage and our environmental resiliency," Grace Stranch, CEO of the Harpeth Conservancy, told the Tennessee Lookout.

Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that would narrow state protections. In an analysis of the bill, the state's Department of Natural Resources said the measure's fiscal impact was incalculable, as the lowered standards could threaten the aquifers that provide drinking water to 59% of Missouri residents.

Agriculture groups have supported the bill, the Missouri Independent reported, saying current regulations apply to areas that would be better characterized as ditches.

2024 States Newsroom. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A wompoo fruit-dove in Queensland, Australia. Unraveling a genetic mystery revealed that flamingos and doves are more distantly related than previously thought. Credit: Daniel J. Field

An enormous meteor spelled doom for most dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But not all. In the aftermath of the extinction event, birdstechnically dinosaurs themselvesflourished.

Scientists have spent centuries trying to organize and sort some 10,000 species of birds into one clear family tree to understand how the last surviving dinosaurs filled the skies. Cheap DNA sequencing should have made this simple, as it has for countless other species.

But birds were prepared to deceive us.

In a pair of new research papers released April 1 scientists reveal that another event 65 million years ago misled them about the true family history of birds. They discovered that a section of one chromosome spent millions of years frozen in time, and it refused to mix together with nearby DNA as it should have.

This section, just 2% of the bird genome, convinced scientists that most birds could be grouped into two major categories, with flamingos and doves as evolutionary cousins. The more accurate family tree, which accounts for the misleading section of the genome, identifies four main groups and identifies flamingos and doves as more distantly related.

"My lab has been chipping away at this problem of bird evolution for longer than I want to think about," said Edward Braun, Ph.D., the senior author of the paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and a professor of biology at the University of Florida. "We had no idea there would be a big chunk of the genome that behaved unusually. We kind of stumbled onto it."

Braun supervised an international team of collaborators led by Siavash Mirarab, a professor of computer engineering at the University of California San Diego, to publish their evidence that this sticky chunk of DNA muddied the true history of bird evolution. Mirarab and Braun also contributed to a companion paper published in Nature that outlines the updated bird family tree, which was led by Josefin Stiller at the University of Copenhagen.

Both papers are part of the B10K avian genomics project led by Guojie Zhang of Zhejiang University, Erich Jarvis of Rockefeller University, and Tom Gilbert of the University of Copenhagen.

Two mutually exclusive bird family trees. The top family tree lumps flamingos and doves, in blue and teal respectively, closely together, while the bottom family tree does not. The top family tree was built around distortions in bird genomes that date back to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The bottom family tree is likely more accurate, after accounting for these genomic anamolies. Credit: Edward Braun

Ten years ago, Braun and his collaborators pieced together a family tree for the Neoaves, a group that includes the vast majority of bird species. Based on the genomes of 48 species, they split the Neoaves into two big categories: doves and flamingos in one group, all the rest in the other. When repeating a similar analysis this year using 363 species, a different family tree emerged that split up doves and flamingos into two distinct groups.

With two mutually exclusive family trees in hand, the scientists went hunting for explanations that could tell them which tree was correct.

"When we looked at the individual genes and what tree they supported, all of a sudden it popped out that all the genes that support the older tree, they're all in one spot. That's what started the whole thing," Braun said.

Investigating this spot, Braun's team noticed it was not as mixed together as it should have been over millions of years of sexual reproduction. Like humans, birds combine genes from a father and a mother into the next generation. But birds and humans alike first mix the genes they inherited from their parents when creating sperm and eggs. This process is called recombination, and it maximizes a species' genetic diversity by making sure no two siblings are quite the same.

Braun's team found evidence that one section of one bird chromosome had suppressed this recombination process for a few million years around the time the dinosaurs disappeared. Whether the extinction event and the genomic anomalies are related is unclear.

The result was that the flamingos and doves looked similar to one another in this chunk of frozen DNA. But taking into account the full genome, it became clear that the two groups are more distantly related.

"What's surprising is that this period of suppressed recombination could mislead the analysis," Braun said. "And because it could mislead the analysis, it was actually detectable more than 60 million years in the future. That's the cool part."

Such a mystery could be lurking in the genomes of other organisms as well.

"We discovered this misleading region in birds because we put a lot of energy into sequencing birds' genomes," Braun said. "I think there are cases like this out there for other species that are just not known right now."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Deadly heat in the Southwest. Hot-tub temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. Sweltering conditions in Europe, Asia and South America.

That 2023 was Earth's hottest year on record was in some ways no surprise. For decades, scientists have been sounding the alarm about rapidly rising temperatures driven by humanity's relentless burning of fossil fuels.

But last year's sudden spike in global temperatures blew far beyond what statistical climate models had predicted, leading one noted climate scientist to warn that the world may be entering "uncharted territory."

"It's humbling, and a bit worrying, to admit that no year has confounded climate scientists' predictive capabilities more than 2023 has," wrote Gavin Schmidt, director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, in an article in the journal Nature.

Now, he and other researchers are scrambling to explain why 2023 was so anomalously hot. Many theories have been proposed, but "as yet, no combination of them has been able to reconcile our theories with what has happened," Schmidt wrote.

Last year's global average temperature of 58.96 degrees was about a third of a degree warmer than the previous hottest year in 2016, and about 2.67 degrees warmer than the late 1800s pre-industrial period against which global warming is measured.

While human-caused climate change and El Nino can account for much of that warming, Schmidt and other experts say the extra three or four tenths of a degree are harder to account for.

Theories for the increase include a 2020 change in aerosol shipping regulations designed to help improve air quality around ports and coastal areas, which may have had the unintended consequence of enabling more sunlight to reach the planet.

The 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano also shot millions of tons of water vapor into the stratosphere, which scientists say helped to trap some heat. What's more, a recent uptick in the 11-year solar cycle may have contributed about a tenth of a degree of additional warning.

But these factors alone cannot explain what's happening, Schmidt said.

"Even after taking all plausible explanations into account, the divergence between expected and observed annual mean temperatures in 2023 remains about 0.2Croughly the gap between the previous and current annual record," he wrote in his report.

Reached by phone, Schmidt said he thinks one of three things could be going on.

It's possible that 2023 was a "blip"a perfect storm of natural variables and Earth cycles lining up to create one freakishly hot year. Should that prove to be the case, "it won't have huge implications for what we're going to see in the future, because it would have been just such a rare and unlikely thing that is not going to happen again anytime soon," he said.

However, he indicated that's unlikely, as those elements "have never lined up to give us a blip this large."

Another possibility is that scientists have misunderstood the driving forces of climate change. While greenhouse gases, volcanic eruptions and aerosols are known to affect global temperatures, perhaps the full extent of their effects have been underestimated or miscalibrated. Should that be the case, he said, research and data sets will hopefully catch up soon.

The last explanation he offered is that the system itself is changingand changing in ways that are faster and less predictable than previously understood.

"That would be worrying because science is really all about taking information from the past, looking at what's going on, and making predictions about the future," Schmidt said. "If we can't really trust the past, then we have no idea what's going to happen."

Not everyone agrees with his assessment, however. Michael Mann, Presidential Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, said the premise that 2023's warmth cannot be explainedor that it is inconsistent with model simulationsis "simply wrong."

"The situation is extremely similar to what we saw during the 20142016 period as we transitioned from several years of La Nina conditions to a major El Nino event, and then back to La Nina," Mann said in an email.

In fact, he said some recent modeling shows the global temperature spike in 2016 was even more of an outlier than that of 2023.

"The plot shows that the surface warming of the planet is proceeding almost precisely as predicted," Mann said. "And the models show that the warming will continue apace as long as we continue to burn fossil fuels and generate carbon pollution."

When asked about this interpretation, Schmidt said it's true that the 2014 to 2016 period was similarly anomalous. But there is a key difference between then and now, he said.

The 2016 temperature spike came on the heels of an El Nino event, with the biggest anomalies in February, March and April of the year following its peak, he said. He noted that similar patterns occurred after previous El Ninos in 1998 and 1942.

Conversely, last year's spike arrived in August, September, October and Novemberbefore the peak of El Nino"and that has never happened before," Schmidt said. "It never happened in the temperature record that we have. It doesn't happen in the climate models."

Alex Hall, a professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at UCLA, said he largely agrees with Schmidt's assessment that the hypothesized factors alone can't account for the large temperature anomaly experienced in 2023 and early 2024. He likened it to the emergence of megafires, or extreme wildfires, in the last decade, which wasn't entirely foreseen.

"What we've learned is that there's an aspect of this that isn't fully predictablethat we don't fully understandand that we are tempting fate here a little bit by continuing to interfere with the climate system," Hall said. "It's going to do things that we don't understand, that we don't anticipate, and those are going to have potentially big impacts."

Hall said the rapid transition from a persistent La Nina to a strong El Nino last summer likely played a role, as did the change in aerosol regulations.

He also posited that the rapid loss of Antarctic sea ice in 2023itself an outcome of the warmer planet and oceanscould have created a kind of feedback loop that contributed to more warming. Ice and snow are reflective, so when they melt, it can result in a darker ocean that absorbs more heat and sunlight. (Antarctic sea ice coverage dropped to a record low in 2023, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.)

"It's sort of a planetary emergency for us to figure out what's going on when we see these types of changes," Hall said. "There should be large teams of people working on it to try to understand it, and we don't really have those kinds of efforts, so I think there's lessons, too, for the need for focus on this particular topic."

While he and other scientists may not agree on just how extraordinary 2023 wasor what was behind its exceptional warmththey all acknowledged the clear signs of a planet being pushed to its limits.

"I think it's unfortunate that so much has been made of the El Nino-spiked 2023 global temperatures, where in my view there is nothing surprising, or inconsistent with model predictions, there," said Mann. "There are much better, scientifically-sound reasons to be concerned about the unfolding climate crisisparticularly the onslaught of devastating weather extremes, heat waves, wildfires, floods, drought, which by some measures are indeed exceeding model predictions."

Last year was marked by extreme weather events, with more billion-dollar disasters in the United States than any other year, according to NOAA. Among them were the Lahaina wildfire in Hawaii in August; Hurricane Idalia in Florida that same month; and severe flooding in New York in September.

Already this year, January and February have continued the global hot streak, marking nine consecutive months of a record-breaking temperatures.

In his Nature article, Schmidt said the inexplicable elements of the recent warming have revealed an "unprecedented knowledge gap" in today's climate monitoring, which drives home the need for more nimble data collection that can keep up with the pace of change.

He noted it may take researchers months or even years to unpack all the factors that could have played a part in the sizzling conditions.

"We need answers for why 2023 turned out to be the warmest year in possibly the past 100,000 years," he wrote. "And we need them quickly."

Though El Nino is expected to wane this summer, there is still a 45% chance that this year will be warmer than 2023, according to NOAA.

It is a near certainty however that 2024 will rank among the five hottest years on recordso far.

More information: Gavin Schmidt, Climate models can't explain 2023's huge heat anomaly  we could be in uncharted territory, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00816-z Journal information: Nature

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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JWST/NIRCam false-color image of NGC 3256 using F150W, F200W, and F444W filters. (top and bottom) NIRSpec G235H/F170LP 2 m continuum images of each nucleus are also shown (field of view size). Credit: Bohn et al., 2024.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), an international team of astronomers has observed a nearby merging galaxy known as NGC 3256. Results of the observational campaign, presented March 21 on the pre-print server arXiv, yield essential information about molecular outflows of this galaxy.

NGC 3256 is a starburst galaxy located some 122 million light years away in the constellation Vela. It is composed of two gas-rich disk galaxies in a late-stage major merger and is one of the most luminous nearby systems.

NGC 3256 shows a complex and tidally disturbed morphology, with significantly distorted spiral arms and prominent dust lanes. Previous observations have found that the galaxy has two nuclei: an optically unobscured northern nucleus with signs of starburst activity and a southern heavily obscured, low-luminosity nucleus or a nascent active galactic nucleus (AGN). Moreover, molecular hydrogen outflows originating from these nuclei have been detected.

A group of astronomers led by Thomas Bohn of Hiroshima University in Japan has recently investigated these outflows in NGC 3256, in order to assess their kinematics and energetics, and to evaluate their impact on the local interstellar medium (ISM). For this purpose, they employed JWST's Near-InfraRed Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI).

"With JWST, we can now perform the most detailed, spatially resolved analysis of outflowing warm H 2 gas to date in NGC 3256. The unprecedented spatial resolution of JWST enables us to examine the warm H 2 component on scales of 40100 pc," the researchers wrote.

The observations detected warm, outflowing gas of molecular hydrogen in a collimated outflow originating from the southern nucleus. However, no significant outflowing gas of molecular hydrogen originating from the northern nucleus has been identified.

The outflows from the southern nucleus extend out to a distance of about 2,300 light years, and have a deprojected maximum velocity of approximately 1,000 km/s. The emission was found to be most intense near the far edges of the outflows.

The astronomers calculated the outflowing warm molecular hydrogen gas mass, which was found to be 890,000 solar masses, and the warm to cold mass fraction turned out to be about 4%. The outflow time scale was estimated to be 700,000 years, and the warm outflow mass rate was calculated to be at a level of 1.3 solar masses per year.

Furthermore, the study found that a larger fraction of warmer gas is present near the southern nucleus, which decreases with the increasing distance from the nucleus. According to the authors of the paper, this suggests that the southern nucleus is the heating source of the outflowing gas.

The research also found that the outflow of NGC 3256 is energizing star-forming regions, possibly as a shock. However, the astronomers added that the outflowing gas is not having a clear negative feedback effect on the local star formation.

More information: Thomas Bohn et al, GOALS-JWST: The Warm Molecular Outflows of the Merging Starburst Galaxy NGC 3256, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2403.14751 Journal information: arXiv

 2024 Science X Network
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The 1997 Bringing Them Home report into the removal of Aboriginal children from their families was a turning point in Australia's history. The inquiry rejected past government policies of assimilation and endorsed the importance of keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with their families.

Reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care is now a target of the federal government's Closing the Gap policy.

Yet the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care is increasing. Between 20212022 around 4,100 Indigenous children were placed in out-of-home care nationally. The highest rates were among children under one year old.

Across all age groups, Indigenous children are placed in out-of-home care at almost 12 times the rate of non-Indigenous children. In Western Australia, Indigenous children are placed in out-of-home care at 20 times the rate of non-Indigenous children.

Alongside the Closing the Gap target, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle recognizes the rights of Indigenous children in maintaining connections with their culture, family and community.

Yet until recently, fewer than half of Indigenous children removed from their families were placed with kin or in their community. National efforts to better meet best-practice standards has led to a small increase in Indigenous children placed in kinship arrangements from 50% in 2017 to 54% in 2022. Clearly this situation must improve.

What is kinship care?

Studies show institutional racism, trauma, violence, homelessness, socioeconomic disadvantage and poverty present significant challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Out-of-home care means overnight care of a temporary or permanent nature for children under 18 who aren't able to live with their family for risk-related issues determined by the state. Common types of out-of-home care include foster care, residential care and kinship care.

A kinship caregiver is an Indigenous person who is a member of the child's community, a compatible community, or from the same language group. Kinship care aims to maintain a child's social and cultural connections.

Compared to foster care, children in kinship care tend to have more contact with their parents, family and community. Children may visit their country, learn their languages and learn about their cultural and family background.

A kinship caregiver involved in the Indigenous Child Removals Western Australia (I-CaRe) study spoke about how he connects the children in his care with their culture. The grandfather, aged 60, from Perth, Boorloo, said,

"Yeah, I'll take them to sites and explain to them what the site is all about. We will go up to Yagan memorial site there. We'll go to the statue. We'll talk about the river and the Derbarl Yerrigan, and I'll tell them why that name is there. I take them downtown to [Tuyim] Park, for example, and say, this is where all the Noongars used to hang around here. Look, see here?"

Research shows Indigenous children with strong cultural identity and knowledge are less likely to experience emotional and social problems. So, the risks of placing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in non-kinship care arrangements are serious.

Indigenous children aren't always placed with kin. Why?

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle recognizes kinship care as the preferred placement and is included in child protection laws. Child protection practices, research and policies are increasingly promoting contact with parents and family members, where possible.

All jurisdictions have committed to the principle, however, non-Indigenous departmental staff and judicial officers can readily make contrary decisions and place children in non-Indigenous care. While child protection workers across the nation must develop "cultural support plans" for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, such plans often lack content and can be tokenistic. They are no replacement for kinship care.

Aboriginal researchers have highlighted that while connection to culture is critical to Aboriginal children's health and well-being, it is poorly understood by departmental staff.

Also, child protection's reliance on western psychological theory ("attachment theory") is being used to displace kinship care. Aboriginal children's placements with non-Aboriginal caregivers is given priority over the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle and reunification with their Aboriginal family and kin. This is identified as systemic racism on the part of child protection systems.

The Indigenous Child Removals WA research found further significant barriers facing Indigenous kinship caregivers. This included complex and demanding interactions with government departments, lack of support, health risks, and difficulty meeting the needs of children impacted by trauma. Kinship caregivers may receive a subsidy payment, but this depends on the nature of the care arrangement and whether it's formalized through a court order.

There are considerable screening requirements including working with children clearances, health checks and criminal checks, household inspections, and screening of all family members living in the household.

Some kinship caregivers described their experiences as very hard and even traumatic. As one Aboriginal kinship caregiver, a 51-year-old grandmother from Geraldton, explained:

"Apparently, I wasn't fit enough for my grandchildren, so I had to go through the court cases and everything to prove that we were fit enough [] I just went downhill and yeah, we just kept fighting and then it got to that stage where we're getting interrogated and I've had enough, because it went over a period of six months."

The high rate of Indigenous children in non-kinship arrangements has concerned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over many years. South Australia's Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, April Lawrie, recently said unless changes are made, Aboriginal children will enter care at rates similar to those of the Stolen Generations.

And SNAICC, the National Voice for our Children, has warned that when the Bringing Them Home report was issued more than 25 years ago, one in every five Aboriginal children were in out of home care. Today, one in every three Aboriginal children is in care.

Australia cannot continue to harm First Nations children in this way, and kinship care must be improved urgently if we are to address this dire situation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Morgan Nunn Martinez, who was a PhD student at UC San Diego, and Dr. Alex Meshik seen photographing and measuring a meteorite specimen in Antarcticas Miller Range during the 2013-2014 Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) program field season. Credit: NASA/JSC/ANSMET

Universe Today has explored the importance of studying impact craters, planetary surfaces, exoplanets, astrobiology, solar physics, comets, planetary atmospheres, planetary geophysics, and cosmochemistry, and how this myriad of intricately linked scientific disciplines can assist us in better understanding our place in the cosmos and searching for life beyond Earth.

Here, we will discuss the incredible research field of meteorites and how they help researchers better understand the history of both our solar system and the cosmos, including the benefits and challenges, finding life beyond Earth, and potential routes for upcoming students who wish to pursue studying meteorites. So, why is it so important to study meteorites?

Dr. Alex Ruzicka, who is a Professor in the Department of Geology at Portland State University, tells Universe Today, "They provide our best information about how the solar system formed and evolved. This includes planet formation. We also obtain information on astrophysics (stellar processes) through studies of pre-solar grains."

There is often confusion regarding the differences between an asteroid, meteor, and meteorite, so it's important to explain their respective differences to help better understand why scientists study meteorites and how they study them. An asteroid is a physical, orbiting planetary body that is primarily comprised of rock, but can sometimes be comprised of additional water ice, with most asteroids orbiting in the Main Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter and the remaining orbiting as Trojan Asteroids in the orbit of Jupiter or in the Kuiper Belt with Pluto.

A meteor is the visual phenomena that an asteroid produces as it burns up in a planet's atmosphere, often seen as varying colors from the minerals within the asteroid when heated up. The pieces of the asteroid that survive the fiery entry and hit the ground are called meteorites, which scientists' study to try and learn about the larger asteroid body it came from, and where that asteroid could have come from, as well. But what are some of the benefits and challenges of studying meteorites?

Dr. Ruzicka tells Universe Today, "Benefits: scientific knowledge, information on potential resources (e.g., metals, water) for humans to utilize, information on how to link meteorites and asteroids, which can provide information on space collision hazards for Earth. Challenges: compared to Earth rocks, we lack field evidence for their source bodies and parent bodies (how they relate to other rocks), we have to factor in the element of time that is longer for space rocks than for Earth rocks, and sometimes we are dealing with formation environments completely unlikely what we have on Earth. So, the challenges are big and many."

According to NASA, more than 50,000 meteorites have been retrieved from all over the world, ranging from the deserts of Africa to the snowy plains of Antarctica. In terms of their origins, it is estimated that 99.8% of these meteorites have come from asteroids, with 0.1% coming from the moon and 0.1% coming from Mars.

The reason why we've found meteorites from the moon and Mars is due to pieces of these planetary bodies being catapulted off their surfaces (or sub-surfaces) after experiencing large impacts of their own, and these pieces then travel through the solar system for thousands, if not millions, of years before being caught in Earth's gravity and the rest is history. Therefore, with meteorites originating from multiple locations throughout the solar system, what can meteorites teach us about finding life beyond Earth?

"That the ingredients for making life formed in space and were delivered to Earth," Dr. Ruzicka tells Universe Today. "We know organic molecules formed in gas clouds, were incorporated in our solar system, and processed in asteroidal and cometary bodies under higher temperatures in the presence of water. These were then delivered to Earth which wouldn't have been very hospitable in early times due to sterilizing impacts. We also know that there must have been a lot of planetary rock swapping early when impact rates were high. Life itself may have been transplanted to Earth from Mars."

As it turns out, one of the most fascinating meteorites ever recovered did come from Mars, which was identified as ALH84001, as it was found in Allan Hills of Antarctica on December 27, 1984, during the 198485 field season where researchers from all over the world gather in Antarctica to search for meteorites using snowmobiles. Despite being collected in 1984, it wasn't until 1996 that a team of scientists discovered what initially appeared to be evidence of microscopic bacteria fossils within the 1.93-kilogram (4.25-pound) meteorite.

This immediately made headlines across the globe, resulting in countless non-scientific claims that these microfossils were clear evidence of life on Mars. However, both the researchers of the initial study and the scientific community were quick to point out the unlikelihood that these features resulted from life based on other observations made about ALH84001. For example, while ALH84001 is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old, which is when Mars is hypothesized to have possessed liquid water on its surface, radiometric dating techniques revealed that ALH84001 was catapulted off Mars approximately 17 million years ago and landed on Earth approximately 13,000 years ago.

ALH84001, which is one of the most famous meteorites ever recovered, helped catapult the field of astrobiology to new heights when scientists uncovered what initially appeared to be microscopic bacteria fossils within this meteorite, though those findings remain inconclusive to this day. Credit: NASA

To this day, there has been no clear evidence that ALH84001 ever contained traces of life. Despite this, ALH84001 has nonetheless helped launch the field of astrobiology into new heights, with present-day scientists claiming this one meteorite was the reason they pursued their career path to find life beyond Earth. But what have been the most exciting aspects about meteorites that Dr. Ruzicka has studied throughout his career?

Dr. Ruzicka tells Universe Today, "A lot is interesting, what's most exciting? That's hard to say. I get satisfaction from taking clues left by the rocks to figure out or constrain the processes that formed them. I am engaged in a meteoritic version of CSI, we can call it MSI (for meteoritic scene investigation)."

Like many scientific fields, this "meteoritic version of CSI" requires individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and disciplines, including geology, physics, geochemistry, cosmochemistry, mineralogy, and artificial intelligence, just to name a few, with the aforementioned radiometric dating frequently used to estimate the ages of meteorites by measuring the radioactive isotopes within the sample. It is through this constant collaboration and innovation that scientists continue to unlock the secrets of meteorites with the goal of understanding their origins and compositions, along with how our solar system, and life on Earth (and possibly elsewhere), came to be. Therefore, what advice can Dr. Ruzicka offer upcoming students who wish to pursue studying meteorites?

Dr. Ruzicka tells Universe Today, "Work hard and pursue your dreams. Find a rigorous program of study because it will come in handy."

While meteorites are space rocks that crash land on Earth after traveling through the heavens for millions, and possibly billions, of years, these incredible geologic specimens are slowly helping scientists' piece together the origins of the solar system and beyond, and even how life might have come to be on our small, blue world, and possibly elsewhere. With a myriad of tools and instruments at their disposal, scientists from all over the world will continue to study meteorites in hopes of answering the universe's toughest questions.

Dr. Ruzicka concludes by telling Universe Today, "Rocks from space are the best kinds of rocks to study. Way more cool than most rocks on Earth because they are in some ways more puzzling."
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The popular social media app TikTok is facing an uncertain future in the U.S. amid concerns about national security. In Congress, the House passed a bill recently that would lead to a nationwide ban of the platform if its China-based owner, ByteDance, doesn't sell off its stake.

The bill's prospects are less certain in the Senate, though President Joe Biden said he would sign itand it could take effect within six months. But what would a TikTok ban mean for its more than 150 million U.S. users, and how would influencers and brands be affected?

Joshua Smith, an assistant professor in Virginia Commonwealth University's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture in the College of Humanities and Sciences, said lawmakers should be asking that question.

TikTok has its own social media ecosystem made up of primarily young (Gen Z) users, Smith said. Thanks in part to its diverse collection of available music and its short-form content model, as well as the visual variety and unique way that users can interact with one another, the platform's grip on the youth base is strong, with Gen Z spending upwards of two hours a day on the app.

"TikTok's algorithm has made the platform stand out," Smith said. "The For You Page (FYP) brings users closer to the stuff that matters to them most and adapts to how their interests are evolving while they use the app. The near-instant virality of videos and videos taken from multiple perspectives makes full-blown, international trends come and go in daysnot weeks or months."

VCU News spoke with Smith about TikTok and what a ban could mean for U.S. users.

For context, what is TikTok's role in the wider cultural landscape?

This won't truly be known for years, but between 2019 and now, TikTok has become central to youth-based social movements. There are researchers looking at the phenomena of how much more time was spent on TikTok than on any other social media during lockdowns associated with COVID-19, when the spike was so large and pervasive that some scholars are showing negative health-based outcomes due to a lack of physical activity resulting from the hours of time users spent on the app.

But what were they doing? Many of them were jumping into current events, connecting with friends, seeking social support and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy while they were stuck inside. TikTok was the starting place of many youth-supported social movements happening during that time. I believe many young people sought connection through TikTok and developed an affinity for the app that carried into the present day, though we won't know this empirically for years.

If you look at social advocacy issues and connect them to TikTok, you'll find a huge collection of young individuals who are conversation starters, not just post sharers. Many social advocacy issues, such as Black Lives Matter, gun reform, environmental issues, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, health care and immigration, are widely discussed on TikTok because TikTok is the place where Gen Z feel comfortable sharing and discussing their world. Opinions, attitudes and beliefs get formed on TikTok.

It took a lot of refinement to get to where it is now and to become a more trusted platform, but the algorithm isn't perfect. The app has been called out by the media and users for prioritizing FYP content based on users' looks, their race and their choice of words, which has brought needed attention to bias in algorithmic value systems.

In broad terms, how do organizations or businesses use TikTok most effectively for reaching an audience?

Brands don't really belong on TikTok; people do. Social media apps are designed to facilitate peer-to-peer interaction. Brands jump on these platforms to get market share, but brands aren't peoplethey don't have a face, per se. Thus, they fit diagonally on most platforms, including TikTok.

If brands want to participate in the conversation, they either need real people such as users and influencers to help them, or they have to run ads. It's easy to buy media flights on TikTok, but the content falls short. Most people don't want to see ads. Young people in particular are quick to spot the word "sponsored" and to hit the skip button. This is where the magic of influencers comes in.

Influencers are real and trusted people. Whether they're funny or serious, these are people who get watched, liked and followed, driving engagement. This is why the word "influencer" has become mainstream in marketing and communications in the last 10 years: It works. The best part about these individuals is their vetting and reach. Just like a friend who recommends a good restaurant, you evaluate them on their advice. If they know what they're talking about, you'll keep coming back to learn more.

Who would be most affected by a ban?

Everyone who has a stake in TikTok, be that in time, money or social capital, would be affected by an outright ban. Individual users would be most affected, simply because there are more of them150 million users in the U.S. alone would lose their network.

For some, this means losing access to social support they can't get anywhere else. Users would lose their archive of stories, which act as memories, timestamps and nostalgic keepsakes, as well as access to comments they've received. Imagine someone going into your photo archive and pressing delete. They'll also lose their bookmarks to other TikToks. This could be inconsequential to some, but to others, these serve as a quick guide, full of life hacks, tips and other forms of useful content you can only find on TikTok.

Influencers would also be significantly affected. Think of them as small-business owners. They generate income on their content, whether that's in direct viewer kickbacks or through big-brand deals. Engagement is the currency that allows them to be compensated. If you lose the app, you lose the engagement. Many influencers are waging their own advocacy campaign with lawmakers right now and encouraging legislatures to think about the small-business owners who might be affected by a ban.

In the scope of for-profit big business, the challenge for brands would be to spot the next place where they could break in and get market share. These decisions are far more analytical than emotional, which sets this group apart. Big business will always find a way.

Have there been any comparable situations in the past?

So many, and some are still missed to this day. RIP Vine, which was the first truly short-form social media app shut down in 2017 by parent company Twitter.

There's a list of over 100 platforms, many of which came and went without much notice. Others, like Google+, gained some momentum but never really broke into the top-five lineup. I'd even add Twitter to this list. Not that Twitter was banned, but I think one could argue Elon Musk's "X" of today is loosely based on original Twitter's footprint. The X platform has done a lot of things that made longtime Twitter users fly the coop.

What makes this TikTok ban so interesting is the volume of users and uniqueness of use. Nothing of this size or scale is comparable. Decision-makers and lawmakers are dabbling with something that affects more than 150 million users in the U.S. Most of them are young, soon-to-be voters. My hope is that lawmakers will take a harder look at the economic and social benefits of TikTok and resolve risk-related issues without an outright ban.
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Schematic demonstrating project workflow. Credit: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2024). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401808

Imperial College London researchers have developed a new platform for the synthesis, analysis and testing of new compounds which may one day treat cancer. The findings are published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

The discovery of new compounds with pharmacological properties can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in developing workflows that allow for the rapid synthesis and testing of multiple compounds in parallel.

Imperial scientists, Professor Ramon Vilar and Dr. Tim Kench from the Department of Chemistry, have developed a workflow that focuses on metal-based compounds that become highly toxic to cancer cells upon exposure to light.

Using this light-activated toxicity to kill cancerous cells is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT).

First, the researchers synthesized a large collection of iridium-based compounds. Attaching different molecular fragments to a central iridium core allowed the researchers to manipulate the structure and properties of different compounds.

The team then studied the performance of these metal complexes using a series of semi-automated tests, looking at how well they could damage cancer cells and what parts of the cell they targeted.

Dr. Kench said, "The aim of this platform is to take simple building blocks and rapidly generate a diverse set of compounds with different properties. By combining this approach with automation, you increase the efficiency and speed of the discovery of potential new diagnostic and therapeutic compounds."

Iridium for photodynamic therapy

Metal-based compounds have been recognized for their broad range of properties which can be advantageous in the development of drugs.

Prof Vilar said, "We looked specifically at iridium complexes due to their unique properties that make them well-suited for photodynamic therapy."

"For an agent to be effective for photodynamic therapy, it should be completely non-toxic in the dark, but also very toxic once activated by light," Dr. Kench said. "As opposed to traditional chemotherapy drugs, this approach potentially allows us to have a high degree of control over exactly where we damage the cells, hopefully reducing side effects."

However, the process of synthesizing new photo-toxic compounds with the ideal set of properties for anticancer agents can be a difficult process.

"It can be very hard to predict and balance the different characteristics of new compounds, such as their chemical stability, how they respond to light and their cellular uptake," said Professor Vilar, showing how their platform tackles these challenges.

Automation and computer modeling

The new approach uses 'combinatorial synthesis' where different simple molecules were attached to an iridium center.

The platform allows researchers to assemble the fragments onto the metal core in 3D space, almost like attaching blocks of Lego.

These compounds can be generated without any side products, meaning that they can then be tested using automated chemical and biological assays without the need for time-costly purification.

Using their platform, the authors made and tested a library of 72 complexes at the same time, investigating factors including how well each complex could generate reactive oxygen species, each complex's tolerability in the dark, and its efficiency when killing cancer cells exposed to light.

They then used the information to design a second-generation library of 18 compounds that displayed even better anticancer properties. By using liquid handling robots to assist with the synthesis and testing, they were able to shorten this entire synthesize-and-test cycle to three days. In comparison, conventional synthesis and test methods can take several weeks for libraries this size.

To understand why some complexes were better than others, the researchers collaborated with a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, led by Professor Heather Kulik, who specializes in computational analysis and machine learning applications.

Using computational techniques, the research team were able to analyze key electronic parameters of the compounds and correlate them with experimental data.

The team said that the next steps for their platform would be to expand the existing library of compounds and data, and to integrate machine learning models that can find patterns between high-performing compounds. Models can then suggest the synthesis of new libraries of novel candidate compounds.

More information: Timothy Kench et al, A SemiAutomated, HighThroughput Approach for the Synthesis and Identification of Highly PhotoCytotoxic Iridium Complexes, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2024). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401808 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Don't be alarmed when the sky goes dark on April 8. A total solar eclipse will traverse North America, crossing Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This event will mark the only total solar eclipse visible from the United States until 2044. The full path of totality, as it's called, will begin on Mexico's Pacific Coast, cross northwestern Pennsylvania and New York state, and exit at the Atlantic Coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun from view. Those situated in the path of totality will see the moon fully cover the sun, the resulting shadow plunging the area into darkness during the day.

If the weather permits, spectators may also observe the "ring of fire," a term NASA uses to describe the stunning visual effect when the sun's outer atmosphere is visible as a luminous ring around the moon's silhouette against the darkened sky.

Here's what you need to know to experience this awe-inspiring event.

When is the next total solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse will occur on April 8.

When was the last solar eclipse?

The last total eclipse visible on the East Coast was in 2017the first for the U.S. in 38 years.

How often do total solar eclipses occur?

Total solar eclipses happen every 18 months, but viewing is limited with the path of totality often occurring over the ocean rather than populated areas, according to Baylor University. While solar eclipses occur about two to four times per year, NASA reports a total eclipse only happens once every 100 years or so in any given location on Earth.

What is the solar eclipse's path?

The initial viewing of totality in North America will commence on Mexico's Pacific coast at 11:07 a.m. PDT, with the eclipse making its way north and east, including through Erie, Pennsylvania, where totality will begin at 3:16 p.m. EDT, per NASA's schedule.

What to expect during an eclipse?

There are distinct stages of a total solar eclipse to keep an eye out for. (Be careful! More on eye safety below.)

As the moon passes between the sun and Earth, the sun will have a crescent shape. The partial eclipse phase lasts between 70 to 80 minutes, marking the first contact when the moon first "touches" the sun, at least visually.

Just before totality, look out for shadow bandsrapidly moving, long, dark bands separated by white spaceson the sides of buildings or the ground.

You might also observe Baily's beads, fleeting points of light that appear around the moon's edges as it continues its path across the sun. When they disappear, only a single bright spot will remain along the edge of the moon's shadow, resembling a giant diamond ring formed by the rest of the sun's atmosphere.

Once the diamond ring disappears, you can look at the total eclipse safely with the naked eye. During totality, notice the chromosphere, a thin circle of pink around the moon (a region of the solar atmosphere), and the corona, streams of white light (the outer solar atmosphere). Totality may last for only a minute or two in some viewing spots. According to Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the event will last a maximum of 3 minutes and 41 seconds.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse?

It's important to remember that looking directly at the sun is not safe. Viewing the eclipse without glasses can burn your retinas and cause eye damage. This can result in blurred vision, dark or yellow spots, pain in bright light, or loss of vision in the center of your eye.

How to keep your eyes safe during an eclipse

You'll need specialized eye protection for solar viewing with camera lens, binoculars, or telescopes. Make sure you have a special-purpose solar filter over the front to prevent severe eye injury, NASA advises.

Be sure to wear solar viewing glasses, also known as eclipse glasses, or a safe, handheld solar viewer when viewing partial phases before and after the total solar eclipse directly with your eyes. You can also view with a pinhole projector for indirect viewing. (There are plenty of online resources for making your own, which can be fun for kids.)

2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Interstate 90 fractures the spine of the Cascades at its midpoint.

For wildlife that once freely roamed the region from Canada to Oregon, the highway was an impassable barrieruntil the Washington State Department of Transportation started building wildlife crossings in Snoqualmie Pass 15 years ago.

The structures now help thousands of animals each year cross the state's busiest east-and-west artery and one of the nation's busiest mountain highways. By 2031, the 15-mile, $1 billion project will feature 16 more crossings.

"These animals have life functions that occur across the landscape, and if they are not able to get around, it affects their ability to thrive in this environment," WSDOT biologist Mark Norman said.

"We're doing what we can to help facilitate them."

A connected, protected ecosystem

Snoqualmie Pass once was a patchwork of sorts, a checkerboard of nearly 45,000 acres owned by railroads and timber companies before state and federal agencies and conservation groups started managing the land a couple of decades ago.

But for the thousands of species that call the Cascades home, the old-growth forest ecosystem, from the lowland woods to the alpine lakes and glaciers, has only one border: I-90.

"Put yourself in a bobcat's paws," said Jen Syrowitz, with Conservation Northwest, the group that bought the land from private companies and donated it to the federal government.

As linear infrastructure slices access to the food, water, shelter and space needed for long-term survival, viable populations and the diversity of species in the Cascades, especially those with home ranges that stretch from the Columbia River Gorge to the North Cascades, are threatened. Animals' health declines and populations shrink, she said.

"We know that the smaller a population gets, you can go down a road to extinction," she said.

By the 1990s, traffic on I-90 between Hyak and Easton had already swelled. The road, also plagued by avalanche closures during winter, was becoming dangerous for drivers and animals alike.

In 1999, WSDOT launched the Snoqualmie Pass East Project to make the highway safer and alleviate congestion. Prodded by the U.S. Forest Service, which owns the surrounding land, WSDOT also sought to restore ecosystem connectivity in the Cascades.

The project required a coalition of dozens of conservationists, government agencies and construction crews whose work does not typically intersectfrom the United States Forest Service to Kittitas County, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to the Federal Highway Administration. Their work together began in the 1990s and continues today.

Across the state, the same collaboration can be found on Highway 97, with work to add crossings and fencing, and Interstate 5, with work to connect habitat in the Cascades to the Olympics.

How does a critter cross the road?

For years before construction began, WSDOT and a team of partners focused on finding where exactly wildlife crossed I-90or tried to cross and then turned back. They evaluated the highway's existing culverts and bridges to see what could easily be tweaked to accommodate wildlife. They monitored on-the-ground movement and tracked roadkill statistics to determine where to place each crossing, both big and small, under and over the highway.

Completed in 2019, Washington's first highway overcrossing mimics the smooth curve of forested hills and arches over the concrete tubes of I-90.

Located just east of the Keechelus Dam and named after Price Creek, the overcrossing spans 150 feet wide and stretches 60 feet into the air, with 8-foot walls bordering the bridge along its crest.

WSDOT placed many crossings near streams, as infrastructure was already in place to allow water to flow freely beneath the highway, according to agency biologist Norman, who has worked on the project since 2006.

As for the existing Price Creek Sno-Park and rest area, "the disturbance was already there," Norman said, which, with the overcrossing, WSDOT incorporated into a restored habitat.

The project's second overcrossing, which is currently being constructed, will be near Easton. WSDOT expects it will attract a similar suite of species as the Price Creek overcrossing, with the addition of mountain goats, which travel up to I-90 from the Green River area.

WSDOT also built 11 undercrossings beneath I-90. Often unnoticed by drivers, these structures help shyer animals move across the landscape. The structures also help reconnect streams and wetlands, critical for aquatic species such as bull trout and coastal giant salamander.

The project's largest undercrossing is a 1,100-foot-long bridge completed in 2013 at Gold Creek, right after Hyak, that re-connects Lake Keechelus with wetlands previously cut off by I-90.

Only a few animals could navigate the embankments surrounding the old 150-foot-long Gold Creek bridge. Now, the creek flows freely, teeming with fish swimming upstream and animals traveling through the flood plain of the lake.

The project has additional undercrossings in the works, like a pair of 300-foot bridges that "will just be massive," Norman said.

Thousands of volunteers with groups like the U.S. Forest Service and Conservation Northwest worked to revegetate the current crossings. They planted 80,000 plantslike red elderberry, western sword fern and Douglas firin the surrounding landscape to make the crossings more natural and attractive to wildlife.

A woven metal funnel of fencing surrounding the crossings helps guide animals to them. The fencing reduces collisions between vehicles and large animals (mainly elk, deer and moose) by 80% to 99%, according to WSDOT.

Over and under

The Snoqualmie Pass East Project is currently over halfway done.

A combination of fencing, one bridge and 11 underpasses will be joined by 15 more undercrossings and an additional overcrossing by 2031, plus a slew of highway improvement projects. The agency so far has constructed two new avalanche bridges, stabilized rock slopes, replaced several other bridges and widened I-90 from four to six lanes from Hyak to Stampede Pass.

But even halfway through, the project has already left plenty of marks.

By the end of 2023, WSDOT recorded the 25,716th safe wildlife crossing in the project zone, which included 13,525 by deer, 7,967 by elk, 3,216 by coyote and a handful by rarer species like moose, cougar, American marten, fisher and American pika.

These animals otherwise would have had to try to dodge the 27,000 cars that travel on I-90 through Snoqualmie Pass every day. In reality, the highway "is just untenable for animals to get across safely," Norman said.

Some animals still cross right through the highway the old way. WSDOT removes about 10 animal carcasses each year from Hyak to Easton. Still, the crossings reduced that number, the agency said.

Coyote and deerwhich "basically use any structure they can fit their body through," Norman saidbegan using the crossings almost immediately after they were constructed, even weaving around construction equipment.

Other species were reluctant to use the structures, like elk, which were not observed until three years after the first structures were completed, and carnivores like mountain lions, which didn't use the crossings until 2020.

WSDOT says there are more than 5,000 animals using the crossings each year, as tracked by researchers at Central Washington University since 2008. The number doesn't include small mammals and low-mobility species often missed by cameras, like the northern flying squirrel, Pacific tree frog, banana slug and coastal giant salamander.

Tracking them "would be really tough, especially since a lot of these are actually living in the structures," agency biologist Josh Zylstra said.

Economical, not just ecological

The benefits of the crossings are not just ecological.

A study found there were one to three fewer collisions involving wildlife per mile each year at 13 Washington wildlife crossings.

The study, published in the Transportation Research Record by Washington State University economics doctoral student Wisnu Sugiarto, found the reduction in collisions saves Washington drivers in total $235,000 to $443,000 annually in damage and repair costs per structure.

Sugiarto noted similar evidence of the benefit of wildlife structures has been found by studies in North Carolina, Utah and Wyoming. Abroad, studies have shown wildlife crossings save money and lives, both human and animal, including saving jaguars in Mexico and wallabies and bandicoots in Australia.

A network of wildlife crossings in strategic locations across the state will soon join the crossings of the Snoqualmie Pass East Project as part of a statewide effort to increase habitat connectivity in Washington.

The Washington Habitat Connectivity Action Plan will place decades of science and data built up in Washington into action.

Syrowitz, with Conservation Northwest, said the plan, set to be completed in June 2025, will increase the number of wildlife crossings in strategic locations across the state, while promoting land-use planning and acquisition to conserve and restore habitat.

With any number of the state's current wildlife connectivity projects, the vision is the same, Syrowitz said, "A fisher, a wolf or any number of species moving through these spaces, finding all that they need in the environment to thrive."

More information: Wisnu Sugiarto, Impact of Wildlife Crossing Structures on WildlifeVehicle Collisions, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (2022). DOI: 10.1177/03611981221108158

2024 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish of Galloway Township and Egg Harbor City recently received a bone fragment of Saint Nicholas of Myra in recognition of the 160th anniversary of St. Nicholas Church.

The approximately 1,700-year-old bone fragment is considered a first-class relic by the Catholic Church. It will be kept at St. Nicholas in Egg Harbor City, Father Gerard Marable said.

Marable said in a news release that the Shrine of All Saints, Saint Martha of Bethany Church in Morton Grove, Illinois, gave the relic in recognition of Saint Nicholas milestone.

Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Turkey, died Dec. 6, 343 A.D. He was known for his generosity and love of children. His life and good works inspired the story of Santa Claus.

Joseph Picardi, a member of the church, said the timing of the gift makes it all the more special.

Monsignor William Hodge of Atlantic City's St. Nicholas of Tolentine reflects on 50 years of priesthood Atlantic City native and retired Monsignor William Hodge, 76, looks back at his 18 years at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church and 50 years of priesthood.

My original intention was to borrow the relic to display and venerate at one of our celebrations, Picardi said.

Instead, Father Dennis ONeill from the All Saints Shrine in Illinois responded to Picardi and offered to send the relic as a gift.

We received a first-class relic, which is considered this because the bone itself is part of a body, Picardi said.

Picardi said the relic will inspire and connect the faithful spiritually, and will be placed next to a statue of St. Nicholas.

We do not worship the relic, we honor the relic for the person it was, he said.

Plans are underway for ceremonies to commemorate the relics arrival, including a veneration display Dec. 7 and a bilingual Mass, a reflection of the churchs diverse congregation.
MARGATE  City commissioners have introduced a 2024 municipal budget of about $40.1 million with a 3.7-cent tax rate increase.

This will be the first year taxes have gone up in the city in the past decade, said Leon Costello, the city's auditor. Although the city has seen slight tax increases and even decreases over the years, the last time taxes were raised more than a cent in Margate was in 2016.

"There's been a lot of work within the last couple months to put this together," Costello said during the March 7 commissioners meeting at which the budget was introduced. "There's no cuts, no dramatic increases, no one-time revenues, no one-time expenses. There's nothing funny in the budget."

The local purpose tax levy went up by 8.71% from last year's $24,304,934  a $2.1 million increase  while the local tax rate was raised 6.06%.

A public hearing and final vote on the budget are scheduled for Thursday at City Hall.

The tax to maintain the local library also went up almost 20%. That number is based on the city's total assessed valuation for the property, which was $2,258,172.

Margate's assessed valuation increased to $4,037,375,500, up about $97.9 million from last year.

Costello said increased pension and insurance costs had a big part to play in the overall rise in taxes.

The city is enrolled in the state's health benefits plan, but switching to another program, like Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, could potentially save the city at least $351,000 on premium costs, said Sean Gromley of Linwood-based Brown and Brown Insurance of New Jersey.

Other factors included more capital in the budget this year, and more coming from projects, Costello said.

The city is working on funding smaller improvement projects instead of issuing bonds the city has to pay interest on, and financing bond debts, said Lisa McLaughlin, the city's chief financial officer.

The city will pay a little more than $2 million in interest on its general outstanding balance of $22,179,775. It also will pay about $1.2 million in interest for the school's $6.5 million debt, and more than $2.7 million in interest on its utility debts.

"We're inside both caps by a lot, so we could spend more money if we wanted to," Costello said.

To view Margate's 2024 municipal budget, visit margate-nj.com.
By Eloise Hendy

Ever since the launch of Amazons virtual assistant Alexa in 2014, smoothly subservient smart home devices have become an accepted part of domestic life. Preheat your oven on your journey home, let your fridge order food, program a robot to vacuum the living room  why not? And with a fully-integrated smart home, you wont have to lift a finger  not even to flip a light switch.

But what if youre still not all that keen on leaping headfirst into this frictionless future? In our information-saturated age, it isnt surprising that some homeowners and buyers are swimming against the smart-home tide and choosing homes that are, well, dumb.

There are elements of smart homes that some buyers find appealing, says India Alexander, head of appraisals at estate agent The Modern House and its sister site Inigo, citing elements such as convenience, control, efficiency. But, she adds, we absolutely have clients who prefer to live in houses that use more simple, traditional technology. It may be that this lack of technology is linked to simple pleasures  taking a long bath, lighting a fire, cooking a meal over a slow heat, suggests Alexander. People have busy lives, and a home is often a retreat from the technology that dominates life otherwise.

Simple pleasures help some people switch off from our always on lifestyles

This desire to retreat from technology connects to wider trends for digital detoxes and digital wellbeing, which have been discernable for roughly the same amount of time as smart devices have been on the market. At a 2018 Google conference, for instance, chief executive Sundar Pichai discussed the advantages of the companys new virtual assistant, only to announce a focus on digital wellbeing in practically the next breath. This was linked, Pichai explained, to the concept of Jomo: the joy of missing out  a signal that even Silicon Valleys tech-obsessed were beginning to recognise the benefits of logging off once in a while. Six years on, it doesnt seem extreme to suggest that going offline is a new manifestation of luxury.

Rather than imagining dumb homes as old-fashioned, then, perhaps it makes sense to see them as domestic expressions of Jomo. These kinds of homes can be both old and new, says Alexander. What unites them is a simple but thoughtful use of material, space and light to engender a pleasant space to be in. In other words, they are design-led and human-focused, rather than governed by a proliferating number of apps.

Your robotic vacuum cleaner can be programmed by wifi or Bluetooth  and hacked the same way

Its funny because, looking at my own house, we do now have smart devices, but thats more a part of the job than a choice, says Leonie Tanczer, associate professor in international security and emerging technologies at University College London. A lot of people  and my husband would be one of them  would choose not to have smart devices in the home.

Paradoxically, given that smart devices promise convenience, one reason not to use them may be to avoid problems. As Tanczer says: In the ideal circumstance, they work perfectly. But once they malfunction, or dont operate the way you want them to, fixing it is perhaps far more complicated than old-fashioned, physical systems.

For intentional aficionados of dumb homes however, security may be a bigger concern than complexity. Tanczer stresses that anything containing software comes with an inbuilt security risk. If you have a device that isnt connected to the internet, you need to be physically present to make changes to it, she says. If it is wifi or Bluetooth enabled, you dont. Essentially, if its smart, its also hackable.

Then theres the issue of data collection. Already we have insurance providers that want you to share your daily steps with them, says Tanczer. It might all sound a bit Black Mirror, but you dont have to worry about your fridge selling your health data if its just a cold, dumb lump of metal. And thats before you even get to the question of integrated living environments where, as Tanczer puts it, you get locked into a certain ecosystem. If Google or Amazon go down, dumb homes certainly have an advantage over smart ones  at least you can still turn the lights on.

She highlights the enormous implications of having so many apparently mundane gadgets in our daily domestic lives. Whether its a baby monitor, a doorbell, a security camera  one should think what the repercussions would be if that is not safe, not secure.

After thinking it through, perhaps more people will come to the conclusion that dumb homes are the smart choice after all.

Photography: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Alenkasm/Balloon111/Dreamstime
The Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force Band's premier jazz ensemble, is set to embark on a seven-day tour across Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, officials announced Monday.

The Airmen of Note, one of six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, is based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. The tour is designed to honor the service of airmen past and present, showcasing the global efforts of military members.

We are excited to bring the band to Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, said Chief Master Sgt. Brian MacDonald, Flight Chief and split lead trumpet of the Airmen of Note. Performing live and meeting communities around the country is a regular highlight of our mission. We look forward to sharing Americas unique music with the local community in each city.

Free public performances are scheduled in several cities, with tickets required for attendance. Details and ticket information are available on the official website, music.af.mil/Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/Events/.

The tour kicks off Wednesday, May 1, at Sentinel High School in Missoula, Montana, at 7 p.m., followed by performances in Butte, Bozeman and Billings, Montana; Sheridan and Gillette, Wyoming; and concludes in Rapid City on Tuesday, May 7.
This is an advertisement by Eastspring Investments Berhad

Investing on your own can often feel complicated. With so many choices like stocks, bonds, real estate, and more, its a lot of things to figure out on your own. You have to know what youre investing in, keep an eye on how its performing, and make informed decisions to change your plan when needed. This can be both an overwhelming and time-consuming process, especially for those who have just started out and arent that well-versed.

In Malaysia, unit trust funds including variants like ASNB funds are the most popular types of investments among Malaysians, as revealed by the RinggitPlus Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey (RMFLS) since 2021. It should hardly be a surprise  unit trust funds inherently have various benefits that appeal to a majority of investors.

But before we discuss their benefits, what exactly is a unit trust fund? Unit trust funds are essentially an investment vehicle that bundles a pool of money from various investors and allocates that fund into diverse securities. Every unit trust fund has unique investment objectives, which drive the strategy and selection of investments within the fund.

Advantages Of Investing In Unit Trust Funds

1. Professional management:



The most notable advantage of unit trust funds is that your investments are managed by experienced fund managers. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table and are mandated to manage the pool of money in their respective funds according to the investment objectives and adhering to its risk profiles. This means that all investors in the fund are treated equally  regardless of the amount you invest.

2. Diversification:

Youve likely heard of the old investment adage of not putting all your eggs in one basket. The rationale behind this is all about risk management  should this one investment perform poorly, your losses would significantly affect your ability to recover the initial capital invested. But if your capital is spread out across different investments covering various asset classes, industries, and markets, you not only reduce the risk of losing a substantial amount of your capital, but also potentially increase the returns of your investments over the long term.

With unit trust funds, you achieve diversification automatically  fund managers are mandated to strategically allocate the investment capital across diverse asset classes, including (but not limited to) stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, digital assets, and possibly more.



3. Accessibility:



Another appealing aspect of unit trust funds are their accessibility. These days, you can not only invest in unit trust funds online, but you can also do so via various platforms and apps, unlocking your ability to invest without hassle. On top of that, many unit trust funds have a relatively low minimum investment amount  some may start from RM100, RM500, or RM1,000, and subsequent investments can be as low as RM100. This encourages individuals to start investing earlier, taking advantage of compounding and potentially leading to significant growth over time.

4. Variety:



There are literally hundreds and possibly thousands of unit trust funds in the market, offering options that match the various investment goals and risk tolerance of investors around the world. Whether youre looking to capitalise on the potential of emerging markets, stable government bonds, long-term growth tech sectors, and more, theres very likely a unit trust fund that meets any specific investment goals you may have.

5. Simplicity & convenience:

By investing in unit trust funds, everything is done for you  besides the initial and subsequent investments, you literally dont need to do anything else. A portion of your investment is allocated to some fees and charges including the fund managers fee and sales charges, while you can also set up standing instructions to regularly allocate funds into the unit trust fund. The only thing youll need to do is to decide if the investment outcome meets your expectations and whether to continue investing or switch to a different fund or investment.

Investing In Unit Trust Funds With Eastspring Investments

If youre thinking about exploring unit trust funds, there are plenty of options available from asset management firms, such as Eastspring Investments Berhad (Eastspring). As an established and trusted firm, Eastspring manages an impressive portfolio of 35 funds with assets under management totalling RM60.9 billion as of 30 September 2023.

Its two standout funds are the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund and the Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund, offering investors the opportunity to tap into the local or the global markets, respectively.

1. Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund

The Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Funds objective is to provide capital appreciation by investing in small market capitalisation Shariah-compliant securities of companies with growth potential.

Source: As of January 2024,

https://www.eastspring.com/my/funds-and-solutions/fund-listing/fund-details?fundcode=E065

As shown in the diagram above, the funds asset allocation demonstrates a diverse portfolio covering various sectors and industries. The funds top holdings*, which include notable companies such as Hong Leong Industries Berhad, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad, and Kerjaya Prospek Group Berhad, showcase its strategic investments in leading firms across diverse sectors.

The Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-Cap Fund is also quite accessible, where you can opt for a regular investment plan starting at RM100, or you can start with a minimum initial lump sum investment of RM1,000. Additional investments can also be made with as little as RM100 for both lump sum and regular contributions, allowing you to increase your investment at your own pace.

Find out more about the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund here.

*Data as of January 2024

2. Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund

The Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund aims to offer long-term capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of collective investment schemes across different geographical regions.

Source: As of January 2024,

https://www.eastspring.com/my/funds-and-solutions/fund-listing/fund-details?fundcode=E77M

This fund, being a Fund-of-Funds primarily focuses on collective investment schemes and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Among the funds top holdings are the Eastspring Investments Global Equity Navigator Fund Class D USD and the SPDR MSCI ACWI UCITS ETF**, reflecting a strategic and diversified investment approach as they include their own buckets of well-diversified investments.

Like the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund, the Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund appeals to a wide range of investors looking to invest in the global markets. Whether youre looking to begin with a lump sum of RM1,000 or prefer to ease into the market with a regular investment plan starting at RM100, this fund accommodates both approaches. Additional contributions can be made starting at RM100, making it straightforward to gradually build your investment in line with your financial capacity and goals.

You can learn more about the Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund here.

**Data as of January 2024

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Disclaimer: The contents of this advertorial are intended for general information only. Investors should carefully consider their investment objectives as well as the risks and costs associated with fund investing prior to making any investment decisions.

Investors are advised to read and understand the contents of the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund Prospectus dated 25 May 2017, the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund First Supplementary Prospectus dated 31 October 2018, the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund Second Supplementary Prospectus dated 2 January 2019, the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund Third Supplementary Prospectus dated 1 August 2019, the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund Fourth Supplementary Prospectus dated 30 September 2022, the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund Fifth Supplementary Prospectus dated 1 February 2023, the Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund Sixth Supplementary Prospectus dated 2 February 2024, the Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund Prospectus dated 25 November 2021, the Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund First Supplementary Prospectus dated 15 July 2022, the Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund Second Supplementary Prospectus dated 2 February 2024 (collectively, the Prospectuses), as well as the funds Product Highlights Sheet (PHS) before investing. The Prospectuses and PHS are available at offices of Eastspring Investments Berhad or its authorised distributors and investors have the right to request for a copy of the Prospectuses and PHS.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). The Prospectuses have been registered with the SC who takes no responsibility for its contents. The registration of Prospectuses with the SC does not amount to nor indicate that the SC has recommended or endorsed the product. Units will only be issued upon receipt of the application form accompanying the Prospectuses. Past performance of the Manager/fund is not an indication of the Managers/funds future performance. Unit prices and distributions payable, if any, may go down as well as up. Where a unit split/distribution is declared, investors are advised that following the issue of additional units/distribution, the Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit will be reduced from pre-unit split NAV/cum-distribution NAV to post-unit split NAV/ex-distribution NAV. Where a unit split is declared, investors are advised that the value of their investment in Malaysian Ringgit will remain unchanged after the issue of the additional units.

Investments in the fund are exposed to the risks as tabulated below. Investors are advised to consider these risks and other general risks as elaborated in the Prospectuses, as well as the fees, charges and expenses involved before investing. Investors may also wish to seek advice from a professional adviser before making a commitment to invest in units of any of our funds.

Fund Name Principal Risks Eastspring Investments Islamic Small-cap Fund Equity risk and Shariah status reclassification risk. Eastspring Investments Global Equity Fund Collective investment scheme (CIS) risk, country risk, currency risk, income distribution risk, related party transaction risk, financial derivative risk instruments and fund management of CIS risk.

Eastspring Investments is an ultimately wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential plc. Prudential plc, is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7AG. Registered number 1397169. Prudential plc is a holding company, some of whose subsidiaries are authorised and regulated, as applicable, by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority and other regulatory authorities. Prudential plc is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc., a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America or with the Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc. A company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

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United Airlines makes first landing at Tulum International

Tulum, Q.R.  The International Airport of Tulum has received another U.S. airline. On Sunday, a United flight from Houston landed at the Jungle Airport in the middle of Quintana Roo at the states newest airport.

The United plane, carrying 146 passengers, landed at Tulum around noon. The plane was greeted on the ground with a traditional water arch as it made its way toward the gates.

In a long weekend note, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama made mention of the United landing at Tulum.

The first flight from Houston on United Airlines arrives at Tulum. Welcome to the first 146 passengers who arrive through this great airline to the heart of the Mayan zone!

The United Airlines flight was greeted with the traditional water arch. Photo: march 31, 2024.

Earlier this week, both American and Delta airlines landed at the new Tulum airport, marking the first international flights. The airlines officially connected Tulum with Dallas/Ft. Worth, Newark/New York, Houston and Chicago.
Andrea Stephany Diaz created a medical company after an EU event that she says changed her life. Credit:  Andrea Stephany Diaz

Andrea Stephany Diaz founded a startup to improve lung-cancer diagnosis after participating in a 2022 European event for young researchers.

Andrea Stephany Diaz gushes with enthusiasm when talking about how she created her own biotechnology company two years ago at the age of 24 in a bid to revolutionise the detection of lung cancer.

'I've always had a passion for science and human health,' said Stephany Diaz, who was born in Venezuela and has lived in Europe for the past 13 years. 'Even in high school, I was dreaming about being an entrepreneur and setting up my own company one day.'

EU inspiration

The idea for her biotech startup, called OncoSwab, was born in September 2022 at an EU event for talented young researchers. Aptly named EU TalentOn, it was held in the Dutch city of Leiden over five days.

The event placed 104 participants from around Europe into teams and challenged them to come up with the best scientific answers to pressing societal challenges including soil pollution, climate change and cancer.

In short, EU TalentOn sought young people who wanted to change the world. Stephany Diaz applied and won an invitation, attending through the final two days on the weekend of 17-18 September.

'I had this huge desire to impact patients' lives,' she said. 'My life changed after that weekend. My life is before EU TalentOn and after EU TalentOn.'

Road to success

Lung cancer is often diagnosed late, helping make it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Smoking is the main cause.

Stephany Diaz's professional path to fighting cancer is far from direct.

She moved from Venezuela to Madrid, Spain at the age of 12. Following a degree in biochemistry from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, she began a Master's in molecular biotechnology in the city and worked as a research assistant focusing in part on regenerating blood vessels after stroke.

After joining a German biotech company in Hamburg that developed stem cells for medical research, Stephany Diaz began working for herself on science-communication projects.

At the same time, she regularly jotted down notes on her phone about business ideas and opportunities that caught her attention in daily life.

Talent time

Then came EU TalentOn.

With a vivacious personality and love of talking, Stephany Diaz was chosen at the event to present her team's idea in the beating-cancer category: what if a COVID-like test for lung cancer could be created? The team won the award for best pitch.

But something else happened: Stephany Diaz met like-minded people andmost significantlyDr. Pablo Lara, a cancer scientist from Leiden University.

She also encountered others who mentored her.

'I was hungry to create something innovative and, after the TalentOn, I literally couldn't sleep thinking about the problem of lung-cancer diagnosis,' said Stephany Diaz. 'Pablo had the same feeling and we immediately started talking almost every day.'

She described Lara as a typical genius scientist who comes up with ideas and experiments.

Partnership drive

The partnership proved invaluable to bring her dream of starting a company closer to reality. Still, getting the business off the ground was a tough effort well into 2023.

'It was just me and Pablo,' said Stephany Diaz. 'Those first months were absolutely the worst. We were called crazy. For six to eight months, we kept getting rejected from everywhere.'

They stuck with it and eventually founded OncoSwab, received funding and began moving their lung-cancer screening idea forward.

Now, they're working with lung doctors in the Netherlands, Switzerland and the US to detect lung cancer from nasal swabs. This may determine whether a patient requires a more complex computed tomography, or CT, scan.

'Our goal is to really make lung-cancer detection as widespread as breast-cancer screening,' Stephany Diaz said.

She declined to comment on the company's technique because it is at the pre-commercial stage.

Now a Spanish citizen, Stephany Diaz feels a sense of both urgency and fulfillment in her current work.

'I literally feel like I use every corner of my brain in my company and every skillset that I have,' she said. 'I get to be creative if a problem comes up and brainstorm with my team.'

Stephany Diaz spoke at the European Research and InnovationR&IDays on 20-21 March 2024 in the Belgian capital Brussels and said she's drawn to such occasions.

'I love to talk to others, I love to network, I love to meet people and I love to listen to other people's stories,' she said. 'And it turns out that's somehow part of my job now.'

The views of the interviewee don't necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.

More info

This article was originally published in Horizon the EU Research and Innovation Magazine.

Provided by Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine
A 21-year-old man was arrested, the police said, while the Housing Development Board and the contractor involved in the HIP are assisting with investigations.

Woe Weng Chai, a 57-year-old hawker in Singapore, found himself in the hospital after a metal rod fell from the roof of Block 434 Bukit Panjang Ring Road, resulting in a fractured skull and shoulder. (PHOTO: Google Maps)

SINGAPORE  A 57-year-old man was walking in Bukit Panjang on 30 March when a metal rod fell on him, causing him to bleed and fracture his skull and right shoulder.

The metal rod had fallen from the roof of Block 434 Bukit Panjang Ring Road where workers were moving construction materials and hit hawker Woe Weng Chai.

According to The Straits Times, Woe said that he first heard the sound of the metal when it touched the ground and felt faint soon after.

I was terrified I would lose my life, Woe told the English daily. His wife proceeded to call the ambulance and police whilst Woe leaned against a pillar in the void deck.

Woes nephew, Leow Yi Bin told The Straits Times that Woe had fractured his skull and a deep gash that required stitches on his forehead. His right shoulder was also broken in two places and two metal plates had to be inserted via surgery.

According to him, a spokesperson for the contractor had told the family that the company would cover the hospital bills under its insurance policy.

Block was preparing for Home Improvement Programme

The police confirmed that they were alerted at about 3.10pm on 30 March about an incident and a 21-year-old man had been arrested for a rash act causing hurt, according to The Straits Times. Investigations are still ongoing.

Both the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force said that a 57-year-old man had been taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and was conscious.

The workers were on the roof of the HDB block in the Bukit Panjang estate to prepare to install safety barriers for the upcoming Home Improvement Programme upgrading works, the HDB told The Straits Times. This was when the metal brace or rod rolled off the edge of the block and fell into a hole in the roof gutter.

We apologise for the unfortunate incident, and together with the building contractor, we have visited the injured mans family in the hospital and spoken to them to offer our assistance, said the HDB.

Both the HDB and the contractor are assisting authorities with investigations, The Straits Times reported.

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
Gisele Bundchen Pulls Off Her Fiercest Pose in a Plunging Leopard-Print Swimsuit: See the Look

The supermodel shared a few behind-the-scenes photos of her Pop cover shoot on Instagram

Gisele Bundchen/Instagram Gisele Bundchen shares behind-the-scenes photos of her "Pop" magazine cover shoot

Gisele Bundchen is showing off her wild side.

The supermodel, mom and cookbook author, 43, recently wore a few daring looks, including a sexy swim number, for her latest Pop magazine March 2024 cover shoot in Miami. And on Monday, she shared behind-the-scenes Instagram photos of the impressive lineup of outfits.

One look in particular that demanded attention was a Celine leopard-print bathing suit by Hedi Slimane.

Gisele Bundchen/Instagram Gisele Bundchen in Celine for "Pop" magazine

The one-piece featured a V-cut neckline and center cutouts that displayed Bundchens abs. Gold stilettos, futuristic sunglasses (seen in part of the photo shoot here) and a fierce tousled mane accessorized the swimsuit.

Bundchen also included a candid photo of herself on set, wearing black heels and red unitard with a dramatic top, as well as in glam while clad in a plunging blazer dress. On the cover, she models a sheer white T-shirt and gold studded hot pants.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

This isnt the first time Bundchen has fronted the British publication, but she even admitted that she and the Pop crew outdid themselves this time around.

I cant believe we did 13 images in 3 hours! That was a record for me. Thank you for coming to Miami and having a good time with me, I had so much fun! You guys rocked! she captioned her Instagram post in English and again in Portuguese.

Related: Gisele Bundchen Shares the Long Journey to Overcoming Severe Depression and Panic Attacks

James Devaney/GC Images Gisele Bundchen promotes her "Nourish" cookbook in N.Y.C. on March 21

Related: Gisele Bundchen Reveals She 'Almost' Died During an Iceland Photo Shoot Over 20 Years Ago

In addition to showcasing her modeling prowess, Bundchen has recently been promoting her new cookbook, Nourish, which falls right in line with her dedication to wellness through nutrition.

On her N.Y.C. press tour in March, Bundchen reflected on her modeling career, including the one near-fatal accident she was in while filming a Lanvin commercial in Iceland decades ago.

I did a photo shoot on a fake iceberg in Iceland and I almost fell off into the ocean, Bundchen said while playing a game of True Confessions on a March 21 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

While host Jimmy Fallon and guest Wayne Brady didn't fully believe Bundchen's story, she admitted that it was true. While elaborating on the anecdote, she said that she wouldve been dead in seconds because you know what happens inside of the freezing water of the icebergs? [In] seconds youre dead  dead!



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Read the original article on People.
In 1977 the 24-year-old greeting card artist Sandra Boynton published her first book, Hippos Go Berserk! A wild counting story about a hippo whose home is visited by first two hippos, then three, then four, until 45 hippos are partying hearty all the night long, the book was the start of a prolific career in childrens literature, music, and theater. Boyntons simply drawn sheep, chickens, cows, ducks, and monsters have entertained children, and their parents, for nearly 50 years, but the hippos have always been at the heart of her work. Thanks to many, many bedtimes, I have warm feelings for those hippos, and now that Boynton is revisiting the berserk all-night party in a new book, Hippos Remain Calm, I took the occasion to email with her. We discussed remaining calm in these troubling times, the mysteries of hippopotami, and the connection a parent makes to a beloved story. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dan Kois: In Hippos Go Berserk!, a group of 44 hippos is invited over for a wild house party. Why are hippos so eager to get together and socialize?

Sandra Boynton: A close reading suggests that, aside from the first two to arrive, they havent necessarily been invited.

Interesting! So maybe the other hippos catch the first hippo by surprise.

If you follow the host hippo carefully, youll find only a few instances of apparent delight. Perplexity seems the default there.

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Why do you think the hippos enjoy gathering and partying so much?

Hmmm. I imagine that each hippo has a different motivation, and each has a different experience. Not to mention that even within any given hippo, mood and perspective are ever-shifting.

Sure, but they all go berserk! Why?

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I dont really have a theory, I just report on what happened. The ways of fictive 2D bipedal hippos are notoriously mysterious. I think its a riskyand probably even misguidedbusiness to think of any group as a collection of identical individuals. Well, OK, with the possible exception of mosquitoes; in my experience, they seem unnervingly similar to each other, aside from the luxuriant eyelashes on the lucky few. But thats a different story altogether.

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Are the hippos in this story truly individuated to you, the author? Do you give all 45 hippos names? Do they all have unique backstories?

I didnt give them names, that never occurred to me. But they are individuated.

The book makes it clear that nine of the hippos at the party are catering staff. Do they too go berserk? Or are they just there to work?

According to the title, yes, they too go berserk. (The short-form narrative admittedly has its drawbacks. In the novel version, each of the nine has an entire chapter devoted to that characters inner monologue. Its riveting.)

Your new book, Hippos Remain Calm, retells the story of the original from a different perspective. What made you want to revisit these particular hippos?

My own cheerfully subversive nature, I suppose.

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I thought maybe you heard from parents that their kids needed to see some calm hippos, rather than hippos going berserk.

Not at all! It was my own observation of grown people all around me these strange days that urged the book.

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Are more people in your life tryingand perhaps failingto remain calm nowadays?

Yes! Its not subtle, and it surely includes me. And its certainly understandable.

These two hippos have a number of tactics for remaining calm. They meditate. They take long walks. Are these also your methods for remaining calm?

I grew up Quaker, and went to a wonderful Quaker school (where my father was a terrific English teacher) for 12 years, so finding stillness and encountering each person as an individual is pretty much baked in. And music and writing and art and critical thinking were also central to that educationwhich is the luckiest thing imaginable for a growing person. In consequence, I also find calm by drawing hippos and writing music and giving impertinent answers and stuff.

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Related From Slate The Official Sequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas Is Here. It Made My Heart Shrink Three Sizes. Read More

You do seem to enjoy giving puckish answers to questions. Do you think it is silly to interrogate a childrens book about fictive 2D hippos too closely? As a parent who has read Hippos Go Berserk! about 4,000 times, I find that I end up giving an enormous amount of thought to the board books that have been staples in our family, probably more thought than I have given to any other works of art.

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I dont think its silly at all! I very much appreciate your questions, and your interest; my answers are sincere. Heck, the New York Times (board books are oddly not eligible for the NYT bestseller list) and Literary Hub (The Toddler Book Tolerability Index is a recent article) dont seem to imagine that board books could be literature at allas if very young children are not conscious beings, as if language and visual narrative dont really count in the first two or three years of life, as if repetition is a chore for the parent. Its a staggering shortfall. You yourself have read books so many times aloud to your child, yet you see it as a pleasure and not a slog.

Would you like to attend a hippo party?

THEY NEVER INVITE ME! Whats up with that?

Would you say you are a calm person or a berserk person?

Both. Simultaneously.
The Florida Supreme Court upheld the states right to ban abortion on Monday, with devastating consequences for the women of Florida, who will live under one of the most draconian abortion bans in the country. With this ruling and two others issued on Monday, however, the court turbocharged the states 2024 election, centering the upcoming vote around abortion rights and other personal freedoms. First, by a 61 vote, the conservative supermajority abolished the right to abortion under the state constitution, overruling decades of precedent in the process. Its decision greenlights the six-week ban championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican legislators, effectively ending legal abortion access throughout the entire South when the ban goes into effect on May 1. Next, by a 43 vote, the court allowed a ballot initiative that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution onto Novembers ballot; this decision gives voters a chance to overturn the six-week ban and establish Florida as the sole haven for reproductive care in the South. Finally, by a 52 vote, the court approved another initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state, rejecting DeSantis strenuous effort to keep the question off the ballot. The initiatives on abortion and marijuana will require 60 percent approval to pass.

This trio of decisions constitutes a legal and political earthquake. The Florida Supreme Court has protected access to abortion under the state constitutions right to privacy for 35 years; now, in one fell swoop, the conservative supermajority has overturned that entire line of precedent. But a bare majority also let Florida voters have the final say on reproductive freedom, teeing up a momentous battle over personal liberty in a presidential election year. If that were not enough, the majority also defied DeSantis crusade to prevent marijuana legalization from going to the voters, giving residents the chance to greenlight recreational sales long after many other states have made the move. Florida remains a red state dominated by Republican lawmakers and judges. And the consequences for women in Florida and the surrounding area will be horrific in the coming months. But Democrats could not have asked for a better set of issues to campaign on.

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Related From Slate The Anti-Abortion Endgame That Erin Hawley Admitted to the Supreme Court Read More

The courts split decision on reproductive rights should not obscure the reality that it has essentially ended legal abortion in the state. DeSantis has signed two major abortion bans: one beginning at 15 weeks and another at six weeks, before most people even know theyre pregnant. Mondays ruling upheld the 15-week ban and allowed the six-week ban to take effect in 30 days. Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, Florida has served as a sanctuary for abortion access, treating a surge of patients from nearby states with stringent bans; soon, these patients will have to travel hundreds of miles farther for care. For instance, Kate Cox traveled from Texas to Florida to terminate her failing pregnancy after Texas courts decided that her complications did not pose a sufficient danger to her life to justify an abortion. Now Florida will join Texas on the list of states that make abortion criminal under virtually all circumstances, and patients like Cox will have to flee elsewhere. Those with time to spare may travel to Virginia, the closest state with broad abortion access. Those in immediate medical peril will simply have to wait until they are close enough to death to terminate under Floridas stringent law.

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Whats exasperating about the Florida Supreme Courts decision is that, unlike the U.S. Constitution, the Florida Constitution explicitly guarantees a right to privacythe basis for SCOTUS decision in Roe v. Wade. Floridians amended their constitution to protect privacy rights in 1980, seven years after Roe. And since 1989, the Florida Supreme Court has interpreted this guarantee to safeguard abortion access. Yet Justice Jamie Grosshans, writing for the majority, declared on Monday that the court had gotten it wrong all these years. (Grosshans was appointed by DeSantis, as were all but one of the justices who joined her.) This precedent, she wrote, is clearly erroneous, because the original, public meaning of the privacy amendment did not encompass reproductive autonomy. For proof, Grosshans undertook a historical survey of the 1980 campaign for the initiative and found no robust public debate about abortion. She concluded that the public would not have understood, or assumed, the language of the [amendment] to encompass abortion.

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Grosshans only reached this conclusion by ignoring or downplaying ample evidence that Floridians did, in fact, link the initiative with abortion and discuss its impact on reproductive health throughout the 1980 election. Justice Jorge Labarga, the lone dissenter, canvassed this history to demonstrate that the dominance of Roe in the public discourse makes it inconceivable that in 1980, Florida voters did not associate abortion with the right of privacy. He also protested that his colleagues should respect the reliance interests created by 35 years of precedent interpreting the amendment to shield reproductive decisions. Labargas pleas, however, were in vain: DeSantis selected his justices with an eye toward this issue, picking hard-right ideologues with a record of hostility toward abortion to guarantee a favorable ruling down the road. It was a foregone conclusion that a court stacked with DeSantis appointees would overrule abortion rights by any means necessary.

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And yet, the court refused to give DeSantis a complete victory: In a separate decision, a bare majority allowed Floridians to enact a constitutional amendment expressly protecting abortion this November. (Again, it will require 60 percent approval to pass.) Pro-choice advocates gathered enough signatures to put this question on the ballot, but DeSantis administration tried to block it by arguing that its title was somehow misleading. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, backed up by anti-abortion activists, argued that the initiatives titleAmendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortionconstituted inflammatory political rhetoric and failed to convey the impact it would have on Florida law.

The majority easily spurned these objections as meritless distractions. Yet three dissentersGrosshans along with Justices Renatha Francis and Meredith Sassowould have shot down the amendment. They embraced a version of the fetal personhood argument, asserting that the initiative should have clarified that it would strip equal protection from fetuses, which the dissenters describe as natural persons with their own constitutional rights.

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DeSantis and Moodys objections to the ballot initiative on recreational marijuana were also frivolous; only Francis and Sasso could muster dissents in that case. Florida already has a robust medical marijuana market, and this amendment seeks to extend legal sales to all adults over 21. In 2021, the Florida Supreme Court blocked a nearly identical initiative on highly dubious grounds; it decision on Monday suggests that a majority has given up the battle against legal weed. Why? Over the past few years, the cannabis industry has spent huge sums of money currying favor with the Florida GOP, and many Republican lawmakers have dropped their opposition to a recreational market. The courts about-face on the matter suggests that several conservative justices, too, have grown more favorable toward this massively booming industry.

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As governor, DeSantis frequently touts his staunch advocacy for freedom, pitching Florida as a refuge for liberty-loving Americans who just want to be let alone. Mondays decisions, though, highlight his passion for wielding the machinery of the state to interfere with some of the most private decisions a person can make. In seven months, Floridians will have an opportunity to undo both his assault on reproductive rights and his war against legal marijuana if they can reach the 60 percent threshold. These issues are bound to dominate the discourse leading into the election, and Republicans positions on both poll terribly with the electorate. A large majority of Americans support legal access to both abortion and cannabis. Florida Democrats are already planning to put these topics at the center of their campaign. Its no wonder DeSantis fought to keep them from getting a vote. Individual freedom will be on the ballot in November, decided through a democratic process that the governor tried relentlessly to obstruct.
Oklahomas Republican attorney general, Gentner Drummond, and Steven Harpe, the director of the Department of Corrections, want to slow down the pace of their states upcoming executions, moving from a 60-day to a 90-day interval between each of them. They contend that doing so is necessary to deal with trauma to those who carry them out and to ensure that future executions will not be botched.

To reschedule the pending executions, the state needs permission from the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, which, in 2021, had approved a plan to execute 25 death row inmates in less than three years. That plan would have cut the states death row population by more than half.

However, in January 2023, Drummond asked for a change in the plan so that the state could wait 60 days between executions. At that time, he said: The current pace of executions is unsustainable in the long run, as it is unduly burdening the DOC and its personnel.

The court agreed to that revised schedule.

Now, together with Harpe, Drummond wants to revise the schedule again. Last week, the Court of Criminal Appeals held a hearing to consider their request.

During that hearing, Judge Gary Lumpkin, a former prosecutor who has been on the five-person court for more than 30 years, displayed a surprising callousness about the well-being of the correctional officials involved in the execution process. He said that they need to stop complaining, suck it up, and stick to the current execution schedule.

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Such callousness is bad enough when it is directed at people who are condemned to die. It is genuinely shocking when directed at the state officials and employees who preside over, and carry out, the grim task of putting those people to death.

But Lumpkin wasnt done.

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He insisted that he would not buy into arguments about the traumatic effects of participating in executions, which he derisively labeled sympathy stuff.

He said that Drummond and Harpe needed to man up. If you cant do the job, Lumpkin continued, you should step aside and let somebody do it that can.

The judge made clear that he had run out of patience with the states hesitation about moving forward with executions. We set a reasonable amount of time to start this out, Lumpkin noted, and yall keep pushing it and pushing it and pushing it. Whos to say next month you wont come in and say I need 120 days? 

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Making clear where he will come out on the request for a revised schedule, Lumpkin concluded that this stuff needs to stop, and people need to suck it up, realize they have a hard job to do, and get it done in a timely, proficient, professional way.

Timely, proficient, and professional all sound fine in the abstract, but they have little to do with the situation that Oklahomas attorney general and director of the Department of Corrections are facing.

Harpe captured that situation when he said that the previous model put a massive strain on ODOC to carry out daily operations due to the time the employees spent away from their primary posts to perform the required number of drills.

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Adjusting the execution schedule, he continued, will allow ODOC to carry out the court-ordered warrants within a timeframe that will minimize the disruptions to normal operations. This pace also protects our teams mental health and allows time for them to process and recover between the scheduled executions.

Telling people to suck it up or man up will hardly win Lumpkin plaudits from people who understand how trauma works and how to respond to it. And, however Lumpkin sees it, the trauma experienced by people taking part in executions is not simply an Oklahoma problem, or an issue of manning up.

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Distinguished psychologist Robert Lifton has documented the corrosive effect of the death penalty on prison wardens, chaplains, and others involved in the death penalty process.

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In 2019, Allen Alt, a longtime criminal justice and correctional professional, published a piece in the Washington Post in which he argued that executions:

leave behind a fresh trail of victims, largely hidden from public view. These are the correctional staff harmed by the execution process. I know from my own firsthand experiences, supervising executions as a state director of corrections, that the damage executions inflict on correctional staff is deep and far-ranging. Carrying out an execution can take a severe toll on the well-being of those involved.

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All these devastating effects, Alt contended, are made much worse when executions are carried out in rapid succession.  [That] precludes any attempt to return to normalcy following an execution.

A 2022 National Public Radio investigation confirmed Liftons and Alts observations. Death penalty workers across the country reported suffering serious mental and physical repercussions. NPR quotes Jeanne Woodford, a warden who oversaw four executions in California: People think that it would be so easy to go up and execute someone who had committed such heinous acts. But the truth is, killing a human being is hard.

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Lumpkin didnt deny any of this. It just didnt seem to matter to him.

Perhaps this shouldnt be surprising coming from a judge who has not been a model of judiciousness or sensitivity. For example, in a 2017 decision, he repeatedly included the N-word (fully spelled out). As Judge David Lewis, the only Black person on the Court of Criminal Appeals, pointed out at the time, Lumpkins use of the n word in this opinion was unnecessary to the readers understanding of the language used by the appellant, and unnecessary to the courts resolution of this case.

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But whatever we might say about Lumpkin, the callous indifference he showed in last weeks death penalty hearing is not just his problem. It is the product of a system that invites some judges, jurors, correction officials, and citizens to ignore, or forget, the damage the death penalty does to the humanity of everyone it touches.

That system, what Justice Harry Blackmun once called the machinery of death, makes it possible to speak and act as inhumanely as Lumpkin did. In Blackmuns words, it lessens us all.

That is one among many reasons why we should have nothing to do with it.
One of the greatest destabilizers of democracy that almost nobody knows about is a little tax-exempt group called RAGA, which stands for the Republican Attorneys General Association. It represents more than half the states chief legal officers, and its members are on the front lines of pretty much every single important legal movement in the country. Its moves and funding are directed, of course, by everyones favorite little Monopoly Man Money Guy, Leonard Leo. Yet the group receives almost no sustained public attention or accountability. Recently, Heidi Przybyla at Politico reported on how RAGA tried to run a D.C. official who had dared investigate Leo out of office. And once you actually train your focus on RAGA, they tend to pop up everywhere, over and over again. The group was behind amicus briefs in the outrageous social media case Murthy v. Missouri. They are driving the efforts to get around federal emergency treatment laws for abortion in the forthcoming EMTALA cases. Theyre pushing for Texas-style S.B. 4 legislation in several states. And that doesnt even get you to the whole raft of RAGA interventions when it came to trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

On this weeks Amicus podcast, Dahlia Lithwick spoke with Lisa Graves, founder and executive director of True North Research, to try to shine a light on an obscure group that works hand in glove with Leo and dark-money interests to stymie democracy and roll back environmental protections, civil rights, reproductive rights, and other freedoms for the very citizens they are elected to serve. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

To listen to the full episode of Amicus, join Slate Plus.

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Dahlia Lithwick: Attorneys general were once kind of nonpartisan. They were apt to work across political lines, for the interests of the residents of the state.

Lisa Graves: All state attorneys general once belonged to the National Association of Attorneys General, NAAG, and it was a bipartisan group, a group of all the state attorneys general conferring about the practices in their state and cases that transcend jurisdiction.

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There was a significant set of lawsuits in the 1990s around tobacco because there had been a long-standing effort by the tobacco industry to deny the carcinogenic effects of smoking, despite the fact that the tobacco companies knew full well that their products did cause cancer. In fact, one of the things that had a fundamentally disruptive effect on U.S. law and policy in the past 50 years is that a thentobacco lawyer named Lewis Powell wrote something called the Powell Memo to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, circa 1971. This was in response to a decade of environmental regulation to protect against rivers that were on fire, and smoke stacks, and pollution, in addition to efforts to try to regulate smoking. And so the tobacco lawyer, Lewis Powell, wrote a memo basically saying businesses need to get more involved in policy, and lobbying, and universities in order to change our laws to benefit corporations. He was rewarded shortly after with an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, and so thats 1971.

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Fast forward to 1991. Finally, there is concerted effort by attorneys general across the country to hold the tobacco industry liable for the consequences to peoples lives, but also to our health care system. As that was ongoing, the Republican attorneys general decided to create their own attorney general association to pursue their own agenda and actually raise money from industries that they were supposed to regulate in order to fund this operation, which was designed to fuel their campaigns. The history is deeply embedded in antipathy to public regulation, government regulation of industries that have literally killed thousands, if not millions, of Americans in the form of the tobacco industry, for example.

Related From Slate The Anti-Abortion Endgame That Erin Hawley Admitted to the Supreme Court Read More

Theres the Leonard Leo piece in the middle of this, which is also just incredibly familiar, and this is your job, follow the money. So help us understand whos paying to play and who are they paying?

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Leonard Leos network is the largest funder of RAGA. There are corporations that have funded RAGA, Koch Industries, tobacco companies, energy companies. And some of my research about Leonard Leo showed that theres this group called the Judicial Education Projectand it is now known as the 85 Fund because these names are all disposable names for them. But back then it was called the Judicial Education Project, and wed been looking into it in part because its the group that Leonard Leo used to pay Ginni Thomas secretly through Kellyanne Conways firm from a secret donor. That was after Harlan Crow staked Ginni Thomas with $500,000 to fund her group, Liberty Central, while the Citizens United decision was pending.

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And what you see is this group that was deployed to basically pay Ginni Thomas secretly, starts filing amicus briefs, and it notes in its filing that its paying particular attention to the potential of the state of West Virginia to have a new attorney general, who became the attorney general who was basically deployed to attack the Clean Power Plan: Patrick Morrisey. So, heres a group that is intimately tied to Leonard Leos operation. Its the group he trusts to get the money into the hands of Ginni Thomas, the wife of a sitting Supreme Court justice. Its a group focusing on the election of a particular attorney general investigating what the powers of the attorney general of West Virginia might be. And then Morrisey gets elected and he becomes the tip of the spear in attacking the effort by the Obama administration to write reasonable rules about power plants.

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Fast forward eight years, and suddenly in 2022, just as the court is destroying Roe that same term, its saying you can regulate basically womens bodies, but you cant regulate corporations to force utilities to at least put some of their money into renewable energy under the Clean Power Plan.

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It is really full circle. It is a sort of surround sound in terms of their intention and their focus. It does show how long this plan is in place before its major victories.

We sometimes think that Leonard Leo to the Supreme Court is a one-way vector. But it is in fact a triangle, right? Because the third vector is to the state AGs who are bringing these cases, who are as much a part of this deregulatory agenda and this anti-choice agenda, and the anti-LGBTQ+ agenda as the court itself. The other thing is this is a move so disaggregated from state welfare and state politics. Were now doing just straight up partisan Republican Party politics, and that turn is really evident in terms of RAGAs participation in the events of Jan. 6.

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So RAGA had an arm called the Rule of Law Defense Fund, deployed to do robocalls, to urge people to go to the Jan. 6 events that Trump said would be wild, to go there on the day that Congress was supposed to be certifying the election, as he was mounting this intimidation campaign against [Vice President Mike] Pence, unleashing his followers to assail him. And this is in the context of weeks of efforts by Trump and his lawyers and advisers. trying to help him execute a coup. You had the state attorneys general actively involved in some of this litigation to try to stop other states from certifying the election. The group itself through this Rule of Law Defense Fund was actively involved in peddling the big lucrative lie about the election to push people to go to the mall on Jan. 6. There was sort of shock and horror that a group of state attorneys general would be involved in trying to aid the precursor events to the violent insurrection at the Capitol. And big companies said they werent going to fund RAGA. And so for a moment there, there was a bright light shining on RAGA and on the events around the capital and these AGs.

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But then months later, some of those companies came back to fund RAGA. The accountability light was on and then off for the companies that were funding RAGA in 2020. In addition to Leonard Leos network, Koch Industries, Comcast, Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, TikTok, 1-800-CONTACTS, Chevron, the National Rifle Association, Monsanto, Facebook, Fox, Uber, Coca-Cola, Exxon, and Google were some of the main funders of it.

Of course it didnt last. Leonard Leo continues to be the biggest subsidizer of RAGA through the money that is coming through his network, but its also the case that theyre facing no consequences, basically allowing them to just get away with it. Theres been no consequence for them, and the Rule of Law Defense Fund still exists. RAGA still exists, and many of these attorneys general have been actively involved in other efforts that make it harder for Americans to vote, and they may well be involved this fall in a repeat of 2020 in terms of their efforts to protect Trump at any cost.

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Texas AG Ken Paxton, the mayor of RAGA Town, brings this emergency motion to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 trying to set aside the vote in four other states Biden had won. We had 17 Republican attorneys general sign on to that brief. This is an election that the actual United States attorney general, Bill Barr, had repeatedly said theres no fraud there. These guys knew better and got in on the action of pressuring the court. Fast forward, these same RAGA actors are somehow neck deep in the Trump immunity suit at the Supreme Court now.

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They have continued to attack our democracy in a variety of ways. This notion that Trump has some sort of unlimited immunity, or this very broad conception of immunity, and it goes back to this notion that they claim to be adherents to the rule of law, and yet the immunity case reveals the lie of that. If the rule of law means anything, it means a president is not above the law.

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Clearly all those puff pieces from the winter about the great distance between Leos agenda and Donald Trumps and how there was one time when they wouldnt make eye contact at Mar-a-Lago  These are Leonard Leos foot soldiers who are presumably all in for MAGA, for Project 2025, for whatever the Heritage Foundation is doing. Theres no distance to be found between Leonard Leos project and RAGAs project and Donald Trumps project should he win in 2024?

There is no distance on the real policy, this agenda to use the Supreme Court to strip us of our rights, to use the court to make it harder for us to deal with climate change, to use the court to roll back reproductive rights, gay marriage, and more. These are all part and parcel of Leos agenda and these attorneys general are on that agenda. And Trump, hes the author of that by basically deferring to Leo in who gets on the Supreme Court. One of the things that was happening in the past decade was that we know that Barry Seid, whos the Chicago billionaire who ultimately gave Leo control of a $1.6 billion trust fund to deploy at his will, was also secretly funding briefs by RAGA.

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We helped document that in 2020 during the Amy Coney Barrett hearings, the Bradley Foundation was funneling some of that money toward briefs, not just by Republican attorneys general, but by Republican senators sitting on the judiciary committee and ultimately in 2020, after Leo gets somehow dramatically richer. So you have Leo himself and the people around Leo getting a lot of money from people who were interested in what they were doing to the courts. Leonard Leo doesnt need to be friendly with Donald Trump anymore. Hes got what he wanted. He has a court that has six Republican appointees on it with a reliable vote, in essence, for his long-term agenda and that court could remain in power for 20 to 30 years. He has captured the U.S. Supreme Court. He doesnt need to be buddies with Donald Trump.

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Last week the court heard the mifepristone case. EMTALA is the other abortion case thats coming next month at the court. RAGAs sticky little fingers are all over EMTALA too.

Some of these state attorneys general are involved in amicus briefs in this case, and you have a person who is now the attorney general for Idaho, who has spearheaded that effort. His name is Raul Labrador. He was formally part of the Freedom Caucus when he was in Congress. He was picked to take over the state AG role in Idaho over a Republican who maybe was not playing enough ball with the powers that be. He decided after Dobbs that he was going to be imposing his personal views against abortion as a matter of law, as the attorney general. So the attorney general of Idaho, who is a lawyer who has lawyers who work for the state of Idaho, decided he was going to use Idaho taxpayer dollars to hire the Alliance Defending Freedom to defend the state of Idaho in its efforts to not comply with the federal regulations under EMTALA, which tells hospitals not to turn people away who need care. In this instance, this regulation has been extended by the Biden administration in response to Dobbs to make sure that pregnant people who present themselves in an ER have a right to have their health protected.

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And Idaho has a law on the books that bars abortion except if someones life is in danger, and that has been sort of interpreted to be at the brink of death. EMTALA says you dont have to wait to the brink of death to give someone an abortion. But Idaho doesnt want to apply that law and has sought out, with the help of Erin Hawley and Alliance Defending Freedom, to take that case to the U.S. Supreme Court. It really pierces through the rhetoric that these people care about the health of women. Because these people like Raul Labrador believe that their personal view on abortion as embodied in the law of Idaho should only allow someone to get an abortion if theyre at the brink of death.
Keeping up with Donald Trumps court schedule is a dizzying task, since he faces two federal trials, a criminal trial in Georgia, and two separate civil and criminal trials in New York. (Oh, and hes running for president.) To make it easier to follow along, each Monday well be looking back at all the Trump trialrelated developments you might have missed the previous week.

Donald Trump and the Manhattan district attorney have been sparring over the limits of a newly enacted gag order in his hush money case. Meanwhile, in Georgia, Trumps attorneys tried to convince a judge that his rhetoric in the aftermath of the 2020 election should be considered protected political speech. And this week, Trump must post a (much lower) bond in his civil fraud case in order to stop his assets from being seized.

Trump goes on the attack

Last week, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan issued a gag order that bans Trump from publicly commenting on court staff and attorneys (plus their family members) working on the hush money case. Then, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg pushed Merchan to expand that order to include the judge himself, after Trump posted a series of comments on Truth Social attacking Merchan and his daughter.

Merchan first issued the gag order after considering how Trump had behaved in his federal election interference casedays after special counsel Jack Smith indicted him, he took to Truth Social and said, If you go after me, Im coming after you! After that, Judge Tanya Chutkan placed the former president under a gag order. Merchan concluded that Trump has a history of making public statements that are threatening, inflammatory, denigrating and that go far beyond defending himself against attacks by public figures.  And with about three weeks left before the hush money case goes to trial, Merchan signed a gag order.

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Yet, a few days later, Trump was at it again on Truth Social. Judge Juan Merchan is totally compromised, and should be removed from this TRUMP Non-Case immediately, the former president wroteand he didnt stop there. His Daughter, Loren, Is a Rabid Trump Hater, who has admitted to having conversations with her father about me, and yet he gagged me. Trump goes on to say that Merchans daughter worked for President Joe Biden and other Democrats. (Loren is a political consultant, and her firm has worked on Democratic campaigns, including Bidens.)

The DA immediately flagged Trumps posts in a letter to Merchan, asking the judge to clarify or confirm whether his gag order extends to himself, Bragg, and their respective family members. He also encouraged Merchan to demand that Trump immediately desist from attacks on family members. However, Trumps attorneys pushed back, arguing that Merchan cannot direct Trump to do something the gag order doesnt cover.

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Merchan is expected to weigh in soon, with jury selection scheduled to begin April 15.

The Georgia Election Case Tries to Pick Up Where It Left Off

While Trumps attorneys officially filed their appeal over Judge Scott McAfees decision to keep Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on her election interference case, a pretrial hearing was underway to consider if the indictment should be dismissed under First Amendment grounds.

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Trumps attorney argued that everything the former president said in the aftermath of the 2020 election was protected political speech, regardless of whether it was factually true, and that therefore the case against the former president is nonexistent. Prosecutors for Willis argued that that isnt how the law works and that Trumps statements dont fall under the First Amendment because they hinged on criminal activity.

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What he is not allowed to do is employ his speech and his expression and his statements as part of a criminal conspiracy to violate Georgias RICO statute, to impersonate public officers, to file false documents, to make false statements to the government, said Donald Wakeford, prosecutor for the DA.

The hearing also considered arguments for David Shafer, a co-defendant in Willis indictment and a former member of the Georgia Senate. As part of the fake electors scheme, Shafer signed a fake election certificate endorsing Trump, despite Biden winning the state of Georgia. Shafers attorney argued that his client believed he was complying with the Electoral Count Act and wasnt a fake elector but a contingent one. Because technically its up to Congress to certify states electoral votes and there was an active legal challenge to Georgias 2020 election results, Shafer argues that he was representing a Trump elector in case the legal challenge was successful. (It wasnt.)

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Trump and Shafer are hoping to strike a chord with McAfee, who recently dismissed six charges (out of 41) from Willis indictment, though the judge made clear that the decision does not mean the entire indictment is dismissed.

Related From Slate How to Finally Outrun Trumps Efforts to Outrun the Law Read More

Trumps (Much Lowered) Bond Is Due This Week

A New York appeals court threw Trump a lifeline when it decided that his bond in Justice Arthur Engorons civil fraud ruling could be lowered from $454 million to $175 million. The court also gave the former president an extra 10 days to post bond, and this week that payment will come due. By Thursday, Trump must post an appeals bond worth $175 million or risk having his assets seized by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

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Under New York state law, defendants who are seeking an appealand want to stop authorities from collecting the fine they owe while the appeals process plays outmust post a bond worth the full value of the judgment. In Trumps case, that was $454 million, the penalty levied by Engoron, who found that Trump committed fraud when he overinflated the value of his assets on financial documents. He also banned Trump from serving as an executive of any New Yorkbased company for the next three years, and from taking out any loans from a New York financial institution.

The new $175 million bond should be an easier get. Trump told reporters last week that he could post that very quickly within the 10 days. Its not yet clear if Trump has managed to secure a bond, but he does have an array of options to pull the money together.
Choosing a legal structure for your business is not something you should do on a whim. How you organize, pay taxes, and the legal liability exposure of your business all depends on how you form your company. Each business structure has its advantages and disadvantages.

For companies seeking the most liability protection, incorporating a C Corp or a limited liability company (LLC) shields the owners and shareholders from the debts and liabilities of the corporation. The company lives as a separate entity, and the owners/shareholders personal assets are protected from business-related risks.

Businesses looking to grow and entice investors typically incorporate to benefit from the liability protections a corporation offers. However, many owners find the tax requirements too much of a burden. To alleviate some of the burden, many business owners elect S Corporation (S Corp) statusa choice that can profoundly affect their taxes, liability, and overall business strategy.

What is an S Corporation?

The deadline to file for S Corporation status is March 15. Even though that date has passed, its smart to learn about the advantages of becoming an S Corp for future considerations.

An S Corp is a tax designation allowing qualifying small businesses to avoid the double taxation assigned to C Corps. Instead of taxing the corporation as a separate entity, profits and losses are passed through to shareholders and reported on their individual tax returns. Pass-through taxation can lead to significant tax savings for business owners.

Not every business can elect S Corp status. For one, the company must be incorporated with the state and comply with all the requirements set forth by the Secretary of State.

As far as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is concerned, the corporation:

Must be filed as a US corporation

Can maintain only one class of stock

Is limited to 100 shareholders or less

Shareholders must be individuals, estates, or certain qualified trusts

Requires each shareholder to consent in writing to the S Corporation election

Requires each shareholder to have a U.S. Social Security Number

Requires each shareholder to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien with a valid United States Social Security Number

Must have a tax year ending on December 31

When Does an S Corp Election Make Sense?

Typically, business owners consider an S Corp election when the company becomes consistently profitable. S Corp status is particularly beneficial when the business generates enough income to justify the potential tax savings. Plus, S Corps maintain limited liability protections, operational flexibility, and employee benefits. Lets start with the tax advantages.

1. Tax Advantages

One primary reason businesses elect S Corp status is the tax benefits it offers. S Corps benefit from pass-through taxation, meaning business profits are not subject to corporate income tax. Instead, they are passed through to shareholders and taxed at individual tax rates, which can result in significant tax savings, especially for businesses with relatively few shareholders.

Also, by structuring compensation as a combination of reasonable wages and dividends, S Corps can reduce the overall payroll tax burden. Shareholders/employees may take advantage of the tax savings associated with dividend distributions, which are not subject to payroll taxes, while still receiving compensation for their services.

2. Limited Liability Protection

S Corps also offer limited liability protection to their shareholders. As previously noted, shareholders are typically not personally liable for the corporations debts and obligations, shielding their personal assets from business-related liabilitiesa benefit for owners and an enticement for investors.

3. Operational Flexibility

Electing S Corp status can also provide operational flexibility for small businesses. Unlike C Corps, which are subject to certain restrictions on ownership and corporate formalities, S Corps have fewer regulatory obligations. Fewer compliance requirements are attractive for entrepreneurs seeking to streamline administrative processes and focus on growing their businesses.

4. Employee Benefits

S Corporations can offer attractive benefits to employees and enjoy the tax benefits available to corporations, which is an increased tax advantage. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and stock options also help attract and retain top talent.

Critical Considerations Before Electing S Corporation Status

While S Corps have many advantages, there are several potential downsides to the S Corp election.

Before electing S Corp status, make sure your business meets the IRSs eligibility requirements. Failure to meet these requirements could result in penalties or loss of S Corp status.

Also, while S Corps offer tax advantages, they have specific tax implications that must be considered. For example, shareholders must report their share of profits and losses on their individual tax returns, which could affect their overall tax liability.

S Corp shareholders must receive reasonable compensation for their services, including salaries, bonuses, or other forms of compensation. Failing to pay adequate compensation could raise red flags with the IRS and jeopardize your S Corp status.

Finally, although S Corps have fewer regulatory requirements than C Corps, they still need to adhere to certain corporate formalities, such as holding regular shareholder meetings and keeping accurate financial records.

Becoming an S Corp

Even though the S Corporation election deadline has passed, you can still file for S Corp status at any time during the year. If you choose to do so, your company will be taxed under your old status for part of the year and as an S Corp for the rest. You will have to prepare two separate sets of tax forms.

If youre planning ahead and know you want to apply for S Corp status for next year, you can file Form 2553 with the IRS anytime this year.

Startup business owners who plan to launch their companies later this year have two months and 15 days from their date of formation or incorporation to file for S Corporation status for this year.

Electing S Corp status can be a strategic move for small businesses looking to maximize their potential. S Corps offers compelling benefits for eligible companies, including tax advantages, limited liability protection, and operational flexibility. Before electing S Corp status, discussing your options with your accountant and attorney is crucial to ensure youre well informed and make the best decision for you and your company.

CorpNet offers business formations, filings, state tax registrations, and corporate compliance services in all 50 states. Express and 24 hour rush filing services available upon request. Click here to learn more.
Robert R Hoyt, beloved father, cherished son, and esteemed U.S Air Force Veteran, unexpectedly passed away on March 25, 2024, at the age of 57. He left behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication. He is survived by his adoring children Lorin Abbie Hoyt (the apple of his eye), and his son, Brandon Robert Woodard Hoyt (of whom he was immensely proud), both of Murfreesboro, TN. Rob's very favorite daughter-in-law, Jordan Hoyt also mourns his passing, along with his former wife of 29 years and good friend, Lori Anderson-Woodard of Murfreesboro, TN.



Born to Priscilla (Lee) Loomis and the late Roger E Hoyt on December 4, 1966, Rob was raised in Granville, NY, alongside his sisters April L Fiacco (Scott), Stacy M Fredette (Jeff), and brother David W. Hoyt (Michele). He was predeceased by his father, as well as his father-in-law, Harold W. Woodard, Sr., and his favored mother-in-law, Invasia Dee Woodard Bergeron. Left to cherish his memory are his "favorite" nieces and nephews, whom he held dear to his heart.



Rob was a proud member of the graduating class of Granville Central High School, NY, Class of 1985. Eager to serve his country, he enlisted in the Army National Guard of NY in 1984 before joining The United States Air Force in 1987. Throughout his 15-year military career, Rob served with distinction, including deployments during Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf War. He received numerous awards for his service and dedication to duty.



Following his medical retirement from the military in April of 1999, Rob pursued civilian employment, beginning with GTE/Ingenuity before dedicating 20 years of service to BAE Systems, Inc. as a DOD Project Manager II - Technical. His commitment to serving his country continued unwaveringly in his civilian role. Rob earned his Associate Degree from the Community College of the Air Force and his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Maryland.



Beyond his professional endeavors, Rob was an avid Amateur Radio Operator (HAM) with the call sign N2OMC. He was actively involved in both the Charles County and St. Mary's County, MD Amateur Radio Clubs, serving as past President of both. Rob generously devoted his time to volunteering with Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), the Boy Scouts Jamboree on the Air, and local STEM/STEAM programs, including the 4H Robotics Group. He delighted in assisting youngsters in contacting the International Space Station, leaving a lasting impact on those he mentored. In his spare time not spent with the HAM Radio community, he was an avid Civil War buff and hiker.



Rob's life was characterized by his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community. His kindness, generosity, and passion for service touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he may be gone, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.



His family will receive visitors on Monday, April 1st, 2024 from 5-7pm at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650. He will be buried with full military honors at a later date, location pending.



In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be mailed to directly benefit his children. Checks can be made out to Lorin AND Brandon Hoyt and mailed to the following address: Pinnacle Financial Partners, 1745 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 att: Melissa James.



Rob's memory will be cherished, and his legacy celebrated by all who knew him. May he rest in peace, knowing the profound impact he made on the lives of others.
Patoy "Toy" Adriano Lombre, Sr., 82, of Mechanicsville, Maryland passed away on March 26, 2024, at his home in Mechanicsville, MD.



He was born on June 13, 1941, in Washington, D.C. to the late Tito Lombre and Edna E. Whiting Lombre.



Toy was employed as a Produce Clerk for over 44 dedicated years with Giant Food, Inc. until his retirement. After retirement, he worked in food catering, assisting Thompson's Seafood, as a talented cook. He was a delicious cook, with some of his specialties being fried corn and liver and onions. He enjoyed playing cards, particularly Spades and Texas Hold'em. He also enjoyed watching television shows such as Family Feud and Judge Judy.



In addition to his beloved wife, Marcia, he is also survived by his children: Terenciano, Coloy, Soronya, Torayra, Shelita, Susan, Taylor, Da'Naya, Brooklynn, and Da'Kori; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his children, Patoy Adriano Lombre, Jr. and Pepe Lombre; his sister, and three brothers.



The family will receive friends on April 3, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m, with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be private.



Memorial contributions may be made to Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.O. Box 279, Leonardtown, MD 20650 to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Residence permit, certificate of Slovak Living Abroad and state citizenship can be requested at embassies.

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Thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm, The Slovak Spectator is launching a year-long project that will take readers on adventures to different regions of Slovakia, from which many Slovaks emigrated in the past. Moreover, readers will meet people who have obtained Slovak citizenship and reconnected with their Slovak roots.

All of the stories will appear in the Slovaks living abroad section, starting in April.

It has been two years since an amendment to Slovakia's Citizenship became effective, on April 1, 2022. This amendment makes it easier for people who descended from Slovak ancestors to gain Slovak citizenship.

Descendants of people who emigrated from Slovakia or Czechoslovakia in the last century then spoke up against the requirement of legal residence in Slovakia when they requested Slovak citizenship.

The government and the parliament did not oblige their call two years ago. Residence as a condition for obtaining citizenship remains among the requirements in the law. But, according to OLaNO MP Milan Vetrak, it is just a minor obstacle since the descendants of emigrants from Slovakia and Czechoslovakia are able to request a residence permit at Slovak embassies around the world.

Another change was that people who accepted the citizenship of another country can keep their Slovak, if they fulfil the condition of residence in that country at least five years prior to obtaining the citizenship.

Application can be sent from abroad

Today, the offspring of former Czechoslovak and Slovak citizens are in a more advantageous position than foreigners with no family ties to Slovakia. However, they still have to observe certain conditions, a residence permit being one. The length of their residence in Slovakia is not specified in the law, as it is for other foreigners who request Slovak citizenship.

Temporary residence in Slovakia can be requested at any Slovak embassy abroad or consular office. The consular office dealing with the request will conduct a personal interview with the applicant for the preliminary assessment of their application.

In this case, the applicant has to prove the purpose of the temporary residence they are requesting. The document confirming the purpose of their stay may be, for example, a promise of employment, a work permit issued by the relevant labour office, a certificate of admission to a study programme, a certificate of school or educational institution, a certificate of a Slovak living abroad, a marriage certificate or the birth certificate of a child and other.

Foreigners requesting residence permit in Slovakia must also prove that they have secured accommodation in Slovakia for at least six months.

People applying for a residence permit for the purpose of obtaining Slovak citizenship would consider this an obstacle, since most are not planning to live in Slovakia.

I advocated for citizenship without a residence permit, says chief of Office for Slovaks Living Abroad Read more

Proving purpose of stay

In March 2022, MP Milan Vetrak told The Slovak Spectator that the law would provide an exception for descendants of Czechoslovak citizens who apply for Slovak citizenship.

The Interior Minister has yet to issue an order that applicants who are descendants of emigrants from former Czechoslovakia should be considered cases of very special consideration, and do not need to prove the purpose of their stay, Vetrak said.

The Foreigners' Police, acting as the immigration authority in Slovakia, were then unable to provide more details.

Vetrak also added that if the change he mentioned wasn't introduced, the certificate of a Slovak Living Abroad could be used instead of a proof of stay for the purposes of obtaining the residence permit.

The certificate can be requested at the Office of Slovaks Living Abroad, including an embassy or consular office abroad.

Embassies to handle citizenship

The applications for granting Slovak citizenship can be submitted at a diplomatic mission or consular office of Slovakia abroad, including online.

Subsequently, the Interior Ministry will handle the request.

If approved, citizenship is acquired by accepting the document granting Slovak citizenship. The document is handed over to the applicant by the district office in the seat of the region, diplomatic mission or consular office of Slovakia. The applicant is first required to take the oath of a citizen of the Slovak Republic. This is also possible to arrange abroad.

Children younger than 14, people whose health conditions do not allow, and people deprived of legal capacity are exempt from the obligation to take the oath before officially becoming Slovak citizens.

Resigned Bratislava Zoo director returns after citizenship debacle Read more

Lawyer skeptical

Lawyers dealing with the citizenship law were skeptical about removing the residence condition to grant citizenship to people with Slovak ancestry. They voiced the opinion that the state should instead look for opportunities on how to easily grant citizenship to people who live in Slovakia and want to help shape Slovakia by voting in elections and participating in social and public life.

Marek Domin, associate professor and deputy head of the Department of Constitutional Law of Comenius University in Bratislava, repeated that in cases when residence in Slovakia is required for a specific time prior to obtaining citizenship, such as three years for people with the Slovak Living Abroad Certificate, a person has a real tie to the Slovak Republic.

But there are cases of granting citizenship without a stipulated length of residence in Slovakia, to people who are descendants of Czechoslovak citizens and people with the Slovak Living Abroad certificate who significantly contributed to the development of their community abroad. This new group was added to the amended law.

I would be a bit skeptical here, especially when it comes to the existence of real ties to Slovakia, Domin then told The Slovak Spectator.

However, the fact is that in this manner it is possible to grant citizenship even today, even without the status of a Slovak Living Abroad, he said in 2022. This is often the case with athletes, who obtain citizenship easily to represent the country. So, in the end, it's just a systematic connection or addition to existing rules.

As they age, Americans desire to reconnect with Slovakia grows Read more

Spectacular Slovakia travel guides
Only a couple of days left to campaign.

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Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. The country will elect its next president this Saturday. Two decades in NATO. Government delays its RTVS bill.

If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk.

In the run-up to the presidential run-off

Two days of campaigning, two televised debates and one vote from now, the citizens of Slovakia will know the identity of their next president.

A final duel between Peter Pellegrini and Ivan Korcok was long expected, but its now more Korcok vs. Pellegrini  and that has somewhat changed the dynamics of the campaign. After Korcok won the first round, the Pellegrini campaign seems to have realised that smiling, avoiding confrontation and proclaiming their candidates love for peace may not suffice to carry their candidate into the Presidential Palace after all.

The last week, which was truncated by the Easter holidays, brought a more confrontational tone into the campaign, in contrast to the somewhat tepid offering before the elections first round. The ruling coalition has been accusing Korcok of planning to bring down their government, of wanting to give up Slovakias right of veto in the European Council, and even of plotting to drag Slovakia into war. Politicians from Pellegrinis Hlas party have alleged that Korcok would send Slovak troops to Ukraine, to which Korcok has responded, accurately, that such a decision is not even within the competence of the president. Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has played a supporting role in the Pellegrini campaign, has taken to promoting an absurd narrative about Korcok, spread initially in the disinformation media, that links him to the 1999 NATO bombing of Belgrade.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240331/turkiyes-opposition-chp-party-beats-ruling-akp-in-local-elections---early-results-1117675750.html

Turkiye's Opposition CHP Party Beats Ruling AKP in Local Elections - Early Results

Turkiye's Opposition CHP Party Beats Ruling AKP in Local Elections - Early Results

Sputnik International

Turkiye's opposition Republican People's Party is ahead of the ruling Justice and Development Party in municipal elections for the first time in 20 years after 50% of the ballots have been processed.

2024-03-31T23:01+0000

2024-03-31T23:01+0000

2024-03-31T23:01+0000

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The CHP currently has 37.8% of the votes and is slightly ahead of the AKP, which has 36.8%. Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) brings up the rear of the top three with just under 6% of the vote, while the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which is allied with the AKP, has less than 4%. Established in 2001, the AKP has come first in every municipal election since 2004. The Nation Alliance, a coalition of six opposition parties running for the presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2023, was essentially dissolved after unsatisfactory voting results. In the current municipal elections, the CHP is flying solo. Meanwhile, CHP new leader Ozgur Ozel described the preliminary outcome as a "historic result" and a "clear signal" to the incumbent government. Turks were voting on Sunday to elect mayors of 81 cities, including 30 megacities, heads of municipalities, village and district heads, and village councils.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/echos-of-1968-how-protest-suppression-at-the-dnc-led-to-violence-and-could-again-1117676373.html

Echos of 1968: How Protest Suppression at the DNC Led to Violence and Could Again

Echos of 1968: How Protest Suppression at the DNC Led to Violence and Could Again

Sputnik International

Last week the city of Chicago denied protest permit requests during the Democratic National Convention, mirroring a strategy the city took in 1968 that led to violent riots and police beatings.

2024-04-01T05:18+0000

2024-04-01T05:18+0000

2024-04-01T05:18+0000

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gold coast

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Fifty-six years ago, Lyndon B Johnson announced that he would not seek reelection as the President of the United States. With an approval rating in the basement and presiding over an even more unpopular war, Johnson knew his nomination would not aid his party and stepped aside.Anti-war activists were already planning a protest at the Democratic National Convention in August, but Johnsons announcement put more focus on the event because a new nominee was all but assured, and some in the field, including Robert F Kennedy (before his assassination), George McGovern, and Eugene McCarthy were against the war.The protest, organized chiefly by the Youth International Party (Yippies), Students for a Democratic Society, and the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (MOBE) was billed as a Festival of Life.However, the city of Chicago denied the activist groups permits to protest. The establishment of the party coalesced behind Johnsons Vice President Hubert Humphry, who staunchly supported the war. And so when the Democratic National Convention kicked off, riots exploded on the streets of Chicago. National Guard troops and city police violently attacked not only hippie protesters, but also clergy members, ordinary citizens of Chicago, and the press. Even Hugh Hefner, the founder and owner of Playboy, was said to have been smacked on the head by a police baton while standing blocks from his Gold Coast mansion.New York Times journalist Tom Buckley, writing weeks after the convention, made clear that he did not side with the protesters who he called young men who were playing a game primarily to get their pictures in the papers. He nevertheless described the police response as unjustifiable.The police used so many canisters of tear gas, that the chemical reportedly seeped into the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, where the press, delegates, and even some candidates were staying.The world is watching was a common chant during the protests, the police beat them anyway.After the nomination of Humphry, Richard Nixon won the presidency, who went on to illegally and secretly expand the war to Laos and Cambodia, where the effects can still be felt today.More than five and a half decades later, the Democrats are again holding their national convention in Chicago. There is again an unpopular Democrat in the White House who is presiding over not one but two unpopular wars, albeit without open US troop deployments. While US President Joe Biden has resisted the increasingly loud calls for him to step aside, he, like LBJ, is also beset with protests from anti-war activists and young people inside his party. Genocide Joe has got to go is the 2024 version of Hey Hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?To top it off, anti-war groups, including Students for a Democratic Society, one of the main drivers of the 1968 protest, have filed for permits to protest the war in Gaza, described by multiple human rights organizations as a genocide. As in 1968, the city of Chicago denied their permit request, arguing that the protest would substantially and unnecessarily interfere with traffic in the area and suggested a site more than four miles away from the convention.Again, just like in 1968, the activists are saying they will not be cowed into places where their protests will be more convenient for those they are protesting.The groups, just like they did in 1968, are appealing the decision. Every appeal in 1968 was blocked by the courts, but the protesters showed up anyway and riots ensued. Will history repeat itself again?In 1968, David Stahl, the deputy mayor to Richard J Daley, was put in charge of negotiations with the Yippies and other organizers. In 1988, he spoke about the meetings in a retrospective article about the riots, saying that it was a mistake to deny their permits.Unlike in 1968, the protesters today are not asking for permission to sleep in the parks throughout the convention. Rather, they are asking to be seen and heard by the subjects of their protest and still, the city is denying their permits.We saw, more than half a century ago, in this same city, with this same political party, during the same event, in extremely similar circumstances, what happens when authorities abuse permits to prevent speech. Yet Democrats are seemingly hellbent on repeating those mistakes.After the 1968 riots came the infamous Chicago 8 trial (later changed to Chicago 7, after black activist Bobby Seal was given a separate trial) Jerry Rubin, one of the Yippie leaders, offered to give the judge Julius Hoffman (no relation to Abbie) a copy of his book just before being sentenced, saying that it included an inscription he added. Julius, You radicalized more young people than we ever could. Youre the countrys top Yippie.Weve won the battle of Chicago, Hoffman said weeks after the event.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/cia-veteran-bidens-proxy-war-in-ukraine-evokes-strong-memories-of-vietnam-disaster-1115725605.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240301/biden-aides-trying-to-shield-us-president-from-protesters-at-campaign-events--reports-1117080270.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/germany-unprepared-to-counter-cyber-security-threats---official-1117677216.html

Germany Unprepared to Counter Cyber Security Threats - Official

Germany Unprepared to Counter Cyber Security Threats - Official

Sputnik International

Germany is not ready to counter cyber security threats at the moment, the chief of the country's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), Claudia Plattner, said on Sunday.

2024-04-01T04:54+0000

2024-04-01T04:54+0000

2024-04-01T04:54+0000

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To prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, the authorities need to "act from the first second" and have the bigger picture of the situation, Plattner said in an interview with German newspaper. Competent officials should not be forced to call each other many times to find out what has happened and in which federal state, she specified. On March 1, Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Sputnik's parent media group Rossiya Segodnya, published the readout of a conversation among four German military officers discussing a potential attack on Russia's Crimean Bridge with long-range Taurus missiles. The talk, which took place on February 19, involved Inspector of the German air force Ingo Gerhartz, Brig. Gen. Frank Graefe, head of the operations and exercises department at the air force command in Berlin, and two employees of the air operations center of the Bundeswehr Space Command. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised a thorough and prompt investigation into the leaked conversation.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240305/scott-ritter-leaked-crimea-attack-plans-begs-the-question-whos-in-charge-in-germany-1117141206.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/irgc-commander-killed-by-israeli-strike-near-iranian-embassy-in-damascus-1117686084.html

IRGC Commander Killed By Israeli Strike Near Iranian Embassy in Damascus

IRGC Commander Killed By Israeli Strike Near Iranian Embassy in Damascus

Sputnik International

The strike killed Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who was the head of the Quds force in Lebanon and Syria, according to preliminary reports. 01.04.2024, Sputnik International

2024-04-01T15:51+0000

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Earlier in the day, media reported that an Israeli airstrike hit a building that belongs to the Iranian consulate general in Damascus and serves as the residence of the ambassador. Later, a Syrian security source told Sputnik that at least two people were killed as the result of an Israeli airstrike.According to the Iranian ambassador, the building was attacked by F-35 fighters and 6 missiles. He noted that at least five military advisors from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed.The Quds Force is a part of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) specializing in unconventional warfare and military intelligence operations. The force distinguished itself in the fight against terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/new-palestinian-cabinet-sworn-in-by-president-abbas-in-ramallah---state-media-1117675891.html

New Palestinian Cabinet Sworn In by President Abbas in Ramallah - State Media

New Palestinian Cabinet Sworn In by President Abbas in Ramallah - State Media

Sputnik International

Members of the new Palestinian cabinet were sworn in on Sunday by President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority-run WAFA news agency reported.

2024-04-01T00:53+0000

2024-04-01T00:53+0000

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On Thursday, newly-appointed Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa presented the new cabinet and its work program to Abbas, who then signed a decree on the approval of the new government. On Sunday evening, the new cabinet headed by Mustafa was sworn in at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, the report said. The new Palestinian prime minister will also take over the position of foreign minister from veteran diplomat Riyad al-Maliki, the news agency reported.After the ceremony, the president said that the new cabinet's mandate would apply to the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Among the new cabinet's tasks, Abbas pointed out the preparation for presidential and parliamentary elections. In mid-March, Abbas appointed prominent economist and his former adviser Mohammad Mustafa as the new prime minister and instructed him to form a government. Prior to that, Mustafa was the chair and co-president of the Palestine Investment Fund. In late February, former Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh submitted a letter of resignation to Abbas following reports about negotiations between Palestinian political parties and movements on the formation of a new cabinet. Abbas instructed Shtayyeh to remain in office until a new cabinet is formed.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231013/abbas-rejects-attempts-to-relocate-population-of-gaza-strip-at-talks-with-blinken---reports-1114168199.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240331/second-humanitarian-mission-leaves-cyprus-for-gaza-strip---cypriot-foreign-ministry-1117666178.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/see-how-russian-servicemen-examine-german-made-marder-ifv-1117680585.html

See How Russian Servicemen Examine German-made Marder IFV

See How Russian Servicemen Examine German-made Marder IFV

Sputnik International

Last week, the Russian armed forces captured first-ever German-made Marder IFV as trophy near Avdeyevka. Ukrainian troops panicked during unsuccessful counter-attack and retreated, abandoning the machine, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

2024-04-01T12:20+0000

2024-04-01T12:20+0000

2024-04-01T12:20+0000

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After the first captured German Marder infantry fighting vehicle was evacuated from the contact line in the Avdeyevka region, Russian engineers began to study it and identify its vulnerabilities. The Infantry Fighting Vehicle has been captured and is ready for action. It has been restored by the Tsentr Group of the Russian Armed Forces engineers.Last summer, the Russian Defense Ministry displayed Western weapons captured during the special military operation. Visitors to Army-2023 had a chance to see that this "top-notch" equipment is no match for the Russian Armed Forces.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/turkish-saudi-foreign-ministers-discuss-possible-steps-of-gaza-contact-group---source-1117676057.html

Turkish, Saudi Foreign Ministers Discuss Possible Steps of Gaza Contact Group - Source

Turkish, Saudi Foreign Ministers Discuss Possible Steps of Gaza Contact Group - Source

Sputnik International

Turkish FM Fidan held a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Farhan Al Saud, during which the parties discussed possible new steps of the contact group on the settlement of the Gaza conflict.

2024-04-01T03:23+0000

2024-04-01T03:23+0000

2024-04-01T03:23+0000

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"During the talks, the ministers discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the actions that the contact group can take in this regard in the coming period," the source said on Sunday. The ministers also touched upon bilateral relations and regional developments. The foreign ministers of Turkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia created a contact group on Gaza following the joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States in Riyadh on November 11.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/new-palestinian-cabinet-sworn-in-by-president-abbas-in-ramallah---state-media-1117675891.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/ukraine-loses-up-to-510-soldiers-in-donetsk-vicinity-in-past-day-1117683253.html

Ukraine Loses Up to 510 Soldiers in Donetsk Vicinity in Past Day

Ukraine Loses Up to 510 Soldiers in Donetsk Vicinity in Past Day

Sputnik International

The Ukrainian armed forces have lost up to 510 soldiers in the Donetsk direction in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

2024-04-01T12:35+0000

2024-04-01T12:35+0000

2024-04-01T12:35+0000

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"The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 510 servicepeople, three tanks, four armored combat vehicles, including a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, as well as twenty-seven vehicles," the ministry said. Russia repelled two Ukraine's counterattacks in the Avdeyevka outskirts, the ministry added. "The enemy lost up to 295 soldiers, a US-made Abrams tank, five armored combat vehicles and five cars," the ministry said. Ukraine lost over 120 soldiers in the South Donetsk vicinity in the past day, the ministry said. "The enemy's losses amounted to more than 120 soldiers, three tanks, two armored combat vehicles and two pickups," the ministry concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240330/ukraine-being-destroyed-from-within-by-zelensky-government-corruption--ex-diplomat-1117647839.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/ukraine-turned-into-afghan-drug-lords-paradise-under-western-watch-1117669727.html

Ukraine Turned Into Afghan Drug Lords Paradise Under Western Watch

Ukraine Turned Into Afghan Drug Lords Paradise Under Western Watch

Sputnik International

Over the past decades Ukraine has played a role of a drug trafficking hub with illicit substances flowing from many regions including Afghanistan, where ISIS and Taliban still heavily rely on drug business as a source of income.

2024-04-01T06:00+0000

2024-04-01T06:00+0000

2024-04-05T08:25+0000

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Under the West's watch, Ukraine has morphed into a gangsters' paradise with all sorts of illicit drugs passing through its territory and the domestic production and consumption of synthetic narcotics booming.Back in June 2002, the US Justice Department emphasized Ukraine's growing importance as a transit point for heroin trafficking largely originating from Afghanistan which went through the Balkan and Northern routes. The US-backed 2014 coup in Ukraine exacerbated the problem and was followed by a spike in corruption, gang crime, and weapons smuggling. The role of Ukraine as a transit point for extremists and illicit drugs to Europe has also increased.ISIS* Hub and Afghan Drug RouteIn July 2015, Italian MEP Matteo Salvini drew attention to ISIS* sympathizers fighting on the side of the Kiev regime in Donbass in an official letter to the EU leadership.In 2019 and 2020, British, Polish and Ukrainian investigative journalists revealed that ISIS jihadists originating, in particular, from post-Soviet space used Ukraine as a transit point to and out of the Middle East in the course of the civil war in Syria which started in 2011. Having sustained defeat from the Russian Air Forces in Syria, ISIS started to use Ukraine as a safe haven.Ukraine's role as a hub for ISIS terrorists could be closely connected with drug trafficking. Establishing a foothold in Afghanistan in 2015, ISIS militants used the Afghan opiate trade as a source of income since at least 2014, according to the Russian Federal Service for Drug Control."In 2015, the Afghan branch of ISIS officially declared its establishment," Andrey Serenko, director of the Analytical Center of Afghanistan policy, told Sputnik. "[ISIS-Khorasan*] emerged from the ruins of some groups of dissatisfied Taliban** fighters whose leaders for some reason did not agree on interests with the Taliban leadership. From the first months of its existence, the Afghan branch of ISIS began to fight for jihad resources. The large Afghan 'jihad industry', then, and even now, relies heavily on the drug business. If in Syria and Iraq such sources of economic power of jihad were the illegal trade in petroleum products, then in Afghanistan it was drugs."US global policy think tank RAND pointed out in July 2017 that ISIS viewed conflict zones in Ukraine and Syria as an ample opportunity to connect to underground criminal networks to facilitate the drug trade. ISIS recruits traveled back and forth, relying on drug trafficking as a means of generating revenue.In 2021, the Russian Interior Ministry drew attention to the increasing use of Ukrainian ports for the transit of opiates from Afghanistan. The ministry's head, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, underscored the influence of "the Afghan factor" on drug crime in the Eastern European state alongside the heightened risks of terrorist and extremist activity.Market and Transit Point for Synthetic Drugs?Speaking at a ministerial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in August 2022, Kolokoltsev again emphasized the growing flow of drugs from Afghanistan.Ukraine has become a lucrative market for methamphetamine, a synthetic drug, which today is taking a leading position in the drug market not only in Afghanistan but in the entire world, according to Serenko. Citing Afghan experts specializing in drug trafficking issues, he noted that Ukrainians have become one of the main consumers of the psychotropic substance.Serenko continued that Afghan experts consider Ukraine as an emerging transit point for this type of drug on its route to Europe, where the demand for Afghan-produced methamphetamine is rising.Ukraine and West Turn Blind Eye to Drug ProblemIt appears, however, that neither Western nor Ukrainian authorities are interested in addressing the problem which continues to worsen, according to Alexander Mikhailov, a retired Russian lieutenant general of drug police.According to the retired lieutenant general, drugs are one of the elements of obtaining funds for the purchase of weapons, equipment, and the recruitment of mercenaries. He is not surprised by the Kiev regime's lax attitude to the matter.To add to the controversy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed into law a bill legalizing "the medical use" of cannabis in mid-February. However, Mikhailov believes that the use of the substance could go far beyond medical needs. Even prior to the legalization, Ukraine's cannabis market was extensive, with numerous marijuana plantations maintained across the country, according to the 2023 Global Organized Crime Index report. According to him, Ukraine continues to fall into the abyss of criminality.Is Ukraine Exporting 'Drug War' to Russia?Since 2014, Russia has seen an increased influx of drug dealers of all sorts from Ukraine. In 2016-2018, these criminal activities reached their peak. During this period, every second drug smuggler arrested by the Russian authorities and almost every clandestine drug laboratory liquidated in Russia involved Ukrainians. Most of these used forged Russian passports, as per retired Colonel of Justice Sergey Pelikh, former head of the 3rd Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the investigation of organized crime in the field of drug trafficking.According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies directly participated in the organization of covert drug labs on the territory of Russia and the recruitment of drug dealers that were tested on lie detectors before being sent on their "mission."Meanwhile, the domestic production of synthetic drugs in Ukraine skyrocketed by 2020. As per the UN Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), the number of dismantled amphetamine laboratories in Ukraine leaped from 17 in 2019 to 79 in 2020  the highest number of seized laboratories in the world at the time. The World Drug Report 2022 by the UNODC singled out Ukraine as both an independent producer of synthetic drugs and a routine transit hub for psychotropic substances.Why Drug Mafia is Centered in OdessaThe beginning of the special military operation in February 2022 shattered the drug criminal network, but it soon adapted to the changes.Ukrainian drug mafias had no scruples about instrumentalizing Russia's Black Sea Grain corridor for smuggling illicit substances through Odessa, as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh revealed in July 2023, citing intelligence sources familiar with the matter.Russia is continuing to raise global awareness about Ukraine's place in the international drug criminal network. Ukraine remains a crucial part of the Balkan route for the delivery of Afghan drugs to Europe, Minister of Internal Affairs Kolokoltsev likewise warned during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart in May 2023.The Crocus City Hall terror attack carried out by the hands of terrorists affiliated with the Afghan branch of ISIS and reportedly sponsored by Ukrainian nationalists has once again turned the spotlight on Ukraine's role as a terrorist safe haven and a hub for illicit drugs that inflict damage on both Europe and Russia.* A terrorist group, also known as ISIS or ISIL, outlawed in Russia and many other countries.**The Taliban is an organization under UN sanctions for terrorism

https://sputnikglobe.com/20200824/irans-drug-control-chief-us-aircraft-smuggling-narcotics-out-of-afghanistan-1080267970.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240330/ukraine-was-testing-ground-for-western-big-pharma---documents-1117653804.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240330/money-transfers-proof-that-crocus-terrorists-for-hire-followed-orders-from-ukraine-1117652604.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/big-pharma-docs-western-elite-used-ukraine-as-guinea-pig-for-human-testing-after-2014-coup-1116770610.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/us-covering-those-responsible-for-crocus-terrorist-attack---russian-intel-1117683634.html

US Covering Those Responsible for Crocus Terrorist Attack - Russian Intel

US Covering Those Responsible for Crocus Terrorist Attack - Russian Intel

Sputnik International

The United States is covering those responsible for the Crocus concert venue terrorist attack, and the office of US President Joe Biden is intensifying work to create a distorted picture of what happened, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Monday.

2024-04-01T12:48+0000

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"The US is covering those responsible for the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service reports that the Joe Biden's administration is stepping up work to form a distorted picture of the large-scale terrorist attack that took place in Russia on March 22," the statement said. The US special services have been tasked with lifting the suspicions of the world community from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's involvement in the Crocus attack, the statement read. The opposition forces, living aboard, that operate outside the official political establishment have been instructed abroad to popularize the "unreasonableness of attempts by the Russian authorities to use the terrorist attack to justify their actions in Ukraine," the SVR added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240330/nine-days-after-terrorist-attack-at-crocus-city-hall-1117658403.html

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Fujitsu announced that on March 29, 2024 it concluded a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) to deliver nature-positive outcomes through the conservation of natural capital and biodiversity. Based on the MoU, Fujitsu will leverage its AI, blockchain, and other technologies and its expertise in DX together with MUFGs global network, knowledge in financing, and new business creation to work on solutions to achieve nature-positive outcomes. By collaborating with various customers to promote nature-positive activities, Fujitsu will further create business opportunities that lead to the conservation of natural capital and biodiversity for its customers and strengthen its management foundation.Through these activities, Fujitsu will continue to work toward the creation of a future where both people and nature can thrive.

Background

Fujitsu has outlined the solution of global environmental issues, including living in harmony with nature (protection and restoration of biodiversity) as one of its essential contributions within its vision for materiality-based contributions under its corporate social responsibility policy. Based on these goals, Fujitsu is collaborating with customers and partners to contribute to the solution of societal issues and achieve sustainable growth.As part of its commitment to delivering nature-positive outcomes, Fujitsu started collaboration with MUFG to work toward the conservation of natural capital and biodiversity.

Overview of the MoU

Based on the MoU, Fujitsu and MUFG will focus on the following:

 Workshops on nature positive actions (identification of issues, vision design, development of action plan, etc.)

 Planning and developing of digital, finance solutions that contribute to the solution of environmental challenges towards nature positive outcomes

 Trials utilizing newly developed solutions with customers (including solutions in the planning stage)

 Sharing information about activities, and consideration of the establishment of a consortium
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:

Jennifer Lopez and Rebecca Ruiz speak to a group of participants during a workshop relating to a University of South Florida-led study around the availability of resources for cybersecurity and cybercrime reporting for limited-English proficiency populations. Credit: University of South Florida

The idea for Fawn Ngo's latest research came from a television interview. Ngo, a University of South Florida criminologist, had spoken with a Vietnamese language network in California about her interest in better understanding how people become victims of cybercrime. Afterward, she began receiving phone calls from viewers recounting their own experiences of victimization.

"Some of the stories were unfortunate and heartbreaking," said Ngo, an associate professor in the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. "They made me wonder about the availability and accessibility of cybersecurity information and resources for non-English speakers. Upon investigating further, I discovered that such information and resources were either limited or nonexistent."

The result is what's believed to be the first study to explore the links among demographic characteristics, cyber hygiene practices and cyber victimization using a sample of limited English proficiency internet users.

Ngo is the lead author of an article titled "Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Victimization Among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet Users: A Mixed-Method Study," published in the journal Victims & Offenders. The article's co-authors are Katherine Holman, a USF graduate student and former Georgia state prosecutor, and Anurag Agarwal, professor of information systems, analytics and supply chain at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Their research, which focused on Spanish and Vietnamese speakers, led to two closely connected main takeaways:

LEP Internet users share the same concern about cyber threats and the same desire for online safety as any other individual. However, they are constrained by a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, which also hampers accurate collection of cyber victimization data among vulnerable populations.

Online guidance that provides the most effective educational tools and reporting forms is only available in English. The most notable example is the website for the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which serves as the FBI's primary apparatus for combating cybercrime.

University of South Florida criminologist and study lead author Fawn Ngo speaks to participants during a workshop for her research into the availability of resources relating to cybersecurity and cybercrime reporting for limited-English proficiency populations. Credit: University of South Florida

As a result, the study showed that many well-intentioned LEP users still engage in risky online behaviors like using unsecured networks and sharing passwords. For example, only 29% of the study's focus group participants avoided using public Wi-Fi over the previous 12 months, and only 17% said they had antivirus software installed on their digital devices.

Previous research cited in Ngo's paper has shown that underserved populations exhibit poorer cybersecurity knowledge and outcomes, most commonly in the form of computer viruses and hacked accounts, including social media accounts. Often, it's because they lack awareness and understanding and isn't a result of disinterest, Ngo said.

"According to cybersecurity experts, humans are the weakest link in the chain of cybersecurity," Ngo said. "If we want to secure our digital borders, we must ensure that every member in society, regardless of their language skills, is well-informed about the risks inherent in the cyber world."

The study's findings point to a need for providing cyber hygiene information and resources in multiple formats, including visual aids and audio guides, to accommodate diverse literacy levels within LEP communities, Ngo said. She added that further research is needed to address the current security gap and ensure equitable access to cybersecurity resources for all Internet users.

In the meantime, Ngo is preparing to launch a website with cybersecurity information and resources in different languages and a link to report victimization.

"It's my hope that cybersecurity information and resources will become as readily accessible in other languages as other vital information, such as information related to health and safety," Ngo said. "I also want LEP victims to be included in national data and statistics on cybercrime and their experiences accurately represented and addressed in cybersecurity initiatives."

More information: Fawn T. Ngo et al, Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Victimization Among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet Users: A Mixed-Method Study, Victims & Offenders (2024). DOI: 10.1080/15564886.2024.2329765
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: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Volt Typhoon is a Chinese state-sponsored hacker group. The United States government and its primary global intelligence partners, known as the Five Eyes, issued a warning on March 19, 2024, about the group's activity targeting critical infrastructure.

The warning echoes analyses by the cybersecurity community about Chinese state-sponsored hacking in recent years. As with many cyberattacks and attackers, Volt Typhoon has many aliases and also is known as Vanguard Panda, Bronze Silhouette, Dev-0391, UNC3236, Voltzite and Insidious Taurus. Following these latest warnings, China again denied that it engages in offensive cyberespionage.

Volt Typhoon has compromised thousands of devices around the world since it was publicly identified by security analysts at Microsoft in May 2023. However, some analysts in both the government and cybersecurity community believe the group has been targeting infrastructure since mid-2021, and possibly much longer.

Volt Typhoon uses malicious software that penetrates internet-connected systems by exploiting vulnerabilities such as weak administrator passwords, factory default logins and devices that haven't been updated regularly. The hackers have targeted communications, energy, transportation, water and wastewater systems in the U.S. and its territories, such as Guam.

In many ways, Volt Typhoon functions similarly to traditional botnet operators that have plagued the internet for decades. It takes control of vulnerable internet devices such as routers and security cameras to hide and establish a beachhead in advance of using that system to launch future attacks.

Operating this way makes it difficult for cybersecurity defenders to accurately identify the source of an attack. Worse, defenders could accidentally retaliate against a third party who is unaware that they are caught up in Volt Typhoon's botnet.

Why Volt Typhoon matters

Disrupting critical infrastructure has the potential to cause economic harm around the world. Volt Typhoon's operation also poses a threat to the U.S. military by potentially disrupting power and water to military facilities and critical supply chains.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testified at a congressional hearing on Jan. 31, 2024, about Chinese hackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.

Microsoft's 2023 report noted that Volt Typhoon could "disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the United States and Asia region during future crises." The March 2024 report, published in the U.S. by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, likewise warned that the botnet could lead to "disruption or destruction of critical services in the event of increased geopolitical tensions and/or military conflict with the United States and its allies."

Volt Typhoon's existence and the escalating tensions between China and the U.S., particularly over Taiwan, underscore the latest connection between global events and cybersecurity.

Defending against Volt Typhoon

The FBI reported on Jan. 31, 2024, that it had disrupted Volt Typhoon's operations by removing the group's malware from hundreds of small office/home office routers. However, the U.S. is still determining the extent of the group's infiltration of America's critical infrastructure.

On March 25, 2024, the U.S. and U.K. announced that they had imposed sanctions on Chinese hackers involved in compromising their infrastructures. And other countries, including New Zealand, have revealed cyberattacks traced back to China in recent years.

All organizations, especially infrastructure providers, must practice time-tested safe computing centered on preparation, detection and response. They must ensure that their information systems and smart devices are properly configured and patched, and that they can log activity. And they should identify and replace any devices at the edges of their networks, such as routers and firewalls, that no longer are supported by their vendor.

Organizations can also implement strong user-authentication measures such as multifactor authentication to make it more difficult for attackers like Volt Typhoon to compromise systems and devices. More broadly, the comprehensive NIST Cybersecurity Framework can help these organizations develop stronger cybersecurity postures to defend against Volt Typhoon and other attackers.

Individuals, too, can take steps to protect themselves and their employers by ensuring their devices are properly updated, enabling multifactor authentication, never reusing passwords, and otherwise remaining vigilant to suspicious activity on their accounts, devices and networks.

For cybersecurity practitioners and society generally, attacks like Volt Typhoon can represent an enormous geopolitical cybersecurity threat. They are a reminder for everyone to monitor what's going on in the world and consider how current events can affect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all things digital.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
China's manufacturing activity recovers in March

Xinhua) 08:29, April 01, 2024

BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- China's factory activity expanded in March after five consecutive months of contraction as enterprises reported recovery in production and demand and showed optimism in business outlook.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector was 50.8 in March, bouncing back to the expansion zone from 49.1 in February, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Sunday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

Zhang Liqun, a special analyst with the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, said the significant rebound in March PMI reflected both the impact of seasonal factors and the recovery momentum of the overall macroeconomy. He also highlighted that multiple policies aimed at stabilizing growth and boosting market confidence this year are gradually taking effect.

Among the 21 surveyed sectors, 15 were in the expansion zone in March, up by 10 from the previous month, as enterprises accelerated production after the Spring Festival holiday.

The sub-index for production in the manufacturing sector rose from 49.8 to 52.2 in March, while the sub-index measuring the number of new orders increased from 49 to 53, indicating a robust recovery in both production and demand.

The increase in exports and imports was another bright spot for the manufacturing sector. Companies in sectors including chemical fiber, automobile, and communication devices reported improving foreign trade businesses compared with a month earlier.

Companies of varying sizes all saw improvements in production and operation this month. Small-size enterprises saw their PMI return above the boom-and-bust line for the first time in 12 months, while the PMI for large enterprises rose to 51.1 from 50.4.

The business outlook continued to improve, with companies in sectors such as food and beverage, and electrical machinery, upbeat about recent developments.

Sunday's data also revealed that non-manufacturing activity, specifically in services and the construction sector, continued its growth momentum in previous months, with its PMI coming in at 53 in March, up from 51.4 in February.

Experts said that the recovery of PMI, along with the improvements in other crucial economic indicators, reflected that the Chinese economy continued to recover steadily, with market expectations improving and growth impetus strengthening.

However, they also cautioned against some pressing challenges facing enterprise production and operation, such as increasingly fierce market competition and a lack of demand.

NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe called for promoting the implementation of policies such as large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-ins of consumer goods to provide solid support for the growth of China's manufacturing sector.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The Indian government said it has rescued and repatriated about 250 citizens in Cambodia who were held captive and coerced into running cyber scams.

The Indian nationals "were lured with employment opportunities to that country but were forced to undertake illegal cyber work," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement, adding it had rescued 75 people in the past three months.

It also said it's working with "with Cambodian authorities and with agencies in India to crack down on those responsible for these fraudulent schemes."

The development comes in the wake of a report from the Indian Express that said more than 5,000 Indians stuck in Cambodia were forced into "cyber slavery" by organized crime rackets to scam people in India and extort money by masquerading as law enforcement authorities in some cases.

The report also tracks with an earlier disclosure from INTERPOL, which characterized the situation as human trafficking-fuelled fraud on an industrial scale.

This included an accountant from the state of Telangana, who was "lured to Southeast Asia where he was forced to participate in online fraud schemes in inhuman conditions." He was subsequently let go after paying a ransom.

In another instance highlighted by the Indian Express, one of the rescued men was recruited by an agent from the south Indian city of Mangaluru for a data entry job, only to be asked to create fake social media accounts with photographs of women and use them to contact people.

"We had targets and if we didn't meet those, they would not give us food or allow us into our rooms," the individual, identified only as Stephen, was quoted as saying.

China and the Philippines have undertaken similar efforts to free hundreds of Filipinos, Chinese, and other foreign nationals who were entrapped and forced into criminal activity, running what's called pig butchering scams.

These schemes typically start with the scammer adopting a bogus identity to lure prospective victims into investing in non-existing crypto businesses that are designed to steal their funds. The fraudsters are known to gain their target's trust under the illusion of a romantic relationship.

In a report published in February 2024, Chainalysis said the cryptocurrency wallets associated with one of the pig butchering gangs operating out of Myanmar has recorded close to $100 million in crypto inflows, some of which is also estimated to include the ransom payments made by the families of trafficked workers.

"The brutal conditions trafficking victims face on the compounds also lend additional urgency to solving the problem of romance scamming  not only are consumers being bilked out of hundreds of millions of dollars each year, but the gangs behind those scams are also perpetuating a humanitarian crisis," the blockchain analytics firm said.

According to the United Nations, more than 200,000 people from around the world have been trafficked to countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Thailand to execute lucrative online scams, ranging from illegal gambling to crypto fraud.

The U.S. Department of State, in its annual Trafficking in Persons report published last June, called out China-based organized crime syndicates for posing as labor brokers to recruit people with English proficiency from Africa and Asia via social media with the promise of offering them lucrative jobs in Southeast Asia.

"Upon arrival, victims are transported to large compounds, known as 'scam factories,' located in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where their passports are confiscated and they experience physical and sexual violence," the report said. "Traffickers force victims to defraud strangers in online cryptocurrency and romance scams and illegal gambling operations."

News of the rescue efforts also follow research from Check Point that threat actors are exploiting a function in Ethereum called CREATE2 to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to funds. Details of the scam were previously disclosed by Scam Sniffer in November 2023.

The crux of the technique is the use of CREATE2 to generate a new "temporary" wallet address that has no history of being reported for criminal activity, thus allowing threat actors to make the illicit transactions to the address once the victim approves the contract and circumvent protections that flag such addresses.

"The attack method involves tricking users into approving transactions for smart contracts that haven't been deployed yet, allowing cyber criminals to later deploy malicious contracts and steal cryptocurrencies," the Israeli company said.
Indonesia seeks measures to reduce domestic EV prices

By Vietnam News Agency Mon, April 1, 2024 | 10:22 pm GMT+7

Indonesia will be able to cut domestic prices of electric vehicles by up to 30% by manufacturing its own EV batteries, said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.

In his recent remarks in Jakarta quoted by national news agency Antara, the minister said he believes the prices will drop by 20-30%.

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in Jakarta on March 28, 2024. Photo courtesy of ANTARA/Muzdaffar Fauzan.

He noted that EV batteries had been quite costly, with their prices equivalent to 40-50% of the vehicle cost.

According to the minister, in addition to decreasing the prices of EVs, domestically manufactured EV batteries would lead to an increase in the value of the domestic component level of such vehicles.

He expressed optimism that they would also attract more businesses to invest in the country.

Earlier, Kartasasmita revealed that French and Vietnamese automotive companies, Renault and VinFast, have voiced their readiness to pour capital into Indonesia. He said that the ministry has been in close coordination with them and that their investments are expected to support the development of an EV ecosystem in the nation
Mitsubishi restructures real estate investments in Vietnam

By Tri Duc Mon, April 1, 2024 | 3:34 pm GMT+7

Mitsubishi Corporation, the trading arm of Japanese keiretsu Mitsubishi, has restructured its real estate investment portfolio in Vietnam.

In a filing with the Tokyo Stock Exchange last week, Mitsubishi Corporation said it sold more than 21.28 billion shares of Diamond Realty Investment Ocean Park Co., Ltd., equivalent to 99.9% of voting rights, for JPY28,400 million ($187.6 million).

After the transaction, Mitsubishi retained a mere 0.1% of voting rights in Diamond Realty that is a special purpose company for investment in real estate investment in Vietnam.

Mitsubishi Corporation logo. Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Corporation.

The new stakeholders are Taisei Corporation (33.4%); Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. (33.4%); and Tokyu Land Asia Pte. Ltd. (33.1%).

Incorporated in 1917, Tokyo-based Taisei Corporation has a charted capital of JPY122,742 million ($810.9 million) and operates in construction, civil engineering and real estate development.

Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., established in 1947, has a charted capital of JPY12,426 million ($82.1 million). It leases offices and commercial facilities and works in other realty areas including real estate funds and property sales.

Singapore-based Tokyu Land Asia Pte. Ltd, established in 2018, is an investor in condominiums, hotel complexes, and office development. It has a charted capital of $82 million.

As of end March 2023, Mitsubishi Corporation recorded investments of JPY148 billion ($977.8 million) and guarantees of JPY30 billion for activities in Vietnam, equivalent to risk money (investments, loans, and guarantees) of JPY178 billion.

On March 26, Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, among the biggest private firms in Vietnam, and Mitsubishi Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation in various sectors including urban development and infrastructure.

The two parties will continue working together to create green, smart and integrated urban areas. Mitsubishi Corporation had previously signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Vinhomes, a subsidiary of Vingroup, to develop high-standard urban projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, setting what they called "a new benchmark for the real estate market in Vietnam."
Singapore launches digital platform to fight financial crime

By Vietnam News Agency Mon, April 1, 2024 | 10:26 pm GMT+7

Singapore has launched a centralised digital platform that enables banks to voluntarily share information with one another about suspicious customers.

Illustrative image. Photo courtesy of fintechnews.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in a press release on April 1 that the intent of Cosmic, which stands for Collaborative Sharing of Money Laundering/Terrorism Financing Information and Cases, is to aid the global fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing, which includes the financing of weapons of mass destruction.

Announced in 2021, Cosmic was co-developed by MAS and six banks, namely DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, UOB, Citibank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank.

MAS added that customers are encouraged to provide timely responses if requested by the banks to clarify their risk profiles or transactions, so that the banks can make informed risk assessments.
Thailand pins hope on higher rice exports to Italy

By Vietnam News Agency Mon, April 1, 2024 | 10:18 pm GMT+7

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai has believed that the country can export more jasmine rice to Italy, as India has restricted its exports and two other exporters have been deprived of their tax privileges by the EU.

Figures from the Global Trade Atlas showed that with a 16.01% annual rise in rice exports to Italy last year, Thailand became the countrys third highest rice exporter after Pakistan and India. Photo courtesy of The Nation.

The official said on Monday that he has instructed trade representatives at Thai embassies to look for export opportunities. The envoy in Rome responded by saying that Italy needs more rice due to drought, The Nation reported.

He said that the EU has lifted tax privileges for Vietnam and Myanmar this year. However, Thailand can only make the most of this opportunity this year, as the EU is expected to renew the privileges for the two nations next year, he noted.

Figures from the Global Trade Atlas showed that with a 16.01% annual rise in rice exports to Italy last year, Thailand became the countrys third highest rice exporter after Pakistan and India.
Very few Vietnamese coffee brands enjoy global exposure: exec

By Lan Do Mon, April 1, 2024 | 10:15 pm GMT+7

Although there are thousands of coffee firms in Vietnam, only a select few are able to expand the Vietnamese coffee brand globally, said Nguyen Duc Hung, director of Napoli Import-Export Production and Trading JSC.

Hung was speaking at the 2nd "Honoring Vietnamese Coffee  Tea 2024" festival organized by the Lao Dong (Labor) newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City last weekend.

Nguyen Duc Hung, director of Napoli Import-Export Production and Trading JSC, is speaking at the 2nd "Honoring Vietnamese Coffee  Tea 2024" festival organized by the Nguoi lao dong (Laborer) newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City from March 30-31. Photo courtesy of Laborer newspaper.

Major exporter, unknown brand

Hung said that there were more than 100 coffee businesses in every province in the country, with HCMC boasting more than 2,000. And although there are many coffee exporters, there hasn't been much visible growth for Vietnamese companies on the international scene.

"I have travelled to more than 100 countries and have encountered very few Vietnamese coffee names. In some countries, I noticed Vietnamese brand Trung Nguyen on store shelves. The market and coverage of Vietnamese coffee brands are meagre compared to Thailand and Malaysia," he said.

Nguyen Nam Hai, chairman of the Vietnam Coffee Cocoa Association (VICOFA), noted that raw coffee accounts for approximately 91% of the nations total coffee export revenue, with the remainder undergoing extensive processing.

Even though the export of processed goods and instant coffee has increased recently, this is mostly concentrated in foreign-invested firms.

"Of the top 10 exporters of roasted and ground instant coffee in Vietnam, only Trung Nguyen is a Vietnamese enterprise, the rest are FDI enterprises," Hai said.

He cited the cost of investing in a deep processing factory system as the reason Vietnamese businesses were still exporting instant coffee and other processed goods at a low rate.

Only major businesses like Intimex, Timex Corp., Vinh Hiep, and Phuc Sinh can afford a spray drying plant with an annual capacity of about 3,000 tons. Additionally, companies must advertise and market their products for a very long time. For instance, the Trung Nguyen brand has taken 25 years to develop, he noted.

Building Vietnamese brand recognition

Gruber Alexander Lukas, director of Saigon Professional Roasting Services JSC, who represents the Alambe - Finest Vietnamese Coffee brand, said Vietnam was well known for abundant supply of inexpensive coffee.

Therefore, it was essential that due investments are made in brand and quality, dividing coffee into good grades, premium grades and so on, he said.

Nguyen Quang Binh, a coffee specialist, suggested that state management agencies should create funds to support businesses and support development of the coffee industry.

Binh said expanding the production and processing of specialty coffee was another important strategy, because these can cost $6,000-8,000 per ton, against $4,000 per ton for regular coffee.
(TBTCO) - Theo cac chuyen gia, e co the at uoc muc tieu tang truong at ra tu au nam, oi hoi can cung co, phat huy toi a cac ong luc tang truong e mo rong khong gian phat trien cho nen kinh te khong chi rieng cua TP. Ho Chi Minh, ma con cua kinh te ca nuoc. Phong vien TBTCVN a co cuoc trao oi voi PGS.TS Tran Hoang Ngan - ai bieu Quoc hoi khoa XV, ve noi dung nay.
According to spokesmen for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), people need not worry about being kidnapped for ransom. Even if that is true, citizens certainly should be worried that the police are taking such a casual view of this crime.

Two kidnap victims have been murdered in the past two months. On September 25, used car dealer Sachel Kungebeharry, 32, was abducted by persons in a marked police vehicle along Jerningham Railway Road in Endeavour, Chaguanas. His relatives paid a $500,000 ransom but, on October 4, Kungebeharrys body was found in a shallow grave in Longdenville. He had been chopped to death.
When it comes to Sweet Tomatoes, people do not mess around.

Just a few years ago, Tucson had two locations where customers could grab lunch at their buffet, piling lettuce, croutons and dressing on their plates to make the salads of their dreams.

Then in 2020, the Sweet Tomatoes chain announced that all of their restaurants would be closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All around the United States, peoples hearts broke into a million pieces.

Unlike other chain restaurants that have closed in the past, people did not want to give up on their beloved salad buffet. With a simple search, you can find several TikToks of people mourning the closure, reflecting on all the good times and yummy meals.

There's even a Facebook group called Sweet Tomatoes Fan Page with over 1,000 members. Scrolling through the page, you can find posts from fans asking about peoples favorite soup and reminiscing about the blueberry muffins.

What seemed like just a nostalgic memory changed for Tucsonans in 2023 when it was announced that the Sweet Tomatoes location on Broadway would be reopening  the only location in America to come back.

That announcement made people lose their minds.

We promise this isnt an April Fools' joke  today is the day Sweet Tomatoes finally reopens.

Starting Monday, April 1, Sweet Tomatoes, at 6202 E. Broadway, will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. This location is also cashless, which means they only accept credit, debit and contactless payments.

We are thrilled to announce that Sweet Tomatoes is making a comeback, the website says. Under new ownership, we are excited to bring back your favorite dishes and create new memories with our loyal guests.

You can see a sneak peek of their menu on sweettomatoes.com, which includes popular salads like their Caesar Asiago, Wonton Happiness and Joans Broccoli Madness. They also have chicken noodle soup, chili, clam chowder, mac and cheese, various focaccia, muffins, cornbread and chocolatey desserts.

Despite the reopening of the Broadway restaurant, the other Tucson location, on Wetmore Road and Stone Avenue, is owned by Tucson Mall. So far, no plans have been announced for that location.
PHOENIX  The next time Taylor Swift comes to Arizona you may actually have a chance of buying a ticket without going to a scalper.

Without debate the state Senate gave final approval Monday to legislation designed to make it illegal to use computer bots to scoop up tickets for concerts and sporting events and then resell them to Arizonans at sharply inflated prices.

The House already approved its own version. What remains is for the two proposals to be reconciled before being sent to Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Separately, the Senate also voted for a measure to create new laws enacting restrictions and prohibitions when someone wants to resell a ticket. It, too, needs final House approval.

Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, said the motivation for both measures is what he heard and saw happening last year when Swifts fans found out they couldnt buy tickets from the official website.

The tickets already had been scooped up by automated software designed to fool the sales site in a way to get around the limit on how much any one individual could buy. The programs did it so fast that Ticketmaster ended up shutting down sales  leaving fans with the only option of buying from secondary sellers who were setting their own prices.

The fans got fleeced for a lot of money, Cook said. The Legislature needs to stand up and protect Arizonans.

HB 2040 would prohibit anyone from creating or using a bot to purchase tickets in excess of the listed limit for an online sale. It also would preclude the use of multiple internet protocol addresses, purchaser accounts or email addresses in a way to get around the limits set on how many tickets any individual could buy.

The legislation would make it illegal to circumvent or disable any sort of electronic queue, waiting period, presale code or any other sales volume limitation.

It would allow the attorney general to investigate violations and go to court to seek penalties of up to $10,000. Each ticket sold in violation of the law would be a separate violation.

During hearings earlier this year, Randall Vogel, who said he specializes in performances and concerts, said these bots have a great impact on ticket prices, and not just for events like Swifts Eras Tour.

Thousands of tickets are purchased annually from medium or small venues across the state by bots, Vogel said. And they are then resold at exorbitant prices at the expense of true fans, limiting access to affordable admission to a performance.

Vogel said he has seen $50 tickets snapped up and then resold for $300.

Without legislation, this issue will only get worse, he said.

Howard Waltzman, who represents Live Nation and its Ticketmaster affiliate, told lawmakers there is a federal law that bans the use of bots. State attorneys general can enforce that law, he said.

Only thing is, Waltzman said, those lawsuits have to be filed in federal court, a process he said is much slower than what HB 2040 would allow through having the complaints handled in state court.

The legislation drew fire from Stubhub, which maintains a website where it offers tickets for resale.

During a hearing earlier this year, Sean Auyash, who represents the company, conceded that some of the tickets on Stubhub may have originated from people using bots.

But he said if there is a problem, that should be addressed by the primary sellers, meaning the venues and services that they use such as Ticketmaster. Auyash said they should be the ones responsible for setting up procedures and practices to keep individuals and computer programs from snatching up more than their fair share of tickets.

That drew a sharp reaction from Rep. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix, who said it appears Stubhub was simply trying to protect its profits.
Temple Houston's closing argument in a murder trial emptied the courtroom, caused a mistrial and gained his client a new trial  and freedom.

"My client was afraid of the man he killed," the attorney told a jury during an impassioned closing argument in a Woodward courtroom in the mid-1890s. "He did what any of you would have done in the same situation:

"This!"

He whipped his two revolvers from their holsters and the startled jurors fled, along with most of the spectators. The judge declared a mistrial. A new jury was empaneled, and the defendant was acquitted.

It was one of the cases that made Temple Houston the best-known lawyer in Oklahoma Territory and Texas in the late 19th century. According to his Aug. 20, 1905, obituary, he had defended more alleged criminals than anyone in the Territory.

Sometimes he preached to juries, as in the 1899 trial of Minnie Stacey on charges of prostitution and running a bawdy house.

He discussed the sordid life of a prostitute, blamed men for women living such lives and related the Old Testament account of the prodigal son and the New Testament stories involving Jesus and women accused of adultery. "Do as your master did twice under the very circumstances that surround you," he pleaded. "Tell her to go in peace."

The jurors did. She was acquitted in less than 10 minutes.

Sometimes he gave unusual advice, such as when he was appointed to represent a man charged with murder and the judge told Houston to take the defendant into another room and give him the best advice he could.

When Houston returned to court alone a few minutes later, the judge asked where the defendant was.

"You said to give him the best advice I could," Houston replied. "So, after listening to his story, I told him to crawl out the window. And he did."

That often-repeated early tale may be apocryphal, but there's no question about the authenticity of a barroom brawl that landed Houston in court on a murder charge.

Houston was accused of killing attorney Ed Jennings in 1899 in a fight that started with a courtroom argument about Houston's legal expertise. Jennings and his brother, John, were on the other side of the lawsuit.

The judge had ruled in Jennings' favor on a point of law, and Ed Jennings retorted, "Houston doesn't know anything about the law."

The Jennings brothers and Houston drew their pistols but didn't exchange gunfire as spectators expected. The dispute resumed later in the bar, turned into a gun battle and Ed Jennings was killed and his brother, Al, was wounded. Brothers John and Al swore they would kill Houston in retribution.

During his trial, Houston, an accomplished artist, did not testify but spent his time drawing pictures of Napoleon and of cowboys firing guns.

Houston died at home in Woodward in 1905, more than a year after a stroke left him partially paralyzed.

Before moving to Woodward, Temple had served in the Texas Senate for eight years and was considering a race for governor. He was wooed by both Democrat and Republican leaders and one assured him of an easy victory.

"Just stand on your father's name and you'll win," he was told.

It was the wrong thing to say to the son of Gen. Sam Houston, who had been president of the Republic of Texas, a congressman and governor of Texas. "I care not to shine in the light of reflected glory," Temple responded. "If my education and record isn't sufficient for Texas, I'll go somewhere else!"

He did just that and moved to Woodward, where the railroad, which he had represented for some time, had extended its tracks into the recently opened Cherokee Strip.

Photograph research by Rachele Vaughan.

Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced Monday the launch of Operation Clean Sweep II, aimed at holding accountable child predators throughout the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Kevin Lee Forney, 63, of Skiatook, is among the operations first 11 defendants. Forney is charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

Operation Clean Sweep II is partnered with the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force, created by Homeland Security Investigations. More than 40 federal, state and tribal law enforcement committed resources to help prevent, identify, investigate and prosecute child exploitation.

Statistics show that crimes against children are growing at a large rate across the country, Johnson said in a news release. The Northern District of Oklahoma will remain steadfast in our battle against child predators and those who exploit children.

Robert Melton, assistant special agent in charge of the HSI Dallas  Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle Division, added: Operations of this magnitude are necessary to identify and prosecute those who exploit children in our community. HSI is committed to working with federal, state and tribal partners to ensure those who victimize children are held accountable for their actions.
Vietnam ranked 35th in the worlds top 40 countries with the largest gross domestic product (GDP) last year, an encouraging achievement in the Southeast Asian nations economic recovery and development, but more should be done to foster stronger growth and higher competitiveness for the national economy, experts have said.

As recently reported by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the country gained a GDP value of about US$435 billion in 2023, placing 35th in the list of 40 countries with the highest GDP scales in the world.

The country has ranked among 20 leading countries in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and also in the top 20 nations with the highest import-export turnovers.

The ministry reported Vietnams GDP per capita at VND101.9 million, or about $4,284.5, in 2023.

Such good performance has made Vietnam a bright spot in economic recovery in the world and has been highly valued by the international community, Acting State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan said at a conference in south-central Binh Dinh Province last week.

With high economic openness, reaching nearly 200 percent of its GDP scale, Vietnam is a dynamic economy in ASEAN, Xuan stated.

The fact that Vietnam, from a less economically developed country, has achieved such a GDP size after 40 years of reformation is a really significant achievement, said Dr. Nguyen Quoc Viet, deputy director at the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research.

Such performance partly resulted from the very high openness of the Vietnamese economy combined with its total import-export turnover nearly double its GDP, Dr. Viet said.

The success in attracting FDI has greatly contributed to boosting the economys overall expansion and elevating peoples incomes.

Dr. Le Dang Doanh, former director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, also considered Vietnams 35th position in terms of GDP size an encouraging sign, adding that the countrys 2023 GDP scale would have been even larger if it had been calculated by the purchasing power parity (PPP) method.

But we should not be complacent since Vietnams GDP growth rate is currently lower than those of other countries and territories such as South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan, Dr. Doanh advised.

He also pointed out that both GDP per capita and labor productivity in Vietnam are still lower than those of some other countries in the region, not to mention other economies in the world.

However, he underscored that despite the country's strengths, there is room for improvement to attain even higher growth rates in the future.

Dr. Viet advised that while Vietnam benefits from a young workforce and a large market of 100 million people, the focus should be on enhancing human resource quality and productivity to improve competitiveness and efficiency.

This, he suggested, would facilitate deeper integration of businesses into global value chains.

The countrys GDP growth in the first quarter of this year has been estimated at 5.66 percent over the same period last year, thanks to the recovery in many sectors, including tourism, manufacturing, and processing, according to the data from the General Statistics Office.

The GDP growth target for 2024 has been set at 6-6.5 percent, as per a resolution passed by the National Assembly in early November last year.

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As suggested by representatives of Nordic countries, shifting the labor market toward high-tech industries and technologies, along with fostering a high-skilled workforce, is key to helping Vietnam achieve the goals of becoming a higher-income country and reaching the net-zero emissions target by 2050.

The embassies of Nordic countries collaborated with Fulbright University Vietnam to organize the Northern European Day 2024 last month, centered around enhancing Vietnam's labor market adaptability with Nordic experience and recommendations.

The 'Nordic model'

At the event held at Fulbright University Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, speakers emphasized that mobility requires a focus on innovation, digitization, vocational training, education, skill development, and investment in research and development.

"Employers, unions, and governments in the Nordic region collaborate closely, which has resulted in a well-developed social safety net for individuals," Ambassador of Sweden Ann Mawe stated.

"This model, known as 'the Nordic model,' has garnered international attention and is credited for the region's resilience during the recent economic crisis.

Free education and substantial investment in research contribute to a highly skilled population and a modern, high-tech society."

She also highlighted the importance of developing robust plans including social insurance systems to face challenges such as an aging population, which will eventually be a pressing reality for Vietnam.

According to Fulbright University Vietnam, the 'Nordic model' offers valuable lessons on how to improve and adapt the labor market to meet the demands of the global green economy.

Kjell Hakan Narfelt, chief strategy advisor at the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA), said that for an economy to drive innovation successfully, it requires a combination of talent, access to capital, knowledge institutions, and an established corporate fabric willing to engage in collaborative efforts within the ecosystem.

For example, in Vietnam, talent is key to this. It's individual and intellectual capital, which comes in with addressing and investing in human resources. You have to create role models that inspire others, Narfelt said.

Narfelt confirmed that this combination was instrumental in Sweden's success in the late 1800s and has continued to be a driving force in the country's prosperity throughout the 1990s and the past two decades.

How can it be applied to Vietnam?

Vietnam is a developing country, thus it is still lacking in many resources compared to developed Nordic countries.

Therefore, representatives from Vietnamese vocational schools raised the question of how to apply 'the Nordic model here.

Sanna Nummela, service director at EduCluster Finland, pointed out that all the education models need to be localized for their success.

Under the circumstances of limited resources, Nummela suggested that Vietnamese vocational schools start with their teachers.

Nummela suggested providing training in pedagogical skills, competencies, methods, and tools to educators, enabling them to understand the current and future demands for skills and competencies. This would empower them to proactively plan their teaching accordingly.

She also emphasized the importance of the collaboration between schools and businesses.

Therefore, the connection should not stop at just visiting companies or getting the signals, but it is about how to build the curriculum together in order to serve the labor markets better.

The main thing is that vocational schools are not there just for youngsters to study something," Nummela added.

"They are there for a working life, for getting people to work, and taking the right people to the right places.

Ingrid Christensen, country director of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Vietnam, said that even small companies can contribute to the task.

Christensen told Tuoi Tre News that alongside schools, there should be businesses, even small ones, involved in assisting and enhancing the skills and training of workers.

Its very important to involve the private sector," she said.

The leader of the ILO in Vietnam believed that training efforts should focus on employable skills, meaning that workers should know how to apply the skills they have learned to practical work.

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SEB, the largest Nordic bank headquartered in Sweden, chose Hanoi to host the annual conference for Nordic businesses leaders last month, once again reaffirming Vietnams potential in the eyes of the European investors, especially in the fields of renewable energy, green business, and manpower.

After the conference ended, Marcus Wallenberg, chairman of the SEB board of directors, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that all of the 90 CEOs and directors of corporate groups that were in attendance held positive outlooks toward business opportunities in Vietnam.

Vietnam as a changing nation

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, on behalf of the Vietnamese government, informed the Nordic businesses during the conference the areas in which Vietnam was prioritizing foreign investment as well as commitments that the country was willing to make to them.

Wallenberg remarked that Vietnam is resolutely committed to growth and is implementing essential reforms and adjustments to achieve that objective.

However, he also said that Vietnam needs to speed up the process of granting investment licenses and streamline a method to help foreign businesses learn about the investing process.

About 50 percent of the businesses attending this conference did not have existing operations in Vietnam.

When enquired about the reason behind their visit, the SEB executive stated that the delegation of Nordic businesses and their Vietnamese counterparts discussed a wide range of topics, such as business practices and what Vietnam's capabilities and challenges were.

The most popular subjects were the transition to a green economy, renewable energy, and human resources.

Vietnam needs to consider the issue of supplying renewable energy to businesses, according to the SEB chairman, because many Nordic businesses have insisted on using clean energy in production due to their commitments on reducing emissions.

Wallenberg also believed that companies in Northern Europe, with their expertise in clean energy supply chains, are well-positioned for future collaboration with Vietnam.

He was particularly impressed by Vietnam's diplomatic strategy, pointing out the country's ability to balance its relationships with major powers like the United States and China, which has made it an appealing destination for foreign investments.

More delegations from Northern Europe to come

Trade counselor Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, stationed at the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden (also covering Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Latvia), noted that despite being small in size, Nordic countries possess significant economic potential and advanced capabilities in industries that establish consumer trends.

Thus, the best course of action is to draw in big companies with the financial wherewithal to make investments in export-oriented industries and enterprises that already have extensive international distribution networks.

Suppose these corporations invest in production facilities in Vietnam, then export their products through their distribution networks, it will not only boost investment but also increase exports of raw materials on-site and overall export turnover, benefiting not just Northern Europe but also other countries," Thuy explained.

"After the Nordic CEO conference organized by the SEB, we would follow up with a series of seminars to introduce the investment and business environment in Vietnam.

In addition to natural assets, according to Thuy, Vietnam has three great advantages that can be and have been leveraged to attract Nordic investment.

Firstly, the country demonstrates a robust commitment and comprehensive plans for sustainable development aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

LEGO is often used as a demonstration for high-quality investment projects, Thuy said.

The investment of large, sustainable businesses like LEGO in Vietnam will have a spillover effect, helping to encourage other Nordic businesses to continue investing in Vietnam."

LEGO made an unprecedented US$1 billion investment in 2022 into Vietnam in the form of a factory in Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, which was anticipated to finish construction and begin operations in 2024.

Another big advantage comes from what is known as the China Plus One Strategy, which according to Source of Asia is a strategy designed to diversify businesses investment and lessen their dependence on China as a production destination.

This makes Vietnam appear more attractive as a potential production base due to its proximity to China and lower production costs, evidenced by Apple and Samsungs recent investments and interest in Vietnam.

Lastly, the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which has been in effect since August 2020, will benefit EU businesses overall, with Nordic companies in particular benefiting from rules of origin if they invest in Vietnam, produce goods, and then export them back to EU markets.

The forthcoming EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement is poised to bring significant benefits.

Vietnam has been diligently lobbying the remaining few countries in the EU to ratify the agreement, and it has received positive responses.

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Singapore's competition watchdog had looked into the likelihood of the now-collapsed talks between Grab Holdings and Delivery Hero raising worries about competition in the food delivery market, the regulator said on Monday.

Germany's Delivery Hero had been looking to divest its foodpanda business in some Southeast Asian markets and media reports from September had said Singapore-based Grab could be a potential buyer.

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) said it started an investigation into this potential tie-up in early January.

Cyclists drive past an advertisement promoting the grocery delivery company 'foodpanda', in Berlin, Germany, August 13, 2021. Photo: Reuters

Grab and foodpanda control about 91% of Singapore's $2.5 billion food delivery market, according to a report by research firm Momentum Works, with Grab alone having a 63% market share.

The CCCS, however, closed its investigation on Feb. 23, after Delivery Hero scrapped plans of a potential sale, and Grab said it was not pursuing any such deal.

The talks had collapsed in early February, media reports said.

Grab and Delivery Hero did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
As the hotter months draw near, the number of people in Ho Chi Minh City seeking rabies vaccination and worrying about unsafe dog ownership practices is at an all-time high.

Anxiety about a rabies epidemic has been on the rise since 2023, with the annual number of people getting vaccinated against rabies 45 percent higher than the year before, according to the Ministry of Health.

Approximately 143,000 people have got vaccinated since the beginning of January, similar to the same period in 2023.

The Vietnam Vaccine JSC reports that rabies vaccinations and cases of people contracting rabies typically peak during the hotter months of the year.

While there are numerous valid reasons for owning a pet, the manner in which one exercises their ownership and the choice of pet they acquire present distinct considerations.

In an urban environment ill-suited for their natural habitat, owners of dogs and cats must assume greater responsibilities, including effectively managing their behavior and ensuring they receive proper vaccination, for the benefit of both themselves and their fellow citizens.

New regulations for pet ownership in the offing

In a country like Vietnam, where the number of motorcycles is far higher than that of cars, an out-of-control dog running into traffic can be a hazard to more than just itself.

Yet, people transporting their pet dogs, oftentimes unmuzzled and unleashed, on their motorcycles without any type of proper carriers causes unnecessary anxiety for fellow traffic-goers and is dangerously commonplace in Ho Chi Minh City.

A few days ago, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee received a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the establishment of registration and chipping procedures for the city's dog and cat populations.

In particular, pet owners would be required to register their pets origin, breed, vaccination status, and more.

Such details would then be used by city authorities to solve long-standing pet-related issues such as noise, defecation, and others.

Public reception, especially from pet owners themselves, of these upcoming regulations seems to be mainly positive, according to feedback pooled by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Another issue that may hopefully be addressed through the implementation of appropriate registration processes is the unlicensed breeding and distribution of large and potentially dangerous foreign dog breeds by those seeking to profit quickly from pet ownership.

Dog catching teams should return

It is hard for pedestrians not to feel uneasy seeing a dog on the street with three nos: no muzzle, no leash, and possibly, no vaccination.

That is why residents of Ho Chi Minh City are urging local authorities to bring back professionally trained and equipped teams of dog catchers who would patrol different areas of the city in order to capture stray canines.

In November 2023, the deployment of dog-catching teams commenced as a response to the escalating incidents of dog attacks during that period.

Results were positive, and the idea quickly spread to other cities and towns, but the teams were not in operation for long.

When educational messages and simple warnings are not enough, citizens hope that the city will take stronger measures in the form of dog catching teams and strict regulations.

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A three-year-old from Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, whose life hung in the balance due to a severe liver disease, underwent a successful transplant with the generous gift of the organ from an Italian donor.

In a modest house tucked away in a narrow alley in Quang Ngai City of the namesake province, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang, a 41-year-old mother, observed her three-year-old son, Nguyen Anh Loc, playing in the courtyard with a mix of disbelief and gratitude for his very existence.

Amidst a pile of medical records inscribed in Vietnamese, English, and Italian, Hang adeptly discerned the contents based on the dates, despite not comprehending the latter two foreign languages.

Life hangs in limbo

Loc was born in September 2021, but soon after, abnormalities emerged.

The baby suffered from jaundice and incessant crying.

Seeking medical attention, Hang brought her child to Quang Ngai Hospital for Children and Women, where a diagnosis of congenital biliary atresia was confirmed by doctors.

After spending two months in the hospital enduring intermittent pain, which left Loc crying incessantly, he was transferred to Childrens Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City for his first surgery to remove his gallbladder at just three months old.

Despite being discharged after 45 days and appearing to recover, Loc soon developed a high fever upon returning home, prompting another visit to the hospital in the southern metropolis.

Test results revealed the heartbreaking diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, leaving Hang devastated and desperate for a solution.

The two doctors who performed Nguyen Anh Locs surgery pose for a photo with Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang and the three-year-old boy before their return to Vietnam. Photo: Supplied

Hangs hopes were shattered upon learning that the only chance to save her child was a liver transplant, a procedure she could not afford.

Despite enduring numerous hospital visits and financial struggles, Hang remained steadfast in her dedication to caring for her son, who spent more time in medical facilities than at home since birth.

Locs condition deteriorated further as his fever persisted, accompanied by swelling in his stomach and yellowing of his eyes and skin.

One night at 3:00 am, Loc coughed up a significant amount of blood, prompting an urgent emergency intervention, Hang recounted, expressing her anguish.

Doctors urged me to stay calm. How could I possibly remain calm?

As financial resources dwindled, Hang made the difficult decision to return with her child to their hometown, resigning herself to their fate and determined to be by Locs side every day, as long as she could.

Nguyen Anh Loc feeds himself after his successful liver transplant. Photo: Tran Mai / Tuoi Tre

Lucky encounter

While Hang was recounting their journey, Loc affectionately approached her, inadvertently revealing the scar on his stomach from the surgery.

Hang said that every time she sees the scar, she is reminded of their benefactors.

They are our saints, we will be grateful for the entirety of our life, she emphasized.

Locs chance for survival began when Hang went to buy him a silver necklace for health benefits, and the shop owner, moved by their story, reached out to Thao, a retired teacher known for aiding those in need.

Thao, touched by Locs plight, sought help from Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh Triet, based in New York, who then coordinated with Childrens Hospital 1 and colleagues in Italy to arrange procedures for Locs treatment.

A ray of hope emerged when Dr. Triet returned to Quang Ngai Province during the 2023 Lunar New Year holiday to visit the pediatric patients he had been assisting.

Upon meeting Loc, Dr. Triet confidently declared, Loc will be saved.

It was only later that Hang realized Dr. Triets words were meant to provide comfort; in reality, Locs illness was grave.

Thao, however, smiled and remarked, Dr. Triets assurance is genuine, as is his hope. He believes in the boundless potential of the medical profession and the ability of doctors to perform miracles.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang holds her three-year-old son Nguyen Anh Loc in their hometown in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Tran Mai / Tuoi Tre

With a compatible liver donor found in Locs older brother Dat, Dr. Triet swiftly organized the necessary arrangements for his surgery at Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital in Italy, but setbacks arose when the Italian Embassy in Vietnam denied Hang, Loc, and Dat visas.

Responding to the urgency, Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital intervened, securing visas for their travel.

Despite Locs deteriorating health, they boarded a plane on February 14, 2023, and miraculously, Loc remained stable until their arrival in Italy.

Reborn

Upon their arrival at the airport, staff from Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital eagerly awaited the mother and two children, followed by Vietnamese expatriates in Italy who volunteered as interpreters and assisted with procedures.

In the subsequent days, Loc received meticulous care, including daily measurements of his waist circumference and regular urine and blood tests.

The doctors in Italy were incredibly devoted; every morning, they greeted Loc with 'Chao Loc' [Hi, Loc in Vietnamese], attending to his every need and monitoring Dats health, Hang recounted.

On April 5, 2023, Dat and Loc underwent the transplant surgery, which lasted 12 hours.

Post-surgery, Loc remained in a coma for seven days before awakening with a fever.

A medical staff member at Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital poses for a photo with Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang and her three-year-old son Nguyen Anh Loc during their time in Italy. Photo: Supplied

Following complications with the incision, Loc required a second operation on April 18, 2023, which left him in a deep coma.

Doctors explained that Locs blood duct was narrow, and the newly transplanted liver was showing signs of failure, Hang recalled.

We had two options: relying on his own ability to survive or searching for another compatible donor.

Though filled with despair, Hang signed a consent form to look for a new donor, though without much hope.

However, just two hours and a half later, a young Italians liver became available, offering renewed hope.

The subsequent surgery was a success, with the Italian liver proving compatible.

The moment doctors signaled that my baby was okay, I couldnt hold back my tears, Hang recounted emotionally.

Even the Italian doctors cried; they hugged and reassured me.

Over the following months of treatment, the medical staff at Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital showered Loc with special affection, bringing smiles to his face daily.

On November 8, 2023, the boy was declared healthy, and the mother and her children were cleared to return to Vietnam, with a promise from doctors for a follow-up examination in Italy a year later.

A medical staff member at Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital poses for a photo with Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang and her three-year-old son Nguyen Anh Loc during their time in Italy. Photo: Supplied

Reflecting on the extraordinary journey to save Locs life, Hang said she felt as though she was living in a fairy tale.

She never imagined that Dr. Triets assistance would extend beyond a donation to cover all treatment and living expenses during their ten months in Italy.

Dr. Triet is the savior who appeared to rescue my child, Hang declared with emotion.

Upon returning to Vietnam following his life-saving journey, Loc has been undergoing regular health checks and receiving medications at Hue Central Hospital in Hue City, located in Thua Thien-Hue Province.

Dr. Triet facilitated a connection with a doctor in Hue City to oversee Locs care and maintain direct communication in case any issues arise.

Expressing gratitude to all who aided her and her child, Hang wishes to visit Italy for her sons follow-up examination and personally thank the liver donor, whose courage ensured the boys continued presence in this world.

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Over 5,000 police officers participated in a rehearsal for a parade and impressive martial arts performances in Hanoi on Sunday, giving audiences a feast for the eyes.

The parade is aimed at marking the 50th Traditional Day of Mobile Police Forces (April 15, 1974).

Organized by the Mobile Police Command, the rehearsal was attended by Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security, Commanding General Major General Le Ngoc Chau, and other top officials.

Police officers participate in a rehearsed parade in Hanoi on March 31, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A vehicle transporting Deputy Commanding General Major General Le Van Ha leads a group of vehicles during a rehearsal for a parade in Hanoi on March 31, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security, delivers a speech at a rehearsal for a parade in Hanoi on March 31, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre

During the rehearsal, thousands of mobile police officers paraded, practiced martial arts, and showed other skills, creating a solemn, imposing, and powerful scene.

Anti-terrorism police forces take part in a rehearsed parade in Hanoi on March 31, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Siren sounds and shouts of commands, coupled with thunderous footsteps, suffused the Hanoi Circuit in Nam Tu Liem District.

The rehearsal has been a result of police officers efforts in practicing night and day over the past three months, said Lieutenant General Long.

Bui Manh Tam, a 21-year-old police officer, said that to prepare for the rehearsal and the upcoming anniversary ceremony, he and other officers had enhanced their persistence and spent all days and nights practicing on the training ground.

We braved heatwaves and downpours to improve our health and our martial arts skills. Our love for missions and the country encouraged us to overcome all hardships, Tam said.

Police officers spent three months practicing for a parade to mark the 50th Traditional Day of Mobile Police Force (April 15, 1974). Photo: Tuoi Tre

Police officers show off their martial arts during a rehearsal for a parade in Hanoi on March 31, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Female police officers participate in a rehearsed parade in Hanoi on March 31, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A view of a convoy of vehicles from an anti-terrorism unit during a rehearsed parade in Hanoi on March 31, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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Thousands of households in Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam have spent sleepless nights getting cans of fresh water from public faucets over the past few days.

As districts in the east of the province, such as Go Cong Dong and Tan Phu Dong, are located at the end of the clean water supply system, most local households there have had no clean water for several days.

Meanwhile, water supplies from canals have been depleted.

As a result, they have to queue up to take cans of water from 60 public taps installed along the roads.

Nguyen Thi Dieu, a 78-year-old resident in Go Cong Dong District, said most of the canals near her house have dried up.

Thanks to the public water supply sites, her family has had clean water.

However, it takes many hours to get water given the weak water flow in the taps.

Residents gather by public taps to get clean water in Go Cong Dong District, Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Mau Truong / Tuoi Tre

A leader of Tien Giang Water Supply Co. Ltd. said the 60 public taps can supply 3,000 cubic meters of water per day.

Over the past few days, the water resource is limited while the demand has increased, the leader explained.

The company is coordinating with Dong Tam water plant, also in Tien Giang, to increase the water supply.

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Dublin, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Multiple-Element Gas Container Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application, Product Type, and Country-Level Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) marked a huge technological breakthrough in gas transportation safety and efficiency when they were first introduced. Initially, the technology underlying MEGCs was motivated by the need to improve on the constraints of typical single gas cylinders, providing more capacity and safety via a combination of linked cylinders or parts within a rigid frame. This breakthrough enabled the bulk transfer of gases, lowering handling hazards and increasing operating efficiency. However, the market's first adoption phase encountered significant problems, including regulatory compliance issues, because uniform safety standards for these revolutionary devices had yet to be created. Furthermore, the high initial expenses of manufacturing and testing MEGCs hampered wider use. Despite these problems, the advent of MEGCs significantly changed the industry by establishing new standards for gas storage and transportation safety, paving the path for today's advanced gas logistics solutions.



The multiple-element gas container market has evolved significantly in recent years owing to technological and material science developments. Modern gas canisters are not only more efficient and safer but also suitable for a wide range of industrial and medicinal uses. The most recent versions utilize cutting-edge materials such as carbon fiber composites, which have high strength-to-weight ratios and are resistant to corrosion. This invention greatly lowers the chance of leakage and structural failure, resulting in improved safety requirements. Furthermore, the incorporation of modern valve technology and real-time monitoring systems enables accurate control and monitoring of gas flow, pressure, and composition, hence improving the operating efficiency and safety of these containers. Today's multiple-element gas containers are developed with flexibility and scalability in mind, making them suitable for a wide range of applications and capable of holding gases at varying pressures and temperatures. This versatility, along with stringent safety regulations and ongoing technical improvements, highlights the ever-changing character of multiple-element gas container development and its critical role in modern industrial and healthcare sectors.

Industrial Impact

The introduction of multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) has profoundly altered industrial processes, particularly in industries that rely on the safe and efficient transportation of gases. These composite structures, which can house a variety of gases under high pressure, have significantly improved storage capacity, safety, and transportation efficiency. MEGCs have provided significant benefits to industries such as the medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, the ability to transport multiple gases in a single container has streamlined manufacturing processes, ensuring a steady supply of essential gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, which are required for various production and preservation processes. MEGCs' intrinsic design, emphasizing durability and leak avoidance, has significantly decreased the danger of gas-related mishaps, thereby boosting workplace safety and compliance with severe industrial norms.



MEGCs have transformed the economics of gas transportation. These containers' modular design enables modification based on unique transport requirements, maximizing space usage and lowering shipping costs. This is especially visible in the energy industry, where transporting natural gas and hydrogen has historically been difficult. MEGCs have emerged as a feasible alternative for long-distance gas transportation, allowing for the growth of energy networks and helping the transition to greener energy sources. Furthermore, the use of new materials and technology in MEGC manufacture has resulted in lighter but stronger containers, boosting fuel economy and lowering transportation's carbon impact. As companies prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency, the role of MEGCs will become increasingly important in generating innovation and supporting global industrial breakthroughs.

Market Segmentation

The multiple-element gas container market is led by the natural gas segment, with an 82.79% share in 2022 in terms of revenue. MEGCs are becoming an increasingly important component of gas-to-power systems as a result of the current trend toward decentralized power production. In early 2023, projects in areas with poor electrical grid infrastructure began to use MEGCs to provide natural gas to mobile and modular power production units. This use is especially useful for businesses that require consistent power for short-term operations, such as mining and construction, allowing them to use cleaner-burning natural gas instead of diesel or other fuels.

The 20 Ft segment dominated the global multiple-element gas container market (by type) in 2022, with an 80.78% share in terms of revenue due to the need to be integrated into various platforms to carry out the tasks.

Europe multiple-element gas container market was the highest-growing market among all the regions, registering a CAGR of 9.11%. North America is anticipated to gain traction in terms of multiple-element gas container adoption owing to the technological advancements in material sciences in the region. Moreover, the shift toward renewable energy and hydrogen economy is also expected to support the growth of the multiple-element gas container market in North America and Europe during the forecast period.



In Europe, Germany is anticipated to show the highest growth in the multiple-element gas container market among other countries in the region, growing at a CAGR of 10.06%. The growth of Germany in the multiple-element gas container market is mainly due to the factor that there is a significant movement toward environment-friendly gas containers and systems that provide increased energy efficiency and lower emissions.

Demand - Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities



Market Demand Drivers: Increasing Demand for Industrial Gases

The global industrial environment is seeing an increase in demand for industrial gases from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and energy. This growing need is a significant business driver for players in the multiple-element gas container (MEGC) industry. MEGCs, which are well-known for their ability to store and transfer industrial gases at high pressure, are critical components of these sectors' supply chains, thereby supporting the growth of the multiple-element gas container market.

Market Restraints: High Initial Investment and Maintenance Costs

Multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) are manufactured using sophisticated materials and technologies, such as carbon fiber composites for lightweighting and automated welding for increased safety. These materials and procedures are expensive, requiring large initial investments for enterprises entering the market or wishing to expand operations.

Market Opportunities: Digitalization and Smart Container Solutions

Digitalization facilitates the integration of sensors and IoT devices into MEGCs, allowing for real-time monitoring of gas pressure, temperature, and volume. This not only ensures the safety and integrity of the gas canisters but also allows for predictive maintenance. Hexagon Composites, in partnership with digital solution suppliers, has been incorporating smart technology into gas containers. In 2022, they developed a series of smart MEGCs outfitted with sensors that offer real-time data on gas levels, location, and ambient conditions, allowing for more effective inventory management and logistical planning.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The multiple-element gas container market comprises key players who have established themselves thoroughly and have the proper understanding of the market, accompanied by start-ups who are looking forward to establishing themselves in this highly competitive market. In 2022, the multiple-element gas container market was dominated by established players, accounting for 85% of the market share, whereas start-ups managed to capture 15% of the market. With the growth in advancements in agricultural technologies among the nations, more players will enter the global multiple-element gas container market with each passing year.

Some prominent names established in the multiple-element gas container market are:

Hexagon Composites

Worthington Enterprises

FIBA Technologies

Luxfer Gas Cylinders

Koyuncu Gas and Gas Equipment

Gaznet OU

Quantum Fuel Systems

Faber Industrie SPA

Beijing Tianhai Industry

McPhy Energy

Linde

Report Segmentation

Segmentation by Application

Natural Gas

Hydrogen

Industrial Gases

Segmentation by Type

20 Ft

40 Ft and Above

Segmentation by Region

North America - U.S., Canada, and Mexico

Europe - U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Rest-of-Europe

Asia-Pacific - Japan, India, China, Australia, South Korea, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific

Rest-of-the-World - Brazil, U.A.E., Other

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6n7kvq

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'A Renowned Leader': Jamiat Ulama mourns Mukhtar Ansari's demise while in prison



Mourning Mukhtar Ansaris death allegedly because of poisoning in prison, the Jamiat Ulama i Hind said media cannot erase his public popularity and service by highlighting his image as a mafia don. Read More

Monday April 1, 2024 8:19 PM , ummid.com News Network

New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama i Hind, one of the largest representative bodies of the Indian Muslims, mourned the death of former MLA Mukhtar Ansari, allegedly because of poisoning in prison, calling him a renowned leader.

At the same time, the Jamiat Ulama i Hind also demanded a high-level, fair and transparent probe into Mukhtar Ansari's death under suspicious circumstances.

"President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, has expressed profound sorrow and condolences over the passing away of Mukhtar Ansari, a renowned political and social leader from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh", Jamiat Ulama said.

Mukhtar Ansari, 5-time MLA from Mau Assembly Constituency in Uttar Pradesh, who was in jail and observing Ramadan fast, died March 28, 2024 . He was laid to rest in Gazipur cemetery Saturday in the presence of a huge crowd.

Mukhtar Ansari Funeral Video

Funeral procession of Mukhtar Ansari. A huge crowd of locals and supporters have gathered to pay their last respect before the burial scheduled at 10 am. pic.twitter.com/13OFgYoiwd  Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) March 30, 2024

Mukhtar Ansaris elder son Abbas Ansari, current MLA from Mau, is in jail in a money laundering case, was denied permission to attend his fathers last rites.

Maulana Madani emphasized the deep public skepticism surrounding the circumstances of Ansari's demise, underscoring its detrimental impact on the trust in justice and law enforcement agencies.

Maulana Madani stressed the imperative of not only ensuring justice but also fostering trust and confidence in the judicial process.

The recent series of deaths of political and social figures in jails and police custody in Uttar Pradesh has only intensified public apprehension, he said.

Maulana Madani stated that Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari will always be remembered and recognized as a supporter and messiah of the poor and oppressed.

The media cannot erase his public popularity and service by highlighting his image as a mafia don, he said. While Mukhtar Ansari spent a significant portion of his life in prison, no one disputes the punishment for crimes in accordance with the country's laws. However, any cruel treatment and killing of a prisoner contrary to the law are not permissible, and the government should not engage in such actions. The demands of justice must be met, Maulana Madani said. His death under suspicious circumstances has raised many questions, which is why his natural popularity and support endure, he added.

'Illustrious lineage'

Highlighting the illustrious lineage of Mukhtar Ansari's family, Maulana Madani invoked the legacies of figures such as freedom fighter Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari , Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and former Vice President of India, Dr. Hamid Ansari. His grandfather Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, a revered freedom fighter and the founder of Jamia Millia Islamia University, exemplified unwavering dedication to the nation's cause.

His maternal grandfather Brigadier Mohammad Usman, known as the 'Lion of Nowshera,' made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1948 war, upholding the honor of the nation, he said.

Maulana Madani also acknowledged the lineage's continuation through Mukhtar Ansari's late father, Subhanullah Ansari, who upheld the tradition of service and sacrifice.

Maulana Madani emphasized the pivotal importance of conducting a fair and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Ansari's death to uphold the principles of justice and maintain faith in the judicial system.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Meet Mohammad Furqan, Madrasa Graduate Selected for University of Notre Dame



From a humble beginning as a student of a Madrasa to being selected for Masters in Peace Studies at University of Notre Dame, one of worlds leading universities, Furqans journey is an answer to those critics of madrasas who refuse to accept their relevance and contribution to the society and academia. Read More

Monday April 1, 2024 12:22 PM , Manzar Imam

While hundreds of Madrasas are being shut down allegedly for being non-productive, a good number of graduates of independent Madrasas are making great academic strides. One such Madrasa graduate, Mohammad Furqan has qualified for the Masters of Global Affairs in Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.

Furqans selection has been widely welcomed by graduates of different Indian madrasas and especially by the graduates of Madrasa Discourses Program run by the Keogh School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame.

Buoyed by the good wishes, Furqan said:

It all started with the Madrasa Discourses, and it would have not been possible without the great leadership of Prof. Ebrahim Moosa and Dr. Waris Mazhari. Coming from an ordinary family, I could have never imagined to study in the USA with scholarship.

Belonging to Darbhanga district of Bihar, Furqan graduated with a Fazilat degree from Madrasa Alia Arabia, Masjid Fatehpuri, Delhi in 2016, after which he did BA (Hons) in English Literature from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). In 2023, he completed Masters of Arts in Islamic and Arabic Studies from JMI.

[M Furqan with his friends at Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi in a file photo.]

While continuing his formal studies, Furqan also pursued the three-year research program for Madrasa graduates namely Advancing Scientific and Theological Literacy in Madrasa Discourses, offered by the University of Notre Dame. It is where he made the most of his time and had the opportunity to interact with a number of renowned academicians and scholars from different countries.

Recalling those years Furqan says:

It was indeed a life changing journey for me to connect with you all for more than five years.

Extending his special thanks to his Madrasa Discourses fellows Mohammad Ali, Manzar Imam, Mohammad Ehtesham, Mohammad Fozail, Muhammad Zeeshan, Mohammad Aadil Affan, Ghulam Rasool, Md Khaleeque Rehmani, Abul Aala Subhani, Syed Abdur Rasheed, Tajammul Husain, Saif ul Hadi and others, Furqan expressed his intention to remain connected with what he called our shared commitment for our society and madrasa community.

From a humble beginning as a student of a Madrasa to being selected for Masters in Peace Studies in one of worlds leading universities, Furqans journey is an answer to those critics of madrasas who refuse to accept their relevance and contribution to the society and academia.

Indian madrasas need some reform but more than that they need to sustain and serve the society to carry forward the huge academic and intellectual legacy which has been the hallmark and pride of Indias story of diversity and open discourse.

(A graduate of Madrasa Discourses Program, the writer, Manzar Imam, is Director of MJ Achievers Academy LLP)

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The collaboration, which was funded by a grant from the South Korean government to Yeungnam University, is part of a broader memorandum of understanding between the schools. UNG hopes to eventually send nursing and physical therapy students to South Korea through an exchange.

"We are grateful our students were able to have this cross-cultural learning opportunity," Dr. Heather Harris, UNG department head of nursing, said. "Students from both universities will carry this valuable experience into their nursing careers."

Dr. Julie Behr, student success coordinator, coordinated logistics for the South Korean nursing students in their final week of the visit.

"They've really enjoyed their time here," Behr said. "They want to come back and work as nurses in Georgia."

Mabry Brown, a first-semester accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track student from Dahlonega, Georgia, said she enjoyed working alongside the South Korean nursing students in labs. Both schools' students desired to learn about the others' training.

"In health care, you work with people from a variety of cultures," Brown said. "This experience allowed us to learn how to break down barriers, even when we don't speak the same language."

The South Korean nursing and physical therapy students stayed at UNG's Dahlonega Campus, with the nursing students also taking part in some activities on the Gainesville Campus.

Woo Hyeonseo, a junior nursing student from Yeungnam University, enjoyed noticing some of the differences in health care between the two countries.

"American nurses have a lower patient load, so they can give deeper care to their patients," she said.

Dr. Eunse Park, associate professor of physical therapy, organized the visit. He appreciated the way it was impactful for all involved.

"Learning about each other's medical systems helps develop the students from each country," Park said.

Binna Lee, one of the physical therapy students from Yeungnam University, said the language practice was quite helpful.

"At first, it was difficult to communicate in English, but as the days passed, the language barrier gradually disappeared, and I was able to see anything from a broader perspective," Lee said.

Another 14 physical therapy students from Youngsan University, another UNG partner in South Korea, visited UNG in the final week of February to practice their language skills and learn more about American health care.
VIENTIANE  Many Vietnamese in Laos have shared the belief that the amended Land Law, passed by the National Assembly earlier this year, will significantly contribute to national socio-economic development.

They referred to the laws stipulations allowing overseas Vietnamese (OVs) to own properties in Viet Nam without any limit on quantity, just like their fellow citizens inside the country.

It will encourage OVs to do real estate business at home and attract a massive influx of investments from abroad, they said.

Moc Savanh Hongkham, Chairman of Phu Gia Steel Industry Co., Ltd., who has lived and worked in Laos for more than 20 years, expressed his joy at the new regulation as he always wishes to own real estate in the homeland.

The legal change has satisfied the aspirations of Vietnamese not only in Laos but also in other foreign countries, he said, adding that Vietnamese expats now can obtain real estate ownership and directly engage in the trading.

Chairman of the General Association of Vietnamese People in Laos Pham Van Hung stressed that the expansion of land use rights for OVs demonstrates the Partys and the States attention to them.

The new regulation is necessary as more and more OVs return to Viet Nam to do business or settle down.

It helps OVs feel secure about the investment, and ease risks in the trading, and at the same time contributes to spurring the domestic real estate market, and luring more investments to Viet Nam, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  International Art Exhibition - Art Vogue DNation will take place from April 6 to 30 at Palm Artspace.

The exhibition will showcase paintings and sculptures by artists from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Viet Nam.

This exhibition is part of the 14th International Art Exchange of the Asian Art Alliance and is being introduced for the first time in Viet Nam.

The Art Vogue D' Nation Vietnam 2024 exhibition aims to promote international art exchange and enhance social cohesion and relationships among individual artists.

"The integration and convergence of culture through art exhibitions not only brings unique cultural and spiritual value," said artist ang Tuan, founder of Palm Artspace.

"It also fosters friendship, co-operation, understanding and mutual respect among artists from different countries."

Since 2005the Asian Art Alliance International Exchange Exhibition has travelled across many beautiful and unique countries around the world.

Such international exchanges bring art and culture together and forge many friendships that live in the artworks, introducing many exciting pieces of contemporary artworks to people, according to Tan Kay Nguan, Asia Art Alliance Founder.

"Viet Nam is an amazing land, yet simple and warm," Tan said. "Its vibrant and rich culture and heritage is captivating, where one can truly appreciate the history, and the perfect combination of tradition and modern art in the artistic world."

Tan has held 65 solo exhibitions and hundreds of joint exhibitions in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan and elsewhere.

His prizes and awards include the Grand Prize in the UOB Painting of the Year in Singapore, the Beijing International Art Exposition Gold Prize Award, and Japan Osaka Governor Award 13th SCCCE President's Challenge Charity Art Exhibition 2023.

In addition to the exhibition, the Art Vogue D' Nation event also opens up opportunities for artists to exchange and collaborate, while providing art enthusiasts in each country the opportunity to enjoy unique artworks that reflect the cultural identity of each nation.

The exhibition venue is Palm Artspace, 188A Thao Nguyen, Ecopark.  VNS
HA NOI  The national carrier Vietnam Airlines in-flight Heritage magazine has launched the 10th season of its annual photo contest Journey of Heritages, inviting photographers of all nationalities to submit their works.

Applicants can send a collection of eight to 12 photos, black-and white or colour, under one of following categories: Culture  Heritage, Landscape  Tourist Destination, Lifestyle  Human Portrait  Vietnam Airlines Moment, or Special Shooting Technique: drone, macro or underwater.

Each photographer can submit a maximum of 10 collections for all competition categories combined. Each collection can only be submitted for one category.

Entries must be taken within the past three years (from 2021), not violate copyright laws, and must be in accordance with the Press Law and Vietnamese cultural norms. All the entries must be sent directly to the contests website https://giaianh.heritagevietnamairlines.com by July 31.

A total of 14 prizes will be given to the best photo collections and best cover photos.

Especially, to mark its 10-year journey, the photo contest has a significant change  the awards will be officially endorsed and regionally scored by the Viet Nam Association of Artistic Photographers, following the regulations set forth.

The association will also grant a Gold Medal for best entry of the Culture  Heritage Category, a Silver Medal for the best of the Landscape  Tourist Destination Category, and a Bronze Medal for the best of the Lifestyle  Human Portrait  Vietnam Airlines Moment Category.

According to the organiser, the contest serves as a channel of external communication to promote the image of the country and the people of Viet Nam. It also contributes to the professional development and enhancement of quality in the field of photojournalism.

For more details on the contests regulations, please visit https://giaianh.heritagevietnamairlines.com. VNS
HA NOI The capital city is hosting the first ever ASEAN Future Forum on April 23.

The ASEAN Future Forum (AFF), an initiative from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, aims to foster a dialogue with multilateral, multidimensional and multilayered values, and to promote in-depth, comprehensive discussions on critical issues for the future development of ASEAN.

The forum also looks to provide new pragmatic policy recommendations to ASEAN leaders, while improving understanding and cooperation among stakeholders, in order to create a sustainable, people-centred future for ASEAN. It will also contribute to the coming UN Summit of the Future in September.

The forum, announced in a press conference at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam in Ha Noi on Monday, includes one opening session and two plenary sessions, as well as other activities. The opening session will feature participation and speeches from high-level leaders of Viet Nam, current and incoming ASEAN Chair countries, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Plenary session one, titled "ASEANs Rapid Development for a Sustainable Future", will feature discussions on fostering a future for the ASEAN community. The second plenary session will discuss ensuring comprehensive security for a people-centred ASEAN Community.

There will also be two parallel working lunch sessions on the themes "Repositioning ASEAN's central role" and "Seizing development opportunities in the Digital Age."

Prior to this, on April 22, the ASEAN Secretary-General's dialogue with youth will take place. This is one of the notable highlights of the AFF 2024, providing an opportunity for Vietnamese and ASEAN youth to enhance their understanding of ASEAN, share their expectations, and provide recommendations for the future direction of ASEAN.

Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet said that the current world scenario poses new questions for ASEAN in the present and in the future.

"The initiative of the ASEAN Future Forum is part of Viet Nam and other countries' efforts to create a platform to discuss and collaborate to find answers to these questions," said Viet. VNS
TOKYO  Politburo member, permanent member of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committees Secretariat and Chairwoman of the CPV Central Committees Organisation Commission Truong Thi Mai is leading a high-level delegation on a working visit to Japan.

The visit, which takes place from March 31 to April 3, comes at a significant time as the relationship between Viet Nam and Japan continues to thrive. Last November, the two countries achieved a significant milestone by upgrading their ties to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World."

The delegation held separate meetings with Vice President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan Aso Taro and Secretary-General of the LDP Motegi Toshimitsu, and received Governor Shuhei Kishimoto of Wakayama prefecture.

At the meetings, Mai, who is also Chairwoman of the Viet Nam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians Group, affirmed Viet Nam always treasures the comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan.

She conveyed her readiness to collaborate with the government, LDP, and various political parties and localities of Japan, aiming to intensify and enhance the bilateral relationship in line with its new position and level.

To deepen the bilateral ties in the new phase, the Party official suggested that both sides, especially the CPV and LDP, leverage the roles of the ruling parties in concretising shared high-level perceptions and significant elements stated in the joint statement on the upgrade of the bilateral relations.

It is also necessary to strengthen the bilateral political relationship through high-level leaders' visits and meetings through party, state, government, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels, while promoting economic cooperation and locality-to-locality exchanges, she noted.

Mai also expressed her wish that Japan would continue to pay attention to and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in the country.

For their part, the leaders of the LDP and Wakayama prefecture highly appreciated Mai's proposals. They said Japan always attaches importance to the bilateral ties, considers Viet Nam an important comprehensive strategic partner in the region, and is ready to work with the Vietnamese Party and State to enhance the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation across various fields.

They said the LDP is willing to promote its friendship with the CPV, as well as to support Japan's continued collaboration with Viet Nam in industrialisation, modernisation, economic connectivity and cooperation in sustainable development-oriented areas and international issues.

The leaders said they back the two countries localities and people-to-people organisations to increase exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and consolidate the Viet Nam-Japan friendship foundation.

The Vietnamese delegation also met CPV officials and members and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy. Mai acknowledged their positive contributions and suggested they further contribute to strengthening and promoting the two nations comprehensive strategic partnership for sustainable development, for the interests of their people, and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.  VNS
ao Xuan Lai, Assistant Resident Representative, Head of Climate Change and Environment Unit of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, spoke to Viet Nam News about the transition pathways of major coal-thermal power plants.

What are the challenges that Viet Nam has to face during the transition from coal-thermal power generation to sustainable alternatives?

Developing nations such as South Africa, India and Viet Nam heavily depend on fossil fuels, particularly coal-thermal electricity. We shouldn't rely on the past anymore, even though it is a legacy.

Converting coal power plants is a prerequisite. According to the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-30 period with a vision towards 2045 (PDP VIII), coal power plants that have been in operation for more than 40 years must be transformed.

However, the conversion plan must be discussed. We must take action on the conversion because Viet Nam has committed to net zero emissions by 2050.

The trend toward coal conversion is unavoidable. Not just Viet Nam but all nations must transition to a green and circular economy.

I think the first challenge comes from the investment in new technologies, new solutions to convert the coal-thermal plants. At the same time we still need to ensure energy security to maintain economic growth.

We will need investment in renewable energy to make up for electricity shortages.

We need investment capital and new technologies. Will we cooperate with partners for technology transfer or will we do research and create new technology by ourselves? The general problem is that many new technologies are being researched and tested and have not been commercialised.

The second difficulty is related to human resources. Workers must acquire new skills in order to utilise the new technologies.

Infrastructure still needs to be developed; for instance, in order to transition to offshore wind power, specific ports, machinery, and equipment must be built.

The conversion will create pressure on the local economy, society and individuals. For instance, the coal mining industry in Quang Ninh Province employs roughly 93,000 labourers. What will happen to the workers when coal mines close? To guarantee a just transition of energy, workers need to be retrained.

How has the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) that Viet Nam has signed with the International Partners Group helped in the phasing out coal-thermal power plants?

As part of the JETP framework, the EU and G7 nations have pledged to raise US$15.5 billion over the course of the next three to five years to support Viet Nam's energy transformation.

Though it only makes up a minor portion, roughly one in twenty, of Viet Nam's energy transfer demand, it serves as a catalyst.

It demonstrates Viet Nam's dedication to the global effort to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The $15.5 billion package will initially focus on coal power conversion, renewable energy development, offshore wind power, solar power and ensuring just energy transition.

That is the just transition between developed and developing countries.

It is also the harmonious rights and benefits between investors and operators, between investors, business owners and labourers.

People engaged in the coal and coal power supply chain must be given a fair transition as well.

Many households rely on a family member who works at a coal plant for their income. We have to make sure they get vocational training and transition to new jobs when we phase out coal power.

Early retirement ought to be supported by financial aid. When employees change jobs, their families' incomes as well as the local economy must be secured.

How has the UNDP supported Viet Nam in addressing challenges during the transition from coal-thermal power generation to sustainable alternatives and realising the net zero emission goal by 2050?

The UNDP and the Energy Institute under the Ministry of Industry and Trade have reviewed and proposed a roadmap to convert coal power plants in Viet Nam.

In Viet Nam, there are now roughly 38 coal-fired power stations in service, and more are anticipated to be built until 2030. We must take into account the transition of those plants.

Based on technical and financial evaluation, we have proposed feasible solutions from which factories can consider to make the conversion, especially the plants in Ninh Binh, Pha Lai which have been operating for more than 40 years.

From that assessment, we will connect with investors and corporations such as Vietnam Electricity (EVN) or Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) and international financial institutions of G7 countries, banking groups and international organisations that have made the commitment within the JETP framework to find a common voice for solutions.

What should coal-thermal power plants and localities do to call for financial assistance and attract foreign investment during the transition?

Viet Nam is already an attractive investment destination for foreign investors.

The net zero commitment is already there, we need a specific roadmap. International partners want to know clearly in what year we will convert the plants, and what mechanism we will approve for the transition.

Asian countries including Viet Nam face high financial costs. We must lower the financial costs to make investment more attractive.

We must also ensure transparency for investment as well as rights of those affected like workers, households, and communities. VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) is working on a proposal to adjust the regional minimum wages in certain districts.

Regional minimum wages (RMW) in a district are set based on the district's administrative boundaries and living standards.

Adjusting RMW becomes essential as some districts have witnessed significant changes in their administrative borders and economic situation in recent years.

Under the proposal, Quang Yen Town, ong Trieu Thao, Uong Bi City and Mong Cai City in Quang Ninh Province will be recategorised from Region-2 to Region-1 where RMW are set at VN4.96 million (US$199) monthly and VN23,800 ($0.95) hourly. Region 1 covers most of big urban areas of Ha Noi, HCM City, Hai Phong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, ong Nai, and Binh Duong provinces.

The proposal also seek to recategorise Thai Binh City in Thai Binh Province, Thanh Hoa City, Sam Son City, Nghi Son Town and Bim Son Town in Thanh Hoa Province, Ninh Hoa Town in Khanh Hoa Province and Soc Trang City in Soc Trang Province from Region-3 to Region-2 where RMW are set at VN4.41 million ($177) monthly and VN21,200 ($0.85) hourly.

Re-categorisation from Region-4 to Region-3 is proposed to apply to Thai Thuy District and Tien Hai District in Thai Binh Province, Trieu Son District, Tho Xuan District, Yen inh District, Vinh Loc District, Thieu Hoa District, Ha Trung District, Hau Loc District, Nga Son District, Hoang Hoa District and Nong Cong District in Thanh Hoa Province, and Ninh Phuoc District in Ninh Thuan Province.

RMW in Region-3 is set at VN3.86 million ($155) monthly and VN18,600 ($0.75) hourly.

MOLISA believes that the proposal will create a balance in labour costs among neighbouring areas, given the high development of these towns, cities and districts in labour markets and infrastructure.

MOLISA also proposes an average increase of 6.0 per cent in RMW for 2024, about 2.0 percentage points higher than the growth of the average living standards during the year.

The proposed rise in RMW is believed to be reasonable given the country's economic growth rate of 5.05 per cent and a fast-recovering labour market and business sector.

It is also believed to offset the erosion of purchasing power caused by a projected CPI growth rate of between 4.0 to 4.5 per cent in 2024, ensuring decent minimum income for workers and their families.  VNS
HA NOI  Experts agreed that the mariculture must balance human needs and the preservation of marine resources for sustainable development at a conference held Monday in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the provincial Peoples Committee.

Speaking at the opening session, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Xuan Ky said Quang Ninh is one of the three economic growth locomotives of the Hong (Red) River Delta region with good socio-economic and transportation infrastructure.

With constant innovation based on economic, social, environmental and security pillars, for nine consecutive years from 2015 to 2023, Quang Ninh has maintained a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) rate of over 10 per cent, ranking first in the Red River Delta, and third in the northern region.

"Quang Ninh's perspective is to develop a blue ocean economy, sustainably use marine resources for growth, improve people's livelihoods and ensure the health of the people and the marine ecosystems, said Ky.

He said the province would develop more to soon become Southeast Asia's leading marine economic centre.

Ky emphasised that the marine economy would be the province's key sector in the near future.

Accordingly, Quang Ninh's strategy is to make specialised farmers the core of its multi-sectoral approach to achieving added value.

The province will also take advantage of over 20 million visitors annually for local consumption and export, combining aquaculture with high-tech, efficient and sustainable seafood exploitation.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said that the mariculture industry must solve social problems, creating livelihoods and job opportunities for people.

To achieve this goal, the marine industry needs close connections between central and local specialised management agencies, the business community, international experts, and professional organisations.

With infrastructure and technology synchronisation, Quang Ninh has formed a marine ecosystem with over 100 cooperatives established within two years.

They have unique models that combine high-tech mariculture with experiential tourism.

Hoan requested that the MARD coordinate with concerned ministries to promote seaweed farming, processing, and other potentials.

It should also focus on expanding research and international cooperation on marine economy, science and technology.

Work together

Hilde Solbakken, Norwegian Ambassador to Viet Nam, said that Viet Nam and Norway were countries with strengths in seafood exports.

She confirmed that the most important thing was that the two countries were actively exchanging experiences and bringing each other valuable opportunities.

Cooperation in marine aquaculture and seafood brings economic benefits to both countries and strengthens the relationship between Viet Nam and Norway.

She hoped the different aspects of sustainable mariculture in Norway would inspire Viet Nam.

Long-term exchanges between Viet Nam and Norway in the marine aquaculture industry through projects, training workshops, seminars and conferences will grow the potential of both countries.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has approved a project to develop marine aquaculture until 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The project targets that by 2025, the marine aquaculture area will reach 280,000ha, with an output of 850,000 tons and an export turnover of US$0.8-1 billion.

By 2030, the marine farming area will reach 300,000ha, output will be 1.45 million tonnes, and export turnover will reach $1.8-2 billion.

Viet Nams orientation is to develop marine farming with advanced technology and modern management methods and expand marine aquaculture in coastal areas, offshore waters and onshore.

The country will promote tropical biodiversity by integrating economic and technical resources from the shipbuilding, shipping, and ecosystem engineering industries.

The conference was organised to analyse the current situation of marine farming in the world and the country, deploy marine aquaculture planning and environmental impact assessment, and advocate for appropriate licensing and allocating marine areas for aquaculture in Quang Ninh.

Viet Nam is bordered on three sides by the sea, offering natural advantages for developing the marine economy and farming.

The Government and the MARD have identified the marine economy as one of the key priorities.

Besides its advantages, the sector faces many limitations, difficulties, and challenges related to policies, science and technology, investment resources, and the issuance of farming area codes to serve sustainable development.

The conference hopes to be a bridge for management agencies, experts, scientists, businesses and individuals to exchange experiences on these challenges.  VNS
HA NOI  Localities across Viet Nam released millions of aquatic species on the first day of April to regenerate fisheries resources, marking the 65th traditional day of Vietnams fisheries sector (April 1, 1959-2024).

At the Tran e Fishing Port in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang, the authorities set free two million breeding tiger shrimps.

In his remarks, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vuong Quoc Nam said the province has set plans to conduct three rounds of releases this year in order to enhance fisheries resources.

At the event, the organising committee also awarded 20 scholarships worth VN1 million (US$41) each to children of disadvantaged fishermen at the fishing port.

With 72km of coastline and an intricate network of rivers and streams, Soc Trang boasts abundant aquatic resources.

However, the local fisheries sector is facing numerous challenges, such as a sharp decline in resources due to the impact of climate change and some fishermen operating without adherence to regulations.

Meanwhile, at the Ninh Kieu Wharf in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, a ceremony saw 60,000 juvenile fish of various species released into natural environments.

With an extensive network of canals and ditches, Can Tho has an annual fisheries output exceeding 220,000 tonnes.

However, economic and social development activities, overexploitation, pollution, diseases, and climate change have adversely affected the ecological environment, leading to a severe decline or the extinction of many precious indigenous aquatic species.

According to Pham Truong Yen, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, previously, there were only two fish release points in the city.

In recent years, this activity has expanded widely across nine local districts, with over 10 tonnes of young fish released annually.

On this occasion, districts in the city also arranged seven venues for releasing approximately 250,000 juvenile fish of various types.

Additionally, Can Tho cooperated with the neighbouring An Giang and ong Thap provinces to expand the scope of the event.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has sent a letter of congratulations to Khmer people, monks and nuns on the occasion of their traditional New Year festival Chol Chnam Thmay 2024.

On behalf of Party and State leaders, the PM extended his greetings and best wishes to the Khmer people, monks and nuns.

Recognising the Khmer community, with over 1.3 million people, as an integral part of Viet Nam's ethnic groups, he commended their contributions to the cause of national construction and defence as well as their observance of the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws.

In the letter, the government leader emphasised the importance the Party and State have placed on ethnic and religious affairs, stressing that that effectively enforcing policies in these areas is crucial for strengthening national unity and promoting the positive and humanitarian values of all ethnic groups.

He called on agencies and localities with Khmer communities to actively and flexibly adopt measures to improve livelihoods, offer care to policy beneficiaries, ex-revolutionaries and their families, disadvantaged households while upholding the role of intellectuals, respected individuals, and community leaders in the Khmer community.

They were also urged to ensure that the Khmer people celebrate the Chol Chnam Thmay festival in a unified, joyful, safe, economical and culturally appropriate manner. - VNS
Israel prepares attack on Rafah as truce talks resume in Egypt

Xinhua) 08:32, April 01, 2024

A survivor is rescued from rubble after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 27, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel's military was preparing to launch an attack on Rafah, as truce negotiations resumed in Egypt.

Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, has become a refuge for over one million displaced Palestinians seeking shelter from bombardments. United Nations experts and several countries have warned that any ground operation in the city would lead to catastrophic consequences for civilians.

In a press conference, Netanyahu said that following his approval of the military's plan for a ground attack in Rafah earlier in March, the army is now preparing to evacuate the population before attacking the city.

"It will take time, but it will be done," he said. "We will get into Rafah and kill Hamas battalions there. There is no victory without entering Rafah and eliminating Hamas battalions there."

People wait to receive food relief in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on March 30, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

In northern Gaza, where the UN said famine was imminent, Israeli forces continued the raid on the Al-Shifa Hospital, the enclave's largest medical center before the conflict. According to Netanyahu, at least 200 militants have been killed in the medical complex. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, dozens of people were killed at the hospital, where about 3,000 patients and refugees were seeking shelter.

In the afternoon, an Israeli delegation of security officials departed for a new round of talks with negotiators in Cairo.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued to carry out heavy strikes in the Palestinian enclave. The military said that its warplanes targeted an operational Islamic Jihad command center and militants in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in the central Gaza Strip. The statement did not mention the names of the militants.

The Hamas-run media office in Gaza said in a statement that the airstrikes hit a tent housing journalists and displaced people within the hospital compound. Palestinian medical sources said the attack killed four people and injured 17 others with varying injuries, including two journalists.

Over the past day, Israeli attacks killed at least 77 Palestinians and wounded 108 others, the Health Ministry in Gaza said in a press statement. Overall, at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed and 75,298 wounded since Israel launched its retaliatory attack against Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. The Israeli death toll from Hamas's surprise attack stands at 1,139, with about 100 still held hostage in Gaza.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The conference took place at The Grand Ho Tram in Muyen Moc district, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha.

It attracted nearly 600 guests who are leaders of central ministries and branches, representatives of embassies and consulates of countries in Vietnam, representatives of trade and investment promotion organisations and associations, as well as leaders of localities in the southeast region.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha attended the conference

Addressing the conference, Pham Viet Thanh, Secretary of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Party Committee, said, "Ba Ria-Vung Tau province boasts an important strategic position as the gateway to the East Sea of the southeast region and the country. In the next two years, large-scale infrastructure projects in the pipeline will transform the southeast region and Ba Ria-Vung Tau into a place converging all the conditions to unlock the potential in industry, seaports, logistics, tourism, urban areas, and high-quality services."

Along with existing advantages and efforts to reform the investment and business environment, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has become a potential destination on the country's foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction map.

As of today, the province has attracted foreign investment of more than $33 billion and domestic investment capital of $16 billion. In the first quarter of 2024, the province registered more than $1.50 billion in FDI capital and over $1 billion in domestic capital.

"We are clearly aware that good planning will result in good development space, which in turn attracts good investors and good projects," Thanh said.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau's provincial planning for the 20212030 period, with a vision to 2050, was approved by the government on December 16, 2023.

According to the plan, by 2030, Ba Ria-Vung Tau will become a centrally-run city with $18,00018,500 in per-capita regional GDP. Ba Ria-Vung Tau also aims to become a national marine economic hub and a maritime service centre for Southeast Asia.

The province is set to become an international-class, high-quality tourism centre and one of the largest industrial centres in the Southeastern region. By 2050, the province will achieve the net-zero emissions target in line with the government's commitment at COP26.

At the conference, investors, experts, and representatives of businesses also shared their thoughts about the investment environment, the impact of planning, and suggestions to promote foreign investment and contribute to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the province.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau also awarded investment registration certificates and investment policy decisions to 15 domestic and foreign-invested projects. At the same time, the province also announced a list of 92 projects calling for investments from now to 2030. These large-scale projects play a vital role in promoting comprehensive and sustainable development with a long-term vision of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau received major investment boost in Q1 For more than 30 years, the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has been proactive in its socioeconomic development and remains steadfast in its sustainability goals while enticing investment and supporting business initiatives.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau showing enormous potential for development The southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has ramped up efforts to open Bien Hoa-Vung Tau Expressway on schedule by 2025, as directed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on his field visit to the project site in mid-February.
How do you view the development prospects of the mutual fund market in the coming time?

Le Hoai An, a banking consultant and trainer at Integrated Financial Solutions

The mutual fund market in Vietnam is poised for significant growth, especially as investors increasingly understand the value of long-term investments and diversifying their investment portfolios. Statistics show that Vietnam currently has about 105 mutual funds, more than double compared to 2020. With the rapid growth of investment funds and market expansion, we are witnessing positive changes.

However, to achieve a breakthrough and seize market upgrade opportunities, there needs to be stronger participation from major market makers and government support measures such as improving financial infrastructure and enhancing public financial education. A developed mutual fund market will benefit investors and contribute to the economys stability and sustainable development.

Only about 0.25 per cent of the Vietnamese population holds mutual fund accounts. What is the most crucial factor that could create a breakthrough in the markets development?

The most critical factor for a real breakthrough in Vietnams mutual fund market is enhancing the publics investment knowledge and awareness, where the role of commercial banks come into play. There must be cooperation between banks, financial institutions, and the government to deploy robust financial education programmes, helping the public understand the benefits and risks of investing in mutual funds. Moreover, developing financial infrastructure and IT will facilitate access and efficient investment management, encouraging broad participation in the mutual fund market.

Can you elaborate more on the role of commercial banks in developing the mutual fund market?

Commercial banks play a pivotal role in the development of the mutual fund market in Vietnam. With their extensive customer networks and brand trust, banks can act as a bridge between investors and the mutual fund market.

Banks introduce mutual fund products to customers and provide advisory services, helping them understand these products and make informed decisions. To do this, banks need to invest heavily in staff training and IT system development, enhancing advisory capabilities and portfolio management for clients.

Additionally, banks must also establish a process for evaluating and selecting high-quality mutual fund products, ensuring safety and meeting diverse customer needs. A deep understanding of individual financial profiles allows bank staff to propose suitable investment solutions, thereby increasing trust and customer satisfaction.

The lack of skills and in-depth knowledge about the stock market and other investment products is a significant barrier. Customers com ing to commercial banks often think of it as a safer investment channel, rather than one involving risky investments like fund management. Bank employees are also not fully equipped with knowledge about investment products to explain to customers the nature and differences of various financial tools.

More importantly, bank staff lack the skills in planning and asset management needed to provide comprehensive financial solutions to customers, utilising a diverse range of mutual fund products, from equity funds, bond funds, and money market funds to balanced funds. This necessitates banks to invest in key activities to create a new workforce that meets these needs, especially for the segments of affluent and high-net-worth customers.

How have commercial banks transformed recently?

Banks like BIDV, MB Bank, and Techcombank have intensified efforts to develop complex financial products and services, such as wealth management, to meet the increasing customer demands. Strategic partnerships with top fund management companies have enabled banks to extend their capacity to offer high-quality investment advice.

Through investments in technology and staff training, banks have significantly improved their analytical capabilities and understanding of customer needs, thus providing a tailored investment solution and adding value for their clients. This not only enhances banks reputation and market position but also contributes to the development of the mutual fund market in Vietnam.

This growth demonstrates that focusing on wealth management not only enhances banks relationships with their customers but also opens new opportunities in the development of financial products and services, with mutual fund products on the market benefiting the most.

The asset management sector has many development opportunities, thanks to the stronger conditions in Vietnams financial market, especially during the current major restructuring phase, including the stock, corporate bond, and real estate sectors.

The role of financial advisors becomes more crucial than ever in building a sustainable investment portfolio to achieve clients financial goals. This development not only strengthens the advisory role but also helps to solidify the trust and satisfaction of customers towards banks.

The market is starting to recognise the role of long-term investment and understand the appropriate expected returns for different asset classes. Each asset class, based on a different risk level, will have a different expected return. A deep understanding of the characteristics of each asset class can aid long-term investment activities and harmonise with financial laws. This shift in perception has spurred interest in integrating various asset classes into a clients investment portfolio.

The focus on long-term investment and diversification of investment portfolios indicates that the market and consumers are becoming more mature, facilitating the development of asset management services in general and wealth management for wealthy families in particular.

What specifically is the role of a wealth management advisor in a bank?

A wealth management advisor at a bank acts as a consulting expert, assisting clients in comprehensive financial planning and management. They help clients identify long-term investment goals, select appropriate asset classes, and build a diversified investment portfolio to maximise returns and minimise risks. Through thorough analysis of clients financial profiles and needs, advisors can recommend suitable investment solutions, ranging from equity and bond funds to money market and balanced funds.

Importantly, they also play a crucial role in financial education, deepening clients market understanding and risk management. Wealth management advisors are not just consultants but partners in clients investment journeys, contributing to their long-term financial success and stability.

In a nutshell, wealth management service help banks move from purely selling products to becoming customers partners taking care of their financial concerns. By that way, mutual funds products could have huge potential for sustainable growth.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong. (File photo via www.huahintoday.com)

Bangkok  Thailands public health officials are gearing up to open an emergency operations centre (EOC) to control the COVID-19 situation at provincial Prachuap Khiri Khan prison, where clusters of infections have been confirmed.



Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, public health permanent secretary, said authorities have intensified surveillance efforts following the discovery of 79 COVID-19 cases at the prison.



The first case was detected on March 27, when a 35-year-old female inmate was admitted to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital with influenza-like symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19, he said.



Meanwhile, a male inmate also tested positive during a prison transfer screening, he added.



From March 1723, 630 new COVID-19 cases with five deaths were detected in the country, according to the Department of Disease Control's weekly report.

Thailand, RoK agree to launch trade talks The Republic of Korea (RoK)s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) on March 27 announced that it has agreed with Thailand to kick off negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership, as the North Asian country aims to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian region.
Atsumi Kazuhiko, general director of Long Binh Industrial Park (LOTECO) suggested the local province to review and admend the one-stop process for licensing because the park a number of other businesses within it were encountering many difficulties when submitting one-stop applications.

Kazuhiko said LOTECO wasted three months without getting a decision on if it has to pay taxation for expanding construction in his park. This approval time, according to the current regulations, is only five days maximum.

This delay has prevented us from having additional documents submitted for the bank to borrow investment capital. As a foreign investor in Vietnam, I have never seen the application for a licence to build or renovate a construction is such difficult, time-consuming and costly," Kazuhiko said.

I proposed that new construction projects of less than 5 ha or repair and renovation works within a land area should skip the step of collecting detailed planning opinions from local departments and agencies. It takes time and money because many of those related departments such as the Ward People's Committee and Ward People's Council do not have expertise in considering enterprises submissions."

Many enterprises in Long Binh Industrial Park also encounter similar problems. Kazuhiko requested Dong Nai province to consider and suggested related authorities to adjust the current regulations.

In its document sent to Dong Nai Industrial Zones Management Authority (DIZA), a representative from Boss Industrial Co., Ltd. in Song May Industrial Park also said that the company had experienced difficulty when expanding its factory.

According to Decree No.35/2023/ND-CP, it is necessary to prepare a master plan for all new investment projects and existing expansion projects, which causes difficulties and takes a lot of time. A venture completely granted a construction permit must take nine months to complete legal procedures, the company said.

Nguyen Tri Phuong, director of the DIZA, said that currently, expanding factories or repairing works in the factory is carried out according to Decree 35.

The inadequacies that prolong procedures and affect the business's plans have been proposed by Dong Nai People's Committee to the Ministry of Construction (MoC) to amend, but the ministry is still researching the process.

While waiting for regulations to be amended, Dong Nai established a Planning Council under the DIZA to shorten the time to complete procedures for businesses instead of having to get opinions from the local Planning Council, which takes a lot of time, Phuong said.

In addition to issues with construction procedures, businesses also reported problems related to land procedures, tax problems, and power outages that affected the businesses' production.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Deputy Chairman of Dong Nai People's Committee, said that the province had recorded all businesses opinions, and would promptly research and find ways to shorten the process.

In 2024, the province will continue to implement the policy of attracting green industrial projects, using advanced, clean and environmentally friendly technology to preserve the ecological environment, creating products with high added value, making great contributions to the state budget," Hoang said.

In 2023, Dong Nai attracted nearly $1.23 billion, an increase of over 11 per cent of the year's plan. Among them, there were 81 new projects with a total registered capital amount of over $467 million and 94 projects increased capital worth over $761 million.

In the first quarter of 2024, Dong Nai issued investment registration certificates for 21 new foreign-invested projects valued over $252 million. 129 projects had their investment registration certificates adjusted, of which 23 projects had their capital increased by over $268 million.

Angst+Pfister establishes Vietnam production hub in Dong Nai Swiss group Angst+Pfister held a grand opening for its wholly-owned APVN Sealing production facility in Vietnam on March 20.
FTX's former CEO and founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves following his arraignment in New York City on December 22, 2022. Disgraced cryptocurrency wunderkind Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in jail on March 28, 2024, following his conviction in one of the biggest financial fraud cases in history. ED JONES / AFP

US District Judge Lewis Kaplan said the defendant, who became known by his initials "SBF," had shown no "real remorse," even in his final pre-sentencing remarks in which the former billionaire rued "a series of bad decisions" but did not acknowledge knowingly violating financial laws.

Bankman-Fried said "mistakes were made, but never a word of remorse for the commission of a terrible crime," said Kaplan, who characterized the violations as "brazen" and called out the defendant for his "exceptional flexibility" towards the truth.

Kaplan set a sentence of 25 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant also was ordered to pay $11 billion, an amount reflective of what Bankman-Fried effectively stole from other parties, according to Kaplan's calculations.

Thursday's sentencing followed the November 2023 conviction by a federal jury in New York of Bankman-Fried, who once made the cover of financial magazines and financed splashy Super Bowl television ads in 2022.

Although lower than the 40-50 years sought by the government, the Justice Department praised the sentence.

"Today's sentence... is an important message to others who might be tempted to engage in financial crimes that justice will be swift, and the consequences will be severe," said US federal prosecutor Damian Williams.

Bankman-Fried's parents, Stanford law professors Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried, said in a statement: "We are heartbroken and will continue to fight for our son."

Bankman-Fried had soared to the top of the crypto world, becoming a billionaire before age 30 and turning FTX, a small start-up he cofounded in 2019, into the world's second largest exchange platform.

But in November 2022, Bankman-Fried's breakneck rise came crashing down, with a deluge of customer withdrawals following revelations that billions of dollars had been illegally moved from FTX to Bankman-Fried's personal hedge fund, Alameda Research.

In remarks to the court, defense attorney Marc Mukasey characterized Bankman-Fried as a well-intended, "awkward math nerd," rather than a cold-hearted figure like notorious Ponzi scheme operator Bernie Madoff.

"It's obviously a serious offense, but Sam was not a financial serial killer who set out to hurt people," Mukasey said.

During the hearing, Bankman-Fried expressed regret about the firm's demise, which also affected many colleagues.

They "built something beautiful," Bankman-Fried said. "And I threw it all away. It haunts me every day. I made a series of bad decisions."

Bankman-Fried said he was anguished that FTX victims had not been compensated -- something he said "begs a question of why they haven't been paid back."

But federal prosecutor Nicolas Roos, speaking after Bankman-Fried, said the defendant continued to play down his crimes, noting the impact was "not a bloodless financial loss on paper."

Roos described "immediate" financial harm to FTX victims, including one investor in Portugal whose daughter was born the day before FTX imploded and a married couple of retirees who were forced to go back to work.

Kaplan agreed with key arguments from the government.

The judge had begun the hearing by rejecting the defense's efforts to persuade the court to consider billions of dollars worth of recoveries through the FTX bankruptcy as lowering the size of the fraud.

Kaplan called out Bankman-Fried for witness tampering and enumerated at least three specific instances where he had given false testimony.

"When he wasn't outright lying, he was often evasive, hair-splitting, dodging questions," Kaplan said of Bankman-Fried's testimony.

The Justice Department had developed its sentence recommendation in part to account for the risk that Bankman-Fried could engage in further fraud if released too quickly.

While stopping short of the government's full sentence, Kaplan agreed that a free Bankman-Fried would pose a risk.

Bankman-Fried could say "that mistakes were made. Other people were to blame. The bankruptcy people screwed up," Kaplan said. "It doesn't take too much imagination to see the outline" of another narrative.

"But there is a risk that this man will be in a position to do something very bad, and it's not a trivial risk," said Kaplan, calling a lengthy sentence necessary to "disable" Bankman-Fried.
Launched last November through an initial collaboration with VPBank, Garmin Pay enables users to conduct transactions swiftly and easily. Built on an open platform independent of the iOS and Android operating systems, the payment app does not require a connection to a phone; users only need a compact Garmin smartwatch on their wrist. With a simple touch on a point-of-sale machine, they can easily utilise numerous benefits and service utilities provided by Garmin and its banking partners

Garmin Pay garnered positive feedback from over 1,000 users within the first five weeks of its launch and the enthusiastic response propelled Garmin to further expand this payment method, offering new users a multitude of advantages, including mitigated transaction risks and a cutting-edge, cashless lifestyle tailored to today's sophisticated users.

Scoppen Lin, assistant general manager, Garmin Asia said, "Garmin Pay can now be accessed by even more users in Vietnam, enabling them to enjoy a more convenient and modern lifestyle. As a top brand in smart wearable devices, we will continue to contribute to the development of the smart payment market and promote an active, convenient lifestyle for users."

Garmin Pay's highly secure system also allows banking information to be kept confidential through transaction codes for each purchase. When making a payment, the card number will not be stored on the device, Garmin's system, or sent to the merchant, but rather based on the specific card number of each watch.

If users remove the watch from their wrist or turn off the heart rate monitor device, the watch will require a password before payment. Additionally, Garmin Pay will automatically lock the wallet when users enter the wrong password three times. They will then have to reset the password in the Garmin Connect app to continue.

According to Visa's 2023 Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, 88 per cent of Vietnamese consumers are gradually transitioning to cashless shopping experiences. Contactless payments have become a trend in Vietnam, with significant adoption from Gen X, Gen Y, and individuals with moderate to high incomes. Two out of every five consumers prefer using this payment method, with Gen X and high-income individuals comprising the majority. Moreover, nine out of 10 individuals are interested in experiencing various types of contactless cards.

Dung Dang, Visa country manager for Vietnam and Laos, said, "We believe Garmin Pay will be embraced by users as a more convenient spending and shopping experience in their daily lives. This solution not only expands Visa's portfolio of contactless payment methods but also emphasises our commitment to convenience and safety for consumers during the payment process, contributing to the advancement of the digital economy in Vietnam."

The endorsement from leading banks marks a significant advancement for Garmin Pay, as it is poised to enhance the accessibility of one-touch payment solutions across various domains. The payment option integrates into the routines of contemporary individuals, spanning everything from fitness pursuits to leisure engagements and essential transactions.

It epitomises a companion for modern living, promising numerous advantages and technological enhancements. This aligns with the shared aspiration of Garmin and Visa's strategic collaboration, aimed at fostering innovation and delivering tangible benefits.

Clash of Vietnams best ultra-runners to gather at Garmin Run Hanoi 2019 With the aim of encouraging more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, Garmin partnered with Topas to organise Garmin Run Hanoi 2019. Some 800 runners including Vietnams strongest runners alongside newbies and juniors will race for charity in the beautiful Yen So Park in Hanoi this March 24.

Garmin Asia eyes growth in Vietnam and Asia post-pandemic With digital technology acceleration and new user behaviours, the smart wearable market is experiencing great growth. Scoppen Lin, assistant general manager at Garmin Asia, discussed with VIRs Tuan Thuy the new market trends and the companys future in Vietnam.
HDBank has announced its audited financial statements for 2023, which show it achieved its best ever results. Photo courtesy of HD Bank

In the past 10 years HDBank has achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 49.1 per cent.

Its ROA and return on equity (ROE) profitability ratios were 2 per cent and 24.2 per cent respectively, both higher than last year and keeping HDBank among the group of leading banks in these crucial indicators.

Its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 12.6 per cent is equal to 150 per cent of the ratio stipulated for the banking industry under Basel II norms. Its non-performing loan ratio is only 1.5 per cent, and other prudential indicators are all positive.

As of December 31, 2023, HDBank's total assets were worth over $24.3 billion, up 44.7 per cent from a year earlier.

Deposits were up 46.5 per cent at $21.6 billion, and the consolidated credit balance was $14.2 billion, up 31.8 per cent.

To maintain sustainable growth momentum, HD Bank is steadfast in its strategic focus on multipurpose retail, small- and medium-sized enterprises and consumer finance, and also proactively adopts the best international standards for modern banking management.

In 2023, the bank pioneered upgrading to Basel III international governance standards and embracing an environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.

HDBank is the first in Vietnam to publish an ESG report in 2024 as part of its efforts to help Vietnam achieve its commitment of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

HD SAISON Finance Co. Ltd., a joint venture with a Japanese partner, achieved leading business results in terms of profit and safety among financial companies.

In addition to vibrant business activities, HDBank has also discharged its social responsibility through meaningful programmes nationwide.

HDBank was honoured with many prestigious awards in the past year, such as the ASEAN Business Awards 2023, the Digital Innovation Award by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Board of The Year awarded by the Vietnam Institute of Directors, and the Best Retail Bank in Vietnam in 2023 Award.

HDBank is honoured as ADB's leading partner bank in Vietnam The Ho Chi Minh City Development Bank (HDBank) was honoured as the Leading Partner Bank in Vietnam by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at an award ceremony for the Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program in Singapore earlier this month.

HDBank posted record profit for 2023 With its sustainable development strategy and effective risk management, Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank) sailed through last year's troubled waters to achieve high growth across all indicators.
Indonesia opens first direct shipping route to China (Photo: news.cgtn.com)

Hanoi  The authorities of Indonesia's Batam Island officially started on March 31 the operation of direct shipment from Batuampar Port to China's Guangzhou and Shenzhen to boost trade between the two countries.

The direct shipping service was initiated by Persero Batam and the Batam Concession Agency in collaboration with SITC International Holdings, a shipping logistics company based in Chinas Hong Kong.



Director of Persero Batam, Arham S. Torik, said at the inaugural voyage in Batam city that the voyage used the MV SITC Hakata with a capacity of 1,000 TEUs. The direct service would routinely sail every Sunday, four trips in a month.

Torik said that there were already five export companies that would join the direct route, and expressed his hope that there would be more companies to join.

The direct route can reduce the transportation cost by up to 600 USD compared to transiting in Singapore, he said.

Head of the BP Batam Muhammad Rudi highly valued the operation of the Batam-China direct route, saying he hopes that in the future all companies in Batam can take advantage of this direct shipping to China.

Batam is expected to become a good place to ship goods and targets a capacity of 2 million TEUs per year, he added.

Indonesia firm on election of future Jakarta governors: official The Indonesian government is firm on its stance that future Jakarta governors should be elected by Jakarta residents instead of being appointed by the central government, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has said.
The event aims to provide a platform for language education, seeking to address problems in language learning and teaching, through platforms of dialogue and exploring the role of AI in language education.

The workshop of the pre-conference 20th Asia CALL 2023

The conference is expected to have the participation of leading experts in the world, such as Dr. Reginakaplan Rakowski from University of North Texas in the United States; Professor Andrew P. Lian from Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand; Dr. Ania Lian University from Charles Darwin, Australia; Associate Professor Le Van Canh from Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.

"We find common ground with Asia Call in prestige, quality and the spirit of innovation and pioneering in applying technology to teaching and learning. This is why we seek support from the university leadership to host the event," said Nguyen Truong Sa from Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, who is head of the Organising Board.

"In recent years, new technology has had a strong impact on education in general and English teaching in particular, supporting teachers in improving quality, helping both teaching and learning more conveniently and flexibly."

There will be a focus on bringing technology application solutions in the context of increasingly developing language learning and teaching. There will also be in-depth discussion sessions about AI for language learning; language teacher training to prepare teachers for the digital age; AI, Chatbots and language learning; game-based and AI-based language learning; and cultural interference in language training.

Leading experts will attend the 21st ASIA CALL 2024

The event is an opportunity to strengthen connections, sharing as well as create bridges for domestic and international scientists, teachers, businesses, and organisations, especially in English teaching to discuss technology application, equipment, AI in education and life, and other related fields such as publishing and book distribution, media, studying abroad, and events.

Initiated by Asia Computer-Assisted Language Learning since 2002, ASIA CALL is an annual event. In 2023, the 20th ASIA CALL was held at Danang University.

Barriers broken down in vocational training Improving the quality and form of vocational training is becoming a solution chosen by many educational institutions to eliminate prejudices and reaffirm its value in building human resources for the labour market.

British Council opens new English centres in Ho Chi Minh City The British Council, the United Kingdoms international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, is proud to mark its 30th anniversary in Vietnam by opening two new English teaching centres in Ho Chi Minh City.
While ESG investment in Vietnam has not reached maturity, it holds potential for capital attraction, Photo: Shutterstock

According to PwC projections, by 2026, fund assets focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) globally are expected to constitute 21.5 per cent of total investment assets, reaching an estimated $33.9 trillion. This growth, averaging 12.9 per cent annually, significantly outpaces the broader investment markets 4.3 per cent growth rate.

In Asia, particularly in Vietnam, the trajectory towards sustainable investment has gained momentum, spurred by robust government initiatives aimed at sustainable development and stable economic growth. This shift has notably heightened investor interest in ESG-focused investments.

Since its introduction in 2017 by the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, the Vietnam Sustainability Index (VNSI) has spotlighted the top 20 corporations with good ESG performance. The VNSI not only underscores the investment appeal of sustainable stocks but also serves as a benchmark for international institutional investors adhering to ESG investment principles, paving the way for future investment products such as exchange-traded funds and index derivatives. Despite this progress, specific ESG-oriented investment funds tracking the VNSI remain scarce.

In 2022, the State Securities Commission of Vietnam endorsed the establishment of the open-ended United ESG Vietnam Equity Fund (UVEEF) by UOB Asset Management Vietnam. The fund stands out as the first in Vietnams financial market to dual-screen for ESG compliance alongside traditional fundamental analysis for its stock selections, marking a rare focus on ESG factors within the market.

Truong Minh Hung, head of ESG Investment at UOB Vietnam, said, The integration of ESG considerations into the investment process is still in its infancy in Vietnam. However, theres a growing interest from investors, especially among the younger demographic, in such investment avenues.

The UVEEF prioritises stocks of companies that not only adhere to stringent ESG standards, as evaluated by the fund, but also show solid fundamentals and promising business outlooks.

In 2023, the UVEEFs investment performance significantly outstripped the market, with the net asset value per fund certificate increasing by 17.7 per cent, a clear 5.5 per cent above the VN-Index, Hung said.

He anticipated continued investor attraction to sustainable funds as the global acknowledgment of climate changes impacts deepens and more countries pledge to shift away from fossil fuels. Additionally, the rising investor awareness about the significance of ESG investing reinforces this trend.

Financial experts, on the other hand, believe that while ESG investment in Vietnam has not reached the maturity seen in other regions, it holds considerable potential for capital attraction.

This potential is buoyed by the Vietnamese governments determined push for a green transition, making the VNSIs top 20 stocks - including companies like FPT, Vietcombank, Mobile World Group, and Vinamilk - attractive targets for major investment funds such as Dragon Capital and VinaCapital.

The challenge, however, lies in the absence of a standardised ESG framework, which has become a critical hurdle in drawing more ESG-focused investments to the country.

During the 2024 Vietnam Business Forum (VBF), the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) voiced a pressing need for Vietnam to refine and consolidate its approach towards ESG standards.

The current ESG regulatory landscape in Vietnam is scattered and lacks clarity, posing a significant barrier to investment. Establishing clear, unified ESG standards is imperative for Vietnam to stay competitive and fulfill its sustainability commitments, remarked a EuroCham representative.

EuroCham advocated for the merging of existing ESG norms into a comprehensive legal framework, complemented by new legislation to plug any regulatory gaps and define clearer rules for foreign investors.

Theres also a crucial need to boost awareness among stakeholders in both the private and public sectors about the significance of ESG standards in the investment sphere, added the spokesperson.

Dominic Scriven, chairman of the VBFs Capital Market Working Group, said, Acknowledging the environmental dimension separately from governance is the first step in the ESG investment journey. Vietnam has already shown a strong commitment to this shift, particularly through its pledges at events like COP26.

He further highlighted the necessity of developing a national ESG taxonomy in Vietnam. Creating a clear framework that defines policies, regulations, and incentives for achieving carbon neutrality and promoting a circular economy is essential. This will lay the groundwork for businesses to develop targeted action plans and secure financing for these activities, Scriven stated.

Vietnam ESG Initiative 2024: seizing green transformation opportunities Following the success of the 2023 Vietnam Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiative, the Agency for Enterprise Development under the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are co-hosting the 2024 Vietnam ESG Initiative.
The event focused on industrial design and discussing of preserving cultural heritage among experts and visitors in a seminar themed "The value of heritage: When the present draws lessons from the past."

Fabio De Cillis, trade commissioner, director of the Italian Trade Agency in Ho Chi Minh City had an opening speech of the Italian Design Day 2024

This event served as a multilateral cultural bridge and demonstrated the connection between organisations in Italy and experts and designers in Vietnam. Such activities open up more opportunities for cooperation in design, especially in conservation.

According to Fabio De Cillis, trade commissioner, director of the Italian Trade Agency in Ho Chi Minh City, architectural trends are constantly being updated.

Following new trends and applying the most advanced techniques is necessary, but preserving the identity and beauty of the past is equally important. There are many ways to build a city and connect cities together. But the best way is to use modern techniques and technology to preserve and promote traditional characteristics. This is the goal we want to help Vietnam achieve, Cillis said.

According to Cillis, Vietnam is a rapidly developing country, with economic development in many fields, transportation infrastructure is increasingly invested and innovated. On the other hand, this rapid development creates the risk of losing long-standing good values. Therefore, preserving heritage and history is critical for the country.

We organise many exhibitions in Italy related to furniture, marble, ceramics and also sponsor Vietnamese businesses to attend and connect. Through this year's IDD event, we hope to seek opportunities to cooperate in restoration and preservation projects with local units and organisations, he added.

Speakers at the IDD

With its unique characteristics, today Italian art has a great influence on other architecture in the world. The IDD is one of the activities to support Vietnamese art lovers, designers, and architects to update new solutions and directions in design, suitable for the new era.

The IDD is an annual design event held in more than 100 cities around the world, promoted and initiated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency since 2017.

Fourth edtion of Italian Design Day gives a peek into future of innovation and beauty On November 5, the series of events on the occasion of the fourth Italian Design Day will be officially launched in Vietnam with the theme Drawing the future. Development, Innovation, Sustainability, Beauty.

True Italian Taste 2021 The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM) collaborated with the Italian Embassy in Hanoi to introduce activities within the framework of the True Italian Taste 2021 project.
The business partners include Vietnam's oil and gas group PetroVietnam, PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation Limited (PVEP), PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV Gas), and PTT Exploration and Production Public Co., Ltd. (PTTEP), a Thai national oil and gas company.

The Block B project is expected to yield stable earnings in the long term. Production capacity has been estimated at 490 million cubic feet per day, with production scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.

In addition to the development of the upstream gas field, the Block B project will include a midstream development for gas transportation. MOECO's subsidiaries will share the cost of the project, which mainly consists of offshore installations and pipeline construction, for approximately $740 million.

Mitsui has identified global energy transition as one of its key strategic initiatives in its medium-term management plan.

The Block B project will contribute to a decarbonised society through the development of gas fuelled power.

Deputy PM receives leader of Japan's MOECO company Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 21 for President and CEO of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (MOECO) Hidenori Harada.

Long An province and Dong Tam Group work with Japans Mitsui E&S Machinery Leaders of Long An province and Dong Tam Group from September 4 to 10 had a working session with Japan's Mitsui E&S Machinery to promote bilateral investment between Vietnam and Japan.
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is working on adjustments of the master port development plan towards 2030, with a vision up to 2050. The adjustments focus on general goals, land and water use needs, capital requirements, prioritised ventures, and solutions for implementing planning on the environment, sci-tech, and more.

Seaport investment creates new promise, illustration photo

The prioritised list of projects will include international gateway port areas such as Lach Huyen in the northern city of Haiphong, Cai Mep in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Can Gio international transit port. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City seaport is expected to be upgraded from a potential type 1 seaport into a special seaport; and demand for international transshipment goods through Lien Chieu Seaport in Danang will rise to up to one million TEU a year by 2030.

Total investment in the seaport system by 2030 is estimated at $14.83 billion, an increase of $1.62 billion, prioritising additional public infrastructure projects of the Tran De offshore port area and Can Gio international port.

According to experts, the amendments are significant and if approved will create better conditions for international investors, especially those with existing seaport projects in Vietnam, to operate more smoothly.

The master port development plan, together with seaport infrastructure, connecting traffic corridors, and many other service and utility facilities can be seen as a great opportunity for foreign businesses, said senior seaport expert Ho Kim Lan.

There are solutions to increase investment flows in the industry in coming years, but the main ones are policies to innovate infrastructure. Ensuring legitimate benefits for investors under the public-private partnership mechanism is also important, Lan continued.

Thus far, many globally renowned names have shown their strong interest in the transport sector and seaports in particular. For instance, International Holdings Company at a meeting with the Vietnamese prime minister late last year said that it eyes investment and cooperation opportunities in seaports, logistics, digital transformation, and smart cities.

Elsewhere, Indian multinational Adani Group plans to start its investment path in Vietnam with the $2 billion Lien Chieu Seaport in the central city of Danang, in cooperation with Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC).

We are preparing for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of Lien Chieu Seaport. It shows our commitment to Vietnam, and we expect to develop an industrial park complex with the port, said CEO Karan Adani in December.

While seeing potential ahead, seaports are still facing a challenging period, including joint venture seaports of VIMC and its foreign partners, although they saw improvements in the first two months of 2024.

Cai Mep International Terminal (CMIT), which has Denmarks APM Terminals as a foreign stakeholder, saw a 46 per cent on-year increase in container throughput during the two-month span, while the threshold was an increase of 31 per cent on-year from SSIT, a joint venture between VIMC and SSA Marine.

Last year, an unfavourable global economic situation and weak consumption demand, especially in the US and EU, seriously affected seaport operators. As a result, VIMCs total seaport throughput and revenue fell 16 and 7 per cent from the yearly targets, respectively.

We saw plenty of new seaports operational with bigger wharfs, modern equipment, and capacity to receive large ships, while market demand did not increase, thus leading to a more serious oversupply situation, said Nguyen Canh Tinh, CEO of VIMC.

The seaport industry is yet to see a bright future in 2024 as a number of factors should be counted like drought in the Panama Canal, unstable developments, and geopolitical tensions among countries affecting the operations of shipping lines and can lead to possible disruption of the global supply chain, and will directly affect the output of goods through the seaport system, Tinh added.

In particular, while CMIT reported an increase in its output compared to the yearly target last year, it accommodated 16.98 million tonnes of goods, while its container throughput reached over 1.2 million TEU last year, both down 12 per cent on-year. Its pre-tax profit was -$7.38 million.

Like CMIT, other seaport joint ventures with VIMC like Cai Lan International Container Terminal (CICT), SSIT, and SP-PSA also had a tough year. SSIT saw container throughput and pre-tax profit decrease during the year. Similarly, SP-PSA, which VIMC runs with Singaporean-based PSA, witnessed a pre-tax profit drip of -$1.8 million.

For CICT, located in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, and is run by VIMC and US-based Carrix, the parent company of SSA Marine, its container throughput fell 90 per cent on-year, and its pre-tax profit was -$18 million.

17 billion USD needed to build railway connecting to seaports As much as 17 billion USD is needed to build two railway routes connecting to seaports, namely Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong and Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, according to the Ministry of Transport (MoT).

Soc Trang lays out strategy for seaports special renovation The rejuvenation of Tran De Seaport will play an important role in the socioeconomic development of the entire Mekong Delta region, with a spillover effect on other industries.

Tran De Seaport: a new gateway for goods to and from Vietnam Tran De Seaport in Soc Trang province is planned and invested as a special port to quickly transfer goods from the Mekong Delta to the world.
The findings from the "Going International 2024" survey offer a beacon of enlightenment into the world of global business strategies, particularly illuminating the pathways of German investors both globally and within the vibrant landscape of Vietnam. Spanning from January 25 to February 11, 2024, this insightful inquiry engaged nearly 2,400 businesses headquartered in Germany and operating across international borders.

By the close of 2023, German investments in Vietnam had soared, culminating in 463 projects with an impressive total registered capital nearing $2.7 billion. This marked Germany's position as the 17th largest investing entity in Vietnam, a testament to the burgeoning partnership between the two nations. Notably, more than half of these ventures are concentrated in key hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Hai Phong, with the remainder scattered across 33 other provinces and cities.

Among the approximately 500 German enterprises operating in Vietnam, over 100 have been actively engaged in manufacturing activities since 1993, underscoring the confidence of German businesses in the Vietnamese market and Vietnam's ascendancy as a premier destination for businesses seeking expansion within Asia.

Marko Walde, chief representative of the Delegation of the German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, said the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is acting as a catalyst for enhanced trade and investment between Vietnam and the EU, with Vietnam's steadfast dedication to these principles fostering a conducive business environment, thereby attracting heightened interest from German investors.

In the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China), German enterprises are also embracing a brighter outlook compared to their counterparts in other regions. A significant 65 per cent of businesses anticipate market stability, with an additional 15 per cent foreseeing positive advancements. Notably, this region stands out for its relatively less pessimistic business climate, and is poised to benefit from the strategic diversification of supply chains.

Illustrating this proactive approach, several German companies currently operating in China are expanding their supplier networks or establishing footholds in the Asia-Pacific region as part of the innovative "China +1 Strategy". However, amidst these promising prospects, challenges persist, particularly in bilateral German-China trade. The economic slowdown in China, coupled with escalating trade barriers such as localisation requirements, presents formidable obstacles.

The latest findings reveal a stark reality: a staggering 61 per cent of enterprises, the highest proportion recorded since 2012, grapple with escalating trade barriers, casting shadows over international operations.

Central to these challenges are the formidable hurdles of local certification requirements and heightened security protocols, exacerbating the intricacies and costs associated with cross-border trade. Moreover, the spectre of sanctions, particularly in dealings with Russia, looms ominously, alongside the opacity of legislation, elevated tariffs, and stringent local content regulations.

Compounding these external challenges are the burgeoning domestic impediments originating from within Germany itself, a disconcerting trend observed by 81 per cent of companies. Bureaucratic entanglements and regulatory uncertainties, epitomised by initiatives like the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, ensnare enterprises in a web of complexity and ambiguity. Additionally, the protracted approval processes from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) and convoluted customs clearance procedures further exacerbate the hurdles in international transactions.

Despite the modest growth of the global economy, German companies find themselves on the sidelines of prosperity, with bleak prospects for export growth in the current year. This prevailing sentiment reverberates globally, with 26 per cent of enterprises anticipating a deterioration in foreign business, juxtaposed against a meagre 13 per cent expecting improvement.

Vietnam can draw more attention of German groups In the context of ongoing global economic uncertainties, German businesses still consider Vietnam as one of the most potential developing markets in Asia. What is more, with Germanys investment diversification strategy, Vietnam is being evaluated as a promising and reliable investment destination for German enterprises.

German investors eager for Binh Duong Binh Duong Peoples Committee held a meeting on March 19 with the German Business Association (GBA) in Vietnam, along with 40 German firms wishing to explore investment opportunities in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (left) discussed with Sang-Woon Lee, vice chairman/COO of Hyosung (right) on March 30

The issuance was made at the "Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province Vision Declaration and Investment Approval Ceremony" held in Phu My 2 Industrial Park in southern Vietnam last Saturday.

Hyosung TNC plans to proactively respond to the global materials market's reorganisation around sustainable products by investing $1 billion to establish multiple Bio-BDO production plants capable of producing 200,000 tonnes annually.

BDO (Butanediol) is a chemical used as a raw material for PTMG, which is used to make spandex fibre. In addition to spandex (PTMG) fibre, BDO applications have expanded to include engineering plastics, biodegradable packaging, footwear soles, industrial compounds, and many other industries.

Bio-BDO is manufactured by fermenting sugars derived from sugarcane, replacing traditional fossil raw materials such as coal by 100 per cent. It is expected to draw in significant attention in the sustainable materials market.

Hyosung TNC recently formed a technology partnership with Geno, a US sustainable materials and technology leader, whereby it has taken licences for GENO BDO technology.

Geno's proven technology enables Hyosung TNC to fast track their project and unlocks the production and selling of Bio-BDO with an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes in the first half of 2026.

With this investment, Hyosung TNC has secured the largest bio-spandex factory in Vietnam. Notably, it is the first in the world to establish a vertically integrated production system for bio-spandex, from raw material to fibre.

Hyosung TNC will produce Bio-BDO at its factory in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, manufacture PTMG at a nearby factory in Dong Nai, in the south of Ho Chi Minh City, and then use this to mass-produce regen BIO spandex at the Dong Nai Spandex factory.

The integrated production system for bio-spandex is optimised for customers in the global sustainable textiles market, including brands and retailers in Asia, Europe and the US.

This system enhances production efficiency through a stable raw material supply and allows for swift responses to market needs by speeding up production system operations. Additionally, it ensures cost competitiveness through reduced transportation costs and alleviates environmental impact by saving the fuel used for transportation.

"The bio business, which transforms conventional fossil raw materials into eco-friendly ones, will become a core pillar of Hyosung for the next 100 years. We will enhance Hyosung's premium brand status by strengthening our global sustainable market penetration based on our consistent production system of Bio-BDO and Bio Spandex," said Hyun-Joon Cho, chairman of Hyosung.

Since the late 2000s, Cho has been closely monitoring the rapid reorganisation of the global textile market, especially in Europe and the Americas, towards sustainable products and has consistently directed Hyosung TNC to respond flexibly.

As environmental regulations, including carbon taxes, become stricter in global markets in such areas as Europe and the Americas, the textile and fashion market is evolving, and survival without certified sustainable products is becoming virtually impossible.

As the value consumption of sustainable products increases, especially among Millennials and GenZers, chemical companies' marketing efforts to promote a sustainable brand image are expanding significantly.

To achieve this, the company plans to lead the sustainable market by continuing to collaborate with major global customers and chemical brands to introduce functional, sustainable products utilising Bio-BDO.

As of this year, the global sustainable textile and fashion market is valued at approximately $23 billion, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 12.5 per cent.

It is expected to grow to about $75 billion by 2030, including upstream and downstream businesses. Hyosung TNC plans to increase the sales volume of sustainable spandex, which currently accounts for 4 per cent of its total spandex sales, to about 20 per cent by 2030, more than fivefold from now.

Hyosung Group unveils $720 million investment in Vietnam Hyosung Group, a South Korean industrial conglomerate, has announced plans to invest $720 million in a biotech fiber manufacturing plant in Vietnam.
INVITATION FOR PROPOSAL FOR WET-LEASE AIRCRAFT FOR JUNE - AUGUST 2024 To: Those who may concern, Vietnam Airlines JSC intends to wet-lease four (04) aircraft for period of 02 - 03 months, tentative start date from June 01, 2024. If there would be of your interest, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following address: Huynh Thanh Lan  Deputy Director, Investment and Procurement Department, Email: lanhuynh@vietnamairlines.com Dam Quang Gioi Genenal Manager, Investment and Procurement Department, Email: gioidamquang@vietnamairlines.com Le Hoang Ly Executive, Investment and Procurement Department, Email: lyle@vietnamairlines.com Address: VNA head office - 6th floor, VN1 Building, No. 200 Nguyen Son Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi. Tel: +84-24-38 732 732. Ext 2631
Welcoming the minister was Nitin Kapoor, vice president of Biopharmaceuticals International and chairman of AstraZeneca Vietnam, together with Nicholas Cong, head of International Commercial Operations and Chandler Chen, executive director of the iCampus and Regional Innovation Centre.

Along with the visit to AstraZeneca Global (R&D) China Centre, laboratories and facilities, Minister Dung also held discussions with AstraZeneca leaders on promoting innovation and scientific collaboration, facilitating research, experience exchange, and attracting resources to leverage innovation, and attracting investment in high-tech, innovative healthcare projects.

He also expressed his high expectation that with the support from AstraZeneca and its partners, Vietnam could improve the operational efficiency of its innovation model in science, technology, and AI, particularly within healthcare.

The application of science, technology, and innovation across all sectors is a sustainable and effective pathway for Vietnam's development. Healthcare innovation plays a crucial role in disease prevention, detection, and diagnosis. The scale and modernity of AstraZeneca's global research and development (R&D) centre and the wider innovation ecosystem it fosters serve as a prime example of successful investment cooperation between businesses and the state, which offers valuable learnings and can be referenced for Vietnam's innovation centre (NIC)," the MPI minister said.

Nitin Kapoor said, "For the past 30 years, AstraZeneca has been a trusted partner in Vietnam's healthcare development, striving to improve healthcare capacity and community health. Looking ahead, we commit to continued investment and knowledge sharing in digital applications, AI, and promoting healthcare transformation to enhance screening efficiency and early disease detection. This will ultimately reduce the burden on patients, families, and society.

In late 2023, together with the Vietnamese Young Physicians' Association, AstraZeneca launched the "Healthcare Innovation Network," and the first phase focused on the "Digital Transformation for Lung Health" project, which helped over 100,000 people. It serves as a significant leap towards innovation in healthcare and digital/AI transformation.

Through collaboration with AstraZeneca, China has established a collaborative healthcare innovation ecosystem, this high-tech platform integrates various resources, fostering the incubation of innovative healthcare models and the development of new biological treatments alongside diagnostic and monitoring equipment for smart healthcare.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in oncology, rare diseases, and biopharmaceuticals, including cardiovascular, renal and metabolism; respiratory and immunology, gastroenterology; vaccines and immune therapies. Based in Cambridge, the United Kingdom, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

As a foreign invested enterprise with over 600 employees, AstraZeneca Vietnam is investing $360 million from 2020 to 2030 into the country with a focus on reducing the burdens of diseases, uplifting the domestic biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and developing local talent.

Moreover, in May 2023, the company announced a new investment of up to $50 million in Vietnam, as part of the its global AZ Forest programme to restore Vietnams forests and landscapes, support the Vietnamese governments 2050 net-zero strategy.

AstraZeneca Vietnam chairman awarded Friendship Medal Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, has been bestowed with the Friendship Medal by State President in recognition of his extraordinary leadership during the pandemic and in his relentless pursuit of ongoing healthcare improvements.

AstraZeneca, VYPA sign MOU to enhance healthcare in Vietnam AstraZeneca Vietnam and the Vietnam Young Physicians Association (VYPA) on January 28 signed a MoU to elevate cooperation between the two organisations to new heights.
At the Data Centre and Cloud Infrastructure Summit held on March 18, Hoang Van Ngoc, director of Viettel IDC, said, "The total value of the global data centre market is expected to reach around $321 billion in 2024."

The scale of the cloud market in Vietnam is currently over $400 million and is forecasted to reach approximately $1 billion by 2025. This represents significant growth potential for top cloud service providers such as VNPT, Viettel, and CMC.

Le Nhan Tam, CTO of Microsoft Vietnam

"Mastering the cloud is not just a technology, business, or system problem. It is multi-faceted, involving people, processes, and technology, and ultimately affects the culture of an organisation as a whole," said Le Nhan Tam, CTO of Microsoft Vietnam.

According to Tam, the roadmap for Vietnam's cloud infrastructure transformation will consist of four stages. The first stage is migration, or building the foundation and achieving quick wins, where the focus is on constructing cloud-based computing infrastructure to quickly attain quick-win projects. The second stage is optimising IT costs and enabling new capabilities, where the emphasis shifts to optimising existing infrastructure to run more efficiently, while also gaining new capabilities.

After streamlining processes, the third stage is application modernisation, which involves updating applications and data platforms to fully utilise the new capabilities. In the past, applications were developed using a particular programming language and framework library, but after a few years, these applications may no longer meet performance and IT security or speed requirements.

The fourth stage is digital transformation and business innovation. Once the cloud infrastructure is ready and sufficiently mature, focus shifts to innovation to create competitive business advantages and new business models to save costs.

Experts at the conference discussed the numerous benefits for businesses if they manage the four stages correctly. Hardware savings are evident through reduced expenditures on servers, storage, and networking equipment, as cloud services eliminate the need for extensive on-premises hardware.

Additionally, software savings accrue from avoiding the costs associated with unused third-party software licences. Maintenance costs are significantly reduced due to vendor contract consolidation, freeing up resources for other endeavours. Moreover, there are substantial savings in data centre facility expenses and energy consumption, leading to improved cash flow.

With cloud providers offering higher Service-Level Agreements, uptime is guaranteed at a minimum of 99.9 per cent, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Disaster Recovery as a service is both cost-effective and swift, enabling businesses to recover from disruptions rapidly. Administration efficiency is enhanced through automated management processes and actionable insights derived from cloud analytics.

Furthermore, businesses benefit from reduced cyber risks, as cloud platforms incorporate multi-layered security controls and leverage threat intelligence to mitigate potential threats effectively. Overall, transitioning to cloud infrastructure yields significant cost savings, operational efficiencies, and enhanced security posture for enterprises.

The economic benefits that cloud infrastructure transformation brings are apparent, but how much a business should spend on the cloud and how it can avoid overspending also requires strategy. Experts at the summit emphasised managing cloud costs within an organisation will depend not only on technology but also on three factors: technology, people, and processes.

Firstly, utilising newer, energy-efficient equipment and applying effective energy-saving technologies can lead to cost savings. Secondly, people play a crucial role in cost management by responsibly using cloud resources, not letting the system run when it's not being utilised. Finally, processes, including those governing cloud service usage within organisations, significantly impact cost-management effectiveness.

"Defining a process for the use, management, and allocation of cloud resources also contributes to successful cloud-cost management. At Microsoft, we have individual cost centres for each person. We track how each of us utilises internal resources, all accounted for in our respective cost centres, compelling each individual to manage expenses accordingly. Establishing a framework like FinOps helps businesses find an optimal balance among quality, cost, and time to market," said Tam.

Service providers bet on the cloud While venturing further with new investment and products, Vietnamese cloud service providers need smarter approaches to compete with international players.

How cloud technology can help sustainable business growth The world is continuing to embrace data analytics innovation, and digital transformation. We are starting to see the rise of technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things. Policy counterparts, industry groups and others are also trying and unblocking hurdles to meet their own sustainability goals, and their climate ambitions.
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WATERLOO  A Clear Lake-based nonprofit has been working to fill shelves and racks with items for its new thrift store in Waterloo.

One Vision Thrift Store opened Monday at 2060 Sovia Drive, Suite 115. One Vision supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The organization opened its doors in 1971 in Clear Lake as a campus of 10 houses to provide support for people with disabilities. Formerly known as Handicap Village and Opportunity Village, it now serves more than 300 people in 23 communities in northern Iowa.

While the nonprofit is not be bringing its programs to the Cedar Valley, thrift store revenues will support its work as well as provide employment opportunities. This is One Visions third thrift store, with the other two in Clear Lake and Fort Dodge.

Shelby Fleming, the stores brand manager, and her team have been working to set up the 10,000-square-foot building since the beginning of March. The sales floor takes up 75% of that space. She said more than 10,000 items have been put out for sale, although the store is not as full as she wants it to be.

There are racks of mens, womens and childrens clothes; shoes; bags; jewelry and accessories; home decor; kitchen wares; and furniture. The current stock came from excess donations at the other two stores.

There are no set prices, and everything gets marked according to its value. Fleming said the average price of a piece of adult clothing is around $8 while childrens clothing is around $4. The average price of everything in the store is $6.

Fleming said the organization decided to create a store in Waterloo because it saw a need. She said they looked at the Ames and Des Moines areas but settled on the Cedar Valley.

(Based on) the median income and population, the need for a thrift store was really here, she said.

Local partners also enticed them. The organization previously partnered with Exceptional Persons Inc.  another group that works with people with disabilities. Fleming said the organization could partner with EPI to employ those with special needs.

Apart from assisting an underserved community, One Vision hopes to further provide the area with a place to recycle unwanted goods.

Our goal is to provide, you know, quality used items for the community, while also helping a community keep things out of their landfill, Fleming said. Were hoping to bring jobs and volunteer opportunities and partnership opportunities.

In 2023, the organization saved 1.5 million pounds of items from the landfill. She expects that number will be above 2 million pounds this year.

Items that dont sell are mailed to other organizations to sell, recycle and repurpose.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The donation drop-off is open whenever the store is open.

The store accepts most items except large appliances, baby furniture such as cribs and car seats, stereos and VHS tapes, encyclopedias and text books, items with odor or excess animal hair, non-working electrical items, paint or hazardous materials, tires, TVs, computers or ruined items.

The organization plans to hire four to six staff members as well as volunteers. Those interested can apply at onevision.org.

This story was updated to correct the stores address.

The number of cost-burdened renters has hit an all-time high The number of cost-burdened renters has hit an all-time high Half of American renters are spending more than 30% of their income on rent, and half of that group spends more than 50%
Update, April 27:

More than 250 runners and walkers attended the Walk Us Home 5K for Foster Homes.

Over $5,000 was raised for local foster kids to attend Camp RennerVation this summer.

CASA of Carson City also held a community resource fair after the 5K.

---

Original Article, April 1:

The Division of Child and Family Services and Nevada's Department of Health and Human Services are inviting the community to participate in the Walk Us Home 5K for Foster Homes.

The 5-kilometer run/walk will raise funds to send foster kids in Nevada to Camp Rennervation, a camp operated by Jeremy Renner's charitable foundation.

The run will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 at the Bob McFadden Plaza on West Third Street in Carson City.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in various categories.

The categories include a men's run, a women's run, a youth run for ages 12 and under, a teen run for ages 13-17, an adult walk, and a youth walk for ages 17 and under.

The event will also include games and live music, and CASA of Carson City will host a resource fair.

The registration fee is $27.50 for adults, and $16.90 for children under 18. Each registrant will receive a t-shirt and a goody bag.

If you are interested in signing up, you can do so at this link.


Investor Presentation

Perth, Mar 28, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd ( ASX:PIQ ) is pleased to release a copy of the presentation to be provided by Dr Richard Lipscombe to Jefferies Institutional Clients on 28 March 2024.



To view the Presentation, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/F3W451TE





About Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd





Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) is a wholly owned subsidiary and trading name of PILL, a medical technology company at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bioanalytical services. The Company specialises in the area of proteomics - the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins. Proteomics International's mission is to improve the quality of lives by the creation and application of innovative tools that enable the improved treatment of disease.

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Annual Report to Shareholders

Sydney, Mar 28, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Empire Energy Group Ltd ( ASX:EEG ) ( EEGUF:OTCMKTS ) continues progress to first commercial gas in the Beetaloo with the Carpentaria Pilot project. We anticipate commencing pilot production and sales in the first half of 2025 (subject to a final investment decision by the Board) which would make Empire the first company to sell gas from the Beetaloo Basin.



The critical shortage of new gas supply in Australia is most acute in the Northern Territory where declining supply from the Blacktip Gas Field and other sources is putting extreme pressure on alternative sources of gas to power their network. The Beetaloo Basin enjoys existing infrastructure to connect the enormous Beetaloo resource to markets in dire need.



We continue to process data acquired through our drilling and stimulation of four wells in EP187 as we progress our pilot project. Flow rates from C2 and C3 indicate to us that the resource is likely commercially viable and we expect further productivity gains as we apply and continue to build upon the valuable IP we have developed to date. Independent third-party reservoir engineering consultants Subsurface Dynamics, Inc. have assessed our results and predict that 3km horizontal development wells can generate EUR of 6-8 BCF of gas per well.



Netherland Sewell & Associates, Inc. has upgraded the 2C contingent resource to 1,739 PJ (>1.5 Tcf), over an area of less than 1% of our leasehold position.



Late in 2023, an opportunity arose to acquire a fit for purpose gas plant that had been processing gas for AGL near Sydney. Empire acquired the plant for A$2.5 million utilising existing cash at bank, a small fraction of the cost of an equivalent new build plant. The plant was relocated to Roma in Queensland and is in the process of being refurbished ahead of transport and reassembly as the Carpentaria Pilot Gas Plant (CPGP). Empire believes the cost of acquisition, refurbishment and relocation will result in saving ~$30m when compared with new build alternatives. Perhaps more importantly due to current global supply chain issues we may save ~12 months to first commercial gas.



We have managed this without dilution of capital. The receipt of $15.6m in R&D and the final Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program funds of $7.7m has meant we have not approached the capital markets since June 2022. The Empire team is focused on being a careful steward of your capital.



At the Annual General Meeting in May 2023, former Chairman Paul Espie AO announced his retirement from the Board of Empire Energy. We thank Paul for his substantial contribution to the Company's strategic direction as Chairman over the last five years and for his support as a shareholder, and wish him the best for his retirement.



The Board welcomed Karen Green to its ranks upon the retirement of Paul Fudge and his alternate Jacqui Clarke. Karen's deep knowledge of the Northern Territory where she has lived and worked since 1991 brings valuable experience and relationships as we move into the next phase of our development. We thank Paul and Jacqui for their service to the Board and we look forward to continuing our important relationship with them.



Late 2023 saw some extraordinary M&A transactions in global oil and gas, particularly in relation to the US shale industry. The Exxon Mobil takeover of Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron's of acquisition of Hess continues a consolidation trend amongst large oil and gas companies as the world transitions to lower carbon dioxide emissions while continuing to satisfy the developed and emerging world's insatiable demand for energy.



The future for gas in Australia's energy security is bright. Governments both Federal and State / Territory are productively engaging with the industry to ensure supply to underwrite gas supply for manufacturing and energy for decades to come.



As Empire progresses towards pilot production, we are focused on financing options that will maximise shareholder value while minimizing dilution of your interests in the Company. We have commenced a farmout process. Non-disclosure agreements have been signed with multiple global upstream energy companies and discussions are proceeding well. We are also exploring options for financing including project finance that, in the success case, will provide efficient capital solutions as we push towards production and cash flow.



*To view the Annual Report, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/713Y8G0N





About Empire Energy Group Ltd





Empire Energy (ASX:EEG) (OTCMKTS:EEGUF) is a Sydney based Australian oil and gas company holding 100%-owned and operated assets with unconventional targets in the Northern Territory Beetaloo Sub-basin and central trough of the McArthur Basin.

Empire is an active Beetaloo Sub-basin operator, focused on maturing its assets to production. Following the successful appraisal drilling and flow testing of the Carpentaria-2H and 3H wells in Empire's EP187, Empire is targeting first gas flow in H1 2025 at its Carpentaria Pilot Project. The Pilot has a targeted sales gas rate of up to 25 TJ per day utilising the existing McArthur River Pipeline.

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This photo taken on March 30, 2024 shows a view of the annual traditional Easter eggs exhibition held in Koprivnica, Croatia. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun)

KOPRIVNICA, Croatia, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Misel Jaksic, mayor of Koprivnica in northern Croatia, voiced his welcome to Chinese tourists as the annual traditional outdoor Easter eggs exhibition is underway in the city.

Although Croatia is perhaps best known for its Mediterranean tourism, "we are convinced that the continental part of Croatia also offers incredible experiences," Jaksic said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

According to the mayor, the Easter eggs combine tradition and a public space available to all visitors, curious people and lovers of naive painting, and the painters use special painting techniques that were developed precisely in small rural areas in the houses of workers, farmers, and artists of the region.

Moreover, the motifs on the Easter eggs depict the landscape and rural life of the region, as it once was and as it can still be found in its hidden corners, hills and agricultural plains, Jaksic said.

On March 14, the Tourist Board of Koprivnica-Krizevci County unveiled its annual exhibition of large decorated Easter eggs on the city's center square, and the Easter eggs, 2.05-meter high and 1.5-meter wide each, are believed to be the largest in Croatia.

The Easter eggs from Koprivnica, while having enjoyed the status of Intangible Croatian Cultural Heritage, have been gifted to other cities including Munich, Rome, New York, Prague, and Vienna. 

A man views a giant Easter egg during the annual traditional Easter eggs exhibition held in Koprivnica, Croatia on March 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun)

People visit the annual traditional Easter eggs exhibition held in Koprivnica, Croatia on March 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun)
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Wacoal, the renowned lingerie brand from Japan is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2024 Collection. This season, Wacoal presents three distinct styles, each embodying the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, sophistication, and versatility: Balcony and Beyond, T-shirt Bra, and Embrace Lace.

Balcony & Beyond -

Get enhanced appearance and incredible support with Wacoals Balcony & Beyond collection. The Balconette Fashion Bra boasts a sophisticated design that seamlessly blends style and comfort. With padded, wired cups offering medium coverage, this bra ensures a flattering silhouette while providing natural lift, because of its Balconette cut. The smooth fabric-covered cups create a seamless look under any outfit, while the soft and smooth lace detailing at the wings adds a touch of femininity.

Optimal support with a comfortable underwire, making it ideal for all-day wear. Plus, the fully adjustable straps guarantee a personalized fit for maximum comfort. Complete the set with the coordinating Bikini Panty, featuring a low waist, and bikini cut design for a sleek and perfect fit. Adorned with pretty floral lace inserts at the front, this panty offers a seamless feel with its smooth fabric construction. With a sewn-in cotton gusset, it ensures breathability and comfort throughout the day.

Colours Available: Grey, Radiant Red

Everyday Elegance T-shirt Bra -

Experience impeccable fit and unparalleled comfort this season with Wacoal's latest Everyday Elegance T-shirt Bra collection. Boasting sleek molded cups and underwire support, this T-shirt bra ensures all-day comfort and effortless wearability. Available in a stunning array of colors including Peach Nectar, Wasabi Green, Beige, and Black, this versatile range empowers women to express their unique style with confidence. Designed to be invisible under form-fitting fabrics, each bra delivers a naturally comfortable fit and subtle elegance.

More than just lingerie, this collection embodies a dedication to both comfort and self-assurance, making it an essential addition to any wardrobe. Elevate your style with Wacoal, where each piece strikes the perfect balance between comfort and fashion for the modern woman.

Colours Available: Black, Beige, Peach, Wasabi

Embrace Lace -

The iconic Embrace Lace range is a celebration of femininity, romance, and timeless elegance. Featuring delicate lace details, intricate embroidery, and flattering silhouettes, the Embrace Lace collection captures the essence of modern glamour with a touch of vintage-inspired charm. From romantic bralettes to supportive contour bras, and beautiful chemise, each piece is designed to enhance the natural beauty of every woman, offering a luxurious and empowering lingerie experience. The entire embrace range works well for occasion wear and bridal wear.

The Spring/Summer 2024 Collection from Wacoal represents the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and style. Whether embracing the modern allure of the Balcony and Beyond collection, enjoying the everyday ease of the T-shirt Bra collection, or indulging in the timeless elegance of the Embrace Lace range, women can feel confident and empowered in their lingerie choices.

Colours Available: Pink and Black

Nylon Panty Collection

Wacoal's Nylon Panty Multipacks are perfect for everyday wear. These panties are made of smooth nylon fabric, with a cotton gusset giving you a chic look and comfy feel. They come in various trendy colors, so you can pick your favorite. You can choose between two styles: a low-waist bikini or a mid-waist hipster cut, both designed to fit nicely and feel great all day. With lightweight and stretchy features, they are comfortable for everyday wear. And the best part? You get three panties in each pack, giving you lots of options.
NDTVs Yuva conclave brought together Indias youth icons on one stage, for special conversations about leveraging youth to foster change. Union Minister Anurag Thakur led the power-packed line-up that included Congress leader Sachin Pilot and actor Sidharth Malhotra. A special interaction and q and a session with Anurag Thakur kicked off the daylong conclave.

What is it to work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister was asked. My boss, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the best. He is the strictest at work but kindest when it comes to citizens, Mr. Thakur said, drawing loud applause.

"If you have a boss who hasn't taken a single holiday in 23 years, even when his mother passed away, that is the type of commitment the PM has". Indias youth, the minister said, stand for "positive energy, inspiration, passion, and motivation".

Mr. Thakur also spoke about 18kaVote, NDTVs mission to make the youth - especially those who have just turned 18 and eligible to vote in their first election - aware of the need to vote.

Fielding a wide range of questions, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister also spoke about what the opposition alleges is persecution by probe agencies, restrictions on media and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) report on the bleak job situation in India.

The questions show you can ask anything to the minister on National TV. You may not be able to do so in Pakistan or Saudi Arabia. We still have a slavery mentality because we always depended on foreign ratings. We need to come out of it and trust organisations in our country," he said.

Wrapping the session, the minister took a selfie with his young audience.

Later, Congress General Secretary Sachin Pilot, who debuted as an MP at the age of 26, spoke about encouraging youth in politics.

Political parties prefer winnability over youth, and people were also inclined towards voting veterans and known players, Sachin Pilot noted, adding that a change in this thinking would take time.

Mr. Pilot also responded to a question on Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate and the row over objectionable comments on BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut posted on her handle.

No one has the right to make personal attacks or character assassination, it is important to focus on issues, said the former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra, our Yuva Yodha, said he believed mental health is a formidable challenge for the youth. Giving tips on handling stress, he said yoga helps. Stress is something which is unavoidable. We are giving exams every Friday (movies releases). It never ends. It's how you deal with it. You have to be in your lane and focus on yourself. Focusing on oneself is most important for success. Following my own path has worked. There is no point in having wild case scenarios, he said.

Focus is key. Yoga has helped me. It helps you centre.

Alaya F, our actor disruptor, the daughter of actor Pooja Bedi and the granddaughter of another actor, Kabir Bedi, shared what she called her privileged struggles in making it in films. Nepotism also has its limitations. It will get me into rooms. But then no one will give me movies just because of that. I was being tested for a year and half before I landed my first role, she said.

NDTV Networks Revenue Head Mandeep Singh commented NDTV has been always known for its purposeful initiatives that disrupt the way news impacts lives of people and communities. Yuva is one such incredible initiative that makes its grand comeback.

YUVA embodies the idea of young people actively engaging in efforts to bring about positive transformations in their communities and beyond. It highlights the role of youth as catalysts for social, political, and environmental progress, using their voices, creativity, and energy to address pressing issues and advocate for meaningful change.

A session on mental health saw an expert panel comprising Dr Amit Sen, Amrita Tripathi, Divija Bhasin, and Kairavi Bharat Ram discussing the challenges faced by the youth.
In a remarkable career leap, Bhawna Sharma Ningthoujam has ascended to the position of Director of Communication for India at Western Digital, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.

With an extensive background spanning over 15 years in prominent PR agencies, Bhawna ventured into Western Digital in September 2019, embracing the dynamic realm of data infrastructure. Now, she stands poised to spearhead Strategic Communications and social media endeavors for Western Digital's esteemed brands in India, including SanDisk, WD, Western Digital, SanDisk Professional, and WD_BLACK.



Expressing her exhilaration on LinkedIn, Bhawna Sharma Ningthoujam conveyed, "Having an incredible time filled with joy, growth, opportunities, and recognition at Western Digital. I am super thrilled to begin an exciting new chapter as Director of Communication for India."



As she embarks on this new chapter, Bhawna's wealth of experience and innovative vision promise to invigorate Western Digital's communication strategies, amplifying its presence and impact in the Indian market. Her appointment underscores Western Digital's commitment to fostering top-tier talent and driving forward-thinking communication practices in the digital landscape.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund (EMF) celebrated March 31 as Financial Freedom Day by releasing a report that underlines how social media has spurred the penetration of mutual funds (MF). EMF conceptualised the Day six years back to celebrate the contribution made by Mutual Fund Distributors in the financial journey of investors and to encourage investors to stick to the path of financial Freedom seeking guidance from experts.

Titled Social Media Sahi Hai, the report traces the evolution of social media, the role of social media in information consumption related to mutual funds from creators and how different participants associated with the industry should embrace social media. The report also highlights guidelines on how investors can filter the information available through social media. Since its inception, EMF has used social media extensively to celebrate the Day.

This year-round, for the second time running, EMF celebrates the day by releasing an insightful report on how social media is propelling the growth of MFs. Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO, Edelweiss MF, threw more light on the report, We have always been vocal about social media has been influencing the decision making of investors. The industry has seen growing investments from the younger generation, and they have been consuming the information through social media and content created by creators on these platforms. Its important and needed that the certified practitioners embrace social media and come out to create content dispelling a lot of misinformation out there. Our report throws light on these insights. We wish all MFDs and investors a very happy Financial Freedom Day.

The report reveals significant data about social media consumption and its role in spreading awareness about MFs. Undoubtedly, there is growing interest in MFs from Indias millennials and Gen-Zers. As per data by the Association of Mutual Funds in India, nearly 50% of individual investors were in the 25-35-year bracket in March 2023 versus just ~35% 10 years ago. These investors are a social-media-friendly group. Consequently, the report continues to add, influencers are the fifth most popular source of information for investment decisions among investors. EMFs report further reveals that increase in Indias social media footprint has coincided with the growth in MF investors. While Indias social media subscribers grew from just over 40 crores at end-2017 to 83+ crore in 2022, SIPs contribute nearly 20% of the total MF AUM vs ~15% in March 2022  a growth of 500 bps.

The report is a treasure trove of valuable information about how the windsof digital change are slowly sweeping across Indias MF industry and bringing it much-needed whiff of fresh air.
Hari Krishnan has announced his resignation as the CEO of Mullen Lintas, revealing the news on his LinkedIn profile. Taking on the role of CEO in January 2020, he previously served as the President of MullenLowe Lintas Group and earlier as the CEO of Mullen Lowe, Sri Lanka. Prior to his tenure at Mullen Lintas, Hari Krishnan had a five-year association with Grey Group.

In his LinkedIn post, "Yes, its April 1st but this isnt a prank.

When a brand becomes a part of your identity, its impossible to leave it behind. Especially if the brand is called Lintas."



He further added, "From Lintas India to Ammirati Puris Lintas to Lowe to Lowe Lintas to MullenLowe to Mullen Lintas, through Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Sri Lanka, its been an enriching ride filled with great learning, everlasting friendships, unforgettable memories.

Been fortunate enough to work with some of the brightest, sharpest, minds in the industry, to have helped build a plethora of brands and an amazing spectrum of creative work that was insightful, entertaining and effective."

Acknowledging the privilege of collaborating with talented individuals in the industry, Hari Krishnan expressed gratitude to leaders, client partners, colleagues, and friends.

"My heartfelt gratitude to the universe of leaders and client partners whove inspired, guided and led by example and to inspiring colleagues and lifelong friendships. Thank you for the love, the laughs, the knocks on the head at the right time, thank you for just being there.

Thank you Lintas for a smorgasbord of memories and experiences over 18 yrs. Ill forever remain a fanboy and be cheering you on from the sidelines.

18 till I die!"
The days of creative professionals looking for and adhering to traditional jobs had gone by. With the proliferation of industries such as the creative outsourcing industry, creative professionals now have a plethora of options available in front of them, for career progression, portfolio building, skill development, connecting with global clients, and building a substantial network. The visual creative communication industry in India is contributing to the GDP of India by 2.5%, with an overall market size of $36.2 billion in approx. It has garnered around $121 billion in terms of exports in the year 2019, further reinforcing the position of India as a creative powerhouse.

Creative Outsourcing refers to the process of outsourcing an organizations creative processes or tasks to a third party. There are several advantages of creative outsourcing which include employment generation, growth of the overall creative industry, building flexible teams, globalization and the emergence of globally trained future leaders, cultural diversity, inclusivity, idea exchange, and innovation.

One of the leading visual creative communication agencies in India is TRIP which has won many awards. TRIP comprises of a team of talented in-house producers, and designers, delivering more than 750 projects by the seamless integration of a brands vision with its creativity, leading to unique experiences.

In conversation with Adgully, Prateek Sethi, Founder of TRIP, speaks how TRIP aims to position India as a major creative powerhouse, and not just as a country for manual labour. Further, he discussed the current trends in the Indian visual creative communication industry such as the rise of video content consumption, social responsibility, sustainability, influencer marketing, and others. He pointed out how the government can support the creative outsourcing industry in India, further sharing: To enter the creative outsourcing industry, one must establish a solid portfolio, connect with other experts through networking, and maintain a strong commitment. Excerpts:

Could you tell us in brief about the services provided by TRIP, a visual creative communication agency? How did TRIP start?

TRIP Creative Services is a multi-award-winning visual communication design house. Our team comprises in-house designers and producers who are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to communicate messages effectively. TRIP has successfully delivered over 750 projects so far by leveraging our diverse backgrounds and expertise to seamlessly integrate a brands vision with our creativity, resulting in unique and memorable experiences. Our Trans platform approach is grounded in robust visual design principles that have earned us multiple awards and recognition. We work with some of the biggest names across various industries, but maintain an agile and nimble approach to the creative process, ensuring that every project is tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Our focus is always on providing unparalleled services to our clients, ensuring their complete satisfaction with the results. TRIPs comprehensive Content Services span across a wide range of creative disciplines, including Campaigns, Film, Video, Animation, Motion Graphics, Graphics, Branding, Illustration, Print, Web+, Digital Design, Apps, Games, AR, VR, Interactive, and Large Screen Content. We bring a dynamic and engaging approach to all our projects, delivering innovative solutions that create a lasting impression.

What are some of the milestones in its journey and some of its remarkable projects?

Some of the milestones in the journey of TRIP so far are as follows:

Directed and produced the in-show graphics for the PAKA (Pogo Amazing Kids Awards) 2009 event, which subsequently won an award.

Created the show packaging and in-show graphics for "FAQ," spanning seasons 1 & 2, leading to consecutive nominations for Best Kids Show in India in 2010 and 2011.

Handled character design, illustration, book design, and identity design for The Super Duper Princess Heroes (SDPH) for 3 Keys Communications, USA. The book, authored by Sanjay Nambiar, garnered multiple awards in the USA, including the Mom's Choice Awards Silver Medal, Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award, and Family Choice Award in October 2013.

The videos and photos campaign shot for UBM's (now Informa Markets) "NGO India - Giving Back" were part of a multiple award-winning initiative, including the "Best Social Media Campaign" at the World CSR Congress 2014.

The "Think 360 interactive video" Augmented and Virtual Reality-Based interactive narrative for Live action (360 4K) test apps developed by TRIP was showcased at the "Alpavirama" International Film Festival, National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, in October 2016.

The TRIP served as Augmented Reality Content partners for CAB Experiences, National Geographic Channel Network India's "MARS" activation. The activation won the PromaxBDA India Gold Award 2017 for Best Outdoor Category (IND52).

The "Happy Building" web series was nominated for Best Web Series at the 10th Edition of JIFF in January 2018. It was also an official selection at the 4th Rainbow TV Awards in March 2018 and a Finalist at Oniros Film Awards in March 2018.

Could you share in brief what are the current trends in the Indian visual creative communication industry? How big is this industry in India and what does the future look like for it?

There is no denying the fact that trends are cyclic. And in this constantly changing period, the Indian visual creative communication sector is seeing several trends:

Digital Transformation : Just like every other business, the visual creative communication sector in India is going through digital transformation. Today, digital platforms are either replacing or complementing traditional media, resulting in a boom in the production of digital content

Just like every other business, the visual creative communication sector in India is going through digital transformation. Today, digital platforms are either replacing or complementing traditional media, resulting in a boom in the production of digital content Video Content Boom: The consumption of video content is rising due to more people having access to the internet and more affordable data plans. Animated content, short-form videos, and video advertising have become the most widely used forms of visual communication.

The consumption of video content is rising due to more people having access to the internet and more affordable data plans. Animated content, short-form videos, and video advertising have become the most widely used forms of visual communication. Influencer Marketing : Influencer marketing has emerged as a popular approach used by brands to connect with their target markets. Influencer partnerships, particularly with huge followings on social media sites like YouTube and Instagram, are common in visual communication efforts.

Influencer marketing has emerged as a popular approach used by brands to connect with their target markets. Influencer partnerships, particularly with huge followings on social media sites like YouTube and Instagram, are common in visual communication efforts. Sustainability and Social Responsibility : Environmental and social themes became more prominent in visual communication campaigns. To connect with socially conscious consumers, brands are infusing themes of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion into their images.

Environmental and social themes became more prominent in visual communication campaigns. To connect with socially conscious consumers, brands are infusing themes of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion into their images. Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity: Theres a growing emphasis on representing diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives in visual communication, reflecting India's multicultural society and catering to a more inclusive audience while making sure that the rightly qualified talent is engaged for the job.

To be honest, the visual creative communication sector in India is quite large which includes Digital Marketing Companies, Film Production Houses, Design Studios, Advertising Agencies, and Animation Studios along with independent experts. It supports a sizable portion of the national economy and provides jobs for a wide range of creative people.

With continuous technological breakthroughs, growing digitalization, and changing customer behaviour, the industry's future seems bright.

What are the advantages of creative outsourcing according to you and what are its prospects? How does it help the economy?

Cost savings : Flexible teams that can be scaled as per core competencies. Merit-based innovation and access to specialists.

Flexible teams that can be scaled as per core competencies. Merit-based innovation and access to specialists. Prospects : Specialists, globalization as different cultures and ideas work together, and the rise of globally trained future leaders.

Specialists, globalization as different cultures and ideas work together, and the rise of globally trained future leaders. Economy: Job creation, healthy competition for the gigs, growth of the industry.

What are the challenges faced by the creative outsourcing industry in India and what are the strategies TRIP employs to ensure seamless communication and collaboration with outsourcing partners?

Recognizing that India is not just a country for manual labour, but also a creative powerhouse, we can be seen on the appropriate channels and platforms, where we will regularly present our work.

How can the government support creative outsourcing in India more?

The government can reduce taxes on creative services and productions.

Generate awareness of the possibilities of services available by all sized agencies in India.

Educate decision-makers about good and bad design and the importance of design and creative outsourcing to specialists.

How can a creative professional step into the creative outsourcing industry?

To enter the field, one must establish a solid portfolio, connect with other experts through networking, and maintain a strong commitment.

How was the year 2023 for TRIP and what are its growth projections for 2024?

Despite ups and downs, the year 2023 was an outstanding one for TRIP, but we hope that 2024 will be even better.
Lenovo India, the global technology powerhouse, today announced the appointment of Priya Tikare as its Director and Head of HR, Lenovo India. Based in Bangalore, Priya will lead all HR functions for the India business, serving as both the Head of HR and Site HR Leader. Priya's deep understanding of the Indian talent pool and her focus on strategic initiatives chalked out by the global technology company placing India at the center, will contribute to the rapid growth and development of India as the central talent hub.

Lenovo aims to create more job opportunities as a part of its planned multi-year investment in the region, introducing more than 1,000 technical jobs in the next few years. Priya will play a key role in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, thereby reinforcing Indias position as the technology hub for the world.

Announcing the appointment, Subhankar Roy Chowdhury, Executive Director & Head HR - Asia Pacific & Japan said, "Priya already enjoys the advantage of knowing Lenovo deeply both from a cultural and business lens. Her proven leadership capabilities make her an exemplary choice to lead our HR team in India. Lenovo India is in a very exciting space right now, and we are looking at consolidating our talent strength in order to unfold the next chapter of innovation in Lenovos journey. We are confident that she will play a pivotal role in building a smarter and high-performing workforce that fuels our continued growth and success."

In her new role, Priya will not only ensure optimal employee experience and rigor in operational smoothness but also set a stronger foundation for the already ongoing efforts to bring in more diverse and inclusive talent across the value chain. She will lead innovation within the talent management ecosystem at Lenovo India, as the world shifts towards a dynamic future of jobs. Her focus will center around developing programs and systems that empower employees, foster collaboration, and enhance overall productivity. With AI at the forefront of Lenovo's strategy, Priya's talent management expertise is key in building a skilled future-ready AI workforce within Lenovo India.

Priya Tikare, Director and Head of HR at Lenovo India, said "India is a powerhouse of talent and I am truly excited to work with a dynamic, diverse and sharp team that will play a significant role in Lenovos global growth story. Collaborating closely with the leadership team, my focus will be on nurturing a culture of innovation and teamwork, harnessing technology's transformative capabilities to chart a path toward future success. We have a skilled talent workforce in India, and I am committed to empowering them to realize their full potential through meaningful opportunities and impactful initiatives."

Priya is a Lenovo veteran who brings 20+ years of people management experience and has thrived in other leadership roles within the organization in the past. Prior to this, she was the Global HR Director for Lenovo's International Services Support and the Asia Pacific Talent Acquisition Leader. Holding an MBA, Priya is a computer science graduate.
Next time you are at any of the international airports in Mumbai, Jaipur, or the other five Adani airports, prepare to be greeted by a fresh face in duty-free shopping  OSPREE! This new identity is set to take your airport shopping experience to impressive new heights. This rebranding marks a pivotal leap towards unifying MTRPL's operations across seven international airports in India, showcasing a daring stride towards enlarging its global footprint.

Drawing inspiration from the majestic Osprey, known for its vast migratory patterns, Ospree embodies the brand's aspirations for widespread reach and seamless shopping experiences. The mighty Osprey flies around 5000 miles to land in new territories, much like our companys ambitions. As we plan to expand our global footprint, its imperative to integrate all our duty-free stores under one unified brand identity that resonates with our values and aspirations," stated Avishek Bambi Das, CEO of MTRPL. This initiative aligns with the modern travellers desires, setting the stage for an unmatched duty-free shopping experience.

The creation of Ospree's new global appeal was significantly bolstered by a partnership with Scribbld Social, an emerging powerhouse in digital marketing and branding. Kajol Bheda, Founder of Scribbld Social, shared, Our collaboration with MTRPL to bring Ospree to life has been a journey of strategic creativity and innovation. By marrying our branding acumen with MTRPLs industry insights, we have crafted a brand that not only stands out in the duty-free market but also speaks directly to the global traveller."

Highlighting the significance of Scribbld Socials involvement, Amit Butani, Vice President- Strategic Partnership and Alliance of MTRPL, shared his thoughts: Partnering with Scribbld Social was the best decision for our rebranding journey. Their creative prowess, dedication, and attention to detail have been instrumental in bringing MTRPL's new logo, name, and brand book to life, crafting a story that resonates with our audience and clearly defines our identity going forward.

As Ospree prepares for its global introduction, it marks a significant milestone in MTRPL's journey and establishes a new industry standard, heralding a future of exciting possibilities for travellers across the globe.
YANGON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's manufacturing goods export surpassed 8.72 billion U.S. dollars in over 11 months of the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Monday.

The figure recorded between April 1 last year and March 22 this year was down from over 10.71 billion dollars registered in the same period a year earlier, the ministry's figures showed.

The country's manufacturing goods export earnings during the period comprise over 3.28 billion dollars from the government sector and over 5.44 billion dollars from the private sector.

Among Myanmar's export products, manufacturing goods are on the top in foreign revenue earnings, followed by agricultural products and other products.

The ministry's figures also showed that total export value of the Southeast Asian country during the period has amounted to over 14.31 billion dollars.

Myanmar mainly exports agricultural, animal and marine products, minerals, forest products and manufacturing goods to its trade partners, including China, Thailand, Bangladesh and India. 
Globally celebrated international advertising competition New York Festivals today announced the appointment of Infectious Advertising's Ramanuj Shastry as one of the Grand Jury members for its 2024 Advertising Awards. The NYF awards are held across regional, national and continental boundaries and provide a complete representation of the best in communications.

"Ramanuj Shastry brings over 25 years of creative leadership and industry expertise to the 2024 NYF Advertising Awards Grand Jury panel," said Scott Rose, Executive Director of the NYF Advertising Awards. "His award-winning work has earned him a trophy shelf of accolades, and his experience crafting campaigns for prestigious global brands truly makes him an asset in honoring trophy-worthy work."

Ramanuj Shastry- Creative Chairman, Infectious Advertising, added, Chuffed to be picked as a juror for the 2024 edition of the prestigious New York Festivals of Advertising. I am excited to see tremendous ideas from around the world and discuss them with some of the finest minds in the business. Eagerly looking forward to this!

An alumnus (PRM-90-92) of IRMA (Institute of Rural Management, Anand), Ramanuj has more than 25 years of experience in advertising. He learnt his craft at Ogilvy and McCann and served as CCO at Publicis Ambience, Rediffusion Y&R and Saatchi & Saatchi (in that order) before launching his agency, Infectious Advertising with Nisha Singhania in 2013.

He has won several Indian and international awards and served on the film jury at Cannes Lions 2010. Ramanuj has more than 200 ad films to his name and some of the landmark campaigns he has worked on are Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola, Saffola  Kal Se and OLX  Bech De. He was one of the Jury Members for New York Festivals 2021 as well!

The official deadline to enter the 2024 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is April 5 with a final closing deadline of April 26, 2024.

All entries into the 2024 NYF Advertising Awards competition will be judged by 400+ members of NYFs Executive Jury and Grand Jury, a panel of prominent global creative minds, who collectively cast over 400,000+ votes to select the Worlds Best Advertising.

The New York Festivals Advertising Awards competition receives entries from more than 60 countries and is judged by more than 400 members of NYFs Executive Jury and Grand Jury, who collectively cast their votes to select the years trophy-winning work.

For more information on categories, rules and regulations visit: HERE.

The official deadline to enter the 2024 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is April 5 with an extended deadline of April 26, 2024.



For more information on categories, rules and regulations visit: HERE.



To view the 2023 award- winners visit: HERE.
Oxford English Language Level Test (Oxford ELLT), a leading English language testing provider, part of the Oxford International Education Group, today rolled out its latest, integrated student-centric brand campaign - All About You. Aptly titled, the campaign aims to empower students to take their future into their hands by choosing the right language testing solutions partner. Set to go live from 1st April 2024, this integrated campaign will comprise of Digital and Outdoor. The campaign will be live in key APAC markets - India, China, Pakistan, and Nepal.

Providing students, a preview of Oxford ELLTs differentiated offerings, the campaign brings to the forefront various unique benefits of Oxford ELLTs testing solutions that are Accessible, Accelerated, Accredited, and Accurate. The campaign highlights Oxford ELLTs offering of delivering a language testing experience that is both Accessible and flexible, enabling individuals to take control of their language proficiency journey. Offering Accelerated testing options, Oxford ELLT ensures quick results within a swift 48 hours, empowering individuals to progress rapidly on their higher education journey. Accredited by 135 universities globally the campaign also highlights Oxford ELLT's dedication to Accuracy with updated tests, underpinned by AI and a human proctoring system, providing a dependable and secure testing environment for test takers.

Commenting on the campaign, Amit Upadhyay, Regional Director  South Asia, Oxford International Education Group said, We believe that language proficiency is a personal journey, and 'All About You' is a testament to our dedication to tailoring our services to the unique aspirations of each individual. By offering flexibility, speed, credibility, and precision in our testing, we empower test takers to take control of their higher education journey abroad with confidence. We have meticulously engineered a platform that not only delivers accurate, and expedited results but also ensures accessibility for learners of all backgrounds.

Oxford ELLT offers two differentiated testing solutions for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad - Oxford ELLT Digital which can be taken remotely, online and Oxford ELLT Global which can be taken in invigilated environments, with guaranteed good internet connection, both fuelled by the same innovative, AI-powered tech platform responding to the needs of students and university partners. All About You will be rolled out by Oxford ELLT from 1st April 2024 across its social media channels. For more details about the testing solutions, students can visit OELLT India - English Language Tests | Oxford International Digital Institute (oxfordellt.com)
Swiggy Instamart, Indias leading quick commerce platform, has joined forces with Park+, India's largest FASTag distribution platform today to deliver IndusInd Bank FASTag to Swiggy Instamart users in under 10 minutes.

A first for any quick commerce or e-commerce platform, customers can now enjoy the convenience of having FASTag delivered directly to their doorstep. The FASTags will be available to users on Swiggy Instamart across 29 cities.

An essential for modern-day car owners, there has been consistent adoption of FASTag with over 7.98 crore FASTags issued in India as of November 2023. With Park+s smart parking and vehicular management systems, users can digitally pay at a toll, or a parking spot at a mall, corporate park, or movie hall using FASTag. No cash transaction is required. This partnership between Swiggy Instamart and Park+ aims to fill a crucial gap in the market and provide a convenient and quick solution to access FASTag.

Phani Kishan, Head of Swiggy Instamart said, FASTag stands for seamless payment and convenience, and access to it should be the same. Traditionally, purchasing a FASTag involved applying through a bank portal or physically visiting a toll booth on a highway, leading to waiting times ranging from 3 to 7 days for card delivery and activation. With FASTag now available on Swiggy Instamart, users can procure it anytime, anywhere, slashing delivery wait time from days to under 10 minutes.

Commenting on the partnership, Amit Lakhotia, Founder & CEO, Park+, said, At Park+ our main objective is to bring delight back to car ownership. As part of this endeavour, we have partnered with Swiggy Instamart to reduce the TAT for car owners buying a FASTag. As the largest FASTag distributor in India, we are well-poised to address the current gap within the FASTag ecosystem. Our robust relationship with IndusInd bank allows us to deliver IndusInd FASTags to customers in less than 10 minutes, thanks to Swiggy Instamart. Furthermore, we are also working with relevant FASTag issuing partners to educate users about FASTag buying/renewal/recharge, etc. We will continue to invest our energies in enhancing the car ownership experience for car owners, throughout the life cycle of their car and look forward to partnering with other external stakeholders to support us in this endeavour.
Country music duo Sugarland will return to the stage at the upcoming CMT Music Awards.

The country music awards show will take place Sunday, April 7, in Austin, Texas.

According to Taste of Country, Sugarland will perform a new collaboration with Little Big Town on stage.

Sugarlands duo  Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush  hasnt released an album since 2017 when Bigger dropped. And, per the report, it has been 13 years since they have performed at the CMT Music Awards.

Meanwhile, Little Big Town - Karen Fairchild, Kimberley Schlapman, Philip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook  will be logging their 13th CMT Music Awards performance.

Taste of Country said details around the collaboration are being kept quiet, but Little Big Town and Sugarland joined forces with Jake Owen for a performance of the song Life In a Northern Town 15 years ago.

Little Big Town has the CMT Music Awards record for most nominations for Group Video of the Year with 25 nods. The band also hosted the show in 2018 and 2019.

The show will be hosted by Kelsea Ballerini.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
Authorities have released the names of two men killed in separate weekend homicides in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the victims as Andre Taylor, 49, and Ingermar Liquori Kuwait Cleggett, 47. Taylor was killed in Bessemer, and Cleggett in Birmingham.

Officers were dispatched at 5:35 a.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting at 18th Street and 18th Way in Bessemer, said Det. Justin Burmeister.

They arrived to find Taylor unresponsive inside a vehicle. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:47 a.m.

Burmeister said a suspect was taken into custody, but no formal charges have been announced.

Bessemer police were dispatched at 5:35 a.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting at 18th Street and 18th Way.(Contributed)

Cleggett was found slain inside his East Thomas home in Birmingham on Easter Sunday.

A family member made the discovery about 6:30 p.m. at the residence in the 10 block of 15th Avenue West in the citys East Thomas neighborhood.

North Precinct officers responded, entered the house, and found the victim unresponsive inside. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 6:38 p.m.

Police marked several shell casings on 15th Avenue West in front of Cleggetts house. Further investigation showed there was substantial bullet damage to the residence.

Police had responded earlier Sunday to a shooting on the same street, in which a victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury.

It was not immediately clear if Cleggett was killed in that shooting and not discovered until four hours later, or if he was killed by separate gunfire.

One resident at the scene said he heard about 25 shots while he was working on his car between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Officers and detectives are working to learn if the incidents are connected, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Taylor is Bessemers third homicide of 2024, and Cleggett is Birminghams 34th so far this year.

In all of Jefferson County, there have been 43 homicides.
Alabamas new secretary of commerce hasnt had much time to put her feet up.

She characterized her first three months on the job as fast and furious - made more so perhaps by the most serious push for unionization of the states auto plants in history.

2024 has already seen significant gains by the United Auto Workers in the Deep South, a region littered with largely unsuccessful unionization campaigns at auto factories located in right-to-work states.

But in February, the UAW announced that more than half of the employees at Mercedes-Benzs Vance plant have signed union cards, the first step toward getting the union recognized at the factory. And at the same time, the union said 30% percent of the employees at Hyundais Montgomery plant have also signed cards.

The UAWs strategy involves signing up 70% of workers at the plants, then petitioning the company to recognize the union. If the company doesnt, the union will then turn to the National Labor Relations Board and take it to a vote. A similar vote is scheduled for Volkswagens Chattanooga plant later this month, which has been the site of unsuccessful union elections in the past.

The UAW executive board has committed $40 million over the next two years to fund its organizing push among non-union auto and electric battery workers, concentrating some of the money in the South. And UAW President Shawn Fain visited Alabama last week, looking to continue the momentum.

McNair had only been on the job less than a month when she and Gov. Kay Ivey came out strongly against union activity.

In a public statement, McNair said the union push places our states main economic driver in the crosshairs, and that the days of Alabama being a premier destination for industry investment may be coming to an end if the United Auto Workers are able to successfully organize in the states auto plants.

I know from being a local economic developer working hundreds, if not thousands of projects, being able to work in a non-union environment has been important to a lot of projects that have located in our state, McNair said.

Having outside influences come into our state and community concern us.

McNair, who served as chief economic officer for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, was the senior project manager and a member of the negotiating team that brought Hyundai to Montgomery.

She said the Korean automakers success, and its subsequent expansions, came largely because of the absence of labor unions.

Hyundai, she said, has expanded 16 times in 22 years, without layoffs, even during the pandemic.

The ability to have direct communication with team members, we think, is a very important part of the success that they have had, she said. If you look at the (auto plants), the layoffs, the plant closings, that hasnt happened here. And its not by accident that it hasnt happened here.
An individual rammed into the employee entrance according to the FBI here in Atlanta. Then tried to enter the facility. He was detained by agents. pic.twitter.com/Smee9miHta  Acyn (@Acyn) April 1, 2024

A driver was arrested Monday afternoon after an SUV rammed into a gate at an FBI office in Chamblee, Georgia, authorities said.

The orange vehicle crashed into the security gate at an office on Flowers Road just after midday, an FBI spokesperson confirmed. The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested at the scene by DeKalb County police and taken to jail.

No one was injured during the incident, and investigators are checking the car as a precaution, the FBI spokesperson said.

No additional information has been released. A DeKalb police spokeswoman said the FBI is leading the investigation and that she could not share further details.

Photos taken by NewsChopper 2 show the SUV immobilized underneath the gate, its front end crumpled by the impact. The nose of an armored vehicle can be seen just inside the gate, facing the SUV. The photos show an investigator in a bomb protection suit standing at an open rear door of the wrecked SUV.

2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Florida Supreme Court on Monday upheld the states ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which means a subsequently passed six-week ban can soon take effect.

The court that was reshaped by former presidential candidate and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ruled that the 15-week ban signed by DeSantis in 2022 can take effect. The ban has been enforced while it was being challenged in court. A six-week ban passed in the 2023 legislative session was written so that it would not take effect until a month after the 2022 law was upheld.

Most abortions are obtained before the 15-week mark, so the current ban does not affect most people seeking abortion. But a six-week ban would likely have a major impact on women seeking abortions in Florida and throughout the South.

DeSantis appointed five of the courts seven justices.

The lawsuit was brought by Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and others. They argued the Florida Constitutions unique privacy clause for more than 40 years has explicitly protected a right to abortion in the state and should remain in force.

Lawyers for the state, however, said when the privacy clause was adopted by voter referendum in 1980, few people understood it would cover abortion. They told the justices the clause was mainly meant to cover informational privacy such as personal records and not abortion.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, most Republican-controlled states have adopted bans or restrictions on abortions. Every ban has faced a court challenge.

A survey of abortion providers conducted for the Society of Family Planning, which advocates for abortion access, found that Florida had the second-largest surge in the total number of abortions provided since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The states data shows that more than 7,700 women from other states received abortions in Florida in 2023.

The neighboring or nearby states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi are among the 14 states with bans now in place on abortion in stages of pregnancy, with limited exceptions. Georgia and South Carolina bar it once cardiac activity can be detected, which is generally considered to be around six weeks into pregnancy and often before women realize theyre pregnant.
Gunshots fired inside a Walmart over Easter weekend killed one store patron and wounded a child, according to Georgia investigators.

It happened around 10 p.m.  an hour before closing  Friday, March 29, at the Walmart in the Fayette Pavilion shopping center, according to City of Fayetteville Public Safety. Fayetteville is about a 25-mile drive south from Atlanta.

A motive has not been released, but investigators say the shooting was not random. The shots were fired inside the Walmart store entryway, officials said.

Tragically, 19-year-old Antavius Holton of Riverdale, GA, succumbed to injuries, police said in a March 30 news release. A stray bullet incidentally struck a 9-year-old female juvenile. The juveniles injuries have been determined to be non-life-threatening.

Her identity has not been released.

A 19-year-old man has been named a suspect and remained at large as of April 1, wanted for murder and aggravated assault, police said.

He fled the store in a vehicle that was later found abandoned, police said.

Anyone who sees (the suspect) is urged to call 911 immediately and to not approach the subject. (He) is assumed to be armed, police said.

Investigators have not said if the suspects and victims knew each other.

2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
CARACAS, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Violent assassination attempts to cast a pall over Venezuela will be on the rise in the lead-up to the July 28 presidential elections, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez warned Sunday.

"As we approach July 28, the violent and fratricidal attempts that try to plunge the country's political life into mourning will increase," Padrino Lopez said on X, formerly Twitter, noting that the attempts will be defeated again.

He made the warning in response to Mario Ivan Carratu Molina, a Venezuelan opposition figure and fugitive from justice, who revealed earlier on social media a "libertarian movement" aiming to upend Venezuela's electoral process.

The defense chief described the plan as "another desperate attempt against Venezuela" and called on the armed forces to remain loyal.

On July 28, Venezuelans will go to the polls to elect the next president for the 2025-2031 term. 
Scottsboro police say a man was shot to death early Sunday morning.

According to police, officers were called to 207 W. Willow St., to Warehouse 207 at about 1:20 a.m.

Deuntae Jarrod Johnson, 31, of Scottsboro, was found lying in the parking lot, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

He was transported to Highlands Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Scottsboro police at (256) 574-3333.
Michigan U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg suggested that nuclear weapons should be dropped on Gaza, which his office said was a metaphor to support Israels swift elimination of Hamas.

It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick, Walberg says in a video circulating on social media, referencing the Japanese cities that the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on at the end of World War II.

Walberg, a Republican, also is heard in the video speaking out against humanitarian aid for those in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory on the brink of famine after more than five months of Israels war against Hamas, the militant group that set off the conflict with its Oct. 7 attack on Israeli citizens, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostages.

We shouldnt be spending a dime on humanitarian aid, Walberg said.

Walberg spokesman Mike Rorke said Saturday the eight-term congressmans answer was in direct response to a question about American troops being deployed into Gaza to build a port to send aid to Palestinians.

Congressman Walberg vehemently disagrees with putting our troops in harms way. He has great empathy for the innocent people in Gaza who have been thrust into this situation due to the attack carried out by Hamas leaving 1,163 innocent civilians dead, Rorke said. To this day, Hamas still is holding hostages, including Americans. Hamas should surrender and return the hostages.

During his community gathering, he clearly uses a metaphor to support Israels swift elimination of Hamas, which is the best chance to save lives long-term and the only hope at achieving a permanent peace in the region, Rorke added.

The video on social media is dated March 25 and says Walberg made the comments in Dundee. Walberg represents the 5th Congressional District in southern Michigan, stretching from Berrien to Monroe counties.

Walbergs public calendar shows he had a community gathering to meet with constituents on the morning of March 25 at the Dundee village hall.

The video was posted on X by the account @WhitchMI, whose user wrote, A sitting US Rep in a secret town hall feels comfortable musing positively about genocide.

Speaking to a group of people in the video, Walberg appears to be responding to a question about the U.S. spending its tax dollars to build a port off the coast of Gaza to more quickly deliver humanitarian aid  an initiative President Joe Biden announced in his State of the Union address earlier this month.

The U.N. food agency warned this month that famine is imminent in northern Gaza, where more than two-thirds of the remaining population is experiencing catastrophic hunger amid Israels ongoing war against Hamas. Humanitarian groups have said a port on Mediterranean Sea is needed because Israel has blocked land routes into Gaza for food, medicine and other supplies.

One of Walbergs House colleagues, Democratic U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham, criticized Walbergs remarks without using his name Saturday in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Threatening to use, suggesting the use of, or, God forbid actually using nuclear weapons, are unacceptable tactics of war in the 21st Century, wrote Stevens, a strong supporter of Israel. As W.J. Hennigan recently & accurately described for the NYT, the use of nuclear weapons creates hell on earth.

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., also condemned the remarks from Walberg, a former pastor.

This is a reprehensible thing for anyone to suggest, especially an elected official and someone who considers himself a man of faith, Slotkin said in a statement. Rep. Walberg should take back his comments, and try to put himself in the shoes of the many Michiganders who see themselves in the casualties in Gaza.

Michigan state Sen. Darrin Camilleri, D-Trenton, tweeted that Walberg had been caught on video endorsing and calling for a complete genocide in Gaza.

Hes an absolute disgrace and needs to resign, Camilleri said.

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also weighed in, saying this clear call to genocide by a member of Congress should be condemned by all Americans who value human life and international law.

To so casually call for what would result in the killing of every human being in Gaza sends the chilling message that Palestinian lives have no value, CAIR Executive Director Dawud Walid said.

It is this dehumanization of the Palestinian people that has resulted in the ongoing slaughter and suffering we see every day in Gaza and the West Bank.

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., called Walbergs comments horrific and shocking.

It is an indefensible position to argue against humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza while also calling for the wholesale massacre of the Palestinian people, Kildee said in a statement. I could not disagree more with these extreme and dangerous comments.

Walberg also faced backlash in January after he told Ugandans to stand firm and not heed criticism from the United States in an appearance that Democrats say was an endorsement of the countrys severe anti-LGBTQ+ law.

2024 www.detroitnews.com. Visit at detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This is an opinion column.

When I was kid in school, there was a day when all the girls were summoned to the gym for some sort of presentation. Meanwhile, the boys were allowed to watch a movie or something  I only recall the mystery of being left out and the wild speculation among the boys about what the heck they were up to in there.

Whatever it was, our teachers wouldnt say, and when the girls were done, none of them would tell us. Most of the boys agreed it probably had something to do with tampons.

Why am I still thinking of this 30 years later?

Because I keep reading Alabamas new DEI-ban, signed into law last week by Gov. Kay Ivey, and Im trying to understand what it might do.

For instance, consider the laws definition of a now-banned DEI program: Any program, class, training, seminar, or other event where attendance is based on an individuals race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, or sexual orientation, or that otherwise violates this act.

So tell me, how are school administrators supposed to call all girls to report to the cafeteria under such a law?

I suspect I know what you might be thinking: Dont be stupid. Thats not what this law is for.

Of course, its not. But as weve seen in recent years, Alabama has a bad habit of passing laws that do things they werent intended to do. And its a problem.

The unintended IVF-ban is the most recent. When so-called pro-life Alabama lawmakers approved a ban on abortion, they actually made it more difficult for some parents to have children.

Again, not what lawmakers intended, but very much what they passed.

Or consider the states voter ID law. When lawmakers passed it, Black Democrats warned it would disenfranchise people who should be allowed to vote.

And it did  including the family of Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl who dont use photo ID for religious reasons. The voter ID law did not include a religious exemption.

Or consider a radical rewrite of Alabamas ethics laws sponsored by state Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne.

Simpsons original draft would have legalized public officials directing public dollars to family members other than spouses or dependent children  brother-in-law deals would be legal, as would father, mom, brother and sister deals.

Thats why we put this draft out there, so people can give their feedback and we can fix any problems with it, he said.

Simpson amended the bill, but it still removes ethics crimes from the criminal code, making them civil offenses, removes reporting requirements for gifts to lawmakers and loosens the rules for gifts from lobbyists.

Or perhaps these things are non-unintended consequences.

This curse of unintended consequences isnt limited to the Alabama Legislature. In February, the Autauga-Prattville Library Board approved a new policy for books it would shelve in its childrens and young adults section.

The library shall not purchase or otherwise acquire any material advertised for consumers ages 17 and under which contain content including, but not limited to, obscenity, sexual conduct, sexual intercourse, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender discordance, the policy states.

Thats a big net they cast, but lets focus on one thread  obscenity.

To Kill a Mockingbird uses the n-word, which many folks understandably consider obscene. Should it be removed from the young adult shelves in Prattville?

Recently, I asked the chairman of that library board, Ray Boles, that question.

We would have to sit down and talk about it, he said.

Boles made it clear, he was only concerned about sexually explicit content, but thats not what the policy he approved said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kay Iveys latest appointee to the Alabama Public Library Service board, Amy Minton, has proposed a nearly word-for-word, copy-and-paste of Prattvilles policy for every library in the state.

Talk to lawmakers responsible for these blunders and theyll tell you that unintended consequences are unavoidable and difficult to predict.

Hogwash.

Go back and listen to the lawmakers and other officials who voted against such laws and policies. Or revisit the opposition in public hearings. Youll find these questions raised and promptly ignored.

Most of the time, lawmakers just dont want to fool with them. So they dont.

And then we, the public, are left to live with their mistakes.

It is the job of lawmakers and public officials to consider beforehand, not after, what the laws they pass and the policies they set will do. And if they cant do that, then we need new lawmakers who can.

Elections have consequences, too, and its time for Alabamians to be much more intentional.

Kyle Whitmire is the 2023 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. You can follow him on Threads here and subscribe to his weekly newsletter, Alabamafication.
Multiple Alabama school systems on Monday announced early dismissals for Tuesday as portions of the state are under the threat of severe storms.

The Storm Prediction Centers morning update has expanded to a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather in Alabama, now covering a large part of the state, including parts of south Alabama. The rest of Alabama has a Level 2 risk.

Todays storms could have wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail up to the size of golf balls and heavy rain.

Storms could begin around 2 p.m. or so in west Alabama and last into the overnight hours in eastern Alabama.

The National Weather Service warned Alabamians to make sure they have several ways of getting severe weather warnings  especially overnight.

Here are the school systems that have announced closings, delays or early dismissals for Tuesday, April 2:

Athens City Schools: Pre-K noon early dismissal; K-3 12:30 p.m. early dismissal; AMS 12:15 p.m. early dismissal; AIS, AHS, ARS 3:40 p.m. early dismissal

Colbert County Schools: 11:30 a.m. early dismissal

Cullman County Schools: 1:30 p.m. early dismissal.

Decatur City Schools: 12:30 p.m. early dismissal

DeKalb County Schools: 1:15 p.m. dismissal.

Fayette County Schools: 1 p.m. dismissal.

Florence City Schools: Pre-K-6 11 a.m. early dismissal; grades 7-12 noon dismissal

Fort Payne Schools: 1:15 p.m. dismissal.

Franklin County Schools: 11:30 p.m. early dismissal

Haleyville City Schools: 1:30 p.m. early dismissal

Hartselle City Schools: Pre-K 12:10 p.m. early dismissal; Grades K-4 12:40 p.m. early dismissal; Grades 5-12 1 p.m. early dismissal

Huntsville City Schools: Elementary schools 11:30 a.m. early dismissal; noon dismissal middle and junior high schools; 12:40 p.m. early dismissal high schools

Jasper City Schools: All after school activities cancelled.

Jackson County Schools: 1 p.m. dismissal.

Lauderdale County Schools: 11:30 a.m. early dismissal

Limestone County Schools: Elementary schools 11:40 a.m. early dismissal; high schools noon dismissal

Madison Academy  Little MA dismissed at 12:30 p.m.; elementary dismissed at 12:45 p.m., Upper School dismissed at 1 p.m.

Madison City Schools: Pre-K 11 a.m. early dismissal; elementary schools 11:30 a.m. early dismissal; high schools 12:15 p.m. early dismissal

Madison County Schools: Middle schools and high schools 11:45 a.m. dismissal; pre-K, elementary, intermediate and K-8 schools 12:45 p.m. early dismissal.

Marshall County Schools: 1 p.m. dismissal.

Muscle Shoals City Schools: 12:00 p.m. dismissal Muscle Shoals High School; 12:15 p.m. early dismissal for McBride Elementary and Howell Graves/ELC; 12:30 p.m. early dismissal for Highland Park Elementary, Webster Elementary and Muscle Shoals Middle School

Russellville City Schools: 12:30 p.m. early dismissal

Scottsboro City Schools: Elementary schools (Nelson, Caldwell, and Collins) at 1 p.m. today and all secondary schools (SJHS and SHS) at 1:45 p.m. All extra-curricular activities and events canceled.

Sheffield City Schools: Noon early dismissal

Tuscumbia City Schools: Pre-K 12:15 p.m. early dismissal; K-5 12:30 p.m. early dismissal; grades 6-12 12:40 p.m. early dismissal

Walker County Schools: All schools will dismiss at 1 p.m.

Westminster Christian Academy (HSV) - K3-K dismissed at 12:15 p.m.; 1-5th dismissed at 12:30 p.m. Upper Campus dismissed at 12:30 p.m.

Winston County Schools: 11:30 p.m. early dismissal
A Florence police officer shot a person Monday morning in an encounter that ended in what the citys police chief called a very violent end.

Police Chief Ron Tyler, as the scene was being processed behind him, said in a press conference that the incident happened at about 10:52 a.m. in the backyard of a property in the 200 block of North Walnut Street.

Tyler said police received information about a person in the area with violent felony warrants from out-of-state.

Police attempted to take the person, who was not identified, into custody, but Tyler said the person resisted and posed a lethal threat.

Our guys attempted to deescalate the situation, he said. We did attempt to use less lethal force in the process of apprehending him.

Tyler said one officer fired shots, hitting the person. No officers were injured. However, he said multiple officers will be placed on leave, pending an investigation.

He presented a very violent, lethal threat in his resistance to our attempts to take him into custody, Tyler said, responding to a question about whether the person was armed. Its still very early in the investigation.

The condition of the person shot was not immediately released.

The investigation has been turned over to the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office. Any findings will be turned over to a grand jury, Tyler said.
Today marks three months on the job for Alabamas new Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, and shes already got a deadline.

Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey set Oct. 1 for the development of a new economic development strategy for the state, the first since 2016.

Its a very aggressive timeline, McNair said, but very doable.

Former Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield launched Accelerate Alabama back in 2012, the states first-of-its-kind comprehensive plan, which worked at recruiting new business, retaining existing businesses and programs focused on job creation across 11 targeted areas. It led to more than $20 billion in new capital investment in Alabama, as well as 75,000 new and future jobs.

Its second iteration, Accelerate 2.0, focused on technologically-oriented, skill-based jobs to create long-term growth in aerospace/aviation, agricultural and food products, automotive, chemicals, forestry products, metals/advanced materials and bioscience.

But economic planning, like any forecast, has to deal with the unknown. Consider that in the two years it took to formulate the second Accelerate plan, nobody had even heard of COVID-19, which had a monumental effect on the world economy.

The first step in the planning process is assembling a team. McNair said the state is putting together consultants to look at several of Alabamas key industries. Those consultants will bring knowledge about various industries - automotive, aerospace, etc. - to anticipate where the markets may be headed.

And state economic officials will consult with those at the local level, as well as key industry figures to get as many sides of the equation. Talks should continue into the summer, when the plan will take shape, she said.

Once we get the consultants on board, we are definitely going to be very inclusive in bringing in experts around the world, reaching out to our own folks, and allowing a lot of folks to have input into this plan, she said. Sectors are changing themselves. Take the automotive industry, which is really moving to be a mobility industry. What are the challenges our state could face with that change? Where are the opportunities? We will be leaning on sector leaders and analysts to predict the future.

Its a tough job. You need really smart folks that can help you navigate this. But its really exciting at the same time to look at what opportunities we can enjoy in the future.

In tapping McNair for the commerce post, as well as the economic plan, Ivey is relying on a familiar face. When McNair first entered economic development after attending graduate school at Auburn University, Ivey was the assistant director of the Alabama Development Office, Commerces predecessor agency.

McNair has been in economic development for 40 years, and this is her third stint at the state level, in addition to serving as chief economic development officer with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

She said she was involved, albeit at the local level, in previous state-level plans.

This process isnt new, she said. Its always important to go in with a fresh set of eyes. 2016 was a long time ago. A lot of things have happened and our world has really changed. We want to look at this not as an update, but we want to take a fresh look.

During McNairs tenure at the Montgomery Chamber, she worked on almost 600 national and international projects with a capital investment of over $8 billion, resulting in almost 30,000 new jobs for the Montgomery community. She was the senior project manager and a member of the negotiating team that brought Hyundai to Montgomery.

That project, in some ways, illustrates how McNair sees the state working in tandem with local and regional entities to bring about investment. Rural development has been a focus of Alabamas economic development plans in recent years. But McNair points out that much of Hyundais supply chain located in rural areas, supplying jobs and investment.

Companies sometimes dont pick states, as much as communities.

So much of the work of economic development is done at the local level that no one ever sees, she said. Finding and preparing sites, working with the local community, getting infrastructure developed, all of that work takes months, if not years, to do, and no one ever sees it. Everyone sees the flashy announcement. It takes years of work to prepare your community to receive a project of significant magnitude.

But putting together a plan is only part of the equation. The mindset behind the plan has to be about constant improvement.

Were always going to be looking at what we can do even better, she said. Weve got these great incentives in place, but part of that strategy is asking, what else? What can we do to enhance these incentives and make them competitive and better? Were always looking to the future.
This is a guest opinion column

Alabama recently passed a bill that will ban college DEI programs and trainings. We are not the first state to do so, but having worked at both the University of Alabama and now Auburn University, this one hit close to home. While there are opinions about what the bill will do, why it was legislated, and how it will be enforced, there are facts about the value of diversity in education, and so anything to potentially stifle that is not a good thing.

The evidence is clear: students benefit from a diverse classroom. And its not just the underrepresented groups, the benefits accrue to the entire student body. Diversity builds confidence and creativity, enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, strengthens leadership skills, and makes for happier, more motivated students. In addition, students in diverse classrooms are better prepared for the workforce because their college experience better reflects the real world. As an instructor of college seniors, my priority is to help students find that first full-time job post-graduation. Logically, it would follow that I want a diverse environment for my students. This includes age, gender, sexual orientation, culture, ability, religion, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, thought, perspectives, etc. However, given the Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action last year, much of the current debate is focused on race.

Faculty are not heavily involved in the admissions or recruitment process, and therefore, the composition of our student body is largely out of our control. And while we can encourage students to enroll in our courses, there are obvious limitations on our ability to diversify our classrooms. Teaching in the business school at both Alabama and Auburn, that means I have spent my career with mostly white students.

Over the years, universities have addressed this through DEI trainings. Like many educators, I have implemented techniques to try and build awareness and create space for dialogue. In one training, the presenter simply recommended expanding the images we used in our visual presentations. This was years ago when, if you conducted a Google image search for business meeting, the top page of results was all white men shaking hands. The message was that by including people of color in the slideshow, the people of color in the classroom would feel included (Read more about the mere exposure effect). In a positive development, a similar search in 2024 returns a much different collage of images.

Another activity I built into my curriculum is an open discussion on the first day of class about implicit biases. I ask if they unknowingly make judgments about me based on inherent characteristics (e.g., I have six siblings and was born way back in the 1900s) as well as characteristics I chose (e.g., I worked at the University of Alabama and am a rabid Star Wars fanthese get boos and laughs from my Auburn Tigers, respectively). Some students open up, others do not. But it always evolves into a meaningful discussion for at least some students.

Under this new bill, that DEI training which equipped me with these techniques to engage students will no longer be allowed in the state. The bill will not prevent faculty from hosting DEI discussionsas long as they do not use state money. As a university employee, my classroom discussions are technically funded by the state. Is this a professional risk worth taIking?

Are DEI trainings perfect? No. Are DEI trainings uncomfortable? Yesand thats the point. I do not teach DEI. Rather, I invite students to get uncomfortable with me. As teachers, we constantly push our students out of their comfort zones to spark positive change. We urge them to engage in intentional learning opportunities because the classroom is the ideal environment for stretch mistakes. In my class, we role play job interviews because it is better to mess up with a fellow student than a potential employer. I would argue it is also beneficial to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom where the stakes are relatively low compared to the real world. That is one of the great advantages to higher education: experiential learning with real-time feedback from someone who genuinely wants you to succeed. This is how progress is made.

So where does this leave university faculty and staff in the Yellowhammer state? Personally, I am reluctant to revisit my implicit biases discussion next semester, which is a shame. We know diversity is both beneficial to and desired by the companies where my students want to get jobs. So, in a classroom lacking racial diversity, my alterative was to talk about itperhaps to even challenge my students to think about why it does not exist in our classroom. Now that is a conversation that is as uncomfortable as it is necessary.

Make no mistake, I love my state. On two separate occasions, I have made the choice to move here and start a life with my family. I feel attached toand proud ofboth universities, and I even say yall without trying. When you love something, you want to make it better, and if there is one state that should welcome classroom discussions of racial diversity and DEI initiatives, it is my Sweet Home Alabama.

Colin B. Gabler, PhD, is Deans Fellow & Associate Professor of Marketing, Fulbright Scholar, in the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University






Its there for the taking. A Republican overwhelming victory across the board, taking back the White House and securing huge majorities in both houses of Congress, is attainable if the election is more about Biden Democrats and their policies and less about Donald Trump.

The Biden administration has imposed disastrous policies on the country. Polls show that 60% of voters are ready to boot Joe Biden out of the White House. But what happens if the Democrats beat them to it by replacing their loser candidate? It could happen if they also figure out how to displace Kamala Harris without alienating the voters who think her race and gender qualified her to sit in the White House and possibly the Oval Office.

The GOP needs to hammer their opponents on no less than five terrible policies and identify them all as Democrat policies instead of just those of Crooked Joe Biden.

1. The Biden Democrats have opened the southern border to about eight million illegal aliens, many of them military-age single males. Assume only half of those aliens are males and one in a thousand are in terrorist sleeper cells infiltrated by Al-Qaeda, ISIS, or Iran. That adds up to 4,000 attackers spread all over the country, which is 200 times greater than the twenty that Al-Qaeda planned for its attack on September 11, 2001. Instead of thousands of deaths, the casualties could be hundreds of thousands. That death toll would overshadow the body blow to American cities from millions of unscreened migrants whom Democrat governors and mayors are subsidizing with free housing and free money. The answer from Biden Democrats to the terrorist threat is to ban the terms Islamic terrorist and jihadist from intelligence reports at the Pentagon and the FBI.

2. In the past three years the Biden administration has shown itself to be a faithless ally to our friends and a toothless foe against our enemies. First there was the disastrous retreat from Afghanistan, the worst humiliation of the American military in almost 50 years. It is doing it again in the Middle East. After its horrendous attack on October 7, 2023 on Israel, Hamas promised repeated attacks until they killed all the Jews. They are proving to be the 21st- century heirs to the Nazis. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution to save Hamas from Israels counterattack. Instead of vetoing that resolution, the Biden Administration abstained. The Biden Democrats oppose Israels total victory versus Hamas. Polls show that at least 60% of Americans support Israels war effort. Their votes are there for the taking by Republicans.

3. The Biden Democrats are coming for your children. In California and other Blue States Democrats push gender transition on pre-adolescent and adolescent children. Parents who object can have child protective services move to terminate their parental rights. This is on top of the sexually explicit books and drag queen story hours in school libraries around the country. Attacking the natural rights of parents to raise their families reminds one of Communist China during the Cultural Revolution imposed by Chairman Mao.

4. They are coming for your car and pickup truck. Energy policies imposed by executive orders and burdensome regulations are on track to ruin the American economy. In three years, Biden has driven up gasoline prices by 50%. The Democrats plan to practically eliminate the production of gas-driven automobiles in the next ten years. Ask any electrical engineer if our power grid can support all those EVs and you will get a quick you got to be crazy response. Any auto worker in Michigan who votes for the Democrats in November is suicidal. These are the worst economic policies since Jimmy Carter.

5. The Biden Democrats dont respect the Constitution. Under the 14th Amendment we are entitled to equal protection of the law. Racial preferences are prohibited. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion agenda, known as DEI, creates favored groups based on skin color and other arbitrary distinctions. The 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms is under attack again. Biden just announced a federal center to support red flag laws. Those laws empower bureaucrats and left-wing judges to confiscate a citizens firearms without notice and a court hearing. In comparison we have more legal protection against involuntary commitment for insanity. Our 1st Amendment right of freedom of speech has been diluted by a conspiracy of the Biden Democrats and social media companies who claim that there is a misinformation exception from the 1st Amendment.

July 4, 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, but November 5, 2024 is when we must vote to preserve our rights so we can celebrate in 2026.

Image: Lorie Shaull
In 2006, during a Congressional debate on the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act which would have purportedly greatly expanded U.S. government surveillance powers, a former U.S. Representative, Pete Hoekstra, the ranking GOP member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the following:

our country needs to rapidly and effectively bring every intelligence tool to bear to find our enemies, detect and understand their intentions, and thwart their hostile and terrorist acts against our country and our people. (Page H7864)

His suggestion to bring every intelligence tool to bear to find our enemies, detect and understand their intentions requires emphasis. This is in part because intentions occur in the brain; and, every intelligence tool used to detectintentions potentially implies remote and secret mind-reading technologies.

Did the U.S. Representative suggest that the U.S. government should rapidly develop mind-reading technologies for surveillance and national security?

Now, it is understandable if many readers squirm at the suggestion of remote mind-reading technologies. Most people were told that they were mentally ill if, using common sense, they even wondered whether medical technologies (like MRI, PET scans, CT scans, ultrasound, EEG, etc.), radar, infrared, or other technologies could be improved enough to be used remotely to surveil the activity within ones brain.

Convincing such people, at minimum, that mind-reading (or neurological surveillance) and partially mind-controlling technologies might be possible is a difficult task and cannot be completely attempted here.

However, it might be helpful for such people to study U.S. government scientists reports from the BRAIN Initiative and DARPA. Non-government research might also be helpful. One should not be intimidated by studying brain science  basic levels of understanding should be enough to determine the possibility of neurological surveillance or mind-controlling uses of neurotechnologies and likely can be achieved without advanced medical or other scientific degrees.

(When studying any public information, medical research, or other science on brain technologies, whether published by the U.S. government, academia, or industry, one should keep in mind that such documents will likely not publish classified or other secret government information. One will discover quickly that brain scientists often say things like we can record brain activity or we can stimulate and partially control the brain but it is not possible to or we cannot do such and such yet. Those researchers are not talking about classified information; they likely will not publicize what has already been achieved secretly by U.S. government scientists.)

One example relevant to this article is in a 2019 U.S. government BRAIN Initiative and Neuroethics report. The report authors describe the possibility of brain technologies being used for enhanced interrogation and to elicit actionable intelligence by military investigators, but while those functions are possible, it is unknown if they are currently ongoing because the military has not revealed [the] extent of its interrogation methods. (Pages 48 and 53)

The discussion is partially from a 2007 article entitled Neuroethics and National Security, written by Harvard, Yale, and Stanford brain scientists and others. (It was published in 2007, which means that the brain technologies described in the article could be significantly improved by now.)

The authors describe the potential for noninvasive brain technologies for national security uses:

Whereas brain imaging technologies measure the activation generated by the brain during cognitive processing, noninvasive brain stimulation induces changes in brain activation. This technology could therefore play a significant role in national security applications that seek to alter a person's brain state that may impact behavior. For example, stimulation could be used to alter a person's social behavior or attitudes which could be helpful in interrogations... (Page 5)

The authors describe how some brain technologies work:

TMS [transcranial magnetic stimulation] and tDCS [transcranial direct current stimulation] take advantage of different electromagnetic principles to noninvasively influence neural activity. TMS uses rapidly alternating magnetic fields in a hand-held coil that is positioned over the subjects scalp (i.e., no skin or direct brain contact is necessary and no electrical current is directly applied to the body surface). The magnetic field passes through the skull and into the brain where it induces small currents in the cortex that can affect neural processing during a task. Although the brain region underneath the coil receives the strongest stimulation, the effects of the TMS are not limited to this targeted region. Other connected brain regions may also be affected and may perhaps even be more critical to any observed behavioral changes than the targeted region itself. (Page 5)

Again, that was in 2007 and likely did not include classified or otherwise secret U.S. government technologies.

Now, as mentioned in the introduction, in 2006 during a discussion on a bill expanding government surveillance powers, a U.S. Representative suggested that our country needs to rapidly and effectively bring every intelligence tool to bear to find our enemies, detect and understand their intentions.

The representative did not completely elaborate, but one with scientific and medical knowledge would quickly recognize that intentions occur in the human brain, and intelligence tools which detect and understandintentions could imply mind-reading technologies.

Such a possibility is supported by other U.S. government documents. In 2010, the U.S. government published at least two documents with specific plans on using remote technologies to unobtrusively detect adversarial intent. The authors of those documents appear to carefully avoid explicitly mentioning government using mind-reading technologies all while continuously implying using mind-reading technologies.

For example, the authors describe E-field technologies which can detect electrical activity of thebrain as having the potential to contribute to a government remote detection of a persons intentions. (Page 7)

It is relevant to emphasize how the government articles conclude. One article concludes in the following way:

The U.S. Government expects to support R&D programs with the objective of producing theoretically founded designs of a prototype system for remote detection of covert tactical adversarial intent of individuals in asymmetric operations. The Government also expects to provide broad support for academic and industrial efforts in remote detection of adversarial intent and in areas (such as linkage of these systems with databases, media, and human input) that are useful for larger systems of systems. Other governments have expressed similar plans. (Page 9)

Thus, the U.S. government clearly explained its intentions of producing theoretically founded designs of a prototype system for remote detection of covert tactical adversarial intent of individuals in asymmetric operations and potentially larger systems of systems. Additionally, the U.S. government suggested those technologies could be used for anticrime and security.

A separate U.S. government article on the same subject was also published in 2010 and is more specific:

The Federal Government should fund R&D programs with the objective of producing a theoretically founded design of a prototype system for remote detection of covert tactical adversarial intent of individuals in asymmetric operations within 5 years and a working operational system within 10 years. (Page ii)

In other words, the U.S. government expected remote surveillance systems for the detection of human intentions, and it was suggested that such remote detection of intention technologies would be operational (and potentially used on Americans for anticrime operations and security) by 2020.

There is more. On Dec. 13, 2016 (after they lost the presidential election to Donald Trump) the Obama-Biden administration legalized the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System. The law could have multiple interpretations. The law provides several functions for the neurological surveillance system, one which is the detection of neurological diseases.

Detection of neurological diseases by a National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System could be interpreted to imply literally surveilling every human brain in America to detect neurological diseases, such as mental illnesses, and also might imply surveillance of intentions.

This interpretation is supported by the above U.S. government documents clearly describing plans for systems of systems used for the remote detection of covert adversarial intent which were suggested to be operational before 2020.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Commentary: China, U.S. need to keep faith with win-win cooperation

08:33, April 01, 2024 By Ma Qian ( Xinhua

Apple CEO Tim Cook attends the opening of a new flagship Apple store in east China's Shanghai, March 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

If history is any guide, cooperation, instead of competition, has always been the mainstream of China-U.S. ties since the two sides forged diplomatic relations.

BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Apple just last week launched its new store in downtown Shanghai, the second-largest flagship store worldwide. Tim Cook, CEO of the American tech giant, also pledged to broaden its applied research initiatives in China on the sidelines of this year's China Development Forum in Beijing.

Apple's continuous investment in China is in stark contrast with the "China threat" and "China collapse" theories peddled by Washington's China hawks and U.S. media in recent months.

The American company's commitment to China's market offers a glimpse into the very nature of China-U.S. trade relations: win-win cooperation. That is also one of the key messages Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed during his recent meeting with representatives of U.S. businesses, strategic and academic communities.

Faced with the recent years' new and evolving situation in China-U.S. business ties, the two sides should stay committed to mutual respect, mutual benefit and equal-footed consultation, follow economic and market rules, expand and deepen mutually beneficial business cooperation, respect each other's development rights, and work for win-win outcomes for the two countries and the world at large, Xi said.

If history is any guide, cooperation, instead of competition, has always been the mainstream of China-U.S. ties since the two sides forged diplomatic relations.

Over the past 45 years, bilateral trade has expanded by more than 200 times. More than 70,000 U.S. companies have invested and operated in China, and nearly 90 percent of the operations are profitable.

Today, China and the United States stand as two of the world's top economic powerhouses, whose combined economic output is more than one-third of the world's total. Also, for the two countries, the success of one is an opportunity for the other.

U.S. exports to China have supported a broad swath of the U.S. economy. In 2021, China stood out as the largest export market for four U.S. states and one of the top three export markets for 38 states in America. And the current annual bilateral trade supports over 2.6 million jobs in the United States.

Qualcomm, FedEx and the Blackstone Group, whose top executives sat down with Xi a few days ago, are some of the American companies that have over the decades materialized their development through persistent investment in China. Their growth has also contributed to China's development.

Under the new circumstances, China and the United States have more, not fewer, common interests. American companies in China reported improved financial performance in 2023 with increased profitability, showed the 2024 China Business Climate Survey Report recently released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China).

Many U.S. companies also share a positive outlook on conducting business in China. According to the AmCham China's report, the two-year business outlook for China has improved, with members showing increased optimism across the board, especially with regards to domestic market growth, estimated profitability, and the economy.

In the meantime, Beijing's steadfast dedication to opening-up and high-quality development, as well as more measures to attract foreign investment will also bring about fresh opportunities for bilateral cooperation in more areas like green transition, climate change, electric car design and production, and artificial intelligence, among others.

In fact, the two sides have witnessed frequent communication and interaction in law enforcement and counter-narcotics following the summit between Xi and his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, in San Francisco late last year, and has made some progress.

Still, future cooperation between the two countries is overshadowed by growing China-phobia in Washington. America's China hawks have turned a blind eye to the interdependence between the world's top two economies. For them, strategic competition should define future China-U.S. ties, and taking China down is the only way for the United States to maintain global supremacy.

Nevertheless, whether it was the trade war or the so-called chip war, or any other form of small-yard-high-fences protectionist tactics against China, they have not only failed to alter the overall momentum of China-U.S. trade ties, but also brought unnecessary pain to enterprises of the two countries, and rocked global industrial chains and supply chains.

"Even if the two economies could be separated, the result would be disastrous for both," a recent editorial by The Washington Post argued.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. The two countries can take it as an opportunity to revisit the past successes in bilateral cooperation for future accomplishments. Just as Xi said: "The relationship cannot go back to the old days, but it can embrace a brighter future."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
MANILA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people, including a three-year-old boy, have drowned in the Calabarzon region during the past holy week break starting March 28, local police said on Monday.

The victims died in separate incidents in the region, which is located in southeast of Manila and comprises five provinces.

Filipinos observe the holy week that falls during summer by heading to the beach or river with their family or friends for a get-together. Drowning accidents are not uncommon in the archipelagic country.

In 2023, the Philippine National Police said at least 72 people died of drowning during the Holy Week break. 
Is there any rational person who still believes that the National Broadcasting Company is in any way a reliable source of news?

The network of Chet Huntley, David Brinkley, Harry Reasoner, Roger Mudd, and Tom Brokaw has now abandoned all pretense of impartiality. This is thanks to their atrocious treatment of former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel.

It has been quite obvious that all of the original networks tilt to the Left and have done so quietly for many years if not decades. But NBC is unique in that it also produces MSNBC, an unabashedly leftist news/commentary product. Its commentators often move back and forth between the main network and the upstart. The hiring of Ms. McDaniel by NBC proper was probably considered a good move to maintain a thin veneer of bipartisanship.

On the surface, she looked like a good fit. Though not openly disloyal to ex-president Trump, as the niece of NeverTrumper Mitt Romney, her loyalty to the party was suspect among some Republicans. Her failures in the 2020 and 2022 elections ultimately forced a change in party leadership more clearly aligned with the Republican nominee. As an NBC contributor, I think she would have probably felt comfortable offering both support and criticism to her party. This should be what the network would want.

But then the wildly Left-leaning on-air talent at MSNBC had a hissy fit and demanded her firing. This was said to be due to her (tepid) support of President Trump's voter fraud claims for the 2020 election. The protesters included Chuck Todd, who is NBCs Chief Political Analyst and the former host of that sacred bastion of impartiality Meet the Press. Good luck with getting any reasoned political analysis from NBC.

I was one of a significant plurality of Trump voters (as well as some Democrats) who have had doubts over the integrity of the 2020 election. I remember thinking that the Republican Party and many of its members seemed sanguine about the result, and were not unhappy with the change of administration. Ms. McDaniel had to walk a thin tightrope in the aftermath.

In a rational media environment, her concerns for the election would appear to be a decidedly venial sin for a former Republican chairperson. But this is no rationality on the Left. The MSNBC team threatened to boycott her as a guest on any of their shows, clearly limiting her utility. After this revolt from the MSNBC talent, NBC reconsidered and released her after three days of employment. I look forward to the legal bloodbath.

Of course, those on the Left will excuse this by pointing to Fox News as the corresponding conservative version of their hyperpartisan media organization. Certainly, Fox obviously tilts conservative, particularly during prime time, but many of its anchors will deviate from the MAGA dogma quite often (Fox and Friends hosts Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy are good examples).

It is also a given that Fox employs liberal Democrats as on-air talent.

I think of commentators such as Alan Colmes, Juan Williams, Harold Ford, and Jessica Tarlov. They All have represented the liberal viewpoint on Fox shows by assignment. Though the resulting arguments can be heated, these Democrats generally seem to be treated courteously by their fellow talent and are well-supported for book promotion and other outside projects.

There is one other person that Fox hired and employed for some time. That would be Donna Brazile, the former DNC chairman. She is bright and well-spoken and an unabashed liberal. I would argue she carried a mortal sin on her resume, the fact that she leaked questions to Hilary Clinton for a 2016 CNN presidential debate that Brazile moderated. This was well established (she ultimately apologized for it). Despite this, there was no outcry from the conservatives at Fox who generally seemed interested in engaging with her. She worked there for two years and was a guest on many of their shows.

I bring this up not so much to promote Fox News, which has its problems, but to demonstrate how bizarre is the behavior over at NBC.

Fifteen to twenty years ago there was no mistaking the major networks for conservative outlets, nor Fox as liberal, but there was a semblance of fairness. Hyperpolarization of news outlets towards either side of the argument will inevitably be the source of untruths, either by direct misrepresentation or by strategic omission.

This leads to an even more polarized electorate that tolerates the lies and then wants more. As a result, the country is fragmented and thus weakened.

If youre searching for truth, it wont be found at the Peacock network.

Henry F. Smith MD is a Pulmonary and Sleep Physician.

He blogs at Henrysmithscottage.com

Image: Gage Skidmore
Often, massive historic events are triggered by a single iconic moment. People who have put up with chronic repression will seize upon a single iconic moment to push back. Britain had been heavily taxing the American colonies for quite a while, but it was the tax on tea that got ordinary people, not ideologues, angry. In 1963, when Thich Quang uc set himself on fire in Saigon to protest Ngo inh Diems Roman Catholic-based persecution against Buddhists, the photo of that moment led to a coup against Diem, triggering the decade-long Vietnam war. The dislocations of the Arab Spring started the same way, in 2010, when Mohamed Bouazizi, a Tunisian, self-immolated to protest government harassment.

What may prove to be a turning point in 2024 is the murder of 31-year-old NYPD officer Jonathan Diller. Thats because his tragic death operates at the intersection of so many Democrat party policies and values, exposing the rot behind all of them. Diller, who left behind a wife and infant son, was shot to death by a recidivist; that is, a repeat criminal.

But this was no ordinary recidivist. In the old days, that might have meant someone who had, at the very least, spent some time in prison. Under the new rules, though, Dillers killer, whom I will not give the dignity of naming, had an endless history of previous arrests21 in total at last word. Nor were these inconsequential arrests for things such as jaywalking or graffiti. Instead, the killer, who was arrested with a gun in his hand and shiv carefully stowed in his rectum, was arrested for violent crimes.

In a sane society, the killer would have been in prison until he was dead or too old to commit crimes. But thanks to the demons unleashed on society by the BLM movement, the killera black man with a Hispanic namewas out on the streets and armed. For leftists, his race meant he was societys victim, no matter the carnage he deliberately rained down upon those caught in his path.

There have been many such shootings since leftists seized upon the self-inflicted death of a drugged-up felon in Minneapolis to remake criminal justice in leftist cities across America:

The one and only "unarmed black" kiIIed by police in 2024? Roshod Graham.



Here's the thing: He WAS armed.



Graham tried to kiII his girlfriend and a gas station attendant with his car.



He was chased by officers who only shot **AFTER** he grabbed at the cop's gun.



In other pic.twitter.com/FkjhrhEgZx  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 31, 2024

In a telling visual, the two presumptive presidential candidates approached Dillers death very differently. Biden hasnt said a single word about it. Indeed, at the same time that Dillers funeral was taking place, Joe Biden was attending a lavish fundraiser where people (including Hamas activists) paid as much as $500,000 to get in. Meanwhile, Donald Trump attended Dillers funeral, where he was warmly greeted, unlike New York governor Kathy Hochul, who was barred from entry.

Donald Trump gave an address at the funeral of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller. He gets it. This is what people want out of a leader. pic.twitter.com/V2zkca6nah  Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) March 29, 2024

New York Governor Kathy Hochul asked to leave wake for slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.



Hochul was only in the venue for about 10 minutes before she was spotted in a clash with a man in a black suit.



Several cops waiting outside the funeral home then clapped as he walked pic.twitter.com/1AQcPu4tM6  Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) March 29, 2024

Of course, the fact is that Biden cannot speak about Jonathan Dillers slaying. His base sides entirely with the criminal class, not law enforcement. Representatives of law enforcement, meanwhile, turned out in the thousands for Dillers funeral:

WOW  Look at the turnout Of New York police officers for slain NYPD detective Jonathan Dillers funeral.



pic.twitter.com/oTyz2dTUe6  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 30, 2024

When a countrys criminal justice system fails, the country fails. In Mexico, a completely broken country, we see people taking the law into their own hands. Thats what happened in Guerrero, Mexico, where enraged residents lynched three people accused of kidnapping and murdering an eight-year-old girl. One person, a woman, died from the beating she sustained. Its a reminder that a lawful society protects both the innocent and the allegedly guilty.

Its to be hoped that Americans dont wish to slip into the dystopian anarchy that they see in Haiti, large parts of Africa, and Mexico (and that Mexico is importing, via Bidens open borders, into America). Officer Dillers death, the reasons behind it, and the Democrat response to it should be a loud warning bell that this election is our last chance to pull back from the abyss of anarchy and vigilantism.

Image: X screen grab.
Ive had this one sitting open in my browser for several days and want to get to it before the story is too far away in the rearview mirror of political discourse. It has to do with the death of Dagny Nex Benedict, the 16-year-old girl who denied her femininity, got in a fight in the girls bathroom, and then committed suicide. Conservatives, of course, were blamed for her death, first being accused of murder by proxy through the bathroom fight, and then being accused of driving her to suicide. The reality, though, is that her own family victimized her, and leftist social institutions didnt help but almost certainly drove her further into despair.

As you may recall, Nex, a self-identified non-binary 16-year-old girl ended up in the hospital after a fight in the girls restroom at her Oklahoma high school. A video of her in the hospital, though, revealed her boasting about having started the fight. However, the next day Nex was dead and, within minutes of news of her death, conservatives, starting with Libs of TikTok, were accused of murder by proxy. Thats because the whole cadre of leftists believed that it was the bathroom fight and the blow to her head that caused Nex to die:

They slammed Nex's head against the bathroom floor and he blacked out and the next day he died and they will face zero consequences for it.



Remember Nex Benedict. Protect trans kids. The state sure as hell won't. pic.twitter.com/hZJhJOvL19  Ari Drennen (@AriDrennen) March 22, 2024

Nexs autopsy, however, revealed that shed committed suicide, taking a lethal dose of Benadryl. Nor was this accidental, for she would have had to swallow 50 to 100 pills to kill herself. That wasnt all, though, the New York Times explains:

A medical examiners report said that the teenager had been found with a combined toxicity of diphenhydramine, an antihistimine [sic] commonly used for allergies, and fluoxetine, a drug often used to treat depression. [snip] Ms. [Sue] Benedict [Nexs grandmother and guardian] told the police that Nex took medication at night for anxiety and mood swings but had not taken any that day. When she was asked whether Nex took illicit drugs, Ms. Benedict said no but added that Nex has vaped.

But that still wasnt all. Nex had even more problems:

The 11 pages released indicate handwritten notes suggestive of self-harm were found in Nex's room by family members, and that the teen has a history of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, self-harm (cutting).

The big question is why Nex was such a deeply unhappy person. Was it because she was transgender in the ugly, transphobic state of Oklahoma? Well, maybe. But a more likely answer lies in Nexs past, and its an unutterably tragic one. It turns out that Nexs father molested her for years, culminating in anal rape when she was just nine years old:

On July 17th, 2019, when Dagny was 11 years old, an arrest warrant was issued for James Everette Hughes, Dagnys father. He was arrested on July 31st, 2019, in Sebastian County, AR. The charge was for rape of a minor under the age of 14, during the time period between May 2017 and August 2017, when Dagny was nine years old. Among many witnesses was Sue Benedict, the grandmother who would adopt Dagny in 2019. Hughes would accept a plea deal to sexual assault in the second degree on November 27th, 2019. He was sentenced to five years in prison with ten years suspended. He would be placed on the sex offender list and have no contact with his daughter. He was arrested again on January 25th, 2024, by the Little Rock Police Department for failing to comply with reporting as a sex offender, two weeks before Dagny would take her own life.

Also, as is evident from the New York Times quotation, Nex wasnt living with her own mother, who had somehow vanished from her life. No wonder that Nex acted out her pain in every way possible with depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Frankly, her damage might have been too profound ever to repair.

But what I can tell you with certainty is that it didnt help Nex to have the leftist Borg tell her that all the pain would go away if she denied her femininity. Instead, by further alienating Nex from her body, leftism merely added another pathology to the horrors inside that poor girls head.

One of the things that leftism does is exploit weakness. It takes youngsters, who are inherently weak because of ignorance, and damaged people like Nex and promises them paradise. In reality, all these promises are lies, whether its the alleged virtues of gender madness or the harmlessness of marijuana. Everything has destruction as its end.

Ultimately, leftism is a parasitical ideology that feeds on vulnerable people in order to strengthen itself. And for that reason, leftism stands exposed as something truly evil.

Image: Nex Benedict. Fair Use.
Among the Washington swamp denizens, President Trump is leaving a lot of them in a gape-mouthed stupor.

According to The Hill:

The parent company of former President Trumps Truth Social platform defied expectations in its first week on the stock market. Trump Media & Technology Group stock closed at roughly $62 per share Thursday after a whipsaw week of trading. Shares of Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC), the blank check company that Trump Media merged with last week, closed at $49.99 per share the day before the newly combined firms stock market debut.

Like everything else about President Trump, the swampy left always undervalues and underestimates him.

But we see a lot of headlines like this with a Google search:

The Trump Stock Bubble: How Long Will It Last? -The New Yorker Seth Meyers Is Skeptical of Trumps Rising Stock -The New York Times Trump's Media Stock Is Riding a MAGA Wave. How It Could Crash. -Barrons

And dismissive warnings like this:

The mismatch between Trump Medias strong market debut and the reality of its financials places it firmly in the meme stock category, experts said, arguing that enthusiasm for the former president appears to be a key driver of the stock.

...and...

The passion that Trump supporters have for the former president lines up with the quasi-religious fervor needed to fuel a meme stock, said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, a brokerage firm. You need a large group to have a belief in the company that goes beyond just normal investment criteria, Sosnick said.

One guy even insisted he "knew" what the stock was "worth" which wasn't what the market said it was worth:

Jay Ritter, a finance professor at the University of Florida and an expert in initial public offerings, estimates that Trump Media stock is actually worth about $2 a share, based on the $300 million infusion from its merger with DWAC, which was finalized Monday.

Which is ridiculous. A stock is worth what the market says it's worth, like it or not. It's not a matter of an expert opinion or even a top analyst's opinion. It's the market's and only the market's opinion. Oh, and while we're at it, stocks are only good if they go up, as famed investor Bill O'Neill, who wrote the best book on stock investment, "How to Make Money in Stocks," once said. It's never wise to "hang on" to a stock for sentimental reasons, actually, it's a good way to lose money.

Trump made a pile, because investors thought it was worth their while to plunk their money down on it. If it wasn't making money, they would have bought something else.

But this is what drives them bonkers.

See, Trump is making his money the old fashioned way, by earning it. He put out a product the market liked -- and people took a chance with their money to buy it. Stocks go up and stocks go down, but among the Trump-haters, Trump's stock can only go down or be worth less than what the market says it's worth.

It must bother the swamp denizens of the establishment immensely that Trump didn't make his latest pile the way they do -- through insider trading, which has been found in Congress, at the regulatory agencies, at the Fed, and at the cabinet offices in large numbers in recent years.

The Trump cash earned from the sale of his company came from a conventional share exercise, and since he owns a large share of Truth Social, he stands to make a lot, something like $5 billion, which could go lower or higher in the six months he must hold onto it before he can sell, but that's the market's business.

No, it's not one of those pols who mysteriously increases his fortunes while in public office, it's just the market working the way it's supposed to work.

The swamp can't handle that since the winner here is Trump, so they'll do all they can to insist that the grapes are sour and Trump can't possibly make money honestly the way they don't.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Is there anything an illegal migrant can do that will get him thrown in jail?

Not to an El Paso judge, who just released a group of migrants who last March 21 ripped away razor wire fencing to storm the U.S. border, literally invading the U.S. the way pirates or burglars do, 'on their own recognizance.'

Along the way, they tore down U.S. razor-wire fencing barriers and assaulted U.S. National Guard members.

But none of that was good enough to insist that they remain detained.

According to the Daily Wire:

On Easter Sunday a magistrate judge in El Paso, Texas, ordered the release of migrants who were charged with rioting after a large group stormed the border, tearing down razor wire and clashing with members of the Texas National Guard in the process. Presiding Magistrate Judge Humberto Acosta delivered the ruling after accusing the El Paso District Attorneys office of failing to prepare properly and thus not being ready and not being ready to proceed with detention hearings for each defendant, The El Paso Times reported on Sunday. It is the ruling of the court is that all the rioting participation cases will be released on their own recognizance, Acosta said, but court officials did confirm that any defendants who were subject to previously-ordered federal immigration holds would not be released under that order.

The judge denied the prosecution's plea for more time to prepare their cases against the thugs, and then berated them for not being properly prepared with the charges.

Which sounds like he really just wanted to let them in, violent or not. A Google search on this guy shows that he has a history of repeatedly dismissing criminals en masse into the community based on what he claims are prosecutorial errors. He did it here, and he did it here.

It's bad stuff because it tells every cartel member and human smuggler and violent foreign criminal that the border is open, so open in fact that they have a 'right' to knock down barriers into the U.S. if the prosecution isn't timely enough.

And that there's a double standard, too. While massive delays have left many January 6 "rioters" imprisoned for years without trial elsewhere, any failure to file super-swift charges on illegal foreign violent border invaders is unacceptable, so into the U.S. they come, scot-free with benefits flowing.

The amount of crime these thugs will commit now that they are inside the U.S. is unfathomable.

Border barriers are put up for a reason, and anyone who nakedly takes down those border barriers from the other side is obviously a proven criminal right there.

What's bad here is that the judge is getting away with this without sanction, endangering the community, and demonstrating that Alejandro Mayorkas isn't the only problem out there causing the border surge. It's sanctuary cities that won't hand criminals over, it's NGOs that entice migrants for federal dollars, it's border enforcement policy that won't enforce, and above all, it's judges with ideological agendas.

Solving this is going to be a lot of work for the incoming Trump administration, which will be fought by all of these bad actors in this migrant industrial complex.

And as for the criminals who just got let in, expect them to call all their relatives and tell them that if a wall is there, just break it down and come on in, the judges are on their side and they don't care about the law or community they are sworn to protect. If they don't care about the law or community, why should the criminals?

Image: Screen shot from ABC News video, via YouTube
I dont have an in-depth knowledge of signs and symbols, said the London police officer when asked to explain by an upset Jewish woman how a swastika at a pro-Hamas rally wasnt anti-Semitic.

Plausible deniability? More like implausible deniability. Does he really think that was a reasonable retort?

On Saturday, pro-Hamas protesters marched across London demanding that Israel cease its military operations in Gaza, as well as offer statehood for a sovereign Palestine. Naturally, these marchers brought along signs and flags emblazoned with swastikas, because as everyone understands, anti-Semitism and Jew erasure underpin the Palestine statehood movement. (Quick note: I will always call these sorts of people pro-Hamas instead of pro-Palestine because while they may in fact believe a Palestinian state ought to exist, theyre going about it in a terroristic way, failing to denounce legitimate terrorism against innocent civilians.)

When a Jewish woman observing the protest complained to local police officers about the overt threat, she received pushback; the spectating bobbies told her that the swastika on its own isnt a negative symbol, and that everything needs to be taken in context if its to be properly understood and evaluated. Heres a video clip of the exchange, shared to X:

When the @metpoliceuk refuse to arrest Hamas supporters with a swastika sign today in London one officer told a girl that swastikas disturbing public order depends on context



If youre holding a sign with a swastika at an anti-Israel march  this is blatantly antisemitic. Come pic.twitter.com/MjDNnHomnv  Emily Schrader -     (@emilykschrader) March 30, 2024

Now of course, this Jewish woman was taking the swastika into context which is why she was so upset. These people werent displaying the swastika at some Indian heritage festival (scholars largely agree that the swastika originated from the Sanskrit language), and they werent hosting some hieroglyphics seminar (the swastika has also been uncovered in ancient Egyptian ruins); they were parading it around while celebrating the slaughter of Jewish civilians, because its justice and retribution for the genocidal actions of Israel, and while simultaneously waving Palestinian flags. The Palestinians are the very people who elected Hamas to govern in the first place, and are apparently increasingly supportive of Hamas; this poll result was from two months after the October 7th attack, via AP:

A wartime opinion poll among Palestinians published Wednesday shows a rise in support for Hamas, which appears to have ticked up even in the devastated Gaza Strip, and an overwhelming rejection of Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas, with nearly 90% saying he must resign.

Furthermore, youd think that if the Palestinians were really all just civilians who are as victimized by the Hamas terrorists as the Israelis, the former would help rout the latter out; alas, they do not.

Democrat John Fetterman even made an astute observation, noting that the men of Hamas are too cowardly and unable to wage war like civilized men so instead, they targeted the only people against whom they could actually win (i.e. women, children, the elderly).

Too cowardly and unable to engage in conventional warfare, Hamas relies on killing, raping, mutilating, and abducting civilians. Senior Hamas leaders must be brought to justice or eliminated.



Bring every hostage back home. NOW. pic.twitter.com/Q338BqeBdk  Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 16, 2024

As people chimed in, they rightly identified that the interaction between the police officers and the young Jewish woman was an indictment of Londons Metropolitan Police force, calling the gobsmacking.

Now, if for some reason the law enforcement route doesnt pan out for these particular gentlemen, Ive got a job lead: Ivy League university president. (The only factors working against them are their biological sex and skin color, maybe their sexual orientation too.)

Image from X.
LANZHOU, China, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Upon her arrival at Mogao Caves in Dunhuang City, Xinhua journalist Daria Vorobeva was impressed not only by the delicate millennial-old Buddhist painting, but also by the city's commitment to reviving the cultural diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage and sharing it with the world.

"One can find traces of various cultures; it's so rich and fascinating," Vorobeva said.

In 126 B.C., following the return of the royal emissary Zhang Qian from his journey westward from Chang'an, the capital of the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.), the corridor for commercial and cultural exchanges across Asia and Europe flourished, which has later been known as the Silk Road.

Since then, a continuous flow of merchants, envoys, and monks from around the world have traversed the Silk Road, coming to China for commercial trade, cultural communication, and exploration.

In the contemporary era, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) revives the spirit of the Silk Road and injects new vitality into greater connectivity with countries and regions participating in the initiative.

Northwest China's Gansu Province was an important passage along the Silk Road. Its time-honored cultural relics and ancient architecture, scattered like pearls along the route, showcase its historical prosperity.

In museums, artifacts on display include not only silk from China but also artifacts from India, brocades from Persia, glassware from Rome, as well as currency from the Eastern Roman Empire and Sassanid Persia.

Unearthed sculptures and brick paintings also depict the figures of ancient Sogdians, Persians, and Greeks traveling along the Silk Road.

Among these, the millennium-old Mogao Caves in Gansu's Dunhuang City, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting rich collections of Buddhist artworks, represent the pinnacle of civilization diversity.

According to Bakyt Amanbayeva, chief researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Dunhuang in China preserves a fascinating Buddhist culture that was introduced to the northern regions of Kyrgyzstan in the early Middle Ages via the Silk Road, evidenced by the relics of two Buddhist temples at the City Site of Ak-Beshim, 50 km east of Bishkek, one of the largest medieval archaeology site in Central Asia.

"Human civilizations will become richer and more diverse through exchanges and mutual learning, contributing to the development of a harmonious world built on mutual understanding," said Zhao Shengliang, director of the Dunhuang Academy.

Nowadays, inspired by the Silk Road spirit, the BRI is producing positive impacts on trade and people-to-people exchanges among partners.

In October 2023, thanks to improved connectivity among BRI partner countries and regions, Russian flower trader Ageev Rinad for the first time in his decade-long career brought fresh-cut roses from Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu to Russia with overland transportation.

The roses rode a cold-chain truck, passing through the Alataw Pass in the northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region before entering Kazakhstan and landing in vases of families in Moscow.

Today, tropical fruits and seafood from Southeast Asia, mineral products from Central Asia, and timber from Europe can be imported into Gansu. Conversely, Gansu's apples, onions, asbestos, and industrial products are exported to Central Asia, South Asia, and ASEAN countries.

In 2014, a joint application by China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan led to the recognition of "the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In recent years, experts from the Dunhuang Academy have visited countries along the Silk Road such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan for research and exchanges. Joint archaeological research, technology sharing, and knowledge communication for the ancient heritage have renewed cultural bonds among these countries nearly 2,000 years later.

Amanbayeva said that topics related to the Silk Road are popular among Kyrgyzstanis. Like many of her fellow citizens, she hopes for long-term cooperation with China on cultural relics protection. 
AI has reached and knocked on all doors! The US Congress isnt unfamiliar with generative AI and ChatGPT, as a Congressman once delivered an AI-drafted speech. Now, the US Congress is planning to ban Microsoft Copilot citing security concerns, according to a report from Axios.

US Congress could ban Microsoft Copilot

According to Congress Chief Administrative Officer, Catherine Szpindor, Microsoft Copilot is unauthorized for House use citing the security concerns that information shared by House staff might leak and reach places where its not supposed to be. As a result, the US Congress will expunge and ban Copilot, which serves as an optional generative AI add-on, on all Windows devices under its jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Microsoft assures that they are working on government-friendly versions of their AI tools that will meet the strict security requirements of the federal government.

It raises questions about its impact on congressional staff and their workflow; if not Copilot, then what? A Microsoft spokesperson might have an answer to this. They explained that they understand how important it is for the government to have an extra layer of security. Thats why they plan to make AI tools like Copilot specially designed to meet these high-security standards. The Chief Administrative Offices office clarified that the advice theyre giving right now is for regular folks, not government workers. But once the government version is ready, theyll check it out and decide what to do.

More importantly, Microsoft Copilot is a collaborative effort between Microsoft and ChatGPT-owner OpenAI. Plus, it has several plans to choose from, especially for businesses. A bunch of perks come with the paid version, like allowing users to integrate it with Microsoft Office Suite programs like World, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Hence, the AI indeed comes helpful among congressional staff but the potential ban has a solid argument that there have been multiple instances where there is always a risk of data leakage. Such leaks, especially in terms of government, pose enormous risks.
ISTANBUL, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China's development model sets an example of rapid modernization and growth, Selcuk Colakoglu, director of the Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Colakoglu highlighted that over the last four decades, China has undergone significant development and transformation.

"Particularly in the last decade, China has strategically prioritized innovative strategies, emphasizing the development of high-tech industries, value-added production units, and environmentally friendly production practices," he said.

Noting that the most significant challenge for rapidly developing countries is the middle-income trap, the scholar stressed that China and some other Asian countries, namely South Korea and Singapore, have successfully avoided this trap and continued their transformation.

"In that regard, the Chinese development model is another successful example of best practices for rapid modernization and development together with some other Asian countries," Colakoglu said.

China has become one of the world's leading economies, and its development experience bears great importance, he said. "This strategic shift is crucial not only for China's economic transformation but also for global economic development."

China's development strategies serve as exemplary practices for other developing countries seeking to achieve similar progress, he added.

"China's commitment to advancing high-tech industries and implementing innovative strategies signifies its progression towards a more mature development trajectory," Colakoglu said.

He noted that China has recently developed a guideline to support six key future industries including manufacturing, information, materials, energy, space and health.

As a best practice of this strategy, Chinese electric vehicle producers have taken the leadership in the global market for production and technological innovations, he said, voicing his confidence that there will be a surge in environmentally friendly development driven by the high-tech industry in China.

Noting that China is at the center of global supply chains and makes the world economy more vibrant, Colakoglu said that decoupling China from the global supply chains for political reasons will create unpredicted troubles for global economy and pose challenges to the global system in general.

He noted that amid a sluggish global economic recovery, Asian countries are experiencing an economic upturn, engaging more actively in the global economy, trade, and production activities.

"Not only China but also other countries, including Southeast Asian and other East Asian nations, have a very successful developmental path, with growth rates surpassing the global average, mostly ranging between 5-10 percent," he said.

The dynamic and robust development of Asian economies have significantly brightened global economic landscape, bolstering growth and international trade, he added.

The scholar spoke highly of the increasing intra-regional trade, especially in East Asia after the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which accounts for a significant share of 30 percent of the world's GDP.

"Asian countries' positive impact also pushes further intra-regional trade and economic integration in general," he said. "This trade mobilization, trade integration, and economic integration have positive impacts on world economic growth."

He proposed that the Western countries should draw inspirations from the organizational structure of Asia to enhance resilience against interruptions in the global supply chain during conflicts, wars, or pandemics.

"In that regard, the leading economies, particularly emerging economies and the developed economies should come together and cooperate and address the issues and problems," Colakoglu said. 
Sean Mag Uidhir (circled) was at Michelle O'Neill's side as she, with Mary Lou McDonald and Gerry Adams behind her, carried Martin McGuinness's coffin in 2017 - ALAN LEWIS/PHOTOPRESSBELFAST

A top adviser to Northern Irelands new First Minister has been accused of being part of the IRA death squad linked to the notorious double agent Stakeknife.

Sean Mag Uidhir, Michelle ONeills Sinn Fein spin doctor, was interviewed under caution by the investigation into Stakeknife, the British Armys top spy within the Provisional IRA.

Mag Uidhir, 66, who changed his name to the Gaelic form of Maguire several years ago, is widely known to have been a senior member of the IRA in the Ardoyne district of Belfast during The Troubles.

At one time, he was allegedly part of the terror groups internal security unit, which tortured and murdered alleged informers and was known as the Nutting Squad because of its method of killing victims with a shot to the head.

Also a member of the unit was Stakeknife, who is widely believed to have been Freddie Scappaticci, a bricklayer from west Belfast who died last year. While carrying out killings for the IRA, he was passing intelligence to the British Armys shadowy Force Research Unit.

Stakeknife was the subject of Operation Kenova, a 40 million investigation that lasted for seven years.

Mag Uidhir has been accused of acting for the Nutting Squad at an infamous abduction linked to Stakeknife in 1990, and was interviewed by Operation Kenova in November 2018.

The unit has been linked to at least 101 murders and abductions, while Kenovas interim report, published in March, found Stakeknife cost more lives than he saved through intelligence. It linked him to 14 murders and 15 abductions.

Northern Irish politicians have accused Ms ONeill of hypocrisy over her links to Mag Uidhir. Sammy Wilson, a Democratic Unionist Party MP, told The Telegraph: For someone who has said she wants to be inclusive, she wants to try and reach across the divide, she wants to be a First Minister for all, she is bound to know that having somebody like that as a communications officer is going to be provocative.

Even among the nationalist community there is great anger about the way in which people from Republican nationalist backgrounds were treated by the Nutting Squad and the misery that brought to the community too.

Michelle ONeill must stop being a hypocrite in this way by saying on the one hand she wants to reach out and be the First Minister for everybody while at the same time employing people who she knows are provocative.

Mag Uidhir watched his boss, Ms ONeill, give a press conference with Mary Lou McDonald as the Northern Irish Assembly was restored in February.

Mag Uidhir accompanied Michelle O'Neill at a press conference when the Northern Irish Assembly was restored in February - ALAN LEWIS/PHOTOPRESS BELFAST

Ms ONeill became the first nationalist politician to become First Minister of Northern Ireland in the historic power-sharing agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party.

Mag Uidhir is said to be hugely protective of ONeill and has played a key role in her election campaigns.

Born in 1957, he grew up in Belfast, attending St Malachys College from 1968 to 1975, according to his social media profiles.

A year after leaving school, in 1976, he was convicted of conspiracy to murder two policemen and given a 16-year sentence, of which he served eight.

According to court documents, he also has a conviction for possession of firearms and ammunition and was arrested in 1986 after information indicated he was a member of the Provisional IRA and involved in certain specific terrorist crimes in the North Belfast area.

He was said to be second in command of an IRA unit involved in the abduction of Sandy Lynch, a terrorist turned informant to the British security forces, who was targeted for his apparent treachery in 1990.

Sean Mac Uidhir was at Ms O'Neill's press conference at Stormont following the return of power sharing - ALAN LEWIS/PHOTOPRESSBELFAST

During the 1991 trial of the republicans accused of the kidnapping, the court was told that Mag Uidhir was number two to Kevin Mulgrew, another IRA member, according to reports from the time.

The Crown said that Lynch would say he worked under the command of Kevin Mulgrew [an IRA member] and the second-in-command was Sean Maguire.

John Creaney, QC, prosecuting, said Lynch had been involved for quite some time in a provisional IRA intelligence gathering unit and had served time for terrorist offences.

Lynch was also informing for the Royal Ulster Constabulary, both on his activities and those of the IRA he was privy to, the prosecutor said.

As part of his court deposition, Lynch, who was allegedly lured by Mag Uidhir to the house where he was kidnapped, said that he was taunted for hours by his interrogators. He made detailed references to Scappaticci, who he said led the interrogation and threatened to skin me alive.

Freddie Scappaticci, widely named as double agent Stakeknife, in west Belfast in 2018 - PACEMAKER

Gerard Hodgins, a former IRA member, was present but had his conviction for the abduction quashed amid questions over the involvement of security forces.

He told The Telegraph that Mag Uidhir had signalled the informant would be killed. He made a pistol gesture to his head and nodded back to the room where Sandy was being held, indicating to me, I think, that he believed Sandy deserved to be nutted, he said.

He said he told Operation Kenova about Mag Uidhirs involvement because he believed the former IRA member was himself an informer. Mag Uidhir furiously denied this claim when it was first made in press reports in 2003.

Hodgins said Mag Uidhirs presence at the abduction was proof of how senior he was within the unit.

His actual title didnt affect our thinking, we just knew from gossip he was head of this, or second in command of that, he said. On the ground, we just knew who was who and how senior they were, almost with it not needing to be said.

He added: Everyone knows he was there, his name is right throughout the court papers. Sandys testimony from the box puts him there and says thats how he got to the house, Sean drove him. Sean was there as part of the ISU, he was interrogating Sandy.

Mag Uidhir, who is father to several children, left for the Republic of Ireland following the Lynch kidnap but later returned.

Sinn Fein highly secretive

After the peace process and Good Friday Agreement, he went on to become the editor of the North Belfast News before joining the Sinn Fein media team.

The party is highly secretive and does not publish full details of its officials but he is listed as an author on the Sinn Fein website.

He has been described by the Sinn Fein-run newspaper An Phoblacht as the partys media chief and has frequently been seen arranging press conferences for Ms ONeill at Stormont.

Mag Uidhir was photographed at the funeral of Martin McGuinness in 2017 as his coffin was carried by the new First Minister, along with Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Fein in Ireland, and Gerry Adams.

He also accompanied Ms ONeill when she visited Manchester in 2017 and signed a book of condolence for the victims of the Arena terror attack.

Jon Boutcher, the author of the Operation Kenova report and now the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said in his interim report that the activities of the Provisional IRA he examined were the most shameful and evil I have encountered.

Police chief denounced shameful and evil activities

He said that while there were failings by British security forces over Stakeknife, it was the Provisional IRAs leadership that commissioned and sanctioned the activities that its ISU carried out.

Mr Boutcher said the ISU was responsible for torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and murder, including of children, vulnerable adults, those with learning difficulties and those who were entirely innocent of the claims made against them.

Mr Wilson, the DUP MP, said: I dont think anyone with that kind of record should be in a public position and she [Ms ONeill] really has to explain how this is moving away from the past if she is employing people who have a known terrorist background.

If it was the other way round and the deputy First Minister had employed a known loyalist terrorist, Sinn Fein would have screamed and howled at it.

It also shows that there still is that connection between Sinn Fein and people who formerly were involved in overt terrorist activity. Its not the image any devolved administration needs.

Baroness Hoey, the Northern Irish politician and former Labour MP, said: This shows the dark secrets of some now working for Sinn Fein. This must be looked into and Sinn Fein need to be transparent about who they are employing if Michelle ONeill is serious about being a First Minister for all.

Mag Uidhir declined the opportunity to apologise for his actions as an IRA terrorist, and denied taking part in the abduction of Lynch.

In a statement, his solicitor said: My client, Sean Mag Uidhir, has always rejected any allegation that he was involved in the unlawful imprisonment and conspiracy to murder Alexander [Sandy] Lynch in 1990 and has never been charged with any offence in relation to this.

Mr Mag Uidhir has worked as a journalist and newspaper editor, is now employed as a Sinn Fein press officer and has been a vocal and consistent advocate of reconciliation and the peace process.

Sinn Fein and the Northern Ireland Executive did not respond to requests for comment.
JK Rowling is known for her criticism of trans ideology - WireImage/Samir Hussein

JK Rowling has challenged Scotlands police to arrest her under the SNPs new hate crime laws after stating that a series of high-profile trans women are men.

The Harry Potter author, who lives in Edinburgh, tweeted: Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.

Im currently out of the country, but if what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.

Rowling posted pictures of 10 high-profile trans people on Twitter and mocked their claims to be women

Scotland's Hate Crime Act comes into effect today. Women gain no additional protections, of course, but well-known trans activist Beth Douglas, darling of prominent Scottish politicians, falls within a protected category. Phew! 1/11 pic.twitter.com/gCKGwdjr5m  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2024

They included Isla Bryson, who was initially sent to a womens prison after being convicted of two rapes.

Lovely Scottish lass and convicted double rapist Isla Bryson found her true authentic female self shortly before she was due to be sentenced. Misgendering is hate, so respect Isla's pronouns, please. Love the leggings! 2/11 pic.twitter.com/aKgOWRdb4K  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2024

And the TV personality India Willoughby. Activists have already unsuccessfully attempted to have Rowling arrested under existing laws for misgendering after she publicly called Willoughby a male.

Last, but least, TV's India Willoughby proves we women can call a black broadcaster a 'nasty bitch' who 'wouldn't be anywhere without woke', dub lesbians men, insult the looks of a female Olympic swimmer, 'joke' about kidnapping feminists, and STILL get airtime! What a gal! 10/11 pic.twitter.com/gShqbEvO5s  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2024

Among the others she listed was Andrew Miller, 53, who also used the name Amy George. The trans butcher abducted a young girl in the Scottish Borders while dressed as a woman and abused her for 27 hours.

Scottish woman and butcher Amy George abducted an 11-year-old girl while dressed in female clothing. No idea why this was mentioned in court  of course she was wearing women's clothing, she's a woman! Amy took the girl home and sexually abused her over a 27-hour period. 5/11 pic.twitter.com/xy3DmnqZrc  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2024

At the end of the list, she tweeted:

April Fools! 



Only kidding. Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren't women at all, but men, every last one of them.



In passing the Scottish Hate Crime Act, Scottish lawmakers seem to have placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2024

She invited those who agreed with her to share the post and used the hashtag #arrestme.

By passing the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, Rowling said MSPs had placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their idea of femaleness, however misogynistically or opportunistically, than on the rights and freedoms of actual women and girls.

She said: The new legislation is wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence those of us speaking out about the dangers of eliminating womens and girls single-sex spaces, the nonsense made of crime data if violent and sexual assaults committed by men are recorded as female crimes, the grotesque unfairness of allowing males to compete in female sports, the injustice of womens jobs, honours and opportunities being taken by trans-identified men, and the reality and immutability of biological sex.

Her comments came after Siobhian Brown, the SNPs community safety minister, initially stated that misgendering  for example calling a trans woman he  would not at all fall foul of the legislation.

But after being challenged over calls for Rowling to be prosecuted under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, she then admitted it would be for the police to decide.

Speaking as the Act came into force on Monday, Ms Brown said: It could be reported and it could be investigated. Whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland for that.

The minister was also challenged over the odd omission of women from the list of protected groups included in the legislation.

This means that threats made against Rowling and other feminists critical of trans ideology could not be investigated under the Bill. Ms Brown admitted more work needs to be done and said a misogyny Bill would be introduced.

Humza Yousaf oversaw the passage of the hate crime legislation at Holyrood in 2021, when he was justice secretary in Nicola Sturgeons government, but it has only now come into force as Police Scotland said it needed time for training.

Cartoonist Blower's take on the new law

The law creates a criminal offence of stirring up of hatred, expanding on a similar offence based on racist abuse that has been on the statute book for decades.

The new legislation covers hatred on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

However, an amendment to add sex to the list of protected characteristics at this stage was voted down, despite cross-party MSPs raising concerns about why women were excluded.

Someone convicted of stirring up hate could face a fine and a prison term of up to seven years.

Justin Webb, the BBC journalist who conducted the interview with Ms Brown, was found in February to have broken impartiality rules by calling trans women males on air.

The BBC upheld a complaint against the Today presenter after he said trans women, in other words males on the BBC Radio 4 programme last August.

A listener complained that the comment amounted to Mr Webb giving his personal view on a controversial matter in breach of the BBCs requirements on impartiality.

The new legislations definition of a hate crime has attracted concerns that it is too ambiguous, potentially leading to a chilling effect on freedom of speech and a torrent of vexatious complaints being made to police.

In particular, Rowlings allies have suggested that trans activists have her in their sights. The author has regularly argued that trans women are not women and last week vowed to continue calling a man a man after this ludicrous law comes into force.

The Telegraph has also disclosed that attendees at an official Police Scotland hate crime event in February were presented with a scenario involving a character called Jo who thinks that sex is binary and bizarrely calls for transgender people to be sent to gas chambers.

Feminist groups claimed that the character was a thinly veiled parody of Rowling, whose first name is Joanne and who is called Jo by friends.

Living in fear

Pressed by BBC Radio 4s Today programme whether misgendering was a crime, Ms Brown said no, adding: We respect everybodys freedom for expression and nobody in our society should live in fear or be made to feel like they dont belong.

However, challenged over a claim by an SNP councillor that Rowling is not entitled to make people feel uncomfortable and to misgender someone, she then admitted that it would be a police matter for them to assess what happens.

Ms Brown said it would be an operational decision and it would not be for me as a minister to dictate what the police did.

She said officers had received a lot of training in the last year, including a two-hour online course, and she believed this gave them the criteria on which to base their decision.

Theres a very high threshold, which is in the Act, which would be up to Police Scotland, and what would have to be said online or in person would be threatening and abusive, she said.

If youre conveying a personal opinion that is challenging or offensive, for example, that would not be  I would say  would not be [illegal].

Peter Tatchell, the LGBT campaigner, told Today it was a good thing to try and crack down on prejudice and hate but expressed concerns that so much of the Act does involve subjective interpretation and was not clearly defined.

Peter Tatchell is a veteran campaigner for LGBT rights - Jamie Lorriman

Theres no definition of hate when it comes to aggravated offences. Theres no definition of malice or ill will. Now the caveat is that it all boils down to what a reasonable person would believe, he said.

But of course, reasonable people believe different things. And so there is a concern that the actual interpretation or enforcement of the Act may be clouded by subjective judgments.

Mr Tatchell added that the big flaw in the Scottish hate crime legislation was it does not protect women against hate and there was no protection against misogyny.

Jim Sillars, the SNPs former deputy leader, has launched a campaign to resist the Hate Crime Act and campaign for its repeal.

He said: Humza Yousafs Hate Crime Act inflicts a deep wound on the face of Scottish society.

Today, on their own admission, Police Scotland will translate itself from a service into a force for one particular purpose, the pursuit of people who speak their minds. How has Scotland, the seat of the Enlightenment, come to this?
A charity is calling for the policy to be extended to all 999 workers - iStock

Police officers and firefighters should get the same bereavement leave following a miscarriage as NHS workers, a charity has said.

It comes after NHS England unveiled new guidelines that will give staff, including ambulance workers, paid time off work if they suffer a miscarriage before they are six months pregnant.

The Laura Hyde Foundation (LHF) is calling for the policy to be extended to all 999 workers.

Liam Barnes, the foundations chairman, said: Offering paid leave for NHS staff suffering the loss of a child is morally and ethically the right thing to do.

It will bring some comfort to those dealing with bereavement, but this should also be extended to police officers and firefighters to ensure they have the same rights as NHS staff.

Grief doesnt discriminate, and support should be there for anyone going through this.

Police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line each and every day and they deserve to be treated with the same compassion as NHS staff now are.

Under the new NHS framework, which was distributed to hospitals in England last month, women who have a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy will be offered up to 10 days paid leave.

If a member of staffs partner loses a baby, they will be offered up to five days paid leave.

All workplaces should offer best possible support

Rosie Leverton, head of partnerships at baby loss and pregnancy research charity Tommys, said: We believe all workplaces should offer the best possible support to staff who experience miscarriage.

The recent decision by NHS England to create a model policy for trusts offering 10 days paid leave to staff after a miscarriage sets a hugely positive example.

It shows how even the largest employers in the most varied settings can ensure individuals health needs - both physical and mental - are valued and prioritised.

We know what a difference it makes when this kind of policy is introduced across organisations of all sizes, with the right training for managers to ensure its embedded and implemented effectively.

Clea Harmer, chief executive of bereavement charity Sands, said giving staff paid time off after a miscarriage is crucial.

NHS England are leading the way on this and I hope this will encourage other employers, including police forces and fire services, to offer similar rights to their workforce, she added.

LHF is also backing solicitor Keeley Lengthorn, who is pushing for a wider law change as part of her Georges Law campaign.

According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, if a miscarriage happens after six months of pregnancy, the mother would still be entitled to up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave or pay, while the father could take two weeks of paternity leave.

However, there is no entitlement to leave if pregnancy loss happens before 24 weeks.

Ms Lengthorn, who lost three children in the space of three years, is lobbying for statutory changes.

She added: The Laura Hyde Foundation is right to be calling for the rules to be extended to all emergency service workers.

Police officers and firefighters need to be supported too. Although the decision by NHS England is a positive one, we now have a situation where NHS staff are sending home bereaved parents knowing they wont get the same rights as them.

Thats why we need to see the law changed to ensure anyone experiencing the loss of a child is given the time to grieve.
Richard Tice said his party would support a Brexit-style poll on the 2050 climate target - Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Reform UK has pledged to hold a referendum on net zero in a fresh challenge to Rishi Sunak.

Richard Tice, the Reform leader, said his insurgent party would support a Brexit-style poll on the 2050 climate target, which he has argued is damaging the economy and voters lives.

Mr Sunak ruled out a referendum last summer after facing pressure from Tory MPs, including senior figures in Red Wall seats, to rethink the headlong rush for net zero.

In 2022, Mr Tice and Nigel Farage, the honorary president of Reform, were involved in Vote Power, Not Poverty, a short-lived campaign group calling for the public to have its say on green targets first enshrined in law by Theresa May.

Committing his party to the same pledge, Mr Tice told The Telegraph: We have supported this for two years, but Sunak ruled it out a few months ago. We still support it.

Lee Anderson, a former Tory deputy chairman who defected last month to become Reforms first MP, said: The general election is a referendum on net zero, migration, culture, education, taxation, our Armed Forces, pensioners and the NHS. Vote Reform and sort out the above.

A Government source told the Telegraph: Under the Conservatives, we are the first major economy to halve our emissions. Weve done this in a pragmatic way, whilst growing our economy and shielding families from the unnecessary costs and extra taxes, which Labour want to impose.

In August, Mr Sunak said there was broad support for a common sense path to net zero by 2050, despite the Government postponing a number of shorter-term green objectives, including a five-year delay to the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars.

YouGov polling from last summer showed that 71 per cent of voters supported the overall net zero target, suggesting Reform would face an uphill battle were a referendum to take place.

The survey found that 63 per cent of Conservative voters backed the target, compared to 29 per cent who opposed, falling to 61 per cent to 28 per cent among those who voted for Brexit.

The existing net zero goal was backed by Boris Johnson at the 2019 election, and the Tory manifesto included a pledge of reaching net zero by 2050, with investment in clean energy solutions and green infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

Mr Tices promise on Monday marked the latest move by Reform to outflank the Conservatives on the Right. Other policies include a one in, one out immigration plan, leaving the European Convention on Human Rights and sweeping cuts to taxes.

Reform is currently polling as high as 16 per cent, within a handful of percentage points of the Tories, as it bolsters its support among voters who backed Mr Johnson in 2019 but have become disillusioned.

Hostilities between Reform and the Tories have escalated in recent days, with Mr Tice telling a Tory MP who was critical of his candidates to pipe down, leading Richard Holden, the Conservative chairman, to accuse him of being a threatening bully.

It came as a poll by the Legatum Institute found more than two in five voters currently planning to vote for Reform were more likely to opt for the Conservatives if they promised a national referendum on immigration.

Forty-two per cent said the promise of a public vote on bringing down the rate of net migration from around 700,000 to less than 100,000 would make them more likely to vote Tory, although a further 40 per cent said they would not back the Conservatives regardless.

The survey also showed that seven in 10 Reform voters believed net zero measures had made life in Britain worse, with that number rising to 85 per cent when asked about migration.
Iranian media said there was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus - REUTERS

A suspected Israeli air strike destroyed Irans consulate in Damascus and killed a top Iranian general in a sharp escalation following months of clashes between Israel and Tehrans proxies.

Iran vowed a decisive response to the killing of Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) believed to be in charge of Irans operations in Syria and Lebanon.

State TV on Monday evening announced his death in an attack by Zionist regime fighters.

The airstrike, which Israel has not claimed responsibility for, hit the consulate on Monday afternoon, killing at least five people, according to Irans Tasnim news agency.

Syrian state television confirmed on Monday evening that the airstrike killed or wounded everyone who was inside at the time.

Gen Mohammad Reza Zahed was a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)

The consulate building, which stood between the Iranian embassy and the Canadian embassy in the Mezzeh district of Damascus, was completely flattened.

Footage from the scene showed smoke rising from the rubble and emergency vehicles parked outside.

Hossein Akbari, the Iranian ambassador to Syria, was not harmed in the airstrike, which appears to be the fifth Israeli strike on targets in Syria in five days.

He told Iranian state TV the strike was carried out by six missiles fired from F35 fighter jets and vowed revenge at the same magnitude and harshness.

Hossein Amirabdollahian, Irans foreign minister, blamed Israel for the attack and described it as a breach of all international conventions.

He called for an international response.

Faisal Mekdad, Syrias foreign minister, condemned the assassination of the Iranian general as a terrorist attack that killed a number of innocent lives.

He also insisted that Israels attack on Syrian soil would not make it turn its back on Iran.

Faisal Mekdad, Syria's foreign minister, condemned the assassination of the Iranian general as a 'terrorist attack' - REUTERS

Mohammad Reza Zahedi commanded the IRGCs Quds Force in Lebanon and was sanctioned by the United States and Britain.

The US Treasury sanctions designation says he acted as a liaison to Hezbollah and Syrian intelligence services and was reportedly charged with guaranteeing weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Israel has stepped up a campaign against Iranian proxies in Syria and Lebanon in recent weeks in response to near daily Hezbollah rocket attacks over its northern border.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.

A series of pinpointed Israeli strikes on Syria and Lebanon last weekend killed a Syrian colonel, a senior Hezbollah commander and several fighters.

Though it rarely acknowledges its actions in Syria, Israel has said it targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups, such as Lebanons Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assads forces.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from northern Israel and the Israeli government has come under increasing pressure from residents to either reach a deal guaranteeing a cease-fire with Hezbollah or invade Lebanon to stave off attacks.

In an apparent response to that criticism, Israels defence minister on Friday vowed to expand operations against Hezbollah in Beirut, Damascus or in more distant places.

Hezbollah has insisted that it will keep shelling the north of Israel as long as the IDF continues to operate in Gaza.

Analysts say it has avoided actions that could escalate the tit-for-tat cycle of attacks to a full-scale war, however.

Top Iranian officials made it clear that they would not support Hezbollah should it decide to wage a full-on war against Israel.

The Israeli military said on Monday it had stopped advanced weapons, including shrapnel charges and anti-tank mines, from being smuggled into the West Bank from Iran.

It said the weapons were uncovered during an operation against a Lebanese-based operative of Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, who it said was recruiting agents to smuggle weapons and carry out attacks in the West Bank.
Frontotemporal dementia affects the part of the brain responsible for skills such as the capacity to plan ahead and control impulses. Photograph: Andrew Brookes/Getty Images/Image Source

A smartphone app could help detect a leading cause of early-onset dementia in people who are at high risk of developing it, data suggests.

Scientists have demonstrated that cognitive tests done via a smartphone app are at least as sensitive at detecting early signs of frontotemporal dementia in people with a genetic predisposition to the condition as medical evaluations performed in clinics.

Frontotemporal dementia is a neurological disorder that often manifests in midlife, where the part of the brain responsible for skills such as the capacity to plan ahead and prioritise tasks, filter distractions and control impulses, shrinks as the disease progresses.

Related: Alcohol misuse and loneliness increase risk of early-onset dementia

About a third of such cases have a genetic cause, but research into the condition has been hampered by problems with early diagnosis and difficulty tracking how people are responding to treatments that may only be effective during the early stages of disease.

Most frontotemporal dementia patients are diagnosed relatively late in the disease, because they are young, and their symptoms are mistaken for psychiatric disorders, said the studys senior author, Prof Adam Boxer, at the University of California, San Francisco.

Smartphones are already attracting interest as a tool for diagnosing and assessing Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Huntingtons diseases. To investigate their utility in frontotemporal dementia, Boxer and his colleagues collaborated with the US-based software company Datacubed Health to develop an app that could record peoples speech while they engaged with several cognitive tests, including executive functioning assessments.

We also created tests of walking, balance and slowed movements, as well as different aspects of language, said Dr Adam Staffaroni, a clinical neuropsychologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and the studys first author.

They tested the app in 360 adults at high genetic risk of developing frontotemporal dementia, including some who had not developed any obvious symptoms yet.

The research, published in JAMA Network Open, found that the app could accurately detect dementia in such individuals, and might even be more sensitive to the earliest stages of the condition than gold-standard neuropsychological evaluations that are usually performed in clinics.

Related: Frontotemporal dementia: what is it and what is known about its causes?

Although there are no immediate plans to make the app available to the public, Staffaroni said it could help bolster research into the condition.

More than 30 such clinical trials are under way or in the planning stages, including trials of therapies that might help to slow progression of the disease in some gene carriers. A major barrier has been a lack of outcome measures that can be easily collected and are sensitive to treatment effects at early stages of the disease.

Frequent in-person assessments are also burdensome for patients, caregivers and clinicians. We hope that smartphone assessments will facilitate new trials of promising therapies, Staffaroni said.

Eventually, the app may be used to monitor treatment effects, replacing many or most in-person visits to clinical trials sites.
A sculptor who fled Ukraine with just his family, pets and a suitcase after his studio was destroyed in the Russian invasion, has been accepted into the Royal Society of British Artists.

Alex Lidagovsky, his wife, Dasha Nepochatova, and stepdaughter, Sofia Krotova, who is 16, were forced to leave Kyiv when Russias invasion began on February 24 2022.

Now settled in the UK, Lidagovsky, 63, who was an in-demand sculptor in Ukraine, welcomed the PA news agency into his studio at Fusion Arts Studios, in Kingston upon Thames, in south-west London.

Reflecting on the beginning of the war, Lidagovsky, whose words were translated into English by his wife, said: My studio was destroyed at the beginning of the war and was near Kyiv and I knew about it later from my friends when they sent me photos of destroyed and bombed studio.

When we were leaving Ukraine to save our daughter we never thought it would be for so long.

Now, because Im so far away from my country and it looks like I live another life, I try not to think about it, to deny it, to drive this pain into the depths of my consciousness and give myself more time to reflect on it.

Ms Nepochatova, 43, has recently been accepted on to the MPhil in Slavonic Studies at Oxford University, which starts in October and has always been a dream of hers.

My focus will be Ukrainian female literature as a women empowerment tool because, in Ukraine in 2020, I founded the first, feministic, publishing house called Creative Women Publishing and we want Ukrainian female voices to be heard, she explained.

Lidagovsky fled Ukraine at the beginning of the war (Danielle Desouza/PA)

She said the day Russia launched its invasion on Ukraine was unbelievable and surrealistic.

You dont plan to be in another country, and one day you just wake up in your own bed and somebody calls you on the phone and tells you that the war has started, she added.

And then you have an hour to get your suitcase and put in some stuff.

The couple made sure their pet dog and rat went with them as they travelled to western Ukraine and then Poland.

Lidagovsky is to showcase a sculpture in Italy (Danielle Desouza/PA)

They reached Kingston upon Thames on April 13 2022 via the Homes for Ukraine scheme because one of Ms Nepochatovas friends, Liz Smith, lived there and hosted them in her house for six months.

Initially, Lidagovsky said it was difficult to forge a new life in the UK due to the language barrier.

However, the kindness of people he met and becoming a part of World Jewish Relief (WJR)s specialist training and employment programme (Step) for Ukrainian refugees, which set him up with a dedicated employment adviser, Caitlin Bugler, in November 2023  allowed him to flourish.

He said Ms Bugler was amazing and from the first moment they met, she behaved like a proper art manager and offered support and information about opportunities.

Model of the Tightrope Walker sculpture (Alex Lidagovsky/PA)

Starting from scratch here in the UK with the status of a refugee, it was very important for me to stay in the profession because I felt like I lost my voice and my language, so it was important for me to not lose my professional identity, he said.

When I arrived here, I just felt emptiness because I was cut off from my previous life.

Compared to Ukraine, I knew the market and society there, but I was invisible and nobody knew me here so the first step was to show up to let people see me and become visible.

Some of Lidagovskys highlights from his career in the UK so far include showcasing a work at the Winter Sculpture Park in Bexley, south-east London, in February 2023, and being granted honorary membership of the Royal Society of British Artists.

Alex Lidagovsky with his wife Dasha Nepochatova (Danielle Desouza/PA)

He said the honorary membership was an exciting and unexpected surprise and was a way for the UK art community to show support to Ukrainian artists.

I also found out the news on the same day as my birthday, so it felt like a birthday gift.

Lidagovsky recently won one of the five residency prizes for indoor sculpture at Lucca Biennale Cartasia, the biggest event in the world about paper art and architecture, which will see his sculpture, Swallows Flight, on display in Lucca, Italy.

A miniature paper model of the piece was present in the studio, which Lidagovsky used to describe the work.

The piece will be made from corrugated cardboard and the sculpture is in an acrobatic position called swallow and metaphorically shows her leg is in the past and her head is in the future, but shes trying to balance in the present with her hands open, he said.

He will travel with his wife to Lucca on May 27 and will have roughly one month to create the sculpture, with the show to take place from June 29 to September 29.

His metal sculpture, Tightrope Walker, will also be featured in a new public art trail commissioned by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, alongside nine other sculptures from other artists in November 2024.

Lidagovsky said: I am extremely thankful to my friends and colleagues in Britain, as well as the British Government and World Jewish Relief, for giving me the chance to stay true to myself and my profession and continue to fight for my country, Ukraine.

The ability to keep creating art is a valuable opportunity for me to represent Ukrainian culture, which Russia is trying so hard to destroy, to the world.
Sarah Carey shares the homemade cookies, donuts, and cakes that are so much better than store-bought versionsfor you and the planet.

It's so easy to pick up a box of donuts or a package of chocolate chip cookies when you do your weekly shop. As much as my family enjoys wholesale club sheet cake, such commercial baked goods are never as good as the ones you can make at home. I always say homemade is better than store-bought, and it's true for so many reasons.



Not only can home-baked goods be less expensive than store-bought versions, but you control what goes into them: the quality of the ingredients, how much sugar there is, and that there are no additives or preservatives. It's also more sustainable since no plastic boxes or bags are needed to package your homemade baked goods.

And if you're here, I think you're someone who enjoys baking. Making treats at home is time to enjoy the process of baking and spending time in the kitchen to make something tasty for your family and friendsmaybe they're even helping you bake.





Related: 15 Easy Baking Recipes for When You're Craving Something Homemade

Time-Saving Baking Tips

If you dont often have time to bake, know that you can freeze most (unfrosted) cakes and pretty much any drop cookieyou could make a double batch when you do have time for baking.

Frostings can be made-ahead and frozen or refrigeratedallow them to come to room temperature and beat until smooth before using.

If you want to make your favorite treats a tad healthier, swap 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole-wheat flour for the all-purpose flour used in these recipes.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Grant Webster

Pizza and peanut butter cookies were the Friday lunch when I was in high school, and it was the meal we looked forward to all week. With just six ingredients, this nostalgic homemade version is so easy to make. The cookies have the iconic texture thats slightly chewy in the middle, slightly crumbly on the edges, with plenty of peanut flavor. Theyre also a little salty to accentuate the nutty flavor. Theyre finished with the classic crosshatch pattern and are ready in a little over half an hour.

Tips

For the classic texture and flavor, always use grocery store peanut butter, not natural for baking.

Use a fork lightly dipped in flour to make the crosshatch patterndipping it in flour will prevent the fork from sticking to the dough.

Dont press too hard, you arent trying to flatten the cookies before you bake them.

The baked cookies freeze welland you can eat them right out of the freezer.

View Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dana Gallagher

Chocolate chip cookies are, of course, everyone's favorite cookie. There are a number of stellar chocolate chip cookies, and I love them all, exceptthis will be controversialIm not a fan of cakey chocolate chip cookies. This recipe has been my go-to for the past few years, yielding big cookies with crisp edges and chewy centers. It uses a mix of white and light-brown sugarsjust the right amount of brown sugar adds a caramelized flavor and adds the chewiness we all adore.



Tips

Sometimes I make them with all chocolate chips, other times I use all chopped chocolate. Recently, Ive been using a mixture of both, and its just right. The chocolate chips hold their shape, whereas the chopped chocolate melts into the cookieso using both gives the best of both worlds.

I like to use the "pan banging" method method made popular by Sarah Keiffer, which gives the cookies those wrinkly edges: A couple of times during baking, remove the pan from the oven and firmly bang it on the stovetop. (Avoid doing this if you have a glass stovetop.)

View Recipe

Glazed Yeast Donuts

Will Anderson

Store-bought donuts can be a letdown. Theyre often overly sweet, stale from sitting around too long, or too soft. My homemade version takes a bit of time, but the payoff is worth it. Puffy and tender with just a bit of chew (essential for a good donut!), these are the ultimate Sunday morning treat. This recipe makes lemon-glazed yeast donuts, which I prefer to the classic as it has a bit of tang to contrast with the sweetness of the glaze. And it has variations for strawberry and chocolate glazes, which are just as delicious.

Tips

These yeasted donuts are perfect for a Sunday brunch, because you need to make the dough the night before. Then roll it out and proof for about one hour the next day. They will be ready to fry when the first sleepy head rolls out of bed.

Be sure you proof the dough properly before frying the donuts; they should be very puffy and softthis ensures they get a good belly band (the lighter band around the center of a well-made donut) when you fry them.

Dont skip the parchment squares called for in the recipe: each donut sits on one to proof, and you use the parchment to move the donut into the hot oil, so you dont need to handle or squash the delicate donut before its cooked.

These glazed donuts are best eaten the day they are made; there is no need to worry about leftoversthey go fast!

View Recipe

Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts

Will Anderson

Quite simply, these are the very best cake donuts around. Some say baked donuts are really just cupcakes in a different form. Who cares? Thanks to a generous amount of cocoa powder and chocolate chips enriching the batter, and a rich chocolate glaze to finish, these are super chocolatey and tasty.



Cake donuts are a lot easier to make than yeasted donuts, but you will need a donut pan.

Tips

If you dont have a piping bag, snip the corner off of a freezer bag and use it to pipe the batter into the cavities of the donut pan.

They are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you could bake them and store in an airtight container the day before you need them.

Alternatively, freeze the donutswithout any glaze, then add the glaze when you defrost and serve them.

View Recipe

Sheet Cake

Alpha Smoot

Sometimes you will find a store-bought sheet cake in my kitchen; the best ones are sweet and tender, but I find they are lacking in balancetheyre just too sweet. This recipe is the real deal: a simple vanilla cake with the most indulgent chocolate frosting. The cake has a delicate crumb and is baked in a 9-by-13-inch pan. Its an easy celebration cake for a birthday or graduation, or any time you need a special cake thats perfect for sharing.

The ultra-rich chocolate frosting is super simple and tastes divine. Its created by beating softened butter into chocolate ganache (thats an elemental combination of chocolate and cream). If I was advertising it, I'd call it a three-ingredient frosting. Truly, it couldnt be simpler, especially when compared to my other go-to frosting, Swiss Meringue Buttercream. It's so good, I could eat it with a spoon.

View Recipe

Toaster Pastry

Paola + Murray

This is not a copycat recipe, but it is informed by toaster pastries. I developed this recipe inspired by the memory of eating them at my grandma's. The crust for this giant double-crusted jam tart is made with butter with a little bit of shortening added to give that sandy store-bought texture. It doesnt taste like store-bought toaster pastriesits better. Making one big pastry to cut into portions is much better than making individual pastries; it cuts back on time, but not taste.



Tips

Use whatever jam you have: strawberry, raspberry, cherryor try apple butter. Homemade is preferable but high-quality store-bought works too.

The glaze is optional.

For a healthier version of sprinkles to finish the pastry, pulse freeze-dried berries in the food processor or put them in a freezer bag and crush them with a rolling pin.



View Recipe

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has issued a series of typical cases of civil procuratorial work in promoting the development of the private sector, providing guidance for procuratorates on their work in this regard.

To facilitate and ensure the development of private enterprises, the SPP launched a special campaign in February to strengthen procuratorial oversight over cases involving private enterprises. The campaign will continue through December.

"The typical cases are published to provide guidance for local procuratorates in handling relevant cases with high quality and efficiency," said Feng Xiaoguang, a prosecutor of the SPP.

Ten cases were released and they involved procuratorial supervision over rulings and enforcement activities against private companies, as well as over false charges that have harmed the legal rights and interests of private companies, according to Feng. 
By Humeyra Pamuk, Patricia Zengerle and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's administration is weighing whether to go ahead with an $18 billion arms transfer package to Israel that would include dozens of F-15 aircraft, five sources familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The sale of 25 F-15s from Boeing Co. to Israel has been under review since the United States received the formal request in January 2023, one of the sources said, long before Israel's six-month-old military campaign in Gaza. This sale would boost that number to as many as 50 F-15s.

Speeding delivery of the aircraft was among the top asks by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who visited Washington last week and held talks with U.S. officials including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, a second source said.

Biden faces pressure from foreign partners, human rights groups and some of his fellow Democrats in Congress to impose conditions on arms transfers to rein in Israels offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza where health officials say more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of them civilians.

One U.S. official said the earliest the aircraft would be delivered is 2029, and that is if the formal notification were sent to Congress tomorrow and it were finalized immediately.

Israel is seeking to beef up its already formidable fleet of warplanes not just for its continuing fight against Hamas but to ward off any further threat from the Tehran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah on its northern border as well as from Iran, its regional arch-foe.

House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul gave the green light for the F-15 sale on Jan. 30, a committee aide said, when the relevant congressional offices responsible for approving major arms transfers were notified.

"Administration-Congressional deliberations on the F-15 case have already occurred," the second source familiar with the matter said, but added that some of the four offices required to sign off on any arms transfers had yet to do so.

U.S. law requires Congress to be notified of major foreign military sales agreements, and allows it to block such sales by passing a resolution of disapproval over human rights violations or other concerns, although no such resolution has ever passed and survived a presidential veto.

An informal review process allows the Democratic and Republican leaders of foreign affairs committees to vet such agreements before a formal notification to Congress.

PLANES, MUNITIONS AND SUPPORT

The Israel package includes 50 F-15 aircraft, and support services, training, maintenance, sustainment and many years of contractor support during the jets' lifecycle, which could typically go for up to two decades, sources said.

One source said the Biden administration had expressed support to Israel for its F-15 request.

Washington has publicly expressed concern about Israel's anticipated military offensive in Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip where many Palestinians have taken shelter after being displaced due to Israel's Gaza assault.

Israel launched an offensive in Gaza after Palestinian Hamas militants rampaged through southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Washington gives $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to its longtime ally Israel, and the administration has so far resisted calls to condition any arms transfers even though senior U.S. officials have criticized Israel over the high civilian death toll.

This sale is separate from the $14 billion in aid for Israel that Biden has asked Congress to approve as part of a sweeping $95 billion national security supplemental spending package that also includes aid for Ukraine and Taiwan.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gallant discussed Israel's weapons needs during a visit to Washington last week. He told reporters he had stressed with senior U.S. officials the importance of maintaining Israels qualitative military edge in the region, including its air capabilities.

The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Politico and CNN reported earlier on Monday that the administration was considering the sale.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Patricia Zengerle and Matt Spetalnick; Additional reporting by Mike Stone and Idrees Ali; Editing by Don Durfee and Howard Goller)
A lawmaker wants to codify the right for California employees to ignore work calls after hours. Elena Zaretskaya/Getty

A lawmaker wants to pass a bill allowing employees to ignore after-hours calls from their boss.

The California bill aims to address work policies that have become muddled post-pandemic.

Assembly Bill 2751 would allow for exceptions for emergencies or scheduling changes.

It's a universal headache: Your phone rings after work hours, and it's your boss.

You don't know exactly what he or she wants, but it's probably not to wish you a good night or a happy weekend. More likely than not, an after-hours call means more work for you.

Working conditions have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, which put legions of workers on remote or hybrid schedules. Some of those flexible schedules and location policies remain in place, making it harder for workers to establish a concrete end to their workday.

In California, one Democratic lawmaker wants to solve that by codifying a worker's right to ignore communications from their boss after work hours.

"People now find themselves always on and never off," Assemblymember Matt Haney told The New York Times. "The problem we have now is the gray area, where an employee is expected to respond all the time when on paper they work a 9-to-5 job."

Filed in February, Assembly Bill 2751 would apply to both public and private employers, requiring them to allow workers "the right to disconnect from communications" from an employer during off hours. It provides some exceptions for emergencies or scheduling changes.

"This is not intended to say people can't work long hours or have an agreement for a contract where they're on call, but it should be made clear," Haney, who represents the San Francisco area, told the Times.

The bill is now in the Assembly's Committee on Labor and Employment, where it has been read twice and amended.

It will likely need to go to a fiscal committee before it can be read a final time on the State Assembly floor for a vote. If it receives a majority vote, it will head to the State Senate for a similar process.

Read the original article on Business Insider
China Space (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

China has finally broken its silence over the mysterious disappearance of its Mars rover, Zhurong.

The equipment has been struck in hibernation for almost a year, after disappearing in May 2022. It has probably been covered by an excessive accumulation of sand and dust, its mission designer said.

The statement breaks a long-standing silence over the fate of the mission. China tends to conduct its work in space with more secrecy than other countries space agencies, suchas Nasa.

The motorised rover Zhurong, named after a mythical Chinese god of fire, was expected to have woken up in December after entering a planned sleep mode in May 2022 as falling solar radiation with the advent of winter cut its power generation.

We have not had any communication from the rover since it entered hibernation, said Zhang Rongqiao, chief designer of Chinas Mars exploration programme. We are monitoring it every day and believe it has not woken up because the sunlight has not yet reached the minimum level for power generation.

An unforeseen pile-up of dust most likely affected power generation and Zhurongs ability to wake up, Chinese state television reported on Tuesday, quoting Zhang.

A camera on board a NASA probe orbiting Mars showed the Chinese rover had not moved since at least September, according to official images.

The 240-kg (530-pound) Zhurong, which has six scientific instruments including a high-resolution topography camera, was tasked with studying the planets surface soil and atmosphere after landing with no mishap in May 2021.

Powered by solar energy, Zhurong also looked for signs of ancient life, including any subsurface water and ice, using a ground-penetrating radar.

The rover had explored the Martian surface for 358 days and travelled for 1,921 metres (2,100 yards), Zhang said, far exceeding its original mission time-span of three months.

Aside from Zhurong, two other robotic rovers have been operating on Mars - NASAs Perseverance and Curiosity, with the former roaming the planets surface for more than two years and the latter for over a decade.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Six days after a container ship's catastrophic crash into a Baltimore bridge, authorities were preparing to establish a temporary alternate channel to allow "commercially essential" ships to navigate through one of the nation's busiest ports.

Coast Guard Capt. David O'Connell said the 11-foot-deep temporary route will be marked with lights and represents part of a phased approach to opening the main channel. A 2,000-yard safety zone remains in effect around the Francis Scott Key Bridge site to protect salvage workers, ships and the marine environment, according to the Unified Command representing multiple agencies and led by O'Connell.

This will mark an important first step along the road to reopening the Port of Baltimore, OConnell said. The alternate route will allow some marine traffic into Baltimore, he said. No ships or people will be permitted to enter the safety zone without permission from the port.

The cargo ship Dali, which weighs 95,000 tons when empty, was loaded with thousands of containers when it rammed the bridge Tuesday. The crew broadcast a mayday moments before the collision, which allowed authorities to halt traffic before the bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River. Six workers patching potholes on the bridge were killed. Two bodies have been recovered and four are believed trapped underwater in the tangle of steel and concrete.

Authorities are scrambling to reopen the Port of Baltimore, blocked by the wreckage of the 1.6-mile-long bridge and the damaged but apparently seaworthy Dali. The port handles more cars, heavy trucks and agriculture equipment than any other "inside this country," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. He provided no timeline for clearing the debris.

We have a ship that is nearly the size of the Eiffel Tower that is now stuck within the channel that has the Key Bridge sitting on top of it, Moore said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

Salvage work: Demolitions crews cut into first piece of rubble

A large salvage operation is underway at the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major span over the Patapsco River in Baltimore that collapsed after it was struck by a Singapore-flagged container ship.

How Francis Scott Key Bridge was lost: A minute-by-minute visual analysis of the collapse

Developments:

 President Joe Biden will visit the site of the bridge collapse Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

 The Biden administration quickly approved Moore's initial request of $60 million to begin the debris cleanup, but much more will be needed to rebuild the bridge. The Democratic governor asked Congress to work together to assign the money not as a favor to his state but "because the port of Baltimore is instrumental in our larger economic growth," he told CNN.

Stabilizing the Dali is a top priority

Preventing the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge from pivoting and refloating it away from the bridges wreckage are key goals for the Army Corps of Engineers, according to a senior U.S. official and Corps documents.

Stabilizing the Dali will be accomplished by using anchors and tugboats, the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Monday. Meanwhile, Corps engineers will continue to analyze the massive steel truss structure that fell across the Dali and into the shipping channel.

Heavy lift cranes, including one capable of lifting 1,000 tons, will be positioned to help lift a 4,000-ton section that rests across the Dali. Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, the commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, told USA TODAY last week that the span will be cut up into sections before removing it.

Cargo aboard the Dali will be assessed, and some of it possibly removed. Then the ship will be refloated from a hard grounding and moved away from the wreckage.

200-ton section of bridge removed from wreckage

The first major section of debris was removed late Sunday from the debris field that has blocked entry into the Port of Baltimore, authorities said. A 200-ton piece of the bridge was lifted by crane, but thousands of tons of debris remain in the river and atop the ship, Moore said. Authorities were still devising a plan for removing it, he said.

"We're talking about huge pieces," Moore told ABC News. "I mean, just sitting on the Dali, you're looking at 3,000 or 4,000 tons of steel. Sitting on top of the ship."

The bridge took five years to build. Biden has pledged federal money to rebuild it, but authorities say they can't estimate the cost or time required until they fully examine the damage below the water.

EPA at scene to mitigate impacts to environment

Coordinators and technical specialists with the Environmental Protection Agency are on the ground providing technical advice on the environmental portions of the bridge response, the agency said.

The EPA is working with the Coast Guard and others on a unified command team "to minimize any potential environmental impacts resulting from the bridge collapse, said Adam Ortiz, the EPA's mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

The coordinators will review information from the incident command team regarding hazardous cargo on the Dali to provide recommendations. Last week, the Coast Guard said 14 of the 56 containers on board with potentially hazardous material were damaged when a section of the bridge fell onto the deck. Those materials were primarily soaps and perfumes, officials said. Containment booms have been established in the water to try to keep any products from spreading.

The federal emergency response plan designates the Coast Guard as the lead agency for events related to potential or actual releases of oil or hazardous substances originating in navigable waterways such as the area of the Patapsco where the bridge collapsed.

 Dinah Voyles Pulver

Prayer service held for the victims

Searchers on Wednesday recovered the bodies of Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, and Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, 36, from a pickup submerged in 25 feet of water. The search for the other victims was delayed because of treacherous conditions.

The Rev. Ako Walker held a Mass in Spanish at Sacred Heart of Jesus, about 5 miles up the Patapsco River from the collapse, The Associated Press reported. The workers weren't parishioners there, but Walker said he reached out to the families because the Latino community in Baltimore is large and closely connected. Walker told the AP he hopes their sacrifice encourages people to embrace migrant workers seeking better lives for themselves and their communities.

Latino communities 'rebuilt' Baltimore: Now they're grieving bridge collapse victims

"We have to be bridges for one another even in this most difficult situations," Walker told AP. "Our lives must be small bridges of mercy of hope of togetherness and of building communities."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crews scramble to build temporary channel after Key bridge collapse
Hoda Kotb celebrated Easter with her daughters by reminding them of an important life lesson.

In a clip posted via Instagram, Kotbs daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 4, walked around the apartment in search of Easter eggs. As they wandered over to a corner of the room, Kotb, 59, said, Good thought.

Haley crouched underneath the couch as she dug around for the hidden eggs. You found one? the Today host asked, as Haley proudly held up a handful and declared she had not one, but four eggs.

Oh my, God! Give Hope a couple to open. Lets be fair, Kotb encouraged, to which Haley handed her younger sister half of the eggs. Nice!

'Today' Anchor Hoda Kotb's Family Album With Daughters and More

Haley and Hope proceeded to crack open their eggs, which unveiled various trinkets.

That was a good find there, guys! That was a stash, Kotb said. She captioned the upload on Sunday, March 31, Happy easter xoxo





.

Kotb, who shares her daughters with ex-fiance Joel Schiffman, recently shared that theyre preparing for an upcoming move.

I was thinking about moving. My kids are going to move somewhere to a new school, Kotb revealed on the Wednesday, March 27, episode of her Making Space podcast.

While talking about the move with her podcast guest, author Arthur Brooks, Kotb shared that she had done so many times throughout her life.

Everything Today's Hoda Kotb Has Said About Dating, Breakups and More

I remember once my parents moved us to Nigeria. I was in fourth grade, I was horrified, she recalled. We get to this place, the language was different, everybody seemed different and it was hard. I moved again in sixth grade.

Kotb continued, Its so funny because the stories I tell now as an adult, are the stories of how I endured or what I did to cope. Yet at the same time, as Im preparing my kids, I feel like Im trying to protect them from things that they should probably be into.

Kotb also discussed her upcoming move on the Thursday, March 28, episode of Today With Hoda and Jenna, clarifying that she and her girls arent leaving the New York area.

Its interesting because think about how many times youve moved in your life, she said. Every time I moved in my life, and you moved in yours, it was like, all of a sudden, it was a huge adjustment. But the stories I tell about growing in my life come from those.
Former Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton turned himself into authorities in Tampa after three weeks on the run from a domestic violence charge. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) (Cooper Neill via Getty Images)

Cameron Sutton, former cornerback for the Detroit Lions, turned himself in on Sunday to authorities in Tampa, Florida, more than three weeks after a warrant was issued for his arrest on a domestic violence charge.

"After weeks of evading law enforcement, this man has finally made the right choice to turn himself in," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said via the Associated Press. "Domestic violence has no place in our community, and no one is above the law here in Hillsborough County. My thoughts are with this woman as she continues to heal from this man's gruesome actions."

The sheriff's department has released very few details about the alleged incident. All we know is that the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department responded to a call for "domestic violence in progress" at 5 a.m. on March 7 that allegedly involved Sutton and an unidentified woman. A warrant was issued, saying Sutton was wanted for domestic battery by strangulation.

Then two weeks passed. Authorities in Florida were unable to locate Sutton, so they decided to appeal to the public. They posted his mugshot on the social-media platform X, asking the public for help in locating him.

At the time the warrant went public on X, Sutton was actually at the Lions practice facility.

"We learned about the warrant at the same time everybody else did on social media," Lions president Rod Wood told WJBK-TV Fox 2 last week. "We were able to speak to Cam because he was actually in our building. We found him. He was down with our strength staff. He kind of showed up unexpectedly to work out. We were able to talk to him in person  not me, but other members of the staff  and he left the building."

The Lions released Sutton the next day.

Sutton, 29, was a third-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017. He played there for the first six years of his career before signing a three-year deal with the Lions after the 2022 season. In 2023 he started all 17 games, making 65 tackles and snagging one interception.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) doubled down on her attacks on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday, accusing the House leader of caving to Democrats on border security at the expense of public safety.

Greene has been up in arms that Johnson recently endorsed a massive spending deal with President Biden to fund the government through September  a package that excluded the tougher border security measures many conservatives had demanded.

Heading into another explosive debate, this one over military funding for Ukraine, Greene is amplifying both her opposition to that aid package and the pressure on Johnson to keep it off the floor. Unmentioned but hanging over that imminent debate is Greenes threat to remove Johnson from power if he contravenes her stipulations.

If Speaker Johnson gives another $60 billion to the defense of Ukraines border after he FULLY FUNDED Bidens deadly open border, the cruel joke would be on the American people, Greene wrote Monday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

And it wont be April Fools.

In a second message posted hours later, Greene highlighted the arrests of immigrants in the country illegally who are accused of violent crimes in Boston, suggesting the Speaker hasnt fought hard enough against Bidens border policies.

Speaker Johnson completely surrendered all power we had in the House to stop horrendous crimes like child rape by illegals when he fully funded Bidens deadly open border without a fight, Greene wrote.

The criticisms arrived a day after Johnson acknowledged Greenes frustrations with the government spending package  frustrations he said he shared  but also defended his negotiations with the Democrats as the simple reality of governing in a divided Washington.

These are not the perfect pieces of legislation that you and I and Marjorie would draft if we had the ability to do it differently, Johnson said in an interview on Fox Newss Sunday Night in America With Trey Gowdy.

But with the smallest margin in U.S. history, were sometimes going to get legislation that we dont like.

Johnson said hes been in discussions with Greene, via text, and expects to meet with her in person when Congress returns to Washington next week after a long holiday recess.

Greene has been critical of Johnson through virtually all of his short time as Speaker, but she escalated her reproval late last month after he negotiated the spending deal with Biden. In a wave of protest, more than half of the GOP conference voted against Johnsons deal.

Greene took her frustrations a long step further, introducing a resolution to remove Johnson from power. The Georgia firebrand has not moved to force a vote on her motion to vacate, but Mondays attacks on Johnson suggest shell do so if she objects to his handling of the Ukraine debate. The Speaker has said the House will consider the issue as the next course of business when it reconvenes the week of April 9.

It remains unclear how he intends to proceed. Johnson has opposed a Senate-passed foreign aid package, which included $60 billion for Ukraine, telling Senate Republicans that he plans to move a more conservative House version and send it back to the upper chamber.

Hes also insisted that Congress tackle border security as a part of that debate  provisions Democrats in both chambers are likely to oppose, raising questions about how Johnson intends to move anything to Bidens desk ahead of the elections.

Heading into that tough debate, the Speaker took a shot of his own at Greene, warning that internal clashes between Republicans will only empower Democrats ahead of high-stakes elections when both chambers are up for grabs.

I think all of my other Republican colleagues recognize this as a distraction from our mission, Johnson told Gowdy. The mission is to save the republic. And the only way we can do that is if we grow the House majority, win the Senate and win the White House. So we dont need any dissension right now.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Presidential candidates Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Joe Biden. AP Photo/Paul Sancya; Mario Tama/Getty Images; AP Photo/Susan Walsh

James Carville said RFK Jr.'s White House bid could be more of a drag on Trump than Biden.

"Bobby Kennedy might hurt Trump more than he hurts Biden," he told MSNBC's Ari Melber last week.

RFK Jr. said last week that his candidacy would be a "spoiler" for both Biden and Trump.

Democratic strategist James Carville, in a recent MSNBC interview, said that independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign might be a drag on former President Donald Trump's 2024 bid.

While many observers say Kennedy Jr.'s campaign would harm Biden, the veteran Democratic strategist took the opposite view.

"I actually think Bobby Kennedy might hurt Trump more than he hurts Biden," he told host Ari Melber last week.

In recent polling of three-way matchups between Biden, Trump, and Kennedy Jr., the former president is often slightly ahead.

Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer who last week selected lawyer Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential running mate, said recently that he intended to be a "spoiler" for both Biden and Trump  arguing that he'd appeal to voters who wanted a break from the two major-party candidates.

"Our campaign is a spoiler all right," Kennedy Jr. said during an event last week welcoming Shanahan to the ticket. "It is a spoiler for the war machine. It is a spoiler for Wall Street, Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Pharma, the corporate media, and all of the corrupt politicians and corporations."

Kennedy Jr., the son of the late New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, is averaging 12.3% support in national polling in a three-way race, according to RealClearPolling.

Based on polling taken from late January through late March, Trump and Biden are each averaging 40.7% and 35.3%, respectively, in a three-way contest with Kennedy Jr.

In a pure matchup between Biden and Trump, the former president is averaging a slim 1-point lead over the incumbent (46.5%-45.5%) in March polling, according to RealClearPolling.

Carville, who warned about cracks in the Democratic Party's electoral foundation, also expressed concern about the presidential campaigns of Cornel West and Jill Stein.

The strategist noted that a slice of Americans have a "Just F the whole thing" view of the election and stated: "Biden is not gonna get any of the 'F it all' vote, OK?"

"Now what worries me is Cornel West and Jill Stein because they're going to get some of the 'F it all' vote, too," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MANILA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a financing package of 24.9 million U.S. dollars to help improve access to quality health services in the border provinces in Laos, the multilateral lender said on Monday.

The project will upgrade the facilities, equipment, and human resources in Champasak, Savannakhet, and Phongsali provincial hospitals and two district hospitals in Phongsali, the ADB said in a press release.

According to the ADB, the strengthened regional cooperation and integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion have facilitated migration and driven economic growth. However, population movement has also generated unique health challenges, most evident in border areas.

The project will enable Lao health authorities to better respond to the health needs of migrant workers and border area populations, the ADB added.

The project will also roll out an electronic medical record to strengthen continuity of care between border area hospitals and health facilities in other regions of the country. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in excellent health following surgery to treat a hernia, according to a statement released Sunday by Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem.

The procedure ended successfully and Netanyahu is awake, he is talking to his family, and his situation is perfect, Alon Pikarsky, the hospitals director of general surgery, said in an early morning video statement.

Netanyahu, 74, was diagnosed with a hernia during a routine examination on Saturday, his office previously said in a statement. He was placed under anesthesia for the procedure, his office said.

The surgery meant Israels leader was temporarily out of action with the nation at war with Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 attacks. Israels deputy prime minister and justice minister, Yariv Levin, stepped in for Netanyahu while he was incapacitated.

In a news conference Sunday in Jerusalem ahead of the surgery, Netanyahu said he was optimistic about the results of the procedure and that he will return to work very quickly.

I assure you that I will get through this treatment successfully and return to action very quickly, Netanyahu said.

Yariv Levin, left, stepped in for the Prime Minister while he was incapacitated. - Abir Sultan/AFP/Getty Images

The operation took place amid renewed talks between Israel and Hamas in Cairo, according to a report in Egyptian media.

The negotiations to secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held by the militant group in exchange for a ceasefire in the conflict that has seen more than 32,000 Gazans killed had reached an impasse last week.

This is Netanyahus second surgery since returning to the premiership in late 2022. A health scare last summer ended with the Israeli leader being fitted for a pacemaker to fix a transient heart block.

Netanyahu previously had a hernia in 2013 that also required surgery.

A hernia is a gap in the abdominal muscular wall that allows something inside the abdomen to protrude outward, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Biden on Monday spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva following the riot that broke out in Brazil the day before.

Biden on the call invited Lula to visit Washington early next month for in-depth consultations on a wide-ranging shared agenda, and Lula accepted the invitation.

Biden conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for Brazils democracy and for the free will of the Brazilian people as expressed in Brazils recent presidential election, which President Lula won, according to a joint statement by Biden and Lula.

Biden also condemned the violence and the attack on democratic institutions and on the peaceful transfer of power, and the two leaders pledged to work closely on issues such as climate change, economic development, and peace and security.

Lulas inauguration took place a week prior to Sundays riot. But former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who lost his reelection bid in October, has not completely conceded.

Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters on Sunday stormed government offices in a scene reminiscent of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. They entered the countrys Congress, Supreme Court and presidential palace to protest the results of the presidential election, and hundreds have since been arrested.

Earlier on Monday, Biden, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jointly condemned the riot. Biden is with the two leaders in Mexico City for the North American Leaders Summit.

On Sunday, Biden described the events in Brazil as outrageous and vowed his administrations full support for Brazils democratic institutions.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Strossen in 1995 | JOANNE SAVIO/KRT/Newscom

When Nadine Strossen's book Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex, and the Fight for Women's Rights was first published in 1995, America was in the grips of a major cultural schism over erotic expression. Conservatives and an influential cadre of feminists had teamed up to promote porn censorship, with some success. The radfem contingent claimed the existence of legal porn was an affront to womenhindering their fight for equality and driving violence against themand thus argued that free speech was incompatible with feminism. But feminists like Strossen didn't accept this. A New York Law School professor who headed the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) from 1991 to 2008, Strossen argued that opposing censorship was not only important as an abstract liberal principle but was in itself good for promoting women's rights.

Nearly a quarter century later, Strossen's arguments are still a vital antidote to much of what one hears from prominent feminists. And as the left-right anti-porn alliance continues to wield influence in statehouses and in Congress, a brand new reissue of Defending Pornography is a must-read for a new generation of free speech defenders and libertarian feminists.

I talked to Strossen last week about why she originally wrote the book and why it's still relevant today. I'll be publishing our chat in two parts in the Sex & Tech newsletter this week, so stay tuned for the second part on Wednesday. The following transcript of our conversation has been mildly edited for length and clarity.

What compelled you to first write Defending Pornography?

Strossen: I first wrote Defending Pornography way back in 1994 because there was then prevalent across the ideological spectrum a very destructive misconception that one had to choose between being a feminist and being a free speech advocate, and that if one really supported women's rights, women's safety, women's dignity, women's equality, then one had to support censorshipin particular of so-called "pornography" or sexually explicit, sexually suggestive expression. And it wasn't nearly as well known as it should be that there were many of us who strongly opposed censoring pornography. (And by the way, I always say "pornography" with quotation marks around it.)

There were many of us who opposed censoring pornography, not only because of our commitment to core free speech principles, but also, independently, precisely because of our commitment to feminist goals and principles, and our understandingbased on widespread longstanding experience, in the United States and elsewherethat no matter how well-intended, censorship of pornography would end up doing women's rights far more harm than good.

(cover of Defending Pornography)

Could you maybe elaborate on that a little bit, how it winds up doing more harm than good?

Since then, Liz, I've had the opportunity to write about other kinds of controversial expression, includingand again, with scare quotesso-called "hate speech," so-called "disinformation" or "misinformation," so-called "extremist" speech. And I've come to see that all of these efforts to censor all of these controversial kinds of speech, including pornography, suffer from the same fundamental flaws. All of those flaws emanate from the irreducibly subjective and vague nature of the concept, which means that whoever the enforcing authority iswhether the government, whether individual citizens, as would've happened under the model anti-pornography law that was proposed by the so-called radical feministshas essentially unfettered discretion to decide what within that inherently elusive and manipulable concept, in this case pornography, is inconsistent with their values. And that means that for the rest of us who disagree with a particular, individual, subjective concept of either sexual speech or hate speech or disinformation, that our freedom and our equality is undermined.

Now, since women and feminists and advocates of reproductive freedom and LGBTQ individuals and advocates of their rightsthrough many historic periods, and including in the United Stateshave been in the minority, at least in many communities, it is completely predictable that laws targeting pornography, obscenity, any other disfavored category of sexual expression consistently have disproportionately been enforced to suppress those perspectives, perspectives that are especially important for women's rights and safety and dignity and health and equality and lives.

It's always amazing to me how few people seem to realize that.

You know, for so many years, those of us in the feminist anti-censorship movement would predict that if the so-called radical feminist vision of illegal pornography were enactedand their concept was characteristically vague and subjective, any sexual expression that is subordinating to women or demeaning or dehumanizing or degradingthat their advocacy would be among the expression that would be the first to be targeted.

And sure enough, that prediction immediately came to pass. Andrea Dworkin, a writer, and Catharine MacKinnon,* a law professortheir concept of illegal pornography was adopted by the Canadian Supreme Court [in 1992]. Immediately, Canadian Customs seized a number of books at the U.S.Canada border that were deemed to be inconsistent with that concept. And among those books were books that were written by Andrea Dworkin herself. Because in the process of denouncing pornography as being degrading and dehumanizing, she of course goes to great lengths to describe it. And you could sort of have schadenfreude and "I told you so." But it was a sad proof of concept, if you will.

There was a very active women's anti-pornography group in many parts of the country, including New York, called Women Against Pornography. And as was characteristic of these groups, they would have big table displays on sidewalks where they would display examples of what they considered to be the most misogynistic, violent, horrific pornography. And one that I remember, which was quite famous or infamous, was a cover image from Hustler magazine which showed a woman being stuffed into a meat grinder. And among the places where they had these displays was Grand Central Station, a major commuting point in New York. And commuters were complaining about how upsetting and horrifying these images were, so the authorities at Grand Central Station booted out Women Against Pornography. And guess what they did? They went to the New York office of the ACLU and asked us to defend their right to display the pornography that they were advocating should be banned and criminalized.

(Hustler)

That's amazing. I love that story.

I mean, no sense of the irony here, right? I assume it doesn't have to be said, butjust to underscoreany expression can be used to convey completely different messages. They were using what they considered to be the most dangerous expression, presumably not to stimulate violence and discrimination against women but for exactly the opposite purpose, right? So they themselves were just proving the very over-simplistic cause-and-effect assumption that underlies the censorial impetus that, you know, you see an image that's degrading, and therefore you're going to adopt ideas that are degrading and it might even lead you to engage in degrading conduct. Could be exactly the opposite.

You were part of a group, with Joan Kennedy Taylor, called Feminists For Free Expression, correct?

Yes, I was one of the co-founders of that group. I remember working on the founding documents most closely with Marcia Pally* and Marjorie Heins, who was a long-time lawyer with the ACLU Arts Censorship Project. Joan was one of the early leaders and activists in that movement as well.

Did people see it as an oxymoron at the time, that feminists were fighting for free expression? Because I know when I talk about this today, everyone's like, "No, feminists hate free expression."

The pendulum kept swinging back and forth, Liz. Certainly, in the '70s and the beginning of the second wave of the women's movement, and through most of the eighties in most of the country, feministsalong with all advocates of equal rights and human rightswere just assumed to be, and assumed ourselves to be, allies of free speech.

I literally remember the very first time I heard the so-called feminist pro-censorship, anti-pornography argument. I mean, it was so shocking to me that I literally, all these decades later, have a complete visual memory of when I heard that argument. I was attending a convention at that time. I lived in my childhood home city, which I returned to after law school, of Minneapolis. And I was leader of the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus, which was a nonpartisan organization seeking to increase women's participation in politics and politicians' concern for women's issues. And somebody talked about the argument that was then being pioneered by Dworkin and MacKinnon in a seminar at the University of Minnesota Law School. That's where they first aired this argument, andI don't know if you know the history, but it was actually enacted into law by the Minnesota Minneapolis City Council [in 1983], vetoed by a remarkably courageous, wonderful mayor named Don Fraser,* whose wife, interestingly enough, was an internationally-renowned leading feminist, Arvonne Fraser.* But anyway, it was such a shocking argument.

But very quicklythanks to, I have to say, very charismatic arguments by MacKinnon in particularthat movement really took off. And that's why there was an earlier counterorganization called FACT, the Feminist Anti-Censorship Taskforce, that was spearheaded by Sylvia Law, a feminist professor who was also at NYU Law School, who was very involved with the ACLU, and Nan Hunter, who was, I believe either the first or secondshe may have been the very firstdirector of the ACLU's then-new lesbian and gay rights project. And FACT actually filed a very influential brief in the first legal challenge to the first MacKinnon-Dworkin law that was actually enacted without a mayoral veto, that went into effect in Indianapolis [in 1984].

I don't know whether [U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Judge Sarah Evans Barker] expressly cited the FACT brief, but she definitely incorporated its argument in her opinion, making the point that it was especially advocates of women's rights who depended on robust free speech and that this law, in her view, was antithetical to women's equality as well as to free speech. After that, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the lower court decisionwell, first, the Seventh Circuit affirmed it, in an excellent opinion. The U.S. Supreme Court summarily affirmed it [in 1986].

We thought that the fight was over, as a legal matter. So FACT kind of disbanded. It reminds me a little bit of what happened with Roe vs. Wade, where the pro-choice movement thought, "We've succeeded, now we can fold our tents and go home," and the other side becomes more galvanized. And that's what happened here. The radical feminists became more organized in terms of influencing the cultural discussion, including on campus. They harnessed themselves to the parallel movement that was developing on campus to outlaw hate speech more generally, of which this concept of sexist pornography is a subset of hate speechsexually explicit hate speech that discriminates against women. So those two movements were propelling each other in tandem.

And bizarrelyin terms of the completely different ideologythis movement was fueled by, and in turn helped to fuel, a movement coming from the right, as embodied most influentially by the Meese Pornography Commission, named after Ed Meese, the attorney general under Ronald Reagan. It issued a report in 1986 which embraced a cultural and religious and political conservative opposition to pornography, using the same stigmatizing term, denoting in their case, sexually explicit expression that undermines so-called "traditional family values" that endangered the so-called "traditional American family." And despite their completely antithetical views about the role of women and of women's rights and equality, they were completely happy to make common cause in advocating for restrictions on sexual expression.

So there was something that was called the Pornography Victims Compensation Act that had been proposed in Congress with bipartisan support, which would've been a federal version of the Dworkin-MacKinnon anti-pornography law. It basically would have allowed anybody who had been subject to sexual assault or sex discrimination to sue creators, purveyors, distributors of sexual expression as allegedly having caused the negative attitudes that led to the negative actions against women. And this was really poised to be sailing through Congress. The conservatives were supporting it because they hated pornography for their reasons, and the liberals were supporting it because the view was very prevalent that "feminists support this." So you're absolutely right, that position became equated with feminism. Feminists for Free Expression was founded specifically to counter that law and to defy this widespread assumption that feminists support censorship. And we sent a letter to Congress that we were told was very influential in terminating that legislation that never was enacted, fortunately.

You write in the new preface to the book about how calling them radical feministsthis group that really opposes porn and sex work and is very pro-censorshipis a misnomer. Can you explain why you say that?

It was ultimately a view that is very anti-sex, which I don't see as a radical view at all. And that is not just hyperbolic conclusionI've got direct quotes, repeatedly, from MacKinnon and Dworkin where they talk about sex as being inherently degrading to women. They expressly equate women with children in the laws and in their writing, so that those of us who think that we enjoy sex, let alone those who think that we would enjoy looking at or even, heaven forbid, performing for or creating pornography One of our other leaders in Feminists for Free Expression was Candida Royalle, and I was so happy to see that recently her papers have surfaced and she's being written about, but she and Veronica Vera and Nina Hartley, other former pornography performers and creators of pornography, including what they considered to be especially empowering and liberating and joyful for women, were part of this movement as well. But the MacKinnon-Dworkin line was that those of us who think that we support this freedom and even enjoy exercising it are victims of false consciousness, and we have to be protected against ourselves just the way children are. And I mean MacKinnon literally equated women with children in being inherently incapable of meaningful consent in the realm of the sexual, including sexual expression. That, to me, is the opposite of a progressive, radical view.

Stay turned for part two of this interview in Wednesday's newsletter.

More Sex & Tech

 Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a "stippers' bill of rights."

 Bucking the trend, Missouri lawmakers have rejected a bill that would required parental consent for people to join social media.

 Is your car spying on you?

 The return of Anthony Comstock: The 151-year-old Comstock law "bannedeverything ranging from contraception to pornography. It remains one of the most glaring attacks on free speech principles in our federal code." Now it's back in the battle over abortion pills, as Jonathan Turley explores here.

Today's Image

Las Vegas | 2016

*CORRECTION: Due to transcription error, an earlier version of this article misspelled the names of Marcia Pally, Catharine MacKinnon, and Don and Arvonne Fraser.

The post <em>Defending Pornography</em> on Feminist Grounds: A Q&A With Nadine Strossen appeared first on Reason.com.
BEIJING (AP)  Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto pledged to continue his countrys friendly policy toward China as he met Monday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Subianto, who will succeed Joko Widodo in October, chose Beijing for his first official visit after his February election victory in a bid to emphasize the countries robust ties amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

He will follow up his Beijing trip with a visit to Japan, suggesting that Indonesia will continue to pursue a middle road between Beijing and the United States allies in the region, such as Japan and the Philippines.

Subianto described China as Indonesia's strong cooperative partner, according to a readout of his meeting with Xi, released by the official Xinhua news agency. The president-elect expressed his willingness to continue Widodos friendly policy toward Beijing and promote cooperation in fields such as the economy, trade and poverty alleviation.

He is set to also meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Defense Minister Dong Jun before departing on Tuesday.

China became Indonesias largest trading partner during Widodos decade in office, with Beijing investing billions in major infrastructure projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, which opened last October, and Cirata, Southeast Asias largest floating solar power project, on a reservoir in West Java, 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the capital Jakarta.

Xi said China wanted to continue to build strong ties with Indonesia and referred to the Jakarta-Bandung railway as a golden example of the countries cooperation, according to Xinhua.

Xi added China was willing to deepen maritime cooperation with Indonesia and provide it with support in poverty reduction and alleviation.

Indonesia has maintained a relatively neutral stance amid rising tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Philippines has boosted security ties with Washington since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, shifting back from the more China-friendly policy of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.

China and the Philippines have been engaging in repeated high-seas confrontations since last year, sparking fears of a larger conflict that could put China and the U.S. on a collision course.

The U.S. has warned repeatedly that its obligated to defend the Philippines  its oldest treaty ally in Asia  if Filipino forces, ships or aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims in the resource-rich and busy waterway. Beijing has refused to recognize a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its expansive claims on historical grounds.
Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peters Basilica looking healthy and in good spirits as he waved to crowds gathered for Easter services on Sunday.

For the past few months, the pope has been battling frequent bouts of bronchitis, cold and flu, with regular visits to the hospital for checks on his lungs. Respiratory problems and a chronic cough have often led him to ask his aides to read passages of speeches for him, and cancel private audiences.

And last week, on Palm Sunday, instead of reading the homily as expected, he simply stood over St. Peters Square in silence for several minutes, to the surprise and concern of the faithful.

So while Easter week is the most important on the Catholic calendar, this year it has also been a test of Pope Francis health. During the delivery of his Urbi et Orbi message, the traditional apostolic blessing and message to the world, the popes voice sounded hoarse at times, but improved from previous weeks. He didnt pause, and he did not cough.

Image: VATICAN-RELIGION-EASTER-URBI-ORBI (TIZIANA FABI / AFP - Getty Images)

During the address, the pope made a strong appeal for peace around the world, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions, he said, following it with a call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages taken on Oct. 7.

Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming, Francis said. Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts.

The popes Easter message traditionally focuses on world affairs, and he mentioned other flashpoints, including Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, Congo and Mozambique.

In a month that has seen a terror attack in Moscow claimed by ISIS and escalating hostilities on the border of Lebanon and Israel, the pope also made an appeal to stanch the expansion of violence beyond the current theaters of war: Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean.

After the service, Francis took to his open-topped popemobile to greet crowds in the square and the avenue connecting St Peters to the River Tiber. The Vatican said about 60,000 people had turned up.

The address, delivered without incident or further indications of poor health, has helped to bolster the observations of those who have downplayed the significance of previous incidents.

The popes decision to abandon the Palm Sunday homily seems to be a spiritual choice, not more, Deborah Castellano Lubov, a Vatican analyst and contributor for NBC News, said. It is clear to anyone watching Pope Francis in these years, he doesnt make decisions based on what others think or what others tell him to do.

Concerns that it could be something more worrying didnt seem to have great foundations, as Pope Francis certainly seemed to be able to recite his appeals at the end of the Mass and circle around afterward greeting the enthusiastic crowds in St. Peters Square, before kicking off a grueling Holy Week at full speed, Lubov said on Sunday, ahead of the popes Easter speech. On Saturday night, he presided over the Easter vigil, also without incident.

On Holy Thursday, the pope stuck to the schedule and washed the feet of 12 female inmates at Rebibbia prison in the outskirts of Rome, a tradition meant to emulate Jesus Christs washing of his disciples feet the night before he died.

Due to his mobility problems, he was forced to sit in a wheelchair, but he was determined to carry out the tradition nevertheless. He also became the first pontiff in history to wash the feet of only women on Holy Thursday.

Image: (Andrew Medichini / AP)

But then, on Good Friday, the Vatican announced at the very last minute that the pope would not attend the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum to preserve his health for Saturdays Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass. The pontiff, the Vatican said, would follow the event from Casa Santa Marta, his residence, leaving the white seat prepared for him at the Colosseum empty.

This is the second year in a row the pope has skipped the Way of the Cross. Last year, he did not attend as he was discharged from the hospital only a few days earlier, after he was treated for bronchitis with intravenous antibiotics. But while his absence last year was announced with a few days notice, the sudden cancellation this year once again raised concerns.

Concerns about the popes declining health started in 2021, when he was rushed to the hospital to have part of his colon removed. Then in June 2023, he was once again admitted, without prior notice by the Vatican, for abdominal surgery to remove internal scar tissue.

His mobility problems worsened during the past year due to sciatica and severe knee pain. He began walking with a cane, and more recently has been using a wheelchair. In November, he pulled out three days before a scheduled trip to Dubai to attend COP28 due to a persistent lung inflammation.

The popes declining health sparked wild speculation on whether he will retire just as his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, did in 2013. But in a recently published autobiography, Life: My Story Through History, the pope said, at least at the present, there is no risk of him resigning. I believe the popes ministry is for life. Francis wrote. I therefore see no justification for giving it up.

This article first appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Its regarded, hands down, as the Super Bowl of penmanship tournaments.

The Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest, now in its 33rd year, crowned its 2024 grand champions on Monday, rewarding nine students from six states for their picture-perfect letters.

Ten-year old Zita Miller of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, took top honors in the fifth grade category. Her winning submission was one of the contests 80,000 entries.

I like handwriting because its like art, drawing swirls and vines and curls, Miller said, adding that she enjoys penning original mystery stories by hand.

Zita Miller poses for a photograph. (Courtesy Regina Miller)

Zita Millers entry. (Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest)

Namuun Baasanbold, from Carmel, Indiana, was named grand champion in the first grade category, and said she likes to give handwritten love notes to family and friends.

Writing by hand makes me feel special, she said.

The contest celebrates a centuries-old practice, but the victories come as handwriting is experiencing a kind of renaissance in the U.S. In January, California became the 22nd state to require cursive to be taught in schools  a significant jump from 2016, when just 12 states mandated it.

At the same time, various studies published over the past decade have detailed how writing with pencil and paper can benefit memory, cognitive development, reading comprehension and fine motor skills.

Handwriting is definitely having a moment, said Sharon Quirk-Silva, a member of the California state Assembly who sponsored the bill. She said she heard from people from all over the country who penned beautifully handwritten notes of support for the new law.

We live in a very polarized nation. So many issues are contentious. But with this handwriting bill, we had full bipartisan support and goodwill. The importance of handwriting is something people seem to agree on, she said.

Quirk-Silva said she backed the bill, in large part, because of her own experience  before becoming a lawmaker, she taught elementary school for 25 years.

For years, technology has been taking over the curriculum in schools, with many kids being dormant in front of the screen, using two or three screens a day. Now, theres a feeling of, Lets get pens and pencils back in kids hands, she said.

Although the California law mandates that first through sixth graders in the state receive cursive instruction, Quirk-Silva said she believes that writing by hand  in print or cursive  is an important language arts tool.

Its a way of slowing down a little bit, taking your thoughts from your brain to your hand and physically doing the writing, she said.

Sophia Vinci-Booher, an assistant professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University, said her research found that writing by hand enabled preschool students to form connections in the brain that likely support early letter recognition.

For that study, published in 2016, 20 children were asked to practice certain letters by writing them over and over, and practice others by pressing a button.

Then we asked the children to go into an MRI scanner and look at those letters theyd been practicing, Vinci-Booher explained. Her team analyzed the childrens brain activity to assess the functional connectivity between different areas of their brains.

We found that the connection was stronger with letters they wrote by hand than those they tapped, she said.

The research underscores the importance of the physical act of forming symbols, Vinci-Booher added.

Writing by hand is a good thing for kids because it supports early reading development and it engages the fine motor system, which is developmentally important, she said.

A 2021 study measured peoples brain activity during a memory task, this time finding that University of Tokyo students exhibited stronger activity and better recall after they had written information down on paper than when they did on a smartphone or even with a stylus on a tablet. The researchers suggested that the physical act of writing on paper provides the brain more details that trigger memory, and concluded that using paper notebooks can help students retain information in part because of their tangible permanence.

A similar study published in January compared the brain activity of students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology who took notes by hand to the activity of those who typed their notes. The findings suggested that the students who wrote by hand had higher levels of electrical activity across a wide range of brain regions responsible for sensory processing and memory.

The results come as little surprise to many educators.

Ive seen firsthand that the kids learn more when they write by hand, said Geeta Kadakia, who teaches second through fifth grade at the DAV Montessori School in Houston. The lightbulb goes off through those achievements in handwriting, and handwriting leads to achievements in other areas, even math. When students make their numbers more neatly, their math scores improve.

Laura Gajderowicz taught elementary school for 33 years in Indiana before retiring in 2022. She said she worried as she watched handwriting take a back seat to technology in U.S. classrooms in the early 2000s.

Writing by hand does so much to help with the development of a students eye-hand coordination, Gajderowicz said, adding: Im not against technology  I just think theres a place at the table for both technology and handwriting when it comes to learning.

This year, Gajderowicz served as a regional judge in the Zaner-Bloser contest.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how many entries we had, especially from children in the upper grades, she said.

Gajderowicz selected winners using criteria that analyzed the mechanics and precision of the letters students wrote, including their shapes, sizes, slant and spacing.

Contestants were asked to write the sentence, The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog, because it includes the entire alphabet, as well as a sentence explaining why handwriting makes them a better reader and writer.

Namuun Baasanbolds entry. (Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest)

Baasanbold said she was over the moon to find out she won: I screamed and celebrated with friends at a restaurant with pizza and an appetizer and a sundae for dessert, she said.

Her prizes include a trophy and $500  plus bragging rights.

I like to use my handwriting to impress people, she said.
Chinese electric vehicles are enjoying growing popularity in the European market, Raul Jaramillo, brand and marketing manager for Kngloo Spain, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service




Shane Reimche avoided the massive blade by mere seconds while entering a store

Getty A stock image of a saw blade

A man in Eugene, Oregon, dodged a saw blade that came hurtling toward him as he entered a liquor store earlier this week.

As Shane Reimche was entering Quicktrips Neighborhood Market on Thursday, the blade of a concrete saw came loose at a nearby construction site and rolled right at him, surveillance footage obtained by local TV station KEZI 9 shows.

Just seconds after Reimche entered the store, the large, serrated blade hit the building just next to the door, becoming embedded in the wall.

As Reimche walked into the shop, he told KEZI 9 that he heard a loud bang and yelling just as a cloud of smoke pops up and I see a guy fall in the ditch.

And a 4-foot blade hurtling at me, he added, noting that he was able to duck behind the counter last minute.

The impact of the runaway blade was felt by everyone in Quicktrips, owner Amit Grewal told the outlet.

He added that it became wedged 2 feet into the wall and took three men to remove.

All I heard was a metal rolling down from the street, and I looked at the camera. It was just wind, and all of the sudden we heard a loud bang, the shop owner told KEZI 9, adding that the impact shook literally the whole store.

After the security video showing Reimches close-call with the massive blade went viral, his kids were quick to make sure their father was okay, he told the outlet.

They saw it on Facebook so they all came to my house and hugged me and had lots of cries, he said, adding, "Obviously it wasnt my time but probably [the] closest Ive ever experienced. "

Google Maps Quicktrip Neighborhood Market in Eugene, Oregon

Reimche also said that it took a little while for him to be able to speak again, and said he had a hard time going to sleep following the incident on Thursday.

Oh my God, I had tears all night, he told KEZI 9. It was petrifying. I was shaking in the store.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

He also told the outlet, I dont think I wouldve survived being touched by that thing.

I need a beer, he added. I'm still shaken. It's 9 o'clock. I'm not going to work today.

On the construction site the blade escaped from, utility company Northwest Natural Gas was fixing a leaky gas valve, a contractor on the site told KEZI 9. The contractor, who witnessed the incident, also said the blade may have come loose from operator error.

In a statement, a communications director from Northwest Natural Gas told KEZI 9 that the incident involved a contractor at a NW Natural job site.

We are reviewing our association with this contractor, and we have removed the contractor from other work for us for now, the statement said.

Northwest Natural Gas did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.



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Read the original article on People.
An Orlando, Florida city commissioner is facing seven felony charges for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a 96-year-old woman to pay for a facelift, dental surgery, hotel rooms and home renovations, among other expenses, local authorities said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was arrested and charged with three counts of exploitation of the elderly, two counts of fraudulent use of personal identification, one count of mortgage fraud and one count of scheming to defraud over $50,000.

The charges come after an agent for the FDLE filed an affidavit on March 7 detailing Hill's alleged crimes. The documents accuse Hill of financially exploiting the 96-year-old woman since March 15, 2021.

USA TODAY attempted to contact Hill's defense attorney but did not receive an immediate response.

Who is Regina Hill: What to know about the suspended Orlando city commissioner facing 7 felonies

Florida city commissioner allegations: Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill allegedly spent 96-year-old's money on facelift, hotels

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill

How did Regina Hill allegedly steal the 96-year-old woman's money?

The investigation into Hill began when the Office of the Attorney General forwarded a complaint to the FDLE, the local agency said March 28 in a news release.

"Hill first came in contact with the victim, through her position as a city commissioner, after it was discovered that the victim was living in deplorable conditions," the FDLE said.

Once Hill met the 96-year-old woman, a month later she obtained power of attorney over her without the two having any prior relationship, according to the FDLE agent's affidavit.

"At first glance, Hills actions appeared well-intentioned as she coordinated the clean-up of the victims residence and other community resources," the FDLE said.

During the FDLE's investigation, agents found out Hill fraudulently obtained a second power of attorney to buy a home with the 96-year-old woman as the co-signor without her knowledge or consent, for a cost of more than $400,000, according to the local agency.

The agents then learned Hill lived in a second home the 96-year-old woman had owned, the FDLE said. Hill took about $15,400 of the woman's money to renovate the second home, which she moved into, without the alleged victim's knowledge, the local agency added.

Further investigation determined Hill accessed the 96-year-old woman's personal checking, savings and credit card accounts, the FDLE said. The commissioner is accused of spending over $100,000 of the woman's money for her lifestyle, including multiple procedures, clothes and other high-priced expenses, according to the local agency.

Hill's alleged abuse continued for about three years, the FDLE said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis indicates Regina Hill could be suspended following recent indictment

Before the FDLE announced the indictment, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke to WESH on the accusations against Hill saying, "This is a target-rich environment, this state, for exploitation because you have a lot of seniors and you have a lot of seniors who are retired and have some income."

"If a municipal elected official is indicted by a grand jury, then I would suspend. That's typical," DeSantis said, according to the Daytona Beach, Florida-based TV station.

It is unclear if Hill has been suspended or if any action has been taken regarding her role as Orlando City commissioner.

The publics trust in its leaders is essential. Officials who commit crimes against those they represent will be investigated and held accountable, FDLE Orlando Special Agent in Charge John Vecchio said in the agency's release. I commend our agents and partners whose work helps ensure that the people of Central Florida are protected.

Regina Hill, Orlando city commissioner, is charged in an elderly exploitation case. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says she could be removed from office.

'I know the truth': Regina Hill reportedly responds to charges, allegations

Hill bonded out of jail after paying a $40,000 bond, according to jail records. If convicted of all charges, Hill faces a maximum of 180 years in prison, the FDLE said.

Hill spoke on the charges and accusations in a statement obtained by WESH.

"It's unfortunate that I have been thrust into these circumstances with these allegations," Hill said. "Unfortunate not just for me but for Mrs. (victim's name) whom I've loved and cared for like my own family."

Hill then told WESH, "I know the truth, I know I'm entitled to due process in which I trust, and I will await my day in court to prove my innocence."

"After 10 years of service for the city of Orlando, I've Illustrated my love and compassion for my constituents, my city and my family," Hill said in the statement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Orlando city commissioner Regina Hill arrested, facing felony charges
Update: Adrian Jelks turned himself into police after 2 a.m. Wednesday and remains in custody. The 9-year-old victim has since been released from the hospital.

A manhunt is underway for a male suspect who police say was responsible for a Friday shooting inside a Walmart in Georgia that left one person dead and a 9-year-old girl wounded, police say.

The second instance of fatal violence inside a Walmart within a week in the United States, the shooting was reported around 10 p.m. local time at a store in Fayetteville, located 22 miles south of Atlanta, according to the city's public safety department. A 19-year-old man was the target of the shooting, while the child was merely a bystander hit by a stray bullet, police said.

Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, where the 19 year old, identified as Antavius Holton of Riverdale, Georgia, was pronounced dead. The girl's injuries were not life-threatening, police said in a Saturday update on Facebook.

Investigators quickly identified a 19-year-old man named Adrian Jelks as the suspected gunman and initiated a search to arrest him on charges of murder and aggravated assault, according to the Fayetteville public safety department.

Detroit blues club shooting: 5 injured in shooting over a parking spot dispute, police say

Police release photo of suspect; arrest suspected accomplice

Fayetteville police released a photo of a man they identified as Jelks within hours of the shooting.

By the time police responded to the Walmart, Jelks had already fled the scene in a vehicle that investigators later found abandoned. It's unclear where Jelks may be, but police warned the public that he is still believed to be armed and to call 911 if they encounter him.

Fayetteville Police Chief Scott Gray had no new information to share when reached Monday morning by USA TODAY.

A 19-year-old woman who is suspected of being an accomplice in the shooting was arrested by Saturday morning, police said. Sandra Romero-Nunez of Fayetteville was charged on suspicion of being a party to murder and aggravated assault, police said.

Shooting comes after fatal stabbing at Illinois Walmart days earlier

A man was killed and a 9-year-old girl was injured in a Friday shooting inside a Walmart in Georgia.

The shooting comes days after an 18-year-old Walmart employee was killed March 24 at a northern Illinois store in a stabbing attack.

Investigators said the victim was working inside the Walmart at the time of the attack, which occurred in Rockford, about 17 miles south of the Wisconsin state line. A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, according to the Winnabego County District Attorney's Office.

While police said the Georgia shooting was not believed to be random, it was unclear what Jelks' suspected motive was for the attack.

We're heartbroken by what happened in our Fayetteville store Friday night and extend our sympathies to the loved ones of those involved," Walmart said in a Monday statement provided to USA TODAY. "We are working with law enforcement to assist them in any way we can as they investigate.

Shoppers told Atlanta News First that they were initially confused by the commotion Friday until they learned what had happened.

This isnt usually something that happens in this community, Rhonda Cason told the news station. Its usually a quiet community. So, this is really unusual for us.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia Walmart shooting suspect in custody after 1 killed, girl injured
The White House is pushing back against top Republicans' misleading criticism of President Joe Biden for issuing a proclamation in support of transgender people on the same day as Easter.

A spokesman for the president rejected the attacks from the House speaker, former President Donald Trump and others that Biden's "blasphemous" message for the Transgender Day of Visibility goes against Christianity.

"As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American," White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement to ABC News.

"Sadly, it's unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit," Bates added.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre likewise on Monday called out "cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric" around the president's proclamation.

She told reporters that the administration was "surprised by the misinformation" that circulated but said it was "unsurprising that politicians are seeking to divide" the country.

Biden, who is only America's second Catholic president and regularly attends Mass -- but has faced some outcry among conservative Catholics for his stances on same-sex marriage and abortion -- faced mounting conservative attacks over the weekend.

That was fuled by a proclamation he issued on Friday honoring "the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans" for the Transgender Day of Visibility, which occurs annually on March 31.

The date of Easter, which varies, fell on the same day this year.

Biden has issued a proclamation marking March 31 as the Transgender Day of Visibility every year since he took office in 2021.

He also issued a statement on Sunday marking Easter, saying in part that it "reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ's Resurrection. As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities."

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks, as he announces a preliminary agreement with Intel for a major CHIPS and Science Act award, during a visit to the Intel Ocotillo Campus, in Chandler, Ariz., March 20, 2024. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters, FILE)

Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday posted on X that the Biden administration "has betrayed the central tenet of Easter--which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

The speaker went on to say that Biden's conduct around Easter was "outrageous and abhorrent," including him "proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day,'" though the president was actually marking a date that has been celebrated since 2009.

ABC News reached out to Johnson's office for further comment and got no response.

Former 2024 GOP presidential candidate and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy echoed Johnson's attack in social media posts of his own.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, another former Republican presidential candidate, likewise sent a text to supporters -- accompanied by a donation link -- saying that Biden had "insulted Christians everywhere."

Trump's reelection campaign on Saturday joined the chorus of Republican critics, slamming Biden's proclamation as "blasphemous."

"We call on Joe Biden's failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only -- the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

She doubled down in a subsequent statement to ABC News, claiming in part that "the Biden Administration has spent years appeasing left-wing activists and disrespecting the Christian faith. We are still waiting on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to apologize."

Trump has a history of questioning his opponents' religious beliefs.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks at the Washoe Democratic Party Office in Reno, Nev., on March 19, 2024. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Biden allies joined him in challenging the backlash.

"This is just one more instance of folks who do not know how to lead us trying to divide us, and this is the opposite of the Christian faith," Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, who is also a pastor in Atlanta, said on CNN on Sunday.

Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the Michigan-based founder of the Transgender Day of Visibility, shrugged off the repsonse.

"Actually I think it's kind of funny. Apparently, a lot of conservatives don't know how the calendar works," she told ABC News.

"We are a very small community and we're easy to pick on. However, we aren't nearly as small as we used to be. As a result of [the] transgender visibility day, we've grown so much and we're actually a worldwide community all together right now," she said.

And so the spotlight from trans critics could be a good thing for her community, she said.

"I actually think that up until yesterday there were a lot of people that had never heard of visibility day," she said. "Well, they have now."

Another layer to the controoversy surrounds an egg art contest for the annual Easter Egg Roll scheduled for Monday at the White House. Trump, Johnson, Scott and Ramaswamy each claimed the administration had banned religious depictions as part of the contest.

The American Egg Board, which works to promote egg farmers, has partnered with the White House for the annual exhibits around Easter for 47 years, including during the Trump administration, a spokesperson told ABC News.

The spokesperson said the board, which was created by Congress, must follow federal guidelines, including one that prohibits them from being favorable to a religion -- language they said they've included in their promotions for years.

A copy of this year's flyer calling for submissions to the youth egg art contest lists restrictions including the promotion of discrimination, illegal drugs and firearms or "any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements."

"The American Egg Board has been a supporter of the White House Easter Egg Roll for over 45 years and the guideline language referenced in recent news reports has consistently applied to the board since its founding, across administrations," the organization said in a statement.

ABC News' Lalee Ibssa and Soo Rin Kim contributed to this report.

White House bashes 'dishonest' Republican criticism of Biden's transgender proclamation on Easter originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
TV shows and movies are turning back the clock 80 years to tell stories from one of the darkest periods in history.

Several series set during the Holocaust, from Hulu's "We Were the Lucky Ones" (streaming Fridays) and Peacock's "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" (May 2) to National Geographic's "A Small Light"(2023) and Oscar-winning film "The Zone of Interest," are streaming now. And if you widen the focus to World War II stories, the list includes "Masters of the Air" (Apple TV+), "All the Light We Cannot See" (Netflix), "The New Look" (Apple) and this year's best picture winner, "Oppenheimer."

Joey King as Halina Kurc in "We Were the Lucky Ones."

It's a surprising resurgence of the genre, which has been around since the war itself but reached its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, when films and shows such as "Schindler's List," "Band of Brothers" and "The Pianist" moved audiences. It may be a coincidence, but the timing of these stories is significant as populism gains around the world, the U.S. nears a crucial presidential election and two major conflicts (the wars in Ukraine and Gaza) create near-daily headlines. Holocaust stories offer warnings that resonate in 2024.

The aphorism endures: If we can't learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it. And it feels more important than ever to revisit our history, even its darkest parts.

"Lucky Ones" is a superb series featuring great performances and writing. But it also tells a Holocaust story that's both vital and likely unfamiliar to many Americans. Most of the Jewish Kurc family is living in Radom, Poland, at the outset of the war, which begins in 1939 when the Nazis invade the country, followed shortly by a Soviet invasion from the East.

The Kurcs are separated and suffer terrible trauma as their business and home are taken away and several end up in a ghetto. Under Soviet occupation in the eastern part of Poland, two family members are arrested and brought to Siberia to do hard labor, while others including Halina (Joey King) work for the underground resistance movement. Favored son Addy (Logan Lerman) lives in Paris as the war breaks out and eventually gets a visa to Argentina, but he is stuck on a refugee ship held by the Vichy French government in Africa.

Jonah Hauer-King plays Lali Sokolov and Anna Prochniak plays Gita Furman in Peacock's adaptation of the best-selling book "The Tatooist of Auschwitz" (May 2).

Most American kids learn that Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and started World War II, but they don't know the real experiences of the Polish and Jewish people depicted by "Lucky Ones." And it's a true story, based on author Georgia Hunter's 2017 book about her own family's history. The war was full of so many more experiences than we typically learn about. The world's current conflicts are likewise complicated and human, too.

The Kurc story, about the displacement of Jewish people and told from their perspective, hasn't really been depicted before in Hollywood, which tends to focus on sadistic Nazi war criminals or the horrors faced by Holocaust victims. The story has "12 distinct Jewish characters at the center of it," Erica Lipez, an executive producer on "Lucky Ones," told reporters in February. "I'm so happy to see projects about this period of time, but they are often from the perspective of the perpetrators or the people trying to help the Jews."

"Tattooist" also focuses on Jews, seen in flashbacks at a concentration camp and in the present day as a survivor recounts his experiences. It's a love story, unrelenting and terrible but also full of feeling, based on real people who found one another in the most horrific of places. Last year's "Light" centered on Miep Gies, the Dutch woman who helped hide Anne Frank's family in the secret annex in Amsterdam.

A scene from "The Zone of Interest."

Most unconventional of all is "Zone," set just outside Auschwitz in a mansion, where real-life Nazi commandant Rudolf Hoss (Christian Friedel) lives with his wife, Hedwig (Sandra Huller), their five children and a dog. The family goes about their daily lives while the horrors are heard only in the background from behind a wall and never shown. Director Jonathan Glazer, who is Jewish, said in his controversial Oscar acceptance speech that the movie marked an attempt to use the past to reckon with the present. "All our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the present  not to say 'Look what they did then' but rather 'Look what we do now.' Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst. Its shaped all of our past and present."

A 2020 survey found a "shocking" lack of awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and World War II among millennials and Generation Z, while their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents lived through it or knew those who did. Popular culture is one of the most important ways we pass on collective memory and choose what matters in our society.

This is a time in history that is not best learned through dry memorization but through visceral storytelling. We need it more than ever.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'We Were the Lucky Ones' shows how vital holocaust dramas are now
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security on Monday issued an early warning for road traffic safety risks during the upcoming Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on Thursday this year.

As the festival is an important occasion for the Chinese to visit cemeteries, pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors, the ministry expects greater traffic risks due to concentrated traffic flow around the tomb areas during the period.

The ministry warned of traffic safety risks involving tourist vehicles and around scenic spots brought about by holiday travelers, as well as higher risks in rural areas, as spring sowing also begins around the period.

The ministry said the festival may see an increase in highway traffic accidents, and it also reminded people of the impact of the rainy weather.

The ministry also called on people not to drive under the influence of alcohol, and to avoid speeding and overloading. 
New Delhi: A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday refused to stay the Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi Masjid and sought the response of the priest, Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vyas, by April 30 on the plea of the mosque committee.

The apex court also ordered status quo on the religious observances by both Hindus (worship in the southern cellar) and Muslims (namaz in the mosque) inside the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi and posted the matter for consideration in July.

The top court was hearing a fresh plea of the Gyanvapi mosque management committee against an Allahabad High Court decision upholding a lower courts order allowing Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the mosque.

Chief Justice Chandrachud noted that both the Muslim and Hindu sides have been conducting their respective religious observances "unhindered" inside the mosque premises and, therefore, the status quo would serve the ends of justice for now.

Bearing in mind the fact that the namaz is offered by the Muslim community unhindered after the orders dated January 17, 2024, and January 31, 2024, and the offering of puja by a Hindu priest is confined to the area of tehkhana, it is appropriate to maintain the status quo to enable both the communities to offer worship in the above terms. The religious observances by the Hindus shall be in terms of directions contained in the order dated January 31, 2024... Status quo as obtained from the above terms shall not be disturbed without obtaining the previous sanction and leave of this court," the bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said.

The apex court, after seeing the Google Earth images of the structures, noted that the entry to the cellar is from the southern side while the entry to the mosque to offer namaz is from the steps on the northern side. The Google Earth images were tagged in the petition filed by the mosque committee.

At the outset, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, sought a stay on the civil courts order and submitted that puja was being allowed to take place within the mosque premises.

Ahmadi contended that puja in the mosque premises would only fester some discord between the two communities.

History has taught us some other lessons where violence has happened despite assurances. This is an egregious order. Communities have lived peacefully. Why this insistence on having this now? For 30 years the situation has been very normal," he submitted.

Ahmadi alleged that Hindu parties filing multiple applications for different reliefs and there is serious apprehension that bit by bit the Muslim side will lose out to the whole mosque.

Referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, Ahmadi said: "We are in your hands and we know what happened at Ayodhya and despite interim orders, the mosque Babri Masjid could not be protected. This is what history taught us.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the Hindu parties, submitted that the orders do not warrant any intervention by the apex court at this stage as there are detailed reasons in the trial court and the high court orders.

On February 26, the High Court dismissed the mosque committee's plea in which it had challenged the district court's January 31 order allowing Hindus to offer prayers in the cellar.

While dismissing the plea of the mosque committee, the high court had observed that the Uttar Pradesh government's 1993 decision to stop worship rituals inside the Vyas Tehkhana  located at the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi  was illegal.

The High Court said worship will continue in the Vyas Tehkhana of the mosque adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

A survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India on the court's order revealed that the Gyanvapi mosque was constructed during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's rule over the remains of a Hindu temple.

On January 31, the district court ruled that a Hindu priest could perform prayers before the idols in the southern cellar of the mosque.

The prayers are now being conducted by a Hindu priest nominated by the Kashi Vishwanath temple trust and the petitioner Shailendra Kumar Pathak, who has claimed that his grandfather offered puja in the cellar till December 1993.

The district court had directed the local administration to make arrangements within seven days for prayers in the cellar. This would have involved "proper arrangements" with metal barricades at the complex.

The January 31 order of the district court was delivered on the plea of the petitioner Shailendra Kumar Pathak, who had claimed that his maternal grandfather, priest Somnath Vyas, offered prayers in the cellar till December 1993.

In his plea before the district court, Mr Pathak had said puja was stopped during the tenure of then Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav after the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992.
New Delhi: After Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, two more heavyweight AAP ministers could come under the Enforcement Directorates scanner in the liquor policy scam. In a dramatic turn of events, the ED told the Rouse Avenue court on Monday that during the interrogation, Kejriwal revealed that the liquor policy scam accused Vijay Nair had reported to his ministers, Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Senior AAP leaders Satyendar Jain, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are behind bars. The liquor policy case, being investigated by both the CBI and the ED, pertains to alleged corruption during the formulation of a liquor policy by the Kejriwal-led Delhi government.

Earlier on Monday, Kejriwal, who was remanded to judicial custody till April 15, was sent to the high-security Tihar Jail.

The Delhi CM apparently told the ED that Vijay Nair did not report to him but to Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bharadwaj. Nair is a former communications in-charge of the AAP and is among the accused in the liquor policy case. His alleged involvement stems from his tenure as the party's communications in-charge, coinciding with the period in which the purported scam unfolded. Following the disclosure, both the ministers could be questioned soon.

Kejriwal was produced in the court of special judge Kaveri Baweja after his ED custody came to an end. The ED had sought 15-day judicial custody of Kejriwal, saying he was totally uncooperative. The ED also said the judicial custody could be granted while reserving the right of the agency to take further custody of Kejriwal during the permissible period, if required, in accordance with the law.

Speaking to reporters before entering the Rouse Avenue court, Kejriwal said: Whatever the Prime Minister is doing (referring to his arrest) is not good for the country. Atishi, Bharadwaj and Kejriwals wife Sunita were present in the court. Sunita Kejriwal accused the BJP of having only one motive  to put her husband in jail during the Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP, however, criticised the AAP for trying to raise the bogey of victimhood in support of Kejriwal, and said that the order of a court to send him to jail was based on concrete evidence. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the Delhi government's status in the case was becoming progressively clearer.

Kejriwals petition challenging his arrest and subsequent remand to ED custody is to come up for hearing before the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. In another matter, the Delhi High Court has asked the ED to submit its note to the special judge on the issue of the Chief Minister passing orders while in custody.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora said the special judge, dealing with the money-laundering case in which Kejriwal has been arrested, was directed to pass an order, if required, in accordance with the law. The High Court disposed of the PIL which sought directions to prevent Kejriwal from issuing orders in his capacity as Chief Minister while in the EDs custody.

Underscoring that Kejriwal was misleading the agency, the ED told the Rouse Avenue court it was still investigating his role, unearthing the further proceeds of the crime and identifying the other persons involved with the activities related to proceeds of crime.

In its remand application, the ED said during Kejriwal's custodial interrogation, he gave evasive replies and concealed information. It said the Chief Minister's statements were taken over a period of nine days and he was confronted with the statements of different witnesses, approvers and other co-accused. The plea listed few of the glaring examples of evasive and misleading replies given by Kejriwal.

The plea underlined that Nair was not some small-time party volunteer but the head of media and communications.

The arrestee (Kejriwal) has not answered the questions posed to him by questioning the authenticity of digital evidence shown to him. The arrestee also did not reveal the passwords of his digital devices which inhibits the evidence collection and also shows his non-cooperation, it said.

The remand application said investigation into the economic crimes was more complex than ordinary crimes as economic offenders are resourceful and influential persons and did the said crimes in a carefully planned and meticulous manner.

Nair was arrested by the CBI and the ED over the case and remains incarcerated. According to ED officials, Nair is believed to be part of a larger conspiracy, with the probe agency's investigation pointing to his collusion with Kejriwal himself.
New Delhi: The BJP lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleged "provocative and anti-national statements" during the I.N.D.I.A. bloc rally. The ruling party accused Gandhi of peddling disinformation and trying to create disaffection towards the impartiality of elections and authenticity of EVMs. They demand an unconditional apology from Gandhi to the nation, EC, and the Prime Minister, and call for an FIR to be registered against him. Additionally, the BJP filed a complaint against TMC leader Piyush Panda for hurling casteist slurs against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a campaign rally in West Bengal.

In the complaint, the BJP alleges that Gandhi's statements undermine democratic principles and have the potential to incite civil unrest. They expressed concern over Gandhi's warning of breaking up India and called his remarks mischievous and against the state. The BJP further accused Gandhi of sowing doubt and distrust in the electoral process and the impartiality of the EC during the rally.

The BJP's complaint against TMC leaders also includes accusations against TMC's social media in-charge Debganshu Bhattacharya for posting personal details of BJP candidate Rekha Patra from Basirhat Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal. They alleged that Bhattacharya maliciously exposed Patra's personal details and demand an FIR against him. The BJP urged the poll panel to suspend TMC's account on the microblogging site and order an inquiry into how Patra's personal data was made available to the ruling party in the state. Additionally, they called for Bhattacharya to extend an unconditional apology to Patra for violating her privacy.
The rumblings were audible in India for months as investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the income-tax department had been selectively targeting Opposition leaders and parties. It was expected that once the elections to the Lok Sabha were announced the Model Code of Conduct would compel balanced restraint till the elections were over. However, if anything, the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on March 21 and exaggerated income-tax claims from the Congress, the main Opposition party, defied that logic. The un-levelling of the playing field continues under the very nose of the Election Commission.

Germany was the first country to express discomfort over this scenario. India reacted with calculated diplomatic ire, advising the Germans to mind their own business. But when the US state department expressed similar anxiety, the ministry of external affairs first strongly protested, although less stridently, and then followed up by summoning acting US deputy chief of mission Gloria Berbena. Indias expectation was that the matter would end there, both sides having appeased public opinion in their respective countries.

However, US state department spokesman Mathew Miller, when asked about the summoning of their diplomat, in seniority next only to the ambassador, had no hesitation in reiterating that we continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of the Delhi CM. Not stopping there, he added that the US was also aware of tax authorities hampering the electioneering ability of the Congress Party by freezing their accounts. Mr Miller concluded that they encourage fair, transparent and timely legal processes for each of these issues. Justice and fairness of the proceedings was also emphasised.

Amongst those who were trolled in India was an anchor of a major television channel when he simply tweeted the latest US reaction. This writers comments a day earlier on a major business television channel, when posted on X and YouTube, generated huge viewership and some acerbic comments. The main line of counterattack by pro-BJP elements was that comments on the fairness of Indian elections by foreign powers was a breach of Indian sovereignty and interference in Indias internal affairs. All those reporting such criticism, and especially those pointing out the misuse of the agencies only against governments opponents were anti-national.

This writer, in his social media response, pointed out that the bhakts, or hardcore BJP supporters, failed to perceive the difference between the government and the nation. Mark Twains quote captures it perfectly that loyalty to the country always, loyalty to a government when it deserves it.

The fracas raises the broader question about the validity of the Indian defence that any criticism of the Indian electoral processes is a breach of Indian sovereignty. US President Joe Biden came into office in January 2021 promising a summit of democracies, intending thereby to globally advance the values that the liberal democratic model represents. But the United States has a poor record historically of such evangelism. Late US secretary of state Zbigniew Brzezinski had named his memoir Power and Principle, underscoring the conflict in the conduct of foreign policy between ethics and realpolitik. A case in point is Pakistan. The minute the Soviet Union militarily intervened in Afghanistan in 1979, the US sidelined its ire over Gen. Muhammad Zia-ul Haqs military coup, the hanging of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Pakistans clandestine nuclear weapons programme. A similar long rope was offered again to military dictator Gen. Pervez Musharraf after Al Qaedas 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States.

However, India presents a separate case. Even during the Cold War, the US was drawn to India as a citadel of democracy in Asia. Thereafter, India became additionally attractive for its economic rise, huge market, increasing military strength and as a counterfoil to China. But its basic relevance persists as an established democracy, which shares the American commitment to a global liberal democratic order. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted this soft power of India by coinages like India as the mother of democracies.

Understandably, thus, Indias friends among the Western nations get concerned about any democratic slippage in India. In the European Union itself, they have similar anxiety about democratic recession in member nations like Hungary. Brazil, as the 21st century opened, was seen alongside Germany, India and Japan as a natural candidate for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. But after the short and democratically destructive presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, that edge is gone.

On March 28, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spokesman also commented on the Indian elections, hoping in India, as in any country that is having elections, that everyones rights are protected, including political and civil rights, and everyone can vote in an atmosphere that is free and fair. India may tell the UN to stick to more pressing issues like the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the protracted war in Ukraine. However, the fundamental question of partisan conduct by the investigative agencies cannot be ignored.

The Indian legal system is basically sound, but faces questions about its independence. One is symbolised by an anti-Opposition judge of the Calcutta high court quitting overnight to become the BJPs candidate in the forthcoming election. Similarly, an excessive number of sensitive political cases have gone to a Supreme Court judge with past Gujarat government links. This may be a coincidence but the Chief Justice must ensure, as the phrase goes, that Caesars wife must be above suspicion.

What can happen next? It is possible that, diplomatic demarches aside, the Indian government realises the damage that it is doing to Indias reputation as a robust democracy. It may curb its inexplicable desire to overplay its winning hand, with possibilities of diminished gain. Separately, the highest court may freeze the income-tax orders and also start de-weaponising the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by restricting the detention powers of the ED. A warning signal was one member of the Election Commission suddenly resigning.

Hopefully, like the US institutions defending the democratic framework when defeated incumbent President Donald Trump attempted to subvert the verdict, Indian institutions will not completely wilt. It would be a mistake to ignore warnings from the US and other Western powers as mere bluster. The people of India may be thinking analogously and vote accordingly.
It is now a widely accepted view in India and the United States that the bilateral relationship between the two democracies is of great importance to both. Everyone may not agree with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayees view that the two countries are natural allies nor share President Barack Obamas optimism that their relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century, but few in India will disagree that ensuring the relationship stays on an even keel is in Indias interest. It is not just as a hedge against a rising China that India needs a productive partnership with the United States. There are any number of reasons why over the past quarter century successive leaders in both countries have sought to nurture the relationship. It is, therefore, surprising that of late the relationship appears to be in free fall.

The US state departments observations last week on the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate and on the income-tax notices issued to the Congress Party, that too in the run-up to the coming Lok Sabha elections, are only the latest signals of a deteriorating relationship. That the state department chose to virtually ignore the summons from South Block on the Kejriwal remark and next day went on to add concerns about the treatment of the Congress Party suggests that Washington DC is sending a clear message to India and the world. Spin doctoring has already started with some suggesting that all this is part of the electoral game in both countries, aimed at domestic audiences, and will not make a difference to the bilateral relationship.

However, these remarks come on top of earlier officially stated concerns about human rights violations and religious freedom in India. Those in turn came on top of President Joe Biden declining the invitation to be the chief guest at this years Republic Day parade.

The last high point in the relationship was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited for a much-publicised state visit to Washington DC in the summer of 2023. In exchange for India running up a bill of several billion dollars buying defence equipment, the US Congress agreed to honour Mr Modi with a second invitation to address it. The publicly celebratory mood at the time was marred by concerns within the Indian government about President Biden raising the issue of the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada and apparently accepting the Canadian view that Indian officialdom had something to do with it.

Then came the whopper. In November 2023, US government sources not only leaked to the media that President Biden shared credible allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Nijjar, but that an Indian citizen, Nikhil Gupta, may have been involved in a failed murder attempt on American soil. The target was Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, also a Khalistani activist. A US statement suggested that Gupta had acted under instructions of a senior field officer in India who had responsibilities in security management and intelligence.

In a different India, this would have been a far more sensational news resulting in many heads rolling. But in todays India the media downplayed the story and even the final Indian government statement conceding that a rogue agent had been involved. Many retired government spooks have said that such things happen. The point, however, is not that such things happen but that the US went public over it, forcing acceptance by a government in denial. The diplomatic fallout of all this must have wiped out all the happy memories of all those who enjoyed that sumptuous meal at the White House last June.

Many in the Sangh Parivar and among the Modi bhakts in India and the US imagine that President Biden is on his way out and things would get better when Donald Trump returns to the White House. While there is no reason to assume that one administration would be more friendly than another, since all governments pursue the national interest, it is anybodys guess where India would stand in the Trump scheme of things in his second term. The world is changing and changing fast.

This is precisely why the Indian diplomatic and political leadership has nurtured and managed the US-India relationship with care. The last time that Mr Modi and Mr Biden had any substantial conversation was six months ago, in September 2023 at the time of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi. If a Quad summit had been convened, the two would have met, but the Quad now appears to be in a limbo.

During the talks in January on trade policy issues between commerce minister Piyush Goyal and US trade representative Katherine Tai there was some meeting of minds but differences on larger trade policy issues came to the fore at the World Trade Organisations Abu Dhabi ministerial meeting in February. The US remains unhappy with the resurgent protectionism in India and India remains unhappy with US unilateralism in trade. While many analysts in both countries constantly use terms such as cooperation when referring to defence relations, the relationship is first and foremost about sales. Without the sales, the cooperation would remain limited.

To add grist to the diplomatic speculation mill, not only has India not named a new ambassador to the United States but it now pays little attention to the US ambassador in New Delhi. Time was when doors in South Block readily opened to a US ambassador. We now have the think-tankers in the governments extended intellectual arms taunting the mayor from Hollywood. How would the world be reading all this?

Someone in South Block may have prepared a note, as one must, on that question since perceptions about the state of US-India relations do shape other bilateral relations.

Diplomatic observers have noticed that there has been a drop in the traffic between Foggy Bottom and Raisina Hill this year. With both Mr Modi and Mr Biden now pre-occupied with their own re-election, it is unlikely that any initiative would be taken at the highest levels in both capitals in the near future. By the time the long drawn electoral process in India is over, the US will go into election season. Neither country should allow the relationship to go into a nine-month limbo.
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Global enterprises and buyers will attend the 135th session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, according to an official announcement on Monday.

The fair is scheduled to take place from April 15 to May 5 in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

The online platform of the fair will continue to be operational throughout the year, Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen told a press conference.

The exhibition area of this session will be 1.55 million square meters, with about 28,600 firms participating in the export section, including more than 4,300 new exhibitors. In addition, 680 companies will attend the import section, Wang added.

According to Wang, some 93,000 purchasers from 215 countries and regions have completed pre-registration.

Launched in 1957 and held twice a year, the fair is considered a major gauge of China's foreign trade. 
by John Ai

Their boat capsized at Easter. In the past three years, the number of Chinese citizens seeking asylum in the United States has increased: 52,000 last year alone. Washington's stricter immigration policy has not stopped the tide of migrants. Even some middle-class Chinese are joining the perilous journey to the USA.

New York (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The bodies of eight Chinese migrants have been found on a beach in the state of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. Local authorities confirmed that seven women and one man died as a result of the boat capsizing at sea. They left on March 28 from Tapachula, near the border with Guatemala, a place where undocumented migrants often pass through on their way north to the United States.

One migrant survived the accident. The Mexican driver of the boat is still missing. Local authorities said in a statement that the victims of the accidents were migrants. Every year thousands enter US territory by crossing the US-Mexico border to escape the violence and poverty of their countries. Most of them come from Central and South America, but in recent years Chinese migrants have become the fastest growing group.

The number of undocumented Chinese migrants entering the United States has begun to rise after closures in China due to the pandemic. According to data from the US Customs and Border Protection, in 2023 over 52,000 undocumented Chinese citizens entered US territory. In the first three months of fiscal year 2024, more than 23,000 undocumented Chinese migrants were registered.

Since Ecuador is visa-free for Chinese citizens, the journey north begins from the capital Quito. Chinese migrants follow troops of other migrants to cross tropical forest in Central America. Some also choose the sea route to avoid checkpoints on land. On this dangerous journey, many migrants were also victims of human trafficking, violence, extortion and robberies.

Zouxian - literally "walking in line", referring to the long march from Ecuador to the United States - has become a hot topic on social networks. There are many videos on TikTok that share the travel experience.

The latest trend shows that more and more middle-class Chinese citizens are seeking asylum in the United States. The motivations of Chinese asylum seekers stem from the weak economy, stricter control of society, restriction of speech and oppression of religions.

Chinese migrants prefer to stay in hotels to rest rather than live in migrant camps along the route. Many of the Chinese migrants apprehended by the US Border Patrol are decently dressed and carry their own luggage, differentiating themselves from other South American migrants.

Their life is not easy: many choose to live in California and New York for the large local Chinese community. Lacking language and professional skills, they have to endure low-paid jobs. The arrival of new immigrants makes competition on the job market more intense.

Currently, before entering US territory, migrants must apply for asylum and make an appointment via a mobile phone application called "CBP One". The continuing surge of migrants has placed pressure on immigration and asylum systems in the United States.

Immigration policy is a major topic of debate in this year's presidential election campaign. Both the Democratic and Republican Parties agree to speed up the processing of asylum claims, but there is no clear solution on the horizon.
Today's news: Economic growth is expected in all developing Asian countries excluding China; In India, Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of Delhi, will be jailed for another 15 days; In South Korea, a series of cameras were discovered at polling stations for the upcoming elections.

CHINA  MEXICO

The bodies of four Chinese citizens (seven women and one man) were found on a beach near the city of Playa Vicente, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, along the route used by migrants to enter the United States. One person survived the shipwreck. Last year, more than 37,000 Chinese citizens were arrested on the border between the United States and Mexico, a figure 50 times higher than the previous year.

ASIA

According to a report released today by the World Bank, all developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, will grow by 4.6% in 2024, up slightly from the 4.4% recorded in 2023. The countries considered developing on the Asian continent are China, Mongolia, East Timor and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Private investment and earnings from the tourism sector remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, and there may be imbalances due to an oversupply of consumer goods from China.

TURKEY

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) led by Ekrem Imamoglu has won local elections in the main cities of Istanbul and Ankara, inflicting a defeat on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party for the first time in several years. In total, the CHP prevailed in 36 of Turkey's 81 provinces, state Anadolu Agency reported. According to analysts, this "surprising result" is also a consequence of the disastrous state of the Turkish economy.

SOUTH KOREA

Hidden cameras were found in around 40 rooms which will be transformed into polling stations and places for counting votes in the general elections on 10 April. In recent days, police arrested a suspect identified as a far-right YouTuber who has often raised doubts about the election results.

INDIA

The chief minister of New Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, among the key opposition leaders, will remain in judicial custody until April 15. According to lawyers from the national anti-corruption agency responsible for the arrest, Kejriwal was "uncooperative" and gave "evasive answers" regarding the alcohol policies he had implemented in the capital and for which he is accused of corruption .

ARMENIA  AZERBAIJAN

The last president of Artsakh, Samvel Sakhramanyan, appealed to France in an interview with Le Figaro to "put pressure on Azerbaijan to release political prisoners", as several political leaders and soldiers from the region conquered in September 2023, including ex-president Araik Arutjunyan and some ministers.

RUSSIA  UZBEKISTAN

The last president of Artsakh, Samvel Sakhramanyan, appealed to France in an interview with Le Figaro to "put pressure on Azerbaijan to release political prisoners", as several political leaders and soldiers from the region conquered in September 2023, including ex-president Araik Arutjunyan and some ministers.
HANOI, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam reaped nearly 2 billion U.S. dollars from exporting seafood products in the first quarter of this year, increasing over 8 percent year on year, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday, citing the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

Shrimp exports were estimated at over 690 million dollars during the January-March period, up 24 percent year on year.

Tra fish exports hit nearly 424 million dollars, increasing 0.4 percent year on year while tuna exports' revenue hit over 220 million dollars, a surge of 22.2 percent year on year, said the association.

Le Hang, the association's communication director, said the United States, Japan and China were the three biggest importers of Vietnamese seafood products for the cited period.

Exports of lobsters and crabs to China recorded growth rates at 11 times and seven times year on year, respectively, the association official added.

Vietnam's seafood exports are forecast to reach the 9.5 billion dollars mark in 2024, local media reported. 
1 April 2024 18:27 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Baku hosts the 8th session of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Relations and Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which covers the topics cooperation in energy (key), transportation, investment, agriculture, social, educational, humanitarian, infrastructure, construction, and other spheres.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the delegation led by Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Ioan Burduja. Besides, several Azerbaijani governmental bodies, including ministries, held meetings with the delegation and several documents were signed.

Also, a group made up of Romanian investors paid a visit to the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) and got acquainted with the conditions and terms in the AFEZ. The head of AFEZ gave detailed information and invited the investor to invest.

It is worth noting that Romania is one of Azerbaijans important strategic partners in Eastern Europe. It is expected that the partnership will deepen after the 2030s, when Azerbaijan's green energy project is realised.

Speaking to Azernews on the issue, economist Eyyub Karimli noted that Azerbaijan has been in strategic cooperation with Romania for a long time, and declarations on strategic partnership have been signed in this regard. Currently, the meeting of the eighth intergovernmental commission between Romania and Azerbaijan is taking place, and very important issues in terms of economic relations are being discussed here.

Thus, in comparison with last year, positive dynamics can be observed in the economic and commercial relations between Azerbaijan and Romania. Also, an increase of 29.3 percent was observed in the trade turnover between the two countries. Today, the trade turnover between our countries has exceeded 700 million dollars, and as we know, Azerbaijan and Romania make a great contribution to ensuring the energy security of Central and Eastern Europe. They work together to implement that security, Eyyub Karimli said.

He pointed out that, as we know, an agreement on the supply of 1 million cubic metres of natural gas to Romania from April 1, 2023, was signed, and the agreement is already being implemented. Also, work is underway on a project related to the transfer of green energy from Azerbaijan to Romania through the Black Sea through Georgia.

As I mentioned, energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania is at a high level and will continue at a high pace. As we know, in the future, Azerbaijan, through its cooperation with Romania, will also export green energy to several European countries via the country, which is very important here. As for the visit of Romanian investors to the Alat Free Economic Zone, the economist emphasised that it will play an important role in the development of AFEZ and attracting investors here. Also, the interest of Romanian investors in this zone is related to the development of the transport corridor that will operate in the east-west direction in the future, the development of logistics, and the further expansion of the transport infrastructure, for which, as we know, Romanians also have a very important experience and interest in this field. They want to contribute by investing in the corridor that will extend from China to Europe in the future, economist Eyyub Karimli concluded.

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Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

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1 April 2024 10:03 (UTC+04:00)

The press of Ukraine devoted a lot of space to the information of the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry about the warning of Armenia about creating tension, Azernews reports.

In the articles published in Ukrinform, RBK-Ukraine, Antikor, Yevropeyskaya Pravda, the Ukrainian editorial office of Azadlig Radio and other news agencies, news portals, recently, it is noted that the concentration of the Armenian armed forces, armored vehicles, artillery installations, as well as other heavy weapons and the intensive movement of troops were observedin various directions of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conditional border.

With reference to the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, it is reported that the revanchist forces threatening Azerbaijan with war have become more active in Armenia recently, the aggressive rhetoric against Azerbaijan has reached a high level, and the number of provocative information serving to escalate the situation in the information space in preparation for sabotage attempts is evident.

"We warn that any attempt of military provocation against Azerbaijan by the armed forces of Armenia will be resolutely prevented by the Azerbaijani Army. We once again declare that all responsibility for the escalation of the situation and any possible provocation rests entirely on Armenia and its patrons. will fall", - it is written in the Ukrainian press.

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1 April 2024 10:38 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Armenians committed atrocities in Khojaly, where all cultural monuments and tombstones were destroyed, Azernews reports.

The graves in the Khojaly cemetery have been left unrecognizable.

The tombstones have been destroyed, and the inscriptions on them deliberately erased to prevent the identification of identities. Khojaly residents searching for the graves of their loved ones have only been able to identify a few.

Residents report that there are many graves in the cemetery. In many of the graves, there are generally no traces left.

Soon, a Martyrs' Alley will be established in the vicinity of the cemetery.

It should be noted that on March 31, seven Khojaly martyrs were buried in that area.

The buried are individuals who were killed during the Khojaly massacre. The remains of their bodies were discovered in a mass grave in Khojaly just a few days ago.

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UNITED NATIONS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and its partners continue to work against the odds to provide daily emergency assistance to people impacted by violence in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, said a UN spokesman on Monday.

On Saturday alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) was able to provide more than 28,000 meals to people who have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Despite widespread insecurity, the WFP reports that it has delivered food assistance to some 480,000 men, women and children across the country since the beginning of March. These efforts are possible thanks to partners on the ground, including Haitian nongovernmental organizations, local businesses and Haitian farmers' organizations, he said.

In Port-au-Prince, the agency has distributed more than 358,000 hot meals to more than 69,000 people in 48 displacement sites in the past month, he said.

Over the past month, UN humanitarian partners have delivered more than 2.3 million liters of drinking water to nearly 29 displacement sites, which has benefited some 60,000 displaced people. Health partners have also delivered medicine and provided psychosocial support to traumatized people, said the spokesman.

Haiti's health sector has been severely affected by the violence over the past month, with at least half of the health facilities in the capital either closed or functioning below normal capacity, he noted.

"The ongoing insecurity in Haiti has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation. Across the country, more than 360,000 people are currently displaced, some 160,000 of whom are in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. More than 1,000 schools have been closed across the country."

Meanwhile, the humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti continues to be severely underfunded. Less than 7 percent of the 674 million U.S. dollars required has been received.

On the deployment of a multinational force in Haiti, Dujarric said the world body is frustrated at the slow pace.

"We're frustrated at the amount of time that it's taken. We're frustrated at the lack of money that's in the trust fund. We know a number of countries have put themselves forward to do whatever they can to help the people of Haiti. But those countries need financial and technical support," he said. "We understand some is moving forward. But the longer it takes to deploy such a force, the more the people of Haiti are suffering."

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution in October 2023 to authorize a multinational police force for Haiti. The resolution decides that the cost of implementing this temporary operation will be borne by voluntary contributions and support from individual UN member states and regional organizations. 
1 April 2024 14:09 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Today, the 8th session of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation is being held in Baku, Azernews reports.

In connection with this, a delegation led by Romania's Minister of Energy, Sebastian Ioan Burduja, is visiting Azerbaijan.

During a bilateral meeting between Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, and S.I. Burduja, the progress of bilateral cooperation in the development of mutual efforts in the past period was discussed, along with the agenda of the 8th session of the commission.

During the session attended by the delegations, Sahil Babayev noted that diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Romania have been constantly expanding over the past period. It was emphasised that the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2009, the Joint Action Plan for the Implementation of Strategic Partnership signed in 2011, and more than 60 cooperation documents signed between the two countries in general have created opportunities for the development of relations between the countries, elevating these relations to the level of strategic partnership.

Continuing the dynamics of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Romania, it was noted that the trade turnover between the two countries has been steadily increasing, with a 29.3% increase last year.

In his turn, Romania's Minister of Energy, Sebastian Ioan Burduja, stated that they attach special importance to the continuous expansion of cooperation relations based on friendly relations with Azerbaijan and expressed hope that the current session would contribute to this direction.

Discussions were held during the session on future directions of cooperation in the fields of energy, transportation, investment, agriculture, social, education, humanitarian, infrastructure, construction, etc.

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1 April 2024 13:27 (UTC+04:00)

The construction of two large narcological hospitals in Baku continues. One of them has 350 beds, and the other has 150 beds.

According to Azernews, Health Minister Teymur Musayev said this at the round table on "mental health and the rights of people suffering from mental illnesses in Azerbaijan".

The Minister added that after the hospitals are commissioned, the bed fund in this area will increase in the country.

"This will have an impact on the quality of the provided drug service."

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1 April 2024 15:18 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Azerbaijan continues to improve the investment environment, Azernews reports that this was stated by Sahib Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Economy, during the 8th session of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, held in Baku today.

According to him, the establishment of industrial zones plays a crucial role in this matter. The Deputy Minister noted that the liberation of Azerbaijan's occupied territories has opened up new investment opportunities: "Protecting the environment around Garabagh is one of the main tasks in the restoration of the liberated territories."

Mammadov emphasised that the statistics of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Romania do not fully reflect the potential of bilateral cooperation.

"We call for further initiatives to promote and support mutually beneficial partnerships.

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1 April 2024 13:43 (UTC+04:00)

The European Mission operating in Armenian territory near the border with Azerbaijan has not observed any unusual movement, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by Toivo Klaar, the Designated European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, and the Crisis in Georgia, in his X social account.

The post reads that the mission patrolled along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border all day long and has not observed any unusual movements. Everything was calm and quiet.

EUMA patrolled along the AM-AZ border all day long, everything is calm and quiet, no unusual movements observed. EUMA wishes everybody a peaceful Easter!   European Union Mission in Armenia (@EUmARMENIA) March 31, 2024

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1 April 2024 15:41 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Azerbaijan's former IDPs returning to Fuzuli and Aghdam have been broadcast on the German TV channel, Azernews reports.

The report includes the destruction left by Armenia in Azerbaijan's territories and shows how the city of Aghdam was destroyed and plundered.

The mine problem in Garabagh is also covered in the report. It is worth noting that Armenia has submitted 8 minefield maps of territories located in the liberated lands to Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) stated that the submitted forms mainly consist of notes on the mined areas covering the Murovdag height of the Kalbajar region. The minefield maps submitted by Armenia cover some of the areas along the former contact line.

However, information about the part of the former contact line passing through Khojavand, Tartar, and Goranboy districts, as well as the areas mined by Armenian military units when they retreated in November 2020, has not yet been submitted. Many have suspicions about these maps because previous minefield maps submitted by Armenia were inaccurate. Only 25 percent of these maps were correct. Especially submitting minefield maps of the heights where civilians do not live increases this suspicion.

The report is also about how once-forcibly displaced Azerbaijanis are now returning to their homeland.

Recall that following the liberation of its territories from Armenian occupation in 2020, Azerbaijan initiated the long-awaited 'Great Return' program, which envisions the return of IDPs to their native lands.

Along with Fuzuli, the former IDPs returned to Lachin city, the villages of Talish (Aghdara district), Aghali (Zangilan district), and Zabukh (Lachin district).

Neuer Bericht von @ORF uber die Zerstorung, die Armenien in den besetzten Gebieten #Aserbaidschans hinterlassen hat, und wie einst gewaltsam vertriebene Aserbaidschaner nun in ihre Heimat zuruckkehren.pic.twitter.com/su4dLgAxew  Botschaft Aserbaidschan (@AzEmbGermany) March 31, 2024

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1 April 2024 15:39 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is ready to extend the duration of the gas supply contract with Romania until 2026.

Azernews reports that this was announced by SOCAR Vice President Elshad Nasirov during the 8th session of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation held in Baku today.

According to him, yesterday was the last day of the gas contract signed between the two countries.

"In accordance with this contract, SOCAR can supply 1 billion cubic metres of gas annually without any obligation for the supplier or the buyer. We are ready to continue this project this year and in the coming years."

Nasirov noted that over the past three years, SOCAR has supplied petroleum products worth $800 million, equivalent to 1.2 million tons of oil products.

"SOCAR Turkey" supplied Romania with oil products worth $1.1 billion, equivalent to 1.1 million tons of oil products and 33 thousand tons of chemical products, while "SOCAR Trading" supplied approximately 700 thousand tons of oil products worth $600 million to Romania.

He mentioned that SOCAR operates 74 filling stations in Romania and employs 777 people in SOCAR Romania, investing 70 million in creating infrastructure in Romania. The supply of crude oil and oil products to Romania is carried out by several branches of SOCAR.

Nasirov also stated that they are awaiting the issuance of a licence to "SOCAR Trading Gas and Power," located in Luxembourg, by the regulatory authority in Romania.

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1 April 2024 22:36 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

In the last few days, there has been a further activation of revanchist forces threatening Azerbaijan with war, the rise of aggressive rhetoric against Azerbaijan to a high level, and an increase in the number of provocative information focused on aggravating the situation in the information space in preparation for sabotage attempts.

On March 30, the concentration of manpower, armoured vehicles, artillery installations, and other heavy weapons of the Armenian armed forces and the intensive movement of its troops in different directions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conventional border is observed by Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

It is worth noting that the Armenian government accuses Azerbaijan of preparing a so-called "new attack" on Armenia, for almost a year. However, on the contrary, from the beginning of 2024, Armenian armed forces have shelled the positions of the Azerbaijani army several times, especially during the swearing-in ceremony of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Although the EU appointed its monitoring mission on the borders of Armenians ostensibly to protect them from an alleged possible attack from Azerbaijan, the violations still come from the former. The EU monitoring mission in Armenia, with over 200 employees has not seen any attempt at violations on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. This is the best example of Western hypocrisy.

Now, at a time when the peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia are ongoing, Armenia's attempts to increase the tension in the region are nothing else but provocation and turning the South Caucasus to the battle ground again.

In a comment to Azernews on the issue, military expert Ramil Mammadli noted that this the West that is approving Armenian provocation attempts in the Azerbaijani-Armenian border.

After the end of the war in November 2020, Armenia began to implement new engineering fortification works in the places where it retreated, more precisely in the positions where it stands in front of the Azerbaijani army positions. In particular, engineering fortifications were built in the conventional border region starting from Goycha Lake, to Zangilan, and this process continues today, as well. And the West is supporting Armenia's provocative political and military decisions", he said.

The expert also said that Baku predicted these steps in advance.

"Knowing this in advance, Azerbaijan implemented a mirror effect and did not respond to Armenia's offer to withdraw the armed troops. Because it was clear what was behind this offer."

Noting that Armenia repeatedly accused Azerbaijan about the attack to Armenia, Ramil Mammadli condemned Yerevan's hypocrisy.

"Armenia's declaration on military mobilization should be considered as Yerevan's next hypocrisy and provocation. Because Armenia has been claiming that Azerbaijan is preparing for war for almost a year, and in parallel, Yerevan is mobilizing its own troops," the expert added.

The expert reminded that Armenian government understands the consequences of its actions.

"Armenia itself is deeply troubled. Yerevan knows very well that if the conflict is not concluded with a peace agreement, the tension will increase and Azerbaijan will destroy any provocation carried out by the Armenian side," Mammadli said.

It is no secret that after Azerbaijan's glorious victory in the Patriotic War, the Armenian side, unable to swallow its deserved punishment, tries to accuse others for Pashinyan's "failure".

It is worth noting that last year, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that there is a "5th column" in the Armenian army and accused that "organization" for the defeat of country.

But who the Armenian Prime Minister meant when he said "5th column"?

Ramil Mammadli explained that 5th column is nothing else but Wests tool in Armenian Army.

"'The fifth column usually refers to the forces connected to Russia. But I think that for many years the function of the fifth column in Armenia has been performed by the United States and other Western organizations. On the other hand, Russia presented itself as a country which interested in resolving the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. And Azerbaijan prefers Russia's mediation in this issue."

The expert noted that Armenia's close relations with the West may lead to a repetition of the Ukraine and Syria scenario in the South Caucasus.

"It seems that Armenia is interested in the forming of new forces in the region. The empowerment of Western forces in South Caucasus can lead to the the scenario of Ukraine and Syria in the region," the expert concluded.

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1 April 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

On March 31, Bulgaria and Romania became Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both Member States including on issuing Schengen visas and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted, Azernews reports citing European Commission.

"The Commission strongly welcomes this achievement, which follows the historic Council decision of December 2023. The Schengen accession of these two Member States will make the common area more attractive by significantly expanding the world's largest common area without internal border controls," the EC said in a press statement.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said: I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area - the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens.

"Since last December, both Member States have taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth application of the Schengen rules as from 31 March 2024. The Cooperation Frameworks launched earlier this March by the Commission together with Bulgaria and Romania build on the successful implementation of the pilot projects for fast asylum and return procedures. With these Cooperation Frameworks, Romania and Bulgaria will further contribute to strengthening the cooperation on border and migration, as well as to the joint European efforts to address EU security at external borders and migratory challenges.

Furthermore, a regional initiative on police cooperation was established between Member States along the Western Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean routes, including Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Greece, Hungary and Slovakia. This will allow to address related challenges jointly and in a sustainable manner, including as regards cross-border crime.

Bulgaria and Romania have continuously demonstrated a high level of commitment in ensuring an adequate protection of the EU external borders and have constantly acted as key contributors to the internal security of the Schengen area," the European Commission said.

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1 April 2024 19:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The DPRK intends to continue its efforts to develop space technologies and plans to launch several reconnaissance satellites this year, Azernews reports, citing the deputy director of the State Administration for Space Exploration Park Kyung-soo in an interview with the Korean Central Telegraph Agency (KCNA).

"The successful launch of the Mulligan-1 reconnaissance satellite last year led to a significant increase in the country's defense capability, and several more launches are expected this year," he said.

The interview was published on the occasion of the next anniversary of the formation of the department, which began its work in 2013.

According to Park Kyung-soo, the development of the space industry is very important for the DPRK, as it is of great importance in terms of creating a powerful state. As he noted, engineers and scientists of the DPRK, thanks to their skills, were able to make progress in major research projects.

On November 21, 2024, North Korea launched its first reconnaissance satellite, Mulligan-1. The KCNA agency reported that he would begin to fully fulfill his task around December 1. As part of the test operation, the satellite transmitted images of the White House, the Pentagon, as well as some military facilities in the United States, South Korea and Japan.

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Chinese vice premier stresses implementation of projects funded by gov't bonds

Xinhua) 09:06, April 01, 2024

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the construction site of Dashi river restoration project in Fangshan District of Beijing, capital of China, March 30, 2024. Ding made a research tour from Saturday to Sunday in Fangshan District in Beijing, and Zhuozhou city in north China's Hebei Province. He also presided over a symposium in Zhuozhou on Sunday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has called for sound implementation of projects supported by the country's additional government bonds for post-disaster reconstruction, and strict supervision over the use of the fund.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his research tour from Saturday to Sunday in Fangshan District in Beijing, and Zhuozhou city in north China's Hebei Province. He also presided over a symposium in Zhuozhou on Sunday.

He stressed excellence and integrity in the projects to win people's approval.

In 2023, China issued an additional 1 trillion yuan (about 140.9 billion U.S. dollars) in government bonds to support reconstruction projects and disaster-response capacity building.

During his visits, Ding said that quality should be placed first, and functional improvement needs to be equally prioritized with reconstruction in developing major infrastructure projects, so as to better protect the country's capital from flood risks.

He also called for reasonable construction progress of the key reconstruction projects to ensure they are put into use before the flood season this year.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the construction site of an emergency flood control project for Zhuozhou section of Beijuma river in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, March 31, 2024. Ding made a research tour from Saturday to Sunday in Fangshan District in Beijing, and Zhuozhou city in north China's Hebei Province. He also presided over a symposium in Zhuozhou on Sunday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
WINDHOEK, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on Monday expressed deep concern over the surge in poaching activities within its flagship Etosha National Park where 19 rhinoceros have been illegally killed so far since the start of 2024.

Romeo Muyunda, the spokesperson for the ministry, said in a statement that besides the rhinoceros killed in the national park, five were poached on private farms, three on rhinoceros custodianship farms, and one in the Kunene region, bringing the total for the year to 28, including 19 black and 9 white rhinoceroses.

"Poaching in Etosha is particularly concerning because this is our flagship park and has a high concentration of rhino conservation and other high-value species, making it a major tourist attraction," he said.

Muyunda said an assessment is being undertaken in Etosha to establish the full extent of the problem based on the current situation and urgency.

Furthermore, he said, an urgent high-level meeting by the ministry with the security clusters has been called to dissect the matter.

Muyunda said that no arrests have been made in the recent cases so far, adding that cases were opened and investigations continue. 
1 April 2024 20:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

A meeting was held in Cholpon-Ata between entrepreneurs of the Issyk-Kul Region of the Kyrgyz Republic and a delegation from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of the People's Republic of China, Azernews reports, citing the plenipotentiary mission of the President of Kyrgyzstan in this region.

Representatives of the business communities of both countries expressed their willingness to cooperate in various sectors of the economy, including tourism, agriculture and trade. Both sides confirmed their desire to develop partnerships and implement joint projects in the long term.

The delegation from China was headed by Chairman of the People's Government of XUAR Erkin Tuniyaz, thereby expressing serious interest in the development of trade and economic ties between the regions.

The event ended with an exchange of contact information and an agreement on further cooperation, as well as meetings to promote joint projects and strengthen mutually beneficial relations.

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1 April 2024 20:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Washington is negotiating a trilateral meeting between U.S. President Joseph Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yun Seok-el, Azernews reports, citing Japanese media outlets.

It is proposed to hold a trilateral meeting within the framework of the NATO summit, which will be held in Washington in July. It is reported that the US president has a plan to invite the Prime Minister of Japan and the head of state of South Korea to this summit.

Although there is no information about the issues that will be discussed at a possible trilateral meeting. It is known that the main issue of concern to Washington, Tokyo and Seoul is North Korea's nuclear and missile activities.

It should be noted that over the past two years, the leaders of the United States, Japan and South Korea have held several trilateral meetings. The first meeting in this format took place last August at the residence of the American leader in Camp David, Maryland. At that meeting, an exchange of views took place on issues of global and regional security, economic cooperation, including in the Asia-Pacific region.

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1 April 2024 21:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has imposed a ban on the use of red carpets at official events, Azernews reports, citing Pakistani media outlets.

This decision was made against the background of serious economic problems faced by Pakistan.

The Government has issued a notice clarifying that the use of the red carpet at diplomatic events will be limited exclusively to protocol purposes.

Earlier, Sharif and his cabinet of ministers voluntarily decided to give up their salaries and benefits. President Asif Ali Zardari also decided not to receive a salary.

A few weeks after taking office, Sharif announced austerity measures aimed at reducing government spending.

These measures include a ban on the purchase of luxury cars, a requirement for ministers to travel in economy class and pay their own utility bills, as well as a requirement for them not to stay in five-star hotels.

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One is appalled that this is happening in America. The judge set to preside over the New York kangaroo court case against Trump run by the Soros prosecutor has a daughter who is a Democrat political consultant, one of whose clients is the Biden campaign. Now, it has developed that the consulting firm of which she is president has been using the trial that her father is presideing over to raise funds for two other Democrat clients and has brought in millions of dollars for them with that approach. Any judge with an ounce of integrity would recuse himself. With the latest info on the daughter using this trial to fundraise, another motion for recusal has been filed, but this scoflaw judge seems to have no shame whatsoever.

https://redstate.com/brutalbrittany/2024/03/31/judges-daughter-linked-to-democrats-raising-93-million-amid-trump-trial-recusal-calls-intensify-n2172123

But then again, the judge presiding over the Fani Willis mess in Georgia contributed to her political campaign, as did his wife, yet he did not recuse himself in hearing the motions to remove Willis from the Trump prosecution.

Political hack judges and prosecutors with blatant political conflicts of interest are destroying the credibility of American justice, and they may yet destroy American democracy.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5184, introducing certified anesthesiologist assistant licensure, according to an April 1 report by The Ritz Herald.

CAAs are trained to deliver anesthesia care and advanced patient monitoring techniques, working under the medical direction of anesthesiologists.

More than 20 other states allow nurse anesthetists and CAAs to practice in the physician-led anesthesia care team. Washington will become the first state in the Pacific Northwest region to authorize CAAs.

The bill is effective June 2024, the report said.






Intermountain Health's physician group Saltzer Health in Nampa, Idaho, closed March 29, a spokesperson said in a statement shared with Becker's.

The 10-location physician group, which was acquired by Salt Lake City-based Intermountain in October 2020, filed two WARN notices Jan. 22. The first was for 216 layoffs at its Meridian, Idaho, location and the second for 162 layoffs at its Nampa location.

Those eligible for severance received it, the spokesperson told Becker's.
Optum, the parent company of SCA Health and the country's largest employer of physicians, announced plans to acquire Dallas-based Steward Health Care's physician group.

Here's what we know about the controversial deal thus far:

1. Collaborative Care Holdings, an Optum subsidiary, filed a notice March 26 with Massachusetts' Health Policy Commission to acquire the physician group, which includes clinicians in nine states, for an undisclosed amount.

2. The commission has 30 days to assess the effects of the proposed transaction on healthcare costs and market functions. While it doesnt have the authority to block a transaction, it can refer findings to Massachusetts agencies, such as the state Attorney Generals office or the Department of Public Health, for possible further action.

3. The commission's executive director, David Seltz, said in a statement the panel will conduct a

"rigorous, data-driven oversight of health care market changes to bring important information to the public" and that the sale can not be completed until the review and any concurrent review.

"This is a significant proposed change involving two large medical providers, both in Massachusetts and nationally, with important implications for the delivery and cost of health care across Massachusetts," he added. "Details of the proposal will be reviewed by the HPC to examine potential impacts on health care costs, quality, access, and equity."

4. The sale is a part of the 33-hospital system's plan to mitigate financial distress. The system fell $50 million behind on year-end rent to Medical Properties Trust and went from being purchased for $895 million in 2010 to losing more than $800 million from 2017 to 2020.

5. The deal has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, including Mass. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass. House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Mass. Sen. Edward Markey.

"Optum, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, is already the largest employer of physicians in the country  controlling over ten percent of American doctors  which means this deal raises significant antitrust concerns in Massachusetts and nationally," Ms. Warren said in a March 26 statement.

Mr. Mariano said the commission's review should not delay state and federal antitrust authorities from doing their own review to protect patient access and affordability, according to a March 27 report from The Washington Post.

"With this announcement, Optum must demonstrate that it can meet the even greater responsibility to preserve and protect health care access," Mr. Markey said March 27 at a press conference, according to the Post. "I hope they will live up to that responsibility by controlling costs and putting patients and providers first."
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong (6th R, front), Pakistani officials, diplomats from the Chinese Embassy and representatives of Chinese enterprises in Pakistan attend a farewell ceremony for the Chinese nationals killed in a terrorist attack at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, March 31, 2024. A farewell ceremony for the Chinese nationals killed in a terrorist attack was held on March 31 at Nur Khan airbase here in Pakistan. (Inter-Services Public Relations/Handout via Xinhua)

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A farewell ceremony for the Chinese nationals killed in a terrorist attack was held on March 31 at Nur Khan airbase here in Pakistan.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Pakistani officials, diplomats from the Chinese Embassy and representatives of Chinese enterprises in Pakistan attended the ceremony.

Jiang said in a speech at the ceremony that the Chinese compatriots who were in the flower of their youth, came all the way to Pakistan from afar and have made important contributions to promoting Pakistan's development and advancing China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation.

He added that the best consolation for the deceased is to find out the truth of the incident and severely punish the perpetrators. The most powerful response to the terrorists is to resolutely fight against terrorism and eradicate all the evil forces.

He also said that the Chinese side hopes and believes the Pakistani side will speed up the investigation, strengthen its counterterrorism efforts and take all measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan.

"We stand ready to work with the Pakistani side to unwaveringly promote our all-weather strategic cooperation to accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future," said the Chinese ambassador.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain, federal minister for overseas Pakistanis and human resource development, expressed deep condolences to the victims at the ceremony.

He strongly condemned the terrorist attack and said that Pakistan has always stood with the Chinese government and people.

Pakistan will thoroughly investigate the incident and find out the truth as soon as possible and bring the perpetrators to justice, he said, adding that any attempt to undermine the friendship between Pakistan and China will be doomed to failure.

Five Chinese and one Pakistani national were killed on March 26 in a terrorist attack on the way to the Dasu Hydropower Project in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from Islamabad. 

Pakistani personnel lay a wreath for the Chinese nationals killed in a terrorist attack during a farewell ceremony at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, March 31, 2024. A farewell ceremony for the Chinese nationals killed in a terrorist attack was held on March 31 at Nur Khan airbase here in Pakistan. (Inter-Services Public Relations/Handout via Xinhua)
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is updating its MyChart patient portal two months after a cyberattack took its IT systems offline.

The children's hospital said March 29 that patients using MyChart to view their health records may still encounter incomplete information for a "limited time." A spokesperson told Becker's the organization is scanning records from medical visits that took place when Lurie Children's network was down because of the hack.

"We work hard to protect our patient families while moving as quickly and safely as possible to restore access to MyChart and other online systems that make Lurie Children's more convenient," the spokesperson emailed.

The organization was struck by a "known criminal threat actor" and disconnected its IT and phone systems Jan. 31. A hacking group later claimed it sold the hospital's data for $3.4 million.

Lurie Children's has since restored its phones, email, EHR and MyChart functionality, but the remaining piece is getting the patient portal information up to date.

Disruptions from cyberattacks can "linger for several months or a year" as health systems methodically restore services, American Hospital Association cybersecurity chief John Riggi told Becker's for a March story.

The children's hospital said it does not have an estimate for when the data upload will be finished.
Orange, Calif.-based UCI Health will transition four former Tenet hospitals to an Epic EHR system.

On March 27, UCI Health completed its acquisition of Tenet Healthcare's Pacific Coast Network, which includes four hospitals in Southern California.

The hospitals  Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Los Alamitos Medical Center and Placentia-Linda Hospital  operate on a Cerner EHR system but will eventually move to an Epic EHR, Chad Lefteris, president and CEO of UCI Health, told Becker's.

"[The hospitals] are on a different EMR than UCI Health is, so we already have plans in place to update them to our Epic system," he said. "This isn't happening right away. I would say in the next year to 18 months is probably a fair range because it's a major change and we want to do it well, and not just hand them an entirely new system that they may not be familiar with."

For the moment, Mr. Lefteris said UCI is keeping the Cerner EHR system running at those hospitals with Dallas-based Tenet's support until the switch to Epic is made.
Regional Medical Center Health System plans to end inpatient services at Stringfellow Memorial Hospital in Anniston, Ala., and transition the emergency department to its main hospital campus, which is about a mile away, al.com reported March 28.

RMC Health bought Stringfellow, a 125-bed facility, for $25 million in 2017, but now plans to convert the hospital into an urgent care clinic, according to the report. Stringfellow will continue to perform scheduled surgeries and provide emergency care until the transition  which could take up to a year  is complete.

RMC Health plans to retain all Stringfellow employees and facilitate their transition to other roles within the health system.

"The transition is about putting patients first and ensuring everyone has the access to the care they need," RMC Health President and CEO Louis Bass said in a news release. "We are confident that these efforts are going to optimize the operations of our facilities and provide a better experience for our patients, physicians and employees. Redistributing our resources in this way will also allow us to invest in updated technology, new healthcare services and new models of care."

The news comes as rural hospitals across the country struggle to shore up their finances and avoid further service cuts, workforce cuts or closures.

RMC Health-owned facilities employ more than 1,900 employees and over 200 physicians, according to its website. Last year, the Healthcare Authority of Anniston, which governs RMC Health, signed a letter of intent for the system to become an affiliate of UAB Health System. Discussions between the organizations are ongoing.

RMC Health did not respond to Becker's request for comment.
Flint, Mich.-based Insight, a health network that includes two hospitals and multiple ASCs, has stepped in to run operations and stabilize finances at CarePoint Health, according to Bloomberg.

CarePoint operates three safety-net hospitals: Hoboken University Medical Center and Christ Hospital in Jersey City, N.J., two nonprofit facilities, and Bayonne Medical Center, a for-profit entity.

Uncompensated care demands, escalating homelessness, workforce challenges and rising costs have contributed to significant operating losses at CarePoint, with its hospitals "in great financial need," a spokesperson for the system said in a recent statement shared with Becker's.

In 2021, Insight acquired Mercy Hospital & Medical Center  a bankrupt safety-net hospital in Chicago that was set to close  from Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health. Since then, it has stabilized the hospital's finances and expanded services, according to CBS Chicago.

Insight's leadership team aims to apply a similar strategy to improve the financial health of the three CarePoint hospitals.

"We've been in this situation before and we do have a strong sense of optimism for these hospitals to continue to stay open," Insight Chief Strategy Officer Atif Bawahab told Bloomberg. "But at the same time, we do have to make changes, and those changes will take some time."

Insight eventually plans to rebrand CarePoint's hospitals under its banner, according to the publication.

In a statement shared with Becker's, CarePoint President and CEO Achintya Moulick, MD, said ensuring that the system's safety-net hospitals get the investment they need to operate sustainably remains a top priority, "and we are exploring various options to meet that goal."

"Both CarePoint Health and Insight share in the essential values of putting patients above profits and providing high-quality, compassionate care to the most vulnerable,"Justin Drew, vice president of marketing, strategy and patient experience, said. "During these early weeks of collaboration both of our executive teams have engaged extremely well and we look forward to continued partnership and collaboration."

Earlier this year, CarePoint signed a letter of intent with Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, N.J., to combine under a new management company, Hudson Health System. Hudson Regional, a for-profit facility, would combine with CarePoint's three hospitals under a new operating company. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions.
Lockport, N.Y.-based Eastern Niagara Hospital will go up for auction following its closure last June.

The hospital is being featured in an April 18-25 online auction hosted by Tranzon, a real estate auction franchise.

It comprises 203,829 square feet and sits on 5.83 acres, according to the auction description.

Eastern Niagara closed June 17 after it signed an operating agreement in 2019 with Catholic Health when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The health system launched a replacement hospital, Catholic Health Lockport (N.Y.) Memorial Hospital, last October.








Physicians estimate up to 15% of people who try GLP-1s  the popular class of anti-obesity medications that includes drugs that include Ozempic and Wegovy  lose less than 5% of their body weight, The Wall Street Journal reported April 1.

"Non-responders" is a phrase physicians use to describe patients who see little weight loss after trying the drugs. Overall, there is a wide range in how much weight people lose when taking the drugs, and researchers are continuing to study factors behind the variations.

The Journal cited a trial involving patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, that found about 14% of patients lost less than 5% of their body weight and one-third lost less than 10%. Meanwhile, a trial focused on tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Eli LIlly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, demonstrated similar results. Wegovy and Zepbound have been approved by the FDA for weight loss, while Ozempic and Mounajro have been prescribed for that purpose in an off-label fashion.

The fact that some patients drop a significant amount of weight while others lose relatively little does not necessarily come as a surprise to physicians, who say genetics, medical condition and other prescriptions a person is taking could affect how they respond to the drugs.

"There's going to be extreme variability in how people respond," Eduardo Grunvald, MD, an obesity-medicine specialist at UC San Diego Health, told the news outlet.

Genetic testing is one tool that may help identify patients who may not respond to GLP-1s, according to experts. For instance, if someone tests positive for specific genes, a physician may recommend a medication for genetically linked obesity.

Read more of the latest updates on GLP-1s here.
Amy Carrier is no longer president and CEO of Lynchburg, Va.-based Centra Health, which she has led since September 2021.

Richard Tugman  president and CEO of Piedmont Community Health Plan, a Centra subsidiary  will take Ms. Carrier's place on an interim basis, according to a March 28 news release shared with Becker's. Mr. Tugman previously served as Centra's interim CEO in 2021.

Centra's spokesperson and news release did not provide a specific reason for Ms. Carrier's exit. The health system's board chair, Tom Nygaard, MD, told ABC13, "We felt that it was time for the organization to move on. Take a bit of a different direction."

The news comes just two months after Centra filed a lawsuit against its own oncology provider, Lynchburg Hematology-Oncology Clinic, alleging the group's physicians incorrectly documented and coded their work, leading to higher payouts. Centra seeks more than $7.1 million in alleged overpayments.

Lynchburg Hematology-Oncology Clinic has since ended its agreement with Centra and returned to private practice, and Centra is opening its own hematology and oncology clinic April 1.

Ms. Carrier's exit is unrelated to the lawsuit and ensuing community backlash, Dr. Nygaard told the news station.

He also addressed frequent turnover at the organization; since 2011, Centra has had four CEOs.

"Our nurses and our doctors are not commodities. They're not someone you can just hire and fire. They are key to our organization," Dr. Nygaard said. "Those people are constant, our caregivers are constant, and the leadership is what we're changing at this time."
Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said the company is continuing its mission to secure provider status for its pharmacists during a March 28 Walgreens' earning call for the second quarter of 2024.

Securing provider status would allow pharmacists to be reimbursed for providing patients with select services, Mr. Wentworth said.

"These are highly trained, clinical professionals, just five miles or less from most Americans whose scope of practice goes well beyond dispensing medications and includes immunizations, patient counseling, and point of care testing for infectious diseases," he said.

The company saw a nearly $6 billion loss in its second fiscal quarter, mostly attributed to the devaluation of its VillageMD primary care clinic chain investment. It also posted an operating loss of $13.2 billion in Q2, a contrast to the $197 million operating income seen in the same quarter of 2023.

Walgreens kicked off its first dean's advisory council meeting in early March to re-energize and evolve the community pharmacy definition, especially as pharmacy service demand increases as labor shortages continue.

"We are navigating a challenging backdrop, and exploring innovative pathways to boost profitability and growth," Mr. Wentworth said. "We are focused on creating an environment that makes us the practice setting of choice for pharmacists."

One of the company's top priorities is advancing the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacists Services Act in Congress, a spokesperson for Walgreens said in a statement shared with Becker's.

The bill would develop Medicare Part B direct reimbursement mechanisms for needed pharmacy services, including vaccination for common infectious diseases, testing and treatment.
Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health has finalized an agreement with Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare to acquire two California hospitals, effective March 29.

The acquisition includes the two hospitals, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo and Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton, along with their related provider practices and imaging centers, according to a March 29 news release shared with Becker's.

The Sierra Vista hospital now operates as Adventist Health Sierra Vista, and the Twin Cities hospital now operates as Adventist Health Twin Cities.

Adventist and Tenet signed a definitive agreement in late February for Adventist to acquire the hospitals for around $550 million, or after-tax proceeds of approximately $450 million.

Eleze Armstrong will serve as interim CEO of both hospitals, effective March 29. Ms. Armstrong previously served as COO for Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center and most recently was CEO of Twin Cities Community Hospital.

The acquisition will not affect patient care or appointments. Adventist Health will accept all insurance plans, the release said.
Members of the New York State Nurses Association have called off a planned April 2 strike at New York City-based Staten Island University Hospital after reaching a tentative agreement with management on a new labor contract.

The union represents 1,300 workers at the facility, according to an NYSNA news release. SIUH is part of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, a 21-hospital system with more than 85,000 employees total.

Union members announced the tentative deal on March 30, saying that it includes improvements to safe staffing standards as well as stronger safe staffing enforcement.

More specifically, the agreement "adds nurse staffing on units that need help"; includes an expedited process for creating staffing standards in new units; and features wage increases that total 22.12% over three years and include annual pay increases, market adjustment pay, and experience pay, the union said.

The NYSNA plans to release more details about the agreement pending ratification. A ratification vote is slated to begin April 3.

SIUH/Northwell nurse and NYSNA bargaining committee member Elaine Minew, RN, said in a news release, "The safe staffing improvements we won in our tentative agreement make Staten Island a better place to live, work and receive care. Our goal is always to make sure that we have enough nurses at the bedside to provide safe patient care, and our tentative agreement helps us do exactly that by guaranteeing better staffing and more nurses hired where we need them the most."

A spokesperson from SIUH shared the following statement with Becker's: "Staten Island University Hospital is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with NYSNA. From the start of our negotiations, our focus remained on continuing to provide patients with world-class care.

"The agreement provides our valued nurses with market competitive compensation and benefits and ensures a safe, supportive working environment that enables them to provide exceptional care that our patients and community have come to trust."
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- It is of symbolic and historical significance that China won the dispute with Australia at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Australia's anti-dumping measures on steel products imported from China, an expert observed.

"The ruling supports China's consistent positions and safeguards the long-term interests of China's export industry. Additionally, it provides a favorable institutional and discourse environment for China's participation in global governance," said Ding Ru, associate professor at the China University of Political Science and Law.

In response to China's victory in the dispute, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said last week that China believes the ruling is clear and unequivocal, and the discriminatory practice of the Australian side in taking anti-dumping measures against relevant products of Chinese enterprises is wrong.

China lodged a dispute case in June 2021 under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism over Australia's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures against some Chinese steel imports.

The dispute pertains to Australian trade measures imposed or extended on imports of railway wheels, wind towers and stainless steel sinks from China in 2019 and 2020.

The WTO panel's solid legal analysis highlights, for the first time, that Australia's practice of replacing Chinese companies' cost records with third-country cost data is in violation of WTO rules, said Ding.

"The ruling in this case not only marks a victory in an individual case, but will also safeguard the long-term interests of Chinese enterprises as they expand globally," she said.

In addition, the ruling provides an international ruling in favor of Chinese export enterprises when they face other countries' anti-dumping investigations in the future, Ding noted.

She added that the ruling also provides a good legal basis for China to bring other similar cases to the WTO in the future.

Noting that China's resort to WTO dispute settlement reflects that the country firmly supports and safeguards the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, Ding believes that as more WTO members safeguard their legitimate rights through the multilateral system, the international economic and trade order will become more equitable, reasonable and transparent. 
Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health is expanding remote patient monitoring to older adults with chronic illnesses.

The health system is launching the pilot project for value-based care patients from Utah's Salt Lake Valley enrolled in the "house calls" program at Castell, Intermountain's population health arm.

"Intermountain is focused on helping patients live the healthiest lives possible, but for patients with chronic disease, this becomes challenging," said Nathan Starr, DO, medical director for the telehospitalist program at Intermountain Health and home services at Castell, in a March 29 news release. "Frequent hospital visits can be very stressful for patients and families, may contribute to functional decline, and are extremely burdensome to the healthcare system."

The partnership with remote patient monitoring company Sensorum Health aims to keep those patients at home by using passive sensor technology to catch any early warning signs of emerging health issues and then intervening clinically. Intermountain and Sensorum clinical staff will work collaboratively on the project. Program results are expected to be published via white papers in late 2024.
A man was taken into custody by Vermont State Police after assaulting staff and destroying property with a chainsaw at St. Johnsbury-based Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.

State troopers apprehended Tyler Roy, 27, on March 25 in the hospital parking lot "actively assaulting staff," according to a March 31 Vermont State Police news release.

Mr. Roy was taken into custody and is cited to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on April 6.

He was charged with three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer/healthcare worker, simple assault and aggravated disorderly conduct.

Becker's has reached out to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.




CMS has approved HCA Mission Hospital's plan of correction to address a violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act regulators uncovered at the Asheville, N.C., hospital during a visit last November.

In March CMS notified leadership at Mission Hospital that inspectors with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services had uncovered an EMTALA violation during a visit in November. At the time, CMS said Mission had failed to comply with EMTALA standards related to medical screening exams, though no other details were provided. EMTALA is a longstanding federal law that requires Medicare hospitals provide all patients appropriate emergency care, which includes "appropriate medical screening, examination, stabilizing treatment and transfer, if necessary."

CMS has since issued new documents detailing what led to the EMTALA violation, which were obtained by Blue Ridge Public Radio and the Ashville Watchdog. In October, a 66-year-old patient went into cardiac arrest and died about two hours after he presented to the hospital complaining of chest pain, according to the latest CMS documents. According to inspectors, emergency medical services brought the patient to the ED around 6 p.m.

He was transferred from EMS to hospital staff care at 7:07 p.m., more than an hour after his arrival. He went into cardiac arrest just before 8 p.m. and died shortly after, according to regulators, who determined "there was a delay in triage, medical screening and interventions" for the patient. The patient's death is one of four mentioned in CMS' initial report detailing what led to an immediate jeopardy sanction at the hospital in December, which has since been lifted.

Audits of the triage system, nursing staff education and increased patient tracking measures are among the measures outlined in Mission's correction plan for the EMTALA violation. The hospital now has until June 5 to fully implement its correction plan and avert the loss of federal funding, according to federal regulators.

"When the North Carolina State Survey Agency has determined that the noncompliance with EMTALA requirements has been corrected, CMS will withdraw its current termination action," the agency said in a March 26 letter to the hospital's CEO, Chad Patrick, according to the news outlets. "Failure to correct the deficient practice by June 5, 2024, will result in the termination of your Medicare provider agreement."

The June deadline also applies to the immediate jeopardy status. When it was lifted in late February, federal regulators notified the Mission Hospital it had until June 5 to come back into full compliance.

"As we continue to state, we take these matters very seriously and have made significant process changes to improve our patient care experience," Nancy Lindell, a spokesperson for the hospital, told Becker's. "Ongoing measurement of various indicators, including EMS offload times and patient satisfaction, validates what we are hearing from our patients, providers and EMS partners  that our care teams are excellent and significant improvement in emergency care has been recognized."
More than a quarter of Americans haven't contributed a penny to retirement savings accounts. But there are still many cities where they can retire on a budget  specifically in Arkansas, according to a new analysis from GoBankingRates.

The financial services website analyzed the 100 biggest U.S. cities with a large population of adults ages 65 and older. Each city was ranked on a number of factors, including average home value and property tax in 2023; whether the state taxes Social Security benefits; and annual costs for healthcare, groceries and necessities. Sources included the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow and AARP. Read more about the methodology here.

The best cities to retire on a budget were concentrated in Southern states, such as Arkansas and Florida, while the most expensive hugged the East and West Coasts.

Best places to retire with no savings:

1. Foley, Ala.

2. Mountain Home, Ark.

3. Hot Springs Village, Ark.

4. The Villages, Fla.

5. Bella Vista, Ark.

6. Pinehurst, N.C.

7. Green Valley, Ariz.

8. North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

9. Fredericksburg, Texas

10. Punta Gorda, Fla.

Worst places to retire with no savings:

1. Malibu, Calif.

2. Walnut Creek, Calif.

3. Melville, N.Y.

4. Ridge, N.Y.

5. Paradise Valley, Ariz.

6. Key Largo, Fla.

7. Ocean City, N.J.

8. Sonoma, Calif.

9. Palm Springs, Calif.

10. Seal Beach, Calif.
A proposed bill in California that would increase penalties for violence against emergency department workers has passed one body of the state legislature and awaits consideration in another.

Under existing law, simple assault against a physician, nurse or other emergency department healthcare worker is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. The California Medical Association-sponsored bill, AB 977, would make an assault or battery committed against these workers punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding $2,000, or by both.

Assault under the law is defined as "an unlawful attempt, coupled with present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another," and battery is defined as "any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another."

"Currently, assaults that happen to healthcare workers inside an emergency department carry lesser penalties than the very same assaults that happen outside the emergency department," the CMA said in a January news release. "This bill will ensure that healthcare workers are not treated differently simply because they work in a hospital emergency department."

The CMA also cited a 2022 American College of Emergency Physicians poll that found that emergency department violence increased 24% since 2018.

Opponents of the bill have expressed concerns about the potential disproportionate effects the increased penalties could have on patients of color or those with developmental disabilities, and cite penalties violent patients already face under existing California laws, according to a KFF Health News story published April 1 in The Sacramento Bee.

AB 977 has passed the California Assembly and awaits consideration in the California Senate.
The founder of a popular Belfast city centre restaurant is stepping away from the business after struggling to recover lost trade post-pandemic.

While the Mourne Seafood Bar will continue operating as usual under new ownership, Bob McCoubrey, who founded the Mourne Seafood franchise back in 2005, said he was stepping back from it all.

In an interview with the Irish News, Mr McCoubrey said: There was just too much debt. We had no debt pre-Covid. You just dont get a chance to pay it off with the margins so slim.

The Bank Street restaurant, which opened in 2007, announced earlier this year that it would be closing for lunch during weekdays, as hybrid working has meant less footfall from people working in offices.

This comes after soaring energy costs have made it even harder for hospitality businesses to stay afloat.

The eaterys outdoor seating area, set up to allow people to dine out during lockdown restrictions, was also destroyed last summer, causing what Mr McCoubrey estimated to be 15,000 worth of damage.

Mourne Seafood owner Bob McCoubrey

He said: I am stepping back from it all. I just decided to cut my losses and give a new team a go at it.

Those taking over comprises the restaurants management and staff and so customers likely wont notice a difference, Mr McCoubrey said.

He added: The fresh company has a new start and they are going to honour all the gift vouchers. Customers wont be affected and suppliers wont be affected. They have all been paid.

The Mourne Seafood Cookery School will also be unaffected.

The original Mourne Seafood Bar, in Dundrum, Co Down, was taken over by its staff seven years ago.

Now, McCoubreys company, Mourne Seafood Limited, is in the process of being wound up to settle the significant debt that has built up post-pandemic.
Simon Evans, of trade group the Consumer Redress Association, suggested that the scale of those affected has the potential to be on par with PPI (Ben Birchall/PA)

Millions of claims could be lodged by drivers who may have overpaid on their car finance, as the emerging issue has the potential to be on par with the PPI scandal, a consumer compensation expert has said.
Son takes emotional journey to uncover life of proud Mourne man

A documentary on the life of a Co Down man awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War will be broadcast today.

Described by those closest to him as a proud Mourne man, Sgt Major Robert Hill Hanna was born in Kilkeel in 1887 before emigrating to Canada where he worked as a logger and lumberjack.

He then enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force to serve in the war.

Hanna won the VC in August 1917 when he led his men under heavy machine-gun fire to capture a German strongpoint at Lens in France. He was 30 at the time.

The NVTV documentary follows Bob Hanna, Roberts son, on an emotional journey to uncover his fathers early life, his heroism and lasting impact.

Filmed both in Co Down and Canada, the documentary premiered last Thursday with a special screening at Reivers House  the home of the local Ulster Scots Schomberg Society in Kilkeel.

Also featured in the documentary is the unveiling of a statue of Robert Hill Hanna in the Mourne town two years ago  a project spearheaded by the Schomberg Society.

Roberta Heaney, from the Schomberg Society, said it is a real honour for his legacy to live on through the new documentary.

Its really exciting for us; we first got the idea to get a statue in place when we visited Bushmills and saw one dedicated to Robert Quigg VC from there and we thought, we need to get one in Kilkeel for Robert Hill Hanna, she said.

Its great the documentary features the unveiling of the statue as its a very proud moment for us and theres lots of excitement in the local area to have someone from here commemorated in this way.

Roberta said that, even after he emigrated to Canada, he returned to Kilkeel many times and retained close links to here.

He had a close connection with the loyal orders here and retained his membership at Aughnahoory LOL even after he moved to Canada and joined a lodge there, but he kept his membership here to keep those ties with home, she said.

His ancestors were one of the first Ulster Scots founding fathers in Mourne who settled here in the 1600s in Hannas Close, so the family has a long and rich history associated with here, and thats why this is of much interest to us.

His son, Bob, who is in the documentary, also keeps close links with his relatives here and would visit often.

Robert Hill Hannas great niece, Pamela Wallace, still lives in the area and is in regular contact with Bob.

Her husband, Ossie, said that Bob would stay with them when he visits.

Its just amazing now to see a statue of him when we walk through the town of this local man who walked among us here at one stage, said Ossie.

Its great for the family as well still living here to see their cousin or great uncle commemorated this way.

About half a dozen from here were awarded VCs for their contribution in the war but most werent born here and moved to Northern Ireland from elsewhere, but Robert was a Kilkeel man through and through, he added.

He was a very humble man who never thought he had done anything out of the ordinary, which made him all that more admirable.

Simon Wood, the documentarys director, said making the film gave him a fascinating insight into the lives of so many people associated with the First World War from Kilkeel.

I was amazed at the close links that family and community in Kilkeel maintain with the memory of VC Hanna, his brave actions in battle and his life in Canada, he said. My thanks to everyone who contributed to this important film.

Funded by Northern Ireland Screens Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, the documentary debuts tonight at 9.30pm on NVTV (Freeview channel 7 and 159 on Virgin). The documentary will also be available via NVTVs new Ulster-Scots website; ulsterscots.nvtv.co.uk.
The screenshot captured from a video released by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on April 1, 2024 shows rescuers working at the site of a collision between a train and a bus in Yaroslavl region, Russia. Eight people were killed in the collision, said the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on Monday. (Xinhua)

MOSCOW, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were killed in a collision between a train and a bus in the Yaroslavl region, said the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on Monday.

The collision occurred in the village of Berendeevo in the urban district of Pereslavl-Zalessky, the ministry said in its Telegram channel, adding that all eight people on the bus were killed according to preliminary data.

Rescuers and psychologists from the ministry were working at the site, the ministry said. 

The screenshot captured from a video released by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on April 1, 2024 shows rescuers working at the site of a collision between a train and a bus in Yaroslavl region, Russia. Eight people were killed in the collision, said the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on Monday. (Xinhua)
Alf McCarthy began broadcasting with RTE Radio Cork in 1979, where he presented Corkabout for 20 years. He went on to present PM Live with Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy, and was a stand-in for Derek Davis on Live at 3. He produced and directed a huge amount of shows for RTE radio and TV over three decades and was the presenter of RTE Radio 1s Late Date for 10 years.

Alf, who retired from RTE in 2015, is now the MC of the Sunday Songbook show, which will celebrate the music of Burt Bacharach at the Everyman Theatre in Cork on April 7. He lives in the west Cork town of Rosscarbery, from where he presents the Later with Alf music podcast on Mixcloud.

How did your upbringing influence your relationship with money?

I was born in 1950 and my parents were very much of the earlier part of the century.

My mother was influenced by my aunt, who was very Victorian in her thinking, and there was a pride in not asking anyone for anything.

My father was a stonecutter and a musician  and he was doing well until 1957, when a headstone fell on his hand and squashed it.

That was end of the money coming in. If you put something on a plate now, Ill eat all of it, because I hate seeing food go to waste.

When were you most broke?

After I got married, I couldnt even go shopping until the RTE cheque landed in the bank. For years, I was working seven days a week, managing Pizzaland  one of Irelands first pizza restaurants  in Cork, doing radio at RTE, and doing discos at the weekends. I can still remember the ATM saying insufficient funds in your account.

Have you ever seen anyone spend money in a way that shocked you?

For many people these days, money has become a god  and a goal in itself. So when I see the most ridiculous things coming out of the woodwork about RTE now, it just saddens me.

How did having to retire from RTE at 65 affect your financial wellbeing?

Youre never prepared for it. When I joined RTE, I was on rolling contracts and had no pensions rights, which I only got when RTE had to regularise all their workers. So I was halfway through my career when I joined the pension. The work was always the most important thing for me, and with money it was always: Ah, well sort that out later.

My parents never instilled that in me. The frugality, maybe, but not how to use money properly. They sent me to a boarding school that turned out to be a feeder school for Capuchin priests  though I didnt know that at the time.

Would you buy Irish property now?

I dont have the money, so that question doesnt even enter my mind. Im divorced and own half a house!

Do you still carry cash?

I do, for one good reason. Every Friday, I get fish  not out of any religious urge, but because the fish van comes from Union Hall to the carpark of a local garage. And they dont take cards in the fish van!

What was your biggest ever financial mistake?

I took out a private pension and just paid into it every month, assuming it was doing its thing. When RTE put me on a pension, I asked myself: Do I need the other one? But it had lost so much money that there was nothing left. Im an innocent when it comes to money.

Read more Waspi campaign shines light on complex pension system

What was your worst-ever job?

Selling encyclopaedias in Alberta. The snow hit the day after we landed. I was wearing my cotton pants from Cork and was frozen going around knocking on doors. One time there was steam coming off my head when I knocked on a door  my hair was frozen on my head because Id gone out with wet hair.
A Co Down couple were today charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed in the abdomen and had to have part of his bowel removed as a result.
The aftermath of the crash in east Belfast on Saturday. Credit: PSNI Facebook

A woman who collided with three parked cars in east Belfast over the weekend tested as being three times over the legal drink driving limit.

The PSNI shared an image on social media of the damage caused during incident, which happened on Saturday.

Police confirmed the female was arrested and the PSNI are investigating.

In a post on social media, @PSNIBelfastE posted: Yesterday evening Neighbourhood Officers were tasked to attend a report of a vehicle colliding with a parked car.

"On our arrival it was quickly established that the below pictured blue vehicle had collided with 3 separate parked cars, causing significant damage and airbags to deploy.

The female driver appeared agitated and nervous when speaking with police. She subsequently completed a road side breath test, blowing *3 times* the legal driving limit.

"The female was arrested for driving with excess alcohol and a thorough Police investigation is ongoing.

Please let this incident be a further reminder that the consequences of drink driving could be devastating. Drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol may kill or injure not only themselves, but also their passengers or any other road users.
Family speak out after court fines company and council who admitted health and safety failings that killed kind and genuine son during a storm

Matthew Campbells family should have been looking forward to his 30th birthday  instead they are dreading it.

For them, every milestone, anniversary or special occasion brings hurt and sorrow  a painful reminder that their precious son is no longer with them.

The electrical engineer died while working at Slieve Gullion Forest Park outside Newry in September 2018, just months before he was due to get married to his girlfriend Robyn Newberry.

The Glengormley man was killed after being struck by a tree which toppled during a storm. An amber warning has been issued for Storm Ali.

Last week a court case concluded with a local council and Matthews employer fined tens of thousands of pounds.

The 24-year-old was crushed to death by a falling 200-year-old beech tree, dying instantly in what was described in court as a freak accident which could have  and should have  been avoided.

His father, Mark, said it brought some comfort to see those partly responsible for Mr Campbells death fined for their actions and the case brought to court.

A judge fined Newry, Mourne and Down District Council 20,000, while Lagan Construction Ltd was handed a 30,000 fine, for admitting health and safety failings.

Mark Campbell said that, while the family are as happy as we can be with the outcome, an investigation should have been started immediately in the aftermath of his sons death  not a year-and-a-half later.

We have had to fight for this, which we shouldnt have had to do, and while the fines are small, its not about the fines at the end of the day, it was about getting people to stand up in court and admit they had made a mistake and cost the life of our son, he told Belfast Telegraph.

Nobody took our sons death seriously at the time.

The Co Antrim man explained that those in charge of Lagan Construction Ltd were invited into the family home in the days following Matthews death.

They were welcomed like everyone else, but we thought we would at least get an apology from them. Now that may be naivety on my part, but we just thought thats what they should have done, he said.

Mark pointed out that Matthew would have turned 30 on May 1 this year. He said that, nearly six years after his death, the family still dread birthdays and anniversaries.

Just the week before the tragic accident, Matthew and his fiancee, Robyn Newberry, had sent out save the date cards in preparation for their wedding in August 2019, while on the day tragedy struck, Ms Newberry had collected the couples wedding rings.

We dread every big milestone when it comes around, Mark told this newspaper.

Matthew was a good son, he never caused us any hassle; he was kind, genuine and loving and he wore his heart on his sleeve  thats just the way he was.

He was due to be married only 11 months after his death and he hoped to start a family quickly, maybe have three or four kids, but he never got the chance.

You think about these things, you know, what he would have been like now, what the kids would have been like. Its always a recurring thing you go back to and think about all the time.

Instead of Matthew bringing his children to visit his grandparents, we as Matthews family are going to the grave to grieve and visit him, or to Slieve Gullion Forest Park, where he had his last living moment.

Mark with Matthew, his wife Pamela and daughter Ashley

Matthews family  Mark, mum Pamela and sister Ashley  would regularly visit a memorial set up in Slieve Gullion Forest Park where he was killed.

Its not far from where he died and has Matthews photo and some details and we would often lay flowers there and visit it, he said. Local people would also lay flowers and different things and help tend to the area where it is, which is nice to see.

They say time is a healer, but it hasnt been for us; the grieving process is an everyday occurrence for us, but we have just become very adept at hiding it now.

Before I physically couldnt hide it, but we grieve in private now.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, Mark said that words cant describe the devastating effect Matthews sudden and unnecessary death has had on the family.

Also, in the statement, he described this heart-breaking life sentence for us adding that life is just that bit more difficult without Matthew being here.

Mark detailed how family and friends raised 27,000 for the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance in his sons memory through a Mourne Walk challenge and, following his funeral, a further 1,800 was raised for the Macmillan nurses.

Matthew would have been so proud of these achievements in his name, he said, adding that he would like to see some fines imposed by the court to be donated to charities in Matthews honour.

Another statement from Mr Campbells colleague and supervisor Steven McCauley, who also suffered horrific injuries in the incident, recalls the final moments leading up to Matthews death.

It read: The forestry vehicle left and we drove our vehicles and parked outside the gate. One forestry worker remained and closed the gate. He left a pedestrian access space for us at the gate side that was off its hinges. We could not leave straight away as we had a duty to make the site safe first. Thats why they went back into the park.

Judge Ramsey said at the time that passage poignantly demonstrates the sense of duty that this young man had.

Last December, Newry, Mourne and Down District council entered guilty pleas to failing to make appropriate risk assessments for non-employees and employees respectively and to failing to ensure the health and safety of employees and non-employees on September 19, 2018.

On the day that Lagan Construction Ltd was due to go on trial in January, the company pleaded guilty to failing to make a proper risk assessment.

During his sentencing remarks, Judge Ramsey said: I take the view that this monumental tragedy only happened because two independent culpabilities came together to create the situation that led to Matthews death.

The council, in accepting a health and safety breach, confirmed it had received emails from the Met Office regarding weather warnings at the time.

Matthew Campbell was hit by a falling tree

Judge Ramsey said: Its important to note that the storm was expected to increase in strength as time went on, rather than decrease, as some storms often do. On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, the day before the accident [and] three minutes after the previous update, the yellow warning for Wednesday was updated further to amber warning of flying debris, potentially causing risk to life and probable damage to buildings.

The court heard that at the time of Storm Ali, Newry, Mourne and Down council had no written policy in place regarding the opening of Slieve Gullion Forest Park, or other facilities under its control.

When severe weather warnings were issued, the council relied on assessments made by staff at each facility to determine whether it was safe to continue to operate and keep their facilities open during severe adverse weather.

As a result, some facilities in the district were closed, including Warrenpoint Park and Kilbroney Forest Park, but Slieve Gullion Forest Park remained open.

Judge Ramsey continued: On the day of the fatality, a member of the public had already been struck by falling branches and wounded, requiring hospital treatment The defendant council did take the decision to close its Slieve Gullion facility.

The decision was taken piecemeal, with parts of the forest park being closed, before a decision was taken to enclose the entire facility.

After the decision had been taken, the Slieve Gullion Forest Park attendants began to clear the public and members of staff from the park.

Mr Campbell had been working with his colleague at the water service facility within the park and they too were told the park was closing.

They were observed by park attendants leaving in their vehicles but then re-entering the park on foot to make safe the kiosk they had been working on.

It was shortly after they re-entered the park that the fatality occurred.

Lagan Construction Ltd admitted that the risk assessment undertaken was insufficient and it failed to take account of the fact the project was being undertaken in an area populated with mature trees in a forest park setting.

In handing down the fines, Judge Ramsey urged both Lagan Construction Ltd and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to also make a voluntary donation to a charity of the Campbell familys choosing.
Police in Newtownabbey have highlighted and condemned graffiti in the area which relates to Gaza and the IRA.

Free Gaza was scrawled on the Gideons Green memorial stone which recognise the European Army that landed in Ireland with William of Orange in 1690 near the site.

It honours the work of Gideon Bonnivert, whose diary containing accounts of the landing can be found at the British Museum in London.

IRA and Free Gaza was also spray painted in other areas including signs and a park bench.

The PSNI said: In recent weeks we have had several reports of graffiti to both Council and private property between Loughshore Park and Gideon's Green in Newtownabbey.

This is completely unacceptable.

If you are in this area, please be mindful of any suspicious behaviour and advise police in the first instance.

IRA graffiti.

Protests have taken place across Northern Ireland since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 of last year killing more than 1,160 people.

Since then Israels bombardment of Gaza has seen over 30,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza.

Thousands more Gazans are buried beneath rubble and more than 75,000 are reported as injured.

Parliamentary pressure is building on the UK government to ban arms sales to Israel, after Israel ignored a UN security council resolution calling on all sides to commit to a ceasefire.

A letter signed by more than 130 parliamentarians to the foreign secretary, David Cameron, highlights action taken by other countries, most recently Canada, which last week announced it would halt all arms exports to Israel.

The letter, coordinated by the Labour MP Zarah Sultana, was signed by 107 MPs and 27 peers.

It has since been claimed by a senior Tory MP that the UK government has been given legal advice that Israel "has broken humanitarian law" but has not announced it.

Under international law, countries must deny the exports of arms if there is an overriding risk that weapons could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of humanitarian law, human rights law, or other serious crimes.

Alicia Kearns, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, has claimed government lawyers have told the UK that Israel is not complying with its international commitments, but has not disclosed this and continues arms exports.

Police in Newtownabbey asked if anyone can assist them in their enquiries they should contact the non-emergency 101 number.
Parades Commission received partial notification of gathering for first time this yearForm lodged did not include parade from Creggan shops as police drone warns of illegal processionPSNI confirm investigation underway into unnotified section of Easter Monday parade

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Video footage shows the moment a petrol bomb was thrown at a member of the media after an Easter Monday commemoration event in Derrys Creggan area.

Images shared with the Belfast Telegraph show one of the petrol bombs landing close to where journalists and photographers were gathered and earlier reports suggested a number of bottles were also thrown at the media.

Another video of the attacks shows a man running away as three youths  one holding an ignited petrol bomb  chase him down before throwing the bomb at his feet.

Police have said those involved in throwing petrol bombs have now dispersed.

Meanwhile, Ulsterbus said services to the Creggan area have been suspended for the rest of the day.

A police helicopter flew overhead the dissident parade and a drone warned those in attendance that it was an illegal procession.

The PSNI also warned drivers to avoid the Central Drive area and the surrounding area in Creggan due to the presence of a number of people with petrol bombs and confirmed a van had been set alight.

It is understood the police helicopter has also been tasked to the incident and a fire engine forced to turn back after a fire was lit across the road in the area.

"The NIFRS were mobilised just before 7.30pm to attend a report of rubbish being on fire across the road in Creggan Heights, said a spokesperson.

"A number of missiles were thrown at the appliance. No damage was sustained. The appliance then turned back and left the area. Police are now on the scene.

Watch: Shocking moment a petrol bomb is thrown at a journalist in Derry

Police said they were aware of social media commentary regarding the incident and appealed to any journalist attacked to report it to police.

Writing on social media, UUP leader Doug Beattie wrote: Embarrassing, dangerous and completely pointless.

Designed to raise tensions but will achieve absolutely nothing. A minority of nobodies.

National Union of Journalists (NUJ) General Secretary Seamus Dooley said the attacks were unacceptable.

"This was a public commemoration. Photographers and reporters are entitled to report on such events without without threat or intimidation, he said.

"The targeting of the media is this way is unacceptable and has no place in a democratic society. It is fortunate that there were not more serious injuries.

"Those responsible have no respect for the people of Derry and do not reflect the views of the vast majority of people across Northern Ireland. The NUJ extends support and solidarity to the journalists covering the commemoration.

Alliance leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long said the violence had no place in any community at any time.

"In at least some cases, these are children. This is grooming and exploitation, she posted on X.

Foyle MP and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the disturbance was the last thing the community wants or needs.

"The kids being whipped up into throwing petrol bombs at journalists and the police are putting their own lives and futures at risk as well as the safety of others.

Those responsible for this only want to drag us back. They have nothing to offer the people of this city and they need to understand that we all want a better future.

"The people of Derry want to live in peace with their neighbours. We wont have that peace threatened by anyone, let alone cowards that send kids out to throw petrol bombs.

UUP group leader on Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ald Darren Guy, has appealed to parents to be aware of where there children are.

"This afternoon we have again witnessed how local IRA criminals will use young kids in an attempt to draw in PSNI units to Creggan, to attack them with bricks and petrol bombs, by destroying their own area as bait, he said.

"These kids will achieve nothing other than a criminal record and diminish any future chances they have in life, all because bully boy criminals have used coercive control, to have them carry out their sinister fantasies, which amounts to nothing more than child criminal exploitation.

"I would appeal to all parents to know where their kids are and question them as to what they've been up to.

Derry City and Strabane area commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said despite a number of warnings to make the parades participants aware they were taking part in an illegal procession, they proceeded to the City Cemetery.

Sadly, we saw evidence of petrol bombs being prepared by young people prior to the parade, she said. "These youths were also involved in the parade along Central Drive.

"It is our assessment these would have been used to attack police had the opportunity arose.

"Its incredibly sad, and really disheartening to see young people, including children, involved in this.

"Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality is reprehensible.

A local persons van was set on fire for no reason, just next to a local community hall on Central Drive in Creggan, while a number of petrol bombs were also thrown in the area.

Chief Superintendent Kearney said the PSNI has now launched an investigation into the parade, as well as the other incidents which unfolded.

Earlier, the event organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery.

There was a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

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Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against the then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

A form was lodged with the Parades Commission for part of the Easter Monday commemoration event.

Sources in the area believed it was a positive development that a form had been lodged with the Parades Commission for the first time in relation to the dissident republican parade at the City Cemetery.

However, the form was only in relation to that part of the event at the City Cemetery and did not include a parade from Creggan shops.

The form was submitted by the Creggan Easter Committee over the weekend.

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The Parades Commission confirmed it had been submitted, but said the form had been lodged late. Therefore, it was not registered on the Parades Commission website.

A spokesperson for the Parades Commission said: The Commission received a notification from the Creggan Easter Committee for an event at Creggan cemetery on Easter Monday.

Notifications should normally be received 28 days in advance.

Watch: Petrol bombs thrown at media during dissident parade in Derry

Posters which appeared in the area ahead of the event told people to assemble at 2pm and to wear your Easter lily with pride.

It had been suggested that if there was a heavy police presence, it would be like a red rag to a bull for some young people who live in Creggan.

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Ahead of the parade, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the PSNI should be aware of attempts to provoke a response.

He believed it was best for police officers to serve any required notice and withdraw from the area.

Easter lily signs, an INLA sign and an Eistigi flag  the youth wing of Irish republican group Saoradh  are some of the symbols which mark the short route from Creggan shops to the City Cemetery.

An IRA sign also leans against a sculpture which sits atop a roundabout outside the grounds of St Marys chapel and depicts five young people dancing in a group.

The statue is just one example of how local people have tried to install uplifting artworks in the Creggan community over recent years.
A colour party prepares to start their Easter Monday parade through the Creggan area of Londonderry, commemorating the anniversary of the Easter Rising Rebellion of 1916 (Liam McBurney/PA)

The public has been urged to avoid the Creggan area of Londonderry after petrol bombs were thrown at members of the media following a dissident march to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Police have also said that a van has been set on fire following the event.

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery.

Two young men, one carrying a petrol bomb, stand next to an IRA sign in Creggan as a parade commemorating the anniversary of the Easter Rising takes place (Liam McBurney/PA)

There was a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

A police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings, and a drone issued a warning to those assembled that it was an unnotified parade.

A group of young men carrying crates of petrol bombs at the start of the parade (Liam McBurney/PA)

A number of young people with masks covering their faces attended the parade carrying crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry.

Media came under attack following the march, with a number of petrol bombs thrown.

A PSNI spokesperson said: We would ask drivers to avoid Central Drive and the surrounding area in Creggan where there are a number of people with petrol bombs in the area, and a van has been set on fire.

In terms of the attacks on media, a PSNI spokesperson said: Police are aware of commentary on social media in relation to petrol bombs being thrown at media in Creggan this afternoon.

Footage obtained will be reviewed. We would appeal to any journalist who was attacked, or anyone who witnessed any attack or who captured footage to report it to police on 101 or make a report online at www.psni.police.uk/report.

A colour party arrive at the City Cemetery in Londonderry after the parade (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police on the ground were attacked at the same event last year with petrol bombs and other missiles.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against the then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

Most parades were lawful and passed without incident.
Ongoing work at Milltown Cemetery dredging up pain and must be stopped says Alliance MLA

Work is underway on land reclaimed from Ulster Wildlife in 2009.

Nuala McAllister MLA

Liam Tunney Mon 1 Apr 2024 at 17:35







An Alliance MLA who believes her stillborn siblings are buried in a west Belfast cemetery has appealed for a halt to ongoing construction at the site.
Christians suspect a Muslim who vowed to keep them from celebrating Easter was behind a fire allegedly set to their church building on Saturday (March 30) in Rawalpindi District, Pakistan.

The Rev. Adeem Alphonse of the United Presbyterian Junior Church in Gujar Khan tehsil said the fire in the pre-dawn hours burned everything inside his churchs building.

Our church was targeted around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Pastor Alphonse said. The huge fire burned everything inside the church, including holy books, the sound system, furniture and curtains, etc. We strongly suspect that its a case of arson, but the police and administration are trying to hush up the matter by terming it an outcome of a short-circuit in the electricity wiring.

The congregation suspects a Muslim businessman, identified only as Sheikh Ahmed, who publicly threatened that he would not let them hold an Easter service, as he has been trying to force them to leave in order to add the property to an adjacent plaza he is developing, Pastor Alphonse said.

Ahmed disrupted the churchs Good Friday service when he tried to tear down tent coverings set up outside the building, the pastor said.

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When the police stopped Ahmed from causing unrest, he threatened our church elders that he will not let us have Easter service at any cost, Pastor Alphonse told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. We resumed our Good Friday service thinking that the police would talk sense into him, but I was shocked when I received a telephone call the same night that my church was burning.

Ahmed, who previously ran a construction supply company, has long had an eye on the property that the church leases from the government, he said.

When I reached the church, firefighters were engaged in dousing the fire while a huge police contingent was also present there, said the pastor, who lives in Rawalpindi, 55 kilometers (34 miles) from the church site.

A Muslim pharmacy owner who saw the flames had called the firefighters, he said. After they had doused the fire, the pastor and some church elders noticed it had started from the wooden door of the main church hall.

Everything inside was reduced to ashes, Pastor Alphonse said. When we checked the electricity wiring, we did not see any signs of a short-circuit.

Church elder Javed Masih filed a police complaint naming Ahmed as a suspect, but officers failed to include Ahmeds name in the First Information Report (FIR), which claimed the fire was caused by short-circuit, he said.

City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani said in a press statement that the fire was caused by a short circuit. Investigations were continuing, and police will release a final report after a detailed forensic examination, he said.

Police attempts to favor Ahmed triggered a protest by Christians who demanded a transparent investigation.

Pastor Alphonses church has 265 members, most of them poor, he said.

Despite their meager resources, the congregation pooled funds and recently installed a new ceiling in the hall and bought a sound system, which have now been gutted by the fire, he said.

His congregation initially sought to hold their Easter service in the street to register their protest against police inaction, but relented after Gujar Khan Assistant Commissioner Murad Hussain Nekokara assured them the incident would be fairly investigated.

We held our Easter service in the basement hall of the Jinnah Hotel, Pastor Alphonse said. They were initially reluctant to give us the hall due to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan but eventually agreed. Though we were able to have our Easter service, our hearts are deeply saddened by the destruction of our church, and we want justice from the government.

Adeel Rehmat, senior leader of the Presbyterian church and Chief Executive Officer of development organization Pak Mission Society, said the incident shocked Christians across Pakistan.

Many Christians celebrated Easter with somber hearts, Rehmat told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. We are still reeling from the memory of the Jaranwala attacks, and now this incident has caused us pain on such an auspicious occasion. The administration and police must consider the just demand of the church management and ensure that the perpetrators, if any, are brought to justice no matter how influential they may be.

Pastor Alphonse said the church building on the main Grand Trunk Highway has been serving local Christians since the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

The building was previously used as a Hindu temple, but the Pakistani government allocated the building to Christians after the Partition, when the areas Hindu community chose to migrate to India, he said.

He was appointed pastor of the church eight years ago, after the death of his father, who had led the church for more than 22 years.

The property is owned by the Auqaf Department of the Punjab government, and it has been allotted to us on rental basis, he said.

On Aug. 16, more than 20 church buildings and at least 80 homes of Christians were ransacked and burned by Muslim mobs in Jaranwala after two Christian brothers were falsely accused of desecrating the Quran and writing blasphemous comments against Islams prophet, Muhammad.

Police detained more than 300 suspects after the attacks, but a majority of them have walked free on bail due to defective investigations and other reasons, source said.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.
The people of Longford will be saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of a young life, someone who has made a life for herself in New York

An Irish woman killed following an alleged stabbing inside a New York bar last night has been named locally as 41-year-old Sarah McNally from Longford town.

Ms McNally was killed after allegedly being attacked inside the doors of The Ceili House pub on Grand Avenue in Maspeth, Queens, on Saturday evening at around 6.30pm.

According to US sources, New York Police responded to a 911 call at around 6.35pm in relation to an assault where they found the Longford woman with a stab wound to her neck and a man with a stab wound to his back and neck.

Both were taken to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition by EMS with the woman later passing away from her injuries, police said.

The mans age was not immediately known and no arrests have yet been made as police detectives continue to investigate the incident.

Ms McNally originally hailed from Longford town before emigrating to the US a number of years ago.

It is understood she has been resident in New York for much of that time and had been working in the local hospitality sector.

News of her passing back home has been met with widespread shock and dismay.

Local councillor Seamus Butler said details surrounding the tragedy had left the local community of Longford town in a state of numbed disbelief.

"She was Longford born and she was a former pupil of Scoil Mhuire in Longford where my wife actually taught her, he said.

"Obviously the NYPD have to do their job and find out what happened but it is really shocking. All we can do is just pray for her family hopefully her remains can be repatriated.

They were sentiments which were shared by Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Monaghan.

The people of Longford will be saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of a young life, someone who has made a life for herself in New York.

For such a young life to be so tragically ended in such violent circumstances, our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in the Queens area of New York that new her and her mother and father in Longford as well as her extended family.

Speaking again this morning on RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland programme, Cllr Monaghan said the death of Sarah McNally in New York has left the town of Longford in a state of shock.

As family, friends and neighbours attempt to come to terms with the loss of such a young life. Sarah would have been 41 years of age and moved to New York 10 years ago, he said.

He told Morning Ireland that she would have been an integral part of Longford life before that, having worked in bars in the town.

Her mother and her father would be Longford-based in a small tight-knit community here in Longford.

"The OConnors and McNallys would be really decent Longford people.

It comes as a huge shock to the family to get this news over a Bank Holiday weekend," he said.

He described the nature of her death following an alleged stabbing in a bar as very cruel, adding that a tragedy abroad makes things an awful lot worse than it would be at home with the distance.

Cllr Monaghan offered his thoughts and prayers to Ms McNallys parents.

I have no doubt that the vast Longford community in New York and we have a huge community in the area will do their utmost to support the family at this difficult time, he added.
Paul Quinn's parents Stephen and Breege Quinn at their son's graveside. Picture by Liam McBurney

A grieving mother has criticised the placing of Irish tricolours on lampposts beneath posters of her murdered son.

Breege Quinn spoke out after the flags were erected on lampposts in the Crossmaglen area of south Armagh recently.

She said her family have been hurt enough.

Her son Paul Quinn (21) was lured to a farm shed in the Tullyvanus area of Co Monaghan and beaten to death by a gang of around a dozen men armed with iron bars and nail-studded cudgels on October 20, 2007.

He was beaten so badly that every major bone in his body was broken.

Paul Quinns family have always maintained that the IRA carried out the savage murder, but Sinn Fein has consistently denied the IRA was involved.

In November 2007 the International Monitoring Commission (IMC) said current and former members of the IRA may have taken part in the killing.

While there have been many arrests in connection with the crime, no one has been charged to date.

In the years that followed the killing, posters bearing Pauls image have been erected on lampposts in the Crossmaglen area, with the words: Is Paul Quinns murder on your conscience?

In the run-up to Easter, Irish flags have been placed on lampposts below the Quinn posters.

The Irish flag beneath a poster of murder victim Paul Quinn in south Armagh

Breege Quinn alleged this was done by Sinn Fein members and it only rubs salt into our familys wounds, which are still raw more than 16 years on from her sons murder.

This has been going on since Paul was murdered, she said.

Every year these flags get put up and every year we ask local Sinn Fein people not to put them on lampposts with Pauls poster, but still it happens. Theres plenty of other lampposts in Crossmaglen that they could put these flags up on.

They stopped a while back for a year, but it started right back up again and these flags have been put up on the lampposts recently. Its pure intimidation to us and disgusting. We know the people who put them up and they know us and how we feel about it  its pure spite.

Weve been hurt enough and just want this to stop.

Read more Shankill bomber Sean Kelly pictured at parade attended by Sinn Fein MLAs

Sinn Fein has been contacted for comment.

The Quinn family allege Paul was murdered after getting into a dispute with senior IRA figures in the south Armagh area.

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy, who represents Newry and Armagh, was heavily criticised for comments he made in a TV interview in the aftermath of the killing in which he branded Paul Quinn a smuggler and a criminal.

He later denied making the remarks, but then admitted to doing so after the tape of the BBC interview was unearthed.

In February 2020 he publicly apologised for his comments.

I have consistently and unreservedly condemned the murder of Paul Quinn, he said.

Those who murdered him are criminals and need to be brought to justice.

He added: I repeat my call on anyone with any information on his murder to bring it to the Gardai or the PSNI.

I very much regret comments I made in the aftermath of Pauls murder which have added to the grief felt by the Quinn family. I apologise for those remarks and I unreservedly withdraw them.
Labour plans to axe all hereditary peers from the House of Lords, reports have suggested.

But the 92 hereditary lords who sit in Parliaments upper chamber would still be allowed to retain their access to the Palace of Westminster as a sweetener, the Financial Times has reported.

This would allow them to still enjoy access to Parliaments bars and subsidised restaurants.

Labour has previously vowed to abolish the unelected upper chamber of Parliament, with Sir Keir Starmer having branded it undemocratic.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Constitutional reforms championed by the partys former prime minister Gordon Brown called for the Lords to be replaced with an elected chamber representative of the UKs nations and regions, and won the backing of the current Labour leadership.

But in recent months the party has suggested it would delay its plans for reforming the upper chamber if it were elected to Government in order to prioritise other measures.

Now the party appears to have committed to some reform according to the FT, which reports Labour would act swiftly to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit in Lords.

The reforms, which it is understood are not finalised, would bring an end to the system of aristocratic families who have inherited their peerages holding elections among their numbers to join Parliaments revising chamber.

Like all peers, the hereditary lords can claim a daily 342 attendance allowance.

There are more than 800 members of the House of Lords, with 92 seats set aside for hereditary peers since the last time the chamber faced reforms under the Blair government.

The number of hereditary peers who can sit in the Lords was limited in 1999, after Sir Tony trimmed more than 600 of their colleagues from the chamber.

The move could also be politically beneficial for Labour, as the majority of the hereditary peers, 47, are Conservative, while only four have the Labour whip.

A Labour spokesperson said: Labour will abolish the House of Lords to ensure the UKs second chamber better reflect our regions and nations. An incoming Labour government will inherit a mess and need to prioritise.

The first term will take steps toward significant reform of the chamber.
Alex Murdaugh cries as he speaks to the court during his sentencing ((Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier/AP)

For maybe the last time, Alex Murdaugh, in a prison jumpsuit instead of the suit he used to wear, shuffled into a court on Monday in the US and was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.

Murdaugh, 55, was punished, this time in federal court in South Carolina, for stealing from clients and his law firm.

The disbarred lawyer is already serving a life sentence without parole in a state prison for killing his wife and son.

A report by federal agents recommended a prison sentence between 17 and a half years and just under 22 years.

The 40-year sentence will be insurance on top of insurance.

Along with the life sentence, Murdaugh pleaded guilty and was ordered to spend 27 years in prison in state court on financial crime charges.

The federal sentence will run at the same time as his state prison term and he is likely to have to serve all 40 years if his murder convictions are overturned on appeal.

Alex Murdaugh is already serving a life sentence without parole in a state prison for killing his wife and son (Tracy Glantz/The State/AP)

US District Judge Richard Gergel said he sentenced Murdaugh to a harsher punishment than suggested because Murdaugh stole from the most needy, vulnerable people, like a client who became a quadriplegic after a crash, a state trooper who was injured on the job, and a trust fund meant for children whose parents were killed in a crash.

They placed all their problems and all their hopes on Mr Murdaugh and it is from those people he abused and stole. It is a difficult set of actions to understand, Judge Gergel said.

The 22 federal counts are the final charges outstanding for Murdaugh, who three years ago was an established lawyer negotiating multimillion-dollar settlements in tiny Hampton County, where members of his family were elected prosecutors and ran the areas premier law firm for nearly a century.

Murdaugh will also have to pay nearly nine million dollars (7 million) in compensation.

Prosecutors are asking for a harsher sentence because FBI agents think he is not telling the whole truth about what happened to six million dollars (4.7 millions) he stole and whether a so-far unnamed lawyer helped his criminal schemes.

Murdaughs largest scheme involved the sons of his longtime housekeeper Gloria Satterfield.

She died in a fall at the family home. Murdaugh promised to take care of Ms Satterfields family, then worked with a lawyer friend who pleaded guilty to a scheme to steal four million dollars (3 million) in a wrongful death settlement with the familys insurer.

In all, Murdaugh took settlement money from or inflated fees or expenses for more than two dozen clients. Prosecutors said the FBI found 11 more victims than the state investigation found.

Murdaugh again apologised to his victims at his sentencing on Monday, saying he felt guilt, sorrow, shame, embarrassment, humiliation.

Just as at his state sentencing, Murdaugh offered to meet whis victims so they can say what they want to say and more closely inspect my sincerity.

Theres not enough time and I dont possess a sufficient vocabulary to adequately portray to you in words the magnitude of how I feel about the things I did, Murdaugh said.

Murdaugh blamed nearly two decades of addiction to opioids for his crimes and said he was proud he has been clean for 937 days.

Judge Gergel scoffed at him blaming drugs.

No truly impaired person could pull off these complex transactions, the judge said of the maze of fake accounts, juggled cheques and money passed from one place to another to hide the thefts for nearly 20 years.

Murdaugh was convicted a year ago of killing his younger son Paul with a shotgun and his wife, Maggie, with a rifle.

While he has pleaded guilty to dozens of financial crimes, he adamantly denies he killed them and gave evidence in his own defence. There will be years of appeals in the murder cases.

The case has captivated true crime fans, spawning dozens of podcast episodes and thousands of social media posts. It continued its odd twists in the days before Mondays sentencing hearing.

Lawyers for Murdaugh said an FBI agent who conducted a polygraph test asked Murdaugh if he could keep a secret, then confided he had just examined notorious Dutch killer Joran van der Sloot.

Murdaugh failed that polygraph test, according to prosecutors who want a harsher sentence.

Each of the 22 counts to which Murdaugh pleaded guilty in federal court carried a minimum of 20 years in prison. Some carry a 30-year maximum.

The defence said the alleged odd behaviour and unusual questions from a FBI agent caused Murdaugh to fail the test.

Prosecutors want to keep many of the FBI statements secret, saying they are still investigating the missing money and who might have helped Murdaugh to steal it.

They say making the information public would jeopardise an ongoing grand jury investigation.
Japans imperial family has made an Instagram debut with a barrage of posts, hoping to shake off their reclusive image and reach out to younger people on social media.

The Imperial Household Agency, a government agency in charge of the familys affairs, posted 60 photos and five videos showing Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masakos public appearances over the past three months.

The agency said they wanted the public to have a better understanding of the familys official duties and that Instagram was chosen because of its popularity among young people.

By Monday evening, their verified account Kunaicho_jp had more than 270,000 followers.

Other posts included the imperial couples meetings with foreign dignitaries, including Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and his wife.

A video of Naruhito addressing well-wishers during his February 23 birthday celebrations garnered over 21,000 views in less than a day.

So far, the images are limited to the familys official duties and do not include private or candid moments. The agency said it was considering adding activities of other royal members.

Its nice we get to see a bit of their activities because we hardly know what they are doing, said Koki Yoneura, a 21-year-old student. Its good that they seem to be a bit closer to us.

Yukino Yoshiura, also a student, said she was excited to see more posts about Princess Aiko.

Aiko-sama is close to our age and just graduated from university, so Im very happy to be able to see her images, she said while calling the princess with the respectful honorific sama.

However, both said they did not plan on following the royal familys Instagram account.

The Japanese imperial familys social media debut comes 15 years after Britains royal family joined X, formerly Twitter, in 2009.

I actually assumed they already had one. So I am surprised its just now that they are making one, said Daniela Kuthy, an American student. She said the content seemed very PR-clean but that was not necessarily a negative thing.

Naruhitos father Emperor Emeritus Akihito  who abdicated the throne in 2019  and his wife were popular during their time but currently the royal familys fans largely belong to older generations.

The agency became cautious after the Emperors niece Mako Komuro and her commoner husband faced a severe backlash on social media and in tabloids following concerns over her mother-in-laws financial situation, causing her marriage to be delayed.

The former princess said, at the time, she suffered psychological trauma because of the media bashing, including from those online.

Experts say social media could help bring the royal family closer to the people and give the agency the ability to control the narrative and respond to disinformation.

The account does not follow anyone nor interact with the public. Users cannot comment on posts and can only press the like button.

Those who want to send messages to the imperial family have to use the official website.
Emergency services at the building in Damascus (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

An Israeli airstrike that demolished Irans consulate in Syria killed two Iranian generals and five officers, Syrian and Iranian officials said on Monday.

The strike appeared to signify an escalation of Israels targeting of Iranian military officials and their allies in Syria, which had already intensified after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants, who receive money and weapons from Iran.

Clashes have also increased since then between Israel and Hezbollah, another militant group supported by Iran, along Israels northern border with Lebanon.

Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment on the latest attack in Syria.

The attack in Syria killed General Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016, according to Irans Revolutionary Guard.

Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

It also killed Zahdis deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, and five other officers.

A member of Hezbollah, Hussein Youssef, also was killed in the attack, a spokesperson for the militant group told The Associated Press.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is based in Britain, said two Syrians were killed in the attack.

While Irans consular building was levelled in the attack, according to Syrias state news agency, Sana, its main embassy building remained intact.

Irans ambassador, Hossein Akbari, condemned Israel and said as many as seven people were killed.

Emergency crews were still searching for bodies under the rubble. Akbari said two police officers who guard the building were wounded.

He vowed revenge for the strike at the same magnitude and harshness.

Emergency services at the destroyed building (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

The chief spokesman for Israels army, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said on Monday that a drone attack on a naval base in southern Israel early in the day was directed by Iran.

There were no injuries and only minor damage to a building, the army said.

The Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which is also backed by Iran, accused Israel of seeking to widen the conflict in Gaza.

Syrias foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, said several people were killed, and in a phone call with his counterpart in Iran, he condemned Israel.

A spokesman for Irans foreign ministry, Nasser Kanaani, called on other countries to condemn the strike.

Iranian state television said the Iranian ambassadors residence was inside the consular building, which stood next to the embassy. The main embassy remained intact.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.

Such airstrikes have escalated in recent months against the backdrop of Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and ongoing clashes between Israels military and Hezbollah on the Lebanon-Israel border.

Though it rarely acknowledges its actions in Syria, Israel has said it targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups such as Lebanons Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assads forces.

An Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighbourhood in December killed a longtime adviser of the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in Syria, Seyed Razi Mousavi.

A similar strike on a building in Damascus in January killed at least five Iranian advisers.

Last week, airstrikes over the strategic eastern Syrian province of Deir el-Zour near the Iraqi border killed an Iranian adviser.
Hope and Faith The Ballyclare child with one of the worlds rarest conditions

Theres no information online, no support groups, and only four known cases in the world. Here, her mum Rachael on living with the uncertainty while praying for a better future

Faith with her princess dolls

Jade Beecroft Mon 1 Apr 2024 at 11:00







Mum-of-two Rachael Duff often calls her daughter Faith one in a million  but actually shes closer to being one in eight billion.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shakes hands with Maj. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, the new head of the Philippine National Police, during an induction ceremony at PNP headquarters in Quezon City, Philippines, April 1, 2024.

The Philippines new police chief pledged to be accountable and transparent in fighting crime and leading the 230,000-strong national force, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inducted him into the post Monday.

Maj. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil becomes the third chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to serve under Marcos since the president took office in mid-2022. Marbil, a 1991 graduate of the elite Philippine Military Academy, replaces police Gen. Benjamin Acorda, who officially retired on Monday.

We need officers who recognize that it is simply not enough to act decisively, relentlessly, and fast in the war against crime, but that there must also be accountability and transparency on our end, Marbil said during his induction speech at PNP headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Acordas tenure was uneventful and came as the PNP was dealing with accusations from human rights groups that the police were guilty of abuses tied to ex-President Rodrigo Dutertes controversial war on illegal drugs.

The crackdown on narcotics has continued under the Marcos administration, but while some shootouts have occurred, extrajudical killings no longer are being recorded every day. Marcos has publicly stated that the drug war would focus on rehabilitating people instead of pursuing Dutertes scorched earth approach.

Marcos, who swore in Marbil on Monday, made no reference to the drug war, but assured the new police chief of his full support as you begin to champion a police force that is pro-God, pro-country, pro-people, pro-environment.

With Police General Marbil as our 30th PNP chief, I enjoin everyone to face the coming days with even greater fervor, determination, and optimism to achieve our goals and aspirations for the nation, Marcos said.

Police officers in full battle gear patrol the streets of Manila during the COVID-19 pandemic, April 23, 2020. [Basilio Sepe/BenarNews file photo]

Marcos is under pressure from human rights groups to allow International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators into the country to carry out an investigation into Dutertes drug war.

It left some 8,000 suspected drug dealers and addicts dead during his six-year term (2016-22), according to statistics kept by Philippine authorities. Rights groups say that number is understated and could be three times higher.

A former regional police director for Eastern Visayas in the central Philippines, Marbil, 55, was born in Manila on Feb. 7, 1969. He formerly served as head of the countrys Highway Patrol Group (HPG).

His term will end next year after he turns 56  the mandatory retirement age in the force. Among his previous postings was as the provincial police chief of Agusan del Norte in the south, an area where communist rebels and Muslim militants operate.

Marbil, however, did not mention how he would handle active-duty police officers who had been involved in the drug war under Duterte.

In his speech on Monday, he assured the public that his command would deliver quality leadership to improve public trust.

He said he would expand our ability to uphold the law, maintain order, and fight local and transnational crimes in all forms and manifestations.

To this end, we commit to utilizing the best and innovative practices in law enforcement, he said.

The force would focus on increased community satisfaction in our work as a key benchmark of our progress, Marbil said.

Duterte, 79, is facing two complaints at the ICC. One was filed by a former police officer, a self-styled assassin who accused Duterte of ordering the deaths of opponents and criminals when Duterte served as mayor of southern Davao city.

The second was filed by relatives of people killed during Dutertes anti-drug campaign while he served as president.

In 2021, an investigation by the justice department said that in many cases, police officers involved in the killings did not follow protocol and could be prosecuted. Four police officers have been convicted of murder linked to drug-war killings.

I will kill you

Last week, Dutertes son, Sebastian Duterte, who is the current mayor of Davao City in the south, echoed his fathers past words by sending a warning to drug addicts and pushers.

I repeat, if you dont leave the city, if you dont stop drug peddling, I will kill you, Sebastian Duterte said. I cant afford that the family, the communities would be destroyed just because of your selfish venture. You just want to get rich by selling drugs, then you harm other people because of your greediness, then I will kill you.

The mayor, whose older sister, Sara Duterte, is the countrys vice president, said that drugs ironically remained a problem in Davao, despite his fathers tough approach against illegal drugs.

Carlos Conde, a senior Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch, said they were deeply concerned with the declaration by Dutertes son, saying it would only worsen an already dire human rights situation in Davao.

Needless to say, and as we have seen during the time of his father Rodrigo as president, the drug war has been catastrophic particularly for poor Filipinos often targeted by the authorities in bloody drug raids, Conde has said.

Basilio Sepe and Gerard Carreon contributed reporting from Manila.
In a significant turn of events, the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan (PCP) has emerged from years of division and legal battles to reunite its fractured ranks, raising hope for a stronger, more cohesive denomination.

The PCP split into three major factions in 2018 after an internal strife primarily over the extension of the moderators tenure, sources in the PCP said.

Then-moderator Reverend Dr Majeed Abels push for a five-year term instead of the constitutional three years was the leading cause of the bitter split in the PCP, a Presbyterian pastor told Christian Daily International on the condition of anonymity.

He added that three factions emerged after the division and each group elected its office-bearers in the following years.

The groups led by Rev Dr Abel, Rev Javel Gill and Rev Reuben Qamar engaged in legal battles, with each group claiming to be the rightful PCP. This confrontation left the church wounded and its witness compromised, the source said.

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A path to healing: bridging differences

After years of prayer, soul-searching and backchannel dialogues, the three factions finally announced on March 25 that they have chosen unity over discord.

It is shared with joy that the Presbyterian Church of Pakistans different factions have principally agreed to unite. In subsequent meetings peace related matters will be resolved amicably. God willing related issues will be resolved and by the end of the year or before a joint house will take place, Rev Abel wrote in a Facebook post after a meeting with leaders of the other groups.

Expressing hope for a renewed sense of purpose, Rev Abel told Christian Daily International that the PCP leaders realized that their differences could not be allowed to overshadow their shared commitment to Christ.

Our calling is to proclaim Christs love and serve our communities. Divisions hinder that mission while our unity is a testimony to His grace, he said, citing Psalm 133:1, How good and pleasant it is when Gods people live together in unity!

Dr Abel, whos currently the executive secretary of his PCP group, said the three factions had resolved to withdraw court cases filed against each other and to form a joint committee to take the reconciliation process forward.

Weve decided to form a 9-member committee headed by the moderators of the three groups and comprising two representatives from each side. The committee will have its first formal meeting on April 19 during which we will chart our way forward.

The committee will then reach out to presbyteries across Pakistan and make efforts to resolve their differences that have grown since the split in 2018. Once that has been achieved, all three factions will surrender their offices and call a General Assembly in November as per the PCP Constitution to elect the new office-bearers of the unified PCP, he said.

Rev Reuben Qamar, the moderator of one of the three factions, said that the reunification of the PCP holds immense promise.

The churchs fractured image can now be mended. Congregations across Pakistan will witness a united body, demonstrating Christs transformative power, Rev Qamar told Christian Daily International.

Qamar confirmed that the PCP had split due to the demand for an extension in the moderators term.

We were forced to form our group after several pastors who opposed the extension demand were either disgowned or terminated from the church, including the general secretary, he said.

The pastor said that the Presbyterian church was known for its mission and social work in the subcontinent but the rifts in the church polity over the years had deeply hurt its reputation.

I believe that this unification will have an overall positive impact on the church and its allied ministries, including educational and medical institutions that have suffered immensely due to the division, said Rev Qamar.

He added that with resources no longer diverted to legal battles, the PCP can now focus on its core mission: spreading the gospel, serving the marginalized, and promoting justice.

A unified church can better address societal issues, from poverty alleviation to education. The PCPs collective voice will resonate louder, he said.

Prominent theologian and former vice principal of the Gujranwala Theological Seminary, Rev Dr Maqsood Kamil welcomed the unification announcement by the three groups.

Truly, in unity, they will find their strength, said Dr Kamil, who has served the leading Presbyterian seminary for over two decades but was forced to step down due to the schism in the church.

He said that as PCP moves forward with this reconciliation, it would not only strengthen the Presbyterian church but also inspire other churches worldwide to forge unity.

According to the World Council of Churches, the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan was constituted in 1993. It has a long history rooted in the establishment of the Lahore Church Council of the United Church of Pakistan and the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Pakistan.

Presbyterian mission in the area was started in 1854 by the United Presbyterian Church of North America. The first presbytery was formed in 1859 and the synod of Punjab in 1893, which was declared autonomous in 1961 under the name United Presbyterian Church of Pakistan.
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Theodore Bland, 28, of Vermont, is seen in a police booking photo when he was initially charged in state court for aggravated assault and reckless endangerment over a March 17, 2023, incident outside a convenience store in South Burlington, Vt. A federal charge was added in that case as police attempt to find out who shot and killed two Massachusetts men, including Jahim Solomon of Pittsfield, in October 2023.
Home to a diverse population of some 84 million people, Iran has often featured in the media as a politically destabilizing force in the region that feeds its proxies and allies in neighboring countries with weapons and financial support, while suppressing dissent at home.

There is, however, another story unfolding among the people in the Islamic Republic who have been coming to faith in Jesus Christ in large numbers in recent years, according to reports by different ministries who are active in the country.

In a conversation with Christian Daily International, Iran Alive Director for Partner Relations Lily Meschi shared about the unique role that women play in transforming Iran from the inside, once they find their identity in Christ.

Economic pressures, shifting attitudes in the younger generation, and recent events that led to public outcries against the government have led to a change in the atmosphere in society. Most notably the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Irans morality police who arrested her because she allegedly wasnt wearing her hijab properly. Mass protests followed across the country but were suppressed by the government.

Still, despite the surveillance cameras and the threat of punishment by morality police, an increasing number of women are refusing to adhere to the strict dress code, which has been one of the ways the Islamic government has suppressed women.

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But underneath the visible cultural shifts, there are spiritual changes taking place as well, Meschi notes, as she witnesses how many Iranians  the majority of them women  are coming to faith. This despite Iran being among the countries where Christians are experiencing the highest levels of persecution in the world.

Women are mostly oppressed in Iran through so many different laws that are just set against them. Inequality, wages, family laws: everything is just set up in a way that is against women. They are treated as second-class citizens as it is a very male dominant society in Iran, Meschi shares.

And so they are just fed up with being subjugated to all the rules, the Islamic rule and also the male dominance, and they have become braver and bolder just like the younger generation today, she says.

After years of oppression and strict Islamic rules that restrict many aspects of public and private life, people have grown tired with the status quo and are longing for change.

Especially the newer generation, Gen Z in particular, they are standing up for their rights, demanding freedom, something where their parents and grandparents could not prevail against this government. And they now are willing to put their lives on the line for their freedom, Meschi comments.

Having lived in Iran until age 16, Meschi experienced the fear and shame in society when growing up, especially for women.

I remember even as a young kid having to wear a hijab and making sure that no strands of our hair is showing or the morality police would stop us and question us. Then there were the little things like snarky, very sarcastic remarks from guys just walking down the street. There was this very strong presence of shame and honor culture, she says.

She recalls how she was growing up with a great amount of shame and embarrassment, and just anything we did could come across as something we did wrong. The whole Islamic practice in Iran is made up of rules and regulations and laws of a set of dos and donts. And if you don't do the rituals or if you don't abide by their expectations, they shame you.

Although Meschi and her family emigrated to the United States, an arranged marriage to an abusive husband meant that she continued to experience some of the same struggles that many women face in Iran.

Eventually, however, she found freedom in Christ through friends who invited her to watch the Jesus film and shared the gospel with her. She also heard about Iran Alive Ministries and their programs in Farsi, which allowed her to grow deeper in her faith through messages she could listen to in her own mother tongue.

Today, she serves in the ministry that helped her and is passionate about leading other Iranians to Christ. She points out that among the more than one hundred thousand people they reached since the ministry began, the majority have been women.

Women have been oppressed and under pressure for so long. When they realize their identity in Christ as the daughter of the Most High God who has bestowed His grace and mercy and favor upon them and has chosen them, blessed come, accepted them, they become fired up for Christ, Meschi says.

They become truly agents of transformation in their community, in their family, and in their circles. And the women that have become believers end up having great influence on other women.

It could be that they're just sick and tired of religious rhetoric and rules and laws that are against them. It's almost like a pregnant woman that has carried the child for so long and they're like, we're ready for this baby to come out. We're done with this. We want our freedom, she says.

So, it could be the intensified pressure from the government that has contributed to this, but women are strong and brave, and they are really putting their lives on the line for their freedom right now.

For the near future, Meschi says she expects more difficulty and suffering for the people in Iran, referring to a prophecy in the latter part of Jeremiah 49 that speaks about Elam, which is modern-day Iran. However, she also pointed to the hope in the same passage because the prophecy concludes with God promising that His reign will prevail.

If we all partner together, we can see God's throne established in Iran, Meschi says.
This story has been updated at 4:30 p.m. Monday to reflect that Wednesday's scheduled EPA hearing at Lee Middle and High School has been canceled due to expected poor weather.

LEE  As the town chosen to host a lower-level PCB disposal site for the Rest of River cleanup  a decision still widely unpopular with residents  Lee faces challenges other towns along the Housatonic will not face.

With that in mind, the town has taken several steps to keep itself and residents informed, appointing a PCB Advisory Committee and hiring an environmental consulting firm with state grant funds.

The consultant will provide the advisory committee with scientific expertise allowing for independent testing during General Electric's cleanup of polychlorinated biphenyls from the Housatonic River.

"Members of the committee were selected with specific qualifications to support the boards goals, Town Administrator Chris Brittain said in a news release. Members' background and skills include environmental economic impact, communications and social engagement, law, medicine, environmental science and site management expertise.

Members appointed by the Select Board on March 19 include Robert Heinzman, Peter Bluhm, Marilyn Wyatt, Julia Thomas, Dr. Robert Wespiser, Mary Brittain, Gail Ceresia and David Carrington.

The committee was scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall.

In 2020, the Rest of River Municipal Committee agreed to a revised cleanup permit allowing General Electric to dispose of lower-level PCB-contaminated sediment in a landfill to be built at a former gravel quarry off Woodland Road. Residents remain deeply concerned about the potential for recontamination if the landfill were to fail, exposure to PCBs being transported through town, and the landfills effect on property values.

General Electric has submitted its final landfill design, with public comment accepted through May 3. The companys transportation and operations plan has gone back to the drawing board for a more thorough evaluation of rail use. And the public comment period on GEs quality of life and compliance plan, addressing air testing, traffic, noise and other factors, ended Friday.

However, an EPA public hearing on the landfill design, scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Lee Middle and High School, has been canceled due to an expected spring snowstorm. EPA said it will reschedule as soon as possible.

Kleinfelder, an environmental, geotechnical and engineering company headquartered in San Diego, was hired through grant funding from the state Department of Environmental Protection to work with the newly appointed advisory committee.

Together, their first task will be to submit a quality assurance project plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to assure the town can conduct its own independent testing during the cleanup.

It is important that the town of Lee provide its residents with the highest level of oversight and protections during this project, Brittain said. The quality assurance plan, he said, will allow us to take samples and access testing data during the cleanup.

The town has also established paper and digital resources for residents who want to know more.

Residents can visit leepcb.us to view and comment on GE/EPA permits and access other important project documents, as well as town responses submitted to EPA.

Paper copies of many EPA plans and reports are also available at the Select Boards office at Memorial Hall.
Hundreds of people attend a Rest of River information meeting in 2020. Many Lee residents remain opposed to GE's plan to dispose of lower-level PCB-contaminated sediments in a landfill to be built in a former gravel quarry off Woodland Road.
Susan Phillips is a former reporter for The Berkshire Eagle. She lives in Windsor after living abroad and in Washington, D.C.
The Governor's Council voted Wednesday to convene an informational hearing on Gov. Maura Healey's proposed blanket pardon for simple cannabis possession convictions, setting aside the massive clemency action for a future vote.

The motion by Councilor Tara Jacobs prevailed on a voice vote over the objections of Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney, who said "there's no need to delay."

Jacobs, a Democrat of North Adams, called for the hearing as part of the council's "due diligence" into the mega-pardon.

No council members voiced opposition to the pardons themselves Wednesday, instead focusing on the council's role in investigating Executive Branch actions before signing off on them.

Healey has estimated the pardon would apply to hundreds of thousands of people, while Councilor Joseph Ferreira referred to it Wednesday as a simultaneous batch of 69,000 pardons.

Councilor Eileen Duff said it was "the first time in history" that a Massachusetts governor proposed such a clemency act, and Councilor Christopher Iannella Jr. said he had spoken with Parole Board member Dr. Charlene Bonner who could potentially be available to address the council.

"If that's the will, then so be it. And you'll be chairing it, and so be it," Devaney said, addressing Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll after the vote.

The council did not set a date for the pardon hearing before adjourning.

Also Wednesday, the council unanimously confirmed two new District Court judges: Francis Kenneally, who has worked for the last decade as clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, and Courtney Linnehan, a Middlesex County prosecutor.
When Sean Teis was just 9 months old, he was abandoned by his earthly father.

My dad came home, an alcoholic in a drunken rage  my mother was in a panic, she went over to the neighbor's house and got the cops to come. They showed up, my dad took me and threw me across the room to the cops, Teis told The Christian Post in a sit-down interview.

That day was the beginning of my fathers journey. It was the day he really rejected me. He said, Im done with you. He packed up his things and moved back to his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, after that and never came back and left us in a small town in Pennsylvania.

But unlike many fatherless children, Teis had a number of men who stepped up in his life and filled the role his father left vacant, from church members to grandparents.

I had a grandfather that poured into my life. I had church people that poured in my life and helped me along that path. But so many kids don't get to have that opportunity where they have people that care about them and love them and help them, he said.

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It was this experience that prompted Teis and his wife, Jackie, to launch Life Factors Fatherless Ministries, which equips individuals to fulfill James 1:27 through practical ministry in their churches and communities to fatherless families.

The ministry, which has the stated aim of spreading awareness, creating unique resources, speaking, partnering with local churches, and establishing local fatherless family ministries and support for these families nationwide, employs a multifaceted approach to combat this crisis.

Initiatives range from informative books like The Fatherless Journey for Guys and The Fatherless Journey for Girls to digital resources and mobile applications such as GodismyDad.com. The ministry also advocates for mentoring and local church involvement, offering a non-programmatic, organic approach to support.

The God is my Dad brand has been such a positive thing for children who don't have an earthly dad, Teis said. God is my dad and He cares about me. Its my story, too: God's my dad, and through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God will be your heavenly Father."

According to Teis, fatherlessness is an epidemic in the United States. He cited statistics from The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of the Census revealing a startling 85% of youths in prisons grew up in a fatherless home.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that fatherless children are at dramatically greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, suicide, poor educational performance, teen pregnancy and criminality, he said. We look at our country, and we're like, Why are all these things happening? Why are all these people committing crimes? Why is all this abortion happening? And it's not always from fatherlessness, but many times these kids are growing up without a dad, without a mom, without both.

Despite the evident need for addressing fatherlessness, Teis, a former youth pastor himself, said theres been a significant challenge in gaining widespread attention from both cultural and, tragically, religious platforms.

It's been an uphill climb, really, over the past 15-plus years trying to get pastors to take this issue seriously, he said. Its affecting every single person in the United States of America, we try to tell people that in churches, when I speak, it's affecting everybody. But they don't want to shine a light on it  I'm not bashing pastors .. but I honestly believe that churches need to shine a light on this, and we have resources to help them with that.

Teis also expressed a growing concern that governmental agencies, once sources of vital statistics on the ramifications of fatherlessness, have diminished their role in bringing the issue to the forefront of national consciousness.

"The government's not putting out statistics like they used to," he said, suggesting a deliberate oversight that masks the depth of the crisis.

I believe they have a grip on the fatherless," he said. So, our job as Christians is to go to the fathers around us and spread hope to them individually. That's the best way to do it.

Teis acknowledged that the issue is often messy for many families, but stressed there is always hope. He underscored Scripture's definition of "pure religion" as caring for those in need, including children deprived of parental guidance and support.

We can bring them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we can disciple them, it's not complicated. I honestly believe the devil tries to make it more complicated than it is.  Sometimes, they just need somebody to tell them, I love you, I believe in you. And I care about you. But were just medicating them or giving them a tablet to play on. We're not giving them people who care about their lives and want to help them succeed in life. We're all about trying to help them break that cycle."

Now a father of three himself, Teis said hes even more determined to break the cycle of fatherlessness. His ministry's work, including family-inclusive ministry tours, is a personal mission to ensure his children understand the value of family and community support.

When we first started our ministry over 15 years ago, I would travel a lot and do our ministry when they were little. And I realized real fast, I need to be bringing them with me. We need to do this together. ... And I started making sure that I at least traveled with one of my kids or made sure that they were there, being together as a family," he said.

"I think it impacts my kids because they get to see us working and doing the work of the ministry. Im just so excited to have them with me.

Learn more about Life Factors Fatherless Ministries here.



Originally published by The Christian Post
Healthcare 4.0, today, is transforming the medical field. Just like how automation revolutionised the core manufacturing industries, Industry 4.0 technologies are bringing about a new era of healthcare services with a focus on increased precision and accuracy. While robots perform a lot of automated, independent actions like in an automobile shop floor or assembly line, healthcare, on the other hand, offers very limited scope for completely autonomous robotic operations. However, robots have made significant inroads in medical device manufacturing and its possible to use robots in a collaborative manner, where the healthcare service providers operations can be augmented by the use of collaborative robots or cobots. Lets dig deeper.

In our fast-paced lives where evidence-based decision-making and quick turnaround times are needed, automation does a lot of good by streamlining workflows aided by good health data management, freeing up time for healthcare providers to concentrate on increasing patient care and experience. From surgical assistance to supply transport, robots offer innovative solutions.

The integration of robotics into healthcare settings marks a significant shift, fostering collaboration between humans and machines. Healthcare professionals are increasingly prepared to work alongside these machines, driven by the need for high-quality care, efficiency, and costeffectiveness. Understanding their readiness is essential for evaluating the impact on patient outcomes.

In medical contexts, collaborative robots, or cobots, are being used to help doctors with rehabilitation, patients with mental health issues, and people with impairments. Cobots mainly are designed to add substantial benefits by reducing the physical workload on doctors and nurses by automating repetitive logistical tasks, enabling them to dedicate more time and energy to more empathetic patient care. Cobots are also used in rehabilitation settings to guide patients through physical therapy exercises, providing personalised feedback and customised workout routines.

Cobots can help address labour shortage challenges by automating routine tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to focus their time and expertise on patient care. There are specific applications within the medical field where cobots can make a significant impact, such as surgery, telemedicine, rehabilitation, and logistics. By targeting these areas, they can tailor their robotics solutions to meet the unique needs of healthcare providers.

Explaining further about the uses of cobots, Addverb Technologies Co-Founder Bir Singh says, Collaboration between robots and healthcare professionals is essential for successful integration into medical settings. The importance of designing cobots that can effectively work alongside human caregivers is paramount for ensuring seamless integration into healthcare workflows, maintaining trust between patients and healthcare providers, and ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes while preserving the human element in caregiving.

In February this year, at LogiMAT India 2024, Addverb unveiled Indias first-ever assistive dog robot, an advanced medical cobot for rehabilitation and imaging, and a collaborative robot (cobot) to enhance operational efficiency and safety. These robots are being manufactured at Addverbs recently opened facility in Greater Noida. Notably, Addverb, known as Indias foremost robotic and automation solutions provider, entered the healthcare robotics sector with the introduction of Heal, a medical cobot.

In the coming days, as more skilled manpower comes into force, cobots are expected to become even more sophisticated, seamlessly integrating into healthcare workflows. There will be widespread adoption of cobots, which will take over more routine tasks so that healthcare professionals can focus on complex diagnoses, personalised patient care, and emotional support. This story walks through a few developments in the Indian cobotics landscape highlighting both academic as well as industrial progress.

Modernising operation theatres and surgical procedures

Cobots have given conventional surgical theatres or operating rooms (ORs) a complete facelift. As conventional forms rely on the skill and experience of the surgical team, with the use of various medical instruments, automated surgical theatres, on the other hand, represent the future of surgeries.

Cobots are also deployed for more purposes. In the Indian healthcare scenario, the increasing population needs more support from technology to be able to get timely access to quality healthcare. Medical professionals rely on advanced technologies to deliver better results for their patients. For instance, Siemens Healthineers solutions for cardiovascular interventions with robotic assistance is an example of technological intervention in surgical operating rooms.

Hariharan Subramanian, Managing Director of Siemens Healthcare says, The robotic cardiovascular interventions can aid significantly by contributing to cardiovascular medical conditions like heart diseases, where the ideal treatment includes complex procedures in the coronary arteries by specialised medical professionals. Smart procedural automation can enable performing complex interventional cases in a shorter time, with precision, and with better clinical outcomes.

From a surgeons point of view Dr Sreedhara V Shetty, HOD - Surgical Gastroenterology, Robotic and General Surgery, Kauvery Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, says, Surgical robots offer advantages over traditional laparoscopic surgical procedures. Aided by cutting-edge hardware, immersive 3D vision, safety features in instruments and AI integration (at present with intestinal staplers), these systems are growing in popularity as they assist in increasingly complex procedures and drive improved patient outcomes (reduced pain, early discharges & early return to work).

According to Dr Shetty, high upfront costs have been a barrier to broader surgical robot adoption, but robotics has advantages for patients (early return to work in companies) & for companies (reduced sick leaves) which are expected to boost demand.

Expressing further, Dr Shetty, said, Kauvery Hospital prides itself as the front runner in surgical excellence, precision, and affordability. Its state-of-the-art facilities and technological advancements support every robotic surgeon in delivering the best possible care to patients. Our recent achievement (fastest first 100 procedures in 97 days) is a testament to the trust our patients and their families place in our clinical skills and in the cutting-edge technology we employ.

Platform for cobot developments

To propel India's technological stand on the global premise, an academic platform focused on R&D in robotics and cobotics becomes very essential. The need was duly fulfilled in September 2023 when India got its dedicated first-of-its-kind Medical Cobotics Centre (MCC) in New Delhi to foster innovation in healthcare. This is a joint facility of the Technology Innovation Hubs of IIT Delhi (IHFC) and IIIT Delhi (iHub Anubhuti).

MCC is aimed at being Indias first state-ofthe-art technology-enabled medical simulation and training facility for doctors, paramedics, technicians, engineers, biomedical researchers, and entrepreneurs. IHFC is funding various R&D projects in the area of rehabilitation robotics and prosthetic devices at premium institutes across the country to deliver low-cost healthcare solutions for India's physically challenged population.

Dr Rashmi Tripathi, Manager, Operations at IHFC, Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, says that this facility is envisaged as a one-of-its-kind Centre of Excellence (COE) in the field of healthcare, medical cobotics and AI in India.

The centre has been set up to create an ecosystem for Skill Development, R&D and startups in the field of MedTech devices and equipment and aims at bridging the gap between the medical and engineering fields by providing a common platform for collaboration on training, research, new product development and commercialisation, informs Dr Rashmi.

While sharing more about the cobotics CoE, Dr Rashmi said that collaborative surgical robots are set to enhance precision and minimise invasiveness in medical procedures. These could see increased deployment in India allowing surgeons to perform intricate procedures with improved accuracy.

She also indicated that with a growing ageing population and increased demand for elderly care solutions in India, medical cobots could be designed as assistive devices to help the elderly with daily tasks, monitor health parameters and provide companionship.

Dr Seema Singh, Consultant with IHFC, Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, says that medical cobots could be designed to assist healthcare professionals remotely to increase the footprint of high-quality healthcare in backward regions of India. IHFC has developed Tele Observance Tele Operation Robot under their READY program for telemedicine and remote assistance for ICU in healthcare as well. There is a rising demand for rehabilitation services, and medical cobots could be a game changer in India for rapid diagnostic processes, such as sample collection, analysis, and reporting to improve efficiency and reduce errors of medical testing.

Evolution of AI-assisted surgical navigation

Surgical navigation systems and cobots are two emerging technologies in medicine and their integration is slowly being explored. Although there isnt widespread use of surgical navigation systems directly in cobots themselves for surgical procedures just yet, both technologies can be complementary in the operating room, working together to improve surgical outcomes.

The greatest advantage of surgical navigation systems is their ability to provide real-time guidance to surgeons during minimally invasive procedures. Use of cameras or trackers to pinpoint the surgical instruments' location within the patient's body offers precision surgical procedures to seamlessly take place.

Nikhil Chandwadkar, Co-founder & CEO, Cartosense, opines that, Navigation technologies are the backbone of digital surgery because the tracking system component generates information that is complementary to radiological imaging, and the software component is a hub for integrating that information along with radiological images with a variety of tools such as imaging equipment, robotic solutions and advanced visualisation displays. Together these technologies enhance the surgeons awareness and increase the accuracy of specific actions.

Chandwadkar founded Cartosense to develop technology and products for making surgical interventions more targeted and precise using data. Cartosense is soon launching the C75 Surgical Navigation System, considered to be a breakthrough in single-camera optical navigation.

According to Chandwadkar, in the Indian market, the adoption of navigation-based technologies by surgeons and hospitals has been on an increasing trend in the last 5 years and will continue to rise faster soon. He says that early adopters might receive great bundling deals from multinational multi-product companies, and their purchases can often be marketing expenses. However, he says, only products that are truly beneficial and practical can succeed over a longer period.



Emerging opportunities for R&D and higher education

In this digital era, we are seeing the convergence or blending of many streams of education. The multidiscipline approach to product development holds true for medical cobots too. Foresighters predict that there is going to be a burgeoning need for cobot kind of products featuring advanced technologies to save time and most importantly save lives.

Most leading universities are exploring designing specialised programmes in curriculums related to medical robotics, combining engineering, healthcare, and computer science. Also, researchers are looking to explore how cobots can assist with tasks like a) drug discovery and handling hazardous materials; b) rehabilitation and physical therapy; c) patient care, such as medication dispensing and mobility assistance; minimally invasive surgery; and building trust and ensuring safe human-cobot interaction in sensitive medical environments is viewed as necessary.

R&D in human-cobot interface design for a more intuitive and safe collaboration will be a huge area that will demand talent and workforce. Ideally, advancements in sensor technology for better environmental awareness and patient monitoring; machine learning for cobots to learn and adapt to specific tasks and user preferences; and enhanced dexterity and manipulation capabilities for delicate medical procedures will be the areas that will open up for young talent to uptake niche higher education courses.

By capitalising on these emerging opportunities, R&D and higher education can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical cobots and their positive impact on healthcare.

The future of healthcare, therefore, will likely see humans and cobots working as a well-oiled team, leveraging each other's strengths for better patient outcomes.

Anusha Ashwin
In the ever-evolving landscape of life sciences, experts in Telangana are emphasising the need for a shift from merely replicating past successes to fostering groundbreaking discoveries and inventions in drugs and medical technologies. The state has earned recognition for its robust foundation in life sciences, marked by a dominant presence led by research institutions like Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) In addition to a strong base for generic pharmaceuticals and vaccine manufacturing industries like Bharat Biotech, Biological-E and Indian immunological Limited, industry leaders stress the importance of transitioning towards a future centred on innovative drug development.

As per the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (TSIIDC) report, Telangana is home to over 800 life sciences companies with a combined value of $ 50 billion spread across multiple segments.. Among them, more than 200 plus sites are US FDA-approved, which is the highest number of such firms located in a region anywhere in the world. As per the Industries department report, in the past 9 years, Telangana has attracted more than Rs 29,000 crore in investment in the life sciences segment and created direct and indirect jobs for more than 4.5 lakh people in the state. Overall, Telangana has witnessed a whopping 23 per cent growth rate compared to Indias 14 per cent growth rate in the life sciences segment.

Currently, Telangana boasts of a global vaccine manufacturing hub in India, producing 1/3 of the global vaccine supplied from the state to the world countries. Owing to high demand during the COVID-19 period, the vaccine manufacturing capacity of biotech companies from Hyderabad has been enhanced from 9 billion doses in 2014 to 14 billion doses in 2024.

In addition to this, Hyderabad has more than 20 Life Sciences and Medtech incubation centres which is the highest for any city in India. In the year 2022-23, Telangana achieved the distinction of having direct centres of four among the top global life sciences companies which include Novartis, BMS, Roche, and Sanofi.

According to Ajay Kallam, Principal Secretary of Industries Department, Government of Telangana, the state has the best ecosystem for establishing the life sciences companies. Theres a need to attract investors in the innovator and new product development segment, which will pave the way for attracting more small and big research-based institutions aligning with the needs of big players, says Kallam.

Despite these achievements, the one big thing that is missing in the life sciences sector in the state is companies investing in discoveries and inventions of innovative drug molecules to treat complex diseases threatening global healthcare.

Dr S V Krishna Prasad, CEO of Cito Healthcare, says, Although Telangana currently leads the nation in generic pharmaceuticals and contributes significantly to India's pharmaceutical exports, the real growth lies in cultivating a robust base for manufacturing and marketing innovative drugs globally. Dr Prasad urges a departure from the prevalent practice of copying off-patented drugs and emphasises the critical need for continuous research and development to discover new molecules that can effectively address a variety of global health challenges. Except for Dr. Reddy Laboratories, not a single entity from Telangana has dared to carry out clinical trials for the new molecule. Even for Dr. Reddys, the molecule which it was working on had to face failure in the phase-3 trials, ever since then, there is no major entity that has taken any notable steps towards finding out new drugs, adds Dr Krishna Prasad.

Expressing similar sentiments, Laxmi Prasanna, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs at Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), points out that despite the financial strength of many pharmaceutical firms in Telangana, there is a reluctance to invest in the discovery or invention of new drug molecules. While the state boasts over 400 US FDA-approved manufacturing units producing generic medicines and vaccines worth $4.5 billion, Laxmi Prasanna notes a lack of confidence to innovate, positioning the life sciences sector behind its Western counterparts. No doubt India has emerged as the Pharmacy of the World in producing and supplying affordable and good quality medicines to the world, but real recognition comes only from the original work that we can deliver. Our life sciences industry must move beyond our conventional practices and take advantage of technology and try to develop new medicines to treat diseases that have no cure to date, observed Laxmi Prasanna.

Over the past four decades, the Telangana life sciences sector has indeed achieved notable milestones, with more than 800 large Indian and global pharma companies setting their bases in and around Hyderabad, Telangana state has set its target of enhancing its drug manufacturing capacity from the current $4.8 billion to $19.1 billion by the end of 2030.

Genome Valley: The Global Hub for Life Sciences

Telangana holds the distinction of being the pioneering state in India to establish the country's first systematically developed life sciences Research and Development (R&D) cluster, known as Genome Valley. It stands as India's premier organised cluster dedicated to Life Sciences R&D and Clean Manufacturing endeavours. The cluster is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including Industrial/Knowledge Parks, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Multi-tenanted dry and wet laboratories, and incubation facilities.

With over 200 companies calling it home, Genome Valley has cultivated a scientific workforce exceeding 15,000 professionals. Its occupants include renowned global entities such as Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Ferring Pharma, Chemo, DuPont, Ashland, United States Pharmacopeia, Lonza, and numerous others. The cluster's success lies in its commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of life sciences.

In FY 2017-18, Genome Valley was accorded with Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA) status. The IALA status enables single-point administration of the cluster, which will allow companies in Genome Valley a single-point contact for all Government approvals and further facilitate infrastructure development.

Encompassing an expansive area of 120 acres, Genome Valley hosts numerous prominent global companies spanning 18 countries worldwide. Notably, it accommodates three of India's largest vaccine manufacturers: Bharat Biotech, Biological E, and Indian Immunologicals.

Distinguished as the European hub of India, Genome Valley serves as the operational base for major European corporations, including Novartis, Sandoz, Lonza, Ferring, Chemo, GSK, and others. The cluster features over 2.5 million square feet of multi-tenanted laboratory facilities, with a 500,000-square-foot facility available for lease by March 2021 and an additional 1.5 million square feet currently under development.

Acknowledged as the premier cluster in India, Genome Valley secured the top rank in the Life Sciences Real Estate  Opportunities & Hotspots in India. Furthermore, an additional 120 acres of land is earmarked for industries as part of Genome Valley Phase 3 in Siddipet of Medak district.

Dr SP Vasireddi, Non-Executive Chairman and founder of Vimta Labs noted that despite pharma and life sciences players having deep pockets it is sheer reluctance and fear of loss that is acting as a big hindrance for life sciences players to invest in new drug molecule discovery. He stressed that the state and central governments must support funding in this direction and bring in innovative policy decisions to encourage more and more players to venture into new drug development projects.

Vinay Kumar Nandicoori, Director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) also highlighted that the private pharma players who are keen on new drug discovery can foster partnerships with CCMB and utilise the vast research data available and use the services of lead scientists at the same time they could use and take advantage of new and emerging technologies like data analysis and Artificial Intelligence.

Highlighting the historical struggles to lay the foundation for the life sciences ecosystem, R K Agarwal, National President, the Bulk Drug Manufacturers of India (BDM) acknowledges the challenges faced by associations in the early 1990s. The concerted efforts of various pharma and life sciences associations, despite hurdles such as tough environmental regulations and financial burdens, have resulted in the creation of a strong life sciences ecosystem in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

As Telangana envisions becoming a state-of-the-art hub for life sciences in India by 2030, industry experts assert that the true measure of success will be the state's ability to transition from a focus on generic drugs to pioneering innovative solutions. The future of life sciences in Telangana lies not in replication but in the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries and inventions that will shape the landscape of global healthcare.

Amguth Raju

(hyderabad@mmactiv.com)
Last Thursday, March 28, Call Me Spinster shared their latest heartfelt single "Mule" off of their upcoming album "Potholes," out next week on April 12 through Strolling Bones Records.

The new song is a touching ballad about the tumultuous but rewarding journey of finding a way back home amid fleeting connections, told through the calming vocals of the sister trio and underscored by stripped-down instrumentals comprising a guitar and a banjo.

In its music video, the poignant track's message is echoed visually and translated into a cinematic story revolving around a father and daughter bonding together in the great Ecuadorian outdoors.

On Call Me Spinster's 'Mule'

Band member Amelia Graber Jacobs shared the story behind the new single's conception, saying, "This song was written while my now-husband and I were living with my parents in St. Paul, MN, filming a movie he'd written."

"We had turned my parents' urban garage into a pen for two goats that factored into the movie somehow," she continued. "It was a cold, snowless, winter, and it was becoming clear that we couldn't finish the film."

"We decided to head back down south to Tennessee, get married, and start our own life in warmer waters. 'Mule' is about that homecoming," Jacobs explained.

As for the music video, it was made by cinematographer Daniel Andrade and co-directed by his wife, award-winning director Anahi Hoeneisen, and his biologist and photographer daughter, Naia.

Jacobs called Andrade a "kindred spirit" for sharing her band's defining quality of an "entire family making stuff together."

"We've become friends with Daniel and his family, and he offered to make a video for 'Mule' at home in Ecuador," Jacobs recalled. "We developed a rough concept together, and Daniel, Anahi, and Naia began working to shoot in a national park outside of Quito."

As per Jacobs, the filming process got delayed due to the rise of violence in the country at the start of 2024, however, the Ecuadorian family eventually pushed through and finished the video.

"We are honored to share 'Mule' with you - a snapshot of the fleeting struggles and beauties of connection, and the search for home as an ever-moving dream," Jacobs said.

Other Singles on the Band's Upcoming 'Potholes' Album

'Mule' is a follow-up on Call Me Spinster's previous lead releases for their forthcoming record, the latest of which is their empowering "Burn the Boxes" track that was also featured in the Northern Transmission magazine as Video of the Day.

The other singles comprise the ethereal "Married in My Mind" and their mom-pop, Robyn-like song: "Feet Are Dirty," which Under the Radar described as "a twinkling dance pop sprawl."

"Potholes" in its entirety is Call Me Spinster's take on what settling down looks like today, exploring themes like the early days of marriage and motherhood while balancing it out with life lessons the members themselves learned in the past.

The upcoming record also follows the band's critically successful self-titled EP, which is the first release of Strolling Bones Records. The album was co-produced by the band itself alongside Drew Vandenberg, known for projects by Faye Webster, Of Montreal, and Kishi Bashi.

Sonically, "Potholes" is the band's hand at blending their differing influences, including a wide range of genres from bubbly synth-pop to psychedelic folk, all of which are tied together by deeply personal lyrics surrounding adulthood.

You can now pre-order and pre-save Call Me Spinster's new album by clicking here.

As for "Mule," you can watch its MV below.
An Israeli airstrike that demolished Irans consulate in Syria killed two Iranian generals and five officers, Syrian and Iranian officials said on Monday.

The strike appeared to signify an escalation of Israels targeting of Iranian military officials and their allies in Syria, which had already intensified after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants, who receive money and weapons from Iran.

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Clashes have also increased since then between Israel and Hezbollah, another militant group supported by Iran, along Israels northern border with Lebanon.

Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment on the latest attack in Syria.

The attack in Syria killed General Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016, according to Irans Revolutionary Guard.



Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

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It also killed Zahdis deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, and five other officers.

A member of Hezbollah, Hussein Youssef, also was killed in the attack, a spokesperson for the militant group told The Associated Press.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is based in Britain, said two Syrians were killed in the attack.

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While Irans consular building was levelled in the attack, according to Syrias state news agency, Sana, its main embassy building remained intact.

Irans ambassador, Hossein Akbari, condemned Israel and said as many as seven people were killed.

Emergency crews were still searching for bodies under the rubble. Akbari said two police officers who guard the building were wounded.

He vowed revenge for the strike at the same magnitude and harshness.

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Emergency services at the destroyed building (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

The chief spokesman for Israels army, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said on Monday that a drone attack on a naval base in southern Israel early in the day was directed by Iran.

There were no injuries and only minor damage to a building, the army said.

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The Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which is also backed by Iran, accused Israel of seeking to widen the conflict in Gaza.

Syrias foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, said several people were killed, and in a phone call with his counterpart in Iran, he condemned Israel.

A spokesman for Irans foreign ministry, Nasser Kanaani, called on other countries to condemn the strike.

Iranian state television said the Iranian ambassadors residence was inside the consular building, which stood next to the embassy. The main embassy remained intact.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.

Such airstrikes have escalated in recent months against the backdrop of Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and ongoing clashes between Israels military and Hezbollah on the Lebanon-Israel border.

Though it rarely acknowledges its actions in Syria, Israel has said it targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups such as Lebanons Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assads forces.

An Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighbourhood in December killed a longtime adviser of the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in Syria, Seyed Razi Mousavi.

A similar strike on a building in Damascus in January killed at least five Iranian advisers.

Last week, airstrikes over the strategic eastern Syrian province of Deir el-Zour near the Iraqi border killed an Iranian adviser.
Israels military has withdrawn from Gazas largest hospital after a two-week raid during which it said 200 militants were killed.

Palestinian residents said the troops left behind several bodies and a vast swathe of destruction.

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The military has described the raid on Shifa Hospital as a major battlefield victory in the nearly six-month war, but it came at a time of mounting frustration in Israel, with tens of thousands protesting against Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday and demanding he do more to bring home dozens of hostages held in Gaza.

The fighting showed that Hamas can still put up resistance even in one of the hardest-hit areas.

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Israel said it had largely dismantled Hamas in northern Gaza and withdrew thousands of troops late last year, leaving a security vacuum that has made it difficult to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid.

A second shipment of food aid arrived by sea on Monday in the latest test of a new maritime route from the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus.

One of the three boats could be seen off the coast, and Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos said they had received permission to offload. The precise mechanism of delivery was not yet clear.

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The military said that among those killed at Shifa were senior Hamas operatives and other militants who had regrouped there after an earlier raid in November, and that it seized weapons and valuable intelligence.

The UN health agency said more than 20 patients died and dozens were put at risk during the raid, which brought further destruction to a hospital that had already largely ceased to function.

Palestinians inspect the damage to a residential building (Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP)

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Bassel al-Hilou said the bodies of seven of his relatives had been found in the wreckage surrounding the hospital. He said they had sought shelter at a neighbours house after theirs was bombed but then another strike hit the home where they were staying.

There was a massacre in my uncles house, he told The Associated Press. The situation was indescribable.

It was not yet known how many Palestinian civilians were killed during the raid. The military denied that its forces harmed any civilians inside the compound.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities. Health officials in Gaza deny those allegations.

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Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with war wounded. Palestinians say Israeli troops forced hundreds of people living near Shifa to evacuate to the south.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesperson, said Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group had established their main northern headquarters inside the hospital.

He described days of close-quarters fighting and blamed Hamas for the destruction, saying some fighters barricaded themselves inside hospital wards while others launched mortar rounds at the compound.

He said the troops arrested 900 suspected militants during the raid, including more than 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, and seized more than 3 million dollars (2.38m) in different currencies, as well as weapons.

He denied that any civilians had been harmed by Israeli forces, saying the army evacuated more than 200 of the estimated 300 to 350 patients and delivered food, water and medical supplies to the rest.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the raid, the military said.

The war has been going on for nearly six months (Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP)

Mohammed Mahdi, who was among hundreds of Palestinians to return to the area, described a scene of total destruction.

He said several buildings had been burned down. He counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

Another resident, Yahia Abu Auf, said there were still patients, medical workers and displaced people sheltering inside the medical compound.

He said several patients had been taken to the nearby Ahli Hospital, and that army bulldozers had ploughed over a makeshift cemetery inside the hospital compound.

The situation is indescribable, he said. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here.

Video footage circulating online showed heavily damaged and charred buildings, mounds of dirt that had been churned up by bulldozers and patients on stretchers in darkened corridors.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organisation director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late on Sunday on X, formerly Twitter.

He said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients. He also said there were no nappies, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration.

21 patients have died since the hospital came under siege on 18 March. Hostilities continue around the hospital according to updates from Al-Shifa hospital in #Gaza reported by a health worker inside the hospital.



107 patients are in an inadequate building, within the hospital  Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 31, 2024

The military had previously raided Shifa, Gazas largest hospital, in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control centre inside and beneath the compound.

It revealed a tunnel running beneath the hospital that led to a few rooms, as well as weapons it said it had confiscated from inside medical buildings, but nothing on the scale of what it had alleged prior to the raid.

The war began on October 7th, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,782 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 13,000 Hamas fighters, and blames the civilian death toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territorys population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine. Northern Gaza, where Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger.
Scotlands first minister Humza Yousaf has insisted he is very proud of new hate crimes laws which have just come into force, as author JK Rowling warned the legislation is wide open to abuse.

The Harry Potter author, who has become a fierce critic of the Scottish governments stance on transgender rights, has been one of the highest profile critics of the legislation.

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The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act came into effect on Monday, consolidating existing hate crime legislation and creating a new offence of stirring up hatred against protected characteristics.

April Fools! 



Only kidding. Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren't women at all, but men, every last one of them.



In passing the Scottish Hate Crime Act, Scottish lawmakers seem to have placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2024 Advertisement

However, women have not been given protection under the law, with the Scottish government instead promising to bring forward legislation to tackle misogyny.

But with the new Act giving protection to transgender people, Rowling, who does not believe people can change their gender, insisted: Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.

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In a social media post, the writer argued: It is impossible to accurately describe or tackle the reality of violence and sexual violence committed against women and girls, or address the current assault on womens and girls rights, unless we are allowed to call a man a man.

Criticising the new laws, she insisted that the legislation is wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence those of us speaking out about the dangers of eliminating womens and girls single-sex spaces.

Rowling added: Im currently out of the country, but if what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.

But Mr Yousaf declared he is very proud of the new laws, saying they will help protect against a rising tide of hatred.

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Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf has said he is very proud of the new laws, which came into force on Monday (Lesley Martin/PA)

Mr Yousaf also insisted he is very confident in Police Scotlands ability in order to implement this legislation in the way it should.

It comes despite the force confirming more than an third of its officers have not yet completed an online training course in the new laws  with Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs saying that 10,000 of the forces 16,000 plus officers have done so.

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However, Mr Yousaf said Chief Constable Jo Farrell had made it very clear the appropriate training is absolutely being provided.

She said recently that the new laws will be applied in a measured way, promising there will be close scrutiny of how the legislation is enforced and what reports are received.

Speaking about the new legislation, Mr Yousaf added: Lets remember of course that when it comes to stirring up offences of racial hatred, stirring up offences have existed since 1986, being policed with virtually no controversy whatsoever.

However, Elon Musk, owner of the social media platform X  formerly known as Twitter  has already raised concerns about the impact on freedom of speech.

Police Scotland will enforce new hate crime laws in a measured way the Chief Constable has said (Andrew Milligan/PA)

And human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said the fact that women are not given protection by the Act was an astonishing exclusion.

He told BBC Radio 4: The big flaw in this Bill is it does not protect women against hate.

Mr Tatchell also claimed the new legislation could open the door to vexatious and malicious complainants who will go after people  an issue the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) has also warned of.

In a letter to Holyroods Justice Committee, it said the law could be weaponised by an activist fringe across the political spectrum.

However, Mr Yousaf has repeatedly claimed disinformation about the legislation is being spread, insisting it includes a triple lock of protection for speech.

This includes an explicit clause, a defence for the accuseds behaviour being reasonable and the fact that the Act is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

But the Tories, who voted against the legislation when it was debated by Holyrood back in 2021, insisted the Act should be scrapped.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Russell Findlay said: Officers would rather tackle real crimes and keep communities safe, rather than having to investigate malicious and spurious complaints.

Humza Yousaf should bin his Hate Crime Act and instead divert resources towards frontline policing which is at breaking point.
The Lumineers co-founder, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah Fraites shared his latest solo album offering last Friday, March 29, entitled "Piano Piano 2."

Now available everywhere via Dualtone Records/Mercury KX, the latest record is a follow-up project to Fraites' critically acclaimed 2021 debut album, where he upped the ante in terms of additional instrumentation and cinematic orchestration.

Fraites also expands on the piano-centric soundscape he previously built up, integrating opulent-sounding string accompaniment to aid the listeners' immersion in the keys-dominated record.

"Piano is my all-time favorite instrument," he said. "Think of this album as a soundtrack for a movie that hasn't been made yet."

What 'Piano Piano 2' by Jeremiah Fraites Has to Offer

The album's straight-up evolution from its similarly named predecessor is perhaps demonstrated the best in the artist's lead single "No Surprises," his cover of Radiohead's classic melancholic track that featured vocals from Gregory Alan Isakov and strings from Macedonian FAME'S Studio Orchestra.

The contrast mainly lies in the sonic identity of the two piano-centered records, where Fraites' debut record is taken with a minimalist approach, while "Piano Piano 2" opens up farther and evokes a sense of adventurous expanse through multiple layers of instrumentation.

To list a few of these specific additions, Fraites utilizes percussion, acoustic guitar, strings, spoken-word snippets, and bubbling synths, effectively building up a rich, moody, and cinematic sound throughout the album.

In addition, unlike the bedroom-recorded nature of the previous album, Fraites' latest output was captured in studios across the world, which the artist achieved while on a global tour with his band, The Lumineers.

The string arrangements were recorded in Macedonia, in particular, while other instrumentations were taped in varying locations like Rio de Janeiro, Boston, Denver, and the Catskill Mountains.

One constant, however, is Fraites' utilization of an upright piano. That said, unlike in his previous record where he only used his weird but endearing piano nicknamed "Firewood," he was able to use seven different upright keys this time around, with each one giving a unique audio profile for each song in the record.

"Piano Piano 2" is far more than just an instrument-focused record, as every tickling of keys invokes different moments from Fraites' memory.

Be it heartfelt like footage of his children playing, audio from a phone conversation with his wife, or even more abstractly a dialogue from a late-1980s home film, these memory capsules play out like musical mementos in "Piano Piano 2."

You can now listen to Fraites' new "Piano Piano 2" album by clicking here, or by browsing through the entire record in previews below.
Its been a slow climb out of the pandemic years for the travel industry but data shows international tourists are returning to Brisbane in record numbers  and putting their dollars where the economy needs it.

The latest data from Tourism Research Australia showed international travellers spent a record $2.9 billion in Brisbane in 2023, a 1.7 per cent increase from 2019.

Award-winning hotels and restaurants and a burgeoning reputation as a lifestyle city has Brisbane on international and domestic radars alike. Credit: Brisbane EDA

Though the total number of overseas visitors was down 21.8 per cent compared with 2019, the average length of stay had increased to 21.6 nights (up 3.3), a reflection of Brisbanes growing presence on international travel radars.

Brisbane has been named a must-visit destination by global publications like Time Magazine and travel bible Frommers, and international audiences are taking notice, the recently reappointed Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
E-scooter rental giant Lime says its customers are spending less time riding on footpaths, releasing new data that suggests two-thirds of riders are on Melbournes pavements for less than 30 seconds per trip.

But the companys study has been met with scepticism by critics, who have questioned its robustness and expressed concern at the number of riders still putting themselves and pedestrians in danger by riding the electric vehicles on footpaths  which is illegal.

Lime says its customers spend an average of 28 seconds riding on footpaths per trip. Credit: Scott McNaughton

For its study, Lime attached cameras and artificial intelligence riding-detection technology to about 100 of its scooters across Melbourne, allowing it to track more than 20,000 rides over six months.

The company said the results show more than 75 per cent of riders spent less than 30 seconds per trip riding on a footpath, equal to about 4.2 per cent of their total trip.
If the plans come to pass, these suburbs  home to Greek and Chinese migrants  will have as many jobs as Melbournes CBD currently does. Many residents dont mind.

January 12, 2024

by Melissa Cunningham and Patrick Hatch
Demands for non-disclosure agreements and other confidentiality requirements by the federal government while drafting controversial legislation has come under fire from interest groups and politicians from across the political spectrum for excessive secrecy.

Disability advocates were frustrated last week when asked to sign legally binding non-disclosure agreements during consultations over significant changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, while faith leaders were called in for confidential discussions on draft religious freedom proposals.

Shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash said the government was failing to meet its promises on increased transparency. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Environmental groups have chafed at being called into closed-door briefings on major changes to environment and protection laws, while business groups and unions were required to sign non-disclosure agreements to provide feedback on draft industrial relations changes last year.

While the government insists it is following well-established practice, critics say the use of such agreements is accelerating and threatens to stifle public debate and good policymaking by restricting feedback on contentious draft laws.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has defended using two separate Royal Australian Air Force jets to take him and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the NSW Hunter Valley to promote a renewables fund.

As part of promoting the governments $1 billion Solar Sunshot scheme on Thursday, Albanese travelled with Bowen, Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic, Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and Hunter MP Dan Repacholi to speak from the decommissioned Liddell Power Station south of Muswellbrook.

The two RAAF jets at the airport in Scone. Credit: 2GB

On Monday, a photo of two separate RAAF jets at Scone Memorial Airport in the Upper Hunter was reported by 2GBs Ben Fordham, igniting backlash from the Coalition on the misuse of public funds.

Both jets flew from Canberra on Thursday, but Albaneses plane then took him to another location in the Hunter Valley to make an announcement about China lifting wine tariffs, while Bowens flew him to Sydney.
Sri Lankan gov't to support country's first AI-based film production

Xinhua) 09:15, April 01, 2024

COLOMBO, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government will extend support for the production of Sri Lanka's first film based on artificial intelligence (AI), the President's Media Division (PMD) said on Sunday, quoting President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Addressing a film awards ceremony in Colombo on Saturday, Wickremesinghe said AI technology has been integrated into the global film industry since last year, and Sri Lanka must be prepared to use this technology.

He said the government has appointed a committee for the introduction of AI in Sri Lanka, and this committee will collaborate with the University of Moratuwa and the University of the Visual and Performing Arts on producing Sri Lanka's first film based on AI.

Wickremesinghe added that they will modernize the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka and provide overseas film education for those involved in film and tele-drama.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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 South Australian politician Emily Bourke didnt realise she was taking on a world first when her government created an Office for Autism just over a year ago. But the more she talked to people and families around the state, the more she knew it was needed. It started on the campaign trail in 2022. We were holding lots of community forums, and it kept coming up naturally: my child cant get through school; Im an autistic adult and cant get into the workplace, she says. So she started holding specific autism forums; they kept getting booked out. Thats when we realised we needed someone solely focused on these autism policies. We didnt realise no one had a position like this in the world. Bourke is now Australias first assistant minister for autism, but she probably wont be the last. Shes tapped into something all policymakers in the country must grapple with: our improved awareness of autism and rising diagnosis rates mean our systems must change, from schools to workplaces. All governments need to act. Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will release the countrys first draft national autism strategy on Tuesday, promising to create a whole-of-life plan for all autistic Australians that spans reform to healthcare, education and employment.

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The spiralling price tag of the NDIS, now one of the countrys fastest-growing budget pressures, only adds to the urgency. With more than a third of participants reporting autism as their primary disability, the condition has come under the national spotlight. What it has shown us is that people  especially children  are flocking to the scheme because theres not enough support for them outside it. Loading Bourke has done a lot of learning in the past year. If youre autistic, youre half as likely to complete year 10. Youre three times more likely to be unemployed than someone else with another disability. And if you get to 50 years old, there is a higher suicide rate for the autistic community. That stems from all those other things: not getting through [school], not getting into employment and not having knowledge in the broader community about what it is to be autistic, she says. The autistic community have done lots of research into this and found 84 per cent of people know the word autism, but only 29 per cent have knowledge of autism. These were concerning statistics to us. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will announce the governments draft strategy surrounding autism on Tuesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The federal governments new autism strategy, which will be finalised with an action plan by the end of this year, takes all those statistics into account. Developed in consultation with autistic Australians, it vows to boost the understanding of autism among key professions and the wider community, to make education and employment more accessible, and to provide better support for families. Under this vision for Australia, there would be more autistic faces in Australian sport and media, while public spaces and transport would cater to the sensory differences autistic people experience. Getting assessed for autism would be cheaper and easier, and there would be better access to health services through Medicare. Teachers would all undergo autism training, people in service roles would be upskilled, and workplace recruitment processes would be improved.

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Clare Gibellini, an autistic advocate who helped oversee the strategy, says it is hugely significant. This is the first step in a longer journey towards better lives for autistic people. The most pressing policy issue is what comes next with the NDIS. About 35 per cent of participants in the $42 billion program, which has been growing at around 16 per cent a year, have autism as their primary diagnosis. Thats more than 215,000 people, a number which grew by 18 per cent last financial year, and 21 per cent the year before. Almost 80 per cent of autistic participants are 18 or younger. The average annual payment to someone with autism was $33,800 in the 2022-23 financial year, up 7 per cent from the year before. Altogether, $6.73 billion in support was paid to autistic participants; a year-on-year increase of 28 per cent. Even the schemes architects say those rising costs are not sustainable for a social policy that needs public support to endure. Almost everyone with an autism diagnosis who applies for the scheme is successful because people with a level two or three autism diagnosis are automatically eligible. Last year, 97 per cent of people with autism who applied for the NDIS were accepted, compared with 76 per cent of all applicants. But that will change under a series of major changes that will remove the diagnosis list and refocus eligibility on peoples needs. Those changes, to be rolled out over the next five years, will reduce the number of children, in particular, who can access support packages with an autism diagnosis alone.

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Most people have welcomed that move, which was recommended by a major review of the scheme. First, because looking at a persons specific needs is more insightful than their diagnosis. And secondly, because the NDIS, which often funds siloed clinical services like speech pathology and occupational therapy, is probably not the best way to help children on their development journeys. Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, the founding director of La Trobe Universitys autism research centre, says the NDIS has fed an environment where everyones in private practice and theyre charged top dollar. I dont think children should get one hour of therapy here and there. Parents cant work, theyre constantly dropping their kids off, she says. Principals are often asked to accommodate this, with kids leaving class to see their private therapist on school grounds in whatever space is available. This isnt ideal for the child or the school. Support should be provided where they are. Every school should have access to allied health so that kids get the support where they are. If families are going to stop using the NDIS to get support for their kids, they need other avenues. The classroom is the obvious place to start. But as Nicole Rogerson, the founder of parent advocacy group Autism Awareness Australia, has discovered, there is a long way to go. A survey of parents published by her organisation on Tuesday shows 35 per cent of families of autistic children said they were discouraged or refused enrolment for their child at school, half of whom were in the public system. Forty-five per cent said their schools were unwelcoming or reluctant to accommodate their kids. Half of parents have considered school alternatives, such as home-schooling or remote learning, because of those difficulties. Only 16 per cent were happy with how their schools managed funding to support their child.

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The federal government wants schools to step up and better support children with disabilities. We dont disagree that this should be a goal, Rogerson says. But this report illustrates the reality facing autistic children in schools today. Its a call to action for enhanced teacher training, better communication and a commitment to inclusive education. Loading While some families gave examples of supportive teachers and positive adjustments in the classroom, they are contrasted starkly against widespread reports of inadequate support, bullying, and systemic failures to understand and include autistic students effectively, the report says. Professor Andrew Whitehouse, head of the autism research team at Telethon Kids Institute, says Australias school systems have not evolved to support autistic children. We need a better understanding of what true inclusion in the classroom looks like. We also need an understanding that were not teaching kids towards the average child: we need to teach kids around all the different methods of learning and different neuro-types that might be within that class. Thats what I see as the major evolution that needs to happen in every school in Australia over the next 20 years. Its a daunting task for education ministers, whose systems are already stretched by workforce shortages. But in South Australia, Emily Bourke has had a few ideas, starting with getting an autism inclusion teacher into every public primary school. We have taken one teacher out of the classroom and are now training them in autism, inclusive studies, disability studies, so that they actually have that skill set and can share it with their peers and fellow teachers, she says.

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The U.S. is showing interest in reviving the stalled nuclear deal with Iran.

(Photo: Leonhard Foeger/Reuters/file photo)

An Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday has raised fears of a dangerous escalation in the Middle East, marking the most significant attack outside of Gaza since the start of the Hamas-Israel war nearly six months ago. The incident, which killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders, has drawn strong condemnation from both Syria and Iran, with the latter vowing to respond to what it called a "violation of all international obligations and conventions."

According to Syria's defense ministry, Israeli aircraft targeted the consulate building, located on a highway in the western Mezzeh district of Damascus, from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights at about 5:00 p.m. local time. While Syrian air defenses managed to shoot down some of the missiles, others made it through, destroying the entire building and killing and injuring those inside.

Among the dead were Brig-Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the elite Quds Force, and his deputy, Brig-Gen Mohammad Hadi Haji-Rahimi. Zahedi, 63, was described as a high-ranking figure in the Quds Force who had served as commander in Lebanon and Syria between 2008 and 2016, making him one of the most high-profile Iranian figures believed to have been killed by Israel in the country's long campaign of targeted assassinations.





pic.twitter.com/i7cY6MRRvX Footage of the building near the Iranian consulate in Damascus where someone bombed it and killed a top IRGC commander and other scumbag terrorists.  Kosher (@KosherCockney) April 1, 2024

The attack on the consulate, which is technically sovereign Iranian territory, marks the most overt strike on Iranian soil in years and has raised concerns about the potential for retaliation. Iran's regional allies, including the Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah, have been embroiled in daily cross-fire with Israeli forces since October 8, walking a fine line between limiting their operations to the border area while trying to enforce tit-for-tat rules of engagement. Mohammad Ali Shabani, an Iran analyst and editor at the online magazine Amwaj.media, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the events in Damascus indicate that "Israelis have (Iranian Supreme Leader) Ali Khamenei in a box," adding that "Iran's supreme leader is being embarrassed before his own praetorian guard, and Quds Force will have increasingly hard time justifying Khamenei's indecisiveness before Iran's regional allies."

Syria says an Israeli air strike has destroyed parts of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing or wounding everyone inside the building. Senior Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi is among those killed, according to Iranian state media pic.twitter.com/yQylWhQYoD  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 1, 2024

The strike on the consulate follows a series of suspected Israeli attacks in Syria, including one last Friday that killed 53 people, including 38 Syrian soldiers and seven members of Hezbollah, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Israel has previously acknowledged carrying out strikes in Syria to combat what it calls Iran's "military entrenchment" and shipments of Iranian weapons to allied groups.

The White House has said that President Joe Biden is aware of the reports and that his team is looking into the matter. The attack has also drawn international attention, with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressing "the need for a serious response by the international community" in a telephone conversation with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad.
If theres one car that can be considered as the king of reinvention, its the Hyundai Santa Fe. In the five generations its been around, e...
Pakistan hopes to resume cement and other trade with India

01 April 2024

Two federal ministers of Pakistan, Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, have shown intention to resume trade with India, which has been halted since August 2019 following Indias revocation of the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Both ministers viewed that business people wanted the resumption of trade, but this required further talks and approval by the country's government and parliament.



In addition, exporting cement from Pakistan via the land border had also been stopped due to political tension and New Delhis imposition of harsh duties. The local cement industry is watching this development and has yet to comment.



The Foreign Minister stated, Pakistani businessmen want trade with India to resume, during his remarks at the Pakistan High Commission in London following his attendance at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels. Mr Dar expressed a readiness to consider the resumption of trade, reflecting a possible shift in diplomatic approach. This comes in the context of persistent tensions since India's 2019 decision, which Pakistan asserts disrupted the environment for dialogue.



Pakistan has tied the normalisation of relations with India to the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmirs special status. However, signs of easing tensions appeared with the renewal of the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control in February 2021. Additionally, recent exchanges between Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, have sparked optimism for improved diplomatic relations.



Total exports from Pakistan stood at 6.53Mt in 2019, representing a YoY growth of 37.7 per cent. Dispatches to Afghanistan fell by 5.5 per cent to 1.72Mt and India by 41 per cent to 715,835t during this reporting period.

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The founder of Sushi Zushi alleges in a lawsuit that managers of the restaurant chain have misappropriated millions of dollars. Shown is the Sushi Zushi at 999 E. Basse Road. Google maps

The management company that oversees Sushi Zushi restaurants has sued the San Antonio-based chains founder, alleging that he continued to receive pay after his employment ended in April 2022.

Sushi Zushi of Texas LLC seeks to collect more than $250,000, but no more than $1 million, from founder Alfonso Tomita in a lawsuit filed Thursday in state District Court in San Antonio.

The suit comes more than three months after Tomitas Strategenic Management LLC filed a lawsuit accusing Sushi Zushi of Texas and its managers  TXFMP Management LLC and its principal, Jason Kemp  of misappropriating millions of dollars from the business.

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Strategenic initiated its suit on behalf of itself and, as a derivative action, on behalf of Sushi Zushi of Texas. A derivative lawsuit is brought by a shareholder or group of shareholders against a corporations directors, officers or other third parties who are accused of breaching their duties, with any damages awarded benefiting the company.

Now, Sushi Zushi of Texas says in its four-page lawsuit that Tomita continued to receive payments from the company after his employment as a corporate officer ended on March 31, 2022.

Sushi Zushi has demanded that Tomita return these payments, but Tomita has refused, the complaint says. Its suing him for unjust enrichment.

Timothy Cleveland, a West Lake Hills lawyer representing Sushi Zushi of Texas, didnt respond to an email seeking comment Friday. Jason Davis, a San Antonio lawyer who represents Tomitas Strategenic, also didnt respond to a request for comment.

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Soured partnership

Tomita launched Sushi Zushi in 2001 and expanded it to eight restaurants over 17 years. In 2018, he partnered with TXFMP Management  a San Antonio restaurant operating group  to expand Sushi Zushi even further.

Sushi Zushi of Texas noted in its lawsuit that it had executed an employment agreement with Tomita for him to be the companys CEO in May 2018 and that they amended the agreement nearly two years later for Tomita to be chief marketing officer, though its unclear whether Tomita held both titles or only CMO after the amendment.

Two years ago, according to Strategenics lawsuit, Tomita became concerned about the restaurant chains financial condition, so he hired an accounting firm to review financial records. The firm identified millions of dollars of unexplained transfers from Sushi Zushis accounts, as well as millions of dollars in payments to TXFMP that were in excess of the amount it was entitled to receive under its management agreement, the suit says.

Subsequently, Strategenic sued Sushi Zushi of Texas, TXFMP and Kemp for unspecified financial damages. Strategenic cited 12 causes of action, including breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment. It wants the court to impose a constructive trust on the assets of TXFMP and Kemp. Such a trust is a court-imposed remedy to prevent the unjust enrichment of a party that has obtained property it should not be holding.

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Both Sushi Zushi of Texas and Kemp have filed answers denying Strategenics allegations. TXFMP has not filed an answer. The case is pending in state District Court in San Antonio.

In its answer, Sushi Zushi of Texas alleges that Plaintiffs were not acting in good faith or for a proper purpose in seeking an examination of its books and records. It alleges that Tomita requested information under the guise that he was collecting it for investors on June 26. It then says plaintiffs requested substantially the same information using near-identical language to Tomitas request on July 7.

Separately, Kemp and his partners in TXFMP, Allen Jones and Larry Harris, are defending themselves in a lawsuit accusing them of using two now-bankrupt San Antonio restaurant companies  Fresh Acquisitions LLC and Buffets LLC  as their personal piggy banks while misusing millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds. The three men have denied the allegations.

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That suit was filed by the liquidating trustee in the Fresh Acquisitions bankruptcy in Dallas.
Since the publication of the availability of numerous potential Position One seekers in Choo Choo City and Hamilton County upcoming elections in 2025 this writer has been deluged with offers of unlimited financial campaign support from the political machine known as the Little Chicago Gang to enter the future fray.

The present potential opponents in Choo Choo City are the incumbent foreign car importer, the traffic headlight violator, and UTC Vice Chancellor of Development (long shot)

The 385,000 county residents can look forward to a battle between son, real estate queen, and other presently unannounced aspirants.

Nevertheless, this writer in demonstrating more courage than the late Lewis Grizzard, who declined the opportunity to serve his community of Hot-Lanta, in announcing his candidacy and submits my initial Ten Point platform to the people:

We will not run campaign TV and cable ads until the last five days before the election (the public will still have Mike Lindell, fruits and veggies folks, and the ever increasing number of legal advertising attorneys to be entertained); Any ads running within the five-day period will not interfere with the Women of Wrestling galas at 10:00 on Saturday nights or Farmer Seeking Wife; Although campaign funding will be no problem (I am on SS) it will be necessary to bring out of retirement some super money raisers such as BTs main finance man in the CPD. I also verify that I am a valid, registered resident of Choo Choo City overlooking beautiful metropolitan Eastdale; I will not engage in dirty political tricks against my opponents by having them pulled over for minor traffic violations and releasing a copy of any warm and gentle interview between them and any hard-working CPD officer to a local TV station 1-2 days before the election; The KKK from the East Lake and East Chattanooga Klegels and the Black Panther Party head honcho from lower Lookout Mountain have agreed to jointly endorse me at my announcement presentation before the General AP Stewart statue on the South end of the Hamilton County Courthouse; The recent Public Input request from the Tennessee Valleys most valuable asset since the 1930s (TVA) inspires me to add a plank in my platform as to the best use for the property. As the Hotel for the Unhoused (homeless) Choo Choo City would be assured of another number 2 ranking from Wallet Hub; And, of course, as our campaign develops more minor issues such as crime, immigration, pollution of the Tennessee River, creeks and tributaries, etc. will be addressed and solved without any need for further federal grant requests (except for the Chickamauga Dam Locks); A Sanctuary City status on immigration matters and another Sister City cooperative designation with a Chinese community is in the best interests of Hamilton County citizens; and Capping all new office (hotel, low rent housing projects, buildings, etc.) at 50 stories will eliminate the use of the outdated logo Scenic City of the South by obscuring the views of the greenery of any areas after the building boom to 500,000 residents; and I pledge to move the Greyhound bus terminal from Wildwood, GA to the Fortwood community where the congenial Neighborhood Association can care for the needs of incoming visitors.

PS: Any phony issues raised by vindictive political opponents about my AGE will be vigorously disproved by my pool playing colleagues at the soon to be demolished Billiards Parlor on Chestnut Street who will be forced to admit that I am the best player in my youthful generation category.

(Let the contests begin!)

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!
County Mayor Weston Wamp, at a Monday morning press conference with several other political leaders outside the Volkswagen plant, urged VW employees not to approve the United Auto Workers (UAW).

The Volkswagen workers are set to vote April 17-19 in the third try to unionize the plant at the Enterprise South Industrial Park.

County Mayor Wamp said, "We are not here because we are anti-union." He said local unions like the IBEW had trained many workers, but he said the UAW "is different. It's hyper-political."

He said since the last UAW try in Chattanooga that numerous UAW officials had been arrested, including for "embezzling the funds of hard-working members."

The county mayor said the UAW is "a sinking ship" with declining membership, and it was trying to make up its member losses with a campaign in the South.

A UAW win "would be the best day for the Democrats," he said, saying the union is closely allied with President Joe Biden and had received his endorsement.

County Mayor Wamp said Chattanooga and VW had prospered, providing 10,000 jobs at the former Army TNT plant at Tyner. He said that prosperity would be threatened by a victory for the UAW.

State Senator Bo Watson, who noted he helped recruit Volkswagen to Chattanooga, said "destruction and corruption" go hand in hand with the UAW.

He said, "I hope the workers of Tennessee will realize the dangers associated with the UAW. It has a dubious record" and is a threat to "Tennessee values."

County Commissioner Lee Helton said his experience included working for a boss who said he had asked to join the union, but never got a call back. He said his boss wound up starting his own construction firm, then he heard from the union, which, he said, wanted him to join and to take some of their members "who couldn't get a job anywhere else."

He said when Chattanooga was union-dominated that "it was the dirtiest place in the country, and eventually all those plants went away. Now we have a vibrant and beautiful place where everybody wants to come live."

Rep. Greg Martin said, "Tennessee is a proud right-to-work state. In fact, nearly 70 percent of the state voters voted to enshrine our right-to-work laws into the state constitution back in 2022.
Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain Elementary photo by John Shearer Previous Next

With its stone facing, the Lookout Mountain Elementary School at 321 N. Bragg Ave. blends in almost seamlessly with many of the other homes and churches on the mountain.

Or maybe it could be confused for an old-style mountain resort hotel of a medium size, or a college building at a place like Sewanee.

Different from most of the other Hamilton County schools that are brick or -- in the case of those from the mid-20th century, feature plenty of multi-paned glass windows  the school has also distinguished itself educationally. It has been named a Tennessee Reward School and a National Blue Ribbon School, among other top academic accomplishments.

It has also educated a number of successful future citizens over the years, many of whom have come from this areas most prominent families.

As a look is taken at the history of this school praised architecturally outside and academically inside, it is not one of the threatened school buildings that I have highlighted in recent weeks or months as officials have prioritized county schools needing to be replaced or consolidated.

That is, even though it had been mentioned in a 2019 facilities report for possible closure, due in part to its small enrollment size compared to some other schools.

A glance at some old newspaper articles reveals that the building is not too far from being 100 years old. Actually, as the school states on its logo, a school on Lookout Mountain dates to 1878.

According to a pamphlet history written on the school and Lookout Mountain in 2003 by the late former student Dyer Butterfield Jr., a small red school building with two classrooms was used as the first school. It was at what is now the southwest corner of Forrest Avenue and Scenic Highway.

The Town of Lookout Mountain operated the school in those days, and in 1900, a nice structure using stone from the same quarry as that used for the Point Park entrance and for some homes by the top of the Incline Railway opened on Bragg Avenue. It was located just south of where the original part of the current school was built. It was torn down when the new school was built.

At the time, Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church was located where the original part of the current school is. By the 1920s as the mountain and student populations were growing, a white house across Bragg Avenue was purchased and used for additional school space for a period. It was called the Annex.

But the school population continued to grow. After an unfortunate fire in January 1928 burned the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church to the ground, all parties agreed to a swap of the church land and the school land. As a result, a new Lookout Mountain Presbyterian that is part of the current church campus was built across Bragg Avenue.

The old church land was given to the Hamilton County School Board, which had taken over the operation of Lookout Mountain Elementary in 1927 at a time when having seventh or eighth graders also attend the school was ending.

Plans were made for a new main school on the old church property, so the current stone school with an eye-catching vertical design in the front was opened for the 1929-30 school year. To help ensure a building of the highest quality, the Town of Lookout Mountain also agreed to pay any costs over the countys pledge, with hopes of eventually getting refunded. In case you are wondering, the school was built in the late 1920s for between $50,000 and $100,000, which would probably not even get you a single classroom today.

The original 1929 school building featured eight rooms, an auditorium, a cafeteria, a library, and several auxiliary rooms.

The architect was Chattanoogan Clarence T. Jones. His other still-standing works include the former YWCA building by Lindsay and Eighth streets, the Industrial YMCA building off Mitchell Avenue and recently remodeled into Common House Chattanooga, the National Guard Armory off Holtzclaw Avenue, and the observatory now bearing his name by Brainerd Road and Tuxedo Avenue.

On Lookout Mountain, he also designed for newspaper publisher and hotel operator J.B. Pound the Mediterranean-style and now-razed Stonedge home, where some condominiums were later built.

Known for his direct manner in conversation before his untimely 1951 death of heart problems after a fall down some steps at the Warner Park Pool, the former Centenary Methodist Church members buildings were also known for their rather straightforward, but eye-pleasing, appeal.

Among later changes to the school plant, a memorial gymnasium addition was also made on the south end of the school in 1949, and these later amenities included uniquely a skating rink operated by the Town of Lookout Mountain.

A news article from 2019 when the school was at least initially threatened with possible closure said that with the help of the Lookout Mountain community and the Parent Teacher Association, it had also made other physical improvements in recent years. That included a new art studio, a science and computer writing lab, and modern kindergarten classrooms.

I had gone around the outside of the school to take a few pictures one Sunday a few weeks ago when it was still winter, and I realized how unique it looks compared to the other elementary schools In Hamilton County. I would love to see the inside of the school as well sometime and, like any building 95 years old in parts, I am sure it does not always run like it is brand new.

While the school continued to shine architecturally and educationally, it would later as well in terms of social conscience. While a school for black students in the days of segregation had been on Lookout Mountain for years, and one was built at Watauga Lane, Lincoln Street and Sprayner Terrace using the stone from the previous school, the Chattanooga and Hamilton County school systems were to desegregate grades 1-3 in 1962.

In what was a thoughtful and well-planned action that included encouragement for desegregation/integration by such business leaders as W.E. Brock Jr. and the placing of an armed policeman at every school to prevent potential protesters, the plan was successful. And Lookout Mountain Elementary was in the forefront, as it and the also-still-operating Hixson Elementary were the only two previously white only county schools that saw the enrollment of black students.

Some 14 black children attended both schools combined that first week, and an old newspaper photo shows two black male adults in business suits holding the hands of a daughter and son coming into the Lookout school amidst the backdrop of its familiar stone siding.

The old stone walls of Lookout Mountain Elementary have witnessed quite a bit of history, including in the more than 60 years since. And they continue to stand amid the communitys evolving history and the learning of core subjects inside the building in a way that continues to place the school high academically.

And so does the classic building architecturally draw salutes among historic preservationists and others who possess a nostalgic bent.

* * *

Jcshearer2@comcast.net
UTC student and composer Katherine Fair will debut her original pieces for winds, strings and percussion on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Cadek Recital Hall at 725 Oak St. This free chamber concert is the culmination of Ms. Fair's music composition education, featuring local Chattanooga talent and fellow students.



Ms. Fair's 45 minute program features works centered on her nostalgic life-long love for the Appalachian mountains. Ms. Fair's works also muse on her identity in relation to her own mental health as a bipolar person, as well as how these altered states affect her art.

Additionally, Ms. Fair will take the stage on violin to perform her own folk medley with percussion, Yellow, inspired by the music of the Yellow Deli and its subtle influences on the UTC campus. The program will include a string quartet, solo and duo winds with percussion, and a larger chamber ensemble.

"I am humbled and excited to have my chamber pieces performed for my friends, peers, and mentors, and I cannot wait to share my works with the Chattanooga public," said Ms. Fair.
Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson on Monday sentenced a defendant in a highly publicized 2022 road rage case to serve seven days in jail.

Michael Wayne Harvey, 45, has served most of the sentence since Judge Patterson last week revoked his probation after Harvey admitted to using marijuana.

Harvey also is to perform 10 days of public work and repay the victim $825 for damage to her car.

Judge Patterson denied granting diversion to Harvey. Under diversion a charge can be taken off your record if you get in no further trouble over a certain time period.

Attorney Art Grisham earlier said Harvey "appears to be a strong, intelligent, able-bodied person but who daily suffers pain and has various physical and mental problems. Judge Patterson noted that he "does not have a significant criminal record."

The judge echoed Harvey in saying when an individual becomes angry while driving they "should take two breaths."

Harvey was accused of following a woman to a residence in Red Bank after he says she cut him off on Highway 27. At that point Harvey exited his vehicle and, according to video taken from the house he pulled into, he ripped off the mirror on her car.
A Tesla Cybertruck outside the entrance to the launch pad at SpaceX's Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer The Tesla Gigafactory in Austin, Texas U.S. on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Jordan Vonderhaar/Contributor TeslaFile Jordan Vonderhaar/Contributor

Tesla Inc. nearly doubled employment at its Texas factory in the past year to rival H-E-B as the largest employer in Austin.

The Elon Musk-led maker of electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels said it employed 22,777 there at the end of 2023, up from 12,300 a year earlier.

Its a continuation of Teslas rapid growth since moving its headquarters to Austin in late 2021 and opening its sprawling Gigafactory Texas in April 2022. In addition to building the Model Y SUV, the factory is ramping up production of the stainless steel Cybertruck and planning to launch production of a more affordable crossover SUV at its Austin factory by late next year.

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But the factory is only one piece of Musks expanding presence in the state  and all are growing.

His SpaceX commercial space company also is expanding its Starship production and launch site near Boca Chica and has an engine testing facility in McGregor, near Waco. Musk broke ground last year on a lithium refinery near Corpus Christi. Bastrop is home to operations for his Boring Co. tunneling enterprise and a new SpaceX factory for Starlink satellites. Musks Neuralink brain-implant company also has operations in Austin, as does X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

SpaceX has said in public filings that it already has more than 2,000 workers at its operations near Brownsville, where its also working on a major expansion. X has said it plans to hire 100 people in Austin, and Neuralink has 300 employees there and is looking to add more.

The lithium factory at Robstown  which Musk has said will produce enough material for batteries for about 1 million electric vehicles a year by 2025  eventually will employ 162 workers.

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SpaceX has 600 workers in McGregor and Boring Co. has about 100 in the Austin area.

But job numbers are icing on top of the nearly 23,000 people Tesla employed in Austin at the end of 2023  a total that was up 86% from a year earlier, according to a Bloomberg report on the companys annual compliance filing with the Travis County Economic Development Corp.

Thats not the end of the growth planned for the site. Early last year, Tesla said it would spend $775 million on five construction projects covering 1.5 million square feet at its factory site off Texas 45 and U.S. 130 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It also was opening a new cathode production facility at the site; cathodes are a key component for the batteries that power its electric vehicles. Still to come is production of the new crossover SUV.

In late September, a company official told an industry gathering that employment in Austin could hit 60,000 in coming years.

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As of Monday afternoon, Tesla had about 630 Texas openings listed on its jobs website. Most of those  about 560  were based in Austin.

Growth at its Austin factory has been rapid. Tesla reported about 3,500 employees there in 2021, the year it began production.

With nearly 23,000 employees, Tesla now rivals H-E-B as that citys largest employer. Last year, the San Antonio-based grocer reported 22,955 employees in Austin, according to the Austin Business Journal. Theyre among 145,000 H-E-B employs statewide, according to Fortune magazines most recent ranking of private companies across the U.S.
Mason Leist, left, a graduate research assistant in the University of Texas at San Antonios physics department, led a study on the best ways to improve images from the James Webb Space Telescope, working under his doctoral adviser, physics and astronomy professor Chris Packham. Courtesy UTSA Mason Leist, a graduate research assistant in the University of Texas at San Antonios physics department, used a mathematical approach called deconvolution to enhance images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Courtesy UTSA An illustration from NASA shows the James Webb Space Telescope. ADRIANA MANRIQUE GUTIERREZ /NASA /NYT

Enhancing images from the James Webb Space Telescope of objects 127 million light-years from Earth takes more than a smartphone app or photo-editing software, and some University of Texas at San Antonio researchers have found a way to expedite the process.

Mason Leist, a graduate research assistant in UTSAs physics department, led a study of ways to improve images from the $10 billion space telescope that launched in 2021 and is currently about a million miles from Earth.

For the past two and a half years, Leist, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, has been studying a mathematical approach called deconvolution to enhance the telescopes pictures. The process involves using computer algorithms to restore details of images lost because of distortions associated with the vast distances and physics of deep space astronomy.

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Its incredibly humbling, Leist said. Not just working with JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) data, which is a great opportunity and a crazy amount of science, but (also) working with our collaborators.

Along with his doctoral adviser Chris Packham, a professor of physics and astronomy, Leist tested five deconvolution algorithms on the telescopes images of a galaxy called NGC 5728 on behalf of the the Galactic Activity, Torus, and Outflow Survey, an international team of 51 scientists that Packham co-leads. The survey was awarded time on the telescope for its research on black holes.

The telescope has exquisite image quality, but it still has some image issues, Packham said. Physics means that theres some residual image things that are left over  not aberrations, but kind of image things that get in the way of the things that Mason wants to look for, these very faint dusty structures.

The thinking is that because the telescope is perfectly aligned, researchers can work out what an images artifacts are and reverse them.

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Convolution is running forward through the telescope. Deconvolution is when you run back, Packham said. And then you can make the image even better than the raw image.

Of five previously developed algorithms that were tested, the Kraken code, developed by researchers at Georgia State University, improved the quality of a model image the most, so Leist applied it to the telescopes observations of the NGC 5728 galaxy. Of the five algorithms, Kraken is the only one not publicly available.

All we did was apply new data to them and show that deconvolution is a doable process, and it can enhance faint features, in our case, within active galaxies, Leist said.

The telescope captures observations at five wavelengths. Sometimes, certain features are visible only in certain wavelengths.

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In the telescopes observations of NGC 5728, the researchers identified a faint feature in only one wavelength. But as Leist deconvolved the data, that feature was revealed in all wavelengths, UTSA said, demonstrating the Kraken deconvolutions effectiveness in improving Webb telescope image quality and enhancing faint extended emission features.

We believe the extension could be part of an outflow from a supermassive black hole that could be interacting with the host galaxy, Leist said. Theres a lot more science that needs to be done.

While it is difficult to distinguish the extended structure in all the telescopes images, he said deconvolution techniques reduced the image data to reveal the hidden faint emission feature.

Packham said scientists can apply the technique that Leist developed to any type of observation from the telescope  beyond supermassive black holes and other galaxies that the UTSA researchers are interested in.

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Leist, Packham and 32 co-authors from institutes around the world recently published their findings in the Astronomical Journal.

The Webb telescope has incredible sensitivity, and it has incredible quality of the images, but still, if we can make it any better, that gives us the edge in this competitive area of science, Packham said. So well take any edge that we can get, and well use as much as we can to further our science. So thats kind of why were all excited by this.

The telescope lets scientists see into the universe 100 million to 250 million years after the Big Bang, which is estimated to have occurred 13.8 billion years ago.

Light from distant galaxies travels millions of light-years to the telescope, which transmits the data through NASAs Deep Space Network. The network sends the data to the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, and UTSA downloads it from there.

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Fifty-one years ago, a failed bank robbery and accompanying hostage situation led to the development of the name Stockholm syndrome, a psychological condition in which victims form a bond with their captors. Ever since then, the term has been used in connection with hostage-takings all over the world.

Initially, Stockholm syndrome was called Norrmalmstorg syndrome, after the square where the bank heist happened.

Stockholm syndrome describes the emotional bond that can occur between hostages and their captors.

The people being held captive may feel sympathy toward their captors and their cause. They may also turn against police and other authority figures.

Experts consider it as a psychological defense or coping mechanism that some people experience to endure the extreme trauma of being held captive or abused.

According to one FBI study, Stockholm syndrome is rare, occurring in approximately 8 percent of hostage victims.

The name can be traced back to a bank robbery in the Swedish capital on August 23, 1973. That morning, a convicted thief known as Jan-Erik Olsson tried to rob a bank in downtown Sweden.

He was armed with a submachine gun and took four bank employees hostage. He demanded 3 million kronor, a bulletproof vest, and a getaway car.

He also requested that Clark Olofsson, his former jail mate, be released from prison and transported to the bank.

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Clear nail polish does more than just give your nails a sleek shine and an extra protective layer. Its purposes extend beyond beauty and into household territory.

A bottle of clear nail polish can do anything from repairing holes to waterproofing matches. You might even have a few of them collecting dust on your dresser or in your bathroom drawer because you rarely use them.

Dont let those lacquers go to waste! Try out one of these neat hacks and begin slowly improving the state of your household. Here are seven ways to use clear nail polish other than for a manicure.

Thread A Needle Faster

If youve ever endured the process of threading a needle, you know how frustrating and painstakingly slow it can be.

Simply twisting the tip of the thread to create a sharp point will only get you so far. Try dipping the frayed tip into clear nail polish to seal off the end.

Before slipping the thread through the needle, allow it to dry for a couple of minutes. Afterward, youll find that the task will go much more smoothly.

Tighten Loose Screws

Are one of the screws coming loose on a pair of glasses? Clear nail polish can tighten it right back up.

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An excerpt from Peace over Perfection on the command to be perfect, the exhaustion of scrupulosity, and rest in Christ.

Annie Spratt / Unsplash / Edits by CT

When I finally came to the life-changing realization that I was a perfectionist, I told a close friend. She laughed. It was already obvious to her then, and in hindsight, its obvious to me now. Still, by the time I recognized it, perfectionism had already marked my walk with God for decades.

Psychologists who study perfectionism define it as a personality disposition characterized by extremely high standards and overly critical self-evaluations. These two characteristics are known as perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns. Most perfectionists dont experience perfectionistic strivings and concerns in all areas of life. Rather, their perfectionism is focused on select domains such as sports, work, academics, relationships, physical appearance, oras is my case, and that of many Christians spirituality.

I am a Christian perfectionist. My perfectionism is an anti-Midas, turning moments dark at the slightest touch. It twists my view of the past. While I know its not fair to expect, say, 19-year-old me to have acted as I would now, when I look back, my predominant feeling is often regret. I should have cared more, known better, been different.

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Perfectionism keeps me second-guessing my choices too. It brushes against the desires I have to do good, and what was once a joyful, exciting opportunity to love others becomes beset with self-doubt and questioning. Am I doing this for the right reasons? Is this really Gods will? What if I do more harm than good?

In the past, when I suffered larger failures and committed bigger sins, I often plunged into despair. You will never be good enough. Youre fake. Are you sure youre a Christian? You are so self-centered, even now in your supposed repentance. Nowadays, my perfectionism tends to be subtler: a low-level guilt or anxiety lurking in my gut when Im trying to rest; the feeling at the end of the day that I didnt do all I should have, even when Im not sure what I neglected.

Fear of failure, rumination about past mistakes, decision paralysisgiven how distressing perfectionistic concerns are, it can feel natural to conclude that our perfectionistic strivings are themselves the problem. That is, the problem with perfectionists is that we want to be perfect.

This is the assumption behind advice commonly given to Christian perfectionists: Focus on loving others instead. Believe the gospel more. Be humbler. Repent of your perfectionism. Just stop trying so hard. Not only do these proposed solutions often effectively add to our running lists of things we need to change about ourselvesto truly be perfect, we need to stop being perfectioniststhey imply that our problem is a misguided, possibly sinful, desire for perfection.

But is that really it? Are we wrong to want to be perfect? Is the pursuit of perfection a fools errandor, even worse, a symptom of people-pleasing, pride, or gospel-less religion, as some might suggest? Or could it be that something more is going on?

Years ago, I stumbled upon an editorial by theologian D. A. Carson that shed much-needed light on the heart of my own perfectionism. In Perfectionisms, published in Themelios, Carson describes genuine, Christ-centered believers who understand and love the gospel yet still struggle with despair over their sin. Up until then, Id largely heard Christians address perfectionism in terms of pride or unbelief in the gospel. But Carson writes of a species of perfectionism that isnt a matter of ego or doctrine. Rather, those who struggle with this type of perfectionism are so uncomfortable with their wrestlings [over sin] because they know they ought to be better.

This is the crux of the Christian perfectionists struggle: We ought to be better, and we know it. At the heart of it, we arent legalistically trying to earn our salvation or seek peoples praise. Rather, aiming to run hard after God, we feel daily the weight of our failures to love him and neighbor as we should. Most Christian perfectionists, buckling under the weight of a tortured conscience, sorrowful over even the smallest of sins, and desperately wanting to do right by God, are longing for a perfection commanded by God himself (Matt. 5:48).

So, the question remains: If the solution isnt to stop striving for perfection, what do we do about our perfectionistic concerns? How can we pursue holiness without constant self-doubt when we know were going to sin again? How can we seek to obey God without being paralyzed by fear of stumbling? How can we have peace and joy in relationship with God when we keep failing him?

In other words, how can a Christian perfectionist find rest?

Jesus once spoke to those exhausted in their pursuit of God. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, he said. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:2830).

Although this passage is often used to encourage those who are tired in a general sense, Jesus was addressing something more specific and of particular help to the Christian perfectionist. In The Coming of the Kingdom, theologian Herman Ridderbos explains that the language of yoke was used in the Jewish tradition to refer to a confession of monotheism and a commitment of obedience to Gods law. This yoke was taken up when a person became Jewish and whenever they obeyed the law.

Laboring under the harsh standards imposed by the Jewish religious leaders, though, Jesus listeners had grown weary under what they thought were Gods demands. The religious teachers of the day had tied up heavy burdens and laid them on their followers without lifting a finger to help (Matt. 23:4). Knowing this, Jesus says, Take up my commandments, my yoke and my burden; learn from me instead.

Twice in this short passage Jesus promises rest, hearkening back to Gods words through the prophet Jeremiah: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls (6:16, emphasis mine). Where is this ancient path? This good way we can walk in without weariness? It is with me, says Jesus. The rest Jesus promises well find is the rest he gives, and we receive it in relationship with him.

Perfectionism is complicated. Its causes are varied and there is no quick fix to the anxiety, guilt, and scrupulosity that plague us. Thankfully, Jesus knows this, so his word to the weary is not simply do this or believe this more. It is relational. Come to me. Learn from me. As Christian perfectionists come to know God as he truly is, we will find that he is far more gracious, patient, gentle, righteous, and merciful than we may have dared to believe. And as we experience the way he deals bountifully with in-process people like us, our souls will begin to find the rest we desperately need (Ps. 116:7).

Our Savior does not berate us for being weary or shame us for our guilt. He sees us as wefailing him and eaten up inside because of itdo our best to follow him. Thus, with compassion, his invitation goes out: Christian perfectionist, come. Find rest for your soul.

Faith Chang is the author of Peace over Perfection. She serves at Grace Christian Church of Staten Island and on the editorial board of SOLA Network.

This article has been adapted from Peace over Perfection by Faith Chang. Published by The Good Book Company 2024 and used by permission.
How groups like Hillsong learned to let go of the literal in favor of creative collaboration.

Daniel Knighton / Stringer / Getty

The refrain He is for you doesnt translate neatly into Spanish. In the English version of Elevation Worships song The Blessing, the phrase repeats and builds with each repetition. But in Spanish, the line is El te ama or He loves you.

Im glad the translators did that, said musician and translator Sergio Villanueva, who pastors a Hispanic congregation at Wheaton Bible Church in Illinois. To convey that idea in SpanishHe is for youyou would have to use a lot more words. Spanish is a beautiful language, but we use more words and longer words.

The translation choice in The Blessing (La Bendicion) reflects a growing interest among English-speaking worship artists in producing thoughtful, singable, and culturally informed translations of their music.

Often, artists are intent on using translations that are as close to word-for-word as possible. But as influential songwriters and megachurches expand their reach, teams of translators are helping produce new versions of popular worship songs that are faithful to the originals without trying to replicate wording that isnt as accessible or evocative in another language.

You have to honor the intention of the original songwriter, even if that means changing exactly what the words are saying, said Villanueva, who has translated for Keith and Kristyn Getty, Sovereign Grace Music, and Kari Jobe.

The international distribution and translation of English-language worship music has accelerated over the past four decades, but not consistently.

In the 1980s and early 90s, Integrity Music began releasing recordings in Spanish, beginning with the 1981 Maranatha! album Quiero Alabarte (I Want to Praise You). Hosanna! Music established an international audience through its direct-to-consumer cassette sales.

As contemporary worship music took off as a distinct genre in the late 90s and early 2000s, worship songs by top artists like Matt Redman, Hillsong, and Tim Hughes found an enthusiastic global audience.

The growth of evangelical Christianity in the Global South coincided with the international proliferation of contemporary worship music; by 2020, more Christians around the world spoke (and sang) in Spanish than in any other language.

Villanueva recalled that Hillsong Uniteds 2004 album More Than Life resonated with Latin American churches and increased the groups profile in the region. In those years, everyone was doing their own translations. There were countless versions of Here I Am to Worship. Everyone had their own, he said.

The album was also popular in Canada when Jonathan Mercier, former creative pastor of Hillsong Church Paris, belonged to a youth group in Cornwall, Ontario. At the time, he attended a French-speaking Baptist church that sang traditional French hymns. When Hillsong Uniteds album Mighty to Save came out in 2006, Mercier translated some of the songs himself for a French-speaking youth camp. By doing translations on their own, he said, congregations had the autonomy to craft new lyrics that fit their language and cultural context.

As Hillsong expanded in the 2000s in the wake of the Darlene Zschech hit Shout to the Lord, the organization began producing translations in Spanish, French, and other languages. The megachurchs music had already entered the American market by way of Integrity, which released Shout to the Lord through Hosanna! Music in 1996.

Mercier recalls reading some of these early French translations during an internship with Hillsongs publishing arm. The existing translations werent singable, he said. They were too literal.

Mercier, like Villanueva, found that worship songwriters tended to favor translations that tried to preserve exact wording, often at the expense of lyricism and flow.

There is an art to translation, said Mercier, who has translated over 100 songs for Hillsong. Some songs are really easy to translate; for others there is a lot of creative work and interpretation.

Villanueva says that when songwriters trust translators to steward their words, the song will always benefit. A translators job is equal parts linguistic, musical, and theological. Economy of words can be critical.

Imagine you have a big house, and youre moving into an apartment, he said. You have two choices: You can try to keep all of the furniture and live in this cramped space, or you can let some things go.

The decision to translate He is for you as El te ama in The Blessing illustrates the benefits of a zoomed-out approach to a song and flexibility on the part of the original songwriters, Villanueva said.

The phrase He is for you evokes the protection and advocacy of God on our behalf. It underscores the songs message about Gods blessing and favor being actively bestowed. He loves you strikes a different tone. But thats okay, in Villanuevas view. The phrase doesnt have a straightforward match in Spanish, and Gods blessing flows from his love for us. Its a logical choice.

The heavy involvement of a translator can create economic complications. Mercier oversaw French translation and recordings for the Hillsong Global Project, a 2012 compilation series of nine worship albums in nine different languages, including Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Russian.

In some cases, Mercier is credited as a songwriter. In others, hes not. Acknowledgment and compensation are inconsistent.

Royalties are complicated because of the original songwriter agreements, Mercier said. Original songwriters would need to agree to give up a piece of their songwriter royalty cut.

Mercier doesnt worry about it too much. He gets paid for the work by his church, as is the case for many translators. But translations for a global megachurch like Hillsong have the potential to generate substantial revenue, and translation work is increasingly overseen by the organizations.

Some have opted to pay translators a lump sum. Villanueva is on the editorial board that oversees the translation process at Sovereign Grace Music and has received songwriting credits on a number of songs, including those he translated for Kari Jobes 2012 album Donde te Encuentro. In many cases, he says, he earned more from a lump sum than he would ever see in royalties.

The export of worship music from the English-speaking world has intensified with globalization and the ascension of streaming. Songs by Hillsong, Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin, and Elevation appear on Sunday set lists around the world. Some wonder if the current rate of export is healthy or if it borders on cultural colonialism.

I tend to be suspicious of translations, said Marcell Silva Steuernagel, assistant professor of church music at Southern Methodist University, who began his career as a worship leader in Brazil. Culture never travels neutrally.

Even so, Silva Steuernagel said, you have to be pragmatic and pastoral.

When I lead worship in Brazil, Im not trying to get rid of Hillsong. Thats an impossible proposition, he said. And it can cut off relationships with people I value.

Villanueva similarly sees a place for imported and adapted songs. But he added that worship in ones first language is uniquely powerful.

Nothing compares to the native tongue speaking back to God, Villanueva said. We need both. And we need wisdom and humility to embrace what is needed from both.

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis is CTs music correspondent.
The workplace can be a setting where people see their worth and have it honored by others. It can also be a hub of discouragement, aimlessness, and lack of encouragement. On this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss welcomes Jeff Haanen, author of Working from the Inside Out. Haanen, who is the founder of the Denver Faith and Work Institute, sheds light on how inner work can shape outer work and what it looks like to live out Christianity in jobs and careers. He provides listeners with a starting point for thinking theologically about their work and gives pastors some tips for helping their congregants feel seen in their work lives. Cuss and Haanen talk about dignifying all types of honest work, the value of physical labor, and what it looks like to work unto the Lord when career and passion dont align. Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Being Human with Steve Cuss is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry Theme song by Dan Phelps Original Music by Andy Gullahorn Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Amy Jones
Home News Israeli hostage recounts being sexually assaulted by Hamas guard at gunpoint

An Israeli lawyer held hostage by Hamas for 55 days is the first former hostage to come forward to publicly share details of the sexual violence she suffered, alleging she was held at gunpoint and forced to perform sexual acts.

In several hours of interviews with The New York Times, Amit Soussana, who was abducted from her home on Oct. 7 during Hamas' surprise attack in southern Israel, said she was brutally assaulted before she was released during a temporary ceasefire last November.

Soussana said she was held in a child's bedroom and chained by her ankle. She said a guard would enter the room and sit beside her on the bed before lifting her shirt and fondling her.

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The guard, whom she knew as Muhammad, asked Soussana when her period was going to be over, but when it ended on Oct. 18, she lied and said she was still bleeding.

On Oct. 24, she said the guard unlocked her chain and took her into a bathroom. Soussana had undressed and started to bathe when he returned and stood in the doorway holding a pistol.

"He came towards me and shoved the gun at my forehead," Soussana told The Times.

Soussana said Muhammad forced her to remove her towel; then he hit her again after ordering her to sit on the edge of the bathtub. Dragging her back into the bedroom, Soussana said that Muhammad made her "commit a sexual act on him" while holding her at gunpoint.

The Times notes that Soussana's account is consistent with what she told doctors and a social worker shortly after she was released on Nov. 30.

Soussana said she is sharing her experience to raise awareness about the continued suffering of the remaining hostages.

Basem Naim, a spokesperson for Hamas, attempted to cast doubt on Soussana's claims in a 1,300-word response sent to the outlet, questioning why she did not come forward earlier.

The details in her account make "it difficult to believe the story unless it was designed by some security officers," Naim claimed, adding that an inquiry into Soussana's account is impossible in "the current circumstances."

"For us, the human body, and especially that of the woman, is sacred," Naim was quoted as saying, adding that Hamas' religious beliefs "forbade any mistreatment of any human being, regardless of his sex, religion or ethnicity."

In early March, a United Nations special interest group announced that it had found evidence to support the allegation that Hamas committed mass sexual violence.

The information came to light after U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, led a team to Israel and the West Bank from late January through Feb. 14.

"In the context of the coordinated attack by Hamas and others of 7 October, the U.N. mission team found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred in multiple locations, including rape and gang rape in at least three locations in southern Israel," the U.N. special group stated in a March 4 statement.

Israel launched an offensive in Gaza to eliminate Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, after the terror group's Oct. 7 attack resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of more than 240 others.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says over 32,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the war started last October. The data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and Hamas has been accused of using civilians as human shields. Similarly, many have expressed skepticism concerning the authenticity of figures provided by Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces released interrogation footage of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist admitting that he raped an Israeli woman during Hamas' Oct. 7 onslaught, The Times of Israel reported. The IDF captured the terrorist, Manar Qassem, earlier this month in Khan Younis.

"The devil took over me; I laid her down, started undressing her, and did what I did," he said during an interrogation by the Military Intelligence Directorate's Unit 504.

At first, Qassem claimed that he had slept with the woman, but when the interrogator pressed him, the terrorist admitted the act had been a rape.

"She pushed me; it didn't last long  two minutes. Maybe a minute and a half," Qassem added.

Officials do not know the woman's fate, according to The Times of Israel, but it's speculated that she is deceased.
Home News New Hampshire assisted suicide bill survives challenge after Catholic lawmaker changes his mind

A bill seeking to allow people in New Hampshire with six months or less to live access to physician-assisted suicide has survived a challenge spurred by a Catholic lawmaker who changed his mind after voting in favor of the legislation.

New Hampshire state Rep. Mike Ouellet, a Republican representing Colebrook, first voted in favor of House Bill 1283, which would legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. The bill narrowly passed the New Hampshire House on March 21 by a vote of 179-176, with 24 state representatives abstaining.

Ouellet told the New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism that he was initially convinced to vote for HB 1273 after hearing testimony that was "very, very compassionate about trying to help people with their suffering and pain." However, he said his faith compelled him to change his mind as he reflected on it while driving home.

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"I've been a practicing Catholic my whole life," Ouellet said, adding that he felt torn because the bill would conflict with his faith. He noted that the initial vote happened at the end of the day on March 21, by which time many members had already left.

Ouellet's motion to reconsider the bill failed in the House last Thursday by a vote of 210-147.

The law would allow a terminally ill patient in New Hampshire to receive a lethal dose of medication if he is deemed mentally competent with a life expectancy of six months or less. The patient must have "voluntarily made the request for medical assistance in dying," according to the bill's text.

Two doctors, two mental health experts and two witnesses would also have to sign off on the request.

Six Democrats and three Republicans co-sponsored the bill in the New Hampshire House, though only one Democrat state senator is sponsoring it in the upper chamber.

Republican New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who is not running for reelection, has not firmly endorsed or opposed the proposed legislation but noted that it would not be "absolutely dead on arrival," according to WMUR-TV.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester has expressed opposition, as have other organizations, such as the NH Hospital Association and Disability Rights Center NH.

In April 2022, Catholic Bishop Peter Libasci of the Manchester diocese issued "Three Beliefs: A Guide for New Hampshire Catholics on End-of-Life Decisions," which laid out the Catholic opposition to any law that would permit physician-assisted suicide.

"For the Christian, the suffering that comes from illness and death is a way of being deeply united with the death and resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We know that death is not the end; it is the doorway to eternal life," the document says in part.

The guidance advises Catholics to avoid "the opposite extremes of the deliberate hastening of death on the one hand and the overzealous use of treatment or care to artificially extend life and prolong the dying process on the other."

Describing suicide as "a grave evil" and "always morally wrong," the diocese states, "There is never a situation where it is right to either assist in someone else's suicide or to arrange for it on one's own behalf."

If HB 1273 is passed, New Hampshire will join 10 other states that allow euthanasia for terminally ill patients.
Home News Pastor shot at church says God told him stop trying to die in spirited return to pulpit

In a spirited return to his pulpit just weeks after being shot in the face by carjackers, Pastor Clemmie Livingston Jr., of Zionfield Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, said God told him to stop trying to die as he bled in the aftermath of the shooting.

Livingston, who was shot just after 9 a.m. on Feb. 25 as he came out of his church before the start of his Sunday morning service, testified about the ordeal during his first appearance in the pulpit since the shooting.

In his Easter Sunday message, the 71-year-old pastor expressed his gladness to be back, drawing cheers of amen and applause from his flock.

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Glad to be here to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember the words of Peter.  He said, Lord, its good to be here. And sometimes we take being here for granted, but its good to be here, Livingston said after directing his congregants to Matthew 28:5-6.

Even after being a preacher for almost 40 years, he said he needs to keep reading Scripture to remind himself of how sure Gods promises are.

Say what you will. I dont care what youre going through. You can always stand on the Word of God. His Word is everlasting all the way to everlasting, he said.

"When I look at the things of the world, when I look at things not just in the City of Memphis but when I look at things going on around the world, it would do you good to go back and read the Word of the Lord," Livingston said.

"When you study the Word of the Lord, there ain't nothing new going on that the Lord haven't already told us about. The Lord already told us that evil days would come.  He told us in His Word that the time shall come when nation shall rise up against nation. He told us about pestilence in the land. It's all in His Word," he said before pointing to Matthew 24: 13.

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved," the Scripture says.

Although he did not plan to discuss the shooting, Livingston was soon using the experience to encourage Christians not to give up on their faith.

"You've got to hold on. You've got to hold on. A few weeks ago, my faith was tested. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted," he said.

"Just a few weeks ago, I had to hold on to the faith when I was struck by a stray bullet. Don't know where it came from. I just saw myself going down on my knees. I said I wasn't going to talk about this  because it's not easy to talk about," he continued.

"But I was struck by a stray bullet that put me down on my knees. I didn't know what was going on. All I could feel was blood coming from every direction. All I could remember was Troy Franklin and my daughter Tracy holding my head," he recalled. "My daughter Tracy wouldn't let me shut my eyes. And I remember Sister Franklin saying, 'hold on.'"

He said he kept telling himself that he would be dead in a few minutes.

"'You can't keep bleeding the way you are and not die,'" he recalled telling himself.

God, however, had another message for him.

"When I was down on my knees, let me tell you what He said. He said to me, 'Stop trying to die and start back living.' He said to me, 'Not yet, not yet,'" Livingston declared to shouts of praise from the congregants. "When you're rooted in the Lord, you can feel His presence. I felt the presence of the Lord."

Livingston recalled wrestling with fear after the shooting.

The Memphis Police Department said in a previous report that Pastor Livingston, who is also battling bone cancer, was shot as suspects stole a 2019 silver Chevrolet Corvette from his church's parking lot. The suspects are yet to be identified or apprehended.

Livingston's wife, Gwendoline Livingston, previously revealed in a GoFundMe campaign that her husband will need to undergo multiple follow-up surgeries to repair the damage suffered by her husband as a result of the injury.

On Sunday, the pastor explained that he expects to be out of the pulpit for a while to accommodate the surgeries.

"I was informed that my surgeries, I have two others, more surgeries to have within the next couple of weeks," he said. "After today, I will not be able to really get into the pulpit, but I thank God that He allowed me to be here today."
Home News Pastor Greg Locke declares Christianity under attack in US after 200 Bibles torched near church

Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, told members of his flock that the setting on fire of around 200 Bibles in a trailer near his church by an unidentified suspect on Easter Sunday is proof that Christianity is "under attack" in the United States.

"If you think Christianity is not under attack more than ever before in the United States of America, you've not been paying attention. You need to get your head out of the sand. Quit being lukewarm," Locke declared during the Easter Sunday service.

"I'm telling you they are attacking churches in America. Can I remind you, for Evangelical believers and for Catholics for that matter, this is the most important day historically and biblically that you can imagine? And now Joe Biden makes it Trans Visibility Awareness Day."

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Biden drew criticism from conservative Christians for proclaiming Easter Sunday as "Transgender Day of Visibility."

"If you think for any second that Christianity is not under an assault and under an attack, you are not paying attention friends. Wake up to the reality. The beast system is here. They hate those that tell the truth," Locke asserted.

Hours earlier, at around 8 a.m. Sunday, Locke revealed in a statement on Facebook that a witness saw a man dropping off the trailer of Bibles near his church and setting it ablaze. It was all caught on security cameras.

"Happy Resurrection Sunday. This morning at 6:00AM our security cameras caught a man dropping off a trailer in the middle of the intersection and blocking the road into our church. He then got out and set fire to an entire trailer full of Bibles right in front of our church," Locke wrote.

"There was a lady that had driven through the night to get to our church, and she was in the parking lot and was able to get the police officers here quickly, but it was quite the scene to wake up to on my first morning back from Israel. Had to block traffic in all directions but they are almost finished cleaning it up. It's going to be a great day in the Lord."

The Wilson County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident in a statement, noting officials are withholding some details to "uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation."

"Around 6am this morning, the Mt. Juliet Police Department and Fire Department swiftly responded to a trailer fire located at the intersection of Old Lebanon Dirt Road and Chandler Road," the statement said.

"The fire was promptly extinguished by the diligent efforts of the Mt. Juliet Fire Department. Following the containment of the fire, Wilson County Sheriff's Office deputies and detectives assumed control of the investigation. The trailer, containing bibles, had been dropped off in the middle of the intersection and then intentionally set on fire. To uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation, other specific details cannot be provided at this time."

Locke told his congregation that police told him FBI was called in because the burning of Bibles is being investigated as a hate crime.

"He's got his hazard lights on at 5:58 in the morning," Locke said. "I'm like, 'Wow, here's the most polite crook I've ever met in my whole life.' I've never met, you know, polite Satanists.

"And so he unhooks the trailer and douses it with gasoline, with fuel, and then  there were probably 200 Bibles," the outspoken pastor added. "I don't know where he got them."
Ricardo Delgado covers the Hill Country for the San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at ricardo.delgado@express-news.net.

He previously worked for The University Star at Texas State University.
Home Opinion Off with their heads! Or not

Were you as surprised as I was to learn that Russia doesnt carry out capital punishment?

Technically, the death penalty is lawful in Russia, however, the government hasnt performed any executions since 1996 when former President Boris Yeltsin established a moratorium, which was then explicitly confirmed by their Constitutional Court in 1999.

With the recent Islamic terrorist attack on a Russian concert hall that left 137 dead and nearly 200 wounded, some Russian government officials and citizens are calling for the return of capital punishment, but so far, the Kremlin has said it wont entertain such action.

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On the other side of the spectrum, you have Iran who hit an all-time high in executions for 2023. While the U.S. executed only 24 people last year, Iran hanged 834 people, with over half that number being carried out for drug-related charges.

It may not be as hot a topic as abortion, but temperatures can quickly rise in discussions among those who disagree on whether capital punishment is ethical or not. Its always amused me a bit that, in general, those who favor abortion frown on the death penalty whereas many who are pro-life are OK with capital punishment. Seems like one side is OK with putting to death the innocent and not the guilty whereas the other side is the exact opposite.

In any event, the debate can get fierce in Christian circles too with both sides possessing the same Bible and arriving at different conclusions. So, is capital punishment OK or not? Lets take a quick look at the main biblical theories on the death penalty and see what justifications their supporters use to defend them.

The death penalty throughout the Bible

The Old Testament has a few general verses that Christians will point to as their foundation for defending capital punishment. The first is, Whoever sheds mans blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man (Gen. 9:6), followed up with So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood pollutes the land and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it (Num. 35:33).

The nation of Israel had the death penalty along with an interesting and lengthy list (21 in total) of offenses that resulted in execution, although we don't know if or how many were actually carried out. It included acts you might expect like murder (Ex. 21:12), kidnapping (Ex. 21:16), and rape (Deut. 22:25) to moral offenses like adultery (Lev. 20:10) and lying in a capital crime (Deut. 19:16-19), to more spiritual sins like idolatry (Ex. 22:20), blasphemy (Lev. 24:15-16), witchcraft/sorcery (Ex. 22:18), being a false prophet (Deut. 18:20), and sabbath breaking (Ex. 31:14). There were also some eyebrow-raising ones thrown in like cursing your parents or rebelling against them (Deut. 5:16, Ex. 21:15, 17).

I wont go into the debate over how or why those transgressions resulted in a death penalty sentence but am only pointing out for now that capital punishment was carried out during Old Testament times.

In the New Testament, the two most cited verses for supporting the death penalty come from Paul. When he was on trial, Paul alluded to capital punishment when he said: If then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die (Acts 25:11).

His most famous statement on the subject, though, is found in Romans: For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil (Rom. 13:34).

All that said, if you do a survey of general thought on the biblical view of the death penalty, you find 3 theories: 1. reconstructionism (execution is possible for all major crimes, 2. rehabilitationism (not for any crime), and 3. retributionism (allowed for some capital crimes).

Supporters of reconstructionism believe that the law should reflect Gods unchanging character, and since Jesus said He did not come to abolish the Law, we find capital punishment being affirmed in the New Testament.

Detractors of reconstructionism decry the approach with one reason being capital punishment is a penalty for breaking a law and not a law itself, i.e., there is a distinction between whether an act is wrong (a law) and the historical penalty for it. For example, Paul did not call for capital punishment for an adulterer but instead recommended excommunication (1 Cor. 5:5).

Defenders of rehabilitationism argue that justice is remedial, not retributive, and that the criminal should be reformed, not punished (at least capitally). They highlight the fact that Cain was not put to death for killing Abel, David was not given the death penalty for adultery and murder, and the adulterous woman highlighted in John 8 was not condemned to death by Jesus. The concept of forgiveness also plays a big part in this view.

Opponents of rehabilitationism argue that the primary purpose of justice is not rehabilitation, but punishment with rehabilitation being secondary. Further, they say that the concept of New Testament forgiveness is a personal and not a state matter.

Last on the list is retributionism whose advocates argue that the death penalty should be allowed for certain crimes, primarily murder, because human beings are made in the image of God and reflect God here on earth. It holds that the primary purpose of justice is to punish the wrongdoer with the punishment being in force before the Mosaic Law was given. Capital punishment is handed down to the government, which God ordained to carry out the sentence, and not to individuals (Rom. 13:4).

Those opposed to retributionism primarily argue that the Ten Commandments say do not kill (which is incorrect  it says do not murder, with the Hebrew word indicating a distinction between justified killing and murdering), that innocent people have been executed in the past for crimes they didnt commit, and that were told to turn the other cheek (Matt. 5:39; really an act of insulting a person vs. a life-threatening action).

So, which, if any, biblical theory on capital punishment is correct?

Ill say I fall squarely into the retributionism camp and that its the theory that makes the most practical and biblical sense to me. But maybe you feel differently? If so, thats why theres a comment section to these articles so let me know what you think.
Home News 3 protesters charged for storming into St. Patricks Cathedral during Easter weekend service

Three protesters advocating for Palestinian rights and climate action were charged after disrupting a religious service at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City during Easter celebrations, interrupting the Holy Saturday mass.

The demonstrators, associated with the Extinction Rebellion NYC Palestine Solidarity group, entered the cathedral, advancing towards the altar while chanting "Free Palestine" and displaying a banner proclaiming "Silence Equals Death," CBS New York reported.

The protest left many parishioners in shock, leading to the swift removal of the group from the premises. The larger movement, Extinction Rebellion, is known for its global climate justice campaigns.

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In a thread on X, the group stated that the activists disrupted the mass to "demand all faith leaders take immediate and vocal action against genocide and ecocide."

"However, security slammed the activists to the ground, cathedral refuse to pause the service, continuing to stay silent on the humanitarian crisis," the activist group tweeted.

In a statement shared via a press release, XR NYC Palestine Solidarity member Matthew M. stated that a "United Nations Security Council calling for a ceasefire is a good start," ... "but churches making ceasefire statements is also a part of the solution."

"War, occupation, and industrial pollution are poisoning the soil, air, and water in Gaza and all over the planet, destroying the earth's capacity to sustain life," Gregory Schwedock, an XR NYC Palestine Solidarity activist who participated in the demonstration at the church, added.

The group's actions were part of a broader series of demonstrations across New York City, including a notable protest at the New York Auto Show, where activists poured oil on an Electric Ford truck to send the message that reliance on electric vehicles is not a sole solution to the ecological crisis.

The Extinction Rebellion's activities that day also included a rally in Times Square to observe "Land Day," commemorating Palestinian land rights.

The protest at St. Patrick's Cathedral coincided with global demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for peace in the Middle East.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement urging prayer for peace in the region, citing the human toll of the conflict.

"As the Church enters Holy Week and Christ's suffering on the cross and his resurrection are made present to us so vividly, we are connected to the very source of hope," the statement said. "Thousands of innocent people have died in this conflict, and thousands more have been displaced and face tremendous suffering."

The choice of St. Patrick's Cathedral as a protest site was strategic, as it sought to draw attention to the role of religious institutions in advocating for peace.

The reaction to the protest was mixed, with some online commentators criticizing the demonstrators for their approach, particularly for the timing during an Easter service, a period of profound significance in Christianity.
Home News Artist who created blasphemous Jesus oral sex painting stabbed in neck

An artist whose painting depicts the lifeless figure of Jesus receiving oral sex was attacked inside a church hosting the controversial exhibition in Carpi, Italy. The assailant, armed with a spray can and a knife, injured the artist in the neck and targeted his painting.

The artist, Andrea Saltini, was injured during last Thursday's confrontation at the church of Sant'Ignazio, which has been hosting the "Gratia plena" exhibition for weeks.

Saltini survived with minor injuries, the Gazzetta Di Modena newspaper reported.

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The vandalized painting, deemed blasphemous, shows a body meant to be Jesus, lying unconscious with a male figure bending over with his face hovering over the crotch area. The person crouched over Jesus is said to depict St. Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced his side with a lance during the crucifixion.

The painting has led to widespread outrage and calls for the exhibition's closure, The Art Newspaper notes. The exhibition opened on March 2 and features about 20 of Saltini's works, each showing a contemporary twist on a religious theme.

Saltini, 49, was in a difficult situation when he tried to stop the vandal from defacing his artwork, "INRI - San Longino," which sparked outrage among many Catholics.

The attacker managed to flee the scene. Saltini was promptly taken to a hospital in Carpi, where he was treated with four stitches before being discharged, according to the Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino.

The exhibition is scheduled to run until June 2. A pro-life organization's petition calling for an end to the "blasphemous" exhibition has received over 30,000 signatures, The Art Newspaper reported.

Archbishop Erio Castellucci has faced calls to close the exhibition. Authorities dismissed a legal complaint filed against him for not closing the exhibition.

Saltini's lawyer, Giuseppe Chierici, said in a statement with The Art Newspaper that his client "hopes an open and free discussion respecting everyone's sensitivities and opinions can begin as soon as possible."

"[Saltini] asks the entire community of Carpi to reflect on the limits of dissent, the right to criticism, the right to freedom of thought," Chierici said.

The Diocese of Carpi released a statement condemning the attack, expressed solidarity with Saltini and praised the police's swift response. The diocese expressed its commitment to aiding the investigation to apprehend the assailant who discarded his mask and knife before he fled the scene.

Mayor Alberto Bellelli condemned the violence on social media, urging the community to maintain calm and reject divisive rhetoric.

"It is precisely in moments like this that we must reaffirm our values as a community, such as solidarity, mutual respect and dialogue," he wrote, according to Gazzetta Di Modena.

Daniela Depietri, the secretary of the Democratic Party of Carpi, called the incident a breach of democratic and expressive freedoms, urging a united stand against fanaticism and violence.
Home News Easter brunch shooting leaves 1 dead, others injured in Tennessee

A man was killed and up to seven others were injured in a shooting at a Nashville restaurant in Tennessee on Easter Sunday. The incident followed an argument between two men, with one of them firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene.

Talking about the incident at Roasted Salemtown, Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron reported that the altercation began during the Sunday brunch, resulting in the death of a man believed to be involved in the dispute.

Thirty-three-year-old Allen Beachem has been identified as the deceased, while 46-year-old Anton Rucker is the suspect in the case, according to WKRN.

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Five individuals sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Another person received a graze wound, the cause of which remains uncertain. Additionally, a pregnant woman was taken to a hospital after experiencing a panic attack.

Authorities are actively seeking the publics assistance to locate the suspect, who fled the scene in a Mercedes GLS 450, according to photographs shared by MNPD. The motive behind the argument is still under investigation, with no evidence suggesting prior acquaintance between the two men involved.

MNPD Commander Anthony McClain said the incident appears isolated, with no previous disturbances reported at the establishment.

This was not a shootout, if you will, Aaron, a public information officer, was quoted as saying.

This was one person who decided to pull a gun based on an altercation occurring with another man, and then he fired multiple shots, resulting in the injuries Ive just described.

The shooting, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m., prompted immediate responses from police and medical teams.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with multiple gunshots heard and people in Easter attire fleeing the restaurant in distress. Local residents and bystanders recounted the rapid evacuation and the visible shock and fear among those present.

The restaurant, known for its vibrant brunch events and strong community ties, is co-owned by Ericka Fizer-Harvey and Will Radford.

Eight individuals were transported to various hospitals for treatment and evaluation, WKRN reports.

The suspect has a history of legal issues, including aggravated assault and drug charges, according to WKRN.

The community, including Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell and Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin, expressed deep concern over the gun violence, underlining the need for enhanced community safety measures and responsible gun ownership.
Home News Pacific Coast Pastor Ashley Wilkerson: Bible translators changed Scripture to diminish women leaders

Ashley Wilkerson, senior co-pastor of Pacific Coast Church in Tacoma, Washington, which she leads with her husband JonFulton Wilkerson, has drawn criticism for suggesting that Bible translators altered Scripture to diminish evidence that women served as apostles, deacons and even pastors in the early church.

Online chatter about Wilkerson began with a clip posted online last month from a sermon she taught at a women's conference last November at Trinity Church Miami called "Lead Like a Woman."

"Prisca, Mary, Phoebe, Junia, Tryphena and Tryphosa  their names are my favorite to say  many others that were apostles, leaders in the early church. Some of which, their names have been changed in Scripture because we understood, we thought, 'Oh no, they can't be women apostles.' Yeah, they were," Wilkerson said in the clip posted by The Holy Nope, a ministry of Reformation Frontline Missions run by Austin Keeler to "make Jesus unavoidable."

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"I'm not telling you this so you distrust Scripture. I'm not talking about that. I'm calling you to dig deeper because sometimes it gets muddled in our culture," she said.

Reacting to Wilkerson's argument, Pastor Carl A. Hargrove, associate professor of pastoral ministries at The Master's Seminary, dismissed her sermon as "imaginations of a mind with an unbiblical agenda."

"The imaginations of a mind with an unbiblical agenda posing as spiritually enlightening. Women apostles, some whose names were changed to hide the truth??!!" he asked on X incredulously.

When asked to elaborate on his response to Wilkerson's argument in an interview with The Christian Post, Hargrove said Wilkerson has "no evidence" of her claim.

"Well, she has no evidence of names changed, of women who are apostles. She obviously didn't put it forth, even to make such a claim and put forward the evidence, there is none," he said.

"The unbiblical agenda is her role as a pastor when 1 Timothy 2 clearly states that that is a role for a man. And the issue, as some people may say, is cultural or even specific to issues at Ephesus are not true because Paul takes the argument all the way back to creation itself in order. Obviously, the issue is not one of capabilities, but simply order of God's design," he said.

The role of women in ministry has been debated for centuries. While prominent Christian denominations, such as the Southern Baptist Convention and Presbyterian Church in America, don't permit women to serve in pastoral teaching roles, others, such as Wilkerson's Assemblies of God and many Mainline Protestant denominations, allow women to serve as lead or teaching pastors or priests.

Wilkerson, the daughter-in-law of megachurch Pastors Rich and Robyn Wilkerson, defended her position in an interview with CP.

She described the theology of her three-year-old church as consistent with the Evangelical tradition coming out of the Assemblies of God denomination.

She maintains that while she has no problem with Scripture and believes God's Word is infallible, translators aren't.

Wilkerson said she was inspired to dig deeper into research by the work of Beth Allison Barr, an American historian who's currently the James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

In her April 2021 book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth, Wilkerson said Barr "gives a beautifully articulated evidenced-based explanation."

"I don't feel the need to respond at all to untrue and unfounded claims. I would encourage all people interested in this subject to research the history of the translations for themselves. The evidence is irrefutable if you're willing to look," she told CP before sharing an excerpt from Barr's book.

It was Paul's women in Romans 16 who finally changed my mind. On a whim, I asked one of the students to open their Bible and read Romans 16 out loud (at a Christian university I can always count on at least one student to have a Bible in hand). I asked the class to listen and to write down every female name they heard. It was a powerful teaching moment  for the students and for me. I knew women filled those verses, but I had never listened to their names being read aloud, one after the other. Phoebe, the deacon, carried the letter from Paul and read it aloud to her house church. Prisca (Priscilla), whose name is mentioned before her husband's name (something rather notable in the Roman world) as a coworker with Paul. Mary, a hard worker for the gospel in Asia. Junia, prominent among the apostles. Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Paul's fellow workers in the Lord. The beloved Persis, who also worked hard for the Lord. Rufus' mother, Julia, and Nereus' sister. Ten women recognized by Paul. Seven women are recognized by their ministry: Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Junia, Tryphaena, Try-phosa, and Persis. One woman, Phoebe, is identified as a deacon. Kevin Madigan and Carolyn Osiek write that Phoebe 'is the only deacon of a first-century church whose name we know.' Another woman, Junia, is identified not simply as an apostle but as one who was prominent among the apostles. Here I was, walking my students through compelling historical evidence that the problem with women in leadership wasn't Paul; the problem was with how we misunderstood and obscured Paul. Here I was, showing my students how women really did lead and teach in the early church, even as deacons and apostles. Junia, I showed them, was accepted as an apostle until nearly modern times, when her name began to be translated as a man's name: Junias. New Testament scholar Eldon Jay Epp compiled two tables surveying Greek New Testaments from Erasmus through the twentieth century.

When asked why the Apostle Paul would have referred to Junia as an apostle, Hargrove suggested that Paul was using the word in a generic sense.

"An apostle can also just be one who is sent, and that's the basic meaning. One who is sent out. There are people today that will say they are apostles today. But the problem with using that term is how are you using [it]? Are you saying you're an apostle as Peter and Paul? Then, if so, there are certain qualifications. Do you have the attesting signs and wonders of an apostle? Were you a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ as an apostle? Have you been commissioned by Christ to be an apostle? Are [you] commissioned through Christ and the local church to be an apostle? So that's the problem with claiming apostolic office today," he said. "Now, if a person says, 'Well, I'm an apostle' simply in the sense that one who is sent out to do the Lord's work? Sure. Because that's the general sense of it. But we have to understand it in its context."

Hargrove insisted that his response to Wilkerson should not be seen as misogynistic because he is simply defending the Gospel.

"People use terms today, and they throw them around without any real reference to understanding them or the context in which they're used. How often do we hear today, someone would say, 'Well, that's your position, you're obviously racist.' Racism has lost its real sense of the gravitas that it should have because we throw it around without considering the context or the weightiness of the issues at hand," he said. "So a person can say 'misogynistic' all day. Their issue is not with me. Their issue is with Paul and with the Scripture. Deal with what Paul said in 1 Timothy 2 and the fact that his argument goes all the way back to creation, not just a localized case."

Wilkerson said the Assemblies of God, the world's largest Pentecostal denomination, adopted a position paper in August 2010 challenging the position that women should not hold leadership positions in the church.

"The Assemblies of God has been blessed and must continue to be blessed by the ministry of God's gifted and commissioned daughters. The Bible repeatedly affirms that God pours out His Spirit upon both men and women and thereby gifts both sexes for ministry in His Church. Therefore, we must continue to affirm the gifts of women in ministry and spiritual leadership," the paper said.

"Surely, the enormous challenge of the Great Commission to 'go and make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19) requires the full deployment of all God's Spirit-gifted ministers, both men and women."
Home Opinion The supreme mess Americas made of abortion

If you ever want to see the moral and spiritual decline of America, go to a Supreme Court rally about abortion.

From signs using every version of the F-bomb to warnings to stay out of female reproductive organs to calls to DeScrotus the SCOTUS and I loved my F*in abortion!, the religion of abortion zealotry was holding church on the steps of the highest court in the land. Lots of young and old activists and mothers with young children were shouting praises to the violence of abortion, seemingly oblivious to their own fragile existence that escaped it.

My wife and I were asked to speak at the Womens Health Matters rally in the same spot before a building whose facade proclaims: Equal Justice Under Law. Oh, the irony of how many times the Supreme Court has gotten that wrong. Their supremely misguided rulings have violently denied millions of human beings equality which is what brought us to DC that day. Our side was fighting the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) illegal erasure of their own medical standards for the abortion pill mifepristone, used in DIY chemical abortions. Not only are the unborn violently denied their equality under law, but women are as well by a government agency that sides with pill-makers over people. A massive 46% (or $3.3 billion) of the FDAs $7.2 billion 2024 budget comes from  drum roll please  pharmaceutical and medical device companies. No conflict of interest there, of course.

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The Food & Drug Administration claims on its website: The FDAs work, high standards, and decisions are guided by science and focused on protecting and promoting the public health. Yet, there is no scarcity of peer-reviewed articles and news reports about the FDAs repeated failures to use science to protect public health (here, here and here). In the FDA v Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine lawsuit, a large coalition of pro-life physicians and other medical professionals were simply demanding that the FDA do their job. The AHM called out the taxpayer-funded agency for unlawfully removing crucial safety standards for pregnant women who use the abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol.

Women deserve so much better than the violence of abortion whether at an abortion mill or in an abortion pill.

So, one side of rally was demanding, at minimum, the return to the FDAs own safety standards. The other side was demanding zero standards literally celebrating dangerous DIY abortions. Well, welcome to the Back Alley 2.0!

One woman I talked to held a sign that warned: Dont let Churches Run the FDA. I asked her what made her think churches or religion had anything to do with the court case. She said: Its the religious right that wants to control everything, and they want to tell us what we can do with our bodies. I asked her: What does this have to do with churches or religion if the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine is simply asking the FDA to return to their own safety standards? Was the FDA using religion when they created those standards? She stumbled but stuck to her placard propaganda: Those doctors are really religious, and they should have no say. Got it. So, doctors with moral consciences and ethical values regarding human life need to be silent. Thankfully, thousands of pro-life doctors across the country let their voices be heard.

Sadly, not one single church did. There were no churches standing in solidarity with women harmed by DIY chemical abortions there that day. There were no leading pastors demanding the protection of all of those made in Gods image. Not one. So, it struck me as painfully funny to see a sign suggesting the Churchs involvement. How different this fight would be if churches rose up across the nation to show love and compassion in ending our abortion crisis.

The factivist in me couldnt help but try to engage others that day in civil conversation. One young man, with my brown complexion, held a dry erase board that proclaimed: Keep Abortion Legal. So, I asked him why he felt that way. He immediately launched into a diatribe about how pregnancy is dangerous and no one should ever force a woman to give birth. I said: Walking across the street is dangerous. Eight thousand pedestrians a year die from that. Driving a car is even far more dangerous. But shouldnt we be supporting women with better pre-natal and post-partum healthcare and supports like pregnancy resource centers to help reduce risks? He rejected it and said abortion was a form of self-defense.

Reason was definitely not on the menu that afternoon. He would jump from one talking point to another ignoring his own contradictions. When I told him that abortion is the leading cause of death in the black community (364,623), he loudly objected and insisted it was gun deaths. I explained all homicides of black lives amounted to just shy of 14,000. But he was immovable. After 10 minutes or so, I thanked him for engaging and told him I loved him because were all created in Gods image. He was a little stunned by my words.

As my wife and I exited, we came across a young woman holding a sign declaring: Adoption is Human Trafficking. I asked if she was adopted or a birth mom. She wasnt. I shared my story of being adopted into a family of 15 and being adoptive parents. She was unmoved and said, dismissively: White colonial parents turn indigenous children into sex slaves. She insisted black and brown children are only harmed by adoption, so the only way to prevent that was  abortion.

These interactions at the Supreme Court were not in any sense rational. There is a spiritual battle waging all around us that blinds eyes, deafens ears and hardens hearts beyond comprehension. This supreme mess that is abortion zealotry requires more of us to love, more people to speak, more people to be that help and hope. Im in. Are you?
How the Easter message shaped Western values

Values such as tolerance, charity and human rights are often considered secular beliefs of the modern world, independent from any religion, especially the Christian faith that once infused the countries where these values were born.

But one historian realised this was false as he was perusing the stories and documents of the ancient world. Tom Holland, the bestselling author of books such as Rubicon, had abandoned his own childhood faith. However, as he read more of the works of history, he realised that the modern values we all take for granted had a particular inspiration: Christianity, and especially the message of the Cross.

He gives painstaking details of these developments in his 2019 book Dominion: the making of the Western mind (in the US, it was subtitled How the Christian Revolution Remade the World). It proved very popular with Christians.

Soon after the book was first released, the late Reformed pastor Tim Keller wrote for The Gospel Coalition: "It is hard to overstate the importance of Holland's book ... Christianity has such an enduring, pervasive influence that we cannot condemn the church for its failures without invoking Christian teaching and beliefs to do so."

Here are just some of our modern ethics that came from the Gospel message, according to Holland:

Slavery is wrong

Most Christians are aware that the 18th Century movement to abolish the slave trade in England was driven by a group of Evangelical Protestants called the Clapham Sect, the most famous being William Wilberforce. In the agreement between European powers to outlaw the slave trade in 1815, "the language of evangelical protestantism was fused with that of the French Revolution," Holland explains.

It had taken time for European laws to be applied to people from other continents, but long before that, there had been another anti-slavery battle that was started and won by the church. Slavery in Europe itself had been outlawed for a long time before that. Theologian Gregory of Nyssa was the first to argue in the 4th Century that slavery itself was intrinsically sinful.

Weakness is greatness

In the Roman world that Christianity was born into, and in most civilisations throughout history, the weak and vulnerable were despised. A central theme in Holland's work is that Christianity promoted the direct opposite of this, through its humble Servant King, hung on a Cross. It is this aspect of Christianity that has been scorned by its haters like Friedrich Nietzsche, the Nazis, and first of all by the Romans and the ancient world.

"Divinity, then, was for the very greatest of the great: for victors, heroes, and kings," writes Holland. "Its measure was the power to torture one's enemies, not to suffer it oneself: to nail them to the rocks of a mountain, or to turn them into spiders, or to blind and crucify them after conquering the world. That a man who had himself been crucified might be hailed as a god could not help but be seen by people everywhere across the Roman world as scandalous, obscene, grotesque."

The church has been aware of this since its beginning: St Paul outlined the "foolishness" of the crucified God in 1 Corinthians 1, saying in verses 27-28: "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised thingsand the things that are notto nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."

Humans have rights

The modern movements for human rights can sometimes be hostile to Christianity. It wasn't always so.

"That every human being possessed an equal dignity was not remotely self-evident a truth," states Holland in Dominion. "A Roman would have laughed at it. To campaign against discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexuality, however, was to depend on large numbers of people sharing in a common assumption: that everyone possessed an inherent worth. The origins of this principleas Nietzsche had so contemptuously pointed outlay not in the French Revolution, nor in the Declaration of Independence, nor in the Enlightenment, but in the Bible."

Sexual desires should be restrained

Holland describes the shocking dominant morals of Roman society  rich and powerful men using slaves, women and anyone they deemed inferior for their own lust. "As captured cities were to the swords of the legions, so the bodies of those used sexually were to the Roman man," he wrote.

He perceives the traditional ethic of sex being exclusively within monogamous marriage to be the fruit of Christendom.

The poor and vulnerable should be helped

it is taken to be self-evident within Christian societies that charity work, welfare and support for the poor and vulnerable is inherently good. But it wasn't always so. The heroes of the ancient world had no pity for the less able. Holland summarises: "The starving deserved no sympathy. Beggars were best rounded up and deported. Pity risked undermining a wise man's self-control. Only fellow citizens of good character who, through no fault of their own, had fallen on evil days might conceivably merit assistance."

Helping the poor is a virtue that is assumed to be good in the modern world, and the historian credits this to Christianity.

Romantic love

In history and still in many cultures today, marriage was about preserving the extended family and status and a decision made by the older relatives, not the individuals getting married. Holland credits the change in this to Christianity: "Opening up before the Christian people was the path to a radical new conception of marriage: one founded on mutual attraction, on love. Inexorably, the rights of the individual were coming to trump those of family."

These are just some of the insights in Holland's sweeping overview of the reach of Christendom, which is a powerful and enthralling read.
Prime Minister thanks churches for 'incredible' work in Easter message

The Prime Minister has thanked churches and Christian communities for the "incredible" work they do in their local communities.

In his Easter message, Rishi Sunak spoke about the "Christian values of compassion, charity and self-sacrifice".

He also paid tribute to Christians "supporting those in need and demonstrating what it means to love thy neighbour".

He said that Easter was a "chance to pause and reflect" and spend "precious" time with the family, but he also reflected on those suffering because of their Christian faith around the world.

"Many I know will also be thinking of those in pain and suffering around the world and Christians persecuted because of their faith who are unable to celebrate Easter freely," he said.
Dairy cattle feed at a farm in this 2017 photo. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced March 25 that dairy cows in Texas and Kansas has tested positive for bird flu. On Monday, the Texas Department of State and Health Services said a person became ill with bird flu after coming into contact with cows presumed to have been infected. Rodrigo Abd/Associated Press This diagnostic lab in Gonzales has diagnosed poultry infected with bird flu in the past. JOHN DAVENPORT, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A second person in the United States  this one in Texas  has been diagnosed with avian influenza, or H5N1, according to state health officials.

The patient, whose one symptom was eye inflammation, had been exposed to dairy cows presumed to have been infected, a news release from the Texas Department of State and Health Services states.

Last week, state officials announced avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, had been detected at two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas. It was the first time the disease had been detected in cattle in the U.S. Federal agriculture officials later confirmed infections in a Michigan dairy herd that recently had received cows from Texas.

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At the time, the Texas Animal Health Commission said initial testing has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans, which would indicate that the current risk to the public remains low.

In its release, the state health department also said it believes the risk to the general public remains low, although it's higher for those in close contact with infected animals.

Scientists are evaluating dairy cows in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico with symptoms such as low lactation and low appetite.

Texas officials didnt identify the person or release any details about what brought them in contact with the cows.

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The first case of bird flu infecting a person in the United States occurred in April 2022.

While bird flu has affected animals globally since 1997, transmission from person to person is rare, and health officials said there is little risk to the general public.

This bird flu was first identified as a threat to people during a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong. More than 460 people have died in the past two decades from bird flu infections, according to the World Health Organization. Most humans are exposed through sick or dead infected poultry, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the 2022 U.S. case, a prison inmate in a work program picked it up while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colo. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.

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Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici.
Vast Space LLC, founded by cryptocurrency billionaire Jed McCaleb, is being sued by a former engineer who claimed he was fired for refusing to use improper radio frequencies in designs for a commercial space station the company hopes to launch as soon as next year.

Christopher Timperio joined Vast in April 2023 and led a team developing communication systems for the companys first space station, called Haven-1. In their haste to get the station into orbit, Timperios bosses demanded he use radio frequencies that would be out of compliance with the Federal Communication Commissions regulations, according to the whistleblower lawsuit he filed Tuesday day in Los Angeles.

Timperio tried repeatedly to dissuade Chief Executive Officer Max Haot and Chief Technology Officer Alex Hudson from using the frequencies and came up with alternatives that would comply with FCC regulations, but he was fired Dec. 1 for disagreeing with the technical direction of the leadership at Vast, the suit alleges.

Vast, based in Long Beach, California, is developing Haven-1 as a first step in its plan to build giant commercial stations that spin to create artificial gravity environments. In May 2023, Vast announced a deal with Elon Musks SpaceX to launch Haven-1 into orbit on Falcon 9 rockets and ferry people to the station inside SpaceX crew capsules.

A Vast executive pushed back on Timperios claims.

We are aware that former Vast employee Chris Timperio raised a concern, after his separation from Vast, about the companys plans for spectrum licensing, Krystle Caponio, the chief legal officer, said in a statement. The company retained outside counsel who conducted a thorough investigation into Mr. Timperios concerns and determined they had no merit. The company intends to vigorously defend against Mr. Timperios claims.

Spacecraft Communication

Any company launching spacecraft must receive licensing from the FCC, which carves out the specific radio frequencies engineers can use to communicate with their orbiting vehicles. FCC officials told Timperio and his team that Vasts plan to use certain frequency channels for Haven-1 wouldnt be approved, and NASA expressed concern the companys station would interfere with other spacecraft communications, the suit claims.

According to Timperio, Haot and Hudson argued in favor of using the frequencies. Hudson, who used to work at SpaceX, claimed that Musks company also used the frequencies and Vast should do the same, the suit alleged. Hudson joked in one meeting that they could put a camera on Haven stations to fall under the governments earth observation classification to gain access to the radio frequencies the company wanted, according to the suit.

Timperio began to be concerned because it would likely be his signature on the application to the FCC and he didnt not want to make a material misrepresentation to the federal government, the suit said. Timperio said he made a presentation to Vast executives, including Hudson and Haot, showcasing a solution that would change Haven-1s design to comply with the FCCs recommendations, and tried repeatedly to change the companys direction.

After receiving pushback when he spoke out about using the frequencies, he was fired, the lawsuit alleges. Timperio claims he was wrongfully terminated in retaliation for being a whistleblower. Hes seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

The case is Timperio v. Vast Space, 24STCV07544, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
The mother of an 8-year-old Texas girl who died over the weekend after being violently sucked into a gap in a hotels pool system has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hotel seeking damages in excess of $1 million.

Houston police said that Aliyah Jaico was swimming with family members on Saturday, March 23 in the lazy river swimming pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Brookhollow hotel. She was reported missing and found hours later inside a large pipe in the pool area, police said. She was pronounced deceased by paramedics.

A lawsuit filed by Jose Daniela Jaico Ahumada, Aliyah Jaicos mother, says that Ms. Ahumada began frantically searching for her daughter at 5:20 p.m. Hotel management denied Ms. Ahumadas request and explained that police would have to be present to view the video surveillance. At 5:45, Ms. Ahumada called 911 and reported her daughter missing.

Aliyah Jaicos body was discovered wedged in the pipes of the malfunctioning pool equipment, the lawsuit says.

Ms. Ahumadas lawsuit names Unique Crowne Hospitality D/B/A Doubletree by Hilton Houston Brookhollow as defendant. The lawsuit alleges that Aliyah Jaicos resulting injuries and death were directly and proximately caused by the hotels negligence and/or a defective condition on the hotels premises.

All the evidence is going to point to this hotel (running) an establishment with many violations, the familys attorney, Richard Nava with Nava Law Group, said at a press conference. The pool was not in working order.

Hilton said in a statement to Houston TV station KTRK-TV that the property is independently owned and operated by a third party.

Hilton does not own, manage, or control the day-to-day operations of the property and does not employ any of the propertys staff or its third-party operators, the statement said.

Hilton said in the statement that is is cooperating fully with all authorities.
E-commerce boosts Hanfu industry in Caoxian, E China's Shandong

People's Daily Online) 09:51, April 01, 2024

In recent years, Hanfu, especially the horse-faced skirt known as the mamianqun in Chinese, has gained popularity as an important symbol of traditional Chinese attire. Noted for its elegant craftsmanship, the mamianqun has become popular on e-commerce platforms, reflecting a growing trend of showcasing and embracing China's cultural heritage.

Photo shows exquisite horse-faced skirts, known as mamianqun in Chinese. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Caoxian County Committee)

The rapid rise of the mamianqun was not by chance. Zhang Longfei, director of an e-commerce service center in Caoxian county, east China's Shandong Province, explained that the county government has invested significant effort in bolstering e-commerce, adjusting the industrial structure, building service carriers, connecting with livestreaming platforms, and cultivating livestreaming talent to capitalize on the new opportunities presented by livestreaming e-commerce.

Zhao Fulong, Party chief of Caoxian county, reported that the county is home to 2,282 Hanfu companies and 13,989 online stores involved in the industry.

Thanks to the mamianqun's popularity on Douyin, a popular short-video platform, the county has introduced 124 offline Hanfu experience stores and 170 studios. More than 90 percent of the Hanfu designs are original, creating a complete industry chain and brand incubation system that includes design, cutting, embroidery, printing, and finished clothing.

Workers make horse-faced skirts, known as mamianqun in Chinese, at a workshop in Caoxian county, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Caoxian County Committee)

This expansion has boosted employment opportunities, with nearly 100,000 individuals working in the county's Hanfu sector.

In just the first two months of this year, sales of horse-faced skirts in Caoxian reached nearly 550 million yuan ($76 million).

"The industrial network in Caoxian county used to be fragmented and lacked refinement," said Yao Chixing, general manager of an original Hanfu brand. In 2023, Yao and her husband established a Hanfu production hub covering 130 mu (8.66 hectares) centered on e-commerce, aiming to consolidate resources and develop a complete industrial chain.

Photo shows horse-faced skirts, known as mamianqun in Chinese, on display. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Caoxian County Committee)

Yao also launched her own Hanfu brand, specializing in skirts that feature more intricate craftsmanship, such as the six-pleat design. This move aims to meet the daily wear requirements of a broader range of consumers, expand their export business, and appeal to the high-end market.

A livestreamer promotes Hanfu during a livestreaming session. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Caoxian County Committee)

The surge in orders for mamianqun has led to a labor shortage, significantly boosting local women's reemployment rates and attracting young people back to the area. This influx has revitalized the industry and the region, offering a new direction for growth.

A decade ago, Hanfu was largely overlooked in China, perceived merely as performance costumes or unconventional dress, according to a Hanfu enthusiast named Sen Sen. Early promoters faced challenges such as scarce information, often having to create their samples themselves by collaborating with factories directly.

The Hanfu market has matured over time, with an increasing number of influencers showcasing Hanfu in their attire. Platforms like Douyin have seen a surge in Hanfu interest and transformation videos. Moreover, livestreaming platforms now feature a variety of Hanfu styles, allowing viewers to appreciate their beauty and envision themselves wearing these outfits.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. From left are Freeman Martin, deputy director of Texas Homeland Security Operations, Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, Adjutant General for the State of Texas, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Michael Banks, special adviser to the governor on border matters. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press

Gov. Greg Abbott is bringing his cross-country feud with New York City Mayor Eric Adams back to the Big Apple this week.

As Abbott continues to build up a national political profile, he is scheduled to headline a big-money GOP fundraiser Thursday in Manhattan where he likely will up the ante on border security issues, which have been at the heart of his back-and-forth with Adams.

The New York Republican Party invited Abbott to keynote its New York City fundraising gala because he leads a state that does everything in its power to stop the invasion of illegal migrants on its southern border, said David Laska, director of communications for the New York GOP.

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As part of his border operation, Abbott has been busing migrants from the Texas border to cities run by Democratic mayors. As of Friday, Abbotts office said the state had transported more than 100,000 migrants to other U.S. cities, including over 40,000 sent to New York City since August 2022.

But Adams might have the edge on Abbott this time after a Texas busing company just agreed to stop transporting migrants, at least temporarily, to New York City amid a $708 million lawsuit the city filed against the company and more than a dozen others. Dallas-area-based Roadrunner Charter Inc., reached a deal with the city on March 20 to refrain from transporting migrants to New York City or the surrounding area while the case is litigated.

The suit stems from new rules Adams enacted in December requiring charter buses to drop migrants off at designated locations and during specific times. When bus companies tried to skirt those rules by dropping migrants off just outside of the city in places like New Jersey, New York City went to court.

Adams did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. But has said in interviews he wants to work with Abbott on solutions to the situation on the border, but Abbott has continued to politicize it.

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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 January.

Abbott did not respond to requests for comments on Monday, but in the past has made clear why hes targeting New York City. He said hes chosen to send migrants to self-proclaimed sanctuary cities so their leaders might put more pressure on President Joe Biden.

If the mayor is really trying to cut down on the number of illegal immigrants coming into New York, he needs to be suing Joe Biden  not these bus companies, because its Joe Biden and Joe Bidens policies thats causing the massive, multimillion influx into the United States that leads to many of them wanting to go to New York, Abbott said on Fox News in January after New York City began suing the bus companies.

Abbotts strategy has worked to a degree. Adams and other mayors have made pleas to the White House to assist with the influx of migrants.

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In recent months, the Biden administration has pushed the Mexican government to do more at the border and Biden backed a bipartisan border security plan that could have further reduced migrants crossing into the U.S. Biden even traveled to Texas to tout the deal. Republicans in Congress ultimately killed the plan after political pressure from former President Donald Trump.

RELATED: Illinois governor asks Abbott to pause migrant busing to Chicago during winter storm

Abbott and Adams have been jabbing at each other since Adams was elected mayor in 2021.

In the summer of 2022, after Abbott started busing migrants to New York City, Adams suggested he might try to help Democrat Beto ORourke in his campaign against Abbott.

For the good of America, we need to get him out of office, Adams said.

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Abbott was ready to respond during an interview on Fox News.

I kind of feel like Clint Eastwood. Go ahead, mayor, make my day, Abbott said.

Adams fired back later that year by appearing at Trib Fest with the Texas Tribune where he called Abbott inhumane and un-American.

Abbott in September 2023 went to New York City for a speech where he responded to Adams by saying the mayors beef shouldnt be with Texas.

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The lead importer of migrants to New York is not Texas, its Joe Biden, he said at a breakfast event held by the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank.

For Abbott, headlining the $1,250-per-plate New York Republican fundraising gala is just another sign of his growing stature in the national party. Trump has praised Abbott and even floated the Texan as a potential vice presidential pick. And earlier this year, Republican governors from around the nation traveled to Eagle Pass for a news conference with Abbott to praise him for his actions on the Texas border.
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio -- One of Broadview Heights largest employers was scheduled to start an expansion project this week on Ohio 82.

Ohio Cat -- which sells, rents and repairs Caterpillar Inc. construction vehicles and equipment -- was planning to tear down The Office Atrium, a now-vacant multi-tenant office building, and build a parking lot on the site.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio  Youve purchased your special glasses and taken the afternoon off work to catch the total solar eclipse heading our way on April 8.

Now, how to capture that moment for posterity?
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Black Keys will bring their upcoming International Players Tour home to Northeast Ohio at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Tickets for the show go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 5, at SeatGeek.com. The Head and the Heart will open.

The International Players tour is supporting the bands new album, Ohio Players, which releases on April 5 and has been led by the singles Beautiful People (Stay High), This Is Nowhere and a cover of William Bells classic R&B ballad, I Forgot To Be Your Lover. The album has several guest artist, including longtime friend and early supporter Beck along with Juicy J, producer Dan The Automator, Noel Gallagher and others.

Also on Friday, April 5, the Black Keys new documentary, This Is A Film About The Black Keys, will have its local premiere at 7:35 p.m. at The State Theatre. The documentary which had its world premiere at South By Southwest in March, is part of the 48th Cleveland International Film Festival, being held from April 3 through April 13 at Playhouse Square.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A day in the hospital costs Ohioans more than people living in its surrounding states  and above the national average  according to the latest estimates provided by KFFs State Health Facts.

An inpatient day at an Ohio nonprofit hospital costs about $3,402, higher than the national average of $3,167, KFFs report said.

The figures are based on information from the 2022 American Hospital Association Annual Survey. They are an estimate of the expenses incurred in a day of inpatient care, according to KFF.

Nationally, the average nonprofit hospital stay was $3,167, $2,383 per day for a for-profit hospital, and $2,857 per day at a state/local government run hospital, the KFF report said.

The cost of a typical hospital stay can include medical procedures and treatments, surgery, room charges (private or shared), prescription medications, physician and specialist fees, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, ambulance services, physical therapy and more.

The study also looked at inpatient costs at for-profit acute care hospitals, as well as speciality for-profit hospitals.

Most acute care hospitals in Ohio are nonprofit organizations, according to the Ohio Hospital Association. Ohio has 166 nonprofit hospitals, six for-profit acute care hospitals, 52 specialty for-profit hospitals, and 24 hospitals owned by local, county, state or federal government, according to the Ohio Hospital Association.

Ohio hospitals contributed $91.7 billion in statewide economic impact in the 12 months ending May 2022, the association said.

Hospital costs per day in Ohio, U.S.

Here is a ranking of Ohio and its surrounding states, based on nonprofit hospital costs per day.

Ohio: $3,402 Indiana: $3,327 Illinois: $3,168 Michigan: $2,546 West Virginia: $2,447 Kentucky: $2,485

These states and the District of Columbia were those with the highest per-day inpatient hospital costs for nonprofit hospitals: All were above the national average of $3,167 for nonprofit hospitals.

California: $4,719 Idaho: $4,570 District of Columbia: $4,272 Colorado: $3,862 Oregon: $3,827

These states were those with the lowest per-day inpatient hospital costs for nonprofit hospitals:

Alabama: $1,984 Iowa: $1,847 South Dakota: $1,673 Mississippi: $1,615 Oklahoma: $2,450

Julie Washington covers healthcare for cleveland.com. Read previous stories at this link.
CHARDON, Ohio -- A TikTok creator from Venezuela who immigration officials say entered the country illegally and had advised people to claim squatter rights by living in unoccupied homes was in Geauga County jail after his arrest Friday.

An Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) team arrested Leonel Moreno in Gahanna, a Columbus suburb. Authorities had been looking for him since he failed to abide by the terms of his release under the federal Alternatives To Detention program and was listed as an absconder.

Moreno, his wife and child were found at a long-term stay motel near John Glenn Columbus International Airport. His wife told the New York Post on Saturday she didnt know where ICE had taken her husband and that she had been unable to see him.

The family entered the United States on April 23, 2022, and was placed in ICEs alternatives to detention program arrest. The program monitors people whove entered the country illegally rather than keeping them in law enforcement custody.

Moreno was placed into the Alternatives To Detention program by Border Patrol and was told to report to Enforcement and Removal Operations office within 60 days of arriving at his destination, an ICE spokesperson told The New York Post.

Moreno did not report as required. On March 29, 2024, Moreno was arrested in Gahanna, Ohio, by officers with ERO Detroits Columbus office and is currently detained pending further immigration proceedings, ICE said, according to The Posts report.

Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand confirmed to The Post that Moreno was in his jail. ICE agents will come get him if he needs to be moved and take him wherever he needs to be taken, he said.

Moreno gained an audience on social media, posting TikTok videos in Spanish that urged people to enter abandoned homes and invoke squatters rights, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

On Wednesday, March 27, he made several posts to Instagram showing himself flashing wads of cash. He has often waved around wads of money that he claimed he got either from government handouts or from begging for cash, The Post said.

I didnt cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave, Moreno said in one Instagram clip, translated by The Post. I came to the US to mark my territory. ... Youre hurt because I make more than you without much work while you work like slaves, understand?

Experts told The Dispatch that the squatter strategy was flawed, and that Ohio rarely grants would-be squatters the right to remain in homes they had moved into illegally. Rather, they could be subject to arrest as trespassers.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The Port of Cleveland has reopened for overseas maritime shipping.

Jared Magyar, the ports vice president of operations, greeted Captain Enno Drent of the Wagenborg Beatrix on Monday. The Netherlands-flagged ship arrived from Sweden laden with 2,500 metric tons of general cargo. Its the ports first arrival of the international shipping season, which began March 22.
Shown is the cloud cover forecast April 8 for South Texas and the Hill Country. NWS Austin/San Antonio

On Monday, a total solar eclipse will be visible from Southwest Texas all the way to Maine. The path of totality will stretch more than 2,000 miles across the United States, giving millions of Americans the chance to see this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Youve probably heard by now that Mother Nature may not cooperate with us here in Texas. Mostly cloudy skies are expected, and theres even a chance of severe thunderstorms for many parts of the state. The latest model data shows an even higher chance of dense cloud cover in South Texas. With that being said, a few breaks in the clouds are still possible, but you'll likely have to get lucky to have a good view of the eclipse.

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High moisture levels

Both the American GFS and the European ECMWF weather models show a deep system of low atmospheric pressure moving into the southwestern United States by Monday. The position of the low pressure system, with its counterclockwise air circulation, will help to direct moisture from the eastern Pacific Ocean into the Lone Star State. This is often a scenario that leads to dense cloud cover, rain, and storms over Texas.

At 1 p.m. Monday, a low pressure trough is expected to be moving through the desert Southwest. It will direct moisture from the Pacific Ocean into Texas. Pivotal Weather

This becomes apparent when looking at what models expect the dew point  the temperature at which dew forms and a reliable indicator of air moisture levels  to be at 1 p.m. on Monday. Both the GFS and ECMWF weather models are showing dew points in the upper 60s to near 70 in San Antonio. That is a very high level of moisture, which often is associated with clouds, rain, and thunderstorms.

Shown are potential dew points in Texas at 1 p.m. on April 8. The higher numbers indicate more moisture in the atmosphere. Pivotal Weather

Much of the state is in the same boat. Dew points in the 60s are expected through much of the Interstate 35 corridor, including all the way north to Dallas. Even higher dew points in the low 70s are possible toward the Gulf of Mexico coastline. West Texas will experience lower dew points, which may help to break up the clouds in that part of the state.

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Cloud cover forecast

Its important to not focus on just one or two particular weather models and take them as truth, even a few days in advance. Thats why the National Blend of Models is a good tool to use. It takes into account dozens of different weather models and blends them to create a best guess of how much cloud cover could be over a particular region.

Shown is the cloud cover forecast, according to the National Blend of Models. The numbers on the map represent the percentage of cloud cover is expected over a particular area. WeatherBELL

For Monday, the NBM now depicts between 75% and 85% cloud cover over San Antonio, Del Rio and the Hill Country. That's a slight increase from previous data. The NBM also projects Houston with about 80 to 85% cloud cover. Cloud cover may be a bit less in North Texas, but for areas under the path of totality, the NBM still shows 50% to 60% cloud cover for Waco, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texarkana.

While the overall picture does not look entirely favorable for South Texas and the Hill Country, a chance of some patchy clearing by Monday afternoon remains. Unfortunately, it's hard to pinpoint exactly which areas could have a partial view of the eclipse. The general trend remains mostly cloudy through the entire region.

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Severe storm chances

The National Weather Centers Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a large part of Texas as an area with a chance of severe thunderstorms on Monday. A Level 2 to 3 out of 5 risk of severe weather has been issued for Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco. Farther south, a Level 1 of 5 risk of severe storms has been issued for Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.

Shown is the SPC severe storm outlook for Monday. A Level 2 to 3 risk of severe storms exists in Central and North Texas. A Level 1 risk of severe storms exists in South Texas, including San Antonio. Pivotal Weather

In San Antonio and the Hill Country, a low chance of isolated showers and storms will be possible in the morning and early afternoon. After 1 to 2 p.m., some storms could become severe. San Antonio's severe storm threat is quite low. The severe weather threat will be higher in the northern half of the state by Monday evening and night. The biggest threat will be very large, damaging hail. However, a few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

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A rubber boat carrying migrants sank off Turkey's Aegean coast on Friday, killing at least 20 people, including four children, according to reports.

It's unclear how many people were on the boat when it sank off the cost of the Canakkale province in northwest Turkey, the Associated Press reported.

Two migrants were rescued by the Turkish coast guard and two others managed to swim to shore, Gov. Ilhami Aktas said, the wire service reported.

The governor told Turkish media outlets that at least four infants and children were among the dead.

The nationalities of the migrants were unknown.

Search and rescue operations that include 10 coast guard boats and two helicopters continue off the coast. A number of ambulances were at a nearby port.

Migrants from the Middle East and Africa often depart Turkey for Greece as they journey to European countries, the Associated Press said.

Some also leave Turkey for Italy.

The AP reported that the Turkish coast guard caught 93 migrants trying to leave Turkey on boats this week.
The most notorious mafia leader in Russia was surreptitiously freed from jail four years prior, allegedly as a show of goodwill from Putin.

The 71-year-old crime lord Shakro Molodoy was released from the highest security colony when it was discovered that he had not given orders to the inmates to boycott Putin's war.

Russian Crime Boss Freed for War Loyalty

Zakhary Kalashov, the legendary boss of the Russian criminal underworld, was sentenced to a total of six years in prison in the Krasnodar area. This served as a modest reduction from his initial sentence of nine years and ten months.

It was a stealthy departure for the guy, who was driven away from the IK-2 jail in a Gazel truck that was not recognizable to everyone. While riding in a crowded limousine, the individual was escorted by a large number of bodyguards who were dressed in black.

Molodoy, whose real name is Zakhary Kalashov, is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in Russia's criminal underworld. He holds the esteemed title of "thieves in law," which is given upon highly respected individuals within organized crime circles.

The court attributed the granting of parole to the crime boss's declining health, as reports indicate that he has experienced significant vision loss during his time in jail.

The alias "gangland's Putin" was given to Molodoy as a result of the prominent role he played in the criminal underworld, a position he has served in continuously since the 1990s. An event that took place in 2016 led to his being detained on allegations that were connected to extortion and being violent.

The terrible loss of two lives occurred as a result of this occurrence, which took place during a shooting that took place at a restaurant in Moscow, according to The Sun.

Russian Mafia Implicated in Triple Murder

The Russian mafia is responsible for the killings of Vladimir Pokhilko, his wife, and his kid, according to the findings of the investigation. He was held by highly armed FSB officials in his opulent property, which cost $25 Million, which led to discussion about Putin's fears over Sakharov's influence on the police and the Home Office.

Molodoy was known to have used a total of twenty-three distinct aliases, variation names, or pseudonyms, as indicated in official documents from the United States. He was previously convicted of money laundering and orchestrating illegal operations, and he is currently serving eight years in a jail in Spain for these offenses.

Domodedovo airport in Moscow was the location where senior law enforcement authorities greeted him with a hearty welcome when he arrived from Spain in 2014.

Former President Mikheil Saakashvili, currently serving a prison sentence for "abuse of power," suggests that Molodoy's early release may be linked to alleged interference by Putin in Georgia's politics. In response to his statement, the crime boss allegedly lost a massive 76-room palace in Tskneti, a suburb of Tbilisi, and refrained from returning to Georgia while he was in power, US Times Post reported.
An employee at a Kansas cancer treatment center is accused of fatally hitting a 94-year-old man with her car in the facility's parking garage, then going inside to work.

Kelsi Ann Carmack, 24, is charged with failing to stop at an accident with a known death, court records showed.

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as William J. Ward of Leawood, Kansas.

Carmack allegedly hit Ward at the University of Kansas Cancer Center Westwood Campus around 8 a.m. Thursday, but didn't stay at the scene, according to authorities. She reportedly continued inside to go to work and she was arrested while on duty.

The university confirmed that the crash involved one of its employees.

"We are dedicated to helping and healing patients, and so the news that this accident involved an employee is especially tragic to us on many levels," hospital spokesperson Jill Chadwick said in a news release obtained by the Kansas City Star.

Carmack's father told WDAF-TV that it was an accident.

"My daughter was going to work, she never meant to hit nobody. When I talked with her on the phone, she never knew she hit anybody," Bill Carmack told the outlet.

In a message to the victim's family, the elder Carmack added, "I am so sorry about your loss, please forgive my daughter. She did not mean to do this. She loves being a nurse."

According to WDAF-TV, though Carmack's father called her a nurse in the general sense, she's actually a certified medication aide and a certified nursing assistant.

Carmack is free on $7,500 bail from the Johson County Detention Center and is being represented by a public defender. She is due back in court on April 10.
Alex Murdaugh sits during an evidentiary hearing at the Richland County Courthouse on Tuesday, Jan.16, 2024. Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife and son in 2023 after a six-week trial.

CHARLESTON, S.C.  A federal judge sentenced convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh to 40 years in prison Monday for stealing millions of dollars from his legal clients  a punishment that can be served at the same time as a 27-year sentence previously imposed by South Carolina for related crimes.

The stakes had been raised in an otherwise routine sentencing hearing after federal prosecutors said in a filing last week that Murdaugh, 55, failed a polygraph test that he agreed to undergo as part of a plea deal. In addition, they said, they identified 11 new financial victims and another $1.3 million in stolen money.

The former personal injury lawyer faced a much harsher sentence, although U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel is allowing him to serve his prison sentences for state and federal crimes concurrently. He also ordered Murdaugh to pay more than $8 million in restitution to his financial victims.

Each of the various charges in federal court carried a maximum of at least 20 years in prison, the Justice Department said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse asked Gergel to impose a 30-year sentence, arguing that "we don't believe he is capable of living a law-abiding life as a member of society" and it would send "a very strong message about lawyers stealing money from their clients."

Gergel said he decided to go above that to hold Murdaugh further accountable and bring justice to his victims.

"This is a reprehensible crime that deserves the most serious of sanction," the judge said.

Murdaugh, shackled and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, appeared emotional as he addressed Gergel.

"I literally am filled with sorrow and am filled with guilt over the things that I did," he said.

Murdaugh is already serving a life sentence without parole for the murders of his wife, Margaret, 52, and their younger son, Paul, 22, in 2021. He is attempting to appeal the conviction.

When Murdaugh pleaded guilty in September to 22 federal financial crime charges, it came with an agreement that he would subject himself to a polygraph. Federal prosecutors said he could be called to "testify fully and truthfully before any grand juries and at any other trials or other proceedings."

But prosecutors said in a filing that Murdaugh breached the agreement, writing that "he ranks as one of the most prolific fraudsters this state has ever seen."

Murdaugh's lawyers denied the allegation and had said in response that they should be able to respond in documents that can be made public.

"To allow the Government to publicly accuse Murdaugh of breaching his plea agreement while also allowing the Government to hide all purported evidence supporting that accusation from the public would violate the public's right to the truth," the filing said.

Federal prosecutors argued that the details must not be released because of an ongoing grand jury investigation.

But Gergel on Monday said the issue was "moot" after attorneys spoke about the prosecution's filing in private chambers.

Murdaugh last year pleaded guilty to 14 counts of money laundering, five counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud and other charges. Prosecutors said Murdaugh, who worked at the family's Hampton County law firm, cheated clients out of settlement money and created fraudulent bank accounts.

Among his financial victims was the estate of his family's longtime housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died following a "trip and fall accident" at the Murdaughs' home in 2018.

Satterfield's son, Michael "Tony" Satterfield, addressed Murdaugh on Monday as part of a victim impact statement.

"I pray for you daily," Satterfield said, staring directly at his mother's former employer. "I just want God to work on you and your heart."

The sentencing in federal court comes a year after Murdaugh's high-profile double murder trial, in which he took the stand to deny that he fatally shot his wife and son, but admitted to some financial misconduct.

State prosecutors accused him of murdering them to gain pity and to distract from financial crimes threatening to topple his reputation in South Carolina's Lowcountry, where three generations of family patriarchs had wielded power as the top prosecutors for decades.

Murdaugh said he suffered from a longtime addiction to prescription opioids, which he testified clouded his judgment.

He told the court on Monday that he is "937 days clean."

"I do believe that my addiction contributed to me doing some of the things that I did," Murdaugh said. "And Judge Gergel, I hope with every cell of my existence, I hope that I will not have done what I did had I not been addicted to opioids."

His federal sentencing caps a long-winding legal saga for the once-prominent lawyer.

In January, his defense team attempted to get him a new double murder trial after alleging that a court clerk had tampered with the jury and tainted the verdict as she sought to write a book about the case. But while a judge found that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill was not a wholly credible witness, jurors were not persuaded by her actions

Hill, who resigned from her post last month, had denied in her testimony that she tampered with the jury for financial gain or any other reason.

Regardless of what happens with Murdaugh's murder appeal, he will remain in prison for at least four decades.

Juliette Arcodia reported from Charleston and Erik Ortiz from New York.
Investors received another reason to buy shares of Palo Alto Networks , according to Jim Cramer, in light of a cybersecurity incident that has impacted millions of AT & T customers. The telecommunications giant said Saturday it was investigating a leak of customer data onto the dark web, which compromised information belonging to 73 million current and former AT & T account holders. This includes sensitive info like social security numbers, home addresses and dates of birth. But bad news for AT & T can be seen as good news for Club holding Palo Alto Networks, as the data leak underscores the need for cybersecurity offerings at a time of widespread digital threats. Microsoft and UnitedHealth Group are among the companies recently involved in high-profile cyber incidents. "Buy some Palo Alto on this," Jim Cramer said Monday. "We like that [stock.]" AT & T said the incident has not had a material impact on its operations and the passcodes of the 7.6 million current account holders affected have been reset. Meanwhile, the company said it is contacting the other 65.4 million former customers who were impacted. AT & T also said it currently does not have evidence that "unauthorized access to its systems" led to the data leak, according to a press release Saturday. AT & T didn't immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on whether it had any new information regarding the data leak. PANW YTD mountain Palo Alto Networks (PANW) year-to-date performance The list of companies making headlines due to cybersecurity incidents is extensive. And the growing threat from emboldened hackers has generated business for Palo Alto Networks. UnitedHealth's Change Healthcare subsidiary was targeted by hackers in February, causing disruptions to prescription refills for patients and reimbursement payments to health-care providers from insurers. Change Healthcare, the largest health-care payment processor in the U.S., is now working with Palo Alto Networks and other cybersecurity firms to investigate what happened and protect its systems, according to UnitedHealth . Club holding Microsoft also was the target of cyber criminals earlier this year. Microsoft, which has its own cybersecurity business, disclosed in January that a Russian intelligence group tried to breach email accounts of its employees. In a note to clients that month, JPMorgan analysts said argued that cybersecurity vendors like Palo Alto Networks could benefit from the incident , suggesting the news "could drive greater levels of caution with regard to relying too heavily on Microsoft for security." AT & T's data leak is the latest sign that cybersecurity solutions are more important than ever  and that investors should consider having exposure to the industry. Palo Alto Networks is our lone cybersecurity holding, even as its formerly red-hot stock has cooled following its Feb. 20 quarterly earnings report . That's when Palo Alto Networks said it would be shifting toward a so-called "platformization" strategy, offering one unified cybersecurity platform to expedite consolidation in the sector. As part of the strategy, the company effectively would be giving away some technology for free for a period of time. While CEO Nikesh Arora argued it would help bolster Palo Alto's edge against peers, the company subsequently slashed its full-year revenue and billings guidance, sending shares tanking 28.4% in a single session, to $261.97 each. Jim argued at the time that Palo Alto's decision represented short-term pain for long-term gains, and we added to our Palo Alto Networks position on the earnings-related weakness. But after enjoying a recovery to roughly $316 on Feb. 28, the stock has drifted lower again. It fell 1.66% Monday to close the session at $279.42 per share. Jim said during the Monthly Meeting last week he's comfortable with Palo Alto's standing in the industry, particularly after his recent interview with Arora. "I do think after speaking with Nikesh that I am very tempted, when this breaks $280, to buy some Palo Alto," he said. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long PANW, MSFT. See here for a full list of the stocks.) 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.

In this photo illustration the logo from the cyber security company Palo Alto Networks seen displayed on a smartphone. Rafael Henrique| SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images
CSX is starting a new dedicated freight rail service between Baltimore and New York for its clients on Tuesday to help mitigate the trade disruption as a result of the closure of the Port of Baltimore after the cargo vessel Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge leading to its collapse on March 26.

Baltimore-bound rail freight which was diverted to the Port of New York and New Jersey will use this new CSX service, the freight railroad tells CNBC. Freight destined for the Port of Baltimore as exports will also use this new service to get to the Port of New York. The amount of freight being moved on the new line is not being disclosed for now, a CSX spokeswoman said. CSX is currently in an earnings quiet period.

The railroad explained in an email to CNBC that strategic partnerships with steamship lines allow it to transport freight between New York and Baltimore, using its established international sales network.

The new service "will help to manage the traffic flow that would typically transit through the Port of Baltimore," the CSX spokeswoman said in a statement to CNBC, though she stressed that the situation at the port is fluid. "While the timeline for resuming freight operations at the Port of Baltimore remains uncertain, we are in constant communication with our customers, providing timely updates on the status of their shipments. CSX is fully dedicated to meeting our customers' transportation needs during this challenging period."

MSC, the world's largest ocean carrier, told shipping clients last week "passage to and from Baltimore is at this time impossible and will not be reestablished for several weeks if not months."
Artist Refik Anadol uses generative AI to produce images, seen here as part of the "Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive" exhibition at Serpentine North, London. Hugo Glendinning | Courtesy Refik Anadol Studio and Serpentine.

The art world  like many industries  is grappling with how best to use artificial intelligence, especially in its latest form, generative AI. Image generators like Midjourney and OpenAI's DALL-E 3 can produce pictures from written prompts, and such technology has been used to create a magazine cover, win an art prize and dress the Pope in a white puffer jacket. Some artists CNBC spoke to described the technology's potential as being scary or a threat, or expressed concerns about copyright. But they also said they were excited about what generative AI might bring. Installation artist Rubem Robierb was "shocked" when he first saw what generative AI could do, he told CNBC by phone. "In its infancy, [generative] AI can create more images in a second [than] the human brain can even process. This is not necessarily a good thing, but we are all here forced into the experiment," he said in a follow-up email. Robierb specializes in sculpture, and a piece named "Dandara" was displayed in New York City, in memory of Dandara dos Santos, a transgender woman who was killed in Fortaleza, Brazil, while he also made "Dream Machine," a large pair of butterfly wings commissioned by Celebrity Cruises for Edge, its billion-dollar cruise ship.

Artist Rubem Robierb with his sculpture "Dream Machine." Robierb wants "legal boundaries" to be introduced to protect artists' intellectual property. Rubem Robierb

The artist, who is based between New York and Miami, said he's yet to use AI in his work. But he described doing so as "not a matter of choice," and added that he is considering how and when to use it. "We can also see it as a threat to creativity. As it exists right now, [generative] AI sources from known images, known artwork, and known artists to complete a task. Legal boundaries must be created in order to protect intellectual property," Robierb said. In Europe, the European Commission's AI Act aims to regulate the technology, depending on how risky it is deemed to be in terms of citizens' rights or safety, and is likely to come into effect in around two years, according to a December press release.

Generative art

Using generative AI in an ethical manner is a key consideration for London gallery the Serpentine, which has developed AI projects with artists since 2014, according to its CEO Bettina Korek. One of the gallery's current exhibitions, Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive, by Refik Anadol, features large-scale AI-generated artworks such as "Artificial Realities: Coral," which was created using around 135 million images of coral that are "openly accessible online," according to a press release. "AI seems very far removed from our kind of human experience. But Refik has created such an immersive and sensorial experience," Korek told CNBC by video call. "Audiences are really encountering art first, and technology second," she said, adding that Anadol has focused on the importance of using "ethically sourced" data to train the AI that produces the images.

Artist Refik Anadol used generative AI to create artworks, seen here at the "Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive," exhibition at the Serpentine North gallery in London, U.K. Hugo Glendinning | Courtesy Refik Anadol Studio and Serpentine.

Anadol used what he terms a "Large Nature Model," where data from London's Natural History Museum and the Smithsonian Institution among others has been used to train an AI to produce content for a work named "Living Archive: Large Nature Model," which was first shown at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January. The ethical sourcing of data to train AI is something that's part of "a much bigger conversation that we're thinking about with artists," Korek said, and the Serpentine's fourth Future Art Ecosystems report, published in March, called for public institutions to "understand themselves as intermediators of the role of AI in society." Other galleries, such as 37xDubai in the United Arab Emirates, are embracing AI-generated art. The venue's exhibition, Generative: Art & Systems, features work by artists including Julian Espagnon, who mixes design, code and art, according to the gallery's founder and CEO Danilo S. Carlucci.

What are we doing, replacing the human experience? Shane Guffogg Artist

Asked whether generative art could match the value of art created by humans, Carlucci said generative art involves creativity and skill, in an email to CNBC. "Some of the artists in our exhibition are highly technical and have a very strong understanding of code. The works they create take hours of labor, and similar to traditional art, the story behind their pieces comes with a thoughtful ... message," he said. At the Serpentine, the gallery's Arts Technologies team is working on a number of AI projects, including an exhibition that will explore "dark corridors of what it means to be an artist in the AI age" by artists and musicians Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst, which will open in the fall, according to a press release. Dryhurst and Herndon are also co-founders of Spawning, an organization focusing on data governance for AI. One of its products, search engine Have I Been Trained, lets people see whether their work and images have been used to train some of the large language models that are behind generative AI  with the option to prevent them from being used in future. AI platforms Stability and Hugging Face are two of the generative platforms using the Have I Been Trained registry, and Spawning is "actively courting" both OpenAI and Midjourney, according to Jordan Meyer, its co-founder and CEO, in an email to CNBC.

AI as an artist's 'tool'

Abstract artist Shane Guffogg has mixed feelings about AI. He described AI as "a tool," in a video call with CNBC. "Part of it is scary. Another part of it is exciting because it enabled me to unlock what I was 'sensorially' hearing," he said. Guffogg has synesthesia, a sensory condition that means he equates individual colors with particular musical notes, and he wanted to create a music composition based on his art that could be performed by a pianist. He approached software developers to help him do that for a piece named "Sounds of Color"  part of an exhibition he will show in Venice, Italy, starting April 20  but found some developers wanted to replace the human element with technology. "They wanted it to be completely AI-generated based on not even my paintings but based on my movements. And  the human element is removed. And I just said: 'No, I'm not going to do that'," Guffogg said.

California-based artist Shane Guffogg worked with an AI software programmer and a pianist to create an exhibition showing in Venice, Italy, between April and November. He said AI technology was both "scary" and "exciting." Shane Guffogg
The rapid rise in Nvidia 's share price amid the artificial intelligence hype has left some investors questioning the sustainability of the company's valuation. With the stock trading at a lofty 2.5% free cash flow (FCF) yield for next year, some investors are urging caution. Historically, Nvidia traded at a 4% FCF yield before the pandemic. Hannah Gooch-Peters, global equity investment analyst at Sanlam Investments, believes that Nvidia's current valuation is pricing in a continued and rapid increase in sales and profit. "If you've got 75% gross margin, and it's a hardware company at the end of the day, you've got to ask yourself, what is the company's ability to sustain those gross margins?" Gooch-Peters questioned Wednesday before CNBC Pro Talks ' live audience at London Business School. Gooch-Peters pointed to Visa  which has a 60% operating profit margin  as a more sustainable investment opportunity. "What is the sustainability of that versus the sustainability of Nvidia's margins today when you're already pricing in a massive pull forward in demand?" She explained that Visa also benefits from a powerful "networking effect," the phenomenon in which the value of a product or service increases as more people use it. V NVDA 5Y line In Visa's case, the more banks, merchants, and consumers adopt its payment network, the more valuable and indispensable it becomes. This creates a strong competitive moat and helps to sustain the company's high profit margins over time. "I think it really epitomizes a high quality company," Gooch-Peters added. Visa is a top-10 stock in Sanlam's Global High Quality equity fund, which manages more than $585 million in assets. The stock has risen by 7% this year, and analysts expect it to rise another 9.3% over the next 12 months. Gerry Fowler, chief European equity strategist at UBS, echoed the sentiment about the importance of a company's competitive moat while picking stocks. "Visa is one of these companies that operates in an oligopolistic sector that seems to be very hard to break into," Fowler said. The UBS strategist pointed to the attempts of Apple, then the world's biggest company, to break into the payments network sector. Ultimately, Apple instead decided to use MasterCard as its payment network provider for its Apple Card service. "There's lots of these sorts of attempts to break down that oligopolistic industry, but no one's done it yet," Fowler added. While Fowler acknowledged that Nvidia may also have a good position in the chip market because of the time it takes to develop and manufacture chips, he admitted that there is still a question of how to value the company's long-term growth prospects when AI's widespread use and implications are yet to be seen. The UBS strategist also cautioned that impenetrable moats might sometimes pose a downside risk to investors. Flower pointed to academic research suggesting that governments often take regulatory action when very large companies dominate their sectors and weaken competition to accrue monopolistic or oligopolistic benefits. Earlier this week, Visa and Mastercard entered into a $30 billion settlement with the U.S. government  one of the largest ever  to limit fees over the next five years.
Israeli forces have withdrawn from Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after a two-week operation, the Israeli military said on Monday, leaving behind a wasteland of destroyed buildings and Palestinian bodies scattered in the dirt of the complex.

Hundreds of residents rushed to the area around the Gaza Strip's largest hospital to check on damage to the surrounding residential districts after fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group that administers Gaza.

The Israeli military said it had killed and detained hundreds of gunmen in clashes in the area of the hospital, and seized weaponry and intelligence documents. Hamas and medical staff deny that Palestinian fighters have any armed presence in hospitals.

A spokesman for Gaza's Civil Emergency Service said Israeli forces had executed two people whose bodies were found at the complex in handcuffs, and used bulldozers to dig up the grounds of the complex and exhume buried bodies.

Reuters could not verify the allegation of executions and Israel's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Footage circulated on social media and not yet verified by Reuters showed the bodies of dead Palestinians, some covered in dirty blankets, scattered on the ground around the charred hulk of the hospital building, many of whose outer walls were missing.

It showed the grounds heavily ploughed up, and numerous buildings outside the facility either flattened or burned down.

Turkey's opposition claimed major victories in nationwide local elections on Sunday.

"I haven't stopped crying since I arrived here, horrible massacres were committed by the occupation here," said Samir Basel, 43, speaking to Reuters via a chat app as he toured Al Shifa.

"The place is destroyed, buildings have been burnt and destroyed. This place needs to be rebuilt - there is no Shifa hospital anymore," Basel said.

Israel said operations inside Al Shifa had been conducted "while preventing harm to civilians, patients and medical teams."
My top 10 things to watch Monday, April 1 China stronger, housing, gold buying. February PCE, released on Friday when market was closed for holiday, not so bad. U.S. stocks modestly higher to start the second quarter. More than half of the stocks in the S & P 500 hit new 52-week highs in the first quarter, leaving us to puzzle over how this all happened. I explored that in my Sunday column . Wells Fargo makes Tesla a tactical underweight (sell) and predicts flat numbers. This comes on top of Tesla raising prices in China and hurting sales. Natural gas spot prices are below zero at the Waha hub in the Permian in West Texas. Not enough takeaway capacity. Two weeks now. Devon Energy to buy from hold at Wells Fargo. Re-rating, high grading efforts in the Delaware basin will help. Meanwhile, JPMorgan likes the refineries. They have had huge buybacks. Wells Fargo analysts: Club name Amazon tactical idea. Positive revisions. AT & T reset the passcodes of 7.6 million current users due to a leak. Adds to the case to buy cybersecurity stocks such as Club name Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike . Club name Starbucks looks like it's bottoming and Wells Fargo makes it a tactical buy. Morgan Stanley hikes Delta price target to $85 per share from $77. Again, a re-rating. Barclays likes Deckers , ON Holdings and Crox . Deckers, which owns the Hoka running brand, was one of the strongest in the first quarter. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at 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.

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Macy's hasn't yet shut the approximately 150 stores it plans to close. But retail competitors already smell opportunity. In recent interviews with CNBC, Target CEO Brian Cornell and Kohl's CEO Tom Kingsbury said the department store's decision to shrink its footprint gives them a chance to increase their own sales. Off-price chain T.J. Maxx could pick up more business, too, since it carries similar merchandise and has stores near Macy's locations that might shut, according to Jefferies. And many other retail names, including off-price chain Ross and department store rivals like Nordstrom could benefit from the closures, too. Those companies already count many of Macy's shoppers as their customers, according to an analysis of credit card data by Earnest Analytics. Facing lackluster sales and pressure to improve its business, Macy's announced in late February that it would close more than a quarter of its an approximately 500 namesake stores. With the wave of closures, the department store will join a list of retailers that have shrunk in size and created a void for other brands to swoop in. Those include Bed Bath & Beyond, which closed all of its stores after filing for bankruptcy, or others like J.C. Penney, a department store that is a fraction of its former size. Macy's closures could put as much as $2 billion of market share up for grabs. The department store's net sales were $23.1 billion in the most recent fiscal year, and it said the 150 stores that it's closing account for less than 10% of sales. Yet Macy's, for its part, has said closing the underperforming stores will help it focus on driving higher sales at other locations. Macy's CEO Tony Spring said the company will open more locations of its higher-end department store Bloomingdale's and beauty chain Bluemercury, which have both outperformed the company's namesake chain. The closures will also free up capital to invest in its better-performing namesake stores. Macy's has not yet said which locations will close and when exactly they will shutter, but said 50 stores will close by early 2025. The move will have implications for shopping malls, too, since Macy's will close giant stores that are mall anchors.

An opportunity for off-price chains

Department stores have been losing market share for years as shoppers have chosen to shop at strip malls or online instead, said Corey Tarlowe, a retail analyst at equity research firm Jefferies. Beneficiaries have ranged widely from big-box stores like Target to specialty players like Abercrombie & Fitch , which has opened stores in major cities like New York. In an interview with CNBC in March, Target CEO Cornell said the retailer has gotten a leg up from other closures before. For example, he said, some of its stores are in former Toys R Us locations. Off-price retailers, in particular, have posed a major competitive threat to department stores  and been the big winners from their struggles, Tarlowe said. They sell a lot of discretionary merchandise like clothes, handbags and shoes, too, but often in more convenient locations and for a better price. "It's kind of like the new department store in effect, but it's much smaller," he said. "They sell similar brands and similar products, but for 40% to 70% of the cost."

Signs are posted at the entrance to a Macy's store that is set to close at Bay Fair Mall on February 27, 2024 in San Leandro, California. Macy's announced plans to shutter 150 underperforming stores across the United States. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images

With Macy's broad closures, TJX Cos. -owned T.J. Maxx, which includes its namesake stores, Marshalls and Home Goods, is especially well positioned. About 63% of Macy's stores have a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls within a one-mile radius, according to an analysis by Jefferies. Off-price stores also draw a similar customer, which tends to be more affluent. About 47% of Macy's shoppers have an annual household income of more than $100,000, compared with about 50% of shoppers who go to TJX-owned stores, Jefferies found. Only about 30% of Burlington shoppers and about 34% of Ross customers have an annual household income of more than $100,000, which may mean they have less overlap with Macy's shoppers. "I used to see Toyota Camrys in parking lots at a T.J. Maxx and now I see BMWs, I see Mercedes, I'll see Porsches," Tarlowe said. He added that TJX stores are easier for shoppers to get to, with roughly 2,500 locations in the U.S. That is a much larger footprint than Macy's, which will have approximately 350 namesake stores after the closures.

Department store, big-box rivals see an opening
Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Monday: Jefferies reiterates Microsoft as buy Jefferies raised its price target on the stock to $550 per share from $465 and said it's an "AI winner." "We believe that MSFT is the key beneficiary of Gen AI, poised to benefit from both infrastructure (Azure OpenAI) and app angles (series of Copilots) opportunities, capturing the most of this transformational opportunity." Goldman Sachs initiates Cameco as buy Goldman said it's bullish on shares of the nuclear fuel supplier. "We are initiating coverage on CCJ /CCO.TO with a Buy rating and US$55/C$74 price targets, implying ~30% upside from current levels." Barclays initiates Crocs, Skechers, On Holding and Deckers at overweight Barclays said it's bullish on several footwear companies. "We are expanding our footwear coverage, initiating on CROX , DECK , ONON , and SKX all at Overweight, supported by our market analysis, inventory framework, and our proprietary 1,000+ U.S. consumer survey." Barclays downgrades J.B. Hunt and Werner to equal weight from overweight and C.H. Robinson to underweight from equal weight Barclays downgraded several shippers on Monday due to "volume challenges." "Weak bid season results will likely result in volume challenges for J.B. Hunt , softer margins for Werner and growth headwinds for C.H. Robinson. " Morgan Stanley initiates Compass Pathways at overweight Morgan Stanley said in its initiation of Compass that it's bullish on shares of the mental health biopharma company. "Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) represents an area of significant unmet need." Morgan Stanley reiterates Taiwan Semiconductor as overweight Morgan Stanley said it's standing by its overweight rating on shares of TSM. "We reiterate our OW rating into the 1Q24 print, as the margin erosion should be temporary, while AI semi growth is structural." Morgan Stanley reiterates Delta as a top pick Morgan Stanley said Delta's push into "premium" will reward investors. "We are raising our price target on DAL from $77 to $85 and our bull case valuation from $90 to $110, driven by higher out-year earnings and implied P/E multiple at the high end of DAL's historical range of 8-10x P/E." Bank of America reiterates Nvidia and Broadcom as buy Bank of America said Nvidia and Broadcom are still top ideas at the firm. "The adoption of accelerated/AI servers is a generational shift with NVDA and AVGO the leaders and our top two picks." Wells Fargo reiterates Amazon as overweight Wells said it's bullish on the e-commerce platform and web services provider in the second quarter. "We reiterate our Overweight rating and Signature pick, while also adding AMZN to the Q2'24 Tactical Ideas List. Increase PT to $217, from $211, based on 30x updated 2026E EPS." Bank of America reiterates Micron as buy Bank of America said it sees further share gains for Micron. "We raise MU's PO to $144 from $120 on higher 2.8x CY25E P/B vs. 2.2x prior, though inline with 0.8x-3x historical range." Wells Fargo upgrades Devon Energy to overweight from equal weight Wells said the hydrocarbon energy business has an "attractive valuation." "In contrast to our original thesis in which DVN's premium valuation kept us on the sidelines, we now believe the stock offers an attractive entry point across most valuation metrics." Loop reiterates Apple as hold Loop cut its price target on the stock to $170 per share from $185. "The stock isn't expensive' per se but not screaming cheap either. It's tough to discern if valuation is friend or foe currently, given AAPL is trading more in the middle of its recent trading range but with fundamentals softer." Evercore ISI initiates Bloom Energy as outperform Evercore said the energy company is a "differentiated pure-play hydrogen equipment manufacturer." " Bloom Energy is executing on an aggressive multi-year growth strategy to aid global decarbonization and deploy hydrogen solutions at scale to capitalize on the rapidly evolving energy mix." Wells Fargo downgrades Bill.com to underweight from equal weight Wells said in its downgrade of the financial software company that Bill is a "bull case on borrowed time." "While near-term trends have stabilized, we believe the Street is complacent around future expectations, and see estimates more likely to move lower than higher in the months ahead." Bank of America reiterates Disney as buy Bank of America raised its price target on the stock to $145 per share from $130. "We anticipate DIS' F2Q to reflect a continuation of the strong underlying momentum reported in F1Q." Wells Fargo reiterates Tesla as underweight Wells added Tesla to its tactical ideas list as an underweight. "We see moderating delivery growth driven by lower demand & diminished return on price cuts. We estimate auto gross margin ex credits fall by ~130bps y/y given likelihood of more price cuts & lower volumes." Bank of America upgrades Healthpeak Properties to buy from underperform Bank of America said the real estate investment trust has an "attractive yield," lifting its price target by 39%. "We are upgrading DOC to a Buy from Underperform and raising our PO to $25 from $18." Bank of America upgrades TransUnion to neutral from underperform Bank of America said the lending environment has held up better than expected. "We upgrade TRU to Neutral from Underperform. We are more positive amid a steadying consumer lending environment and opportunities for sales upside in the 2024 guidance across international, insurance and mortgage." Oppenheimer reiterates Sweetgreen as a top pick The firm doubled its price target on the restaurant stock to $34 per share from $17. "SG remain[s] one of our 'top picks' with an increased price target to $34. Baird downgrades Fifth Third Bancorp to neutral from outperform Baird downgraded the Cincinnati-based regional bank mainly on valuation. "Fresh valuation look post sabbatical  recent strength resulting in more balanced risk/ reward, stepping aside on FITB." Goldman Sachs adds Royal Caribbean and Citi to conviction list Goldman said Royal Caribbean and Citi are now on the firm's list of top picks. "We add Citigroup Inc . (C), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd . (RCL), SLB (SLB) and TPG Inc. (TPG) to the Americas Conviction List, while removing Blue Owl Capital (OWL), TE Connectivity Ltd. (TEL), Chevron Corp. (CVX) and Cintas (CTAS)." Citi downgrades Oxford Industries to sell from neutral Citi said in its downgrade of Oxford that the owner of brands such as Tommy Bahama is seeing too much margin pressure. "We lower our rating from Neutral to Sell. 4Q results were at the low end of guidance and 1Q has gotten off to a tough start." Morgan Stanley reiterates Planet Fitness as overweight Morgan Stanley said it's standing by its overweight rating on the fitness company. "We are bullish PLNT with boycott concerns overblown and a robust near-term catalyst path with potential to drive positive revisions and/or a multiple re-rating."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has drafted 150,000 civilians into the country's military, the Kremlin said Sunday as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians were left without electricity amid a surge in attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.

Airstrikes also killed two men when a gas station was hit in Ukraine's Kharkiv region and a building was destroyed in the western Lviv region, the Associated Press reported, citing local officials.

Putin's routine draft notice was posted online as part of Russia's annual spring conscription, one of two announced each year, according to Reuters.

In September, Putin signed an order drafting 130,000 men into Russia's military.

All Russian men are required to serve in the armed forces for a year once they turn 18, with many going to great lengths to avoid the draft through deferments granted to students, people with chronic illnesses and others.

Russia's parliament last year raised the maximum age for conscription from 27 to 30 in an apparent attempt to boost its military, which has been bogged down in Ukraine since invading in 2022.

Although Russian law bars draftees from being deployed outside Russia, some were reportedly sent to the Ukrainian front in error during a 2022 mobilization that called up at least 300,000 former soldiers to fight there, according to Reuters.

On Sunday, debris from a downed Russian drone sparked a fire at an energy plant in Ukraine's Odesa region, Gov. Oleh Kiper said.

The attack cut power to 170,000 homes, according to DTEK, the country's largest supplier of electricity.

The Ukrainian air force said it shot down nine of 11 Russian drones launched overnight, and nine of 14 cruise missiles.

The attacks followed Russian shelling of the Zmiiv Thermal Power Plant in northeastern Kharkiv, which cut electricity to 700,000 people on on March 22.

Ukraine's Centrenergo energy company said Saturday that the plant, one of the largest in the region, was completely destroyed and power outage schedules remained in effect for about 120,000 residents.
Many tech companies are rapidly developing infrastructure for artificial intelligence as they compete for dominance in this red-hot market. AI is very power-intensive  and its power needs are only set to rise in the coming years. But that also means there's an investment opportunity in the utility sector. Morgan Stanley Investment Management's Aaron Dunn says the "next big bottleneck" for the hyperscalers  which are doing a lot of the cloud computing for AI applications  is either power or fiber. That's because large language models need a lot of data center capacity, he noted. "In my view the power piece could be the next bottleneck [to] the growth of AI and the growth of sort of the data center and cloud compute environment," the portfolio manager told CNBC's " Street Signs Asia. " Dunn manages the Morgan Stanley U.S. Value Fund. And that's why Dunn is "pretty bullish" on utilities, naming one stock to play it: CMS Energy . "I think once the data centers begin to really try and pull power off the grid, you're going to have a lot of utilities, whether it be municipal utilities, public utilities, that are both going to have to service retail customers, [and now] a big industrial power load, it's going to need to be serviced," he said. "So in my view, you're a couple years from probably being very tight on power supply," added Dunn, who is also the co-head of value equity at the firm. CMS is a company that "really drives renewables"  a play that's in line with many hyperscalers that are "very focused" on green energy, Dunn said. They want to reduce their carbon footprint and to do that they need renewable energy, and so this sector is set to grow "dramatically" in terms of capacity in the United States, he added. "And so these utilities  have a very favorable opportunity to draw solid earnings growth and good returns for them," Dunn concluded. In notes sent to CNBC, Dunn also named one other stock: Emerson Electric . Dunn is also a portfolio manager of the Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund. Since 2014, the fund has outperformed its benchmark in five of the past nine years. According to BofA's estimates, the AI servers shipped by Nvidia alone have consumed about the same amount of electricity as 20 million homes in the United States. Data centers, which house vast amounts of computing power needed for AI workloads, use between 1% and 2% of global electricity, according to BofA. Their power consumption is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11% through 2030, the bank said.  CNBC's Pia Singh contributed to this report.
Samsung Electronics Co. Galaxy S24 smartphones during a media preview event in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Samsung, the world's most prolific smartphone maker, is leaning into artificial intelligence as the key to unlocking greater sales this year. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images SeongJoon Cho | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Samsung could add generative artificial intelligence technology to its voice assistant Bixby, a top executive at the company told CNBC, as the South Korean giant looks to enhance the appeal of its devices. Bixby launched in 2017 with Samsung's Galaxy S8 smartphone. The software offered a number of functions, including live translations or restaurant recommendations. But voice assistants have typically been less conversational and have relied on users asking questions and getting answers. Chatbots are now more advanced and able to handle much more complex queries, after the emergence of OpenAI's ChatGPT and its rivals. These new-age chatbots are an example of generative AI, which allows users to prompt with a query and will generate a response in the form of text, a picture, and now even video.

Samsung's Bixby is across the company's devices, from smartphones and smartwatches to its appliances. The firm sees it as a key tool for users to control their devices in their home. So far, Bixby has not had the capabilities of ChatGPT. Like many smartphone makers, Samsung is looking to infuse its devices with more advanced AI features. The company also launched new features with Galaxy AI, along with its latest S24 series of smartphones. This includes an option that lets users circle something on their screens and search for it on Google, without having to switch apps.

The tech giant is looking to amp up its AI with Bixby. "So Bixby has been a key voice assistants voice assistant for Samsung not just for the mobile devices, but also for TVs and digital appliances that exist in Samsung's ecosystem. So it has been the core voice assistant assistant so far," Won-joon Choi, executive vice president at Samsung's mobile business, told CNBC in an interview last month. "With the emergence of generative AI and LLM (large language model) technology, I believe that we have to redefine the role of the Bixby, so that Bixby could be equipped with generative AI and become more smarter in the future," Choi said, adding this will "enable a more natural conversation and to work out an interface that supports the Samsung products in our ecosystem." Choi did not give a timeline when Bixby may get generative AI features, but said that Samsung is "working so hard" to deliver them. Samsung's focus on the technology comes at a time when investors are scrutinizing what Apple will deliver when it comes to generative AI. Apple announced it would hold its annual developers conference, WWDC, in June, when the company is largely expected to talk up some AI features across its products.
Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading. Micron Technology  Shares ticked up roughly 1.1% after Bank of America increased its price target on the chipmaker, with the analyst forecasting high-bandwidth memory technology demand will grow to more than $20 billion by 2027. 3M  Shares of the manufacturer rose nearly 3% Monday. 3M completed its spinoff of health-care company Solventum and announced a $10 billion settlement with public water suppliers in a chemicals lawsuit had received final approval. J.B. Hunt Transport , C.H. Robinson  The trucking stocks pulled back after Barclays downgraded shares on Monday. Analyst Brandon Oglenski is concerned that "over-supplied North American truckload capacity is keeping rates down and profitability low for many carriers." Barrick Gold, Royal Gold  The gold miner and gold royalty company, respectively, rose 2% and 1.7%. The move came as gold climbed to a record high on Monday, boosted by increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could cut rates as early as June. Devon Energy  The oil and gas producer added 1.4% on the back of a Wells Fargo upgrade to overweight from equal weight. Wells Fargo expects the company to turn a corner soon and says the stock is priced at a good entry point for investors. Delta Airlines  Shares climbed about 2% after Morgan Stanley named the Atlanta-based airline stock a top pick for 2024. The firm said Delta's push into more premium offerings will help it outperform peers. AT & T  Stock in the telecommunications firm pulled back more than 2% after the company said it was investigating a data leak that resulted in more than 7 million customers' information being published on the dark web. MicroStrategy  Shares of the cloud services firm slipped more than 5% after Executive Chairman Michael Saylor sold nearly 4,000 shares of MicroStrategy stock last week, according to a regulatory filing . Tesla  Stock in the electric vehicle maker rose less than 1% after its previously announced price increase on the Model Y took effect on Monday. UPS  Shares ticked up nearly 2% following news that the shipping company would become the primary air cargo provider for the United States Postal Service.  CNBC's Lisa Kailai Han, Jesse Pound and Alex Harring contributed reporting
United Airlines is asking pilots to take unpaid time off next month, citing late-arriving aircraft from Boeing , according to a note sent to pilots.

It's another example of how Boeing's customers say the manufacturer's production problems and safety crisis are impacting their growth plans. The offer comes after United and other airlines in recent years have clamored for more pilots when the Covid-19 pandemic travel slump ended and demand surged.

"Due to recent changes to our Boeing deliveries, the remaining 2024 forecast block hours for United have been significantly reduced," the United chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, the pilots' union, said in a note to members Friday. "While the delivery issues surround our 787 and 737 fleets, the impact will affect other fleets as well."

United confirmed the request for voluntary, unpaid time off. The airline previously said it would pause pilot hiring this spring because of aircraft arriving late from Boeing, CNBC reported last month.

The union said it expects United to offer more time off "for the summer bid periods and potentially into the fall."

United was contracted to receive 43 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes and 34 Max 9 models this year, but now expects to receive 37 and 19, respectively, according to a company filing in February. It had expected Boeing would also hand over 80 Max 10s this year and 71 next year. That model hasn't yet been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the airline removed them from the delivery schedule because it is "unable to accurately forecast the expected delivery period," it said in the filing.

United CEO Scott Kirby has been among the most vocal about the production problems and delivery delays at Boeing, including most recently the crisis stemming from a door plug that blew out of a nearly new Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by an Alaska Airlines flight that was at about 16,000 feet.

Other airlines bosses have also grown frustrated with the delivery delays resulting from Boeing's manufacturing issues.

Southwest Airlines last month said it was reevaluating its 2024 financial guidance, citing fewer Boeing deliveries, and has paused pilot and flight attendant hiring, while Alaska Airlines said its 2024 capacity estimates are "in flux due to uncertainty around the timing of aircraft deliveries as a result of increased Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Justice scrutiny on Boeing and its operations."

Boeing declined to comment.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun last week announced he would leave at the end of the year as part of a broad leadership shake-up, which included the departures of the board chairman and the head of Boeing's commercial airplanes unit.
The exterior of the Warner Bros. Discovery Atlanta campus is pictured after the Writers Guild of America began its strike against the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers, in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 2, 2023.

Two Warner Bros. Discovery directors, Steven Miron and Steven Newhouse, are resigning following a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into a potential antitrust violation, according to a company release Monday.

The company said Miron and Newhouse, who were both appointed as directors in April 2022 as part of the WarnerMedia and Discovery merger, were being investigated as to whether their participation on the board was in violation of Section 8 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, which largely prohibits the same directors or companies from serving simultaneously on the boards of competitors.

Miron is the CEO of privately held media company Advance/Newhouse Partnership and a senior executive officer at Advance, which invests in media and technology companies, according to the release. Newhouse is co-president of Advance.

Both of their terms on the Warner Bros. board were set to expire in 2025.

Rather than contesting the DOJ matter, the company said both Miron and Newhouse voluntarily elected to resign from their positions, effective immediately. Neither director admitted any violation.

"We are proud to have played a role in the building of this great company and remain a large stockholder. We are disappointed to leave the Board, but wish to do the right thing for WBD," Newhouse said in a statement.

In a Monday evening statement, the DOJ said the conflicting company is Charter, a Connecticut-based media company which, similar to Warner Bros.' streaming platform Max, provides video distribution services. According to the DOJ, Advance representatives held seats on both Warner Bros.' board and Charter's board.

"Today's announcement is a win for consumers," Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Kades of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division said in a statement. "In enacting Section 8 of the Clayton Act, Congress was concerned that competitors who shared directors would compete less vigorously to provide better services and lower prices. We will continue to vigorously enforce the antitrust laws when necessary to address overreach by corporations and their designated agents."
Executive Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation Satya Nadella attends a session during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 16, 2024.

Microsoft's rivals won a reprieve on Monday, when the software giant said it would split up its Teams and Office bundles following scrutiny from European regulators.

Zoom, whose video chat app took off during the Covid pandemic, has struggled of late to compete with Microsoft's suite of communications products. Slack, now owned by Salesforce , has long pined for this type of split, submitting an antitrust complaint to the European Commission in 2020 over what it viewed as illegal tying of Teams into Office.

With Microsoft's latest announcement, some customers will have to pay more money to get the same features. For example, new clients of Office 365 E3 will pay $3 more per person per month with the split than they would for the combined offering, according to a blog post and previous price lists.

Analysts at Mizuho Securities wrote in a note on Monday that "while customers believe Zoom is a superior platform vs. Teams" and other vendors, "the bundling of MS Teams to Office 365 has always been enticing for customers to consider Teams."

Zoom's revenue growth, which peaked at over 350% in 2020 and 2021, slowed to 2.6% in the latest quarter and has been in single digits for seven straight periods.

"In our view, the unbundling of MS Teams should help alleviate some enterprise churn headwinds," wrote the Mizuho analysts, who recommend buying Zoom shares.

Organizations that already pay for the Microsoft bundle can keep using Teams and Office as is or, "if they wish to switch to the new lineup, they can do so on their contract anniversary or renewal," the blog post said.

Last year, Microsoft generated almost $53 billion in revenue from Office, including Teams, up about 14% from 2022. CEO Satya Nadella told analysts on the company's earnings call in October that Teams had over 320 million monthly active users.

Salesforce, which competes with Microsoft in a number of areas including communications and collaborations tools, acquired Slack in 2021 for $27 billion, its most expensive purchase since the company's founding 25 years ago.

In July 2020, months before Salesforce announced the agreement, Slack filed a complaint about Microsoft in Europe.

"Microsoft is reverting to past behavior," David Schellhase, Slack's general counsel at the time, was quoted as saying in a press release, referring to the "browser wars" of the 1990s. "They created a weak, copycat product and tied it to their dominant Office product, force installing it and blocking its removal."

The year prior, Slack wasn't expressing much concerns about Teams. Slack founder and former CEO Stewart Butterfield said on an earnings call in December 2019 that while most of the company's top customers used parts of Microsoft's Office 365 suite, they were choosing slack for messaging instead of the Teams app.

Zoom's stock slipped about 1% on Monday and Salesforce shares rose 0.4% A Zoom representative didn't respond to a request for comment, while Salesforce declined to comment.

The Financial Times reported last year, citing unnamed individuals, that Microsoft would eventually let companies choose to buy productivity software subscriptions with or without Teams to head off a competition investigation from the European Union. Months later, the European Commission disclosed a probe into Microsoft's Teams and Office bundling.

In response, Microsoft started selling distinct subscriptions for Teams and for other productivity software in 31 European countries.

"To ensure clarity for our customers, we are extending the steps we took last year to unbundle Teams from M365 and O365 in the European Economic Area and Switzerland to customers globally," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC in an email. "Doing so also addresses feedback from the European Commission by providing multinational companies more flexibility when they want to standardize their purchasing across geographies."

WATCH: How Microsoft has been dodging regulatory trouble amid broader big tech headwinds
NSE

Sterlite Technologies Ltd (STL) shares gained 12% on Monday, April 1, after the company announced a partnership with the Australian fibre and network solutions provider Vocus Group. Sterlite Technologies announced that it has signed a new multi-year partnership with Vocus Group for quicker deployment of high-capacity networks in Australia.The Pune-based optical and digital solutions company is primarily involved in collaboratively developing optical fibre solutions for Vocus, aimed at defined goals like the delivery of high-speed connectivity across Australia.According to the new multi-year partnership, Sterlite Tech will make increased use of its ultra-slim profile Micro cables in Vocus network, in addition to its flagship Stellar fibre, which is the first bend-resilient fibre in the world that has a backward compatibility to fibre found in legacy networks, the company informed the stock exchanges in a filing.This will improve the network quality of Vocus, providing lower losses, higher network availability and a longer lifetime.A fibre network spanned over a total of more than 25,000 km is owned and operated by the Vocus Group, which is specifically built as well as managed for businesses in Australia and the Government.The North Sydney headquartered majors high-performance and secure network infrastructure connects businesses, people, communities and governments in the country to the world.Our collaborative efforts with Vocus in developing tailored optical fibre solutions reflect our shared commitment to delivering high-speed connectivity across Australia and resonates with our purpose of transforming billions of lives by connecting the world, said the CEO of Optical Networking Business at STL, Paul Atkinson in a press release dated April 1.Shares of Sterlite Technologies Ltd were trading 11.15% higher at 123 apiece at 1:00 pm.
A mob snatched two men from police custody and hacked them to death in Haiti, fueled by suspicion that they were buying ammunition or guns for the gangs that have terrorized the country, according to police.

The disturbing incident happened Friday in Mibale, according to the Haitian National Police.

Police said the two men  one a police officer himself, the other a security agent for Haiit's provisional electoral council  had been found carrying suitcases full of money, including $20,000 in U.S. currency, plus two pistols and a box of ammunition.

Believing that the men intended to use the large sum of money to stock up for one of the gangs battling for control of Haiti, a mob of people forcibly took them from police custody, officials said.

Police said in a Facebook post that a crowd invaded a small police post where the men were taken and grabbed them.

They then hacked the men to death.

The killings highlight the intense anger felt by Haitians after months of kidnappings and killings by gangs, and the police force's inability to stop them.

Over 1,500 people have been killed in Haiti this year from gang violence  many of them children. Dozens of others have been lynched, stoned, or burned alive by armed "vigilante" gangs, the U.N. human rights office said last week.
Meetings have been problematic for decades. Theyre often used as a catch-all solution to unresolved problems. And a chronic lack of meeting discipline means that, for all the time spent getting people together, little is accomplished.

Now, in a post-pandemic remote work world, where hybrid work and flex work are common, meetings are turning into something like an ongoing crisis at many organizations. Theyre harming productivity and causing havoc with employee morale.

And yet with many remote workers saying they feel disconnected, the misguided consensus is that even more meetings are the answer.
A hero police K-9 officer in Florida rescued a missing 3-year-old boy by picking up the child's scent from a blanket.

The DeLand Police Department said it happened Friday morning when they received a report of the missing boy around 11:30 a.m.

They started a massive search that focused on a wooded area behind the boy's home.

Using the boy's blanket, a K-9 named Midnight and his handler Corporal Clark searched through the woods. K-9 Midnight picked up the child's scent on a trail, leading them to the toddler.

The boy was found unharmed and returned safely to his family.

Officers gifted him with a DPD teddy bear, part of a recent donation to the department.

"Good work to all teams involved!" The department said in a Facebook post. "This is the outcome we hope for in these situations, a safe return!"

Police said that Midnight is trained to search narcotics and missing people and has been with the DeLand Police Department since 2022.
In the business world, layoffs are the great boogeyman around the corner. Having been through them twice, I can see why. There isnt an office worker on the plane whose heart rate doesnt spike seeing an unscheduled all-hands pop up on their work calendar. They also seem to be the agreed-upon fat-cat method for pruning a workforce these days. It almost feels like theyve taken the pole position in describing a firing, too  partly for legal, unemployment-receiving reasons, but also because of a change in vibes. Someone getting fired has the air of a holiday party gone wrong or a desk-bound bottle of Jack Daniels.

When did this all happen? Vox has an excellent investigation on the unwelcome reintroduction of the mass layoff. According to historian Louis Hyman, it had fallen out of favor after World War II, but reared its ugly head in the 1970s, and by the 1990s, it was a full-time, haunting presence in the average office workers mind. They also get into the idea that  surprise, surprise  an environment that exists constantly with an undercurrent of panic that your life could suddenly be forfeit doesnt produce a free, happy workforce. In short, I think we all know were not getting a gold watch in our 60s anymore.

Public Domain On the bright side, numbers are up!

So, in the interest of exposure therapy, lets flip the bed and stare the monster in the eyes, and see just how bad things could be. What are the largest layoffs in history? The all-time record for corporate clearcutting belongs to beige icon IBM. In July 1993, IBM laid off 60,000 people. It was especially a shock to stalwart IBM employees, since the company had never engaged in layoffs before. In fact, they were a bit of an icon for their positive treatment of their workforce, down to the classic company-branded Rolexes for 25-year employees. But as the 1990s came and PCs took over, it was a bad time to be in the room-sized computer business. They posted an $8 billion loss in 1993, and brought in outside help to run the company. A corporate hitman with an unbeaten daily body count of 60k named Louis Gerstner, who, according to a news article from 1994, was upbeat  despite layoffs. Well, thats a relief.

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If you need a little sugar with all this medicine, dont worry: Given the growth of the gig economy, itll be much harder to lay anyone off when theyre all at-will employees and contractors that never technically worked anywhere in the first place!
Did you know that visitors to this site are statistically likely to be sexier than people in general? At least, thats the hypothesis behind the new study were doing. And if the study reveals anything other than that, you can trust well never share the results with anyone.

Sometimes, a study doesnt prove what it sets out to. The result is an embarrassment for everyone involved, such as what happened with...

5 The Wallet Experiment You find a wallet someone dropped. Do you seek to return it, or do you keep the cash and toss the rest? A few different experiments have placed wallets in different cities, to try to compare honesty across cultures. Readers Digest tried this, and they concluded Helsinki and Mumbai are the worlds most honest cities, while Lisbon and Madrid are the least honest. However, they only dropped 12 wallets in each city, so this study doesnt prove much of anything. Maybe 11 out of 12 wallets were returned in Finland, but maybe only three would have been had different people there stumbled on them. Don't Miss The University of Michigan tried the same thing with a little more rigor. They dropped far more wallets: 17,303 in 40 countries. Rather than drop them in the street, they pretended to have found them and handed each in at places like movie theaters and offices. They arranged it so the employees who received the wallets likely were not being monitored so were able to either keep the wallet or use the email address inside to pursue the owner. Each wallet contained a shopping list and business cards in the local language, and some contained a house key. University of Michigan But no ID or credit cards, since faking those would be hard/illegal. Some wallets contained cash, while others did not. Researchers predicted that people would more likely return wallets that held no money. The researchers also held surveys before the experiment, asking either the general population or hundreds of economists, and all agreed that the cashless wallets would more likely be returned. The reason, very simply, was that when a wallet contains money, finders would like to keep that money. The experiment ended up offering all kinds of data about how people vary in honesty, but it showed one consistent trend everywhere: People were always more likely to return a wallet that held money. Researchers did a follow-up comparing wallets with a little cash against wallets with more cash, and the wallets with lots of money were more likely to be returned. One possible explanation, that people hoped for a larger reward from the money wallets, did not hold water. Instead, the researchers plotted the results like this: Advertisement University of Michigan This graph speaks for itself. Besides desire for money, the researchers discovered subjects were driven by such motivations as altruism and what the paper called aversion to viewing oneself as a thief. You might instead call that second part morality. Discarding someones shopping list and business cards would be inconsiderate, but pocketing their money would be wrong. Some people do in fact care about that, to the surprise of hundreds of economists.

4 The Attempt to Make Cuddlier Hamsters Advertisement We have a new technique for editing genomes, and it might be the greatest medical innovation since flavored opium. Its called CRISPR-Cas9 editing (you might hear it just called CRISPR), and in theory, we can use it to scratch away peoples various genetic diseases. Plenty of challenges, however, stand in the way of our quest to change people at will. For starters, genes dont always do what we think they do. In 2022, scientists used CRISPR tech to totally remove a type of receptor from the brains of hamsters. These receptors are called Avpr1as, and they respond to a chemical called arginine-vasopressin, which makes males aggressive. By removing the receptors, the scientists figured wed render the males passive and cuddly. But when they tried it, well... Advertisement PNAS Are those cuddles? No, those arent cuddles. the male hamsters instead became much more aggressive and attacked each other. Whoops. Wed contact the scientists to ask how they feel about this unexpected development, but we need to accept the possibility theyve all been killed and eaten. Advertisement

3 The German Census of Jewish Shirkers In 1916, Prussian War Minister Adolf von Hohenborn decided now was a good time for the army to hold a Jew Census. You might think the army had its hands full at that point, thanks to the whole war thing going on, but von Hohenborn came up with this Judenzahlung to determine exactly what the Jews were doing in the army. Were they perhaps all grabbing the easiest and safest roles possible? No, it turned out. In realty, 80 percent of Jewish soldiers had been serving right on the front lines, which explained why so many thousands of them had died in combat. Advertisement Reichsbund judischer Frontsoldaten The thing about Christian and Jewish soldiers is that they haben gemeinsam gekampft und ruhen gemeinsam in fremder Erde. So, the government had expected to find evidence of Jewish soldiers shirking duty, but they found the opposite. The irony ran deeper than this, though. The government didnt publicly state that they wanted to discredit the Jews. They publicly stated that this census aimed to fight anti-Semitism, by debunking conspiracy theories about what Jewish soldiers were doing. They privately wanted the census to support those theories  they wanted it to reveal the opposite of the stated goal. Instead, the census really did debunk those theories, the way the government claimed they wanted but really did not. So, authorities responded by refusing to release the results. This was to spare Jewish feelings, claimed the government. Advertisement

2 Zeeman and His Math Sphere Advertisement A sphere is a ball that exists in three-dimensional space. Mathematicians also call that a two-sphere, distinguishing it from a one-sphere, which is a 2-D circle. A three-sphere would be a ball in four-dimensional space, while a four-sphere would be the boundary of a ball in five-dimensional space. Lets imagine a rope in five-dimensional space. Its ends are linked up, so the whole thing is one big loop. Suppose this rope is knotted. Could you undo that knot, on this rope on a four-sphere, by passing the rope through itself? You cant on a two-sphere, but you could on a three-sphere, so what about a four-sphere? Claudio Rocchini Aww yeah. Time to get knotty with some rope. If that last paragraph sounds completely unintelligible to you, dont blame yourself. Mathematician Erik Christopher Zeeman might have been the worlds expert in the mathematics of knots, and he spent seven years working that problem, trying to find proof that says a knot like that cant be untied. This is complicated stuff. Advertisement Then, one day, he tried proving that such a knot can be untied. He managed that in a couple hours.
Describing yourself as stressed out feels like something with a massive spectrum of severity. Its weird that the same words could mean someone having a tough time in an escape room and a soon-to-be parent. Obviously, one has much more at stake than the other: Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to make the employees let you out of an escape room? What stress needs, then, is a genuine quantifier. I dont want to just say Im super stressed, I want to say Im literally 55 percent of the way to my mental breaking point.

Luckily, Ive discovered that there is an actual chart for just that. Its called the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, developed in 1967 by two psychiatrists named Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe. It takes a swath of stressful life changes and assigns them a point value based on how much they fuck up your life. Add up all the applicable hardships youve been going through over the past year and compare your score to see if the amount of stress youre under is putting you at medical risk.

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One hundred and fifty points or less? You might not be having a great time, but youre not in medical danger. One hundred and fifty to 300 points? Warning signs are going up for a 50-percent chance of a physical health breakdown in the next two years. Tip the scales at 300 points or more? Were now talking in the realm of 80 percent, and, honestly, my condolences for the last year.

Heres some sample point values and the connected events if youre not big on squinting:

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Major Change in Sleeping Habits: 16 points

16 points Taking on a Loan: 17 points

17 points Troubles with the Boss: 23 points

23 points Major Change in Living Condition: 25 points

25 points Being Fired at Work: 47 points

47 points Death of Spouse: 100 points (the highest point value possible)

Even understanding that the bar here is a medical breakdown, these numbers do still feel a little low. If I move and get fired in rapid succession, I dont feel like Id be thinking, I could only do that one more time before things are really going to get stressful. At the same time, I guess they arent messing around when they say 150 points could send your cerebellum and body into actual physical disrepair.

The good news is, if youre someone with a particularly woebegone group of friends, you can now actually calculate whos having the worst time. Did Holmes and Rahe intend to gamify stress when they invented this scale in the 1960s? Probably not, but thats the point of everything now, baby! From now on, Im monitoring my stress levels like its a stamina gauge.
Im a situational pot smoker, Bill Maher recently told Los Angeles Magazine. I would never get high to do Real Time. I can do stand-up high because I dont have to worry about a clock. I like it for sex. And I like it for writing. Maher, who says he doesnt smoke every day and never has, knows theres a time for taking a puff and a time for taking a pass  except when it comes to requests from comic daredevil Steve-O.

On his Wild Ride! podcast with guest Patrick Bet-David, Steve-O shared his commitment to staying clear of weed. Im a clean and sober guy, he said. Like, its very important that I maintain my sobriety, a mission that Steve-O has accomplished for going on 16 years. Theres nothing that I value more than my sobriety. Theres nothing more that I protect than my recovery.

But when Mahers bookers came a-calling about a guest appearance on his Club Random podcast, Maher and company made it clear that Steve-O would have to accept a potential contact high. You know his thing is he smokes pot the whole time while he interviews people, Steve-O said. And I said, Hey, Im happy to go on there, but while Im on out of respect for my sobriety, could he refrain from smoking pot? And he said no. He said no. Thats a deal breaker.

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Other pothead podcasters havent had an issue, says Steve-O. Even Mike Tyson, whose Hotboxin show is usually recorded in a cannabis haze, agreed to take a bud break for a sober conversation. All of these prolific potheads, Ive been on their shows, explained Steve-O. And it wasnt so important to them to blow marijuana smoke in my face. For Bill Maher, it was a deal breaker.

Perhaps youre thinking, Say what you want about Bill Maher, but he stands up for his pot principles. Hes a guy who believes podcasts are better when the host is high. Except Maher has been known to make exceptions to that rule. In fact, he did so just last week.

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The perpetually lecherous Maher appears happy to make exceptions for beautiful women like Sheryl Crow, with whom hes clearly made a no-smoke deal beforehand. What I see on the news is a lot of college kids saying things to people who support Israel, like Youre Nazi scum. (People) who have everything so ass backwards. Thats when I need a joint, Maher told Crow before hastily adding, But I will never light one up.

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Crow granted Mahers request to hold his unlit doobie as a nervous affectation. In fact, if she hadnt had to sing the following night, she would have told him to light up that bad boy. To summarize: Maher will respect Crows need to stay out of the smoke if shes got a singing gig, but if he threatened Steve-Os 16 years of sobriety? Maher would simply shrug and spark up that sticky icky.
Malcolm in the Middle producers have been pulling a fast one on us all along. While Frankie Muniz technically appears in every episode of the long-running sitcom, the actor-turned-NASCAR driver recently told fellow participants on the Australian version of Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! that there was a period in which he walked off the show. There were two episodes Im not in, he says, according to a Deadline report. I walked off the set.

What the heck happened? Muniz ditched due to on-set tension and the behavior of certain people, he said. Everyone was so afraid to stand up when certain people were controlling or rude or disrespectful. Like they walked on pins and needles.

Who was controlling, rude and disrespectful? A fellow actor? A showrunner? A director? Muniz doesnt spill those particular beans, but he admits he was so mortified by seeing people afraid to stand up for themselves. I was like: Say something. I didnt care if they told me I was never going back, because it was worth it to me. It helped that the show was based around me.

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Wait a minute, Malcolm superfans might be saying  Muniz was in every episode. The Independent did some sleuth work, noting that the actor only appears in flashback in the literally named episode Clip Show #2. The other Muniz-less episode is a mystery, though The Independent speculates that its possible that pre-shot footage featuring Muniz was incorporated into the episodes where Muniz was absent from the shoot.

Was that rude Hollywood behavior the reason that Muniz ditched his Hollywood career? It couldnt have helped. While promoting Im a Celebrity, he told news.com.au that I never felt like I fully fit in the Hollywood world, even though I was in the world. I was nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes, and I was going to all this stuff, and I was there, and I was like, how am I here? I hated L.A., so I kind of stayed in my own little world, my own little bubble. And moving to Arizona, I did it on a whim, and I realized immediately that I started looking up. I started enjoying looking at trees and birds in the sky. Going to the grocery store was a fun thing. You dont get that in LA. Its a miserable experience.

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Maybe in retrospect, the Hollywood life wasn't that miserable. After all, Muniz just traveled halfway around the world to compete in a celebrity reality show. Sometimes a guy just cant get show business out of his blood.
A series of recent confrontations with China has led Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos to order sweeping changes to the government panel responsible for his country's maritime security.

In an executive order made public Sunday, Marcos reorganized and expanded the Philippines' National Watch Council into a new National Maritime Council, according to Politico.

The order, signed Monday, reportedly adds the national security adviser, solicitor general, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency chief and the South China Sea task force as members of the new council.

It also appears to expand the role of the military by saying the Armed Force of the Philippines, and not just its navy, will be among the agencies supporting the council, Reuters said.

Marcos' order doesn't explicitly name China but said that the Philippines faced "a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the country's territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos."

"Strengthening the country's maritime security and domain awareness is imperative to comprehensively tackle the crosscutting issues that impact the nation's national security, sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction over its extensive maritime zones," he said.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn't respond to a request for comment, Reuters said.

The release of Marcos' order came after he publicly vowed Thursday to take unspecified action against what he called "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks" by China's coast guard.

The Philippines has accused Chinese vessels of repeated, hostile activities in the South China Sea, where China claims to have historic rights and resources, despite a 2016 ruling against it by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

The most recent took place on March 23, when Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against a Philippine supply ship headed for the Second Thomas Shoal, located about 145 miles off the western coast of the Philippine province of Palawan.

The reef has been occupied by a small contingent of Philippine sailors and marines since 1999, when the Sierra Madre, a World War II-era Philippine warship, was deliberately grounded there.
Whether were aware of it or not, were all biased. It stems from our individual experiences, upbringings, and backgrounds. These biases, unfortunately, are pervasive in all aspects of everyday life, including the recruitment process. A study by Harvard Business Review showed if theres one female candidate up against three male candidates, she has a 0% chance of being offered a job.

Bias can manifest in several ways throughout the hiring process. For example, a candidates suitability for a role could be unfairly favored or unfavored based on their gender, ethnicity, or age. It can also play a role in how job advertisements are written and advertised, as the language used in a job posting may deter or appeal to certain applicants, and lead to a less diverse candidate pool.

Overcoming bias can help fill the cybersecurity skills gap

However, the conversations around the need to address bias when it comes to talent acquisition of cybersecurity professionals have been shifting over the last few years.
A lawmaker wants to exempt wood- and coal-fired ovens from a New York City air pollution measure that will force restaurants to install air-filtration systems to keep cooking the old-fashioned way, according to a report Sunday.

State Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo told the New York Post that his "Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act" was intended to help eateries that rely on smoky fires to make pizza, matzah and other food.

"I'm trying to stop discrimination against ethnic restaurants. These misguided laws go against businesses that cook ethnic cuisine," Pirozzolo said.

In a legislative memo explaining his bill, the Staten Island Republican also cited the "rich flavors, textures and aromas" produced by cooking with heat from burning wood and coal.

About 130 businesses will reportedly be covered by the new city Department of Environmental Protection regulation, which requires them to dramatically reduce the amount of unhealthy particulate matter coming from their ovens by 75%.

The rule, supported by Mayor Eric Adams, is set to go into effect on April 27 and is the result of a 2015 law passed by the City Council and signed by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Some business owners have already spent tens of thousands of dollars to comply with the rule, the Post said.
Friendship and cooperation are cherishable whenever they happen

09:54, April 01, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held talks with Nauruan President David Adeang, who was paying a state visit to China. The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on growing China-Nauru relations and international and regional issues of common interests, and reached important consensus.

Friendship, no matter its beginning, will have a bright future, and cooperation, regardless of scale, will be productive as long as it is sincere, Xi said.

Xi's remarks fully demonstrate China's sincerity to work with Nauru to create a bright future for bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Photo shows a photovoltaic power generation project undertaken by a Chinese enterprise in Nauru. (Photo/Li Lingfeng)

Since 2016, eleven countries have established or resumed diplomatic relations with China. Taking the establishment or resumption of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, and in the spirit of seizing the day and giving full play to the late starters advantage, China and these countries have continuously deepened political mutual trust, actively promoted practical cooperation and achieved win-win results. It demonstrated China's commitment to the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, and China's firm resolution to remain a reliable friend and sincere partner of relevant countries on their path of development.

The fast growth of bilateral relations between China and these countries fully demonstrates that establishing and developing relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle is a right move that conforms to the trend of history and the times, as well as a correct choice that withstands the test of time and history.

China believes that a friend is a friend, regardless of when the friendship began, and cooperation should be valued, regardless of its size. This exemplifies China's efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

In October 2019, less than 20 days after China and the Solomon Islands formally established diplomatic relations, Xi met with the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Beijing. Xi said that the friendship between the two nations will enjoy bright prospects although their diplomatic ties are newly forged. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations, their friendly cooperation has become a pacesetter for the relations between China and other island countries in the Pacific in spite of a relatively late start. Their cooperation is a paradigm of unity, cooperation and common development for countries of different sizes, and for developing countries.

In March 2023, China established diplomatic ties with Honduras, and three months later, Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento paid a state visit to China. Under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, the bilateral relations between the two countries started to grow from a high level. The economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two sides enjoy great dynamism and promise.

China resumed diplomatic ties with Nauru this January and two months later, President Adeang paid a state visit to China. The two countries signed bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of the Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, economic development and agriculture.

China always believes that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. China has always been a member of the developing world, and China's vote in the United Nations Security Council always belongs to developing countries.

China adheres to the principle of treating all countries as equals when developing relations with nations it has established or resumed diplomatic ties with, and is committed to carrying out practical cooperation in various fields with these countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Photo shows the upgrading and renovation project of Aiwo Port Terminal in Nauru undertaken by a Chinese enterprise. (Photo/Li Lingfeng)

President Castro said Honduras firmly sticks to the one-China principle and is willing to develop ties with China that feature independence and mutual respect.

President Adeang said Nauru highly appreciates China's commitment to equality among all countries, no matter big or small, and is willing to abide by the one-China principle, and continuously deepen cooperation with China.

China sincerely makes friends and actively promotes cooperation. Along the coastline of Nauru, rows of blue photovoltaic panels stand neatly arranged. This is the first photovoltaic power generation and energy storage system project undertaken by a Chinese enterprise in Nauru. It is also Nauru's largest photovoltaic power project to date. Once connected to the grid, it will meet the entire nation's electricity needs.

In the coming future, China is ready to carry out more practical cooperation with Nauru in trade, investment and infrastructure construction, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture, health, youth and other fields.

Less than four months after the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Honduras started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). This February, the two countries signed an early harvest arrangement for the FTA. At the recently concluded fourth round of the FTA negotiations, the two countries conducted comprehensive and in-depth consultations on fields such as trade in goods, trade in services, investment and rules, and have made positive progress.

In November last year, dozens of Honduran companies participated in the sixth China International Import Expo, where Honduran coffee and fruit wine received a warm welcome.

Fredis Cerrato, Honduras' Minister of Economic Development, noted that China is undoubtedly a strategic and fundamental partner for Honduras, providing significant support for Honduras to expand exports, attract investments, and promote technological development.

China welcomes more countries to establish or resume diplomatic relations with it and will continuously strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation with other developing countries, so as to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
The Israeli military said on Sunday evening that it killed Ismail al-Zin, a Hezbollah commander in the anti-tank missile unit of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces, in an airstrike on a vehicle in Lebanon.

The Lebanese armed group confirmed the death of al-Zin in a statement released on Telegram.

IDF Says Lebanon Strike Killed al-Zin

According to the Israeli military, al-Zin is a "significant commander" in the anti-tank unit of Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces, which has launched attacks into northern Israel.

The military said in a post on Telegram that Al-Zin was a significant source of knowledge regarding anti-tank missiles and was responsible for dozens of anti-tank missile attacks against Israeli civilians, communities, and security forces.

Hezbollah has engaged in regular fire with Israeli forces since its ally, the Palestinian group Hamas, carried out an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, which prompted Israel to launch an assault on Gaza.

Israel has killed 270 Hezbollah members and around 25 members of the Radwan unit, including at least three commanders, such as Wissam Tawil, a senior Hezbollah leader who played a leading role in organizing its operations in southern Lebanon.

Furthermore, Israel's shelling has also killed about 50 civilians, including children, medical professionals, and journalists, which has also damaged the Lebanese army and United Nations soldiers.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the fighting in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, where the Israeli military reports that eight civilians and ten troops have died.

On Sunday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for seven attacks on Israeli troops. It said one of its strikes targeted and damaged "newly developed spy equipment" at al-Jardah near the Lebanese border.

The group also released two videos of its attacks on Saturday, which were directed at an Israeli military base in Adamit, northern Israel, along with a building used by soldiers near the border.

Amid concerns about a wider conflict in the region, the US and other countries have worked to negotiate a diplomatic end to the gunfire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has repeatedly declared that it will not put out fire until a ceasefire is established in Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the military would continue its operations against Hezbollah while on a tour of the army's northern command on Friday. He said that they will make them pay a price for every attack that comes out from Lebanon.

Read Also : Indian Navy Saves Crew of Iranian Fishing Vessel After Armed Pirates Board Ship

Hezbollah Attacks Israeli Outposts in Shebaa Farms

On Friday, Lebanon's Hezbollah group said it launched two attacks on an Israeli military outpost in the Shebaa Farms in "support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip."

Hezbollah confirmed on its Telegram account that its fighters targeted the Zebdine barracks with "direct" missile strikes. It also noted that Israeli strikes in South Lebanon had claimed the lives of three of its members.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that nine members of Hezbollah and the Amal party were killed on Thursday in an Israeli airstrike in the southern towns of Naqoura and Tayr Harfa.

Furthermore, seven people were killed in an airstrike on the town of Al-Habbariyah in southern Lebanon early on Wednesday before Israel declared that 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon on the city of Kiryat Shmona in the north, resulting in one death.
On Sunday, Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen tore into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over what Van Hollen said was Netanyahu's refusal to consent to President Joe Biden's requests for more humanitarian action in Gaza amid the Hamas war.

During his appearance on ABC News' 'This Week,' Maryland lawmaker Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, added that Biden "needs to back up his 'no excuses' language with real action."

Van Hollen Calls Out Biden Administration Amid Gaza War

Van Hollen criticized the US government's ongoing unrestricted arms sales to the Israeli government. However, he did not vote against a supplemental aid package that included military assistance for Israel and Ukraine in February.

"Netanyahu continues to essentially give the finger to the president of the United States, and we're sending more bombs," Van Hollen said on Sunday.

He claimed Israel's "right" and "duty" to defend itself after the October 7 attack did not "extend to restricting, unnecessarily, assistance in Gaza." The senator added that they could halt the horror of this humanitarian catastrophe.

In February, the senator voted in favor of a $95 billion supplementary aid package for Israel and Ukraine, along with other members of the Democratic caucus in the US Senate, except Bernie Sanders.

However, he argued that the prime minister had mostly ignored his requests up to that point and urged the president to hold Netanyahu's administration more accountable for its actions.

The Biden administration's partial reversal of sanctions against far-right settlers in Israel who are allegedly responsible for violent attacks on Palestinians and illegal land seizures precedes his most recent criticism.

In a letter, the US Treasury Department clarified that Israeli banks are not obligated to freeze the accounts of sanctioned individuals to conduct business with the US.

Furthermore, the sanctions enraged Netanyahu's far-right coalition members, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich, who has been charged with using racist rhetoric and denied that there is a Palestinian people, vowed to retaliate against the US restrictions by targeting the economies of Gaza and the West Bank.

Over 31,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children, have lost their lives as a result of the Israeli military attack in Gaza. International relief organizations warn the public of the humanitarian crisis happening throughout the region, which may lead to the outbreak of a widespread famine.

Van Hollen said that one-third of the humanitarian assistance shipments into northern Gaza had been blocked last month. He suggested they open Erez Crossing in the north and get help as children starve.

UN Warns Growing Famine in Gaza

The head of the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has warned famine is threatening Gaza as relief organizations struggle to deliver food to the northern part of the enclave.

On Sunday, Philippe Lazzarini stated that more than a month has passed since humanitarian aid began reaching northern Gaza residents. Lazzarini wrote on social media that the last time UNRWA was able to deliver food aid to northern Gaza was on January 23.

According to aid organizations, deliveries from Israel have been delayed. Tel Aviv denies allegations as it prepares to submit a report to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) detailing its steps to prevent suffering in the besieged enclave.
Poodle crosses have been all the rage for some years. But suddenly, or so a number of recent articles have claimed, the most sought-after of all is something called a Bernedoodle  a cross between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog.

Which makes the Lawson household feel like (unintended) fashion leaders. Because on November 1, 2022, we acquired a Bernedoodle. Our lives have not been the same since.

When we went to the home where Luna was born eight weeks earlier we were able to get a good look at her parents. The mother, a Bernese mountain dog, was wary and territorial.

The father, a standard poodle, was much, much bigger than I had expected, and full of affectionate energy. Luna was, most unusually, the only puppy in the litter. I felt rather sorry for her parents as we drove her back to our home in Sussex.

From that day, she dominated our household, initially with a trail of destruction. One of her first victims was my laptop: she found the keypad enormous fun to chew and demolish.

The Lawsons' Bernedoodle Luna, who has been a member of their family since 2022

Long ago we had a succession of Leonbergers, mainly because we have a couple of ponds and we felt our then- young daughter Domenica, who has Down's syndrome, would be safer if we had dogs that were naturally inclined to be protective and easily trained to drag people out of water (the breed has webbed paws).

But the trouble is that, like so many big pure-breeds, our Leonbergers didn't live long: Domenica was devastated when they died relatively young.

In contrast, first-generation hybrids are much less prone to genetic conditions. Poodles had originally been bred in Germany as water-retrievers ('pudel', means splash, and they were called pudelhund). So that, combined with our desire for 'hybrid vitality' was what made us choose a Bernedoodle.

But Luna's vitality is off the charts. Even with three long daily walks, she never seems to tire of wanting to play games, almost the whole day long.

Apparently this is a function of very high intelligence, which she manifests constantly. She will tilt her head to one side if you talk to her, giving the appearance of trying especially hard to understand what is being said. She does this even while I am playing chess, as if trying to decipher the moves.

(This gives me the excuse to tell the old joke about the man who visited a friend and found him playing chess with his dog. 'That's amazing,' he said. 'Not really,' said his friend, 'I've won two of the last three games.')

One result of this, after we got over the initial mayhem, is that she is highly trainable: she always comes when called, even when in the middle of chasing something.

The woman whose dog training classes we took her to could not have been more impressed ('I shouldn't say this, but she is my favourite'). But Luna's sheer size did seem to worry the other owners, or rather their dogs: I could see why what was merely exuberant friendliness might seem overpowering. Especially as Luna has a very deep, loud bark.

One thing we had not bargained for was how often her coat requires clipping  though obviously we knew that as a non-shedder, there would be a certain amount of that.

But it's extraordinary how quickly she seems to turn into a Yeti. And the local clipper has just told us she no longer has the strength to do the job (it requires putting Luna into a bath, one form of water immersion she doesn't like at all, and she is much too powerful to be made to move anywhere she doesn't want to go).

Luna does seem to command everyone's attention when we take her into our nearest town, with the most common comment being: 'What is she? I want one.' Although one other customer in the local pet shop did say: 'What is that donkey doing in here?'

Oh, and she is also a pickpocket. I think this stems from the fact that my wife would, when training, put reward treats for Luna in her trouser pocket.

The result is that whenever I am sitting down she takes anything she can out of my trouser pocket, usually a handkerchief, which she then runs off with, regarding my attempt to retrieve it as an amusing game (comic curiosity is her default behaviour).

As a result, most of my trousers now have ripped pockets.

This makes my daughter laugh, though, which is the best sound in the world. I should add that Domenica, now 28, chose the name Luna, after the character  a 16-year-old girl  in her favourite television series, Soy Luna. They often watch it together.

And when I asked Domenica to describe her own Luna, as I told her I would be writing about this, she said: 'Crazy. But she protects me.' And, after further thought: 'She's a bundle of happiness.'

However, not everyone in the household shares that opinion. In particular two of our three Chihuahuas (father and son), who viewed the appearance of this giant dog, many years after their own arrival on the scene, as an outrage.

The solution we have worked out is to have a 'dog door' where the hall leads into the rest of the house, with a hole carved in it big enough for the Chihuahuas to get through, and leave Luna on the other side. That way they can escape her friendly attention which they regard as a gross intrusion.

We describe it as a love-hate relationship. Luna loves them, but they hate her. The third Chihuahua, a daughter of our first, enjoys a far better relationship, and has the habit of picking bits of food out of Luna's mouth, which the giant dog tolerates rather in the way that hippos do with oxpeckers.

As I grew up in London, with just a single cat as family pet, this life of canine cacophony is not something that comes naturally to me: but my wife was brought up in the country, always with lots of dogs in the house, so for her this is how life ought to be.

In fact, I believe she sees it as completely normal. But Luna, I keep telling her, is anything but normal. It is like having a hyper-intelligent bear in the house.

Would I recommend a Bernedoodle?

Only if you have as much of a sense of humour as they do.
Britain is not secure. The world is becoming more dangerous; those who wish us harm are becoming more powerful and more aggressive. We are closer to war than at any time since 1945.

To avoid war, we need stronger defences to deter our enemies and to protect our people.

On our continent, Putin's brutal attack on Ukraine has already cost us in higher energy and food bills.

He wants to recapture other democracies, even those in the Nato alliance. He has already killed people on our streets.

China has aggressive global ambitions and is building a massive navy, which includes more and more nuclear submarines, assault ships and aircraft carriers.

Britain is not secure. The world is becoming more dangerous; those who wish us harm are becoming more powerful and more aggressive (Stock Photo)

We are closer to war than at any time since 1945, says Sir Michael Fallon (pictured)

On our continent, Putin's (pictured) brutal attack on Ukraine has already cost us in higher energy and food bills

Iran and North Korea have nuclear missile programmes which threaten us all.

Closer to home, Islamist terrorists have bombed London and Manchester; now they attack British shipping in the Red Sea and disrupt our trade routes.

To keep our island safe, and to deter our enemies, we need a stronger military. That means spending more on defence: a bigger navy, more fighter jets, better missile defence, and a larger army which can partner our allies in defending our freedoms.

Of course, there are competing priorities.

Everybody wants to see a more efficient NHS with fewer waiting for treatment; help for young people with housing. More spent on our crumbling infrastructure: potholed roads, dilapidated schools, inadequate trains. But defence comes first.

As one of the oldest democracies in the world, we must play our part in defending our values and the rule of law.

So the election this year is our chance.

Iran and North Korea have nuclear missile programmes which threaten us all (pictured: North Korea leader Kim Jong Un attending a rocket firing drill in March)

Closer to home, Islamist terrorists have bombed London and Manchester; now they attack British shipping in the Red Sea and disrupt our trade routes (pictured: a Houthi soldier mans a machine gun in Yemen in March)

To keep our island safe, and to deter our enemies, we need a stronger military. That means spending more on defence: a bigger navy, more fighter jets, better missile defence, and a larger army (pictured: Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron with a Gripen fighter jet)

We call on all the political parties, and every constituency candidate, to commit to spend 2.5 per cent of the national income on defence in every year of the new Parliament, and to commit to increasing that to 3 per cent by the end of it.

Nothing less will ensure that our people are properly safe.

Sir Michael Fallon was Secretary of State for Defence (2014-2017)
This is the horrifying moment police arrested a 19-year-old who murdered a homeless man and stored his head in his closest.

Brian Cohee, now 21, from Colorado, murdered 69-year-old homeless man Warren Barnes, in 2021.

He is the subject of a shocking true-crime documentary Parents Discover Teen Son's Horrifying Secret on YouTube channel EXPLORE WITH US.

The extremely gruesome crime saw Cohee decapitate, dismember and mutilate Mr Barnes's body before bringing some of the body parts home, where his mother found them.

Alongside his head, Barnes hands were also discovered by Cohee's mother Terri, decomposing in a separate plastic bag that was stashed in his wardrobe.

Cohee had tried to discard the rest of the body by putting it in the trunk of his car and attempting to drive the vehicle into the Colorado River

Brian Cohee, now 21, from Colorado, who murdered a homeless man was turned into police by his mother after she found the man's dismembered head in his closet

In February of 2021, a 69-year-old homeless man named Warren Barnes was gruesomely murdered by Cohee

The documentary featured police dashcam footage of the moment authorities arrived at the Cohee residence.

Police questioned Cohee at his home asking: 'Your parents have concerns over some stuff they may have found in your room? What would that be?'

To which Cohee calmly replied: 'Yeah, I believe so, a human head and hands. From that fella that went missing. I murdered him with a knife.

When asked why by police officers he added: 'I always wondered what murder would feel like.'

Later Terri painfully recalled the moment she discovered Barnes's severed head in her son's closet during a police interview.

She said: 'I was in his room cleaning up, putting some things away and he has a rubber made container in his closet and so I just kind of started digging through.

'I saw a plastic bag and I was like what in the world is this, I picked it up and it was heavy and I held it in my hands, maggots covering it.

'I take it to the sink, it was double bagged so I opened the first bag, and I didn't open the second bag. I called his father and said ''you need to get over here right now''.

Later Terri painfully recalled the moment she discovered Barnes's severed head in her son's closet during a police interview

Initially not know what was in the bag Teri carried the dismembered head to the kitchen sink before opening it

Cohee's parents then called 911 to report the gruesome discovery, even admitting to the dispatcher that their son had a keen interest in 'death and mortality'.

Cohee admitted to killing Barnes with a kitchen knife and said he'd been plotting murdering someone for six months prior.

He added he was looking to kill a homeless person or prostitute under the assumption that no one would miss them.

Elsewhere in the documentary Cohee detailed his gruesome crime to investigators while showing no emotion or remorse.

He said: 'It was the night of February 27th it was a full moon and I figured I could see so well why not try it out, I am in a bad state of mind at that time, I have major depressive disorder.

'I was driving around and I see a shape and I am like ''oh interesting''. I'm like that's a homeless person, so I grabbed my knife, I put on three layers of gloves because plastic gloves can betray their users because they're so thin, I took the knife I pulled back the canvas and I stabbed his neck.

Despite pleading insanity, Cohee went on to be sentenced to life behind bars without parole last year, after being found guilty of first degree murder

'He was panicking at first in, he was saying what are you doing, what are you doing why, why, and I just kept on stabbing his neck.'

He told investigators that he was 'growling' and 'making animalistic noises' while stabbing Barnes.

He went onto laugh as he explained, in nauseating detail, how he dismembered the man's body before saying 'sorry that's morbid' to investigators.

Cohee appeared excited to tell the investigators all about his horrific crime, he even looked excited to be reliving the murder and relishing the memory.

Despite pleading insanity, Cohee went on to be sentenced to life behind bars without parole last year, after being found guilty of first degree murder.

He was also found guilty of two counts of tampering with a dead body and of tampering with evidence.

Judge Richard Gurley, who presided over this case called it one of the most horrific he had seen in his 37 years with the criminal justice system.

The chilling documentary left viewers unable to sleep with many rushing to X, formerly known as Twitter, to leave their thoughts

The Judge also stated that although it was evident that Cohee suffered from mental problems and viewed things differently, murder was on his mind for 'quite some time'.

The chilling documentary left viewers unable to sleep with many rushing to X, formerly known as Twitter, to leave their thoughts.

One person wrote: 'Just finished watching a documentary about Brian Cohee Jr. I have to get up in five hrs. I won't be able to sleep. There's people like that who exist in this world.'

Another said: 'I went to YouTube to watch a Katt Williams stand-up after seeing a funny video here and ended up watching that entire Brian Cohee documentary. Good God so disturbing.'

Someone else commented on YouTube: 'Absolutely bone chilling. That homeless man was working hard and doing good things with his life and that kid treated his body like a science experiment. He should never be let out of jail.'

Cohee's assumption that Barnes' death would go unnoticed was incorrect because he had many friends and family who lived him dearly.

They have since installed a memorial sculpture in his memory, in the location where he used to spend most of his time.
A woman has shared a sweet love letter that her great-great-grandfather penned while he was courting her great-great-grandmother back in the late 19th century - and the incredibly romantic note has left the internet swooning over her deceased relative.

Angela Nauss was going through her 97-year-old grandmother's things when she discovered the letter, dated August 5, 1890, written by her ancestor, Salvatore Ciucci, to Anna Murphy, the woman who would later become his wife, mere months after immigrating from Italy.

The note was ostensibly asking her out on a date, after he'd moved from his home country to San Francisco.

'I am obsessed with this horndog letter my great-great-grandfather wrote,' Angela narrated in her TikTok video.

Angela Nauss has shared a love note written by her great-great-grandfather to her great-great-grandmother in August 1890

Angela's ancestors Salvatore Ciucci and Anna Murphy went on to have four children together

'He's met an Irish girl, and he's gonna shoot his shot.

'The problem is, he's only been in the United States four months and he does not speak English.'

'Luckily, that has never stopped an Italian from hitting on someone!' she quipped. 'You got this, Salvatore.'

Written in theatrically curling penmanship, the letter begins: 'Dearest Darling.

'I take a great pleasure in write to you to let you know that I like going out. Tonight if you coming, if you like to coming, I wait for you on same corner of [illegible] at nine o'clock, I hope do not to be disappointed.

'Good Bye Dear Anna love me forever and Received a Kiss From Yours faithful Loving S. Ciucci.'

Angela went on to state that Salvatore's efforts paid off, as the pair ended up marrying and having four children together.

With many clearly feeling Salvatore's charm vicariously, viewers took to their comments to praise his courtship efforts.

Many appeared to be vicariously taken with Salvatore's charm

'Listen - calligraphy like that buys a lot of leeway grammatically I would for sure have been on the corner of ~illegible~,' one admitted.

'This would work on me,' a second echoed.

'Salvatore's got that rizz (charisma),' a third agreed of his flirting finesse.

'Him centering "Dearest Darling" with the fanciest loops like he really was going for it,' a fourth pointed out.

Of her decision to post the note on social media, Angela told Newsweek: 'I wanted to share the TikTok video to inspire people to acknowledge the love they share with others.'

'Someday you will be gone, but your love will last forever,' she stated. 'Who knows, maybe your great-granddaughter will find one of your letters.'
After decades of mental illness being shrouded in secrecy and shame, ignored, ridiculed or feared, there has been something of a revolution in the past couple of years.

Now we have gone quite the other way. Mental health makes the news almost every day, with not a week going past without some celebrity 'baring all' and admitting to having, or having had, a mental health problem.

There are literally hundreds of podcasts, hashtags and Facebook pages devoted to the discussion of it all.

This, we are unequivocally told, is A Good Thing. It must be, right? After all, we know the silence that used to surround poor mental health compounded people's distress and feelings of isolation.

Talking more openly about mental illness helps to tackle stigma and ignorance, challenges prejudices and misconceptions, and demystifies a group of conditions that have historically been met with suspicion and fear.

The epidemic of mental health problems has resulted in people giving up work, with the number of economically inactive rising by 700,000 since the pandemic

Yet speaking recently, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride, dared to question this new orthodoxy. Our approach to mental health has gone 'too far' in the other direction, he said, with a 'real risk that we are now labelling the normal ups and downs of human life as medical conditions'. I have to agree.

Suddenly mental health is in vogue. For someone like me, who works in this area, the sea change has been quite startling. For years people would pull a face and ask why I'd gone into this area of medicine.

I remember one of my professors at medical school looking at me with a mixture of bewilderment and horror when I explained to him at my graduation ceremony that I intended to specialise in psychiatry.

'You've done so well, why on earth would you want to do that?', he said, the implication being that mental health was only an area you went into if you had no other choice. No one in his or her right mind would actually want to work in it.

Yet suddenly I am fashionable, and in demand in other areas of medicine. I've been asked to talk to dermatologists, endocrinologists and rheumatologists about mental health at their annual conferences. Once dismissed as the Cinderella of medicine, now doctors of all kinds want to learn about it.

You would think that we psychiatrists would welcome this. The more campaigns and awareness-raising the better, surely? But, alas, it's not that simple.

I know how disingenuous it sounds for a doctor like me, who has spent years writing about and campaigning for better understanding around mental illness, to suddenly perform such a volte face and say, actually, can we please all stop for a moment. But that's what I'm doing.

Put bluntly, the rise in public understanding around mental health problems has been a double-edged sword. We are inundated with referrals. More and more people are self-diagnosing.

The epidemic of mental health problems has resulted in people giving up work, with the number of economically inactive rising by 700,000 since the pandemic. Increasingly, we've seen normal emotional problems and difficulties  inevitable parts of life  portrayed as some form of disorder or illness.

And the fact is, thanks to the huge number of people who now believe they have a mental health problem, services are straining under the pressure.

My concern is that while on the one hand it's good to get people talking about how they feel and to challenge the taboo that surrounds mental illness, in reality it risks wrongly labelling everyday feelings as abnormal.

I'm far from alone in being wary about the fallout from this sudden surge in interest in mental health. Sir Professor Simon Wessely, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, has said 'every time we have a mental health campaign, my heart sinks'. This was met with bewilderment by those outside the profession, but to those on frontline, it resonated hugely.

The majority of people having a difficult time aren't mentally ill. They're just experiencing life. The idea that good mental health means we never suffer any emotional distress at all creates the unrealistic expectation that life should be a bed of roses all the time. And of course it's not. Life can be difficult, frustrating, disappointing, scary and uncertain.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed, lost and upset sometimes.

We should be talking about the realities of life and making sure people have the tools to meet them with resilience, not making them think there is something wrong when there isn't.

Many people will sympathise with the awful debt Kate Garraway ran up caring for her husband Derek Draper, who died last year after a long battle with Covid. She revealed in a TV documentary that it could be as much as 800,000.

The truth is such a financial catastrophe could happen to any of us. One minute we are fine, and all is well with our family, then suddenly nature takes a cruel turn and we find ourselves facing astronomical fees to provide our loved ones with the care they need.

A friend's father who is in his 90s but totally independent and living alone recently took a tumble. He hurt his leg and ended up needing a skin graft. It became infected. Then he developed pneumonia. His mobility declined and within the space of a few weeks this man, who had never needed any help, was suddenly reliant on carers three times a day.

The NHS would only provide limited physiotherapy, and yet the doctors advised he should be having it daily or risk becoming bed-bound, so a private physio had to be employed.

My friend phoned me for advice, and was devastated at the financial implications of caring for his father. The family have pooled together all their spare money and savings. His daughter even offered to delay going to university so she could work and hand over the money. 'You just don't think about it until it happens to you,' he said.

He wasn't arguing that the state should step in, necessarily  just that no one thinks it will affect them until it does. I think we are rapidly approaching a time when people should be advised to take out some form of insurance to provide security should they end up needing care. The alternative is to face dreadful bills you or your loved ones struggle to pay.

There has been a great outpouring of sympathy and good will towards the Princess of Wales in the weeks since she told the world she had cancer. But there has also been another public response that might result in lives being saved.

Data shows her brave announcement led to a huge rise in the number of people accessing information on cancer online. Visits to the NHS cancer page rose nearly five-fold, while Cancer UK and Macmillan also reported a surge. One person every three seconds looked at the cancer symptoms page in the three hours after the Princess of Wales's message.

We've seen this sort of thing before. Despite all the public health campaigns concerning HIV transmission, the largest ever peak in requests for HIV testing in the UK was observed in January 1991 when the EastEnders character Mark Fowler was diagnosed HIV-positive.

When someone that the public feels they know  either fictional or real  is seen to suffer a medical condition, many more people talk about it with their friends and families, and in some cases present to their doctors because they are worried for themselves.

In the case of cancer, people with niggling symptoms they don't necessarily want to bother the doctor about come forward and a proportion of these will catch the disease earlier than they would otherwise. It is a much-appreciated side effect of the Princess's otherwise difficult news.

'Wine mums' who drink a glass of wine a day are more likely to get heart disease, according to a new study. To me this is just one more example of the dangers of alcohol and the way that society underestimates the risk.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a kill-joy. Have a glass of wine now and then. What worries me is the increase in women who have normalised daily drinking and don't realise the effect this can have on their health.

'Wine mums' who drink daily are more likely to get heart disease, a study has found. I'm no killjoy. Have a glass of wine now and then. But I worry about the rise in women who have normalised daily drinking and don't realise the health effects.

Kate's caring debt

Many people will sympathise with the awful debt Kate Garraway ran up caring for her husband Derek Draper, who died early this year after a long battle with Covid. She revealed it could be as much as 800,000.

Such a financial catastrophe could happen to any of us  at any time.

A friend's father, in his 90s but independent and living alone, recently fell, hurt his leg and needed a skin graft. It became infected. Matters got rapidly worse until he was reliant on carers three times a day.

Kate Garraway's husband Derick Draper died earlier this year after a long battle with Covid

The NHS would only provide limited physiotherapy, yet without daily sessions he risked becoming bed-bound so a private physio had to be employed.

The family have pooled all their spare money and savings. A granddaughter even offered to delay going to university so she could work and hand over the money.

My friend wasn't arguing that the state should step in, but I feel we're rapidly approaching a time when people should be advised to take out insurance to provide security should they end up needing care.

The outpouring of goodwill towards the Princess of Wales since she told the world she had cancer has had another, hopeful response.

Data shows her speaking out prompted masses to read up about cancer online. NHS cancer page hits rose nearly five-fold; Cancer UK and Macmillan also reported a surge. One person every three seconds looked at the cancer symptoms page in the three hours after the Princess of Wales's message.

We've seen this before. Despite the public health HIV campaigns on transmission, the UK's largest-ever peak in requests for HIV testing was seen in January 1991 when EastEnders character Mark Fowler was diagnosed HIV-positive.

When someone the public feels they know  fictional or real  is seen to suffer a medical condition, many more talk with friends and family about it, and in some cases present to their GPs because they fear for themselves. Breaking this psychological resistance is a much-appreciated side-effect of the princess's difficult news.

Dr Max Prescribes... Kiwi fruit

A recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition compared the effects on mood, sleep and activity levels in people given either vitamin C-rich kiwi fruit, supplements or a placebo every day.

It found those eating the kiwi reported the most improvements  and in just four days. The people taking supplements experienced only marginal mood improvements up until day 12, when their vitamin C was at an optimal level.
Question: Im quite slim but my arms are getting crepey and I notice slack bingo wings starting. What non-surgical treatment can help?

Answer: Profhilo, the mosturising, mildly collagen-boosting injectable, can be used on arms. You get ten jabs in each area, and ten more in 30 days.

The jabs hurt but there is no downtime and youll see visibly plumper skin four weeks later.

The nationwide starting price is 1,200 for two treatments (search profhilo.co.uk for clinics). London cosmetic doctor Sarah Tonks says four treatments, (3,835 at thelovelyclinic.co.uk), are better.

Profhilo, a collagen-boosting injectable, can be used to combat against bingo wings

Alternatively, Exion Body is a painless radio-frequency device that applies warm energy to your upper arms for half an hour which increases collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid by 224 pc, apparently!

Four sessions start at 1,400 (btlaesthetics.com). London cosmetic physician Wassim Taktouk (drwassimtaktouk.com) recommends six sessions, costing 3,000.

Results for Profhilo and Exion last six months.
Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress, has begun working for the Japanese Red Cross Society in Minato Ward today.

Speaking to reporters outside the JRCS in Tokyo this morning, the 22-year-old said: 'It is a sobering feeling to take my first step as a member of society'

The princess, who has been assigned to the youth and volunteer division of the JRCS, was dressed smartly in a navy blue skirt suit.

Her modest A-line skirt fell to below her knees, and she paired it with a boxy, short navy blazer of the same fabric.

Princess Aiko matched the suit with a crisp, white, button-down shirt with the top bottom undone, and simple black pumps with a low heel.

Princess Aiko (pictured) has begun working for the Japanese Red Cross Society in Minato Ward today.

The daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako is pictured outside the Japanese Red Cross Society building in Tokyo

Aiko (pictured bowing to the media) first announced she would be working at the Japanese Red Cross Society back in January

SMART: The Princess (pictured outside the Red Cross Building in Tokyo) donned a smart navy skirt suit for her first day

Princess Aiko kept her look simple, with a stylish but demure trouser suit, a sleek low ponytail, and no make-up

She kept the chic look simple with no make-up or other accessories, and her black hair pulled into a neat ponytail.

The royal revealed back in January that she would be starting work for the Red Cross Society after completing university.

She has now finished her studies in Japanese Language and Literature at Gakushuin University.

Aiko, 22, who is the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito, 63, and Empress Masako, 60, has demonstrated a commitment to charitable pursuits with her latest move.

Her contracted role at the Red Cross will not impact her official duties, and she intends to carry both out simultaneously, according to Kyodo News.

In a statement released by the Society in January, she said: 'I am happy to become engaged in works of the Japanese Red Cross Society.'

She added: 'At the same time, I feel determined.'

The Japanese imperial family enjoys a longstanding connection with the charity, and Empress Masako is currently an honorary president of the organisation.

The Princess has just finished her studies in Japanese Language and Literature at Gakushuin University

Aiko is pictured making her way out of the gate of the Japanese Red Cross Society as she begins to work

Aiko said: 'I am happy and humbled to be able to work for the Japanese Red Cross, which I have always been interested in.

'I will continue to learn various things and work hard with the awareness that I am a member of society.

'So I hope that I can be of some help to people and society, even if it is only in a small way.'

The princess maintains a private life.

She previously suffered a period of bullying and anxiety during her childhood, which saw her dropping out of school.




Japan's Imperial Family has made its first social media debut with an Instagram account.

Going live with its first photos on Monday, @kunaicho_jp - under the name Imperial Household Agency - has already racked up more than 185,000 followers and put up 19 posts.

It is part of a broader effort by the Japanese imperial family to increase its reach with the public, having also formed a press relations office and updated its website in recent months.

By forming an online presence, the palace hopes to strengthen its bond with the younger generations by updating them with royal happenings, according to TBS News.

The account has blocked users from leaving comments under posts; should members of the public want to share their thoughts, they must do so via a forum on their official website.

Japan 's Royal Family has made its first social media debut with an Instagram account, with the first upload capturing Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko's New Year's Eve portraits

It is unlikely that members of the imperial family will make direct posts themselves.

Instead, they will communicate through their social and press teams.

According to TBS News, the household will also consider introducing an account for Prince Akishino and other family members in the future.

The ancient monarchy made a cautious appearance on the platform, using what appear to mostly be professional shots already in the public domain, with the first upload capturing Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko's New Year's Eve portraits.

They are teamed with straight-to-the-point captions which simply describe the event taking place in the images.

The moments pictured range from everything including the King's 64th birthday and an ecology exhibition to the Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah and Crown Princess Sarah of Brunei Darussalam's visit last month.

'The IHA is on Instagram! I thought it was an April Fools' prank!' one X user wrote in reaction to the launch.

'When I heard the IHA created an Instagram account, I quickly checked it out. But of course the emperor wouldn't post "today's lunch (heart emoji)" or anything like that,' another added.

Some users joked it was good the royals had chosen the more 'civilised' Instagram over X, formerly Twitter.

The move is unusual for the notoriously private Japanese monarchy. Pictured, Japan's Princess Aiko

The account currently follows zero users and has yet to upload an Instagram Story. Leaving comments on posts is also not possible.

The profile's bio reads: 'This is the official account of the Imperial Household Agency. We will communicate the activities of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.

'If you have any opinions or comments, please use the "Opinions and Feedbacks" section of the Imperial Household Agency website.'

The Imperial Household Agency announced plans to unveil the official Instagram account last week, NHK reports.

The move is unusual for the notoriously private Japanese monarchy, which has mythological origins stretching back more than two millennia - and any public criticism of the emperor remains taboo in the country.

Going live with its first photos on Monday, @kunaicho_jp - under the name Imperial Household Agency - has already racked up more than 185,000 followers and put up 19 posts

By joining social media, the institution hopes to spark interest among younger generations about what the imperial family does, an IHA spokesperson confirmed to AFP.

It comes as, last month, Princess Aiko of Japan beamed as she attended her graduation ceremony at Gakushuin University in Tokyo.

Aiko, who is the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito, 63, and Empress Masako, 60, donned a navy kimono which featured pale pink patterned sleeves as she posed up a storm.

The 22-year-old, who was studying Japanese Language and Literature for four years, donned traditional split-toe Japanese shoes called Tabi which are a significant part of fashion and history in Japan.

The princess appeared in great spirits as she walked through the grounds of the University on her way to attend her graduation ceremony, in the Mejiro area of Tokyo.

She accessorised with a cream handbag and pink flowers in her raven locks which matched her colourful kimono.

Aiko has planned to start working at the Red Cross Society after completing university.

The moments pictured range from everything including the King's 64th birthday and an ecology exhibition to the Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah and Crown Princess Sarah of Brunei Darussalam's visit last month (pictured)

By joining social media, the institution hopes to spark interest among younger generations about what the imperial family does. Emperor Naruhito pictured earlier this year

Her contracted role at the Red Cross will not impact her official duties, and she intends to carry both out simultaneously, according to Kyodo News.

It is thought that the princess will commute to work at the company's headquarters in Tokyo's Minato Ward, although her exact role hasn't been revealed.

'I am happy to become engaged in works of the Japanese Red Cross Society', Princess Aiko said in a statement released by the agency. She added: 'At the same time, I feel determined.'

The Japanese imperial family enjoys a longstanding connection with the charity, and Empress Masako is currently an honorary president of the organisation.

Aiko said: 'I am happy and humbled to be able to work for the Japanese Red Cross, which I have always been interested in.

'I will continue to learn various things and work hard with the awareness that I am a member of society, so I hope that I can be of some help to people and society, even if it is only in a small way.'

The exact nature of the Aiko's role at the Red Cross is unknown. The princess maintains a private life, and she previously suffered a period of bullying and anxiety during her childhood, which saw her dropping out of school.
Princess Anne and Prince Edward were 'protective' of King Charles at the Easter Sunday service in Windsor and demonstrated they are 'prepared to step up' in the wake of their brother's cancer battle, a body language expert has claimed.

King Charles' three younger siblings joined the monarch at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle for the church service yesterday.

It marked the King's first major public royal engagement since his shock cancer diagnosis was announced in February.

Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James said Princess Anne, 73, demonstrated her 'protectiveness' towards her brother from the outset.

The expert noted: 'The royal body language message here is clearly one of resilience, unity and upbeat strength.'

Princess Anne pictured waving to crowds of royal fans outside St George's Chapel in Windsor yesterday

The expert also said that King Charles (pictured) 'enormously' enjoyed his first steps back into public life yesterday

Analysing Anne's body language on arrival Judi said: 'Anne and husband Tim set the mood-music as they stepped out of their car.

'The couple rarely indulge in an chatting or joking in public but this time they did. Anne grinned at Tim as she emerged and he even turned to smile at the fans.

'Annes wave and her warm, connecting smile at the crowd seemed to signal thankfulness and even some reassuring relief.'

What's more, the expert said Prince Edward - who was joined by wife the Duchess of Edinburgh and son the Earl of Wessex - also hinted at his protective feelings towards his brother.

Throughout the afternoon, the royal father-of-two, 60, was pictured walking with his hands clasped behind his back - a gesture that both King Charles and the late Prince Philip was known to favour.

Judi continued: 'Edward mirrored the hand clasp, which was a signature gesture of their fathers.

On top of this, the expert noted how Princess Anne was also pictured mirroring her father and brother's 'hand clasp' at points in the day.

Judi added: 'As Anne walked to greet the clergy she clasped her hands very firmly behind her back despite the fact it left her handbag swinging from the clasp.

Body language expert Judi James noted how Prince Edward, 60, 'mirrored' Prince Philip's signature hand clasp during the engagement

'Comedy mouth': Throughout his royal life, Charles has pulled comedic faces as he's playfully interacted with royal fans, and today was no different, James said

'The hint being that they are both stepping up to offer the same kind of strength and even protection that their father offered their mother throughout her reign.'

The expert also said that King Charles 'enormously' enjoyed his first steps back into public life yesterday.

The body language pro said there was also a reluctance to leave the gathered well-wishers and go into church, with the 75-year-old monarch offering a lingering four waves before he finally walked into the royal church yesterday morning.

With Queen Camilla by his side - displaying her own 'relaxed' body language - King Charles was clearly having fun.

Judi explained: 'Charles looked as though he was enjoying himself enormously, back with his loyal fans and partly back at work again.

Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James said Princess Anne, 73, demonstrated her 'protectiveness' towards her brother from the outset

Judi said of Prince Edward's hand clasp: 'The hint being that they are both stepping up to offer the same kind of strength and even protection that their father offered their mother throughout her reign'

Philip (pictured left in 2007) and Charles' body language has also been compared in recent years

A monarch having fun: King Charles' body language was upbeat and showing all his usual 'gestures of humour' at St George's Chapel in Windsor yesterday, in spite of his health problems in recent months, said body language expert Judi James

Body language expert James suggested that Camilla didn't need to look out too much for her husband, saying: ' she did not seem to be on any form of nursing duty'

'His cheeks were lifted and rounded and he displayed his signature gestures and signals of good humour, pulling a comedy mouth shape at the hosts before turning to engage in what looked like some banter with the crowds.'

The expert also picked up on 'a fluttering wave of affection before pointing and joking with his brows raised in recognition' as he saw the dozens of people who'd gathered in Windsor to greet him on Easter Sunday.

She said: 'This was no swift wave and disappear, the four waves before he stepped inside suggested some reluctance to step out of the spotlight again.'

And Queen Camilla was on equally sparkling form, says James. 'Camilla did not seem to be on any form of nursing duty, with no anxious glances at her husband.

'The smile and wave she performed offered similar signals of reassurance and even some pride that Charles is easing back into public life again.'

Despite the boost to public morale, however, the Royal Family's Easter service looks markedly different to previous years.

Last year, during his first Easter Service as King, Charles led the Firm - including William, Kate and their children - on foot into the service, while this year he arrived by car to shield him from infection during his treatment - as per doctor's orders.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were not in attendance yesterday as they continue to recuperate in private after Kate shocked the world with her cancer diagnosis.

Last week, the Princess revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Shortly after, Kensington Palace confirmed that the Waleses would not be attending church on Easter Sunday.
Finland's former prime minister Sanna Marin has shared a series of photographs from a visit to Berlin.

Among the photos is one of the city's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, which opened in 2005 and is described as 'a place of contemplation, a place of remembrance and warning'.

She also visited the German Health Ministry while in the city.

The trip follows Sanna giving up politics last September to join the Tony Blair Institute.

As leader of Finland's Social Democrats, Sanna was prime minister between 2019 and 2023 - making her the country's youngest ever PM at the time (a record that has now been broken). She had been a Member of the Finnish Parliament since 2015.

Former Finland prime minister Sanna Marin (pictured) shared a series of photos from a trip to Berlin on Instagram

Sanna (pictured) garnered more than 61,000 likes and 820 comments in the first 20-hours after posting the images

The series of photos, which has garnered some 61,000 likes and 820 comments in the 20-hours since they were posted, were accompanied by a simple caption.

It simply said: 'Berlin' and was followed by a black heart emoji.

Her visit comes several weeks after Sanna made a visit to war-torn Ukraine.

Sanna went to Bucha, the site of the mass murder of around 500 Ukrainians at the start of the war in March 2022.

She was in the city with the HALO Trust, which works globally to clear unexploded landmines. In Ukraine, Marin says around 19,000 explosives have been neutralised since the war with Russia began.

While in the war-torn country, the ex-Finnish PM - who was just 34 when she took office in 2019 - also had a brief return to diplomacy as she met with the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

She said: 'I had the opportunity to engage in numerous discussions about the state of the war, reconstruction, and Ukraine's European future.

'It was also very interesting to visit a humanitarian de-mining site in Bucha, where an international organisation HALO Trust works to make war-torn areas safe safe by clearing landmines and other explosives.'

She included an image of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, which is described as 'a place of contemplation, a place of remembrance and warning'

Dusting off her political hat for a moment, Marin posed for photographs with Mr Shmyhal, and sat down for talks with the Finnish ambassador to Ukraine over lunch.

She said: 'It was a great honour to meet Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, Head of Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna.

'With more than two years of brutal war, the need for international attention is more crucial than ever.

Announcing her resignation from politics, Marin told Finnish broadcaster YLE that it was 'time to move on'

'In order to win the war, Ukraine needs even further political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support. Sanctions must be enforced.'

As Finland's prime minister, Marin was one of Europe's youngest leaders, and oversaw her country's successful application to officially join NATO.

Announcing her resignation from politics, Marin told Finnish broadcaster YLE that it was 'time to move on'.

She said: 'I am eager to step into a new role. I also believe that it can benefit the whole of Finland.

'I believe that I can serve those voters [in Finland] well and maybe even better in the new assignment'.
In a recent interview, John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor, shared his perspective on former President Trump's capabilities, suggesting that p "doesn't have the brains" to be a dictator.

This statement comes at a time when there are growing concerns about the potential outcomes of a second Trump term.

In an interview published Thursday, Le Figaro, a conservative French outlet, questioned Bolton about whether Trump displayed any dictatorial tendencies.

"He hasn't got the brains! He's a property developer for God's sake!" Bolton replied responded.

Trump, the only remaining candidate for the GOP presidential nomination, had a meeting with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban earlier this month. The meeting at his Mar-a-Lago estate highlighted his fondness for leaders who challenge democratic norms.

Trump has expressed admiration for various foreign leaders from countries that the US considers adversaries. The ex-president expressed his appreciation for the correspondence he had received from the leader of North Korea and spoke highly of the Chinese president.

In the past, Trump has stated that if he were reelected, he would not assume dictatorial powers, except the first day.

In Bolton's view, there is a strong possibility that Trump may withdraw from NATO if he secures a second term.

Trump has consistently voiced his concerns about NATO members not meeting the 2 percent GDP spending requirement and even raised the possibility of the United States leaving the organization during his tenure. Following his remarks to Putin regarding the actions of NATO members, Trump has reaffirmed his stance.

"Trump, when he has an idea, comes back to it again and again, then gets distracted, forgets, but eventually comes back to it and acts on it. That's why leaving NATO is a real possibility. A lot of people think it's just a negotiating tool, but I don't think so," as translated by The Telegraph.

Citizens React to John Bolton's Statemenbt: 'Disgruntled'

Netizens criticized Bolton on X, formerly Twitter, for implying that Trump did not possess the intelligence required for a dictatorship.

A user commented, "Disgruntled ex-employee has things to say about his former boss."

Disgruntled ex-employee has things to say about his former boss. https://t.co/KsMiY4oWiG  Una Paloma  (@Una_Paloma1) March 30, 2024

"Oh my goodness what is John Bolton ever done? He's talking about other people's aptitudes?" another person asked.

Oh my goodness what is John Bolton ever done? He's talking about other people's aptitudes?  Kay Munn (@Finetakay) March 30, 2024

A user dismissed the significance of Bolton's statements by saying, "Who cares what this clown says!"

Who cares what this clown says!  Thad Zylka (@tzylka) March 30, 2024

Another person commented, "John Bolton is nothing more than a hired clown." His fame faded a long time ago.
When I was a teenager, the Saturday night disco was a weekly ritual. The high point was when the slow dance tunes came on at the end of the evening.

The hope was that the boy you liked would ask you to dance to the plaintive melody of Careless Whisper. Even better, you might get the chance to sneak out into the cold night air and reach what Americans would call second base  a passionate kiss.

I treasure those memories of youthful passion. The course of true love didnt always run smoothly, but navigating the choppy waters of young romance taught me so much about boys, relationships, and what I did and didnt like. Sadly, I have learned the hard way that this type of clumsy puppy love is a thing of the past.

For while the MeToo movement and Everyones Invited  a site that has hit the headlines for exposing rape culture in schools and universities through anonymous testimonies, usually from girls  have undoubtedly helped unmask disturbing predatory male behaviour, they have also helped breed a generation of young women and girls who see all boys as predators.

Today, it seems that so many young women are primed to see every tiny misstep by their male peers as sexual assault, from an ill-judged kiss to an attempt to hold hands. Anything that makes them feel even a tad uncomfortable, often long after the fact, is deemed to be assault. It doesnt matter if the boy involved is as clueless as they are about the nuances of relationships, or how to express new, burgeoning sexual feelings.

I have sons  I am too scared to say how many in case it helps identify my family  and throughout their young lives they have routinely been told by their young female friends that they hate men and that all men are rapists. So fevered has the atmosphere among young women become that today something as innocent as a male tapping you on the shoulder can be construed as assault.

Today, it seems that so many young women are primed to see every tiny misstep by their male peers as sexual assault

Let me be clear: I abhor the fact that violence against women is still such a problem in our society. It breaks my heart every time I read about the latest young woman who has been attacked, raped and even murdered on our streets. Ive always taught my sons to respect women and make sure their female friends get home safe. I fervently believe girls have the right to call out bad behaviour and be listened to.

Yet I deplore the way this has created a chilling new double standard. When girls make mistakes and behave badly, its viewed as a forgivable rite of passage. But when inexperienced young boys do the same, they often face toxic accusations, which can quite literally destroy lives.

I should know. My son is one such inexperienced boy and, because of this, our lives have been a living hell for the past three years.

Aged 13, in 2019, my son was just starting to get interested in girls. He got involved in flirtations with a few girls and one sent him a topless photo by phone (this is a shockingly common practice among early teens). With another girl there was saucy texting and some mutual touching.

While I might not condone this behaviour, I also know this is pretty much par for the course for most teens in the 21st century. Its also notable that the parties involved were the same age, there was zero question of full-blown sex taking place and all the behaviour was mutual and  as far my son was aware  consensual.

When one of the girls mothers confiscated her daughters phone and found the messages, all this came to the attention of the school and the stark difference between the treatment of girls and boys became evident  to my sons lifelong cost.

The girls, who were equally culpable, as sending nude photographs is both an offence and against the school rules, were dealt with discreetly. A quiet word was had with them and their parents and that was an end to it.

Conversely, my son, whod never been in trouble before, was suspended for two days  the final step before expulsion. The schools rationale was that the other pupils would see this as justice.

I will never forgive myself for failing to fight the schools decision to suspend him. I was naive  Id never even had a call about bad behaviour before, so suspension was beyond all my experience.

I believed the school knew best. It didnt. Such a public and severe punishment persuaded his peers that there was no smoke without fire.

What followed was a merciless campaign of intimidation and bullying. My son was called a rapist, a nonce and told he should be castrated. He was urged to kill himself on a daily basis. He was attacked by a mob in the playground and one boy threatened to stab him. We brought all this to the schools attention, but it failed to act  too terrified to defend a boy who now had a reputation as a sexual predator.

Soon after, a friends young son came home and told her hed heard my son had locked three girls in a cupboard at school and raped them, something that sickened me to hear. Yet not a single so-called friend stuck up for my innocent boy as no one wanted to be accused of consorting with a rapist.

I felt like we were trapped in a horror film. I had never brooked sexism in my house, yet found myself questioning my own mothering skills. Had I not hammered home the importance of treating girls respectfully?

My son was called a rapist, a nonce and told he should be castrated. He was urged to kill himself on a daily basis. He was attacked by a mob in the playground and one boy threatened to stab him

I felt too ashamed and frightened to talk to friends and family, worried they would judge my son in the same way his school had. My husband was equally upset. A kind and gentle man, hed brought up his sons with the same values.

We talked to my boy about what had happened, but he was as confused as we were. He said the girl had fancied him and he was under the impression that she was at least as keen as he was on their innocent experimentation.

Soon, my son became increasingly isolated and withdrawn, his friends distanced themselves and we were left alone, embarrassed and ashamed, trying to pick up the pieces. Things hit a new dramatic low just before the pandemic struck. I found my beautiful boy, by now 14, curled in a ball on the floor sobbing. He was rocking in agony  not physical, but emotional.

A solid year of being relentlessly bullied had destroyed his mental wellbeing. Nothing he said or did made any difference  he was a rapist in the eyes of his entire school.

We took him to see a psychiatrist who diagnosed him with severe anxiety and depression, immediately prescribing antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication. She also recommended therapy, but then we went into lockdown and the whole system fell apart.

I have blanked out much of that time as it saw us lurching from one mental health crisis to the next, begging for help from a system crippled by lockdown. So low did he become that we were petrified that he would take his own life.

It became routine for him to have meltdowns that would terrify his siblings; for him to walk out of the house and for us to have to beg him by phone to return.

Throughout all this we were locked away from family and friends and too ashamed to share why our family was being ripped apart.

But if we thought things would get better when schools reopened, we were wrong. In late 2021, one of the girls decided to call the police and accuse my son of sexual assault. I have no idea why, but my son was told by an acquaintance that it was because she was feeling bored. The police were called to his school and he was questioned without his parents present. No one thought to alert us, so we could be with our son.

I was away on business at the time and got a call from my husband, his voice betraying his terror, just before I boarded the plane home. That flight seemed endless as my mind cycled through ever more horrific scenarios.

By the time I landed, I was convinced my bright and kind sons entire future would be forever blighted by a childish fumble.

Fortunately, the police were far more empathetic than the school. The detective who investigated the case told us that, quite rightly, every accusation was treated seriously. That said, he also relayed that, in the past few years, the police had been inundated with similar calls from teenage girls whipped into a frenzy by the MeToo movement.

It became routine for him to have meltdowns that would terrify his siblings; for him to walk out of the house and for us to have to beg him by phone to return

During the investigation we spoke to several defence lawyers, preparing ourselves, just in case we might need their services. Each one told the same story of an exponential rise in allegations against young schoolboys in the past few years.

We were not alone.

As I finally began to speak to friends and family, two of my girlfriends admitted their sons had found themselves caught up in similar situations. One had been ostracised by all his friends and had to move away from the area after an ex accused him of rape after he started a new relationship.

Another had his picture plastered on a website with the smear of rapist next to it, for much the same reason. Both of these boys were young teenagers. Rather than comforting me, finding out that what my son was enduring was widespread only made me feel hopeless.

We were on the losing side of a culture war and any attempt to defend ourselves or our sons would just open us up to more vilification. Any parent will know that one of the worst feelings is being powerless to protect your child.

Finally, after two agonising weeks filled with unnerving conversations with lawyers, we got the call we had been waiting for. The police had dismissed the case as there was no evidence to suggest the contact had been anything but consensual.

However, our celebration was short-lived.

Just a month later, a girl who my son had been friends with since Year 7 accused him of sexual assault after he touched her on the back to get her attention.

Once again, his teachers reacted aggressively by hauling him out of his lesson, thereby cementing his reputation as a predator and destroying any scant chance he had to resume a normal life at school.

To be fair to his teachers, however, they were acting in response to government advice, published last September following a rapid review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges by Ofsted earlier that year in the wake of the launch of Everyones Invited.

The advice describes anyone accused of any sexual misdemeanour as a perpetrator and recommends that schools remove them from any classes or spaces they share with the victim.

As my son was approaching his GCSEs, we tried to send him back to school, but were told by the headteacher that some girls had threatened a protest unless he was excluded. The headteacher simply gave in to pressure.

While I do understand the girls fear  on the basis of rumour and supposition, they genuinely believed he was a predator and rapist, so of course they were terrified to be in the same school as him  where were the grown-ups in this?

Where was the balanced, rational response based on evidence not rumour? It felt like we were caught up in the Salem witch trials.

The next few months saw our boy endure a patchwork of education, some in another school where the windows were blacked out, making him feel like a prisoner; some that involved sneaking him in and out of school at times the other pupils wouldnt see him.

It felt as if our son was like Hannibal Lecter from The Silence Of The Lambs, a highly dangerous criminal who could attack at any moment. In reality he is a vulnerable young man suffering from severe mental health issues as a result of his treatment.

An adult facing all this would have crumbled. Yet my son amazed me with his courage, and while it hurt him deeply to endure this cruel punishment for so long, he was determined not to allow his accusers to derail his education.

We were also immensely fortunate that the supervisors who watched his every move soon came to sympathise with his plight. Each one told us what a wonderful and polite young man he was and how much they enjoyed his company.

It was a crumb of comfort in a bleak situation. It also reassured me that I wasnt going mad or was a deluded mother who couldnt see her boy for who he really was.

My son sat his exams in isolation this summer and is now looking forward to a fresh start at a new school, where we pray no one will unearth his past.

Still, though, we all bear the scars of what has happened. I am terrified the malicious gossip will follow him. He, meanwhile, is petrified of girls. He often tells me he doesnt think he will ever have a girlfriend and I wonder if he will ever have the courage to find love. Even if he does, surely we will all be frightened of the consequences if it again turns sour.

Of course, any girl should feel able to complain about physical contact that makes her feel uncomfortable, but I do wonder why there is an expectation that a 13-year-old boy should understand all the nuances of relationships that often confuse grown men.

Perhaps my son did make mistakes that made the girl who chose to call the police feel uncomfortable, and if that is the case I am genuinely sorry for her. But is the best response to destroy his life by branding him a rapist and bullying him out of school, or to support and educate him so that he doesnt make the same mistakes again?

After all, if we were all held accountable for immature mistakes we made at a tender 13, very few of us would be blameless.
April 1 is the one day of the year you can't trust anything you read before noon

It's the one day a year you can't trust anything you read - April Fools' Day.

Pranks from brands, celebrities and even friends and family have been flooding the internet this morning as people desperately try to catch each other out before noon.

Some rather astonishing claims have fooled thousands in the past - from a 1980 report from the BBC that Big Ben was to go digital, to a newscaster announcing the Space Needle in Seattle had fallen down.

Others were more low-brow, such as supermarket Aldi claiming it would be launching its own budget airline to compete with the likes of RyanAir.

Below, FEMAIL rounds up some of the best - and worst - pranks we've seen.

Would any of them have fooled you?

Big Ben goes digital

One of the UK's most notable April Fools' Day jokes took place in 1980, when the BBC reported that the Big Ben clocktower in central London would be turning digital.

Listeners were, surprisingly, rather angry about the reported change. 'Few people thought it was funny,' the broadcaster said at the time.

One of the UK's most notable April Fools' Day jokes took place in 1980, when the BBC reported that the Big Ben clocktower in central London would be turning digital. Pictured: Stock image

The Swiss spaghetti harvest

Believed to be one of the first televised April Fools' Day pranks, the BBC's Panorama broadcast a report in 1957 about the year's 'bumper' spaghetti crop in Switzerland.

The clip was narrated by journalist Richard Dimbleby, and led to viewers writing to the broadcaster asking how they could buy their very own spaghetti bush.

Believed to be one of the first televised April Fools' Day pranks, the BBC's Panorama broadcast a report in 1957 about the year's 'bumper' spaghetti crop in Switzerland

Animals join Australia's police force

This one is a modern classic.

In 2022, conservationist Robert Irwin of Australia Zoo announced he would be leading a 'new crime squad' called Police Animals in the Wild - or PAW.

Of course, Queensland Police later followed up that it was a joke: 'Gotcha! As much as we love our Australia Zoo... they are not our newest crime fighting critters #AprilFools'.

Conservationist Robert Irwin of Australia Zoo announced he would be leading a 'new crime squad' called Police Animals in the Wild - or PAW. Of course, Queensland Police later followed up that it was a joke: 'Gotcha! As much as we love our Australia Zoo... they are not our newest crime fighting critters #AprilFools'

Titanic resurfaces off coast of Brighton

A local radio DJ in Brighton told listeners that a replica of the Titanic had been spotted off the Beachy Head coast in East Sussex, in 2001.

Hundreds of listeners flocked to the beauty spot only to realise it had been an April Fools', however, there were real consequences as days later part of the cliff collapsed into the sea. Nobody was hurt but Southern FM released an apology for their part.

Southern FM's 2001 April Fools' Day joke had real consequences when part of the Beachy Dean cliffs fell into the sea after hoards of misled listeners flocked to the area in search of a Titanic replica

Space Needle falls down

In 1989, KING-TV reported that the Space Needle in Seattle had fallen down.

But many people fell for it, causing somewhat of a panic in the US city on April 1.

It turned out that local comedy show Almost Live! was behind the joke, but not everyone saw the funny side straight away.

In 1989, KING-TV reported that the Space Needle in Seattle had fallen down. But many people fell for it, causing somewhat of a panic in the US city on April 1

Ant and Dec launch cryptocurrency

In 2022, British TV veterans Ant and Dec had some people convinced they had launched their very own cryptocurrency - Toon Coin.

They said: 'Big news! We have joined the crypto revolution and launched Toon Coin.'

Last year, British TV veterans Ant and Dec had some people convinced they had launched their very own cryptocurrency - Toon Coin

Krispy Kreme's amusement park

The much-loved doughnut brand once claimed it was launching a Krispy Kreme theme park - to the delight of hundreds of fans.

However, it later confirmed that the whole thing was simply a dream.

The much-loved doughnut brand once claimed it was launching a Krispy Kreme theme park - to the delight of hundreds of fans

eHarmony can match you with magnetism

In 2017, dating website eHarmony announced it would launch its most powerful feature to date - matching people through magnetism. Of course, this was only a prank.

'The feature will bring a whole new meaning to the laws of attraction, quite literally dragging you and your perfect match together in the real world, by turning your eHarmony app on your phone into an incredibly strong magnet,' it claimed at the time.

In 2017, dating website eHarmony announced it would launch its most powerful feature to date - matching people through magnetism. Of course, this was only a prank

Virgin Atlantic's first dog-only crew

Virgin Atlantic Australia once announced on April 1 that its first ever Canine Crew would be gracing its planes - to the excitement of many animal lovers.

The accompanying photographs were delightful but, sadly, it was only a prank.

Virgin Atlantic Australia once announced on April 1 that its first ever Canine Crew would be gracing its planes - to the excitement of many animal lovers

Aldi launches budget airline

Another one from last year. Budget supermarket Aldi announced on 1 April that it would be launching its very own airline - AldiAir.

'Specialflys since 2022', it said, a play on its Specialbuys in the beloved Middle Aisle.

Another one from last year. Budget supermarket Aldi announced on 1 April that it would be launching its very own airline - AldiAir

Tinder height verification

Tinder promised the end of 'height fishing' in their 2019 April Fools' Day prank, as they announced users would be able to get a 'verified' sticker if they had confirmed their height.

In the feature which never made it onto the dating app, users were going to be able to confirm their advertised height by uploading a full-length snap 'next to any commercial building' before 'state-of-the-art' tech worked out if you'd lied on your profile.

Tinder announced its latest features to provide a more honest experience when finding dates on the app

Under-skin implants for GymBox members

In a rather dystopian take on the April Fools' Day joke, London-based gym GymBox claimed it would be offering members under-skin implants to enter their locations.

It even shared photographs alleging to show the mechanism in action.

In a rather dystopian take on the April Fools' Day joke, London-based gym GymBox claimed it would be offering members under-skin implants to enter their locations

Left-handed toilet paper

American toilet paper brand Cottonelle announced in 2015 that it would be launching a product specifically made for left-handed people.

It, of course, looked just like any other paper - and was a less successful joke.

American toilet paper brand Cottonelle announced in 2015 that it would be launching a product specifically made for left-handed people
Prince Andrew appeared in high spirits this morning as he was pictured riding a horse around the Windsor estate.

The Duke of York, 64, was dressed in a khaki jacket, red jumper, black trousers and a helmet for the excursion.

The royal appeared deep in conversation with a young woman, who was wearing a Windsor Castle-branded coat and helmet.

The father-of-two - who attended the Easter Sunday Service at St George's Chapel with his siblings and ex-wife yesterday - is bracing himself for the release of the new Netflix film Scoop.

The drama - starring Gillian Anderson, Billie Piper and Rufus Sewell - delve into the royal's car-crash Newsnight interview regarding his relationship to paedophile Jeffery Epstein.

Duke of York (pictured), 64, was dressed in a khaki jacket, red jumper, black trousers and a helmet for the excursion

The new Netflix film will re-hash what is widely considered the most disastrous interview in royal history, where Emily Maitlis grilled the Duke on the sex allegations made against him by Mrs Giuffre.

The film will be released on Friday and is set to bring yet another headache to King Charles as continues his battle with cancer.

It will also bring Andrew's bombshell interview, where he failed to apologise for his friendship with Epstein, to a new audience of millions of people around the world.

Scoop will show the moment the Queen's son naively declared 'that went well didn't it' after the interview and how he joked about meeting Epstein in New York.

The King and his son Prince William were said at the time to be instrumental in the Queen's decision to strip him of all military titles and patronage, however, as seen today, the Duke has most recently been welcomed back into the royal spotlight.

Yesterday's event proved to onlookers that the Duke of York is well and truly back in the royal fold and will no longer shy away from the public limelight at a time where fewer senior royals are on hand.

It marks an extraordinary turn around just two years after his late mother Queen Elizabeth banned him from royal duties and stripped him of his HRH as well as military titles.

The extraordinary move came after Andrew settled a sexual assault case filed against him by Virginia Giuffre - a sex slave victim of Andrew's close friend Epstein.

The royal appeared deep in conversation with a young woman, who was wearing a Windsor Castle-branded coat and helmet

Scoop (starring Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew) will be released on Friday bringing his shocking interview back to the royal spotlight

Mr Sewell as the Duke of York and Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis in Scoop, left, which retells the story of his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview - widely considered the most disastrous in royal history

Royal biographer and investigative journalist Tom Bower believes Scoop should remind the King that he must stop any attempt by his brother to get back to public life.

He said: 'To save the Royal Family from more horrendous damage, King Charles will finally need to order Prince Andrew to permanently stay out of public view. Senior officials also need to tell Andrew the truth.

'He is a serious liability and cannot be trusted or rescued. Unless King Charles firmly grasps this nettle it can only get worse'.

The Duke's appearance yesterday - which would have been unheard of two years ago - comes just weeks after the Duke walked the Royal Family into Windsor Castle for a service of thanksgiving for the late King Constantine of Greece.

King Charles had been unable to attend the event as he continues to battle with cancer while Prince William had to duck out of the service last minute for 'personal reasons'.

It was later revealed that the heir had suddenly dropped out of the service as Kate had started her course of preventative chemotherapy, described as a 'recovery pathway'.

Queen Camilla took the reins at the event but arrived separately leading Queen Elizabeth's second born son to step forward and lead the more minor royals - such as Princess Anne, her daughter Zara and husband Mike Tindall - into the service.

And in another incredible turn of events, his ex-wife was once again by his side as they marched into St George's Chapel followed by their daughter Beatrice.

Prince Andrew was seen leading members of the Royal Family at a service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle for the late King Constantine of Greece last month

Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, smiling while arriving at St George's Chapel last month

Biographer and royal expert Phil Dampier told MailOnline earlier this month that Andrew had seized his chance and still clearly hopes he can make a full comeback, with Fergie close behind.

He said: 'We have been reminded of the fragility of the situation and Andrew will probably be encouraged to think he can one day make some sort of comeback, although its not likely for at least a year or two, if ever'.

Andrew's appearance at the late Greek monarch's memorial marked the first time he had been seen at a public event since the Christmas Day service at Sandringham.

It came almost two years to the day that his settlement with Ms Giuffre was disclosed - estimated to be worth around 12million ($16.3million).

The move spared him having to give evidence under oath at any trial in the US and there were claims that the Queen helped him pay for it.
A new documentary is set to lay bare the heinous underbelly of wildly popular clothing brand Brandy Melville, as a slew of former employees spoke out about the horrifying racism and exploitation they suffered while working for the 'fast fashion cult.'

Brandy Melville was founded in the 1980s in Italy and opened its first store in the US in 2009 - and almost immediately, it was a huge success, becoming a style staple amongst teenagers throughout the 2010s.

But as thousands of young girls clamored to get their hands on the trendy and chic clothing, behind the scenes, the workers have now claimed that they were subjected to rampant 'discrimination against race, sex, and size.'

An upcoming HBO doc - called Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion, which will premiere on April 9 - is now going to lift a lid on how the brand became one of the biggest clothing companies on the globe, while allegedly harboring an extremely 'toxic work culture' unbeknownst to its loyal and growing fanbase.

A new documentary is set to lay bare the heinous underbelly of the wildly popular clothing brand Brandy Melville

A slew of former employees spoke out about the horrifying racism and exploitation they suffered while working for the 'fast fashion cult' in the upcoming HBO doc

Entitled Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion, the doc will premiere April 9

The teaser for the doc pointed out that the brand used social media campaigns that revolved heavily around 'teenage girls taking photos of each other'

In a trailer for the new film, one ex staffer recalled becoming obsessed with Brandy Melville after noticing that 'everyone was wearing it at school.'

'I heard about Brandy Melville for the first time in seventh grade, everyone was wearing it at school,' she explained.

'But behind the curtain, no one has any idea that a man with sweatpants and sneakers on was running the Instagram that all these teenage girls were fanning over,' explained one ex staffer

'I walked in the store and bought a star necklace and I felt so cool and accepted.'

But she, and many others, explained how 'behind the curtain,' things were not as they seemed.

In particular, the teaser pointed out that the brand used social media campaigns that revolved heavily around 'teenage girls taking photos of each other.'

'No one has any idea that a man with sweatpants and sneakers on was running the Instagram that all these teenage girls were fanning over,' explained a different former employee. 'This place was not your conventional clothing company.'

Another woman claimed in the trailer that Brandy Melville 'only hired skinny white girls' for its stores, while using people of color in its factories.

'The girls would go to the factory where the clothes were made and pick out the things that they like,' she alleged.

Another woman claimed in the trailer that Brandy Melville 'only hired skinny white girls' for its stores, while using people of color in its factories

Others said they had to take photos of the outfits that they were wearing at work every day to send to the 'founder of the company' for approval

The trailer also teased one employee discussing 'text messages between the senior leadership at Brandy Melville' that contained 'the most vile, sexual, racist jokes possible'

'And then you'd go into the stock room and you see all the people working there, and they're not white.'

Others said they had to take photos of the outfits that they were wearing at work every day to send to the 'founder of the company' for approval.

While the trailer didn't divulge any other information on the topic, it also teased one employee discussing 'text messages between the senior leadership at Brandy Melville' that contained 'the most vile, sexual, racist jokes possible.'

'Brandy Melville tapped into the worst impulses of being a teenage girl,' said someone else. 'Finally, someone is talking about it.'

Back in 2020, a former Brandy Melville employee named Callie went viral on TikTok after she accused the company of being 'fatphobic' and 'racist' in a series of explosive videos.

'My second week on the job, someone comes in and theyre like, "Hi I want to work here,"' she recalled in one of her TikToks.

'And Im like, "OK, give me your resume and let me show my boss." And she gives me her resume and I go in the back and my boss looks at it for like half a second and she had all this amazing stuff on there and she goes, "What does she look like?"'

She claimed her manager asked her 'what race' the woman was, and after she said she was Asian, she was told to tell the woman that they 'weren't hiring.'

She also alleged that an employee that was 'bigger than the rest of them' had to stay behind the register 'so no one could see her body.'

'Every single girl there was gorgeous. It was so intimidating to be working with,' she said in another video.

'And, yes, the majority of them were white. They were really skinny, they were really tall.

The brand has been fiercely slammed online for its 'one size fits all' policy, which some believe can promote unhealthy beauty standards for young girls

'Clearly it was an aesthetic of that store, which is f**ked up, but if you go onto Brandy in general, youll see that they have a certain type of people they hire depending on who that manager is, which is really messed up.'

In an bombshell Business Insider report months later, the publication claimed that if CEO Stephan Marsan 'thought a girl was too heavy or unattractive, he demanded that she be fired' and if 'a Brandy Melville store had too many Black employees, he had them replaced with white women.'

'If she was Black, if she was fat  he didn't want them in the store,' former senior vice president Luca Rotondo said.

The publication also alleged that there was 'a group text with Stephan and other top executives' that contained 'racist, sexist, and antisemitic jokes, including one photo in which Stephan edited his face on Adolf Hitler's body.'

One store owner named Franco Sorgi claimed to BI that Stephan 'called black people primitive' and once told him that 'he did not want black people to buy Brandy Melville clothing' because 'it would damage the brand's image.'

In addition, the company has been fiercely slammed online for its 'one size fits all' policy, which some believe can promote unhealthy beauty standards for young girls.

DailyMail.com has contacted Brandy Melville for comment.
Many people on the web were outraged since they only got candy as a kid

They were filled with everything from beauty products to Stanley cups

A series of influencer moms have sparked a furious debate online after they showed off their kids' wildly extravagant Easter baskets - forking out hundreds of dollars on everything from makeup and beauty products to Stanley Cups and luxury clothing.

A bunch of social media stars caused quite an uproar on TikTok over the weekend, after they posted videos detailing the immense gifts that they got their children for the holiday.

A slew of videos that showed them preparing their kids' Easter baskets with extravagant presents and pricey designer goods took over the video streaming platform - and the clips left many people on the web wondering how the Easter Bunny had gone from leaving some 'plastic eggs filled with chocolate' to an array of luxury presents.

Arguably the most glamorous was fashion blogger and YouTube star Brittany Xavier's.

A series of influencer moms have sparked a furious debate online after they showed off their kids' wildly extravagant Easter baskets

They forked out hundreds of dollars on everything from makeup and beauty products to Stanley Cups and luxury clothing

A slew of videos that showed them preparing their kids' Easter baskets with extravagant presents and pricey designer goods took over the video streaming platform

The 37-year-old mom spent a whopping $569 on gifts for her daughter, Jadyn, 17, for Easter.

Her basket was filled with expensive items like a $48 Nest candle, C & The Moon's $64 Malibu Made Body Scrub, and illuminating self-tan drops from Tan-Luxe, which costs $50.

'She loves self tanner and this one seems cool,' gushed Brittany of the latter.

Also in the basket was Make's lash and brow serum, which is priced at $35, a $46 tube of Flamingo Estate's body wash, and Tacha's $22 Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.

Brittany explained of the skin mist, 'I love this spray and I thought maybe she should try it out. It's good for refreshing your skin if you need a little moisturizing throughout the day.'

Last but not least, she threw in a set of Summer Fridays Jet Lag Masks, which cost $49, Lancome's Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss in light pink, which is $25, a $68 Clementine Organic Silk Sleep Mask, Pixi's $16 eye patches, Miss Swiss makeup sponges for $7, and a pink bikini from the brand Swim By Di that costs $115.

Content creator Miranda Harness, 32, revealed that her basket for her teen daughter Cally had two new Stanley cups, a notepad, tons of skincare products, lots of new clothes - including a few pairs of Lululemon workout shorts - sandals, multiple blankets, and a bunch of eggs filled with $20 bills.

Her video was flooded with similar comments of disbelief.

The clips left many people on the web wondering how the Easter Bunny had gone from leaving some 'plastic eggs filled with chocolate' to an array of luxury presents

Arguably the most glamorous was fashion blogger and YouTube star Brittany Xavier's; The 37-year-old mom spent a whopping $569 on gifts for her daughter, Jadyn, 17, for Easter

'What happened to bubbles, candy, and chalk?' one outraged viewer asked in the comment section.

'That's more than I get for Christmas, my birthday, and every other holiday combined,' said another.

Someone else quipped, 'This Easter basket is legit more than my rent.'

Another TikTok famous mom, named Danielle, got nearly two million views on a video she posted about the Easter basket that she created for her daughter, Aubree.

It was filled with a $38 Lululemon belt bag and 'of course' the matching wallet, a Stanley cup, a slew of makeup products, a headband, jewelry, and a $25 Roblox gift card.

'When did Easter turn into Christmas?' replied one of her viewers in the comment section.

Her basket was filled with expensive items like a $48 Nest candle, C & The Moon's $64 Malibu Made Body Scrub (left), and self-tan drops from Tan-Luxe (right), which costs $50

Content creator Miranda Harness, 32, revealed that her basket for her teen daughter Cally had two new Stanley cups, a notepad, and tons of skincare products

It also had lots of new clothes - including a few pairs of Lululemon workout shorts - sandals, multiple blankets, and a bunch of eggs filled with $20 bills

'Where are the toys?' wondered another, while a third comment read, 'My next five birthdays, Christmases, Halloweens, and Easters right there.'

Despite the backlash many of the moms are receiving, some people on the web did have their backs and flooded the videos with positive messages that said things like, 'Adopt me?' and, 'This is so thoughtful.'

Another mom, named Kim Pauckner, uploaded a video showing off the over-the-top baskets that she had made for her 15-year-old son, 20-year-old daughter, and her daughter's boyfriend.

Another TikTok famous mom, named Danielle, posted about the Easter basket that she created for her daughter, Aubree, and it was filled with a $38 Lululemon belt bag and 'of course' the matching wallet, a Stanley cup, a slew of makeup products, a headband, jewelry, and a $25 Roblox gift card

'Kids are never too old for Easter baskets so make sure you make some for the big kids too,' she said in the TikTok.

The one she made for her son included a sketch pad, metallic pens, some Old Spice body wash, a loofa, a couple of T-shirts she 'thought he would like' from TJ Maxx, 'adorable' vinyl coasters she found on Amazon for his desk, a wireless phone charger, some of his favorite snacks, and a case of his bottled Starbucks Frappuccinos.

Her daughter's contained a $17 Scunci makeup bag, a $13 travel jewelry box with her initial on the front, Taste Beauty's $20 Succulent Lip Balm, and a pack of Candie Couture's Cosmetic Sponges.

It was also filled with a bath bomb, a set of tea infuser keychains, a new sketchbook and pens, a pink glass storage container, a cat notepad, hair clips and hair ties, and some bubble tea.

As for her daughter's boyfriend, his Easter gifts included a Harry's razor and shaving cream, a few T-shirts, body wash, a body bar, a loofa, another case of Starbucks drinks, candy, beef jerky, and a $25 PlayStation gift card, among other things.
Customers around Australia can't get enough of a $70 denim dress from Target that looks near-identical to a high-end version.

The affordable Denim Shirt Maxi Dress has been flying off shelves and sold out in all sizes online as it bears resemblance to the $525 Aje Colorado Denim Midi Dress.

Both outfits are made from cotton, feature a gold buckle waist belt with matching buttons, and blouson sleeves with a cuff.

Fashion stylist Brooke Falvey spotted the buy it her local Target and had to do a double take as it reminded her of the Aje alternative.

Target Australia released a $70 denim dress (pictured) and it quickly sold out

The dress looks remarkably similar to the Aje Colorado Denim Midi Dress (pictured) which retails for $525

While donning the stunning frock, Brooke recorded a now-viral TikTok video explaining the similarities between the two.

'Target have done it again,' she began, pointing to the dress.

'The Aje version if this is $525. This one - $70! Beautiful denim midi-length dress ... this denim is actually really lovely and soft, I would say it's a mid-weight denim. It's not too heavy or stiff.'

Brooke paired the shirt dress with knee-high beige boots and gold accessories for the perfect autumn look.

The Target dress is a regular fit with side seam pockets and a shirt collar - qualities also found on the Aje dress.

Brooke's video has since exceeded more than 97,000 views with many rushing to the comments to share their thoughts.

'It's beautiful!' one commented, another said: 'Love Target at the moment!'

'Purchased already l love it,' a third added.

'It's such a good dupe for the Aje dress! Stunning!' another wrote.

However, others were disappointed to find the dress is already sold out.

'I'm devastated,' one woman said, another wrote: 'Sold out and it won't give us any indication that they'll restock.'

Though others said it's often best to invest in high quality and avoid fast fashion items.

'You pay for quality. Styles like these are classics and worth spending the money on for longevity,' one woman wrote.

But Brooke said: 'Actually the Target quality is pretty good. And we're in a cost of living crisis so lots of people can't afford to be dropping $500 on a dress they may not want to wear forever.'
The disastrous Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow made national headlines, and became subject to true-crime style documentaries.

But that hasn't put off a French Mediterranean restaurant in London from transforming into a magical chocolate wonderland to celebrate Easter.

Inspired by the timeless tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bagatelle promises to transport guests into a world of pure imagination, wonder, and fun.

Taking place between Sunday 31st March to Sunday 7th April, 'Bagatelle & the Chocolate Factory' will see the Mayfair eatery become a vibrant scene, complete with oversized sweets and whimsical decorations.

Attendees are encouraged to don their most imaginative costumes inspired by beloved characters from the film, from Willy Wonka himself to Oompa Loompas.

There will be limited-edition dishes created just for the occasion, including an irresistible assortment of chocolate treats, candy cocktails.

Taking place between Sunday 31st March to Sunday 7th April, 'Bagatelle & the Chocolate Factory' will see the Mayfair eatery become a vibrant scene, complete with oversized sweets and whimsical decorations

Inspired by the timeless tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bagatelle promises to transport guests into a world of pure imagination, wonder and fun

Chef Rocco Seminara has re-created his very own Wonka's Chocolate Bar for the occasion.

Bringing guests back to their childhood era, the chocolate bar uses fresh flavours and popping candy inside, creating a fun and playful sensation in the mouth.

Each night, the eatery will be handing out five Wonka inspired chocolate bars, for the chance to win the 'golden ticket'.

Each night, the eatery will be handing out five Wonka inspired chocolate bars, for the chance to win the 'golden ticket'

The mysterious prize will provide guests with a chance to win a dinner for four with a special bottle per ticket.

Hopefully, this chocolate wonderland will be better than the catastrophic 'Willy Wonka experience' in Glasgow that dominated headlines last month, for all the wrong reasons.

Attendees, including tiny excitable children, had been promised 'a universe where your dreams come true' but were instead met with a sad grey room, half filled with plastic mushrooms and AI-generated posters.

There will be limited-edition dishes created just for the occasion, including an irresistible assortment of chocolate treats, candy cocktails,and delights inspired by Bagatelle's very own Wonka, The Bagatelle Group's Corporate Chef Rocco Seminara

Each night, the eatery will be handing out five Wonka inspired chocolate bars, for the chance to win the 'golden ticket'

Irate parents slammed the 35-a-ticket event as 'an absolute shambles' after being promised 'memories that will last a lifetime'.

However, despite the event being a car crash, the viral 16-year-old star of the doomed experience has secured a new role at the London Dungeon, after a botched AI script meant she was cast as an invented chocolate factory villain.

Felicia Dawkins captivated the internet when she was revealed as the face behind The Unknown, an evil rival chocolate maker to Willy Wonka living in the walls, who scared children at the Wonka event in Glasgow.

Felicia said it has 'totally changed my life' and helped her to fulfil a 'dream' of working with the London Dungeon.
There has been a big push to get more Americans talking about their feelings in recent decades.

But now experts are starting to wonder if the widespread use of therapy may be having the opposite effect and actually fueling America's depression crisis.

They argue the treatment, however well-intentioned, can instill a 'victim' mentality where people become hyper-focused on their feelings and less engaged with the world around them, making them more depressed.

Around a quarter of US adults said they had visited a therapist or psychiatrist in 2022, which is twice as high as 20 years ago and far higher than the around 3 percent in the UK.

Therapy speak has become so common it has permeated mainstream culture in the US. Clinical words used during counseling like 'gaslighting', 'trauma' and 'microaggressions' have become household terms.

Professor Robert Dingwall, a social scientist and adviser to the UK government, told DailyMail.com that looking on at the situation in America, there is a concern among sociologists that people are being referred to therapy at the slightest sign of hardship in their life.

'There is a tendency to medicalize everyday problems in pursuit of commercial interests,' he said, whether it be rejection from a partner or a failed job interview.

'This is something that people have been saying for 50 or 60 years, a concern that's been expressed by both psychiatrists and sociologists.'

This fosters a victim mentality, said Shawn Smith, a clinical psychologist based in Colorado.

Professor Dingwall said that whether or not therapy does more harm than good is a long-standing discussion in medical sociology

Mr Smith told DailyMail.com therapy may be harming America's youth by 'encouraging kids to spend, frankly, too much time staring at their own belly button, and not being involved in the world and developing meaningful relationships and activities.'

'To whatever extent, therapy contributes to that. It's a problem,' he said.

More US adults have received mental health diagnoses than adults in any other high-income countries, according to the Commonwealth Fund, leading people to wonder if Americans are that much sicker or just being over diagnosed.

Comedian and talk-show host Bill Maher recently hit out at the rise in Americans with mental illnesses and said: 'PTSD is for people who fought in Iraq, not for people who want to bring their dog on a plane.'

'The way we know people are depressed is, there's this turning inward... and usually, you will see a relentless scrutiny of the self, of one thoughts, and one's feelings and one's presentation,' said Dr Smith.

Over-therapizing can contribute to this, he said, 'if we have kids, just pointlessly scrutinizing themselves, then we are setting them up to turn inward and collapse within, collapse in on themselves and become depressed. '

Professor Dingwall said that whether or not therapy does more harm than good is a long-standing discussion in medical sociology.

Not only has the number of people in the US getting therapy risen, but the amount of time spent in therapy has also increased.

In 2022, 13 percent of Americans visited a mental health professional five or more times within the previous 12 months, compared to six percent in 2004.

In the UK in 2014, just three percent of the adults were receiving psychological therapy, according to the Mental Health Foundation.

The percentage of adults who report having been diagnosed with depression has reached 29 percent, which is almost 10 percentage points higher than in 2015

Abigail Shrier, author of Bad Therapy, a book about mental health myths and the medicalization of American kids, said on a podcast that she feels therapy is counterproductive.

'Whenever there's greater treatment in a population, greater accessibility for anything from breast cancer to maternal sepsis with more antibiotics, you want to see the point prevalence rates going down.

Shawn Smith, a clinical psychologist based in Colorado, told DailyMail.com medicalizing everyday problems fosters a victim mentality

'We want to see the incidence of depression or anxiety in teenagers going down, because we know these kids are getting flooded with treatment. Instead it's skyrocketing... so we know at the very least it doesn't seem to be helping.'

In 2021, a group of researchers termed this the 'treatment prevalence paradox.'

'We refer to the increasing availability of better treatments, juxtaposed with the absence of a corresponding decrease in depression's prevalence,' they said.

A record one in three adults in America have had clinical depression at some point in their lives, a Gallup poll in 2023 has found.

The percentage of adults who report having been diagnosed with depression has reached 29 percent, which is almost 10 percentage points higher than in 2015.

And nearly one in five (18 percent) of US adults are currently depressed, another record high.

Professor Dingwall said: 'It's hard to disentangle the extent to which we are seeing a crisis in mental health among young people, or an expansion of definitions of mental health problems, which is generating more business for pharmaceutical companies and therapists. That's the debate that needs to be had more widely.'

Dr Smith said that the expansion of definitions of mental health problems may also be a lowering of the bar for some mental illnesses.

The CDC found that one in ten US high schoolers attempted suicide in 2021, up from 8.9 percent a year earlier. Females were struck hardest, with 13.3 percent attempting suicide that year

He said: 'It certainly can become a bad thing when it interferes with somebody who's otherwise doing just fine in life, and then suddenly they start to think of themselves as disordered.

'And then they start to treat themselves as if they're disordered and then they're not doing as well if they were before.'

This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy for teenagers, he added.

The stigma of mental illness has also eased. Eighty-seven percent of Americans agree having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, the American Psychological Association found.

As therapy has become more socially acceptable, Professor Dingwall said, people without mental illnesses may be seeking it out.

'What we may be seeing is an issue of over diagnosis and overtreatment,' he said.

'It is a paradox that once you have once you have a treatment available, more people can be brought into the net, it gets prescribed more widely, it gets used for what would formerly been thought of as marginal cases. That is always a risk unless these things are very closely examined.'

Dr Paul Minot, who has been a psychiatrist for almost four decades, told TIME he feels his industry is too quick to gloss over the 'ambiguity' of mental health, cementing diagnoses as certain when there is actually a gray area.

There is also the risk that people become dependent on their therapist.

'That's something that's been recognized since the days of Sigmund Freud and the beginnings of psychoanalysis,' said Professor Dingwall.

'If the experience of therapy becomes overly comforting, a sort of addiction to it and the therapist is certainly possible and we then have what Freud called, an interminable therapy. That is, one that cannot be properly brought to a mutually satisfactory conclusion,' said Australian psychotherapist David White.

Depending on the type of therapy, some people may come out of it feeling worse off.

'There's also a debate within the therapeutic community themselves,' Professor Dingwall said. 'There's a group known as brief therapists who are very critical of their colleagues, for exaggerating problems, for perhaps trapping people in therapy for unnecessarily long periods, and turning over their lives in a way that increase rather than diminish distress.'

By contrast, brief therapists focus on short-term practical interventions, which are designed to move people on as quickly as possible.

'The brief therapists argue that they focus on solutions, rather than necessarily expecting to go sort of deeply into people's troubles.'

Dr Max Pemberton, British psychiatrist and DailyMail.com columnist, said the over diagnosis of mental illness 'limits' young people and that therapy can mean 'they never really move on, [are] stuck in a land of perpetual victimhood, chained to a grief or trauma or difficulty, dragging it around like a weight around their ankle.'

He said that while the younger generation have embraced the idea we must constantly examine our feelings, they are not better off for it, and instead people have become 'a bit more self-obsessed and a bit more narcissistic.'

'So many seem to wear their problems like a badge of pride, allowing it to define them,' Mr Pemberton added.

Any intervention with the potential to help also has the potential to harm patients, Shrier told UnHerd.

'That's true from everything from Tylenol to X-rays... and it's true of psychotherapy too.'

She listed known harms of psychotherapy as things like making anxiety worse, making depression worse, feeling of inefficacy like I can't do [things] for myself, a feeling of demoralization as in I'm limited by this diagnosis, and alienation from family members.

Shrier said there are two groups of people: one with severe mental illnesses who are undertreated and underserved in America, and one known as the 'worried well.'

'These people don't suffer in a profound way. They are the bummed out teens of the West. They're fearful, they're worried, they're sad, but they don't have major depressive disorder.'

'I don't think they have mental illness,' Shrier said. 'I think they're being treated as if they have mental illness, they're encouraged to think of themselves as having mental illness, they're sort of working themselves into mental illness.'
NHS dentists are facing backlash for selling Botox and lip fillers for up to 400.

MailOnline found practices across the country flogging aesthetic treatments  including one that offered a 'facial slimming treatment'.

It comes amid an ever-worsening NHS dental appointments crisis.

Desperate patients have endured mammoth 4am queues in a quest to be seen.

Some have flown to war-torn Ukraine for cheaper private dentistry, while others have resorted to household tools to carry out 'DIY' treatments.

Your browser does not support iframes.

John O'Connell, chief executive of thinktank the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'When patients are scrambling to get any available place for basic dentistry, they'll wonder how there are so many available slots for cosmetic treatment.

'Provided the basics are provided for taxpayers, surgeries ought to be able to seek additional revenue sources.

'But the first priority is to ensure that good-quality dentistry is available to adults and children in every corner of the UK.'

But dentists and patient advocacy groups say dentists themselves aren't to blame.

How much will NHS dentistry now cost? There are 3 NHS charge bands with the new prices coming in from April 1: Band 1: 26.80 Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment. Band 2: 73.50 Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions). Band 3: 319.10 Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges. Advertisement

Instead, they argue that offering such aesthetic treatments is one of the only ways underfunded NHS dental services can 'keep the lights on'.

Twyford Dental Care, in Berkshire, has 'some funding' for NHS patients after 'basic' services.

But patients there can get lip filler for 400, and even a 'facial slimming treatment' using a muscle inhibitor for 1,000.

All Smiles Dental Care in Essex is another NHS provider that offers some aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers for 250 a pop.

Meanwhile, West Kensington NHS Dental Care offers both Botox and dermal fillers for up to 350 a piece, alongside its health service treatments.

Some clinics which boasted of taking on new NHS patients, like Wandsworth Dental Centre, sell Botox for as little as 150.

MailOnline also found other centres which take on NHS patients such as Dental Beauty Islington and Morden Dental Practice offering aesthetic treatments, though they didn't list their prices.

Campaign group Toothless in England, which is advocating for 'an NHS dentist for everyone', said the situation was an 'unfortunate, but inevitable'.

A lack of funding for NHS dentistry has forced some to branch out into the lucrative aesthetics sector, according to Mark Jones, its campaign coordinator.

He told MailOnline: 'Patients in desperate need for dental treatment will rightly feel aggrieved by seeing local services being withdrawn in favour of cosmetic procedures.

'Despite all the empirical evidence proving that provision of good oral healthcare is cost effective for the NHS, successive governments have failed patients, failed the dentists and failed the NHS by not ensuring adequate financial reward is embedded within the current dental (GDS) contract.

'Dental practices can hardly be blamed for exploring markets where offering new services make financial sense.

'One of Toothless in Englands campaign objectives is to see radical reforms made to the GDS contract so that NHS dental practices will become more commonplace in our communities once again.'

Lib Dem health and social care spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said the examples uncovered by this website showed the NHS dental care system was 'completely broken'.

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'Something has gone terribly wrong if it is easier to get an appointment for cosmetic dental treatment than a check up at your local NHS dental surgery,' she said.

'People are crying out for more NHS dental appointments and our hard working dentists want to treat more NHS patients.

'But this Conservative governments broken dental contract is letting both patients and dentists down by failing to fix this mess. Its time that they took action.'

Preet Kaur Gill, shadow minister for primary care and public health, also blasted the situation as an example of 'Tory mismanagement' of NHS dentistry.

'For 14 years the Government has promised reform of the outdated contract and has failed to deliver it,' she said.

'As a result, dentists are leaving the NHS in their droves.'

Shawn Charlwood, chair of the British Dental Association (BDA)'s general dental practice committee, said practices had provided a mix of NHS and private work since 1948.

However, he added years of underfunding of NHS dentistry meant more and more dentists were turning to private work to 'keep the lights on'.

'Private work is on the up because of this Governments failure to offer this service a credible rescue plan,' he said.

'Dedicated practices have been left delivering NHS care at a loss, reliant on private income to keep the lights on and the rent paid.

'This isnt the 19th Century. Ministers shouldnt be expecting any health professional to operate like a charity.'

Figures show 24,151 dentists took on NHS work in England in 2022-23, down from 24,272 in the previous financial year  a drop of 121 year-on-year.

A different kind of filling. NHS clinics are offering cosmetic procedures like Botox and dermal fillers whilst scores of patients struggle to access basic dental care in what unions warn is a growing trend of dentists needing to offer such treatments to 'keep the lights on'

The total is also roughly 500 fewer than the number of dentists carrying out health service work in 2019-20, the last year before the Covid pandemic struck.

The BDA fears numbers could drop even further to below 24,000, a figure not recorded since 2014-15.

NHS dentist attendance figures for both adults and children dived off a cliff during the Covid pandemic as practices shut as part of lockdown rules and stopped offering treatments.

But it has failed to bounce back despite the darkest days of the pandemic being well into the past.

Industry experts suggest this is because offering NHS treatment is not as lucrative as going private.

Old NHS contracts for dentists paid them for batches of work carried out rather than for individual treatments, regardless how complicated a particular case might be.

In practice, this meant NHS dentists were paid the same for treating a patient that needed 10 fillings as for a patient that needed just one.

This resulted in dentists on some occasions losing money from treating NHS patients as the remuneration didn't cover the costs of doing the procedure.

While this contact has now been reformed, the BDA estimates thousands of NHS dentists abandoned or vastly scaled back their NHS work post-pandemic.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We have worked closely with the British Dental Association and others to reform the dental contract in 2022, including paying dentists more for treating more complex patients.

'As a result, we have seen improvements, with 1.7million more adults and 800,000 more children seeing a dentist last year compared to 2022.

'We continue this work with industry to develop further reforms that will properly reflect the different care needs of patients, fairly remunerate practices and expand and support the NHS dental workforce.'

The spokesperson also highlighted the Government's recently announced 200m dental recovery plan.

This will offer dentists cash incentives to take on new NHS patients and provide 20,000 golden hellos to get dentists working in so-called 'dental deserts' in a bid to get an additional 2.5million appointments in the next year.

The overall plan  unveiled 10 months after it was promised  was slammed by dental bosses and politicians for not going far enough.

The BDA has said that it amounted to 'rearranging the deckchairs' and it won't bring the desired, and much-needed, change.

Named dental practices were also approached for comment.
Chemicals used to fireproof your smartphone may be putting you at higher risk of fatal cancer, a study suggests.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been in use since the 1970s for their ability to slow a fire from spreading, potentially helping to save thousands of lives.

But now in a study that tracked 1,100 US adults for two decades, researchers found that those with the highest levels of the chemicals in their blood were four times more likely to die from cancer than those exposed to the lowest amounts.

In particular, thyroid cancer was the most common  which has a survival rate of below four percent if it is caught in the late stages.

The above map shows states which have brought in bans on some forms of PBDEs. They are banned in many countries including the European Union

Scientists in China, who carried out the research, warned that PBDEs can become detached from items and form dust.

These can then enter humans via inhalation or as contaminants on foods and disrupt hormones and damage genes  raising the risk of cancer.

A study from 2017 which tested 64 cellphones and PCs  from manufacturers inclding Apple, Samsung and Dell  found 60 percent had PBDEs on their surfaces. Apple says it no longer uses the chemical in its smartphones.

The flame retardant chemical is also found in other items including sofas, chairs, car seats and children's toys.

Many countries including those in the European Union have already banned or drastically limited the use of these chemicals.

But in the US only 13 states  including New York, California and Maine  have brought in bans. Even then, only certain types of the chemical are restricted.

The scientists wrote in the paper: 'As [hormone]-disrupting chemicals, PBDEs and their metabolites can bind to hormone receptors (ie, estrogen receptor)... and then disrupt hormone homeostasis.

'This plays a role in the development and progression of endocrine tumors such as thyroid cancer.'

The study also found participants with the highest levels of the toxin in their blood had a 43 percent higher risk of all-cause mortality, death from any cause.

But they said this was not a significant association  and that more research was needed.

The researchers said their study was the first to examine the link between PBDE exposure and the risk of mortality from specific causes, including cancer.

For the study, researchers recruited participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US  which surveys 5,000 adults and children every year.

Participants were recruited from the survey conducted in 2003 and 2004. They were 42 years old on average and each had blood test results for PBDEs.

Each was then tracked for 17 years with records checked for death and cause of death.

Over the study period, 199 participants  or 18 percent of participants  died.

The team then did an analysis adjusting for factors including age, sex, ethnicity and obesity status.

Results revealed a 300 percent increased risk of cancer mortality among those with the highest levels of the toxin in their blood compared to those with the lowest risk.

It also showed those with the highest levels of the chemical had an eight percent lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease compared to those with the highest levels.

The study was only able to detect associations, but could not prove that the chemicals had caused the surge in cancer cases.

Previous studies have, however, also warned over the risks from the chemicals including that hey could cause obesity in children.

The team, who examined thousands of cases, found the chemicals could affect thyroid hormone levels and cause inflammation in pregnant women, leading to high birthweight and premature birth.
Archaeologists in France recently announced that they have discovered a 14th-century castle and an intact moat around it underneath the Hotel Lagorce in the French city of Vannes.

The French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) released a statement on March 26 explaining that the excavations were carried out between the spring and autumn of 2023 and that archaeologists working on the site were surprised at how relatively complete and well-preserved the castle's remains were.

"The excavation revealed little by little the plan of the ground floor: the ducal house, 42 meters long and 17 meters wide (out of work), is endowed with walls of an exceptional thickness," the press release read in French. "Directly bordered by a moat, it is flanked to the west of what one can call a 'square tower.'"

A ducal house is a residence inhabited by a duke - specifically, John IV, Duke of Brittany, more known in history as "John the Conqueror." Fox News Digital reported that John built the castle in the 1380s.

Researchers also discovered "several" staircases, one of which INRAP described as "a remarkably preserved staircase, with a decorated core and three steps." They also found dozens of objects "related to the daily life of the castle," including coins, cooking dishes, and jewelry.

The dig even unveiled tiles covered with graffiti, padlocks for furniture, and pieces of clothing.

The preservation of several wooden items like fragments of barrels was largely attributed to the humidity of the area, which is located in France's Atlantic region of Brittany.

"In addition, archaeologists conducted a deep survey in the moat," INRAP said, explaining that the site was incredibly well-managed. "From this very wet material, they extracted rich furniture."

"The homogeneity of the materials used for the construction of the castle and the standardization of the modules show a mastery of the management of the site throughout the operating chain, from the extraction of stone to its implementation," the statement added.

"The construction... took place in a single phase, which testifies to the importance of the financial and human resources used. The remains indicate that John IV knew how to surround himself with the best engineers and craftsmen of their time."
Men are more likely to be susceptible to the risks of waiting to first have sex

Waiting to have sex until you're older can lead to difficulty achieving an orgasm

It turns out that putting off having sex until you've found 'the one' could set you up for long-term sexual dysfunction.

Actress Rebel Wilson has revealed she didn't have sex for the first time until 35, which is double the age the average American is losing their virginity - 17 years old.

Seth Eisenberg, CEO of the PAIRS Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on fostering healthy relationships, told DailyMail.com that people who lose their virginity later in life may have greater difficulty becoming aroused and experiencing orgasms once they do become sexually active.

Studies have shown that waiting too long to do the deed can lead to pent up frustration, weak muscles and performance anxiety, leading to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or the inability to orgasm.

Actress Rebel Wilson has revealed she didn't have sex for the first time until 35, which is double the age the average American is losing their virginity - 17 years old

Rebel shared the intimate detail about her sex life in her new memoir, Rebel Rising, in the hopes it would help young people because 'not everybody has to lose their virginity as a teenager.'

The 44-year-old told People Magazine: 'People can wait till they're ready or wait till they're a bit more mature.

'And I think that could be a positive message. You obviously don't have to wait until you're in your thirties like me, but you shouldn't feel pressure as a young person,' Rebel added.

Experts have long highlighted the benefits of a healthy sex life, which include boosting your immune system and heart health, lowering blood pressure, strengthening muscles, improving sleep and even extending a person's lifespan.

When abstaining from sex for extended periods of time - either remaining a virgin or going through a dry spell - studies have found thinking slows down, the immune system worsens, pelvic muscles and bladder control weaken, stress and frustration increase, pain tolerances plummets and your sleep is disrupted.

One of the earliest studies from 2007 to examine how the age of losing your virginity predicts future outcomes found men who first have sex at 21 to 23 years old tend to have a harder time getting and maintaining an erection and experiencing an orgasm.

Men who first had sex in their 20s had a 59 percent higher risk of experiencing sexual arousal issues than men who had sex at 17 years old.

They also had a 46 percent increased risk of erectile problems and a 74 percent higher risk of not being able to achieve an orgasm.

Rebel Wilson claims Sacha Baron Cohen told her to 'stick a finger up his butt' while filming the 2016 film The Brothers Grimsby together

Stephanie Manes, a couples therapist, told DailyMail.com the pressure to perform after waiting all those years can lead to anxiety that will kill the mood.

She said: 'Anxiety is a big buzz-kill for arousal.

'It's pretty common for men to run into some trouble keeping an erection or having an orgasm the first time they have sex with a new partner. There can be a lot of pressure to please the woman and to prove that they can be a good lover.

'Women have their own version of that, being totally self-conscious or preoccupied that they can barely feel anything going on in their bodies.'

And for people who wait to hop into bed after tying the knot, the stress is exacerbated, Ms Manes said: 'All this pressure is even higher when the man or woman you are having sex with is now your wife.'

Aside from the physical, losing your virginity later in life can impact you mentally and emotionally. It can lead to poor social skills and stunted emotions - two things key for good sex.

I'm a cheater - this is why I chose to have a secret affair Unfaithful men and women around the world have spilled the secrets behind why they cheated on their partners. Advertisement

A separate study from 2016 found people rated virgins to be less attractive than people with sexual experience.

Additionally, the virgins themselves said 'late bloomers' were less attractive.

The stigma attached to older virgins led researchers to conclude that abstaining from sex may result in negative outcomes in relationships.

While losing your virginity older than most may cause both physical and mental problems, the researchers from the 2007 study also found people who lose their virginity at a young age, defined as 14 years old, also face risks.

Researchers said: 'Both early and late initiation were associated with sexual problems such as problems with arousal and orgasm, primarily among men.'

Losing your virginity at a young age was associated with an increased number of sexual partners, higher chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and riskier sexual behavior.

However, it seems that more Americans are waiting to hop into bed and people are having less sex overall.

In 2021, research from Rutgers University in New Jersey showed casual sex steadily declined in recent years - a trend that was present even before the Covid pandemic.

And people are getting married later in life, with the average age increasing from 24 in 1990 to 30 years old in 2022. As people wait to settle down, experts say they may find themselves entering relationships at an older age and therefore could be delaying first-time sexual encounters.
DID YOU ATTEND CLASSES IN POE HALL AND GET DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER? WRITE TO US AT HEALTH@DAILYMAIL.COM

More than 150 students, staff and alumni have reportedly been diagnosed with cancers and other diseases linked to a university building teeming with toxins.

Cases of lymphoma and thyroid and breast cancers have been reported among patients who spent time at Poe Hall, a class building at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

The building closed in November 2023 amid reports of exposure to concerning levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxic chemicals linked to cancer.

An investigation the month before found that PCB levels in five rooms were more than 38 times the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) building limit.

The university now faces lawsuits from some of the 152 patients who report falling sick with diseases linked to the toxins.

These include Sarah Glad, a 35-year-old mother-of-one who dreamed of using her degrees from NC State to run for office. However, her dreams were cut short when she died from stage four breast cancer, which her family claims is linked to attending classes in Poe Hall.

Sarah Glad, who attended NC State from 2007 to 2013, died at age 35 from stage four breast cancer

Mrs Glad's husband, Robbie (here), described his wife to WRAL as having 'big hair, a big smile, and the biggest dimples you've ever seen'

Poe Hall, a class building at North Carolina State University, closed amid concerns of 'forever chemicals' polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have been linked to cancer

The dozens of cancer cases and their links to the university building were exposed by a months-long investigation by the local news station WRAL.

Mrs Glad attended NC State from 2007 to 2013, earning a bachelor's and master's degree.

Her husband, Robbie Glad, told WRAL, who investigated the cases, that his wife spent much of her master's program in Poe Hall.

Years later, within months of each other, Mrs Glad and a former classmate were both diagnosed with breast cancer. Mrs Glad was just 33 years old.

She was able to fulfill one dream and become a mother in August 2022, even as cancer ravaged her body.

However, in January 2024, at age 35, she died from the disease.

Now, Mr Glad is focused on raising awareness.

'I dont care about money. I dont care about compensation. I do care about being able to help other people,' he said.

NC State alumna Christie Lewis, who attended the university from 2007 to 2012, said that she started having night sweats while she was taking classes in Poe Hall. 'I could not figure out what was happening,' she told Fox News Digital.

'I was having to get up in the middle of night and change clothes completely. And then I would fall asleep. And I had to put a towel down.'

'It honestly took me weeks to even tell my husband about them because I kept on forgetting about it because it was just in the middle of the night.'

Around 2011-2012, Ms Lewis was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Mrs Glad was diagnosed with cancer within months of a former classmate. Both of them took master's classes in Poe Hall

Mrs Glad died in January, though she was able to fulfill one dream and become a mother in August 2022

Months later, she discovered a lump on her neck, which turns out to be angosarcoma, a tumor found in the inner walls of blood and lymph vessels.

Though she initially thought it was just circumstance, she became suspicious after reading reports about a potential link between Poe Hall and cancer cases.

'Maybe my body isnt the problem. Maybe I was actually exposed to something that caused this. I dont know, it definitely shook me a little bit,' she said.

Jennifer Walter, who attended the university from 2004 to 2007, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2017, followed by synovial sarcoma - which mainly attacks tissues near large joints like the knees - in 2022.

'There are such scary statistics that are tied with sarcoma. Its just a lot more real,' she told Fox News Digital.

'They got it early, which Im grateful for, but that fear never goes away. Its something Im going to have every day for the rest of my life.'

More than 150 people have been diagnosed with cancer linked to Poe Hall, which held education and psychology classes for 4,000 students

Poe Hall was constructed in 1971, a time when PCBs were more commonly used in industrial products. PCBs were banned in 1979, though they still remain in older buildings

Ms Lewis said that she feels 'violated' because she thought she was 'getting a good education...in a safe place' before suddenly being 'put in unsafe conditions.'

She also fears she may have passed on PCB exposure to her children.

'It's made me feel just really nervous,' she said.

Poe Hall, which held education and psychology classes for 4,000 students, was constructed in 1971, when PCBs were commonly used in industrial products like oils, insulators, and electric appliances such as TV sets, lighting, and refrigerators.

PCBs, including those used to build Poe Hall, were largely mass produced by agricultural giant Monsanto until they were banned in 1979 amid concerns that they harmed humans and the environment.

WHAT ARE PCBs? PCBs are classified by the World Health Organization as known human carcinogens. Their manufacture was banned in the US and UK four decades ago. They were mass produced by agricultural giant Monsanto for 42 years before the decision was made to stop doing so. Studies have shown that PCBs, of which there are around 210 variations, can alter liver function can even affect reproductive system. Newcastle University researchers in 2017 found extraordinary levels of the pollutant in the Mariana trench  the deepest part of the ocean. Around 1.3 million tons of PCBs were produced before they were banned  but some scientists estimate a third of this has leaked into the environment. Advertisement

According to the EPA, conclusive evidence has found that PCBs can cause cancer in animals, as well as harm their immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems.

The agency classifies these chemicals as 'probably carcinogenic' to humans.

According to the CDC, exposure to PCBs can lead to increased enzymes linked to liver damage, skin lesions, and respiratory issues.

Animal studies have shown effects such as weight loss, fatty liver, thyroid damage, and cancer.

NC State's investigation into Poe Hall began in August 2023 when an employee issued a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL).

The complaint 'alleged health and/or safety hazards related to Poe Hall,' according to the university's updates page for the investigation.

Health officials began sampling the seven-story building in October and found PCB levels more than 38 times the EPA's safe limits for construction.

The building officially closed in November, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) recommended the university request a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE).

An HHE is a federal investigation into a workplace to look for hazards such as carcinogens.

However, the investigation was called off in January by NC State's general counsel, according to the CDC.

Dr Dallas Shi, an official for the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), wrote in a letter to WRAL detailing the agency's inability to move forward: 'I explained that the North Carolina State Universitys Office of General Counsel has asked us to stop our evaluation.'

'I dont care about money. I dont care about compensation. I do care about being able to help other people,' Robbie Glad said

'The requestor expressed concerns over a lack of communication and general distrust in managements actions. They also expressed concern about a lack of epidemiological analysis.'

'I offered to relay these concerns to the North Carolina State Universitys Office of General Counsel in a confidential manner.'

According to WRAL, NC State University Chancellor Randy Woodson denied the CDC's report, with a lawyer writing: 'At no time has NC State requested that NIOSH close any HHE (Health Hazard Evaluation), and Im reaching out to respectfully request a retraction of any statement to the contrary.'

Several NC state employees and students reached out the NCDHHS urging the agency to investigate.

'A wide-sweeping health assessment needs to be done to ensure students, staff, and faculty who worked and learned in Poe know how to manage their own health,' a former graduate student with noncancerous health issues wrote in an email to authorities.
The White House is on red alert for bird flu after health officials revealed a Texan dairy farmer caught a deadly bird flu strain from a cow.

The patient is only the second-ever American to be diagnosed with H5N1, but the virus is spreading among cattle in multiple US states after jumping from birds.

Officials at the CDC announced the case today but claimed the threat to the public remains low, insisting that early analyses suggested it had not mutated in a way that would allow it to infect people more easily.

But Senior White House officials are said to be 'closely monitoring the situation' after Jeff Zients, President Joe Biden's chief of staff, was briefed last week before the announcement.

Former health officials said they were not comforted by the assurances made by the government - highlighting how the Trump Administration played down fears about Covid in the early days of the pandemic.

Person in Texas infected with bird flu (cattle, stock image)

Tests revealed that an unknown number of cows have tested positive for bird flu Type A H5N1 in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico. Iowa is currently 'monitoring the situation' as it is also a dairy-heavy state. It comes after a goat in Minnesota tested positive last week. Bird flu has also been found in foxes, bobcats, striped skunks, raccoons and coyotes since the 2022 outbreak

Officials are now receiving regular updates from HHS and USDA, according to Politico.

Ashish Jha, who led the Biden administration's Covid-19 response, likened the cow-to-human case to 'Russian roulette'.

He added: 'You play that game long enough and one of these times it will become fit to spread among humans.'

When viruses jump between different animals, it increases the chance of a major mutation occurring that allows it to spread more easily in its new population.

This is the first time this strain of bird flu has been detected in cows, which may indicate it is getting better at transmitting across species.

Not only is there concern about the health impact, officials are said to be privately concerned about the effect on farmers and supply chains.

There are currently H5N1 outbreaks in cows in Texas, Idaho, Michigan and New Mexico.

Millions of chicken and other poultry around the world have been culled to halt outbreaks around the world during the over two years H5N1 has been spreading.

The Texas patient, who has not been named, was working on a dairy farm in the state and had contact with cows infected with the virus.

The individual is suffering from mild eye inflammation, their only symptom, and has already been isolated and treated with an antiviral for flu.

'Initial testing has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans,' the CDC, FDA and USDA said in a joint press release.

'While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, this indicates that the current risk to the public remains low.'

The three government agencies claimed there is 'no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply' because of pasteurization, which involving heating milk to kill harmful germs.

They add that milk from sickly animals is also diverted and destroyed to ensure it never enters the human supply chain.

But Rick Bright, who led the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority during the early days of Covid, remains skeptical.

'They would have to do a lot of testing before I would drink milk from one of these farms at this point,' Bright told Politico.

Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat for New Jersey, said the case was 'very concerning'.

He added: 'Another example of the pandemic risk from factory farms.'

The Texan was infected with H5N1 bird flu  which has led to tens of millions of chickens being slaughtered in the US over the last two years.

It has already been detected among mammals including seals  where it has decimated colonies  and farm animals such as goats, with this latest infection a sign the virus is creeping closer to causing an outbreak among people.

Experts say that the longer a virus is around in mammals undetected, the more chance it has to acquire a mutation that allows it to infect people more easily.

The CDC urged doctors to be mindful of potential cases among patients.

The agency added in a statement: 'People with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection.'

Dr Bill Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, told DailyMail.com that on rare occasions bird flu viruses can infect other animals and humans.

'This happens periodically with humans, but you rarely get human-to-human transmission,' he said.

'The genetic part of the virus that would allow it to transmit readily from human-to-human is still missing.'

Like all flus, the virus is spread primarily through droplets in the air which are breathed in or get into a person's mouth, eyes or nose

The case comes after a person was hospitalized with swine flu in Pennsylvania last month  in the first case of the year  after being infected with the H1N2 strain that commonly spreads among pigs.

And after an inmate who was working on a poultry farm tested positive for H5N1 bird flu in 2022, in a case that also caused alarm among experts.

The individual has since recovered, with his only symptoms reported as 'fatigue for a few days'. They did not pass on the virus to others.

Dairy farm workers were already on high alert for bird flu after infections were reported in herds across Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma.

There are also reports of the virus affecting dairy cows in New Mexico while Iowa  which has a large dairy industry  is monitoring the situation.

Farmers first noticed cows falling ill three weeks ago with symptoms of lethargy and loss of appetite, and then producing less milk. Milk and nasal swabs then tested positive for the virus.

Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said: 'We hadn't seen anything like it before. It was kind of like they had a cold.'

USDA officials believe the cattle were infected by wild birds suffering from the virus, which could have happened via exposure to the bird's feces or oral secretions.
READ MORE: US records 7th-ever case of mad cow disease in South Carolina

A Michigan woman died from a rare brain disease that kills 100 percent of patients and most often strikes at random.

Arlene VonMyhr, 55, woke up the night of January 8 with stroke symptoms, which typically include confusion, trouble walking, and facial weakness.

Doctors sent her home, and over the next two weeks, she was rushed to the hospital four times over slurred speech and balance issues.

On January 26, the mother and grandmother went to the hospital and did not return home.

'It was a really rapid five weeks of decline,' Gary VonMyhr, her husband of 34 years, told Michigan Live.

Arlene VonMyhr, 55, of Michigan, died in February after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a degenative disease that kills 100 percent of patients usually strikes at random

Tests five days later revealed Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a degenerative brain disorder that has been compared to Mad Cow Disease.

The condition mostly afflicts patients at random, is always fatal, and has no cure.

'Once a definitive diagnosis came back to CJD, then at that point they stopped all the treatments and the IV because there wasnt anything they could do for her,' Mr VonMyhr said.

'It was all about comfort and dignity at that point.'

Mrs VonMyhr died on February 19, one of five at Michigan's Corewell Health to succumb to the condition in a year, prompting an 'urgent investigation' last year.

CJD is an aggressive brain disorder caused by proteins called prions that misfold and punch holes in the brain.

This disrupts communication between cells and leads to dementia and symptoms like memory loss, trouble speaking, balance issues, and jerky movements.

About 85 percent of cases have no known cause, the most of the remaining ones come from a genetic mutation of the prion protein.

Less than one percent are found in patients who ate diseased beef from animals with mad cow disease, clinically known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Animals can either pick up this protein by eating the meat of others that have the disease, the classic form of the disease, or it can occur spontaneously when a mutation causes the protein to misfold inside them, the atypical form.

It can take years for animals with the atypical form to start to show symptoms.

CJD is incredibly rare, occurring in just one or two per million people a year.

However, risk increases with age, affecting five per one million people age 55 and older.

This means that one in every 6,000 US deaths are from CJD.

Though rare, Michigan reported five cases between June 2021 and June 2022, including a 78-year-old woman who told doctors, 'I do not feel my brain work.'

The patients came from four counties in West Michigan, and doctors said that this indicated a much higher rate of CJD - between 3.1 and 12.5 per million.

'Such a wave of dense temporo-spatial clustering of CJD in West Michigan is very unusual and alarming,' researchers wrote in the case report.

The CDC said it is aware of the Michigan report, noting 'several cases of sporadic CJD may occasionally be diagnosed in a particular area around the same time due purely to chance,' according to epidemiologist Dr Ryan Maddox.

Mr VonMyhr is now trying to raise awareness in hopes that CJD can be better researched.

'This obviously doesnt impact as many people but its so aggressive, so debilitating, so impactful,' he said. 'The ultimate motivation would certainly be finding a cure.'
In recent years increasing numbers of buy-to-let investors have been buying properties via a limited company, rather than in their own personal name.

Last year alone, landlords set up a record 50,004 companies to hold buy-to-let properties, according to analysis by estate agents Hamptons.

There are a total of 615,077 buy-to-lets owned in company structures in the UK, an 82 per cent increase since the end of 2016.

Limited company surge: More than two-thirds of existing buy-to-let companies were set up between 2017 and 2023 when the tax changes were phased in

One of the key reasons behind the surge in landlords buying via limited companies is that they can fully offset the interest they pay on mortgages against their tax bill. This tax perk is no longer afforded to people buying or owning buy-to-let property in their own name.

But there is a snag, in that mortgages for properties owned in a company structure are substantially more expensive. So what are landlords really saving?

How does landlord tax work?

Thanks to changes first announced by Chancellor George Osborne in 2015, landlords buying in their own name now only receive tax relief of 20 per cent on their mortgage interest costs.

As an example, a higher rate tax paying landlord with mortgage interest of 500 a month on a property rented out for 1,000 a month now pays tax on the full 1,000.

Albeit, they do get 20 per cent tax relief on the 500 that is being used towards the mortgage.

Expert: Karen Noye, mortgage expert at Quilter says typically an individual buy-to-let will come with lower initial payments and cheaper fees than limited company buy-to-let alternatives

But if they set up a limited company, the mortgage interest of 500 a month can be fully offset in full against their tax bill.

It means that individual landlords are effectively taxed on turnover, while company landlords are taxed purely on profit.

However, the cost of a mortgage for a company landlord can be higher.

Karen Noye, mortgage expert at Quilter, says: 'Typically an individual buy-to-let will come with lower initial payments and cheaper fees than limited company buy-to-let alternatives.

'However, if borrowing for a mortgage via a limited company, then you do get some tax advantages especially for higher or additional rate taxpayers, which may in some cases outweigh these increases.'

Are landlords saving with limited companies?

The surge in the number of buy-to-let companies set up since 2015 suggests the removal of mortgage interest relief may have encouraged many investors to jump ship to the limited company model.

More than two thirds of existing buy-to-let companies were set up between 2017 and 2023 when the tax changes were phased in, according to Hamptons' analysis.

On the face of it, landlords and their accountants will see an obvious saving, whether they are higher rate taxpayers or not.

Excluding other costs, a landlord with a property held in their own name and let for 1,000 a month with mortgage interest costs of 500 per month would be subject to income tax (20, 40, or 45 per cent) on the 500 rental profit, and 20 per cent on the remaining 500.

In this scenario, loss of mortgage interest relief would have added 100 on to the mortgage cost each month through extra tax. Below is an example of how a individual landlord's profits may have changed since 2016-17.

An example of how higher-rate taxpaying landlords' profits may have changed Tax year Annual rental income Annual mortgage interest Rental income that is taxed Tax on rental income Mortgage interest relief Net profit after tax 2016/17 12,000 6,000 6,000 2,400 0 3,600 2020-now 12,000 6,000 12,000 4,800 1,200 2,400

A limited company landlord in the same situation, on the other hand, would pay corporation tax (between 19 and 25 per cent) on just the 500 rental profit.

In this example, being able to offset their mortgage interest against tax would equate to a 100 monthly saving - or 1,200 over the year.

However, there is one key factor that some landlords and indeed their accountants may be overlooking, which is that limited company mortgages tend to be more expensive.

While company landlords might be paying less to the taxman, they may find they are paying more to banks and building societies.

How much more do limited company mortgages cost?

We asked mortgage brokers to provide the best rates available for someone buying a 200,000 buy-to-let property with a 25 per cent deposit (50,000) on an interest-only mortgage.

On a five-year fix, the lowest rate offered to someone buying in their own name is currently 4.14 per cent with a 3 per cent fee (that's 3 per cent of the mortgage value).

The cheapest rate available to someone buying via a limited company is 4.69 per cent, but that comes with a huge 7 per cent fee.

In this example, this means using a limited company, they'll have added 10,500 to the mortgage via fees compared to 4,500 if they had bought in their own name - an extra 6,000.

In terms of the rates, on an interest-only mortgage, that's the difference between paying 533 a month and 627 a month for the next five years - equating to 5,640 in total.

That said, the 'mortgage interest tax' for the landlord buying in their own name would cost them an extra 106.60 a month equating to 6,396 over the five year period.

However, taking into account the tax penalty for personal name landlords versus the higher mortgage interest and the fees for limited company landlords, it still means the limited company mortgage will have been 5,244 more expensive overall.

Credit: SPF Private Clients. Based on someone buying a 200,000 property with a 50,000 deposit and 150,000 mortgage

It's a similar story with the cheapest two-year fixes, though the difference is more marginal.

Howard Levy, director of buy-to-let lending at mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, says: 'At present the companies offering own-name lending for landlords have better rates than the lenders targeting limited company landlords.

''These lenders are usually different from each other  generally it is specialist lenders for limited company mortgages and high-street banks for own-name lending.'

The mortgage with the lowest rate may not be the cheapest overall, however.

So, we asked mortgage brokers to also give us the mortgages with the lowest overall cost, taking into account both rates and fees.

The cheapest overall five-year fix for someone buying in their own name is 4.45 per cent with a 995 fee and the cheapest five-year fix for a limited company purchase is 5.44 per cent with a 0 fee.

On a 150,000 interest-only mortgage that's the difference between paying 560 a month and 680 a month. Over a five-year period that's 33,600 compared to 40,800.

But taking into account the 995 fee and the 20 per cent tax rate, the buyer using their personal name would face an additional 6,720 in tax, adding 7,715 to their overall costs.

The mortgage will end up costing the personal name buyer a total of 41,315. That's 515 more than the limited company buyer over the five year period.

Of course, taking into account the fact that accountant fees typically range anywhere between 500 and 2,000, the personal name buyer may still end up saving more overall.

The gap between personal name and limited company ownership is even wider when fixing for two years.

According to brokers, the cheapest mortgage for a landlord buying in their personal name is 5.29 per cent with no fee. For a landlord buying via a limited company it's 6.59 per cent with no fee.

Is the gap narrowing?

The prevailing view among some brokers and investors is that with increasing numbers of landlords buying via limited companies, this should lead to a narrowing of the gap between personal name mortgage rates and limited company rates.

The theory is that more customers in the limited company mortgage space will drive up competition between lenders and send rates lower.

We asked Moneyfacts to have a look at the average fixed mortgage rates for personal name deals and limited company buy-to-let to see if the gap has narrowed at all.

In March 2016, the average five-year fixed limited company buy-to-let mortgage was 4.54 per cent compared to 4.04 per cent for those buying in their own name.

However, in March 2019 this gap had widened. The average five-year fixed limited company mortgage was 4.33 per cent compared to 3.58 per cent for those buying in their personal name.

The gap then closed significantly in 2022 and 2023. The average five-year fixed limited company mortgage was 3.67 per cent in March 2022 compared to 3.29 per cent for personal name mortgages.

In March 2023 this closed to 0.35 percentage points - 6.07 per cent for limited company landlords and 5.72 per cent for those buying in their own name.

Fast forward to March 2024, and the gap has widened slightly to 0.41 percentage points. The average five-year fix is 5.51 per cent for those buying in their own name compared to 5.92 per cent for those buying in a limited company.

If there is more demand going forward for limited company buy to lets, then we may see more lenders enter that market space which generally leads to better deals

Mortgage broker SPF Private Clients says the cost differential has closed over time and that they would expect the gap to continue to narrow.

Levy of SPF Private Clients says: 'Cheaper mortgage rates are often available to those buying a rental property in their own name as opposed to a limited company, but I expect the gap in pricing to narrow over time.

'With more entrants to the buy-to-let limited company market, this will increase competition and rates will fall accordingly.

'Recent tax changes have encouraged landlords to utilise limited company ownership for their buy-to-lets, and usually these require a personal guarantee from the person or people behind the company.

'Given that it is the same personal guarantee that an investor would give if they own the property in their own name, the margins between own name and limited company mortgages will reduce as the risk for both ownership structures is similar, in terms of recourse.'

Levy adds: 'The lending to a limited company could actually be seen as less risky by lenders given the tax benefits involved with this, but this hasn't materialised in pricing yet.

'With more landlords opting for limited company ownership, the market for own name buy-to-lets is likely to reduce over coming years, which will mean that the lending options available also reduce.

'This would logically result in fewer lenders targeting this business and more targeting limited company lending, with better rates and margins following the same route.'

Karen Noye broadly agrees that more competition should equate to a narrowing of the gap between mortgages for limited companies and personal name mortgages.

'The gap between the pricing on individual and company buy-to-lets has reduced over the years,' adds Noye.

'If there is more demand going forward for limited company buy to lets, then we may see more lenders enter that market space which would create more competition which generally leads to better deals.

'Going forward, in the main the buy to let market will predominantly be more professional landlords rather than the small landlords.'

Could the Government slash mortgage interest relief for company landlords next?

Buy-to-let has been in the firing line in recent years. On top of the loss of mortgage interest relief, investors are now subject to a 3 per cent stamp duty surcharge when buying, higher capital gains tax rates when selling (compared with other assets) and a whole raft of regulatory measures that can be expensive to abide by.

As a sign of the times, in the Budget earlier this month, the tax perks for holiday let businesses were on the chopping block as the Chancellor pledged to abolish the furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime from April 2025.

Expert: Howard Levy, director of buy-to-let lending at mortgage broker SPF Private Clients thinks that with more entrants entering the buy-to-let limited company market, this will increase competition and rates will fall accordingly

It means holiday home owners will lose a number of tax benefits (including full mortgage interest relief), and find themselves on a more level playing field with buy-to-let landlords who own in their own name.

So could the walls close in further on landlords?

Howard Levy says: 'The targeting of limited companies for tax changes is a concern for all landlords, given the changes that have already occurred over the past few years.'

But experts think it is unlikely the Government will target limited company buy-to-lets in this way - at least for the time being.

Neela Chauhan, partner at accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young said: 'Reducing mortgage interest relief from 100 per cent to 20 per cent proved very unpopular with private landlords.

'Landlords are already feeling unloved by the government and reducing mortgage interest relief for corporate landlords as well could cause even more friction.

'The Government is already set for a windfall tax gain from property landlords from the increase in the main corporation tax rate from 19 per cent to 25 per cent that was introduced on April 1 2023.

'That means landlords who own property via a limited company and have a corporation tax bill of more than 50,000 are going to be hit with a much bigger bill by the taxman.

'If mortgage interest relief rates were equalised it could spark a wave of sales from corporate landlords who can longer afford their properties.

Landlords who own buy-to-let properties in their own name rather than via a company now pay tax on their entire rental income, rather than their profit after mortgage interest is paid

However, with increasing pressure on the government to appear in support of home ownership, targeting mortgage interest relief could be one way to encourage more landlords to sell.

'The Government has repeatedly said they want to increase home ownership,' says Neela Chauhan.

'Teasing the idea of equalising mortgage interest relief could be a way of encouraging landlords who own via limited companies to sell. This would put more properties on the market.'

However, the Government may equally be inclined to keep the current status quo given that further tax hikes on landlords could translate into higher rents for tenants.

'The private rented sector is a major provider of homes in the UK, and to keep targeting landlords with more taxation and other costs will mean these added costs are passed onto tenants by way of higher rents,' adds Levy.

'Tenants are already paying higher rents than they have been used to over the past few years, and at a time where the cost of living is also high.

'Given the above any further costs to landlords will only result in higher costs for tenants and so would turn out to be counter productive.'

So should landlords use a limited company?

While the mortgage relief advantages may not tip completely in favour of either side at the moment, there are other advantages of owning via a limited company.

Instead of income tax, company landlords pay corporation tax on their profits, which is currently set at between 19 and 25 per cent. The 19 per cent rate applies if the company profit remains under 50,000.

Landlords who own in their personal name face the much higher rate of income tax - currently 40 per cent for income earned over 50,270 and 45 per cent for income earned over 125,140.

To withdraw income accumulated within the company, buy-to-let landlords can either pay themselves via a salary, dividends, or a director's loan.

These will be taxed at the usual rates, which may not be tax-efficient for those relying on their properties as source of income and regularly taking out money.

However, for those looking to simply build up profits within the company and re-invest them in more properties, or who are building a nest-egg for retirement, limited company ownership can be more tax-efficient.

A further advantage of owning property in a limited company structure is that it can be a great vehicle for passing on wealth to family members, without incurring significant taxes.

For example, children can be moved into a company directorship in adulthood, or maybe after having already been shareholders from inception.

Going corporate: Instead of income tax, company landlords pay corporation tax on their profits, which is currently set at between 19% and 25%

However, for all the advantages there are also a number of drawbacks to consider.

For buy-to-let landlords looking to use their rent as a form of income to live on, having a property in a limited company will often be less tax-efficient.

Higher-rate taxpayers looking to pay themselves dividends can end up paying both corporation tax of 19 per cent on the company's profits, and additional 33.75 per cent tax on their dividend. That rises to 39.35 per cent for additional rate taxpayers.

A company landlord can pay themselves a salary as an offsetable cost, to avoid this form of 'double taxation'.

However, both the company and the salaried recipient (the director) may be liable for National Insurance on top of the income tax, so would be less tax efficient than holding in one's own name. Tax advice will be required.

In contrast, National Insurance isn't something that landlords who own in their personal name are subject to pay.

Owning a limited company also comes with costs, such as ensuring the company is compliant with industry regulations.

For landlords who don't have many properties, these costs may outweigh the tax benefits.

Factor in accountancy fees: The most basic services for limited companies are offered for 400 plus VAT right the way through to 2,000 plus VAT, according to one expert

There is also an added layer of bureaucracy for limited company buy-to-let investors to take into account.

Company accounts must be formally prepared and filed, records maintained, and directors appointed.

This creates an added layer of responsibility for landlords choosing the limited company route.

Many will opt to appoint an accountant to take care of the accounts for them. This adds another layer of fees - typically ranging from between 500 to 2,000 per year.

It's also less clear cut now whether landlords selling property in their personal name will be any worse off than those in a limited company.

From 6 April, the capital gains tax rate on residential property is 24 per cent for higher-rate taxpayers.

Those who via a limited company will be subject to the 19-25 per cent corporation tax when they sell.

But then of course, they have to withdraw the money from the company, which could come with further taxation.
Industry chiefs want Labour and the Tories to make manifesto pledges to overhaul the business rates they pay on commercial property such as shops and bars led calls yesterday for politicians to promise reforms after a double whammy of higher property taxes and increased wages hit the sector.

They want Labour and the Tories to make manifesto pledges to overhaul the business rates they pay on commercial property such as shops and bars.

Industry chiefs said they will be forced to put prices up for customers after rates increased 6.7 per cent yesterday  costing firms in England an extra 1.7billion.

The minimum wage has also risen to 11.44 an hour from 10.42 for those aged 23 and over and from 10.18 for 21 and 22-year-olds.

It was the biggest rise in the minimum wage  or National Living Wage as it is known  on record.

Squeezed: Pub bosses want Labour and the Tories to make manifesto pledges to overhaul the business rates they pay on commercial property such as shops and bars

The Conservatives have pledged to review the business rates system in three manifestos since 2015 but the industry says little has been done.

Kate Nicholls, the boss of trade body UK Hospitality, said: A root-and-branch review needs to be delivered.

She is spearheading calls for a lower multiplier  the pence per pound rate firms are charged  to be introduced as a first step to alleviate the burden.

And she has been having active and constructive chats on the topic with the Shadow Cabinet team.

Clive Chesser, boss of Punch Pubs, said it was unquestionable that the pub sector carried a disproportionate burden of tax and urgent change was needed.

It is time to move away from a system that is out of date in so many ways, and to adopt fairer taxation systems that promote economic growth and protect our high streets, he said.

Simon Dodd, boss of pubs group Youngs, said: It is painfully clear that the current business rates system is in dire need of reform.

This is something that must be addressed urgently in manifestos ahead of the upcoming election to secure the long-term futures of businesses and livelihoods across the country.

Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of pub owners Liberation Group, said: In my view this is one of the least business-friendly governments I have worked with.

Regarding hospitality, they singularly fail to grasp the contribution our industry makes to economic growth and employment, and instead give us an unlevel playing field from a taxation point of view and a continued lack of reform regarding business rates.

Earlier this year, Marks & Spencer chief Stuart Machin claimed doing business in Britain is like running up a downwards escalator with a rucksack on your back.

The Government said it has extended relief that means around 230,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties will receive 75 per cent off bills for this year. But firms say this just kicks the can down the line until a cliff edge in April 2025.
The populist MAGA firebrand is endorsed by former President Donald Trump

Rep. Lauren Boebert surprised Colorado Republicans last Christmas when she announced her decision to leave the 3rd District and run for office to replace the retiring Rep. Ken Buck in the 4th District.

Boebert, the controversial MAGA Republican now endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has embraced the carpetbagger label, traveling around the district to convince voters she is ready to fight for them, despite the drama surrounding her personal life and her messy divorce from her ex-husband.

Few were more surprised by Boebert's decision than Republicans candidates who were already in the race. A few of them spoke with the DailyMail.com in Colorado about their race and how they planned to challenge Boebert in the Republican primary.

Jerry Sonnenberg: Traditional Republican

When former State Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg decided to run for Congress in Colorados 4th district, he texted Boebert to say he looked forward to serving with her on Capitol Hill.

But the Congresswoman from Colorados 3rd District did not respond. Three weeks later, Boebert announced she would be running for Congress in his district after nearly losing her seat in 2022.

Colorado's 4th district is a more Republican district, which includes the sparsely populated counties on the states eastern planes, and portions of Larimer and Weld County.

Sonnenberg served 16 years in the Colorado House and Senate, all the while patiently cultivating the reputation of a successful statesman

Boebert is running for Congress again despite the drama surrounding her personal life and her messy divorce from her ex-husband

Sonnenberg, a fourth-generation farmer and rancher, told the DailyMail.com he was surprised by her decision, particularly since she did not call or text him before she announced her new campaign, but the race to replace the retiring Rep. Ken Buck is on.

He acknowledged in an interview Boebert has a lot of negatives, but he is not about to break his promise not to attack a fellow Republican during the race.

The Reagan Rule still exists in his personal code as he hearkens back to his upbringing.

I wont say anything negative about anybody. My mama would slap me upside the head, he said during a lunch conversation with DailyMail.com in Denver, Colorado.

Sonnenberg served 16 years in the Colorado House and Senate, all the while patiently cultivating the reputation of a successful statesman.

After he announced his campaign, former Sen. Corey Gardner (R-CO) endorsed Sonnenberg, calling him the conservative conscience of the 4th Congressional District. Former Colorado Senators Wayne Allard and Hank Brown, who also served the 4th district during their political careers joined him.

But Sonnenberg not so sure he would necessarily want Bucks endorsement, despite his long service as a Representative.

Sonnenbergs legislative success, he says, is a product of his ability to work within a Democrat-led legislature and still get things done

Buck enraged Republicans in Colorado after he refused to back the House impeachment inquiry into President Joe Bidens business dealings with his son Hunter and brother James and also refused to back the House measure to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Sonnenberg says he would have voted with Republicans on both issues, citing the need to hold Biden accountable.

Buck also angered Colorado Republicans after he announced his decision to retire rather than finish out his term, putting the slim two-seat House Republican majority in jeopardy.

Sonnenberg points to his successful record of working in the State legislature to pass tax cuts, transportation funding, and deal with water rights, issues that affect both rural and urban voters with similar concerns.

The polite statesman could not be more different than Boebert, a candidate running on her record as a RINO hunter in Congress and appearing with former President Trump at multiple rallies to get him back in office.

I'm, you know, a workhorse and not a show horse, he said, subtly emphasizing the differences with Boebert.

Sonnenbergs legislative success, he says, is a product of his ability to work within a Democrat-led legislature and still get things done.

People see that I'm a problem solver. I'm not necessarily one of those guys that will launch grenades and always find myself on TV and that's not not the way I work, he said.

Richard Holtorf: The Fighting House Minority Whip

State House Minority Whip Rep. Richard Holtorf is not happy with Boebert jumping into the 4th district, and he has no problem criticizing her publicly.

I think it's it was an act of desperation to try to salvage what arguably it was a sinking ship for Lauren Boebert, he said, during an interview with DailyMail.com.

Holtorf's frankness has created some friction with his Republican colleagues, but he argues its all in the name of speaking directly to voters instead of dancing around the issues.

Don't talk sideways, shoot straight, walk straight, talk straight, spit straight, and you'll be fine, he said, outlining his leadership style.

The son of a rancher and a combat helicopter pilot in the Army, Holtorf brands himself as the No Nonsense Conservative'

DailyMail.com spoke with Holtorf about his campaign in his office at the State Capital, where he has built up his reputation as a fighter and a leader.

The son of a rancher and a combat helicopter pilot in the Army, Holtorf brands himself as the No Nonsense Conservative.

Holtorf admits he understands why Trump endorsed Boebert, but he thinks Colorado voters want someone who does not have as much personal drama.

I still just don't think the electorate is going to go for it despite the fact that they are very strong supporters of Donald Trump for president, he told me. I don't think that completely exonerates her from the carpet-bagging and the seat-swapping.

Holtorf views Boeberts decision to abandon the third distract in the upcoming election as an act of cowardice.

In the world I grew up in if you've got a good fight and you're standing behind your principles in that fight, then you need to stand and fight, he said. You don't cut and run. Lauren Boebert has cut and run.

He argues that Boebert is a deserter of the conservative fight.

I don't know if you understand what the penalty for desertion is in the military, he said. But it is very, very severe and involves something called a firing squad.

Boeberts personal and family drama, Holtorf said, would encourage voters in Colorado to support someone else.

She has a lot of problems with her family, and herself, and her family life that with a lot of judicial troubles, he said. And that does not reflect well, with respect to a son that just recently has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies.

Holtorf is referring to Boeberts son Tyler getting arrested and changed 22 criminal charges, including five felonies, as police say he and his friends were caught using stolen credit cards in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins in Rifle, Colorado.

Holtorf does not have nice things to say about Buck either, accusing him of betraying his district and protecting the Biden crime family by voting against the impeachment inquiry.

Im disappointed and disgusted, he said, referring to Bucks decision not to vote for the impeachment inquiry. That's not his role. And that was shouldn't have been his role. He should have voted on the right side of that for his district.

He knows Buck and says in the last 10 years, the congressman has become part of the swamp despite writing his 2010 book titled Drain the Swamp.

I got in this race because I told Ken Buck, I'm going to help you pack your suitcase. You no longer are my congressman and you no longer represent the value of the citizens of his congressional district, he said.

Holtorf said that Buck knew he had no chance of being reelected, so he decided to quit rather than run for reelection.

I don't think Ken Buck is going to be welcomed back in Colorado. He's going to have a very unwelcome return.

As a military veteran who did two tours in Afghanistan and as a third-generation rancher, Holtorf has five years experience in the State legislature and believes hes the right kind of politician that voters in Eastern Colorado want.

I get back to, you know, no nonsense conservative. I grew up in the country. I grew up with the code of the West and I grew up with good old country values, he said. And you know, integrity, honesty, making a deal on a handshake those those values still ring true, where I live and also say what you mean and mean what you say.

Deborah Flora: Former radio host and parent activist

Conservative radio host Deborah Flora was among the first candidates who got into the race, once it was clear that Buck was not going to run for another term.

In order to run, however, she had to give up her local radio show on the Salem Radio Network she had hosted for 12 years.

In recent years, Flora got more involved in political activism, focusing on parental rights in education. She also produced a documentary on the issue with her husband titled Whose Children Are They to tackle the education issue.

Flora said she also did not get a call from Boebert before she announced her decision to switch congressional districts.

She expected that Trump would endorse Boebert, she says, but that voters in the district would make their own decision.

I respect the president, but respectfully, I think he made the wrong call on this, she said.

In recent years, Flora got more involved in political activism, focusing on parental rights in education

While Holtorf and Sonnenberg are ranchers from the plains of Eastern Colorado, Flora is from Parker, Colorado, in Douglas County, a growing commuter town south of Denver.

Colorados 4th district was redistricted in 2022, pulling in more suburban voters.

Flora believes the new voters in the district will be looking for a more serious Republican without the same personal baggage as Boebert.

After Boebert decided to get in the race, Flores adjusted her campaign slogan to, a conservative you can be proud of, a subtle way to remind voters of her less dramatic temperament.

Flora makes the case that Colorado Republicans need a candidate who could appeal to a wider demographic in the more populated parts of the district, not someone reliant on soundbites and celebrity.

I fight on principles and policies, not on personalities, and that's the difference people I think are getting very tired of personalities that are alienating so many, she said.

She says she was never a conservative flamethrower, even as a conservative radio host, but rather a diehard supporter of the Constitution.

My goal is to persuade people to grow the movement of freedom without compromising on principle, instead of flame-throwing, she said.

Flora is a Republican who has watched sadly as the Colorado Republican Party has devolved into petty personal attacks and infighting, and losing more and more influence in the state.

She believes the growing number of suburban voter in Douglas County would have no problem voting for a Republican, but only if the candidates stuck to the issues.

They don't have a problem with our principals they have a problem with our personalities, she said. We have to be willing to persuade and be passionate, not purge and purify and all of that, which is a lot of what's happening.

Thats not to say shes not traveling across the Eastern plains and visiting the less-populated areas of the district to make her case.

Flora boasts shes already visited and traveled across 21 Counties in the district, already putting 8,000 miles on her car during her campaign.

Shes tired of the back-and-forth infighting and purity tests between Republican candidates on conservative issues, comparing it to similar infighting on the left.

Were not the ones that say everybody has to agree 100 percent on everything, she said. That's really wokism.

The current state of the race demonstrates the fractured Republican Party, as few candidates are willing to step aside and endorse their rivals to combat Boebert.

Rep. Mike Lynch is in the race, even though he resigned in January his position as Colorado House Minority leader after he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

Other candidates include businessman Chris Phelan, former state Sen. Ted Harvey, and Peter Yu.
A set of flatmates who complained to their noisy neighbours for playing the piano early in the morning felt awful after they got a heartwarming reply.

Martina Panchetti and her friends asked the family next door if their children could not make so much noise early at the weekends, but received an adorable written apology in reply as well as a gift of delicious baked sweets.

The letter was shared by Martina on TikTok, saying: 'We sent a letter to our neighbours politely asking to make less noise (they're a family with kids) and possibly avoid playing piano too early in the morning. This is how they replied...'

It cut to a picture of an envelope held together with a smiley sticker and then a letter explaining that even the children's mother was on her neighbours' side.

It read: 'Dear neighbours. Thank you for your kind message. We realise that sometimes we can be noisy and naughty.'

Martina Panchetti and her flatmates had complained about early piano playing and were 'in tears' at the adorable reply

The neighbours' children sent a heartwarming written apology (above) as well as a collection of their Azerbaijani national sweets

'We started learning piano and our teachers tell us to practice every day but we sincerely apologise not considering the times of the day and the weekends.

'To be honest mummy has been telling us not to play in the mornings and she also wants to get some sleep on the weekends.

'We promise YOU and we promise our mummy to try to be more considerate.

'Please accept our national Azeri sweets as a token of apology! Ps not nut free!'

Adding to the cuteness factor, the children signed off, 'your loud neighbours,' as Martina mimed crying.

Martina then showed off her neighbours' Azerbaijani sweet treats - pakhlava, pastry layered with nuts and syrup, and shekerbura, a sweet pastry filled with ground nuts and sugar.

'We're in tears,' the overwhelmed recipient added.

Martina's video has surpassed three million views on TikTok, but it did not end there.

After some comments suggested that Martina and her friends were the real bad neighbours in this scenario, she posted a follow-up.

She began the clip: 'For all the people saying that I am the bad neighbour for complaining about kids making noise, our letter was very polite, very friendly, we weren't complaining about noise in general - it was specifically towards piano playing, early in the morning, at weekends.'

She explained that she and her friends even enjoy hearing their neighbours practicing piano at more sociable hours.

Martina said that, in line with what many comments suggested they would do in her situation, she and her flat mates decided to send over some treats of there own.

The group made a box of Zeppola di San Giuseppe - an Italian treat traditionally made for Father's Day.

In addition, they decorated the box with cute drawings and delivered it with a letter in reply to the children's, as well as a picture of the group.

'The kids were so ashamed, they were hiding behind their dad,' Martina revealed.

Martina and her flatmates received pakhlava (top) - pastry layered with nuts and syrup - and shekerbura (bottom) - a sweet pastry filled with ground nuts and sugar

The recipients were so moved that they sent a batch of their own Italian pastries back in return

It would appear that the saga has resulted in an 'endless exchange'.

Martina finished by saying that after her flat gifted their Italian pastries, she and her boyfriend went out.

While they were gone, Martina received a message from the flat saying that they had been sent sushi by the neighbours as they had 'ordered too much'.

'What a coincidence,' Martina quipped.
A vigilante group in Southern California is taking the squatting crisis into its own hands by removing the unruly tenants themselves.

Though they officially launched as a business little more than a year ago, the Squatter Squad is now fielding up to 30 calls a day from victims complaining that someone has broken into their home and changed the locks.

Entire communities in pockets of the Golden State have been ravaged by criminals turning properties into strip clubs and drug dens, hosting all-night raves, or simply claiming tenant rights without any form of agreement.

The worst part is, the cops can do little to stop it - if a squatter refuses to leave, homeowners have to wrangle with a heavily-backlogged court system and launch a civil lawsuit to get them out - a process which can take years.

This happens every day,' Squatter Squad member Lando told DailyMail.com. 'This can happen to anyone who owns property - we just dont realize it.

A vigilante group in Southern California is taking the squatting crisis into its own hands by removing the unruly tenants themselves. (Pictured: members of the group known as the Squatter Squad)

The core Squatter Squad leadership team comprises Lando, 56, two of his longtime friends, aged 42 and 58, and a 38-year-old veteran they recruited later

Lando, 56, is one of the four-man super squad heading up a larger team which takes on the unruly home invaders of Southern California, particularly Los Angeles and the San Diego area.

The core crew comprises two of his longtime friends, aged 42 and 58, and a 38-year-old veteran they recruited later.

'He's very tall, he has a lot of military experience - he uses his training,' Lando told DailyMail.com, who himself enters the properties armed with a gun and pepper spray.

Though he couldn't go into precise details about how they navigate the dangerous waters of squatter territory, he said their methods include 'out-squatting the squatters' and attempting to negotiate.

Lando launched the Squatter Squad as a business little over a year ago after several years providing similar services removing people who had illegally occupied RVs, usually drug addicts.

But the squad now often finds itself operating on the intersection of luxury and depravity - tackling drug addicts and gang members who have taken multi-million dollar homes from wealthy investors in the heart of Los Angeles.

Lando told DailyMail.com the full story while driving to a 'very nice home' which had been occupied by at least 20 squatters on Friday, where he was planning to start negotiations to reclaim the property.

'Even though Ive been dealing with squatters for many years, last year I decided to make it more of a branded functioning business that people could actually hire us for because I could see such a need for it,' he said.

'From day one it just kind of exploded.

Though they officially launched as a business little more than a year ago, the Squatter Squad is now fielding up to 30 calls a day from victims complaining that someone has broken into their home and changed the locks. (Pictured: the four-man leadership team of the Squatter Squad)

Though he couldn't go into precise details about how they navigate the dangerous waters of squatter territory, Lando said their methods include 'out-squatting the squatters' and attempting to negotiate

A photograph showing the aftermath of squatters at one Southern California property raided by the Squatter Squad

He said demand for their services since, which cost a few thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the situation, has been like 'a tidal wave'.

He added that the situation had been exacerbated by Covid-era laws designed to allow tenants greater leniency, which are now being abused by illegal squatters with no tenancy agreements.

Were getting probably 10 to 20 calls a day of legitimate situations,' Lando said. 'That's on top of around 10 emails daily that have to do with someone needing help.'

The Squatter Squad operates in Southern California and is expanding to the Bay Area

He added that Squatter Squad clients tend to be a 50/50 split between real estate investors and lenders who have run into trouble with squatters, and homeowners who have been kicked out of their own residences.

The properties targeted range from 'a dilapidated house' which squatter's rights were initially designed for - if the squatter intends to improve the property and no-one else owns it - 'all the way to a mansion'.

'Theres a potential client who called us about their mansion in Ventura County, where squatters who are more professional types - a husband, a wife and their daughter,' Lando told DailyMail.com

'His home is worth millions of dollars and they just feel entitled that they can be there.

'The woman will literally sprawl herself out in front of the driveway into the mansion so that no-one can get further up the driveway and shell just lay there until they leave. That sounds crazy but its the truth.

And it's not just the homeowners who suffer - the whole neighborhood can be devastated by just one set of squatters on their street.

'There was a gentleman who literally broke down on the phone with me just over a week ago,' Lando said.

'Picture someone in their eighties, theyve lived in their home with their wife for 30 years.

'The home next door is now owned by a corporation and it had been vacant and what seemed to be the worst imaginable type of gang members move in.

'Now his wife cant even go to her car and go to the grocery store without feeling like her life is in danger because theyre standing outside staring at her.

'This is so stressful for the neighbors - they feel like theyre a prisoner in their own home.

He said that although a large number of squatters are homeless drug addicts or gang members, there's a growing demographic of intelligent cranks seeking to exploit the lax laws in states like California.

'They are becoming more sophisticated, definitely,' Lando said.

Theres an almost entitled attitude I think a lot of it is because its in the press a lot and the wrong type of person is like: Ill do that, why not.

'If someone found an easy way to rob a bank, theres going to be a certain percentage of the population would who would just go do that, and thats how squatting is.

They tend to be educated people that have an unlawful attitude, or aspect to their way of thinking,' he added.

'Theyre intelligent, theyre entitled, they probably have a psychiatric label - I dont know how to label them - sociopaths maybe.

'They will spend hours researching the law to find out how to do this. They dont mind breaking the law and hurting other peoples lives.

To tackle such people, the Squatter Squad uses complex and varying methods tailored to each individual situation.

Lando warned homeowners against trying to physically evict their squatters due to the complexity of the law surrounding squatter's rights and the types of people they're dealing with.

The LAPD descended on the $4.3 million Beverly Hills party mansion in January following reports of a home invasion

In one extreme case where one resident attempted to deal with squatters himself, he ended up being arrested by cops for 'trespass' in his own home.

'We have a new client who called yesterday,' Lando said. 'I gave him basic information about what we do. Hes around 75, hes a gentleman who wants to take the law into is own hands.

'Two women took over his home, without a doubt they are illegal trespassers. But the day before yesterday, the cops turned up and arrested him for trespassing his own property, and the women are still there.

'Were going to help him with this case and hopefully turn the tables on these illegal trespassers but this is an example how just giving out our methods instead of letting us do the work can cause more harm than good.

On top of this, some brazen squatters are even posing as the landlords to sublet rooms to unwitting new tenants.

These people who thought they were legal tenants have to be ejected and then they have nowhere else to live,' Lando said. 'There have been people who have committed suicide over this.'

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) defines a squatter as 'someone who resides on a property to which he or she has no legal title, right, or lease'.

They differ from trespassers because they've actually moved in to the property, and have often changed the locks - and many go as far as registering utilities in their name, receiving mail, and creating fraudulent lease agreements.

Once a squatter is in a property, it can take years to resolve through legal means, as the homeowner must serve the squatter with an eviction notice, which has to be processed through California's heavily backlogged court system.

Leonel Moreno, who goes by @leitooficial_25 online and appears to be a Venezuelan migrant, has advised his followers on how to 'invade' American homes and invoke squatter's rights, making it difficult for them to be removed from properties

Moreno's video comes amid a squatting crisis in the US. Homeowner Adele Andolaro caught three squatters in this Flushing, Queens, New York home earlier this week

There's even a shadowy underworld of grifters and TikTokers selling guides for step-by-step instructions on 'how to squat' and get away with it - and many know how to play the court system to postpone hearings to extend their stay.

LASD said that squatting is a 'nationwide problem' which 'may be on the rise' according to their records.

The department says the best way to deal with squatters is to 'prevent them from moving in' - and the department even provides a help sheet for investors with vacant properties.

Squatters can even claim ownership of a home after living there continuously for five years if they have been paying property taxes.

They must also meet other requirements - like having made improvements to the property, and the owner must have known of their presence and not made any efforts to evict them.

Police can't evict squatters because they 'cannot act as a judge and jury of a situation' which is considered to be a civil dispute, not a criminal matter, Lando said.

Its frustrating but the police arent equipped to determine who the rightful owner of the property is,' he told DailyMail.com.

'They say basically its a civil matter, you need to take that to court, its a he-said she-said kind of thing.

But there's a sliver of hope on the horizon for concerned homeowners. Florida recently became the first state with lax squatter laws to start reforming them, and Lando said he thinks the new legislation will work.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared the squatter scam has ended in his state after he signed a measure into law that would reduce the time it takes for homeowners to get law enforcement to remove unwanted tenants

Florida cops dismantle 'boobytrapped meth island' after squatters set up makeshift camp

Florida governor Ron DeSantis triumphantly announced on Wednesday that he's signed a bill to expedite the process for evicting unwanted tenants and end the 'squatter scam' once and for all.

The new law establishes that squatters may be removed by law enforcement if just three conditions are met.

First, the individual has illegally entered the property and remains there. Second, the individual has been directed to leave the premises. And third, the individual is not a current or former tenant engaged in a legal dispute with the owner.

If all three conditions are met, DeSantis says authorities will remove the squatters immediately. The bill will go into effect July 1, 2024.

'We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida,' he said while announcing the new law this week.

'While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system.'

Lando said the law would make it 'much easier for the homeowner to regain the property'.

Theres nothing stopping other states from doing the same, and I think once they see whats going on in Florida it could happen everywhere,' he said.

'It might take a while. As much as we do this for a business, I want to see laws change.

'But I can see states dragging their feet or maybe not making the laws strict enough.

The Squatter Squad's work in California is a microcosm of the burgeoning crisis continuing to expand across North America.

Susana and Joseph Landa, both 68, purchased the perfect mansion in Little Neck, Long Island, where they planned to enjoy retirement

The $2million home in Little Neck, Long Island, was purchased by the Landa family in October

While Flores is living rent free in the family's dream home, they are paying all of the bills to keep the house up and running

In Queens, New York, an elderly couple with a Downs Syndrome son were left unable to move into their $2 million home after a caretaker for the previous owner claimed rights to the property.

Male model Brett Flores, 32, reportedly wormed his way into the life of the previous homeowner - gay, dementia-stricken watch executive Bernard Fernandez, before he died aged 83 last year.

Flores then allegedly forced others out of the home claiming Fernandez had left him the property, leaving Susana and Josepha Landa unable to move in, despite the couple purchasing the house.

In the Hollywood Hills, one brazen squatter even took over a seven-bedroom property in January and created fake leases to rent out rooms to OnlyFans models who trashed the property.

The same month, a dramatic police raid descended on a $4.3million mansion in Beverly Hills where squatters had been tormenting their celebrity neighbors with nightly raves.

The unruly residents had been charging $75 cover fees in the property which sits just yards away from LeBron James' home.

In a rare case of squatception, one California handyman took revenge on squatters who resided in his mom's home through kicking them out by squatting there himself.

Flash Shelton, from Simi Valley, said he hacked the system by waiting for the squatters to leave and then using their own tactics against them.
Taxpayer-funded costs for compensating the victims of killer nurse Lucy Letby and the legal fees involved is set to top 100 million.

A combination of payouts, fees associated with the case and the public inquiry into the scandal will hit 100 million.

Sources have said legal investigators have found alleged examples of other potential misconduct which are now being pursued legally.

Letby murdered seven babies and tried to murder six others in the worst NHS scandal in a generation. Police fear she may have harmed dozens of other infants.

At the centre of the civil case will be questions as to how the nurse was able to get away with her crimes for so long - despite repeated warnings from whistleblowers at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where Letby was employed from 2012 until April 2018.

Police are also understood to be looking at 4,000 other cases at the hospital, as well as Liverpool Women's Hospital, where Letby worked on placement in 2012 and 2015.

Taxpayer-funded costs to compensate the victims of killer nurse Lucy Letby is set to top 100 million

The offences took place at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit, where Letby worked as a nurse, between June 2015 and June 2016

As part of this huge review, further alleged issues are being looked at which she could be linked to.

A legal source said: 'What Lucy Letby did was on another scale of pure evil which is very difficult to comprehend.

'The civil process will need to be as thorough and forensic as the criminal case to ensure justice is done for all of those impacted and ultimately nothing like this can ever happen again.

'A figure of 100 million is being discussed when everything is taken into consideration. That's compensation for the criminal victims, those who claim she harmed their babies, the legal costs and the public inquiry.'

One lawyer said: 'A lot has come to light since the conclusion of the criminal case.

'It's clear there is wider alleged misconduct which could fall into the legal and civil claims.

'The big remaining question is how on earth was this allowed to happen for so long before it could be stopped?'

Letby, of Hereford, became Britain's most prolific child serial killer when she was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more at the Countess of Chester Hospital, between June 2015 and June 2016.

The jury failed to reach verdicts on six attempted murder charges, relating to four infants, and last month prosecutors confirmed they were pursuing a re-trial on one of the counts, relating to a premature baby girl, Baby K.

A general view of the Women and Children's Building at the Countess of Chester Hospital

High Court Judge Mr Justice Goss sentenced Letby to 14 whole life orders for the seven murders and seven attempted murders, relating to six babies, and told her she would never be eligible for parole.

Letby is appealing against all of her convictions. The appeal will be heard in April.

If judges decline to give permission in April, it will mark the end of the appeal process for Letby. If she does receive permission, then the appeal will be heard at a separate hearing at a later date.

It comes after figures from the Legal Aid Agency revealed last year that the 33-year-old was awarded more than 1.5million in legal aid to fund her defence.

She will also face a re-trial in June on a single count that she attempted to murder a baby girl, known as Child K, in February 2016.

She could also be awarded more money from the public purse if she is granted leave to appeal her convictions and to pay for the re-trial.

In August, the Government announced a public inquiry into Letby's crimes, with another of the country's most senior judges slated to lead the probe.

Hearings may not happen until autumn this year but work has already started.

It was reported earlier this year that Letby was given a key to her own cell, according to a report, with a prison insider describing her cushy new life on the inside as being like a 'hotel - but you're surrounded by criminals'.

Having the key to her cell means that Letby can lock herself away from fellow inmates if she feels threatened by them.

It is believed that keys are handed to the residents of category A HMP Bronzefield as a reward for good behaviour on the inside.

The move caused significant upset for the grieving parents of Letby's victims.
On Sunday, Russia urged Ukraine to deport several people, including the head of the country's SBU security service, over claims they are connected with "terrorist" acts.

The SBU instantly rejected the Russian demand as "pointless" and claimed that the Russian foreign ministry had "forgotten" that Russian President Vladimir Putin was the target of an international arrest warrant.

Russia Demands Extradition of Ukraine Security Chief

A Russian foreign ministry statement has listed the violent incidents that occurred in Russia since the country's full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These incidents include explosions that resulted in the deaths of a war blogger and a prominent nationalist's daughter, as well as one that gravely injured a writer.

According to the ministry, the investigation revealed that "the traces of these crimes lead to Ukraine."

The statement said that Russia has turned over to Ukrainian authorities its demands for the immediate arrest and extradition of all those connected to the terrorist acts in question.

Vasyl Maliuk, the chief of the SBU, was included in the statement to be handed over. Maliuk has admitted that his agency was responsible for the strikes on the bridge that connects Crimea with the Russian mainland.

The ministry statement said that the Russian side pressed that the Kyiv regime directly end all support for terrorist activity, deport guilty parties, and compensate the victims for damages.

It added that Ukraine's violation of its obligations under anti-terrorist conventions will result in it being held accountable in international legal terms.

Furthermore, the SBU said the Russian demands sound particularly cynical coming from the terrorist state itself, and any words from the Russian foreign ministry are pointless.

It referred to the international criminal court's arrest warrant for Putin, which was issued in relation to the repatriation of Ukrainian minors to Russia. It stated, "The tribunal in The Hague is waiting for him."

Read Also : US Senator Van Hollen Urges Biden to Stop Sending Bombs to Israel as Gazans Face Growing Famine

Russian Investigators Probe Moscow Concert Shooting

The Russian statement mentioned the horrifying incident that occurred earlier this month at a music hall outside of Moscow and left 144 people dead.

Three children were among the dead, Ria cited the regional healthcare ministry as saying on Saturday. According to earlier statements from the authorities, five children were among the victims, and about sixty people were in critical condition.

The attack was blamed on Islamic State, and US officials stated that they had evidence proving that Islamic State Khorasan Province, also known as Isis-K, the network's Afghan affiliate, was responsible.

Kyiv has denied any involvement in the incident, but Russian investigators said last week that they had evidence linking the concert hall attackers to "Ukrainian nationalists."

Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's investigative committee, the country's most important criminal investigation body, announced on Sunday that efforts were underway to identify the attacker.
A group studying nicotine consumption in Washington, D.C. found that all of the vape devices they collected were made in China

It was a rainy, overcast day in southeast, Washington, D.C., as workers sifted through public trash cans, gutters and streets in search of nicotine products.

The street cleaners and their supervisors were conducting a study to find out what products - either tobacco or vape-based - the community had been consuming.

It was the researchers' final day digging through trash around the district and the miles-long slog through the slurries of rain Wednesday culminated a week that produced pounds of cigarette and colorful e-cigarette packaging.

The results were shocking.

Every vape product collected by the team on Wednesday - 100 percent - were made in China and illegally sold in the U.S.

Bao'an District, Dongguan City and Guangming District are just some of the foreign localities where the devices originated before traveling over 8,000 miles to D.C.

WSPM Group researchers conducted a study in Washington, D.C. over the past weeks to determine what nicotine products district residents are consuming

The research firm collected both tobacco and vape-based products from 84 different neighborhoods around the district

Out of all of the e-cigarette devices collected Wednesday all of them - 100 percent - were manufactured in China and illegally sold in the U.S.

The study was conducted by WSPM Group, an international market research firm, that has done similar studies across the globe for the last two decades.

The company's founder Daniel Touati, confirmed in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'Indeed a very high percentage (if not all) are Chinese products most probably smuggled into the USA.'

None of the vapes recovered Wednesday were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Their study included 84 different neighborhoods in D.C.

Former ATF agent Peter Forecelli, who attended the study on Wednesday, said he was shocked that all of the recovered vape products were made in China.

'With these vaping products, we don't know what they're putting in there,' Forcelli exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'And when we consider what they're putting into counterfeit pills that they make, it's actually quite terrifying when you think about it.'

'It's not comforting to see these profits going into the hands of Chinese entities because we know the Chinese government has a hand in every company.'

He said that he is concerned because 'there's no regulation' in China regarding e-cigarette manufacturing.

'I mean, what are they breathing into their lungs?'

And the FDA might not know the answer to that question.

To date, the FDA has only approved 23 vape devices for legal use in the U.S.

Despite this, illegal foreign manufactured vapes abound in U.S. bodegas, gas stations and corner stores.

These e-cigarette's ingredients, health impacts and implications are unknown and untested.

Last year, DailyMail.com even found that a store just 250 yards from the FDA headquarters was selling kid-friendly watermelon and bubblegum flavored illegal vapes.

The illicit vape devices mostly came from the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Shenzhen

Workers scan the streets of D.C. for vape and tobacco debris

Many lawmakers have taken note of the booming illegal market and have sent letters to the FDA seeking guidance on why they are allowing the wholesale distribution of the illicit goods.

'Law-abiding American companies wait years, spend millions of dollars, and comply with strict restrictions on flavors and marketing in order to gain FDA approval for their products,' Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., wrote to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. in February.

'Meanwhile, unscrupulous Chinese companies send shipping containers full of illegal e-cigarettes into our country every day, right under the nose of the FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).'

'FDAs attempts at enforcement have proven totally inadequate,' he continued.

Democrats have also been alarmed by the proliferation of illegal vape devices.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., also wrote a letter to Califf, saying, 'there is absolutely no reason why FDA continues to permit unauthorized e-cigarettes to remain on store shelves.'

'FDA has the tools and the authority to clear the market of unauthorized products today, yet the agency instead is granting a free pass to scores of vaping products that are harming the health of children in our country,' Durbin continued.

Another letter written by House lawmakers to the FDA stressed the impact the illegal vapes are having on America's youths.

'Deeply concerning to us, in 2023, 10 percent of high schoolers and 4.6 percent of middle schoolers, or 2.1 million youth, used e-cigarettes,' the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers wrote.

They also mention how flavored nicotine vape devices are banned in China.

'An estimated 90 percent of illicit vaping products without pre-market authorization arrive in the United States from manufacturers in [China], where flavored vaping products have been banned since 2022 for the Chinese domestic market.'

Elf Bar disposable vape flavored vaping e-cigarette products are displayed in a convenience store in June 2023. The FDA has announced fines for retailers selling the devices in February 2024

In response to a request for comment, an FDA spokesperson sent DailyMail.com past agency press releases on recent enforcement actions cracking down on illicit vapes.

It is unclear if FDA Commissioner Califf has responded to the lawmakers.

Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Dick Durbin did not return a request for comment.
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This video is no longer available

Former Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has revealed the heartbreaking moment he received a phone call telling him his son had been in a parachuting accident which would later claim his life.

Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, 33, died on March 6 after an accident at the RAAF Base in Richmond, about 50km north of Sydney.

Jack suffered critical head injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Mr Fitzgibbon, who held the position of Australia's defence minister from 2007 to 2009, struggled to fight back tears as he candidly spoke about his son's death, saying his heart was 'still breaking'.

In an interview with Sky News host Erin Molan, who was also at times in tears, the father said receiving the call was 'the worst moment of my life'.

He'd first been told about the accident while at a restaurant in Sydney and was trying to stay optimistic his son may pull through.

He then received another call from Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles when he was on his way to Westmead Hospital

'(I was) trying to think the best but when Richard Marles called me about halfway out there (to the hospital), you know, having made those calls myself, I knew that for the minister, to be advised it was very, very serious,' he said.

'I used to be making these calls, never expecting to be receiving one.'

Joel Fitzgibbon (pictured) broke down in tears in a television interview as he spoke of the moment he received the dreaded phone call that his son Jack had been critically injured

Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon (pictured right) died on March 6 while he was performing a routine drill at an RAAF base in Richmond in Sydney's northwest when his parachute failed to open

It is understood Jack's parachute failed to open during a training exercise with the 33-year-old using a knife to try and free himself in order to deploy his reserve chute.

The knife was found at the ends of the qualified parachutist's fingertips after he hit the ground following the 14,000ft jump.

Mr Fitzgibbon said he was 'comforted' by the fact his son died doing something he loved and lost his life in service for his country.

'The Fitzys are nothing if not tough and resilient, well get through it, we're tough,' he said.

'Two weeks on we're laughing more than we're crying.'

He also opened up about meeting another grieving father at a Commando Welfare Trust.

'At one point in the conversation, I realised that it seemed to me like he lost his son some time ago. And I asked him, ''when did you lose your son?'' ''15 years ago'',' he said.

'And he was still shattered. So, that gave me a bit of a fright,' Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The former defence minister said he was never worried about Jack 'jumping out of aeroplanes' and was more cautious of what his son would get up to with his mates.

'I mean your son is jumping out of aeroplanes at 24,000 feet, it doesn't seem very rational but you convince yourself he'll be okay,' he said.

'His mother worried more than I did but not excessively but of course he'd always [say] you know, ''it'll be alright mum''.

Through tears, Mr Fitzgibbon said he would miss texting Jack during the footy, with both father and son avid followers of the Newcastle Knights.

He said he'd lost interest in the things he once shared with Jack.

Mr Fitzgibbon said through tears would miss texting Jack (pictured) during the footy with both father and son avid Newcastle Knights fans

'I'm sure that will come back. But texting him, that opportunity, will never come back,' Mr Fitzgibbon said.

When asked if he'd looked back through texts with his son, he wiped away tears as he said 'yes'.

Inquiries are currently being made into the cause of Jack's death.

'We're not going to be an angry family obviously we sort of are embedded in the defence family ourselves,' he said.

'We owe it to Jack and those who will still jump or are still jumping to ask the hard questions.

'He'll be forever on our minds. We don't need a birthday or something significant (to remember him).'

Following Jack's death, Mr Fitzgibbon provided an emotional statement to Acting Special Operations Commander of the Australian Defence Force, brigadier James Kidd, in remembrance of his son.

'We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful Jack,' he wrote.

'Serving in the special forces was Jack's dream job and we take comfort from the fact he died serving his nation.

'Our lives will never be the same without Jack, but we will always remain proud of him and his many achievements.'

Jack leaves behind his sisters Caitlin and Grace, his mother Dianne and father Joel.
A chance to rub shoulders with Hollywood stars and royals at film premieres would be beyond the dreams of most local council officials or pen-pushers. But for those representing the sleepy market town of East Grinstead in Sussex, attending glitzy celebrity events and meeting A-listers is seen as a perk of the job.

Take, for instance, the picture of yoga teacher and former East Grinstead mayor Julie Mockford 'just chillin' with her 'pal' Tom Cruise on a Mission: Impossible film set in 2018.

Or more recently, the snap of the current mayor of East Grinstead, Frazer Visser, with Cruise last year. 'I had the unforgettable experience of attending the premiere of Tom Cruise's newest Mission: Impossible film in Leicester Square, along with some previous mayors,' he said.

No one would want to rob civic dignitaries of celebrity moments, but such photo-opportunities are starting to raise eyebrows.

For Tom Cruise is of course heavily involved with Scientology, which has long been established in East Grinstead. And the cosy relationship between Scientologists and local politicians is causing mounting concern among critics and council insiders.

The church of Scientology has had a base in East Grinstead ever since L Ron Hubbard bought Saint Hill Manor just outside the town in 1959. The Georgian country house served as its worldwide headquarters until 1967 and still plays a significant role in its global operation

Current mayor of East Grinstead, Frazer Visser, right, met Tom Cruise at the Mission: Impossible premiere in Leicester Square in July last year

They claim that town, district and even county councillors are 'tapped up' by Scientologists the moment they are elected, while the mayor is dazzled and made to 'feel like he's Sadiq Khan'.

They allege that the Scientologists use flattery and inducements to increase their influence over the council, and there are fears that some councillors may be sympathetic towards the controversial religion.

East Grinstead Town Council last night denied there was an inappropriate relationship between councillors and any 'community group', and said all hospitality it receives from such groups is declared properly.

For its part, the Church of Scientology, which is considered an 'anti-constitutional sect' by the German government (although it has not been banned), said it has been 'deeply involved' in East Grinstead life for decades and seeks only to 'make things better for all'.

A spokesman added: 'To suggest that there is anything wrong with a religious organisation doing this, or working closely with elected officials and many other people of goodwill is not only ridiculous, it is frankly bigotry.'

Scientology maintains that it is a genuine religious movement.

Whatever the case, a Mail investigation has established that the Scientologists have certainly become involved in the affairs of local politicians in East Grinstead to a considerable degree.

Local council representatives have attended a number of Scientology events; the church's controversial leader David Miscavige has been given a guided tour of council offices; the local fire service has been using the Scientologists' headquarters for training and was offered 50,000 by the church; and the Scientologists were involved in running East Grinstead's Christmas lights switch-on ceremony as well as a celebration for the Coronation of King Charles.

Of course, the church is a large organisation and, as such, may be expected to take part in civic life of the town where it is based.

But in the eyes of some it is also deeply contentious.

Scientology is a set of beliefs and practices dreamt up by sci-fi writer L Ron Hubbard, who founded the church in 1952.

Its accusers say it is a profit-hungry business rather than a religion, charging large sums to members for 'self-improvement' courses.

The Church's controversial leader David Miscavige has been given a guided tour of council offices

The Church of Scientology allowed West Sussex Fire and Rescue to use Saint Hill's grounds for training, although the fire service did turn down its offer of a 50,000 donation

Its 'revelations' about existence include the claim that Earth was populated 75million years ago by billions of extra-terrestrials led by Xenu, a ruler of a 'Galactic Confederacy', who then annihilated every living soul on Earth  or 'Teegeeack', as the planet was then known  by dropping them into volcanoes before blowing them up with hydrogen bombs.

Their spirits are said to adhere to humans, and to be the source of many of our problems.

The church has faced accusations of exploitation and abuse from former members, as well as 'brainwashing', although has always denied all such allegations, arguing that it is unfairly misrepresented and maligned.

In September last year, the US actor Danny Masterson, a former Scientologist, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape. He was a member of the church when he committed the offences in 2003, and prosecutors alleged he used his prominence in the organisation  the two women he was found guilty of raping were also members  to avoid facing justice for decades.

Scientology officials have denied 'scandalous allegations that the church harassed the accusers', saying the claims have been 'debunked' and that portions of the Masterton trial testimony regarding the organisation were 'uniformly false'.

Meanwhile, in the US, David Miscavige is facing a lawsuit on behalf of three former members of the church accusing him of trafficking them into his organisation as children and forcing them to work for little to no pay. The church and Miscavige have repeatedly denied the allegations.

The church has had a base in East Grinstead ever since L Ron Hubbard bought Saint Hill Manor, surrounded by 60 acres, just outside the town in 1959. The attractive Georgian country house served as its worldwide head-quarters until 1967 (it is now in Florida) and still plays a significant role in its global operation.

Why East Grinstead? Despite talk of the area's ley lines  ancient alignments in the landscape believed to have spiritual significance  the most likely explanation is that the town is just an hour on the train from London and close to Gatwick airport.

And the house came up for sale at a moment the Scientologists were intent on expansion beyond America. Tom Cruise is a frequent guest at Saint Hill, while Grease star John Travolta, another prominent Scientologist, made headlines when he tried to book a table for his entourage at a nearby branch of KFC.

Scientology's presence in East Grinstead largely goes unnoticed by residents, but campaigners and council insiders increasingly fear local dignitaries are excessively in thrall to the church's money and celebrity potential.

Scientology is a set of beliefs and practices dreamt up by sci-fi writer L Ron Hubbard, second right, who founded the church in 1952. The writer pictured here with his wife Mary and four children Suzette, Quentin, Arthur and Diana in 1959

Scientology's presence in East Grinstead largely goes unnoticed by residents, but campaigners and council insiders increasingly fear local dignitaries are excessively in thrall to the church's money and celebrity potential

For it was not just town mayor Frazer Visser who attended the Mission: Impossible premiere. (He's described the church as a 'valued and large part of East Grinstead'.) Three representatives of the town's county and district councils were also pictured at the May 2022 premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, which was attended by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate.

Sujan Wickremaratchi, the vice chair of West Sussex County Council, posted photographs of the event on social media alongside the comment: 'Great to see Tom Cruise and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Walking on the red carpet with my daughter was just wow.'

Rex Whittaker, a former mayor of East Grinstead who is now a Mid Sussex councillor, also attended. Mr Wickremaratchi declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail, and Julie Mockford, a current Mid Sussex councillor, did not respond to requests about her time with Cruise on the Mission: Impossible set. Nor did Mr Whittaker.

Nothing wrong with that, many will say. But such largesse from the church appears to be part of a pattern. Back in 2012, it was accused of 'grooming' City of London Police officers with gifts worth thousands of pounds  including invitations to film premieres  ahead of the opening of a new central London Scientology headquarters. Again, the church denied it had done anything wrong.

In the late 2000s, MPs expressed concerns that the church had made donations of thousands of pounds to both the Labour and Tory parties as part of an extensive lobbying operation to promote its drug treatment programme, Narconon. The church said informing MPs about its programmes was 'a responsibility of ours' and maintains that Narconon is effective.

Meanwhile, in East Grinstead, local apparatchiks appear to be devoting a significant amount of time to Scientology events.

This includes the annual gathering of the International Association of Scientologists, which sees thousands of members flock to Saint Hill each year to hear Mr Miscavige speak. Last year's event, held from November 3 to 5, was attended by representatives of Mid Sussex and West Sussex councils, as well as the current mayor and five former mayors of East Grinstead.

Mims Davies, the minister for disabled people, health and work, also attended, telling this newspaper it was in her role as local MP: 'Doing so doesn't convey my support beyond my gratitude for money raised in aid of numerous local good causes passed on at this event which takes place every year.'

Mayor Frazer Visser gave a speech and took to the stage to receive a 50,000 donation for the local Queen Victoria Hospital where he works as a medical photographer, according to his LinkedIn page.

There is, of course, no suggestion he or any attendees of the event did any wrong.

Mr Visser also switched on Scientology's Christmas lights at Saint Hill on November 25. He said he has attended around 100 events for 'all types of organisations, communities and groups' as mayor, adding: 'Only three of which were hosted by the Church of Scientology and open to the general public.'

Records show that nine current or former East Grinstead councillors plus a clerk have accepted gifts or hospitality from Scientology since 2019, with each of these declared as worth more than 40. A church representative also attends every full council meeting, which are of course open to interested members of the public.

Anti-Scientology protesters at the entrance gates of the Church's UK headquarters in East Grinstead last November

Scientology leader Mr Miscavige was given a guided tour of the beautiful Grade II-listed, 18th century mansion that serves as the council's headquarters and he even offered to pay for a set of sash windows that needed replacing.

In keeping with the community spirit, the church also allowed West Sussex Fire and Rescue to use Saint Hill's grounds for training, although the fire service did turn down its offer of a 50,000 donation.

Such is the concern among some in the community that they have described Scientology as 'having a grip' over the town council and said the church's involvement with public events means they are 'practically partners'.

Alexander Barnes-Ross, a former Scientologist turned campaigner against it, said: 'If you look at Scientology policy, it is very clear that the goal isn't to help the local community, it's to assert control over the local government and influence decision makers.

'That is exactly what Scientology has been trying to do since they set up shop in East Grinstead in 1959. Now it has got to the point that it is so embedded in the local councils that it is starting to get very worrying.'

He added: 'The majority of the council are basically under the influence of Scientology.

'If it isn't stopped now this control will grow over the coming years and it's only a matter of time before they have someone in a position of authority.'

These claims are unlikely to cut much ice with public servants such as former town mayor Dick Sweatman, who is now a Mid Sussex councillor.

Judging by emails obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, Mr Sweatman is happy to help the Scientologists when appropriate  he inquired, for instance, about having a road closed on behalf of the church after it became apparent that protesters were planning to hold a rally outside Saint Hill.

Why shouldn't he, he asks  explaining that he made his inquiries to find out who the church should best speak to about the road closure, and that he would 'point anybody in the right direction' in similar circumstances.

Nor is it the first time he has offered his assistance.

A former chair of the district planning committee, he has been involved in decisions when Saint Hill was granted permission for major building work, including in one case a 2017 retrospective application that angered locals, who claimed it had brought noise and light pollution and what they said was the destruction of wildlife habitats.

There is no suggestion that Mr Sweatman did anything wrong. Mr Sweatman has featured in slick Scientology PR videos and in one of them says the town is 'extremely grateful to the church'.

He is not alone in thinking so, given that others  including former mayor Julie Mockford and two other councillors  were happy to feature in the same video. Another former mayor, Rex Whittaker, is in it too, standing next to Mr Miscavige at a Saint Hill event.

'Saint Hill has given us nothing but support,' enthuses one Mid Sussex councillor who thanks the church in the video for its friendship and warmth, saying it is 'greatly appreciated'.

And yet, the question remains. Are the councillors too close to the church?

Indeed, East Grinstead council has now been accused by Scientology critics of censorship. Earlier this year, it removed a section of a recorded town council meeting in which members of the public raised concerns about its relationship with the church.

The council insisted this was done for legal reasons 'to protect those individuals making the allegations', but critics are unconvinced.

Mr Barnes-Ross, who joined the church in 2011 aged 15 and left in 2014, is the first British former member to speak out in more than a decade. He said the councillors' 'close relationship' with the church is deeply worrying and their heads were being turned by celebrity events.

'Scientology is looking for any sort of claim to legitimacy. They play the long game,' he said.

'They basically took over the town of Clearwater in Florida,' he said, adding that they have bought up many buildings in the area. 'They started very slowly and supported the campaigns of Scientology-friendly council candidates. They're doing exactly the same thing here in East Grinstead.'

An East Grinstead council spokesman is adamant that nothing is amiss: 'Councillors have interaction in a year with many of their community groups... Community groups often volunteer to help with the delivery of town events and the Church of Scientology has also done so. They have not been part of the organisation of any events.'

As for the church itself, it dismissed Mr Barnes-Ross's claims and insisted: 'We support our local councillors in performing public service as they give a great deal of their own time to serve their town and county and they deserve support in what they do. We are not aware that attending a charity fundraiser at Saint Hill is considered a 'perk' but are not surprised that it is an enjoyable event.'

More enjoyable still for councillors, though, will be the next red carpet photo-opportunity with Tom Cruise.
Haitians have little to cheer about at the best of times  but a fortnight ago, the inhabitants of the capital Port-au-Prince erupted on to the streets in celebration.

Tragically, it was for the most macabre of reasons. Two suspected members of a local criminal gang that had been terrorising the smart neighbourhood of Petion-Ville had been captured by vigilantes and their bloody corpses were being dragged down a street to be lynched. They had been shot dead minutes earlier in a gun battle with police.

As shocking video footage of the incident confirmed, one of them  the gang's leader, known as Makandal  had already had his hands hacked off.

Excited children mingled with men brandishing machetes in the large crowd that accompanied the grim procession, as people chanted 'Viv la polis!', or 'Long live the police!'. The bodies of the two men were set on fire minutes later to cries of 'Ole, ole, ole!' from bystanders.

It was a bloody denouement in the near-civil war now raging between warring gangs on one side and police and vigilantes on the other in this eternally blighted Caribbean country. Such is the anarchy and carnage that has engulfed this impoverished and crumbling land that a horrified United Nations boss has compared it to a scene from the dystopian movie Mad Max.

The gangs are an old menace in Haiti. Thousands of their members  many still in their teens  roam the streets, some with a red cloth wrapped around the muzzles of their guns following a superstition that the colour will protect them from bullets

Police, desperately out-gunned and under-manned, are openly colluding with the vigilantes

Gang leader Makandal and his associate had received justice from a new civilian vigilante movement called Bwa Kale. The situation's so desperate, some hail this terrifying development as the only solution to the the heavily armed gangs who now control an estimated 80 per cent of the capital.

Police, desperately out-gunned and under-manned, are openly colluding with the vigilantes. They have reportedly taken on the gangs together in joint operations in which the so-called 'self-defence brigades' are sometimes armed only with machetes, hammers and even just their bare hands.

On occasions, the vigilantes mount roadblocks so streets and houses can be searched for gang members. If men are judged to be members they are burned, sometimes alive.

Critics decry the Bwa Kale killings  which have left a tell-tale trail of charred patches of ground across the city  saying innocent people are losing their lives, and this is just another form of gang warfare that will only spark even worse violence.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, has long been dysfunctional and violence-plagued. To make matters worse, Port-au-Prince  the epicentre of the fighting  still hasn't recovered from a 2010 earthquake that killed more than 220,000 people.

Now, with the capital in a state of emergency and under a night-time curfew, the city is once more strewn with corpses decomposing in the tropical heat. Passers-by pause only long enough in the dangerous streets to cover up the blood-spattered remains with cloths and cardboard boxes  to spare passing children the gruesome sight.

The gangs are an old menace in Haiti. Thousands of their members  many still in their teens  roam the streets, some with a red cloth wrapped around the muzzles of their guns, following a voodoo superstition that the colour will protect them from bullets. They are often as poor as the rest of the population but their guns  assault weapons, high-powered rifles, pump-action shotguns and pistols  all look brand new.

Most of the guns have been bought from the U.S., then smuggled into Haiti on container ships. In 2022, Haitian officials even found a haul of weapons hidden in a shipment going from Florida to a local Episcopal church.

Canadian soldiers stand guard by the Canadian embassy as violence spreads and armed gangs expand their control over the capital Port-au-Prince

Haitians fight to use a fuel pump at a petrol station after gangs blocked off all roads into the city causing shortages in food, fuel and other supplies

Schools and businesses remain shuttered for fear of crossfire or being subjected to extortion, and many people are trapped in their homes by the fighting. But, even there they aren't safe, as gangs burst in, ransacking them and raping women.

The UN last week said more than 1,500 people have been killed in gang violence so far this year, in what it called a 'cataclysmic situation' in which the country's state institutions are 'close to collapse'. UN expert William O'Neill said Haitians are trapped in an 'open prison', cut off from the world.

Leaving their homes to go to the market 'is a life-threatening venture for them', while the police may not be able to resist the gangs much longer, he added.

The gangs are blocking off all roads into the city, as well as the port, which has cut off supplies. Shops are running out of food, petrol stations out of fuel, banks out of money and hospitals are now low on blood supplies.

In fact, only one public hospital in Port-au-Prince remains open. Medical staff who are caught treating police or rival gang members risk being killed.

Armed gangs have played a brutal role in Haitian politics ever since the 29-year dictatorship of the notorious 'Papa Doc' Francois Duvalier and his son, Jean Claude, or 'Baby Doc', which used the deeply sinister Tonton Macoute, a voodoo-influenced paramilitary secret police that killed with impunity.

The gangs survived the end of Duvalier rule in 1986, and were patronised by other unscrupulous politicians who used them to massacre their opponents, break strikes and terrorise the general electorate.

U.S. officials estimate that more than 300 gangs with a combined 7,200 members have now put aside their usual rivalries to unite against the common enemy of the dwindling forces of law and order. Haiti's police force is nominally just 9,000-strong to serve a country of 11 million people.

The recent carnage came after its beleaguered prime minister, Ariel Henry, flew to Kenya to persuade the African country to speed up its UN-approved donation of 1,000 police officers to help bring order to Haiti.

The gangs exploited his absence to go on the rampage, storming two of Haiti's biggest prisons and freeing more than 4,000 prisoners, burning down government buildings and attacking a dozen police stations in a concerted strike. They even assaulted the airport, leaving the building pock-marked with bullet holes.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, has long been dysfunctional and violence-plagued

Meanwhile, Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon, who'd failed to get the help he needed from Kenya, was stranded in Puerto Rico. His brief leadership of the country began under bloodied duress when, in 2021, Haiti's then president, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated.

Henry has antagonised many Haitians  including the gangs  who accuse him of increasing poverty and regarded him as politically illegitimate. They have condemned him for delaying new elections  including for Moise's successor as president  to the point that the terms of all elected officials have now run out.

Almost two weeks ago, still unable to return to Haiti, Henry bowed to popular clamour for his resignation, and said he would step down after a transitional presidential council was put in place and an interim leader selected.

The violence only worsened and spread into the city's more upmarket neighbourhoods  like Petion-Ville, where the latest two vigilante lynchings occurred  as Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier, one of the most powerful gang leaders, extends his reign of terror to the 'stinking bourgeoisie' he despises.

Claiming to be a revolutionary and champion of the common people, the bloodthirsty ex-cop has threatened to attack hotels where 'the traditional politicians' may be staying. Last week, he declared he will only consider a ceasefire if armed groups are allowed to take part in talks to establish a new government.

An eyewitness to the bloodshed in Petion-Ville, home to most of the capital's embassies and upmarket hotels, said he was almost shot himself as gangster looters entered the district.

'I saw a group of guys holding 9mm guns,' he told the Mail. 'I was lying behind a tree trying to get cover. Those guys asked no questions. They just came and shot people.'

Hundreds of thousands of Haitians have fled their homes, but most have nowhere to go. The airport and seaport are closed, and the only alternative is a risky journey along roads patrolled by the gangs to the border with the Dominican Republic.

This week also saw helicopter evacuations from Port-au-Prince as the remaining Americans were flown to safety in the Dominican Republic.

So what next for Haiti? Who will eventually lead this benighted nation is anyone's guess. Given the way the country is going, it might even be 'Barbecue' Cherizier.

Four years ago, he pledged to sweep away Haiti's despised political elites in an 'armed revolution', vowing: 'We will put guns in the hands of every child if we have to.'

But he is charismatic as well as ruthless, announcing the coalition's formation on YouTube wearing a three-piece suit. He insists that his nickname is just as charming, coming from his mother's famous grilled chicken  not from his predilection for setting fire to his enemies' homes with them inside, as is reputed.

Portraying himself as the saviour of Haiti, he is something of a Robin Hood figure, despite invoking UN sanctions for his gang's alleged massacres of slum dwellers and the financial extortion that has shattered the country's fragile economy.

He wants there to be elections, but many suspect the presidential candidate he has in mind is none other than himself. Even for Haitians struggling just to stay alive, that must be a sobering thought.

Additional Reporting: Wilner Bossou in Port-au-Prince
This is the shocking moment a bus driver is shoved and shouted at by an angry passenger who claims he didn't stop for him - while his confused young daughter watches on.

The clip, posted to X, formerly Twitter, shows the confrontation yards away from where the 364 bus is parked near what appears to be a council estate in London.

Police have said they are aware of the footage which sees the father swear and point his finger at the driver before pushing him with both hands and warning he is 'coming back' for him.

The man, dressed in a leather jacket with a red cap and sunglasses, can initially be heard shouting aggressively at the driver, who seems to be walking in the area while on his break.

He appears to be upset that he was not seen by the driver while hailing him from outside a shop earlier in the day.

Video footage has revealed the shocking moment a bus driver is shoved and shouted at by an angry man, while his confused young daughter watches on

The father's anger comes to a head at this point and he shoves the driver with both hands. Escaping any further conflict, the bus driver steps down from the ledge, puts his hands in his pockets and stares at the enraged father from below

The alarmed bus driver tries to argue back and claims that he had not seen the man, whose child is standing a few yards behind him.

But soon the infuriated father starts raising his voice further and swearing, while pointing his finger at the driver.

Pushing himself up very close to the bus staff member, the man says: 'I'll tell you what, I'm going to drop my kid off...and you're on this route all f****** day, I'm going to f****** come for you, you little p****.'

He then shouts: 'Do you understand? Do you understand?'

By now the bus driver has decided to stop responding to the irate man and remains silent during the interrogation.

The father's anger then comes to a head and he shoves the driver with both hands.

The cameraman intervenes at this point and says, 'that is assault', before advising the bus driver to 'not do anything' and 'just leave him'.

The man continues to encroach on the driver and forces him closer to a ledge above some stairs while his daughter starts shouting and gesturing towards the road.

Escaping any further conflict, the bus driver steps down from the ledge, puts his hands in his pockets and stares at the enraged father from below.

The man then begins to walk away from the scene but not before he uses more expletives and points aggressively again at the driver.

He adds: 'He's seen me put me arm out outside the shop.

'He literally carried on f****** driving.

'I've got a three-year-old, I'm coming back for you, you p****.'

The father then shouts back at the driver as he walks off and says: 'Probably catch you at Ilford, yeah?'

The clip, which has received over 1.6million views on X, was posted on Saturday.

The man then begins to walk away from the scene but not before he uses more expletives and points aggressively again at the driver

The 364 bus, which is parked by the scene of the fracas, runs between Dagenham East and Hainault Street in the centre of Ilford in east London where the man suggested he might see the bus driver later in the day.

A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police are aware of the footage and in contact with Transport for London.

'Anyone who can identify the man seen confronting the bus driver in the video is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC quoting ref 5526/31Mar'.
Four out of ten parents who send their children to private schools are likely to withdraw them if Labour imposes VAT on fees, a survey suggests.

Some 18 per cent of parents said they would 'definitely' take their child out of independent education under Sir Keir Starmer's proposals, while 21 per cent would 'probably' do so.

Some parents surveyed said they would be forced to take second jobs or even remortgage their homes to keep paying the fees.

The 39 per cent nationwide withdrawal figure rises to 46 per cent in the Midlands, where Labour struggled in 2019, and 43 per cent in the South East, where the party is hoping to make inroads.

Mark Ashbridge, managing director of Ashbridge Partners, which carried out the research of 1,000 parents with at least one child at private school, said the results suggested the policy could hit families in poorer areas the hardest.

Some 18 per cent of parents said they would 'definitely' take their child out of independent education under Sir Keir Starmer 's proposals

Some parents surveyed said they would be forced to take second jobs or even remortgage their homes to keep paying the fees

He said: 'Labour's plans will certainly cause many parents to think twice about making that enormous financial commitment.

'It may hit those less prosperous parts of the country hardest.'

Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found Labour's plan would generate up to 1.5billion in additional revenue.

Labour says it would put the money into the state school system. Average annual fees for a private day school of 16,656 per year would rise to nearly 20,000 if VAT was added in full.

Last night independent school heads also warned of an increasing North-South divide in education if Labour presses ahead.

In Yorkshire, where Labour is targeting Red Wall seats lost for the first time in 2019, 46 per cent of the respondents said they are considering remortgaging their home to cover the increase, compared with 30 per cent nationally.

Last night Conservative MPs said the survey results were a clear sign that Labour must U-turn on the policy.

Robin Walker, chairman of the Education Select Committee, said: 'This research confirms the huge potential cost of Labour's ill thought-through tax grab, which will result in demand for precious places in our state-funded education system at a time when secondary schools are mostly full.'

Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found Labour's plan would generate up to 1.5billion in additional revenue

Tory MP Andrew Lewer (pictured), chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Independent Education and an Education Select Committee Member, said the policy will harm both the state and private sector

Patrick Roach (pictured), general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, warned that Labour's plans would cause some private schools to 'go to the wall'

Tory MP Andrew Lewer, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Independent Education and an Education Select Committee Member, said: 'The policy will harm both the state and private sector and will not generate the revenue that Labour says it will.'

Their comments came amid additional warnings from senior education leaders that the policy might further entrench the North-South divide in the UK.

Dr Simon Hinchliffe, headmaster of Bradford Grammar School, said Labour's plans were 'deeply concerning from a regional perspective'.

Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, warned that Labour's plans would cause some private schools to 'go to the wall', leading to more demand for places in state schools.

A Labour Spokesperson said: 'Labour will invest in a brilliant state education for every child paid for by ending private schools' tax breaks.

'Places that are funded by Education Health and Care Plans for children with special educational needs will not have a higher cost as a result of VAT.'
Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington has given viewers an impassioned warning not to click on convincing financial scams exploiting a fake interview between him and Sam Kerr.

The Sunrise host revealed on Monday that scammers have invented a fake interview between him and the Matilda's star to try to dupe people into signing up to a fraudulent investment platform.

'Do not click on the links. That is the only advice I can give you,' Shirvo told viewers.

'As many times as you ask the social media companies to report it to pull it down, it pops up somewhere else.'

He added: 'Don't do it. You'll lose your money.'

Sunrise host Matt Shirvington revealed on Monday that scammers have invented a fake interview between him and the Mathilda's star Sam Kerr to try to dupe people into signing up to a fraudulent investment platform (pictured is the fake interview)

Shaun White, consumer correspondent for Sunrise, revealed the station had received dozens of emails from concerned viewers who had been targeted with the scam, with some losing up to $10,000.

'The whole premise here was that they (the scammers) set up that it was a segment on Sunrise that you (and Sam Kerr) were arguing about how to make money through investment platforms,' White explained.

'But the whole premise here was to set up that trust, using your faces, that this was real. And then get people to click on a link to this face online trading platform and from there to get their financial information.'

White warned people not to take any investment advice over social media.

'Once they've established that report, they'll ask for about $250 through a credit card and then they'll start a small investment to build that trust,' he said.

Shaun White (pictured), consumer correspondent for Sunrise, revealed the station had received dozens of emails from concerned viewers who had been targeted with the scam, with some losing up to $10,000

'Then they might get you to download a third party platform and then that once that's happened, you're in a bit of trouble there because they've got access to you.

'They might ask you for the password to your online dashboard, and then they might even show you fake profits and then that's when they've really got you.'

Daily Mail Australia discovered a fake news article about the made-up interview between Shirvo and Kerr being used to advertise a fraudulent investment platform called Immediate Cipro 2.0.

The National Anti-Scam Centre warned consumers last month about these types of fake news articles and deepfake videos of public figures trying to convince people to sign up to fraudulent investment platforms.

Last year, Australians reported losing more than $8 million to online investment trading platform scams.

Sunrise host Matt Shirvington warned users not to take investment advice from social media (pictured with Nat Barr)

'We are urging Australians to take their time and do their research before taking up an investment opportunity  particularly those seen on social media,' Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

'Scammers are creating fake news articles and deepfake videos to convince people that celebrities and well-known public figures are making huge sums of money using online investment trading platforms, when in fact it is a scam.'

Ms Lowe said the ACCC was aware of one Australian man who lost $80,000 in cryptocurrency after clicking a link on a deepfake Elon Musk video on social media and entering his details.

'He was provided with an account manager and an online dashboard where he could see his investment supposedly making huge returns,' Ms Lowe added.

'But when he tried to withdraw the money  he was locked out of his account.'

Reports to Scamwatch indicate the most prolific online investment trading platform scam appears under the brand Quantum AI.

Others include Immediate Edge, Immediate Connect, Immediate X3, and Quantum Trade Wave.
A quick-thinking bank teller managed to save a woman from transferring $2,000 to a scammer overseas who she thought was her 'boyfriend'.

The woman, aged in her 60s, visited a NAB branch in Cranbourne, in Melbourne's southeast, in February wanting to send money to another account.

She told NAB Customer Advisor, Dilan Pathirannahalage, her boyfriend, who she hadn't met in real life and lives in Turkey, was unwell and needed $2,000 to fly to the UK for treatment.

The first red flag was the fact the customer didn't know her supposed boyfriend's surname.

Mr Pathirannahalage said as she scrolled through her texts trying to find his surname, he noticed the language of his messages was very affectionate.

NAB Customer Advisor, Dilan Pathirannahalage, (pictured) saved a woman from transferring $2,000 to a scammer she thought was her boyfriend

'The messages were very lovey dovey, and looked like they were getting increasingly coercive,' he said.

The NAB worker took the woman into a private room to try get to the bottom of what was happening.

She told him her boyfriend's account had been frozen so she needed to send the money to a friend of his in Sydney, who would then transfer it.

'The reason she didn't know who she was transferring the funds to was because she had never met the person on the other end of the line who she thought was her boyfriend, and so didn't know their friends either,' Mr Pathirannahalage said.

'Even though the holes in the scammer's story were clear to me, she was blinded by her love for him.

'These criminals are cunning and will prey on people's kindness to steal their money.'

While Mr Pathirannahalage was trying to explain to the woman she'd been scammed, her boyfriend then called her and demanded to know when the money was being transferred.

The NAB worker immediately contacted the fraud team to investigate and take action.

'I said ''I would never do this if I were you. I believe you are being scammed'',' he said.

The woman, aged in her 60s, visited a NAB branch in Cranbourne, in Melbourne 's southeast, in February wanting to send money to another account when alarm bells started to ring (stock image)

'In the moment, customers don't see you as someone protecting them from losing their money. You are the person who is breaking their heart.'

After speaking with the woman, the bank teller said she was grateful she'd been saved from losing an entire paycheck.

The amount of NAB customers becoming victims to romance scams has increased 29 per cent year-on-year.

Australians lost $33million to romance and friendship scams in 2023 alone, according to Scamwatch.
A last-minute attempt to reopen Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case will focus on how Network Seven's Spotlight program obtained thousands of Brittany Higgins's private text messages.

Former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach is understood to have sworn an affidavit claiming Mr Lehrmann was the source of the texts.

Justice Michael Lee was set to deliver his decision in Mr Lehrmann's defamation action against Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson in the Federal Court on Thursday.

However, on Sunday, the court revealed that Justice Lee would hear 'an urgent interlocutory application by Network Ten to reopen its case' on Tuesday night.

Ten will see to produce an affidavit prepared by Auerbach in which he claims Mr Lehrmann provided Spotlight with Ms Higgins's texts, news.com.au reported.

A last-minute attempt to reopen Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case reportedly turns on how Network Seven's Spotlight program obtained thousands of Brittany Higgins's private text messages. Mr Lehrmann is pictured

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Mr Lehrmann provided Spotlight with that material, only that Auerbach has sworn an affidavit claiming he did.

Lawyers for Mr Lehrmann have previously told Justice Lee their client did not leak Ms Higgins's phone records to Spotlight.

Auberach has threatened to sue Mr Lehrmann for defamation over an alleged saga involving a night out and thousands of dollars worth of Thai massages.

A News Corp story claimed Auerbach used a Seven credit card to book two $1,000 Thai massages - one for him and one for Mr Lehrmann - in the early hours of November 26, 2022.

It was also reported that Mr Lehrmann stayed at Auerbach's home in Elizabeth Bay for some hours after the massage, and expenses amounting to a total of $2,940 were charged to the corporate card.

The late-night meeting was said to have taken place during negotiations for Mr Lehrmann's exclusive interviews on Spotlight, which aired in June and August last year.

Justice Michael Lee was set to deliver his decision in Mr Lehrmann's defamation action against Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson (above) in the Federal Court on Thursday

It is understood Auerbach used the corporate card without the knowledge of key Spotlight staff. Text messages later emerged showing a senior producer, Steve Jackson, allegedly guiding Auerbach on how to reverse the massage transaction.

However, Mr Lehrmann denied Auerbach's version of events, telling media: 'It's an untrue and bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer.'

Justice Lee adjourned the defamation case in December following a five-week trial which heard evidence from former Liberal staffers Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins.

Ms Higgins has alleged Mr Lehrmann raped her inside their then-boss Linda Reynolds' Parliament House office in March 2019.

The allegations were aired on Channel Ten's The Project by Wilkinson in 2021.

Wilkinson's bombshell interview with Ms Higgins later triggered Mr Lehrmann's defamation case.

Mr Lehrmann was not named in the 2021 interview but claims he was still able to be identified.

He alleges there were four defamatory meanings aired in The Project's report and denies allegations he raped Ms Higgins.

Mr Lehrmann claims Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson defamed him during an interview with Brittany Higgins (pictured) in which she claimed she was raped in Parliament House

Ten and Wilkinson have defended the interview, saying it was true and in the public interest because it involved an alleged sexual assault in Parliament House.

Mr Lehrmann has sought extensive damages as compensation for the alleged toll the interview took on his reputation.

His criminal trial over the alleged rape in October 2022 was previously abandoned after a juror brought outside sources into the deliberation room.

Prosecutors did not seek a retrial due to concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health.

Justice Lee previously said he would begin writing his judgement the day after the defamation trial ended.

He has been handed more than 15,000 pages of transcript and 1,000 separate exhibits - including CCTV footage and audio recordings - since the trial began.

It is expected whichever party loses the multimillion-dollar trial will appeal the decision.

Justice Lee heard evidence from both Ms Higgins and Mr Lehrmann about what they claimed occurred in the office of Senator Linda Reynolds in Canberra in March 2019.

It is understood Ten sought an application to reopen the defamation trial after receiving information from former Seven producer Taylor Auerbach (pictured)

Ms Higgins said she went drinking with Mr Lehrmann and some colleagues and returned to Parliament House in the early hours of Saturday morning.

She alleged she woke up on Senator Reynolds' couch to find Mr Lehrmann on top of her and that, despite her protests, he continued with the assault.

A security guard told the court she found Ms Higgins naked and asleep in the office hours after he left.

READ MORE: Bruce Lehrmann dinner party uproar as guest is seen using a credit card to chop at a substance on a white plate at his rent-free apartment paid for by Channel Seven Advertisement

Mr Lehrmann has consistently claimed nothing sexual happened between him and his then-fellow Liberal staffer, and has vehemently denied raping her.

During the trial, Justice Lee saw Ms Higgins and Mr Lehrmann undergo aggressive cross-examination.

Both had their credibility successfully attacked.

Mr Lehrmann was caught using different reasons for why he had to return to Parliament House after hours, including that he was dropping documents off and that he had returned to drink whiskey.

He told the Federal Court he had gone back to add notes to Question Time folders after receiving information from work colleagues during drinks earlier that night.

It was the first time he was made to give evidence under oath in court as he exercised his right to remain silent during an earlier criminal trial, which was aborted due to juror misconduct.

Ten's lawyers told the court Mr Lehrmann as a 'fundamentally dishonest man' who was prepared to make bizarre, absurd lies in order to further his cause.

Ms Higgins also conceded her versions of events had changed over time, including an admission that a bruise in a photo sent to Ten might not have been caused during the alleged assault.

Most of the arguments from Mr Lehrmann's legal team centred on Ms Higgins' claims of a government cover-up to prevent the rape being reported.

Numerous documents and other evidence were used to show Ms Higgins did not experience pressure from her bosses to remain silent about what she claimed occurred.

Mr Lehrmann's lawyers have accused her of lying to keep her job after being found naked in her workplace.

Other witnesses at the defamation trial included a colleague who said she saw the pair kissing and touching each other before leaving for Parliament House that night.
A Texas retiree said her car was towed from her apartment parking spot due to a simple error she made when she registered for the space.

The Mesquite woman told FOX 4 her car was towed from the covered parking spot she pays for because of a one number mistake she made when she registered for the slot.

She said an apartment manager told her that her vehicle was towed from the spot she pays $15 a month for because her license plate had one wrong number on it and she was left with a $351 bill.

'[The documentation from the tow truck company] says no permit, reserved space, not registered online. Reality is, I do have a reserved spot, did register online. Due to a typo, it was towed,' she said.

'I'm retired and $350 is a lot of money. My income is fixed. I can't speak for everyone, but that is a big amount of money for me. I've never missed paying my rent. I've always paid on time.'

A Texas woman said her car was towed from the covered parking spot (pictured) she pays for because of a one number mistake she made when she registered for the slot

Her car was towed because the license plate had a '3' instead of a '2,' the rest of the plate number and make and model of the car matched up to what she registered

The woman was left with a $351 bill to return her car from impound which she said was difficult for her to cover as a retired woman on a fixed income

Her car was towed because the license plate had a '3' instead of a '2,' the rest of the plate number and make and model of the car matched up to what she registered.

'[The apartment manager] said, "Oh, it is one number off. That is the reason your car was towed,"' the woman said.

'I said, "Is there anything you can do to help me retrieve my vehicle?" She said, "No, you put it in, it was your error, your mistake. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. We don't show favoritism. If we do it for you, we have to do it for the whole apartment complex." I'm like, "Ma'am, I am not asking for any favoritism."'

FOX 4 reported that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has plans to discuss how to regulate the tow truck industry after an investigation by the local news station found many people had their cars towed from apartment complexes for simple mistakes.

An advisory board member said the department is seeing an increase in cars towed in connection to online registration requirements.

Las Colinas pharmaceutical legal analyst Ronnie Lewis brought the topic to the boards attention after his car was towed from a southern Dallas apartment complex.

Lewis said he was visiting a friends apartment had to park in a spot labeled 'future resident parking' because the visitor parking spots were blocked with trash cans.

'It all started when I was visiting a friend at an apartment complex. I came back to get my car, and it was gone. I thought it was stolen,' he told the local news station.

An investigation by FOX 4 found a trend that cars in low-income apartment communities were increasingly getting towed after they registered their vehicles online but made a typo

Las Colinas resident Ronnie Lewis brought Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Advisory board after his car was towed from a southern Dallas apartment complex

He went to court over the fine and a judge ruled that the apartment complex owed him $156 because there were no warning signs a car would be towed from the future resident parking.

Lewis read about FOX 4's 2019 investigation that a trend that cars in low-income apartment communities were increasingly getting towed after they registered their vehicles online but accidently made a typo and took the issue to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Advisory Board.

'I am not asking vehicles not to be towed, Im asking what TDLR can do to reduce the human error aspect and bring structure to the process,' he said.

Board member Ken Ulmer suggested adding the topic to the board's next agenda.

'I think it is an issue we need to be discussing and prepared for. I know we are seeing a lot more towing based on these electronic visitor programs,' said Ulmer.
Thousands of Israelis has taken to the streets of Jerusalem, indicating a significant demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is the largest one since the start of the conflict with Hamas.

Protests have erupted in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa as people rally for the freedom of the 130 hostages who have been held captive since October 7.

Hostages' Families Demand Netanyahu's Resignation

The hostages' family called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu an "obstacle" to a cease-fire and demanded his resignation. They asked that the militants from Hamas release the hostages by setting fires and using smoke flares.

"Enough killing, enough despair," was a scream heard in Tel Aviv. It happened right before Netanyahu's war cabinet meeting yesterday night, when he was scheduled to have surgery for a hernia.

According to officials, he will be completely unconscious. On Saturday night, the hernia was found during a normal check-up. Netanyahu reiterated his pledge that Israel will destroy Hamas yesterday and that he would be "back very soon" after his operation.

Netanyahu has promised to destroy Hamas and send all the captives back home, but many of their relatives feel that there is not much time left.

Boaz Atzili, whose cousin Aviv Atlizi and his wife Liat went missing on October 7, said, "We believe that no hostages will come back with this government because they're busy putting sticks in the wheels of negotiations for the hostages."

The body of Atzili's cousin, who was murdered during Hamas' attack on Israel, is still in Gaza.

"Netanyahu is only working in his private interests," he continued.

Hostage Talks Amid Protests, Netanyahu's Surgery

According to an Egyptian state-run TV station quoting security sources, hostage talks started on Sunday, although there were no indications that progress was going to be reached. Crowds of protesters surrounded the Knesset, the Israeli legislative building, for miles on Sunday.

They saw them gathering around bonfires, waving Israeli flags, and igniting flares. Some of the people fighting with the cops looked to be in prison. There were thousands of protesters in Tel Aviv as well, the site of the previous night's major demonstration.

On Sunday, his office declared that the surgery will proceed. A few minutes later, a representative of the Hadassah Medical Centre, at the location of the operation, declared that the process was "successful."

"In the operating room at Hadassah Ein Kerem, the hernia surgery of the prime minister of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, was successfully completed," according to a spokeswoman for Sky News.

The prime minister, as reported by surgical team leader Professor Alon Pikarski, was "awake, recovering and talking with his family".

In a televised statement before to the operation, Mr. Netanyahu acknowledged his sympathy for the suffering endured by the relatives of the hostages, but he added that calling for a new election almost two years ahead of schedule would simply put an end to hostage talks.

In the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where over half of the population is seeking refuge after escaping violence, Netanyahu again reiterated his call for a major ground invasion.

He said, "There is no victory without going into Rafah," and he wouldn't back down in the face of US pressure.

US and Israeli officials are reportedly planning to meet virtually on Monday to go over President Joe Biden's alternate plans to halt an assault on Rafah, according to Axios.
A row has broken out at Oxford University over new rules which will bar politicians from standing to be its new chancellor.

A leaked email surfaced at the weekend which suggested 'members of legislatures or those active in politics' would be blocked from the race.

It prompted concerns applications would be blocked from former Tory MPs such as Boris Johnson, and those who plan to stand down at the next election, such as Theresa May.

Both of them could still be considered to be 'active' in politics even if they are no longer MPs.

However, the university later issued a clarification, saying only elected representatives would be barred.

A row has broken out at Oxford University over new rules which will bar politicians from standing to be its new chancellor. A leaked email surfaced at the weekend which suggested 'members of legislatures or those active in politics' would be blocked from the race (pictured: All Souls College, Oxford)

It prompted concerns applications would be blocked from former Tory MPs such as Boris Johnson (pictured)

It is understood the new rule, the first of its kind in the history of chancellors, aims to bring the university's election standards into the modern day.

It would not stop former MPs or serving peers from applying to the role.

The current chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes, held the role for two decades and is a former Conservative chairman.

His predecessors included former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and Roy Jenkins, who served as Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In setting up an election for his replacement, the university hopes to attract candidates from a wide range of fields - as well as politics.

The original memo was sent out by Gillian Aitken, the university's registrar.

It prompted former Tory cabinet minister Damian Green to brand it 'a momentous and ill-advised change which at the very least should have been consulted on'.

He told The Sunday Telegraph: 'Top universities around the world seem to be determined to alienate mainstream opinion.'

But later, an Oxford spokesman appeared to row back from Ms Aitken's email, saying that individuals would only be barred if they planned to be an 'elected member of a legislature during their term as our next chancellor.'

The spokesman said that the intention had 'always been' just to prevent 'elected representatives' from standing.

They said: 'If an MP or councillor has announced they are standing down at the next election they could be considered as eligible by the election committee, chaired by Lord Reed, High Steward of Oxford University, subject to any other conflict of interest that is considered as being incompatible with the role.

The current chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes (pictured), held the role for two decades and is a former Conservative chairman

His predecessors included former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan (pictured)

'This would be considered by the committee when applications had closed.'

It comes after it was revealed the election of the new chancellor will be subject to a new pre-vetting process, whereby a staff committee will filter nominees 'having due regard to the principles of equality and diversity' before deciding who is allowed to stand.

A Conservative source accused the university of 'making it up as they go along, saying one thing in public and another in private'.
The shimmer and shine of the Sunshine State appears to be wearing off with American's who had moved to Florida during the pandemic with some now leaving after realizing the state is not all it is cracked up to be.

With an average of 250 days of sunshine each year, it's easy to see why the state's allure is strong, especially to those from northern climes where the cold and clouds rule - but after a stint in the south, some are giving up on the dream.

And it doesn't take long for those packing their backs to list any number of arguments as to why they have had enough.

While many who took part in the national migration south have fallen in love with the state, others have had enough of the extreme heat, hurricanes, dangerous native wildlife such as crocodiles and alligators, and rising cost of living.

Florida had a population boom during the pandemic, with more than 700,000 people moving there in 2022.

Florida appears to be is losing its shine as disillusioned newcomers find the state less idyllic than they had expected, despite plentiful sunshine and tax breaks

Florida is great for a beach vacation, but would you really want to live there forever? Plenty of people who made the move are now regretting it and heading back to where they came

The weather can be a huge draw for Florida, but the heat can be relentless with 250 days of sunshine on average each year

The weather can also be brutal with hurricanes a common occurrence and ever-present risk. Pictured, an American flag is seen amidst the wreckage of a home after a hurricane in Horseshoe Beach, Florida last August

The state with the biggest number of transplants was New York with 90,000 leaving the Empire State for Florida in 2022, according to census data, as reviewed by Shannon Pettypiece of NBC News.

Census Bureau data also reveals Florida was still the second-fastest-growing state as recently as July 2023, but there may soon be a sharp decline in such numbers with more people making a U-turn in their U-Haul trucks.

But while hundreds of thousands became Florida residents in 2022 lured by the promise of stunning weather, no income tax and lower costs overall, almost 500,000 left the same year.

Some of those who departed blame soaring insurance costs, a hostile political environment, worsening traffic and extreme weather.

When it comes to the cost of living, consumer prices in South Florida were up almost 5 percent year on year compared with 3.2 percent across the country.

Only a few years ago, Florida's housing market was at bargain basement prices but now it is quite the opposite with with prices up 60 percent since 2020.

The average house price is $388,500, according to Zillow. This is only slightly above the median U.S. home price which is around $384,000.

Florida is full of some unusual wildlife including this huge 12-foot, 600-pound alligator which was was found and captured outside a Florida mall in December

The allure of Florida's once cheap housing market has now faded, with prices skyrocketing and insurance premiums jumping due to weather-related risks

When it comes to the cost of living, consumer prices in South Florida were up almost 5 percent year on year compared with 3.2 percent across the country

But when it comes to getting insurance to have a roof over your head, home insurance soared 42 percent in 2023 to around $6,000 per annum, with the state's wild weather events to blame, following a series of hurricanes and the flooding that followed.

As for car insurance, getting covered in Florida is a massive 50 percent higher than the national average.

Work wise, things are nothing to write back to your old home about with the median salary in Florida among the lowest in the country.

The state has an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent - well below the national average of 3.9 percent, but the wages are among the lowest too.

Floridas politics are also something of a turnoff with the state flip-flopping between Democrats and Republicans several times since 1992 when it voted for George H. W. Bush.

The state turned blue and voted for Bill Clinton in 1996 before flipping red for both of George W Bush's terms.

The election of Barack Obama in 2008 saw the state turn Blue once again until Trump came to power in 2016. Trump managed to cling onto Florida in 2020 despite losing the election overall.

The state has now introduced some strongly conservative policies thanks to its divisive Governor Ron DeSantis, including a six-week ban on abortion, bans on transgender care for minors, state interventions in how race, slavery and sexuality are taught in schools, and a crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

One New York transplant to Florida was Louis Rotkowitz, pictured, who spent two years in Florida before moving north again and settling in North Carolina

After getting a job as a primary care physician, Rotkowitz, pictured left, he quickly fell out of love with the area as it would take him more than an hour each way to commute to work

Rotkowitz was also uncomfortable about a new 2023 law that allows people to carry a concealed weapon without a license. Pictured, a gun store in Delray Beach, Florida

One New York transplant was Louis Rotkowitz who spent two years in Florida before moving north again and settling in North Carolina.

'Like every good New Yorker, this is where you want to go. It's a complete fallacy.'

Rotkowitz was looking for a more genteel lifestyle but he found he was unable to fit in.

After getting a job as a primary care physician while his wife set about teaching, he quickly fell out of love with the area as it would take him more than an hour each way to commute to and from work.

Then cost of his homeowners association fees doubled - essentially ending any Floridian dream he might have had.

'I had a good salary, but we were barely making ends meet. We had zero quality of life,' Rotkowitz said.

Rotkowitz was also uncomfortable about a new 2023 law that allows people to carry a concealed weapon without a license.

'Everyone is walking around with guns there,' he said. 'I consider myself a conservative guy, but if you want to carry a gun you should be licensed, there should be some sort of process.'

The state has now introduced some strongly conservative policies thanks to its divisive Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, including a six-week ban on abortion

There are still plenty of Trump supporters hanging around in the state which can be off putting

Supporters of Donald Trump, often hang out close to his Mar-A-Lago residence to catch a glimpse of their hero

Barb Carter is one of those who decided her move to Orlando, Florida from Kansas was not for her.

It wasn't just an armadillo infestation in her home that caused $9,000 in damages or the devastation wrought by hurricane Ian that followed blowing the roof of her house, nor the stress that came as she tried to find a doctor to remove a tumor from her liver - but a combination of all three.

Carter sold her home at a $40,000 loss and left behind her own grandchildren and children she had specifically moved to be closer to.

'Many people ask, 'Why would you move back to Kansas?' I tell them all the same thing  you've got to take your vacation goggles off,' Carter told NBC News.

'For me, it was very falsely promoted. Once living there, I thought, you know, this isn't all you guys have cracked this up to be, at all.'

Carter's rent was supposed to be $580 a month but upon arriving in the state she was told it would in fact be $750 before in jumped to $875.

Carter, who describes herself as a 'middle of the road' Republican, also says that state of politics in the state meant it was all too easy to offend someone.

'You cannot engage in a conversation there without politics coming up, it is just crazy. We're retired, we're supposed to be in our fun time of life,' Carter explained.

'I learned quickly, just keep your mouth shut, because I saw people in my own community break up their friendships over it. I don't like losing friends, and especially over politics.'

Now back in Kansas she is paying just $520 for a cottage-like apartment which she estimates would have cost her at least $1,500 in Orlando.

'People call me the modern-day Dorothy. There's no place like home' she joked.

The Tampa Bay area is one of the Florida cities that have gained the most new workers

Sarasota, Florida tops the list of Florida cities gaining new members into the workforce

'You've got to take your vacation goggles off', one former Florida resident suggests. Pictured, tranquil scene of a resident in a hammock looking at the growing skyline of Saint Petersburg, Florida, one of America's fastest-growing states

The intensity of politics was also one reason why Donna Smith, 61, decided to pick up stick and move to Pennsylvania.

'It breaks my heart, it really does, because Florida was really a pretty great place when I first moved there,' Smith said.

'When I first moved to Florida, it was a live-and-let-live sort of beach feel. You met people from all over, everybody was relaxed. That's just gone now, and it's shocking. It's just gone.

'Instead, it's just a constant stressful atmosphere. I feel as though it could ignite at any point, and I'm not a fearmonger. It's just the atmosphere, the feeling there,' Smith explained.

'When you walk in a room, you overhear conversations all the time where people are saying 'Trump is the best' or 'I went to that last rally,' and they're telling total strangers while you're just waiting for your car or something. It's just everywhere.'

It's a similar view shared by Jodi Cummings of Connecticut who moved to Florida in 2021.

'It wasn't the utopia on any level that I thought it would be,' Cummings told NBC. 'I thought Florida would be an easier lifestyle, I thought the pace would be a little bit quieter, I thought it would be warmer. I didn't expect it to be literally 100 degrees at night. It was incredibly difficult to make friends, and it was expensive, very expensive.'

Despite there being no income tax in the state, Cummings says the high costs of car insurance, rent and food essentially cancelled out any savings.

After half a year of dealing with incessant traffic and heat, she moved back north.

'I had been so disenchanted with Florida so quickly. There was this feeling of confusion and guilt about wanting to leave, of moving there then realizing this is not anything like I thought it would be.'
A comet larger than Mount Everest will be seen across Australian skies in the coming weeks for the first time in 70 years.

Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, nicknamed the 'Devil' or 'Mother of Dragons' due to its horned tail, will be visible to Australians for a brief period without any special equipment.

This opportunity to spot the comet with the naked eye will occur during the early hours of April 22, Australian National University astrophysicist Brad Tucker told 7News.

To catch sight of it, simply gaze upward before sunrise. The comet will appear as a 'green, fuzzy dot'.

'Venus is the bright star in the morning sky  if you can see where Venus is, look below, and the comet will be somewhere in that line between the sun and Venus,' Mr Tucker explained.

'If you're in a dark spot, you should be able to see it with your naked eye. But if you have a pair of binoculars, even small ones, it will make it great.'

More prepared stargazers will be able to see the comet in the weeks after with a telescope as it travels towards the sun before veering back into the outer reaches of the solar system.

Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, or the Devil Comet (pictured), will be visible across Aussie skies in mid-April as a 'green, fuzzy dot' as it passes on its way to the sun

The comet's famous horns come from 'cryo-volcanic eruptions' of ice as it rapidly heats up during its approach to the sun.

Each eruption creates a new 'tail' as gas, dust and ice shoot off the comet's surface and become visible alongside the constant tail seen on other comets.

The comet has been seen in the sky above the Northern Hemisphere since around the middle of March. However, it hasn't been visible in the Southern Hemisphere yet because it's been below the horizon there.

Now, as the comet keeps moving closer to the sun in its orbit, it will become visible here too.

'As it gets closer to the sun, that's when it's going to get brighter because more gas is coming off it.'

Aussies will be able to see the comet with the naked eye on the morning of April 22 but may need binoculars to be seen as it won't be as bright (stock image)

The comet will reach its closest point to Earth in June and will continue to be visible in the sky until July - but only with a telescope.

It will then be slingshot past the Sun and out of the inner solar system to not be seen for another 71 years.

Stargazers will be able to see a potential 'great comet' in October as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS reaches its closest point to Earth.

It has the potential to 'become visible to the naked eye and rival the luminosity of the brightest stars in the sky', according to Star Walk.
Labour was accused of being 'ashamed' of the Union Flag after backbench MPs warned Sir Keir Starmer over using it too much in campaign literature.

The party leader was warned that leaflets being 'plastered' with Union Flags could alienate ethnic minority voters ahead of this year's election.

Sir Keir has attempted to transform the perception of the Labour Party after voters saw Jeremy Corbyn as lacking in patriotism.

But MPs have raised concerns about the continued use of the Union Flag so prominently. They have suggested that this is 'definitely detrimental' in diverse areas, according to The Guardian newspaper.

Labour has continued to shed votes from minority groups since the start of the conflict in Gaza, with Muslim voters in particular turning away from the party.

Labour leader Keir Starmer. MPs have raised concerns about the continued use of the Union Flag so prominently

Former leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn. Sir Keir has attempted to transform the perception of the Labour Party after voters saw Jeremy Corbyn as lacking in patriotism

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: 'It says everything about Labour MPs and activists that they are ashamed of our flag and our country. It shows the true face of Labour hasn't changed'

Last night senior Tories accused Labour MPs of being 'embarrassed' of the nation's flag.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: 'It says everything about Labour MPs and activists that they are ashamed of our flag and our country. It shows the true face of Labour hasn't changed.

'There is so much to be proud of in Britain and we can unite behind our national flag.'

Minister for common sense Esther McVey said: 'It tells you everything you need to know about the people who make up the Labour Party that so many of them seem so ashamed and embarrassed of our national flag.'

A Labour spokesman said: 'Keir's changed Labour Party is positive, progressive and patriotic. The Union Flag is something we are proud to carry.'
Sir Keir Starmer has been warned he will fail to convince voters that Labour has put the Corbyn years behind it unless he vows to boost defence spending.

One of Labour's leading peers said it will only be considered a 'proper party' if it pledges to hike defence spending in its election manifesto to at least 2.5 per cent of GDP.

Lord West of Spithead, a former First Sea Lord and security minister in Gordon Brown's government, urged Sir Keir to outflank the Tories on defence.

Britain is currently spending around 2.3 per cent, which equates to around 52billion annually.

The Conservative Government is refusing to say when it will increase this to 2.5 per cent.

One of Labour's leading peers Lord West of Spithead (pictured) said it will only be considered a 'proper party' if it pledges to hike defence spending in its election manifesto to at least 2.5 per cent of GDP

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned he will fail to convince voters that Labour has put the Corbyn years behind it unless he vows to boost defence spending

Sir Keir has repeatedly boasted about leading a 'changed party' after taking over in 2020 from Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at a pro-Palestine protest on Saturday), who had strong links with the hard-Left disarmament movement

At present, ministers say they will only do it 'as soon as economic conditions allow'.

Sir Keir has repeatedly boasted about leading a 'changed party' after taking over in 2020 from Jeremy Corbyn, who had strong links with the hard-Left disarmament movement.

Speaking to the Mail, Lord West said: 'The most important duty of a government is the defence and security of our nation and our people. And if you're going to do that in this world that is highly unpredictable and dangerous, with all of the warning lights flashing that Sir Keir has talked about, that means spending requisite money.

'I'm afraid that what we're spending at the moment is not enough. The British public  although they generally don't like spending money on defence until suddenly it's too late and people are dying everywhere  I actually think, with what's going on in the world, would think, "Well this party is a proper party that means business. It's not a Corbyn party any more, it's a proper party".'

He added: 'I would like Labour to commit to 2.5 per cent, but actually we really need 3 per cent.'

The Daily Mail's Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign is calling for an immediate rise to 2.5 per cent, increasing to at least 3 per cent by 2030.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was hit with a backlash after announcing there would be no new money for defence in last month's Budget.

Last week, the Mail revealed the Treasury did offer Defence Secretary Grant Shapps a 'journey' to 2.5 per cent, but that it would take up to ten years. The disclosure, by former Armed Forces minister James Heappey, sparked incredulity within the party.

The Daily Mail's Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign is calling for an immediate rise to 2.5 per cent, increasing to at least 3 per cent by 2030 (stock photo)

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (pictured) was hit with a backlash after announcing there would be no new money for defence in last month's Budget.

Last week, the Mail revealed the Treasury did offer Defence Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) a 'journey' to 2.5 per cent, but that it would take up to ten years

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Labour is more trusted on defence than the Tories: Poll reveals voters now associate Conservatives with cutting military spending, not increasing it Advertisement

Lord West's intervention comes after a damning Daily Mail poll found voters no longer view the Tories as the party of defence.

Labour is now trusted more than the Tories on national security and defence, the survey found, by 34 per cent to 23 per cent respectively.

And more people now associate the Tories with cutting defence spending (28 per cent) rather than increasing it (26 per cent) after years of the military being 'hollowed out'.

However, the Government hit back last night, pointing out that its commitment to reach 2.5 per cent 'when the circumstances allow' goes further than Labour's current stance.

A Labour spokesman said: 'Since 2010, the Conservatives hollowed our Armed Forces, shrunk the Army to its smallest size since Napoleon, wasted billions of pounds by mismanaging defence procurement and allowed morale to fall to record lows... Labour will always do what's required to defend this country.'
Hate crime laws coming into effect in Scotland today could trigger a surge in politically motivated complaints.

Police said they expect to be bombarded with a 'huge uplift' in reports of alleged crimes, including from people trying to use the SNP legislation to silence anyone they disagree with.

It follows widespread condemnation of the new law  the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act  amid fears it will be weaponised for political purposes. The legislation introduces offences for threatening or abusive behaviour which is intended to stir up hatred, which in Scotland previously only applied to race.

The law can even be broken within private family homes.

It makes it a crime to show 'malice and ill-will' against individuals or groups on the grounds of transgender status, 'variations in sex characteristics' or sexual orientation, as well as race, age, disability and religion.

Vocal opponents including Harry Potter author JK Rowling have warned the law will have a chilling effect on free speech

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf. There has been widespread condemnation of the new law  the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act  amid fears it will be weaponised for political purposes

Vocal opponents including Harry Potter author JK Rowling have warned it will have a chilling effect on free speech. Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said: 'Our concern is that it could impact through a huge uplift, potentially, in reports  some of those potentially made in good faith but perhaps not meeting the threshold of the legislation, or potentially in cases where people are trying to actually actively use the legislation to score points against people who sit on the other side of a particularly controversial debate.'

Ch Supt Hay warned that public trust in police could be harmed. He told BBC Radio Scotland's The Sunday Show: 'If you have hopes of the police intervening at a particular level and actually the criminal threshold isn't met then potentially you are going to be disappointed and lose trust in the police.

'And at the other side of that, if you know fine well that something you have said does not meet the criminal threshold and yet it is reported to police and the police come and investigate you, then you in turn might feel that you've been stifled, you've been silenced.'

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has insisted the law will be applied proportionately, upholding people's freedom of expression. Last week Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser revealed he was considering legal action against the force after an activist complained about one of his social media posts.

Officers decided the post did not amount to a crime but it was still classed as a 'hate incident' which will remain on record.

The law was passed in 2021 and  after three years of wrangling  finally takes effect today.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay (pictured) said: 'Humza Yousaf's Hate Crime Act comes into force on April Fools' Day but it is really no joke for the people of Scotland'

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell (pictured) has insisted the law will be applied proportionately, upholding people's freedom of expression

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: 'Humza Yousaf's Hate Crime Act comes into force on April Fools' Day but it is really no joke for the people of Scotland.

'What happened to... Murdo Fraser is sinister and unacceptable and the concern is that other innocent people will end up in secret police files.

'No matter how these cases are dealt with by police and prosecutors, the law in itself will have a chilling effect on free speech.' Humza Yousaf said: 'I would say to anybody who thinks they are a victim of hatred, we take that seriously, if you felt you are a victim of hatred, then of course reporting that to police is the right thing to do.'

The First Minister has said the legislation includes a 'triple lock' of protection for speech, including a defence for the accused's behaviour being 'reasonable'.

Women working for the Office for National Statistics could face disciplinary action if they object to sharing toilets and changing rooms with trans women.

The authority's gender policy allows transitioning employees to decide when they want to use single-sex facilities in their newly identified gender, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Health and safety 'killjoys' tried to end 160 years of naval history by stopping the daily firing of an artillery gun at Edinburgh Castle.

Bureaucrats wanted to stop the 'One O'Clock Gun' ritual, started in 1861, from this Bank Holiday weekend over concerns the noise could damage people's hearing.

Now Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has ordered them to continue the ritual originally devised to allow ships to set their maritime clocks.

It has since become a fundamental part of Edinburgh and military history  being fired daily at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day  and draws crowds of tourists.

A Ministry of Defence source dismissed those trying to stop the spectacle as 'health and safety killjoys', adding: 'This level of risk avoidance is ludicrous.

'Yes, keep people at a safe distance and make sure young children are OK but this is truly health and safety gone mad.

Bureaucrats wanted to stop the 'One O'Clock Gun' ritual (pictured, in 2020), started in 1861, from this Bank Holiday weekend over concerns the noise could damage people's hearing

It has since become a fundamental part of Edinburgh and military history  being fired daily at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day  and draws crowds of tourists

Now Defence Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) has ordered them to continue the ritual originally devised to allow ships to set their maritime clocks

'The Defence Secretary and a lot of people at the MoD thought it might be an April Fool's joke. He's determined to make a sensible assessment of the risk and the gun will keep firing.'

It is unclear who proposed that the ritual be ended. A safety notice was issued after initial noise trials were conducted by Army in keeping with health and safety guidance. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) manages the spectators and has raised concerns about handling the crowds.

Last December, the cordon distance for visitors was increased and ear defenders were made available. HES was contacted for comment.
Elon Musk's X is suing the Australian government after its 'world-first' E-Safety Commissioner ordered an 'offensive' post to be removed from the platform.

Daily Mail Australia last week revealed that X faced an $800,000 fine if it did not remove a post written by Canadian man Chris Elston, in which he misgendered and made 'disparaging' remarks about an Australian citizen, Teddy Cook.

Cook, 45, a female-to-male trans man who has advocated for taxpayer-funded surgeries for all transgender Australians, was controversially appointed to a World Health Organisation expert panel.

X, formerly called Twitter, complied with the request of the government-run E-Safety Commissioner and geo-blocked the post in Australia.

But the demand backfired spectacularly when it led to the offending post being re-shared in a different format and viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

Now, X has revealed it will mount a legal challenge against the Commissioner to 'protect its user's right to free speech'.

Elon Musk's X platform is suing the Australian government after its 'world-first' E-Safety Commissioner ordered an 'offensive' post to be removed from X

The government-funded body is run by former Twitter Director of Public Policy, Australia & SE Asia, Julie Inman-Grant (pictured), who receives an annual salary of almost $445,000

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Utter futility of Australia's 'world-first' eSafety commissioner exposed: How taxpayer's money is being wasted on an endless game of online whack-a-mole - as it's revealed banned X posts can simply be re-uploaded The taxpayer-funded eSafety Commissioner, which is run by Julie Inman Grant (pictured) - who receives a salary of almost $445,000 - has admitted it can only block or remove the subsequent posts if other complaints are made by the offended party Advertisement

'Earlier this week, X was ordered by the Australian E-Safety Commissioner, subject to an approximately $800,000 AUD fine, to remove a user's post,' a statement from X's Global Government Affairs team said.

'The post had criticized an individual appointed by the World Health Organization to serve as an expert on transgender issues.

'X is withholding the post in Australia in compliance with the order but intends to file a legal challenge to the order to protect its user's right to free speech.'

It is understood the e-Safety Commissioner is yet to receive a formal legal challenge.

If X follows through, the challenge will likely take the form of a judicial review in the Federal Court.

X is currently engaged in a separate judicial review in the Federal Court over its alleged failure to provide information to the e-Safety Commissioner about how the platform was tackling child abuse material on the platform.

Mr Elston's alleged offence came when he shared a Daily Mail story in late February about Mr Cook.

Cook's now-private social media posts are awash with X-rated material, including public nudity, bondage parties, trans orgies and even a photo of a man apparently having sex with a dog.

While Daily Mail Australia does not suggest those revelations should exclude Cook from advising the WHO on trans healthcare, some have questioned his appropriateness for the role.

In his post, Mr Elston misgendered Cook and made other 'disparaging' remarks.

On March 22, Mr Elston received a letter from the Australian government-run eSafety Commissioner, demanding that he remove the 'deliberately degrading' post.

'An ordinary reasonable person in the position of the Complainant would regard the Material as being offensive,' an unnamed delegate of the eSafety Commissioner wrote to Mr Elston.

'This is because the Material singles out the Complainant to personify the poster's contempt for transgender identity as well as equating transgender identity with a psychiatric condition.'

It is understood Cook lodged the complaint with the e-Safety Commissioner himself.

Chris Elston (pictured above), who goes by the name of 'Billboard Chris' on X and lives in Canada, revealed on Tuesday he had been sent an Orwellian 'removal notice' from the Australian Government's eSafety Commissioner for making an 'offensive' post about trans expert Teddy Cook (pictured below). He refused to delete it and re-shared it, which has since been viewed thousands of times

UN trans expert Teddy Cook is pictured

'What is the world coming to?', X owner Elon Musk commented on Daily Mail Australia's original story (pictured below)

The order demanded that if the post was not removed within 24 hours, X would be fined up to $782,500.

Mr Elston, a vociferous campaigner against 'gender ideology', refused to remove the post.

When X subsequently complied with the 'removal order' by geo-blocking the post in Australia, Mr Elston simply re-shared the offending post.

In a colossal back-fire for the e-Safety Commissioner, that post alone has been seen over 140,000 times and a concerted campaign to re-share it by others has racked up over a million views.

In response to this publication's original story, Billionaire X owner Musk said: 'What is the world coming to?'

The taxpayer-funded eSafety Commissioner later admitted it can only block or remove the subsequent posts if other complaints are made by the offended party.

In a colossal back-fire for the e-Safety Commissioner, Mr Elston's new post alone has been seen over 130,000 times and a concerted campaign to re-share it by others has racked up hundreds of thousands of views (the post is pictured, as outlined in the eSafety Commissioner's 'removal notice')

Ms Grant (pictured) serves on the World Economic Forum's Global Coalition for Digital SafetyExternal link and, in 2020, was appointed by the Davos-based organisation as one of the world's most influential leaders revolutionising government

'eSafety's Adult Cyber Abuse Scheme is a complaints-based scheme,' a spokesperson for the E-Safety Commissioner told Daily Mail Australia.

'In cases where a new version of the material has been posted after a removal notice has been issued and complied with, we require a new complaint from the targeted Australian resident - or someone authorised to report on their behalf - to take regulatory action.'

This effectively means the 'world's first' online safety regulator could be engaged in an endless game of whack-a-mole as it attempts to police speech online.

Political figures condemned the alleged waste of Aussie taxpayer's money.

Independent Liberal member MP Moira Deeming described the e-Safety Commisioner as the 'Ministry of Truth', referencing George Orwell's novel 1984.

'We reject your Orwellian dystopia,' Ms Deeming added.

Almost 500 civil servants are employed by the eSafety Commissioner and the Australian Communications and Media Authority, according to its latest annual report.

The eSafety Commissioner lauds itself as the 'first government agency committed to keeping its citizens safer online'.

It is run by former Twitter Director of Public Policy, Australia & SE Asia, Julie Inman-Grant, who receives an annual salary of almost $445,000.

Ms Grant, an American who began her career working in the US Congress, worked at Microsoft for 17 years, eventually rising to the role of Global Director for Safety and Privacy Policy and Outreach before she joined Twitter.

She has previously criticised the 'toxic environment' at Twitter, as it was then known.

Ms Grant was reappointed for a further five-year term in her role as eSafety Commissioner by the Australian government in January 2022.
The BBC is reportedly refusing to release video and audio footage that a group of models claim will help them bring forward rape allegations against the former boss of a multinational modelling agency.

The alleged victims of Elite agency chief Gerald Marie have petitioned the broadcaster to release 'vital' footage reportedly obtained during Lisa Brinkworth's three-year investigation into industry abuse.

The 'hundreds of hours' of video and audio was captured while Brinkworth, a former BBC reporter, posed as a model in a 1998 documentary for the BBC's MacIntyre Undercover.

She has alleged that she was assaulted by Marie while undercover, but claims she did not report the incident to police because she did not want to break her cover. However, she is said to have recorded her account of the assault on camera.

But despite her requests for copies of the material, the BBC in January wrote to Brinkworth declining to hand the audio and video recordings over, citing the terms of a settlement with Elite Models, The Times reported.

The BBC has declined to release video and audio footage to Lisa Brinkworth (pictured in 2021) that she claims will help bring her forward rape allegations former Elite Models agency boss Gerald Marie. The BBC in January reportedly wrote to Brinkworth declining to hand the audio and video recordings over, citing the terms of a settlement with the modelling agency

Gerald Marie (left) used to be married to the model Linda Evangelista (right). The former couple in New York City in 1991

A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'As weve always made clear, we take these matters very seriously and we know the situation is distressing for Lisa Brinkworth.

'We have already provided documents to the French authorities to help Ms Brinkworth pursue the matter and investigators have assured us they have what they currently need from the BBC. We will continue to do whatever we can to assist with the process.'

Brinkworth had been filming for the documentary when she alleges Marie pinned her down on a chair and attacked her after a group dinner.

She had been posing as a model within the agency to expose the treatment of women within the industry.

The BBC aired the MacIntrye programme in November 1999, and it claimed that Brinkworth was attacked in a nightclub in Milan, Italy, in October 1998.

Elite Models took legal action against the corporation over the programme, alleging misrepresentation. A settlement in 2001 saw the BBC promise not to rebroadcast or share any of the material gathered in research - including the tape of Brinkworth.

According to The Times, the BBC has now told Brinkworth that the settlement prevents it from providing the video and audio materials to her.

The journalist is the founding member of the Victorious Angels group, which includes eight other alleged victims of Marie and model scout Jean-Luc Brunel.

Sixteen women from the US, Britain and Australia have allegedly provided depositions to French officials that detail detail rapes and sexual assaults by Marie in Paris and Milan. He denies all allegations.

The Victorious Angels successfully asked French authorities to open a criminal investigation into the allegations against Marie in 2020, but a court later decided the accusations were beyond the 20-year statute of limitations.

Former Elite model Ebba Karlsson (left), British ex-BBC journalist Lisa Brinkworth (left), Dutch former model Thysia Huisman, and Sonia, an anonymous victim, attend a video-conference on violence against women in the fashion industry, at the Senate, in Paris on September 14, 2021, after filing a criminal complaint in New Yorkagainst Gerald Marie

Brikworth last November initiated an appeal against the court's decision alleging that the BBC's settlement prevented her from taking legal action at the time.

She also wants to obtain the documents and materials related to the settlement. She claims that the BBC has provided 'very scant materials' that are not nearly as significant as her recorded testimony of the alleged assault.

'That was made as my personal record and never for broadcast and should be immediately handed over,' she told The Times of her testimony.

'The BBC says it is restricted by the legal settlement the corporation agreed with Elite, which in itself was a betrayal of not just me but all the victims, it enabled a sex predator to continue working with teenage girls for another two decades.'

She argued that 'public interest would be properly served' by the BBC releasing the material, some of which she claims it gave an external production company to make a separate documentary.

Brinkworth added: 'The BBC knows that time is running out for us, and the distress being caused by what is now a four-year fight for this evidence. Why do they not assist us?'
Three teenagers who allegedly broke into two homes armed with machetes before stealing a car have been arrested after a wild police chase.

Police said three offenders armed with machetes allegedly committed two home invasions and an attempted carjacking at Mickleham about 6:30am. Nobody was injured in the attacks.

The three teens were chased by police as they drove an allegedly stolen Nissan Pathfinder SUV through Wyndham Vale, Werribee and suburbs in Melbourne's north-west, reaching speeds of up to 200km/h.

The pursuit, which involved up to 12 police cars and a helicopter, ended at the Sunbury Square Shopping Centre carpark at about 10am.

'The three occupants exited the vehicle outside a shopping centre where they were arrested by Critical Incident Response Team officers with the assistance of Air Wing,' police said.

Police said a 16-year-old Wyndham Vale boy, a 15-year-old Ivanhoe girl and a 15-year-old Windsor girl are all currently in custody.

One boy (pictured) is among three teenagers arrested by police in Melbourne after officers were led on a wild pursuit on Monday that ended at a shopping centre carpark

Police tracked the SUV to the shopping centre carpark (pictured) before they arrested the teenagers in dramatic scenes

Louisa, who was shopping at the Sunbury Square Shopping Centre, provided real-time updates about the teenagers' arrest while speaking on radio station 3AW.

'They've got someone on the ground it looks like. They've got someone in handcuffs,' she said.

'One's on the ground in handcuffs, they've got zip ties on him and there's another one further up sitting on the gutter.'

Louisa reported that approximately 20 police officers were present at the scene, with more en route, as police helicopters circled above.

The teenagers who allegedly stole the SUV led the cops on a wild chase across Melbourne's northwest before the trio allegedly ditched the vehicle at Sunbury Square Shopping centre (pictured stock image)
The following is the text of Pope Francis's Urbi et Orbi Address for 2024.

It was earlier reported that he presided over the Easter Sunday mass before the address after officiating the Easter Vigil service the night before.

The Urbi et Orbi addressmeant for the City of Rome (urbi) and the world over (orbi)is the biannual message made by the pope. It precedes the special blessing that gives what the Catholic Church calls a "plenary indulgence" to Catholics who receive the blessing either in person in Rome or through a live broadcast or a social media stream.

The second Urbi et Orbi blessing occurs every Christmas, but a third blessing can also occur immediately after the election of a new pope, as Francis did in 2013.

Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!

Today, throughout the world, the message proclaimed two thousand years ago from Jerusalem resounds: "Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has been raised!" (Mk 16:6).

The Church relives the amazement of the women who went to the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. The tomb of Jesus had been sealed with a great stone. Today, too, great stones, heavy stones, block the hopes of humanity: the stone of war, the stone of humanitarian crises, the stone of human rights violations, the stone of human trafficking, and other stones as well. Like the women disciples of Jesus, we ask one another: "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" (cf. Mk 16:3).

This is the amazing discovery of that Easter morning: the stone, the immense stone, was rolled away. The astonishment of the women is our astonishment as well: the tomb of Jesus is open, and it is empty! From this, everything begins anew! A new path leads through that empty tomb: the path that none of us, but God alone, could open: the path of life in the midst of death, the path of peace in the midst of war, the path of reconciliation in the midst of hatred, the path of fraternity in the midst of hostility.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen! He alone has the power to roll away the stones that block the path to life. He, the living One, is himself that path. He is the Way: the way that leads to life, the way of peace, reconciliation, and fraternity. He opens that path, humanly impossible because he alone takes away the sin of the world and forgives us our sins. For without God's forgiveness, that stone cannot be removed. Without the forgiveness of sins, there is no overcoming the barriers of prejudice, mutual recrimination, the presumption that we are always right and others wrong. Only the risen Christ, by granting us the forgiveness of our sins, opens the way for a renewed world.

Jesus alone opens up before us the doors of life, those doors that continually we shut with the wars spreading throughout the world. Today we want, first and foremost, to turn our eyes to the Holy City of Jerusalem, that witnessed the mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, and to all the Christian communities of the Holy Land.

My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for the sake of all!

I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on 7 October last and for an immediate cease-fire in the Strip.

Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all, on the children. How much suffering we see in the eyes of the children: the children in those lands at war have forgotten how to smile! With those eyes, they ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity; war is always a defeat! Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming. Peace is never made with arms but with outstretched hands and open hearts.

Brothers and sisters, let us not forget Syria, which for thirteen years has suffered from the effects of a long and devastating war. So many deaths and disappearances, so much poverty and destruction, call for a response on the part of everyone and of the international community.

My thoughts turn today in a special way to Lebanon, which has for some time experienced institutional impasse and a deepening economic and social crisis, now aggravated by the hostilities on its border with Israel. May the Risen Lord console the beloved Lebanese people and sustain the entire country in its vocation to be a land of encounter, coexistence, and pluralism.

I also think, in particular, of the region of the Western Balkans, where significant steps are being taken towards integration in the European project. May ethnic, cultural, and confessional differences not be a cause of division but rather a source of enrichment for all of Europe and for the world as a whole.

I likewise encourage the discussions taking place between Armenia and Azerbaijan, so that, with the support of the international community, they can pursue dialogue, assist the displaced, respect the places of worship of the various religious confessions, and arrive as soon as possible at a definitive peace agreement.

May the risen Christ open a path of hope to all those who, in other parts of the world, are suffering from violence, conflict, food insecurity, and the effects of climate change. May the Lord grant consolation to the victims of terrorism in all its forms. Let us pray for all those who have lost their lives and implore the repentance and conversion of the perpetrators of those crimes.

May the risen Lord assist the Haitian people so that there can soon be an end to the acts of violence, devastation, and bloodshed in that country, and that it can advance on the path to democracy and fraternity.

May Christ grant consolation and strength to the Rohingya, beset by a grave humanitarian crisis, and open a path to reconciliation in Myanmar, torn for years now by internal conflicts, so that every logic of violence may be definitively abandoned.

May the Lord open paths of peace on the African continent, especially for the suffering peoples in Sudan and in the entire region of the Sahel, in the Horn of Africa, in the region of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the province of Capo Delgado in Mozambique, and bring an end to the prolonged situation of drought which affects vast areas and provokes famine and hunger.

May the Risen One make the light of his face shine upon migrants and on all those who are passing through a period of economic difficulty, and offer them consolation and hope in their moment of need. May Christ guide all persons of good will to unite themselves in solidarity, in order to address together the many challenges which loom over the poorest families in their search for a better life and happiness.

On this day, when we celebrate the life given us in the resurrection of the Son, let us remember the infinite love of God for each of us: a love that overcomes every limit and every weakness. And yet, how much the precious gift of life is despised! How many children cannot even be born? How many die of hunger and are deprived of essential care or are victims of abuse and violence? How many lives are made objects of trafficking for the increasing commerce in human beings?

Brothers and sisters, on the day when Christ has set us free from the slavery of death, I appeal to all who have political responsibilities to spare no efforts in combating the scourge of human trafficking, by working tirelessly to dismantle the networks of exploitation and to bring freedom to those who are their victims. May the Lord comfort their families, above all those who anxiously await news of their loved ones, and ensure them comfort and hope.

May the light of the resurrection illumine our minds and convert our hearts, and make us aware of the value of every human life, which must be welcomed, protected, and loved.

A happy Easter to all!
A Labor frontbencher has downplayed accusations he wasted taxpayer funds by taking his own private jet to a climate announcement rather than hitching a ride with Anthony Albanese.

Chris Bowen and the Prime Minister were under pressure to come clean after an eagle eyed local revealed two Royal Australian Air Force planes waiting on the tarmac at Scone Airport.

Both men were in Hunter Region on Thursday last week to visit the site of the former coal-fired Liddell power station, splashing cash for subsidies and grants to ensure more solar panels are built in Australia.

But after the Coalition branded the photograph as evidence of a 'scandal' on Monday, Mr Bowen fronted up to the media at his electorate office in Sydney.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has downplayed a private flight 'scandal' after he chose to fly solo to a climate announcement instead of flying with Anthony Albanese (both pictured)

He argued the reason he couldn't hitch a ride with the Prime Minister was simple: the runway could not accommodate a larger plane Mr Albanese would usually take.

'The Prime Minister always travels with the Royal Australian Air Force  that's for security reasons and quite appropriate,' Mr Bowen said.

'The runway at Scone wasn't strong enough to take the large jet so the Air Force recommended, took a decision, for two small jets.'

Mr Bowen said the number of staff who accompanied the pair on the trip also had to be scaled back due to the weight restrictions.

Mr Albanese and Mr Bowen travelled to Muswellbrook and announced the $1bn for the solar panel program, Sun Shot, alongside local MP Dan Repacholi, fellow frontbencher Pat Conroy.

The chiefs of AGL and Sun Drive  who had just signed an early agreement for the build of a solar panel PV manufacturing facility at the former Liddell site.

Both planes arrived in the region from Canberra. According to 2GB, one of the jets sat on the tarmac for roughly three hours.

The other remained on site for just an hour and a half.

An eagle eyed local revealed two Royal Australian Air Force planes waiting on the tarmac at Scone Airport on Thursday, sparking the saga (pictured)

It's not unusual for ministers to use taxpayer funded Royal Australian Air Force jets to travel around the country to make announcements.

When asked about the photo, a spokeswoman for the Prime Minister's office stopped short of offering a reason the pair couldn't take the same plane.

'The Prime Minister and Ministers were excited to be back in the Hunter region to make a $1b announcement which brings us another step closer to ensuring the regions that have always powered Australia aren't left behind,' she said.

But Coalition housing spokesman Michael Sukkar said the photo, posted to a local Facebook community page, was 'pretty damning'.

'It's a scandal, no matter how you look at it,' he told 2GB, who first broke the story.

'You've got a situation here where clearly the Prime Minister and his minister are using taxpayers' dollars to live the high life flying around on private jets.

'Now the Prime Minister is entitled to the use of a private jet. And what would typically occur is a minister if they were travelling with the Prime Minister and making the same announcement or visiting the same place, would hitch a ride with the Prime Minister.

'But to take a second plane for himself, is something that I think is remarkable is a grotesque use of taxpayers dollars, at a time when  (people) are struggling to fill the basket at the supermarket.'
The 'killer' Utah grief author who allegedly poisoned her husband with a fentanyl-laced cocktail could lose $2million and a book deal if a new law is passed.

Kouri Richins, 33, from Kama in Utah, has been accused of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, 39, by serving him a fentanyl-laced Moscow mule on March 3, 2022.

Utah State Representative Brett Garner, who was a high school friend of Eric, has introduced a new law that would ban convicted murderers from receiving money through a prenup.

If the new bill is passed and she is convicted, Kouri could loose millions from the sale of the home she shared with Kevin, and rights to her children's book that she wrote shortly after his death.

The U.S. Sun reported that even though Garner and Kevin knew each other, they had not been in contact for years.

Kouri Richins could lose out on $2million and money from her book deal if a new law in Utah is passed. She is pictured with her late husband Eric Richins who she has been accused of poisoning in March 2022

Utah State Representative Brett Garner, who was a high school friend of Eric, has introduced a new law that would ban convicted murderers from receiving money through a prenup

Prior to his death, the couple fought over financial issues in regard to their 10-acre $2 million home and signed an agreement that would grant her the sale of the home

Prior to his death, the couple fought over financial issues in regard to their 10-acre $2 million home and signed an agreement that would grant her the sale of the home.

The home sold in January 2020 to Alec and Taryn Wright, who went on to sue Kouri and her realty firm after they claimed they had to vacate the property due to hazardous levels of mold along with a slew of unexplained health issues.

On Monday, newly filed documents claimed that Kouri first attempted to kill her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl just a month before she allegedly served him the spiked cocktail.

Prosecutors have alleged that a sandwich that she got for him on Valentine's Day was left with a note in the front seat of his truck.

She purchased the sandwich from a local diner in town, and in the same week, witnesses said she bought several dozen fentanyl pills.

Two of Eric's friends said that they remembered that he called them that same day, after he ate the sandwich, and told them, 'I think my wife tried to kill me,' according to witness testimony.

The legal documents said that prior to making that concerning phone call, Eric had rushed to inject himself with his son's EpiPen and downed a bottle of Benadryl after he reacted to the drugs.

When he woke up from a deep sleep, he called his friends and told them he thought he was going to die and that it was his wife's fault, documents said.

A housekeeper, who is also the state's star witness, told police that she had sold drugs to Kouri just a couple days before the alleged first poisoning attempt.

According to the latest documents, Kouri allegedly told the housekeeper that she needed stronger drugs because the initial pills provided weren't strong enough.

A month after that attempt, Kouri called 911 and reported that she found Eric 'cold to the touch' at the foot of their bed, according to the police report.

Medical examiners later found that her husband had five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in his system.

On Monday, newly filed documents claimed that Kouri first attempted to kill her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl just a month before she allegedly served him the spiked cocktail

Shortly after her husband's death, the mother of three self-published a children's book titled 'Are You with Me?' about an angel wing-clad deceased father watching over his sons

Summit County Chief Prosecutor, Patricia Cassell, has alleged that the Kouri slipped the obscene amount of drugs into Eric's cocktail that night, even though the wife's family said his death was accidental.

Kouri's brother Ronney said that 'Eric loved to party, he loved to have a good time.'

'The simplest answer is often the correct one, it was most likely an accidental overdose.'

On the same night Eric died, Kouri's mother, Lisa Darden, and her were celebrating her recent closure on the mansion. Kouri owned a real estate company and her husband owned a successful masonry business.

One day after his death, affidavits for search warrants show that Kouri signed the closing papers on the couple's $2 million property and invited friends for a party where she was drinking and celebrating.

Kouri and her husband had previously been arguing about her plans to purchase the home in the days before he was found dead, according to court documents.

Prosecutors said Eric found out that his wife had taken out a $250,000 home equity line of credit and spent it, withdrawn $100,000 from his bank accounts, and spent more than $30,000 on his credit cards.

Kouri also stole about $134,000 from her husband's business meant for tax payments, the documents state.

The documents state that she agreed to repay her husband back when he confronted her about the missing money.

Prosecutors alleged that Kouri purchased four different life insurance policies, which totaled over $1.9million between 2015 and 2017.

In the new legal fillings, it was revealed that Kouri had a negative bank account balance, owned lenders more than $1.8 million and was being sued by a creditor.

Shortly after her husband's death, the mother-of-three self-published a children's book titled 'Are You With Me?' about an angel wing-clad deceased father watching over his sons.

Two of Eric's friends said that they remembered that he called them that same day, after he ate the sandwich, and told them, 'I think my wife tried to kill me,' according to witness testimony

Kouri has been slapped with new charges following the recently filed documents, including attempted murder, mortgage fraud and insurance fraud for allegedly forging loan applications and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after Eric's death

She promoted it on television and radio, describing the book as a way to help children grieve the loss of a loved one.

She said in an interview that she was motivated to write the book after searching Amazon and Barnes and Noble and finding 'nothing' to help them 'cope' and dedicated the book to Eric.

Kouri has been slapped with new charges following the recently filed documents, including attempted murder, mortgage fraud and insurance fraud for allegedly forging loan applications and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after Eric's death.

Prior to his death, Eric had changed his will to make his sister the sole beneficiary of his life insurance policy and was even thinking of getting a divorce from Kouri, according to his family.

Family attorney and spokesperson Greg Skordas previously told DailyMail.com that Eric was afraid Kouri was trying to kill him after two separate instances in which he became violently ill after drinking or eating with his wife.

His family has insisted that Kouri is the one responsible for his sudden death.
Hunter Biden was outside chatting to guests during the rainy celebration

About 40,000 guests expected on South Lawn for this year's Easter Egg Roll

President Joe Biden on Monday said he did not declare Easter Sunday the Transgender Day of Visibility and slammed Speaker Mike Johnson as being 'thoroughly uninformed' for accusing him of doing so.

Biden sparked a torrent of criticism from conservatives over the weekend after issuing a proclamation recognizing the day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people.

Johnson, former President Donald Trump and many other Republicans slammed Biden, with the speaker calling the president's move 'outrageous and abhorrent.'

However, when asked on Monday if he had named Easter the Transgender Day of Visibility, Biden said: 'I didn't do that.'

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and the Easter Bunnies at the White House

Johnson responded Monday by highlighting the White House proclamation that President Joe Biden sent out Sunday where the president did 'hereby proclaim' March 31, 2024 as Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31 has been designated as the day to honor the transgender movement internationally since 2009.

This year, March 31 also happened to be Easter Sunday.

The president, asked to respond to Johnson's criticism, said: 'He's thoroughly uninformed.'

Later, in a post on X, Johnson hit back by highlighting the White House proclamation where Biden did 'hereby proclaim' March 31, 2024 as Transgender Day of Visibility.

'This you, @JoeBiden?' Johnson wrote.

Later, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said she was 'so surprised by the misinformation that's been out there around this' and that the White House was 'confused' by the outcry.

'And I want to be very clear, every year for the past several years on March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility is marked. And, as we know, for folks who understand the calendar and how it works - Easter falls on different Sundays,' Jean-Pierre said.

'And this year it happened to coincide with transgender visibility day. And so that's a simple fact. That is what has happened. That is where we are,' the press secretary continued.

The White House doubled down on its backing of Biden's statement.

'President Biden is right. He did nothing in conflict with the 'tenets' of Easter, which he celebrated yesterday,' spokesman Andrew Bates told DailyMail.com.

'Nor did he choose the date of March 31 for Transgender Day of Visibility, which has been set since 2009  including in 2020 and 2021 when FOX itself commemorated Transgender Day of Visibility itself.'

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pointed out that Transgender Day of Visibility has been marked on March 31 for a number of years, while Easter Sunday changes date every calendar year

She remarked on the controversy at Monday's briefing, which was also attended by the White House's Easter Bunny (right)

Reporters pass around Easter candy during Monday's press briefing where Jean-Pierre addressed conservative outcry over Transgender Day of Visibility being marked on Easter Sunday

Jean-Pierre called the conservative outrage 'a lot of misinformation done on purpose.'

'And as a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,' she said. 'Now sadly, and it's not surprising, right? It's actually unsurprising that politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric.'

'It is dishonest what we heard the past 24 hours, it is untrue what we heard over the weekend,' Jean-Pierre said.

She also pointed out that the conservative-leaning Fox network previously marked the day, quoting a tweet from the network from 2021.

'President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes,' Jean-Pierre continued. 'Or for profit.'

Trump has been selling $60 Bibles in a partnership with singer Lee Greenwood, whose God Bless the USA the ex-president plays at his entrance music at all his rallies.

'That is not what this administration is about. That is not what being a leader is about. And this misinformation out there is just - it's bad - and it is cause to divide us,' Jean-Pierre said.

President Joe Biden blows the starting whistle as Jill Biden cheers on the kids at the Egg race

Hunter Biden talks to the crowd on the South Lawn

The president and first lady Jill Biden kicked off a rainy Easter Egg Roll on Monday after the weekend's storm of controversy.

Hunter Biden joined his parents on the South Lawn, shaking hands and chatting with people in the drizzling rain.

The Bidens focused on the traditional activities of the egg race. Both the president and first lady took turns blowing the starting whistle and President Biden helped one little girl roll her egg.

The first lady read Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you see to a group of children as the rain continued to fall, beating down steadily on parents, presidents and officials alike.

The first family, however, didn't let the either the political storms nor the damp weather spoil the Easter Egg Roll, an annual tradition that began in 1878.

President Joe Biden helds a youngster roll an egg

Jill Biden reads Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you see?

Some 40,000 people are expected to participate in 'EGG-ucation'-themed event, about 10,000 more than last year.

'Folks, welcome to what's expected to be the biggest White House Easter Egg Roll ever,' Biden proclaimed.

Miniature hot air balloons labeled Engineering, Science, Technology, and Art decorated the South Portico area.

Jill Biden, a longtime teacher, added education components to the celebration, including stations for children to learn about farming, healthier eating, exercise and more.

Children can also write notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization.

The Easter holiday got off to a rough start for the administration when conservatives opened fire on the president for honoring the Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday.

It was created by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the executive director of advocacy group Transgender Michigan.

The holiday is 'a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces,' according to media monitoring nonprofit GLAAD.

Biden released a statement on Saturday to mark the occasion: 'On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation's commitment to forming a more perfect Union  where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives,' it read.

'Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back.'

Biden was the first American president to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the event in 2021.

President Joe Biden talks to a guest at the Easter Egg Roll

President Joe Biden, center left, and Vice President Kamala Harris, center right, accompanied by first lady Jill Biden, left, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, right, wave at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn

The theme of this year's Easter Egg Roll was 'Egg-ucation'

Conservatives were outraged, led by Trump, Biden's rival in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt lambasted the proclamation as 'appalling and insulting.'

She claimed the announcement was evidence of the Biden administration's 'years-long assault on the Christian faith.'

And House Speaker Mike Johnson called the proclamation 'abhorrent.'

'The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter - which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Banning sacred truth and tradition - while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day' - is outrageous and abhorrent,' he said.

White House spokesman Andrew Bates slammed back, saying: 'As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.'

'Sadly, it's unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.'

And the eggs for Monday's event caused a controversy of their own.

The first lady invited the children of military families to send decorated eggs to the White House to be on display during the Egg Roll.

The invitation called for children from families of the National Guard to submit artwork that would be painted on eggs, but banned 'any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements.'

Speaker Mike Johnson said calling Easter Sunday 'Transgender Day' was 'outrageous and abhorrent'

In response to the criticism, Jill Biden spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander noted the language in the invitation was standard and that it was used for several administrations, including Trump.

'*Fyi on all the misleading swirl re White House and Easter: the American Egg Board flyer's standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Adminsfor all WH Easter Egg Rolls incl previous Administration's,' she wrote on X.
LibsOfTikTok founder Chaya Raichik called out Southwest Airlines for allowing a man she called a 'massive obese guy' to violate their rules and take up half of her seat on a flight Sunday afternoon.

Southwest has been slammed in the past for what critics have called a 'ridiculous' policy that gives overweight passengers free seats to accommodate their size.

However, Raichik - a viral sensation on social media, particularly with conservatives - pointed out that the offender had only purchased one seat and was breaking the company rules by encroaching into her space.

'Im sitting on a flight squished into the corner because this massive obese guy is taking up half my seat,' she wrote on X Sunday.

'I paid for a full seat, not 1/2 a seat. He is violating @SouthwestAirs own policies,' Raichik continued.

LibsOfTikTok founder Chaya Raichik called out Southwest Airlines for allowing a man she called a 'massive obese guy' to violate their rules and take up half of her seat on a flight Sunday afternoon

Raichik - a viral sensation on social media, particularly with conservatives - pointed out that the offender had only purchased one seat and was breaking the company rules by encroaching into her space

'Im sitting on a flight squished into the corner because this massive obese guy is taking up half my seat,' she wrote on X Sunday

She posted multiple photos showing a man's leg edging into Raichik's seat on the flight.

'This isnt normal or fair. If you dont fit in 1 seat you need to buy two seats,' she continued, before asking the company's X account what they could do about it.

She went on with more photos and claims that the problems with her seatmate were not just limited to his weight but also his eating and disregard for littering the small amount of space she already had.

'Dude was also stuffing cheeseburgers and fries down his throat and threw his trash on the floor,' Raichik wrote. 'Disgusting fat slob.'

She posted again after the company's account had reached out to her via direct message, attempting to make peace.

'While we cannot press the ''rewind button'' and go back to fix what happened, it is our hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back to enjoy a more favorable experience,' they wrote, before offering a $150 voucher for a future flight.

Raichik was unmoved by the offer and said that she'd had an overall poor experience with the airline.

'Worthless because Im never flying @SouthwestAir again. And even if I would- thats not nearly enough compensation for this. Ive only flown Southwest like 3x in my life as a last resort. Never again.'

She went on with more photos and claims that the problems with her seatmate were not just limited to his weight

Raichik posted again after the company's account had reached out to her via direct message, attempting to make peace

Raichik was unmoved by the offer and said that she'd had an overall poor experience with the airline

She wrapped up by adding more thoughts regarding her terrible time flying with Southwest.

'The reason I hope never to fly Southwest again isnt specifically because of this incident,' Raichik said. 'Its because I think its a terrible airline.'

'Like I said, only ever flown it a handful of times- all under extreme circumstances. In this case- option was a normal airline with a long stopover or direct with Southwest. Im starting to lean towards flying a normal airline even if it has a stopover over flying Southwest if a scenario like this comes up again.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines for comment.

The airline has instituted a 'Customer of Size' policy, which allows overweight passengers whose body takes up more than one seat on the plane to get 'the needed number of seats' for free.

The policy states that customers who 'encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s)' may purchase however many extra seats they need, which will then be refunded at check-in.

The change has provoked mixed feedback among customers.

While some body-positive customers have praised the policy for allowing those with obesity to travel more easily, critics say it's 'pandering' to very overweight people - and gives them an unfair advantage.

Southwest says in its policy that customers qualify for free extra seats if any part of their body extends past the seat's armrest. Weight and BMI are not taken into account

Kimmy Garris from Nashville, who describes herself as a 'fat solo traveler' on her TikTok profile, posted a video last October detailing how to use Southwest Airlines' unique 'customer of size policy'

Jae'lynn Chaney, a plus size travel influencer with about 135,000 followers on TikTok, has frequently advocated for free or larger seats on planes

On social media, many have pointed out that free space is not available to customers who are very tall and need extra legroom, those traveling with medical equipment or are wheelchair users.

These groups have to pay - often hundreds of dollars - for additional space.

Some have also pointed out that the new rule is likely to worsen the airline's already hectic boarding process.

Passengers are unable to book seats ahead of time, which often results in a scramble for window and aisle seats when customers make it to the plane.

Southwest's policy states that customers qualify for the free ticket if any part of their body extends past the seat's armrest. 'The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats,' it reads. 'If youre unable to lower both armrests and/or encroach upon any portion of a seat next to you, you need a second seat.'

'Our policy does not focus on weight.'

The airline does not ask for customers' weight or body mass index (BMI), which determines if you are overweight or obese, according to medical guidelines.

Kimmy Garris, a TikToker from Nashville who calls herself a 'fat solo traveler,' posted a video of herself asking about the airline's policy for obese passengers in October.

In the clip, which has more than 900,000 views, the customer service agent gives her an extra ticket for the seat next to her.

Raichik said she was done with the airline, having had a 'terrible' experience even before this case

She is then seen boarding the plane and putting her extra ticket on the seat next to her so no one can sit there.

In the overlaid caption, Ms Garris states that this policy 'should be the industry norm.'

Jae'lynn Chaney, a size 6XL travel influencer with about 135,000 followers on TikTok, has frequently advocated for free or larger seats on planes.

In an October video, which reached nearly 73,000 views, text on the screen read: 'Hot take: every airline should have a customer of size policy like Southwest Airlines.'

'If more airlines adopted policies like Southwest Airlines' customer-of-size policy, offering free or reimbursed additional seats for plus size passengers who need more space, air travel would be far more accessible and accommodating to people of size,' the caption read.

Ms Chaney also called upon the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year with a petition asking airlines to scrap their 'discriminatory' policies and give obese passengers free seats.
Police are appealing for help to locate a girl who has been missing for more than a week.

The 14-year-old was last seen leaving a property in Sidney Nolan Drive, in Coombabah, in Brisbane's southeast on March,21 around 6pm.

The girl was wearing black and white checked trousers and a black long-sleeved shirt, at the time she disappeared.

She was carrying a cream coloured bag.

Police are appealing for information about a 14-year-old girl (pictured) after she went missing more than a week ago in Coombabah, in Brisbane's south on March, 21

She has black hair, brown eyes, and fair skin and is often visits areas in Brisbane's south.





Police have urged anyone with information about the girl to come forward.





Reports can be made to Policelink by completing the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day, seven days a week.





Police can also be contacted via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimetoppers.qld.com.au to provide anonymous reports.





Anyone who makes a report has been asked to quote the reference number QP2400504371.




A man has died and another is in a critical condition after a quad bike rolled in NSW's Hunter region.

At around 7pm on Sunday, emergency services were called to a fire trail in Cooranbong, west of Morriset at Lake Macquarie, following reports a two-seater All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) had crashed.

A man has died after a quad bike crashed in Cooranbong, west of Morriset in Lake Macquarie on Sunday night (pictured stock image)

The passenger, a 35-year-old man, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

The driver, a 30-year-old man was treated at the scene and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the horror incident (pictured stock image)
Massachusetts residents are outraged at recently announced plans to turn a former Boston area veteran housing unit into a homeless shelter as the city is inundated with migrants.

Democrat Governor Maura Healey revealed the government will turn the former Chelsea Soldiers' Home facility, which is vacant and scheduled for demolition, into a safety-net site in April.

It will be able to accommodate 100 families who are eligible for the state's Emergency Assistance family shelter system, which has been operating at capacity for months.

Residents of the Bay State, however, are furious that the former veteran housing facility is being turned into migrant shelter when on a single night in 2023 there were 545 veterans experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Local Dick McGrath said on Facebook: 'Is it me, or is there something wrong with putting migrants in the Chelsea Soldiers Home instead of homeless veterans?'

Massachusetts residents are outraged at recently announced plans to turn a former Boston area veteran housing unit (pictured) into a homeless shelter

The state's shelters reached capacity in November, with 7,500 families in its system. Hundreds of migrants were forced to sleep at the airport in January

Democrat Governor Maura Healey said the government will turn the former Chelsea Soldiers' Home facility, which is vacant and scheduled for demolition, into a safety-net site in April

George Belmonte said: 'I can't believe the Chelsea soldiers home which is for the Vets is going to used for the immigrants overflow. How about taking care of the homeless Vets first. I am all for helping people but how about taking care of those already here and homeless.'

Bay Stater Eileen Jeffrey said on Facebook: 'Chelsea soldier home is now a migrant shelter- there are thousands of homeless vets - Are you kidding me!'

Grace Curley, a radio host for Boston radio station WRKO, told Fox News: 'This isn't going to be a kumbaya moment, this is probably going to create a lot of issues and there's going to be a lot of unhappy people out there.'

Mike Junior said: 'They were supposed to tear that building down but let's put migrants in there, not our own soldiers, not our own people, not the ones who FOUGHT for OUR FREEDOM.'

Blake Habyan said on Twitter: 'Illegals are being prioritized over American citizens. Who will they take away from next?'

Secretary of Veterans Services Dr. Jon Santiago insisted transforming the site will not affect services for veterans.

Massachusetts has proven that we can take care of veterans and families experiencing homelessness in our state,' said Santiago.

'While EOVS formerly operated the building slated for demolition, this project operates independently and will not impact the daily routines or services at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea.'

Governor Healey announced on March 25 that families will be required to document engagement in case management and rehousing efforts monthly in order to remain eligible to stay at a state safety-net site starting on May 1.

On March 22, the Massachusetts Senate has approved limits on how long homeless families can stay in emergency state shelters as part of an $850 million plan to fund the system at the center of the migrant crisis.

The maximum stay was limited to nine months with the possibility of 90 more days for veterans, pregnant women and people who are employed or enrolled in a job training program.

The Melnea Cass Recreational Center in Roxbury has been closed to the local community and turned into a homeless shelter for 400 migrants in February.

Healey said families will be required to document engagement in case management and rehousing efforts monthly in order to remain eligible to stay at shelters

The Melnea Cass Recreational Center in Roxbury has been closed to the local community and turned into a homeless shelter for 400 migrants in February.

Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia told NBC10 Boston that residents should consider housing migrants in their private homes to battle the crisis

Grace Curley, a radio host for Boston radio station WRKO, told Fox News that asking residents to housing migrants will cause lots of issues

In January, hundreds of migrants were forced to sleep on the floor at Boston Logan International Airport with no where else to turn.

Massachusetts' shelters reached capacity in November, with 7,500 families in its system.

Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia told NBC10 Boston that residents should consider housing migrants in their private homes to battle the crisis.

'Dedham, Wellesley, Brookline  cities and towns that have so much more resources than the city of Boston. People who actually have more financial support, we need to do everything in our power to make sure that we are setting them up for success or whatever success looks like,' Mejia said.
Australians living in caravans could be slapped with restrictions following a push from the NSW government.

Under the planned changes, people living in caravans on private property will need to gain council approval if their vehicle exceeds 20 sqm or if it is connected to electricity and water for more than six months.

Current legislation allows people to live in caravans on private property indefinitely if it is used by someone in the main household.

Eryn Norris lives in a caravan at the back of her parents' property in Kariong on the NSW Central Coast.

The 23-year-old said the proposed reforms would discourage people from pursuing the affordable housing option.

Australians living in caravans could be slapped with restrictions following a push from the NSW government

'It would be drastic for so many people, even just people my age but also say like my grandparents' sort of age, it would be detrimental to so many people's ability to have a house that's safe,' Ms Norris said.

'I looked into renting and renting was just way out of the picture while I was at university. It's way too expensive so we looked into different sorts of living situations, something that would work for us and this - without council approval - just changed everything.

'We would all eventually like to own our own homes but to be able to even think about doing that you'd have to earn over $100,000 a year which ... coming out of university is next to impossible,' she said.

She said she was afraid she would never own her own home and hoped she and her three sisters could live in the caravan together as they grew up.

VanHomes chief executive Vito Russo said the change was unnecessary, particularly during a housing crisis.

Under the planned changes, people living in caravans on private property will need to gain council approval if their vehicle exceeds 20 sqm or if it is connected to electricity and water for more than six months

'We are not against updating legislation but definitely a lot more work needs to be done,' he told Sky News Australia.

'As the current proposal is, it will exacerbate the housing crisis.

'It is almost contradictive to be announcing all these initiatives to provide more housing, more affordable housing then on the other hand ... change the legislation.'

A large proportion of VanHomes's customers include young people trying to save money, grandparents who want to be closer to grandchildren, people with mental health issues and domestic violence survivors.

'Some councils still want you to go through a development application process and once you go through that DA process, you could be looking at an up to 12-month delay and another $25,000, $30,000 to the cost,' Mr Russo said.

Minister for Planning Paul Scully (pictured) said in a statement to Sky News the proposed reforms aimed to ensure greater safety with installations.

Minister for Planning Paul Scully said in a statement to Sky News the proposed reforms aimed to ensure greater safety with installations.

'It's been 30 years since the current regulation for regulations around caravan parks, manufactured home estates and movable dwellings were reviewed,' the statement said.

'A lot of the industry has changed, some good and some bad. We're wanting to focus on what's working well and build on it.

'In a time where we are increasingly seeing tiny homes and movable dwellings becoming permanent secondary residencies, we also want to provide our councils with peace of mind when planning for local amenities and infrastructure.'

Those impacted by natural disasters would have special dispensation to live in an installed caravan in a backyard - without council approval - for up to two years.

A second package of proposed reforms will be considered later this year.
Tucker Carlson claimed that he was banned from speaking at his prep school Alma Mater because administration thought he was 'too dangerous' and that 'people could be killed.'

Video of Carlson talking to a group of students from St. George's School on Zoom was posted on X, as he told them about the lengthy ordeal he had to go through in order to speak to them.

Carlson attended the boarding school in Middletown, Rhode Island as a teenager, sent his three children there and even got married on campus to his wife Susan Andrews, who also attended the school.

The former Fox News host claims he was notified that students at the school wanted him to come speak to them, but when he tried to set up a time and date, he didn't hear back from the school.

Carlson said he kept reaching out to the school for a 'straight answer' and spoke to the head master and a board member who said that it wouldn't be safe for him to come on campus because 'people could be killed.'

He then discovered that the school did not have armed security guards on campus and offered to bring his own, but the school denied him and mentioned their 'no guns' policy.

Tucker Carlson was seen in a recorded Zoom call that he had with students from St. George's School after the prep school banned him coming to campus to speak

The school is located in Middletown, Rhode Island and cost more than $76,000 to attend

'And I'm like, what? Your security aren't armed? I sent three kids there. If I knew you didn't have armed security, I wouldn't have sent my kids there,' Carlson said.

The school since found out that he recorded the session with students and fired back at the former controversial host, claiming that he allegedly violated their agreement by recording.

In a letter to the campus community, administrators from the school, which costs more than $76,000 to attend, expressed their frustration with Carlson.

'After careful consideration, the school leadership decided that a virtual conversation between Mr. Carlson and interested students was the best way to honor the invitation and ensure campus safety,' the letter said.

'We are disappointed that Mr. Carlson chose to record and share the Zoom discussion. The students deserved to know in advance is that was the plan.'

His Alma Mater added that they were 'most troubled' by Carlson's 'unfair criticism of our dedicated faculty and staff.'

Throughout the chat, Carlson candidly detailed his experience with the school prior to speaking with students.

'I found, honestly, in my exchanges with the administration at St. George's, a total resistance to having anybody who they don't agree with even in the same world,' Carlson dramatically said.

He went on to tell the students that the reason he wasn't able to see them in person was because they 'hate' his politics.

As he kept reaching out to the school for a 'straight answer,' Carlson spoke to the head master and a board member, who said that it wouldn't be safe for him to come on campus because 'people could be killed'

The school since found out that he recorded the session with students and fired back at the former Fox News host claiming that he allegedly violated their agreement by recording

Carlson said that he understood that everyone at the school might not have wanted to hear him speak and that was okay with that.

'I don't think you should force your views on anyone. I don't believe in that,' he said.

'They did it to me at St. George's and I didn't like it, and I said so at the time.'

He then detailed the communications between him and the school and said that 'no one would answer.'

After waiting on head of the school, Michael C. Wirtz, to call him back 'for over a week,' Carlson said that the entire process was 'hilarious' to him.

Once Wirtz returned his call, Carlson said that the head master said that he feared that he would 'garnish national media attention' if he came to the campus.

'And I was like, garnish? The parsley on your steak? What are you even talking about? I think you mean garner,' Carlson said as students laughed.

Carlson then questioned Wirtz's position before mocking the way he spoke when asked if Oprah would get the same treatment as him.

After that, he said he got a call from a board member who told him that students didn't want him to come to campus and said that they thought Carlson was 'embarrassing.'

'Okay, you're not hurting my feelings, but this Henry kid seems smart, if he wants me to come then I'll go sit in a basement and I'll talk to Henry for an hour and I'll leave,' Carlson said.

Carlson attended the boarding school as a teenager, sent his three children there and even got married on campus to his wife Susan Andrews (pictured), who also attended the school

He discovered that the school did not have armed security guards on campus and offered to bring his own, but the school denied him and mentioned their 'no guns' policy

It is unclear how many students did attend the Zoom session with Carlson.

He said he eventually told he wasn't wanted on campus because the school questioned the safety risk he could bring.

Carlson continued his rant and asked if it would be a different response if President Joe Biden wanted to come to the school.

'If Joe Biden wanted to come Abrams tanks and F-16's, you would allow him because you like Joe Biden. I mean stop lying to me,' Carlson said.

As the clip of him talking to the students ended, Carlson said that he felt 'sorry for the kids who go there.'

'Calm down, you're not gonna hurt anybody, ideas you don't agree with are not dangerous, in fact, they should be welcomed, you should be happy to hear them,' he said before uncontrollably laughing.

He continued to make comments about the school as students on the video call asked him questions.

DailyMail.com has contacted St. George's School for comment.
Donald Trump has claimed the President of Mexico lacks respect for President Biden after asking for $20 billion simply to talk, as part of a series of outlandish requests that critics have termed 'diplomatic blackmail'.

Speaking on Fox News on Sunday night, Trump intimated that Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's plan to ask for money simply to speak with Biden is a sign of Biden's weakness.

'He said he wants $10 billion essentially just to talk, $10 billion to talk. That wouldn't happen with me, with the wall,' Trump bragged.

Earlier this year Obrador suggested that the Mexican government would work to support the U.S. efforts to curb the surge of illegal migrants, but only if certain outlandish conditions were met.

Obrador wants the United States to reciprocate by sending $20 billion annually in taxpayer cash in the form of aid to Latin America and the Caribbean to address so-called 'root causes' of migration.

Speaking on Fox News on Sunday night, Trump intimated that Mexican President Obrador's plan to ask for money simply to speak with Biden is a sign of Biden's weakness

Donald Trump criticized Mexican President Obrador's demand of $10 billion to talk with President Biden, suggesting it reflects Biden's perceived weakness

The President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wants the United States to send $20bn annually in taxpayer cash to Latin America and the Caribbean to address the so-called 'root causes' of migration

'We're not going to shut down our border until you change your policy on Cuba and change your policy on Venezuela,' journalist Brian Kilmeade reminded viewers of what Obrador had suggested before asking Trump: 'Is it OK for the Mexican president to dictate American policy?'

'It's very simple: lack of respect for the president. They would never say that to me. They would never say before we even talk. They want $10 billion a year, Mexico just asked for $10 billion a year. They would never ask it. I wouldn't give them 10 cents,' Trump continued.

Aside from the $20 billion in aid, Obrador wants to see Biden lifting sanctions on communist Cuba and Venezuelas socialist government and the granting, amnesty and providing of legal status to 'millions of law-abiding Mexicans living in the US.'

Obrador, realizing he has leverage over Biden with immigration a chief concern in this year's U.S. election, has suggested that the 'flow of migrants will continue' unless the U.S. meets his demands.

Trump has said the president of Mexic would never ask for money from the U.S. if he were still in the White House. Obrador and Trump are pictures in July 2020

President Biden met with President Obrador of Mexico in January 2023 In Mexico City

Obrador has explained such ideas as him 'speaking frankly' because 'we have to say things as they are  and I always say what I feel.'

House Speaker Mike Johnson recently said that the U.S. could even force Mexico to comply with American immigration policy, but the comments only served to irk Obrador further.

'We are not a colony. We are not a protectorate of any foreign country,' Obrador responded while appearing on CBS. 'And we have a very good relationship with the government of the United States  but not one of subordination.'

Mexico's has gone some way to crack down on immigration in recent months - at the urging of the Biden administration, and has hit Venezuelans especially hard.

The development highlights how much the U.S. depends on Mexico to control migration, which has reached unprecedented levels and is a top issue for voters as Biden seeks reelection in November.

Immigration system appears to be unable to keep pace with the growing migrant population with more than 302,000 crossing the border in December - an all-time high

The numbers of migrants coming across the southern border has skyrocketed since 2021

The US is expected to have more than 8 million asylum seekers and migrants in legal limbo by September's end, marking a 167 percent increase in five years

Arrests of migrants for illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped so far this year after a record high in December.

The biggest decline was among Venezuelans, whose arrests plummeted to 3,184 in February and 4,422 in January from 49,717 in December.

While two months do not make a trend and illegal crossings remain high by historical standards, Mexico's strategy to keep migrants closer to its southern border with Guatemala than the U.S. is at least temporary relief for the Biden administration.

Large numbers of Venezuelans began reaching the U.S. in 2021, first by flying to Mexico and then on foot and by bus after Mexico imposed visa restrictions.

Last September, Venezuelans briefly replaced Mexicans as the largest nationality crossing the border.

Mexico's efforts have included forcing migrants from trains, flying and busing them to the southern part of the country, and flying some home to Venezuela.

A migrant family from Venezuela eats breakfast alongside the railroad tracks in Mexico City, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

A young migrant from Venezuela plays with a spinning top on the railroad tracks lined by tents and makeshift shelters in Mexico City, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Groups of migrants of different nationalities arrive at the Rio Grande, to cross it and surrender to the American authorities last month

More than 500,000 migrants have used the CBP One app to enter the U.S. at land crossings with Mexico since its introduction in January 2023.

They can stay in the U.S. for two years under a presidential authority called parole ,which entitles them to work.

The U.S. admits 1,450 people a day through CBP One with appointments that are granted two weeks out.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has touted his own efforts to explain the recent reduction in illegal crossings in his state, where at least 95 percent of Border Patrol arrests of Venezuelans occur.

Those have included installing razor wire, putting a floating barrier in the Rio Grande and making plans to build a new base for members of the National Guard.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has mostly credited Mexico for the drop in border arrests.
A judge in El Paso issued the decision to release people who were accused of being involved in a "border riot" that occurred in March. This incident took place when a stampede overwhelmed National Guard troops along the Rio Grande. The judge's ruling was made on Easter Sunday.

According to court officials, undocumented migrants will remain in custody if there is a federal immigration hold preventing their release, as reported by the El Paso Times.

Judge Orders Release of Border Riot Defendants

The El Paso District Attorney's Office was accused by Judge Humberto Acosta of having failed to move forward with detention hearings for each defendant during his judgment on Sunday, March 31, during an internet teleconference bond hearing, the site said.

"It is the ruling of the court that all the rioting participation cases will be released on their own recognizance," Acosta issued the order.

On Monday, more accused are anticipated to make an appearance at another hearing. A group of over one hundred migrants attempted to breach the border on March 21 by running a border fence in a section of El Paso, Texas, which is part of the southern border. This led to the violence.

The New York Post released video evidence of several grown males pushing past Texas National Guard members and tearing down state-installed razor wire. They were then prevented from going any farther as they raced near a part of the border wall.

Acosta said "hundreds of arrestees" were entitled to individual detention hearings within 48 hours, however it is unclear what number of illegal migrants were booked on a charge of "riot participation," according to the El Paso Times.

The judge's decision may not have applied to assault and criminal mischief accusations pertaining to the border rush, just to the "riot participation" allegation, according to Fox News.

Second Hearing Scheduled

"So, if the DA's office is telling me that they are not ready to go, what we're going to do is we're going to release all these individuals on their own recognizance," Acosta told the court.

The Post was previously informed last week by an official that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was detaining over 200 migrants that the authorities intended to prosecute and arrest.

But unlike the Border Patrol, federal authorities did not cooperate as much.The El Paso Times reports that a second hearing is scheduled on Monday.

The Texas Military Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety swiftly took charge of the situation and are diligently working to restore the affected areas. The individuals in question have been accused of engaging in criminal activities within the state of Texas.

As a consequence, the Department of Public Safety has been directed to apprehend all individuals involved who are found to be in violation of laws related to trespassing and property damage. A federal appeals court stopped Texas from moving forward with that measure last week.

In early March, the law briefly took effect as the US Supreme Court allowed it to move forward while the legal challenge began.
A four-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a taxi while trying to cross the road with his family.

The Western Australian boy was hit by the white Toyota taxi bus driving west on Tambrey Drive in Nickol, in the Pilbara region, about 7.45pm on March 24.

The young boy suffered critical injuries and was flown to Perth Childrens Hospital, where he later died.

Major Crash investigators are appealing for anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed the incident, to contact Crime Stoppers.
A Windrush scandal victim has accused the Government of 'waiting for us to die off' before it pays out compensation as he called for the scheme to be taken off the Home Office.

Conroy Downie, 67, who lives in northwest London, wants the scheme to be run independently as he says thousands of people do not trust the government department.

The scheme was set up five years ago this week to recompense members of the Windrush Generation - legal immigrant workers from the Caribbean who arrived post-World War Two - who had been incorrectly classed as illegal migrants.

Mr Downie, a war veteran, was born in Jamaica before travelling to the UK as a teenager where he joined the British Army.

He twice faced being deported as he did not have documentation on his immigration status and was homeless for years.

Conroy Downie, 67, who lives in northwest London, wants the compensation scheme to be run independently as he says thousands of people do not trust the Home Office

(Pictured: The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in March 1954) Age UK said long waits for people applying to the compensation scheme are 'unacceptable, especially given that for many of the older applicants, time is not on their side'

It follows calls made in a report by the Humans Rights Watch published last April which said the scheme should be 'stripped' from the Home Office and given to an independent body after the group found that claimants are being asked to provide unreasonable levels of documentation or proof.

Mr Downie received compensation with the help of his daughter, Katie Wilson-Downie, following a three year wait, but his claim has now been reopened as he says he was underpaid for the years he was homeless.

The father and daughter have since met thousands of people across the country to help people with their applications.

Asked what people have told him, he said: 'They don't trust the Home Office. How can I investigate myself? If I'm guilty and the fault is mine don't you think I'm going to try and cover it up - if it's an embarrassing thing and there is a big scandal.

'They need to take the compensation scheme off the Home Office and give it to an independent body.'

Ms Wilson-Downie, a social worker, said she had begun supporting family to apply but then realised when she asked in the wider community that 'nobody seemed to know' about the compensation scheme.

'People required support to understand the complex and tedious application forms written in complex language,' she said, adding that it was then she decided to do events on weekends and evenings to raise awareness.

On the five-year anniversary of the scheme's launch, and in the face of criticism that it has been too slow in paying out, Mr Downie said: 'They're not very good at what they're doing right now. It's a failure, it's disgusting. I think they are waiting for us to die off.'

He told of the effect on generations, saying his son has also had a battle over citizenship, having been born in the British military hospital in Berlin while his father served in the Army.

'They said he wasn't British and threatened him with deportation,' Mr Downie said.

He added: 'When I joined the British Army to contribute my part to the Crown and country, in my mind's eye I thought that, for my children, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, I hoped that society would give them a fair crack of the whip.

The scheme was set up five years ago this week to recompense members of the Windrush Generation - legal immigrant workers from the Caribbean who arrived post-World War Two - who had been incorrectly classed as illegal migrants

'I think the system failed us. The system failed the service of the black soldiers, it failed the Windrush generation.'

Age UK said long waits for people applying to the compensation scheme are 'unacceptable, especially given that for many of the older applicants, time is not on their side'.

Charity director Caroline Abrahams said: 'We need to remember that the people caught up in the Windrush scandal have given their working lives to our country, often in the NHS, the Armed Forces or other public services.

'It's high time everyone affected received the justice they are due before it's too late and more people go to their graves uncompensated for the enormous harm they and their families have experienced through the years. '

The Home Office reiterated its commitment to 'righting the wrongs of the Windrush scandal and making sure those affected receive the compensation they rightly deserve'.
A young motorcyclist has been killed in a police pursuit.

New South Wales Police launched a critical incident investigation following the fatal crash in Sydney's west about 2.30pm on Monday.

Police claim an officer from its Traffic and Highway Patrol unit attempted to stop a motorcycle on Arthur Street in Strathfield.

However, the driver failed to stop so police began pursuing the vehicle.

In the first few minutes of the chase, the motorcycle driver - a man believed to be aged in his 20's - clipped the side of a Toyota Corolla while trying to overtake it.

A young male motorcyclist was killed in a police pursuit in Sydney's west on Monday afternoon

NSW Police claim an officer from its Traffic and Highway Patrol unit initiated a pursuit after the driver failed to stop

The smash caused him to lose control of his bike and he crashed into a power pole in front of a childcare centre.

'Officers treated the male rider - believed to be aged in his 20's - until the arrival of paramedics. However, he died at the scene,' NSW Police said in a statement.

The man will not be formally identified until his next of kin have been notified of the incident.

Officers established a crime scene with Arthur Street closed in both directions between Henley Street and Hornsey Road.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area.

A Critical Incident Investigation Team from Bankstown Police Area Command will analyse the crash and its findings will be subject to an independent review.

Anyone with information or dashcam vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The news comes just three days after another motorcyclist crashed during a pursuit with Sydney police.

Officers had attempted to stop the driver on Camden Valley Way in Gregory Hills, in the city's south-west, about 12.45pm but he failed to stop.

Officers attempted to treat the motorcyclist until paramedics arrived but he was declared dead at the scene

A Critical Incident Investigation Team from Bankstown Police Area Command will analyse the crash and its findings will be subject to an independent review

Police initiated a pursuit but lost sight of the motorcycle.

However, it was found a short time later after crashing.

The 19-year-old rider was arrested and taken to Campbelltown Hospital in a stable condition for assessment and mandatory testing.
A Labour-run council has raked in almost 12 million of fines after stinging motorists travelling through its hated Clean Air Neighbourhood, as furious locals blast the 'cynical greenwashing scheme'.

The traffic calming scheme, which works in a similar fashion to controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN), was made permanent by Hammersmith and Fulham Council in December 2021.

It has caused a furious reaction from residents who blasted it as nothing more than a a cash-grab by the council that simply diverts traffic onto other roads.

One resident told the Telegraph: 'It is blindingly obvious that the infrastructure supporting this naked money-making scheme is not fit for purpose.

'This is a cynical greenwashing scheme which diverts traffic elsewhere, does nothing to save the planet and benefits the richer residents of South Fulham living inside the leafy green streets, at the expense of those residents living along the main roads.'

Hammersmith and Fulham council have issued 341,000 fines from just five cameras in the hated South Fulham Clean Air Neighbourhood

The South Fulham CAN covers New Kings Road, Wandsworth Bridge and the River Thames and was introduced in December 2022

Hundreds of LTNs were widely rolled out during the pandemic by cash-strapped councils

Another resident said that the scheme had 'divided the lcal community, damaged local businesses, harmed peoples livelihoods and their lives, and it raises serious ethical concerns.'

Local Conservative MP Greg Hands added that it 'has had an awful impact on local businesses, and heaped extra congestion on to New Kings Road and Wandsworth Bridge Roads'.

Others have raised concerns about the safety of women after Uber drivers refused to drive into the zone to drop women at their front doors over fears of being charged.

While residents within the borough are allowed to move freely amongst the streets, alongside black cab drivers, carers and businesses' visitors, out-of-borough drivers will be fined.

The CAN, which takes aim at 'rat-running', covers New Kings Road, Wandsworth Bridge and the River Thame and took in 11.8m from fining drivers last year.

The western scheme collected 7.8m in fines in 2023 while the eastern scheme took in around 4million in fines, according to the council's data.

Further to this the council spent 20,000 on road markings and signage with a further 10,000 used for promotion letters and leaflets when it was first introduced.

The council, however, has said it only expects to generate around 5.6m this year, claiming drivers will adapt to the scheme.

It just one example of a traffic-calming scheme rolled out by a council during the pandemic.

Hundreds of LTNs were widely introduced by cash-strapped councils during the pandemic in a bid to reduce the number of vehicles travelling through an area.

A protest held against low-traffic neighbourhoods in Ealing, West London, in April 2021

The Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the Tories were 'on the side of motorists' as he presented new guidance for local authorities that obliges them to consider whether residents support the implementation of an LTN.

The traffic calming scheme works by using planters or barriers to stop traffic being able to drive along a certain route in hope that it will make roads more pedestrian-friendly and reduce air pollution.

Yet the scheme has divided communities across the country - while some say it does make areas safer and less polluted others branded them an attack on motorists and blamed them for simply pushing traffic onto other roads.

Impacted locals fear for ambulances struggling to get through, traffic gridlock on surrounding roads and the impact on local businesses due to the schemes, which have already generated an estimated 100million of income for local councils.

Earlier this month, transport minister Mark Harper lashed out at the 'anti-motorist' schemes accusing councils of using them as cash cows as he unveiled a clampdown on their introduction.

He argued that Tories were 'on the side of motorists' as he presented new guidance for local authorities that obliges them to consider whether residents support the implementation of an LTN.

Mr Harper said that there were 'examples of councils where 'a council hasn't taken its local community with them' - citing two schemes in Newcastle and South London.

In May last year, a bollard on Temple Street off Cowley Road in Oxford was knocked down and placed in the adjacent planters - just 24 hours after being installed

'Some councils have done it and the assessment is that they are raising money,' he told Sky News.

'This is about a system that means that councils properly balance the needs of motorists and other road users, not an anti-motorist scheme pitting different road users against each other is not helpful and not sensible.

'That is what we are trying to stop. The other political parties have nothing to say about it, we are on the side of drivers and other road users and we think they can co-exist sensibly.'

The Department for Transport published draft statutory guidance for councils on LTNs setting out that they must gain buy-in from local residents, businesses and emergency services when considering implementing new schemes.

If councils fail to deliver road schemes that work for local people, they could see future funding withdrawn and the Government could take control of an authority's roads, under powers from the Traffic Management Act

The new legislation, which will asses whether councils have 'widely mismanaged' its LTN policies, is due to come into place this summer.

MailOnline has contacted Hammersmith and Fulham council.

The council told The Times that 'fines have tumbled by almost 80 per cent' and that no business had closed because of the LTN.
The discovery of French toddler Emile Soleil's remains close to his home this weekend in an area of an Alpine village 'already thoroughly searched' by police has led locals to believe he was murdered.

Ramblers found the bones of two-year-old Emile on Saturday in the idyllic Alpine hamlet of Le Vernet where he went missing last July.

A source close to the investigation told MailOnline that only part of the body was found, with some bones and the skull being recovered.

Le Vernet's mayor Francois Balique told Le Figaro newspaper the remains were located 'on a path between the Church and Chapel' of the village - an area he said had previously 'been thoroughly searched by gendarmes' with a 'tooth comb'.

He said it was 'absolutely incomprehensible' that Emile got into trouble by himself.

'I can't help but believe that an adult is involved in this matter. Emile would never have gone alone to where he was found,' Mr Balique said.

This adds an extremely disturbing element to the progress of the investigation, said the source, suggesting the remains had been deposited there some time after Emile's disappearance.

'It's unlikely animals would bring human remains back into the village where someone went missing.

'This leads to the theory that a person has brought Emile's remains back, and potentially very recently,' the source said.

Meanwhile, Emile's parents, Marie and Colomban Soleil, told of their 'pain and sorrow' in a statement provided to press on Easter Sunday via their lawyer Jerome Triomphe.

'This heartbreaking news was feared... (They) know on this Resurrection Sunday that Emile watches over them in the light and tenderness of God.

'Marie and Colomban would like to thank all those who helped and supported them as well as the investigating judges and investigators for their work, their professionalism, their personal commitment and their humanity which were of great comfort to them, in recent months and in particular on this day... But the pain and sorrow remain'.

'The time has come for mourning, contemplation and prayer.'

Ramblers discovered the remains of two-year-old Emile Soleil (pictured) close to the home

The road to Haut-Vernet is blocked by a gendarmerie checkpoint at the village of Le Vernet, France, picturedon Sunday

The Alpine hamlet of Le Haut-Vernet in France pictured on Sunday, after French investigators found the remains of the toddler who went missing last summer

The entrance of the French southern Alps village of Le Vernet, near where Emile went missing

Speaking this morning, Le Vernet mayor Balique said he could not understand why the remains hadn't been found sooner.

'There are people who regularly use the path nearby. I used it last week. The volunteer searchers have been there, I'm sure.

'I was there during the beatings [on the ground by those searching for Emile] and the gendarmes couldn't have missed him with the dogs.

'There was even a logging there in the Autumn. The wood cutters didn't see anything either. It's incomprehensible.'

Gilles Thezan, another resident of Haut-Vernet, told Le Parisien: 'There's a trick going on.

'The body was found only one or two kilometers from Haut-Vernet, in a place which had already been searched and re-searched, notably with dogs.

'Everything was raked from top to bottom. There's no way anyone wouldn't have seen it before.

'It's an unclear story. I say that the little one died and that somone went to hide him there much later.

'We're going to have to find the culprit. Now that we have found little Emile, the police will be able to speed up their investigation, even with what remains of the body.'

Le Vernet is made up of Haut-Vernet (High Vernet) and Bas-Vernet (Lower-Vernet) and there is a Saint Pancras Chapel, as well as two Roman Catholic churches - Saint Martin's in Haut Vernet and Saint Martha's Bas-Vernet.

On Sunday, the whole of Vernet was blockaded by police, with nobody allowed in or out.

The macabre discovery on Saturday was today described as a key breakthrough in a criminal enquiry that has baffled detectives since they launched a frantic search in the Le Vernet in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence back on July 8.

The mysterious case has drawn comparisons with hit BBC drama The Missing, in which a young boy vanishes while on holiday with his Family in France.

A statement released by public prosecutors in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday said 'genetic analysis identifies' the bones as belonging to Emile.

It added that 'criminalistic analysis' was also underway, and that gendarmes were carrying out 'additional research' in the area where they were found.

Police closed off the village on March 27 to everyone except investigators and residents, and restrictions remain in place as cops gather further information about the remains found today.

A cause of death has not yet been established.

Police closed off the village on March 27 to everyone except investigators and residents

Gendarmes meticulously search the outskirts of the village of Vernet last July

Restrictions remain in place as cops gather further information about the remains found today

A source told MailOnline: 'It is being analysed, along with his bones, in an attempt to establish the cause of death.

'The deceased's teeth have all been recovered too, but some other elements of the body are gone.

'Drones and sniffer dogs are combing the entire area of countryside to try and find more.

'It may be that body parts were taken away by wild animals, but no theory is being ruled out,' the source added.

Jose Morale, mayor of La Bouilladisse, the town near Marseille where Emile's family live for most of the year, said: 'We will do our best to support them.

'For the parents, it's very complicated. There is no relief, the sadness is infinite, we are all dejected.'

While a key investigating source said Emile's remains were found in countryside, some two miles away from the hamlet, its mayor said they were discovered within its boundaries.

There had been no trace of Emile since he went missing eight months ago, with investigators refusing to rule out any theory for the tragedy, including abduction and murder.

Emile was officially in the care of local physiotherapist Philippe Vevodini on the day of his disappearance, as his parents took a break.

A witness saw Mr Vedovini cutting wood outside his house around the time Emile is thought to have wandered off.

Mr Vedovini is a devout Catholic who gave up a vocation to become a monk, in order to marry his wife, Anne Vedovini.

They brought up 10 children, including Emile's mother, who is now known by her married name of Marie Soleil after she married Emile's father, Colomban Soleil, 26.

There had been no trace of Emile since he went missing eight months ago

The macabre discovery on Saturday was today described as a key breakthrough in a criminal enquiry that has baffled detectives

Volunteers take part in a search operation for Emile on July 10

The extreme-right wing political background of the family has also been examined by police. Emile's father, Colomban Soleil, 26, was arrested for 'an attack on foreigners' in 2018.

A countryside search for Emile was carried out after the little boy disappeared, but it yielded nothing.

He appeared before judges in Aix-en-Provence, and was released from custody after pledging to maintain the peace.

At the time, Mr Soleil was an activist linked to Action Francaise, the far-Right nationalist and royalist group, as well as the neofascist Bastion Social.

Three years later, in 2021, both Mr Soleil and his wife stood as local election candidates in the Marseille area, supporting the Reconquest party of Eric Zemmour, the convicted racist and Islamophobe who tried to become president of France last year.

Their election slogans at the time identified them as 'friends of Eric Zemmour' who wanted to 'clean out the system'.

Lead prosecutor Remy Avon, who is heading the judicial inquiry into Emile's disappearance said the possibilities that Emile had been murdered, kidnapped, or got involved in an accident were all being looked at.

He confirmed that Emile's parents' home, in the southern town of La Bouilladisse, near Marseille, was searched back in July, while the grandparents homes nearby, and in the Alps, were also raided.

The saga evokes the BBC series, The Missing, in which a young boy vanishes whilst on holiday with his family in France, only to be killed in a hit-and-run accident after chasing a fox.

French gendarmes take part in the search operation for two-year-old Emile in July 2023

Volunteers take part in the search operation for Emile on July 10

Two gendarmes meticulously search the surroundings of a house on July 13 2023

This was an appeal for witnesses after the little boy went missing

Emile's family had called on people to pray to Benoite Rencurel - a French shepherd said to have seen apparitions of the Virgin Mary from 1664 to 1718.

Residents of Vernet meanwhile referred to the place as a cursed 'village of the damned' because of its links with disaster.

In March 2015, Vernet was also cordoned off following a horrific air crash in which 150 people died, including two babies.

Germanwings Airbus A320 was deliberately brought down by co-pilot Andres Lubitz, who had previously been treated for suicidal tendencies.

Many Vernet residents took part in high mountain searches for possible survivors at the time.

They also opened their homes to family and friends of those who perished in the disaster.

The inhabitants of Vernet were also shaken by the murder of a local cafe manager in the village 15 years ago.

Jeannette Grosos, who ran the Cafe du Moulin, was brutally killed by a customer in 2008.

Mayor Francois Balique said: 'It was a real drama for the whole village  one which it has had a hard time recovering.'

One resident of Vernat said: 'Everybody is saying it  Vernet feels like a village of the damned.'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is conscious and speaking with family after being fully sedated for a hernia operation, the hospital treating him has said.

The 74-year-old's surgery was successful and he is recovering, Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem announced at around 2.00am local time, though doctors did not immediately specify how long his recovery might take.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin stood in as Acting Prime Minister while Netanyahu was unconscious under full anaesthesia.

The hospital said that doctors had discovered the hernia on Saturday during a routine checkup, and that after consultations the decision was made for the premier to undergo surgery after completing his daily schedule.

It added that a cardiologist was part of the prime minister's medical team for the surgery. Netanyahu previously underwent a hernia operation in 2013 and had a pacemaker fitted last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is conscious and speaking with family after undergoing a successful hernia operation, medics have said

Prof. Alon Pikarski (right), the head of the surgical department at Hadassah Ein Kerem, performed the surgery

Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October

Prof. Alon Pikarski, the head of the surgical department at Hadassah Ein Kerem, performed the surgery, said in a short video statement that it went 'as expected and was successful and the Prime Minister is awake, recovering and talking to his family.'

Netanyahu underwent surgery as protesters calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza stepped up pressure on his government nearly six months into the war with Hamas.

Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October.

Deep divisions over Netanayahu's leadership long predate the war, which still enjoys strong public support.

Netanyahu gave a televised speech prior to his surgery in which he sought to reassure the hostages' families that he understands their pain and that the government is doing everything it can to get their loved ones home.

He hit out at protesters' calls for a new election around two years early, saying that it would only halt hostage negotiations and serve to help Hamas.

He vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all of the hostages are freed, and reiterated his promise that a ground offensive will be launched in Rafah.

There were angry protests in Jerusalem yesterday as Benjamin Netanyahu was set to have surgery

Anti-government protesters hold Israeli flags and placards with an image of Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu during a rally calling for the release of hostages

More than half of Gaza's population - 1.4 million people - are seeking refuge in the city amid a Israel's aerial and ground offensive across the embattled strip, and Netanyahu has come under pressure from the US to hold back.

He declared that this external pressure would not effect his decision to send troops in, saying: 'There is no victory without going into Rafah'.

Many Israelis blame him for the security failures of Oct. 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

It comes as the Israeli military withdrew from Gaza's largest hospital early today after a two-week raid, leaving behind several bodies and a vast swathe of destruction, according to Palestinian residents.

Palestinians inspect the damage at Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital after the Israeli military withdrew from the complex housing the hospital on April 1

A Palestinian woman and child sit amidst the rubble of Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital after the Israeli military withdrew from the complex

The military has described the raid on Shifa Hospital as one of the most successful operations of the nearly six-month war.

It says it killed scores of Hamas and other militants, including senior operatives, and that it seized weapons and valuable intelligence. It confirmed forces had withdrawn Monday.

READ MORE: Talks resume on bringing Israeli officials to the US to discuss Gaza operation, the White House says Advertisement

The UN health agency said several patients died and dozens were put at risk during the raid, which brought even further destruction to a hospital that had already largely ceased to function.

Days of heavy fighting showed that Hamas can still put up resistance even in one of the hardest-hit areas of Gaza.

Deadly air strikes again pounded the Gaza Strip as talks towards a truce between Israel and Hamas were set to resume in Cairo on Sunday, according to Egyptian television. But neither Netanyahu nor Hamas voiced optimism.

To help alleviate the suffering of Gaza's 2.4 million people, an aid ship was sailing from the Mediterranean island-nation of Cyprus to bring 400 tonnes of food, as part of a small flotilla.

Foreign powers have ramped up aid airdrops, although United Nations agencies and charities warn this falls far short of the dire need and say trucks are the most efficient way of delivering aid.
Germany today became the biggest EU country to legalise recreational cannabis, with thousands flocking to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate overnight to light up joints in celebration.

A huge crowd packed the streets around the famous monument in the German capital toting cannabis plant-shaped placards and banners that read 'we don't want to be offenders!'

The throng of marijuana enthusiasts erupted in cheers as the clock struck midnight and thick clouds of smoke quickly filled the air as hundreds of people sparked up in unison.

One participant, a very happy 25-year-old Niyazi, said the new legislation - despite fierce objections from opposition politicians and medical associations - gave German citizens 'a bit of extra freedom'.

Under the first step in the much-debated new law, adults over 18 are now allowed to carry 25 grams of dried cannabis and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home.

The changes leave Germany with some of the most liberal cannabis laws in Europe, alongside Malta and Luxembourg, which legalised recreational use in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

But some warned that a lack of clarity in the legislation could lead to significant policing problems, while others pointed out the country's judicial system would be overwhelmed by thousands of cases from those sentenced to cannabis-related offences that are no longer illegal.

Participants hold up their smartphones at midnight with the beginning of the new day down in front of the Brandenburg Gate on the occasion of a so called 'Smoke-In' event in Berlin

A man takes a puff from a marijuana cigarette in front of the Brandenburg Gate and a placard reading 'We don't want to be offenders!' during the 'Smoke-In' event in Berlin

Starting 1 April, Germany has legalised cannabis for personal use. As per the new law, Adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own consumption

Participants kiss as they smoke weed in front of the Brandenburg Gate on the occasion of a so called 'Smoke-In' event in Berlin, Germany, 01 April 2024

People smoke marijuana in front of the Brandenburg Gate during the 'Smoke-In' event in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 1, 2024

Cannabis enthusiasts smoke joints legally at the Brandenburg Gate at shortly after midnight on April 1, 2024 in Berlin, Germany

A participant smokes a joint in front of the Brandenburg Gate on the occasion of a so called 'Smoke-In' event in Berlin, Germany, 01 April 2024

A man sits on the shoulders of another man while smoking as Germany celebrates the part legalisation of cannabis with a 'smoke in', at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, April 1, 2024

As the next step in the legal reform, from July 1 it will be possible to legally obtain weed through 'cannabis clubs' in the country.

These regulated associations will be allowed to have up to 500 members each, and will be able to distribute up to 50 grams of cannabis per person per month.

Individuals will be allowed to buy up to 25 grams per day, or a maximum 50 grams per month - a figure limited to 30 grams for people under age 21. Membership in multiple clubs won't be allowed.

The clubs' costs will be covered by membership fees, which are to be staggered according to how much marijuana members use.

But until then, 'consumers must not tell the police where they bought their cannabis' in the event of a street check, Georg Wurth, director of the German Cannabis Association, told journalists.

Initial plans for cannabis to be sold via licensed shops have been ditched due to EU opposition, though a second law is in the pipeline to trial the sale of the drug in shops in pilot regions.

The German government, a three-way coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, argues that legalisation will help contain the growing black market for the popular substance.

And Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner, from the liberal FDP, said legalisation was a 'responsible' move that was better than 'directing people to the black market'.

The new law 'will not lead to chaos', Lindner told public broadcaster ARD.

But there was plenty of resistance from opposition politicians.

Conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz has said he would 'immediately' repeal the law if he and his party formed a government following nationwide elections in 2025.

And health groups have raised concerns that legalisation could lead to an increase in use among young people, who face the highest health risks.

Cannabis use among young people can affect the development of the central nervous system, leading to an increased risk of developing psychosis and schizophrenia, experts have warned.

'From our point of view, the law as it is written is a disaster,' Katja Seidel, a therapist at a cannabis addiction centre for young people in Berlin, told AFP.

The law has also led to criticism from police, who fear it will be difficult to enforce.

'From April 1, our colleagues will find themselves in situations of conflict with citizens, as uncertainty reigns on both sides,' said Alexander Poitz, vice-president of the GdP police union.

Exclusion zones and exemptions mean that there is likely to be contention over the exact boundaries delineating where smokers can partake.

Another potential issue is that the law will retroactively declare an amnesty for cannabis-related offences, creating an administrative headache for the legal system.

According to the German Judges' Association, the pardon could apply to more than 200,000 cases that would need to be checked and processed.

Cannabis social clubs will also be allowed to grow their own marijuana beginning later this year

People use their phones as Germany's friends of cannabis celebrate the part legalisation of cannabis with a 'smoke in', at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, April 1, 2024

A man sparks up after the clock struck midnight in Germany

A marijuana smoker smokes a joint in front of a giant mock marijuana plant during a demonstration outside Berlin's Brandenburg Gate to mark the coming into force in Germany on April 1, 2024 of a law allowing adults to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis

Cannabis enthusiasts smoke joints legally at the Brandenburg Gate at shortly after midnight on April 1, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Germany's new cannabis law goes into effect today, bringing in a new era of legal cannabis consumption. Cannabis social clubs will also be allowed to grow their own marijuana beginning later this year

A cloud of smoke is visible as cannabis enthusiasts smoke joints legally at the Brandenburg Gate at shortly after midnight on April 1, 2024 in Berlin

In response to the criticism from health bodies, the German government has promised a widespread information campaign to raise awareness of the risks and to boost support programmes.

It has also stressed that cannabis will remain banned for under-18s and within 100 metres of schools, kindergartens and playgrounds.

'This restriction is necessary because cannabis is particularly damaging for the still-growing brain,' Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said.

'Nobody should misunderstand this law: cannabis consumption is being legalised, but that doesn't mean it isn't dangerous.'

The debate about whether to decriminalise cannabis had been raging for years in Germany prior to the introduction of new legislation.

Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances in the world and its use in Germany has increased dramatically in recent years despite laws prohibiting it.

The number of adults in Germany aged between 18 and 25 years old that consumed cannabis at least once nearly doubled in 2021 from the previous decade to 25%, according to a report by the health ministry last year.
The 'heartbroken' mother of a girl with additional support needs who was removed from a school picture has told of her 'disbelief' at a photo agency's behaviour.

Natalie Pinnell today said it was 'inhumane' that parents were offered two versions of a class photograph taken at Aboyne Primary School in Scotland - one featuring her daughter Erin, nine, and one without.

The revelations have sparked widespread outrage, including from Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf who condemned the incident at the Aberdeen school as 'really dreadful'.

Businesswoman mother-of-two Ms Pinnell, 38, told ITV's Good Morning Britain today: 'One email went out for the specific classes at the school, with two options.

'One, with specifically my child's class in it and one without her, allowing them to make the choice whether they wanted to delete her from the picture effectively.'

Natalie Pinnell told ITV's Good Morning Britain today of her 'disbelief' at the picture decision

She told how her nine-year-old daughter Erin (pictured) was being 'erased'

Mother-of-two Natalie Pinnell, pictured with daughter Erin, criticised Tempest Photography

When asked by presenters Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins how she responded, she said: 'Disbelief  I didn't actually believe that that could have been the reality.

'I assumed at first that there was another reason for it until I found out another class was affected in the same way.

'That class also, the people being removed was two children with additional support needs  one with a physical disability, in a wheelchair.

'It can be difficult for some kids with additional support needs to be focused, to stay engaged, and it can be a challenge for the school to encourage them to come and partake in those activities.'

She did praise the school for having 'worked so hard to enable Erin to have the opportunity to join her class photo' - but was incredulous about the decision by Tempest Photography's cameraman to then offer alternate versions.

Ms Pinnell told today's programme: 'It's more that they then allowed parents to choose whether they wanted Erin in or not. I'd love to know the answer to that.

'By doing this we've potentially given parents the option to erase Erin.

'If we're going for a model of inclusion in education, we have to as a society accept what that looks like.'

A boss at Tempest Photography, the firm at the centre of the scandal, has insisted the move was 'not company policy'.

Natalie Pinnell was interviewed today by GMB's Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins

She told the presenters there should be more of a 'model of inclusion in education'

Terence Tempest, 70, was unable to explain why parents had been given the option - as he vowed to investigate the 'unacceptable' situation.

Speaking from his 3million riverside home near Falmouth, Cornwall, Mr Tempest said last week: 'We're heartbroken. We have released a statement but at the moment I'm just trying to find out what stimulated this and what the hell happened.

'It's just unacceptable, I don't know what's happened. It's certainly not a policy of ours.'

Asked whether he would apologise to the families involved, Mr Tempest said: 'Of course I understand how upset the families must be - I would be too.

'If I was in that position, I would want an apology. I don't run the company and I'm in touch with the managing director at the moment and they will decide what to do.'

Mr Tempest was unable to explain why parents were given the option to choose photos without children with additional support needs and says the freelance photographer may have decided to do it.

He said: 'I'm not sure what the current policy is, frankly - it depends what we are asked to do. We just respond to what we are asked for.

'We have got another meeting coming up and will find out whether the photographer was asked to do it. Did they do it off their own back?'

Ms Pinnell previously told MailOnline her child had been 'erased from history'.

Three children at Aboyne Primary School (pictured) in Scotland were removed from images sent via an internet link, giving parents the option to order a photo without them in it

Lisa Boyd's nine-year-old daughter Lily Nicolson (pictured), who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was omitted from one of the class photos, along with another boy

She said: 'It's devastating to have your child be erased from a photo or give parents a choice whether she should or should not be included. She is the most beautiful human being - who could do this?

'I'm grateful that she's not aware of it because the damage that would do to her self-esteem would be devastating.

'But I'm having to tell my other daughter about what's happening to her sister. I'm not sure I'm going to sleep tonight.'

Ms Pinnell, who runs a business management and strategy company in Aboyne, said she was left fuming after she got an email from the school with two photo links.

Another class that had a disabled girl in a wheelchair also had two photos - one with the schoolgirl and one without.

Lisa Boyd's nine-year-old daughter Lily Nicolson, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was also omitted from one of the class photos, along with another boy.

She said: 'This is clear discrimination and shouldn't happen in a school or anywhere.

'It is the worst that Lily has been treated in her entire life. The school is so inclusive, Lily is included in everything the school does.'

Another outraged mother Natalie Wild, 45, also revealed how a photographer from the same company asked her daughter Tilly who has serious eyesight problems to take off her thick glasses for a picture.

Ms Wild, a commercial property developer, said the request made her daughter feel 'vulnerable and scared' as she relies on her 17 times magnification glasses, and considers them to be part of her.

Erin's (pictured) mother Natalie told MailOnline: 'You can't erase them because they're inconvenient. It's just not OK'

Natalie Wild (pictured with her children) has revealed how a photographer from Tempest Photography asked her daughter Tilly (right) who has serious eyesight problems to take off her thick glasses for a picture

Tilly was reportedly asked to remove her glasses because 'her mummy would like a photo of her looking pretty'

She complained to the company after the incident in September 2022 when Tilly was in Year One at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Primary School in Spinkhill, Derbyshire.

But after she was told that it should not have happened, another photographer from the firm made the same request to her daughter on the company's return to the school to take annual pictures last September.

Aberdeenshire Council has said of the Aboyne Primary School matter: 'We absolutely appreciate the distress and hurt this has caused some parents and carers and we are sincerely sorry.

'The issue has been taken up with the photography company directly as this is totally unacceptable.'
A horror patient mix-up at a Prague hospital left a foreigner with an unwanted abortion without the expectant mother's consent or knowledge, with medics blaming the blunder on a 'language barrier'.

The error occurred on March 25 at the Bulovka University Hospital after a woman in the fourth month of pregnancy attended what she thought would be a routine check-up.

Due to a horror mix-up that went unnoticed by the nurses, doctors, a gynecologist, and an anesthesiologist involved, she was put under anesthesia that was intended for another patient, who was also a foreigner.

The healthy pregnant woman was then subjected to a curettage, a type of uterus surgery and method of abortion, that was scheduled for the other patient.

Following the devastating procedure, the woman miscarried.

A health expert told local media that aside from gross staff negligence, a language barrier likely led to the tragic incident.

A healthy pregnant foreigner was subjected to an unwanted abortion at the Bulovka University Hospital, Prague, after a patient mix-up

The hospital has apologised to the patient and her family and is ready to offer compensation

Speaking to Czech media outlet Seznam Zpravy, gynecologist and vice-chairman of the Czech Medical Chamber Jan Prada said: 'A Czech-speaking patient would probably actively resist the fact that she is going to undergo a procedure that she does not understand'.

It is currently unknown which language the medical professionals had spoken in when communicating with the affected patients.

'The goal must be to do a root analysis, identify the causes, and set a process so that this never happens again,' David Marx, chair of the Czech Society for Quality in Healthcare, told the news outlet.

'According to the findings so far, as a result of a serious violation of internal regulations on the part of the employees concerned, the surgical procedure was initiated on the incorrectly identified patient,' Bulovka spokeswoman Eva Stolejda Libigerova told CNN Prima News.

The staff responsible for the mix-up have been suspended and the hospital is investigating the incident.

'If violations of mandatory working procedures are revealed as part of the ongoing internal investigation, specific individuals will be held personally responsible for it,' the spokeswoman added.

The Health Ministry had been immediately notified of what a ministry spokesperson called an 'undesirable incident' by the head of the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of the Bulovka hospital.

'The Ministry of Health expresses its deep regret to the patient and the entire family,' said ministry spokesman Ondrej Jakob on Thursday.

'There was an inexcusable human error, the guilty parties have been removed from duty for the time being.'

He noted that the hospital would be informing the office about further steps to be taken against the employees who had made the mistakes, and would address the situation.

Jakob also stated the hospital has apologised to the patient and her family and is ready to offer compensation.

According to Radio Prague International, the police said on Saturday that they were treating the matter as a case of bodily harm.

In the Czech Republic, abortion can be legally performed for any reason up to 12 weeks, up to 24 weeks for medical reasons, and at any point during the pregnancy in case of fetal abnormality.

It comes after a doctor in South Korea performed an abortion on the wrong woman, in 2019, after they failed to check her identity.

The woman was six weeks pregnant when she went to the clinic to receive what was believed to be nutritional supplements.

But both the doctor and a nurse - neither of whom were identified at the time - failed to check who she was, giving her anaesthetic before carrying out the abortion.
Russia is behind the Havana syndrome attacks on US troops, a whistleblower has warned as he said the Pentagon was afraid to acknowledge the potential use of energy weapons because it risks sparking war with the nuclear power.

Research by The Insider, a Russia-focused investigative media group based in Riga, Latvia, reported that the Havana syndrome may be linked to energy weapons wielded by members of a Russian military intelligence sabotage unit.

A US intelligence investigation whose findings were released last year found that it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible for the ailment, first reported by US embassy officials in the Cuban capital Havana in 2016.

But Insider reported that members of a Russian military intelligence (GRU) unit known as 29155 had been placed at the scene of reported health incidents involving US personnel.

They are alleged to have used sonic weapons to target their victims' brains with radio frequencies, causing symptoms of Havana syndrome which include migraines, nausea, memory lapses, hearing loss, poor balance and dizziness.

Retired Army lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen, who led the Pentagon investigation into the Havana syndrome incidents, told 60 Minutes that he is 'confident' that Russia is behind the attacks and that acknowledging the potential use of sonic weapons would bring up security questions.

Research by The Insider, a Russia-focused investigative media group based in Riga, Latvia , reported that the Havana syndrome may be linked to energy weapons wielded by members of a Russian military intelligence sabotage unit (pictured: Russian president Vladimir Putin)

Retired Army lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen (pictured), who led the Pentagon investigation into the Havana syndrome incidents, told 60 Minutes that he is 'confident' that Russia is behind the attacks

Lt. Col. Edgreen said the burden of proof under both the Trump and Biden administration was set impossibly high, explaining: 'I think it was set so high because we did not, as a country, and a government, want to face some very hard truths...

'Can we secure America? Are these massive counter intelligence failures? Can we protect American soil and our people on American soil? Are we being attacked and if we're being attacked, is that an act of war?'

He also claimed that the attacks are part of a worldwide mission by Russia targeting US officials to 'neutralize' them.

Another US government employee who was affected was Marc Polymeropoulos. He was appointed as the CIA's deputy chief of operations in Europe and Eurasia with focus on Russia in 2017.

He was in Moscow when he suddenly experienced a throbbing pain in his head, which he put down to food poisoning at first. But when the next painful 'attack' came a few days later, he realized it had to be something else, Der Spiegel reports.

The pain still hasn't subsided six years later. Polymeropoulos said it is 'like a vice on my skull' and his vision was so bad at times that he couldn't even drive a car anymore. He had to end his CIA career in 2019, but not before he was treated like an outcast within the agency.

Polymeropoulos told Der Spiegel about himself and other US government employees who suffered from Havana syndrome: 'We were portrayed as people who had fallen victim to mass hysteria.'

He shared with investigators that he thinks he and the others were targeted by Russian intelligence services, as it 'simply doesn't make sense' otherwise that people who worked in a Russia context were struck down with the mysterious illness.

But he added that he believes the US government doesn't want to know exactly who or what is behind the Havana syndrome, as if it found out it was Russia for example, it would have to react harshly and the government had no interest in the conflict with the nuclear power.

The year-long Insider investigation in collaboration with CBS documentary series 60 Minutes and Germany's Der Spiegel also reported that senior members of Unit 29155 received awards and promotions for work related to the development of 'non-lethal acoustic weapons'.

Russia has previously denied any involvement and dismissed the allegations as 'groundless' today.

'This topic has been talked up in the press for many years already. And from the very beginning most often it's linked to the Russian side,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference.

'But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation,' he said.

'There's no environmental cause that causes the body damage that I saw,' an anonymous PhD source told DailyMail.com last year. 'I don't know how you create damage inside of a body, like what was seen, that comes on all of a sudden, and could be called 'pre-existing conditions''

For the first time, Greg Edgreen, who ran the Pentagon's investigation into mysterious neurological symptoms suffered by American officials  known as Havana Syndrome  speaks out publicly. He says top officials are being neutralized. https://t.co/d9DkwQDck8 pic.twitter.com/qYGRrM8VG1  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 1, 2024

The Insider report said the first incident of 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016, when US embassy staff in Cuba started complaining about pain in their ears and strong pressure in their heads.

It said 'there were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a US government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam'.

More than 1,000 Americans have reportedly been affected by Havana syndrome - and there have also been cases of foreign officials claiming to have suffered similar symptoms.

State Department security officer Mark Lenzi, who worked in the US consulate in Guangzhou, China, told 60 Minutes that he and his wife started experiencing symptoms after hearing strange sounds - like a 'marble' going down a 'metal funnel' - in their apartment in 2017.

He said he believes that him and his wife were targeted with a weapon using radio frequency energy for his work analyzing electronic threats to diplomatic missions using top-secret equipment.

Other staff members said they were struck while on US soil, also reporting of hearing bizarre sounds and experiencing head pain as well as memory loss, impaired vision and poor balance.

Weapons using radio frequencies can be as small as a suitcase or as big as a tractor trailer and when used, can transmit the microwave energy through walls, glass and brick, physicist James Benford told 60 Minutes.

Havana syndrome has its roots in the original cases beginning in November 2016 through June 2018 among 25 US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba.

The State Department described what it saw as 'medically confirmed symptoms' including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, confusion and disorientation.

In some cases, they also include trouble walking, insomnia, sensitivity to sound, ear pain and pressure, tinnitus and brain abnormalities similar to concussion-like symptoms.

After the first cases appeared in Cuba and were made public knowledge, diplomats abroad in countries such as Uzbekistan, China, Germany, Vietnam, and Colombia.

Even before determining the cause, officials in the former Trump administration decided that the cases were a byproduct of foul play by the Cuban government, straining already fraught relations with the Communist-run island.

The Insider report said the first incident of 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016, when US embassy staff in Cuba started complaining about pain in their ears and strong pressure in their heads (pictured: US embassy in Cuba)

After US officials and embassy staff reported hundreds of cases in nearly 70 countries, new reports of Havana syndrome declined sharply starting in early 2022. But the mystery of what caused the ailments and the alarm remains. (Above a timeline map of key incidents)

US Congress passed the Havana Act in 2021 authorizing the State Department, CIA and other US government agencies to provide payments to staff and their families who have been affected by the ailment during assignment.

In June 2023, the State Department authorized six-figure payments to victims, roughly between $100,000 and $200,000.

The specific amounts, according to the Associated Press, were scaled to the extent and severity of the victims' injuries, 'which have included brain damage not limited to vertigo, cognitive damage, eyesight and hearing problems.'

A former US intelligence community PhD told DailyMail.com last year: 'We know that the Soviets had sonic weapons.'

'Anyone in the intelligence community will tell you the US has had these kinds of energy weapons for a while,' that anonymous intel agency PhD said last March.

Other theories surrounding Havana syndrome include it being a case of mass psychogenic illness.

Scientists in California and New Zealand argued in 2020 that the rise of mysterious symptoms in Havana was a psychological response to the stressful post-Cold War conditions in which diplomats were living as well as rumors of a 'new and enigmatic sonic device.'

They said: 'These psychogenic symptoms associated with American soldiers living under continuous stress parallel those reported by the US diplomats working under continuous surveillance while living on foreign soil under the spectre of the Cold War.

'The symptoms of the American diplomats in Havana closely parallel those associated with war trauma  right down to the concussion-like symptoms that have often confounded physicians who have misdiagnosed it as brain trauma in the past.'

Further complicating the situation, the Trump-era Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told roughly 3 million military personnel, civilian officials, and contractors in a letter two years ago to be on the lookout for symptoms consistent with so-called Havana syndrome.
The ongoing search for the missing autistic Tennessee teen, Sebastian Rogers, has been stopped over safety concerns for the Cajun Navy helpers who were assisting in the search.

A 15-year-old boy disappeared on February 26 after leaving his Hendersonville home without shoes and carrying a flashlight.

Search for Missing Tennessee Teen Halted Due to Threats

Many volunteers have been searching for the kid since he vanished, but the United Cajun Navy, a nonprofit search and rescue organization, said on Friday that some of its members had been forced to back down due to threats.

The search team said on Facebook on Friday that they had given up looking for Rogers and could meet secretly over the following few days.

Today's search for Sebastian Rogers has been called off. Due to increasing security concerns and the upcoming Easter holiday, the decision has been made as of this morning to pull back and regroup," the group said on Facebook.

This decision was not taken lightly [and was] made with the safety of all volunteers in mind. We want to thank all the volunteers that planned to be out searching today."

This choice was not made hastily; every volunteer's safety was considered before it was made. We express our gratitude to all of the volunteers who agreed to participate in today's hunt.

It corresponds with the news that Katie Proudfoot, Sebastian's mother, and her husband, Chris, have admitted to broadcaster Nancy Grace that they are leaving Hendersonville and returning to work in Memphis.

Sebastian's father, Seth, the couple, and a horde of volunteers have been looking for the kid ever since he disappeared.

The United Cajun Navy's vice-president, Brian Trascher, tells Fox News Digital that two of the group's members have received threats, however the post did not go into detail about them.

According to Trascher, a guy approached and threatened a male volunteer in a hotel parking lot. Trascher says that a second individual threatened a female volunteer over the phone; he recorded it and provided it to Fox News Digital.

On the recording, the man phones the female volunteer and accuses her and another volunteer of driving onto his land and gathering people. He claims to have spoken with the sheriff's office about the incident, according to Daily Mail.

Search for Sebastian Rogers

Additional information provided by the female volunteer indicates that the individual with whom she was in the car at the time was a local and that the vehicle in question was attempting to make a U-turn. She said she had attempted to call the man in advance to ask for advice on parking.

According to Trascher, the public search has been canceled since his team feels uneasy about their safety due to the severity of the occurrences. They won't share the search areas; they will just keep looking for Rogers privately.

Trascher said the caller claimed, 'We are letting the community know about you. 'You guys are just out of control and we as a community are going to make sure you guys get out of here.'

She said that she made an effort to get in contact with the man earlier to ask for advice about parking.

Trascher said the incidents had increased his team's safety worries, which is why they decided to cancel the public search. He pledged to keep looking for Sebastian secretly but wouldn't say where they would be looking.

Sebastian's mother told Nancy Grace that although she is "absolutely" worried about leaving, she is unsure of when she will return, given the hectic hunt for her son.

The night her son disappeared, Grace questioned Katie, and she justified going out of town. "We're searching everywhere and anywhere, and my son could be anywhere," she added.

Sebastian is a Caucasian man with brown hair and brown eyes who weighs 120 pounds and is 5 feet, 5 inches tall. When last spotted, he donned black sweatpants, a black hoodie, and glasses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Sumner County Emergency Communications Center at 615-451-3838, Fox News reported.
A devout Christian social worker is suing an NHS-backed care firm which rescinded his 25,000-a-year job offer because of his views on homosexuality.

Felix Ngole, 46, was thrown off a social worker training course at Sheffield University following his Facebook post which quoted passages from the Bible about same-sex marriage.

But in a major victory for free speech, he was allowed to return to his training when the Court of Appeal ruled in 2019 that Mr Ngole would 'never discriminate against anyone' because of his personal views.

The father-of-three will launch legal action against Touchstone Support this week after claiming he was denied his dream job because of his strong Christian beliefs, The Telegraph reports.

Mr Ngole had initially been offered the role as a mental health support worker in 2022 after performing well at the interview, but the offer was rescinded weeks later when the firm discovered he had been involved in a previous landmark free speech case.

Felix Ngole (pictured), 46, was thrown off a social worker training course at Sheffield University following his Facebook post which quoted passages from the Bible about same-sex marriage

Mr Ngole pictured with his legal team who helped him challenge Sheffield University's decision to expel him

In 2015, Mr Ngole, who had claimed asylum in Britain from Cameroon, was booted off his Sheffield University social work course after posting on social media about his LGBTQ+ views. Four years later, it was ruled that he was allowed to complete his training.

READ MORE: Christian man has his job offer rescinded after the company learns of his victory in a free speech case Advertisement

Mr Ngole claims that when Touchstone found out about the case, he was called to a second interview where he was questioned about his beliefs.

He claims he was told that the job offer would be rescinded unless he could prove how he would 'embrace and promote homosexual rights'.

Mr Ngole was also allegedly told that his beliefs did not 'align' with Touchstone's ethos as an 'inclusive employer' and that he risked damaging the firm's reputation.

Despite the Christian worker trying to convince Touchstone he had never been accused of forcing his beliefs on anyone or discriminating anybody, the offer was eventually withdrawn.

He is now launching claims of direct discrimination, harassment, and breaches of the Equality Act 2010 against Touchstone.

It's understood lawyers for Touchstone will argue minority groups suffer stress from experiences of discrimination.

They are also set to argue that it would cause users distress if they discovered Mr Ngole's Christian beliefs on homosexuality.

Mr Ngole is now launching claims of direct discrimination, harassment, and breaches of the Equality Act 2010 against Touchstone

But Mr Ngole's team will argue that it will send a green light to other employers that they can discriminate Christians in any situation where they may interact with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Mr Ngole previously told The Mail on Sunday: 'It was an attack on my faith. While they fell short of calling me homophobic, they portrayed me as someone who doesn't like people from the LGBT community and was going to cause them harm.

'I was distraught. It's not who I am as a Christian. I would never discriminate against anyone  that's the opposite of what the Bible teaches.

'Sadly, they didn't give me that same respect in return. I can't pledge allegiance to the LGBT flag to be offered a job  and I don't believe, as a committed Christian, I should be made to do so.'

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, told The Telegraph: 'Telling an employee that they must 'embrace and promote' the LGBT lifestyle as a condition of employment sets a dark and troubling precedent.

'If left unchallenged it would see Christians who manifest their beliefs barred from working in the NHS and other institutions.'

The case will begin at Leeds Employment Tribunal on Tuesday, where Mr Ngole will seek compensation and a recommendation that Touchstone makes changes to ensure it is an 'inclusive employer' like it states it is by not excluding Christians.
The IDF has withdrawn from Gaza's main hospital after a two-week raid, leaving behind a swathe of destruction, according to witnesses.

Hundreds of people returned to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the surrounding area, after the withdrawal early on Monday, where they found bodies inside and outside the facility.

There was no immediate comment from the military, which has described the raid as one of the most successful operations of the bloodiest conflict between itself and Hamas in decades.

The IDF said it killed at least 200 Hamas and other militant fighters, including senior operatives, and that it seized weapons, valuable intelligence and cash during the raid on the hospital.

Gazan citizen Mohammed Mahdi, among the first to return, described a scene of 'total destruction'.

Hundreds of people returned to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the surrounding area, after the withdrawal early on Monday

The hospital has been the site of a major military operation conducted by the IDF

Palestinians found bodies inside and outside the facility

The IDF launched its raid two weeks ago, and left in the early hour of the morning

Israel has killed nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians

He said several buildings had been burned down. He counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

Another resident, Yahia Abu Auf, said there were still patients, medical workers and displaced people sheltering inside the medical compound.

He said several patients had been taken to the nearby Al-Ahli Hospital, and that army bulldozers had ploughed over a makeshift cemetery inside the hospital compound.

'The situation is indescribable. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here,' he said.

The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza said that, after heavy Israeli air strikes and tank fire, 'the scale of the destruction inside the complex and the buildings around it is very large'.

'Dozens of bodies, some of them decomposed, have been recovered from in and around the Al-Shifa medical complex,' the ministry said, adding that the hospital was now 'completely out of service'.

A doctor told AFP more than 20 bodies had been recovered, some crushed by withdrawing vehicles.

Less than a third of the Gaza Strip's 36 hospitals remain at least partially open, after Israel spent six months bombing vast swathes of the enclave.

A man is seen standing next to medical equipment at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

An inside view of the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza

A doctor told AFP more than 20 bodies had been recovered

Palestinians say Israeli troops forcibly evacuated homes near Al-Shifa Hospital in downtown Gaza City

The military had previously raided Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control centre inside and beneath the compound

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities.

Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with wounded civilians.

Palestinians say Israeli troops forcibly evacuated homes near Al-Shifa Hospital in downtown Gaza City and forced hundreds of residents to march south.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late Sunday on X.

The top UN official said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients. He also said there were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration.

The military had previously raided Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control centre inside and beneath the compound.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said

A top UN official said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients

The UN said there were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration

The hospital was left completely destroyed

It revealed a tunnel running beneath the hospital that led to a few rooms, and shared footage it claimed showed Hamas militants using the hospital as cover.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted a video to X that he said showed 'saboteurs' firing on IDF troops in the area.

The military released grainy aerial footage that it said shows people 'shooting towards our forces from Al-Shifa Hospital.'

A figure can be seen seemingly throwing something from a building, before the video abruptly blurs and unblurs with a tank in frame. MailOnline could not verify the claims that the footage showed people shooting.

The video then cuts to what appears to be footage taken from a ground vehicle, which shows a smoke plume rising to roughly three stories after seemingly going off in front of a tank.

The IDF says this part of the footage showed someone 'activating an explosive device towards our forces from inside Al-Shifa Medical Complex'.

But the smoke plume has an inexplicable white halo of light around it, and the tank doesn't appear to react to the purported explosion in any way.

Less than a third of the Gaza Strip's 36 hospitals remain at least partially open, after Israel spent six months bombing vast swathes of the enclave

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities

Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with war wounded

The footage then cuts to a shot of a gateway, with a tank and a group of apparently armed men.

The IDF circled what appeared to be either an explosion or a bullet causing a large chunk of a wall to fly off and said again it was evidence of someone 'shooting towards our forces inside Al-Shifa Medical Complex', though it is unclear who fired the shots in the video.

The tape then abruptly cuts to footage that was seemingly taken later that shows several apparently armed men running past the tank as either a bullet is shot or an explosion is set off.

The final shot in the tape is another aerial shot of a dense complex of buildings. The IDF highlights what appears to either be explosion being set off as several people run away from in.

The IDF then highlights another apparent explosion, though it is unclear who caused this to happen.

The war began on October 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,782 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

The Hamas-run ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 13,000 Hamas fighters, and blames the civilian death toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territory's population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine. Northern Gaza, where Al-Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger that the UN has warned with soon turn into a devastating famine.

Troops are carrying out a 'precise operation' following intelligence that senior Hamas officials were using the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City as a command centre to plan and carry out terror attacks, the IDF said in a statement

A figure can be seen seemingly throwing something from a building, before the video abruptly blurs and unblurs with a tank in frame

The smoke plume has an inexplicable white halo of light around it, and the tank doesn't appear to react to the purported explosion in any way

Israel said late last year that it had largely dismantled Hamas in northern Gaza and withdrew thousands of troops. But it has battled militants there on a number of occasions since then, and the two weeks of heavy fighting around AL-Shifa highlighted the staying power of the armed groups.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all of the hostages are freed. He says Israel will soon expand ground operations to the southern city of Rafah, where some 1.4 million people - more than half of Gaza's population - have sought refuge.

But he faces mounting pressure from Israelis who blame him for the security failures of October 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October.

Deep divisions over Netanayahu's leadership long predate the war, which for now still enjoys strong public support.
The Metropolitan Police has been accused of 'losing control of the streets' after an officer was caught on video telling a Jewish woman that swastikas 'need to be taken into context' when they were displayed at a pro-Palestine protest.

The force sparked a backlash over the weekend after the woman was allegedly told by police that the Nazi symbol was 'not necessarily anti-Semitic or a disruption of public order' when she reported it being shown at Saturday's march.

The Met insisted that the video was part of a wider 10-minute interaction, but it is refusing to share the full footage. It said the person the woman was concerned about had already been arrested 'for a public order offence in relation to a placard'.

Reacting to the astonishing interaction, Colin Wight, a professor of government and international relations, tweeted: 'The Met police trying to justify the flying of a Swastika on the streets of London.

'Not because they support it, but because they dont/cant do anything about it without causing a major public disorder incident. Theyve lost control of the streets and they know it.'

Labour shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds also condemned the footage, telling LBC: 'This did look very concerning, I have to say and I've only seen the reports of this in the media but I was extremely concerned to read about it.

But he added: 'I do generally think it is difficult for the police in these public order situations... I do have sympathy for bobbies on the front line... someone's going to make very difficult decisions as to whether you intervene in something and make it worse, or whether you try to stand back.

'When I was shadowing the home office... I went out on the front line with officers [and] met a lot of officers trying to do a very good job in very difficult circumstances... we do have to bear in mind that context generally as well.'

It can now also be revealed that the Met Police classed the Nazi symbol as a hate crime when it was painted on one of its own stations in 2019.

When the @metpoliceuk refuse to arrest Hamas supporters with a swastika sign today in London one officer told a girl that swastikas disturbing public order depends on context



If youre holding a sign with a swastika at an anti-Israel march  this is blatantly antisemitic. Come pic.twitter.com/MjDNnHomnv  Emily Schrader -     (@emilykschrader) March 30, 2024

The force sparked a major backlash over the weekend after a Jewish woman said she was told a 'swastika was not necessarily anti-Semitic'

Pro-Palestine protesters take to the streets on Saturday as they march through London calling for a ceasefire in Gaza

Colin Wight, a professor of government and international relations, accused the Met of 'losing control of the streets'

Labour shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds (pictured) said the video of the officers speaking to the Jewish woman was 'very concerning'

It can now be revealed that the Met Police launched a hate crime investigation in 2019 when a swastika was found drawn on a wall inside its Edmonton police station base (pictured)

The force launched a hate crime investigation when a swastika was found drawn on a wall inside one of its own bases in Enfield, North London, in an area only accessible to officers and staff.

The Met could not identify the person behind the graffiti at Edmonton police station but it said at the time that it had classed the incident as a faith-based hate crime.

In a statement at the time, the Met police told The Guardian: 'On 15 February 2019 graffiti was found on the wall in the lift lobby area of Edmonton police station. The graffiti, in biro, was a swastika symbol.'

The Met said it treated the incident seriously, adding: 'The incident was recorded as a faith hate crime and a senior investigating officer at detective chief inspector level was appointed to investigate the offence.'

At the time former chief superintendent Victor Olisa questioned why it was being treated as a faith-based hate crime as it seemed to be 'more extreme-rightwing'.

It comes amid a row over why the Met Police officers were confused about the context of a swastika being shown at a pro-Palestine march on Saturday.

During the heated interaction, the furious activist demands to know why the pro-Palestine protester showing a swastika has not been arrested.

But two other officers seemingly defend the lack of action and refuse to acknowledge that parading a swastika symbol at the pro-Palestine march is anti-Semitic.

After being shown the footage, a spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism told MailOnline: 'This interaction is absolutely gobsmacking.

'The very notion that a British police officer could imagine a context in which the Nazi swastika is an acceptable image to be displayed in public is distressing enough, but for him to be uncertain about its meaning in the context of a march oozing with anti-Semitic rhetoric and signage is an indictment of the Met.

'This is less the fault of a solitary officer than it is of Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who has bent over backwards to rationalise and 'contextualise' calls for violent Jihad and genocidal chanting.

The Met Police officer tells the woman that 'everything needs to be taken in context'

As others join in the heated debate, the woman shouts: 'Why does a swastika need context?'

People taking part in Stop the Genocide in Gaza national demonstration in central London. Picture date: Saturday March 30, 2024

'If Sir Mark disagrees with this officer's assessment, he should come out and say so and explain what training he will provide to his officers to ensure that they are clear that Nazism is bad.

'But if he agrees that the swastika is context-dependent, let him tell that to the hundreds of thousands of Britons who gave their lives to prevent that despicable symbol from ever being flown on the streets of London.'

After the woman tells the officer that she has been told a swastika 'isn't necessarily anti-Semitic', he starts to say 'So I think the symbol in of itself...' which prompts the activist to beg others to film the heated interaction.

When those gathering around the pair tell the officer 'it is anti-Semitic', the officer responds: 'I didn't say it wasn't.'

But the incensed woman then asks: 'If someone is carrying a sign with a swastika, you said you wouldn't arrest them on the spot, it would have to be investigated online?'

A second Met Police officer then interrupts to say: 'A swastika on its own, I don't think is...'.

The officers claim that 'everything needs to be taken in context' despite the Nazi symbol being paraded at a pro-Palestine march in the context of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Jewish woman claims she was told that the Nazi symbol was 'not disrupting public order' at the pro-Palestine march

Furious onlookers tell the police officers that a swastika 'is anti-Semitic' but the heated debate continues

The officer tells the woman to report any signs that she sees to a police officer further down the march

But she claims that when she did report the sign, she was told to come and speak to officers where he was stationed

It comes despite the Met assuring ahead of the demonstration that they would take 'swift and decisive action' against anyone breaking the law. And earlier this month, Robin Simcox, Britain's counter-extremism tsar warned pro-Palestine protesters are turning London into a 'no-go zone for Jews'.

During the video, the officer tries to explain the Public Order Act and legislation they work under, but the woman shouts: 'A swastika is a swastika!'

The officer continues: 'There are various facets to the Public Order Act ok. So what in this sphere we're working under things called Section 5 of the Public Order Act and Section 4A of the Public Order Act. They are some of the primary legislation we're using right.

'If you go away and look at that and it's all about if it's something likely to cause vast alarm and distress if it is written words or there's spoken words that are abusive.'

The woman then interrupts: 'So under what context is a swastika not disrupting public order? Could you just explain under what symbol that is not disrupting public order?'

Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and hold placards as they march during a protest in central London on March 30, 2024, calling for a ceasefire

The officer answers: 'I haven't said anything about it that it is or it isn't. Everything needs to be taken in context doesn't it.'

The person filming interrupts to say: 'Yeah but it's a context of a hateful march.'

And the Jewish woman adds: 'Why does a swastika need context?'

She continues: 'Why is a swastika not immediately anti-Semitism. Why does it need context? This is what I'm confused about. This isn't even about Israel. In what context is a swastika not anti-Semitic and disruptive to public order? That is my question.'

The Met Police officer replies: 'I don't have an in depth knowledge of signs and symbols. I know the swastika was used by the Nazi party during their inception and the period of them being in power in Germany in 1934... I'm aware of that.'

But the woman hits back, saying: 'I just can't believe this conversation is actually happening.'

The officer, seemingly getting frustrated, responds: 'What exactly are you getting confused about?'

And the woman replies: 'I'm confused about in what context a swastika is not anti-Semitic. This is what I want to know.'

As the conversation gets more heated, the officer says: 'I suppose to some I don't know how everybody would feel about that sign. Now if you came up to me and you felt mass alarm and distress about a symbol that someone was...'

Pro-Palestinian protesters prepare their placards prior to a 'Stop the Genocide' protest in central London, Britain, 30 March 2024

Police officers stand guard as demonstrators waving Israeli flags hold a counter protest opposite pro-Palestinian activists marching in central London on March 30, 2024

The woman then interrupts him to say: 'I am extremely distressed and I am very alarmed.'

She then claims she has offered to take the officer to people who are holding signs with swastikas.

But the officer insists on staying where he is because there are other officers throughout the protest.

He adds: 'If you walk down the road and you see that person then there's a police officer...'

The woman claims she did speak to an officer who told her that it was 'not their job to arrest people with swastikas'.

The officer replies: 'I apologise that has happened... It is not my responsibility unfortunately to walk down the road. If you walk down the road and you see somebody then we can send some other officers with you back.'

Four people were arrested, including one man on suspicion of a terrorism-related offence, at Saturday's protest.

A pro-Palestine activist hold a placard calling for a ceasefire while she listens to speeches in Trafalgar Square

The Ceasefire Now protest rallies in Trafalgar square on March 30

Lines of police keep the Ceasefire Now protest and the pro-Israel counter demonstration apart on March 30

A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Were aware of an online clip from todays protest in central London showing an interaction between an officer and a woman during which there is an exchange over concern around protestors displaying offensive banners, including swastikas.

'The online clip is a short excerpt of what was a 10-minute conversation with the officer. During the full conversation, the officer establishes that the person the woman was concerned about had already been arrested for a public order offence in relation to a placard.

'The officer then offered to arrange for other officers to attend and accompany the woman to identify any other persons she was concerned about amongst the protestors, but after turning to speak to his supervisor, she then unfortunately left.

'We take hate crime and public order offences very seriously and a number of people were arrested during today's protest for hate crimes, public order and terrorist offences. We are also gathering and assessing evidence with a view to making further arrests where we identify any other offences.'

The Met Police referred MailOnline to the same statement after being approached for comment about the 2019 swastika incident.
Mystery packages of cocaine are continuing to wash up on Australia's east coast with five more bricks discovered on Monday adding to the 300kg already seized by authorities.

Lifeguards on Sydney's norther beaches discovered two bricks of the drug at Freshwater beach and another three at Curl Curl beach.

Police were contacted about 7.30am and the packages, estimated to be worth about $1million, were sent for testing.

It is believed to be part of the same illegal shipment which has been washing up since December.

Some have speculated the illicit cargo may have fallen into the water during a storm, but so far New South Wales police have not released any information about the investigation.

Up to 213kg of cocaine has been discovered on the shoreline between Sydney and Newcastle, with 90kg of that found in the New Year (pictured is one of the packages)

A bag filled with cocaine (pictured) at Newcastle Baths in northern NSW

'Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command seized the items, which will be forensically examined,' police said in a statement.

'Police from Marine Area Command conducted patrols with no further finds. As inquiries continue, the public are reminded to report any suspicious package to authorities.'

Daily Mail Australia previously reported that 39 kilograms of cocaine appeared at Magenta Beach, on the central coast, last year.

Further searches along the coast uncovered six more packages on beaches stretching from Newcastle to Sydney.

Since then, various amounts of the drug have also been washing up at various locations.

In January, NSW Police hired a marine expert to help detectives determine how long the tightly-wrapped packages have been floating in the ocean.

Up to 213kg of cocaine have been discovered along the coastline since December 22, with 90kg of the drug found in the New Year.
Bristol has been named the van dweller capital of the UK with 800 people living at the side of street as families continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis.

There has been a surge of people living in motorhomes, caravans and converted vans in the last year as they battle not only with the economic climate but the nation-wide housing crisis.

Yet many living in the city have insisted their quality of life is now better than it would have been if they decided to stay in traditional housing. They include people with a range of backgrounds from engineers, to stonemasons and students.

Amongst the new community are David and Daniela Fernandes, who moved to the UK from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mr Fernandes, 51, said: 'It's easy to move from place to place and we don't have to pay rent and all the other things.'

Bristol has been named the van dweller capital of the UK with 800 people living at the side of street

According to a report by Bristol City Council, the number of vans has quadrupled since 2020, with only 100-150 people living in vans three years ago. Pictured: Van dweller Gareth Jones, 28

Tom Dunn, 29, is part of the community at Greenbank Cemetery in Bristol - where the number of van dwellers has soared

His daughter Anna, 17, is planning to move from Portugal to study law at the University of Bristol, said she will likely follow suit and live in a van if she's accepted. 'When I work I will have less bills to pay, so it's easy,' she told the Times.

Another man, a single lorry driver in his 30s who went by the name Adrian in one in a row of caravans living on The Downs - close affluent residential areas Clifton and Redland.

He said: 'I don't want to be living under the thumb of some landlord. I don't want to be part of six-month and 12-month tenancies and these crazy bidding wars where people put up three and six months of rent to secure a tenancy.'

Adrian made the move from Wales to Bristol as he had been told that the city was accepting of people who felt 'lost' and does not want to be 'restricted'.

Luke, who works 70 hours a week as a fine dining chef, also made the move to live in a truck on the Downs last year.

While he could afford to live in a house he feels he 'doesn't need to' and believes there is a 'stigma' around his choice of lifestyle.

He told the BBC: 'I always wanted to live in a truck but also circumstances [affected my choice] and the cost of living and rent in Bristol is insane. I don't want to pay a grand a month in rent ever again,'

According to a report by Bristol City Council, the number of vans has quadrupled since 2020, with only 100-150 people living in vans three years ago.

Bristol has become the most expensive place to rent in the UK outside of London - with the average monthly rent costing 1.734. It came after the pandemic when people left the capital for cheaper and more rural alternatives.

Residents living near the Downs in the leafy village of Clifton want to see 'tougher enforcement action' on those dwelling in vehicles, according to councillor Steve Smith.

Residents living near the Downs in the leafy village of Clifton want to see 'tougher enforcement action' on those dwelling in vehicles

Previous complaints included blocked pavements, fires, littering, human waste, double parking and a rising number of vehicles.

Deputy Mayor Asher Craig told the BBC that other locals wanted to 'find a happy medium because [they] respect the fact these people have nowhere else to live'.

She added: 'They just want to make sure that the park is not impeded, that they're not parked in an unsafe way.'

In May, van dwellers accused the council of trying to 'criminalise our lifestyle'.

Gareth Jones, 28, a clerical assistant who lives near Clifton Downs told MailOnline: 'It is concerning, not just for the lack of clarity in the wording of it. It is indicative of a drive to criminalise our lifestyle.

'I am generally concerned about an overly intrusive state apparatus and this makes you feel unwelcome. As soon as anyone raises a fuss, there tends to be a clamp down. I am surprised the locals are as okay as they are with us being here.'

The increase of those living in motorhomes and vans has not just affected the Downs but also the city's trendy suburb of Easton.

Caravans, transits and horseboxes have been popping up around the Greenbank Cemetry.

Residents previously tried to get rid of the dwellers for months following claims of anti-social behaviour

Dexter Shallcross, 24, a sociology student at the University of the West of England, has lived on the street in his yellow Mercedes Benz Sprinter since last September.

He said: 'There is clearly high-level prejudice in the council. They presume that rowdy behaviour, general drug use and disturbance must be the van people.

'I'm sure some cases are but not all of them. Although in some ways it's a bit scruffy and not ideal, getting rid of us doesn't stop addiction, it doesn't stop homelessness and it doesn't stop disturbances.'

As long as camper vans are taxed and have passed their MOTs there is little councils can do it remove them.

An injunction order to 'persons unknown' was previously placed on the vehicles warning that inhabitants face court, jail, fines or having assets seized if they do not comply.

Bristol City Council have been contacted by MailOnline.
A giant anaconda was spotted crushing a caiman to death, coiling itself around the predator in a 'fatal hug'.

The huge snake tightly wraps itself around the caiman as the beast seems to helplessly groan in pain.

The larger reptile thrashes its tail to try to wriggle out of the snake's unrelenting grip, but its efforts to escape are in vain.

It was no match for the anaconda, a variety of snake which is the biggest in the world and can measure up to 30ft.

The caiman is a species related to gators in the Alligatoridae family - with adults measuring up to 13ft in length.

The reptiles are intertwined, half submerged in the water, as the snake strangles its victim

The anaconda coils tightly around the caiman, with a groaning noise being heard as the beast struggles to escape

The deadly encounter was filmed on the waters' edge in the Amazon Rainforest in remote Brazil.

The cameraman gets perilously close to the terrifying run-in, with the snake seen peering up menacingly as it finishes off its victim.

The caiman's eye and claws can also be seen sticking out as it faces almost certain death.

One local said: 'Nature is mysterious. One day you're a predator, the next you're prey.'

There was also speculation that the groaning noise was being made by the young gator as a 'signal to call for help from its parents.'

Another person remarked that it is possible to hear the caiman's bones breaking at the end of the footage.

Last month, scientists announced that the giant anaconda, also known as the green anaconda, is actually two distinct species that are genetically different by 5.5 per cent.

Humans and chimpanzees are only genetically different from each other by about 3 per cent.

The reptile thrashes its tail to try to wriggle out of the snake's unrelenting grip, but its efforts to escape are in vain

The cameraman gets perilously close to the terrifying run-in, with the snake seen peering up menacingly as it finishes off its victim

The Northern Green Anaconda's discovery was published in a study in the scientific journal Diversity on 16 February.

Professor Jesus Rivas, the lead author of the study, explained that they first realised there was more than one species of green anaconda over 15 years ago.

Along with his wife Dr Sarah Corey-Rivas, they started to analyse samples to look for genetic differences.

Professor Rivas said: 'I have been studying anacondas for 32 years so this begs the question of how many other species there are that we do not know about.'

He added: 'This finding humbles the mind regarding the true diversity of South America.'
Rishi Sunak is facing a revolt by Tory MPs over plans to criminalise homelessness - with a Government minister today refusing to publicly back proposed new laws.

Conservative backbenchers are plotting a rebellion against new powers in the Prime Minister's Criminal Justice Bill, which has been branded 'completely unacceptable'.

Under the legislation, those deemed to be 'nuisance' rough sleepers could be fined up to 2,500 or even jailed if they refuse orders to move on from a certain location.

The Bill states that rough sleepers might be considered a 'nuisance' if there is 'excessive smell', if they display 'intimidating' signs, or cause litter.

But the plans, initially drawn up by former home secretary Suella Braverman, have infuriated many on the Tory benches in the House of Commons.

Rishi Sunak is facing a revolt by Tory MPs over plans to criminalise homelessness - with a Government minister refusing to publicly back proposed new laws

Conservative backbenchers are plotting a rebellion against new powers contained in the Prime Minister's Criminal Justice Bill, which has been branded 'completely unacceptable'

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake refused to say whether he supports the current plans for dealing with 'nuisance' rough sleepers

According to The Times, more than 40 Conservative MPs - including most of the One Nation group of moderate Tories - have made if clear they will vote against the Bill.

The newspaper reported the Government had 'paused' the legislation while ministers negotiate with rebels.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake this morning refused to say whether he supports the current plans for dealing with 'nuisance' rough sleepers.

Asked if he was supporting the legislation as it stands, he told Times Radio: 'Those things are not within my auspices.

'I'll be interested to see the legislation as it goes through. And what the what the Prime Minister has planned.'

Ahead of the 2019 general election, the Tories pledged to 'end the blight of rough sleeping' by the end of the next Parliament.

Quizzed about whether the Government was now trying to meet that promise by criminalising homeless people, Mr Hollinrake replied: 'That's just part of the things we're looking to do in terms of making sure that people don't sleep on the streets.

'That's not right, we want to provide the resources for people - housing, improving the number of refuges people can sleep in, and the amount of social housing and affordable housing, which we've done.

'About 700,000 more affordable homes than there were in 2010. So significant progress we have made in terms of these kind of issues.

'But nevertheless, there's a lot to do and it's important we've created ways to try and deal with those issues.'

Pressed on whether it was right to arrest, fine or jail someone if they are considered to be a 'nuisance' by sleeping rough, Mr Hollinrake added: 'The most important thing is we provide the resources to get people off the streets.

'And there should be those places where people can go to. But... that shouldn't be optional for people. If there are places that people can go to off the streets, then those people should be off the streets.

'They shouldn't be lying on the streets. It's not fair to other people in our town or city centres.'

The proposed legislation states that rough sleepers might be considered a 'nuisance' if there is 'excessive smell', if they display 'intimidating' signs, or cause litter

Senior Tory backbencher Bob Blackman is leading a campaign to introduce amendments to the Bill that would remove the new police powers

Amid the backlash at the Government's plans, critics of the Bill claim the current proposals would simply 'punish people being homeless'.

Senior Tory backbencher Bob Blackman is leading a campaign to introduce amendments to the Bill that would remove the new police powers.

He is being supported by former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and fellow ex-Cabinet minister Damian Green, the chairman of the One Nation group of Tory MPs.

Mr Blackman told The Times: 'A lot of colleagues believe that the Bill as it stands is completely unacceptable because it would have the effect of criminalising people who have no choice but to sleep on the streets. We are urging ministers to think again.'

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said: 'The heartless proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill risk bringing back the Vagrancy Act by the back door.

'The Government should listen to their own backbenchers and take a compassionate approach to tackling homelessness, instead of stigmatising and criminalising rough sleepers.

'Sleeping rough is not a lifestyle choice. Ministers should focus on tackling the root causes of this crisis, not scapegoating the victims of it.'

Polly Neate, chief executive of the charity Shelter, said: 'Parliament must not enact this legislation. Instead of punishing people for being homeless, politicians should be trying to prevent them from ending up on the streets.

'Everyone at risk of sleeping rough should have a right to suitable emergency accommodation, and to end homelessness for good it must invest in genuinely affordable social homes  we need 90,000 a year.'
Israeli police violently clashed with protesters across the country last night, as tens of thousands took to streets across the nation to oppose Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership during the Israel-Hamas war.

Protesters from all parts of Israeli society flooded streets to share their rage at the Israeli prime minister and his handling of the war in Gaza that has so far left nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians, dead.

And police took extreme measures to get them under control, with photographers capturing brutal moments where cops dragged demonstrators across tarmac and beat them into submission.

Protests were held in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, not only calling for the release of the estimated 130 people still held captive since October 7, but also for Netanyahu to be removed from power, following months of dissatisfaction.

The 74-year-old was last night undergoing surgery for a hernia that the hospital treating him said today was a success. Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem said Netanyahu was recovering, but did not immediately specify how long that might take.

Israeli police violently clashed with protesters across the country last night

Tens of thousands took to streets across the nation to oppose Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership

Protesters from all parts of Israeli society flooded streets to share their rage at the Israeli prime minister and his handling of the war in Gaza

Netanyahu's war against the Gaza Strip has left nearly 33,000 dead so far

But as he recovers, he will have to deal with the growing divisions within Israel, much of which his critics say stem from decisions he made.

Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of October 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel ahead of the attack.

Netanyahu is facing a litany of corruption charges which are slowly making their way through the courts, and critics say his decisions with regard to the bloody war in Gaza appear to be focused on political survival over the national interest.

Many family members of hostages, and even hostages themselves, have called on him to resign and allow national elections to take place, having previously refrained from publicly denouncing Netanyahu to avoid antagonizing the leadership and making the hostages' plight a political issue.

Shira Albag, whose daughter Liri, 19, was among the youngest to be taken hostage, said: 'The people of Israel won't forget or forgive anyone who prevents a deal that would bring them [the hostages] back to us.

Demonstrators set up camping tents during the protest on Sunday in Jerusalem

Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of October 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel

Netanyahu is facing a litany of corruption charges which are slowly making their way through the courts

Critics say his decisions with regard to the bloody war in Gaza appear to be focused on political survival over the national interest

A demonstrator sits atop a sign pointing to Israel's Supreme Court, while holding a sign reading 'enough' in hebrew

Many family members of hostages, and even hostages themselves, have called on him to resign and allow national elections to take place

'After 176 days, 4,244 hours, the excuses have run out.' Relatives said it was time to step up the protests and to call for Mr Netanyahu to leave office.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was taken by Hamas, said the prime minister's handling of the negotiations was 'criminal'.

Addressing crowds in Jerusalem, she said: 'You [Netanyahu] are the obstacle... You are the one who stands between us and the return home of our loved ones. From now we will work to immediately replace you... We will publicly hound you.'

Netanyahu, in a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery on Sunday, said he understood families' pain. But he said calling new elections - in what he described as a moment before victory - would paralyze Israel for six to eight months and stall the hostage talks.

Some hostage families agree that now is not the time for elections.

Netanyahu, in a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery on Sunday, said he understood families' pain

For now, Netanyahu's governing coalition appears to remain firmly intact.

Police break up protesters blocking a road using water cannons

Protesters hold up placards demanding that Mr Netanyahu leave office. Families of hostages have said the prime minister is an 'obstacle to a deal'

Some hostage families agree that now is not the time for elections

An officer holds a demonstrator's arm as anti-government protesters launch a prolonged demonstration calling for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's government to resign

An anti-government demonstrator holds up a placard reading 'Don't lie to me Netanyahu, just f***ing leave!'

'I don't think that changing the prime minister now is what will advance and help my son to come home,' Sheli Shem Tov, whose son Omer was kidnapped from a music festival, told Israel's Channel 12. 'To go to elections now will just push to the side the most burning issue, which is to return the hostages home.'

In his Sunday address, Netanyahu also repeated his vow for a military ground offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than half of territory's population of 2.3 million now shelters after fleeing fighting elsewhere. 'There is no victory without going into Rafah,' he said.

In another reminder of Israel's divisions, a group of reservists and retired officers demonstrated in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood following growing resentment over exemptions for service based on religious grounds.

Members of the Brothers and Sisters in Arms, made up of current and former IDF members, clashed with ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood last night.

Police were forced to intervene as members of both sides began scraps with each other.

Ultra-Orthodox men for generations have received exemptions from military service, which is compulsory for most Jewish men and women.

In his Sunday address, Netanyahu also repeated his vow for a military ground offensive in Rafah

A group of reservists and retired officers demonstrated in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood following growing resentment over exemptions for service based on religious grounds

Ultra-Orthodox men for generations have received exemptions from military service, which is compulsory for most Jewish men and women

Members of the Brothers and Sisters in Arms, made up of current and former IDF members, clashed with ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood last night

Resentment over that has deepened during the war. Netanyahu's government has been ordered to present a new plan for a more equitable draft law by Monday, which itself has fanned tensions, with one ultra-Orthodox man being seen setting fire to an Israeli flag during the protest.

Netanyahu, who relies heavily on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, last week asked for an extension for this draft.

The Bank of Israel said in its annual report on Sunday that there could be economic damage if large numbers of ultra-Orthodox men continue not to serve in Israel's military.

It's not only internal politics that Netanyahu has to worry about. Critics have accused him of damaging relations with the United States, Israel's most important ally.

Last week, Israel abruptly canceled a meeting in Washington after the US declined to veto a resolution passed by the UN Security Council that, for the first time, explicitly called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Netanyahu outright accused the US of 'abandoning' Israel, after the US abstained from voting against the 14 other countries on the Security Council, all of whom voted for an 'immediate' ceasefire for the rest of Ramadan.

A crowd gathered outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament to demonstrate against the government and to call for the release of hostages held in Gaza

Critics have accused him of damaging relations with the United States, Israel's most important ally

Opinion polls show Netanyahu and his coalition trailing far behind their rivals if elections were held today

Unless his governing coalition falls apart sooner, Netanyahu won't face elections until spring of 2026

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border on October 7 and rampaged across southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and dragging around 250 hostages back to Gaza

But he later asked to reschedule the meeting, which was about Israel's policy regarding Rafah, in Washington, which is expected to take place via video-conference software some time today, with a potential in-person meeting later this week.

He has also gone against the US' express desire that the IDF leave Rafah, the final bastion for the displaced people of the Gaza Strip, claiming that he will move citizens out before destroying Hamas.

He defiantly said: 'It wont take much longer. Nothing will stop us.'

Opinion polls show Netanyahu and his coalition trailing far behind their rivals if elections were held today.

But unless his governing coalition falls apart sooner, Netanyahu won't face elections until spring of 2026.

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Israel in what is thought to be the largest protest since the start of the war

Protest leaders called on people to stage a four-day demonstration against the government

Demonstrators hold up Israeli flags and let off smoke flares while demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border on October 7 and rampaged across southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and dragging around 250 hostages back to Gaza. More than 100 captives were freed last year in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the assault with one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history, one that has driven around 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes.

The United Nations and partners have warned that famine could occur in devastated, largely isolated northern Gaza as early as this month. Humanitarian officials say deliveries by sea and air are not enough and that Israel must allow far more aid by road. The top UN court has ordered Israel to open more land crossings and take other measures to address the crisis.

Gaza's Health Ministry said on Sunday that at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including 77 whose bodies were brought to hospitals over the last 24 hours.

The ministry's count does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but it has said that women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed.

Protesters shout slogans into megaphones in protests in Jerusalem on Sunday

Mr Netanyahu's office said the 74-year-old was undergoing surgery last night for a hernia

Israel says over one-third of the dead are militants, though it has not provided evidence to support that, and it blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates in residential areas.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to broker another ceasefire and hostage release since January. Hamas is demanding that any such agreement leads to an end to the war and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected those demands and says Israel will keep fighting until it has destroyed Hamas's military and governing capabilities. But he is under growing pressure to reach a deal from the families of the hostages, some of whom have joined mass demonstrations calling for early elections to replace him.

Ceasefire talks resumed in Cairo on Sunday, but there is little expectation of any breakthrough.
Two Australians have been left stranded on a remote island off West Africa after their cruise ship abandoned them.

The passengers were among a group of nine left behind on Sao Tome and Principe, about 500km off Gabon.

The group consists of seven Americans and two Australians, four of whom are elderly, one has a heart condition and another is a paraplegic. There's another married couple from Delaware and the wife is pregnant.

It is understood the group were denied entry to the Norwegian Dawn ship after arriving back from a tour late.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from South Carolina in United States, said the tour operator called the captain to let them know the passengers were going to be delayed and they were on their way.

Two Australians have been left stranded on a remote island off West Africa after their Norwegian Cruise Line ship abandoned them

While the ship was still being anchored at the port, the captain refused to let them on board and told the Coast Guard to take them back to the island.

'The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way,' he told ABC15.

After numerous attempts of trying to get in contact with the cruise line, the group is desperately trying to find a way to get back on board the ship.

Another 80-year-old woman was left behind after being hospitalised on the island with a concussion following a tour.

It is believed that she was left without any money or her belongings, and none of the other passengers have their medications or credit cards.

The Campbells have spent more than $5,000 on food, toiletries and hotels for the group as they are the only ones with a Visa card.

With help from the U.S. Embassy in Angola the group is flying to Gambia on Sunday, but they they can only re-join the cruise if the Norwegian approves their request.

So far, the group has heard nothing back at all.

A spokesperson from Norwegian Cruise Line said the guests missed the last tender back to the vessel, not meeting the 'all aboard' time of 3pm local time.

The passengers were among a group of nine left behind on Sao Tome and Principe, about 500km off Gabon

'While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,' the statement read.

It went on to explain that guests are responsible for any necessary travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.

'When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port,' it said

'Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed if the guests were to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.'

Norwegian Cruise Line staff are in communication with the guests and providing additional information as it becomes available.

A DFAT spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stands ready to provide consular assistance to any Australian citizen, should they request it.'

Norwegian Cruise Line has been contacted for further comment.
Poverty-stricken workers in Nepal are being duped into selling their kidneys, with scammers convincing some to part with their organs by claiming they will grow back.

Kavre District in the foothills of the Himalayas has become known as kidney valley, a disturbing reputation it has gained because someone from nearly every household has sold an organ.

Desperate for money, many are being sucked in by 'cash for kidney' rackets, with black market networks buying their organs for small sums and then trafficking them.

High numbers of young men are returning from working abroad with kidney failure, driving a major health crisis in a country where around 20 per cent of the population live in poverty.

Many have died after selling their organs, while others have been left unable to work and needing transplants themselves - with victims now warning others struggling for money not to buy in to the dangerous and illegal procedures.

Two Nepali men reveal their scars after selling their kidneys. They told Sky News they were driven by financial need

In Hokse, a rural hilltop village 12 miles east of Kathmandu, locals have been targeted by so-called 'organ brokers' for years. Pictured: Workers in 2015

One local called Suman, 31, told Sky News that he felt he had 'no option' but to travel to India and sell his kidney for just 3,000 as he faced financial ruin.

'I felt weak and I lost consciousness,' he says. 'When I woke up, it was really hurting. Now I can't work and I try to tell anyone I can, not to sell their kidney.'

Another man who sold his kidney in India, where donors must be related to patients, told how 'agents' who helped him to sell his kidney made fake documents for him and ID cards to convince authorities.

'My kidney was given to a fake sister,' he said. 'I think the doctor in India knew I'd sold it.'

A huge gap in supply and demand globally has opened up a black market for organs, which sees vulnerable people exploited by criminal networks.

One in 10 transplanted organs is estimated to have been trafficked, with doctors and hospitals among those involved in some cases.

In 2007, the Nepalese government passed a law banning the sale of kidneys, but that has not stopped poor people in the country opting for it as a last resort.

In Hokse, a rural hilltop village 12 miles east of Kathmandu, locals have been targeted by so-called 'organ brokers' for years.

Smooth-talking salesmen have persuaded villages to sell their body parts for small sums, with one mother telling MailOnline previously that she had sold hers for 1,300.

The victims are left with scars from the surgeries, which are illegal and are often organised by 'agents'

Desperate for money, many are being sucked in by 'cash for kidney' rackets, with black market networks buying their organs for small sums. Pictured: Victims in Hokse in 2015

There are believed to have been dozens of victims in recent months, including a 19-year-old who was among the migrant workers to leave his home and come back without a kidney in 2022.

At least 150 people sold their kidneys from a single village in the Kavre District, but only three cases were officially reported, Nepals National Human Rights Commission told PBS last year.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and is frequently hit by natural disasters, with an earthquake last November leaving a wake of destruction, damaging tens of thousands of homes.

High poverty levels have seen an increasing number of people driven overseas to countries like Malaysia and the Gulf States to earn money and send it back home.

Many are forced to work on building sites in brutal conditions, with extreme heat in places like Saudi Arabia and lack of water causing many to return to Nepal with kidney problems.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and is frequently hit by natural disasters, with an earthquake last November leaving a wake of destruction

Dr Pukar Shresth, a surgeon at the Human Organ Transplant Center in Nepal, noticed a pattern of young and previously healthy men coming back with 'completely failed kidneys'.

He previously only performed transplants on elderly patients, but said that the situation has now become 'very grave because about one third of all transplants are these labour migrant workers who have come from abroad.'

With body part sellers preying on the naivety of their victims and many seeing no option but to work long hours in dangerously high heat, doctors have called for more education.

Many in Hokse insist they no longer sell their kidneys, but the village remains scarred by the years of exploitation, with the physical scars still visible on the many who have sold their vital organs.
On Thursday, a Pennsylvania judge overturned the convictions of three men imprisoned for decades in the 1997 slaying of a 70-year-old woman even though their DNA never matched that found at the scene, but they will stay in prison while a prosecutor considers whether to file an appeal.

Derrick Chappell, 41, Morton Johnson, 44, and Samuel Grasty, 47, were each given a life term in prison for the 1997 death of Henrietta Nickens, 70, in Chester, Pennsylvania, after being found guilty in separate trials in 2000 and 2001 of second-degree murder and other crimes.

Pennsylvania Judge Overturns 3 Men Slaying Conviction

On Thursday, the Delaware County judge ruled that Chappell, who was 15 when he was arrested, and first cousins Johnson and Grasty.

Paul Casteleiro, Grasty's lawyer and legal director of the nonprofit Centurion, said on Friday that this case should never have been prosecuted and the three men should never have been charged as the evidence always was that they were innocent.

He added that the prosecutors "just ran roughshod" over the defendants.

The three were found guilty of the murder of Nickens of Chester, who had informed her daughter during her last known phone conversation that she was going to watch the 11 pm news. Afterward, she was found badly beaten, her home looted, her underwear removed, and blood was all over the walls and mattress.

According to DNA testing at the time that led to their conviction, the semen found in the victim's body and on a jacket at the scene did not match any of the three defendants, who were all young people from the neighborhood.

He called the prosecution's ideas about the case "preposterous." In an attempt to explain the lack of a DNA match, they suggested that the deceased may have had consensual intercourse before the murder or that one or more of the three defendants may have brought a used condom to the scene.

Furthermore, he continued Nickens had no known male companions and was a chronically unwell man.

"They just ran this absurd story and got juries to buy it," Casteleiro said.

At a hearing on Thursday, Common Pleas Court Judge Mary Alice Brennan overturned the convictions and scheduled a bail hearing for May 23 to decide if county prosecutors will request a new trial.

A spokesperson said on Friday that district attorney Jack Stollsteimer will evaluate the case next week before making a judgment.

Johnson and Chappell's attorneys did not immediately return calls on Friday. The Pennsylvania Innocence Project also worked on the case.

The men are now in their 40s. Over the years, the three filed pro se petitions in federal court, claiming their convictions were erroneous, but the petitions were rejected.

Furthermore, the three men were represented by nonprofit groups that seek the release of wrongfully convicted individuals: Grasty by Centurion, Johnson by the Innocence Project, and Chappell by the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. Chappell also received for bono legal assistance from Shook, Hardy & Bacon.

Read Also : Russia Seeks Extradition of Ukraine Security Service Head for 'Terrorist' Attacks

Philadelphia Man Freed After Decades in Prison

On Monday morning, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania formally regarded C.J. Rice as legally innocent of the offense for which he was found guilty in 2013.

Judge James Eisenhower granted the move made by District Attorney Larry Krasner in room 805 of the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia. Rice was sentenced to more than a dozen years in prison for a shooting incident in 2011 that he insists he did not and could not have physically committed.

Rice's defense attorneys, Karl Schwartz and Amelia Maxfield, are now able to work toward having the attempted murder charges against him removed from his criminal record. Rice and Maxfield successfully filed the habeas corpus to get Rice out of prison and overturn his conviction.
Do YOU know the owner of this dog?

A lucky dog was winched to safety by mountain rescue crew after it fell 50ft down a ravine on a morning walk.

Whilst out walking with its owner, the pooch slipped from the path at Aber Falls in Rhaedr Fawr in the Eryri National Park, Snowdownia.

His devastated owner decided to descend down the ravine to reach the stranded dog.

He called the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) for help.

The dog and its owner were located and rescue members went down with ropes and equipment to help reach the pair.

Do YOU know the owner of this dog? Email alesia.fiddler@mailonline.co.uk

A dog fell down a 50ft ravine when out on a walk in the Eryri National Park, Snowdownia with its owner

The owner descended down to the stranded pooch and called the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation for help

The dog and its owner were located and rescue members went down with ropes and equipment to help reach the pair and winch the dog to safety

Crew managed to lift the dog to safety and a rescue team spokesperson said it was 'bruised but OK'.

The pair were then guided back up to a path before being helped back down to the main track.

In 2020, another pooch, called Betsy, also had to be rescued in Snowdonia after after slipping her harness and running away from her owners.

She spent three nights lost in the Welsh mountain until her owner, Kim Farrall, heard her whimpering during search efforts.

Ms Farrall couldn't reach Betsy herself so the rescue team used ropes to drop down and get her.

She said: 'She had a fuss and swiftly gobbled up a ham sandwich before being lifted off the ledge.'

Do YOU know the owner of this dog? Email alesia.fiddler@mailonline.co.uk
This is the moment residents of a Russian city took to paddling down flooded streets after melted snow caused courtyards to overflow with water.

Citizens living in Omsk, the third largest city in Siberia, were spotted in footage standing atop colourful paddleboards as they navigated the flooded areas.

With trees still dusted in a thin layer of snow, dozens of residents gathered in a flooded courtyard outside an apartment building on Komarova Street.

Issues with the drainage of melted water forced owners of the apartment to organise the hilarious mass swim.

Many were seen sailing around, and some thrill-seekers even swung off low-hanging branches over the icy pool of water and into the small boats.

Residents in Omsk, Siberia, were spotted paddling down a flooded courtyard

Members of the community gathered to swim through the icy body of water on their inflatable boats

One daredevil was seen jumping off a tree and onto a boat below

Residents were seen in life jackets as they crossed the lake-like body of water on SUP boards and inflatable boats.

Donning shorts and wooly hats, some rafters were spotted poking their oars into the ice as they moved through the thawed yard.

A larger yellow inflatable with three people perched inside can be seen spinning on the ice as others glided past on their vessels.

'There was a lot of snow in the city this year and few people cleared it, but now it's flooded. Whole Venice . A standard yard in the city of Omsk,' one resident told a local news outlet.

Omsk's press service explained that the entrances to the apartments were not flooded and the sidewalks are also in satisfactory condition.

The deep puddles formed in a birch grove that grows near the building.

Footage of the moment has circulated on social media but opinions have been left divided as some viewers questioned the cleanness of the water

One group in a yellow inflatable were spinning on the icy water as others glided past them

The flooded courtyard was located outside an apartment building on Komarova Street

The footage of the wholesome moment has made its rounds on social media, but it has divided opinions due to questions around how clean the water is.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one user asked: 'Frozen sewerage?'

Another responded: 'Yup. Melting disgusting sewage mixed with some melting ice'.

One more disgusted viewer said: 'I dont want to know where that water is from'.

A fourth chimed in: 'They really are the strangest creatures'.

Similar scenes were witnessed in 2018 when tourists were spotted making the most of a torrential downpour in Bali by paddling through main streets on surfboards.

Australian tourists and locals made their way down the streets of Kuta on their surfing equipment and other floating devices.
At least 144 people died in the Moscow Crocus City Hall shooting on March 22

Iran tipped off Russia about the possibility of a major 'terrorist operation' ahead of the concert hall massacre near Moscow last month, three sources familiar with the matter said - but the Kremlin denied it had any advance warning.

In the deadliest attack inside Russia in 20 years, gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers on March 22 at the Crocus City Hall, killing at least 144 people in violence claimed by ISIS-K - the Afghanistan-based affiliate of the Islamic State militant group.

Tehran allegedly informed Russia of the potential attack after the investigation of an ISIS-K twin-bombing in the city of Kerman which killed nearly 100 people in January - the bloodiest attack since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Another source, a senior security official, said: 'As Iran has been a victim of terror attacks for years, Iranian authorities fulfilled their obligation to alert Moscow based on information acquired from those arrested terrorists.'

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed this morning officials had received 'no information' from Iran regarding a 'terrorist operation' in Russia ahead of the concert hall massacre.

Russia has recognised the attacks were carried out by 'Islamic extremists' but insists Ukraine was linked to the attack, without providing evidence. Kyiv has strongly denied this assertion.

It comes as security experts told MailOnline how ISIS-K's increasing strength could bring about more terror attacks on European capitals.

A view shows the burning Crocus City Hall concert hall following the shooting incident in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow, on March 22, 2024

Gunmen open fire at Crocus City Hall, in Krasnogorsk, Moscow region, Russia, March 22, 2024, in this still image obtained from a video

ISIS' news agency Amaq released sickening a 90-second selfie video of the attack that is too graphic for MailOnline to share

Propaganda photos released by ISIS-K in Afghanistan showing their fighters

People gather at the scene of explosions during a ceremony held to mark the death of late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, in Kerman, Iran, January 3, 2024, following an attack by ISIS-K

Russia has recognised the attacks were carried out by 'Islamic extremists' but insists Ukraine was linked to the attack, without providing evidence. Kyiv has strongly denied this assertion (Vladimir Putin pictured)

Iran's intelligence ministry said it had arrested 35 people linked to the Kerman bombings on January 3, and weeks later claimed it had detained an ISIS-K commander.

As strict adherents to the Wahhabi movement of Sunni Islam, ISIS harbours a virulent hatred for Shi'ite Muslims - Iran's dominant sect.

'Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran,' said one source.

A third source also told Reuters that Tehran provided information to Moscow about an impending attack, but recognised it had lacked specific details regarding timing and the exact target.

'They (the members of ISIS-K) were instructed to prepare for a significant operation in Russia... One of the terrorists (arrested in Iran) said some members of the group had already travelled to Russia,' they said.

U.S. intelligence sources also believe ISIS-K carried out both the January 3 attacks in Iran and the March 22 shootings in Moscow.

The U.S. said it warned Russia weeks in advance of the Moscow shooting of a possible attack but Vladimir Putin dismissed them.

It is harder, however, for Russia to dismiss intelligence from diplomatic ally Iran on the attack, which raised questions over the effectiveness of Russian security services.

Moscow and Tehran, both under Western sanctions, have deepened military and other cooperation since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and are on the cusp of signing a broad strategic agreement that would see the two countries collaborate more closely than ever.

Recent terror attacks linked to ISIS-K

Kabul, Afghanistan - August 2021 Airport bombing during US military withdrawal kills 183 Kabul, Afghanistan - August 2022 Suicide attack at Russian embassy kills 6 Mastung, Pakistan - September 2023 Suicide blast at religious procession kills 60 Istanbul, Turkey  January 2024 Catholic church shooting kills 1 Kerman, Iran - January 2024 Double suicide bombing kills 96 Moscow, Russia - March 7, 2024 Russia's FSB says it foiled synagogue attack Stockholm, Sweden - March 19, 2024 Foiled attack on parliament building Moscow, Russia  March 22, 2024 Attack on Crocus City Hall kills 143 Advertisement

Islamic State once occupied large swathes of Iraq and Syria, imposing a reign of terror and inspiring lone wolf attacks in Western countries, but was declared territorially defeated in 2017.

However ISIS-K, one of its most fearsome branches, has raised the group's profile again with large-scale bloodshed.

The affiliate, named after an old term for a region that encompassed parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, emerged in eastern Afghanistan and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.

ISIS-K grabbed global attention with a 2021 suicide bombing on Kabul international airport during the U.S. military withdrawal that killed 13 U.S. soldiers and scores of civilians.

Then in September 2022 it claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide attack at the Russian embassy in Kabul.

Professor of Security Studies at King's College London, Dr Peter Neumann, told MailOnline how ISIS-K's increasing strength could bring about more terror attacks on European capitals.

'The jihadist threat (in Afghanistan) has become significant. It used to be stagnating, if not declining, in the years after 2018, when ISIS in Syria and Iraq was defeated. But two developments changed that.

'First, Hamas' attacks against Israel on October 7 and the resulting conflict, which activated and mobilised Islamists and jihadists on an unprecedented scale.

'And second, the growing ambition of ISIS-K, which is currently the only ISIS affiliate capable of carrying out terrorist attacks in non-Muslim countries and is aggressively pursuing a strategy for doing so.'

Now, the threat of more high-profile attacks in Western countries is growing as the group seeks to 'outperform' other extremist movements.

'ISIS-K seeks to outperform rival jihadis by carrying out more audacious attacks to distinguish its brand, poach from rivals, and gain resources from potential supporters,' said Asfandyar Mir, a senior expert on South Asia security at the U.S. Institute of Peace, a government research body based in Washington.

Rescuers clearing the rubble and extinguishing fires in the hall of the Crocus City Hall

A person looks on the Crocus City Hall concert venue following a terrorist attack

A massive blaze is seen over the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow

Along with Al-Qaeda and a smattering of other smaller extremist movements, ISIS-K maintains a presence in Afghanistan under the Taliban, which despite being opposed to ISIS-K lacks the military strength and resources to eliminate its safe havens.

But unlike its competitors, ISIS-K is capable of operations far from its bases in the borderlands of Afghanistan.

It has aggressively recruited in neighbouring regions, particularly in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, to establish a regional network of jihadist fighter cells that could help execute international attacks, according to a January 2024 UN report.

Both the attacks in Kerman and near Moscow involved Tajik nationals.

Sources said Iran had discussed its security concerns with Tajikistan. A diplomatic source in Tajikistan confirmed that Tehran had recently discussed with Dushanbe the issue of increased involvement of ethnic Tajiks in militant activities.

Dr Neumann, who is also a founder of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), said the pull-out of Western troops from Afghanistan and Iraq allowed ISIS-K to cultivate its strength.

'Western troops were very active in combating terrorists during the last years of their presence in Afghanistan.

'They put a lot of pressure on them. That's gone now. And even though the Taliban are hostile to ISIS-K, they don't have the same capacity as Western forces, so counter-terrorism has been much less of a priority in Afghanistan in recent years.

'Since ISIS's caliphate was essentially defeated in 2018, the jihadist threat was often believed to be over... but it's never gone away completely. In fact, there are plenty of indications that it's resurgent.'
JK Rowling has unleashed her fury at Scotland's new hate crime law which could see people arrested for using a transgender person's wrong pronouns.

The Harry Potter author, and prominent gender critic, posted a string of tweets on X where she sarcastically urged her followers to respect 'lovely Scottish lass' Isla Bryson - a convicted double rapist.

In another, she ridiculed the new legislation by referring to Katie Dolatowski, a transgender paedophile who assaulted children in supermarket toilets, as 'fragile flower' who was 'rightly sent to a women's prison in Scotland'.

The excoriating blast comes hours as the Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order became law.

The controversial new law will crimanlise threatening or abusive behaviour that is intended to stir up hatred against people on age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or transgender ideology.

But critics have warned that it could have a chilling effect on free speech.

JK Rowling has unleashed her furor at Scotland's new hate crime law which could see people arrested for using a transgender person's wrong pronouns

The Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order bill, which comes into force today, will criminalise threatening behaviour that stirs up hatred against people because of their characteristics

The Harry Potter author ridiculed the legislation a string of tweets on X where she sarcastically urged her followers to respect 'lovely Scottish lass' Isla Bryon - a convicted double rapist

Earlier today it was revealed by Scottish minister Siobhian Brown that people 'could be investigated' for misgendering someone online. It means Rowling could be arrested for calling a trans person 'he' if the police decided to do so.

Rowling sarcastically highlighted other trans women who had been convicted of crimes.

She said Samantha Norris - a transgender charity worker who was jailed for possessing thousands of 'abhorrent' child abuse images - was 'still a lady to me'.

In other posts she scoffed at those who had been given high-profile roles to represent women, such as UN Women selecting Munroe Bergdorf as its first ever UK champion. She wrote: 'What makes a woman "a woman" has no definitive answer, says Munroe. Great choice, UN Women!'

Rowling said in a lengthy statement on X: 'The re-definition of 'woman' to include every man who declares himself one has already had serious consequences for women's and girls rights and safety in Scotland, with the strongest impact felt, as ever, by the most vulnerable, including female prisoners and rape survivors.

'It is impossible to accurately describe or tackle the reality of violence and sexual violence committed against women and girls, or address the current assault on womens and girls rights, unless we are allowed to call a man a man.

'Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.'

The author said that while she is out of the country, her series of tweets this morning 'qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act'.

She added: 'I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.'

Her comments come as feminist campaigners warned that the new bill could 'havoc' and gag free speech on gender rights issues.

Asked whether misgendering someone on the internet was a crime under the new law, Scotland's minister for victims and community safety Siobhian Brown told Radio 4's Today programme: 'It would be a police matter for them to assess what happens.

Bryson, 31, formerly known as Adam Graham, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, appearing outside court

Bryson was jailed for eight years in 2023 after being found guilty of raping two women while still a man

The Harry Potter author shared photos of Bryson before and after transitioning calling her a 'lovely Scottish lass'

'It could be reported and it could be investigated - whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland.'

The Ayr MSP added: 'There is a very high threshold which is in the Act which would be up to Police Scotland, and what would have to be said online or in person would be threatening and abusive.'

When quizzed on why women were not included in the legislation the minister said they will be 'going for further the protection of women through our misogyny Bill, which will be laid down in Parliament'.

Yet human rights campaigner Peter Thatchall slammed the decision not to include women under the new law calling it an 'astonishing exclusion'.

He said: 'The big flaw in this Bill is it does not protect women against hate.'

Mr Thatchall went on to criticse the new law for allowing third-party reporting: 'With anonymity being granted, this could open the door to vexatious and malicious complainants who will go after people and use the third-party centre as a way of getting back at people.'

A stirring-up offence on the basis of race has been on the statute book in Scotland since 1986 but the legislation has raised concerns about a potential chilling of free speech.

Prominent critics include podcaster Joe Rogan and Elon Musk, the owner of X - formerly Twitter.

Rowling sarcastically referred to Dolatowski, a transgender paedophile who assaulted children in supermarket toilets, as 'fragile flower'. Pictured: Dolatowski at Falkirk sheriffs court

Dolatowski leaves Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. Dolatowski, originally from Kirkcaldy, Fife, sexually assaulted a child in a nearby supermarket bathroom in March 2018

In one tweet, Rowling called Dolatowski a 'fragile flower'

The Harry Potter author sarcastically posted a long thread on X/Twitter as she criticised Scotland's new Hate Crime Act which came into force on April 1

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) also warned of the risk of vexatious complaints.

In a letter to Holyrood's Justice Committee, they said the law could be 'weaponised' by an 'activist fringe' across the political spectrum.

Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said: 'Our concern is that it could impact through a huge uplift, potentially, in reports  some of those potentially made in good faith but perhaps not meeting the threshold of the legislation, or potentially in cases where people are trying to actually actively use the legislation to score points against people who sit on the other side of a particularly controversial debate.'

Ch Supt Hay warned that public trust in police could be harmed. He told BBC Radio Scotland's The Sunday Show: 'If you have hopes of the police intervening at a particular level and actually the criminal threshold isn't met then potentially you are going to be disappointed and lose trust in the police.

'And at the other side of that, if you know fine well that something you have said does not meet the criminal threshold and yet it is reported to police and the police come and investigate you, then you in turn might feel that you've been stifled, you've been silenced.'

First Minister Humza Yousaf said on Friday: 'I would say to anybody who thinks they are a victim of hatred, we take that seriously, if you felt you are a victim of hatred, then of course reporting that to police is the right thing to do.

'If you're thinking about making a a vexatious complaint, if you're thinking about making a complaint and there's no merit in that, then do know that the police will take that serious in terms of tackling vexatious complaints, and so I would urge you not to do it.'

Scotland's minister for victims and community safety Siobhian Brown said it was up to the police to decide whether someone would be arrested for misgendering

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf. There has been widespread condemnation of the new law  the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act  amid fears it will be weaponised for political purposes

Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of ASPS, has raised serious concerns about the law in a letter to Holyroods criminal justice committee

The law was passed in 2021 and  after three years of wrangling  finally takes effect today.

The First Minister has repeatedly said there is 'disinformation' being spread about the Bill and what it entails, claiming there is a 'triple lock' of protection for speech.

This includes an explicit clause, a defence for the accused's behaviour being 'reasonable' and that the Act is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has claimed training for officers is not adequate.

The Act has been a running sore for the SNP-led government in recent years, with a number of changes having to be made before it was passed and the three-year gap before it came into effect.

Critics, many of whom including the Harry Potter author hold gender-critical views, have said it would be weaponised against them.

SNP MP Joanna Cherry has previously said being under police investigation could be a punishment in itself.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay - who along with his party has been an ardent opponent of the law - said: 'Officers would rather tackle real crimes and keep communities safe, rather than having to investigate malicious and spurious complaints.

'Humza Yousaf should bin his Hate Crime Act and instead divert resources towards frontline policing which is at breaking point.'

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell, speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority board, said the force would apply the Act 'in a measured way'.

She added there would be 'close scrutiny' of how the legislation is being enforced as well as what reports are being received.
The rescue mission to free 13 trapped workers in a Russian gold mine has been called off two weeks after a devastating landslide - with all miners now presumed dead.

The workers have been trapped 500ft underground since March 18, when a desperate rescue bid was launched at the Pioneer mine, in Amur region.

Russia on Monday halted the operation due to the risk of another collapse, the TASS news agency cited mine management as saying.

'The lives of rescuers and mine employees participating in the operation are at mortal risk associated with the high probability of a repeated collapse of the rock mass and flooding in underground workings, as well as partial collapse of the pit side,' the press service of Pokrovsky Mine JSC reported.

The Kremlin has stated that all possible measures were taken to retrieve the miners before the rescue operation was halted.

The rescue mission in place to save 13 trapped miners in Amur region, Russia, has been called off

Russia on Monday halted the operation due to the risk of another collapse, the mine management reportedly stated

There is a risk of collapse of the side of a quarry with a volume of more than an estimated 70,600 tonnes

The trapped miners - or some of them - were alive and knocking by banging on a ventilation pipe to communicate with rescuers on March 18. They are now all presumed dead.

There is a risk of collapse of the side of a quarry with a volume of more than an estimated 70,600 tonnes, reported RIA.

The threat of a breakthrough of the watered rock mass that collects in the quarry bowl also remains present, and would be impossible to pump out due to the danger to the lives of specialists, it added.

'The results of exploratory drilling of five wells into all underground horizons where people could be located show that underground workings throughout their entire depth are filled with rock mass, clay, ice and water,' the press service added.

The decision to grind the rescue mission to a halt was made by the head of the accident liquidation, based on the recommendations of the technical council.

The technical council head is made up of representatives from specialised design institutes, the Pioneer mine, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise 'Militarised Mine Rescue Unit'.

Pokrovsky Mine JSC reported that the families of miners trapped under the rubble will receive a one-time payment - making up the amount of an annual salary for each family member.

They will also reportedly receive a monthly payment for children in the amount of one average monthly salary until the age of 18.

The workers have been trapped 500ft underground since March 18

On March 25, the managing director of the gold mine was arrested over safety violations

The Kremlin said that all possible measures were taken to retrieve the miners before the rescue operation was halted

The threat of a breakthrough of the watered rock mass that collects in the quarry bowl also remains present

The Pioneer mine is one of the largest gold mines in Russia based on capacity, Russian media reported

It comes after some 25 mountain rescuers of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry's Neryungri paramilitary mountain rescue platoon were rushed to the site in Zeya district two weeks ago.

An Mi-8 helicopter was also stationed near the mine in case of an emergency, the ministry said.

Some of the trapped miners could at the time be heard banging against a ventilation pipe to let rescuers know they were alive, but two weeks on, they are now presumed to be dead.

Russian state investigators opened a criminal case into the violation of safety rules at the mine, but officials did not immediately say what caused the accident.

On March 25, the managing director of the gold mine was arrested over safety violations, investigators in Far East Russia's Amur region said.

'The managing director was detained in the Amur region on suspicion of violating safety requirements during operations at the Pioneer mine,' said Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes.

Footage released by the committee showed the managing director with a blurred face as they were informed about the charges.

They face up to seven years in prison if found guilty.

The Pioneer mine is one of the largest gold mines in Russia based on capacity.
California fast food employees have said that the $20 minimum wage increase starting today will affect customers, but some workers added that it doesn't go far enough.

Most fast food workers in California will be paid at least $20 an hour beginning today after a new law kicked in giving more financial security to an historically low-paying profession, giving many a 25 per cent pay rise.

But the pay rise also threatens to raise prices in a state already known for its high cost of living, with workers saying the minimum wage increase still won't go far enough.

Fast food employees are often women, immigrants and people of color, with many of them living below the poverty line as wages only started growing in the industry in recent years after being stagnant for decades.

Impacted by the new law are national chains like McDonald's, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway, Del Taco, In-n-Out, and Starbucks who have at least 60 stores nationwide and offer limited to no table service.

Most fast food workers in California will be paid at least $20 an hour beginning today after a new law kicked in giving more financial security to an historically low-paying profession, giving many a 25 per cent pay rise (file image of a McDonald's restaurant)

But the pay rise also threatens to raise prices in a state already known for its high cost of living, with workers saying the minimum wage increase still won't go far enough (file image of a Jack in the Box restaurant)

Fast food employees are often women, immigrants and people of color, with many of them living below the poverty line as wages only started growing in the industry in recent years after being stagnant for decades (file image of an In-n-Out restaurant)

Democrats in the state Legislature passed the law last year in part as an acknowledgement that many of the more than 500,000 people who work in fast food restaurants are not teenagers earning some spending money, but adults working to support their families.

That includes immigrants like Ingrid Vilorio, who said she started working at a McDonald's shortly after arriving in the United States in 2019.

Fast food was her full-time job until last year. Now, she works about eight hours per week at a Jack in the Box while working other jobs.

'The $20 raise is great. I wish this would have come sooner,' Vilorio said through a translator. 'Because I would not have been looking for so many other jobs in different places.'

But McDonald's worker Jaylene Loubett, 25, from Los Angeles told NPR: 'Even though it's big help, people need to realize that $20 compared to the cost of living in Los Angeles, it's still not enough to feel secure.

She has been working for the fast food chain for six years and said that while the minimum wage increase gives her 'a little bit more of a wiggle room', the higher cost of food and bills was impacting her and her parents, who have medical issues and share a one-bedroom apartment with their daughter.

The law was supported by the trade association representing fast food franchise owners. But since it passed, many franchise owners have bemoaned the impact the law is having on them, especially during California's slowing economy.

Alex Johnson owns 10 Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. He said sales have slowed in 2024, prompting him to lay off his office staff and rely on his parents to help with payroll and human resources.

Increasing his employees' wages will cost Johnson about $470,000 each year. He will have to raise prices anywhere from 5 per cent to 15 per cent at his stores, and is no longer hiring or seeking to open new locations in California, he said.

Impacted by the new law are national chains like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, KFC , Subway, Del Taco and Starbucks who have at least 60 stores nationwide and offer limited to no table service (file image of a Del Taco restaurant)

That includes immigrants like Ingrid Vilorio (pictured), who said she started working at a McDonald's shortly after arriving in the United States in 2019. Fast food was her full-time job until last year

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill surrounded by fast food workers at the SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles, on Thursday, September 28, 2023

'I try to do right by my employees. I pay them as much as I can. But this law is really hitting our operations hard,' Johnson said.

'I have to consider selling and even closing my business,' he said. 'The profit margin has become too slim when you factor in all the other expenses that are also going up.'

The increased wages will even push up prices of tater tots, according to Brady Farmer, Chef Bradley Cook's Catering Owner.

He told NBC San Diego that he increased his employee's minimum wage, despite not being obligated to as a small business owner, because he doesn't want his workers to leave for higher paying jobs elsewhere.

But he said that this will add up, as others warned that raising pay will also come with job cuts.

Delivery drivers could see their jobs at risk, after Pizza Hut franchisees laid off hundreds of their drivers in December before the wage increase was coming into effect and instead opted for apps like Uber Eats and Door Dash, which pushes higher delivery fees onto customers.

Another franchisee, Brian Hom, who runs two Vitality Bowls locations, said that he would have to increase the price of smoothies, salads and other items on the menu by five to ten per cent to make up for the higher wages he will have to pay his more than two dozens of employees.

He told NPR: 'I'm happy that my employees are going to make more. But the impacts tot he business are the concern... Will I be able to sustain the business?'

Over the past decade, California has doubled its minimum wage for most workers to $16 per hour. A big concern over that time was whether the increase would cause some workers to lose their jobs as employers' expenses increased.

Delivery drivers could also see their jobs at risk, after Pizza Hut franchisees laid off hundreds of their drivers in December before the wage increase was coming into effect (file image of a Pizza Hut restaurant)

Fast food workers and union activists demonstrate outside the California State Capitol to rally support for legislation to increase fast-food worker wages on Friday, September 15, 2023, in Sacramento, California

At first, it appeared the bread exemption applied to Panera Bread restaurants. But the Newsom administration said the wage increase law does apply to Panera Bread because the restaurant does not make dough on-site (file image of a Panera Bread restaurant)

Instead, data showed wages went up and employment did not fall, said Michael Reich, a labor economics professor at the University of California-Berkeley.

'I was surprised at how little, or how difficult it was to find disemployment effects. If anything, we find positive employment effects,' Reich said.

Plus, Reich said while the statewide minimum wage is $16 per hour, many of the state's larger cities have their own minimum wage laws setting the rate higher than that.

For many fast food restaurants, this means the jump to $20 per hour will be smaller.

The law reflected a carefully crafted compromise between the fast food industry and labor unions, which had been fighting over wages, benefits and legal liabilities for close to two years.

The law originated during private negotiations between unions and the industry, including the unusual step of signing confidentiality agreements.

The law applies to restaurants offering limited or no table service and which are part of a national chain with at least 60 establishments nationwide.

Restaurants operating inside a grocery establishment, airports and other venues are exempt, as are restaurants producing and selling bread as a stand-alone menu item.

At first, it appeared the bread exemption applied to Panera Bread restaurants. Bloomberg News reported the change would benefit Greg Flynn, a wealthy campaign donor to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

But the Newsom administration said the wage increase law does apply to Panera Bread because the restaurant does not make dough on-site. Also, Flynn has announced he would pay his workers at least $20 per hour.

Advocates hope that the new law in California will encourage other states will follow suit and increase their minimum wage for fast food workers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is conscious and speaking with family after being fully sedated for a hernia operation, the hospital treating him has said.

The 74-year-old's surgery was successful and he is recovering, Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem announced at around 2am local time, though doctors did not immediately specify how long his recovery might take.

But who is his wife Sara? How long have they been in a relationship and do they have any children together?

Read on below for everything you need to know about Sara Netanyahu.

Sara Netanyahu, 65, is an educational and career psychologist by profession, but was working as a flight attendant on a flight from New York to Israel when the pair first met.

The pair married each other in 1991, and have two sons together, Yair, 32, and Avner, 29, but their relationship would be rocked in 1993, when Benjamin admitted live on television that he had an affair with Ruth Bar, his public relations advisor

Who is Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara?

Sara Netanyahu, 65, was born in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Tiv'on, near the city of Haifa.

Her father, Shmuel, was a Polish-born Israeli Jewish educator, author, poet and biblical scholar, who died in 2011 at the age of 96. Her mother, Chava, was a sixth-generation Jerusalemite.

Sara also has three brothers, Matanya, a professor of mathematics, Hagai, a professor of Bible and Jewish Thought, and Amatzia, a technology entrepreneur.

The trio have all previously been crowned champions of the Israel Bible Contest, which is a school quiz competition relating to around 400 chapters of the Bible.

She is an educational and career psychologist by profession, but was working as a flight attendant on a flight from New York to Israel when the pair first met.

She became Benjamin's third wife when the couple married each other in 1991, and they have two sons together, Yair, 32, and Avner, 29.

However, their relationship would be rocked in 1993, when Benjamin admitted live on television that he had an affair with Ruth Bar, his public relations advisor.

He said that a political rival had planted a secret video camera that had recorded him in a sexually compromising position with Bar, and that he had been threatened with the release of the tape to the press unless he quit the Likud leadership race.

Netanyahu and Sara repaired their marriage, and he was elected to the leadership of Likud.

In 1996, the media reported that he had a 20-year friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori, an Italian-American woman

What controversies has Sara Netanyahu been involved in?

In 2015, reports surfaced that Sara had ordered catered meals and charged the Israeli government nearly $100,000 in expenses when the Prime Minister's Office already employed a dedicated chef

Netanyahu has been the subject of intense public interest, having been involved in a number of legal disputes over the years.

In 2002, she won a libel case filed against Schocken publishers for falsely maligning her, as well as a libel suit against Israeli newspaper Kol Ha'ir, after two unfounded reports were published about her in the publication's gossip column.

In 2008, Channel 10 reported that when Sara spent a large sum of money on luxuries paid for by a donor in London after travelling to the city with Benjamin for a public diplomacy campaign during the 2006 Lebanon War, to which she responded by filing a libel suit against the channel.

In 2015, reports surfaced that she had ordered catered meals and charged the Israeli government nearly $100,000 in expenses when the Prime Minister's Office already employed a dedicated chef.

A subsequent police investigation in 2016 recommended that Sara should be indicted for her actions.

In September 2017, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced that Netanyahu would be charged with ordering meals at the expense of the Israeli state without prior dispensation.

Sara subsequently signed a plea deal and was convicted of misusing state funds and - while fraud charges were dropped - Sara was still ordered to pay 55,000 NIS (11,900) to the state.
Achieving gender equality in Shakespeare is hard due to the lack of female characters and 'roles available' for women, the first woman to be appointed artistic director at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has said.

Tamara Harvey said whilst theatre bosses may be 'committed' to paying men and women the same - there is still an imbalance if there are 'fewer female roles'.

The artistic director said she and her co-director, Daniel Evans, who were appointed last summer, are 'facing' the issues surrounding the lack of roles for women and are having to come up with alternative solutions, such as 'gender flipping'.

Ms Harvey added that there is still a 'divide' across theatre departments with wardrobe and make-up dominated by women while lighting and sound teams tends to be more male.

Speaking on the Postcards From Midlife podcast, Harvey said: 'The inequality, and this is something that my co-artistic director Daniel Evans and I are really kind of facing into at the RSC, the inequality, of course, arrives from the roles available, and that's more noticeable in Shakespeare.

Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans were appointed co-Artistic Directors of the Stratford Upon Avon-based RSC last summer

David Tennant as Hamlet, performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at The Courtyard Theatre, London in 2008

Fiona Shaw plays King Richard II in Shakespeare's play by the same name in 1995

'So, you might be committed to paying men and women the same - but if there are fewer female roles, then there is an inequality in that.

'So, we're trying to find ways either, we are gender flipping within Shakespeare, or we're ensuring that the rest of our programme is really giving opportunities for women to play leading roles.'

Last summer, Evans and Harvey were appointed as Co-Artistic Directors at the RSC in Stratford Upon Avon, West Midlands.

A previous analysis of plays by the late 16th and early 17th Century writer shows that only 16 per cent of the 981 characters he wrote were female.

Discussing inequality in the theatre as a whole, the Botswanian-born director said the lack of female characters is 'challenging'.

She said: 'I think the interesting thing is it is changing and getting better. At the same time, as I get older, I'm finding I'm getting more and more cross.

'So, I have to take a step back in order to acknowledge it's changing. I think the roles on stage, and the roles in front of the camera are becoming a little bit more balanced.

'In theatre, I think we have tended to be better around the pay gap question.

'Because often, a company of actors are paid the same, or we've been quite front-footed certainly in the places I've worked about making sure that there is equality in pay.'

Harvey admitted there is still 'a divide' in theatre across the different departments.

She added: 'For example, wardrobe teams, costume making, still tend to be very female.

'The technical teams in theatre, lighting, sound, still tend to be very male.

'So, quite a lot of the work we are doing as well is around opening up access and opportunities to those through apprenticeships, through pathways from our amazing creative learning engagement team, and all of the work they do in schools.

'So that young people become aware of the other jobs you can do in theatre, and we make sure that when we leave the place, we leave it in a better state than when we found it.'

The RSC's website says their 'latest season of plays sees many traditionally male roles played by women'.

It reads: 'In Stratford and London this winter you can see a female Mercutio, Agamemnon and Timon.

'Women actors have often felt excluded by the lack of female roles in Shakespeare's plays, but there are women playing traditionally male roles in all six of the Shakespeare plays currently performing on our stages in Stratford, London and on tour.'

Last month, a taxpayer-funded study found the 'disproportionate representation' of William Shakespeare has propagated 'white, able-bodied, heterosexual, cisgender male narratives' in theatre.

In an 800,000 project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, researchers at the University of Roehampton aimed to challenge this 'normative trend' by mounting a production of Gallathea, which features characters disguised as the opposite sex.

The academics said the 16th century comedy, by Shakespeare's contemporary John Lyly, has had 'almost no stage history since 1588'.

The AHRC-funded project is devoted to 'centering marginalised communities in the contemporary performance of early modern plays'.

But critics have accused the council, which is principally funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, of promoting 'cultural clickbait'.

A portrait of William Shakespeare, who is widely considered as the greatest writer using the English language

The famous balcony scene from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet

Writing for the website Before Shakespeare, Andy Kesson, the project's principal investigator, said that 'masculinity and nationalism were crucial motivating factors in the rise of Shakespeare as the arbiter of literary greatness' and that '(we) need to be much, much more suspicious' of the Bard's place in contemporary theatre'.

Author Lionel Shriver told the Sunday Telegraph that Shakespeare would outlast 'this dogmatic mangling', adding: 'His plays will continue to be enjoyed long after today's 'intersectional' performances have foreshortened into a freakish comical footnote in theatrical history.'

Comedian Andrew Doyle said: 'There's a very good reason why Shakespeare is performed frequently and John Lyly barely at all.

'Shakespeare was by far the superior playwright. Yet again, ideologues are reducing great art to mere mechanisms for the promotion of an ideology.'

Tory MP Jane Stevenson, who sits on the culture, media and sport committee, said she was 'all for widening repertoire' but added: 'I'm not sure reducing Galatea to a celebration of all things woke, or knocking Shakespeare for being pale, male and stale is much more than cultural click-bait'.
A mother who spent just one year behind bars for plying her teenage daughter with alcohol and leaving her in a hotel room to be raped by an obese, middle-aged man, still refuses to give up the name of the rapist almost 20 years on.

Therese Butler was filmed telling a reporter to 'f*** off' when she was confronted by A Current Affair on Monday's episode.

Her daughter Peta, now in her 30s, told the program in 2018 about the night she was raped by the stranger in either 2005 or 2006.

Butler had lured her to a Toowoomba hotel under the guise of a 'girls weekend'.

While the vile paedophile - only known as Thommo - raped the teenager, her mother sat outside the room smoking cigarettes.

Therese Butler (pictured with her partner, Jason Cantoni) told a reporter to 'f**k off' when he questioned her about her daughter's rape

Peta (pictured) was lured to a hotel room by her mother, plied with alcohol and left to be raped by an obese stranger known as Thommo when she was a teenager

'It only lasted for a couple of minutes but while he raped me I had my head turned to the side, and my eyes closed while crying, I couldn't speak,' Peta told ACA six years ago.

'It was like my voice box - I couldn't talk. I couldn't scream out to my mum, I couldn't do anything.'

Queensland parole laws had prevented journalists from speaking with Butler since she was released in late 2018 but ACA was finally able to confront her outside a chemist last week.

When questioned about 'what sort of a mother' leaves her daughter to be raped, Butler said: 'Shut your mouth ... You don't know the facts and it was all lies.'

Almost two decades on from the sexual assault, Thommo continues to evade police.

Peta claims police suspect her mother has held back critical information that could lead to his arrest.

Still, despite spending a year imprisoned for the crime, Butler claims her daughter was 'never touched'.

Thommo (pictured in a computer-generated image released by police) has not been arrested since raping Peta as a teenager in either 2005 or 2006

Butler (pictured with her partner, Jason Cantoni, in 2019) told reporters her daughter was 'never touched', despite spending a year behind bars for her part in Peta's rape

'I don't know where that gutless mongrel is but he never touched my daughter,' she said.

'I never left my daughter's side ... You're going by s**t my moron daughter comes out with, she's the liar.

'I would die for my kids, always have. Back off!'

Peta spent almost a decade working up the courage to report her assault.

When she finally did she was able to trick her mother into confessing during an emotional 27-minute phone call that was secretly recorded by police in early 2016.

She had called her mother claiming she needed 'closure' but was left horrified after she nonchalantly admitted Peta was raped.

'It was still rape but you were 16. I wouldn't let him touch you under 16, no way,' Butler said in the recording.

The mother recalled buying her underage daughter Vodka Cruisers and bourbon before leaving her alone in a hotel room for her online lover Thommo, who she'd only met in person twice.

Despite the blunt confession, Butler told Peta how she fantasised about cutting Thommo 'from ear to ear' with a knife.

Peta (pictured) is now a loving mother to her own two daughters and describes herself as 'resilient'

'If I could turn back time Peta I f**king would in a heart beat,' she said during the call.

'Instead of bowing down to him I'd get him by the f**king balls and cut the f**kers off and shove them down his throat.'

However, Peta is resigned to the fact she's never gotten an apology from her mother.

'I'll never receive that and I don't expect to receive it,' she said.

Peta is now a loving mother to her own two daughters and describes herself as 'resilient'.

However, the fact that Thommo has never been caught still weighs on her.

'He deserves to be found. He deserves to be put to justice,' she said.

Thommo was described as extremely obese with 'bulging' blue eyes and drove a car with cream-coloured leather seats.

He appeared in his mid-40s at the time of the attack.

Butler had talked online with Thommo, who she believed was named Peter, for two years and was strangled by him during sex before her daughter's rape.

Peta (pictured with her mother as a teenager) said she has never received an apology from her mother for the sexual assault

Police are still urging anyone with information about the identity of Thommo to come forward.

If you have any information that could help police please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you or someone you know needs confidential support, call 1800RESPECT.
Nearly 1,500 compensation claims from the Windrush scandal are still to be settled by the Home Office five years on from the launch of the scheme.

Amid growing concerns about the number of people dying before receiving payouts, there are fresh calls for an overhaul of the process.

The Government has been accused of waiting for Windrush scandal victims to 'die off', with campaigners branding the compensation scheme a 'failure'.

They have also repeated calls for the Home Office being stripped of responsibility for overseeing the scheme and for it to be handed to an independent body.

The Windrush scandal saw many British citizens - mostly from the Caribbean - denied access to healthcare and benefits and threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in the UK.

A compensation scheme has been in place since 3 April 2019 but, nearly five years on, not all claims have been settled.

Conroy Downie, a 67-year-old Windrush victim who has been advising thousands of others on how to make compensation claims, is still waiting for his case to be fully settled

Campaigners have branded the compensation scheme for victims a 'failure' and demanded the Home Office be stripped of responsibility

The British liner 'Empire Windrush' (pictured in 1954) that gave its name to the 'Windrush' generation

According to an analysis of the latest available Home Office figures, 7,862 claims have been made as of January 2024.

A total of 80.1million had been paid out by the end of the first month of this year for 2,233 claims  an average of nearly 35,900 per claim.

Some 4,847 claims had been fully closed by this time, of which just over half (52 per cemt) were found to have no entitlement to compensation, 36 per cent were offered compensation, and the remaining 12 per cent had their eligibility for a claim refused or withdrawn.

Of the 1,345 claims still being processed, 185 (14 per cent) had been in the system for at least 12 months, including 83 for more than 18 months.

This is a slight improvement on a year ago; at the end of January 2023, 19 per cent of claims (416 out of 2,192) had been in the system for a year or more, with 171 for more than 18 months.

Conroy Downie, a 67-year-old Windrush victim who has been advising thousands of others on how to make compensation claims, is still waiting for his case to be fully settled.

'It's a failure, it's disgusting. I think they are waiting for us to die off,' he told the PA news agency.

The great-grandfather, who was born in Jamaica and came to the UK as a teenager before joining the Army, twice wrongly faced deportation amid the scandal.

He said 'the system has failed us' as he described how one of the main problems was that people still 'don't trust the Home Office'.

'They need to take the compensation scheme off the Home Office and give it to an independent body,' he added.

Immigration and human rights lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie, who has worked with more than 400 Windrush victims, said: 'Like the Post Office Horizon scandal, it is deplorable that the scheme is managed by the perpetrators of the wrong.'

The partner and head of immigration and asylum law at the firm Leigh Day said the Home Office 'must speed up the decision making' and work with lawyers and campaigners to bring about reform.

While there have been 'some improvements' over the years, 'we are still some way to go to say the scheme is operating in an efficient way', she added.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said while the latest figures show 'modest improvements' in the performance of the scheme, 'many people are still waiting far too long for the redress they are due  over a year or even 18 months in the worst cases'.

She added: 'This is unacceptable, especially given that for many of the older applicants time is not on their side.'

Repeating calls to 'shift the scheme's administration to an independent body, so claimants have the confidence to apply' and for a 'redesign' so it provides 'fair recompense' for loss of future earnings and pensions income, Ms Abrahams said: 'The Windrush compensation scheme can be made fairer and easier to access if the political will is there in Government.

'It's high time everyone affected received the justice they are due before it's too late and more people go to their graves uncompensated for the enormous harm they and their families have experienced through the years.'

The Home Office insisted the Government 'remains absolutely committed to righting the wrongs of the Windrush scandal' and has continued to improve the process so people 'receive the maximum award as quickly as possible'.

'We firmly believe moving the operation of the scheme away from the Home Office would risk significantly delaying vital payments to people  there would be considerable disruption to the processing of outstanding claims whilst a new body was established and made operational,' a spokeswoman added.
Medical brain-computer interface technology advancing in China

Xinhua) 10:08, April 01, 2024

BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The first thing Wu Xiaotian (pseudonym) does every day is adjust the parameters of his brain pacemaker through a mobile app. He then activates a controller next to his chest and, with a beep from the device, he feels revitalized, as though he has regained control over his body.

Wu, who was born in the 1990s, has been battling depression for over a decade. After various treatments had little effect, he participated in a clinical research program utilizing a brain-computer interface at Ruijin Hospital, which is affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and underwent surgery in 2022 after strict ethical screening.

Wu now carries a brain pacemaker roughly the size of two coins in his chest. The pacemaker is linked to electrodes implanted in areas of his brain that control emotion. The electrodes, which each have eight stimulation points, discharge when Wu activates an external switch, stimulating specific brain regions to improve his mood.

Through the mobile app, Wu can alternate between work and rest modes tailored to provide different stimuli. By utilizing these modes, he can invigorate himself during the day and relax at night.

Wu says he was reborn with the help of brain-computer interface technology. "The day of the surgery was my second birthday," he said.

Sun Bomin, who works at Ruijin Hospital, explained that mental disorders such as depression are mainly caused by the dysfunction of nerve circuits in the brain, and that brain-computer interface technology can provide patients with neuroregulatory treatment.

The clinical research program has reported a depression symptom improvement rate of over 60 percent among 23 participating patients following surgery.

Brain-computer interface technology has also brought new hope to the field of neural rehabilitation.

A team led by professor Hong Bo at Tsinghua University, in collaboration with a team at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, in December implanted a Neural Electronic Opportunity (NEO) device in a patient who had a severe spinal injury in a car accident. Their work was successful in enabling the patient to use his mind to control the movement of a cursor across a screen.

Another patient, a man who has been quadriplegic for 14 years, underwent NEO implant surgery at Xuanwu Hospital last October. He can now grasp a bottle of water independently using an air-filled glove driven by brain waves, reporting a grasping accuracy rate of over 90 percent.

Blending biological and machine intelligence, brain-computer interface technology is regarded as a significant advancement in health care.

According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology's report on the development and application of brain-computer interface technology (2023), medical treatment is the main application field of brain-computer interface technology in China.

Zhao Guoguang, a professor at Xuanwu Hospital, explained that the technology processes algorithms and analyzes signals to translate human thoughts into machine-recognizable instructions, allowing patients to control external devices such as pneumatic hands and mechanical arms, realizing brain-computer connection.

The technology's applications are categorized as invasive, involving direct brain signal extraction through implanted electrodes, and non-invasive, utilizing wearable detection equipment to collect brain signals. Invasive means the technology comes with high risks and costs, while non-invasive means it is challenged by weak and unstable signals.

According to the report, there are nearly 200 medical brain-computer interface enterprises in China, with 25 percent of those enterprises working with implantable technology and 75 percent working with non-implantable technology.

China in January released guidelines to support the technological innovation, industrial cultivation and safety governance of future industries, including the brain-computer interface industry.

While advancements in brain-computer interface technology are accelerating globally, challenges persist, including technical complexities, limited patient participation in clinical trials, and strict ethical requirements.

Luo Minmin, co-director of the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, said that although brain-computer interface technology has bright application prospects, it is currently in its clinical trial stage and has not yet delivered market-oriented products.

The technology still needs to see breakthroughs in multiple fields. If related technology encounters obstacles, practical application will be challenging. Therefore, it is crucial that synergistic progress is achieved in brain science, clinical medicine and engineering related to the development of new electrodes and chips, Luo said.

Many patients are hesitant to participate in brain-computer interface clinical trials due to concerns over surgical risks and potential sequelae, Hong said, noting that patients can only be persuaded to participate in the trials when offered a semi-invasive compromise solution.

That means that non-invasive and semi-invasive approaches could be the logical technical routes to advance the industrialization of brain-computer interface technology in the country, Hong said.

Concerns have also been expressed over the privacy and safety of patients, and over the ethics of the emerging technology. China in February adopted ethical guidelines for brain-computer interface research -- the first guidelines of their kind in the country -- stipulating that frontier technology should be used principally for therapeutic purposes.

The development of a secure data-processing scheme is also necessary to protect patients' electrical brain activity data and other personal information, said Liu Shuang, deputy dean of the Medical School of Tianjin University.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The Biden administration confirmed its support for accepting the Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday, despite facing criticism from Republicans regarding the day coinciding with Easter Sunday.

A number of people from the Biden administration, including President Biden himself, accepted the holiday through posts on social media. On Friday, President Biden made a declaration regarding the recognition of Sunday as an important day. This day, known as Transgender Day of Visibility, has been observed annually on March 31 since 2009.

Biden Declares Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday

On March 31, 2024, Biden declared it as Transgender Day of Visibility, which comes on Easter Sunday, a major Christian event. Widespread opposition to the decision has been expressed by Republican politicians, religious leaders, and members of the public.

Prominent Republicans, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, slammed the Biden administration's declaration harshly, claiming it violated the essence of Easter, which honors the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Johnson criticized the administration's action, calling it disrespectful to a sacred tradition.

Former President Donald Trump joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for an immediate apology to millions of Christians and Catholics. Trump's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, characterized Biden's proclamation as part of an ongoing assault on the Christian faith by the current administration.

The controversy deepened as the White House faced additional scrutiny for reportedly banning religious egg designs in its Easter Art Event, a decision viewed by critics as further evidence of a disregard for Christian values.

Christian evangelist Franklin Graham weighed in, asserting that Biden's actions demonstrated a lack of respect for God and the significance of Easter. Graham emphasized the contrast between the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what he perceived as the glorification of sin by the administration, according to New York Post.

Lawmakers Condemn Biden's Declaration

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem condemned Biden's declaration as an insult to Christians, with Reeves describing it as a deliberate attempt to disparage the faith community. Noem went further, suggesting that the Biden administration was marginalizing people of faith in America.

Pastor Raphael Warnock, a Democratic senator from Georgia, condemned Johnson's comments in a rare political intervention, stressing the need to use faith as a unifying rather than a dividing factor.

The controversy extended beyond the realm of politics, with reality star Caitlyn Jenner expressing her dismay at Biden's proclamation, highlighting the importance of Easter as a sacred observance for Christians.

However, there were voices endorsing Biden's message even though the attacks. Transgender Day of Visibility is a celebration of bravery and resilience, and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken applauded it, citing the importance of equality and inclusion for transgender people.

Transgender Day of Visibility, established in 2009 by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, aims to honor the contributions of transgender people while raising awareness of the challenges they face, including discrimination and violence, Daily Mail reported.
An Australian karate instructor is fighting for life in a coma after smoking cannabis and getting into trouble at a notorious beach in Thailand.

Malcolm Ayles, 58, from Grovedale in Victoria, had smoked 'two cannabis cigarettes' while holidaying in Pattaya on Monday morning, according to his wife.

Panadda Ayles said her husband jogged along the sand before taking a dip at Jomtien Beach, the scene of several accidental drownings in recent years.

Mr Ayles shouted for help and disappeared in the surf but heroic local, Kittichai Limcharoen, dived in and pulled him from the water unconscious.

Panadda Ayles (pictured right) said her husband (pictured left) jogged along the sand before taking a dip at Jomtien Beach, the scene of several accidental drownings in recent years

Emergency services are pictured performing CPR

The Karate instructor was given CPR on the beach before being rushed to hospital where he remains in a coma, according to Viral Press.

Ms Ayles said her husband purchased cannabis, which is fully legalised in Thailand, from a shop near the beach.

'He told me he was going for a run along the beach,' she said.

'I watched him and suddenly he ran into the sea and started drowning before my eyes. I was shocked and shouted for help.

'I still can't believe what happened. My husband is so fit and strong. We didn't have any disagreement. He was very relaxed.'

Malcolm Ayles, 58, from Grovedale in Victoria, is a Karate instructor

Ms Ayles said her husband (pictured) had smoked two cannabis cigarettes that he bought from a shop near the beach before the incident

His rescuer said he saw Mr Ayles struggling in the water and took action.

'I saw what was happening and realised that nobody else was there to help the man. I jumped into the water as fast as I could to save him,' Mr Limcharoen said.

'I pulled him back to the sand and then the rescue team arrived shortly after.'

Paramedics said Mr Ayles is being closely monitored by doctors.

A spokesman for the Sawang Boriboon Dhammasathan rescue volunteer team described the incident was a 'red case', meaning the patient's condition was the most severe next to fatal.
Pope Francis has reiterated his call for peace across the world, as he asked people to pray for him amid swirling rumours of his declining health.

The Pontifex spoke to believers gathered in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican today for an Easter Monday address.

The ailing 87-year-old leader of the Catholic Church said: 'May the peace of Christ also come to those places where he is most in need, to people torn by war, by hunger, by all forms of oppression.'

It comes a day after he explicitly called for an end to the brutal war between Israel and Hamas, after pulling out of a Good Friday procession in Rome for health reasons.

Francis, having arrived in a wheelchair, told churchgoers gathered for mass at 10am yesterday: 'I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.'

The Pontifex spoke to believers gathered in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican today for an Easter Monday address.

The ailing 87-year-old leader of the Catholic Church said: 'May the peace of Christ also come to those places where he is most in need, to people torn by war, by hunger, by all forms of oppression'

It comes a day after he explicitly called for an end to the brutal war between Israel and Hamas ,

On top of this, he called for a Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap as the war between the countries grinds into a third year.

'In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine,' he told tens of thousands of Catholics gathered at Saint Peter's Square.

Today he asked those gathered at Saint Peter's Square to pray for him.

He said: 'Please do not forget to pray for me.'

He lightheartedly added: 'Have a good lunch, and until next time.'

The plea comes after the Vatican said the Pope would not be joining the procession which is a re-enactment of Jesus' death by crucifixion, in order to 'preserve his health'.

In a brief statement on Friday, the Vatican had said that 'to preserve his health ahead of tomorrow's vigil and the Easter Sunday mass, Pope Francis will this evening follow the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum from the Santa Marta Residence', where he lives.

Today he asked those gathered at Saint Peter's Square to pray for him, though did not specifically say why

The plea comes after the Vatican said the Pope would not be joining the procession which is a re-enactment of Jesus' death by crucifixion, in order to 'preserve his health'

The last-minute decision has raised questions about how long Francis can continue to lead the Catholic Church.

A Vatican source aid on Friday that there was 'no particular concern' about his health and that the decision to pullout had been 'simply a measure of caution'.

The Argentinian Jesuit had also cancelled his participation in the 'Via Crucis' in 2023, but that followed a three-day hospital stay for bronchitis, and was announced well ahead of time. Weeks later, he underwent a hernia operation.

Up until Friday, the pope had attended his various engagements throughout the week, but he recently appeared tired and has sometimes delegated speaking roles to colleagues.

Francis, who never takes holidays, made his last trip in September, to the southern French city of Marseille. In December, he cancelled a much-anticipated attendance at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.

His next scheduled trip is to Venice on April 28. The Vatican has not yet confirmed a planned trip to Asia and Pacific Ocean nations for this summer.

Francis has previously left the door open to stepping down if he can no longer do the job. That would follow the example of his immediate predecessor, Benedict XVI, who in 2013 became the first pope since the Middle Ages to voluntarily step aside.

But in a memoir published this month, Francis wrote that he did 'not have any cause serious enough to make me think of resigning'.
Angela Rayner has hit back against 'squealing' Peter Mandelson after the Labour peer criticised her flagship reforms to workers' rights.

The Labour deputy leader dismissed Lord Mandelson's remarks about her plans and claimed an 'idea that you're either pro business or pro the worker is for the birds'.

Lord Mandelson, a former business secretary and one of the architects of New Labour, last month warned Ms Rayner against 'rushing' through her reforms.

He urged her to consult with firms on her planned changes to employment rights, which she has set out in Labour's promised 'New Deal for Working People'.

It came after business chiefs swiped at Labour's proposals by warning against excessive regulation that might harm Britain's productivity.

Under Ms Rayner's plans to strengthen workers' rights, Labour in goverment would ban zero-hour contracts and end 'fire and rehire' practices.

The document also includes plans to entitle employees to sick pay and parental leave from day one, introduce a 'right to switch off' after leaving the office, and boost workers' rights to flexible working.

Angela Rayner has hit back against 'squealing' Peter Mandelson after the Labour peer criticised her flagship reforms to workers' rights

The Labour deputy leader dismissed Lord Mandelson's remarks about her plans and claimed an 'idea that you're either pro business or pro the worker is for the birds'

Many business groups are lobbying to water down Labour's proposals, while Lord Mandelson used a recent newspaper article to urge restraint.

'There is a clear case for reform but the case needs to be tested, priorities established and the complexities thoroughly addressed,' he said.

'This must not be rushed but it must be done in consultation with business.'

But Ms Rayner has now compared Lord Mandelson's criticism of her plans to the fears raised about the introduction of the minimum wage by New Labour in 1999.

She told the Financial Times her 'message for people like Lord Mandelson' was to remember that before New Labour's 1997 general election landslide win 'business was squealing about the minimum wage, saying that they're all going to go out of business and it would bankrupt the country'.

'Well it didn't, it's endured, and it's one of the things that across all political spectrums [people] say that it was actually crucial, and it's affected millions of workers positively,' she added.

Ms Rayner also told the newspaper that business chiefs needed to swallow their 'misconceptions' and get on board with her proposals.

'This idea that you're either pro business or pro the worker is for the birds,' she said, adding that the proposals she has set out are 'more evolutions than revolution'.

'Once people can see what we're trying to achieve, they get on board and are really happy to move with it,' Ms Rayner continued.

She said that many businesses were already offering schemes that went further than the reforms proposed by Labour, for example on paternity leave and unfair dismissal.

Ms Rayner added that she and others within Labour had been 'in dialogue with . . . business' over the plans.

The Confederation of British Industry has previously suggested it is lobbying Labour to scale back the proposed changes.

Rupert Soames, the president of the CBI, told the Financial Times that Britain needed to avoid a 'European model' of employment rights.

He said the CBI was providing 'private feedback' to Labour on its policy plans.
The wife of a US Embassy staffer in Georgia was 'severely poisoned' by Russia's deadly new sonic weapon.

The woman, who wants to stay anonymous, said she collapsed in pain in her home in Tbilisi, Georgia, on October 7, 2021 after moving to the eastern European country with her American diplomat husband in February 2020.

She was 'severely poisoned', according to Georgian media, but managed to run into the street, where she saw a man standing in front of a car near her driveway - she later recognized him when shown a picture of a Russian intelligence agent.

The woman is believed to be among US embassy staff and their families who suffered from the so-called Havana syndrome, with symptoms including migraines, nausea, memory lapses, hearing loss, poor balance and dizziness.

Research by The Insider, a Russia-focused investigative media group based in Latvia, in collaboration with CBS's 60 Minutes and Germany's Der Spiegel reported that the Havana syndrome may be linked to energy weapons wielded by members of a Russian military intelligence sabotage unit.

Research by The Insider, a Russia-focused investigative media group based in Riga, Latvia , reported that the Havana syndrome may be linked to energy weapons wielded by members of a Russian military intelligence sabotage unit (pictured: Russian president Vladimir Putin)

The wife of a US Embassy staffer in Georgia was 'severely poisoned' by Russia 's deadly new sonic weapon. The woman, who wants to stay anonymous, said she collapsed in pain in her home in Tbilisi, Georgia, on October 7, 2021 (pictured: US Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia)

A US intelligence investigation whose findings were released last year found that it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible for the ailment, first reported by US embassy officials in the Cuban capital Havana in 2016.

But Insider reported that members of a Russian military intelligence (GRU) unit known as 29155 had been placed at the scene of reported health incidents involving US personnel.

They are alleged to have used sonic weapons to target their victims' brains with radio frequencies, causing symptoms of Havana syndrome which include migraines, nausea, memory lapses, hearing loss, poor balance and dizziness.

The woman later said she recognized the man outside her house when she was shown a picture of Albert Averyanov said to be part of Unit 29155 alongside his father Andrei, reportedly the group's commander.

Their whereabouts are unknown for the day when the woman was 'poisoned', but information published in Der Spiegel indicate the two could have been in Tbilisi at the time.

Phone records between Andrei Averyanov and a military engineer specializing in radio frequency manipulation from an FSB counterintelligence unit known as FS-9 shows they communicated before and after alleged attacks, including the one on the attache's wife in Tbilisi.

The year-long investigation also reported that senior members of Unit 29155 received awards and promotions for work related to the development of 'non-lethal acoustic weapons'.

Russia has previously denied any involvement and dismissed the allegations as 'groundless' today.

'This topic has been talked up in the press for many years already. And from the very beginning most often it's linked to the Russian side,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference.

'But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation,' he said.

Retired Army lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen, who led the Pentagon investigation into the Havana syndrome incidents, told 60 Minutes that he is 'confident' that Russia is behind the attacks.

He also claimed that the attacks are part of a worldwide mission by Russia targeting US officials to 'neutralize' them.

'There's no environmental cause that causes the body damage that I saw,' an anonymous PhD source told DailyMail.com last year. 'I don't know how you create damage inside of a body, like what was seen, that comes on all of a sudden, and could be called 'pre-existing conditions''

Lt. Col. Edgreen said the burden of proof under both the Trump and Biden administration was set impossibly high, explaining: 'I think it was set so high because we did not, as a country, and a government, want to face some very hard truths...

'Can we secure America? Are these massive counter intelligence failures? Can we protect American soil and our people on American soil? Are we being attacked and if we're being attacked, is that an act of war?'

Another US government employee who was affected was Marc Polymeropoulos. He was appointed as the CIA's deputy chief of operations in Europe and Eurasia with focus on Russia in 2017.

He was in Moscow when he suddenly experienced a throbbing pain in his head, which he put down to food poisoning at first. But when the next painful 'attack' came a few days later, he realized it had to be something else, Der Spiegel reports.

The pain still hasn't subsided six years later. Polymeropoulos said it is 'like a vice on my skull' and his vision was so bad at times that he couldn't even drive a car anymore. He had to end his CIA career in 2019, but not before he was treated like an outcast within the agency.

Polymeropoulos told Der Spiegel about himself and other US government employees who suffered from Havana syndrome: 'We were portrayed as people who had fallen victim to mass hysteria.'

He shared with investigators that he thinks he and the others were targeted by Russian intelligence services, as it 'simply doesn't make sense' otherwise that people who worked in a Russia context were struck down with the mysterious illness.

But he added that he believes the US government doesn't want to know exactly who or what is behind the Havana syndrome, as if it found out it was Russia for example, it would have to react harshly and the government had no interest in the conflict with the nuclear power.

The Insider report said the first incident of 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016, when US embassy staff in Cuba started complaining about pain in their ears and strong pressure in their heads.

It said 'there were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a US government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam'.

Retired Army lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen (pictured), who led the Pentagon investigation into the Havana syndrome incidents, told 60 Minutes that he is 'confident' that Russia is behind the attacks

For the first time, Greg Edgreen, who ran the Pentagon's investigation into mysterious neurological symptoms suffered by American officials  known as Havana Syndrome  speaks out publicly. He says top officials are being neutralized. https://t.co/d9DkwQDck8 pic.twitter.com/qYGRrM8VG1  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 1, 2024

Research by the collaborators revealed that members of Unit 29155 often travelled to places where US diplomats and their families later complained about Havana syndrome symptoms.

More than 1,000 Americans have reportedly been affected by Havana syndrome - and there have also been cases of foreign officials claiming to have suffered similar symptoms.

State Department security officer Mark Lenzi, who worked in the US consulate in Guangzhou, China, told 60 Minutes that he and his wife started experiencing symptoms after hearing strange sounds - like a 'marble' going down a 'metal funnel' - in their apartment in 2017.

READ MORE: Only plausible explanation for mysterious Havana Syndrome that has afflicted dozens of US diplomats around the world IS a weapon, CIA report finds Advertisement

He said he believes that him and his wife were targeted with a weapon using radio frequency energy for his work analyzing electronic threats to diplomatic missions using top-secret equipment.

Other staff members said they were struck while on US soil, also reporting of hearing bizarre sounds and experiencing head pain as well as memory loss, impaired vision and poor balance.

Weapons using radio frequencies can be as small as a suitcase or as big as a tractor trailer and when used, can transmit the microwave energy through walls, glass and brick, physicist James Benford told 60 Minutes.

Havana syndrome has its roots in the original cases beginning in November 2016 through June 2018 among 25 US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba.

The State Department described what it saw as 'medically confirmed symptoms' including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, confusion and disorientation.

In some cases, they also include trouble walking, insomnia, sensitivity to sound, ear pain and pressure, tinnitus and brain abnormalities similar to concussion-like symptoms.

After the first cases appeared in Cuba and were made public knowledge, diplomats abroad in countries such as Uzbekistan, China, Germany, Vietnam, and Colombia.

Even before determining the cause, officials in the former Trump administration decided that the cases were a byproduct of foul play by the Cuban government, straining already fraught relations with the Communist-run island.

The New Yorker reported in July 2021 that about two dozen US intelligence officers, diplomats and other government officials in Austria had reported problems similar to the Havana Syndrome since President Joe Biden took office in the same year.

The Insider report said the first incident of 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016, when US embassy staff in Cuba started complaining about pain in their ears and strong pressure in their heads (pictured: US embassy in Cuba)

After US officials and embassy staff reported hundreds of cases in nearly 70 countries, new reports of Havana syndrome declined sharply starting in early 2022. But the mystery of what caused the ailments and the alarm remains (Above a timeline map of key incidents)

The US deployed medical and scientific experts to study the alleged attacks and those affected have been extensively examined to try to understand their afflictions.

US Congress passed the Havana Act in 2021 authorizing the State Department, CIA and other US government agencies to provide payments to staff and their families who have been affected by the ailment during assignment.

In June 2023, the State Department authorized six-figure payments to victims, roughly between $100,000 and $200,000.

The specific amounts, according to the Associated Press, were scaled to the extent and severity of the victims' injuries, 'which have included brain damage not limited to vertigo, cognitive damage, eyesight and hearing problems.'

A former US intelligence community PhD told DailyMail.com last year: 'We know that the Soviets had sonic weapons.'

'Anyone in the intelligence community will tell you the US has had these kinds of energy weapons for a while,' that anonymous intel agency PhD said last March.

Other theories surrounding Havana syndrome include it being a case of mass psychogenic illness.

Scientists in California and New Zealand argued in 2020 that the rise of mysterious symptoms in Havana was a psychological response to the stressful post-Cold War conditions in which diplomats were living as well as rumors of a 'new and enigmatic sonic device.'

They said: 'These psychogenic symptoms associated with American soldiers living under continuous stress parallel those reported by the US diplomats working under continuous surveillance while living on foreign soil under the spectre of the Cold War.

'The symptoms of the American diplomats in Havana closely parallel those associated with war trauma  right down to the concussion-like symptoms that have often confounded physicians who have misdiagnosed it as brain trauma in the past.'

Further complicating the situation, the Trump-era Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told roughly 3 million military personnel, civilian officials, and contractors in a letter two years ago to be on the lookout for symptoms consistent with so-called Havana syndrome.
An Oregon county has eradicated homeless encampments after putting rough sleepers in a 90-strong pod village.

Washington County spent millions on the system moving unhoused individuals into subsidized housing, including the new tiny homes.

For the last two years, most of its homelessness services tax has been spent building 90 pods at three locations.

Outreach workers have, according to local reporting, been able to eliminate seven large and medium-sized encampments.

But the new homeless village has sparked outrage among some, having been plonked in the middle of a housing estate with young families.

The very small pod structures are meant to be a temporary-ish shelter option for the county's hundreds of homeless

For the last two years, most of Washington County's homelessness services tax has been spent building 90 pods at three locations

For the last two years, most of Washington County's Metro homelessness services tax has been spent building 90 tiny homes at three locations across the county and expanding its shelter network

The county has spent about 40 percent of the $86million in Metro homelessness tax proceeds it allocated to spend this fiscal year, which ends in June.

But not everyone is happy with the arrangements the county is making to get most of its hundreds of homeless residents off the streets.

The pod villages have to go somewhere, and one of the locations selected for a tiny village was Aloha, Oregon, on the grounds of the Aloha United Methodist Church.

The area is largely populated by the county's elderly population, some of whom are worried about disruptions to the neighborhood and potential safety concerns.

'If somebody is a potential hazard, we have the right to know that for our own safety,' Jim Wassgren, who has lived in the are for 25 years, told ABC15.

'We've invested in a lot of cameras. We have also purchased a security [system] for the house,' said Allen Ballantyne, who lives just a few doors over from the church.

'Putting a homeless encampment in a frankly, quite geriatric neighborhood ... a lot of old folks and young families living here, right in the middle of that, couldn't seem like a worst idea to me,' he said.

The pod villages and other forms of heavily subsidized housing have allowed the county to eliminate controversial homeless encampments

The pod village in Aloha, Oregon, which opened in February, is made up of 30 pods that are meant to be temporary shelters for homeless individuals

The pod village, which opened in February, is made up of 30 pods that are meant to be temporary shelters for homeless individuals.

The area is surrounded by wooden fencing, and there is only one way in and out of the area.

It is what's called a 'low barrier' shelter, meaning individuals will not be drug tested or required to participate in certain programs in order to qualify for a pod.

Those selected for pod-living, however, will have gone through a rigorous selection process, according to administrators at the Washington County Department of Housing Services.

Similar structures have been erected in neighboring Oregon cities, like Portland, where the homeless population has surged in recent years

Simple interior of a pod, which is meant to serve as temporary housing

The pod structures are based on models of tiny homes, which have skyrocketed in popularity across the US in the last decade

A pod village where dozens of homeless Washington County residents will find shelter

One such administrator said the county sheriff's office will be working with the city to keep the pod village and surrounding area safe, and security will be present at all times.

'I think my message is, anyone who has concerns is to come in [and] to the opening of this program with an open mind,' she said.

Longtime residents, however, remain wary and say they will be staying vigilant as the community welcomes in residents of the 30 pod units.

'Well we're very apprehensive. We constantly hear horror stories about what happens in the other areas and I've been by a few of them and they don't look good,' said Ballantyne.

'We're hoping for the best at this location. We've been assured by the county that they have everything under control, but we're very skeptical.'
The courts in Illinois have given up trying to decide who beat a three-month-old baby to death in a family home - freeing both parents.

Ocean Hutchings suffered broken ribs and a shattered skull in the care of parents Logan Hutchings and Sophia Kelly, before dying from his injuries in June 2022.

Medical examiners ruled the death a homicide, but Hutchings, 22, was acquitted, and Kelly had charges dropped over the weekend after Perry County Court could not decide who had been at home at the time.

Kelly, 22, turned on her former fiance today telling Dailymail.com he never explained what had happened after she allegedly returned from a grocery store to find her son fatally injured.

Little Ocean was just three months old when he suffered a brutal beating at the home in Pinckneyville that left him with broken ribs and a shattered skull

Facebook posts suggested an idyllic family life for Logan Hutchings, fiancee Sophia Kelly, and their two young sons Ozark and baby Ocean

Both parents were arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder

'Logan never told me anything. Any time I brought something up he would scream and shout and say he would leave me,' she said.

'They only charged me because they thought I knew something. The justice system failed us truth be told.'

The two young parents appeared to live an idyllic life surrounded by a loving family in rural Illinois with their two young sons Ozark and Ocean.

Two months after Ocean's birth, Hutchings paid a glowing tribute to his partner and children on Facebook writing: 'I'm so proud of this woman for being such an amazing mother. I love you Sophia Kelly!'

But other posts from the fast-food chef seemed to hint at trouble with one complaining: 'I'm surprised that 99% of my family doesn't care to meet lil-man.... Oh well more Ocean for us.'

On June 12 hospital medics asked police to investigate after Ocean was brought in with fatal injuries.

'The infant had been admitted to a hospital in St Louis, Missouri and was discovered to have a skull fracture, along with multiple rib fractures,' Illinois State Police said in a press release at the time.

'Prior to the arrival at the hospital, the infant had been in the care of Hutchings and Kelly, the infant's parents, in Pinckneyville.

'On June 14, 2022, the infant was pronounced deceased at the hospital as a result of these injuries.'

The fast-food chef and his fiance appeared to delight in family outings with their children

Hutchings posted a glowing tribute to Kelly just a month before Ocean's fatal beating

But other social media posts suggested that all was not well in the wider family

Two years after his death, no-one faces trial for the beating that killed three-month-old Ocean

The following day Kelly posted 'My sweet boy We will get justice for you.'

A day after that, Hutchings wrote: 'My world has been turned around 5 times this week and I'll never have trust in anyone again.'

The community rallied around the young couple but in April 2023 both were arrested, charged with three counts of first-degree murder and thrown in jail on a $1 million bond.

Their older son was taken into the care of Illinois social services and that evening Hutching's mother Alicia Loos Hutchings suggested in a since deleted Facebook post that somebody else had killed Ocean.

'So before all the keyboard warriors come to judge  remember GOD is our only judge and he will deal with the one who hurt my grandson bc he KNOWS who it was,' she typed.

No jury was appointed for Hutching's case which was a bench trial held before Perry County Court Judge Gene Gross.

Hutchings refused to testify but prosecutors offered no rebuttal to his witnesses' evidence and he was acquitted on March 28.

Judge Gross said there was no testimony from anyone who saw Hutchings attack the child, and that the prosecution could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he was Ocean's killer.

Kelly, whose jury trial was penciled for May 1, then had her charges dismissed as well, but she faces a status hearing on Wednesday in her bid to regain custody of her older son from the state.

She revealed that Hutching's defense attorneys insisted that the attack could have occurred at any time in a five-day window, despite her telling prosecutors exactly when she believes it was carried out.

And she said that prosecutors relied heavily on her evidence to bring their charges against Hutchings.

'I worked with the prosecutor for 15 hours on this case and I had a lot of trust in her and we're both very angry about this all,' she said on Monday.

'I want to ask the judge what proof they didn't have.

'I testified for almost two-and-a-half hours on the stand, I told them everything I knew and it still wasn't good enough.

The 82-word judgement that cleared Logan Hutching's of his baby's murder

'It's mind boggling.'

Hutching's attorney Matthew Benson said 'the state had not met their burden' as he welcomed his client's acquittal.

'This is a massive relief for Mr. Hutchings and his family,' he wrote in a statement.

'Logan maintained his innocence from the first time he came into my office. I'm glad we were able to assist him in obtaining the result he deserved.'
Boardwalk Empire star Michael Stuhlbarg has been attacked by a rock-wielding homeless man near New York City's Central Park.

Stuhlbarg, 55, was approached seemingly at random by the attacker in the upscale Upper East Side neighborhood on Sunday evening, cops told DailyMail.com.

He was walking close to East 90th and East Drive around 7:45pm when Xavier Israel, 27, threw a rock at his head, striking him in the back of the neck.

Stuhlbarg suffered 'minor injuries' and he chased Israel down to the Russian consulate at East 91st Street, where cops stationed outside apprehended him.

Stuhlbarg, 55, was approached seemingly at random by a homeless man in the Upper East Side on Sunday Night

The actor was walking close to East 90th and East Drive around 7:45pm when Xavier Israel, 27, struck him in the back of his neck with a rock. (Pictured: Israel's booking photo last night)

Pictured: Hope Davis as Gina Baxter and Michael Stuhlbarg as Jimmy Baxter in Your Honor

The actor was offered medical attention at the scene, but he refused treatment, the NYPD said. Israel, who is homeless, was taken into custody and charged with assault.

He has previously been arrested for two violent assaults and a robbery in January 2022, cops confirmed.

In one incident that month, he knocked a 59-year-old Good Samaritan to the ground and mugged him after the man tried to offer him a coat amid freezing temperatures.

Israel was also arrested for attacking another person who offered him help - this time a 49-year-old woman - and for allegedly beating up two 18-year-olds in Central Park.

The attacks all unfolded within the month of January 2022 and Israel does not have any further criminal record before or after this month, cops told DailyMail.com.

Pictured: Xavier Israel being booked for a previous assault in Manhattan January 2022

Israel used a coronavirus mask to obscure his identity when he appeared in court for the January assaults

Pictured: Israel is arraigned in Manhattan Criminal court on assault and robbery charges for beating and ribbing a good Samaritan that tried to give him a coat in January 2022

Surveillance footage of Israel pummeling a man who offered him his coat amid freezing weather in January 2022

The first incident, where Israel attacked the man who offered him a coat, was caught on surveillance footage.

Video shows the victim as he tried to help Israel, who had been lying on the sidewalk at 476 5th Avenue around 8pm on a particularly cold evening.

The victim gently places a jacket he was wearing on Israel before the homeless man springs up and pushes him into the ground.

Israel took the man's wallet from his back pants pocket while he was on the ground before fleeing the scene.

The victim attempts to get his wallet back before Israel punches him and throws him back to the ground.

When Israel was arrested shortly afterwards on West 41st Street and 5th Avenue, officers found almost $1,500 in cash stuffed in his pants.

Pictured: David Gordon Green (left) as Brad and Michael Stuhlbarg (right) as Jake in Bones And All

Pictured: Stuhlbarg poses for a portrait to promote the film 'Shirley' at the Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Park City, Utah

Stuhlbarg was attacked in the upscale neighborhood on the east side of NYC's Central Park

Israel's latest victim, Stuhlbarg rose to fame playing troubled university professor Larry Gopnik in the 2009 dark comedy A Serious Man.

The California-born actor has since portrayed George Yeaman in Lincoln, Lew Wasserman in Hitchcock, and Andy Hertzfeld in Steve Jobs.

He is perhaps best-known for playing Arnold Rothstein in HBO's Boardwalk Empire.

Stuhlbarg has been recognized with several awards including two Screen Actors Guild Awards, along with nominations for two Primetime Emmys, a Tony Award and a Golden Globe.
Tsuru is one of the highest-ranking traditional spiritual leaders in the community

Several critics have demanded the authorities to dissolve the marriage

The legal minimum age to get married in Ghana is 18

An influential 63-year-old priest has sparked outrage in Ghana after marrying a 12-year-old girl who was selected to be his wife at the age of six.

The priest, also known as a Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, married the child in a customary ceremony held in Nungua, Krowor, on Saturday.

As the priest faces backlash from outsiders, community leaders in the area have said that people do not understand their customs and traditions, which saw the young girl being told to prepare for wifely duties and boost her 'sex appeal' with perfume she had been gifted.

'In Nungua, the air is thick with tradition as the customary marriage between Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and a young girl named 'Naa Okromo' unfolds,' said local news channel Ablade TV Online on its Facebook page.

According to the post, the 12-year-old wife of the priest is part of his assumption of authority.

Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII married a 12-year-old girl on Saturday in a ceremony that has sparked outrage across Ghana and social media

Several critics have demanded the authorities to dissolve the marriage and investigate Tsuru as the legal minimum age for marriage in Ghana is 18

'According to tradition, the Gborbu Wulomo, having assumed his authority must also take a 'Boi ekpaa yoo', his customary wife,' the post added.

The girl reportedly still has further rites to carry out until the union is complete.

She is set to undergo a second customary ceremony - one centered on 'purification'.

'This rite will empower her to fulfil all the duties expected of her as the wife of Gborbu Wulomo, including the crucial role of procreation,' the post said.

Footage of the elaborate event show dozens of community members gathered to witness the wedding, triggering an outcry from several Ghanaians.

During the ceremony, women speaking in the local language Ga told the girl to dress teasingly for her new husband.

This sparked outrage as it suggested the marriage was not purely ceremonial.

Several critics have demanded the authorities to dissolve the marriage and investigate Tsuru.

Under the Facebook post, one concerned Ghanaian wrote: 'Customary wife??? Child marriage is criminalised in Ghana and no rite that violates a girl's rights to achieve her full potential should be celebrated'.

Another said: 'There are so many things wrong with this country, and this is one of them!?? How is a 12-year-old becoming a wife in 2024?! Is this some silly joke???'

One more added: 'I hope that this is a joke and also that the Gender Ministry and the Police have started work to establish the facts around this.

'We want and cherish our custom but not the part that says hand out a 12-year -old girl to a 63-year-old man'.

But leaders of the Nungua indigenous community, to which both the girl and the priest belong, have condemned the public's opposition to the marriage, saying the criticism 'comes from a point of ignorance'.

Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, a local community leader, said on Sunday that the girl's role as the priest's wife is 'purely tradition and custom'.

He added that the girl had began the necessary rites to become the priests wife six years ago, age six, but the process did not stand between her and her education.

Being a Gborbu Wulomo makes Tsuru one of the highest-ranking traditional spiritual leaders in the community.

He performs sacrifices on behalf of the community, prays for the community's protection, enforces cultural practices and leads traditional rites during events such as the installation of traditional chiefs.

The Ghanaian government are yet to respond to the controversial marriage.

The legal minimum age to get married in Ghana is 18 and although the numbers of child marriage in the country has been on the decline, it continues to happen in some areas and communities.

According to UNICEF data, Ghana is currently home to over two million child brides, with one in five girls aged 20 to 24 years married before the age of 18.
A Maine college student has been found dead near a campus parking lot.

Qingyang Zhan, 20, was found close to the Frank J. Woods Bridge in Topsham at Bowdoin College on Sunday morning.

Officials said they are investigating the death but don't believe there is a threat to the public.

Zhan reportedly attended a school in California before staring her studies at Bowdoin in the fall of 2021

Police found the remains of Bowdoin College student Qingyang Zhan, 20, in the lot near the Frank J. Woods Bridge in Topsham, near the Bowdoin College campus

Zhan, known as 'K,' was originally from Shanghai, China, but had lived in the US since 2019, as reported by WMTW.

She reportedly attended a school in California before staring her studies at Bowdoin in the fall of 2021.

Bowdoin College President Safa Zaki said in a statement: 'Faculty members describe K as a bright and engaging presence, and many will remember her warmth and kindness.

'K's death is a devastating tragedy for her parents, her brother, other loved ones, and also for her friends, classmates, and our entire Bowdoin community.

Police have not revealed a cause of death for the student

'This news is very difficult to process, especially since we do not yet know the circumstances of K's death. Please take care of yourselves and of others and take advantage of the opportunities to come together.'

Zaki added that police have not revealed a cause of death for the student.

Zhan had been pursuing a double major in government and legal studies and Asian studies at the Maine school and helped found the Chinese Students Association.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Topsham police department for more information on this story.
A British man accused of stabbing his partner seven times in the back after she learnt he was having an affair has been extradited to Italy to face a murder charge.

IT consultant Michael Whitbread, 74, was held by police after driving across Europe following the fatal stabbing of Michele Faiers, a 66-year-old mother-of-three.

She was found dressed only in her underwear in a pool of blood at the idyllic home she shared with Whitbread in the Italian hilltop village of Verratti last October.

MailOnline can exclusively reveal he was flown back to Rome last Friday - arriving on a British Airways flight from London Heathrow before being handed over to Italian authorities and transferred to the city's Rebibbia jail.

The medium-security prison on the outskirts of Rome holds more than 1,000 inmates and is home to mafia gangsters, murderers, drug dealers and terrorists.

Michael Whitbread, right, was arrested in England on suspicion of murder after Michele Faiers, left, was found dead at her home near the Italian town of Casoli

IT consultant Whitbread, 74, has been extradited over the alleged murder of his partner

Michele Faiers, 66, was found lying on her first-floor bedroom in a pool of blood by her friend inside her rural home (pictured) in a village near eastern Italian town Casoli

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline after visiting him in prison, his lawyer Massimiliano Sichetti, said: 'This was the first time I had seen him and I found him tired and worn out, but at the same time surprisingly lucid.

'He said that being in jail in Britain had not been easy, but he said he wasn't badly treated and now he was looking forward to getting the chance to defend himself in an Italian court.

'He is looking forward to having his say and telling the truth about what happened and for that reason he didn't appeal the decision to extradite him to Italy.

'He has told me that he wasn't fleeing Italy and wants to explain exactly what happened in court  he has told me that he had a return ticket and that he was not running away.

'He said that he will be able to fully explain everything in a journal that he has kept with all the details, and he will get his chance to say his version in court.'

Prosecution documents exclusively obtained by MailOnline reveal Whitbread had been having an affair with another British expat and that his partner had said she was leaving him and moving back to the UK.

He appeared before Westminster magistrates earlier this month for a full extradition hearing.

Ms Faiers' three daughters wept as they heard allegations Whitbread had stabbed their helpless mother in the back seven times at their home in Verratti, near the eastern Italian town of Casoli.

Whitebread, originally from Torquay in Devon, was dressed in a red shirt, black trousers and jacket and said nothing other than to confirm his name to the judge David Robinson.

According to Italian prosecution documents, Ms Faiers had been sleeping at a friend's house after suspecting him of having an affair.

They papers also describe how Whitbread had attacked her a month before the murder and left her 'covered in bruises' and 'fearing for her life'.

This was according to testimony from her close friend Petrina Keay, who found Ms Faiers' lifeless body in the couple's first-floor bedroom covered by a sheet.

A pair of men's boxer shorts covered in blood was also found at the scene, the case file said.

Police have been told Ms Faiers 'doubted her partner's fidelity' and was 'thinking of leaving him and going back to England'.

Michele Faiers (pictured with her partner Michael Whitbread) was found fatally stabbed in her idyllic Italian home

Michael Whitebread (pictured) is 'looking forward to having his say', according to his lawyer

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: British man suspected of stabbing his partner to death at their idyllic home in Italy is to be extradited back to the country to face murder charge Advertisement

She is said to have become 'upset and suspicious' about him after she saw him slap a female friend on the bottom at a New Year's Eve party.

The police file described the woman as a retired 62-year-old company director, whose identity is known to the Mail.

She is a divorced mother-of-two originally from Bath and who moved to Italy several years ago to start a new life with her partner, a former postman from Surrey.

The prosecution file claims that Michele confided in Petrina her doubts about Whitbread and was forced to sleep at her friend's home for a week at the start of last October after a violent row with him left her 'covered in bruises'.

Petrina told detectives the 'furious fight' had left Ms Faiers 'fearing for her life'.

Michele was found dead on November 1 when Petrina called round after becoming worried when she failed to return messages then found her lifeless in the bedroom.

Police established she was killed four days earlier and Whitbread was held by British cops in Shepshed near Loughborough, Leicestershire, after driving across Italy, Switzerland and France.

He was arrested at his daughter's house, just hours after the victim was found.

His daughter is believed to have alerted police that he was at her home after reading reports of the death on MailOnline.

Whitbread was described by neighbours to police as 'always a bit tipsy', while Michele was said to be 'calm and serene'.

The day before Michele was killed, Whitbread sent a message to the partner of the woman whose bottom he slapped, admitting that they 'had had sex together'.

But the other man doubted the claim and replied asking to meet Whitbread to clear the air.

Whitbread is said to have answered that there was 'no point as there was nothing to clear up and it happened'.

The following day - after Michelle had been stabbed to death - Whitbread sent another message retracting what he had said, then sent a similar text a day later.

Whitbread was arrested last November in Shepshed near Loughborough, Leicestershire

Ms Faiers was found inside her rural home in Verratti village near Casoli, a town in eastern Italy

By then police had established through CCTV at the couple's home that Whitbread had left in the early hours of October 29 in their Jeep Compass and begun a 1,000-mile drive to the UK.

Traffic cameras picked him up crossing from Italy into Switzerland near Lake Maggiore at 4pm that day, while his last cell phone ping was earlier that afternoon from nearby Como.

The incident has left 100 expats who live in the area shocked yet reluctant to speak.

Petrina has refused to comment on the report and at the time placed a sign on her gate in English and Italian asking not to be disturbed.

CCTV footage seized from the couple's house shows Ms Faiers returning there on October 28 after meeting Petrina - and after that the only person seen leaving or entering is Whitbread.

After his departure on October 29, the next person to appear is Petrina early on the morning of November 1 when she made the horrific discovery.

One local Italian told MailOnline:' Apparently the tension between Michael and Michele was common knowledge between other British people living here.

'Michele had told a few people about it and after one nasty attack stayed with one of her friends for a week as she was in such a bad way.

'She was covered in bruises and was really scared for her life, he may have come across meek and mild abut after a drink he had a nasty temper.

'Things all started at a New Year's Eve party where Michael slapped another British woman's bottom and Michele wasn't very happy, she got jealous and had a go at him.

'It led to tension between this couple and them and they stopped seeing each other and avoided each other at communal functions.

'The fact he was supposed to be having an affair with this woman was common knowledge and it had got to the point where Michele just wasn't having it and wanted to go back to England to be with her family.

'She'd been there in September for a wedding and came back talking about what a lovely time she'd had and that she was determined to move back, but sadly it wasn't to be.'

Whitbread is due to appear via video-link tomorrow in front of Italian investigating judge Chiara D'Alfonso before being transferred to a prison at Lanciano, closer to where Ms Faiers died.
Pop culture designates April 1 as April Fools' Daylater shortened to April Fools'which primarily commemorates the previous belief of some in the world that New Year's Day is celebrated on the said date after the recommendation of the Catholic Council of Trent in 1563 and the Gregorian Calendar in 1582, which supposedly recommended January 1 instead.

While the cause or origins of April Fools' is disputed, many celebrate the day by telling jokes and pranking people just for fun.

However, in recent times, some pranks or jokes have also caused trouble despite its well-meaning intention of having a laugh.

Pranks Gone Wrong

Throughout history, there were several pranks that were intended to be hilarious but have spectacularly backfired.

Reader's Digest listed several pranks that have gone wrong from the 1500s to the present day.

The first and oldest one was said to have been recorded in 1582, when France switched to the Gregorian calendar, which changed New Year's Day from April 1 to January 1. Unlike modern times, when technology made the propagation of news and other trends nearly instantaneous, the news took a long while to reach everyone and take effect.

As a result, those who were slow on the uptake became the butt of all pranks, including having paper fish glued onto their backs. To this day, French people still refer to those who were easily fooled as "fish."

Another prank at the turn of the 21st century happened in 2002 when a couple of Kansas City SJs announced that the local water supply had been found to contain high levels of "dihydrogen monoxide" (DHMO), whose side effects included sweating, urination, and skin-pruning. This resulted in hundreds of residents flooding the city's water department and the police with distressed phone calls.

However, "dihydrogen monoxide" is just the worded nomenclature for H20 - the chemical name for water.

This caused people to criticize the DJs and even prompted a government official to accuse them of "terrorism" in the wake of 9/11.

In 2013, two Florida DJs pulled the same prank. The resulting clamor got the DJs yanked off the air and nearly saddled with felony charges.

Corporate Pranksters, Media Gimmicks

In addition to individuals, corporations also attempted to pull off April Fools' pranks, which massively backfired.

According to USA Today, Google, Tesla, and Volkswagen were among the many companies that performed April Fools' pranks. However, instead of highlighting their reputation as jokesters, the three firms nearly tarnished it as fraudsters.

For example, Tesla boss Elon Musk tweeted in 2018 that the company had gone "bankrupt" after facing a string of bad news, including a fatal crash involving a Model X SUV driver that March. The prank "backfired immediately," according to online brand management platform Frontify global CCO Rebecca Rosborough, causing Tesla's stock to drop 7%.

Five years later, Tesla posted on X, the social network Musk bought in April 2022 when it was called Twitter, a 38-second crash test video in which the company's Cybertruck never actually crashed.

This led to some people waiting for the vehicle to arrive and complaining in the comments.

"Yeah, if you could stop teasing the Tesla community and I, that'd be great," one reply tweet read.

Volkswagen also attempted an April Fools' prank in 2021, where it renamed its American division to "Voltswagen," swapping out the "k" with a "t" as a commitment to electric vehicles.

Confusing situations ensued within the global brand. Some Volkswagen officials told the Wall Street Journal at the time that the announcement was an early April Fools' joke, while others maintained that the change was legitimate.

After the company's stock began to rise, and VW's communication teams and journalists wasted a lot of time, the company confessed that the whole thing really was a joke.

Meanwhile, Google pulled off an April Fools' prank in 2016 when it introduced the Mic Drop feature in Gmail. According to the company, the feature made it "easier to have the last word on any email" by adding a GIF of a yellow animated minion from the "Despicable Me "animated franchise dropping a microphone.

However, a bug unintentionally added the Mic Drop to many emails and had to be turned off.

"We love April Fools' jokes at Google, and we regret that this joke missed the mark and disappointed you," the company said in a statement at the time.

On the other hand, The Guardian released an article quizzing its readers about the authenticity of several news topics and whether they were fake news.

Pranks People Should Avoid

With all the listed pranks gone wrong, Filipino news broadcaster ABS-CBN listed several discussions and situations that should never be pranked.

Among them are jokes and pranks involving deaths, self-harm, or mental disorders, which absolutely should never be taken lightly.

Also, in the same vein, there are pranks involving breakups or cheating on one's partner, which could pass off as an exciting way to test a romantic partner's commitment to a relationship but could end up with an actual breakup.

Another prank regarding personal status is those involving "coming out" as part of the LGBTQ+ community, which continues to be a sensitive and controversial topic in itself.

Causing a stir in public that could lead to panic and mass hysteria and pranking delivery riders should also not be considered for April Fools' pranks, as it could lead to serious harm or criminal liability.

April Fools Deals ... No Joke!

Meanwhile, Diario AS shared several food chains that would offer deals for April Fools' Day for real.

Krispy Kreme often offers promotions on special days, including April Fools. For example, if a customer buys a dozen of its doughnuts, they could get a dozen original glazed doughnuts for only $4.01, around $8 less than the usual $12.99 cost.

For Wendy's, they have a promo on Monday (April 1) where the first 100 customers who were in line beginning at 14:00 in more than 250 locations across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut would receive a coupon card valid for one free breakfast sandwich every week for one year at any of the participating branches in the three mentioned states.

Meanwhile, Loyal clients who have already signed up for The Cheesecake Factory's Cheesecake Rewards program would have a chance to win on Monday either a free cheesecake slice, $10 off a $40 purchase, $5 off a $25 purchase, a free whole cheesecake, or a free cheesecake slice each month for a year.
A Jewish woman who confronted a Met Police officer after he said that swastikas 'need to be taken into context' when she reported seeing them at a pro-Palestine protest has said the force needs 'basic education'.

Jocelin Weiss, 30, was blown away after being told by police that the Nazi symbol was 'not necessarily anti-Semitic or a disruption of public order' when she saw it being displayed on a poster of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Met has sparked a major backlash, including on US news websites, after video emerged of an officer seemingly justifying the use of swastikas to Ms Weiss at Saturday's march.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Ms Weiss - who moved from America to London 18 months ago - said: 'By the time I spoke to the guy that was in the interaction that was filmed, that was like the fourth officer that I had spoken to.

'I really had to go up the chain of command, only for him to tell me that the symbol in and of itself was not anti-Semitic and that it required context.

'I was just very surprised that conversation even happened. I just could not believe what came out of his mouth and part of me was almost curious to know whether he would then backtrack and realise what he said was crazy.

Jocelin Weiss, 30, has told MailOnline the Metropolitan police needs 'basic education'

The force sparked a major backlash over the weekend after Ms Weiss said she was told a 'swastika was not necessarily anti-Semitic'

Pro-Palestine protesters take to the streets on Saturday as they march through London calling for a ceasefire in Gaza

When the @metpoliceuk refuse to arrest Hamas supporters with a swastika sign today in London one officer told a girl that swastikas disturbing public order depends on context



If youre holding a sign with a swastika at an anti-Israel march  this is blatantly antisemitic. Come pic.twitter.com/MjDNnHomnv  Emily Schrader -     (@emilykschrader) March 30, 2024

'But no - he doubled down and metaphorically brought out a giant shovel and proceeded to dig himself into a giant hole.

'It just kept getting worse and worse as the conversation went on. I actually just couldn't believe that he was saying these things, like it actually blew my mind.'

The Met insisted that the video was part of a wider 10-minute interaction, but it is refusing to share the full footage. It said the person the woman was concerned about had already been arrested 'for a public order offence in relation to a placard'.

Ms Weiss says she hopes the Met has arrested the man responsible and blasted the force for its response.

The freelance documentary researcher continued: 'The response certainly wasn't "Oh, my gosh, that's terrible - why don't you show me where these people are?" That was not the response.

'The response of the Met Police has very much been like 'we dealt with it swiftly'. It was not swiftly dealt with. I felt very condescended to and they proceeded to again explain to me, a Jewish person, why the swastika needed to be put in context.

'Even if it was put in context which is crazy enough in and of itself. It was on a poster with a Jewish politician again, that I don't even like with a Hitler moustache. That's context. That's context. That was there.

'I think that's what people are reacting to. I think there's a problem with a lack of basic education for this police force in what is and isn't an anti-Semitic thing to put on a sign and what is and isn't like an explicit condoning and supporting of terrorism.

Ms Weiss (pictured) says she hopes the Met has arrested a man seen with a swastika banner

The Met Police officer tells the woman that 'everything needs to be taken in context'

As others join in the heated debate, the woman shouts: 'Why does a swastika need context?'

People taking part in Stop the Genocide in Gaza national demonstration in central London. Picture date: Saturday March 30, 2024

'I want to say that they're confused. But part of it, I think, is wilful ignorance. Part of me wants to give them the courtesy of 'Oh, maybe they don't know'. But this is so obvious.'

When asked whether she believes if the Met Police are doing enough to protect Jewish people in London, Ms Weiss said: 'I don't. I think they have a long way to go.'

She added: 'I think they need to be doing a better job, and you know what's very interesting in the follow-up none of them have reached out to me.

'Not a single officer has reached out to me. People have commented on my behalf but not a single officer has reached out to me and I'm not exactly hard to get a hold of either.'

Ms Weiss also called for officers to receive a 'bias training course'. 'Because that guy said, "well I'm not really a master of signs" and you don't need to be a master of semiotics to know what a swastika means. You don't need that.'

The Met Police declined to comment on Ms Weiss' comments.

It comes after the video sparked a row over why the Met Police officers were confused about the context of a swastika being shown at a pro-Palestine march on Saturday.

After seeing the swastika on leaftlets, Ms Weiss said she reported it to the Met because she 'felt hopeless'.

She added: 'I was just kind of astonished. And again, because that was what they had told us to do. That was what they said was the right step.

'We were told, if we saw anything that was anti-Semitic on these signs that we were to go to the Met Police, and that they would deal with it. To their credit they did make arrests. There was a guy who said out loud, "I support Hamas", and they dragged him away.

'There was a girl with a sign with the Jewish star in the bin. They arrested her. They did make arrests, but it was just very surprising... that there were many police officers standing around when they saw these banners and not doing anything.

It was very disturbing that he said, "I don't have authority to arrest this person. You have to go to the police, who were standing near the counter protesters, and I did that".'

During the heated interaction, the furious activist demands to know why the pro-Palestine protester showing a swastika has not been arrested.

A pro-Palestine activist hold a placard calling for a ceasefire while she listens to speeches in Trafalgar Square

Police officers stand guard as demonstrators waving Israeli flags hold a counter protest opposite pro-Palestinian activists marching in central London on March 30, 2024

Pro-Palestinian protesters prepare their placards prior to a 'Stop the Genocide' protest in central London, Britain, 30 March 2024

But two other officers seemingly defend the lack of action and refuse to acknowledge that parading a swastika symbol at the pro-Palestine march is anti-Semitic.

After Ms Weiss tells the officer that she has been told a swastika 'isn't necessarily anti-Semitic', he starts to say 'So I think the symbol in of itself...' which prompts the activist to beg others to film the heated interaction.

When those gathering around the pair tell the officer 'it is anti-Semitic', the officer responds: 'I didn't say it wasn't.'

But the incensed activist then asks: 'If someone is carrying a sign with a swastika, you said you wouldn't arrest them on the spot, it would have to be investigated online?'

A second Met Police officer then interrupts to say: 'A swastika on its own, I don't think is...'.

The officers claim that 'everything needs to be taken in context' despite the Nazi symbol being paraded at a pro-Palestine march in the context of the Israel-Hamas war.

Jocelin Weiss also called for police officers to receive a 'bias training course'

Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and hold placards as they march during a protest in central London on March 30, 2024, calling for a ceasefire

It comes despite the Met assuring ahead of the demonstration that they would take 'swift and decisive action' against anyone breaking the law. And earlier this month, Robin Simcox, Britain's counter-extremism tsar warned pro-Palestine protesters are turning London into a 'no-go zone for Jews'.

During the video, the officer tries to explain the Public Order Act and legislation they work under, but Ms Weiss shouts: 'A swastika is a swastika!'

The officer continues: 'There are various facets to the Public Order Act ok. So what in this sphere we're working under things called Section 5 of the Public Order Act and Section 4A of the Public Order Act. They are some of the primary legislation we're using right.

'If you go away and look at that and it's all about if it's something likely to cause vast alarm and distress if it is written words or there's spoken words that are abusive.'

Ms Weiss then interrupts: 'So under what context is a swastika not disrupting public order? Could you just explain under what symbol that is not disrupting public order?'

The officer answers: 'I haven't said anything about it that it is or it isn't. Everything needs to be taken in context doesn't it.'

The person filming interrupts to say: 'Yeah but it's a context of a hateful march.'

And Ms Weiss adds: 'Why does a swastika need context?'

The Ceasefire Now protest rallies in Trafalgar square on March 30

Lines of police keep the Ceasefire Now protest and the pro-Israel counter demonstration apart on March 30

She continues: 'Why is a swastika not immediately anti-Semitism. Why does it need context? This is what I'm confused about. This isn't even about Israel. In what context is a swastika not anti-Semitic and disruptive to public order? That is my question.'

The Met Police officer replies: 'I don't have an in depth knowledge of signs and symbols. I know the swastika was used by the Nazi party during their inception and the period of them being in power in Germany in 1934... I'm aware of that.'

But Ms Weiss hits back, saying: 'I just can't believe this conversation is actually happening.'

The officer, seemingly getting frustrated, responds: 'What exactly are you getting confused about?'

And Ms Weiss replies: 'I'm confused about in what context a swastika is not anti-Semitic. This is what I want to know.'

As the conversation gets more heated, the officer says: 'I suppose to some I don't know how everybody would feel about that sign. Now if you came up to me and you felt mass alarm and distress about a symbol that someone was...'

Ms Weiss then interrupts him to say: 'I am extremely distressed and I am very alarmed.'

She then claims she has offered to take the officer to people who are holding signs with swastikas.

But the officer insists on staying where he is because there are other officers throughout the protest.

He adds: 'If you walk down the road and you see that person then there's a police officer...'

Ms Weiss claims she did speak to an officer who told her that it was 'not their job to arrest people with swastikas'.

The officer replies: 'I apologise that has happened... It is not my responsibility unfortunately to walk down the road. If you walk down the road and you see somebody then we can send some other officers with you back.'

People taking part in Stop the Genocide in Gaza national demonstration in central London. Picture date: Saturday March 30, 2024

Four people were arrested, including one man on suspicion of a terrorism-related offence, at Saturday's protest.

After being shown the footage, a spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism told MailOnline: 'This interaction is absolutely gobsmacking.

'The very notion that a British police officer could imagine a context in which the Nazi swastika is an acceptable image to be displayed in public is distressing enough, but for him to be uncertain about its meaning in the context of a march oozing with anti-Semitic rhetoric and signage is an indictment of the Met.

'This is less the fault of a solitary officer than it is of Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who has bent over backwards to rationalise and 'contextualise' calls for violent Jihad and genocidal chanting.

'If Sir Mark disagrees with this officer's assessment, he should come out and say so and explain what training he will provide to his officers to ensure that they are clear that Nazism is bad.

'But if he agrees that the swastika is context-dependent, let him tell that to the hundreds of thousands of Britons who gave their lives to prevent that despicable symbol from ever being flown on the streets of London.'

Reacting to the astonishing interaction, Colin Wight, a professor of government and international relations, tweeted: 'The Met police trying to justify the flying of a Swastika on the streets of London.

'Not because they support it, but because they dont/cant do anything about it without causing a major public disorder incident. Theyve lost control of the streets and they know it.'

Labour shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds also condemned the footage, telling LBC: 'This did look very concerning, I have to say and I've only seen the reports of this in the media but I was extremely concerned to read about it.

The Ceasefire Now protest proceeds up the Strand on March 30

But he added: 'I do generally think it is difficult for the police in these public order situations... I do have sympathy for bobbies on the front line... someone's going to make very difficult decisions as to whether you intervene in something and make it worse, or whether you try to stand back.

'When I was shadowing the home office... I went out on the front line with officers [and] met a lot of officers trying to do a very good job in very difficult circumstances... we do have to bear in mind that context generally as well.'

It can now also be revealed that the Met Police classed the Nazi symbol as a hate crime when it was painted on one of its own stations in 2019.

The force launched a hate crime investigation when a swastika was found drawn on a wall inside one of its own bases in Enfield, North London, in an area only accessible to officers and staff.

The Met could not identify the person behind the graffiti at Edmonton police station but it said at the time that it had classed the incident as a faith-based hate crime.

In a statement at the time, the Met police told The Guardian: 'On 15 February 2019 graffiti was found on the wall in the lift lobby area of Edmonton police station. The graffiti, in biro, was a swastika symbol.'

The Met said it treated the incident seriously, adding: 'The incident was recorded as a faith hate crime and a senior investigating officer at detective chief inspector level was appointed to investigate the offence.'

At the time former chief superintendent Victor Olisa questioned why it was being treated as a faith-based hate crime as it seemed to be 'more extreme-rightwing'.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Were aware of an online clip from todays protest in central London showing an interaction between an officer and a woman during which there is an exchange over concern around protestors displaying offensive banners, including swastikas.

'The online clip is a short excerpt of what was a 10-minute conversation with the officer. During the full conversation, the officer establishes that the person the woman was concerned about had already been arrested for a public order offence in relation to a placard.

'The officer then offered to arrange for other officers to attend and accompany the woman to identify any other persons she was concerned about amongst the protestors, but after turning to speak to his supervisor, she then unfortunately left.

'We take hate crime and public order offences very seriously and a number of people were arrested during today's protest for hate crimes, public order and terrorist offences. We are also gathering and assessing evidence with a view to making further arrests where we identify any other offences.'

The Met Police declined to comment on Ms Weiss' comments.
When career criminal Luke Stephen, 38, found a 150,000 Aston Martin DB11 ripe for the picking in a City of London car park, he thought he had hit the jackpot.

Inside, he stole a suitcase containing more than 100,000 of jewellery by Faberge, Cartier, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels  plus a cheap everyday electronic gadget that he just couldnt resist taking.

This theft, in August 2022, was the biggest haul from a car ever recorded by the City of London Police, yet the crook thought his chances of being caught were close to zero. He had done this so many times before and got away with it.

Some of the items which Stephen stole from the vehicle, including jewellery from Faberge, Cartier, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels

Luke Stephen, 38, was arrested within 12 hours of stealing 100,000 worth of jewellery from a 150,000 Aston Martin DB11

But this time Stephen was wrong. His greed had been his undoing because that gadget  a commonplace device that detectives have asked the Mail not to identify  led police straight to his door.

Remarkably, he was arrested within 12 hours, all the stolen jewellery was returned to its owner and last month he was imprisoned with four other members of a gang thought to have stolen millions of pounds worth of goods from hundreds of motorists in and around the Square Mile.

The gang were sentenced to a total of almost 14 years in prison at Inner London Crown Court, but because they pleaded guilty, the full details of how they were caught were not aired in court.

Only now can we reveal that it was because the device that Stephen stole could be tracked using wireless Bluetooth technology. So-called smart electronic devices can be linked to computers, watches or phones that can track their whereabouts. Unfortunately for Stephen, this was one of them.

With the permission of the victim, officers used the location facility and tracked the device to a block of flats in Brentwood, Essex, but the technology is accurate only to within a few metres so they began to knock on some doors, says Detective Sergeant Graham Willis, who led the investigation, named Operation Hurricane.

When Stephen answered his door, it was like a scene from The Bill. The door swung open and in the background was all this stolen stuff spread out over the floor. The officers could see these were the items stolen from the Aston Martin because of the description we had. They recovered that property  and then found a further 60,000 worth of stolen designer handbags, shoes, belts and jewellery.

There were 212,900 reports of thefts from vehicles in England and Wales in 2022, the latest year for which figures are available. That was an increase of 9.9 per cent year-on-year, yet motoring groups feel that police rarely take the crime seriously.

There are no accurate statistics indicating how many such crimes are solved, because a theft report may come in one calendar year and a conviction in another  but motoring groups suspect very few.

In the vast majority of cases, our members feedback tells us that unless theres CCTV footage or forensic evidence, in all likelihood all the police will do is give you a crime number to pass on to your insurer, says Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA.

People get very frustrated, not only because theyve had items stolen, but also because it feels like the response is usually a shrug of the shoulders. This type of crime is more or less accepted. And, of course, it shouldnt be.

The victim and her partner had just travelled in from abroad and parked their car at the car park to go for dinner where they left the jewellery

Some of the items stolen were worth up to five figures

After the arrest of the City of London gang, thefts from cars in and around the Square Mile fell by 85 per cent  a figure other forces can only envy.

Its a great result for the City of London Police, and it shows that if other police forces would take this crime more seriously, then catching just a handful of people could have a massive impact, says Mr Cousens.

This was the second time in a month that the small City of London force of fewer than 1,000 officers was praised for its proactive police work. In February, a bike theft gang was jailed following an operation in which detectives set a bicycle as bait and followed it when it was taken. They subsequently recovered bikes worth 130,000 and charged 11 people with theft and handling stolen goods. After the gang was smashed, bicycle thefts in the City plummeted by an astonishing 90 per cent.

Operation Hurricane began with an emergency call from a distressed woman who had returned to her silver Aston Martin to find her jewels stolen on August 4, 2022 at an NCP car park in Bell Wharf Lane, near the River Thames. Officers say she had flown into London with her partner that day and had not had an opportunity to find a safer place for them.

Details of the theft were phoned through to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) because of the size of the haul. Detective Constable Sam Rickman took the call.

It wasnt your everyday crime report, he says. I was told the car was a 150,000 Aston Martin DB11 and more than 100,000 worth of jewellery had been taken from it.

That included diamond earrings, a bracelet and a ring by Faberge, necklaces by Van Cleef & Arpels and a Cartier diamond ring. There were other high-value items, too, some worth up to five figures. The victim and her partner had just travelled in from abroad and parked their car at the car park to go for dinner.

He says no criticism has been levelled at the unnamed victims decision to leave jewels of such value in the car.

The default position that we take in CID is that while there are some crime prevention steps that one can take, the core reason for a crime is the criminal, says DC Rickman. The alternative was to haul around a hundred grands worth of jewellery on her person, and if shed done that we could be talking about a knifepoint robbery.

When Stephens home was raided, police seized his mobile phone and couldnt believe their luck. On it were messages sent between him and four other men boasting of stealing goods from cars over a number of years  they even included pictures of some of the items they had stolen.

Gareth Davies, 41, from Teddington, south-west London, was sentenced to 43 months. He had 48 previous theft-related offences, one offence against the person, two against property, one for fraud and a host of other offences, including a firearms charge

Ian Matthews, 32, from north-west London, was given three years in custody. He had previously been convicted of 23 theft-related offences

But while the Bluetooth location technology had brought the team this far, it was only now that the detailed police work began. The force did not have the resources to check every message going back years to build a case, so they focused on the previous six months  but even that limited time period resulted in DC Rickman having to review 50,000 messages to see whether each boast tallied with a report of a vehicle theft from a member of the public.

We had lots of correspondence between these people all discussing thefts from motor vehicles across the City of London and some in the Metropolitan Police area, says DS Willis.

Sometimes they targeted high value cars, but not always. And they favoured multi-storey car parks because that made them less visible than if theyd operated on the street.

DC Rickman managed to link 60 theft reports with evidence found on Stephens phone, and the other suspects were identified through various different methods, according to DS Willis, before a raft of 19 charges were prepared relating to 260,000 worth of stolen goods. The men were arrested in simultaneous raids on June 6 last year.

After seeing the evidence against them, the gang pleaded guilty. Stephen was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment for the thefts from the Aston Martin, with a further 14 months suspended for two years. He had previously been convicted of 45 theft-related offences, ten offences against the person, four against property, one of fraud, seven public order offences, five drugs offences and nine miscellaneous.

Gareth Davies, 41, from Teddington, south-west London, was sentenced to 43 months. He had 48 previous theft-related offences, one offence against the person, two against property, one for fraud and a host of other offences, including a firearms charge.

Ian Matthews, 32, from north-west London, was given three years in custody. He had previously been convicted of 23 theft-related offences.

James Saddington, 33, from Earls Court, west London, was sentenced to 14 months, suspended for two years. He had six theft convictions, six for violence, six for public disorder, six for drugs and five firearms offences, plus a host of others. And Jake Colassi-OConnor, 32, from Chelsea, west London, was given 20 months, suspended for two years. He had multiple previous convictions for theft and fraud, 11 drugs offences and one for firearms.

The gang had a variety of additional unpaid work and rehabilitation punishments added to their sentences, and the police have applied for orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which mean that they can be chased for any proceeds that can be used to compensate victims.

Stephen, Davies and Matthews have also been made subject to Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs), which impose restrictions on with whom they may associate, and where they may or may or not go. These will last for five years after they are released from prison  and can result in another prison sentence if breached.

We were very pleased to get the SCPOs because it means we can safeguard the public from these men for at least seven years, says DS Willis.

We were only able to look at about six months because of resourcing requirements, and that amounted to at least 260,000 worth of thefts. Going back further, were probably looking at crimes valued in the low millions.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any victims will be reunited with their possessions beyond those seized on day one of the operation. Police dont know exactly how the gang disposed of their ill-gotten goods, but they suspect criminal channels rather than market platforms such as eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

We didnt get the goods back because they were sold quickly and the proceeds spent on a frivolous lifestyle, says DC Rickman.

They didnt buy cars or property. They just spent it as they got it on designer clothes, the occasional pair of trainers, handbags for their partners and stuff like that. They spent most of it on partying, going to nightclubs and eating very nice food. Hawksmoor steak restaurants were a particular favourite.

Detectives say there didnt appear to be a gang leader or any kind of structure to the operation. The thieves often acted alone but were unified in the apparent need to boast about their exploits. Once Stephens phone had been seized, this was their undoing.

City of London Police is unique in its size and reach  it has only 1,000 officers and covers a tiny area that includes the financial district of the capital. Only 8,700 people live in the Square Mile, but 587,000 workers descend on it every day and 21million tourists a year visit sites including St Pauls Cathedral, the Bank of England and the Barbican.

To have two such successes in as many months is quite an achievement, but the force is simply putting it down to good practice.

This case is another example of dedicated, hard-working police officers following leads, knocking on doors and cracking the case, says Detective Chief Superintendent Mandy Horsburgh, head of specialist operations.

This was a sophisticated criminal gang intent on taking possessions from those who work, visit and live in the City for their own financial gain. We hope this delivers the message to any criminals thinking of entering the City of London to commit crime that they should think again, as we will work tenaciously to bring them to justice.

Mr Cousens says such a can-do attitude will be music to the ears of all the motorists who have come away from reporting a theft with a crime number rather than a sense of justice.

We would urge police and crime commissioners up and down the country to make this kind of crime a higher priority, he says. They could do worse than take a look at what City police have achieved.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection to the murder of five people who were kidnapped by an armed gang at a hotel on Thursday in Manabi, Ecuador.

Authorities said the suspects abducted a total of 11 people - including children - just moments after they had checked in at the hotel on in the town of Puerto Lopez.

The victims were shot dead execution-style and were found Friday morning on the side of road linking the municipalities of Puerto Lopez and Santa Elena.

They have been identified as Carmen Cruz, Julexi Benitez, Anthony Benitez, Geovanny Ortiz y Victor and Ricardo Lascano.

Police said the victims were residents of the nearby coast province of Guayas and believed they were mistakenly caught up in a local drug-trafficking dispute.

A police officer escorts one of the two suspects arrested Saturday morning in connection to the kidnapping of 11 people from a hotel a day earlier in Manabi, Ecuador. Five of the victims were shot dead execution style on the side of a road

Ecuadorian cops were seen on video barging inside a property Saturday morning before arrested two suspects involved in the kidnapping of 11 tourists from a hotel on Thursday night . Five of the victims were found dead Friday.

The victims were identified as Carmen Cruz, Julexi Benitez, Anthony Benitez, Geovanny Ortiz y Victor and Ricardo Lascano. Police said the group may have been confused with rival drug traffickers

The other six people, including five minors, were rescued after an adult managed to escape and alerted the police.

The man, whose name has not been released, told authorities that the about 20 gunmen forced their way into the room where they were staying.

The kidnappers tied the family members and blindfolded them before they escorted them out of the hotel.

Cruz, Ortiz, Lascano, Julexi Benitez and Anthony Benitez were shot near the right lane.

Police said that children were released by the kidnappers in the municipality of Ayampe and placed on a bus that took them to Pedro Carbo, a town in the nearby province of Guayas.

Two of the suspects were apprehended Saturday morning after police raided a property in Ayampe and confiscated six rifles, two guns and ammunition.

The other kidnappers remained on the run as of Monday.

'Any attack against an Ecuadorian is an attack on Ecuador,' President Daniel Noboa said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Police in Manabi, Ecuador confiscated rifles, guns and ammunition from a property that was raided Saturday morning. Two suspects linked to the kidnapping of 11 victims, including five who were shot dead, were arrested in the operation

'Narcoterrorism and its allies are looking for spaces to scare us, but they will not succeed,' Noboa said.

'This is a sign that narcoterrorism and its allies are looking for spaces to scare us, but they will not succeed,' he added.

Ecuador was once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, but in recent years has seen a surge in violent attacks.

Noboa declared a state of emergency in January, which provides for permanent operations by a security force made up of police and military. In addition, a five-hour curfew is in force in high-incidence areas such as Guayaquil.

Ecuador surpassed a rate of 40 violent deaths per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of 2023, one of the highest in the region, according to police.
The 'threat is growing' as the terrorist group expands across the globe, he said

He was one of the military leaders in charge of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal

Top retired Gen. Frank McKenzie said an ISIS attack on the U.S. is 'inevitable'

A former top U.S. general who oversaw Biden's failed military withdrawal from Afghanistan says that a future ISIS terrorist attack on Americans is 'inevitable.'

The chilling possibility of a forthcoming ISIS attack on U.S. soil is heightened because of the disastrous 2021 military evacuation from Afghanistan, retired Gen. Frank McKenzie told ABC News Sunday.

McKenzie, who served as the head of U.S. Central Command during the withdrawal, said that the religious terror group has a 'strong desire' to attack America and since leaving Afghanistan they have a stronger capability to do so.

'I think the threat is growing,' he said. 'It began to grow as soon as we left Afghanistan, it took pressure off ISIS-K.'

'So I think we should expect further attempts of this nature against the United States as well as our partners and other nations abroad,' McKenzie continued.

'I think this is inevitable.'

"They're going to try to do it." Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, the former head of U.S Central Command, warns of "inevitable" threats to the U.S. from ISIS following the deadly attack in Moscow. https://t.co/rwRgaN8ttK pic.twitter.com/VczvO9LE4R  ABC News (@ABC) April 1, 2024

Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie (L) planned the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan just days before the last American troops left the country

McKenzie said Sunday that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan has let ISIS-K grow without impediment. That growth of the Islamic terror group means that an attack on the U.S. by the group is 'inevitable'

His comments come after the Islamic terror group took responsibility for a March attack at a Russian music hall that left over 140 civilians dead.

The tragedy was carried out by four militants that had Russian citizenship.

Despite U.S. officials warning their Russian counterparts of an impending attack, the warnings went unheeded, and hundreds died.

The group also claimed responsibility for a January suicide bombing in Iran that left 95 dead.

McKenzie said the lack of pressure on ISIS in their home base Afghanistan means the group has had 'the opportunity to reach out' and attack other countries.

'Unfortunately, we no longer place that pressure on them, so they're free to gain strength, they're free to plan, they're free to coordinate,' he said.

'So they desire to attack not only Russia but also the United States and other Western nations as well.'

McKenzie has said he believes the U.S. should have kept a presence of a couple thousand troops in the country along with several more thousand from allied NATO countries.

A massive blaze is seen over the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, Friday, March 22, 2024. Several gunmen bursted into a big concert hall in Moscow and fired automatic weapons at the crowd, injuring hundreds of people and setting a massive blaze

Propaganda photos released by ISIS show militants armed in Afghanistan

He also added that 'things would be different' had the U.S. kept its troops in place and did not withdraw from the country.

'We might actually be safer than we are,' he said.

He also disagreed with President Joe Biden's assessment that the U.S. has an 'over-the-horizon capability' to 'act quickly and decisively' in Afghanistan should military operations be needed.

'In Afghanistan, we have almost no ability to see into that country and almost no ability to strike into that country,' he said.
Getting their kids into a top-notch public school is a goal for many parents.

Decent public schools can save families thousands of dollars each year, and put youngsters on track for a successful college and work careers.

Niche, a comparison website, has crunched the data and says they should consider Scarsdale, a wealthy suburb of New York City.

The Westchester County town of some 18,000 people gets an A+ rating for schools, which it scores as the best in the nation.

The best public schools are found in the suburbs around New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Austin, Boston, San Diego, and San Francisco

Scarsdale, in Westchester County, north of New York City, has some of the best public schools

Many residents move to Westchester to save on the costs of sending their children to costly private schools.

Still, they end up paying in other ways.

House prices average at $1.6 million  six times the national average  and taxes are relatively high.

The next two suburbs with great schools are around Austin, Texas.

West Lake Hills and Rollingwood, both to the west of Austin, have some of the nation's best-ranked public schools.

A pair of Chicago suburbs  Long Grove and Lincolnshire  round out the top five.

Parents are especially keen to get their children a good education because reading and writing skills have dropped in recent years.

The math and reading test scores for 13-year-olds plummeted in the pandemic, when lockdowns shuttered classrooms and children had to study online from their kitchen tables.

Average reading scores fell four points between the 2019-2020 and 2022-23 school years, and math scores by a staggering nine points, reaching levels not seen since the 1970s.

Westlake High School campus in one of the affluent suburbs to the west of Austin

Adlai E Stevenson High School in one of the wealthy neighborhoods north of Chicago

Against this backdrop, Luke Skurman, CEO and founder of Niche, said school quality was an important factor for where parents decided to settle down.

'We know that people consider far more than just affordability when deciding where to call home,' said Skurman.

They looked at everything from 'neighborhood diversity and weather conditions to career opportunities and the quality of the schools.'

His researchers found that the countries best public schools were all suburbs of seven major cities.

They are New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Austin, Boston, San Diego, and San Francisco.

As well as Scarsdale, New Yorkers can opt for Woodbury, Syosset, or Roosevelt, which is nearby in New Jersey's Monmouth County.

Niche uses public data from the Department of Education, the US Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics and other sources.
Local Social Security Administration (SSA) office staff are ignoring 'simple requests' for months as the rampant telework abuse under the Biden administration drudges on.

An organizational payee worker in Sioux City, Iowa, disclosed that the local Social Security field office has been ignoring outreach entirely since December.

The whistleblower writes in a disclosure obtained first by DailyMail.com that their department faxed 12 intakes to the SSA office but had 'not received any calls on them' as of March 7.

Some of the intakes date back to December 2023, according to the whistleblower, allowing several months to go unanswered.

The whistleblower says that their office is not able to take more referrals until there is 'movement' on the ones faxed over months ago.

'I'm at a loss of what to do to get things moving in the right direction,' the exacerbated whistleblower writes in an email to the SSA office's assistant district manager.

Now top Iowa Republicans Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Randy Feenstra are moving concerns up the food chain to the agency's top watchdog.

'I'm at a loss of what to do to get things moving in the right direction,' the exacerbated whistleblower writes in an email to the SSA office's assistant district manager

The SSA headquarters in Washington, D.C., had the most unused office space of any Biden agency at just 7 percent according to a recent report - meaning 90 percent is unoccupied daily wasting billions of taxpayer dollars

Ernst to the USDA inspector general Wednesday in a letter first obtained by DailyMail.com expressing issues with the secretary's testimony

Biden's Chief of Staff Jeff Zients also ordered Cabinet heads to ensure that their workforce returns to the office this year

There have been 'multiple reports' of organizational payees in Iowa 'experiencing egregious delays with their SSA field office,' they state.

'Alarmingly, the SSA field office in Sioux City, Iowa has established a pattern of ignoring outreach from Organizational Payees entirely,' the lawmakers write to Social Security Inspector General Gail Ennis.

SSA field office employees may only telework two days per week, according to a staff directive from February.

But the Sioux City SSA field offices timing for addressing simple requests 'often takes weeks to months, denying everyone involved access to answers and assistance, and imparting significant delays on beneficiaries.'

'Whats more, when presented with concerns about response times, the Sioux City SSA field office is dismissive or provides no substantive updates, if an answer is provided at all. This is unacceptable,' Ernst and Feenstra say.

The SSA headquarters has the most unused office space of any Biden agency at just 7 percent according to a recent report - meaning 90 percent is unoccupied daily wasting billions of taxpayer dollars.

'It is well past time for the federal workforce to return to work at their duty stations,' the lawmakers write.

The spotlight on the Social Security Administration comes days after Biden's Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was put on the hot seat for the agency's work from home posture.

Another whistleblower at the agency expressed issues with the Biden administration's 'impersonal and inefficient' telework policies.

A federal employee, who describes themself as a supervisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), disclosed to Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, that remote work is 'negatively affecting productivity, efficiency, and cooperation.'

The senator brought up the whistleblower concerns to Vilsack during a recent hearing, during in which he insisted employees are expected to be in the office the 'majority of the week.'

But in practice, that is not happening.

The whistleblower went on to say that the 'vast majority' of USDA employees are working remotely, and the unused federal office headquarters resembles a 'ghost town' with empty hallways and vacant offices.

The USDA was found to be at only 11 percent occupied between January and March 2023 and more than 75 percent of the available office space at 17 different federal agencies is still empty, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Vilsack took issue with that stat, saying the GAO calculation is 'not even close to correct.'

But Ernst says that the agency's estimates were based on 'average space utilization taken over a three-month period less than a year ago.'

The biggest issue, according to the whistleblower, is how limited in-person interaction is 'hampering productivity.'

Remote employees 'are often unreachable and do not respond to simple email questions for hours,' the whistleblower continues.

'This leads to inefficiency in completing tasks in a timely manner and to delays in clearing documents and reports due to the inability to reach colleagues.'

In addition, the lack of in-person work is 'hindering discussions' regarding problem solving, idea generation and socializing with colleagues.

As a supervisor, the whistleblower says it's an 'obstacle' to the 'simple act' of earning trust and confidence.

'Working by email and video conferencing is impersonal and inefficient compared to in-person interaction.'

The whistleblower says having employees back in the office full-time would 'restore productivity and efficiency.'

Republicans are attempting to hold the administration to account on this issue that they say is plaguing the nation.

Last month, the House passed a new bill that will force the federal workforce to get back into the office.

The bill led by Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., requires federal agencies to use their offices at a 60 percent capacity rate or sell the buildings.

Republicans say its an insult to taxpayers as agencies spend about $2 billion a year to operate and maintain over 11,000 acres of federal office buildings and over $5 billion annually in leases.

In addition to unused physical office space, employees are facing productivity challenges due to the impersonal nature of remote work.

Ernst plans to aggressively question Agriculture Department Sec. Tom Vilsack today on the topic

A current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) whistleblower wrote to Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, late last year according to a copy of the correspondence obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com

President Joe Biden, joined by US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, tours Dutch Creek Farms in Northfield, Minnesota, on November 1

Unused federal office space wastes an estimated of $2.8 million per day, and is becoming a huge headache for Biden who is attempting to bring back employees to in-person work.

Biden's Chief of Staff Jeff Zients also ordered Cabinet heads to ensure that their workforce returns to the office this year.

According to a memo obtained by DailyMail.com, he wrote earlier this year that federal employees should be in the office at least 50 percent of their work time in order to achieve the goals of the administration.
Police are appealing for the publics help to identify two men after public order offences were allegedly committed at a pro-Palestine march in central London on Saturday.

More than 200,000 people took part in the demonstration demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, according to estimates by organisers, with crowds marching from Russell Square to Trafalgar Square.

And away from the centre of the capital, a number of protesters were taken away by police officers as they tried to disrupt the Boat Race.

Other photos showed a pair of men with a huge banner by Chiswick Bridge, close to the conclusion of the Oxbridge race. The activists had glued themselves to the bridge, according to organisers Youth Demand, in protest at the sale of weapons to Israel and new oil and gas licenses.

Anyone who recognises either of the two men pictured is asked to call 101 , report information online or message @MetCC on X, formerly Twitter, quoting reference 01/161385/24.

Police are appealing for the publics help to identify and locate this man following Saturday's pro-Palestine protest in London (Pictured: The first of the two men)

Police also want to question a second man (pictured) following Saturday's protest, in which public order offences are suspected to have been committed

Police with to speak to the two men, who participated in Saturday's protest through central London, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza

Police officers take security measures as a large number of people gather for a Palestine protest in London

In a video posted on social media, they called for people to join their cause, saying: 'Join us and you can do cool stuff like this as well!'

The force said: 'Our officers have been deployed to a number of public order events across the capital.

'Away from central London, officers along the course prevented protestors from disrupting the Boat Race and have made a number of arrests.'

The demonstration in central London, organised in part by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, included speeches from The Crown actor Khalid Abdalla, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Diane Abbott.

The Metropolitan Police said officers made an arrest on the Strand in relation to inviting support for a proscribed organisation.

The man has been taken to a police station in central London and remains in custody.

Shocking scenes from the event showed one man shouting that he 'fully supports Hamas' as he is dragged away by Met officers.

Wearing two scarfs emblazoned with the Palestinian flag, he left those surrounding him shocked as he showed his support for the terrorist organisation.

In another, a young child can be seen leading chants appearing to be in support of Houthi rebels.

Leading the crowd, he shouts: 'Yemen Yemen make us proud' - as they reply: 'Turn another ship around!'

Shocking scenes from the event showed one man (left) shouting that he 'fully supports Hamas' as he is dragged away by Met officers

A further video showed a man (pictured) shouting 'Zionist scum off our streets' from the middle of the parade

Protestors at the Palestine demonstratin listen to the speeches in Trafalgar square on March 30

Photos showed a pair of men with a huge banner by Chiswick Bridge, close to the conclusion of the Oxbridge race in Putney

The activists had glued themselves to the bridge, according to organisers Youth Demand, in protest to the sale of weapons to Israel and new oil and gas licenses

In a video posted on social media, they called for people to join their cause, saying: 'Join us and you can do cool stuff like this as well!'

The group have launched missiles at ships in a campaign over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Earlier this month, three were killed after a commercial ship was hit in the Gulf of Aden.

A further video showed a man shouting 'Zionist scum off our streets' from the middle of the parade.

And a fourth - who was dressed as a bishop - was forcefully taken away by a group of Met officers after appearing to threaten and abuse the Israeli protest.

Abdalla, 43, who played Dodi Fayed in the Netflix series The Crown, said he attended a pro-Palestinian protest when he was three and took his children with him.

The British-Egyptian actor said: 'While it fills me with pride to have them here, and stand in front of them demanding a free Palestine, I dream of a world in which this is not the legacy we pass on to them.

'I do not dream of a world in which in 20 let alone 40 years, my children stand here in Trafalgar Square demanding justice for the Palestinians, demanding an end to the occupation.'

Abdalla added: 'We cannot allow this to continue for another generation.'

He called pro-Palestinian demonstrations 'love marches'.

Abdalla, 43, who played Dodi Fayed in the Netflix series The Crown, said he attended a pro-Palestinian protest when he was three and took his children with him.

Protestors on the Ceasefire now protest react to a pro-Israel counter demonstration on March 30

Protesters gather as they lead the National March for Palestine in central London

Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, accused British politicians of 'paying lip service' to a ceasefire.

She told the crowd: 'We've heard British politicians talking about a ceasefire, but I would say if you really want a ceasefire now, call for a ceasefire in Parliament, vote for it.

'Vote to end arms sales to Israel, stop bombing Yemen, re-fund UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) and join in action in the international courts for the prosecution of war crimes.

'That is what British politicians would do if they weren't just paying lip service to a ceasefire.'

The protest was held on the anniversary of Land Day, which organisers said commemorates the events that took place on March 30 1976 in which six Palestinians were killed protesting against Israeli land policies.

Protestors were seen toting banners and waving Palestinian flags, some holding placards with messages including 'freedom for Palestine', 'stop the massacre' and the controversial slogan 'from the river to the sea'.

The rally, organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, was also attended by members of the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, holding signs critical of Zionism and joining calls for a ceasefire as the war rages on.

Counter-protestors were guided by police, receiving boos from the crowd as they held up posters reading 'Hamas is terrorist', 'Hamas are fascists' and photos of hostages taken from Israel by Gaza's de facto governing authority on October 7.

The Metropolitan Police assured ahead of the demonstration that they would take 'swift and decisive action' against anyone breaking the law. Videos circulating social media appeared to show police intervening.
New images have revealed the extent of the devastation the IDF wrought on the largest hospital complex in Gaza during a two-week raid that ended early this morning.

Hundreds of people returned to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the surrounding area, after the withdrawal early on Monday, where they found bodies inside and outside the facility.

There was no immediate comment from the military, which has described the raid as one of the most successful operations of the bloodiest conflict between itself and Hamas in decades.

The IDF said it killed at least 200 Hamas and other militant fighters, including senior operatives, and that it seized weapons, valuable intelligence and cash during the raid on the hospital.

But Al-Shifa, which was one of less than a dozen of the 36 hospitals still working in Gaza following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, has been left in ruins.

 Slide me  Al-Shifa has been left in ruins

 Slide me  An overhead walkway that previously allowed staff and patients to go from one building to another without going outside was destroyed

 Slide me  The centre courtyard, once home to a small green area with a gazebo in the middle, has been reduced to little more than ash and dust

 Slide me  Gazan citizen Mohammed Mahdi, among the first to return, described a scene of 'total destruction'

Photos show the facades of buildings being completely blown off, with broken glass and concrete on the ground around them.

Scorch marks can be seen streaked up the sides of medical buildings, and the centre courtyard, once home to a small green area with a gazebo in the middle, has been reduced to little more than ash and dust.

An overhead walkway that previously allowed staff and patients to go from one building to another without going outside was destroyed. Structural metal rods that once held the building together have been left gnarled and twisted.

Gazan citizen Mohammed Mahdi, among the first to return, described a scene of 'total destruction'.

He said several buildings had been burned down. He counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

Another resident, Yahia Abu Auf, said there were still patients, medical workers and displaced people sheltering inside the medical compound.

 Slide me  One Gazan said there were still patients, medical workers and displaced people sheltering inside the medical compound

Hundreds of people returned to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the surrounding area, after the withdrawal early on Monday

The hospital has been the site of a major military operation conducted by the IDF

He said several patients had been taken to the nearby Al-Ahli Hospital, and that army bulldozers had ploughed over a makeshift cemetery inside the hospital compound.

'The situation is indescribable. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here,' he said.

The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza said that, after heavy Israeli air strikes and tank fire, 'the scale of the destruction inside the complex and the buildings around it is very large'.

'Dozens of bodies, some of them decomposed, have been recovered from in and around the Al-Shifa medical complex,' the ministry said, adding that the hospital was now 'completely out of service'.

A doctor told AFP more than 20 bodies had been recovered, some crushed by withdrawing vehicles.

Less than a third of the Gaza Strip's 36 hospitals remain at least partially open, after Israel spent six months bombing vast swathes of the enclave.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities.

Palestinians found bodies inside and outside the facility

The IDF launched its raid two weeks ago, and left in the early hour of the morning

Israel has killed nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians

Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with wounded civilians.

Palestinians say Israeli troops forcibly evacuated homes near Al-Shifa Hospital in downtown Gaza City and forced hundreds of residents to march south.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late Sunday on X.

The top UN official said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients. He also said there were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration.

The military had previously raided Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control centre inside and beneath the compound.

It revealed a tunnel running beneath the hospital that led to a few rooms, and shared footage it claimed showed Hamas militants using the hospital as cover.

A man is seen standing next to medical equipment at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

An inside view of the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza

A doctor told AFP more than 20 bodies had been recovered

Palestinians say Israeli troops forcibly evacuated homes near Al-Shifa Hospital in downtown Gaza City

The military had previously raided Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control centre inside and beneath the compound

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted a video to X that he said showed 'saboteurs' firing on IDF troops in the area.

The military released grainy aerial footage that it said shows people 'shooting towards our forces from Al-Shifa Hospital.'

A figure can be seen seemingly throwing something from a building, before the video abruptly blurs and unblurs with a tank in frame. MailOnline could not verify the claims that the footage showed people shooting.

The video then cuts to what appears to be footage taken from a ground vehicle, which shows a smoke plume rising to roughly three stories after seemingly going off in front of a tank.

The IDF says this part of the footage showed someone 'activating an explosive device towards our forces from inside Al-Shifa Medical Complex'.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said

A top UN official said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients

The UN said there were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration

The hospital was left completely destroyed

But the smoke plume has an inexplicable white halo of light around it, and the tank doesn't appear to react to the purported explosion in any way.

The footage then cuts to a shot of a gateway, with a tank and a group of apparently armed men.

The IDF circled what appeared to be either an explosion or a bullet causing a large chunk of a wall to fly off and said again it was evidence of someone 'shooting towards our forces inside Al-Shifa Medical Complex', though it is unclear who fired the shots in the video.

The tape then abruptly cuts to footage that was seemingly taken later that shows several apparently armed men running past the tank as either a bullet is shot or an explosion is set off.

The final shot in the tape is another aerial shot of a dense complex of buildings. The IDF highlights what appears to either be explosion being set off as several people run away from in.

Less than a third of the Gaza Strip's 36 hospitals remain at least partially open, after Israel spent six months bombing vast swathes of the enclave

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities

Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with war wounded

The IDF then highlights another apparent explosion, though it is unclear who caused this to happen.

The war began on October 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,782 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

The Hamas-run ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 13,000 Hamas fighters, and blames the civilian death toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territory's population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine. Northern Gaza, where Al-Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger that the UN has warned with soon turn into a devastating famine.

Troops are carrying out a 'precise operation' following intelligence that senior Hamas officials were using the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City as a command centre to plan and carry out terror attacks, the IDF said in a statement

A figure can be seen seemingly throwing something from a building, before the video abruptly blurs and unblurs with a tank in frame

The smoke plume has an inexplicable white halo of light around it, and the tank doesn't appear to react to the purported explosion in any way

Israel said late last year that it had largely dismantled Hamas in northern Gaza and withdrew thousands of troops. But it has battled militants there on a number of occasions since then, and the two weeks of heavy fighting around AL-Shifa highlighted the staying power of the armed groups.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all of the hostages are freed. He says Israel will soon expand ground operations to the southern city of Rafah, where some 1.4 million people - more than half of Gaza's population - have sought refuge.

But he faces mounting pressure from Israelis who blame him for the security failures of October 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October.

Deep divisions over Netanayahu's leadership long predate the war, which for now still enjoys strong public support.
Three Pennsylvania men who were imprisoned for decades in the 1997 slaying of a 70-year-old woman - despite their DNA never matching that found at the scene - have had their convictions overturned by a judge.

The Delaware County judge threw out the convictions for Derrick Chappell - who was 15 when he was arrested - and first cousins Morton Johnson and Sam Grasty. The District Attorney is now reviewing the case to see if a new trial is necessary.

Chappel, Johnson, and Grasty were each convicted in separate trials for the murder of Henrietta Nickens, a 70 year old woman who was brutally killed at her home in Chester, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 1997.

Nickens was savagely beaten and had had her underwear removed. Investigators found her home ransacked and blood on the walls and bedding.

A mysterious green jacket, in the pocket of which was cocaine, was found on top of Nickens' television set.

Chappel (pictured), Johnson, and Grasty have been in prison for decades, after they each were convicted in separate trials for the murder of Henrietta Nickens, a 70 year old woman

After more than 20 years in prison, and multiple petitions for a retrial, a Pennsylvania judge finally granted their request. Pictured: Morton Johnson

DNA recovered at the scene of Nickens' murder did not belong to any of the three individuals. Pictured: Samy Grasty

Investigators discovered semen in the woman's rectum. They tested the semen and found that it didn't belong to any of the three arrested individuals.

The prosecutors, who have been characterized as pugnacious, sought to separate the recovered semen from the crime. They affirmed that the semen might have originated from consensual intercourse and was unrelated to the murder.

Nickens had been chronically ill and had no known sexual partners.

The prosecution's case against Chappel, Johnson, and Grastly hinged on the testimony of key witness Richard McElwee, who was 15 years old at the time of the crime.

McElwee testified that he functioned as a lookout while the three older boys pilfered Nickens of $30.

In exchange for his testimony, McElwee pled guilty to third-degree murder, as well as other charges. He was sentenced to serve six to 12 years in prison in 1999.

In 2000 and 2001, Chappel, Johnson, and Grasty were each convicted of second-degree murder, and they were sentenced to life in prison.

Over the course of their more than two decades-long prison stint, the three men have continued to protest their innocence.

Each of them filed pro se petitions in federal court over the years saying they were wrongly convicted, but their petitions were denied.

The fate of Chappel, Johnson, and Grasty drew the attention of many organizations dedicated to freeing wrongly convicted men and women.

The prosecution's case in the early 2000s rested on the testimony of a 15-year-old boy who said he acted as a lookout for the three older boys. Pictured: Chappel

The three prisoners, who are all now in their 40s, have continued to receive the support of loving family members. Pictured: Sam Grasty

Chappel received help from the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and some pro bono legal services from law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon.

The Innocence Project provided support to Johnson, and Grasty received aid from Centurion.

The three men, who are now all in the 40s, were also buoyed by the 'Chester Trio,' a group of family members who are unwavering in their support for their relatives.

Last year, the Pennsylvania men's case received renewed attention after Timothy Palmbach, a forensics expert who also testified at Alex Murdaugh's trial, changed the trajectory of the case with his testimony.

Palmbach testified that new DNA evidence, particularly a mixture of the unknown man's semen, Nickens' blood, and urine on her bedsheet, showed that the violent assault of the victim and the sex occurred simultaneously.

This undermined a key part of the prosecution's argument- that the intercourse was unrelated to the crime.

Palmbach testified that the mixture 'fundamentally changes the nature of the crime scene and the conclusion to be drawn from it.'

In 2021, updated DNA techniques, especially the critical 'touch DNA' method were applied to the case. Investigators discovered that the semen matched other items of evidence from the crime scene, including semen found on the bed sheet and on the mysterious green jacket.

In light of the newly acquired DNA samples, the defendants petitioned a judge to reverse their convictions and order a new trial. Palmbach's testimony was part of the petition.

Over the course of their collective incarceration, the three men have always maintained their innocence. Pictured: Johnson

Prosecutors argued that it didn't matter that the DNA didn't belong to them- they asserted that it could have come from previous consensual intercourse. Pictured: Chappel

Prosecutors were undaunted by the new DNA evidence, arguing that because their original trials did not connect the semen to the three men, the new test results were moot and did not change the verdict. Each man, they pointed out, was convicted separately, one by a judge and two by juries.

Prosecutors wrote: 'The totality of the evidence  including the post-conviction DNA evidence  is just as consistent, if not more consistent, with Ms. Nickens having consensual intercourse prior to the assault as it is with an unknown perpetrator committing both a rape and an assault.'

They continued: 'Seventy-year-old people are capable of sexual activity, and like all people, may not always tell their close family members about their sexual partners.'

Prosecutors also tried to impugn Palmbach's credibility, noting that the forensics expert was not a DNA specialist. And they observed that Palmbach had testified at Alex Murdaugh's murder trial in South Carolina, where he provided testimony on behalf of the defense. His theory in the Murdaugh trial was rejected by the jury.

When Palmbach testified last year, the 'Chester Trio' gathered outside the courthouse, dressed in shirts that bore pictures of their incarcerated loved ones.

'I just want everyone to know that my heart's been aching for 26 years,' Janet Purnell, Johnson's mother, told CNN.

New DNA evidence in 2021 recovered more samples of semen from crime scene evidence- it matched the previously found semen sample, which belongs to an unknown man. Pictured: Chappel

She said: 'Everybody needs to know that my son  they didn't do that. They're innocent. And justice will prevail.'

Cynthia Chappel, Chappel's mother, struck a similar tone: 'I hope that the judge makes the right decision. It's been a long journey for them and me.'

Chappel added: 'I'm just hoping that everything works out and justice prevails.'

On Thursday, justice seemed to prevail when the Delaware County judge ordered new trials for Chappel, Johnson, and Grasty.

'This case never should have been prosecuted. These guys never should have been charged. The evidence always was that they were innocent,' Paul Casteleiro, Grastys lawyer and legal director of the nonprofit Centurion, said Friday.

The prosecutors, he said, 'just ran roughshod' over the defendants.

The three defendants - all young people from the neighborhood - were convicted even though DNA testing at the time showed that semen found in the victims body and on a jacket at the scene did not match any of them, Casteleiro said.

He called the prosecution's various theories of the case 'preposterous.'

To explain the lack of a DNA match, he said, they argued that the victim perhaps had consensual sex before the slaying, or that the three defendants brought a used condom to the scene, he said. Yet Nickens was chronically ill and had no known male partners, he continued.

The case drew the attention of many organizations that champion the freedom of the wrongly incarcerated, including the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, The Innocence Project, and Centurion. Pictured: Johnson and his Innocence Project attorney, Vanessa Potkin

'They just ran this absurd story and got juries to buy it,' Casteleiro said.

Common Pleas Court Judge Mary Alice Brennan at a hearing Thursday threw out the convictions and set a May 23 bail hearing to determine if county prosecutors will seek a new trial.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer plans to review the case next week before making a decision, a spokesperson said Friday.

The three men will remain in prison while a prosecutor decides whether to appeal.
Baltimore officials have announced they will build two temporary alternate channels for commercially essential vessels following last week's collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after it was struck by the Dali cargo ship.

Crews have begun the complicated work of removing steel and concrete at the site of the bridges deadly collapse into the Patapsco River after the freighter collision, which left six construction workers.

Twenty-two sailors from India are still confined to the Dali since last Tuesday's disaster as they answer investigators' questions about the catastrophe.

On Sunday, dive teams surveyed parts of the bridge and checked the ship, and workers in lifts used torches to cut above-water parts of the twisted steel superstructure.

The captain of the port is preparing to establish the temporary channel on the northeast side of the main channel - It will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, a horizontal clearance of 264 feet nd a vertical clearance of 96 feet, officials said. A video released Sunday showed the Coast Guard dropping buoys in the water.

Baltimore officials have announced they will build two temporary alternate channels for commercially essential vessels following last week's collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge

Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge as efforts begin to reopen the Port of Baltimore on Sunday

'This will mark an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore,' Capt. David OConnell, the federal on-scene coordinator of the response, said in a statement Sunday night. 'By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore.'

On Monday, the Small Business Administration is opening a center in Dundalk, Maryland, to help small businesses get loans to help them with losses caused by the disruption of the bridge collapse.

The bridge fell as the crew of the cargo ship Dali lost power and control on March 26. They called in a mayday, which allowed just enough time for police to stop vehicles from getting on the bridge, but not enough time to get a crew of eight workers off the structure.

Two workers survived, two bodies were found in a submerged pickup, and four more men are presumed dead. Weather conditions and the tangled debris underwater have made it too dangerous for divers to search for their bodies.

Along with clearing the shipping channel to reopen the port, officials are trying to determine how to rebuild the major bridge, which was completed in 1977 and carried Interstate 695 around southeast Baltimore and was central to the citys centuries of maritime culture.

Congress is expected to consider aid packages to help people who lose jobs or businesses because of the prolonged closure of the Port of Baltimore. The port handles more cars and farm equipment than any other U.S. facility.

Eight construction workers were filling potholes on the bridge when the crash happened. Two were rescued soon after the collapse. Divers recovered the bodies of two others and the other four are presumed dead. Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, said they were working in the middle of the span when it collapsed.

Eight construction workers were filling potholes on the bridge when the crash happened

The workers came to the Maryland area from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, according to diplomats from those countries.

One worker, 38-year-old Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, came to the U.S. from Honduras nearly two decades ago. His brother described him as an entrepreneurial and hard-working husband and father of two. And El Salvadors foreign minister, Alexandra Hill Tinoco, posted Wednesday on X that one Salvadoran citizen, Miguel Luna, was among the missing workers.

The collapse will almost surely create a logistical nightmare, shutting down ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore and snarling cargo and commuter traffic.

The port is a major East Coast hub for shipping. The bridge spans the Patapsco River, which massive cargo ships use to reach the Chesapeake Bay and then the Atlantic Ocean.

The Dali was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and flying under a Singapore flag, according to data from Marine Traffic.

President Joe Biden said he expects the federal government to pick up the entire rebuilding cost. His administration approved $60 million in emergency federal aid to pay for debris removal and other initial costs.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Monday that he would not yield to strong protests from medical professionals who want to thwart his plans to significantly raise medical school admissions. He referred to the doctors' walkouts as "an illegal collective action" and said they posed "a grave threat to our society."

The six-week strike by over 12,000 medical interns and residents in South Korea has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of procedures and other treatments at university hospitals. Even though they are still treating patients, a large number of senior physicians at their teaching institutions have resigned in support of their actions.

South Korea Doctors' Strike

Officials have stated motives to increase the number of medical students accepted per year by 2,000 with the goal of strengthening the physician workforce in South Korea and addressing the urgent healthcare demands of the aging population.

Doctors, on the other hand, are opposed to this approach, arguing that the unexpected increase in students might overload educational institutions and compromise the standard of healthcare services.

While proponents of the government's proposal highlight the necessity of expanding the pool of healthcare professionals to meet growing demand, critics, including some within the medical community, express concerns over potential ramifications. They suggest that the surge in doctors could lead to a reduction in future earnings for medical practitioners, who currently enjoy lucrative salaries.

There is broad support among South Koreans, according to recent public opinion surveys, for government attempts to increase the number of healthcare workers.

But the public's rising dissatisfaction with the protracted impasse between the medical community and the government might have an effect on the next legislative elections, according to South China Morning Post.

Yoon Suk Yeol Urges Medical School Action Amid Strikes

President Yoon Suk Yeol addressed the need for more medical school admissions in a televised speech, citing the need to address shortages in underrepresented fields including pediatrics and emergency medicine as well as in rural regions. Yoon emphasized the significance of acting quickly to improve the doctor-to-patient ratio, which is now below international norms.

President Yoon repeated the government's openness to have discussions to resolve the concerns expressed by medical professionals, even as he asked the striking physicians to return to work. He warned against the "illegal collective action" that some physicians were engaging in, calling it a serious danger to the stability of society.

A spokesperson for the Korean Nursing Association, still applauded the government's action to protect nurses' rights and mentioned ongoing association talks on the subject.

Major hospitals have experienced service disruptions as an outcome of the strike action initiated by medical interns and residents, which has caused surgeries and other medical operations to be postponed or canceled.

Some senior physicians and private practitioners have expressed support for the junior doctors who are protesting, despite requests from government authorities to put a stop to the strike.

Vice-Health Minister Park Min-soo reiterated the government's stance, urging striking doctors to return to work to avoid potential legal repercussions. However, this plea has been met with skepticism from some senior medical professionals, who view it as an infringement on democratic rights, China Daily reported.
Among seven Americans and two Australians stranded on the isolated island are a paraplegic, a pregnant woman and a person with a heart condition

A South Carolina couple have been stranded on an island off the coast of Africa after their cruise line denied them re-entry on the ship.

Jill and Jay Campbell boarded the Norwegian Dawn in Cape Town, South Africa, to begin their cruise around the continent. Last Wednesday, they embarked on a private tour on Sao Tome and Principe, a small island off western Africa.

According the the couple, the tour operator notified the captain that they were going to be late re-joining the group.

When the Sao Tome coast guard ferried the tour group back to the ship, which was anchored off the island - but the captain had ordered them to be taken back to shore.

The Campbells were ultimately left in the seaside capital city of Sao Tome with seven other passengers - five of whom are also American - and forced to watch as the ship sailed off.

Jill and Jay Campbell were stranded on Sao Tome and Principe, an island off western Africa, after their cruise line sailed off without them

The Campbells (left) are among a group of nine passengers who were denied re-entry on the ship and left behind

The group is comprised of seven Americans and two Australians, including four elderly passengers. One person has a heart condition, another is a paraplegic, and one woman from Delaware is pregnant

The group includes seven Americans and two Australians, four of whom are elderly. One passenger has a heart condition, another is a paraplegic, and one woman from Delaware is pregnant.

'The Harbor Master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call,' Jay Campbell told WRAL.

'We sent emails to Norwegian Cruise Line, the NCL customer service emergency number, and they said, well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them e-mails, and they're not responding to our emails.'

Among the castaways is an 80-year-old woman who suffered a concussion and lost part of her vision following a different tour.

The couple, who are now 5,960 miles away from home, said the woman was left at a local hospital without any money or belongings, and her emergency contact was never notified by the cruise line.

A spokesperson from Norwegian Cruise Line explained that the group was denied re-entry after missing the 'all aboard' time of 3 pm local time

One woman attempts to get on to the boat, as she is held back by officials

'I truly believe sometimes we're put in certain places for a reason, and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman that was left alone,' Jay Campbell said. 'God forbid what would have happened to that lady if we were not here.'

The South Carolina couple claim to have shelled out more than $5,000 to supply the group with food, toiletries and hotel rooms, as they are the only ones with a debit card.

At the time they were stranded, they were just over a week into a 21-night cruise continuing onward to Barcelona.

Throughout the troubling ordeal, Jay Campbell says his wife has been a 'saint.'

'I don't know where the whole group would be without her strength, guidance and compassion for others,' he said. 'I'm honored and blessed that I have the smartest woman in the world next to me.'

With assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Angola, the group is expected to fly to Gambia. However, they they can only re-join the cruise if Norwegian approves their request.

'Were trying to get written permission from the cruise line to re-board,' Jill Campbell explained.

Despite numerous attempts to reach the cruise line, the stranded travelers have gotten no response.

In a statement to media outlets, a spokesperson from Norwegian Cruise Line said the guests missed the last tender back to the vessel on March 27 and failed to meet the 'all aboard' time of 3pm local time.

Jay Campbell praised his wife for her 'strength, guidance and compassion for others' throughout the distressing ordeal

The group of stranded vacationers pose for a selfie amid their troubles in Africa

The South Carolina couple have spent more than $5,000 on hotels, food and toiletries for the group. They are expected to catch a flight to Gambia on Sunday

The group has tried to make contact with Norwegian Cruise Line, to no avail

'While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,' the statement read.

It explained that guests are responsible for any necessary travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.

'When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port,' the statement continued.

'Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed if the guests were to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the cruise firm for comment, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
A gynaecologist who repeatedly lied to bosses in a bid to get a pay rise and said he was only following 'cultural practises' in his native Egypt has been allowed back to work for the NHS.

Dr Medhat Keshta, 66, had been struck off after he was accused of putting his own greed before patients when he forged a letter pretending to be from his former employers falsely claiming he had been paid better money when he worked there - before faking a back problem to take six weeks off and then moonlight for another NHS trust.

When asked to explain his dishonesty, the father-of-two said he had 'misjudged the situation' cited his large ego and claimed he had 'followed the same procedures covered in Egypt'.

He said he had 'no choice' but to demand better money as his daughter Fatima was due to start university and added: 'Culturally, a husband and a father are the 'god' of the house. I did not want my family to find out that I lied and forged a letter.

'This is not how I want to set an example to my family and the wider public.'

Dr Medhat Keshta (pictured), 66, has been restored to the medical register - it emerged today

Keshta's troubles began in 2009 when he fraudulently sought a pay rise whilst working as Locum Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Wiltshire (pictured)

He added: 'Apologies are not something that are easily granted where I come from. My ego prevented me from reaching full insight into the case early enough and I regret this deeply. I have now reached a stage where I am openly admitting everything I did. I have not felt more at peace with myself as I feel now. I will never put myself in this place again. These mistakes will not be repeated.'

Today, it emerged Keshta's name had been restored to the medical register after Fatima, now a pharmacist and nutritionist, agreed to represent him at a tribunal in Manchester to plead on his behalf. It was the third time he had pleaded for his job back.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service only agreed to Keshta's request after he filed a follow up 'reflective journal' saying: 'I acknowledge my references to cultural practices may have come across as an attempt to minimise my behaviour.

'However, I now understand that this was a justification I convinced myself of. I feel a deep sense of shame and regret for the harm that I have caused to patients, colleagues, and the wider healthcare system.

'I plan to rebuild the relationships I have lost and regain the trust of those my mistakes have impacted.'

Keshta's troubles began in 2009 when he fraudulently sought a pay rise whilst working as Locum Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Wiltshire.

HR officials received letter purporting to come from his previous employers at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust claiming he was paid more when he worked for them.

But it emerged Keshta had fabricated the letter himself and the salary figures related to an hourly rate and not an annual basis as claimed in the letter.

He then accepted a job as a Locum Consultant at Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, Somerset before asking bosses at The Great Western for six weeks 'special leave' - falsely claiming he was 'not feeling well and his back was hurting'.

Keshta was subsequently suspended pending a General Medical Council investigation but he then went to work for three more hospitals at Southampton, Maidstone and Devizes, Wilts without disclosing the GMC probe to his new employers.

His daughter, Fatima Keshta (pictured), a pharmacist and nutritionist, agreed to represent him at a tribunal in Manchester to plead on his behalf

In 2011 Keshta was struck off following a hearing in which he failed to attend. At the time the panel said he 'placed his own interests above his professional obligations' was guilty of a 'dereliction of duty' and said 'patient care may have been compromised.'

He subsequently obtained posts in Saudi Arabia and then Cairo in Egypt before applying for his name to be restored to the UK medical register.

In 2017 Keshta's plea was rejected after he filed an online submission via the GMC website and it was refused again 2020 after he claimed he had 'no choice' but to lie due to his cultural background - although he was invited to reapply again because he finally admitted dishonesty.

In a letter he said: 'I admit that I was wrongfully unaware of the fact that applying for special leave from the Great Western Trust to work for the Taunton and Somerset trust is illegal. I misjudged the situation and followed the same procedures covered in Egypt where applying for sick leave to work somewhere else would have been illegal.

'I am in no way trying to excuse my behaviour, but this is exactly what went into my mind back then. My intentions back then were not intended to deceive or mislead my employer, they were stemming from a lack of knowledge of the laws and procedures, something that would never be repeated again.

He added: 'What drove me to request the letter in question for a higher salary and more work during my special leave is the pressure I felt during the period my family moved to the UK to accompany me and my daughter starting university here. I completely regret my actions.

'Being away from medical practice in the UK has reminded me of why I fell in love with medicine as a profession and why I decided that the UK is where I would like to practice it. I had everything a medical practitioner in the UK would dream of and I let all of this go because of my wrongful acts. I apologise to anyone I have caused harm to; my patients, my colleagues, the public, the GMC, my family and myself.'

When asked why it had taken him so long to admit his dishonesty, Dr Keshta replied he was 'very embarrassed' and added: 'I want to be in peace. With my full conscious I can now confess that I wrote the forged letter in 2009 to achieve more money. Whatever the result of the restoration application I will not be upset as I now feel at peace.

'I practised here for many years and I know I could earn more money elsewhere but I want to come to the UK as I can learn more here and I want to change the public's view about me based on what I had done in the past.'

At the latest MPTS hearing, Keshta's daughter said her father's past misconduct 'was driven by dishonesty related to financial gain.'

Keshta previously obtained posts in Saudi Arabia and then Cairo in Egypt before applying for his name to be restored to the UK medical register (Stock Image)

But she added: 'His mindset changed when he considered the bigger picture and he has shown remorse and regret by acknowledging his mistakes and apologising to the past Tribunals, GMC, patients and general public.

'This was an advancement from his 2017 and 2020 Tribunals, when he explained how apologies are difficult in his culture and how admitting his mistakes especially in front of his family was difficult.'

MPTS chairman Mrs Becky Miller said: 'Dr Keshta's journey of insight has been long, and he has had to overcome a lot of self-serving justification for his actions.

'The tribunal bore in mind the 2020 Tribunal's concern that he emphasised Egyptian practices which allow a doctor to take a leave of absence from one place in order to work in another and that he sought to minimise his behaviour.

'But it noted Dr Keshta has since addressed this issue and he admitted that 'self-justification was wrong.' He has since acknowledged the full extent of his dishonesty and has learnt to express his shame in a genuine manner.'
Archbishop of Washington Wilton Cardinal Gregory described President Joe Biden as a 'cafeteria Catholic,' on Sunday, criticizing him for picking and choosing what parts of the Catholic faith he felt like practicing and ignoring other Church teachings.

The Archbishop commented on Biden's faith during an appearance on CBS's Face the Nation aired Sunday with host Ed O'Keefe.

'I would say that he's very sincere about his faith. But like a number of Catholics, he picks and chooses dimensions of the faith to highlight while ignoring or even contradicting other parts,' Gregory said during the interview. 'There is a phrase that we have used in the past, a "cafeteria Catholic," you choose that which is attractive, and dismiss that which is challenging.'

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

President Joe Biden speaks with faith leaders while exiting St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Greenville, Delaware

President Joe Biden angered Christians for declaring March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility which was also Easter Sunday

Gregory commented as Catholics and Christians voiced outrage over the weekend after Biden declared March 31 as 'Transgender Day of Visibility' which was also Easter Sunday.

Biden claims he is a 'practicing Catholic' and attends Mass every week, but repeatedly counters the Church's teaching on abortion.

The Catholic Church teaches that 'human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception' according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Archbishop said that Biden was too willing to ignore the Catholic Church's teaching of life beginning at conception and being unwilling to defend life at all its stages.

Biden, he noted, used the issue of his faith and the issue of life as a 'political pawn' where he would 'twist and turn some dimensions of the faith as a political advantage.'

The Archbishop urged Biden to be more explicit in his personal belief on the issue of life in public, but also criticized him for using the issue of abortion to help him politically.

'He does attend church regularly with great devotion. But he also steps aside some of the hot button issues, or uses the hot button issues as a political tool. Which it's not, it's not the way, I think, we would want our faith to be- to be used,' he said.

Archbishop of Washington Wilton Cardinal Gregory described Biden as a 'cafeteria Catholic' by choosing what parts of the Catholic faith he agreed with

Archbishop of Washington Wilton Cardinal Gregory

Since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision sent the issue of abortion back to the states, Biden has repeatedly voiced his support for Roe V. Wade, promising voters to sign a bill to federally legalize abortion if Democrats win in the 2024 election. He also supports using taxpayer funding to pay for abortions.

Biden has publicly voiced his opposition to the Church's teaching on abortion.

I respect those who believe life begins at the moment of conception and all  I respect that. Dont agree. But I respect that, he said in September 2021.

The Archbishop said Biden should choose whether he was Catholic and believed all of the Church's teachings or not.

'You can't, you can't pick and choose. You're either one who respects life in all of its dimensions. Or you have to step aside and say, I'm not pro life,' he said.

Gregory said he would not be surprised if Pope Francis spoke with Biden about the issue of life and its importance to the Catholic faith, but indicated the Pope would not be aggressive with the president.

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the Vatican, October 29, 2021

Pope Francis leaves after the Mass of the Chrism at the Saint Peter's Basilica

'One of the things that I think Pope Francis does, and does extraordinarily well, is that he engages people, Gregory said. 'He encounters people, he doesn't attack them. But he encounters them. And he invites them to respond to their better angels.'

After meeting the Pope at the Vatican in October, Biden claimed the issue of abortion did not come up.

'We just talked about the fact that he was happy I was a good Catholic and keep receiving Communion,' he said.

At the time, the Vatican declined to comment on the meeting with Biden, citing it's personal nature.
Rep. Ilhan Omar's Democratic primary challenger is tied with the progressive squad member in a rematch race in the latest poll and is campaigning as a progressive who can work with President Joe Biden.

Former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels is again challenging squad member Omar in the primary election on August 13 after coming within just 2.1 percent of the congresswoman in 2022.

It comes as Omar and other so-called squad members face backlash for their push for constituents to protest vote against Biden in the Democratic primary for backing Israel in its war with Hamas terrorists operating out of Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

Both Omar and Samuels earned 41 percent support among 519 Democratic voters in Minnesota's 5th congressional district, according to the Victoria Research poll released by Samuels' campaign.

A new poll shows Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is tied at 41 percent against Democratic primary challenger Don Samuels  who came within 3,000 votes of the congresswoman in their match-up in 2022

Former Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels (left) came within nearly 2 percent of Rep. Ilhan Omar (right) in his primary challenge against her in 2022

The other 18 percent are those who are either undecided or are planning to vote for an option other than Omar or Samuels in the primary over the summer.

The campaign for Samuels, who says he is a progressive alternative who can actually work with Democratic President Biden, released the polling data on Monday after it was taken February 20-27.

'This poll supports what we already know: We can beat Rep. Ilhan Omar,' Samuels said in a statement on the results. 'We talk to exhausted voters around the district every day on the campaign trail, and we hear over and over again how sick and tired they are of the division and dysfunction that define Washington today.'

'Sadly, many feel that the congresswoman is contributing to this dysfunction and are ready for new leadership focused on building common ground to deliver results for families and working people in the Fifth Congressional District and around the country.'

Samuels' campaign notes that Omar 'encouraged an uncommitted vote in Minnesota's Presidential primary and did not even bother to vote' on Super Tuesday last month.

In the 2022 Democratic House primary, Samuels lost to Omar by just 2,466 votes  or just over 2 percent.

Omar is the first Somali-American elected to Congress and the first woman to wear a hijab on the House floor. She is also part of the so-called squad of progressive lawmakers first elected to Congress in the 2018 midterm elections, which includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.).

Reps. Omar and Tlaib, who is Palestinian-American, both pushed for progressive voters in their states to vote 'uncommitted' in their respective Democratic presidential primaries last month.

The effort was in protest of President Biden's backing for Israel in its war with Hamas terrorists operating out of Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

Omar has faced backlash for her staunch pro-Palestine stance and her push for voters to protest Joe Biden's pro-Israel policies by voting 'uncommitted' in the 2024 presidential primary. Pictured: Omar talks with fellow progressive squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who is Palestinian

'If Don gets his message out - that he is a progressive and pragmatic alternative to Rep. Omar without the divisive comments and history of taking unpopular votes - Don starts this race tied, 41% Samuels to 41% Omar,' the candidate's Campaign Manager Joe Radinovich explained.

'These results outline Rep. Omar's vulnerability with her Democratic base in the Fifth Congressional District,' he added.

Radinovich said: 'CD5 voters are frustrated by Rep. Omar's tendency to vote against legislation our district supports and align herself with the most extreme voices in Congress who stall needed progress.'

Omar was one of the six Democrats who voted against Biden's bipartisan infrastructure deal.

The Victoria Research poll has a margin of error of 4.4 percent, but in a poll just two weeks before the 2022 election the survey correctly predicted the outcome within 3 percent.
The University of York has been caught up in a censorship row over a student's Hong Kong protest during a graduation ceremony.

Kyle Ma, from Shandong, graduated with a Master's degree in social justice and education in February.

During his graduation ceremony, the 27-year-old held up a flag in support of pro-democracy campaigners, which read: 'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.'

But a livestream of the event cut away to a shot of the University of York's logo when Mr Ma's name was called out.

He has accused the university of 'censoring what they dislike', while ex-Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith - a leading critic of China - claimed it was 'in hock to' Beijing.

During his graduation ceremony, Kyle Ma held up a flag in support of pro-democracy campaigners, which read: 'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times'

The 27-year-old, from Shandong, graduated with a Master's degree in social justice and education in February

A YouTube video of the 7 February ceremony, which remains online, cuts away from a shot of the stage as soon as Mr Ma's name is read out

According to correspondence seen by the i, Mr Ma notified Charlie Jeffrey, the university's vice-chancellor, of his intention to protest peacefully.

The newspaper reported that a university official, replying on behalf of Mr Jeffrey, declined an invitation for the vice-chancellor to hold up the flag with Mr Ma.

A registrar told Mr Ma that 'whilst we can join together in expressing horror at human right violations, I'm sure you will appreciate that flags - and their associated symbolism - can elicit very different deep reactions, which could undermine this institutional position of mutual respect'.

It is claimed a video taken from the back of the auditorium on 7 February showed two large projection screens displaying a close-up camera angle of each student walking on stage to collect their graduation certificate.

But for the 10 seconds that Mr Ma went on stage to collect his graduation certificate, the livestream was interrupted and switched to a generic image of the University of York's logo.

A YouTube video of the 7 February ceremony, which remains online, cuts away from a shot of the stage as soon as Mr Ma's name is read out, before returning for the next student.

In a post on LinkedIn, Mr Ma said it was 'sad to see' the University of York 'doing the same thing as common Orwellian regimes do: censoring what they dislike'.

He also pointed to how Mr Jeffrey welcomed Zheng Zeguang, the Chinese ambassador to Britain, to the university last year.

The ambassador was previously reported to have told Chinese students in Britain 'to keep in mind' Chinese leader Xi Jinping's 'ardent teachings, adhere to patriotism and serving the country'.

According to the University of York's website, it welcomed 2,107 students from China last year.

Mr Ma added in his LinkedIn post: 'I just wish my action serves as a glimmer of hope under the iron curtain of the China Communist Party.

'I, as one of the Chinese dissidents, sincerely wish that my action can be a rally cry for dignity. One day we will be free from fear.'

He explained he held the flag up upside down 'to express my deep frustration, anxiety, and disappointment about the deteriorating situation of Hong Kong since 1997, 2014, 2019'.

Mr Ma told the i that the majority of his peers on his course were Chinese nationals, and he thought this was likely to have played a 'huge role' in the university's actions.

Sir Iain, who is among a number of MPs and peers to have been sanctioned by China for speaking out over human rights concerns, claimed the incident was 'very sad and shows York University is scared of upsetting the Chinese government,' adding that it was 'a sad indictment of the university authorities'.

A spokesperson for the University of York said: 'The university recognises the strength of feeling students may have on global issues, and, as an organisation that defends civil liberties, we support freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest.

'While we recognise that students do wear or hold protest materials in graduation ceremonies, it is protocol to change camera angles during live broadcasts if there is potential disruption on stage.

'Graduations are primarily an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate and recognise all the achievements of our hard-working students.'

A Government spokesperson said: 'Our approach of engaging robustly and directly with China is in the UK's national interest.

'We recognise concerns about overseas interference in our universities which is why we are reviewing how we support our academic sector to keep their research secure.

'We will continue to take steps to significantly strengthen the UK's protections from overseas interference in our higher education sector, helping to safeguard intellectual property and sensitive research.'
A Texas man claims he and his boyfriend were extorted by a hospital in Tulum, where his partner underwent surgery after he was paralyzed in a surfing accident.

Justin Raiford and his boyfriend Jared Hill were vacationing in the Mexican resort city in February when a wave slammed Hill into the sand and fractured three vertebrae in his neck.

Despite having traveler's insurance, Raiford claimed the hospital staff asked for thousands of dollars to be paid up front before admitting him into the medical facility and performing surgery.

He never felt that a country visited by millions of Americans would turn their back on them.

'Tulum is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in and to have a life-threatening critical situation, you cannot get help even from the government,' Raiford said. 'I called the embassy and the consulate, they said, 'sorry, that's how it is in Mexico.

Jared Hill, pictured in the hospital, was paralyzed after he was struck by a wave while body surfing on vacation in Tulum, Mexico in February

Jared Hill (pictured) was charged $5,000 to be admitted to a hospital in Tulum and $20,000 by a third medical facility, where he had surgery after fracturing three vertebrae in his neck

Justin Raiford claims medical facilities in the Mexican resort city of Tulum extorted them by charging thousands of dollars up front to provide emergency service to his his boyfriend, who was paralyzed in a surfing accident in February. Raiford said they had to pay $5,000 for one hospital to admit his partner and more than $20,000 for surgery another facility

'To be held for ransom, to have life-saving surgery, that the neurosurgeon said needed or he was going to die,' he told anchor Natasha Zouves on NewsNation. 'That you're in a hospital with people that you think they're there to help you and save lives and it wasn't happening.'

In order to get Hill into the hospital, Raiford had to pay $5,000 before tests showed Hill was bleeding internally, had a punctured spinal cord and nerve damage.

Matters worsened when Hill showed Raiford a text message in which the hospital director said: 'I am going to cancel the surgery, get money out of him.'

Raiford claimed an American woman celebrating her honeymoon was told by staffers at the same hospital that she would have to pay $50,000 in advance to put her husband on dialysis 'because his kidneys and heart were shutting down.'

Eventually, the 12-hour surgery took place two days later at a third hospital where Raiford and Hill paid more than $20,000 to cover the cost of the procedure.

'You can't imagine in situations like this, every ounce of me was just trying to save his life and get help and to think in a time of such critical necessity for medical help that could even come up, and I am not talking about a co-pay or insurance or any of that, it's literally ransom money.'

In order to get Hill into the hospital, Raiford (pictured with his partner before the ordeal) had to pay $5,000 before tests showed Hill was bleeding internally, had a punctured spinal cord and nerve damage

Justin Raiford (right) saw Jared Hill (left) in the water after the wave crashed down, shoving him into the sand and shattering three vertebrae in his neck

Jared Hill, pictured with his care team, was flown to Memorial Hermann Medical Center in Houston nearly a week after his surfing accident in Tulum

Hill was flown back to Houston almost a week after the operation and admitted at Memorial Hermann Medical Center in Houston, where the couple learned that he would need another spinal surgery and would likely be hospitalized for several months.

He received treatment for blood clots and meningitis, but is now recovering.

'The people here have changed his life dramatically and I am happy to say he is one of the edge cases that most people don't have the outcome that he has,' Raiford said.

'He is regaining some mobility and working with occupational and physical therapists everyday to try to improve his chances of recovery.'

While Raiford feels that the Tulum hospital took advantage of Hill's tragedy, the Tulum private medical facility did not do anything illegal is requesting advance payment, according to Tracy Walder, a former CIA and FBI agent.

Eligible residents and citizens receive free health care through the Mexican Institute of Social Security.

'This isn't extortion. This isn't bribery. This is how Mexico does business,' Walder told NewsNation.

'However, there are private hospitals. The way that they do business is they do ask for payment up front.'
What do you buy your daughter to mark her coming of age when she turns 21?

If you are Republican Senate hopeful Kari Lake the gift of choice is a 9mm Sig Sauer P365-XL Comp handgun, finished with flourishes of rose gold.

Lake visited Scottsdale Gun Club on Saturday evening for date night at the range with husband Jeff Halperin to let off a few rounds.

And they left with what they said was the perfect gift for daughter Ruby.

'My baby girl is growing up. I won't always be there to protect her,' Lake told DailyMail.com.

Arizona Senate hopeful Kari Lake shopped for handguns with husband Jeff Halperin at the weekend to celebrate their daughter Ruby's birthday

The Lakes' daughter Ruby turned 21 at the weekend

'But Jeff and I raised a responsible young woman who understands gun safety and is more than capable of looking after herself.'

Arizona has some of the most permissive gun laws in the country. Gun control activists rank it 42nd out of 50 states for the strictness of its regulations.

It is legal to carry a gun in public so long as the gun is visible to others, and you are carrying it with lawful intent, for example.

But, like the rest of the country, you cannot buy a handgun if you are under 21.

Lake and her husband showed off their Second Amendment credentials with Jeff's FN PS90 submachine gun, practising their marksmanship on the range.

Afterwards they picked out a gift for Ruby, who they surprised with the gift at dinner later.

The Rose model is designed for women learning about guns. It is meant to fit easily into a purse without sacrificing too much control or accuracy, and comes with an eye-catching rose gold finish.

'It was very important to Kari that her daughter has the means to protect herself, especially after the news of Laken Riley's brutal murder,' said a spokesman for the Lake campaign.

'She feels very strongly that Americans must take it upon themselves to arm up and ensure their family is protected.

Date night: Lake spent Saturday evening at Scottsdale Gun Club with her husband, where they fired his FN PS90 sub machine gun

'My baby girl is growing up. I won't always be there to protect her,' Lake told DailyMail.com

Lake inspects her handiwork. When she ran for governor she promised to veto any legislation that tightened gun control laws in Arizona

After finishing at the range, Lake and her husband checked out handguns for sale

'Kari and Jeff viewed many options but ultimately decided on a Sig Sauer P365-XL Comp Rose Edition (9mm). An excellent choice.'

The killing of Riley, by an illegal immigrant, has become a cause celebre on the political right.

In the meantime, Lake is locked in a tough battle for the Arizona Senate seat vacated by Kyrsten Sinema.

The race is looking like it could be one of the most competitive in the nation, in a state won by Joe Biden in 2020 by just 10,000 votes.

The traditionally Republican state has trended purple, if not blue, in recent years.

They settled on a Sig Sauer P365-XL Comp Rose Edition, finished with flourishes of rose gold

Ruby turned 21 at the weekend. She is seen her with former President Donald Trump

And it will be one of a handful that will decide whether Democrats hold on to the Senate.

The Second Amendment could be one of the key defining arguments in a state, where ranchers along the border face threats from Mexican cartels and traffickers, and which has long attracted people looking for open skies and freedom.

Lake's Democratic opponent, Ruben Galego, is campaigning on a manifesto that calls for 'common sense gun reform' and in the House of Representatives has voted on assault weapons bans in the past.

She can rely on her high-name recognition after almost three decades as a Phoenix news anchor.

And she rose to national fameor notoriety, depending on your viewas one of the most vocal of Donald Trump's supporters as he challenged the 2020 election result.
Two people have been injured after an SUV drove through the wall of a Dallas gym.

Police were called to SWEAT Dallas at 3:05 pm on April 1 following the horrific ordeal where the car broke through the wall and ended up inside the building.

Video footage from the inside of the gym shows the car smashing through the front of the gym, hitting and injuring two people in its path.

SWEAT Dallas said: 'Due to an unfortunate accident, SWEAT will be closed through the weekend. We will open again at Monday, April 1st at 5AM.

'One trainer and one member were injured. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Sorry for any inconvenience but appreciate your support and patience.'

In the surveillance footage, two men are seen lounging around the gym's seating area, which was placed directly in front of the wall the car went through.

Video footage from the inside of the gym shows the car smashing through the front of the gym, hitting and injuring two people in its path

'Due to an unfortunate accident, SWEAT will be closed through the weekend. We will open again at Monday, April 1st at 5AM,' a statement from the gym read.

The gym confirmed one trainer and one member were injured

One of the two gym-goers was sitting on the right side of the couch. The other was squatting to the left of the couch, talking to the man on the couch.

As the car bulldozed through the gym wall, it took the couch with it, driving both the man sitting down and the couch into a set of elliptical machines and spin bikes.

Once the car came to a stop, other gym members rushed to help the victim.

Surveillance footage did not show where the victim ended up in relation to the car, but a pair of legs can be seen flailing next to its front left tire.

Fellow gym members were heard yelling at the driver to 'back up' so the man could be freed. A voice yelling 'pull me up' could also be heard off camera.

After the driver of the SUV did as instructed, bystanders helped the man off his back, where he then limped away from the vehicle.

A gym member checked on the driver of the SUV, who could not be made out clearly in the video.

Police were called to the local gym, SWEAT Dallas, at 3:05 pm

As the car bulldozed through the gym wall, it took the couch with it, driving both the man sitting down and the couch into a set of elliptical machines and spin bikes

Once the car came to a stop, other gym members rushed to help the victim

Fellow gym members were heard yelling at the driver to 'back up' so the man could be freed

Bystanders helped the man off his back, where he then limped away from the vehicle

The other man who was located to the left of the couch was also hit, and is seen struggling to get up on his feet near the weights area.

One of the victims received medical attention right away, while the other was brought to a nearby hospital.

Police are in the process of investigating the incident.
A killer who murdered a teenage girl and dumped her body in woodland nearly 20 years ago has died in a car crash, an inquest was told.

Thomas Purcell, 36, was convicted of murdering 16-year-old Megan McAlorum in 2006, after she suffered 54 fractures to her skull in the attack after Purcell gave her a lift from a takeaway shop in Belfast.

Purcell served his time and was released from prison in 2021 before returning to live in Oxford.

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter heard Purcell was driving a car on March 4 in Burford, between Oxford and Cheltenham, when his vehicle was involved in a collision with a van.

Purcell suffered catastrophic head injuries in the impact. The driver of the van was also badly injured but is recovering.

Thomas Purcell (pictured) was convicted of murdering 16-year-old Megan McAlorum in 2006

Megan McAlorum, 16, (pictured) suffered 54 fractures to her skull in the attack

The inquest opening in Oxford heard that Purcell, who was unemployed at the time of his death, died from a traumatic brain injury.

The killer, of Furlong Close, Oxford, was identified to hospital staff by his brother Philip.

Purcell, who was 16-years-old at the time of the murder, was sentenced for 15 years imprisonment. He was released from prison in 2021.

Miss McAlorum was murdered by Purcell on Easter Sunday 2004 after he offered her a lift while she was walking home from a takeaway.

Her body was later found in a wooded area on the outskirts of west Belfast, with injuries including 54 fractures to her skull.

Miss McAlorum's sister Lynne said she thought of her sibling and her mother on hearing the death of Purcell.

Speaking to the Andersonstown News, Lynne said: 'We got a call yesterday morning to confirm that it was him who died.'

She added: 'The only comfort it brings is that he will never be able to do what he did to Megan ever again.

'Megan's 20th anniversary is coming up here in April. When I heard the news, I just thought of Megan and my mummy Margaret as well, who campaigned so hard for victims.'

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter heard Purcell was driving a car on March 4 in Burford, between Oxford and Cheltenham, when his vehicle was involved in a collision with a van (pictured)

Miss McAlorum was murdered by Purcell on Easter Sunday 2004 after he offered her a lift while she was walking home from a takeaway

The murder victim's sister Lynne (pictured) spoke of the moment her sibling 'vanished off face of the earth' before her 16-year-old killer staged a cynical plot to 'discover' the body

In 2021 Lynne spoke of the moment here sister 'vanished off the face of the earth' before her killer staged a cynical plot to 'discover the body'.

In an episode of Britain's Deadliest Kids, Lynne said: 'There were two police officers, and my Mum was sat there. They just said, ''it's your daughter''.

'That was very hard. It was unbelievable, seeing my Mum and Dad. My family was just never the same afterwards.'

Growing up in Belfast, Miss McAlorum was the second youngest of seven siblings. As she got older, she and her friends spent their free time hanging out in West Belfast, and it was here that she would meet her killer, Purcell.

After killing his victim, Purcell made his way to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he pretended to have chest pains to give himself an alibi.

He is understood to have been laughing with a doctor before stealing her mobile phone which he tried to sell to a relative.

Purcell had previous convictions dating back to 2000 when he made a series of appearances at Oxford Youth Court.

A full inquest will take place in September.
A building next to Iran's embassy in Damascus has been destroyed in an airstrike, reportedly killing a senior commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and five others - with state media saying Israel was behind the attack.

Pictures show the building in Syria's capital razed to the ground, with huge plumes of smoke rising from the site following the explosion this afternoon and emergency workers rushing to the scene.

IRGC leader Mohammed Reza Zahedi was killed in the attack, security sources have reported. A war monitor has reported that six people were killed in the building in the upmarket Mazzeh neighbourhood.

Syria's defence ministry said Israeli air strikes on Iran's consulate building in Damascus on Monday 'destroyed the entire building, killing and injuring everyone inside'.

There was no comment from Israel, which has stepped up strikes on militant groups linked to its sworn enemy Iran as its war against Hamas in Gaza rages on.

The site of the apparent missile strike, with damage done to cars and buildings in the vicinty

Iranian media also reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building

An Iranian flag is seen hanging over the bombed out building, which was flattened in the strike

Smoke rises over the buildings in Damascus following the strike

IRGC leader Mohammed Reza Zahedi was killed in the attack, security sources have reported

Following its usual practice, an Israeli military spokesperson said: 'We do not comment on reports in the foreign media.'

Syria's foreign ministry has reportedly condemned the attack, and the Syrian and Iranian foreign ministers were both spotted at the scene.

Syria's official news agency SANA said that the building, an annex next to the embassy, had suffered major destruction and neighbouring buildings in the upmarket area of the city were also damaged.

'The Israeli enemy launched air strikes from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting the Iranian consulate building in Damascus,' Syria's defence ministry said in a statement.

'The attack destroyed the entire building, killing and injuring everyone inside, and work is underway to recover the bodies and rescue the wounded from under the rubble.'

Iranian media reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building, but said that the ambassador was unharmed.

'Hossein Akbari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, and his family were not harmed in the Israeli attack,' Iran's Nour news agency said.

Britain-based group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 'Israeli missiles... destroyed the building of an annex to the Iranian embassy... in Damascus, killing six people'.

Syria's defence ministry said Israeli air strikes on Iran's consulate building in Damascus on Monday 'destroyed the entire building

Iran's Tasnim news agency said five people were killed in the Israeli strike. Syria's SANA state news agency reported an unspecified number of deaths and injuries.

Syria's official SANA news agency earlier reported that 'our air defence systems confronted enemy targets in the vicinity of Damascus'.

The incident came days after the Observatory reported Israeli strikes that killed 53 people in Syria, including 38 soldiers and seven members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Pictures show the building in Syria's capital razed to the ground, with emergency responders on the scene

Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike to a buidling close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus

It was the highest Syrian army toll in Israeli strikes since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, said the monitor.

Since the Iranian-backed Palestinian faction Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, Israel has ramped up airstrikes in Syria against Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both of which support the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency announced on Monday (Apr. 1) that they have withdrawn from Gaza City's al-Shifa hospital after besieging it for two weeks.

"IDF and ISA [Shin Bet] troops have completed precise operational activity in the area of the Shifa Hospital and exited the area of the hospital," the IDF said. "The troops killed terrorists in close-quarters encounters, located numerous weapons and intelligence documents throughout the hospital, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams."

Meanwhile, Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Capt. Mahmoud Bassal, on the scene, told CNN that the hospital had been "completely destroyed and burned down."

"Injured and dead bodies fill the hospital grounds," he said. "There are bodies buried in the hospital yards."

Read Also : Israel-Hamas Truce Talks Resume in Egypt as Gaza Bloodshed Continues

More than 30 wounded people were transported from al-Shifa to the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital east of Gaza City, Bassal added.

Israeli troops first raided al-Shifa in November, with a follow-up green-lit in January despite it saying that it had completed dismantling Hamas's command structure in northern Gaza.

The IDF added that civilians, patients, and medical teams were evacuated during the operation, though Palestinians inside and around Al-Shifa reported civilian casualties and arrests.
The family of the teenage girl charged with violently assaulting Kaylee Gain says 'cruel' people have managed to get their fundraiser for legal fees taken down as they claim she is the real victim, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Relatives of Maurnice DeClue, 15, who is in custody and appeared at a St. Louis, Missouri court hearing today, confirmed her name publicly in a statement to 'address the misconceptions' around her arrest.

Kaylee, 16, was initially left in a life-threatening condition by Maurnice, 15, who repeatedly smashed her head into concrete.

She suffered a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage during the violent March 8 brawl which was caught on camera near her high school.

Kaylee has since been released from intensive care, a lawyer for her family revealing that Kaylee has been able to engage in 'limited verbal conversations' and has gone on a few short walks with the assistance of hospital staff.

The family of Maurnice DeClue, 15, have confirmed her name publicly in a statement to 'address the misconceptions' around her arrest. She is charged with attacking Kaylee Gain, 16, who suffered a skull fracture when her head was repeatedly smashed into the ground during a brawl

Kaylee Gain's family have revealed that the beaten school girl is finally able to talk but still can't walk

Viral video shows another teen smashing Gain's head into the pavement repeatedly before the victim appears to suffer a seizure

During a hearing at St Louis County Court on Monday, officials set a date for DeClue's certification hearing on May 10, which will rule if she is tried as an adult for the first-degree felony assault charges.

Both sets of parents attended the hearing, with the judge advising DeClue's parents Ronald, who attended court in a wheelchair, and Conseula that they have a right to a lawyer as well as their daughter,.

Both declined to comment when approached by DailyMail.com, but lawyer for DeClue Gregory Smith added that she was 'doing well' despite being in detention.

'She's a smart girl', Smith said. 'We're doing what we can to protect her from it, but she has a good understanding of the law.'

He also dismissed claims made by Kaylee's lawyers that DeClue made posts on social media, saying that the facts would be heard in the courts.

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Gwendolyn, the aunt of DeClue, claimed she was an honor roll student at Hazelwood East High School with an exemplary record and was 'defending herself' during the fight with Kaylee.

Judge Dodson ordered both families to be escorted out of the courtroom separately - which he said was a usual practice in his courtroom. A pre-trial management hearing will also take place on May 1, nine days before the certification hearing.

The family of DeClue, who confirmed her name publicly in a statement to 'address the misconceptions' around her arrest, launched a fundraiser to raise $150,000 to assist with her legal fees after she was charged with felony assault.

A GoFundMe was removed from the site for breaching their terms and conditions, but the DeClue's aunt Gwendolyn now claims that their CashApp has also been removed over reports of a 'scam'.

Posting on social media she said: 'People can be so cruel and they have worked really hard and succeeded to get the CashApp taken down as of this morning.

'Some are saying it was a scam. It wasn't a scam it was legit. If you would like to help in my niece legal support please reach out to us. Your help is truly appreciated.'

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the aunt of DeClue, claimed she was an honor roll student at Hazelwood East High School with an exemplary record and was 'defending herself' during the fight with Kaylee.

Her parents reportedly told local media that she 'wants to apologize' to Kaylee, ahead of a court hearing on Monday.

Kaylee's parents have slammed their daughter's accused attacker demanding that she is tried as an adult.

They have been visiting DeClue while she remains in juvenile custody and claim police have complied messages on social media which allegedly include threats towards the teen.

Bryan Kaemmerer, representing Kaylee's family', added that it was unclear if the fight was a retaliation for a previous fight between the groups involved, and confirmed that Kaylee had been suspended on March 7 for fighting with a different student.

It comes as Gain's family issued a scathing rebuke of her accused attacker after she reportedly joked about joining WWE after the fight.

Kaylee's parents have also seen now-deleted social media posts from just hours after the brawl allegedly made by DeClue- in which she shows 'an utter lack of remorse for her actions.'

In one of the posts, DeClue allegedly admitted that her attack was 'calculated' and joked about joining 'MMA or WWE', according to an update issued by a lawyer for Kaylee's family.

The posts have not been verified, but Kaylee's family say they want the teen to be charged as an adult because it is 'the most appropriate way to provide the justice that Kaylee deserves.'

It was previously exclusively reported by DailyMail.com that DeClue's family claims she was an 'honor roll student' who was 'defending herself' in the brawl.

DeClue's aunt Gwendolyn claims the family's CashApp account to raise funds has been removed over reports of a 'scam'

DeClue's aunt wrote on Facebook, 'Folk are just really working hard to oppose our family' after their CashApp account was reported as a scam

The DeClue family has posted a flier online to explain the brawl and why Maurnice needs financial assistance

Her relatives created a Change.org petition, calling on the St Louis Juvenile Court to show 'compassion' to the schoolgirl, DailyMail.com previously revealed.

DeClue's aunt said Kaylee wasn't being bullied by her niece and urged people to donate to help with her legal bills as the situation wasn't exactly what it seemed.

She is described as an honor roll student who speaks four languages, who was being 'harassed and bullied' before the fight broke out.

The fundraiser, which was removed by GoFundMe, said the teen was 'unfairly' painted as a bully and that she is the victim 'in a complicated situation'. It raised nearly $3,000 before being taken down.

Kaylee's parents (her mother is pictured here) have slammed their daughter's accused attacker, who is in custody, and demand that she is tried as an adult

The page was set up on March 16, begging for help with her legal defense against the case, as her family claim that they have been targeted with 'racist death threats'.

DeClue's relatives say that she 'deserves amnesty and a chance at forgiveness', adding that her 'fair trial hearing is being swayed'.

However, Kaylee's family have hit back at these claims - saying that they are attempts to 'downplay' the accused's actions by suggesting that by being in the choir and 'multilingual' makes her incapable of committing the violent act.

DeClue has been charged with felony assault and is being held by St Louis Family Court, with a hearing taking place on April 1.

Missouri AG Andrew Bailey previously warned the brutality was a result of an obsession with woke DEI policies and the soft-touch approach to justice under former St. Louis DA Kim Gardner and current Rep Cori Bush, a hardline progressive Democrat.

He also called for DeClue to be charged as an adult if Kaylee does not survive the attack, something which supporters of her attacker have lashed out at.

The Change.org petition calls on the St Louis Juvenile Court to show 'compassion' to the schoolgirl.

So far more than 460 people have signed the plea, which claims the incident 'being used to define her character and incite racial divisions and political strife with the MO AG calling on the courts to charge her as an adult.'

The petition adds: 'Prior to an incident on March 8th where she was seen defending herself from harassment and bullying, she had never been in trouble. Her work as a scholar was tainted by the bullying she had to endure at school. 'It is unjust that such an accomplished young woman should be charged as an adult for assault without considering all the facts of the case that led to the incident where harm occurred. 'We request that all aspects of her life be considered during indictment and sentencing - her academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, linguistic skills and most importantly her victimhood as a bullied student who was merely defending herself under intense and flight vs fight circumstances.

'But because politicians are inserting themselves in a juvenile matter it has completely swayed public opinion and has incited more divisiveness not only in the local community but nationally.'

A Change.org petition has been set up to support the teenager, calling on the St Louis Juvenile Court to show 'compassion' to the schoolgirl, DailyMail.com can reveal

It also claims that DeClue's family have been subject to 'multiple racist death threats' and 'doxxing'.

The webpage calls the incident 'one mistake made under duress', adding that the focus should 'be to pray for the healing and reconciliation of both parties'.

'This truly was a teenage fight that should've never happened to begin with, but did and spun completely out of control', it added.

The petition is addressed to Chief Juvenile Officer Rick Gaines, and needs 500 signatures to escalate the issue to his office.

However a spokesman told DailyMail.com that only the judge presiding over the case can rule if the teen is charged as an adult, not Gaines, and the court is unable to comment any further.

Gregory Smith, the attorney for the suspect, did not respond to requests for comment on the fundraiser and petition.

But he said in a statement that his client is a Hazelwood East School District student who was on the honor roll, played in the orchestra and on the school's volleyball team.

'I believe all of the facts and circumstances of this incident are not appropriate to discuss at this time when another child is in such a critical condition,' Smith added.

'Those facts and circumstances will have their day in court. I join the call to denounce teen violence and bullying. And most importantly, I join my client and her family in extending our prayers for this family and their child.'

Kaylee's family say want 'justice through the legal system'  but pleaded with other teenagers not to retaliate against her alleged attacker

Kaylee's family say want 'justice through the legal system' - but pleaded with other teenagers not to retaliate against her alleged attacker.

Video of the incident circulated on social media showing another girl bashing the teen's head into the concrete after throwing multiple punches and sending her careening to the ground.

Kaylee appeared to begin to have a seizure as groups of other teens brawled just feet away.

Police found the girl suffering from a serious head injury near the intersection of Norgate Drive and Claudine Drive, roughly a five-minute walk from the high school campus. She was taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition.

After news of the altercation broke, the Hazelwood School District released a statement condemning violence within the community.

'It is a tragedy anytime children are hurt,' the statement read. 'Bullying and fighting in the community is an issue for which we all need to take ownership and work towards a resolution for the sake of our children.

'The Hazelwood School District offers our sincerest condolences to everyone involved and will offer additional emotional support from our support and crisis team to those in need.'
Furious protesters have staged a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in opposition to the SNP's controversial new hate crime laws.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act came into force today and aims to tackle the harm caused by hatred by providing greater protection for victims and communities.

However, critics say the laws could be used to stifle free speech and that gender-critical activists could be jailed for using the wrong pronoun for a transgender person.

Earlier today it was revealed by Scottish minister Siobhian Brown that people 'could be investigated' for misgendering someone online. It means a person could be arrested for calling a trans woman 'he' if the police decided to do so.

And JK Rowling unleashed fury when she sarcastically told her followers on X, formerly Twitter, to 'respect the pronouns' of trans woman and double rapist Isla Bryson.

In another post, she ridiculed the new legislation by referring to Katie Dolatowski, a transgender paedophile, who assaulted children in supermarket toilets, as 'fragile flower' who was 'rightly sent to a women's prison in Scotland'.

Protesters demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament as Scotland's Hate Crime Law comes into force today

The hate crime bill, introduced today, criminalises 'threatening or abusive behaviour' intended to stir up hatred against someone's identity

People hold up signs as tbey protest outside the Scottish Parliament today

JK Rowling has unleashed her furor at Scotland's new hate crime law which could see people arrested for using a transgender person's wrong pronouns

The new laws sparked a furious response by concerns Scots out their national parliament, with many holding up gender critical slogans.

Some of the signs read, 'a man can't become a woman. simple', 'we hate the Hate Crime Laws' and 'the SNP are the Hate Crime Monsters'.

The protesters also held up placards signs that read, 'truth is not hate speech', 'keep trans ideology out of our schools' and 'Scotland says no to Humza's hate crime bill.'

Others at the demonstration had tape over their mouths which had the SNP logo on it.

Rowling also highlighted other trans women who had been convicted of crimes.

She said Samantha Norris - a transgender charity worker who was jailed for possessing thousands of 'abhorrent' child abuse images - was 'still a lady to me'.

In other posts she scoffed at those who had been given high-profile roles to represent women, such as UN Women selecting Munroe Bergdorf as its first ever UK champion. She wrote: 'What makes a woman 'a woman' has no definitive answer, says Munroe. Great choice, UN Women!'

Rowling said in a lengthy statement on X: 'The re-definition of 'woman' to include every man who declares himself one has already had serious consequences for women's and girls' rights and safety in Scotland, with the strongest impact felt, as ever, by the most vulnerable, including female prisoners and rape survivors.

The Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order bill, which comes into force today, will criminalise threatening behaviour that stirs up hatred against people because of their characteristics

The Harry Potter author ridiculed the legislation a string of tweets on X where she sarcastically urged her followers to respect 'lovely Scottish lass' Isla Bryon - a convicted double rapist

'It is impossible to accurately describe or tackle the reality of violence and sexual violence committed against women and girls, or address the current assault on women's and girls' rights, unless we are allowed to call a man a man.

'Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.'

The author said that while she is out of the country, her series of tweets this morning 'qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act'.

She added: 'I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.'

Her comments come as feminist campaigners warned that the new bill could 'havoc' and gag free speech on gender rights issues.

Asked whether misgendering someone on the internet was a crime under the new law, Scotland's minister for victims and community safety Siobhian Brown told Radio 4's Today programme: 'It would be a police matter for them to assess what happens.

Bryson, 31, formerly known as Adam Graham, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, appearing outside court

Bryson was jailed for eight years in 2023 after being found guilty of raping two women while still a man

The Harry Potter author shared photos of Bryson before and after transitioning calling her a 'lovely Scottish lass'

'It could be reported and it could be investigated - whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland.'

The Ayr MSP added: 'There is a very high threshold which is in the Act which would be up to Police Scotland, and what would have to be said online or in person would be threatening and abusive.'

When quizzed on why women were not included in the legislation the minister said they will be 'going for further the protection of women through our misogyny Bill, which will be laid down in Parliament'.

Yet human rights campaigner Peter Thatchall slammed the decision not to include women under the new law calling it an 'astonishing exclusion'.

He said: 'The big flaw in this Bill is it does not protect women against hate.'

Mr Thatchall went on to criticse the new law for allowing third-party reporting: 'With anonymity being granted, this could open the door to vexatious and malicious complainants who will go after people and use the third-party centre as a way of getting back at people.'

A stirring-up offence on the basis of race has been on the statute book in Scotland since 1986 but the legislation has raised concerns about a potential chilling of free speech.

Prominent critics include podcaster Joe Rogan and Elon Musk, the owner of X - formerly Twitter.

Rowling sarcastically referred to Dolatowski, a transgender paedophile who assaulted children in supermarket toilets, as 'fragile flower'. Pictured: Dolatowski at Falkirk sheriffs court

Dolatowski leaves Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. Dolatowski, originally from Kirkcaldy, Fife, sexually assaulted a child in a nearby supermarket bathroom in March 2018

In one tweet, Rowling called Dolatowski a 'fragile flower'

The Harry Potter author sarcastically posted a long thread on X/Twitter as she criticised Scotland's new Hate Crime Act which came into force on April 1

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) also warned of the risk of vexatious complaints.

In a letter to Holyrood's Justice Committee, they said the law could be 'weaponised' by an 'activist fringe' across the political spectrum.

Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said: 'Our concern is that it could impact through a huge uplift, potentially, in reports  some of those potentially made in good faith but perhaps not meeting the threshold of the legislation, or potentially in cases where people are trying to actually actively use the legislation to score points against people who sit on the other side of a particularly controversial debate.'

Ch Supt Hay warned that public trust in police could be harmed. He told BBC Radio Scotland's The Sunday Show: 'If you have hopes of the police intervening at a particular level and actually the criminal threshold isn't met then potentially you are going to be disappointed and lose trust in the police.

'And at the other side of that, if you know fine well that something you have said does not meet the criminal threshold and yet it is reported to police and the police come and investigate you, then you in turn might feel that you've been stifled, you've been silenced.'

First Minister Humza Yousaf said on Friday: 'I would say to anybody who thinks they are a victim of hatred, we take that seriously, if you felt you are a victim of hatred, then of course reporting that to police is the right thing to do.

'If you're thinking about making a a vexatious complaint, if you're thinking about making a complaint and there's no merit in that, then do know that the police will take that serious in terms of tackling vexatious complaints, and so I would urge you not to do it.'

Scotland's minister for victims and community safety Siobhian Brown said it was up to the police to decide whether someone would be arrested for misgendering

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf. There has been widespread condemnation of the new law  the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act  amid fears it will be weaponised for political purposes

Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of ASPS, has raised serious concerns about the law in a letter to Holyrood's criminal justice committee

The law was passed in 2021 and  after three years of wrangling  finally takes effect today.

The First Minister has repeatedly said there is 'disinformation' being spread about the Bill and what it entails, claiming there is a 'triple lock' of protection for speech.

This includes an explicit clause, a defence for the accused's behaviour being 'reasonable' and that the Act is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has claimed training for officers is not adequate.

The Act has been a running sore for the SNP-led government in recent years, with a number of changes having to be made before it was passed and the three-year gap before it came into effect.

Critics, many of whom including the Harry Potter author hold gender-critical views, have said it would be weaponised against them.

SNP MP Joanna Cherry has previously said being under police investigation could be a punishment in itself.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay - who along with his party has been an ardent opponent of the law - said: 'Officers would rather tackle real crimes and keep communities safe, rather than having to investigate malicious and spurious complaints.

'Humza Yousaf should bin his Hate Crime Act and instead divert resources towards frontline policing which is at breaking point.'

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell, speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority board, said the force would apply the Act 'in a measured way'.

She added there would be 'close scrutiny' of how the legislation is being enforced as well as what reports are being received.

What changes are being made by Scotland's new hate crime laws? The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 has come into force on April 1, 2024. It creates a new crime of 'stirring up hatred' relating to age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or being intersex - and the maximum penalty for offending is a jail term of seven years. The act says a person can be found guilty if they communicate material or behave in a way 'that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening or abusive', with the intention of stirring up hatred based on the protected characteristics. Britain's Public Order Act 1986 already criminalises stirring up hatred based on race, colour, nationality or ethnicity. But the new Scottish law is said to set the bar lower for finding offence, as it includes 'insulting' behaviour and says prosecutors need only prove that stirring up hatred was 'likely' instead of 'intended'. A dedicated team within Police Scotland is said to include 'a number of hate crime advisers' to help officers in determining what action to take against suspected offenders. Summary convictions dealt with in magistrates' courts will be able to carry prison terms of up to 12 months as well as fines, while more serious offenders who are indicted and handled in crown courts could be jailed for as many as seven years while also facing potential fines. Stirring up hatred over race, religion or sexual orientation by threatening behaviour is illegal in England and Wales. There has been criticism of the new Scottish act for not covering hatred of women. The Scottish government has promised to introduce a new bill specifically targeting misogyny. Advertisement
A missing four-year-old Washington State boy has been found dead and his mother has been charged in the gruesome murder where she allegedly dumped his lifeless body on the side of the road.

Ariel Garcia's body was found just before 6pm on Thursday along stretch of road on Interstate 5, less than 24 hours after a relative reported him missing under suspicious circumstances.

Washington State Patrol issued an endangered missing person alert, and launched a massive search for little Ariel that drew nearly 100 officers, agents and investigators from multiple jurisdictions, including the FBI.

The following day, the boy's mother, Jessica Garcia, was arrested in Vancouver by Everett police.

Ariel Garcia body was found just before 6pm on Thursday along stretch of road on Interstate 5 in Pierce County by detectives from the Everett Police Department, less than 24 hours after a relative reported him missing under suspicious circumstances

When confronted by police, Garcia told them that her son had fallen off his bed and hit his head, and that she later dropped off at someone's apartment in Seattle

When officers from the Clark County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene they said that Garcia had bloodstains on her shoes and her shirt

The apartment where Ariel Garcia lived with his mother Jessica Garcia

Police said Garcia had been a person of interest early in the investigation, and they had been keeping tabs on her whereabouts.

Garcia was charged with murder in the first and second degree, and assaults of a child in the first degree, according to a news release by the Everett Police Department.

She is currently being held at the Snohomish County Jail.

On March 25, two days before Ariel went missing, the boy's grandmother had granted for emergency minor guardianship of her grandson, Fox 13 reported.

She stated that her daughter has issues with drugs and alcohol that had gotten worse over the last few months, and described her as 'violent and unpredictable, as per court documents, the news outlet reported.

The grandmother reportedly told the court that her daughter should have limited or no visitation, as she cited physical child abuse.

After the court filing, Ariel mysteriously disappeared with a family member.

The child's grandmother, who was not named, feared for her own safety, according to a story in the Everett Herald.

The grandmother said that if her daughter knew of the custody case, she 'may harm me or try to run away with Ariel and harm him in the process.'

Washington State Patrol issued an endangered missing person alert for Ariel in the early hours of March 28.

Officials said the case did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert. The statewide alert was distributed on social media, and to people's phones.

The child's body was found just minutes before the alert went out, police said.

An autopsy is being performed by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner who will determine the manner and cause of his death

A friend told investigators that Ariel and his mother were staying with her, according to FOX 13.

Garcia's friend she told the news outlet she saw a 'substantial' amount of blood on the floor, but Ariel and his mother were nowhere to be found, Fox News reported.

When officers from the Clark County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene they said that Garcia had bloodstains on her shoes and her shirt.

She told investigators that her son had fallen off his bed and hit his head.

She reportedly said she tried taking him to a hospital in Everett, but the wait was too long, the Clark County newspaper reported, citing a police report, as per the Everett Herald.

Police placed her in custody for making false and misleading statements within a few hours of Ariel being reported missing.

On the same day, her vehicle, a four-door 2013 blue Nissan Sentra was impounded by CCSO.

On March 25, two days before Ariel went missing, the boy's grandmother had granted for emergency minor guardianship of her grandson

An autopsy is being performed by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner, who will determine the cause and manner of death.

The Mayor of Everett Cassie Franklin issued a statement on the tragic boy's passing, and commended the Everett PD and the other law enforcement partners who have been working on the case.

'I am completely heartbroken for the family and friends of Ariel Garcia and they will remain in my thoughts as they grieve this unbelievably tragic loss,' he said.

Everett Chief of Police John DeRousse spoke on behalf of his team.

'On behalf of the Everett Police Department, I want to share our condolences with the loved ones of young Ariel Garcia. This is not the outcome we had hoped for,'

'I want to thank all our partners that jumped into action to support this search effort. Our investigation will continue and we will do everything we can to ensure there is justice for this young boy.'

Major Crimes detectives from the Everett Police Department are actively involved in this case and will continue to investigate.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Everett Police Department TIP LINE at (425) 257-8450 or tips@everettwa.gov.
Chaos has broken out on the streets of Derry today, as members of the media were attacked with petrol bombs and a van was set alight following a dissident march to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Shocking video footage from the event shows masked teenagers carrying petrol bombs in crates, while a van was destroyed after being engulfed in flames.

Police warned the public to avoid the Creggan area of the city, while a drone issued a warning to the crowds assembled that it was an unnotified parade.

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery.

There was a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Firefighters deal with a van that was set alight during the parade in Londonderry today

A colour party prepared to start their Easter Monday parade through the Creggan area of Londonderry

The demonstration commemorates the anniversary of the Easter Rising Rebellion of 1916

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery

The current scene in Central Drive in Derry where a fire engine has been forced to retreat by masked youths.



A number of road work barricades have been placed across the road and set alight.



Police helicopter has been tasked. @BelTel pic.twitter.com/pKNNHvyTnC  Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) April 1, 2024

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

And a police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings.

What was the Easter Rising? The Easter Rising was an armed rebellion launched by Irish republicans during Easter week 1916, in an effort to end British rule. Members of the Irish Volunteers  led by schoolmaster and Irish language activist Patrick Pearse, joined by the smaller Irish Citizen Army of James Connolly and 200 members of Cumann na mBan  seized key locations in Dublin and proclaimed an Irish Republic. The British Army, with superior numbers and artillery, quickly suppressed the Rising, and Pearse agreed to an unconditional surrender on April 29. Around 3,500 people were taken prisoner by the British, and most of the leaders of the Rising were executed following court martial. Advertisement

A number of young people with masks covering their faces attended the parade, carried crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry.

A PSNI spokesperson said: 'We would ask drivers to avoid Central Drive and the surrounding area in Creggan where there are a number of people with petrol bombs in the area, and a van has been set on fire.'

Horrified citizens and onlookers have taken to social media to reveal their shock at the violent scenes that unfolded today.

One user posted a photo of fire track on the ground next to some cars and wrote: 'Absolutely disgraceful and shocking scenes in Creggan.

'Young people have pursued members of the media and thrown petrol bombs at them.

'This was after one petrol bomb was thrown at the feet of a colleague'.

Another furious Derry resident responded: 'A number of members of the media attacked here in Derry with Petrol bombs.

'When the procession ended and there were no police, media became the target.

'Masked youths chased reporters and photographers before attacking the cars.

Absolutely disgraceful and shocking scenes in Creggan.

Young people have pursued members of the media and thrown petrols bomb at them.

This was after one petrol bomb was thrown at the feet of a colleague. pic.twitter.com/KU8Ula2mt5  Garrett Hargan (@GAHargan) April 1, 2024

A number of young people with masks covering their faces attended the parade

Media came under attack following the march, with a number of petrol bombs thrown

A republican colour party makes its way through the Creggan area of Derry @irish_news pic.twitter.com/Hzxiz7eUi1  Connla Young (@ConnlaYoung) April 1, 2024

A police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings

Police on the ground were attacked at the same event last year with petrol bombs and other missiles.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against the then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

Most parades were lawful and passed without incident.

A senior police officer said they had been notified about an event in the City Cemetery, but not of the parade from Central Drive.

Derry City and Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said they believed petrol bombs seen on Central Drive would have been used to attack police if the opportunity had arisen.

Masked men dressed in military style uniforms take part in a republican 1916 Easter Rising commemoration event in Creggan

A colour party listen to a speaker at the City Cemetery in Londonderry after their parade through Creggan

Hooded youths carrying crates of petrol bombs at the start of the Easter Monday parade

Masked youths carry petrol bombs at a republican 1916 Easter commemoration event in Creggan

Ms Kearney said police engaged with the event organiser and, on the day, issued several warnings from a drone to make people aware they would be taking part in an unnotified parade on Central Drive.

'Despite several warnings, participants proceeded along Central Drive and into the City Cemetery,' she said.

'Sadly, we saw evidence of petrol bombs being prepared by young people prior to the parade.

'These youths were also involved in the parade along Central Drive. It is our assessment these would have been used to attack police had the opportunity arose.

'It's incredibly sad, and really disheartening, to see young people, including children, involved in this.

'Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality, is reprehensible.

A masked man dressed in military style uniform taking part in the Easter Rising commemoration event

A local person's van was set on fire for no reason at all, police said

Youths and young children carrying petrol bombs in the streets of Londonderry

Young people in hoodies and tracksuits gather at the 1916 Easter commemoration event

'A local person's van was set on fire for no reason, just next to a local community hall on Central Drive in Creggan, while a number of petrol bombs were also thrown in the area.

'The fire has been dealt with by NIFRS and those involved throwing the petrol bombs have dispersed.

'Today's parade was un-notified and therefore an investigation has commenced into what occurred, as well as the other incidents which serve only to damage the local community.

'Footage obtained from our evidence-gathering operation today will be reviewed as part of an investigation into a breach of the Public Processions Act and offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.'

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood condemned the scenes.

'This is the last thing that our community wants or needs.

'The kids being whipped up into throwing petrol bombs at journalists and the police are putting their own lives and futures at risk as well as the safety of others,' he said.

'Those responsible for this only want to drag us back. They have nothing to offer the people of this city and they need to understand that we all want a better future.

'The people of Derry want to live in peace with their neighbours. We won't have that peace threatened by anyone, let alone cowards that send kids out to throw petrol bombs.'

Police on the ground were attacked at the same event last year, with petrol bombs and other missiles.
Members of the Riverside County Fire Department spent Easter Sunday saving a horse named Conquistador who got himself stuck in the mud.

The Caballero horse was trapped in the mud for nearly 24 hours along the Santa Ana River in California before rescuers came to his aid.

According to KTLA 5, the fire department responded to a call at 2700 block of Shadow Canyon Circle in Eastvale at around 1:40 pm yesterday.

An animal rescue team in Norco was also brought to the scene to help rescue Conquistador - and the horse was safely flown out of the muddy area via helicopter.

The Riverside County Fire Department responded to a call on Easter after a horse named Conquistador was found stuck in mud at the Santa Ana River

Conquistador was stuck in the mud for nearly 24 hours before he was rescued by the fire department, CAL FIRE, and a RCFD helicopter

Conquistador's rider was found uninjured by officials shortly before 4:30 pm.

The incident began after two riders lost control of their horses, one of them being Conquistador and his owner.

'My husband and his friend were riding the horses last night. Both of them got spooked...,' one of the rider's wives Diana Solis told KCAL News.

'They've been looking for the horses since last night.'

It's unclear what may have spooked the horses, but animals can be found in the Santa Anna River area include lizards and snakes.

Officials did not clarify where and when the other horse was found, but the animal was safe.

Norco residents who lived near the area first spotted Conquistador after they spotted an X post made by the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

Other than the Riverside County Fire Department and the animal rescue officials, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the county sheriff.

Conquistador's owner and a water rescue team eventually went to the horse by boat while the area's residents were watching.

Officials found Conquistador's rider just before 4:30. He was uninjured and had been looking for Conquistador for awhile

Conquistador is now back with his owner once a veterinarian finished examining him after he was flown back to dry land

'I was kind of trying to see if he might've been kind of below his neck, but luckily you could see his wither and his back,' Norco Resident Kendall Rinkan told KCAL News.

The rescue team paddled over to Conquistador safely but the horse had trouble making it out of the mud. Conquistador was found to be suffering from exhaustion and collapsed in the mud during his rescue.

The helicopter was called in shortly afterward and managed to get Conquistador out of the mud and back to dry land.

CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Alex Paul said that's important for individuals to pay attention to 'rain and flash flood warnings.'

'The Santa Ana River typically has flash floods, even after the rain has stopped,' he added.

Conquistador's owner and a rescue team paddled over to him but he had trouble getting out of the mud due to exhaustion

One of the rider's wives told told KCAL News that the two of them lost control of their horses after the animals were spooked by something

A veterinarian examined Conquistador after he was rescued and he appeared to have no serious injuries.

The horse has since been returned to its owner.

Daily Mail has reached out to the Riverside County Fire Department for comment.
Trump allies are planning to repurpose anti-discrimination laws with a new focus on anti-white discrimination, with former Trump White House advisor Stephen Miller laying the groundwork through his America First Legal group.

Trump allies 'want to dramatically change the government's interpretation of Civil Rights-era laws' to focus on 'anti-White racism,' Axios reports.

A key figure in providing a template for action is Miller, who helped shape Trump's 'America First' ideology and who served as a main driver for immigration policy during Trump's White House tenure, and who has been mentioned as a potential top official in a second term.

His group has sued to try to do away with programs like one through the Small Business Administration that set aside pandemic relief for women and minority-owned restaurants, arguing it discriminated against white potential recipients of aid.

Allies of former President Donald Trump

'President Trump is committed to weeding out discriminatory programs and racist ideology across the federal government,' campaign spokesman Stephen Cheung told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'By contrast, Joe Biden has continued to push unlawful civil rights abuses by weaponizing every tool of the government to advance Marxism and Communism. As President Trump has said, all staff, offices, and initiatives connected to Bidens un-American policy will be immediately terminated.'

Miller's group sued on behalf of a white restaurant owner who said he couldn't qualify under the $29 billion restaurant relief fund that prioritized aid for 'women, veterans and ;socially and economically disadvantaged' businesses.

'Look, Im a capitalist. If you want to make a million bucks  great!' Biden said in his State of the Union.

The courts for decades have allowed for programs that set aside certain contracting programs for minority businesses.

But a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas ruled last month that a minority business development agency may not exclude people on the basis of race.

'If courts mean what they say when they ascribe supreme importance to constitutional rights, the federal government may not flagrantly violate such rights with impunity. The MBDA has done so for years. Times up,' wrote Judge Mark Pittman, referencing the federal Minority Business Development Agency.

Miller's group has also intervened with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in efforts to reign in 'woke corporations,' filing more than 100 lawsuits since Miller left the Trump White House as a senior advisor.

It also sued in Texas, prevailing in a suit against the state agriculture commissioner in 2021 over aid to Black farmers through Biden's American Rescue Plan.

It also represented a white freelance script writer who sued CBS over its diversity policies.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung didn't rule out the focus, with a statement saying 'As President Trump has said, all staff, offices, and initiatives connected to Biden's un-American policy will be immediately terminated.'

Trump in recent blasts from his Truth Social platform has called prosecutions of him in New York and Georgia as 'racist,' while being accused of playing to white anxieties about immigration, even as his support about black and Hispanic voters has gone up in polls.

He has continued to hammer on illegal immigration, and at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina last month echoed a conspiracy theory known as 'white replacement theory,' claiming illegal immigration was part of a plot to maintain political power.

'Bidens conduct on our border is by any definition a conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America,' Trump said. 'Biden and his accomplices want to collapse the American system, nullify the will of the actual American voters and establish a new base of power that gives them control for generations.'
Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from clients of his law firm, a punishment that will be served at the same time as his 27-year sentence for state fraud convictions.

The 40-year sentence will be insurance on top of insurance for Murdaugh to spend the rest of his days in prison - It will run consecutively with the disgraced lawyer's pair of life sentences for the murders of Maggie and Paul.



Murdaugh will also have to pay nearly $9 million in restitution.

In all, Murdaugh took settlement money from or inflated fees or expenses for more than two dozen clients. Prosecutors said the FBI found 11 more victims than the state investigation found and that Murdaugh stole nearly $1.3 million from them.

The killer again apologized to his victims at his sentencing Monday, saying he felt 'guilt, sorrow, shame, embarrassment, humiliation.' Just like at his state sentencing, he offered to meet with his victims so they can say what they want to say and 'more closely inspect my sincerity.'

Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh (pictured) has been accused of failing a polygraph test that was part of his plea deal with prosecutors for the multiple financial crimes he's charged with

Murdaugh, 55, is already serving life without parole in state prison after a jury found him guilty of murder in the shootings of his wife and younger son

'Theres not enough time and I dont possess a sufficient vocabulary to adequately portray to you in words the magnitude of how I feel about the things I did,' Murdaugh said.

A report by federal agents recommended a prison sentence between 17 1/2 and just under 22 years.

The 22 federal counts are the final charges outstanding for Murdaugh, who three years ago was an established lawyer negotiating multimillion-dollar settlements in tiny where members of his family served as elected prosecutors and ran the areas premier law firm for nearly a century.

It comes after the disgraced lawyer, 55, was accused of failing a polygraph test that was part of his plea deal with prosecutors for multiple financial crimes.

Prosecutors had asked a court on Tuesday to release the federal government of their deal with the disgraced lawyer - who they say wasnt truthful about where more than $6 million he stole ended up, and whether another attorney helped him steal from clients and his law firm.

Murdaughs largest scheme involved the sons of his longtime housekeeper Gloria Satterfield. She died in a fall at the family home

Murdaugh told Satterfield's sons (Bryan, left, and Tony, right) at her February 2018 funeral that he would get insurance settlements for her death and take care of them, according to a lawsuit filed by the sons

U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said he sentenced Murdaugh to a harsher punishment than suggested because Murdaugh stole from 'the most needy, vulnerable people' like a client who became a quadriplegic after a crash, a state trooper who was injured on the job, and a trust fund meant for children whose parents were killed in a wreck.

'They placed all their problems and all their hopes on Mr. Murdaugh and it is from those people he abused and stole. It is a difficult set of actions to understand,' Gergel said.

Murdaughs largest scheme involved the sons of his longtime housekeeper Gloria Satterfield. She died in a fall at the family home. Murdaugh promised to take care of Satterfields family, then worked with a lawyer friend who pleaded guilty on a scheme to steal $4 million in a wrongful death settlement with the familys insurer.

In all, Murdaugh took settlement money from or inflated fees or expenses for more than two dozen clients. Prosecutors said the FBI found 11 more victims than the state investigation found and that Murdaugh stole nearly $1.3 million from them.

Murdaugh's lawyers claim the FBI agent conducting the test threw the murderer off by asking odd questions and sharing he had just examined Natalee Holloway's killer Joran van der Sloot (pictured)

Murdaughs lawyers said the FBI examiner asked Murdaugh if he could keep a secret, then told him he had just come from Alabama where he tested van der Sloot, who admitted to killing Natalee Holloway in 2005 in Aruba

Murdaugh blamed nearly two decades of addiction to opioids for his crimes and said he was proud is has been clean for 937 days.

Gergel scoffed at him blaming drugs.

'No truly impaired person could pull off these complex transactions,' the judge said of the maze of fake accounts, juggled checks and money passed from one place to another to hide the thefts for nearly 20 years.

Murdaugh's lawyers last week claimed the FBI agent conducting the test threw the murderer off by asking odd questions and sharing that he had just examined Natalee Holloway's killer Joran van der Sloot.

In their response, Murdaughs lawyers said the results were made unreliable by the FBI examiner who just before the exam asked Murdaugh if he could keep a secret, then told him he had just come from Alabama where he tested van der Sloot, who admitted to killing Natalee Holloway in 2005 in Aruba.

The examiner also told Murdaugh he believed he didnt kill his wife and son and asked him a confusing question about hidden assets, the defense said.

'There are legitimate questions as to whether the Government intentionally manipulated the results to void the plea agreement and achieve the prosecutors stated desire to "ensure that hes never a free man again,"' defense lawyers Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian wrote.

Each of the 22 counts Murdaugh pleaded guilty to in federal court carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. Some carry a 30-year maximum

Murdaugh, 55, is already serving life without parole in state prison after a jury found him guilty of murder in the shootings of his wife and younger son.

He later pleaded guilty to stealing money from clients and his law firm in state court and was sentenced to 27 years, which South Carolina prosecutors said is an insurance policy to keep him behind bars in case his murder conviction was ever overturned.

The federal case was supposed to be even more insurance, with Murdaugh agreeing to a plea deal so his federal sentence would run at the same time as his state sentences.

Prosecutors now want Murdaugh to face the stiffest sentence possible since the plea agreement was breached and serve his federal sentence at the end of any state sentences.

Each of the 22 counts Murdaugh pleaded guilty to in federal court carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. Some carry a 30-year maximum.

Prosecutors also want to keep secret four statements, including the polygraph, the Murdaugh gave the FBI.

Investigators think Murdaugh is trying to protect an attorney who helped him steal and that his assertion that more than $6 million in the stolen money went to his drug habit is not true. Releasing the statements could damage an ongoing investigation, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

State prosecutors estimated Murdaugh stole more than $12 million from clients by diverting settlement money into his own accounts or stealing from his family law firm.

Investigators said that as Murdaughs financial schemes were about to be exposed in June 2021, he decided to kill his wife and son in hopes it would make him a sympathetic figure and draw attention away from the missing money.

Paul Murdaugh was shot several times with a shotgun and Maggie Murdaugh was shot several times with a rifle outside the familys home in Colleton County.

Murdaugh has adamantly denied killing them, even testifying in his own defense against his lawyers advice.

Federal prosecutors said Murdaugh did appear to tell the truth about the roles banker Russell Laffitte and attorney and old college friend Cory Fleming played in helping him steal.

Laffitte was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison, while Fleming is serving nearly four years behind bars after pleading guilty.
House Republicans are dealing with a persistent problem as their conference devolves into continued chaos: themselves.

Though the party has had majority control of the House since 2022, they have since then been plagued with infighting between centrists and MAGA loyalists.

These distinct factions within the conference have led to diverging views on critical policies like the burgeoning debt deficit, border security and foreign aid.

Most recently, firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., filed a motion to remove Republican Speaker Mike Jonson for forcing a vote on a $1.2 trillion government spending package. It is unclear if other Republicans would join her in ousting the speaker just months before the general election.

The GOP-on-GOP attacks are reminiscent of the build up that led to the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted by eight Republicans who joined all Democrats to remove their leader just six months ago.

Now, some members are speaking out, ripping the 'ultra conservatives' for forcing situations that often benefit Democrats.

'Now they are threatening our speaker, again,' Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., told Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo on Monday.

'This whole episode of removing speakers and threatening speakers does nobody any good except the Democrat party.'

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., said Monday that hard-line conservatives have created situations that force Republicans to side with Democrats

'We have some members that want to put the attention on themselves and not on the things we have to do as a conference,' Gimenez continued.

'What really bothers me, Maria, is that I have to vote on legislation which is more to the left that I really want to because of this fringe.'

'The ultra conservatives are actually forcing our agenda to go left because we can't get their votes.'

Notably, the House vote to pass the trillion dollar spending package in March garnered more votes from Democrats than Republicans as many conservatives railed against its price and lack of border security measures.

And as the House majority is shrinking to a razor-thin one vote margin, those hard-liners have more bargaining power than ever before.

But despite their recent increased influence in the House GOP, not much has changed in terms of policy objectives.

'We're exactly in the same place right now with Speaker Johnson, which I support, than we would've been with Kevin McCarthy,' Gimenez said.

'We need to come back together and get some sanity back in our conference.'

But sanity may be far off as the threat to tank the Republican leader remains.

If Greene goes forward with her bid to remove Johnson, he would almost surely need votes from Democrats to keep him in power, that is, if they are feeling friendly.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not extend that olive branch to McCarthy when he was facing pressure from conservative hard-liners, and because of it the California Republican was removed last October.

Now with a foreign aid bill being mulled by the lower chamber as the war in Ukraine has stalled, the House GOP has yet to reach a consensus on how to resolve the matter.

While rank-and-file Republicans are vying for a bill to help Ukraine, conservatives are warning Johnson that if he moves forward with it, they could make good on their threats to remove him.

'We've got to go back and get Republicans united to point out what our radical progressive Democrat colleagues are doing and present an actual competing vision,' Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said recently.

'That does not start with, let me be very clear, putting a clean Ukraine bill down on the floor,' he continued.

House Speaker Mike Johnson must wrangle the support of both centrist and conservative Republicans to move anything in the lower chamber due to the historically small one vote margin

Members of the press swarm Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., after she filed a motion to remove Speaker Mike Jonson

Greene has also warned Johnson against putting Ukraine aid up for a vote without securing the border first.

'If Speaker Johnson gives another $60 billion to the defense of Ukraines border after he FULLY FUNDED Bidens deadly open border, the cruel joke would be on the American people,' Greene posted on X Monday.

'And it wont be April Fools.'

House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good also sent a warning to Johnson when he answered 'no comment' to a CNN reporter asking him whether he would want to remove the speaker.

'I think that comment is a comment in itself,' he added.

Johnson, meanwhile, has said that he plans on brining foreign aid bills to the floor when Congress returns from recess next week.

'Were putting that product together and well be moving it right after the district work period,' he said Sunday.
A bogus asylum seeker who raped a schoolgirl cannot be stripped of his British citizenship due to bungling officials.

Gjin Gjergji, now 52, claimed to be fleeing war-torn Kosovo when he arrived in the UK in 2000 - and has lived on hand-outs ever since.

But after his rape conviction it emerged that he was in reality one of hundreds of Albanians who had falsely claimed to be Kosovan to win refugee status.

The Home Office attempted to revoke his British passport so he could be kicked out after his six-year prison term.

However, officials had suspected as early as 2005 that he'd been granted refugee status under a false identity - yet they had failed to take action.

Now an immigration tribunal has concluded that it would be 'unfair' to strip him of British citizenship when evidence available almost 20 years ago was 'disregarded'.

Gjin Gjergji, now 52, (pictured) claimed to be fleeing war-torn Kosovo when he arrived in the UK in 2000

While the decision is likely to horrify his victim and her family, Audi-driving Gjergji was unapologetic when confronted by the Daily Mail.

He boasted: 'I'm all right, I've got no worries here. I came to the UK because I wanted a better life, and I've found it. I like it here.'

Gjergji said he believed he has a right to stay in the UK because he has a family here and his native Albania is too dangerous.

'There are lots of bad people there,' he added, without a hint of irony.

Despite that, he plans to visit his elderly mother and other relatives in Albania once his new UK passport arrives.

Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, condemned how Gjergji had managed to exploit loopholes and go on to commit such a 'horrendous' crime.

He said: 'Why was this person ever granted citizenship? The Home Office owes us an explanation.

'That this vile individual cannot now be sent back to Albania adds insult to injury. Why in heaven's name not, would be the question from most people.'

Gjergji originally applied for asylum in 1999, but was sent back to Germany after a fingerprint check revealed he had made a claim there under a different name.

He tried again under what is believed to be his real name the following year, claiming to be from Kosovo, which had broken away from the former Yugoslavia leading to attacks on ethnic Albanians from Serb nationalists.

This time he was granted refugee status and was awarded a British passport in 2011, settling in east London.

Gjergji told the Daily Mail he believed he has a right to stay in the UK because he has a family here and his native Albania is too dangerous

On January 7, 2015, Gjergji pulled up alongside a 15-year-old girl who was walking alone and persuaded her to get into his car.

He then drove her to a quiet street before ordering her into the back, pulling down her trousers and raping her.

At his 2017 trial, Gjergji was convicted of rape after the jury deliberated for less than an hour.

In 2019, documents were uncovered that proved he had been born in Albania, and the Home Office informed him he was being stripped of his British citizenship on the grounds that he had obtained it 'by means of fraud'.

However Gjergji appealed, with his lawyers arguing evidence about his true nationality was available when he was granted British citizenship and it would therefore be 'unfair' to use it to throw him out over a decade later.

Gjergji's wife had admitted he was Albanian when she applied to join him in 2005, while the false identity under which he had first applied for asylum was filed as being Albanian.

Allowing his appeal, Upper Tribunal Judge Therese Kamara ruled that evidence of Gjergji's true nationality had been available to the Home Office 'nearly 20 years earlier' but had been 'either disregarded or mishandled'.

'We accept that it is unfair for the respondent [the Home Office] to now seek to rely upon this information as a basis for depriving the appellant [Gjergji] of his citizenship,' she added.

Asked about his rape conviction, Gjergji brazenly tried to blame the victim, saying once again that he'd believed she was a prostitute.

'It's all done with now anyway,' he insisted, saying he had served his prison sentence. 'What more do you want?'

A Home Office investigation revealed that up to 300 Albanians had falsely claimed to be from Kosovo in order to win asylum in Britain.

A spokesman for the department said: 'We do not routinely comment on individual cases.'
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has claimed Russia is likely behind the mysterious Havana Syndrome that has afflicted more than 1,000 Americans.

'When I was national security advisor, I was briefed on this,' the former Trump administration official said on CNN on Monday.

'I think there's very likely some hostile adversary behavior here, whether it's Russia, China, maybe somebody else, more than likely Russia.'

He added: 'I don't think the government, frankly, when I was there took it seriously enough. I don't think they've taken it seriously enough since then.'

Bolton's statements come after retired Army lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen, who led the Pentagon investigation into the Havana syndrome incidents, told 60 Minutes that he is 'confident' that Russia is behind the attacks.

A US intelligence investigation whose findings were released last year found that it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible for the ailment, first reported by US embassy officials in the Cuban capital Havana in 2016.

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has claimed Russia is likely behind the mysterious Havana Syndrome that has afflicted more than 1,000 Americans

Bolton's statements come after retired Army lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen, who led the Pentagon investigation into the Havana syndrome incidents, told 60 Minutes that he is 'confident' that Russia is behind the attacks

But Edgreen said the burden of proof under both the Trump and Biden administration was set impossibly high, explaining: 'I think it was set so high because we did not, as a country, and a government, want to face some very hard truths...

'Can we secure America? Are these massive counter intelligence failures? Can we protect American soil and our people on American soil? Are we being attacked and if we're being attacked, is that an act of war?'

He also claimed that the attacks are part of a worldwide mission by Russia targeting US officials to 'neutralize' them.

'There's no environmental cause that causes the body damage that I saw,' an anonymous PhD source told DailyMail.com last year. 'I don't know how you create damage inside of a body, like what was seen, that comes on all of a sudden, and could be called 'pre-existing conditions''

Research by The Insider, a Russia-focused investigative media group based in Riga, Latvia, reported that the Havana syndrome may be linked to energy weapons wielded by members of a Russian military intelligence sabotage unit.

Insider reported that members of a Russian military intelligence (GRU) unit known as 29155 had been placed at the scene of reported health incidents involving US personnel.

They are alleged to have used sonic weapons to target their victims' brains with radio frequencies, causing symptoms of Havana syndrome which include migraines, nausea, memory lapses, hearing loss, poor balance and dizziness.

The year-long Insider investigation in collaboration with CBS documentary series 60 Minutes and Germany's Der Spiegel also reported that senior members of Unit 29155 received awards and promotions for work related to the development of 'non-lethal acoustic weapons'.

The Insider report said the first incident of 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016, when US embassy staff in Cuba started complaining about pain in their ears and strong pressure in their heads (pictured: US embassy in Cuba)

Russia has previously denied any involvement and dismissed the allegations as 'groundless' today.

What is 'Havana Syndrome'? The problem has been labeled the 'Havana Syndrome,' because the first cases affected personnel in 2016 at the US Embassy in Cuba. At least 200 cases across the government are now under investigation. People who are believed to have been affected have reported headaches, dizziness and symptoms consistent with concussions, with some requiring months of medical treatment. Some have reported hearing a loud noise before the sudden onset of symptoms. Countries its been reported in: Cuba, United States, China, Russia, Vietnam, Austria, Germany, Serbia, United Kingdom, Georgia, Poland, Taiwan, Australia, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan Symptoms include: - hearing loss - severe headaches - memory issues - dizziness - brain injury Advertisement

'This topic has been talked up in the press for many years already. And from the very beginning most often it's linked to the Russian side,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference.

'But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation,' he said.

The Insider report said the first incident of 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016, when US embassy staff in Cuba started complaining about pain in their ears and strong pressure in their heads.

It said 'there were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a US government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam'.

More than 1,000 Americans have reportedly been affected by Havana syndrome - and there have also been cases of foreign officials claiming to have suffered similar symptoms.

State Department security officer Mark Lenzi, who worked in the US consulate in Guangzhou, China, told 60 Minutes that he and his wife started experiencing symptoms after hearing strange sounds - like a 'marble' going down a 'metal funnel' - in their apartment in 2017.

He said he believes that him and his wife were targeted with a weapon using radio frequency energy for his work analyzing electronic threats to diplomatic missions using top-secret equipment.

Other staff members said they were struck while on US soil, also reporting of hearing bizarre sounds and experiencing head pain as well as memory loss, impaired vision and poor balance.

Weapons using radio frequencies can be as small as a suitcase or as big as a tractor trailer and when used, can transmit the microwave energy through walls, glass and brick, physicist James Benford told 60 Minutes.

Havana syndrome has its roots in the original cases beginning in November 2016 through June 2018 among 25 US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba.
Donald Trump is reportedly considering some high-profile Wall Street and Washington veterans as candidates for Treasury secretary if he wins the November election, according to a report.

Hedge fund manager John Paulson and investor Scott Bessent are at the top of Trump's shortlist, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The two are co-hosting a fundraiser for Trump in Palm Beach, Fla. on April 6. The event expects to raise more than $33 million for the campaign.

The fundraiser may indicate that Republican mega-donors are lining up behind the former president after many stayed on the sideline in recent years.

"There are a lot of Wall Street people who tried everything else and are in the process of coming back to the party and Trump," a Republican donor told the WSJ.

Others that Trump's allies are reportedly considering for the role include Robert Lighthizer, the former president's top trade adviser, former Trump administration Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.

The report cautions that Trump is far from cementing his cabinet picks. He hasn't even decided on a vice presidential running mate yet.

Steve Mnuchin was Treasury Secretary during Trump's first term in the White House. He has said that he was interested in buying TikTok from the Chinese.

Current Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen helped guide the economy through a banking crisis after several regional banks collapsed last year.

Trump's campaign declined to comment to the WSJ for its article.
President Joe Biden comforted a crying girl, helped another in the egg race and cheered kids on during a wet and rainy White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday.

First lady Jill Biden and their son Hunter joined the president on the South Lawn for the festive occasion, which wasn't spoiled by the repeated rain coming down on the crowd of thousands.

'Happy Easter . Well, we did everything but we couldn't control the weather,' Biden told the cheering masses as he welcomed them to the White House. The president was flanked by two giant bunnies as he spoke.

'Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal,' he added. 'It's time to pray for one another.'

President Joe Biden chats to a child at the White House Easter Egg Roll

This year's Easter Egg Roll had it start time delayed by one hour as early morning lightening storms swept through Washington D.C.

The 40,000 expected attendees - 10,000 more than last year - bundled up with coats, ponchos and umbrellas against the elements. One child wore a blue poncho shaped like a dinosaur.

Jill Biden, a longtime teacher, added education components to the celebration, including stations for children to learn about farming, healthier eating, exercise and more. The theme of the event was an Egg-ucation.

'Education expands our horizons and transports us to new worlds,' Jill Biden said in her welcome to the crowd.

'I hope that you all learn something new today. But most importantly, I hope you all have fun.'

Miniature hot air balloons labeled Engineering, Science, Technology, Math, and Art decorated the back of the White House.

A large schoolhouse erected on the South Lawn offered kids activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM - including making circuit-breakers or simulating a fossil dig.

'I'm a teacher so I love any time when we can turn the White House into a classroom,' the first lady said.

During the Easter Egg Roll, an annual tradition that began in 1878, children could write notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization.

Both Bidens joined the kids on the South Lawn for the traditional egg race, where kids wack hard-boiled eggs across the lawn with a wooden spoon.

Biden introduced himself to the kiddos and comforted one little girl who was crying. He helped another get her egg across the finish line.

He and the first lady took turns blowing the starting whistle.

A child wearing a dinosaur poncho at the White House Easter Egg Roll

Hunter Biden kisses a baby as he greets guests on the South Lawn

President Joe Biden chatted with kids on the South Lawn

President Joe Biden comforts a little girl who was crying

President Biden helps with the egg race

Later, Jill Biden read Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you see to a group of children as the rain continued to fall. She posed for pictures afterward.

Guests at the event included thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors. Members of the general public could apply for tickets through an online lottery and were being admitted in nine waves until the evening.

Among those participating with the children was Harry Dunn, a former police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol against rioters on Jan. 6 and is now running for Congress in Maryland. Texas Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, now a Senate candidate, high fived kids after their rolls.

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby brought his grandkids to experience the festivities. Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Debbie Stabenow were also seen among the crowd.

The holiday wasn't without controversy, which Biden addressed to reporters.

He told the press he didn't name Easter Sunday the Transgender Day of Visibility and slammed Speaker Michael Johnson as being 'throughly uniformed' for claiming that.

Biden sparked outrage from conservatives over the weekend with his proclamation recognizing the day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people.

Johnson, former President Donald Trump and many other conservatives slammed Biden, with the speaker calling the president's move 'outrageous.'

'I didn't do that,' Biden said when asked if he named Easter the Transgender Day of Visibility.

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and the Easter Bunnies at the White House

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed nearly 40,000 guests to the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll

Hunter Biden joined his father President Joe Biden on the South Lawn

President Joe Biden blows the starting whistle as Jill Biden cheers on the kids at the Egg race

Jill Biden reads Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you see?

March 31 has been designated as the day to honor the transgender movement internationally since 2009. This year March 31 also happened to be Easter Sunday.

The president, asked to respond to Johnson's criticism, said: 'He's thoroughly uninformed.

The Transgender Day of Visibility was created by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the executive director of advocacy group Transgender Michigan.

The holiday is 'a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces,' according to media monitoring nonprofit GLAAD.

Biden released a statement on Saturday to mark the occasion: 'On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation's commitment to forming a more perfect Union  where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives,' it read.

'Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back.'

Biden was the first American president to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the event in 2021.

President Joe Biden talks to a guest at the Easter Egg Roll

President Joe Biden, center left, and Vice President Kamala Harris, center right, accompanied by first lady Jill Biden, left, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, right, wave at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn

The theme of this year's Easter Egg Roll was 'Egg-ucation'

Conservatives were outraged, led by Trump, Biden's rival in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt lambasted the proclamation as 'appalling and insulting.'

She claimed the announcement was evidence of the Biden administration's 'years-long assault on the Christian faith.'

And House Speaker Mike Johnson called the proclamation 'abhorrent.'

'The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter - which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Banning sacred truth and tradition - while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day' - is outrageous and abhorrent,' he said.

White House spokesman Andrew Bates slammed back, saying: 'As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.'

'Sadly, it's unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.'

And the eggs for Monday's event caused a controversy of their own.

The first lady invited the children of military families to send decorated eggs to the White House to be on display during the Egg Roll.

The invitation called for children from families of the National Guard to submit artwork that would be painted on eggs, but banned 'any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements.'

In response to the criticism, Jill Biden spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander noted the language in the invitation was standard and that it was used for several administrations, including Trump.

'*Fyi on all the misleading swirl re White House and Easter: the American Egg Board flyer's standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Adminsfor all WH Easter Egg Rolls incl previous Administration's,' she wrote on X.
An acid attack victim has expressed her fury at Britain's legal system after she was forced to wait almost three years for her drunken attacker to face justice - only to see him spared jail.

Leanne Slack, in her 40s, said she was subject to a 'living hell' after ex-boyfriend Matthew Kenner's case was repeatedly adjourned before prosecutors agreed to water down charges against him in a plea bargaining deal.

The nursery nurse had been naked in bed except for a dressing gown when Kenner, 43, turned up at their home drunk at 2am in July 2021 and hurled brick cleaner containing Hydrochloric Acid over her after she got a cab home without him following a hot tub party.

The victim screamed in agony as she felt burning pain over her face and body and dashed to the bathroom in a bid to wash away the corrosive liquid with running water.

Miraculously she was able to limit the damage caused her to her skin by using first aid skills she learnt at work but she has suffered psychological harm and is now showing signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Leanne Slack, in her 40s, has expressed her fury at Britain's legal system after she was forced to wait almost three years for her drunken attacker to face justice

Her ex-boyfriend Matthew Kenner's (pictured) case was repeatedly adjourned before prosecutors agreed to water down charges against him in a plea bargaining deal

The nursery nurse had been naked in bed except for a dressing gown when Kenner, 43, turned up at their home drunk at 2am in July 2021 and hurled brick cleaner containing Hydrochloric Acid over her after she got a cab home without him following a hot tub party

When quizzed Kenner, from Ramsbottom, near Bury, Greater Manchester, said he had drunk half a bottle of rum and was angry because he had to walk home in someone else's trainers as he had lost one of his shoes at the party.

It emerged he had sent a string of vile messages to the victim as he was on his way back saying: 'Get the f**k out of my house you c**t, Die in your sleep you c**t. The sooner you are dead the better.'

Kenner a self employed tiler was initially charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in August 2021 which fetches a maximum of life imprisonment but after five separate court adjournments for undisclosed reasons prosecutors eventually accepted his guilty plea in September 2023 to the lesser charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

They then recommended he faced a maximum of only two and a half years behind bars under sentencing guidelines before a further three hearings came and went whilst Kenner tried unsuccessfully to withdraw his guilty plea.

This week, 31 months since the assault, Kenner who arrived 20 minutes late for his hearing at Bolton Crown Court was ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work and was sent on a 'Building Better relationships' programme after a powerless judge said he had 'very little option' but to let him go free.

The court heard he had already spent 11 months on remand before being bailed on a curfew to await trial and as a result under Home Office rules had already served the equivalent of a 23 month prison sentence.

She screamed in agony as she felt burning pain over her face and body and dashed to the bathroom in a bid to wash away the corrosive liquid with running water

When quizzed Kenner, from Ramsbottom, near Bury, Greater Manchester, said he had drunk half a bottle of rum and was angry because he had to walk home in someone else's trainers as he had lost one of his shoes at the party

Miraculously she was able to limit the damage caused her to her skin by using first aid skills she learnt at work but she has suffered psychological harm and is now showing signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Ina statement Miss Slack hit out at the UK legal system and said: 'Following the attack I have been subjected to what can only be described as two years of living hell which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy'

Ina statement Miss Slack hit out at the UK legal system and said: 'Following the attack I have been subjected to what can only be described as two years of living hell which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

'Whilst the court case has hung over me, I have been left frozen and completely unable to move on with my life. My attacker served less than a year on remand before being released out into my neighbourhood and I have to work a four minute walk from my address putting me in a constant state of fear.

'I felt like I was the one on remand being punished whilst he was allowed to move around as he pleased taunting me.

'For two years I have dreaded seeing my attacker in court, I have dreaded my statement being picked apart by the defence and I dreaded people not believing my truth.

'I dreaded my attacker not getting the sentence he described for ruining my life. The system made me feel less of a person -I felt like a piece of evidence in my own case.'

She added: 'This attack has changed the trajectory of my life forever. My attacker was a person who I loved for eight years and I would never had considered he would be the one who to cause me the most harm.

'I thought he wanted me to die and I genuinely thought I would die. As a direct result I have suffered from anxiety and PTSD and I have sought counselling and therapy to manage my symptoms.

'But manage is all I can do as nothing will be able to remove this from my past. Two years on some of my skin is still sensitive to the sun and in moments of PTSD I can still taste the acid and feeling my skin burn all over again and I constantly relive the attack.

Miss Slack said: 'Whilst the court case has hung over me, I have been left frozen and completely unable to move on with my life'

Miss Slack had to return to the shower to wash herself further before she was admitted to hospital where doctors treated for reddening to her right forehead right cheek shoulder and and injuries to her eye and nostril

The acid attack occurred after the couple who had been together for eight years and shared a rental property in Bradshaw, Bolton, got embroiled a late night row whilst at a hot tub party hosted by friends

'I thought about taking the easy route out and withdrawing my statement more than once just so this could all be over. But then I considered all the women he could affect in his life and I realised they needed to know what he was capable of. My attacker took my mental health from me, and took my life from me for the past two years and I refuse to allow him to take any more from me.'

The acid attack occurred after the couple who had been together for eight years and shared a rental property in Bradshaw, Bolton, got embroiled a late night row whilst at a hot tub party hosted by friends.

Prosecutor Miss Michelle Brown said: 'Miss Slack had ordered a taxi for them both to go home at 1.30am but the defendant took ages to emerge from the property and she decided to take the taxi home alone. She told him she would call another taxi and went to bed when she got home - but she started receiving a barrage of messages form the defendant calling her a 'c**nt.'

'Miss Slack said: "Wow, you're being nice, your taxi is outside" but he responded: "My taxi? Die in your sleep you c**t. You're an embarrassment, you worthless c**t. get the f**k out of my house before I get back. The sooner you are dead the better".

'At about 2.48am he was just round the corner and on returning to the house, he went into the bedroom where Miss Slack was naked at that stage and lying in bed.

'He pulled the covers off her and said: "If you don't get out in 20 seconds, I'll.." before leaving the room whilst she put on a dressing grown and went back to bed.

'He then returned a short time later and whilst stood at the end of the bed, he threw brick cleaner over her from a white five litre container.

'She was in of state of shock and disbelief at what he had done and she felt a bad taste in her mouth whilst the right hand side of her face, shoulder and legs started to sting and burn.

'She ran straight into the bathroom and locked the door and fortunately due to receiving first aid training as part of her employment was aware of the immediate need to access running water.

Pictured is Miss Slack at a zombie themed party sporting fake make-up

Pictured is Matthew Kenner at a horror themed party

Pictured is Matthew Kenner (left) at a horror themed party

'She washed her mouth and face under the tap before calling police and getting into the shower. Had it not been for her close proximity to the bathroom and her prompt actions in washing herself, the injuries would have been more significant.'

Police arrived at 3.25am to find Kenner had already fled the address, throwing Miss Slack's clothing across the driveway as he ran off.

They found Miss Slack inside and advised her to repeatedly return to the shower to wash herself further before she was admitted to hospital where doctors treated for reddening to her right forehead right cheek shoulder and and injuries to her eye and nostril. She was left with minor scabbing around her face and has since made a full physical recovery.

Kenner who has previous convictions for harassment against a different ex-girlfriend was seen returning to the house a few hours after the attack before driving away in his car - but he was arrested later.

He admitted sending malicious communications to Miss Slack but initially claimed he thrown a glass of water over her before suggesting the injuries caused to her were not as serious as suggested. He denied being heavily intoxicated on the night of the attack and claimed the victim had since been trying to contact him over Facebook.

Appearing unrepresented Kenner who is now in a new relationship told the hearing: 'There were mitigating circumstances. Someone had just disappeared and left me without money and took home one of my shoes. I was very annoyed at having to walk home in a borrowed pair of shoes from a friend who is six foot four - and they didn't fit me very well.'

Sentencing Judge Elliott Knopf told Kenner he would also have to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days under the terms of a 18 month community order and issued him with an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting Miss Slack.

He told him: 'Some might argue that the nature of what happened here might fall into a higher category which could have resulted in a longer period of sentence.

'You used appalling and outrageous language towards Miss Slack and there was outrageous and appalling treatment of her too. Domestic violence is a breach of trust of the love and loyalty that one owes to the other and I do think Miss Slack deserves some peace from your attentions.

'But if I was to sentence to you to immediate custody today, the position is that, even when one applies he maximum guidelines, the fact you spent the equivalent of 23 months in custody whilst on remand, leaves very little by the way of options.

'Some may feel you merit a further period in custody but its quite plain that in applying the guidelines as I must, would result in a very short period of custody indeed.'
Cafe Nero customers have been left horrified after a mouse was spotted scurrying across the floor of the coffee shop at Terminal 5 of Heathrow airport.

Shocking footage shows the rodent darting between chairs in the cafe used by travellers looking to unwind before their flight.

People can be heard chatting and announcements are made on the public address system as the pest runs around in the coffee shop in search of food that might have dropped to the floor.

Towards the end of the clip, the camera pans to the other side of the room as the mouse appears to race across the cafe, to the alarm of the person filming who seems to have lost sight of the light-footed rodent.

MailOnline has approached Heathrow Airport for comment.

Cafe Nero customers have been left horrified after a mouse was spotted scurrying across the floor of the coffee shop at Terminal 5 of Heathrow airport

Shocking footage shows the rodent darting between chairs in the coffee shop used by travellers looking to unwind before their flight

People can be heard chatting and announcements are made on the public address system as the pest runs around in the cafe in search of food that might have dropped on to the floor

Towards the end of the clip, the camera pans to the other side of the room as the mouse appears to race across the coffee shop, to the alarm of the person filming who seems to have lost sight of the light-footed rodent

Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport, boasting 67 million passengers each year, and this is not the first time it has counted mice among its many guests.

In October the pests were spotted scurrying around the floor of a 'British Airways business lounge' at the airport.

The furry rodents were allegedly spotted by an anonymous passenger in the lounge earlier as he waited for his gate to open.

The passenger claimed that he spotted at least three mice scurrying around him and chewing at discarded items left on the floor, but when raising the issue with staff, was told it was 'normal'.

In the footage empty brown armchairs are lined up on either side of the mice, who look to be on the hunt for scraps of food.

The black and white Nike trainers of a fellow flyer can be seen elevated onto the chairs in an apparent attempt to keep away from the curious rodents.

Taking to social media, the anonymous poster aired his disgust at the 'lack of cleanliness' inside the business lounge.

The passenger took to social media to express his disgust on Monday, saying: 'So this is British Airways lounge at Heathrow.

'When I go to the reception to let them know there are over three mice eating under our feet, the receptionist doesn't leave the desk and says she will let management know.

'And when I complain about the free-roaming mice and the cleanliness state of the lounge (or the lack of it) through my British Airways executive, the agent says they adhere to the highest standards and it's normal for mice to reach some areas.

In October the pests were spotted scurrying around the floor of a 'British Airways business lounge' at the airport

The furry rodents were allegedly spotted by an anonymous passenger in the lounge earlier as he waited for his gate to open

The black and white Nike trainers of a fellow flyer can be seen elevated onto the chairs in an apparent attempt to keep away from the curious rodents

'How has British Airways lost its standards like that and how awful is this customer service?

'This is only one video, I have multiple, showing different areas. It's just gross - British Airways business class lounge.'

In response to the incident in October, a spokesperson for British Airways said: 'We are working with Heathrow Airport to make sure uninvited guests don't get past the door in the future.'

A Heathrow spokesperson said: 'We take cleanliness of the airport seriously and will always work alongside airport partners to resolve any reports where the high standards we expect are not being met.'
A beachfront hotel in Cape Cod has been slammed for housing migrants far beyond the time frame permitted by local laws.

Since September more than 20 families have been staying at Harborside Suites in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts.

As the peak summer season approaches, the town's Zoning Board of Appeals has declared the property to be in violation of a local bylaw that limits temporary stays to 30 days or less.

The housing is being paid for by the state, at vast expense to taxpayers who, this fiscal year shelled out $932million to maintain shelters.

Rooms at Harborside Suites cost, according to the hotel's website, $110 per night on the low-end. Based on that rate, the 20 migrant families who have stayed at the property for seven months have cost the state on the order of $500,000 for housing alone.

Since last September, more than 20 migrant families have been staying at Harborside Suites in South Yarmouth, a small, Massachusetts village on the water

Rooms at the seaside hotel usually range from $110-$175 per night, meaning the migrants' stay has cost the state at least $500,000 thus far

State House Speaker Ron Mariano recently said that, at this rate, a handful of other state programs will likely be on the chopping block when the legislature sits to work out next year's budget, because of the exorbitant, ongoing cost of dealing with thousands of illegal migrants.

An attorney for the hotel, Mark Boudreau, told the Boston Herald that the owners of the business would 'move [the migrants] today if we could.'

'The migrants that are there, they are ready to move. A lot of them have work visas  They would like to get going so they can obtain work where they're going to be,' he said.

Harborside Suite has fought with the Zoning Board of Appeals, seeking to reverse its violation by arguing that state officials said: 'emergency needs of migrant families supersede the occupancy requirements of local zoning.'

The board vice chairman says is not confident that Governor Maura Healey's state-of-emergency due to the migrants overrides the local ordinance.

'To the cities and towns across the state, many of which have a rich history tied to waves of immigrants settling within their borders, I am encouraging their communities to keep welcoming those families who wish to resettle in all corners of Massachusetts,' wrote the Democratic governor last summer.

The board upheld the violation notice, noting that Healey is 'urging the cities and towns, she's not ordering us to do it.'

In January, the Zoning Board was told the migrants at Harborside would soon be moved to a 'larger facility in the Foxboro area,' but that has yet to happen.

Boudreau claimed that the property that was designated to become the new shelter 'did not pass inspection and had some code violations so they have not moved.'

An attorney for the hotel, Mark Boudreau, told the Boston Herald that the owners of the business would 'move [the migrants] today if we could'

But, Harborside Suite has fought with the Zoning Board of Appeals, seeking to reverse its violation by arguing that state officials said: 'emergency needs of migrant families supersede the occupancy requirements of local zoning'

The exact date on which the migrants will move out remains murky, but previous violations of the town ordinance have resulted in the board giving those in violation 45-90 days to evacuate.

Some Yarmouth residents are as ready as the Zoning Board to see the migrants leave town.

Resident Cheryl Ball told the outlet that she is 'please' with the board's action and would like to see it take effect sooner rather than later.

Ball said the migrants families have been 'draining our resources.'

'They're a burden on our education system because we have to pay extra tax dollars to support them in our schools. We have emergency services that we are providing to the hotel that comes out of our tax money,' she said.

Yarmouth is far from the only small Massachusetts town dealing with local bouts of political fighting due to the ongoing migrant crisis.

In February, officials in Taunton, MA sued the owners of the Clarion hotel, which had been housing migrant families for months in numbers that far overshot the property's capacity limit.
This is the shocking moment two crooks brazenly stole cigarettes from a Co-op store in yet another day in Wild West Britain.

The apparent burglary was captured on video at the store on a busy high street in Leigh, in the city of Southend-on-Sea, on Friday at around 12pm.

The two alleged thieves, who have their faces covered in masks, are seen walking around behind the counter and filling up bags of cigarettes before casually walking out.

One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told the local newspaper the Southend Echo they did not hear any sort of 'commotion' or shouting and called the experience 'surreal'.

While walking down the shop's final aisle, the witness noticed other shoppers were waiting at the cashier's till to pay for their goods.

The two alleged thieves, who have their faces covered in masks, are seen walking around behind the counter and filling up bags of cigarettes before casually walking out

One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told the local newspaper the Southend Echo they did not hear any sort of 'commotion' or shouting and called the experience 'surreal'

The apparent burglary was captured on video at a Co-op store on a busy high street in Leigh, in the city of Southend-on-Sea, on Friday at around 12pm (pictured in 2022)

The witness claims the masked men pushed past others waiting in the queue and went behind the counter.

Staff members then stood to one side to avoid the risk of getting hurt.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: 'We're investigating a burglary at a business premises in Leigh Road, Leigh. When one suspect asked a member of staff to get something, he went behind the counter and gathered a quantity of cigarettes.

'He was then helped by the second man to load the cigarettes into a bag. Both men then left the shop.'

The force have described the first man as white, of medium build and approximately 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing a black hooded Nike hooded top with grey sleeves and black tracksuit bottoms and grey shoes.

The second person is described as black, of slim build, and was wearing a black puffer coat with its hood up. He also had a black backpack and black tracksuit bottoms on.

Police have not yet made any arrests but their investigation is ongoing.

Members of the public with any information have been told to call the police on 101 and cite the crime reference 42/50366/24.

Co-op has been contacted for comment.
Former President Donald Trump is zeroing his messaging in on illegal immigration and linking it to crime as he heads to the midwest for his first campaign stops in more than two weeks on Tuesday.

Trump called in to a Michigan radio show on Monday ahead of a visit to Grand Rapids where he will be doing an event highlighting the border after the recent killing of 25-year-old Ruby Garcia allegedly by a man who was in the country illegally.

Garcia was shot and killed on March 22. Her body was found on the side of an expressway.

25-year-old Brandon Ortiz-Vite is charged with her murder after turning himself in. Police said the victim and suspect were dating.

25-year-old Ruby Garcia's body was found with gunshot wounds on the side of US-131 in Grand Rapids in March

Brandon Ortiz-Vite is charged with killing Ruby Garcia. Immigration officials said he was in the country illegally

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ortiz-Vite was in the country illegally. He had been arrested and deported in 2020 but at some point re-entered the United States.

'This is a horrible incident with Ruby,' Trump said on the radio ahead of his visit. Trump also said he would love to have Garcia's family there if they want to be there.

'Let Ruby's relatives and everybody know that we'd love to say hello to them,' Trump told Justin Barclay on his radio program.

DailyMail.com followed up with the campaign to see if contact had been made with Garcia's family.

Trump speaking in New York on March 28. The ex-president is headed to Michigan and Wisconsin on Tuesday. Trump said immigration is the No. 1 issue in the 2024 election. His event in Michigan April 2 is focused on the border

Last month, Trump met with the family and friends of Laken Riley in Georgia. Riley became a symbol of the border crisis after an immigrant in the U.S. illegally was charged with her murder.

Trump has seized on highlighting illegal immigration and crime as he runs for a second term in the White House.

The ex-president on Monday called immigration the 'number one issue' in the 2024 election.

During his radio interview, Trump stated that 'all over the world' countries are emptying their prisons and 'putting them in our country.'

It is the latest in a series of claims he has made at rallies and interviews.

Trump argued Monday that crime is down in other countries because criminals are flocking to the U.S. and slammed the Biden administration's handling of the border.

The Biden campaign has pushed back ahead of Trump's visit to Michigan, arguing the ex-president helped kill the bipartisan immigration deal negotiated in Congress to address the border.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, who was charged with Laken Riley's murder, takes a booking photo via the Clarke County Sheriff's Office

The president's campaign touted that the bill would have created temporary emergency authority to allow the president to 'shut down the border' when there is an especially high number of asylum seekers as well as add 1,500 new Customs and Border Protection personnel, but Trump encouraged Republicans to reject it calling it weak.

Trump will also head to Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Tuesday for a campaign rally following his stop in Michigan.
A team of paranormal detectives conducted a daring investigation of an old building in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where the skeleton of a 15-year-old girl was found in the 1990s by a caretaker.

Since its construction in 1884, the building at 312 W. 17th St. has been home to the Knights of Pythias - a secret fraternal society that has been active since the 1870s.

Although membership in the shadowy community has declined, it still exists today and has about 50 loyal members.

In the 1990s, a caretaker named Mike was cleaning the stage area of the Knights of Pythias meeting space and found that a piece of flooring had come loose.

The caretaker got down on his knees to investigate the matter, assuming that the old floor just needed some mending. But what he found shocked him.

In the dusty old building where the secret society gathered- in the heart of their meeting room- was a trap door that led underneath the stage.

Way Out West Paranormal was founded by Aaron BlackBurn and his wife, Gina

The paranormal investigators examined a building in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where the secret fraternity The Knights of Pythias is headquartered

In the 1990s, the skeleton of a 15-year-old girl was found in a trap door that led under the stage

The caretaker investigated the space. He found something that made his blood turn cold. There was an old, dust-covered coffin. And there was something inside of it.

Later on, Knights of Pythias members arrived and opened the coffin. Inside, they found a skeleton, which forensics later determined had belonged to a 15-year-old girl.

She had been dead for about 50 years, quietly rotting away in the coffin under the trap door.

No one knew who the girl might have been - not even the most senior member of the Knights of Pythias. A look into missing person reports from the time in which the girl would have disappeared turned up nothing.

It's a macabre and blood-curdling story - one that acts as magnet on paranormal investigators.

In 2010, Paranormal Investigations Team Wyoming surveyed the building claimed to have taken a picture of a shadowy apparition lurking at the top of the stairs.

And in late March, Way Out West Paranormal, an outfit of paranormal investigators founded by Arron BlackBurn and his wife, Gina, paid a visit to the haunted building.

Way Out West released a video of their investigation, in which they can be seen probing the basement area of the building, which is converted every year into a haunted house to raise money for scholarships in the community.

The paranormal detectives hoped to discover the name of the dead girl, whose identity has remained a mystery

When the skeleton was discovered, forensics experts determined that it had been languishing under the stage for 50 years

The Way Out West Paranormal team was armed with all types of technology to help them communicate with spirits

In the video, which was recorded using a night vision camera, Way Out West Paranormal members could be seen standing in the dark, each person operating a special device to try to make contact with the spirits.

The basement was crowded with faux tombstones, tattered sheets, and plastic skeletons- remnants from the haunted house.

But one item in the basement was genuine: the coffin that contained the skeleton of the 15-year-old girl.

BlackBurn, who has spent wedding anniversaries ghost hunting with his wife, told Cowboy State Daily that the area where the coffin is kept in the basement is occasionally a hotspot for paranormal activity.

In the video, investigators looked at an iPad that measured supernatural activity.

'We've never seen meters go that much for so long,' someone remarked. They attempted to coax the shy spirit out of its shell by playing London Bridge is Falling down.

One of the investigators remarked how he had heard a spirit 'audibly run down the hallway.'

Blackburn said that the area of the building where they registered the most activity was the stage area.

A video recorded by the investigators showed the team probing the building's basement

The basement is converted into a haunted house every year, and in addition to the fake tombstones and plastic skeletons, a truly haunted item exists: the coffin that contained the skeleton

Using their tablets, the investigators were able to gauge the presence of nearby specters

A series of lights positioned near the stage flashed multiple times even though no one was near them.

BlackBurn informed other members of his paranormal troupe that he had previously heard voices in the stage area, including one voice that possibly belonged to a female. The voice cryptically told him that their name began with the letter 'V.'

But before BlackBurn could speak to her, a male voice appeared that silenced the female voice. She has not spoken again.

During their investigation, BlackBurn's team used their electronic devices to communicate with some spirits. In response to one of BlackBurn's queries, the spirits said: 'military,' 'official,' and 'doctor.'

Blackburn believed that perhaps multiple spirits had not answered that question, and it had been one individual spirit that had answered.

He speculated that the spirit could have been F.E. Warren, a former Wyoming senator and a Knights of Pythias member. In its prime, which was from 1930 to 1960, the Knights of Pythias drew many influential figures, including other politicians like Wyoming Governor Stanley Hathaway.

Over the course of their investigation, the team communicated with several spirits, including one that possibly belonged to a deceased senator and member of the Friends of Pythias

They also discerned the words 'birthday' and 'whiskey' at one point in their investigation

Aaron Blackburn told the rest of the group that he heard from a female spirit in the building once. The spirit told him her name started with the letter 'V,' before she was silenced by a male voice

Earlier in the day, a spirit communicated to the investigators that he was Warren.

And during a session in the society's pool hall, where the air is still heavy with the odor of tobacco and smoke, the investigators picked up the words 'birthday,' and 'whiskey.'

'I think the spirits do want to communicate with us,' BlackBurn said.

'There's a connection between our side and their side, and hopefully, at some point, we can figure out more of how that works,' he said.
Haiti has become an 'open air prison' with 'apocalyptic' violence tearing up the streets three weeks on since the prime minister resigned, the UN has warned.

Gang members who now run the streets in the war-torn Caribbean nation are equipped with military-grade guns which have been illegally shipped from the US.

Two men were recently hacked to death by a mob who thought they were buying ammunition or guns for marauding gangs, police said Saturday.

Police confirmed the crowd snatched the men from police custody after they were found with about $20,000 and the equivalent of about $43,000 in Haitian cash in their car, along with two pistols and a box of ammunition.

Carrying that amount of cash was considered suspicious, and residents assumed it was a weapons purchase for the gangs.

A woman looks at lifeless bodies in Port-Au-Price, Haiti, on April 1, 2024. The situation in chaos-wracked Haiti is "cataclysmic", with more than 1,500 people killed by gang violence so far this year

People look at the the bodies of three persons shot dead after an overnight shooting in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, April 1, 2024

A man walks past the body of a person who was shot in Port-Au-Price, Haiti, on April 1, 2024

Haiti has become an 'open air prison' with 'apocalyptic' violence tearing up the streets three weeks on since the prime minister resigned, the UN has warned

Gang members who now run the streets in the war-torn Caribbean nation are equipped with military-grade guns which have been illegally shipped from the US

Pictured: A pilgrim on a motorcycle does charity work in front of a Catholic church during holy season in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 30, 2024

The killings happened Friday in a town near the provincial city of Mirebalais. Police appeared to fire warning shots into the air to try to prevent the killings, but the mob killed them anyway.

One of the victims was a police officer, and the other was a former guard, according to their identification documents.

The murders underscored how outnumbered police are in Haiti, and the anger of Haitians after months of killings, kidnappings and armed attacks by the country's gangs.

In the last month, gangs have been targeting key infrastructure across the capital, Port-au-Prince, including police stations, the main international airport that remains closed and Haitis two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

On Thursday, William ONeill, the U.N. rights expert for Haiti, said the conflict-wracked Caribbean nation now needs between 4,000 and 5,000 international police to help tackle 'catastrophic' gang violence, which is targeting key individuals and hospitals, schools, banks and other critical institutions.

In 2023, the number of people killed and injured as a result of gang violence increased significantly, with 4,451 killed and 1,668 injured, O'Neill's report said.

This year, as of March 22, the numbers continue to climb, with 1,554 killed and 826 injured.

As a result of the escalating gang violence, so-called 'self-defense brigades' have taken justice into their own hands, the report said, and 'at least 528 cases of lynching were reported in 2023 and a further 59 in 2024.'

Violence in the Caribbean nation spiraled after thousands of inmates escaped a prison in Port-au-Prince and gangs stormed the capital (Pictured: tires on fire near the main prison of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2024)

Pictured: Workers put down a fire set at an office of Haiti's power company during a protest to demand the resignation of the Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, March 1, 2024

An elderly homeless woman sits in front of a Catholic church during holy season in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 30, 2024

Haiti has been blighted by killings, kidnappings and rapes over the past several years amid the rise of heavily armed gangs roaming the streets. (Pictured: A man drives past a burning barricade during a protest earlier in March)

Pictured: A burnt car outside the city's National Penitentiary prison where hundreds of inmates are reported to have escaped

The report added that guns and ammunition are believed to have been smuggled in from US states including Florida, Texas and Georgia.

ONeill said re-establishing security is key and getting the international security force on the ground in Haiti is critical and urgent.

Getting a transitional presidential council officially installed and active is also 'crucial' and 'absolutely vital,' ONeill said, expressing hope this could happen as soon as next week.

Kenyas President William Ruto has said he wont deploy police to lead the multinational security operation as planned until he has a Haitian counterpart, the U.N. expert said.

ONeill said the trust fund to finance the international police operation also desperately needs funding.

Haiti asked for an international force to combat gangs in October 2022, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for a force last July, he said.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned in mid-March following an emergency summit called to address the violence.

The 74-year-old head of state tendered his resignation a week after the growing coalition of gangs warned of civil war if he did not step down.

His resignation was swiftly confirmed by Guyana's president Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the current chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

'We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,' Ali said, thanking Henry - who came to power unelected after the assassination of Haiti's previous president - for his service.

Ariel Henry, 74, tendered his resignation in mid-March, a week after the growing coalition of gangs warned of civil war if he did not step down

Protesters gather in front of the Canadian embassy in commemoration of the anniversary of the 1987 constitution, demanding that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) respect the constitution, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 29 March 2024

Over 300,000 people have been forced to flee their homes from indiscriminate killing and rape in Port-au-Prince, which is largely controlled by gangs. (Pictured: People flee as police officers clash with gangs during a protest earlier in March)

People sit in front of a church to pray in Port-au-Prince on Good Friday on March 29, 2024

The decision, said to have been made Friday, came shortly before the US deployed Marines to evacuate its embassy as gangs led by former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier continue to attack state institutions.

Henry, at the moment, remains unable to return home, stranded in Puerto Rico since Tuesday after officials deemed it unsafe for him to land in neighboring Dominican Republic.

On Saturday, the office of Dominican President Luis Abinader issued a statement explaining that decision - saying 'Henry is not welcome in the Dominican Republic for safety reasons.'

That decision came shortly after another that saw the Caribbean nation close its land border with its embattled neighbor, seemingly leaving the other side of Hispaniola to its fate.

With Henry out of the country, gangs across the region coalesced under Cherizier to from a sort of anti-government militia, waging war on his administration after he failed to step down in February.

The group had been hellbent on rallying support for a Kenya-led foreign police intervention that they said would have restored order enough so that a new round of elections could be held.

That said, officials on Monday did not name a replacement for the world leader - saying only that CARICOM is now taking on the task of meeting the 'immediate needs' of the Haitian people.
Oklahoma cops are desperately searching for two Kansas women whose car was mysteriously found abandoned on the side of the road.

Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were traveling together to pick up Kelley's children on Saturday, local 12News reported.

The Hugoton Police Department said in an advisory that the woman never made it to their destination.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation that is investigating the case is calling it a 'suspicious disappearance.'

The women's car was found near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas located in rural Texas County.

Veronica C. Butler, 27, and Jilian D. Kelly, 39, mysteriously disappeared on Saturday from Hugoton, Kansas

The women's car was found near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas located in rural Texas County

The endangered missing person flyer that lists details about the women's disappearance

The sheriff's department asked the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to activate an endangered missing person at-risk advisory that was released by the Texas County Sheriff's Department.

Kansas Missing an Unsolved said both of the women were going to a rural home in the area of Eva, Oklahoma, in Texas County.

The Texas County Sheriff's Office expanded the search with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) on Saturday.

The bureau called their disappearance 'suspicious.'

It remains unclear the relationship between the women.

Butler is described as 5ft.4inches tall with red hair and green eyes. She has several tattoos including, a Chinese symbol on her left forearm, and a sunflower on her left shoulder.

She was dressed in a blue short sleeve shirt, denim shorts and lightweight shoes by the brand, Hey Dudes.

Kelley, who also from Hugoton, Kansas was last seen on Saturday, with Butler.

The blue-eyed woman is pictured in the Missing person flyer with blonde hair, but her hair color is now brown, and has a butterfly tattoo on her left forearm.

She is believed to be wearing a long sleeve shirt, white washed blue jeans, and tan beige shoes.

OSBI special agents and local law enforcement agencies are currently working to locate them.

Texas County Sheriff's Office told DailyMail.com OSBI is handling the case. When contacted they were unavailable for comment.
Texas law enforcement officials and National Guard posted up along a section of the southern border in El Paso overnight to prevent a line of Venezuelan migrants from charging the barriers.

Shocking images and drone footage emerged showing a trench of migrants camping out on the Juarez, Mexico side of the southern border Sunday night huddled around fires and bundled in blankets.

Republicans and border hawks are growing increasingly annoyed with a lack of action to address the border migration crisis as illegal crossings continue to surge.

Military Humvees were stationed every few yards along the Texas side of the border to hold the line as migrants attempted to cross razor wire and illegally enter the U.S.

Todd Benson of the Center for Immigration Studies posted video of the scene to X and noted that Texas forces began firing pepper balls to break up groups of immigrants attempting to charge the border wall.

Migrants bundle up near the razor-wire fencing between Mexico and a border crossing near El Paso, Texas as Texas law enforcement and National Guard stand watch on the other side

On Monday morning, the mostly Venezuelan migrants lined-up at the border wall to turn themselves into border agents after traversing through razor wire fencing

A Mexican immigration officer explained to Benson that migrants 'tried to break through and cut the fence' of razor wire in order to gain access to the U.S. side of the border.

'They make a hole and go through,' he said in video of where migrants crawled through razor wire, some losing their garments to the dangerous fencing in the process.

The latest incident comes after hundreds of migrants broke through razor wire last month near El Paso and charged the border in a dramatic clash with members of the Texas National Guard.

Texas Department of Public Safety arrested and charged 221 migrants for rioting and criminal mischief, Benson notes in a threat posted to X, formerly Twitter.

He also said that after a tense night, it appears on Monday morning that enforcement began letting back across the border the mostly Venezuelan migrants.

'Last night the Texas line at Juarez-El Paso holding back Venezuelans camping behind the concertina wire,' Benson wrote along with drone footage of a portion of the border in El Paso.

'They're not giving up yet here in Juarez even though Texas forces are now firing pepper balls to break up the immigrant banzai charges through the Texas fortifications at gate 36,' he added along with video of bundled-up migrants standing near the razor wire fencing.

Clothing and other garments are stuck in dangerous razor wire that migrants traverse to make it to the border wall and illegally cross into the U.S.

Texas State Troopers walk towards a fence after hundreds of migrants broke through razor wire to enter the US illegal last month

A few hours later, Benson released another video with a line of migrants along the border wall appearing to prepare to turn themselves over to immigration authorities.

'Unclear what happened but someone's letting them in again,' he wrote, 'right through or around Texas fortifications here in Juarez, and so of COURSE they keep coming despite whatever Texas is doing.'

Many asylum seeking migrants in this area chose not to surrender themselves immediately after crossing the barrier between the U.S. and Mexico because they were caught in limbo due a Texas law SB4.

The controversial law in the Lone Star State gives state and local police permission to arrest, detain and remove illegal immigrants, a right that has only been reserved for federal officers like Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The law, which has been banned several times in recent days by federal courts, was then allowed to take effect for a few hours Tuesday, before it blocked again Tuesday night.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson promoted using seized Russian assets to fund American aid to Ukraine, during an Easter Sunday television appearance, describing the bipartisan plan as "pure poetry."

The embattled Republican leader laid out the potential plan while speaking with former congressman Trey Gowdy on his Fox News show "Sunday Night in America."

"We're not just giving foreign aid," Johnson told Gowdy. "We're setting up a relationship where they can provide it right back to us when the time is right."

The Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians or REPO Act was first introduced by Republican Congressman Michael McCaul last June. The proposed legislation would funnel money seized from Russia into rebuilding Ukraine, as other efforts to provide military aid have stalled in Congress.

"If we can use the seized assets of Russian oligarchs to allow the Ukrainians to fight them - that's just pure poetry," Johnson told Gowdy.

The US currently holds an estimated $5 to 6 billion in Russian bank assets, that it first seized when Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago. Other allies also froze Russian central bank assets held within their countries, resulting in an estimated $300 billion in seized funds.

While the bill has bipartisan support in the House and Senate, it will only be an effective plan if European nations also sign on to fund Ukraine in a similar fashion. The European Union has taken steps towards adopting a similar policy but has not yet made a definitive decision, according to Politico.

"The body of the bill itself is very clear about the need for multilateral action not just with G7 - it also mentions Australia and a couple other areas where there are Russian assets," said Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, according to the Hill.

"So it only works if we can get those who have the largest amounts of Russian assets to work with us. That is made very clearly in the body of the bill."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has welcomed the seized asset proposal, writing that his country would "encourage further steps to enable [the seized funds'] practical use for Ukraine's benefit."

"Ukraine is ready to continue working with partners on reaching our ultimate goal: making Russian assets available to Ukraine. The aggressor must pay."
The total solar eclipse will be the region's first since 1979, and will see the area struggling with traffic jams and cell phone network overloads

The city of Niagara Falls is anticipating around one million visitors

Canada's Niagara Region has declared a state of emergency as it prepares for an influx of a million tourists ahead of next week's solar eclipse.

The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be the region's first in 45 years, and the city of Niagara Falls lies directly in the path of totality, where the moon will mask the sun's face for a few minutes.

A map from the National Solar Observatory shows that the city, which sits on the U.S.-Canada border, will see 100 percent coverage for around 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Ahead of the flood of visitors, the greater Niagara Region has preemptively declared a state of emergency.

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati estimates around one million tourists will flock to witness the spectacle - 14 times more visitors in a single day than the city normally sees in a year.

Ontario's Niagara Region has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a flood of tourists

The city of Niagara Falls, on the U.S.-Canada border, is expecting to see around one million visitors on April 8 - 14 times more than the city regularly sees in a year

The total solar eclipse will be the region's first in 45 years

The state of emergency 'strengthens the tools the region has at its disposal to safeguard the health and safety of residents and visitors and protect our critical infrastructure in any scenario that might arise,' according to the official announcement.

It sets in motion some planning tools to prepare for traffic snarls, increased demand on emergency services and cell phone network overloads.

T-Mobile is deploying additional cell sites to battle service disruptions amid the surge of visitors.

'On April 8, the spotlight will be on Niagara as thousands of visitors join us to share in this once-in-a-lifetime event, and we will be ready to shine,' Niagara Regional Chair Jim Brady said.

He extended his gratitude to local agencies 'who have been working together diligently to make sure our community is able to offer a safe and unforgettable experience, both for our visitors, and for all those who call Niagara home.'

The news release urges people to prepare for crowds and winding lines, and consider stocking up on groceries and fuel before the eclipse.

Most schools in the region will be closed on April 8. 'Have a childcare plan in place, and make sure children know how to view the eclipse safely,' the announcement reads.

This includes wearing only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses.

While the sky grows dark during a solar eclipse, observers along the path of totality will see the sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which appears as a bright ring of light and can cause eye damage.

The state of emergency is expected to help counter traffic snarls, increased demand on emergency services and cell phone network overloads

States south of the border, most notably Texas, are also anticipated to see an influx of tourists

Spectators are urged to wear only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, as the sun's corona - or outer atmosphere - can cause vision damage

Some Canadians took to social media to slam the state of emergency as an 'overreaction'

While some Canadians conceded that the government was taking the appropriate steps to counter the flood of tourists, others took to social media to air their grievances, calling the state of emergency an 'overreaction.'

'So we're just going to suspend the Charter over an eclipse?!?!?' one man demanded on X, formerly Twitter.

'Oh my God. Talk about an overreaction. How on earth did they get elected. This is your tax dollars at work,' another griped.

States south of the border are already seeing the effects of a swarm of visitors.

An estimated 270,000 to one million people are expected to travel to Texas due to its prime viewing location in the totality's path.

The city of Dallas has seen a 571 percent boost in hotel bookings for the days leading up to the solar eclipse.

Accommodation prices in Waco have surged by 81 percent while prices in Cleveland and Austin also rose by 33 and 34 percent, respectively.
This is the sickening moment a 74-year-old woman is pushed over by yobs hurling abuse towards her, as a 12-year-old girl and two 14-year-old boys have been charged.

Video footage shows a group of teenagers shouting abuse and laughing at the elderly woman, dressed in a yellow raincoat, before one of them pushes her from behind and she lands on her face.

Police say the incident happened at around 6pm on Saturday, March 30 in the area of Ardblair Woods in Blairgowrie, Scotland.

Two 14-year-old boys and a 12-year-old girl have been charged with assault and threatening and abusive behaviour.

Police said the woman was unhurt but extremely shocked by the incident.

Footage shows a group of teenagers shouting abuse at a woman while on a walk, dressed in a yellow raincoat and wellies

The moment a teenager pushes the woman to the floor where she lands on her face

A spokesperson for Police Scotland Tayside said: 'A 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl have been charged with assault and threatening and abusive behaviour towards a 74-year-old woman in Blairgowrie.

'The incident happened around 6pm on Saturday, 30 March, 2024 in the area of Ardblair Woods.

'The woman was unhurt, but extremely shocked by the incident.

'Another 14-year-old boy has been charged with threatening and abusive behaviour.

'They will be reported to the Youth Justice Assessor.'

Police Scotland Gary Campbell of Blairgowrie Police Station said: 'We would like to thank the local community for their assistance during our enquiries.'

Police said the woman was unhurt but extremely shocked by the incident

The video has received 1,000 shares on social media and people took to the comments to condemn the incident.

One user said: 'Woman out for a walk and gets that treatment? I'd be thoroughly embarrassed if that was one of my kids.'

Another wrote: 'Absolutely disgusting'.

'They should be ashamed of themselves,' said another.
Iran has promised to launch a 'harsh' retaliation against Israel after an airstrike destroyed the its consulate in Syria, reportedly killing a senior Iranian military adviser and roughly a handful of other people.

The strike on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus killed as many as seven people, Iranian Ambassador Hossein Akbari said, before condemning Israel and vowing revenge for the strike 'at the same magnitude and harshness'.

The ambassador added that emergency services are still searching for any other bodies under the rubble, but confirmed that two police officers who guard the building were also wounded in the attack.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.

Such airstrikes have escalated in recent months against the backdrop of Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and ongoing clashes between Israel's military and Hezbollah on the Lebanon-Israel border.

Iran has promised to launch a 'harsh' retaliation against Israel after an airstrike destroyed the its consulate in Damascus, Syria. Emergency services are pictured at the building today

The strike on the Iranian consulate building killed as many as seven people, an Iranian Ambassador has claimed. Emergency personnel are pictured today extinguishing a fire at the site of strikes which hit a building next to the Iranian embassy

IRGC leader Mohammed Reza Zahedi (pictured) was killed in the attack, security sources have reported

Iran has condemned Israel and vowed revenge for the strike 'at the same magnitude and harshness'. Emergency and security personnel are pictured at the strike site in Damascus today

Syrian foreign minister Faisal Mekdad, (centre) after a meeting with Akbari, said 'several' people were killed in Monday's airstrike and in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, condemned Israel. Mekdad is pictured at the site of the strike today

Syria's defence ministry said Israeli air strikes on Iran's consulate building in Damascus on Monday 'destroyed the entire building, killing and injuring everyone inside'.

Pictures show the building in Syria's capital razed to the ground, with huge plumes of smoke rising from the site following the explosion this afternoon and emergency workers rushing to the scene.

The strike killed Iranian military adviser General Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016, the Iranian Arabic-language state television Al-Alam and pan-Arab television station Al-Mayadeen both reported.

Syrian foreign minister Faisal Mekdad, after a meeting with Akbari, said 'several' people were killed in Monday's airstrike.

Mekdad, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, condemned Israel.

Iranian state television said the Iranian ambassador's residence was in the consular building, which stood next to the embassy.

State news agency Sana, citing an unnamed military source, said the building in the tightly guarded neighbourhood of Mazzeh was levelled.

Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment about the Syrian media reports.

However, Israel has said it targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces.

An Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighbourhood in December killed a longtime adviser of the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in Syria, Seyed Razi Mousavi.

A similar strike on a building in Damascus in January killed at least five Iranian advisers.

Last week, airstrikes over the strategic eastern Syrian province of Deir el-Zour near the Iraqi border killed an Iranian adviser.

A damaged vehicle is doused following an airstrike next to the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on Monday, April 1, 2024

The site of the apparent missile strike, with damage done to cars and buildings in the vicinty

Iranian media also reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building

A damaged vehicle is removed following an airstrike next to the Iranian consulate in Damascus

An Iranian flag is seen hanging over the bombed out building, which was flattened in the strike

Smoke rises over the buildings in Damascus following the strike

Following its usual practice, an Israeli military spokesperson said: 'We do not comment on reports in the foreign media.'

Syria's foreign ministry has reportedly condemned the attack, and the Syrian and Iranian foreign ministers were both spotted at the scene.

Syria's official news agency SANA said that the building, an annex next to the embassy, had suffered major destruction and neighbouring buildings in the upmarket area of the city were also damaged.

'The Israeli enemy launched air strikes from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting the Iranian consulate building in Damascus,' Syria's defence ministry said in a statement.

'The attack destroyed the entire building, killing and injuring everyone inside, and work is underway to recover the bodies and rescue the wounded from under the rubble.'

Iranian media reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building, but said that the ambassador was unharmed.

'Hossein Akbari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, and his family were not harmed in the Israeli attack,' Iran's Nour news agency said.

Britain-based group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 'Israeli missiles... destroyed the building of an annex to the Iranian embassy... in Damascus, killing six people'.

Iran's Tasnim news agency said five people were killed in the Israeli strike. Syria's SANA state news agency reported an unspecified number of deaths and injuries.

Syria's defence ministry said Israeli air strikes on Iran's consulate building in Damascus on Monday 'destroyed the entire building

Pictures show the building in Syria's capital razed to the ground, with emergency responders on the scene

Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike to a buidling close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus

A damaged vehicle is removed following an airstrike next to the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday. The consulate was damaged while the building next to it was destroyed

Syria's official SANA news agency earlier reported that 'our air defence systems confronted enemy targets in the vicinity of Damascus'.

The incident came days after the Observatory reported Israeli strikes that killed 53 people in Syria, including 38 soldiers and seven members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

It was the highest Syrian army toll in Israeli strikes since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, said the monitor.

Since the Iranian-backed Palestinian faction Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, Israel has ramped up airstrikes in Syria against Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both of which support the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
BBC staff are 'frustrated' at delays to the Huw Edwards investigation, as it emerges the star is expected to be named as the Corporation's highest-paid newsreader even though he has not worked since July.

Details over the six-figure salary for Huw Edwards will be revealed in this summer's annual report, despite his suspension over the 35,000 sex pic scandal.

The high-profile newsreader earned up to 439,000 last year, even though he was suspended in July over claims he paid thousands of pounds to a teenager for sexually explicit photos  and also gave them money.

The Times reports that Edwards, who suffered a 'serious episode' following the fallout, remains too unwell to take part in a BBC investigation into his behaviour.

While details between Edwards' lawyers and the BBC remain a secret, but staff at the Corporation have shared their frustration and skepticism over an outcome being reached anytime soon.

Huw Edwards (pictured) earned up to 439,000 last year, even though he was suspended in July over claims he paid thousands of pounds to a teenager for sexually explicit photos

A view of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Headquarters in London. BBC staff have shared their frustration at delays into the Huw Edwards investigation

One senior individual told The Times 'everything seems to just be stuck', while another fellow presenter said the continued payments were 'immoral'.

They explained: 'It's terrible for the licence fee payer if Huw is earning so much but not working. The BBC is getting so much value for money from other people who are doing endless hours.'

But lawyers highlighted how the BBC has a duty of care to Edwards, who signed an extension to his contract with the broadcaster in March 2023.

Paul Daniels, an employment specialist for Keystone Law, said the BBC was in a 'difficult situation' whereby there would be potential claims for unfair dismissal, disability discrimination or for breach of contract if Edwards were to be fired without having had a hearing.

The BBC will be calculating Edwards' salary details this week, according to The Times.

If the investigation has not been completed by July and Edward's full pay is honoured then he will continue to appear on the list.

The Sun sparked a five-day media frenzy last year when it published a story that a 'household' name male presenter had allegedly paid a teenager more than 35,000 for inappropriate photos over a three-year period, dating back to when the youth was 17.

Edwards, who was last on screen on July 5, was named as the presenter at the centre of the scandal by his wife, Vicky Flind, in a shock statement on his behalf.

Huw Edwards attends the 2023 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at The Royal Festival Hall on May 14, 2023 in London

Huw Edwards reporting on the death of Queen Elizabeth II back in September 2022

She revealed that the father-of-five was in hospital after suffering a 'serious episode', declaring: 'I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children'.

Flind, who also works in TV, said Edwards was receiving in-patient care and would remain there 'for the foreseeable future', adding that he would respond to the allegations when he had recovered.

It was previously reported by The Times that Edwards, who has struggled with mental illness in the past, has not yet recovered, although it is unclear if he remains in hospital.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'As we have previously explained, we will not provide a commentary on what is an internal employment process and we would urge people not to indulge in speculation.'
Orlando City commissioner Regina Hill has been charged with elderly exploitation after she allegedly stole more than $100,000 from a 96-year-old woman in her district.

Hill, 58, bonded out of the Orange County Jail on Thursday just hours after being arrested over seven felony crimes following a year-long investigation into the alleged scam.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Monday suspending Hill from her post as commissioner for District 5 in Orlando following news of her arrest.

Florida investigators say Hill used a power of attorney over the unnamed elderly victim to fund a lavish lifestyle for years that included a home in the Lake Mann Estates area of Orlando.

Aside from securing a mortgage and renovating a home, Hill also splashed over $100,000 on a facelift, perfume, clothing, IV vitamins, a trip to Miami and dental surgery, according to court documents.

Orlando City commissioner Regina Hill has been charged with elderly exploitation after she allegedly stole more than $100,000 from a 96-year-old woman

Hill, 58, bonded out of the Orange County Jail on Thursday just hours after being arrested over seven felony crimes

She allegedly spent over $100,00 of stolen funds on a facelift, luxury perfumes and vacations

A state investigation that was triggered when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) received a tip from one of her staffers who had been fired.

According to court documents, Hill met the woman in March 2021 in her Commissioner job, and was supposed o help her get better living conditions - but within a month, she had become her power of attorney.

Hill's son and girlfriend are believed to be living in the home the former city employee obtained with the power of attorney.

Meanwhile Hill reportedly lives in a separate home that once belonged to the elderly woman's parents, which she allegedly spent a large portion of the savings to renovate.

Hill also used the woman's savings for a New Year's Eve vacation to Miami, and on a large number of intravenous vitamins from a company named Vitalounge, according to the documents.

Hill allegedly obtained the woman's power of attorney, before exploiting her into obtaining a mortgage for an Orlando home (pictured) under the pensioner's name

Hill reportedly lives in a separate home that reportedly once belonged to the elderly woman's parents, which she allegedly spent a large portion of the savings to renovate

Hill has had numerous other brushes with the law that surfaced when she first ran for office in 2014.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, news emerged during her run that she had a rap sheet with 21 pervious arrests dating back to 1983. The arrests included drug offenses, DUIs, fraud and passing bad checks.

She was also arrested in 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, for public intoxication, the outlet reported.

Hill's son Rakeem was also arrested in 2015 when a cache of guns and drugs were found inside a home she owned at the time, reports WFTV9.

A petition to keep Hill away from the woman's properties and finances reportedly led a judge to issue a temporary injunction earlier this month, kicking Hill out of her home.

FDLE Special Agent Steve Brenton reportedly asked the woman about signing over her power of attorney, and said 'she recalled signing some sort of document but did not understand it and would have never agreed to allow Hill to be a power of attorney.'

Brenton continued that when he looked into Hill's spending, 'these purchases and/ or bank withdrawals exceeded $100,000, and solely benefitted Hill.'

He said that while her home had undergone renovations, the home the elderly woman had been living in was in need of repairs, but Hill had allegedly not spent any money to fix.

Hill's son Rakeem (pictured) was also arrested in 2015 when a cache of guns and drugs were found inside a home she owned at the time,

The agent's affidavit noted that before Hill met the elderly woman, she had over $164,000 in her bank account and around a $650 balance. As of October, she was left with $60,000 in her bank account, and $10,000 on her credit card.

News 6 reported that FDLE was tipped off to the alleged scheme last year, when a former aide of the Orlando Commissioner sounded the alarm after they were fired.

The former staffer, named as Jacqueline Cockerham, said that Hill 'tormented' her on the job, forced her to work long hours, and carry out her personal business.

The personal business included cleaning the elderly woman's home, which she described as being littered with urine and cat feces.

The City of Orlando released a statement after the investigation was launched, claiming it had only recently learned of the allegations.

'The City has been made aware of the injunction issued involving Commissioner Hill,' a city spokesperson said.

'We are not a part of the injunction and do not have any details on the allegations related to it.'
Israel has been rocked by a second night of protests after huge crowds descended on the streets of Jerusalem to demand Prime Minister Netanyahu's removal and an end to IDF conscription.

Police violently clashed with demonstrators again today as tens of thousands gathered across the country to share their rage at the Israeli prime minister and his handling of the war in Gaza that has so far left nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians, dead.

Protesters also showed their anger at proposals to change existing government policy which grants ultra-Orthodox Jews exemptions from military conscription.

The decades-old rule is set to end today in a controversial move which has caused unrest among sections of Israeli society.

Demonstrators blocked a road near the parliament in Jerusalem continuing a four-day sit-in calling for the dissolution of the government and the return of Israeli hostages who have been held in Gaza since the attacks by Hamas on October 7.

Israel has been rocked by a second night of protests after huge crowds descended on the streets of Jerusalem (pictured: ultra-orthodox protesters in Mea Shearim)

Two separate protests demanded Prime Minister Netanyahu's removal and an end to IDF conscription

Police violently clashed with demonstrators (pictured, in Jerusalem) as tens of thousands gathered across the country to share their rage at the Israeli prime minister and his handling of the war in Gaza that has so far left nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians, dead

Demonstrators blocked a road near the parliament in Jerusalem continuing a four-day sit-in calling for the dissolution of the government

Officers were seen dragging protesters, many holding Israel flags, out of the busy street while armed security forces stood guard nearby as tensions rose

Protesters also demanded the return of Israeli hostages who have been held in Gaza since the attacks by Hamas on October 7

Yesterday armed guards took extreme measures to get angry demonstrators under control across Israel, with photographers capturing brutal moments where cops dragged demonstrators across tarmac and beat them into submission

Protests were held in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, not only calling for the release of the estimated 130 people still held captive since October 7, but also for Netanyahu to be removed from power, following months of dissatisfaction

The 74-year-old was last night undergoing surgery for a hernia that the hospital treating him said today was a success

Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem said Netanyahu was recovering, but did not immediately specify how long that might take

But as he recovers, he will have to deal with the growing divisions within Israel, much of which his critics say stem from decisions he made

Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of October 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel ahead of the attack

Officers were seen dragging protesters, many holding Israel flags, out of the busy street while armed security forces stood guard nearby as tensions rose.

People could be seen banging drums and shouting through megaphones as they faced up to police in the area.

There were similar scenes at Bnei Brak, a major city northwest of Jerusalem, where ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered to protest against their upcoming conscription into the IDF (Israel Defence Forces).

For the first time in 76 years, Torah study cannot be used as an exemption to being drafted into the armed forces with plans for a more equitable draft law due to be revealed today.

Netanyahu, who relies heavily on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, last week asked for an extension for this draft.

The Bank of Israel said in its annual report on Sunday that there could be economic damage if large numbers of ultra-Orthodox men continue not to serve in Israel's military.

Police horses surrounded groups of students blocking the road in the coastal city while armed guards patrolled the area.

Some officers grabbed youngsters by the collar and removed them from the scene.

Protesters (pictured, in Bnei Brak) also showed their anger at proposals to change existing government policy which grants ultra-Orthodox Jews exemptions from military conscription

The decades-old rule is set to end today in a controversial move which has caused unrest among sections of Israeli society

Police horses surrounded groups of students blocking the road in the coastal city while armed guards patrolled the area

Some officers grabbed youngsters by the collar and removed them from the scene

Netanyahu, who relies heavily on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, last week asked for an extension for this draft

The Bank of Israel said in its annual report on Sunday that there could be economic damage if large numbers of ultra-Orthodox men continue not to serve in Israel's military

At Bnei Brak, a major city northwest of Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered to protest against their upcoming conscription into the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)

This comes after a group of reservists and retired officers demonstrated in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood following growing resentment over exemptions for service based on religious grounds

Police were forced to intervene yesterday as members of both sides began scraps with each other (pictured: an ultra-Orthodox protestor today)

This comes after a group of reservists and retired officers demonstrated in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood following growing resentment over exemptions for service based on religious grounds.

Members of the Brothers and Sisters in Arms, made up of current and former IDF members, clashed with ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood last night.

Police were forced to intervene as members of both sides began scraps with each other.

Earlier today suspected Israeli warplanes bombed the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, in a potential escalation of the war in Gaza.

Officials in Iran have said the attack killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.

Emergency workers were seen clambering over the rubble of a destroyed building next to the main embassy building in the Syrian capital.

Iran has promised to launch a 'harsh' retaliation against Israel after the airstrike

Since October 7 Israel has ramped up airstrikes in Syria against Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both of which support the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said: 'We strongly condemn this atrocious terrorist attack that targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed a number of innocents.'

Earlier this morning the IDF ended its two-week raid of Al-Shifa hospital, the largest hospital complex in Gaza.

Netanyahu is facing a litany of corruption charges which are slowly making their way through the courts (pictured: a sit-in in front of the Israeli Parliament on Monday)

Many family members of hostages, and even hostages themselves, have called on him to resign and allow national elections to take place, having previously refrained from publicly denouncing Netanyahu to avoid antagonizing the leadership

Netanyahu, in a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery on Sunday, said he understood families' pain

But he said calling new elections - in what he described as a moment before victory - would paralyze Israel for six to eight months and stall the hostage talks

Israeli police violently clashed with protesters across the country last night

Tens of thousands took to streets across the nation to oppose Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership

Protesters from all parts of Israeli society flooded streets to share their rage at the Israeli prime minister and his handling of the war in Gaza

Netanyahu's war against the Gaza Strip has left nearly 33,000 dead so far

Hundreds of people returned to the surrounding area after forces withdrew and found bodies inside and outside the facility.

There was no immediate comment from the military, which has described the raid as one of the most successful operations of the bloodiest conflict between itself and Hamas in decades.

The IDF said it killed at least 200 Hamas and other militant fighters, including senior operatives, and that it seized weapons, valuable intelligence and cash during the raid on the hospital.

But Al-Shifa, which was one of less than a dozen of the 36 hospitals still working in Gaza following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, has been left in ruins.

Photos show the facades of buildings being completely blown off, with broken glass and concrete on the ground around them.

Scorch marks can be seen streaked up the sides of medical buildings, and the centre courtyard, once home to a small green area with a gazebo in the middle, has been reduced to little more than ash and dust.

An overhead walkway that previously allowed staff and patients to go from one building to another without going outside was destroyed. Structural metal rods that once held the building together have been left gnarled and twisted.

Yesterday armed guards took extreme measures to get angry demonstrators under control across Israel, with photographers capturing brutal moments where cops dragged demonstrators across tarmac and beat them into submission.

Hundreds of people returned to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the surrounding area, after the withdrawal early on Monday

The hospital has been the site of a major military operation conducted by the IDF

Palestinians found bodies inside and outside the facility

The IDF launched its raid two weeks ago, and left in the early hour of the morning

Israel has killed nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians

Protests were held in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, not only calling for the release of the estimated 130 people still held captive since October 7, but also for Netanyahu to be removed from power, following months of dissatisfaction.

The 74-year-old was last night undergoing surgery for a hernia that the hospital treating him said today was a success. Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem said Netanyahu was recovering, but did not immediately specify how long that might take.

But as he recovers, he will have to deal with the growing divisions within Israel, much of which his critics say stem from decisions he made.

Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of October 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel ahead of the attack.

Netanyahu is facing a litany of corruption charges which are slowly making their way through the courts, and critics say his decisions with regard to the bloody war in Gaza appear to be focused on political survival over the national interest.

Many family members of hostages, and even hostages themselves, have called on him to resign and allow national elections to take place, having previously refrained from publicly denouncing Netanyahu to avoid antagonizing the leadership and making the hostages' plight a political issue.

Netanyahu, in a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery on Sunday, said he understood families' pain. But he said calling new elections - in what he described as a moment before victory - would paralyze Israel for six to eight months and stall the hostage talks.

In his Sunday address, Netanyahu also repeated his vow for a military ground offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than half of territory's population of 2.3 million now shelters after fleeing fighting elsewhere. 'There is no victory without going into Rafah,' he said.

Demonstrators set up camping tents during the protest on Sunday in Jerusalem

Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of October 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel

Netanyahu is facing a litany of corruption charges which are slowly making their way through the courts

Critics say his decisions with regard to the bloody war in Gaza appear to be focused on political survival over the national interest

A demonstrator sits atop a sign pointing to Israel's Supreme Court, while holding a sign reading 'enough' in hebrew

Opinion polls show Netanyahu and his coalition trailing far behind their rivals if elections were held today.

But unless his governing coalition falls apart sooner, Netanyahu won't face elections until spring of 2026.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border on October 7 and rampaged across southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and dragging around 250 hostages back to Gaza. More than 100 captives were freed last year in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the assault with one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history, one that has driven around 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes.

The United Nations and partners have warned that famine could occur in devastated, largely isolated northern Gaza as early as this month. Humanitarian officials say deliveries by sea and air are not enough and that Israel must allow far more aid by road. The top UN court has ordered Israel to open more land crossings and take other measures to address the crisis.

Gaza's Health Ministry said on Sunday that at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including 77 whose bodies were brought to hospitals over the last 24 hours.

The ministry's count does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but it has said that women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed.

Israel says over one-third of the dead are militants, though it has not provided evidence to support that, and it blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates in residential areas.

Many family members of hostages, and even hostages themselves, have called on him to resign and allow national elections to take place

For now, Netanyahu's governing coalition appears to remain firmly intact.

Police break up protesters blocking a road using water cannons

Protesters hold up placards demanding that Mr Netanyahu leave office. Families of hostages have said the prime minister is an 'obstacle to a deal'

Some hostage families agree that now is not the time for elections

An officer holds a demonstrator's arm as anti-government protesters launch a prolonged demonstration calling for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's government to resign

The United States, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to broker another ceasefire and hostage release since January. Hamas is demanding that any such agreement leads to an end to the war and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected those demands and says Israel will keep fighting until it has destroyed Hamas's military and governing capabilities. But he is under growing pressure to reach a deal from the families of the hostages, some of whom have joined mass demonstrations calling for early elections to replace him.

Ceasefire talks resumed in Cairo on Sunday, but there is little expectation of any breakthrough.
President Joe Biden told NBC's Al Roker that his favorite memories from his time at the White House are of his grandchildren 'sneaking up' and jumping into bed with him and first lady Jill Biden.

Roker interviewed the president and first lady on the Truman Balcony Monday morning to kick off the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The longtime NBC weatherman asked Biden for his favorite memory from his more than three years living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

'Our kids jumping in bed with us - our grandkids, when they're down here,' Biden replied. 'They're sneaking up and jumping in bed with us. That's my favorite memory. They love it. They love wandering through the halls. There's two floors upstairs, a lot of bedrooms, the private residence and they just love coming down.'

Of the president's seven grandchildren, only two are children, Baby Beau, who just marked his fourth birthday on March 28, and Navy Joan Roberts, 5, who the president acknowledged publicly for the first time in July.

President Joe Biden (center) told NBC's Al Roker (left) that his favorite memories from his time at the White House are of his grandchildren 'sneaking up' and jumping into bed with him and first lady Jill Biden (right)

First lady Jill Biden (left) holds the hand of baby Beau Biden (second from left) as President Joe Biden (center left) and his family, including Hunter (right) and his wife Melissa Cohen (second from right) arrive at Fort McNair after spending Easter Sunday at Camp David

His other five grandchildren - Hunter's other three daughters - and the late Beau Biden's son and daughter - are all adults, the youngest being 18-year-old little Hunter, who is a senior in high school.

Naomi Biden, 30, Hunter Biden's oldest daughter and the president's oldest grandchild, was married at the White House in November 2022.

During the brief interview, the president also shared his favorite moment from the three White House Easter Egg Rolls.

The Easter Egg Roll was cancelled during Biden's first year in office in 2021, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

'Well my favorite memories, there was a little girl, who's having trouble with her eggs, she looked at me, she's about 3-years-old, "Can you help me Mr. Pwesident,"' Biden recalled, mimicking a little kid's voice.

Roker, 69 noted how the Easter Egg Roll got its start in 1878 during the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes, joking, 'I think I met him.'

'He was a classmate of mine,' 81-year-old Biden added.

The Easter Egg Roll is about to begin at the White House, and @AlRoker speaks with @POTUS and @FLOTUS about the days festivities. pic.twitter.com/TgXvvyTm11  TODAY (@TODAYshow) April 1, 2024

Biden also talked about how special it is to open the White House up to the public, noting that 40,000 Americans had been invited this year.

'It's the largest ever,' he boasted.

'This is their place,' he added. 'And it always makes me feel good to look out there and see average Americans just walking around looking at what's going on because they own it, they own it.'

He said the same to Roker, 'this is your house pal,' with the weatherman saying he was going to stop by the White House kitchen.

Roker then invited the president and first lady to come with him to Ben's Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution on U Street, that serves half smokes topped with chili.

Biden teased that he would come along.

'Like a poor relative, I show up when I'm invited,' the president said.
The British Museum are holding private discussions with four foreign governments about the return of artefacts from its collection.

This follows reports of a 'negotiated deal' between the museum's chairman, George Osborne, and the Greek government last year which could see the Elgin Marbles lended to Greece as a part of an exchange.

Under a UK law, the British Museum is forbidden from returning any of its artefacts except for under very unique circumstances. However, in recent years items have been sent back to their country of origin on so-called 'long term loans.'

The Daily Telegraph reports that they have seen documents that show since 2015 the museum has received 12 separate formal requests for items to be returned.

Four of these have come from foreign governments using 'confidential diplomatic channels' away from the spotlight of media appeals such as those used by the Greek Government.

The British Museum. The Daily Telegraph reports that they have seen documents that show since 2015 the museum has received 12 separate formal requests for items to be returned. Four of these have come from foreign governments using 'confidential diplomatic channels'

The Parthenon marbles known as the Elgin Marbles on display in the British Museum. They were moved from Athens to London between 1801 to 1812 by the Earl of Elgin who planned to set up a private museum before they were sent to the British Museum

George Osborne, chairman of the British Museum.An agreement is reportedly being negotiated with Greece which could see the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece as a part of an exchange

Communications between the governments and the museum are 'ongoing' and the British Museum will not reveal what artefacts were discussed.

It said this was because to do so 'would have a detrimental effect on its relationship with the states in question at a time when communications are ongoing.'

They did however confirm the Rosetta Stone, one of the most precious artefacts in the museum's collection which was crucial in translating Egyptian hieroglyphs, was not one of the four items privately requested for return.

In recent years, a number of items have been returned to their country of origins on loan agreements. This includes an agreement reached in January this year to loan a collection of gold items, referred to as Ghana's 'crown jewels', back to Ghana.

The agreement to return artefacts, known as the Asante gold, is part of a three-year loan agreement with the option to extend for a further three years.

A similar agreement is reportedly being negotiated with Greece which could see the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece as a part of an exchange for other artefacts from Greece to 'fill the void' Greece's culture minister Lina Mendoni said.

The Elgin Marbles have long been a source of tension between Greece and the UK. They were moved from Athens between 1801 to 1812 by the Earl of Elgin who planned to set up a private museum before they were sent to the British Museum.

A ceremonial cap which is part of the Asante gold. An agreement reached in January will see the collection loaned to Ghana for three years

The British Museum did confirm that the Rosetta Stone (pictured) was not one of the items requested for return privately

Greek Prime Minister Kiriakos Mitsotakis. A diplomatic spat broke out between the UK and Greece with the Elgin Marbles at the centre. It followed remarks made by Mr Mitsotakis that Britain keeping the marbles was like 'cutting the Mona Lisa in half'

In November last year, a diplomatic spat broke out between the UK and Greece with the Elgin Marbles at the centre. It followed remarks made by Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, that Britain keeping the marbles was like 'cutting the Mona Lisa in half.'

This led Rishi Sunak to cancel a planned meeting at Number 10 between the two leaders and accuse Mr Mitsotakis of 'grandstanding.'

In a statement, the British Museum told MailOnline: 'The Museum understands and recognises the significance of the issues surrounding the return of objects.

'We have always been open about the fact of these requests, and we continue to engage in positive dialogue with communities, colleagues, and museums across the globe to share the collection as widely as possible, within the bounds of the law.'
This is the moment Boardwalk Empire star Michael Stuhlbarg chases a homeless man down the street in New York City after being assaulted.

Stuhlbarg, 55, was approached seemingly at random by the assailant in an upscale neighborhood close to Central Park on Sunday evening, cops told DailyMail.com.

He was walking close to 90th and East Drive in the Upper East Side around 7:45pm when Xavier Israel, 27, threw a rock at his head, striking him in the back of the neck.

Stuhlbarg suffered 'minor injuries' and he ran after Israel down to the Russian consulate at East 91st Street, where cops stationed outside intercepted him.

The chase was caught on camera by a local business in dramatic surveillance footage obtained by DailyMail.com.

The chase was caught on camera by a local business in dramatic surveillance footage obtained by DailyMail.com

Stuhlbarg, 55, was approached seemingly at random by a homeless man in the Upper East Side on Sunday Night

The actor was walking close to East 90th and East Drive around 7:45pm when Xavier Israel, 27, struck him in the back of his neck with a rock. (Pictured: Israel's booking photo last night)

The footage shows Israel, wearing what appears to be ripped pale blue jeans, a cropped t-shirt and a white shirt over his face and head, standing on a street corner.

He paces back and forth on the sidewalk close by a crosswalk, while holding a small makeshift bag in his fist.

In a second clip, Israel can be seen sprinting down the sidewalk beneath some scaffolding in the same outfit.

Seconds later, a man in a black top and bottoms runs down the road after him, and both are out of shot within seconds.

The actor was offered medical attention at the scene, but he refused treatment, the NYPD said. Israel, who is homeless, was taken into custody and charged with assault.

Pictured: Israel running towards the Russian Consulate where he was detained Sunday night

Pictured: Stuhlbarg chasing his assailant down the street after he struck him with a rock

He has previously been arrested for two violent assaults and a robbery in January 2022, cops confirmed.

In one incident that month, he knocked a 59-year-old Good Samaritan to the ground and mugged him after the man tried to offer him a coat amid freezing temperatures.

Israel was also arrested for attacking another person who offered him help - this time a 49-year-old woman - and for allegedly beating up two 18-year-olds in Central Park.

The attacks all unfolded within the month of January 2022 and Israel does not have any further criminal record before or after this month, cops told DailyMail.com.

Seconds later, a man in a black top and bottoms runs down the road after him, and both are out of shot within seconds.

The actor was offered medical attention at the scene, but he refused treatment, the NYPD said. Israel, who is homeless, was taken into custody and charged with assault.

Pictured: Xavier Israel being booked for a previous assault in Manhattan January 2022

Israel used a coronavirus mask to obscure his identity when he appeared in court for the January assaults

Pictured: Israel is arraigned in Manhattan Criminal court on assault and robbery charges for beating and ribbing a good Samaritan that tried to give him a coat in January 2022

Surveillance footage of Israel pummeling a man who offered him his coat amid freezing weather in January 2022

The first incident, where Israel attacked the man who offered him a coat, was caught on surveillance footage.

Video shows the victim as he tried to help Israel, who had been lying on the sidewalk at 476 5th Avenue around 8pm on a particularly cold evening.

The victim gently places a jacket he was wearing on Israel before the homeless man springs up and pushes him into the ground.

Israel took the man's wallet from his back pants pocket while he was on the ground before fleeing the scene.

The victim attempts to get his wallet back before Israel punches him and throws him back to the ground.

When Israel was arrested shortly afterwards on West 41st Street and 5th Avenue, officers found almost $1,500 in cash stuffed in his pants.

Pictured: Hope Davis as Gina Baxter and Michael Stuhlbarg as Jimmy Baxter in Your Honor

Pictured: David Gordon Green (left) as Brad and Michael Stuhlbarg (right) as Jake in Bones And All

Pictured: Stuhlbarg poses for a portrait to promote the film 'Shirley' at the Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Park City, Utah

Stuhlbarg was attacked in the upscale neighborhood on the east side of NYC's Central Park

Israel's latest victim, Stuhlbarg rose to fame playing troubled university professor Larry Gopnik in the 2009 dark comedy A Serious Man.

The California-born actor has since portrayed George Yeaman in Lincoln, Lew Wasserman in Hitchcock, and Andy Hertzfeld in Steve Jobs.

He is perhaps best-known for playing Arnold Rothstein in HBO's Boardwalk Empire.

Stuhlbarg has been recognized with several awards including two Screen Actors Guild Awards, along with nominations for two Primetime Emmys, a Tony Award and a Golden Globe.
A Brazilian man who allegedly conned 11 women out of $355,000 after meeting them on dating apps has now been arrested.

Caio da Silva was taken into custody March 22 at a Rio de Janeiro restaurant, where he was lured by his victims, who created a fake profile on Tinder, according to Fantastico, a news magazine show that airs on TV Globo.

They began plotting their revenge after one of the victims, Taya Banharo, learned of a June 2023 Fantastico report about da Silva having targeted other women.

Banharo, who met da Silva through the dating app while she was hospitalized and at one point was scammed out of close to $200, reached out to other women and set up a group chat.

By then, da Silva had disappeared from the dating app world only to return several months later. They were able to pinpoint his whereabouts after one of the women discovered that he had used her credit card.

Caio da Silva, who is being investigated for scamming women he met on dating app, was arrested in Rio de Janeiro on March 22. His apprehension was made possible after his victims came together and set up a fake profile with the picture of a woman he thought he was going to meet at a restaurant the day he was arrested

Taya Banharo was scammed out of almost $200 by Brazilian Tinder swindler, Caio da Silva, but she was able to get her money back

Talita Silva, a Rio de Janeiro lawyer, managed to get back the $9,000 that she had loaned to Caio da Silva while they dated

Banharo created a fake profile and with the help of the other women was able to maintain conversations with da Silva via WhatsApp until they were able to set up a date.

'We talked to him on WhatsApp until we got the arrest warrant. Then when the arrest warrant came out, I arranged a meeting with him,' Banharo said.

Da Silva thought he was meeting Banharo at a restaurant March 22 and instead was greeted by the police, who placed him under arrest.

'The investigation showed that he is a committed criminal,' Rio de Janeiro Civil Police chief Fabio Souza said. 'And worst of all, he continued talking to other would-be victims. His arrest was essential to prevent other people from falling for his scam.'

To his victims on Tinder, Caio da Silva would identify himself as a soap opera actor, a music composer, a real estate owner and a wealthy man

Banharo created a fake profile and with the help of the other women was able to maintain conversations with da Silva (pictured) via WhatsApp until they were able to set up a date

According to Fantastico, da Silva was in a two-month relationship with a member of the Rio de Janeiro Military Police.

'Everything that has been investigated is a civil offense, mere failure to comply with what was agreed between the parties', his lawyers told the outlet.

Da Silva was once investigated for scamming five women in the nearby state of Sao Paulo and was convicted for embezzlement in 2019. But his sentenced was changed to community service, which he never met.

Da Silva often told his victims he was a soap opera actor, a music composer, a real estate owner and a wealthy man, but with financial issues.

He scammed one of his victims, whose preferred not to have her name disclosed, after telling her that he was the only person who inherited his late grandfather's properties and that he was having problems with several farms. He would introduce them to his children.

A Sao Paulo woman, whose name was also withheld, recalled taking out a bank loan for almost $3,000 because da Silva said he had to pay a fine for one of the farms. She ended up loaning him close to $29,000.

Talita Silva, a Rio de Janeiro lawyer, had luck on her side and was able to get back the $9,000 that she had loaned to da Silva, who also told her he need to pay a fine that was imposed on his farm and that he did not have access to his bank account because it was blocked.

'His profile caught my attention because from the beginning he demonstrated and said that he didn't want anything casual,' Silva told Fantastico in July 2023.

Another victim, who did not reveal her name, allegedly experienced the same treatment Silva was exposed to in the early stages of her relationship and fell for da Silva quickly.

'I thought he was a handsome guy, very charming, he had a lot of talk,' she said at the time. 'And then he already conquers in conversations. That's what he posts a lot in his videos, right, giving tips to women on what the perfect type of man is.'
A drone believed to have been launched from Iraq damaged a navy base in Eilat on Monday, the Israeli Defense Forces reported, and a former Israeli general is sounding alarm over what he says is a serious hole in their defenses.

The "suspicious aerial target" crossed from the east and fell in the area of the Gulf of Eilat, the military confirmed.

A security camera captured the small blast at around 1:33 a.m. on Monday.

     pic.twitter.com/QZXOgPPMuC  almog boker (@bokeralmog) April 1, 2024

There were no injuries reported and the only damage was to one building, the IDF said in a post on X.

The Islamic Resistance of Iraq, and Iran-backed group, took responsibility, the Times of Israel reported.

But a retired Israeli general says the attack shows that the Iron Dome defenses are not set up to defend against an attack from the east in that area.

"There will need to be better defense in that area providing we have enough of those defense systems to spread around," retired Brig. Gen. Israel "Relik" Shafir told i24 News.

Along with a naval base, there is also an air base in the area of Eilat. An international airport is also to the north of the drone strike.
Suella Braverman said that she is 'ashamed' of the surge in anti-Semitism in Britain, as she blasted the government for 'backsliding' on its support for Israel.

The former Home Secretary slammed the Foreign Office for being in the grip of a 'pro-Palestine' sentiment and pleaded that this was 'not a time for walking away' from Israel.

Mrs Braverman took a swing at Lord Cameron, who reportedly told Israeli officials that he will halt arms sales if Hamas prisoners are not allowed visits from the Red Cross, saying that now was the time 'for strengthening our support for Israel'.

The Tory MP for Fareham said that was 'disappointed about the UK stance regarding the resolution at the UN Security Council last week,' in an interview with The Telegraph.

The UK's decision to help pass the resolution was also criticised by several Tory MPs, including former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers, who said that she was 'alarmed' by the UK's position as one of 14 members on the council to vote in favour of an immediate ceasefire last week.

The former Home Secretary slammed the the Foreign Office for being in the grip of an 'pro-Palestine' sentiment and pleaded that this was 'not a time for walking away' from Israel

Mrs Braverman, whose husband is Jewish, raised concern around rising levels of anti-Semitism, which have including controversial pro-Palestine murals painted on walls across London and swastikas on placards being spotted at pro-Palestine marches.

The former Home Secretary accused the BBC of 'bias' and warned of a rising threat to Jewish people in university campuses and in the workplace, adding that had she remained in her Cabinet post, she would have passed legislation to stop the weekly 'hate marches'.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mrs Braverman said that she felt 'heartbroken' when she met Jewish people in the UK who are afraid of going into central London on the weekend, and feared harassment for wearing a Star of David - the symbol of the Jewish faith.

She blamed the hesitation to the nip the marches in the bud from the beginning, and the lack of a 'robust approach', for the 'phenomenon of mass extremism' on our streets today.

Mrs Braverman was ousted as Home Secretary in November last year following a rowing over the handling of pro-Palestinian protests in London on Armistice Day.

Mrs Braverman took a swing at Lord Cameron, who reportedly told Israeli officials that he will halt arms sales if Hamas prisoners are not allowed visits from the Red Cross

Mrs Braverman, whose husband is Jewish, raised concern around rising levels of anti-Semitism

Mrs Braverman blamed the hesitation to the nip the marches in the bud at the start, and the lack of a 'robust approach', for the 'phenomenon of mass extremism' on our streets today

She drew the fury of No10 by lashing out at 'hate marches' and then penning an article accusing the police of bias without getting it cleared.

Critics have blamed her for inflaming violence with far-right counter-protesters taking to the streets.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Mrs Braverman, who has been visiting Israeli sites attacked by Hamas, warned: 'Hamas must be eliminated. They must be totally degraded.

'If we don't destroy these evil forces of terrorism which are not just here but presenting themselves in many forms around the world, then Western civilisation faces a real threat itself.'

She said that no form of ceasefire could be called for until the release of hostages and Hamas's relinquishing of control of Gaza, before adding: 'Anything else is pie in the sky.'

Mrs Braverman said that it was 'totally unjustifiable' for the West to 'somehow appease Hamas' and too aim at the Foreign Office for its 'tendency' to 'attribute an equivalence between Israeli defensive measures and the terrorism of Hamas'.

Gary Mond, the chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, who have funded her trip, described Mrs Braverman as 'a true friend of Israel and of the UK Jewish community'.
Rory Kennedy, the sister of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said Monday that she fears former President Donald Trump being elected so much that she won't cast a ballot for her own brother.

She said in an interview with NBC's Andrea Mitchell that a second term for Trump 'will be catastrophic, honestly, for not just our country, but for the world.'

Kennedy - who was promoting her latest documentary series, The Synanon Fix - was among the group of family members who went to St. Patrick's Day festivities at the White House and posed for a group photo with President Joe Biden in a show of support.

'You know, the truth is, that I love my brother, and it pains me to come out against him, but I am very concerned with the stakes in this election, and I'm very concerned from the polls I'm seeing that he takes many more votes from Biden than he does from Trump,' the documentary filmmaker said.

'And I think this election is going to come down to a handful of votes in a handful of states, and I'm concerned that his campaign and running for office as an independent is going to lead to Trump's election,' she added.

Rory Kennedy, the sister of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said Monday that she fears former President Donald Trump being elected so much that she won't cast a ballot for her own brother

Rory Kennedy (second from left, front row) was among the group of family members who went to St. Patrick's Day festivities at the White House and posed for a group photo with President Joe Biden in a show of support

RFK Jr. launched his campaign in April and said he would run against Biden in the Democratic primaries but when he didn't gain enough traction to best the president he announced in October that he would run as an independent in the general election instead.

His sister told Mitchell, 'I'm a huge fan of President Biden's.'

'I think hes done fantastic job and doesn't quite get the credit he deserves over the last four years in terms of policies that hes enacted and changes that hes made that I think have been enormously impactful and positive,' she said.

Still, Biden is trailing Trump in the polls.

The March DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners national survey shows Biden trailing Trump by four points - 39 percent to 43 percent - with RFK Jr. gobbling up 7 percent of the vote in the 2024 general election.

RFK Jr. currently hurts Biden more, siphoning off 9 percent of voters who cast ballots for the president in 2020, whereas only 5 percent of Trump's supporters four years ago say they'll choose the independent candidate.

Ipsos polling is more favorable to Biden, with RFK Jr. peeling supporters from the Democrat and Trump about evenly and longterm could be more damaging to the ex-president because of the kind of voter the independent is attracting - the 'disaffected suburban moderate Republican,' Ipsos President Cliff Young told DailyMail.com last week.

Still, all signs point to the 2024 race being incredibly close between the major party candidates.

'So I feel that the stakes couldn't be higher, frankly,' Kennedy told Mitchell. 'So, you know, I would love more than anything to sit out on the sideslines on this one and not be in this position, but I don't feel like I can do that.'

On Tuesday, RFK Jr. announced that his running mate would be Bay Area lawyer and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan, 38, who is new to politics but not the spotlight - as she was previously married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

She denies a salacious Wall Street Journal report that said a tryst with Elon Musk broke up her marriage with Brin and killed the two billionaires' friendship.

As Shanahan begins appearing with RFK Jr. on the campaign trail, the campaign continues to work to gain access to general election ballots across the country.

On Monday RFK Jr.'s campaign announced they had enough signatures to get on the ballot in North Carolina, which could end up being a swing state due to the governor's race.

Last week the Kennedy campaign went to war with Nevada after finding out that the signatures already gathered may not count because Shanahan's name wasn't included on the petition for candidacy.

The Nevada Secretary of State's Office admitted that the campaign had been given bad information.

A spokesperson for RFK Jr. told DailyMail.com that the campaign plans to sue the state to make sure the signatures gathered will count.
Hope Hicks, a former top aide to Donald Trump, is expected to testify at the former president's New York trial over hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Hicks testified before the grand jury in March 2023 and will take the stand again, MSNBC reported on Monday.

She was a top campaign aide to Trump in the 2016 contest when the alleged payment was made in exchange for Daniels silence about her and Trump's alleged affair.

Trump, 77, has denied a 34-count indictment related to him falsifying business records over a $130,000 payment to the former porn star.

Donald Trump with Hope Hicks as she was leaving her job as White House communications director in March 2023

The trial was meant to start on March 25, but has already been pushed back to at least April 15th after 200,000 pages of evidence were turned over by the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Trump's lawyers accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office, which brought the charges, of trying to bury documents that could help them challenge Michael Cohen's credibility.

The delay was put in place by the judge to give the Trump team time to examine the material.

Prosecutors claimTrump directed his former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, to pay porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she says they had a decade earlier, and then falsely recorded his reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses.

They argue Cohen also coordinated with the National Enquirers publisher to give the former Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000, to thwart her accounts of sexual encounters with Trump in a practice known as 'catch-and-kill.'

Trumps namesake company then repaid Cohen $420,000 in a handful of installments, prosecutors said.

Trump denies the encounter with McDougal and with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

The former president has called the trial a 'witch hunt' and a 'hoax.'

Daniels is expected to be a key witness in the hearing as is Cohen. David Pecker, the former CEO and publisher of the National Enquirer, is also expected to take the stand.

Stormy Daniels is expected to be a key witness in the hush-money trial

Hope Hicks, seen above with Donald Trump in October 2020, also testified before the grand jury in the case

The April 15th date indicates there will be ruling before the November 2024 presidential election.

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche said it was unfair for Trump, who held the office from 2017 to 2021, to stand trial while he runs for president.

In the hush money case, prosecutors say the Daniels payoff was part of a broader "catch-and-kill" scheme Cohen and Trump hatched to boost his candidacy by buying the silence of people with damaging information.

Daniels says she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump denies an encounter.

Trump's lawyers say the payment was meant to spare himself and his family embarrassment, not to benefit his 2016 campaign.

Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges of violating campaign finance laws through the payment.

Trump has denied having an affair with pronstar Stormy Daniels

Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer, is also expected to testify at the trial

The Stormy Daniels case is one of many Trump faces as he seeks a second term in the White House.

He faces three other criminal cases, which focus on his efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Biden and his handling of sensitive government documents after leaving office in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A father and grandfather have both drowned after trying to rescue a toddler who had fallen into into a hotel pool on the Gold Coast.

Dharmvir Singh, 38, and Gurjinder Singh, 65, lost consciousness after jumping into the rooftop pool at the Top of the Mark Holiday Apartments in Surfers Paradise just before 7pm on Sunday.

They were pulled from the water by bystanders who performed CPR until emergency services arrived. However, the pair had gone into cardiac arrest and were tragically unable to be saved.

A two-year-old girl had been playing beside of the pool when she slipped off a step and fell in.

The girl's mother, who couldn't swim, jumped in after her daughter, prompting Dharmvir and Gurjinder to enter the water fully clothed in a bid to help.

A father and grandfather have died after jumping into a hotel pool on the Gold Coast to rescue a toddler who'd fallen in

Dharmvir Singh and Gurjinder Singh were discovered unconscious in the rooftop pool at the Top of the Mark Holiday Apartments in Surfers Paradise just before 7pm on Sunday

The two men got into trouble while in the water and drowned.

The child was rescued unharmed while her mother was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

It's understood the family were visiting the Gold Coast from Victoria.

'It's an extremely emotional scene,' Mitchell Ware from Queensland Ambulance Service said of the tragedy.

'Obviously, anyone could understand that - not just to lose one family member but to lose two family members.'

The pool is on top of the apartment block, several stories above the street, and other families were using it at the time of the tragedy.

Mr Ware said tragic incidents like the double fatality on Sunday morning affected the entire community.

Dharmvir Singh (pictured) jumped into the pool to save his daughter alongside his father, Gurjinder Singh

The pool is on top of the apartment block, several stories above the street

'These incidents can have long-lasting effects not just for the family members involved, but also the people that were at the scene as well,' he said.

Mr Ware said it was unclear if flotation devices were available at the pool, adding water depth didn't make much of a difference for those who are not strong swimmers.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Australia has been rocked by a spate of drownings in recent months, with more than 90 people killed between December 1 and February 29 this year.

Last month, a 13-year-old girl was left orphaned after her parents Leslie, 49, and Jon Ballo, 50, drowned while crabbing in Western Australia.

The couple, who are both Filipino, were recovered by police from the water near the Herron Point boat ramp in Birchmont.

Earlier in March, an international student was pulled from a waterfall in Queensland after going missing.

The 20-year-old went missing on March 10 at about 3pm after he leapt from a ledge into water at Crystal Cascades, west of Cairns, and failed to surface.

Leslie, 49, and Jon Ballo, 50, a Filipino couple who arrived in Perth nine years ago, died while crabbing last month

A search and rescue operation was launched by emergency services to find the young man.

Police divers from Brisbane aided in the search and located the young man's body at about 6pm the next day.

It is understood the tourist was swept downstream after swimming at the top of a set of waterfalls - an area marked as a no-swim zone.
A college community is reeling after a popular young senior was found dead on campus just hours after it was sent into lockdown by a bogus active shooter alert.

Politics student Christian Samay, 22, was pronounced dead on Saturday in his frat house at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania in what college authorities say was an unconnected incident.

It remains unclear how the young student died.

The leading liberal arts college held its spring break two weeks ago so the Lewisburg campus was swarming with students as news spread of Samay's death at 1.50pm.

'Our student body is really shaken from the last 24 hours,' wrote student Amaya Becker on Facebook.

'Nothing is currently set in stone, but the students are currently organizing to have their own vigil on the campus quad in remembrance.'

Christian Samay had spent three summers working as an intern for investment banks and was weeks away from graduating when he was found dead at Bucknell University on Saturday

Samay (third from left) was Treasurer of the college's Phi Gamma Delta society and was routinely pictured with his friends on the fraternity's Instagram page

Students at the college had enjoyed their Spring Break two weeks ago and the campus was full of undergraduates as news of Samay's death broke over the Easter weekend

The young man from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, had spent three summers working as an intern at investment banks, and was just weeks away from graduating when the tragedy occurred.

He was the serving Treasurer of the college's Phi Gamma Delta society and his body was discovered at the fraternity property by university staff.

'This is an unspeakable loss for the Bucknell community, and our hearts go out Christian's family and friends,' college president John C. Bravman told students and staff in a letter.

'I wish to note that his death was unrelated to last night's active shooter alert and campus lockdown, and that the circumstances are not suspicious.

'I call upon all Bucknellians to support each other In this difficult time, and to keep Christian's family in your prayers.'

Students scrambled for safety when an alert was issued at 6.37pm on Friday and the university posted an alert on its Facebook page.

'Bucknell Public Safety is responding to reports of an active shooter,' it wrote.

'Campus is on lockdown. All students, employees and visitors are instructed to shelter in place until further notice.'

It was more than 45 minutes before the alert was lifted and police confirmed there was no imminent danger or threat to the community.

'The call was determined to be a hoax coordinated out of Virginia, according to an investigation by state police,' said Mike Ferlazzo, Bucknell Media Relations Director.

News of Samay's death spread across campus just hours after students emerged from lockdown following a bogus active shooter alert

College president John C Bravman confirmed the sad news to staff and students in a letter later that day

The college in rural Pennsylvania hosts 3,700 undergraduates, ranked 81st among the nation's universities according to the latest Wall Street Journal, and boasts novelist Philip Roth among its alumni.

Members of Samay's Phi Gamma Delta fraternity had just hosted their annual Shea Invitational Bowling Tournament in memory of member Christopher Shea who was just 20 when he died suddenly at home in Glen Cove, New York, in April 2016.

Monday's classes were canceled following Samay's death, and counselors and campus chaplains were also made available to students.

Union County Coroner Dominick Adamo said an investigation into Samay's death is ongoing, and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Joe Biden has famously called the 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan an 'extraordinary success,' but a former State Department official who was there is saying the president is plain wrong.

As hundreds of thousands of Afghan civilians flooded the Hamid Karzai International Airport in August 2021, former State Department Foreign Service Officer Sam Aronson swapped out his pen and paper for flashbang grenades and night vision goggles.

His diplomatic tools were replaced by instruments of war, an indication, Aronson said, that the plan had gone horribly wrong.

'Let me be clear: I cannot call this evacuation a success,' he told the House Foreign Affairs Committee last fall, according to a copy of his testimony obtained by DailyMail.com.

'More than 200 people were murdered or wounded, and thousands more, like me, struggle with invisible scars and moral injuries,' he said.

The U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan cost 13 American after a suicide bomber attacked a crowd attempting get int o the Hamid Karzai International Airport. The attack also killed over 150 Afghans

As the Taliban took over control of the country in 2021 U.S. military and diplomatic leaders began drafting plans to evacuate the country

Videos posted during the evacuation show swarms of people clamoring to get into the airport to leave aboard U.S. fights. Some posts even show Afghans desperately clinging to the exterior of U.S. military planes in hopes to be saved from Taliban rule. At least one of these individuals on the exterior of the plane later died after falling off

One of the most scarring situations of the saga, Aronson said, was the heartbreaking ultimatum he had to tell an Afghan mother.

'I remember giving a horrible choice to a young mother whose husband got stopped by the Taliban: Get on the plane and never see your husband again, or exit the airport and lose your only chance at freedom.'

'I live with memories of women and men walking through razor wire, slicing up their bodies, for a chance that I would allow them into the airport,' he continued.

He also recounted having to hotwire buses to get transportation because no U.S. officials had access to vehicles upon landing at the airport.

'The issue was that the vehicles you had one morning were likely not the vehicles you had later that day, because there was a finite number of vehicles and we were all -- or many elements of the response had to steal vehicles from one another.'

The operation had tragic consequences for the Afghans and for U.S. personnel.

Aronson said when he returned to the U.S. after the operation he was in physical pain from the harsh conditions at the airport.

And despite a pledge from Secretary of State Antony Blinken that employees would not be penalized for seeking therapy and mental care following the mission, he was denied leave, and told if he wanted to take a day off, he would have to foot the bill.

Later, when he was given an assignment in Iraq, he told his supervisor that he was suffering from mental issues relating to his previous deployment to Afghanistan and requested a different project that would keep from triggering his post-traumatic stress disorder.

His supervisor was standoffish and the situation led to his desire to seek a job outside of government and away 'from bullets that were flying over my head.'

People stranded at the Pakistani-Afghan border wait for its reopening after it was closed by the Talibans, who have taken over the control of the Afghan side of the border at Chaman, Pakistan, 11 August 2021

People struggle to cross the boundary wall of Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country

Aronson's testimony gives an insight into how the sloppy withdrawal impacted individuals who were on the ground, and how the mission which the president dubbed as a success is far from it.

In total, the operation was able to get over 120,000 Afghans out of the Taliban-ruled country in less than two weeks.

'The extraordinary success of this mission was due to the incredible skill, bravery, and selfless courage of the United States military and our diplomats and intelligence professionals,' Biden said after the last airlift had left Afghanistan.

The White House has taken little responsibility for the worrisome withdrawal, often reminding reporters how they were 'severely constrained' by Trump-era deals, like the Doha Agreement.

But last month two now-retired top generals in charge of the withdrawal said the blame should rest on the shoulders of policy makers in charge at the time of the operation.

'It remains my opinion that if there is culpability in this attack, it lies in policy decisions that created the environment,' retired Gen. Frank McKenzie testified during a hearing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee in March.

'Culpability and responsibility do not lie with the troops on the ground,' he added.

He was against withdrawing military service members from the country then and has recently said how that decision has directly led to a growing threat that ISIS could attack the U.S. and its allies.

Retired Gen. Mark Milley also laid blame with the State Department and the executive branch during the hearing.

Former Gens. Mark Milley (L) and Kenneth McKenzie (R) testified that the State Department acted too slow in ordering the evacuation of Americans from Afghanistan

A helicopter displaying a Taliban flag flies above Taliban supporters gathered to celebrate the US withdrawal of all its troops out of Afghanistan

'On 14th August [2021] the noncombatant evacuation operation decision was made by the Department of State and the U.S. military alerted, mobilized and rapidly deployed faster than any military in the world would ever do,' Milley said.

'It is my assessment that that decision came too late.'

Milley also said that if he could make the decision again, he would have begun the evacuation over a month before the withdrawal was ordered by State Department and White House officials.

'I would've brought the embassy and the State Department out with the military by the middle of July,' he said. 'If there was a do-over, that would be it.'
New pictures have been released of the five people from Ohio who tragically died in a car accident in Pennsylvania after their car swerved into the path of an enormous tractor trailer.

The pictures included a sweet photo of little Kullen Dawson, the seven-month-old baby who died in the horrific crash.

In the picture, Kullen was smiling in her stroller. A blanket was draped over her chest to keep her warm. She had a stuffed animal in front of her, as well as a plastic tambourine.

Photos have been released of the other tragic victims - including Kullen's mother, Amanda Dawson, 33, and Bradley 'Scott' Thivener, 47.

Kullen Dawson, the seven-month-old baby who died in the crash, pictured here in her stroller

Amanda Dawson (pictured), 33, was Kullen's mother. She also died in the crash

Authorities rushed to the scene of the crash on the Pennsylvania highway and quickly blocked off the road

Images showed the aftermath of the crash on New Meadow Run Drive in Warton Township, which occurred around 1:30pm, according to state police.

The photos, obtained by Fox28 Columbus, offered a window into the fraught moments after the horrific crash that also killed Harold Nibert, 55, and Krystal May, 36.

In the pictures, ambulances and fire and police vehicles lined the rain-slick road. Emergency officials looked grim, their hands in their pockets and their heads slightly lowered as they conferred with one another.

Cones could be seen blocking off the street, and men in hard hats and reflective vests appeared to be directing traffic away from the crash.

A chilling new picture of the smashed tractor trailer suggested just how violent the fatal collision was. In the photo, the truck's hood looked like it had almost been ripped away from the rest of the vehicle.

Harold Nibert was the driver of a black Honda Accord heading eastbound that crossed the double yellow line and hit the tractor trailer head on, according to the corner's office.

It remains unclear what prompted him to swerve into the tractor trailer, or what the relationships between the passengers were.

'No one wants to see a child involved. Today was just one of the days I wish I didn't have to experience,' Farmington Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Brian VanSickle told WPXI on Tuesday.

The violent crash left the five passengers dead- all of whom were from Ohio

Bradley 'Scott' Thivener, 47, pictured here, was also killed in the major collision

The crash occurred on Tuesday and it happened after the Honda accord drifted over the yellow lines and slammed into a tractor trailer

'That stretch of road is a dangerous stretch of road. We've had, over the years, numerous fatalities. Today's event was probably the worst one we've had.'

The corner said all the victims were from Delaware, Ohio and in the same car at the time of the crash.

Thivener's brother, Robb Thivener, told DailyMail.com: 'Scott, as most knew him, was a bright light and a friend to everyone he met. He had a big heart and always helped those in need if he could.'

'He was a big personality in a lil body, and there was always laughter that surrounded him with his quirky sayings and sarcasm. Thank you to all of the friends and family that have reached out. The outpouring of support from strangers from Pennsylvania and Ohio is heartwarming as well.

'As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he had the hope of an earthly resurrection in paradise soon to come, so until we see each other again little brother. You will be incredibly missed,' said Robb.

Another one of his brothers, Michael Thivener, said on Facebook: 'No doubt, Scott was one of a kind. I love you little brother, and I'm gonna miss you so much.'

A friend of Dawson's, Bambi Rogan, said: 'My heart aches as I found out my ex General Manager Amanda Dawson was in a fatal crash. I will miss you beautiful lady and may God be with your family.'

According to her LinkedIn profile, Dawson worked in the food industry and was a general manager at Barrio Tacos.

'The investigation is ongoing with the collision analysis and reconstruction specialists on scene,' said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Kalee Barnhart.

Sources told KDKA-TV that a witness reported to police that the driver of the Honda made an illegal pass before the crash and speed may have been a factor.

All five victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Two people in the other vehicle and the truck driver have minor injuries, reported WBNS.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reportedly shut down Route 40 in both directions between the intersection of Route 381 and the intersection of Dinner Bell 5 Forks Road and Dinner Bell Ohiopyle Road due to the crash until 7 p.m.
A cruise ship company says eight tourists - including two Australians - who were left behind in an African nation when the vessel departed have only themselves to blame because they missed the deadline to get back on board.

The group, which includes a pregnant woman, a paraplegic and a person with a heart condition, were abandoned on the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe after returning late from private day tour.

The passengers' passports were stranded with no bank cards, no money, medication or personal items which had all been left on the ship.

The Norwegian Dawn cruise ship is now more than 3,000km away, off the coast between Gambia and Senegal, according to a vessel tracking website.

The stranded passengers made a 15-hour trip to Gambia on Sunday where they expected to catch up with the ship, only to find the liner had been unable to dock because of an exceptionally low tide.

Now the group will need to travel further to Senegal where they hope to rendezvous with the ship, if the captain will grant them permission to re-board.

In a statement last night, US-based Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) said it was a 'very unfortunate incident' but that the guests had failed to meet the 'all aboard' time of 3pm on March 27.

Members of the stranded group in Sao Tome and Principe (Jill and Jay Campbell on left)

'Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,' NCL said.

'When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port.'

Couple on-board speak out

Jill and Jay Campbell from South Carolina, US, boarded the Norwegian Dawn in Cape Town, South Africa, to begin their cruise around the continent.

They went on a private tour of Sao Tome last Wednesday. The Campbells, who were with an Australian couple, said their tour operator had notified the captain that they were going to be late returning to the ship.

When they did finally make it back the ship was still anchored but the captain said it was too late for them to board.

The tour group was therefore stranded in the main port of Sao Tome and could only watch as the ship sailed off without them.

Jill and Jay Campbell were stranded on Sao Tome and Principe, an island off western Africa, after their cruise line sailed off without them

The group of stranded passengers includes four elderly passengers, one person with a heart condition, another who is a paraplegic, and one woman from Delaware who is pregnant

'The Harbor Master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call,' Mr Campbell told WRAL.

'We sent emails to Norwegian Cruise Line, the NCL customer service emergency number, and they said, well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them e-mails, and they're not responding to our emails.'

Among the stranded passengers is an 80-year-old woman who suffered a concussion and lost part of her vision following a different tour.

The Campbells, who are now more than 9,500km away from home, said the woman was left at a local hospital without any money or belongings, and her emergency contact was never notified by the cruise line.

The Campbells helped her get on a plane to Portugal where she could get a connecting flight back to the US, and gave her an AirTag to keep with her so they could see if anything did not go according to schedule.

'I truly believe sometimes we're put in certain places for a reason, and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman that was left alone,' Mr Campbell said. 'God forbid what would have happened to that lady if we were not here.'

A spokesperson from Norwegian Cruise Line explained that the group was denied re-entry after missing the 'all aboard' time of 3 pm local time

One woman attempts to get on to the boat, as she is held back by officials

The South Carolina couple have shelled out more than $7,500 to supply their fellow stranded passengers with food, toiletries and hotel rooms, as they are the only ones with a debit card.

At the time they were stranded, they were just over a week into a 21-night cruise continuing onward to Barcelona.

Throughout the troubling ordeal, Mr Campbell says his wife has been a 'saint.'

'I don't know where the whole group would be without her strength, guidance and compassion for others,' he said. 'I'm honoured and blessed that I have the smartest woman in the world next to me.'

While they hope to be able to re-board in Senegal, they say they are yet to receive any response to their emails to the cruise company.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line disputed this, saying it was 'in communication with guests' and providing them with 'additional information'.

Jay Campbell praised his wife for her 'strength, guidance and compassion for others' throughout the distressing ordeal

The group of stranded vacationers pose for a selfie amid their troubles in Africa

The South Carolina couple have spent more than $7,500 on hotels, food and toiletries for the group. They spent 15 hours travelling to Gambia on Sunday in hopes of rejoining the ship

The group has tried to make contact with Norwegian Cruise Line, to no avail

'While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,' NCL said in a statement.

NCL explained that guests are responsible for any necessary travel costs to catch up with the ship at the next available port of call.

'Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed if the guests were to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.

'We are in communication with the guests and providing additional information as it becomes available.'

A DFAT spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stands ready to provide consular assistance to any Australian citizen, should they request it.'

Norwegian Cruise Line has been contacted for further comment.
Larry David lashed out at CNN heavyweight Chris Wallace for asking him his net worth, replying: 'None of your f*****g business!' in a testy on-air exchange.

In an interview with David for his weekly show 'Who's Talking to Chris Wallace' on Max, the mainstream media legend covered a number of topics, including politics, David's public persona, and of course 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.'

But things took a turn for the awkward when Wallace attempted to ask David about the Hollywood fortune he's amassed over many successful decades in the business.

Wallace said he'd read online that David, who famously co-created 'Seinfeld,' was worth an impressive half-a-billion dollars or so.

David attempted to skirt the question for a moment by complaining that he was out of water. But Wallace continued pushing the notoriously grumpy comedian.

Finally David responded: 'I'm gonna say what should have been said to your father. None of your f**king business. How about that? And thats ridiculous. Thats ridiculous.'

In an interview with Larry David for his weekly show 'Who's Talking to Chris Wallace' on Max, the mainstream media legend got into it with David over a question about the comedian's net worth

Wallace had mentioned that his father, famed American journalist Mike Wallace, often said that 'people are fascinated by how much rich people are worth.'

David added that the number cited by Wallace - roughly $500million - is 'so preposterous.'

'How about $100million,' said Wallace

'Okay, how about you shut up? Okay. How about you shut up? Is that alright?' retorted David.

'I gotta say, you know, 100 interviews. Nobodys ever said that to me before,' said Wallace.

'Well just shut up,' replied the curmudgeonly comedian.

Later on in the interview, Wallace admitted that he was a little stung by being told to shut up.

David defended himself, saying that Wallace's question had been a crude one: 'What kind of question is that?'

The host said the question was 'perfectly legitimate,' adding that the late Barbara Walters once said: 'theres no such thing as an indiscreet question. There are only indiscreet answers.'

David called the saying a 'good line' that isn't true.

'I wonder how Barbara Walter would react  [if someone asked her], "Barbara, how many times a week do you have sex with your husband? Do you give him head?"' spouted off David.

'Do you think she'd like that?'

Wallace said Walters likely would have said it was none of his business, but 'I don't think she would have said shut up.'

'I really stung you with that,' said David.

The pair also delved into politics. David called presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump a 'sociopath' and 'such a little baby,' as well as how the late Barbara Walters would react to an inappropriate question

NEW: The whole interview with Larry David and Chris Wallace on "Who's Talking to Chris Wallace" is now streaming on Max. New episodes every Friday.



Please don't thank us. @JohnBerman@StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/1XOQ7vGbNP  CNN News Central (@NewsCentralCNN) March 29, 2024

"He's such a little baby... He's such a sociopath. He's so insane."

Larry David rips into Donald Trump.



The full conversation with Chris Wallace airs tomorrow, and he joins us on CNN News Central. @JohnBerman pic.twitter.com/I96o8H1n8Z  CNN News Central (@NewsCentralCNN) March 28, 2024

The pair also got into politics, during a portion of the conversation where David predictably took a harsh stance against presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

'You can't go a day without thinking about what he's done to this country because he's such a little baby that he's thrown 250 years of democracy out the window by not accepting the results,' he said.

'I mean, it's so crazy. He's such a sociopath. He's so insane. He just couldn't admit to losing, and we know he lost, he knows he lost, and look how he's fooled everybody. He's convinced all these people that he didn't lose,' he added.

The comedian's anti-Trump leanings are well known, as he previously accosted his former friend, Trump impeachment lawyer Alan Dershowitz, on Martha's Vineyard in 2021.

Dershowitz told Page Six that David 'screamed' and 'yelled' at him. 'I was worried that he was going to have a stroke.'

A source told the gossip column that David was particulary aggrieved that Dershowitz had hugged Trump's former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

'No. No. We really can't. I saw you. I saw you with your arm around Pompeo! Its disgusting!' David reportedly said.

Dershowitz explained that Pompeo was one of his former students at Harvard Law.

'It's disgusting. Your whole enclave - its disgusting. Youre disgusting!' David replied.
Republicans are claiming that California's new $20 fast food minimum wage will prompt restaurants to simply replace workers with self-checkouts and 'robot cooks.'

Starting Monday a new law kicked in in the Golden State requiring at least $20 an hour wages for workers at fast food chains, pay that could amount to a 25 percent raise for many.

The statewide minimum wage is currently $16 hour, though many of the state's larger cities have a minimum that goes beyond that.

Democrats in the state legislature passed the law last year in part as an acknowledgement that many of the more than 500,000 people who work in fast food restaurants are not teenagers earning some spending money, but adults working to support their families.

But Republicans insist consumers will pay.

Republicans are claiming that California 's new $20 fast food minimum wage will prompt restaurants to simply replace workers with self-checkouts and 'robot cooks'

'As if prices in California aren't high enough. Fast food prices are already rising, and employees are being replaced by self-checkout kiosks and soon robot cooks,' Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., told DailyMail.com.

'Nearly everyone will be worse off: higher prices, fewer jobs, fewer eating options as places close, and fewer small businesses. Ultimately this new $20 minimum wage will affect nearly every job, with similar results.'

The new law will impact national chains like McDonald's, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway, Del Taco, In-n-Out, and Starbucks who have at least 60 stores nationwide and offer limited to no table service.

The median fast-food worker in the U.S. earned $13.43 an hour in 2022, while those in California made an average of $16.60 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The new minimum equates to an annual salary of $41,600.

Starting Monday a new law kicked in in the Golden State requiring at least $20 an hour wages for workers at fast food chains, pay that could amount to a 25 percent raise for many

Sen. Ted Cruz insisted people aren't trying to feed a family of four while 'flipping burgers'

'As if prices in California aren't high enough. Fast food prices are already rising, and employees are being replaced by self-checkout kiosks and soon robot cooks,' Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., told DailyMail.com

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, insisted those hardest-hit by layoffs would be minorities, and scoffed at the idea that people try to feed families while 'flipping burgers.'

'When you jack up the cost of labor, inevitably the result is people lose their jobs. And the people who lose it, understand who Democrats hurt: they hurt the most vulnerable.'

'The people who have been laid off by the way are predominantly low skilled, low income and very young,' he said on his podcast 'The Verdict.'

'The statistics tell us are very likely to be Hispanic or African American to be teenagers with with limited skills. And this was their first job where they were getting skills and Democrats are pulling up the ladder and saying you don't get to get skills. Instead you should be unemployed but guess what? We got a welfare check for you.'

He went on: 'The argument lefties say is, well you know, if you're making 10 bucks an hour flipping burgers, you can't feed a family of four on 10 bucks an hour. You know what, they're right. It's actually very hard to feed a family of four on 10 bucks an hour.'

'Here's the problem - most people are not feeding a family of four flipping burgers. What happens and what restaurants are all about is they're often the entry level jobs.'

Over the past decade, California has doubled its minimum wage for most workers to $16 per hour. A big concern over that time was whether the increase would cause some workers to lose their jobs as employers' expenses increased.

The law originated during private negotiations between unions and the industry, including the unusual step of signing confidentiality agreements.

The law applies to restaurants offering limited or no table service and which are part of a national chain with at least 60 establishments nationwide. It's expected to indirectly impact smaller establishments that must remain competitive with fast food wages.

Restaurants operating inside a grocery establishment, airports and other venues are exempt, as are restaurants producing and selling bread as a stand-alone menu item.

Earlier this year, two major Pizza Hut franchisees in California laid off 1,200 delivery drivers in anticipation of the wage hike, off-loading the responsibility of deliveries to applications like GrubHub or Uber Eats that pass delivery costs onto the consumer.

McDonald's, Chipotle, Jack in the Box and other restaurant chains have announced they'll raise menu prices in California to offset some of the cost. Other California restaurant operators are looking for other ways to cover the costs, like reducing hours or only offering menu items that take less time to make. Other restaurateurs, including Hom of Vitality Bowl, said they won't be opening more businesses in California.

Economists have long been divided on minimum wages' effects on employment.

A study by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office last December stipulated that increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 by 2029 could increase wages for more than 18 million people, but also could reduce employment by about 700,000 workers.
A senior Iranian military commander was among several people killed in a Monday airstrike near Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria, Iranian state media said, as multiple reports attributed the attack to Israel.

Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps, was killed in an attack believed to be directed at him, Iranian state media reported, according to Reuters.

Iran's ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, said that at least five people had been killed, while Syrian state media put the death toll at at least six, according to Reuters.

The strike was carried out by Israel, Axios reported, citing two anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Reuters described the attack as carried out by suspected Israeli warplanes.

Israel has long targeted installations of Iran and its proxies in Syria, but typically does not comment on such operations.

"We do not comment on reports in the foreign media," an Israeli military spokesperson said in reference to Monday's strike, according to Reuters.

Though Israel has struck Iranian targets in Syria before, Monday's strike would mark the first time Israel has targeted an Iranian diplomatic building, the outlets reported.

The frequency of such Israel-linked attacks has risen since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Israel from Gaza, sparking an ongoing war.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tonight backed JK Rowling after she dared police to arrest her under controversial new hate crime laws.

As the legislation came into force in Scotland, the Harry Potter author issued a flurry of social media posts declaring that a string of trans women were men.

The SNP's Hate Crime Act has been widely condemned amid fears it could be used for political purposes. It introduces offences for threatening or abusive behaviour intended to stir up hatred, which in Scotland previously applied only to race, and includes a possible seven-year jail sentence.

Ms Rowling, a prominent gender-identity critic, included trans campaigners and other individuals in her tweets, referring to them as women.

But she ended the thread by saying: 'April Fools! Only kidding. Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren't women at all, but men, every last one of them.'

Are you a protester or know someone involved? eirian.prosser@dailymail.co.uk

Protesters demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament ahead of Scotland's Hate Crime Law

The hate crime bill, introduced today, criminalises 'threatening or abusive behaviour' intended to stir up hatred against someone's identity

People hold up signs as they protest outside the Scottish Parliament today

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tonight backed JK Rowling - who dared police to arrest her under controversial new hate crime laws - by saying his party will 'always protect' free speech

Thousands of police officers are 'not trained' on new hate law It has emerged that more than a third of Scotland's police officers haven't been trained on the new hate crime law. The Telegraph reported that 6,000 of Police Scotland's 16,000 officers haven't completed the two-hour training course. The Scottish Police Federation said that officers had been allocated the 'cheap' two-hour course which wasn't sufficient, it claimed. Advertisement

The author, who lives in Edinburgh, added: 'Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.

'I'm currently out of the country, but if what I've written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.'

She signed it off with the hashtag #arrestme.

As the 58-year-old's comments whipped up a social media storm, the Prime Minister entered the row, saying: 'People should not be criminalised for stating simple facts on biology.

'We believe in free speech in this country, and Conservatives will always protect it.'

A Government source said: 'The SNP is taking Scotland down a very dangerous path, with potential for seriously chilling effects on free speech. We are clear that biological sex matters and gender-critical beliefs are protected in British law, and that won't change while the Conservatives are in government.'

Despite the huge controversy Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was 'very proud' of the Act.

Ms Rowling's comments came after Siobhian Brown, the SNP's minister for community safety, said those who misgender others online, calling a trans woman 'he', for example, 'could be investigated' by police.

Ms Rowling, who warned of the effect on free speech, was reported to Northumbria Police last month for calling trans TV broadcaster India Willoughby a 'man'. Police later said the complaint did not meet the criminal threshold.

In her social media post, the author listed ten high-profile trans people and denied their claims to be women. They included double rapist Isla Bryson, 31, who was initially jailed for eight years at a women's prison before later being moved to a male prison following a widespread backlash.

Bryson, who was known as Adam Graham at the time of the offences, began transitioning only in 2020 after being charged.

Ms Rowling added: 'In passing the Scottish Hate Crime Act, Scottish lawmakers seem to have placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their idea of femaleness, however misogynistically or opportunistically, than on the rights and freedoms of actual women and girls.

'The new legislation is wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence those of us speaking out about the dangers of eliminating women's and girls' single-sex spaces, the nonsense made of crime data if violent and sexual assaults committed by men are recorded as female crimes, the grotesque unfairness of allowing males to compete in female sports, the injustice of women's jobs, honours and opportunities being taken by trans-identified men, and the reality and immutability of biological sex.

'For several years now, Scottish women have been pressured by their government and members of the police force to deny the evidence of their eyes and ears, repudiate biological facts and embrace a neo-religious concept of gender that is unprovable and untestable.

'The re-definition of 'woman' to include every man who declares himself one has already had serious consequences for women's and girls' rights and safety in Scotland, with the strongest impact felt, as ever, by the most vulnerable, including female prisoners and rape survivors.

JK Rowling has unleashed her furor at Scotland's new hate crime law which could see people arrested for using a transgender person's wrong pronouns

Despite the controversy Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was ' proud' of the Act

SNP MP Joanna Cherry said: 'Pleased to see my good friend JK Rowling exercise her rights to freedom of speech and freedom of belief by tweeting in defence of women's rights'

'It is impossible to accurately describe or tackle the reality of violence and sexual violence committed against women and girls, or address the current assault on women's and girls' rights, unless we are allowed to call a man a man.'

Police Scotland said, as of tonight, they had not received any complaints about the post.

Ms Rowling has won support from across the political spectrum. Russell Findlay, the Tory MSP who discovered he had a non-crime hate incident logged next to his name, said: 'JK Rowling speaks for many women across Scotland who see Humza Yousaf's hate crime law for what it is  another SNP attack on women's rights.'

On social media, SNP MP Joanna Cherry said: 'Pleased to see my good friend JK Rowling exercise her rights to freedom of speech and freedom of belief by tweeting in defence of women's rights.'

But Ms Willoughby, one of those on Ms Rowling's list, said: 'The onslaught against me and trans people generally today caused by a particular person is unacceptable. As is all of her acolytes saying they are entitled not to respect, and to disobey the law on protected characteristics. It's nasty, vindictive bullying.'

The new laws sparked a furious response by concerned Scots outside the Scottish parliament yesterday, with many holding up gender-critical slogans.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'The big flaw in this Bill is it does not protect women against hate. There is no protection against misogyny and that is an astonishing exclusion.'

A Scottish government spokesman said women were already protected from abusive behaviour in law, adding: 'The Hate Crime Act will help to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice and provide greater protections for victims and communities. The right to freedom of expression is built into the legislation and there is a high threshold for criminality.'

It comes after furious protesters have staged a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in opposition to the SNP's controversial new hate crime laws.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act came into force today and aims to tackle the harm caused by hatred by providing greater protection for victims and communities.

However, critics say the laws could be used to stifle free speech and that gender-critical activists could be jailed for using the wrong pronoun for a transgender person.

Earlier today it was revealed by Scottish minister Siobhian Brown that people 'could be investigated' for misgendering someone online. It means a person could be arrested for calling a trans woman 'he' if the police decided to do so.

And JK Rowling unleashed fury when she sarcastically told her followers on X, formerly Twitter, to 'respect the pronouns' of trans woman and double rapist Isla Bryson.

In another post, she ridiculed the new legislation by referring to Katie Dolatowski, a transgender paedophile, who assaulted children in supermarket toilets, as 'fragile flower' who was 'rightly sent to a women's prison in Scotland'.

The new laws sparked a furious response by concerns Scots out their national parliament, with many holding up gender critical slogans.

Some of the signs read, 'a man can't become a woman. simple', 'we hate the Hate Crime Laws' and 'the SNP are the Hate Crime Monsters'.

The protesters also held up placards signs that read, 'truth is not hate speech', 'keep trans ideology out of our schools' and 'Scotland says no to Humza's hate crime bill.'

The Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order bill, which comes into force today, will criminalise threatening behaviour that stirs up hatred against people because of their characteristics

The Harry Potter author ridiculed the legislation a string of tweets on X where she sarcastically urged her followers to respect 'lovely Scottish lass' Isla Bryon - a convicted double rapist

Others at the demonstration had tape over their mouths which had the SNP logo on it.

Rowling also highlighted other trans women who had been convicted of crimes.

She said Samantha Norris - a transgender charity worker who was jailed for possessing thousands of 'abhorrent' child abuse images - was 'still a lady to me'.

In other posts she scoffed at those who had been given high-profile roles to represent women, such as UN Women selecting Munroe Bergdorf as its first ever UK champion. She wrote: 'What makes a woman 'a woman' has no definitive answer, says Munroe. Great choice, UN Women!'

Rowling said in a lengthy statement on X: 'The re-definition of 'woman' to include every man who declares himself one has already had serious consequences for women's and girls' rights and safety in Scotland, with the strongest impact felt, as ever, by the most vulnerable, including female prisoners and rape survivors.

'It is impossible to accurately describe or tackle the reality of violence and sexual violence committed against women and girls, or address the current assault on women's and girls' rights, unless we are allowed to call a man a man.

'Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.'

The author said that while she is out of the country, her series of tweets this morning 'qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act'.

She added: 'I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.'

Her comments come as feminist campaigners warned that the new bill could 'havoc' and gag free speech on gender rights issues.

Bryson, 31, formerly known as Adam Graham, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire

Bryson was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of raping two women while still a man

The Harry Potter author shared photos of Bryson before and after transitioning

Rowling sarcastically referred to Dolatowski, a transgender paedophile who assaulted children in supermarket toilets, as 'fragile flower'. Pictured: Dolatowski at Falkirk sheriffs court

Dolatowski leaves Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. Dolatowski, originally from Kirkcaldy, Fife, sexually assaulted a child in a nearby supermarket bathroom in March 2018

In one tweet, author JK Rowling called Dolatowski a 'fragile flower'

The Harry Potter author sarcastically posted a long thread on X/Twitter as she criticised Scotland's new Hate Crime Act which came into force on April 1

A stirring-up offence on the basis of race has been on the statute book in Scotland since 1986 but the legislation has raised concerns about a potential chilling of free speech.

Prominent critics include podcaster Joe Rogan and Elon Musk, the owner of X - formerly Twitter.

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) also warned of the risk of vexatious complaints.

In a letter to Holyrood's Justice Committee, they said the law could be 'weaponised' by an 'activist fringe' across the political spectrum.

Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said: 'Our concern is that it could impact through a huge uplift, potentially, in reports  some of those potentially made in good faith but perhaps not meeting the threshold of the legislation, or potentially in cases where people are trying to actually actively use the legislation to score points against people who sit on the other side of a particularly controversial debate.'

Ch Supt Hay warned that public trust in police could be harmed. He told BBC Radio Scotland's The Sunday Show: 'If you have hopes of the police intervening at a particular level and actually the criminal threshold isn't met then potentially you are going to be disappointed and lose trust in the police.

'And at the other side of that, if you know fine well that something you have said does not meet the criminal threshold and yet it is reported to police and the police come and investigate you, then you in turn might feel that you've been stifled, you've been silenced.'

First Minister Humza Yousaf said on Friday: 'I would say to anybody who thinks they are a victim of hatred, we take that seriously, if you felt you are a victim of hatred, then of course reporting that to police is the right thing to do.

'If you're thinking about making a a vexatious complaint, if you're thinking about making a complaint and there's no merit in that, then do know that the police will take that serious in terms of tackling vexatious complaints, and so I would urge you not to do it.'

Scotland's minister for victims and community safety Siobhian Brown said it was up to the police to decide whether someone would be arrested for misgendering

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf. There has been widespread condemnation of the new law  the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act  amid fears it will be weaponised for political purposes

Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of ASPS, has raised serious concerns about the law in a letter to Holyrood's criminal justice committee

The law was passed in 2021 and  after three years of wrangling  finally takes effect today.

The First Minister has repeatedly said there is 'disinformation' being spread about the Bill and what it entails, claiming there is a 'triple lock' of protection for speech.

This includes an explicit clause, a defence for the accused's behaviour being 'reasonable' and that the Act is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has claimed training for officers is not adequate.

The Act has been a running sore for the SNP-led government in recent years, with a number of changes having to be made before it was passed and the three-year gap before it came into effect.

Critics, many of whom including the Harry Potter author hold gender-critical views, have said it would be weaponised against them.

SNP MP Joanna Cherry has previously said being under police investigation could be a punishment in itself.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay - who along with his party has been an ardent opponent of the law - said: 'Officers would rather tackle real crimes and keep communities safe, rather than having to investigate malicious and spurious complaints.

'Humza Yousaf should bin his Hate Crime Act and instead divert resources towards frontline policing which is at breaking point.'

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell, speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority board, said the force would apply the Act 'in a measured way'.

She added there would be 'close scrutiny' of how the legislation is being enforced as well as what reports are being received.

What changes are being made by Scotland's new hate crime laws? The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 has come into force on April 1, 2024. It creates a new crime of 'stirring up hatred' relating to age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or being intersex - and the maximum penalty for offending is a jail term of seven years. The act says a person can be found guilty if they communicate material or behave in a way 'that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening or abusive', with the intention of stirring up hatred based on the protected characteristics. Britain's Public Order Act 1986 already criminalises stirring up hatred based on race, colour, nationality or ethnicity. But the new Scottish law is said to set the bar lower for finding offence, as it includes 'insulting' behaviour and says prosecutors need only prove that stirring up hatred was 'likely' instead of 'intended'. A dedicated team within Police Scotland is said to include 'a number of hate crime advisers' to help officers in determining what action to take against suspected offenders. Summary convictions dealt with in magistrates' courts will be able to carry prison terms of up to 12 months as well as fines, while more serious offenders who are indicted and handled in crown courts could be jailed for as many as seven years while also facing potential fines. Stirring up hatred over race, religion or sexual orientation by threatening behaviour is illegal in England and Wales. There has been criticism of the new Scottish act for not covering hatred of women. The Scottish government has promised to introduce a new bill specifically targeting misogyny. Advertisement
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has received a shocking report from local authorities that toxic waste has spilled in a river.

According to KMTV 3, the report revealed that liquid nitrogen fertilizer from NEW Cooperative in Red Oak has seeped into the East Nishnabotna River.

The fertilizer spill was due to valve on a storage tank being left open during the weekend of March 11.

The DNR also indicated that 1,500 tons, or 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer was released - which has led to the deaths of 749,000 fish within a 50-mile stretch of the river.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has received a shocking report from local authorities on March 11 that toxic waste spilled into the East Nishnabotna River

The DNR indicated that 1,500 tons, or 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer was released - which has led to the deaths of 749,000 fish within a 50-mile stretch of the river

Liquid nitrogen fertilizer is effective for outdoor plants, vegetables, and fruit trees and is also a common chemical that kills fish.

The fertilizer spill is one of the region's most ecologically devastating chemical spills regarding aquatic life.

'Areas of pooled fertilizer have been pumped into a vac truck and will be land applied later,' the DNR wrote in their news release.

Science supervisor Matt Combes of Missouri analyzed the damage and is referring to this fertilizer spill as 'the big one.'

'Calling something a near-total fish kill for 60 miles of a river is astounding and disheartening,' he told The New York Times.

Environmental Specialist Brent Martens told KMTV that fertilizer was weakened by the end of the week, but the damage had already been done.

The DNR is now encouraging Iowa residents with private wells near the river to contact local public health offices to have those wells tested for chemicals.

According to the DNR's recent news release, 9,255 Common Carp fish were killed due to the liquid nitrogen fertilizer spill

Other fish that were killed due to the fertilizer spill were 69 Silver Carps. According to the DNR's data, more than 700,000 Minnow Shiner Dace Chub fish were killed

Despite the incident occurring more than two weeks ago, the investigation is still ongoing.

'Field test results indicate ammonia levels are declining in the river,' the DNR confirmed via KMTV 3.

'The DNR continues to advise people to avoid recreating on the river and collecting and/or eating dead fish found on or near the river.'

Water program director of the Iowa Environmental Council Alicia Vasto told The New York Times that she's hoping this 'wakes up some people' to the situation regarding the waterways in Iowa.
The rollout of digital phone lines could be delayed by up to two years over fears it is putting the elderly and vulnerable at risk.

Telecoms companies are currently switching millions of households from traditional landlines to a digital network that relies on the internet.

But BT and Virgin Media O2 recently confirmed they were pausing the project after a number of 'serious incidents' in which it caused vital telecare emergency alarms, used by the elderly and disabled, to fail. The Government, which had set an ambitious target for a full rollout by the end of 2025, is understood to be in discussions over a new timeline.

However, the process could be delayed by up to two years for some vulnerable people, sources have told the Daily Telegraph.

In December the Government was alerted to cases in which the changeover had stopped telecare devices working, particularly those in rural and isolated areas.

The rollout of digital phone lines could be delayed by up to two years over fears it is putting the elderly and vulnerable at risk (Stock Photo)

BT and Virgin Media O2 recently confirmed they were pausing a project switching households from traditional landlines to a digital network after a number of 'serious incidents' in which it caused telecare emergency alarms, used by the elderly and disabled, to fail (Stock Photo)

Around 1.8million elderly and disabled people rely on the alarms, which are worn around the neck or wrist and automatically call a response centre over the landline in a health emergency.

When the phone lines need internet signal, telecare systems will simply stop working if coverage drops. In contrast, traditional copper phone lines typically continue to work even in power cuts.

Following the reports, telecoms providers  including Sky and TalkTalk  were summoned to Westminster where they 'committed to concrete measures to protect vulnerable households'.

The Government said all providers had agreed 'to not forcibly move customers on to the new network unless they are fully confident they will be protected'.

Virgin Media, which initially paused the rollout, is reportedly restarting the process in the next few weeks on a voluntary basis for non-vulnerable people.

BT, which also partially froze the rollout, has previously said customers would not be switched 'until they tell us they are ready'.

The company, which is responsible for switching 10million lines, said it would do so only once it had confirmed the healthcare devices work on the new system.

Around 1.8million elderly and disabled people rely on the alarms, which are worn around the neck or wrist and automatically call a response centre over the landline in a health emergency (Stock Photo)

BT, which also partially froze the rollout, has previously said customers would not be switched 'until they tell us they are ready' (Stock Photo)

A BT spokesman said: 'We are working to minimise any delays, as the switch to digital landlines is a necessity given the increasing fragility of the analogue network.'

The Government is said to be in talks with telecare companies about how they can help customers through the transition.

A spokesman for the Department for Science said: 'The UK Government has no formal role in administering the switchover ... but we continue to engage with the industry to ensure vulnerable customers are protected.'
A man locked up for a murder that may never even have happened was described by his prison governor as a model inmate who posed little threat to the public.

A newly unearthed jail report into burking killer Clive Freeman  who has now served 35 years for a murder which a string of top forensic experts suggest may not even have happened  says the father of three demonstrated a significant reduction in his presented risk to the public through his compliant and exemplary prison conduct and behaviour.

Yet the cancer-stricken prisoner, 80, remains behind bars two decades later because of his refusal to admit taking the life of Scots-born former plumber Alexander Hardie. Freeman was initially given a minimum jail term of 13 years and could have been released more than 20 years ago if he had confessed.

The leaked 2004 prison report, written by Mark Taylor, Lifer Governor at HMP Swaleside in Kent, deepens the controversy surrounding the case which is being probed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) for a fifth time.

Ex polo-playing landowner Freeman was convicted in 1989 of murdering Mr Hardie in what prosecutors said was part of a planned 300,000 insurance swindle.

The cancer-stricken prisoner, 80, remains behind bars two decades later because of his refusal to admit taking the life of Scots-born former plumber Alexander Hardie

According to prosecution pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd, he used so-called burking, a suffocation technique adopted by body snatchers Burke and Hare in Edinburgh in 1828, to kill Mr Hardie in south London in 1988.

But as revealed by this newspaper, eight esteemed pathologists and forensic experts have debunked the theory that the method was used to take the life of sometime vagrant Mr Hardie, 49.

Some suggest he may have died of natural causes, while a key prosecution witness has retracted his statement.

In his 2004 report, Mr Taylor wrote: I have known Mr Freeman since his arrival at Swaleside in December 1998.

During this time, I have always found him to be polite and courteous in his dealings with staff. He is a man who prefers to keep his own company on the wing.

He has an exemplary custodial behaviour record during his time at Swaleside. His last demeanour against prison discipline took place in July 1993.

Mr Freeman is conscientious and attends his place of work on a daily basis without prompt.

He is currently employed in a privately funded workshop. His supervisor is a member of the public and not prison staff. This is considered to be a position of trust within the prison.

According to a prosecution pathologist, Freeman used a suffocation technique adopted by body snatchers Burke and Hare in Edinburgh in 1828, to kill Mr Hardie in south London in 1988

He went on: In relation to his life sentence plan Mr Freeman has always refused to take part in offending behaviour work due to his denial of the index offence [murder].

However, he has demonstrated a significant reduction in his presented risk to the public through his compliant and exemplary prison conduct and behaviour.

Mr Freeman is now tariff expired and should be seeking his release from prison via the Parole Board. He has, however, chosen not to pursue this because he wishes to be released as a free man through the Court of Appeal.

The leaked documents raise troubling questions about the Parole Boards handling of the Freeman case.

An ex-High Court judge, who asked not to be named, told the Mail: The defendants remarkable stance in failing to gain a release from custody raises an important point in the administration of justice.

Ex polo-playing landowner Freeman was convicted in 1989 of murdering Mr Hardie in what prosecutors said was part of a planned 300,000 insurance swindle

Following a string of revelations by this newspaper over the last month, the CCRC is coming under mounting pressure to refer the case to the Court of Appeal.

The Parole Board confirmed it is reviewing Freemans case and what risk he could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community, a spokesman said.

Retired police superintendent Tony Thompson, who is spearheading Freemans freedom bid, said: The comments from the Parole Board fail to take account of prisoners who do not accept their guilt because they are claiming they are innocent  like Clive Freeman. Im confident he is not alone.

As we know, the only option for a prisoner is to go along the CCRC route and that is very slow and inadequate for several reasons. So any changes must look at the CCRC and how the Parole Board assess the risk posed by a prisoner who will not change their stance as to guilt.

The CCRC has been widely criticised after the recent scandal involving Andrew Malkinson who was wrongly convicted and jailed for 17 years for rape.

In the Malkinson case, as in the Freeman one, the CCRC refused to refer it to the Court of Appeal because, it said, it failed the real possibility test.

This is defined as the real possibility judges will rule that a conviction should be quashed.

Dr Shepherd has not responded to requests for comment from the Mail.
An Alaska Airlines plane flying from from Hawaii to Alaska was forced to turn around after a bathroom flooded filling the aisles of the Boeing 737 Max 9 jet with water.

The flight from Honolulu to Anchorage left the island just after 10pm Friday night and was 90 minutes into its flight when the forward bathroom of the aircraft suddenly began to malfunction leaking water everywhere.

Rather than continue on the six-hour journey to Alaska the captain of Alaska Airlines flight 828 made the decision to turn back to Hawaii for the problem to be fixed.

Video captured by one of the passengers onboard sees flight attendants scrambling to mop up the deluge throwing as many blankets and paper towels onto the floor as they could find.

'There was probably two to four inches of standing water that swooshed out as soon as you opened that front door of the lavatory,' Parker said to Alaska's News Source.

An Alaska Airlines flight from Hawaii to Alaska was diverted back to Honolulu due to a flooded bathroom, filling the aisles with water

Passengers witnessed flight attendants hastily cleaning up the water with paper towels as water kept flowing from a malfunctioning sink

The incident occurred 90 minutes into the flight, prompting the captain's decision to turn back

Flight attendants used whatever paper towel they could find in attempt to mop up the mess

Stacks of paper towels were used to try and stem the flow of water from the bathroom

'I would say an hour and a half into the flight is when we noticed the water and it was significant. The entire floorboards of that airplane were completely wet.'

The issue is believed to have been with a bathroom sink rather than a toilet meaning the water flowing through the plane was clean rather than sewage.

A FlightAware map showed that the plane was in the air for a total of 2 hours, 18 minutes, before safely landing back in Hawaii at 12:30am.

Passengers were ultimately rebooked on other flights as there were no other spare planes to take them to their destination.

The aisles of the plane were left soaked as the water ran down through the entirety of the plane

Paper towels could were strewn all over the floor as flight attendants did their best to mop up

The flight was 90 minutes into its six hour journey to Alaska when the captain decided to turn back

The incident occurred onboard a Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9

In January, an Alaska Airlines flight suffered a near-catastrophe as a plane door blew out at 16,000ft over Portland

Passengers aboard the doomed Alaska Airlines Flight were notified last month they may be considered the 'possible victim of a crime' following the midair blowout incident in January

'We apologize to our guests for the inconvenience this caused and commend the crew for their actions to ensure the well-being and comfort of our guests,' the airline said in a statement.

Alaska Airlines made the headlines at the start of this year after a door plug blew off one of its Boeing Max jets midflight at 16,000ft on January 5 with 171 passengers and crew onboard, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon.

Last month, investigators with the Department of Justice contacted some of the passengers informing them they may be the victim of a crime. It also led to the departure of the CEO of the company Dave Calhoun.

A United Airlines Boeing 777-300ER was forced to turn back to Frankfurt after a broken toilet caused feces to flood into the cabin, emitting a foul odor

The flight was an hour into its journey but technicians were unable to solve the problem so the Boeing 777-300ER returned to Frankfurt in Germany

Friday night's bathroom incident is similar to that experienced by passengers on board a United Airlines flight traveling from Frankfurt, Germany to San Francisco, that saw the Boeing 777-300ER's toilet overflow filling the cabin with a foul-smelling odor.

United Airlines flight 59, was one hour into its 11hr 30min journey to California when the captain of the Boeing 777-300ER decided the best course of action was to return back to Germany rather than continue to fly across the Atlantic.

FlightAware shows the plane circled for a short time over the North Sea to the east of England while the crew weighed up their options. Technicians were unable to find an immediate solution to the problem.

The smell permeated through the entire aircraft shortly after taking off.

Passengers told the contents of the waste tank overflowed and spilled out into the cabin, which only served to worsen the situation.

The aircraft, which is just seven years old, was back on the ground in Germany just two hours after taking off.

'On Friday, March 29, United Flight 59 returned to Frankfurt following a maintenance issue with one of the aircraft's lavatories,' a statement by United read.

'The passengers were provided with hotel accommodations overnight in Frankfurt - and were rebooked on a different flight to San Francisco the next day', the statement added.
A driver was arrested after slamming an SUV through the gates at the FBI's Atlanta field office before trying to run inside the building.

According to the FBI, the unidentified male suspect rammed the vehicle into the front gate on Monday a little after noon at the offices off Flowers Road in Chamblee, Georgia.

Jenna Sellitto, a spokesperson for the bureau, said the DeKalb County police arrested the suspect and took the driver to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

The FBI said that a man tried to follow an authorized vehicle through the gate but was stopped. He then ran out of the car and toward the building.

An unidentified driver male driver rammed an SUV into the gates at the FBI field office in Atlanta on Monday just after 12pm

The FBI said that a man tried to follow an authorized vehicle through the gate but was stopped. He then ran out of the car and toward the building. (pictured: the crushed car seen from a distance after it hit the fence)

The agents in the car ahead of the suspect's got out and detained the driver along with two other FBI agents who were on their way to grab lunch.

Pictures of the red SUV showed the smooshed car on top of the black and yellow striped barrier that lifted up from the ground.

Another image showed officials around the scene as the car was packed away on a tow truck around 4pm.

The FBI said agents will follow procedures and check the car and the investigation is ongoing. The driver could face state and federal charges.

No injuries were reported and it is unclear why the suspect attempted to break the gates and get into the government building.

DailyMail.com contacted the DeKalb County Police and the FBI for more information.
Police are still recording hundreds of petty rows as 'hate incidents' despite ministers telling them to tackle serious crime instead.

Forces nationwide are logging details of trivial arguments between neighbours, drunken rants and online spats if callers say they have been offended.

In one case now kept on file as a race-related Non Crime Hate Incident (NCHI), a pubgoer accused Welsh bar staff of refusing to serve him because he was English  but they said he was just drunk.

Elsewhere, despite detection rates for traditional crimes plummeting, forces have recorded hate incidents where business owners have objected to negative online reviews and parents have complained schoolchildren were making fun of a classmate on TikTok.

It comes despite the Home Office telling police last year they should stop recording all reports of supposed hate and must ignore those where no intentional hostility or prejudice can be proven.

Forces nationwide are logging details of trivial arguments between neighbours, drunken rants and online spats if callers say they have been offended (stock image)

A body-worn camera similar to those used by police. The Home Office told police last year they should stop recording all reports of supposed hate and must ignore those where no intentional hostility or prejudice can be proven (stock image)

Last night former home secretary Suella Braverman, who brought in the restrictions on hate incidents that forces are flouting, told the Mail: 'The police seem to have plenty of time to record these often trivial incidents and yet anti-social behaviour, drugs and shoplifting is going unresolved.

'As home secretary I changed the guidance to raise the bar for when data should be recorded. It seems the police are still intent on subverting these rules. They are letting the public down. The police need to do better.'

NCHIs  which do not count as crimes but can show up in job applicants' vetting checks  were created in the wake of Stephen Lawrence's murder as a way for police to monitor levels of racism across the country.

Forces were later accused of using them to punish people for 'thought crime' however, and the Government sought to restrict their use after a landmark free speech High Court case, won by former police officer Harry Miller who was investigated after tweeting about transgender rights.

In a statutory code of practice published by the Home Office last June, police were told: 'The perception of hostility or prejudice by a complainant or any other person alone is not enough, in and of itself, to warrant an NCHI record being made.'

Incidents deemed irrational, malicious or trivial should be ignored while the personal details of alleged offenders can be kept on file only if there is a real risk of their behaviour escalating into crime.

But now civil liberties group Big Brother Watch has obtained figures from 32 of the 46 police forces in England and Wales showing they recorded 6,489 NCHI between June and November last year. Call logs show that although some of the incidents covered racist or homophobic abuse, many others did not meet the criteria set out by the Home Office.

Former home secretary Suella Braverman, who brought in the restrictions on hate incidents that forces are flouting, told the Mail: 'The police seem to have plenty of time to record these often trivial incidents and yet anti-social behaviour, drugs and shoplifting is going unresolved'

Mr Miller, who set up the Fair Cop group to campaign against 'police attempts to criminalise people for expressing opinions', said: 'Hate is an everyday emotion, like love or envy, and the police have no business recording except where it is attached to a crime or where it signifies that a crime is about to happen.

'Being offensive or expressing uncomfortable opinion is not a police matter.'

Jake Hurfurt, Big Brother Watch's head of research and investigations, said: 'It is worrying that police forces across the country are still recording social media comments and schoolyard squabbles on law enforcement systems.

'Police should record NCHIs only when there is strong evidence of hate and they must seek to protect rather than limit freedom of speech. Resources should be focused on the world of crime, rather than monitoring non-criminal transgressions.'

Tory MP Rachel Maclean, who had a hate incident recorded against her last year for sharing an online post describing a trans woman as a man in a wig, said: 'In my view it's time to stop the recording of NCHIs altogether; after all, there is no evidence they lead to keeping anyone safer.'

Tory MP Rachel Maclean (pictured), who had a hate incident recorded against her last year for sharing an online post describing a trans woman as a man in a wig, said: 'In my view it's time to stop the recording of NCHIs altogether; after all, there is no evidence they lead to keeping anyone safer'

North Wales Police recorded 77 NCHI including a parent complaining her son's classmates had called him names on TikTok. In another, flagged as 'racial', a complainant said staff refused to serve him at a pub in Bala because he was English, but they said it was because he was drunk.

Greg George, head of diversity for North Wales Police, said: 'North Wales Police do comply with the Home Office Guidance. Perception of hostility or prejudice can be subjective and linked to various factors.'

Norfolk Constabulary recorded 57 NCHI including one in which a business owner said 'he is receiving bad reviews on social media and local websites' because of 'him being a foreigner'. A force spokesman said it had reduced the number of NCHIs by 50 per cent.

Lancashire Constabulary, which logged 159 NCHIs, recorded one where someone had found a social media post about the conflict in Israel 'disturbing'. The force said it had introduced guidance for staff 'to ensure that incidents are recorded accurately'.

The Home Office said: 'The statutory code of practice on the recording of non-crime hate incidents stipulates they should only be recorded when it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to do so. Personal data may only be recorded if there is a real risk of significant harm or a future criminal offence.'
Side by side, these sausage dogs are not just the best of friends  they are three generations of the same family.

But Mini Winnie, ten, her son Wally, five, and granddaughter Whoopie, just five months, would not exist if it was not for modern science.

Mini Winnie was cloned from dachshund Winnie ten years ago after her owner, Rebecca Bourne, won a competition.

And while Winnie produced a litter, the pup Mrs Bourne kept was unable to have offspring. So that left Mini Winnie to continue the family tree.

'It's worked out pretty well. It would have been pretty sad if Winnie's line had run out,' said Mrs Bourne, 39, from Hundon, Suffolk.

Winnie was given to Mrs Bourne on her 18th birthday and she credits the dog with helping her through spells of bulimia and depression.

As reported in the Daily Mail at the time, her beloved pet was copied in 2014  although the 60,000 procedure was carried out at a laboratory in South Korea as it is illegal in this country.

Side by side, these sausage dogs are not just the best of friends  they are three generations of the same family. But Mini Winnie (pictured, left), ten, her son Wally (centre), five, and granddaughter Whoopie (right), five months, would not exist if it was not for modern science

Mini Winnie was cloned from dachshund Winnie ten years ago after her owner, Rebecca Bourne (pictured), won a competition

And while Winnie produced a litter, the pup Mrs Bourne kept was unable to have offspring. So that left Mini Winnie to continue the family tree

'It's worked out pretty well. It would have been pretty sad if Winnie's line had run out,' said Mrs Bourne, 39, from Hundon, Suffolk

Winnie died in 2017 aged 17 after she was hit by a car. But her dynasty continued as Mini Winnie had a litter of two pups in 2018. Mrs Bourne kept one, Wally, who mated with 'local girl' Sassy last year, producing four pups including Whoopie

Scientists extracted Winnie's DNA and placed it in a donor egg, which was carried by a dog surrogate. Four months later, Mini Winnie made the 15-hour flight to the UK to meet her double.

'I know they say you can't clone personality but Mini Winnie is just like Winnie,' said Mrs Bourne, who runs Rebby Rabbits, which makes handmade art for children.

Winnie died in 2017 aged 17 after she was hit by a car. But her dynasty continued as Mini Winnie had a litter of two pups in 2018. Mrs Bourne kept one, Wally, who mated with 'local girl' Sassy last year, producing four pups including Whoopie.

Despite looking just like the two Winnies, the younger pups are very much their own dogs. Mrs Bourne said Wally is 'very bossy', while Whoopie wants to 'eat everything'.

... and how play helps your pooch live longer

By Xantha Leatham

Anyone who has ever owned a pet dog knows how hard it can be to watch them grow old.

But researchers have found that what they call social enrichment can bring benefits for ageing dogs' brains  suggesting it really is a good idea to teach an old dog new tricks.

Scientists used MRI scans to measure changes in the brain structure of 43 middle-aged beagles over three years. The dogs were exercised daily, played with a range of toys and had 'free play' with other dogs for 30 minutes per day.

Analysis revealed the volume of the hippocampus  the brain region linked to cognition increased for all the dogs at an average rate of 1.74 per cent per year. This was in contrast to previous studies of beagles, which showed the volume of this area of the brain usually declines over time.

The researchers, from the University of Kentucky and the University of California, published their findings in The Journal of Neuroscience.

Researchers have found that what they call social enrichment can bring benefits for ageing dogs' brains  suggesting it really is a good idea to teach an old dog new tricks (Stock Photo)

The researchers, from the University of Kentucky (pictured) and the University of California, published their findings in The Journal of Neuroscience

'It doesn't hurt to take this as a helpful pet-care tip,' they wrote. 'Playing with your dogs may be beneficial to their brain health. We can therefore conclude that adopting a dog, even when it is middle-aged, may improve its longevity and benefit its health in old age.'

They added that cognitive decline is similar in dogs and people. Therefore, older dog owners may also see benefits from playing with their pets.
Abby Hensel's husband has been hit with a paternity suit by his ex-wife who he split with just two years before marrying the famous conjoined twin.

Abby, now 34, from Minnesota, tied the knot with Josh Bowling, 33, a nurse and army veteran in 2021, according to public records. Abby is a conjoined twin with sister Brittany and the two appeared on a TLC show.

The paternity lawsuit was filed by Josh's ex-wife, Annica Bowling, in October 2023, nearly two years after he married Abby.

Court records viewed by DailyMail.com show Annica filed the suit against Josh and another man named Gavin Vatnsdal.

Josh and Annica married in 2010 then split in 2019, according to court records. They currently share custody of their 8-year-old daughter, Isabella.

Abby Hensel's husband, Josh Bowling, has been hit with a paternity suit by his ex-wife, Annica Bowling, who he split with in 2019 and shares one daughter with

Their divorce was finalized on April 23, 2020, then Annica (pictured with Josh) had another child later that year who in court documents is referred to as 'Isabella's half-sister'

Josh and Annica's divorce was finalized on April 23, 2020, then Annica had another child later that year who in court documents is referred to as 'Isabella's half-sister.'

It is unclear which child paternity is being tested for, but a genetic test report was filed to the court on March 7 that is not available for public viewing.

Josh's daughter attended his wedding to Abby, sporting a floral bridesmaid's dress and walking down the aisle, holding a sign that read: 'Daddy... Here Comes Your Bride.'

It's likely the father-of-one, who works with hospice patients, and the twins live with one another, with Josh's Facebook page showing the family - including his young daughter - enjoying hikes in nature, ice cream and dressing up for Halloween.

Abby and her sister Brittany, one of only a few sets of dicephalus twins in history to survive infancy, rose to fame on their eponymous TLC show which chronicled their major life events, including their high school graduation and job hunting.

On TikTok account @abbyandbrittanyhensel, a clip was recently posted showing off Abby's wedding day - and a Facebook account titled Britt And Abby also featured a picture of the happy couple.

For the ceremony, which records revealed took place back in 2021, the twins sported a sleeveless wedding dress with lace trim detailing while the groom wore a grey suit.

A video thought to have been captured by one of their guests and shared on social media showed the twins and the groom enjoying a dance during the big day.

Josh's daughter attended his wedding to Abby (pictured in her wedding dress), sporting a floral bridesmaid's dress and walking down the aisle

The conjoined twins broke their silence last week after news emerged that one of them is now married in a social media post addressed to their haters

The conjoined twins broke their silence last week after news emerged that one of them is now married.

'The internet is extra LOUD today,' the twins, 34, said on their joint TikTok account on Thursday after the world learned that Abby had married Josh. They didn't share any images online until last year.

Abby and Brittany shared images of ancient sculptures depicting conjoined twins and added: 'We have always been around.'

They also posted another TikTok showing a photo with Josh and wrote: 'This is a message to all the haters out there.

'If you don't like what I do, but watch everything I'm doing, you're still a fan.

Abby and Brittany are now both fifth grade math teachers at an elementary school in New Brighton, Minnesota, where they were born and raised.

The pair share a single body, and from the waist down, all their organs, including the intestine, bladder and reproductive organs, are shared.

In a documentary filmed when the girls were teenagers, their mother said they were keen to have children of their own one day, explaining: 'That is probably something that could work because those organs do work for them.'

Abby and Brittany are now both fifth grade math teachers at an elementary school in New Brighton, Minnesota, where they were born and raised

Abby and her sister Brittany, one of only a few sets of dicephalus twins in history to survive infancy, rose to fame on their eponymous TLC show

In another interview, Brittany reiterated their desire to have families of their own, saying: 'The whole world doesn't need to know who we are seeing, what we are doing and when we are going to do it. But believe me, we are totally different people.'

They have always shut down speculation about their private life and a decade ago, they dismissed a rumor that Brittany was engaged as a 'dumb joke', but even as teenagers they spoke about wanting to have children.

'People have been curious about us since we were born, for obvious reasons,' the twins said in the first episode of their eight-part series, according to ABC News. 'But our parents never let us use that as an excuse. We were raised to believe we could do anything we wanted to do.'

In a 2001 interview with Time, the twins' father Mike said his daughters had already then asked about finding husbands one day.

Knowing that other conjoined twins have married, he explained, why not? 'They're good-looking girls. They're witty. They've got everything going for them, except they're together,' he added.
The White House is set to approve an $18 billion arms sale to Israel including several dozen F-15 fighter planes.

It would be the biggest arms sale by Washington to Tel Aviv since the start of Israel's war against Hamas on October 7.

The sale has been under consideration since the United States received a formal request in January 2023.

Speeding up the delivery was among the main requests from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant when he visited Washington last week.

The Biden administration is set to sell several dozen F-15s to Israel as tensions rise in the Middle East

An Israeli air force F-15 fighter jet flies during an exhibition as part of a pilot graduation ceremony at the Hatzerim air base in southern Israel

U.S. President Joe Biden is welcomed by Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu, as he visits Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 18, 2023

Gallant held talks with U.S. officials including Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

The F-15s need to be built and would not arrive in Israel for several years.

Israel wants to increase its air power not just to fight Hamas but to deter the threat from Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah.

The military package includes a large number of F-15 aircraft, aircraft munitions and support services, training, maintenance, and many years of contractor support during the lifecycle of the aircraft, which could be up to two decades.

CNN reported that the agreement may include up to 50 F-15s.

U.S. law requires Congress to be notified of major foreign military sales agreements, and the sale is likely to lead to heated debate.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (R) arrives to the US State Department to meet with US officials in Washington, DC, USA, 25 March 2024

Defense Minister Gallant met with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan

It comes at a time when Biden is under pressure from some Democrats to rein back support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Washington has publicly expressed concern about Israel's anticipated military offensive in Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip.

Many Palestinians have taken shelter after being displaced due to Israel's nearly six-month-old Gaza assault.

Israel launched an offensive in Gaza after terror group Hamas launched a horrific assault on southern Israeli communities on October 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 253 hostages.

Washington gives $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to its longtime ally.

Gallup polling shows the U.S. public less supportive than before on Israeli military action in Gaza

Photo taken on April 1, 2024 shows destroyed buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

Destruction in the northern Gaza Strip following Israeli airstrikes, as seen from the southern Gaza Strip

U.S. officials have criticized Israel over the high Palestinian civilian death toll in Gaza.

But they have so far resisted calls to put conditions on weapons transfers to Israel.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli embassy in Washington on the sale of F-15s.

Congress can block such arms sales by passing a resolution of disapproval over human rights violations or other concerns.

However, no such resolution has ever passed and survived the presidential veto.

U.S. President Joe Biden attends a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he visits Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 18, 2023

An informal review process allows the Democratic and Republican leaders of foreign affairs committees to vet such agreements before a formal notification to Congress.

Michael McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has already given the green light for the F-15 sale.

It is separate from the $14 billion for Israel that Biden has asked Congress to approve as part of a massive $95 billion national security spending package.

That package also includes aid for Ukraine and Taiwan.
SB4 virtual event promotional image Raquel Natalicchio / Susan Barber Featured speakers, from L to R: Parker Sheffy, Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Jennefer Canales-Pelaez Courtesy Images

The Houston Chronicle is launching a series of live virtual events that peel back the curtains on our newsroom. Readers are invited to join us for VIP interviews, fascinating Q&As and on-the-record discussions on topical issues.

What are my rights under Texas' immigrant deportation law, Senate Bill 4 (SB4)? How did we get to this point? Does it apply to all immigrants? While an appeals court has once again put SB4 on pause, the law is making its way through the courts system, which could issue a formal ruling on the law at any time.

Readers are invited to a live virtual event at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 4 where we unpack SB4 with Jennefer Canales-Pelaez from Immigrant Legal Resource Center; Parker Sheffy from University of Houston Law Center; and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia. They'll be joined by the Chronicle's assistant city editor Codell Rodriguez.

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Part of the event will be conducted in Spanish, as well as English. To join our free Zoom event, please register here.

Jennefer Canales-Pelaez joined the ILRC in 2022. Jennefer has advocated for immigrant rights from the age of 11 when she advocated for her fathers immigration status to the President at the time, George W. Bush. Although her father was ultimately deported, Jennefer dedicated her life and career to ensuring that no one else experiences the trauma she felt at the age of 11. She graduated from Occidental College with a B.A. and earned her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. Jennefer is a member of the State Bar of Texas and California. She is also admitted in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. After moving back to her hometown, Houston, Texas in 2019, she represented survivors of gender-based violence at Tahirih Justice Center prior to joining the ILRC. Jennefer was nominated as one of Houstons Unsung Heros in 2020.

Parker Sheffy is an immigration attorney and faculty member at the University of Houston Law Center. While practicing law, Parker has represented individuals with all types of immigration cases at each step of the process, from the U.S.-Mexico border up to the U.S. Supreme Court. He focuses on humanitarian issues, representing individuals fleeing persecution, victims of human trafficking, and immigrant victims of crime. Parker is native and proud Houstonian. Prior to returning to Houston to begin his legal career, he worked on immigration issues in both chambers of the U.S. Congress. He holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Georgetown Law.

Born and raised in Houstons Northside neighborhood, Commissioner Adrian Garcia has always called Harris County Precinct 2 home. He was first elected as Commissioner of Precinct 2 in 2018 and is now serving in his second term. Garcia has dedicated his entire career to public service and safety - first, as a Houston Police Officer for more than two decades, later as a Councilmember for the City of Houston, and as the first Latino elected as Harris County Sheriff. As County Commissioner, Garcia advocates for the needs of the 1.3 million residents living in the eastern portion of Harris County. Under Commissioner Garcias leadership, Precinct 2 has garnered multiple local and national awards for its innovative and community-focused approach to solving some of the precincts most pressing challenges, including health disparities, workforce and small business concerns, flooding, and public safety.

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NHS doctors waste a staggering 13.5million hours a year rebooting computers and staring at loading screens  the equivalent to 8,000 full-time medics costing 1billion, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Crumbling IT systems at hospitals and GP surgeries are putting lives at risk by making medication and treatment records difficult or impossible to access, doctors fear.

And delays as a result of archaic machines processing scans and test data mean early treatment opportunities may be missed.

The data came to light in a British Medical Association (BMA) study, which highlighted how various digital record-keeping and data-processing systems have developed over the years.

Inadequate government funding and poor budgeting by the NHS have both been blamed for the crisis. Writing in today's Mail, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins vowed that a new 3.4billion investment will focus on 'front-line' computers, adding: '13.5million hours are wasted every year as doctors stare at a slow-moving loading screen or reboot a crashed computer.

An NHS hospital. NHS doctors waste a staggering 13.5million hours a year rebooting computers and staring at loading screens (stock image)

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins. Ms Atkins vowed that a new 3.4billion investment will focus on 'front-line' computers

'Our productivity investment will make sure that changes... so [doctors] can get back to what they do best  treating their patients.'

Based on a study of NHS computer systems and a survey of doctors in hospitals and GP surgeries, the BMA found that doctors have to log into several different systems each time they see a patient, and often multiple medics must share a single computer on a ward.

The wi-fi in some hospitals and health centres is so slow that computers often can't load CT scan images.

One doctor interviewed by the BMA said they had been forced to use an unsecured public wi-fi network or even their own mobile phone data instead. Another told how the greater reliance on computers in wards hadn't been reflected in an increase in them, adding: 'Despite having to use a computer for every patient on a ward round, we have to wait for one to become available, log in five times to multiple software systems, see the patient, then find another computer for the next one.'

Only 11 per cent of doctors said they had the equipment necessary to do their jobs properly and many said crashes, glitches and bugs delay their work every day. The BMA's Dr David Wrigley said the problem has been caused by inadequate funding, adding: 'The Chancellor was right to focus on digital transformation of the NHS in the recent Budget, but we need action, not just words.'

An NHS England spokesman said major IT upgrades were under way and three-quarters of adults now use the NHS app to access health advice, order repeat prescriptions and book appointments (stock image)

Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown, vice-chair of external affairs for the Royal College of GPs, said doctors rely on computers to access patients' medical records, issue prescriptions and receive important 'red flag' alerts about drugs, adding: 'All too often, our members are working with out-of-date systems that often crash.'

An NHS England spokesman said major IT upgrades were under way and three-quarters of adults now use the NHS app to access health advice, order repeat prescriptions and book appointments.

The spokesman added: 'We know there is far more work to do, which is why the recent 3.4billion investment to upgrade digital infrastructure is so important.'
Five aid workers have been killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike after they helped deliver food and other supplies to northern Gaza.

Four international aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity and their Palestinian driver were killed in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah when their car was struck on Monday, local media reported.

The workers had just crossed in from the north after helping deliver aid that had arrived hours earlier on a ship from Cyprus, sources have claimed.

Harrowing footage shared online appeared to show the bodies of the five dead at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Several of them wore protective gear with the charity's logo.

A spokesman for the Hamas-run Government has said that those killed included people from Poland, Australia and a British national.

The Australian victim was named this morning as Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, 44, from Melbourne.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a probe into the incident at the highest levels' and reiterated that not only has been it 'working closely' with the charity, but also 'makes extensive efforts to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid'.

World Central Kitchen has described the loss of life as a 'tragedy' and, in a statement posted online, said 'humanitarian aid workers and civilians should NEVER be a target. EVER'.

Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom (pictured), 44, from Melbourne , was killed along with three other international aid workers and a Palestinian driver, in Central Gaza, while working with the World Central Kitchen charity on Monday

Palestinians are seen gathering around the burned and destroyed Al-Shifa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza on April 1, 2024. Many buildings including the hospital have been heavily damaged under airstrikes

Palestinians gather around the burned and destroyed Al-Shifa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza on April 1, 2024

Palestinians gather around the burned and destroyed Al-Shifa Hospital after as Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Shifa hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza on April 1, 2024

Gaza medical officials say an apparent Israeli airstrike killed four international aid workers with the US-based international aid charity and their Palestinian driver.

The car was hit by an Israeli strike just after crossing from northern Gaza, Mahmoud Thabet, a paramedic from the Palestinian Red Crescent who was on the team that brought the bodies to the hospital, has claimed.

Video posted to social media also shows staff displaying the passports of three of the dead - British, Australian and Polish. The nationality of the fourth aid worker was not immediately known.

The source of fire could not be independently confirmed, but IDF will be 'conducting a thorough review' of the strike, Israel National News reported.

The army, in a statement, said: 'Following the reports regarding the World Central Kitchen personnel in Gaza today, the IDF is conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.

'The IDF makes extensive efforts to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and has been working closely with WCK in their vital efforts to provide food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.'

The aid ships that arrived Monday carried some 400 tons of food and supplies in a shipment organized by the United Arab Emirates and the World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres.

Last month a ship delivered 200 tons of aid in a pilot run. The Israeli military was involved in coordinating both deliveries.

The US has touted the sea route as a new way to deliver desperately needed aid to northern Gaza, where several hundred Palestinians face imminent famine, largely cut off from the rest of the territory by Israeli forces.

Israel has barred UNRWA, the main UN agency in Gaza, from making deliveries to the north, and other aid groups say sending truck convoys north has been too dangerous because of the military's failure to ensure safe passage.

Passports of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen who were killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike on April 1, 2024 are seen after the attack

Ms Frankcom (pictured) had been working for the World Central Kitchen charity

Israeli troops, in a photo released by the Israeli army on April 1, 2024, are seen operating in the Gaza Strip amid the continuing battle with Hamas

An Israeli soldier, in a photo released by Israel's army on April 1, 2024, holds his gun as he and his troops operate in the Gaza Strip

The airstrike comes after the Israeli military withdrew from Gaza's largest hospital early Monday after a two-week raid that engulfed the facility and surrounding districts in fighting.

Footage showed widespread devastation, with the facility's main buildings reduced to burned-out husks.

The military has described the raid on Shifa Hospital as a major battlefield victory in the nearly six-month war, and officials said Israeli troops killed 200 militants in the operation, though the claim that they were all militants could not be confirmed.

The raid came at a time of mounting frustration in Israel, with tens of thousands protesting Sunday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanding that he do more to bring home dozens of hostages held in Gaza. It was the largest anti-government demonstration since the start of the war.

Elsewhere, Syrian officials and state media said an Israeli airstrike destroyed the Iran's consulate in Syria, killing two Iranian generals and five officers.

The strike appears to signify an escalation of Israel's targeting of Iranian military officials and their allies in Syria. The targeting has intensified since Hamas militants - who are supported by Iran - attacked Israel on October 7.

While Iran's consular building was levelled in the attack, according to Syria's SANA state news agency, its main embassy building remained intact.

Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment. Iran's ambassador, Hossein Akbari, vowed revenge for the attack 'at the same magnitude and harshness.'

A ship loaded with humanitarian aid departing from the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus is seen off the coast of Gaza city on April 1, 2024

Humanitarian aid is pictured being air dropped over Gaza from an RAF A400M Atlas aircraft in a photo issued by Britain's Ministry of Defence on April 1, 2024

UK Forces airdrop more food supplies to civilians in Gaza on April 1, 2024 as part of the action to address the plight of the Palestinian people

In other developments, Netanyahu said he would shut down satellite broadcaster Al Jazeera immediately.

The Prime Minister vowed to close the 'terror channel' after parliament passed a law Monday clearing the way for the country to halt the Qatari-owned channel from broadcasting from Israel.

Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of harming Israeli security, participating in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and inciting violence against Israel.

Al Jazeera condemned his remarks, calling them 'a dangerous and ridiculous lie' and saying they were Netanyahu's justification 'for the ongoing assault' on the media network and press freedom. In a statement, the network vowed to persist in its reporting with 'boldness and professionalism.'

The hospital raid gutted a facility that had once been the heart of Gaza's health care system but which doctors and staff had struggled to get even partially operating again after a previous Israeli assault in November.

Israel said it launched the latest raid on Shifa because senior Hamas operatives had regrouped there and were planning attacks. Israeli authorities identified six officials from Hamas' military wing they said were killed inside the hospital during the raid. Israel also said it seized weapons and valuable intelligence.

In all, the military said it killed 200 militants inside and outside Shifa, though it provided no evidence all were militants.

The raid triggered days of heavy fighting for blocks around Shifa, with witnesses reporting airstrikes, the shelling of homes and troops going house to house to force residents to leave.

After the troops withdrew, hundreds of Palestinians returned to search for lost loved ones or examine the damage.

A view of the area as civil defense teams and local residents conduct search and rescue operations following an attack by the Israeli army on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on March 31, 2024

Palestinians inspect a destroyed shelter tent following an Israeli air strike near Al Aqsa hospital, in Deir Al Balah town in southern Gaza on March 31, 2024

A member of the Abul Aoun family checks the rubble in his home destroyed during Israeli bombardment on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in Deir Balah in the central Gaza Strip on March 31, 2024

Among the dead were Ahmed Maqadma and his mother - both doctors at Shifa - and his cousin, said Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta, a Palestinian-British doctor who volunteered at Shifa and other hospitals during the first months of the war before returning to Britain.

The fate of the three had been unknown since they talked by phone with family as they tried to leave Shifa nearly a week ago and the line suddenly went dead. On Monday, relatives found their bodies with gunshot wounds about a block from the hospital, said Abu Sitta, who is in touch with the family.

Mohammed Mahdi, who was among those who returned to the area, described a scene of 'total destruction.' He said several buildings had been burned down and that he counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard, though it was not clear when they died.

Video footage circulating online showed the main buildings of Shifa charred and heavily damaged. Several witnesses said army bulldozers had plowed up a mass grave that had been dug in November in Shifa's courtyard, leaving many bodies exposed.

At least 21 patients died during the raid, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late Sunday on X, formerly Twitter.

He said over 100 patients were still inside the compound during the operation, including four children, 28 critical patients and many who suffered from infected wounds and dehydration.

The military denied that its forces harmed any civilians inside the compound. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided many hospitals across the territory.

Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with wounded.

A view of damaged building belonging to the Musa family at Maghazi refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on March 29, 2024

A crying woman is embraced by a loved one as they stand near the damaged building belonging to the Musa family at Maghazi refugee camp in Deir al-Balah on March 29, 2024

A view of damaged building at Maghazi refugee camp after Israeli airstrikes in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on March 29, 2024

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesman, said Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group established their main northern headquarters inside the hospital.

He described days of close-quarters fighting and blamed Hamas for the destruction, saying some fighters barricaded themselves inside hospital wards while others launched mortar rounds at the compound.

Hagari said the troops arrested some 900 suspected militants during the raid, including more than 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, and seized over $3 million in different currencies, as well as weapons.

He said the army evacuated more than 200 of the estimated 300 to 350 patients and delivered food, water and medical supplies to the rest. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the raid, the military said.

The war began on Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,845 Palestinians, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count.

The Israeli military blames the civilian toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territory's population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine. Northern Gaza, where Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger.

UN vehicles drive past a destroyed car on a road in Gaza City on April 1, 2024

UK Armed Forces are pictured loading Container Delivery Systems (CDS) with humanitarian aid before being air dropped over Gaza from an RAF A400M Atlas aircraft

Army personnel from 47 Air Despatch Squadron loaded aid from Jordan and the UK onto an RAF A400M Atlas from RAF Brize Norton.7000 Kgs of aid was dropped into Northern Gaza

Meanwhile, a second shipment of food aid arrived by sea in the latest test of a new maritime route from the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus. One of the three boats could be seen off the coast, and Cyprus' foreign minister said they had received permission to unload. The precise mechanism of delivery was not yet clear.

Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed. He says Israel will soon expand ground operations to the southern city of Rafah, where some 1.4 million people - more than half of Gaza's population - have sought refuge.

But he faces mounting pressure from Israelis who blame him for the security failures of Oct. 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Allied countries, including main backer the United States, have warned him against an invasion of Rafah.

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
I want doctors to spend as much time as possible face-to-face with patients, delivering the best-quality care they can.

But as I travel to hospitals, GP practices and health centres across England, I am frequently told how old, clunky technology is wasting so much valuable time and resources.

In fact, a recent British Medical Association survey revealed an estimated 13.5million hours are wasted every year as doctors stare at a slow-moving loading screen or reboot a crashed computer.

Our 3.4billion productivity investment announced at the Budget will make sure that changes.

This technology will focus on front-line staff, upgrading their day-to-day IT, significantly reducing the millions of wasted hours doctors spend sitting in front of screens, so they can get back to what they do best  treating their patients.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, leaves Downing Street after a UK government cabinet meeting in London on March 26, 2024

A recent British Medical Association survey revealed an estimated 13.5million hours are wasted every year as doctors stare at a slow-moving loading screen or reboot a crashed computer (stock image)

Pictured: The Louisa Martindale building at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: NHS doctors waste 13.5MILLION hours every year rebooting dodgy computers and staring at loaded screens Advertisement

That is alongside our investment in revolutionary tech that will improve the treatment of a range of illnesses, from cancer to strokes.

The tech investment offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our tech and digital capability  cutting red tape and making it easier for patients to access care.

Alongside this, the Long Term Workforce Plan will ensure the NHS has the right staff trained and retained over the next 15 years, backed by more than 2.4billion.

We are also reforming the way patients interact with the health service, whether that is through the NHS app or getting treatments for common illnesses via the Pharmacy First scheme.

This productivity boost will save up to 35billion over five years, meaning more money for front-line health services and an NHS that is faster, simpler and fairer for all.
A young girl desperately tried to save her father and grandfather with a towel before they drowned in a hotel pool on the Gold Coast.

Dharmvir Singh, 38, and Gurjinder Singh, 65, lost consciousness after jumping into the rooftop pool at the Top of the Mark Holiday Apartments in Surfers Paradise fully clothed just before 7pm on Sunday.

They had been trying to save the younger man's wife and two-year-old daughter, who got into trouble when they drifted into deeper water.

While the woman and the young child managed to make it to safety, the two men got into difficulty.

A seven-year-old girl, the two-year-old's older sister, tried to reach her father and grandfather from the water's edge with a towel to pull them back to safety as they flailed in the water.

Sadly, her desperate rescue efforts could not save the two men.

The two men were pulled from the water by bystanders who performed CPR until emergency services arrived. However, the pair had gone into cardiac arrest and were tragically unable to be saved.

A father and grandfather have died after jumping into a hotel pool on the Gold Coast to rescue a toddler who'd fallen in

Dharmvir Singh and Gurjinder Singh were discovered unconscious in the rooftop pool at the Top of the Mark Holiday Apartments in Surfers Paradise just before 7pm on Sunday

Signs on the pool's perimeter indicate the pool is 2.1 metres deep at its deepest point and one metre deep at the shallow end.

It's understood the family were visiting the Gold Coast from Victoria.

A family friend reportedly told the media that the two men would be 'sorely missed'.

'Maybe God take good people early, so that's what happened,' he said, according to The Courier Mail.

'It's a very big blow to their family.

'I have promised to his wife that whatever we as friends can (do to) help, we will do.'

Mitchell Ware from Queensland Ambulance Service said it was an 'extremely emotional scene'.

'Obviously, anyone could understand that - not just to lose one family member but to lose two family members,' Mr Mitchell said.

Dharmvir Singh (pictured) jumped into the pool to save his daughter alongside his father, Gurjinder Singh

The pool is on top of the apartment block, several stories above the street

The pool is on top of the apartment block, several stories above the street, and other families were using it at the time of the tragedy.

Mr Ware said tragic incidents like the double fatality on Sunday morning affected the entire community.

'These incidents can have long-lasting effects not just for the family members involved, but also the people that were at the scene as well,' he said.

Mr Ware said it was unclear if flotation devices were available at the pool, adding water depth didn't make much of a difference for those who are not strong swimmers.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Australia has been rocked by a spate of drownings in recent months, with more than 90 people killed between December 1 and February 29 this year.

Last month, a 13-year-old girl was left orphaned after her parents Leslie, 49, and Jon Ballo, 50, drowned while crabbing in Western Australia.

The couple, who are both Filipino, were recovered by police from the water near the Herron Point boat ramp in Birchmont.

Leslie, 49, and Jon Ballo, 50, a Filipino couple who arrived in Perth nine years ago, died while crabbing last month

Earlier in March, an international student was pulled from a waterfall in Queensland after going missing.

The 20-year-old went missing on March 10 at about 3pm after he leapt from a ledge into water at Crystal Cascades, west of Cairns, and failed to surface.

A search and rescue operation was launched by emergency services to find the young man.

Police divers from Brisbane aided in the search and located the young man's body at about 6pm the next day.

It is understood the tourist was swept downstream after swimming at the top of a set of waterfalls - an area marked as a no-swim zone.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

EXCLUSIVE

A prison guard has lifted the lid on the gruesome tactics inmates use to try and manipulate hardened screws to get their way.

As Victorian Coroner Paul Lawrie continues to investigate the prison death of bikie Brent 'BJ' Reker, Daily Mail Australia can reveal the findings will likely have little impact on those tasked with watching the jailed criminals.

'Reker was successfully rehabilitated,' the prison guard bluntly told Daily Mail Australia.

'He won't be committing any further crimes.'

Brent 'BJ' Reker died in jail after making repeated attempts on his own life

The 35-year old was found dead in his cell at the Ravenhall Correctional Centre in December 2019.

He had been behind bars after being remanded in custody over an alleged bashing, described as a revenge attack over the release of naked photos of his friend Tara Egglestone online.

Prison officers feared the notorious bikie boss was organising a mass self-harm incident with fellow inmates in the days before he was found dead in his cell.

Those fears saw Reker transferred out of a specialist mental health unit into another section of the prison just an hour before he died.

He was found hanging in his jail cell after making repeated attempts on his life.

A prison source told Daily Mail Australia inmates routinely threatened to self harm.

'They use it as currency. "Get me some pain relief or I'll slash up boss",' the guard said.

Most have no issue in following up with their threats, causing horrific damage to their bodies with the tiniest shards of metal.

Reker too had ingested shards of metal in the hope guards wouldn't move him to a specialist unit for troublesome inmates.

'They'll slash both of their arms in an instant and bleed out all over the place,' the guard said.

'We'll just stand there and talk calmly to them until we think they're about to pass out.'

Reker had been caged within Ravenhall Correctional Centre in Victoria (pictured)

Prison staff at Ravenhall had been fed-up with Reker's efforts to start trouble

Inmates are known to forge weapons inside jail (stock image)

Some inmates taken to hospital are known to immediately tear out their stitches upon returning to jail.

'It's a horrible thing to see... but you become desensitised to it. The next time we'll just get them bandaged up and won't even bother taking them back to hospital,' the guard said.

Inmates threaten to kill themselves on a daily basis, with those who make an attempt and live receiving downtime with a prison psychiatrist.

While kept briefly under observation, the troubled inmates are promptly transitioned back into general population where the vicious cycle starts again.

Reker had been so feared by prison doctors his move to the special unit came without a psychiatric assessment.

A Justice Assurance and Review Office review of his death found moving Reker to another part of the prison was ill-conceived and against the original plan.

The coroner heard there was a perception that the bikie boss had influence over other inmates and had been orchestrating plans for a mass self-harming incident.

In body-worn camera footage of his final moments, guards watched as Reker collected photographs before swallowing a small item, left behind by a tradesman, with a glass of milk in an act of self-harm.

Prison staff claimed Reker (centre) had influence over other inmates

Reker would spill blood to get what he wanted. But his threats to kill himself were not idle

Last year another prison whistleblower told Daily Mail Australia the jail's management had Reker's blood on its hands.

'He was a massive, massive suicide risk. He tried to kill himself multiple times while he was at the Melbourne Assessment Prison, and that's a maximum security prison that is run specifically for those with mental health issues,' she said.

Reker's one year old son Saint had been due to undergo surgery just days after Justice Christopher Beale revoked his bail and sent him back to jail.

'He made it very, very clear that any chance he got if he was on his own, that he was going to kill himself,' she said.

At the time of his death, Reker had been in talks with the Finks to leave the club, find legitimate work and had even begun getting his tattoos removed.

The former staffer claimed Reker should never have been moved from the Melbourne Assessment Prison to the medium security Ravenhall Correctional Centre.

'Ravenhall is great in theory, but a lot of the staff are very young, very inexperienced and it's not very well run in comparison to what it could be,' the whistleblower said.

In the days before his suicide, Reker complained of being bored and warned prison staff he would self harm over a cancelled dental appointment.

'Do we have to slash up to get what we want?' he told a guard.

Reker later told a prison doctor he and other inmates all planned to 'slash-up' if their demands weren't met.

The court heard Reker had been desperate to obtain a prison job and threatened violence if he didn't get his way.

Fed up, prison bosses agreed to move Reker to a unit away from other inmates.

This time, his threat to kill himself was no bluff.

The coroner will hand down his findings in a date to be fixed.

A spokesperson from Victoria's Department of Justice and Community Safety said it has measures in place to reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide by prisoners.

'We know that people entering custody are more likely to experience mental health issues and any attempt of self-harm is distressing,' they told Daily Mail Australia.

'We take these risks very seriously which is why we have comprehensive training, procedures and mental health supports in place to de-escalate incidents in prison.'

'Staff are trained to identify vulnerable and at-risk prisoners,' the spokesperson said.

'People in custody identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm at any time are assessed by a mental health professional within two hours of being identified.'
Some of the migrants charged with planning and carrying out a March 21 riot on the border in El Paso, where they overpowered and attacked members of the Texas National Guard, are now free after being released on a legal technicality.

It's unclear how many are now free, but at least 222 migrants have been charged with taking part in the riot, according to the Border Report.

At least 70 migrants were charged over the March 21 riot that saw six hundred charge at a border gate, assaulting law enforcement agents and scaling barbed wire.

Many were being held in El Paso but were ordered released Sunday after District Attorney Bill Hicks' office failed to file the necessary paperwork required to keep them in custody.

'It does not appear that these cases will be filed anytime soon, as they do not seem to be in the DA's office,' Magistrate Judge Humberto Acosta said during the online teleconference hearing, according to local station KFOX.

'So if the DA is indicating they are not ready to proceed, we are going to release these individuals on their own recognizances.'

A group of about 600 migrants who entered the US illegally rushed the border March 21 in El Paso, Texas

A migrant observes others who breached the concertina wire on the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas on Thursday, March 21. The migrants were hoping to be processed by Border Patrol on asylum claims

About 600 migrants who breached the barriers set up on the Rio Grande in El Paso,

During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Martinez confirmed the DA's office did not have any of the misdemeanor cases listed on the docket for the hearing.

The district attorney's office could not be immediately reached for comment.

El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks was appointed to the position by Gov. Greg Abbott after the previous district attorney Yvonne Rosales resigned as she faced allegations of incompetence in 2022

District Attorney Bill Hicks is a Republican who was appointed to the office by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022.

Hicks is currently running to be elected to the office.

Some migrants would stay behind bars if there is a federal immigration hold blocking their release, court officials stated Sunday.

Another hearing for more defendants is expected Monday.

At least one migrant has been charged charged with assaulting a Texas National Guardsman in the El Paso stampede last week that federal authorities believe was orchestrated by a handful of 'ringleaders'.

Junior Evaristo-Benitez, 21, of Honduras, was taken into custody and charged with assault on a public servant, a 3rd degree felony, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed.

He remains in jail after his bond was denied, court records show.

He's now being held at the El Paso County Jail.

PICTURED: Junior Evaristo-Benitez, 21, of Honduras, was taken into custody and charged with assault on a public servant, a 3rd degree felony, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed

Members of the Texas National Guard work with Border Patrol to coordinate migrants who crossed the border from Mexico and forced their way through concertina wire while they wait to be processed by border patrol as they are stopped on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, in El Paso, Texas

Migrants breach infrastructure set up by the Texas National Guard on the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas on Thursday

At least two other migrants, including a Colombian man, who are charged with criminal mischief charges for cutting razor wire fencing, were granted release on Sunday in separate hearings.

However, both men have immigration holds, and presumably remain in custody.

Six hundred migrants, made up of mostly single adult males from Venezuela, stormed authorities on Thursday morning, breaching razor wire barriers and overpowering guard members who were trying to stop the migrants from turning themselves over to US Border Patrol near the border wall.

Federal authorities are seeking criminal charges for about a dozen illegal immigrants who led a wild and chaotic riot, as they were identified via law enforcement cameras.

'Those people weren't trying to peacefully enter the country; they were storming the gates,' Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales, who represents east El Paso said in a phone interview Friday.

'What do you think they're going to do when they're released all over the country?'

The migrants had attempted to storm the border Wednesday night, throwing rocks at Texas National Guard members, but ended up dispersing, another source explained.

A migrant shows an injury he alleged that he suffered after a Texas National Guard forced him back south of the barrier set up by the Texas National Guard on the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas

Migrant families who were part of the 600-person mob wait to be processed by US Border Patrol

'There were probably only about a dozen ring leaders and then rest (of the migrants) just followed along,' one law enforcement source explained.

About 600 migrants were taken into custody by US Border Patrol when it was all said and done, however, the vast majority will not face charges.

'There has to be repercussions for people who break the law,' Gonzales added.

'This is wrong-- this is wrong on all levels.'

Tension had been building leading up to the riot since Wednesday night.

A few trouble makers had been scheming to get past guard members and began throwing rocks at the soldiers.

However, the migrants dispersed and returned the next morning.

The migrants were already in the US as they had already crossed the international boundary, which is a few hundred yards south of the border wall.

Many of these asylum seeking migrants had chosen not to turn surrender themselves immediately as this is a well-known place to give up to US Border Patrol agents, because they were caught in limbo due a Texas law SB4.

The controversial law gives state and local police in the Lone Star State permission to arrest illegal immigrants, a right that has only been reserved for federal officers like US Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The law, which has been banned several times in recent days by federal courts, was then allowed to take effect for a few hours Tuesday, before it blocked again Tuesday night.

The legal whiplash left many migrants unsure would would happen to them if they turned themselves over to Border Patrol.

The crowds were camping out in the no-mans land between north of the river that separates the US and Mexico, the Rio Grande.

The river is the international boundary, not the border wall.

By Thursday morning, the migrants climbed over the wire fence in coordination and made a run for the border wall to presumably turn themselves in by force.
Imagine the dream employee: They don't take breaks, go on vacation or request meetings.

DailyMail.com spoke to Ed Broussard, CEO of Tomoro.AI

For some industries, this type of worker could soon be hired.

In recent months several companies have announced they are building AI agents, or 'synthetic employees.'

These digital workers could upend the workplace as we know it - answering emails, organizing invoices, responding to customer service inquiries and managing a calendar - possibly doing away with admin employees or pricey third-party technology.

DailyMail.com spoke to Ed Broussard, CEO of the artificial intelligence company Tomoro.AI, who said the productivity boost offered by these synthetic employees will be so great it will lead to a three-day workweek.

Mr Broussard, whose company works with Sam Altmans OpenAI, told DailyMail.com the next two years will see leaps and bounds of progress with these types of workers.

Recently, Nvidia, an AI tech company, and Hippocratic AI, a medical AI company announced they would be collaborating on 'AI healthcare agents.'

In recent months several companies have announced they are building AI agents, or 'synthetic employees'

The companies hope their new AI nurses can address the healthcare shortage worldwide.

Hippocratic researchers said the 'nurses' will be trained 'on a massive collection of proprietary data, including clinical care plans, healthcare regulatory documents, medical manuals, drug databases and other high-quality medical reasoning documents.'

So far, the AI healthcare workers have been tested by more than 1,000 nurses and 100 doctors in the US.

Earlier this month, Cognition, an AI software company, was the first to make an autonomous artificial intelligence software engineer, which it named Devin.

Devin can create websites and code apps on its own within 20 minutes and is capable of using the internet to teach itself skills.

The 'engineer' was tasked with going on Reddit to take website building requests - and decided - on its own - to start charging money, according to a Twitter thread posted by Wharton professor Ethan Mollick.

Devin is available for hire, though there is a long waitlist.

In addition to AI workers, companies are already using AI-augmented applications, with 40 percent of human resources functions at companies across the world using the automated technology, BBVA OpenMind reported.

The AI workforce is just getting started.

Mr Broussard told DailyMail.com he believes the progress that will be made in just the next two years will be more significant than all advances seen in the industry in the previous 75 - adding that by the end of the decade, every office job will be transformed by AI agents.

And the tech CEO isn't the only expert who has spoken out about the major changes AI could bring.

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, believes AI agents will replace internet search and shopping sites such as Amazon

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, predicted the use of AI in his book, The Road Ahead,' nearly three decades ago.

He now believes the synthetic workers are going to have a huge impact in education and healthcare, claiming they will be the biggest revolution in computing since we went from typing commands to tapping on icons.

Mr Gates believes AI agents will replace internet search and shopping sites such as Amazon.

And Mr Broussard believes the productivity boost offered by the digital employees will be so great it will lead to a three-day workweek, adding that in the near future, the technology will take over admin and research duties in several industries including law, investment and marketing.

He told this website: One of the agents we use the most is a Fact Extraction Agent. It is specialized in reading large numbers of documents and extracting all of the facts and useful information into a form other AI Agents can read from easily.

That can then be used for lots of different business applications: Legal document reviews, investment analysis, customer research, right through to things like providing the right information to call center staff or price negotiating for large contracts.

Mr Broussard believes large organizations who fail to start using synthetic employees will be destroyed in the next decade.

Broussard told DailyMail.com: Organizations who adopt quickly, start to experiment and work on human and AI interaction will see massive gains in terms of productivity, effectiveness and wellbeing.

Women are 40% more likely to have their work replaced by AI Analysis has found nearly two-thirds of tasks carried out by workers could be automated by AI, with admin and entry-level jobs most at risk. Advertisement

Laggards will essentially fall away. Big organizations have a huge advantage as they have lots of customers, private data and access to computing power, but the value of all three of those will erode and the big companies that dont use their advantage soon will start to decline and ultimately disappear, being replaced with new AI native firms.

He also predicted AI agents will do away with admin altogether - people wont have to search for information or fill in forms or book hotels, and will instead ask a digital assistant.

The CEO added: Well see very different ways of working, new roles emerge and organizations shifting work that typically limits human creative output towards AI agents  it can liberate people.

As the impact a human can make starts to decouple from the amount of hours they spend working we may need to reimagine how we think or work.

'Its entirely feasible we move to a three-day working week or less, and the top performers arent the smartest and hardest working, but the people who are the best at instructing AI agents.

Mr Broussard maintains AI agents arent quite ready to replace entire roles, however.

He said: Were still a long way from an AI Agent replacing a nurse or a software developer in entirety. We have seen agents do parts of those roles and do them well, for example AI is often better at identifying cancer cells from scans than humans are  but thats not the entire job of a radiographer.

Much more likely agents will be built as capabilities, which can be packaged together for different purposes.'
Nothing ruins a relaxing trip to the seaside quite like a seagull swooping in and stealing your chips.

But instead of getting angry, you should be impressed by seagulls' crafty tactics.

That's according to scientists from the University of Sussex, who claim that the birds should be seen as 'charismatic' and not 'criminal'.

'When we see behaviours we think of as mischievous or criminal - almost, we're seeing a really clever bird implementing very intelligent behaviour,' Professor Paul Graham, Professor of Neuroethology at the University of Sussex told the BBC.

'I think we need to learn how to live with them.'

Nothing ruins a relaxing trip to the seaside quite like a seagull swooping in and stealing your chips. But instead of getting angry, you should be impressed by seagulls' crafty tactics

READ MORE: Seagulls remember where they ate fish and chips from and travel miles to visit specific shops Advertisement

Professor Graham explains how seagulls are being forced into urban areas by the loss of their natural spaces.

From bird flu to depleted fish stocks, the gulls have been hit my multiple pressures in the wild.

However, in busy cities, the birds face new challenges, having been forced to adapt to life alongside humans.

Last year, Professor Graham and his team carried out a study to understand why seagulls steal beach-dwellers' food.

The team took to Brighton's seafront, where they positioned one blue crisp packet and one green crisp packet in the immediate vicinity of both individual and groups of herring gulls.

Nearby, a human experimenter ate from a blue or green crisp packet.

The researchers found that the gulls would turn their heads to watch the experimenter and, in most cases, then pecked at the matching crisp packet to attempt to find food.

The researchers say that one obvious solution to the problem is provider larger, more secure bins in areas with lots of seagulls, and educating the public not to leave food lying around

READ MORE: Seagulls in the south of Britain are bolder about stealing food, study finds Advertisement

This suggests that the birds can learn to mimic the food choices of humans - a key sign of intelligence.

'While we know that animals learn from each other, we rarely see animals learning from a totally different species when it comes to food preferences,' Professor Graham explained.

'This interaction with humans is relatively modern, and what we can see is that gulls have adapted to thrive in urban environments by mimicking human food choices.

'Gulls didn't evolve to like chips. Over time they have had to learn to engage with humans in order to source food.

'It is therefore a sign of intelligence.'

The researchers say that the obvious solutions to the problem are to provide larger, more secure bins in areas with lots of seagulls, and to educate the public not to leave food lying around.

'Gulls may be less likely to steal our food if we focus on reducing litter,' Professor Graham added.

'That's because littering increases gulls' ability to learn about how our different food options and how they taste.'
A disgraced Chinese scientist who was jailed for genetically editing human babies reveals he has returned to genetic research.

He Jiankui was sentenced to three years in prison in 2019 after he announced he had created the first genome-edited babies.

Now, only two years out of prison, Dr He has revealed he has opened three new labs to continue genetic experiments on human embryos.

Dr He told Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun that he had no intention of creating any more genome-edited children.

Despite his arrest, he maintains he is 'proud' of his past work, claiming: 'Society will eventually accept it'.

He Jiankui (pictured at a 2023 press conference) has announced he has returned to the lab after being jailed for genetically editing human babies

Dr He says that he intends to develop gene editing techniques for the treatment of rare diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and familial Alzheimer's disease.

Despite his arrest and fierce criticism from the scientific community, he has opened three new research labs in Beijing and Wuhan.

This follows an earlier attempt to restart his research in Hong Kong during which Dr He said he had obtained a visa under the island's new talent scheme.

However, Hong Kong authorities revoked his visa less than a day after his announcement, claiming that Dr He had 'made false statements' during his application.

Genetic editing of human embryos has been outlawed in China since 2003, but the procedure is permitted for purely non-reproductive purposes.

Dr He insists that his work will fit within the constraints of Chinese law and that he will no longer pursue any attempt to produce live gene-edited human children.

'We will use discarded human embryos and comply with both domestic and international rules', he says.

In November 2018, Dr He sent shockwaves through the scientific community when he announced he had produced two genetically modified human babies.

In 2018 He Jiankui announced that he had used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genes of human babies in an attempt to make them HIV resistant

Dr He told an international genetics conference in Hong Kong that he had modified the genes of twin girls, nicknamed 'Lulu' and 'Nana', in order to make them HIV-resistant.

Between 2016 and 2018, Dr He modified the genes of embryos belonging to eight couples in which only the father was HIV positive.

Using a gene-editing technique called Crispr-Cas9, he rewrote sections of the embryos' DNA with the goal of preventing the virus from being passed on.

He later revealed that a third gene-edited girl had also been born out of these experiments.

Following his announcement, Dr He was promptly arrested and tried by Chinese authorities for 'illegally carrying out the human embryo gene-editing intended for reproduction'.

According to Dr He, the twin girls are now aged five and both are attending kindergarten.

Dr He, along with two of his colleagues who were also sentenced, faced fierce ethical criticism for his experiments.

Dr He (pictured in his lab in 2018) says he is proud of his research and that society will 'eventually accept' human genome editing

It was alleged that he needlessly went ahead with the risky and unnecessary treatment without adequate consent from the parents involved to pursue personal fame and profit.

During the trial, it also emerged that Dr He had forged documents from an ethics review panel which were used to recruit couples for his experiments.

While Dr He admits that his research was 'too hasty', he has always maintained that his work was for the benefit of society.'

He says: 'The results of analysing [the children's] entire gene sequences show that there were no modifications to the genes other than for the medical objective, providing evidence that genome editing was safe.

'I'm proud to have helped families who wanted healthy children.'
Man's best friend and our feline pets may exhibit strange behaviors during the April 8 solar eclipse, and experts warn there are some signs to watch out for.

The path of totality will extend from Maine through Texas and during the 3.5 to four minutes of darkness, your pets could become confused and think it is time for bed.

Your dog might also respond to the eclipse by showing signs of anxiety like pacing, scratching and howling - similar to how they react to a thunderstorm or firework display.

The full reason why animals exhibit unusual behaviors during solar eclipses still isn't fully understood, but scientists have theorized pets react to the natural light dimming and drop in temperature as the sun is blocked by the moon.

Pets may exhibit anxious or confused behaviors and could show signs that they think its bedtime when the solar eclipse occurs on April 8

The solar eclipse will occur in the path of totality extending between Maine and Texas

The solar eclipse could be disrupting animals' circadian rhythm - the 24-hour biological clock telling humans or animals that it's time to wake up or time for bed.

'Most animals respond to (the light dimming from the eclipse) in a way where it's like, 'OK, it's time to either sit down and rest and go to sleep.' Dr. Bryan Pijanowski, a professor of forestry and natural resources at Purdue University told CNN.

He continued: ' And then there are the nocturnal animals that suddenly say, 'Oh, it's time for me to wake up and be active.'

During Monday's eclipse, the moon will be positioned directly in front of the sun, plunging millions of people across the US into darkness.

While people are flocking to the best viewing spots and are expressing excitement over the upcoming phenomenon, your furry friend may be less enthusiastic.

Some dogs could begin howling and exhibiting signs of anxiety like pacing back and forth, panting and scratching.

When will the total solar eclipse occur? After passing through Mexico, the first state to see the total solar eclipse on April 8 will be: Texas (starting at 13:27 CDT) It will then pass to the following states: Oklahoma (13:43 CDT)

(13:43 CDT) Arkansas (13:45 CDT)

(13:45 CDT) Missouri (13:53 CDT)

(13:53 CDT) Tennessee (13:58 CDT)

(13:58 CDT) Kentucky (13:58 CDT)

(13:58 CDT) Illinois (13:58 CDT)

(13:58 CDT) Indiana (14:01 CDT)

(14:01 CDT) Ohio (15:08 EDT)

(15:08 EDT) Michigan (15:12 EDT)

(15:12 EDT) Pennsylvania (15:15 EDT)

(15:15 EDT) New York (15:16 EDT)

(15:16 EDT) Vermont (15:25 EDT)

(15:25 EDT) New Hampshire (15:28 EDT)

(15:28 EDT) Maine (15:28 EDT) It will finish in eastern Canada. Other parts of the US will just see a partial eclipse - because they are outside the 'path of totality' Source: timeanddate.com Advertisement

You can help calm your pooch by remaining calm which could cause your dog to become less anxious because they tend to mimic their human's behavior, according to the Dogster Magazine.

This could be the 'more concerning' reaction for pet owners because the anxiety behaviors would be similar to how a dog reacts to thunderstorms, vet visits or fireworks, Erica Cartmill, a professor of anthropology, animal behavior, and cognitive science at Indiana University told PEOPLE.

But for cats, particularly those indoor, and some dogs, Cartmill said it's more likely they'll just think it's nighttime and start showing the same behaviors they would exhibit before going to bed.

'The most likely response is animals starting their evening routines and showing evening behaviors,' Cartmill told the outlet.

'If you have a dog or a cat, they might go to bed, get quieter, or start yawning and stretching.'

She added: A solar eclipse is 'sort of like dropping a little slice of night into the middle of the day. So they might just act as if it is nighttime.'

NASA is hoping to uncover how animals react to a solar eclipse during April's event through a citizen-science project called Eclipse Soundscapes.

Viewers of the event are participating by recording data, analyzing audio and submitting their observations of animals in the wild.

Scientists have previously noticed animals behaving strangely during both lunar and solar eclipses including whales and dolphins swimming to the water's surface, giraffes gathering and breaking into a run, Galapagos tortoises beginning to mate and llamas gathering in a group.

'They've done a lot of studies back in 2017 when we had an eclipse at some of the zoos in America, and some of the animals are affected by it,' Steven Greene, the director of Lubbock Animal Services told KCBD News.

Scientists studied animal's behaviors during the last solar eclipse in 2017 to better understand why they exhibit unusual behavior as the moon blocks out the sun

Up to one million are set for Texas, 500,000 in Indiana and Ohio and nearly 400,000 people could travel to New York

Reports of unusual animal behavior during eclipses have been conducted for decades, dating as far back as 1851 when a swarm of ants carrying food stopped moving until the sun reappeared in Sweden.

READ MORE: Solar eclipse could cause widespread cell phone disruptions for MILLIONS of Americans Millions of tourists are expected to flock to the path of totality during the solar eclipse on April 8 - and experts warn the influx could disrupt cellular activity Advertisement

Another report of cockroaches infesting a Massachusetts pantry during the 1932 solar eclipse while reports of spiders tearing down their webs surfaced during the 1991 solar eclipse in Mexico.

In 2017, researchers at North Carolina State University conducted a study about how the animals at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina reacted to the solar eclipse.

'At any given point on Earth, a total eclipse occurs once every 375 years. So it's not like you're learning something new you can use again in the future, and that's certainly true for animals,' Adam Hartstone-Rose, who led the study, told The Washington Post.

'But it's a unifying event. All of us have this experience together,' he said, adding that during the April 8 eclipse, 'we're all going to be communing with animals and thinking about how they experience it.'

Hartstone-Rose will be conducting another study during this year's solar eclipse at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas and will have more than 1,000 volunteers across the US recording animal behavior through the Solar Eclipse Safari project.

The solar eclipse will be seen between 2:27 p.m. to 3:35 p.m EST across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine but according to Astronomy.com, skygazers in Texas will have the best view.
Sonia Garcia is a trending food reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at sonia.garcia@houstonchronicle.com.

A Rio Grande Valley native, she previously was an editor and writer for the Austin digital news startup Austonia after graduating from Texas State University. She enjoys trying new restaurants in Houston, where she lives with her 14-year-old Chihuahua.
There are at least seven bridges in the US with similar size and reach of Baltimore's now-collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, making them vulnerable to a similar future tragedy, according to the latest federal data.

The Federal Highway Administration's (FHA) National Bridge Inventory for 2023 identified several iconic bridges that contain 'fracture critical members,' which means damage to just one steel component could collapse the entire structure.

Household names like San Francisco's Golden Gate and New York's Verrazzano are among those on the list, as was Oregon's lesser known St. John's Bridge.

Taken together, the seven bridges are responsible for motorist lives inside approximately 794,000 passing vehicles each day.

More worrisome still, these seven bridges are all supported by concrete island towers, or 'piers,' vulnerable to the kind of shipping vessel impact that felled the Key.

But, to build bridge 'piers' strong enough to withstand a blow from such a container ship, as one senior civil engineer told DailyMail.com last week, 'You'll end up just building a castle in the middle of the river.'

Seven bridges with the size and reach of Baltimore's now collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge are vulnerable to a similar future tragedy, according to the latest data from the US Federal Highway Administration. All seven (pictured above) are older than the Key bridge

First completed during the Great Depression, the San FranciscoOakland Bay Bridge (above) actually managed to withstand a collision with a container ship in 2007. But this bridge, unlike Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, had fenders in place to absorb the strikes

Engineer Bilal Ayyub, the former chair of the American Society of Civil Engineers' Infrastructure Resilience Division, explained that the alternative safety solution is to create barriers that keep ships coming near a bridge in the first place.

'You cannot design a bridge to withstand the energy that comes with a moving object as large as a barge,' Ayyub told DailyMail.com.

Instead, the former chair said, engineers construct steel guiderail-like systems, called 'fenders,' around piers, or redirect ships away from those crucial piers by dredging man-made 'islands' into existence around the structure.

'Basically, what they will do is they will make the ground [underwater] elevate higher so that a ship will be grounded,' he explained. 'It was designed to basically alert the operator that you know you're approaching an object.'

While federal guidelines in place today mandate safeguards like these 'fenders.' 'islands,' or slightly more distant man-made island barriers, dubbed 'dolphins,' the seven at-risk bridges predate those government rules.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of the FHA's National Bridge Inventory identified these seven bridges as being being similar in size and construction to the Key to merit comparison.

And many are local, and sometimes international, icons of their home city.

But inconsistencies have been found in the inventory's inspection data, which could mean there are other US bridges that face similar risks.

The over four-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge (above), which like the Key is in Maryland , is currently being eyed for a multi-billion-dollar expansion in advance of traffic worries

The over four-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which like the Key is in Maryland, is currently being eyed for a multi-billion-dollar expansion in advance of traffic worries.

The Chesapeake sees about 72,000 vehicles cross it daily, per 2016 toll data, and also has large container ships pass underneath it.

Most of the at-risk bridges are located in the Pacific northwest, including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Washington; the St. Johns Bridge, Oregon; and the Lewis and Clark Bridge, which connects Oregon to Washington state.

These bridges are also main traffic arteries that see tens of thousands of vehicles each day: over 90,000 vehicles for Tacoma Narrows, more than 22,000 vehicles per on St. Johns, and roughly 21,400 vehicles travel across the Lewis and Clark.

Roughly 21,400 vehicles across the Lewis and Clark bridge (above) between Washington state and Oregon each day

Each day, the Golden Gate helped an average of 89,000 vehicles cross the strait between the Pacific Ocean and the bay, and as much as 10,000 cyclists, in 2023.

A little ways down south in the San Francisco Bay area there are two more thoroughfares, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which meet the size and 'pier' design parameters for risk.

One, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, is responsible for supporting as many as 280,000 to 300,000 commuter vehicles per day, or above 13,000 automobiles during a peak traffic hour.

READ MORE: White House says Baltimore bridge collapse was NOT terrorism

The White House has said there is no indication of 'nefarious intent' in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The White House has said there is no indication of 'nefarious intent' in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Advertisement

First completed during the Great Depression, November 1936, the San FranciscoOakland Bay Bridge actually managed to withstand a collision with a container ship in 2007.

But that bridge, despite its age, did have a fenders in place to absorb the strikes.

Similarly, the Golden Gate Bridge in has been also been fortified with 'the most robust protection system of any bridge on the West Coast,' a spokesperson for the state agency that manages the structure declared to SFGate last month.

The Golden Gate helped an average of 89,000 vehicles cross the strait between the Pacific Ocean and the bay, and as much as 10,000 cyclists, each day in 2023.

But as experts noted, Baltimore's Key bridge had passed all of its inspections  a strong indication that massive shipping vessels like the 984-foot, 95,000-ton Dali, which destroyed the Key on March 26, could wreck even an 'up to code' bridge.

New York City's Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge was the seventh of the large, at-risk bridges identified in the Journal's analysis.

The structure, which connects the boroughs of Brooklyn to Staten Island averages approximately 200,000 vehicles in traffic daily, according to the parks department.
Though she stressed this was just opinion, she was not let off in the replies

A year on, she shared which three of the 17 cities she would not visit again

Food and travel blogger Sooyeun, 22, backpacked from Porto to Paris to Prague

A female solo traveller has revealed the three European countries she wished she had skipped.

Food and travel blogger Sooyeon, who goes by @soos.foods online, travelled to 17 different cities - backpacking from Porto to Prague and Seville to Salzburg.

But some of the biggest cities on her whistle-stop tour left her disappointed

Her list began with Spain's capital: 'First is Madrid - the main reason is because I went to both Madrid and Barcelona on the same trip and I feel like Madrid didn't have as many things to do, for me at least, other than the palace and museums.

'If I were to do this trip again, I would probably skip Madrid and spend more time in Barcelona.'

Food and travel blogger Sooyeun backpacked from Porto to Paris to Prague last year and revealed the three cities she would skip if she had her time again

Madrid (Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena Cathedral pictured) was first on the list, with the 22-year-old upsetting some by saying she preferred Barcelona

Second on her list was Catania, in Sicily, which she suggested she did not feel entirely safe in as a solo woman

Second on Sooyeun's list was he Sicilian city of Catania.

'I went into it hoping it would be a nice Italian vacation,' she recalled, 'but the city just felt a little run down and not the safest.'

The 22-year-old traveller explained she was stared at by locals and it made her feel uncomfortable.

Finally, and possibly most divisively, was Berlin, where she admitted she 'would love to live'.

Sooyeun was particularly impressed by the 'cool cafes, shops and roads', however, she was put off the city by its abundance of museums - especially history - relative to other tourist opportunities.

She also admitted that at this stage of her European tour she was 'getting severe museum fatigue'.

The other issue the food blogger had with Germany's capital was its lack of 'authentic local food options' compared to a burgeoning international food scene.

Sooyeun was documenting what she ate in many of the cities in seperate vlogs, so had focused on sticking to traditional cuisine.

One comment suggested that 'if you didn't like Berlin it means you didn't know where to go', while someone else said it was a 'must see'.

Others insisted: 'Berlin has so much more than history museums.

'Skip Berlin? You have got to be joking it is one of the best cities in Europe, so much to do.'

'Berlin? There is so much to do and see and I didn't spend all my time at the museum. I feel like you missed a lot!'

The backpacker did reply to say that while she knew Berlin was supposed to have excellent night life, she did not try it out as, being a lone female tourist, she felt unsafe going out late clubbing.

There were also plenty out in the comments coming to the defence of Madrid, with the mention of Barcelona seemingly rattling a few nerves too.

Sooyeun told her followers on TikTok that Catania (pictured) did not live up to her expectations

Berlin was the third, and perhaps most controversial, inclusion, saying that she was experiencing 'museum fatigue' in. Pictured: Berlin's cathedral on Museum Island

While most upset comments were in defence of Madrid and Berlin, on TikTok user quipped: 'Never been to Catania, but adding it straight to the top of my list if you dont like Berlin and Madrid'

'Madrid is so much better than Barcelona, there is so much to do!'

'Madrid is way better than Barcelona people are just not ready for it.'

'Barcelona better than Madrid?'

Fewer people came to the defence of Catania, perhaps just as it is a smaller place and a less popular tourist hotspot than the other two.

However, one comment joked: 'Never been to Catania, but adding it straight to the top of my list if you dont like Berlin and Madrid.'
Stepping out of Lausanne train station, everywhere is pristine: no graffiti, no litter, no pushing and shoving. Its true what they say about Swiss cleanliness and efficiency.

And, on arriving at my hotel, I am offered a free pass for all public transport for the length of my stay.

This is given to everyone staying in the city for up to two weeks. Impressive. Generous, too.

I am keen to find out about Lausannes Olympic connections and why it has been voted Best small city in the world by Monocle magazine - so I head down to Ouchy where the Olympic Museum is situated.

To do this I have to jump on the remote-controlled Metro which is thought to be the steepest in the world. Certainly its platform is at a precipitous angle.

Splendour: Jane Keightley travels to Lausanne in Switzerland to learn about its Olympic history. Above, the view from the Ouchy Promenade on Lake Leman

Down in Ouchy, opposite the Marina, there are splendid views over the lake, with the French Alps in the distance.

There is even a clock ticking down the days, hours and minutes until the Olympics start in Paris on July 26.

The people of Lausanne are proud of their Olympic affiliations.

Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, brought the Olympic Committee to Lausanne in 1915 and its housed in a grand building not far from the museum.

After climbing the steps and passing numerous statues of athletes in action, I finally arrive at the museum entrance.

Lausanne has served as the headquarters for the Olympic Committee (pictured) since 1915

Pictured: Inside the city's Olympic Museum, which has displays of medals and costumes

Even if youre not sporty, all the different medals and costumes - especially the ones that Torvill and Dean wore to dance the Bolero to win their gold medal in 1984 - will put a spring in your step.

I head off next to Plateforme 10 which is Lausannes new art district. Housed in a former train yard near the station, there are three museums here, which were previously dotted around the city.

The MCBA (fine arts), MUDAC (contemporary design and applied arts) and Photo Elysee (photography) are housed in soulless modern buildings but the art and photography inside makes up for this.

There are often temporary exhibitions, which carry a charge but the permanent collections are free. Lausanne has an unusual layout.

Jane reveals that those staying in Lausanne receive a free pass for all public transport for up to two weeks

The Cathedrale Notre Dame (pictured) is 'regarded as Switzerlands finest Gothic building'

The city centre does not front Lake Geneva, instead it is situated high up and well back from the waters edge and is spread over several hilltops that are linked by bridges spanning deep riverless gorges.

The Cathedrale Notre Dame is regarded as Switzerlands finest Gothic building.

Its quirky. Every night between 10 pm and 2 am after the bells have struck the hour, a gloomy voice calls out from all sides of the cathedrals tower This is the night watch; the hour has struck - assuring anybody in the vicinity that all is well.

I dont doubt it for a minute. All is very well indeed in this most civilised of cities.
Married At First Sight star Jack Dunkley's friend and personal training client Lizz notoriously butted heads with his bride Tori Adams, leading to speculation she was 'in love' with the super villain.

Lizz featured in an episode of the Channel Nine dating show last month when Jack, 34, brought Tori, 27, to the Gold Coast to see his home and meet his friends.

Tori has now revealed that since their heated confrontation, Lizz is 'no longer part of his friendship group'.

'Lizz is probably one of the most vile people I've ever met,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'Inviting her to Home Stays was an opportunity for her to get to know me and understand who I am as a person and have a chat. She completely missed the boat of opportunity on that day.'

Married At First Sight's Tori Adams has given fans a major update about her husband Jack Dunkley's friendship with personal training client Lizz - after she questioned their TV marriage during Home Stays

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Tori revealed since their heated confrontation, Lizz is 'no longer part of his friendship group'. Jack pictured with Lizz

'She just came in hot and heavy and she made herself look like an absolute fool.'

'I think what I got from that whole scene was just how maybe infatuated she's with Jack, and if I was her, I'd be embarrassed.'

Tori quickly came under fire from Lizz during the episode last month.

Lizz didn't shy away from making her doubts about the couple known.

'Lizz is probably one of the most vile people I've ever met,' she said bluntly. 'Inviting her to Home Stays was an opportunity for her to get to know me and understand who I am as a person and have a chat. She completely missed the boat of opportunity on that day'

She shocked fans by slamming Tori as 'basic' and accusing her of only being with personal trainer Jack because of his six-pack, leaving the bride enraged.

Lizz's confrontational remarks prompted wild speculation on social media she is secretly 'in love' with Jack, however she quickly hit back at the claims.

Lizz first voiced her concerns after Jack and Tori told her they hadn't yet had sex, describing it as a 'red flag' as she remained unconvinced about their connection.

'You don't buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first, come on,' she said of their lack of intimacy. 'They're married they should be having sex, it seems like a red flag for me.'

Lizz accused Tori, 27, of being 'basic' and for only being with Jack, 34, because of his six-pack in shock scenes during Tuesday night's episode of the Channel Nine dating show

'I just don't think that's the right girl for him. I don't want him to settle and I don't think he should have to settle for anything less than his fairytale ending,' she added.

Lizz then grilled Tori about her friendships, to which the bride replied: 'I have a lot of male friends, I've always been one of the boys.'

She then brazenly said: 'I don't want to stereotype but I feel like when I come across a girl that only has guy friends, and they're like "I'm one of the boys", it's usually because they're sleeping with the boys.'

Tori insisted she hadn't slept with anyone in her friendship group, with Lizz then saying maybe she was the 'exception' to the rule.

Lizz insisted she wasn't a 'fan' of Tori's and said to camera: 'I don't see it translating to the real world, I don't see it going long term and I hope Jack can see that.'

She also questioned Tori on her wedding vows, claiming they came across as 'bossy' and said she wouldn't want to be friends with her based off the speech.

'I feel like anyone that makes their coffee order their personality is not my type of person,' Lizz said, referring to Tori mentioning looking forward to having lattes with Jack in her vows.

'I got the impression you're basic,' she added.

Tori was enraged upon meeting Jack's friends during Homestays week as Lizz did not shy away from making her doubts about the couple very clear

Tori also shared her disappointment that Jack hadn't backed her up during the very tense exchange with Lizz

In another jaw-dropping remark, Lizz said: 'You've been single for a while, Jack's got a six-pack, maybe you're trying to make it work for the wrong reasons.'

But Tori insisted: 'I don't put my energy into things that I don't want to put my energy into.

'I wouldn't be making this work to save face, I gave up a lot to be here, so if it wasn't working, I'd leave you respectfully, and resume life on the outside.'

Reacting to the shocking grilling, Tori said to camera: 'So many things were said where I was like who are you? I don't know what Lizz was trying to achieve, her line of questioning was so negative. All it did was p*** me off.'
She has been top of the pops in the world of modelling for decades.

Now, it seems, kate moss has proved to Simon Cowell that she's got the X-Factor when it comes to singing, too  after she was spotted serenading him in a karaoke bar this weekend.

Speculation was rife today that the Britain's Got Talent judge might even be about to launch a music career after exclusive photos and video obtained by Femail show the supermodel belting out a string of singalong favourites to the mogul.

Kate is no stranger to singing for a crowd: She first sang professionally on Primal Scream's 2002 cover of Some Velvet Morning and later provided vocals for former boyfriend Pete Doherty's band Babyshambles, regularly joining them on stage when they were a couple.

She's also performed at a number of charity gigs alongside the likes of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and legendary rock chick Chrissie Hynde.

Kate Moss has proved to Simon Cowell that she's got the X-Factor when it comes to singing  after she was spotted serenading him in a karaoke bar this weekend

Stunned onlookers did a double-take when Cowell and Kate arrived at the Lucky Voice bar in Islington, London, on Saturday afternoon

Speculation was rife that the Britain's Got Talent judge might even be about to launch a music career after exclusive photos and video obtained by the Mail show the supermodel belting out a string of singalong favourites to the mogul

But a solo recording contract, so far, has evaded her... perhaps until now.

It wouldn't be the first time Cowell has supported an unexpected new venture in showbiz  he masterminded actors Robson and Jerome's superhit Unchained Melody in 1995 and signed puppets Zig and Zag for two singles in the same year.

Stunned onlookers did a double-take when Cowell and Kate arrived at the Lucky Voice bar in Islington, London, on Saturday afternoon, where the supermodel, 50, belted out Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, Papa Don't Preach by Madonna and Queen's Don't Stop Me Now.

Daryl Falopios, a regular at the bar, said: 'It was unbelievable. Kate was really getting into it and dancing around, despite Simon making some typically caustic comments.

When she sang When Will I Be Famous by Bros he quipped, "You won't." 'But later she did Wannabe by The Spice Girls and he seemed impressed, I heard him tell her, "OK, let me stop you right there. I really didn't like that  I absolutely loved it!".'

The pair were spotted keeping a low profile wearing dark sunglasses

The supermodel, 50, belting out Papa Don't Preach by Madonna

Moss also reportedly sung Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive and Queen's Don't Stop Me Now

Kate is no stranger to singing for a crowd - she first sang professionally on Primal Scream's 2002 cover of Some Velvet Morning

The pair were spotted tucking into a KFC after the karaoke bar

They were also spotted having a browse through some vinyl records

It's not the first time Cowell, 64, has tried to launch Kate's singing career. After hearing her sing with ex Doherty in Dublin in 2006, he said: 'I would like to offer Kate Moss a recording contract, whether she can sing or not.

'The thing about Kate is that she's a star  it's the "Kate factor". People attach themselves to her and instantly become interesting.'

Former record company boss Joe King told the Mail a Kate Moss version of Simon and Garfunkel's April Come She Will or The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again could storm the charts.

'As ever, not everyone will buy it  but some will,' he said.
The 2023 season of Married At First Sight was one of the most dramatic in the show's history.

Groom Jesse Burford, 31, notoriously failed to find his happy ending with bride Claire Nomarhas, 32, and the pair had explosive arguments, undeniable incompatibility and a cheating scandal, which quickly became the talk of the nation.

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle's podcast Behind The Edit on Thursday, Jesse revealed that dating on the outside world has become a lot easier thanks to his DM's lighting up.

'(Dating) has become overwhelmingly easy, but there's a splash of challenges at the same time,' he told the podcast.

When asked about the craziest DM he has ever received, he admitted he frequently receives explicit messages.

Married at First Sight groom Jesse Burford has revealed he often receives X-rated messages and naked photos from fans. He is pictured on the show with TV bride Claire Nomharhas

'Naked photos, texts will be pretty crazy, there's some crazy stuff people have verbally texted me, but the naked photos trump that every time,' he explained.

'No warning either! That's the first thing they send me, naked photos.'

The marriage celebrant went on to confirm that he has gone on dates with fans.

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle's podcast Behind The Edit on Thursday, Jesse revealed that dating on the outside world has become a lot easier thanks to his DM's lighting up

'They soon turn from 'fan' into a friend, like I genuinely know them as a human being, and they get to know me as a human being. I've met some amazing women in the last 12 to 18 months,' he added.

It comes after Jesse revealed the truth behind viral photos of him holding hands with his co-star bride Janelle Han after the pair bonded over their cheating partners.

In July, the 31-year-old wedding celebrant told PerthNow that while sparks did fly between the pair, their relationship never progressed beyond friendship.

When asked about the craziest DM he has received, the groom shared that he frequently receives explicit messages: 'Naked photos, texts will be pretty crazy, there's some crazy stuff people have verbally texted me, but the naked photos trump that every time'

'It's quite ironic, because we deliberately took photos of us holding hands to stir the pot,' he told the publication.

Janelle and I knew each other a little bit at that point, but the funny thing is that after we started taking pictures of us cuddling and going out and stuff, that began the process of us actually connecting.

'We did share a kiss before she moved to Sydney, and I think if she stayed in Perth it probably could have gone somewhere, to be honest with you.'

Jesse also told the outlet that he has no plans to use dating apps like Tinder because the amount of propositions he has received via social media were enough.
Will Smith took to Instagram to share a snap that included his extended family as they celebrated Easter on Sunday.

Everyone in the famous family wore matching bunny ears and egg headbands for the heartwarming photo.

The King Richard actor wore a white striped shirt as his famous wife Jada, 52, sported an all grey ensemble.

His 25-year-old rapper son, Jaden - who is close pals with Justin Bieber - was seen in the back wearing a white sweater.

Willow, 23 - his daughter - is seen smiling as she rests her hand on her brother's shoulder while wearing a carrot headband.

Will Smith took to Instagram to share a snap that included his extended family as they celebrated Easter on Sunday

Everyone in the famous family wore matching bunny ears and egg headbands for the heartwarming photo

This comes just a week after the Men in Black actor was cited for speeding on dangerous stretch of Malibu highway.

Smith was clocked going 63mph in a 45mph speed limit zone on a stretch of the scenic highway that is very dangerous, according to TMZ.

Over the past 14 years, 58 people have died on that stretch of PCH and even his star power couldn't get him out of the speeding ticket.

In October 2023, four Pepperdine University students were killed when a BMW lost control while going 104mph and slammed into the young women.

The actor's ticket for going 18 miles over the speed limit was likely near $400, per Nerdwallet.

Last Tuesday, the official trailer for Bad Boys 4 dropped. Will Smith teams up with Martin Lawrence once again to fight for justice in Miami, Florida in the latest installment of the popular film franchise.

The duo have been shooting in the state for months and recently wrapped production of the film.

Bad Boys 4: Ride Or Die and it will debut in theaters on June 7.

The movie also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nunez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith and Tiffany Haddish.

In the film, the actors team up to clear their boss' name, played by Joe Pantoliano, 73, after he's been revealed to be a longtime drug smuggler.

Bad Boys 4 marks Smith's return to a big commercial film for the first time since his now infamous Oscars slap of Chris Rock, 59, at the 2022 Academy Awards.

His last film was 2022's Emancipation for Antoine Fuqua and Apple Films.

Bad Boys 4: Ride Or Die and it will debut in theaters on June 7

His new film marks Smith's return to a big commercial film for the first time since his now infamous Oscars slap of Chris Rock, 59, at the 2022 Academy Awards

The first Bad Boys film hit theaters in 1995 and was director Michael Bay's first feature films. Bay commented on the Oscar slap back in 2022, saying: 'I don't know the rules. I don't know, but it was a little unlike Will,' he started,

'He's a great guy, I've never seen him mad,' Bay said of Smith, adding he didn't see it happen, 'I just saw the clip. I'm not one to judge. He's just not an angry guy.'

Bad Boys II debuted in 2003 and the third film was released in 2020 and was one of the last movies to get a wide theatrical release before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down theaters.
Kim Kardashian showed off her stellar figure and sense of style on Easter Sunday as she celebrated the holiday with loved ones.

The 43-year-old mogul  whose mom Kris Jenner, 68, hosted a bash  modeled a sexy white dress with a low-cut, studded neckline in a brief TikTok video.

She put on a busty display in the form-fitting piece, which had spaghetti-thin straps and vertical panels going down the front.

Kim pulled her jet black locks back into a neat bun set at the mid-point of her head.

And the reality television personality accessorized with a chunky Chrome Hearts chain necklace with multiple cross pendants.

Kim Kardashian showed off her stellar figure and sense of style on Easter Sunday as she celebrated the holiday with loved ones

The SKKN by Kim creator wore a full face of glamorous makeup in the 13-second clip, which was filmed in a luxe bathroom.

The mother-of-four was joined by her firstborn child, 10-year-old daughter North, and her mom Kris.

North, who made her musical debut on dad Kanye West's Vultures album, wore a dark dress and matching Denim Tears jacket.

The youngster was sporty and cool as she added white socks and white, black, and gray Jordan sneakers.

Her long, dark, curly locks were styled in extra-long braids and face-framing baby hair.

Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, looked radiant in a lavender dress with long, bell-shaped sleeves.

The mom-of-six rounded out the springtime look with a pair of pink sneakers.

In the TikTok caption, Kim and North  who share the account  wrote: 'Happy Easter Jesus loves you.'

The 43-year-old mogul  whose mom Kris Jenner, 68, hosted a bash  modeled a sexy white dress with a low-cut, studded neckline in a brief TikTok video

She put on a busty display in the form-fitting piece, which had spaghetti-thin straps and vertical panels going down the front

Kim was also active on Instagram over the weekend, where she gave her mom a quick shoutout

They added multiple purple and white cross emoji, plus a trio of chick-hatching emoji before tagging Kris.

And Kim was also active on Instagram over the weekend, where she gave her mom a quick shoutout.

Engaging her 364 million followers, she shared a photo of the 'momager' looking cozy as she sat in a plush, beige chair with Easter baskets set behind her.

Kris was dressed in a gray pajama set covered in illustrated white bunnies.

Kim wrote, 'She's the cutest! @krisjenner gave the whole family these matching Easter pajamas by @cozyearth placed on our beds w the bunny @skims slippers.'
Married At First Sight's Tim Calwell was quick to forgive bride Sara Mesa after he discovered that she had lied to him about meeting her ex behind his back.

And on Monday's episode, Tim, 31, pledged to stay together with Sara, 30, despite the ups and down their relationship has experienced throughout the experiment.

Sara, 30, vulnerably opened up about her journey, admitting to her initial excitement and subsequent fears.

'I remember driving to our wedding destination and feeling no nerves at all. My gut told me I was exactly where I needed to be... But then my nerves kicked in and made me put up some walls that I didn't think I still had,' she confessed.

Her speech highlighted the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges the couple faced, from immediate attraction to intense confrontations, ultimately leading to a significant realisation.

Married At First Sight's Tim Calwell was quick to forgive bride Sara Mesa after he discovered that she had lied to him about meeting her ex behind his back. Both pictured

On Monday's episode, Tim, 31, pledged to stay together with Sara, 30, despite the ups and down their relationship has experienced throughout the experiment

'I've made a lot of mistakes in this relationship, and for that I want to apologise... Seeing you hurt made me realise what I had in front of me and what I could be losing.'

Sara's heartfelt apology set the stage for Tim's response.

The Gold Coast based groom, who had previously struggled with the betrayal, shared his journey from skepticism to a deep emotional connection.

Sara, 30, vulnerably opened up about her journey, admitting to her initial excitement and subsequent fears

'I've made a lot of mistakes in this relationship, and for that I want to apologise... Seeing you hurt made me realise what I had in front of me and what I could be losing'

'What a ride. Honestly. What just happened? I came here to this experiment with a mixture of hope and skepticism... Our wedding day was amazing,' Tim reflected.

However, he didn't shy away from addressing the issues that plagued their relationship.

'On the honeymoon, it became apparent that using the word fiery to describe you was a bit of an understatement... I felt bulldozed and that my emotions weren't important.'

The Gold Coast based groom, who had previously struggled with the betrayal, shared his journey from skepticism to a deep emotional connection

The revelation of Sara's meeting with her ex was a pivotal moment for Tim, one that he described with raw honesty.

'I was devastated and miserable... I felt stupid for even being part of this relationship,' he admitted.

Yet, in a surprising twist, Tim acknowledged the efforts Sara made to mend their relationship, leading to a renewed sense of hope and affection.

Yet, in a surprising twist, Tim acknowledged the efforts Sara made to mend their relationship, leading to a renewed sense of hope and affection

'But, in the last few weeks, you've fought for me. You've shown me you want this relationship... When I'm with you now, I feel happy, funny, and masculine.'

In a heartfelt conclusion, Tim made a decision that underscored the complexity and unpredictability of love.

'So let's finish this, how we started, with hope, excitement, passion. Sara, I'm falling for you. And I want to be with you,' he declared, choosing to embrace the future with Sara despite the obstacles they faced.
Sarah Abo was spotted taking what appeared to be a tense phone call at Sydney Airport on Wednesday.

The Today host looked a little stressed as she made her way through the terminal while chatting to someone on the other line.

Sarah has been based in Sydney since her promotion to co-anchor of Today in 2022, but often splits her time between the city and Melbourne along with her husband Cyrus Moran.

The 36-year-old cut a stylish figure for her flight in a blazer and matching trousers and white shirt, which she styled with a pair of white shoes.

She completed her look with a gold necklace and a white tote bag that she wore on her shoulder.

Sarah Abo was spotted taking what appeared to be a tense phone call at Sydney Airport on Wednesday

Daily Mail Australia has reached out for comment.

Sarah previously told how she has spent the last 10 years 'coming and going' between the two cities, but now marks the first time she has officially lived in Sydney.

The Syrian-born presenter tied the knot with Cyrus in 2012 and they celebrated their union with a romantic honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia.

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.

The private couple keep their romance relatively under wraps and are rarely spotted out-and-about together.

The Today host looked a little stressed as she made her way through the terminal while chatting to someone on the other line

Sarah has been based in Sydney since her promotion to co-anchor of Today in 2022, but often splits her time between the city and Melbourne along with her husband Cyrus Moran

The pair quietly marked their tenth anniversary in December when they attended the wedding of a close friend.

While 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.'

The 36-year-old cut a stylish figure for her flight in a blazer and matching trousers and white shirt, which she styled with a pair of white shoes
Rural museums gain popularity amid rural revitalization

Xinhua) 10:33, April 01, 2024

HAIKOU, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Wang Zhenzhong, owner of a rural museum in a fishing village in south China's island province of Hainan, gets busier over the past couple of years due to more visitors, especially during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference.

A descendant of fishermen, Wang has collected old stuff passed down by his family, such as nautical charts and compasses, and opened a museum near the venue of BFA in honor of his father and grandfather, who both had traveled across the South China Sea.

"The nautical charts I inherited contain the stories of our ancestors fighting the wind and waves in the South China Sea and is listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage," said Wang, who also serves as the docent of the museum located in Paigang Village.

Despite it being small, Wang's museum has attracted visitors from across the country for its unique exhibits and the culture it preserves.

With old photos and veteran fishermen telling stories, the museum has offered tourists a place to learn and think about the local culture and the toughness and courage of the fishermen, said Du Yaping, a visitor from Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province.

The museum run by Wang is one of the rural museums featuring local folk culture that have sprung up in China in recent years.

Museums are usually associated with gigantic buildings, eye-catching spotlights and a massive number of collections in bustling downtown areas. However, many museums demonstrating the unique local culture can now be found in China's vast rural areas.

Located near a wide stretch of cornfields in Xinjia Village is a museum focusing on Mahu Opera, a traditional art of the Manchu ethnic group in northeast China's Jilin Province.

Developed on a site formerly used as a primary school, this museum has five exhibition rooms with nearly 2,000 objects on display, including manuscripts, masks, costumes, instruments and books, most of which were donated by Wang Songlin, a local inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.

"By exhibiting them in the village, I hope to let more people know about this fading ancient form of art originating in the region, while also helping boost the aesthetic interest of more farmers," said Wang.

In 2021, China started to develop Jilin, Zhejiang and Shandong into pilot provinces for constructing rural museums.

East China's Zhejiang Province issued a guideline for the construction of rural museums in April 2022. It provides standards for rural museum construction, operation and management, and also calls for cultural heritage administrative departments and state-owned museums to strengthen management and support for the construction of rural museums.

According to the guideline, Zhejiang plans to build 1,000 rural museums from 2021 to 2025. As of Sept. 30, 2023, a total of 692 rural museums had been built in the province, said the provincial cultural heritage administration.

While modernizing its rural regions, China is also seeking solutions to preserve the distinct history and vibrant culture of different regions, with the building of rural museums being an important part of this strategy.

Rural museums can effectively explore and inherit rural culture. With the development of the tourism market in China, museums with distinctive exhibits will increasingly be included in tourists' itineraries, said Ma Chao, an associate professor from Hainan Normal University.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Bao Ong is a restaurant columnist for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at bao@houstonchronicle.com

He previously worked on staff at Eater New York, Bon Appetit and Time Out New York. In addition to Bao's background in journalism, he also graduated from the French Culinary Institute. He moved to Houston in summer 2022 and in his first year, he won the top award in the Comment and Criticism category awarded by the Texas Managing Editors organization. Follow where he's eating and drinking on Instagram: @baohaus
Bianca Censori enjoyed Easter Sunday with her husband Kanye West and his four children he shares with his ex Kim Kardashian.

The brunette beauty, 29, and the rapper, 46, treated North, 10, Saint, eight, Chicago, five and Psalm, four, to a fun-filled night out at the movies after they dined at celeb hotspot Nobu in Malibu.

The model  who was pictured with Kim for the first time at Kanye's album party  slipped her famous figure into a silver catsuit as she strutted ahead of the family towards the theater.

In a bid to keep a low profile, Kanye donned a dark jacket, matching pants and sunglasses as he held the hand of his adorable son, Saint, with the other three kids following closely behind.

The outing comes just hours after Kim, 43, accompanied the four children to her mom Kris Jenner's holiday shindig, where they reunited with the rest of the Kardashian/Jenner clan.

Bianca Censori enjoyed Easter Sunday with her husband Kanye West and his four children he shares with his ex Kim Kardashian

The brunette beauty, 29, and the rapper, 46, treated North , 10, Saint, eight, Chicago , five and Psalm, four, to a fun-filled night out at the movies after they enjoyed a dinner date

Bianca's look was tamer than some of her recent ensembles (pictured on Saturday) amid claims Kim Kardashian asked her to cover up around her children with Kanye

Details of the festivities were detailed by Kim on her social media account, as she gave a peek at Kris' decorations including the tablescape, which had egg plates and napkins as well as a pastel, floral tablecloth.

The makeup mogul, was married to Kanye from from 2014 to 2022, also shared a picture of an Easter egg that was decorated from her son Saint that had 'Mom' written in pink marker.

And on their joint TikTok caption, Kim and North shared snaps from the party and wrote: 'Happy Easter Jesus loves you.'

The holiday festivities come after Bianca and Kim shocked fans by being spotted together for the first time at Kanye's Vultures Listening Party just two weeks ago.

In a clip from the event, Bianca can be seen in a pink top as she films the performance on her phone with Kim stood next to her.

Also in attendance were Chicago and Psalm.

Kim is said to have an amicable relationship with Bianca  but is reportedly not a fan of her parading her risque fashion in front of her children.

Kim instructed Kanye to never let Bianca dress like that around their kids, a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. She is truly surprised that Kanye would let his wife leave the house like that.

Kanye was spotted with his daughter North

The rapper held hands with his adorable son Saint

Chicago was too cute in her pink dress and silver boots

The father-son bonding included an ice cream treat

Saint was dressed up like his father in a dark outfit

Australian-born Bianca has been pictured in a slew of headline-grabbing outfits since she married Kanye in December 2022  less than one month after his divorce from Kim was finalized.

Insiders have told Daily Mail that Censori wants to step away from the spotlight, saying, 'She needs a break and needs to step back.'

'She feels like he is using her as a free marketing tool  as does everyone else,' the source alleged.

'These past couple of months have been an experience, but she really wants to focus on having children after the album drops. She knows she is overexposed.'

Kanye recently appeared to defend his wife's bizarre, and at times obscene outfit choices, as well as his decision to post half naked photos of her on his Instagram.

Ima post my wife as much as I want bro, he told his 19.5 million followers on Tuesday. It makes me happy. Some people dont want you to be happy. They want you to make them happy. I decided to make myself happy and Im happy with that [sic].

Unlike Bianca's raunchy wardrobe, Kim was asked to change her outfits if Kanye felt she was showing too much skin, with the artist heavily influencing her fashion choices during their seven-year marriage.

'Kanye did the same thing he is doing with Bianca to Kim throughout their marriage,' the source continued. The difference is that when Kanye dressed Kim, he was respected as a person  as an artist.

The model  who was pictured with Kim for the first time at Kanye's album party  slipped her famous figure into a silver catsuit as she strutted ahead of the family towards the theater

Australian-born Bianca has been pictured in a slew of headline-grabbing outfits since she married Kanye in December 2022  less than one month after his divorce from Kim was finalized.

Insiders have told Daily Mail that Censori wants to step away from the spotlight, saying, 'She needs a break and needs to step back'

'Unfortunately, Kim knows what Bianca is going through  but she feels Bianca should have known what she was getting into.

The billionaire SKIMS founder talked openly about Kanyes influence over her fashion choices throughout their relationship.

In a 2018 interview with W Magazine, she said: 'I always thought I had really good style  until I met my husband, and he told me that I had the worst style.'

And in an episode of Keeping Up with The Kardashians, she said: 'Kanye has always dressed me. In the early 2000s, he would literally just send me random emails with all these looks and what my style should be.'

When Kim disagreed with her husband's advice, he told her: 'You are my wife, and it affects me when pictures are too sexy.'

Kanye previously criticized Kims SKIMS brand for being 'overly sexualised.

She also revealed that he disapproved of her 2019 Thierry Mugler Met Gala dress, branding her corset a form of underwear the night before the event.

It wasn't only Kim's clothes that Kanye took issue with, but her appearance as well.

The outing comes just hours after Kim, 43, accompanied the four children to her mom Kris Jenner's holiday shindig , where they reunited with the rest of the Kardashian/Jenner clan.

The 43-year-old mogul  whose mom Kris Jenner, 68, hosted a bash  modeled a sexy white dress with a low-cut, studded neckline in a brief TikTok video

At the Vogue 100 Festival in 2016, the brunette beauty said: 'My husband loves me without make-up. I would wear make-up 24/7 if I could, but he likes me without it.'

But his apparent hold over Biancas style has raised concerns for her friends who fear she has not only changed since meeting him, but is being 'used' to promote his new album, Vultures.

Her parents are also said to be 'mortified' at seeing their daughter in such strange ensembles  in particular the clear raincoat she wore recently with nothing but a pair of black boots.

Her family and friends are mortified because it just keeps getting worse and worse,' an insider previously told DailyMail.com exclusively.

'Bianca clearly doesn't realize that what she wore isn't only disgusting and setting a bad example, but she is also potentially breaking the law.

'Meanwhile, Kanye is covered up with five layers of clothes and when his wife looked chilly while naked and wrapped in plastic he didn't so much as offer her one of his capes.'

Kim (seen with her children North, 10, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, four) wants Bianca Censori to cover up when with her kids

Kim feels surprised that her ex-husband allows his new wife to dress in near-naked outfits, a source told DailyMail.com

Kim was married to Kanye from 2014 to 2022 (pictured together at the Met Gala in 2019)

The source continued: 'Her parents are so distressed over this because they do not recognize her.

'She would not be doing this unless she was being controlled.'

On Kanye's recently released hit album Vultures, Bianca is featured on the cover with her entire backside exposed. Kanye has also used her to promote his Vultures-inspired clothing on Yeezy.com, including a 'Wet T-Shirt' crop-top.

'He continues to lock her in by giving her more stake and ownership over various projects that he has going on, including the clothing,' the insider added.
Too Hot To Handle star Francesca Farago announced her first pregnancy on Sunday after a 'bumpy' IVF journey with her transgender fiance Jesse 'Sulli' Sullivan.

The expecting 30-year-old broke the news across social media on International Transgender Day of Visibility in honor of 34-year-old dad-to-be Jesse, whose reassigned gender was affirmed in 2019.

'We wanted to take this special day to celebrate this amazing milestone with all of you,' Francesca - who boasts 9.9M Instagram/TikTok followers - wrote in a joint post.

'We've brought you with us through the loss, so we couldn't wait to bring you along for the win,'

'I am still pretty newly pregnant, and there's so much more to come, but we are so excited to be growing our family with Arlo as the coolest older sibling! AHH I'M PREGNANT!'

Too Hot To Handle star Francesca Farago announced her first pregnancy on Sunday after a 'bumpy' IVF journey with her transgender fiance Jesse 'Sulli' Sullivan

HOW DOES IVF WORK? In-vitro fertilisation, known as IVF, is a medical procedure in which a woman has an already-fertilised egg inserted into her womb to become pregnant. It is used when couples are unable to conceive naturally, and a sperm and egg are removed from their bodies and combined in a laboratory before the embryo is inserted into the woman. Once the embryo is in the womb, the pregnancy should continue as normal. The procedure can be done using eggs and sperm from a couple or those from donors. Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that IVF should be offered on the NHS to women under 43 who have been trying to conceive through regular unprotected sex for two years. People can also pay for IVF privately, which costs an average of 3,348 for a single cycle, according to figures published in January 2018, and there is no guarantee of success. The NHS says success rates for women under 35 are about 29 per cent, with the chance of a successful cycle reducing as they age. Around eight million babies are thought to have been born due to IVF since the first ever case, British woman Louise Brown, was born in 1978. Chances of success The success rate of IVF depends on the age of the woman undergoing treatment, as well as the cause of the infertility (if it's known). Younger women are more likely to have a successful pregnancy. IVF isn't usually recommended for women over the age of 42 because the chances of a successful pregnancy are thought to be too low. Between 2014 and 2016 the percentage of IVF treatments that resulted in a live birth was: 29 per cent for women under 35 23 per cent for women aged 35 to 37 15 per cent for women aged 38 to 39 9 per cent for women aged 40 to 42 3 per cent for women aged 43 to 44 2 per cent for women aged over 44 Advertisement

In the accompanying TikTok video, Jesse hinted at the gender by using My Best Friend Jacob's 2018 song To Our Daughter (Lullaby), two baby emojis signifying twins, and what appeared to be two embryos.

The parents-to-be selected a sperm donor together before Sullivan had nine eggs extracted last August (making five embryos) and Farago had 18 eggs extracted last September (making eight embryos).

It remains unclear which parent's embryo was transferred into the Canadian reality star's uterus on March 19 at the Tree of Life Center in Los Angeles under the direction of fertility specialist Dr. Vuk Jovanovic.

But Jesse proudly announced he'd 'finally got her pregnant' in the comments of their post, which received congratulations from pop star Demi Lovato and Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause.

Sullivan was 18 when he mothered 15-year-old child Arlo Bear Sullivan (who uses they/them pronouns) after having unprotected sex with a teenage boy back in 2006, and he 'cannot wait to see Arlo be a sibling.'

'When I felt guilty as a trans man because [Francesca] had to even go through this [pregnancy] process, she always assured me that she wouldn't have it any other way,' the heavily-tattooed TikToker said on March 19.

'This is just the beginning for our family.'

Jesse previously stated in their February 1st YouTube vlog that they plan to raise their children as the gender assigned by their sex at birth 'and then give them the space and love and freedom to discover if it's different later on.'

In the accompanying TikTok video, Jesse hinted at the gender by using My Best Friend Jacob's 2018 song To Our Daughter (Lullaby), two baby emojis signifying twins, and there appeared to be two embryos

The expecting 30-year-old broke the news across social media on International Transgender Day of Visibility in honor of 34-year-old dad-to-be Jesse, whose reassigned gender was affirmed in 2019

Francesca wrote in a joint post: 'I am still pretty newly pregnant, and there's so much more to come, but we are so excited to be growing our family with Arlo as the coolest older sibling!'

'How I raised Arlo was like blank slate parenting where I never forced gender norms onto them,' Sullivan explained.

'As little I used she/her and obviously considered them female and then as they grew up and they discovered that within themselves they told me one day, "I want to go by they/them and that was it and never looked back.'

Jesse and Farago - who got engaged April 28 - originally met via Zoom in June 2021 during her TikTok live event for Pride Month.

On Valentine's Day, the Farago the Label founder wrote that they 'were holding off the wedding until our first baby or babies.'

Sullivan was previously married to model Teela Sullivan while Francesca is said to have dated Jef Holm, Harry Jowsey, Casey Boonstra, Kelechi Dyke, Haley Cureton, Kori Sampson, Branden Condy, and Tana Mongeau.

Farago first found fame competing on Netflix dating shows Too Hot to Handle (2020) followed by Love Is Blind (2021) followed by Perfect Match (2023).

The parents-to-be selected a sperm donor together before Sullivan had nine eggs extracted last August (making five embryos) and Farago had 18 eggs extracted last September (making eight embryos)

Jesse proudly announced he'd 'finally got her pregnant' in the comments of their post, which received congratulations from pop star Demi Lovato and Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause

It remains unclear which parent's embryo was transferred into the Canadian reality star's uterus on March 19 at the Tree of Life Center in LA under the direction of fertility specialist Dr. Vuk Jovanovic

Sullivan was 18 when he mothered 15-year-old child Arlo Bear Sullivan (who uses they/them pronouns) after having unprotected sex with a teenage boy back in 2006, and he 'cannot wait to see Arlo be a sibling'
Sean 'LOVE' Combs aka Diddy broke his social media silence on Easter Sunday following the raids on his LA and Miami homes last Monday in connection with a sex-trafficking investigation.

The troubled 54-year-old - who boasts 45.6M social media followers - posted a wholesome slideshow of his youngest child Love Sean Combs captioned: 'Happy Easter from Baby Love.'

Diddy's babymama #4 Dana Tran brought their 17-month-old daughter to the home of Kimora Lee Simmons, the best friend of his babymama #1 Kim Porter who tragically passed away in 2018.

The 29-year-old UC Irvine grad - who's been described as a 'cybersecurity professional, industrial specialist, and model' - Instastoried a video of little Love wearing her unidentified uncle's 'borrowed ice' from Day Dream Jewelers.

While at the family function, the pink cardigan-clad toddler bonded with her big brother Quincy Brown, whose mother was Kim Porter and father was Al B. Sure!

Sean 'LOVE' Combs aka Diddy broke his social media silence on Easter Sunday following the raids on his LA and Miami homes last Monday in connection with a sex-trafficking investigation (pictured Sunday)

The troubled 54-year-old - who boasts 45.6M social media followers - posted a wholesome slideshow of his youngest child Love Sean Combs captioned: 'Happy Easter from Baby Love'

Little Love - who already has 48K Instagram followers - also spent quality time with Kimora's 14-year-old son Kenzo with babydaddy Djimon Hounsou.

Ironically, the 48-year-old former model' ex-husband - ousted Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons - lives in exile in Bali after being accused by over 20 women of sexual assault and misconduct.

On March 22, the disgraced 66-year-old risked extradition to return to the States to attend the lavish wedding of Jarod and Alexa Malnik at Palm Beach, FL resort Mar-a-Lago owned by ex-POTUS Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, the three-time Grammy winner - who has not been charged with any crime - spent Easter in Miami with two mystery women.

Diddy will definitely be skipping his son 'King' Christian Combs' 26th birthday bash taking place at PH Night Club in Hollywood on Sunday night.

The embattled rap mogul is also father to 30-year-old son Justin Combs (with babymama #2 Misa Hylton), 17-year-old daughter Chance Combs (with babymama #3 Sarah Chapman), and 17-year-old twin daughters Jessie and D'Lila Combs (with babymama #1 Kim Porter).

Both King and Justin were detained in handcuffs during Homeland Security's LA raid on Diddy's Holmby Hills mansion while he was at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport where his drug mule Brendan Paul was arrested.

'Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated,' his attorney Aaron Dyer said in a statement.

Diddy's babymama #4 Dana Tran (4-R) brought their 17-month-old daughter to the home of Kimora Lee Simmons (3-L), the best friend of his babymama #1 Kim Porter who tragically passed away in 2018

While at the family function, little Love bonded with her big brother Quincy Brown, whose mother was Kim Porter and father was Al B. Sure!

The pink cardigan-clad toddler - who already has 48K Instagram followers - also spent quality time with Kimora's 14-year-old son Kenzo (R) with babydaddy Djimon Hounsou

Ironically, the 48-year-old former model' ex-husband - ousted Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons - lives in exile in Bali after being accused by over 20 women of sexual assault and misconduct

On March 22, the disgraced 66-year-old (pictured) risked extradition to return to the States to attend the lavish wedding of Jarod and Alexa Malnik at Palm Beach, FL resort Mar-a-Lago owned by ex-POTUS Donald Trump

Meanwhile, the three-time Grammy winner - who has not been charged with any crime - spent Easter in Miami with two mystery women

Diddy will definitely be skipping his son 'King' Christian Combs' 26th birthday bash taking place at PH Night Club in Hollywood on Sunday night

'Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.'

The raids came after the Harlem-born hip-hop star was hit with a slew of lawsuits alleging sexual assault, rape, and other crimes after he settled his ex-girlfriend Cassie's similar lawsuit in November.

'Enough is enough. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation, and my legacy,' Diddy wrote December 6 in his only statement on the matter.

'Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.'
Australian media power couple Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter Stefanovic have celebrated seven years of marriage.

Sylvia, 38, took to Instagram on Monday to commemorate the milestone with her husband Peter, 42, who hosts First Edition on Sky News.

The Today Extra co-host shared a picture of herself smiling as she leaned on Peter, as they dined at a Sydney restaurant.

Sylvia also shared a second picture, a black and white snapshot from when the couple first started dating.

In the caption, she wrote: 'Now and then. 7 years married + 2 lovely children - 700 hours of sleep = something to celebrate. Happy anniversary, Peter Stefanovic.'

Australian media power couple Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter Stefanovic have celebrated seven years of marriage. Both pictured

Sylvia shared a black and white snapshot from when the couple first started dating

In the comments, many of the couple's friends and family offered their congratulations.

Peter, who is the brother of Today's Karl Stefanovic, replied simply with a series of loveheart emojis.

Meanwhile, Nine journalist Shelly Horton wrote, 'Congrats you two lovebirds!' followed by love heart emojis.

Another follower wrote, 'The beaming smile says it all. Congratulations. Awesome couple!'

In the caption, she wrote, 'Now and then. 7 years married + 2 lovely children - 700 hours of sleep = something to celebrate. Happy anniversary, Peter Stefanovic.' Pictured

'You both honestly look exactly the same! Lots of love,' one more wrote.

The happy couple tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley on April 1, 2017.

In 2020 , Sylvia and Peter welcomed their first son, Oscar, now three years old, in February.

Just eight months later, the TV presenter revealed that she was pregnant with her second child, a son, Henry, now two.
January 2021: The beginning of the end

Gruffudd filed for divorce in March 2021, shortly after Evans claimed on social media that her husband of 14 years was walking out on her and their two daughters.

October 2021: Ioan goes public with his new love

After Evans' explosive announcement about her split all seemed to quieten down until October 2021 when she took to Twitter to claim to her 29,000 followers that her estranged husband had been cheating on her for three years with a much younger woman.

Evans implied that her ex had gaslighted her for years, betraying her and their two daughters (but did not offer any evidence to support her accusation).

February 2022: Ioan files for a restraining order against Alice

After months of pointed tweets and social media posts made by Evans, Gruffudd responded by filing for a restraining order, submitting 113 pages of unhinged texts and emails that had not previously been made public.

In his court filing, Gruffudd claimed he told Evans that he wanted out of the marriage in August 2020 and that since then, she had harassed him with hundreds of unanswered text messages, abusive emails and social media posts - many of which he included in the filing.

He claimed she verbally threatened to tell the media he had abused her 'do what Amber Heard did to Johnny Depp'.

Inside the most bitter divorce in Hollywood: A look back at Alice Evans and Ioan Gruffudd's shock slanging match (pictured in 2004)

June 2022: Alice begs fans for money to pay for a divorce lawyer

As their divorce proceedings entered its 15th month, Evans claimed to be 'completely out of money for food and bills.'

She claimed she would receive no financial support from Gruffudd and that she was struggling to pay her legal fees and would be unable to 'feed or clothe' their daughters with her dwindling funds.

July 2022: Ioan asks for joint custody of daughters

After Evans filed for sole custody of their daughters, Gruffudd filed for custody and visitation rights to see his children, claiming in the filing that Evans had been purposely trying to cut communication between himself and the children.

He also petitioned that the girls attend in-person therapy and reunification therapy via zoom with him pending court-ordered mediation about custody.

In the filing, Gruffudd reiterated allegations that Evans had been verbally abusing during their 14-year marriage, and 'undermin[ing him] in front of the girls throughout their lives.'

August 2022: Ioan gets a three-year restraining order against Alice

Having previously been awarded a temporary restraining order against his estranged wife, Gruffudd successfully obtained a three-year restraining order against Evans in August 2022.

Harsher restrictions were put in place by a US judge, including a ruling preventing Alice from leaking private text messages from their children.

In the court documents, Gruffudd claimed Evans continued to cause him issues and wanted additional provisions added to the existing restraining order.

He also requested Evans not post his text messages or any other communications to the parties children, or the childrens text messages or any other communications to Ioan, on any social media account.

Gruffudd also asked for the judge to order Evans not to contact his employer or make disparaging statements about him to his employers.

October 2021: Ioan went public with his new love Bianca Wallace, posting a picture with the Australian actress who is 21 years younger than Alice

September 2022: Ioan and Alice's child custody battle hits a wall

Two months after Gruffudd filed for joint custody of his two daughters and asked for custody and visitation rights, the exes failed to settle their differences in family court, despite the help of a mediator.

Court documents showed the exes meeting was set for 31 August and that mediation had taken place but that 'no agreement' had been reached.

The document went on to confirm that that both Gruffudd and Evans had completed the mandatory Our Children First program.

The Superior Court of Los Angeles states of the program that: 'Parents are required by law to attend a mediation orientation/parent education program and a mediation session prior to appearing at an Order to Show Cause or Trial regarding the custody and/or visitation of their children.'

November 2022: Alice is reported to police over claims of 'child abuse' and drug use

Amid her ongoing custody battle, Evans claimed that someone called social services and the police on her with concerns over child abuse and drug and drink use.

The actress took to Twitter to allege that someone had sent authorities to her property who then found 'absolutely no signs of abuse' and 'no drugs or drink'.

July 2022: Ioan asked for joint custody of their daughters Ella, 13 and Elsie, nine, claiming Alice had been trying to cut communication between himself and the children (pictured in 2018

February 2023: Child custody agreement is stalled again after Alice is charged with 'violating restraining order'

Evans appeared in court in February 2023 to answer two charges of violating a restraining order that was put in place by her estranged husband.

The warring former couple were scheduled to appear later that month at a custody hearing but Evans asked for a postponement.

Her attorney, Marie LaMolinara, argued that testimony Alice gives at the custody hearing could be used against her in her later criminal trial, which would violate her right, under the 5th Amendment, not to incriminate herself.

March 2023: Charges against Alice are dropped

Prosecutors in Los Angeles dropped charges against Evans who had been accused of defying a restraining order the Welsh actor has against her.

Evans had pleaded not guilty to two counts of violating the order and at a hearing at LA's Airport Courthouse, Commissioner James Cooper dismissed the charges after prosecutors told the court they were 'unable to proceed.'

At a follow-up hearing, Evans' attorney, public defender, Daniel Stefanic, filed a motion asking for a ruling that would declare her 'factually innocent' of the charges.

August 2022: Ioan successfully obtained a three-year restraining order against Alice that banned her from mentioning him or his girlfriend on social media (Ioan and Bianca pictured May 2022)

May 2023: Alice moves out of $2million family home as ex Ioan is 'too poor' to pay for it

Evans and her children moved out of her family home and into a rented abode with their two daughters after Gruffudd pleaded with a court to allow the home to be sold, saying he didn't have the money to keep up with mortgage payments for his family following their split in 2021.

The Fantastic Four star told a court in a document filed last year that neither he nor Evans could afford the $6,750 a month in mortgage payments, insurance and property tax.

He said he'd had just one paid job in the past year and was so poor he was relying on handouts from his young girlfriend.

May 2023: Ella, 13, applies for a restraining order against dad Ioan and his girlfriend Bianca

The teenage daughter of Evans and Gruffudd asked for a restraining order against her famous father and his girlfriend in documents filed on May 31 at the Los Angeles Superior Court.

In the documents, Ella stated that she is 'afraid' of her father and accuses him of 'threatening to call the police on her anytime she misbehaves' during their visitations.

Ella filed for a domestic violence restraining order against her father following what she said was an ugly incident at their home, during which she claims Bianca 'slammed a door on her head'.

In her filing against her father, Ella requested that he be made to keep at least 100 yards away from her and not contact her for five years and asks that Gruffudd be ordered to undergo a '52-week batterer intervention program'.

The program, which involves weekly classes, is intended - the document states - to 'stop abuse, teach accountability, abuse effects, and gender roles'.

Ella requested that the restraining order also cover her nine-year-old sister Elsie, noting that she 'lives with her sister and is afraid that [Ioan] will abuse and/or continue to allow abuse to happen to my sister too'.

She also asked that her father be made to pay 'for some or all of her lawyer's fees and costs' and requests that her phone account and that of her sister Elsie's be transferred to their mother, alleging that Gruffudd has 'threatened to cancel my sister's phone account and my phone account'.

Along with her domestic restraining order filing, Ella included a declaration as evidence to support her case, in which she shared her recollection of a bitter spat that she claims took place while she and her nine-year-old sister Elsie were visiting their father's home on May 26.

Ella admitted that she was 'so mad' at her father to find that Wallace was at his apartment when she arrived that she began throwing food on his bed, on the floor, and on him, before she attempted to flee the apartment - which, she says, is when the actress 'slammed a door on her head', leaving her with 'a small bump' and a 'bruise on her arm'.

May 2023: The teenage daughter of Alice and Ioan asked for a restraining order against her famous father and his girlfriend in documents filed on May 31 (Alice and Ella pictured)

June 2023: Ioan accuses Alice of abusing him via fake Twitter accounts

In court documents seen by MailOnline, Gruffudd claimed his estranged wife screamed at him outside his Los Angeles home and called him a 'f***ing abuser' and 'abusive c***' in front of their 13-year-old daughter.

Gruffudd also claimed Evans repeatedly broken a three-year restraining order he took out against her which has resulted in criminal charges - and flashed him while wearing no underwear when their children were being dropped off.

The bombshell papers also contained claims from Gruffudd that: Evans has made 'thousands of false, threatening and harassing posts' about him; Evans claims to be home-schooling Ella, but has 'provided no information'; Evans has interfered with the girls' therapy and they are missing appointments; and Ella poured rolled oats from a bag over his head, which left him 'in shock'.

July 2023: Ioan and Alice are declared legally divorced

In a court order handed down in LA Superior Court, Judge Josh Freeman Stinn finally granted Gruffudd's request for divorce amid the couple's ongoing custody battle.

The Welsh actor had filed for bifurcation and termination of marital status in May which would allow him and Evans to be declared legally divorced even as they continue settlement negotiations in their split.

A minute order obtained by DailyMail.com show the judge approved the request on July 3, ruling: 'The Court finds irreconcilable differences have arisen in the marriage and grants judgment for the dissolution of marriage as to status only, effective today.'

July 2023: Ioan's daughter loses bid for domestic violence restraining order against him

Two months after Ella filed documents a judge at the Los Angeles Superior Court dismissed an application by Ella for a domestic violence restraining order.

Gruffudd was present in court, along with Ms Evans for the hearing, as well as the lawyer appointed as the minor's counsel last month.

The judge ruled: 'The minor's request for a domestic violence restraining order against the petitioner is hereby dismissed without prejudice.'

The decision came three weeks after the teenager's bid to get a civil protection order against Gruffudd's actress girlfriend Bianca Wallace, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was also denied.

Ioan said: Friends of the Liar star said he was 'very relieved' at the outcome. They also claimed that the situation is a 'nightmare' but they are 'happy to see some progress'.

August 2023: Ioan accuses Alice of 'child abuse' and keeping their daughters from him

A Los Angeles judge attempted to shield Gruffudd and Evans from the fallout of their parents' ugly battles by banning the press from a custody hearing, keeping the proceedings secret.

But that didn't stop the warring former couple  who are both seeking custody of the girls  from taking vitriolic shots at each other in written court filings that are public and not sealed.

The Welsh star called his ex a 'child abuser'  while Evans claimed Gruffudd hadn't seen or called his children for almost three months, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com.

Ioan said: 'Alice has continued to inflict serious emotional harm on Ella and Elsie by her statements and by interfering in my relationship with them.

'Alice has verbally abused and undermined me in front of the girls throughout their lives.

'Since January 2021, Alice has also encouraged and instructed them not to see me or communicate with me and she has made thousands of threatening and abusive communications to me and about me.'

Alice said: 'I have read and disagree with the declaration of petitioner (Gruffudd) as to allegations that I am inflicting or causing our children ''serious emotional harm".

'No one has ever contacted me or reported me for such conduct. No professional, nor teacher, nor school administrator, nor counsel, nor therapist.

'Petitioner has not seen, complied with, nor called the children for 11 weeks. I don't understand how having no recent information, "petitioner believes" there is an urgency such that a child custody evaluation must be commenced.'
Her famous mum is known for showing off her famous figure in swimwear.

And Amanda Holden's daughter Lexi Hughes followed in her footsteps on Sunday as she took to Instagram to share a steamy bikini-clad snap, just one day after her mum shared a snap in a similarly sexy two-piece.

Keeping her 21k followers up to date on her sun-drenched antics, the blonde beauty posed up a storm alongside the caption: 'I like palm trees'.

The aspiring model, 18, who is signed to Kate Moss' original agency Storm Models, looked jaw-dropping in a strapless black two-piece.

Her tiny waist was on full display as she reclined on a palm tree while her lithe limbs were showcased thanks to her model-worthy pose on the holiday, which comes as Lexi has started looking at universities in America after finishing her A Levels.

Amanda Holden 's daughter Lexi Hughes followed in her mum's saucy footsteps on Sunday as she took to Instagram to share a steamy bikini-clad snap.

Her mum sent temperatures soaring with a similar snap, shared the day before Lexi posted her own shot

Lexi has already begun to follow in her mother's showbusiness footsteps, signing with the Storm modelling agency in 2022

Lexi, whose father is Amanda's husband of 16 years Chris Hughes, looked jaw-dropping in her racy look comprising the tiny bikini.

The blonde beauty's stunning snap comes after her famous mum made sure all eyes were on her at her 18th birthday party in January.

The radio presenter, 52, pulled out all the stops to celebrate her eldest child's milestone birthday.

She donned a sparkly white pair of trousers covered in sequins and a coordinating backless top to show off some extra skin.

Amanda stood behind the DJ decks with a microphone and took the opportunity to play Sophie Ellis-Bextor's hit Murder On The Dancefloor.

As the familiar tune began, she began dancing seductively against the wall, while Lexi's friends all cheered. The birthday girl could be seen singing along in the crowd in a showstopping beaded minidress.

Amanda then made her way through the crowd to find her lookalike daughter and hand her the microphone.

The Britain's Got Talent star carried on moving through the teenagers and encouraging them to dance along.

Amanda has banned Lexi from ever appearing on hit reality series Love Island, despite the teenager being 'obsessed' with the show (pictured together in 2022)

The blonde beauty's stunning snap comes after her famous mum made sure all eyes were on her at her 18th birthday party in January

She shared a video of the fun-filled moment to her Instagram, writing: 'The latest trend' in reference to the resurgence of Murder On The Dancefloor thanks to Saltburn.

Amanda and Chris are also parents to 11-year-old Hollie.

Lexi has already begun to follow in her mother's showbusiness footsteps, signing with the Storm modelling agency in 2022.

At the time, Amanda said: 'Lexi was approached last year and obviously we were waiting until she was 16 to sign anything.

'It's something she actually wants to do, so I'm taking the lead from her. She's a very quiet girl but she knows her own mind. She's very bright and wants to continue her studies.

As the familiar tune began, she began dancing seductively against the wall, while Lexi's friends all cheered. The birthday girl could be seen singing along in the crowd in a showstopping beaded minidress

'There's no pressure and we'll just see what happens. But finishing her education is very much her plan, she'll have our support whatever she decides to do.'

Discussing Lexi's next steps last year, Amanda exclusively told MailOnline: 'She's been taken on by Storm.

'She's 17 but I think when she's 18 we'll start looking for her to be in that field. At the minute they are working on her Lookbook.'

However, she has banned Lexi from ever appearing on hit reality series Love Island, despite the teenager being 'obsessed' with the show.
Dina Broadhurst is never shy when it comes to her selfies.

And the 46-year-old, who has made her name as a 'nude artist', was again showing off her figure during a trip to the American desert.

In an image shared to Instagram, Dina posed topless while covering her bust with her arm.

She completed her look with a pair of cream bikini bottoms, as the stunning vista behind her reflected in a glass door.

Along with the bikini shot, the social media personality shared some photos of the lush desert behind her.

Dina Broadhurst (pictured) is never shy when it comes to her selfies. And the 46-year-old, who has made her name as a 'nude artist', was again showing off her figure during a trip to the American desert

Along with the bikini shot, the social media personality shared some photos of the lush desert behind her

Dina captioned the images with a simple cactus emoji and the word, 'US'.

In recent self portraits, the stunning socialite lay out in the sun, taking a series of photos of her reflection as she stretched out in a hotel room.

Dina stunned in a skimpy deep green bikini as she worked her angles for the sensual snaps.

She appeared to have on minimal makeup as she took the artistic images in which she captured some of the city outside her window.

'Got the shot x 4. Buildings & Curves, Melbourne on film,' she wrote in the caption alongside the photographs.

In recent self portraits, the stunning socialite lay out in the sun, taking a series of photos of her reflection as she stretched out in a hotel room

'Got the shot x 4. Buildings & Curves, Melbourne on film,' she wrote in the caption alongside the photographs

Dina stunned in a skimpy deep green bikini as she worked her angles for the sensual snaps

Dina appears to be embracing life after breaking up with her partner Max Shepherd last year.

The eastern suburbs socialite was recently linked to millionaire property investor Tony Benjamin.

Late last year, she seemed to have soft launched a new beau with a beachside snap, but was coy with his identity.

In August, Dina found herself in the midst of a public romantic controversy when she was seen canoodling with Tony during a coastal walk.

The couple was captured kissing while taking a leisurely stroll along the renowned Bondi to Bronte walk.
Sara Mesa was enjoying Easter Sunday with a day at the beach.

The nutritionist headed to Bronte where she took a dip in the ocean alongside a friend.

The 30-year-old showed off her impressive figure in a skimpy red bikini that put her ample bust on display.

Sara also flaunted her pert derriere in the G-string cut bottoms which were also highly cut.

The blonde pulled her hair up in a claw clip and appeared to have on a natural makeup look.

Sara Mesa (pictured) was enjoying Easter Sunday with a day at the beach

The nutritionist headed to Bronte where she took a dip in the ocean alongside a friend

The 30-year-old showed off her impressive figure in a skimpy red bikini that put her ample bust on display

The reality star finished her look with a pair of sunglasses and splashed about in the water laughing with her pal.

It comes after Sara Mesa and groom Tim Calwell appeared to be happily spending together despite their dramas on the show.

The pair were spotted out on the town before filming their final vows - and they could not keep their hands off each other.

The two have seemingly kept going strong despite their bitter cheating scandal which is currently being played out on the show.

Sara also flaunted her pert derriere in the G-string cut bottoms which were also highly cut

The blonde pulled her hair up in a claw clip and appeared to have on a natural makeup look

The reality star finished her look with a pair of sunglasses

The beauty brought a large black tote bag to the beach

The sighting was proof there was hope for the pair after filming wrapped, despite the drama.

During the couple's retreat in Byron Bay, it was revealed Sara had dinner with her ex-boyfriend.

In recent weeks Sara has been sighted on the dating app Hinge, searching for someone who 'can take the bad'.

Photos shared to her profile show Sara showcasing her lavish lifestyle while dining at restaurants and bars.

Sara previously spoke out about the aftermath of her infamous cheating scandal, detailing the emotional turmoil and public backlash she's faced.

'Watching it all back has been really rough,' she told Daily Mail Australia of the huge backlash.
She always cuts a stylish figure on an outing.

So it came as no surprise to see Myleene Klass looking incredible as she headed to work at Smooth Radio in London on Monday.

The presenter, 45, was dressed for spring as she strutted into the office in a chic mint green trouser suit.

She put her cleavage on display in the garment as she opted to forgo a shirt under the striking two-piece.

Myleene accessorised with a white Chanel handbag and oversized sunglasses.

She always cuts a stylish figure on an outing. So it came as no surprise to see Myleene Klass looking incredible as she headed to work at Smooth Radio in London on Monday

The presenter, 45, was dressed for spring as she strutted into the office in a chic mint green trouser suit

She completed the look with delicate gold jewellery and styled her glossy chestnut locks in bunches.

Beaming broadly on the outing, Myleene was no doubt still on a high after her win at the 2024 Inspiration Awards.

The star won the Inspirational Mother award at the ceremony last month. She is mother to Ava, 15, Hero, 12, and Apollo, four.

While Myleene kept it simple on Monday, she brought out her wild side for the event as she wore a fabulous leopard print dress.

Her figure-hugging garment, which hung tightly past her knees, showcased her toned physique.

Myleene also celebrated the completion of her swimwear shoot with Next in South Africa last week.

Celebrating the end of the shoot, she wrote: 'And thats a wrap! A fleeting fun, few days in South Africa shooting more of my Swim And Beach collection.'

She continued: 'My DMs are already flooded with you looking for these swimsuits after I posted BTS on my stories.

'Theyre out in a few weeks, I promise Ill keep you posted.

'(Wait till you see them in person, they have sparkles running through the fabric on both the black and pink and theyre as supportive and flattering as ever.)

'Thank you to the most incredible, hardworking team. Its been an honour shooting with you, learning more about Amapiano music all whilst dodging the local wildlife.'

She put her cleavage on display in the garment as she opted to forgo a shirt under the striking two-piece
Michelle Keegan left rain battered Britain far behind on Sunday, opting instead for the rather more favourable climate on offer in Sydney.

While long-suffering Brits endured another weekend of temperamental weather, the popular actress was basking in twenty degree heat on picturesque Bondi Beach.

Keegan, 36, is currently enjoying an extended stay on Australia's east coast with husband Mark Wright while filming the second series of BBC drama Ten Pound Poms.

The actress will reprise her role as Kate Thorne in the hit show, which follows a group of Britons as they strike out for for a better life in mid-1950s Australia, only to discover that all is not what it seems.

But Keegan appeared to be taking a well-earned break over the Easter weekend, and she made the most of her time off by visiting Sydney's most populated beach and the accompanying Bondi Icebergs - an outdoor pool built into the area's curving coastline.

Michelle Keegan left rain battered Britain far behind on Sunday, opting instead for the rathe more favourable climate on offer in Sydney

While long-suffering Brits endured another weekend of temperamental weather, the popular actress was basking in twenty degree heat on Bondi Beach

The actress looked relaxed as she showed off her tan in a pair of cut-off denim shorts and a lemon yellow crop top as dutiful Wright did the honours and snapped his wife gazing out at Bondi's teeming beach.

She later traded her Daisy Dukes for a pair of loose-fitting jeans as she struck a playful pose outside Bondi restaurant Totti's, a venue famed for its Italian cuisine.

The British star also shared photos of an extravagant seafood lunch as the couple tucked into caviar and fresh oysters during their bank holiday Sunday.

Captioning her latest Instagram posts, she wrote: 'If only every weekend was a bank holiday weekend.'

Ten Pound Poms follows nurse Thorne and Roberts family members Terry and Annie as they struggle to adapt to life as immigrants in Australia.

The first series - produced by Eleven and co-produced by Stan and the BBC - was loved by fans, prompting the immediate development of series two.

A synopsis for the forthcoming series reads: 'After a challenging first year in Australia, the new series will follow nurse Kate Thorne (Michelle Keegan) and the Roberts family (led by Faye Marsay and Warren Brown) into 1957 on their adventure down under, as they are determined to make this new country everything they hoped it would be for a fresh start.

'Will Kate, Terry and Annie finally get a slice of the Australian dream they were promised?'

Keegan is currently enjoying an extended stay in Australia while filming the second series of BBC drama Ten Pound Poms (L-R: co-stars Warren Brown, Faye Marsay and Michelle Keegan)

The actress shared a shot of the famous Bondi Icebergs during her day out in Sydney on Sunday afternoon

In series two new characters the Skinner family from Ireland and the unscrupulous land-lord Benny Bates will be introduced to viewers.

After the second series was confirmed, show writer, creator and executive producer Danny Brocklehurst said: 'The positive viewer response to Ten Pound Poms was a true delight.

'We tapped into a little-known part of our recent history and told stories which reflected the realities of the real Poms that made the trip.

'I couldn't be more thrilled to be teaming again with the BBC, Stan and Eleven to continue our characters' adventure down under.'

The British star also shared photos of an extravagant seafood lunch as the couple tucked into caviar and fresh oysters during their bank holiday Sunday
Stephanie Hill of The Style Bungalow models a custom coat and matching dress by longtime collaborator Hunter Bell at Casa Hoyos in San Miguel de Allende. Kaitlin Saragusa Natalie Steen of The Nat Note wears a dress from her own capsule collection with Dillard's. Kaitlin Saragusa

Today's modern, Texas woman may just trade the corner office and corporate attire for something more personal. And lucrative.

These four female entrepreneurs traded their 9-to-5 careers for creative, fashion-fueled success on their own terms as Houston influencers and business owners.

We followed them down to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where, against city backdrops as vibrant as their back stories, they showed off their wares and shared how they made women-centric side hustles work for them.

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Tara Martin of DTLA Custom

Tara Martin of DTLA Custom wears a Christy Lynn Collection outfit and carries hand-painted Moreau handbags on the streets of San Miguel de Allende. Kaitlin Saragusa

Tara Martin, a Los Angeles native and University of Southern California alum, had two fashion businesses under her belt by the time she started DTLA Custom. Her idea to paint designs, monograms  you name it  onto handbags struck in 2014.

"I slept on it for nine months. I couldn't stop thinking about it; it kept me up at night, but I wasn't sure I wanted to do another start-up," she says. "I was really lucky at the time because I already had a team in place, all females, working in graphic design. They all had artistic talents on the side, too: painters, tattoo artists and one gal was really good at watercolor."

Martin experimented first on her own bags. They custom mixed inks, hence the company's name, and perfected the process through trial and error on leather. Now, 10 years later, DTLA Custom works with PVC, canvas, glass, plastic, aluminum and denim. The only material they won't touch are very delicate silks. Bags are still Martin's calling card, though her team has also customized suitcases, sneakers, cowboy hats, glass ornaments and champagne bottles.

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"What I love about this business is that it's really taken on another life of its own. Immediately, we started getting cold calls from big clients, including Louis Vuitton, Saks, Neimans and Jimmy Choo," she says. "I hadn't even thought about the B2B (business-to-business) side, I came from wholesale. But we get so much private client work and tons more with big brands and corporations."

Jennifer Lopez has tapped DTLA Custom to personalize Christmas gifts. So has the Kardashian-Jenner clan; Martin says she received orders from Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian Barker and Travis Barker this past holiday season. She's previously collaborated with Goop queen Gwyneth Paltrow, as well.

A fortuitous introduction to Luisa Rangel de Alba, owner of Moreau Paris' River Oaks District location, led to an equestrian-inspired partnership. DTLA Custom added horse art to a matching tote and carrying case. Kaitlin Saragusa

In Houston, she'll add the Texans' logo to sneakers for the team's C-suite executives. And in late 2023, a fortuitous introduction to Luisa Rangel de Alba, owner of Moreau Paris' River Oaks District location, led to an equestrian-inspired partnership. DTLA Custom added horse art to a matching tote and carrying case. The set sold almost immediately.

Rangel de Alba and Martin hosted a luncheon together at Bari, which Rangel de Alba also co-owns, in December to introduce more locals to their respective brands.

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For Martin, who moved to town four years ago, that's how she is planning DTLA Custom's 10th anniversary: by planting more roots in the Lone Star State.

Natalie Steen of The Nat Note

Natalie Steen of The Nat Note wears a dress from her own capsule collection with Dillard's under her mother-in-law's vintage jacket, paired with the 'Paty' boot by Miron Crosby. Kaitlin Saragusa

There's a lot that The Nat Note's subscribers might not know about the fashion newsletter's namesake, Natalie Steen. Like she's a Miami-native, 100% Cuban and a former law associate for a well-known Houston firm.

The newsletter began as an email sent to Steen's friends back in 2017, a year after she graduated law school. "Kind of a 'someone needs to buy this before I do' thing," she recalls.

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Within five years, her content's current format had grown organically to the point where she could afford to leave her day job. While the predictability of Instagram's algorithm proved less reliable than Steen and fellow influencers anticipated, brand partnerships responded favorably to The Nat Note's steady performance.

She describes her newsletter as collage-style, highly curated suggestions for women, kids and the home. Revenue comes from affiliate links, monthly and annual brand partnerships, and event hosting to build awareness.

"It's been fun to work on product collaborations to squeeze my creative juices in new ways. Anything you do repeatedly can become monotonous, so it's always fun when I have a say in the creation or design of a product," Steen says. "Dillard's came to me and posed the question: If you could have anything in your closet that you don't, here's your opportunity to create it. What would you wear? What would you want?"

A close-up of the 'Paty' boot by Miron Crosby. Kaitlin Saragusa

And a full collection, in collaboration with Dillard's Antonio Melani, was born. Here, followers felt the Miami and Cuban influence in her line of clothes, shoes, swimwear and earrings. Much like The Nat Note, Steen's wares showcase bold colors, happy prints and lots of texture, including fringe.

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Her 2024 bingo card is already chock-full. Steen has a children's collection with Bella Bliss and handbags with J. Lowery in the works; and that's in addition to a pants set she launched with Cheeky Vintage and a watercolor scarf with Tara Roma Gill that have already dropped.

"I want this year to refine my role as a host to brands who are interested in getting to know Houston, with lots of emphasis on in-person events," she says. "We're the fourth-largest city, but a lot of brands view Houston with curiosity, because they don't know a lot about us but have a big customer base here. As someone who's not a native Houstonian, but is a proud Houstonian now, (I value my role in introducing brands to our city and showing them) there's more than meets the eye."

Linsay Radcliffe and Lindsay McConnon of Freya

Freya co-founder Linsay Radcliffe wears a jacket by Inclan Studio, a neighboring boutique owned by Houstonian Casey Larkin Blond, and a signature Freya hat, at Hacienda El Santuario in San Miguel De Allende Kaitlin Saragusa

If you ask Freya co-founders Linsay Radcliffe and Lindsay McConnon which came first, their hats or their hat boxes, the answer may surprise you.

Radcliffe, who grew up on a cattle ranch near Uvalde and rode horses competitively, has worn hats nearly all of her life. "As a kid, all I wanted was a tan, but now I'm so grateful (for the hats)," she says.

Fast forward two decades; Radcliffe and her husband were living in San Francisco, packing for a trip. "I really struggled because I wanted to take two hats: one for the city and one for the beach. So I Googled 'hat box,' and at that time, the only thing you could find was some cardboard with a shoe string or a Louis Vuitton $5,000 box."

Radcliffe, a former business consultant, wound up sourcing some vintage hat boxes on Etsy, though she couldn't shake the feeling there was a hole in the market. So she called McConnon, who previously worked as vice president of merchandising for ModCloth.

They launched the Poppy hat box, which fit three to five hats, in 2017. That first batch was produced in Italy in collaboration with a milliner in San Francisco.

"As soon as we started on the hat boxes, we realized we were going to design hats," McConnon recalls. "Vanilla Panama hat styles weren't very editorial, and we were sourcing vintage for those first photo shoots."

With the affordable hat box conundrum solved, the duo set their sights on another challenge.

"I would meet so many women who said, 'I just don't look good in a hat,'" Radcliffe says. "I truly believe when you're wearing a hat, you exude so much self-confidence."

"I would meet so many women who said, 'I just don't look good in a hat,'" Freya co-founder Linsay Radcliffe says. "I truly believe when you're wearing a hat, you exude some much self-confidence." Pictured here at Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel De Allende. Kaitlin Saragusa

McConnon agrees. Getting clients into the right hat is her favorite part of the job.

When Radcliffe and her family first moved to Houston, Freya operated out of her house, where she stored inventory and shipped merchandise out of a home office. Next came a shared retail space in Upper Kirby, so customers could try on hats in person. Late last year, the company moved all of its operations into a 1920s bungalow in West University Place; a bohemian, travel-inspired decor aesthetic matches the business' namesake, sold at thefreyabrand.com.

"Freya is inspired by British explorer Freya Stark. She was a kind of a female badass and spy for the Brits in World War II," Radcliffe says. "Our Camel and our Oleander styles, plus our branding, with all the mountains, are inspired by her travels."

Most Freya hats are handwoven by artisans in Ecuador from materials sourced in Bolivia. Packing slips are handwritten in Spanish. McConnon says that they've recently found a new partner in Calcutta, India, who will produce straw rattan leather goods.

"Now we offer handbags, hats and crossbodies at lots of price points," she says. "And our third major collection is beach, which provides another accessible price point, taking on the tropical vacation and products you can wear into the ocean, like trucker hats or 1970s-style lifeguard hats. They have cute little cheeky sayings like 'Seas the day.'"

Stephanie Hill of The Style Bungalow

Stephanie Hill of The Style Bungalow models a custom dress by collaborator Hunter Bell at Casa Hoyos in San Miguel de Allende. Her jewelry is by Venezuelan-born, Houston-based designer Susana Vega. Kaitlin Saragusa

Stephanie Hill, creator of the lifestyle blog The Style Bungalow, knows a thing or two about creating the perfect body line. As a classically trained ballet dancer, whose pursuit of the art began in her late childhood/early teen years, she spent hours making nips and tucks to her leotards and tights to trick the eye into elongating her every move.

That skill set came full circle in February, when her vintage-inspired capsule collection for Dillard's landed in stores.

Growing up in The Woodlands, Hill remembers buying some her homecoming gowns and other special occasion looks at Dillard's. "For prom, I wound up working with a seamstress to make a one-of-a-kind dress so I could really stand out," she recalls.

Later, in her early 20s, Hill moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., to dance professionally with Ballet Florida. After her career was cut short as a result of the 2008 recession, she went back to school and earned degrees in communications and public relations from Palm Beach Atlantic University. In her new role working in PR, she struggled to book requests for high-level content creators and influencers based in South Florida. To fill the void, Hill created the fashion blog she'd like to see. And The Style Bungalow was born.

Flash forward 10 years and 218,000 followers. Despite never having "fashion designer" on her business card, when Dillard's reached out with an opportunity to create her own line, Hill couldn't refuse. "These pieces not only embody my evolution over the past decade as a creator, but also represent the items I've longed for in my closet."

The Style Bungalow X Antonio Melani collection is a reflection of her Hispanic heritage and love of vintage. She reached into her own closet and drew inspiration from beloved raffia and cotton poplin pieces. Much of the capsule's special occasion wear includes separates; there are crop tops and matching ball skirts in botanical prints (a South Florida wink) and elegant peplum tops paired with mermaid-hem bottoms.

Her aesthetic is both romantic and timeless. For our shoot in San Miguel, Hill wore a custom, coordinating coat and dress set by longtime collaborator Hunter Bell, tweaked, of course, to create a dramatic silhouette worthy of the stage  and Instagram's photo grid.
It was case of anything she can do I can do better on Monday as Amanda Holden hit the beach during her latest family holiday.

The star showed off her ageless physique in a red bikini while unwinding during the tropical getaway, just hours after 18-year old daughter Lexi posed for her own impromptu swimwear shoot.

Amanda, who appears to be in the Maldives, struck a series of poses as she paddled in the surf, beneath the shade of an overhanging palm tree.

The TV personality later pulled on a sunhat and a pair of flip-flops while posing for a backshot before setting off on her bicycle.

Captioning the posts, she wrote: 'I live for time spent trapped with my family on holiday.'

Amanda Holden showed off her stunning physique as she posed for latest holiday shoot on bank holiday Monday

The TV personality later pulled on a sunhat and a pair of flip-flops while posing for a backshot before setting off on her bicycle

On Sunday Amanda's daughter Lexi Hughes appeared to follow in her prodigious footsteps as she took to Instagram to share a steamy bikini-clad snap.

Keeping her 21,000 followers up to date on her sun-drenched antics, the blonde beauty posed up a storm alongside the caption: 'I like palm trees'.

The aspiring model, who is signed to Kate Moss' original agency Storm Models, looked jaw-dropping in a strapless black two-piece.

Her tiny waist was on full display as she reclined on a palm tree while her lithe limbs were showcased thanks to her model-worthy pose on the holiday, which comes as Lexi has started looking at universities in America after finishing her A Levels.

The snap comes after Amanda reportedly witnessed a 'hot tub orgy' during a stay at a Manchester hotel.

The Britain's Got Talent judge complained about the X-rated party which was happening in a penthouse suite named after her co-star Simon Cowell.

Radio host Amanda is said to have seen what was happening from the window of her room and called hotel management to complain.

It is claimed the party included a headline DJ from popular Manchester club night The Warehouse Project.

On Sunday Amanda's daughter Lexi Hughes appeared to follow in her prodigious footsteps as she took to Instagram to share a steamy bikini-clad snap

Amanda showed off her ageless physique in a red bikini while unwinding during the tropical getaway, just hours after 18-year old daughter Lexi posed for her own snap

Lexi has already begun to follow in her mother's showbusiness footsteps, signing with the Storm modelling agency in 2022

The DJ is said to have taken bar staff back to his room at the now closed, The Light Aparthotel.

According to The Sun, The Warehouse Project co-founder Sacha Lord wrote in his book Tales from the Dancefloor: 'When she looked out of her window she must have been pretty shocked at what she saw, as she reported it to management, and The Warehouse Project was banned from The Light.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment.

Amanda is currently filming the upcoming series of Britain's Got Talent with fellow judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli.

Aspiring model Lexi is signed to Kate Moss' original agency Storm Models (pictured in 2022)

It comes after Amanda was praised for sharing seemingly unfiltered bikini snaps on Sunday - before deleting them from her social media.

The Britain's Got Talent judge, 53, has been keeping her followers up to date with her holiday in the Maldives and took to Instagram to share some pictures of herself wearing a navy blue bikini.

She could be seen pushing a bike along a pier while holding a drink in her other hand.

The TV star captioned her post: 'An aperol spritz a day... Happy Easter!'

However, Amanda appeared to swiftly delete the posts despite fans praising her for her 'lovely figure'.

Amanda Holden was praised for sharing seemingly unfiltered bikini snaps on Sunday - before deleting them from her social media

The Britain's Got Talent judge, 53, has been keeping her followers up to date with her holiday in the Maldives and took to Instagram to share some pictures of herself in a navy blue bikini

However, Amanda appeared to swiftly delete the posts despite fans praising her for her 'lovely figure'

One person wrote in the comments: 'Her figure actually looks a lot more normal on these photos - that's not a bad thing, she's got a lovely figure.

'But I think this is more 'real' than what we are normally shown!'

Someone else wrote: 'I agree. Evidently no filters or photo shopping on this one lol.'

While someone else posted: 'Looks far more normal here, better than the ridiculous pictures.'
Countryfile viewers raised concern for presenter Adam Henson during the Easter Sunday episode, after spotting a mark on his face.

The farmer and author, 58, featured on Sunday's episode of the BBC show alongside Margherita Taylor and Matt Baker.

Adam was sent to investigate a deadly livestock disease which had been ravaging farms across the UK, including his own flock of sheep.

Called the Schmallenberg virus, which is spread by midges, Adam explained how it can affect cattle, sheep and goats, particularly in pregnancy.

But viewers were distracted from the information after noticing a long red mark on Adam's face.

Countryfile viewers raised concern for presenter Adam Henson during the Easter Sunday episode, after spotting a mark on his face

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers wrote: 'Adam looks like he's developed a birth mark on his right cheek since his last appearance! Although there is a bit of a continuity issue with it tonight!;

'Has Adam been kicked in the face by a rare breed?; 'Has he had an argument with a razor blade?;

'@BBCCountryfile I missed the start if today's programme what has poor Adam done to his face.'

MailOnline has contacted Adam's representative for comment.

Adam is just one of the BBC nature show's presenters, which include Matt, Helen Skelton, John Craven, Tom Heap, Anita Rani and Sean Fletcher.

Born and raised on the family farm in the Cotswolds, Adam's wealth of rural knowledge was bestowed upon him by his father Joe.

Aged just eight, he accompanied his father to North Ronaldsay, located within Scotland's Orkney Islands, on a trip to buy 287 sheep with 108 of the sheep brought back to England and mainland Scotland.

He and his father would later return to North Ronaldsay for an episode of Countryfile in a heartwarming trip down memory lane.

The farmer and author, 58, featured on Sunday's episode of the BBC show alongside Margherita Taylor and Matt Baker

Adam was sent to investigate a deadly livestock disease which had been ravaging farms across the UK, including his own flock of sheep

Taking to X, formerly Twitter , viewers wrote: 'Adam looks like he's developed a birth mark on his right cheek since his last appearance'

After obtaining a Higher National Diploma in Agriculture from Seale-Hayne Agricultural College in Devon, Adam travelled to New Zealand, Canada and Australia before returning home to the farm, which his father Joe eventually allowed him to run from 1999.

Adam also inherited Joes interest in rare breeds at a very young age. The two of them ran the business together, and Adam began presenting on Countryfile in 2001.

Away from presenting, Adam runs his 650-hectare estate and the Cotswold Farm Park, which is home to over 50 breeding flocks and herds of British rare breed farm animals, with his best friend Duncan Andrews.

Adam's wife Charlie was tragically diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021.

The pair got married that same year after 28 years together, as getting married 'was suddenly really important' following her diagnosis.

Adam admitted he and his wife Charlie (pictured in March 2023) 'cried a lot' during their wedding after they rushed to get married after Charlie's cancer diagnosis

The Countryfile star told how his wedding vows allowed him to 'cement' his emotions after Charlie (pictured in November 2019) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

In October, Adam said it felt like he was 'hit with a sledgehammer' at the devastating news, and admitted he and his wife Charlie 'cried a lot' during their wedding.

The couple had a relationship in sixth form before officially getting together in their twenties.

Charlie, who is one of the around 10,500 Britons diagnosed with the killer disease every year, is now in 'ongoing recovery' and has scans every six months following surgery to remove the tumour.
Love Island's Ella Thomas has finally broken her silence on her split from co-star Tyrique Hyde - leading to a public reaction from her ex.

In February, MailOnline exclusively revealed the pair had parted ways permanently - after six months as a couple, having met on last Summer's Love Island.

In her first words on the split, on Sunday, the Scottish model, 23, hosted a Snapchat Q&A, on which she was asked: 'Are you still dating Ty?', to which she replied: 'Just to clear things up, we're not together...

'Didn't speak on it while we were figuring things out & dealing with it privately. Both agree it's for the best & wish him well. All love. Thanks to everyone that supported us together and individually [heart emoji].'

Swiftly after the fan exchange, Tyrique was quick to jump in on the platform when he was asked what he thought of Ella's announcement, to which he insisted her statement was 'not his style' but was typical of Love Island contestants.

Love Island's Ella Thomas has finally broken her silence on her split from co-star Tyrique Hyde - leading to a public reaction from her ex

In her first words on the split, on Sunday, the Scottish model, 23, hosted a Snapchat Q&A, on which she was asked: 'Are you still dating Ty?', to which she replied: 'Just to clear things up, we're not together'

Swiftly after the fan exchange, Tyrique was quick to jump in on the platform when he was asked what he thought of Ella's announcement, to which he insisted her statement was 'not his style' but was typical of Love Island contestants

When then hosted his own Snapchat Q&A, one follower penned: 'Ella announced your breakup and you have nothing to f***kin say no!'

He promptly hit back: 'Tf you want me to say? This is my life g. Did you announce your breakup to the world? Just cos people on Love Island usually put out statements don't mean I have to...

'That's not my portion. Thank you to all my followers who show love. LATAA.'

Ella and Tyrique met in a nightclub before they starred on Love Island together last summer but quickly established feelings for each other in the villa.

They came third during the latest summer series of Love Island, losing out on the top two positions to runners-up Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki and winners Jess Harding and Sammy Roo

MailOnline reported in November that their romance was 'hanging by a thread' and they had even split in secret before giving their relationship one last shot.

A source told MailOnline: 'Ella and Tyrique have decided it's time to go their separate ways. They have such love for each other, but they often struggle to get along and as viewers saw in the villa, they're always arguing...

This time, things have ended badly and they have both removed all recent photographs of each other from their respective Instagram profiles, as well as all Snapchat content.

A source told last month MailOnline: 'Ella and Tyrique have decided it's time to go their separate ways' (seen on the show)

Ella and Tyrique met in a nightclub before they starred on Love Island together last summer but quickly established feelings for each other in the villa

'They have unfollowed each other as well it certainly feels like this breakup is final.'

Their split means Whitney and Lochan are the only couple still together from the top three after Jess and Sammy ended their romance shortly after scooping the 50,000 cash prize.

During their time on the show, Ella and Tyrique often squabbled but their feelings for each other prevailed.

Their romance was rocked once more during the Casa Amor loyalty test when Ella chose to recouple with Ouzy See, which shattered Ty's pride.

In November, MailOnline revealed troubles in the couple's relationship caused them to pull out of attending ITV's annual Palooza at the last minute but sources at the time said they were still trying to get their romance back on track.

Ella has seen success since finding fame on the show, with her fanbase hitting a million followers.

She also landed a lucrative ambassador deal with PrettyLittleThing, fronting her own collections and shooting in Los Angeles for the brand.
There was a heartfelt Easter celebration hosted by the Los Angeles Mission in the heart of Skid Row this weekend.

This year's Easter event was a testament to the power of community and compassion.

Denise Richards was there helping serve dessert. The 53-year-old actress also posed with Beverly Hills, 90210 star Ian Ziering.

Mariah Carey's ex Nick Cannon was also there.

And rounding out the group was Corey Feldman, Scheana Shay, Jennie Garth, Kate Linder, Emma Caulfield Ford, Nico Greetham, Paloma Garcia Lee, Devin Way, Josh Peck, Loni Love, Mayra Veronica, and Masiela Lusha.

Denise Richards at the Los Angeles Mission x Easter Celebration held at Los Angeles Mission on March 29 in Los Angeles

Richards and Ian Ziering in the kitchen with their red aprons on

Here they were joined by Dominic Choi

Political Leaders were former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Representative Maxine Waters, Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi, and Deputy Mayor of Homelessness Dr. Etsemaye P. Agonafer.

Troy Vaughn, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Mission greeted the guests.

The Los Angeles Mission served over 2,000 meals, provided more than 600 Easter baskets, and distributed over 4,000 clothing items.

Residents also enjoyed complimentary haircuts, manicures, and pedicures.

The highlight of the day was a moving sermon delivered by Pastor Troy Vaughn.

It was followed by a feast of ham, chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cherry pie.

Richards, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Kate Linder and television personality Scheana Shay

Denise and Antonio were working side by side for the good cause

At the event she said she is open to holding a diamond again on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The actress  who left the franchise after season 10 in 2020  said she would consider returning to the reality series despite her bumpy guest appearances on Season 13, which concluded in early March.

'I always say, "Never say never,"' Denise told People at the Los Angeles Mission's Easter Celebration.

She added: 'We'll see what happens when they get around to going back for their season.'

The Wild Things alum also said her recent on-air battles with castmember Erika Girardi wouldn't deter her decision.

Richards said she's open to going back to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills; seen in 2020

'I have nothing against her at all,' she explained. 'It's just, it's silly fights on the show sometimes.'

The row began when Denise expressed her frustration with Erika for bringing up 'threesomes' in front of her children (Sami, 20, Lola Rose, 18, and Eloise Joni, 12) during a 2019 party, despite Erika's claim of having apologized.

Erika subsequently made a comment about Denise's eldest daughter Sami's OnlyFans account.

The most recent season of RHOBH starred Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Garcelle Beauvais, Crystal Kung Minkoff, Sutton Stracke, Annemarie Wiley and Kyle Richards.

Wiley recently disclosed her decision not to return to RHOBH.

Previously, Denise left the franchise after season 10 in 2020 after rumors emerged that she and Brandi Glanville had an affair with each other.

Brandi, who left the reality series in 2015, claimed that she 'hooked up' with Denise, while visiting her on a movie set in April of 2019.

Richards, who has been married to Aaron Phypers, 51, since 2018, has repeatedly denied any and all allegations of an affair with Glanville.

Following the allegations, Denise also had a falling out with her former friend of 20 years, Lisa Rinna, 59  who was ousted from the show after eight seasons in January 2023.

'I always say, "Never say never,"' Denise told People at the Los Angeles Mission's Easter Celebration on Friday; seen in Season 13

The Wild Things alum also said her recent on-air battles with castmember Erika Girardi wouldn't deter her decision.

'I have nothing against her at all,' she explained. 'It's just, it's silly fights on the show sometimes'

Previously, the Wild Things alum left the franchise after season 10 in 2020 after rumors emerged that she and Brandi Glanville had an affair with each othe; Brandi in 2019

Last year, Denise claimed she left the show because some of her cast mates were 'playing dirty.'

'When I left after my second season, I just felt as though some of the women were very toxic, and they played so dirty,' she told Variety.

'I understand there has to be drama, but I also think it's fun to see women having fun, especially this age group.'

She added: 'I truly was myself on the show, I think some of the women are different on camera and off camera.'
Tori Spelling's ex Dean McDermott broke his silence on her divorce filing as he stepped out in LA over the weekend - one day after the shock announcement.

Spelling, 50, filed for divorce from McDermott, 57 after a 10 month separation and 18 year marriage on Friday - with Spelling revealing she broke the devastating news to him midway through recording her podcast.

McDermott said 'Tori and I are good' and added the divorce was a 'long time coming' as he stepped out clad in a plaid shirt, tan jacket and jeans.

This comes after Spelling broke her silence after filing for divorce from husband McDermott on her new podcast - and revealed she broke the devastating news to him midway through recording.

The MISSPELLING host spoke about the negative thoughts running through her head March 29.

Tori Spelling's ex Dean McDermott broke his silence on her divorce filing as he stepped out in LA over the weekend - one day after the shock announcement

Spelling, 50, filed for divorce from McDermott, 57 after a 10 month separation and 18 year marriage on Friday - with Spelling revealing she broke the devastating news to him midway through recording her podcast (pictured 2019)

The star called Dean on her podcast with fans hearing her speaking on the phone to him and announcing her decision to file for divorce.

She added the filing was a formality and added she was annoyed he had publicly spoken about their divorce - before bizarrely signing off the call with 'love you.'

Elsewhere on the podcast, the star said: 'I've never felt more alone.'

'I dont feel worth loving. Thats the truth. And thats something thats just in you, its not something I wanted or created,' she said, revealing she experienced those feeling for a long time.

'That starts when youre young. [And changing it], that's not easy to do.... I don't know if you can.'

The former Beverly Hills 90210 star then called her estranged husband and left a message, letting him know that she had begun the procedure to dissolve their union.

'Theres this weird thing that I didnt know about before that you have to be careful with your ex. Its a he-said, she-said, who filed first,' she explained.

'I had to file and go through the process and then once it was accepted and publicly posted, then Im allowed to call and fill in my ex. So I just called Dean,' the Scary Movie 2 alum explained.

McDermott said 'Tori and I are good' as he stepped out clad in a plaid shirt, tan jacket and jeans

McDermott looked pensive as he stepped out in LA over the weekend

The star is navigating a turbulent time in his personal life

Spelling said when she and McDermott first got together she could be herself with him. 'I was able to be like, loud and like ugh, body-type of Tori. I could have like, I could have a fowl mouth,' she claimed

The couple married in 2006 and quickly began welcoming their children; Liam, 17, Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11 and Beau, seven (Pictured in Calabasas, CA in October 2019)

'Hes working and I have to tell him and Im super nervous because I dont like confrontation.'

Spelling went on to say she wished she had taken the steps toward divorce for 'like... 15 years.'

'We always say, 'Hey, it made it 18 years.' It shouldnt have made it 18 years,' the High School Crimes and Misdemeanors star contended, revealing she had stayed to protect McDermott and her children.

'And I think he would say the same thing if he and I had a real heart-to-heart. It would have been over a lot sooner.'

The couple met on the set of the TV movie Mind Over Murder in 2005.

There was an instant connection, although both were already married.

'We had this very, quick, passionate falling in love period,' the actress said, describing it as a 'fast and furious romance.'

She praised McDermott for letting her be herself. 'I just remember I could show him me.'

Continuing, she explained, 'It wasnt like, the cute like, giggly, "this is what people want me to be." I was able to be like, loud and like ugh, body-type of Tori. I could have like, I could have a fowl mouth,' she claimed.

'Im not just Donna Martin, the perfect good girl. I could have some bad girl in me and it was okay. And he liked all those sides and he liked how smart I was and accepted me.'

The pair wed in May 2006 and welcomed son Liam in 2007.

Their family quickly grew and the former couple became parents to Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11 and Beau, seven.

'Honestly, our relationship was never the same after we started having kids,' the single mom said

'We always said, "We wont be those parents that change. Well make sure we make our relationship a priority, the two of us. We have date nights." And everything went out the window. I became completely focused on the kids and kind of left him, in a way.'

While focusing on parenthood, the Izzy's Way Home star said 'Our relationship definitely changed where I really felt like I was in this alone with the kids.'

'And he was there, but he was an extra set of hands. He put the car seat in because I didnt know how to do it and things like that. Emotionally, I was it. Like, "Tag, youre it." I was the parent.'

The couple began supporting themselves via a series of reality shows that began with Tori & Dean: Inn Love in 2007 in which they operated a bed and breakfast .

The star said 'It was a lot of responsibility while also rebuilding a career  which I did. We became a family brand. I went from Hollywood rich girl... to like, cool mom. "Look at her. She does it all." Meanwhile, behind the scenes, it was all falling apart.'

The couple began supporting themselves through reality shows, beginning with 2007's Tori & Dean: Inn Love

To live up to their onscreen image, Spelling said she 'created the character of Dean,' to turn him into 'all those Prince Charmings I wanted when I was young' (Pictured in Fallbrook, CA in March 2007)

To live up to the image they had created for the world to see, Spelling said she 'created the character of Dean,' to turn him into 'all those Prince Charmings I wanted when I was young.'

'He had a lot of those qualities. But you know We did our reality show and the first one was like, Fun, fun. So any bad stuff that would happen or fights or anything, they would edit,' she said of the process to protect the brand.

'Women everywhere, I would hear, I wish I had a Dean. And I was like, If you only knew"'

The couple did try therapy, but Spelling said they were focused on different issues.

She said McDermott was concerned with her sloppiness, and how she didn't clean up after the family pets.

'Im really good at taking blame so that someone can start to feel like they can open up. So yeah, I would say, "I do this, and I do that." Hoping he would be like, "Yeah, and I do this." But instead it was more focused on, "The dog s-- all over the house. She has too many animals. Shes a hoarder. Shes messy." And Im like, "Yup, yup, yup. Thats me,"'

McDermott, who entered rehab in summer 2023 for his drinking, told Daily Mail he would often go into alcohol fueled rages that would 'petrify' his family.

'Alcohol made me feel good enough. I started feeling good enough until it got to a point where it didn't  it ended up in isolation.

'It ended up with me drinking a fifth of tequila every night, seven days a week, and a handful of narcos [prescription meds] by myself with a beautiful family in the other room.

'That's what it led to and that's what led to the brokenness and to what happened between me and Tori,' he said.

The former actor is now working as an alcohol and addiction counselor.

Spelling said alcohol was a factor in their decision to finally call it quits.

The day had begun with a photoshoot for McDermott and Jennie Garth.

'Jen and Dean havent always gotten along and I just remember that day she was like, "He was really great,"" the 90210MG host recalled.

'He helped and styled and carried and did everything for us that day, because we didnt have the budget to hire people. We had to do the whole photoshoot ourselves, and video shoot  just me and Jen. And he was great. And when I got home, she texted me and said, Dean was really great today. And I was like, Oh, thats going to mean a lot to him, for me to go in and say Jen gave you a compliment. "
Greg Wallace has revealed the very bizarre reason he watches back every episode of himself on hit show MasterChef.

The BBC One cooking competition, which is celebrating 20 years on screens, will return on Monday night with hosts John Torode and Gregg hoping to discover more culinary talent.

Gregg, 59, has now revealed in a recent interview with OK! the very surprising reason he watches every episode while his co-star John, 58, insisted he only watches the 'occasional' episode.

Gregg said: 'I watch because I want to look at what shirts look better than others. There are some outfits I'm not wearing again.'

John added: 'I watch the occasional episode, but my household watches most of them. So I usually hear my voice and see various things.'

Greg Wallace has revealed the very bizarre reason he watches back every episode of himself on hit show MasterChef

Gregg, 59, has now revealed the very surprising reason he watches every episode while his co-star John, 58, insisted he only watches the 'occasional' episode

The duo have been hosting the show since it's 2005 relaunch and admitted they are 'amazed' they have lasted so long on the BBC show.

John said: 'It seems to have gone in a flash... and although so many things have not changed, so much has changed. And it's been pretty joyous along the way it's been a real privilege.'

Gregg went on to say the secret to their long working relationship is duo to it being built on 'trust' and the pair being 'confident' to be their selves.

The new series will see fifty-eight passionate and talented hopefuls from all walks of life, such as a farmer, archaeologist and musical director, will show what they can do.

Viewers can expect to see the contestants, who hail from Dorset and Sunderland to the Scottish Borders and North Wales, serve up their food and cultural heritage in the hopes of making it to the final.

Up first, the amateurs must earn the right to wear a MasterChef apron in two new challenges: Basic to Brilliant, taking an everyday ingredient and turning it into something spectacular; and an Invention Test with a twist as they are challenged to create a plate of food based around a set element such as gnocchi, trout, meringue, or quail.

The last four standing will then show off their own style in two courses served to three familiar faces from MasterChef series past. That Quarter Final brief is then set by some of country's toughest critics and chefs.

The fifth week will be a celebration of MasterChef talent before its sixth week sees contestants whittled down to just 16 for Knockout Week.

Gregg said: 'I watch because I want to look at what shirts look better than others. There are some outfits I'm not wearing again'

John added: 'I watch the occasional episode, but my household watches most of them. So I usually hear my voice and see various things'

The BBC One cooking competition, which is celebrating 20 years on screens, will return on Monday night with hosts John Torode and Gregg hoping to discover more culinary talent

Gregg (L) and John (R) pictured on the show in 2009

The culinary tasks include a Market Invention Test in the MasterChef kitchen; the opportunity to step inside a professional kitchen for the first time and deliver a lunch service at two of London's top restaurants  Nessa, led by Executive Chef Tom Cenci, and Joia, under Head Chef Jose Jara; and back in the MasterChef kitchen contestants will create nine identical portions of a canape.

Later, semi finalists will have to cater an extraordinary event celebrating MasterChef's legacy and emerging talent, as well its wider influence on the UK's culinary food scene; tackling an ingredient they didn't enjoy as a child; creating a theatrical and surprising dish; impressing Michelin-starred Swedish chef, Niklas Ekstedt; and finally, creating a plate of food inspired by a past contestant.

The four finalists will travel to the culinary melting pot of Singapore -where they will take on a trio of exciting challenges at Chong Pang Hawker Market, Pangium.

Back in London, the final four will cook on Chef's Table at globally-revered Le Gavroche, delivering one of the iconic restaurant's last services before it closes its doors for the last time - all under the watchful eye of world-leading chef and past MasterChef: The Professionals judge, Michel Roux Jr.

Finally, after one finalist is sent packing, it's back to the studio where the Final Three must produce the best three dishes of their lives for John and Gregg - before one is crowned the 20th winner.
Sister Wives' Janelle Brown took to Instagram on Sunday to pen a heartfelt caption as she marked her first Easter after the passing of her son, Garrison Brown.

The 54-year-old mother-of-six posted photos of her family enjoying fun in the sun as they celebrated the holiday at a beach in North Carolina.

She wrote, 'Happy Easter everyone! I have been even more grateful for my faith this year. The remembrance of the Savior and His gift of eternal life.

'We opted for the NC beach today,' she continued. 'We were able to stream the service from Maddies church at home as we just didnt feel like fighting the crowd. The weather was beautiful and the kites flew easily.'

The reality star's son - who she shared with Kody Brown - died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 5 in his Flagstaff, Arizona home at 25.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown took to Instagram on Sunday to pen a heartfelt caption as she marked her first Easter after the passing of her son, Garrison Brown (pictured together)

The 54-year-old mother-of-six posted photos of her family enjoying fun in the sun as they celebrated the holiday at a beach in North Carolina

The reality star's son - who she shared with Kody Brown - died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 5, 2023

Garrison was found dead in his home by his 22-year-old brother Gabriel, authorities told TMZ.

Police told the outlet that foul play was not suspected in Garrison's death, and that an investigation has been launched.

It was not immediately clear if Garrison left behind a note or other communications.

His mother to Instagram immediately afternoon to announce the tragic news on behalf of the family.

'Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,' Janelle said. 'He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him.

'His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.'

TLC said in a statement to People on Tuesday, 'We are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Garrison Brown.'

The network continued: 'We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family at this difficult time.'

He had past been seen on episodes of the TLC series Sister Wives since its debut in 2010, chronicling the life of a polygamous family living in Utah, as Kody, 55, was also husband to wives Meri, 53, Christine, 51, and Robyn Brown, 45.

Janelle and her ex-husband entered into a spiritual marriage in 1993 and welcomed six kids: Logan, 29, Maddie, 27, Hunter, 26, Garrison, 25, Gabriel, 21, and Savanah, 18. They went on to separate in December of 2022.

Garrison moved with his family from Utah to Nevada, and he eventually enlisted in the National Guard, according to the outlet.

He and his father Kody had been estranged for some time in recent years: In February of 2022, Kody said on the series that he and sons Garrison and Gabriel were 'not good' and 'not talking' as they clashed with him over what they felt to be onerous protocols he implemented amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 55-year-old reality star said of his sons on the show: 'It's changed everything for everybody, and they want it all to be the same - they need to realize that they should go and date that girlfriend, that's fine, but you need to move out of the house so I can be home.'

In an episode of the TLC series chronicling the tension in the family, according to People, Janelle said in a confessional interview that she felt Garrison 'just seems angry or sadder, like, he's not as happy-go-lucky as he used to be' amid the family strife.

Kody said on the series that he and sons Garrison and Gabriel were 'not good'

'I do hope that that eventually time heals,' Janelle said

'Right now, there's not really an open door with Gabe and Garrison,' he said. 'They're they're not willing to engage me.'

The sons appeared to be on the outs with Kody as recently as last fall, as Janelle told E! News in a November 2023 interview she was hopeful they'd eventually reconcile.

'I do hope that that eventually time heals,' she said. 'I'm hoping that over time, he can find a relationship with the children that he's estranged from now.'

Garrison was laid to rest on March 11.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Christian Bale recently debuted his newly-shaved head.

And on Monday, the 50-year-old showcased his bald head yet again as he stepped out in New York's West Village with wife Sibi Blazic.

The American Psycho actor was dressed casually in blue trousers, a black hoodie and a matching jacket.

Sibi was also dressed for the cold in blue jeans and a black puffer jacket with a Chanel scarf.

Bale's new look is believed to be for a new Frankenstein film.

Christian Bale showcased his bald head as he stepped out in New York's West Village with wife Sibi Blazic on Monday

The American Psycho actor was dressed casually in blue trousers, a black hoodie and a matching jacket

He was first attached to the project back in August, with director Maggie Gyllenhaal - making her second feature film after her critically-acclaimed debut The Lost Daughter.

The actor will play Frankenstein alongside Jessie Buckley, Annette Bening, Penelope Cruz and Gyllenhaal's husband, Peter Sarsgaard.

Production is believed to be starting soon, with Bale mentioning he was going bald for the role during his groundbreaking ceremony for the California foster homes.

'I've got to shave my head next week [for a movie]. I asked them to please let me hold off on doing that but everyone was going, "Whats wrong with Bale? Whats up with him?"' Bale said.

'I said, "Just let me get through the groundbreaking and then Ill be off to join you,"' Bale said, adding he was starting preparations soon.

'Ill be working with the wonderful Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jessie Buckley and so many talented actors in the cast,' he said.

'Ive got to get busy getting on the rack, breaking my bones and eating lots of fertilizer or something to try and grow,' Bale joked.

Bale is pictured in 2022 with his longer hair and a full beard

The actor is no stranger to rigorous preparations, famously losing over 60 pounds to play the emaciated Trevor Reznik in 2004's The Machinist.

He also had to put all that weight back on again to star in 2005's Batman Begins, and he also lost another 30 pounds to play Dicky Eklund in 2010's The Fighter.

Bale most recently lent his voice to the English version of the beloved Japanese animated film The Boy and the Heron.

He's also set to star in The Church of Living Dangerously, based on the true story of John Lee Bishop, a mega-church pastor who ended up running drugs for a Mexican cartel.

He was ultimately caught at the border in 2017 and convicted, sentenced to five years in prison in 2018, though he only served three and was released in 2021.
Norman Reedus and his fiance Diane Kruger were spotted casually enjoying a family ride on their electric bikes in New York City on Monday.

The Walking Dead actor, 55, boasted an all black ensemble that consisted of a black jacket and jeans. He paired the look with trendy sunglasses and black vans shoes as his orange fuzzy socks popped.

His bride-to-be cut a stylish figure in a black trench coat and mom jeans that she paired with white vans shoes.

The 47-year-old mother-of-one wore sunglasses and had her blonde locks swept up in a ponytail as she carefully rode the bike.

Their daughter, Nova Tennessee, 5, was dressed in a pink puffer jacket and sparkly black leggings as she sat on her mother's lap.

Norman Reedus and his fiance Diane Kruger were spotted casually enjoying a family ride on their electric bikes in New York City on Monday

His bride-to-be cut a stylish figure in a black trench coat and mom jeans that she paired with white vans shoes

The German actress previously opened up about her love of fashion while talking to Who What Wear back in 2022.

'I think the ritual of getting ready and putting on some makeup and nice clothing is [There's] just something about it that makes you feel like you're giving importance to that time,' she expressed to the outlet.

She also explained that since becoming a mother, her style had become a little more 'basic.'

'I spend every afternoon either on a playground or chauffeuring my kid to and from ballet or whatnot, so [my style] is more basic than it used to be.'

'But I have a closet full of beautiful stuff. I gave up my place in Paris a couple of years ago, so [everything has] been in boxes, and they just all arrived, and I've been unpacking,' she said.

'I used to be so stylish, and I have such nice stuff, so I told myself literally this weekend that I don't care. "I'm going to pick up [my daughter] in my Prada outfit. I dont give a d**n. I'm doing it."'

When Diane is not busy attending events or working hard on set, she spends time with Reedus - whom she began dating in 2016.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Nova, back in 2018 and the trio were seen on a rare outing in NYC earlier this month.

The lovebirds first met while working on the 2015 film titled, Sky, and the pair sparked romance rumors when they were spotted spending time together on various occasions.

One year after welcoming their daughter to the world, Kruger opened up about adjusting to parenthood for both her and Norman. The Walking Dead star also shares son Mingus, 24, with supermodel Helena Christensen.

'He just looks at her with unconditional love,' the star told People, and added that he is 'very great' with Nova.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Nova, back in 2018

The actress started dating Reedus back in 2016

the lovebirds wowed as they both strutted on the runway during Menswear Paris Fashion Week for separate shows

In August 2021, the famous couple announced their engagement via social media.

Earlier this year in January, the lovebirds wowed as they both strutted on the runway during Menswear Paris Fashion Week for separate shows.

Kruger notably walked for the brand Alexandre Mattiussi while the actor was seen modeling clothes for the Yohji Yamamoto Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 collection.
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Harrison Ford's former Los Angeles home that he bought for $1million after he made Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi has hit the market for $20 million, according to Realtor.com.

Ford owned the house for nearly 30 years, from 1983 until 2012, and even did some work on it himself as he used to be a carpenter.

It is also in a prized gated neighborhood in Brentwood near the famed Getty Center Museum.

The Indiana Jones actor sold the sprawling home for $8.2 million to Kevin Reilly, the former Chief Content Officer of HBO Max.

Reilly was the owner of the house for just four years as he sold it in 2016 for $12 million.

The next owner was Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel and his model wife Miranda Kerr. Now the power couple has listed the home to move into a mansion they created in Holmby Hills which cost $145 million for the land alone.

This comes after Kerr listed her Malibu dwelling for $4.5 million earlier this year.

Harrison Ford 's former Los Angeles home that he bought for $1million after he made Star Wars : Return Of The Jedi has hit the market for $20 million

Ford owned the house for nearly 30 years, from 1983 until 2012, and even did some work on it himself as he used to be a carpenter

Harrison seen left in February in Los Angeles, and Evan with Miranda seen right last year

The property was originally designed by noted architect Gerard Colcord in 1951.

The home sits on almost 1 acre. The home is just over 7,000 square feet with four bedrooms, all of which has ensuite bathrooms.

The outdoor space is generous.

There is a long swimming pool ideal for doing laps. At the end of the pool is a pool house for showering and resting.

The space also holds two detached guesthouses.

Inside the main house there are several rooms, like a stand alone dining room, a huge living room and a library.

Kerr welcomed her fourth child - son Pierre Kerr Spiegel - in Febraury.

The Australian model - who already has Flynn, 12, with ex-husband Orlando Bloom, and Hart, five, and three-year-old Myles with spouse Spiegel -

Before the child was born she told Australia's Herald Sun newspaper: '[Being] 40, pregnant with baby number four, it's a wonderful time in my life. I feel a lot of gratitude, really...

'[I am] craving a lot of citrus, grapefruit and freshwater with lemon.

'With one of the boys, I craved apples, another frozen yoghurt  and now I am craving oranges. With another one, I was like, 'please give me a burger!'

It is also in a prized gated neighborhood in Brentwood near the famed Getty Center Museum

The Indiana Jones actor sold the sprawling home for $8.2 million to Kevin Reilly, the former Chief Content Officer of HBO Max. Reilly was the owner of the house for just four years as he sold it in 2016 for $12 million

The KORA Organics founder described her home life as 'organized chaos' because there's always something going on.

She said: 'There's quite a lot going on, never a dull moment between kindergarten drop off, preschool drop off, now Flynn is in Grade 7  it's all happening. And I am pregnant.'

But with Miranda and Snapchat founder Evan often busy with work, she makes sure they schedule regular time for 'date nights' away from the children.

She said: 'My husband is growing his business, I'm growing my business, luckily we're both  homebodies, so we really enjoy being with our family at home, spending time together.

'It's important to take that time together leading such busy lives as it is, with the kids and with our businesses, it's important to have time for the two of us as well.

The next owner was Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel and his model wife Miranda Kerr. Now the power couple has listed the home to move into a mansion they created in Holmby Hills

The chef's kitchen is full of amenities like a stand alone island with a marble top and surrounding tops with two sinks

'I make sure we do date night once a week.'

Meanwhile, Miranda believes there is a lot more 'pressure' on young models now than there was when she first started her career because of the rise of social media.

She said: 'It was very different  there wasn't social media at all when I started modelling.

'We didn't have that extra pressure that I am sure a lot of the girls feel these days.

This comes after Ford grew emotional as he thanked wife Calista Flockhart for her 'support'.

The 81-year-old actor was honoured at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday (14.01.24) with the Career Achievement Award and as he reflected on his lengthy body of work and lasting success, he got choked up.

He told the audience at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica: 'First of all, I'm really happy to be here and just see what our business is turning into.

'And all of the talented people who are getting opportunities that probably would not have existed in the early part of my career. I'm very happy about that.

'I'm here because of a combination of luck and the work of wonderful directors, writers and filmmakers. I feel enormously lucky.

The bedroom has a fireplace and room for a sofa as it also boasts views of Brentwood below

The farm style bathtub is the main attraction is this nicely appointed bathroom with hardwood floors

'I'm happy for this honour, and I appreciate it very much.'

He then grew emotional as he paid tribute to his wife, with the 'Ally McBeal' star also tearful as the camera cut to her.

He said: 'I want to thank my lovely wife, Calista Flockhart, who supports me when I need a lot of support. And I need a lot of support.'

And Harrison went on to pay tribute to his 'fine' co-stars from over the years.

He said: 'I'm grateful to all the fine actors  I've worked with and I'm deeply happy to have had the opportunities that I've had and I'm grateful.

'I'm deeply happy to have had the opportunities that I've had, and I'm grateful. I won't take any more of your time. Thank you.'

Ford seen with in a drawing from Star Wars with Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, left. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, right, in 1981 for director Steven Spielberg

Harrison's 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' director James Mangold had presented him with the award.

The 60-year-old filmmaker said: 'The largest stars in the known universe are called variable hypergiants  Of course Harrison Ford is a star. However, I submit tonight that he is a variable hypergiant.

'A star so big he contains multitudes. A star so unique he attracts other stars. He has warmed each of our lives.'

James then listed several of the veteran actor's biggest films, including 'Working Girl', 'Blade Runner', 'American Graffiti', 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Witness'.

He then quipped: 'The fact that I spit out that incredible, enviable list of films and performances without even mentioning 'Star Wars.'

He added: 'Harrison's body of work is breathtaking. It is utterly timeless. It is authentic, deeply felt, masculine but vulnerable, often moving and frequently hilarious. His work has been wildly popular and critically revered, and it represents the voice of a singular artist.'
A 23-year-old man was shot in the parking lot of an apartment building in the 3200 block of Summer on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Courtesy/OnScene.tv

A 23-year-old man was shot to death late Sunday night while walking his dog in the parking lot of a Washington Avenue-area apartment complex, according to the Houston Police Department.

The man was shot around 11 p.m. in the 3200 block of Summer Street, according to police.

The man's name hasn't been released and no arrests have been made.

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MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Man accused of shooting and killing mother, leading deputies on chase

Witnesses told police the man was with his dog in the parking lot when he was approached by two men. The man was then shot multiple times, and the men stole his dark gray, four-door Cadillac, police said.

The man, who lived at the nearby apartment complex, died in the parking lot, police said.

The dog was given to a neighbor to be cared for, police said.

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Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming paid a sweet tribute to their daughter Mabel Ray on her 12th birthday this week.

Heming, 45, shared a tribute on Instagram with a reel of the birthday girl on a series of fun outings. Heming and Willis, 69, - who is battling dementia, also share daughter Evelyn Penn, nine.

'All that is you, Mabel Ray. Happy 12th Birthday. Keep shining bright,' wrote Heming in the caption.

The video, which was set to Coldplay's 'Adventure of a Lifetime', featured Mabel dancing around and showing off her personality in several settings.

She cuddled up to her mom in one clip, and the montage also featured a black-and-white photo of her leaning on her dad's shoulder.

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming paid a sweet tribute to their daughter Mabel Ray on her 12th birthday this week (pictured with Mabel and daughter Evelyn, nine)

Heming married Willis, 69, in 2009 - the retired actor is battling frontotemporal dementia (pictured 2009)

'She's so you,' wrote one follower in the comments, to which the mom responded: 'And she clearly got Bruce's FUN gene!'

In the comments, one of Heming's 940,000 followers noted: 'One year away from a teenager.'

'I was sure we were there already,' Heming responded with some laughing emojis.

'She's so you,' wrote another follower, to which the mom responded: 'And she clearly got Bruce's FUN gene!'

Since the Die Hard star was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, which progressed to frontotemporal dementia the next year, Heming has opened up about their family's journey with his condition.

Last week, Heming marked her 15th wedding anniversary with Willis, sharing a sweet tribute to her husband.

'Today marks our 15th wedding anniversary!' she wrote. 'And today, I can make a choice. I can wallow in sorrow or I can celebrate it. I call this the "remarkable reframe."

'What I know is there is so much to celebrate. Our union and connection is probably stronger than ever,' added Heming.

'We have two bright, fun and healthy daughters. We have a family unit that is built on mutual respect and admiration,' she continued. 'And simply, I just love and adore the man I married.'

'All that is you, Mabel Ray. Happy 12th Birthday. Keep shining bright,' wrote Heming in the caption

Heming, Willis and their daughters remain close with his ex-wife Demi Moore , 61, and their daughters Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 30

The British actress wrote, 'Im so proud of what we have and continue to create. So, happy crystal anniversary to us!'

Heming, Willis and their daughters remain close with his ex-wife Demi Moore, 61, and their daughters Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 30.

Moore and Willis became grandparents last year when Rumer welcomed her first child, daughter Louetta, in April 2023 with partner Derek Richard Thomas.
Paul O'Grady's widower Andre Portasio has revealed that he plans to donate Lily Savage's collection of iconic dresses.

Andre, who married Paul in 2007, admitted that the alter ego's wigs and belongings 'do not belong to him', and instead they belong 'to the nation.'

The comedian passed away a year ago, aged 67, from an unexpected cardiac arrhythmia, which left thousands of fans across the UK heartbroken.

Paul, who was a social worker in Birkenhead before moving to London, kicked off his glitzy showbiz career as a drag entertainer in the 80s.

He would tour local pubs and clubs across the UK as the iconic Lily Savage.

Paul O'Grady's widower Andre Portasio has revealed that he plans to donate Lily Savage's iconic dresses 'to the nation' (presenter is pictured as his drag alter-ego)

Andre (pictured in 2019), who married Paul in 2007, admitted that the wigs and belongings of the presenter's drag alter-ego 'do not belong to him' amid the first anniversary of the star's death

Speaking to The Mirror about his heartbreak and keeping his late husband's legacy alive, Andre said he used to tell the TV personality that Lily costumes were a 'slice of history'.

But in Paul's typically modest fashion, he brushed it off and said the prized possessions were just 'tat'.

Revealing that he homes an attic-full of memorabilia, Andre told the publication: 'I think by the end he was very tired of having to put on all the make-up and all the practical aspects of becoming Lily although he never fully retired her and she kept making comebacks.'

When Paul was alive, his partner persuaded him to donate some items to the V&A, but there are still many other pieces he is setting aside.

'They don't belong to me, they belong to the nation,' he added.

'I feel the audience at large would absolutely love to see them again, and it's weighing on me very heavily how I take his legacy forward.'

Andre also admitted that the nation's response to the TV star's first anniversary humbled him as they left him an overwhelming amount of support through cards and miniature dog teddy bears.

It comes just days after fans admitted they 'couldn't watch' The Life and Death of Lily Savage, as ITV marked the first anniversary of his tragic death on Saturday.

The comedian passed away in March 2023 from an unexpected cardiac arrhythmia, which left thousands of mourners across the UK heartbroken

Paul kicked off his glitzy showbiz career as a drag entertainer in the 80s. He would tour local pubs and clubs across the UK as the iconic Lily Savage

Speaking to the Mirror about his heartbreak and keeping his late husband's legacy alive, Andre said he used to tell the TV personality that Lily costumes were a 'slice of history'

It comes just days after fans admitted they 'couldn't watch' The Life and Death of Lily Savage, as ITV marked the first anniversary of his tragic death on Saturday

Viewers were brought to tears as the broadcaster celebrated and paid tribute to the dog-lover with an emotional documentary about his drag alter ego, Lily Savage.

From 1989 to 1992, Paul performed as Lily at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, gaining increasing recognition for his act.

He then launched a show, Lily Savage Live from the Hackney Empire, which became a sell-out success.

Once he established himself as a national success, Paul was asked to bring his act to mainstream TV, which, at the time, his comedy was unheard of on TV.

The tear-jerking documentary followed his climb to fame and success while playing Lily on The Big Breakfast and then the BBC quiz show Blankety Blank.

The film also delved into the part Paul played in campaigning for gay rights during the AIDS crisis and how he came from a working-class background.

Lily was hailed as the voice that was needed at a time when people in the gay community were treated as 'lepers'.

Footage from the beginning of his career was played from the drag character's early performances.

It was accompanied by a soft voice-over where Paul talked about Lily in the third person.

Hearing his voice on TV brought many fans to tears as they reminisced about Paul's kind heart and open mind.

Many took to social media to reveal that they could not continue watching the programme and struggled to hear him on their TV again.

One penned: 'I'm not emotionally stable enough to watch the Paul O'Grady thing tonight. I don't think I ever will be to be honest. I grew up watching him.'

'So sorry Paul. I couldn't watch it made me cry just thinking what a beautiful chap you were and how we lost so much when you left us.'

'I can't cope with this Lily Savage documentary.'

'4 minutes into the Life and Death of Lily Savage and I'm already an emotional wreck.'

'Laughing and shedding a tear. God, I miss Lily Savage. From the old days on a Thursday night at the Vauxhall Tavern, then a complete flea pit, to mainstream mania. Lily and Paul O'Grady. Very much missed. Both of them.'

'Feels a bit emotional hearing Paul's voice again while he's talking on this documentary about himself and Lily Savage'

'Watching this and already it's sad hearing Paul's aka Lily's voice.'

When Paul passed away, his partner, Andre Portasio, took to social media to announce the performer's devastating passing.

He said in a statement: 'It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

Many took to social media to reveal that they could not continue watching the programme and struggled to hear him on their TV again

'He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.

'I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.'

Paul first started performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s, and in 1997, he launched The Lily Savage Show on the BBC.

He revived Blankety Blank until 2002 and went on to present several chat shows, including ITV's teatime programme The Paul O'Grady Show from 2004 to 2005, before moving to Channel 4.

In 2017, he took over from Cilla Black on Channel 5's Blind Date reboot, while over the years, he also fronted ITV's For The Love of Dogs, which was tied to his role as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Shortly before passing away, Paul left BBC Radio 2 after 14 years, noting at the time that he wasn't pleased with sharing his Sunday afternoon slot.

He was set to join Boom Radio for Easter Sunday, 2023.
Bargain Hunt viewers were left fuming on Monday as what was described as a 'mega repeat' episode aired.

Fans of the show tuned in for the latest instalment to find they were presented with a compilation episode featuring past footage.

Many members of the television audience at home instantly gave up on the programme, unwilling to give their time to a compilation of episodes they were likely to have already watched.

Some complained that not enough effort was being put into making new episodes of the BBC One show given that the TV licence is going up from 159 a year to 169.50 a year from April 1.

Viewers took to social media to express their disappointment over a compilation episode being broadcast.

Bargain Hunt viewers were left fuming on Monday as what was described as a 'mega repeat' episode aired

Fans of the show tuned in for the latest instalment to find they were presented with a compilation episode featuring past footage

One person wrote on Twitter: 'Yet another compilation episode of Bargain Hunt. Considering we are paying more for our tv licence when will we see some new programmes during the day instead of constant repeats?'

While another person wrote: 'How can they list this as a new episode when it's more like a mega repeat! #bargainhunt.'

'Compilation, nope not for me im out, back to St Trinians on itv 3,' shared another viewer.

While someone else posted: 'Hate these specials I'm out #bargainhunt #bbcbargainhunt.'

It comes after Bargain Hunt's most expensive item ever was unveiled last month.

Branding the item as the 'most important item ever sold', Bargain Hunt expert Charles Hanson managed to flog the pot for an eye-watering 390,000 at auction.

The 'rare Chinese wine ewer' had been collecting dust in a Derbyshire attic for 50 years before being brought on to the show.

The astonishing find was brought into the salesroom, as one curious client wanted to make sure the china piece was worth anything before donating it to a charity shop.

Viewers took to social media to express their disappointment over a compilation episode being broadcast

Bargain Hunt's most valuable item ever revealed - and how the simple-looking item almost ended up in a charity shop - this chinese teapot went for 390k at auction

Bargain Hunt expert Charles Hanson (pictured) described the item, which had been collecting dust in a loft for 50 years, as 'the most important item objects' he has ever sold

The valuable antique previously inherited from World War II serviceman Ronald Wadsworth, who was a Burma Star medal owner, left experts astonished.

Describing it as the 'ultimate Bargain Hunt find', auctioneer Charles Hanson told host Natasha Raskin Sharp on the repeated 2023 episode that the ewer was 'only one of three known'.

The other two 'very sacred, very important and very rare' ceremonial ewers currently sit in two museums located in Beijing and Taiwan.

According to Hanson, the 18th Century ceremonial teapot would have been used to hold water in Chinese Emperor Qianlong's court.

He added: 'Emperor Qianlong who was that great Emperor of the Arts, he wanted his Beijing enamellist to make the very best. And the quality is simply out of this world

'This is one of only three known, one's in a museum in Taiwan, one's in the museum of Beijing, China, and out of humble Burton-Upon-Trent, voila! unbelievably we have another.'

'It's probably what Faberge is to Russians and what imperial enamel is to Chinese billionaires and this to me, is a must-have object for any important Chinese connoisseur wishing to buy the best of Emperor Qianlong's treasures.

'This object for me, is in its historical placement, the most important object I've ever sold.'

Initially believed to be worth 150, the items precious item was bought by the pre-auction owner's grandfather the 1940s.

Chatting to show host Natasha Raskin Sharp, Charles explained that the ceremonial item would have previously been used in Chinese Emperor Qianlong's court in the 18th century

The construction worker discussed how he felt about the illustrious find going on auction to the BBC in 2020.

'I'm thrilled, this will change a few things for us all.

'I sat and watched the auction live at home with my brother and family, it was tense, I got a few cans of Guinness in beforehand.

'We'll be going for a drink tonight and toasting granddad.'

Initially believed to be worth 150, the bright-yellow teapot was bought by World War II serviceman Ronald Wadsworth
Saxophonist Casey Benjamin has died at age 45.

Benjamin, 45, earned two Grammys during his career and played for Beyonce, John Legend, Lady Gaga, and the Robert Glasper Experiment band during his prolific career.

Benjamin's management confirmed his death with the Huffington Post on Monday. A cause of death was not given.

Hailing from South Jamaica, Queens, Benjamin was just eight-years-old when he began playing the saxophone, according to Rolling Stone.

He ultimately was introduced to future collaborator Glasper while attending the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.

Saxophonist Casey Benjamin has died at age 45; pictured 2016

Benjamin went on to win two Grammy Awards with Glasper's band. The musical group won Best Traditional R&B Performance for their 2011 album Black Radio.

Two years later, they won a Grammy again for their cover of the Stevie Wonder track Jesus Children of America.

In 2017, he revealed several of the big names he had worked with during an interview with Tchoup Industries.

'Over the past 12 years weve worked with everybody from Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Anderson .Paak, Nas, Common, Arcade Fire, Beyonce... a lot of stuff. Ive been getting my resume up these last 10 years,' he said.

The accomplished musician worked with many of the biggest names in music - according to Rolling Stone, he teamed up with Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Arcade Fire, and more.

He performed on the Solange album A Seat At The Table and worked on We Got It from Here Thank You 4 Your Service, the final album from A Tribe Called Quest.

Benjamin was also a member of the funk group duo HEAVy with vocalist Nicky Guiland, and they dropped several albums together.

Musicians paid tribute to Benjamin online after learning the heartbreaking news.

Derrick Hodge, a bassist for The Robert Glasper Experiment, honored Benjamin on Instagram.

Benjamin, 45, earned two Grammys during his career and was a part of the band, the Robert Glasper Experiment; pictured 2016

'Tonight, I honor a brother. A true brother and friend. Casey Benjamin, thank you for inspiring me, for being a light in my life, and for your unbelievable influence on the music world. I will carry your smile with me, brother. And we will collectively honor and carry your legacy with us.

'Cant get my words together at this moment but will echo a few of my last words to you: Im thankful for you and love you always! Rest well, King.'

Lupe Fiasco posted to his Instagram: 'Rest In Peace Casey Benjamin.

'I cant even begin to express the deep gratitude and respect.

Derrick Hodge, a bassist for The Robert Glasper Experiment, honored Benjamin on Instagram

'My deepest condolences to the family, fans and friends.'

Questlove recalled Benjamin's incredible talent as he paid tribute to the musician on his Instagram with a video of his performance.

'Man. Knowing what I know of history I pretty much know that if you are a part of Robert Glaspers world you are an instant all star.

'It goes without saying that the initial lineup of the Glasper Experiment was on some Jordan Era 91-93/96-98 Bulls Rings Ish. This clips lineup is of @markcolenburg (drums) @dhodgeworld (bass).

'(it goes without saying @chrisdaddydave -not in this lineup hereis the drum god of drum gods but there was a specific reason I chose this clip instead of a Dave inclusive clip but the Glasper/Hodge/Dave lineup alone is monstrous but sadly.

Lupe Fiasco posted to his Instagram: 'Rest In Peace Casey Benjamin

Questlove recalled Benjamin's incredible talent as he paid tribute to the musician on his Instagram with a video of his performance

'Its to say goodbye to the great Casey Benjamin. Seriously..damn near every member of this squad was a god in their own right and I considered #CaseyBenjamin the Horace Grant of the squad.

'His presence allowed Glasper the space to do what I think Glasper does best which is paint colors that otherwise would be a task had Glasper had the job of leading the mission with just one keyboard.

'It was always my dream to work with Casey whose vocoder work & sax work was just friggin otherworldly.

'I know I b***h about the state of music were in with snide remarks but I also love giving credit to where it is due. Just sad to give another bouquet of flowers to a talented gracious amazing creative soul and human being who left the plane before I got to record in the studio with him or before I got a chance to tell him just one more time how mind blowing his work was. Rest In Melody Casey.'
Janelle Brown of Sister Wives fame took to Instagram on Saturday as she posted heartbreaking pictures of her son Garrison's celebration of life ceremony.

The 54-year-old mother-of-six shared a collection of images of the celebration with his National Guard Unit which took place last Sunday.

He was honored by his fellow soldiers as they saluted the American flag and handed it off to his mother in an emotional snap.

'Its been hard to get my brain to work properly again,' the grieving mother penned, 'I am so grateful for the out pouring of love and support Ive received these last three weeks. The support has been overwhelming.

'I am honored. So many of you shared stories of your loved ones. So many of you wrote of your thoughts and prayers.

'Thank you from the bottom of my heart Garrison was honored by family members and by his National Guard Unit last Sunday at a celebration of life ceremony. He would have loved it,' she continued.

Janelle Brown of Sister Wives fame took to Instagram on Saturday as she posted heartbreaking pictures of her son Garrison's celebration of life ceremony

He was honored by his fellow soldiers as they saluted the American flag and handed it off to his mother in an emotional snap

The celebration of life took place just a week after the tragic passing of Garrison, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound

'Its been hard to get my brain to work properly again,' the grieving mother penned

'I am sharing some of the photos. Many you have already seen a lot of these online, often with snarky comments accompanying them. But this was a beautiful moment for us,' The ex-wife of reality star Kody Brown finished.

The post was heartfelt as fans grieved with the family. One commenter typed, 'Poor Kody. He looks utterly shattered. I'm so sorry. I hope you and the family will be ok.'

The celebration of life took place just a week after the tragic passing of Garrison - who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound - on March 5 in his Flagstaff, Arizona home at 25.

Garrison was found dead in his home by his 22-year-old brother Gabriel, authorities told TMZ.

Police told the outlet that foul play was not suspected in Garrison's death, and that an investigation has been launched.

It was not immediately clear if Garrison left behind a note or other communications.

His mother to Instagram immediately afternoon to announce the tragic news on behalf of the family.

'Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,' Janelle said. 'He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him.

'His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.'

TLC said in a statement to People, 'We are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Garrison Brown.'

The network continued: 'We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family at this difficult time.'

He was laid to rest on March 11.

He had past been seen on episodes of the TLC series Sister Wives since its debut in 2010, chronicling the life of a polygamous family living in Utah, as Kody, 55, was also husband to wives Meri, 53, Christine, 51, and Robyn Brown, 45.

Janelle and her ex-husband entered into a spiritual marriage in 1993 and welcomed six kids: Logan, 29, Maddie, 27, Hunter, 26, Garrison, 25, Gabriel, 21, and Savanah, 18. They went on to separate in December of 2022.

Garrison moved with his family from Utah to Nevada, and he eventually enlisted in the National Guard

He was laid to rest on March 11

The sons appeared to be on the outs with Kody as recently as last fall

Garrison moved with his family from Utah to Nevada, and he eventually enlisted in the National Guard, according to the outlet.

He and his father Kody had been estranged for some time in recent years: In February of 2022, he said on the series that he and sons Garrison and Gabriel were 'not good' and 'not talking' as they clashed with him over what they felt to be onerous protocols he implemented amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 55-year-old reality star said of his sons on the show: 'It's changed everything for everybody, and they want it all to be the same - they need to realize that they should go and date that girlfriend, that's fine, but you need to move out of the house so I can be home.'

In an episode of the TLC series chronicling the tension in the family, according to People, Janelle said in a confessional interview that she felt Garrison 'just seems angry or sadder, like, he's not as happy-go-lucky as he used to be' amid the family strife.

'Right now, there's not really an open door with Gabe and Garrison,' the reality star dad said

'Right now, there's not really an open door with Gabe and Garrison,' he said. 'They're they're not willing to engage me.'

The sons appeared to be on the outs with Kody as recently as last fall, as Janelle told E! News in a November 2023 interview she was hopeful they'd eventually reconcile.

'I do hope that that eventually time heals,' she said. 'I'm hoping that over time, he can find a relationship with the children that he's estranged from now.'

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Denise Drysdale has revealed that she has given up alcohol.

The 75-year-old veteran entertainer, revealed to The Daily Telegraph that she gave up booze as preparation for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia.

'When I say I've given up, I have had a few drinks since I found out I was going but I have really cut down. I didn't want to get the bloody heebie jeebies in the jungle,' she told the publication.

'I've been really good. I haven't been running or anything, I've just given up drinking, that's my preparation,' she said.

The mother-of-two added that she isn't afraid of taking on the various challenges contestants face.

Denise Drysdale has revealed that she has given up alcohol as preparation for I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia

'I don't think they want a dead 75-year-old in the jungle so I don't think they will be doing anything with me that is going to hurt me.'

Speaking to New Idea she added: 'I've told them if you put me with the snakes, you might as well get a coffin and put my body straight into it with the snakes at the same time.'

The TV star also revealed that she has been asked to appear in the South African jungle five times prior to agreeing to the current season.

Denise, who hosted daytime panel show Studio 10 from 2016-2020, confirmed she was heading into the jungle via the show's Instagram account.

'I've been really good. I haven't been running or anything, I've just given up drinking, that's my preparation,' she said

'Yes, it's official. I'm going into the jungle. What in the bloody hell have I done?' she said in the video posted on Sunday night.

Denise made it known that she was not looking forward to the toilet and sleeping arrangements of the camp.

'I'm an only child. And 11 other people, it's like a party. And I don't sleep well anyway, so that's going to be interesting,' she said.

The TV star also worried that the food situation at camp may not be ideal.

The mother-of-two added that she isn't afraid of taking on the various challenges contestants face

'Beans and rice, with no salt, no lemon. But it'll have to do. And if I can't do it for the three weeks or so we're there, I'm not worth my salt.'

'Hoping it's going to be an absolute ball, I'm sure it will be. Will be interesting!' she concluded, looking forward to the time ahead on the show.

Denise's recent lifestyle choices may just serve her well in the jungle.

The veteran entertainer has even simplified her life as she has gotten older, living a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
The Neptunes produced hits such as Hot in Herre and Hollaback Girl

Hugo, 50, filed docs in federal court last week claiming he was not included in recent trademarking applications

Pharrell Williams and longtime collaborator Chad Hugo are involved in a legal battle over the rights to the name of their musical tandem, The Neptunes.

Hugo, 50, said in court docs last week that Pharrell, 50, 'fraudulently' sought to gain total control of the band's name and trademarks, Billboard reported Monday.

Hugo's legal team said in docs filed at a federal tribunal that Pharrell sought to register trademarks for The Neptunes name without Hugo's involvement, in breach of a past professional pact they had made to divide everything down the middle.

'Throughout their over thirty year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets,' Hugo's lawyer Kenneth D. Freundlich said in legal docs reviewed by the outlet.

Freundlich said that 'by ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from the any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark "The Neptunes," applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.'

Pharrell Williams, 50, and longtime collaborator Chad Hugo, 50, are involved in a legal battle over the rights to the name of their musical tandem, The Neptunes

Pharrell's rep told Billboard in a statement that the Happy artist was 'surprised by this' lawsuit, as he and his team 'have reached out on multiple occasions to share in the ownership and administration of the trademark and will continue to make that offer.

'The goal here was to make sure a third party doesn't get a hold of the trademark and to guarantee Chad and Pharrell share in ownership and administration.'

The paperwork Pharrell filed suggested otherwise, Freundlich told Billboard in a response statement.

'If Pharrell's intent was to include Chad in the filing, he should have registered it in the name of their jointly owned company Neptunes, LLC and not in his own name,' Freundlich said. 'This was a land grab in a long simmering dispute that has yet to be resolved.'

According to Hugo's legal team, on three occasions in 2022, Pharrell's company PW IP Holdings LLC attempted to trademark the name "The Neptunes" for purposes of streaming; music videos and ancillary content; and live shows, Billboard reported.

Pharrell uses the company PW IP Holdings LLC for other business endeavors including his musical group N.E.R.D.; his hotel, The Goodtime Hotel: South Beach Miami Hotel; and other brands he's endorsed.

Hugo's legal team told the court Pharrell 'knowingly and intentionally' filed the trio of applications without contacting Hugo, despite being 'fully aware' Hugo should have been named a partner on the papers.

'Nothing, either written or oral, provided Williams or [PW IP Holdings] with the unilateral authority to register the trademarks,' Hugo's attorneys told the court, noting that Pharrell and his team have 'repeatedly' been flagged about the issue.

Hugo's legal team said in docs filed at a federal tribunal that Pharrell sought to register trademarks for The Neptunes name without Hugo's involvement, in breach of a past professional pact they had made to divide everything down the middle

In June of 2002, Pharrell and Hugo were indicted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in NYC

Pharrell has 'admitted' Hugo 'is equal co-owner of the trademarks' and vowed to involve him, Hugo's lawyer said.

Hugo's legal team said that Pharrell's business associated have presented Hugo with 'onerous business terms' when it comes to control and finances.

Prior to his breakout as a solo artist, Pharrell and Hugo - who formed a friendship as children - formed a producing tandem that was responsible for a number of pop hits more than two decades back

They included Nelly's 2002 hit Hot in Herre, Justin Timberlake's 2002 song Rock Your Body, Gwen Stefani's 2004 song Hollaback Girl, and Snoop Dogg's 2004 track Drop It Like It's Hot, among others.

In June of 2002, the pair were indicted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which Pharrell dubbed 'a huge honor,' according to Revolt TV.

'The immense sense of gratitude that I feel is probably taking over everything in terms of like the being in it-ness,' Pharrell said in a red carpet interview. 'I'm failing at that because I always have delayed reactions, so two to three days from now, I'll be like whoa I was really in the room with like the Eurythmics and Ronald Isley.

'It'll probably hit me by then but right now it's kinda like, "Oh wow."'

Dailymail.com has reached out to Pharrell's reps for comment on this story.
Quinta Brunson opened up about when and how she sees her hit ABC series Abbott Elementary ending as she appeared on Elle's second annual 'Women of Impact' list.

The Emmy winner, 34, who plays Janine Teagues, said: 'When I first started, I was like, "Yeah, 10 seasons,"' she said. 'Now I'm like, "We'll see about that." That would be a blessing. But also, this is a lot of work.

'I want to make sure, no matter what, I get to worry not about the numbers or the money, but what kind of story we are telling and feeling when it's time for the story to come to a close,' added Brunson.

Days after season 3 of Abbott Elementary premiered in February, ABC renewed the sitcom for a fourth season.

Brunson created and stars in the series as Teagues, a teacher at an underfunded Philadelphia public school.

Quinta Brunson opened up about when and how she sees her hit ABC series Abbott Elementary ending as she appeared on Elle 's second annual ' Women of Impact ' list

'When I first started, I was like, "Yeah, 10 seasons." Now I'm like, "We'll see about that." That would be a blessing. But also, this is a lot of work,' she explained (pictured this month)

She was inspired by her mother, a schoolteacher of 40 years, to create the show, naming the school after one of her elementary school teachers.

After the first season, Brunson revealed that the production team donated a portion of the marketing budget to teachers.

However the show ends, Brunson is prepared to take on whatever comes next in her career.

'With all that I've learned, I feel like I can now do any type of television,' she said.

'For womankind, for Black womankind, for people to take risks and take chancesI think that's really what pushes things forward in life.

'So I hope that will be my impact,' added Brunson.

Brunson was featured alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Malala Yousafzai and Amanda Gorman on Elle's 'Women of Impact' list.

The honor comes after she became the first Black woman in 40 years to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series back in January.

Brunson created and stars in the series as Janine Teagues, a teacher at an underfunded Philadelphia public school

Brunson was featured alongside Vice President Kamala Harris , Hillary Clinton , Malala Yousafzai and Amanda Gorman on Elle's 'Women of Impact' list

The honor comes after she became the first Black woman in 40 years to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Meanwhile on the big screen, she's been cast alongside Bill Hader and Bowen Yang in an upcoming animated movie adaptation of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat.

On the academic front, Brunson will receive an honorary degree from her alma mater Temple University, where she will give a speech at the 2024 commencement.

New episodes of Abbott Elementary season 3 air Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT on ABC.
Bobby Brazier and his new EastEnders actress 'girlfriend' Jazzy Phoenix have teased their new relationship on social media.

In a now deleted post, Jazzy, 23, took to Instagram on Monday to confirm her new romance with the Strictly star, 20, as she shared a snap of a bunch of pink and white flowers.

Just hours before, Bobby - who portrays Freddie Slater in the BBC soap - shared a picture of the same flowers bouquet, which was wrapped in off-white paper.

Jazzy, who plays sex worker Nadine on EastEnders, added a smiley face and white heart emoji to the post.

The news Bobby is reportedly dating his EastEnders co-star Jazzy was revealed on Saturday - just weeks after his romance with Strictly winner Ellie Leach 'fizzled out'.

Bobby Brazier and his new EastEnders actress 'girlfriend' Jazzy Phoenix teased their new relationship on Instagram on Monday

In a now deleted post, Jazzy, 23, took to social media to confirm her new romance with the Strictly star, 20, as she shared a snap of a bunch of pink and white flowers

Bobby has already treated the blonde beauty to a romantic dinner date at Mayfair's swanky Bagatelle restaurant.

Bobby has also posted a string of loved-up emojis on the newcomer's recent Instagram post.

As Jazzy posed alongside co-star Patsy Kensit, 56, he gushed in the comments: 'Stop it. Too much for me.'

A source told The Sun: 'Bobby is enjoying getting to know Jazzy. He loves that they both share a passion for acting and he, of course, thinks she is very beautiful'.

Stating that the 'timing was perfect' for their budding romance and that Jazzy was 'flattered' by the handsome actors interest.

Before going on to say: 'There are no hard feelings with Ellie. [Her and Bobby's] whirlwind romance just fizzled out.'

MailOnline have contacted Bobby and Jazzy's representatives for comment.

Bobby and Ellie first sparked dating rumours during Strictly Come Dancing in December and grew closer during the BBC show's tour in January to February.

Just hours before, Bobby, who portrays Freddie Slater in the BBC soap, shared a snap of the same roses bouquet which were both wrapped in the same off-white paper

Jazzy recently reprised her role of sex worker Nadine in the show

The actor has already treated the blonde beauty to a romantic dinner date at Mayfair's swanky Bagatelle restaurant

Bobby has also posted a string of loved-up emojis on the newcomer's recent Instagram post

As Jazzy posed alongside co-star Patsy Kensit , 56, he gushed in the comments: 'Stop it. Too much for me.'

However as Bobby returned to EastEnders and is reportedly exploring a potential career in Hollywood, Ellie is currently touring UK theatres in the Cluedo stage production.

A source previously told The Sun: 'Love blossomed between them when they were in close quarters on the tour, but once that ended they both spent much less time together.

The news comes after it was revealed that Ellie had 'moved to London' as her relationship with Bobby blossomed.

The Strictly champion is living in the capital where Bobby lives with his dad after sparking up a romance.

Ellie's cousin, actress Brooke Vincent shared she is planning to catch up with her in London during an appearance on This Morning.

She said: 'I'm actually seeing her tonight and she's moved to London.'

Brooke added: 'I could never do Strictly since she won, she did amazing. You get bored of saying how proud you are.'

Bobby, who was partnered with Dianne Buswell, came runner up on Strictly to Ellie, who lifted the Glitterball trophy with partner Vito Coppola.

The couple made their first public appearance together in February at the Hadestown play press night at the Lyric Theatre in London.

The pair seemed happier than ever as they cosied up and posed for pictures together on their first joint red carpet.

Ellie also shared a sweet loved-up selfie with Bobby after he watched her make her stage debut earlier this month in Cluedo 2 at Richmond Theatre.

The couple looked cosy as they beamed for the loved-up black and white Instagram selfie.

A source said: 'Bobby is enjoying getting to know Jazzy. He loves that they both share a passion for acting and he, of course, thinks she is very beautiful' (Bobby pictured on the soap)

The pair dined at swanky Mayfair restaurant Bagatelle (pictured)
EastEnders has shared devastating news about Ben Mitchell's fate amid Max Bowden's shocking exit from the show.

The actor, 29, who plays the mechanic son of Phil Mitchell, will leave Albert Square and return to his old stomping ground - the theatre.

Max left Albert Square in scenes that aired on Thursday. Ben was arrested on fraud charges by American police under an international warrant.

He was charged in connection to his trip to America last year, where he attempted to get dying Lola Pearce onto a drugs trial but was unsuccessful.

Ben's credit cards were blocked, but instead of going to the police, he stole someone else's and spent thousands on hotels, car rental and a business class flight home.

EastEnders have shared devastating news about Ben Mitchell amid Max Bowden's shocking exit from the show

The actor, 29, who plays the mechanic son of Phil Mitchell, will leave Albert Square and return to his old stomping ground - the theatre

Ben, distraught after being arrested in front of his daughter Lexi, was told by his child that she was disappointed with everything happening to him.

Despite refusing to visit Ben previously, Callum Highway (Tony Clay) told him that he wasn't going to leave him in prison and would support him.

In very emotional scenes, Callum begged Ben to plead not guilty to all his charges.

But he was left heartbroken on Monday when he discovered that Ben did not listen to his plea and went against his advice.

Leaving both Callum and Kathy Beale devastated, Ben was informed that he would be relocating to American prison on Tuesday.

The two shared a sweet hug in the Walford's iconic pub as they grieved his absence.

After the week's building explosive episodes and ahead of his final EastEnders scene, Max took to Instagram to bid his goodbyes to the set and the crazy square.

He thanked his soap fans for accepting his version of Ben through an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Max left Albert Square in scenes that aired on Thursday. Ben was arrested on fraud charges by American police under an international warrant

Viewers were left stunned this week after police arrested Ben under an international warrant. Despite insisting on his innocence and even having the confidence to tell an officer they would later apologise to him, Ben realised he had done something awful

Ben, distraught after being arrested in front of his daughter Lexi, was told by his child that she was disappointed with everything happening to him (pictured August)

Despite refusing to visit Ben previously, Callum Highway (Tony Clay) (right)told him that he wasn't going to leave him in prison. In very emotional scenes, Callum begged Ben to plead not guilty to all his charges. But Callum was left heartbroken on Monday when he discovered that Ben did not listen to his plea and went against his advice (pictured August)

Captioning his headshot, he wrote, 'It's been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives.

'I had an amazing five years at @bbceastendersand learnt a hell of a lot about myself and the craft I love so dearly; it got me through some very hard personal times and I will be forever grateful!

'I really will never be able to thank everybody for the support enough, because the fans of the show are so passionate, caring, and invested and it enables us as actors to want to keep going and always be better; so I really do from the bottom of my heart appreciate every single person who has sent any sort of positivity my way over the last five years - I love you all.

'Ben Mitchell 6.0 . Over and out. Goodbye EE! I'll miss you all. X'

Viewers fled to his comment box to share their admiration of the role and to say their goodbyes.

After the explosive episodes and ahead of his final EastEnder scene, Max took to Instagram to bid his goodbyes to the set and the crazy square (pictured in September 2023)

After the explosive episodes and ahead of his final EastEnder scene, Max took to Instagram to bid his goodbyes to the set and the crazy square

Viewers fled to his comment box to share their admiration of the role and to say their goodbyes

One penned: 'This guy should have never left his role as Ben Mitchell. Best actor Eastenders has ever had !!!'

'Great job bro! Well done. You smashed it xxx see you on the outside!!!! X'

'The best Ben Mitchell there ever was!'

'Congratulations on a fantastic 5 years!! Xx'

'Best Ben Mitchell ever!!!! you icon brother'

'Sad you're going and you've been amazing. Huge good luck for your next adventure'

'You are to Ben Mitchell what David Tennant is to Dr Who. . . The best version.'

'Not the same without you. Thank you for portraying such a complex character. Ben Mitchell became such an iconic queer character because of you. Good luck to you.'

'You are the best of the best. An exciting new chapter for you is literally just about to unfold. You're simply brilliant!'

After leaving the set after five drama-filled years, Max will return to an old role.

He will be joining the 30th-anniversary tour of Birdsong, playing Jack Firebrace - Sebastian Faulks's epic story of love and loss- when it returns to the stage in 2024.

The critically acclaimed show, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Alastair Whatley, tells the story of one man's journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.

Max said: 'I'm so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart. Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can't wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.'

'I'm so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart,' Max said.

'Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can't wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.'

Max previously starred in the 2016 tour of Birdsong, originally playing the role of Tipper.

Director Alastair Whatley said of Bowden re-joining the cast: 'Max joined us to play the character of Tipper, a young soldier, in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and now, the best part of a decade later, returns to play the wonderful role of Jack Firebrace.

'I cannot wait to get back in the rehearsal room with Max to explore one of Sebastian's most unforgettable characters.'

In pre-war France, an Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, takes on a dangerous affair with Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down.

As war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the Battle of the Somme carnage.

Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

Birdsong will open at Salisbury Playhouse on 6 September before visiting Leeds, Cambridge, Richmond, Liverpool, Nottingham, Cheltenham, Guildford, Chichester, Norwich, Malvern, and Bath.
A missing 8-year-old girl was found dead hours later in the pipes of a hotel pool Saturday, March 23 in northwest Houston, according to the Houston Police Department. Houston Chronicle

A Houston man was accused of shooting and killing his mother after an argument, then fleeing and leading police on a car chase, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

Christopher Jose Melendez, 28, was charged with murder, evading arrest, unlicensed carrying of a weapon and driving while intoxicated in connection to the shooting and chase, Harris County court records show.

He was listed in jail as of Monday morning and hadnt yet been assigned an attorney.

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MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: 10-year-old boy was shot in northeast Harris County parking lot fight, sheriff says

Deputies early Sunday found a woman, Anna Iris Melendez, 52, dead with multiple gunshot wounds at a home in north Harris County, Gonzalez said. Her son was later charged in connection with her death.

In court records, prosecutors alleged Christopher Melendez fled in his mothers vehicle and was found with a 9mm handgun with the same type of casings found at the scene. He allegedly told investigators he had an argument with his mother before leaving the residence.

Prosecutors allege the chase lasted around 10 miles, reached speeds of 90 mph and that Melendez ran red lights and stop signs.
Donald Trump's social media company has lost a third of its value since the share price peaked on its stock market debut last week.

Trump's stake alone has dropped more than $2.4billion since its March 26 debut amid claims that Truth Social is just a meme stock and fresh concerns about its ability to ever make money.

On Monday, shares - already down from the peak - plunged a further 21 percent after parent company Trump Media revealed in a filing that it lost $58 million in 2023 on the back of just $4 million in revenue. Bosses also admitted there would no profits soon.

'Truth Social was overvalued and that reality is dragging down the stock. Because the service does have not have a clear path to profitability and its revenues are meager, its high debut was unsustainable,' said Ross Benes, analyst at Insider Intelligence.

On its stock market debut last Tuesday, Truth Social parent company Trump Media rocketed to an $10.7 billion valuation at one point last week when shares hit $79.38. Trump's 58 per cent take was was worth $6.2 billion.

Shares were down $13.30, or 21 percent, to $48.66 at market close Monday

As of Friday, Trump Media - when it had a market capitalization of more than $8 billion - had a price-to-sales ratio more than 50 times higher than that of chip maker Nvidia

Donald Trump's 58 percent share of Trump Media is now worth more than $5 billion and his net worth has skyrocketed - but he may struggle to access the cash

The surge last week came was driven by retail buyer enthusiasm, including supporters of Trump, the likely Republican nominee in 2024's presidential election.

Monday's disclosure reversed that trend, sending shares down $13.30, or 21 percent, to $48.66. That cut the company's value to $6.6 billion.

Trump owns 78.75 million shares, which could result in a big windfall for the former president - if they stop falling in value.

At the stock's peak last week, his stake would have been more than $6.2 billion, but after the selloff it is valued at $3.8 billion.

Trump is not allowed to sell or borrow against any of his shares for six months - and any move by him to try to alter that agreement would likely trigger more selling.

'TMTG enjoyed a huge run-up on hype and enthusiasm, but it is a long way off from becoming a true scaled social media challenger to X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and other platforms,' said Michael Ashley Schulman, analyst at Running Point Capital.

Truth Social's revenue was $4.13 million last year, up from $1.47 million in 2022, it said. By comparison, Reddit brought in revenue of $800 million in 2023.

The latter has 73 million active users, whereas Truth Social only discloses its total number of sign-ups, which come to 8.9 million.

In its filing on Monday, TMTG said it has no plans to disclose key metrics generally used by similar companies.

The filing also said: 'As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, management has substantial doubt that TMTG will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due, including liabilities related to promissory notes previously issued by TMTG.'

The filing added the company 'expects to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future.'

Trump Media is also embroiled in a legal battle with co-founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky.

On Monday, a Delaware judge said he wanted the parties to set a hearing date this month to determine if the two should receive the 8.6% stake in the company they claim they are owed.

Trump Media and the pair have sued each other in Delaware and Florida state courts. The co-founders accused Trump Media of trying to improperly dilute their stake, while the company said they had failed to earn their shares and that it wants to strip them of their ownership.
Home price appreciation has far outpaced wage growth in the US, experts say

Would-be homeowners need a six-figure salary to afford a typical home in 22 states across the US, stark new data has revealed.

To afford an average-priced home of $402,343, Americans need an annual income of $110,871, according to new analysis from Bankrate. That is almost a 50 percent increase just in the last four years.

In January 2020, only six states and the District of Columbia required a six-figure salary to afford a typical home.

But a combination of soaring mortgage rates, rising home prices and a historic shortage of properties on the market has meant that number now eclipses nearly half of states and the District of Columbia.

Aspiring homeowners in the West and Northeast need the most annual income to afford an average home, Bankrate found.

Californians need a yearly salary of $197,057, which is more than three times the $63,043 needed to afford the typical home in the cheapest state of Mississippi.

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'Homes have become less affordable because home price appreciation has so far outpaced wage growth,' said Bankrate Analyst Jeff Ostrowski.

'Why have home prices gone up so quickly? Blame supply and demand. Over the past few years, the supply of homes has been constrained by a number of factors, including muted homebuilding and the lock-in effect,' he continued.

'But demand for homes has been growing, and there are more buyers than sellers.'

In order to calculate the income needed to afford a typical home, Bankrate analyzed home sales, mortgage rates, property taxes, and homeowners insurance rates across all states.

Following California, Hawaii is the state with the second-highest income needed to afford a typical home - at $185,829 - according to Bankrate.

Those living in the District of Columbia need a salary of $167,871 to be able to buy a typical home, the study found, while those in Massachusetts need to earn $162,471, and Washington residents need a salary of $156,814 or more.

Californians need a yearly salary of $197,057 to afford the typical home - the highest of any state

Hawaii is the state with the second-highest income needed to afford a typical home - at $185,829 - according to Bankrate

Aspiring homeowners also need to earn six figures to afford a typical home in many Western states which boomed during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as Utah, Montana and Idaho.

'The Sun Belt has become less affordable amid the influx of new homebuyers in those areas in the past few years,' Ostrowski added.

'That trend has been going on for decades, and it has intensified. The migration shift to the Sun Belt is good for long-term homeowners in those regions.

'Meanwhile, some bargain-hunting buyers have moved to affordable markets in the Rust Belt and the Midwest.'

Aspiring homeowners in the South and Midwest, Bankrate found, need the lowest income to afford a typical home.

Anyone looking to buy in Mississippi, Ohio, Arkansas, Indiana and Kentucky must earn between $63,043 and $65,186.

A surge in mortgage rates has caused the income needed to afford a median-priced home to increase nationwide.

Mortgage rates have jumped more than three full percentage points in the last few years. In January 2020, the average 30-year fixed rate was 3.68 percent, according to Bankrate.

As of latest data from government-backed lender Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.79 percent as of March 28.

Americans living in Massachusetts need to earn an income of $162,471 to afford the typical home, according to Bankrate analysis

The annual income needed to afford a typical home has increased in all states and the District of Columbia over the last four years - but it has gone up more quickly in some than others.

People looking to buy in Montana have to earn 77.7 percent more than four years ago to afford a median-priced home - the biggest percent increase across all states.

Homebuyers in Montana must earn $131,357 annually to afford the state's typical monthly mortgage payment of $3,065.

The median home price in Montana was $507,100 as of January 2024, compared to $299,300 in January 2020.

People looking to buy in Utah and Tennessee need to earn 70 percent more than they did in January 2020.

Budding homeowners in South Carolina and Arizona, meanwhile, need to earn 67 percent and 65 percent more, respectively.
With a growing ageing population across most developed nations, India is poised to play an important role in filling the demand-supply gap of skilled workers globally, a senior executive of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship said.

Historically, Indian workers have migrated worldwide, but over the past decade, India has become a favoured destination for hiring skilled workers, experiencing an annual growth rate ranging from 15-20 per cent, largely due to the ageing population in developed nations, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship Vice President and Business Head Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta told PTI.

Going forward, this trend of global mobility of Indian workers is expected to witness 28-30 per cent growth in the next five years, he added.

According to reports, India is a young nation with 554 million people falling in the 15-64 years age group, Mahanta said.

The Global Skill Gap Study by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) showed a growing demand for Indian talent across diverse sectors worldwide and projections indicate significant demand in regions such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Japan, and Malaysia, he added.

To address this demand, the Indian International Skilling Centre (IISC) Network aims to foster international workforce mobility, placing 1,00,000 skilled Indian candidates overseas, training 2,50,000 candidates through pre-departure orientation, and certifying 25,000 workers through recognition of prior learning assessment and certification overseas, he added.

Moreover, the ongoing labour agreements with countries like Japan and France is also helping India increase its prominence in the global labour market, Mahanta noted.

According to the latest data, Saudi Arabia has hired the maximum number of Indians (13,944), followed by Qatar (3,646) and UAE with 2,941 Indian workers.

As many as 12,000 people are currently undergoing training for international mobility, with 2,008 healthcare workers learning foreign languages, including Japanese, Italian and German, he said.

Further, in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, there is a high demand for professionals in the healthcare and old age care sectors, he added.

There is a rising demand for construction skills in the GCC and Eastern European countries and almost all countries have a high demand for IT professionals. We are also observing the emerging need for green jobs, he stated.

Japan, he said, has introduced Specified Skilled Workers to address the severe labour shortages in the country by accepting foreign human resources with specific expertise and skills.

India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in January 2021, to implement Specified Skilled Worker between India and Japan, he said.

According to the Skill Ministry data, he said, 18,532 individuals are employed in the construction sector overseas, 2,531 in facility management, and 2,410 in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing skills.

In addition, 1,607 individuals are working in the healthcare sector across various countries, he added.
Chinas relentless pursuit of dominance in the Asia-Pacific region has led to unease. It is time to call Chinas bluff and give a befitting reply

China is at it continuously. Devising devious designs to disturb and destabilise its neighbouring countries to whet its hegemonic appetite, it has created an atmosphere of unprecedented tension in the Asia Pacific region. In specific countries, picking on individuals and community persons who have Communist mindset and funding, arming and training them to further its hegemonic agenda, it has gravely vitiated the political atmosphere of the Asian subcontinent. The instruments of its nefarious actions extend from veiled cultural and economic intrusion to brazen intimidation through military exercises and gestures. Yes, it has learnt expansionism from none other than the erstwhile hegemonic global powers who have ruled the roost in the twentieth century.

Nations are built on ideologies and sustain on the ideological threads that are drawn from the universalistic divine principles called Dharma. But disbelievers in the divine have always existed in this world. Their original breed was called Naastik (atheists) whose ideological icon was an ancient Indian philosopher called Charavak and members of its modern breed are the Communists. Since they do not believe in any supernatural controlling and regulating power called God and also reject the theory of karmic retribution, they display naked self righteousness. They show no qualms of conscience. Since their numbers have steadily grown in the last few decades, they have become arrogant and supercilious. The ruling Chinese Communist Party, its cohorts and subscribers are an illustrative example of above.

China, under its communist regime, annexed Tibet in 1951 and followed it up in 1962 by usurping 38000 square kilometres of Indian territory in Ladakh. In recent months, persons have circulated on social media channels like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram the original map of China showing in distinctive colours the grabbed territories- China occupied Tibet, East Turkistan, South Mongolia, Manchuria and Yunnan. And China doesnt stop at it.

It is continuously provoking India either through military build-up across the LAC, intrusion and attempts for encroachment of Indian territory using salami slicing tactics, negative and malicious propaganda against India through its mouthpiece Global Times or by enticing smaller nations in the Indo-China region in its debt trap, installing Communist party regimes in some of these smaller states, establishing military bases in neighbouring smaller states through debt trap diplomacy, cultural infiltration in states as far flung as USA and developing a starkly hegemonic global land route infrastructure for trade called the Belt and Road Initiative  BRI. The recent political manipulations by China in Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka glaringly reveal this.

But Bharat, through astute political and diplomatic counter plays has been successfully checkmating all the sinister moves by China. However, Bharat needs to do much more and with greater prudence and precision, using planning and proactive approach to beat China at its game. The Chinese are following the ideological principles of Sun Tzu which are full of guile, deceit and chicanery. But Barats ancient strategy Chanakya Niti is ideologically far superior and powerful, based as it is on the divine principles of eternal Dharma. And, it is heartening to note that the present political dispensation in Bharat is using Chanakya Niti to a good extent to counter the predatory actions of China.

Bharat has a much bigger and broader task to do in keeping with its ancient historical role as the spiritual torchbearer of the world. It has to first retrieve its territory occupied by China-eastern Ladakh or Aksai Chin and then go on to liberate Tibet. Its long term natural objective should be reintegration of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and even Pakistan and Afghanistan with it. The following action plan is suggested for achieving its geo political objectives in the Asia Pacific region.

1. Creation of strong national and international media channels for propagation of the facts about pristine cultural and geopolitical glory of Bharat and exposing the propaganda of the colonial and new colonial west about Bharats past. This and much more needs to be done to propagate the divine, universalistic Vedic culture of Bharat so that our peace and progress promoting ideology can enter the mental space of global citizens.

2. Countering China by following the axioms of Chanakya Niti and Artha Shastra-the ultimate tools of statecraft for progress, prosperity and political empowerment of nations. This means China will be dealt with in a planned, proactive, secretive and deceptive manner befitting it. The strategy will not just be paying it back in the same coin, but surprising and shocking it at every step and thoroughly outwitting it. As long as our approach is anchored to eternal principles of Dharma, we will always be victorious.

3. Bharat needs to spend much more on its defence than at present. Bharat with its current defence outlay of 75 million USD is far behind China with outlay of 222 billion USD. The outlay needs to be doubled by reducing the expenditure on socialistic schemes and doles. R&D in defence needs to be given a further boost by reviving the critical MSME sector, though some good work has been done in the past few years by involving private sector in defence and by encouraging startups. The MSME part of the economy has not received adequate attention of the present Government so far. Boosting of MSME sector will need more drastic import curbs and bureaucratic and structural reforms which will accelerate the growth of this sector and generate jobs in a big way.

4. Military strength and geopolitical clout are based on economic might. And we need to boost economic growth through educational reforms, agricultural reforms, judicial reforms and bureaucratic reforms. We hope Modi 3.0 envisions them and will complete the half or quarter steps taken in these areas in Modi 1.0 and Modi 2.0 terms.

5. The reintegration of Bharat to form the United Bharat of the distant past will need ironing out of ideological differences between the countries of the Indian subcontinent. This, it is reiterated, is the most important measure. Our Sanatan Vedic ideology has the potential to rationalise and harmonise all other schools of thought because only the former is humanistic and universalistic.

It can reunite the ideologically divided world like nothing else can. We need to make intensive efforts to disseminate our peace promoting philosophy in the current world with raging wars and other peace disrupting processes on. This is the singular most important step that the scholars, sages and politicians of Bharat need to take in the present times.

(The author is a management consultant; views are personal)
As election fervour sweeps across 64 countries, including India and the US, a familiar trend emerges: The surge in negative political advertising

It is election season in 64 countries, such as India, the US, the UK and the European Union. Political advertising is increasing worldwide. Political parties and candidates often use negative campaigns to make themselves appear better and their opponents weaker.

Parties have used negative campaigning since the 1828 US presidential race. Historians say the John Quincy Adams/Andrew Jackson contest was the nastiest. In 1964, Lyndon Johnson discredited his opponent, Barry Goldwater, using radio ads, including the Daisy ad.

Donald Trump aired an ad depicting his opponent, Hillary Clinton, collapsing in public during the 2016 US Presidential campaign. In the 2020 election, Presidential candidates Trump and Joe Biden engaged in negative campaigning. Trump criticised Bidens mental abilities, while Biden attacked Trumps handling of COVID-19 and his character. In 2024, too, the negative ads continue.

The Conservative Party portrayed Jeremy Corbyn as a significant security threat during the 2019 UK General Election. In the 2021 German Federal Election, the Social Democratic Party targeted Armin Laschet using images of him laughing while visiting a flood-affected region.

Since Prime Minister Modi emerged on the national scene in 2014, the use of technology and ad spending during the election campaign have enormously increased. Leaders are now trained to present themselves, communicate effectively, and make effective speeches. BSP chief Mayawati was told what to wear. Regional leaders have also employed foreign agencies. For instance, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was told to wear jeans and T-shirts to impress the voters. Late Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi lost the 1989 elections because of hostile campaign slogans like Galli Galli me shore hair, Rahul Gandhi chor hai. The Bofors scam brought him down.

Candidates adopting a hit first, hit hard, and keep hitting approach indulge in personal attacks and fear tactics. Even after ten years of rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not stopped blaming Congress for all the countrys problems.

The Election Commission limits candidates spending, but many political parties and candidates spend much more than the specified amount. They offer bribes such as phones, cash, and unrealistic promises to win voters support. One Tamil Nadu independent candidate even promised a trip to the moon and a robot for every homemaker, but he did not win.

Advertising for Indias 2024 elections may cost between Rs 2000 crore and Rs 13000 crore. There are predictions that political parties and candidates may spend over $14.4 billion (1.2 trillion rupees) on advertising, twice the amount spent during the 2019 elections.

Where do political candidates get their campaign funding? Typically, some wealthy candidates self-finance, while the party spends for others. Parties have no spending limits. However, black money has also entered the fray over time.

Indias Supreme Court has banned election bonds due to a lack of transparency. BJP received 57 per cent of the sold bonds, amounting to $1.1 billion, while Congress received only 10 per cent, valued at $188 million. While parties resort to any method to come to power, some campaigns succeed while others fail. The effectiveness of a negative campaign ad depends on its content, context, and the characteristics of the viewers. Prime Minister Vajpayees 2004 India Shining multi-crore campaign is a classic example of a failed campaign.

The Congresss 2019 Chowkidar chor hai campaign slogan failed, and Rahul Gandhis attack on Modi on Rafale scam also did not click. However, the Congress partys Aam Admi campaign succeeded in the same elections.

In 2014, Narendra Modi transformed into a strong nationalist leader by projecting himself as a national brand. He utilised modern technology for mass mobilisation, including 3D rallies, Chai Pe Charcha, interviews, and campaign visits. YouTube has successfully enabled political parties to advertise using 30-second TV ads and longer online videos. In short, he succeeded in attracting voters with his Congress-bashing.

The Aam Admi Party, a new political party, emerged as a strong contender during the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections. They used mohalla campaigns, social media, and a radio ad featuring AAP chief Kejriwal. Today, this party is in power in both Punjab and Delhi. All parties used negative tactics in the 2019 political campaign. The opposition criticised the BJPs Hindutva-inspired programmes. Still, the saffron Party came back to power with an increased number of seats. Modi is aspiring for a 400-plus tally in the 2024 polls. Last year, the BJP produced an AI-generated video of Modi campaigning. The Congress party mocked the footage, using his digital likeness to counter. The video, portraying a business tycoon attempting to steal resources, has gone viral with over 1.5 million views.

Despite the Election Commissions guidelines, the 2024 elections will likely feature more negative campaign tactics. Political parties and candidates should create positive advertisements instead of negative campaigns. This will help to protect democracy and prevent character assassination. One solution is to have the State fund polls, as many Electoral Commissions recommend. It is also essential to maintain decency and decorum in campaigns. This will help create a fair, respectful environment and a level playing field for all candidates.

(The writer is a popular columnist; views are personal)
The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal and tax notices issued to Opposition parties stir up both domestic and international disquiet

Political heat is also on the rise with the soaring temperature in Delhi after the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and tax notices to opposition parties. Political development in India has invited criticism from Germany, US and even United Nations, more particularly on the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who is facing corruption charges and many of his cabinet ministers are already in jail.

Perhaps western powers are still in the colonial hangover and carrying a false sense of superiority believing that they can meddle in the internal affairs of any country. Perhaps it is high time for them to smell the coffee and adjust to the realities of the twenty-first century. World is not ready to accept the sermons on democracy from those who have a track record of toppling the democratically elected Governments and siding with autocratic regimes to achieve their own means.

Political parties which are part of INDI alliance have received Income Tax (IT) notice and principal opposition party Congress is one of them. IT officials should show some maturity and issuing notices on merely technical grounds is not going to help the Indian democracy. If the position taken by the IT officials is applied across all assessments, then it would be difficult to find any political party which is fully compliant.

In terms of technical requirements as per the law, section 13A of the IT Act casts a requirement to maintain the detail of every donor (viz name and address) and Section 29C of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 requires the political party to file these details with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Contribution report filed by all major political parties with the ECI and available on its website shows that data quality issues persist across the details provided by all the parties. IT authorities need to look beyond what has been submitted in the return filed with ECI and they must be answering the question, if in-substance they are in possession of any information which can establish the donors credentials. Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 clearly provides that any donation more than Rs. Two thousand must be received via banking channels and if any political party is compliant with this requirement, then it is for the tax officials to explain what difficulty they are facing in corroborating the details when donations are coming via bank?

As per media reports, communist party of India (CPI) has received IT notice quoting its old income tax PAN in the filing and questions should be asked from tax officials on what was the bonafide intent in sending notice to the assessee? How this error has impacted the cause of transparency and why couldnt CPI be provided an opportunity to correct this kind of error by updating the PAN?

This country does not need a bureaucracy which goes on unleashed and those who are defending harassment over trivial issues should think from a long-term perspective. Bureaucrats are not answerable to the public but politicians should be conscious of the message which gets disseminated from the actions of babus. Treasurer and office bearers of Congress, CPI or any other political outfit can be criticised for not following appropriate procedures so far as it relates to filing the necessary details or pursuing the income tax notices, or filing an appeal with income tax appellate tribunal but as a democracy we must not give a free run to bureaucrats to manage the show in accordance with their whims and fancies.

Though peoples memory is very short, I would like to remind you of the retrospective amendment done in Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 1976 to bailout both BJP and Congress. In 2014, Delhi high court found both BJP & Congress guilty of receiving foreign contribution in violation of FCRA and therefore the law was amended first in 2016 and applied retrospectively since the inception of FCRA, 1976 via another amendment in 2018. This issue was also technical in nature and the current income tax issue is also technical in nature.

We are the largest democracy in the world and such instances which appear to be over enthusiasm of tax officials to please their bosses is not in a good taste. There are a lot of cases pending with the agencies and they should be told to focus on those rather than bringing new topics for discussion which create unnecessary noise and have no practical value. On a lighter note, now seasoned politicians would have understood how the common man of the country feels when it gets tax notices on frivolous grounds which gets quashed but only after following a prolonged appellate procedure.

(The writer is Chartered Accountant, Author and Public Policy Analyst; views are personal)
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday here conferred Bharat Ratna, the countrys highest civilian honour, on BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani at his residence. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and the family members of Advani attended the ceremony, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.

Modi sat next to Advani as the President honoured the veteran leader with Bharat Ratna.

Modi said on X that it was very special to witness the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on Advani and this honour is a recognition of his enduring contributions to the nations progress.

His dedication to public service and his pivotal role in shaping modern India have left an indelible mark on our history. I am proud to have got the opportunity to work with him very closely over the last several decades, the Prime Minister said.

Shah said Advani remained selflessly dedicated to national welfare and social uplift throughout his life. Expressing happiness over the BJP patriarch being conferred with Bharat Ratna, Shah also said Advanis life is full of sacrifice, tenacity and dedication and is an unlimited source of strength and inspiration to crores of people.

Today, being a witness to this historical moment, I am both happy and emotional. Advani being honoured with Bharat Ratna by President Droupadi Murmu is a proud moment for all of us, he said.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan described Advani as a doyen of Indian politics and said he has served the nation with unwavering dedication and distinction for over seven decades. As a parliamentarian, his emphasis on dialogue enriched parliamentary traditions, it said.

Whether as Home Minister or as Deputy Prime Minister, Advani always prioritised national interest above all, earning him respect and admiration from across party lines, it said in a series of posts on X.

His long and tireless struggle for Indias cultural regeneration culminated in the reconstruction of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024, it said.

Among the handful of post-Independence political leaders who succeeded in reshaping the national agenda and placing it on the path of development, Advanis accomplishments provide the best articulation of the genius of India and its inclusive traditions, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said and shared pictures of the ceremony on X.

Born in Karachi (now in Pakistan) in 1927, Advani migrated to India in 1947 during Partition. The 96-year-old BJP stalwart served as Deputy Prime Minister from June 2002 to May 2004 and as Union Home Minister from October 1999 to May 2004. He was BJP president multiple times -- from 1986 to 1990, 1993 to 1998, and 2004 to 2005.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan said with his vision of cultural nationalism, Advani toiled hard for decades, across the length and breadth of the country and brought about a transformation in the socio-political landscape.

When the Emergency put Indias democracy at risk, the indefatigable crusader in him helped guard it against authoritarian tendencies, it said in the post.

As the Information and Broadcasting Minister in the Janata Party Government (1977-79), Advani was instrumental in the restoration of democracy by dismantling the Emergencys antidemocratic legal edifice, reads the profile of the veteran leader shared by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. His contribution at the time was as intellectually inspiring, as politically impactful.

A high point in Advanis political life came when he spearheaded the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s and laid the foundation for the revival of cultural nationalism.

His struggle culminated in the reconstruction of the magnificent Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024, thus fulfilling the decades-old aspirations of countless Indians, it said.

During his tenure as Home Minister, Advani brought about the most comprehensive reforms in Indias national security system. He took a pro-active and uncompromising approach to counter cross-border terrorism and made sincere as well as consistent efforts to bring peace in Kashmir.

His emphasis on harmonious Centre-State relations resulted in the carving out of three new States -- Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.

Advanis eventful political life will be remembered for his determined and diligent pursuit of core enduring ideals such as the defence of democracy, cultural nationalism and clean politics, according to the profile of the veteran leader shared by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During his fight against Emergency (1975-77), Advani spent 19 months in Bangalores central jail. His book A Prisoners Scrap-Book (1977) is praised globally as one of the best works of prison literature, the profile stated, adding that Advani has always set exemplary standards in political ethics.

Regarded as a statesman who combines intellectualism, integrity and mass appeal, Advani has been an avid reader and a prolific writer. For his exceptional service in public life, Advani was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the countrys second-highest civilian award, in 2015.

This year, the Government announced five Bharat Ratna awards -- one to Advani and four posthumously to former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan and two-time former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur. Rao, Singh, Swaminathan and Thakurs kin received the award from the president on Saturday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The BJP on Sunday slammed the Opposition INDIA Blocs rally at Ramlila Maidan, saying it is not a save democracy meeting as projected but a save family and hide corruption rally.

The BJP also hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his match-fixing accusation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Congress Government in the past handed over Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka clinching a deal with the neighbouring country to benefit the partys first family.

These parties have been engulfed in total corruption. They are controlled by family fiefdom and their basic modus operandi of the politics is to create a communal, regional, linguistic divide and caste divide. They try to snatch the power and then fill up their coffers for the interest of their family. Now they are trying to raise this bogey of Loktantra Bachao (save democracy). It is parivar bachao aur bhrashtachar chhupao (save family, hide corruption), BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said.

Trivedi cited corruption cases of a host of leaders, including those from the Congress, DMK and the RJD, to assert that all these charges date back to the pre-2014 period amid the Oppositions accusation that the Modi Government is implicating them in graft probes due to its political vendetta.

Ramlila ground once hosted the India against corruption movement under the leadership of Anna Hazare, Trivedi said, adding that it is hosting on Sunday a rally for everybody with corruption.

Taking a veiled jibe at the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, Trivedi said the INDIA Bloc was trying to save the family and cover up corruption.

And these birds of the same feather have flocked together to protect their family fiefdom and corruption, he added. Trivedi claimed all the INDIA Bloc parties were against the Ram Temple.

Today it can be said that in order to hide their old crimes, all these parties which were against the Ram Temple, who made resolutions like mass destruction of Hindu religion, made many objectionable comments on the Gods and Goddesses of Hindu religion, are using Ramlila Maidan (in Delhi) to hide their old crimes of corruption, he said.

People who trashed many leaders as thieves and crooks have joined hands with them, and it is a strange and startling sight, he said, in an apparent reference to the coming together of the Aam Aadmi Party with other Opposition parties.

Their leader is now Lalu Prasad, a convict in several corruption cases, he added.

They are all here to hide their old sins and it must be noted that they had been against the construction of the Ram Temple and some of them called for eradication of Hinduism, he alleged.

Addressing a Press conference here, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also slammed the Congress over Rahuls claim that the entire country will be on fire if the saffron party returns to power and the Constitution is changed, saying that divisive politics is in the DNA of the main opposition.

The Congress did not hesitate to even allow the countrys partition on the lines of religion in 1947 leaving a portion of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistans occupation, he charged.

Reacting sharply to Rahuls remarks, Poonawalla said, Some people are talking about match fixing. In 1974, the Indira Gandhi Government, compromising the countrys national interest and interest of the people of Tamil Nadu, handed over Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka to benefit the Congress first family...Rahul, your family had done a deal-fixing.

The BJP spokesperson also accused the Congress of letting Aksai Chin into the illegal occupation of China and a portion of Jammu and Kashmir into the illegal occupation of Pakistan.

Poonawalla also blamed the Congress for the partition of India in 1947. Today scion of the Congress first family, joined by his partys ally (DMK) in South, talks about dividing the country on the lines of caste and language in their bid to create North-South divide following the divide and rule policy of the British, he charged.

Betrayal against the country, compromise with national interest, divisive policies has been the part of the Congress DNA. It has always kept its first familys interest and its ambitions above the national interest. Putting a dot on India, they talk about saving democracy today but they have come together to save their family and corruption, the BJP leader alleged.
As India gears up for its upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the worlds largest democratic exercise starting from April 19 to June 1, a significant challenge looms large for voters and political parties: The onslaught of scorching summer heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued warning about the expected severity of high temperatures during the crucial April to June period, particularly impacting central and western regions of the country.

In the April-June period various parts of the country could record 10 to 20 heat-wave days compared to the normal four to eight days, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the IMD, told a virtual news conference here on Monday.

With nearly 97 crore eligible voters, concerns arise not only for voter turnout but also for the well-being of vulnerable voters like those with disabilities and elderly populations amidst the sweltering heat.

As election campaigning has already begun, many political parties are also chalking out strategies on how to bring the voters to the electoral booth to cast their votes in case heat becomes unbearable as predicted by the IMD.

People with disabilities (PwD), elders and those with serious ailments but keen to exercise their right to vote at the polling booth will likely to face tough times during the scorching heat in most of the States where high heatwaves is predicted, said a campaign strategist from a political party.

As per the EC there are around 88.35 lakh voters under the PwD category.

Voters will be exposed to the heatwaves and will need to take precautions according to the various advisories already issued, said Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Earth Sciences.

During the election in India, people will come out for election rallies, meetings.....There will be heavy activity all across the country, Rijiju, however, expressed confidence.

As per the IMD head, above-normal maximum temperatures are anticipated across most of India during this period, with central and western peninsular regions likely to face the most severe impacts.

Various studies have already flagged concern that heatwaves are likely to breach all previous records this summer during the electoral process.

The EC has already issued a heatwave advisory in a proactive measure to safeguard voters and polling personnel during the forthcoming summer season.

It has directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all States and Union Territories to implement necessary measures to mitigate heat wave impact. The commission, in its advisory, has reportedly underscored the importance of adhering to the guidelines provided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

These guidelines include refraining from outdoor activities, especially between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm, to minimise exposure to the scorching sun while individuals are urged to stay hydrated by consuming ample water and to avoid consuming stale food to prevent dehydration and related health issues.

In a bid to ensure the well-being of voters and polling staff, the commission has instructed CEOs to guarantee basic facilities such as access to drinking water and adequate shade at all polling stations, the move deemed essential to safeguard against the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly during the electoral process.

The IMD has warned that regions such as Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to be significantly affected by heatwaves.

In April specifically, above-normal maximum temperatures are predicted for most parts of the country, particularly central and south India.

However, some relief is expected in parts of the western Himalayas, northeastern States, and north Odisha, where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are forecasted.

The IMD anticipates two to eight days of heatwave conditions in central India, northern plains, and southern India during April, compared to the normal range of one to three days.

However, Mohapatra said, there is no heatwave warning for wheat producing States, except Madhya Pradesh.

Temperatures are around 37-40 degrees Celsius in Madhya Pradesh at present and are likely to go up to 42 degrees next week. Since 90 per cent of the wheat harvesting in the State is over, there will be no effect, he said.

Even if temperatures go above 35 degrees, there will be no impact in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, he added.
Members of Thanh Long Tu temple community participate in a service on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Master Van Phap, a monk at Thanh Long Tu temple, makes his way to the main hall on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members of the Thanh Long Tu community attend service on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Security cameras are mounted in the main hall of Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A detail of Lady Buddha statue at Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Master Van Phap, a monk at Thanh Long Tu temple, leads a service on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members of Thanh Long Tu temple community participate in a service on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members of the Thanh Long Tu community prepare for service on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A security camera is mounted in the main hall of Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A woman burns incense and prays in front of Lady Buddha at Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Cuong Le leads a Kung Fu class to children at the Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Children participate in a Kung Fu class at Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Incense burns outside of the main hall at Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A new donation box at Thanh Long Tu temple, replacing one that was stolen last year, photographed on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Master Van Phap leads a class before service at Thanh Long Tu temple on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Houston. Because of recent intrusions and having a donations box stolen after last Lunar New Year celebration, police advised the temple get cameras, extra lighting and other preventive measures. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

At the gated entrance to the Thanh Long Tu temple in south Houston, Officer David Silva surveyed the property, looking for ways to safeguard it from potential burglaries.

Former temple director Eric Le needed the advice after a string of break-ins at temples around Houston in January and February left some Buddhist community members fearing for their safety. The officer told him to invest in new cameras, extra lights and longer screws for door frames. Silva also advised against taking donations to the bank on a schedule so criminals wouldnt latch on to a pattern.

I dont want you to think like this often, but youve kind of got to think like a thief, Silva explained, walking along the gravel pathway outside of a brown and white insulated foam cave that opens to the main worship hall.

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Besides security advice, Silva and Officer Son Pham came to the temple March 22 to build a relationship with leadership in light of other robberies, burglaries and attacks on temples. The Houston Police Department is hoping that visits will make temple goers feel safer calling and reporting any instance of suspicious behavior.



In February, four men came to the temple and knocked on the door of the trailer home next to the gate, scaring the 84-year-old nun who lived inside. The men eventually left after 10 minutes.



Houston Police say they are tracking four burglaries, one attempted burglary and one robbery that happened around the Lunar New Year, prompting a community meeting of Buddhists across Houston in March.

Two temples in southwest Houston, the Cam Lo Community Center and the Tu Vien Huong Nghiem Temple, were broken into in January on the same day, and the former was also burglarized in the fall. Two months earlier, someone threw a Molotov cocktail into a Buddhist temple in New Caney.

In the fall of 2023, donation boxes in the main worship hall were broken into, and thieves left incense holders and other religious objects knocked on the ground at the Thanh Long Tu temple. Leadership did not call the police until the next year when they noticed news reports of other burglarized temples and realized that there might be a pattern.

The temple has started locking gates during weekdays to make it harder for intruders to access, and the nun who had been living in a trailer home on the property since the 1990s left in February.

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I told her to go home because its kind of dangerous for her right now, Eric Le told Silva. They ruined our peaceful place.

A string of break-ins

Houston Police say the crimes may be tied to the Lunar New Year, when criminals would suspect temples of having the most cash. Authorities also say they suspect a crew of men in a minivan are targeting temples locally and nationally.

Houston Police Commander Nathan Nguyen said the group might be trying to lay low given recent attention but may come back to Houston later.

Thuy Le, a lawyer working for the Thanh Long Tu temple, and her assistant have called more than a dozen different temples in and around the city, asking for details about potential break-ins in light of the crimes. Her office prompted the meeting, finding that at least 12 temples that have had somebody burglarize or terrorize or create some sort of mischief, she said at the March community meeting.

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She ties the number difference to translation or trust issues between police and immigrant communities.

I think a lot of that is a hesitancy to call the police when, number one, they cant fully explain what the situation is like (in their own language) and number two, when they dont feel like theres been that relationship built, she said.

Houston Police are in the process of contacting local temples to learn more about the cases. Officers like Silva and Pham have visited a dozen temples and plan to visit more.

We at HPD have a language line, and any ethnicity that calls into HPD, if they tell us what language we can serve them at, we find ways in which we can meet their needs and serve them in their specific language, said Luke Tram with the Houston Police Department.

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Rep. Gene Wu, who helped hold the March meeting to connect community members to law enforcement, thought the conversation was a good first step toward building trust.

His office is also working to support temples as they apply for grants that could be used to pay for new security.
The Katchatheevu islet issue between India and Sri Lanka has reached a flash point by Monday. As the DMK and the Congress lambasted the Narendra Modi Government for doing nothing to retrieve the islet from Sri Lanka which was seceded to the island nation in 1975 by the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jayashankar told a media briefing that the then DMK Government led by M Karunanidhi was briefed about the transfer deal by the Government of India during all stages of the transfer.

The issue of Katchatheevu has come haunting Tamil Nadu politics as the DMK has mentioned in its Lok Sabha election manifesto that the Central Government should retrieve the islet from Sri Lanka. The manifesto also blamed the Modi Government for its failure to retrieve the islet despite it ruling the country since 2014.

But the events of the last few days show that the DMK and its president M K Stalin has bitten more than they could chew. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his campaign speeches at Meerut and Rajasthan has given a vivid account of what transpired in the Katchatheevu issue.

But the DMK and the Congress got a jolt as the speech made by the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 2016 went viral by Monday.

Intervening in the Katchatheevu issue which was broached by the DMK in the House, Jayalalithaa thundered in the Assembly that the DMK has no moral right to utter the word Katchatheevu.

The transfer of the Katchatheevu took place in 1975 and it happened as per the diktat of the Congress Party and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Though Karunanidhi was aware of the happenings, he did not do anything to oppose the transfer. He just kept quiet because he was afraid of Delhi. It was me who approached the Supreme Court in 2008 challenging the legality and validity of the transfer of Katchatheevu, declared Jayalalithaa as the entire Opposition benches sat flabbergasted.

She went one step further and said Karunanidhi who was the Chief Minister in 2008 was reluctant to file the counter-affidavit in the Supreme Court in response to the notice issued by the apex court with regard to her notice. I was told by officials that Karunanidhi asked them to wait till the Centre filed an affidavit and then files an affidavit kowtowing the Centres line. Karunanidhi or DMK were not interested in retrieving the islet from Sri Lanka, said Jayalalithaa.

When a DMK member rose with a point of order, Amma, warned him that if the DMK spoke too much about Katchatheevu, she would be forced to make some more disclosures.

G C Shekhar, veteran journalist and chronicler of Tamil Nadu politics, told The Pioneer that the transfer of Katchatheevu was done surreptitiously by the Centre. The only option available now is to make Sri Lanka allow the Tamil Nadu fishermen to dry their nets in Katchatheevu. The Modi Governments decision to transfer the Bangladeshi enclaves in the eastern border is a good precedent in this regard. The 121 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 71 Bangladeshi enclaves in India were transferred in 2016 by observing all norms and statutes. But the same cannot be said about the Katchatheevu deal of 1975, said Shekhar.
Underlining the robust ties between the two countries, US Ambassador to New Delhi Eric Garcetti has said President Joe Biden told him to bring down the visa times, claiming it was the first time an Ambassador was given such an instruction in any country.

Garcetti emphasised that part of the green card backlog issue is a legislative matter that Congress needs to address. He noted that adjudicating more visas has reduced the waiting time by 75 per cent.

Garcetti said, This is a legislative issue Congress needs to tackle, whether its the number of legal immigrants, green cards, or citizenships. Like any country, there are limits. This can be frustrating for Indians, as there are many who wish to come to America. Last year, India had the highest number of student visas, double the second-largest.

In an interaction with ANI, he said, Weve increased visa adjudications by 60 per cent in India in just one year, maintaining the same staff, and reduced wait times by 75 per cent. The Congress needs to address this further.

Asked about the 250-day waiting period despite the 75 per cent reduction, Garcetti responded, The 250 days is still too long. The President told me to reduce visa wait times in India. I believe its the first time a President has ever said that to an ambassador in any country. However, the typical wait time is actually under 200 days. Its challenging with our current resources.

Garcetti praised Indias system, stating, ...India is doing quite well in our system. Our system is looking at how it can continue to improve and possibly increase the numbers. This will require bipartisan cooperation.

The US Embassy in India announced that for the third consecutive year, a record number of Indian students travelled to the US for higher education. According to the Open Doors Report (ODR), there was a 35 per cent increase in the number of Indian international students in the US, reaching an all-time high of 268,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year.

Garcetti also disclosed ongoing discussions about opening two new consulates in India, one in Bangalore and the other in Ahmedabad. He said, Were considering opening two new consulates soon, one in Bangalore and another in Ahmedabad. Were working with the Ministry of External Affairs to increase our presence in India.

For instance, we recently opened a consulate in Hyderabad, which is one of the worlds most modern and beautiful consulates. However, it was only one-third staffed due to insufficient approvals from the Indian government. Last year, an agreement was reached during the state visit to hire more staff. So, youll see several dozen new hires this year. Pioneer New Service n

New Delhi

Underlining the robust ties between the two countries, US Ambassador to New Delhi Eric Garcetti has said President Joe Biden told him to bring down the visa times, claiming it was the first time an Ambassador was given such an instruction in any country.

Garcetti emphasised that part of the green card backlog issue is a legislative matter that Congress needs to address. He noted that adjudicating more visas has reduced the waiting time by 75 per cent.

Garcetti said, This is a legislative issue Congress needs to tackle, whether its the number of legal immigrants, green cards, or citizenships. Like any country, there are limits. This can be frustrating for Indians, as there are many who wish to come to America. Last year, India had the highest number of student visas, double the second-largest.

In an interaction with ANI, he said, Weve increased visa adjudications by 60 per cent in India in just one year, maintaining the same staff, and reduced wait times by 75 per cent. The Congress needs to address this further.

Asked about the 250-day waiting period despite the 75 per cent reduction, Garcetti responded, The 250 days is still too long. The President told me to reduce visa wait times in India. I believe its the first time a President has ever said that to an ambassador in any country. However, the typical wait time is actually under 200 days. Its challenging with our current resources.

Garcetti praised Indias system, stating, ...India is doing quite well in our system. Our system is looking at how it can continue to improve and possibly increase the numbers. This will require bipartisan cooperation.

The US Embassy in India announced that for the third consecutive year, a record number of Indian students travelled to the US for higher education. According to the Open Doors Report (ODR), there was a 35 per cent increase in the number of Indian international students in the US, reaching an all-time high of 268,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year.

Garcetti also disclosed ongoing discussions about opening two new consulates in India, one in Bangalore and the other in Ahmedabad. He said, Were considering opening two new consulates soon, one in Bangalore and another in Ahmedabad. Were working with the Ministry of External Affairs to increase our presence in India.

For instance, we recently opened a consulate in Hyderabad, which is one of the worlds most modern and beautiful consulates. However, it was only one-third staffed due to insufficient approvals from the Indian government. Last year, an agreement was reached during the state visit to hire more staff. So, youll see several dozen new hires this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday kicked off his poll campaign for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls from Meerut by stating that corruption will not be tolerated and said his Government took steps in the last 10 years to ensure that the money meant for the poor is not usurped by the corrupt.

He made these assertions during his electoral speech for forthcoming general elections from Meerut where BJP candidate and Ramayan fame Arun Govil is fielded by the party. Taking a swipe at the Opposition and arrested leaders, the Prime Minister said some people are rattled because his Government is taking action against corruption. Modi asserted that he will not stop his fight against corruption despite their attacks on him and those who looted the country will face action irrespective of their status.

When Modi is fighting the battle against corruption with full strength, these people have formed the INDIA alliance. They think they will intimidate Modi, but for me, my Bharat is my family and I am taking steps to protect it from the corrupt, Modi said here in his first rally in Uttar Pradesh after the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

Modis counter-offensive came as the stalwarts of the INDIA Bloc parties held a Loktantra Bachao (Save Democracy) rally at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi in support of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and JMM leader Hemant Soren, arrested on graft charges. Opposition leaders accused the Prime Minister of running a dictatorship.

The Prime Minister said Modis mantra is bhrashtachar hatao (remove corruption) and they say bhrashtachari bachao (save the corrupt).

I am fighting a big battle to save my country from the corrupts. That is why they are behind bars today and not even getting bail from the Supreme Court, Modi said.

This election is a fight between two camps. On one side you have the NDA committed to eradicating corruption, on the other side is the INDIA alliance focused on protecting corrupt leaders. You have to decide whether corruption should be removed or not, he said.

Corrupt people should listen... No matter how many attacks you make on Modi, this is Modi, he is not going to stop. No matter how big the corrupt person is, action will definitely be taken. The one who has looted the country will have to give it back. This is Modis guarantee, he said.

The INDIA Bloc has alleged that the Modi Government is misusing agencies to target its leaders to cripple the Opposition before the Lok Sabha polls.

The 2024 Lok Sabha election is not just for making a government but to make a Viksit Bharat, Modi said, adding his Government is preparing the roadmap for the next five years.

Former Prime Minister Charan Singhs grandson and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, who recently joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, shared the dais with the Prime Minister at the rally.

This land of Meerut is the land of revolution and revolutionaries. It is blessed by Baba Aughad Dham. This land has given great sons like Chaudhary Charan Singh to the country. Our Government has the privilege of awarding him Bharat Ratna. I respectfully pay tributes to Chaudhary Saheb, the Prime Minister said.

Modi recalled that he started his election campaign in 2014 and 2019 from Meerut. Now the first rally of the 2024 elections is being held in Meerut itself, he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini and veteran actor Arun Govil of TV serial Ramayan fame, who is the BJP candidate in Meerut, were present on dais along with leaders of NDA constituents Apna Dal (S), Nirbal Shoshit Indian Hamara Aam Dal (Nishad) and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) as well as BJP and RLD candidates from Baghpat, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor.

Modi greeted everyone with Ram-Ram at the start of his speech. Referring to the removal of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Modi said many tasks that were considered impossible have been done by his Government in the last 10 years.

Reservation for women in Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies was considered impossible. But, Nari Shakti Vandan Yojna has become a reality today.

Modi said the mandate of 2024 will make India the leader of the world and create the third largest economic superpower.

The election of 2024 is to make India a developed nation. The mandate of 2024 will make India the third largest economic superpower in the world.

I want to remind you that when India was the 11th largest economy in the world, there was poverty all around in India

When India reached number five, 25 crore countrymen were successful in coming out of poverty and I guarantee you that when India reaches number three in the world, not only will poverty go away but at the same time a powerful empowered middle class will be created that will provide new energy to the nation, he said.

He said his Government has already started preparations for the third term.

We are making a roadmap for the coming five years. Work is going on rapidly on what major decisions we have to take in the first 100 days. In the last 10 years, you have seen only a trailer of development, now we have to take the country much further, he said.

The Prime Minister said he has lived in poverty and that is why Modi understands very well the sorrow of every poor, the pain of every poor, the suffering of every poor.

So I made schemes to address every concern of the poor. We have not only empowered the poor, but we have also given them back their self-respect, Modi said.
AAP workers and supporters attended the INDIA Bloc rally in large numbers at the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, many of them wearing yellow-coloured T-shirts with "Mai bhi Kejriwal, "Modi ka sabse bada dar Kejriwal" printed on them and carrying AAP flags to express solidarity with their leader Arvind Kejriwal.

They were also wearing mask with Main Bhi Kejriwal. Many party workers from Punjab and Delhi reached the Ramlila Ground with conch shells (shankha') and dhols.

"Arvind Kejriwal who always talks about education, providing free electricity, free bus services for women has been sent behind the bars, said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP worker Kewal Singh, a resident of Taran Taran village. He was dressed up as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the rally.

"The rally is being organised to end dictatorship and save democracy," said Kulwinder Singh, an AAP worker from Delhi.

There were 20,000-30,000 people at the INDIA Blocs Loktantra Bachao rally at the Ramlila Maidan who came to express solidarity with arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.

Supporters of various Opposition parties including AAP, Congress, Communist Party of India (M), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chanted slogans like Abki bar BJP tadipaar, Modi teri tanashahi nahi chalegi and Kejriwal zindabad passionately in unison, charging up the entire atmosphere at the rally.

"In our culture we blow the shankha' to keep negative energy away. We are blowing shankha' to keep negative people away from Arvind Kejriwal. He is someone who not only promised better things for the poor, but did it on the ground as well," said Kumar Kishor, terming the Delhi chief minister's arrest as illegal.

"For the first time in India's history, a sitting chief minister has been arrested and that too just before the national (Lok Sabha) election," Delhi Finance Minister Atishi said. Other AAP workers were seen distributing flags and T-shirts to supporters.

Several supporters carried posters showing Kejriwal behind bars, which were captioned "Modi ka sabse bada dar Kejriwal (Kejriwal is Modi's biggest fear)".

Flags of other parties including that of the Congress, AAP, CPI (M), RJD, NSUI were seen at the maidan.

The event saw a brief mismanagement when scores of workers jumped from their designated area and came close to the press gallery, which was near the stage. Although the opposition leaders stood united on the dais, a visible rift between the supporters of different parties, primarily the AAP and Congress were visible.

While the leaders were delivering their speeches, Congress supporters were seen abruptly hurling slogans like Rahul Gandhi zindabad and Congress Zindabad.

Ahead of the 'Loktantra Bachao' (Save Democracy) rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, the poster of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was removed from the podium. The poster had an image of Kejriwal shown behind bars. The rationale behind the removal of Kejriwal's poster remained undisclosed, leaving observers to speculate on the reasons behind this action. However, what became apparent was the conspicuous early arrival of Congress's top leadership at the venue, preceding their alliance partners. The Congress earlier said that it was not a one-person centric rally. The removal of Kejriwal's poster and the early arrival of Congress leaders hint at the intricate dynamics within the Opposition coalition, underscoring the broader context of political maneuvering in the run-up to the elections.

Despite heavy security arrangements at the venue in anticipation of the number of supporters of the maharally by the Delhi police, stampede-like situations were visible at many entrance gates of the venue.

AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged that the Delhi police had stopped supporters outside the venue and urged the forces to let them in.
In the fraud case of Rs 19.48 crore in Rajiv Gandhi Technological University (RGPV) Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has complained to the university management against the then registrar in-charge of the university, Dr. Suresh Singh Kushwaha. In which he has alleged that the Registrar passed the bill for the furniture which never reached the university.

Not only this, irregularities were also committed in the purchase of the laptop. But, another committee was formed in the university. In which an attempt has been made to save them.

Whereas the matter had been investigated at the government level. In which he was found guilty. The Ministry of Technical Education, Skill Development and Employment had also written a letter to the university saying that the Registrar in-charge Suresh Kushwaha was involved in corruption.

The investigation conducted at the government level also revealed that bills for purchasing laptops were raised in which there were many irregularities. Mention has been made of increasing the honorarium of temporary professors, which has not gone into their accounts.

At the same time, without following any rule and procedure, many people of the college were put on deputation. The university has also caused revenue loss by paying more salary to the employees who came on deputation than what they received from their parent institute.

In the matter, ABVP said that the Additional Secretary of the Technical Education Department had written a letter on March 5, 2022, on the basis of the investigation report against the then Vice Chancellor of the University, Sunil Kumar Kushwaha. In which disciplinary action was directed against him. Despite this, he was released after re-examination. No action has been taken on this yet.

According to Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the then Vice Chancellor did not accept the report of the inquiry committee constituted at the government level, and a committee was constituted on 16 March 2022 to examine the said report at the university level. In which two professors working in the university were appointed. It was amazing.

The committee, in its sham action, whitewashed the complaints received in the investigation report and gave a clean chit to the then in-charge Registrar on July 5, 2022. After which the then Vice Chancellor tried to absolve Dr. Kushwaha through a letter dated 2 September 2022 to the Principal Secretary of the Technical Education Department. After which no action was taken against them.
Amidst the on going damage control exercise by BJP after on going protest against nomination of Baghmara MLA Dhullu Mahto as contestant for Dhanbad Lok Sabha seat, his name now has been connected with absconding gangster of Dhanbad Prince Khan.

The connection came to fore day after Jamshedpur East MLA Saryu Rai came in support of social worker and BJP activist Krishna agarwal who has opposed candidature of Mahto on different grounds .

Rai on Friday evening had held a press conference in Dhanbad in support of Agarwal.

Gangster Prince Khans name had appeared during the press conferance too as Agarwal has held dharna earlier against gangster and then too Rai had supported him.

On Saturday late evening the gangster made an audio clip viral on social media in which he theratned to eleminate both Rai and Singh for opposing Mahto .

On basis on the viral audio clip Krishna Agarwal filed an FIR against Dhallu Mahto as well as Prince Khan with Barwaadda police station claming that Khan gave threatning to him on inatance of Dhullu Mahto. Agarwal has also sought police protection for self after the threatining from gangster.

Even the Baghmara MLA had threatned Krishna as he had opposed his candidature.

Police have filed case against both on basis of the complaint.

Its worth mentioning that dozens of cases of grevious nature are pending against both Khan and Mahto in different police stations of Dhanbad.
In view of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, in order to keep a special watch on the liquor manufacturing factory and bottling unit located in Dhar district, Collector and District Election Officer Dhar Priyank Mishra and Superintendent of Police Dhar Manoj Kumar Singh are monitoring these units.

Special Armed Forces have been deployed w.e.f. March 29, 2024. While taking to The Pioneer Assistant Excise Commissioner Dhar Vikram Deep Sangar told that the liquor manufacturing factory M/s Great Gallion Ventures Limited located at Sejwaya in Dhar district, liquor bottling unit J.K. Enterprises and Oasis Distillery Limited located at Borali, 247 special armed forces have been deployed.

They will be continuously present at these units and will ensure daily checking of every vehicle loaded with liquor coming in and going out of the units. ACE Vikram Deep Sangar also said that by conducting surprise visits around the unit premises by Special Armed Forces , it will be ensured that illegal liquor is not released in any way and election related security is maintained. Instructions have also been given to the armed forces to enter the detailed details of vehicles coming in and going out of the units in a register. Instructions have also been given to the excise officers posted in the units to provide necessary support to these armed forces to carry out the above work and also to keep special vigil on the daily production, supply and closing stock in the units.
Daily yoga practice classes have started in the AYUSH department of AIIMS Bhopal in which the number of people is continuously increasing day by day. Yoga has become one of the most essential activities for our lives.

Today the whole world is looking towards India, because Ayurveda and Yoga have been discussed in India since ancient times to keep the body long and healthy. Today every person is troubled by some problem or the other, whether he is a child, an elderly or a youth. But in India, diseases are completely cured through AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy).

Ever since yoga was started in the AYUSH department, the number of people doing yoga has increased 6 times. According to Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, everyone should practice yoga every day in their life, it gives us overall health. The craze of yoga has been increasing among people for many times. There is a continuous increase in the number of people.

Senior Medical Officer of AYUSH Department, Dr. Danish Javed says that in the coming times, we will continuously promote it, so that all people can get its full benefits. Chanchal Suryavanshi, yoga instructor of the AYUSH department, says, "We make people practice yoga every day in two sessions from 7 to 8am in the morning and from 11 to 12am in the afternoon, in which apart from healthy people, there are patients suffering from all kinds of diseases and many children, elderly and young people are also coming, whose number is continuously increasing. People are doing it with great enthusiasm and being happy with this, they are also providing its benefits to the people around them. They hope that they will soon extend its benefits to all the needy people.

Anuradha Varshney, who comes to AIIMS in yoga session, says, "I have been doing yoga for three days, I am feeling very good and light". Another patient Yaman Gupta said, "I have the problem of cervical spondylitis, I have been practicing yoga for 1 week. Right now I am very relaxed. We all should practice this". Yoga practitioner Mohan Kishore Parmar says, "By doing yoga, I get health benefits and also feel energetic throughout the day." Sandhya Parmar, another yoga practitioner, said, "Ever since I started yoga, I feel fresh and energetic and do not feel tired even after working all day long".
In a move reminiscent of high-stakes political maneuvering, the Congress party on Sunday hinted at the possibility of joining forces with the ruling party Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab ahead of the looming Lok Sabha elections, slated for June 1 in the border state.

The drama unfolded during the INDIA blocs electrifying rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, where Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge strategically directed his remarks towards Punjab Chief Minister and the AAP leader Bhagwant Mann. With a twinkle in his eye and a hint of intrigue in his tone, Kharge asserted, We will move together. I expect the Punjab Chief Minister that we will achieve something only when we will fight together.

The cryptic statement, laden with political undertones, sparked frenzied speculation among political circles. Is Punjab witnessing the birth of an unlikely alliance between the main rivals? With Punjabs political landscape heating up ahead of the elections, Kharges words have set tongues wagging and imaginations running wild.

Notably, the two parties have a seat-sharing pact in some states, including Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, but they failed to reach consensus in Punjab. Seizing the opportunity to urge AAP, and specifically Mann, to join forces in Punjab for the looming parliamentary elections, Kharge said: Mil ke chalengeIsiliye main Punjab ke hamare Chief Minister se main apeksha karta hoon jab ek honge hum ladenge tabhi hum kuch haasil karenge. Nahi to ek dusre ko kuchalte rahengeaap kabhi aage nahi ayenge. Pehle ek hone ka seekho, ek duursre ko todne ka mat socho. Yeh hamara usool hona chahiye. (Will move together. I expect Punjab Chief Minister that we will achieve something only when we will fight together. Otherwise, we will not move forward if we will keep suppressing each other. First, learn to come together and not to break others. This should be our principle).

The convergence of Congress' foremost figures, including Sonia Gandhi, Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and KC Venugopal, on a single platform to rally behind AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal carried considerable weight.

Insiders within the Congress camp interpret Kharges remarks as a subtle olive branch extended towards the AAP, signaling a willingness to explore synergies for a shared cause. This strategic shift comes as the Congress recalibrates its electoral strategy in response to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent candidate announcements for Punjab, which included selections from the opposition ranks.

The BJP's tactical move appears to have set off a chain reaction, prompting the Congress to reconsider its stance on collaboration. The emergence of common adversaries has seemingly compelled the Congress to entertain the notion of a united front with the AAP, despite their ideological disparities and the animosities.

As the political pot simmers with intrigue and speculation, Punjab emerged as the battleground where rivalries may be set aside in pursuit of a greater political prize. The prospect of a Congress-AAP alliance, while rife with challenges and uncertainties, holds the promise of reshaping Punjab's electoral landscape and challenging the status quo.

Notably, AAP has already announced its candidates for eight seats, fielding five Ministers. In a major setback, AAPs lone sitting MP in Lok Sabha and party candidate from Jalandhar Sushil Kumar Rinku joined BJP and will now seek re-election on BJP ticket. Along with him, AAPs MLA Sheetal Angural also joined the BJP. Now for the remaining six seats, the party is struggling to find the suitable names. Even as Congress is yet to declare its candidates, it has zeroed in on several names.

On the other hand, BJP had on Saturday named six, out of total 13, candidates fielding three turncoats  Preneet Kaur from Patiala, Rinku from Jalandhar, Ravneet Singh Bittu from Ludhiana; one partyhopper Hans Raj Hans from Faridkot; a former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu from Amritsar; and its former MLA Dinesh Singh Babbu from Gurdaspur.

Rivals Take Aim at AAP-Cong for Sharing Stage

Punjabs political landscape is ablaze with controversy as AAP and Congress face mounting criticism for sharing a common platform, with rival parties unleashing a barrage of criticism. Terming it a historic day marked by revelations and realignments, leaders in Punjab from BJP and SAD on Sunday lambasted the Congress and AAP, accusing them of betrayal, opportunism, and moral bankruptcy.

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar pulled no punches as he castigated the Congress leadership for sharing the stage with AAPs Bhagwant Mann in support of arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Jakhar labeled the development as Congress damning acceptance of insults to its leaders and workers who have faced vendetta from the AAP government.

He expressed pity for Punjab Congress leaders who, according to him, endured jail terms at the hands of the vindictive Punjab Chief Minister. Maybe their leaders don't think, or nobody guides them or they don't really care, Jakhar remarked, questioning the Congress leaderships judgment in aligning with a party that has allegedly targeted and humiliated its own members.

SAD general secretary and spokesperson Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad echoed Jakhar's sentiments, denouncing Punjab Chief Minister Mann's collaboration with the Congress as a betrayal of the Sikh community. Mohammad highlighted the Congress party's role in the 1984 Sikh massacre, accusing it of grievous injustices against Sikhs. He cautioned against political maneuvers that compromise the interests and sentiments of Punjab's populace, signaling an impending challenge to AAP's alliance with the Congress.

Former Union Minister and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal escalated the rhetoric, branding the Congress and AAP as two sides of the same coin. She criticized the BJP for allegedly adopting Congressmen into its ranks and pursuing power at any cost. BJP is morphing into the new Congress in Punjab by importing Congressmen into its ranks and compromising on principles to attain power, she said.

She asserted the SADs commitment to principles, vowing to stand with farmers and the poor without succumbing to opportunism.
Chd DEO, SSP inspect critical polling stations in Dhanas

Chandigarh: Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Vinay Pratap Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur on Sunday inspected the critical polling stations in Dhanas village and the area of small flats. They reviewed the poll preparedness and checked the facilities at polling stations as per instructions of Election Commission of India. DC said that few polling stations have been identified as critical and vulnerable in UT Chandigarh and senior officers will keep watch on such polling stations.

DC informed that live webcasting will be done from all 614 polling stations on the date of poll and micro-observers will also be deployed at selected polling stations to keep watch on suspicious activity in polling stations. Preventive action under CrPC is being carried out by Chandigarh Police against identified criminals and miscreants on mission mode to ensure free and fair elections, he added. He urged the voters of Chandigarh to come out and vote on June 1 at their polling stations.

For any information regarding vote and polling station, Chandigarh residents can call on toll free number  1950. On the occasion, special emphasis was laid by the DC on proper arrangements at polling stations on the day of polling and to ensure that the entire polling process is carried out in an orderly manner. SSP also emphasized on proper security at the critical polling stations with secured campus walls.

In a first, 52 polling booths set up in 31 multi-storey societies of Gurugram

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal on Sunday said that the State Election Commission has set a target to increase voter turnout by more than 75 percent. In this series, 52 polling booths have been set up in 31-storey societies in Global City, Gurugram, for the first time, he added. Agarwal, presiding over a review meeting regarding election arrangements, noted that a common perception in societies like Global City, Gurugram, where well-off individuals residing in multi-storey buildings may show less interest in voting. Thus, for the first time, discussions have been held with the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to set up polling booths within the society so that residents can conveniently vote.

He added that a maximum of 35 election booths have been established in 22 societies under Badshahpur assembly constituency, while 16 booths have been set up in eight societies of Gurgaon assembly constituency. Apart from this, one booth has been installed in one society of Sohna assembly segment.

107 sr citizens, abv 18-yrs voters registered during registration camp in Zpur

Zirakpur: Mohali Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Electoral Officer Aashika Jain on Sunday said that to increase the polling percentage in the areas with a low turnout of voters in previous elections of the district, special attention is being paid to increasing the voter turnout in these polling booths during upcoming Lok Sabha elections. She said that the continuous sweep activities are being carried out at booth level by District SVEEP (Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation) team with the support of various educational institutions and NGOs so that voter turnout can be increased to achieve the target of 80 per cent in the Lok Sabha elections-2024.

On Sunday, a voter registration and awareness camp was organized at Zirakpur' by District SVEEP nodal officer Prof Gurbakshish Singh Antal and Election Tehsildar Sanjay Kumar with the support of Social Life Help and Care Foundation. During the camp, information regarding various mobile apps related to elections  Voter Helpline app, Saksham app for PwD Voters, cVigil app  was shared for proactive participation of voters to report Model Code of Conduct violation. Foundation chairman Dr Karan Kamra said that 107 new votes or voter address change forms were received during the camp.

Punjab skies transforming under PM Modi: Shergill

Adampur (Jalandhar): BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, on reaching Adampur airport after he flew to Adampur on the inaugural flight from Delhi NCR Hindon to Adampur on Sunday, said that Punjab skies are transforming under the steward leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shergill said that with the start of flights from Delhi NCR Hindon to Adampur, today is a historic day as well as a matter of immense happiness for the residents of Punjab, especially Doaba  Jalandhar and areas bordering Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Underlining that it was a long-standing demand from the Centre for the start of this flight, Shergill said that the start of this flight will not just facilitate Adampur-Delhi, but will also lead to connectivity between Adampur to Nanded Sahib, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Jaipur.

The development assumes a lot of significance, as it would be extremely helpful for the businessmen, tourism sector, and devotees, who want to visit religious places to pay their obeisance, he said.

Punjab CEO visits CPC, stresses medias pivotal role in ensuring free-fair polls

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C on Sunday visited Chandigarh Press Club in conjunction with the annual election of office bearers of Chandigarh Press Club. During his visit, he lauded the Club for conducting a thorough democratic process for the election of its office bearers. Sibin C emphasized the pivotal role of the press in ensuring transparent, free, and fair elections. He called upon the members of the press to act as the eyes and ears of the Election Commission, thus ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) across Punjab. Additionally, he urged the press to assist in increasing awareness among the citizens about C-Vigil application, for reporting any MCC violation.
Houston Chronicle

A woman and her young child died Sunday afternoon after they were ejected from a car when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway and rolled over several times in East Harris County, according to police.

The crash happened at the 13000 block of U.S. Highway 90 near Uvalde Road, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez around 2:30 p.m. The crash involved a single vehicle holding a family of five, including a 26-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman and three children, ages 5, 2 and 2 months old, Gonzalez wrote.

The woman and the 5-year-old child were flown by air ambulance to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead, Gonzalez wrote. The man and the two younger children were taken to the hospital by ambulance; as of 4 p.m. Sunday, they remained hospitalized but were expected to survive, Gonzalez wrote.

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Neither adult appeared to be wearing a seatbelt, and all three kids were in car seats, but it was too soon to say whether they were properly secured, according to Gonzalez. In his social media post, Gonzalez also said excessive speed most likely contributed to the crash.

It breaks my heart, coming to some of these scenes and seeing like the small shoes of a toddler, especially being a parent, that always hits home. It appears that there was some new clothes they were perhaps going to be wearing today at some point and even some eggs that they were going to be enjoying today, Gonzalez said during a media briefing filmed by ABC 13.

Small reminders that these are real human beings and lives that will be changed forever, he continued.

At the time, the fatal crash was the most recent in a series of serious traffic crashes in the Houston area during the Easter holiday weekend.



Earlier Sunday, a driver left the road and struck a tree in the 20800 block of Farm to Market Road 2920. A woman had to be flown by air ambulance to a hospital, where she was listed in critical condition, according to Gonzalez.

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Sunday morning, a vehicle crashed into a CenterPoint utility pole; both occupants were ejected from the car and were taken by air ambulance to the hospital in critical condition, Gonzalez wrote.
In a heartwarming gesture, the Human Resources Development Department organized a farewell ceremony in the Main Auditorium for the employees retiring from the Bokaro Steel Plant in March 2024. The event was graced by the presence of Neeraj Bhatia, Chief General Manager (HR), as the chief guest.

Dr. Nanda Priyadarshini, Assistant General Manager (Personnel), welcomed the attendees and provided them with essential information regarding post-retirement benefits and facilities available at the Retirement Settlement and Friendship Building. She also collected bio-data from each retiring employee for further processing.

Neeraj Bhatia, in his address, congratulated the retiring employees for their dedicated service and wished them a blissful retired life. He handed over retirement certificates and gifts to the retirees as tokens of appreciation. A total of 4 executives and 53 non-executives are retiring from BSL in March 2024. The program was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Nanda Priyadarshini.

Additionally a separate farewell ceremony was organized for Chief General Manager-Incharge (Project) Nirmalendu Rai in the conference room of the Director Incharge. On the occasion of the farewell ceremony, Director Incharge, Rourkela Steel Plant and Additional Incharge, Bokaro Steel Plant Atanu Bhowmik was connected through video conferencing. During the ceremony, important achievements related to the service period of Nirmalendu Rai were remembered. Executive Director (works) Birendra Kumar Tiwari presented mementos to him. Everyone wished the retiring Nirmalendu Rai all the best for his future life. Chief General Managers of various departments including Executive Directors were present on the occasion of the farewell ceremony
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu is all set to kickstart his campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Monday (April 1). With the seventh and final phase of elections in Himachal Pradesh set for June 1, there are two months remaining for the electoral battle to unfold across the hill state.

Sukhus decision to commence campaigning early underscores the significance of the upcoming elections and the need to galvanize public support for the Congress party, which is, as of now, facing worst political crisis in the state, with its six sitting legislators already shifting their loyalties towards the BJP.

Along with the general elections to four Lok Sabha constituencies, byelections will also be held for the six assembly segments which fall vacant following the defection of six Congress MLAs to BJP. With the political landscape heating up, both the ruling party and the Opposition are leaving no stone unturned to secure victory in what promises to be a closely-contested electoral battle.

BJP has already announced candidates for all four Lok Sabha and six Vidhan Sabha constituencies fielding Bollywood Queen Kangna Ranaut from Mandi, giving boost to its campaign.

Amidst the electoral fervour, a fierce political exchange is already underway between the ruling party and the opposition. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, a day before, had taken aim at the BJP leaders and defectors from the Congress party, accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over the peoples welfare.

Sukhu stressed that the citizens are closely observing these actions driven by personal gain and vowed that their response would be evident in due time.

Chief Minister Sukhu also emphasized the accountability of elected representatives, highlighting their responsibility over the course of five years. He condemned the practice of political defection, commonly referred to as Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram, stating that it undermines the democratic mandate and duty entrusted to elected officials.

At the same time, Sukhu criticized those who engaged in horse-trading for their own interests, disregarding the welfare of the public and eroding democratic principles. He warned that such actions, driven by greed and self-interest, impose a heavy burden on the electorate by forcing unnecessary re-elections and subverting the democratic process.
In a program held the other day at the Tool and Gauge (TGM) Department of BHEL, Bhopal, SM Ramanathan, Executive Director, BHEL, Bhopal and Rupesh Telang, General Manager (Feeders) handed over the compound tool for rim punching of Cheela Hydroelectric Project to the head of the Press shop department.

Ramanathan highly praised the performance of the Tool and Gauge Manufacturing Department. He also urged to add new customers for the products of the department and increase the income of the company by making different products as per the needs of the customer. On this occasion Shri Ramanathan & Shri Telang also planted saplings, reflecting BHEL's environmental protection policy and commitment towards the environment.

In the financial year 2023-24, the TGM department has set a record by successfully manufacturing ten pieces of heavy press tools so far. It is noteworthy here that for the first time, stripper of rim punching tool of size larger than 500 x 800 mm was manufactured in-house. While this in-house manufacturing has increased the confidence of the department's employees, it has also reduced the company's cash outflow.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday hit out at the Congress saying it will be eliminated in the general elections.

He was addressing a public meeting in Harvel village of Keshkal.

Sai said: All of you trusted the BJP in the last Assembly elections and elected BJP MLA in Keshkal."

Said said: The Congress government had made the poor homeless by not providing them pucca houses in the last five years. As soon as our government was formed, we approved permanent houses for 18 lakh families.

"By doing scam in PSC, the Congress played with the future of promising sons and daughters of the state... CBI investigation has started and the culprits will soon be in jail. Now the Congress has to be wiped out in the Lok Sabha polls."

He appealed to the masses to elect the BJP candidate in so that Narendra Modi has to be reinstated as the Prime Minister.

The BJP government in Chhattisgarh has fulfilled the promises of Prime Minister Narendra Modi made during the assembly poll within just three months of retaining power in Chhattisgarh, he claimed.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad workers protested outside the police commissioner's office on Sunday afternoon demanding strict action against the culprits in the RGPV corruption case. They raised slogans against the police department and the corrupt.

Earlier, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad had surrounded Gandhi Nagar police station two days ago. A memorandum in this regard was also given to the Police Commissioner on Friday. Let us tell you that bank employee Kumar Mayank was recently arrested by the police.

According to Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had recently demonstrated against the ongoing economic corruption in Rajiv Gandhi Technological University (RGPV), after which the accused were exposed after investigation.

Names of 5 people including Registrar Sunil Kumar were among the accused. After the FIR of the said case was lodged with Gandhinagar Police, the police arrested one accused and action is not being taken against the remaining accused. ABVP says that the police should take strict action and the culprits should be punished, if the police administration will work with a lax attitude like this, we will also protest further in this regard. Due to the demand of ABVP, a first information report has been lodged by the university administration under serious sections in Gandhi Nagar police station under Bhopal district against the persons guilty of corruption. But despite registering an FIR under serious sections, not a single major accused has been arrested by the police administration.

In the case of transfer of Rs 19.48 crore from RGPV's account to a private account, the Vice Chancellor in-charge of the university, Prof. Mohan Sen had lodged an FIR in Gandhi Nagar police station. In this, the then Registrar of the University RS Rajput, retired Finance Controller Hrishikesh Verma, the then Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunil Kumar, RBL Bank employee Kumar Mayank and Dalit Sangh Sohagpur were accused of irregularities.
Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan on Sunday flagged off the Voter Awareness Vehicle Rally with the aim of making voters aware. He appealed to all the citizens to vote enthusiastically in the elections to be held on May 7 for the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat. He has urged all the voters of the state to exercise their franchise and also motivate their family members and neighbours to vote.

On this occasion, Bhopal Collector and District Election Officer Shri Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, CEO District Panchayat and Nodal Officer SVEEP Rituraj, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Harendra Narayan and other officials were present in the rally.

The voter awareness vehicle rally organized with the aim of increasing the voting percentage of Bhopal started from Lalghati intersection at 7:30 am. The rally reached Shaurya Smarak, Arera Hills via VIP Road, Gauhar Mahal, Jehangirabad.

The rally ended at the Shaurya Smarak. More than 2500 citizens including members of various biker groups and clubs participated in the rally and gave the message of voter awareness in the rally.
A large number of farmers from adjoining areas of Punjab and Haryana on Sunday gathered in Ambala district to pay homage to 21-year-old Shubhkaran Singh, a young farmer from Bathinda district of Punjab who was killed in a clash with police at the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21.

A tribute ceremony was organized in memory of the young farmer at Mohra grain mandi adjacent to Ambala Cantonment. Farmers observed a two-minute silence. The gathering had been convened by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mukti Morcha (KMM) on Sunday to pay homage to Shubhkaran Singh.

On the occasion, a number of police personnel had been deployed in and around the event's venue to maintain peace.

Farmer leader Manjit Singh Rai alleged that the government is in panic, and due to this, it has arrested farmer activist Navdeep Singh Jalbera. The government wanted to create an atmosphere of fear, but it would not deter farmers who will continue with their peaceful protest, he said.

It should be mentioned here that the Ambala police had on Thursday arrested Jalbera in connection with an FIR registered during the farmers' Delhi Chalo' protest last month.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that the farmers have not blocked the Haryana-Punjab border at Shambhu and Khanauri points, but it is the Haryana Police which has barricaded it. The government wanted to crush the farmers movement, but they will continue to peacefully agitate, he added.
A case of blatant hooliganism surfaced in the state capital Pradesh. Abhigyan Narendra Patel, son of Minister of State for Health Narendra Shivaji Patel, assaulted a couple in Gulmohar area. When the matter reached Shahpura police station, the minister's son also argued with the policemen and misbehaved.

Witnessing the matter escalating, Minister of State Narendra Shivaji Patel reached the police station with his supporters at 10.30 pm. After the minister reached the police station, 4 policemen were suspended. Those who were assaulted were given medical treatment late at night.

The investigation of the case is still going on. The incident took place on Saturday night in Shahpura, Bhopal.

According to the information, Minister of State Patel's son Abhigyan Patel was roaming in Trilanga area of Bhopal. Here, near the traffic signal, the car of minister's son collided with the youth's vehicle. After this an altercation took place. Abhigyan and his associates beat up the young man. Seeing the dispute, Dennis Martin alias Sonu, a restaurant operator present on the main road, along with his wife Alisha started intervening.

Abhigyan and his associates attacked Sonu who suffered injuries on his head. When Sonu reached the police station with his wife to complain about the assault, the minister's son also reached there. There was a dispute between them in the police station. When the police asked them to remain calm, they got into an altercation with the staff.

The minister's son started bullying the policemen at the police station. Abhigyan and his friends started misbehaving with the policemen. The police took strict action and reprimanded him. As soon as he got information about this, Minister Patel along with his supporters and councilors reached Shahpura police station at 10.30 pm on Saturday night. The angry father complained about the attitude of the police to the top officials.

A CCTV footage related to the entire incident has also surfaced. Minister supporters say that policemen beat up Abhigyan and his friends. The first FIR in the case was registered at 1:25 pm on the complaint of Alisha.

According to the information, the minister's son has complained to the police that Alisha's husband Dennis and his employees also assaulted her.

Two people including the minister's son were injured, both of them have also been medically examined.

Police said that action is also being taken on their complaint. The restaurant operator told the police that Abhigyan and his associates attacked him on the head with a rod.
The Himachal Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday condemned the failure to accept the resignations of three Independent legislators from the Vidhan Sabha as unconstitutional and illegal.

BJP state media in-charge and MLA Randhir Sharma, in a press conference, emphasized the violation of constitutional provisions. Not accepting the resignation of the Independent MLAs is unconstitutional and illegal because when an MLA appears in person and resigns, his resignation must be accepted as per the constitutional provision, he said.

The three Independent MLAs  Hoshiyar Singh from Dehra, Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur, and KL Thakur from Nalagarh  who had voted for the BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan in the recently-concluded Rajya Sabha election in the hill state had tendered their resignation from the state assembly on March 22, and joined the BJP the next day.

However, the Vidhan Sabha had sought an explanation from these MLAs till April 10 following a representation by the Congress legislative party that these MLAs resigned allegedly under duress and not voluntarily.

The three legislators had on Saturday staged a protest at the Vidhan Sabha campus insisting that they had resigned willfully as they were being humiliated and insulted.

Sharma claimed that the Congress has become dejected and demoralized as defeat stares at its face in the Lok Sabha elections and assembly by-polls, and is therefore delaying the elections. The Congress also knows that the BJP will win all the six seats in the upcoming by-elections too and if these three Independent MLAs join the BJP and win the elections, the Congress Government will cease to exist in the state, said Sharma.

After the disqualification of six Congress rebels, the strength of the ruling party in the State has been reduced to 34 from 40, and the BJP is keen that the by-polls be held for all the nine assembly constituencies. But, so far, the Election Commission has issued the schedule for by-polls to only six constituencies vacated following the disqualification of Congress rebels.

Randhir said that now such a situation has arisen that the three independent MLAs have to stage a protest in order to get their resignation accepted.

Notably, three Independent MLAs sat on a day-long protest outside the assembly premises in Shimla on Saturday, demanding that the Speaker accept their resignations., which they have submitted on March 22.

All three MLAs held the placards outside the assemblys library, which read, We have given our resignation from the membership of the Assembly voluntarily, without any pressure, in person to the Speaker of the Assembly. Please accept our resignation as soon as possible.

Hamirpur MLA Sharma had said that they are now planning to move the court, while Nalagarh MLA Thakur had said that they'll either go to the High Court or the Supreme Court. We submitted our resignation on March 22 and it has not been accepted, so far. We had given our resignation to the Speaker by email as well and we want them to accept it as soon as possible. We shall approach the court; if our resignations are not accepted, we shall move the court, he added.

Dehra MLA Singh, who declared that they have decided to contest elections on BJPs ticket, said that this was the first time we were protesting to accept our resignation.
Punjab IAS officers husband held on immoral trafficking charges

Ludhiana: The husband of an IAS officer was held on charges of immoral trafficking after he was found with a woman at a house in Ludhianas Sarabha Nagar during a raid. The police on Sunday said that the man was booked on the charges under Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act. The police raided the house on Friday night after they were tipped off about a suspected sex racket being operated from there. The woman IAS officer has served at several high-ranking posts.

Free books not reaching schools; alleges Selja

Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and All India Congress Committees general secretary Kumari Selja on Sunday alleged that despite the provision for free education up to the Class VIII in state government schools, books have not yet reached. BJP government, which ended the education rule section 134A, has not been able to facilitate admissions in private schools under the Chirag scheme, even as the academic session is starting from April 1, she said. Last year also, the students had received books five months late. After raising a hue and cry, the government promised to deliver books before the new session this time, but the reality is different. In seven districts of Fatehabad, Panipat, Rohtak, Sirsa, Sonipat, Yamunanagar, and Jhajjar, not a single book for Classes VI to VIII has reached. In Rewari and Mahendragarh districts, books for the third grade have not arrived, she added.

New Team to lead FSAI, Chandigarh Chapter

Chandigarh: Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI) on Sunday constituted a new core working committee of Chandigarh Chapter. Outgoing president Surinder Bahga explained the role of this organization in building a safe India, and installed Jasjyot Singh as new president of Chandigarh Chapter, while Gursimran Kaur has taken over as secretary. FSAI is a non-profit organization established in 2002 representing the fire protection, life safety, security, building auto motion, loss prevention, risk management domains and women safety.

Moga Police holds Cycle Rally to reach out to residents

Moga: Under the campaign to make Punjab Drug Free, Moga Police on Sunday held a cycle rally in the city. Deputy Commissioner Kulwant Singh flagged off the rally, led by SSP Vivek Sheel Soni, and in which people from all walks participated in large numbers. Soni informed that Moga Police was trying its best to root out this social evil from the society. Any person involved in any kind of drug activity will not be spared at any cost. Battle against drugs can be won with the active support of people only, he said.

Pkl Mayor inaugurates evening OPD at Paras

Panchkula: The city Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal on Sunday inaugurated multi-specialty evening OPD at Paras Health, Panchkula. Among others, Seema Chaudhary ex-Mayor Panchkula and office bearers of Senior Citizen Associations and RWA were also present during the occasion. The hospital has launched evening OPD in internal medicines, gynecology, neurology, general and gastro surgery, nephrology, orthopedics, pediatrics and pulmonology, said Dr Pankaj Mittal Facility Director.
For more than three years, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has stored more than 1,200 pieces of a private African art collection in a Precinct 1 warehouse, at no charge to the collector. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer For more than three years, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has stored more than 1,200 pieces of a private African art collection in a Precinct 1 warehouse, at no charge to the collector. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Harris County has spent more than $220,000 renovating a warehouse in Sunnyside since 2018. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis has stored more than 1,200 pieces of African art at the warehouse for more than three years, at no cost to the collector. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Harris County has spent more than $220,000 renovating a warehouse in Sunnyside since 2018. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis has stored more than 1,200 pieces of African art at the warehouse for more than three years, at no cost to the collector. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A Houston real estate agent named Sam Njunuri says he is the owner of more than 1,200 pieces of African art being stored for free in a Harris County Precinct 1 warehouse. The Harris County Attorneys Office, however, has been unable to confirm this because Njunuri has produced to written records for the collection. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer For more than three years, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has stored more than 1,200 pieces of a private African art collection in a Precinct 1 warehouse, at no charge to the collector. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Protected by metal cages and a new roof, some 1,200 pieces of African art sit inside a Sunnyside warehouse under the watchful eye of security cameras  and criminal investigators.

Houston real estate agent Sam Njunuri has collected the works since the 1970s, with a lifelong goal of creating a museum and cultural center. To become a reality, his vision needs partners, financial support and a physical space.

For more than three years, however, Harris County taxpayers have been unwitting and perhaps unlawful benefactors for the project. Since January 2018, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis has stored Njunuris artwork, free of charge, at the county warehouse.

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Though Ellis was given permission from Commissioners Court to receive 14 pieces for display in county buildings, his precinct later accepted more than 1,400, few of which have ever been shown publicly.

The original agreement lapsed in January 2020, leaving Njunuris collection of masks, furniture and sculptures in limbo. The works cannot be returned because the County Attorneys Office has been unable to confirm Njunuri actually owns them. And that office, which handles civil matters, said its investigation is on hold pending the outcome of a criminal probe by the district attorney. The District Attorneys Office declined comment.

The legal and ethical questions about the arrangement center on a key concern: What have county taxpayers received in exchange for providing a valuable benefit to a private art collector?

Precinct 1s claim that it planned to find enough county buildings for all 1,400 works doesnt pass the smell test, said Lloyd Gite, owner of the Gite Gallery of African art in Third Ward. He said Njunuris pieces are impressive and urged the county to be transparent about its involvement with the collection.

I think the bottom line  and I think Rodney would agree with this  is that the public needs to experience this art. Its wonderful art, he said. If the county wants to pay for it, thats something they need to vote on.

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Ellis declined to be interviewed by the Chronicle and did not respond to emailed questions about taxpayer expenses related to the art, the commissioners knowledge of Njnuris plans and why his office took possession of a collection 100 times the size specified in the contract.

Spokesman Bill Miller said Ellis hopes all investigations conclude swiftly so the art can be returned to Njunuri and displayed publicly in the near future.

Commissioner Ellis knows Mr. Njunuri but has not spoken with him in a while. He takes him at his word that he owns the art in question, Miller said. The commissioner hired very capable counsel to look at every detail of this entire matter. He has been told by them he has no culpability.

Njunuri, a Houston real estate agent originally from Kenya, declined to sit for an interview but corresponded with the Chronicle via a series of text messages beginning in November.

He described an ambitious goal to create a museum displaying 5,000 pieces of art from all 54 African nations as a global attraction for Houston.

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(Ive) been at this project since 1972/3 and ready to go at it till I die, he said. (Ive) spent over 50 years putting it together and thousands of hour(s) talking to dealers in Africa.

Njunuri said he does not know the value of his collection nor did he disclose its full size. He told investigators last year that he had additional artwork stored out of state. The collector said he saw a partnership with Precinct 1 as a way for the public to see his pieces while he worked on the museum project.

Houston lawyer Ken Okorie said he is helping Njunuri create a nonprofit to operate the museum and said the collector has no interest in profiting from the venture.

Hes as decent a human being as you can find.  I have never met anybody who spends all of his efforts and time caring about art, Okorie said. Thats Sam. Thats his passion.

Okorie said Njunuri can rattle off details of each piece in his collection but said he is unaware of any written records documenting the works.

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Commercial pieces?

African art has been exported to the West since colonial times, said Christopher B. Steiner, author of African Art in Transit and a professor at Connecticut College. Broadly speaking, he said, this art falls into two categories.

The first are pieces that artists crafted for Indigenous use, such as masks and statues, that Western curators consider authentic works suitable for museums. Many are hundreds of years old, Steiner said.

The second are works produced specifically for Western consumption, sold in bazaars from Abidjan to Dar es Salaam or exported to the United States and Europe. Often, these are copies of authentic works and can range in quality of craftsmanship. Unlike museum pieces, however, there is little demand for documentation during the sale of tourist art.

What Njunuris collection includes remains unknown. Three African art scholars who reviewed photographs of the pieces, including Roslyn Walker, former director of the National Museum of African Art, said they all appear to be of the tourist variety.

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If the works are solely commercial pieces, Steiner said, they still could be showcased for the public and be useful educational tools.

Our argument is that these tourist pieces are important artistic productions, and that theyre a moment in time that documents this contact between Africa and the West, Steiner said. On the other hand, you wouldnt want to misrepresent this art as masterpieces without contextualizing it as pieces made for the market.

Legal quandary

Ellis himself is an African art enthusiast. A Houston television station in 2009 featured a story on his personal collection, the product of more than three-dozen trips to the continent.

The commissioners public art program includes neighborhood murals, a planned lynching memorial and other works that reflect the diverse communities in Precinct 1. Ellis also has used more than $11,000 in campaign funds since 2017 to purchase art for the precinct.

Ellis said he met Njunuri in 2017 and was drawn to their mutual interest in African art. Njunuri in August of that year signed an agreement to allow his company, African Art Global, to lend 14 pieces for display in county buildings.

Angele Johnson, the commissioners sister-in-law, is listed as a director at the firm. She did not respond to requests for comment; a Precinct 1 spokeswoman said last year that Johnson had no financial stake in the company.

Soon after Commissioners Court approved the agreement with African Art Global in January 2018, Precinct 1 accepted a total of 1,407 pieces. Ellis never sought to amend the contract. An invoice from May of that year shows the precinct spent $16,000 moving African art.

Reginald Adams, then Precinct 1s art director, interviewed Njunuri and learned the work was being stored in poor conditions, at risk of being destroyed by floods or the Gulf Coasts brutal humidity.

One of the assignments that was given to me was to assemble all that artwork in one place so it could be better stored, better cared for, to ultimately be placed in public spaces, Adams said.

Only 140 works have been shown publicly, a precinct spokeswoman said. The remaining 1,267 have never left the Reed Road warehouse, where they occupy about 5,000 square feet. Two Houston art storage facilities provided quotes of between $12,000 and $16,000 per month for similar accommodations.

Precinct 1 also spent $220,000 on upgrades to the warehouse between May 2018 and January 2020, according to Harris County purchase orders. These included a new roof, front door, thermal protection and a new access gate. One-quarter of the building is used as a studio.

Controversial too long

John Guess, CEO of the Houston Museum of African American Culture, said Ellis invited art professionals to tour the collection in hopes of finding suitable locations to display it. So far, that effort has been unsuccessful, which he attributes to a lack of existing spaces and a historical reluctance by foundations to support initiatives by artists of color.

I know that Sams idea is a bigger vision, and sometimes thats cut back  and he understands that  based on the funding that you could get, Guess said. Its a Black asset run by Black people. Its going to be a very tough argument to make, given the biases that go with the fact that there are few Black assets.

The county attorney has ordered the art to remain in the warehouse, however, until investigations have been resolved.

The district attorneys probe likely centers on whether Ellis committed a state offense called abuse of official capacity, said Adam Gershowitz, a professor at William & Mary Law School. Misuse of government resources by a public servant is illegal but only if it is done with an intent to personally gain or commit fraud, he said.

Just because something is outrageous doesnt mean its criminal, Gershowitz said. Unless prosecutors can prove Ellis desired to get some sort of benefit from this, theyre going to be hard-pressed to come up with that.

Still, Ellis legal bills suggest he is taking the issue seriously. Since the beginning of 2020, Ellis has used his campaign account to pay two attorneys: $149,000 to ethics expert Cris Feldman and $64,000 to prominent defense lawyer Rusty Hardin. Both are providing counsel on the art issue, Feldman said.

Gite, the gallery owner, said he hopes Ellis can soon resolve the situation so the works can finally be put on display.

Its been too controversial for too long, and I think the goodness of this project has been overlooked, he said.
All is not well within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). At the time when JMM leaders Champai Soren and Kalpana Soren tried to forge unity among INDIA alliance leaders at Loktantra Bachao" (save democracy) rally at Delhi Ramlila Maidan. JMM veteran leader and party MLA Lobin Hembram has raised a banner of revolt against party leadership announcing that that he will contest the elections from Rajmahal at any cost. Even if the party has fielded it, even if it has not fielded it. If not fielded then independents will contest. He said that there is resentment in the palace towards the current MP Vijay Hansda. If he gets the ticket, the party will suffer loss.

Hembram announcement to contest the elections as independent candidate has come at the time when INDIA alliance leaders are yet to finalize candidates for different seats. Adding more trouble to INDIA alliance, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday named Gopen Soren as its candidate for the Rajmahal Lok Sabha constituency in Jharkhand, a party official said.

The party has decided to contest two Lok Sabha seats  Rajmahal and Chatra  out of 14 seats in Jharkhand.

The BJP has already named Tala Marandi as its candidate for the Rajmahal seat, while the INDIA bloc is yet to announce the candidate for the seat.

JMMs Vijay Kumar Hansdak is currently representing the Rajmahal Lok Sabha constituency, which he won by defeating Hemlal Murmu of BJP in the 2019 elections.

Hembram said that he has been roaming in Rajmahal Lok Sabha constituency for the last one week. He is meeting people in different areas of the palace and taking their opinion. He says that this time the people of the palace want to see him as a candidate. That's why he is presenting his claim on the Rajmahal seat.

Regarding current MP Vijay Hansda, Lobin Hembram said that his image in Rajmahal Lok Sabha is not as a leader but as a businessman. Said that his reach among the people of the area is negligible. This time, if Vijay Hansda is given the ticket, there will be resentment among the people.

Lobin Hembram said that he has talked to the party high command about contesting the elections. In response to this, the top leaders of the party said that they should consider giving him the ticket. The party high command says that they are still brainstorming on this. Lobin said that if the party does not give him the ticket, he will contest the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat as an independent candidate.

On earlier, occasions too Lobin has brought discomfort to JMM leadership. In the month of February, miffed after being ignored by his party  JMM  after the appointment of Seraikela MLA Champai Soren as chief minister, veteran leader of the party and legislator from Borio (ST seat), Lobin Hembrom, said he has decided to leave the Shibu Sorens political group.

On January 31, political turmoil gripped the govt after the arrest of Hemant Soren by the ED in connection with a land scam case.

Lobin Hembrom also claimed that wrong advice led to Hemant Soren's arrest by the ED. Hemant Soren, the former chief minister, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.
Confident that the Bahujan Samaj Party has lost the support of its traditional vote bank, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) partner Samajwadi Party has decided to focus its attention on the Lok Sabha constituencies reserved for the Schedule Caste.

The SP, with its social coalition of PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) feels that the reserved Lok Sabha seats are crucial for checking the march of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh.

There are 17 reserved parliamentary constituencies in the state and the BJP had won 15 of them in the 2019 polls, losing Nagina and Lalganj seats to the BSP, which had contested the polls in alliance with the SP.

In 2014, the BJP had won all the reserved Lok Sabha seats in the state while in the 2004 polls it had managed to win only three reserved seats in UP. The BSP had then won five reserved seats and the SP had won the maximum seven seats. BSPs performance on the reserved Lok Sabha seats has since been miserable and the party has not been able to maintain its grip on its core vote bank of Dalits in the state though it did manage to form the government in the state in 2007 assembly polls, winning 61 of the 86 reserved seats.

The saffron partys aim to maintain its hold on the reserved seats became evident when as many as nine Dalits ministers were inducted in Yogi Adityanath-led council of ministers after the BJP won the 2022 Assembly polls.

Interestingly, the one minister who was inducted from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (quota in the state cabinet last month after the RLD joined the National Democratic Alliance also comes from the Dalit community.

In the 2022 UP assembly polls, the BJP had won 65 reserved seats and formed its government in the state. In 2017, the saffron part had fared even better on the reserved seats, winning a whopping 71 of them. Interestingly, in the 2012 assembly elections, the SP had won 58 reserved seats and formed its government in the state. It is quite evident that the party which wins the maximum number of reserved seats forms the government in UP.

The population of Dalits is around 29 per cent in the state and the voters from the community are the deciding factors not only on the reserved seats but also on many other seats and therefore it is not surprising that all the major political players are trying every trick to woo them.

While the BJP has deployed its Dalit ministers and legislators to ensure success on the reserved seats and also elsewhere, the SP-Congress alliance is banking on the PDA formula to deliver in the polls.

The SP had embarked on a PDA Yatra in the state a few months back. The BJP government in the state has sanctioned Y plus security for firebrand Dalit leader and Bhim Army president Chandrashekhar alias Ravan in an apparent bid to give the message that it is sensitive to the interests of the community. Chandrashekhar is in the fray as an independent candidate from Nagina reserved seat this time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his firm stance against corruption, emphasising that decisive action will be taken against it regardless of ones stature.

Directing his criticism towards the Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), the prime minister asserted that the nation has suffered the consequences of their actions thus far.

Specifically targeting the INDIA bloc, he denounced their failure to accord Chaudhary Charan Singh due respect while highlighting the historical significance of Meerut as a cradle of revolution and the birthplace of influential figures like Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Reflecting on his connection with Meerut, Prime Minister Modi underscored its importance in his political journey, noting that his 2014 and 2019 election campaigns commenced from here and the first rally for the 2024 elections was also being held in the city.

The prime minister remarked: The 2024 elections signify a transformative journey towards propelling India into a developed nation and positioning it as the worlds third-largest economic powerhouse.

He emphasised that in 2014, despite being the 11th largest economy globally, poverty pervaded the country, whereas as India ascended to the fifth position, 250 million citizens emerged from povertys grip.

Modi assured that poverty would be eradicated upon achieving the third rank globally, and a robust, empowered middle class would invigorate the nation with renewed vitality.

Prime Minister Modi asserted that India is at a pivotal juncture, witnessing unparalleled investments in modern infrastructure and a surge of opportunities across sectors for the youth.

Anticipating the nations progression, he revealed the governments preparations for a third term, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for the next five years.

With plans underway for the first 100 days of the new government, he pledged to accelerate the momentum of development established over the past decade.

The prime minister emphasised further that what has been witnessed in the last ten years is merely a trailer of Indias growth, underscoring the imperative to propel the nation further.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of the past decade, showcasing achievements once deemed improbable.

From the construction of the revered Ram temple in Ayodhya to the implementation of One Rank One Pension for veterans and the enactment of stringent laws against Triple Talaq, Modi underscored how these milestones have defied expectations.

Moreover, he celebrated the realisation of long-held aspirations, such as womens reservation in legislative bodies and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the swift pace of development in the region.

These achievements are earning the Bharatiya Janata Party widespread support as the nation looks ahead to a future of progress and transformation, he stated.

Prime Minister Modi remarked that the relentless campaign of his government against corruption over the past decade has ensured the protection of the poors finances by eliminating ten crore fake beneficiaries and saving a staggering Rs 3.45 lakh crore from misappropriation.

He acknowledged the discomfort among certain quarters due to his anti-corruption measures, describing the upcoming election as a clash between his stance of rooting out corruption and the opposing camps efforts to safeguard corrupt interests through alliances like the INDIA bloc.

Modi emphasised that no influential wrongdoers escape justice under his administration, citing high-profile corruption cases leading to stringent legal consequences, with bail inaccessible even up to the Supreme Court level.

Moreover, Modi pledged to punish the corrupt and retrieve and return the ill-gotten gains to the rightful owners. This is exemplified by confiscating corrupt individuals assets and returning over Rs. 17,000 crore to those defrauded, he pointed out.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi hit out at Congress for transferring an island near Tamil Nadu, which was part of the Indian territory and vital for national security, to Sri Lanka, terming it as a betrayal of the nation.

Despite its strategic significance since independence, Congress deemed it unnecessary decades ago, leading to its separation from India, an action with enduring repercussions, he stated.

Modi underscored the ongoing repercussions of Congress decisions, particularly evident in the plight of Indian fishermen who face arrest and confiscation of their vessels when venturing near this island.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party and National Democratic Alliance leaders, including Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath (UP) and Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), attended the event.
Naxalites set ablaze four transport trucks in Chhattisgarhs Narayanpur district on Saturday night, police said.

The Naxalites fled the scene when the security forces arrived. They had taken away a driver and a conductor whom they later released.

They carried out the arson near an Atmanand School in the middle of the Chhotedongar settlement. The trucks were used to transport Amadai iron ore.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a setback as 12 municipal councillors, most of whom were aligned with AAP, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. This mass exodus comes on the heels of two AAP leaders  its lone Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar Sushil Rinku and party MLA Sheetal Angural  recent switch to the saffron party, marking a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The councillors, known as influential figures in their respective constituencies, made the transition under the leadership of Rinku, who orchestrated the joining. The shift took place overnight, with many of the leaders holding key positions within the AAP ranks. The move underscored a growing trend of political realignments in the region, with parties vying to consolidate their positions ahead of the elections.

Among the notable leaders who joined the BJP are Punjab Khadi Board vice-chairman and former Senior Deputy Mayor Kamaljit Singh Bhatia, two-time councilor Sunita Rinku (wife of MP Rinku), and Manjeet Singh, who commanded influence in Jalandhars Basti areas.

Other popular names are Saurabh Seth, Kavita Seth, Vipan Kumar aka Babbi Chadha, Amit Singh Sandha, Radhika Pathak, Karan Pathak, Varesh Mintu, Harvinder Lada, among others. Most of the councilors who joined the BJP are AAP-Congress councilors, who have considerable influence in their areas.

The move dealt a significant blow to the AAP state unit in Jalandhar, as it came amidst a wave of defections from the party to the BJP. The decision of these councilors to switch loyalties underscored the shifting political landscape in Punjab and reflected the BJPs growing influence in the region.

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar hailed the joining of the councilors as a testament to the partys growing strength in the state. He emphasized the importance of grassroots leaders in steering the party towards victory in the upcoming elections.

The grassroot leaders are the building blocks for any political organization as they are the ones who steer the party's win at the ground level. I hope, with their joining, Punjab BJP would be further strengthened in its aim to win all 13 seats under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership of all-round development and growth, he said.
Arrested persons smuggling weapons from MP to supply them in Punjab and other states: DGP

Punjab Police have busted an interstate illegal arms smuggling racket with the arrest of its four members after recovering nine .32 bore country-made pistols along with eight live cartridges from their possession.

Sharing details, the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday said that those arrested have been identified as Gurmanjot Singh of Chakkar in Ludhiana; Kuldeep Singh alias Manak of Lehra village in Ludhiana; Sukhchain Singh of Moom village in Barnala; and Sandeep Singh of Bhaini Gujran village in Ludhiana.

Notably, Kuldeep Singh alias Manak and Gurmanjot Singh, who became known to each other while at Ludhiana jail in 2016, have a criminal background with many cases pertaining to attempt to murder, Arms Act, snatching, theft, etc registered against them and they were out on bail at present. Accused Gurmanjot was in contact with Madhya Pradesh-based illegal arms smugglers after he met them at Ludhiana Jail 2022.

DGP Yadav said that following reliable inputs about the movement of arms smugglers possessing consignment of illegal arms and ammunition brought by them from Sendhwan in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh with the intention to carry out criminal activity in the State, Police teams from State Special Operating Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, laid a naka at Patran-Khanauri road in Patiala.

Police teams have apprehended all the accused persons, who were travelling in their white Swift car (PB 10 GG 9014), and recovered nine pistols, bearing distinctive Star mark from their possession, he said, adding that Police have also impounded their car.

He said that preliminary inquiry revealed that some of the weapons were to be used by the arrested accused persons to execute some targeted organized crime, while, the remaining weapons were meant for distribution to the members of other gangs.

DGP Yadav said that all the accused persons were involved in supplying weapons to criminal gangs in Punjab as well as neighbouring states.

DIG Counter Intelligence J Elanchezian said that further investigations are on to trace the forward and backward linkages of this module, and identify the MP-based arm smugglers. More arrests and recoveries are expected, he added.

A case FIR, dated March 30, 2024, has been registered under sections 25 and 25(7) of the Arms Act and section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Police Station SSOC in SAS Nagar.
The 75th Foundation Day of Rajasthan state was celebrated on Sunday with great enthusiasm at Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh.

Punjab Governor and Administrator of UT-Chandigarh Banwari Lal Purohit, speaking on the occasion, said that in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat, Raj Bhawans in States and UTs are commemorating the Foundation Day of other States and UTs. The events are being celebrated with great fervour, showcasing the rich and vibrant culture of the State or UTs, whose Foundation Day is celebrated, he added.

Recalling the importance of Rajasthan in the countrys cultural heritage, he said that the heritage of Rajasthan has been very strong in every dimension of culture. Rajasthan is famous all over the world for its royal grandeur, culture, forts, and palaces. Like the people of Punjab, the people of Rajasthan are always remembered for their bravery and courage. The spirit of mutual understanding amid a shared history has enabled a distinctive unity in diversity which needs to be nurtured and cherished, he said.

On the occasion, a documentary film on Rajasthan was shown followed by a mesmerizing presentation of folk music, dances including Ghoomar, Nitra Natika on the saga of extra-ordinary courage of Hadi Rani, choreography on Kesaria Balam and Ghani Khamma. The culture programme culminated with a powerful recitation of Pandit Narendra Mishra poem Padmini Gora Badal by the students of MCM-DAV College. The venue was tastefully decorated with Rajasthani bandhani dupattas and puppets.

Mild snowfall in HPs higher reaches, tribal areas

Shimla: Mild snowfall continued in higher reaches and tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh in the past 24 hours while widespread rains lashed middle and low hills. The local Metrological (MeT) office on Sunday predicted a wet spell in the state till April 6, barring April 1.

Gondla in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district received 22 cm of snow followed by Kukumseri 11.6 cm, Keylong 7.5 cm, and Kalpa 5.5 cm; while hail was recorded in parts of Sundernagar, Shimla, and Solan.

The Shimla MeT office has predicted a wet spell in the State from April 2 to 6 as a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from the night of April 2 and another such disturbance from April 5.

A total of 172 roads, including four National Highways, were closed for vehicular traffic in the state on Saturday night as per the data of the state emergency operation centre. Most of these roads are in difficult terrain in Lahaul and Spiti, where 157 roads are still to be opened.
In response to the landmark Supreme Court ruling recognizing transgender people as the "third gender" and acknowledging the discrimination they face in healthcare, Rotary Jamshedpur West, in collaboration with Queer Circle of Jamshedpur, organized a comprehensive campaign for gender equality. The initiative aimed to address the healthcare needs of transgender individuals and other marginalized sections of society.

Medical Camp at Burmamines Jamshedpur:

The campaign kicked off with a mega medical camp held at Burmamines Jamshedpur, which served as a platform for providing essential medical services to the community. Led by the Rotary Club of Jamshedpur West, the camp saw the participation of over 300 individuals, including 112 transgender individuals, along with members from economically weaker sections of society.

Specialized Medical Care:

A team of expert doctors and medical staff from Meharbhai Tata Memorial Hospital and Tata Medical Hospital conducted medical examinations and provided specialized care to the attendees. Various health concerns such as sugar levels, blood pressure, oral cancer, dental diseases, psychiatric conditions, and other vital health parameters were meticulously examined and addressed during the camp.

Eye Examinations and Cataract Surgeries:

In collaboration with Purnima Nethralaya, the camp also facilitated eye examinations for all attendees. Several patients were diagnosed with cataracts, and arrangements were made for cataract surgeries to be performed at Purnima Nethralaya. This initiative highlighted the importance of comprehensive healthcare services and access to specialized treatments for all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity or socio-economic status.

Free Surgeries for Children with Heart Conditions:

Rotary Club of Jamshedpur West, in partnership with Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, extended its support to children aged six months to eighteen years who were diagnosed with heart conditions. Free surgeries were provided to address congenital heart defects, further emphasizing Rotary's commitment to serving the community and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Demonstrating Rotary's Commitment:

The success of the campaign was made possible through the dedication and contributions of various individuals and organizations. Members of Rotary Club of Jamshedpur West, including President Neeta Agarwal, Secretary Ashok Jha, and other esteemed members, actively participated in the initiative, showcasing Rotary's unwavering commitment to societal welfare.
National General Secretary of Sampoorna Bharat Kranti Party and Jharkhand in-charge Vijay Shankar Nayak gave a flower bunch to Shri Shiv Oraon and welcomed him into the party and handed over the nomination papers for the President of Jharkhand State on Sunday. On this occasion, he said that Shiv Oraon becoming Jharkhand state president will strengthen the party and his long political experience will benefit the party.

On this occasion, in the press conference, National General Secretary of Sampoorna Bharat Kranti Party cum Jharkhand in-charge Vijay Shankar Nayak further said that in the coming days, Sampoorna Bharat Kranti Party will work to provide a new option to the Jharkhand society and will look into the state building. It will work towards fulfilling the dreams and will also work towards moving forward towards building a new Jharkhand by taking along the youth, students, unemployed laborers, farmers, Dalits and tribal indigenous communities of Jharkhand. In the last 23 years, all the previous governments in Jharkhand have neglected the Jharkhand society. Today, all the dreams seen by them are where they were before the formation of the state. Be it BJP government or Indian Alliance government, all of them have neglected the residents of the state. Have done the work of deceiving, have done the work of deceiving everyone.

On this occasion, many workers including national spokesperson Sabrina Toppo, Maina Oraon, Narendra Sai, Uma Shankar Jha, Pradeep Kujur, Firoz Ansari Basant Oraon Manish Chaudhary were present.
The BJP on Monday urged the Election Commission to take the strictest action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and issue directions to lodge an FIR against him for his "match-fixing" remarks at an opposition INDIA bloc rally here a day ago.

A BJP delegation comprising Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP national general secretary Arun Singh lodged the complaint against Gandhi with the poll panel, urging it to direct the Congress leader to tender an "unconditional public apology" to the nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for levelling "false allegations" against him.

Addressing the INDIA bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao' (Save Democracy) rally at the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, Gandhi accused Modi of trying to do "match-fixing" in the Lok Sabha polls and warned that if the BJP wins the election through this endeavour and "changes" the Constitution, then the whole country would be "finished".

The public meeting was aimed at highlighting the issue of "attack on democracy" including the alleged misuse of agencies against opposition leaders in the aftermath of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and income tax notices to parties.

In a memorandum to the Election Commission (EC), the ruling BJP urged the poll panel to take a comprehensive view of the "design and patterns" of the Congress' misleading campaign and propaganda and its leaders, alleging that they are not only creating disaffection amongst the people but also "habitually and serially" committing electoral offences by violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and "healthy" democratic conventions.

Addressing the media after meeting EC officials, Puri said Gandhi's comments during the public meeting were "extremely objectionable" as they were not just in violation of the MCC but could also have serious implications.

"Addressing the public meeting yesterday, Rahul Gandhi said this (Lok Sabha polls) is a fixed match. He also said that the central government has deployed its people in the Election Commission. He also raised questions on the credibility of EVMs and said the Constitution will be cancelled (changed) after the elections," the Union minister said.

"We urged the Election Commission to take the strictest action against Rahul Gandhi, other Congress leaders and those of the opposition INDIA alliance," he added.

BJP national general secretary Singh accused Gandhi of repeatedly making such comments and said the EC should consider "completely censoring" him from speaking during the Lok Sabha elections as the Congress leader would not stop making such remarks.

Sensing their defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA bloc are using derogatory words against Prime Minister Modi, the judiciary, the EC and all other institutions out of frustration, the BJP leader charged.

"We told the Election Commission that Rahul Gandhi's statement was anti-national and a gross violation of Model Code of Conduct, Indian Penal Code, Election Laws and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," Singh said.

"The Election Commission said it will take strict action (in the matter)," he added.

In its memorandum, the BJP delegation also urged the EC to direct the registration of an FIR against Congress leader and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra Siddaramaiah for derogatory remarks he allegedly made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mysuru.
Shakari Briggs is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at shakari.briggs@houstonchronicle.com.

Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, she worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. Shakari comes to the Houston newsroom with experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career.

Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should speak on "Chinese occupation" of Indian territory, rather than about Katchatheevu that was ceded to Sri Lanka to maintain good relations and to save the lives of lakhs of Tamils.

Chidambaram, former Union Home Minister during his party-led UPA regime wondered why the Prime Minister was raking up an issue that was settled way back in 1974. That year, the Indira Gandhi government, in order to maintain good relations with Sri Lanka and to help lakhs and lakhs of Tamils there, negotiated with the island nation's government.

Following negotiations, a settlement was made on Katchatheevu, a very small island about 1.9 sq km, and India acknowledged Katchatheevu as belonging to Sri Lanka, he said. In return, six lakh Tamils were allowed to come to India. "They have come here, their families are here, they have got full freedom, they are breathing free air. Their children and grandchildren are here. The issue was closed 50 years ago."

In an exclusive interview to PTI Videos, he said: "Now, why is the PM raking up that issue instead of talking about recent issues. 2,000 sq km of Indian territory is occupied by Chinese troops and that is a fact. The Ladakh MP (Jamyang Tsering Namgyal) has pointed it out and India is said to have engaged China in 21 discussions. Yet, the PM said no Chinese troops are present in Indian territory and no parts of Indian territory are under the occupation of Chinese troops."

That was said by Modi publicly to all parties and all Chief Ministers and he gave a clean chit to China. Chinese media has disseminated all over the world that the "Indian PM has given a clean chit" to their country. "He should talk about what has happened in the last 2-3 years; instead of talking about something that happened about 50 years ago."

That settlement of 1974 was based on mutual negotiations and in order to maintain good relations and to save the lives of lakhs of Tamils. "Whereas, Chinese occupation is an aggression. China has forcibly occupied our territory and I would request the Prime Minister to speak about that."
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the previous governments of unleashing a reign of terror and said that those who are pointing a finger at Prime Minister Narendra Modi are a hindrance in India's development.

Addressing the intellectuals meeting in Hathras and Bulandshahr, Adityanath said, "Viksit Bharat (developed India) and all-round development is Modi's guarantee. In developed India, every person, caste and community should get respect and opportunity to move forward without any discrimination. There should be no casteism and dynasticism. There should be development for all and this is the basis of the concept of developed India."

The chief minister said the entire country has faith in Prime Minister Modi's guarantee.

Addressing the Prabudha Sammelan in Bulandshahr, Adityanath lamented the state's tumultuous past during the previous governments, alleging that they followed a "riot policy", which unleashed a reign of terror in Bulandshahr.

"The relentless cycle of riots, curfews and lawlessness jeopardized the safety of both daughters and business people, tarnishing Bulandshahr's image," he remarked.

Comparing the present situation with earlier times, the chief minister said the common people are today revelling in the newfound security while criminals were feeling the heat.

Speaking about Bulandshahr, Adityanath said, "Bulanshahr's existence can be traced back to the Mahabharata era. It's a land blessed by Mother Ganga and Mother Yamuna. But the previous government's pro-criminal policies turned it into a land of crime and terror."

The chief minister emphasized the importance of voting responsibly, highlighting the stark contrast between fostering hooliganism and witnessing tangible development under Prime Minister Modi's visionary leadership.

"Every vote wields the power to either sow chaos or foster respect for faith while bolstering livelihood prospects," he remarked.

Acknowledging Bulandshahr's pivotal role, Adityanath reflected on the oppressive reign of previous administrations where the voices of common citizens were stifled.

"In those times, traders, daughters, employees, farmers and youth lived in constant insecurity, while only a select few miscreants enjoyed safety. However, a significant transformation has occurred today. The tables have turned with miscreants feeling the heat and the public experiencing a newfound sense of security," he asserted.

Reflecting on the divisive tactics employed by previous administrations, the chief minister lamented how they sowed seeds of discord based on caste, creed and religion, ultimately fracturing the social fabric.

Exuding confidence of the NDA's victory on all the 80 seats of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said the state will present Prime Minister Modi with a garland of '80 beads' (seat) this time.

"We have seen Modi's guarantee reaching the ground level. Hence, the entire country has faith in Modi's guarantee," he said in Hathras.

"Those who are pointing a finger at Modi are a hindrance ('avrodhak') in India's development. These are the barriers in the path of developed India. "We have to remove these barriers and work to realise the vision of a safe and prosperous India under the leadership of Modi ji," he added.

Adityanath on this occasion sought vote for Anoop Valmiki 'Pradhan', the BJP candidate from Hathras Lok Sabha seat where polling is slated for May 7.

The chief minister said that this election is between family first and nation first.

"It is a choice of appeasement versus India's faith. We have to see whether those who imposed anarchy, riots and curfew will come back to power or Modi's government will come which will provide riot-free, curfew-free and safe environment, which has given the benefits of governance schemes without discrimination. Neither caste, nor region nor language were seen and everyone was given the benefits of development schemes in an equal manner," he said.

Adityanath said that there is a BJP government in the state, so there is security and development, and poor welfare schemes seem to be getting implemented at the ground level, a BJP statement said.

"There is a feeling of belongingness in the minds of people. The wishes of the religious leaders were also fulfilled. The work for which generations were yearning, progressed and Ram Lalla was consecrated in Ayodhya.

Trikaldarshi (one who can see past, present and future) Maharishi Valmiki did the work of communicating with Lord Ram. Ayodhya airport was also named after Maharishi Valmiki," Adityanath said.

Seven Parliamentary constituencies, including Bulandshahr (SC), will go to polls in the second phase on April 26 while ten parliamentary constituencies, including Hathras (SC), will go to polls in the third phase on May 7.
Russian cruise missile strike on infrastructure in Ukraines western Lviv region killed one man, while another man died in an attack in the northeast officials said on Sunday.

The attack in Lviv destroyed a building and sparked a fire, Governor Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on social media app Telegram. He said that rescue operations were being conducted. In the Kharkiv region, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that an air attack killed a 19-year-old man Sunday after a projectile hit a gas station.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands in Ukraines Odesa region were left without power Sunday after debris from a downed Russian drone caused a blaze at an energy facility, Governor Oleh Kiper said. Some 170,000 homes suffered power outages as a result of the attack, said Ukraines largest private electricity operator, DTEK.

The Ukrainian air force said that it shot down nine of the 11 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, as well as nine out of 14 cruise missiles. Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent days, causing significant damage in several regions.

Ukrainian energy company Centrenergo announced Saturday that the Zmiiv Thermal Power Plant, one of the largest in the northeastern Kharkiv region, was completely destroyed following Russian shelling last week. Power outage schedules were still in place for around 120,000 people in the region, where 700,000 had lost electricity after the plant was hit on March 22.

In a message on Sunday to mark the date when some of Ukraines Christians celebrate Easter, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the country to persevere. There is not a day or night right now when Russian terror does not try to shatter our lives. Last night, we once again saw rockets and Shaheds launched against our people, he said. We defend ourselves, we persevere; our spirit does not give up and knows that death can be averted. Life can win, Zelenskyy said.

Ukraines Catholic, Protestant, and Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter Sunday according to the Gregorian calendar. The countrys religious majority, Orthodox Christians, follow the Julian calendar, which in 2024 places Easter on May 5.

Many of Ukraines Orthodox Christians began marking Christmas in line with the Gregorian calendar on Dec. 25 in 2023, in a move adopted by some of the countrys churches to distance themselves from Russia. However, the dates for Easter and other religious holidays have so far remained unchanged.

In Russia, meanwhile, 10 Czech-made Vampire rockets landed in the border region of Belgorod on Sunday, the Ministry of Defense said. One woman was injured when a fire broke out following the attack, said regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed orders heralding the start of the countrys annual spring recruitment season, officially drafting 150,000 conscripts.

Russias parliament raised the upper age limit for conscripts from 27 to 30 in July 2023 in a move that appeared to be part of efforts to expand the countrys military during the fighting in Ukraine. All Russian men are obliged to complete the yearlong national service, although many avoid the draft by using deferments granted to students, people with chronic illnesses and others.
Delicately and with intense concentration, Zanyiwe Ncube poured her small share of precious golden cooking oil into a plastic bottle at a food aid distribution site deep in rural Zimbabwe.

I dont want to lose a single drop, she said. Her relief at the handout  paid for by the United States government as her southern African country deals with a severe drought  was tempered when aid workers gently broke the news that this would be their last visit.

Ncube and her 7-month-old son she carried on her back were among 2,000 people who received rations of cooking oil, sorghum, peas and other supplies in the Mangwe district in southwestern Zimbabwe. The food distribution is part of a program funded by American aid agency USAID and rolled out by the United Nations World Food Programme.

Theyre aiming to help some of the 2.7 million people in rural Zimbabwe threatened with hunger because of the drought that has enveloped large parts of southern Africa since late 2023. It has scorched the crops that tens of millions of people grow themselves and rely on to survive, helped by what should be the rainy season. They can rely on their crops and the weather less and less. The drought in Zimbabwe, neighboring Zambia and Malawi has reached crisis levels. Zambia and Malawi have declared national disasters. Zimbabwe could be on the brink of doing the same. The drought has reached Botswana and Angola to the west, and Mozambique and Madagascar to the east.

A year ago, much of this region was drenched by deadly tropical storms and floods. It is in the midst of a vicious weather cycle: too much rain, then not enough. Its a story of the climate extremes that scientists say are becoming more frequent and more damaging, especially for the worlds most vulnerable people.

In Mangwe, the young and the old lined up for food, some with donkey carts to carry home whatever they might get, others with wheelbarrows. Those waiting their turn sat on the dusty ground. Nearby, a goat tried its luck with a nibble on a thorny, scraggly bush.

Ncube, 39, would normally be harvesting her crops now  food for her, her two children and a niece she also looks after. Maybe there would even be a little extra to sell.

The driest February in Zimbabwe in her lifetime, according to the World Food Programmes seasonal monitor, put an end to that.

We have nothing in the fields, not a single grain, she said. Everything has been burnt (by the drought).

The United Nations Childrens Fund says there are overlapping crises of extreme weather in eastern and southern Africa, with both regions lurching between storms and floods and heat and drought in the past year.

In southern Africa, an estimated 9 million people, half of them children, need help in Malawi. More than 6 million in Zambia, 3 million of them children, are impacted by the drought, UNICEF said. Thats nearly half of Malawis population and 30% of Zambias.

Distressingly, extreme weather is expected to be the norm in eastern and southern Africa in the years to come, said Eva Kadilli, UNICEFs regional director.

While human-made climate change has spurred more erratic weather globally, there is something else parching southern Africa this year.

El Nino, the naturally occurring climatic phenomenon that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean every two to seven years, has varied effects on the worlds weather. In southern Africa, it means below-average rainfall, sometimes drought, and is being blamed for the current situation. The impact is more severe for those in Mangwe, where its notoriously arid. People grow the cereal grain sorghum and pearl millet, crops that are drought resistant and offer a chance at harvests, but even they failed to withstand the conditions this year. Francesca Erdelmann, the World Food Programmes country director for Zimbabwe, said last years harvest was bad, but this season is even worse. This is not a normal circumstance, she said.

The first few months of the year are traditionally the lean months when households run short as they wait for the new harvest. However, there is little hope for replenishment this year.

Joseph Nleya, a 77-year-old traditional leader in Mangwe, said he doesnt remember it being this hot, this dry, this desperate. Dams have no water, riverbeds are dry and boreholes are few. We were relying on wild fruits, but they have also dried up, he said.

People are illegally crossing into Botswana to search for food and hunger is turning otherwise hard-working people into criminals, he added.

Multiple aid agencies warned last year of the impending disaster. Since then, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has said that 1 million of the 2.2 million hectares of his countrys staple corn crop have been destroyed. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has appealed for $200 million in humanitarian assistance.

The 2.7 million struggling in rural Zimbabwe is not even the full picture. A nationwide crop assessment is underway and authorities are dreading the results, with the number needing help likely to skyrocket, said the WFPs Erdelmann.

With this years harvest a write-off, millions in Zimbabwe, southern Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar wont be able to feed themselves well into 2025.

USAIDs Famine Early Warning System estimated that 20 million people would require food relief in southern Africa in the first few months of 2024.
French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said France is to deliver hundreds of armoured vehicles by the beginning of next year to Ukraine as part of a new package of military aid for the country that just entered its third year since the Russian invasion.

In an interview with the French newspaper La Tribunes Sunday edition, Lecornu said that to hold such an extensive front line, the Ukrainian army needs, for example, our armoured personnel carriers. Its absolutely key for troop mobility.

The French military is currently replacing its old VAB armoured personnel carriers that started being used in 1979 by a new generation of armoured vehicles. This old equipment, still operational, is going directly to Ukraine in large quantities. Were talking about hundreds (of vehicles) in 2024 and early 2025, Lecornu said. Lecornu also said France will provide Ukraine with more anti-aircraft missiles.

The move comes as Frances government is pushing its military industry to boost its production to meet Kyivs urgent needs for ammunition.

Lecornu on Tuesday said France will soon be able to deliver 78 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine and will increase its supply of shells.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned the use of red carpets at government events, reserving them exclusively for diplomatic receptions, as part of austerity measures to cut down unnecessary expenditures in the cash-strapped nation.

Sharif expressed annoyance over the use of red carpets during the visits of federal ministers and senior authorities at government functions.

According to the Cabinet Division, a ban has been imposed on the use of red carpet on the prime ministers directives.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet division, the prime minister has instructed that the red carpet will not be used for federal ministers and government figures at official events in the future. However, it could be used as a protocol only for foreign diplomats, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

The decision to ban red carpets is more than just a symbolic gesture. It represents a tangible effort to curb unnecessary expenditures and redirect resources to more critical areas of governance. By eliminating the use of red carpets, the government aims to save funds and promote a more responsible and prudent approach to public finances.

Last week, Prime Minister Sharif and members of the Cabinet decided to voluntarily forego their salaries and perks as part of the governments efforts to promote austerity. Last month, the prime minister stated that austerity measures were the governments top priority.

Earlier, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari decided against taking salary and perks, owing to economic challenges being faced by the country. Sharif earlier this month took oath as the prime minister for a second time since 2022 amidst staggering economic and security challenges.

Sharif on Tuesday said his government is planning to approach the International Monetary Fund for another programme, days after the country struck a staff-level agreement with the global lender regarding the disbursal of the final tranche of USD 1.1 billion.
Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europes ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries integration with the European Union. After years of negotiations to join the so-called Schengen area, there is now free access for travellers arriving by air or sea. Land border checks will remain in place, however, due to opposition primarily from Austria, which has long blocked their bid over illegal migration concerns.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the change as a huge success for both countries and a historic moment for what is the worlds largest free travel zone.

The Schengen Area was established in 1985. Before Bulgaria and Romanias admission, it was comprised of 23 of the 27 EU member countries, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Around 3.5 million people cross an internal border each day.

Austria vetoed Romania and Bulgarias admission into the Schengen zone at the end of 2022 but allowed Croatia full accession. Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007 and Croatia in 2013.

Siegfried Muresan, a Romanian Member of the European Parliament, told The Associated Press that it is an important first step that will benefit millions of travellers annually. Bulgaria and Romania have been fulfilling all criteria for joining the Schengen area for years  we are entitled to join with the terrestrial border as well, he said, adding that it will offer additional arguments to the last EU member state that has been vetoing the full accession.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called it a well-deserved achievement for Romania that he said will benefit citizens who can travel more easily and will bolster the economy. We have a clear and firmly assumed government plan for full accession to the Schengen Area by the end of the year, he said. The EUs executive branch, the European Commission, has said for more than a decade that Romania and Bulgaria both meet the technical criteria for full accession, which requires unanimous support from their partners. Both countries have agreed to implement random security screening at airports and maritime borders to combat illegal migration and cross-border crime.

While lifting border controls on air and sea ports is expected to positively impact the tourism sector, members of the European Parliament have voiced concerns about long queues at the EUs land borders and the impact it can have on trade in the blocs single market, as well as the health and safety of drivers.

Truck drivers are frequently stuck in kilometers-long queues at the borders of both Romania and Bulgaria. The Union of International Carriers in Bulgaria estimates delays cost the sector tens of millions of euros each year.
The recent deadly attack on Chinese workers in Pakistan has shaken their confidence and some of them are planning to leave the country over security reasons, according to a security analyst.

Muhammad Amir Rana in an article published in Dawn newspaper on Sunday wrote that the terrorist attack on the Chinese engineers vehicle on Tuesday, which killed five Chinese, is having consequences and Chinese companies have suspended work on at least three critical hydropower projects: the Dasu dam, the Diamer-Basha dam, and the Tarbela 5th Extension.

The attack has caused significant alarm. Apart from disrupting these vital infrastructure projects, it has shaken the confidence of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. Reports indicate some are considering leaving the country due to safety concerns, he wrote.

Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects being carried out under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Rana said that the Pakistani government has repeatedly pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, the recent incident has eroded trust and Chinese social media reflects growing anxiety, with calls for stricter security measures to protect Chinese lives.

Whenever a major terrorist incident occurs in the country, the media, security experts, and even state institutions start to make sweeping generalisations and the first and most well-known excuse cited is foreign involvement in the attacks, especially those targeting Chinese nationals or CPEC-related projects.

Three names of terrorist groups spring to mind: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army, and the Islamic State-Khorasan and the same is the case for the recent Shangla attack as the names of all three groups popped up immediately after the attack.

The TTP has been projected as the prime suspect, as one of its commanders was declared the mastermind behind a similar attack on the Chinese in Kohistan in 2021, and the names of a few TTP commanders who may have orchestrated the attack are circulating in the media.

Rana said Pakistans militant landscape may not be too complex but is diverse, where ideologies, sociopolitical factors, and group dynamics all work within local contexts. In any counterterrorism inquiry, local context and dynamics are more important than broader ideological and political motivations. He said quickly jumping to conclusions distracts investigation and impacts the states ability to tackle the security situation comprehensively. Rana opined that the states history of compromise with militant groups has emboldened them.

Shangla, upper and lower Kohistan, and Battagram districts of the Hazara region in KP and the adjoining Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan share religious, social, tribal, ethnic, and cultural codes. The region has been frequently in the news due to honour killings, burning of girls schools, and the killing of Shia travellers. Recently, it has gained notoriety for attacks on Chinese workers involved in development projects in the area.

The locals support religious organisations, giving them financial and human resources, and weapons.

Before receiving large compensation sums for the Dasu and Basha dams, the region thrived on timber smuggling.

Extremist tendencies in the region are stronger than those in the neighbouring areas.

Security institutions, bureaucracy, and the areas political leadership have tried to run the administration through local jirgas and by involving religious scholars, which can result in leniency towards criminals, with many extremist elements taking the law into their own hands.

The Mujahideen Gilgit-Baltistan and Kohistan (MGB) are a prime example. The group claimed responsibility for several incidents in Kohistan and Diamer districts.

Although a prominent violent actor, it is not the only one in the region. The MGB and other local militant groups reportedly maintain close links with the TTP and sectarian outfits based in Punjab. These external groups appear to support local militants, as evidenced by the TTPs involvement in the 2022 Babusar Pass blockade.

The governments strategy of outsourcing the maintenance of order to local and external religious figures needs to be revised to address these sentiments and a more comprehensive approach is needed to calm tensions, according to the analyst.
A car bomb exploded in a busy market in a northern Syrian town controlled by Turkey-based Syrian opposition fighters early Sunday, killing at least three people, rescue workers and a war monitor said.

The bomb exploded in the town of Aziz in Aleppo province. Volunteers with the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, said the blast, just after midnight, killed two children and a woman.

The explosion that tore through the busy market also wounded five civilians and destroyed shops and homes in the area, the paramedic group said. First responders struggled to break through the large panicking crowds in the market, searching for casualties, clearing the wreckage, and putting out fires.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, Britain-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least eight people were killed and 23 wounded.

Turkey has launched three major cross-border operations in Syria since 2016 and controls some Syrian territory in the north.
AT&T notified customers Saturday, March 30, 2024 about personal data being discovered on the dark web from 73 million former and current users. Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

AT&T launched an investigation into a breach after millions of current and former account users had their data released on the dark web.

The Texas-based company announced Saturday that the data was from 2019 or earlier and 73 million former and current account holders may have been affected, according to a preliminary analysis.

"While AT&T has made this determination, it is not yet known whether the data in those fields originated from AT&T or one of its vendors," an AT&T statement said.

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This comes after AT&T outages were reported in February, which left users unable to make calls or send texts and led to an investigation by the Federal Communication Commission. The company said the outages were not caused by a cyberattack.

Which AT&T users' information was compromised?

AT&T found the data set included personal information such as social security numbers, and passcodes were compromised. Additional information possibly included was the AT&T account number, full name, email address, mailing address, phone number and date of birth, according to the company.

However, the data set didn't contain personal financial information or call history.

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What has AT&T found during the preliminary analysis?

About 7.6 million current and 65.4 million former AT&T account holders were affected by the breach, according to the company. However, the company said they don't have evidence of unauthorized access to its systems resulting in theft of the data set.

AT&T said in a statement the incident didn't affect operations.

What steps did AT&T take for the breach?

AT&T initiated a "robust investigation supported by internal and external cybersecurity experts." The company said password resets were initiated for current customers affected.

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Customers who were affected will be offered complimentary identity theft and credit monitoring services.

NOTHING TO FEAR: iPhone and Apple Watch contact sharing update explained

How will you know if AT&T data was compromised?

If a person's data has been compromised, AT&T users will receive an email or letter explaining the situation, the information that was compromised and the company's plans to help.

How to secure your AT&T account

The passcode will be reset for the compromised account. However, AT&T is asking customers to continue checking over their accounts for any issues.

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"We encourage customers to remain vigilant by monitoring account activity and credit reports. You can set up free fraud alerts from nationwide credit bureaus  Equifax, Experian and TransUnion," AT&T's statement said.

A customer can also review free credit reports by visiting freecreditreport.com.

How to reset the passcode

AT&T provided information about how to reset the passcode for anyone who needs extra security even it they weren't compromised. The passcode is a PIN with four-digit numbers.

Here's how to change the passcode:

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Sign in to your AT&T profile

Scroll to "My linked accounts"

Select "Edit" for the passcode to update

Follow the prompts for completion
Boxes are moved into a trailer for shipping at the Amazon HOU6 Fulfillment Center on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 in Richmond. Employees pick, pack and ship customer orders in Amazons HOU6 3.7 million square foot Fulfillment Center. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

As the online shopping market continues to grow and grow, there's another part of the industry that has also skyrocketed alongside it: online returns.

According to the National Retail Federation, $743 billion in merchandise was returned in 2023. Online sales were returned at a 17.6% rate, higher than the overall 14.6% return rate.

That's higher than most people in the industry would like as returns may be convenient for those who just have to drop them off. But for the people who deal with the returns once they leave the customer's hands, it is a more complicated process.

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"Everybody is trying to solve the returns problem," National Retail Federation Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Scot Case said. "They're trying to address the environmental costs. They're trying to address financial costs because ultimately it's in retailers' best interest that consumers get what they think they're getting, and that they are happy with their purchase. It's in no one's interest for returns to be a part of the problem."

Where do your online returns go?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to where your returns go after you send them back, Reverse Logistics Association Executive Director Tony Sciarrotta said. He also said the reverse supply chain is very similar for both online returns and regular in-person returns. Multiple factors go into the exact route of a return, including the item, geographic location of the consumer and contracts between manufacturers or retailers.

Typically they will go back to the manufacturer, a return center or a third-party return center. From there, they can return to store shelves to be re-sold as new depending on the condition, re-sold with a designation indicating it had been used or liquidated. They could also end up in landfills

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"Unfortunately, some of it does get salvaged for parts and some of it gets scrapped," Sciarrotta said. "Some of it is e-waste. Some of it is landfill and we really hope that that's not most of it, of course. We believe that a large percentage does get used correctly in an environmentally friendly way. But being clear that some of it does get liquidated and disposed of not necessarily in the best way."

What roles do stores, like Black Friday Deals in Houston, play?

Black Friday Deals, located at 9840 Fondren, is a discount store that sells overstock and returned items at discounted prices. It is one of many different versions of the store all across the country.

Sciarrotta said they play a major role in the circular economy, which is a model where items are reused and refurbished instead of being discarded. They not only are environmentally helpful as it keep items in circulation and not in landfills but also provide opportunities for people with less money to purchase important items.

"The best thing to do with a return is to reuse it, resell it, repurpose it," Sciarrotta said. "That's what is happening more and more. The secondary market is enormous."

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What items can be resold as new?

There is one steadfast legal requirement for returned items to be labeled as new for electronics, which cannot be sold as new once they have been plugged in.

Other items will be closely inspected to see if they were used before being returned or if any imperfections occurred in between being sold and returned and inspected, Sciarrotta said. They then can then be refurbished or then re-sold as used.

What are the added costs of online returns?

There are many people who buy items intending to return them, such as buying multiple sizes or colors of a piece of clothing to see which one feels and looks best. While the return policies for websites may be free, Sciarrotta and Case both said there are financial and environmental costs when people do things like that. Scirrotta added 90% of electronics returns are not due to any tech failure.

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"This stuff has added costs that the consumer ultimately will pay," Sciarrotta said.

During 2022, 24 million metric tons of CO2 were emitted due to returns, according to estimates from reverse logistics technology company Optoro. There were also 9.5 billion pounds of returns put in landfills.

What is the future of online returns?

Retailers want fewer returns, Sciarrotta explained, and there are different ways they are trying to combat it. One way is using AI to illustrate what the item of clothing might look like on you. Another way includes chatbots that use previous ordering history to help make sizing suggestions.

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Village doctors safeguard health in China's mountainous Guizhou

Xinhua) 10:35, April 01, 2024

GUIYANG, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Before 8 o'clock in the morning, 48-year-old village doctor Lei Zhaojin arrives at a health clinic in southwest China's Guizhou Province. She promptly dons her white coat and begins attending to the patients who are waiting.

Lei has worked at Duoding community clinic in Weng'an County after her graduation in 1998. Mountainous and hilly areas account for 92.5 percent of the province's total land area.

Her daily routine includes conducting consultations and intravenous therapy as well as performing massage therapy, among other medical services. Currently, three village doctors are working at the clinic.

Village doctors, safeguarding the health of rural residents, are playing a key role in the healthcare of China's vast rural areas. They travel door to door to answer patients' calls, especially for those who live in hard-to-reach hamlets.

In China, there are over 1.3 million village doctors like Lei. They are considered health guardians in towns and villages, offering emergency response and medical support.

Besides diagnosing common illnesses, their main responsibilities include managing the health of patients with chronic conditions, handling infectious disease reporting, and conducting health check-ups for the elderly, among other public health services.

Lei's home is only about 300 meters away from the clinic. But she hangs an LED display screen at her doorstep, showing her contact information. "I am ready to serve the villagers 24 hours a day," Lei said.

Like Lei, 55-year-old village doctor Luo Haixiang has been working at a community clinic in Baigu Village in Guizhou for 38 years.

After graduation from a medical school in 1986, Luo returned home and served as a village doctor. To make home visits easier, she even bought a car five years ago. "Now it's much more convenient," said Luo.

This year, her village has more than 140 villagers diagnosed with hypertension, with their blood pressure having to be monitored regularly, and nine diabetic patients under supervision. In addition, more than 200 elderly people are given health examinations once every year.

To keep them healthy, Luo opts to conduct public health services by visiting villagers during the early morning and late evening hours, as these times coincide with when the majority of villagers are likely to be at home.

Currently, she goes out for home visits about four times a week, and sometimes she has to go out every day of the week to carry out public health work.

"The busiest work throughout the year is still conducting public health services. In remote mountainous areas, the distances between households are very far," she said.

In order to enhance the sense of achievement among village doctors and further encourage them to safeguard the health of rural communities, China continues to take targeted measures.

This year, the National Health Commission (NHC) will continue to foster more medical talents for rural areas and expand the enrollment size of medical students trained for rural areas with free tuition.

Meanwhile, training programs will also be organized to enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and health management abilities of existing health personnel in China's rural areas, according to the NHC.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Texas jokesters have made headlines for various April Fools' Day pranks, including when Whataburger announced a line of burger-scented candles. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Todays a holiday awaited by amateur pranksters and corporate social media teams around the world: April Fools Day.

Celebrated for several centuries, April 1 can be a chance to bring a spot of lighthearted laughter to someones Monday, an attempt at humor that leaves its audience cringing, or a misstep that sparks unintended fallout.

Texas jokesters have made headlines for all three. Were these pranks funny, embarrassing or inappropriate? Thats for you to judge:

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Whataburger candle

Five years ago, Whataburger announced on social media that it would launch two candles, one that smelled like its original Whataburger and the other that would waft Double Meat Double Cheese throughout the room.

What's better than eating Whataburger? Nothing! BUT, your house smelling like a #1 is pretty darn close, the company wrote, before revealing the familiar orange-and-white branded items as an April Fools prank.

But if the comments on the Facebook post are any indication, Whataburger may actually have customers keen to buy the candles should the chain ever decide to launch.

Houston Chronicle photoshop

Newspapers are notorious for April Fools Day headlines, for better or for worse. The Houston Chronicle was no exception.

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In 1962, the Chronicle published in Texas Magazine a photoshopped image of the San Jacinto Monument toppled over and in pieces. It was meant to call attention to the lack of funding for maintenance of the monument, which commemorates the soldiers who fought in the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.

Texas legislature honors Boston Strangler

A prank from Rep. Tom Moore Jr. of Waco reportedly was meant to double as an April Fools joke and as an illustration that his fellow colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives didnt fully read the bills and resolutions they passed.

In 1971, Moore sponsored a resolution honoring Albert DeSalvo for unconventional techniques involving population control. DeSalvo was better known as the Boston Strangler, a serial killer who murdered at least 11 women in the Boston area in the early 1960s.

After the resolution passed unanimously, Moore withdrew it immediately.

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Dallas Fort Worth renamed

In 2022, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport announced it would change its name to Fort Worth Dallas International Airport to give Fort Worth its well-deserved top billing. The social media post was complete with a new sign reconfigured with the new moniker.

We are a forward-thinking airport, with a FWD-looking name! the airport remarked, before revealing the change as an April Fools joke less than two hours later.

At least one person was not impressed: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. Not really funny, Johnson replied on X, formerly Twitter, with an unenthused emoji.

Texas's own currency

Beginning in fall 2016, Texas would resume issuing its own currency, the Texas Comptroller announced in an April 1 social media post. Why?

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#becauseTexas. Fair enough.

The office attached an image of a red Texas $10 bill, complete with a photo of Willie Nelson, a rendering of a guitar on top of the Texas map and the logo of Texas A&M University.

A beaver lover's paradise

Last year, the San Antonio Zoo announced that it would build a new zoo dedicated to the North American beaver in partnership with Buc-ees on March 31. Dubbed the Beaver Tales Wildlife Park, the zoo would have a gift shop, a restaurant, a beaver interaction program and a hotel.

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Justin Ballard is the Houston Chronicle's first ever newsroom meteorologist. He can be reached at justin.ballard@houstonchronicle.com.

He brings five years of experience forecasting tropical systems, severe weather outbreaks, and blizzards to the Houston Chronicle. His unique experience in forecasting will serve him well in his role at the Chronicle, as Houston has experienced a number of impactful weather events in recent years.

Justin looks forward to his work with the Houston Chronicle, where he'll be responsible for posting daily weather forecasts. On top of daily forecasts, he is excited to tackle more in-depth weather and climate stories that impact the residents of Southeast Texas.

A North Carolina native, Justin joined the Chronicle in July 2023. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in December 2017.
Felecia McKinney, a Harris County Precinct 1 deputy constable, speaks in Sept. 2021 about being sexually assaulted during a prostitution sting. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Should the long arm of the law have limits? Most people, including those of us who support police, would say so. We might disagree on specifics but we generally agree that police power, or any government power, shouldn't be absolute or without accountability.

So what do we do when accountability is virtually nonexistent?

That's the question we were left with after an eye-opening series from the Chronicle newsroom entitled Unchecked Forces, probing the colorful history, uniquely broad powers and veritable free reign of our eight Harris County constable precincts.

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The series took great pains to note how residents benefiting from the community policing and watchful eyes of deputy constables strongly support them. It also pointed out how constables' offices handle relatively few violent crimes and that experts have insisted for years that precious law enforcement resources could be better spent at the sheriff's office than with deputy constables whose days may consist of attending social events, answering calls about neighbor disputes and checking on homes of out-of-town residents.

Most disturbing, though, is that, if a deputy constable violates your constitutional rights  barges in your house without a warrant, arrests you without cause or uses excessive force against you  it's practically impossible to sue.

It's hard to sue any law enforcement in Texas. The sheriff's office can't be sued directly, either. Alleged victims must sue the county and prove their rights were violated by policy or custom. Any settlement comes from the county's pockets, not the sheriff's.

Constables benefit from an added layer of legal protection that makes them, in the words of one Dallas attorney, "untouchable." That's a problem, not just for individual victims, but for the notion that the threat of litigation is a deterrent to bad behavior. Good constables won't tolerate abusive officers, but others who do face few consequences.

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You can't sue the county for constable abuses because they're not considered "policy makers," according to a 1980 exemption established in a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. That may be true in other counties, where constables can be relegated to guarding courtrooms, but Harris County's independently elected constable precincts employ 1,765 sworn deputies and control budgets totaling $236 million.

Still, cases against constables are routinely dismissed, even those brought by female deputies for sexual harassment committed under the guise of an undercover prostitution sting operation.

Its a mess, and no one has stepped in to fix it, Houston defense attorney Bradford Gilde told the Chronicle.

That's because there are many legal layers protecting constables from true accountability.

PART II: How unchecked police agencies became a political powerhouse in Harris County

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"Really, it's just one of many outs," County Attorney Christian Menefee said of the 1980 precedent. His office uses it, and other tools, to protect the county, including law enforcement, from any litigation. That's his job. It doesn't mean he thinks all the tools are fair.

"Courts have created nearly insurmountable hurdles for victims of police brutality and their families when their rights are violated," Menefee told us.

Then there's the Monell Doctrine, a federal protection established though the courts that's sort of parallel to the better-known practice of qualified immunity. Where qualified immunity shields individual officers, the Monell Doctrine protects municipal governments and it's why even suing the sheriff's department is tricky. The doctrine offers some protection against potential bankruptcy, especially for smaller jurisdictions, but it also tends to mean governments avoid big payouts for troubling abuse on their watch and it removes incentives and mechanisms for real systemic change. Congress could and should change this.

When it comes to state law, Sen. Roland Gutierrez has tried to lift the barriers for victims in court with little traction. Change is only possible in another Texas, that purple one we've perpetually heard is just over the horizon. There, the state Legislature might amend Texas' tort claims act, broadening the narrow conditions under which governments can be held liable. Lawmakers could create a cause of action for suits against local officials for assault, battery and other abuses as has been done elsewhere.

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Locally, county officials have only a few practical tools for punishing rogue constables. One involves purse strings. State lawmakers blocked local jurisdictions of a certain size from reducing or "defunding" police budgets without voter approval, but county officials could still theoretically withhold budget increases over concerning constable behavior.

Second, Menefee is considering proposing an indemnification policy similar to one the City of Houston has had for decades. Sort of like an insurance policy that the county takes out on its employees, it would allow victims who would otherwise face an array of legal barriers to settle at or below a certain financial cap. It wouldn't necessarily translate to real accountability and wouldn't apply to the most egregious offenses of brutality. But, says supporter Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, "They get something, they get some relief." Though he adds: "Its a sad compromise.

Without congressional action and changes to Texas law, the most direct accountability for constables is still at the ballot box. This year, this editorial board restored county constables to the list of down-ballot positions for which we recommend candidates. We urge voters to consider those picks and do their own research in November to ensure that good constables get reelected and those with records of waste or abuse don't.

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It's not the real accountability we need. But it's something.
India's homegrown microprocessors claim 'generation minus one' benchmarking

India's Shakti and Vega microprocessors, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), are on par with global counterparts in performance, according to V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras.

"Regarding the benchmarking, we're operating at what you could call "generation minus one" compared to the latest contemporary microprocessors," Kamakoti said, in a recent conversation with Digitimes Asia. "This means we've achieved what those processors did two to three years ago."

The processors represent a significant advancement in the country's tech ambitions, as the government continues to boost the sector with various incentives and subsidies.

"The benchmarks depend on various factors, including the specific silicon and Process Development Kit (PDK) used," Kamakoti continued. "We're very close to, and in some cases better than, contemporary microprocessors according to benchmarks like CoreMark, which is widely used for embedded systems. I'm highly confident in our competitiveness."

Integrating with existing solutions

Several startups in India are now leveraging Shakti for various applications, from security to SoC development, highlighting the architecture's flexibility and adaptability to specific needs. These include Mindgrove Technologies and InCore Semiconductors. Kamakoti added that they are also trying to integrate the processor into existing IoT and other solutions.

"Currently, we are awaiting silicon prototypes from startups," Kamakoti said. "There was a time when our efforts were met with skepticism, but perceptions have shifted significantly. We've progressed from being underestimated to engaging in discussions with various entities. This change underscores the importance of tangible results, which is why we emphasize internal development and execution. Such an approach not only builds trust but also showcases our capability to innovate without external intervention."

One of the startups associated with IIT Madras is currently working towards launching their microprocessor chip. Kamakoti expects that once this chip is released and its booting process along with other functionalities are demonstrated, there will be more traction, as it will serve as a commercial proof of concept.

"Many of us are navigating the tapeout process for the first time, without extensive guidance," Kamakoti added. "Yet, reaching this stage of development is a testament to the potential within our projects. This journey from initial doubt to recognition has been crucial. We believe our message of innovation and resilience is now clearly understood, as evidenced by the increasing interest and engagement from the community."

Evolution of the project

The Shakti project was initiated primarily to explore and ascertain the existence of a processor development ecosystem within India. The project's goal was to validate the country's capability in developing a microprocessor ecosystem, covering everything from the initial instruction set architecture (ISA) to design, backend processing, manufacturing, packaging, and support for board and processor booting processes.

"From 2013 to 2017, we engaged in numerous unfunded projects, largely managed by students," Kamakoti said. "During this period, we committed ourselves to the RISC-V architecture, confident in its potential for significant successa belief that has proven to be well-founded. By late 2017, around October or November, we received our initial funding of close to one million dollars. This funding was allocated to the design and development of three chips.

"Before presenting this technology as a viable option to startups, it was crucial to demonstrate its effectiveness from concept to silicon, acknowledging the considerable difference between theoretical designs and practical, tangible results."

Consequently, three processors were developed. These processors, classified into C and E classes, were successfully manufactured and tested. They ran Linux and several software applications, performing exceptionally well in all tests.

Following this success, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge was launched.

The challenge was open to students of all educational levels and startups, encouraging participants to engage with indigenous Processor IPs. The goal was to leverage these homegrown technologies to create cost-effective solutions addressing societal needs.

This initiative attracted over 10,000 participants, forming around 500 teams, which were eventually narrowed down to the final shortlist. The challenge spurred a wide range of publications across diverse fields such as health, agriculture, drones, and more, showcasing the versatility and potential applications of these indigenously developed processors.

"These initiatives were undertaken with the goal of fostering a robust ecosystem within the country, particularly aimed at startups, and to produce products that could be consumed globally across various industries," Kamakoti added. "For instance, startups could manufacture automotive chips that would be utilized by major companies, contributing to a diverse and expansive industrial landscape. This approach was designed to establish a thriving ecosystem conducive to innovation and growth."
New Taiwanese administration to prioritize net zero, energy, talent in tech policy roadmap

President-elect Lai Ching-te has strongly endorsed policy recommendations regarding addressing talent shortage, achieving net zero emissions, and ensuring energy supply, according to Richard Lee, chairman of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA).

The policy proposals were presented by TEEMA to the Executive Yuan in 2023. Lee highlighted Lai's expression of agreement during a TEEMA anniversary event held in March, where discussions with Lai underscored Taiwan's robust global presence in the ICT sector.

At the event, Lee emphasized to Lai that Taiwan's ICT industry aims to cater to 30% of the global market demand by 2030, with three-fourths of production by Taiwanese suppliers dispersed worldwide and one-fourth retained domestically. Furthermore, Lee reiterated three policy recommendations that TEEMA had submitted to the Executive Yuan last year to address net zero, energy, and talent challenges.

Taiwanese Premier Chen Chien-jen recently noted that the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) commenced trial implementation in October 2023, while the US Clean Competition Act (CCA) is set to take effect in 2024 at the earliest. This, coupled with Asian countries progressively establishing carbon trading exchanges, Chen stressed, Taiwan must expedite the implementation of net zero initiatives.

In terms of power supply, under the RE100 initiative, Lai pledged that after taking office his administration will continue to increase investment in renewable energy. Taiwan boasts a total installed renewable energy capacity of 17.9 gigawatts (GW), generating 26.7 billion kWh, roughly 10% of the island's green electricity. As of February 2024, wind and solar power penetration reached an impressive 52.37%, meaning for every two kWh of electricity generated, one comes from a renewable source.

Use of recycled and desalinated water encouraged

To ensure a stable water supply, the government is actively addressing the challenge of inadequate rainfall through strategic water source allocation and backup measures. On the policy front, high-volume water users like TSMC are encouraged to fulfill their corporate social responsibility by progressively increasing their use of recycled water. Additionally, manufacturers will also be required to utilize desalinated seawater in the future to bolster the resilience of Taiwan's water resources.

Addressing the talent shortage, the government has invited companies to collaborate in establishing the "Regional Industry Talent and Technology Cultivation Bases" within the technical and vocational system, alongside the "National Key Fields Research Academy" dedicated to fostering experts at the master's and doctoral levels. Presently, there are 18 regional talent cultivation bases and six semiconductor academies. Universities such as the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University have initiated undergraduate programs in electronics and photonics to expand the pool of technology professionals.

The National Development Council (NDC) has recently introduced the "Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Silicon Valley Plan," aiming to bolster investment in talent and education within the western Taiwan technology corridor while enhancing transportation networks and infrastructure. The plan is designed to alleviate congestion in the Hsinchu Science Park and foster regional development.

In addition to TEEMA, many more industry associations serve as crucial channels for businesses to voice their concerns to the government. They include the Taipei Computer Association (TCA), Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA), Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association (PIDA), Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA), Taiwan Display Union Association (TDUA), and Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI).

Tax incentives, water and electricity supply, environmental regulations, industrial land acquisition, talent recruitment, relaxation of migrant worker policies, and stricter controls on trade secrets are all topics frequently discussed by various industry associations. One of the most effective lobbying methods is for these associations to issue "policy white papers" to advocate for desired policy changes from the government.
Major Chinese telecom companies slow infrastructure investment, target AI computing power

China's three major telecommunications companies announced plans to target cloud computing power and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

According to Nikkei Asia and the Yicai, China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom are shifting their investment focus from 5G to cloud computing and AI. With 5G infrastructure reaching its peak, the focus on AI and cloud computing aligns with the current direction of China's government policies.

With the Chinese government proposing AI Plus, the three major telecommunications companies responded by emphasizing the empowerment of enterprises with AI. China Telecom has the LLM TeleChat, China Mobile has the Jiutian LLM, and China Unicom has the Yuanjing LLM.

Public data from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that the proportion of 5G network users in China reached 50% at the end of February 2024. The total number of 5G mobile phone users from the three major telecommunications companies plus China Broadcasting reached 850 million, accounting for nearly 50% of the overall mobile phone users.

The number of 5G base stations has reached 3.51 million. This accounts for nearly 30% of the total base stations.

China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom have successively released their 2023 financial reports. China Telecom stated that its capital expenditure in 2023 was CNY98.8 billion (US$16.66 billion), a 7% increase, but did not separately specify the amount of 5G investment as in the past.

China Telecom expects its capital expenditure in 2024 to be CNY96 billion, a 3% decrease. CEO Ke Ruiwen pointed out that the decrease is mainly due to structural adjustments, and capital expenditure is expected to continue decreasing in the coming years unless new technologies such as 5G or 6G emerge.

China Mobile, which has the largest amount of users, stated that its 5G investment peaked in 2023. Chairman Yang Jie has repeatedly stated that China Mobile's 5G infrastructure was at its highest between 2020 and 2022 and its capital expenditure climaxed in 2022, but decreased by 3% in 2023 to CNY180.3 billion.

China Mobile expects its capital expenditure to decrease by 4% in 2024. However, investment in AI and cloud computing will increase by 20% to CNY47.5 billion.

China Unicom, the smallest of the three major telecommunications companies in terms of scale, also stated that investment will shift from a network communication business to a computing network with the gradual improvement of 5G network coverage. China Unicom's capital expenditure in 2023 was CNY73.9 billion, a decrease of 0.4%, and the company's expected capital expenditure in 2024 is CNY65 billion.

China Mobile pointed out that enterprise transformation faces some uncertainties. The complex and harsh external environment, along with international trade and technological barriers, will affect the supply chain and impact corporate operations.
Weekly news roundup: Leaked Huawei chipset details surface, revealing chips manufactured with SMIC 5nm process

These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories in the week of March 25  March 29.

Huawei chipset spec leak shows chips made using SMIC 5nm process

A post on China's Baidu Qualcomm Tieba revealed the specs and capabilities of a new Huawei Kirin 5nm chip, showing the chip is manufactured with the SMIC 5nm process, according to the Huawei Central website. Speculations said the chip can be the Kirin 9010 that Huawei's new P70 series smartphones are expected to use. According to supply chain sources, the P70 smartphone will likely arrive in the market in April with a target shipment of 15 million units.

Former TSMC director: China will form its semiconductor system, but hard to compete with others

Konrad Young, the retired former TSMC R&D director, said at an international forum that China's semiconductor industry will be able to form its independent ecosystem while facing the US sanctions. However, the country may need decades to do so. Young also said China's closed-loop semiconductor system will be significantly smaller. The system will have a hard time competing with the external counterpart, which develops on the foundation of international cooperation.

Huawei GPUs surge in demand and price in China amid absence of Nvidia

Huawei delivered about 100,000 GPUs for computing demands in 2023 and has increased its production capacities to several hundred thousand units this year. The company has not been able to keep up with the rising demand in China as Nvidia's latest B200 GPU cannot access the Chinese market due to the US ban. Huawei's GPU prices have surged from approximately CNY70,000 to around CNY120,000.

Samsung Group ventures into glass substrate development to challenge Intel, Apple eyes adoption

Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) has initiated joint efforts with Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display (SDC), and other key subsidiaries to invest in the R&D of Glass Core Substrates (GCS) to accelerate commercialization. Compared to traditional resin substrates, glass substrates offer finer patterning, thinner profiles, and greater heat resistance while facilitating large-area integration and compatibility with high-performance chips. The Samsung Group aims to challenge Intel, which has taken an early lead in this sector.

Chinese lithography equipment imports slow

Data from China's General Administration of Customs showed that lithography machines imported from the Netherlands monthly decreased after an export ban imposed by the Netherlands took effect this year. In January 2024, the import value of lithography machines reached US$666 million, declining by 41% month on month. The value was US$390 million in February, down 41.4% from January. However, the import value for the first two months of 2024 surged by 256.1% year over year to US$1.057 billion.

Exclusive: Taiwan supply chain helps Micron to achieve early HBM3E mass production

In an exclusive interview with DIGITIMES, Praveen Vaidyanathan, VP & GM of the Compute Products Group at Micron Technology, said the support of its Taiwanese supply chain partners, including TSMC and IP suppliers, is a reason for enabling Micron's early mass production of its latest high bandwidth memory (HBM) product, HBM3E. According to Vaidyanathan, HBM's compound annual growth is expected to surge in the coming years as AI applications extend from training to inference. Micron aims for an HBM market share similar to its global DRAM share.

Darling stay with me, Dutch government tells ASML

The Dutch government plans to invest EUR2.5 billion (approximately US$2.7 billion) in the Brainport region of Eindhoven, where ASML is headquartered. The news came after ASML reportedly threatened to leave the country. About EUR9 million will be injected into educational institutions, including universities and technical institutions, in Brainport. The Dutch government plans to improve local infrastructure and housing and expand Eindhoven University of Technology with the investment. It also proposed canceling the government's contentious plans to tax stock buybacks.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears at a pretrial hearing in his securities fraud case before state District Judge Andrea Beall in the 185th District Court Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Harris County Criminal Courts at Law in Houston. Paxton will have his charges dismissed in exchange for doing 100 hours of community service and meeting other requirements, according to a last-minute deal announced Tuesday. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Paxton's punishment

Regarding "Paxton's securities fraud deal calls for 100 hours of community service. We've got ideas. (Editorial)," (March 26): Glad to see Ken Paxton is finally getting punished for his misdeeds. Now Gov. Greg Abbott needs to make sure Paxton pays the $300,000 reimbursement out of his own pocket, not out of Texas coffers. He has already spent too much of Texas' money on his legal problems.

Patricia Roberts, Bellaire

Many courts in Texas will allow you to donate $7 per community service hour to a local food bank. I assume that check has already been deposited.

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Lance Potts, East Bernard

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Now I think all of us Texans can be proud that our long-term attorney general will have to take 15 hours of legal ethics classes.

Ben Portnoy, Bellaire

It's pathetic that the attorney general of Texas is forced to attend ethics classes after being charged with securities fraud. It's clear he needs the classes, but it's pathetic nonetheless.

Bryan Wirwicz, Houston

Uneven justice

Regarding "When will Trump pay his $175 million appeals bond? Here's what's next in his civil fraud case," (March 26): I just read two very depressing news items. First, that the bond required to be posted by Donald Trump has been reduced to $175 million from $454 million and second, that charges against Paxton have been dropped. If I (or anyone I know) had had these kinds of charges filed against me, then I would have been in prison. Definitely one set of laws for the rich and one for the poor.

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Robert Cheetham, Friendswood

Regarding Before deal in Ken Paxton's fraud case, prosecutor was scrambling to buy more time, find new partner," (March 28): And so goes the trend of accountability delayed, justice denied. Quite a contrast to the adjacent front-page article on the sentencing of crypto criminal Sam Bankman-Fried. The arc of his dramatic fall, arrest and conviction took less than 18 months. Paxton, on the other hand, has benefited from nearly a decade of orchestrated detours and delays, adding insult to injury by complaining he was denied a speedy trial.

The elephant in the courtroom is that evading courtrooms has become the GOP national platform. No surprise. When lies enable such absolute corruption of power, the powerful do all they can to avoid the one place where facts prevail, preferring courts of public opinion over courts of law. Instead, they live in the shadows of conspiracy theories and propaganda-friendly news networks where politics trump truth. They prefer a separate justice system where implied and overt intimidation of prosecutors, witnesses and jurors is an accepted tactic for avoiding accountability. And they benefit from a Supreme Court that just needs a wee bit more time to determine whether a president can "shoot someone on Fifth Avenue."

The cost of Bankman-Frieds fraud is estimated at $11 billion. Too bad we cant attach a number to the reputational damage the Paxton civic travesty has cost the Republican Party, the judiciary and the country itself. One remedy is to get cases like these to trial as soon as possible. Hopefully, witnesses wont be sworn in on a $59.99 MAGA Bible. Let us pray.

Robert Campbell, Katy

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Senate Bill 4

Regarding "Appeals court declines to reinstate SB4, Texas migrant deportation law," (March 27): Although the court ruled against the implementation of Senate Bill 4, Chief Justice Priscilla Richman recognized the incompetence of Joe Biden and a lackluster, uncaring Congress when she said the state is "nobly and admiringly" trying to fill a "gaping void" left by a lack of funding and political will in D.C.

Unfortunately, the ruling is correct. But you can bet that if it had been a piece of legislation Biden and the Democrats passed, they would have ignored the court, as they have done in other areas. So much for the rule of law in the Democratic Party.

J. Jones, La Porte

Regarding "Texas migrant deportation law SB4 was in place for 9 hours. It was chaotic." (March 22): Raquel Natalicchio's striking photo of the turned-back migrant and the soldier epitomizes the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words"!

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Madeleine McDermott Hamm, Houston

Education Board investments

Regarding "Texas Board of Education puts oil and gas firms ahead of kids, hurting their finances and future," (March 26): Thank you, Mr. Chris Tomlinson, for an enlightening article on the State Board of Education's investment policies. I suppose Board Chair Aaron Kinsey will be investing $8.5 billion in Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) stock now.

Dianne Wells, Houston

The article claims that the reason for cutting ties with BlackRock was financial. I guess it makes sense not to have our state invest in entities that don't support fossil fuels as their results aren't worth the return. Bad for BlackRock and good for the state of Texas and its citizens.

Brian Binash, Houston

Kudos to Tomlinson for this column. Thank you for speaking out about these narrow, prejudiced, destructive views and actions. We are behind you and glad you have an effective, loud journalistic voice for the best interests of our children and our state.

Maris P. Helfrich, Galveston
A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The Harris County Reed Road Warehouse where African art is being stored at theby Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

A Harris County grand jury on Thursday declined to charge Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis with crimes related to his unauthorized storage of more than 1,100 pieces of African art in a government warehouse, District Attorney Kim Ogg said.

Elliss office failed to follow some standard procedures and best practices and should have done more to ensure public funds were spent appropriately, Ogg wrote in a letter to County Attorney Christian Menefee.

While the actions taken concerning the African Art may not be illegal, the taxpayers of Harris County deserve to have their taxpayer dollars spent wisely and in a transparent manner, Ogg wrote.

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Ogg, whose public corruption unit opened an investigation into Ellis this past February at the request of then-County Attorney Vince Ryan, referred the case back the county attorney for any potential civil penalties.

Ellis, who spent much of Thursday in a hearing on Harris County redistricting, offered a terse statement.

We believe it was a full and fair investigation and are happy with the grand jurys outcome, Ellis said.

What potential charges prosecutors presented to jurors remains unknown, as grand jury proceedings are secret. Texas law gives elected officials wide discretion to spend  and even waste  public funds. Misuse of government resources is illegal only when officials do so with the intent to personally gain or commit fraud.

Ellis persuaded Commissioners Court in 2018 to approve an agreement for his precinct to accept 14 pieces of African art from collector Sam Njunuri to display in public buildings.

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Precinct 1 staff later accepted more than 1,400 pieces, however, without amending the agreement that expired in 2020.

A Houston Chronicle investigation found Njunuri has never produced any records proving he owns the works, nor any documents detailing the age, provenance or country or origin for the pieces. For more than four years, Ellis has stored the collection at a Precinct 1 warehouse on Reed Road at no expense to Njuniri.

Two Houston art storage facilities provided the newspaper quotes of between $12,000 and $16,000 per month for similar accommodations. Only a handful of the pieces, which include metal and wood masks, furniture and sculptures, have ever been displayed in county facilities.

Ogg said in her letter that Elliss office spent $10,000 transporting the art and $16,000 on fumigation. Precinct 1 also expended $326,000 renovating the warehouse, though the facility was used for several other purposes. The only warehouse expense directly related to the art was the expansion of existing steel cages to secure the collection, the cost of which prosecutors did not calculate.

Njunuri told the Chronicle last year he wished to create a museum or community center in Houston to display the art. He said his total collection consists of 5,000 pieces from all 54 African nations.

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Ellis, an African art enthusiast, long has sponsored a public art program that includes neighborhood murals and other works that celebrate the diverse communities of Precinct 1. Since 2017, he has spent more than $11,000 in campaign funds on art for public display.

He never made any public statements related to Njunuris museum idea. The art collector did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
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.
Robert is a Cork man, but I met him in 2015 in Limerick, when I was working in Dell as an IT programme manager, said Bhagya.

After talking online, they went for their first date in Tom Collins pub, where she says they instantly clicked, bonding over shared interests in history and politics.

When Rob sent me a text saying he would like to meet, I was doubtful  I had never dated outside my own community before, but I discussed it with my brother who encouraged me to be open minded, to go and see what happens and I am so glad I went on that date now, she said.

Robert and Bhagya Barrett in their distillery, located in the old Ford Car Factory in the Docklands.

They celebrated Christmas together that year; Bhagyas first Christmas. As Christmas isnt celebrated in India, she explained, that it was a lot of new things for me, but I also introduced him to our festivals.

In 2016, the couple visited India, so Robert could meet her parents.

They were worried about whether they would like him, because sometimes with interracial relationships, the fear of the unknown makes people scared.

Bhagya explained that sometimes in India there can be apprehension about dating people from different cultures.

My parents were worried that he was someone from outside the country, he didnt know the language and they dont speak English.

Despite their initial trepidation they clicked instantly she said, adding: Its very hard to dislike Rob, and they seemed to have a good understanding of each other even without a common language.

Humans are just humans, regardless of where theyre from or which colour they are, that was an unlearning even for me.

A three-day wedding

They married in August 2017 in Bhagyas hometown

We had about 15 people from Ireland, and some from other countries, Italy, Argentina, Canada  it was a big thing in my village  the first time we had that many people from different countries!

The wedding began on August 17, and I was on day five of chicken pox, she said. I was flying from Ireland to India on the 14th  on day three of chickenpox, I was so worried that they wouldnt let me board the flight!

Luckily, she made it, and they had a three-day wedding with over 300 guests.

Starting a business

Two years later, when they had settled in Turners Cross, they started their spirits business.

I come from an IT background, I never even drank alcohol before I moved from India in 2013, Bhagya explained. I didnt even know the different types of spirits, I have to thank Rob for that  he always had a passion for it, and did a masters in biochemistry and a masters in brewing and distilling.

She explained that she had always wanted to start a business, but would have ended up making some boring software.

Rebel City Distillery was born in 2020, just before the pandemic.

Covid was very tough for us. We already had the space and had invested a lot in it, so we went ahead and launched our project in stores, but we had to re-strategise the whole thing, she said.

Bhagya and Robert Barrett at their wedding in Kerala, South India.

I was here, my parents were in India and I was so worried that if something happened, I would not be able to see them, I would wake up thinking, What is going to happen?

Rob was very supportive, but his mother was also undergoing health problems at the time and we couldnt visit her, but we supported each other and got through it, walking 5km left to right to stay sane.

Now, she says: We work together, we live in the same place, it would be a lie to say we dont ever fight, but we have learned to navigate it  we dont talk about work when we are at home.

They plan to open a spirit school in May 2024, teaching people how to make their own spirits, she said.

Theres nothing like that in the city, so were really looking forward to getting it over the line.
TENDER documents have been published for a new Bus Eireann depot on the former Tata Steel site in the Tivoli Docks.

Bus Eireann says the development, which has an estimated value of 10m, is necessary as additional capacity is needed to help with the rollout of the National Transport Authoritys (NTA) BusConnects programme.

The temporary depot will have the capacity for the parking of approximately 150 buses, so would be able to deal with the additional buses proposed under BusConnects.

Cork City Council granted permission for a temporary bus depot on the site and adjacent lands in November of last year.

Bus Eireann told The Echo at the time that on-site works would begin in 2024, and that the depot would be up and running in the first half of 2025.

The planning documents note that the use of the temporary bus depot must cease before the last day of 2030.

Additionally, no permanent structures  including electrical charging facilities and services  other than those identified within the existing planning documentation will be permitted as part of the proposed scheme in Tivoli.

Bus Eireann confirmed that electric chargers will be installed in Capwell for the new fleet of electric buses, while the diesel buses move to Tivoli, with a spokesperson from Bus Eireann telling The Echo, The Tivoli depot will also provide for the planned electrification of our existing Capwell bus depot site, to facilitate the introduction of zero-emission battery electric buses in Cork."

The plans for the Tivoli site include the demolition of a three-bay steel frame and ancillary shed building, the refurbishment of existing warehouse for use as a workshop, a new hardstanding surface with drainage interceptors and reconfiguration of existing vehicle entrances to form a single entrance.
SECONDARY school teachers in Cork have voiced concerns over what they describe as the online abuse of teachers and bullying on social media.

It comes as a survey by Red C and the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) found 18% of secondary school teachers surveyed in Ireland had experienced workplace bullying.

The survey showed that the forms of cyberbullying teachers were subjected to included receiving angry, rude and vulgar messages, or harmful, untrue or cruel comments being posted online.

Videos of the teachers were uploaded without their consent, private information about the teachers was posted, and in some cases, fake websites or profiles were set up in their name and some of their accounts were hacked.

Abusive

Speaking to The Echo, Ann Pigott, Cork-based member and former president of the ASTI, said teachers dont expect these actions, adding teachers impart their knowledge and try to help children, and this stuff can be very abusive, and its not just nine to five.

The survey showed perpetrators of work-related cyberbullying are primarily students, at 63%, but sometimes parents of students, who the survey showed are responsible for 20% of online abuse.

Of those who have been subjected to work-related cyberbullying, three in 10 say it happened more than once and for more than one in 10 its ongoing.

Conor Murphy, Cork-based English teacher and standing committee member at the ASTI, said that while he has never experienced cyberbullying himself, the figures show its an incredible amount of abuse that teachers are getting online.

I know of friends of mine who have received it, he said.

To hear that your image is being spread around TikTok or Snapchat with these condescending or questionable comments undermining you, to hear it through the grapevine then have to go back into classroom and know theyve seen it is awful.

He explained it is one of many issues that have arisen with the ongoing role of technology in schools.

Mr Murphy said that while, for example, certain messaging tools can be useful, they mean students can contact teachers directly out of hours.

Getting into your car at ten to four and turning off school in your head is no longer the case, we can be receiving emails outside of school hours and having to act on them.

The survey was published ahead of the ASTIs annual convention, which gets underway tomorrow.
THE case relating to three garda cars being rammed at Thomas Davis Street in Cork on Sunday, March 3 was adjourned until April 9 with a 26-year-old man remanded in custody.

Stephen Coughlan of 67 Maulbaun, Passage West, Cork, faces multiple charges including counts alleging that on March 3 at Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, he caused criminal damage to three garda cars and a parked car belonging to a motorist.

He was charged with stealing a Toyota Hilux at Kilnaglory, Ballincollig, on that date and causing criminal damage by fire to it at Upper Fairhill later on the same date.

Other charges relate to March 1, 2024 at The Raj Indian restaurant car park at Kerrypike, the most serious of which was one of endangerment by causing a substantial risk of death or serious injury to another person.

The charge states that he drove at and collided with a garda car as Garda Brian White was exiting the vehicle attempting to carry out his duty, causing him to take evasive action, and forcing the car sideways and driving over the front wing of it to escape.

He faces other related charges and theft of a car at Scartglen, Castleisland, County Kerry; burglary at Mannings supermarket, Glanmire, Co Cork; stealing cars at Maryborough Hill, Douglas; Coolroe Meadows, Ballincollig; Laurel Hill, Monkstown; The Finisk, Rivervalley, Mallow; The Funschion, Rivervalley, Mallow; Monee, Mourneabbey, Mallow; Castlewood, Little Island; and stealing a trailer/horsebox at Park Farm, Passage West.

A second man  32-year-old Brian Keane, of no fixed address  was also remanded in custody to April 9. He is accused of five burglaries at Aghadoe, Killarney, Co Kerry, on February 4.

He is also charged with driving a stolen car at Sluggers Cross, Whitechurch, on March 3, dangerous driving there and again at Rathpeacon.

Mr Keane is charged with driving a stolen car at Thomas Davis Street, having stolen property at that location including 1,900 worth of cigarettes and tobacco, on March 3  the date on which Mr Coughlan faces the ramming charges.

Finally, he is charged with travelling as a passenger in a stolen car on March 1 at The Raj restaurant car park and allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car at Tower on March 1.

Directions in the multiple cases are awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
POTENTIAL issues and pitfalls from the proposed changes to the Leaving Certificate curriculum are to be discussed by secondary teachers attending the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) convention this week.

The convention will hear a motion 'that curricular and assessment policy changes can have significant unintended negative consequences for students and the education system.'

Cork English teacher and member of the ASTI Standing Committee Executive, Conor Murphy told The Echo that the Minister for Educations proposal that 40% of Leaving Certificate subject grades be made up outside of the written exam could bring about several issues.

Mr Murphy said the move has teachers concerned adding while for some more practical subjects its necessary, as an English teacher I dont see how it would be equitable.

Students have different resources and study space available, he said, explaining that while his daughter has a whole room to work in, Im teaching some students who have to try grab a space at the kitchen table just to get their homework done, so theres an inequity between two individuals.

Artificial intelligence

Another major issue is the role artificial intelligence could play in some students projects as they completed them without an invigilator watching.

AI is already posing problems with homework, he said, explaining, as a teacher, I might be able to recognise some AI in some classwork, but I might not be able to recognise it in another.

Even if I do recognise it, if I say Johnny, this is AI, if he says no its not and his parents believe him, what recourse do I have  theres nothing I can do, Mr Murphy said.

Workload

The third concern is the additional workload for both students and teachers, he said, explaining that the way the Leaving Certificate sits currently, with practical components in a few subjects, theres students not coming into school because theyre prepping for projects.

He added: If they have one in every subject I cant imagine the stress on top of studying for the exams.

If there is an additional assessment component, we would have to digitally upload all of these to State Examinations Commission  that shouldnt be the subject teachers problem.

Its also a huge amount more work again for teachers, paperwork is already mounting up in schools  teaching has totally changed in the last 25 years, the amount of work that needs to be done is massive.
SEVENTEEN Cork restaurants and cafes have been named category winners in this years Irish Restaurant Awards Munster regional final.

Almost 700 attended the regional final which took place in the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry.

This years Irish Restaurant Awards received more than 160,000 public nominations for restaurants, cafes, and other establishments nationwide, the highest number of nominations made to date.

Local Food Hero

Jack McCarthy of McCarthys of Kanturk was named the Cork winner of the Local Food Hero category, while Innovator of the Year went to Rare 1784 in Kinsale. Ballymaloe Hotel and Restaurant was named the Cork winner of the Best Sustainable Practices category and Ichigo Ichie was the Cork winner of the Best World Cuisine category.

Greenwich in Cork city was named the Cork winner of the Best Cafe category and Da Mirco Osteria Italian Restaurant was named Best Customer Service.

Arthur Maynes Pharmacy was named the Cork winner of the Best Wine Experience category and The Garnish Restaurant at Eccles Hotel & Spa Glengarriff was named the Cork winner of the Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine category.

Church Lane in Midleton was named Best Newcomer, Hamlets Bar + Kitchen Kinsale was named Best Gastropub, Elbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse was named Best Casual Dining, Levis Corner House was named Pub of the Year, Terre Restaurant was named Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant and Dede at the Custom House Baltimore was named Best Restaurant.

Gerard Roche of the Cove Restaurant at Fota Island Resort won the Employee Excellence Award, Helen Noonan of Bastion won Best Restaurant Manager and Aishling Moore of Goldie won Best Chef.

Challenging Times

Restaurants Association of Ireland president Paul Lenehan said: In these challenging times for our industry, its more important than ever to celebrate the resilience and innovation of Munsters food and hospitality sector. The Munster Regional Irish Restaurant Awards provide an excellent platform to recognise the hard work and dedication of all of the talented restaurant, cafe, and food-led hospitality staff in the province.

Once all regional events have taken place and county winners announced, regional and All-Ireland winners will be revealed at the All-Ireland Awards at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road in Dublin on May 4.
Charlene Ward Johnson (left) and Angeanette Thibodeaux, Democratic candidates for the open House seat in Texas House District 139. Courtesy of the campaigns

Angie Thibodeaux is an affordable housing consultant who wants to make homebuying more accessible. Charlene Ward Johnson hopes to use her time on the Houston Community College Board to improve public education funding.

The two Houston women will face off in a May runoff election in one of the few open Democratic House seats in Harris County. Rep. Jarvis Johnson is vacating the House District 139 seat for a bid to fill the state Senate seat formerly held by Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

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Thibodeaux and Ward Johnson emerged from a group of five candidates in this years Democratic primary, receiving 33% and 24% of the vote, respectively. With similar platforms, both Thibodeaux and Ward Johnson cited their experience as what makes them the best candidates to represent the district, which stretches northwest of the city.

Ward Johnson is currently the District 2 trustee for the community college board. In that position, she said shes worked to reduce the cost of attendance by advocating for more overall school funding.

I decided to run because I do understand the issues of the community, Ward Johnson said. I understand whats been going on in Austin and I have the experience to go there and get resources and bring solutions back to the people.

Thibodeaux works as a consultant for the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, a nonprofit organization that helps historically disadvantaged people become homeowners. Shes also a former vice president of Bank of Americas Home Retention Division and a former president of the Acres Homes Super Neighborhood Council.

For the last 25 years, Ive been on every end of the spectrum, from the corporate environment to nonprofit to advocacy, outreach and organizing, Thibodeaux said. I wanted to run because I know that I can impact and affect policy, particularly when it comes to school, public safety and our seniors.

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During her time as bank vice president, Thibodeaux said she helped create the Hope Ownership Preservation Enterprise, or HOPE, to help people restructure their loans and keep their houses. Since then shes been an advocate for affordable housing and preventing homelessness.

Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, said whether its Thibodeaux or Ward Johnson, this race could decide whos in the seat for years to come.

This district is about as safe as they come for Democrats, Jones said. Meaning that the person who represents 139  not only in 2025, but potentially for the remainder of the decade  will be chosen in that May runoff, making turnout all the more important.

Thibodeaux said affordable housing and bringing down rent prices is one of her top priorities.

As for public education, Thibodeaux and Ward Johnson both want to increase teachers salaries and see an end to the state takeover of Houston Independent School District.

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Ward Johnson is against private school vouchers and says she wants to introduce legislation that creates a variety of funding formulas for public schools, rather than just one.

I will create a different funding formula because our community may have different needs from another community, Ward Johnson said. Having just a blanket amount you give for every student does not work.

Thibodeaux did not take a stance on school vouchers and said she wants to examine school curriculum to get a better understanding of why the GOP is pushing to promote private education in the first place.

I think we need to dive into the details, dig deep and see what the root of the problem is, Thibodeaux said. Why are we having this discussion in the first place? What brought the bill about?

Both Thibodeaux and Ward Johnson said they hope to expand Medicaid to cover more low-income Texans and reduce the cost of living for seniors. The candidates also share a desire to restore abortion access in the state and want to start negotiations with Republicans to do so. Medicaid expansion and abortion access have been nonstarters for the GOP-led Legislature in recent years.

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Youve got to partner and have those political allies, Thibodeaux said. I have the experience of crossing the lines. I've been crossing them for the last 25 years.

Thibodeaux said she has frequently worked with Republicans, Democrats and independents.

Ward Johnson, who was formerly married to Jarvis Johnson, said knowing him has given her insight into the legislative process. Johnson, whos currently in a runoff for Senate District 15, said he supports her 100%.

House District 139 makes up about a third of Senate District 15, putting both Johnsons state Senate race against Molly Cook, an emergency room nurse seeking her first term in office, on the ballot for most area voters.

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Jones said he believes the state Senate race will drive most of the turnout in Thibodeauxs and Ward Johnsons runoff.
A MAN accused of setting fire to a house in Cork city where four people were celebrating Christmas Day was remanded in custody until April 10.

The accused was refused bail at Cork District Court and last week Shane Caseys solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, indicated that the accused would be applying to the High Court for bail.

In relation to the arson charge, it was alleged that he set fire to the house and stood outside swinging a blade when the first person ran from the burning building, telling him: You are going to die here tonight.

These were the allegations made by Detective Garda Brian Barron in the case.

It was alleged by Det Garda Barron that 32-year-old Shane Casey, of 168 Shanowen, Rathcormac, Co Cork, turned up outside the house on Dyke Parade, Cork, just after 6pm on December 25, 2023. Four people were present in the house.

At 6.05pm, he exits and stands looking in the open front door at the fire taking hold, Det Garda Barron said.

At 6.06pm, it is alleged that he closes the front door and attempts to barricade the front door from the outside, using a piece of timber to jam to the side and then under the door, he said.

It is alleged he takes a blade from his pocket and holds it out in front of him and waits outside.

At 6.08pm, the front door bursts open and [one of the men] attempts to escape the now blazing house.

It was alleged he said (to one injured party), My name is Shane Casey and you remember me from two days ago  you are going to die here tonight, Det Garda Barron said.

It was further alleged that one woman had to be rescued from the roof and that it took six units of the fire service more than six hours to bring the fire under control and make the building safe and the fire caused thousands of euro in damage, the detective said.
IN AN age when it is becoming increasingly difficult to decipher what is real and what is fake news, April Fools Day is like a gift from the gods for pranksters out to give everyone a bit of a giggle.

Today was no exception, as Cork awoke to news items ranging from the sublime to the downright ridiculous.

Perhaps the jape of the day came from Cork Airport, who issued a statement announcing it is to be renamed Cillian Murphy International Airport.

Not only would the airport be named in honour of the Oscar winning Ballintemple actor, the rebrand would also include renaming its entrance road to Hollywood Boulevard  changing the name of its watering hole to Disco Pigs Bar and Restaurant and creating the Red Eye Executive Lounge.

Meanwhile, two Cork publicans took the theme of the day a bridge too far, after announcing an ambitious proposal to link the South County Bar & Cafe and OSullivans gastropub in Douglas with an above-street level toll bridge.

According to the owner/manager of the South County, Tom OConnor, it was being done with the convenience and safety of their customers in mind.

The publicans cited occasional incidents where customers had found it quicker to hail a taxi and pay the fare from one pub to the other, rather than take the arduous 15m trek across the busy street.

The proprietor of OSullivans, Donal OSullivan, said that while they were open to sponsorship, we hope that the project will be mostly funded by rate-payers in the southside.

We will also consult with the city engineers on a possible underground subway as an alternative, but either way we would like to see commencement of the project within the year, he said.

Cork Safety Alerts had some people hopping mad, with a post on their social media page declaring that Cork City Council is to introduce Pogo Only Lanes across the city.

It remained unclear if the move, touted as an innovative approach to combat congestion and carbon emissions within the city centre, would have a tie in with the Leap card.

Elsewhere, in a move that may come as a surprise to many  including quite possibly a German soon-to-be former Liverpool FC manager  a certain Jurgen Klopp is to make a shock move to Leeside.

It emerged the Premiership winning manager was set to join the Blackrock GAA junior B backroom team.

While details of his contract remain a closely guarded secret, it is understood the temptation of a three-year deal worth a free chicken fillet rolls and a pint of milk per week from the local SuperValu was enough to turn Mr Klopps head.

Not to be outdone, Cork City FC joined in the fun  posting to social media about a proposal to relocate the singing section from The Shed to the St Annes End of their Turners Cross stadium.

We believe the St Annes End provides the ideal location for making noise levels as loud as possible on match night, the post read. What noise the Rebel Army might make to that suggestion can only be imagined.
Illegal fishing and drug trafficking will not be prevented by just two naval ships, Cork North Central Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould has claimed as he described Irelands naval service as being in crisis.

Speaking in the Dail last week, Mr Gould challenged the assertion by Defence Minister Micheal Martin, the Tanaiste, that while 31 naval patrols were cancelled in 2023, none had been called off this year because of a reconfiguration.

This reminds me of the housing targets: If the targets are so low, they will always be reached, said Mr Gould. Because of the reconfiguration, the Government is not cancelling patrols, because it is not doing the patrols that should be done, he claimed.

In fairness, to have only two ships on the water sends a message to people who want to illegally fish, and to drug barons who use Ireland as a place to land major supplies of drugs. Does the Tanaiste think they will be deterred by two ships? I do not think so.

Mr Gould said the naval service was doing some excellent work, considering the resources available to it.

I acknowledge that some work has been done, but we are nowhere near where we need to be.

I welcome the 300m being spent on the purchase of a new ship, but we cannot man the ships we have at present. We are spending hundreds of millions of euro on new ships, but do not have the naval personnel. This is a crisis and it needs to be dealt with as such.

Mr Martin, however, insisted that illegal fishing and drug trafficking would be deterred by intelligence and proper co-ordination between various countries and agencies.

This is what happened recently, when a major intervention took place, he said, referencing an operation off Corks coast. The Defence Forces successfully landed on a ship and intervened to carry out the largest drugs seizure in the history of the State.

Mr Martin said that maritime surveillance was carried out by more than naval-service ships. We also have aircraft, namely CN235s and, now, C-295s, said Mr Martin.

We have far greater aerial surveillance capability of our seas than we have ever had, with these C-295s that have been procured.

He said the issue of drug smuggling was an inter-agency matter. This is how we catch the drug smugglers, he said.
I DONT like going to the dentist. I have this dread that during the drilling process, he will hit a nerve and send me through the ceiling.

I suspect many people of my vintage harbour the same fear based on difficult experiences we had in the 1960s, when dentistry was practised at a different level to what we know today.

Its an irrational fear though because, in all the years Ive sat in a dentists chair since then, none has ever hit a nerve - which is perfectly understandable given their skill and the availability of anaesthetic - but my brain is hot-wired to expect a dose of agony as soon as I open my mouth.

The process involved in an extraction or a filling is minor compared to invasive surgery on the body like, a heart bypass, a transplant or even removing an appendix. Yet, we are generally more relaxed entering an operating theatre than we are a dental surgery. Confident at least that we wont feel any pain until the surgery is over.

The only thing that concerns me prior to surgery is that I get the right dose of anaesthetic. I dont fancy the idea of waking up halfway through, and it seems Im not alone in that.

Apparently, topping the list of preoperative anxieties among patients is the fear they wont be anesthetized enough, waking up mid-surgery with their bodies open, unable to move and feeling everything.

But that fear may not be so irrational after all, because medicaldaily.com reported back in 2014 that renditions of these incidents, called anaesthesia awareness, occur in about 300 people per year in the UK and Ireland.

Researchers from the UKs Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists looked into occurrences throughout the UK and Ireland. They found that one out of every 19,000 operations - other estimates put that number at one in 1,000 - resulted in an incidence of anaesthesia awareness of the Royal United Hospital, according to the BBC.

In those cases, patients were given general anaesthesia consisting of a concoction of various drugs, and anaesthesia awareness occurred when one of them wasnt administered in as strong a dose as the others.

Fortunately, the majority of patients only awoke for a brief period of time, either before surgery or once it was completed.

A UK newspaper published an article about the experiences of some of those who woke up during a procedure, and Anne Lord still remembers vividly her experience under anaesthetic. She was rushed to Llandough hospital in Cardiff for an operation to remove a growth in her colon 20 years ago.

She woke up and heard shouting. I told whoever was screaming to shut up and was told that I was the person screaming, said Lord.

I had managed to get my foot out of the stirrups and kicked the surgeon in the chest and he went flying across the room on his wheeled stool.

I thought I was dreaming, but apparently not. I had already had three times the normal amount of anaesthetic. I had counted to 10 on the first two injections and to nine on the last. It is a family thing as my late mother was resistant and one of my sons is also.

Lord did not suffer any long-term psychological damage, but rather revels in the anecdote, which has become a dinner party staple over the years.

She is not alone in being conscious while undergoing surgery.

James Wheatley, 34, did not feel pain when he was having his wisdom teeth removed under general anaesthetic, but was acutely aware of strong sensations.

At some point during the operation, I became aware and could feel the movements of the surgeon in my mouth, he said.

There was no pain, but I could hear and feel the drilling, sawing and cracking reverberating through my skull as if a very powerful and noisy electric toothbrush was in direct contact with my bones.

I did manage to start groaning and I think I moved my head a little. I heard someone say OK, well give you some more medicine, and then I was out again for the remainder of the operation.

Another guy told of his experience in the mid-1990s, recalling: I woke up during knee surgery. Like, just fully snapped awake and sat up. All of these wide-eyed masked faces just turned and stared at me.

I looked down at my clamped open leg, looked at one of the masked faces that everyone seemed to be deferring to, and said, I dont think I want to be awake for this. They put me back under.

Some red-headed patients have claimed to have woken up during medical procedures because they reckon redheads need more anaesthetic than other people.

Howstuffworks reported that a 2002 study conducted by researchers at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, proved what anaesthesiologists have believed for some time, that redheads are more difficult to knock out.

Researchers chose 20 test subjects, all women who were aged 19 to 40. Ten were redheads and ten were brunettes. The researchers chose only women to cut out any possibility of gender playing a role in the results.

All 20 women were given desflurane, a common gas anaesthesia. After it took effect, the researchers gave each woman electric shocks, using a voltage which a conscious person would have found intolerable.

If the subject could feel the pain, the researchers increased the dosage of desflurane and continued to administer shocks until they got no response.

The researchers findings showed that redheads do indeed require more anaesthesia. In fact, they need an average of 20% more.

So, there you have it. We always knew they had a reputation for being fiery, but we now know that redheads are more difficult to pacify as well.
Updated: 2.15pm

A woman from Co Longford who died following a stabbing incident at an Irish Pub in New York has been named locally as 41-year-old Sarah McNally.

Ms McNally had been working at The Ceili House in Queens on Saturday evening when the incident happened.

She was reportedly attacked by a man who also seriously injured himself.

Longford Councillor Martin Monaghan said the news has come as a "terrible shock" for people in her hometown.

As the Irish Examiner reports, Mr Monahan described Ms McNally as an integral part of Longford life before she moved to New York, having worked in bars around the area.

He added Ms McNally's family are "really, really decent Longford people" within the close-knit community.

Emergency services attended the bar at around 6.30pm on Saturday, and Ms McNally and the 40-year-old alleged assailant were taken to Elmhurst Hospital.

Ms McNally was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The man remains in critical condition, the New York Police Department said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.

In a statement, the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI) said: "On Saturday, March 30th, 2024, at approximately 18.34 hours, police responded to a 911 call for an assault in progress at 69-56 Grand Avenue within the confines of the 104 Precinct.

"Upon arrival, police observed a 41-year-old female with a stab wound to the neck and an unidentified male with a stab wound to the back and neck. EMS responded and transported both aided individuals to NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst in critical condition.

"The 41-year-old female was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff. The investigation remains ongoing."

The Department of Foreign Affairs said neither its American embassy nor its Dublin office had been contacted regarding the assault as of Sunday evening.
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.

A historic new law in Phoenix, Arizona, will provide thousands of outdoor workers in the hottest city in the country with protections from extreme heat.

In a unanimous vote, the Phoenix City Council passed an ordinance requiring that workers have easy access to rest, potable water and shade, as well as training to recognize signs of heat stress, a press release from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) said. Vehicles with enclosed cabs must also have access to air conditioning.

People who work outside and in hot indoor environments in Phoenix suffer unacceptably during our deadly summers, with too few protections, said Katelyn Parady, a Phoenix-based expert on worker health and safety with National COSH, who assisted unions and local workers in advocating for the new extreme heat protection measures, in a press release from National COSH. This ordinance is a critical first step toward getting workers lifesaving protections and holding employers accountable for safety during heat season. Its also a model for how local governments can leverage their contracts to protect the workers who keep their communities running from climate change dangers.

In 2023, there were a record 31 consecutive days of 110-plus degree heat in Phoenix. The city had 340 deaths related to the extreme heat, with 645 in Maricopa County, according to the county health department. Three-quarters of the heat-related fatalities happened outdoors.

In the United States, more than 40 percent of outdoor workers are Hispanic or Black, while making up approximately 32 percent of the population, reported The Guardian.

People of color and low-income workers are the most impacted by the hazards of extreme heat. According to Public Citizen, the risk of Latinx workers dying from heat stress is more than three times higher than that of their peers.

This heat safety ordinance will change my life, said Filiberto Lares, who has been delivering food to airplanes for Sky Chefs at the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport for 11 years, as The Guardian reported.

The new ordinance will apply to outdoor laborers who work for city contractors and subcontractors of engineering, construction and airport projects, as well as other city services, the press release said.

The heat at Sky Harbor Airport is dangerous and all of us who work there know it, said passenger service agent Cecilia Ortiz, who filed a complaint against her employer last summer over the sweltering conditions, in the press release. Were glad the city of Phoenix is stepping up to require that airlines and their contractors give us basic heat protections outdoors and in the jet bridges. Now we need to keep pushing to make sure cabin cleaners, who work inside planes but often with the A/C off, are also protected. And we are going to hold our employers accountable. They must take this ordinance seriously, so we can stay safe at work.

In addition to the safety requirements required of contractors, they will also have to create and keep a heat safety plan.

In the summers, when the temperatures reach extremes, the asphalt on the tarmac is even hotter, said Lares, who is a UNITE HERE Local 11 member in Phoenix, in the press release. It has felt as though people forget that many of us work in vehicles. Having air conditioning in work trucks, buses, and delivery vans matters just as much as in a building because those vehicles are our workplaces.

Lori Bays, Phoenixs deputy manager, said the new rule would apply to roughly 10,000 city contract workers, reported The Guardian.

Phoenix is recognizing the need to take action to protect the most vulnerable, said Juan Declet-Barreto, a climate vulnerability researcher with the Union of Concerned Scientists, as The Guardian reported. With an intense heat island effect, theres very little vegetation and an unequal distribution of shading and trees that can help lower exposure to temperatures.

As climate change continues to bring increasingly hotter summers to Phoenix, advocates of the ordinance say broader protections are necessary for all workers, not only those employed by the citys contractors and subcontractors, the press release said.

Its good news that our city council is listening to workers who are in grave danger due to climate change, Parady said in the press release. But your bodys ability to cope with extreme heat does not depend on whether you work for a city contractor, directly for the city or for a private employer. Were going to keep organizing until all workers have strong protection from heat  because everyone works under the same blazing sun.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Leha Byrd

ECSU Communications and Marketing

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (April 1, 2024)  The three-day Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Max Roach Centennial Celebration and Jazz Festival has daily events that will cater to jazz lovers and learners.

The schedule and registration is now open for festival events including the opening reception April 11, a jazz ensemble concert featuring Tracy Griffin April 12, and a combined jazz performance with guest artist Camille Thurman April 13.

ECSU Department of Music and Visual Arts professor Douglas Jackson is leading the effort along with local partners, The Museum of the Albemarle  hosting the opening plenary  and Arts of the Albemarle  hosting the opening night performance. Funding from a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant will support the event.

We are excited to inform the community about whats being offered and to invite them into this experience, Jackson said.

All programming is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

What: Max Roach Centennial Celebration and Jazz Festival Reception

Who: A.B. Spellman, Keynote Address Speaker

When: Thursday, April 11, 2024, 6 p.m.

Where: Museum of the Albemarle, 501 Water St., Elizabeth City, N.C.

What: ECSU Jazz Ensemble Concert

Who: ECSU Jazz Ensemble with guest artist Tracy Griffin

When: Friday, April 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Arts of the Albemarle, 516 E. Main St., Elizabeth City, N.C.

What: Max Roach Centennial Celebration and Jazz Festival

Who: Max Roach High School Jazz Honor Band, The Latin Jazz Conspiracy featuring Jae Sinnett, The North Carolina A&T Jazz Ensemble and a combined ensemble with guest artist Camille Thurman and others

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 2 p.m.

Where: Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center, Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium

About Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education. A constituent member of the University of North Carolina System, ECSU develops courageous, resilient, and empowered leaders through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. ECSU offers baccalaureate, professional, and masters degrees across a wide variety of disciplines. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu.




Aleph Farms in partnership to produce cell-based meat in Thailand

Israeli cultivated meat manufacturer Aleph Farms has partnered with two companies to produce its cell-based meat at a new production facility in Thailand.

The group intends to work with bio-based goods producer BBGI and synthetic biology researcher and manufacturer Fermbox Bio to carry out the project.

Information on the amount being invested in the site has not been disclosed.

The factory will be dedicated to developing "cellular agriculture applications," according to a statement.

When asked whether other cell-based products besides Aleph's cultivated beef would be produced there, a spokesperson said: "The facility is designed as a mixed-scale project for commercial production rather than being solely a pilot project.

"It will be constructed in stages to match our business strategy and the cultivated meat industry's evolving demand for production capacity."

Aleph expects to be able to produce just under 1,000 tonnes of cultivated beef in the first year of operations at the site.

With the project still in "the planning and development phase," the exact size of the production site could not be revealed.

"The present plan includes multiple, 2,000-litre bioreactors", the spokesperson said, adding the three companies were looking to "evaluate [the] feasibility of using larger bioreactors in due course".

Aleph expects the overall construction of the site and "ramping up the first production batches" to take around 18 to 24 months.

The new site will allow the company to embrace an "asset-light strategy" with a "hub-and-spoke model centred in Southeast Asia and other key markets".

Aleph said its "immediate focus is on APAC and EMEA, which show clear signs of being the largest markets for cultivated meat".

It added: "Both regions face food security challenges, witness increasing demand for animal products and support cellular agriculture through policy. At Aleph Farms, we see South East Asia as a strategic region full of high growth markets.

"Over the next couple of quarters, we will engage in technology transfer, scale-up studies and preparing a capital expenditure and operational expenditure estimations.

"The effort is to build a model which solves for both scale and viability."

The company was unable to say how many new jobs the new facility might create.

Aleph Farms is in talks with the Thai Food and Drug Administration around regulatory frameworks for cultivated meat. It said it aims to submit its application for regulatory approval soon.

The group was granted the first global approval for cell-based beef in January by Israel's Ministry of Health.



- GlobalData




Brazil establishes agreement for pork exports to Philippines

Brazil has recently secured a significant agreement aimed at bolstering pork exports to the Philippines.

The country's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock's announcement last week revealed the Philippines' recognition of system equivalence and the establishment of pre-listing for Brazilian animal proteins. This milestone is poised to invigorate Brazil's flow of pork exports to the Philippines.

Under the agreement, all companies qualified by Brazil's Federal Inspection System can apply for accreditation to export their products to the Philippine market. Unlike previous practices that involved individual qualifications and extensive documentary scrutiny by Philippine authorities, the focus will now shift towards validating the system rather than inspecting individual plants.

Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), hailed the pre-listing as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. He expressed optimism about the growth potential of the partnership between Brazil and the Philippines.

The Philippines ranks as the second-largest importer of Brazilian pork, with 25.7 thousand tonnes imported in the first two months of 2024 alone. Combined with chicken meat exports, which amounted to 37.4 thousand tonnes in the same period, the two proteins generated revenues exceeding US$80 million.

Luis Rua, ABPA's markets director, highlighted the Philippines' remarkable growth as a market for Brazilian pork, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing importers.

In 2023, the Philippines emerged as a major destination for Brazilian chicken and pork exports, further emphasising the strategic importance of this market.

Since its opening in the 2000s, the Philippines has imported substantial quantities of chicken and pork from Brazil, cementing a robust trade relationship between the two nations.



- Swineweb




Alltech celebrates 25 years in Thailand





Alltech recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Thailand alongside more than 120 industry partners and friends, including representatives of prominent agri-food companies.

Alltech entered the Thai market in 1998, the company said. Alltech Thailand began with two team members, and today more than 50 Alltech team members are dedicated to serving Thailands agriculture sector.

An initial facility and warehouse in Thailand were established in 2006 and production operations were relocated to Alltechs current facility in Samutprakarn in 2015 to meet growing demand in both the Thai and Southeast Asian markets.

"Within Alltech, we are committed to Working "Together for a Planet of Plenty," said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and chief executive officer of Alltech. "Thailand represents some of our most enduring examples of this effort. Together, with our customers, we have advanced the efficient and sustainable production of nutrition and are cultivating a prosperous world of abundance through Thailands agri-food sector."

Steadfast in its commitment to providing smarter and sustainable solutions for customers, including feed mills, integrators and animal farms, Alltech continues to invest in local production while leveraging the best of its global network and knowledge to the benefits of its customers, the company highlighted. These efforts have catalysed rapid growth in Thailands agricultural industry, positioning the nation as a key player on the global stage.

Alltech has also forged deep connections and established significant strategic partnerships within the local industry. Its long-standing relationships with market leaders have allowed Alltech  and its customers  to grow and navigate the evolving agri-food industry.

On February 15, Alltech finalised an agreement with Thai Wah Public Co., an agri-food business with operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India, to collaborate on reducing carbon in Asian agri-food with precision nutrition, digital farming, waste management and carbon footprint assessments. This collaboration is the second formal partnership in two years to focus on sustainable farming in Thailand.

Also, on March 9 last year, Alltech formed a partnership with the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO) to pioneer nutrition innovation and sustainable dairy farming, leveraging global expertise and technologies to expand and develop dairy and beef cattle production in Thailand.

Dedicated to ensuring customers competitiveness and to driving innovation within the industry, Alltech Thailand is focused on educating customers through seminars and workshops, enriching their knowledge and keeping them at the forefront of leading agri-food research and technologies.

"Our devoted local team remains ready to provide unparalleled expertise to the Thai market," said Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific. "This reflects our dedication to forging long term mutually beneficial collaborations and contributing to the thriving business landscape in Thailand. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment to lasting partnerships remains at the forefront of our mission."

- Alltech
2024 China Internet Media Forum opens in Yunnan Province

Xinhua) 10:38, April 01, 2024

This photo taken on March 30, 2024 shows a scene of the 2024 China Internet Media Forum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The 2024 China Internet Media Forum opened on Saturday in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The two-day event, themed "Embarking on a New Journey and Shouldering a New Mission," has gathered government officials, media representatives and internet company delegates to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as new challenges and tasks in the development of online content, and new perspectives and directions for future development. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

KUNMING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 China Internet Media Forum opened on Saturday in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The two-day event, themed "Embarking on a New Journey and Shouldering a New Mission," has gathered government officials, media representatives and internet company delegates to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as new challenges and tasks in the development of online content, and new perspectives and directions for future development.

Yunnan will continue to actively integrate resources such as talent, technology, content and platforms to create better conditions for internet media, Wang Ning, secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, said at the event.

More efforts are needed to promote the integrated development of internet media, adhere to reform and innovation, and master technological advancements and transformative changes, Zhuang Rongwen, head of the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, said at the forum.

Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, said at the forum that the internet is an important arena for the cultivation of new quality productive forces, and a key platform for high-quality media development. He stressed the importance of developing new quality productive forces in the mobile internet era, as well as the need to improve productivity in the media industry.

The forum includes seven activities covering such areas as internet culture and media innovation.

This year's event is being held by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, Xinhua News Agency and the Yunnan provincial cyberspace committee.

Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, addresses the opening ceremony of the 2024 China Internet Media Forum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 30, 2024. The 2024 China Internet Media Forum opened on Saturday in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The two-day event, themed "Embarking on a New Journey and Shouldering a New Mission," has gathered government officials, media representatives and internet company delegates to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as new challenges and tasks in the development of online content, and new perspectives and directions for future development. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

This photo taken on March 30, 2024 shows a scene of the 2024 China Internet Media Forum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The 2024 China Internet Media Forum opened on Saturday in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The two-day event, themed "Embarking on a New Journey and Shouldering a New Mission," has gathered government officials, media representatives and internet company delegates to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as new challenges and tasks in the development of online content, and new perspectives and directions for future development. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

Guests attend the 2024 China Internet Media Forum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 30, 2024. The 2024 China Internet Media Forum opened on Saturday in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The two-day event, themed "Embarking on a New Journey and Shouldering a New Mission," has gathered government officials, media representatives and internet company delegates to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as new challenges and tasks in the development of online content, and new perspectives and directions for future development. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Wang Lei, an actor from the Beijing People's Art Theater, performs at the opening ceremony of the 2024 China Internet Media Forum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 30, 2024. The 2024 China Internet Media Forum opened on Saturday in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The two-day event, themed "Embarking on a New Journey and Shouldering a New Mission," has gathered government officials, media representatives and internet company delegates to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as new challenges and tasks in the development of online content, and new perspectives and directions for future development. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A choir from an elementary school and local teachers perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 China Internet Media Forum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 30, 2024. The 2024 China Internet Media Forum opened on Saturday in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The two-day event, themed "Embarking on a New Journey and Shouldering a New Mission," has gathered government officials, media representatives and internet company delegates to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as new challenges and tasks in the development of online content, and new perspectives and directions for future development. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Samsung released its own virtual assistant back in 2017 serving as a rival to Apple's Siri. It has the same functions as the iPhone maker's voice assistant such as setting alarms, dictating the weather, helping with search, and more. Now, the tech giant plans to enhance it using generative AI.

AI Upgrade for Bixby

If you've been using Samsung's more recent devices, you've probably come across Bixby at some point, whether by using it on purpose or accidentally holding the home button. The voice assistant can be found on several devices including smartwatches and TVs.

Many agree that Bixby could use a few improvements, and Samsung might do that with generative AI. With chatbots gaining popularity and artificial intelligence seeing a fast-paced advancement, it was only a matter of time before this happened.

Samsung Mobile's Executive VP Won-joon Choi said that with the emergence of generative AI and large language models (LLM), he believes that they "have to redefine the role of the Bixby, so that Bixby could be equipped with generative AI and become more smarter in the future."

As mentioned in CNBC, adding AI will enable a more natural conversation and work out an interface that supports the Samsung products in the company's ecosystem. Since Bixby is the core voice assistant of Samsung, this could be a smart move for the company.

Bixby has been undeniably helpful in many situations, especially with smart TVs where typing is a hassle. Instead of typing painstakingly with arrow buttons on YouTube, for instance, you can hold the mic button on the TV remote and use it for voice-to-text.

Even then, the voice assistant is quite limited, and it can only be used for the most basic functions of a smart device. Adding AI would add more features, expanding the virtual assistant's potential uses.

The announcement comes as Apple is rumored to be gearing up for AI news for its upcoming WWDC event this 2024. Apple is lagging behind given that Samsung already announced Galaxy AI, but the iPhone maker might just have something up its sleeve.

Read Also : Samsung's Bixby Uses AI to Answer Calls Through Text Using Your Voice

Apple's AI Plans

Apple enthusiasts and users might be happy to hear about the rumors that the company is planning to release AI features for its smart devices, especially since other companies like Google and Samsung have already begun introducing AI functions for their smartphones.

The tech giant is said to be working on a deal with Google to power its iPhones' AI features, but MacRumors reports that it is also developing its own AI product called Apple GPT, which would compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Apple is also working on its own LLM codenamed "Ajax," which is said to be more capable than ChatGPT 3.5 as it was trained on over 200 billion parameters. In fact, the company is rumored to be experimenting with enhancements for Siri as well.

Adding AI to voice assistants from the competing tech giants could be a game changer, especially since the current capabilities of voice assistants are starting to become outdated given the wide range of uses that AI can offer.
The PCB and Shaheen Shah Afridi have reached an uneasy truce after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the player in Kakul earlier today. Afridi, who was deposed as Pakistan T20I captain after just one series, was thoroughly disgruntled with the manner of his sacking and the lack of communication from the board. Relations deteriorated further when the PCB put out a statement on their website containing quotes from Afridi, ostensibly offering Babar Azam, the incoming captain, his full support and stating it was an honour to lead Pakistan.

ESPNcricinfo understands that while Afridi still feels his concerns have not been addressed appropriately, the player was willing to put the saga behind him and move on.

Afridi was incensed by a statement containing words which were neither approved nor said by him, and ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB acknowledged to the player that an internal error had been made on the board's part. Though Afridi continues to feel the manner of his sacking was neither fair nor transparent, it is understood relations with Babar - a long-time close friend of Afridi's - remain strong.

There are no concerns about Afridi being unavailable for Pakistan's upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins later this month in Rawalpindi, with the fast bowler looking to turn his focus back on his game.

Afridi's obvious displeasure was significant enough for PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to head to Kakul, where the Pakistan players are training at a military camp. The PCB, for its part, released a statement saying the chairman met the players "to gather firsthand insights into the training camp".

The PCB released a photograph of Naqvi and Afridi shaking hands, though it is understood no individual discussion at length between the pair took place. "The chairman also took the opportunity to interact with the players, personally commending them for their dedication and active participation in the camp. He expressed satisfaction over the players' enthusiasm and commitment towards enhancing their fitness levels," the PCB statement read.
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s a purveyor to the most exclusive watch brands, Atelier Olivier Vaucher is one of the worlds leading references in Metiers dArt as applied to watch faces  Grand Feu enamel, engraving, miniature painting, mosaics and gem-setting are all part of its repertoire, the most comprehensive in Switzerland.

Even more valuable than the individual skills are the myriad ways in which these sublime artistic crafts are combined, cementing Atelier Olivier Vauchers stature in this rarefied circle. Founded in 1978 by Olivier Vaucher, with his wife and artist Dominique at his side, the Atelier works tirelessly behind the scenes, creating the faces of the rarest and most sought-after timepieces in the watchmaking industry.

As the Atelier embarks on an unprecedented expansion phase, moving to new premises just a short distance from its original location in the heart of Geneva, it is nurturing the green shoot of a new venture: Taos  which will also benefit from the Ateliers creative capabilities.

Taos is the brainchild of Olivier and Dominique Vaucher on one side, and Olivier Gaud on the other. With 46 years of experience leading the Atelier that bears his name, Olivier Vaucher had long harboured the vision and dream of creating a watch brand that utilises the full scope of his workshops savoir-faire and resources. Olivier and Dominiques encounter with Olivier Gaud, coupled with their shared passion for exceptional watchmaking, ignited the spark that brought Taos to life.

The outcome of their reflections, dedication, and artistry is manifested in unique pieces named Ondes (Waves), Floreal, Euphorie, Kaleidoscope, Broderie (Embroidery), and Envol (Flight). They form Taoss inaugural collection, showcasing the Metiers dArt as applied to horology.

Taos is a small community in the mountains of New Mexico, nestled along the Rio Grande, known since the late 1800s as an artistic colony with an eclecticism and creativity all its own. Here, Native American artists still hand-craft objects using traditional methods passed down through generations.

For over a century Taos has also evolved into a major artistic hub, drawing a diverse mix of American and international artists  some stay only a short while; others lay down permanent roots. This melding of arts and cultures has transformed Taos into a community that stands out for its uniqueness, vibrancy, and remarkable openness.

Taos is also the Greek word for peacock. Both mythical and familiar, this fascinating creature never ceases to amaze with its multifaceted beauty. Taos draws inspiration from its myriad colors. An endless palette of blue and green hues, interwoven with white and black, textured and silky  the peacock embodies the magic of polychromy and iridescence.

The peacock is elegance. In a slow, majestic stride it fans out its vast plumage, a natural masterpiece, fully aware it is the centre of admiration. Far from any such vanity, guided by the intrinsic modesty that characterises Olivier Gaud and the team at Atelier Olivier Vaucher, Taos, too, is aware its creations will draw attention. Because they are the fruit of immense effort, yet effortless in their grace. Because they are dazzling and captivating, infused with a discreet elegance, both rare and precious.

Taos is ideally positioned to benefit from the expertise of Atelier Olivier Vauchers more than 40 collaborators, pooling the experience and expertise of over 15 distinct crafts and professions. After forty-six years of growth, maturation, deepening expertise, and continual progression towards perfection, the Atelier has become one of the most comprehensive and respected establishments of its kind. Its Geneva location has, from the outset, placed it at the epicentre of exceptional watchmaking. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and skill of those who work there.

In this environment, the artisan-craftspeople find fulfilment, support, and engaging dialogue, along with the natural cross-fertilisation that springs from the collaboration of great talents. It is in this setting that a series of uniquely original and exceptional Metiers dArt pieces are being created today, each surpassing the last in originality and excellence.

Olivier Gaud, CEO of Taos, comments: Bringing Taos to life with the benefit of the support and involvement of one of Genevas most distinguished watchmaking artisans from the very start of our journey has been an extraordinary adventure. Never has a brand been so privileged to have such a wealth of skills across the various Metiers dArt from its inception.

Ive always dreamed it would be this way, reveals Olivier Vaucher, founder of Atelier Olivier Vaucher. To create independently for individual collector clients, and in the process to continue pushing ahead in our research and the various forms of expression, it gives a sense of fulfilment that I fully share with Dominique and our entire team."

Olivier Vaucher dreamed it, Olivier Gaud made it a reality.

Collaborating with and supporting Taos from its inception has enabled Atelier Olivier Vaucher to conceive, test, and execute bold and risky projects with complete freedom. At the core of Taoss DNA is the desire to highlight and honour the Metiers dArt in their totality, and Olivier Gaud encourages us to go further, to push the boundaries, to try new techniques, and to challenge our creativity, comments Dominique Vaucher.

Born from the imagination, hearts and fingertips of the artisans at the Atelier, the first Taos collection emerges: seven unique watches that bring the Ateliers team effort to the forefront, each piece sparking an unparalleled capacity for wonder.

These seven timepieces not only showcase incredible craftsmanship but also affirm that the Metiers dArt are alive, intensely vibrant, and charged with emotion.

And it is thanks to this passion, this soul that is carefully nurtured by the founders and leaders of Atelier Olivier Vaucher, that Taos can shine. It is because they are challenged and guided by Olivier Gaud, CEO of Taos, that their creations make their way to their audience. It is a collective endeavour, filled with warmth, aimed as much at the fulfilment of those who create as it is at the satisfaction of its final recipients.

Such is the ethos of Taos. A simple and joyful mix of support, approachability, respect, and protectiveness  four essential conditions for a cause that is deeply important to both Olivier Gaud and the Vauchers: the blossoming and then nurturing of talent.

Broderies dEmail  Enamel Embroideries  lets the finesse of enamel explore new expressive territory. Hundreds of strands of molten enamel are laid out as so many segments of silk on lace. The trompe-loeil is perfect, the impression of depth unique, and the detail surprising.

Envol Bleu and Envol Rouge  Blue Flight and Red Flight  feature engraved feathers covered in enamel, a flower-like silver-leaf paillon encircled with diamonds. Multiple layers, firings, details, and micro-engravings amplify the blooming of a delicate rosace pattern.

Floreal offers a bouquet of mother-of-pearl flowers miniature-painted in subtle shades of pink. They rest on a canvas of paillonne enamel, sprinkled with blue cloisonne enamel petals, neatly arranged in a composition highlighted by diamonds.

Kaleidoscope reveals a rhythmic alternation of hardstone mosaic pieces, arrayed in the shape of a heart around a central, raised mother-of-pearl relief.

Ondes  Waves  transcends its monochromatic appearance, harmonizing mechanics and art. The mother-of-pearl dial is engraved layer upon layer, seemingly endlessly, mirroring the patterns that adorn the movement that beats beneath it.

Taos is deeply rooted in a revered tradition, a unique culture of artistic expression, with Geneva as its vibrant heart. It is here, between the Jura Mountains and the Alps, where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhone River, that the craft of transforming a watch into a work of art, born almost four centuries ago, continues to blossom.

Building on watch movements that are in themselves exceptional, though not always from Geneva, the city has fostered and encouraged an ecosystem of specialised artisans. Enamelers. Gem setters. Lapidaries. Goldsmiths. Miniature painters. Engravers. Illuminators. These skilled artists-craftspeople have been honing their exceptional talents in the historic heart of Geneva since the mid-1600s.

They created a powerful, prosperous and influential industry that has shaped and projected a unique facet of Geneva and Switzerlands image around the world. The historical continuity is flawless, and the tradition remains unbroken, thanks to the dedication and genius of a few artisan-craftspeople.

More important, they preserved, passed on and increased this knowledge, this savoir-faire and, most importantly, cultivated the determination to continue creating. Among these individuals are Olivier Gaud and Olivier and Dominique Vaucher. They stand as both protectors and torchbearers of the Genevan spirit of excellence in the artistic crafts that epitomise Metiers dArt in horology.

Taos thus embraces the most daring, cutting-edge, and personally fulfilling projects imaginable by the Ateliers artisan-craftspeople. The work we do for Taos enables us to explore uncharted territory and engage in concrete research, explain Olivier and Dominique Vaucher. Its highly motivating for our teams and it allows us to keep doing what weve committed to from the start: to keep pushing boundaries for the benefit of all our clients.

And Olivier Gaud adds: Its even better than a research lab. The artisans of the Atelier demonstrate an extraordinary dedication to their craft, which positively impacts the creativity of all Taos designs.

Thus, each creation emerges as a one-of-a-kind watch, subtly marked with the Taos signature. This is because the centrepiece of this emotive vessel is concentrated within just a few square centimetres  the dial. Here, a distinct creativity unfolds, fuelled by the spirit of sharing and collaboration evident in every stage of the watchs design and manufacturing. The mechanical movement inside? It is the reflection of each watchs face.

Giving this creativity free rein is the shared ethos of Taos and Atelier Olivier Vaucher, marked by their supportive attitude. There has always been a nurturing atmosphere at the Atelier, says Dominique Vaucher. Were surrounded by wonderful people. Every talent is given a voice, each expressing their uniqueness and sharing their particular savoir-faire.

Collegiality and openness are essential for individual talents to flourish, of course, but also for the creative process to take hold and lead to great creations. Dominique Vaucher continues: Its through dialogue that we get the best out of each technique. Thats we sustain our passion for the craft, through the lifespark of each and every one in the team.

Each timepiece produced by Taos houses the same movement. Under the supervision of Olivier Gaud, a passionate watchmaker and the CEO of Taos, the Swiss movement manufacturer Telos, at Taoss express request, created the exclusive self-winding caliber VOP318. Among its many virtues, a comfortable power reserve of around 72 hours.

Its initial specification had a truly unconventional constraint: the surface of its bridges must provide the canvas for the most elaborate engraving imaginable. Thicknesses, shapes, cut-outs  every aspect was designed with the engravers chisel in mind as it navigating its mere millimetres in diameter. As a result, the inside of each watch offers a spectacle on a par with what can be seen on the dial side.

Delivered in their raw form, the movements components are individually engraved, chamfered and satin-finished by hand at Atelier Olivier Vaucher  the foundations of a network of rosettes and motifs inspired by the movements inner workings. The oscillating weight operates beneath the case back, and its visible part  the arms  are beveled and satin-finished by hand in the watchmaking tradition. Engraving a single complete caliber takes between 80 and 100 hours of meticulous work by a single craftsperson, who is responsible for their piece from receipt to delivery of the fully finished piece.

Each timepiece comes in a case, 38 mm in diameter and 10 mm thick, which is made either of 18K white gold or 5N rose gold, and, depending on the dials theme, set with diamonds.

Its slimness enhances the watchs elegance, complementing the dials aesthetics. The detailed lugs, precise angles, sloping bezel, and curved case back all combine to showcase each creation, allowing the design to first stand out and then subtly recede.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Names of the 7 models:

Taos Euphorie  Unique Piece

Taos Envol Bleu  Unique Piece

Taos Envol Rouge  Unique Piece

Taos Floreal  Unique Piece

Taos Ondes  Unique Piece

Taos Broderies  Unique Piece

Taos Kaleidoscope  Unique Piece

Dials:

Euphorie: Red, orange and black dominant

Grand Feu paillonne enamel  overlay of paillons and enamel

Multiple layers, multiple firings

Envol Bleu: Blue dominant

Hand-engraving under enamel, hand engraving on enamel, paillonne enamel, and diamond setting

Multiple layers, multiple firings

Envol Rouge: Red and orange dominant at the centre

Hand engraving under enamel, hand engraving on enamel, paillonne enamel, and diamond setting

Multiple layers, multiple firings

Floreal: Silver, blue and pink dominant

Email on silver-leaf paillons, cloisonne enamel, hand-engraved mother-of-pearl, miniature painting on mother-of-pearl, and gem-setting

Ondes: White dominant

Engraving on mother-of-pearl on multiple layers; patterns echo the engraving on the movement

Broderies: Gold and white dominant

Strands of enamel drawn and laid in floral patterns, embroidery-like, on the dial, with gem-setting

Kaleidoscope: Blue and green dominant

Stone mosaic inlay, engraved mother-of-pearl center, and engraved motif in white gold

Hours and minutes indication

Gold hands; leaf-shaped, slightly curved, and mirror-polished

Case: 18K white gold (5N rose gold for Euphorie and Envol Rouge)

Diameter: 38mm

Thickness: 10mm

Envol Bleu, Envol Rouge and Floreal: diamond-set lugs

Broderies: diamond-set bezel and lugs

Caliber:

VOP318, developed exclusively by Telos (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) for Taos

Self-winding Automatic double-barrel winding shown in parallel

Exclusive Taos hand decorations by Atelier Olivier Vaucher, Geneva

Invisible oscillating weight, concealed in the case

Power reserve: approx. 72 hours

Diameter: 30.40 mm

Thickness: 4.20mm

Frequency: 4 Hz

26 rubies

Straps:

Blue, chocolate, or green calfskin, alligator pattern

Hand-sewn in Geneva, visible saddle stitching

Beige nubuck leather on Broderies, visible saddle stitching

18K pin buckle, exclusive Taos design
A boat carrying Chinese migrants capsized off the coast of the Mexican southern state of Oaxaca, killing eight migrants, and Mexican authorities said over the weekend that they were investigating the incident.
NASA revealed its plan to deploy scientific instruments that will focus on analyzing the viability of the moon for human habitation through sustainable missions of Artemis 3.

The payload will include the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station (LEMS), Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF), and the Lunar Dielectric Analyzer (LDA).

Read Also : NASA Shares Photography Tips for the Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th

NASA Artemis 3 to Gather Lunar Environment Information

Artemis 3 is an upcoming manned mission to the moon that is expected to launch in September 2026. Originally, the mission was slated in 2025 but the Artemis 2 mission is yet to be released.

NASA has chosen three cutting-edge instruments that will be used to gather data about the lunar environment, its interior, and the likelihood of it being inhabited by humans.

"Artemis marks a bold new era of exploration, where human presence amplifies scientific discovery," said Pam Melroy, NASA deputy administrator.

The Artemis 3 mission will be the first manned lunar mission in over 50 years. The organization is also targeting to study the South Pole of the moon, which is considered the most intriguing part of it due to its unique characteristics.

NASA Artemis 3 Selects Lunar Instruments for Mission

NASA has now revealed the three cutting-edge instruments that will aid the Artemis 3 on its mission. The LEMS by Dr. Mehdi Benna from the University of Maryland will be used to monitor moonquakes and gather information about moon's structural composition.

The LEAF experiment by Christine Escobar of Space Lab Technologies will be assigned to explore the relationship between the lunar environment on space crops. Common Earth-related production such as photosynthesis, growth, and stress response of plants will also be studied.

The LDA by Dr. Hideaki Miyamoto of the University of Tokyo will asses the lunar regolith's electrical properties. This will be utilized to study lunar volatiles which will help explore the subsurface structure of the moon.

Melroy added that these instruments will "kick-start the ability to conduct human-machine teaming an entirely new way of doing science."
Jessica Chastain tries to be rebellious in her career choices.

Jessica Chastain likes to make rebellious choices

The Memory actress is always keen to go after the roles she is told are not right for her because she enjoys doing something challenging with her work.

She told Britains HELLO! magazine: If theres a role Im told maybe isnt right for me, thats the one I will take a second look at.

When I was starting out at Juilliard, Val Kilmer came to speak and I will always remember what he said, Hollywood isnt unimaginative, they are anti-imagination.

That is something Ive come to understand so now, I try to be rebellious.

I try to shock people and do the opposite of what they expect.

The most important thing is to do something challenging.

And Jessica particularly likes to seek out flawed characters to shine a spotlight on true humanity.

She added: I dont have to play the most noble person in the world.

In fact, I love playing flawed characters because that shows humanity. I want to know Im contributing to something positive.

The 47-year-old star  who won the Best Actress Oscar in 2022 for her portrayal of a TV evangelist in The Eyes of Tammy Faye  is still in shock shes made a career out of her profession.

She said: I cant believe I get to do this.

This started as a dream, now here I am living it.

Im still in shock that I have an Oscar and hope I always will be, because then Ill always appreciate it.
Elizabeth Hurley's son Damian says he has been able to "escape a lot of fire" that comes with being a nepo-baby.

Damian Hurley says hard work has stopped him from facing flack for being a nepo-baby

The 21-year-old actor and model - whose parents are the 58-year-old 'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery' actress and the late businessman and film producer, Steve Bing, who tragically died by suicide in 2020, aged 55 - says he's worked "exceptionally hard" since he was 15, and insists it would be diminishing to claim his success is due to his folks' success and industry connections.

In a rare interview with The Sunday Times newspaper, Damian said: "I was speaking to a lot of my friends who are also second generation of parents in the industry, they say exactly the same thing: that things to outsiders that may seem totally strange and extraordinary, for us we'll just have grown up with in everyday life."

He continued: "I've managed to escape a lot of the fire of the nepo-baby stuff because anyone who looks at me has gone, 'Oh, actually, hang on, you've been working exceptionally hard since you were 15 years old.'"

Meanwhile, Liz recently admitted she felt "safe and looked after" filming sex scenes with her Damian directing.

She has some spicy moments with actress Pear Chiravara in the upcoming thriller 'Strictly Confidential (released on UK digital platforms 13th May), and has admitted having him in the room with her put her at ease.

She told Access Hollywood in a joint interview with her son: Having him there meant that I felt safe and looked after.

Its kind of liberating to work with your family.

The catwalk star has also helped his mother shoot bikini snaps on Instagram - which caused a stir.

Damian said: People find this really controversial.

[Showbiz] has been a fundamental part of my entire life so for us its just not a thing, its part of business.

Elizabeth insisted: Im relaxed in front of him.

He looks after meits relaxing knowing someone is behind the camera who looks out for you.
Rebel Wilson tried Ozempic for weight loss and thinks "those drugs can be good".

Rebel Wilson has confirmed she was on Ozempic

The 44-year-old actress shed 77lbs during her "Year of Health" in 2020, and even though she recently admitted she gained 30lbs due to stress, she has confirmed she was briefly on the weight loss injection that is leading the market and has been used by celebrities including Sharon Osbourne and Chelsea Handler.

In an interview with Britain's Sunday Times newspaper, Rebel said: "Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I think those drugs can be good."

The 'Bridesmaids' actress - who welcomed daughter Royce via surrogate into the world in November 2022 - says most people in her life didn't want her to lose weight because they told her she wouldn't get any more work as she had been put in the box of the "fat funny character" after portraying Fat Amy in 'Pitch Perfect'.

She said: "Basically no one apart from my mom wanted me to lose weight.

"People thought I'd lose my pigeonhole in my career, playing the fat funny character, and they wanted me to continue in that."

Rebel was required to lose weight to undergo IVF treatment, which is the reason she decided to slim down.

Despite saying drugs like Ozempic can be good, the 'Senior Year' star implored young women not to "obsess" over their looks and to embrace their appearance, no matter how big or small they are.

She added: "I feel strongly that young women shouldn't try to obsess over looking like Victoria's Secret models - they should just look like themselves.

"I know that my relationship with food is complicated."

Rebel recently admitted "stress" caused her to lose focus on the "lifestyle" she had previously adopted.

Sharing a brief clip of herself sitting in a jacuzzi, she wrote on Instagram: "Working really hard has meant that, coz of all the stress, Ive gained 14kgs (30 pounds)! It makes me feel bad about myselfit shouldntbut it does.

"Im really proud of the work Ive been doing on new movies and my memoir, its just been a LOT and Ive lost focus on my healthy lifestyle.

"Anyone else going through the same thing?"

The actress previously admitted she and fiancee Ramona Agruma had both gained weight while adjusting to their new schedule as mums.

She told MailOnline: I did gain weight once I had my baby because although I didnt give birth to her and I didnt need to lose any baby weight I had just gained weight from the lack of sleep and from the change in my lifestyle.

For instance now I cant go to the gym as often as I used to Im just not working out as much so that has slowed me down.

Ramona also gained weight once we got her daughter but she lost it really fast Im kind of jealous because I have not been able to lose the weight as fast.
New York City's chatbot assistant for business owners is reportedly generating misinformation and advising users on actions that could possibly violate the law, according to local watchdog The City.

According to reports, the AI chatbot is providing incomplete or "dangerously inaccurate" information on housing policies, worker rights, and advises for entrepreneurs.

The chatbot is also spotted to be not knowledgeable with recent laws the state has passed, including recent tipping and transaction laws.

The AI supposedly "access trusted information from more than 2,000 NYC Business web pages" for all answers it gives.

A spokesperson from the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation told The City that it will "continue to focus on upgrading this tool" to fix such issues.

The city, however, maintained that the chatbot "has already provided thousands of people with timely, accurate answers" and that it is open about its risks in using the AI tool.

New York City first launched the chatbot last October using Microsoft's Azure AI, which in turn was powered by OpenAI's technology.

The report was made in coordination with nonprofit tech news publication The Markup.

NYC Leans More on AI Technology for City Operations

The business assistant is not the only chatbot New York City has employed as it started leaning more into AI amid the technology's increasing trend.

The city has earlier started using the technology for its robot police assistant to protect commuters in subways.

Much recently, city announced that will soon enable more AI into city subways to detect guns and other dangerous metal weapons.

Despite the ramp-up on the technology, New York has provided few safety measures to prevent the AI from negatively impacting its recipients.

Also Read : NYC Will Soon Use AI-Enabled Metal Detectors on Subways

AI Still Prone to 'Hallucinations'

The issues on New York City's business AI assistant are not an isolated case of chatbots providing inaccurate and even sometimes dangerous information to its inquirers.

Several AI experts have warned AI firms to improve safety measures against "AI hallucinations," where the AI is conjuring answers out of nowhere, amid increasing accessibility of their technology.

Experts are worried that such issues can further cause political information ahead of the election period as people turn to AI as a source of information.
Barriers to US agricultural exports, lack of uniformity in the European Union (EU), non-market policies and practices, data policies furthering state intrusion are some of the significant foreign trade barriers identified in the 2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE Report) released recently by US trade representative Katherine Tai.

The report highlights cross-cutting barriers affecting US agricultural trade, including opaque and burdensome facility registration requirements and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures that are not based on science, are maintained without sufficient scientific evidence, or are applied beyond the extent necessary to address SPS issues.

Barriers to US agricultural exports, lack of uniformity in the EU, non-market policies and practices, and intrusive data policies are some of the key foreign trade barriers for the US identified in the 2024 NTE Report. In several sectors, China is setting and pursuing production and market share targets that can only be achieved through non-market means.

US stakeholders continue to face challenges in the EU in having to address disparate policies or procedures across member states. Areas of concern include customs, labeling, agricultural biotechnology, packaging and packing waste, government procurement, investment and intellectual property protection and enforcement, an USTR release noted.

Chinas state-led, non-market approach to the economy and trade continues to shape the industrial policies that the country pursues, and provide unfair competitive advantages to Chinese companies, the report said.

This includes massive financial support and regulatory and other preferences and formal and informal policies and practices that seek to disadvantage foreign competitors. This behaviour is heavily distorting and disrupting markets, which has led to severe and persistent excess capacity, observed the report.

In several industrial sectors, including manufacturing, China is setting and pursuing production and market share targets that can only be achieved through non-market means, the report said.

The United States is aware that data localisation policies can be used by governments to surveil their populations, interfere with labour rights, and otherwise compromise civil and political liberties, and has identified problematic data policies across a range of countries, including China and Russia.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der

zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial.



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Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird.



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BOAO, China, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From March 26th to March 29th, the Boao Forum for Asia is once again underway, with Yili Group being invited for the sixth time to participate in this grand event, showcasing its innovative strength grounded in quality.

During this forum, Liu Chunxi, the Executive President of Yili Group, had in-depth discussions and exchanges with other attendees on the theme of "Enhancing Corporate Innovation". Liu Chunxi remarked, "Yili embraces market challenges, continuously leads the industry through innovation, seizes the global technological innovation forefront, and supports the high-quality development of the dairy industry. Yili also seizes opportunities in the current era, creates value through innovation, develops more nutritious ingredients and a diverse range of food products, allowing the world to share health."

Yili is focusing on innovating its industrial chain to address technological bottlenecks across the entire chain, providing consumers with higher-quality products and services. By establishing a globally influential hub for technological innovation, Yili is enhancing its core competitiveness. Moreover, it is upgrading digitization throughout every link in the industrial chain to improve operational efficiency and facilitate business development.

"No innovation, no future." Faced with new opportunities, Yili will take technological innovation as its guide, continuously driving the entire chain along a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable development path. It will continue to move forward towards the dream of "World Integrally Sharing Health".

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Global leading IT company FPT recently announced the appointment of Christophe Schwanengel as the Chief Executive Officer of FPT France. The newly appointed CEO is entrusted with the mission of strengthening FPT France's expansion and diversifying its multi-industry clientele. With further enhanced business growth and reputation in France, as well as other French-speaking countries and territories, the move ultimately aims to realize the company's ambition to become France's top 50 IT company by 2028.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401898748/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

According to Dang Tran Phuong, FPT Software's Senior Executive Vice President for Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East: "We always strive to promote a multicultural work environment. With the appointment of a French industry veteran as CEO, we are optimistic that his deep knowledge of the European IT landscape, together with FPT's existing expertise will deliver high-quality services to our customers, particularly in data services and product engineering". Phuong emphasized his confidence in FPT France's breakthroughs in the aviation industry, also driven by the recent acquisition of French IT consulting firm AOSIS to fortify its delivery competencies.

Christophe Schewanegel has over 20 years of experience working in various senior positions. Before joining FPT, he held the position of Vice President of Sales at HCL, where he successfully guided its French division in securing multiple high-profile contracts in the healthcare, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing industries, cumulatively worth over 500 million USD. Prior to that, he was the Business Development Director at CSC, playing a pivotal role in penetrating the European market, facilitating its growth with several million-dollar deals.

Christophe said: "As the new CEO of FPT France, I am committed to building upon FPT Software's established market footprint and reaching new heights in digital transformation for the company and our clients. My primary goal is to drive growth by harnessing our organization's collective strength and global reputation."

Since entering France in 2008, FPT has affirmed its market position and expertise by partnering with world-leading clients, including Airbus, where the two companies have joined forces in various initiatives to support major aviation players in achieving digital transformation goals since 2017. In 2023, the French subsidiary entered France's top 100 ICT Companies. During the same year, the company also acquired 80% stake in the French IT consulting firm AOSIS, aiming to enhance its capabilities in SAP, Data, Cloud, and smart solutions for aerospace, aviation, and transportation sectors. FPT France plans to expand its presence to other major cities in France with an ambitious goal of covering the entire European region. The company aims to develop a team of over 500 experts, providing timely support for its partners in the country.

About FPT Corporation

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology company headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. During over three decades of development, FPT has constantly provided practical and effective products to millions of people and tens of thousands of business and non-business organizations worldwide, establishing Vietnam's position on the global tech map. Keeping up with the latest market trends and emerging technologies, FPT has developed the Made-by-FPT ecosystem of services, products, solutions, and platforms, which enables sustainable growth for organizations and businesses and offers distinctive experiences to customers. In 2023, FPT recorded a total revenue of US$2.17 billion and 70,000+ employees. For more information, please visit https://fpt.com.vn/en.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401898748/en/

Contacts:

Media

Mai Duong (Ms.)

FPT Software

PR Manager

MCP.PR@fpt.com
LONDON, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forget your deep fried Mars bar or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the latest crazy culinary combo doing the rounds in the UK is milk and crisps.



The newest snack brand from PepsiCo, 'Extra Flamin' Hot', went on sale in the UK last week. The hot new flavour, available across the Walkers MAX, Doritos and Wotsits Crunchy range, has been given 'spicy' reviews by some snack lovers for whom the heat has proved too much.

To douse rising temperatures, Extra Flamin' Hot bosses have decided to sell milk miniatures alongside the snacksalthough readers should bear in mind that the news is being released on 'April Fool's Day' where members of the public, alongside organisations and brands, play pranks on the public.

The 'Not Extra Flamin' Hot Milk' will hit the shelves today (Monday 1st April), and be on sale for "as long it takes for the British taste buds to mature to the spice", said Dalila FopsRoy, Head of Brand Innovation.

With its spice-neutralising properties, milk was chosen as an antidote to the heat of Extra Flamin' Hot' crisps. "Milk contains a protein called casein, which can break down capsaicin in the same way that soap cuts through grease", said Dr Paolo Salify, Extra Flamin' Hot's Director of Heat Transference.

To accompany the April Fools prank, 'Extra Flamin' Hot' has undertaken (real) research to show the parts of the country that can handle the heat of the spicy new snack. It shows that those from Glasgow are the biggest lovers of spice in the UK, with two thirds (67%) claiming to either like or love spicy food. Meanwhile those in Belfast, Northern Ireland like it the least - 41% have either a low, or no tolerance to spicy food.

Dr Salify continued: "We have been considering a milk miniature to sell alongside Extra Flamin' Hot Wotsits Crunchy, Doritos and Walkers MAX for some time. With the arrival of this new data, we decided to expedite that decision and get it on the shelves as quickly as possible."

'Not Extra Flamin' Hot Milk' will go on sale initially in Belfast, and a nationwide rollout is expected to come in the coming days and weeksor not!

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4d4e65f-8cb3-48b3-8247-628f0f7e7b36

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf6eb5a3-fb12-44c7-85e1-082d9357f384
Basseterre, April 01, 2024, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for its economic citizens to 'connect, collaborate and celebrate' with like-minded global investors. The Summit will take place from 11 to 15 May at the St. Kitts Marriot Resort, displaying world-class sustainable business and investment development practices in the twin-federation.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Gateway Summit isn't just about scripted speeches or glossy brochures-it's about real conversations and tangible opportunities that global citizens can explore. The Summit also offers a range of opportunities to connect with industry leaders and fellow entrepreneurs.

With hundreds of attendees from countries spanning the globe, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Singapore, China, and more, the Summit promises unparalleled networking prospects.

Strategic Partnerships

The 5-day long event will bring together economic citizens, policymakers, corporate leaders, business delegations, academia, and think tanks from across the globe to collectively explore business opportunities and forge new partnerships.

Local exhibitors and international sponsors will have a unique opportunity to showcase their businesses and promote their brands to this niche audience.

The Investment Gateway Summit is an opportunity for key stakeholders from businesspeople, economic citizens and governments to collaborate in sustainable development and connect for long-term collaborations. Participants will gain exclusive access to expertise and invaluable resources from reputable global leaders and investors.

The Summit will have interactive networking sessions, and panel discussions, including experiences around the twin-federation

Business Opportunities

St. Kitts and Nevis is a prime business location in the Caribbean that offers eco-business practices and growth opportunities. Numerous factors make the twin-federation a favourable business environment, these include the country's strategic location forming part of a gateway for international trade and investments.

Investment Gateway Summit Programme

Each day the detailed agendais packed with exciting events that will take place, such as an exclusive opportunity to celebrate with the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew in a private Gala Dinner, alongside other economic citizens and special guests.

The Gala Dinner is strictly by invitation, as there are limited tickets available, this will be your opportunity to connect, celebrate and collaborate with economic citizens, share values and inspiration.

The Programme includes unique opportunities for its guests to explore the idyllic island through events such as the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, create a memorable cultural experience on the Frigate Bay Strip, and learn about one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, the historical Brimstone Fortress.

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Attachment
CHICAGO, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rapid Microbiology Testing Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $5.2 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $8.3 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.

In recent times, the rapid microbiology testing market is experiencing an exponential growth due to the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, advancements in technology, and a stronger emphasis on early infectious disease detection.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Rapid Microbiology Testing Market"

318 - Tables

45 - Figures

331 - Pages

Rapid Microbiology Testing Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $5.2 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $8.3 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% Market Size Available for 2022-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, method, and application Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and GCC countries Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Opportunities for growth in developing countries Key Market Drivers Technological advancements in rapid microbiology testing

In 2023, the instruments segment held the largest share of the rapid microbiology testing market by product segment.

Based on product, the rapid microbiology testing market has been segmented into instruments, reagents & kits and consumables. The instruments segment dominated the rapid microbiology testing market in 2023. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the ongoing trend of laboratory automation among clinical laboratories.

The industrial testing segment held the largest share of the rapid microbiology testing market by application segment in 2023.

Based on applications, the rapid microbiology testing market is segmented into clinical disease diagnosis, industrial testing, and research applications. In 2023, the largest share of the rapid microbiology testing market was held by the industrial testing segment. This is primarily due to the extensive use of rapid microbiology testing methods in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics, and environmental monitoring. In these industries, ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards is of utmost importance. Rapid microbiology testing allows for quick detection and identification of microbial contaminants, facilitating timely corrective actions and minimizing production downtime.

North America is the largest regional market for rapid microbiology testing market.

The market for rapid microbiology testing has been divided into six key geographical regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and GCC countries. In 2023, North America held the predominant portion of the rapid microbiology testing market. The high adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies in North America is driving market growth in this regional segment. This trend is further fueled by the rising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population about the importance of early detection and prompt treatment. The strong focus on healthcare infrastructure and the increasing healthcare expenditure in North America also contribute to market growth, as do the expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The food safety sector is another significant contributor, with rapid microbiology testing integral to ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply chain.

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Rapid Microbiology Testing Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Increasing incidence of infectious diseases and cancer Technological advancements in rapid microbiology testing Increased funding for R&D Increased focus on early detection of infectious diseases

Restraints:

High capital investments and low cost-benefit ratio Unfavorable regulatory and reimbursement scenario

Opportunities:

Growth opportunities in emerging countries

Challenge:

Operational barriers

Key Market Players of Rapid Microbiology Testing Industry:

The major players operating in this market are bioMerieux SA (France), Danaher Corporation (US), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Abbott Laboratories (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Merck KGaA (Germany), Sartorius AG (Germany), Bruker (US), QuidelOrtho Corporation (US), Charles River Laboratories (US), Neogen Corporation (US), Don Whitley Scientific Limited (UK), Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc. (US), Gradientech (Sweden), rqmicro AG (Switzerland), Colifast AS (Norway), Serosep Limited (Ireland), Solus PerkinElmer (US), BTNX Inc. (Canada), R-Biopharm AG (Germany), Paragon Genomics, Inc. (US), Kypha Inc. (US), Vivione Biosciences (US), Bactest Ltd. (UK), and CorDx (US).

The break-up of the profile of primary participants in the rapid microbiology testing market:

By Company Type: Tier 1 - 40%, Tier 2 - 30%, and Tier 3 - 30%

By Designation: C-level - 27%, D-level - 18%, and Others - 55%

By Region: North America - 51%, Europe - 21%, Asia Pacific - 18%, Latin America - 6%, and Middle East & Africa- 4%

Recent Developments of Rapid Microbiology Testing Industry:

In December 2023, Danaher Corporation (US) acquired Abcam (UK), a company that offers the scientific community validated antibodies, reagents, biomarkers, and assays to address targets in biological pathways that are critical for advancing drug discovery, life sciences research, and diagnostics.

In May 2023, bioMerieux SA (France) received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver for the fast and accurate multiplex PCR-based BIOFIRE SPOTFIRE Respiratory (R) Panel Mini.

In November 2022, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US) introduced the rapid RT-PCR Accula Flu A/Flu B test.

In May 2021, Neogen Corporation (US) launched an improved version of its AccuPoint Advanced sanitation monitoring system that is simpler to use and provides results that are easier to analyze.

In July 2020, Neogen Corporation (US) launched the advanced Soleris NG microbial testing system.

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Rapid Microbiology Testing Market - Key Benefits of Buying the Report:

The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall rapid microbiology testing market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Analysis of key drivers (Increasing incidence of infectious diseases and cancer, technological advancements in rapid microbiology testing, increased funding for R&D and Increased focus on early detection of infectious diseases), opportunities (Growth opportunities in emerging countries), restraints (High capital investments and low cost-benefit ratio and nfavorable regulatory and reimbursement scenario), and challenges (Operational barriers) influencing the growth of the rapid microbiology testing market.

Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the rapid microbiology testing market.

Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the rapid microbiology testing market across varied regions.

Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the rapid microbiology testing market

Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, product offerings of leading players like bioMerieux SA (France), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Danaher Corporation (US), Abbott Laboratories (US), and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US).

Related Reports:

In Vitro Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2029

Molecular Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Western Blotting Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

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Several US-based tech firms are reportedly urging hardware manufacturers to move their operations to Mexico to compete with China's hardware industry.

James Huang, chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, told The Wall Street Journal that US companies are looking to take advantage of the US-Mexico-Canada agreement to reduce reliance on China's product.

At least billions of dollars have already been moved to encourage more tech manufacturers to expand their operations in the West.

Huang said the North American nations are hoping "to replace products imported from Asia as much as possible."

Taiwan's Foxconn Expands Business Venture to Mexico

Among the companies targeted for the nearshoring is Taiwan-based Foxconn, manufacturer for most components used in iPhones.

This is in addition to materials it provides to tech giants like Amazon, Google, and NVIDIA for their AI products.

Foxconn has earlier been reported of acquiring land in Mexico's Jalisco state and investing $690 million in the country.

Also Read : US is Urging Allies to Tighten Regulations Against China's Access to Chip Tech

US Moves to Ramp Hardware Productions to Compete with China

The move to urge chip manufacturers shift production processes in Western countries mark another move from the US in its current economic dispute against China.

The US has already barred the Asian superpower access from its advanced AI chips, as well as reduce its tech imports from the country.

Since then, the current administration has ramped up on reviving the tech industry in the US, including pledges worth billions of dollars to Intel.

Insider reports also indicate that the White House has been calling for allied countries to further restrict China's access to their technology, primarily through Europe.

The efforts came after China has been noted to still acquire advanced AI chips, including those from NVIDIA, despite the US sanctions on the country.
Lack of major funding places future of prestigious post-graduate program on island of Ireland in question

The US-Ireland Alliance today announced its decision to pause the selection of future classes of George J. Mitchell Scholars as it considers the long-term sustainability of the prestigious post-graduate program that sends future American leaders to the island of Ireland.

The decision by the Alliance means a Mitchell Scholarship class of 2026 will not be selected. The class of 2025 has already been selected and will proceed as planned with study in Ireland and Northern Ireland this fall. The other activities of the Alliance, including the annual Oscar Wilde Awards, will continue as usual.

According to Alliance Founder and President Trina Y. Vargo, the Mitchell Scholarship Program is in no immediate financial difficulty. Yet operating on a comparatively small budget and on an annual basis is very different from having the stable, permanent funding necessary that comes with an endowment, Vargo said.

The Alliance estimates the minimum endowment needed to sustain the Mitchell Scholarship for the long-term is $40 million. The Irish government has committed to match any funds that are raised for this purpose up to 20 million.

"It is time to pause to determine if there is sufficient interest in retaining the most prestigious scholarship that uniquely sends young Americans to the island of Ireland," said Vargo.

Vargo created the US-Ireland Alliance and the Mitchell Scholarship 25 years ago, following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, which was shepherded by then U.S Senator George J. Mitchell and ended 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland.

The Mitchell quickly rose to a status equal to that of the Rhodes and other post-graduate awards which operate with multi-million-dollar endowments established by their founders. Yet despite achieving a high level of prestige and graduating nearly three hundred national and global leaders over the past quarter century, no major funders have emerged for the Mitchell.

"The support we've enjoyed for the last 25 years is very much appreciated and necessary, but unfortunately, it's not sufficient," said Vargo. "Hence the need for a bridge to the future, which an endowment will provide."

To learn more, visit https://us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship/announcement.

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Contacts:

Trina Vargo, vargo@us-irelandalliance.org
Since the 2017 GCC crisis, the Qatari agricultural company has expanded its brand locally and globally.

DOHA, Qatar, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatari food company Baldana is signing an agreement with the Algerian government to establish a farm to produce powdered milk in the North African country, a source familiar with the matter told Doha News.

The Qatari agricultural company plans to inaugurate a farm that extends over 100,000 hectares and produces 200,000 tonnes of powdered milk annually.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune disclosed that the North African country is on the verge of signing an agreement with an "Arab partner" to start producing milk powder locally in pursuit of "self-sufficiency," revealing that the farm will be made in Adrar, southwestern Algeria.

Qatar's Baladna is the largest company in the country for milk and dairy production, emerging in the global market after the 2017 GCC crisis shifted the Gulf country's production objectives.

Trading on the Qatar Stock Exchange since October 2019, Baladna has expanded its brand both locally and globally and is home to one of the largest cattle farms in the region - spreading over an area of 2.6 million square metres.

Last year in July, Baladna bought another division of shares in Egypt's Juhayna Food Industries. The acquisition comes after the wholly-owned Qatari firm first raised its stake in Juhayna Food Industries to 10.1% in May 2022 in a deal worth QAR 2.5 million.

Publicly listed, Juhayna produces and markets dairy and juice products and has four production facilities across Egypt.

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Watershed received the highest possible scores in the following criteria: sustainability intelligence, ESG strategy, ROI calculation, reporting, and four more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA & LONDON, UK, April 01, 2024, the enterprise sustainability platform, was named a leader in sustainability management software by analyst firm Forrester.



The Forrester Wave: Sustainability Management Software, Q2 2024 evaluated sustainability management software providers based on 24 criteria to inform purchasing decisions for corporate sustainability teams as they face new regulation and increasing climate imperative.



"With the diversity of data that must be collected, cleaned, and standardized, sustainability management must be as rigorous as financial management," said the Forrester report. "Watershed is a well-rounded thought partner [with] a strong vision built on improving capabilities for reporting, product carbon footprint calculation, and granular material impact calculation."

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Watershed

"High-quality sustainability data is now a must for corporate leaders from finance to compliance. The teams that deliver this data need solutions that empower them to work within the new pace and scale of reporting and action,""Watershed enables an ongoing feedback loop that allows sustainability teams to access world-class data, use that data to make operational decisions, then report out ROI to stakeholders. With our customers, we are closing the execution gap in corporate sustainability."The report noted Watershed's benchmarking function-which enables customers to compare qualitative and quantitative data against industry peers within the Watershed platform-as a key differentiator. The report also cited Watershed's scope 3 forecasting capability and ROI calculator, both of which allow customers to make data-driven decisions that maximize their climate and business impact.For more of Forrester's analysis,###is the enterprise sustainability platform. Companies like Airbnb, Carlyle Group, Everlane, YETI, and BBVA use Watershed to manage climate and ESG data, produce audit-ready metrics for reporting, and drive real decarbonization. Watershed is the platform of choice for companies seeking to reduce emissions, meet customer, investor and regulatory requirements, and modernize their sustainability programs. Watershed customers also have exclusive access to a marketplace of pre-vetted, high-quality carbon projects and groundbreaking virtual power purchase agreements.
Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus.



Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential.



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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 1, 2024) - Scryb Inc. (CSE: SCYB) (OTC Pink: SCYRF) (FSE: EIY) ("Scryb' or the "Company"), is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 through the issuance of up to 60,000,000 units in the capital of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.025 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one whole Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.05 per Common Share until the date that is eighteen (18) months from the date of issuance. Gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Scryb Inc.

Scryb develops and productizes emerging technologies and builds disruptive, high-growth businesses. Scryb's team identifies high-potential applications and its expert operators apply its proven technology development platform to rapidly scale growth. Scryb's most recent successes include exciting early-stage companies like cybersecurity company Cybeats Technologies (CSE: CYBT) which Scryb maintains approximately 65% ownership, as well as ventures in the fields of applied AI, digital health, medical devices, and biotech. If you would like to learn more about Scryb or receive updates about the company, visit our website at http://scryb.ai.

Contact:

W. Clark Kent

President

Office. 647-872-9982

TF. 1-844-247-6633

Email: info@scryb.ai

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for the technology described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/203806

SOURCE: Scryb Inc.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, April 1st, 2024, Chainwire

Quick Take

BSX, backed by Base Ecosystem Fund, is set to raise the bar as the worlds foremost premier, high-performance decentralized exchange, offering an enhanced DeFi trading experience that provides the best of both worlds by merging the benefits of centralized exchanges with the self-custody features of decentralized exchanges.

BSX will begin trading on Base L2 Mainnet Alpha on April 1, 2024.

Following the conclusion of its Public Testnet trading phase in Q1, BSX  the new standard in premier, high-performance decentralized exchanges (DEXs)  is set to begin trading on the Base L2 Mainnet Alpha on April 1, 2024.

BSX is backed by a number of notable investors, including Base Ecosystem Fund, Bankless Ventures, CMS Holdings, No Limit Holdings, Saison Capital, Kyros Ventures, WW Ventures, among others. BSX is also being advised by Arthur Hayes, the founder and CIO of Maelstrom and the co-founder of BitMEX.

BSX aims to provide the ultimate DeFi trading experience, combining the liquidity, premium UX and user-friendly features of centralized exchanges (CEXs) with the pricing and self-custody features of (DEXs). By utilizing the Base network, BSX provides lightning quick transactions and inexpensive trading fees while ensuring transparency and accuracy through on-chain settlements.

BSX also streamlines the interface and flow for retail traders, who can conveniently connect their existing wallets, enable one-click trading, and securely execute trades on-chain. BSX users will be able to access a wide range of crypto products, including perpetuals, spot, and more, all in one place.

Core product offerings:

Low-gas Trading: Bases transaction costs are minimal and highly optimized, enabling near gas-free settlements. This makes the total trading costs comparable to CEXs.

Bases transaction costs are minimal and highly optimized, enabling near gas-free settlements. This makes the total trading costs comparable to CEXs. Unrivaled Performance : Our high-performance trading engine provides extremely low latency and instant, guaranteed execution. Coupled with our one-click instant trading feature, it offers an experience akin to, if not better than, CEX trading.

: Our high-performance trading engine provides extremely low latency and instant, guaranteed execution. Coupled with our one-click instant trading feature, it offers an experience akin to, if not better than, CEX trading. Self-custody and Transparency : By settling all trades on-chain, BSX ensures you have full control over your funds without any hidden counterparty risks. Your keys, your coins.

: By settling all trades on-chain, BSX ensures you have full control over your funds without any hidden counterparty risks. Your keys, your coins. API Integrations: BSXs Delegated Keys feature simplifies the use of external trading terminals without exposing your private keys or relinquishing custody of your funds.

BSX initiated its Private Testnet in November 2023  welcoming early adopters from an extensive waitlist of 80,000 members  and its Public Testnet in January 2024 included 5,000 traders, who contributed to a robust total trading volume of $5B during the period.

BSX is positioned to compete with leading centralized exchanges like Binance and OKX, with crypto perpetuals trading in April, followed by other products later this year. Visit bsx.exchange to trade and participate in the upcoming exciting rewards program for new traders and/or go to the following:

Discord community: https://discord.gg/FWdPe5Vgjr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bsx_labs

Public docs: https://docs.bsx.exchange/bsx-docs

Contact

Core Contributor

Henry N

BSX Protocol Foundation

[email protected]
Firecell, a Nice, France-based company providing connectivity solutions, raised 6.6M in Seed funding.

The round was led by Ventech and Matterwave Ventures, with participation from Bpifrances Digital Venture fund and Bouygues Telecom Initiative.

The company intends to use the funds to:

Develop a new range of products with new features such as geolocation and protection against cyber-attacks. Deploy its offering in Europe, notably in Germany, where the startup is establishing a subsidiary. Recruit around fifteen people (sales, R&D, etc.).

Led by CEO Firecell offers connectivity solutions tailored to the specific needs of industrial companies. Designed for demanding industrial environments, the 5G solution provides reliable, secure, high-performance connectivity by covering warehouses and logistics centers of over 30,000 square meters with less than 5 5G access points. The platform ensures efficiency in mobile communications, and ensures a level of security with native communication encryption and compatibility with all modern industrial terminals.

Firecell already counts 75 clients, including: SNCF, Airbus, Thales, Fives, US Army, the US Department of Energy, ID Logistics, Campus Schwarzwald, and Team Henri Fabre.

FinSMEs

01/04/2024
The journey ahead promises to be transformative, bridging the gap between education and the demands of the modern world, and empowering Indias youth to blaze new trails in STEM fields read more

On 10 March, ISRO announced its plans to launch two rockets for Chandrayaan-4, comprising five spacecraft modules, aiming to retrieve lunar samples. This project, if successful, will make India only the fourth nation in the world with this capability. The mission is slated for launch around 2028. These anticipated advancements, coupled with recent triumphs such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1 (Indias pioneering space mission to study the sun), accentuate the nations strong commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

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Its widely understood that successful space exploration initiatives require a highly skilled workforce in crucial fields like aerospace engineering, robotics, and astrophysics. This expertise can only be cultivated through sustained efforts to nurture successive generations capable of pursuing careers in STEM. That is also one of the key reasons why STEM subjects are receiving significant importance in our education system.

The STEM ecosystem currently needs to incorporate three crucial elements- Innovation, Integration, and Inclusivity. Educational institutions must actively integrate emerging technologies, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and prioritise practical applications to equip the upcoming generation with the skills necessary to become leaders, innovators, scientists, and proficient problem-solvers. This approach not only facilitates the acquisition of knowledge but also cultivates a holistic understanding of real-world challenges, thereby nurturing a diverse pool of talents poised to shape the future.

Meanwhile, a significant factor that will catalyse transformative changes in STEM education is the integration of technology. This incorporation will continue to enrich the learning process via heightened interactivity, leading to improved student engagement and facilitating dynamic exploration and comprehension of STEM subjects.

Future of learning

Educators worldwide believe that the days of a uniform approach in education are behind us, and personalised learning experiences tailored to each students strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles will form the cornerstone of future pedagogy. In this customized approach to learning, technology will play a significant role.

For example, the efficient utilisation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that analyses students academic profiles can yield detailed insights into their performance across subjects. It can discern strengths and weaknesses, such as proficiency in Math but weakness in Chemistry, along with subtle nuances.

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In manual assessment, data collection, and scrutiny for each student can be time-consuming, while, with predefined parameters, technology can streamline this whole process. Once the evaluation is complete, the platform can then be used to tailor curriculum preferences for individual students. It can pinpoint areas needing improvement and offer supportive measures to enhance learning outcomes.

Another significant technology making strides in STEM education is Virtual Reality (VR). Departing from static images in textbooks, we can anticipate more educational sessions enhanced by VR, allowing students to embark on virtual tours of specific topics. For example, while studying the solar system, imagine being able to witness its movements and understand concepts like rotation and revolution through VR-enabled glasses. VR also facilitates the replication of real-world scientific scenarios, crucial for sparking students interest in STEM.

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Looking ahead, we can anticipate the emergence of interactive textbooks enhanced by AR, as well as the integration of technology for student assessments. Further, gamification tools can enhance interactivity and competitiveness in learning, where students earn points and vie for top spots on leaderboards, making the learning experience more enjoyable.

By incorporating emerging technologies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasizing practical application, Indias educational institutions are all set to prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. The journey ahead promises to be transformative, bridging the gap between education and the demands of the modern world, and empowering Indias youth to blaze new trails in STEM fields.

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The author is the founder and managing director of Tree House Education & Accessories Ltd. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The statement was issued by Houghton Hall, a lavish mansion built for Britains first Prime Minister and housing a collection of model soldiers read more

Off late, there were several reports claiming that Marquess and his wife Rose Hanbury, who happen to be Prince and Princess of Wales Kate Middletons neighbours, were in possession of Chinese artifacts that turned out to be stolen. There some clarification on the matter after a statement was issued.

The statement was issued by Houghton Hall, a lavish mansion built for Britains first Prime Minister and housing a collection of model soldiers. All this happened after of pictures of the Grade I listed house went viral on social media. And the statement has clarified the artifacts people have pointed out in the pictures were actually acquired by the Walpole family, which is Houghtons original proprietors during the rule of Qing Dynasty.

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Rose Hanbury: Is she Prince Williams rumoured mistress and the cause of Kate Middletons internet drama?

Not Harry and Meghan, now again the attention has shifted to ladies man Prince William and his rumoured mistress Sarah Rose Hanbury. Remember how everyone was googling Rose Hanbury? The rumoured other woman in Prince Williams life during King Charles coronation. Well, Rose is in news again. But who is Rose Hanbury, what is her claim to fame and her connection with the royal family. Lets revisit what happened with Rose and her royal connection.

Rose Hanbury s royal connection

Looks like infidelity runs in the genes of the Royal British family. Rose Hanbury , who is rumoured to be Prince Williams mistress, attended the coronation of King Charles III, an appearance we predicted would cause some tension among the Royal couple.

Her links to the royal family go back generations: her maternal grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambert, was one of eight bridesmaids to the late Queen Elizabeth IIs wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh. Her father Timothy Hanbury was a website designer, and her mother Emma Hanbury was a fashion designer. Lady Sarah Rose started modelling when she was 23.
A new law in California will ensure that most fast food workers receive a minimum wage of $20 per hour starting Monday to provide more excellent financial stability to a traditionally low-paying profession while threatening to raise higher prices in a state already burdened with a high cost of living.

Minimum Wage Law Passed Last Year

Democrats in the state Legislature passed the law last year, recognizing that most fast food workers are not only teenagers earning pocket money but adults sustaining their families.

This encompasses immigrants like Ingrid Vilorio, who began her job at McDonald's upon arriving in the U.S. in 2019. Fast food constituted her full-time employment until she transitioned to approximately eight hours per week at Jack in the Box while juggling other occupations last year. Vilorio welcomed the $20 pay raise but wished it had been implemented earlier so she would not have needed to seek multiple jobs elsewhere.

Despite initial support from the trade association representing fast food franchise owners, many have voiced concerns about the law's repercussions since its passage, particularly amid California's slowing economy.

Controversies Over Minimum Wage Increase

Alex Johnson, the owner of 10 Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area, reported a 2024 sales slowdown that caused him to lay off his office staff and turn to his parents for payroll and human resources assistance.

Johnson anticipates increasing his employees' wages will incur an approximate $470,000 additional cost annually. To offset this expense, he plans to implement price hikes ranging from 5% to 15% at his stores and has decided to halt hiring and expansion efforts in California. Johnson expressed his commitment to treating his employees fairly and offering them the highest wages possible. However, "this law is hitting our operations hard," Johnson lamented.

Johnson voiced his distress, revealing that he is contemplating selling or shutting down his business. The shrinking profit margins, worsened by increasing expenses across all fronts, have made the situation unsustainable. California has doubled its minimum wage for most workers in the past decade to $16 per hour. One major concern throughout this period was the potential job losses from increased employer expenses.

Contrary to concerns, Michael Reich, a labor economics professor at the University of California-Berkeley, stated that the data indicates wages increased without a corresponding decrease in employment.

READ ALSO: Minimum Wage Update: Half of U.S. States Plan Adjustments by 2024

Reich expressed surprise at the minimal or challenging nature of finding disemployment effects. If anything, he noted, there were positive effects on employment. Reich pointed out that while the statewide minimum wage is $16 per hour, numerous larger cities within the state have their minimum wage laws, setting higher rates. Consequently, the transition to $20 per hour will be smaller for many fast-food restaurants.

Scope of The Wage Increase

The law represents a meticulously negotiated compromise between the fast food industry and labor unions, culminating nearly two years of contentious debates over wages, benefits, and legal responsibilities. Originating from private negotiations between unions and industry representatives, including the unconventional measure of signing confidentiality agreements.

The law applies to restaurants that provide limited or no table service and are affiliated with a national chain comprising a minimum of 60 establishments nationwide, except for restaurants operating within grocery establishments and those solely focused on producing and selling bread as a standalone menu item.

Initially, there was confusion regarding whether the bread exemption would apply to Panera Bread restaurants. Bloomberg News reported that this change would benefit Greg Flynn, a prominent campaign donor to Governor Newsom. However, the Newsom administration clarified that the wage increase law does indeed apply to Panera Bread because the restaurant does not produce dough on-site. Flynn also ensured that his workers would receive at least a minimum wage of $20 per hour.

RELATED ARTICLE: Pizza Hut Eliminates 1,200 Delivery Drivers as Minimum Wage Bumps to $20 per Hour in April 2024

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The unaffordability of Netflix subscription is one of the reasons why some fans have expressed their disappointment. The first episode dropped on the streaming giant on March 30 read more

Months after announcing a brand-new show with the streaming giant Netflix, the beloved stand-comedian Kapil Sharma finally came back with his long-awaited project. Titled The Great Indian Kapil Show, the show saw Kapil Sharma uniting with none other than Sunil Grover, followed by friends cum colleagues like Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Rajiv Thakur, and Archana Puran Singh.

But are fans all happy with the return of the show? As per a video shared by Garima Kumar on Instagram, some fans have shared mixed reactions and the reason is the shows migration to OTT from TV. The unaffordability of subscription is one of the reasons why some fans have expressed their disappointment. The first episode dropped on the streaming giant on March 30.

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One user wrote- You are totally true yaar I was watching this show with my family but now we cant afford Netflix so there is no chance to watch its new season. Another one said, Netflix trying to control their churn rate in India by increasing customers, and what better than KS show. Reduces subscription cancellation They might do some price play to make it cheaper. A third one stated, Billions of middle class people need to get educated, take care of themselves, and grow and develop themselves I think its good that they cant afford TV.

As soon as the announcement was made last month, fans got pretty excited, sharing their reactions in the comment section. Many have been eagerly waiting for the comedian to return and, of course, for the much-needed reunion between Kapil and Grover following their ugly fallout a few years ago. The show was originally announced in December 2023, adding much to the fans excitement.
The workers who died in the Baltimore bridge collapse are from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. This highlights the critical role immigrants play in keeping America running. Advocates say, migrants come and do the jobs that Americans dont want to do. The work is too hard, the hours are too long, or the conditions too difficult read more

Construction workers and supporters reflect during a moment of prayer at a vigil and press conference by CASA of Maryland, a community advocacy group, to remember the six workers killed in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and to highlight the difficult conditions faced by immigrant construction workers in Baltimore, US. AP

It has been nearly a week since the Baltimore bridge collapsed, killing six construction workers who were repairing the bridges masonry and potholes.

Last Wednesday (27 March), Baltimore officials said divers found a red pickup truck submerged in 25 feet of water. The bodies of Guatemalan national Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, 26, of Dundalk, and Mexican national Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, of Baltimore, were discovered trapped inside the truck, according to USA Today.

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On Tuesday evening, the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two Guatemalan workers, ages 26 and 35, from San Luis, Peten, and Camotan, Chiquimula, were missing after the bridge collapsed.

According to a news release from the Mexican Embassy in the United States, three of the eight workers are Mexican. According to the release, one of them was rescued and has recovered from his injuries. The other two, from the Mexican states of Veracruz and Michoacan, remain missing.

The fact that all of these workers are from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador highlights the critical role immigrants play in keeping America running.

Immigrants risk their life

Advocates say that immigrants play a crucial role in America, which stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric of populists like Donald Trump, who cast them as criminal invaders ruining the country.

Migrants come and do the jobs that Americans dont want to do, said Luis Vega, an activist and former construction worker.

The work is too hard, the hours are too long, or the conditions too difficult.

Who here wants to clean hotel rooms? Who wants to work under the hot sun? Who wants to be in the fields? said Vega.

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A team of eight men were doing road maintenance overnight Monday into Tuesday on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when a huge container ship smashed into a support pillar, sending almost the entire span crashing into the Patapsco River.

Two were pulled alive from the water, but six died; brothers, husbands and fathers from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Immigrants  we get the job done, said senior White House adviser Tom Perez, himself a Latino.

The six people who perished, the two others who survived this is America, the immigrants (were) repairing potholes.

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The tragedy comes at a time many Latinos feel they are under assault from sections of the political class, as the United States ramps up for a bitter presidential election in November between Trump and incumbent Joe Biden.

A team of eight men were doing road maintenance overnight Monday into Tuesday on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when a huge container ship smashed into a support pillar, sending almost the entire span crashing into the Patapsco River. AP

Trumps stridently anti-immigrant campaign includes suggestions that, if elected, he will embark on a mass expulsion of people he blames for crime and drug addiction he says are wracking America.

The former president doesnt see how much damage he does with his poison, said Vega.

Terrorists dont sneak over the US-Mexico border; they fly in on a visa.

The people who pay traffickers to smuggle them across the hostile deserts of the US southwest are the people who end up doing the dirty and difficult jobs that Americans depend on.

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In 2020, when we had the COVID pandemic no one wanted to work closely with another person, said Vega.

So who did the work? The cleaning in the hospitals? Harvesting the food? It was the immigrants who risked their lives.

Low wages, extended work hours, and life risk

Those risks, even if they are not always fatal, as they were for the Baltimore bridge workers, are all too real.

In Arizona the legal minimum wage is $14.35 (Rs 1,196) an hour, but, says Javier Galindo, a contractor in Tucson, immigrant workers will earn only $80 (Rs 6,670) to $100 (Rs 8,338) per day, sometimes for 10- or 12-hours work.

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You know what time you come in, but not what time you will leave, he says.

Poverty and desperation force migrants to accept these wages, and to work in conditions that can be fatal, such as high temperatures.

According to official numbers, Latino immigrants comprised 8.2 per cent of the United States workforce in 2020-2021 but accounted for 14 per cent of workplace deaths.

The total number of deaths has also risen, up 42 per cent over the decade to 2021, with 727 Latinos dying on the job that year.

Poverty and desperation force migrants to accept low wages, and to work in conditions that can be fatal, such as high temperatures. AP

Root-and-branch reform of migration into the United States, including regularising pathways to work, would help to reduce this toll, say activists.

But it would also alleviate what many say is a desperate shortage of labour.

There is a lack of manpower, says Galindo, whose business was badly hit by border closures during the COVID pandemic.

The 48-year-old began his working life at just 14 years old, clambering over rooftops.

Youll never see a white person doing that job, he said.

Also Read: Explained: The outrage over the racist cartoon mocking Indian crew of ship behind Baltimore bridge crash

In the two decades since he started his company, only one white American ever knocked on his door asking for a job as a driver.

He didnt last long, laughs Galindo. He walked off the job.

In his region, he says, the construction sector depends almost entirely on immigrants, with the undocumented playing a key role.

It is a feeling shared widely.

If we only hired people with the proper papers, things would go very badly for us, one Arizona contractor told AFP.

We wouldnt be able to build what is being built in this city if it werent for undocumented workers.

With inputs from AFP
The mere existence of an incentive plan acts as a carrot dangling ahead. The more desirable the future reward, the theory goes, the harder employees work. But is this true? read more

The carrot-and-stick approach  rewards and punishment  is a long-held theory of motivation. It features in some form or other in many animal training, child-rearing, and management methods. In modern incarnations applied to the business world, however, sanctions are less fashionable than rewards, the latter often in the form of pay-for-performance. Many companies apply incentive plans to motivate employees, including those in non-executive positions. For instance, in addition to their base salary, sales representatives routinely earn commissions directly tied to their sales figures. Comparable schemes exist in other lines of work, based on the notion  largely supported by empirical evidence  that performance tends to be higher under incentive plans than under flat or hourly wages.

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The most common explanation? Reward expectancy. The mere existence of an incentive plan acts as a carrot dangling ahead. It generates anticipation for future rewards, which drives employees to push themselves a bit harder. The future reward needs just be sufficiently desirable to outweigh the cost of the required effort. The more desirable the future reward, the theory goes, the harder employees work.

Do rewards boost performance at work?

But what happens once employees receive their promised rewards? Do employees slack off when the metaphorical carrot is in their hands? Does it give them a further boost? Or do such payments leave employees without any feelings of obligation or inequity, and so do performance levels remain stable? The latter seems unlikely in the case of discretionary bonuses or stock option sales, whose occurrences may be irregular, and their ultimate values unpredictable. That performance remains stable seems more conceivable when a transparent link exists between employee performance and expected pay, such as when incentive payments occur regularly and are predictable.

In an article recently published in the Journal of Management, we studied precisely such a setting of high predictability, in which employees know exactly how much they stand to earn for each completed task. We asked whether, why, and how regular incentive payments influenced employees performance. The upshot? Our results could guide HR toward savvier interventions.

What happens after incentives are handed out?

We began by proposing that employees are rational decision-makers who weigh the costs and benefits of their invested effort at work, but whose attention is a limited resource. Next, we also proposed that incentive payments can be viewed as recurring temporal markers  repeated events that temporarily stand out to employees. Together, these two ideas suggest that an incentive payment may periodically bring the costs and benefits of work effort into sharper focus. Much like the receipt of an electricity bill periodically reminds us of the marginal cost of electricity consumption.

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In other words, incentive payments are the stimuli making the incentive plan more salient to employees. We argued that employees may respond to such enhanced salience in two ways:

Refocusing: The incentive payment simply reminds employees of the tasks rewarded by the bonus. Thus, employees temporarily improve their performance on those tasks.

Reciprocation: Employees are grateful for the bonus, which creates ripple effects. They reciprocate toward the employer by working harder even beyond the rewarded tasks.

We predicted that employees would exhibit both behaviours temporarily, after which performance would revert to the prepayment level.

Incentive payments remind employees of the tasks rewarded by the bonus and hence they temporarily improve their performance. Pixabay

How do customer-service employees behave?

We put our prediction to the test by analysing the performance of customer-service employees at an online firm in Greece that offered web-hosting services to more than 60,000 customers worldwide. The data spanned more than three years (from 2011 to 2014) and covered both quantitative (e.g., number of phone calls attended, sales revenues) and qualitative (e.g., feedback from customers) measures of performance. During this time, an incentive plan was in place for the firms customer-service employees. They were periodically rewarded for their performance across a range of tasks.

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We found no evidence that employees refocused on the rewarded tasks following the incentive payment. At first blush, this might suggest that the effects of the incentive plan do not derive from reactive responses to received rewards. They might simply derive from employees anticipation of future rewards. However, we did find a temporary and positive effect of incentive payment on sales performance, an outcome not linked to incentives. And the effects were economically meaningful: Our back-of-the-envelope calculation suggested that sales rose by 1.8 per cent as a result of the ripple effects from incentive payments.

Incentives have a temporary but positive effect on sales performance. Pixabay

Other unincentivised measures also temporarily improved in the period immediately following incentive payment. For example, improved revenues resulted not only from greater sales quantities but also from the sale of more expensive products. Next, phone calls between customer-support employees and customers temporarily increased in duration following incentive payment. And customer-support employees were temporarily more likely to involve back-office technology experts to help improve customer solutions.

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Why would unincentivised measures show such patterns following incentive payment? According to our interviews, employees knew that service quality was critical, even though it was hard to measure. The employees also cared about their employers esteem. The receipt of the incentive payment periodically reminded them just how lucky they were to be working at a firm offering performance incentives.

These findings have direct practical applications. First, they help managers improve the timing of other HR interventions, such as commitment-building activities or informal feedback. Employers might choose to administer such motivators during the trough of the employee response to a periodic incentive payment. Second, they suggest that firms should cultivate the social dimension of the employment relationship. This way, employees are more likely to respond to periodic incentive payments with enhanced effort on unincentivised yet consequential aspects of their work.

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Argyro Avgoustaki, Professor of Management, ESCP Business School and Hans TW Frankort, Professor of Strategy, City, University of London

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin unveiled Gmail 20 years ago on April Fools Day. What seemed like another whimsical prank turned out to be a game-changing email service that defied the norms of its time read more

Gmail provided a free service boasting one gigabyte of storage per account, an amount that sounds almost pedestrian in an age of one-terabyte iPhones. File image/AP

Today, 1 April, is a difficult day to believe anyone, and for those who make a habit of playing pranks on this day, their truth becomes impossible to trust. The day becomes even more difficult when dealing with people like Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who enjoyed pulling pranks.

One year, Google posted a job opening for a Copernicus research centre on the moon. Another year, the company said it planned to roll out a scratch and sniff feature on its search engine.

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These playful jests became an expected part of Googles identity, until one April Fools Day when they decided to unveil something truly revolutionary: Gmail.

What seemed like another whimsical prank turned out to be a game-changing email service that defied the norms of its time. Despite initial scepticism, Gmail quickly gained traction, evolving into a platform with billions of active users and expanded storage offerings.

People didnt believe Gmail was real

Gmail provided a free service boasting one gigabyte of storage per account, an amount that sounds almost pedestrian in an age of one-terabyte iPhones. But it sounded like a preposterous amount of email capacity back then, enough to store about 13,500 emails before running out of space compared to just 30 to 60 emails in the then-leading webmail services run by Yahoo and Microsoft. That translated into 250 to 500 times more email storage space.

Besides the quantum leap in storage, Gmail also came equipped with Googles search technology so users could quickly retrieve a tidbit from an old email, photo or other personal information stored on the service. It also automatically threaded together a string of communications about the same topic so everything flowed together as if it was a single conversation.

The original pitch we put together was all about the three Ss  storage, search and speed," said former Google executive Marissa Mayer, who helped design Gmail and other company products before later becoming Yahoos CEO.

Googles founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin were known for their April Fools Day pranks, which ranged from absurd job postings to whimsical search engine features. File image/AP

It was such a mind-bending concept that shortly after The Associated Press published a story about Gmail late on the afternoon of April Fools 2004, readers began calling and emailing to inform the news agency it had been duped by Googles pranksters.

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That was part of the charm, making a product that people wont believe is real. It kind of changed peoples perceptions about the kinds of applications that were possible within a web browser, former Google engineer Paul Buchheit recalled during a recent AP interview about his efforts to build Gmail.

It took three years to do as part of a project called Caribou  a reference to a running gag in the Dilbert comic strip. There was something sort of absurd about the name Caribou, it just made make me laugh, said Buchheit, the 23rd employee hired at a company that now employs more than 180,000 people.

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Became popular rapidly

The AP knew Google wasnt joking about Gmail because an AP reporter had been abruptly asked to come down from San Francisco to the companys Mountain View, California, headquarters to see something that would make the trip worthwhile.

After arriving at a still-developing corporate campus that would soon blossom into what became known as the Googleplex, the AP reporter was ushered into a small office where Page was wearing an impish grin while sitting in front of his laptop computer.

Page, then just 31 years old, proceeded to show off Gmails sleekly designed inbox and demonstrated how quickly it operated within Microsofts now-retired Explorer web browser. And he pointed out there was no delete button featured in the main control window because it wouldnt be necessary, given Gmail had so much storage and could be so easily searched. I think people are really going to like this, Page predicted.

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Paul Buchheit, the former Google engineer who created Gmail, works at the companys offices in Mountain View, California. File image/AP

As with so many other things, Page was right. Gmail now has an estimated 1.8 billion active accounts  each one now offering 15 gigabytes of free storage bundled with Google Photos and Google Drive. Even though thats 15 times more storage than Gmail initially offered, its still not enough for many users who rarely see the need to purge their accounts, just as Google hoped.

The digital hoarding of email, photos and other content is why Google, Apple and other companies now make money from selling additional storage capacity in their data centres. (In Googles case, it charges anywhere from $30 or Rs 2,499 annually for 200 gigabytes of storage to $250 Rs 20,827 annually for five terabytes of storage). Gmails existence is also why other free email services and the internal email accounts that employees use on their jobs offer far more storage than was fathomed 20 years ago.

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We were trying to shift the way people had been thinking because people were working in this model of storage scarcity for so long that deleting became a default action, Buchheit said.

A gamechanger

Gmail was a game changer in several other ways while becoming the first building block in the expansion of Googles internet empire beyond its still-dominant search engine.

After Gmail came Google Maps and Google Docs with word processing and spreadsheet applications. Then came the acquisition of video site YouTube, followed by the introduction of the Chrome browser and the Android operating system that powers most of the worlds smartphones. With Gmails explicitly stated intention to scan the content of emails to get a better understanding of users interests, Google also left little doubt that digital surveillance in pursuit of selling more ads would be part of its expanding ambitions.

Although it immediately generated a buzz, Gmail started out with a limited scope because Google initially only had enough computing capacity to support a small audience of users.

When we launched, we only had 300 machines and they were really old machines that no one else wanted, Buchheit said, with a chuckle. We only had enough capacity for 10,000 users, which is a little absurd.

But that scarcity created an air of exclusivity around Gmail that drove feverish demand for an elusive invitation to sign up. At one point, invitations to open a Gmail account were selling for $250 or Rs 20,827 apiece on eBay. It became a bit like a social currency, where people would go, Hey, I got a Gmail invite, you want one? Buchheit said.

Although signing up for Gmail became increasingly easier as more of Googles network of massive data centres came online, the company didnt begin accepting all comers to the email service until it opened the floodgates as a Valentines Day present to the world in 2007.

A few weeks later on April Fools Day in 2007, Google would announce a new feature called Gmail Paper offering users the chance to have Google print out their email archive on 94 per cent post-consumer organic soybean sputum " and then have it sent to them through the Postal Service. Google really was joking around that time.

With inputs from AP
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that Indias arms exports have crossed the Rs 21,000-crore mark for the first time. New Delhi, which is seeking to become self-reliant in the sector, exports a wide variety of weapons, ranging from BrahMos cruise missiles to artillery guns read more

India's Akash missiles, mounted on a truck, are displayed during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on 26 January 2007. Reuters (Image used for representational purpose)

India has taken a step forward in becoming Aatmanirbhar or self-reliant in defence exports. Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday (1 April) that Indias defence shipments have crossed the Rs 21,000-crore mark for the first-ever time.

According to the defence minister, the arms exports touched Rs 21,083 crore in the financial year 2023-24, a spectacular growth of 32.5 per cent over the previous fiscal. Indias defence exports were nearly Rs 16,000 crore in the 2022-23 financial year.

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The development comes amid New Delhis push to boost defence exports under the Narendra Modi-led government. India has set an ambitious goal of reaching Rs 35,000 crore in annual defence exports by 2024-25.

Lets take a look at what India exports and to which countries.

Indias growing defence exports

India supplies arms to over 85 countries, including Italy, the Maldives, Russia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Chile, and others.

Indias defence shipments have seen a sharp rise in recent years, increasing from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24.

About 100 firms are exporting defence products in India. The Centre allocated Rs 6.21 lakh crore to the defence budget for 2024-25, a 4.3 per cent hike from Rs 5.94 lakh crore allocated in the previous fiscal.

With twin threats of its neighbours Pakistan and China, New Delhi is focusing on expanding its arms and ammunition.

New Delhi has also cut back on defence imports. However, India remains the worlds largest arms importer. As per the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the South Asian country accounted for 9.8 per cent of the total defence imports globally between 2019 and 2023.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet takes off during the joint Exercise Cope India 2023 between the United States Air Force (USAF) and IAF at the air force station in Kalaikunda, in West Bengal on 24 April 2023. AFP File Photo

With a 42 per cent share, the United States is the top global arms exporter. France and Russia are at the second spot with an 11 per cent share each, followed by China at 5.8 per cent.

India is aiming to shift its dependence on imports by promoting the countrys defence industry. Both public and private sectors have contributed to Indias efforts to increase its arms exports.

What does Indias defence export include?

From big-ticket BrahMos cruise missiles to artillery guns, India exports a wide variety of defence equipment.

Its arms exports include Dornier-228 aircraft, radars, armoured vehicles, rockets and launchers, torpedo loading mechanism, alarm monitoring & control systems, lightweight torpedo and fire-control systems, night-vision monocular and binocular, weapons-locating radar, HF (high-frequency) radio and coastal surveillance radar, among others, as per Economic Times (ET).

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Offshore patrol vessels, personal protective gear, surveillance systems and ammunition also make up Indias export portfolio.

According to the defence ministry data, India supplies bullet-proof jackets to 34 countries including Australia, Japan, Israel and Brazil. About 10 countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Indonesia and Thailand, have purchased ammunition (ranging between 5.56mm to 155mm) from India.

The US, the UK and France are buying defence electronics from India, while Mauritius, Seychelles and the Maldives have procured fast interceptor boats.

Besides the Philippines, Vietnam is reportedly seeking to buy BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, jointly developed by Russia and India. Indonesia is also a potential buyer of the missiles.

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Indias Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, mounted on a truck, pass by during a full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on 23 January 2006. Reuters File Photo

Indias state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said in December 2023 that it was in talks with six countries to export indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas. Talks have picked up pace with Argentina, the Philippines and Nigeria, HAL chief managing director CB Ananthakrishna had told media on the sidelines of the Avionics Expo in Delhi, as per The New Indian Express.

Botswana and Egypt have also shown interest in the single-engine multi-role fighter jet.

HAL aims to reach export sales of Rs 2,500 crore over the next few years, its director of operations Jayadeva EP told Reuters last February.

Under a Rs 6,000 crore defence deal, India agreed to export its anti-air system to Armenia, as per a Times of India (TOI) report last December. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will manufacture and deliver the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) to the Asian country.

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Indian defence firm Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited plans to supply artillery guns to Armenia for the 155mm weapon system by 2025.

India had signed a deal to export several weapons, including Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), anti-tank missiles, rockets and ammunition, to Armenia in September 2022. Last August, Armenia received its initial shipment of Indias Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS).

New Delhi has reportedly offered the anti-air system for export to Vietnam and the Philippines, while Egypt has also shown interest.

Indias big defence target

Defence minister Singh said in February that the Centre expects defence exports to reach Rs 50,000 crore and annual defence production to hit Rs 3 lakh crore by the 2028-2029 financial year.

He made the remarks at the inaugural Firstpost Defence Summit. The government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focusing on long-term gains and not short-term outcomes to make India a developed nation by 2047, Singh said at the time.

As per the latest data, defence production crossed already Rs one lakh crore mark in 2023-24.

With inputs from agencies
On Sunday (31 March), a new row erupted when PM Modi said that the Congress callously gave away the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974. Where is this island located? And did the Indira Gandhi government, in fact, handed over the area to Colombo? read more

Fishermen from Sri Lanka and India arrive on boats to attend the annual feast of St. Anthony's Church on the island of Katchatheevu. The uninhabited island has become the centre of a controversy with the BJP alleging that the Congress 'gave it away' to Sri Lanka. File image/Reuters

The Lok Sabha polls are around the corner  they will begin on 19 April  and theres a new issue that has taken centre stage. On Sunday (31 March), Prime Minister Modi hit out at the Congress over its decision to hand over the strategic Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in the 1970s, accusing the party of weakening the countrys integrity and interests.

The Congress, in response, slammed the PM and said that Modi had only just woken up to issues of territorial integrity and national security. The Congress party chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, even added that the PMs desperation was palpable.

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But what do we know about the Katchatheevu island? And why has it become a huge talking point now, right ahead of the Lok Sabha elections?

What is Katchatheevu island?

Before we dive into the current dispute, lets understand more about the island. Katchatheevu is a tiny 285-acre uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka. It is around 1.6 kilometre in length and just over 300 metre in width. The island is believed to have been formed following a volcanic eruption in the 14th Century.

PTI

Katchatheevu lies northeast of Rameswaram, about 33 km from the Indian coast and about 62 km southwest of Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka.

There are no inhabitants on the island; theres only a Catholic church there  the St Anthonys church. Each year, during the festival, normally held in February or March, Christians from both Indian and Sri Lanka visit the church on the island for a service. According to an Indian Express report, 2,500 Indians made the journey from Rameswaram for the festival last year.

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Who does the island belong to?

History records show that the island controlled by Sri Lankas Jaffna kingdom in the early mediaeval period. However, it passed to the Ramanathapuram-based Ramnad kingdom in India in the 17th Century.

In the British Raj, it became part of the Madras presidency. In 1921, Sri Lanka and India  both British colonies  laid claim to Katchatheevu. A survey pegged Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka, but a British delegation from India challenged this, citing ownership of the island by the Ramnad kingdom.

The dispute between India and Sri Lanka continued even after both countries became independent.

And it was in 1974 that an agreement was drawn up, which effectively placed the island in Sri Lankas territorial waters.

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In 1974, the Indian government handed over the island to Sri Lanka as part of an agreement. File image/News18

Whats this agreement all about?

Its this agreement that has caused the controversy now with the PM charging that Congress handed over Indian land to Sri Lanka, weakening the countrys integrity.

But what is this agreement?

Prior to this arrangement, the topic was being heavily debated, dating as far back as 1961 where Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister at the time, had said that he would not hesitate to relinquish Indias claims to Katchatheevu, as per a Times of India report.

Its important to note here that while Nehru reportedly didnt attach much importance to the island, as per the TOI report, Indias Attorney General MC Setalvad had said that Indias case was stronger than that of Sri Lanka.

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However, in 1974, in an attempt to resolve this matter once and for all, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ceded the island to Sri Lanka as part of the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement.

On 28 June 1974, a joint statement stated that a boundary had been defined in conformity with the historical evidence, legal international principles and precedents. It also pointed out that this boundary falls one mile off the west coast of the uninhabited Katchatheevu.

As per the pact, Indian fishermen were allowed to access the waters around Katchatheevu hitherto. But it soon became a bone of contention as fishing rights were never ironed out, with fisherfolk complaining that the Sri Lankan Navy arrests them on the charge of poaching and impounds their vessels for violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

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In fact, the Katchatheevu island is a sticking point for Tamil Nadu. It claims that the island was given away to Sri Lanka without consulting the Tamil Nadu state Assembly. DMK MP Era Sezhiyan had even said in Parliament on 23 July 1974, This agreement goes against the interests of the country since it amounts to pure surrender of our territory without going through any of the norms.

He had asserted that the government had not informed Tamil Nadu about its decision. However, a Times of India report states otherwise. The daily reports that DMK leader Karunanidhi had given his assent to the agreement  he was perhaps the only person barring the PM and one or two senior Cabinet ministers who may have known the contours of the agreement.

Fishermen from Sri Lanka and India gather around a statue of St. Anthony, the patron saint of seafarers, during the annual feast of St. Anthonys Church on the island of Katchatheevu. File image/Reuters

How did this issue crop up again?

On Sunday, PM Modi raked up the Katchatheevu island row when he posted on X: New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in peoples minds- we cant ever trust Congress! Weakening Indias unity, integrity and interests has been Congress way of working for 75 years and counting.

Eye opening and startling!



New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu.



This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in peoples minds- we cant ever trust Congress!



Weakening Indias unity, integrity and interests has been Congress way of working for  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2024

His remarks came on the basis of an RTI reply to Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai. The BJP leader had sought details on the decision of Indira Gandhi to hand over the Island.

Notably, this isnt the first time that Modi has raked up the issue. In 2014, Narendra Modi, who was then the BJPs prime ministerial candidate, had promised the fishermen that if he was voted in, this issue would be resolved permanently.

Fishermen from India routinely cross the Katchatheevu island. File image/Reuters

How did the Congress and DMK react?

Soon after PM Modi raked up the issue, the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham  both are allies in the state  slammed PM Modi for his remarks.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge dubbed it as PM Modis desperation ahead of the elections. He further pointed to the 2015 land boundary agreement that led to the swapping of 111 Indian enclaves for 55 Bangladeshi enclaves and recalled that Modi had said at the time the pact was not just about realignment of land, it is about a meeting of hearts.

On the eve of elections in Tamil Nadu, you are raising this sensitive issue, but your own Govts Attorney General, Shri Mukul Rohtagi, in 2014 told the following to the Supreme Court: Katchatheevu went to Sri Lanka by an agreement in 1974 How can it be taken back today? If you want Katchatheevu back, you will have to go to war to get it back, he added.

The DMK also responded to the PMs charges. Manuraj S, a spokesperson for the party, was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying, Startling that the prime ministers eyes have been opened by a news article based on an RTI query filed by his party person and information provided by his government on an issue that is nearly 50 years old!

He added that after 10 years in government, the BJP is afraid to campaign on its achievements and is still busy with Opposition-blaming. Either way, this is a woeful and outdated political campaign issue, he said.

With inputs from agencies
After PM Narendra Modi brought up the Katchatheevu island deal, the Congress hit back by mentioning the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) with Dhaka signed under the first NDA-led government. The pact included the transfer of 111 Indian enclaves to Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi ones to India read more

PM Narendra Modi (L) and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina clap during signing ceremony of agreements to settle border dispute between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka, 6 June 2015. Reuters File Photo

A political storm has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress over previous pacts signed by their respective governments. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi lambasted the Grand Old Party for ceding Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in the 1970s, the Congress has hit back by raking up the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) with Bangladesh.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the 2015 pact signed under the BJP-led NDA government shrunk Indias land area by 10,051 acres.

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In 2015, the Modi Government signed the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh that gave up 17,161 acres of Indian territory while receiving only 7,110 acres. Effectively, Indias land area shrunk by 10,051 acres. Rather than make juvenile allegations on the Prime Minister, the Congress Party supported the Bill in both Houses of the Parliament.

Aap chronology samajhiye:



1. The President of BJPs Tamil Nadu unit files a RTI query to create a diversionary issue in Tamil Nadu. While lakhs of RTI queries on pressing public issues are ignored or rejected, this one gets VVIP treatment and gets answered rapidly



2. The https://t.co/i1UXgNuL1d  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 31, 2024

What was the 2015 land pact between India and Bangladesh? Lets take a closer look.

History of the border issue

India and Bangladesh share about a 4,000-km land boundary. The border line was drawn by Sir Radcliffe between India and the then East Pakistan at the time of the 1947 Partition.

However, disputes erupted as the border led to the creation of enclaves that belonged to India but were surrounded by Bangladesh and vice versa.

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In 1974, Indian PM Indira Gandhi signed a land boundary pact with her Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Mujibur Rehman to demarcate the border between the two countries and swap over 160 enclaves between both nations, as per a LiveMint report.

While Bangladesh ratified the agreement, India did not as it meant seceding territory. Thus, the issues of enclaves, undemarcated land border of about 6.1 km in three sectors: Daikhata-56 (West Bengal), Muhuri River-Belonia (Tripura) and Lathitila-Dumabari (Assam), and adverse possessions remained unresolved, reported Indian Express.

Adverse possession refers to the territory within the control of one country but legally part of another nation.

The matter came up again in 2011 when the then PM Manmohan Singh and Bangladeshs Sheikh Hasina signed a protocol to maintain the status quo regarding the adverse possessions of land. According to the think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) report, India was to receive 2,777.038 acres of land from Bangladesh and transfer 2,267.682 acres of land to the neighbour.

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However, the protocol could not be implemented due to political opposition to the deal in India.

How 2015s historic LBA came to be

When PM Modi swept to power at the Centre in 2014, his government made neighbourhood first the main plank of his foreign policy, reported LiveMint.

Under this, the BJP government aimed to strengthen ties with its other neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh.

PM Modi met Bangladeshs PM Hasina twice  first on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York and then at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in Kathmandu.

During the first meeting, the prime minister (Modi) was reticent while talking about the land boundary issue. During the second conversation, he was less reticent, a person familiar with the matter told LiveMint.

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PM Modi then went on to reach out to domestic political parties from Indian states close to Bangladesh that objected to the land agreement.

After convincing Assams BJP unit and Congress, the saffron party then brought the Trinamool Congress on board.

West Bengal was to be the most affected state as almost all the Bangladeshi enclaves in India were in the eastern state. Assam had a 2.86-km stretch in the Lathitilla-Dumabari sector in Karimganj district, reported LiveMint.

What does the LBA entail?

In June 2015, India and Bangladesh signed the historic land pact in the presence of PM Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Hasina, in Dhaka.

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The Land Boundary Agreement included the swap of 162 enclaves, with 111 enclaves (17,160 acres) being transferred to Bangladesh and 51 enclaves (7,110 acres) to India.

The pact gave the enclave dwellers a choice to live in India or Bangladesh. The exchange of enclaves began on 31 July 2015.

About 14,854 residents living in 51 Bangladesh enclaves located in Indian territory were granted Indian citizenship, while another 922 persons from Indian enclaves in Bangladesh entered Coochbehar district in 2015, reported The Hindu.

These people who came from Bangladesh were settled in three settlement camps at Dinhata, Haldibari and Mekliganj in West Bengal.

Over 36,000 enclave residents opted for Bangladeshi nationality.

The land agreement ended the decades-long stateless limbo of about 50,000 people who had been residing in the enclaves, or islands of land, since 1947 without getting the benefits of basic needs like education, healthcare, and other services from their respective national governments.

The Modi government also sanctioned Rs 1005.99 crore rehabilitation package for the enclave dwellers who came to India from Bangladesh.

New Indian citizens prepare vegetables in an open space at Dinhata Enclave settlement camp in Cooch Behar district on May 4, 2016, AFP File Photo

Speaking at the time, PM Modi had hailed the land boundary pact. Weve resolved a question that has lingered since independence. Our two nations have a settled boundary. It will make our borders more secure and peoples lives more stable," he had said.

Bangladeshs Hasina had termed PM Modis first visit to her country since winning the 2014 Lok Sabha elections a historic moment. She had said she was extremely happy that with the land pact, a 68-year-old humanitarian issue comes to a peaceful end", reported Al Jazeera.

With inputs from agencies
Several young women have taken to TikTok recently, narrating their ordeal of being punched in the face by a stranger. Until now, at least 12 have described how they were targeted and assaulted, giving rise to the trend: #PunchedInNYC. But who is behind these attacks? read more

The Empire State Building is seen in the distance as a woman rides a Citibike in the Soho neighbourhood of New York. An increasing number of women have taken to TikTok to narrate how they have been punched in the face by strangers, spawning the trend: #PunchedInNYC. Image used for representational purposes/Reuters

This is no April Fools Day joke. Women are being punched by men in the streets of New York City and authorities are perplexed as to why its happening.

In fact, at least 12 such cases have come to light wherein women complain of being randomly assaulted while walking in New Yorks downtown or midtown neighbourhoods and even spawned a trending topic on TikTok  #PunchedInNYC.

Its unclear as to whos behind these assaults  though one man has now been arrested  and if this is part of a broader coordinated attack on women or just a social media fad.

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We deep dive into whats going on and whats behind these claims of women being punched in the Big Apple.

Whats going on in New York City?

It all began on 25 March when Halley Kate, a 23-year-old TikToker living in New York City, posted a now viral video, recounting how she was assaulted. I was literally just walking and a man came up and punched me in the face, she said with tears streaming down her face. She then points to a goose egg forming on her right temple, she says, It hurts so bad. I cant even talk.

Hours later, a design student wrote: I quite literally feel your pain this was so insane. In her post, she displayed a black eye and recounted how she was punched by a man near Union Square after leaving class. She added that later she was diagnosed with a concussion and a chipped tooth.

And soon TikTok was flooded with New York women complaining of similar assaults. Speaking to New York Times, Karina Dunford, a 24-year-old model, said that she was walking on Avenue of the Americas near 23rd Street when a man approached her from behind and hit her hard in the back of the head with a closed fist. When she turned around, he was staring at her, holding his arm out, seemingly ready to attack again. She screamed, and bystanders physically separated him from her, before he wandered off.

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Comedian Sarah Suzuki Harvard also described her assault, which took place on 19 March. She said that was walking alone on Delancey Street in lower Manhattan when she was attacked by a man from behind. He punched her in the back of her skull, but when she turned around, the assailant had already begun running away. I was walking, no AirPods, not looking at my phone, and it took me by surprise, Harvard told The Post.

I was on the way to my comedy show when I got attacked.



I got attacked on the sidewalk in front of the Duane Reade on Delancey between Ludlow St + Essex St.



I was walking, and out of nowhere, BAM! I almost fell over.



The back of my skull throbbing in pain, brain feels rattled. https://t.co/NSAJ7UC15P  Sarah Suzuki Harvard (@sarahamyharvard) March 26, 2024

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Since her attack, she complains of headaches, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

Reality star Bethenny Frankel, who starred in The Apprentice and Real Housewives of New York City, also reported she had been hit on a Manhattan street. Reacting to another assaulted womans video, Frankel wrote: This is insane because this happened to me a few months ago but I was embarrassed to say. I was on the UWS [Upper West Side]. Insane. I was taking video of a bakery.

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Following these spate of attacks, billionaire Elon Musk also commented on the issue. The X owner said, Failure to prosecute crime in New York (and many other US cities) allows violent criminals to assault women at will! The governor had to call out the national guard just so people could ride the subway.

Whos behind the attacks?

The women who have been assaulted have differing views on the person perpetrating the attacks, raising doubts if they have been committed by a single person. Some narrate being punched by a man with shoulder-length dreadlocks. Others say their attacker had short hair or was walking a dog.

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A few others have also described their attacker to be a Black man, while there are also claims of the perpetrator being White.

New York police officers patrol the Atlantic Av-Barclays Center subway station in New York City. New York has deployed National Guard troops and police across the city subway due to surging violence on the network serving the US largest metropolis. File image/AFP

What are the police doing? Are there any arrests?

Last Wednesday (28 March), the New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested a man on an assault charge in connection to Kates assault. He was later identified as 40-year-old Skiboky Stora. It is not yet clear if Stora is a suspect in any of the other incidents. As per court records, Stora, who has contested for elections earlier, has previous arrests for harassment and assault.

However, the NYPD hasnt made any other comment on the other women being attacked.

In the meantime, New York Universitys Department of Campus Safety issued an alert to students last Wednesday. It said that they were aware of the reports of women being attacked, but there werent any records yet of students or staff of NYU being involved yet.

Is New York City unsafe?

The spate of attacks has raised questions about the safety of women in the Big Apple. Women, unsurprisingly, are now wary and unsettled. Many have taken to social media to express their fears about being punched and to warn others to remain vigilant.

For instance, one of the women who was punched said that the incident made her fearful of leaving her home. Speaking to Today.com, she states that its also affected her education. Im really scared to go back to school, she said. Ive just been delaying as long as possible, but Ill have to go back eventually.

Its also put the focus on New York Citys crime numbers. According to crime statistics for this past week, misdemeanour assault is up 10.3 per cent from this time last year, and it has gone up 15.7 per cent in the past two years. However, overall crime in the city is down this year.

The punching incidents has put the spotlight on New York Citys crime numbers. Misdemeanour assaults are up 10.3 per cent from this time last year, and it has gone up 15.7 per cent in the past two years. Image used for representational purposes/Reuters

Christopher Herrmann, a professor at the CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice who was a former crime analyst supervisor with the New York Police Department, told TIME magazine, If youre looking at the numbers, overall, total crime is down a little over two per cent this year, he says. Robbery is down 80 per cent since the 90s and assault is down 26 per cent since the 90s. So were nowhere close to when crime was really kind of rampant in New York City.

Mayor Eric Adams speaking on the issue to The Reset Talk Show said that social media had make these acts seem more common than they are. When you have random acts of violence that is focused on repeatedly, he said, showing videos over and over again  it plays on how people feel in the subway system.

And this was echoed by Adam Scott Wandt, an associate professor and deputy chair for technology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He was quoted by the New York Times as saying, When a story about being punched in the head goes viral on social media, and then it travels across the country, it can quickly overshadow the fact that New York City is also a relatively safe city to walk around in. Incidents like this on social media can create the impression New York City is a far more violent and crime ridden city than it actually is.

Even Halley Kate with whom all this began, stated in a new TikTok that NYC is not a danger zone. I dont want it to seem like 13 girls got punched in the face yesterday and if you come to New York City, youre for sure going to get punched in the face.

With inputs from agencies
Sadanand Vasant Date has taken over as Director-General of the National Investigating Agency (NIA), succeeding Dinkar Gupta, who retired on 31 March. He is well-known for his pivotal role during the infamous 26/11 attacks in Mumbai read more

Before joining the NIA, Date was serving as the chief of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Maharashtra. Image Courtesy: @NIA_India/Twitter

Senior IPS officer Sadanand Vasant Date, who played a pivotal role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has taken over as Director-General of the National Investigating Agency (NIA), succeeding Dinkar Gupta, who retired on 31 March. His bravery and quick thinking during the infamous 26/11 attacks in Mumbai earned him widespread admiration.

Who is Sadanand Vasant Date?

Sadanand Vasant Date is a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Maharashtra cadre, who has held several high-ranking positions in Maharashtras Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

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Before joining the NIA, Date was serving as the chief of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Maharashtra.

At the time, he tackled numerous high-profile cases, including the arrest of Punes DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar on espionage charges and the apprehension of several terrorists associated with the ISI.

He also played a key role in dismantling the Ravi Pujari gang while serving as head of the Mumbai Crime Branch.

Shri Sadanand Vasant Date Takes Over as New Director General, National Investigation Agency pic.twitter.com/kaVYH88ID3  NIA India (@NIA_India) March 31, 2024

Sadanand Vasant Date previously served as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Inspector General (Ops) in the Central Reserve Police Force. He has also served as Police Commissioner in Mira-Bhayander and Vasai-Virar, both near Mumbai.

Date is known for his unassuming lifestyle and has always kept a low profile, preferring simplicity in his personal life.

What role he played in 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks?

Date was awarded the Presidents Police Medal for gallantry in 2008 for his role in combating the terrorists who had launched the dastardly attacks on Mumbai in November 2008.

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As one of the first responders to the targeted locations on that fateful night, Date displayed exemplary courage and remained actively engaged in the response efforts until the situation was contained. His bravery facilitated the rescue of hostages held by terrorists, including the successful capture of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving perpetrator.

The NIA, which is functioning as the central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency of the country, was formed in the aftermath of the 2008 terror attacks.

Date also received the Presidents Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2007 and Presidents Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014.

With inputs from PTI
Pakistan has witnessed as many as 245 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations during the first quarter of 2024. These attacks have resulted in 432 fatalities and 370 injuries among civilians, security personnel and rebels read more

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, both bordering Afghanistan, accounted for over 92 per cent of all fatalities and 86 per cent of attacks, in 2024. File image/PTI

Pakistan is no stranger to terrorist attacks.

Between 16 March and 26 March, the South Asian country experienced five attacks: three in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and two in its southwestern Balochistan province. All of these attacks, including suicide bombings, killed at least 18 people  at least 12 military personnel, five Chinese nationals, and one Pakistani citizen, according to an Aljazeera report.

Since the start of the year, Pakistan has seen a dramatic rise in violence, and the related deaths.

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245 terror attacks, 432 deaths

Pakistan witnessed as many as 245 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations during the first quarter of 2024, resulting in 432 fatalities and 370 injuries among civilians, security personnel and rebels, according to a think tank report.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, both bordering Afghanistan, accounted for over 92 per cent of all fatalities and 86 per cent of attacks (including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations) during this period. Individually, the former suffered 51 per cent and the latter 41 per cent of all fatalities in the first quarter of 2024, according to the security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).

The data indicates that the remaining regions were relatively peaceful, suffering less than eight per cent of all fatalities.

Interestingly, militant organisations claimed responsibility for less than 20 per cent of the total casualties attributed to terrorism in the first quarter of 2024.

A new militant group named Jabhat Ansar al-Mahdi Khorasan (JAMK), affiliated with the Gul Bahadur group, has emerged.

Militant organisations claimed responsibility for less than 20 per cent of the total casualties attributed to terrorism in the first quarter of 2024. File image/PTI

In addition to the casualties of terrorism and counter-terrorism, there were 64 incidents of sabotage in the country targeting properties of the government, politicians, and private and security properties.

Balochistan tops the list of such incidents

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In the first quarter, Balochistan recorded a staggering 96 per cent surge in violence, with fatalities jumping to 178 from 91 in the last quarter of 2023.

Sindh saw a nearly 47 per cent rise in violence, though the number of fatalities was very low. However, the regions of KP, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) recorded encouraging decreases in violence by 24 per cent, 85 per cent, and 65 per cent, respectively.

Despite a notable decrease in violence observed in GB during the period under review, the GB home minister issued a terror threat alert on 31 March, 2024, on the possibility of attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

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The alert came following a suicide attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in the Shangla district of KP who were working on the Dasu Dam project, resulting in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and a local driver. Its worth noting that last year, GB suffered the highest number of fatalities in a decade, with 17 lives lost, the report stated.

In addition to the casualties of terrorism and counter-terrorism, there were 64 incidents of sabotage in the country targeting properties of the government, politicians, and private and security properties. File image/PTI

In the first quarter of the current year, civilians and security forces personnel suffered over 65 per cent (281) of all fatalities in nearly 200 terror attacks, compared to outlaws suffering only 35 per cent (151) in around 48 counter-terror operations.

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The attacks on security officials and civilians outnumbered the security operations conducted against the outlaws by almost fourfold.

Civilians suffered 154 fatalities (36 per cent), which is more than any other category of victims.

Compared to the last quarter of 2023, the fatalities of civilians and security officials combined surged by 17 per cent, whereas the fatalities of outlaws, militants, and insurgents combined decreased by almost 15 per cent in the first quarter of 2024.

No one claimed the responsibility

Surprisingly, certain terrorist outfits, such as the banned Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), Lashkar-e-Islami (LI), and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), which were highly active the previous year, have abstained from claiming any acts of terrorism this quarter. Only the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the militant Islamic State group, or Daesh, have claimed responsibility for some attacks.

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The banned insurgent groups, Balochistan Liberation Army, Baloch Liberation Front, Baloch Raaji Ajoi Sangar, and Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army, claimed responsibility for 18 attacks (three times more than the claims of the militant groups) in the first quarter, causing 42 fatalities and 40 injuries. The prime targets of the insurgent groups were the security and government installations, including Gwadar Port Complex, Mach Jail, and Turbat Naval Base.

In the first quarter, eight incidents of sectarian violence were reported, impacting all religious communities, including Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Among the non-Muslim communities, Ahmadis endured the highest casualties (nine), while three fatalities occurred among Shias due to violence. Additionally, a Sunni was also targeted in an act of violence, according to the report.

On Sunday, unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate fire on a Pakistan Army bomb disposal team near the port city of Gwadar, killing two soldiers and injuring four others.

With inputs from PTI
AT&T announced this weekend that the theft of sensitive information belonging to millions of its current and former customers had been recently discovered online. Millions of AT&T customers' personal information, like Social Security numbers (SSNs), passcodes, and contact details, had been leaked online.

Leaked Personal Information on the Dark Web

In a statement on Saturday, the largest telecommunication network in the United States, AT&T, released a statement revealing that a dataset recently found on the dark web contained information for approximately 7.6 million current AT&T account holders and 65.4 million former users, totaling around 73 million affected accounts. Still, the company said it remains unclear whether the breach originated from AT&T or one of its vendors. According to the statement, the compromised data appears to be from 2019 or earlier and does not include personal financial information or call history.

AT&T announced plans to notify all 7.6 million existing account holders affected by the breach of their sensitive personal information. The company stated that it had already reset passcodes and Social Security numbers and was actively investigating the incident along with email and mailing addresses, phone numbers, and birth dates.

READ ALSO: AT&T Apologizes for Widespread Network Outage, Pledges $5 Credit Which Subscribers Express Discontent

The Initial Reports of The Breach

Reports about the breach emerged on a hacking forum almost two weeks ago. Still, it remains uncertain whether this leak is connected to a similar breach in 2021, which received widespread attention but was not acknowledged by AT&T. A hacker asserted to have accessed data of 70 million AT&T customers during that time, purportedly including names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth, which he had tried to sell for thousands of dollars, according to an auction data from the hacking forum.

According to Troy Hunt, a Cybersecurity expert who spoke with The Associated Press news agency, if AT&T misjudged the severity of the breach and failed to notify affected customers over the course of several years, the company could soon face class action lawsuits. However, a spokesperson for AT&T did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Saturday.

The company's wireless 5G network covers approximately 290 million people throughout the United States, positioning it as one of the nation's largest providers of mobile and internet services.

Hunt, the creator of Have I Been Pwned?, a website that notifies subscribers about data breaches, revealed in a blog post that at least 153,000 of his customers were impacted.

Previous Network Challenges of AT&T

The Dallas-based company also encountered difficulties when an outage temporarily disrupted mobile phone service for thousands of users back in February.

AT&T attributed the incident to a technical coding error rather than a malicious attack, with AT&T being the most severely affected among all the other networks that had been impacted.

RELATED ARTICLE: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile are Down, Affecting Thousands of Users in a Widespread Outage Feared as Cyberattack

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In its order, the poll body said they are convinced that they made a personal attack and thus violated the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. They have been warned to remain careful in public utterances during the Model Code of Conduct period. Their election-related communications will be specially and additionally monitored by the Commission from this time onwards, it added. read more

Election Commission of India has censured BJP MP Dilip Ghosh and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for making derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, respectively.

In its order, the poll body said they are convinced that they made a personal attack and thus violated the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.

They have been warned to remain careful in public utterances during the Model Code of Conduct period. Their election-related communications will be specially and additionally monitored by the Commission from this time onwards, it added.

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A copy of the warning notice has also been marked to party chiefs for sensitising their functionaries to be careful while communicating in the public domain and refrain from any such derogatory comments and violations of MCC guidelines.

On March 27, the Election Commission had issued show-cause notices to both the leaders, saying that heir remarks were undignified and in bad taste. The two had been asked to respond to the notices by 29 March.

Ghosh, the Medinipur MP who has been fielded from the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat this time by the BJP, mocked TMCs slogan of Bangla Nijer Meye ke chai (Bengal wants its own daughter).

When Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) goes to Goa, she calls herself the daughter of Goa. When she goes to Tripura, she says that she is the daughter of Tripura. She should first identify her own father Ghosh said.

The TMC filed a complaint with the Election Commission against him over the comments, alleging that it violated the model code of conduct (MCC).

The BJP had also sought an explanation from Ghosh, who then issued an apology.

Maintaining that his party and other people have reservations about his choice of words, Ghosh said, If it is so, I am sorry for that.

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Congress leader Shrinate found herself in trouble when a controversial comment was posted on social media platforms from her accounts against Ranaut, who has been fielded by the BJP as its candidate from the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh.

Following a row, Shrinate removed the controversial remarks from all of her social accounts, claiming that they had been posted not by her but by someone else who had access to her accounts.

Rejecting Shrinates clarification, the BJP slammed the Congress and said the dastardly comments by the partys social media head were not posted by default, but by design.

With inputs from agencies
A Delhi court on Monday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in a money laundering case linked to Delhi excise policy scam after the Enforcement Directorate accused him of being totally uncooperative read more

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrives at Rouse Avenue court after his Enforcement Directorate custodial remand ended on Monday. ANI

A Delhi court on Monday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in a money laundering case linked to Delhi excise policy scam after the Enforcement Directorate accused him of being totally uncooperative.

Kejriwal was produced before special Judge Kaveri Baweja at the Rouse Avenue court after his Enforcement Directorate custodial remand ended today.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal produced before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja in Rouse Avenue court, at the end of remand period, in Delhi excise policy money laundering case



Enforcement Directorate brought him to court with high security https://t.co/NhlsAJcYXZ  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

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The ED had sought 15-day judicial custody of Kejriwal, saying he was totally uncooperative.

Speaking to reporters before entering court, the AAP leader said, Whatever the prime minister is doing(referring to his arrest) is not good for the country.

AAP ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal were also present in court.

The federal probe agency had arrested Kejriwal on 21 March in connection with the case. The next day, Special Judge Baweja remanded him in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till 28 March. Following this, the court allowed the EDs plea requesting extension of his custodial interrogation by four days till April 1.

With inputs from agencies
In the last 10 years, the perception about India has changed in the UAE. They signed a free trade agreement with us and today the trade with the UAE has reached about 80 billion dollars, said Jaishankar while addressing an event in Surat on Monday read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that the perception about India has changed in the UAE and trade between the two countries today has reached about 80 billion dollars.

Addressing a gathering at an event in Surat on Monday, Jaishankar said, In the last 10 years, the perception about India has changed in the UAE. They signed a free trade agreement with us and today the trade with the UAE has reached about 80 billion dollars Our request to build a temple there has been acceptedPM Narendra Modi went to UAE in 2016 and the last PM to go to UAE was Indira Gandhi and after her, no PM went there till 2016

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#WATCH | Surat, Gujarat: EAM Dr S Jaishankar talks about India-UAE relations



He says, "In the last 10 years, the perception about India has changed in the UAE. They signed a free trade agreement with us and today the trade with the UAE has reached about 80 billion dollars... pic.twitter.com/rmRLPbThBB  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

He said today India is in the top five economies and very soon it will be the third-largest economy in the world.

You all know whose guarantee this is. We have full confidence that in the next 25 years, we will make India a $30 trillion economy, added the external affairs minsiter.

Talking about the pace of development in the country, Jaishankar also shared an anecdote when he went to receive French President Emmanuel Macron at Jaipur airport.

#WATCH | Surat, Gujarat: EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "When French President Emmanuel Macron visited India on Republic Day, I welcomed him at Jaipur airport. It was his first visit to Jaipur and he said I see that you have other airports besides the airports of big cities. I said Mr pic.twitter.com/c7LvytntUc  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

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When French President Emmanuel Macron visited India on Republic Day, I welcomed him at Jaipur airport. It was his first visit to Jaipur and he said I see that you have other airports besides the airports of big cities. I said Mr President, you should also know that in the last 10 years, 8-9 new airports are being built every year in this country. In 2014 there were 75 airports and today this number has doubled, added Jaishankar.

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With inputs from agencies
The Katchatheevu Island lies on the Sri Lankan side of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and was recognised by India as Colombos territory under the Agreement on the boundary in Historic Waters between the two countries and Related Matters. read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, raked up the Katchatheevu Island issue, criticising the Congress for 'giving away' the territory to Sri Lanka in 1974. Wikimedia Commons

The Katchatheevu Island, the latest point of contention between BJP, Congress and DMK, has been a regular topic of conversation between India and Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, raked up the Katchatheevu Island issue, criticising the Congress for giving away the territory to Sri Lanka in 1974.

The Katchatheevu Island lies on the Sri Lankan side of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and was recognised by India as Colombos territory under the Agreement on the boundary in Historic Waters between the two countries and Related Matters.

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However, the agreement gives provision for Indian fishermen to attend the annual St. Anthonys festival on the island and utilise it for resting and drying their nets.

A Right to Information (RTI) report reveals explosive details on how the erstwhile Indira Gandhi-led Congress handed over the island to Sri Lanka, with the assent of former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi, under the Agreement on the boundary in Historic Waters between the two countries and Related Matters.

The report also shows the various justifications given by both India and Sri Lanka on the question of the islands sovereignty.

But who owned the island before it became an issue of territorial claims?

A largely uninhabited island, located in Palk Bay, is believed to be a product of a volcanic eruption In the early medieval period, Katchatheevu Island was owned by the Jaffna Kingdom of Sri Lanka It was, however, later passed on to the Ramanathapuram-based Ramnad kingdom in the 17th century The status of the islands ownership has been contested by both India and Sri Lanka. Being part of the landed property of Raja of Ramnad, the erstwhile Government of Madras had taken custody of the entire territory Meanwhile, the then Government of Ceylon had exercised de facto control over the island and had also conducted defence exercises over the island The question over the islands ownership had come up during a conference on fishing rights in 1921 when the then government of India under British rule had accepted Ceylons territorial claims over the archipelago based on Zamindari rights of the Raja of Ramnad The issue again came up in 1955 when Civil Aviation of Ceylon showed interest in conducting a gunnery practice on Katchatheevu Island based on the belief that the area fell under Madras Flight Information Region The Civil Aviation Authority in India referred the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs, seeking clarification regarding the ownership of the island

The agreement between India and Sri Lanka gives provision for Indian fishermen to attend the annual St. Anthonys festival on the island and utilise it for resting and drying their nets.

Despite the provisions, fishermen from the southern Indian state have faced arrests in Sri Lanka.
According to the RTI, former prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to settle the matter one way or the other, it was considered that the situation at that time (May 1961) was not propitious for discussing the matter with Ceylon read more

The weekend in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections 2024 was eventful. It saw a political tussle over the Katchatheevu Island that the Indira Gandhi-led government ceded over to Sri Lanka in 1974.

Gandhi took the decision thinking that the island had little strategic value and that ceasing Indias claim over it would strengthen its ties with its southern neighbour.

However, the Katchatheevu row started on Sunday, March 31, 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) citing documents obtained by Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Tamil Nadu Chief K Annamalai indicating that the Congress never attached much importance to the tiny, uninhabited island which lies northeast of Rameswaram, about 33 km from the Indian coast and is about 62 km southwest of Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka.

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The documents obtained by Annamalai, through an RTI application, former prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru once remarked that he would not hesitate in giving up claims to the island altogether.

Attach no importance to Katchatheevu Island

In response to a minute from the late prime minister, Nehru wanted to settle the matter one way or the other, it was considered that the situation at that time (May 1961) was not propitious for discussing the matter with Ceylon.

I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like this pending indefinitely and being raised again and again in Parliament, Nehru had said on May 10, 1961.

It is true that with the present conditions in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) as they are, this is not the right time to raise any matter with them, Nehru further said.

According to the RTI, the issue of Katchatheevu Island first came up after independence in 1955, when the Director of Civil Aviation in Ceylon intimated to his counterpart in India that Royal Ceylon Air Force would carry out some gunnery practice on the island. The information was given to India as the area fell under Madras Flight Information Region. To this, the authorities in India responded that the matter was under consideration.

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The matter was then referred to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) by the Civil Aviation authorities for clarification regarding the ownership of the island.

Sovereignty of Katchatheevu Island was & is in India

However, in his opinion, the then Attorney General MC Setalvad indicated, The matter is by no means clear or free from difficulty but in the assessment of the whole evidence it appears to me that the balance lies in favour of concluding that the sovereignty of the island was and is in India.

MEA delayed taking Katchatheevu Island question with Nehru

On April 13, 1961, Nehru had asked his External Affairs Ministry of not taking up the question of Katchatheevu island with the Ceylon government and settle it one way or another to which the then foreign secretary YD Gundevia said: I regret I have delayed answering the question; but this was because I thought I would explain the matter to PM personally, and this has not been possible because of the PMs other pre-occupations.

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We have periodically debated whether we should take up this issue with Ceylon or not, almost every time a question is asked in parliament, and there is a question in the Lok Sabha every session, Gundevia said.

Why MEA felt the matter should have been left alone?

The then MEA explained in two reasons what led it to feel that the matter had best be left alone:

1 - It is not certain that our claim to the island can be easily established in law. The legal aspect of our rights on the island have been examined exhaustively and the conclusion seems to be that our case is not strong - it may be, at best, fifty-fifty.

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2 - The completely unstable political situation in Ceylon, constantly since 1957, it is felt, is not the right atmosphere for any honest, healthy discussion.

Gundevia had further said, When the Ceylon government is not anxious to discuss the issue, I would submit that it would not be in our interest to take the initiative and risk having to give up the island.

It is an uninhabited little cluster of rocks and sand and is not really important to anybody, except sometimes as a refugee for fishermen - or illicit immigrants, Gundevia claimed.
Opposition leaders cited a 2015 RTI reply, which stated that the agreements in 1974 and 1976 did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India, and asked whether the change in Modi governments stance was for election politics read more

As India gears up for keenly watched Lok Sabha polls 2024, political parties are engaged in a new row over the Katchatheevu island which Indira Gandhi-led government ceded over to Sri Lanka in 1974.

In less than a day, the opposition leaders came up with a counter to hit out at the Centre over the Katchatheevu island issue, citing a 2015 RTI reply, which stated that the agreements in 1974 and 1976 did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India, and asked whether the change in Modi governments stance was for election politics.

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The response from the opposition came hours after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Monday claimed that prime ministers from the Congress displayed indifference about Katchatheevu island and gave away Indian fishermens rights despite legal views to the contrary.

Jaishankars remarks at a press conference were made a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited a media report to assert that new facts reveal that the Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka.

Congress leader P Chidambaram hit out at the government over the issue. Tit for tat is old. Tweet for Tweet is the new weapon. Will Foreign Minister Mr. Jaishankar please refer to the RTI reply dated 27-1-2015The Reply justified the circumstances under which India acknowledged that a small island belonged to Sri Lanka, he said.

Why is the Foreign Minister and his ministry doing a somersault now, Chidambaram asked.

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How quickly can people change colours. From a suave liberal Foreign Service officer to a smart Foreign Secretary to a mouthpiece of the RSS-BJP, life and times of Mr Jaishankar will be recorded in the annals of acrobatic sports, the Congress leader said.

It is true that fishermen were detained in the last 50 years. Likewise, India has detained many Sri Lankan fishermen. Every government has negotiated with Sri Lanka and freed our fishermen, the former home minister said.

This has happened when Mr Jaishankar was a foreign service officer and when he was Foreign Secretary and when he is Foreign Minister. What has changed for Mr Jaishankar to launch a tirade against the Congress and DMK? he said.

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Were not fishermen detained by Sri Lanka when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was PM and the BJP was in power and in alliance with different political parties of Tamil Nadu, the senior Congress leader asked.

Were not fishermen detained by Sri Lanka when Mr Modi was in power since 2014? he said.

It is true that Fishermen were detained in the last 50 years. Likewise, India has detained many SL fishermen



Every government has negotiated with Sri Lanka and freed our fishermen



This has happened when Mr Jaishankar was a foreign service officer and when he was Foreign  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 1, 2024

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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shared an RTI response from the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in 2015 which said Katchatheevu Island lies on the Sri Lanka side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line, that was delineated by the 1974 Agreement demarcating it in the Palk Straits and a subsequent 1976 Agreement demarcating it in the Gulf of Mannar and Bay of Bengal.

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This did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India since the area in question had never been demarcated. Under the Agreements, the Island of Katchatheevu lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line, the RTI reply said.

Tagging the RTI reply dated January 27, 2015, Chaturvedi said, Maybe MEA will be able to address this discrepancies in its RTI response in 2015 vis a vis 2024.

Maybe @MEAIndia will be able to address this discrepancies in its RTI response in 2015 vis a vis 2024.

As per the RTI response in 2015 when current Foreign Minister was serving as the FS it was said This did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India pic.twitter.com/OIWlej3YVs  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) April 1, 2024

As per the RTI response in 2015 when current Foreign Minister was serving as the FS (foreign secretary) it was said This did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India since the area in question had never been demarcated, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said.

Today the Foreign Minister and yesterday the PM claimed it has been ceded. So is the change in stance for their election politics or has Modiji made a case for Sri Lanka? she said.

Tagging her post on X, Congress general secretary, in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh said, Just shows how quickly the Foreign Secretary changed his colours when he became External Affairs Minister.

There is no limit to hypocrisy or lie-mongering as far as the Modi Sarkar is concerned, Ramesh charged.

Jaishankar on Monday said prime ministers such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi dubbed Katchatheevu, given to Sri Lanka in 1974 as part of a maritime boundary agreement, as a little island and little rock. He asserted that the issue has not cropped up abruptly but was always a live matter.

It has been frequently raised in Parliament and has been a matter of frequent correspondence between the Centre and the state government, Jaishankar said, adding that he has replied to the chief minister at least 21 times.

With inputs from PTI
In a big relief to the Congress ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that it will not take any coercive action against the Congress over the tax demand notices of approximately Rs 3,500 crore read more

In a big relief to the Congress ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that it will not take any coercive action against the Congress over the tax demand notices of approximately Rs 3,500 crore.

A bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih recorded the statement of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the I-T department, that no precipitative action will be taken in the prevailing circumstances till the final adjudication of the matter.

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The bench posted the Congress plea against the tax demand notices for July.

The Congress had approached the Supreme Court after it received notices from Income Tax department, seeking payment of tax dues amounting to a whopping  3,567 crore.

The Congress accused the ruling BJP of tax terrorism and alleged the Income Tax departments move as an attempt to choke it financially in the run-up to polls. The party has said this was disrupting the level-playing field for the polls and also urged the Election Commission to intervene.

At the outset, Mehta said, I want to make a statement in this matter. The Congress is a political party and since elections are going on, we are not going to take any coercive action against the party.

The department is not commenting on the merit of the matter and all rights and contentions should be left open, he said.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Congress appreciated the gesture, terming it gracious, and said all demand notices were issued in March and before for different years totalling approximately Rs 3,500 crore.

On Sunday, the Congress said it has received fresh notices from the Income Tax department, raising a tax demand of Rs 1,745 crore for the assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17. With this latest notice, the Income Tax department has raised a total demand of Rs 3,567 crore from the party, it had said.

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On Friday the party said it received notices from the I-T department, asking it to pay around Rs 1,823 crore. The tax authorities have already withdrawn Rs 135 crore from the partys accounts for a tax demand relating to previous years.

With inputs from agencies
It is something we are investigating as we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation. The position of my government is that in this particular case, there has been certain information provided to us which we are investigating, said Jaishankar read more

A day after US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti made an unacceptable red line remark over assassination plot aimed at Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday asserted that Indias national security interests are involved in its investigation into the alleged involvement of a government official in the assassination plot of the Khalistani terrorist.

Addressing the media on Monday, he said, It is something we are investigating as we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation.

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#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar responds to US Ambassador Eric Garcetti's 'red line' statement on Pannun case made in ANI podcast



"The US ambassador as an ambassador will say what he thinks is the position of his govt. The position of my govt is that in this particular case, there pic.twitter.com/n8qt38jWLv  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

Jaishankar said the US ambassador will say what he feels is the thinking or position of his government.

The position of my government is that in this particular case, there has been certain information provided to us which we are investigating, he said.

So, as and when we have something to say on the investigation we would be very glad to speak about it. At this point, beyond the fact that there is an investigation going on, we have nothing more to say, the external affairs minister said.

Referring to the Pannun murder plot, in an interview to ANI news agency on Sunday, Garcetti said a red line should not be crossed and no country or no government employee should be involved in the assassination of a foreign national.

For any of us, just abstractly, there has to be a red line. No government or government employee can be involved in the assassination attempt of one of your own citizens. This is just an unacceptable red line, he told ANI.

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However, the US envoy appreciated India setting up a commission to look into the murder plot.

I was very pleased that India put together this commission of inquiry, put senior people who are experienced in law enforcement on that, and that they have been digging in on this side domestically to uncover any evidence that would show a murder for hire plot that included anybody who was from the Indian government, Garcetti said.

He said the US would have taken similar steps if there was an American plot or an attempt to assassinate a citizen of any other country.

 (The) same thing would happen if there was an American plot against some sort of or an American government person who was trying to assassinate somebody in another country. That would be an unacceptable red line for any nation, the envoy added.

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He also rejected the claims that such instances may affect the deepening of bilateral relations between India and the US.

With inputs from agencies
A day after PM Modi cited a media report to assert that new facts reveal that the Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday doubled down on PMs charge saying that India and Sri Lanka in 1974 concluded an agreement where they drew a maritime boundary, and in drawing the maritime boundary Katchatheevu was put on the Sri Lankan side of the boundary read more

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited a media report to assert that new facts reveal that the Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday doubled down on PMs charge saying that India and Sri Lanka in 1974 concluded an agreement where they drew a maritime boundary, and in drawing the maritime boundary Katchatheevu was put on the Sri Lankan side of the boundary.

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Addressing a press conference on Monday, Jaishankar said, We know who did this, what we dont know is who hid itWe believe that the public has the right to know how did this situation come up.

#WATCH | On Katchatheevu issue, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "We know who did this, what we don't know is who hid it...We believe that the public has the right to know how did this situation come up." pic.twitter.com/rmzRUEmJRF  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

Attacking the Congress and DMK for approaching the matter as though they have no responsibility on this, he said they are projecting the issue as if there is no history to this and this has just happened.

Now, every political party in Tamil Nadu has taken a position on this Two parties, the Congress and the DMK, have approached this matter as though they have no responsibility for it. As though the situation is for todays central government to resolve, there is no history to this, this has just happened, they are the people who are taking up the cause; that is the way they would like to project it, said Jaishankar.

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Discussing the background of the issue, he said this has not suddenly surfaced and is a live issue which has been very much debated in Parliament and in the Tamil Nadu circles.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the Katchatheevu issue, EAM Jaishankar says, "... In the last 20 years, 6184 Indian fishermen have been detained by Sri Lanka and 1175 Indian fishing vessels have been seized, detained or apprehended by Sri Lanka. This is the background of the issue that we are pic.twitter.com/VWQUkqMqMG  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

In the last 20 years, 6,184 Indian fishermen have been detained by Sri Lanka and 1,175 Indian fishing vessels have been seized, detained or apprehended by Sri Lanka. In the last five years, the Katchatheevu issue and the fishermans issue have been repeatedly raised by various parties in the Parliament. It has come up in Parliament questions, debates and in the consultative committee. The then CM of Tamil Nadu has written to me numerous times. And my record shows that to the current CM, I have replied 21 times on this issue. This is not an issue which has suddenly surfaced. This is a live issue. It is an issue which has been very much debated in Parliament and in the Tamil Nadu circles. It has been the subject of correspondence between the Union government and the state government. said Jaishankar.

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He said that the fishermen are still being detained today and ironically the issue is being raised by the parties who are responsible for it.

#WATCH | On Katchatheevu issue, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "The fishermen are still being detained today, boats still being apprehended & the issue is still being raised in Parliament. It is being raised in Parliament by two parties who did it...Whenever there was an arrest, how pic.twitter.com/6WzlXScqYa  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

The fishermen are still being detained today, boats still being apprehended and the issue is still being raised in Parliament. It is being raised in Parliament by two parties who did itWhenever there was an arrest, how do you think they were released? It is very good to give statements from Chennai, but the people who do the work are us, added the EAM.

The issue has resurfaced after a media report based on a RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on the 1974 pact. In 1976, after the Tamil Nadu government was dismissed during the Emergency, another pact restricted fishermen of both countries from fishing in each others waters. The harassment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Lankan authorities is a key issue in the state.

Attacking the then central government and the PMs for the indifference shown about the territory of India, Jaishankar said the fact is that they simply did not care.

We are talking about 1958 and 1960 The main people in the case wanted to make sure that at least we should get the fishing rights The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were given away in 1976 One, the most basic recurring (aspect) is the indifference shown by the then central government and the PMs about the territory of India That fact is they simply did not care, said Jaishankar.

He said to the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru this was a little island and it had no importance and saw it as a nuisance.

I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like this pending indefinitely and being raised again and again in parliament, Jaishankar quoted the then PM Nehru as writing in an observation in May 1961.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the Katchatheevu issue, EAM Jaishankar says, "... We are talking about 1958 and 1960... The main people in the case wanted to make sure that at least we should get the fishing rights... The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were given away in pic.twitter.com/HYCIEjbz2A  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

So, to Pandit Nehru, this was a little island, it had no importance, he saw it as a nuisance For him, the sooner you give it away, the better This view continued on to Indira Gandhi as well There is a Member of Parliament called G Viswanathan from Tamil Nadu and he says, We are worried about Diego Garcia, thousands of miles away from the Indian territory, but we are not worried about this small island. The PM (Indira Gandhi) is said to have remarked in the AICC meeting that this is a little rock. I am reminded of those days when Pandit Nehru called about our northern boundary as a place where not a blade of grass grew. I would like to remind the PM that after this historic statement by PM Nehru, he never regained the confidence of the country. The same is going to happen to the PM (Indira Gandhi) when she says that this is only a little rock and that there is nothing to worry about the territories of our country. So, this is not just one PM This dismissive attitudewas the historic Congress attitude towards Katchatheevu, said Jaishankar.

With inputs from agencies
The Boao Forum allows Asian countries to communicate and discuss critical issues with regional powers and focuses on the challenges faced by the Global South and the countries at the bottom read more

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, Former Governor of the People's Bank of China Zhou Xiaochuan, attend a meeting with business leaders at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024, in Boao, Hainan province, China, March 27, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Yao

The Boao Conference for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024 began in Boao, South Chinas Hainan Province, on March 26. The subject of the conference is Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities. In addition to more than 1,100 journalists from roughly 40 nations and regions, this years conference attracts about 2,000 delegates from over 60 countries.

To fulfil their responsibilities of fostering peace and prosperity on a regional and global scale, all countries are encouraged by the 2024 forum to work together to address regional and global issues arising from political mistrust, global power politics, and a lack of communication means. The topics for discussion include science and technology, innovation, climate change, sustainability, and regional stability. At this event, it is of the utmost importance to examine the following issues: growing discourse on the Global South, stagnant growth trajectory and climate change, and the uncertain futures of Asia and the rest of the globe.

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Politics of Global South

The Global South" concept is still developing. Asian regional giants such as China and India have done everything they can to demonstrate their leadership and take the initiative in front of other Global South nations. At the G-20 summit in New Delhi in 2023, India presented the membership of the fifty-five African Union-led nations, which had a $3 trillion GDP and 1.4 billion people together. Indias ability to speak up and be physically represented in one of the most influential forums, the G-20, is demonstrated by this.

The Boao forum conference of this year particularly addresses the growing significance of the Global South, with the goal of strengthening the regions solidarity and collaboration in areas such as trade, debt, food, supply, science and technology, and other vital sectors. However, there has always been a stake in representing the Global South, particularly since the colonial era. The voices of the non-alignment, the Afro-Asian Conference, and the Chinese and Indians, namely Nehru and Mao, respectively, symbolise the early years of their independence and the issues they were confronting. The stakes are great in the twenty-first century because of their increasing ability and capability to represent them. Leaders from China and India frequently discuss the problems they and the Global South are experiencing at forums, conferences, dialogues, and conversations. The politics of claiming and reclaiming leadership over the Global South will intensify and diversify in the years ahead.

Economic Growth and Sustainability

World leaders are being pushed to shift their growth strategy towards something more long-lasting and sustainable due to the stalled economy, the unpredictability of economic growth, and climate change. The only two significant rising economies in recovery are China and India, and forecasts indicate that these two will have particularly strong economic growth in the years to come. Humanitys major problems can be resolved since China and India account for 25 per cent of the worlds population and have sizable populations of the impoverished.

The world economy has experienced a sharp slowdown in economic growth and political mistrust since the 2008 financial crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This is due to the predictions made by renowned political scientist John Mearsheimer in his seminal work, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics.

A more uncertain future lies ahead for political stability, economic growth, sustainability, cooperation among global powers, and support for those marginalised in global politics due to the trade war and sanctions between and among major powers like the United States, China, and Russia.

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Future Ahead

The future of world politics, the global economy, and cooperation rests on the relationships between and among the global powers, such as the United States and China. The upcoming US general elections will decide the fate of global cooperation and, therefore, the global issues that can not be solved without the USs cooperation. The US and China represent 45 per cent of the global nominal GDP, which gives general statistics on the worlds economy. In contrast, India, Germany, and Japan represent just 13 per cent of the global GDP. European Union, on the other hand, represents 21 per cent of the global GDP.

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Meanwhile, the global political outlook and economic growth trajectories mostly depend on the US general election results. There are polls in the US giving Donald Trump a clear but thin upper hand over Joe Biden in the upcoming November election.

If Trump wins the presidency in November 2024, there are signs that he will overrule many of Bidens policies, which he criticised. One such policy is the renewable energy sector, in which the top Republican leaders believe that climate change is a hoax and, therefore, there is no need to invest in the renewable energy sector. This can harm the global initiative to reduce or get away from fossil fuels and advance the new mechanism to get renewable energy in the future.

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Also, the policy of trade war with China will impact the world. During Trumps previous presidency, the trade war started, and if he came to the Oval Office again, the trade war could deepen with China. In addition to the trade war, the technological war, especially chip wars, is gaining political attraction. Chips are the new battleground for global power politics. All the major powers are attacking the chip companies and introducing tariffs and sanctions to not allow other country-made chips due to national security reasons. These issues are critical and can not be solved by small global powers.

The worlds future mostly depends on the relationships between global powers such as the US, China, and Russia. Other emerging powers, such as India, Germany, and Japan, can give a supportive stance to the great powers where global issues can be discussed and solved. In this direction, the Boao Forum allows Asian countries to communicate and discuss critical issues with regional powers.

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In sum, forums such as Boao, G20, and BRICS provide space for the top global players and marginalised to listen to their concerns and critical issues. This years theme of the Boao Forum also reflects Asian engagements with the world, the challenges they face, and the calls for shared responsibility. Shared challenges require shared responsibilities, and most of the historical challenges faced by Asians and countries in the southern hemisphere are because of the colonial past and atrocities done by the Global North, especially the colonial powers. Like the New Delhi G20 conference, the Boao Forum also focuses on the challenges faced by the Global South and the countries at the bottom.

The author is a PhD candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
By Kwon Mee-yoo

Korean Soprano Park So-young took center stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York on Saturday, performing the lead role of Juliette in Charles Gounod's "Romeo et Juliette" under the baton of conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin.

Park was called upon just two hours before the performance as soprano Nadine Sierra unexpectedly fell ill. Throughout the entire seven-performance run of the opera from March 7 to 27, Park had been on standby as the cover for Juliette.

This marks Park's return to the New York-based opera company some five years after making her Met debut as the Queen of the Night from Mozart's "The Magic Flute" in January 2019.

Her previous experience as Juliette in the Seoul Metropolitan Opera production in 2022 provided her with a strong foundation, and attending studio rehearsals for the Met's production not only deepened her understanding of director Bartlett Sher's vision but also acquainted her with French tenor Benjamin Bernheim, who performed the role of Romeo opposite Park.

Park's cover of Juliet was recommended by the Met's casting director after viewing her rehearsal video from the Seoul Metropolitan Opera.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Park's musical journey took a turn as she returned to Korea after years of activity in the United States. Originally recognized as a coloratura soprano, her exploration of the lyric soprano style bore fruit, ultimately leading to her performance as Juliette at the Met, Park's agency in Korea Etoile Classic said.

Born in Busan in 1986, Park studied at Seoul National University and the New England Conservatory of Music and has mainly been active in opera theaters in the U.S. She participated in the LA Opera production of Corigliano's "The Ghosts of Versailles," which won the categories Best Engineered Album, Classical and Best Opera Recording at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

Now, Park shares her time between Korea and abroad. In 2023, she performed as Violetta in the Korea National Opera's "La Traviata" and as Liu in the Seoul Metropolitan Opera's "Turandot."

Following her Met performance, Park will return to Seoul to sing Mahler Symphony No. 4 with the Jeonju Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sung Ki-sun, as part of the 2024 Orchestra Festival at the Seoul Arts Center on April 11.
It appears that there is snowballing aid fatigue in the US, mounting war weariness in Russia, unending loss of lives and property in Ukraine, and persistent energy shortages in Europe. At this time, India should step in and assume the leadership role to diplomatically push for resolving the conflict and beginning reconstruction read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modis conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Jaishankars invitation to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to visit India for dialogue seem to be part of the efforts towards ending the war in Ukraine.

The prolonged war in Ukraine has severely dislocated the global political economy, causing colossal hardship for the Global South. The United States and its European allies have systematically backed Ukraine in the war, and China has stood rock-solid behind Russia. The war is actually not between Russia and Ukraine. It has become the hottest spot of the ravaging new kind of proxy war reminiscent of the Cold War years.

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Throughout the Cold War years, India refused to be part of any bloc politics or alliance formations and adopted a non-aligned strategy in its foreign policy. While both Washington and Moscow desired Indian support for their policies and both mistrusted non-alignment to varying degrees, India neither maintained equidistance from them nor stayed away from involvement in international affairs. India sought friendship and cooperation with all while maintaining its opposition to divisive alliance politics.

It is because of this Indian normative stand on global issues that India managed to have closer strategic ties with the former Soviet Union for national security purposes and pursue deeper trade, investment, educational, and cultural relations with the US. Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, India has consistently bolstered its strategic partnership with the US, and, significantly, India has also preserved its defence and security ties with Russia. New Delhi does not see its relations with the US and Russia in zero-sum lance.

As a new kind of geopolitical race has been unleashed between Russia and the United States for the last several years, culminating in the Ukraine War, Washington for sure has expected and attempted to keep India on its side and reduce Indias reliance on Russia on arms and weapons. India has allowed entry of American defence articles into its arms market but has continued to maintain and service Russian-origin arsenals.

Russia was concerned over its shrinking space in Indias arms market and rising share of the United States in it, yet it continued to conserve its defence deals with India, including selling state-of-the-art missiles and aircraft.

In other words, Indias approach to geopolitics rises above partisanship between adversaries. This approach is apt for promoting peace and reducing conflict, and there are examples of acceptance by warring parties of the Indian role during the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Indo-China conflict during the later half of the same decade.

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Respect for Indian diplomacy is not confined to major powers alone. India today upholds positive and cordial ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Egypt and simultaneously seeks to play the role of the voice of the Global South. India is now well known as a bridge between the developed North and the developing Global South.

It was Indias skillful diplomacy that led to the entry of the African Union into the G20, and now, like the European Union, the African Union is a full member of the G20.

It is significant to underline that Indias membership in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is crucial to keeping these bodies from turning into anti-Western mechanisms, and Indias membership in QUAD ensures that it does not become a forum to contain China and create an Asian NATO.

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India is thus in a paramount position to act as a central peacemaker in Eurasia and try to end the war in Ukraine. India has robust relations with the US, the EU, and Russia at the same time. India has not condemned Russia for invading Ukraine. India has not resisted the US sanctions against Russia. India has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. India has helped address the food crisis generated by the Ukraine War. Prime Minister Narendra Modis warning that this is not the era of war has reverberated across the world; therefore, there is no country better suited to play the role of the key peacemaker.

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It appears that there is snowballing aid fatigue in the US, mounting war weariness in Russia, unending loss of lives and property in Ukraine, and persistent energy shortages in Europe. At this time, India should step in and assume the leadership role to diplomatically push for resolving the conflict and beginning reconstruction.

Evidently, PM Modi has already taken the first step in this regard by speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Jaishankar is taking action by inviting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to India for direct dialogue.

It can be assumed that back-channel negotiations are also going on to address this issue. While Ukraine intends to convene a global meeting to discuss this issue with certain concrete suggestions and seeks Indias support, Russian participation in any discussion is equally important. If Russia alone tries to convene a meeting of similar kind, it will fail without Ukraines participation. If China and the US are out of it, any effort to arrive at peace will be infructuous.

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If India takes the initiative and invites all interested and affected parties to a peace proposal, intense debate and dialogue may ultimately lead to a solution.

PM Modi said that this is not the era of war, and the world listened. If he calls for a faster movement to end the war and arrive at durable peace, the world will certainly appreciate it. As a rising global player with credible leadership in various world affairs, India is best suited to end the geopolitical mess in Eurasia that has affected almost every country and jeopardised the global political economy.

The author is founding chairperson, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, formerly Professor at JNU. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
All these players cannot strictly be described as state agencies, but they clearly have umbilical ties with their home governments. They are versatile in hiding their true ownership and control structures read more

For many decades after Independence, India was a regular playground for external forces and agencies. This is well documented and researched. Initially, India was of limited interest to the two superpowers. India was a new entrant in the global arena and was not a force that carried much weight.

From the mid-1960s, after the residual effects of the 1965 war with Pakistan played out and the effects of the Green Revolution started manifesting themselves, India attracted some attention from the two great powers, with China following closely.

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Till the early 1980s, even after we had exerted our weight in the local South Asian arena and crafted the birth of a new nation, we were bit players on the international realpolitik stage.

However, the proxy forces in India of the two international power blocks and China were playing out a no-holds war for the minds and hearts of Indians. Admittedly, the ordinary Indian citizen, the proverbial man or woman on the street, was a mute spectator.

The warriors who contested the conflict between the two or three contesting ideologies were in the lobbies of power and influence, ranging from Parliament and state assemblies to the maze of the bureaucracy at all levels, business houses, industrial organisations, academia, and media groups.

After the collapse of communism and the Soviet Union, the battlefield did not necessarily see less intense clashes. Only the underlying ideologies changed. From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, India saw the emergence of political forces, groups, and parties that were influenced by or drew their sustenance from this countrys ancient Indian heritage.

In 1998, the BJP-led Union Government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to power in the country. The same ideological dispensation continues now in the Centre under Narendra Modi.

For the past ten years and earlier in 19982004, the ruling dispensation in India, which can broadly be described as one that is primarily influenced by our Indian heritage, has had to contend with an array of socio-political forces that we will broadly describe and assess. Some of them are indigenous, while others are foreign or non-Indian.

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Some important foreign institutions had set up shop in the country as early as the late 1950s or early 1960s. These organisations were ostensibly private entities, like the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the American Institute of Indian Studies, et al., and they functioned outside the official diplomatic umbrella. The others in this category included the British Council, the Fulbright Scholarship, the Rhodes Scholarship, etc.

All these players cannot strictly be described as state agencies, but they clearly had umbilical ties with their home governments. They were versatile in hiding their true ownership and control structures.

The three Western media organisationsthe BBC, Voice of America (VOA), and Reutersalso had a significant Indian presence by the late 1950s and early 1960s. The poor Soviets, with their Radio Moscow, that broadcast in a number of Indian languages, were also-ran, even though their print presence (in a number of Indian languages and English) was much more successful.

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In this essay, we will focus on the BBC to start with. Recently, a path-breaking and incisive book on this iconic organisation has been published. The book, BBCs True Lies (Garuda Prakashan), authored by Binay Kumar Singh and Prashant Pandey, is a true landmark and milestone in Indian studies on foreign media. It meticulously studies this organisation from its birth in Britain, its pivotal role in the life and politics of its homeland, and the long history of its Indian operations.

Readers may remember the dictum of Hitler and Goebbels on the big lie. If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. Thus, by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State. This applies equally to the big media, whether in the international arena or the domestic one. In the case of TV, people will believe a big lie sooner than a little one. If it is repeated frequently enough, the general audience will believe it sooner or later.

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Hitlers primary rules were: never allow the public to cool off; never admit a fault or wrong; never concede that there may be some good in your enemy; never leave room for alternatives; never accept blame; concentrate on one enemy at a time and blame him for everything that goes wrong. People will believe a big lie sooner than a little one; and if you repeat it frequently enough, people will sooner or later believe it.

Goebbels did describe the big lie in different languages in an article he wrote in 1941, Churchills Lie Factory, but he was accusing the British of the ploy: The English follow the principle that one should lie big when one lies, and one must stick to it. They keep up their lies, even at the risk of looking ridiculous.

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In the case of the BBCs telecasts in India, in Hindi and other languages, this writer has collected a few of the most egregious and dishonest ones that portray India as a country where the main minority community is routinely harassed and victimised. The most glaring and flagrant was a recent interview with the leader of the PFI, an organisation that makes no bones about its intention to set up an Islamic state in India. It has a terrible history of communal violence and terrorist attacks on the Indian Republic.

There have also been reports of the BBC India office having committed some income-tax offences or of having resorted to questionable financial policies in its Indian operations. The official agencies of the Central government have initiated legal action under various legal provisions that govern these offences.

The New York Times is another international media organisation whose entire Indian focus is on negative coverage of the country, its policies, and its public life. Reuters is no longer as important in the news dissemination field now as it was in its heyday, but it continues with its condescension.

Then, there are Internet and print organisations that have declared open warfare against the current political dispensation, as well as socio-cultural institutions that are committed to the cause of Indian civilisation. Readers will be fully aware of the identities of the players that are engaged in this all-out war.

We would not be indulging in hyperbole if we were to say that the Indian Republic may need to strengthen its firewalls much more resolutely than what prevails in the open arena currently.

The author is an analyst and student of economic, financial and socio-political issues. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Microsoft and OpenAI plan on opening several data centres across the US. Stargate the largest of their data centres, will be spread over 5 acres, and will need about 5 gigawatts of power read more

According to a report from The Information on Friday, Microsoft is in the process of drafting plans to construct a groundbreaking $100 billion supercomputer, dubbed Stargate, intended to power OpenAIs forthcoming generation of artificial intelligence systems.

Stargate is apparently the final phase of a collaborative endeavour between Microsoft and OpenAI, which aims to set up several supercomputers across the United States. Speculations suggest that Stargate will emerge as one of the largest and most sophisticated data centres globally, potentially spread over several hundred acres of land. Plus, designs suggest that the place will need about 5 gigawatts of power.

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This ambitious project is deemed critical for OpenAIs endeavours in training and deploying advanced AI models surpassing the capabilities of ChatGPT-4, with a prospective launch anticipated as early as 2028.

The moniker Stargate draws inspiration from the 1994 science-fiction film of the same name, revolving around an interstellar teleportation device discovered in Egypt. Reflecting the films themes of exploration and discovery, the official trailer for Stargate famously declares, The key to the past, the door to the future, the passage to discovery, serving as a poignant source of inspiration for OpenAI and Microsofts AI supercomputer venture.

The deployment of Stargate hinges significantly on OpenAIs ability to deliver its next major AI upgrade, purportedly GPT-5, anticipated for an early 2025 release, as per The Informations report. Microsoft is keen on ensuring that OpenAI continues to pioneer AI models that captivate global attention.

Notably, OpenAIs reported failure to deliver a new AI project named Arrakis in 2023 underscores concerns about the companys innovation trajectory, which can largely attributed to the constraints that come with the logistics and budgetary concerns of setting up and running a supercomputing infrastructure.

The development of Stargate also sheds light on rumours surrounding Sam Altmans purported establishment of a high-cost AI chip factory. A primary challenge in erecting an AI supercomputer of this magnitude lies in securing Nvidia GPUs to power the infrastructure.

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The persistent shortage of Nvidia chips throughout the AI industrys hype cycle has prompted speculation that a formidable competitor from Altman and Microsoft could potentially disrupt the market and confer unprecedented advantages.

As Microsoft and OpenAI forge ahead with their ambitious supercomputer project, the anticipation surrounding Stargates emergence underscores its potential to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence research and development.

(With inputs from agencies)
A chatbot that the administrators of New York City introduced to help out small businesses and landlords started giving them all sorts of bizarre and weird answers, and some illegal ones as well. For example, it told an employer it should fire an employee for reporting theft read more

New York Citys MyCity chatbot often touted as a tool to help local business owners and landlords navigate city laws, is under scrutiny after offering dubious legal advice and potentially encouraging lawbreaking, according to a report from The Markup.

Introduced as part of Mayor Eric Adams New York City Artificial Intelligence Plan last October, the MyCity bot was hailed as a comprehensive effort to leverage innovative AI technology for the citys benefit. Powered by Microsoft, the bot aimed to assist small businesses and property owners in understanding complex legal matters.

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However, investigations by The Markup revealed troubling inaccuracies in the bots responses. Despite drawing information from the NYC Department of Small Business Services, the bot consistently provided erroneous advice, sometimes encouraging users to violate the law.

For instance, when asked about accepting meal vouchers, the bot incorrectly stated that buildings are not required to accept them, contradicting anti-discrimination laws. Similarly, it wrongly affirmed that employers could take a portion of employees tips, and even steal wages overlooking labour regulations.

Furthermore, the bots response to a question about firing an employee for disclosing financial information demonstrated a lack of understanding of employment law, potentially exposing businesses to legal risks.

A spokesperson for the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation defended the bot, citing its pilot phase and claiming it had provided thousands with accurate answers. They acknowledged the need for ongoing improvements but emphasized the bots disclaimers on risks.

Despite assurances, experts caution against relying on the bots advice, highlighting the potential legal ramifications for users. With concerns over misleading guidance, users are urged to seek professional legal counsel for accurate information.

While the MyCity chatbot aims to streamline legal inquiries for businesses, its shortcomings underscore the importance of caution and independent verification when seeking legal advice. Users should exercise prudence to avoid unintended legal consequences.

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(With inputs from agencies)
In a major bolt to Microsofts AI ambitions, the US government is blocking Copilot AI from all PCs issued to US Congressional staff members and blocking them from using the service. This ban comes after concerns were raised by the Office of Cybersecurity read more

Under Satya Nadella, Microsoft, has made some major investments in AI, especially in OpenAI. Image Credit: Reuters

The US Government seems to be getting increasingly wary of AI. After blocking ChatGPT from government-issued PCs, the US government is now blocking Microsofts` Copilot AI and believes that it entails some major security concerns.

In a recent development reported by Axios, US Congressional staff members have been prohibited from using Microsofts Copilot on their government-issued devices. The directive came through a memo from House Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor, citing concerns from the Office of Cybersecurity regarding the potential risk of leaking House data to unauthorized cloud services.

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While staffers are still permitted to use Copilot on personal phones and laptops, its use has been blocked on all Windows devices owned by Congress.

This move follows a similar restriction imposed almost a year ago on the use of ChatGPT, another AI chatbot powered by OpenAIs large language models. The previous ban allowed the paid version, ChatGPT Plus, to be used for research and evaluation purposes due to its stricter privacy controls. Additionally, the White House recently unveiled regulations outlining the use of generative AI by federal agencies, emphasising the need to safeguard the rights and safety of Americans.

Responding to the concerns, Microsoft acknowledged the necessity for heightened security measures among government users. The company had previously announced plans to introduce a suite of tools and services tailored for government use, including an Azure OpenAI service for classified workloads and an enhanced version of Microsoft 365s Copilot assistant. These offerings are expected to boast enhanced security features designed to better handle sensitive data.

Axios reports that Szpindors office will evaluate the government version of Copilot upon its release, assessing its suitability for use on House devices.
Ever since Elon Musk took over, Xs value has taken a massive dip. Recently, Fidelity Mutual Funds, one of Musks initial backers has devalued its investment and reduced it by 5.7 per cent. With that, Xs value has fallen by 73 per cent read more

Elon Musk-owned X has seen its valuation devalued by almost 73%. Image Credit: AFP

Elon Musk paid over $44 billion for Twitter, now X, knowing that the social media platform was worth nowhere near that figure. However, ever since Musk took control of the platform, the social media platforms valuation has dipped significantly, by almost 73 per cent. Even some of Musks initial backers, who backed his takeover bid, are now re-evaluating their investments and options.

Fidelity Mutual Funds, one of Elon Musks initial backers, is also reevaluating its position. Fidelitys Blue Chip Growth Fund has disclosed a 5.7 per cent reduction in the value of its position in X during February this year.

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Following Musks $44 billion purchase in October 2022, Fidelity acquired a stake in X. As of February 29, the fund valued its position at $5.28 million, down from $5.6 million the previous month.

The continuous decrease in the value of the Blue Chip Growth Funds stake in X reflects a parallel decline in the companys overall worth, given that the fund has not indicated any change in its X position.

One factor contributing to Xs struggles has been the exodus of advertisers, driven by apprehensions about the platforms trajectory and unpredictable alterations. Despite some advertisers returning, Xs earnings from this source have notably declined.

Since Musks tumultuous takeover, X has made efforts to attract advertisers back to its platform. However, ad sales fell short of expectations last year, reaching approximately $2.5 billion compared to the targeted $3 billion, as reported by Bloomberg.

Musks approach to content moderation underwent a drastic shift, characterized by the removal of a significant portion of the moderation team and the implementation of a crowd-sourced fact-checking system named Community Notes, which encountered challenges. Combatting spam, disinformation, and hate speech remains a formidable challenge for the platform.

The clash between Musks advocacy for free speech and the necessity for responsible content moderation has been evident. While he has pledged to uphold free speech principles, Musk has also acquiesced to takedown requests and restricted content from authoritarian regimes. Achieving a delicate balance is imperative for maintaining a healthy online ecosystem.

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(With inputs from agencies)
In the Geru area of Ghazni province on Sunday, a group of young boys and girls were playing with a mine when it exploded, according to Hamidullah Nisar, the provincial head of the information and culture department read more

Large areas of Afghanistan are plagued by unexploded mines, grenades, and mortars left over from decades of fighting, including the Soviet invasion in 1979, the subsequent civil war, and the 20-year Taliban insurgency against governments supported by foreign powers Image Courtesy Agencies

A provincial official announced on Monday that a landmine planted during the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan triggered an explosion in the southeast of the country that claimed the lives of nine youngsters.

In the Geru area of Ghazni province on Sunday, a group of young boys and girls were playing with a mine when it exploded, according to Hamidullah Nisar, the provincial head of the information and culture department.

An unexploded mine left over from the time of the Russian invasion went off when they were playing with it, Nisar told the media.

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Unfortunately, it killed nine children.

The youngsters, four boys and five girls, were between the ages of four and 10, according to Ghazni police.

Large areas of Afghanistan are plagued by unexploded mines, grenades, and mortars left over from decades of fighting, including the Soviet invasion in 1979, the subsequent civil war, and the 20-year Taliban insurgency against governments supported by foreign powers.

Since the Taliban took over in August 2021 and put a stop to their insurgency, there has been a significant decrease in violence.

Nonetheless, unexploded bombs and mines continue to take life on a regular basis; the International Committee of the Red Cross reports that children are the primary casualties.
Thousands of people thronged to the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, to protest against Netanyahus government. They demanded a ceasefire deal and fresh elections read more

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to annihilate Hamas in an attack on the city of Rafah. It wont take much longer. Nothing will stop us, he said.

His adamant stand on pressing on with the offensive on Rafah comes amid the largest anti-government protests in Israel since it launched its war on Gaza.

A vow to destroy Hamas

Netanyahu said that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are preparing to carry out an attack on the city of Rafah to destroy the remaining Hamas battalions there. According to him, the military will first move over a million Palestinian civilians out of Rafah. He claims that they will be provided sufficient aid, too. Following this, the IDF will carry out an attack on the remaining Hamas fighting battalions in Rafah.

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Israel claims that there are 5,000 to 8,000 Hamas terrorists in Rafah. Netanyahu says he wont stop until all of them are defeated.

Protestors demand Netanyahus resignation

On Sunday, thousands of people thronged to the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, to protest against Netanyahus government.

The protesters are accusing him of prioritising his own political ambitions over the national interest. Critics say that Netanyahu, who is facing a spate of corruption charges which are gradually being processed in the courts, appears to be making decisions aimed at his political survival not Israels interests.

Protesters are also frustrated by the constant obstacles he has crated in the hostage exchange process. On Sunday, they demanded that the government secure a ceasefire deal that would also free Israeli hostages from Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu stands accused of damaging relations with the United States, too.

They are demanding that Netanyahu step down and conduct elections two years ahead of the schedule.

What is Netanyahus response?

Netanyahu has said that elections would paralyse the country for up to eight months. It would paralyse negotiations for freeing our hostages and would bring an end to the war before the goals are completely achieved[]And the first who would welcome this is Hamas, and that tells you everything, he said.

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Opinion polls indicate that if elections were to be held today, Netanyahu and his coalition would be far behind their rivals.

Netanyahu said that the international criticism over deaths in Gaza (Hamas says over 32,000 people have been killed), was the result of a combination of ignorance and antisemitism.

With inputs from agencies
The migrant issue has posed a serious political problem for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who will face the polls next year, especially after the embattled Conservative leader repeatedly vowed to stop the boats read more

Migrants boats crossing Channel as warm weather and calm seas are favourable for crossings. Reuters file

The United Kingdom saw a record-high number of migrants entering the nation via the Channel in the first quarter of 2024, registering a 42 per cent rise over the last decade, the countrys interior ministry said on Monday.

British officials processed a whopping number of 5,373 migrants in the first three months of 2024 after they arrived on small boats on the shores of southeast England.

This compares to 3,793 making the perilous journey from January to March in 2023  a 41.7 percent rise and the highest figure ever for the opening quarter of any year.

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Over the Easter weekend alone, 800 migrants arrived in the country on 16 small boats.

The migrant issue has posed a serious political problem for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who will face the polls next year, especially after the embattled Conservative leader repeatedly vowed to stop the boats.

Earlier, Sunak claimed victory over the issue by saying that migrant crossings had fallen by a third last year. The trend, however, was quick to reverse in 2024.

Sunak is facing the daunting task of keeping his Tories  in power since 2010  in charge after the next election, which he must call at some point this year.

The small boat arrivals, and broader concerns among some voters about levels of immigration, are blamed for contributing to the predicted exodus of former Tory voters.

Meanwhile, the interior ministry has said that smugglers involved in organising Channel crossings are evolving their methods and using bigger boats to accommodate more people.

Interior Minister James Cleverly told the BBC this week that the government is now going after the boats upstream in the supply chain.

The UK Supreme Court blocked the plan over safety fears but the government has introduced contentious legislation to override that by declaring Rwanda safe and agreeing on a new treaty with the East African country.

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With inputs from AFP
Taipei claims the stories are untrue on many occasions. The preparations that the government has for leadership in the case of war have not been made public read more

Chinese and Taiwanese printed flags are seen in this illustration. Reuters

According to an unverified claim initially published in 2021 and repeated in the lead-up to the islands general election in January 2024, Taiwans departing President Tsai Ing-wen intends to escape aboard a US jet in the event that war breaks out with China.

Tsai allegedly gave her confidantes VIP runaway permits, according to another account.

These are only a few of the numerous unsubstantiated stories about Tsais plans to flee danger that have been disseminated around the island by Chinese official media outlets, according to a Reuters study by the Taiwan-based non-governmental group Information Environment Research Centre (IORG).

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According to the IORG analysis, the story that Tsai intended to flee if war broke out with China and that Taiwans military drills were practice for this first appeared in a CCP-controlled outlet in June 2021 and was swiftly picked up by other official Chinese news sources.

Taipei claims the stories are untrue on many occasions. The preparations that the government has for leadership in the case of war have not been made public. It was not possible for Reuters to independently ascertain whether any such escape arrangements existed.

Because of the intense worldwide attention and the outcry from China over Taiwans military drills, Reuters contacted IORG to investigate the source of the stories.

IORG is a non-partisan group of social scientists and data analysts funded by academic institutions and organisations supported financially by Britain and the United States.

The organisation found over 400 stories portraying the military exercises, including the annual Han Kuang drills, as rehearsals for Taiwans leadership to desert, in what IORG said appeared to be a concerted attempt by Beijing to undermine the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, which is responsible for relations with Taipei, said in response to Reuters questions that IORGs research included fabricated and ill-intentioned allegations.

It said China was the victim of cognitive warfare - attempts to influence public sentiment via propagation of misinformation - by the DPP. The party, the office said, had created a misinformation supply chain that hurt the feelings of compatriots.

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The analysis of text articles and videos published between April 2021 and January 13, 2024, was conducted with data-processing technologies that enabled IORG to identify the origins of certain narratives and related keywords.

Despite Chinese influence efforts, the DPPs Lai Ching-te was elected president on Jan. 13, though the party lost its parliamentary majority. Lai will be inaugurated on May 20.

Beijing, which has long tried to force democratically governed Taiwan into accepting Chinese sovereignty claims, views Tsai and Lai as separatists.

China portrayed support for DPP candidates as a vote for war due to Lais refusal to accept Beijings position that Taiwan is part of one China. Lai had insisted throughout the campaign that he does not seek to change the status quo, in which Taiwan enjoys de facto independence but with very limited official diplomatic recognition.

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Beijing has insisted on an eventual reunification with Taiwan, which the CCP has never ruled, into one China. It has not renounced the use of force to achieve that aim.

Talking points

Stories portraying the DPP leadership as warmongers who would flee in the event of conflict became talking points in Taiwan and were used by some media outlets and opposition politicians to criticise the DPP.

The number of stories often spiked at politically sensitive moments, such as then-US house speaker Nancy Pelosis 2022 Taipei visit and the annual military drills, according to IORGs analysis. Discussion of these stories by opposition politicians and on social media also rose during these periods of elevated tensions, the analysis showed.

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Around those periods, state media in Beijing and Fujian province near Taiwan, as well as Hong Kong-based media outlets that Taiwan intelligence officials say are linked to the CCP, published over 93% of the 439 stories portraying the drills as preparations for key Taiwanese leaders to desert, IORG said.

Many stories were further amplified by pro-Beijing voices, including Taiwan-based media outlets and social media accounts, IORG found.

Taiwans defence ministry said in a March 7 report to parliament that Beijing had used state media and local collaborators to spread narratives that would weaken confidence in the government. It did not name the alleged collaborators.

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The presidential office separately told Reuters that China was engaged in disinformation warfare against the island.

Taiwans main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which favours closer ties with China but denies being pro-Beijing, said in response to Reuters questions that its criticism of the DPP did not mean it should be accused as disloyal or mislabeled as a collaborator of cognitive warfare by any external hostile force.

The KMT added it opposes any cognitive warfare conducted by foreign forces, including Beijing, to interfere in Taiwans elections.

Fujian origins

IORGs analysis showed that the CCP-backed Fujian Daily Press Group, which runs a network of Taiwan-focused news portals, was behind roughly 20% of the 439 stories.

Fujian Daily Press Group and the other media outlets mentioned in this story did not return requests for comment.

IORGs research spanned more than 1,300 Chinese official news outlets; over 500,000 accounts on YouTube, Weibo, and Douyin - the Chinese version of TikTok; and more than 1.2 million Chinese-language Facebook pages.

The parent companies of YouTube, Weibo and Douyin did not respond to requests for comment.

Of the 439 articles published between April 2021 and Jan. 13 that framed Taiwans military drills as escape rehearsals for Tsai, 110 originated with Beijing-based outlets, including the overseas editions of Peoples Daily and Global Times.

Another 169 came from Hong Kong, long a hub for Chinese-language media, and 130 were published from Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian.

Of the latter, the Fujian Daily-run Taihainet website and associated social media accounts published nearly 90 stories.

The narrative that Taiwans leadership would flee by plane originated in a June 10, 2021, Fujian Daily story, IORG found. The newspaper called a US military C-17 transport plane, which had visited Taiwan that month, a runaway plane for Taiwans leadership.

Within three months of the storys publication, similar narratives emerged in 22 articles or videos published by other Chinese state media, as well as on social media accounts in China and Taiwan and in comments by Taiwanese media outlets and politicians.

Media personality Jaw Shaw-kong, who was the KMTs vice presidential candidate this year, wrote on Facebook in August 2021 - shortly after Kabul fell to the Taliban - that he wondered if Tsai would resign and flee on a plane if the enemy is at the gates, like what happened in Afghanistan.

Taiwan opposition politicians seeking office in the 2024 legislative elections, such as senior KMT lawmaker Fu Kun-Chi, also suggested that the DPP would flee.

Those who cannot run away would be like you ordinary folks gathered here, Fu told a crowd of hundreds at a Dec. 10 rally.

Jaw and Fus office did not return requests for comment.

Taiwan has a lively and partisan media, with some outlets and personalities advocating formal independence and others favouring closer economic and political ties with Beijing. Freedom of speech - including on issues about the islands future relations with China - is protected by law.

Local narratives

Other narratives began with Taiwan-based news or social media outlets before being modified and amplified by others, according to timelines constructed by IORG.

On Sept. 8, 2022, Taiwan-based Storm Media published a story, citing unidentified sources, saying Tsai had issued a confidential pass giving confidantes privileged access to military shelters in the event of war.

Tsais office denied the story.

On Sept. 14, the story was modified into a narrative about a runaway boarding pass by an online publication operated by Hong Kong-based China VTV, which Taiwans Investigation Bureau has publicly accused of having financial ties with Chinese authorities.

VTV did not respond to a request for comment.

A version of the runaway pass narrative was amplified by at least two dozen Taiwan or China-based publications or social media accounts after the Storm Media story ran, IORG found.

The more exaggerated claims make the previously exaggerated claims less exaggerated and even more believable, said IORG co-director Yu Chihhao.

Chinas external influence efforts help Beijing reach a broad audience, said University of Hong Kong journalism professor Fu King-wa.

But their outcomes arent often clear, he said, adding that there wasnt available evidence on whether its really effective on changing, or having an impact on the other countries local political conditions, or outcomes.
By Anna J. Park

Choi Hee-nam has taken on his new role as the CEO of Chong Kun Dang Holdings, as his appointment was confirmed at the shareholders' meeting and the board of directors of the pharmaceutical company at the end of last month.

Chong Kun Dang Holdings operates subsidiaries, including Chong Kun Dang, Chong Kun Dang Bio and KB Pharm. Choi's term will last for the next three years until March 2027.

The 63-year-old former deputy finance minister has built a decades-long career in global finances and investment.

After serving as a high-ranking economic bureaucrat in the government for some 30 years, Choi went on to assume the CEO post of Korea Investment Corp. from 2018 to 2021.

He also held the honorary position of the country's financial cooperation ambassador, designated by the foreign affairs ministry in late 2020.

Choi has been serving as the chairman of the board of directors at Standard Chartered Bank Korea since 2021, as well as a global fellow at the Milken Institute, a U.S.-headquartered economic think tank, since 2022.

After studying economics at Hanyang University, he earned a doctorate in economics at the University of Pittsburgh. He previously served as an elected member of the International Monetary Fund's executive board.
Murdaugh, aged 55 and part of a prominent family of legal professionals, is currently serving a life sentence for the June 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, at the familys hunting estate read more

Alex Murdaugh, the South Carolina lawyer previously convicted in a high-profile trial last year for the murders of his wife and son, has been handed a 40-year prison sentence on Monday for financial offenses.

Murdaugh, aged 55 and part of a prominent family of legal professionals, is currently serving a life sentence for the June 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, at the familys hunting estate.

Last year, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to state charges related to embezzlement, admitting to stealing millions of dollars from clients of his prestigious personal injury firm. He was then sentenced to 27 years in prison.

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Appearing once again in court in South Carolina, Murdaugh faced federal charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, as well as money laundering.

District Judge Richard Gergel has now imposed a 40-year prison term on Murdaugh, which will run concurrently with the 27-year sentence he is already serving.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty to the federal charges in September, at which time lawyer Adair Boroughs said Murdaughs financial crimes were extensive, brazen, and callous.

He stole indiscriminately from his clients, from his law firm, and from others who trusted him, Boroughs said.

Murdaughs televised three-week murder trial last year captivated viewers across the United States and outside the country.

Evidence from his sons mobile phone indicated Murdaugh was the only person with them at the estates dog kennels several minutes before Maggie was killed with an assault rifle and Paul with a shotgun.

Murdaugh denied killing his wife and younger son, but admitted stealing millions of dollars from clients of his law firm to feed an opioid addiction.

Even before the trial finished, Netflix and HBO rushed out docudramas on the case.

With inputs from AFP
Ma, who served as president from 2008 to 2016, was the first former leader of Taiwan to travel to China last year. No current Taiwanese leader has been to China since 1949, when the defeated Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan after losing a civil war to Mao Zedongs communists read more

Amid simmering tensions across the Taiwan Strait, former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou departed on Monday for an 11-day trip to China, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second time next week.

Ma, who served as president from 2008 to 2016, was the first former leader of Taiwan to travel to China last year. No current Taiwanese leader has been to China since 1949, when the defeated Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan after losing a civil war to Mao Zedongs communists.

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China has increased political and military pressure to impose its claims on Taiwan, which it views as its own territory and is democratically administered.

Ma and Xi had a historic summit in Singapore in late 2015, just before Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan at the time, was elected.

The encounter with Xi, which has been extensively reported in Taiwanese media, has not been confirmed by Ma or the Chinese government. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, three people who are acquainted with Mas travel told Reuters that it is anticipated to take place in Beijing on Monday of next week. They spoke on condition of anonymity.

This is a trip of peace as well as of friendship, Ma told reporters in brief remarks at the airport in Taiwan before flying to the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in Guangdong province.

Ma added that he hoped to convey a message that Taiwans people love peace and hope to avoid war.

Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, which calls him Mr. Ma Ying-jeou rather than former president given neither the Chinese nor Taiwanese government recognise each other, would only say last week when asked about a meeting with Xi that it wished Ma a smooth trip.

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Mas office said while in Guangdong he will visit Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD and Tencent, the worlds largest video game company and operator of Chinas WeChat messaging platform.

Ma remains a senior member of Taiwans main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), which in January lost for the third time in a row the presidential election, but has no official party position.

The KMT advocates close ties with China and dialogue, but strongly denies being pro-Beijing.

Tsai and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party have repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed, as Beijing views them as dangerous separatists.

Tsai says only Taiwans people can decide their future. Her government strongly objects to Chinas sovereignty claims.
France and China have attempted to expand ties in recent years, and during discussions in Paris in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing valued his countrys independent position read more

France's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Stephane Sejourne (L) and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend a joint press conference at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. AFP

Following discussions with his colleague in Beijing, Frances top diplomat said Monday that the country wants China to send clear messages to its close ally Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

France and China have attempted to expand ties in recent years, and during discussions in Paris in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing valued his countrys independent position.

However, Paris has attempted to put pressure on Beijing over its tight connections with Moscow, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne stating that China must send very clear messages to Russia over its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

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We are convinced that there will be no lasting peace if it is not negotiated with the Ukrainians, he told a press conference in Beijing, speaking alongside his Chinese counterpart Wang.

There will be no security for Europeans if there is no peace in accordance with international law, he continued.

China, he added, could play a key role in ensuring international law is upheld.

Sejournes journey to China is the second by a French foreign minister in less than six months, following his predecessor, Catherine Colonna, who went in November.

Macron also paid a visit to a university in southern China last April, when he was greeted like a rock hero by hundreds of screaming students and supporters.

However, he faced charges of cozying up to Beijing and stirred controversy by stating that Europe should not be a follower of the US in the case of a fight with China over Taiwan.

Derisking not decoupling

And Frances efforts to improve ties with Beijing come as the EU seeks to shield itself from excessive reliance on China.

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That derisking has emerged in recent months as a core pillar of the European blocs economic policy towards China, becoming necessary after the Covid-19 pandemic and Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The term contrasts with the more drastic approach known as decoupling  pursued by some policymakers in the United States who aim to isolate China or cut all commercial ties with the country.

But the EU increasingly views China as a partner but also as an economic competitor and systemic rival, a report by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said last month.

And in Beijing on Monday, Sejourne said decoupling was not on the cards.

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But, he said, an economic rebalancing was needed to ensure trade is healthy and sustainable.

Foreign Minister Wang, in turn, said he appreciates Sejournes rejection of decoupling.

It is not possible to decouple from China, and decoupling from China is the biggest risk, Wang said.

I believe that it has been proved, and will continue to prove, that China is an opportunity and not a risk for Europe. Both sides are partners and not rivals, he said.
The Israeli government has said that around 200 terrorists have been killed and around 500, including senior commanders, have been captured in the operation at the Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip. read more

Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians take shelter at the Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. Source: Reuters

The weekslong Israeli military operation at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza Strip concluded on Monday and dozens of bodies were found at the facility after the Israeli forces withdrew, said Gazas Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday.

Israel launched the operation at Al-Shifa Hospital on March 18 for what it called precise operational activities against terrorists. Last week, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said around 200 terrorists had been killed so far in the operation and around 500 had been captured.

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The Al-Shifa Hospital is the largest medical facility in Gaza, the Palestinian enclave where Israel and Hamas have been warring since October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied militant groups mounted an all-out attack on Israel. Earlier in November, the Israeli military raided Al-Shifa Hospital and reported it was used by Hamas as a command-and-control centre and weapons and hostages were also kept there.

Scale of destruction at Al-Shifa Hospital very large

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has claimed that dozens of bodies, some of them decomposed were found in and around the Al-Shifa Hospital complex after the Israeli militarys withdrawal, according to AFP.

The Israeli military withdrew from the Al-Shifa medical complex after burning down the complex buildings and putting it completely out of service, said the Health Ministry.

It further said, The scale of the destruction inside the complex and the buildings around it is very large.

Separately, the report quoted a doctor as saying that more than 20 bodies were recovered at the Al-Shifa Hospital and that some bodies were crushed by withdrawing Israeli vehicles.

200 terrorists killed in Al-Shifa operation: Israel

Last week, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the Israeli operation at the Al-Shifa Hospital had killed 200 terrorists and captured around 500, including senior commanders.

Gallant further said that the testimonies of the captured terrorists revealed that Hamas was crumbling from within, bearing heavy consequences, according to i24 News.

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The Israeli military launched the operation at the Al-Shifa Hospital with ground troops, tanks, and bulldozers. Airstrikes have also been reported within the complex. Besides the Al-Shifa Hospital, Israeli military operations and airstrikes have also been reported at three other hospitals: Al-Amal and Nasser in Khan Younis and Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah.

Israel has held for a long time that the underground levels of the Al-Shifa Hospital have been used by Hamas as a command-and-control centre. The declassified US intelligence assessment has also backed the Israeli assessment.

In November, White House National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby said I can confirm for you that we have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) used some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al-Shifa, and tunnels underneath them, to conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages.

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Kirby further said that Hamas and PIJ operated a command and control node from Al-Shifa.
Users alleged that Googles analytics, cookies, and applications enabled the Alphabet unit to improperly monitor individuals who utilised Googles Chrome browser in Incognito mode, as well as users of other browsers in private browsing mode read more

Google has reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging that it surreptitiously tracked the internet activity of individuals who believed they were browsing in private mode, agreeing to delete billions of data records as part of the resolution.

Terms of the settlement were submitted on Monday to the federal court in Oakland, California, and await approval from U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

According to lawyers representing the plaintiffs, the settlement is estimated to be worth over $5 billion, with some valuing it as high as $7.8 billion. While users will not receive monetary damages as part of the settlement, they retain the right to pursue individual claims for damages.

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The class action lawsuit, initiated in 2020, encompasses millions of Google users who utilized private browsing features since June 1, 2016.

Users alleged that Googles analytics, cookies, and applications enabled the Alphabet unit to improperly monitor individuals who utilised Googles Chrome browser in Incognito mode, as well as users of other browsers in private browsing mode.

They contended that this practice transformed Google into an unaccountable repository of information, allowing the company to gather details about users social connections, preferences, interests, shopping behaviors, and even their most sensitive and potentially embarrassing online searches.

Under the settlement, Google will update disclosures about what it collects in private browsing, a process it has already begun. It will also let Incognito users block third-party cookies for five years.

The result is that Google will collect less data from users private browsing sessions, and that Google will make less money from the data, the plaintiffs lawyers wrote.

Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to court papers, Google supports final approval of the settlement but disagrees with the plaintiffs legal and factual characterizations.

David Boies, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, in a statement called the settlement a historic step in requiring honesty and accountability from dominant technology companies.

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A preliminary settlement had been reached in December, advertising a scheduled Feb. 5, 2024 trial. Terms were not disclosed at the time. The plaintiffs lawyers plan to later seek unspecified legal fees payable by Google.

With inputs from Reuters
The introduction of the new visa terminal signifies a diplomatic stride towards fostering closer ties between Greece and Turkey, while also aiming to stimulate tourism and economic growth in the region read more

In an effort to alleviate longstanding tensions between Greece and Turkey, officials on the Greek island of Rhodes inaugurated Monday a new vacation visa terminal for Turkish visitors.

The newly introduced limited-access visa allows Turkish citizens to explore 10 Greek islands for up to a week without the need for full access to the European Unions passport-free travel zone, known as the Schengen area.

Both NATO members, Greece and Turkey, embarked on several diplomatic initiatives last year to address decades-old disputes, primarily revolving around sea boundaries and mineral rights in the Aegean Sea, with a renewed focus on enhancing trade relations.

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In a significant move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in December, culminating in the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements in Athens.

Mitsotakis is set to reciprocate the gesture by visiting Turkey next month. Highlighting the year-round availability of the express visa, Mitsotakis highlighted its potential to bolster tourism in regions and during periods with lower traffic, thereby contributing to the local economies.

The introduction of the new visa terminal signifies a diplomatic stride towards fostering closer ties between Greece and Turkey, while also aiming to stimulate tourism and economic growth in the region.

Granted at participating Greek ports, the new visa will cost 60 euros and will include a passport check and fingerprint recording, while visitors will not be allowed to travel onto other EU member states, Greek officials said.

The new system is ready and there is a lot of demand from Turkish visitors. But there were no boats scheduled to arrive today. We will have arrivals later this week, Vassilis Vayiannakis, head of the Rhodes Port Fund, told the AP.

The islands in the vacation visa programme all lie near the Turkish coastline and also include Lesbos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi and Kastellorizo, with the smaller islands due to join in June.

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Turkiye has long sought more relaxed travel rules for its citizens visiting the EU in exchange for its cooperation with member states of the bloc that include efforts to curb illegal immigration. Tourism is a vital industry for the Greek economy. The country welcomed 32.7 million visitors last year, raising 20.5 billion euros, according to central bank data.

With inputs from The Associated Press
According to the report, authorities were pursuing the remaining members of the force after six of them, who were escorting relief vehicles over the Rafah border with Egypt, were taken into custody read more

A general view of the North Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Israel. Reuters File

According to the interior ministry operated by Hamas in Gaza, the Islamist organisation Hamas accused competitors with the Palestinian Authority of deploying security officials into northern Gaza while posing as relief truck drivers.

An employee of the Palestinian Authority refuted the charges made by Hamas.

Majed Faraj, the chief of intelligence for the Palestinian Authority, oversaw the forces mission, a senior official from the Hamas interior ministry informed Al-Aqsa TV.

According to the report, authorities were pursuing the remaining members of the force after six of them, who were escorting relief vehicles over the Rafah border with Egypt, were taken into custody.

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The suspicious security force that entered yesterday with Egyptian Crescent trucks coordinated its operations entirely with the (Israeli) occupation forces, the Hamas official said, without providing evidence. The Red Crescent is the Islamic equivalent of the Red Cross.

The statement by the so-called Hamas interior ministry over the aid entry into Gaza Strip is incorrect, a Palestinian Authority official in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said in a statement.

The official, referring to the Israel-Hamas conflict, said the authority wasnt interested in an exchange of media comments that would divert attention from the suffering of our people in Gaza Strip, and the killing, starvation, and displacement they are living through.

The statement posted by Hamas Al-Aqsa TV on its Telegram accounts said police officers and fighters of militant factions were instructed to treat any forces that entered Gaza without coordination with them as an occupation force.

Hamas seized control in Gaza in 2007, a year after sweeping elections, following a brief civil war with Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces, reducing the PAs rule to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Efforts to reconcile the two sides have so far failed over thorny power-sharing issues.

Hamas leaders vowed any attempt to exclude the group from Gaza rule after the war ended was delusional.
Earlier, authorities did not identify the suspect but later confirmed that it was Haniyes sister and said that she is suspected of having contact with Hamas operatives and identifying with the organisation, while inciting and supporting acts of terrorism in Israel read more

The family of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh seems to be paying the price of his crimes in Israel as his sister, Sabah Abdel Salam Haniyeh, was arrested by the Israeli police on Monday in connection to a terror probe.

An Israeli citizen, Sabah Haniyeh, was taken into custody in the town of Tel Sheva as part of an investigation also involving Israels security agency Shin Bet.

Earlier, authorities did not identify the suspect but later confirmed that it was Haniyes sister and said that she is suspected of having contact with Hamas operatives and identifying with the organisation, while inciting and supporting acts of terrorism in Israel.

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Police said they found in the 57-year-olds house documents, media, telephones, other findings and evidence linking her to the commission of serious security offences against the State of Israel.

Who is Sabah Haniyeh?

One of Ismail Haniyehs eight sisters, Sabah has been on the wrong side of the law before too. Earlier, Sabah and her sister Leila Abu Rkaik, both Israeli citizens, were sentenced to eight months in jail for illegally crossing into Gaza from Egypt.

Sabah lives in Tel Sheva and is a widow.

Haniyehs family members die

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who lives in Doha, has lost several family members in the Israel-Hamas war.

Last year, as many as 14 members of Haniyehs family were caught up in the crossfire, including his brother and nephew.

The Israel Defence Forces bombed Haniyes house in the Al-Shathi neighborhood in northern Gaza. It is however not clear whether any of his family members were at home when the strike occurred.
A five-year-long probe has revealed that Russian assassination unit GRU 29155 was allegedly responsible for the spread of Havana Syndrome among US officials read more

Amid the brewing tensions between Russia and the United States, an investigative report stated that a secretive Russian assassination unit may have been responsible for the Havana Syndrome. The mysterious and debilitating sickness has impacted several US diplomats, spies, contractors and their families in the past.

The revelation was made in a five-year-long probe conducted by The Insider, an independent Russian investigative website, the German news magazine Der Spiegel and the CBS documentary series 60 Minutes.

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The investigative report pinned the blame on Russias GRU Unit 29155 and accused the group of using supersonic weapons and radio frequencies to target the brains of their victims. The information came in contrast to what the US intelligence agencies have said on the matter. Last year, the intelligence body maintained that it is unlikely a foreign adversary was responsible for the phenomena.

In light of this, victims, their lawyers and Greg Edgreen, a recently retired Army lieutenant colonel have also accused the American intelligence community of covering up the Russian involvement.

Edgreen, who ran the Defense Intelligence Agency investigation into Havana Syndrome from 2021 to 2023, told CBS that the Russian President Vladimir Putin regime has been attacking the United States in various ways, some of which are not known to the public.

The US official also stated that the top 5-10 per cent of performing officers across the agency had been impacted by the Havan Syndrome.

According to Edgreen, one thing common among the top officials who contracted the disease was the fact that they had worked against Russia, focused on Russia, and done extremely well."

In March this year, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducted an extensive study into Havana Syndrome and noted that they could not find any sort of clinical explanation of the disease. So what exactly is Havana Syndrome?

What is Havana Syndrome?

Victims of the Havana Syndrome have suffered an array of mysterious health issues that included, hearing loss, insomnia, memory loss, poor balance and inability to concentrate.

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The phenomenon was dubbed Havana Syndrome after multiple American staff at the US Embassy in Cuba started falling sick in late 2016. However, the latest evidence suggests that the first cases date back to 2014 when four Americans stationed in Frankfurt reported similar symptoms.

Some complaints were also made later that year by CIA officers who were stationed in Ukraine.

As of now, over 100 American officials in the US and stationed abroad  have suffered what have been officially classified as anomalous health incidents.

One of the known victims included Olivia Troye, who was Homeland Security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence. It was like this piercing feeling on the side of my head. It was like, I remember it was on the right side of my head and I, I got like vertigo, Troye told 60 Minutes, recalling the time she was impacted by the disease.

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Kremlin rejects the report

Hours after the information stirred major headlines around the globe, Russia dismissed the report. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, on Monday, accused the press of exaggerating the matter and hurling false accusations towards Russia.

This is not a new topic at all; for many years the topic of the so-called Havana Syndrome has been exaggerated in the press, and from the very beginning it was linked to accusations against the Russian side, Peskov told reporters during a regular press briefing, Reuters reported.

But no one has ever published or expressed any convincing evidence of these unfounded accusations anywhere. Therefore, all this is nothing more than baseless, unfounded accusations by the media, he added.

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Meanwhile, the FBI, the White House and the US State Department are yet to respond on the matter.
According to the RBIs statement, the total value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation stood at Rs 3.56 lakh crore on May 19, 2023, when the withdrawal was initiated. This figure has now declined to Rs 8,202 crore as of March 29, 2024 read more

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced Monday that nearly 97.69% of the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes have been returned to the banking system, leaving only Rs 8,202 crore worth of the withdrawn notes still in circulation among the public.

The withdrawal of Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation was announced by the RBI on May 19, 2023.

According to the RBIs statement, the total value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation stood at Rs 3.56 lakh crore on May 19, 2023, when the withdrawal was initiated. This figure has now declined to Rs 8,202 crore as of March 29, 2024.

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The statement further noted, Thus, 97.69% of the Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have been returned.

Despite the withdrawal, Rs 2,000 banknotes remain legal tender. Individuals have the option to deposit and/or exchange Rs 2000 banknotes at 19 RBI offices nationwide.

Additionally, they can send Rs 2000 banknotes through India Post from any post office to any RBI Issue Office for crediting to their bank accounts in India.

Public and private entities holding such notes were initially asked to either exchange or deposit them in bank accounts by September 30, 2023. The deadline was later extended to October 7, 2023. Deposit and exchange services at bank branches were discontinued on October 7, 2023.

Starting October 8, 2023, individuals have been provided with the choice of either exchanging the currency or having the equivalent sum credited to their bank accounts at the 19 offices of the RBI.

The 19 RBI offices depositing/exchanging the bank notes are in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna and Thiruvananthapuram.

The Rs 2000 bank notes were introduced in November 2016, following the demonetisation of the then-prevailing Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 bank notes.

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With inputs from PTI
By Yoon Ja-young

JB Financial Group signed a strategic investment agreement with OKXE, a used motorcycle transaction platform in Vietnam, the financial group announced Monday.

The financial group said it will hold a stake of around 8 percent in OKXE after the joint acquisition of the shares by JB Financial and JB Investment.

It is the groups second investment in the Vietnamese fintech industry following a strategic investment deal with Infina, a Vietnamese financial platform, on March 6. JB said that it aims to bolster its securities operation in Vietnam through a strategic partnership with the mobility platform.

In 2020, OKXE launched the online used motorcycle transaction platform, which was the first in the country where motorbikes are a popular method of transportation.

It gained popularity as it eliminated the inconvenience of offline transactions by enabling fast and simple online trading. The number of its customers has grown steeply in a short period of time. The number of users stands at around 8 million as of the end of 2023, making it one of the major platforms in Vietnam with around 2,000 partnered dealers.

JB Financial Group said that JB Securities Vietnam, its brokerage affiliate in Vietnam, will expand the customer base through collaboration with OKXE, including joint promotion and marketing, both online and offline.

It also plans to use it as a channel to advance into consumer financing in Vietnam. The company also plans to seek new synergy in OKXEs advancement into the Cambodian market through collaboration in finance.

OKXE has been securing a competitive edge by offering services integrating online and offline in the motorbike market which is among daily necessities in Vietnam, OKXE CEO Kim Woo-seok said.

Based on investment by JB Financial Group, we will work as a bridge between the ecosystems of finance and motorbike and expand to other Southeast Asian countries.

JB Financial Group Chairman Kim Ki-hong said, The strategic partnership with OKXE is meaningful in that we created a mutual growth model by investing in a fintech startup. We will not only expand our customer base in the Vietnamese brokerage [industry] but also try to jointly advance into other markets.
This bill, which was approved by a vote of 70 to 10, permits international networks to close their operations in Israel while simultaneously prohibiting the transmission of their programming read more

Al Jazeera has categorically refuted the allegations and charged that Israel is deliberately pursuing its staff members in the Gaza Strip Image Courtesy AFP

A bill granting senior ministers the power to prohibit news station Al Jazeeras broadcasts from entering Israel was passed by the Israeli parliament on Monday. Premier Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to implement this measure.

This bill, which was approved by a vote of 70 to 10, permits international networks to close their operations in Israel while simultaneously prohibiting the transmission of their programming.

After the law is passed, Netanyahu has promised to take immediate action to shut down Al Jazeera in Israel.

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When an airstrike in Gaza killed a freelance journalist and a staff journalist for Al Jazeera, Israel had declared that they were terror operatives in January.

It was reported the next month that one of the channels journalists who had been injured in an unrelated attack was a deputy company commander for Hamas.

Since October, Israeli forces have been engaged in combat with Hamas in Gaza.

Al Jazeera has categorically refuted the allegations and charged that Israel is deliberately pursuing its staff members in the Gaza Strip.

Last month, the law that would allow officials to suppress foreign media that is thought to jeopardize national security cleared its first parliamentary obstacle.

According to Netanyahus Likud party, he requested that the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, ensure that the law to close Al Jazeera will be approved this evening.

Wael al-Dahdouh, the head of Al Jazeeras bureau in the Palestinian territory, was also hurt in the December Israeli strike that claimed the life of the networks cameraman.

According to Israeli official estimates, the militant groups October 7 attack in Israel resulted in roughly 1,160 casualties, largely civilians. This marked the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas.

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The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza claims that at least 32,845 Palestinians have died as a result of Israels retaliatory campaign, the majority of them were women and children.

US expresses concern
While there was no immediate comment from Israel, the incident is likely to fuel further tensions, especially as Israel has intensified its attacks on Iran-linked militant groups during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza read more

Emergency and security personnel gather at the site of strikes which hit a building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital Damascus, on April 1, 2024. AFP

Tensions escalated in the Middle East as Israeli airstrikes struck an annex of the Iranian consulate in Syrias capital on Monday, according to state media.

The attack, which marks the fifth strike in eight days in Syria, killed eight people, including a senior commander from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi.

The Israeli strikes come amid heightened regional tensions, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While there was no immediate comment from Israel, the incident is likely to fuel further tensions, especially as Israel has intensified its attacks on Iran-linked militant groups during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

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Syrias official news agency, SANA, reported that the Israeli attack targeted the Iranian consulate building in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus. Correspondents at the scene confirmed the destruction of the annex adjacent to the embassy, located in an upscale area of Damascus.

The strikes underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Syrias President Bashar al-Assad enjoying support from Iran and its allies. The targeting of Iranian facilities by Israel adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict and raises concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.

AFP images showed a pile of rubble about two stories high beside a fenced compound.

Iranian media also reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building, and that the ambassador was unharmed.

Hossein Akbari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, and his family were not harmed in the Israeli attack, Irans Nour news agency said.

Britain-based group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said: Israeli missiles destroyed the building of an annex to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, killing six people, in an initial toll it quickly raised to eight.

Syrias defence ministry said there were many wounded, killed in an Israeli strike, and the Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad denounced the attack after visiting the site.

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We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack that targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus killing a number of innocent people, Mekdad said in a statement carried by SANA.

SANA earlier reported that our air defence systems confronted enemy targets in the vicinity of Damascus.

Israeli strikes on targets in Syria, mostly Syrian army positions as well as Iran-backed combatants including fighters from Lebanons Hezbollah movement, have intensified since October when Israel began fighting Hezbollah-allied Hamas militants in the Gaza strip.

Both Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran, Israels arch enemy.

Hezbollah and Israeli forces have exchanged near-daily fire along the Lebanese border.

The incident in Damascus came three days after the Observatory reported Israeli strikes that killed 53 people in Syria, including 38 soldiers and seven members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

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It was the highest Syrian army toll in Israeli strikes since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, said the monitor.

Syria and Lebanon have become one extended battleground from the Israeli perspective, Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, told AFP after the Friday strikes.

Israel warplanes hit targets in both countries almost daily in a sustained effort to destroy Hezbollah military infrastructure and to also tarnish the groups image, he said.

Israeli strikes have clearly escalated in size and depth in Lebanon, he added.

With inputs from AFP
Following the procedure on Sunday night, which was widely followed as the Gaza Strip battle with Hamas approaches six months, Netanyahus office released a statement saying he was in good shape and beginning to recover read more

According to news released on Monday by his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had successful hernia surgery.

Following the procedure on Sunday night, which was widely followed as the Gaza Strip battle with Hamas approaches six months, Netanyahus office released a statement saying he was in good shape and beginning to recover.

Following discussions, the decision was taken for the prime to have surgery following his regular schedule after the doctors found the hernia on Saturday during a routine examination, according to his office.

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On Sunday night, thousands of Israelis protested in Jerusalem, demanding the resignation of Netanyahu and the release of Israeli captives detained in Gaza.

The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamass attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israels retaliatory campaign has so far killed at least 32,782 people, mostly women and children, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Sunday.
The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs disclosed the list of altered names in Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan and a region of South Tibet read more

Jaishankar had declared last month that Arunachal is an inherent part of India and called China's claim to the province "ludicrous" Image Courtesy AP

Following the Communist countrys issuance of a fourth list containing thirty additional names for various locations in the northeastern state, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar denied Chinas claim to Arunachal Pradesh on Monday.

If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effectOur army is deployed there (Line of Actual Control), the minister was quoted as saying by ANI.

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The Global Times said that earlier in the day, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs disclosed the list of altered names in Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan and a region of South Tibet.

Thirty more names for the area were listed on the ministrys official website. The implementation procedures are outlined in Article 13 and are scheduled to go into effect on May 1. According to the report, place names in foreign languages that may harm Chinas territorial claims and sovereignty rights shall not be directly quoted or translated without authorization.

Jaishankar had declared last month that Arunachal is an inherent part of India and called Chinas claim to the province ludicrous.

This problem is not brand-new. China, that is, has asserted and broadened its claim. The claims are ridiculous from the beginning and they are ridiculous now, he had said.

So, I think weve been very clear, very consistent on this. And I think you know that is something which will be part of the boundary discussions which are taking place, he added.

The US declaration acknowledging Arunachal Pradesh as a part of Indian territory had infuriated China as well.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pointed out that even the opposition leaders wives saris are Indian. Her shutting down the India Out campaign was reminiscent of what happened in Maldives read more

The India Out campaign run by the opposition in Bangladesh received a strong reality check. The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has been stoking anti-India sentiment in the country in a bid to stay relevant and make electoral gains. Their campaign has been centred around boycotting made-in-India products.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, known for maintaining close ties with New Delhi, shut the lot down quickly.

When they burn their wives Indian saris

Last week, on Bangladeshs Independence Day on March 26, Hasina lashed out at BNP for their India Out campaign.

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Hitting out at the opposition, she asked them to get rid of Indian products in their homes first before calling for boycotts.

How many Indian saris do their wives have? she asked.

Hasina said that when the opposition leaders burn their wives Indian saris in front of their party office, only then will it be proven that they are truly committed to boycotting Indian products.

The swift shutting down of the malicious campaign against Indian influence in the country is reminiscent of what happened in Maldives.

Mohamed Muizzus India Out campaign

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzus party, Peoples National Congress, pressed hard on an India out campaign. Muizzu himself actively projected New Delhi as a hegemon. He has repeatedly called India a bully and asked Indian troops to leave Maldives as well.

With this, Muizzu managed to strike a nationalist chord and reaped its political benefits. He also aligned himself with China and Xi Jinping.

The U-turn

Then came his U-turn on the entire affair. India went from being a bully and a regional hegemon to a great friend. Muizzu told a local publication that India will continue to remain the Maldives closest ally, there is no question about it.

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His change of heart was likely spurred by a reality check that the Maldives financial situation gave him. According to one report, at the end of 2023, the country owed India around $400.9 million.

With the Maldivian economy weighed down by significant loans from India, Muizzu requested more lenient terms for loan repayments to relieve the financial pressure on his nation.

With inputs from agencies
The first mention of Havana Syndrome occurred in 2016, when US diplomats stationed in the Cuban capital reported feeling unwell and hearing piercing noises at night. This led to concerns about a potential foreign strike utilizing an unidentified sonar weapon read more

In charge of global operations, Russia's 29155 unit has been linked to a number of international crises, including the attempt in 2018 to poison defector Sergei Skripal in Britain

A collaborative media investigation revealed on Monday links a Russian intelligence unit to the odd symptoms of Havana Syndrome that have affected US diplomats in recent years.

The first mention of Havana Syndrome occurred in 2016, when US diplomats stationed in the Cuban capital reported feeling unwell and hearing piercing noises at night. This led to concerns about a potential foreign strike utilizing an unidentified sonar weapon.

Later, embassy personnel in China, Europe, and the US capital Washington reported additional symptoms, such as bloody noses, headaches, and visual issues.

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The Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBSs 60 Minutes jointly reported that the ambassadors might have been the target of Russian sonic weapons.

The year-long inquiry uncovered evidence suggesting that unexplained anomalous health incidents, also known as Havana Syndrome, may have their origin in the use of directed energy weapons wielded by members of (the Russian GRU) Unit 29155, according to the study.

In charge of global operations, Russias 29155 unit has been linked to a number of international crises, including the attempt in 2018 to poison defector Sergei Skripal in Britain.

On Monday, Moscow rejected the accusations as groundless.

This topic has been talked up in the press for many years already. And from the very beginning most often its linked to the Russian side, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference.

But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation, he said.

Washington closed its Havana immigration office in 2018 under a US policy shift toward Cuba and also in response to fears at the time that the Havana Syndrome" was a result of a microwave or other electronic attack.

US intelligence also said in 2022 that intense directed energy from an external source could have caused some cases of Havana Syndrome, officially known as anomalous health incidents (AHIs).

But intelligence agencies concluded in March 2023 that there is no credible evidence that a foreign adversary has a weapon or collection device that is causing AHIs.

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Washington announced the reopening of its immigration office in Havana in August 2023.

The joint investigation suggests the first cases of Havana Syndrome may have occurred in Germany two years earlier than the cases reported in Havana in 2016 that gave the syndrome its name.

There were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a US government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam, the report said.

The New Yorker reported in July 2021 that about two dozen US intelligence officers, diplomats and other government officials in Austria had reported problems similar to the Havana Syndrome since President Joe Biden took office the same year.

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The United States deployed medical and scientific experts to study the alleged attacks and those affected have been extensively examined to try to understand their afflictions.

(Wth agency inputs)
Supporters argue that the legislation will foster tolerance in Scotland. However, skepticism remains, with the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents cautioning against potential misuse read more

Scotlands contentious new hate crime law has been implemented, sparking concerns over potential limitations on free expression. According to a Holyrood minister, individuals could face investigation for misgendering others online under these laws.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, which came into effect on April 1st, aims to address the harm caused by prejudice and hatred. However, critics argue that it might suppress free speech and could be exploited for personal vendettas.

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This legislation consolidates existing laws while introducing new measures to combat threatening or abusive behavior aimed at stirring up hatred based on various characteristics like age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity.

Notably, it excludes sex as a standalone offense, with separate legislation anticipated in the future.

When questioned about the legality of misgendering online under the new law, Siobhian Brown MSP, the minister for victims and community safety, stated that it could potentially lead to police investigation, emphasising a high threshold for criminality.

First Minister Humza Yousaf defended the law, highlighting the need to address pervasive hatred in society. He assured that police would handle hate-related matters diligently while safeguarding freedom of expression.

These laws stem from an independent review by Lord Bracadale, advocating for specific offenses against stirring up hatred. Despite being passed by a majority in the Scottish parliament, notable figures like JK Rowling and Elon Musk have criticised the act, citing concerns over free speech erosion.

Supporters argue that the legislation will foster tolerance in Scotland. However, skepticism remains, with the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents cautioning against potential misuse.

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Campaign groups, such as For Women Scotland, express apprehension over vague provisions, anticipating a surge in malicious reports. They fear that individuals may exploit the law for personal gain or political motives.

Police Scotland has pledged to investigate all hate complaints, underlining the importance of safeguarding communities. Despite assurances from officials, opposition parties, like the Scottish Conservatives,

demand the repeal of the act, redirecting resources to frontline policing.

As debates intensify, Minister Siobhian Brown reiterates the governments commitment to creating safer communities while ensuring protections for freedom of expression. She underscores the legislations rigorous criteria for criminality, emphasising its role in tackling harm caused by hatred and prejudice.
Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran, a source said, according to a report read more

Rescuers work to extinguish fire at the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue following a shooting incident, outside Moscow, Russia, on 22 March, 2024. Reuters File

Iran alerted Russia about a potential large-scale terrorist operation on Russian soil before the concert hall massacre near Moscow last month, according to a Reuters report, citing three sources familiar with the situation.

During the deadliest attack in Russia in two decades, gunmen armed with automatic weapons opened fire on concert attendees at Crocus City Hall on March 22, resulting in the deaths of at least 144 people. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the violence.

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Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran, Reuters quoted a source as saying.

The United States also provided a warning to Russia prior to the attack, indicating a probable militant Islamist assault. However, due to Moscows deep-seated distrust of Washingtons motives, this intelligence was downplayed.

Conversely, Russia finds it more challenging to disregard intelligence from its diplomatic ally Iran regarding the attack. This incident has prompted inquiries into the effectiveness of Russian security services. Despite being under Western sanctions, both Moscow and Tehran have strengthened military and other forms of cooperation, particularly during the ongoing two-year conflict in Ukraine.

Iran arrested 35 people in January, including a commander of Islamic States Afghanistan-based branch ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), who it said were linked to twin bombings on 3 January in the city of Kerman that killed nearly 100 people.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Iran blasts, the bloodiest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. US intelligence sources said ISIS-K had carried out both the 3 January attacks in Iran and the March 22 shootings in Moscow.

Islamic State once occupied large swathes of Iraq and Syria, imposing a reign of terror and inspiring lone wolf attacks in Western countries, but was declared territorially defeated in 2017.

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However ISIS-K, one of its most fearsome branches, has raised the groups profile again with large-scale bloodshed.

ISIS-K, named after an old term for a region that encompassed parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014 and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.

Significant operation

A second source, who also requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the information Tehran provided to Moscow about an impending attack had lacked specific details regarding timing and the exact target.

They (the members of ISIS-K) were instructed to prepare for a significant operation in Russia One of the terrorists (arrested in Iran) said some members of the group had already travelled to Russia, Reuters quoted the second source as saying.

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A third source, a senior security official, said: As Iran has been a victim of terror attacks for years, Iranian authorities fulfilled their obligation to alert Moscow based on information acquired from those arrested terrorists.

Asked about the Reuters report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday: I do not know anything about this.

Irans foreign ministry did not reply to a request for comment on this story. The White House had no comment on the matter.

A source familiar with the U.S. intelligence on an impending attack in Russia said it was based on interceptions of chatter among ISIS-K militants.

Challenging the U.S. assertions, Russia has said it believes Ukraine was linked to the attack, without providing evidence. Kyiv has strongly denied the assertion.

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Tajik nationals

The attacks in Kerman and near Moscow both involved Tajik nationals. ISIS-K has aggressively recruited from the impoverished former Soviet republic of Tajikistan, security experts say.

Sources said Iran had discussed its security concerns with Tajikistan. A diplomatic source in Tajikistan confirmed that Tehran had recently discussed with Dushanbe the issue of increased involvement of ethnic Tajiks in militant activities.

Islamic State harbours a virulent hatred for Shiites  Irans dominant sect and also the target of its affiliates attacks in Afghanistan. The hardline Sunni Muslim group views Shiites as apostates.

In 2022 Islamic State claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Shiite shrine in Iran that killed 13 people. Tehran identified the attacker as a Tajik national.

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Earlier attacks claimed by Islamic State include twin bombings in 2017 that targeted Irans parliament and the tomb of the Islamic Republics founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

With inputs from agencies
According to a police spokesman who spoke to AFP, the suspect was believed to be 19 years old and from Hebron in the West Bank read more

According to a police spokeswoman, the local police "neutralised" the "terrorist" after he had "stabbed three people" with two knives. X/@Mdais

Emergency services said that on Sunday, a man attacked a shopping centre close to the Israeli town of Ashdod with a knife, stabbing and wounding three persons.

According to a police spokesperson, the local police neutralised the terrorist after he had stabbed three people with two knives. Whether this indicated the attacker was dead was not stated by the official.

According to a post on X, previously Twitter, Zaki Heller, spokesman for Magen David Adom, the Israeli Red Cross, reported that the attack happened in the Friendly Mall in Gan Yavne, a neighbourhood close to Ashdod.

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Paramedics are treating three casualties, some in serious condition, he said, adding that they had been taken to Assuta hospital at Ashdod.

According to a police spokesman who spoke to AFP, the suspect was believed to be 19 years old and from Hebron in the West Bank.

Over the past several weeks, Israel has seen a number of similar incidents, one of which occurred earlier on Sunday at a bus terminal in the southern city of Beersheva.

Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which ignited the Gaza War, there have been other attacks throughout Israel and the occupied West Bank.

According to an AFP count of Israeli government data, the historic Hamas strike in Israel claimed the lives of almost 1,160 individuals, the majority of whom were civilians.

According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, Israels retaliatory attack has killed at least 32,782 Palestinians so far, the majority of them being women and children on Sunday.
As he runs for president a third time, Trump has increased his attacks on immigrants in speeches and online postings, characterising them as dangerous criminals who are poisoning the blood of the United States read more

The video, which was posted by the previous president Donald Trump, includes footage of migrants allegedly entering the US from China, Cameroon, and Afghanistan as well as soundtrack from horror films. Videos of violent crimes and shots of tattooed guys are juxtaposed with close-ups of individuals waving and covering themselves with American flags.

Theyre coming by the thousands, Trump says in the video, posted on his social media site. We will secure our borders. And we will restore sovereignty.

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As he runs for president a third time, Trump has increased his attacks on immigrants in speeches and online postings, characterising them as dangerous criminals who are poisoning the blood of the United States. His rhetoric, which focuses on racial and national identity issues at the core of the country, frequently uses exaggerations regarding migration. However, it still strikes a chord with a lot of his core followers from a decade ago, when his rallies started to be met with cries of build the wall.

Different perspectives on the border are held by President Joe Biden and his friends. The Democrat attacks Republicans in Washington for pulling out of a border security agreement after receiving criticism from Trump, painting the issue as a disagreement over policy that Congress can resolve.

But in a potentially worrying sign for Biden, Trumps message appears to be resonating with key elements of the Democratic coalition that Biden will need to win over this November.

Roughly two-thirds of Americans now disapprove of how Biden is handling border security, including about 4 in 10 Democrats, 55% of Black adults and 73% of Hispanic adults, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in March.

A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 45% of Americans described the situation as a crisis, while another 32% said it was a major problem.

Vetress Boyce, a Chicago-based racial justice activist, was among those who expressed frustration with Bidens immigration policies and the citys approach as it tries to shelter newly arriving migrants. She argued Democrats should be focusing on economic investment in Black communities, not newcomers.

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Theyre sending us people who are starving, the same way Blacks are starving in this country. Theyre sending us people who want to escape the conditions and come here for a better lifestyle when the ones here are suffering and have been suffering for over 100 years, Boyce said. That recipe is a mixture for disaster. Its a disaster just waiting to happen.

Gracie Martinez is a 52-year-old Hispanic small business owner from Eagle Pass, Texas, the border town that Trump visited in February when he and Biden made same-day trips to the state. Martinez said she once voted for former President Barack Obama and is still a Democrat, but now backs Trump  mainly because of the border.

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Its horrible, she said. Its tons and tons of people and theyre giving them medical and money, phones, she said, complaining those who went through the legal immigration system are treated worse.

Priscilla Hesles, 55, a teacher who lives in Eagle Pass, Texas, described the current situation as almost an overtaking that had changed the town.

We dont know where theyre hiding. We dont know where theyve infiltrated into and where are they going to come out of, said Hesles, who said she used to take an evening walk to a local church, but stopped after she was shaken by an encounter with a group of men she alleged were migrants.

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Immigration will almost certainly be one of the central issues in Novembers election, with both sides spending the next six months trying to paint the other as wrong on border security.

The presidents reelection campaign recently launched a $30 million ad campaign targeting Latino audiences in key swing states that includes a digital ad in English and Spanish highlighting Trumps past description of Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists.

The White House has also mulled a series of executive actions that could drastically tighten immigration restrictions, effectively going around Congress after it failed to pass the bipartisan deal Biden endorsed.

Trump is a fraud who is only out for himself, said Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz. We will make sure voters know that this November.

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Trump will campaign Tuesday in Wisconsin and Michigan this week, where he is expected to again tear into Biden on immigration. His campaign said his event in the western Michigan city of Grand Rapids will focus on what it alleged was Bidens Border Bloodbath.

The former president calls recent record-high arrests for southwest border crossings an invasion orchestrated by Democrats to transform Americas very makeup. Trump accuses Biden of purposely allowing criminals and potential terrorists to enter the country unchecked, going so far as to claim the president is engaged in a conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America.

He also casts migrants  many of them women and children escaping poverty and violence  as " poisoning the blood " of America with drugs and disease and claimed some are not people. Experts who study extremism warn against using dehumanizing language in describing migrants.

There is no evidence that foreign governments are emptying their jails or mental asylums as Trump says. And while conservative news coverage has been dominated by several high-profile and heinous crimes allegedly committed by people in the country illegally, the latest FBI statistics show overall violent crime in the US dropped again last year, continuing a downward trend after a pandemic-era spike.

Studies have also found that people living in the country illegally are far less likely than native-born Americans to have been arrested for violent, drug and property crimes.

Certainly the last several months have demonstrated a clear shift in political support, said Krish OMara Vignarajah, president and CEO of the immigrant resettlement group Global Refuge and a former Obama administration and State Department official.

I think that relates to the rhetoric of the past several years, she said, and just this dynamic of being outmatched by a loud, extreme of xenophobic rhetoric that hasnt been countered with reality and the facts on the ground.

Part of what has made the border such a salient issue is that its impact is being felt far from the border.

Trump allies, most notably Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, have used state-funded buses to send more than 100,000 migrants to Democratic-led cities like New York, Denver and Chicago, where Democrats will hold this summers convention. While the program was initially dismissed as a publicity stunt, the influx has strained city budgets and left local leaders scrambling to provide emergency housing and medical care for new groups of migrants.

Local news coverage, meanwhile, has often been negative. Viewers have seen migrants blamed for everything from a string of gang-related New Jersey robberies to burglary rings targeting retail stores in suburban Philadelphia to measles cases in parts of Arizona and Illinois.

Abbott has deployed the Texas National Guard to the border, placed concertina wire along parts of the Rio Grande in defiance of US Supreme Court orders, and has argued his state should be able to enforce its own immigration laws.

Some far-right internet sites have begun pointing to Abbotts actions as the first salvo in a coming civil war. And Russia has also helped spread and amplify misleading and incendiary content about US immigration and border security as part of its broader efforts to polarize Americans. A recent analysis by the firm Logically, which tracks Russian disinformation, found online influencers and social media accounts linked to the Kremlin have seized on the idea of a new civil war and efforts by states like Texas to secede from the union.

Amy Cooter, who directs research at the Center on Terrorism, Extremism and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, worries the current wave of civil war talk will only increase as the election nears. So far, it has generally been limited to far-right message boards. But immigration is enough of a concern generally that its political potency is intensified, Cooter said.

Non-extremist Americans are worried about this, too, she said. Its about culture and perceptions about who is an American.

In the meantime, there are people like Rudy Menchaca, an Eagle Pass bar owner who also works for a company that imports Corona beer from Mexico and blamed the problems at the border for hurting business.

Menchaca is the kind of Hispanic voter Biden is counting on to back his reelection bid. The 27-year-old said he was never a fan of Trumps rhetoric and how he portrayed Hispanics and Mexicans. Were not all like that, he said.

But he also said he was warming to the idea of backing the former president because of the reality on the ground.

I need those soldiers to be around if I have my business, Menchaca said of Texas forces dispatched to the border. The bad ones that come in could break in.
By Lee Yeon-woo

Major banks have initiated measures to ensure smooth resolutions to compensate investors who suffered substantial losses from Hong Kong-tied equity-linked securities (ELS), following the lenders' acceptance of dispute resolution guidelines set by financial authorities.

Through a series of board meetings, the banks are strengthening their internal teams and establishing advisory groups including outside experts.

According to sources, Monday, major banks will initiate in April compensation for investors who have incurred significant losses from investing in ELS linked to the performance of the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index.

Industry watchers estimate the total compensation could reach 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion).

The banking sector is expediting steps to preempt unfavorable outcomes in anticipation of potential sanctions from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) in April. The FSS has identified instances of mis-selling, including cases where banks persuaded risk-averse investors to park their money in high-risk products like ELS. Furthermore, it is believed that some banks encouraged their employees to prioritize selling ELS products by adjusting key performance indicators when evaluating work performance.

Just two days after holding its board meeting, Hana Bank became the first in the banking sector to announce compensatory measures on Friday. The bank established a consultation group and a support team, specifically dedicated to ELS compensation. The consultation group includes outside experts well-versed in financial law and consumer protection.

Woori Bank, which was the first to opt for voluntary compensation, has started reaching out to subscribers with products maturing in April. It formed a special team within its trust department, tasked with examining consumer protection issues and relevant legal regulations.

Other banks, still in the preparation phase, are also accelerating their efforts.

KB Kookmin Bank set up a consultation group to work alongside its existing consumer protection department, enhancing the support process. Similarly, Shinhan Bank formed a consultation group that includes outside experts knowledgeable in financial products. NH Nonghyup Bank and Standard Chartered Bank Korea also established similar teams.

Despite major banks agreeing to voluntary compensation, a smooth resolution with investors appears unlikely. Some investors are steadfast in their refusal to settle, opting instead to await outcomes from the FSS dispute mediation committee or to proceed with individual lawsuits.

Even if investors agree to the compensation guidelines, accepting the voluntary settlement offer could still present significant challenges during the negotiations over compensation percentages. A representative group of ELS investors is pushing for full compensation, citing mis-selling by the banks. The FSS's guidelines are expected to allow compensation that covers 20 to 60 percent of losses, depending on the individual circumstances.

According to data provided by Rep. Oh Gi-hyoung of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, in February alone, there were 1,138 ELS-related dispute resolution requests filed with the FSS.
The US Central Command stated that the drones, which were destroyed early on Saturday morning, were a threat to commerce boats as well as US and partner forces operating in the area read more

The US military announced on Sunday that it had destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle over a vital shipping route in the Red Sea and another in a region of war-torn Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebels. It was the most recent event amid months of hostilities between the US and the rebels supported by Iran.

The US Central Command stated that the drones, which were destroyed early on Saturday morning, were a threat to commerce boats as well as US and partner forces operating in the area.

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One was destroyed over the Red Sea, it was stated, and the second was destroyed on the ground when it was getting ready to take off.

These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels, CENTCOM said.

The Houthi rebels, who rule a large portion of Yemens north and west, did not respond to requests for comment.

In November, the rebels began attacking ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles. They have also attempted to strike Israel with missiles, although most of them either failed or were intercepted.

According to the rebels, the goal of their campaign is to put pressure on Israel to stop its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But for the most part, the ships that the Houthis are targeting have little to no relation to Israel, the US, or other countries that are fighting in the conflict.

Even after more than two months of bombings led by the US, the Houthis have continued their campaign of assaults.

Earlier this month, CENTCOM said its forces also destroyed four unmanned aerial vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. It also said Houthis fired four anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea, but no injuries or damages were reported by US, coalition or commercial ships.

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The escalation in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza impacted the U.N.-led efforts to relaunch political talks to end Yemens yearslong conflict, according to the U.N. envoy for Yemen.

Hans Grundberg told the U.N. Security Council in mid-March that he had hoped to reach an agreement on a nationwide cease-fire in Yemen by the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began early in March.

He warned that Yemen could be propelled back into war, saying that the longer the escalatory environment (in the region) continues, the more challenging Yemens mediation space will become.

The war between the Houthis and pro-government forces backed by a coalition of Gulf Arab states has raged since 2014, when the Houthis swept down from the mountains, seized much of northern Yemen and the countrys capital, Sanaa, and forced the internationally recognized government to flee into exile to Saudi Arabia.

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Since then, more than 150,000 people have been killed by the violence and 3 million have been displaced.

Fighting has decreased markedly in Yemen since a truce in April 2022, but there are still hotspots in the country.
People set dummies depicting Maduro, the socialist candidate for a third six-year term who has presided over the collapse of Venezuelas oil-based economy and become a more dictatorial figure, on fire in neighbourhoods that support the opposition read more

Effigies representing Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who is barred from holding public office, and Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu are burnt during the traditional burning of Judas, as part of the Holy Week celebrations in Caracas, Venezuela. Reuters

As part of an Easter Sunday custom, Venezuelans set fire to dummies that represented either opposition presidential candidates or President Nicolas Maduro, depending on their political stance.

Previously, on this holy day, an effigy of Judas Iscariotthe apostle who, in Christian belief, betrayed Jesus Christwas burnt outside in the streets.

But as time went on, Venezuelans began setting fire to modern icons they detested. This year, the July 28 presidential elections were the talk of the town.

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People set dummies depicting Maduro, the socialist candidate for a third six-year term who has presided over the collapse of Venezuelas oil-based economy and become a more dictatorial figure, on fire in neighbourhoods that support the opposition.

But in areas of Caracas that back the president, people burned likenesses of popular opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who wants to run for president but has been barred by courts loyal to Maduro.

In the working class Candelaria neighborhood, a dummy was burned that had a human size body and a head with two photos  one of Maduro and the other of Manuel Rosales, a veteran politician who filed as an opposition candidate at the last minute and is seen as palatable to the government.

The dummys hands hold symbols of the national election commission and congress, which the opposition accuses of planning to rig the election.

On the body of the dummy is a drawing of a scorpion  the symbol used by Venezuelas opposition to describe candidates like Rosales, who they say only pay lip service to fighting Maduro but actually want to help him by dividing the anti-government vote.

As the dummy, seated in a chair, is doused with gasoline and set aflame, a protester named Carlos Julio Rojas explains why he dislikes Rosales.

He made a gangster pact with the dictatorship, he claims of Rosales. Here there are people suffering without running water or electricity, living on starvation wages.

In Valle, another working class area of Caracas, the atmosphere was different: the Judas dummies that burned represented Machado and even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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They were first put on trial by two actors, one dressed as a clown and the other as a devil.

The clown said Machado is an old-time bourgeois lady who supports US economic sanctions aimed at forcing Maduro out of office.

Traitor, the clown calls her. I will send her to hell.

Machado, 56, said in a video posted Sunday on X that she or the woman she wants to stand in for her, Corina Yoris, might still end up on the ballot.

Yoris was unable to access the online registration portal during the recent filing period  with Machados coalition alleging deliberate interference  so another candidate was provisionally signed up.

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Machado said the opposition has until 10 days before the election to switch their candidate.

Venezuelan laws are very clear, she said.
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has instructed telecom operators to halt USSD-based call forwarding starting April 15, urging them to offer the service through other means.

USSD, a feature enabling users to activate services by dialing specific codes, such as checking IMEI numbers or prepaid balances, will no longer support call forwarding after this date.

Temporary Suspension of USSD based Call Forwarding

The move comes as a preventive measure against fraudulent activities and online crimes carried out via mobile phones. In a notification issued on March 28, the DoT highlighted the misuse of USSD-based call forwarding, specifically the *401# service for unconditional call forwarding.

To address this concern, all licensees are mandated to discontinue USSD-based call forwarding services by April 15, 2024, until further notice. Subscribers currently using this service must switch to alternative methods to activate call forwarding after the specified date.

Rising Cybercrime Concerns

Instances of cybercrimes exploiting USSD-based call forwarding have escalated, prompting the governments intervention.

Criminals deceive individuals by posing as customer service representatives or technical support personnel from telecom providers.

They persuade users to dial *401# followed by a mobile number to purportedly resolve network-related issues, unwittingly activating call forwarding to the fraudsters number.

Governments Cautionary Measures

In January, the Department of Telecommunications cautioned users against responding to malicious calls instructing them to dial *401# followed by an unknown number.

Furthermore, on March 29, the Ministry of Communications issued advisories regarding impersonation scams involving calls purportedly from the DoT and WhatsApp calls from foreign numbers impersonating government officials.

To combat cybercrime effectively, citizens are urged to report fraudulent communications via the Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal.

Additionally, victims of cybercrime or financial fraud are encouraged to seek assistance through the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or the cybercrime website.

In conclusion, the governments directive to discontinue USSD-based call forwarding underscores its commitment to safeguarding citizens against evolving cyber threats.
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Largest thermal power plant in E. Ukraine destroyed in missile attack: Ukraine's power generating company

Xinhua) 10:39, April 01, 2024

KIEV, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Zmiivska thermal power plant (TPP) in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region had been destroyed in a Russian missile attack, the Unian news agency said on Saturday, citing Ukrainian power generating company Centrenergo.

The missile strike on March 22 destroyed all the plant's units and damaged auxiliary equipment, Centrenergo said in a report.

Currently, workers are still clearing the rubble at the site and there is no access to most of the plant's equipment.

On March 22, Russia fired 88 missiles and 63 Shahed combat drones at Ukraine, which Ukrainian authorities described as the largest strike on the country's energy infrastructure to date, said the report.

The Zmiivska TPP, which had a capacity of 2,200 megawatts, is the largest power generating facility in eastern Ukraine, local media reported.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said on March 22 in a statement that the Russian military launched massive missile and drone attacks on energy and military facilities in Ukraine that day, and "all goals of the massive strike have been achieved."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
By Lee Yeon-woo

Financial authorities are set to initiate inspections of MG Community Credit Cooperatives amid an increasing risk of financial instability. This marks the first examination on MG conducted by financial regulatory authorities instead of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which normally supervises the credit union.

Starting on April 8, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), in collaboration with the Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (KFCC), will embark on a roughly two-week-long field inspection of MG Community Credit Cooperatives. The inspection will focus on four cooperatives with significant asset sizes.

This marks the first instance of the FSS tightening its oversight of the credit union since the formation of a consultative group with the interior ministry last July, amid fears of a bank run at the credit union. This initiative addresses criticisms that the interior ministry's supervision of the credit union's financial stability has been inadequate, due largely to a lack of financial expertise.

The Financial Services Commission also intends to establish a specialized team dedicated to the credit union as part of an organizational restructuring scheduled for early April.

The FSS' upcoming inspection will concentrate on MG Community Credit Cooperatives' financial insolvency, particularly noting the concerning trend in its loan delinquency rate. From 1.93 percent in 2021, this rate went up to 3.59 percent in 2022 and increased sharply to 5.07 percent in 2023. Estimates suggest they could have reached 7 percent as of March.

This increase is largely attributed to non-performing loans, especially tied to real estate project financing.

The credit union has also faced criticism following allegations that Yang Moon-seok, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea candidate for the Ansan A-constituency in Gyeonggi Province, received expedited loans from the union. He allegedly invested in real estate using a business loan obtained by his daughter in her 20s in 2021, subsequently earning significant returns.

However, as the KFCC has initiated an internal investigation, the FSS has clarified that its inspection will focus exclusively on assessing the credit union's financial health.

"This approach will be extended to encompass the entire secondary financial sector," an FSS official said.
The head of Korea's financial regulator on Monday urged local banks to continue improving their business practices, saying the government will continue to push for policies that encourage "change and innovation" through competition.

Kim Joo-hyun, chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), made the remark in a meeting with the heads of five commercial banks and one local bank.

"People are demanding a 'change' by the banking sector," he told the meeting, insisting that the people's trust in the financial sector has dwindled sharply due to what he called "repeated financial accidents and unimpressive profit-making."

"Policy efforts to promote 'change and innovation' through competition will continue until the people's call for such a 'change' is met," he added.

The FSC chief commended the banks for taking efforts to move away from mortgage loans-oriented asset management, noting they recently established a 9 trillion-won ($6.7 billion) future energy fund, while doubling their investment limit for venture firms.

"The FSC will join efforts with those of you here to boldly improve the financial system, so that our banks can reach their goals of 'change and innovation'," Kim said. (Yonhap)
North Korea vowed Monday to push for space development and reaffirmed its plan to launch multiple reconnaissance satellites this year after putting its first spy satellite into orbit in November.

Following the launch of the Malligyong-1 last year after two failed attempts in May and August, respectively, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced during a year-end meeting the country plans to place three more spy satellites into orbit this year.

"The successful launch of the reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 last year has brought about substantial progress in national defense capabilities and several launches are expected for this year as well," Pak Kyong-su, vice director of the North's National Aerospace Technology Administration, was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The remark came after a South Korean military source said last week that the North has set up a screen to prevent outsiders from observing its Tongchang-ri satellite launch site, a possible indication that preparations are under way for a satellite launch.

Emphasizing the growing importance of space development, Pak said North Korea has been making efforts to use satellites for various purposes, such as agriculture, land management and disaster prevention.

Pak made the remarks on the anniversary of the establishment of the North's space development agency on April 1, the KCNA said.

South Korea's unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said the government is closely cooperating with the United States to monitor key North Korean facilities for any signs of such launches.

"Regardless of the purposes North Korea claims, any North Korean satellite using ballistic missile technology is a clear violation of U.N. security council resolutions," ministry spokesperson Koo Byung-sam told a regular press briefing Monday. (Yonhap)
Assange faces further wait for appeal against extradition to U.S.

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:32, March 27, 2024

Assange's family and protesters have condemned the court's decision as an assault on press freedom and a shame on democracy.

LONDON, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Wikileaks founder Julian Assange faces a further wait to find out whether he can bring an appeal against his extradition to the United States, the High Court ruled on Tuesday.

According to the ruling, a decision on the appeal has been adjourned to May 20 as the court is seeking assurances from the United States that Assange could rely on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and he would not be sentenced to death if convicted.

"If those assurances are not given, then leave to appeal will be given and there will then be an appeal hearing," a summary of the judgment said.

Speaking outside the High Court in London, Assange's wife Stella Assange said she is "astounded" by the court's decision to delay her husband's appeal.

"What the courts have done has been to invite a political intervention from the United States," she said. "I find this astounding."

Assange is "a political prisoner," she told supporters. "He is a journalist and he is being persecuted because he exposed the true cost of war in human lives."

His case is "a signal to all of you that if you expose the interests that are driving war they will come after you," Stella said as she urged the U.S. government not to submit assurances to the High Court and to drop "this shameful case."

"This is a shame on every democracy," she added.

Dave Putson, a protester outside the High Court holding a banner that reads "Free Julian Assange," said the court's ruling is "a wrong decision."

"I think he should have been freed five years ago. I don't think he should be incarcerated at all," Putson told Xinhua.

Putson described the court's decision as an attack on freedom of the press. "He was exposing war crimes. He wasn't committing war crimes when he was releasing the WikiLeaks information, and he shouldn't be incarcerated for doing journalism."

The protests will continue, he said, "until we can actually get the result that we want and Julian Assange deserves, and press freedom deserves."

Supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange take part in a protest outside the High Court in London, Britain, on March 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the British National Union of Journalists, said the risks to Assange and press freedom "remain stark," despite the delay to the High Court's ruling.

"Assange's prosecution by the United States is for activities that are daily work for investigative journalists -- finding sources with evidence of criminality and helping them to get their stories out into the world," she said. "If Assange is prosecuted, free expression the world over will be damaged."

Assange, 52, is wanted by the United States on allegations of disclosing national defense information following WikiLeaks's publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked military documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars a decade ago, which included an Apache helicopter video footage documenting the U.S. military gunning down Reuters journalists and children in Baghdad's streets in 2007.

He has been held at southeast London's high-security Belmarsh Prison since 2019. Britain approved his extradition to the United States in 2022 under then Home Secretary Priti Patel after a judge initially blocked it on Assange's mental health concerns. Assange and his lawyers have appealed since then.

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By Kwak Yeon-soo

North Korea seems unlikely to stage provocations to interfere in South Korea's general elections on April 10 as it has nothing to gain from doing so following its two-state narrative, according to analysts.

This contradicts Defense Minister Shin Won-siks remarks in January, where he suggested that North Korea might engage in various forms of provocations, including hostile acts both online and offline ahead of the elections, driven by its strategic interests.

Earlier this year, the Institute for National Security Strategy released a report titled "North Korea's Intervention in South Korea's Elections and Prospects," raising concerns that the North might stage provocations for political bargaining.

North Korea has a track record of staging provocations before South Koreas general elections.

It carried out a series of provocations, including a fourth nuclear test in January 2016 and the launch of a long-range missile the following month, ahead of South Korea's general elections in April of that year. It also fired short-range ballistic missiles on four occasions in March alone, just weeks before the general elections in 2020.

On Tuesday, North Korea test-fired an intermediate-range missile into the sea off its eastern coast. It marks the North's third ballistic missile launch of the year following the first on Jan. 14, when it test-fired a solid-fuel hypersonic missile with intermediate range, and the second on March 18, when it fired two short-range ballistic missiles.

A military official said there seems no connection between Pyongyang's latest missile launch and the upcoming elections, adding that bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island or a nuclear test may be significant enough to influence the elections.

Experts said North Koreas intervention ahead of the April 10 general elections is highly unlikely due to a lack of motivation and benefits.

Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), predicted that there is a low chance that North Korea will intervene in the upcoming elections because it recently defined inter-Korean ties as a relationship between two hostile countries.

North Korea recently called South Korea its primary foe and said it will no longer seek reunification with the South. This suggests that it wants to end all relations with South Korea, so it will not meddle in the South's domestic affairs. Why would North Korea, a country that has nothing to do with South Korea, intervene in the elections? he said.

Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at KINU, agreed, saying that North Korea has turned more defensive lately.

If North Korea stages a provocation, it will only consolidate the conservative forces. That is an unwanted result for North Korea because it detests the conservative Yoon Suk Yeol administration, he said.

The North has called Yoon a diplomatic idiot and a guy with a trash-like brain.

Hong also mentioned that Pyongyang will not want to risk its relationship with Moscow and Beijing.

North Korea is forging closer ties with Russia and China. It would want to maintain the growing cooperation between the three countries, rather than degrading its relationships by provoking South Korea and posing a threat to the region. Also, it is unlikely to provoke the United States, especially considering the potential shift in U.S. policy towards North Korea following the presidential election in November, he said.

Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University, also expressed skepticism about North Korea's provocations targeting South Korea. He believes that even if North Korea attempts to intervene, it is unlikely to have any significant influence on the outcome of the elections.

In the past, they did try to intervene in South Koreas elections to support progressive parties that are generally more favorable to the North. But that was during the Kim Jong-il era. The paradigm has completely shifted. Now, there is no motivation or benefit of intervening in the elections, he said. Even if the North stages a provocation, it is unlikely to affect the election results.

Regarding the possibility of North Korea launching more military spy satellites before the election, experts suggested that such actions should be viewed as distinct from attempts to interfere in the electoral process.

North Korea might launch additional military spy satellites before the election, but this is likely part of their broader space development plan, rather than an intentional effort to provoke South Korea, Hong said.

Lim said, North Korea announced it will launch three more military spy satellites this year, so the launches of additional spy satellites should be seen as part of efforts to increase its national defense capabilities rather than being aimed at disrupting South Koreas general elections.

Meanwhile, the National Intelligence Service warned that there is a high possibility that North Korea could unexpectedly conduct military provocations or launch a cyberattack.
Malaysia arrests heavily-armed man suspected of spying for Israel

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 7:37 AM

The Malaysian police have arrested a heavily-armed man on suspicion of spying for Israel, amid the Muslim-majority country's staunch support for Palestinians against the war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

Malaysian Police Inspector-General Razarudin Husain said at a press conference late Friday that the 36-year-old man was apprehended with a cache of handguns and ammunition at a Kuala Lumpur hotel earlier this week.

Husain said the suspect, who was found carrying six handguns and 200 bullets, had arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport from the United Arab Emirates on March 12 using what authorities reported to be a fake French passport.

"He entered Malaysia on March 12 using a French passport, was arrested on March 27 and will be remanded until March 31 for further investigation," the top police official told reporters without naming the suspect. "During the probe, he handed us his Israeli passport."

Husain said police were investigating the possibility that the man could be a member of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, though the suspect claimed to have entered Malaysia to hunt down another Israeli due to a family dispute.

"However, we do not fully trust this narrative as we suspect there may be another agenda," Husain said, adding that the detained man had moved between several hotels during his time in Malaysia.

Stressing that three of the handguns were loaded and ready to fire, Husain said police did not think the suspect was working alone. "He probably has his network and contact here who we have yet to identify."

The top Malaysian police official said investigations were underway to find how the suspect had obtained the weapons, which were purchased in Malaysia and paid for with cryptocurrency.

Authorities were on high alert following the arrest, with security beefed up for Malaysia's king, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other high-level figures, he added.

The Malaysian premier has been a vocal critic of Israel since the regime launched its onslaught on Gaza in October last year. Pro-Palestine Malaysians have also staged mass rallies in the Muslim-majority country's capital and major cities in support of Gazans.

Ibrahim has on several occasions stated that Malaysia views Israel's occupation of Gaza "as illegal under international law and norms."

Malaysia, which has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel, imposed a docking ban on Israeli-owned ships from entering the Southeast Asian country in December following the regime's ground invasion of Gaza.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The regime has also cut off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Israel has killed more than 32,500 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,000 others in Gaza since the begining of its genocidal war on the besieged territory.

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China Spy Agency Fingers Consultancies as Espionage Threat

By William Yang March 31, 2024

China's Ministry of State Security issued a fresh warning this week about overseas spy agencies and what it says are their efforts in recent years to obtain state secrets under the disguise of consulting agencies.

The six-minute video released Thursday on the ministry's official WeChat social media account reenacts what it says was a real case where overseas spy agencies instructed a consulting firm to steal classified information from a Chinese company seeking to invest abroad.

The release of the video comes as Chinese leader Xi Jinping met this week with American CEOs in a bid reassure them that China remains open for business, despite concerns about its economy and worrying signals from the authoritarian government.

Over the past year, foreign investment in China has shrunk as supply chains shift to other countries while Chinese authorities have rolled out a new anti-espionage law and used exit bans to keep business executives and others from leaving the country. It has also carried out raids on consulting and due diligence firms.

During the same period, the Ministry of State Security has ramped up its use of social media to raise the alarm about foreign spies.

Its latest video a the fourth since it launched its social media account last year a has the feel of a spy thriller with dramatic music and fast-paced video elements and graphics.

It tells the story of an executive at a Chinese company who is pressed by a consulting firm representative on a string of questions, including the company's total profit, the technical parameters of its products, and how its products are used by the Air Force.

In a WeChat post released with the video, the ministry warned about the national security risks that consultancy agencies pose.

"The seemingly normal investigation conducted by consulting firms are in fact attempts to illegally acquire our commercial secrets and efforts to suppress our advantageous industries," the ministry wrote, adding that these consulting firms are accomplices to foreign spy agencies aiming to infiltrate key sectors in China.

Intimidation campaign against Chinese citizens

Some experts say the video is tailored to the Chinese audience rather than foreign investors since the video is purely in Mandarin and features the arrest of a Chinese national working for a foreign consulting firm.

The purpose of the video is "to inform and intimidate Chinese citizens by telling them that the government is watching them," said Dennis Wilder, a former U.S. national security official. He added that the campaign will likely create a chilling effect among Chinese citizens, especially those working for foreign companies.

Over the last year, Chinese authorities have raided several American companies' offices in China and detained some of their Chinese employees. Companies affected include due diligence firm Mintz Group, business consulting firm Capvision, and management consultancy Bain & Company.

Chilling effect for new foreign businesses

While the campaign focuses on Chinese citizens, Wilder said Beijing's efforts to safeguard national security will also create a chilling effect for foreign businesses trying to enter the Chinese market.

Unlike big foreign companies with an established presence in China, such as Apple or Qualcomm, he said companies that have no presence in China need to conduct due diligence. "They have to understand what their counterparts in China are all about, but if they can't conduct due diligence, they won't invest in China," he told VOA in a video interview.

A survey conducted by foreign business groups in 2023 suggests foreign companies are increasingly pulling investments and operations out of China. Survey data show that only 45% of American companies view China as their primary or among their top three investment destinations while 66% of the companies surveyed by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said they found operating in China has become increasingly difficult.

Despite foreign companies' lack of confidence in the Chinese market, some analysts say the Chinese government thinks efforts to safeguard national security and enhance foreign investors' confidence in the Chinese market are not mutually contradictory.

"Beijing believes that while they try to attract more foreign businesses to invest in China, they also should ensure key national interests, such as core data or key infrastructure won't be easily obtained by foreign businesses," said Hung Chin-fu, a political scientist at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.

He said Beijing's approach will be met with deep suspicion among foreign businesses. "At a time when the Chinese government has laid out many red lines in the name of national security, investing in China will be like walking on thin ice for foreign companies," he told VOA by phone.

As foreign businesses will likely remain hesitant to increase their investment volumes in China, Wilder thinks Chinese leaders may have different views on whether to prioritize efforts to attract more foreign investment or the need to safeguard national security.

"For Xi Jinping, I think if he has to choose between foreign investment and economic growth and what he perceives as national security, he will always come out on the national security side," he told VOA.

But for other Communist Party leaders who must consider economic growth, such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Wilder thinks their consideration will be different from Xi's.

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Israel vows to continue raid on Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital until last "terrorist" detained

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:55, March 25, 2024

JERUSALEM, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chief of Israeli army's Southern Command Yaron Finkelman on Saturday said the raid on Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza would end "only when the last terrorist is in the army's hands -- alive or dead."

Finkelman made the remarks during a situation assessment with other Israeli military officials at the hospital, once Gaza's largest medical facility and now one of the few hospitals still functioning in the enclave. The hospital has also served as a shelter for displaced Palestinians since the Gaza conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023.

Israeli forces launched the raid on Monday before dawn with tanks and airstrikes. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the forces also bombed and burned residential buildings surrounding the medical complex.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that more than 170 people have so far been killed in the hospital area and 800 others have been arrested.

The IDF affirmed that all the fatalities were militants, a claim denied by the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry, who accused Israeli troops of detaining displaced people, medical staff, and patients, subjecting them to abuse, and coercing them to move south at gunpoint.

The army reiterated in a statement on Saturday that "senior officials" with Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, a smaller Palestinian armed group, hid in the hospital, adding that "numerous weapons and terror infrastructure" have been located.

Video footage circulating on social media showed smoke rising above the medical complex, while another video clip depicted half a dozen individuals clad only in underwear leaving the hospital.

Amid a lack of food, water and medical care, at least five injured Palestinians trapped at Al-Shifa have died, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Late on Friday, Director-General of World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on social media platform X that 50 health workers and 143 patients had been kept in one building of the hospital since the second day of the raid, with "extremely limited food, water and only one nonfunctional toilet."

No basic medical supplies are available. "Patients are in critical condition, many lying on the floor ... Patients have no companions or caretakers," the WHO chief said, describing the conditions as "utterly inhumane" and urging "an immediate end to the siege" and "safe access to ensure patients get the care they need."

In response to the criticism, a spokesman from the office of Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, an Israeli governmental body, stated Saturday that Israeli forces had allowed aid to enter "a designated compound within the hospital," where sick and wounded patients were evacuated to ensure their safety.

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Gaza faces cash liquidity crisis

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:17, March 25, 2024

RAMALLAH, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) said on Sunday that the Gaza Strip is experiencing a cash liquidity crisis due to the disruption of banking operations caused by the ongoing Israeli attacks.

According to the PMA, many banks have been destroyed amid the conflict, and it has become impossible to open the remaining bank branches in the entire region due to bombings, power outages, and security concerns.

The liquidity crunch has intensified as the majority of ATMs have gone out of service, the PMA added in a statement.

The authority is monitoring "complaints from residents of the Gaza Strip about extortion operations carried out by people, traders, and some unlicensed currency exchange shop owners, using point-of-sale deduction devices or financial transfers on banking applications," said the statement.

These individuals exploited the residents' need for cash, charging up to 15 percent on any amount withdrawn from citizens' accounts via plastic cards or transfers, in return for providing the remaining amount in cash, said the PMA, noting that immediate deterrent measures will be taken against those who engage in such behavior.

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Egypt, UN warn against Israeli operation in Gaza's Rafah

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:32, March 25, 2024

CAIRO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday voiced complete rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their territories and any Israeli military operation in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah.

During their talks in Cairo, the two leaders warned against any Israeli operation in Rafah to unleash catastrophic consequences on the already dire situation in the city, said the Egyptian presidency in a statement.

They also discussed the intensified efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and deliver sufficient humanitarian aid to people in the besieged enclave, the statement added.

The president and the UN chief called for favorable conditions for implementing the two-state solution, calling it "the only path to achieve justice, security, and stability in the region."

Israel has been announcing plans to launch a large-scale ground operation in Rafah, where about 1.5 million internally displaced Palestinians reside, a move widely rejected by the international community.

Later in the day, at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the UN chief reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has imposed a strict siege and launched continued heavy strikes against Hamas for over five months.

"The time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is now," he said.

Israel's ongoing strikes in Gaza have so far killed 32,226 Palestinians and injured 74,518 others, the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry updated in a statement on Sunday. The Israeli escalation came in retaliation for the attack launched by Gaza-ruling Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, on adjacent Israeli towns, in which about 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

"Nothing justifies the horrific attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, and nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," Guterres told a press conference on Saturday at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, where he renewed the peace call.

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UN Security Council adopts resolution demanding cease-fire in Gaza for Ramadan

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:47, March 26, 2024

UNITED NATIONS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution that demands an immediate cease-fire in Gaza for the holy month of Ramadan.

The resolution won 14 votes in favor among the 15 members of the council. The United States, which had previously vetoed three draft resolutions that would have called for or demanded a cease-fire in Gaza, abstained on Monday, allowing the draft to pass.

At the adoption of the resolution, there was a round of applause in the chamber, which was a rare occasion.

Resolution 2728 was the first Security Council resolution that demands or calls for a cease-fire in Gaza after the flare-up of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. Some 32,333 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 75,000 Palestinians injured since Oct. 7, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

Resolution 2728 demands an immediate cease-fire for Ramadan respected by all parties, leading to a lasting sustainable cease-fire.

It also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs. It further demands that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain.

Resolution 2728 emphasizes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip. It reiterates the Security Council's demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law as well as Security Council Resolutions 2712 and 2720 concerning humanitarian delivery in Gaza.

Before the vote on the draft resolution tabled by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, Russia proposed an oral amendment.

The Russian proposal would have restored the word "permanent" contained in the original draft to demand a Ramadan cease-fire that would lead to a permanent and sustainable cease-fire.

The Russian amendment failed to obtain enough support in the Security Council. The United States voted against the Russian amendment. Eleven members abstained. Three voted in favor.

Immediately after the adoption of the resolution, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for its implementation.

"The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate cease-fire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable," Guterres said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In a joint statement, the 10 elected members of the Security Council expressed the hope that Resolution 2728 will be implemented in good faith, by all parties, and will help ease the suffering of the population in Gaza.

In her explanation of vote, the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the resolution was "nonbinding." She also said, "It was important for the Council to speak out and make clear that any cease-fire must come with the release of all hostages."

The U.S. ambassador's remarks sparked controversy.

Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said UN Security Council resolutions are legally binding.

"As I've always been told, all the resolutions of the Security Council are international law. So to that extent, they are as binding as international law is."

Ultimately, the implementation of a Security Council resolution is a question of international will. It is up to the will of the parties that are called on to act. But it is also contingent upon the will of the members of the Security Council to ensure that the things that they call for are followed up on, said Haq.

Mozambique's UN ambassador Pedro Comissario Afonso, who spoke to reporters after the adoption of the resolution, said that under the UN Charter, all Security Council resolutions are binding and that all UN member states are under the obligation to implement those resolutions.

"I have been a member of the International Law Commission for 15 years and president (of the commission). And I know what I'm saying," he said.

Sierra Leone's UN ambassador Michael Imran Kanu also confirmed that all Security Council resolutions are binding as was determined in an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in 1971.

"I think it should be clear to everyone that this resolution is binding on the parties," he said.

The Republic of Korea's UN ambassador Hwang Joon-kook said Resolution 2728 may not be "legally" binding as it did not use the word "decide" and did not invoke Chapter VII of the UN Charter. However, the resolution should be implemented as it reflects the consensus of the international community, he said.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, called for the implementation of the resolution.

"Security Council resolutions are binding. We call on the parties concerned to fulfill their obligations under the UN Charter and to take due action as required by the resolution," he said. "We expect the states with significant influence to play a positive role on the parties concerned, including by using all necessary and effective means at their disposal to support the implementation of the resolution."

The Security Council must continue to follow closely the situation in Gaza and get ready for further action when necessary to ensure the timely and full implementation of the resolution, said Zhang in an explanation of vote.

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Estonia to contribute to EU Aspides military operation in Red Sea region

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

28. March 2024

The Government of Estonia decided today on Estonia's participation in the European Union's military operation EUNAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea region. The duration of the operation is initially planned to be one year, to be extended if necessary.

"Despite the war in Europe, we must be ready to contribute to other hot spots in the world together with our Allies, because it also affects our security here in Europe. Moreover, the attacks in the Red Sea region have an impact on world economy and trade," Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkur said.

In recent months, attacks by Houthi rebels on cargo and warships in the Red Sea have worsened the security situation in the entire region. Launched by the European Union in February, the aim of the EUNAVFOR Aspides military operation is to restore freedom of navigation on the Red Sea and ensure the safety of vessels in the region by protecting ships from attacks and escorting vessels within the entire operational area. The operation is of a defensive nature, with no military strikes conducted against land targets within the operation.

The operation is coordinated with the Prosperity Guardian coalition of the willing and led by the United States. Greece is the lead country of the European Union operation, France, Germany and Italy contribute with vessels. In addition, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Spain, Czechia, Romania, Portugal, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Austria, Malta and Cyprus have announced their participation. An Estonian naval service member will start serving on board of the Italian Navy vessel as soon as possible, in line with the existing mandate of the Riigikogu.

The operational area includes Bab el Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz, the Red and Arabian seas and the international maritime routes of Aden, Oman and the Persian Gulf, where the Houthi rebels have carried out numerous attacks, especially against merchant ships, since October 2023. Such attacks endanger the lives of seafarers, limit the freedom of navigation and the right to pass through straits for the purpose of transit, as stipulated in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Houthi attacks have a detrimental effect on commercial shipping and the economies of the countries of the European Union and the Red Sea region.

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U.S. Marines, Sailors arrive in Darwin for 13th iteration of MRF-D

US Marine Corps News

28 Mar 2024 | Capt. Madison Reynolds Marine Rotational Force - Darwin

DARWIN, NT, Australia -- A new group of Marines and Sailors arrived in the Northern Territory to begin the 13th annual iteration of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.

Led by a California-based Marine infantry regiment for the third year in a row, this year's Marine Air-Ground Task Force brings approximately 2,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors to Australia's Northern Territory for a series of exercises and training events alongside the Australian Defence Force.

Part of a 25-year agreement made in 2011, the six-month deployments advance shared security objectives identified in the Australian United States Force Posture Initiatives. The deployment has grown in scale and complexity each year, enhancing our Alliance's capabilities and ability to work together, and improving our combined capacity to respond to crises and contingencies in the Indo-Pacific region. MRF-D remains a key touchpoint of the Australia-U.S. security Alliance.

"The Marines and Sailors of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin are honored and excited to continue the legacy of cooperation and interoperability with our Australian Defence Force brothers and sisters," said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of MRF-D 24.3.

Participants will conduct operations across a full spectrum of missions including expeditionary operations, geographically distributed communications, non-combatant evacuation operations, embassy reinforcements, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and rapid projection of combat power.

"These rotations not only help build interoperability between the ADF and the U.S., but also serve to increase regional cooperation with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific," said Australian Navy Capt. Mitchell Livingstone, the commanding officer of Headquarters Northern Command. As in previous rotations, this year's MRF-D exercise schedule will incorporate security partners from throughout the Pacific Islands and the broader region. Training events will occur throughout Australia and various countries in the region through the end of MRF-D 24.3's rotation in October.

The Australia-U.S. Alliance is an anchor of peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Our nations share key objectives: increasing combined capabilities, promoting a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, and strengthening their ability to respond to humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and contingencies.

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NATO and Lithuania mark 20 years of Baltic Air Policing

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Mar 28 2024

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- Senior civilian and military representatives from Lithuania, several Allies and NATO gathered at Siauliai, Lithuania for a handover ceremony marking 20 years of Baltic Air Policing also marking 20 years of Lithuania's membership in NATO.

"Today is a very special day, and Siauliai is a very special place; 20 years ago, the first allied fighter jets landed here," said His Excellence Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania. "At that moment, a long and difficult journey was completed. Lithuania finally joined the NATO family united by love for freedom and democracy, by trust and respect, and by our commitment to each other. Lithuania chose to become part of the Western collective security and defence," he stated, adding: " it was the best decision Lithuania took, the best investment we have ever made. It has also brought us the best friends one could have. Thank you for being together."

"Twenty years ago, Lithuania marked a pivotal moment in its history by joining and becoming a full-fledged members of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance together with Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia," said Admiral Joachim Ruhle, Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, NATO's strategic command that plans, coordinates and oversees Alliance operations. "This was a milestone for both national and collective security," he said also referring to the fact that "this year mark NATO's 75th Anniversary - for three quarters of a century, NATO Allies have worked together to keep one billion people safe. At a time when we face uncertainty and unpredictability, our unity sends a clear message - NATO is capable, modern and if required ready to defend every inch of Allied territory," the Admiral added.

Re-enacting what happened on March 29, 2004, a Belgian F-16 fighter jet touched down at the Lithuanian Air Force Base. After taxiing to an apron, the pilot stepped out of the cockpit and handed the NATO flag to Major General Harold Van Pee - now the Commander of NATO's Northern Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) at Uedem, Germany, then the commander of the first Belgian fighter detachment conducting NATO Air Policing.

General Van Pee presented the Alliance's flag to the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania who handed over the flag to the President of the Republic of Lithuania commemorating the moment of accession.

As a formation of French Mirage 2000-5 fighters soared over the air base, the outgoing and incoming detachment commanders exchanged the key to the Baltic airspace. Lithuania and NATO bade farewell to Belgium and France after conducting NATO's Baltic Air Policing for four months at the base in Lithuania and welcoming Spain and Portugal who are taking over the mission until the end of July.

Beginning moments after Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined the Alliance at the end of March 2004, the collective peacetime mission of Baltic Air Policing has since continued seamlessly . Lithuania has hosted 64 consecutive rotations of Allied fighter jets. Seventeen Allies have taken turns deploying their fighter jets in consecutive detachments safeguarding the skies over the Baltic Sea and, most recently contributing to Allied deterrence and defence on the Eastern Flank.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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Lebanese, Italian PMs call for full implementation of UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:40, March 28, 2024

BEIRUT, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling for its full implementation.

In a meeting at the Grand Serail in Beirut, the two officials said they hoped the resolution would become a sustainable ceasefire.

The UN Security Council on Monday passed Resolution 2728 demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and the urgent need to expand the flow of aid into the territory.

Meanwhile, Mikati reiterated Lebanon's commitment to fully implementing all international resolutions, especially Resolution 1701, emphasizing the need for Israel to abide by the resolution and stop violating Lebanon's sovereignty by attacking it on land, sea, and air.

Mikati also thanked his Italian counterpart for her country's continued support for the Lebanese army, adding that Italy's permanent contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon affirms its commitment to Lebanon's safety, stability, and the preservation of its territorial integrity.

The two officials also discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest in the Middle East region, including displaced Syrians in Lebanon and illegal immigrants in the Mediterranean region.

Meloni arrived in Beirut on Wednesday to meet with Lebanese officials and inspect the Italian battalion working as part of the international peacekeeping forces in the south.

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President Yoon Suk Yeol called on doctors Monday to come up with a "unified proposal" on the appropriate increase in medical school admissions, saying the government will be open to talks though it believes a hike of 2,000 is the minimum.

Yoon made the remark during an address to the nation amid little sign of a breakthrough in a standoff between the government and the medical community over the admissions quota hike. The address, which lasted 50 minutes and was aired live from the presidential office, came as even people within the ruling bloc raised the need to show flexibility on the 2,000-person increase with only days to go until the April 10 general elections.

"The number 2,000 is a minimum increase the government came up with through thorough calculations, and followed sufficient and wide-ranging discussions with the medical community, including doctors' groups, until the decision was reached," Yoon said.

"If the medical community wants to argue for reducing the size of the increase, it is only right for them to suggest a unified proposal to the government, with a clear and scientific basis, and not take collective action. If they bring a more reasonable and rational measure, we can discuss it any time," he said.

Some 12,000 junior doctors have walked off the job since Feb. 20 to protest the government's plan, while medical professors have submitted their resignations en masse to join the collective action.

The professors, who work as senior doctors at major hospitals, have vowed to reduce their working hours starting this week to cope with growing fatigue caused by the prolonged walkout by their juniors. Community doctors have said they will take similar action.

Yoon said his bigger concern is that even with the 2,000-person increase, it will be another 10 years before the newly trained doctors join the workforce.

He stressed that the medical reform plan is meant for the people, by citing incidents of people dying on the streets while looking for an emergency room that will take them, and arguing the aim is to improve essential medical services and rural medical services so that people anywhere in the country can receive proper treatment.

Currently, there are 115,000 doctors in the country. If their number increases by 2,000 annually starting 10 years from now, only in 2045 will there be an additional 20,000 doctors, he said.

"Past governments fought and lost all nine times and doctors' job cartels only got stronger," Yoon said, referring to previous administrations' attempts to increase the quota over the last 27 years. "We can no longer afford to repeat such failures."

Yoon said the medical reform package proposed by the government addresses doctors' demands by promising more than 10 trillion won ($7.4 billion) in investment to fairly compensate those practicing in essential medical fields and in rural areas. The package also promises to establish a legal safety net to better protect doctors from excessive medical malpractice suits, he said.

In response to concerns doctors' earnings will decrease in the future, Yoon said that will not be the case, given that in 20 years time, the number of doctors will increase by 20,000, but people's incomes and demand for health care will increase far more with a rapidly aging population.

He went to great lengths to refute allegations the government did not properly consult the medical community by listing the dates and number of times it met with doctors' groups and naming the groups involved.

Despite the government's requests, Yoon said doctors' groups did not suggest a number for the admissions quota increase while repeating their argument there was no shortage of physicians.

"Now they are throwing out numbers all over the place, suggesting 350, 500 or 1,000, without any basis," he said. "Not only that, they are threatening that there should be 500 to 1,000 fewer than currently."

Yoon called on trainee doctors to return to work, noting that relevant procedures are under way to punish those who refuse to obey the government's return-to-work orders.

He also criticized the Korean Medical Association, the biggest doctors' group, over its recent demands for the removal of the health minister and vice health minister and threats to sway voters' choices in next week's general elections.

"It is not that I am pushing for reform because I don't know how to calculate political gains and losses," he said. "It is because I have witnessed for a long time the groans of the people suffering from pain."

Yoon called on doctors' groups to promptly come to the table for talks with the government.

To the people, he said, "Now is a time that requires courage. ... I earnestly plead for your support and backing so that the government can complete the medical reform for the people." (Yonhap)
9 killed, 7 injured in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:35, March 28, 2024

BEIRUT, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Nine people were killed and seven others injured on Wednesday in Israeli airstrikes targeting several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

Military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that one of the raids targeted a house in Lebanon's southwest village of Tayr Harfa, killing two Hezbollah fighters and three members of the Islamic Health Authority and injuring three civilians.

The Islamic Health Authority, an association affiliated with Hezbollah, was established in 1984 during the civil war and the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Operating as a public utility, it offers first aid and has centers across the country.

According to the sources, another raid targeted a house in the town of Naqoura in southwest Lebanon, killing a member of the Amal Movement and three members of the Islamic Al-Risala Scout Association affiliated with the Amal Movement and wounding four civilians.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked the headquarters of Israel's 769th Brigade in the Kiryat Shmona barracks with dozens of rockets, as well as several other Israeli sites, including the Ruwaisat al-Alam, Branit, MisKav Am, and Ramim.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 388 people on the Lebanese side, including 247 Hezbollah members and 73 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources.

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Virginia Guard Conducts Infantry Tactics Exchange in Tajikistan

By Mike Vrabel, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs March 29, 2024

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan -- Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute, conducted an infantry tactics exchange with soldiers from the Republic of Tajikistan's Ministry of Defense Peacekeeping Battalion March 3-8.

The exchange supported the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003.

Sgt. 1st Class John Fracker, Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Cook and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Donovan conducted the exchange with the Tajik forces. Maj. Isaac Rivera, the VNG State Partnership Program director, said the group discussed hand and arm signals, military operations in urban terrain and the operations order process.

"The exchange culminated with a field training exercise, where the Soldiers put to test all their skills at a military operation on urbanized terrain site," said Rivera. "The VNG Soldiers shared their ideas, best practices and lessons learned with their Tajik partners."

Fracker, Cook and Donovan shared their impressive combined experience with the Tajik soldiers.

"Together, the three RTI instructors brought decades-worth of experience, six combat deployments and insight into the exchange," said Rivera.

The event was part of a series of exchanges focused on infantry tactics. River said the series will continue in May, when the Tajik forces' top performers travel to Fort Barfoot, Virginia, to train alongside VNG infantry Soldiers.

In July, the VNG and Tajikistan celebrated the 20th anniversary of their formal partnership in the State Partnership Program, which celebrated its 30-year anniversary last year.

Virginia and Tajikistan have shared subject matter expertise throughout 200 military-to-military engagements that help counter terrorism, deter violent extremism, expand emergency response capabilities, develop professionalism and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.

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Radev: Membership in NATO Is Responsibility towards Our Own Security and This Means Building Adequate and Modern Defence Capabilities

President of the Republic of Bulgaria

29 March 2024

Bulgaria's membership in NATO is above all a responsibility towards our own security, and this means building adequate and modern defence capabilities. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who today participated in the national conference "20 Years of Bulgaria in NATO: Because We Are Stronger Together". The event was part of the program to mark the 20th anniversary of this country's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which on 4 April will mark 75 years since its establishment.

The head of state defined as extremely wrong the narrative from the first years of this country's accession to the Alliance, that there is no need to make efforts for modernisation and exercises, since "NATO will protect us and there is someone to watch over our security". Rumen Radev called for the continuation of concerted efforts to place defence issues at the centre of society in order to solve the acute personnel shortage, which is dangerously deepening, as well as regarding the debate on the military training of citizens.

The sharing of progressive tactics and procedures, models of personnel training, the creation of which requires experience and colossal financial, scientific and human resources, as well as joint exercises, are an indicator of the power of being together, the President pointed out. The head of state also highlighted the importance for motivation of the essential factor in defence - the human factor, as well as the role of modern defence equipment for our Armed Forces.

Rumen Radev emphasised again that after decades, the strategic concept of the Alliance had finally returned to its real and most important mission - guaranteeing the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the member countries. This requires speeding up the process of modernisation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, deepening the relationship between defence science and industry and greater investments in the field of defence. According to the President, allocating 2% of GDP to defence in the context of current crises and challenges should not be seen as a ceiling, because many member states allocate 2.5%, even 3% of their GDP as necessary to guarantee their defence.

For 15 years the modernisation of the Armed Forces was frozen and as president I made three consecutive meetings of the Security Advisory Council at the beginning of the first term to start something happening, the head of state reminded. Rumen Radev also pointed out that the program for investment projects of the Bulgarian Army until 2032, which was optimised for six months by the current government, was finally submitted to the parliament on 30 November, but is not yet adopted by the National Assembly. For me, these are important signs and it is high time for the Bulgarian parliament to take it seriously while a war is raging near us, the president emphasised.

The Head of State also noted that the Report on the State of Defence and the Armed Forces, despite the topic being repeatedly raised, lacks low-budget projects for the modernisation of the Armed Forces through unmanned systems and the acquisition of new technologies for radio-electronic warfare, surveillance, communication, intelligence, coordination, targeting and striking that provide superiority and asymmetric advantage in modern military conflicts.

In his address at the national conference, Radev highlighted the historical contribution and organisational efforts of a number of institutions, Bulgarian diplomacy and our allies, for Bulgaria's accession to NATO and the importance of this country's belonging to a space of shared democratic values, freedom and peace, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

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Head of State: Bulgaria Will Continue to Be Part of the Efforts for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Release of the Hostages and the Provision of Humanitarian Aid to the Civilian Population

President of the Republic of Bulgaria

29 March 2024

Bulgaria follows with great concern what is happening in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Our country strongly condemns the terrorist attack by "Hamas" against the State of Israel on October 7 last year, as well as any manifestation of terrorism. At the same time, Bulgaria in no way accepts the situation in which thousands of civilians, women and children are dying, and one million people in the Gaza Strip are threatened by a humanitarian catastrophe. This was stated by President Rumen Radev in a telephone conversation with the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas.

Bulgaria is part of the decision of the European Council of March 20 this year for an immediate humanitarian pause, which would lead to a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid, the president pointed out. Rumen Radev expressed hope that reason will prevail for the sake of the future of the people of Palestine and Israel and for finding a peaceful solution based on the principle of two states, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

During the conversation, President Radev called on his counterpart to support the efforts to rescue the Bulgarian sailors on the "Galaxy Leader" ship detained off the coast of Yemen. President Abbas expressed the readiness of Palestine to provide assistance in this direction in accordance with its capabilities.

Mahmoud Abbas expressed his high appreciation for the traditionally friendly relations between Bulgaria and Palestine, as well as for Bulgaria's principled position in support of the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, the release of hostages, and the provision of free access to humanitarian aid for the distressed population in the Gaza Strip and to seek a peaceful solution based on the two-state principle.



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Minister Cernochova discussed defence industry cooperation in Thailand

Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

Author: by David Polak, Press Section

29.3.2024

Defence Minister Jana Cernochova met with Defence Minister of Thailand Sutin Klungsang in Bangkok. During her official visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two countries with the goal of promoting opportunities for the Czech defence industries in the Kingdom of Thailand. The Ministers also discussed training of Thai fighter pilots in the Czech Republic.

"Supporting the Czech defence industry is always among my priorities during international business trips, because our industries are in the position to offer a broad variety of top products and technologies. That is why I visited Thailand, which may be geographically distant, but it makes a perfect sense to deepen our cooperation," said Minister Cernochova. Minister Klungsang and Minister Cernochova signed a Memorandum of Understanding on military and military-technical cooperation.

The Czech Republic has a long-standing cooperation with Thailand. One of its many examples is the training of Royal Thai Air Force pilots in the Tactical Simulation Centre of the LOM Praha Flight Training Centre in Pardubice. RTAF pilots train there using simulators of the JAS-39 Gripen and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. Since 2015, a total of 12 one-week courses were held. LOM Praha also leads discussions with Thailand on possibilities for building a simulation centre in the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Defence Minister's official program included a visit of the Defence Technology Institute (DTI), which is the Thai institution with the mission to strengthen national defence capacity through innovative technology solutions. From the beginning of this year, the DTI has had an agreement in place with the Tatra Trucks company and the Kingdom of Thailand received a prototype multipurpose Tatra truck as part of defence cooperation with the Czech Republic. "The offered Tatra trucks are in the inventories of the Czech Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. They are a cutting-edge product in its class, and have proven themselves in many demanding environments around the globe. I am therefore delighted that Thailand is considering the procurement of additional Tatra vehicles," Minister Cernochova said.

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March 29, 2024

By David Vergun , DOD News

Pentagon Transfers Authority of Red Hill to Navy to Ensure Its Safe Closure

The Defense Department announced yesterday that Joint Task Force-Red Hill has completed its defueling mission at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, Hawaii, and shifted command and control of the facility to the Navy to complete the task of its safe closure.

Defueling involves removing fuel from the facility's fuel pipelines, an operation known as unpacking.

In November 2021, residents of Oahu, Hawaii, faced a crisis when fuel spills at Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility contaminated the Navy's drinking water system.

"Today I am pleased to announce that the Navy has assumed command and control of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a statement yesterday.

Navy Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and commander of Navy Closure Task Force, will have overall responsibility for the final steps to ensure the continued safe closure of Red Hill, Austin said.

"I'm grateful to [Navy] Vice Adm. John F.G. Wade, commander of the joint task force, for his leadership and his work with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency and our community partners in Hawaii to complete the department's prompt and safe defueling of Red Hill earlier this month.

"The Department of Defense and the United States Navy remain deeply committed to protecting the public's health and preserving the environment. [Navy] Rear Adm. Barnett is determined to close Red Hill safely, and I've directed him to continue to communicate with our personnel and the people of Hawaii candidly, frequently and transparently," Austin said.

Wade provided remarks regarding the transfer of the Red Hill fuel storage facility to the Navy during a ceremony at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Oahu yesterday.

The removal of the majority of fuel, 104 million gallons, from above the aquifer, occurred on an accelerated timeline and took a whole-of-government team approach, Wade said.

"Adm. Barnett and his closure task force understand the enormity and importance of their mission to safely and expeditiously close and decommission the facility, ensure clean water and conduct the necessary long-term environmental remediation," Wade said.

"My sincere hope is that the removal of the majority of fuel from above the aquifer helps us all collectively to move forward and continue the healing process," he said.

Some of the milestones include:

On March 7, 2022, Austin, after close consultation with senior civilian and military leaders, directed the defueling and permanent closure of the Red Hill facility, as well as the standup of the joint task force.

Last fall, the secretary directed a conditions-based transition of command and control from the joint task force to the Navy Closure Task Force, with the Navy assuming responsibility for Red Hill upon completion of the defueling mission.

On March 4, the Joint Task Force completed its gravity defueling mission, and a significant number of its personnel have been reassigned to serve on the Navy Closure Task Force to retain institutional knowledge and to ensure continuity of mission for safety, security and community engagement. The Navy has provided the remaining personnel.

The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment will maintain a senior steering group on Red Hill to provide oversight and offer support to the Navy.

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California Man Sentenced for Attempting to Illegally Export Firearms and Night Vision Rifle Scopes to The Sultanate of Oman



Friday, March 29, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs



Man Disassembled and Wrapped Firearms in Aluminum Foil Before Hiding Them Inside a Shipping Container at the Port of Oakland

Fares Abdo Al Eyani, 41, of Oakland, California, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to export defense articles and attempting to export defense articles.

"Mr. Al Eyani admitted to conspiring to smuggle restricted arms, ammunition, and other defense material to a foreign country and has now been held to account," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "The unlawful trafficking of U.S. weapons overseas represents a threat to public safety and national security and will be met with the full force of the Justice Department."

"Enforcing the nation's export laws is an important objective for my office," said U.S Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California, "Because controlling our ports prevents the proliferation of weapons, protects our national security, furthers our foreign policy, and maintains our business competitiveness."

"The illicit export of weapons overseas will not be tolerated by the FBI and anyone attempting to do so will be held accountable," said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch. "Our office, along with our federal law enforcement partners, are committed to protecting our U.S. technology and citizens from anyone who tries to evade our laws and threaten our national security."

"The sentencing of El Anayi for attempting to illegally export firearms and night vision rifle scopes to The Sultanate of Oman underscores the serious ramifications for international arms trafficking," said Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco. "Such actions not only pose significant risks to national security but also contribute to destabilizing regions and potentially fueling conflicts. It's crucial for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and prosecute individuals involved in such activities to prevent the illicit proliferation of weapons and technology. This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating arms trafficking and enforcing export control regulations. Justice has been served with the hard work and dedication of HSI, and partner organizations FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations San Francisco, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California and the Justice Department's National Security Division."

According to court documents, Al Eyani acquired no less than four firearms with magazines and ammunition, and at least 44 rifle scopes, monoculars, and goggles with night vision capabilities in 2019. In November 2019, Al Eyani attempted to send the firearms to the Sultanate of Oman in shipping containers departing from the Port of Oakland. He concealed the firearms by disassembling them, wrapping them in aluminum foil, and then secreting them within automobiles inside the shipping container. Then, in December 2019, Al Eyani attempted to export the 44 rifle scopes, monoculars, and goggles to the Sultanate of Oman in two shipping containers departing from the Port of Oakland. Law enforcement searched the containers and seized the firearms, magazines, and ammunition, as well as the 44 rifle scopes, monoculars, and goggles with night vision capabilities, thereby thwarting Al Eyani's unlawful scheme.

The commercial export of arms, ammunitions, implements of war and defense articles and services from the United States is governed by the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and its attendant regulations, the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The AECA authorizes the President, among other things, to control the export of "defense articles" deemed critical to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. The AECA also authorizes the President to designate goods as "defense articles," require licenses for the export of such articles, and promulgate regulations for the export of such articles. By executive order, the President has delegated this authority to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Accordingly, the DDTC has promulgated regulations under the AECA, known as the ITAR. The ITAR defines a "defense article" as any item on the United States Munitions List (USML). Persons desiring to export items on the USML from the United States to a place overseas must first register with the DDTC and obtain individual export licenses prior to any shipment abroad.

Court documents establish that the items Al Eyani attempted to export  four firearms, magazines, ammunition, and night-vision rifle scopes  were defense articles prohibited from export without a license by the AECA and the ITAR. Al Eyani did not have a license to export the defense articles.

In a separate sentencing, Al Eyani's wife, Saba Mohsen Dhaifallah, 42, also of Oakland, was sentenced to three years of probation for making false statements to FBI special agents during the investigation of this matter.

The FBI, HSI, and CBP investigated the case.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California's National Security and Cybercrime Section is prosecuting the case in consultation with the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - California, Northern

Press Release Number: 24-376



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Tsahkna: Without NATO membership our independence would be questioned

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

29.03.2024

Today 29 March, Estonia celebrates the 20th anniversary of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO. To mark the day, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the importance of NATO in ensuring Estonia's security, prosperity and stability in the long term could not be overestimated.

"It cannot be ruled out that without NATO membership, our independence would have been threatened by now," the minister said on the occasion of the anniversary. "It is possible that if Estonia had remained in the so-called grey zone, what we are currently seeing in Ukraine could have taken place on our territory."

Tsahkna recognised all politicians and diplomats whose efforts across more than 10 years preceding our NATO accession eventually took Estonia into the Alliance.

"Our path to joining the Alliance was far from smooth and straightforward; instead, it came about thanks to hard work and a coincidence of circumstances," Tsahkna said.

The minister also recalled that next week, NATO is celebrating its 75th anniversary. "NATO's open door policy has made the Alliance stronger than ever ahead of its big anniversary," Tsahkna noted. "As NATO is the only security guarantee Russia understands, we expect Ukraine to become a member of the Alliance as soon as possible."

On Wednesday, a round table was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark the anniversary, with Estonian Ambassador to NATO Juri Luik and previous ambassadors Harri Tiido, Sulev Kannike and Kyllike Sillaste-Elling talking about the Alliance in the past and now.

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20 years since the choice of destiny NATO stands united and strong

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

29.03.2024

Joint article by Margus Tsahkna, Krisjanis Karins, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Mariya Gabriel, Luminita Odobescu, Juraj Blanar, Tanja Fajon, Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia

NATO was founded 75 years ago as a defensive alliance with an unwavering transatlantic bond at its heart, determined to safeguard the freedom and security of Allies.

55 years later, on 29 March 2004, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia entered NATO's open door. This date marks a clear milestone from moving out of a grey zone and under the defensive blue-white umbrella, held up by the ironclad commitment of Allies to defending each other against all threats.

The 20th century was neither generous nor peaceful for our countries or our people. "Never alone!" was the guiding principle that drove our societies to speedily transform on our way to NATO and the European Union. Since our accession to NATO 20 years ago, our security, freedom and prosperity have been on stronger footage than ever before in history. We share the same security challenges and threats, and the responsibility to protect and defend against them.

Our seven nations of the Alliance deem that collective deterrence and defence are and should remain NATO's priority core task. Even before our accession began in November 2002, we started to not only prepare for membership, but also to contribute our fair share to collective defence, crisis management and cooperative security - the core tasks of the Alliance. We sent our soldiers and capabilities to fight side-by-side with Allied soldiers far from home, in Afghanistan. We have contributed to maintaining peace and stability in the Western Balkans and continue to do so. Because we knew then and we know now that solidarity is the best policy. Cooperation, proactive action and sharing of experience are at the heart of our approach.

On this historic day, we do take a minute to celebrate achievement, although this is overshadowed by war and destruction here on our continent. Russia's brutal and full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine has brought about unimaginable human suffering and losses.

Allies are determined to support Ukraine until victory. The more we do to help Ukraine, the sooner a day of a new dawn over Europe will arrive. Fulfilling our commitments is a clear expression of our solidarity with Ukraine. Allies are working closely to support Ukraine in line with Vilnius Summit decisions.

At the same time, we need to make sure this aggression ends with clear resolutions - justice to the victims of this brutal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression and accountability of the ones responsible, and comprehensive, just and lasting peace. These are the lessons we have to build on when forming a new solid foundation for Europe whole and free. We must keep in mind, that if any European nation is left in a grey zone, we are helping to kindle another potential tragedy.

During the past 20 years, the Open door policy consistent with Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty has served us well, and we stand by it. It has strengthened Euro-Atlantic security and stability along with the peaceful coexistence of millions of people living in Europe.

The recent accession of Finland and now Sweden into the NATO family clearly signals that our door remains open to all European democracies that are willing and able to assume the responsibilities and obligations of membership, and whose membership contributes to our common security.

Every European nation has a right to choose its security arrangements. No third actor has a say in this process as we keep the door open for others willing and able to abide the Treaty's commitment to jointly defend our lands, our people but also our shared democratic values.

Allies that have joined NATO after the end of Cold War have had brought their strengths into the Alliance. They also have an important role in preparing The Alliance for new and emerging challenges, be it in disinformation campaigns, cyber or new technologies like AI or quantum technology. By maintaining our technological edge and protecting the fundamentals of the rules-based international order, NATO Allies would be ready to face the growing number of threats, that are increasingly hybrid in nature. Working together with like-minded partners that share our democratic values would prove beneficial in this endeavour.

To be capable to counter all threats and challenges, we should also be better resourced. We expect all Allies to commit to their fair share of burden by delivering on an enduring commitment to invest at least 2% of our GDP annually on defence, as well as continue to consolidate and ramp up our defence efforts, including in industrial terms.

We are looking forward to the upcoming NATO summit in Washington in July marking the 75th anniversary of our Alliance. NATO has been successful in accomplishing its tasks, and our resolve is ironclad and NATO Article 5 remains an ultimate security guarantee. However, we also have to learn our lessons and ensure that fair peace prevails for our future generations, for all Europeans. All for one and one for all is a principle that got us here and will guide us into the future.

Happy anniversary and many more successful years to come to our North Atlantic family of friends and Allies, aspirants and partners!

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The Netherlands are deploying the Patriot air defence system for an exercise in Lithuania

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-03-29

International cooperation

The Netherlands took a decision to send the Patriot long-range air defence system to Lithuania to an exercise for several weeks. The Dutch unit will be training side by side with Lithuanian Armed Forces units.

"Deployment of the Dutch Patriot system in our country is excellent news. Exercises of such character support implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model approved at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. We are thankful to the Netherlands for consistently contributing to the Baltic, and especially Lithuania's security. Deployment of Dutch servicemembers to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania, Baltic Air Policing Mission, NATO Force Integration Unit is vital for the Baltic states' security. This step is also a boost to our cooperation on air defence," said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasciunas.

Minister Kajsa Ollongren is cited in a press release by the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands as saying that deployment of a Dutch unit to an exercise in Lithuania will contribute to the NATO air defence readiness. "It is an important signal to our eastern Allies: you can rely on the Netherlands including concerning air defence," she said.

The exercise will take place this summer to train no-notice redeployment of air defence units and systems and integrate the smoothly for air defence tasks.

NATO took the decision on the Rotational Air Defence Model at the Vilnius Summit last year in order to strengthen the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System. The Model enables to rehearse a smooth and quick transition to air defence tasks at peacetime training and to strengthen deterrence and defence in air domain. The Rotational Air Defence Model will coexist with the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states.

Lithuania actively advocates as frequent as possible deployments and exercises of Allied aircraft and ground-based air defence systems to Lithuania in the Rotational Air Defence model framework.

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Korea's top diplomat will participate in a meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers to be held in Belgium this week, his office said Monday.

On Thursday, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will attend the second-day session of the meeting, which will be presided over by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Korea was invited to the ministerial meeting for the third year as one of the non-NATO partners in the Indo-Pacific region, which include Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The meeting is "expected to serve as an opportunity to further strengthen partnerships with NATO, which shares universal values, and to discuss ways to tackle cross-border security threats," the ministry said in a press release.

The upcoming gathering will be attended by NATO allies and its partners, as well as Ukraine and the European Union, to discuss the Ukrainian war and other new security challenges, it added.

Separately, Cho will meet with Stoltenberg and hold bilateral talks with the foreign ministers of other major countries. (Yonhap)
Somalia hosts over 38,600 refugees, asylum-seekers: UNHCR

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:01, March 29, 2024

MOGADISHU, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Thursday that Somalia is hosting 38,642 registered refugees and asylum-seekers as of February.

About 67 percent of them are women and children, 30 percent are school-age children (6-17 years), and 26 percent are women and girls of reproductive age (13-49 years), the UNHCR said in its latest update released in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

"The majority of refugees and asylum-seekers, or 66 percent, are from Ethiopia, followed by Yemen (29 percent), Syria (4 percent), and other countries (1 percent)," it said.

According to the UNHCR, most of the refugees and asylum-seekers reside in urban or peri-urban settings across the Woqooyi Galbeed and Bari regions in northern Somalia.

It said 9,046 former refugees have returned to Somalia from their countries of asylum, mostly from Yemen, followed by Kenya, since January 2020.

"From the total number of refugee returnees, 3,652 individuals have been directly assisted by UNHCR, mainly through the voluntary repatriation program from Kenya and the assisted spontaneous returns program from Yemen," the UNHCR said.

The UN agency said 68 Somali refugees have returned to Somalia in 2024.

It added that more than 800,000 Somali refugees and asylum-seekers are also hosted in neighboring countries and a further 3.9 million persons are internally displaced inside Somalia due to conflict and natural disasters.

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Palestinian death toll in Gaza Strip rises to 32,552: ministry

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:05, March 29, 2024

GAZA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,552, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Thursday.

The Israeli army killed 62 Palestinians and wounded 91 others during the past 24 hours, it added.

This brings the total death toll to 32,552 and injuries to 74,980 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out, according to the ministry.

Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

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UNHCR, partners seek new funding to help 2.3 mln South Sudanese refugees in 2024

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:58, March 29, 2024

JUBA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners on Thursday appealed for 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 to meet the needs of 2.3 million South Sudanese refugees in East African countries.

The UN Refugee Agency and its 123 partners called for renewed support for South Sudanese refugees living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda with the new funding appeal.

Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR's regional director for the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region, said significant strides and laudable efforts have been made over the last 10 years by partners.

"This year's Regional Refugee Response Plan builds on the incremental progress made and demonstrates that if given the resources, humanitarian aid combined with investments in resilience -- for both refugees and the host communities that welcomed them -- will facilitate longer-term solutions," Belde said in a statement.

The UNHCR said a similar number of people living in local communities in the five asylum countries will benefit from services and support provided through a Regional Refugee Response Plan.

The plan will build on inclusive policies led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC), and align with pledges made by governments, the private sector and donors made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum last December.

According to the UNHCR, since the start of the conflict in South Sudan over 10 years ago, growing humanitarian needs compounded by dire food shortages, continued insecurity, and the impacts of climate change, have kept South Sudanese refugees in exile and prompted new displacement.

Four consecutive years of flooding have also destroyed homes and livelihoods, triggering further cross-border movements, it said.

The plan also aims to support the efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance and protection services, including the prevention of and responses to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.

Balde said several countries in this region are certainly experiencing complex challenges that often demand significant financial requirements.

"However, the people of South Sudan deserve our attention and support so they can contribute meaningfully to their societies and gain skills for when they eventually are able to return home," he added.

UNHCR said while the war in Sudan has forced nearly 200,000 South Sudanese to relocate to safer areas within Sudan and hundreds of thousands of others to return to their country prematurely, more than 2 million remain in need of international protection in the region.

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Iran calls for int'l action against Israel's "genocidal crime" in Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:14, March 29, 2024

TEHRAN, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Thursday called on governments and international organizations to fulfill their "human, legal and historical responsibility" and take action to stop Israel's "genocidal crime" against Palestinians in Gaza.

He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, citing as proof of Israel's "genocidal crime" in Gaza a report titled "Anatomy of a Genocide" presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Tuesday by Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel's "genocidal crime against the Palestinians has now been confirmed and asserted by the special rapporteur at the UNHRC," Kanaani said, stressing, "Now governments and international political and legal assemblies and institutions are not only subject to the judgment of the world public opinion, but also to the judgment of history."

A total of 32,552 Palestinians have been killed and over 74,980 others were injured in the Gaza Strip since Israel began its offensive against Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said on Thursday.

The conflict began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 people as hostages, according to the Israeli authorities.

Condemning Israel's attacks against medical centers in Gaza in another post on X on Wednesday, Kanaani said the war against hospitals in the Gaza Strip was a "tragic and painful part of the process of the war crimes" of the Israeli army against the people of the coastal enclave.

He added official reports said that since the outbreak of the war against Gaza, Israel had made "33 hospitals completely unable to provide medical services."

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UN court orders Israel to allow unhindered aid to Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:55, March 29, 2024

THE HAGUE, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Thursday ordered Israel to do whatever is necessary to ensure that basic aid reaches the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

"Israel should take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance," the ICJ stated in its ruling.

These include "food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza, including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary."

The ruling is an addition to a Jan. 26 verdict, in which the ICJ ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, to halt incitement against Palestinians as a group, to preserve evidence and to take immediate measures to ensure humanitarian aid.

On Dec. 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application to the ICJ for proceedings against Israel concerning alleged violations of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In the current view of the court, the provisional measures indicated in that order of Jan. 26 do not fully address the consequences arising from the changes on the ground. Therefore, the Court determined that modifications to these measures were justified.

The court stated that since that ruling, "the catastrophic living conditions of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have deteriorated further, in particular, in view of the prolonged and widespread deprivation of food and other basic necessities to which the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been subjected."

"Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine, as noted in the order, but that famine is setting in," it said.

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Iran will continue to resolutely support Palestine: Top general

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 4:22 PM

Iran's highest-ranking military commander has once again reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the resistance forces in their battle against Israel.

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks in a meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, in Tehran on Friday.

"The Palestinian cause has been the centerpiece of Iran's major strategies since the [1979 victory of the Islamic] Revolution, and this will undoubtedly continue with full power," Baqeri said.

He said the "unprecedented" Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by Hamas against Israel inflicted irreparable defeat on the regime.

The honorable operation shattered the myth of the regime's invincibility and made Palestine an overriding issue across the world, the Iranian commander stated.

Baqeri said Israel would definitely have fallen apart without the US support.

He hailed the great resistance of the Palestinian people in the face of all pressures, saying the innocent and defenseless Palestinians succeeded in exposing the power of Islam to the world.

He expressed hope that the people of Palestine would achieve final victory in the near future.

Haniyeh, for his part, said the Hamas military operation allowed the voice of the Palestinian people to be heard across the world. He said Iran's support for Palestine raises the morale of the Palestinian resistance fighters.

The Hamas leader commemorated great efforts by Iran's top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani to support the oppressed and stand against the tyrannical powers.

In a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei told Haniyeh that Iran pursues a fixed policy of providing support to Palestine and the people in Gaza who have been suffering from brutal Israeli aggression for nearly six months.

Israel's genocidal US-backed war started after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023 against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Nearly six months into the hostilities, the regime has failed to achieve its objectives of "destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives despite killing at least 32,620 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring over 75,000 others.

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Iran: Gaza tragedy tests world bodies' commitment to human rights

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 4:10 PM

The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says the crimes of Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza over the past six months served as a yardstick for assessing the adherence of governments to human rights.

In a post on his official X account on Friday, Nasser Kan'ani said the painful tragedy in the besieged territory has tested the commitment of countries and institutions as well as world bodies to their "human, moral, legal and international responsibilities towards human rights."

The Iranian official also commented on the reaction of those countries claiming to advocate human rights to the horrible crime of Israeli soldiers in the southwest coast of Gaza in killing and burying two unarmed Palestinian youths. It "clearly shows how sincere they are in their human rights slogans and claims," he said.

The Iranian spokesman's post came after a new video showed Israeli soldiers have shot dead two unarmed Palestinian men in cold blood while they were trying to return to northern Gaza, their bodies buried in sand and rubbish by an army bulldozer.

The disturbing incident, which was captured by long-distance cameras, shows Israeli troops opening fire on the two men who were walking along al-Rashid Street and the al-Nablusi roundabout in Gaza City.

At least one of the two men repeatedly waved what appeared to be white fabric, in a sign of surrender and to show that there was no threat.

In a statement on Thursday, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas said that "footage aired by Al Jazeera documenting the cold-blooded killing of two unarmed young civilians by Zionist occupation forces and their bodies dragged with a bulldozer to cover up the crime is further evidence of Zionist crimes."

Hamas called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take "urgent action to stop the systematic killing" of the people of Palestine in the Gaza Strip.

Israel ignited its bloody war machine in the Gaza Strip on October 7 after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Nearly six months into the hostilities, the regime has failed to achieve its objectives of "destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives despite killing at least 32,620 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring over 75,000 others.

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Israeli airstrike kills one in southern Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 4:05 PM

Israel has conducted new airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing one person, amid exchanges of fire between the occupying regime and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

According to media reports, an Israeli drone targeted a moving car in Bazouriyeh in Tyre district on Friday, leaving the vehicle engulfed in fire.

The Israeli military later claimed that the victim was the deputy head of Hezbollah's rocket unit.

Ali Abdel Hassan Naim was "one of the leaders for heavy-warhead rocket fire and responsible for conducting and planning attacks" against Israel, the statement said.

In different statements issued on Friday, Hezbollah mourned seven fighters who were killed "on the path to al-Quds." The movement mentioned Ali Abdel Hassan Naim among them, without elaborating.

Also on Friday, three Israeli missiles targeted the valley of Shebaa, while Israeli artillery shells hit the south of Khiam town in southern Lebanon.

An Israeli missile attack also hit the village of Ayta al-Shaab.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it fired a number of Burkan missiles at a command headquarters in Biranit barracks on Friday, "hitting it directly." According to the statement, the strike came as part of the movement's pro-Palestine attacks and in response to the Israeli assaults on Syria's Aleppo and Damascus.

The Lebanese resistance fighters also fired artillery shells at a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Hunin Castle.

Israeli media reports also said that an anti-tank missile was fired from Lebanon and hit Metula in the northern part of the occupied territories.

In the occupied Lebanese Shebaa farms, Hezbollah forces fired a barrage of missiles at Israeli positions, including Zabdin barracks.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire since early October, shortly after the occupying regime launched its war on Gaza.

The movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

Israel began the war on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Israel has killed more than 32,620 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,100 others.

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Iran: Israeli strikes on Aleppo an attempt to heal humiliation in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 11:47 AM

Iran has denounced Israel's airstrikes on the Syrian city of Aleppo, saying the attack is a failed attempt to heal the regime's humiliated image in the the besieged Gaza Strip.

"These attacks are a clear violation of international laws and regulations and Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and a serious threat to regional and international peace and security," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said on Friday.

"It is necessary for the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take preventive measures and hold the aggressor Zionist regime accountable in addition to condemning such assaults," he added.

A number of Syrian civilians and military personnel were killed and injured in an Israeli aerial assault that targeted several areas in Aleppo countryside earlier in the day.

Syria's official news agency SANA said the Israeli aggression coincided with airstrikes by foreign-backed Takfiri terrorist groups from the neighboring province of Idlib on the same area.

Expressing his condolences and sympathies with the Syrian government and people as well as the families of the victims of the attacks, Kan'ani called for global action to hold the Israeli regime to account.

Such attacks, which were coordinated and synchronized with the attacks of terrorist groups in Syria, are a "clear testimony to the support of the terrorist regime of Israel for terrorist groups and ideologies in Syria", he said.

"They have for many years threatened the national security of Syria and jeopardized the security of the region and sacrificed the lives of thousands of innocent citizens for their sinister goals and those of their supporters," he added.

Pointing to Israel's defeat in the Gaza Strip, Kan'ani said, "The aggressive attacks on Syria are a desperate and failed attempt to continue and expand the crisis in the region with the aim of healing the humiliated image of this regime in front of the Palestinian nation and the resistance groups."

Kan'ani stressed that dealing with the Israeli regime's dangerous adventurism that violates the security and stability of the region is an international and global responsibility.

Israel unleashed its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

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.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed more than 32,500 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,000 others.

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UN 'deeply disturbed' after Israeli strike kills 11 civilians in south Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 10:43 AM

The United Nations says it is "deeply disturbed" by attacks on healthcare facilities, a day after Israeli warplanes bombed southern Lebanon killing 10 emergency rescue workers.

"The tragic events of the past 36 hours have resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries in south Lebanon. Up to 11 civilians were killed in a single day, including 10 paramedics," said Imran Riza, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon.

He was referring to an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday that targeted an emergency and relief center in the southern village of Habbariyeh.

"I am deeply disturbed by the repeated attacks on health facilities and health workers who risk their lives to provide urgent assistance to their local communities," Riza said.

"Attacks on health care violate international humanitarian law and are unacceptable," the UN official said in a statement.

The Israeli regime has been launching airstrikes against Lebanon since the beginning of its onslaught on the Gaza Strip in early October.

Israel's raids have resulted in retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah launched a barrage of at least 30 retaliatory rockets at an Israeli military barracks in the northern part of the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories in response to the Habbariyeh airstrike.

Lebanon's al-Manar television said the group struck the outpost inside Kiryat Shmona city with dozens of projectiles on Wednesday morning.

The rockets struck the Command Center of the Israeli military's 769th Brigade in the Kiryat Shmona Barracks, it said.

At least 322 people, including 56 civilians, have been killed by Israeli missiles on the Lebanese border.

Israel says at least ten of its troopers and seven settlers have been killed in the area.

Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts.

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By Kim Hyun-bin

In a gathering commemorating the remarkable growth of ties between Korea and the Muslim world, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul emphasized the importance of fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures at the 20th annual "2024 Iftar Dinner" in Seoul, Friday.

Iftar, in Arabic, is the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims during Ramadan.

Having started as a gathering of some 20 participants in 2004, the Iftar dinner has grown tenfold to nearly 200 guests this evening, Cho said at a dinner event in Seoul on Friday.

"The presence of business and religious leaders, scholars, students, journalists, as well as TV personalities and social media influencers, speaks volumes about the breadth and depth of ties between Korea and the Muslim world. This diverse representation is fitting for what has become an annual tradition dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and respect for different beliefs and cultures."

Reflecting on the historical ties between Korea and the Muslim community, Cho referenced a 9th-century account by the Persian geographer and writer Ibn Khordadbeh, who praised Korea's splendor, indicating a long-standing affinity between the two communities. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of Muslim soldiers during the Korean War and the subsequent economic cooperation that fueled Korea's growth in the 1970s.

Today, we are witnessing another boom in cultural development and people-to-people interactions, Cho said. Around 1 million Muslim tourists are visiting Korea every year, while in return, more than 1 million Korean tourists are visiting Islamic countries.

President Yoon Suk Yeols recent visits to Muslim-majority countries underscored Korea's commitment to strengthening its friendship with the Muslim world, with particular emphasis on promoting intercultural understanding and shared history.

Cho urged both Muslims and non-Muslims to reflect on the values of solidarity, kindness and resilience embodied by the holy month of Ramadan. He emphasized the importance of standing together and reaffirmed the shared humanity that unites people across cultures.

Moroccan Ambassador Chafik Rachadi, dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in Korea, emphasized the importance of the event and stressed its role in promoting understanding, friendship and cooperation between Korea and Arab and Islamic countries.

"Tonight's events not only promote understanding, friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Arab and Islamic countries but also serve as an invaluable opportunity to disseminate universal values of religious solidarity and tolerance, the ambassador said.

"Our Iftar gathering symbolizes that unity and coexistence."

Rachadi also reflected on the spiritual significance of Ramadan, stating, "As we sit together at this gathering, each of us  Muslim and host  witnesses and embodies the blessings of peaceful coexistence and unity. In the same way, as we gather here tonight, we are not simply sharing a meal to build our networks and nourish our individual goals. Rather, I'd like to think of this special meal as a time when we can all see the benefits and blessings of peace and long-lasting friendship between our communities, with the host country and throughout our region and the world."
Hezbollah targets Israeli settlements in response to southern Lebanon strikes

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 9:31 AM

Hezbollah has carried out multiple strikes against Israeli settlements and positions in the northern sector of the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories, as part of another round of retaliatory operations amid the Gaza war.

The Lebanese movement said in a statement that it targeted the Shlomi and Goren settlements on Thursday in response to attacks on civilians, especially Israeli strikes on Naqoura and Tayr Harfa towns that killed at least nine Hezbollah and Amal paramedics.

Hamas fighters on Thursday struck a "newly created" command center in Liman moshav, located in the Western Galilee region, in support of Gaza.

Additionally, Hezbollah released video footage documenting its fighters targeting a gathering of Israeli troops in Horsh Ramim close to Lebanon's southern border with the occupied territories.

The group also fired a salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona city.

The Israeli regime has been attacking southern Lebanon off and on since October 7, when it launched its onslaught on Gaza, killing at least 32,552 Palestinians, most of them women and children, so far.

In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions.

At least 322 people have been killed on the Lebanese border, including 56 civilians.

Israel says at least ten soldiers and seven settlers have been killed in the area.

The fighting has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from the northern part of the occupied territories, amid rocket fire and shelling carried out by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian groups.

Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts.

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World Court orders Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza 'without delay'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 8:36 AM

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced new measures, ordering Israel to "ensure, without delay" that humanitarian aid is provided to the Gaza Strip to halt famine.

The order on Thursday comes just two weeks after South Africa requested that the ICJ issue additional provisional measures against Israel in light of reports of widespread starvation.

South Africa hauled Israel before the ICJ, also called the World Court, late last year declaring that the regime was committing genocide in the war on Gaza.

In January, the ICJ issued an interim ruling on the emergency measures requested by South Africa, ordering Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.

The ICJ said Thursday Israel must take "all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance."

Since January 26, it said, "the catastrophic living conditions of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have deteriorated further, in particular in view of the prolonged and widespread deprivation of food and other basic necessities to which the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been subjected."

The additional measures run counter to Israel's claim that it is not blocking aid deliveries to Gaza. The court unanimously mandated Israel to increase the number of land crossings into Gaza and keep them open for "as long as necessary."

It also ordered Israel to ensure with "immediate effect that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group" under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The ICJ said Israel must submit a report on all measures it has taken to comply with this order, within one month from the date of the order.

The UN and other aid agencies have warned of imminent famine due to Israel's prevention of the land-based delivery of life-saving aid to Gaza.

Israel unleashed its war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

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.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed more than 32,500 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,000 others.

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Mar. 28: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 2:55 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 32,500 Palestinians so far, including at least 15,000 children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Thursday, March 28, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Mar. 28:

(Gaza Strip)

Targeted an Israeli military Merkava-4 tank with a Yassin-105 rocket, west of the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, in southern Gaza City.

Targeted an Israeli military Merkava-3 tank with a Yassin-105 rocket, west of the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, in southern Gaza City.

Targeted an Israeli military Merkava-3 tank and a military D9-bulldozer with Yassin-105 and Tandem rockets, in the Qarara area, north of Khan Younis city, southern Gaza Strip.

Detonated a booby-trapped house housing an Israeli infantry force in the Qarara area north of Khan Younis city, resulting in casualties.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Mar. 28:

(Gaza Strip)

In a joint operation with the Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the surroundings of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City, with a barrage of mortar shells.

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with a Tandem rocket in the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex on Al-Thawra Street, west of Gaza City.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Mar. 28:

(Gaza Strip)

Targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with mortar shells in the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City.

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with RPGs in the surroundings of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City.

Shelled positions of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with mortar shells in the surroundings of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Mar. 28:

(Gaza Strip)

Targeted gatherings of Israeli forces in the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City, with mortar shells.

In a joint operation with the Al-Quds Brigades, shelled gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles around the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City, with a barrage of mortar shells.

Hezbollah's operations on Mar. 28:

(Lebanon)

Eastern sector:

At around 16:25 local time, the Al-Samaqa site in the Lebanese hills of Kafr Shuba was targeted with a barrage of missiles.

At around 16:35 local time, the Ramtha site in the Lebanese hills of Kafr Shuba was targeted with a barrage of missiles.

Western sector:

At around 8:00 local time, the "Gorn" and "Shlomi" settlements were bombed with several rockets and artillery shells.

At around 9:20 local time, the headquarters of the new Liman Battalion of the Israeli military was targeted with artillery shells.

At around 18:00 local time, the "Gorn" and "Shlomi" settlements were bombed with a volley of Burkan and Katyusha rockets.

At around 17:50 local time, Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Jal al-Alam site were targeted with several missiles.

At around 23:35 local time, Israeli soldiers and their vehicles were targeted with artillery shells as they entered the Al-Malikiyah site.

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Indonesian President-elect Prabowo to visit China in first official post-polls foreign trip

China strikes before the United States in wooing future leader of Southeast Asia's largest economy, analysts say.

Pizaro Gozali Idrus 2024.03.29 -- Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto will visit China next week at the invitation of President Xi Jinping for what will be his first official overseas visit since his election last month, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

By inviting Prabowo - currently Indonesia's defense minister - Beijing is trying to gain an edge over Washington and strike first in wooing the future leader of Southeast Asia's largest economy, analysts in Jakarta said.

During Prabowo's three-day visit starting Sunday, Xi will hold talks with the Indonesian president-elect on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, Lin Jian, China's foreign ministry spokesman, told a regular daily press conference in Beijing on Friday.

"At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto will visit China from March 31 to April 2," Lin said, according to a transcript posted on the ministry's website.

"Mr. Prabowo's visit to China will be his first overseas visit as president-elect. It fully demonstrates the robustness of China-Indonesia ties."

The Indonesian Defense Ministry spokesman also confirmed Prabowo's China visit, saying its aim was to strengthen bilateral relations and increase cooperation in the defense sector.

"This visit is part of the two countries' ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic dialogue and cooperation, which is vital for regional security and stability," Brig. Gen. Edwin Adrian Sumantha told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news service.

Regional political observers see Prabowo's upcoming visit to China mostly in the context of Sino-U.S. competition for influence in Southeast Asia, and Beijing's investment of billions of dollars in Indonesia.

During the nearly decade-long presidency of outgoing leader Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, Indonesia and China drew closer, many analysts said.

Al Azhar University Defense Analyst Raden Mokhamad Luthfi cited China's big projects in Indonesia.

"One example is the Belt and Road Initiative project in the form of the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train and the nickel downstreaming industry," Raden told BenarNews.

He was referring to China's flagship Belt and Road Initiative project, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, which began commercial operations in October 2023.

Nickel downstreaming refers to domestic processing of nickel ore, that is, to refine commodities at home to make exports more valuable. Chinese-linked companies dominate the nickel smelter industry in Indonesia.

Another reason for China's invitation to Prabowo was that Beijing wanted to ensure that under Prabowo, Indonesia does not move closer to the United States and the West.

"I suspect that China wants to ensure that Prabowo continues the foreign policy that Jokowi previously carried out," he said.

China is invested in the Prabowo presidency because it wants its projects in Indonesia to stay on track, Raden said.

However, he doesn't approve of China being Prabowo's first stop as president-elect.

"Prabowo's visit to China is too soon. It would have been better if he had waited until he was inaugurated first, then visited a foreign country," Raden said.

"Visits to foreign countries by the newly inaugurated Indonesian president should first be to neighboring ASEAN member countries such as Malaysia, considering that Indonesia's interests are much greater in ASEAN than in other countries," Raden said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Prabowo has bucked tradition in another way as well with his overseas trip, according to Zulfikar Rahmat, director of the China-Indonesia Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios).

This is the first time that a president-elect - one who has not been sworn in - has accepted a foreign government's invitation to visit, Zulfikar told BenarNews. Prabowo is to be inaugurated as president in October.

"There are two reasons for this. The first is, of course, that Prabowo sees China as a partner in the economic sector. We know that in recent years, China has been Indonesia's number one trading partner," he said.

"Second, I see that Prabowo wants to continue Jokowi's legacy, which is [being] close to China."

Like Jokowi, Prabowo puts Indonesia's economy front and center, which brings it closer to China, Zulfikar said.

Muradi, a politics and security analyst at University of Padjadjaran in Bandung, said Prabowo had an interest in seeing how China carries out its defense modernization, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

"[That's] because China devotes almost 12% of GDP to their defense budget. So, China is one of the countries on the continent that has modern ships other than India," Muradi, who goes by one name, told BenarNews.

"Why did Prabowo go straight to China instead of ASEAN countries first?  Because Southeast Asian nations were not seen as very strategic by Prabowo. Instead, assume China is the current strategic power," Muradi said.

"Why didn't Prabowo go to the U.S. first? Because until now, it is not clear who will win the November election - Biden or Trump.  Prabowo didn't want to go to [meet] Biden, [if] Biden lost. Or to Trump, if it turned out Trump lost," he said.

Muradi predicted that after China, Prabowo's next overseas stop would be in Russia, because its election, as it were, has concluded with Vladimir Putin being re-elected.

"Maybe Prabowo will only go to the U.S. in January or February 2025," Muradi said.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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UNRWA Situation Report #96 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 26-27 March 2024, is valid as of 27 March 2024 at 22:30

UNRWA

29 Mar 2024

Key Points

The Gaza Strip

Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continued military operations across Gaza, particularly in the Al Rimal area of Gaza City near Al Shifa Hospital, and in central Khan Younis. This has resulted in further civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure. Airstrikes and bombardment continued in Rafah where UNRWA estimates a total of 1.2 million people are now living, the vast majority in formal and informal shelters.

UNFPA Executive Director made a statement on impending famine in Gaza[1] and of reports of newborns dying because they are underweight. UNFPA stated that the current situation significantly impacts pregnant women and newborns every day, with the odds of women delivering undernourished and undersized babies.

WHO[2] continues to report that the health system in Gaza is collapsing due the conflict and access constraints. As of 27 March, according to WHO, two thirds (or 24 out of 36) of hospitals in Gaza are non-functional, two are minimally functional in northern Gaza, and 10 are partially functional including four in northern Gaza and six in southern Gaza. Similarly, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that health services in northern Gaza have been largely destroyed, and the southern Gaza Strip's healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.

The education cluster assessed that up to 212[3] schools in Gaza have been hit directly since 7 October 2023. Satellite analysis found that at least 53 schools were totally destroyed. It is estimated that at least two out of three schools in Gaza will need to be completely rebuilt or require major rehabilitation to function again. The Education Cluster report so states that it received several concerning reports, pictures and videos, showing that schools are being used for military purposes by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) including as detention, interrogation centres, and military bases. The satellite-derived images provide further evidence for the military use of schools.

There has been no significant change in the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza or improved access to the north. From 1 - 27 March there has been an average of 159 aid trucks crossing per day. The highest number this month was on 11 March, when 236 trucks entered Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) and Rafah land crossings. This remains well below the operational capacity of both border crossings and the target of 500 per day. UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organisation in Gaza with over 1.8 million people, or 85 per cent of the population, reached with flour since 7 October as one example. In addition, nearly 600,000[4] people have received emergency food parcels and almost 3.5 million patient consultations have been provided at health centres and points. UNRWA continues to provide storage and distribution of other agencies' food commodities.

As of 27 March, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is 171.

As of 27 March, up to 1.7 million* people (over 75 per cent of the population) ** have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, the majority multiple times.*** Families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. Following intense Israeli bombardments and fighting in Khan Younis and the Middle Area in recent weeks, a significant number of displaced people have moved further south.

*This includes 1 million individuals residing in or near emergency shelters or informal shelters. As of 12 October, approximately 160,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were recorded in UNRWA shelters in Northern Gaza and Gaza City governorates. UNRWA currently estimates that the population of Northern Gaza and Gaza City governorates is up to 250,000 people. The ability of UNRWA to provide humanitarian support and updated data in these areas has been severely restricted. The ongoing hostilities, evacuation orders issued by ISF, and the constant need for safer locations have resulted in people being displaced multiple times.

**UNRWA reported on 15 January in Situation Report 64 that up to 1.9 million IDPs were either residing in 154 UNRWA shelters or near these shelters. Due to the continued escalation of fighting and evacuation orders, some households have moved away from the shelters where they were initially registered.

*** There are instances where the same IDPs are registered in multiple shelters due to the fluid movement of populations; hereafter, estimates are used for these shelters. UNRWA plans to conduct a more accurate count of IDPs in shelters, including informal shelters, as soon as the security situation allows.

[1] Statement by the Executive Director on Impending Famine in Gaza - occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb

[2] Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #147 [EN/AR/HE] - occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb

[3] Verification of damages to schools based on proximity to damaged sites - Gaza, Occupied Palestinian Territory (26 March 2024) - occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb

[4] UNRWA and other UN parcels distributed by UNRWA.

Overall Situation

The Gaza Strip

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza as of 27 March, at least 32,470 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since 7 October. About 70 per cent of those killed are reported to be women and children. Another 74,889 Palestinians have been reportedly injured.

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023--27 March 2024, 438 Palestinians, including at least 106 children, have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

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Press Release

Marine Corps publishes Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 8-10

29 Mar 2024

HEADQUARTERS, U.S. MARINE CORPS -- The Marine Corps published its latest information doctrine publication Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 8-10, Information in Marine Corps Operations, March 14, 2024.

The release of MCWP 8-10, Information in Marine Corps Operations marks the Marine Corps' second information doctrine publication, expanding upon the tenets of Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 8, Information.

Deputy Commandant for Information developed the warfighting publication in coordination with Doctrine Branch, Policy and Standards Division, Training and Education Command.

The purpose of MCWP 8-10, Information in Marine Corps Operations is complementary guidance to the MCDP 8, Information, providing Marines at all echelons a practical reference to leverage the power of information to gain military advantages. MCWP 8-10 is written within the context of Force Design 2030: threat-informed, concept-based and accountable to a campaign of learning.

MCWP 8-10, Information in Marine Corps Operations is comprised of five chapters describing; Information Fundamentals, The Means and Methods for Conducting Information in Marine Corps Operations, Information Planning, Command and Control of Information Activities, and Measuring Information Effectiveness and Performance. The content of the chapters contributes to the reader's understanding of the activities required to plan, conduct, command and control, and assess activities that support the Marine Corps Information Warfighting Function.

"Information is a function applicable to any type of unit, operating in any domain, on any point of the competition continuum," stated Eric Schaner Deputy Division Director, Information Plans and Strategy Division, DC I.

Information regarding the MCDP 8 and the MCWP 8-10 can be found at: https://www.information.marines.mil/MCDP8/

The electronic copy of MCWP 8-10 can be found at:

https://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/MCPEL/Electronic-Library-Display/Article/3712860/mcwp-8-10/

-30-

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Continued, Collective, Commitment

US Navy

Hawaii

Speech by Carlos Del Toro

Presented on 28 March 2024

Date Published 29 March 2024



Aloha, ladies and gentlemen. I am deeply honored to be here with you today as your 78th Secretary of the Navy.

Let me begin with a warm welcome and aloha to Governor Josh Green. We are honored to have you here, and I am appreciative of you taking the time to join us at the delicious Duc's Bistro for dinner last night.

Aloha and welcome to Senator Mazie Hirono, who works tirelessly both here at home and back in Washington to advance the priorities of the people of Hawaii, alongside her husband, Leighton.

Welcome also to Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, who represents Hawaii's 2nd District and serves as yet another stalwart leader of this great state.

These leaders, alongside Senator Brian Schatz and Congressman Ed Case, fight all day-in and day-out to continue moving the Aloha State forward.

Throughout my lifetime, I have always held a special fondness for Hawaii, especially its people and its long-held traditions.

My wife Betty and I honeymooned here when we were just 21 years old - mere babies.

Later, we frequently brought our children here throughout my years in the military, and later when I served in the private sector.

We shared with them the love we have always held in our hearts for the people and the land. And so, I am truly honored to be with you all here today.

Admiral Aquilino, Admiral Paparo, thank you for your leadership and teamwork as the Navy and the Joint Force worked together to tackle this challenge.

I would like to thank Kahu Kekoa, Kumu Hina, for blessing us and this event, with your presence and participation.

We are also honored to have our esteemed Elders Uncle Bruce and Auntie Kehau, who I was blessed to spend the day with yesterday at the beautiful fishpond.

Vice Admiral Wade, thank you for your leadership of the Joint Task Force to safely defuel the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and prepare it for permanent closure.

Your stewardship of this team as the Navy's operational commander has set the standard for the Navy's consistent and continued commitment to doing "right" by our servicemembers and the people of Hawaii.

Rear Admiral Barnett, thank you for the time and work you also dedicate to Hawaii as Commander-Navy Region Hawaii, and for all that you have already contributed to efforts to defuel and close Red Hill.

And, importantly, thank you for the commitment you have made to the work you're about to begin as you lead Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill. I know you are ready for this task.

Please know that you have the same focused attention and support of the entire Department of the Navy that Vice Admiral Wade has had, as you now lead the efforts to thoroughly clean, permanently decommission and, ultimately, close this facility.

For more than a century, the military has been honored to call Hawaii home.

Our work here helps us understand and value the environmentair, soil, waterand the people of Hawaii.

We recognize our responsibility to protect Hawaii's environment and natural resources.

Collectively, we all bear a responsibility and commitment to care for and protect this beautiful place.

As we all know too well the original fuel spill that led to the eventual contamination of the Red Hill well took place in May 2021.

Shortly after the second spill in November, I, as the then new Secretary, immediately directed all operations to cease at Red Hill.

Secretary Austin then stood up Joint Task Force Red Hill to defuel and then close Red Hill.

And the team hereNavy Region Hawaii, the Joint Task Force, federal, state, and local officials, communities, families, Native Hawaiiansall came together to make things right.

Together, as a community, we worked hard because it was our responsibility to do so for the benefit of all.

Today, we are marking the Transfer of Authority of Red Hill, but, more importantly, we are pledging continued, collective, commitment, because there is still much work to be done.

Seamlessly, from Commander JTF to Commander NCTF, we transfer the charge of the task and with it the responsibility to alwaysalwaysbe laser-focused on the health and safety of the people, the community, and the environment.

Rear Admiral Barnett, you have our continued trust and confidence to lead NCTF-Red Hill in the years ahead.

And as we move forward, the Department of the Navy remains steadfast in our commitment to the people of Hawai'i.

We recognize the deep ties that bind us to this beautiful land and its people, and I am proud that we are strongly building back the trust that is essential to us moving forward together.

And we remain dedicated to engaging with the community in respectful ways throughout the rest of this process, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed and involved.

Together, we will build a stronger future, one that safeguards national security, our communities, and the beautiful environment of Hawai'i.

In closing I ask God to grant our nation, our Navy, and the people of Hawai'i fair winds and following seas. Mahalo nui loa.

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Secretary of the Navy Travels to Hawaii; Oversees Navy Closure Task Force Transfer of Authority Ceremony

US Navy - Press Release

29 March 2024

HONOLULU -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro underscored the Navy's commitment to Hawaii's environment, people, and small business community during a visit March 27-28, to oversee the transfer of authority for the closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

Secretary Del Toro's first stop on Oahu was to Loko ia Paaiau fishpond, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located at McGrew Point Navy housing area near Pearl Harbor.

An important aspect of Native Hawaiian culture, fishponds were a highly effective and distinct form of aquaculture. They played a significant role in the religious, social, and political traditions of local Hawaiian communities.

Over the years, many of Hawaii's traditional fishponds have been damaged or destroyed, and the Loko ia Paaiau is one of only three in the Pearl Harbor area still relatively intact. For the last 10 years, the Navy has been working with a number of organizations in the local community to restore the fishpond and historic site.

"I'm grateful to have the chance to visit Loko ia Paaiau fishpond today and learn from the Native Hawaiian kupuna of this community," said Secretary Del Toro. "It is an honor to see the progress of this historic preservation and restoration following President Biden's 2022 Memorandum on incorporating indigenous knowledge into federal agency planning."

On Thursday, the Secretary began his day by visiting the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council. He and the councilmembers discussed the substantial value of Navy contracts awarded to Hawaii-owned businesses, small business opportunities, and the strategic partnership between the State of Hawaii and the Department of the Navy.

"Our Department is committed to engaging and working with our Hawaiian and small business community," said Secretary Del Toro. "Our future success depends on strong partnerships with innovative and agile businesses, and we are committed to providing opportunities for Hawaiian businesses as part of our endeavors."

After his meeting at the Military Affairs Council, the Secretary traveled to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to speak with Sailors from various commands, including an all-hands call with Sailors who work on the Navy Closure Task Force.

"All of you here have proven your dedication to working collaboratively with local officials and community leaders - it is a testament to the strong relationship between the Navy and the people of Hawaii," said Secretary Del Toro. "Each and every one of you is critical to our success, and I want to emphasize again how proud I am of you, both for the work you've done, and the work you will do here in the near future."

The day ended with the transfer of authority from Joint Task Force-Red Hill to Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. The Secretary spoke and witnessed Rear. Adm. Steve Barnett assume authority for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

"Today, we are marking the Transfer of Authority of Red Hill, but, more importantly, we are pledging our continued, collective, commitment because there is still much work to be done," said Secretary Del Toro. "We recognize the deep ties that bind us to this beautiful land and its people, and we will continue building back the trust that is essential to us moving forward together."

Since its establishment in November 2023 by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill has been in lock-step with Joint Task Force-Red Hill, conducting community events, developing safety and security procedures, addressing environmental issues, and ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and application of JTF-RH best practices and lessons learned to Red Hill closure operations.

The mission of the NCTF-RH is to safely and expeditiously execute the permanent decommissioning of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, and continue long-term environmental remediation and aquifer restoration efforts in coordination with State and Federal stakeholders in order to protect public health and the environment.

For more information about NCTF-RH, visit www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil.

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All Parties to Conflict in CAR Violate Civilians' Human Rights, Experts Say

By Lisa Schlein March 29, 2024

Human rights experts accuse all parties to the conflict in the Central African Republic of perpetrating serious human rights abuses and violations against the civilian population.

The experts, who held a high-level dialogue at the United Nations Human Rights Council Thursday to assess developments in the CAR, warned that the ongoing violence and instability in the country have adversely affected the human rights of civilians and kept the country mired in poverty.

Nada Al-Nashif, the U.N. deputy high commissioner for human rights, blamed armed groups for "51% of the abuses and state actors for the remaining 49% of violations."

She said between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, 2,100 abuses and violations were reported by U.N. peacekeeping forces, known as MINUSCA, affecting 4,676 victims.

Among the victims, she said, were hundreds of women and girls who were "subjected to conflict-related sexual violence."

"These violations were mainly attributable to armed groups, but also to the military and other security personnel," she said, adding that the warring parties have committed other serious violations, as well, such as extrajudicial executions, trafficking, forced recruitment and use, and forced marriage.

She said children also are victims of grave human rights violations, "with the recruitment and use of children and abduction and sexual violence being the most frequent. Armed groups remain the main perpetrators in this regard."

Al-Nashif pointed out the government has taken some steps to improve the country's deplorable human rights situation. However, she stressed that was only a first step, saying strengthened measures are urgently needed to eliminate all forms of exploitation and abuse.

Responding to the deputy high commissioner's remarks, Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene, CAR's minister of state for justice, explained that his country's years of experience with recurrent conflict and turbulence have led to "serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law of which women and girls are the main victims."

He said President Faustin-Archange Touadera was intent on rectifying the situation, noting that the president has placed "the promotion and protection of human rights at the epicenter of his public policy," with particular emphasis on the rights of women and girls.

He listed and recounted in detail the many new and revised constitutional laws and other legal remedies that have been implemented by his government related to gender-based violence. Some, he said, are aimed at ending discrimination, strengthening the rights of women, protecting women and children from abuse, and seeking justice for crimes against them.

"During the criminal sessions of the Bangui Court of Appeal in 2020 and 2023, several criminal cases of rape were tried, and the perpetrators and accomplices found guilty were severely punished," he said, adding that "several cases are currently being investigated at the level of the courts."

Joanne Adamson, deputy special representative of the secretary-general of the United Nations for MINUSCA, praised the government for "the significant progress it has made on human rights," including the adoption of a national human rights policy, the extension of a plan of action to combat conflict-related sexual violence, and the government's commitment to combat against impunity for sexual violence linked to conflict.

"However, despite these efforts and the improvements in certain areas, the security situation remains volatile throughout the country and continues to bring challenges in the context of human rights, particularly in remote areas where armed groups remain active," she said.

"Conflict-related sexual violence remains a reality because of the ongoing gender inequalities and harmful traditional practices," and that often causes abused women to remain silent.

Adamson said many victims do not seek justice because they "fear reprisals, are ashamed or fear stigmatization and do not speak out."

She said allowing women to participate more fully in political and public life would help to "consolidate peace, reconciliation and development."

Deputy High Commissioner Al-Nashif noted that the Central African Republic ranks 188th out of 191 countries in terms of gender equality.

"Gender-based discrimination and exclusion from public and political life remain deeply entrenched," she said.

"It is regrettable that the revised Electoral Code, adopted by the National Assembly in January 2024, did not include a provision on the implementation of a 35% quota for women in line with the Gender Parity Law of 2016."

Adamson called on the government to "ensure the political participation of women in all decision-making bodies through effective legal frameworks and policies."

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Canadian Armed Forces members deploy to Jamaica to train CARICOM troops for Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.

National Defence

News release

March 30, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Yesterday, approximately 70 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Jamaica. At the request of the Jamaican government, they will provide training to military personnel from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations who are set to deploy to Haiti as part of the United Nations-authorized, Kenyan-led, Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

On the Canadian mission in Jamaica, known as Operation HELIOS, CAF members will provide training on core peacekeeping skills and combat first aid - and carry out validation and integration exercises for CARICOM troops. This Canadian training will prepare the CARICOM troops to deploy on the Kenyan-led MSS mission and to bolster the Haitian National Police (HNP) in their efforts to restore security for the people of Haiti. This Canadian-led training will take place at the Canadian Armed Forces' Operational Support Hub in Jamaica.

The Canadian personnel being deployed are drawn primarily from the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment from Valcartier, Quebec. Their deployment will last for an initial period of approximately one month. Canadian Armed Forces expects to train approximately 330 CARICOM troops from Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas.

This training is just one way that Canada is supporting the Kenyan-led MSS mission and building the capacity of CARICOM partner nations. In February, Minister Joly announced an investment of $80.5 million to support the deployment of MSS mission.

Operation HELIOS also builds on Canada's ongoing efforts to increase the capacity of CARICOM nations to participate in United Nations missions. In January of 2024, the Canadian Armed Forces led training courses for approximately 300 members of the defence personnel of Jamaica, Belize, and Bahamas. The training covered a range of topics including the protection of civilians, conduct and discipline, and conflict-related sexual violence. All troops must undergo such training prior to participation on UN sanctioned peacekeeping missions.

Quotes

"Canada is committed to supporting the Haitian people, who are striving for a peaceful and more prosperous future. By helping our CARICOM partners prepare to deploy on the United Nations-backed MSS mission, Canada is stepping up with important contributions to Haiti's security. We will continue to support Haitian-led efforts to build stability, and we thank all CAF members involved for their contributions to this mission."

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

"I'd like to thank members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their dedication and support towards a successful deployment of the MSS mission, a critical step in restoring security, law and order and democracy in Haiti. As we've said from the beginning, Canada believes in Haitian-led solutions to the political, security and humanitarian crises in Haiti. We will continue to engage with Haitian stakeholders, CARICOM and international partners to strengthen the security and justice sectors, as well as to protect the people of Haiti and encourage Haitian-led efforts to restore peace, law and order, and prosperity in the country." The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

"Assisting in the Latin American and Caribbean region is just one way in which the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to global peace and security. We are collaborating with partners and international organizations to devise optimal strategies for aiding Haiti, while continuing to facilitate training and logistics support to this operation." Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

Quick facts

In October 2023, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution authorizing the deployment of a MSS mission to Haiti, that Kenya since volunteered to lead. The MSS mission seeks to assist the Haitian National Police to stabilize security conditions conducive to holding inclusive, free, and fair elections in Haiti. The Government of Jamaica agreed to take on the role of lead for planning and pre-deployment efforts for the CARICOM contingent.

The CAF's Operational Support Hub (OSH) in Jamaica will be the location for the training. The OSH, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of four hubs the CAF maintains around the globe in partner nations that provide logistical support to operations, and ensure that CAF members and assets can be quickly brought into the region. The OSH in Jamaica was first activated in 2016.

The CAF are key part of Canada's initiative to provide assistance to the Government of Haiti. Security assistance is one of the four pillars of Canada's response to the crisis in Haiti, which also includes diplomacy, sanctions, and humanitarian and development assistance. The CAF also contributes to the Interdepartmental Task Force, led by Global Affairs Canada, which guides Canada's support and contributions to Haitian-led efforts to resolve the current interrelated political, security and humanitarian crises.

In February 2024, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced $123 million for projects to support Haiti, including $80.5 million for a United Nations trust fund for the deployment of the Kenyan-led MSS mission, which will support the efforts of the HNP to improve security conditions in Haiti for the civilian population.

In February 2024, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced $123 million for projects to support Haiti, including $80.5 million for a United Nations trust fund for the deployment of the Kenyan-led MSS mission, which will support the efforts of the HNP to improve security conditions in Haiti for the civilian population.

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The defense ministry on Monday established a research center aimed at overseeing artificial intelligence (AI) development in the defense sector as part of efforts to introduce advanced technologies to the military.

A founding ceremony for the Defense AI Center took place at the state-run Agency for Defense Development in Daejeon, 139 kilometers south of Seoul, attended by Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Science Minister Lee Jong-ho, according to Shin's office.

The launch came as part of Korea's Defense Innovation 4.0 initiative, which aims to make the military slimmer yet smarter based on artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.

The center, made up of some 110 civilian and military personnel, will focus on developing technologies related to AI-based manned-unmanned teaming systems and battlefield situational awareness, as well as applying AI technologies in the civilian sector to the military, the ministry said.

Shin and Lee also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between their ministries to bolster cooperation in key technology sectors that are essential in future battlefields, such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space and cyberspace, the ministry said.

Under the MOU, the two sides will push for research and development to foster cooperation between the private sector and the military and utilize civilian and military infrastructure to verify research by universities and state-run institutes, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)
Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area

European Commission

Press release

30 March 2024

Brussels

On 31 March, Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both Member States including on issuing Schengen visas and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted.

The Commission strongly welcomes this achievement, which follows the historic Council decision of December 2023. The Schengen accession of these two Member States will make the common area more attractive by significantly expanding the world's largest common area without internal border controls.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said: "Tomorrow marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area - the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens."

Since last December, both Member States have taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth application of the Schengen rules as from 31 March 2024. The Cooperation Frameworks launched earlier this March by the Commission together with Bulgaria and Romania build on the successful implementation of the pilot projects for fast asylum and return procedures. With these Cooperation Frameworks, Romania and Bulgaria will further contribute to strengthening the cooperation on border and migration, as well as to the joint European efforts to address EU security at external borders and migratory challenges.

Furthermore, a regional initiative on police cooperation was established between Member States along the Western Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean routes, including Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Greece, Hungary and Slovakia. This will allow to address related challenges jointly and in a sustainable manner, including as regards cross-border crime.

Bulgaria and Romania have continuously demonstrated a high level of commitment in ensuring an adequate protection of the EU external borders and have constantly acted as key contributors to the internal security of the Schengen area.

Next steps

The Council will need to take a decision to establish a date for the lifting of checks at internal land borders between Bulgaria, Romania and the other Schengen countries. The Commission will continue to provide all necessary support to the Presidency of the Council to ensure that a decision on land borders can be taken in 2024.

Background

Already in 2011, the Commission confirmed in the Schengen Evaluation reports that Bulgaria and Romania have met all requirements to be fully part of the Schengen area. The Commission has actively supported this process.

The Schengen area without control at its internal borders is one of EU citizens' most cherished achievements. What started as an intergovernmental project between five Member States in 1985 - Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands - has gradually expanded to become what is today the largest area of free movement in the world. Besides facilitating free movement of people without internal border controls, Schengen significantly benefits Europe's economy.

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UNRWA chief urges Israel to allow food delivery to Gaza amid warnings of famine

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:28, March 30, 2024

GAZA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), on Friday urged Israel to allow the organization's food and nutrition convoys reach northern Gaza and to open additional land crossings to facilitate the delivery of aid amid international warnings of famine in the coastal enclave.

Lazzarini made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, a day after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ordered Israel take all necessary measures to ensure basic aid reaches the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

He called on countries to increase pressure for the implementation of the court's order and to reconsider their decisions regarding funding the agency, emphasizing the urgency of bold actions to prevent famine in Gaza.

He warned that the living conditions of over two million people in Gaza were deteriorating, and Gaza was becoming an impossible place for dignified living.

The ruling issued on Thursday by the ICJ follows a previous one on January 26, in which the ICJ ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The previous ruling was given after South Africa filed a case at the ICJ against Israel on Dec. 29, 2023 for its alleged violations of obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention regarding Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas and imposed a siege on the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage.

A number of donor countries suspended funding to UNRWA after Israel accused the agency's employees in Gaza of taking part in the Hamas attack on Israel.

While some countries have reinstated UNRWA funding due to unverified claims by Israel, the agency has lost the bulk of its financial support.

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Israel to send delegations for new round of Gaza ceasefire talks

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:41, March 30, 2024

JERUSALEM, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Israel is ready to send delegations to Qatar and Egypt for negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Friday.

After speaking with David Barnea, head of the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency, and Ronen Bar, chief of the internal security agency Shin Bet, Netanyahu approved the next round of talks "with guidelines for moving forward in the negotiations," according to the statement.

The new round of talks will be held in Doha and Cairo in the coming days, it added.

Israel withdrew most of its negotiating team from Doha on Tuesday after Hamas rejected the latest offer, while a small, mid-ranking Mossad team remained in Qatar for negotiations, Israeli media reported.

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Palestinian death toll in Gaza Strip rises to 32,623: ministry

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:46, March 30, 2024

GAZA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,623, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Friday.

The Israeli army killed 71 Palestinians and wounded 112 others during the past 24 hours, it added.

This brings the total death toll to 32,623 and injuries to 75,092 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out, according to the ministry.

At least 20 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed Friday as Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes in Gaza City, the official news agency WAFA reported.

Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

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Roundup: Humanitarian aid operations obstructed in Sudan as clashes worsen food, health crisis

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:24, March 30, 2024

KHARTOUM, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Humanitarian aid operations in Sudan have faced obstructions as the ongoing deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to exacerbate the already severe food and health crisis shrouding the war-torn land.

The warring parties are exchanging accusations for impeding humanitarian relief operations. On Friday, Sudan's Foreign Ministry accused the RSF of blocking several United Nations Children's Fund trucks carrying humanitarian aid en route to El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State.

In a statement, the ministry said that the RSF intercepted the trucks that were sent to address the food and health crisis in displacement camps, with a specific focus on combating malnutrition among the children.

According to the ministry, the RSF deployed forces near the city of Mellit to obstruct and seize humanitarian convoys along the Al-Dabba-Mellit-El Fasher route.

The RSF, for its part, alleged that the SAF and allied forces were attempting to misuse humanitarian aid for the transportation of weapons and military equipment.

"We have reservations about bringing aid into Darfur through the Al-Dabba city in northern Sudan," Imran Abdullah, a member of the advisory office of the RSF commander, said in a statement.

"The SAF and the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by the governor of Darfur Region ... sought to smuggle weapons through this route," he said.

While the SAF and the RSF were trading barbs, the displaced people in the camps in the Darfur region are facing the risk of famine due to the halt of food rations distributed by international organizations.

"Malnutrition rates are rising in the camps, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands. Food rations provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) have stopped," Adam Rijal, spokesperson of the General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur, a voluntary body, said in a statement on Friday.

According to a recent WFP report, the vast majority of Sudanese face severe hunger due to the continued war, and that "less than five percent of Sudanese can afford a square meal a day."

The United Nations estimates that half of Sudan's population, approximately 25 million people, require humanitarian aid and protection, with nearly 18 million at risk of severe food scarcity.

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has experienced violent confrontations between the SAF and the RSF, resulting in the displacement of about 8.1 million people, with about 6.3 million displaced internally, according to the Sudan situation report updated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs last month.

The report noted that about 13,900 people have been killed since the fighting broke out, citing data recorded by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

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US drones violate Afghanistan's airspace: Taliban

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 8:45 PM

The Taliban government says unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the United States have been spotted violating the airspace over two of Afghanistan's southern provinces.

Zabihullah Mujahid provided the information to Afghanistan's TOLOnews agency on Saturday, specifying the provinces in question as Kandahar and Nimroz.

"These aircraft undoubtedly belong to the US, flying and crossing from the airspace of some neighboring countries into Afghanistan," he said.

"Everyone should understand their responsibilities in this matter and stop the aggression," Mujahid added.

Kabul had repeatedly protested the matter, he said, adding that Washington had to take the issue seriously.

Mujahid also criticized some of the country's neighbors for allowing the US to use their airspace to fly the aircraft into Afghanistan's skies.

"Unfortunately, Afghanistan lacks air defense forces and radar, so any country that wishes can violate Afghanistan's airspace," the agency cited Sarwar Niazi, a military expert, as saying.

The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 under the banner of "war on terror."

The invasion that toppled the Taliban was followed by the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Afghan civilians and displacement of millions of others.

The Taliban stormed back to power in August 2021 after making sweeping advances across the country, which triggered a messy withdrawal by US-led foreign forces as well as rapid collapse of the country's security forces.

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Lebanese PM condemns Israeli attack on UN staff

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 5:15 PM

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has condemned an Israeli attack that led to injuries for three United Nations observers and a translator in the south of the country.

A Saturday statement from Mikati's office said that he had spoken with Aroldo Lozaro, who serves as commander of the UN peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL, to deplore the "targeting" and wounding of UN staff in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, UNIFIL called the attack in the morning on a vehicle carrying the UN observers outside the border town of Rmeish "unacceptable" and said it is investigating the incident.

Local authorities said the three unarmed technical observers, who are reportedly from Norway, Chile and Australia and work under a mission known as UNTSO, are being treated for their injuries along with the Lebanese interpreter.

The Reuters news agency cited security sources as saying that the attack had been carried out by Israel. The Israeli regime denied responsibility.

That comes as the regime has been attacking civilians and fighters of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah since early October when Hezbollah began a campaign to target military sites in occupied Palestine to force Israel to stop in aggression on Gaza.

More than 320 people, including many civilians, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon over the past months. The regime's military has kept silent about the number of fatalities it has suffered in Hezbollah attacks.

Israel has sought to avoid a confrontation with Hezbollah amid its aggression on Gaza. Hezbollah has also refused to accept calls from the US and other allies of Israel to stop attacking the regime, saying the campaign will continue until Israel halts its attacks on Gaza.

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Indian navy rescues hijacked Iranian fishing vessel, Pakistani crew

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 11:10 AM

The Indian Navy has successfully and safely rescued the crew of an Iranian fishing vessel from nine armed pirates in the Arabian Sea.

The Indian Navy swiftly reacted to a pirate attack in the Arabian Sea after a distress call was sent out, saving an Iranian fishing vessel along with its crew of 23 Pakistani nationals during a lengthy anti-piracy operation that lasted over 12 hours.

The hijacked vessel Al-Kambar 786 was intercepted by the Indian Navy warship INS Sumedha, shortly after, the missile frigate INS Trishul joined the operation, after the operation unfolded in the early hours of Friday.

"After more than 12 hrs of intense coercive tactical measures as per the SOPs, the pirates on board the hijacked FV (fishing vessel) were forced to surrender," the Indian navy said in a post on a social media platform.

"The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, have been safely rescued," it added.

The fishing vessel from Iran was situated around 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra when the incident occurred, after a group of nine armed pirates had successfully boarded the vessel, resulting in its hijacking, which took place on Friday.

"The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and safety of seafarers, irrespective of their nationalities," the Indian Navy further said.

The Somali pirates were compelled to surrender by the Indian Navy, without any violence, marking the second instance in which the Indian Navy successfully coerced pirates to surrender without any bloodshed.

Earlier this month, the Indian Navy successfully compelled more than 30 Somali pirates to surrender, ensuring the safe rescue of the crew without resorting to any form of armed conflict or violence.

"The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and the safety of seafarers, irrespective of nationalities," it said.

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Mar. 29: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 9:16 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 32,600 Palestinians so far, including at least 15,000 children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Friday, March 29, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Mar. 29:

(Gaza Strip)

Targeted a group of Israeli soldiers holed up in a house in the vicinity of the Nasser Hospital, west of Khan Younis city, with a TBG anti-fortification shell, resulting in casualties.

Targeted and destroyed an Israeli military Merkava-4 tank with a Shawaz explosive device, west of the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, in southern Gaza City.

Targeted and destroyed two Israeli military Merkava-3 tanks with Yassin-105 rockets in the surroundings of the Al-Shifa Hospital Complex, western Gaza City.

Targeted a group of Israeli soldiers hiding inside a building in the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in western Gaza City with anti-personnel shells, resulting in casualties.

Shelled Israeli soldiers and their vehicles while they were advancing toward the Al-Shifa Medical Complex with mortar shells, inflicting casualties and material losses.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Mar. 29:

(Gaza Strip)

Shelled gatherings of Israeli soldiers around the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City, with a barrage of mortar shells, resulting in casualties.

Ambushed an Israeli infantry force, west of Khan Younis city, resulting in multiple casualties.

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with an RPG in the Al-Aqqad area west of Khan Younis city.

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with a Tandem rocket in the Al-Amal neighborhood of Khan Younis city.

In a joint operation with the Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Brigades, targeted Gaza envelope settlements with a barrage of 107mm rockets.

Shelled positions of Israeli soldiers with artillery shells, east of the central Gaza Strip, with a barrage of heavy caliber mortar shells.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Mar. 29:

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with RPGs, west of Khan Younis city, inflicting damages.

Shelled Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with mortar shells around the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City.

Targeted an Israeli troop carrier (APC) with an anti-tank shell in the Qarara area, northeast of Khan Younis city.

Hezbollah's operations on Mar. 29:

(Lebanon)

Eastern sector:

At around 8:00 local time, the Zibdin barracks in Lebanon's Shebaa were targeted with missiles.

At around 09:45 local time, the Zibdin barracks in Lebanon's Shebaa were targeted for the second time with Falaq missiles.

At around 13:00 local time, Israeli soldiers were targeted in Hunin Castle with artillery shells.

At around 13:15 local time, the Metulla site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 14:45 local time, a military vehicle was targeted in the Metulla site with a drone.

At around 18:10 local time, the Al-Samaqa site in Lebanon's Kafr Shuba was targeted with missiles.

Western sector:

At around 12:40 local time, the headquarters of the "91st" Division in the Beranit Barracks was targeted with Burkan missiles.

At around 15:50 local time, Israeli soldiers were targeted in Hadab Yaron with artillery shells, resulting in multiple casualties.

At around 16:00 local time, Israeli soldiers at the Jal al-Alam site were targeted with Falaq missiles.

At around 21:15 local time, Israeli vehicles inside the Al-Malikiyah site were targeted with missiles.

Islamic Resistance of Iraq's operations on Mar. 29:

(Iraq)

Targeted an Israeli military asset in the occupied Golan Heights with kamikaze drones.

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China raps 'external interference' in Venezuela after West's favorite barred from vote

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 7:46 AM

China has condemned "external interference" in Venezuela's elections by the US and France after Caracas decided to bar a pro-West opposition candidate from July's presidential vote.

"We respect Venezuela's national and sovereign independence, support Venezuela in advancing the election in accordance with its constitution and laws, and oppose external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

Venezuela's opposition Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) this week registered former ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez Urruti to face off against President Nicolas Maduro in the presidential election.

The registration drew fire from the US and France after their favorite opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado was disqualified and her replacement Corina Yoris was unable to sign up for the vote.

The PUD, however, did manage to enroll Urruti as a "provisional candidate", but it did not sit well with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"We very firmly condemn the exclusion of a serious and credible candidate from this process," said Macron.

A day earlier, Washington had alleged that the electoral council only accepted "opposition candidates with whom Maduro and his representatives feel comfortable."

The move ran "counter to competitive and inclusive elections that the Venezuelan people and international community will view as legitimate," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

The US imposed harsh sanctions on Venezuela to punish Maduro's government following his 2018 re-election - a result which the US and other Western governments refused to accept.

Since 2019, US sanctions have banned state-run oil company PDVSA from exporting to its chosen markets.

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An American soldier has been apprehended on charges of stealing a car and driving under the influence of alcohol before crashing into other vehicles from behind, police said Monday.

The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) service member in his 20s, stationed at an American military base in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul, allegedly stole a Morning compact car between Saturday and Sunday before ramming it into two vehicles waiting at a traffic stop in Goyang, north of Seoul, police said.

Two people were injured in the accident.

Police said the soldier stole the car that was parked with the key in while drinking at a bar in Seoul's Hongdae area.

Alcohol was detected on his breath right after his apprehension, police said.

Police handed him over to the U.S. military police and plan to work with USFK authorities to look into the case, officials said. (Yonhap)
Hezbollah hits Israeli military sites in reprisal for attacks on southern Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 6:18 AM

Hezbollah has carried out multiple operations against Israeli military positions in the northern part of the 1948-occupied territories in retaliation for Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon villages.

Hezbollah fighters attacked Israel's Jal al-Alam military base and a gathering of troops nearby on Friday with surface-to-surface Falaq (Dusk) missiles, Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television said, citing a brief Hezbollah statement.

The resistance fighters also struck the Metula settlement with various weapons and targeted an Israeli military vehicle station in a drone attack. The designated targets were precisely hit and destroyed in the aerial assault, the report said.

Hezbollah further targeted the al-Samaqa site in the Kfarchouba Hills with a barrage of rockets. Moreover, they shelled an Israeli infantry unit in the Hadab Yaroun site with a salvo of artillery rounds, inflicting injuries among troops stationed there.

A number of Israeli military vehicles were hit and damaged at the al-Malikiyah site as well.

Earlier on Friday, Hezbollah fighters attacked the headquarters of the Israeli military's 91st Division in Branit barracks with Burkan (Volcano) missiles. The resistance group said the operation came in response to the Israeli aggression on Damascus and Aleppo.

Furthermore, Hezbollah attacked the Zibdin barracks in the occupied Shebaa Farms with separate volleys of artillery shells and Falaq missiles.

The Lebanese resistance fighters also fired several artillery shells at a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Hounin Castle.

The Israeli regime has repeatedly attacked southern Lebanon since October 7, when it launched a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed at least 32,552 Palestinians, most of them women and children, so far.

In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions.

At least 349 people have been killed on the Lebanese border, including 68 civilians.

Israel says at least ten soldiers and eight settlers have been killed in the area.

The fighting has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from the northern part of the occupied territories, amid rocket fire and shelling carried out by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian groups.

Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts.



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US sending more bombs, fighter jets to Israel for war in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 3:24 AM

A new report says the administration of US President Joe Biden has authorized the transfer of billions of dollars in bombs and fighter jets to Israel in recent days amid the regime's genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Pentagon and State Department officials said the new arms packages include more than 1800 bombs, The Washington Post reported.

According to the report, these are 2000-pound devices that can demolish entire city blocks and are rarely used in populated areas. Israel, however, has used them extensively in Gaza.

Some Democrats, including allies of President Biden, say the US government has a responsibility to withhold weapons in the absence of an Israeli commitment to limit civilian casualties during a planned operation in Rafah, and ease restrictions on humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, which is on the brink of famine.

"The Biden administration needs to use their leverage effectively and, in my view, they should receive these basic commitments before greenlighting more bombs for Gaza," Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said in an interview. "We need to back up what we say with what we do."

Last week, the State Department also authorized the transfer of 25 F-35 fighter jets and engines to Israel.

Earlier reports said the US had quietly made more than 100 weapons sales to Israel since the onslaught on Gaza began on October 7.

The arms supplies go against the US call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel began hostilities in Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The regime has also cut off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Israel has killed more than 32,500 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,000 others in Gaza since the October day.





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Haniyeh meets with Islamic Jihad delegation in Tehran

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 1:22 AM

Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas resistance group, has met in Tehran with a delegation from the leadership of the Islamic Jihad Movement.

The resistance movement's Secretary General Ziyad al-Nakhaleh led the Islamic Jihad delegation. The meeting was held on Thursday night.

Hamas said in a statement on Friday that the meeting focused on discussing ongoing political and field developments related to Israel's genocidal war against the people of Gaza.

The delegations from both movements praised the resistance movements and the people of Gaza in the face of Israel's aggression.

"Furthermore, the two leaders discussed efforts to stop the aggression, emphasizing that the success of any indirect negotiations depends on four fundamental determinants: a complete halt of the aggression, full withdrawal of the occupation from the entire Gaza Strip, the return of displaced people, the entry of aid and necessities for our people and those in the Strip, along with a prisoner exchange," the statement said.

"The two movements also condemned the occupation's actions in Al-Quds and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, including assaults and violations, alongside incursions and assassinations in the West Bank," it added.

"They considered the Palestinian people to be in an open and direct confrontation with this occupation across all Palestinian land, stressing the need for escalating resistance in all its forms across all arenas," the statement continued.

The leaders of both movements "praised the supportive resistance operations on the multiple fronts in Yemen, Iraq, and southern Lebanon, which confirm the unity of the resistance fronts and that the Palestinian people are not alone in confronting this occupation and those with it."

"The two leaderships expressed their appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran for the strategic support it provides to the resistance and the Palestinian people and its firm positions in support of their national rights," the statement said.

The two movements condemned "the occupation's daily massacres and barbaric aggression against our people and our family, and to intensify solidarity efforts, especially in the holy month of Ramadan."

"They praised the ongoing efforts and their growth at the popular, scholarly, and partisan levels in many areas of our Arab and Islamic countries, especially in brotherly Jordan who besieged the enemy's embassy, and urged the nation's people and scholars to continue their movements, activities, and national and Islamic role," the statement said.

"The two leaderships appreciated the actions of the peoples of the world in expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and the massive rallies in various cities and capitals around the world, which pushes towards the isolation of this occupation and those who support it," it said.

The two movements said they considered that continuing to support the Zionist entity "militarily and providing political cover for its crimes constitutes participation in the ongoing crime in Gaza."

The Palestinian resistance movement delegations affirmed their rejection of any political projects or steps that would create new realities in Gaza that are far from the will of the Palestinian people and their resistance.

"They stressed that any step must result from complete national consensus."

Israel began hostilities in Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The regime has also cut off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Israel has killed more than 32,500 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,000 others in Gaza since the October day.

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Vucic Says Serbia's Response To Kosovo Joining Council Of Europe Will Be Strong

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service March 30, 2024

Serbia's reaction to the possible admission of Kosovo to the Council of Europe will be strong and responsible, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in an address on March 29.

Vucic declined to say exactly what Serbia's reaction will be but said Belgrade remains willing to negotiate.

"We will continue to talk. I am ready to listen to the opinion of the Assembly and the government. We will prepare and wait," said Vucic.

Vucic on March 28 rejected assessments that Serbia is abandoning its European path after announcing a possible exit from the Council of Europe if that organization accepts Kosovo, a former province of Serbia whose independence Belgrade does not recognize.

In his speech, he assessed that a European initiative to bring Kosovo into the Council of Europe comes without conditions for Pristina, he said.

"Even though the European sanctions against Kosovo are formally in force due to non-implementation of the [Brussels] Agreement, in the past year Pristina has participated in all Western international forums," said Vucic.

Vucic was referring to a 2013 deal struck by the country in Brussels to normalize relations some five years after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, especially a commitment to establish an association of Serb municipalities to represent the majority-Serb communities.

Vucic announced on March 22 that Serbia will leave the Council of Europe after more than 20 years of membership if Kosovo is admitted.

His idea was supported by former Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, who is now the speaker of the parliament.

"Admission of Kosovo to the Council of Europe would violate the statute of that institution and jeopardize its role in the protection of human rights and the rule of law," said Ana Brnabic.

The Council of Europe, an independent European organization, was founded in London in 1949 and deals with the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

There are 46 member countries, including the 27 states of the European Union. The members are signatories to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-kosovo-council-of-europe- response/32884298.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 launches investigation into Lebanon explosion that injured peacekeepers

30 March 2024 - The UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon (UNIFIL) has announced that it is investigating an explosion in the Rmeish area that injured four unarmed peacekeepers on a foot patrol along the Blue Line that divides Israel from Lebanon and the disputed Golan Heights.

In a statement released on Saturday, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, said that the casualties - three military observers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and a Lebanese language assistant - have been evacuated for medical treatment.

The Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported that the UN peacekeepers were "subjected to an Israeli strike" carried out by drones. However, in a Tweet, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) did not target any UNIFIL vehicles in the Rmeish area.

Mr. Tenenti explained that the UNTSO observers, who are part of Observer Group Lebanon (OGL), support UNIFIL in implementing the force's mandate, which includes monitoring the cessation of hostilities, helping to ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and assisting the Lebanese government in securing the country's borders.

The spokesperson underlined the responsibility of all actors in the conflict, under international law, to ensure protection for non-combatants, and called for a cessation of heavy exchanges of fire "before more people are unnecessarily hurt".

In a media interview, Mr. Tenenti told reporters that, following the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, the situation in southern Lebanon has become increasingly tense, with shelling taking place deeper within Lebanon which "could potentially trigger a much wider conflict".

Two days before the explosion, UNIFIL expressed concern over a "surge of violence" occurring across the Blue Line, which has caused a "high number of civilians and the destruction of homes and livelihoods". The force called for a ceasefire, and urged all sides in the conflict to begin the process toward a sustainable political and diplomatic solution.

Later on Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement that the situation along the Blue Line continues to be of grave concern, referring to the daily exchanges of fire that have taken place between non-state armed groups based in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces since 8 October 2023.

The civilian fatalities reported, destruction of residential and agricultural areas, and displacement of tens of thousands of people on both sides of the Blue Line, is unacceptable, declared the UN chief, and threaten the security and stability of Lebanon, Israel, and the region.

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Chaotic Gaza Aid Delivery Turns Deadly After Gunfire, Stampede

By VOA News March 30, 2024

At least five people were killed and dozens more injured Saturday during a chaotic humanitarian aid delivery in the Gaza Strip as thousands of civilians rushed for food from trucks before dawn.

Witnesses told Agence France-Presse that Palestinians overseeing the aid delivery of some 15 trucks of flour and other food shot into the air to quell the thousands of people swarming the aid convoy in Gaza City's Kuwait roundabout.

Israeli troops in the area also opened fire, and some trucks hit pedestrians, according to the Palestine Red Crescent.

The Red Crescent said three of the five killed had been shot.

AFP video shows a convoy of trucks moving quickly past burning debris near the distribution point as people shouted and gunfire echoed  some of which were warning shots, witnesses said.

The roundabout has been the scene of several chaotic and deadly aid distribution incidents, including one on March 23 in which the Hamas-run government said 21 people were killed by Israeli gunfire  a charge Israel denied.

AFP contacted the Israeli military for comment.

A U.N.-backed report warned on March 19 that half of Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing "catastrophic" hunger, with famine projected to hit the north of the territory unless there is urgent intervention.

The report estimated that 1.1 million people  nearly half the population, according to United Nations data  were facing catastrophic conditions.

The situation is particularly dire in the north of Gaza, where the United Nations says there are about 300,000 people  and where the report said famine was "imminent ... projected to occur anytime between mid-March and May."

At least five people were killed and dozens more injured Saturday during a chaotic humanitarian aid delivery in the Gaza Strip as thousands of civilians rushed for food from trucks before dawn.

Witnesses told Agence France-Presse that Palestinians overseeing the aid delivery of some 15 trucks of flour and other food shot into the air to quell the thousands of people swarming the aid convoy in Gaza City's Kuwait roundabout.

Israeli troops in the area also opened fire, and some trucks hit pedestrians, according to the Palestine Red Crescent.

The Red Crescent said three of the five killed had been shot.

AFP video shows a convoy of trucks moving quickly past burning debris near the distribution point as people shouted and gunfire echoed  some of which were warning shots, witnesses said.

The roundabout has been the scene of several chaotic and deadly aid distribution incidents, including one on March 23 in which the Hamas-run government said 21 people were killed by Israeli gunfire  a charge Israel denied.

AFP contacted the Israeli military for comment.

A U.N.-backed report warned on March 19 that half of Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing "catastrophic" hunger, with famine projected to hit the north of the territory unless there is urgent intervention.

The report estimated that 1.1 million people  nearly half the population, according to United Nations data  were facing catastrophic conditions.

The situation is particularly dire in the north of Gaza, where the United Nations says there are about 300,000 people  and where the report said famine was "imminent ... projected to occur anytime between mid-March and May."

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More Than Just Islamic State: Rising Militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan

By Nafees Takar March 30, 2024

There has been a wave of attacks across Pakistan in recent weeks by militant groups operating in the region that have widely varying objectives.

This week, a suicide attacker killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver in a convoy in Pakistan's northwest. Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, is the usual suspect for such attacks in the northwest, but in a statement on Wednesday, it denied being behind targeting the Chinese workers.

Earlier, two suicide attacks in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed nine Pakistani troops in the third week of March.

In the southwest, militants carried out a brazen attack on Pakistan's second-largest naval airbase and a port complex near the Arabian Sea in the volatile Balochistan province. The Pakistan army said two soldiers and 14 militants were killed in the attacks. Designated terrorist group Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, accepted the responsibility.

The attacks by suspected regional militant groups came as the most active terrorist group in the region, Islamic State-Khorasan, was blamed by Washington for the attack in Moscow a week ago that killed more than 140 concert-goers.

"The recent surge in attacks is deeply concerning because it represents an escalation in militant tactics," said Elizabeth Threlkeld, senior fellow and director for South Asian affairs at the Washington-based Stimson Center.

Who are the militant groups now active in the region, and what are their goals?

Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K, is leading the current wave of terror across the region.

The group was formed in 2015 by disgruntled Pakistani Taliban members. It considers itself a branch of the larger Islamic State, or IS, in what it calls the Khorasan, a reference to the historic region comprising parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran.

IS-K, like its parent organization IS, is a Sunni organization. IS-K claims it is working to enforce Salafi sharia throughout its region of influence. The group opposes Shia Islam, and fighters have taken credit for hundreds of deaths of Shiites in Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent years.

A U.N. report last year in June said IS-K's family members and fighters in the region number between 4,000 and 6,000.

"IS-K is attracting disgruntled militants from Taliban and members of the Tajikistan-based radical group Jama'at Ansarullah, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, East Turkistan Islamic Movement and those inspired by the Salafi ideology," said Syed Fakhar Kakakhel, a Pashtun journalist in Pakistan who covers militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

IS-K has not claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow, but its statement in Pashto last Monday glorified the attackers. The 30-page statement was a fierce polemic against the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan, scolding them for their relations with the U.S., Russia, China and other countries.

IS-K has claimed responsibility, though, for two recent suicide attacks, one each in Afghanistan's Kandahar city on March 21 and the suicide bombings on January 3 at the memorial services for the Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Kerman city, Iran. More than 100 people were killed in the latter attack. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone attack in Iraq in 2020.

Russian, Iranian and Afghan Taliban identified the attackers of Moscow, Kerman and Kandahar as nationals of Tajikistan.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan: umbrella syndicate of militants

Analysts say TTP has gotten smarter in its tactics, techniques, and weapons since the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021. A U.N. report early this year said al-Qaida is conducting suicide bomber training to support TTP, a U.S.-designated terrorist group.

Kakakhel said TTP's new strategy includes delegating powers to its proxies, adding sophisticated weapons such as M24 sniper rifles and M16A4 rifles with thermal scopes and night vision, along with targeted ambushes to its playbook.

"We had reported suicide attacks where a candidate came to press the button and blew himself off. But now, they fight for the last breath inflicting maximum casualties to forces and then pressing the button at the right time," Kakakhel said.

"I assess the TTP's threat to be more severe, especially as the TTP has sanctuary in Afghanistan and support of the Taliban. TTP also has a bigger fighting force," said Asfandyar Mir, senior expert for South Asia with a focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan, at the Washington-based U.S. Institute for Peace.

The militants carried out 97 attacks in February this year and about 789 attacks last year in Pakistan alone, the highest since 2018, according to Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies. Pakistani officials attribute a higher percentage of the attacks to the TTP or its proxies.

The Pakistan military and civilian government representatives engaged the TTP leadership in talks in 2021, but they couldn't reach a deal. The government officials later said TTP wanted power in regions close to Afghanistan to impose their Sharia on the style of Afghan Taliban.

"Pakistani security forces should be commended for holding off attacks on Gwadar and Turbat naval station, but the broader challenge remains that the military and police are taking heavy losses across the western border region," Elizabeth Threlkeld told VOA.

She said Pakistan's leaders badly miscalculated in assuming a Taliban government in Kabul would support Pakistan's interests. "As Pakistan seeks a way out of this difficult diplomatic and security challenge, it would benefit from conducting a thorough review of the analysis and decision-making that drove its Afghan policy for the past two decades to draw lessons going forward," she said.

Balochistan: home for militant separatist groups

Baloch separatist groups, several of which are designated as terrorist groups by Britain and the United States, are largely secular but for nearly 20 years have been embroiled in an active insurgency against Pakistani troops. The feud started after the Pakistani army killed a prominent Baloch leader and former chief minister, Balochistan Akbar Bugti, in 2006.

As many as five known Baloch separatist groups are coordinating their attacks against Chinese-funded projects and Pakistani forces in the restive province under the banner of the "Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar," a Baloch name translated as Baloch National Freedom Movement.

The most lethal faction is the Majeed Brigade, a sub-group of the Baloch Liberation Army. The Majeed Brigade has accepted responsibilities for some of the lethal attacks on the Chinese nationals and Pakistani troops. Other Baloch separatist groups engaged in insurgency include Baloch Republican Army, Baloch Republican Guards, Baloch Liberation Front and Bashirzeb Baloch Group.

Balochistan-based analyst Syed Ali Shah said Baloch militants are different from Islamic militants: "In Balochistan, this is a political insurgency. They are not fighting for the implementation of Sharia; rather, [they fight] for greater control over Baloch coast and resources."

Pakistani media has reported 11 major attacks on Chinese nationals and projects in Balochistan and other parts of the country since 2018. Most of these attacks were claimed by Baloch separatist groups.

Some analysts consider the Islamist militants a bigger threat for regional security because of their transnational presence and higher number of fighters. "As for the Baloch militants, they have been trying to target Chinese interests for several years now and are in no mood to relent," said senior expert Mir.

He said he thinks Pakistan will probably continue to exert pressure on the Afghan Taliban to reduce the threat of both TTP and Baloch militants.

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Multidimensional Crises Destabilize Mali, Expert Tells UN

By Lisa Schlein March 30, 2024

An independent expert warns that multifaceted crises facing Mali, propelled by increasing attacks from Islamist armed groups, are leading to a rapid deterioration of the country's security situation and surging human rights violations, with potentially serious effects in the region.

"I reiterate my serious concerns by the rapid and continuing deterioration of the security situation in almost all regions of Mali that appears to be escaping from all control of the authorities," said Alioune Tine, an independent expert on human rights in Mali.

Tine, who submitted his latest report to the U.N. Human Rights Council Thursday, said, "Increasingly we see confrontation of violent extremist groups seeking to control the country to the detriment of civilians, who are the main victims caught in the crossfire."

The independent expert expressed serious concern about attacks on civilians and Malian defense and security forces by violent extremist groups.

Beginning with December 2023, the report documents numerous cases of killings and injuries from improvised explosive devices, kidnappings of civilians, pillaging, armed robberies, extortion and destruction of property.

The report says deadly attacks have occurred in all regions of the country, principally in Gao and Timbuktu in the north; Mopti, Bandiagara and Segou in central Mali; and Kayes and San in the south.

Tine said he was worried by the marked deterioration of the human rights situation and protection of civilians.

"According to recent information between 2022 and 2023, violations and attacks on human rights rose by almost 86%, violations and attacks on the right to life rose by almost 28%, and gender-based violence documented cases rose by 12.5%."

Additionally, he noted that insecurity and ongoing humanitarian crises have forced many schools to close, depriving almost 500,000 children of the right to education, "which is a ticking social time bomb."

He called on Malian authorities to step up their efforts to prosecute human rights violators and to hold them accountable for their crimes.

"While violent extremist groups have continued to be the presumed perpetrators of most human rights violations in Mali, the high number and severity of the violations attributed to the Malian defense and security forces and particularly their impunity are a major concern," Tine said.

"Furthermore, in addition to the violations in my report, I continue to receive allegations regarding violations of human rights attributed to the army, and at times also foreign military personnel."

That is a reference to alleged crimes committed by the Wagner Group, a Russian state-funded private military company that has been in Mali since 2022.

A report published Thursday by Human Rights Watch, says Wagner fighters have helped the Malian army carry out drone strikes in counterinsurgency operations in Mali's central and northern regions since December, and of killing and summarily executing dozens of civilians, including children.

Mamoudou Kassogue, Mali's minister of justice and human rights, rejected the findings of the independent expert.

"My delegation takes note of the present report, which is essentially incriminating on the basis of unverified and overly alarming information," he said. "I would like to highlight the progress and successes recorded to date by the Malian armed forces against terrorist and extremist groups and their allies. This reality contrasts sharply with the security situation described as worrying in the report."

Contradicting other aspects of the report, he said that his government has been actively working to put an end to impunity, noting "the systematic opening of investigations for every serious human rights violation reported."

He said political and institutional reforms were underway, and "the fight against gender-based violence and sexual violence committed during conflicts has been addressed in the draft penal code and the code of criminal procedure."

While reaffirming his government's sovereign right to pursue its human rights agenda as it saw fit, the justice minister said, "Mali will continue to support the mandate of the independent expert and encourages him to pursue an objective and constructive approach."

For his part, Tine recommended that the International Criminal Court "extend the scope of its current investigation" to establish criminal liability for the crimes that "continue to be committed in Mali."

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Somalia's Parliament Approves Historic Constitutional Amendments

By Mohamed Olad Hassan March 30, 2024

Somalia changed its constitution Saturday during a parliamentary vote that, among other things, gives the country's president the power to appoint and dismiss a prime minister.

After weeks of intense debate, Somalia's bicameral federal parliament approved amendments to the first four chapters in the country's provisional constitution.

In a joint session in Mogadishu, lawmakers voted on each chapter individually before casting votes on the overall amendments proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission, or ICRIC.

The speaker of the Lower House, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, announced a significant majority of members were in favor of amending the constitution.

"A total of 212 members of the Lower House and 42 members of the Upper House supported the amendments, with no abstentions or rejections. Therefore, the amendment has been approved with a unanimous vote," said Madobe.

Hussein Idow, chairperson of the Constitutional Review Committee, said that three proposed provisions in a draft related to religion would get further review.

"This decision of the postponement of the religion provisions aims to ensure that these provisions align with the principles and values of the Somali people," he said.

"This provisional constitution has been under review for nearly a decade. From 2012, three parliaments have tried to amend it, but the efforts to finalize the review gained momentum in late 2023. Thanks to the 11th parliament of Somalia for daring to conduct the amendment," said Idow.

President and prime minister

One key provision in the approved draft establishes that Somalia will have a president and a prime minister. The president will hold the authority to appoint and remove the prime minister from office, an amendment that replaces the previous requirement for the prime minister to obtain a vote of confidence from parliament and allowing more flexibility in the executive branch.

Somalia's politics are characterized by disputes among Somali presidents and prime ministers, which stem from a complex political landscape that has been shaped by historical, regional, clan-based and ideological factors.

Since the establishment of the office of president in 1960, there have been nine official presidents in Somalia. The last four presidents, including the current president in his first term, have fired a prime minister with the help of parliament.

One key aspect of the disputes revolves around the distribution of power and resources among different clans and regions within Somalia.

According to constitutional experts, the power struggle between the two top offices has always been sparked by the way their roles are designated in the constitution.

Among the proposed constitution amendments was a provision that would have turned Somalia into a system of government in which the president is both head of state and head of government, and the ceremonial duties are delegated to a vice president. During review the parliament removed that provision.

Multi-party system

The amended constitution sets the term of office for government constitutional bodies at five years and refers to regional state presidents as leaders.

It also establishes the presence of three political parties in the country, promoting a multi-party system.

Some political stakeholders, including former Somali Presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, as well as Puntland state leaders, strongly opposed that amendment.

They expressed concerns about the lack of consensus among political actors regarding the changes.

In a separate statement released Saturday, a group of influential politicians, including former prime ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, have vehemently criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for being responsible for the approval of the amendment.

"The president has led the nation to a dark path, turmoil, political uncertainty and jeopardized the state building efforts by pushing the parliament to approve controversial provisions in the constitution," said the statement.

In February, the ICRIC submitted suggested amendments to parliament, focusing on the first four chapters. Those amendments cover the age of maturity for girls and the criminalization of female genital mutilation. The approved amendments establish the age of maturity at 15 and the age for responsibility at 18  suggesting that everyone under 18 should remain protected by juvenile justice standards.

But rights groups say this would risk reinforcing existing traditional norms, which can force girls to marry at the age of 15.

On Friday, Human Rights Watch warned that the constitutional proposal in its current form puts children at risk.

"It would place girls in particular at greater risk of child marriage, which affects their health, notably reproductive health, their access to education and their protection from other forms of abuse," Human Rights Watch said.

"Somalia's parliament should resist efforts to weaken constitutional protections for children, especially girls," said Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Somalia's donors should press the government to carry through on its claims that it is taking significant steps to meet its international human rights commitments."

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Al-Qassam commander calls on Palestinians to use all resources to fight Israel

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 10:16 PM

The commander-in-chief of the al-Qassam Brigades, which is the armed wing of the Hamas resistance movement, has called on Palestinians to use all resources at their disposal to fight against the invading Israeli forces in Gaza.

Mohammed Deif made the call on Palestinians both in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank in a video message published Sunday.

The remarks appeared to be from a recording of Deif published on October 7, 2023, when he announced the beginning of Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the Israeli regime.

"Today is the day. Whoever has a rifle should come out with it, for this is its time. And whoever does not have a rifle should come forth with their machete, their pickaxe, or a Molotov cocktail, with their truck or bulldozer or car," Deif said in Arabic in the short video released by Hamas.

He added, "Today is the day history opens its brightest, most splendid, and most noble pages. So, who will inscribe their name, their family's name, their town's name in the pages of light and glory?"

The new message came after Hamas released a short audio from Deif's October 7 message in which he urged all Muslims to "join the fight to liberate al-Aqsa."

In that message, Deif addressed "our people in Jordan and Lebanon, in Egypt, Algeria, and the Maghreb, in Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia."

"Start marching now, not tomorrow, toward Palestine, and do not let borders, regimes, and restrictions deprive you of the honor of waging Jihad and taking part in the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque," he added.

Israel waged its brutal US-backed war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after Hamas carried out its historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

More than six months into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives of "destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives despite killing nearly 32,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring about 75,300 others.

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Police are tracking down the distributor of copies of a fabricated image depicting opposition leader Lee Jae-myung in a prison uniform after they were found in Seoul, officials said Monday.

The Hyehwa Police Station in central Seoul announced that an investigation was launched following a report that an image of Lee, the chair of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), wearing prison attire and seated inside a cell, was discovered at a commercial-residential building in Seoul's Jongno district the previous day.

A camp official of Kwak Sang-eon, a DPKcandidate running for the parliamentary seat in Jongno, reportedly filed the police report after a citizen picked up a copy of the fabricated image and brought it to Kwak's office.

Police collected two copies of the image and additional witness testimonies.

Police were looking into CCTV footage and screening fingerprints left on the copies to identify the distributor. (Yonhap)
No talk of new Gaza ceasefire negotiations yet: Hamas official

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 6:33 PM

A senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says there is no talk yet about any new round of indirect negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire.

Osama Hamdan, who also represents Hamas in Lebanon, made the remarks in an interview with the Qatar-based television network Al Jazeera on Sunday, after Egyptian and Israeli media reported earlier in the day that the next round of talks is set to begin today.

The Hamas official said the Israeli regime is seeking to obstruct the process.

Hamdan went on to say that the resistance group wants answers regarding stopping the ongoing aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of the displaced, and the reconstruction of the besieged territory.

However, he said, the occupying regime has failed to provide guarantees in its responses.

The Hamas official said if "Israeli intransigence continues, the mediators' efforts will face a dead end."

He said the Israeli side only wants to recover its prisoners, and to openly continue its aggression, adding that the United States still contributes to covering up the regime's intransigence.

Hamdan further emphasized that the resistance group rejects any aggression against the southern city of Rafah and is making every effort to prevent such a move.

"If the occupying regime continues its aggression, the resistance is ready for confrontation," he said.

Multi-party negotiations on hammering out a truce agreement between Hamas and the regime have reportedly failed to yield any results.

Israel has outlined plans for a ground invasion in Rafah in southern Gaza, which potentially involves the evacuation of around 1.5 million citizens who are currently seeking shelter in the city.

The international community has expressed alarm over such plans, considering them to have further disastrous humanitarian implications.

More than six months into the hostilities, the regime has failed to achieve its objectives of "destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives, despite killing at least 32,780 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring nearly 75,300 others.

About 130 of the 250 Israeli captives taken by Hamas during the October 7 operation are still in Gaza after a provisional truce deal in December saw the exchange of prisoners between the two sides.

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Raeisi: Muslim states must cut all ties with Israel, force it to end crimes

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 3:29 PM

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says Muslim countries should sever all political and economic relations with Israel to force the regime to stop its crimes against the people of Palestine.

In a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, Raeisi said the US administration continues to provide Israel with extensive unqualified financial and military support.

"One of the most effective ways to force the Zionists to stop crimes in Gaza is to cut off all political and economic relations with this regime."

The president said people in the besieged Gaza Strip are suffering terribly from Israel's crimes, notwithstanding a recent adoption of a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Israel is not committed to any resolution, law and international treaty and its violation of over 400 international statements and resolutions clearly exposes its aggressive and anti-human nature, Raeisi stated.

The Iranian president called on heads of Muslim states to take a decisive measure to stop Israel's genocide in Palestine.

He underscored the importance of boosting synergy among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other regional and international bodies to send humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Israel began its brutal US-backed campaign of death and destruction in the Gaza Strip on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

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80 killed in Gaza in 24 hours as Israel continues genocidal campaign

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 2:36 PM

Palestinian officials say around 80 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, as the Israeli regime continues its nearly six-month-old genocidal campaign against the besieged territory.

The Gaza Health Ministry said on Sunday that nearly 32,800 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including 77 whose bodies were brought to hospitals over the last 24 hours.

It added that most of them were killed in fresh Israeli attacks on aid seekers near Gaza City.

An Israeli airstrike also hit a tent camp in the courtyard of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in Central Gaza, killing two Palestinians and wounding another 15.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians have been sheltering in several tents in the yards of the medical complex for months, as the Israeli regime has escalated its deadly aggression on the blockaded territory.

The ministry further underlined that during three weeks of siege on the al-Shifa hospital, Israeli forces have killed hundreds of civilians in and around the medical facility.

It also noted that some 100 Palestinians are still trapped inside the hospital under inhumane conditions while the occupying regime has destroyed over 1,000 nearby homes.

On March 18, heavily armed Israeli forces stormed the al-Shifa hospital using tanks and drones, firing at people inside the complex.

The deadly raid has been going on for three weeks now, with the occupation troops laying siege on the hospital and targeting those trying to flee.

Israel has been targeting hospitals in the strip since the beginning of its war on Gaza in early October last year, claiming Hamas uses them as command centers. Hamas officials have rejected such claims on several occasions.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Israeli aggression has so far killed some 32,782 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and wounded more than 75,092 others.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Gaza truce talks to resume in Egypt after UNSC ceasefire demand

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 11:23 AM

Egypt is set to host a fresh round of indirect talks between representatives from the Israeli regime and the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement aimed at reaching a truce in Gaza just days after the adoption of a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and France convened on Saturday in the capital Cairo, where they issued a joint call for an urgent and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

An Israeli official told the Reuters news agency that Israel would send a delegation to the Cairo talks on Sunday. A Hamas official, however, told Reuters the group would wait to hear from Cairo mediators on the outcome of their talks with Israel first.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Cairo, France's top diplomat Stephane Sejourne said his government would put forward a draft resolution at the UN Security Council setting out a "political" settlement of the war.

He said the text would include "all the criteria" for a so-called two-state solution of the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Sejourne further warned that the ongoing tragedy in Gaza does not serve the security of the Israeli regime and Jewish illegal settlers.

Meanwhile, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called for holding Israel accountable for its aggression in Gaza, which has persisted despite global condemnation.

Safadi stated, "If Israel challenges the entire world, then the world must take practical and effective steps to stop this madness, killing, and destruction."

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, for his part, said Gaza "can endure no more destruction and humanitarian suffering", and called on Israel to open its land crossings with the Strip to allow humanitarian aid.

Hamas has sought to parlay any deal into an end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel, however, has ruled this out, saying that even if there is a long pause in the fighting, the war will not end until Hamas is defeated.

Israel has outlined plans for a ground invasion in Rafah in southern Gaza, which potentially involve the evacuation of around 1.5 million citizens who are currently seeking shelter in the city.

The international community has expressed alarm over such plans, considering them to have further disastrous humanitarian implications.

Israel waged its brutal US-backed war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

However, more than six months into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives of "destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives despite killing at least 32,705 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 75,190 others.

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Over 400 Palestinians killed in al-Shifa Hospital siege: Gaza media office

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 6:49 AM

Local authorities say more than 400 Palestinians have lost their lives during the Israeli military's raid on Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital where a siege has entered its 13th day.

Gaza's media office announced in a statement that Israeli forces have perpetrated various crimes during the ongoing attack on the hospital, the largest medical facility in the territory that houses thousands of patients and displaced people. The troops have targeted, destroyed and set fire to 1,050 houses.

The statement added that the fatalities include patients, war-displaced and healthcare staff, noting that hundreds more have been arrested and subjected to torture.

Gaza's media office went on to lambaste the silence of the international community on such atrocities, condemning the US administration and certain world countries' complicity with the Israeli regime in the bloody military campaign against the besieged coastal sliver.

Medical staff in other hospitals in the war-torn Gaza Strip are also contending with Israeli brutalities as the war rages on.

Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalia in northern Gaza, stated that medical staff at the facility are working under deplorable conditions.

On March 18, heavily armed Israeli forces stormed the al-Shifa Hospital using tanks and drones, firing at people inside the complex.

The Israeli military claimed that the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement is using the facility to "conduct and promote terrorist activity." Later that day, Israel said that "terrorist forces" were firing at Israeli troops.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at the time that about 3,000 people were inside the medical complex seeking refuge and that those attempting to leave were being targeted by snipers and fire from helicopters.

The deadly raid has been going on for nearly two weeks now, with the occupation troops laying siege on the hospital and targeting those trying to flee.

Israel has killed 26 members of Palestine Red Crescent

Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said that Israeli forces had killed 26 members of its team since the start of the war on Gaza.

The group said some 15 of its staff were killed "while performing their humanitarian duties and wearing the protected Red Crescent emblem."

Israel has been targeting hospitals in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of its war on Gaza in early October last year, claiming Hamas uses them as command centers. Hamas officials have rejected such claims on several occasions.

Israel waged its brutal US-backed war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

However, more than six months into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives of "destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives despite killing at least 32,705 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 75,190 others.

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Iraqi Resistance strikes 'vital' Israeli military facility

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 3:38 AM

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has struck a "vital" Israeli military facility lying far north in the occupied territories in continued support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who are enduring a genocidal Israeli war.

The Iraqi umbrella group of anti-terror factions made the announcement in a statement on Sunday.

It specified the whereabouts of the target as the village of Eilabun, saying the facility was hit with "a barrage of drones."

The Islamic Resistance concluded the statement by saying that the operation had been carried out "in solidarity with the people of Gaza."

The coalition has been staging many such attacks since October 7, when the regime launched the war in response to al-Aqsa Storm, a surprise retaliatory operation by Gaza's resistance movements against the occupied territories.

The military onslaught has so far killed more than 32,700 people, mostly women, children, and adolescents. Nearly 75,200 Palestinians have also been wounded.

Most recently, the Iraqi umbrella group said it had targeted the Ovda and Speer airbases in the occupied Palestinian territories, using drones.

Last Sunday, the coalition announced conducting a similar drone attack against "the headquarters building" of the Israeli ministry for military affairs in the occupied territories.

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Mar. 30: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 2:51 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 32,700 Palestinians so far, including at least 15,000 children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Saturday, March 30, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Mar. 30:

(Gaza Strip)

Targeted and destroyed an Israeli military Merkava tank with a Shuath explosive device in Khan Younis city, southern Gaza Strip, killing and wounding many regime troops.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Mar. 30:

(Gaza Strip)

Launched a barrage of rockets towards "Sderot" and other settlements of the Gaza envelope from the north of the Gaza Strip.

Targeted a command and control headquarters of the Israeli army in the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City, using heavy mortar shells.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Mar. 30:

(Gaza Strip)

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces and their military vehicles using appropriate weapons in the Al-Mughraqa area, central Gaza Strip.

Ambushed an Israeli infantry force in the Al-Balad area, central Khan Younis city, after which the regime pressed into service helicopters to rescue the occupation forces.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces and their military vehicles in the city of Qalqilya, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces and their military vehicles, after they stormed the town of Qabatiya, with machine guns and explosive devices.

Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on Mar. 30:

(Gaza Strip)

Bombed a gathering of Israeli troops and their vehicles northeast of Juhr Al-Dik, south of Gaza City, with several mortar shells.

Engaged in intense clashes with Israeli troops in the vicinity of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis City, southern Gaza, using RPG shells and other appropriate weapons.

Detonated a guided explosive and fired a tandem shell at Israeli forces on the Khan Younis axis in the center of the Al-Balad.

Al-Nasser Salah Al-Din Brigades' operations on Mar. 30:

(West Bank)

Targeted a settlement of Homesh in the occupied lands south of Jenin city with a heavy barrage of direct gunfire.

Hezbollah's operations on Mar. 30:

(Lebanon)

Eastern sector:

At around 08:00 local time, the Ramim Barracks was targeted by a Burkan missile.

At around 15:00 local time, the Radar site in Lebanon's Shebaa was targeted with missiles.

At around 16:30 local time, the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in Lebanon's Kafr Shuba was targeted by a Burkan missile.

Western sector:

At around 01:20 local time, Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles inside and near the Al-Malikiyah site were targeted with a barrage of missiles, resulting in casualties.

At around 12:15 local time, a building where Israeli soldiers were positioned in the Admit Colony was targeted with appropriate weapons, resulting in multiple casualties.

At around 12:20 local time, the Khirbet Maar base was targeted with a volley of missiles.

At around 12:45 local time, Israeli soldiers inside and around the Raheb site were targeted with rockets and artillery shells, resulting in many casualties.

At around 15:30 local time, a drone attack was carried out on the headquarters of the Western Brigade of the Israeli army in Yaara.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq's operations on Mar. 30:

(Iraq)

Targeted an Israeli military site in the occupied Golan with a barrage of drones.

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Bulgaria, Romania Hail Schengen Zone Entry, Eye Full Accession

By RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service and RFE/RL's Romanian Service March 31, 2024

SOFIA/BUCHAREST -- Romania and Bulgaria have formally joined -- at least partially -- Europe's visa-free Schengen travel zone as of March 31, a move widely hailed in both countries as well as the EU after years of painful negotiations.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov on March 31 described the event as a "big victory" for his nation of 6.6 million people.

"Bulgaria is at a historic moment, joining the Schengen Area, and this is not just a political cliche," said Denkov, who submitted his resignation this month but remains in office until a new government is formed.

"After 2007 and Bulgaria's accession to the EU, this is the biggest success of Bulgarian diplomacy, Bulgarian institutions, and Bulgarian politicians," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel also called the day a "historic moment."

"Bulgaria is becoming a community of millions of people traveling freely, with benefits for business, tourism, and culture. Let's all move forward together to the ultimate goal of abolishing checks at land borders," she said.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said it is a "well-deserved achievement" for his country of 19 million people.

"We have a clear and firmly assumed government plan for full accession to the Schengen Area by the end of the year," he stated.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on March 30 that "this is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen Area -- the largest area of free movement in the world."

"Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizen," she added.

As of midnight, there is now free movement for those arriving and departing on flights and by boat to both countries, but not by road. That's because Austria objected, arguing opening land routes to both Romania and Bulgaria could make it easier for migrants to enter other EU states.

Denkov said a "suitable political moment" was being sought to determine when to drop checks at land borders.

"Maybe after the elections in Austria [in the autumn] or for the European Parliament [June 9]," he said.

Both Bulgaria and Romania, which started negotiations to enter Schengen back in 2011, are hoping land borders will be opened by the end of 2024.

Created in 1985, the Schengen Area allows more than 400 million people to travel freely without internal border controls. It now includes 29 European countries -- 25 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Romania and Bulgaria are the only EU member states not to have full Schengen benefits.

Croatia -- which joined the bloc in 2013, six years after Romania and Bulgaria entered in 2007 -- was accepted fully in the Schengen zone in January 2023.

Romania has said that it will carry out random checks to guard against false travel documents and to combat human trafficking.

For Romania, the change will impact work at its 17 commercial airports, which in 2023 handled nearly 25 million passengers, RFE/RL's Romanian Service reports. More than 70 percent of all flights are to other Schengen nations, airport representatives told RFE/RL.

The country's Otopeni airport near the capital, Bucharest, serves as the biggest hub for Schengen flights.

While the move has been welcomed in both countries, the remaining border checks on roadways has angered others, namely truck drivers, who face long waits at borders with their EU neighbors.

Earlier this month, one of Romania's main road transport unions, the National Union of Road Transporters from Romania (UNTRR), called for "urgent measures" to get full Schengen integration, deploring the huge financial losses caused by the long waits.

"Romanian haulers have lost billions of euros every year, just because of long waiting times at borders," UNTRR Secretary-General Radu Dinescu said.

According to the union, truckers usually wait eight to 16 hours at the border with Hungary and from 20 to 30 hours at the Bulgarian border, with peaks of three days.

Bulgarian businesses have also voiced anger over what they deem as slow progress.

"Only 3 percent of Bulgarian goods are transported by air and sea, the remaining 97 percent by land," said Vasil Velev, president of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA), in comments quoted by the AFP news agency.

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/romania-bulgaria- schengen-visa-free-zone-join/32884304.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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Israel Strikes Major Gaza Hospital Killing 4, Wounding 17

By VOA News March 31, 2024

An Israeli airstrike on Al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza killed four people and wounded another 17, World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Tedros called for an end of Israel's attacks on hospitals in the enclave and for the "protection of patients, health personnel and humanitarian missions."

The strike on a tent camp inside the hospital compound was witnessed by a WHO team that was on a humanitarian mission there assessing the needs and collecting incubators for the north of Gaza, the WHO chief wrote, adding: "WHO staff are all accounted for."

Thousands of people have been sheltering in the area after the fighting forced them to flee their homes. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.

Israeli strikes pounded Gaza on Sunday as negotiations for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas were resuming in Cairo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Hamas was hardening its positions in the talks for a Gaza truce and hostage exchange.

"While Israel has shown flexibility on its positions in the negotiations, Hamas is hardening its positions," Netanyahu told a news conference.

The 74-year-old Israeli prime minister was scheduled to undergo hernia surgery Sunday evening.

"On Saturday night, during a routine checkup for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a hernia was found," his office said in a statement, adding that he will be under general anesthetic during his surgery.

Signaling his condition was not serious, Netanyahu said he will be back on duty soon.

"I assure you that I will get through this treatment successfully and return to action very quickly," Netanyahu told reporters at the conference.

His office announced he would hold a news conference before the procedure.

His surgery comes at a time while Israel is waging a war against Hamas in Gaza, and less than a year after he was fitted with a pacemaker.

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters launched a three-day protest, from Sunday till Tuesday, in front of the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem calling for -- Israel to reach a deal with Hamas to free dozens of hostages, for Netanyahu's resignation and for a general election -- in the largest anti-government demonstration since Israel went to war in Gaza last October.

From inside the building, Netanyahu addressed his critics in a prime-time address.

"The pain of the families of the hostages breaks my heart, I think it breaks all of our hearts," he said. "Anyone who says that I'm not doing everything to bring back our hostages is wrong and is misleading others."

"The calls for elections right now, at the height of the war, a moment before victory, will paralyze Israel for at least half a year," he added. "And the first person to celebrate this will be Hamas," The Washington Post cited Netanyahu as saying.

Netanyahu's popularity, already dented over a domestic judicial crisis in Israel, has plummeted further since October 7, with successive opinion polls showing little faith in his leadership and a defeat by more centrist rivals if an election were to be held.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin will be standing in for Netanyahu during the operation on Sunday, his office said.

Fighting in Gaza has continued despite a U.N. Security Council resolution last week, calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and the release of all hostages held by the militant group.

With the war nearing the six-month mark, the United States, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to mediate another cease-fire and hostage release since the first one in Novembe

Netanyahu approved a return to cease-fire talks with Hamas on Friday.

Hamas, however, would not be present at the talks in Cairo, an official told the Reuters news agency Sunday, as it waited to hear from mediators on whether a new Israeli offer was on the table.

Hamas has previously proposed a gradual cease-fire process during which it would release all the remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the opening of its borders for aid and reconstruction, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including top militants serving life sentence.

Netanyahu has called Hamas's terms delusional and pledged to resume Israel's offensive after any hostage release and keep fighting until the militant group is destroyed.

The current conflict started on Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 others hostage. Hamas, designated a terror group by the U.S., the U.K. and the EU, is believed to still be holding roughly 100 hostages, as well as the remains of about 30 others.

So far, Israel's retaliatory campaign to destroy Hamas has killed more than 32,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured upward of 70,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Israel claims one-third of those killed are militants.

Large parts of the enclave have been reduced to rubble, and most of Gaza's population is sheltering in Gaza's southern border city of Rafah.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.

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Taliban Confirm 2 Americans Among Foreign Detainees in Afghanistan

By Ayaz Gul March 31, 2024

The Taliban government in Afghanistan confirmed Sunday that they had detained "a number of foreign citizens, including two Americans" for allegedly violating their laws.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief Taliban spokesperson, told the state-run Afghan radio they had informed the United States about the detention of its citizens. He did not provide any additional details, nor did he reveal the nationalities of the other foreign detainees.

Relatives and U.S. officials have identified one of the Americans in custody as Ryan Corbett, while the identity of the second person was not disclosed.

"Two Americans are currently imprisoned along with other foreign nationals. The reasons for their visit are not clear, but whatever the reasons, anyone who visits Afghanistan must abide by its laws. Anyone obtaining an Afghan visa agrees to follow our laws," Mujahid said while talking separately to the privately run local TOLO news channel.

This is the first time the Taliban has publicly acknowledged the detention of two American nationals. So far, they had only reported the arrest of Corbett.

He was taken into custody in August 2022, a year after the Islamist group regained power in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S.-led Western troops after nearly 20 years of war with the then-insurgent Taliban.

Corbett's family has lately stepped-up calls for President Joe Biden's administration to do more to secure his safe and early release.

According to CNN, Corbett was able to call his wife Anna and their three children last week for the fifth time since his detention.

"It was a disturbing call," Anna Corbett told the U.S. media outlet Thursday. "It was hard to hear Ryan losing hope. He's been held now almost 600 days and he had a change in his mindset about it," she told the U.S. news network.

Anna said that Corbett's physical health had been deteriorating, "and now that his mental health is going down, it's just super scary for the kids and I."

The U.S. State Department spokesperson said Thursday that it was working to secure the release of all American citizens "wrongfully detained" abroad.

Mathew Miller told reporters he "cannot imagine the pain" the families were "going through, and the grief that they're suffering, and how difficult it must be knowing that their loved one is going through such a tragic hardship."

He said that U.S. officials in meetings with Taliban representatives had "continually pressed" them to release all American detainees immediately and unconditionally.

"We have made clear to the Taliban that these detentions are a significant obstacle to positive engagement, and we will continue to do that. We are using every lever we can to try to bring Ryan and these other wrongfully detained Americans home from Afghanistan," he added.

Corbett and his family had lived in Afghanistan for years before being evacuated during the August 2021 Taliban takeover. He ran and supervised humanitarian projects for nongovernmental organizations, focusing on health and education.

Corbett returned to Afghanistan twice in 2022 and was detained by the Taliban on his second trip but has not been charged with any crimes, according to his family.

"The Biden administration has done little to secure Ryan's release despite continued reports of his deteriorating health while held in deplorable conditions," U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, said in a March 27 statement.

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Scenery of blooming Mongolian almond in Ningxia

Xinhua) 10:54, April 01, 2024

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows the blooming Mongolian almond at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Mongolian almond is a kind of endangered plant which shows great tolerance to drought in the Gobi Desert area. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows the blooming Mongolian almond at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Mongolian almond is a kind of endangered plant which shows great tolerance to drought in the Gobi Desert area. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows the blooming Mongolian almond at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Mongolian almond is a kind of endangered plant which shows great tolerance to drought in the Gobi Desert area. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows the blooming Mongolian almond at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Mongolian almond is a kind of endangered plant which shows great tolerance to drought in the Gobi Desert area. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows the blooming Mongolian almond at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Mongolian almond is a kind of endangered plant which shows great tolerance to drought in the Gobi Desert area. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows the blooming Mongolian almond at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Mongolian almond is a kind of endangered plant which shows great tolerance to drought in the Gobi Desert area. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows the blooming Mongolian almond at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Mongolian almond is a kind of endangered plant which shows great tolerance to drought in the Gobi Desert area. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Illegal cameras could hurt voters right to privacy when voting and nullify votes

By Jun Ji-hye

The National Election Commission (NEC) is scrambling to uncover hidden cameras at polling stations after a YouTuber was arrested Sunday for installing at least 40 such illegal devices at early polling stations and ballot count locations.

The belated response is raising concerns over the election watchdog's competence in overseeing the April 10 general elections, with early voting scheduled for Friday and Saturday, ahead of the election day.

The NEC announced Monday a plan to run inspections on the eve of early voting and election day to check for secretly installed cameras. The commission said it will utilize hidden camera detectors in cooperation with local governments and the police.

"We will also carry out frequent inspections during the early voting period and on election day," an NEC official said, noting that it will file complaints with police against anyone who attempts to record polling stations.

NEC spokesperson Cho Dong-jin acknowledged that the commission's checklists for polling stations and ballot count locations have been focused mostly on safety inspections such as fire safety systems, and therefore, it had not been prepared for the spy camera issue.

"We will enhance our checklists, as illegal hidden cameras have been found," Cho said during a radio appearance.

Questions remain over the effectiveness of the NEC's belated move to respond to the issue, given that the number of polling stations that will open on election day stands at 14,259, which is four times more than the 3,565 figure for early voting.

Adding to concerns is that the number of NEC employees across the country comes to about 3,000. These employees are tasked with not only checking polling stations but also managing the ballot count, meaning that one employee could get into a situation where he has to check dozens of polling stations on his own in a worst-case scenario.

Cho said his organization is taking the issue seriously, as the attempt to install spy cameras at polling stations could undermine the country's free election system, which is regarded as the foundation of democracy, even if such devices are installed outside polling stations.

What is more serious is that spy cameras could be used to film the inside of polling stations, which would hurt voters' rights to privacy when voting and potentially lead to the nullification of votes.

In addition, subminiature cameras, such as those shaped like a pen, could be utilized, making detection even more difficult.

"We will thoroughly carry out security checks on polling stations and ballot count locations by mobilizing as many personnel as possible," Cho said.

Incheon Nonhyeon Police Station arrested the far-right YouTuber, identified only by his surname, Han, on Sunday after a court issued a warrant citing flight risk and concerns of tampering with evidence.

Police allege the 49-year-old has broken into 40 early voting polling stations, which were set up at community centers across the country, including those in Seoul and Busan, and installed the spy cameras.

Speaking to reporters in front of the courthouse, Han said he did so to monitor the NEC's manipulation regarding the turnout of early voting.

He has consistently speculated about the possibility of rigged elections on his YouTube channels, with circumstances showing that he also installed hidden cameras and recorded the interior of polling stations during the 2022 presidential election and the by-election for the mayorship of Gangseo District in Seoul in October, according to police.

Police added that they are looking into whether there are additional hidden cameras installed in other polling stations across the country.
Vietnam Objects to China's Expanded Reach in Gulf of Tonkin

By Le Nguyen March 31, 2024

Vietnam is crying foul over a Chinese bid to redefine its coastal waters in the Gulf of Tonkin, a waterway at the northern end of the South China Sea lying between China's Hainan Island and Vietnam.

Beijing's delineation of a new baseline in the gulf was declared earlier this month. Under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a country's baseline is essentially its shoreline at low tide and is used to determine the extent of coastal waters and exclusive economic zones.

The convention makes exceptions in the case of close-in coastal islands, inlets and other unusual features, in which case a straight-line baseline may be applied. But experts say China has taken this provision to extremes by drawing a series of straight lines between islands far off its coast.

While the immediate implications of China's latest sea grab are limited, the experts say it could have implications for freedom of navigation in the region, and in an extreme case, Beijing could seek to apply the principle to declare the Taiwan Strait as Chinese coastal waters.

It also follows a pattern of aggressive Chinese behavior in the South China Sea, where since 2013 the country has been building artificial islands in waters claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

China says its delineation of the baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin, known as the Beibu Gulf in China, "strictly complies with domestic laws, international laws and bilateral agreements" and "will not impact Vietnam's interests or those of any other nation," according to a March 4 statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted by the official Global Times.

Hanoi disputes this assertion. When asked about the baseline more than a week later, its Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Pham Thu Hang, stressed that "coastal countries need to abide by the UNCLOS 1982 when determining the baseline for measuring their territorial waters" and urged Beijing to honor a previously negotiated bilateral demarcation agreement in the gulf. UNCLOS was ratified in 1982.

Free of disputes

Unlike other parts of the South China Sea, the Gulf of Tonkin has been largely free of disputes since Hanoi and Beijing signed the delineation agreement in 2000 that went into effect four years later.

The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman declined to comment on whether China's new baseline could jeopardize that agreement, according to Reuters.

Hoang Viet, a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City's University of Law who follows regional maritime issues closely, told VOA Vietnamese over the phone, "The gulf was already demarcated. China cannot claim more than what it agreed on in the deal, no matter what baseline it draws in the gulf."

He stressed that "it's almost impossible" for Beijing to amend the agreement already ratified by the two nations.

Raymond Powell, a team leader at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, told VOA Vietnamese in an email that China's baseline delineation varies from the standard UNCLOS practice, which says the baseline "must not depart to any appreciable extent from the general direction of the coast."

"China has drawn a straight baseline from its coast to a couple of offshore islands to illegally expand its territorial sea," Powell said. "UNCLOS does not allow drawing straight baselines except in extreme circumstances, such as the complex fjords of Norway. This is not one of those special cases."

According to UNCLOS, any waters inside the baseline are considered internal waters of a coastal state and unapproved passage of foreign vessels or aircraft is not allowed.

"The new baseline turns a significant area into China's closed waters. Qiongzhou Strait [the strait between Hainan island and the Chinese mainland] is now wholly China's internal waters," said Viet. "It affects the freedom of navigation of foreign vessels."

He added that China could cite this as a precedent to claim the Taiwan Strait as internal waters.

Powell predicted that Beijing's new claim "may someday" draw a U.S. Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP), in which a warship will enter an unrecognized claim and either transit without notification or conduct military activity. The United States "challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant," according to the U.S. Navy press office.

Most FONOPs in the region have been confined to the South China Sea to challenge Beijing's territorial claims.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 177 - 31 March 2024

At any point, Hamas could have ended this burgeoning tragedy to

surrender and release every hostage.

Hamas instigated and owns this humanitarian catastrophe.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA)

Benjamin Netanyahu did not stop lying all this week, to Americans at times, to ultra-Orthodox Jews at times, and to the families of Israelis detained in Gaza at other times. But his silence about the situation in northern Israel was very clear, at a time when the conscription exemption crisis constitutes a turning point in Israeli policy and in the relationship between Haredi voters and the parties that are supposed to represent them. With this introduction, Haaretz summarized a long article by Yossi Verter, which began by describing the panic that descended on the Prime Minister's Office after the "group of incompetent employees" occupying it realized that they had no more tricks to use against the High Court of Justice and the Attorney General.

Tens of thousands of religious school students - who are evading military service on the orders of their rabbis - will begin receiving conscription notices from April 1, and they will refuse it, demonstrate, block roads, and set fire to garbage cans. However, what is truly horrific - according to the writer - is that in the future, money will stop flowing to these religious schools, because the budget allocations for religious institutes, which greatly inflated under Netanyahus sixth government, will suffer a severe blow, when continued funding for religious schools that have not yet been established will be banned. The recruitment status of students therein is settled by the Supreme Court of Justice.

Due to the conditions of war, the mobilization of hundreds of thousands of reserve soldiers, and multiple losses in the army, the public that serves, fights, dies, works and earns a living - according to the writer - is no longer willing to swallow things that were accepted with some complaining or weak protest, so that it is no longer possible to accept what is planned. Netanyahu and his companions have a law that exempts the Haredim from military service and institutionalizes their avoidance of sharing the burden with the rest. Haredi voters view the crisis of the exemption project as a turning point in the face of the parties that represent them, after they failed to present a new law and a new, strong exemption, and they are now thinking that perhaps another, less hateful, government can provide a better result.

Although the date of April 1 was not a surprise, Netanyahu continued to procrastinate as usual, until the last minutes before midnight, and when all roads were closed, Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs wrote a pathetic and shameful letter in which he attacked the governments legal advisor, Gali Baharav Meara, and the Minister of Defense. Yoav Galant , and the former responded with a sharp message saying that the plan that the government wants to submit to the High Court of Justice is devoid of any professional or legal foundations, and Galant, from the United States, simply says that the envoys words were a lie derived from political considerations.

And then the well-known modus operandi began, involving a campaign of lies and deception, in which Mira and Gallant were immediately designated as targets by the toxic apparatus serving Netanyahu. The Supreme Court of Justice also quickly became a target, so that all the services provided by these parties were ignored when they were an indispensable pillar of support for the government in everything related to managing the war and dealing with major crises, such as the court in The Hague.

According to the author there are three obstacles to Emergency Government Minister Gideon Sa'ar joining the war government, the first of which is the veto of war government member Benny Gantz , then the requirement of Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich that they join the war government with him, and finally Sara Netanyahus objection to his entry. Werther described Netanyahu as being like a drunken clown, juggling all the balls in the air, and he cannot catch them all, so he is limited to holding on to what causes him less harm.

The Israeli High Court of Justice issued an interim order on Thursday evening, prohibiting the government from allocating funds to ultra-Orthodox yeshivas for students eligible for enlistment with the Israeli army. This comes as the legal framework instructing the IOF to temporarily not draft ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis (Haredi) students despite the expiration of the legislation, which itself will expire today, March 31, at midnight. The court's ruling is set to be effective starting April 1.

Netanyahu has his back against the wall. Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz has pledged to withdraw support if the Knesset approves a bill maintaining exemptions. Another member of the opposition party, head of the Israeli opposition, Yair Lapid, said, "If Israel does not draft the Haredim, then it does not have the right to demand more from the reservists." At the same time, the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis have issued warnings that they will leave the government unless draft-preventing laws are passed.

v If the five-member War Cabinet were to collapse, it would undermine "Israel's" stability during a "critical phase" of the war on Gaza. On the other hand, losing the support of the ultra-Orthodox parties would lead to the downfall of his broader coalition government. This possibility is particularly concerning for Netanyahu since he and his Likud party are currently lagging in opinion polls.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews believe that studying the Torah is a duty that all Jewish males must fulfill. They argue that this duty is so important that it should "excuse them from other responsibilities, like serving in the military." They think that their spiritual dedication to studying the Torah is vital for the "health and survival of the Jewish community." For secular Israelis, who consider that they are bearing the burden of "subsidizing the ultra-Orthodox Jews through taxes" while they themselves are required to serve in the military, the exemptions have long been a source of resentment. This feeling has intensified over the past six months since the war on Gaza began.

US Congressman Tim Walberg said that Gaza "should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima ," referring to the Japanese cities in which the United States dropped atomic bombs at the end of the year. World War II, he continued: "End it quickly." According to The Guardian newspaper, the statements of the Michigan Republican member of the US House of Representatives were recorded during a meeting with a limited number of his constituents, and data in Congress indicate that it was held on the 25th of this month. Walberg appeared in a video clip recorded by an activist and posted on the Internet, telling voters that the United States of America should not spend a single cent on humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, calling for the aid to be spent on supporting Israel, which he described as the United States greatest ally in all times in the world". He also said that "we must provide Israel with the resources they want (weapons and ammunition) to kill Hamas," as he put it.

War Termination

After it seemed that the "indirect negotiations" between Israel and the Hamas movement, which is classified as a terrorist organization in the United States and other countries, with the aim of reaching a truce, reached a "dead end", the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, gave the green light to hold new talks, so what is new this time? Is the Gaza deal close to being implemented? And what might hinder that?

A Hamas delegation will not travel to Cairo at the moment, a source from the Palestinian Resistance told Al Mayadeen on Sunday. "Hamas' delegation is awaiting the results and outputs of the meetings between mediators and the Israeli delegation," the source told Al Mayadeen. Earlier, an official from the Islamic Resistance Movement - Hamas told Agence France-Presse that Hamas had not made a decision on whether to send a delegation to a new round of mediated talks.

"There is no indication or decision yet within Hamas regarding sending a Hamas delegation to a new round of negotiations in Cairo or Doha," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. The official voiced pessimism regarding the talks, saying that he doubts that there be any progress in these negotiations, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "is not serious and not interested." This has been echoed by multiple Palestinian Resistance officials since talks began, after "Israel" launched its war on Gaza. In fact, Hamas has reiterated on multiple occasions its readiness to reach comprehensive deals via mediated talks, saying that it has practiced flexibility in several rounds of talks, however, it has stuck to its main principles.

The leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), Osama Hamdan, confirmed in an interview with Al Jazeera, today, Sunday, that there is no talk yet about any new round of negotiations, after reports that the Israeli delegation will arrive in Cairo this evening to discuss the exchange deal. He added that the occupation did not make any commitments in its responses, and its answers were an attempt to procrastinate with regard to the basic points that Hamas wants answers to, which are stopping the aggression, withdrawing from Gaza, the return of the displaced to the north, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Hamdan expressed his appreciation for the role of the Qatari and Egyptian mediators, noting that Israel's continued "intransigence" means that the mediators' efforts will face a dead end, as he put it. He said that Israel only wants to recover its prisoners and continue the aggression in an open manner, stressing that the American position contributes to covering up Israeli "intransigence." Speaking about the Israeli threat to invade Rafah, Hamdan stressed that Hamas is making every effort to prevent the aggression against Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, indicating at the same time that the resistance is ready for confrontation. Hamdan stated that any attempt to invest in an Arab role to confront the Palestinians and their hopes will not be successful, he said.

In a related development, the French news agency quoted a Hamas official as saying that the positions between the movement and Israel are far apart, so it is unlikely to reach a truce now. The official added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not serious and is not interested in reaching an agreement, indicating that the American administration is not putting real pressure on Israel because it considers that things are still under control. He pointed out that the movement has not yet taken a decision on whether it will send a delegation to new negotiations in Doha or Cairo, to reach a truce.

Hamas said that the basic principles underlying its vision of the negotiation file, which it presented to the mediators in Egypt and Qatar, are based on five main points: a ceasefire, an unconditional return of the displaced, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army from Gaza, the entry of aid and relief materials, and reconstruction.

Israel rejected Hamas's proposal, and also rejected the movement's request to release 30 life sentencers for every female soldier, and in return, it offered to release only 5 to be determined by it. Israel presented a detailed proposal to release the detainees, calling for the release in the first stage of 40 alive Israeli detainees of all categories. The last round of negotiations in Doha lasted for about two weeks to reach a deal between Hamas and Israel, without producing results despite Washington expressing its optimism about the talks. It was planned to complete the negotiations in Cairo this week.

On Friday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Netanyahu agreed to "hold new talks" in order to release the Israeli hostages as part of a possible ceasefire agreement and reach a truce in the Gaza Strip. This came after Netanyahu met with the heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence services, where he agreed to hold a round of negotiations in the coming days in Doha and Cairo... with a mandate to move forward, according to his office.

In recent months, several negotiations were held between Israel and Hamas through international mediators, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, but without result, while both parties exchanged accusations of obstructing them. The Israeli Foreign Ministry refused to comment on the developments in the negotiations and the reasons for the change in the Israeli position. The ministrys spokesman, Lior Hayat, told Al-Hurra website: I cannot comment on the negotiations.

For his part, Israeli political analyst, Joab Stern, points out that there is no alternative to negotiation, and Israel is interested in releasing at least some of the kidnapped people through negotiations. During the negotiations, each party tries to achieve gains, which means prolonging the duration of the talks and discussions, but the alternative to failure is the continuation of the military battle in the Gaza Strip, according to his interview with the Al-Hurra website. Stern explains that the continuation of the fighting means that the Israeli army will continue to target Hamas, but "this will have a heavy price." If battles and fighting continue, there will be no possibility of releasing the kidnapped people, and therefore Israel has no real alternative to negotiation, according to the Israeli political analyst.

Palestinian political analyst, Adel Al-Ghoul, believes that the password behind continuing negotiations is American pressure on Israel. During the recent period, tensions escalated between the administration of US President Joe Biden and the Netanyahu government, especially after the United States refrained from using its veto on a draft resolution in the UN Security Council calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, as Al-Ghoul explains to the Al-Hurra website.

The Palestinian political analyst points out that Washington is the main supporter and ally of Israel, and without American support, the Israeli government would not have been able to continue the war in Gaza. Therefore, the United States is pressuring Israel to continue negotiations and postpone the attack on Rafah until the end of April or mid-May, in order to negotiate and reach a temporary ceasefire for a period of 6 weeks, according to Al-Ghoul.

Nearly six months after the start of the war in Gaza, the Israeli army continues its operations in the devastated Strip. On Friday, the Israeli army, which accuses Hamas militants of hiding in hospitals, announced the continuation of its operations in the Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, north of the Strip, stressing that it had killed about 200 terrorists in the Strip since March 18, according to what Agence France-Presse reported.

To the south, in the city of Khan Yunis, several dead and wounded were transported in ambulances to the European Hospital, according to scenes from Agence France-Presse. Among the injured were children being treated on the hospital grounds. In Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip, dozens of men removed the rubble of a bombed building to remove the wounded and bodies, and they succeeded in bringing out a young boy.

The United Nations condemns insufficient aid to meet the enormous needs of the Palestinians, especially in the north, while 1.5 million people, the majority of whom are displaced, are crowded in Rafah, located in the south on the border with Egypt. Israel controls the flow of aid to Gaza, and after 5 months of war, Gazans are facing a severe hunger crisis approaching famine, especially in the north, according to the United Nations and residents of the Strip. Aid agencies have blamed Israel, which announced its blockade of the Strip after October 7. They say Israeli officials have obstructed aid delivery through inspections and severe restrictions.

Israel says it is working to prevent aid from reaching Hamas, and says its officials can process more aid than aid groups can distribute within the region. Stern confirms that Hamas' actions have caused millions to flee to tents in the southern Gaza Strip, where residents are suffering from "bad, painful, and excruciating" conditions. The Israeli political analyst believes that Hamas is concerned at the same time that "Israel may sacrifice the kidnappers in order to achieve military victory and kill the movement's leaders." Therefore, Hamas also wants to reach a detente, and this is only possible through negotiation, as Stern explains.

For his part, Al-Ghoul points out that Israel is going through an internal crisis and has a shortage in the number of soldiers and forces present in Gaza, coinciding with an escalation inside the West Bank and on the border with Lebanon. The Israeli army's losses are increasing day after day, and therefore it is in Israel's interest to reach a truce and ceasefire, according to the Palestinian political analyst.

Al-Ghoul points out that the temporary ceasefire will lead to the implementation of a new plan that begins with ending the war and Israels withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ends with the return of the Palestinian Authority and its support with a police force, in parallel with a political path that leads to a two-state solution. The "anticipated plan" includes the formation of a peacekeeping force or an Arab police force to distribute aid and supervise the Gaza port, which is scheduled to be inaugurated in mid-May, according to the Palestinian political analyst.

There are reservations about Israel only supervising the port, and there are proposals for the presence of an Arab force, and the United States supports this proposal, he explains. For his part, Stern confirms that all parties are interested in continuing the negotiations that will lead to a "deal in Gaza."

Al-Ghoul speaks of the "great possibility" of the fall of the Israeli government, which prompts Netanyahu to bet on the "time factor" and procrastinate in "implementing the new plan." The Palestinian political analyst believes that Netanyahu is "betting on Biden losing the upcoming elections, so that the pressure on the Israeli government will decrease, and a new administration (more supportive of Israel) may come."

For his part, Stern points out that the Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, and the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, are threatening to resign and withdraw from the government in order to reach a deal that will have a heavy price. This is what Netanyahu does not want, and for this reason he is procrastinating and prefers to buy time and does not want the deal to be completed now, according to the Israeli political analyst.

Writer Simon Tisdale, a specialist in foreign affairs at the British Observer newspaper, says in an article in the newspaper that Israel , which is isolated externally and torn internally, must face the future it fears, which is the establishment of a Palestinian state. The writer began his article by saying that the feeling of things falling apart is deep, and the negative repercussions are present everywhere in the world. He cited many examples of this, such as routinely flouting the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions , especially on Gaza , ignoring war crimes in Ukraine , Myanmar and Sudan , sending assassins abroad to eliminate political opponents, and undeclared cyber warfare that is unknown. Limits.

But he said the disintegration is particularly strong in the Middle East, especially following the Al-Aqsa flood attack , as is the impunity and the International Court of Justice orders to prevent famine in Gaza, which receive only lip service. Tisdale continued to paint a picture of the disintegration that the Middle East is witnessing, saying that the relationship between the United States and Israel, which is the regional cornerstone, has reached the breaking point. Commentators were quoted as saying that the dispute between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden is irreparable.

He added that the internal crisis in Israel, too, constitutes an existential threat to it, at a time when Netanyahu and his allies, anti-democratic extremists and far-right settler groups, are turning into rebels, expecting Netanyahu to escalate the war in the region, if those who accuse him of wanting to exploit... War is for his personal interests, right. Tisdale concluded by saying that as a divided, traumatized, ill-led and ostracized Israel tears itself apart, along with its historical, ideological and democratic credentials, re-establishing a credible negotiating process with the explicit and internationally agreed goal of two states coexisting side by side may be the way to go. The best and only way to save Israel from itself. It may also be the best hope for saving the community of nations from further descent into chaos, and for restoring the building of global confidence.

Operational Update

Operational Update - Gaza

Medical sources in the Gaza Strip announced on Sunday that 4 citizens, including two children, had died due to starvation in Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, bringing the number of victims of hunger and malnutrition to 34 citizens. The HAMAS sources said, "4 citizens, including two children, died today, as a result of malnutrition, dehydration, and lack of medical supplies, in Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip." Noting that the number of deaths due to famine has risen to 34, including 31 children.

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, announced that its fighters sniped and injured an Israeli soldier in the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in western Gaza City. Al-Qassam fighters also attacked Israeli soldiers and military vehicles infiltrating the hospital perimeter with heavy-caliber mortar shells and engaged an Israeli Merkava tank with a homemade al-Yassin 105 shell west of Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, south of Gaza City. The military media of al-Qassam Brigades reposted a video message by Chief of Staff Mohammad Deif on October 7, 2023, urging the Palestinian youths of the West Bank to resist the Israeli occupation with all means available.

In the same context, al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement, confirmed that its fighters engaged in fierce confrontations with a special unit of the Israeli occupation army using machine guns. Al-Quds Brigades said that its fighters monitored the Israeli unit and managed to lure it south of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

The Brigades' Resistance fighters also sniped at an Israeli soldier from the engineering unit, east of Gaza City, and attacked Israeli soldiers and military vehicles stationed around the Al-Shifa Complex with mortar shells. The military media of al-Quds Brigades published Saturday footage showing Resistance fighters preparing and launching a rocket barrage toward the Israeli settlement of "Sderot" and other Gaza Envelope settlements from the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

On their part, the al-Mujahideen Brigades and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades jointly attacked gatherings of Israeli occupation forces around the Al-Shifa Hospital with short-range rockets. On Saturday, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades also announced a joint operation with the al-Quds Brigades, during which they engaged Israeli occupation soldiers and their vehicles with a barrage of mortar shells around the Al-Shifa Complex.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant disclosed that high-ranking Hamas operatives detained by Israeli forces in Gaza have divulged crucial information suggesting that the group is undergoing internal collapse. "In the last week or two, hundreds of terrorists have been apprehended, and their testimonies shed light on the internal strife within Hamas. They acknowledge that Hamas is crumbling from within, bearing heavy consequences," Gallant conveyed following a briefing at the 98th Divisions headquarters.

"In recent days, significant progress has been made in apprehending terrorists, including senior commanders. Operations at Shifa Hospital have resulted in the capture of over 500 terror operatives, while approximately 200 have been killed, including several high-ranking leaders," Gallant disclosed, underscoring the IDF's commitment to rooting out terrorist elements.

The HAMAS media office in Gaza said more than 400 Palestinian people, including patients, war-displaced and healthcare staff, have been killed in Israeli attacks during 13-day siege of al-Shifa Hospital. The Israeli army said its operation at Gaza Citys al-Shifa Hospital is continuing. At least 107 patients and 60 medical staff remain inside the besieged hospital, according to Gazas Health Ministry, as Israel continues to deny the World Health Organization access to the besieged facility, Al Jazeera reported. In the Remal neighborhood of Gaza City, airstrikes were reportedly conducted on several buildings. Israeli jets struck about 80 targets across Gaza, including buildings and infrastructure.

An Air Force aircraft attacked an operational commander of the GAP terrorist organization, who was operating in the courtyard of the al-Aqsa hospital in the Deir al-Balah area. There were terrorists from the terrorist organization in HML. After a prolonged battle procedure, the operational commander and the terrorists were attacked in a precise manner to reduce the harm to those not involved in the area of the hospital. Al-Aqsa Hospital was not damaged by the attack and its regular functioning was not affected. The presence of the HML and the terrorists who operated in the hospital yard are further proof of the systematic use of humanitarian and medical infrastructure by the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip as a cover for terrorist activities.

As part of the IDF and Shin Bet operation led by Division 162 at Shifa Hospital, Nahal patrol forces cleared several buildings inside the hospital, eliminated terrorists and located many weapons that were hidden in the compound. IDF and Shin Bet forces continue the targeted fighting in the area of Shifa Hospital in the north of the Gaza Strip. The combat teams of the 401st Brigade, the Nahal Brigade and the 13th Fleet under the command of Division 162 conduct battles in the area, while avoiding harm to civilians, patients and medical staff. During the last day, the fighters eliminated at close range terrorists entrenched in the area and located weapons in the area of the hospital. Nahal patrol forces cleared several buildings inside the hospital, eliminated terrorists and located many weapons that were hidden in the compound. In the maternity complex, the forces located many weapons hidden in the pillows and beds of the patients, in the ceilings and walls of the compound, among them, dozens of mortar bombs, explosive devices, sniper weapons, Kalashnikovs, pistols, chargers, cartridges, mortars and other ammunition.

During one of the searches they carried out in the compound, the forces encountered armed terrorists and senior members of the Hamas terrorist organization in the stairwell, a chase and exchange of fire between the two took place, the senior terrorists were eliminated.

"During the last two weeks, the Nahal Patrol has been fighting alongside the 13th Fleet in the Shifa Bay area," stated the commander of the Nahal Patrol, Capt. Yanai, "the Nahal Patrol has been assigned the mission of the maternity hospital, according to Rav Hayou intelligence. Many terrorists in the maternity hospital, first we announced to all the civilians who were sheltering under the building, and hundreds of civilians, women and children came out to us. Including terrorists who were hiding behind them. After all the announcement operations, we went on selective scans in the area of the maternity hospital. We found many weapons used by the enemy and also came across several terrorists who opened fire on us, the terrorists were killed on the spot."

As part of the 215th Fire Brigade's activity in the northern Gaza Strip, Air Force aircraft attacked several buildings in the Rimal neighborhood, from which anti-tank missiles were launched yesterday and sniping attempts were made at IDF forces. During the attacks, one of the terrorists who carried out the launches was killed. During the last day, the Air Force attacked about 80 targets throughout the Gaza Strip. Among the targets that were attacked, military buildings and other military infrastructures in the Gaza Strip.

As part of the activities of the fighters of the Nahal Brigade's combat team in the center of the Gaza Strip, the fighters eliminated over 15 terrorists throughout the last day. In one of the forces' activities, the brigade's fire complex detected a terrorist squad coming out of a tunnel shaft and moving towards a military building near the forces, a fighter jet attacked and eliminated it. In another activity , two snipers from the battle team identified and eliminated through precise shooting, a terrorist squad that was moving near the forces in the area.

The forces of Division 98 continue to operate in the southern Gaza Strip. The fighters of the 7th Brigade Combat Team and the Air Force forces eliminated terrorists in the area and several terrorist infrastructures were destroyed by engineering forces. The forces of the combat team of the commando formation continue to operate in the El Amal area, and together with the Air Force, they eliminated terrorists and destroyed terrorist infrastructures from which shots were fired at the forces. In another activity in the area, the combat team fighters of the Givati Brigade eliminated about 15 terrorists with sniper fire and shells in the last day. This is alongside weapons that the forces located in the area, including grenades, weapons and military equipment.

In accordance with the assessment of the situation, the commander of the Southern Command signed an order tonight (Saturday) to change the closed military area in several areas in the Gaza Envelope and in agricultural areas. As part of the change of the closed areas, areas of the forest will be opened up and the southern R&D. In addition, a number of agricultural areas will be opened in Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and Kibbutz Maplisim.

Operational Update - Judea-Samaria

Following the stabbing attack earlier today at the central station in Be'er Sheva in which an IDF officer was slightly injured, an IDF soldier in training from the Nahal Brigade identified the terrorist and neutralized him at the scene of the attack in a short time, thereby preventing harm to civilians and other soldiers. "I am Private Elia, a fighter in training in the Nahal Brigade," said Private Elia, "this morning I neutralized the terrorist in the attack at the central station in Beer Sheva. I fired the weapon, made sure the area was sterile of civilians, fired at the terrorist, neutralized him and thus prevented a greater disaster."

Following the intelligence and operational activity of the Shin Bet forces, the IDF and the Israel Police since the shooting attack near Ojah on March 28 in which three Israeli civilians were injured, this morning the terrorist who carried out the attack was arrested and the weapon he used to carry it out was confiscated. Muhammad Saadia, who carried out the attack, handed himself over to the security forces who operated earlier this morning in Jericho. The terrorist was handed over to the General Security Service for further investigation.

"Last Thursday morning, a terrorist came out of Jericho and opened fire on two student buses on the way to their schools, and two other vehicles on Route 90 in the village of Ojah, which is north of Jericho," said the Bekaa and Valleys Brigade, Col. Aviv Amir, "From the moment the attack was given, we set out on a pursuit that included several efforts, so that anyone who tries to harm us will be pursued, even if it takes us days and weeks. We will catch him day and night, and that's what we did. The Bekaa and Valleys Brigade will continue to protect this wonderful region of the country every day, all day and every A possible place, as a frontier-breaking defense brigade."

Operational Update - Lebanon

Al-Alam's correspondent reported that a state of cautious calm prevailed along the front extending between Lebanon and occupied Palestine, disturbed from time to time by some machine-gun shells from some sites and artillery shells that targeted the valleys that separate some villages from occupied Palestine. The correspondent explained that a short while ago there was an explosion by the Lebanese army of one of the missiles dropped by the occupation army aircraft on the Marj Oyoun plain, and it was a remnant of the raids that the occupation was launching on the town of Al-Khim. The drones flying in the skies of the border areas are ever-present, but the Israeli warplanes did not He hears his voice even for a moment. He added that yesterday there were widespread attacks that did not stop at the Lebanese regions and villages, but rather targeted the UNIFIL forces operating in southern Lebanon, especially the observer team, whose car was targeted by one of the marching missiles, wounding 3 officers and a Lebanese civilian working as a translator.

The Lebanese "Hezbollah" published a summary of its operations carried out against the Israeli army on Sunday, "in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance." Hezbollah's military media indicated that "the Islamic Resistance carried out a number of operations against the positions and deployment of the Israeli enemy army on the Lebanese-Palestinian border on Sunday, March 31, 2024, according to the following":

Eastern sector (southern Lebanon) - At 12:15: Ramim Barracks was targeted by artillery shells, and was directly hit. - At 13:45: An air attack was carried out with assault marches on the newly created Barkhta artillery position, and Israeli enemy soldiers were deployed in its vicinity in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms, and direct casualties were achieved. - At 15:45: The Zibdin site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms was targeted with artillery shells. - At 15:45: The Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in the occupied Lebanese hills of Kfarshouba was targeted with appropriate weapons, and it was directly hit. - 17:00: A gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers in the vicinity of the Al-Manara site was targeted with missile weapons, and it was directly hit. - 23:10: An Israeli military force inside the Metula site was targeted with artillery shells, causing confirmed casualties among its ranks. Western sector (southern Lebanon): - At 13:15: Al-Malikiyah site was targeted with Burkan missiles, and it was directly hit. - At 15:55: The new spy equipment at the Al-Jardah point was targeted with appropriate weapons and destroyed.

With the escalation of clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, voices are getting louder warning that the situation is sliding into a large-scale war, affecting all Lebanese territories. Earlier, Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy instructed to prepare plans for a possible ground operation in Lebanon , and to draw lessons from the Gaza war. This is while Hezbollah confirms that stopping its operations against Israel is contingent on stopping its aggression against the Gaza Strip.

IDF warplanes attacked a number of Hizbullah military buildings where terrorists were staying in the area of ??Mis al Jabal and in the area of ??Leyda in southern Lebanon. In recent hours, fighter jets have attacked additional launch positions of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the Markaba area, as well as an observation post of the organization in the Kfar Kila area in southern Lebanon. Earlier today, a number of launches from southern Lebanon were identified that crossed into the areas of Mount Dov and Arab al Aramsha, the air defense fighters intercepted some of them.

An aircraft attacked a vehicle in the area of the village of Kunin where the terrorist Ismail Ali Elzin, a key operative in the anti-tank unit of the Radwan force in the Hezbollah terrorist organization, was staying. Ismail Ali Elzin served as commander of Bardwan, is a central center of knowledge in the field of anti-tank weapons and is responsible for many dozens of anti-tank attacks aimed at IDF forces and the Israeli rear.

Identified as Ismail Ali al-Zin, the IDF revealed that he held a prominent position as a senior commander within Radwan's specialized anti-tank missile unit. According to IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, al-Zin played a pivotal role as a leading authority on anti-tank missiles, orchestrating numerous attacks targeting Israeli civilians, communities, and security personnel. "In eliminating al-Zin, we have neutralized a significant threat posed by Hezbollah's anti-tank capabilities," remarked Conricus, emphasizing the importance of disrupting the group's offensive capabilities.

Fighter jets attacked terrorist infrastructures of Hezbollah in the areas of Al-Khyam and Rab-e-Taltin in southern Lebanon. In addition, the IDF attacked with artillery in the area of ??Hula to remove a threat. Last night fighter jets attacked a military structure of the organization in the Al Jibin area. In the last few hours, launches were detected from the territory of Lebanon that crossed into the area of Margaliot and Malkyia, the IDF attacked the sources of the shooting. As a result of the launches, an IDF soldier was slightly injured and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, his family was informed.

A fighter jet intercepted a suspicious aerial target that made its way to Israeli territory from Syria. No crossing into the territory of the State of Israel was detected and the incident ended.

The Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Ost reported from sources close to Hezbollah that the person responsible for coordination and liaison in the terrorist organization, Vafik Spa, who recently visited the Emirates, conveyed a message that Hezbollah is ready to stop fighting on the southern Lebanese front and declare the border area along the Blue Line demilitarized. According to the report, the military presence will be of the UNIFIL force and the Lebanese army - subject to the fact that after the cease-fire, an agreement will be reached on the drawing of the land border, as was the case with the drawing of the maritime border.

It was noted that Israel will not agree to any agreement with Hezbollah before it completely hands over its weapons to the Lebanese army, throughout the entire territory of the country. According to the report, a senior official in the Emirates advised Spa that "handing over the weapons by mutual agreement is much better than evacuating and destroying Lebanon by force." It is claimed that Safa returned to Lebanon empty-handed and the rate of Israeli attacks escalated after that,

Operational Update - Syria / Iraq

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Operational Update - Yemen

In the seventeenth Ramadan lecture by the leader of the revolution, Mr. Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, Sunday, Ramadan 21, 1445 AH - March 31, 2024 AD, he said: "Indeed, in todays world, there are various countries, systems, and various entities that allocate huge budgets to seduce people, or to corrupt them, either to mislead or to corrupt. How many satellite channels are there dedicated to corrupting people morally, and spreading pornographic materials that corrupt souls, and promote corruption, immorality, and evil, How many billions are spent on it, the money that finances what is a means to corrupt people or lead them astray, Satan becomes a partner in it.

"Likewise, when human power is harnessed to serve Satan, in any field: military, non-military, or in another field, or other than the military field, in any other field, what is exploited from peoples abilities, from their potential that God has given them, from the potential. What they acquire in any way, is what is harnessed in the service of Satan; Satan becomes a partner in it and exploits it....

"What is true in many Western societies is that they are provided with the necessities of life and living on the material level with great luxury, but they live in a disturbing atmosphere and major psychological disorders, and many of them resort to suicide, and they are not happy and are not happy with what they are in. Firstly: because they commit many crimes. Sins that make them miserable in their lives, for example: they do not enjoy family stability; Because of the sins and chaos they are in, there is no reassurance in their family life. The husband with his wife, as well as the father and mother with their children, there is a completely different reality for them.

"Their family situation is a state of hell, in which there is no trust, no reassurance, and no family ties based on compassion, solidarity, cooperation, and familiarity. All of these meanings are absent from the lives of many of them. Consequently, they live in a state of misery and suffering, and many of them depend on alcohol and drugs. To combat this state of psychological depression, they are working harder and harder. Thus, the types of misery and the types of miserable living differ from one society to another, but they are the inevitable result of turning away from Gods guidance and instructions. As for the afterlife: blindness, blindness and misguidance, and the person will not find a way to save himself at that time."

US Central Command announced the destruction of two drones belonging to the Yemeni "Ansar Allah" (Houthis) group, in areas under the group's control in Yemen, in operations it described as "self-defense." US Central Command: We destroyed two drones in Houthi-controlled areas in YemenCommander of the American Fleet in the Red Sea: We were able to reduce the capabilities of the Houthis. The command said in an update on the X platform: On March 30, at 8:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), our forces succeeded in clashing and destroying two drones in the areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen in self-defense.

CENTCOM added, "One of them [the two planes] was over the Red Sea and the other was on the ground preparing to take off," stressing that "these unmanned aerial systems represent a threat to American forces, coalition forces, and commercial ships in the region." The US Central Command considered that "these measures are necessary to protect its forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer for the United States, the coalition, and commercial ships."

This comes days after the leader of Ansar Allah, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi , announced that his group had targeted, since last November, 86 ships linked to Israel, America, and Britain, in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Last Tuesday, Ansar Allah announced that it had targeted with missiles 4 ships : the American Maersk Saratoga in the Gulf of Aden, the American ABL Detroit in the Red Sea, the British Huang Pu in the Red Sea, and the Pretty. Lady), said she was heading to Israel, referring to attacking two American warship destroyers in the Red Sea with drones , and launching missiles at targets in the Eilat region in southern Israel.

The Ansar Allah group announced, in mid-March, the start of expanding the scope of its attacks in the Red and Arab Bahrain and the Gulf of Aden , against ships linked to Israel or heading to its ports, to include the Indian Ocean, revealing that it had carried out three operations against three Israeli and American ships in the Indian Ocean with naval missiles and aircraft. march.

On January 12, the United States and Britain began carrying out a massive attack on Ansar Allah sites in several Yemeni cities, against the backdrop of the groups attacks in the Red and Arab Seas, which it says target ships linked to Israel or heading to its ports, before the group expands its circle. Targeting to include US and British ships in response to air strikes. On October 10, 2023, Ansar Allah announced that it would support the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, with missile and air attacks and other military options, if America intervenes militarily directly in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Strip.

The chants of the Yemenis in the squares turned into missiles and drones launched at American and British ships belonging to the occupying entity or heading to the ports of occupied Palestine. Therefore, every operation carried out by the Yemeni armed forces is popularly supported, which raises many questions, the most prominent of which is about the Yemeni peoples participation in these demonstrations periodically since More than six months have been a shock to everyone. How do you explain this ability to go out and call out periodically? The demonstrations take place on Friday, which is an official holiday, which refutes the allegations that those who go out are employees or soldiers, and thus the ability of the Yemeni leadership to mobilize the peoples capabilities, how is it reflected internally and externally?

The military expert, Brigadier General Aziz Rashid, confirmed that according to international observers and media reports issued by the enemy countries themselves, there is almost complete control over British, American and Zionist ships in particular, or ships carrying foreign flags for the purpose of crossing, meaning that there is enormous information collected by the Yemenis and intelligence. Yemenia is cooperating with our international brothers in this field, and therefore no ship can cross at all.

Rashid pointed out that the Yemeni military operations moved from single strikes to dozens of strikes and targets, which is what the military spokesman announced a few days ago by striking six very important operations in the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Indian Ocean, and this expresses the gradual escalation that will amount to strategic bombing. After the strategic bombing, pressure comes on all Israeli, American and British ships from crossing even the Cape of Good Hope, and this is what makes the enemy think carefully about whether to submit to peace or surrender.

Maps

All maps are lies. Not only is it easy to lie with maps, it is essential, wrote cartographer Mark Monmoneir in his book How to Lie with Maps. He showed that condensing complex, three-dimensional spaces onto a two-dimensional sheet of paper [in old days] is bound to be reductive. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. The first characteristic of guerrilla warfare is the loss of a front line. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. These processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness.

Bystanders

UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths called for an end to attempts to expel the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from the Gaza Strip, because assistance cannot be provided without it. Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations: Attempts to expelIsrael proposes to the United Nations to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). He wrote on his account on the X platform: Attempts to remove UNRWA must stop. UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian operations in Gaza. Any attempt to distribute aid without it is doomed to failure. No other agency has the reach, experience and community trust required for the job, Griffith noted.

Earlier, The Guardian newspaper reported, citing sources, that Israel had submitted to the United Nations a proposal to dissolve UNRWA. According to the newspaper, the Israeli initiative includes transferring several hundred UNRWA employees to one of the other United Nations organizations, such as the World Food Programme. , or to a new organization created specifically to distribute food aid in Gaza.

The Popular and Tribal Committees for Securing Aid in Gaza Governorate and Northern Gaza announced on Sunday suspending aid provision due to the ongoing Israeli strikes targeting their members waiting for trucks on Salah al-Din Street - Kuwait Roundabout. The Israeli occupation forces committed several massacres against the committee's members, resulting in the martyrdom of over 70 people.

In their statement, the committees urged the United Nations to facilitate the return of UNRWA, the World Food Programme, and the Red Cross to operate in Gaza Governorate and Northern Gaza. They also advocated for the implementation of a comprehensive relief program to address the needs of families, both in terms of the required commodities and their size. They stated that they launched the initiative to provide aid to those in need due to the absence of UN institutions, stressing that the decision was based on consultations with the relevant institutions, other international organizations, and appeals from the Palestinian people for basic assistance. The initiative was also prompted by a series of massacres committed by the occupation forces against civilians on the al-Shati Road and Salah al-Din Street while they awaited aid.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported on Saturday that 17 Palestinians were killed and 30 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the Popular and Tribal Committees at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City while they were waiting to receive humanitarian aid to distribute it to the families in the enclave. Commenting on the ongoing Israeli massacres against aid workers, the Supreme Council for Palestinian Clan Affairs in Gaza said on Saturday that the Israeli assassinations reflect "the extent of the fascist occupation's anger toward Palestine and also express the extent of its helplessness and failure to undermine the unity of the Palestinian internal front."

Axis of Resistance

Pointing to the mounting multilayered crises that have plagued the Zionist regime from within, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said the global aversion to Israel has reached an all-time high, while the Palestinian nation has gained international support. In a meeting with Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement Ziyad al-Nakhalah, held in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian praised the important role of the Islamic Jihad in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and standing up against the Zionist regimes aggression.

The Iranian foreign minister described the unity of the resistance groups in Palestine and the Gaza Strip in the ongoing battle as a valuable manifestation of the Palestinian people, the ministrys website reported. He added that the morale of the enemy was crushed thanks to the unity and coherence of the Palestinian resistance groups and their heroic battle as well as the exemplary perseverance of the Palestinian nation.

Amirabdollahian said despite all the hardships the Palestinians have gone through, they have scored great victories at various political, legal and international fields as well as on the battlefield. He noted that the visit of Palestinian resistance leaders to Tehran on the eve of International Quds Day sends an important message across the region and the world, expressing confidence that this years International Quds Day would be commemorated with as much glory as possible by the free nations of the world.

Highlighting the increasing multilayered crises within the Zionist regime, Amirabdollahian said today, the Palestinian people are more powerful and enjoy more support by the world nations, while the Zionist regime is more hated and isolated than ever. Undoubtedly, the world will witness more victories by the Palestinian people and resistance in the future, Amirabdollahian stated.

For his part, Nakhalah pointed to the meetings and consultations with the Iranian foreign minister in the last six months, saying Iran is a true supporter of the Palestinian people, al-Quds and the Muslim world. He also thanked Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and the Iranian president, government and people for their continued support of the Palestinians. Nakhalah added that despite six months of unequal war waged by the Zionist regime against the Gaza Strip and the full political, international, and military support by the United States for Israel, the Palestinian people and resistance allowed nothing to happen in spite of all the hardships and enduring the siege of the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinians did not let the Zionist regime achieve its strategic goals, and the aggressors and their supporters failed to crush the will and morale of the resistance groups and resistance of the Palestinian people, Nakhalah noted. We are confident that the final victory against the Zionist enemy is near, the Palestinian leader stated.

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the Zionist regimes brazen crime of attacking the tents of displaced people on the premises of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gazas Deir al-Balah, urging immediate international action to stop the Israeli atrocities. In a post on his X account on Sunday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani lashed out at the Zionist regime for committing gruesome war crimes in the Gaza Strip before the eyes of the world.

He said the child murdering Zionist regime has mocked all international rules and regulations by bombing the tents of displaced Palestinian people inside the walls of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. The immediate prevention of the continuation of these crimes as well as legal and judicial prosecution of the Zionist criminals are among the definite responsibilities of the international bodies and institutions and also the world public opinions demands, he said. Kanaani also warned the hypocritical sponsors of the Zionist regime that the shame of Israels barbaric crimes against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip will cast an indelible stigma upon them.

Gazas Government Media Office said on Sunday that Israel has committed a new massacre by bombing the tents of journalists and displaced people inside the walls of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The Israeli regimes air force targeted two tents with two air strikes inside the Al-Aqsa Hospital compound which had a lot of Palestinians seeking refuge. It was also the place where journalists worked. The tents that were stuck were next to each other, resulting in casualties.

Allied for Democracy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the demands rising in the demonstrations calling for early elections, considering that they would constitute a victory for the Hamas movement, against which his forces have been waging a war in the Gaza Strip for nearly six months. On Sunday, thousands of Israelis demonstrated in the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to demand the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and the holding of parliamentary elections.

Netanyahu said, during a press conference in Jerusalem, Calling for elections now will put an end to the war and freeze the negotiations, and the first to bless them will be Hamas. Lapid added, "For the sake of the soldiers, the kidnappers, the conscription law, and to save the economy: we must hold elections now."

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called earlier this month for early elections in Israel, in a speech that US President Joe Biden described as good. Netanyahu then condemned this call. He said that members of the "international community" who call for elections "do so because they know that the elections will stop the war and paralyze the country for at least 6 months."

Netanyahu said on Sunday: We must manage the negotiations to return the kidnapped people with calm and determination and make efforts to reach a deal. He renewed his commitment to returning all abductees, whether living or dead, adding that military pressure on Hamas is very important in order to return the abductees. He pointed out that Israeli forces "killed more than 200 terrorists in Al-Shifa Hospital, including senior leaders."

Netanyahu stressed his intention to invade the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip despite the opposition of the United States, considering that there is no victory over Hamas without his forces entering Rafah, stressing that they will enter it "with certainty."

Washington opposes a ground attack on Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Gaza Strip residents were displaced, after fleeing the bombing in the northern Strip. The United States stresses the danger of an increase in the number of civilian deaths, especially since the toll has so far exceeded 32,000, and calls for alternatives to target the last strongholds of the Hamas movement.

Regarding the ongoing skirmishes with Lebanese Hezbollah, Netanyahu said, I prefer to resolve the security situation in the north diplomatically, but we will do so in other ways if that effort does not succeed. He added that his government "wants to create the appropriate security conditions for the return of our citizens to their homes in the north." Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging cross-border bombing since the start of the war in Gaza about six months ago.

Despite what appears to be unconditional German support for Israel, which is seen as an existential issue, there is a change in the tone of the German government, amid strong indications of a reversal in public opinions position, as monitored by New York Times correspondent in Berlin, Erica Solomon. Solomon wrote - in her report - that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was one of the first foreign leaders to visit Israel in the wake of the October 7 attack , to express his countrys support, saying - at the time - that Germanys natural position was to support Israel.

Last January, his country joined Israel's defense team at the International Court of Justice , considering Germany a "moral authority" when it comes to protecting the Genocide Convention. Even at the Munich Security Conference, the German Chancellor repeatedly avoided answering the question of whether he believed Israel had violated international humanitarian law.

But German public opinion now believes that what the Israeli army is doing in Gaza is unjustifiable, and it seems that the government has begun to align itself with this public opinion. Two weeks ago, Schulz visited Israel again, and his tone changed this time. He stated in a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: He stands by his side: Can the goal, whatever it is, justify the high price?

Correspondent Solomon says that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also changed her tone of unconditional support, when she announced last week her intention to send a delegation to Israel because Germany, as a signatory to the Geneva Convention, is obligated to remind all parties to the treaty of the necessity of respecting international humanitarian law. Solomon recalled statements made by Baerbock on her sixth visit to the region, in which she described Gaza as hell, and urged Israel to stop invading Rafah, saying: People cannot simply hide in the air like this. She criticized her refusal to provide a humanitarian solution that would protect the displaced, to which Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded by saying, "We expect our friends to continue supporting us in these difficult times, not to weaken us in the face of the Hamas terrorist organization."

According to Solomon, the change in Berlin's position was not isolated from the development of the position of German parties wondering if the support had not exceeded the limits. A New York Times correspondent quotes Thorsten Benner, director of the International Institute for Public Policy in Berlin, as saying that this support is no longer tolerable and that Germany, considering Israel an existential issue, is now offering it a blank check.

Solomon wrote that Germany is trying to defend its interests around the world with policies that include, for example, supporting the conclusion of a deal between the European Union and Egypt to reduce the flow of migration on the continent, or supporting Ukraine militarily to repel the Russian invasion, but foreign policy experts believe that supporting Israel has weakened its moral credibility when criticism is directed at the regimes. She describes it as totalitarian, like Vladimir Putin's government.

Solomon says that the erosion of this credibility is especially felt in what has come to be called the Global South, where one of its most prominent leaders, Malaysian President Anwar Ibrahim, publicly rebuked the German Chancellor when he stood beside him at a press conference this month in Berlin, saying: We oppose colonialism, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and the confiscation of the lands of any country. Whether in Ukraine or in Gaza... Where is your humanity? What is this hypocrisy? Solomon adds that until recently, German public opinion supported his government in supporting the Israeli campaign, but opinion polls conducted by state-owned media channels show that 70% of Germans now believe that the actions of the Israeli army cannot be justified, while the percentage was 50% just a few weeks ago.

Chancellor Schulz suffered a lot as he tried to avoid the issue even in his meetings with German voters. This week, for example, a German woman in the town of Brandenburg on the outskirts of Berlin criticized him for hypocrisy, asking how Germany could oppose the invasion of Rafah when at the same time it is one of the most important arms suppliers to Israel. However, the New York Times correspondent ruled out a radical reversal in Germanys position, and cited as an example the Interior Ministrys decision last week to include questions about Israel in the citizenship test because of the importance of supporting Israel and its being part of our identity, as stated in the ministrys statement, and she expected - unless Washington takes deterrent measures. Stronger against Israel - that the matter be limited to symbolic steps.

In its response to a written question from a representative about whether Germany would stop arms shipments to Israel, the government merely responded that each shipment would be studied separately. According to Jurgen Hart, Christian Democrats' spokesman for foreign affairs in the German Parliament, the most important decision Germany can make now is to resume funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Germany appears to be changing its position on the agency - according to Solomon - as it announced this week that it would resume its funding in the agencys areas of operation outside the Gaza Strip, after it had demanded the dismissal of its commissioner, Philippe Lazzarini, as a condition for re-injecting funds, according to German and European officials familiar with the file. The same officials indicated flexibility in Germany's position, which no longer adheres to Lazzarini's dismissal, while German officials say they expect the funding allocated for Gaza operations to be released by the end of next May.

A secret memo to expand intelligence sharing between the United States and Israel after the October 7 Hamas attack has caused growing concerns in Washington about whether the information is contributing to civilian deaths, according to people familiar with the matter, according to the Wall Street Journal. Among the concerns is the lack of sufficient independent oversight to ensure that intelligence information provided by the United States is not used in strikes that unnecessarily kill civilians or damage infrastructure, according to the same source.

The secret intelligence-sharing agreement between the United States and Israel received less public scrutiny than US arms sales to Israel. But it raises increasing questions from Democratic lawmakers and human rights groups, with concern mounting within the administration of US President Joe Biden about how Israel is managing its military campaign in Gaza.

Concerns over intelligence sharing in some ways mirror those over the provision of US weapons As the death toll in Gaza mounts, President Biden has left open the possibility of withholding some weapons from his closest ally in the Middle East. My concern is how do we ensure that intelligence sharing is consistent with our values and our national security interests, Representative Jason Crow, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, said in an interview. Crowe, who in December wrote to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines seeking additional details, added that he was concerned that "what the United States is sharing does not serve its interests."

The Israeli military operation in Gaza destroyed or severely damaged a large area of ??civilian infrastructure, including mosques, hospitals, universities and schools. Israel says widespread destruction is inevitable because of Hamas's decision to deliberately integrate its military infrastructure within civilian areas to protect itself from Israeli attacks. Crowe said he met separately with a senior Israeli military figure and US intelligence officials, and said there were "some major discrepancies" in both sides' accounts of casualties.

American officials said that the exchange of intelligence information with Israel takes place under a secret memorandum issued by the White House shortly after the Hamas attack on October 7 and amended a few days later. At about the same time, the United States expanded its intelligence collection on Gaza. At the beginning of the war, the US intelligence community established guidelines for sharing intelligence with the Israelis, but senior White House policymakers ultimately determine whether any violation occurred, people familiar with the matter told the Journal.

U.S. intelligence agencies compile instances of potential violations of the laws of armed conflict by both sides in Gaza as part of a bimonthly report titled Gaza Crisis Potential Unlawful Acts Summary, which identifies specific incidents and trends related to the war, one of the people said. Israeli officials refused to comment to the Wall Street Journal on the details of the intelligence-sharing arrangement.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Israeli army spokesman Admiral Daniel Hagari said that during his 30 years of service in the Israeli army, the level of intelligence and military cooperation between Israel and the United States has never been higher. He added: "We are witnessing unprecedented levels of intelligence coordination."

For their part, American officials and others familiar with the matter said that American spy agencies support for Israel is mainly aimed at helping locate the leaders of the military wing of Hamas, finding hostages and monitoring Israels borders. They said the United States is sharing what is known as raw intelligence, such as live video footage from drones, with Israeli security agencies. The United States does not share intelligence intended for ground or air operations in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, one of the people familiar with the matter said. He added: "Our intelligence sharing focuses on efforts to recover hostages and prevent future incursions into Israel."

A US administration official said that this includes monitoring mobilization or movement near the border. Informed American officials explained that Israel is required to ensure that American intelligence information is not used in ways that lead to unacceptable civilian casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. However, officials said Israel is responsible for certifying its compliance, and in some cases does so verbally.

In addition, they said it is difficult to know how US-provided intelligence will be used once it is combined with Israel's own data. A senior US intelligence official pointed out that Israel provides guarantees that operations using US intelligence information are conducted in a manner consistent with international law, including the law of armed conflict, which calls for the protection of civilians.

When Washington shares intelligence with allies, it first assesses what the partner might do with that information, and decides whether it is legal for the United States to do the same. Based on this determination, the United States may require additional assurances from the ally about what it will do with the intelligence before sharing it. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Douglas London, a retired CIA operations officer and non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, said: We cannot provide actionable information that could lead to lethal consequences by a country unless we are allowed to do so. with the same activity.

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation said that the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown, expressed during talks with his Israeli counterpart Herzi Halevi a few days ago his frustration at the lack of plans by Israel for the day after the war in the Gaza Strip . It quoted Brown as saying that his country would not accept the killing of thousands of civilians in Rafah during the military operation that Israel is threatening in the city, which is crowded with about 1.5 million Palestinians. According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority report, the American general presented his Israeli counterpart with a proposal regarding the possible operation in Rafah.

The report stated that the American proposal includes isolating the city of Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip, closing the Rafah crossing with Egypt, forming a joint American-Israeli command room, and carrying out military operations in specific places in the city based on intelligence information. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority indicated that the conversations between Brown and Halevy took place during the visit of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant to Washington. The US Chief of Staff said last Thursday that Israel had not received all the weapons it requested, and said that this was partly because some of them might affect the readiness of the US Army, and there were limits to its capabilities.

Operation Iron Swords - By the Numbers

The Wall Street Journal reported that mMore than 32,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war, and according to the report, "Israel approves the numbers, but they say that about a third of the dead are terrorists."

75,298 Gazans injured, 28% adult male

45,000 bombs dropped in Gaza

40,000 Gazans killed, including buried under rubble

33,000 Gaza targets attacked

32,782 Gazans martyred

20,528 Palestinians in Israeli prisons [Haaretz, 20 Mar 2024]

15,000 rocket launched from Gaza

14,793 Israelis were injured [i24 TV]

13,750 Gazan children martyred

13,000 HAMAS combatants killed [N12]

12,000 HAMAS combatants killed [IDF]

11,000 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank in 2023

9,920 Gazan women martyred

9,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons

9,000 IDF psychological assistance

8,000 Gazans missing under the rubble

7,870 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank since Oct.7th

6,000 HAMAS combatants killed [HAMAS]

5,500 IDF wounded [reports]

4,750 West Bank Palestinians wounded

3,484 administrative detainees

3,600 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria

3,079 IDF wounded [IDF]

2,100 Gazan women are missing

1,609 terrorists killed on the first day

1,600 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria affiliated with Hamas

1,160 Israelis killed on the first day

595 Israeli officers and soldiers killed

453 West Bank Palestinians martyred

255 Israeli officers and soldiers killed in Gaza

222 Hezbollah fighters killed in Lebanon

126 people recovered, including 91 Israelis, 11 bodies, and 24 foreign workers

116 living hostages in Palestinian custody

50 civilians killed in Lebanon

29 IDF deaths were caused by "friendly fire"

15 Israelis killed in the West Bank and Israel

Not every number is reported every day, so sudden jumps generally reflect reporting artifacts rather than actual upticks. Many of these numbers fluctate, up and down, with no apparent explanation. This list records the highest number reliably reported for each matter, under the theory that reality with catch up with reports, as is relentlessly the case.

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World Braces for Islamic State to Build on Moscow Attack

By Jeff Seldin March 29, 2024

What is normally a time of celebration is turning to one of anxiety, as counterterrorism officials are on high alert for the Islamic State terror group to build on its deadly Moscow attack with new plots targeting Easter.

Already, some European countries have issued heightened threat alerts while increasing security. Italy, in particular, cites the approach of the Easter holiday as one reason for additional concern.

The latest propaganda from Islamic State, also known as IS or ISIS, has only served to reinforce such worries.

In a statement Thursday marking 10 years since IS first announced its now-defunct caliphate in Iraq and Syria, spokesperson Abu Huthaifa al-Ansar called on followers to target "crusaders," especially in Europe and in the United States.

Even in its claim of responsibility for the attack near Moscow, the group's Amaq news agency said its operatives have targeted a gathering of Christians. And this past January, IS claimed responsibility for an attack on a Catholic church in Istanbul that killed one person.

IS also has a history of attacking Christians celebrating Easter, notably claiming responsibility for Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka in April 2019 that killed more than 300 people and wounded at least 500 more.

"Easter and/or Easter-related activities would absolutely be high on the hit list for a potential attack," said Colin Clarke, director of research at the global intelligence firm the Soufan Group.

"ISIS is on a roll, and there could be a real push to sustain the momentum by launching another high-profile assault, especially on a symbolic target," Clarke told VOA. "I'd also be concerned about Orthodox Easter the following weekend, and the logical place to look would be where ISIS has struck Christian targets before."

'Substantial' threat risk

Other countries, while acknowledging the threat, say they have long been on high alert for such plots and that sounding additional alarms will do little good.

"The security authorities' risk assessment of the Islamist threat in Germany has not yet changed as a result of the terrible attack in Moscow," a German government spokesperson told VOA, speaking on the condition they not be named.

"It was already high before," the official added, calling the Islamic State's Afghan affiliate "currently the most aggressive" of the terror group's branches while adding it "currently poses the greatest Islamist threat in Germany."

Britain has taken a similar stance.

"The threat level to the U.K. from terrorism is already currently substantial, meaning an attack is likely," a spokesperson told VOA, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "This assessment has not changed."

In the United States, as well, nothing has changed.

Last May, U.S. officials warned the country was stuck in a "heightened threat environment." In September 2023, the Department of Homeland Security's annual threat assessment said the U.S. was at "high risk" for a terror attack, specifically pointing to the threat from the Islamic State's Afghan affiliate, also known as IS-Khorasan, ISIS-K, or ISKP.

"While we do not have specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States at this time, the Department of Homeland Security continues to work with our partners to evaluate the threat environment, provide updates to the American public, and protect our homeland," a department spokesperson told VOA on Friday.

"We urge the public to stay vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement," the DHS spokesperson added.

U.S. officials charged with looking out for the safety of American citizens abroad said they are working to prevent any possible attacks.

"We remain vigilant against the evolving threat posed by terrorist groups, including ISIS-K," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters Thursday, adding, "We have maintained an unwavering focus."

US assessment

The Pentagon issued a similar assurance.

"The Department of Defense has not taken its eye off of ISIS," press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said Thursday in response to a question from VOA.

Recent U.S. intelligence assessments have portrayed IS as a terror organization that may be at a turning point, underscoring what the intelligence community's annual threat assessment, issued earlier this month, described as "cascading leadership losses in Iraq and Syria."

But the same report warned that "regional affiliates will continue to expand." And while the U.S. report cited a shift to Africa, U.S. and other current and former Western officials see IS leadership in Afghanistan as taking on a more prominent role.

"Most plots that we are aware of go back to ISIS-K," a former senior Western counterterrorism official told VOA earlier this year.

There has been long-running concern about IS-Khorasan's efforts to expand its sphere of influence beyond Afghanistan.

Some Western officials and regional observers warn that as far back as 2021, the IS Afghan affiliate was seeking to seed Central Asian states such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with small but highly capable cells and networks that could serve as the basis for future attacks.

Aaron Zelin, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who specializes in jihadism, said, "There was a large cohort of Central Asian foreign fighters that went to Syria last decade when IS was controlling territory there. So, those that survived were likely a backbone to this broader facilitation and plot/attack network.

"There was also a smaller cohort of Central Asians that joined up with ISKP in Afghanistan," Zelin told VOA. "Then there are Central Asian migrant communities in Russia that IS can recruit from in the same way they do with Arab migrant populations in Western Europe."

Focus on Central Asia

One humanitarian official in Central Asia, who asked that their name be withheld because of fears they could be targeted, told VOA that IS has managed to establish small, high-quality cells and networks across the region.

"The networks still exist, but they are not going to be recruiting more [big] numbers," the official said, adding that there are signs that "the recruitment might happen more outside of Central Asia."

"The vulnerabilities and push factors [that move someone to join IS] are a lot stronger in Russia, especially in light of the current situation in Russia toward migrants," the official said, noting those same factors exist across many European countries that host Central Asian diaspora communities.

There are indications that IS-Khorasan has found ways to leverage other terror groups.

Andrew Mines, a program specialist at the United States Institute of Peace, said, "ISKP doesn't just attract foreign recruits, it also cooperates with Central Asian-dominated groups like IMU [Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan] and a ETIM/TIP [Turkistan Islamic Party] to a more limited extent."

Mines told VOA that IS-Khorasan has proven to be adept at maximizing its resources.

"ISKP has shown it is capable of receiving, training and deploying assets within and outside of Afghanistan, as well as using the 'virtual planner' and inspiration attack planning models."

Current and former officials say it is those types of capabilities, combined with high-profile attacks, such as the one near Moscow and January's double suicide bombing in Kerman, Iran, that make IS-Khorasan a formidable threat even as some data suggest the affiliate's exploits in Afghanistan itself have been on the decline.

The IS-Khorasan attack in Russia, along with foiled plots in Germany late last year, both of which appear to have relied on ethnic Tajiks, could also be an indication that group's efforts to build an extended network is coming to fruition.

"This could even be the first sort of real flowering of a developed ISIL-Khorasan capability," according to Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former senior U.N. counterterrorism official, using another acronym for the IS Afghan affiliate.

And Fitton-Brown, now a senior adviser for the New York and Berlin-based Counter Extremism Project, worries IS leaders will want to capitalize on the momentum they likely see from this year's successful terror attacks.

"They got that attention for Iran. They've got a lot more attention for doing it in Russia. And they would get even more attention if they could bring off something on this scale in Western Europe," he told VOA.

"But whether they can bring it off is a question, because up to now there have been a lot of abortive attempts where they've had active terrorist plots in Western Europe, particularly in Germany, but they've been detected and prevented and disrupted," Fitton-Brown said.

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Press release on Russia's demands for Ukraine under the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism

31 March 2024 18:52

589-31-03-2024

The brutal terrorist attack committed in Krasnogorsk on March 22, which shocked the whole world, is far from the first act of terrorism targeting our country in recent time. The investigative actions carried out by the competent authorities in Russia indicate that the trails of all these crimes lead to Ukraine.

Other barbaric bomb attacks took the lives of journalists Darya Dugina and Maxim Fomin (Vladlen Tatarsky), seriously injured writer Yevgeny "Zakhar" Prilepin and killed his driver, Alexander Shubin; five people were killed by an explosion of the Crimean Bridge, and 42 were wounded in an explosion in a cafA in St Petersburg. The killing and mutilation of civilians, including children, was accompanied by raids by the terrorist organisation known as Russian Volunteer Corps.

In this regard, the Russian Foreign Ministry has put forward a demand for the Ukrainian authorities, under the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism to immediately arrest and extradite every person implicated in the above terrorist acts.

One of the demands is to arrest head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasily Malyuk, who cynically admitted on March 25 that Ukraine was behind the bombing of the Crimean Bridge in October 2022 and revealed details of the organisation of other attacks in the Russian Federation.

The fight against international terrorism is the responsibility of every state. The Russian side demands that the Kiev regime immediately cease any support for terrorist activities, extradite the perpetrators and compensate for the damage caused to the victims. Ukraine's violation of its obligations under the antiterrorist conventions will entail international legal liability.

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United States Marines return to the Top End

The Hon Richard Marles MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Defence

30 March 2024

United States Marines have arrived in the Northern Territory as part of the 13th rotation of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D).

The United States is Australia's principal strategic partner and cooperation between our two countries is central to achieving stability and prosperity within our region.

During the eight-month rotation, United States Marines will conduct combined training exercises across a number of scenarios with Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

Since its first rotation in 2012, MRF-D has grown in size and complexity. Nations including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam have either taken part in or observed MRF-D training.

The 2024 MRF-D rotation will continue to enhance the capabilities, interoperability and readiness of the ADF and the United States Marine Corps, alongside our partners, and is a significant part of Australia's force posture cooperation with the United States, a hallmark of our alliance.

For more than a decade, force posture cooperation has enhanced Australia's capacity to deter coercion and maintain a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.

The United States Marines will remain in Australia until October 2024.

More information is available at https://www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/USFPI/

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2024, Colonel Brian Mulvihill:

"The marines and sailors of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin are honoured and excited to continue the legacy of cooperation and interoperability with our Australian Defence Force brothers and sisters."

"Our strong alliance contributes to stability in the region and makes all our forces more ready to respond to any crisis or contingency that arises."

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer Headquarters Northern Command, Captain Mitchell Livingstone:

"I'm pleased to welcome the 13th iteration of MRF-D to the Top End."

"These rotations not only help build interoperability between the ADF and the US, but also serve to increase regional cooperation with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific."

"Over the next eight months, the ADF and USMC will conduct a comprehensive range of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations, and live-fire exercises, all of which better prepare our forces to respond effectively to contingencies that may arise."

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of France Emmanuel Macron

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

March 29, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

The Prime Minister and the President welcomed the political agreement among Haitian stakeholders and emphasized the importance of re-stablishing democratic order in Haiti. They discussed the recent developments, reiterated their support for the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission to restore stability in Haiti, and underscored their commitment to the Haitian people.

The Prime Minister and the President also discussed the long-term commitments of Canada and France to support Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They agreed on the need to continue strengthening support for Ukraine.

The two leaders agreed that an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed in Gaza and that hostages must be released. They also expressed their concern about the disturbing rise in acts targeting Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities in Canada, France, and around the world.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron expressed their appreciation for the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and France. They highlighted the shared priorities of both countries, namely energy transition, security and defence, culture and promotion of the French language, as well as science, research, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister and the President reaffirmed their commitment to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has created significant opportunities for businesses and workers in Canada and France. The leaders also discussed common solutions to fishing interests and long-term sustainability.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron looked forward to advancing shared priorities and agreed to remain in regular contact.

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HKSAR gov't strongly disapproves of remarks on Safeguarding National Security Ordinance by International Bar Association

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:16, March 28, 2024

HONG KONG, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday strongly disapproved of and condemned the slanders and smears, as well as unfounded criticisms, made by the International Bar Association's human rights institute against the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Such remarks were made with extremely malicious intentions to mislead the international community into believing that the ordinance runs contrary to the fundamental principles of international law, thereby creating a negative impression of the ordinance, a spokesperson for the HKSAR government said.

The spokesperson emphasised to effectively prevent, suppress and punish illegal acts endangering national security is precisely to better safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and ensure the property and investments in the HKSAR are protected by law. Protecting human rights and respecting the principle of the rule of law are the legislative principles of the ordinance and have been included in the provisions. Article 2 of the ordinance clearly stipulates that human rights are to be respected and protected. The rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law and the provisions of two international covenants as applied to the HKSAR are to be protected in accordance with the law, i.e. the rights and freedoms including the freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication, the freedoms of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, are enjoyed and to be protected in accordance with the law under both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR. The critics not only neglected the provisions as well as the scope of application of the relevant international covenants, but also lashed out and smeared wantonly, fully exposing their malicious intentions to harm Hong Kong.

The spokesperson added that the offences endangering national security stipulated by the ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant has the actus reus and mens rea of an offence before the defendant may be convicted by the court.

Extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. It can be seen that the national security laws of various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the member states of the European Union, also have extraterritorial effect under the "personality principle" and the "protective principle". In formulating the extraterritorial effect under the ordinance, the principles of international law and international practice of state jurisdiction, as well as the nature of the offences, have been taken into account. The critics' remarks completely showed their hypocrisy with double standards, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson reiterated that during the public consultation of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, 98.6 percent of the submissions of opinions showed support and gave positive comments. After the ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council unanimously on March 19, 2024, members of the public and various sectors of the community including the commercial sector and major chambers of commerce, the legal sector (including the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong), real estate association, the youth sector, other professional sectors and political parties, welcomed, voiced support and acknowledged that the legislation is the constitutional obligation the HKSAR government fulfilled to safeguard national security. The institute disregarded the support for the ordinance from members of the public and wantonly attacked it. The HKSAR government expressed strong disapproval of such unfounded slanders again.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on March 29, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-03-29 21:17

At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs StAphane SAjournA will visit China on April 1.

China News Service: China has announced the scheduled visit by Indonesia's President-elect and Great Indonesia Movement Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto to China. Could you share with us the program of the visit? How does China view the current China-Indonesia relations? What's China's expectation for the visit?

Lin Jian: At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto will visit China from March 31 to April 2. President Xi Jinping will hold talks with him. He will also meet with Premier Li Qiang. They will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Both China and Indonesia are important major developing countries and emerging economies. We share a deep traditional friendship and close and strong cooperation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Joko Widodo, bilateral relations have sustained a strong momentum of growth and entered the new stage of jointly building a community with a shared future. Mr. Prabowo's visit to China will be his first overseas visit as President-elect. It fully demonstrates the robustness of China-Indonesia ties. The visit is a great opportunity to further enhance traditional friendship, deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, and better synergize development strategies to provide a good example of major developing countries embracing a shared future and working in solidarity for common development and a source of stability and force for good in the region and beyond.

Reuters: According to people familiar with the matter, the United States is drawing up a list of Chinese advanced chip-making factories barred from receiving key tools from the US. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comments to offer on this matter?

Lin Jian: The US launched tech blockade and restrictions on China and sanctions and suppression against Chinese companies with an intent to contain China's development. They gravely harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, violate market economy principles, undermine international trade rules, and destabilize the global industrial and supply chains. China remains firmly opposed to those US actions. We urge the US to correct the wrongdoings at once and stop illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Chinese companies. China will continue to closely follow the developments and firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

CCTV: Following the Dasu terrorist attack in Pakistan, has China sent a special team to Pakistan to handle the incident?a

Lin Jian: Right after the March 26 terrorist attack, China sent an inter-agency working group to Pakistan. After arriving in Pakistan on March 28, the working group immediately started engaging fully in the emergency response work with the Embassy in Pakistan and the company concerned. The head of the working group, Director-General of the Department of External Security Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Bai Tian met with Pakistani officials, including the Foreign Secretary, the Foreign Minister and the Minister for Interior. He asked the Pakistani side to conduct speedy and thorough investigations into the attack, properly handle ensuing matters, step up security with concrete measures, completely eliminate security risks and do everything possible to ensure the utmost safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan.

The Pakistani side said that investigations and efforts to handle the ensuing matters are fully underway and they are taking all possible steps to step up security for Chinese personnel, projects and institutions. The working group will undertake further related work in Pakistan.a

Global Times: It was reported that the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) announced recently that 13 candidates from 37 political organizations have registered for this year's presidential election in the country. On March 27, the US government issued a statement, expressing concerns over CNE's decision to prevent opposition parties from registering successive candidates, calling on the Venezuelan government to allow all candidates to run and campaign, and claiming that actions that run counter to the spirit and letter of the Barbados Agreement will have consequences. What is China's comment?

Lin Jian: We respect Venezuela's national and sovereign independence, support Venezuela in advancing the election in accordance with its constitution and laws, and oppose external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. China wishes Venezuela a steady and smooth election and calls for a positive and constructive role from the international community to that end.

CCTV: The China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held in Xi'an in May, 2023, marking a milestone in the history of exchanges between China and Central Asian countries. President Xi Jinping announced in Xi'an that the six countries agreed to set up a secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism in China. It has been almost one year since the summit, can you brief us on the latest development of China-Central Asia mechanism and the preparation for establishing a secretariat?

Lin Jian: Four years ago, China and the five Central Asian countries jointly set up the China-Central Asia mechanism to meet cooperation need and respond to the prevailing trend of the times. Over the past four years, the mechanism has been developing rapidly with fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. In May last year, the China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held in Xi'an, elevating the China-Central Asia mechanism to presidential level and ushering in the new era of China-Central Asia cooperation.

Guided by the consensus reached at the summit, fruitful results have been achieved in the cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. Over the past year, trade between China and the five Central Asian countries amounted to almost USD 90 billion, up by 27.2 percent year-on-year hitting a new record high. While cooperation in traditional areas, such as economy and trade, energy and agriculture, is booming, cooperation in emerging areas, such as high tech, green energy and e-commerce, shows numerous highlights. The capacity of China-Europe freight trains has been enhanced. Major projects including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway and key section of the China-Tajikistan Highway Phase II project are well underway. Direct passenger flights connecting China and Central Asian countries have been increased to 68 with an improving multi-dimensional interconnectivity paradigm. The first Chinese culture center in Central Asia was launched in Kyrgyzstan, the Luban Workshop in Tajikistan is operating soundly and Confucius Institutes are popular among local people. There are now 80 pairs of sister cities between China and Central Asian countries. These tangible cooperation results showcase the unique advantage and enormous potential of the China-Central Asia mechanism.

Setting up a secretariat as soon as possible is an important step to deliver on the consensus reached by leaders of the six countries and a priority in developing the China-Central Asia mechanism. Taking this opportunity, I would like to announce: as agreed by China and the five Central Asian countries, the launching ceremony of the secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism will be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi province on March 30.

China is convinced that with joint effort of all sides, the China-Central Asia mechanism and its secretariat will continue to develop, promote high-quality cooperation between China and Central Asia and make greater contribution to building an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

Reuters: Taiwan's navy chief will visit the United States next week to attend a military ceremony and discuss naval cooperation, according to sources. Would the Foreign Ministry wish to comment?

Lin Jian: We've noted the reports. China firmly opposes military collusion between the US and Taiwan.

There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. China urges the US to fully recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan question and the grave harm of relevant issues, deliver on its commitments with concrete actions, abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, immediately stop official interactions and military contact with Taiwan, and refrain from sending any wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

CCTV: The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 released the other day the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2024. It stresses that Asia stands as a cornerstone for global economic growth in the post-pandemic era, and China will remain a major contributor to global economic growth. Many participants at Boao said they felt in Boao the magnetic effect of the Chinese market and are full of hope for China's development and the opportunities it will bring. Could you share with us more details about the forum?

Lin Jian: Thank you for your interest in the forum. The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 was held in Boao, Hainan on the morning of March 28. Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji attended the opening plenary and delivered a keynote speech. At the forum, more than 1,500 political figures, business leaders and think tank scholars from over 60 countries and regions shared insights on the development outlook of Asia and beyond by focusing on this year's theme "Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities".

In his keynote speech, Chairman Zhao Leji noted, our world today is going through accelerated transformation unseen in a century; Peace and development face grave challenges; We should jointly maintain security in Asia, promote the development of Asia, champion cooperation in Asia, advance openness in Asia, carry forward Asian civilization, and build an Asian community with a shared future; Openness is the hallmark of contemporary China; China's door to the world will never close, but will only open wider; China is advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts with high-quality development, which will inject strong impetus into the world economy and provide more opportunities for the development of all countries, especially our neighbors in Asia.

Let me stress that as an important member of the family of Asian nations, China will firmly advance high-standard opening up, drive high-quality growth by growing new quality productive forces, and actively promote regional cooperation. We hope to work with other countries to come up with more good solutions at Boao, draw on our Asian wisdom, and make new contribution to a brighter future of Asia and beyond.

Ukrainian News Agency: International Atomic Energy Agency yesterday issued statement regarding Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, occupied by Russia, in which said that the Russian military is firing artillery from the territory of the plant. Military activity at industrial site of ZNPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, may cause a large-scale nuclear disaster, the consequences of which are difficult to predict. Can you comment on such actions of the Russians at the occupied Ukrainian ZNPP, and can you say whether the Chinese side called on Russian authorities to behave more carefully at this nuclear plant?

Lin Jian: China attaches great importance to nuclear safety in Ukraine. China specifically called for keeping nuclear power plants safe in its position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

The issue of nuclear safety is one aspect of the Ukraine crisis. Its resolution ultimately depends on the prospects for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Only by cooling down the situation and restoring peace as soon as possible can nuclear safety risks be fundamentally eliminated. All parties need to work in a responsible way for the proper settlement of the Ukraine crisis. China will continue playing a constructive role to this end.

Beijing Youth Daily: A follow-up question on French Foreign Minister's visit to China. Could you share with us the program of the visit? What's China's expectation for the visit?

Lin Jian: During his visit to China, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Foreign Minister SAjournA will hold talks and meet the press together.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. In recent years, under the joint guidance of the two presidents, bilateral relations have sustained a sound momentum of growth. The two countries have had frequent high-level interactions, made steady progress in exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and maintained sound multilateral communication and coordination. The two sides have also worked together to respond to global challenges.

This will be Foreign Minister SAjournA's first visit to China after he assumed the office of Foreign Minister. China looks forward to exchanging views with France on bilateral ties, China-EU relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. We look to work with France to sustain the sound momentum of dialogue and make more progress in bilateral cooperation.

Hubei Media Group: The session on the Global Security Initiative of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 was held yesterday afternoon. Could you share with us more details on the session?

Lin Jian: The Global Security Initiative: Addressing Security Challenges and Promoting World Peace session of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 was held on the afternoon of March 28. Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong attended the session and delivered a keynote speech. The session was also attended by close to 100 guests, including Chinese and foreign political figures and heads of international and regional organizations.

As the Global Security Initiative is about to celebrate its second anniversary, the session is an important event held by China in Boao where the initiative was first announced by President Xi Jinping. China shared in detail the essence and defining features of the initiative and called on the international community to enhance the international consensus on safeguarding common security and advancing the peaceful settlement of hotspot issues. We call for promoting more practical cooperation for international security, zooming in on the key regions and turning Asia into a case in point of the Global Security Initiative cooperation.

The Chinese and foreign guests present spoke highly of what we have achieved since the initiative was put forth and expressed expectation for the global efforts in upholding peace and security in world. We will continue working in solidarity with all parties in the international community to further implement the Global Security Initiative and build a better world with lasting peace and universal security.a

Xinhua News Agency: It's reported that on March 28, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the Cambodian King delivered a speech at the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024. He expressed worry about the geopolitics dominating the narrative on the global economy, and criticized some countries for suppressing the development of other countries by piecing together countries, destabilizing on purpose global industrial and supply chains, and sabotaging global governance and the interests of other countries. He called on all countries to uphold multilateralism and oppose decoupling and severing of supply chains. Samdech Techo Hun Sen spoke highly of China's model of development that benefits other countries without sacrificing their interests. What's your comment?a

Lin Jian: China appreciates Samdech Techo Hun Sen's statement. It fully demonstrates that some countries' attempts to serve their own geopolitical strategies by politicizing economic issues, piecing together various kinds of small circles, pushing for decoupling and severing of supply chains, and harming other countries' interests have triggered the sharp vigilance of and firm opposition by regional countries. Meanwhile, it also shows that commitment to strategic independence, stability, and faster development is the aspiration shared by regional countries.

Asia is the region with the greatest vitality and potential of development. It should be a big arena of mutually beneficial cooperation instead of be severed into isolated and exclusive small circles. In the face of a world full of turbulence and change, China will stay committed to be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world. China stands ready to work with other countries to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefits,jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and move toward an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

AFP: Russia blocked the renewal of panel of UN experts monitoring international sanctions on North Korea. Can you explain why China didn't block or support the veto?

Lin Jian: The Chinese side has fully elaborated our position in the Explanation of Vote at the Security Council. I would like to stress again that reasonable views of Russia have not been taken on board. The draft resolution has been forced to a vote and members of the Security Council had to lay their cards on the table when the co-sponsors still had time for consultations. This does no good to safeguarding the authority of the Security Council. Amid continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula, blindly imposing sanctions and pressure will not solve the problem. Political settlement is the only viable way out. We hope the Security Council and relevant parties will make constructive effort to this end.

RIA Novosti: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that Russia is ready for negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but not on the basis of the peace formula proposed by Kyiv. He also pointed out the document proposed by China is more rational and Moscow positively responded to it. Mr. Lavrov also noted that Russia is ready to guarantee the legitimate security interests of other participants in the process if the same guarantees are provided to Moscow. What's China's comment on his words?

Lin Jian: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We stay committed to our constructive role for a ceasefire and political settlement of the crisis. We will continue to promote peace talks in our own way for the political settlement of the crisis as soon as possible.

Dragon TV: It's reported that Japan enacted the Fiscal 2024 Budget on March 28, including a record-high defense budget of JPY 7.95 trillion (around RMB 410 billion) with a year-on-year increase of 16.7 percent. What's your comment?

Lin Jian: Given Japan's not-too-distant history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security moves are closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. In recent years, Japan has been drastically readjusting its security policy, increasing defense spending year after year, relaxing restrictions on arms export and seeking military breakthroughs. Japan's neighboring countries and beyond have to strongly call into question Japan's commitment to the exclusively defense-oriented policy and the path to peaceful development. We urge Japan to earnestly respect the security concerns of neighboring countries, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, commit itself to the path of peaceful development, and avoid further losing the trust of its Asian neighbors and beyond.Conference on March 29, 2024

2024-03-29 21:17

At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs StAphane SAjournA will visit China on April 1.

China News Service: China has announced the scheduled visit by Indonesia's President-elect and Great Indonesia Movement Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto to China. Could you share with us the program of the visit? How does China view the current China-Indonesia relations? What's China's expectation for the visit?

Lin Jian: At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto will visit China from March 31 to April 2. President Xi Jinping will hold talks with him. He will also meet with Premier Li Qiang. They will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Both China and Indonesia are important major developing countries and emerging economies. We share a deep traditional friendship and close and strong cooperation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Joko Widodo, bilateral relations have sustained a strong momentum of growth and entered the new stage of jointly building a community with a shared future. Mr. Prabowo's visit to China will be his first overseas visit as President-elect. It fully demonstrates the robustness of China-Indonesia ties. The visit is a great opportunity to further enhance traditional friendship, deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, and better synergize development strategies to provide a good example of major developing countries embracing a shared future and working in solidarity for common development and a source of stability and force for good in the region and beyond.

Reuters: According to people familiar with the matter, the United States is drawing up a list of Chinese advanced chip-making factories barred from receiving key tools from the US. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comments to offer on this matter?

Lin Jian: The US launched tech blockade and restrictions on China and sanctions and suppression against Chinese companies with an intent to contain China's development. They gravely harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, violate market economy principles, undermine international trade rules, and destabilize the global industrial and supply chains. China remains firmly opposed to those US actions. We urge the US to correct the wrongdoings at once and stop illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Chinese companies. China will continue to closely follow the developments and firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

CCTV: Following the Dasu terrorist attack in Pakistan, has China sent a special team to Pakistan to handle the incident?a

Lin Jian: Right after the March 26 terrorist attack, China sent an inter-agency working group to Pakistan. After arriving in Pakistan on March 28, the working group immediately started engaging fully in the emergency response work with the Embassy in Pakistan and the company concerned. The head of the working group, Director-General of the Department of External Security Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Bai Tian met with Pakistani officials, including the Foreign Secretary, the Foreign Minister and the Minister for Interior. He asked the Pakistani side to conduct speedy and thorough investigations into the attack, properly handle ensuing matters, step up security with concrete measures, completely eliminate security risks and do everything possible to ensure the utmost safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan.

The Pakistani side said that investigations and efforts to handle the ensuing matters are fully underway and they are taking all possible steps to step up security for Chinese personnel, projects and institutions. The working group will undertake further related work in Pakistan.a

Global Times: It was reported that the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) announced recently that 13 candidates from 37 political organizations have registered for this year's presidential election in the country. On March 27, the US government issued a statement, expressing concerns over CNE's decision to prevent opposition parties from registering successive candidates, calling on the Venezuelan government to allow all candidates to run and campaign, and claiming that actions that run counter to the spirit and letter of the Barbados Agreement will have consequences. What is China's comment?

Lin Jian: We respect Venezuela's national and sovereign independence, support Venezuela in advancing the election in accordance with its constitution and laws, and oppose external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. China wishes Venezuela a steady and smooth election and calls for a positive and constructive role from the international community to that end.

CCTV: The China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held in Xi'an in May, 2023, marking a milestone in the history of exchanges between China and Central Asian countries. President Xi Jinping announced in Xi'an that the six countries agreed to set up a secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism in China. It has been almost one year since the summit, can you brief us on the latest development of China-Central Asia mechanism and the preparation for establishing a secretariat?

Lin Jian: Four years ago, China and the five Central Asian countries jointly set up the China-Central Asia mechanism to meet cooperation need and respond to the prevailing trend of the times. Over the past four years, the mechanism has been developing rapidly with fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. In May last year, the China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held in Xi'an, elevating the China-Central Asia mechanism to presidential level and ushering in the new era of China-Central Asia cooperation.

Guided by the consensus reached at the summit, fruitful results have been achieved in the cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. Over the past year, trade between China and the five Central Asian countries amounted to almost USD 90 billion, up by 27.2 percent year-on-year hitting a new record high. While cooperation in traditional areas, such as economy and trade, energy and agriculture, is booming, cooperation in emerging areas, such as high tech, green energy and e-commerce, shows numerous highlights. The capacity of China-Europe freight trains has been enhanced. Major projects including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway and key section of the China-Tajikistan Highway Phase II project are well underway. Direct passenger flights connecting China and Central Asian countries have been increased to 68 with an improving multi-dimensional interconnectivity paradigm. The first Chinese culture center in Central Asia was launched in Kyrgyzstan, the Luban Workshop in Tajikistan is operating soundly and Confucius Institutes are popular among local people. There are now 80 pairs of sister cities between China and Central Asian countries. These tangible cooperation results showcase the unique advantage and enormous potential of the China-Central Asia mechanism.

Setting up a secretariat as soon as possible is an important step to deliver on the consensus reached by leaders of the six countries and a priority in developing the China-Central Asia mechanism. Taking this opportunity, I would like to announce: as agreed by China and the five Central Asian countries, the launching ceremony of the secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism will be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi province on March 30.

China is convinced that with joint effort of all sides, the China-Central Asia mechanism and its secretariat will continue to develop, promote high-quality cooperation between China and Central Asia and make greater contribution to building an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

Reuters: Taiwan's navy chief will visit the United States next week to attend a military ceremony and discuss naval cooperation, according to sources. Would the Foreign Ministry wish to comment?

Lin Jian: We've noted the reports. China firmly opposes military collusion between the US and Taiwan.

There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. China urges the US to fully recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan question and the grave harm of relevant issues, deliver on its commitments with concrete actions, abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, immediately stop official interactions and military contact with Taiwan, and refrain from sending any wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

CCTV: The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 released the other day the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2024. It stresses that Asia stands as a cornerstone for global economic growth in the post-pandemic era, and China will remain a major contributor to global economic growth. Many participants at Boao said they felt in Boao the magnetic effect of the Chinese market and are full of hope for China's development and the opportunities it will bring. Could you share with us more details about the forum?

Lin Jian: Thank you for your interest in the forum. The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 was held in Boao, Hainan on the morning of March 28. Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji attended the opening plenary and delivered a keynote speech. At the forum, more than 1,500 political figures, business leaders and think tank scholars from over 60 countries and regions shared insights on the development outlook of Asia and beyond by focusing on this year's theme "Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities".

In his keynote speech, Chairman Zhao Leji noted, our world today is going through accelerated transformation unseen in a century; Peace and development face grave challenges; We should jointly maintain security in Asia, promote the development of Asia, champion cooperation in Asia, advance openness in Asia, carry forward Asian civilization, and build an Asian community with a shared future; Openness is the hallmark of contemporary China; China's door to the world will never close, but will only open wider; China is advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts with high-quality development, which will inject strong impetus into the world economy and provide more opportunities for the development of all countries, especially our neighbors in Asia.

Let me stress that as an important member of the family of Asian nations, China will firmly advance high-standard opening up, drive high-quality growth by growing new quality productive forces, and actively promote regional cooperation. We hope to work with other countries to come up with more good solutions at Boao, draw on our Asian wisdom, and make new contribution to a brighter future of Asia and beyond.

Ukrainian News Agency: International Atomic Energy Agency yesterday issued statement regarding Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, occupied by Russia, in which said that the Russian military is firing artillery from the territory of the plant. Military activity at industrial site of ZNPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, may cause a large-scale nuclear disaster, the consequences of which are difficult to predict. Can you comment on such actions of the Russians at the occupied Ukrainian ZNPP, and can you say whether the Chinese side called on Russian authorities to behave more carefully at this nuclear plant?

Lin Jian: China attaches great importance to nuclear safety in Ukraine. China specifically called for keeping nuclear power plants safe in its position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

The issue of nuclear safety is one aspect of the Ukraine crisis. Its resolution ultimately depends on the prospects for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Only by cooling down the situation and restoring peace as soon as possible can nuclear safety risks be fundamentally eliminated. All parties need to work in a responsible way for the proper settlement of the Ukraine crisis. China will continue playing a constructive role to this end.

Beijing Youth Daily: A follow-up question on French Foreign Minister's visit to China. Could you share with us the program of the visit? What's China's expectation for the visit?

Lin Jian: During his visit to China, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Foreign Minister SAjournA will hold talks and meet the press together.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. In recent years, under the joint guidance of the two presidents, bilateral relations have sustained a sound momentum of growth. The two countries have had frequent high-level interactions, made steady progress in exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and maintained sound multilateral communication and coordination. The two sides have also worked together to respond to global challenges.

This will be Foreign Minister SAjournA's first visit to China after he assumed the office of Foreign Minister. China looks forward to exchanging views with France on bilateral ties, China-EU relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. We look to work with France to sustain the sound momentum of dialogue and make more progress in bilateral cooperation.

Hubei Media Group: The session on the Global Security Initiative of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 was held yesterday afternoon. Could you share with us more details on the session?

Lin Jian: The Global Security Initiative: Addressing Security Challenges and Promoting World Peace session of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 was held on the afternoon of March 28. Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong attended the session and delivered a keynote speech. The session was also attended by close to 100 guests, including Chinese and foreign political figures and heads of international and regional organizations.

As the Global Security Initiative is about to celebrate its second anniversary, the session is an important event held by China in Boao where the initiative was first announced by President Xi Jinping. China shared in detail the essence and defining features of the initiative and called on the international community to enhance the international consensus on safeguarding common security and advancing the peaceful settlement of hotspot issues. We call for promoting more practical cooperation for international security, zooming in on the key regions and turning Asia into a case in point of the Global Security Initiative cooperation.

The Chinese and foreign guests present spoke highly of what we have achieved since the initiative was put forth and expressed expectation for the global efforts in upholding peace and security in world. We will continue working in solidarity with all parties in the international community to further implement the Global Security Initiative and build a better world with lasting peace and universal security.a

Xinhua News Agency: It's reported that on March 28, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the Cambodian King delivered a speech at the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024. He expressed worry about the geopolitics dominating the narrative on the global economy, and criticized some countries for suppressing the development of other countries by piecing together countries, destabilizing on purpose global industrial and supply chains, and sabotaging global governance and the interests of other countries. He called on all countries to uphold multilateralism and oppose decoupling and severing of supply chains. Samdech Techo Hun Sen spoke highly of China's model of development that benefits other countries without sacrificing their interests. What's your comment?a

Lin Jian: China appreciates Samdech Techo Hun Sen's statement. It fully demonstrates that some countries' attempts to serve their own geopolitical strategies by politicizing economic issues, piecing together various kinds of small circles, pushing for decoupling and severing of supply chains, and harming other countries' interests have triggered the sharp vigilance of and firm opposition by regional countries. Meanwhile, it also shows that commitment to strategic independence, stability, and faster development is the aspiration shared by regional countries.

Asia is the region with the greatest vitality and potential of development. It should be a big arena of mutually beneficial cooperation instead of be severed into isolated and exclusive small circles. In the face of a world full of turbulence and change, China will stay committed to be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world. China stands ready to work with other countries to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefits,jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and move toward an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

AFP: Russia blocked the renewal of panel of UN experts monitoring international sanctions on North Korea. Can you explain why China didn't block or support the veto?

Lin Jian: The Chinese side has fully elaborated our position in the Explanation of Vote at the Security Council. I would like to stress again that reasonable views of Russia have not been taken on board. The draft resolution has been forced to a vote and members of the Security Council had to lay their cards on the table when the co-sponsors still had time for consultations. This does no good to safeguarding the authority of the Security Council. Amid continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula, blindly imposing sanctions and pressure will not solve the problem. Political settlement is the only viable way out. We hope the Security Council and relevant parties will make constructive effort to this end.

RIA Novosti: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that Russia is ready for negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but not on the basis of the peace formula proposed by Kyiv. He also pointed out the document proposed by China is more rational and Moscow positively responded to it. Mr. Lavrov also noted that Russia is ready to guarantee the legitimate security interests of other participants in the process if the same guarantees are provided to Moscow. What's China's comment on his words?

Lin Jian: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We stay committed to our constructive role for a ceasefire and political settlement of the crisis. We will continue to promote peace talks in our own way for the political settlement of the crisis as soon as possible.

Dragon TV: It's reported that Japan enacted the Fiscal 2024 Budget on March 28, including a record-high defense budget of JPY 7.95 trillion (around RMB 410 billion) with a year-on-year increase of 16.7 percent. What's your comment?

Lin Jian: Given Japan's not-too-distant history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security moves are closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. In recent years, Japan has been drastically readjusting its security policy, increasing defense spending year after year, relaxing restrictions on arms export and seeking military breakthroughs. Japan's neighboring countries and beyond have to strongly call into question Japan's commitment to the exclusively defense-oriented policy and the path to peaceful development. We urge Japan to earnestly respect the security concerns of neighboring countries, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, commit itself to the path of peaceful development, and avoid further losing the trust of its Asian neighbors and beyond.

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RFA Departs Hong Kong, Citing Press Freedom Concerns

By Liam Scott March 29, 2024

After nearly three decades in Hong Kong, VOA's sister outlet Radio Free Asia has closed its physical bureau in the city and no longer has full-time staff there due to the declining press freedom landscape, the outlet announced in a statement Friday.

"Concerns about the safety of RFA staff and reporters in Hong Kong have led us to restructure our on-the-ground operations there. While RFA will retain its official media registration, at this time we no longer have full-time personnel in Hong Kong and have closed our physical bureau," RFA President Bay Fang said in the statement.

The announcement comes less than a week after Hong Kong enacted Article 23, a national security law that media watchdogs warn will further erode press freedom in the city.

The new law is a domestic extension of the controversial national security law that Beijing imposed in 2020 that criminalized secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Article 23 builds on that legislation to also criminalize acts such as espionage, external interference and theft of state secrets.

Press freedom groups, including Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, expressed concern about the new law.

"By transposing the national security provisions imposed by Beijing into Hong Kong's domestic laws, the government hopes to restore the illusion of a territory governed by the rule of law while carrying on its campaign against independent voices," Cedric Alviani, RSF's Asia-Pacific bureau director, said in a statement before the law was enacted.

"We urge democracies to build up pressure on Chinese authorities so that full press freedom is restored in the territory," Alviani continued.

RFA, which opened its Hong Kong bureau in 1996, specifically cited Article 23 as a reason behind its departure from the city.

"Actions by Hong Kong authorities, including referring to RFA as a 'foreign force,' raise serious questions about our ability to operate in safety with the enactment of Article 23," Fang said in the statement.

VOA has reached out to the Hong Kong Security Bureau for a comment.

For years, Hong Kong was lauded for its lively and free media environment, but the city's press freedom, along with other civil liberties, quickly deteriorated following the introduction of the national security law in 2020.

Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have denied that the law is harming Hong Kong's media environment and instead say it has helped stabilize the city.

The threats facing independent media in Hong Kong are exemplified by the ongoing national security trial of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai.

The 76-year-old British national stands accused of "collusion with foreign forces" under the national security law and sedition, both of which he rejects. If convicted, Lai faces life in prison.

Hong Kong officials have denied that the trial against Lai is unfair, but press freedom groups and Western governments have condemned the charges as politically motivated and baseless.

Although RFA is physically leaving Hong Kong, the outlet said it would continue to cover the city.

"This restructuring means that RFA will shift to using a different journalistic model reserved for closed media environments," Fang said in the statement.

"For our audiences in Hong Kong and mainland China, who rely on RFA's timely, uncensored journalism: rest assured, our programming and content will continue without disruption," she said.

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China Eyes US-Japan Security Upgrade Plan

By Christy Lee March 29, 2024

Washington and Tokyo are gearing up to unveil plans to restructure the U.S. military command in Japan in what would be the biggest upgrade to their security alliance in decades.

China has already objected, saying it does not want to be a target of the defense plans that Washington and Tokyo are expected to announce at a summit in April.

"China always believes that military cooperation between states should be conducive to regional peace and stability, instead of targeting any third party or harming the interests of a third party," Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said Tuesday via email to VOA.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson pushed back in an email to VOA's Korean Service on Wednesday. "The U.S.-Japan alliance has served as the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and across the world for over seven decades and has never been stronger," the spokesperson said.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and his Japanese counterpart, Akiba Takeo, met at the White House on Tuesday to discuss "next steps to finalize key deliverables" that President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will announce when they meet April 10 in Washington.

During a news briefing Monday in Tokyo, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said his country was in discussion with Washington about strengthening the command and control of their militaries to enhance readiness.

The discussion comes as Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral John Aquilino told the U.S. House Armed Services Committee on March 20 that the Chinese People's Liberation Army is preparing to invade Taiwan by 2027.

'Long overdue'

Ralph Cossa, president emeritus and WSD-Handa chair in peace studies at the Pacific Forum, told VOA via email on Wednesday, "The time is long overdue to upgrade the command structure in Japan so that the U.S. and Japanese militaries can operate together more seamlessly" in the region.

The plan to restructure the command is meant to "strengthen operational planning and exercises" between the two and is seen as "a move to counter China," according to the Financial Times, which first reported about the plan on March 24.

James Schoff, senior director of the U.S.-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, said, "This is probably the single most important step that the allies can take to enhance deterrence against regional threats and respond to any sort of major crisis."

"This is especially true at this moment as Japan prepares to stand up its first joint operational command and introduces longer-range counterstrike capabilities," he said via email to VOA on Wednesday.

Japan plans to set up a joint operations command by March 2025 to improve coordination among its air, ground and maritime Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

The updated command structure within U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) is expected to complement Japan's establishment of its joint operations command.

Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Indo-Pacific Security Initiative in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, said, "Although the details are yet to be determined, the plan is to enhance the USFJ's authority within INDOPACOM [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command]."

He continued via email to VOA on Tuesday that the revised U.S. military command "will also have greater institutional ability to communicate and coordinate with the JSDF."

Currently, USFJ has limited authority to conduct joint operations with Japan. The commander of USFJ needs to coordinate its operation with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, located in Hawaii.

On Tuesday, Biden nominated Air Force Major General Stephen F. Jost as the new commander of USFJ and promoted him to lieutenant general.

Schoff said that "the existing parallel chain of command would remain" in the U.S. and Japanese militaries rather than "a single allied chain of command for both U.S. and Japanese forces."

This will be unlike the South Korean-U.S. Combined Forces Command led by a U.S. general during wartime.

James Przystup, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and its Japan chair specializing in alliance management in the Indo-Pacific, said the upgrades in U.S. military command in Japan "would serve to enhance U.S.-Japan defense cooperation and deterrence in Northeast Asia, both with respect to North Korea and China."

He continued via email to VOA on Wednesday, "As for what this might look like in practice, the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command could be one model, but not necessarily the one [into which it] eventually evolves."

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President Yoon Suk Yeol said Monday that a new and faster model of the Korea Train Express (KTX) train will enter service in May to help shorten travel times and boost regional development.

Yoon made the remark after taking part in an unveiling ceremony for the KTX-Cheongnyong  named through a public contest to mean "blue dragon" in the Year of the Blue Dragon  at Daejeon Station in the city 139 kilometers south of Seoul.

The KTX-Cheongnyong will be the fastest train in the country with a maximum speed of 320 km per hour. The presidential office said the train's advanced speed controls make it optimal for the country's railways, with their many curves and short distances between stops.

Moreover, the new model was manufactured with 100 percent local design and engineering, and 87 percent domestic parts.

"Starting in May, we will put the KTX-Cheongnyong into service on the Gyeongbu and Honam lines, and expand rapid high-speed trains that shorten travel time by up to 30 minutes," Yoon said during a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the KTX trains at the Korea Railroad Corp. headquarters in Daejeon. He was referring to train lines connecting Seoul to Busan and Daejeon to Mokpo, respectively.

Rapid high-speed trains will stop only once or twice to reduce travel time between Seoul and Busan to 2 hours and 10 minutes, and between Yongsan and Gwangju to 1 hour and 30 minutes, Yoon said.

"We will expand the high-speed rail network across the nation to make the entire country reachable within two hours," he said. "Based on high-speed rail, we will open a regional era in which it is good to live anywhere in the country." (Yonhap)
China warns US-headed citizens of 'unwarranted interrogations, harassment'

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 11:33 PM

China has warned those of its citizens, who plan on visiting the United States, about the likelihood of their facing "unwarranted interrogations and harassment."

South China Morning Post carried the report on Saturday, citing the country's ministry of foreign affairs.

The ministry said several Chinese students and company employees had been subjected to such treatment upon entering US airports.

Their phones, computers, and other luggage items were searched piece by piece and several people were banned from entering the country, it said.

"The ministry and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the US have lodged a solemn representation to the US, and we remind those who plan to travel to the US to be aware of these situations," it said.

The paper cited Chinese media as reporting that over the past several months, at least eight Chinese students had been either searched, interrogated, or returned back from Washington Dulles International Airport alone, despite their holding valid travel documents.

Last month, ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said US authorities were "weaponizing" academic research.

The US State Department has also issued a so-called travel advisory for Americans planning to visit China.

Last year, China said the US had "disrupted" personnel exchanges between the countries.

Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called such incidents "political and discriminatory law enforcement" and said they were caused by the "Cold War mentality" of some people in the US.

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DPRK Foreign Minister Issues Press Statement

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, March 29 (KCNA) -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, issued the following press statement on Friday:

Referring to the "abduction issue" again, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida clarified the stand that he would make sustained efforts under the established policy for the settlement of various pending issues between the DPRK and Japan.

I cannot understand why he persistently adheres to the issue that cannot be settled and has nothing to be solved while trying hard to deny and shun the reality.

The DPRK has nothing to solve as regards the "abduction issue" insisted by Japan and, moreover, it has neither the responsibility nor the will to make any effort for it.

I make it clear once again.

The DPRK-Japan dialogue is not a matter of concern to the DPRK. And the DPRK will not allow any attempt of Japan to contact the former.

And the DPRK will always respond sharply to Japan's behavior of interfering with its exercise of sovereignty.

This is the stand of the DPRK government. -0-

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Why Russia Voted to End UN Panel That Monitors North Korea Sanctions

By William Gallo March 29, 2024

The future of international efforts to restrain Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program is in question after Russia voted on Thursday to dismantle a body meant to monitor the implementation of United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

Since its creation in 2009, the so-called "Panel of Experts" has played a key role in attempts to enforce U.N. Security Council resolutions against North Korea. Most notably, the eight-member panel produced regular reports outlining alleged violations of U.N. sanctions, keeping the issue in the public eye and prompting follow-up reporting by independent news outlets.

Though Security Council cooperation on North Korea had already eroded, and North Korea has steadily found ways to evade existing sanctions, the dismantling of the expert panel could remove remaining barriers to North Korea's weapons program and undermine global non-proliferation efforts.

How did we get to this point?

The Security Council first imposed sanctions on North Korea following its initial nuclear test in 2006. It expanded the measures as North Korea ramped up illicit weapons development in subsequent years.

As permanent, veto-wielding members of the Security Council, Russia and China voted for the North Korea sanctions. But as their respective ties with the United States deteriorate, both countries are calling for sanctions to be eased or lifted, leading to questions about whether the expert panel will survive.

During recent negotiations, Russia and China pushed to add "sunset" clauses to at least some of the North Korea sanctions, which would allow them to expire after a fixed amount of time if a consensus is not reached on their extension, according to several media reports.

With those efforts having apparently failed, Russia on Thursday voted against renewing the annual mandate of the expert panel, while China abstained from the vote. Without unanimous support, the panel's mandate will expire on April 30.

Why did Russia kill the UN sanctions panel?

For years, Russia has argued that the North Korea sanctions are outdated and counterproductive. In Moscow's view, not only did the sanctions fail to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons, they instead created a humanitarian crisis in the country.

U.S. officials disagree, saying North Korea is to blame for spending vast sums of money on weapons rather than food for its people.

In recent years, Russia has grown bolder about conducting activities that may explicitly violate U.N. sanctions. Most notably, U.S. officials say Russia has imported at least 10,000 containers filled with North Korean munitions, including ballistic missiles, for use in its war in Ukraine.

Both Russia and North Korea deny the weapons transfers, despite mounting evidence in the form of commercial satellite photos appearing to show repeated deliveries of North Korean weapons.

Britain's Financial Times newspaper this week reported that Russia also started supplying oil directly to North Korea in defiance of U.N. sanctions. In 2017, the Security Council imposed a strict limit on the amount of oil products North Korea can import.

By effectively killing the panel, Russia may be trying to make it easier to hide its sanctions-violating activities with North Korea, suggested U.S., South Korean and other Western diplomats who made public statements after Russia's Thursday vote.

"This is almost comparable to destroying a CCTV (closed circuit television) to avoid being caught red-handed," said Hwang Joon-kook, South Korea's ambassador to the United Nations.

Russia itself has hinted at selfish motives. Asked Friday whether the vote means Russia has changed its policy regarding enforcement of U.N. sanctions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Such a position is more in line with our interests. The talk was about a group of experts. The issue is that we do not agree with the practical aspects of this project."

Will this move make it easier for North Korea to evade sanctions?

Possibly, according to many Western diplomats and analysts. One reason: The effort to gather and disseminate information about sanctions evasion could become more complicated.

Expert panel reports included "vast amounts of exclusive information from member states a as well as correspondence, photos and data obtained through panel communication with relevant parties," Chad O'Carroll wrote on NK News, a North Korea-focused website he founded. "In many cases, journalists, private companies and individual governments lack the authority or clout to secure such materials."

In the absence of the expert panel, Washington and its allies are vowing to find workarounds. At a briefing Thursday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States will continue to work to secure information about North Korea's "pursuit of illegal weapons."

"And we will continue to work to make that information public and make it available to other members of the Security Council," Miller added.

Earlier this week, the United States and South Korea announced the formation of a task force meant to prevent North Korea from obtaining oil in violation of U.N. sanctions, which are imposed indefinitely.

Trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan and South Korea may also increase, according to Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

"And more evidence of sanctions violations could be released to the public since the restraining influence Russia and China had over headline-generating reports will be gone with the U.N. panel of experts," he added.

However, it is not clear if those smaller initiatives can replace the pressure created by a unified Security Council. If they cannot, many fear North Korea will more easily find the financial means to accelerate its nuclear buildup a perhaps even emboldening other countries to follow its example.

Hwang, the South Korean ambassador, said Russia's vote represents a setback to the international non-proliferation regime.

"A permanent member of the Security Council and depository of the non-proliferation treaty completely abandoned its responsibility," he said.

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CNS Admiral R Hari Kumar addresses Future Leadership of Indian Armed Forces attending the 79 Staff Course at DSSC, Wellington

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 29 MAR 2024 9:25AM by PIB Delhi

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar visited DSSC, Wellington on 28 March 2024 and addressed the Future Leadership of the Indian Armed Forces attending the 79 Staff Course. Chief of the Naval Staff shed light on the Maritime legacy of India and the importance of the country's geography in establishing maritime character in the Indian Ocean Region. He highlighted the Indian Navy's transformation into a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Proof force employing the tenets of Aatmanirbharta.

Admiral R Hari Kumar elaborated on some of the recently conducted operations by the Indian Navy, including anti-piracy missions. He dwelled upon the crucial role performed by the Navy in protecting India's trade and other maritime interests. He also underscored the importance of jointness and integration within the Armed Forces to achieve national military objectives.

******

ABB/Anand



(Release ID: 2016610)

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India's Opposition Puts Up United Front to Challenge Modi

By Anjana Pasricha March 31, 2024

At a massive rally held in the Indian capital, top leaders of an opposition alliance accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of undermining democracy by intimidating and arresting political rivals.

The "Save Democracy" rally took place Sunday in New Delhi as India heads into a phased general election set to begin April 19.

It was held days after the arrest of a key opposition leader, the chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, by the federal Enforcement Directorate on corruption charges over granting liquor licenses. Kejriwal is a staunch Modi critic.

Leaders of the INDIA alliance, which has been formed by about two dozen opposition parties, criticized Modi, saying he was decimating the opposition by using federal agencies to target its leaders with corruption probes and crippling their ability to campaign against the BJP.

"Opposition leaders are being intimidated and arrested a this is match-fixing," the leader of the main opposition party, Rahul Gandhi, said.

"This is not an ordinary election. This election is to save the country, protect our constitution," Gandhi told the huge crowd. He said if the BJP wins the election, "it will set the country on fire."

The BJP has said it denies targeting opposition officials.

Before Kejriwal was detained earlier in March, another chief minister was arrested on corruption charges in January. Meanwhile, the Congress Party has accused the government of "tax terrorism," saying its bank accounts have been frozen by the tax department, leaving it starved of funds to conduct its election campaign.

Opposition leaders also accused the Modi government of undermining democratic institutions.

"The country is headed toward autocracy. This one-man government is taking the country to ruin," another opposition leader of the Shiv Sena party, Uddhav Thackeray, said.

Sunday's rally was the first major show of solidarity by the INDIA alliance that was formed last year to jointly fight Modi, who is widely expected to win a third term. Many of the parties in the alliance are regional rivals and have struggled in recent months to come together on a common platform raising questions over their ability to counter the BJP.

Political analysts said the parties did put up a united front at Sunday's rally. "The rally was fairly successful but it is it is very difficult to say what will be its response on the ground, and whether people will start looking at an alternative that is not driven by the Hindu nationalist ideology of BJP and not so centered around the personality of Modi," political analyst Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay said.

On the same day as the opposition rally, Prime Minister Modi launched his party's election campaign in Meerut city in Uttar Pradesh, a hugely consequential state that sends 80 lawmakers to parliament.

Accusing previous governments of corruption, he said his fight against graft will continue. "Modi will not be stopped. Action will be taken against every corrupt politician," he said.

Modi said his government had lifted 250 million people out of poverty and he was fast tracking economic development in the country. "The 2024 election is not only for a new government but for making India a developed country," he said.

Analysts say Modi has built his appeal on a platform of muscular Hindu nationalism and a raft of welfare programs such as federal funding for construction of toilets and homes for millions of poor people.

"Modi is the clear frontrunner, that is what all the surveys so far show. But at the same time, I will not call the election until the last vote is counted because Indian elections can throw up surprises," according to Mukhopadhyay.

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Iran's Air Defense Force to unveil new generation of drones, missile systems: Top cmdr.

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 4:14 PM

The commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force (IRIADF) says the Army branch is to unveil its new generation of missile and drone systems in the current Persian calendar year, which started earlier in March.

Brigadier General Ali-Reza Sabahifard announced the information on Friday, visiting an air defense unit on the southern Iranian island of Jask.

The new-generation military hardware, he said, boasts "up-to-date and advanced capabilities."

Sabahifard considered the IRIADF's paramount strategy to be "creation of sustainable security," which, in turn, paves the way for growth and progress in all areas across the country.

The force, he said, "serves as the front line of the country's defense and guarantees sustainable security for the Islamic homeland and establishment."

Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the Armed Forces self-sufficient.

Iranian officials have underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense and deterrence, and that Iran's defense capabilities will never be open to negotiations.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has on several occasions called for efforts to boost Iran's defense capabilities.

Sabahifard's announcement came amid the Islamic Republic's growing success in expansion of its defensive missile program. The country has used the missiles in attacks in recent years on terrorist targets lying as far as the Mediterranean.

The country can also produce drones capable of carrying surgical-strike missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers (1242 miles). The aircraft also boast stealth and radar jamming capabilities as well as flight endurance of up to 24 hours.

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US Denounces Severe Sentences for Civil Activists in Iran

By VOA Persian Service March 29, 2024

The U.S. Department of State has strongly condemned the Iranian government's imposition of harsh sentences on 11 women's rights activists in Gilan province. The department's spokesperson denounced the sentences as "unjust" and characterized them as "an attempt to intimidate and suppress their voices."

Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the Department of State, criticized the legal proceedings concerning human rights activists in Iran as "fabricated," in response to a query from Voice of America's Persian Service during a press briefing on Thursday. He asserted, "The Iranian regime aims to intimidate and silence the voices of these brave women through such verdicts."

On Wednesday, Iran's Third Branch of the Revolutionary Court in the city of Rasht handed down a combined 60-year prison term to 11 women's rights activists who were arrested in Gilan in August 2023.

Zohreh Dadras was given a prison term of nine years and six months, while eight other women a Forough Samieenia, Sara Jahani, Yasamin Hashdari, Shiva Shahsia, Negin Rezaei, Matin Yazdani, Azadeh Chavoshian and Zahra Dadras a were individually sentenced to over six years in prison. Two other women a Jelveh Javaheri and Hooman Taheri a were each given a year of imprisonment.

The State Department spokesperson said the rulings lack "any credibility and legitimacy," citing the conduct of the judiciary and courts of the Islamic Republic.

Miller also highlighted widespread reports of torture, coerced confessions and restrictions on legal counsel, further eroding any semblance of credibility in the judgments rendered by Iranian courts.

The activists were convicted in February 2024 on charges that included "gathering and collusion, forming a group with the intent to undermine national security," and "membership in a group."

Miller reiterated the Biden administration's commitment to supporting the Iranian people and stated that the United States will continue to take action to support the people of Iran in practical ways a both seen and unseen.

He added the United States continues to coordinate with our allies and partners to condemn sham trials and to pursue accountability for Iran's human rights abuses.

Iranian rights activist Gohar Eshghi, in reaction to the sentencing of the 11 women, posted on Instagram, "This regressive government stands as the foremost enemy of women's rights."

"This government fears the influence of women. What wrong have my daughters in Gilan committed to warrant over sixty years of imprisonment? Why aren't the thieves and embezzlers being imprisoned? Why do all corrupt individuals end up as ministers and lawyers?"

Gohar Eshghi, whose son, Sattar Beheshti, died while in custody of the "cyber police" in 2012 for his "blogging" activities, emphasized in her message, "My children, bear in mind that this anti-women government offers nothing but execution, whipping, and torture."

She added, "The leaders of the Islamic Republic are mistaken. Eventually, they dissolve like snow, while these courageous women are the ones who ultimately prevail."

According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, in 2023, a minimum of 22 women were executed in Iran, 325 women activists were detained, and 147 women activists were sentenced to imprisonment, flogging, and execution.

The report further reveals that a total of 139 women activists have been sentenced to over 553 years of imprisonment, with 10 of them collectively receiving 557 lashes.

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British Police Investigate Stabbing Of Iran International TV Host

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda March 30, 2024

A television host for the London-based Iran International news network has been stabbed outside his home in the city in an attack that British police said was being investigated by specialist counterterrorism officers.

Pouria Zeraati, 36, was attacked on March 29 in Wimbledon, southwest London, by a group of men who fled the scene in a car, said Iran International, which is critical of Iran's government.

Zeraati is being treated at a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. In a photograph posted on his Twitter account following the attack, Zeraati is pictured in his hospital bed smiling and flashing the 'peace' sign.

No arrests have yet been made. Police said it was not immediately clear why Zeraati was attacked, adding that they were "keeping an open mind as to any motivation" behind the assault.

London police said its Counter Terrorism Command had been assigned to the case because there had been a number of threats directed towards the network's journalists "in recent times."

In November 2022, two British-Iranian journalists working for Iran International were warned by British police of "credible" threats to their lives from Iranian security forces.

The channel had been reporting extensively on the nationwide anti-government protests that erupted in September of that year following the death of a young woman in police custody. Tehran accused the network of inciting the rioters.

Three months later, in February 2023, the network was forced to temporarily move its operations to Washington amid rising threats to its employees.

Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib said at the time that Iran International had been identified by Tehran as a "terrorist" organization.

Hannah Neumann, a member of the European Parliament, blamed the Iranian government for the attack on Zeraati.

"The long arms of the brutal Iranian regime. We all need to urgently do our homework to protect those who seek refuge here from transnational threats and violence," she wrote on X.

The Iranian embassy in London immediately denied any involvement in the incident but dismissed Zeraati as a "so-called journalist."

Zeraati hosted his own program called Last Word and has interviewed many influential politicians, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel is a sworn enemy of Iran.

Karim Sajadpour, an analyst at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called the attack a "wake-up call" for the United States and Europe.

"Iran is actively trying to kill reporters and activists in the West and nearly succeeded in the middle of London," he said in a March 30 tweet.

In 2021, U.S. prosecutors charged four Iranians with the attempted abduction of an Iranian-American journalist and activist living in Brooklyn.

The journalist had been critical of Tehran. The Iranian government was behind that plot, the United States said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-journalist- london-stabbing/32884301.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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Why Biden Won't Put Conditions on Military Aid to Israel

By Patsy Widakuswara March 29, 2024

President Joe Biden has steadily ramped up pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to allow more humanitarian aid and to rein in its offensive in the Gaza Strip. That includes increasingly public criticism of Israel and the recent U.S. abstention vote at the U.N. Security Council that allowed for a cease-fire resolution to pass.

However, Biden has stopped short of using what may be his strongest leverage a conditioning U.S. aid for Israel. The U.S. provides Israel with nearly $4 billion a year, most of it in the form of military assistance.

Lawmakers from his own party have voiced dissent. Both Senate and House Democrats have demanded that Biden comply with the Foreign Assistance Act and cut off military aid if Israel continues to block U.S. humanitarian aid to Gaza.

His constituents have signaled their outrage a hundreds of thousands voted "uncommitted" in Democratic primary elections in various states. The latest polls show 75% of Democrats now disapprove of Israel's war conduct. Fifty-six percent of them say continuing to give military aid to Israel would make them less likely to support a presidential candidate.

Despite the political cost, Biden is steadfast in his support for Israel. Analysts say there are at least two factors that may be behind this: the president's fear of the war widening beyond Gaza, and his own long-standing and deeply held views on the importance of the security of the state of Israel.

Self-proclaimed Zionist

Since Harry Truman in 1948 recognized Israel just minutes after its founding, all American presidents have supported Israel.

Biden stands out among them with his "extraordinary emotional commitment to the idea of Israel, the people of Israel, the security of Israel," said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former U.S. negotiator in Middle East peace talks under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

On various occasions, Biden, who is of Irish Catholic descent, has proclaimed himself as a Zionist.

As such, aside from being "gut-loyal committed to Israel's self-defense," he also believes he can "moderate Israel's behavior as a friend from the inside, rather than as an antagonist on the outside," said Laura Blumenfeld, senior fellow at the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.

"It's the international bear-hug theory of strategic squeezing," she told VOA.

Biden has decades of personal relationship with Netanyahu, in 2010 calling him a "close, personal friend of over 33 years." However, as Netanyahu continues to go against U.S. goals in Gaza, many are questioning whether Biden's reliance on his relationship with the prime minister is helpful in finding an end to the war.

Biden and Netanyahu are "increasingly estranged," Miller told VOA. As the rift between the two leaders deepens, Biden has even backed remarks by Chuck Schumer, Democratic Senate majority leader and the highest-ranking elected Jewish official in the U.S.

Schumer called Netanyahu an impediment to peace and urged Israelis to hold elections to replace him after the war.

However, Miller said Biden needs Netanyahu to secure the cease-fire deal and for his administration's ambitious plans to create a "comprehensive integrated peace process" that centers on a two-state solution.

At a New York campaign event Thursday, Biden said Arab countries including Saudi Arabia were prepared to "fully recognize Israel" for such a deal.

Risk of widening war

Six months into the Israel-Hamas war, there is real potential for the war to widen in other areas of the Middle East, especially if Israel's skirmishes with Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon escalate.

In this environment, "conditioning aid to Israel would delight Hezbollah, Iran and its other proxies," said Blumenfeld. "Hamas wrote the script of October 7, and conditioning aid to Israel is written into the stage notes."

The U.S. provides Israel with weapons systems and munitions for both deterrence and warfighting. Placing conditions for defensive systems - for example, the Iron Dome missile defense system - has serious risks, said Seth Jones, director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Hezbollah has between 120,000 and 200,000 missiles and other stand-off systems that can target Israel and would likely overwhelm Israel's air defense capabilities," he told VOA.

However, Jones pointed out there's less risk should Biden decide to condition aid on specific types of offensive weapons systems, such as small- and large-diameter bombs, bunker busters and a range of precision-guided munitions.

Under pressure from Democratic lawmakers, last month the White House mandated relevant U.S. government agencies to "obtain credible and reliable written assurances" from foreign governments that U.S. weapons are used in accordance with international and humanitarian law.

Israel has provided its assurances. Under the memorandum, the State Department has until early May to formally assess the assurances and report to Congress. If they were not found "credible and reliable," Biden may have the option of suspending future U.S. arms transfers.

"While the U.S. is assessing the Israeli response, requests to condition military aid will be seen as premature," said Nimrod Goren, senior fellow for Israeli affairs at the Middle East Institute.

Whether Biden conditions aid may also depend on what happens with Israeli plans for its ground invasion in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians seek safety. As long as Israel does not cross clear American red lines, Goren told VOA, the likelihood of Biden conditioning aid "seems low."

Netanyahu insists that the goal of "total victory" against Hamas cannot be achieved without invading Rafah, where Israel says there are four Hamas battalions composed of thousands of fighters. The Biden administration is imploring Israel to find an alternative to "smashing into Rafah."

Israeli and American officials are working to reschedule a meeting to discuss Rafah plans. No date has been set yet, but a senior administration official told VOA that they are hoping the talks will take place "as soon as next week."

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Rohingya activists call for more control of aid money

But USAID says there's not much money left for the 1.2 million refugees after their $10 monthly food ration.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.03.28 -- Rohingya Muslim activists representing fellow refugees forced out of Myanmar and into "prison-like" camps in Bangladesh said in Washington on Thursday that foreign aid to the camps would go further if some of it was given directly to refugee-run groups.

But a representative of the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, said little money was left over after aid cuts that currently see the refugees provided with only $10 worth of food a month.

About 90% of the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh struggled to have "acceptable food consumption" late last year, according to the World Food Programme, when their monthly ration of food was bumped up from about $8 to about $10 per person.

Speaking at an event on Capitol Hill to mark two years since the United States labelled Myanmar's atrocities in 2017 against the Rohingya a "genocide," the activists said aid was not always spent in ways most helpful for the Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar.

"There are ways to do it effectively," said Yasmin Ullah, a Canada-based rights activist born in Myanmar's Rakhine state and the director of the Rohingya Maiyafuinor Collaborative Network.

The activist said her group had raised $20,000 through crowdfunding to be disbursed by refugee-run groups in the camp to improve livelihoods there. But she noted global aid flows were far larger.

"We know our issues. We know how and where to put this money. We can run with $10,000 farther than any other humanitarian groups can," she said. "We are asking for aid to be utilized and to directly go to refugee-led initiatives and refugee-led organizations."

Unsolved problems

Aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has dwindled, with less than two-thirds of the approximately $850 million in annual aid requested by aid agencies in the country being fulfilled, a U.N. report said.

Lucky Karim, a Rohingya refugee who resettled in the U.S. state of Illinois in 2022 and now works with the International Campaign for the Rohingya, said that any international aid sent to help people in the camps "means a lot to us as refugees" and was appreciated.

But she questioned why the hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into the camps each year were not improving conditions.

"It's not about how many years the U.S. has been supporting Rohingya," Karim said. "What are you guys able to solve?"

"Did you solve the labor issue? Did you solve the sexual and domestic and the other violence in the camps? Did you solve the human trafficking issue? Did you figure out the security risks at the camp? Did you figure out and identify the gangs and the nonstate actors in the camp at night?" she said. "Those are the only questions we have."

Requests for more help, she added, were "not just about increasing funding," with many Rohingyas understanding funds are limited.

"When it comes to the funding issue, when I talked to USAID, for example, they're like, 'Oh no Lucky, we have other places in war, like Gaza, for example, and Ukraine, for example,'" Karim recounted, noting there were "many other cases coming up every few years."

Like Ullah, she said some aid could be spent more effectively.

"The amount of funding you're sending to Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and elsewhere should go to the right people at the right time to the needed situations," she said. "How do you ensure it without Rohingya's involvement in the decision making process?"

Limited funds

Peter Young, the USAID director for South and Central Asia, told the event that the United States had sent more than $1.9 billion in aid to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh since the 2017 genocide.

But he acknowledged the global aid being made available "is not sufficient to meet the needs of people" in the refugee camps. What was once a $12 monthly food ration to the refugees, he explained, was cut to just $8 last year before the eventual bump back to $10.

At the end of the day, he said, aid groups were left grappling with the fact they have few funds left after disbursing those meager rations.

"We certainly agree with - as Lucky said - the importance of working with and through the Rohingya community," Young said. "We do make sure our projects that are implemented there are staffed by Rohingya there [or] developed in consultation with community leaders."

"At the same time, if you do the math, $10 a month for a million people consumes our entire budget pretty quickly," he said. "So the bandwidth that we have to do other programming besides food is limited."

One of the first priorities for the refugee camps outside of food would be "durable shelters," Young said, due to both the propensity of the camps to be hit by devastating disasters and the "understanding that there will be a lot of people there for some time into the future."

But for the Rohingya activists, that's only a start.

Karim, the Illinois-based refugee, said little will change in the camps until Rohingyas are given some decision-making powers - and "not just coming to D.C. every six months" for forums on Capitol Hill.

"You take a bunch of notes, you leave us, you forget us," the activist said. "We want a specific seat at the table."

Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday for failing to listen to the voice of the public regarding the planned hike in the medical school admission quota amid a prolonged walkout by junior doctors.

In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, Yoon called on doctors to come up with a "unified proposal" on the appropriate admission increase, stating that the government will be open to talks, although it believes a hike of 2,000 is the minimum.

"It was a speech that once again confirmed the (Yoon) administration's disregard for public opinion," Rep. Shin Hyun-young, the DPK's spokesperson, told reporters, further claiming the government is obsessed with the number 2,000.

More than 90 percent of the country's 13,000 medical interns and residents have been on strike in the form of mass resignations since Feb. 20 to protest the government's decision to dramatically increase the enrollment quota starting next year. The walkout resulted in the cancellation of surgeries and treatments at major general hospitals.

In support of their action, many senior doctors at teaching schools have also submitted resignations, though they have not stopped treating patients yet.

"As chaos and voids in the medical field deepen, such harm is solely borne by patients and citizens," Shin said.

The government has claimed that an increase in the medical school cap by 2,000 from the current 3,058 is aimed at nurturing doctors to deal with the country's rapidly aging population. In contrast, doctors have claimed that the plan fails to address issues, such as overburdening and the lack of incentives for doctors who specialize in essential health care services, and that it will eventually harm the country's medical services. (Yonhap)
Ethnic army seizes major trade route on Myanmar-Chinese border

The Kachin Independence Army says it captured five junta camps in two days.

By RFA Burmese 2024.03.29 -- An ethnic army seized five military junta camps near the Myanmar-Chinese border, residents told Radio Free Asia on Friday.

During an offensive, the Kachin Independence Army, or KIA, captured encampments under junta Battalion 366 near Kachin state's Momauk township. The seizure also gave the ethnic armed group partial control of a China-Myanmar border trade road after the Thursday offensive.

Since Myanmar's February 2021 coup, fighting between the KIA and junta forces has raged for weeks at a time over the state's lucrative jade mines and the rebel army's historical stronghold near its headquarters on the Myanmar-China border.

The KIA now controls portions of two major trade roads in the state since its partial capture of the domestic Myitkyina-Bhamo highway in early March, in addition to a junta camp under Battalion 142 in Momauk township. A battle further north in Lai Zar caused shells to land in China, burning down several houses, residents said.

One resident told RFA that the junta retaliated with air strikes after Yaw Yung Artillery and Hpaleng Hill camps were captured Thursday.

"Yaw Yung was entirely captured and Hpaleng camp was also captured yesterday," he said, asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. "The junta's air force came to open fire while KIA troops were confiscating things in these camps after the captures."

Yaw Yung is an important strategic camp because of the high-level commander stationed there and its proximity to trading posts with China, residents living near the captured camps said.

Kachin army troops are currently stationed in Lwegel city, about 11 kilometers (seven miles) from Yaw Yung Artillery camp, residents said, adding that they are negotiating with junta troops and administration staff on their exit from the city.

RFA contacted Kachin state's junta spokesperson Moe Min Thein and KIA spokesperson Col. Naw Bu on the junta's surrender, but neither responded.

A statement on the KIA's Facebook page on March 28, said three camps were captured on the 27th and two on the 28th, namely Shan Tai, Bang Yau, Law Mun, Hpaleng and Yaw Yung.

The KIA and joint guerilla armies have captured over 40 junta camps in Momauk and Waingmaw townships near the KIA's headquarters in Lai Zar city in Kachin state as of Thursday.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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5 Chinese nationals, 1 Pakistani killed in terrorist attack in NW Pakistan

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:09, March 27, 2024

ISLAMABAD, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed.

The attack happened at about 1:00 p.m. local time (0800 GMT) when a vehicle from the Dasu Hydropower Project, being constructed by a Chinese company in the province, was attacked by terrorists, the embassy said in a statement.

"The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist act, express deep condolences for the victims in both countries and extend sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims," the statement said, adding that the Chinese side has been working with the Pakistani side to make every effort to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

The incident happened in the Shangla area of the province, where the attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy escorted by five vehicles of security forces, sources from KP's police told Xinhua.

One of the vehicles of the 13-vehicle convoy caught fire and fell into a ravine, following the attack, the sources added.

The area was cordoned off for investigations and the injured are being shifted to hospital.

The Chinese missions in Pakistan have initiated emergency response work as soon as possible, requiring Pakistan to conduct a thorough investigation of the attack, and severely punish the perpetrators, the statement said.

The embassy stressed that practical and effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Pakistan should be taken by the Pakistani side to ensure that similar incidents will not happen again.

"The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan remind Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to pay close attention to the local security situation, improve security levels, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions," said the statement.

No group has claimed the attack yet.

The incident has also been condemned by the country's President Asif Ali Zardari who expressed his condolence to the bereaved families and vowed that his country will never let enemies of Pakistan-China friendship succeed in their mission.

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UN Security Council condemns terrorist attack in Pakistan

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:51, March 28, 2024

UNITED NATIONS, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday condemned Tuesday's heinous and cowardly terrorist attack near Besham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani.

The members of the council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the governments of Pakistan and China. They wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, said the council in a press statement.

The council members reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

They underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. They urged all states, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the governments of Pakistan and China, as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The council members reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The attack occurred Tuesday when a vehicle from the Dasu Hydropower Project, being constructed by a Chinese company in the province, was attacked by terrorists.

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China Presses Pakistan to 'Eliminate Security Risks' to Its Nationals After Deadly Attack

By Ayaz Gul March 29, 2024

China joined a Pakistan probe Friday into the killing of five of its nationals in a suicide car bombing. That attack has led to the suspension of work on a multibillion-dollar Chinese-funded hydropower project.

Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's office said that he met with a "special investigation team from China" at Beijing's embassy in Islamabad and "briefed them on the investigation so far" into Tuesday's deadly attack.

According to a statement, they also discussed efforts to enhance the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan during the meeting.

The deadly violence occurred when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a convoy of Chinese engineers working on the 4,320-megawatt Dasu hydropower project in northwestern Pakistan.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack that also killed the Pakistani driver of the slain foreigners.

"The perpetrators of the attack will be held accountable and brought to justice," Naqvi was quoted as assuring the Chinese investigators and diplomats.

'Eliminate security risks'

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing told a news conference Friday that the head of its "inter-agency" team engaged with senior Pakistani officials immediately upon arrival.

"He asked the Pakistani side to conduct speedy and thorough investigations into the attack, properly handle ensuing matters, step up security with concrete measures, completely eliminate security risks, and do everything possible to ensure the utmost safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Pakistan," Lin Jian said.

"The Pakistani side said that investigations and efforts to handle the ensuing matters are fully underway, and they are taking all possible steps to improve security for Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions," Lin added.

China has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure projects in Pakistan, including road networks, power plants, and a deep-water Arabian Sea port in Gwadar district in southwestern Baluchistan province.

The estimated $62 billion bilateral collaboration, known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, is an extension of Beijing's global Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure program.

Chinese and Pakistani officials confirmed Friday that work on the Dasu project had temporarily been suspended but not stopped following Tuesday's attack. They said work on all other Chinese-funded projects, including CPEC, is still ongoing.

In mid-2021, a suicide car bombing targeted a bus convoy of Chinese engineers working on the biggest hydropower project in the South Asian nation, killing nine Chinese nationals and three of their local co-workers. No group claimed responsibility for that attack.

Pakistan has lately experienced a dramatic surge in insurgent attacks, killing hundreds of civilians and security forces, particularly in Baluchistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Dasu is located.

Over the past week, separatist insurgents stormed a government building in Gwadar and a significant naval aviation base in nearby Turbat. The ensuing gun battles killed around a dozen assailants and left several Pakistani security personnel dead.

Both attacks were claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army or BLA, which the United States has listed as a global terrorist organization.

The BLA and allied insurgent groups in Baluchistan, which is central to CPEC investments, defend their violent campaign, alleging that Pakistan and China are depriving Balochistan of its natural resources, charges both countries reject.

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Bomb Blast Kills 1, Wounds 14 In Pakistan's Southwest

By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal March 30, 2024

One person has been killed and 14 others injured in the latest bombing in Pakistan's tumultuous southwestern province of Balochistan, officials told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal.

Javed Domki, the district administrator, said an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated alongside vehicles carrying oil and gas workers as well as members of the military.

Domki said several of those injured in the blast are in critical condition.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Balochistan has seen an uptick in violence since the beginning of the year with more than a dozen attacks killing about 50 people. Scores more have been injured.

Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan, is rich in natural resources like gold, copper, oil, and natural gas. However, it is also the country's poorest, feeding resentment among the Baloch people who inhabit the region.

The BLA, which was formed in 2000, is seeking to create an independent Balochistan state and regularly carries out attacks against government forces in the region.

The March 30 attack targeted members of Pakistan's Mari Petroleum Company. The BLA believes that Pakistan's central government is exploiting the province's mineral resources.

The BLA has also targeted Chinese workers developing projects in the region.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-bomb- blast-balochistan/32884496.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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Putin calls Moscow terrorist attack bloody, barbaric, vows retribution

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:59, March 25, 2024

MOSCOW, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday called a terrorist attack here bloody and barbaric, vowing retribution for the perpetrators, organizers and financiers.

Putin made the remarks during a televised address to the nation after a deadly shooting Friday evening at the Crocus City Hall in northwest Moscow claimed the lives of at least 133 people.

Putin said all four perpetrators of the terrorist attack were arrested, adding that all perpetrators, organizers and financiers of this crime would be punished.

"Whoever they are, whoever guides them. I repeat, we will identify and punish everyone who stands behind the terrorists, who prepared this atrocity. This is a strike against Russia, against our people," Putin said.

The Russian president added the terrorist attack was "carefully, cynically planned," and "a prepared mass murder of civilians."

He also said that the perpetrators tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, and according to preliminary information, a "window" was prepared for them from the Ukrainian side to cross the border.

Earlier, advisor to the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Mikhail Podolyak and the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry both rejected the notion of Ukraine's involvement in the attack.

Putin added that the main thing now is to prevent those who were behind the terrorist attack from committing new crimes.

He noted that the Federal Security Service and other law enforcement agencies are working to identify the entire "terrorist support base."

Putin also declared March 24 a day of national mourning in Russia for those killed in the terrorist attack.

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4 suspects charged with terrorism following Moscow concert hall attack

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:59, March 25, 2024

MOSCOW, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The four individuals directly involved in the Moscow concert hall attack have been charged with terrorism, local media reported on Monday.

A Moscow district court sent all the four suspects, identified as citizens of Tajikistan, to pre-trial detention. They will remain in custody until May 22, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

On Friday night, gunmen fired indiscriminately at concertgoers at Crocus City Hall in suburban Moscow, leaving at least 137 people dead. A large blaze later led to the collapse of the building's roof.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address that preliminary investigation showed the Ukrainian side was preparing a "window" for the perpetrators to cross the border. He promised to identify and punish all those behind the attack and declared March 24 a day of national mourning.

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Russia says proof show link between Moscow attack terrorists, Ukraine

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:21, March 29, 2024

"After working with detained terrorists, studying the technical devices seized from them, and analyzing information about financial transactions, evidence was obtained of their connection with Ukrainian nationalists," the committee said on Telegram.

MOSCOW, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Russian Investigative Committee said Thursday that it has found evidence connecting terrorists from the Crocus City Hall attack in suburban Moscow with "Ukrainian nationalists."

"After working with detained terrorists, studying the technical devices seized from them, and analyzing information about financial transactions, evidence was obtained of their connection with Ukrainian nationalists," the committee said on Telegram.

The committee said that it had confirmed data showing that the terrorists received "significant amounts of money and cryptocurrency from Ukraine, which were used in the preparation of the crime."

The committee also noted another suspect involved in a terrorist financing scheme has been identified and detained.

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U.S. Ambassador Issues Rare Statement On Warning Before Russia's Crocus Massacre

By RFE/RL March 29, 2024

The U.S. ambassador to Russia on March 29 issued an unusual diplomatic statement refuting Russian government claims about information that the United States shared with Russia ahead of the terrorist attack last week on a concert hall outside Moscow that killed more than 140 people.

Ambassador Lynne Tracy said several Russian officials had "misrepresented and publicly dismissed" the usefulness of information passed on to Russian security services earlier this month related to threats from the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for the attack soon after it was over.

In the statement, Tracy reiterated that the information shared with Russian authorities was in writing and was specific, timely, and credible.

She said United States sent the information out of a "longstanding 'duty to warn' policy" that enables the sharing of information when there is a threat to innocent civilians. This is a practice that the United States follows not just with allies but also "with countries with whom we may have deep disagreements, including Russia," she said.

The United States will continue to share such information and will also "continue to respond" to Russian government requests for assistance related to the investigation of the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack, she added.

The State Department later on March 29 emphasized that Washington had "shared clear and timely information with Russian authorities to help prevent the attack and save innocent lives." Spokesman Matthew Miller said Russia's attempts to shift the blame to others are "absurd."

Aleksandr Bortnikov, head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), on March 26 reiterated President Vladimir Putin's claim that not only Ukraine but the West had a role in the deadly attack.

Without offering any evidence, Bortnikov alleged that Western spy agencies also could have been involved in the attack even as he acknowledged receiving the information from the United States early in March about a potential terrorist attack.

Islamic State has said several times that it was responsible for the attack, and the United States and other Western governments have said it was "abundantly clear" that Islamic State was solely responsible.

Tracy said the attack was "cruel and barbaric" and has resulted in a difficult and painful time for Russia.

"Our hearts go out to those who are grieving from this senseless tragedy," she said, adding that the United States "categorically condemns terrorism in all its forms."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/moscow-attacks-us- ambassador-statement/32883757.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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Moscow Court Charges Journalist Who Covered Navalny's Trials

By RFE/RL's Russian Service March 29, 2024

A court in Moscow on March 29 formally charged Russian journalist Antonina Favorskaya with participating in an extremist organization in connection with alleged posts to websites and social media platforms tied to the foundation founded by late opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.

The reporter for SOTAvision media outlet was charged during a closed-door hearing at the Basmanny Court of Moscow. According to investigators, she collected materials, filmed and edited videos, and created publications for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).

Favorskaya covered Navalny's court hearings for years and filmed the last video showing the Kremlin critic alive on February 15 at a court hearing that he took part in over video link from an Arctic prison. The next day, Navalny suddenly died in the prison.

Kira Yarmysh, spokeswoman for Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, said on March 28 after Favorskaya was ordered held in pretrial detention that the journalist did not post videos on the website of the FBK, which was labeled an extremist organization in 2021.

"The media write that Antonina Favorskaya was accused of publishing 'posts on FBK platforms.' Favorskaya did not publish anything on FBK, but even if we discard the falsity of the accusation, its essence remains -- the journalist is accused of journalistic activity," Yarmysh said on X, formerly Twitter.

Favorskaya was scheduled to be released from prison on March 27 after serving 10 days in jail on a charge of disobedience to police orders filed after she was detained on March 17 in a cafe after visiting Navalny's grave.

Favorskaya is one of several Russian journalists targeted by authorities as part of a sweeping crackdown against dissent in Russia that is aimed at opposition figures, journalists, activists, and members of the LGBT community.

Favorskaya denies the new charges, which could result in a six-year prison sentence if she is convicted.

According to Mediazona, she managed to tell reporters on March 29 that she was being tried for an article about how the Federal Penitentiary Service tortured Navalny.

The journalist's home was also searched after her arrest, and at her March 29 court appearance, she said that four rubber ducks were confiscated. The seizure of the ducks, a symbol of anti-corruption protests in 2017, showed the "absurdity of this whole process," she said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/moscow-court-charges- journalist-navalny-trial/32883575.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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S. Korea warns N. Korea will see end of regime if it harms its people
Tajikistan Detains Several People In Connection With Deadly Moscow Attack

By RFE/RL's Tajik Service March 29, 2024

DUSHANBE -- Tajik authorities detained nine people this week in connection with the March 22 deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow, local media reported on March 29, citing a security source.

All nine were reportedly detained by the state security service in the Vahdat district on the outskirts of Dushanbe on March 25, and brought to the capital. They are allegedly also suspected of having connections with the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack.

A separate source in Dushanbe told RFE/RL on March 29 there were several youths among the detainees.

On March 26, a source at Tajik law enforcement agencies told RFE/RL that six people were arrested in Vahdat on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack but didn't provide further details.

Russia's Investigative Committee said on March 28 that it had detained another suspect in relation with the attack on the Crocus City Hall venue in the Moscow suburb of Krasnogorsk which killed more than 140 people. The committee didn't provide details of the suspect's identity or alleged actions, but said he was detained in suspicion of being involved in financing the attack.

Russian authorities have previously said that 11 suspects had been arrested, including four men who allegedly carried out the attack. Those four -- identified as Tajik citizens Muhammadsobir Faizov, Saidakram Rajabalizoda, Dalerjon Mirzoev, and Faridun Shamsiddin appeared in a Moscow court on March 24 on terrorism charges.

Another Tajik, Lutfulloi Nazrimad, 23, appeared on March 29 in the Basmanny Court of Moscow for a closed-door hearing. According to Kommersant, Nazrimad was detained on March 23. He pleaded guilty to disturbing public order and was sentenced by the Preobrazhensky District Court to administrative arrest for 15 days.

The Islamic State-Khorasan, a faction of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the massacre, but Russian officials have persistently claimed -- without presenting evidence -- that Ukraine and the West had a role in the attack.

Kyiv denies involvement and Ukrainian officials claim that Moscow is pushing the allegation as a pretext to intensify its fighting in Ukraine.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Russia's charge of Ukrainian involvement in the attack was "nonsense and propaganda" and reiterated that the United States had passed detailed information to Russian security services about an extremist attack in Moscow in advance of the March 22 assault.

"It is abundantly clear that [Islamic State] was solely responsible for the horrific attack in Moscow last week," Kirby said on March 28. "In fact, the United States tried to help prevent this terrorist attack and the Kremlin knows this."

With reporting by Reuters and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-detains- connection-deadly-moscow-attack/32882640.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's reply to a Rossiya Segodnya question regarding the fact that the Council of Europe has not responded to the March 22, 2024 terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall

29 March 2024 10:26

577-29-03-2024

Question: While casting itself as Europe's oldest human rights organisation, the Council of Europe has yet to express its condolences to Russia regarding the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. How can you explain Strasbourg's position on this matter?

Maria Zakharova: The tragedy at the Crocus City Hall concert complex came as a shock for the entire world. State leaders and senior officials from international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as people from many countries firmly condemned this monstrous terrorist attack while sending Russia their condolences and support.

Considering the solidarity expressed by the international community, the openly cynical indifference displayed by senior officials from the Council of Europe (CoE) is striking. I am talking primarily about CoE Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric, who is from Croatia, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of Liechtenstein Dominique Hasler, who currently presides the CoE Committee of Ministers. They have yet to express their official position regarding the tragic events which happened in the Moscow Region on March 22, 2024. On that day, they were in Kiev, and were probably too afraid to cause misgivings to the host. By acting this way, they wrote yet another shameful page into the annals of their organisation with its futile attempts to position itself as the conscience of Europe and aspirations to act as the main human rights defender across the continent.

To be fair, we must note that CoE Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Roussopoulos did post a message on X, (Twitter) to condemn the terrorist attack and express his "condolences to the victims and their families."

By acting this way, Strasbourg once again demonstrated how deeply degraded the Council of Europe has become today, mired as it is in political hypocrisy and double standards. Our country does not need any assistance from this structure. We were the ones who ended our relationship more than two years ago. Still, the fact that it failed to take a principled stand on a barbaric act of terror targeting civilians does raise some legitimate concerns for questioning the ability of the CoE leadership to contribute to international stability, countering terrorism, extremism and other challenges we face in today's world, as well as defending human rights. This also calls into question the impartiality and relevance of the CoE's specialised legal and expert capabilities.

At the same time, we must note that Russian diplomats in Strasbourg received so many personal messages of condolences showing that people in France and members of the diplomatic corps in Strasbourg do care about what happened.

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Russia says Moscow terror attack suspects planned to flee to Kiev for reward

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:36, March 30, 2024

MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Investigative Committee said Friday that it had found evidence showing that the terrorists involved in the Moscow concert hall attack were planning to cross into Ukraine to receive their reward.

"On the instructions of a coordinator, after committing the crime, the terrorists drove in a car towards the Russian-Ukrainian border to subsequently cross it and arrive in Kiev to receive a reward they were promised," the committee said on their Telegram.

It added that a man, who introduced himself using a pseudonym, helped coordinate the terrorists' actions at both the preparation stage and after they attacked the concert venue. He did this through audio messages sent on Telegram.

The committee also said a ninth suspect linked to the attack had been detained Friday.

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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspects fulfilment of state defence order at defence industry enterprises in Altai region

30.03.2024

The head of the enterprise reported to Sergei Shoigu that since 2022 the factory has increased the output by 3.5 times. The production base is being actively developed, new sections are being launched and additional production facilities are being built. Last year, about 300 new machines and equipment were installed at various production sites.

In the past two years, the number of employees has doubled and now exceeds 1,600 people. Meanwhile, the employees' salaries increased by 30% and now are higher than the average salary in Altai region.

General of the Army Sergei Shoigu was briefed that in 2023 the company opened its own licensed training centre, focused on the needs of the enterprise, in which by the end of this year about 200 specialists will be trained.

General of the Army Sergei Shoigu was also informed that since 2023 the ammunition components factory has increased the output by 3 times. This was achieved through ongoing projects to upgrade production lines with modern high-tech equipment, as well as to expand production capacities.

The head of the enterprise noted that a large-scale construction of new production and storage facilities began at the plant.

General of the Army Sergei Shoigu set the task to accelerate construction of new production sites.

'Take the design bureau to the construction site. Check on the expertise. You have to agree on ways to accelerate the work. We have been conducting expertise at three sites here for three months', the head of the Russian Defence Ministry demanded.

Following the results of the work, the Russian Defence Minister held a working meeting with the participation of the leadership of the Russian Defence Ministry, representatives of the relevant military authorities, and heads of enterprises.

General of the Army Sergei Shoigu noted that as part of the implementation of the President's decree, the enterprises have started work on technical rearming of production lines in practically all directions of armament and ammunition manufacturing.

'It concerns both military hardware and all the necessary components to produce ammunition. For both missile and tube artillery and aviation ammunition,' the Russian Defence Minister stressed.

Sergei Shoigu also noted that large-scale reconstruction was taking place at the enterprises.

'The Presidential Decree, which was issued last July, is being implemented. The funding has been fully committed and there are no funding issues. The enterprises have acquired the equipment necessary for carrying out technical rearmament. Construction materials have been acquired at all facilities. The only thing that prevents us from carrying out the tasks in a timely and planned manner are design-related issues,' the Russian Defence Minister stressed.

The Russian Defence Minister demanded that the delay in developing the project documents should be addressed as soon as possible, and that those organisations that caused the delay in constructing the new facilities should be held liable.

'In general, enterprises fulfil, and in certain directions overwhelm the 2024 program. The most important thing is that we are able to continue fulfilling the state defence order in the 4 quarter of 2024 and future years at a sufficient pace and volume,' General of the Army Sergei Shoigu stated.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.

March 28, 2024

14:15

The President of South Africa expressed his deep condolences and feelings of solidarity over the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall. He wished resilience to the families and friends of the victims and a speedy recovery to the injured.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of strategic partnership between their countries and discussed issues of practical trade, economic, energy and humanitarian cooperation.

Speaking in the context of the BRICS Chairmanship, which Russia has taken over from South Africa, they discussed interaction within the group in its new expanded format.

In light of the peace initiative advanced by African states to resolve the Ukraine crisis, Cyril Ramaphosa briefed Vladimir Putin on South Africa's intention to continue working in this area with due regard for Russia's legitimate interests. Vladimir Putin, in turn, outlined Russia's position of principle on developments around Ukraine, noting that Russia had always been open to a serious and substantive discussion of a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict.

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11 killed in suspected IS attack in Syrian desert region: war monitor

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:37, March 26, 2024

DAMASCUS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- An attack by suspected Islamic State (IS) militants killed at least 11 people in the desert region of northern Syria on Sunday, a war monitor reported.

The attack claimed the lives of at least two civilians and nine soldiers after their vehicle hit a landmine on the way to collect truffles in the desert, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

After the blast, the militants opened fire and then kidnapped three more people, whose whereabouts remain unknown, the Britain-based watchdog group added.

The attack is the latest of a series by the IS against Syrian truffle hunters in the desert regions. Despite the grave danger posed by the IS, many Syrians, grappling with poverty after 13 years of conflict, risk their lives in pursuit of the expensive mushrooms and the lucrative profits they bring.

The IS militants have used the Syrian desert region as a safe haven after the end of their geographical control over residential areas in Syria in 2019, frequently attacking and abducting civilians and military personnel, resulting in a continued loss of life and instability in the region.

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'Categorically unacceptable': Moscow blasts Israel over deadly strikes on Syria

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 9:16 PM

Moscow has strongly denounced the Israeli regime over a raft of earlier airstrikes by Tel Aviv against northern Syria that left dozens of Syrian civilians and military personnel dead and injured.

The regime conducted the attacks against targets near the Syrian city of Aleppo on Friday, using multiple warplanes.

"Such aggressive actions against the Syrian Arab Republic, which constitute a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty and the basic norms of international law, are categorically unacceptable," Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement later in the day.

Syria and the Israeli regime are technically at war due to the latter's 1967-present occupation of the country's Golan Heights.

The regime began carrying out hundreds of attacks against the country after 2011, when the Arab nation found itself in the grip of rampant foreign-backed militancy and terrorism.

Tel Aviv has significantly ramped up the strikes since last October, when it began a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, in what has been described by observers as a reckless bid threatening to fan tensions throughout the region.

"We strongly condemn these provocative acts of force, which carry extremely dangerous consequences in terms of a sharp deterioration of the situation in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," Zakharova likewise said.

Earlier on Friday, Iran similarly denounced the Israeli airstrikes, saying the attacks were a failed attempt to heal the regime's humiliated image in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Condemning the attacks, Zakharova's Iranian counterpart Nasser Kan'ani also addressed a report by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), which had said the Israeli aggression had coincided with airstrikes by foreign-backed Takfiri terrorist groups from the neighboring province of Idlib on the same area.

Such attacks, which were coordinated and synchronized with the attacks of terrorist groups in Syria, are a "clear testimony to the support of the terrorist regime of Israel for terrorist groups and ideologies in Syria," he said.

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Syria condemns Israel's airstrikes on Aleppo

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 6:34 PM

Syria has denounced Israel's fatal strikes that hit the province of Aleppo, calling on the international community to stop the regime's violations of international law.

"The Syrian Arab Republic condemns the terrorist aggression launched by the Israeli occupation entity on a number of points in the countryside of Aleppo at the dawn," the foreign ministry said in a statement carried by Syria's official news agency SANA on Friday.

Earlier in the day, a number of civilians and military personnel were killed and injured in the attacks that also caused damage to the public and private property. The attack was carried out while a drone strike by terrorist groups also hit Aleppo City and its surrounding region.

"It wasn't a coincidence" that the two incidents took place at the same time, the ministry said.

The Aleppo attacks were carried out just hours after the regime killed two civilians in another strike on a residential building in the countryside of Damascus on Thursday, the ministry said.

It said the Israeli violations of Syria's territorial integrity "prove the aggressive and barbaric nature" of the regime.

Israel is "the main reason behind instability in the region and the suffering of the regional nations," the Syrian ministry said.

The ministry urged the international community to assume its responsibilities in dealing with the "serious and repeated Israeli violations of the principles of international law."

The regime and its allies, the ministry said, need to be pressured "to stop their attacks and crimes in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon."

Since the onset of foreign-backed militancy in Syria in 2011, the Israeli regime has stood as a staunch supporter of terrorist factions that are in opposition to the democratically-elected leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

The regime does not acknowledge its military actions within Syria, which is widely interpreted as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's triumph over terrorism.

The Israeli attacks further escalated in the wake of the regime's bloody campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip.

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Dozens killed, injured in Israeli airstrikes near northern Syria's Aleppo

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 March 2024 6:03 AM

Dozens of people have lost their lives and sustained injuries when Israeli military aircraft carried out a string of aerial assaults on targets near the northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo, according to Syrian officials.

Citing an unnamed military source, Syria's official news agency SANA reported that "the Israeli enemy launched an aerial attack at approximately 1:45 a.m. local time on Friday (2245 GMT Thursday) from the direction of Athriya, southeast of Aleppo."

It added that "civilians and military personnel" had been killed and wounded in the strikes.

SANA noted that Israeli drone strikes had targeted civilians in Aleppo and its suburbs. It did not give an exact number for the casualties.

Two security sources said the strikes on Aleppo early on Friday killed 33 civilians and military personnel.

There was no immediate statement from Israeli officials on the strikes.

Aleppo, Syria's largest city and once its commercial center, has come under such attacks in the past that led to the closure of its international airport. Friday's strike did not affect the airport.

On Thursday evening, Syrian media outlets reported Israeli airstrikes near the capital Damascus saying it wounded two civilians.

The Israeli regime often conducts airstrikes on military installations in Syria, particularly those belonging to the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has been instrumental in supporting the Syrian army in its battle against terrorists backed by foreign entities.

The Tel Aviv regime does not acknowledge its military actions within Syrian territories, which is widely interpreted as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's triumph over terrorism.

Since the onset of foreign-backed militancy in Syria in 2011, the Israeli regime has stood as a staunch supporter of terrorist factions that are in opposition to the democratically-elected leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

The recent strikes also come amid an upsurge in Israel's acts of aggression against Syria and its ongoing genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip which has killed at least 32,552 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

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Death toll rises to 42 after Israeli airstrikes hit Syria's Aleppo

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:55, March 30, 2024

DAMASCUS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from Israeli airstrikes that hit Syria's northern city of Aleppo has risen to 42, a war monitor reported on Friday, updating the previous report of 36 fatalities.

The airstrikes targeted a Hezbollah warehouse in the Jibrin area near Aleppo International Airport before dawn Friday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based watchdog group said the attacks, which reverberated across the northern Aleppo countryside for about three hours, were the deadliest Israeli airstrikes in Syria in the past three years.

Defense factories in the Safira area were also targeted, the watchdog added.

The fatalities in Aleppo also included six members of Hezbollah, unnamed Lebanese military sources told Xinhua on Friday.

A statement from the Syrian Defense Ministry said that around 1:45 a.m. local time on Friday (2245 GMT Thursday), the Israeli military launched aerial attacks from the direction of Athria, southeast of Aleppo, targeting multiple locations in the Aleppo countryside.

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President acts on personal resolve, rather than political calculation

By Lee Hyo-jin

During a televised public address on Monday, President Yoon Suk Yeol reiterated his firm belief that Korea must increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 per year to address a looming doctor shortage despite negative sentiment toward his "obsession" by some members of the public as well as doctors.

Political analysts suggest that Yoon's determined push reflects his tendency to pursue what he personally believes is right, rather than being overly concerned about his approval ratings.

"I don't know exactly what's on his mind, but one thing is clear: Yoon's approach differs from those of past leaders, who often made substantial concessions before elections to show that they are listening to voters' opinions. Yoon appears to be an exception," said Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University.

Yoon's public address to the nation came just nine days before the April 10 general elections, which will select 300 National Assembly members.

A considerable portion of the 51-minute speech was devoted to his commitment to continue with the medical school plan as well as the broader medical reform agenda, even in the face of opposition to these unpopular policies.

"During my entire career as a civil servant and now as the president, I have never chosen the easy path. I have boldly implemented even unpopular policies that others would have advised me to avoid, because they were the right choice for the people and the nation's interest," Yoon said, citing past instances where his no-compromise stance proved effective.

The president mentioned how he had resolved the unionized cargo truck drivers' strike in 2022 by issuing return-to-work orders, without compromising with them. Additionally, his efforts to mend frayed ties with Japan last year, which in his words "initially raised concerns about his and his party's support rates," ultimately proved beneficial for the nation.

Lee Joon-han, a professor of political science at Incheon National University, commented that the president's unwavering stance on the 2,000 figure may be due to his concerns that making concessions would be perceived as another policy misstep by his administration.

"The recent controversies surrounding former Korean Ambassador to Australia Lee Jong-sup and Hwang Sang-moo, former senior presidential secretary for civil and social affairs, both of whom eventually stepped down in response to public criticism, have put pressure on Yoon," Lee said.

The former envoy resigned abruptly on Friday amid controversies that he took the post despite ongoing investigations into his involvement in a high-stakes probe regarding the death of a Marine. In the previous week, Hwang resigned following controversial remarks to reporters about a knife attack on a journalist in 1988.

Lee said, "The president seems to think that if he makes any concessions on the medical school admissions quota hike, which would be seen as yet another acknowledgment of a policy misstep, that would not look good for him and the ruling party."

Following Yoon's public address, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) denounced the president's unyielding stance.

"President Yoon still remains obsessed with the number 2,000," DPK spokesperson Rep. Shin Hyung-young said during a press conference.

"We hoped that the speech would signal that the government is finally listening to public voices and would initiate a dialogue with the doctors to address the ongoing health care crisis. However, it turned out to be yet another empty speech that only confirmed the government's indifference to public opinion."

Even some members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have also advocated for flexibility regarding this figure, expressing concern that the protracted medical crisis could hurt the party's performance in the upcoming elections.
Car bomb blast kills 8, wounds over 20 in northwestern Syria

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 9:53 AM

At least eight people have been killed and more than 20 others injured in a car bombing at a busy market in Syria's northwestern province of Aleppo.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least "eight people were killed and 23 others wounded" when "a car bomb exploded in the middle of a popular market" in the militant-held town of Azaz, located roughly 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Aleppo, early on Sunday.

The Britain-based war monitor added that the blast caused "significant damage" and sparked a fire, adding that ambulances and rescue personnel were at the scene.

When the bomb went off, the market was busy with shoppers buying new clothes for their children ahead of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan next month.

Footage of the aftermath showed bodies lying on the ground, damaged buildings and the remnants of a car on fire.

Azaz is run by pro-Turkish Takfiri militants opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey has deployed forces in Syria in violation of the Arab country's territorial integrity.

Ankara-backed militants were deployed to northeastern Syria in October 2019 after Turkish military forces launched a long-threatened cross-border invasion in a declared attempt to push militants of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) away from border areas.

Ankara views the US-backed YPG as a terrorist organization tied to the homegrown Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish region in Turkey since 1984.

The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria says the Turkish offensive has killed hundreds of civilians, including dozens of children, since it started.

Turkey has also played a major role in supporting terrorists in Syria ever since major foreign-backed militancy overtook the country more than ten years ago.

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Ma Ying-jeou to lead delegation of Taiwan youth to visit mainland

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:32, March 25, 2024

BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, will lead a delegation of young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland from April 1 to 11, a mainland spokesperson said on Monday.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the delegation will visit Guangdong and Shaanxi provinces as well as Beijing to attend a ceremony honoring China's legendary ancestor Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, as well as other events.

Chen extended a warm welcome, voicing hopes that compatriots across the Taiwan Strait can jointly carry on the fine Chinese traditional culture, promote exchanges and cooperation in various sectors between the two sides including young people, advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and jointly promote national rejuvenation.

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Tsai oversees delivery of 2 indigenous Navy corvettes

ROC Central News Agency

03/26/2024 05:31 PM

Taipei, March 26 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (ee) on Tuesday presided over a ceremony at Suao Harbor, Yilan County, where the Navy of the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name, took delivery of two indigenous Tuo Chiang-class corvettes.

The corvettes, named An Chiang and Wan Chiang, along with the introduction of the Coast Guard's third and fourth 4,000 tonne plus cutters earlier this month, are a testament to Taiwan's shipbuilding capability and signify the country's resolve to defend democracy and freedom, Tsai said in her remarks.

The vessels are also the last two Tuo Chiang-class corvettes in a first batch of six ordered from Lungteh Shipbuilding by the Navy, Tsai said.

The first Tuo Chiang-class vessel delivered was a Ta Chiang Corvette in 2021, with the vessel's excellent performance going on to earn high international praise after it passed operational tests and evaluation, the president said.

The wide recognition motivated the government to speed up corvette production, which allowed for the early delivery of the An Chiang and Wan Chiang on Tuesday, she said.

Tsai said the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes have stealth capability, improved stability, and are the first type of small Navy ships to be equipped with air defense missiles.

The vessels also have a more powerful performance than the outgoing Chin Chiang-class corvettes which they are set to replace, she added.

Su Tzu-yun (ece), a research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, which media outlets have described as "carrier killers," are "small but mighty."

With a displacement of only 685 tonnes, these highly mobile corvettes can travel at a speed of 40 knots per hour, Su said.

Their stealth capability means they have a radar cross-section as small as the size of a fishing boat, he said.

Crucially, they are equipped with layered weapons systems giving them formidable firepower, including TC-2N air defense missiles, the Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles, and the OTO Melara 76mm guns, he explained.

If those are not enough to deal with enemy threats, the corvettes have the Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS), which can intercept missiles, as their final line of defense, he said.

In addition, the corvettes can be used in combination with land vehicle-mounted missile systems under the planned coastal combat command to guard offshore areas and prevent enemies from attempting landing operations, while the country's submarines are deployed further from shore as a deterrence, thereby forming a multilayered barrier zone, Su said.

The Navy plans to acquire five more Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, the contract for which, according to local media reports, was awarded to Lungteh in March 2023.

(By Wu Su-wei and Sean Lin)

Enditem/AW

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Ex-president Ma hopes to meet 'old friend' Xi on China trip: Aide

ROC Central News Agency

03/26/2024 02:36 PM

Taipei, March 26 (CNA) An aide to former President Ma Ying-jeou () on Tuesday teased the possibility of a meeting between Ma and Chinese leader Xi Jinping () during his upcoming trip to China.

In a radio interview, Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation Director Hsiao Hsu-tsen () said Ma is currently just "a regular citizen," having left the presidency eight years ago and not holding any positions in government or politics.

But based on the important history that Ma and Xi made together in 2015, Ma "of course hopes there is an opportunity to see an old friend," Hsiao said.

Pressed on whether arrangements were being made for such a meeting, Hsiao said only that like the media, he "hoped" it will take place.

Because the delegation will be guests, however, the exact arrangements are being left up to the Chinese side as hosts, he said.

Ma, who served as president from 2008-2016, held a historic meeting with Xi in Singapore in 2015, marking the first meeting of leaders from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949.

Ma also became the first former president in Taiwan to visit China last spring, and on Monday, his foundation announced that he is planning to lead another delegation of students to the country from April 1-11.

According to the foundation, the delegation will tour companies, visit sites of Chinese historical and cultural significance, and hold exchanges with university students in Guangdong and Shaanxi provinces and Beijing.

The fact that this trip, unlike the previous one, will include a stop in Beijing has given rise to speculation in Taiwan's media that a second Ma-Xi meeting could be in the works.

Responding to Ma's planned visit, Premier Chen Chien-jen () said Tuesday that he "respects" the former president's right to do so as a private citizen.

Chen said he nevertheless hoped that during the trip, Ma will act in a way that meets the expectations of the Taiwanese public on matters relating to sovereignty, democracy and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je () told reporters he was not opposed to Ma's visit, as long as it was conducted on the basis of "dignity and parity."

(By Liu Kuan-ting, Wang Yang-yu, Chen Chun-hua and Matthew Mazzetta)

Enditem/ls

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Visiting MEP hints at potential arms sale policy change

ROC Central News Agency

03/27/2024 09:14 PM

Taipei, March 27 (CNA) Visiting Member of European Parliament (MEP) Reinhard BAtikofer told reporters in Taipei Wednesday that the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine could bring a change in Europe's weapons export policies.

BAtikofer, chairman of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China, had been asked by Reuters if Europe should abandon its long-held reluctance to provide Taiwan with arms amid escalating cross-strait tensions.

BAtikofer responded by likening European democracies to "turtles."

"They don't move very fast. They don't change the direction suddenly. But once they get moving they're not easily stopped," he said.

The German MEP said that with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, "Europe has changed. My own country has changed [its policies on arms exports]."

"We used to have a very strict policy supported by all political parties across the spectrum, that we would never export arms into a region of tension or conflict."

Germany has since changed that policy and now it has become the second largest arms supplier to Ukraine worldwide and the largest supplier in Europe, he added.

"I believe that we will have to look at the new realities of international security and the future," he said.

However, BAtikofer also noted that he is not sure what Taiwan needs defensively though he has heard a lot of discussions of asymmetrical warfare during his Taiwan visit.

He is therefore not sure if the fighters and tanks Germany produces would be "exactly what Taiwan needs" for its defense, hinting that more discussions need to be made to first understand how to meet Taiwan's defensive needs.

Currently, Taiwan's main arms provider is the United States but the Netherlands and France previously supplied submarines, jets and frigates in the 1980s and '90s.

BAtikofer is leading a delegation from the European Parliament and German Bundestag and arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a four-day visit to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (ee) and other high-level government officials, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

BAtikofer said at Wednesday's press event that his delegation's visit is meant to show solidarity toward Taiwan among democracies.

"We strongly believe that it is important that 'Team Democracy' works together and that democracies have each other's back and show solidarity. We're here because we're very proud supporters of Taiwan's democracy," he said.

His delegation is also in Taiwan to learn from the latest developments in Taiwan's society, economy and politics and to seek opportunities for further collaboration, BAtikofer added.

According to MOFA, another member of his delegation is Heidi Hautala, the second sitting vice president of the European Parliament to ever visit Taiwan, after Nicola Beer in 2022.

The other members of the delegation are Agnieszka Brugger, vice chair of the German Greens parliamentary group; Till Steffen, deputy chairman of the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group; and Boris Mijatovic, spokesperson for Human Rights and Humanitarian aid for the Alliance 90/the Greens Parliamentary Group, according to MOFA.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ASG

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Mainland urges Taiwan to return to 1992 Consensus to resume dialogue

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 17:03, March 27, 2024

BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The Taiwan side needs to return to the political foundation defined by the 1992 Consensus if it really intends to resume dialogue across the Strait, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday.

Merely talking about cross-Strait dialogue without relevant actions is unconvincing and devoid of sincerity, said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a media query about a public figure in Taiwan who claimed that the mainland had always responded Taiwan's wish to restore cross-Strait dialogue with "the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus."

The spokesperson also stressed the importance of the one-China principle in exchanges with the mainland.

The Chinese mainland is open to strengthening exchanges and negotiations with political parties, groups and representatives in Taiwan on the basis of the one-China principle, said Chen, noting that the fundamental obstacles preventing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from engaging in such exchanges with the mainland lie in their separatist stance.

The remarks were made in response to a media query regarding the mainland's willingness to interact with Lai Ching-te after May 20.

The DPP is welcome as long as they are committed to advancing peaceful development across the Strait on the basis of the one-China principle, the spokesperson said.

Peace and stability can be maintained only if the DPP authorities abandon their separatist stance, stop colluding with external forces to pursue so-called "Taiwan independence" and refrain from engaging in provocations, and return to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, the spokesperson added.

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Chinese mainland warns against Taiwan military's provocations

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:26, March 27, 2024

BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said the mainland is closely following Taiwan military's movements in Kinmen.

Any provocative move Taiwan military takes is doomed to fail, said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

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President urges defense minister to remain after verbal resignation

ROC Central News Agency

03/29/2024 06:25 PM

Taipei, March 29 (CNA) The Presidential Office said Friday that President Tsai Ing-wen () has urged Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng () to remain in his post after the latter offered a verbal resignation the previous night.

Chiu tendered his resignation verbally to the president after his son, who works at the National Security Bureau (NSB), was reported Thursday to be involved in a sex scandal.

Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin () said that Chiu apologized to the president late Thursday for causing trouble for her team due to the incident.

Although the minister offered to resign, Tsai asked him to stay given the complexity of the current regional security situation, especially during a government transition period, Lin said.

Tsai will complete her second term on May 20, when President-elect Lai Ching-te () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party officially takes over as president.

Citing Tsai, Lin said Chiu should remain in his post to ensure the steady and comprehensive handling of important national defense matters.

A report in the Chinese-language online media Next Digital on Thursday made allegations about Chiu's son, who worked at the NSB, and his use of prostitutes.

The report claimed to be in possession of intimate images, but did not publish them.

In response, the NSB said on the same day that it has initiated an investigation.

On Friday, the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement that the minister will comply with the directive from the president, who "urged him to remain at his post during the government transition period" to ensure the smooth and comprehensive handling of important national defense matters.

As of press time there has been no comment from Chiu on the matter.

(By Lai Yu-chen and Lee Hsin-Yin)

Enditem/AW

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Mar. 29, 2024

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/03/29

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Thursday to Friday, Mar. 28-29

2.PLA activitiesis

4 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.

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Tests done, latest-generation armored vehicle ready for production

ROC Central News Agency

03/31/2024 03:28 PM

Taipei, March 31 (CNA) Taiwan's newest domestically developed armored combat vehicle completed combat readiness testing late last year and can soon enter mass production, a Ministry of National Defense (MND) report sent to lawmakers for review has said.

According to the report, the latest-generation eight-wheeled armored combat vehicle equipped with an 105mm gun passed initial combat readiness testing last October, clearing the path for the vehicles to enter mass production.

Under the MND's five-step process for developing weapons, a new weapon system needs to make it through an initial conceptual design stage, an engineering development stage, initial weapon testing, and combat readiness testing before they can enter the production stage.

The MND report, which covers the latest accomplishments and future goals for Taiwan's defense industry, to be used to brief lawmakers on Monday, did not specify, however, when production of the new vehicles will begin nor what they will be called.

The MND's Armament Bureau originally budgeted NT$769 million (US$27.74 million) from 2019 to 2023 to build two prototypes of the vehicle, branded as the newest generation of the Clouded Leopard armored vehicle family that was first produced in 2011.

To date, the bureau's 209th Arsenal has produced 378 CM32/33 and 305 CM34 Clouded Leopards and completed their delivery to the Army in 2023.

The same report also offered a briefing on the latest progress made by Taiwan's indigenous warplanes and warships program.

Under the Advanced Trainer Jet (ADJ) program, Taiwan's Air Force has ordered 66 Brave Eagle jets, of which 27 have been delivered since 2021, the report said, adding that the remaining jets are expected be delivered by the end of 2026.

The Navy's six domestic shipbuilding programs for landing platform docks, search-and-rescue vessels, next-generation corvettes, cutters, fast minelayers and submarines are all going smoothly and on schedule, it said.

Meanwhile, the new T112 assault rifle, with infrared illuminators, red dot optics, and other features to increase speed and accuracy in short and long-range engagements, completed initial combat readiness testing in November 2023, paving the way for mass production, the report said.

Taiwan's combat units are currently using T91 rifles produced by the 205th Arsenal that have been in service for nearly 20 years. Those rifles are based on the T86 assault rifle, incorporating features from M16 and AR-18 rifles, but with modern features.

Taiwan's reserve units, meanwhile, use older T65K2 rifles developed and manufactured by the Combined Logistics Command, and have been in service since the late 1970s.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ls

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By Gwynne Dyer

It was bound to happen at some point, and the time could well be now. We know that when there was strong warming on our planet, like at the end of the last Ice Age around 11,000 years ago, there were sudden big leaps in the global temperature. It wasnt a smooth process at all.

The worrisome part of the current warming is not just that it has given us the hottest year on record. Weve been breaking old records for some time now, as you would expect when you keep putting 40 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere every year. Its the scale of the rise in temperature this year: two-tenths of a degree Celsius.

Climate scientists are calling it an anomaly, which is not so much an explanation as an admission that they cant explain it. Changes in average global temperature from one year to another tend to be quite small. This one is gigantic.

Through all the decades since the 1950s, as the carbon dioxide, methane and other warming gases piled up, the actual rise was calculated to be 0.18 of a degree Celsius per decade. Not per year, per decade.

Renowned climate scientist James Hansen recently claimed that around 2010 the rate of warming increased to 0.27 of a degree per decade  a 50 percent acceleration in the warming, and well worth worrying about. But Hansens number still implies that it would take almost four decades to raise the average global temperature by one full degree.

Whereas if this years rate of warming persists, it would give us two full degrees of extra warming by 2034. Add the warming we have already caused, 1.5 degrees, and the average global temperature 10 years from now would be 3.5 degrees higher. Thats mass dieback at the very least, and probably the collapse of our current civilization.

Im not trying to scare you, and I dont think we are really on that catastrophic track. But it is clearly a very big deal, and the climate scientists have no ready explanation for why this is happening at all.

There are also other signs that something big is happening to the climate. The sea surface temperature over much of the world has also been hotter than ever  by a full degree or more for the past year.

There is a list of likely tipping points that covers all the known contingencies  permafrost thawing, Amazon Rainforest dieback, loss of the West Antarctic ice sheet, etc.  but this anomaly doesnt fit any of the known categories.

Scientists simply dont know what is causing the anomaly, and they dont like making guesses. However, a recent hypothesis by James Hansen may be relevant, even though he wrote his latest paper before the scale and longevity of the anomaly became clear.

Hansen suggested that cleaning up sulfur dioxide emissions over the past 10 to 15 years both in industrial cities, especially in China, and in emissions at sea from 60,000 large commercial vessels has been too successful. The sulfurous clouds were hard on peoples health, but they also reflected a lot of sunlight back into space and cooled the climate.

Cutting the sulfur emissions considerably worsened the planets energy imbalance  more energy coming in than going out again, and that translates directly into more heat. Whether that is a big enough change to account for the current anomaly remains to be seen, because measuring cloud effects is a murky business, but that would be a reassuring answer.

If its the loss of sulfur dioxide, then at least its a known and self-limiting event. We could choose to live with it, or we could try to get that lost cooling back by putting some alternative, harmless aerosol into the air, but either way its not a world-changing phenomenon.

If, on the other hand, its not the lost sulfur dioxide, then it could mean practically anything, including even large and rapid jumps in global temperature. The brutal truth is that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations main instrument for dealing with the climate crisis, has systematically downplayed the risks we are running.

The predictions it makes are almost all based on the assumption that global warming will be a slow, smooth, predictable process, whereas everybody there knows that is unlikely to be true. The tipping points are real. They may be quite abrupt, and sooner or later, we are bound to trip over them if emissions are not cut drastically in the near future.

As Gavin Schmidt, the director of NASAs Goddard Institute for Space Studies, wrote last week, If the anomaly does not stabilise by August, then the world will be in uncharted territory.





Gwynne Dyers new book, "Intervention Earth: Life-Saving Ideas from the Worlds Climate Engineers," was published on Wednesday.
Deputy Minister Marek Prawda takes part in Polish-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

28.03.2024

Today's talks between Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Prawda and his Ukrainian counterpart Yevhen Perebyinis focused on military cooperation, support for Ukraine in its EU accession process, and Poland's involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Special attention was devoted to the process of Ukraine's accession to the European Union. "Progress in the implementation of reforms in Ukraine is unprecedented and the EU must respond favourably to maintain the credibility of the enlargement process," said Deputy Minister Prawda. Both parties welcomed the launch of a mechanism for bilateral dialogue on Ukraine's EU integration process in order for Poland to support Ukraine on its path to a full membership of the European Union.

Deputy Minister Prawda also stressed that Polish business entities are interested in supporting Ukraine's reconstruction: "Polish entrepreneurs are very well prepared to play a leading role during the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine." He also informed his interlocutor of plans to gradually restore Poland's consular presence in Ukraine by reopening the consulates in Kharkiv, Odesa, and Vinnytsia.

The ministers' meeting was organised as part of the Polish-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations that took place on 28 March 2024 in Warsaw. The previous edition of the consultations was held in June 2022 in Kyiv.

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March 29, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov today to discuss recent developments on the battlefield, as well as the destructive impacts of Russia's ruthless missile barrages on Ukraine's cities and critical infrastructure. Secretary Austin and Minister Umerov discussed Ukraine's requirements for additional artillery, air defense, and other capabilities and the urgent need for the National Security Supplemental to enable Ukraine's continued fight against Russian aggression.

The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3725013/

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Andriy Yermak discussed the importance of conveying the truth about the war to the world, the need to support Ukraine with representatives of religious communities

President of Ukraine

29 March 2024 - 20:00

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with representatives of religious communities to discuss the importance of conveying the truth about Russia's full-scale aggression and the need for further support for Ukraine.

Representatives from various religious organizations attended the meeting, including the Ukrainian Christian Evangelical Church, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Evangelical Baptist Union of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Bible Society, the Ukrainian Evangelical Church, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and the Institute for Religious Freedom.

Andriy Yermak thanked the participants for their efforts in bringing Ukraine closer to victory and peace at their level.

"Without faith, nothing is possible, and nothing happens. Thank you for providing such important spiritual support to our people," he said.

The head of the President's Office said that religious communities are crucial sources for conveying the truth about the events occurring in Ukraine during the full-scale Russian aggression. This includes informing about the horrific crimes committed by Russian occupiers and the suppression of religious freedom by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories.

Andriy Yermak stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening support for Ukraine in partner countries today. This involves reaching out to their citizens and politicians, becoming a voice of truth.

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It must become a joint task to ensure that environmental disasters no longer occur in our Europe - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

29 March 2024 - 19:26

I wish you all good health, dear Ukrainians!

Today, I chaired the Staff Meeting, largely focusing on the aftermath of the Russian strikes last night and in recent weeks. The primary target for the enemy in this missile terror is our energy sector, various parts of our energy system. Calculatedly vicious Russian strikes, particularly targeting hydroelectric power.

At the Staff Meeting, we discussed all aspects of protecting these facilities, both within Ukraine and with our partners. It's crucial not only for our state but also for our neighbors and the continent as a whole. There were strikes on the Dniester Power Plant, the Kaniv Power Plant, indicating Russia's intention to replicate the catastrophe they caused at the Kakhovka Power Plant. It must become a joint task - not only Ukraine's - to ensure that such environmental disasters no longer occur in our Europe. Besides Ukraine, Moldova is under direct threat.

I am grateful to all partners who assist us in ensuring an adequate supply of air defense. This is extremely important. On the diplomatic front, we expend much effort not only to counter Russian influence but also to persuade partners to increase the supply of air defense systems and missiles to them.

Of course, there is a lot of work being done in various regions regarding the physical protection of energy facilities. Today, we received reports from representatives of energy companies and government officials.

The second issue discussed at the Staff Meeting was the supply of weapons and ammunition to the front, for our current and upcoming actions. We clearly understand what Russia is preparing for. They are obsessed with war - they won't stop themselves. And we are doing everything possible to ensure enough rebuffs.

Today, I introduced the new Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksandr Lytvynenko. One of his top priorities now is more coordination, more quality draft solutions - everything that will strengthen our state in defense against Russian ambitions and, indeed, our ability to counter hostile ambitions.

Oleksii Danilov will continue his work on the diplomatic front, more specifically - I have approved his candidacy as the new Ambassador of our state to the Republic of Moldova. He discussed with me his vision for his future work for Ukraine. Moldova is an extremely important state for us - both from the point of view of security challenges in the region and our bilateral cooperation.

And one more thing.

Today, the petition regarding casinos, namely online gambling platforms, got the necessary number of signatures very quickly. It addresses the prevalence of such platforms and their impact on part of society. I tasked the chief of the Security Service of Ukraine, State Special Communications Service, Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to compile all analytics on this matter for me, with a proposal for a solution by next week.

And last.

Today started early - at night, due to Russian missile strikes. I kept in contact with Air Force Commander Oleschuk and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, listening to extensive reports. Responses to the enemy will be extensive too.

Glory to our strong nation!

Glory to Ukraine!

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It is in conjunction with the NSDC and the FIS that we should consider the future work of the National Security and Defense Council - President introduced the new NSDC Secretary

President of Ukraine

29 March 2024 - 12:41

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

First of all, the Head of State thanked the previous Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov for the years of powerful, professional work and noted that he would continue his activities in the diplomatic sphere.

Congratulating Oleksandr Lytvynenko on his appointment, the President announced the renewal of the work of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

"Oleksandr Valeriyovych worked in the National Security and Defense Council, and now he can combine this experience with that of the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. In fact, it is in this conjunction - the NSDC and the FIS - that we should consider the future work of the National Security and Defense Council and its Secretariat," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President has set a number of tasks for the new Secretary and the NSDC Secretariat, the first of which is greater ability to predict.

"The NSDC has every opportunity to combine the analytical potential of Ukrainian intelligence and other bodies operating in the field of national security. We need to increase Ukraine's ability to predict and influence the processes on which the national security of our state depends," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Also, as the President noted, the NSDC should continue to fulfill all current tasks, especially in the area of Ukraine's sanctions policy. The third task is doctrinal work.

"We have started developing the Ukrainian Doctrine, which will become a new basis for Ukraine's policy and strategic decisions. The clarity of national guidelines and systematic implementation of them is what is needed both now and after the war. I hope that the NSDC in coordination with the authorities and other public structures will realize this goal," the Head of State emphasized.

The President named cyber and information security as the fourth task, including strengthening protection against enemy disruptive operations and enhancing coordination of all state institutions in this area, as well as developing the country's cyber strike capabilities.

"And the fifth is the work of the Staff, the drafting of decisions, and the monitoring of their implementation. All this, of course, must be continued. The obvious priority is the defense of our state and the protection of our society. So, the work is clear, we are waiting for proposals," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Newly appointed NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko assured that he would do everything to enhance Ukraine's security.

"I promise that we will do everything to be useful to you. The National Security and Defense Council is an instrument that is becoming extremely important in the current conditions of our fight for existence against the Russian aggressor," he emphasized.

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Ukraine Says Russia's Attacks Are Threatening Energy Security

By Oksana Bedratenko March 29, 2024

Russia fired dozens of missiles and 60 drones at Ukraine's energy infrastructure Friday, damaging three power plants and causing massive blackouts, according to Ukrainian authorities.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of targeting two hydropower plants and threatening to cause an environmental disaster not only in Ukraine but also in neighboring Moldova.

The attack was the latest in a series of intensified Russian strikes in March. Last week, Russia launched over 190 missiles and 140 Shahed drones against Ukraine, Zelenskyy said. The attacks caused more than $11.5 billion in damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the country's Energy Ministry estimated.

It will take months to repair the damage to power plants, Ukraine's largest private power firm, DTEK, reported. And years will be required to repair the Dnipro hydropower plant, which was hit eight times during last week's attack, authorities said.

Commenting on the damage, Aura Sabadus of British think tank Independent Commodity Intelligence Services told VOA that the Russians know where to strike to inflict the most damage.

"What is extraordinary is that they knew exactly what to hit, which is an indication that they are working with energy specialists on their own side who know exactly the Ukrainian system and who are presumably helping the military to strike key pieces of infrastructure in Ukraine," Sabadus said.

Both the Russian and Ukrainian energy systems were built during Soviet times, and each country's energy experts might know of vulnerabilities of the other's transmission and energy generating systems, she said.

She also pointed out that Russian energy experts are known to have helped the Russian military in other instances. For instance, Russian energy company Rosatom is operating at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant occupied by the Russian military.

Many observers expected Russia to attack Ukraine's energy system, as was the case last year. Help from allies allowed Ukraine to be somewhat better prepared for the energy disruptions.

"The situation is much different from last heating season, when there was scarcity of equipment," said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo, in a video address on Tuesday. The major difficulty this time is the time needed for the repairs, Kudrytskyi said.

Ukraine also was able to increase imports of power from Europe. In a move right before the war, Ukraine unplugged from Russia's power grid and achieved permanent synchronization with European grid in late 2023. This allowed Ukraine to substantially increase imports of electricity from Europe.

Despite these preparations, Ukraine is still vulnerable to attacks. The recent missile barrages have left hundreds of thousands without power, inflicting social costs and prompting the Ukrainian government to renew calls to allies to provide much needed munitions for air defense.

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink on X called Russia's attacks "barbaric," adding, "Our assistance is needed now." European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the attacks "war crimes" and urged the EU to speed up military assistance deliveries to Ukraine.

Russia is known to use energy as a weapon in Europe and continues its tactics now, said University of Pennsylvania senior fellow Benjamin Schmitt, who served as European energy security adviser at the U.S. State Department.

"Putin wants to make it as bad as possible for ordinary citizens" in the hope that Ukrainians become tired and push their government for a cease-fire, even if it means ceding territory to Russia, Schmitt said. He added, however, that this will not break the resilience of Ukrainians.

Through these attacks, Schmitt said, Putin also wants to deplete Ukraine's air defenses while Ukraine is not being backfilled by U.S. supplies.

"They want to try to get momentum while in particular the United States has been irresponsible a and has not yet approved the next tranche of military funding for Ukraine," he said.

At the same time, Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries. The strikes have knocked out about 10% to 14% of Russia's oil-refining capacity, according to various estimates.

Last week, the Financial Times reported that the U.S. had asked Ukraine not to hit Russia's oil refineries. The U.S. has neither confirmed nor denied the report, but State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at the press briefing Monday that "it has always been our position since the outset of this war that we do not encourage or support Ukraine taking strikes outside its own territory."

Attacks on Russian oil refineries might be the way for Ukrainians to compensate for the inefficiencies of the Western sanctions against Russian oil, Schmitt said.

"These are legitimate military targets from the point of view of the Ukrainians, and in particular, it's a way for Ukraine in their understanding to basically to put a physical sanction on Russian energy where Western sanctions have not had the effect needed," Schmitt said.

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Zelenskyy Talks of Gradual Retreat if Ukraine Does Not Get Promised US Aid

By VOA News March 29, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview published Friday that if his country does not get promised U.S. military aid blocked by a divided Congress, its forces will have to retreat "in small steps."

Ukraine relies on financial aid from its Western partners, but foreign financing dwindled in the first two months of this year, while a robust U.S. aid package has been blocked for months by Republicans in Congress.

"If there is no U.S. support, it means that we have no air defense, no Patriot missiles, no jammers for electronic warfare, no 155 millimeter artillery rounds," Zelenskyy told The Washington Post.

"It means we will go back, retreat, step by step, in small steps," he added. "We are trying to find some way not to retreat."

In March, Kyiv managed to attract about $9 billion in total external financing, the Finance Ministry said. The European Union, Canada, Japan, the International Monetary Fund and Britain were among the donors.

Ukraine has received a $1.5 billion tranche of funding under a World Bank program, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Friday, helping it pay for its budget and social spending as it defends itself against invading Russia.

The new block of World Bank aid was funded by Britain ($516 million) and Japan ($984 million), Shmyhal said. "The funds will cover budget spending for social and humanitarian needs and reconstruction," he wrote on X.

Earlier in March, Ukraine received a $4.9 billion (4.5 billion-euro) first tranche of aid under a European Union bridging finance program.

"In 2024, external financing reached $10.2 billion, and since the beginning of the full-scale war - $83.8 billion. International assistance is directed to finance the priority social expenditures of the state budget of Ukraine," the ministry said.

More energy infrastructure hit

Russia fired dozens of missiles and 60 drones on Ukraine's energy infrastructure Friday, damaging three power plants and causing massive blackouts, according to Ukrainian authorities.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy accused Russia of targeting two hydropower plants, threatening to cause an environmental disaster not only in Ukraine but also in neighboring Moldova, located down the flow of the Dniester River.

"There were strikes on the Dniester Power Plant, the Kaniv Power Plant, indicating Russia's intention to replicate the catastrophe they caused at the Kakhovka Power Plant. It must become a joint task a not only Ukraine's a to ensure that such environmental disasters no longer occur in our Europe," he said.

Friday's attack was the latest in an intensified series of strikes Moscow has unleashed on Ukraine in March. During the week of March 18, Russia launched more than 190 missiles and 140 Shahed drones, authorities said. The attacks caused $11.5 billion in damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the country's Energy Ministry estimated.

Ukraine's air force downed two Russian missiles in the southern port city of Odesa on Friday afternoon, officials said, but debris hit civilian infrastructure, injuring five people, including a 15-year-old boy, Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

"The enemy insidiously directs missile strikes on industrial and residential areas of Odesa," the southern military command said on Telegram.

Moscow denies deliberately attacking civilians in the invasion of Ukraine it launched in February 2022, although many have been killed in frequent Russian airstrikes across the country.

Some information for this report came from Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.

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Zelenskyy Talks of Gradual Retreat if Ukraine Does Not Get Promised US Aid

By Tatiana Vorozhko March 29, 2024

Weaknesses in the power model built by Russian President Vladimir Putin were exposed by the state's inability to protect people against last week's terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall or respond to advance warnings from Western special services, a Ukrainian defense spokesperson said Tuesday.

Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, told VOA's Ukrainian Service that Putin's vulnerability became apparent, including to his closest circle.

Yusov noted during an interview in Washington that the military intelligence of Ukraine has no reason not to trust the conclusions of the U.S. intelligence that the Islamic State-Khorasan group is responsible.

Earlier, a U.S. State Department official confirmed to VOA that the United States gathered intelligence suggesting IS-Khorasan was planning an "imminent" attack in the Russian capital, leading to a warning earlier this month from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

Russia continues to try to shift blame to Ukraine for the attack. On Tuesday, Russian media quoted Alexander Bortnikov, the director of Russia's FSB, saying that American, British and Ukrainian special services may be involved in the attack.

Yusov once again denied Ukraine's involvement and suggested the attack itself and the Russian disinformation campaign around it might help the Kremlin to mobilize more Russians for war against Ukraine and recast Russia's image from an aggressor to a victim.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

VOA: Putin and his subordinates are trying to tie the terror attack near Moscow with Ukraine. Considering their new arguments, do you have anything to add to the original response, denouncing it as nonsense?

Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense: [Russian minister of foreign affairs, Sergey] Lavrov's refusal to accept Interpol's aid in investigating this crime tells a lot. It is typical for Putin's regime to try to use any situation in their war against Ukraine, even such a tragedy.

Ukraine unequivocally responded, saying that Ukraine is liberating its territory from invaders and fighting with the military; we are not at war with civilians. Anything else a whether Putin's regime was involved in the attack and to what extent because it did not take the necessary measures despite being warned, or whether there are other more compelling reasons to blame it a are matters of separate investigations.

VOA: How much threat do you see in the Kremlin's attempts to blame this terrorism on Ukraine? Will it help them mobilize more soldiers and escalate the war?

Yusov: Putin and Putin's Russia are waging a genocidal war against Ukraine, using the entire arsenal of weapons, except weapons of mass destruction. They destroy our critical objects of civil infrastructure, energy, cultural objects, social sphere and public health. Putin's tanks are killing our civilians and our defenders. What can they escalate?

At the same time, they will try to mobilize the population politically. Also, they will try to use this terrorist attack to reset the image of Russia worldwide from an aggressor a a state that kills peaceful Ukrainians, attacks a neighbor that did not commit any aggressive actions and violates international humanitarian law a into the image of the victim. Putin is trying to do that today. But neither Putin, Lavrov, nor [Minister of Defense Sergei] Shoigu nor other killers look like victims.

VOA: Can you tell us about the degree of cooperation between Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces and Russian volunteer battalions a Russian Volunteer Corps, Free Russia Legion and Siberia Battalion a when they operate on the territory of Russia? Do you plan the operations together and provide any support?

Yusov: In Ukraine, these units operate within the framework of Ukrainian legislation and are components of our security and defense forces. These people help fight Putin's invaders, the Russian occupying army, within the ranks of our security and defense forces. They are citizens of the Russian Federation. Inside the Russian Federation, at home, they try to implement principles and values and fight for their rights, which Putin's dictatorship deprived them of. There, they act autonomously and independently.

VOA: But military weapons, heavy weapons a they didn't buy them in a store.

Yusov: The full-scale war lasted more than two years. These people captured many arms in the battle, including the Russian equipment used against the Russian army today.

VOA: Do you see a practical benefit for the defense of Ukraine from their actions?

Yusov: We can confirm that it benefits us. Undoubtedly, the military actions on the territory of the Belgorod and Kursk regions helped somewhat stabilize the situation in other areas of the front, diverted the enemy's forces and means and demonstrated the vulnerability of the Putin regime and its security forces.

VOA: What is the primary purpose of your visit to Washington?

Yusov: One of the tragic components of this genocidal war against Ukraine is the humanitarian aspect a thousands of kidnapped civilians. Russia kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children. These are, of course, prisoners of war, both combatants and noncombatants, taken in violation of the Geneva Conventions. The International Committee of the Red Cross does not have access to their places of detention; there is no way to check the condition of our prisoners of war. Their rights are violated; they are abused and tortured. The world needs to know about it. Fortunately, many in the United States are ready to hear us a in the government, among nongovernmental public organizations and in mass media. One crucial component is increasing the pressure of the international community on Russia to comply with the Geneva Conventions.

VOA: What about the military aid to protect Ukrainian territory from occupation and its consequences?

Yusov: For sure, it is another aspect. Every meter of lost land means additional deaths of our civilian children and women; it means more hostages and prisoners of war. Also, we need assistance in verifying people on the territory of the Russian Federation who were kidnapped or illegally convicted a prisoners of war and civilians. In the end, bringing war criminals to justice is also important.

Additionally, thousands of family members of those who are in captivity in Russia need support. Already, thousands of Ukrainians have returned from Russian captivity. They all need support and social, psychological and medical help. This is another subject of our interaction with our international partners.

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Without US military aid, Ukraine has to retreat, Zelensky warns

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 March 2024 8:01 AM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that if Ukraine fails to receive the US military aid promised but currently blocked due to Congressional disputes, it will be forced to retreat gradually.

In an interview with The Washington Post published, Zelensky presented a bold message to the US congress, asking it to hand over the weapons to stop the Russian attacks, or Ukraine will escalate its counterattacks on Russia's airfields, energy facilities and other strategic targets.

The congressional delay in approving a $60 billion military aid package has been costly for Ukraine, Zelensky said.

"If there is no US support, it means that we have no air defense, no Patriot missiles, no jammers for electronic warfare, no 155-millimeter artillery rounds," he said.

"It means we will go back, retreat, step by step, in small steps."

Asked whether Ukraine was running short of interceptors and other air-defense weapons to protect its cities and infrastructure, Zelensky responded in the affirmative.

"That's true. I don't want Russia to know what number of air-defense missiles we have, but basically, you're right. Without the support of Congress, we will have a big deficit of missiles. This is the problem. We are increasing our own air-defense systems, but it is not enough."

President Joe Biden has called on the Republican-led US House of Representatives to support the military and financial aid package, however, House Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed the issue for several months, citing domestic concerns.

During their telephone conversation on Thursday, Zelensky emphasized to Johnson the crucial importance of approving the package.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also urged Congress to approve Biden's National Security Supplemental in order to assist Ukraine against Russia.

In a rare interview published on Friday, Ukraine's newly appointed commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, revealed that Russian forces are overpowering Ukrainian troops on the frontlines, resulting in significant casualties and territorial setbacks.

"A few days ago, the enemy's advantage in terms of ammunition fired was about six to one," Syrsky told the Ukrinform news agency.

"The defense forces are now performing tasks along the entire vast frontline, with little or no weapons and ammunition," he warned, saying the situation was "tense" in some areas.

Syrsky urged the US to provide Kiev with the long-stalled military aid package.

"We hope to receive from our partners more air defense systems and, most importantly, missiles," Syrsky said.

"We would be even more grateful if this aid came faster and in sufficient quantities."

The commander-in-chief stated that Ukraine would have definitely preserved the territory if it had possessed an ample amount of air defense systems and artillery shells.

"We have to admit that we were not able to achieve greater success during the Kharkiv offensive because we lacked resources," Syrsky said.

Last year, Ukraine's summer counter-offensive was unable to penetrate the robust defensive lines that Russia had established in the southern region.

"The assault on these positions, without effective air support, cost us human and equipment losses," Syrsky said.

"The latest case is Avdiivka," he added, referring to the frontline city near the eastern city of Donetsk, which Russia seized in February.

"Due to the constant bombardment with guided aerial bombs, the integrity of our defense was compromised," Syrsky said.

"The lack of ammunition for our artillery also played a negative role. This made it impossible to conduct an effective counter-battery fight," he added.

"To avoid encirclement and save lives, I decided to withdraw from Avdiivka."

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Zelenskiy Dismisses More Advisers In Reshuffle As Russian Attacks Intensify

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service March 30, 2024

KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed a top aide and several advisers in an ongoing reshuffle on March 30 as Russia launched new drone and missile attacks that killed at least two people.

Zelenskiy dismissed Serhiy Shefir from his post of first assistant to the president and also let go three advisers and two presidential representatives overseeing volunteer activities and soldiers' rights.

It follows the dismissal of Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, on March 26. Zelenskiy appointed Oleksandr Lytvynenko, the chief of the foreign intelligence service, to head the council.

In February, Zelenskiy replaced the head of the armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhniy, amid a dispute over mobilization. Shefir is a longtime acquaintance of Zelenskiy and a co-founder of their production company, Kvartal-95.

No reason was given immediately for the March 30 shake-up that comes hours after the Ukrainian Air Force said Russian forces fired four missiles into eastern Ukraine overnight, as well as 12 Shahed drones across the country.

It said nine of the drones were shot down by Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Odesa, and Poltava regions. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Two people were killed in Russian shelling in the eastern town of Krasnohorivka, which lies directly on the front line in Donetsk Province, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

"The town was under enemy fire during the night and morning," Filashkin wrote on social media on March 30 and urged civilians living there to evacuate.

Russia has launched an air-strike campaign focusing on Ukraine's energy sector over the past week, firing 190 rockets, 140 Shahed drones, and 700 anti-aircraft missiles in what Zelenskiy earlier described as a "dramatic increase in Russia's air terror."

Ukrainian energy company Centrenerho said on March 30 that the Zmiyiv Thermal Power Plant, one of the largest thermal power plants in the Kharkiv region, was completely destroyed by Russian shelling last week, leaving tens of thousands of people without electricity.

Ukraine's largest private power firm, DTEK, lost about 50 percent of its capacity after being hit by Russian attacks, Ukrainian power distributor Yasno said this week.

Officials in Poltava said on March 30 that there had been "several hits" to an infrastructure facility in the central region, but did not say whether it was an energy facility.

Russian forces are also "actively trying" to advance on the front lines, with 72 combat clashes taking place in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces over the past day, the Ukrainian military said in its daily bulletin on the morning of March 30.

Ukrainian forces repelled at least 40 Russian assaults near the cities of Avdiyivka, Bakhmut, and Lyman in the Donetsk region and Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region, according to the bulletin.

"Ukrainian defenders pushed back 16 attacks in Lymanaand Bilohorivka, where the enemy -- with the support of aviation -- tried to break through the defenses of our troops," the military said.

Ukraine has been forced onto a defensive footing on the front lines in the past few months, as Kyiv struggles with ammunition shortages amid delays to a $60 billion aid package from the United States.

Russia has significantly ramped up air and ground strikes since the beginning of the year, taking advantage of Ukraine's dwindling weapons stockpiles amid a hold-up of critical U.S. military aid. Congress has been unable to pass an additional $60 billion in Ukraine aid since October due to partisan disagreements over aspects of the bill that deal with protecting the U.S. southern border from migrants.

In an interview with The Washington Post published on March 29, Zelenskiy warned that Ukrainian forces will have to retreat "step by step, in small steps," if Kyiv doesn't receive the U.S. military aid that has been blocked by political disputes in Congress.

"If there is no U.S. support, it means that we have no air defense, no Patriot missiles, no jammers for electronic warfare, no 155-milimeter artillery rounds," Zelenskiy said, adding that his country is "trying to find some way not to retreat."

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-drones- shahed-russia-energy-sector/32884306.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia slammed for blocking UN panel on NK nukes

It is deplorable that Russia exercised its veto power as a member of the United Nations Security Council to disband a U.N. panel tasked with monitoring sanctions aimed at preventing potential North Korean nuclear development activities. The panel will expire on April 30 as Russia blocked the renewal of its operation. We express strong regret over Russia's action.

Seoul's diplomatic and security authorities are expected to face an escalating dilemma following the recent decision, which will inevitably undermine the oversight of U.N. sanctions aimed at deterring North Korea's possible advancements in nuclear ballistic missile technology. The panel was launched in 2009 following Pyongyang's second nuclear test. It is composed of eight experts dispatched by the UNSC member states.

It has conducted investigations into North Korea's suspected violations of U.N. sanctions and released reports twice a year regarding the implementation of the punitive measures. In doing so, it has contributed significantly to having U.N. member countries abide by UNSC resolutions. In recognition of these achievements, the UNSC members unanimously endorsed the extension of the panel's mandate over the course of the past 14 years.

However, this time around, the panel's extension for the year was unsuccessful, as it was blocked by Russia, which voted against it in a session held on Thursday. To get approval, there should be support from more than nine countries of the 15 UNSC board members plus unanimous approval by the permanent member states of the council. China abstained from voting.

"This is almost comparable to destroying a [surveillance camera] to avoid being caught red-handed," said Hwang Joon-kook, the South Korean envoy to the U.N., during the meeting. Hwang went on to say that the case marked another setback for the authority of the esteemed body, as well as for the international nonproliferation regime.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood also said, "Moscow has undermined the prospect of a peaceful, diplomatic resolution of the most dangerous nuclear proliferation issues."

Russia appears to have vetoed the panel's extension since it has reportedly been trading weapons with the North, though it has rejected such a claim. The annual report issued by the panel in March contains photos and other specific circumstances testifying the transaction of weapons between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Russia's Ambassador to the U.N. Vassily Nebenzia criticized the panel of experts for "increasingly being reduced to playing into the hands of Western approaches, reprinting biased information and analyzing newspaper headlines and poor quality photos."

Russia has been taking flak for engaging in questionable activities related to North Korea's violation of U.N. sanctions. Russia's behavior is concerning, as it may encourage North Korea to pursue additional military provocations in the future. The North will likely be tempted to adopt more audacious approaches in its bid to acquire cutting-edge military technology, resources and foreign currency.

As new Cold War tensions escalate, the UNSC has already lost its key function of maintaining international peace and security. In addition, Russia cannot escape criticism for disrupting the global order. The Kim Jong-un regime in North Korea is likely to be highly pleased with the recent development.

Despite the appearance of sanctions against North Korea being eased, it is crucial to implement appropriate measures to prevent further unchecked actions by the North. Through tighter global cooperation, efforts should be made to strengthen surveillance over North Korea's potential nuclear programs.

The U.N. vowed to continue to monitor the implementation of sanctions against North Korea despite the recent decision. Swiss Ambassador to the U.N. Pascale Baeriswyl, who heads the sanctions panel, indicated a solution can still be found by saying, "Not all doors are closed." She said there would be efforts to find an alternative with the support of independent experts and other research groups.

The Yoon Suk Yeol administration should proactively explore countermeasures to ensure that sanctions against the North will continue despite the recent vote. Given the growing possibility of North Korean military provocations, nudged by the U.N. decision, more proactive efforts should be made to strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to share information on the North's development of weapons of mass destruction and fortify joint defense postures.
Ukrainian Forces Will Have To Retreat Without U.S. Aid, Zelenskiy Says

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service March 30, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says that if Ukraine does not get promised U.S. military aid that has been blocked by political disputes in Congress, its forces will have to retreat "in small steps."

"If there is no U.S. support, it means that we have no air defense, no Patriot missiles, no jammers for electronic warfare, no 155-milimeter artillery rounds," he told The Washington Post in an interview published on March 29.

"It means we will go back, retreat, step by step, in small steps," he said. "We are trying to find some way not to retreat."

If the front line remains stable, he said Ukraine can arm and train new brigades to conduct a new counteroffensive later this year. But if the line breaks, "the Russians could go to the big cities."

The interview was the latest in a series that Zelenskiy has conducted with Western media outlets to urge Congress to pass a massive bill containing billions of dollars in military aid that the Biden administration proposed six months ago.

Zelenskiy spoke by phone with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) on March 28 to appeal for the "critically important" aid, saying it was needed to help Kyiv fend off escalating Russian attacks.

The U.S. Senate last month passed a supplementary spending bill that allocates some $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, but Johnson has not brought the bill up for a vote in the House of Representatives, where his party holds only a slim majority and includes right-wing Republicans who want to force Congress to prioritize border security.

Zelenskiy briefed Johnson on the battlefield situation, specifically the "dramatic increase in Russia's air terror" in the call, noting that in the past week Ukrainian cities and communities had been hit by 190 rockets, 140 Shahed drones, and 700 anti-aircraft missiles.

The sweeping missile and drone strikes -- the biggest of which came on March 22 -- have already caused major damage to Ukraine's energy sector, forcing Kyiv to halt power exports and rely on imports. DTEK lost about 50 percent of its capacity after being hit by Russian attacks, Ukrainian power distributor Yasno said this week.

Russia missiles and drones earlier on March 29 hit three DTEK thermal power plants, damaging facilities, the company said, as Moscow's forces launched fresh attacks on Ukraine's energy sector.

"The equipment was severely damaged. After the attack ended, the power engineers promptly started to repair the damage," the company said on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenerho reported earlier that Russian forces "struck again at energy facilities in a massive and combined attack" overnight, damaging "thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the central and western regions."

Ukrenerho added that emergency shutdowns were applied in the country's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Province, while power facilities were also hit in the Poltava and Cherkasy regions.

In the morning on March 29, Ukrainian television reported that explosions were heard in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi regions and the city of Dnipro as Russian cruise missiles were spotted in Ukrainian air space.

At least five people, including a 5-year-old, were wounded in Russian strikes on the Kamianske district near Dnipro that targeted both infrastructure and private homes, regional officials said.

Two of the wounded -- one in serious condition -- were hospitalized, while three others including the child were receiving outpatient treatment, said Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration. Three summer houses were destroyed, and four houses were partially damaged in the attack, Lysak added.

The Ukrainian military said its air-defense forces had destroyed 58 drones from a total of 60 launched by Russia overnight, along with 26 of 39 missiles.

In neighboring Poland, Polish and allied aircraft were activated early on March 29 after Russia launched missile strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the country's armed forces said.

"Polish and allied aircraft are operating in Polish airspace, which may result in increased noise levels, especially in the southeastern part of the country," the Command said on the social media platform X. The southeastern part of Poland borders Ukraine.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-strikes-ukraine- power-plants/32882405.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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Statement by Russian Defence Ministry

30.03.2024

At around 8:00 Moscow time, the Russian Armed Forces have foiled the Kiev regime's attempt to launch a terrorist attack using a fixed-wing UAV against the facilities in the Russian Federation.

One Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by alerted air defence systems over Belgorod region.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Our energy workers, repair teams, and builders worked tirelessly throughout the week on recovery efforts after Russian strikes, saving Ukraine's normal life - address by the President

President of Ukraine

30 March 2024 - 21:11

Dear Ukrainians,

A few important points this week:

Firstly, we continue to reboot our state institutions. Several changes have been made this week, and there are still more decisions in preparation. Today, new decrees regarding advisors were issued. I am grateful to everyone for their work. We are making the Office more functional.

Secondly, last night, as almost always during this war, our mobile fire groups, other air defense units, and the Air Force had things to do - successful target interceptions. Thank you to all the soldiers and commanders who defend us, and who save Ukraine from Russian terror. During this day, the warriors of the mobile fire groups in Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Kherson, and our Odesa region distinguished themselves. Thank you!

Thirdly, our energy workers, repair teams, and construction workers have worked tirelessly throughout the week. These are the people working on recovery efforts after Russian strikes, as well as protecting energy facilities in various regions. They are many, and they literally save our country's normal life. These are thermal power plant employees, engineers, grid masters, and electricians. These are the people who restore generation and power. I would like to thank everyone who works so hard to ensure that Ukraine can live normally, with power and the ability to work, in all cities and villages.

Russian terrorists are currently carrying out such heinous attacks in an attempt to drain Ukraine's power. We sent necessary signals and concrete requests to all of our partners who have the necessary air defense systems and missiles. America, Europe, and other partners all know exactly what we need, and they all understand how critical it is to assist Ukraine in defending itself against these strikes right now. I thank all leaders who are demonstrating leadership right now, especially those who truly uphold our agreements and keepA theirA word.

I also want to personally thank those people here in Ukraine, those workers in the energy sector, who have distinguished themselves with their work in these days and weeks. Vinnytsia region - Yevheniy Kosmyna. Dnipropetrovsk region - Roman Bakholdin, Anatoliy Bondarenko. Donetsk region - Vitaliy Soroka and Oleksandr Nechytailo. Zaporizhzhia region - Oleksandr Babenko, Yuriy Bokhan, Vitaliy Ivanchenko. Kirovohrad region - Oleksandr Zakrevskyi and Yevhen Chernyshov. Lviv region - Andriy Protsiuk. Poltava region - Bohdan Beresten and Serhiy Kuzmin. Odesa region - Anatoliy Murakhovskyi and Roman Poturnak. Kherson region - Ruslan Zhylin, Andriy Riabchenko, Fedir Dorohov. Our Kharkiv region - Yevheniy Diakov, Mykhailo Parfeniuk, Vitaliy Lubianytskyi. Khmelnytsky region - Roman Hnatiuk, Ivan Shvets, Serhiy Mykytiuk. Ivano-Frankivsk region - Vasyl Budnyi, Oleh Danyliv, Bohdan Voytsekhivskyi. Cherkasy region - Yuriy Vlasenko, Vladyslav Holovniov. Thank you, guys!

We must always remember that Ukraine's strength lies in the strength of our people, in concrete persons who do their utmost so that Ukraine can do its utmost so that we all endure so that we all can achieve common results and protect our state and our lives. Everyone must now do their part - one hundred percent - so that Ukraine largely achieves what is needed. I thank all of you who live by this rule now.

Thank you to everyone who fights and works for Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who helps!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Russia destroys more Ukrainian warplanes, ammunition warehouses

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 31 March 2024 5:56 PM

Russia says the army has destroyed three Soviet-era warplanes in an operation against a Ukrainian air base in the south of the country.

The Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that the warplanes, Su-25 close air support, were stationed at Ukraine's Voznesensk airfield in Nikolaev Region.

The operation was conducted using tactical aircraft, missile forces and troops' artillery, the ministry said without providing further details.

The latest operation brought the total number of Ukrainian aircraft to 580, since Russia launched its "special military operation" in the country in February 2022.

The ministry also said that the Russian army destroyed a guidance radar array, a combat control vehicle, three S--300 anti-aircraft missile system launchers and two ammunition warehouses.

They also damaged a storage facility for unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine.

According to the statement, the Ukrainian forces and its military equipment were targeted in 126 areas.

In total, Russia has shot down 270 helicopters and 17,951 drones since the start of the war, said the defense ministry.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said late last year that the country's forces had received new military systems, which at the time allowed them to shoot down 24 Ukrainian planes in just five days.

A report by TASS news agency said later that Russia had used an S-400 Triumph air defense system, which has a 400km range.

Ukraine's jet fleet is believed to consist mainly of Soviet-era Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters, Su-24 frontline bombers, as well as a handful of Su-25 close air support planes. The country has lost much of its air force during the war with Russia.

Kiev has consistently pursued the acquisition of F-16s from NATO member states, but no deliveries have been made yet.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said earlier this week that the warplanes will appear in skies over Ukraine in midsummer.

Russia has warned the West against sending the nuclear-capable jets to Ukraine, saying the move would be an "unacceptable escalation" of the current conflict.

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Zelenskiy Vows Ukraine Will 'Endure' Amid Relentless Russian Missiles, Drones

By RFE/RL March 31, 2024

Ukraine suffered another night of Russian bombardment, with drones and missiles targeting civilian sites, including energy infrastructure, at several sites across the country, Kyiv's military said, as a defiant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed his country will "endure" despite the ongoing Russian onslaught.

Russia has recently increased its attacks on Ukrainian energy installations, with significant damage reported, sparking fears in Ukraine of a repeat of the power outages they experienced in the winter of 2022-23 when Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing frequent blackouts.

Ukraine's largest private energy firm, DTEK, said on March 30 that five of its six plants had been damaged or destroyed, with 80 percent of its generating capacity lost, and that repairs could take up to 18 months.

"Now there is no night or day when Russian terror does not try to break our lives. Last night, they again fired missiles and Shahed drones against people. But we defend ourselves, we endure, our spirit does not give up and knows that it is possible to avert death. Life can prevail," Zelenskiy wrote in a social media post published on March 31 to coincide with the Easter holiday.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia had launched a total of 16 missiles and 11 drones at Ukraine in the overnight attack. It said the air force had managed to destroy nine of the drones and nine of the missiles.

One person was reported killed in a Russian overnight strike on energy infrastructure in the Lviv region, in western Ukraine, local officials said.

A 19-year-old man was killed in the Kharkiv region, the local governor said, after a projectile hit a gas station.

The latest strikes damaged energy infrastructure in the Odesa region and an agricultural facility in the Kherson region as well. Eight Shahed drones were shot down in the Odesa region by Ukrainian air-defense units, authorities said, with debris from falling drones triggering a fire at a local power plant.

Blackouts were reported in the region. The fire was extinguished, and no injuries were reported, the military said.

In the Kherson region, the Ukrainian military said a dormant agricultural facility was struck in a Russian aerial assault. No injuries were reported.

The latest Russian attack comes as news emerged on March 31 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on routine spring conscription, calling up 150,000 citizens for military service.

In July, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to raise the maximum age at which men can be conscripted to 30 from 27. The new legislation came into effect on January 1.

Compulsory military service has long been a sensitive issue in Russia, where many men go to great lengths to avoid being handed conscription papers during the twice-yearly call-up periods.

Conscripts cannot legally be deployed to fight outside Russia and were exempted from a limited mobilization in 2022 that gathered at least 300,000 men with previous military training to fight in Ukraine -- although some conscripts were sent to the front in error.

In September, Putin signed an order calling up 130,000 people for the autumn campaign and last spring Russia planned to conscript 147,000.

Meanwhile, France will deliver hundreds of old armored vehicles and new surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on March 31.

In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Lecornu said that President Emmanuel Macron, following talks with Zelenskiy, had asked him to prepare a new aid package, which will include old but still functional French equipment.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-defiant- zelenskiy-russia-strikes-endure/32885134.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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Today, we honor the strength of everyone who has withstood, who is fighting and working, and will surely bring freedom to our entire land - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

31 March 2024 - 18:06

Dear Ukrainians!

Two years have already passed since our warriors, all our people, drove the Russian occupiers out of Kyiv region. Borodyanka, Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, Moshchun were places of battle, places where Ukrainians fought for their country, for their lives, for their homes free from evil. Today, we honor the strength of everyone who withstood then, who is fighting now, who is working and who will definitely bring freedom to our entire land, to every city and village of Ukraine that Russia wants to appropriate, but which it will have to give back to Ukrainians. Our people, our spirit, our strength will ensure this. Ukrainians build, not destroy. They save lives, and do not pry into the lives of others insatiably, as Moscow does.

Ukraine will definitely win. The key is not to lose faith in ourselves, in our people, and not to waste a single day when we can contribute to Ukraine's results. That is why Ukraine has risen and will dispel the darkness of captivity. I thank everyone who helps! I thank everyone who is with Ukraine and in Ukraine! I am grateful to our warriors, and for this week's battles I would like to especially mention the 95th brigade, the 79th air assault brigade, the 44th and 55th separate artillery brigades... Thank you, warriors! I am proud of our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Russia Continues Airstrikes on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

By VOA News March 31, 2024

Russia continued intensified airstrikes Sunday on Ukraine's energy infrastructure killing two people and downing power plants that will take months to be restored.

A Russian cruise missile strike on Ukraine's western Lviv region killed a man, destroyed a building and sparked a fire, while in the Kharkiv region, a 19-year-old was killed when a projectile hit a gas station, officials said.

Russia launched 16 missiles and 11 drones across Ukraine in overnight air attacks, Ukraine's air force said Sunday morning.

In a statement on Telegram, the air force said it had managed to down nine of the drones and nine of the missiles. It did not identify their targets.

Hundreds of thousands in Ukraine's Odesa region were left without power Sunday, after debris from a downed Russian drone caused a blaze at an energy facility, Gov. Oleh Kiper said. Some 170,000 homes suffered power outages due to the attack, said Ukraine's largest private electricity operator, DTEK.

DTEK, said Saturday that five of its six plants had been damaged or destroyed with 80% of its generating capacity lost, and that repairs could take up to 18 months.

For over a week, Russia has escalated airstrikes against Ukrainian energy facilities, causing significant damage and threatening Ukrainians with a repeat of blackouts they experienced during the first winter of the full-scale war.

Zelenskyy - Easter message

In a message Sunday marking the date when some of Ukraine's Christians celebrate Easter, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the country to persevere.

"There is not a day or night right now when Russian terror does not try to shatter our lives. Last night, we once again saw rockets and Shaheds [drones] launched against our people," he said.

"We defend ourselves; we persevere; our spirit does not give up and knows that death can be averted. Life can win," Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine's Catholic, Protestant, and some Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter Sunday according to the Gregorian calendar. Ukraine's religious majority, Orthodox Christians, follow the Julian calendar, which in 2024 places Easter on May 5.

In 2023, many of Ukraine's Orthodox Christians began observing Christmas on Dec. 25 in line with the Gregorian calendar, in a move adopted by some of the country's churches to distance themselves from Russia, which follows the Julian calendar that observes Christmas on January 7.

However, the dates for Easter and other religious holidays have so far remained unchanged and in line with the Julian calendar most Orthodox Christians across the world observe.

Pope Easter message - 'why all this death?'

In his traditional Easter message, Pope Francis called for a cease-fire in Ukraine and Gaza making a plea not to "yield to the logic of weapons and rearming."

"Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts," the 87-year-old pontiff said leading Easter Mass at the Vatican in front of thousands, despite concerns over his health.

Putin conscripts

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree calling up 150,000 citizens for statutory military service, a document posted on the Kremlin's website showed Sunday.

In July, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to raise the maximum age of conscripts to 30 instead of 27. The new legislation came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Compulsory military service has long been a sensitive issue in Russia, where many men go to great lengths to avoid being handed conscription papers during the twice-yearly call-up periods.

All men in Russia are required to do a year-long military service, or equivalent training during higher education, from the age of 18.

France - Ukraine military aid

France will deliver hundreds of old armored vehicles and new surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Sunday in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche.

"The Ukrainian army needs to defend a very long front line, which requires armored vehicles; this is absolutely crucial for troop mobility and is part of the Ukrainian requests," Lecornu said.

He said France was looking at providing hundreds of VAB (VAhicule de l'Avant BlindA) front-line troop carriers in 2024 and early 2025.

France's army is gradually replacing its thousands of VABs, which first went into operation in the late 1970s, with a new multi-role troop carrier.

France was also preparing to release a new batch of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles for the SAMP/T system provided to Kyiv.

The Aster 30 can intercept warplanes, drones and cruise missiles within a range of 120 km (about 74.56 mi).

"Ukraine has an urgent need for better ground-air defense ... Russia is intensifying its strikes, in particular on civilians and civil infrastructure," Lecornu said.

France is also speeding up the development of remotely operated ammunition for delivery to Ukraine as early as this summer, Lecornu added.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the new Ukraine aid package, after talks he had with his Ukrainian counterpart, the French defense minister said.

Last month Macron floated the possibility of European nations sending troops to Ukraine, but he cautioned that there was no consensus as allies agreed to ramp up efforts to deliver more munitions to Kyiv.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.

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NEWARK, Del, March 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the hygienic pump and valve market value is expected to rise from US$ 6.7 Billion in 2024 to US$ 12.6 Billion by 2034. This estimated growth is expected to be driven by a CAGR of 6.6% over the next decade.



The hygienic pump and valve industry is driven by the rising demand for hygienic and clean products and the growing demand for reliable pumps and valves in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

The food and beverage industry is a prominent consumer of hygienic pumps and valves. This industry is continuously evolving and growing, which is subsequently increasing the demand for innovative products like hygienic pumps and valves. Further, the growing demand for pumps and valves to manage corrosive and toxic fluids in the biotech and pharmaceutical companies is raising the markets value.

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Surging need for reliable and efficient pumps and valves is a crucial driver that is expected to motivate constant technological advancements by key players.

Key Takeaways from the Hygienic Pump and Valve Market Report:

By pump type, the centrifugal pump segment is projected to rise at a CAGR of 6.2% through 2034.

through 2034. Based on valve type, the single-seat valves segment is expected to register a CAGR of 6% over the forecast period.

over the forecast period. In the United States, the hygienic pump and valve market is expected to be valued at US$ 2.2 Billion by 2034. Over the forecast period, the market is projected to increase at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2034.

by 2034. Over the forecast period, the market is projected to increase at a CAGR of through 2034. The China hygienic pump and valve market is estimated to be worth US$ 1.9 Billion by 2034. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% through 2034.

by 2034. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of through 2034. In Japan, the hygienic pump and valve industry is forecasted to reach a valuation of US$ 1.3 Billion by 2034.



Manufacturers are focusing on enhancing the designs and materials of hygienic pumps and valves to elevate their functionality and utilization among end users,  opines Nikhil Kaitwade, Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights (FMI).

Competitive Landscape:

Industry participants are launching innovative products made of advanced materials and focusing on smart features and automation to refine their line of hygienic pumps and valves. Additionally, players are adjusting their offerings to meet the demands of pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and bioprocessing industries. Leading competitors are further concentrating on geographical expansions and strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand their product offerings.

Market players are zeroing in on building strong brand recognition and providing customer-centric solutions to increase sales of hygienic pumps and valves. Additionally, players are adhering to stringent safety and hygiene regulations like GMP and FDA standards to gain customer access and customer trust.

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Major Manufacturers of Hygienic Pump and Valve Market:

Alfa Laval AB

Ampco Pumps Company

Dixon Valve & Coupling Company, LLC

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft

Dover Corporation

IDEX Corporation

Holland Applied Technologies, Inc.

KSB SE & Co. KGaA

Tapflo Group

SPX Corporation

Others



Recent Advancements in the Hygienic Pump and Valve Market:

In April 2022, Unibloc Pump, which is a global leader in producing highly engineered products and positive displacement pumps for challenging hygienic flow control applications rebranded to Unibloc Hygienic Technologies (UHT). The rebranding proceeds the companys expansion of hygienic flow control brands, via its acquisition of standard pumps and flotronic pumps.

In July 2023, Verder unveiled a line of perfect hygienic double diaphragm pumps, called the Verderair HC-PURE series. The HC-PURE pumps are engineered for uncompromising durability and optimal cleanability.

Curious about our Methodology? Request the Report Methodology Now! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/request-report-methodology/rep-gb-19154

Hygienic Pump and Valve Market Segmentation Analysis:

By Pump Type:

Centrifugal Pump

Positive Displacement Pump

Others



By Valve Type:

Single-Seat Valves

Double-Seat Valves

Butterfly Valves

Diaphragm Valves

Control Valves

Others

By Material Type:

Stainless Steel

Copper

Bronze



By Hygiene Class:

Aseptic

Standard

Ultraclean



By Application:

Pharmaceutical

Food

Cosmetics

Fine Chemistry

Others



By Region:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Latin America



About the Industrial Automation Division at Future Market Insights

The industrial automation team at Future Market Insights offers expert analysis, time-efficient research, and strategic recommendations to provide authentic insights and accurate results to help clients worldwide. With over 100+ reports and one Billion+ data points, the team has analyzed the industry lucidly in 50+ countries for over a decade. The team briefly analyzes key trends, including competitive landscape, profit margin, and research development efforts.

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 Future Market Insights, Inc. Extensive Coverage in Industrial Automation Domain:

The industrial valve market is expected to be valued at around US$ 123.05 Billion by 2034.

The global ESD valve market size is estimated to reach US$ 581.9 Million by 2034.

The North America residential ball valves market will grow at a CAGR of 5.6%, reaching a valuation of US$ 554.1 Million in 2032.

The expansion valves market is projected to total US$ 17.4 Billion in 2033.

The global electronic expansion valves market size is expected to reach US$ 1.6 Billion by 2032.

The valve remote control systems market is expected to reach US$ 15.1 Billion by the end of 2033.

The global stainless steel control valve market is predicted to attain a valuation of US$ 1,066.0 Million by 2033.

The Global safety valve market is projected to reach US$ 10.0 Billion by 2033.

The foot suction valve market is expected to increase from US$ 269.5 Million in 2024 to US$ 491.8 Million in 2034.

The global drum pump market is projected to be valued around US$ 927.8 Million by 2033.

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 UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and market analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

Contact Us:

Nandini Singh Sawlani
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Basseterre, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Investment Gateway Summit in St. Kitts and Nevis presents Middle Eastern high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) an exclusive opportunity to venture into green energy investments.

St. Kitts and Nevis is set to make a significant impact on the global stage as it hosts the prestigious Investment Gateway Summit from 11 to 15 May. As the summit welcomes Middle Eastern HNWIs and top institutional investors worldwide, it presents a unique opportunity for collaboration and investment in renewable energy projects.

St. Kitts and Nevis is going beyond conventional expectations by prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship. The decision to focus on green energy initiatives aligns with the nation's goal of reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable future.

This exclusive gathering of global investors is not only a showcase of the nation's economic potential but also a testament to its commitment towards green energy initiatives.

By exploring numerous opportunities and engaging in collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders, investors can play a significant role in driving sustainable energy development both regionally and globally.

A chance to connect with other industry leaders

The Summit will host networking events and forums where Middle Eastern investors can connect with industry experts, policymakers, and fellow investors. These interactions will foster collaboration and partnership opportunities in the green energy sector.

Workshops and panel discussions will focus on different subjects including green energy investment trends, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements providing valuable insights for Middle Eastern investors. Collaborative sessions will also encourage knowledge exchange and idea sharing among participants.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Government is pushing towards creating a green economy and attracting more investments to manufacture solar panels, other parts for the solar industry, and geothermal energy to create more high-paying green jobs for its citizens. Geothermal energy promises to make St. Kitts and Nevis the first nation independent of fossil fuels for electricity generation, marking it the greenest place on earth. With new ambitions on their way, the twin-federation has a fantastic opportunity for investors in the renewable energy sector.

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By Baek Byung-yeul

Samsung Electronics regained the leading position in global smartphone sales just five months after ceding it to Apple. The comeback is credited to the robust performance of its new AI-powered Galaxy S24 smartphones, according to industry officials and data, Monday.

Samsung ceded the No. 1 position to Apple in September last year, but the Galaxy 24, which features a range of AI functions, has seen a positive response in the market since its debut in January.

In February, Samsung sold 19.69 million smartphones, capturing a 20 percent market share, beating Apple, which sold 17.41 million phones for an 18 percent share, according to data from market researcher Counterpoint Research.

Analysts attributed Samsung's return to the No. 1 spot to robust sales in the United States and European markets.

"It is encouraging that Samsung regained the top spot by achieving a 20 percent global share with a positive response to the Galaxy S24 series in the U.S. and Europe," Kim Rok-ho, a researcher at Hana Securities, said.

The manufacturer of the Galaxy series of smartphones maintained its top spot in the European market with a 34 percent share. Additionally, it experienced a notable surge in its share of the U.S. market, traditionally dominated by Apple products, rising to 36 percent from 20 percent in January. Apple's share of the U.S. market fell from 64 percent to 48 percent over the same period.

On an annual basis, Samsung lost the top spot in global smartphone market share in terms of shipments to Apple last year, for the first time in 13 years. According to market research firm IDC, Apple captured a 20.1 percent share in 2023, surpassing Samsung, whose share declined to 19.4 percent from 21.7 percent in 2022.

To reverse the situation, Samsung launched the S24 smartphone in January, featuring AI functions and enhanced camera capabilities. Data showed that by the end of February, the company had sold 6.53 million units of the device globally.

The AI features that Samsung Electronics introduced in the Galaxy S24 include real-time translation of 13 languages during calls and the Circle to Search function, which enables users to search by drawing a circle on the screen.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera was recently named the world's best phone camera by U.S.-based Consumer Reports magazine. The monthly magazine, published by a non-profit organization called Consumers Union, gave the Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera a score of 87, beating the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which scored 86. Also, the Galaxy S24 Plus, which was launched alongside the Galaxy S24 Ultra, came in third with a score of 85 points.
Basseterre, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Investment Gateway Summit taking place in St. Kitts and Nevis, presents an exclusive opportunity for African high-net-worth individuals (HWNIs) to have a unique experience to connect, celebrate and collaborate with like-minded global investors from 11 to 15 May.

Among those confirmed to attend are renowned leaders representing leading sectors in Africa. Notable figures from industries such as telecommunications, finance, energy, and agriculture have registered to participate in this exclusive event.

This remarkable five-day event will offer individuals the chance to gather for networking and interaction with industry leaders, featuring lively workshops, engaging panel discussions, cultural exhibitions, and a firsthand experience of the vibrant spirit of St. Kitts and Nevis.

These African investors will have the invaluable opportunity to broaden their international networking connections as they join hundreds of global citizens, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from key regions such as America, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UAE, and China at the summit. This convergence of diverse perspectives and expertise promises to facilitate cross-border collaborations, foster strategic partnerships, and unlock new avenues for growth and investment on a global scale.

Connect, Celebrate, Collaborate with economic citizens

This Summit marks a pioneering milestone as the first of its kind globally, attracting African HNWIs, proud local and economic citizens, global investors, C-Suite executives, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, prospective St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) applicants, as well as local CBI Authorised Agents and International Marketing Agents.

Furthermore, each day of the Summit is designed for African investors to immerse themselves in discussions with the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Government officials and explore the countrys attractions. The detailed agenda includes exhibits, interactive conferences and panel discussions.

African HNWIs can enquire about becoming exhibitors or sponsors of the Summit to connect with other African HNWIs with St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship, acquired through the CBI Programme. This will be a unique opportunity to create new partnerships via projects within the twin-federation and share visionary ideas.

St. Kitts and Nevis is prepared to welcome African HNWIs, entrepreneurs, highly talented Africans, prospective African CBI applicants and C-Suite African businesspeople to the country of possibilities and prosperity.

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LONDON, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forget your deep fried Mars bar or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the latest crazy culinary combo doing the rounds in the UK is milk and crisps.



The newest snack brand from PepsiCo, Extra Flamin Hot, went on sale in the UK last week. The hot new flavour, available across the Walkers MAX, Doritos and Wotsits Crunchy range, has been given spicy reviews by some snack lovers for whom the heat has proved too much.

To douse rising temperatures, Extra Flamin Hot bosses have decided to sell milk miniatures alongside the snacksalthough readers should bear in mind that the news is being released on April Fools Day where members of the public, alongside organisations and brands, play pranks on the public.

The Not Extra Flamin Hot Milk will hit the shelves today (Monday 1st April), and be on sale for as long it takes for the British taste buds to mature to the spice, said Dalila FopsRoy, Head of Brand Innovation.

With its spice-neutralising properties, milk was chosen as an antidote to the heat of Extra Flamin Hot crisps. Milk contains a protein called casein, which can break down capsaicin in the same way that soap cuts through grease, said Dr Paolo Salify, Extra Flamin Hots Director of Heat Transference.

To accompany the April Fools prank, Extra Flamin Hot has undertaken (real) research to show the parts of the country that can handle the heat of the spicy new snack. It shows that those from Glasgow are the biggest lovers of spice in the UK, with two thirds (67%) claiming to either like or love spicy food. Meanwhile those in Belfast, Northern Ireland like it the least - 41% have either a low, or no tolerance to spicy food.

Dr Salify continued: We have been considering a milk miniature to sell alongside Extra Flamin Hot Wotsits Crunchy, Doritos and Walkers MAX for some time. With the arrival of this new data, we decided to expedite that decision and get it on the shelves as quickly as possible.

Not Extra Flamin Hot Milk will go on sale initially in Belfast, and a nationwide rollout is expected to come in the coming days and weeksor not!

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4d4e65f-8cb3-48b3-8247-628f0f7e7b36

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf6eb5a3-fb12-44c7-85e1-082d9357f384
Dublin, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Self-Monitoring Devices, Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.





Market Expansion Driven by Rising Diabetes Prevalence



The global market for blood glucose monitoring devices is undergoing a significant growth phase with projections setting the market size at USD 23.21 billion by 2030. This strong expansion, expected to progress at a CAGR of 8.25% from 2024 to 2030, can be attributed to the increase in diabetes prevalence worldwide. These medical devices are crucial for patients with diabetes and the healthcare professionals who manage their care, allowing for quick and convenient self-monitoring of blood glucose levels.



Technological Advancements Leading the Way



Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are at the forefront of this technological revolution, offering real-time, continuous analysis of glucose levels, which greatly assists diabetic individuals in managing their condition. Efforts to create a healthier population are also influencing growth, with lifestyle changes and increasing awareness of the risks of obesitya significant risk factor for diabetesplaying pivotal roles in the market expansion.



Regional Market Insights



North America is poised to maintain a dominant position in the market due to favorable reimbursement scenarios, local industry players' strong presence, and governmental initiatives supporting diabetes care. As of 2023, North America holds the largest revenue share and continues to be a hub of innovation and growth in the field of blood glucose monitoring.



Segmental Analysis Highlights Key Areas of Growth



Self-monitoring devices emerge as the leading segment, capturing the market's largest revenue share, driven by the high use and affordance of testing strips as an integral part of diabetes management regimes. Looking forward, continuous blood glucose monitoring devices are slated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Furthermore, the home care end-use segment is anticipated to grow rapidly, reflecting the increased preference for and accessibility of self-care diabetes management options.



Impact of Global Health Dynamics on Market Trends



The rising global incidence of diabetes remains a powerful catalyst for the demand for monitoring devices. With organizations like the International Diabetes Federation spearheading awareness and support initiatives, there is an expected upsurge in market growth linked to health campaigns and funding. As healthcare providers and patients increasingly seek efficient, accurate monitoring solutions, the impetus for innovation and advancement in blood glucose monitoring technology is clear. The global market outlook suggests a continuing reliance on these devices, coupled with a commitment to improving diabetic care and outcomes through technological advancements and accessibility to vital monitoring tools.



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 110 Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $13.43 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $23.21 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.2% Regions Covered Global

Companies Featured

Abbott

Medtronic plc

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG

LifeScan IP Holdings, LLC

Dexcom, Inc

SANOFI

Lilly (Elly Lilly and Company)

B Braun SE

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/iwz4q1

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Plastic Pipes Market, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Demand for Plastic Pipes on the Rise in Anticipation of Booming Infrastructure Development

The Saudi Arabia plastic pipes market is poised for significant growth over the next five years, thanks to an aggressive infrastructure push by the Saudi government. These advancements are in line with the country's mega projects, including the Riyadh Metro, King Abdullah Economic City, and the Red Sea Development Project, which all require extensive plastic piping systems for water supply, sewage, and drainage. The robust growth in market size is expected to be reflected in the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) recorded during the forecast period of 2024-2028.





Strong Government Initiatives Fuel Market Expansion



The Saudi Arabian government's commitment to infrastructure development has been a key catalyst for the plastic pipes market. Large-scale urban development plans are underway, aiming to transform cities like Riyadh into one of the top 10 largest cities globally by 2030. Additionally, the efforts to enhance the country's energy sector through projects by Saudi Aramco are set to attract further opportunities, thereby boosting market growth. A notable initiative includes the increase in oil production capacity to 13 million barrels per day by 2027 and a more than 50% rise in gas production by 2030.



Residential and Commercial Construction to Intensify Demand



The construction boom isn't limited to mega projectsthe residential, commercial, and industrial building sectors in Saudi Arabia are also experiencing rapid growth, consequently increasing the demand for plastic pipes. The government's push for modern water and energy infrastructure only adds to the mounting need for reliable plastic pipes.



Local Availability of Raw Materials a Key Growth Driver



The Saudi plastic pipes market benefits from the local availability of key raw materials, such as PVC resin, ensuring a reliable supply chain. The inherent advantages of plastic pipes, including durability, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness, also contribute to their popularity in the region.



Sustainability and Desalination Efforts to Sustain Market Vigor



With one of the world's highest water consumption rates, Saudi Arabia's initiatives in desalination are projected to heighten the demand for PVC materials. The transport of desalinated water relies heavily on PVC pipes, further underlining the demand in the market.



A Snapshot of Market Participants



The market features key players such as Saudi Plastic Products Company Ltd. (SAPPCO), Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), and several others who contribute significantly to the market's development. These players are responding to the country's needs through their broad range of offerings encompassing various pipe types and applications.



Future Outlook: A Thriving Market



The Saudi Arabia plastic pipes market is segmented across type, end-user, diameter, and region, representing a comprehensive landscape of the market. The increased attention to sustainable and technologically advanced cities, like the anticipated Neom city project, will continue to drive demand for plastic pipes. These factors combine to envision a thriving future for the plastic pipes market in Saudi Arabia through to 2028.



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 84 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.37 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $3.43 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 16.5% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

Saudi Plastic Products Company Ltd. (SAPPCO)

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation

New Products Industries Co Ltd

Arabian Gulf Manufacturers Ltd

Al Watania Plastics

Munir Munif Plastic Factory

Almona Plastic Product Company Ltd. Co

Arabian Plastic Manufacturing Company Ltd

Saudi Plastic Products Company Ltd. (SAPPCO)

Hepworth

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/akgjx1

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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WEST CHESTER, Pa., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A. Duie Pyle (Pyle), a premier, family-owned and operated provider of asset and non-asset-based supply chain solutions, proudly announces its 100th anniversary. This significant milestone marks a century of unparalleled service, innovation and perseverance in the logistics and transportation industry. Founded on the principles of hard work, integrity and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Pyle has grown from a humble beginning started with just one used truck into a dominant force in the supply chain solutions sector.



Over the decades, Pyle has navigated through numerous economic cycles and technological changes, always emerging stronger and more committed to its core values. From its early days of hauling goods for local businesses in Chester County, Pennsylvania, to becoming a comprehensive logistics provider with a vast network across the Northeastern United States, Pyle's journey is a testament to the vision and perseverance of its founders, Alexander Duie and Mary Ellen Pyle, and the generations that followed.

In celebration of its centennial year, Pyle is reflecting on its rich history while looking forward to the future with innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. The company credits its success to its dedicated employees, loyal customers, long-term vendors and the guiding principles that have remained constant throughout its history.

"Reaching the 100-year milestone is humbling for all of us at A. Duie Pyle. It's a testament to the resilience, hard work and stewardship that runs deep in our company's culture, said Peter Latta, chairman and CEO of Pyle, reflecting on this landmark achievement. As we celebrate, we also look ahead to the future with excitement for the opportunities and challenges it holds. We remain committed to delivering exceptional service and solutions to our customers, driven by our core values and the incredible team we call the Pyle People."

The company has planned a series of events throughout the year to commemorate its 100th anniversary, including customer appreciation activities, employee recognition events and community service projects, all designed to celebrate the past and inspire the future.

As Pyle looks to its next century, the company remains dedicated to its mission of providing industry-leading supply chain solutions, maintaining the highest standards of service and upholding the family values that have been its cornerstone since 1924.

"A. Duie Pyle's centennial is not just about reflecting on our past accomplishments, but also about envisioning the future of logistics and how we can continue to lead and innovate, said Frank Granieri, COO of supply chain solutions at Pyle. We're excited to embark on the next chapter of our journey, building on our legacy of success and continuing to drive the industry forward."

For historical photos from the past century of A. Duie Pyle, please see this Google Drive folder.

For more information on A. Duie Pyle, visit www.aduiepyle.com.

About A. Duie Pyle

A. Duie Pyle is a premier provider of asset and non-asset-based supply chain solutions offering a full range of integrated transportation and distribution services including LTL, Contract Dedicated, Warehousing, and Brokerage Solutions. Headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Pyle has been family-owned and operated since 1924 and remains committed to its core values of integrity, service first and empathy. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer service and supporting the growth and success of its employees, A. Duie Pyle continues to lead the way in the logistics industry.

Media Contact

Matt Greenfield

Uproar PR for A. Duie Pyle

mgreenfield@uproarpr.com
New York, NY, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Matrix Applications LLC (Matrix), a financial technology and operational solutions provider for the capital markets, is proud to announce the launch of Transparence, a back office processing solution for equity finance operations.

Since 2000, Matrix has delivered transformative industry solutions such as TradeBlazer, a fixed income post-trade collateral management platform, Managed Services, an outsourced back office for securities trade support, and MarginCalculator, a simple solution for FINRA Rule 4210 compliance. Today, the company is adding Transparence to its mix of comprehensive solutions for broker/dealers and clearing firms.

Leveraging decades of experience, the team at Matrix developed Transparence to address the unique challenges faced by financial firms, notably those interested in expanding into stock loan, but do not have the expertise or technology to build out the operational support necessary to sustain the business. The platform will enhance transparency around lending rates and allow firms to generate a new revenue line without having to hire additional personnel to support it.

Transparence solves many challenges faced by the securities lending industry, empowering market players to automate, manage risk and grow their business with confidence," commented Anthony Venditti, Head of Strategic Initiatives & Sales at South Street Securities Holdings, Inc.

Transparence offers a unique suite of features tailored to streamline stock loan transactions, including front office management tools, automated borrows/loans, multiple views of your lending portfolio and real-time interaction for settlement and clearance. Key benefits include:

Advanced Automation: reducing manual intervention from existing operational personnel at the firm. Scalability & Flexibility: offering scalability and flexibility to accommodate diverse needs and evolving portfolio sizes. Industry Guidance: partnering with experts to help achieve your goals in a complex industry landscape. Risk Management: leveraging Lemur, a simple and effective risk management solution powered by Matrix.

The platform highlights the demand in a changing industry landscape, where technology and innovation are creating more opportunity in stock loan for small to medium sized institutions. This offering removes many hurdles, such as finding the right talent and technology, for securities lending in todays world.

Matrix is constantly innovating and evolving, shared Stephen Mellert, Managing Director of Business Development at Matrix Applications, Transparence is reconfirming our commitment to build efficient, transparent and cost-effective solutions.

To learn more, please visit www.transparence.ai or reach out to sales@matrixapps.com.

About Matrix Applications

Matrix Applications is a New York-based fintech service bureau that offers a suite of collateral management, margining and clearing systems for institutional fixed income trading and equities securities lending. We are a team of capital markets and systems professionals delivering financial technology solutions to institutional firms since 2000. We work hands-on with our clients to identify an optimal mix of services to best fit their needs, from systems to back-office operations assistance. With in-house and offshore developers, we provide our clients with the right solution at the right price. Comprised of industry veterans and financial professionals, we leverage our extensive technical experience, a deep network across the finance industry and a team of ops, regulatory and legal gurus to deliver bespoke managed services for firms big and small.

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MONTREAL, QC, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westland Insurance is pleased to announce the launch of its Quebec brand Globalex Assurances (Globalex). This launch is a strategic effort that recognizes the unique culture in Quebec. By having a dedicated brand for the region, Globalex can better address the specific expectations of its Quebec clients.



Westland Insurance entered the Quebec market in January 2021 and since then has welcomed several Quebec brokerages to the Westland Insurance Group, including three prominent brokerages: Axxium Assurance, Assurances R. Legault, and Niche Assurance. All three will now operate under the Globalex Assurances brand.

By rebranding its Quebec operations as Globalex, Westland Insurance aims to enhance its presence in the province through both acquisitions and organic growth to cater to the evolving needs of its clients. The Globalex brand represents professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to meeting both local and global insurance needs. This move also sets the stage for Globalex to expand its footprint in Quebec.

"Were excited to introduce the Globalex Assurances brand to Quebec," said Jamie Lyons, President & CEO of Westland Insurance. "This rebrand reflects our dedication to providing exceptional insurance services to our clients in the province. With our expanded presence and resources, were confident in our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Quebec residents and businesses."

Now that weve launched Globalex, we plan to expand our Quebec operations to serve more clients across the province, said Robert Beauchamp, VP, Quebec. By rebranding our Quebec operations, were better positioned to grow both organically and by acquisition. This new brand certainly represents new and interesting alternatives to the available options currently in Quebec.

As part of this rebrand, Westland MyGroup will now be known as Westland MonGroupe in Quebec. This change aligns with the company's commitment to maintaining a strong local presence while leveraging the global expertise and resources of the Westland Insurance network.

Globalex is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for existing clients of Axxium Assurance, Assurances R. Legault and Niche Assurance. Clients can expect the same high level of service and expertise they have come to rely on, now under the Globalex Assurances brand.

For more information about Globalex and its insurance offerings in Quebec, please visit globalexassurances.ca or contact Robert Beauchamp at rbeauchamp@westlandinsurance.ca.

- 30 -

About Globalex Assurances:

Globalex, a subsidiary of Westland Insurance, is a leading insurance provider in Quebec known for its professionalism, expertise, and dedication to meeting the insurance needs of clients both locally and globally. With a strong focus on client service and tailored solutions, Globalex is committed to delivering exceptional insurance experiences. For more information, visit globalexassurances.ca/en

About Westland Insurance Group:

Westland Insurance Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing independent insurance brokers in Canada. Trading over $3 billion of premium, Westland continues to expand coast to coast. Westland's brokers provide expertise and advisory-based services across commercial, personal, employee benefits, farm, and specialty insurance segments. Since its founding in 1980, Westland has remained committed to supporting its clients, industry partners, and local communities. For more information, please visit westlandinsurance.ca.

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Red Deer, Alberta, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With care at the heart of Western Financial Groups (Western) business, Canadas insurance broker seals its commitment to local communities where our staff and customers live, work, and give back. Whether a large urban centre or small rural town, Western wants to be where our customers are. Thats why were proud to announce the grand opening of our new, redesigned branch in Red Deer on April 3.

All communities where we do business are important to us. Weve been listening to our customers and they expect us to offer them a choice of ways to reach us and products to fit their needs so that buying insurance is easy, allowing them to feel secure that Western has their backs and is accessible in case something should go wrong, said Western Financial Group President and CEO, Kenny Nicholls. As an organization that started out in the small town of High River more than 100 years ago, we understand the importance of supporting local communities by meeting the insurance needs of the people and businesses that live there, helping local economies by employing their residents, stimulating business in these communities, and supporting local causes through our Foundation.

Since 2001, Western Financial Group Community Foundation has given back $9 million in support of local communities across Canada.

The new branch has an updated look and feel, with a more open, accessible layout to better serve our customers. The branch hours are 8:30pm-5pm, Monday through Friday.

Grand opening details (photo opp):

DATE: April 3, 2024

TIME: 12pm-2pm

WHERE: 120, 4925 30 Street, Red Deer

WHO: Kenny Nicholls, Western Financial Group President and CEO

Nancy Green-Bolton, Chief Financial and Risk Officer

Jeff Zanolli, Vice President, Sales

Red Deer City Officials

WHAT: Red Deer City Officials and members of Western Financial Leadership Team will engage in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of Westerns latest branch opening.

Western Financial Group Inc.

Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western Financial Group is a diversified insurance services company focused on creating security and peace of mind and has provided over one million Canadians with the proper protection for over 100 years. Western is committed to community service, customer service, innovation, growth, and people while providing personal and business insurance through our engaged team of over 2,000 people in over 200 locations, affiliates, and various connected channels.

Since the very beginning, supporting our local communities has guided everything we do - its who we are. In 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation (our non-profit charity) was created as a way for our team members to give back and positively impact the people and pride in the places where we live, work and play  to date we have invested over $9 million back into our communities.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company.
LISTING LINK : https://www.premiersothebysrealty.com/single-family/clm/car4115197/4800-pax-hill-road-morganton-nc-28655



DROPBOX : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/t83ck5aykg9cbnpx2u69s/h?rlkey=j3xabh1dwwf73lwvlmkxnvsyu&dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Timberlakes Media

MORGANTON, N.C., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A prestigious estate set within the heart of North Carolinas pristine landscape, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has entered the market for $5,900,000. Located at 4800 Pax Hill Road, the property known as Double C sits on almost 300 acres in the foothills of Morganton. It is the most expensive offering in the history of the town and the most expensive professional equestrian estate in North Carolina. The listing is marketed exclusively by Julie Breedlove of Premier Sothebys International Realtys Charlotte office. Details may be viewed here.



Double C Acres was built with a vision and desire to create one of the most exquisite show-horse facilities on the East Coast with thought given to the training and breeding of world champions. Currently home to the communitys most successful homegrown farm-to-table beef. Owners Bob and Joyce Cassata, renowned for their company Bob's Space Racers, brought their signature creativity and passion to this extraordinary land. Bob's Space Racers is celebrated for manufacturing amusement and arcade games, including the iconic Whac-A-Mole.

With over 1,600 feet of breathtaking Johns River frontage and miles of board-fenced pastures, it offers an idyllic setting for both recreational and professional pursuits. The estate features the largest show and breeding barn in the state, boasting an impressive 32 stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas. Additionally, the farm holds more than 70 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) and 32 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) world titles, including the most awarded mare in each associations history.

Quotes:

While there is only one other equestrian property on the market in the state with 200+ acres, it pales in comparison to the grandeur and elegance of Double C Acres. This exceptional acreage is a piece of North Carolinas beloved heritage, meticulously designed and crafted to cater to the most discerning equestrians desires with unparalleled amenities, beauty and limitless opportunity.

- Julie Breedlove, Premier Sothebys International Realty



About Premier Sothebys International Realty

Headquartered in Naples, Florida, Premier Sothebys International Realty has over 1,400 sales professionals in 40 locations throughout Florida and North Carolina. Premier Sothebys International Realty also benefits from an association with the storied Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. The brokerage was founded by The Lutgert Companies, a prominent member of Southwest Floridas business community since 1964, and is proudly associated with Peerage Realty Partners. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com .

Media Contact:

Elise Ramer

Premier Sothebys International Realty

elise.ramer@premiersir.com

P: 941.587.0257

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b25d3c20-ab05-4965-ac00-ea7132c20fb2
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A peer-reviewed study released on Friday, March 29, by the national publication The American Surgeon reported that after consolidation of two Level 1 trauma centers in the Appalachian Highlands, the rate of deaths among patients who were the highest level of trauma activation (requiring surgery in the first 24 hours and admission to the surgical intensive care unit) decreased by almost 24%.

The study concluded the decrease in the rate of deaths was significant, and it also concluded that, irrespective of the level of injury, patients in the post consolidation group, regardless of level of trauma activation, required decreased incidence of discharge to other care facilities, such as rehabilitation or skilled nursing. For the highest acuity patients, or those requiring an ICU admission and surgical intervention, the percentage of patients requiring discharge to a post-acute care facility declined from 47% to 36%, a total decrease of 23.4%. The study found the decrease in patients requiring discharge to post-acute facilities was statistically significant.

In terms of lives, the reduction in the rate of deaths equates to hundreds of lives saved due to the successful consolidation of the regions two Level 1 trauma centers.

The peer-reviewed study reviewed the care provided to nearly 6,700 patients at the Level 1 Trauma Center at Johnson City Medical Center from January 2017 (pre-consolidation) through Jan. 31, 2022 (post-consolidation), reviewing outcomes by level and severity of trauma. It found the patients with the highest likelihood of death due to severity had significantly improved survival rates post-consolidation.

The authors of the study stated that, to our knowledge, a study assessing the impact of trauma center consolidation on adult trauma patients had yet to be performed. Referring to previous studies that state higher-volume trauma centers are likely to lead to better outcomes, the most recent results appear to validate that, for higher-acuity patients most at-risk for death or complications, higher-volume facilities with depth in specialty coverage and experience have a better likelihood of survival and a positive outcome.

In 2018, Ballad Health, in partnership with the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, assembled an advisory group of physicians and community leaders to review the trauma system and make recommendations on how to improve care for the residents of the Appalachian Highlands. Assisted by national experts, the advisory group recommended consolidation of the regions two Level 1 trauma centers into one at Johnson City Medical Center, while maintaining Level 3 trauma services at Holston Valley Medical Center and Bristol Regional Medical Center. Additionally, the advisory group recommended the creation of a regional system of trauma care, girded by a regional communications system that would coordinate the placement of patients to the appropriate level of trauma care based on the assessed injury of the patient.

Ballad Health and ETSU Quillen College of Medicine accepted the recommendation of the advisory group and partnered to implement the recommendation, which was initiated in October 2019.



Led by ETSU Quillen College of Medicine professor and practicing surgeon Dr. Bracken Burns, who serves as the director of the trauma program, the physicians, clinical staff and leadership teams of Ballad Health and East Tennessee State University collaborated to create the regional trauma system in October 2019.

After conducting an in-depth review of the Level 1 Trauma Center at Johnson City Medical Center in July 2021, the State of Tennessee concluded that, Johnson City Medical Center has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to care for the injured patient. The hospital administration has shown significant support of this endeavor and the institution and trauma program have made investments and changes resulting in significant growth.

In the state report, experts cited Ballad Healths:

Response times to trauma activations, noted in the study as excellent

24/7 coverage of required surgical specialties

Appropriate nurse ratios in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with immediate access to support services

Consolidation of air-medical transport services and centralization of trauma traffic

Significant growth in community outreach and injury prevention

Significant increase in research publications

Following the state report, national organizations began recognizing the improved trauma care, with Johnson City Medical Center being named by Quantros, Inc. as the No. 1 hospital in the state for patient safety in trauma care in its 2024 CareChex awards.

The release of this peer-reviewed study lends additional credibility to the previous surveys by the state and national organizations, which have concluded that more lives are being saved in our region due to the hard work of our clinical teams throughout Ballad Health and ETSUs Quillen College of Medicine, said Kenny Shafer, CEO of Johnson City Medical Center.

Excellent trauma care is a team effort from every corner of our region, said Ballad Health Chairman and CEO Alan Levine. From the exceptional work of emergency medical services in our 29 counties to the air-transport teams, to the high-volume teams at our Level 3 trauma centers  and to the clinical team at Johnson City Medical Center  the Ballad Health Trauma Network is a national example for how a trauma system should operate. It is no surprise to us that we have seen such a significant improvement in the survival rate of patients suffering from traumatic injuries in our region. This was the basis of the decision we made to consolidate trauma services in 2019, and it was the right decision.

Dr. Bill Block, Dean of the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, added, I am immensely proud of the work of the ETSU Health trauma team and thankful for Ballad Healths support. These results would not have happened without all of us working together.

The only thing surprising about the results of the study is the significance of the improvement in survival rates for the patients most likely to die from their injuries, said Dr. Burns. We expected improvement in mortality rates, and we expected to see fewer patients transferred out. But the significance of the improvement is stunning and is a result I think experts will point to as support for the regionalization of trauma care.

Dr. Burns added, I am very proud of our team, all of whom care deeply about the survival of our patients. The bottom line is that consolidation of trauma services into a single Level 1 Trauma Center in a rural health system led to higher trauma volume and higher acuity of patients, but most importantly, it led to decreased mortality for the most severely injured trauma patients. This is something our region should be proud of; we certainly are.

Dr. Clay Runnels, a practicing emergency room physician and chief physician executive at Ballad Health, said, The partnership between Ballad Health and ETSU is so important to our region. The opportunities to deliver high-quality healthcare while learning and sharing with our academic and professional colleagues is special. The beneficiaries of this are the patients I see in our emergency department, and Im proud of our entire team and our partnership.

President of ETSU and Lead Independent Director of the Board of Ballad Health, Dr. Brian Noland, echoed the opinions of the importance of research and outcomes produced by the partnership between Ballad Health and ETSU.

Our mutual goals are to improve the lives of the people throughout the Appalachian Highlands. We are committed to making these important decisions based on evidence and what will lead to positive outcomes for our region, Noland said. As this study decisively demonstrates, our communities are benefitting from the regionalization of trauma care and more people are alive today because of it.

The statistically significant reduction in the necessity for patients requiring the utilization of post-acute care facilities has saved taxpayers, employers and insurers, millions of dollars thus reducing the cost of healthcare while leading to better outcomes in the Appalachian Highlands.

More information about Ballad Healths trauma services is available at www.balladhealth.org/trauma.

###

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.
By Lee Min-hyung

Stellantis Korea will focus on regaining customers' trust and improving its brand identity to survive in the ever-toughening market competition here, the car company's new head said Monday.

Two major brands from the firm's portfolio are Jeep and Peugeot. The company's leader said it will take gradual steps to recover its overall brand image as part of its major management strategy this year.

"We will prioritize restoration of customers' trust in 2024, rather than pushing for any aggressive sales expansion campaigns," Stellantis Korea Managing Director Bang Sil told reporters during a press conference.

The remark came amid the deepening polarization of the local car industry. In Korea, domestic players such as Hyundai Motor and Kia and only a small group of German luxury carmakers have achieved noteworthy sales growth in the past few years. Other imported carmakers are, on the other hand, struggling to rev up their sluggish sales.

But the head of Stallantis Korea displayed confidence in attracting more customers with its iconic SUV lineup.

"The Korean car market comes with challenges and opportunities for us," she said. "Even if Korean carmakers and some German premium brands expand their footing here, I would say that Jeep and Peugeot still have enough room for growth, as was shown by strong customer demand for SUVs and hybrid vehicles."

She added, "Customers' tastes are getting more and more diversified, so they have cravings for other choices."

Targeting the demand, Jeep plans to launch the Avenger, its first-ever all-electric SUV, in the latter half of this year, and Peugeot is also set to release its mild hybrid version of the 308 compact vehicle.

Stellantis Korea also promised to build a more systemic maintenance infrastructure for its brands here. To that end, the company will build more sophisticated electric vehicle (EV) repair centers and partner with local educational institutions to train more technicians amid the ongoing market paradigm shift driven by electrification.

"Products are the most important part to improve our brand image," Bang said. "We are in internal review to build a sales portfolio that best represents the identity of our Jeep and Peugeot brands."
Investview Reports Gross Revenue of $72.9 Million, an increase of 9.4%, and Net Income from Operations of $4.6 Million, an increase of 153.5% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.



Haverford, PA, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investview, Inc. (OTCQB: INVU), a diversified financial technology (FinTech) company that provides financial education tools, content and research, through a global distribution network; digital asset products and services that support blockchain technologies and Bitcoin mining operations; and, which is developing a retail brokerage and financial markets business that plans to offer investors an online trading platform focused on enabling self-directed retail brokerage services, is pleased to announce its financial results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

Summary Consolidated Financial Highlights:

Results of Operations and Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities - Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 vs December 31, 2022

Gross Revenue (a Non-GAAP measure) increased 9.4% to $72.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $66.6 million for the comparable prior year period.

Net Revenue increased 9.8% to $67.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $61.8 million for the comparable prior year period.

Net income from operations increased 153.5% to $4.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to a net loss from operations of $8.6 million for the comparable prior year period.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $6.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of 35.2% versus the comparable prior year period.

Balance Sheet Data-December 31, 2023 vs December 31, 2022

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023 were $20.9 million, an increase of $0.6 million from $20.3 million at December 31, 2022, even after having paid down $6.9 million of outstanding debt during 2023.

Total assets at December 31, 2023 were $33.7 million, a decrease of $1.9 million from $35.6 million of assets at December 31, 2022, mainly due to a non-cash impairment charge related to our NDAU cryptocurrency holdings and depreciation of our mining equipment. Our current ratio of 2.03 at December 31, 2023 remains strong but compares to a decrease of 0.18 from our previous current ratio of 2.21 at December 31, 2022.

Outstanding debt at December 31, 2023 was $3.6 million, a decrease of $6.9 million or 65.9% from the $10.5 million of debt at December 31, 2022, with total liabilities also decreasing by $3.3 million during the comparative periods.

Total stockholders equity at December 31, 2023 was $18.8 million, an increase of $1.4 million or 8.1% from the $17.4 of stockholders equity at December 31, 2022.

Common stock issued and outstanding decreased by 303 million shares from 2.636 billion shares to 2.333 billion shares attributable to strategic stock repurchases, representing a decrease of approximately 11.5% of issued outstanding shares at December 31, 2023; with a further decrease in Q1/2024 of 472 million shares also attributable to strategic stock repurchases, thus further decreasing the issued and outstanding from 2.333 billion to 1.861 billion shares, representing a decrease of 20.2%. When combined, the strategic repurchase transactions we implemented during our third quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024, we cumulatively repurchased over 775 million shares, or 29.4% of our issued and outstanding common shares at a blended discount of 54.4% to the then contemporaneous trading market. This resulted in the reduction of Investviews outstanding capitalization from 2,636 million to 1,861 million common shares.

iGenius - iGenius net revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $56.5 million, an increase of $6.7 million or 13.4%, as compared to $49.9 million for the comparable prior year period; with the increase attributable to a $7.8 million increase in subscription revenue, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in NDAU sales.



SAFETek - SAFETeks net revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $11.4 million, a decrease of 5.0% or $0.6 million over the comparable prior year period. The decrease in net revenue was the result of a considerable increase in Bitcoin mining difficulty, and extreme volatility in the price of Bitcoin during fiscal 2023, as the price range of Bitcoin was between approximately $16,600 and $42,300 with an average price of $29,875 during much of the year until December of 2023 when the value of Bitcoin began to rise above $40,000.

Message from Investviews CEO  Victor Oviedo

I am pleased to announce the 2023 financial results and operational highlights for Investview. Fiscal year 2023 was a transitional year in Investviews continued advancement as a fintech company. We achieved strong financial results and made significant progress and performance across our key strategic development objectives and targets, including: (i) sales growth; (ii) business channel expansion; (iii) margin expansion; (iv) reduction in our outstanding debt balance, (v) strategic repurchases of our common stock and; (vi) the firmwide strategic allocation of capital, while maintaining a strong balance sheet as we move into 2024.

Consistent with the Companys capital allocation priorities, we prepaid and repaid our outstanding debt balance by $6.9 million, or 65.9% to $3.6 million at year end 2023. In addition, as part of our strategic common stock repurchase initiative, we executed and announced during the third quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024, the cumulative repurchase of over 775 million common shares, or a decrease of 29.4%, at a blended discount rate of 54.40% to the then contemporaneous trading market. This reduced Investviews issued and outstanding common shares from 2,636 million to 1,861 million.

Despite executing on these initiatives, we maintained our strong balance sheet as we navigate through 2024 with $20.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. Our current balance sheet position not only gives us flexibility, but it also allows us to continue to invest in and grow our business lines, as well as the ability to complete strategic acquisitions when the right opportunities present themselves.

We continue to actively assess the strengths of the organization and consider strategic initiatives by which we can build on those strengths to diversify and grow our business. As we have disclosed, in the first quarter of 2024, we acquired Opencash Securities, LLC (Opencash), an early-stage registered broker dealer. This acquisition is the first step in the planned expansion of Investviews business into the retail brokerage and financial markets industry, as it positions itself to take advantage of the retail equity and equity options trading market by way of the Opencash online brokerage trading platform. In addition, the acquisition establishes a path for Investview to integrate the Opencash investment platform application with the proprietary algorithmic trading platform we acquired in September 2021.

Fiscal year 2023 also marked the Companys full return to in-person events, which were met with an overwhelming positive response from our iGenius members and distributors, providing opportunities to re-establish connections and share best practices. The Company hosted more than 25 conventions and regional events across the globe in more than 15 countries with more than 20,000 attendees, as well as hundreds of other corporate-led and distributor-led education and training events. These events helped engage, motivate, inspire and educate our member and distributor base. The Company believes these interactions and marketing initiatives have supported an increase in sales leader retention, growth in our membership and directly helped support our increase in subscription revenue and expansion into new markets globally. Further, we recognize the value that our iGenius distribution network is capable of achieving as it offers a fully developed international sales and marketing platform. With the strategic value of that platform in focus, we are actively evaluating strategic initiatives by which we can expand the mix of unique and differentiated products and services offered through our iGenius distribution network market.

Despite a challenging environment in the digital asset space during much of 2023, SAFETek was able to achieve certain strategic milestones. For example, we completed the expansion and migration of our entire Bitcoin mining operation containing over 5,000+ miners to our new mining facility in the same region of Europe. This move has extended our initiative to use low-carbon and renewable energy sources for our mining operations in Europe. SAFETek has 100% of its Bitcoin mining equipment operating on renewable energy sources of hydro and geothermal energy. This expansion and migration are estimated to extend SAFETeks total operational hash rate capacity, when effectively operating at 100% of available energy capacity, to an estimated 400+ Petahash per Second (equal to .400 EH/s Exahash per Second). Despite the overall positive trend we experienced during 2023, since the beginning of 2024, our energy supply has been temporarily curtailed by approximately 38%, a direct result of a lack of precipitation in the Northern region of Europe, causing lower than usual water levels that have reduced local hydroelectric energy capacity. While we are hopeful that the low water levels responsible for the energy curtailment are temporary, we are unable to predict when our mining operations will return to pre-2024 levels. As we navigate through 2024, we plan to continue delivering on our growth strategy, by investing in (i) new next-generation equipment; (ii) additional product offerings to further sales growth; (iii) new business channel expansion, including the potential for new strategic acquisitions; (iv) launching our newly acquired broker dealer Opencash and; (v) maintaining our well capitalized balance sheet.

We continue to look at all aspects of our business with a focus on driving top-line growth and expanding our margins. Given our momentum, and the differentiators we are building with our business-channel stack, we are optimistic that the most exciting times for our organization are still to come.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic about Investviews future long-term growth prospects. Our executive leadership remains committed to finding the right mix of growth initiatives that will leverage the strengths of our organization and, on a long-term basis, add value to our loyal shareholder base. We see tremendous opportunities ahead of us.

Company CFO, Ralph Valvano Comments on 2023 Financial Results

Investview Chief Financial Officer, Ralph Valvano commented, We experienced expansion in most of our 2023 operating results due to net revenues increasing $6.1 million, or 9.8% from $61.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, to $67.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, The increase can mainly be explained by a $7.8 million increase in our net subscription revenue, offset by a $1.1 million decrease in our cryptocurrency revenue, and a $0.4 million decrease in our mining revenue. The $7.8 million or 16.1% increase in subscription revenue was due to significant product enhancements and expansion into new markets globally, resulting in substantial growth in our membership; the $0.4 million or 3.84% decrease in mining revenue was mainly the result of a 107% increase in the Bitcoin mining difficulty level, the migration of mining servers to a new data center and increased power and hosting costs, partially offset by the replacement of older less efficient Bitcoin mining equipment with new generation higher performing miners; the $1.1 million or 68.2% decrease in cryptocurrency revenue was due to an overall decrease in the number of sales of NDAU and the August 2023 discontinuation of the NDAU program offering.

We will continue to take strategic actions to optimize our cost structure and strengthen and manage our balance sheet. With approximately $20.9 million in cash and equivalents, we have an advantageous path forward to achieving our growth plans. We remain committed to effectively managing capital in todays challenging environment and believe we are well positioned to continue delivering shareholder value in 2024 and beyond.

About Investview, Inc.

Investview, Inc., a Nevada corporation, operates a financial technology (FinTech) services company, offering several different lines of business, including a Financial Education and Technology business that delivers a series of products and services involving financial education, digital assets and related technology, through a network of independent distributors; and a Blockchain Technology and Crypto Mining Products and Services business, including leading-edge research, development and FinTech services involving the management of digital asset technologies with a focus on Bitcoin mining and the new generation of digital assets. In addition, we are planning to create a Brokerage and Financial Markets business within the investment management and brokerage industries by, among others, commercializing on a proprietary trading platform we acquired in September 2021. For more information on Investview, please visit: www.investview.com.

About Opencash Securities LLC

Brokerage services are provided by Opencash Securities LLC, a member of FINRA and SIPC. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Please review Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options prior to engaging in options trading. Opencash Securities LLC does not provide investment advice. Please consult with investment, tax, or legal professionals before making any investment decisions. All investments involve risks, including the possible loss of capital. Check the background of this investment professional on BrokerCheck. Opencash Securities LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investview, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statement

All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact 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. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may, should," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate," "anticipate" or other comparable terms. These forward-looking statements are based on Investviews current beliefs and assumptions and information currently available to Investview and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements expect that we will ultimately be able to develop retail brokerage operations at Opencash, although it is currently in the pre-revenue and early stage of its operations. We plan to do this by, among others, investing the funds we believe are necessary to develop the infrastructure necessary to achieve retail operations. This includes, among others, the on-boarding of customer support personnel and software developers, the development and implementation of a marketing strategy, the securing of necessary securities clearing arrangements, and the continued development of the online Opencash trading platform and completing its integration with the proprietary algorithmic trading platform we acquired in September 2021. Despite our best efforts, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve these objectively on a timely basis, if at all, as the development of an early-stage securities brokerage business involves inherent regulatory and operational risks and uncertainties. Our forward-looking statements also assume that the recent water shortages responsible for a 38% curtailment in our hydroelectric energy supply will be addressed within the near-term and will not have a long-term negative impact on our Bitcoin mining operations, although we are unable to predict when our mining levels will return to pre-2024 levels. More information on potential factors that could affect Investviews financial results is included from time to time in Investviews public reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements made in this release speak only as of the date of this release, and Investview, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in expectations, except as otherwise required by law.

Investor Relations

Contact: Ralph R. Valvano

Phone Number: 732.889.4300

Email: pr@investview.com

Reconciliation of Gross Revenue to Net Revenue (unaudited)

As used in this report, Gross Revenues are not a measure of financial performance under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Gross Revenues are presented as they are used by management to understand the total revenue before certain items such as refunds, incentives, credits, chargebacks and amounts paid to third party providers. The non-GAAP Gross Revenue measure is a supplement to the GAAP financial information. A reconciliation between Gross Revenue (non-GAAP) and Net Revenue is presented in the table below.

Gross Revenue (non-GAAP) to Net Revenue reconciliation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 is as follows:

Subscription

Revenue Cryptocurrency Revenue Mining Revenue Miner Repair Revenue Total Gross billings/receipts $ 60,516,836 $ 990,785 $ 11,348,156 $ 23,378 $ 72,879,156 Refunds, incentives, credits, and chargebacks (4,480,784 ) - - - (4,480,784 ) Amounts paid to supplier - (477,500 ) - - (477,500 ) Net revenue $ 56,036,052 $ 513,285 $ 11,348,156 $ 23,378 $ 67,920,871





Gross Revenue (non-GAAP) to Net Revenue reconciliation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:
Arlington, Va., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 90 education experts from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) will be sharing evidence and insights from their research and policy work at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, being held April 11-14 in Philadelphia.

AERA is the largest national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning, and its annual meeting is one of the largest gatherings of education researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the world. The theme for this years conference is Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action.

AIR experts will present on a wide variety of topics, including career and technical education (CTE); educational equity; collaboration for climate communication and education; approaches to post-pandemic education renewal; addressing and dismantling racial injustice; teacher incentives and measuring professional development effectiveness; and many more.

AIR supports the AERA Annual Meeting as a platinum sponsor and invites all attendees to a networking reception on Saturday, April 13 at the Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. The reception will be a chance for attendees to connect with colleagues and others in the field in an informal setting.

We are proud to sponsor the AERA annual meeting, because it provides researchers, policymakers, practitioners and others a chance to share their expertise, learn from one another, and reaffirm the importance of evidence in improving educational outcomes and increasing opportunities, said Julie Kochanek, senior vice president who leads AIRs Human Services Division. We hope all attendees find the conference informative, inspirational, and fun.

AIR will also host a panel discussion with researchers, research funders, and industry leaders who are investing resources in equity-focused, data-driven initiatives, programs, and interventions that better connect educational attainment to workforce outcomes. Shaping a Better Future for All Students: A Forum on Educational Equity is free to AERA attendees and will take place on April 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ET featuring experts from AIR, the Gates Foundation, the Urban Institute, the Council of Chief State School Officers, and more.

AIR experts will also present at the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) Annual Meeting, which is being held April 11-14 in Philadelphia, with virtual training and paper sessions after April 14. NCME is a professional organization for individuals involved in assessment, evaluation, testing and other aspects of educational measurement and holds its annual meeting at the same time and location as AERA.

Selected AERA and NCME presentations featuring AIR experts and their work are listed below. A full listing of AIR presentations and convenings is available online. AIR will be sharing information about AERA on social media, including the @AIRInforms X (formerly Twitter) account and @airinforms Instagram account using the hashtag #AIRatAERA. The institute will also have a conference booth, 625, in the Philadelphia Convention Center Exhibit Hall.

Select AIR Presentations at AERA and NCME

(All times are EDT)

- AERA -

Thursday, April 11

9:00 a.m.  10:30 a.m.

About Teachers: Incentive, Measuring Professional Development Effectiveness, and Teachers Buy-In for Interventions

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Second Floor, Exhibit Hall B



AIR Presenters/Authors: Robyn Elkins, Mauricio Estrada Matute, Michaela Gulematova, and Raquel C. Sanchez

10:50 a.m.  12:20 p.m.

Collaborating With Schools and Using Data to Reduce Inequities in Student Outcomes

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 100, Room 116

AIR Presenters/Authors: Alberto Guzman-Alvarez, Dana Shaat, Kristina L. Zeiser, Catherine Bitter, Oshin Khachikian, Angela Su, Toni M. Smith, Allison Belmont, Sami Kitmitto, and Matthew Welch

Friday, April 12

11:25 a.m.  12:55 p.m.

Understanding and Addressing Racialized History and Violent Extremism Across P-12 Systems and Settings (Presidential Session)

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 200, Room 201C

AIR Chair: David M. Osher



4:55 p.m.  6:25 p.m.

New Evidence in Career and Technical Education Policy

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Level 4, Room 401

Causal Evidence for Career and Technical Education: A Review and Synthesis

AIR Presenters/Authors: Katherine Hughes and James J. Lindsay

Saturday, April 13

9:35 a.m.  11:05 a.m.

Research-Policy Collaborations for Climate Communication and Education

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Level 4, Franklin 13

An International Census and Survey of Climate Change Communication and Education Organizations

AIR Presenter/Author: Erika Kessler

Roads to Recovery: State and District Approaches to Post-Pandemic Education Renewal

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 100, Room 118B

AIR Chair: Susan Therriault

AIR Presenters/Authors: Jennie Jiang and Kimberly Kendziora

Sunday, April 14

11:25 a.m.  12:55 p.m.

Dismantling Racial Injustice: Contributions of the Science of Learning and Development (Presidential Session)

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 200, Room 201A

Implications for Research and Practice

AIR Presenter/Author: David M. Osher

3:05 p.m.  4:35 p.m.

Civic Education and Racial Justice: What Political Economy Can Offer (Presidential Session)

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 200, Room 201C

AIR Participant: Rashawn Ray

Amplifying Equitable Education: Hip-Hop Pedagogy in Action

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Second Floor, Exhibit Hall B

AIR Chair: Nada Rayyes

- NCME -

Friday, April 12

10:05 a.m.  11:05 a.m.

Innovation Demonstration I

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Fourth Floor, Terrace Ballroom IV

Generative AI Chatbot for Large-Scale Assessment Data Analysis

AIR Presenters/Authors: Paul Bailey, Yuqi Liao, Emmanuel Sikali, Blue Webb, Sinan Yavuz, and Ting Zhang

Saturday, April 13

1:15 p.m.  2:45 p.m.

Innovation Demonstration II

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Fourth Floor, Terrace Ballroom IV

Generative AI Chatbot as NAEP Helpdesk

AIR Presenters/Authors: Paul Bailey, Yuqi Liao, Emmanuel Sikali, Blue Webb, Sinan Yavuz, and Ting Zhang

Paul Bailey, Yuqi Liao, Emmanuel Sikali, Blue Webb, Sinan Yavuz, and Ting Zhang Reducing Data Usage Barriers: Using Bookdown for Flexible, Open-Source Data Documentation

AIR Presenters/Authors: Grant Adams, Ruhan Circi, Juanita Hicks, and Karen Yi

3:05 p.m.  4:35 p.m.

Rooted in Community: Equitable Design and Practice in Assessment

Pennsylvania Convention Center, First Floor, 124

AIR Discussant: Laura S. Hamilton

Sunday, April 14

7:45 a.m.  9:15 a.m.

Exploring Validity of NAEP: Multiple Approaches and Perspectives

Pennsylvania Convention Center, First Floor, 120B

AIR Organizer: Young Yee Kim

AIR Chair: Markus Broer

9:35 a.m.  11:05 a.m.

Deciphering US Students Post-COVID Performance Results from National Assessment of Educational Progress

Pennsylvania Convention Center, First Floor, 123

AIR Organizer: Young Yee Kim

AIR Chair: Xiaying Zheng



About AIR

Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and the workforce. AIR's work is driven by its mission to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.air.org.
SAN ANTONIO, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SWBC Foundation has once again demonstrated its support for CHRISTUS Childrens by donating a $2.75 million gift for the acquisition of a surgical robot system, the da Vinci Xi.



The da Vinci Xi will be used across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures and is optimized for multi-quadrant surgeries. It has become the instrument of choice for many surgeons. The use of a surgical robot system assists surgeons in more complex procedures and operations, allowing them to improve traditional open and laparoscopic techniques through increased speed and accuracy within small, difficult operative areas. The unit provides 360-degree rotation and can operate on the smallest of patients without big incisions.

This gift is SWBCs most significant donation in its history and comes as the company celebrates its 48th year in business. SWBCs support of CHRISTUS spans decades, making invaluable contributions to child life, neurology, and various other programs. SWBC co-founder and Chairman Charlie Amato serves as vice chairman for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care Corporation and was past chairman in the early 2000s. From 2013 to 2014, Amato served as chairman of the campaign cabinet for CHRISTUS Childrens. He is a life member of CHRISTUS Childrens, and SWBC co-founder and President Gary Dudley is an active board member of the foundation. SWBCs giving to CHRISTUS over the years totals $6.2 million.

We recognize the importance of having a world-class childrens hospital in San Antonio, Dudley said. We know CHRISTUS Childrens has amassed a group of health care providers that are invaluable to our city, and now we want to ensure they have the best technology with the da Vinci Xi.

SWBC has been a leader in the community since its inception in 1976. Its employees participate in various community activities in San Antonio and across the country, providing support for local, regional, and national causes. SWBC has long supported Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), benefiting Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals), which includes CHRISTUS Childrens.

As we reflect on our 48 years in business, were reminded of the impact we can have when giving back to our community, Amato said. Supporting CHRISTUS Childrens, an organization close to our hearts for nearly five decades, is not just an honor but a testament to our commitment to making a difference where we live and work.

Dudley and Amato formed SWBC with $1,500 of starting capital. Today, SWBC is a diversified financial services company that provides a wide range of insurance, mortgages, wealth management, employee benefits, and more to financial institutions, businesses, and individuals. SWBC has partners and divisions across all 50 states and manages business worldwide. Throughout the companys history, there has always been a focus on providing outstanding customer service and running the business with integrity.

The SWBC Foundations gift of the da Vinci Xi robot at CHRISTUS Childrens has transformed the surgical care of our patients, said Ian Thompson, CHRISTUS Childrens Foundation president and chief development officer. The system provides high-definition, three-dimensional visualization and extraordinary dexterity and precision of movement. We are profoundly grateful to Charlie, Gary, and the SWBC Foundation.





###

About CHRISTUS Childrens

CHRISTUS Childrens became San Antonios first freestanding hospital solely dedicated to the care of children and expectant women. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, CHRISTUS Childrens is part of CHRISTUS Health. Baylor College of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the nation, is the academic partner of The Childrens Hospital with 180 pediatric specialists affiliated with Baylor. In addition, community physicians in private practice remain a valuable partner in the care of women and children in our community. We are a health care ministry that works to continually meet the needs of the community to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, following the values and mission of our sponsoring congregations: Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston and San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

About SWBC

As a diversified financial services company, SWBC provides financial institutions, businesses, and individuals with various insurance, mortgages, wealth management, employee benefits, and more. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, SWBC has partners and divisions across all 50 states and manages business worldwide. No matter how wide its reach, SWBC always listens to our customers needs, analyzes their current situations, and recommends customized solutions. For more information about our innovative approach to personalized service, visit SWBCs website at www.swbc.com. The SWBC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the SWBC group of companies. The SWBC Foundation seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of others and enhance the quality of life in the communities where SWBCs employees live and work.
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Xponential Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: XPOF) investors that a lawsuit was filed on behalf of investors that purchased Xponential securities between July 26, 2021 and December 7, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period).

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

The lawsuit claims that during the class period, the Defendants made statements that were materially false and/or misleading, or failed to disclose important information regarding Xponential's operations and financial health. Specifically, it alleges that Xponential had:

Permanently shut down at least 30 of its stores;

Misrepresented its same-store sales (SSS) and average unit volume (AUV) metrics by omitting underperforming stores from calculations;

Operated eight out of its ten brands at a monthly financial loss;

Seen over half of its studios fail to generate a positive financial return;

Relied on one-time and non-recurring revenue for over 60% of its total revenue;

Had more than 100 franchises on sale for a price that was at least 75% lower than their initial investment cost;

Deceived many franchisees into opening franchises by falsely representing the financial success and profitability of its studios, as well as overstating the expected rate of return on new studios;

Left many franchisees heavily indebted, facing high attrition rates, and operating studios that were not financially viable and lacked a realistic path to profitability.

Based on these points, the lawsuit contends that the Defendants did not have a reasonable basis to make positive statements about Xponential's business operations and its prospects for the future.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
CALGARY, Alberta, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bocana Resources Corp. (TSXV: BOCA) (Frankfurt: VC1) ("Bocana" or the "Company")  is pleased to announce that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI" or "Agreement"), dated March 25, 2024, for the proposed acquisition of all of the outstanding shares (the "Transaction") of Empresa Minera Inti Raymi S.A. ("INTI RAYMI"). The sole INTI RAYMI asset is known as the Kori Pakaska project (the "Project").



The Transaction

INTI RAYMI is a privately held Bolivian company with the head office in La Paz, Bolivia and is in good standing with the laws and regulations of Bolivia. The privately held concessions of INTI RAYMI, which include two former open pit mines, dumps and tailings stockpiles and historical processing and mining facilities, are located between the mining districts of Oruro and La Joya in the Bolivian Altiplano, located approximately 200 km from the city of La Paz and 45 km from the city of Oruro, Bolivia.

Pursuant to the LOI, Bocana may acquire a 100% ownership interest in INTI RAYMI, through the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of INTI RAYMI (the "IR Shares"). In aggregate, the parties have agreed that the purchase price for the IR Shares shall be up to a total of US$75,000,000 (subject to adjustments to be described in the Definitive Agreement (defined below), which shall include all assets associated with the Project, equipment, land, records, data, etc. of INTI RAYMI (the "Purchase Price"). The Purchase Price is expected to be paid as follows: (i) a cash down payment of US $3,000,000 upon the closing of the Transaction (the "Down Payment"); and (ii) the balance of the Purchase Price to be financed by INTI RAYMI shareholders to be satisfied through the expected monthly cash flow, at terms to be negotiated in the Agreement.

BOCANA and INTI RAYMI will undertake to negotiate the Definitive Agreement within one hundred twenty (120) days following execution of the LOI, or such later date as the parties may mutually agree, and subject to the results of the due diligence investigations to be conducted by the Company. Such agreement is to be in form and substance satisfactory to the parties, including representations and warranties to each party customary in transactions of this nature and the agreed upon schedule of payments for the purchase of the subject Project owned by INTI RAYMI.

The LOI is not intended to be a legally binding agreement, but rather is an expression of the parties current intent. The LOI remains subject to Bocana's ability to secure the financing for the Down Payment to initiate the Transaction.

The transactions contemplated by the LOI are subject to the following conditions:

a) the entering into of a definitive share purchase agreement in respect of the Transaction (the "Definitive Agreement") by the shareholders of INTI RAYMI and Bocana. The Definitive Agreement will describe the terms and conditions upon which the Transaction will be completed;

b) the entering into of the Definitive Agreement will be subject to the prior approval of the boards of directors of each of Bocana and INTI RAYMI;

c) the completion of a financing by Bocana for gross proceeds of up to $7,000,000, with the offering structure to be determined in the Definitive Agreement;

d) the completion of satisfactory due diligence by Bocana; and

e) approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.



The parties are in the process of negotiating the terms of the Definitive Agreement and will issue news within the next 4 months updating the terms of the Transaction once a Definitive Agreement is reached. In the event a Definitive Agreement is not reached, Bocana will notify shareholders and the LOI will end, without penalty.

The previously reported announcement of the commissioned NI 43-101 technical report for Huiracocha International Service SRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entitled Technical Report For the Kori Pakaska Project, Bolivia, prepared by Rae-co Consulting Ltd. of North Vancouver, BC, Canada, dated October 22, 2022, and revised January 8, 2024 (the Technical Report) was further updated and provides an in-depth study of INTI RAYMIs previous mining operation that still contains extensive historical in situ, tailings and stockpile resources. With the successful completion of the Technical Report, the Company plans to continue its metallurgical studies of the Project in order to determine the most optimal production operations with the objective of increasing the recovery of gold and silver from the large quantity of tailings and minimizing production costs for optimal staged production.

History and Background of INTI RAYMI and the Kori Pakaska Project

In 1980-1984 INTI RAYMI started an open-pit operation and installed a plant with a treatment capacity of 400 tonnes/day. They installed a pilot plant under the heap leach method and subsequent recovery of noble metals with the Merrill - Crowe process to treat 400 metric tons per day in the San Andres sector in 1985. By 1986-1987 the San Andres plant increased its capacity to 1,000 tonnes/day, and in September 1987 the treatment reached 2,000 tonnes/day with a production of 44 Kg Au per month. In 1988 Battle Mountain Gold Company joined as a partner and a capacity parallel to San Andres of 2,000 metric tons per day at the Chuquina plant. In November 1990, the feasibility study for open-pit mining and the new process for the treatment of sulphide minerals were completed.

In 19981999, the sulfides of the deposit called Llallagua were investigated with pre-treatment by bio-oxidation. By 1995, the plants capacity reached an average of 776 tonnes/hour compared with the design of 641 tonnes/hour. In 2001-2003, Newmont Mining Co. merged with Battle Mountain Gold Company, and became the major shareholder. The oxides project for heap leaching began in July 2001, with a treatment capacity of 15,000 tonnes/day. In 2003, the environmental rehabilitation of the tailings dam began and the Kori Kollo Lake filling and ecological rehabilitation of the sterile material deposit was completed.

Historic production records from 1993-2003 indicate the Kori Pakaska, dry stacked, tailing dam facility contains 65,919,472 tonnes of processed, mainly hypogene mineralization.

Table # 1 provides the location, length, and assay results from 32 historic drill holes completed on the tailings. The assay results indicate the tailings dam facility to have an average grade of 0.56 and 7.17 grams/tonne gold and silver respectively.

These drill holes were vertical, and the interval lengths represent the true thickness of the tailings. Figure 1 outlines the extent of drilling completed on the tailings deposit.

Figure # 1 Drill Hole Locations  Kori Pakaska Area Table # 1 Assay Results:





Between 1985 to closure 2009 a total of 135,875,535 tonnes of ore were processed averaging 1.37 grams/tonne gold and 11.21 grams/tonne silver. A final resource study was completed after production and Table #2, below, outlines the remaining historical reserves/resources estimates from the tailings and low-grade dumps. This was last updated in July 2018 by staff from INTI RAYMI, and the suggested metallurgical process to get the maximum recovery.

RESERVE/

RESOURCE TONNES Au g/tonne Ag

g/tonne CONTAINED OUNCES Au CONTAINED OUNCES Ag SUGGESTED METALURGICAL PROCESS Kori Kollo Dump

Oxides Proven reserves 103,400 0.73 13.98 2,427 46,475 Heap leaching Probable resources 112,282 0.65 13.54 2,346 48,879 Heap leaching Inferred resources 449,557 0.53 9.09 7,632 131,408 Heap leaching Kori Kollo Dump

Oxides Total 665,239 0.58 10.60 12,405 226,762 Kori Kollo Dump

Sulfides Inferred resources 32,500,000 0.70 731,435 Milling - leaching by

agitation



Table # 2  Kori Kollo Dump Area

A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves; and the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The estimates were created by in-house staff, some of which with previous experience when in operation. Full details on the relevance and reliability were not provided.

A professional geoscientist, in October 2022, collected representative rock samples of the ore material processed at the mine site as shown on Figure # 2 below. This shows the locations and assay results of the samples collected by the author of the 43-101 Technical Report. All sample sites were randomly selected and collected by the professional geoscientist from the Dump Area and were geotechnically and geologically logged, photographed, and then bagged, sealed, and numbered in order to maintain a chain-of-custody. Blanks, duplicates, and a certified standard sample were inserted prior to delivery to the independent laboratory site of Activation Laboratories Ltd., located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Activation Laboratories provided the Company with sample preparation and analysis services at its SCC accredited facility.

Figure # 2





Of note the cover rock in the Dump Area appears to also contain gold mineralization, as detailed in the Technical Report.

"The potential acquisition of INTI RAYMIs tier-one properties will mark a significant milestone for our Company and is expected to bring tremendous value for Bocana and our shareholders going forward. We are excited about the opportunity of moving into a production and processing phase of the business and the potential of bringing significant cashflow to our operations from just reprocessing the tailings and low-grade dumps that still have historically remaining reserves/resources." said Tim Turner, Bocanas Chief Executive Officer.

The Transaction is not subject to a finders fee, however finder's fees may be paid in connection with any capital that is raised in connection with the Transaction. The agreement was negotiated at arms length. The transaction does not represent a change of business. There will be no change of directors or officers of the company required by the transaction.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Qualified Person

Mr. Lorne Warner, P.Geo., is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Warner has approved the scientific and technical information included in this news release for dissemination.

About Bocana Resources Corp.

Bocana is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in South America. Bocana, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Huiracocha International Service SRL, holds a 100% working interest in the mineral properties known as the Escala area concessions located at the Department of Potosi, Sud Lipez Province, Bolivia as awarded by Comibol.

Contact Information

For more information on Bocana, visit: https://bocanaresources.com.

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

Timothy J. Turner  Chief Executive Officer

info@bocanaresources.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: "intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "approximately", "planning", "projected", "anticipate" and similar references to future periods. 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 Bocana, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but without limitation, statements pertaining to the Transaction including Bocana's ability to obtain financing and the necessary approvals, including regulatory approvals for the Transaction. All statements included herein involve various risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and circumstances beyond Bocana's control.

Although Bocana 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements 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, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Images accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51502e66-3dfa-466b-98ef-0b485f49de59

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cbb3410-2471-495b-9f46-956189b95dc2

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WASHINGTON, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Bidens Cabinet for Americas more than 33 million small businesses, announced the 2024 Export Lender of the Year Award winners. This year, the SBAs Office of International Trade selected Fulton Bank, N.A. and First American Bank as the 2024 Export Lenders of the Year, and Lake Michigan Credit Union as the 2024 International Trade Lender of the Year.

The SBA has long worked to create pathways for small businesses to grow and diversify their revenues and create good-paying jobs through international trade, and the SBAs network of export lenders provide those opportunities through SBA trade financing, said Administrator Guzman. Our 2024 Export Lender Award winners set the standard for powering Americas entrepreneurs to successfully compete in the global marketplace and continue our historic economic recovery under President Bidens leadership.



Access to capital remains a critical component of any business involved in international trade, and the export financing and working capital provided by lending institutions is crucial to closing the trade finance gap which all too often holds many businesses back from international opportunities, said Daniel Krupnick, Associate Administrator for the Office of International Trade. Congratulations to these outstanding lending partners, who collectively fuel the engines of our nations small business exporters.



The SBAs Export Lender of the Year Awards recognize excellence in export financing. These awards highlight the accomplishments of lenders in delivering SBAs international finance programs to small businesses, designed to help small businesses develop new markets, finance export transactions, and expand capacity to meet overseas demand.

U.S. exports are critical to the nations economy, with over 97% of all exporters being small businesses. During fiscal year 2023, the SBA guaranteed $495 million in financing to small business exporters, which supported over $1.3 billion in export sales.

Export Lenders of the Year :

Fulton Bank 

Fulton Bank is a community bank headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with operations in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Fultons SBA department is a central component of the Banks Commercial Lending line of business, with Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) solutions delivered to small business exporters in collaboration with the Banks International Group which provides an array of financing and payment services to their internationally focused clients. EWCP is an integral component of Fulton Banks comprehensive line-up of SBA offerings and typically accounts for 10% - 15% of Fultons annual SBA loan volume.

We are proud to be named as an Export Lender of the Year for our ongoing commitment to supporting small and internationally focused businesses across the mid-Atlantic, said Chris Brown, Director of SBA Lending at Fulton Bank. As trusted advisors to our clients, we work with the SBA to provide unique offerings, like the EWCP, to ensure small and internationally focused businesses have the funds needed to grow and thrive.

First American Bank 

First American Bank is an Illinois-chartered, privately held bank, with locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida. For more than a decade, the SBAs export loan programs have been the central component of the Banks Trade Finance Department, as First American has been a longstanding delegated EWCP lender. In 2023, First American Bank added more than $7 million in new financing to its export loan portfolio using all three export loan programs. This is First Americans second Export Lender of the Year selection, as the institution was also recognized with the award in 2017.

First American Bank is dedicated to meeting our customers needs, whether that be in the domestic or international arena, said James D. Matteson, First Vice President and SBA Program Manager. As a full-relationship institution, we have an experienced team of lenders to support customers with any lending solution specifically in trade finance. Our consultative approach allows us to tailor solutions for our customers so they can further grow their businesses. First American Bank is honored to accept this award for the second time and looks forward to continuing to help small businesses access the necessary capital to expand and diversify their customer base in this ever-changing global landscape.



International Trade Lender of the Year

Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) 

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is the 16th largest credit union in the nation with almost $13 billion in assets and has operations throughout Michigan and Florida. LMCU expanded into SBA lending by way of their acquisition of Pilot Bank in 2021 and has since made supporting small businesses, including exporters, a central part of their mission by supporting their commercial members to help their businesses grow and prosper. In 2023, LMCU was the top International Trade Lender by count, providing more than $21 million in support to small business exporters.



LMCU is honored to be named an Export Lender of the Year which underscores our SBA teams unwavering dedication to empowering small businesses to achieve their full potential, said Javier Jorge, Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Director at LMCU. Our SBA lending experts understand the exporting business and educate our business members throughout the loan process to ensure they get the financing they need so they can achieve their goals. Its a privilege to develop long-term relationships with local small business owners and watch their businesses grow  and in turn, help our communities thrive.

###



About SBAs Export & Working Capital Programs

The SBA maintains a suite of three export loan programs designed to aid small businesses expanding internationally. The SBAs flagship export program is the Export Working Capital Program (EWCP), an asset-based credit line that can support both purchase orders and receivable financing. The International Trade Loan (ITL) is a 7(a) program that can support export capacity building and the reshoring of production. Finally, the Export Express program is a complement to the SBA Express program which is positioned to support quick access to small-dollar financing needs. Additional details on the SBAs export loan programs can be found at www.sba.gov/international.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
TORONTO, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fox River Resources Corporation (the Company) (CSE: FOX) announces that it has granted a total of 520,000 stock options (the "Options") to employees and consultants of the Company in accordance with the Company's Stock Option Plan. Each Option is exercisable into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 for a five-year term expiring on March 28, 2029. 430,000 Options vest immediately, and 30,000 Options will vest on each of June 28, 2024, September 28, 2024, and December 28, 2024. Following this grant, the Company has a total of 4,920,000 stock options outstanding.



ABOUT FOX RIVER

Fox River owns a 100% interest in the Martison Phosphate Project, located near Hearst, Ontario. The Martison Phosphate Project hosts the Anomaly A deposit which forms the basis for a positive preliminary economic assessment with an effective date of April 21, 2022. Additional information can be found at www.fox-river.ca or under Fox Rivers profile on SEDAR.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen D. Case

President & Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (416) 972-9222

www.fox-river.ca

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, exploration results, potential mineralization, statements relating to mineral resources, and the Companys plans with respect to the exploration and development of its properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Fox River Resources Corporation, including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates, currency fluctuations, dependency upon regulatory approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing, exploration risk and COVID-19 pandemic related orders. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
Irving, TX, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pax & Beneficia, a beloved coffee shop in the greater Dallas, TX area, is excited to announce the launch of its new website. The site allows coffee enthusiasts to order freshly roasted coffees and handcrafted syrups from the comfort of their homes. This milestone demonstrates the brands commitment to improving its online presence and giving customers easy access to its well-known coffee and syrup offerings.

Coffee lovers can now browse its virtual shelves and explore the wide range of products available at Pax & Beneficia. From its signature roasts to artisanal syrups, there is something to delight every palate. Learn more about its principles and stay updated on the latest announcements and special offers by visiting its brand-new website. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for coffee lovers to explore its offerings.

Moreover, locating its stores across Texas has never been easier. Customers can find them at their Las Colinas Coffee Shop, Grapevine Coffee Shop, Fort Worth Coffee Shop, Victory Park Coffee Shop, and Plano Coffee Shop.



Pax & Beneficia

Pax & Beneficia is committed to treating everyone like honored guests and providing outstanding coffee experiences to its customers, whether they visit in person or online. The launch of its new website marks an exciting chapter in its journey, as it strives to connect with coffee lovers in the community and beyond.

Pax & Beneficia offers the finest coffees from the worlds best coffee-producing regions, carefully chosen and ethically sourced. Each coffee bean is then freshly roasted to guarantee that every cup is full of flavor. The popular coffee shop encourages customers to check its offerings to discover more about the unique origins and taste characteristics of every coffee flavor.

The new website highlights its selection of specialty coffees and syrups and its unwavering dedication to sustainable and ethical sourcing methods. On the Pax & Beneficia website, coffee lovers can explore blog articles that talk about various topics, including espresso coffee making, delicious coffee smoothie recipes, empowering coffee farmers and promoting sustainability, fair trade practices of coffee beans, and various types of home coffee makers to elevate your at-home brewing experience.

More than just a coffee roastery, Pax & Beneficia is a welcoming space where everyone feels like family. For more details about the top-notch coffee roaster, visit https://paxandbeneficia.com/.

About Pax & Beneficia

Pax & Beneficia is more than just a coffee shop. It was developed by a community brought together by their love of coffee and meaningful connections. It is spread across various locations in the Greater Dallas area, offering freshly roasted coffees and handcrafted syrups.

###

Media Contact

Mr. Mouyyad Abdulhadi

Pax & Beneficia Coffee - Las Colinas | Irving

244 N OConnor Blvd #150, Irving, TX 75039

Phone: 214-390-6883

Email: mouyyad@paxandbeneficia.com

Website: https://paxandbeneficia.com/



Pax & Beneficia Coffee - Las Colinas | Irving

Pax & Beneficia Coffee - Victory Park









Attachment
NEW CANAAN, Conn., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (OTCQX: NLCP) (The Company or NewLake), a leading provider of real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators, issued the following statement from the Companys CEO Anthony Coniglio on the Floridas Supreme Courts decision to allow Amendment 3  the adult-use cannabis bill  to proceed to the ballot this November.

___________________________________________________________________________

We applaud the Florida Supreme Court's ruling on the proposed constitutional amendment ballot language regarding adult-use cannabis. This important decision advances Amendment 3, the adult-use cannabis bill, to the November ballota measure supported by over 75% of Floridians. Approval of the ballot initiative in November, would allow adult-use sales to commence in May 2025.

In 2023, Floridas medical cannabis sales are estimated to have eclipsed $2.5 billion for this state with more than 22 million people. A fully developed adult-use market could exceed $6 billion in the next few years, and the approval of Amendment 3 represents a leap forward for Florida's cannabis sector, poised to ignite economic expansion and job creation.

Many tenants in our portfolio, such as Trulieve, Curaleaf, Cresco, AYR and the Cannabist, have a presence in Florida and are poised to benefit from a robust adult-use market in the state. In particular, we lease a property to Curaleaf in Mt. Dora, Florida, which serves as a main hub of cultivation activity.

At NewLake Capital Partners, we also recognize the transformative potential of this development for our tenants and the cannabis industry at large, and we stand ready to support Florida's cannabis operators by providing vital real estate capital and expertise. Together, we aim to fuel their expansion and contribute to the economic landscape of the communities we serve.

About NewLake Capital Partners, Inc.

NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. is an internally-managed real estate investment trust that provides real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases and funding for build-to-suit projects. NewLake owns a portfolio of 31 cultivation facilities and dispensaries that are leased to single tenants on a triple-net basis. For more information, please visit www.newlake.com .

Contact Information:

Lisa Meyer

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

NewLake Capital Partners, Inc.

lmeyer@newlake.com



Investor Contact:

Valter Pinto, Managing Director

KCSA Strategic Communications

Valter@KCSA.com

PH: (212) 896-1254
Dublin, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Fertilizers - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2016 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The United States continues to solidify its status as a leader within the fertilizers market, according to the latest industry analysis. Projections indicate a growth trajectory with the market size blossoming from USD 28.69 billion in 2024 to an anticipated USD 38.08 billion by 2030. This represents a respectable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.83% during the forecast period.





Segment Highlights



A discernible surge in demand for Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) underscores the segment's ascension as the fastest-growing product in the U.S. fertilizers space. DAP's growth is primarily fueled by consumption rooted in corn, cotton, and soybean cultivationkey agricultural staples. In conjunction, field crops have emerged as the largest segment by crop type, commandeering significant market share owing to sprawling cultivation areas.



In terms of application method preferences, soil remains the preferred medium, allowing agronomists to effortlessly deliver critical nutrients that underpin both plant health and soil vitality.



Specialty Slow-Release Fertilizers (SRF), recognized for their environmental reckonings and efficacy in nutrient delivery through cropping seasons, represent the fastest-growing specialty type. This aligns with a directional shift in farming practices toward more sustainable and efficient agricultural methodologies.



United States Fertilizers Market Trends



The agricultural dynamics in the United States are reflecting an increased predilection for nitrogen fertilizers, correlated with substantial cereal yields from corn and wheat production. This demand curve is backed by the aggressive expansion of farmable land and the resultant spike in nitrogenous fertilizer consumption.



Concurrently, the population's robust growth trajectorycharted at 330 million in 2020has compounded the need for escalated food production, further fueling the fertilizers market.



Amidst the broad horticultural landscape, conventional fertilizers continue to dominate; however, an incremental shift towards specialty fertilizers is evident, suggesting a transformative phase in farmer preferences and agricultural sustainability.



Industry Overview



The market landscape is relatively consolidatedthe formidable top five entities command a staggering 99.31% market share. These industry pacemakers embody innovation and growth, enhancing the agricultural output necessary to nourish the nation's expanding populace.



As the United States Fertilizers Market progresses, it reflects a confluence of shifting agricultural practices, sustainability, and the imperative to meet the escalating demands of a burgeoning population through augmented productivity.



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

Haifa Group Ltd

ICL Fertilizers

Koch Industries Inc.

Nutrien Ltd.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA

The Andersons Inc.,

The Mosaic Co.

Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC

Yara International ASA

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qoa6tf

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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By Ko Dong-hwan

CJ CheilJedang has begun selling its new dumpling products inside United States military bases in Korea, where dumplings with Korean meat are prohibited. Personnel there are forced to import from the U.S. in accordance with military regulations, said the country's major food company, Monday.

CJ has recently released three new vegan dumpling products into the market here. With its latest move, the company said it has acquired more flexibility regarding its shipments to USFK bases which, up until now, had depended solely on Schwan's Company, its American subsidiary.

CJ on Sunday launched its new Giant Dumpling product with original, japchae and kimchi flavors under Bibigo, the company's flagship brand for frozen dumplings. Prior to the launch, the company hosted a tasting event for the products at USFK bases for three days starting Friday. One soldier who tasted the japchae-flavored dumplings said that it tasted just like a dumpling that had ground beef in it, according to the company.

The company stacked the products in commissaries of four USFK facilities in Korea. For security reasons, the U.S. military declined to identify which bases have chosen to stock the products. Each product is priced at $6.43.

"Entering the market at USFK bases is much harder than other local markets here because of the American authority's strict standards for products," a CJ official said. "We've invested the past year for this marketing to work out, holding tasting events for Americans and inviting them to our manufacturing plants."

Starting with the USFK sites, CJ said it will expand its vegan dumpling products for American soldiers that are stationed in Guam and Japan. It added it will introduce more vegan products like steamed rice balls and frozen gimbap.

CJ's vegan dumplings contain textured vegetable protein (TVP), a plant-based protein the company has developed to create a flavor and texture similar to real meat. The products also contain TasteNrich, a condiment ingredient the company has developed to add the aroma of peas, a main vegan ingredient to help create a meaty feel and flavor.

The products have acquired Europe's V-Label, a vegan certification, to build the trust of international consumers, according to the company.

CJ's sales of its vegan dumplings last year more than doubled from the previous year.

The company's vegan food products here are sold under its brand Plantable, while the same products for markets overseas are sold under Bibigo.
Dublin, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "UAE Chemical Logistics - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2019 - 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Swift Recovery and Sustainable Growth



The burgeoning Chemical Logistics industry in the UAE is poised for substantial growth, with market size estimated to reach USD 14.26 billion by the year 2029. Driven by the country's robust economic expansion of 7.6% in 2022 and a commendable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector shows promising developments with its focus on diversification away from oil-dependency and towards sustainable practices.



Strategic Trade Agreements and Regional Developments



Underpinning the growth is the UAE's strategic positioning and forging of significant bilateral trade agreements with countries such as India, Israel, and Indonesia. These relationships have been instrumental in the elevation of foreign trade, having seen an increase in its value by 17% from the previous year. Additionally, the chemical industry in the GCC has registered a growth of 2.7% in 2021, marking a shift towards higher demand on a global scale.



Rising Specialty Chemical Industry Demand



A sector that stands out within the broader chemical industry is that of specialty chemicals, which has seen heightened demand, largely attributable to the expanding applications in various end-user industries. Notably, technological innovations and a surge in the construction of smart city projects across the GCC prominently endorse this trend. The UAE government's proactive incentivization policies further signal strong support for the growth of the specialty chemical segment.



Technological Advancements in Logistics



In an era of digital transformation, the adoption of IoT-enabled connected equipment and technology-driven logistical services has been soaring. Automation, sustainable warehousing, and tech integration in the form of AI and machine learning are becoming increasingly conventional in the chemical logistics arena, enhancing operational efficiency and championing eco-friendly practices.



UAE Chemical Logistics Market Landscape



The landscape of the UAE Chemical Logistics market is characterized by a blend of major and minor players, creating a highly fragmented sector. However, the region's chemical companies are gaining a competitive advantage thanks to assured long-term feedstock from national oil firms and competitive pricing. Companies like A&R Logistics, Agility Logistics, and BDP International Inc. are recognized as noteworthy participants in this vigorous market.



The UAE Chemical Logistics market continues its dynamic trajectory, supported by strategic economic initiatives, technological integration, and a steadfast commitment to growth and sustainability.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vgbci0

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.
Dubai, UAE, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the Ethereum (ETH) network hosting a multitude of promising projects, one recent standout has been Shiba Budz (BUDZ) , a Shiba Inu (SHIB)-like cryptocurrency that's capturing the attention of Ethereum (ETH) investors. This digital asset is not only drawing interest due to its meme coin appeal but also because of its potential for substantial gains, reminiscent of Shiba Inu (SHIB)s meteoric rise. This article explores the strategies Ethereum (ETH) investors are employing to leverage their ETH holdings for profit maximization in Shiba Budz (BUDZ), the appeal of BUDZ within the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem, and the long-term benefits of including BUDZ in their cryptocurrency portfolios.





Leveraging Ethereum (ETH) for Shiba Budz (BUDZ) Investments

Ethereum (ETH) investors are well-versed in navigating the complexities of the cryptocurrency market and are utilizing several strategies to capitalize on the potential of Shiba Budz (BUDZ). By leveraging their existing ETH holdings, investors are directly participating in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) or using decentralized exchanges to acquire BUDZ. This approach allows them to tap into their Ethereum (ETH) assets to diversify their investment portfolio with a promising new entry in the meme coin space, potentially mirroring the success story of Shiba Inu (SHIB) .

The Unique Appeal of Shiba Budz (BUDZ) Within the Ethereum (ETH) Ecosystem

Shiba Budz (BUDZ) stands out within the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem for several reasons. Built on Ethereum (ETH), BUDZ benefits from the network's robust security, smart contract capabilities, and wide adoption. Unlike many meme coins that offer little beyond speculative value, Shiba Budz (BUDZ) aims to introduce real utility through innovative DeFi applications, NFT integrations, and community-driven projects. This blend of meme coin virality with tangible use cases makes BUDZ an attractive investment for those looking to diversify their portfolios with assets that have both cultural impact and practical applications.





Maximizing Returns: Ethereum (ETH) Investors' Strategies

Ethereum (ETH) investors are employing a range of strategies to maximize their returns with Shiba Budz (BUDZ) . Many are taking a long-term investment approach, betting on BUDZ's potential for growth within the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem. Others are more actively trading BUDZ, taking advantage of its price volatility for short-term gains. Additionally, some investors are contributing to the liquidity pools of BUDZ on decentralized finance platforms, earning yield on their investments while supporting the token's market stability and liquidity.

Diversifying Portfolios with Shiba Budz (BUDZ)

The inclusion of Shiba Budz (BUDZ) in investment portfolios represents a strategic move by Ethereum (ETH) investors to diversify their holdings beyond traditional cryptocurrencies and DeFi tokens. By investing in Shiba Budz (BUDZ) , they are not only capitalizing on the potential for high returns but also spreading their risk across different types of assets within the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem. This diversification strategy is crucial in the volatile crypto market, where the balance between high-risk and high-reward investments can determine the overall success of one's portfolio.





Conclusion: The Strategic Move Towards Shiba Budz (BUDZ)

As Ethereum (ETH) investors increasingly recognize the potential of Shiba Budz (BUDZ) as a means to maximize their ETH profits, BUDZ is emerging as a noteworthy contender in the meme coin market. With its unique positioning within the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem, offering a blend of meme appeal and real-world utility, Shiba Budz (BUDZ) presents a compelling opportunity for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, the strategic move towards assets like BUDZ could well define the next wave of investment success stories, echoing the remarkable journeys of Ethereum (ETH) and Shiba Inu (SHIB).

For more information on the Shiba Budz (BUDZ) Presale:



Presale Website: SHIBA BUDZ (BUDZ)



Use Promo Code budzmoon30 to get 30% bonus

Join and become a BUDZ member:



Telegram: https://t.me/ShibaBudzP2E

Twitter: SHIBA BUDZ "$BUDZ" (@ShibaBudz) / X

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
Minneapolis, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minneapolis, Minnesota -

Redelsperger Financial Group, notable for its proficiency in retirement income strategies, is pleased to announce that its leader, Steve Redelsperger, has met the requirements necessary to join the Institute of Untaxable Wealth. As a financial professional for over two decades, Redelsperger constantly seeks to expand his knowledge to optimally cater to his clients' distinct retirement needs. His acceptance into the institute is another important milestone in his pursuit of ongoing professional and personal development.

The Institute of Untaxable Wealth is a comprehensive membership body that imparts knowledge on potent financial strategies to a variety of financial professionals. Its membership is open to CPAs, attorneys, pension specialists, enrolled agents, life insurance agents, and financial advisors. The members are educated on strategies aimed at minimizing or eliminating taxes on retirement income and wealth.

The Redelsperger Financial Group representative shared, Steve Redelspergers membership in the institute illustrates his commitment to presenting clients with inventive solutions for untaxing their retirement. The spokesperson also acknowledged the diverse services of the company including retirement strategies, wealth management, financial checkups, understanding of annuities, and provision of life insurance during retirement.

For more information about Redelsperger Financial Group's services, visit http://www.steveredelsperger.com.

In Steve Redelspergers approach to retirement finance, the principles of safety, simplicity, and an adequate rate of return are pivotal. This approach has garnered Redelsperger Financial Group a solid reputation for reliability and effectiveness in the sector. Beyond offering these services, the company also organizes informative seminars to aid individuals with retirement savings plans and maintains a client portal for convenient access to account information.

Backed by his company, Redelsperger participates in the weekly training offered by the institute and meets the eligibility parameters set by the Institute of Untaxable Wealth. The training aims to educate professionals about strategies to support retirees, business owners, qualified plan owners and high-income Americans who are worried about the tax effects on their retirement income and wealth preservation.

Redelsperger said, "Becoming a member of the Institute of Untaxable Wealth further reinforces our dedication to assisting our clients in accomplishing their retirement aspirations with a focus on protecting retirement income from taxes. With our increased knowledge, we can make our clients feel assured about their retirement planning with us."

Those interested in getting to know more about Steve Redelsperger and his professional experience can visit his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveredelsperger.

Determined to improve the rate of return for retirees, Redelsperger Financial Group consistently strives to enhance its service. The faith their clients have in them underscores the company's commitment to the security of retirement funds and enlightens people about the assurance of their retirement planning. The announcement today coincides with a continuous tradition of improvement and reinforcement of their pledge to their clientele.

To request additional information, their contact details are readily available on their website, including a phone number, fax number, and email address; their physical location in Minneapolis, MN is also listed. Redelsperger Financial Group emphasizes that its website is solely for informational use, it does not aim to be a solicitation or offer of any product or investment, and they do not provide specific legal or tax advice.

###

For more information about Redelsperger Financial Group, contact the company here:



Redelsperger Financial Group

Steve Redelsperger

612-285-1400

stevered2000@gmail.com

5608 Colfax Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55419
Dubai, UAE, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The cryptocurrency realm is witnessing an unprecedented phenomenon: a surge of fascination from both enthusiasts and skeptics alike for Option2Trade (O2T), a new artificial intelligence-driven token. This burgeoning interest is not merely about the technology behind O2T but its potential to rival the market cap holdings of giants like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Initially met with skepticism, critics are now becoming obsessed with O2T's unique proposition and its capabilities, suggesting a seismic shift in the crypto landscape that could challenge the dominance of BTC and ETH.





Innovating Beyond Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)

Bitcoin (BTC) , the original cryptocurrency, revolutionized the concept of digital money by introducing a decentralized ledger, the blockchain. Following suit, Ethereum (ETH) expanded on BTC's innovation by integrating smart contracts into its blockchain, allowing for automated, trustless transactions. These two cryptocurrencies set the foundation upon which the digital finance world was built. However, as transformative as they have been, their technologies have room for enhancement, particularly regarding scalability, transaction speeds, and adaptability to complex financial operations. This is where Option2Trade (O2T) comes in, leveraging artificial intelligence to address these challenges head-on.

The AI Edge of Option2Trade (O2T)

Option2Trade (O2T) distinguishes itself by embedding artificial intelligence at the core of its operations, aiming to optimize trading strategies, enhance security protocols, and personalize user experiences. This AI-driven approach enables O2T to anticipate market trends, provide predictive analytics, and automate trades with a level of precision and efficiency that BTC and ETH's current infrastructures cannot support directly. The critics, who once doubted the viability of another token in the already crowded market, are now intrigued by O2T's potential to outpace the market cap of BTC and ETH by offering superior utility and innovation.

Challenging the Titans

Market Cap Aspirations: With Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) leading the market cap rankings, the ambitious goal of Option2Trade (O2T) to rival these giants seems daunting. However, O2T's cutting-edge AI integration presents a compelling case for rapid growth and adoption, suggesting a future where it could indeed challenge their market cap standings.

Technological Superiority: While Bitcoin (BTC) revolutionized digital currency and Ethereum (ETH) introduced smart contracts, O2T's AI-driven platform aims to redefine what cryptocurrencies are capable of. By solving complex trading challenges and offering a more personalized and efficient trading experience, O2T positions itself as a formidable contender in the crypto space.

Community and Network Effect: Both BTC and ETH owe a significant part of their success to their robust communities and the network effect. Option2Trade (O2T) is rapidly building a community of tech-savvy enthusiasts drawn to its AI capabilities, aiming to replicate and surpass the network effect that has been pivotal for BTC and ETH.

Scalability and Efficiency: The scalability issues faced by Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are well-documented. O2T's AI algorithms are designed to ensure that the platform remains scalable and efficient as it grows, potentially outmaneuvering BTC and ETH in handling high transaction volumes and maintaining low fees.

Regulatory and Security Advancements: In an era where regulatory scrutiny and security concerns are paramount, O2T's AI-driven approach offers enhanced security features and compliance capabilities, making it an attractive option for investors concerned about the regulatory landscape affecting BTC and ETH.









Conclusion

The ascent of Option2Trade (O2T) has captivated critics and enthusiasts alike, marking a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency evolution. As O2T harnesses artificial intelligence to push the boundaries of what digital currencies can achieve, it stands poised not just to enter the arena with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) but to redefine the battleground itself. With its innovative technology, growing community, and ambitious market cap goals, O2T represents a new dawn in crypto, where AI-driven tokens could potentially rival the titans of the industry.





For more information on the Option2Trade (O2T) Presale:



Use promo code O2TLaunch to get 15% bonus

Visit Option2Trade (O2T)

Join and become a community member:



https://t.me/O2TOfficial

https://twitter.com/Option2Trade (O2T)

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
Boao Forum for Asia plans better future for Asia, world

11:20, April 01, 2024 By Wang Xiaobo, Gong Ming, Wang Yuan ( People's Daily

At the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, participants discussed the development of Asia and the world, contributing wisdom and strength to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity. They believe that carrying out pragmatic cooperation for win-win results is an inevitable choice for Asian countries to achieve sustainable development.

As an important country in Asia, China steadfastly promotes high-level opening-up, leads high-quality development with new quality productive forces, and actively advances regional cooperation, making significant contributions to building a bright future for Asia and the world.

Photo shows the Boao Forum for Asia International Conference Center in south China's Hainan province. (People's Daily Online/Yang Zhongkai)

Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the BFA, said that when the world economy was recovering slowly and protectionism was on the rise, China and other developing countries stayed committed to addressing development issues and promoting international cooperation, injecting impetus into world economic growth and common development.

A series of major initiatives put forward by China, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative are in line with the general trend and aim to promote win-win cooperation among partners, he added.

Countries must continue to unite and achieve synergy among all parties, said Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. Over the past a few decades, China has been driving global economic growth, particularly in the East Asian region, the secretary-general noted.

He stressed that cooperation mechanisms such as the "10+3" cooperation mechanism (ASEAN plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea), the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest free trade agreement, are valuable assets for the development of Asia and the world.

The Chinese government has implemented numerous measures to attract foreign investment, making the Chinese market highly appealing to foreign companies, said Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Australian iron ore giant Fortescue Metals Group.

He further emphasized that Asia's economic growth and regional economic integration continue to exhibit strong momentum, making Asia a crucial force driving global development and cooperation.

Guests walk into the main venue of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024, March 28, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Meng Zhongde)

In terms of purchasing power parity, Asia's economic aggregate is expected to account for 49 percent of global GDP in 2024, said Zafar Uddin Mahmood, policy advisor to the secretary general of BFA. Asia, as the most populous continent in the world, is witnessing even closer cooperation among its countries, which will further unlock its growth potential, Mahmood added.

Innovation serves as the primary driving force. China leads industrial innovation through technological advancements, actively nurtures and develops new quality productive forces, and promotes high-quality development, playing an active role in building shared prosperity for Asia and the world.

According to Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, economic growth is closely related to technological innovation. China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, making innovation a new engine driving its development, which is a necessary step for all economies to achieve sustainable development, Geraci said.

Ban stated that China's economy is transitioning from high-speed growth to high-quality development. With the help of technological advancements brought by new quality productive forces, China's development will become more balanced, inclusive, green, and open.

How Asia achieves energy transition and low-carbon development is crucial for the future sustainable development of all countries. China, through its own development, has provided support and assistance to other developing countries in achieving sustainable development, earning widespread recognition.

Frank Rijsberman, director-general of the Global Green Growth Institute, said that China's experience and technology in environmental governance can serve as a valuable reference for other Asian countries. China's strengthened green cooperation with neighboring countries in terms of technology and financing will contribute to these nations' achievement of sustainable development.

Shi Bing, vice president of China General Nuclear Power Group, said China will continue to share its advantageous technologies and experiences in developing clean energy, and strengthen grid interconnectivity with other Asian countries, to promote the development and utilization of renewable energy in Asia, thus accelerating global green and low-carbon transformation.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Israel's military withdrew from Gazas largest hospital early Monday after a two-week raid , in which it said it killed some 200 militants and detained hundreds more. Palestinian residents said the troops left behind several bodies and a vast swath of destruction.

The military has described the raid on Shifa Hospital as one of the most successful of the nearly six-month war. But it came at a time of mounting frustration in Israel, with tens of thousands protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday and demanding he do more to bring home dozens of hostages held in Gaza. It was the largest anti-government demonstration since the start of the war.

The fighting showed that Hamas can still put up resistance even in one of the hardest-hit areas. Israel said it had largely dismantled Hamas in northern Gaza and withdrew thousands of troops late last year, leaving a security vacuum that has made it difficult to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid.

The military said that among those killed were senior Hamas operatives and other militants who had regrouped there after an earlier raid in November, and that it seized weapons and valuable intelligence.

The U.N. health agency said more than 20 patients died and dozens were put at risk during the raid, which brought even further destruction to a hospital that had already largely ceased to function.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities. Health officials in Gaza deny those allegations. Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with war-wounded. Palestinians say Israeli troops forcibly evacuated homes near Shifa in downtown Gaza City and forced hundreds of residents to march south .

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesman, said Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group had established their main northern headquarters inside the hospital. He described days of close-quarters fighting and blamed Hamas for the destruction, saying some fighters had barricaded themselves inside hospital wards while others launched mortar rounds at the compound.

He said the troops had arrested some 900 suspected militants during the raid, including more than 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, and seized over $3 million in different currencies, as well as weapons.

He denied that any civilians had been harmed by Israeli forces, saying the army had evacuated more than 200 of the estimated 300 to 350 patients and delivered food, water and medical supplies to the rest. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the raid along with some 200 militants, the military said.

Mohammed Mahdi, who was among hundreds of Palestinians who returned to the area, described a scene of total destruction. He said several buildings had been burned down and that he had counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

Video footage circulating online showed heavily damaged and charred buildings, mounds of dirt that had been churned up by bulldozers and patients on stretchers in darkened corridors.

Another resident, Yahia Abu Auf, said army bulldozers had even plowed up a makeshift cemetery in Shifa's courtyard.

The situation is indescribable, he said. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late Sunday on X, formerly Twitter.

He said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients. He also said there were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration.

The military had previously raided Shifa in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control center inside and beneath the compound. It revealed a tunnel running beneath the hospital that led to a few rooms, as well as weapons it said it had confiscated from inside medical buildings, but nothing on the scale of what it had alleged prior to that raid.

The war began on Oct. 7 , when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,782 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 13,000 Hamas fighters, without providing evidence, and blames the civilian death toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territory's population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine . Northern Gaza, where Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger.

Even as Israel has turned its focus to other parts of Gaza this year, its troops have battled militants in the north on a number of occasions, and the two weeks of heavy fighting around Shifa highlighted the staying power of the armed groups.

Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all of the hostages are freed. He says Israel will soon expand ground operations to the southern city of Rafah , where some 1.4 million people  more than half of Gaza's population  have sought refuge.

But he faces mounting pressure from Israelis who blame him for the security failures of Oct. 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Allied countries, including main backer the United States, have warned him against an invasion of Rafah .

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. (AP)
VANCOUVER, March 28, 2024 - Highlander Silver Corp. (CSE:HSLV) (the "Company" or "Highlander Silver") announces that the closing of the share purchase agreement dated November 29, 2023 (the "Share Purchase Agreement") with SSR Mining Inc. ("SSR Mining") to acquire the San Luis gold-silver project (the "San Luis Project") located in Ancash Department of central Peru (the "Transaction") is now expected to occur in Q2 2024, as opposed to in Q1 2024 as was stated in the Companys news release dated November 30, 2023.

The short delay in timing for closing is related to routine closing mechanics including various local jurisdiction administrative filings and registrations, and is expected to finalize during May, 2024.

David Fincham, President and CEO commented: "While Im sure our stakeholders are as eager as we are to close this transformational transaction so we can begin unlocking the value at San Luis, our team is busy using the time to work on verifying and updating the historical mineral resource estimate. We look forward to providing further updates over the coming weeks."

About Highlander Silver

Highlander Silver Corp., backed by the Augusta Group and the Lundin Family, is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of exceptional silver-gold projects in the Central Andes, leveraging the team's significant technical and operational experience in Peru and South America more widely. Currently the Company is developing the La Estrella project in central Peru. Highlander Silver announced entering into a share purchase agreement for the San Luis project from SSR on November 29th 2023. Closing of the Transaction is subject to certain conditions, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals. Closing is currently expected to occur in Q2 2024.

The Company is listed on the CSE under the ticker symbol HSLV and additional information about Highlander Silver and its mineral projects can be viewed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at (www.sedarplus.ca) and its website at www.highlandersilver.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For further information, please contact:

David Fincham

Chief Executive Officer

Highlander Silver Corp.

(604) 283 7630

info@highlandersilver.com

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. This includes, but is not limited to, information or statements with respect to the capital reduction and closing the Transaction. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company and/or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, accident, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, and delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release. 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Highlander Silver Corp.


Arizona Gold & Silver Inc. (TSXV: AZS) (OTCQB:AZASF) The Company is pleased to announce that due to investor demand, the size of its non-brokered private placement ("Private Placement") previously announced on February 22, 2024 has been increased to 5,841,797 units from 3,333,333 Units of the Company (each a "Unit") at a price of CAD$0.30 with total proceeds of CAD$1,748,489.21. Each Unit will consist of one common share and one transferable share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share in the capital of the Company (a "Warrant Share") for a period of 24 months from the date of issue at an exercise price of CAD$0.45 per Warrant Share.

It is expected that certain directors and officers of the company will participate in the private placement and are related parties within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The participation of certain directors and officers in the private placement will constitute a related party transaction under MI 61-101. The company intends to rely upon exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101.

All securities issued under the private placement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date. The Company may pay finders' fees in cash. The private placement and finders' fees are subject to regulatory approval.

Net proceeds of the private placement will be used for project exploration and general working capital purposes.

Please refer to our web site for all news and updated property information:

https://arizonagoldsilver.com/

About Arizona Gold & Silver Inc.

Arizona Silver is a young exploration company focused on exploring gold-silver properties in western Arizona and Nevada. The flagship asset is the Philadelphia gold-silver property where the Company is drilling off an epithermal gold-silver system.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Arizona Gold & Silver Inc.

Mike Stark, President and CEO, Director

Phone: (604) 833-4278

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.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements in relation to the timing, cost and other aspects of the 2023-2024 exploration program; the potential for development of the mineral resources; the potential mineralization and geological merits of the exploration properties; and other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that actual results of current and planned exploration activities, including the results of the Company's 2023-2024 drilling program(s) on its properties, will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; the geology, grade and continuity of any mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; fluctuating metals prices; possibility of accidents, equipment breakdowns and delays during exploration; exploration cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests; availability of capital and financing required to continue the Company's future exploration programs and preparation of geological reports and studies; delays in the preparation of geological reports and studies; the metallurgical characteristics of mineralization contained within the exploration properties are yet to be fully determined; general economic, market or business conditions; competition and loss of key employees; regulatory changes and restrictions including in relation to required permits for exploration activities (including drilling permits) and environmental liability; timeliness of government or regulatory approvals; and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions, including that the Company's 2023-2024 programs would proceed as planned and within budget. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.


Vancouver April 1, 2024 - Tisdale Clean Energy Corp. ("Tisdale" or the "Company") (TSXV:TCEC), (OTC:TCEFF), (FSE:T1KC), is pleased to provide an update on the phase one diamond drill program recently conducted at the South Falcon East Uranium Project, which hosts the Fraser Lakes B uranium deposit.

The 12,464-ha South Falcon East Project lies 18 km outside the edge of the Athabasca Basin, approximately 50 km east of the Key Lake uranium mill and former mine (Figure 1). Tisdale Clean Energy Corp. entered into an option agreement with Skyharbour Resources Ltd in October of 2022 whereby the company can earn up to a 75% interest in the South Falcon East property.

This initial 2024 program is scheduled to complete up to 1500m of drilling in two phases, with the priority being the confirmation of existing mineralization. Follow-up drill programs will then be pursued to both facilitate expansion of the known Fraser Lake B deposit and to test multiple additional high-priority exploration targets at South Falcon East (Figure 2).

Phase one included 442m drilled in the first two drill holes. Hole SF-0059 was completed to a depth of 221m and intersected multiple zones of uranium mineralization over 13.5m, confirming the presence of mineralization in the vicinity of historical hole FP-15-05 (see below). Mineralization occurs within altered pelitic gneiss containing granitic pegmatites, overlying graphitic pelitic gneiss.

Highlights include:

0.02% eU over 5.6 m from 129.65 to 135.25 m, including: 0.07% eU over 1.1 m from 131.75 to 132.85 m. This included a 0.2 m interval grading 0.11% eU

0.03% eU over 4.1 m from 137.65 to 141.75 m, including: 0.11% eU over 0.2 m from 138.15 to 138.35m 0.05% eU over 0.2 m from 139.55 to 139.75m 0.06% eU over 0.2 m from 141.35. to 141.55m



The second drill hole of the program, SF-0060, was targeted to test for an extension of the mineralization in FP-15-05 along strike 25m to the Northeast of the mineralized intercept of FP-15-05. Hole SF-0060 was completed to a depth of 221m. Several zones of mineralization were also encountered, below 132m, with the best intersection occurring within altered pelitic gneiss containing graphite and granitic pegmatites.

This zone is highlighted by:

0.02% eU over 1.3 m from 142.15 to 143.45 m, including: 0.05% eU over 0.1 m from 142.55 to 142.65 m.



"We're pleased to see uranium values comparable to the grades of the known resource in the first drill two drill holes completed on the property in nearly a decade," said Alex Klenman, CEO. "This is what we need to see as we confirm then pursue expansion. We are starting with a historical resource of nearly 7 million pounds of uranium contained in a shallow deposit. The opportunity we have here is exceptional, certainly unique for a company with our market cap, and we believe we're just scratching the surface in terms of what can be achieved at South Falcon East," continued Mr. Klenman.

"We are encouraged to be intersecting the expected mineralization near the previous drilling at South Falcon East," commented Trevor Perkins, Consulting Geologist for Tisdale. "This confirmation of existing mineralization is a necessary first step to expanding the Fraser Lakes B @hUranium Deposit," continued Mr. Perkins.

Samples of the mineralized intervals within the drill core have been collected and shipped for analysis at the Geoanalytical Laboratory at the Saskatchewan Research Council in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Company will provide more detailed results once geochemical analysis of the collected drill core samples is completed, reviewed, and confirmed.

The results of these two drill holes confirm the presence of mineralized pegmatites and pelitic paragneiss within the deposit and project area. Graphitic pelitic paragneiss are the key lithology associated with uranium deposits within the eastern Athabasca Basin and are a good indication that additional pegmatite deposits as well as basement hosted unconformity related uranium deposits may be present along the Way Lake Conductor, within the South Falcon East claim boundaries.

Drilling at South Falcon East is scheduled to resume later this spring. The Company will release details on the dates of mobilization and drill commencement once they are confirmed. Phase two drilling will again be conducted by Terralogic Exploration Inc. under the supervision of Laura Tennent, Project Manager with TerraLogic Exploration, and C. Trevor Perkins, lead geologist for Tisdale. The drill program is operating out of Skyharbour's McGowan Lake Camp with helicopter support for the daily drilling operations.

Historical Drill Hole FP-15-05

Historical diamond drill hole FP-15-05 was drilled by Skyharbour Resources in 2015 and returned multiple zones of mineralization over a 14m interval, including 6m of .10% U308 (including a 2m interval of 0.165% U3O8 (from 135m) and 2.5m of 0.172% U3O8 (from 145m). This is the best intersection to date on the property and along the Way Lake conductive trend.

This hole, it should be noted, had to be abandoned due to equipment issues at 165m within the mineralized zone, leaving steel drill rods throughout the hole. Tisdale's initial drill hole, SF-0059, was planned to twin historical hole FP-15-05. Modifications were made to accommodate the presence of the material left behind in the hole and adjustments made to mitigate a lack of precision in tracing of FP-105-05, as no downhole orientation surveys were able to be completed, and any potential downhole deviation was unable to be determined. As a result, a larger separation and step forward was required, as well as the use of non-magnetic downhole orientation survey equipment. SF-0059 was therefore located 2.0m forward (in front, up-dip) of FP-15-05 to ensure no interference.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: South Falcon East Project Location - Eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada

Use of Radiometric Equivalent Grades

Drillholes are logged for in-situ radioactivity using a calibrated Mount Sopris Triple Gamma probe which collects continuous readings along the length of the drillhole. The probe records the amount of radioactivity present in the rock adjacent to the probe as it moves up and down the hole. Preliminary radiometric equivalent grades (% eU3O8) are then calculated from the downhole radiometric results using an algorithm derived from the calibration of the downhole probe equipment. The Triple Gamma probe was calibrated prior to the commencement of the current drill program at the Saskatchewan Research Council test pit facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Using down-hole probes to calculate radiometric equivalent grades is a common practice used by uranium exploration and mining companies in the Athabasca Basin. Tisdale will report radiometric equivalent grades as a preliminary result indicative of intersected mineralization pending the receipt of definitive assay grades once geochemical analysis of collected drill core samples from the mineralized intervals are complete. The samples will be analyzed at the Geoanalytical Laboratory at the Saskatchewan Research Council in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2: 2024 Drill Target areas at the south Falcon East Uranium Project



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 3: 2024 Drill location map in relation to FP-15-05 and the Way Lake Conductor.

About the South Falcon East Project

The South Falcon East Project is a uranium exploration project in the southeast Athabasca Basin and represents a portion of Skyharbour Resources Ltd.'s existing South Falcon Project. The project covers approximately 12,464 hectares and lies 18 kilometers outside the Athabasca Basin, approximately 50 kilometers east of the Key Lake Mine.

The South Falcon East Project contains the Fraser Lakes B Uranium/Thorium Deposit with a historic mineral resource* of 6.9 Mlbs U3O8 inferred at a grade of 0.03% U3O8 and 5.3 Mlbs ThO2 inferred at a grade of 0.023 % ThO2. Uranium and thorium mineralization discovered to date is shallow classic Athabasca-style basement mineralization associated with well-developed EM conductors. The exploration potential of the Fraser Lakes target area is considered exceptional, including the historical resource expansion potential of the current deposit at Zone B.

About Tisdale Clean Energy Corp.

Tisdale Clean Energy is a Canadian-based uranium exploration and development company. The Company is currently developing the South Falcon East uranium project, which holds a 6.96M pound inferred uranium resource within the Fraser Lakes B uranium/thorium deposit, located in the Athabasca Basin region, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by C. Trevor Perkins, P.Geo., Lead Geologist for the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

*The historical resource is described in the Technical Report on the South Falcon East Property, filed on sedar.com on February 9, 2023. The Company is not treating the resource as current and has not completed sufficient work to classify the resource as a current mineral resource. While the Company is not treating the historical resource as current, it does believe the work conducted is reliable and the information may be of assistance to readers.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF Tisdale Clean Energy Corp.

"Alex Klenman"

Alex Klenman, CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations.







For further information please contact:



Alex Klenman, CEO

Tel: 604-970-4330

info@tisdalecleanenergy.com



Tisdale Clean Energy Corp.

Suite 2200, HSBC Building, 885 West Georgia St.

Vancouver, BC V6C 3E8 Canada

www.tisdalecleanenergy.com


Peru's prosecutor's office on Sunday ordered President Dina Boluarte to present any Rolex watches in her possession, after a raid on her home and office as part of a corruption probe.

Boluarte, 61, is being investigated for alleged illegal enrichment and failing to declare several luxury watches which she has been spotted wearing since coming to power in 2022, following her predecessor's arrest.

"The president of the republic has been formally summoned to exhibit the Rolex watches," when she gives her sworn statement on April 5, the prosecutor's office said.

The statement from the prosecutor's office said that officers had not found the luxury watches during a dawn raid on Saturday, in which agents were shown breaking down the door of Boluarte's home in dramatic television footage.

However, it said "other elements of interest for the investigation were obtained." Local media indicated that documents were found showing when one of the watches was obtained.

Boluarte's lawyer Mateo Castaneda told journalists on Saturday that police had found some watches during their operation.

"They did not take them away. They were noted and photographed. There were around 10, and among them were some nice ones but I cannot say if they were Rolex," Castaneda told radio station RPP.

In response to the summons, Boluarte on Sunday requested to have her "investigative statement taken immediately, in order to clarify the facts under investigation as soon as possible" and not on April 5 as planned.

In the statement released through her attorney, she said the request was due to "the political turbulence that has been occurring." She did not confirm whether she would comply with the request to present the Rolex watches.

The raid came after prosecutors refused Boluarte's request for more time to respond to a subpoena demanding she furnish proof of purchase for her watches.

Prosecutors also want to know if she has reported the Rolex watches on her income statements.

Boluarte came to power in December 2022 after then president Pedro Castillo tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, leading to his arrest and violent protests demanding she step down, and that fresh elections be held.

She is also facing a constitutional complaint over a crackdown on those protests which led to the deaths of more than 50 people.

Boluarte, whose approval ratings hover around 10 percent, said Saturday the raids were "an attack on democracy and the state of government, generating political, social and economic instability."

In an address to the nation, she slammed the raids as "arbitrary, disproportionate and abusive."

She has previously said that the watches were the product of working hard since she was 18 years old.

If she is indicted in the case, a trial could not take place until after her term ends in July 2026 or she is impeached, according to the constitution.

Congress potentially could seek her dismissal on grounds of "moral incapacity," but that would require the unlikely cooperation of the right-leaning groups that control the parliament -- and are Boluarte's main support -- with their left-wing rivals. (AFP)
Redmi president Thomas Wang revealed the Xiaomi brand is launching new series called Turbo. They will sit between the K and Note series and will be all about performance. It's first member will be called Redmi Turbo 3, and it might be a new name for the Redmi Note 13 Turbo.

In a lengthy post, followed by a Q&A session on social media, Wang explained the idea behind Turbo  it will be a lineup of phones that will reshape the midrange market.

By the looks of it, the Redmi K phones will remain the "flagship killer" devices, the Redmi Turbo will fit below them with a focus on performance, while the Redmi Note will balance with better camera setups.

The first phone in the series is Turbo 3 because it is the third phone in the Redmi portfolio, aiming to provide raw performance at a lower price (at the expense of other flagship specs)  the first was the Redmi Note 11T Pro, and then it was the Redmi Note 12 Turbo; clearly, we are not getting a Note 13 Turbo. There was no word on whether the phone will also launch as Poco F6 since Thomas Wang spoke to the Chinese audience, and the Poco lineup is not offered in China.

This new series will likely make the Xiaomi portfolio even more confusing, but at least we're not getting a new Redmi Note  the 11 series had 18 different variants while the 12 series were slightly more modest with only 13 different variants that weren't that different at all.

Source (in Chinese) | Via
Last week China Mobile announced the official launch of 5G-Advanced (aka 5.5G/5G-A) on its network. 5.5G is the next step in mobile connectivity and promises improvements to speed, latency, and stability over regular 5G. Oppo quickly announced its plans to bring 5G-Advanced to its Find X7 series and now fellow BBK Group member vivo is also set to join the ranks.

vivo X Fold3, X Fold 3 Pro and the X100 series will be among the first devices to get 5.5G later this month with an OTA update. The iQOO 12 series and iQOO Neo 9 series are also scheduled to receive 5.5G support.



vivo X Fold3 and X100 series will be among the first devices to support 5.5G connectivity

An image of a vivo X100 running on China Mobiles 5.5G network appeared on Weibo showing download speed of 3619.19Mbps and an upload speed of 160.75Mbps. These 5.5G network speed tests are certainly impressive but they are only a fraction of the theoretical speeds supported by the standard.



vivo X100 Pro running on China Mobile's 5.5G network

5G-Advanced is rated at up to 10 Gbps downlink and 1 Gbps uplink speeds. China Mobiles press release also mentioned millisecond latency and improved network stability.



3GPP Release 18 details, aka 5G-Advanced

5G-Advanced is still undergoing tests in China and is currently operational in a limited number of cities. China Mobile plans to roll out the network to more than 300 cities by the end of the year covering the massive metropolitan areas of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Source 1  Source 2 (both in Chinese)
People thought it was Google's April Fool's Day joke

Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin loved pulling pranks, so much so they began rolling outlandish ideas every April Fool's Day not long after starting their company more than a quarter century ago. One year, Google posted a job opening for a Copernicus research center on the moon. Another year, the company said it planned to roll out a scratch and sniff feature on its search engine.

The jokes were so consistently over-the-top that people learned to laugh them off as another example of Google mischief. And that's why Page and Brin decided to unveil something no one would believe was possible 20 years ago on April Fool's Day.

It was Gmail, a free service boasting 1 gigabyte of storage per account, an amount that sounds almost pedestrian in an age of one-terabyte iPhones. But it sounded like a preposterous amount of email capacity back then, enough to store about 13,500 emails before running out of space compared to just 30 to 60 emails in the then-leading webmail services run by Yahoo and Microsoft. That translated into 250 to 500 times more email storage space.

Besides the quantum leap in storage, Gmail also came equipped with Google's search technology so users could quickly retrieve a tidbit from an old email, photo or other personal information stored on the service. It also automatically threaded together a string of communications about the same topic so everything flowed together as if it was a single conversation.

The original pitch we put together was all about the three Ss  storage, search and speed," said former Google executive Marissa Mayer, who helped design Gmail and other company products before later becoming Yahoo's CEO.

It was such a mind-bending concept that shortly after The Associated Press published a story about Gmail late on the afternoon of April Fool's 2004, readers began calling and emailing to inform the news agency it had been duped by Google's pranksters.

That was part of the charm, making a product that people won't believe is real. It kind of changed peoples perceptions about the kinds of applications that were possible within a web browser," former Google engineer Paul Buchheit recalled during a recent AP interview about his efforts to build Gmail.

It took three years to do as part of a project called Caribou  a reference to a running gag in the Dilbert comic strip. There was something sort of absurd about the name Caribou, it just made make me laugh, said Buchheit, the 23rd employee hired at a company that now employs more than 180,000 people.

The AP knew Google wasn't joking about Gmail because an AP reporter had been abruptly asked to come down from San Francisco to the company's Mountain View, California, headquarters to see something that would make the trip worthwhile.

After arriving at a still-developing corporate campus that would soon blossom into what became known as the Googleplex, the AP reporter was ushered into a small office where Page was wearing an impish grin while sitting in front of his laptop computer.

Page, then just 31 years old, proceeded to show off Gmail's sleekly designed inbox and demonstrated how quickly it operated within Microsoft's now-retired Explorer web browser. And he pointed out there was no delete button featured in the main control window because it wouldn't be necessary, given Gmail had so much storage and could be so easily searched. I think people are really going to like this, Page predicted.

As with so many other things, Page was right. Gmail now has an estimated 1.8 billion active accounts  each one now offering 15 gigabytes of free storage bundled with Google Photos and Google Drive. Even though that's 15 times more storage than Gmail initially offered, it's still not enough for many users who rarely see the need to purge their accounts, just as Google hoped.

The digital hoarding of email, photos and other content is why Google, Apple and other companies now make money from selling additional storage capacity in their data centers. (In Google's case, it charges anywhere from $30 annually for 200 gigabytes of storage to $250 annually for 5 terabytes of storage). Gmail's existence is also why other free email services and the internal email accounts that employees use on their jobs offer far more storage than was fathomed 20 years ago.

We were trying to shift the way people had been thinking because people were working in this model of storage scarcity for so long that deleting became a default action, Buchheit said.

Gmail was a game changer in several other ways while becoming the first building block in the expansion of Google's internet empire beyond its still-dominant search engine.

After Gmail came Google Maps and Google Docs with word processing and spreadsheet applications. Then came the acquisition of video site YouTube, followed by the introduction of the the Chrome browser and the Android operating system that powers most of the world's smartphones. With Gmail's explicitly stated intention to scan the content of emails to get a better understanding of users' interests, Google also left little doubt that digital surveillance in pursuit of selling more ads would be part of its expanding ambitions.

Although it immediately generated a buzz, Gmail started out with a limited scope because Google initially only had enough computing capacity to support a small audience of users.

When we launched, we only had 300 machines and they were really old machines that no one else wanted, Buchheit said, with a chuckle. We only had enough capacity for 10,000 users, which is a little absurd."

But that scarcity created an air of exclusivity around Gmail that drove feverish demand for an elusive invitations to sign up. At one point, invitations to open a Gmail account were selling for $250 apiece on eBay. It became a bit like a social currency, where people would go, Hey, I got a Gmail invite, you want one? Buchheit said.

Although signing up for Gmail became increasingly easier as more of Google's network of massive data centers came online, the company didn't begin accepting all comers to the email service until it opened the floodgates as a Valentine's Day present to the world in 2007.

A few weeks later on April Fool's Day in 2007, Google would announce a new feature called Gmail Paper offering users the chance to have Google print out their email archive on 94% post-consumer organic soybean sputum " and then have it sent to them through the Postal Service. Google really was joking around that time. (AP)
Will a state amendment legalizing marijuana in Florida make it to the Nov. 5 ballot for voters to decide? On Monday, we finally will get the answer.

The April 1 deadline has arrived for Floridas Supreme Court to determine whether a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana throughout the state should appear on the 2024 ballot  and at 4 p.m. their much anticipated decision will be announced.

Amendment 3  also called the Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative  was spearheaded by the Smart & Safe Florida campaign, which receives funding from Trulieve, a provider of medical marijuana.

To trigger a review by the state Supreme Court, the initiative needed the signatures of 891,523 Florida voters. However, organizers exceeded expectations by gathering 1,033,769 signatures, well surpassing the requirement.

The court began its review in November and was given until April 1, 2024, to announce its decision.

A survey by the University of North Floridas Public Opinion Research Lab found that nearly 70% of Floridas registered voters are in favor of the amendment, which would allow Floridians to buy and hold limited marijuana amounts for personal use without a medical license.

MORE: Florida voters in favor of amendment for recreational marijuana use

In 2016, Florida voters overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment to legalize medical marijuana, with more than 70% in favor, paving the way for a significant number of Floridians to access medical cannabis. As of March 29, 2024, the state had 877,954 registered medical marijuana patients.

In January, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis predicted the initiative would appear on the November ballot.

I think the court is going to approve that  so itll be on the ballot, DeSantis told reporters during an event in New Hampshire, just a few days before officially ending his presidential campaign.

MORE: Florida closer to marijuana legalization vote; DeSantis expects itll be on the ballot

But it likely wont have his vote.

At an event put together by the Never Back Down Super PAC in August, Florida Politics reported that DeSantis called recreational marijuana a real, real problem and told reporters, Yeah, I would not legalize.

While state Supreme Court rulings usually come out on Thursdays, the court issued a notice on March 28 saying, The Florida Supreme Court will release out-of-calendar opinions at 4 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 1.

If Amendment 3 secures a spot on the ballot, it will require a 60% majority vote from the electorate to pass.

We will update this story as new details emerge.
An amendment seeking to alter Floridas existing ban on abortions after 15 weeks of gestation will be put to voters in November.

Following a 4-3 vote, the state Supreme Court announced Monday afternoon that Amendment 4, which seeks to establish access to abortion as a constitutional right until fetal viability (typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy), will appear on the November ballot in Florida

The amendment also would guarantee individuals the right to obtain an abortion if its deemed necessary to safeguard their health, as determined by their health care provider  and prohibit any laws that attempt to hinder, penalize, prolong or restrict access to abortion before viability or when its deemed necessary for the patients health.

The amendment was created from a grassroots campaign of organizations and individuals called, Yes on 4: Floridians Protecting Freedom, which garnered 996,512 signatures from Florida residents who are in favor of the proposed amendment.

The initiative will now appear as Amendment 4 on Floridas 2024 general election ballot.
After her water broke prematurely in her pregnancy, doctors informed Anya Cook that her baby had no chance of survival. Cook allegedly also was informed that terminating the pregnancy was not an option due to Floridas prohibition on abortions after 15 weeks of gestation, compelling her to endure the unviable pregnancy until she miscarried.

Cooks story comes from Yes on 4: Floridians Protecting Freedom, a grassroots campaign of organizations and individuals pushing for a state amendment to appear on the 2024 Florida ballot that would make it a constitutional right to have access to abortion any time before fetal viability (the time when the fetus can live outside the womb)  which usually occurs at 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The amendment also would guarantee individuals the right to obtain an abortion if its deemed necessary to safeguard their health, as determined by their health care provider  and prohibit any laws that attempt to hinder, penalize, prolong or restrict access to abortion before viability  or when its deemed necessary for the patients health.

However, it would not alter the state Legislatures authority to enact laws mandating parental notification when a minor seeks an abortion, unless a judge deems it unnecessary.

After garnering 996,512 signatures from Florida residents in favor of the proposed amendment, Floridas Division of Elections announced in January that the initiative would be designated as Amendment 4 on the 2024 general election ballot, pending a review by the Supreme Court.

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled there is no federal constitutional right to abortion, overturning Roe v. Wade and returning abortion policy decisions to the states.

Floridas Supreme Court, which was tasked with reviewing the language of the proposed ballot summary to ensure it complies with state law, announced it will render its decision as to whether Amendment 4 will appear on the ballot at 4 p.m. April 1.

Yes on 4 Campaign Director, Lauren Brenzel said opponents of Amendment 4s ballot placement attempted to distort case law, misapply legal tests and even asked the court to invent new standards in a desperate attempt to hide their lack of a legal argument behind hollow political rhetoric.

From having almost one million voter signatures, to thousands of volunteers, to over $1 million raised by our grassroots efforts, the message is clear. Floridians, from all 67 counties, want to see this amendment on the ballot, Brenzel said in a news release. We look forward to the Florida Supreme Court confirming what we clearly demonstrated today  our ballot title and summary meet the requirements to go to voters.

We will update this story as new details emerge.
In November, Florida voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballot on a proposed amendment to legalize recreational marijuana throughout the state.

In a highly anticipated opinion released Monday afternoon, the state Supreme Court gave its nod of approval to Amendment 3  also called the Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative  confirming it will appear on the November 2024 ballot and giving voters the power to decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.

A survey by the University of North Floridas Public Opinion Research Lab found that nearly 70% of Floridas registered voters are in favor of the amendment, which was spearheaded by the Smart & Safe Florida campaign.

Organizers needed the signatures of 891,523 Florida voters in order for the initiative to appear before the state Supreme Court for its consideration. However, they collected 1,033,769 signatures  well surpassing the requirement.

The court began its review of the amendments language in November and was given until April 1, 2023, to announce its decision.

If passed by voters, Amendment 3 would allow Floridians to buy and hold limited marijuana amounts for personal use without a medical license.

In 2016, Florida voters overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment to legalize medical marijuana, with more than 70% in favor, paving the way for a significant number of Floridians to access medical cannabis. As of March 29, 2024, the state had 877,954 registered medical marijuana patients.

Our role is narrow, Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans wrote in an advisory opinion released Monday afternoon. We assess only whether the amendment conforms to the constitutionally mandated single-subject requirement, whether the ballot summary meets the statutory standard for clarity, and whether the amendment is facially invalid under the federal constitution. In light of those limited considerations, we approve the proposed amendment for placement on the ballot.

Amendment 3 will now appear on Floridas November 2024 ballot, where it will need to secure a 60% majority vote from the electorate to pass.

David Goubert, CEO of the cannabis operator, Ayr Wellness, reacted to the courts decision by saying that his company looks forward to contributing to efforts that support the ballot initiative.

AYR is pleased by the Florida Supreme Courts historic decision to allow Florida voters the opportunity to decide on legalizing cannabis this November. We consider any step towards increasing access to tested, regulated cannabis a positive one, Goubert said. We are confident that Florida voters will come out in support of adult use cannabis, clearing the 60% vote threshold this November.




Haiti - FLASH : International flights to Haiti still suspended, update on the situation





American Airlines, Jetblue Airways and Spirit Airlines, confirmed that they were not considering an immediate resumption of their activities to Haiti and that all flights to this destination remained suspended due to the armed attacks which targeted the airport international Toussaint Louverture...



Laura Masvidal Spokesperson for American Airlines said that due to civil unrest the airline had suspended flights to Port-au-Prince until Wednesday, April 17. "We continue to monitor the situation and we will adjust our operations if necessary."



In an official statement, JetBlue Airways indicates that its flights will remain suspended at least until Friday April 5, specifying "We continue to monitor the situation and are working closely with the American Embassy and our team in Haiti to determine next steps [...] The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority."



Michael Lopardi, Spokesperson for Spirit Airlines, said its services from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Port-au-Prince and Fort Lauderdale and Cap-Haitiens "remain suspended until further notice."



Let's remember that the Haitian company Sunrise Airways has resumed some of its flights (round trip) and operates the connection between Cap-Haitien and Miami three times a week https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41974-haiti-notice-sunrise-airways-resumption-of-regular-cap-haitien-miami-flights-+-special-flights.html



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41974-haiti-notice-sunrise-airways-resumption-of-regular-cap-haitien-miami-flights-+-special-flights.html



TB/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - MMSS : The Canadian army will train nearly 330 men of the Caribbean Joint Task Force





Friday March 29, 2024, approximately 70 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Jamaica. At the request of the Jamaican government, they will provide training to military personnel from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations who are set to deploy to Haiti as part of the United Nations-authorized, Kenyan-led, Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.



On the Canadian mission in Jamaica, known as Operation HELIOS, CAF members will provide training on core peacekeeping skills and combat first aid  and carry out validation and integration exercises for CARICOM troops. This Canadian training will prepare the CARICOM troops to deploy on the Kenyan-led MSS mission.



The Canadian personnel being deployed are drawn primarily from the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment from Valcartier, Quebec. Their deployment will last for an initial period of approximately one month. Canadian Armed Forces expects to train approximately 330 CARICOM troops from Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas.



Belize sent 51 members (20 Coast Guard Special Operations Commandos and 31 Belize Defense Force soldiers) for specific readiness training in preparation for the Mission in Haiti in support of the Haitian National Police (PNH) in its fight against armed gangs. In Jamaica, they will join the forces of Jamaica and the Bahamas to form the CARICOM "Caribbean Joint Task Force".



Let's recall that in January 2024, the CAF conducted courses for approximately 300 defense personnel from the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica. The training covered a wide range of topics, including protection of the civilian population, conduct and discipline, and conflict-related sexual violence. All military personnel must undergo such training before participating in UN-authorized missions.



The CAFs Operational Support Hub (OSH) in Jamaica will be the location for the training. The OSH, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of four hubs the CAF maintains around the globe in partner nations that provide logistical support to operations, and ensure that CAF members and assets can be quickly brought into the region. The OSH in Jamaica was first activated in 2016.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















China's state media published a blistering critique of the Netflix series 3 Body Problem on Saturday, saying the adaptation of an award-winning Chinese sci-fi trilogy promotes "American cultural hegemony" under the guise of diversity.

The commentary by China Military Online, owned by the People's Liberation Army, is the one of the first from state-affiliated media after more than a week of polarized discussion on Chinese social media about the series from showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the writing and producing duo behind HBO's Game of Thrones.

The commentary targeted the American version's radical departure from the novels, which feature mostly Chinese characters and a plot that plays out over hundreds of years, while the first season of the Netflix series features characters of various nationalities all set in the same time period.

Fears of 'irreversible damage' to literature as AI wins award for sci-fi novel



"The United States is using 'political correctness' to combat and dissolve other countries' cultural influence. It uses 'pluralism' to practice its cultural hegemony," according to the commentary.

It added that the production team "deliberately does away with the modern image of China depicted in the novel" while preserving the "yellow faces" of its villains.

"The so-called pluralism and inclusiveness cannot hide their deep-rooted discrimination and hostility towards other civilizations," the article said.

The Hugo Award-winning sci-fi novecivilizationsody Problem is the first book in a trilogy by Chinese author Liu Cixin. The trilogy, which also includes the novels The Dark Forest and Death's End, is about humans combating alien civilisations across centuries, starting from China's Cultural Revolution.

3 Body Problem piracy in China shows some American shows can still break through



The first novel's main character Ye Wenjie, who is among the few main characters portrayed as Chinese in the Netflix series, summons a race of aliens known as the Santi, whose name means "three body" in Chinese, after her father is killed during the Cultural Revolution.

The main characters in the three-book series appear at different times, with some of their stories separated by decades or more. But in the Netflix version, most of the main characters appear at the very beginning and their storylines develop over the same time period.

The Netflix series also mainly takes place in Britain, rather than China, which is the main setting of the novels.

There are no authorized channels for viewers to watch the Netflix series in mainland China, where the American streaming service is banned.

The sci-fi drama has a rating of 6.8 out of 10 on Douban, China's best-known film review site - significantly lower than other high-budget Netflix productions such as the first seasons of Stranger Things and The Crown, which earned viewer ratings of 9.0 and 9.3 respectively.

Liu's trilogy has also been adapted into a Chinese TV series by Tencent, one of China's top tech and games giants.

The Tencent series, which debuted last year, has a rating of 8.7 out of 10 on Douban. While some reviewers complained the home-grown version's depiction of the Cultural Revolution was compromised because of China's strict censorship, most applauded the complexity of the characters and its faithful adaptation of the novels.

Most criticisms of the Netflix series on Douban echoed those raised by China Military Online, focusing on the drastic differences compared to the novels, from the characters to the compression of the trilogy's timeline.

A major controversy is the American series' detailed portrayal of the Cultural Revolution - the event that spurred the Santi aliens' invasion of Earth. The director of the scene is Hong Kong filmmaker Derek Tsang Kwok-cheung.

Some reviewers compared the Netflix version's depiction of the period in Chinese favorably with the more nebulous version of events in the Tencent series. But others criticized the scene, saying it portrayed China in a bad light and painted non-Chinese characters as saviors.

"Netflix followed the original novel by having the Chinese character summon the Santi, but the hero has to be replaced with Westerners. Don't ever chalk it up to the inevitable product of globalization," one Douban reviewer said, giving the series two out of five stars.

But another reviewer, who gave the series a four-star rating, said that understanding the Santi required understanding the history of their engagement with humans, including the Cultural Revolution, "so it is very suitable to highlight this part at the beginning of the series."

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV also reported on the controversy, citing high-profile Japanese video game designer Hideo Kojima, who posted a review of the Netflix series on X, formerly Twitter, advising those who had read the original novels to watch the Tecent adaptation.

However, in a separate post, Kojima also praised the Netflix version's adaptation and visual effects, saying the production team had transformed the trilogy into "an entertaining work suited for both those who have read the original and those who have not." (SCMP)

Read the full story at SCMP
A FAMILY fortune mystery in the mould of Agatha Christie set in the south of France among the super-rich  whats not to like?

Except everything is not as it seems in the jaunty thriller The Origin of Evil (15), which brings its twists and turns to the Henley Regal Picturehouse this week.

With a nod towards Patricia Highsmiths talented Tom Ripley, down-on-her luck lead character Stephane (Laure Calamy) turns up on the doorstep of her long-lost father Serge, who is recovering in his seaside mansion after suffering a stroke.

But her arrival ruffles the feathers of the ladies of the house  Serges glamorous wife Louise (Dominique Blanc), George, the daughter who runs Serges business empire, played by Doria Tiller, and even the icy maid (Suzanne Clement).

Is Stephane really Serges estranged daughter? And will she persuade Serge (Jacques Weber) to sign over a share of his fortune?

The film has a running time of two hours, three minutes.

The French flavour continues with the debut of director Benoit Delhomme at the helm of Mothers Instinct (15), a remake of the 2018 Belgian psychological thriller of the same name.

It stars Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain as Sixties housewives with perfect lifestyles, successful husbands, luxurious homes and sons of the same age.

But their friendship is shattered when a tragic accident disrupts their perfect lives and leads to a spiral of guilt, suspicion and paranoia.

The film has a running time of one hour, 34 minutes.

Theres also something for the children in the Easter school holidays with Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG), the latest instalment of the animated martial arts

franchise.

Featuring the voices of Jack Black and Bryan Cranston, the films running time is one hour, 34 minutes.

Dune: Part Two, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Wicked Little Letters and The Zone of Interest are all continuing.

Julie Hanson
HENLEY Town Council has been urged to do more to support the police.

David Orpwood, who chairs the South and Vale Independent Advisory Group, praised Thames Valley Police but said the force struggled to hold on to officers with their current salaries.

Speaking at a council meeting, he urged members to support his campaign to improve pay for officers across the South-East.

Mr Orpwood, from Watlington: Im a great fan of Thames Valley Police. The rural crime task force theyve got is without a shadow of a doubt the best in the country and they really are going forward.

Theyve got 10 members in their team at the moment and theyre going to increase it to 20, which I pushed very hard for, and I think it will make a big difference to rural crime. I live in a vulnerable, isolated house, so Im pleased to have it.

Their violence against women and girls [strategy] is leading the country in how theyre doing it.

As you probably know, when you have the regatta here, they have operating vigilance, which is plain-clothes officers watching pubs and restaurants and anyone whos sort of causing problems to women or men, a uniformed officer comes in and nicks them, which I think is great.

He explained that police advisory groups were set up following the murder of Stephen Lawrence in London in 1993 and the mishandling of the investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Orpwood said: That was the beginning of looking at how they can get a two-way communication for community engagement, which Im very much into  a back and forth between the public and the police. This has grown and now in the Thames Valley there are 11 local police areas.

Thames Valley Police have led the way with the race action plan, which I think is fantastic because weve got to all be seen as equal.

Im really into community engagement. I think we all should be. Im not representing myself, Im representing the community. He said that 60 per cent of Thames Valley Police officers had been in post for less than two years, which he called a frightening statistic.

Mr Orpwood said: We want the old cop who knows what hes doing and hopefully the ones were getting, we can keep.

Theyre not paid enough money without a shadow of a doubt. In the recent pay review, the Mets loading went up from five per cent to seven per cent but the South-East loading stayed at three per cent.

Ive been trying to get this up to five per cent and your help there would be much appreciated.

Councillor Laurence Plant asked how the council could help.

Mr Orpwood replied: The only thing we can do is lobby. I lobby, I write to MPs and Ive got two at the moment who are helping me lobby the Treasury.

Quite frankly, I want to be safe and I want to make sure that the guy whos keeping me safe is also safe.

Mr Orpwood said he supported the councils stance of getting value for money from the police. The council currently pays 18,000 to fund half the cost of a full-time police community support office specifically for Henley with Thames Valley Police paying the other half.

In January the council threatened to withdraw its funding after a meeting heard it no longer received information about the officers activities.

Glen Lambert, who chairs the town and community committee, said: We have no control of where this Pcso is; we cannot even control if they are in Henley. We do not get reports on their action either, so this is an issue of whether we get our moneys worth.

Mr Orpwood said: I think youre quite right if youre paying half of it. I fully support you in fighting that corner.

Mayor Kellie Hinton said the council supported the local police neighbourhood team.

She said: We have consistent and regular liaisons with them. They come and update our meetings. If theyre not able to come and provide a verbal report, because theyre obviously busy policing, then they will often provide at least a written report. Were keen to support the police.
A WOMAN has received an apology for not receiving a response to her complaint against a pub that she had suffered food poisoning after eating there.

Ewa Gucciardo, of Upton Close, Henley, said she fell ill after eating a meal at the Bull on Bell Street in December.

The former restaurateur said she had contacted the Brakspear pub on multiple occasions to demand an apology or explanation but received either.

The company says the pubs records show no deviation from its strict food hygiene policies on the day in question but it has apologised for its lack of communication.

The incident took place a week before Christmas when Ms Gucciardo had a pork dish at the pub. Ms Gucciardo said: I had difficulty cutting it with my knife. It wasnt pink, it was raw. I ate what I could and I left the other half.

I asked the waiter about it and he said it was cooked but it looked pink. I was sick and vomiting the day after and the day after that and it was the only food I had really eaten.

She said she called the pub and restaurant on multiple occasions and spoke to five different members of staff.

Ms Gucciardo said: Every day they ignored me, no one said anything to me, not even sorry. I would phone up and have to repeat the story to different managers. This was unacceptable behaviour. They could have handled it nicely with the first phone call. They could have come up with a nice little reason and said sorry but they didnt. They hoped I would be forgotten, or I would go away. This has never happened to me before and I go to lot of different places.

Ms Gucciardo used to run an Italian restaurant in Swindon called Gaetano with her husband Lino. The couple took over the restaurant from her father-in-law in 1998 and ran it together before selling the lease to friends and moving to Italy in 2010.

Ms Gucciardo returned to the UK in 2020 and now works in the care industry. A Brakspear spokeswoman said the company has contacted Ms Gucciardo to apologise after being approached by the Henley Standard. She said: We take hygiene and safety checks extremely seriously. We have investigated our food safety records for the December date that the guest visited us on and we can report that our record keeping does not show any deviation from our strict food hygiene policies and rigorous procedures and that food served was done so in line with our specifications.

Our senior operations team have spoken to the guest to apologise for the failure in communication regarding the allegation and to update them on the change of general management of the pub as well as to reassure her that we have investigated this matter thoroughly.
THE River & Rowing Museum in Henley is selling tickets online for the time.

Director Steve OConnor hopes to develop this in order to sell merchandise from the museum shop.

Deputy Mayor Rory Hunt told a meeting of the town council that the venue in Mill Meadows had had a good few months and received 700 visitors during the February half term.

He said it had also secured a grant from South Oxfordshire District Council to renovate its childrens education space.

The museum hosted the launch of the Henley Youth Festival and the launch of British Rowings river clean-up initiative earlier this month and was featured in the Guardian.
(JNS)  The 19th-century English novelist Charlotte Bronte is best known for her 1847 novel Jane Eyre, which is a staple of many U.S. middle and high school curricula. A new journal article addresses a different side of the Victorian writerher focus throughout her career on Queen Esther, the heroine of the Purim story.

Bronte had a prolonged intertextual relationship with the Book of Esther throughout her career, reaching a peak in her 1853 novel Villette, Channah Damatov, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Bar-Ilan University, wrote on March 15 in The Journal of the Bronte Soci...
(JNS)  The Biden administration is expected to impose new sanctions as early as Thursday on two Jewish outposts located beyond the Green Line that were allegedly used to launch attacks against Palestinians, according to an Axios report.

The prospective sanctions to counter settler violence will also target three Israelis, said the report, citing three U.S. officials.

The penalties would freeze the U.S.-based assets of the individuals and communities, ban those targeted from obtaining a visa to enter the United States and block their access to the U.S. financial system.

In February, Biden is...
(JNS)  The White House will present alternative plans designed to dissuade Jerusalem from carrying out a full-scale military operation in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah when an Israeli delegation visits Washington early next week, Axios reported on Tuesday.

According to U.S. and Israeli officials, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was surprised when President Joe Biden proposed the visit.

The fear was that the negotiations over the hostage deal could collapse and then the Israelis will just go ahead with a Rafah invasion, which would be a breaking point for the U.S.-Israeli relati...
(New York Jewish Week)  An Israeli hostage who was released from Hamas captivity said the support of New Yorks Jewish community gives us strength as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Central Park on Sunday morning to mark 150 days since the captives were taken in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

This support is really moving, said Keren Munder, who was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz with other members of her family. She was released in November, during a temporary ceasefire, with her 9-year-old son, Ohad, and her mother, Ruti, 78. Her father, Avraham Munder, 78, remains in captivity.

I real...
(JNS)  Hamas terrorists are regrouping at Gaza hospitals, forcing the Israeli military to conduct operations to eliminate these insurgencies, Channel 12 reported on Monday.

An operation at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has been going on for over a week and is expected to last another two days.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, 170 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists have been killed in firefights in and around the compound and another 500 have been apprehended so far. A large amount of weapons have also been confiscated, many of which were hidden among medical equipment, patients and displ...
(JNS) - The Hamas terrorist organization is disseminating fictitious figures for casualties in the current war in Gaza. That's the conclusion of a deep dive into the data published in Tablet magazine in a March 7 report titled "How the Gaza Ministry of Health Fakes Casualty Numbers."

"The numbers are not real. That much is obvious to anyone who understands how naturally occurring numbers work. The casualties are not overwhelmingly women and children, and the majority may be Hamas fighters," writes Abraham Wyner, a professor of statistics and data science at the Wharton School of the University...
(JNS) - As part of truce talks taking place in Doha, Qatar, Israeli officials have agreed to release between 700 to 800 Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to various media reports.

The inmates include 100 serving life sentences for murdering Israelis, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported on Sunday, citing two Israeli officials.

Ravid reported that the number stands at 700, while an Israeli official briefed on the Doha talks told Reuters the figure could reach as high as 800.

Hamas has reportedly demanded the release of...
(JNS)  Despite heightened tensions five months into Israels war with Hamas, Jerusalem remains committed to upholding freedom of worship, Israeli officials told foreign press at a special Ramadan briefing in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

We take pride in being a nation that welcomes all faiths and protects freedom of religion and worship, said Tal Heinrich, spokeswoman for the Prime Ministers Office.

While Israel hasnt placed any restrictions on Arab-Israeli Muslims who wish to visit the Temple Mount during the month-long holiday, age restrictions have been imposed on Palestinian Arabs coming fro...
(JNS) - Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz sent a sharply worded letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, charging him with a blatant disregard for the atrocities committed by Hamas against the Jewish people on Oct. 7.

"Your dismissal of the heinous acts as documented in the recent U.N. report-acts which are still being perpetrated-is not only inadequate but also offensive," wrote Katz.

"The world has been waiting five months for your actions. The necessity to declare Hamas as a terrorist organization, and to impose severe sanctions similar to those placed on Al Qaeda and...
(JTA)  Eylon Levy, the English-language spokesman for Israel widely praised for defending the beleaguered country in English-language media, has been suspended and is unlikely to return to his role, Israeli media is reporting.

According to the Israeli media reports, Levy was suspended over his response on X, formerly Twitter, to Britains top diplomat, who had called for more aid to be allowed into Gaza, where Israel is waging war against Hamas. Levys response, which has since been deleted, rejected the idea that Israel was preventing aid from entering and challenged the official, David Came...
On Thursday, March 14th, Oakmonte Village in Lake Mary echoed with the warm laughter and camaraderie of the Jewish Pavilion's annual Spring Breakfast. The event, sponsored by the Jewish Pavilion, brought together a diverse array of individuals, including staff, sponsors, and board members, in a celebration of community and connection.

One of the highlights of the morning was the opportunity for everyone to introduce themselves and share their unique connection to the Jewish Pavilion. From heartfelt personal stories to tales of longstanding support, each introduction added another layer to the...
(JNS)  The pro-Israel writer who uses the pseudonym Elder of Ziyon, had the sense that Jewish community centers were downplaying Israel programming compared to what they had done in the past. So, he started looking at JCC websites at random to see if his impression was correct, the writer told JNS.

I saw lots of progressive-friendly events and very few Israel-centered events, he said. Then I decided to look at the mission statements.

Most of them never had any mention of Israel, although the programming from 20 years ago was definitely more Israel-centered, he added. But, as I showed...
WASHINGTON (JTA)  An overwhelming majority of U.S. Jews say Israels reasons for launching a war against Hamas are justified, and a substantial majority approve of how Israel is conducting the war.

The Pew Research Center study published Thursday is billed as the rare survey of sentiment about the war to include enough Jewish and Muslim respondents to garner an accurate reflection of their views.

It shows that Jewish views on the conflict are in many ways starkly different from those held by the rest of Americans. Far fewer U.S. respondents overall see Israels rationale for the war, and its...
(JTA)  In Jerusalem, a service omitted the loud noise-making associated with the holiday in order to accommodate soldiers traumatized by months of war. In Tel Aviv, bakeries peddled a triangular treat renamed for a contemporary villain, the leader of Hamas. And in Jewish communities around the world, costumes and holiday gifts paid homage to the more than 130 Israeli captives who remain in Gaza.

Those adjustments marked some of the many ways that Purim, a generally whimsical Jewish holiday that celebrates an ancient victory over a threatened genocide, took a different shape this year because...
(JTA) - Tens of thousands of Jews around the world joined in a collective recitation of the Shema prayer on Thursday that was broadcast from Jerusalem's Western Wall to support the more than 130 hostages still held by Hamas.

The event was organized by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum along with Aish HaTorah, a haredi Orthodox yeshiva and outreach movement. They timed it to the Fast of Esther, which commemorates the threat the Jews of Persia faced from their persecutor, Haman, during the Purim story.

The call for participation took off in Jewish communities around the world, with synagogu...
US taps Hamas ally Qatar to build port in Gaza

By David Isaac

(JNS)  At Americas request, Hamas ally Qatar has agreed to take charge of operating and financing the temporary pier on its way from the United States to the Gaza coast, Israels Channel 14 reported on Tuesday.

Qatar consented to run the port on condition that the construction work go to the Al-Hisi firm, a company controlled and sponsored by Hamas, according to Channel 14 correspondent Baruch Yedid, citing Arab media reports following a meeting in Cyprus between diplomatic officials from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates sev...
(JNS)  Its been more than 160 days since Hamas terrorists invaded my homeland, Israel, the only home for the Jewish people, leaving behind a trail of blood, devastation and destruction.

Its been more than 160 days since innocent Israeli families have been torn apart, loved ones murdered, brutalized and taken from their homes. Its been more than 160 days since husbands, wives, children, grandparents, family and friends have lived in agonizing uncertainty, not knowing whether their loved ones are still alive.

Its been more than 160 days since Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists launched their hor...
(JNS)  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has never been a friend of Israel. But her recent blood libel that Israel is committing an unfolding genocide in Gaza puts her squarely in the Jew-hating camp.

AOC needs a refresher course on the Bible. God says, I will bless those who bless you and him who curses you I will curse. Evangelical Christians understand this better than any other group. I doubt AOC has ever heard it before.

Its a shame that AOC was educated by a self-hating JewSen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). I missed my chance to educate her before she entered politics, when she att...
(JNS)  Starting in the 1920s, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union pioneered the art of dezinformatsiya. A hundred years later, the Communist Party of China has developed disinformation into a high-tech science.

You probably know how the Kremlin did propaganda: Thousands of KGB operatives would feed false information to journalists in dozens of countries to advance Moscows goals. Increasing anti-Americanism and anti-Israelism were high on the list.

Some of those journalists were fellow travelers. Others were what the Soviets called useful idiots.

Among the bogus stories the Kremlin push...
(JNS)  As some of us have long feared and that has now become undeniable, Israel is fighting not one but two wars of defense against a malevolent foe.

The first is against the axis of Iran and its proxies: Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis of Yemen. The second is against America.

The Biden administration is to construct a pier off the Gaza shore to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. This week, Israeli TVs Channel 14 reported that, astoundingly, the Americans have handed over the financing and management of this pier to Qatar, the founder, funder and protector of Hamas and therefore...
(JNS)  The United States has a law called the Taylor Force Act that forbids the United States from transferring money to the Palestinian Authority so long as the P.A. transfers money to terrorists. Since 10 percent of the P.A.s budget is used to reward terrorists and their families for the Jews the terrorists murdered in terror attacks, the United States has been unable to transfer money to the P.A. for the past few years.

Unfortunately, even though the Biden administration knows that the P.A. pays terrorists, it still considers them a peace partner that Israel must talk to and has been cont...
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, six days after the Election Commission announced the seven-phase schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. His deputy, Manish Sisodia, and the partys Rajya Sabha member, Sanjay Singh, have also been arrested in the same excise policy case.

Last week, the ED questioned Punjab excise department officials and Aam Aadmi Partys Goa convener Amit Palekar, as well as three other party leaders. The ED claims that AAP used alleged bribes from the Delhi excise policy scam for the Goa assembly elections in 2022. On Saturday, it issued a summons for Delhi transport minister, Kailash Gehlot, for questioning.

On Monday, ED in Kejriwals remand application claimed that Vijay Nair, former communication in-charge of AAP and an accused in the case, used to report to Delhi ministers, Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bhardwaj. Kejriwal was sent to Tihar Jail by the court on Monday. More than a dozen AAP leaders have either been arrested or questioned by the ED in the alleged scam. K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was also arrested in the Delhi excise case.

After the elections were announced on March 15, the ED issued a summons to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) faction leader Amol G Kirtikar who will contest the Lok Sabha polls under the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc. Kirtikar was questioned in the alleged khichdi scam hours after he was nominated as party candidate for Mumbai's north-west Lok Sabha seat. The khichdi scam pertains to alleged irregularities in providing food to patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. He has been asked to appear before the ED on April 8.

The ED has also registered a case against Kerala chief minister Pinayari Vijayans daughter, Veena Vijayan, and some others for money laundering. They claim that money was paid by a mining firm to her IT company. The ED filed the case on the basis of a complaint from the Central governments Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which conducted an initial inquiry against Veena on the basis of a complaint by a Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party leader. She is likely to be summoned by ED in April. Kerala is going to Lok Sabha polls in the second phase on April 26.

Most of the EDs action against opposition leaders, since 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over from Congress Manmohan Singh, has been targeted at opposition leaders, especially in states where the opposition is or has been, in power. In January, Jharkhands former chief minister Hemant Soren was arrested by the agency in an alleged land purchase scam. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, former Maharashtra home minister, Anil Deshmukh and Nationalist Congress Party senior leader Nawab Malik, were other opposition leaders arrested by the ED. None have been convicted so far in the money laundering cases lodged against them.

As per an Indian Express report, there has been a four-fold jump in ED cases against politicians in the past eight years as compared to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)s 10 years of power between 2004-2014. The ED operates under the Directorate of Revenue, Government of India. Between 2014 and 2022, of the 121 leaders raided by ED, 115 were opposition leaders, the daily reported. During the UPA regime, 29 politicians were probed by ED, of which 14 were from opposition parties.

The opposition parties have also claimed that the ruling BJP was using the ED to break opposition parties and make their leaders join the BJP. The federal agency probes have slowed down on investigation against opposition leaders who joined the BJP.

The latest example is former civil aviation minister Praful Patel, against whom a corruption case was closed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on March 27, almost four months after his faction of NCP joined the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra. The ED, which had initiated its probe against Patel based on the CBI investigation, may not have any grounds to inquire further into the money laundering charges. With Patel getting the clean chit, his assets seized by ED are likely to be released, too.

The ED probe has also not progressed much against Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was being investigated for Saradha chit fund scam when he was in the Congress party. There have also been no further developments in cases against former TMC leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Mukul Roy in the Narada sting operation case since they joined the BJP before the West Bengal assembly polls in 2017.

However, ED action continues even when the Election Commissions model code is in force. The model code is the period when all powers of the administration get vested with the Election Commission and nothing which can possibly disturb the electoral level playing field can be carried out without the ECs permission.

The EDs actions and the Income Tax departments recovery notices to opposition parties, the Congress and the Communist Party of India, threatening freezing of accounts, violates the level playing field. The Congress has received cumulative notice to submit 1,800 crore and CPI, 11 crore, in the middle of election season.

The EC has not spoken on whether the ED or Income Tax department has sought its permission before initiating action against opposition party leaders. If not, it is a violation of the model code and the EC can use its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution, to reign in these agencies. The article vests all officers of Central and State under the commission and gives it the power to issue binding directions to them. If the EC wants the election to be fair, it needs to use its constitutional powers, or else, be prepared to fail the Indian democratic process.

Chetan Chauhan, national affairs editor, analyses the most important environment and political story in the country this week
The 12th edition of the Kolkata Literary Meet 2024, curated by Malavika Banerjee, had a lot going for it  compelling speakers, invigorating sessions, attention to detail, and a number of venues including Victoria Memorial Hall, Daga Nikunj, GD Birla Sabhaghar, Gallerie 88 and the Bengal Club to ensure wide participation from people living in different neighbourhoods.

The festival held from January 23 to 27 brought in speakers from various walks of life  poets, novelists, artists, translators, playwrights, chefs, scholars, literary critics, radio jockeys, musicians, designers, bankers, actors, filmmakers, lawyers, dancers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and diplomats.

I came away impressed by the event that encompassed conversations about queer literature, multilingualism, Bhakti poetry, women in sports, Indias textile traditions, decolonizing the English literary curriculum, childrens books, artificial intelligence, and travel writing. It had performances by Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Heeba Shah, Shubha Mudgal, Aneesh Pradhan, Sudhir Nayak, Anupam Roy, Sudarshan Chakravorty, Jacek Luminski, Anirban Bhattacharya, and Riddhi Sen.

Also, there is something utterly magical about Kolkata winters  cold in the mornings and evenings, a bit warm in the daytime, with the occasional drizzle thrown in. The beautiful weather certainly added to the festivals charm.

Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah bared his heart about the hostile environment that he faced in England as a refugee from Zanzibar. Being an outsider felt alienating and it pushed him to make sense of the new land through the fiction he wrote. Soon he discovered that the novel was a wondrous form that allowed for depth and complexity. When asked to share words of advice for aspiring novelists, he said, Everybody has their own reasons for wanting to undertake this business of writing, which can be very pleasurable and very frustrating, so I am not sure what to say. This is my only advice: Dont give up. Just keep writing.

South African writer Damon Galgut, who won the 2021 Booker Prize for his novel The Promise, and American translator Daisy Rockwell who won the 2023 International Booker Prize for Tomb of Sand  her translation of Geetanjali Shrees novel Ret Samadhi  were the other literary giants who graced the festival. Galguts session on his book Arctic Summer, which draws inspiration from EM Forsters novel A Passage to India, was particularly engaging thanks to moderator Ankhi Mukherjee, a professor at the University of Oxford.

Galgut also joined Gurnah and Mark Gevisser  South African journalist and non-fiction writer  in a session on contemporary African literature, moderated by novelist Sandip Roy, who got them talking about stereotypes in the publishing industry and changes that have taken place.

Jashodhara Chakrabarti and Jael Silliman in conversation about the book Shalome Rides a Royal Elephant The Story of the First Jews of Calcutta

Rockwell joined British translator Daniel Hanh  winner of the 2023 Ottaway Award for the Promotion of International Literature  and Arunava Sinha  on a panel about how translations introduce readers to new literary worlds. The three of them are collaborating on the South Asian Literature in Translation (SALT) initiative, which includes an institutional partnership between the University of Chicagos Delhi campus and Ashoka University. Rockwell was on another translation panel with author Alka Saraogi, publisher Aditi Maheshwari Goyal and scholar Ved Raman Pandey. She held forth on the significance of her choice to translate only women writers as she was fed up with the absence of empathy she encountered in the way male authors in Hindi approached the interiority of female characters.

Author Perumal Murugan was there to talk about his 2023 JCB Prize-winning Firebird, published as Aalandapatchi in Tamil and translated into English by Janani Kannan. Author S Hareesh came in to discuss the 2020 JCB Prize-winning novel Moustache, translated by Jayasree Kalathil from his Meesha, which was written in Malayalam.

Irish novelist John Boyne spoke about writing his bestselling The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas because he grew up without being introduced to any Holocaust literature as a school kid. He learnt about the Nazi concentration camps in Europe through Elie Wiesels memoir Night. In the session moderated by author Bijal Vachharajani, who writes books for children and young adults, Boyne addressed the criticism that this novel has received for alleged historical inaccuracies. He emphasized that novelists and historians are engaged in entirely different pursuits and that a novelist aims to render emotional truths rather than hard facts.

Sudha Murty, who writes fiction for adults and children, had the audience burst into thunderous applause when she said, I was excited to come to Kolkata because this is a city of book lovers. I knew that I would be welcomed here as an author, not Narayana Murthys wife or Rishi Sunaks mother-in-law. She seemed unfazed by the Internet memes trolling her on an everyday basis, fully confident of her ability to captivate listeners with her storytelling even when she narrated the well-known story of how she wrote a postcard to industrialist JRD Tata pointing out the gender bias in automobile giant TELCOs hiring advertisement. She was a young engineer at the time, and the advertisement said that women need not apply.

There were several other speakers including Gopalakrishna Gandhi, KR Meera, Shanta Gokhale, Amitav Ghosh, Raghuram Rajan, Sebastian Faulks, Asha Sahay Choudhry, Sugata Bose, Niladri Chatterjee, Devika Rege, Siddhartha Deb, Jerry Pinto, Radhika Iyengar, Anand Neelakantan, Sarnath Banerjee, Stephen Alter, Laila Tyabji, Appupen, and Deborah Baker.

Actor-turned-author Huma Qureshi came to the festival with her novel Zeba: An Accidental Superhero. I have never known a woman in my life who is not strong. Strength comes in different forms. Just because someone is not career-oriented or not fluent in English does not make them weaklings, she said, as she fielded questions from over 30 children who showed up for her session. They wanted to know about her writing process, her childhood, her strategies for multi-tasking, her remedy for writers block, and her approach to mental health. She stole many a heart with the warmth and respect that she extended to each one of them.

One of the children wanted to know how he should snap out of his despair when he felt really low. She recommended speaking to a trusted adult  teacher, parent, counsellor  but also asking for hugs because they can offer instant comfort.

A separate section on childrens literature called the Junior Kolkata Literary Meet hosted authors like Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, Jael Silliman, Jasodhara Chakrabarti, Andaleeb Wajid, Hannah Lalhlanpuii, Tanu Shree Singh, Mandira Shah and Nandita Basu, among others.

The festival ended on a glorious note with Hindustani classical vocalist Shubha Mudgal singing a bhajan attributed to 15th century poet Kabir: Sadho, dekho jug baurana/ Sanchi kaho toh maaran dhaave, jhoothe jug patiyana/ Hindu kahe hai Ram hamaara, Musalman Rahimana/ Aapas mein dou lade marat hain, maram koi na jaana. Kabir diagnoses hatred as madness that has inflicted people who kill in the name of God instead of going on a spiritual journey that will acquaint them with their own self and their connection to others.

She made her point without talking about how religious sentiments are manipulated in the run-up to elections. The audience, of course, understood because the music has its own way of getting to the heart of the matter.

Chintan Girish Modi is a freelance writer, journalist and book reviewer.
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) on Monday announced to demerge its fast fashion and retail business Madura Fashion & Lifestyle into a separate listed entity aiming to unlock opportunities for value creation. A logo of the Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.(abfrl.com)

The ABFRL board at its meeting held on Monday authorised the management of the company to evaluate the vertical demerger of Madura Fashion & Lifestyle business, according to a company statement.

"The proposed demerger will enable the creation of two separately listed companies as independent growth engines with distinct capital structures and parallel value creation opportunities," it said.

Moreover, after the completion of the proposed demerger, ABFRL "will raise growth capital within 12 months" to strengthen its balance sheet, and pursue the large growth opportunity, it added.

The Madura Fashion & Lifestyle (MFL) business consists of four fast fashion brands - Louis Phillippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England - along with casual wear brands viz. American Eagle and Forever 21.

It also has a brand licence for the sportswear brand Reebok and the innerwear business under Van Heusen, which will be demerged into a separate listed entity, it said.

In FY23, MFL contributed 8,306.97 crore to ABFRL's consolidated revenue of 12,417.90 crore.

"This portfolio has built a leadership position over a long period of time and has a proven track record of delivering consistent revenue growth, profitability, strong free cash flows and high return on capital," it said, adding that "the entity will have a strong balance sheet to power its future growth aspirations".

MFL business was acquired by the Aditya Birla Group firm in December 1999 from the India unit of Coats Viyella, a British multinational company manufacturing apparel, footwear, and performance materials.

Indian Rayon and Industries, an Aditya Birla Group firm had acquired Madura Garments, the readymade garments division of Madura Coats Ltd, including the rights for its premium brands in Saarc and Middle East countries for 236.23 crore.

After the demerger of MFL, ABFRL will have Pantaloons and Style Up business, focusing on value retail. Besides it will also have an ethnic Portfolio covering multiple occasions, price points and consumer segments, including a designer wear portfolio.

It will also have a luxury business portfolio, where it has - The Collective, Galleries Lafayette and other selected luxury brands.

Besides, it will also have TMRW business, which has a portfolio of digital-first fashion brands.

After necessary approvals, MFL's demerger will be implemented through an NCLT scheme of arrangement, and all shareholders of ABFRL will have identical shareholding in the newly formed entity, it added.

"The proposal will be subject to all statutory approvals from ABFRL Board of Directors, shareholders, creditors, regulators, along with other customary approvals," it said.

Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said the move is designed towards a more simplified and streamlined architecture to unlock distinct opportunities for value creation and is poised to significantly enhance long-term stakeholder value.

"The evolution of this portfolio has seamlessly mirrored the shift in consumption trends, with a play encompassing all large value creation opportunities. As the platform embarks on its next transformational phase of growth, there is scope to re-evaluate capital structures to optimise different parts of the portfolio," he said.

Post demerger, the remaining ABFRL business will be focused on high-growth segments where there are tailwinds from a shift from unbranded to branded, premiumisation, rise of super premium & luxury, and rapid growth in Gen Z-focused digital-first brands, it said.

Shares of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd settled 3.02 per cent higher at 211.70 apiece on the BSE.
China's manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in 13 months in March, with business confidence hitting an 11-month high, driven by growing new orders from customers at home and abroad, a private survey showed on Monday. A worker unloads bicycles for a bike-share service in Beijing, China.(AP)

The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI rose to 51.1 in March from 50.9 the previous month, above analysts' forecasts of 51.0 and marking an expansion for the fifth consecutive month. The 50-point mark separates growth from contraction.

The upbeat results followed recent better-than-expected export and retail sales data, suggesting a bright start to the year for the world's second-biggest economy.

Citi last week raised its forecast for China's 2024 growth to 5.0% from 4.6%, citing "recent positive data and policy delivery".

Premier Li Qiang announced an ambitious 2024 economic growth target of around 5% at the annual meeting of China's parliament in March.

But analysts say policymakers will need to roll out more stimulus to hit that target as they will not be able to count on the weak statistical base of 2022 which flattered 2023 growth data. Moreover, a deep slump in the property sector remains a major drag on activity.

Expansion in manufacturers' output and new orders accelerated last month, the PMI survey showed. External demand also picked up, pushing the gauge for new export orders to its highest level since February 2023.

Businesses' confidence towards the year-ahead rose to its highest point since April 2023 on good news such as a reduction in input costs.

"A drop in raw material prices reduced production costs for manufacturers, providing leeway for them to lower prices amid fierce market competition," said Wang Zhe, Senior Economist at Caixin Insight Group.

However, companies were cautious about adding employees, and the relevant sub-index has remained negative since August last year.

"The economy still faces headwinds with prevalent uncertainties and unfavorable factors," said Wang.

Downward economic pressures persist, employment remains subdued, prices remain low, and insufficient effective demand has not been fundamentally resolved, underscoring the need to further boost domestic and external demand.
HDFC Bank informed its customers that National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) transactions will not be available on April 1 owing to procedures regarding financial year-ending. Even if it is available for select HDFC Bank customers, there might be delays, the bank said advising those who are planning to transfer money to avoid NEFT. Additionally, in case you have to receive salary or other payments through NEFT transfer on April 1, it may also get delayed. The headquarters of India's HDFC bank is pictured in Mumbai. (Reuters)

What can HDFC Bank customers use instead?

HDFC Bank customers can use these transaction methods to transfer money on April 1: Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and Unified Payments Interface (UPI.

What HDFC Bank said on the delay?

In a mail to customers, HDFC Bank wrote, "Please note, outward NEFT transactions may get delayed/ may not be available on 1st April 2024 due to financial year-end procedures. We request you to please complete your transaction using IMPS, RTGS, or UPI during this period. We regret any inconvenience this may cause."

It added, If you require any assistance regarding transferring money tomorrow, you can contact the customer support team of the bank on 18001600 /1800 2600.

Are banks open on April 1?

Banks in many states will be shut on April 1 due to the closing of year accounts, as per guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Banks will remain closed in states except Mizoram, Chandigarh, Sikkim, Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.

No exchange of  2000 note on April 1

Additionally, RBI said that the exchange and deposit of the 2,000 notes will not be available April 1. The central bank said in a notification, The facility of exchange/deposit of 2000 banknotes will not be available on Monday, April 01, 2024, at the 19 Issue Offices1 of the Reserve Bank of India due to operations associated with the Annual Closing of Accounts. The facility will resume on Tuesday, April 02, 2024.
Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly planning a supercomputer which will uses millions of specialized server chips and may cost up to $100 billion, The Information reported. The US-based supercomputer will be known as "Stargate" and will be the centre of a five-phase plan of the companies on a series of supercomputer installations in the next six years, the outlet reported. Stargate, could launch as soon as 2028, the outlet reported citing people in the know, who also said that executives at both companies have already drawn up plans for the data center project. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks. He recently marked his tenth year as Microsoft CEO capping a decade of growth as he pivoted the slow-moving software giant into a laser focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence.(AP)

A spokesperson for Microsoft said as per the report, We are always planning for the next generation of infrastructure innovations needed to continue pushing the frontier of AI capability.

What report said on Stargate's funding?

Microsoft has already committed more than $13 billion to OpenAI and is likely to fund Stargate as well, per the report. OpenAI currently uses Microsoft data centers to power its generative AI system ChatGPT for which Microsoft has exclusive rights to resell OpenAI's technology to its own customers.

What we know about Stargate so far?

The supercomputer could be 100 times more expensive than the largest data centers currently in operation, it was reported. It could also have the potential to exceed computing power currently supplied by Microsoft to OpenAI from its data center. The supercomputer would require at least several gigawatts of power to do so, The Information reported.

Read more: Zomato delists restaurant after birthday cake causes death of young girl in Patiala

Why would Stargate cost so much?

The report also claimed that Stargate would be expensive owing to the difficulty in obtaining necessary server chips. Meanwhile, finding enough energy sources to power the project could also pose challenges and the companies have talked about using alternative power sources like nuclear energy, it added.

Where will the supercomputer be located?

It's not clear where Stargate would be located or whether it would be built in just one data center or many nearby centers, the report added.
Senior Congress leader K H Muniyappa on Sunday said the party should have found a compromise formula and chosen a local to contest from the Kolar seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Muniyappa, who is seemingly upset after his son-in-law was denied a ticket from Kolar, claimed that the two factions led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM and state Congress President D K Shivakumar were unable to resolve their differences and hence selected a "third person" to contest from the seat. Cong should have found compromise formula for Kolar: Karnataka Minister

Also Read - Man in Bengaluru kills his girlfriend by stabbing her 15 times: Report

"The high command had given the ticket.. they had decided in favour of Chikka Peddanna (his son-in-law), but as there were some differences among us (Kolar unit), they had left the decision to the Chief Minister and the state president (of Congress). "They were unable to resolve the issue and have selected a third person as the candidate," Muniyappa, the state Food and Civil Supplies Minister said.

Speaking to reporters here, he claimed that such differences were there in several constituencies and efforts were made by the leadership to resolve them, but could not be done in Kolar. "I tried to convince them to give (Chikka Peddanna) an opportunity and that I will ensure victory, but they couldn't. K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala (AICC General Secretaries) had contacted me...but, no one could resolve the differences. "There is no use of me blaming anyone now, the election is round the corner," he said.

The Congress yesterday announced a 'neutral' candidate, K V Gowtham, for the segment sending out a message to the two factions of the Kolar Congress--one led by Muniyappa, and another by former Speaker Ramesh Kumar-- vying for supremacy in the district. Gowtham, who is from SC (Left) community, is the Bengaluru Central District Congress Committee president and son of former mayor K C Vijayakumar. Muniyappa denied being upset about his son-in-law not getting the ticket, but said that the leadership could have ensured some "compromise formula".

"They should have identified a local person as a candidate and told both sides to obey the party decision," he added. Five Congress legislators including a minister threatened to resign four days ago if the ticket for the Kolar Lok Sabha seat was given to Muniyappa's son-in-law Chikka Peddanna, as they wanted someone from the SC (Right) sect to be fielded. Peddanna belongs to SC (Left).

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had on Thursday conducted a meeting with the lawmakers who had threatened to resign. Muniyappa has represented Kolar Lok Sabha seat seven times. He had returned to state politics after losing the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Kolar against BJP's S Muniswamy. He is currently an MLA from the Devanahalli assembly segment. Meanwhile, Shivakumar today said that the dissidence in the Kolar unit of the party has been resolved and all leaders in the district including Muniyappa, Ramesh Kumar and other legislators have resolved to ensure the party's victory. "You will see that they will together ensure Congress' victory," he added.
Karnataka Industries minister MB Patil slammed Kerala minister P Rajeeve for trying to woo the IT companies in Bengaluru by showing water scarcity as a reason. The former said such attempts do not reflect the healthy competitive spirit states share in a federal system. Karnataka Congress leader MB Patil. (File Photo)

In an X post, MP Patil said that the state must cooperate with each other during the crisis times to overcome such situations instead of trying to benefit. He wrote, Kerala's efforts to attract Bengaluru businesses during our water scarcity feels contrary to the spirit of federal unity we cherish. Such actions challenge the foundation of interstate cooperation and overlook the importance of tackling shared challenges collaboratively. In Karnataka, our focus remains steadfast on creating a resilient, industry-friendly ecosystem that thrives on innovation and sustainable solutions, ensuring our state continues to be a beacon of growth and stability.

Also Read | Deadline to install water aerators in Bengaluru extended till April 7

MB Patil also reminded us that a lot of people from Kerala are living in Karnataka as the business ecosystem in the state has given them employment opportunities. Many Kerala people made their successful career here in Karnataka. We are working hard to provide water to the IT companies, and they have no complaints about it, he added.

P Rajeeve, the industries minister for Kerala said, We learned that there is a severe water crisis in Bengaluru, so we reached out to some of the IT companies and asked them to move to Kerala. Our state has well-planned water connectivity and is full of natural resources. We will offer them all the required facilities.

The minister also revealed his ambition to make Kerala the new Silicon Valley of India. Currently, discussions are going on with a few companies on investments in Kerala. Our state has the potential to become the new Silicon Valley of India, and we are ready to provide all the facilities to the company in that direction. As Bengaluru faces many challenges, Kerala wants to showcase itself as the next big IT destination for companies, he added. The Kerala government is reportedly planning to construct four new IT corridors along NH66.
New Delhi, A 35-year-old man who went missing under mysterious circumstances last week was found dead in Baljeet Nagar, police said. HT Image

According to police, the man, identified as Madhav Singh, was allegedly killed by a man and his wife with whom the deceased was in an extramarital affair.

The police said they have arrested the woman along with her two associates and started further investigation into the matter.

Singh, a resident of Gulshan Chowk in Anand Parbat here, worked as a labourer in a factory.

Deputy Commissioner of Police M Harsha Vardhan said a missing complaint of Singh was lodged on March 27 at the Anand Parbat police station by one of his relatives.

"During the investigation and analysis of Singh's phone, it was revealed that he was in contact with a woman named Jyoti, who had called him to her house in Punjabi Basti, Baljeet Nagar," Vardhan said.

The officer said that further investigation raised strong suspicion about the involvement of Jyoti and her husband in Singh's disappearance.

When the police visited Jyoti's house, it was found locked and the items were scattered on the floor. The body of Singh was found buried in a sewage pit there.

Jyoti and her husband Lekhpal were arrested on Sunday.

During interrogation, the duo admitted that Singh was having an illicit affair with Jyoti, the DCP said.

They disclosed the involvement of one Surjit, a resident of Baljeet Nagar, and he was also arrested in connection with the case. They with Jyoti, the officer said.

The accused couple told the police that they called Singh to their house on March 25.

With the help of Surjit, they allegedly beat Singh up and disposed of the body, said the police officer.

Surjit has previous involvements in criminal cases of theft and assault.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Three persons were injured after a leopard attacked them barging into their house in north Delhis Roop Nagar on Monday, police said adding that the animal has been trapped in a room with the help of fire services personnel. Police said it took almost two hours to lock the leopard inside a room. (Representative Image)

Officials said it took almost two hours to lock the leopard inside the room. Meanwhile, the family members were rescued and taken to the hospital.

Currently, seven persons from the Forest Team and team from Fire Department along with local police are present on the spot. The leopard has been contained in a room, rescue operation is in progress said deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (North), Manoj Meena.

Officials said the police control room (PCR) received a call from locals informing them about the incident at around 6.15am. A team rushed to the spot and forest officials were also informed.

The chief of Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Atul Garg, said the department received a call about the incident at around 6.18am.

We were asked to help as a leopard barged into a house. The house is in Jagatpuri village. Two fire tenders were rushed to the site. With the help of residents, the leopard was cornered, and it is in a room now, said Garg.

The injured people have been identified as Mahender Singh, Akash Singh and Rampal Singh.
Over three months after she sought the Chief Justice of Indias permission to end her life following alleged sexual harassment, a female civil judge in Banda district has now alleged receiving a death threat through a registered letter on March 28. The SHO said the police will examine CCTV footage from the relevant post office to identify the sender. (For Representation)

We have registered an FIR against unknown individuals for threatening the judicial officer and the investigation has begun, said additional SP, Banda, Laxmi Niwas Mishra.

Based on her complaint, police registered a case under sections 467 (forgery of valuable security or a will) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified individuals on Sunday (March 31) night, said station house officer, Kotwali, Banda, Anupam Dubey.

As per the SHO, the police will examine CCTV footage from the relevant post office to identify the sender of the threatening letter. The judge submitted a written complaint on Sunday alleging that she received the threatening letter on March 28 through registered mail at her residence.

The letter, allegedly sent by a person named RN Upadhyay, also carries a mobile number 9415802371 on the envelope. In her complaint, she also mentioned the names of three individuals who she believes could be behind sending the threatening letter to her.

She also mentioned that an investigation into the alleged sexual harassment complaint made by her had been initiated through the high courts intervention. This incident follows her previous appeal to the CJI in December last year where she had demanded an investigation into her allegations of sexual harassment by a senior judicial officer.

The letter, which had gone viral on social media around four months ago, allegedly accused a judicial officer of sexual harassment during her posting in Barabanki district.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Monday fielded Meera Deepak Yadav, its former MLA from Madhya Pradeshs Niwari seat, from Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency replacing Manoj Yadav whose candidature was announced on Saturday. Khajuraho is the only seat allotted to SP in Madhya Pradesh as part of a seat-sharing pact with the Congress. (For Representation)

Meera Deepak Yadav will take on sitting BJP MP VD Sharma. Khajuraho is the only constituency allotted to SP, a member of the INDIA bloc, in Madhya Pradesh as part of a seat-sharing pact with the Congress which is contesting the remaining 28 Lok Sabha seats in that state.

The SP had contested the seat in 2009, 2014 and 2019 general elections. In 2009 and 2014, the SP ended up at the fourth place while in 2019 it was at third position. The BJP has won the seat four times in a row.
Mumbai: The Congress received a boost in Solapur on Sunday as former MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Dilip Mane joined the party at its state headquarters in Mumbai. The Latur district chief of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) Jagdish Mali too joined the party on Sunday. Former MLA Mane joins Cong

The Congress has fielded former union home minister Sushilkumar Shindes daughter Praniti Shinde from Solapur for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, while the BJP has given a ticket to Ram Satpute. In the 2019 elections, BJPs Siddheshwar Mahaswamiji had defeated Sushilkumar Shinde, and the Congress had blamed the defeat on VBA chief Prakash Ambedkars candidature, saying he took away 1.70 lakh votes.

The Mane family is quite well established in the cooperative sector. Dilip Manes father Brahmadev Mane was a staunch Congressman who was elected to the legislative assembly in 2009. He crossed over to the Shiv Sena in 2019 and contested opposite Praniti Shinde in the assembly elections but was defeated.

Welcoming Dilip Mane into the party on Sunday, state Congress chief Nana Patole said, There is a need to end the BJPs dictatorship and protect the Constitution. Agencies like ED, CBI and Income Tax are being used to scare people from other parties.

Sushilkumar Shinde, who was also present during Manes induction, said the leader had come back to his home. Dilips father was also in Congress. He too was in Congress, but had he left us to join another party. I thank him for returning home. His workers have also told him that there is no option but to return to Congress.

Shinde claimed his daughter Praniti was given an offer to join the BJP, and said, We wont join the BJP even if we have to die. Please help the Congress candidate win.

Mane said that he and his workers had started working for Congress and would give a big lead to Praniti Shinde.
Mumbai The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)s Mumbai Zonal Unit seized 1.1 kg of cocaine, worth around 11 crore, from a man from Sierra Leone, when he arrived at Mumbais international airport last week. A total of 74 capsules, containing 1.1 kg of cocaine, were recovered from his body and seized on Saturday.

The accused, who was arrested by the DRI, had allegedly ingested the cocaine that was stuffed into 74 capsules, which were recovered from his body, agency sources said. The accused is suspected of acting as a carrier for an international narcotics trafficking syndicate and had been allegedly promised a payment of $1,000 (approximately 83,000) for his work by his handlers, sources said.

DRI officers had intercepted the accused when he arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Thursday, on the suspicion that he was carrying a narcotic substance. On questioning, the passenger had allegedly admitted to having ingested capsules containing drugs and carrying the same in his body for smuggling into India, a DRI source said.

The passenger was produced before a city court and as per the court order, he was admitted to the JJ Hospital to retrieve the contraband via medical procedure. A total of 74 capsules, containing 1.1 kg of cocaine, were recovered from his body and seized on Saturday under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The accused is in judicial custody.
A local court in Assams Kokrajhar district has sentenced a person, who was arrested in 2018 for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl, to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court found the man guilty after examining the evidence produced by police and hearing the witnesses. (Representative Image)

The court of additional sessions judge cum special judge in Kokrajhar district on Saturday convicted him after hearing the case. The special judge, Joydev Koch found the man guilty after examining the evidence produced by police and hearing the witnesses.

The person, identified as Habibor Rahman, was arrested by police in August 2018 based on a case registered at Bagribari Police Station in Kokrajhar district under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as per the police records.

According to police, the alleged incident happened on August 2, 2018. As per the statement of the girls father, she was 12-year-old at that time and she was playing with her friends in an area near her house when Habibor Rahman committed the crime.

The girls friends informed her family, and they rescued her, but the accused absconded. Later he was arrested and was sent to jail. He later applied for bail, but the court rejected it, an official said.

Police later recorded the statement of the girl and other witnesses. The girl went through mandatory medical examinations and all the reports were submitted before the court, officials said.

The court on Saturday, while announcing the verdict, also imposed a fine of 50,000 and said the convict will have to undergo another one-year imprisonment in default of the payment.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have successfully resolved its problems in Bihar by turning back to the tried-and-tested formula of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections  alliance with chief minister Nitish Kumar  but experts feel the impact on the ground will be visible only after the election results are announced on June 4 due to a better organised Opposition under the Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Prime Minister Narendera Modi with RJD patron Lalu Prasad Yadav. (HT File Photo)

It is basically a direct fight between the BJP-led NDA and the RJD-led Grand Alliance (GA). Just as the BJP did not give weightage to smaller parties after the return of Nitish Kumar to NDA, the RJD also focused on ground realities by giving the Left a better deal, making the Congress compromise and ignoring the habitual party hoppers, former director of AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies and political commentator DM Diwakar said.

The CPI-ML has fielded former JNU general secretary and Paliganj MLA Sandeep Saurav from Nalanda against three-time Janata Dal (United) MP Kaushlendra Kumar. Saurav is a known face in Bihar due to his protest over the teachers issues. Similarly, another CPI-ML MLA Sudama Prasad will take on Union minister RK Singh from Ara. In Karakat, the partys former MLA Rajaram Singh will take on another former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha.

The BJP managed to remove any possibility of rebellion in the LJP by going with the Chirag Paswan faction and avoiding even a murmur from the Pashupati Kumar Paras group, which had five MPs in the NDA government at the Centre and only one was accommodated this year. Though Paras was in the Union Cabinet, Chirag ensured he had the last laugh.

Vikashsheel Ishaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni, who emerged on the political scene in 2014 as part of the BJP alliance and later moved to GA, has also maintained silence despite being denied ticket. After the NDA, the GA also gave him the snub due to the RJDs clear stand on how it would fight the elections.

The same happened with Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), who had to remain content with just one seat.

Diwakar said that for smaller parties, the options narrowed down this time as the RJD too has played its cards well in a bid to make the fight as direct as possible, especially on seats where the BJP does not have a stronghold.

However, players like Asaduddin Owaisis AIMIM, which plans to contest 15 Lok Sabha seats this time after winning five Assembly seats in 2020, has the potential to make a dent in Muslim-dominated areas, Diwakar said.

The RJD was till now not too critical of Nitish Kumar, but after the January switchover, it has become increasingly attacking. The RJD has also fielded strong candidates against JD(U) and the going may not be easy on those seats. For the BJP, its inability to produce a credible and acceptable leadership in the state is a big handicap, as it has become too dependent on the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Diwakar added.

Social analyst professor Nawal Kishor Choudhary said that after Nitish Kumars return to the NDA, the BJP did not feel the need to look beyond him and stuck to the old formula.

Nitish Kumar may not be in his prime anymore but he did make himself indispensable for the BJP in Bihar all these years and that is the reason why doors opened for him despite home minister Amit Shahs repeated remarks earlier that the doors were closed for him. But the RJD under Lalu Prasad cannot be taken lightly, he said.
Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kulebas discussions with external affairs minister S Jaishankar and deputy national security adviser Vikram Misri during his first visit to India focused on reviving bilateral relations and, more significantly, seeking New Delhis support for a planned peace summit to be hosted by Switzerland. Ukraine, which was earlier critical of Indias stance on the invasion by Russia, has apparently softened its position. Kyiv also realises the importance of engaging with New Delhi given its stature in the Global South in order to ensure the success of the peace summit at a time when the Russia-Ukraine war appears to be stalemated amid growing fatigue in Europe. While the leadership of European States still speaks publicly about standing by Ukraine, key economies such as Germany are in trouble. There are growing concerns in Europe about what a possible Donald Trump presidency could mean for US support for Ukraine. All of this underscores the urgency to secure the support of the Global South  which has largely seen the Ukraine conflict as a war of rich nations and refused to take a position on it  for the peace summit. It is in this context that Kuleba has spoken of the possibility of India becoming the first major non-western power to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys peace formula.

The Global Souths stance may inadvertently have strengthened Russias hand. Russia has been more understanding of Indias predicament and calibrated the bilateral relationship to one of equals, unlike the West, which seeks to impose its viewpoints on non-western capitals. Ukraine understands this and realises it needs others to push its case in any negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine will want both China and India to be involved in peace overtures to ensure that Russia will engage. With the West also shifting its focus to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the peace summit offers a slim window of opportunity for possible forward movement.

India has been non-committal about the peace summit though it has sent officials to four preparatory meetings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has in the past emphatically spoken against using war to resolve disputes, was one of the first heads of State to congratulate President Putin on his re-election while Jaishankar has said Russia is a trusted old-time ally that India will stick with. Clearly, India will have to continue walking a very delicate line in these efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine war.
April Fools Day 2024: Many celebrities, from Abhishek Bachchan to Ajay Devgn, have played mischievous tricks on their fans and each other. While Ajay has a history of pranking his co-stars, actor Anupam Kher celebrated April Fool's Day with his humorous magazine cover in 1991, where he posed as 'Sridevis unknown sister'. Also read: When Anupam Kher posed on the cover of a film magazine as 'Sridevi's sister' April Fools Day: Abhishek Bachchan pranked Aishwarya Rai; while Anupam Kher pulled on on fans with his 1991 magazine cover.

Heres a look back at some of the best celebrity pranks over the years:

Nobody could guess it was Anupam as Sridevis sister

'Explosive! Prabhadevis shattering confession: Yes I am Sridevis unknown sister' screamed the headline on an old issue of Cine Blitz magazine in April 1991. A dolled-up Anupam, on the cover with pouty lips, declared that he was actor Sridevis long-lost sister, Prabhadevi. The issue probably sold out because of that sensational piece of news  Sridevi has another sister no one knew of?

How Abhishek Bachchan pranked Aishwarya Rai

After the music launch of his film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010), Abhishek, known to be a total prankster on sets, led wife-actor Aishwarya Rai into a room of a hotel. It was only later that she realised he had led her into the mens washroom.

Akshay messaged other actors from Huma's phone

While filming the 2017 film Jolly LLB 2, actor Huma Qureshi fell prey to Akshay Kumars prank. He stole her cellphone and sent marriage proposals to several Bollywood actors. Huma once said she was mortified and had to text those people again to explain what had actually happened.

Ajay fooled co-star into eating red chili paste halwa

Actor Arjan Bajwa, who worked with Ajay Devgn in Son of Sardaar (2012), was once offered gajar ka halwa made with red chilis. Little did he know that it was actually red chili paste, and had a tough time after eating it.

Vidya Balan would hide Sujoy Ghosh's phone

Vidya Balan pranked filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, while filming Kahaani (2012). She used to hide his cellphone, and when he was about get a new phone, she would give it back to him.

When Raveena was fooled by Aamir

Actor Raveena Tandon once revealed how, on the sets of Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Aamir Khan threw a cup towards her, which had nothing in it. But she shrieked thinking it was full of hot tea.

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What Suniel Shetty said

After the reality show's host Bharti Singh teased Suniel Shetty about what kind of nana he would be, the actor responded, Yes, next season when I come (On Dance Deewane), I will be walking on the stage like a nana."

His response has sparked rumours that Athiya may be pregnant and is expecting her first child with KL Rahul. Neither Athiya, nor KL Rahul have reacted to her pregnancy rumours.

Athiya and KL Rahul's first anniversary

Athiya and KL Rahul celebrated their first wedding anniversary in January. On the occasion, they shared a romantic video comprising some of the most memorable moments of their dreamy wedding, along with some candid moments from their married life. They wrote in a joint post on Instagram, Finding you was like coming home."

The couple married on January 23, 2023 in a private ceremony at her father Suniel Shetty's Khandala farmhouse; the wedding was attended by close friends and family.

Last year, Suniel spoke about son-in-law KL Rahul in an interview with India Today; the actor addressed himself as KL Rahul's father, when asked about his daughter and son-in-law.

Suniel on KL Rahul being his 'son'

He said, I said father, I don't know the role of father-in-law; I was his fan today there is a relationship, but I loved Rahul, like I do a lot of young talent. I am someone who has always gone to watch talents perform, even in my prime as an actor. I would go to Wankhede to watch young people play. When I saw Rahul play, I thought this kid was good, and then he was from my own backyard; he is from Mangalore. I am someone who is very proud of anything that children from small towns achieve, so I was a fan, and today I am a father. I know him as much as he knows himself, every move of his."

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6.7m people in China signed up for organ donations

13:28, April 01, 2024 By Cui Fandi ( Global Times

People attend a memorial event for organ donors at a cemetery on the outskirts of Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, on March 30, 2024 as part of China's annual national commemoration event for human organ donations. Photo: Cui Fandi/GT

China's annual national commemoration event for human organ donation was held in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday. In recent years, significant progress has been made in China's body and organ donations, but there is still a large gap in medical supply and demand and there is still much work to be done in terms of social awareness for the cause.

Statistics show that there are more than 6.7 million registered organ donors nationwide. There have been more than 51,000 cases of posthumous organ donation and more than 158,000 organs donated, saving the lives of 150,000 people.

In order to carry forward organ donors' spirit of altruism throughout society, more than 220 memorial sites have been established nationwide.

This national annual event, which is also a publicity and promotional activity for organ donation, is guided by the Red Cross Society of China and the National Health Commission, and organized by the China Organ Donation Administrative Center (CODAC). It includes activities such as laying flowers at cemeteries, evening parties, academic lectures and work meetings.

On Saturday afternoon, a memorial event for organ donors was held at a cemetery in the outskirts of Hangzhou. After some donors were given eco-burials on site, attendees presented flower baskets to them and offered condolences to their families.

A ceremony was later held at the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress Hall on Sunday. Through various forms such as storytelling, stage plays, recitations, and song and dance, the event focused on showcasing the touching stories and the spirit of great love of organ donors and their families, organ transplant recipients, organ donation coordinators, medical personnel and Red Cross workers and volunteers.

Members of the Expert Committee of the CODAC issued a collective call, urging organ donation and transplantation workers to contribute more to the high-quality development of the human organ donation cause, and calling on people from all walks of life to care about and support the cause, making a positive contribution to the promotion of socialist spiritual civilization.

In China, the Qingming Festival and the days before the festival are a time for beneficiaries and people from all walks of life to remember organ donors. Over the past few days, various provinces such as Jiangsu in East China, Hainan in South China, Sichuan and Chongqing in Southwest China, and Hebei in North China, have organized local memorial ceremonies.

Hou Fengzhong, head of the CODAC, told the Global Times that this reflects the deepening understanding and recognition of organ donations in Chinese society.

From only 34 cases of organ donation in 2010 to 6,454 cases in 2023, the total number of organ donations has exceeded 51,000. The number of registrants for organ donation reached 6.7 million today from 1,087 in 2010. The concept of donation is gradually gaining widespread recognition and support in society, Hou said, pointing out that a new social trend of participating in and supporting donation efforts is emerging.

In December 2023, the State Council, China's cabinet, issued the Regulation on Human Organ Donation and Transplantation, which will take effect on May 1 and was refined from regulations on human organ transplantation issued in 2007. The new rules highlight the publicity of organ donation to advance its further development and optimize the conditions and procedures for organ donation following the Civil Code.

Hou told the Global Times that the promulgation of this new regulation is significant in two aspects. First, the regulation includes provisions on organ donation, whereas previous regulations only focused on organ transplantation. Second, the regulation includes provisions on organ procurement and distribution, which are issues of great concern to society, making the entire process more transparent and fair.

According to public reports, China has ranked second in the world and first in Asia for the number of annual organ donations and transplants for the past seven consecutive years. However, there is still a significant gap between actual medical demand and the amount of organ donations in the country.

Based on current data, the ratio of actual organ donations to the number of people waiting for organs is approximately 1:6. However, the actual situation is even more severe, as many people on the waiting list are unable to receive organs, Hou told the Global Times.

"Taking this into consideration, the ratio is closer to 1:30, meaning that for every 30 people in need of organs, only one person is able to successfully receive a transplant," Hou said.

The head of CODAC said that compared with developed countries, China is already at the forefront of organ transplant technology. For China's organ donation cause, what is most needed to change is the overall social concept, especially some traditional beliefs that "the body cannot be destroyed," Hou said, urging joint efforts from all sectors of society.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber got into the Easter spirit this year, sharing a glimpse of their cozy celebration with fans. The couple's beautifully decorated chocolate eggs, personalised with their names in icing caught everyones attention. But wait - the Kardashians are also hosting an Easter party and eagle eyed fans found something very interesting. Justin Bieber and Hailey celebrating Easter(Pic credit: Hailey Bieber Instagram, X (twitter))

Justin Bieber, wife Hailey celebrate Easter together

Taking to her Instagram, the Rhode owner posted a string of photographs glimpsing her Easter celebrations. One post featured two large chocolate eggs with Hailey and Justin's names written on them, placed in a cute basket. In another photo, she posed with a filter adding bunny ears to her head. These social media posts come amidst rumors suggesting the couple might be splitting up. However, it appears the couple has dispelled any rumors of discord.

Justin Bieber, wife Hailey celebrate Easter together(hailey Bieber IG)

Are Hailey and Justin with the Kardashians for the easter?

Taking to their respective Instagram handles, both Kim and her mother Kris Jenner updated fans with their Easter celebrations. The Kardashians are known for going out and about during holiday celebrations, and this year is no different. However, fans noticed that the photos posted by Kris Jenner had almost identical decorations to those posted by Hailey. In fact, the chocolate eggs on both tables and their icing decorations looked very much similar.

Also read: Love Is Blind: After The Altar Season 6 premiere update: When is the segment coming?

According to Kim Kardashians Instagram Story, it looks like Justin and Hailey Bieber are celebrating Easter at Kris Jenners party in Palm Springs, California. A social media user wrote on X (Twitter). Several others backed that claim as well. It looks like Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are celebrating Easter with the Kardashians-Jenners. Wrote another.

While neither the Biebers nor the Kardashians have confirmed this, if they are celebrating together, we can expect more fun pictures to come. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian took to social media to credit her mom for hosting the Easter festivities. It looks like she was wearing matching bunny print pajamas  a gift from Kims mom, Kris Jenner. The Skims founder gave a shoutout to her mama and wrote, She's the cutest! @KrisJenner gave the whole family these matching Easter pajamas by @cozyearth placed on our beds w the bunny @skims slippers.

Kardashians easter (Kim Kardashian Ig)

Also read: Hollywood's Easter 2024: From Taylor Swift's bunny onesie to Kardashians and Beckhams
Rebel Wilson shared she used Ozempic as a means to lose weight. In a new interview with Sunday Times, the actor shared that she used the drug briefly to lose weight when her fertility doctor encouraged her in that direction so that she could have a better chance at IVF. (Also read: Sacha Baron Cohen breaks silence on Rebel Wilson's claim that he was a 'massive a******' to work with) Rebel Wilson opened up about her weight loss journey.

What Rebel said

The Australian actor, who has starred in movies such as Pitch Perfect and Isn't It Romantic, shared, Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I think those drugs can be good." She then added that she no longer uses the drug.

Beauty is at any shape and size

Meanwhile, Rebel talked about her weight loss journey and also added: Basically no one apart from my mom wanted me to lose weight. People thought Id lose my pigeonhole in my career, playing the fat funny character, and they wanted me to continue in that. I feel strongly that young women shouldnt try to obsess over looking like Victorias Secret models  they should just look like themselves. I know that my relationship with food is complicated I really think beauty is at any shape and size so I do really promote that. So people are like, Well, how can you be so body-positive and then be hating yourself? But I wasn't hating myself, I was only hating those shameful behaviors.

Rebel updated the constant progress of her weight loss through pictures and inspiring captions on her Instagram and her fans. She had termed 2020 as her Year of Health. In one of her recent posts, she had said: "Working really hard has meant that, coz of all the stress, Ive gained 14kgs (30 pounds)! It makes me feel bad about myselfit shouldntbut it does. Im really proud of the work Ive been doing on new movies and my memoir, its just been a LOT and Ive lost focus on my healthy lifestyle. Anyone else going through the same thing?

The actor is all set to release her book Rebel Rising, which will be out on April 2.

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There is a moment in Tushar Tyagis Saving Chintu (2022) when we see the protagonist for the first time. It is a piercingly emotional experience for a shot that runs for barely a few seconds. Chintu looks about seven, and he enters a room holding an adults hand to meet his prospective adoptive parents  a gay couple, Sam (Sachin Bhatt) and Oliver (Edward Sonnenblick).

Sam and Oliver live in America and with the help of Sams childhood friend, Mira (Dipannita Sharma) set up a meeting at an HIV rehabilitation centre in India. Here, they pay the indifferent, unscrupulous officer in charge to officially adopt Chintu. Sam and Chintu are HIV-positive.

Get the patient here, says the officer. The boy walks in  anticipation, despondence, hope, and humiliation writ large in his eyes. Many years later in the story arc, and parallel in the structure, we meet Chintu as an adult (Adil Husain), a doctor, and his wife Asha (Priyanka Setia), waiting to adopt a child.

The 25-minute bilingual film (English, Hindi) is neither heavy on dialogue nor virtuous messaging, but Tyagis deep understanding of the subject becomes clear in the scene where we first see Chintu. It is powerful, restrained, emotional and ultimately, cathartic.

Dipannita Sharma acts as a friend of a same-sex couple, who adopts Chintu, in the film(Tushar Tyagi)

I met so many children affected by HIV, living in institutions, as part of my research for the film. It was an extremely emotional journey. Tears, heartbreak, everything was part of this journey. Each child I met had fear as well as dreams in their eyes, Tyagi says.

Saving Chintu says a lot without many dialogues. The film is as much about living with HIV and the hurdles that a same-sex couple wishing to start a family in India faces as it is about adoption itself and the inner life of an abandoned child shunned because of his disease.

Sachin Bhatt and Edward Sonnenblick play a gay couple who adopts Chintu, an HIV positive child, from a rehabilitation centre. Bhatt plays a character who is also HIV positive.(Tushar Tyagi)

Adoption by same-sex couples across the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) spectrum is not permitted in the country, though adoption by single individuals is. In fact, adoption by LGBTQ+ prospective parents is legal in only a handful of countries. The 2018 ruling by the Supreme Court of India decriminalising homosexuality was a breakthrough for LGBTQ+ people in that it decriminalised their existence, but a family in the conventional sense of marriage and children is still illegal for them. Cultural acceptance is a far bigger challenge, Tyagi says. Several adoption centres told Tyagi that they dont even entertain applications from same-sex couples even from countries where same-sex marriage is legal. The film was a response to the despair he felt.

The theme that is not obvious but I think very crucial in the messaging of the film is the idea that good karma goes on to multiply. Oliver and Sam adopt Chintu. Chintu ends up adopting two kids, he said.

The 34-year-old filmmaker grew up in various parts of India on account of his fathers Central government job but calls himself a Meerut boy. He now lives in the US. In 2016, while battling chronic pain and anxiety, he happened to meet the (Indian) doctor treating him outside the hospital. His wife nudged him to tell me his story. And that was the germ of Saving Chintu, Tyagi says. That doctor was adopted by American parents. He became a doctor. Every six months he comes to India to offer treatment for free.

The following year, while in Rishikesh for a yoga retreat, Tyagi met an American national who was HIV-positive and who sold all his belongings to move to Nagpur and start a shelter for HIV-positive children. Interacting with him gave me the final push to make this film.

Tyagis photographer friend Ritika Jayaswal and actor Adil Hussain both came on board as producers. Tyagi also brought Corey Wright, an American screenwriter, on board to co-write the screenplay with him.

The film, made on a budget of 50 lakh, had many online screenings during the pandemic  including the Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Festival, the New York Indian Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, and several others. The film doesnt have a streaming home yet. This isnt his first film  in 2014, Tyagi made Gulabee about a young sex worker summoning all she has to escape her past.

In both Gulabee and Saving Chintu, Tyagis characters are flawed and hopeful, and make mistakes but are capable of uncommon courage. Watching this film is a reminder that what we have in common with each other is always more significant than our differences.

Short Stream, curated by journalist and film critic Sanjukta Sharma, will present an independent short film that is making a buzz in film festivals. The film will be available for viewing for a month (till May 1, 2024).

The film is owned by the production house/filmmaker, and the Hindustan Times does not endorse any of its views or messages.
The Telugu Digital Media Federation (DMF) held an event titled Original Day in Hyderabad on Sunday evening. The event, which was attended by Telugu influencers, apart from Tollywood celebrities, saw Vijay Deverakonda and Chiranjeevi take to the stage to discuss everything from family values to their careers. Here are five takeaways from their conversation. (Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda on auctioning his first Filmfare for 25 lakh: A nicer memory than a piece of stone in my house) Vijay Deverakonda and Chiranjeevi at Origin Day hosted by Telugu Digital Media Federation

I am still a middle class boy

Vijay and Chiranjeevi might have come a long way in their careers, with their economic status also improving. However, the duo admitted to being middle class on the inside, even today. My life has changed a lot, but in my head, Im still that middle class boy, said Vijay, adding, I still have the habit of putting water when the shampoo bottle is almost empty so I make the most of it before throwing it away.

Chiranjeevi agreed, stating that he does the same with soap. I combine pieces of little soap to use it for another week instead of throwing it away. My family habitually wastes electricity, and I go around switching off lights. (Ram) Charan recently went to Bangkok without switching off their lights, I did it for them. I am also particular about conserving water, he said.

I love to look after my family

Vijay pointed out that Chiranjeevi has a huge family of numerous siblings and their children. You are the guiding light of the Mega family today, but who was your Family Star before that, he asked Chiranjeevi. The actor replied, My father (Venkat Rao), I learnt from him how to look after my family. I grew up seeing him look after my mothers (Anjana Devi) family too as his own.

He elaborated, Surekha (his wife) and I love to look after our family similarly. We ensure the whole family comes together at least a few days every year, no matter how busy we are. We recently did that for Sankranthi, it took effort to coordinate that because everyone was busy. But it inspires others to spend quality time with their loved ones.

Its important to know your strengths

Citing the example of the 2002 film Indira, Vijay asked Chiranjeevi how he feels when he looks back on his work. When I see Yevade Subramanyam or Pelli Choopulu clips, I remember how scared I was. I now know I had no reason to be that worried. I watch Arjun Reddy; I remember how young and rash I was, he said.

Chiranjeevi however claimed that he doesnt like to glorify his past work because it would mean he was nothing today. I am only focused on what I can do today. I know I can still pull off the dance steps I used to. Sure, I was physically stronger then but I am still as energetic and passionate, he said.

Chiranjeevi also revealed how he felt when he first saw Vijay during the promotions of Arjun Reddy. I loved how you looked; never let that go. Keep the attitude alive also, its your asset, its important to know your strengths. Thats what kept me successful all these years, he said.

I was lucky to get films back-to-back

Chiranjeevi told Vijay that, unlike most actors, he has been lucky enough to get back-to-back work early in his career, I accompanied my friend Sudhakar, who wanted to turn down a role in Punadhirallu. When he turned it down, I was asked if I wanted to do it. But I was sceptical too because I was still studying at the Madras Film Institute. However, they convinced me and I dropped out.

He added, That film was the first time I stood in front of the camera, with my new name (he was named Sivasankara Varaprasad at birth), in Rajahmundry. Before I wrapped up that film, I got to act in Pranam Khareedu. Similarly, Bapu roped me in for Mana Voori Pandavulu, and Balachander soon roped me in. Its thanks to the almighty, that I was bound to be here.

Humiliation fuelled my ambition

Vijay revealed in lieu of conversation that he and his family still get emotional when they think of his success because they never imagined he would make it. Chiranjeevi however stated that he was adamant that he wanted to not just be an actor, but a superstar.

I loved it when people pointed me out in college as the one who would act in plays. I craved that adoration from people. I prayed to Anjaneya Swamy (Hanuman) every day, and I negotiated with him for my success. I nurtured my dream which helped me reach my goal, he said.

But the going wasnt always smooth because the actor reveals, he was humiliated on the sets of Nyayam Kavali, which only fuelled his ambition. I was working with prominent actors like Jagayya and Sarada, apart from numerous junior artists. I was yelled at on set one day. Do you think youre a superstar? they asked me. I felt humiliated, it wasnt okay I was talked to like that, said Chiranjeevi.

He added, However, that was the day I decided I would become a superstar. I used the incident to fuel my ambition. Only I know how hard Ive worked to be here today.

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A video of director SS Rajamouli and his wife Rama Rajamouli dancing at an event is going viral on X. The video, taken at a wedding sees the couple dancing to a song composed by AR Rahman. (Also Read: SS Rajamouli recalls how MM Keeravaani rehearsed his speech ahead of Oscars 2023, shares funny anecdote) SS Rajamouli and Rama danced at filmmaker Cherry's daughter's sangeet

Rajamouli-Ramas dance

In a video shared by their team on X, Rajamouli and Rama can be seen dancing to Andamaina Premarani from Shankars 1994 Prabhu Deva, Nagma-starrer Premikudu. The couple can be seen dancing together on a decorated stage, with fans thrilled to see the director shake a leg with his wife. One fan called it the unseen version of Rajamouli, sharing the video, while another called them dancing together pure goals.

The viral clip was taken at Mythri Movie Makers CEO Cherrys daughters sangeet ceremony. As soon as the clip was shared on X, numerous fan pages picked it up, with some fans surprised to see the couple take the stage.

Rajamoulis Japan visit

Rajamouli and his family were recently in Japan for the special screening of RRR, starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR. While there, the family also experienced an earthquake, with the directors son, Karthikeya, marking them safe. He also attended a stage adaptation of RRR by a 110-year-old Takarazuka company. Sharing pictures with the actors, he wrote, Overwhelmed by your response... Can't appreciate all the girls enough for your energy, talent, and meticulousness in the show. ARIGATO GOZAIMASU. (Thank you)

Upcoming work

Rajamouli talked to the audience after the RRR screening in Japan about his next film with Mahesh Babu. He said, We started my next film. We completed the writing, we are in the pre-production process. But we haven't finished the casting yet. Only the main hero is locked, the protagonist of the film is locked.

He added, His name is Mahesh Babu, he is a Telugu actor. Looks like many of you already know him. He is very handsome. Hopefully, we finish the film a little bit fast and during the release, I will bring him here, and I'll introduce him to you. I'm sure you will love him as well.

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Netflix's adaptation of the science fiction bestseller The 3 Body Problem is facing heat in China. After more than a week of conflicting views on Chinas social media, state-run media outlet China Military Online, which is owned by the PLC, delivered one of its first official comments on the series. The series, created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the masterminds behind HBO's iconic Game of Thrones are also facing flaks in the country. Netflix 3 Body Problem facing heat in China(Pic credit: Netflix )

3 Body Problem under fire by Chinese State Media

State media outlets have launched a scathing attack, accusing the series of promoting "American cultural hegemony under the guise of diversity. As reported by the South China Morning Post: The commentary noted that the American adaptation of the series continued to diverge a lot from the original book by Chinese author Liu Cixin. The books mostly have Chinese characters and take place over a lengthy period. However, in the initial season of the Netflix series, characters from various countries are introduced, and it all takes place simultaneously with the original story.

Also read: New on HBO and Max in April 2024: American Bombing to The Sympathizer, all originals and exclusives

A part of the post as shared by SCMP reads, The United States is using political correctness to combat and dissolve other countries cultural influence. It uses pluralism to practice its cultural hegemony.

The article called out the showrunners for getting rid of parts that show a modern, developed China, which was actually in the original book. But, they kept the bad guys in the show as Chinese, even though the book didn't necessarily say they had to look a certain way.

The so-called pluralism and inclusiveness cannot hide their deep-rooted discrimination and hostility towards other civilisations, the report added.

What is the three-body problem?

Netflix recently launched a sci-fi series called Three-body Problem, which quickly became the most popular sci-fi series on the internet. The first season is said to be the first installment of the trilogy, which is based on the Chinese author Liu Cixins epic sci-fi series, Remembrance of Earths Past. The original trilogy was characterised by the authors meticulous attention to scientific details, however in the series, that effect is less. The trilogy also includes the novels, The Dark Forest and Deaths End. The adaptation of the Three-Body Problem is less detailed but still tries its best to include scientific aspects.

Also read: Netflix's Queen of Tears soars with unbeatable ratings! Kim Soo Hyun and Ji Won steal top trends

Why is the 3 Body Problem facing heat in China?

Since Netflix isnt available in China, viewers watching the show through a pirated version claimed that the adaptation changed the setting of the book to America from China. They also questioned why the creators kept the part where the chaos in the world comes from China. They alleged that through the show, the creators are claiming that the West is protecting the world from the evil of China.
Indias Act East Policy, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a decade ago, represents a strategic shift towards strengthening economic, strategic, and diplomatic ties with countries in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. The Act East policy, which builds upon the earlier Look East Policy, is particularly significant given Indias rise as the third biggest economy in the world, its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region  which is gradually expanding to the wider Indo-Pacific region, growing institutional engagements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United States (US) and its allies  Japan, Australia, and South Korea, the evolving geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region especially concerning China's increasing economic and military prowess coupled with Beijings growing assertive postures.

The cumulative effect of these factors has not only opened up new vistas of politico-security cooperation between India and countries of the region but has also made New Delhis role natural and organic in the evolving Indo-Pacific politico-military and economic-institutional regional dynamics.

External affairs minister Jaishankar's official visit to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia  three key ASEAN member countries - substantiates both these aspects. India's strategic outreach to enhance its ties with Southeast Asian countries and the warm reception Jaishankar received in these three capitals testifies that both India and its Southeast Asian partners have the appetite for stronger and more meaningful bilateral and institutional engagements. The visit was also timely in laying the groundwork for what is likely to be a series of mega-events to celebrate ten years of the launch of its Act East policy, post the 2024 general elections in India.

As India gears up to celebrate ten years of its Act East policy, it is important to underscore the key issues that can further play a role in binding India and its eastern partners together. Jaishankars visit touched upon some of these issues providing a peek into Indias Act East agenda in coming months and years.

Indias stronger and more proactive role in defence diplomacy and exports, and its role as a formidable and responsible maritime power are swiftly taking concrete shape. During Jaishankars visit, a notable emphasis on enhancing defence and maritime security cooperation across all three nations was witnessed. This included discussions on capacity-uilding, joint exercises, information exchange, and defence collaboration.

For instance, during the Philippines visit, talks focused on the Indian Coast Guard's capabilities and shared concerns regarding marine pollution, showcasing India's commitment to maritime cooperation. In a joint press conference with his counterpart Enrique Manalo, Jaishankar also expressed Indias support to the Philippines in upholding its sovereignty. The statement was loud and clear: India stands in solidarity with the Philippines on the South China Sea front, and supports Manilas right to protect its territorial sovereignty and integrity against any unilateral incursion.

President Bongbong Marcos of the Philippines also has expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for its swift and decisive action in rescuing Filipino seafarers attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden earlier this month. Indias successful effort to fight Somali pirates in recent days is a testimony to its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean, which has the potential for further expansion and upgradation across the Indo-Pacific region. Indias supply of the BrahMos missile system to the Philippines is another sign of defence and security issues coming to the centre stage of its Act East policy.

The trade volume between India and ASEAN was $131.57 billion in the year 2022-2023, with a whopping trade imbalance of $ 43.57 billion in favour of ASEAN. Both India and ASEAN are mindful of this, and that is why the two sides have launched a series of deliberations to review the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement by 2025.

While a review of the FTA is important, it is equally important for India to create more trade and investment opportunities for its ASEAN partners. Meetings with business communities in Singapore and Malaysia focused on improving trade ties, easing business processes and ease of doing business, and exploring new sectors for investment such as semiconductors, infrastructure development, green energy, and food security. In Singapore and Malaysia, particular attention was given to a range of issue areas that could broaden trade and investment linkages between India and ASEAN which could eventually help narrow down the trade imbalance between the two sides.

There is a strong interest in advancing cooperation in new technologies and the digital economy. Meetings highlighted discussions on fintech, digital infrastructure, and embracing digital transformation across various sectors, leveraging India's expertise as a rapidly advancing digital economy. Partnering with Singapore and Malaysia can boost the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in a big way. As highlighted by Jaishankar, sunrise industries, greater talent sharing and mobility also offer great opportunities in this regard.

Discussions also centred on development partnerships, while covering areas such as health care, agriculture, education, and infrastructure development. This comprehensive approach reflects India's commitment to supporting bilateral development goals in collaboration with these nations. Often termed as the pharmacy of the world, India played a critical role in supplying Covid-19 vaccines as part of its Vaccine Maitri initiative. Cooperation in the health sector including medicines and medicinal equipment still has great untapped potential, waiting to be realised.

Recognising the importance of cultural and educational ties, engagements focused on enhancing people-to-people exchanges. These interactions aimed at fostering better understanding and cooperation between Indian and the Southeast Asian peoples. Jaishankar also described the Indian diaspora as a living bridge connecting India with other nations and emphasised its role in fostering closer ties between India and countries around the world.

Tourism promotion, including religious tourism, could be further strengthened through visa-free/visa-on-arrival entries for tourists from both sides and more systematic and direct air connectivity between Indian and Southeast Asian cities. The recent launch of the direct flight between Bengaluru and Bali (Indonesia) is a commendable step in that regard. So far, India-Southeast Asia connectivity has been largely centred on Singapore. This needs to change with more direct and cost-effective flights between India and other capitals and tourist places of the region. Considering the Indian diasporic linkages and tourist outflows, the heavy lifting should be done by the Indian aviation sector, which will open new business frontiers for them while accruing long-term gains for all.

Both India and ASEAN are strong believers in norms and principles in international relations. As India, ASEAN and its member States grapple with challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Israel-Palestine crisis, it becomes all the more important for them to not take sides in the conflict and maintain a normative position favouring peaceful resolution of disputes in a just manner.

For India, the key priority has been to find ways to end the conflict in both the regions and elsewhere. ASEAN too is supportive of this. More importantly, for Indian foreign policymakers, keeping the balance right through a principled but practical multi-alignment approach has been the guiding principle.

A shared recognition of the interconnected nature of geopolitical challenges and the importance of collaboration for peace and stability keep India and its Southeast Asian partners on the same page when it comes to matters of regional and global importance.

India's proactive approach and commitment to its Act East Policy, showcases a clear vision for resilient and dynamic partnerships that address present challenges and future opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.

This article is authored by Rahul Mishra, senior research fellow, German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance, Thammasat University, Thailand, and associate professor, Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
A 53-year-old man was attacked and killed by a wild elephant when he tried to chase away the animal that strayed into the surroundings of his house on the forest fringes in Pathanamthitta's Thulappally in the early hours of Monday, police said. The animal was seen trying to uproot a coconut tree in the surrounding area, moving towards the man quickly after trumpeting multiple times, according to his wife. (AP File Photo)

This is the fifth death caused by wild elephants in Kerala in the past three months.

Biju, a local auto driver, came out of his house along with his wife, hearing the trumpets of an elephant outside. The animal grabbed him using its trunk and threw him to the ground twice, Biju's wife Daisy, who witnessed the terrible incident, said later.

The same elephant had strayed into the area and wreaked havoc here the other day, she said.

The animal was seen trying to uproot a coconut tree in the surrounding area and it moved towards him fast after trumpeting multiple times, she said.

The woman said she stepped back and moved to the house premises seeing the charged jumbo.

"We went out together, hearing the sounds of the elephant near our home in the early hours. The first time, we came back home together. But he went to the road near the house again as the elephant was heard trumpeting again," Daisy told reporters here.

Also Read | Captive elephant transfer rules notified

Recalling the tragic events, the teary-eyed woman said the animal rushed towards Biju suddenly and grabbed him by its trunk, throwing him to the ground twice.

It later ran away into the forest, she said.

"As there was no response, I went to the spot and saw him lying motionless on the floor," Daisy added. A police team rushed to the spot after being informed, and shifted Biju's body to Kottayam Medical College.

Local residents later staged a sit-in protest in the area, demanding a permanent solution to address the issue of human-animal conflict.

Later in the day, Health Minister Veena George visited Biju's house and consoled his family members. She assured them that the government would provide adequate compensation to the family as early as possible.

Kerala has witnessed a series of deaths of people due to the attack of wild elephants in recent months. A tribal woman was trampled to death by a wild elephant deep inside a forest area bordering Wayanad and Malappuram districts on March 28. A forest watcher, 50-year-old Paul, was trampled to death by a wild elephant while he was on his way to work at Kuruva in Wayanad district on February 16.

A week before that, another Wayanad resident Aji (42), was trampled to death by a radio-collared elephant in Mananthavady in the district, triggering massive protests.

In January, an estate watcher, Lakshmanan (65) was killed by a wild tusker at Tholpetty, also in the same district.

In central Kerala's Idukki district, which is also heavily forested and mountainous but about 330 km away from the northern Kerala district of Wayanad, a woman identified as Indira Ramakrishnan was killed in an elephant attack in the first week of March.

In another incident of human-wildlife conflict, Prajeesh (36) was mauled by a tiger in December last year near a forest area in Vakeri in Wayanad.

The Kerala government has been seeking to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, citing challenges faced by the state in dealing with instances of wild animals encroaching into human settlements.
Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva on Monday took a jibe at CM Arvind Kejriwal after the latter was sent to judicial custody till April 15 by the Rouse Avenue court on Monday. Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal was in Enforcement Directorate's custody in connection with the money-laundering case linked to the alleged liquor excise policy scam. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal(File photo)

"Today, liquor scam accused Arvind Kejriwal is sent to 15 days judicial custody. Now, he cannot claim his honesty," said Sachdeva in a video message, reported by news agency ANI.

ALSO READ| Arvind Kejriwal's schedule at Tihar jail: Lunch at 11 am, dinner at 6:30 pm

In his video statement, the Delhi BJP chief also claimed that the alleged liquor excise policy scam forced the youth of Delhi into addiction. He expressed hope that the people of Delhi were watching those who looted them.

"We believe that this scam pushed the youth of Delhi into addiction... I hope the people of Delhi will watch those who looted Delhi," said Sachdeva.

ALSO READ| Arvind Kejriwal non-cooperative, named Atishi during interrogation: ED tells Delhi court

Meanwhile, the Delhi court passed the order against Kejriwal on Monday after ED produced him before it as the Delhi CM's custodial remand ended. Last week on Thursday, the court had extended his custodial remand till April 1 in connection with the money-laundering case linked to the alleged liquor excise policy scam.

After the Delhi court's latest order, Kejriwal has been brought to the Tihar Jail, where he will be lodged in Jail number 2, according to news agency ANI.

Kejriwal's arrest has led to protests by AAP workers and leaders. As AAP is a member of the INDIA bloc, the Opposition parties have joined the chorus alleging that the Centre is misuing investigative agencies like ED, CBI etc. to muzzle the voice of leaders.
Arvind Kejriwal News highlights: Delhi's Rouse Avenue court on Monday has sent Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in connection with the money-laundering case linked to the alleged liquor excise policy scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) produced Kejriwal before the Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court as his custodial remand was ending today....Read More

Last week on Thursday, the court extended his custodial remand till April 1 in connection with the money-laundering case linked to the alleged liquor excise policy scam.

Earlier, while appearing in the court on Thursday, the AAP leader made a submission where he said that in the 31,000 page document prepared by the ED, there is no concrete proof or allegations against him on the basis of which he has been arrested. He further alleged that a smokescreen' of AAP is being corrupt created in front of the nation.

Why Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested?
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday reacted to the Supreme Court's order on the Gyanvapi mosque management committee's plea against an Allahabad High Court decision upholding a lower court's order allowing Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the mosque. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad. (ANI)

The top court on Monday refused to stop the ongoing prayers by Hindu devotees within the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi even as it ordered a status quo on the religious observances by both Hindu and Muslim sides inside the mosque precincts.

Owaisi said he is constrained to remind the court of its own precedent, referring to the mention of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 in the 2019 Ayodhya-Babri Masjid verdict.

Also Read | Retd judge who allowed puja in Gyanvapi cellar made university ombudsman

The Places of Worship Act 1991 states that the religious character of a place of worship existing as on 15 August 1947 shall continue to be the same as it existed on that day.

The Places of Worship Act imposes a non-derogable obligation towards enforcing our commitment to secularism under the Indian Constitution....Non-retrogression is a foundational feature of the fundamental constitutional principles of which secularism is a core component. The Places of Worship Act is thus a legislative intervention which preserves non-retrogression as an essential feature of our secular values, Owaisi shared from the judgment.

Supreme Court order on Gyanvapi mosque



A top court bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, noted that both the Muslim and Hindu sides have been conducting their respective religious observances unhindered inside the mosque premises and therefore, a status quo would serve the ends of justice for now.

Bearing in mind the fact that namaz is being offered by the Muslim community unhindered after the orders of the district court and the high court, and that puja by the Hindu devotees is confined to the tehkahna (cellar), it would be appropriate to maintain status-quo so as to enable both the communities to offer religious worships in the above terms, said the bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, in its order.

It pointed out that the entry to the cellar is from the southern side while the access to the mosque is from the northern side.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday visited gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's residence in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur, who died of cardiac arrest in Banda last week. Asaduddin Owaisi visits slain gangster Mukhtar Ansari's residence in Ghazipur(X/ @asadowaisi)

Expressing grief over Ansari's death, Asaduddin Owaisi said he stands with Mukhtar Ansari's family in the time of this utter grief.

Also Read: Mukhtar Ansari's tryst with crime began at the age of 15 | 10 facts

"Today we went to the house of the deceased Mukhtar Ansari and paid tribute to his family. In this difficult time, we stand with his family, supporters and loved ones," he said in a post on X. He further said, "Insha Allah, the light will break through this darkness. If you are 'Pharaoh' then 'Moses' will also definitely come."

Ansari, 63, was laid to rest at his familys ancestral graveyard at Kali Bagh in Mohammadabad town of Ghazipur district under tight police vigil on Saturday. The last rites were performed in the presence of Ansaris younger son Umar Ansari, his brothers Afzal Ansari, Sibgatullah Ansari and Mukhtars nephew and Mohammadabad SP MLA Shoaib Ansari. He was buried next to the graves of his parents.

Ansari was brought to Banda's Rani Durgawati Medical College from the jail after he was found unconscious in his barrack. According to the official release from the hospital, Ansari was brought to the hospital around 8:25 pm on Thursday. A team of nine doctors attended to him before he died, the release added. Ansari's family, however, claimed that he was "given poison in the food." The family also demanded a judicial inquiry into this death that was billed as unnatural by his son Umar Ansari and brother and MP Afzal Ansari.

The postmortem report said that Ansari died due to cardiac arrest. A panel of five doctors, who conducted the postmortem, identified a 1.9 x1.5 cm yellow area in the heart, suggesting a possible clotting, HT earlier reported.

To probe the allegations, a three-member team has been formed that will conduct a magisterial investigation into the death of Ansari.

In April 2023, Ansari was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai by an MP-MLA court. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on March 13, 2024, in a case related to the use of forged documents for obtaining an arms licence in 1990.
To meet the target of winning over 400 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made room for turncoats in its list of candidates from various states for the general election and is also banking on former bureaucrats to help increase its tally.

The party that typically favours dropping between 20-30% of the sitting lawmakers and legislators to buck anti-incumbency has been on an overdrive to induct newer faces from other political parties, especially those who have held positions in the government or organisation. It is not unusual for the party to induct and even field turncoats, even though the results are not always favourable, according to party leaders.

Also read: BJP, Oppn spar over Katchatheevu island

In 2019, there were about 75 candidates across parties who switched sides before the election, but at least 47 of them lost.

This is a gamble; sometimes turncoats swing the election for the party and sometimes they fail by a wide margin, despite being recognised faces or popular leaders. Parties accommodate leaders who switch sides by giving them roles or tickets, because they are expected to transfer their support base (from the previous party to the new one) and if they do not get recognition and respect it alienates their supporters, a functionary said, not wishing to be named.

In 2019, some prominent turncoats who failed to win were Shatrughan Sinha, who switched sides from the BJP to the Congress and lost his Patna Sahib constituency to BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, Baijayant Jay Panda, who quit the Biju Janata Dal to contest on a BJP ticket from Kendrapara in Odisha, and Manvendra Singh, who contested on a Congress ticket in Barmer in Rajasthan.

While the partys long time workers are given the first preference for tickets, in the end it comes down to winnability, the BJP functionary said.

The BJP, which has so far announced 417 candidates for the election beginning April 19, has given tickets to some prominent names that shifted allegiance in recent weeks and months. Most of these are in states where the BJP is aiming to increase its vote share and tally, such as Telangana, Odisha, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh.

In the list of 11 names that was announced on Saturday, the party has fielded at least four turncoats. Six-term MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who quit the Biju Janata Dal to join the saffron outfit on Thursday, has been fielded from Cuttack. In Punjab, the party has given tickets to former Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu from Ludhiana, Sushil Kumar Rinku, the lone MP from Aam Admi Party from Jalandhar and Preneet Kaur, also an ex-Congress MP, from Patiala. All three have recently joined the BJP.

The party considers the political clout of the leaders, their hold over a caste or a community and their popularity among the people, which is what happened in deciding the names of these leaders who were inducted recently. They are expected to deliver, the functionary said.

To be sure, turncoats have also been fielded in strongholds states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. In Gujarat, the party has fielded Shobhana Baraiya, wife of former Congress MLA Mahendra Baraiya, from Sabarkantha, and Chandu Shihora from Surendranagar. Last week, supporters of party leader Bhikhaji Thakor took to the streets in Modasa in Gujarat against the partys decision to give a ticket to Baraiya from Sabarkantha.

In Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 lawmakers to Parliament, the party has been securing alliances and bringing leaders from the opposition on board. The party has given tickets to former Congressmen Jitin Prasad and Kripashankar Singh, who joined in 2021.

Also read: Opposition bloc rally in Delhi a carnival of corrupt: BJP

In Haryana, where the BJP-Jannayak Janta Party alliance has come undone, there are several new inductees who have been fielded as candidates, including Naveen Jindal from Kurukshetra, Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa and Ranjit Singh from Hisar.

In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where the BJP has not been able to secure a foothold, the party is relying on turncoats to shore up its performance. The partys candidates include former Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders in Telangana and in Andhra Pradesh its a mix of leaders from the Telegu Desam Party, Congress and YSR Congress Party.

The party has also fielded former diplomats and bureaucrats in the elections. Former government officials do not carry any baggage. They are largely not tied down to caste or linguistic considerations, although these do work in their favour. Since Atal jis time (former Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee), there have been bureaucrats and technocrats in the government and they are considered as valuable additions to the polity, said a second party functionary, also requesting anonymity.

In 2019, the party fielded former Indian Foreign Service officer Hardeep Puri and former Indian Administrative Service officers RK Singh and Satpal Singh. This time, it is banking on former Indian ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, to wrest Amritsar. It has also fielded former Indian Police Service officer Debashish Dhar from Birbhum, Pranat Tudu, a government doctor, from Jhargram and former high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay from Tamluk, all in West Bengal.
Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island administered by Sri Lanka, was at the centre of a war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress on Sunday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the Indira Gandhi government of callously ceding the territory to Colombo. Eye opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X (PTI)

Hours after Modi cited a media report to criticise the 1974 India-Sri Lanka agreement on the island, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge linked the premiers stance to the upcoming general elections. Kharge likened the islands ceding to the swapping of enclaves between India and Bangladesh in 2015 under Modis leadership and said both were friendly gestures towards neighbouring countries.

Eye opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in peoples minds  we cant ever trust Congress! Weakening Indias unity, integrity and interests has been Congress way of working for 75 years and counting, Modi said in a post on X.

The report, published by The Times of India on Sunday and cited by Modi, was based on documents obtained by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai. It appeared to indicate that past Congress governments did not attach much importance to the island located about 20 km from the Indian coastline. In a minute cited in a note given by the external affairs ministry to a parliamentary committee in 1968, former premier Jawaharlal Nehru is quoted as saying in 1961 that he attaches no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claims to it.

Kharge, in a post on X, said Modi had suddenly woken up to the issues of territorial integrity and national security in your 10th year of misrule. Perhaps, elections are the trigger.

The Congress chief pointed to the 2015 land boundary agreement that led to the swapping of 111 Indian enclaves for 55 Bangladeshi enclaves and recalled that Modi had said at the time the pact was not just about realignment of land, it is about a meeting of hearts.

Both the agreement on Katchatheevu island and the pact on the land boundary with Bangladesh were a friendly gesture to a neighbouring country and the swapping of enclaves with Bangladesh was the Modi governments realisation of Indira Gandhis initiative in 1974, Kharge said.

On the eve of elections in Tamil Nadu, you are raising this sensitive issue, but your own Govts Attorney General, Shri Mukul Rohtagi, in 2014 told the following to the Supreme Court: Katchatheevu went to Sri Lanka by an agreement in 1974How can it be taken back today? If you want Katchatheevu back, you will have to go to war to get it back, he added.

India and Sri Lanka have made contesting claims on Katchatheevu since 1947, with the Indian side basing its position on the island being historically a part of the Ramnad kingdom or principality since the 17th century. Both the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company had leased the island from the kingdoms rulers.

While these claims between the two sides and eventual handing over of the island to Sri Lanka have figured in historic documents and parliamentary proceedings, the island has become a hot button issue because of the BJPs current focus on Tamil Nadu for the parliamentary elections.

Manuraj S, a spokesperson for the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, responded to Modis post on X by saying: Startling that the Prime Ministers eyes have been opened by a news article based on an RTI query filed by his party person and information provided by his Government on an issue that is nearly 50 years old!

He added that after 10 years in government, the BJP is afraid to campaign on its achievements and is still busy with Opposition-blaming. Either way, this is a woeful and outdated political campaign issue, he said.

The DMK is an ally of the Congress as part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Kharge, too, questioned why the Modi government did not take ANY steps to resolve this issue and take back Katchatheevu. Noting that Congress leaders such as Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi lived and died for Indias unity, he alleged that Modi gave a CLEAN CHIT to China after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

What is not an Eye opening and startling is how you raised the belligerence levels of even otherwise friendly neighbours like Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives! It is first time in history that Pakistan bought weapons from Russia, due to your foreign policy failure, he said.

The Congress leader also said his party had fought violent secessionist forces and maintained the integrity of the nation by keeping Punjab, Assam, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland...within the Indian Union and also merged Sikkim and Goa with the country. Stop this obsession with the Congress, and reflect on your own misdeeds, due to which India is suffering! he said.

The BJP, however, accused the Congress of tarnishing the glorious history of the nation.

This move jeopardised the livelihoods of the Tamil Nadu fishermen and tarnished the glorious history of the nation, party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla told reporters.

In 1974, during the tenure of prime minister Indira Gandhis government, Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi of the DMK party was ordered to transfer the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. The island was not just a piece of land; it was an integral part of Bharat, an inseparable part of Tamil Nadu, a vital source of livelihood for the local fishermen, he added.
Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who was scheduled to demit office in August 2024, raised eyebrows when he announced his decision to step down as a high court judge to join a political party last month. For representational purposes only. (Sonu Mehta/HT File Photo)

He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 7 and was subsequently announced as the partys candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Tamluk in West Bengal.

Bureaucrats turning politicians is no longer a surprise or a taboo. There are several examples of bureaucrats opting to cross over to the rough and tumble of politics, but members of the judiciary have largely steered clear of electoral politics. There was an uproar when former Supreme Court judge Ranjan Gogoi was nominated by the BJP to the Rajya Sabha in 2020. He is now a nominated member of the Upper House who does not draw his salary as lawmaker.

But Gangopadhyays foray into electoral politics has been controversial, given his role in presiding over cases pertaining to the Trinamool Congress that he is now contesting against.

He is not the candidate from a non-political background that the BJP is banking on to meet the target of winning 370 of the 543 seats. The party has fielded former Indian ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, from Amritsar, a seat it has not won before. In 2019, former diplomat Hardeep Puri unsuccessfully contested from the seat.

The BJP has also fielded Debashish Dhar from Birbhum, who quit the IPS for politics, Pranat Tudu, a government doctor from Jhargram and Saket Misra from Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh, who opted out of the IPS for a career in financial services.

Over the years, several bureaucrats earned their stripes, traversing the highs and lows of the power corridors. In 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking a cooling-off period of two years for retired judges of the top court and high courts before they can accept political appointments. There are no rules prohibiting bureaucrats from joining politics post-retirement and no requirement of a cooling off period either. However, government servants wishing to join the private sector must abide by cooling off for one year.

To be sure, the BJP is not the only party that boasts of former bureaucrats among its ranks. The Congress and other parties too have welcomed bureaucrats and diplomats on board.

Some well-known political faces that were once part of the coveted services include the late Ajit Jogi, who quit the IAS to join the Congress following the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhis nudge and went on to become the first chief minister of Chhattisgarh. Former speaker Meira Kumar was a diplomat and took a plunge into politics in 1985, while Mani Shankar Aiyar, also a diplomat, joined politics post-retirement.

The BJPs list includes names such as Brajesh Misra, who served as the National Security Advisor and Yashwant Sinha, who held the portfolios of finance minister and external affairs in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Two other former diplomats, S Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, are part of the Narendra Modi government as are former IAS officers RK Singh, Ashwani Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Bengaluru Two separate cases of fake government orders issued in the name of senior officials have been registered in one week, the Vidhana Soudha police said on Sunday. Two separate cases of fake government orders issued in the name of senior officials have been registered in one week (PTI)

According to people familiar with the matter, the proliferation of fake government orders has emerged as a pressing concern as there is a surge in counterfeit documents circulating in the name of senior officials.

A complaint filed on March 25 stated that there were attempts by a construction contractor to illicitly obtain contracts. The police said that the suspects fabricated government orders attributed to the Secretary of the Wakf Board and created a fake document bearing the name of the state minority welfare secretary while endorsing the development of minority colony infrastructure in Doddaballapur assembly constituency.

The police stated that the contractor had submitted a fake letter to the Bengaluru rural deputy commissioners office to obtain a contract worth 4 crore. However, the staff of deputy commissioners office grew suspicious and sent a letter to the Waqf Board for verification, they said.

Following this, state waqf board secretary Nagaraj filed a complaint against the alleged perpetrator, identified himself as Nikhil, who had submitted the fraudulent order to the DCs office.

In another case filed on March 28, the police registered charges against fraudsters for creating fake order copies pertaining to the recruitment of NHMs (National Health Missions) on an outsourced basis in the health and family department. The police said that investigations revealed the perpetrators sent counterfeit order copies to both the finance department and the health and family welfare department, directing both government department secretaries to take appropriate action to regularise NHM workers who work on a contract basis.

After the incident came to light upon verifying the authenticity of the letter, chief ministers secretary Siddesh Pothalakatti filed a complaint with the Vidhana Soudha police.

Vidhana Soudha police inspector B Kumara Swamy said, We have registered both cases under IPC Sections 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (fraud), 465 (forgery), 466 (forgery of a court record), and 471 (using a forged document as genuine).

In the first case, middlemen might collect money from workers promising to regularize employment; in the second case, the contractor created a fake letter to obtain a tender contract. The investigation is underway, and we will initiate stringent action, he added.
New Delhi: The BJP is raising the Katchatheevu issue to divert attention from the "electoral bond scam", DMK said on Monday, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Tamil Nadu's ruling party over the matter. The Congress, meanwhile, described the remarks as "cheap tactics". Congress leader Manickam Tagore said former PM Indira Gandhi had given away the island to save six lakh Tamils.(Manickam Tagore's X account)

Reacting to external affairs minister S Jaishankar's allegation that DMK hadn't shown "responsibility on the issue, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said the BJP government at the Centre hadn't done anything over the past 10 years to address the matter.

"You (BJP) were here in power for the last 10 years. What have you done? In the last 10 years, the BJP govt has not done anything for the retrieval of Katchatheevu. Why is the BJP doing this now? They know they will not be able to win 150 seats across the country. They want to take up issues that will divert attention from the electoral bond scam," he alleged.

AIADMK's South Chennai Lok Sabha candidate, Jayavardhan, attacked Congress and DMK over the issue.

"It has always been the stance of the AIADMK with regards to Katchatheevu, DMK always has given away the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu... Whether it is the Supreme Court or through political ways, we have always stood for the rights of the people. But DMK, in collusion with Congress, has always made sure that what is part of India, should be given away to Sri Lanka... BJP taking this into hand during the election time is just politics," he said.

A day after slamming the Congress for giving away the island to Sri Lanka at the cost of Indian fishermen's interests, PM Modi today attacked Tamil Nadu's ruling party DMK, saying it did nothing to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests.

"Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. New details emerging on Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK's double standards totally. Congress and the DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don't care for anyone else. Their callousness on Kachchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular," the Prime Minister wrote on X.

Reacting to the remark, Congress leader Manickam Tagore said former PM Indira Gandhi had given away the island to save six lakh Tamils in Sri Lanka.

"The problem with BJP, RSS and PM Modi is that people are rejecting them in Tamil Nadu and they want a diversionary tactic... The government of India headed by Indira Gandhi signed an agreement called the Indira Gandhi-Sirimavo Bandaranaike agreement in that time to save 6 lakh Tamils and to save them this island was given to the Srilankan government. We are very clear that if our fishermen are attacked, we will raise our voices to take back Katchatheevu Island. But, in 10 years, PM Modi has failed to do so. They will not get even one seat in Tamil Nadu by these cheap tactics. Annamalai is struggling for third place," he said.

Also read: Jawaharlal Nehru saw Katchatheevu Island as a nuisance: S Jaishankar as Centre ups the ante

On Sunday, PM Modi, sharing an article, said Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu.

"Eye opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people's minds- we can't ever trust Congress! Weakening India's unity, integrity and interests has been Congress' way of working for 75 years and counting," PM Modi wrote on X.

The island is located between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka. It was traditionally used by both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen. In 1974, then prime minister Indira Gandhi accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory under the "Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement".

With inputs from PTI, ANI
In what is seen as a bid to assert its claim on Arunachal Pradesh, China has renamed 30 places along the line of actual control (LAC) in India's northeastern state. The Chinese ministry of civil affairs, responsible for the establishment and naming of administrative divisions, released the fourth list of standardised geographical names in Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing calls Zangnan, according to a Hong Kong-based daily. Indian soldiers tracking the movement of troops across the Line of Actual Control in China.

The list of places renamed by China includes 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass and a piece of land. The names have Chinese characters, Tibetan and pinyin, the Roman alphabet version of Mandarin Chinese.

The ministry also included detailed latitude and longitude and a high-resolution map.

In accordance with the relevant provisions of the State Council [Chinas cabinet] on the management of geographical names, we in conjunction with the relevant departments have standardised some of the geographical names in Zangnan of China, South China Morning Post quoted the ministry as saying.

Beijing released the first list of the so-called standardised names of six places in Arunachal Pradesh in 2017, the second list of 15 places in 2021 followed by another list with names for 11 places in 2023.

India has repeatedly rejected China's move to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country and assigning "invented" names does not alter this reality.

In 2023, then external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has made such an attempt. We reject this outright.

He added, Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Attempts to assign invented names will not alter this reality.

The recent statements by China to reassert its claims over the state started with Beijing lodging a diplomatic protest with India over Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he dedicated to the nation the Sela Tunnel built at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on March 23 dismissed China's repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh as "ludicrous" and that the frontier state was a "natural part of India".

"This is not a new issue. I mean, China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with and remain ludicrous today," he said in response to a question on the Arunachal issue after delivering a lecture at the prestigious Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

"So, I think we've been very clear, very consistent on this. And I think you know that is something which will be part of the boundary discussions which are taking place," he said.

(With PTI inputs)
NEW DELHI: China has rechristened 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh with Chinese and Tibetan names as part of its continuing efforts to assert claims over the north-eastern Indian state. This is the fourth time that China unilaterally changed the names of locations in the state. FILE PHOTO: The change in names of Arunachal Pradesh locations by China will not have any impact on the places in the Indian state but is a marker of the state of ties between the two neighbours. (Shutterstock)

The new names will be reflected on official Chinese maps later this year.

The renaming comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Arunachal where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel built at an altitude of 13,000 feet, an infrastructure project that is set to ease the movement of troops in the mountainous region.

India has repeatedly rejected the renaming of places in the past and dismissed claims over Arunachal, which Beijing has claimed is part of the southern region of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), called zagnan.

China may repeat its baseless claims as many times as they want. That is not going to change the position. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week after Beijing protested Modis visit.

The change in names will not have any impact on the places in the Indian state but is a marker of the state of ties between the two Himalayan neighbours.

Asked about the latest move, external affairs minister S Jaishankar told reporters: If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effect.

Renaming of locations

Chinas civil affairs ministry (MCA) released the new list of names on Saturday, Chinese state media reported.

Beijing last standardised the names of 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh using Chinese characters, Tibetan and pinyin, which is the standard romanisation of Mandarin characters, on Chinese maps in April 2023.

Earlier, China renamed places in the Indian state in April 2017, and in December 2021.

Set to take effect from May 1, 2024, the implementation measures stipulate in Article 13 that place names in foreign languages that may harm Chinas territorial claims and sovereignty rights shall not be directly quoted or translated without authorisation, the state-run Global Times tabloid reported, quoting the government notice on the latest renaming.

The renaming covered 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass and a piece of land, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported, adding: The new list includes more parts of the disputed area than the three previous renamings over the past seven years.

Bill Hayton, associate fellow at the Chatham House Asia-Pacific programme and author of books on China and Vietnam, told HT last year that Chinas practice of renaming places in disputed areas is an effort to inculcate a sense of anxiety about the perceived loss of territory.

This dates back at least to the 1920s. Much of these claims are specious and demonstrate some misunderstandings of East Asian history. These misunderstandings have left a dangerous legacy in the modern era, Hayton had said.

In 2017, China changed the name of locations in Arunachal Pradesh on April 13, a day after Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama left Arunachal Pradesh following a high-profile nine-day visit. Beijing calls the Dalai Lama a splittist, and says he wants to create an independent country of Tibet.

India and China have been locked in a standoff in the Ladakh sector since early May 2020, sending bilateral ties plummeting to their worst in decades. Both sides have deployed thousands of troops and heavy armament along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

A deadly clash at Galwan Valley in June 2020 left 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops dead  the first fatalities along the LAC since 1975.
Exuding confidence that he will be re-elected as the country's prime minister, Narendra Modi on Monday joked with officials of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), telling them that on the very next day of his swearing-in, their workload will increase. **EDS: GRAB VIA @RBI** Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during a ceremony marking 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India, in Mumbai, Monday, April 1, 2024. (PTI Photo)

PM Modi was speaking at an RBI event in Mumbai, on its 90th anniversary. The central bank is headquartered in the financial capital.

I am busy with elections for the next 100 days. So, you have a lot of time to think about (new policies), he said, amid laughter and clapping from the audience.

He continued: This is because, immediately following the day of my oath-taking, you will be flooded with work.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, voting for which will be held in seven phases starting April 19, PM Modi has confidently declared in various interactions, that his government will get a third consecutive term. The PM, who is currently in his second term, having led the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to victory in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, has given the slogan of Abki baar, 400 paar (this time, we will cross 400 seats) for 2024.

In 2014, the BJP won 282 seats in the 543-seat Lok Sabha, and 303 seats five years later. This time, however, it is up against a joint opposition, the Congress-led INDIA bloc.

The counting of votes for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls will be held on June 4, three days after the seventh and final phase of polling.
Bengaluru The Congress on Sunday refuted allegations by Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy that MP DK Suresh had allegedly played a role in distributing cookers to lure voters in Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha. JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy had earlier released photos and video clips of two trucks transporting cookers to distribute voters allegedly by Congress candidate D K Suresh. (PTI)

Following the allegations, the income tax department on Saturday served a notice to a pressure cooker manufacturing company in the Harohalli industrial area of Ramanagaras district over its alleged involvement in supplying pressure cookers to politicians for voter inducement.

The I-T officials also directed the company, which operates seven inventory centres in the Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha constituency, to furnish details regarding wholesale buyers and the production volume of pressure cookers over the past few months.

According to people familiar with the matter, the companys Bengaluru office has been summoned to participate in the investigation proceedings.

On March 19, Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy released photos and video clips of two trucks transporting cookers to distribute voters allegedly by Congress candidate D K Suresh and urged the Election Commission to promptly transfer the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and zilla panchayat CEO of Ramanagara, alleging their complicity in the illicit activities of Congress candidate D K Suresh. He said that the JD(S) workers found the lorries in Maralavadi village in Ramanagara district, part of Bengaluru rural Loksabha constituency.

I urge the Election Commission to take immediate action against the unlawful activities unfolding in the rural areas of Bangalore. Should it falter, I will mobilise our workers. We must ascertain the whereabouts of these cookers and mobilise our activists to dismantle them. Let these officials dare to file cases against our activists, warned Kumaraswamy.

Expressing dismay over the perceived inaction of the EC, he questioned the efficacy of the electoral oversight in the state. What is the Central Election Commission doing? Does it remain oblivious to the electoral malpractices rampant in the rural areas of Bangalore since the announcement of elections? he queried, urging the Commission to investigate the recent events.

Kumaraswamy further criticised the bureaucratic hurdles encountered in reporting such irregularities, citing the lack of responsiveness from tehsildars and commercial tax departments.

Reacting to the allegations, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee media wing coordinator Dodde Gowda on Sunday ruled out allegations and said that the party candidate (DK Suresh) did not distribute any article to voters. The people of Bengaluru Rural admires DK Suresh for his development works in constituency and will elect him in larger margin, he added.

According to people familiar with the matter, the income tax authorities initiated an investigation in accordance with directives from the EC after the allegations were levied.
The Congress-Left coalition in West Bengal is a conspiracy and voting for it will tantamount to voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Sunday, as she kickstarted her partys Lok Sabha election campaign from Krishnanagar constituency, where the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has renominated Mahua Moitra. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee with Trinamool Congress candidate Mahua Moitra at an election rally at Dhubuliya, in Nadia, on Sunday. (PTI)

The TMC chief also attacked the ruling BJP at the Centre, accusing it of misusing federal agencies against opposition leaders while selectively letting off those who joined the saffron camp.

There is no INDIA alliance in West Bengal. The CPI (M) and Congress are working for the BJP in Bengal. I have formed this INDIA bloc and gave it this name. After elections we will look into it, Banerjee said, while addressing her first rally since suffering a head injury in early March. The alliance Congress and CPI(M) have formed is a conspiracy. Voting for the Congress or the CPI(M) will mean voting for the BJP. We are fighting alone against all three.

Polling in West Bengal will be held in all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections. On March 10, when the TMC announced its candidates for all 42 constituencies in the state, Banerjee had said her party would contest against the BJP and Congress-Left alliance.

Banerjees attack on the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) came almost at the same time when the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc held a mega rally at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. Several TMC parliamentarians also attended the protest rally against the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case.

Making an appeal to the voters, the TMC chief praised Mahua Moitra  who had won the Krishnanagar seat in 2019 polls but was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December last year in the bribe-for-query case  for her fight against the BJP. Despite Mahua Moitra being elected by you people, she was expelled unceremoniously, Banerjee said. We have re-nominated her from this seat. Mahua was expelled as she was most vocal against the BJP in Parliament. You have to ensure her victory with a record margin.

The BJP has fielded Amrita Roy, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Krishnanagar, against Moitra.

Accusing the BJP-led Centre of using federal agencies against her partys leaders, Banerjee said: Every day CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), ED and income tax teams are being sent to the houses of our leaders... If they (BJP) are so confident of winning 400 seats, why are they using ED, CBI and Income Tax?

The TMC chief also advised people not to apply for citizenship under the recently notified Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA, alleging that doing otherwise would designate them as foreigners. She accused the BJP of peddling lies regarding the CAA, stating that Modis guarantee on CAA is a zero guarantee.

The CAA is a trap to turn legal citizens into foreigners. Once you implement CAA, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will follow. We would allow neither CAA nor NRC in West Bengal. Dont fall for the false assurance of the central government. If you apply, you will be designated as a foreigner for five years, Banerjee added.

According to the CAA, rules of which were notified on March 11, the Centre will start granting Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants  Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians  from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Nadia district, under which Krishnanager constituency lies, has a majority (72.15%) Hindu population, among the highest in West Bengal districts, and a sizeable section of the population comprises Dalits and Namasudras who entered the state as refugees from then East Pakistan after the Partition in 1947 and Bangladesh after the Liberation War in 1971.

Reacting to the Banerjees remarks, CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said: TMC has fielded three candidates who are officially still in BJP and BJP has fielded several who were in TMC. The understanding between the two parties is out in the open. Voters wont be fooled.

State Congress spokesperson Soumya Aich Roy also attacked Banerjee, saying: Her speeches are prepared by BJPs top leadership in Delhi. You will never see Mamata Banerjee attacking BJP on crucial economic issues linked to the nations future.

The BJP also hit back at Banerjee, accusing her of practising divisive politics over the CAA.

The CAA is aimed at according citizenship rights to the rightful claimants Irrespective of what Mamata Banerjee says in public, she knows very well that the CAA is irreversible. Her opposition to it stems from her stand to not take action against anti-national elements at work in Bengal for years, state BJP chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya told reporters. The BJP will bust all these forces.
A 24-year-old man was arrested for killing a friend of his girlfriends ex-husband in Shastri Park last week, Delhi Police said on Sunday, after having cracked a case that left investigators guessing for days. Based on a complaint from Khan, Delhi police registered a first information report against Yaseen under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act (ANI)

The suspect was identified as Mohammad Yaseen and the victim as Mohammad Mustakim, a resident of Shastri Park who worked as a salesman at a garment shop.

Investigators said that Yaseen lived near Buland Masjid in Shastri Park with a 23-year-old woman named Ishrat (who goes by a single name). Ishrat was married to Sohail Khan, 22, a resident of New Seelampur until their divorce in November 2023. The two have a daughter aged one-and-a-half-year.

Khan and Mustakim were friends.

Also read: Prime accused in murder of Mumbai man held from UP; calls to his wife help police trace him

On Tuesday, Khan went to visit Ishrat with Mustakim at around 12.45am. Investigators said that Yaseen answered the door and an altercation broke out between him and Khan. Yaseen pulled out a pistol and fired at them, officers said. The bullets missed Khan but hit Mustakim.

Yaseen fired three shots at Khan, who ducked. However, Mustakim, who was standing directly behind Khan, got shot in the chest and collapsed on the ground, said deputy commissioner of police (northeast) Joy Tirkey.

Khan rushed Mustakim to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. At 1am, a neighbour of Ishrat and Yaseens informed the police control room about the incident. By the time a police team arrived on the scene, Yaseen had fled.

Based on a complaint from Khan, the police registered a first information report against Yaseen under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act.

Through technical and manual intelligence gathering, the police tracked down Yaseen and arrested him in Welcome in northeast Delhi on Saturday. The pistol used in the murder and three bullets were recovered from him, said investigators.

Also read: Kerala court acquits all accused in 2017 murder of madrasa teacher Riyas Moulavi

Yaseen confessed to the crime. He said that he did not like Khan meeting Ishrat at odd hours because they were divorced, added the DCP.

Ishrat and Yaseen, who was their neighbour, became friends a year or so ago, said police

Ishrat divorced Khan in November 2023 after Yaseen agreed to marry her. Khan held Yaseen responsible for the divorce. These issues led to the altercation between them that night, added the officer.
In a shocking incident, a leopard entered a house in Delhi's Roop Nagar area and injured five people on Monday morning, officials said. According to the Delhi Fire Service, they received information about the incident around 6.20 am and two fire tenders were rushed to Jagatpur village in Delhi's Wazirabad, reported news agency PTI. In a shocking incident, a leopard entered a house in Delhi's Roop Nagar area and injured five people on Monday morning, officials said. (Representational picture)(File photo)

Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg informed that the leopard was locked in a room and the injured people were brought to a hospital.

"With the help of the locals, the officials were able to lock the leopard in a room. The injured were taken to a hospital," Garg said.

Delhi Police reached the spot and the forest department was also informed.

ALSO READ| Delay in submission of leopard sterilization draft: Amol Kolhe

Recent incidents of leopard attack and sightings across India

Last week, a forest guard Kailas Bhalerao from Junnar forest division was injured in a leopard attack during a rescue operation. Before the incident, a bike rider, who was crossing the Pune - Nashik Highway near Alephata, was injured in an attack reportedly by the same leopard. As per reports, there have been multiple leopard sightings in various areas in Junnar.

In March, a netizen shared a video of four leopards who had reportedly ventured in a residential area in Jabalpur. In the video clip, the leopards were seen casually moving around in the area.

Why leopards are venturing into human inhabited areas?

Belonging to the cat family and closely related to lions, tigers and jaguars. Leopards are found in various parts of India. Around the world, leopards are found in China, Africa, Iran, Southeast Asian countries etc.

Leopards are skilful hunters and can blend in the surroundings. Due to their stealth and great ability to climb structures, these animals are able to sneak into human inhabited areas. Destruction of natural habitat and lack of food often prompts leopards to venture out of forest areas, leading to man-animal conflict.

In human inhabited areas, leopards are known to attack and feed on dogs.
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday conferred Bharat Ratna, the countrys highest civilian honour, on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) patriarch and former deputy prime minister LK Advani at his residence. President Droupadi Murmu confers Bharat Ratna upon veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the latter's residence in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI)

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the dignitaries to attend the ceremony held at Advanis residence in national capital owing to his health concerns and advanced age.

Taking to social media, Murmu described Advani as a doyen of Indian politics and said he has served the nation with unwavering dedication and distinction for over seven decades.

Born in Karachi in 1927, he migrated to India in 1947 against the backdrop of partition. With his vision of cultural nationalism, he toiled hard for decades, across the length and breadth of the country, and brought about a transformation in the socio-political landscape, she said in a post on X. When the Emergency put Indias democracy at risk, the indefatigable crusader in him helped guard it against authoritarian tendencies.

As a parliamentarian, Advanis emphasis on dialogue enriched parliamentary traditions, Murmu said.

Whether as home minister or as deputy prime minister, he always prioritised national interest above all, earning him respect and admiration from across party lines, the president said. His long and tireless struggle for Indias cultural regeneration culminated in the reconstruction of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024

Modi said it was very special to witness the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on Advani and this honour is a recognition of his enduring contributions to the nations progress.

His dedication to public service and his pivotal role in shaping modern India have left an indelible mark on our history. I am proud to have got the opportunity to work with him very closely over the last several decades, Modi said in a post on X.

The award ceremony is held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, but an exception was made for Advani (96), who due to his ill health and advanced age was unable to attend the event on Saturday, when the highest civilian honour was conferred on former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan and two-time former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, posthumously. A similar exception was also made in 2015, when then President Pranab Mukherjee conferred Bharat Ratna on former PM and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence.

Advani had served as the deputy PM from June 2002 to May 2004 and Union home minister from October 1999 to May 2004 in the Vajpayee-led cabinet.

Advani was one of the founding members of the BJP and a three-time party president. In 2005, he had to step down from the party chiefs post following an uproar over his praise of Pakistans founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah during his visit to Lahore. Though he remained committed to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs (RSS) ideology, his statement led to a temporary schism between him and the ideological fount of the party.

Bharat Ratna for Advani was announced by Modi in February for his monumental contribution to Indias development.

Having made his parliamentary debut in 1970 as a member of the Rajya Sabha, Advani contested his first Lok Sabha election in 1991 and the last one in 2014 from Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly censured Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member of Parliament (MP) Dilip Ghosh and Congress social media and digital platforms chairperson Supriya Shrinate for their respective statements about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut. In its public orders against Ghosh and Shrinate, the poll body said it will specially and additionally monitor their election related communications henceforth. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate (Left) and BJP MP Dilip Ghosh (Right). (File Photos)

The ECI has also sent a warning notice to the BJP and Congress party chiefs, JP Nadda and Mallikarjun Kharge, respectively, so that they sensitise their functionaries during public communications and do not violate the MCC. The EC reiterated to the party chiefs that candidates and parties must refrain from actions and speech that may be construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women.

The poll body found both the incidents involving Ghosh and Shrinate prima facie violative of the MCC.

In its order against Ghosh, who is contesting from Bardhman-Durgapur in West Bengal, the ECI said, [It] is convinced that he has made a low-level personal attack and thus violated the provisions of Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

In the order against Shrinate, the poll panel also said that it had taken cognisance of the fact that Ms Shrinate is Chairperson, Social Media and Digital Platform of her party at national level and is expected to know sensitivities of wider communication.

On March 27, the ECI had sent show cause notices to Ghosh and Shrinate for violating the model code of conduct. They sent their replies on March 28 and March 29, respectively.

In the show cause notices, the ECI had said that their remarks were found to be undignified and in bad taste and offensive and insulting and prima facie violative of provisions of MCC and the poll bodys advisory to political parties on March 1. EC cited Clause 2 of part I of MCC and Clause 3.8.2(ii), which say that parties and candidates must refrain from commenting on personal lives of their rivals.

While Shrinate had deleted her contentious Instagram post, the BJP distanced itself from Ghoshs remarks and Nadda had sought a clarification on the same.

In the now deleted post, Shrinate had made a derogatory reference targeting Ranaut over her candidature from Himachal Pradeshs Mandi for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Ranaut tweeted a screenshot of the post and wrote, We must free our daughters from the shackles of prejudices, we must rise above the curiosity about their body parts and above all we must refrain from using sex workers challenging lives or circumstances as some kind of abuse or slur every woman deserves her dignity

An hour after Ranauts tweet, Shrinate deleted the post and posted a video on Twitter where she said in Hindi, Multiple people have access to my Facebook and Instagram accounts. One of those people posted an extremely problematic and disgusting post from my Instagram account. As soon as I learnt of it, I first deleted it because anyone who knows me knows that I can never launch such a personal and horrid attack against a woman. She said that this happened because of a parody account on Twitter which first made this post and which someone from her team copied and posted. She said that she had reported the Twitter account and was investigating who in her team made that objectionable post.

Ghosh, on the other hand, made a disparaging reference to chief minister Mamata Banerjee in his media address on March 25.

In Shrinates case, the poll body also cited another part of its advisory  Social media posts vilifying and insulting the rivals or posts which are in bad taste, or which are below dignity are not to be posted or shared.

The ECIs letter to the Congress and BJP chiefs said, You may please issue specific advisory to all party functionaries involved in election campaign and in interactions in public domain not to commit such type of violation as in the instant case, besides following the Model Code of Conduct in letter and spirit so as to not trigger a chain reaction of similar comments vitiating the election campaign.
The Election Commission of India has censured BJP MP Dilip Ghosh and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for their respective derogatory remarks against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate and BJP MP Dilip Ghosh.

The stern rebuke to Ghosh and Shrinate for their disparaging remarks follows their responses to notices regarding alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The Commission in its order said the poll panel is convinced that both Ghosh and Shrinate made personal attacks, deeming them in clear violation of the provisions outlined in the MCC. They have been warned to remain careful in public utterances during the period governed by the poll code.

The MCC, a set of guidelines aimed at ensuring free and fair elections, prohibits any speech or action that may incite hatred or promote enmity between different groups, or which is derogatory to women.

The poll body will monitor their election-related communications henceforth.

The Election Commission has also sent warning notices to BJP national president JP Nadda and his Congress counterpart Mallikarjun Kharge so that they sensitise their functionaries during public communications and do not violate the poll code.

A major controversy erupted after objectionable comments against Kangana Ranaut were posted on Shrinate's social media accounts. BJP has fielded Ranaut as its Lok Sabha candidate from Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh. Shrinate removed the posts from all her social media accounts, claiming that those were not posted by her but by someone else who had access to her accounts.

"As soon as I came to know, I deleted that post. Everyone who knows me, also knows very well that I can never make personal and indecent comments towards any woman. I wanted to know how this happened," she said.

Ghosh, on the other hand, was captured on video mocking Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's family background.

He later apologised for his contentious remarks against the West Bengal Chief Minister.
Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, a known critic of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and an advocate of voting through ballot papers, on Sunday proposed a way for voting to be conducted through ballots in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh parliamentary constituency, from where the grand old party has nominated him for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Digvijaya Singh (File Photo)

There is a way for elections to be conducted through ballot papers here. If 400 candidates contest from one seat, the polls will be conducted through ballot papers. I am preparing for that, Singh said at a street meeting in Rajgarh's Kachnaria village.

The ex-Madhya Pradesh chief minister then gave details on the security deposit an individual is required to make, to contest an election.

Those not from the reserved category must deposit 25,000 as security, while those from the SC/ST categories must deposit 12,500. This will lead to having one seat in the country where elections will be held through ballot paper, he elaborated.

Singh also exuded confidence that the Congress will be victorious in the Lok Sabha polls, as people are fed up with this government.

The senior Congress member's statement came on a day when, at a rally of the party-led opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc in Delhi, various leaders, including ex-Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, raised doubts over EVMs, and accused the ruling BJP of match-fixing.

If you (people) don't give votes judiciously, the match-fixers (BJP) will win. The country will be on fire if the BJP returns to power, Gandhi cautioned at the rally.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), on its part, has repeatedly dismissed claims that EVMs can be tampered. On March 16, while releasing schedule for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar was asked a question in this regard.

It is not right to blame the Election Commission for unfulfilled desires. You can't do your job properly an then blame EVM when the results come, Kumar responded through a Hindi couplet.

(With ANI inputs)
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme, Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh on Monday accused him of fully lying to the nation. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh and PM Narendra Modi.

PM Modi spoke on the issue in an interview with Tamil Nadu's Thanthi TV. The interview was released on Sunday.

Every single day, the Prime Minister scales new heights of hypocrisy, and plumbs new depths of dishonesty. He claims that where funds have come from, how they are being used is only known due to the Electoral Bond Scheme instituted by him, Ramesh wrote in a long post on X (previously Twitter).

Ramesh, the Congress' general secretary in-charge for communications, then presented some relevant facts.

The scheme was designed to be fully anonymous. In other words, Modi wanted to hide from the public the details of where funds have come from (to political parties), the Rajya Sabha MP wrote, adding that for six years, from 2018 to 2024, no detail of which party got funds from which donor was revealed to the public.

Electoral bonds were introduced by the Modi government in January 2018. In February 2024, the Supreme Court called the scheme unconstitutional and scrapped it. The apex court also directed the State Bank of India (SBI), which sold electoral bonds to donors, to share all details with the Election Commission of India (ECI). On directions of the Supreme Court, the ECI uploaded the data on the poll panel's website.

Ramesh, in his post, accused the remote-controlled SBI of lying to the court.

The SBI was lying in the Supreme Court when it demanded a 3-month extension to match donor data with the political parties. It took our team five lines of Python code and less than fifteen seconds to match each donor with the political party they donated to, he posted.

The Congress leader also reacted to the PM denying that the ruling BJP would see a setback due to electoral bonds, and reiterated allegations of quid pro quo between the ruling party and its donors. With donations worth over 8000 crore, the BJP was by far the biggest beneficiary.

He stated: The data has revealed your party and governments monumental corruption. The corruption was known for a while; the setback is that there are now hard numbers to prove it.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar is dealing with a strange issue, which has spilt over from the previous Grand Alliance (government) and remains as yet unsettled: A power tussle between the Raj Bhavan and the state education department over control of state universities.

As per the varsity Acts, the Chancellor (the Governor) is the academic and administrative head of the universities and has the power to appoint vice-chancellors, Pro-VCs and other authorities in the universities. The state government has the power to provide grants.

Ever since additional chief secretary KK Pathak took over the reins of the department less than a year ago, Raj Bhavan and the department of education have been at loggerheads. Last year, chief minister Nitish Kumar (then as part of the Grand Alliance) had to intervene to defuse the crisis over the appointment of vice-chancellors.

Pathak also got into a logjam with the then-education minister Chandrashekar (who belonged to the Rashtriya Janata Dal, an ally of the JD-U in the GA government). Despite a meeting between Chandrashekhar and Nitish, it was Pathak who remained in the department and Chandrashekhar who eventually left. He has, at times, even refused to implement the orders of the CM, such as sticking to the existing school timing of 9am to 5pm even though Nitish Kumar had announced on the floor of the House that it would be changed to 10am to 4pm. In his tenure so far, three education ministers have come and gone. In his previous stint in the education department in 2009, he was at loggerheads with the then Governor, the late Devanand Konwar.

More recently, nearly half a dozen meetings called by the department with VCs and others in varsities have been cancelled in the last six months.

So what happened last week?

The meeting last week called by the department of education turned out to be a damp squib despite the presence of pro-vice chancellors, registrars, exam controllers, financial advisors and finance officers from all state universities ahead of time at the venue (Hotel Maurya), as the vice-chancellors did not turn up on the direction of the Governor.

A direction to VCs reached them late Wednesday evening (the meeting-cum-orientation was supposed to take place starting Thursday, March 28), after it came to be known that the minister would not preside. The higher education director Rekha Kumari sent a letter to all officials on March 23 stating that the education minister would hold the meeting. The Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, who also holds the post of the Chancellor of state universities, had also permitted the VCs to attend the meeting after Kumar met him. Later that day, another letter went out in which Kumars reference was removed.

A department official, who did not want to be quoted, explained the ministers absence on account of the model code of conduct, which came into force on March 16 with the announcement of Lok Sabha elections. He, however, did not elaborate why the first letter that went out on March 23 stated that the education minister would conduct the meeting.

We were present at the venue, but there was a clear instruction to us that without VCs, the meeting would not be held. Therefore, despite the presence of many university officials, the meeting did not materialise. Some of the university officials from distant universities had overnight stay in the hotel in anticipation of the meeting, but they also left without any discussion after lunchtime, the official quoted above added.

Most of them had come from different districts after obtaining permission from the Raj Bhavan, too.

The board and banner remained up.

The Pro-VCs, registrars and finance officers were there to discuss whatever the department wanted. We had also gone with files. We can understand the ministers absence. In the same way, the department should also understand that VCs cannot be called by officials for a meeting, as per protocol. A VC is the Chancellors nominee, said a university official who had travelled to Patna for the meeting.

A financial tug-of-war

The power tussle between the state government and the Raj Bhavan is not new in Bihar  in fact, it is precisely because of this that the government made the CM as Chancellor of the new universities. However, in the old state universities, the Governor remains Chancellor. In 2010-11, the tussle over the appointment of VCs had escalated to the Supreme Court, which asked the CM and Governor to consult with each other on appointments. However, the Chancellors supremacy in the university matters remains intact. Recently, in a similar issue between the Kerala government and the Governor, the SC ruled that the Governor as a Chancellor of a state university must act independently.

On March 2, education secretary Baidyanath Yadav called a meeting to discuss varsity-related issues. None of the VCs turned up on the directions of the Chancellor. Following this, Yadav shot off a sharply worded letter, seeking an explanation from the VCs, registrars, exam controllers and others who didnt come to the meeting. He also issued an order to stop their salary and freeze the bank accounts of the universities. The department was also ordered to lodge FIRs against them, but FIRs were not lodged after the intervention of high-ups.

However, the Chancellor took exception to the intemperate language used in the letter and the Raj Bhavan quashed the departments freeze order, informing the treasury officials as well as the banks about it. Later, the Raj Bhavan also wrote to the Chief Secretary, seeking action against education department officials for their wanton interference in the academic and administrative matters of universities and use of indecent language. It further sought a compliance report.

Pathak, on his part, has stuck to his stand and is getting letters issued through department officials. After the March 28-29 meeting did not materialise, higher education director Rekha Kumari, late Thursday evening, issued letters to all the registrars about the auditing of university accounts and verification of bank accounts for the last three financial years. She also sought that the desired records be made available to the designated auditors of each university. The letter referred to the departments previous order to freeze the bank accounts of the universities, which was quashed by the Governor, and has sought a report within a week. Neither Rekha Kumari nor Sunil Kumar were available for comments.

Protocol puts varsities in the dock

Meanwhile, the Chancellor has been holding his regular meetings with the VCs to streamline the delayed academic sessions in many universities. Yadav also attended a meeting at the Raj Bhawan and was directed to take steps to ensure timely payment of salary and pension, and other retirement benefits. The universities blame it on delays in grants from the government and the freeze orders, while the department says the universities do not submit proper and timely budgets.

The tussle between the Raj Bhavan and the government is not new, but Pathak seems to unite politicians across party lines. In an unprecedented move in December last year, 25 members of the Bihar Legislative Council cutting across party lines met the Governor to submit a memorandum against the unconstitutional and autocratic orders of the education department and sought their quashing.

The matter had escalated after the education department issued orders to stop the salary and pension of Federation of University Teachers Association of Bihar (FUTAB) working president Kanhaiya Bahadur and general secretary Sanjay Kumar, also an MLC (member of the Legislative Council), for their remarks against the order that college and university teachers should also mandatorily take five classes each day and strike off names of students remaining absent for more than three days.

Last year, Pathak triggered a row when he issued parallel advertisements for the appointment of vice-chancellors after the Raj Bhavan had already done so. He eventually withdrew them after the CM intervened.

Due to Pathaks style of functioning, he was at loggerheads with the former BPSC Chairman Atul Prasad over document verification of teacher aspirants before results. Then too the CM was called in to defuse the crisis.
On 2 March 1921, sailors in Kronstadt took up arms against the young Soviet government. The rebellion was short-lived and crushed by 18 March. But its tale has survived much longer and has been told and retold with very little concern for facts and serious analysis. The present work will not rehash chronological details of the rebellion in depth, which readers can find in great detail in many other works. Instead, it will outline the underlying processes that gave rise to the rebellion, looking beyond mere appearances to its real character, and explain the actions taken by the Bolsheviks against it.

Liberals, ultralefts and anarchists alike have hailed the rebellion, with the latter calling it a third Russian Revolution, the Second Paris Commune, the last revolt of the proletariat against the Bolshevik usurpers. Its eventual suppression has been touted as proof of the ruthlessness of the Bolshevik dictatorship: the seed of Stalinism that is always sure to grow from Marxism. Yet, a closer and more sober reflection can only bring us to the conclusion that the Kronstadt Rebellion was merely a manifestation of an exhausted revolution, ravaged by a civil war and isolated in its own economic backwardness. It was one episode in a chain of events that highlighted the impossibility of building socialism in one country, particularly one largely populated by poor peasants.

Any worker who has ever been on a strike and stood on a picket line can appreciate this event much better than petty-bourgeois philistines. A strike that has gone on for too long, under constant siege from all sides, is bound to provoke an internal crisis and bitter splits amongst the striking workers. That was precisely what was unfolding in the Kronstadt Rebellion, and the many peasant rebellions that exploded onto the scene at the end of a long and brutal civil war. The conflict between the cities and the villages, between the proletariat and the peasantry, was being strained to an unbearable point by the harsh measures of War Communism.

In revisiting this important event, we will mainly use materials furnished by the anarchist historian Paul Avrich in his book Kronstadt 1921. That way, we wont be accused of conjuring facts to suit our narrative. If anything, we will see here how facts put forward by Avrich inadvertently support the Bolsheviks position.

Russia on the eve of Kronstadt Rebellion

The Kronstadt Rebellion cannot be understood in isolation. We need to look into the state of the young Soviet regime by the end of the Civil War (1918-21). Even before the October Revolution, Russia had been bled dry by the Great War (1914-1918). The young Soviet power that arose from the Second All-Russian Soviet Congress inherited an extremely difficult situation.

For Lenin and Trotsky, the survival of the Russian Revolution was inseparable from the fate of the world socialist revolution / Image: public domain

Nevertheless, it was a beacon to the working class all over the world. As Rosa Luxemburg eloquently said of the Bolsheviks and the October Revolution: All the revolutionary honour and capacity which Western Social Democracy lacked was represented by the Bolsheviks. Their October uprising was not only the actual salvation of the Russian Revolution; it was also the salvation of the honour of international socialism[1] [all emphasis ours throughout] It was indeed salvation. The revolution inspired soldiers of all nations to turn their guns to their commanders and sparked a wave of revolution across Europe, thus bringing an end to the great slaughter of World War One.

The October Revolution was not an adventure on the part of Lenin and Trotsky to try to build socialism in a backward country. They firmly based their actions on the perspective of a world socialist revolution, for which the Russian Revolution would serve as an opening shot. The initial difficulties faced by the Russian Revolution  isolation in a backward economy, the exhausted population, the loss of significant territories as imposed by the Brest Litovsk treaty, etc.  would (it was hoped) eventually be overcome with the help of a victorious proletariat in more advanced capitalist countries.

For Lenin and Trotsky, the survival of the Russian Revolution was inseparable from the fate of the world socialist revolution. At the Seventh Congress of the Bolshevik Party in March 1918, Lenin wrote in his political report: Regarded from the world-historical point of view, there would doubtlessly be no hope of the ultimate victory of our revolution if it were to remain alone, if there were no revolutionary movements in other countries. When the Bolshevik Party tackled the job alone, it did so in the firm conviction that the revolution was maturing in all countries and that in the endbut not at the very beginningno matter what difficulties we experienced, no matter what defeats were in store for us, the world socialist revolution would comebecause it is coming; would maturebecause it is maturing and will reach full maturity. I repeat, our salvation from all these difficulties is an all-Europe revolution. [2] Lenin was particularly directing his gaze to the unfolding German Revolution: At all events, under all conceivable circumstances, if the German revolution does not come, we are doomed. [3]

With a victorious world socialist revolution, the higher productive forces in western countries would be harnessed 10-fold, if not 100-fold, by a socialist mode of production, which under an internationally planned economy would swiftly lift battered Russia from its backwardness. Practically, this would mean the ability of the urban industries to provide consumer goods to the peasantry in exchange for their grain, while accelerating the industrialisation of agricultural production, which in turn would permit the development of collective farming to overcome individual small-proprietorship farming.

The October Revolution did spark a wave of revolutionary movements across Europe. Millions of war-weary soldiers, workers and peasants rose up. We witnessed, to name a few, the Hungarian Revolution of 1919, the Finnish Revolution of 1917-1918, the Italian Revolution of 1919-1920 (The Biennio Rosso), the formation of the Bavarian Soviet Republic in 1919, a mass strike in Austria in 1919, and the most glorious of all, the German Revolution of 1918-19. The whole of Europe is filled with the spirit of revolution, remarked British Prime Minister Lloyd George to the French Premier Clemenceau in March 1919. The workers had shown their utmost courage and revolutionary initiative in launching the revolutions. In some cases, power was in their hands. In Germany, the workers, sailors and soldiers set up soviets and toppled the Hohenzollern dynasty. Nothing further could be asked of them. However, one by one these revolutions ended in defeat. The working class leadership either proved inadequate to the task at hand or, in the case of the social democrats, betrayed the revolutions.

With the defeat of these revolutions, the much awaited help from the West never came around. The Russian Revolution was isolated. What did come was an invasion by 21 imperialist armies that rejuvenated the White forces, precipitating a long, bloody Civil War (1918-21) that unleashed fire and brimstone upon every corner of Russia. We will quote Avrich to illustrate the total destruction visited on the young Soviet regime:

By the end of 1920 total industrial output had shrunk to about a fifth of 1913 levels... damage [to the Baku oil fields and Donets coal basin] was extensive and very difficult to repair. Many of the mines were flooded... The total production of coal in Russia at the end of 1920 was only a quarter, and of oil only a third, of prewar levels... cast iron output had dropped to less than 3 percent of 1913 levels, and the production of copper had all but ceased. Lacking these basic materials, the major industrial centres of the country were forced to cut back production very severely... in consumer goods enterprises total production fell to less than a quarter of prewar levels. The manufacture of footwear was reduced to a tenth of normal, and only one in twenty textile spindles remained in operation.[4]

The cities were depleted of food, consumer goods, raw materials, and even people. As factories closed due to a lack of resources, and with food nowhere to be found, urban dwellers flocked to the countryside in search of sustenance. Between October 1917 and August 1920, the population of Petrograd shrank by 70 percent, from almost 2.5 million to about 0.75 million. Moscows population was halved during the same period. Overall, what little urban population that Russia originally had declined in just a few years by a third. [5]

Meanwhile, the most courageous and self-sacrificing workers in the major cities were the first to leave their benches to join the Red Army in a life-and-death struggle for the survival of the young Soviet power. The high death rate at the front was devouring the proletarian ranks. In August 1920, Petrograd was left with only a third of the nearly 300,000 factory workers that it had on the eve of the October Revolution. Overall, the ranks of the Russian proletariat were reduced to less than half.[6] This dealt a serious blow to the main social base of the October Revolution, diminishing its most class-conscious elements, leaving behind the more wavering and self-serving ones. The reality is, revolution devours revolutionaries, physically and spiritually.

Central to the war effort to defeat the White Army was War Communism, and the main plank of this policy was grain requisition. The cities and the factories had been emptied, and whatever was left in the production capacity was dedicated to the war effort. As a result, the cities were not able to produce consumer goods to pay for the grain from the countryside. Thus, to feed the cities and the armies, the peasants were asked to hand over their surplus grain for practically nothing. Naturally, this policy was highly unpopular amongst the peasants, who wanted to be left alone with the plots of land they just won from the October Revolution. But it was tolerated in the beginning by the peasants, as they feared the White Army more.

Yet, with every return visit of armed detachments that emptied their granaries, their resentment grew. They began to hide their grain, which inevitably led to the use of force in grain collections. Barred from selling their grain, the peasants saw no incentive to produce and started cutting down their sowings. By 1921, agricultural output had fallen to less than half of pre-war levels, and the quantity of livestock to about two-thirds. This in turn led to requisitioning of even-bigger portions of the peasants grain to meet the much-needed quota. With each passing day, the gulf between the proletariat and the peasantry grew. The peasants, from their perspective, thought: what good is having a plot of land when an urban-based state hundreds of kilometers away takes our produce and dictates to us how to use our land? Under the circumstances, this could not have been avoided. But nevertheless, a violent clash was being prepared.

The flash which lit up reality better than anything else

By fall of 1920, with the defeat of Wrangels army, the threat of the White Armys imminent victory no longer loomed large. From the perspective of the peasantry, their old masters had been defeated and would not return to claim their estates back, and therefore, fear of White reprisals gave way to more resentment against the Bolshevik regime. This resentment turned rapidly into open defiance. Waves of peasant uprisings swept Russia from one end to the other.

With the defeat of Wrangels army, the threat of the White Armys imminent victory no longer loomed large / Image: public domain

Throughout the winter of 1920-21, the number of rural outbreaks rose at a frightening pace. In February 1921 alone, on the eve of the Kronstadt rebellion, government officials recorded 118 separate peasant risings breaking out in various parts of Russia. [7] The real number was most likely higher. Defections became a common occurrence as most soldiers were peasants in uniform, sons of muzhiks affected by the desperate plight of their parents, who were fighting against grain requisition. To maintain army discipline, Cheka units and officers made up of loyal Communist Party members were dispatched, which only sharpened the peasants resentment.

Everywhere, the scattered peasant insurgencies were united around common slogans: Down with requisitioning, Away with food detachments, Dont surrender your surpluses, Down with the Communists and the Jews (as we will explain, backward prejudices were also a factor in the rebellion).[8] There was no coherent programme, but the class character and demands of these rebellions were clear. The peasants were demanding to be left alone with their plots of land and to be able to sell their grain on the market as they saw fit.

These were petty proprietors, and in the absence of a confident leadership from the mass of the working class driving them forward and granting them reforms, socialism was not on their horizons. Anarchists who imagined that these peasant rebellions were to be harbingers of genuine communism or a classless, stateless anarchist society would be sorely disappointed to know that the peasants had no such thing in their minds.

The Kronstadt Rebellion was a mutiny of peasants in uniform. The Kronstadt insurgents had cannons, directed at Petrograd, and the tactical advantage of being in a fortified naval base that could be a staging ground for further military assaults into the very heart of Soviet power. This is what prompted Lenin to dub the Kronstadt Rebellion as the flash which lit up reality better than anything else. This reality was that a wedge had been driven between the exhausted revolution and the peasantry, and a degree of free trade had to be re-established in order to win them back, and spur the peasants to produce again.

Social character of the Kronstadt uprising

It is important to understand the main social forces at play behind the Kronstadt Rebellion. It is clear that the Kronstadt sailors of 1921 were not the same heroes of 1917. The best layer had been sent to the front, and in fact were the first to volunteer to fight the Whites. This is a fact that is admitted even by Avrich, stating that those who had had played prominent roles in Kronstadt during 1917 were no longer present four years later. [9]

He continued in his Kronstadt 1921:

There can be little doubt that during the Civil War years a large turnover had indeed taken place within the Baltic Fleet, and that many of the old-timers had been replaced by conscripts from the rural districts who brought with them the deeply felt discontents of the Russian peasantry. By 1921, according to official figures, more than three-quarters of the sailors were of peasant origin, a substantially higher proportion than in 1917, when industrial workers from the Petrograd area made up a sizeable part of the fleet. Petrichenko himself later acknowledged that many of his comrades-in-arms were peasants from the south aroused by the plight of the villagers back home.[10]

This is exactly what Trotsky understood about the changing social composition of the Kronstadt sailors in 1921, that it was composed of a more politically backward layer, who was more prone to buckle under the pressure of difficult situations. Trotsky wrote in Hue and Cry over Kronstadt:

Under the pressure of need and deprivation, the workers themselves were episodically divided into hostile camps, depending upon stronger or weaker ties with the village. The Red Army also found itself under the influence of the countryside. During the years of the civil war it was necessary more than once to disarm discontented regiments... Yes, Kronstadt wrote a heroic page in the history of the revolution. But the civil war began a systematic depopulation of Kronstadt and of the whole Baltic fleet.[11]

However, even with this fact staring him in the face, Paul Avrich tries to twist and turn to reach the opposite conclusion: that the Kronstadt of 1921 was fundamentally the same as the one in 1917 and 1905: On November 7, the third anniversary of the Bolshevik seizure of power, they [Kronstadt sailors] were in the front ranks of the celebrations; Petrichenko [the leader of the rebellion] had joined the fleet as early as 1912; etc. It would take a naive fool to believe that the revolutionary Kronstadt sailors of 1917 would remain idle in the fortress and on the ships while their comrades-in-arms fought a life-and-death struggle against Wrangel, Kolchak, Denikin, etc.

A few important remarks must be said of Petrichenko. A few pages after making the assertion that the Kronstadt of 1917 was fundamentally unchanged four years later, Avrich writes:

[When] Petrichenko returned to his native village in April 1920... having had ample time to see the Bolshevik food detachments in action and to build up considerable hostility against the government... He had even tried to join the Whites, only to be turned away as a former Bolshevik.[12]

During the rebellion, Petrichenko and his Revolutionary Provisional Committee made many high-sounding pronouncements that they were the true inheritors of the October Revolution / Image: public domainAvrich does not bother to say anything more about this episode, in which the future leader of what he and his fellow anarchists hail as the Second Paris Commune had attempted to join the Whites just a year before.

During the rebellion, Petrichenko and his Revolutionary Provisional Committee made many high-sounding pronouncements that they were the true inheritors of the October Revolution, fighting to free the soviets from the Bolshevik usurpers; that their rebellion had nothing to do with the White forces; and it represented the elemental, revolutionary desires of workers and peasants. But this revolutionary phrase mongering was immediately exposed to be nothing but a cynical ploy. Barely a few months after being defeated, the exiled leadership of the Kronstadt Rebellion made an alliance with the reactionary White Army, as attested by Avrich himself:

What can be shown, however, is that some sort of agreement was concluded between the rebels and the emigres after the rising had been crushed and its leaders had fled to Finland. In May 1921, Petrichenko and several of his fellow refugees at the Fort Ino camp decided to volunteer their services to General Wrangel. At the end of the month, they wrote to Professor Grimm, Wrangel's representative in Helsingfors, and offered to join forces in a new campaign to unseat the Bolsheviks and restore the gains of the March 1917 Revolution.[13]

But one might ask: what does restoring the gains of the March (February) 1917 revolution actually mean? The February Revolution was triumphant in overthrowing the Tsar. But it did more than just that. It opened the floodgates for the establishment of Soviets all over Russia. Through these Soviets, the revolutionary masses expressed their aspirations for the end of the imperialist war, land for the tillers, bread for the workers, the convocation of the Constituent Assembly, right to self determination for the oppressed nations, etc. But the Menshevik and SR leaders of the Soviets betrayed these aspirations by supporting the bourgeois Provisional Government. Therefore, the only way to defend the gains of the February Revolution and fulfill the aspirations of the masses was to press forward to its final conclusion: the October Revolution, where the workers took power with the Bolsheviks at their head. So, when Petrichenko spoke of restoring the gains of the March 1917 revolution, he meant turning the clock back to the rule of the bourgeois Provisional Government, which would in practice negate the October Revolution.

Avrich continues:

The sailors put forward a six-point program as the basis for any common venture [with General Wrangel]: (1) all land to the peasants, (2) free trade unions for the workers, (3) full independence for the border states, (4) freedom of action for the Kronstadt fugitives, (5) the removal of shoulder epaulettes from all military uniforms, and (6) the retention of their slogan all power to the soviets but not the parties. Surprisingly, however, the slogan was to be retained only as a convenient political maneuver until the Communists had been overthrown. Once victory was in hand, the slogan would be shelved and a temporary military dictatorship installed [!] to prevent anarchy from engulfing the country. This last point, no doubt, was intended as a sop for Wrangel. The sailors, at any rate, insisted that in due course [!] the Russian people must be free to decide for themselves what kind of government they want.[14]

Wrangel accepted the terms, because any serious opposition to the Bolsheviks at that time was obligated to pay lip service to the land and national questions, and parrot the all power to the Soviets slogan. But, as shown above, the slogan was only a smokescreen for a military dictatorship, which was agreed by Petrichenko and his fellow leaders. The fact that Avrich was surprised at this only betrays his formalism. Despite his rigorous attention to material facts, his rigid belief that the rebels represented a progressive struggle against Bolshevik tyranny leads him to overlook inconvenient truths.

The Kronstadt refugees later joined the National Center (or National Union): a coalition of Kadets, Octobrists (constitutional monarchists), and other anti-Bolshevik groups formed in 1918, that worked hand-in-hand with White generals to overthrow the Bolsheviks. Avrich writes:

In June 1921 the Congress of National Union, summoned by the National Center to unite like-minded emigres in an anti-Bolshevik crusade, received a message from a group of Kronstadters in Finland warmly endorsing their program. Furthermore, in the archives of the National Center there is a confidential document of October 30, 1921, signed by Petrichenko and Yakovenko (as chairman and deputy chairman of the Provisional Revolutionary Committee), which authorizes one Vsevolod Nikolaevich Skosyrev to join the Russian National Committee in Paris as a representative of the refugees for the coordination of active work with other organizations standing on a platform of armed struggle against the Communists. [15]

What more can one say? Despite all of these facts, that even before the rebellion Petrichenko himself had tried to join the Whites, and shortly after the failed rebellion he and his Provisional Revolutionary Committee did join the Whites, Avrich still tries to deny the reactionary nature of the leadership of Kronstadt rebellion.

None of this, of course, Avrich is keen to point out, proves that there were any ties between the [National] Center and the [Kronstadt Provisional] Revolutionary Committee either before or during the revolt.[16] It is true that no organisational ties between the Whites and the Kronstadt leadership were formally established during the revolt. But it was only because the two sides did not have the timely and convenient opportunity to find each other, as the White forces had been on the retreat and were completely disorganised by the end of 1920. When they did have the opportunity, after the defeat of the rebellion, an unholy alliance was struck, without much difficulty. Such an alliance would have been a near certainty had the rebellion held out.

Avrich tried to explain this alliance as a result of mutual experience of bitterness and defeat. Leon Trotsky and the Left Oppositions also faced bitterness and defeat in their struggle against the Stalinist bureaucracy, but never once considered accepting aid from any of the White emigres: the Kadets, Right SRs, the monarchists, the White generals, etc. Furthermore, the latter knew full well what the Left Oppositionists represented  the genuine proletarian tendency of the Russian Revolution  and thus never considered entertaining a common front against the Soviet government. The aims of the White emigre groups and the Left Opposition were simply irreconcilable. On the contrary, they were rejoicing to see the Left Oppositionists and the old Bolsheviks filling up the Lubyanka (OGPUs torture chambers) and gulags at the hands of Stalinist inquisitors. Meanwhile, the Whites understood perfectly that the confused character of the peasant rebellions and the Kronstadt revolt were a suitable vehicle for their reactionary goals.

During the first week of the rebellion, Alexander Kerensky and Victor Chernov sent a radiogram to the Provisional Revolutionary Committee, offering their service to the peoples revolution and the final victory of the laboring masses. They had collected sizable funds and supplies from White emigres and were ready to send them to Petrichenko. While only one member of the Committee voted in favor of accepting the aid, and another one outright rejected, Petrichenko and the rest argued that the best course was to decline for the time being:

The Provisional Revolutionary Committee of Kronstadt expresses to all our brothers abroad its deep gratitude for their sympathy. The Provisional Revolutionary Committee is thankful for Chernov's offer, but it declines for the moment [!], until further developments become clarified. Meanwhile, everything will be taken into consideration.[17]

Having presented themselves as the saviors of the Soviets from the Bolshevik usurpers, the rebels were exchanging pleasantries with supporters of the rotten, ousted Provisional Government. The door to an alliance with these enemies of the October Revolution was not closed, but deferred until an opportune moment arrived.

The rebels exchanged pleasantries with supporters of the rotten, ousted Provisional Government / Image: public domain

The leadership of the Kronstadt rebellion tried to cynically capitalise on the discontent of the masses. Any revolutionary worth their salt can and should understand the genuine desire of the peasants to work their land without having armed detachments coming to seize their grain, and the frustration of a large part of the toiling masses over the difficulties arising from the Civil War and the many harsh measures associated with it. At the parade for the troops who were sent to recapture the Kronstadt base from the rebels, Trotsky said: We waited as long as possible for our blind sailor comrades to see with their own eyes where the mutiny led.[18]

It would be the height of folly to equate this discontent with some sort of advanced class consciousness, because unwittingly riding behind this genuine discontent were reactionary forces. The eventual Petrichenko-Wrangel alliance exposes the real content of the programme that the Kronstadt insurgents put forward. Behind their call for free Soviets lay a military dictatorship. Lenin and Trotsky were not wrong to believe that the victory of the Kronstadt rebellion would reignite the Civil War and provide the White Army with a highly strategic launching pad to crush the Soviets. And the fact that the peasant rebellions largely ceased after the implementation of the New Economic Policy showed the true motivation of the peasant rebellions: the freedom to sell their grain on the market.

Anti-semitism

Backward prejudices  such as antisemitism  were also hiding behind the smokescreen of revolutionary-sounding rhetoric of free Soviets that peppered the Kronstadt daily newspaper Izvestia. As mentioned before: Down with the Communists and the Jews was a common slogan of the peasant insurgencies in 1920-21. Avrich notes the anti-semitic language heard amongst the peasants and workers who were protesting against the Bolshevik government: Anti-Semitism and anti-intellectualism began to rear their heads, often simultaneously; the charge was made that the Bolsheviks were an alien breed of Jewish intellectuals who had betrayed the Russian people and contaminated the purity of the revolution.[19] Avrich, as expected, tried to downplay this by saying that anti-Semitism was a traditional [!] response of Russian peasants and workers during times of unusual hardship.[20] But it was traditional in a sense that it represented the age-old prejudice of the most backward layers of the population, not its advanced layers.

Such anti-semitic views were also prevalent amongst the Kronstadt rebels, as Avrich himself highlighted from the memoirs of one of the Kronstadt sailors during the rising:

That fantasies like this [Jewish conspiracy to take over the world] circulated within the Baltic Fleet is evident from the memoirs of a seaman stationed at the Petrograd naval base at the time of the Kronstadt rising. In a particularly vicious passage he attacks the Bolshevik regime as the first Jewish Republic; and the wicked boyar theme, so prominent in Russian popular myth, clearly emerges when he labels the Jews a new privileged class, a class of Soviet princes.... These sentiments, he asserts, were widely shared by his fellow sailors, who were convinced that the Jews and not the Russian peasants and workers were the real beneficiaries of the revolution: Jews held the leading posts within the Communist party and Soviet state; they infested every government office, especially the Food Commissariat, seeing to it that their fellow Jews did not go hungry... Such beliefs, no doubt, were as prevalent in Kronstadt as in Petrograd [amongst the Petrograd workers who went on strike in February 1921], if not more so.[21]

And one would be wrong to think that such anti-semitic views were confined to the rank-and-file sailors. When Vershinin, one of the members of the Kronstadt Provisional Revolutionary Committee, came out on the ice on 8 March to parley with a Soviet detachment, he found it instrumental to resort to anti-semitic appeals: Enough of your hoorahs, and join with us to beat the Jews. Its their cursed domination that we workers and peasants have had to endure.[22] Such was the leadership of the Second Paris Commune that the anarchists were pinning their hopes on.

The Bolshevik Party waged a relentless and principled struggle against all forms of anti-semitism. A genuine socialist revolution cannot be tainted by such prejudice, which divides the working class. This poisonous ideology of anti-semitism has always been the weapon of choice for the reaction, to rally the most backward layers of the society against its most advanced layers. It was used by the White reaction to attack the Bolshevik leaders, and later by Stalinist reaction against the October Revolution, where Stalin and his epigones raised the ugly head of anti-semitism in their struggle against Trotskys Left Opposition and the Old Bolsheviks. Therefore, the prevalence of anti-semitism in the Kronstadt uprising was another indicator that this uprising was not the third Russian revolution, but a petty-bourgeois reaction coming from the more backward layers of the toiling classes.

The assault to retake Kronstadt

The Civil War had created terrible hardship across Russia. Cold and hunger, combined with ever-diminishing rations, had produced a highly charged atmosphere in many cities. On 22 January, due to the disruption in railway transportation, the government announced that the already meager bread ration for the cities would be immediately cut by one-third. This sparked a wave of demonstrations and strikes in Moscow and Petrograd, with workers carrying banners and placards demanding free trade, higher rations, and the abolition of grain requisitions. Some placards even bore the slogan Down with the Communists and Jews.[23]

A military operation to retake Kronstadt began on 7 March / Image: public domain

The local Soviet declared martial law and imposed a night-time curfew. Detachments were sent to disperse demonstrations and strikes. The Cheka arrested SRs, Mensheviks, and other agitators who were exploiting the food crisis to inflame the hungry masses against the workers state. The Petrograd Soviet launched a major appeal campaign to the strikers to return to work, explaining to them that the hunger, exhaustion, and cold were the inevitable cost of defending the revolution, and the sole beneficiaries of these strikes and demonstrations were the White guards. These disturbances eventually petered out as the government provided immediate relief to the hungry and cold populations: extra rations were distributed and coal was brought in from abroad. But most importantly, Zinoviev, the chairman of Petrograd Soviet, revealed for the first time that the government was in the process of replacing the grain requisitioning with a tax in kind.[24] In this sense, we can see that the striking workers in Moscow and Petrograd represented the more backward layers, who were under petty-bourgeois influence. As outlined above, the most dedicated and conscious workers had volunteered for the civil war front. Those that remained were the most selfish, and least inclined to sacrifice for the general interests of the revolution.

By 2 March, order was restored in Petrograd. But the news of the disturbances had reached Kronstadt, and mixed with this news were an assortment of bogus rumors, which quickly roused the passions of the sailors. It was said, for example, that government troops had fired on the Vasilii Island demonstrators and that strike leaders were being shot in the cellars of the Cheka.[25] Nothing of the kind ever happened. But Petrichenko, the would-be leader of the rebellion, seized upon these rumors to excite the sailors to rebellion.

On 1 March, M.I. Kalinin and N.N. Kuzmin were sent from Petrograd to explain the real situation to a mass meeting in Kronstadt and calm the excited sailors. But they were not given the opportunity to speak as their words were drowned out by whistles and catcalls.[26] Kalinin was even detained for a time before being allowed to leave the island. Bolshevik members in the island were also subjected to such treatment when speaking in mass meetings. As Avrich wrote: When addressing their comrades, they [the Communists] were heckled and interrupted in the same way Kalinin and Kuzmin had been the day before. In the main garrison, for instance, the Bolshevik commissar barely had time to object to the irregular proceedings before being cut off by the military specialist in charge of artillery, a former tsarist general named Kozlovsky.[27]

On 2 March, during a Kronstadt Soviet conference, Petrichenko ordered the arrest of the three main Bolshevik leaders: Kuzmin, the chairman of the Kronstadt Soviet Vasiliev, and the commissar of the Kronstadt Battleship Squadron Korshunov. This truly exposes the hollowness of the mutineers demand for free speech. The arrest pushed the conference toward an open mutiny. But it irreversibly became an open mutiny when someone from the floor shouted that 15 truckloads of Communists armed with rifles and machine guns were on their way to break up the meeting.[28] This unfounded rumor, that was later found to be false, threw the conference into frenzy. Instead of investigating this, the conference chair Petrichenko further provoked the situation by announcing that a detachment of 2,000 Communists were indeed on their way to arrest them. Under this atmosphere of panic and confusion, created by false rumors, Petrichenko gained the pretext he needed to postpone the election for a new Soviet and establish a Provisional Revolutionary Committee with him as the leader. Communists were arrested; all exits from the city were banned; a curfew was imposed. The rebellion was in full swing.

The news of the rebellion immediately stirred new hope amongst all counter-revolutionary forces. The exiled Kerensky believed that the rebellion would herald the imminent collapse of Bolshevism. The Kadet leader Miliukov welcomed the revolt and expressed optimism that the days of Lenins regime were numbered and called on the American government to send food to the rebels. The National Centre was jubilant and wrote: The rising in Kronstadt has found a response in all the hearts of the Russian exiles. The Russian Union of Commerce and Industry in Paris pledged an initial sum of two million Finnish marks in the sacred cause of liberating Russia and established a special committee to organise an effective supply line to Kronstadt.[29] One can tell a lot about who a person is by the friends that gather around them. The White emigres clearly understood the counter-revolutionary nature of this rebellion.

Therefore, far from being the Second Paris Commune, the Kronstadt mutiny was a petty-bourgeois reaction, aroused by the difficulties imposed by the tough conditions facing the proletarian revolution. The victory of this rebellion would have served as a launching pad for a new counter-revolutionary offensive. The class line separating the two camps  the Soviet government on one side, and the Kronstadt Rebellion on the other  is clear. There is no middle ground on this question. No room for moralistic wavering. Hesitation would have meant the death of the revolution itself. In suppressing the Kronstadt Rebellion, the Bolsheviks defended the October Revolution against the bourgeois and petty-bourgeois reaction.

Under a heavy barrage of artillery, many plunged through the ice and drowned / Image: public domain

A military operation to retake Kronstadt began on 7 March. The Red Army was racing against time. With spring approaching, in a matter of weeks the ice surrounding the island would thaw, which would make an infantry assault on the fortress impossible and allow for supply and reinforcements from outside to reach it by sea. This would have made Kronstadt a strategic base for a new White Army invasion.

However, retaking Kronstadt was not an easy task. Not only was it heavily fortified, but it also stood high across an open ice field. Thousands of Red Army soldiers and workers lost their lives in a heroic assault to recapture the fortress. They advanced bravely across the open ice, with no protection from a hail of machine-gun fire. Under a heavy barrage of artillery, many plunged through the ice and drowned. When the fortress was finally conquered 10 days later, soviet casualties were estimated to be between 10,000-25,000. 300 delegates to the Tenth Party Congress, which took place during the rebellion, left the hall of the congress to volunteer for the assault, and 15 of them lost their lives. This was the real spirit of sacrifice that represented the best of the revolution.

Meanwhile, the rebels suffered 600 deaths and 1,000 wounded.[30] Petrichenko and the other members of the Revolutionary Committee fled to Finland and shortly after joined the White forces under General Wrangel. Despite the hue and cry raised by their opponents, the Bolsheviks did their duty honorably to defend the conquests of the October Revolution.

The opponents of Bolshevism to this day have never stopped equating the Red Terror of the young Soviet regime (1917-1921)  including the crushing of the Kronstadt rebellion  with the Stalinist terror that followed in the next period. Stalinism is presented as the continuation of Bolshevism, with the crushing of the Kronstadt as its bridge. However, a serious and honest analysis of the history of the Russian Revolution would show that the Red Terror was directed against forces hostile to the October Revolution. These hostile elements unfortunately included some layers of peasants and workers, the least conscious ones, who fell under the influence of anti-Bolshevik forces owing to the hardships and privations they faced. By contrast, the Stalinist terror was directed largely against the proletariat, specifically against that layer that best represented the genuine traditions of the October Revolution. For Stalin and the bureaucracy to cement their rule, they had to annihilate all the old Bolsheviks. The overwhelming majority of the Bolshevik Central Committee members that led the October Revolution perished under Stalins rule. Out of the 30 CC members, eight died of natural causes before Stalin took power in 1927; 18 were executed under Stalins order; and only three were spared: Muranov who was sent to early retirement in 1939; Kollontai who was effectively sent to exile as a foreign diplomat; and Elena Stasova, whom Stalin saw as harmless. Stalin alone remained. There is a river of blood separating Bolshevism from Stalinism, which was a product of the isolation of the Russian Revolution.

The economic basis of the Kronstadt Rebellion

In the final analysis, the Kronstadt rebellion highlighted the problem of attempting to build socialism in an underdeveloped country with small pockets of industrial production and a large peasantry. This problem was exacerbated by the consecutive wars that drained the country. This economic problem can be reduced to a question of how to supply agricultural products to industrial centres in order to develop the productive forces. The peasants would only trade their grain in exchange for consumer goods, but the state industries were in such a tattered condition that they could not provide those manufactured goods. This caused all kinds of contradictions. As Trotsky wrote in Revolution Betrayed:

In a country which had completely exhausted its stores and reserves, industry could not develop except by borrowing grain and raw material from the peasants. Too heavy forced loans [i.e. requisition] of products, however, would destroy the stimulus to labor. Not believing in the future prosperity, the peasant would answer the grain expeditions from the city by a sowing strike. Too light collections, on the other hand, threatened a standstill.[31]

The economic tension between the city and rural districts finally went beyond a sowing strike and broke out in a series of peasant rebellions and the Kronstadt revolt. Trotsky explained this well in his Hue and Cry over Kronstadt:

During the years of the revolution we clashed not a few times with the Cossacks, the peasants, even with certain layers of workers (certain groups of workers from the Urals organized a volunteer regiment in the army of Kolchak!). The antagonism between the workers as consumers and the peasants as producers and sellers of bread lay, in the main, at the root of these conflicts. Under the pressure of need and deprivation, the workers themselves were episodically divided into hostile camps, depending upon stronger or weaker ties with the village. The Red Army also found itself under the influence of the countryside. During the years of the civil war it was necessary more than once to disarm discontented regiments... The Kronstadt uprising was only an episode in the history of the relations between the proletarian city and the petty-bourgeois village.

The end of War Communism and its replacement with the NEP largely alleviated the economic and political problems for the peasants, at least momentarily / Image: public domainThe implementation of unpopular measures such as grain requisitioning, prohibition of free trade of grain, road blockades to prevent speculation and black markets  necessary in the gravest time of war  could not be done without some restrictions and coercion. In short, Kronstadt saw the peasants immediate economic interests, in the context of extreme desperation and deprivation, clashing with the historical task of the proletariat to build a socialist, planned economy. Lenin eloquently highlighted this fundamental problem of the Russian revolution in his report to the Tenth Party Congress, that took place as the Kronstadt rebellion was unfolding:

Then there are the economic problems. What is the meaning of the unrestricted trade demanded by the petty-bourgeois elements? It is that in the proletariats relations with the small farmers there are difficult problems and tasks we have yet to solve. I am speaking of the victorious proletariats relations with the small proprietors when the proletarian revolution unfolds in a country where the proletariat is in a minority, and the petty bourgeoisie, in a majority. In such a country the proletariats role is to direct the transition of these small proprietors to socialised and collective work. Theoretically this is beyond dispute. We have dealt with this transition in a number of legislative acts, but we know that it does not turn on legislative acts, but on practical implementation, which, we also know, can be guaranteed when you have a very powerful, large-scale industry capable of providing the petty producer with such benefits that he will see its advantages in practice.[32]

To mitigate the open clash between the proletariat and the small proprietors, at least until the Soviet economy had the material basis to overcome aforementioned problems, the New Economic Policy (NEP) was enacted, representing the limited reintroduction of capitalism. It was in fact the fulfillment of the Kronstadt main grievance  the end of grain requisitioning and the implementation of free trade. The end of War Communism and its replacement with the NEP largely alleviated the economic and political problems for the peasants, at least momentarily.

But from the point of view of the working class, the NEP was a step back. It was meant to create breathing space until the next wave of world revolution. While the NEP revived the economy tattered by successive wars, it also created all sorts of social contradictions. It strengthened not only the kulaks (rich peasants) and NEPmen (speculators and traders who grew rich from the NEP policy of free trade), but also the bureaucracy. The hostile class forces of the kulaks and NEPmen exerted their pressure inside the party and the young Soviet regime through the bureaucracy. As the economy revived on the basis of the NEP, a small surplus appeared and naturally it was concentrated in the cities and at the disposal of the bureaucracy that was becoming increasingly aware of the privileges it could gain. The rising bureaucracy increasingly leaned on the kulaks and NEPmen to strike against the working class and the poor peasantry.

Additionally, prior to the NEP, wage differentials stood at 1:4 or 1:5, and this was seen by Lenin as a regrettable necessity, the result of constraints imposed by the countrys isolation and economic backwardness. The only way to motivate the few specialists and engineers the nation had was to provide them with special remuneration. The proletariat did not yet have sufficient specialists amongst their ranks that they could count on, which forced the Bolsheviks to rely even on former-Tsarist elements and other social refuse. But with the coming of the NEP this process accelerated massively. Wage differentials increased to 1:80 by 1923 (which we note is still very small compared to most capitalist societies today).[33] The petty-bourgeois layer of specialists who flourished under the NEP would also become part of the social basis for the rising bureaucracy.

The bureaucracy also used the NEP and the temporary inequality that the NEP sanctioned as justification for its own privileges. Trotsky wrote in his unfinished biography Stalin: It was only when the bureaucracy began to rise above society on the basis of the aggravation of social contradictions at the time of the NEP that Stalin began to raise himself above the party.[34] He continued:

In Marxs letter concerning the Gotha Programme of the German Social-Democracy Stalin found a phrase to the effect that during the first period of socialism [read the NEP period] inequality will still be preserved... This quotation was incorrectly interpreted as a declaration of the rights and privileges of the bureaucrats and their satellites. The future of the Soviet Union was thus divorced from the future of the international proletariat and the bureaucracy was provided with a theoretical justification for special privileges and powers over the masses of toilers inside the Soviet Union.[35]

The need for an internationalist perspective

In an unpublished note that Rosa Luxemburg wrote while in prison, she provided a preliminary assessment of the Bolshevik regime in its first year. Despite the limitations of this note  which was the reason Rosa never published it, and it was later fished out by the enemies of the Bolsheviks  it does provide a penetrating insight:

Everything that happens in Russia is comprehensible and represents an inevitable chain of causes and effects, the starting point and end term of which are: the failure of the German proletariat and the occupation of Russia by German imperialism. It would be demanding something superhuman from Lenin and his comrades if we should expect of them that under such circumstances they should conjure forth the finest democracy, the most exemplary dictatorship of the proletariat and a flourishing socialist economy. By their determined revolutionary stand, their exemplary strength in action, and their unbreakable loyalty to international socialism, they have contributed whatever could possibly be contributed under such devilishly hard conditions. ... It is only internationally that the socialist order of society can be realized. The Bolsheviks have shown that they are capable of everything that a genuine revolutionary party can contribute within the limits of historical possibilities. They are not supposed to perform miracles.[36]

The impossible decisions that the Bolsheviks had to make flowed from the failure of the [leadership of the] German proletariat to take power and break the isolation of the Russian Revolution / Image: public domainThe impossible decisions that the Bolsheviks had to make  from forced grain requisitioning to the violent crushing of Kronstadt  flowed from the failure of the [leadership of the] German proletariat to take power and break the isolation of the Russian Revolution. The October Revolution was in fact betrayed by [the reformist leadership] of the international proletariat and left on its own under such devilishly hard conditions. That much was understood by Luxemburg, that the isolation of the October Revolution would bring forth all manners of social and economic contradictions, which manifested in the Kronstadt Rebellion, and later on in the bureaucratic degeneration of the workers state.

Moreover, the above note was written in 1918. The devilishly hard conditions that Luxemburg saw in Russia would be multiplied a hundredfold by 1921. This would impose even more severe constraints on the limits of historical possibilities that Bolsheviks could operate in. The Bolsheviks were only guilty of understanding the real nature of the rebellion and daring to take the necessary action to extinguish it before it led to counter-revolution.

The crushing of the Kronstadt Rebellion was a tragic necessity, as Trotsky himself admitted. The only way to prevent such tragedies in the future is by ensuring the victory of socialist revolution all over the world, for it is impossible to build socialism in one country. Rosa Luxemburg, in one of her last letters before she was murdered by the Freikorps, wrote: The use of terror indicates great weakness [and] the Bolshevik use of terror is above all an expression of the weakness of the European proletariat. This weakness could only be remedied by the victory of socialist revolution in advanced capitalist countries.

More than 100 years later, the prospect for a world socialist revolution is far more favourable than in 1917. Everywhere, the working class is the most dominant and powerful layer in society. Globalisation has brought forth billions of workers in every country, who are concentrated in urban areas. In parts of the world where there is still a peasantry, many of them have been proletarianised, resembling agricultural workers rather than small proprietors. Therefore, in future socialist revolutions, a violent clash between the workers and the peasants would be a less likely occurrence. The youth and workers of all countries are increasingly being radicalised by events, and as a result are beginning to move toward socialism. The objective conditions for an internationalist socialist revolution have matured. What is lacking is the subjective factor: a revolutionary leadership. To build this leadership is the task of todays revolutionaries, a task that must be shouldered with the utmost urgency.

References

[1] Luxemburg, Rosa. The Russian Revolution. 1918, my emphasis.

[2] Lenin, V.I. Political Report of the Central Committee. 7 March 1918. Lenin Collected Works, Vol. 27, Progress Publishers, 1974, p. 95, my emphasis.

[3] Lenin, Vol. 27 p. 98, My emphasis.

[4] Avrich, Paul. Kronstadt 1921. 1970. Norton Library, 1974, pp. 21-22.

[5] Avrich, Kronstadt 24.

[6] Avrich, Kronstadt 24.

[7] Avrich, Kronstadt 14.

[8] Avrich, Kronstadt 15.

[9] Avrich, Paul. Russian Anarchists. 1967. AK Press, 2005, p. 229.

[10] Avrich, Kronstadt 89-90.

[11] Trotsky, Leon. Hue and Cry over Kronstadt.

[12] Avrich, Kronstadt 95, my emphasis.

[13] Avrich, Kronstadt 127.

[14] Avrich, Kronstadt 127-128, my emphasis.

[15] Avrich, Kronstadt 129.

[16] Avrich, Kronstadt 129.

[17] Avrich, Kronstadt 125, my emphasis.

[18] Avrich, Kronstadt 134, my emphasis.

[19] Avrich, Kronstadt 29.

[20] Avrich, Kronstadt 46, my emphasis.

[21] Avrich, Kronstadt 179-180, my emphasis.

[22] Avrich, Kronstadt 180.

[23] Avrich, Kronstadt 36.

[24] Avrich, Kronstadt 49.

[25] Avrich, Kronstadt 71.

[26] Avrich, Kronstadt 77.

[27] Avrich, Kronstadt 81.

[28] Avrich, Kronstadt 84.

[29] Avrich, Kronstadt 115-116.

[30] Avrich, Kronstadt 211.

[31] Trotsky, Leon. Revolution Betrayed.

[32] Lenin, V.I. Report on the political work of the Central Committee of the R.C.P.(B.). 8 March 1921. Lenin Collected Works, Vol 32. Progress Publishers, 1973. p. 170-191

[33] Liebman, Marcel. Leninism Under Lenin. 1973. Haymarket Books, 2016, pp. 352-353.

[34] Trotsky, Leon. Stalin. Wellred Books, 2016, p. 546.

[35] Trotsky, Stalin 56.

[36] Luxemburg, Rosa. The Russian Revolution. 1918, my emphasis.
A mega rally at Delhis Ramlila Maidan is every political partys dream come true. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)s first rally there on Sunday was significant on several counts. It showed the inherent strength of the Opposition grouping, the ability to overcome friction in seat sharing for a larger cause, and most importantly giving political space to each other and sharing each others concerns. Over 10 parties were represented at the Loktantra Bachao Rally. (ANI)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) initially planned the rally to protest against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals arrest. But the allies later decided to focus on a bigger cause of saving democracy.

INDIA blocs biggest rally

The show of strength came weeks before the general elections as leaders of the bloc demanded the release of Kejriwal and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. The leaders alleged that the countrys Opposition was being strangled and stripped of a level playing field ahead of the polls.

Heads of over 10 parties, two chief ministers, and five former chief ministers attended the Loktantra Bachao Rally A large number of people gathered on a hot Sunday afternoon, for what was the largest public meeting of the INDIA bloc. It was also the first time the Trinamool Congress attended an INDIA rally.

Who said what

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of match-fixing ahead of the polls. Kejriwals wife, Sunita, said Mother India is in pain while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra referred to Ramayana and Lord Ram to hit out at the BJP.

Sunita, who took the stage at a rally for the first time, read out the six guarantees. Her presence was also significant against the backdrop of discussions about who could be the possible successor to Kejriwal.

Kejriwals six guarantees

If voted to power, the INDIA bloc will fulfil six guarantees, including good hospitals and education, Sunita said quoting Kejriwals message. She said there will be no power cuts. Second, electricity would be free for poor people. Third, we will build government schools in every village. Fourth, we will build Mohalla Clinics in every village. We will make a multi-specialty government hospital in every district. Sunita said everyone would get free treatment. The fifth guarantee is that farmers would be given the correct price for the crops. Sixth, the people of Delhi have faced injustice in the last 75 years. We will make Delhi a full state if the INDIA bloc comes to power.

Hemant Sorens wife Kalpana in the limelight

Sorens wife, Kalpana, said that no one could prove the allegations against her husband and Kejriwal while urging people to vote for the INDIA bloc parties to save democracy. No matter how big one becomes, one cannot be the greatest. The biggest thing is the public. Therefore, you will have to use your vote properly in the coming elections. Also, the INDIA alliance will have to win. Kejriwal is in jail for 10 days. Hemant Soren was arrested two months ago. Till now no one has been able to prove the allegations against him. Your vote is the biggest court.

Mehbooba Mufti among key speakers

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti , who was among one of several women leaders to address the rally, said people were being jailed without any investigation and that India was going through troubled times. We have seen this happening in Kashmir and now it is happening across the country. Jammu and Kashmir is a laboratory to test plans and then these plans are implemented across the country.

Banerjee skips the Ramlila meeting

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee skipped the rally but sent two members of Parliament (MP) including Derek OBrien. In West Bengal, campaigning for former MP Mahua Moitra, she dared the BJP to win at least 200 seats. She said that in the 2021 Bengal assembly election in Bengal, the BJP claimed it would get 200 seats but got less than 80. Dubbing the BJP as a jumla (rhetoric) party, Banerjee accused it of peddling lies regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

On March 11, the Union government notified the rules for CAA four years after the law was passed. The CAA seeks to fast-track citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

INDIA loses another ally

Even as the INDIA bloc organised the rally at the Ramlila Maidan, it lost another ally. Apna Dal on Sunday broke away from the bloc and allied with Asaduddin Owaisis All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. The two parties floated the PDM Nyay Morcha, calling it a front to bring justice to Pichda (backward), Dalits, and Muslims. Former Apna Dal ally Samajwadi Party (SP) coined a similar PDA acronym for Pichda, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak (minorities) ahead of the polls. Apna Dal chief Krishna Patel blamed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav for quitting the INDIA bloc.

Tariq Anwar to fight from Katihar

Hours after the Delhi rally, the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) met and cleared veteran leader Tariq Anwars candidature from Bihars Katihar.
New Delhi: Indias defence exports grew 32.5% this fiscal and crossed the 21,000-crore mark for the first time as the country remains focussed on boosting the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as well as military exports, the defence ministry said on Monday. India produces a raft of weapons and systems including the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), different types of helicopters, warships, tanks, artillery guns, warships, missiles, rockets, a variety of military vehicles and ammunition. (Photo @airnews_abad)

Defence exports have touched a record 21,083 crore (approx. US$ 2.63 billion) in the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% over the last fiscal when the figure was 15,920 crore. The recent figures indicate that the defence exports have grown 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14, the ministry said in a statement.

The private sector and the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) contributed around 60% and 40%, respectively, it said, adding that the number of export authorisations rose from 1,414 in FY 2022-23 to 1,507 in FY 2023-24.

Also Read: Defence exports log tenfold jump since 2016, nearly 16k-cr

Delighted to inform everyone that the Indian Defence Exports have scaled to unprecedented heights and crossed 21,000 crore mark for the first time in the history of Independent India! Indias defence exports have reached to the level of Rs.21,083 Crore in the financial year 2023-24 which is a spectacular growth of 32.5% over the previous fiscal, defence minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X.

India has set a defence export target of 35,000 crore by 2024-25. The country is currently exporting military hardware to around 85 countries, with around 100 firms involved in the exports. It includes missiles, artillery guns, rockets, armoured vehicles, offshore patrol vessels, personal protective gear, a variety of radars, surveillance systems and ammunition.

Comparative data for the period 2004-05 to 2013-14, and 2014-15 to 2023-24 shows defence exports grew 21 times, the statement said. Total defence exports during 2004-05 to 2013-14 were 4,312 crore, which has gone up to 88,319 crore in the period from 2014-15 to 2023-24.

Also Read: Mission Divyastra: Agni-5 gets multiple warheads capability

Under Prime Minister Shri @narendramodis visionary leadership the Defence ministry has taken several initiatives to spur Indias defence manufacturing and exports. Our defence industries, including the Private Sector & DPSUs, have registered a commendable performance in recent years. Congratulations to all stakeholders on crossing the new milestone in defence exports, Singh further wrote.

Military exports have risen sharply, and imports have recorded a drop on the back of policy initiatives and reforms during the last nine to 10 years, the government has maintained.

Last May, the government announced that the value of defence production in the country crossed 1 lakh crore for the first time on the back of key reforms to spur growth in the sector. The figure stood at 1,06,800 crore in FY 2022-23 compared to 95,000 crore in FY 2021-22 and 54,951 crore five years ago. The value of defence production in FY 2023-24 wasnt immediately available.

India produces a raft of weapons and systems including the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), different types of helicopters, warships, tanks, artillery guns, warships, missiles, rockets, a variety of military vehicles and ammunition.

India has sharpened its focus on the defence manufacturing sector during the last five to six years and taken several measures to achieve self-reliance. These include banning the import of a range of weapons, systems and parts, creating a separate budget for buying locally made military hardware, increasing foreign direct investment from 49% to 74% and improving ease of doing business.
NEW DELHI: India is investigating information related to the alleged plot to kill Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun because it involves the countrys national security interests, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Monday. External affairs minister SJaishankar addressing a press conference at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Monday. (HT Photo/Vipin Kumar)

Jaishankar declined to provide details about the investigation while responding to a question at a media briefing on US ambassador Eric Garcettis contention that the alleged involvement of an Indian government official in the assassination plot had crossed a red line.

The US ambassador, as an ambassador, obviously will say what he thinks is the thinking or the position of his government. I will say what is the position of my government, and the position of my government is that in this particular case, there [has] been certain information which has been provided to us which we are investigating, he told the briefing at the BJP headquarters.

Jaishankar was briefing the media on the issue of Katchatheevu island when he was asked about comments made during an interview by Garcetti, who said the involvement of a government official in an assassination in a foreign country would be a red line for any country.

India, he said, is conducting a probe because we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation. He added: As and when we have something to say on that investigation, we would be very glad to speak about it. At this point of time, beyond the fact that there is an investigation going on, we have nothing more to say.

An indictment filed by US prosecutors in a Manhattan court last November alleged that Indian national Nikhil Gupta, acting on the instructions of an unnamed Indian official, was involved in a plot to kill Pannun on American soil.

Gupta is currently in jail in the Czech Republic, where the justice minister is examining his challenge to a court ruling that he can be extradited to the US. Pannun has already been declared a terrorist by India, which has set up a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the matter.

In an interview with ANI, Garcetti said the involvement of the government employee of any country in a plot to kill a foreign citizen would amount to crossing the red line.

For any of us, just abstractly, that has to be a red line. No government or government employee can be involved in the alleged assassination of one of your own citizens. Thats just an unacceptable red line, Garcetti said.

Any country, having an active member of their government involved in a second country trying to assassinate one of their citizens, thats...usually a red line for any country. Thats a basic issue of sovereignty. Thats a basic issue of rights, he said.

Garcetti said India and the US are working together to investigate the alleged plot targeting Pannun. In the context of threats made by Pannun against Indian interests, Garcetti said the US system protects free speech for better or for worse and that an American citizen can be convicted or deported only under the countrys laws.

In response to another question on Indian nationals being tricked into taking up jobs in the Russian Army and being forced to fight in the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said: We have taken it up very, very strongly with the Russian government and we are trying to get all these people back to India safely.

Two Indian nationals have been killed on the frontlines of the Ukraine war in recent weeks and the external affairs ministry has been approached by about two dozen Indian nationals seeking to be discharged from their jobs with the Russian Army.

Jaishankar also said some Indians had gone back to Ukraine to study or work. There are some people who have chosen to go back. Again, I want to say we had given advisories asking people not to put themselves at risk. That is our duty as a government but there are people who have chosen to go back, he said.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was being produced in Delhis Rouse Avenue Court at the end of his Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand. Arvind Kejriwal was produced in the court at the end of his ED remand. (HT PHOTO)

What PM [Prime Minister] is doing is not good for the country, Kejriwal said when asked about the INDIA bloc rally a day earlier at Delhis Ramlila Maidan.

Leaders of the INDIA bloc on Sunday demanded the release of Kejriwal and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. They alleged that the countrys Opposition was being strangled and stripped of a level-playing field ahead of the polls.

The rally was a rare moment of pan-party unity for the alliance. Kejriwals arrest on March 21 appeared to galvanise the bloc. INDIA bloc parties set aside disparate views to condemn the arrest that they have alleged was politically motivated and one that rests on cooked-up charges.

On Thursday last, the court extended Kejriwals ED remand until April 1. Kejriwals wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and AAP leaders were at the Rouse Avenue Court before the chief minister was produced there.
NEW DELHI: Airport operators and airlines have been told to deboard passengers from the plane to the boarding area of the departure terminal in case there is a long delay in operating the flight. the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) director general Zulfiquar Hasan said on Monday. A boy looks at Air India airline passenger aircraft parked at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, February 1 (REUTERS FILE0)

We issued the orders [on Saturday] to both the airlines and airport operators to ensure that the passengers do not have to sit in aircraft for long when a flight is delayed, said Hasan. BCAS oversees the security protocols in place at airports.

Previously, passengers were not allowed to return to the boarding area and were instead taken to the exits at the arrivals, from where they picked up their baggage and would then have to go through the check-in procedure afresh  including bag drop and security. This led to reluctance on part of airlines and airport operators to allow passengers to deboard, leading to instances where passengers ended up spending hours in the aircraft.

The new rule implies that airports will have to only make arrangements for frisking passengers before they are allowed to board the plane again.

Hasan added that airport operators have been asked to make arrangements in the departure area for frisking of the de-boarded passengers and the rule will apply to both domestic and international flights.

If the airline does not de-board the passengers on their own, the security personnel at the airport will monitor and will ask them to do so after analysing the situation, he added. Hasan was addressing a conference on BCASs 38th raising day.

The directive, however, does not include any thresholds for deboarding to be mandatory  the agency did not specify a maximum amount that passengers can be made to wait in the plane before they must be taken back to the airport.

Two incidents over the past winter captured the troubles that the delays create for passengers. In one, an IndiGo passenger on a Delhi-Goa flight lost his cool and assaulted a pilot as the plane full of flyers waited hours for the go-ahead to depart. During the altercation, the passenger was heard urging airline staff to allow them to deboard.

In the second instance, also involving a passenger of IndiGo, people were seen in videos having their meals on the tarmac next to their plane at the Mumbai airport, where they were diverted while on their way to Delhi from Goa due to the conditions in the national capital.

Both incidents occurred during a particularly bad spell of fog, which led to delays and cancellations of over 600 flights within a 48-hour period.

A flight is typically delayed for one of three major reasons: due to an incident, bad weather or a technical fault.

Hasan said that in case of a change in aircraft after travellers have boarded, passengers luggage will be shifted directly from the existing aircraft to the new aircraft and passengers will be allowed to come back to the boarding area of the departure terminal directly.

To keep pace with development in this ever-changing sector, upgrading rules and regulations is a must, Hasan said.

The increase in passenger touchpoint capacities mitigated the misery to some extent however, in some places passengers are almost kept captive within aircraft for unreasonable hours. To avoid a repeat of this, BCAS has issued new guidance to be followed in such situations, he added.
Lok Sabha Election 2024 highlights: Campaigning for the upcoming general elections is in full swing, On Sunday, the BJP-led ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, both held major rallies, with prime minister Narendra Modi campaigning in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, while the Congress-led alliance protested in Delhi against the dictatorial Modi government....Read More

Polling for the Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases, the first of which is on April 19. Voting will also be held on April 26, May 7, 13, 20, 25, and June 1. The counting of votes for all 543 Lok Sabha seats, will take place on June 4.

The BJP, which won parliamentary majority of its own in both previous general elections  282 seats in 2014 and 303 in 2019  has set a target of winning 370 seats on its own and over 400 with allies. PM Modi, too, is seeking a hattrick of wins for the top post. The Congress, on the other hand, has formed the INDIA bloc to strengthen its prospects of coming to power, and deny both PM Modi and the BJP, a third consecutive term. The grand old party won just 44 and 52 seats in 2014 and 2019, respectively.
The candidates from Tamil Nadu in fray for the crucial Lok Sabha elections comprise a host of names, ranging from kin of notorious brigands to second generation contestants. Greenhorns such as a politicos spouse and a movie actor will also be making their political debut this time. The state where dynastic politics is a poll plank goes to polls on April 19. Tamil Nadu goes to polls on April 19 (Representative photo)

Making her debut, forest brigand and one of the most wanted criminals Veerapans daughter Vidhya Rani will be contesting from Krishnagiri constituency for Tamil nationalist party Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK).

In July 2020, Rani joined the BJP and was appointed as the vice-president of its state youth wing but quit the party this year to join NTK, who have been fielding an equal number of men and women in every election.

NTK, is controversial for its eulogising of the militant separatist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who fought for a Tamil land in Sri Lanka and were wiped out by the islands army in 2009, people familiar with the matter said. For a while only forests were shaken, now even the land will shake...Im proud to announce my dear daughter Vidhya Veerapan as the candidate, NTK founder S Seeman had said after announcing Ranis candidature while referring to her father.An advocate by profession, Rani has met her father only once.

NTK secured 4% vote share in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and emerged as the third largest party in the 2021 assembly elections with 6.7% vote share, according to the data.

Another interesting second generation contestant is Durai Vaiko. Known for his fiery speeches, Durai Vaikos father G Vaiko (then a Rajya Sabha MP) in 1993 led a rebellion from within the DMK in angst against late M Karunanidhi for nurturing his son and present party president and chief minister, MK Stalin. Karunanidhi ousted Vaiko.

In the following year Vaiko, also considered an LTTE sympathiser, founded the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) which eventually allied with the DMK.

Durai, who worked in an American firm, and ran his own business, got into active politics in the past three years since his fathers health at 78 started deteriorating. Three decades after G Vaikos rebellion against dynastic politics, the situation has come full circle for the former with Durai being named in Trichy seat.

A few days back, Durai while campaigning in Trichy broke down talking about the attacks on his family for dynastic politics saying that even when the DMK offered him a seat in the previous assembly election, he had turned it down. I said I will work for other candidatesI came into politics only so that my father and cadre who had toiled for 30 years arent humiliated, Durai said while being flanked by DMK ministers S Reghupathy and K N Nehru.

In 2022, Durai had told HT that his father was very uncomfortable with this succession plan acutely aware that what he stood against would be thrown at him. however, since MDMK cadre were anxious about the future of the party, he stepped in for campaigning, seat negotiations and attending weddings and funerals.

The DMK coalition is part of the INDIA bloc and had won 38 out of the 29 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP ally Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) changed its candidate and announced that their party president and former Union minister minister Anbumani Ramadoss wife, Sowmiya will contest from the seat in Dharmapuri. Sowmya, a political novice, though her family has veteran politicians will face DMK candidate A Mani and AIADMKs R Ashokan. She is the president of the environmental organisation, Pasumai Thaaayagam. Her maternal grandfather K Vinayagam had fought for towns such as Tiruttani earlier annexed to Andhra Pradesh during the bifurcation in 1950s and later became part of Tamil Nadu. Her father M Krishnaswami was a two-time M and brother Vishnu Prasad is the Congress candidate for Cuddalore.

PMK is contesting in 10 seats in the BJP alliance after the AIADMK broke off with the latter in last September. The caste-based party of Vanniyar community has a strong base in Dharmapuri. Her husband and Rajya Sabha MP Anbumani had won the seat in 2014 in Lok Sabha polls but lost in 2019 parliamentary polls to DMKs Senthil Kumar. Of the six assembly segments in Dharmapuri in 2021 assembly elections, the AIADMK won three and the remaining were won by PMK who were then allies.

Another surprise announcement came from the BJP which fielded veteran actor Radhikaa Sarathkumar from Virudhunagar constituency.

She will also be making her political debut. Her husband, Sarathkumar, also an actor who founded the outfit, All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi, merged with the BJP a few weeks ago. Politics is not new to me but I have to use this opportunity well, Radhikaa said earlier.

Interestingly, she will face her yesteryear co-star Vijayakanths son Vijaya Prabhakar in Virudhunagar . Late Vijayakanths Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has allied with the AIADMK and contested in five seats. Vijayakanth briefly altered Tamil Nadus duopoly politics when he became the leader of opposition in 2011 but the DMDK did not have any other electoral fortunes and his son is also a political novice.
Congress will release its welfare-oriented manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, on April 5, announced party's general secretary KC Venugopal on Monday. He added that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will unveil the manifesto in the mega rallies scheduled on April 6 in Jaipur and Hyderabad. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge along with Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party KC Venugopal during the Congress CEC meeting. (File)(ANI)

After vast deliberations with people from across the country, the Congress will be releasing its vision document, the Manifesto, on 5th April at AICC HQ. Subsequently, we will hold two Mega Rallies on 6th April - in Jaipur and Hyderabad!" Venugopal wrote on social platform X.

Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Congress leader Vikram Ahake joins BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls

He added further,"In Jaipur, INC President Sh. Mallikarjun @kharge ji, CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji, Sh. @RahulGandhi ji and Smt. @priyankagandhi ji will be launching the manifesto addressing the Mega Rallies Rahul ji will also be addressing the Manifesto launch mega rally in Hyderabad! Our focus has always been on giving the country a welfare oriented, pro-development vision and that will be presented to the people for this election as well!

Congress's Paanch Nyay

The party's election manifesto will focus on 'Paanch Nyay' or five pillars of justice, including 'Yuva Nyay', 'Naari Nyay', 'Kisaan Nyay', 'Shramik Nyay' and 'Hissedari Nyay' as well as the guarantees made by it to the people as part of its poll promises for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress will launch its 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee' campaign on April 3, under which the party leaders will reach out to more than eight crore households across the country.

The campaign will focus more on social media and television and less on print and outdoor campaigning, a PTI report said.



The first phase of Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 19. The subsequent phases of polling will be held on April 26, May 7, 13, 20, 25 and June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.
The chief engineer of a mine in Russia's Far East has been detained on suspicion of violating safety regulations, investigators said Monday, after an accident two weeks ago left 13 workers presumed dead. HT Image

A landslide on 18 March at the Pioneer gold mine in Russia's Amur region near the Chinese border pinned the miners more than 120 metres underground.

Initial search operations showed caverns where they could have been sheltering were flooded, raising fears the 13 had been killed in the landslide.

State media reported earlier Monday that emergency workers had ended their rescue operation.

"The results of drilling showed the areas where the miners could be are filled with rock mass and water," operator Pokrovsky Mine said, in a statement cited by the Interfax news agency.

"The lives of rescuers and mine workers involved in the operation are at risk of death," due to the possibility of another collapse, it added.

Officials in Amur have opened an investigation for a suspected breach of safety rules, and the managing director was arrested last week, the regional branch of Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said Monday.

The gold mine is one of the largest in the world and one of the most productive in Russia.

Accidents at mines are relatively common in Russia, where lax safety standards and weak enforcement have been blamed for multiple tragedies.

In 2021, an accident at a coal mine in Siberia claimed the lives of 40 miners.

One worker died and four people were rescued after a separate blast in another mine in the Sverdlovsk region of west-central Russia, according to the regional health ministry quoted by Russian news agencies on Monday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the termination of the rescue mission was "not good news".

"All the measures that could have been taken in connection with the situation that arose were taken. But the situation is what it is," he told reporters.

The regional governor said emergency workers had tried to save the miners "at great risk to their lives" and that the families of the miners would be given financial support.

bur/spb/rox

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Tamil Nadus Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for failing to protect the interests of the state while accusing it of double standards on the issue of Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited Sri Lanka-administered Island. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Bloomberg)

Modi on Sunday accused the then Indira Gandhi government of callously ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka and sparked a war of words with the DMK ally Congress.

Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMKs double standards totally, he said in a post on X. He called Congress and DMK family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular.

On Sunday, Modi cited new facts and added they reveal how Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in peoples minds  we cant ever trust Congress! Weakening Indias unity, integrity and interests has been Congress way of working for 75 years and counting, Modi said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked the Congress and the DMK for failing the fishermen detained for fishing in the waters around Katchatheevu. It cited a response to a query under the Right to Information Act and said the then government gave away the island to Sri Lanka overlooking the countrys territorial claims and integrity.

Union external affairs minister S Jaishankar lashed out at former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for referring to the island as insignificant. He said Nehru perceived it as a nuisance since it came up repeatedly in Parliament.

Jaishankar quoted Nehru as saying, I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matter pending like this indefinitely and being raised again and again in Parliament.

Jaishankar said they knew who did it and now were discussing who hid it. The public has the right to know how the island was given to Sri Lanka. Why even the fishing rights of Indian fisherman were given up in 1976 after giving an assurance to Parliament that fishing rights of Indians in the 1974 agreement have been safeguarded.

Jaishankar said Sri Lanka has detained 6184 Indian fishermen and 1175 vessels in the last 20 years. He brushed aside the oppositions allegation that the issue was being politicised ahead of the general election. Jaishankar said the issue is very much alive. It is an issue that has been debated in Parliament and Tamil Nadu circles. It has been the subject of correspondence between the Union government and the state government. In the last five years, I have replied 21 times on this issue This is not an issue that has suddenly surfaced.

He slammed the DMK for its handling of the issue. Jaishankar said the Congress and the DMK have approached this matter as though they have no responsibility for this. As though the situation is for todays central government to resolve, and there is no history to this or this has just happened.
Senior Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Nidhi Khare has taken over as the secretary, department of consumer affairs in the Government of India. A 1992 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, she succeeded Rohit Kumar Singh who retired on March 31. Senior Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Nidhi Khare has taken over as the secretary, department of consumer affairs in the Government of India

She was Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, before the current appointment.

Khare will take over as Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution upon superannuation of Rohit Kumar Singh on March 31, the order had said on March 4.

Who is Nidhi Khare?

Khare has served as principal secretary in the personnel, health and commercial tax departments of the Jharkhand government. She also served in administrative roles in districts of Jamshedpur, Dumka and Madhubani (undivided Bihar).



In July 2020, Khare took over as the first chief commissioner of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) when the country was in the middle of a nationwide lockdown during the Covid-19 lockdown. Under her leadership, the CCPA pulled up 14 companies for misleading claims including immunity and protection against Covid-19, Fortune reported.



Khare's appointment was announced last month in a notification issued by the Ministry of Personnel. Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi has been appointed as the new Land Resources Secretary.

Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain has been given the additional charge of the post of secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, "with immediate effect till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders", another order said.
In a major reprieve for the Congress facing financial woes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Income Tax department told the Supreme Court on Monday that it will not take coercive steps to recover a demand of 3,500 crore, including the levy of notices worth about 1,700 crore that were issued last week. On March 28, the Delhi high court dismissed Congresss plea challenging the initiation of tax reassessment proceedings. (HT PHOTO)

In light of the April-June general elections, the department, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, submitted before the court that it will not be resorting to any urgent action to retrieve the money from the party.

The petitioner is a political party. This impugned judgment is from 2016 and based on these parameters, a demand was raised in 2021. In March 2024, we recovered  134 crore and now we have raised a demand of 1,700 crores based on the same parameters. Since elections are going on, until the matter is heard after elections, we will not take any action for recovery of this amount, Mehta told a bench of justices BV Nagarathna and AG Masih.

At this, the bench commended the law officers statement and recorded his undertaking in response to an application moved by Congress against a series of demand notices issued against the party last month.

At the commencement of the hearing, learned S-G, appearing for CIT, submitted that there is no dispute that for several dates in March 2024, demands have been made for approximately 3500 crore. The issues which arise in these appeals are yet to be adjudicated upon but having regard to the situation now, the department does not wish to precipitate the matter and says that no coercive steps will be taken with regard to recovery of 3500 crores, the bench recorded in its order.

It listed the next hearing of the matter on July 24 while adding that the concession offered by the department is without any prejudice to the rights and contentions of the department in arguing the case. The bench also recorded the Mehtas submissions that the demand of 3500 crore may not be strictly relatable to the controversy in the appeals pending before the top court and that they may touch upon other demands raised by the department in separate proceedings.

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vivek Tankha, who appeared for the Congress, highlighted the financial difficulties faced by the party in view of the IT notices raising huge demands. They have already collected 135 crore by way of attachment of funds...We are not a profit-making organisation but only a political party, Singhvi submitted.

But the senior lawyer was also pleasantly surprised after Mehta made a categorical statement at the commencement of the hearing that no coercive steps will be taken to recover the money from the party. I am rendered speechless and very few times I am, Singhvi reacted to Mehtas statement.

The Congress on March 29 announced a nationwide protest over the next two days at the partys state and district headquarters against the income-tax notices, the latest being of around 1,700 crore, which was sent hours after the Delhi high court dismissed the partys petition challenging the reassessment proceedings for four years.

On March 28, the Delhi high court dismissed Congresss plea challenging the initiation of tax reassessment proceedings against it for a period of four years, noting the pleas were dismissed in terms of its earlier decision refusing to interfere with the opening of reassessment for another period. Subsequently, the department served the notice of 1,700 crore including penalty and interest for the assessment years 2017-18 and 2020-21.

The case before the Supreme Court pertains to the Congresss appeal against a 2016 decision of the Delhi high court 2016 denying exemption from tax.
New Delhi: Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday launched a scathing attack on external affairs minister S Jaishankar over the latter's press-conference on the Katchatheevu island issue, saying he had become a mouthpiece of the BJP and RSS from being a suave liberal foreign service officer. External affairs minister S Jaishankar addresses a press conference at the BJP Headquarters, in New Delhi.(PTI)

S Jaishankar, one of the most vocal ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet, today claimed that former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru considered Katchatheevu island a nuisance.

"This is an observation by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in May of 1961. He says, he writes, I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like this pending. Indefinitely and being raised again and again in parliament. So to Pandit Nehru, this was a little island. It had no importance. He saw it as a nuisance," S Jaishankar said in a press conference.

Reacting to his remarks, Chidambaram asked why S Jaishankar launched a tirade against the DMK and the BJP.

"Tit for tat is old. Tweet for Tweet is the new weapon. Will Foreign Minister Mr. Jaishankar please refer to the RTI reply dated 27-1-2015. I believe that Mr Jaishankar was the FM on 27-1-2015. The Reply justified the circumstances under which India acknowledged that a small island belonged to Sri Lanka. Why is the Foreign Minister and his ministry doing a somersault now? How quickly can people change colours? From a suave liberal Foreign Service officer to a smart Foreign Secretary to a mouthpiece of the RSS-BJP, life and times of Mr Jaishankar will be recorded in the annals of acrobatic sports," he wrote on X.

Also read: S Jaishankar reacts to US ambassador Eric Garcetti's 'red line' remark on Pannun row

Katchatheevu island is located between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu's Rameshwaram. In 1974, the Indira Gandhi government allowed Sri Lanka to cede the island.

It is true that Fishermen were detained in the last 50 years. Likewise, India has detained many SL fishermen. Every government has negotiated with Sri Lanka and freed our fishermen. This has happened when Mr Jaishankar was a foreign service officer and when he was Foreign Secretary and when he is Foreign Minister. What has changed for Mr Jaishankar to launch a tirade against the Congress and DMK? Were not Fishermen detained by Sri Lanka when Mr Vajpayee was PM and BJP was in power and in alliance with different political parties of TN? Were not fishermen detained by Sri Lanka when Mr Modi was in power since 2014? P Chidambaram wrote on X.

In the press conference, S Jaishankar claimed that the island  which was given away by the Congress government  was of strategic importance.

"We are talking about 1958 and 1960. The main people in the case wanted to make sure that at least we should get the fishing rights. The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were given away in 1976... One, the most basic recurring (aspect) is the indifference shown by the then central government and the PMs about the territory of India... That fact is they simply did not care... In an observation given by the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1961, he wrote, 'I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government had done nothing to safeguard the state's interests.

"Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK's double standards totally. Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don't care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular," PM Modi tweeted.

On Sunday, he claimed the Congress's action was against national unity.

Today, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin also questioned PM Modi's sudden love for fishermen.

Also read: 'PM Modi gave clean chit to China': P Chidambaram, MK Stalin's counterattack over Katchatheevu row

Frequent arrests of fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities is an emotive issue in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka is the only southern state where the BJP is influential electorally. The party will have to pull off a stellar performance in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana if it wants to realise its dream of 400-plus Lok Sabha seats.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud on Monday said the premier probe agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must concentrate on those cases of importance that threaten the security, public order and economic health of the country rather than taking up petty cases while praising the three new criminal laws brought by the Centre. Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud frowned at incidents of unwarranted confiscation of personal devices (X/CBIHeadquarters)

CJI Chandrachud also emphasised the need to uphold due process in the functioning of law enforcement agencies and striking a delicate balance between search and seizure powers and individual privacy rights to create a fair and just society, alluding to the unwarranted seizure of personal devices during raids.

It is important for us, both in the context of not just streamlining the courts but also promoting the efficiency of CBI and the investigative agencies to pick our battles. I think we have perhaps been spreading our investigative agencies too thin over the years, despite a rapid change in the environment. Our premier investigative agencies must concentrate their attention and efforts on that class of crime which truly threatens the security of the nation, public order or economic health of the nation, the CJI said while delivering the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture, organised by CBI in the memory of its founding director. Allowing our investigative agencies to spread themselves too thin would really pose a serious challenge to the personnel who man the agencies because the number of personnel is obviously limited, CJI Chandrachud said as he cited the example of CBI, which consists largely of officers who come on deputation.

The CJI was referring to instances of CBI investigating cases involving bribes as low as 300.

Lauding the three new criminal laws  Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which will replace the colonial era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act from July 1 -- the CJI noted that the new criminal laws enacted by Parliament encompass substantive crime, procedure and evidence.

These laws aim at digitising various aspects of criminal procedure. This is a significant step towards modernising the justice system. From the initial registration of a first information report to the final delivery of judgment, every stage of a criminal investigation is slated to be recorded digitally under the purview of the proposed legislation. This comprehensive approach ensures a seamless flow of information and is intended to facilitate better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders involved in the investigative and adjudicatory processes, he said.

Summons can now be issued electronically, and testimonies from witnesses, experts, accused individuals, and other parties may also be presented virtually, the CJI said, Underscoring how the new laws will integrate technology with the criminal justice system.

This innovation eliminates the need for physical documentation and enables swift communication between law enforcement agencies, courts, and individuals involved in legal proceedings. It will obviate the delay in bail orders reaching the jail authorities and in recording witness depositions. Similarly, the authorisation for presenting testimonies virtually opens up new avenues for participation in legal proceedings, allowing contributions to the process from remote locations, he added.

CJI Chandrachud also advocated for striking a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights in his address.

In the realm of criminal justice, the delicate balance between search and seizure powers and individual privacy rights stands at the cornerstone of a fair and just society. At the heart of this balance lies the need to uphold due process while ensuring the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies, he said.

The CJI noted that Section 94 of the newly enacted BNSS and Section 185 of BSA grant courts and law enforcement the authority to summon documents and materials, including digital evidence deemed necessary for investigation.

Instances of raids conducted and incidents of unwarranted confiscation of personal devices highlight the pressing need to strike a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights, he said.

The CJI further highlighted there was a need to rethink our investigative framework to deal with the innovations in criminal activities and called for having multidisciplinary teams consisting of officers and domain experts.

The practice of allocating a case to an investigative officer (IO) and his local team for investigation must be re-looked to meet the challenges of sophisticated criminal networks. We can do this by completely re-engineering the national response to crime and our approach to criminal investigation by forming multidisciplinary teams consisting of law enforcement officers and domain experts including data analysts. These teams would draw from the expertise of their members and refine their investigative work. Multidisciplinary investigative teams can deploy unique approaches and pattern recognition in a seamless manner over a fluid investigative landscape, he said.

While recommending the use of technology such as AI by agencies to bolster the criminal justice system, CJI asked to prioritise ethical considerations in utilising such technologies and have clear guidelines and safeguards to prevent misuse.
New Delhi: Reacting to Narendra Modi's onslaught against the Congress and its ally DMK over the Katchatheevu island row, former home minister P Chidambaram claimed that China has been occupying Indian territory but the Prime Minister gave a clean chit to the Xi Jinping-led country. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin claimed that by raising the island issue, PM Modi is employing a "diversionary" tactic. Former finance minister P Chidambaram said PM Modi must speak on China. (File photo)

P Chidambaram, a Congress stalwart, questioned why the Prime Minister is raising an issue which was settled in 1974.

"Why is the PM raking up an issue that was settled in 1974? In 1974, the Indira Gandhi government, in order to help lakhs of Tamils, negotiated with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu island was acknowledged as belonging to Sri Lanka. In return, 6 lakhs Tamils were allowed to come to India. The issue was closed 50 years ago," P Chidambaram claimed.

Referring to India's standoff in 2020 in Ladakh, he claimed Chinese troops are occupying Indian territory.

2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been occupied by Chinese troops. The PM says no Chinese troops are present in Indian territory and no part of Indian territory is in occupation of Chinese troops. You gave a clean chit to China. He should talk about what has happened in the last 3 years instead of what happened 50 years ago. Chinese occupation is aggression. I would request the PM to speak about that, he said.

Also read: 'Unmasked DMK's double standard': PM Modi's fresh attack over 'new details' on Katchatheevu row

MK Stalin questioned PM Modi's sudden love for fishermen.

"The people of Tamil Nadu want to put forth only three questions to those, who, after being in a Kumbakarna slumber for 10 years, are displaying a sudden love for the fishermen for elections. Why does the Union government return just 29 paise out of the Re 1 paid by TN as tax," he wrote on X.

"Why has not been a single penny given to Tamil Nadu as flood relief despite the state having faced two natural disasters (the floods in Chennai and Thoothukudi in December 2023)," Stalin claimed.

Instead of involving in diversions, please respond to all these, Prime Minister, he wrote.

Katchatheevu island is located between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka. It was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 by the Indira Gandhi government.

On Monday, PM Modi targeted the DMK over the Katchatheevu issue, alleging that the ruling party did nothing to safeguard the state's interests. He said the Congress and DMK's "callousness on Katchatheevu" harmed Indian fishermen.

"Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMKs double standards totally. Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular," he wrote on X.

On Sunday, PM Modi said the Congress weakened India's unity by "callously giving away" Katchatheevu.

Meanwhile, reacting to MK Stalin's attack, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said the DMK and Congress colluded to hand over the island to Sri Lanka on a platter. He claimed the act compromised India's national security.

"It was DMK leaders who were constantly raising this issue. The entire saga of 3 Cs, Collusion, Concealment and Conspiracy, is out in the open. How the first family of the Congress party and the first family of the DMK together colluded, conspired and concealed the handing over of Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka on a platter, thereby compromising not just our national sovereignty and security, integrity but also putting lives and livelihood of lakhs of Tamil Nadu farmers in danger," he said.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Shahid Siddiqui, the national vice president of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), has tendered his resignation from the party over Jayant Chaudhary's decision to join hands with the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Former Rajya Sabha MP Shahid Siddiqui.

Yesterday I sent my resignation letter to national president Shri Jayant Singh, Shahid Siddiqui said in a post on X.

Today, when India's Constitution and democratic structure are in danger, remaining silent is a sin. I am grateful to Jayant ji but with a heavy heart I am forced to distance myself from RLD, the added.

The RLD recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and declared its candidates for two seats in Uttar Pradesh for the coming Lok Sabha elections. In the 2014 Parliamentary polls, the RLD fought in alliance with the Congress and in 2019, it fought in alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Siddiqui shared the content of his resignation letter on social media in which he acknowledged his longstanding association with Jayant Chaudhary and conveyed his admiration for the RLD chief's commitment towards secularism and constitutional values.

Read: Jayant Chaudhary's jibe at Rahul Gandhi for 'nashedi' remark: Hope not in Agra, Mathura..

However, he lamented his inability to reconcile with the party's decision to align itself with the BJP-led NDA, a move he found incompatible with his own convictions.

Now with the RLD becoming a part of the NDA puts me in a bind and in a piquant situation. I have struggled long and hard in my mind and heart but find myself unable to be associated with an alliance headed by the BJP, Siddiqui said.

I am aware of your political compulsions and am not in a position to advise you otherwise. But speaking for myself I am constrained to withdraw myself from this ongoing campaign, as indeed from the RLD, he added.
New Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Monday reacted to the 'red line' comment made by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti over the alleged Gurpatwant Singh Pannun assassination bid, saying New Delhi has been investigating the matter on the basis of certain information provided by the country. New Delhi: External affairs minister S. Jaishankar addresses a press conference at the BJP headquarters.(PTI)

The US ambassador as an ambassador will say what he thinks is the position of his government. The position of my government is that in this particular case, there has been certain information provided to us which we are investigating, S Jaishankar said.

S Jaishankar said India's own security interests are involved in the probe.

"It is something we are investigating as we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation," he said.

"So, as and when we have something to say on the investigation we would be very glad to speak about it. At this point, beyond the fact that there is an investigation going on, we have nothing more to say," he added.

Last year, the American authorities charged an Indian national for allegedly working with an Indian government employee and agreeing to pay an assassin $1,00,000 to kill New York-based Pannun, a pro-Khalistan terrorist.

In an interview last week, US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said the two countries had been working together on the investigation. He, however, in a strongly worded statement, said the proverbial red line shouldn't be crossed between the two countries.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is an India-designated terrorist who holds American and Canadian citizenship.

Also read: Unacceptable red line: What US ambassador said on Gurpatwant Pannun case; threats to India

When people do step over the line saying something will be bombed as opposed to saying somebody shouldn't fly. The United States freedom of speech, we want success for anybody if there's a criminal accusation to actually reach the threshold that would have a successful outcome, Garcetti was quoted as saying by ANI.

He said no government employee of any country can be involved in an assassination plot of a foreign citizen.

"I think that's absolutely critical. For any of us, just abstractly, that has to be a red line. No government or government employee can be involved in the alleged assassination of one of your own citizens. That's just an unacceptable red line," Garcetti said.

Also read: S Jaishankar in Singapore: 'India, Russia took extra care for each other's interests'

"Any country, having an active member of their government involved in a second country trying to assassinate one of their citizens. That's, I think, usually a red line for any country. That's a basic issue of sovereignty. That's a basic issue of rights," he added.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun often makes terrorism threats directed against India. Last November, he said Air India would not be allowed to operate. In December, he threatened to attack the Indian Parliament.

With inputs from ANI, PTI
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stop the ongoing prayers by Hindu devotees within the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi even as it ordered a status quo on the religious observances by both Hindu and Muslim sides inside the mosque precincts. The court directed the status quo on the site shall not be disturbed without any further order. (ANI)

A bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, noted that both the Muslim and Hindu sides have been conducting their respective religious observances unhindered inside the mosque premises and therefore, a status quo would serve the ends of justice for now.

Bearing in mind the fact that namaz is being offered by the Muslim community unhindered after the orders of the district court and the high court, and that puja by the Hindu devotees is confined to the tehkahna (cellar), it would be appropriate to maintain status-quo so as to enable both the communities to offer religious worships in the above terms, said the bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, in its order.

It pointed out that the entry to the cellar is from the southern side while the access to the mosque is from the northern side.

The court directed that the status quo on the site shall not be disturbed without any further order of the apex court. It also issued notice on the plea by the Gyanvapi Mosque Management Committee against the ruling that permitted Hindu devotees to conduct prayers within the southern cellar of the mosque, indicating the matter will be heard in detail in July.

For present, we are ensuring that both namaz and puja are offered in terms of the orders passed by the district court on January 17, 2024, and January 31, 2024. We will hear the case in detail at a later stage, the bench told senior counsel Huzefa Ahmadi, who appeared for the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, responsible for the Gyanvapi mosques administration in Varanasi.

After it went through a google earth image of the mosque premises that was adduced by Ahmadi during the proceedings, the court said that the issue regarding whether the courtyard surrounding the mosque is a part of the waqf property or not can be adjudicated at a later stage.

The committee has challenged the Allahabad high courts decision on February 26, dismissing its appeal against a previous order of a district court that granted Hindus the right to worship in the cellar.

On January 31, district judge AK Vishvesha (since retired) granted the family of a late priest the right to resume prayers in the southern cellar of the mosque after three decades, saying that the petitioner Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vyas and a priest appointed by the Kashi Vishwanath trust, which manages the temple next door, will be allowed to enter the premises.

Vyas argued that his maternal grandfather, Somnath Vyas, also a priest, performed rituals in the cellar until their cessation in December 1993, halted during Mulayam Singh Yadavs chief ministership following the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

The Muslim representatives contended during the trial court hearings against the petitioners assertions, arguing that no idols were present in the cellar, thereby nullifying the basis for offering prayers there until 1993. They also disputed the claim that the petitioners family had control over the cellar, asserting that this control extended back to the British colonial era.

But the district court ruled in favour of the Hindu parties. The district judge said that the prayers  which were last offered in December 1993  will have to resume within the next seven days. January 31 was the last working day of the district judge.

The order, which came less than a week after a report from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), said that a large Hindu temple existed before the construction of the Gyanvapi Masjid. It marked another significant turn in the decades-long dispute that is expected to have an impact not only on a number of related suits over the shrine but also on similar petitions over a mosque in Mathura.

During the proceedings before the top court on Monday, Ahmadi lamented that the committee is losing its right over the mosque premises gradually. Bit by bit, you are getting into the mosque premises and ousting me out...The entire mosque complex is one. It cannot be segregated like this. When you allow someone to enter the cellar, you are going encroaching upon an area in possession of the mosque, said the senior lawyer, pressing for a stay on the high court order.

Ahmadi added that allowing puja will fester discord. History has taught us something else where despite an assurance, something nasty has happened...Please protect me from any further encroachment. History has shown us what happened in Ayodhya. Despite an undertaking by the highest executive, the mosque could not be protected...The entire situation was normal for the last 30 years. The communities were living peacefully. Why this insistence on performing puja in this part of the mosque? asked Ahmadi.

Appearing for the Vyas family, senior counsel Shyam Divan and advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, disagreed that the puja in the cellar could potentially create discord. Divan said that not only the access to the two areas of worship were different, but both the district court and the high court passed well-reasoned orders while allowing Hindu devotees to offer worship under the supervision of a court-appointed receiver.

I submit that this is not a case even for issuance of notice. This is an interlocutory order confirmed by the high court. These are not perfunctory orders but have detailed reasoning that goes into the whole issue, Divan added.

After hearing the two sides, the apex court refrained from staying the high court order while directing the parties to maintain status quo at the Gyanvapi premises to enable both the communities to offer religious prayers.

The high court, in its dismissal of the mosque committees appeal on February 26, had noted that the cessation of worship rituals in the Vyas Tehkhana, situated in the mosques southern cellar, by the Uttar Pradesh government in 1993 was illegal.

According to the high court, the states action to stop these rituals was unauthorised, lacking any formal written order. The high court refused the mosque committees two appeals that contested the Varanasi district judges January 17 orderwhich designated the district magistrate as the Vyas Tehkhanas receiverand the January 31 order allowing puja in that area. The high court ruled that worship activities in the mosques Vyas Tehkhana, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, should proceed.

The development is anticipated to have significant effects on other similar lawsuits that Hindu organisations and petitioners in Mathura and Agra have filed. These lawsuits are a part of what experts have dubbed the new temple movements, in which Hindu organisations and individuals have turned to trial courts to file petitions seeking legal remedies for long-standing religious disputes rather than using street mobilisation to push for change.

In all cases, Hindu petitioners argue that medieval-era Islamic structures were built by demolishing temples and demand praying rights. The Muslim sides reject the contention and say that any such legal action violates property and religious laws.

Varanasi, Mathura, and Ayodhya are part of a decades-old ideological project by Hindu groups who argue that medieval-era Islamic structures were built by demolishing temples and demand rights over those structures.

The Supreme Court paved the way for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2019, and the mandir opened on January 22 in an ideological win. Cases by Hindu groups and individuals in Varanasi and Mathura are currently being adjudicated in courts across Uttar Pradesh even as a larger issue relating to the Place of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 has remained pending before the Supreme Court since 2021.

The 1991 Act locks the position or religious identity of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, with the exception of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, and barred any court from entertaining a matter that seeks to alter the religious nature of that place. The Act, however, has not prevented the spree of litigations in recent months for reclaiming places of worship, with the Hindu parties contesting the religious nature of such sites.
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the Kerala governments plea for directing the Union government to relax its borrowing cap restrictions so that the southern state may borrow additional funds during the current fiscal year. The court on March 22 reserved its verdict in the case. (HT PHOTO)

A bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan refused to put on hold the operation of two letters issued by the Union finance ministry last year and certain amendments made to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act in 2018 that imposed borrowing cap restrictions on states.

Deciding an interim plea in the case that represents a critical examination of federal financial relations and the autonomy of state governments within Indias complex fiscal framework, the court held the larger issues involve the interpretation of a raft of constitutional issues that can only be adjudicated by a Constitution bench of at least five judges.

While referring the larger issues to a Constitution bench to be formed by the Chief Justice of India, the court said that the Kerala government has already been offered substantial relief in terms of additional borrowing allowed by the Centre earlier. It added, therefore, that there exists no ground to order the Centre to relax the borrowing norms for the state any further.

The court noted that the Centre has allowed an additional borrowing of 13,608 crore, subject to certain stipulations, which can take the state out of the financial crisis to some extent. It agreed with the Centres arguments that once a state overborrows, there can be a reduction in the next payouts.

The issues referred to the Constitution bench include issues relating to the interpretation of Articles 292 and 293, pertaining to the borrowing powers of the Union and states respectively, and the scope of judicial review in the matters of financial policy.

The bench on March 22 reserved its verdict in the case involving financial disagreements between the state of Kerala and the Union government over borrowing limits after the two sides failed to reach an agreement despite extensive discussions. On that day, the court remarked that it would also delve into the pertinent points of law as to whether the issue of fiscal borrowing is within the parameters of justiciability or not.

The conflict, brought before the court by Kerala under Article 131 of the Constitution, challenges the Centres prescribed borrowing limits, underscoring the southern states distinct fiscal challenges. Article 131 deals with the original jurisdiction of the apex court in any dispute between the Centre and states.

The states initial plea was for permission to borrow 19,351 crore, to which the Centre consented but only up to 13,608 crore, with a stipulation for Kerala to retract its legal challenge. The Supreme Court, however, said that such a condition was unacceptable, prompting Kerala to reject the Centres subsequent offer of a 5,000 crore one-off payment due to attached stipulations.

On March 13, the Kerala government decided to rather challenge the Centres borrowing cap restrictions, rejecting the Centres proposal that the state might borrow an extra 5,000 crore as a one-time exception in the current fiscal year.

Kerala stood firm on a demand for at least 10,000 crore, citing this figure as the bare minimum necessary to fulfil critical financial responsibilities, including disbursements to public funds, pensions, and salary revisions.

Kapil Sibal, representing Kerala, argued that the Centres borrowing cap represents an undue overreach into the states prerogative to manage its finances, particularly in light of reduced borrowings from the Centre since economic liberalisation.

Counterarguments from additional solicitor-general N Venkataraman accused Kerala of financial mismanagement and excessive borrowing over recent years, potentially jeopardising the states macroeconomic health and the broader national interest. He opposed Keralas request for additional funds, suggesting that any fiscal strain was self-inflicted and highlighted the substantial support extended to Kerala by the Union, including GST compensation payments.

Keralas Pinarayi Vijayan government challenged two letters issued by the Union finance ministry last year and certain amendments made to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act in 2018 for imposing a net borrowing ceiling (NBC) on the state by limiting borrowings from all sources, including open market borrowings.

The Centre has argued that the financial edifice of the state has several cracks. It gave statistics to show the revenue deficit in Kerala as a percentage of gross state domestic product (GSDP) was 3.17% for 2021-22, higher than the all-states average of 0.46%. The fiscal deficit rate for Kerala was 4.94% compared to an all-state average of 2.80%.

The suit filed by Kerala also raised a fundamental issue of fiscal federalism. The orders and amendment create unconstitutional limits and impediments on the state to borrow and regulate its own finances, therefore violating the provisions and principles of fiscal federalism under the Constitution, it argued.

Over the previous hearings, the court advised the Kerala government to exercise prudence in fiscal matters while imploring the Centre to relax its norms to enable the state to tide over the current crisis. On March 6, the bench suggested that the state should accept the Centres proposal to borrow an additional 13,608 crore for the time being, subject to meeting certain stipulations. At the same time, it added that the Centre should not put the withdrawal of the suit by Kerala as a precondition for allowing additional borrowing.

But the bench subsequently head the case on merits after the Centre and the state were unable to agree after much deliberation.
Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday lashed out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over the latter accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to do "match-fixing" in the Lok Sabha polls.



At a rally in New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, Gandhi had said,"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to do match fixing in these elections. Without EVMs, match-fixing, social media, and pressurizing the press, they cannot win more than 180 seats."



Gandhi further said that the Constitution will cease to exist if the BJP registers victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.



ALSO READ: After 48 years, dark days of emergency remain unforgettable: PM Modi Union home minister invoked Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi to attack her grandson Rahul.

In his all out attack on the Congress MP, Shah said,"Rahul Gandhis grandmother imposed an emergency and put lakhs of people behind bars. Now he has no right to speak about democracy."



In the last five years during Congress rule various pilgrimage sites were attacked many people were killed. But the people who believed in appeasement did justice to none. But we appease none and are committed to justice for everybody. They should know that 0+0 is equal to zero always. No matter how hard they try Modi Ji will be reelected. No matter how many parties come together, Modi will still win the election, the minister said at the Bharatiya Janata Party's Shakti Kendra Pramukh Sammelan in Rajasthan's Jodhpur.

Union home minister Amit Shah at the BJP's Shakti Kendra Pramukh Sammelan in Jodhpur.

Modi secured the nation: Shah

During his address, Shah invoked the surgical strike and Balakot airstrikes by Indian forces on terror launchpads in Pakistan. During the Congress rule, every other day infiltrators from Pakistan entered India and wreaked havoc by bomb blasts. But when Pakistan tried its antics in Uri and Pulwama, they were given a befitting lesson by launching a surgical and air strikes, the minister said.

When India had an economist Prime Minister Manmohan Singh the nation remained the 11th-largest economy for 10 years. But Modi Ji made it the fifth-largest economy in just ten years. Now Modi guarantees that Modi Ji will pivot the economy to the top third spot after he is elected for the third term, he added.



ALSO READ: Congress cannot ensure Indias development: Amit Shah

Nehru committed blunder by including Article 370: Shah

Amit Shah hit out at India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the Kashmir issue. Jawaharlal Nehru made a blunder by including Article 370. But Modi Ji removed it and integrated Kashmir into India for good, Shah said.



For the last seventy years, the Congress party hindered the building of the Ram Temple for the sake of its politics of appeasement depriving the crores of devotees who have been waiting for 500 years for the Ram Temple to be built. But Modi Ji got the case settled, laid its foundation and completed the consecration, the minister added.
Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule has hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party after its ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday fielded Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, against her from the Baramati constituency, alleging that it was a design of saffron party to politically finish off NCP founder Sharad Pawar. NCP leader Supriya Sule and Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar meet at a temple in Baramati tehsil in Pune district on March 8, 2024. (PTI)

Supriya Sule, the cousin of Ajit Pawar, said the intra-family duel in the Lok Sabha polls will not waver her respect for Sunetra Pawar as she is her elder brothers wife and like a mother, news agency PTI reported.

Baramati will go to polls on May 7.

Supriya Sule faces the toughest fight

Supriya Sule, who has won from Baramati thrice and is seeking a fourth term, faces the toughest electoral battle of her career. Though her rival Sunetra Pawar, 60, has not contested any election so far, she has been active in social circles. She is a trustee of the Vidya Pratishthan, a reputed educational institute formed by Sharad Pawar, and is active in several other organisations. She is also the sister of former NCP leader Padmasinh Patil, who was once considered a trusted aide of senior Pawar.

Additionally, Sunetra Pawar is believed to have played a major role in her husband Ajit Pawars decision to join the BJP-led camp last year. The latter has significant influence in Baramati and adjacent areas and will leave no stone unturned to get Sule defeated. Both leaders have been campaigning in the constituency for the past several weeks.

The Pawar-versus-Pawar contest is the fallout of a split in the original NCP last year when Ajit Pawar sided with the ruling BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena along with his loyalist MLAs.

Supriya Sule told PTI that Sunetra Pawar is the wife of her elder brother and the elder sister-in-law is considered as mother.

So this ploy (to pit Sunetra against Sule) is against the Pawar family and Maharashtra. The BJP wants to finish off Pawar Saheb. I am not saying this. A senior BJP leader made such a remark after visiting Baramati, Supriya Sule was quoted as saying.

She alleged that the BJP does not have capable candidates so it has resorted to this dirty politics.

The move to field Sunetra Pawar shows it is not for development. It is a fight only to finish off Pawar saheb, claimed Supriya Sule.

On rift with Ajit Pawar

When asked about the rift with Ajit Pawar, the Baramati MP said, "It is a conspiracy to create rifts among the Marathi-speaking people. It is a blow from the Delhi throne to Maharashtra's identity. They have pitted one Marathi against another. Our fight was ideological but the BJP made it personal."

Let bygones be bygones, but for me, my sister-in-law, whom we call 'vahini' in Marathi, will remain in the position of mother, and my respect for her will remain as before, Supriya Sule said.

Hitting back, BJP's state women's wing chief Chitra Wagh said the commotion in the Sule camp about Sunetra Pawar is nothing but fear of defeat.

"There is no need for the BJP to break someone's house. The people in the family are wise and take thoughtful decisions," she said in an apparent reference to the rebellion by Ajit Pawar.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stop Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. However, the top court ordered status quo on the religious observances by the Hindus inside the mosque premises.



Bearing in mind the fact that the Namaz is offered by Muslim community unhindered after the orders dated Jan 17 and Jan 31 and the offering of pooja by Hindu priest is confined to the area of tehkhana, it is appropriate to maintain status quo so as to enable both the communities to offer worships in the above terms, legal website LiveLaw quoted the bench as saying.



Status quo as obtained from the above terms shall not be disturbed by either of the parties without obtaining the previous sanction and leave of this Court, the bench added.



The Supreme Court has fixed the plea of Gyanvapi mosque committee against nod for Hindu puja in southern cellar of mosque for final disposal in July.



The Allahabad high court had rejected the Gyanvapi mosque committee's plea in which it challenged the Varanasi district court's January 31 order allowing Hindus to offer prayers in the cellar.



Dismissing the mosque committee's plea on February 26, the high court observed that the Uttar Pradesh government's 1993 decision of stopping worship rituals inside the "Vyas Tehkhana" -- located at the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi -- was "illegal". The Gyanvapi Mosque complex. (PTI)

It had said that the worship rituals were stopped by "illegal action of the state without there being any order in writing" and rejected two appeals filed by the mosque management committee challenging the Varanasi district judge's January 17 order -- that appointed the district magistrate as the receiver of the "Vyas Tehkhana" -- and the January 31 order by which the judge allowed 'puja' to be performed there.

The high court ordered that worship will continue in the "Vyas Tehkhana" of the mosque, which stands adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

A survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on the court's order had suggested that the Gyanvapi mosque was constructed during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's rule over the remains of a Hindu temple.

The district court had ruled on January 31 that a Hindu priest can perform prayers before the idols in the southern cellar of the mosque.

The prayers are now being conducted by a Hindu priest nominated by the Kashi Vishwanath temple trust and petitioner Shailendra Kumar Pathak, who claimed that his maternal grandfather Somnath Vyas, also a priest, offered prayers in the cellar till December 1993.



(With PTI inputs)
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Odisha will adopt the central governments Pradhan Mantri Schools For Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme by signing memorandums of understanding, officials of the Union education ministry said on Sunday. HT Image

The development comes days after the Union government said it will halt the disbursal of funds under its flagship Samagra Shiksha (universal education) scheme for 2023-24 to five states and one Union territory that have not signed pacts to adopt the PM-SHRI scheme. These were Delhi, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Kerala.

Tamil Nadu wrote to the education ministry on the matter on March 15, Odisha on March 22 and Kerala on March 30, officials said, declining to be named.

The state (Kerala) is looking forward to establishing PM Shri schools in Kerala. In this regard, a state level committee headed by Principal Secretary, general education, has been constituted, Kerala general education department said in its letter to school education secretary Sanjay Kumar. Based on the recommendations of the committee, the MoU for establishing PM Shri schools will be signed by the state before the academic year 2024-25.

It is requested to kindly release the 37.5% of the fund sanctioned for the financial year 2023-24, the state added.

Similarly, both Tamil Nadu and Odisha have assured to sign the MoUs before the beginning of the next academic session, and requested the Centre to release the instalments of the 2023-24 financial year.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the Union education ministry appreciated the Kerala government for taking a far reaching decision to sign an MoU to implement the PM-SHRI Scheme. This partnership between the Kerala Government and the Ministry of Education, Government of India, signifies stronger Center-State relations. We enthusiastically support this initiative as it reflects our collective dedication to strengthen school education and ensure the comprehensive development of students in Kerala, the ministry said.

So far, 30 states and Union territories have signed MoUs with the ministry for the PM-SHRI programme, which aims to upgrade 14,500 schools benefitting 1.8 million students, and ensuring these schools serve as model institutes and encapsulate the spirit of National Education Policy 2020. The government has selected 6,448 schools from 28 states and UTs for the upgrade in the first round.

Once these three states sign the MoUs, only Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal will be left from adopting the PM-SHRI scheme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said those criticising the use of electoral bonds will soon regret it as the now-scrapped scheme provided details on the source of funding to political parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Bloomberg)

People who are protesting against electoral bonds will soon regret it. Before 2014, there was no trail of funds given to political parties during elections. I introduced the electoral bonds. Thanks to the electoral bonds, we can now trace the source of funding, he said.

Nothing is perfect, imperfections can be addressed, he added.

Modi made the remarks during an interview with Thanti TV in Tamil Nadu that was broadcast on Sunday.

On February 15, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bond scheme, notified in 2018, as unconstitutional and asked the State Bank of India and Election Commission of India to disclose all details of bonds purchased and encashed from April 2019.

The verdict came ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and was immediately welcomed by opposition parties and civil society activists. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the biggest recipient of funds in all election cycles analysed by HT, except during the Bihar 2020 election cycle, when it was the fourth biggest recipient.

Besides electoral bonds, Modi also spoke on the severing of ties between the BJP and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu and termed the development a latters loss.

Our friendship was strong. If there is any regret, it should be from the AIADMK side, not the BJP, he said.

Only those who are committing sins by destroying the dreams of Amma (AIADMK chief late J Jayalalithaa) should regret, not us, he added.

In September last year, the AIADMK walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance that it had joined in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The AIADMK blamed Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai for differences between the two parties.

Modi also said that his every action is not driven solely by electoral considerations or pursuit of power, adding that if electoral victory was his sole aim, he would not have prioritised the development of the northeastern region.

If merely winning elections was my goal, I would not have worked for the development of the northeast. I have visited northeastern states more than all of the former prime ministers combined, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said those criticising the use of electoral bonds will soon regret it as the now-scrapped scheme provided details on the source of funding to political parties. Besides electoral bonds, PM Narendra Modi also spoke on the severing of ties between the BJP and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and termed the development a latters loss (REUTERS)

People who are protesting against electoral bonds will soon regret it. Before 2014, there was no trail of funds given to political parties during elections. I introduced the electoral bonds. Thanks to the electoral bonds, we can now trace the source of funding, he said.

Nothing is perfect, imperfections can be addressed, he added.

Also read: In PM Modi's Meerut rally, message against corruption, dig over Katchatheevu

Modi made the remarks during an interview with Thanti TV in Tamil Nadu that was broadcast on Sunday.

On February 15, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bond scheme, notified in 2018, as unconstitutional and asked the State Bank of India and Election Commission of India to disclose all details of bonds purchased and encashed from April 2019.

The verdict came ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and was immediately welcomed by opposition parties and civil society activists. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the biggest recipient of funds in all election cycles analysed by HT, except during the Bihar 2020 election cycle, when it was the fourth biggest recipient.

Besides electoral bonds, Modi also spoke on the severing of ties between the BJP and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu and termed the development a latters loss.

Our friendship was strong. If there is any regret, it should be from the AIADMK side, not the BJP, he said.

Only those who are committing sins by destroying the dreams of Amma (AIADMK chief late J Jayalalithaa) should regret, not us, he added.

Also read: Modi will not stop, action on corruption to continue: PM

In September last year, the AIADMK walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance that it had joined in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The AIADMK blamed Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai for differences between the two parties.

Modi also said that his every action is not driven solely by electoral considerations or pursuit of power, adding that if electoral victory was his sole aim, he would not have prioritised the development of the northeastern region.

If merely winning elections was my goal, I would not have worked for the development of the northeast. I have visited northeastern states more than all of the former prime ministers combined, he said.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the alleged harassment of opposition parties by the central agencies and said that such actions compromise the level playing field required for the general elections. TMC Rajya Sabha MPs Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen, Saket Gokhale and Sagarika Ghose leave after meeting the Election Commission of India in Delhi on Monday. (PTI)

A delegation of party leaders, consisting of TMC Rajya Sabha MPs Derek OBrien, Sagarika Ghose, Dola Sen and Saket Gokhale, met chief election commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar and other senior EC officials in Delhi, and in a letter submitted to the CEC, they highlighted the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, and also listed seven incidents where the central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Cental Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Income Tax (IT) Department, had acted against TMC parliamentarians, legislators or workers.

It is with deep concern that we write to you today. Various departments/agencies, which come under the aegis of the Union Government, have been hounding leaders/members/workers from opposition parties across the nation.  The mandate of the people is being compromised and their electoral representatives are being crippled in the run-up to the General Elections.  These are not sporadic events.  the modus operandi being employed by departments/agencies are being done at the behest of the ruling dispensation at the Centre, the TMCs letter to the CEC said.

The TMC said that after Mahua Moitra was announced as a deemed candidate of the TMC, the CBI conducted four consecutive raids on her properties on March 23. This included two of her offices, one of which is her election campaigning office. Hence, the CBI has knowingly raided Smt. Mahua Moitras official spaces to harass and disrupt her campaign efforts, the letter said.

The TMC said that these raids did not lead to any recovery and were a stunt to create a negative perception in the media and in the minds of the prospective voters about Moitra. The party also said that she had been summoned by the ED for an investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), for which she had already provided all the documents.

The party also highlighted the ED raid at the residence of Chandranath Sinha, minister in charge of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and textiles in the state government on March 22 in connection with the teacher recruitment scam. The TMC said that the investigation was instituted by the ED in June 22 and actions after 21 months were a deliberate attempt to create suspicion and ill-will against AITC and its members. They also mentioned the three-day raid by the IT department at the house of Jui Biswas, councillor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Panaji: Delay by the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) to formally announce the partys candidates for Goas two parliamentary seats after having seemingly finalised the names in a meeting last week has sparked restlessness among the partys workers and their alliance partners. The Congress CEC, it seems, had finalised Sunil Kauthankar, a Congress leader since his National Students Union of India days, for north Goa, and Viriato Fernandes for south Goa. (Reprsentative photo.)

On Sunday evening, a group of supporters gathered at the residence of Viriato Fernandes, a former Navy captain and Congress leader, who as a Congress candidate lost narrowly to the BJPs Mauvin Godinho in the 2022 Goa Assembly polls, demanding that Fernandes be given the ticket.

We have come to wish him on the occasion of Easter as well as to express our support. He is a leader who has taken up issues for Goa including the coal handling issue, the fishermens issues, the issue of double tracking and has been seen wherever peoples protests are there. At a time when we need a strong voice to raise Goas issues in parliament we believe Capt Viriato is the right man, Olencio Simoes, a local Congress leader said.

We had heard that the party high command has finalised the name of Viriato Fernandes for the south Goa parliamentary constituency. We trust that the Congress high command will do the right thing and follow through with their decision, Custodio DSouza, a fishermen association leader, said.

Possible canditate names for Goas two seats were discussed at the Congress CEC meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday. State Congress president Amit Patkar who attended the meeting returned to the state on Thursday, saying the names had been finalised and the announcement would be made the following day.

Congress party leaders, familiar with the discussions at the meeting but who asked not to be named,said the CEC had finalised Sunil Kauthankar, a Congress leader since his days in the National Students Union of India (NSUI), for north Goa and Viriato Fernandes for south Goa.

However, when the CEC released a list on the night of March 27 the names of the candidates for the two Goa seats were not declared.

The partys local leadership then said that the names of would be finalised by Sunday (March 31) but that deadline too went without any announcement, sparking speculation that backroom manoeuvres were underway to change the decision taken at the CEC meeting.

Speculation over possible candidates have party focused on former state Congress president Girish Chodankar, who is said to be an aspirant for the south Goa ticket. It is widely believed that Chodankar wants to contest the election from south Goa having unsuccessfully contested the 2019 parliamentary election from north Goa.

Also Read: Who is Vishwajit Rane and why is he a problem for the Goa BJP?

As the campaign by rival camps spilled onto social media, Chodankar accused the BJP of trying to scuttle his chances for the ticket and accused them of running a smear campaign against him.

The BJP is all too eager to project the Congress as a divided house. They are spending lakhs of rupees to run a smear campaign and malign my image. The day the candidate is announced we will be one Goa Congress that is set to defeat the BJP, Chodankar said.

Besides Viriato and Chodankar, sitting MP Francisco Sardinha, and Congress leader Elvis Gomes, too are said to be in the reckoning for the south Goa ticket.

AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, who has begun a campaign on behalf of the INDIA alliance while expressing his displeasure over the delay in the announcement of the candidate, said the candidate needed to be one who can secure votes from both communities in the seat that has a sizeable minority population.

Yes there has been a delay, but as a partner in the INDIA alliance we have little say in who will be the candidate. We need a candidate who can win votes from the areas like Ponda, Sanguem, Canacona (Hindu majority). Hopefully we will have a candidate soon, Viegas said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday came down heavily on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Congress party over the Katchatheevu issue as the BJP intensifies its campaign in Tamil Nadu for the Lok Sabha elections. Referring to a news report, PM Modi said that new details emerging on Katchatheevu have unmasked the DMK's double standard. Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, speaks during a Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Sunday, March 31, 2024 (Bloomberg)

In 1974, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, signed an agreement with Sri Lanka relinquishing India's claim to the island. This move was highly controversial, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where there was widespread opposition, as the island had been traditionally used by Indian fishermen. DMK MP Era Sezhiyan had strongly opposed it in Parliament, denouncing it as a surrender of territory without proper consultation.

A report published by The Times of India has now claimed that then Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi had given his general acceptance to the agreement in a meeting with Indian officials prior to the Centre's announcement. The media report is based on an RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai to his queries on the 1974 agreement between India and Lanka when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister.

The report suggests that Karunanidhi was briefed about the agreement and had expressed his inclination to accept it.

Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests, Modi said in a post on X.

Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular, the prime minister added.

Katchatheevu houses the St. Anthony's shrine, the only structure on the island. Under the June 1974 agreement, Indian fishermen can attend the annual St. Anthony's festival and can also come here for rest and drying of nets. However, they continue to face arrest by the Sri Lankan authorities.

The prime minister on Sunday targeted the Congress over the issue.

He said, "Weakening India's unity, integrity and interests has been the Congress' way of working for 75 years and counting."

This is not the first time the prime minister has raked up the issue. During the monsoon session of the Parliament last year, Modi said that the Tamil Nadu government still writes to him urging to "take back Katchatheevu".

The BJP is hopeful that the issue will come in handy in its efforts to gain political traction in the Dravidian territory during the Lok Sabha polls, more so as it involves neighbouring Sri Lanka whose treatment of its own Tamilian citizens and Tamil Nadu fishermen has long been a charged political issue in the state.

(With PTI inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that central agencies function independently, and dismissed the opposition's charge against the BJP-led Centre of misusing agencies, who, opposition parties say, take action only against non-BJP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Bloomberg)

We neither obstruct or direct their actions. They work independently, and this is evaluated by the scales of the judiciary, he told Tamil Nadu-based Thanthi TV in an interview.

The Prime Minister further said that of all the cases that the ED is currently investigating, less than 3% are related to politics.

Currently, the ED has around 7000 cases, of which less than 3% involve politicians. During their (the opposition) 10-year rule, the amount of money seized was only 35 lakh. On the other hand, we have seized 2200 crore, he stated.

On the opposition's allegations that agencies were taking action only against people not from the ruling BJP, the PM stated that the Enforcement Directorate's procedure to initiate a case is the same, 'regardless of who was in power.

"Regardless of the party, the process is the same. The ED cannot initiate any case on its own; various department need to file the cases first, then the ED takes action. The PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) law has existed since before, but they (opposition) did not use it. Over 150 court cases were filed to exempt the PMLA law, and they even went to the Supreme Court to remove or retain an officer. They used the judiciary as a weapon because they know Modis actions against corruption wont stop. They think they can stop these organisations through the courts, he remarked.

The saffron party is also accused of getting cases against opposition leaders closed, if they jump ship to the BJP. Opposition parties, therefore, often taunt the BJP by calling it a washing machine party.

On January 31, then-Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren was arrested by ED in connection with an alleged land mining scam. On March 21, it arrested Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case.
Former five-time MLA and gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's wife Afshan Ansari, who is on the run with at least 11 cases registered against her, missed her husband's funeral on Saturday after he died after suffering from a cardiac arrest in Uttar Pradesh's Banda jail. Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari.(PTI file)

Ansari's elder son and Mau MLA Abbas Ansari, who is currently lodged in Kasganj district jail, also missed his father's last rites, as the petition filed by the former was not being taken up by the Allahabad high court as they were closed due to the holidays. Abbas spoke to his wife, Nikhat, over the phone. Abbas Ansari had been disturbed and spoke to his wife, Nikhat, on the phone on Saturday, said jail authorities.

The gangster-turned-politician, 63, was laid to rest at his familys ancestral graveyard at Kali Bagh in Mohammadabad town of Ghazipur district under tight police vigil on Saturday. The last rites were performed in the presence of Ansaris younger son Umar Ansari, his brothers Afzal Ansari, Sibgatullah Ansari and Mukhtars nephew and Mohammadabad SP MLA Shoaib Ansari. He was buried next to the graves of his parents.

Afshan, who carries a bounty of 70,000 on her head, however, is not alone in this list. The fugitive wives of two other mafia-turned-politicians  Shaista Parveen, wife of former MP Atiq Ahmad, and Zainab Fatima, wife of Ahmed's his younger brother and former MLA Khalid Azim, alias Ashraf  also missed their husbands' final rites, who were killed in Prayagraj on April 15 last year.

Who is Afshan Ansari?

Afshan Ansari had reportedly taken charge of the Ansari's business after he was lodged in jail in 2005. According to Live Hindustan, a resident of Darzi Mohalla, Yusufpur in Ghazipur's Mohammadabad, Afshan is accused in 11 cases, including under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act and has been on the run since 2021.

In 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case against a firm, Vikas Construction, run by Afshan, Mukhtars brothers-in-law Atif Raza and Anwar Shahzad and others. The Ghazipur and Mau police had also announced 25,000 reward each on her, and issued lookout notices for her. The Ghazipur police later increased the bounty to 50,000.

The Economic Times reported that Afshan had contested the 2017 UP assembly elections from Mau on a BSP ticket. She had declared legal possession of an ANP revolver costing 2.5 lakh.

The police were keeping a keen eye on the last rites of Ansari in case her fugitive wife decided to turn up, but she did not.

Who are Shaista Parveen and Zainab Fatima?

The UP police has issued lookout notices against slain mafia-politician Atiq Ahmads wife, Shaista Parveen, and his slain brother Ashraf's wife, Zainab Fatima, in connection with the advocate Umesh Pal and his two police guards' murder case, in which Atiq was one of the prime accused. Pal was shot dead on February 24, 2023, outside his residence in Prayagraj.

Umesh Pal was a prime witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case, who was murdered in broad daylight on January 25, 2005 in Prayagraj while he was on his way back home in a car. Atiq and Ashraf were the main accused in the murder.

Shaista Parveen has been on the run ever since her name surfaced in the murder case. A reward of 50,000 has also been declared on her arrest. Police teams have carried out raids at several places in Prayagraj and even in other states but have failed to arrest Parveen, Fatima, and Atiqs sister, Ayesha Noori. The other three accused, assailants Guddu Muslim, Armaan and Sabir, are also on the run.

A special CBI court in Lucknow on Friday convicted seven people in the killing of Raju after 19 years. The convicted persons included Farhaan Ahmad, Abdul Kavi, Ranjeet Pal, Israr Ahmad, Javed, Gulhasan and Abid. The legal proceedings against Atiq, Ashraf, and Gulbul alias Rafiq were abated after their death.
Every year, the International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated in honour of the Danish author Hans Christian Anderson. The aim of the day is to encourage children's love of reading through the use of books. Each year, the International Bureau of Children's Books (IBBY) chooses a new department to be the international sponsor of ICBD. The IBBY selects a theme and asks a well-known writer from the host nation to pen a letter to young readers everywhere. This message is then accompanied by an illustration by a renowned illustrator on a poster. Many strategies are used to promote books and reading with the resources produced by IBBY. From date to history, scroll down to know more. (Also read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: Is Chaitra Navratri starting from April 8 or April 9? Know correct date of the Hindu festival ) International Children's Book Day is a yearly event celebrated on April 2.(Unsplash)

International Children's Book Day 2024 date and theme

Every year International Children's Book Day is observed on April 2 and this year it will be celebrated on Tuesday. IBBY Japan (JBBY) is honoured to be the official sponsor of ICBD 2024, under the theme "Cross the Seas on the Wing of your Imagination".

Well-known Japanese writer and 2018 HC Andersen Award recipient Eiko Kadono wrote a letter to all children worldwide. The poster was made by Japanese artist Nana Furiya, who resides in Slovakia and has an international outlook. The keyword for ICBD 2024 is imagination. JBBY believes that fostering imagination will lead to mutual understanding and a spirit of tolerance.

International Children's Book Day history

ICBD was initiated by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1953. The organization aims to promote international understanding through children's books, as well as to advocate for children's right to access quality literature.

The idea for International Children's Book Day was proposed by Jella Lepman, a German writer and journalist, who founded the International Youth Library in Munich in 1949. Lepman strongly believed in the power of children's literature to foster empathy, understanding, and cultural exchange, especially in the aftermath of World War II.

The first International Children's Book Day was celebrated on April 2, 1967, coinciding with Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, the renowned Danish author best known for his fairy tales. Andersen's works have had a profound influence on children's literature worldwide, making his birthday a fitting date to celebrate children's books.

Significance of International Children's Book Day

International Children's Book Day is important because it encourages children around the world to read for pleasure and to become more literate. This annual event, organised by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), celebrates children's literature and the continuing legacy of authors such as Hans Christian Andersen. Through books, children are given the opportunity to discover many points of view, spark their imagination and develop a lifelong love of reading, helping to create a brighter future through the power of storytelling.
Taiwan is reassessing its tourism goals in light of challenges in cross-strait travel, with Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui expressing concerns over a potential shortfall of 2 million foreign visitor arrivals this year, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. Chou indicated that if China persists in its ban on group tourist visits to Taiwan, the tourism target may need to be adjusted downward to 10 million. Full recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels of 12 million visitors is not expected until 2025, according to Chou's remarks to reporters. Taiwan sees tourism recovery, plans to expand Taiwan Pass for locals(Unsplash)

Taiwan has urged China to exhibit "goodwill" in both tourism and political spheres, hinting that such gestures could prompt Taiwan to reconsider its own ban on tour groups traveling to China, which was slated to lift in June, according to CNA. Last month, Taiwan reversed its decision to lift the three-year ban on group tourists bound for China, citing hostility from Beijing and the lack of Chinese tourist groups visiting Taiwan. (Also read: Akasa Air begins international flights: Mumbai-Doha route inaugurated, more destinations planned )

Despite the setbacks, Taiwan has seen a significant recovery in tourism, with nearly 1.9 million visitors recorded as of March 15, representing an 85 percent rebound compared to the same pre-pandemic period in 2019. Notably, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau remain the top destinations for visitors to Taiwan.

Chou also announced plans to expand the Taiwan Pass, originally designed for foreign visitors, to include local tourists. This pass, priced at New Taiwan dollar 2,500 (USD80), offers three days of unlimited travel on the country's high-speed rail network, selected metro lines, and tour bus services. Additionally, cruise liner services will be incorporated into the pass. The pass is slated for launch on June 1, although the final price has yet to be determined, according to Chou, CNA reported.
In mid-March, the Supreme Court (SC) handed down a judgment quashing criminal legal proceedings that had been initiated against the makers of the web-series, College Romance, under the provisions of the Information Technology Act. The criminal complaint had been initially registered in 2019 by an individual, on the purported basis that in an episode of the web-series, characters were depicted engaging in profanities and vulgar language. Despite the police filing a report stating that no case had been made out, the magistrate directed the registration of an FIR against the makers of the series. The Supreme Court (HT FILE PHOTO)

After unsuccessful attempts before the trial courts, the series makers eventually approached the Delhi high court, asking that the criminal proceedings be quashed. They argued that  as the name suggested  College Romance was a light-hearted take upon the trials and tribulations in the lives of contemporary college-going students in urban India. The language used was nothing more than a reflection of how such students (sometimes) talk and had to be understood in its context. It was neither obscene within the meaning of the law, nor sexually explicit.

In a judgment handed down in 2023, the HC, however, refused to entertain the petition and directed the registration of the FIR against the series-makers. The reasoning of the HC was striking. It held that the conversation between two characters that included a description of male and female genitalia, and of sexual acts could deprave and corrupt impressionable minds. The HC also noted that in order to assess the language used, it had to watch the series in judicial chambers with headphones, because the language was such that it could not be played aloud in the atmosphere of the courtroom. The court went on to hold that profanities and vulgar language could not be said to be the new normal, and that therefore, it was important to preserve linguistic morality.

The Supreme Court found that the high courts reasoning was flawed on every count. In particular, it is important to note that the law on obscenity in India has evolved over the last few decades. In the 1960s, while upholding a ban on the famous book, Lady Chatterleys Lover, the Supreme Court adopted the Victorian-era Hicklin test, which asked whether a particular piece of art had the tendency of corrupting the morals, or depraving the person into whose hands it might fall. Importantly, the Hicklin test was predicated on taking the point of view of precisely that constituency most open to moral corruption (whatever that meant). Strikingly, the Supreme Court adopted this century-old test at the precise moment that England, the country of its birth, was moving away from it!

In the intervening years, however, the Supreme Court has incrementally liberalised the law of obscenity, in the context of the right to freedom of speech and expression. It has clarified that the correct test is not that of causing depravity or moral corruption, but whether the piece of art in question is lascivious, or appeals solely to the prurient interest. One may ask what, particularly, is so wrong with appealing to the prurient interest that the criminal law has to step in, but at the very least, this test (which is drawn from US jurisprudence) is more protective of free speech than the depravity/corruption test. The SC has also held it is the perspective of the reasonable, strong-minded person that must be applied to determine the effect that the piece of art has on people.

Applying these tests, it was straightforward for the Supreme Court to find that the high court had committed serious errors in its analysis. As the Supreme Court noted, the high court had asked the wrong question, and had therefore arrived at the wrong answer. The question was not whether, indeed, the language used in the web series was commonly used by the contemporary youth, or whether the language was so profane that it could not be heard aloud in open court; the question, rather, was whether the series, taken as a whole, was solely intended to appeal to the prurient interest. On this, as the Supreme Court correctly noted, while a person may find vulgar and expletive-filled language to be distasteful, unpalatable, uncivil, and improper, that by itself is not sufficient to be obscene. Specifically, as the show was a light-hearted show on the college lives of young students, it is clear that the use of these terms is not related to sex and does not have any sexual connotation.

The high courts judgment was, therefore, set aside. While, at one level, the Supreme Courts judgment is a restatement of the basic law on obscenity, it is also important that the law be restated by the Court from time to time, to prevent the frivolous weaponisation of the obscenity law in cases like this.

Gautam Bhatia is a Delhi-based advocate. The views expressed are personal
April 2012 had seen two important developments, within days of each other, which served to enhance Indias strategic profile  the commissioning of nuclear attack submarine INS Chakra, leased from Russia, and the successful test-firing of the 5,000-km ballistic missile, Agni V. The long-legged Chakra, with its cruise-missiles could be a maritime game-changer, and the Agni V could target cities deep in China, from launch pads in central/south India.

This created expectations that these two events would convey messages of deterrence to China, about its hegemonic behaviour and to Pakistan about cross-border adventurism. However, neither of Indias adversaries seemed to have taken the hint, and it would take the events of Balakot 2019 and Galwan 2020 to convey Indias resolve in the conventional domain.

Much has changed, concurrently, in the status of Indias nuclear deterrent, which now comprises a triad. The airborne component was bolstered by the induction of the 5th generation Rafale strike-fighter in 2019. The underwater leg became operational when the nuclear submarine (SSBN), INS Arihant, went on its first patrol in 2018, armed with ballistic missiles. And now, the land-based component has acquired a new dimension with the successful test-firing of an Agni V, armed with multiple, independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRV).

While dubbing it, expectedly, as as a warning sign of an emerging arms race, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) comments that Indias action has only followed Chinas deployment of MIRVs and Pakistans test of a MIRV capable Ababeel missile in 2017. FAS also notes that Russia and the United States (US), having reneged from the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) ban on land-based MIRVs, are replacing single warheads with MIRVs. Indias late start in this, as in other aspects of nuclear deterrence, is due, more likely, to lethargic decision-making than to capability deficit.

In order to grasp the significance of this development for India, we need to remind ourselves of its 2003 nuclear doctrine that aimed to: (a) prevent an attack with nuclear or chemical/biological weapons on Indian territory or Indian forces, anywhere and; (b) to threaten the attacker with massive retaliation designed to inflict unacceptable damage. Espousing a posture of no first use (NFU), the doctrine pledged to maintain a credible minimum deterrent, leading many senior politicians to declare that a few or a few tens of nuclear weapons would be sufficient to deter a nuclear adversary.

Such beliefs were delusionary since the restraint imposed by NFU would require India to absorb the loss of a proportion of its warheads to an enemy first-strike, and then to launch a response that would inflict unacceptable damage with surviving warheads. Clearly, for deterrence to be credible, India needed to possess more nuclear warheads than the enemy could destroy in a first strike. This brings us to adversary nuclear capabilities and intentions.

Driven by different motivations, both our neighbours are actively engaged in expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals. While Pakistan is reported to have about 170 nuclear warheads and is adding to this stockpile at the rate of 5-10 annually, it is estimated that China possesses an arsenal of 500 warheads, which is forecast to grow to 1,500 by 2035. Against this backdrop, it is obvious that India, without entering an arms race, will need to maintain some kind of parity/correspondence with adversaries for its deterrent to remain credible.

The dramatic growth of Chinas nuclear arsenal is, undoubtedly, motivated by its competition for global influence with the US. But the assumption that Beijing ignores or is dismissive of India as a threat is controverted by two facts. First, ever since the 1974 nuclear test, China has been targeting Indian cities with nuclear-tipped missiles; and second, China has propped up Pakistan as a proxy for the sole purpose of checkmating India, arming it with nuclear and conventional weaponry. Where Pakistan is concerned, it sees the threat of nuclear first use not only as guaranteeing protection against Indias conventional military superiority but also as a cover for waging a sub-conventional war.

It is in this context that MIRV capability assumes significance because it enhances the effectiveness and credibility of a deterrent by enabling a single re-entry vehicle (perched atop the missiles last stage) to carry multiple warheads. Not only can a single MIRV deliver many live warheads on the same or dispersed enemy targets, it can also deceive and defeat enemy anti-ballistic missile defences with dummy warheads. However, since the missile payload capacity remains constant, MIRV capability demands expertise to miniaturise warheads in weight/size while retaining adequate explosive yield. Herein lies a problem.

China, after extensive testing, has operationalised a set of nuclear warheads with yields ranging from a few hundred kilotons to a few megatons, which can be deployed to inflict enormous casualties on counter-value targets. In Indias case, given the controversy about the yield and efficacy of the thermonuclear device tested in May 1998 and the ill-advised commitment to forgo further testing, ambiguity has persisted about its ability to deliver punishment by massive retaliation through high-yield weapons.

Bypassing this debate, Indian scientists have steadfastly maintained that one or more of their boosted fission warheads with a yield of 300-400 kilotons is adequate to inflict unacceptable damage/destruction on Pakistani or Chinese cities targeted. India must, therefore, persevere with this programme and install MIRVs on as many land-based missiles as required. Far more urgent is the need to expedite the MIRV-enabled K-series of long-range submarine-launched missiles, given the future salience of the triads underwater leg.

Chinas 2023 defence policy reaffirmed its commitment to NFU at any time and under any circumstances, a pledge that India has always stood by. This, combined with their mutual belief that nukes are political rather than warfighting weapons, undergirds India-China deterrence stability.

In the case of persistent India-Pakistan deterrence instability, it has been Indias restraint that has often circumvented crisis situations. However, Pakistans transition to a new policy of full spectrum deterrence and possible targeting of Indias nuclear arsenal with non-nuclear missiles would add a new dimension to the India-Pakistan nuclear equation. This would call for deep reflection by our decision-makers.

Arun Prakash is a former chief of naval staff. The views expressed are personal
The announcement of national polls by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the company of two freshly appointed commissioners, and the apex court declining a stay on their appointments, should help quieten down the whispers around the resignation of a sitting commissioner. Significantly, the new appointments were made by a collegium for the first time following the enactment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. Under the Bill, their actions in office are protected. The level of the search committee for their selection has been raised, and their prevailing ranks secured after apprehensions surfaced that their conduct could be compromised otherwise. The merit of the law has been debated through the prism of stakeholders, especially of political parties, and dissent could linger.

With the model code having kicked in, one needs to reckon that in Indias mature democracy, the integrity of the election process does not begin and end with one official. Perceptions regarding the three-member Election Commission of India (ECI) and its modest team of officials in Delhi are at times exaggerated. No doubt they lead nationally, but the apparatus to deliver spotlessly correct elections periodically is much larger.

As elections commence, one will see lakhs of government employees drawn from both central and state governments converging under the direct control of ECI. The conduct of these officials remains under constant scrutiny with several examples of errant officers being taken to task. Poll officials are like Caesars wife; they must be above suspicion. The fact that key personnel are career civil servants, bound by rules, helps the cause. A staggering 15 million staff may get engaged in the 2024 polls. Each of the over 700 districts of the country has a District Election Officer and each of the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies has a returning officer, with defined roles under the Representation of the People Act. Their fair and efficient conduct has been crucial in the acceptance of election results by both winners and losers each time.

Over 2,000 observers are appointed by ECI to monitor the campaign process, election expenditure, poll day events and post-poll verification. Observers serve as the eyes and ears of the commission on the ground. An ingrained system of checks and balances and of oversight has been the bedrock of Indias election management, refurbished by technology.

Those who man the million-plus polling stations with customised designations such as presiding officer and polling officer are often schoolteachers or junior officials drawn from a plethora of departments. These staffers receive intense training in laws and procedures, use of voting equipment like the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) and get turbocharged for non-partisan discharge of duty. Their deployment is thrice randomised to ensure neutrality. Lakhs of central and state police forces stand guard against any assault on the due process of polls.

Trust in the election machinery is no small anchor of the countrys electoral system. Election officials in other parts of the world have not enjoyed this unblemished credibility. The recent disputed national election recently in Pakistan is just one example. When pathological aspects of the Indian elections are counted, it is the role of black money, criminals in politics and, of late, corruption in the media and messages that are loudly spoken of. The disclosure of donors and recipients in electoral bonds, forced by the apex court, should help bring a layer of transparency in campaign finance that constitutes an essential nerve of electoral integrity. The exact quid pro quo will emerge from details and analysis. Rigorous security management and disclosure of candidate antecedents combined with the switch from ballot box to EVM have reduced criminal influence. But there is still a distance to cover on both fronts.

The conduct or rather misconduct in the recent Chandigarh mayor election, though outside ECIs jurisdiction, was a jarring note. The Supreme Courts order upturning the result, and its scathing observations on the poll officials action serve as a timely alert. Such a fiasco can provide ammunition to conspiracy theories to vilify the usually legitimate contests.

ECIs commitment to deliver free, fair and transparent elections is based on an assessed confidence to keep its massive workforce immune from the Chandigarh infection. This confidence is not born with one arrival, nor does it die with one departure.

Akshay Rout is former director general, Election Commission of India. The views expressed are personal
After backing a lawsuit against Walt Disney Co. by Star Wars actor Gina Carano, who was fired over her social media posts about the Holocaust, the pandemic and trans rights, Elon Musk announced his decision to join Disney as their Chief DEI Officer. Elon Musk said that he will help Disney in making their content more 'woke'. (REUTERS)

Excited to join Disney as their Chief DEI Officer, wrote Elon Musk on X. He added, Cant wait to work with Bob Iger & Kathleen Kennedy to make their content MORE woke! Even the linguini.

Since Disney hasnt shared anything about Elon Musk joining their organisation and the Tesla CEOs post on X was shared on April Fools Day, many think it is a joke.

Take a look at Elon Musks post here:

The post was shared a few hours ago on X. It has since then accumulated over 1.4 million views and the numbers are quickly increasing. The post has also garnered numerous likes and reposts. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts.

Check out how people reacted to Elon Musks post here:

A comment from Elon Musks parody account reads, Sorry guys, posted this from the wrong account. Musk replied to this with a laughing emoticon.

Another added, Same April Fools each year.

I'm applying for the position of Chief Meme Officer, joked a third.

A fourth commented, Yeah, April Fools.

This would save Disney. Lol! shared a fifth, referencing to the lawsuit financed by Musk against the company.

A sixth joined, You can do better than this for an April Fools joke.

April Fools does not really have the impact it once did. I wonder why? chimed in a seventh.

What are your thoughts on Elon Musks post on X about joining Disney?
Madhabi Puri Buch, the current chairperson of the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI), scripted history by becoming the first woman to lead the organisation. She graduated from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad in 1988, where she was the only female student to pull out of the placement process. At that time, the college wished her luck and hoped that she would find the job she was looking for. Over three decades later, she returned to her alma mater as the Chief Guest for the 59th Convocation, and the B-school shared a post on X in her honour with anecdotes about her time at the institution. Madhabi Puri Buch, during the 59th Convocation of IIM-A, recalled that her life at the premier B-school was full of pressure, self-doubt and a race against deadlines. (X/@IIMAhmedabad)

This months #IIMAArchives spotlight celebrates Ms Madhabi Puri Buch, a 1988 IIMA alumna who rewrote the rules. Choosing her own path over placement, she made history as SEBI's first female chairperson, wrote IIM Ahmedabad, along with a creative on X.

The creative mentions the text from the IIMA Student Yearbook, 1987-88. It reads, Madbhai Puri Buch morning invariably begins with a call from home after which she goes about zapping the academics scene in her own neat, organised way. This I-schol doesnt stop at excelling in academics but also enjoys debating, elocuting and amateur dramatics - when she is on campus. Friday evenings, inevitably find Mad rushing off to Bombay. The only girl whos pulled out of placement. We hope she finds just the job she is looking for. Good luck, Mad!

Take a look at the post shared by IIM Ahmedabad here:

At the convocation, she said, Im not only a difficult boss to work with, but also an impossible subordinate to work with because I just wont give up until a problem has been dissected to the last degree, I will not give up. Colleagues often tell me that the problem-solving with me is like peeling an onion, it makes everybody cry in the process. But, by the time youre done peeling layer after layer after layer of the onion, you suddenly realise that theres no problem left.

Madhabi Puri Buch: Career

After completing her graduation from IIM-A, Buch began working as a social worker with Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN). Later, she joined ICICI Bank as a Finance Analyst and worked there from 1989 to 1992, followed by a position as a Lecturer at West Cheshire College in the United Kingdom from 1993 to 1995.

She also worked as a Market Research Consultant with ORG-MARG for a year. From 1997 to 2009, she held various roles at ICICI Bank and eventually became the Executive Director. She then served as the CEO of ICICI Securities from 2009 to 2011.

For the next three years, she headed the Singapore office of the Private Equity Firm Greater Pacific Capital. In 2016, worked as a Consultant to the New Development Bank (NDB) in Shanghai.

She also served as a non-executive director on the Boards of various companies and as a Whole Time Member of SEBI from 2017 to 2021 before assuming her current role as Chairperson of SEBI in March 2022.
A woman in Bengaluru created a profile on a dating app and was surprised by the first message she received from an individual. She took a screenshot of the message and shared it on the microblogging platform X. The post has since elicited numerous responses from people, with some saying that the man just wanted to rant. Even the official X handle of the Peak Bengaluru dropped laughing emoticons on the post. Peak Bengaluru: The texts a man sent to his match on a dating app.(X/@dyetkaa)

The first message you get on a dating app in Bengaluru, reads the caption to the post shared on X. According to the screenshot shared by X user Priscilla, the first text message reads, Morning. What you up to? The individual, in another message, mentions, Last few weeks have been super hectic for me as we are in the middle of fundraising.

Take a look at the post shared on X below:

The post was shared on March 30 on X. It has since then accumulated close to 70,000 views and over 500 likes. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts.

Check out how people reacted to the post here:

Lol. What happened to good oldhello, hi wassup, are you free, etc.? Sigh, posted an individual.

Another added, This made me laugh. A nice respite in the middle of the hectic day since Im in the middle of fundraising.

He just wants to rant, expressed a third.

What are your thoughts on this?

Earlier, an Orthopaedic doctor prescribed medicines to his match on Bumble after she complained about neck and shoulder pain. He didnt stop there and suggested she apply hot packs and maintain correct posture to alleviate future discomfort.
At Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport in the Guangdong province, a woman was apprehended after attempting to smuggle insects into China. She landed at the third-busiest airport in the country and was filmed struggling to lift her suitcase onto the luggage scanner. Later, the General Administration of Customs in China reported that the X-ray machine detected multiple irregularities within her suitcase, as per reports. Numerous species of beetles were found in the woman's bag. (Pixabay)

According to Sing Tao Daily, customs officers quickly stopped the box and opened it for examination. Upon opening the luggage, a significant number of beetles were discovered, some of which were active. The beetles were all individually wrapped in clear plastic sheets. (Also Read: Video: Shopping mall floor in China collapses, 2 people suffer injuries)

The news outlet also informed that a total of 11 types of beetles were captured, including the high Cassas beetle, the orange-backed stag beetle, the Atlas beetle, and the Javanese broad-sided stag beetle. The beetles were sent to professional institutions for identification. The orange-backed stag beetle had the largest number, with 125 in total. All these beetles are considered to be alien species with no native habitat in China.

Customs officers have informed that it is illegal to bring live animals and plants into the country without proper approval. Laws such as the "Biosecurity Law" and "Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine Law," along with their implementation regulations, prohibit the introduction of foreign species. Breaking these rules can result in legal prosecution. (Also Read: China gets a taste of 'India's finest' alcohol as Indian embassy holds whisky tasting event)

According to the Metro, Chinese customs and border officers have increased their scrutiny in an effort to curb the rapidly growing exotic pet trade in recent years. Smuggled in from abroad, one million people in China own exotic pets, and many of them come from more affluent backgrounds. These include tropical birds, crocodiles, and monkeys.

On the southeast coast of China, near Xiamen, customs officials said that they stopped an incoming ship carrying almost 20,000 live cockroaches. Fearing that the insects would spread Shigella if they fled, pest control was called in.
Islamabad, At least 12 people, including the mastermind, have been arrested in connection with last week's suicide bombing that killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, officials said on Monday. HT Image

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department , which launched a probe into the attack, blamed the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militant group for the assault, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

No group had claimed responsibility for the terror attack that took place when the Chinese engineers were en route from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu, the headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of the province, when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-rigged car into their vehicle in Bisham area of Shangla district.

A report submitted by the CTD on Monday said over a dozen militants and facilitators of the attack were arrested in multiple raids carried out by authorities.

The CTD sources said authorities arrested Hazrat Bilal, the mastermind of the attack who brought the suicide bomber from Afghanistan.

Bilal is also wanted in prior attacks on the Chinese.

The report said the explosives-laden vehicle was brought through the Chaman border to Dara Zinda town in Dera Ismail Khan district for Pakistani 0.25 million.

According to CTD sources, the non-custom paid vehicle was parked at a petrol station for a fee of Pakistani 500 per day.

Two facilitators were also arrested from Balochistan, the report said.

The report said some of those arrested had links with TTP militants in Pakistan and that raids were still ongoing across the country.

A team of Chinese experts last week landed in Pakistan as the two sides began a joint probe into the attack that visibly left China upset.

China asked cash-strapped Pakistan to ensure the security of Chinese nationals working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects in different regions of the country.

This is the second suicide bomb attack on Chinese personnel working at the Dasu power project as a similar incident in 2021 claimed the lives of nine Chinese personnel and four Pakistanis working on the site.

Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed a thorough joint investigation into the attack.

Shehbaz, accompanied by the Chinese ambassador in Pakistan, also visited the Dasu hydroelectric power station site to show support for the Chinese personnel working on the project.

Earlier in the day, the bodies of the five Chinese personnel were flown to Wuhan on a special Pakistani military plane following a wreath-laying ceremony in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

Floral wreaths were laid at the Nur Khan Airbase on behalf of the president, the prime minister, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, the chief of the Pakistan Army staff and the chief of the Pakistan Air staff.

A thirty seconds silence was observed in honour of the deceased.

The government in a statement once again strongly condemned the terrorist incident and expressed its firm resolve to bring the terrorists and facilitators to justice.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, travelled aboard the aircraft to Wuhan to transport the mortal remains of the killed.

Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor .

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Israeli military on Monday announced the death of a soldier in fighting in the Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of troops killed since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel to 600. This handout picture released by the Israeli army shows troops on the ground in the Gaza Strip(AFP)

The military announced the death of 20-year-old soldier Nadav Cohen, and updated its overall toll to 600 killed since the attacks that triggered the war.
ANTI-ABORTION ACTIVISTS were thrilled when Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016. Mr Trump had promised to appoint justices who would automatically overturn Roe v Wade, the 1973 case that protected reproductive rights. Three appointments later, the Supreme Court did just that in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organisation. But two years on, an oral argument on March 26th concerning mifepristonea medication used in 63% of abortions in Americabodes ill for those hoping the court will help them keep limiting access to abortion care. At least for now.

Food and Drug Administration v Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine concerns a challenge to mifepristone by a group of doctors who oppose abortion. They persuaded a lower-court judge to de-authorise the FDAs approval of the drug in 2000 despite a safety record comparable to Tylenol (paracetamol) and penicillin. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals somewhat softened that slap in the agencys face last August. But it blocked the FDAs moves in 2016 and 2021 allowing mifepristone to be used later in pregnancy (through ten weeks) and to be sent through the mail with a remote prescription.

Erin Hawley, representing the plaintiffs, defended the pill restrictions in her first argument at the Supreme Court. With her husband, Senator Josh Hawley, watching from the public gallery, she told the justices that the FDAs policy on mifepristone left her clients facing a Hobsons choice. Forcing doctors either to stand by their beliefs or care for a woman who took abortion pills and wound up in the emergency room, Ms Hawley said, is intolerable. Yet she faced deeply sceptical questioning from justices across the ideological spectrum as to whether her clients had suffered a concrete injurya prerequisite for bringing a lawsuit in the first place.

Colloquy about standing, or a lack thereof, consumed perhaps three-quarters of the 90-minute hearing. Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett teamed up to demonstrate that even Ms Hawleys two exemplarsDr Christina Francis and Dr Ingrid Skophad not suffered a concrete injury. Dr Francis may have had a patient who needed surgical attention after a complication from taking mifepristone, but she never raised an objection to treating her, Justice Kagan pointed out. And as Justice Barrett noted, it was actually her partner who performed the procedure, not Dr Francis herself: I dont read either Skop or Francis as having ever participated in ending the life of a fetus or embryo.

The Alliance offered an alternative account of why the Alliance may have the right to suea theory known as associational standing. This is when an organisation brings a lawsuit based on harm to the organisation itself or to its members. Justice Clarence Thomas noted that it may be too easy to manufacture an injury rooted in an organisations bare opposition to a policy if all it has to show is diverted time and resources associated with bringing the lawsuit. Meanwhile, Justice Samuel Alito suggested that the court has been flexible with standing in past cases and seemed exasperated by the possibility that no one could come up with a plausible plaintiff. Is there anybody who can sue and get a judicial ruling on whether what FDA did was lawful? he asked. Shouldnt somebody be able to challenge that in court? Thats quite unlikely, replied Elizabeth Prelogar, the solicitor-general who ably defended the FDAs moves. But in any case, the plaintiffs in court dont come within a hundred miles of the Supreme Courts long-standing standards.

Several justices explored Ms Prelogars claim that federal law provides conscience protections that would guard against the injury the doctors face. Justices Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh seemed satisfied with her assurance that the government would not force a doctor with an objection to ending fetal life to participate in an abortion. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson added that the obvious common-sense remedy is to give individual doctors an exemption (which they already have) rather than, as she said to Ms Hawley, to entertain your argument that no one elsein America should have this drug in order to protect your clients.

Justice Neil Gorsuch jumped on this suggestion. Single-judge district courts, he lamented, too often refashion themselves as a nationwide legislative assembly when blocking actions of the federal government. The judiciarys proper role, he said, is to provide a remedy sufficient to address the plaintiffs asserted injuries and go no further.

Two justices seem ready to go significantly further. Justices Alito and Thomas invoked the Comstock Act, a law from 1873 that bans sending, among other lewd things, abortion medications and materials through the post. In 2022 the White Houses Office of Legal Counsel said that this 150-year-old law only prohibits posting such materials to people who will use them unlawfully. But Justice Alito was incredulous that the FDA did not at least mention the law when regulating mifepristone. And Justice Thomas told Jessica Ellsworth, the lawyer for Danco Laboratories (which markets the drug as Mifeprex) that it specifically covers drugs such as yours.

If three more justices who were mum on this 19th-century law have a similar view, a future administration could succeed in banning the posting of abortion medication. But for now, it seems, the nearly 650,000 American women who end their pregnancies each year with abortion pills will not see their access curtailed.

Visitors outside the Supreme Court on March 26th saw just how convenient mifepristone can be. Foot-high Roe-bots whizzed around the plaza ready to distribute abortion pills by prescription. Controlled by doctors in Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the bots can do a virtual consultation with a remote provider and dispense the medication on demand. A volunteer with Aid Access, the charity which organised the demonstration, noted the Roe-bots were perfectly legal. Its all very by the book, she said.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said the death toll from an air strike on an Iranian embassy annex building in Damascus -- widely blamed on Israel -- had risen to 11 on Sunday. Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike to a buidling close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria April 1, 2024. (REUTERS)

"The death toll from the Israeli strikes on the Iranian embassy annex has risen to 11: eight Iranians, two Syrians and one Lebanese -- all of them fighters, none of them civilians," Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the British-based Observatory, told AFP.

The observatory had previously said there were eight dead.

Syria's official news agency SANA said "the Israeli attack targeted the Iranian consulate building in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus".

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has stepped up strikes on Iran-linked militant groups amid its Gaza war raging against Hamas since October 7.

AFP correspondents at the site confirmed the building next to the embassy, an annex, had been levelled, in an upscale neighbourhood of Damascus.

Iranian media also reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building, and that the ambassador was unharmed.

"Hossein Akbari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, and his family were not harmed in the Israeli attack," Iran's Nour news agency said.

Two AFP correspondents at the site confirmed the building next to the embassy, had been razed to the ground by the strike.

Britain-based group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "Israeli missiles... destroyed the building of an annex to the Iranian embassy... in Damascus, killing six people".

Syria's official SANA news agency earlier reported that "our air defence systems confronted enemy targets in the vicinity of Damascus".

The incident came days after the Observatory reported Israeli strikes that killed 53 people in Syria, including 38 soldiers and seven members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

It was the highest Syrian army toll in Israeli strikes since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, said the monitor.
Beijing, The bodies of five Chinese personnel who were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan have been flown to Wuhan on a special Pakistani military plane on Monday as Beijing planned to step up security measures to protect hundreds of its workers employed in CPEC projects amid increasing attacks by militants. HT Image

On March 26, five Chinese nationals, including a woman and their Pakistan driver were killed in a major terrorist attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor .

China rushed its investigators to Pakistan last Friday to probe their death as more Chinese firms have stopped work on hydropower projects in the restive north-west region.

Today, the remains of the five Chinese victims who were killed in a terrorist attack on the Dasu project in Pakistan are brought back to China on a Pakistani military plane, the spokesperson of Chinas Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin told a media briefing here.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a thorough joint investigation into the deadly terrorist attack on Chinese nationals, as Beijing pressed Islamabad to speed up the hunt for the perpetrators and take effective steps to protect Chinese personnel working in the count.

Wang said China firmly supports Pakistan in looking into what happened with utmost resolve and effort, bringing the perpetrators and whoever behind the attack to justice and everything possible to protect the safety and security of Chinese personnel projects and institutions in Pakistan.

This is the second suicide bomb attack on Chinese personnel working at the Dasu power project.

Pakistans state-run P reported that the special plane brought the bodies to the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Pakistans Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain too travelled in the plane.

A special ceremony was held to pay homage to the five deceased personnel, the report said.

Earlier the Chinese Defence spokesman, Sr. Col Wu Qian told the media here that the PLA is willing to work with the Pakistan military to enhance its capability of tackling various security risks and challenges, especially the ability to respond to terrorist attacks and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

It is not clear yet whether the current joint investigations into the attack will lead to the joint security measures which may lead to the deployment of Chinese security personnel in big numbers.

Chinese security experts believe the latest attack is a copy of the July 2021 Dasu terror attack in which nine Chinese nationals and four Pakistani people were killed and there was no breakthrough in the investigations into that attack.

The deadly March 26 attack on Chinese workers in Pakistan has shaken their confidence and some of them are planning to leave the country over security reasons, according to Pakistans security analyst Muhammad Amir Rana.

"The attack has caused significant alarm. Apart from disrupting these vital infrastructure projects, it has shaken the confidence of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. Reports indicate some are considering leaving the country due to safety concerns," he wrote in Dawn newspaper on Sunday.

Rana said that the Pakistani government has repeatedly pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, the recent incident has eroded trust and Chinese social media reflects growing anxiety, with calls for stricter security measures to protect Chinese lives, he said.

While no one claimed responsibility, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan , the Balochistan Liberation Army, and the Islamic State-Khorasan were suspected to have been involved in the attack.

The TTP has been projected as the prime suspect, as one of its commanders was declared the mastermind behind a similar attack on the Chinese in Kohistan in 2021, and the names of a few TTP commanders who may have orchestrated the attack are circulating in the media, Rana said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  Heavy gunfire erupted Monday in the downtown area of Haitis capital as police battled gang members near the National Palace for several hours. HT Image

Local media reported that at least one policeman was shot after he and other officers were forced to flee an armored car that was later set on fire.

Scores of people were trapped by the gunfire in downtown Port-au-Prince while dozens of others managed to flee. One man who declined to provide his name out of fear for his life told The Associated Press that he was stuck for five hours until police rescued him.

Its the armored car that covered us leave the area, he said.

A spokesman for Haitis National Police did not return messages for comment.

The latest gunbattle comes more than a month after powerful gangs began attacking key government infrastructure. They have torched police stations, opened fire on the main international airport that remains closed and stormed the countrys two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

The violence has somewhat subsided in certain areas since the attacks began on Feb. 29, but gunfire still echoes daily.

At least 1,554 people have been reported killed up to March 22 and another 826 injured, according to the U.N.

The situation forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to announce last month that he would resign as soon as a transitional council is created. Henry, who was on an official trip to Kenya to push for the U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from the East African country, remains locked out of Haiti.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
In a quiet Hong Kong cul-de-sac, hundreds gathered over the weekend to say goodbye to an independent bookstore after weekly government inspections spurred by anonymous complaints forced it to put up the shutters. HT Image

Mount Zero said it would close at the end of March after constant complaints to authorities, which had accused it of illegally occupying government land by tiling a pavement in front of the store, with the threat of fines and jail time.

Since Hong Kong imposed a national security law in 2020 the city's cultural sector has been hit by censorship fears, and the handful of bookstores that remain say they are operating in an environment of increasing pressure.

"Authorities often say Hong Kong will go back to normal... these things will haunt our lives," said political scientist Ivan Choy, who attended the gathering.

Hong Kong recently enacted a second national security law, which critics fear will further drive pro-democracy sentiments underground and chill cultural and artistic freedoms.

The city's government has rejected allegations the laws curtail freedom of expression.

But Mount Zero has lived through dramatic political change since its founding six years ago and book lovers mourned that the liberal-minded bookstore had seemingly become a victim of that shift.

Leo, a 20-year-old student who declined to give his last name, said he worried "the categories of books allowed for sale would be restricted", hurting other independent bookstores.

"These bookstores are spots for book lovers to get together, so it's a pity to lose it," he said.

Mount Zero often hosted cultural events such as book talks in its outdoor area and gained a devoted following.

Margaret Ng, a barrister and former pro-democracy politician, said the two-storey bookstore had offered like-minded readers a vital place to gather.

"You can see in Mount Zero the aspirations of the young people to express themselves in literature and to form their own community," she said.

But several independent bookstores in December reported spikes in government inspections, some prompted by anonymous complaints including fire safety and labour regulations.

Announcing its closure last year, Mount Zero said it hoped "the mysterious complainant can take a break" after it received weekly visits from different government departments.

"The time saved can be used to sit down and read a book properly," it said.

AFP could not independently verify the nature of the complaints.

Some Mount Zero supporters said the government should not quash spaces for bookworms.

"If the government wants more people to stay in Hong Kong, they must think about whether there are still places in this city where we can stay," said Choy.

Below a mosaic sign that read "Ideas are bulletproof", sweet green pea soup and barbecue pork were passed around in the bookshop's final hours.

As night fell, the store's lights dimmed and readers lamenting its loss said the impact on the local community would not be forgotten.

"What really counts in the case of Mount Zero is not a particular bookshop," said Ng.

"It's the spirit, and that spirit is unvanquished."

su-hol/jfx

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The US envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, revealed that President Joe Biden directed him to reduce visa wait times in India, marking the first time an ambassador has been given such an instruction in any country. Eric Garcetti, US ambassador to India, following an interview in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Garcetti said hes working to convene events, along with Indias government, to bring investors to the country in the second half of the year, likely in Mumbai. Photographer: Ruhani Kaur/Bloomberg(Bloomberg)

Garcetti emphasized that part of the green card backlog issue is a legislative matter that Congress needs to address. He noted that adjudicating more visas has reduced the waiting time by 75%.

Speaking to ANI, Garcetti said, "This is a legislative issue Congress needs to tackle, whether it's the number of legal immigrants, green cards, or citizenships. Like any country, there are limits. This can be frustrating for Indians, as there are many who wish to come to America. Last year, India had the highest number of student visas, double the second-largest."

He continued, "We've increased visa adjudications by 60% in India in just one year, maintaining the same staff, and reduced wait times by 75%. Congress needs to address this further."

When asked about the 250-day waiting period despite the 75% reduction, Garcetti responded, "The 250 days is still too long. The president told me to reduce visa wait times in India. I believe it's the first time a president has ever said that to an ambassador in any country. However, the typical wait time is actually under 200 days. It's challenging with our current resources."

Garcetti praised India's system, stating, "...India is doing quite well in our system. Our system is looking at how it can continue to improve and possibly increase the numbers. This will require bipartisan cooperation."

The US Embassy in India announced that for the third consecutive year, a record number of Indian students traveled to the US for higher education. According to the Open Doors Report (ODR), there was a 35% increase in the number of Indian international students in the US, reaching an all-time high of 268,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year.

Garcetti also disclosed ongoing discussions about opening two new consulates in India, one in Bangalore and the other in Ahmedabad. He said, "We're considering opening two new consulates soon, one in Bangalore and another in Ahmedabad. We're working with the Ministry of External Affairs to increase our presence in India. For instance, we recently opened a consulate in Hyderabad, which is one of the world's most modern and beautiful consulates. However, it was only one-third staffed due to insufficient approvals from the Indian government. Last year, an agreement was reached during the state visit to hire more staff. So, you'll see several dozen new hires this year."
By Yoshita Singh HT Image

New York, The Indian crew onboard a crippled container vessel that collided against a key bridge in Baltimore last week is healthy, according to a nonprofit organisation that has been in touch with the personnel.

The 2.6km-long, four-lane bridge over the Patapsco River in Baltimore, came crashing down after Dali, a 984-foot cargo ship bound for Sri Lanka, collided against it in the early hours of March 26.

The 21 crew members of Dali, of which 20 are Indians, are still onboard the crippled cargo ship nearly a week after the collision.

All I know right now is that they are healthy and we are doing the best we can to support their needs emotionally and otherwise, Baltimore International Seafarers Centre Executive Director The Rev. Joshua Messick told PTI.

Messick said he has been in touch with the crew via WhatsApp and described the crews responses to him as well as to those who are in touch with it as being succinct.

I imagine they are being very careful about what they say and to whom, he said.

Messick added that he has again reached out to the crew of the Dali to "see if I could have anything delivered to them today."

The Baltimore International Seafarers' Centre is a nonprofit organisation serving seafarers who call on the Port of Baltimore from all over the world. Its mission is to facilitate the well-being of crew members by offering transportation ashore, according to information on its website.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi had said that 20 Indians are onboard the cargo ship Dali and the Indian Embassy in Washington is in close touch with them and the local authorities.

Our information is that there are 21 crew members, of which 20 are Indians. All of them are in good shape, good health. One of them got injured slightly and needed to have some stitches, and stitches have been given. And, he has gone back to the ship, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to a query during his weekly media briefing last week.

He had also said the Indian Embassy in the US is in close touch with the Indians onboard the ship and also local authorities.

Messick said he is also reaching out to the captains of all eight vessels currently trapped in the Port of Baltimore following the bridge accident.

His organisation is working in tandem with the other seafarers centre in Baltimore - Apostleship of the Sea - to offer support to the crews and personnel on the other vessels as well.

We will work together to provide whatever services we can while you are in Baltimore. This includes transportation ashore, running errands for crew members without visas, accepting packages delivered to us on your behalf that we will then bring to the ship, and any kind of emotional care you or your crew may need, Messick said in the message sent jointly by him as well as Andy Middleton of the Apostleship of the Sea/Stella Maris.

Last week, US authorities began interviewing personnel, including the Indian crew members, onboard Dali that collided against the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Shipping company Synergy Group, which manages the Singapore-flagged Dali, said in a statement last week that the US agency National Transportation Safety Board boarded the vessel on Wednesday and collected documents, voyage data recorder extracts, and other evidence as part of their investigation.

The NTSB also began interviewing crew members. We will continue to cooperate with investigators throughout this process, Synergy said.

Dalis owners Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and Synergy had confirmed the safety of all crew members and two pilots aboard the vessel. They, however, reported one minor injury and said the injured crew member had been treated and discharged from the hospital.

One of the vessels crew members who was injured returned to the vessel on Wednesday after being treated, Synergy said.

Six persons, who were part of a construction crew repairing potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when the collision occurred in the early hours of March 26, are presumed dead.

Divers recovered the bodies of two of the construction workers from a red pickup truck found submerged in the Patapsco River and search is on for the remaining four victims.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has said the removal of the wreckage of the bridge and the cargo ship is a complex and time-consuming operation.

"This is not a Baltimore catastrophe, not a Maryland catastrophe. This is a national economic catastrophe, Moore told CNN in an interview on Sunday.

Moore said this port is one of the busiest, most active ports in the country. "So, this is not just going to have an impact on Maryland. This is going to impact the farmers in Kentucky. This is going to impact the auto dealer in Ohio. This is going to impact the restaurant owner in Tennessee, he said.

"This is not just about Maryland's economy. This is something that is impacting the nation's economy. This is the largest port for new cars, for heavy trucks, and for agricultural equipment. So, this is impacting people all over the country, Moore told MSNBC in another interview.

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Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group warned Tuesday that Israel will pay for killing high-level Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in a strike on the country's consulate in Damascus, Syria, the day before. Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike to a buidling close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria April 1, 2024. (REUTERS)

Hezbollah has exchanged near-daily cross-border fire with Israel in support of its ally Hamas since the Gaza war erupted in October.

"Certainly, this crime will not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge," Hezbollah said in a statement.

The Israeli strike killed seven IRGC members including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and another high-ranking officer, Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, the IRGC said.

Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 11 people were killed in the strikes, including eight Iranians, two Syrians and one Lebanese, all of them fighters.

Hezbollah said Zahedi was "one of the first to support, sacrifice, and persevere for many years to develop and advance the work of the resistance (Hezbollah) in Lebanon".

The Observatory said Zahedi served as the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force for Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, adding that he was killed along with his deputy, his aide, and the Quds force chief of staff for the same three countries.

Israel said it would not comment on the reported attack, but Iranian officials vowed a stiff response with fears of even further violence between Israel and Iran's allies triggered by the Gaza war.
A Pakistani man who allegedly filmed his brother strangling their sister to death has been arrested as part of the latest "honour" killing that has outraged the country, police said Sunday. Sattar and Faisal were immediately arrested, while Shehbaz was arrested on Saturday evening. (Representational Image)

Maria Bibi, 22, was killed overnight on March 17, allegedly by her brother Muhammad Faisal and in the presence of her father Abdul Sattar, near Toba Tek Singh town in the central-eastern province of Punjab.

A video filmed by the woman's other brother Shehbaz, and which has gone viral, appears to show Faisal strangling the girl on a bed in the family home while their father sat nearby.

At one point, the video appears to show Shehbaz saying "father, tell him to let go", but is rebuffed as his brother continues to strangle the motionless body for more than two minutes.

When Faisal is done, his father offers him water to drink.

"The police found out on March 24 that the girl had not died of natural causes. We registered a case, becoming the complainants ourselves," Ata Ullah, a police official in Toba Tek Singh told AFP by phone.

Sattar and Faisal were immediately arrested, while Shehbaz was arrested on Saturday evening to determine the extent of his involvement, the officer said.

The murder had all the hallmarks of an "honour" killing, he added. Shehbaz's wife, who also appears in the video, has also been arrested.

Much of Pakistani society operates under a strict code of "honour", with women beholden to their male relatives over choices around education, employment and who they can marry.

Hundreds of women are killed by men in Pakistan every year for allegedly breaching this code.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 316 "honour" crimes against women were recorded in the country in 2022.

But many cases go unreported, as families tend to protect the murderers - often male relatives.

The motive for the murder has not yet been established.

Police said that Faisal, the killer, allegedly caught his sister talking on a video call with an unknown man on several occasions.

The chief minister of Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz, has designated the matter as "high-profile", a term used for cases of public interest, although the legal system still allows for men to murder women with impunity.
Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in an Easter Sunday address that marked the most important day on the Christian calendar by deploring the suffering caused by wars. Pope Francis delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican(REUTERS)

The pontiff presided over Mass in a packed and flower-bedecked St Peter's Square, and then delivered his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

Francis, 87, has been in poor health in recent weeks, forcing him on repeated occasions to limit his public speaking and cancel engagements as he did on Good Friday, skipping at short notice a procession at Rome's Colosseum.

However, he took part in other Holy Week events leading up to Easter, and appeared in relatively good spirits on Sunday. Easter celebrates the day in which the faithful believe Jesus rose from the dead.

After the service, Francis took to his open-topped popemobile to greet crowds in the square and the avenue connecting St Peter's to the River Tiber. The Vatican said about 60,000 people had turned up.

'WHY ALL THIS DEATH?'

Francis has repeatedly deplored the death and destruction in the Gaza war and he renewed his call for a ceasefire on Sunday.

"I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on last October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip," he said in his Urbi et Orbi address.

"How much suffering we see in the eyes of children, the children have forgotten to smile in those war zones. With their eyes, children ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat", he added.

The pope's Easter message traditionally focuses on world affairs, and he mentioned other flashpoints, including Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, Congo and Mozambique.

After asking Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi last year to mediate the repatriatian of Ukrainian children from Russia and Russian-occupied territories, Francis called for "a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine".

He also condemned human trafficking and prayed for "a path of hope" for those suffering from violence, hunger and the effects of climate change, as well as consolation for "the victims of terrorism in all its forms".
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a potential revolt from within his party ranks over new legislation that is set to criminalise homelessness and hand police powers to crack down on rough sleepers on the countrys streets. Britain's prime minister Rishi Sunak.(AFP)

According to a report in The Times on Monday, several Conservative Party MPs have warned that they will vote against the measures in the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently going through the House of Commons and set to become law before a general election expected later this year.

The proposals, which had been unveiled by former Indian-origin home secretary Suella Braverman, would mean rough sleepers in England and Wales could be fined as much as 2,500 Pounds or face prison terms.

A lot of colleagues believe that the bill as it stands is completely unacceptable because it would have the effect of criminalising people who have no choice but to sleep on the streets. We are urging ministers to think again, said Tory MP Bob Blackman, who is also joint secretary of the powerful Conservative backbench 1922 Committee.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former deputy prime minister Damian Green are among the other Tory MPs who have signed amendments that would remove the new police powers. Green said he supported Blackmans amendment because it represented a practical way forward to help people off the streets rather than criminalising them.

People are not homeless because they want to be. These plans are even worse than the vagrancy act that was first introduced after the Napoleonic wars that this is supposed to be replaced, an unnamed Tory MP was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

The Criminal Justice Bill is designed to present the Conservatives as tough on crime as it prepares for a gruelling general election campaign, with the odds stacked against the governing party due to intense anti-incumbency sentiments.

The proposals within the legislation include expanding police powers to test suspects for drugs on arrest and enter premises to search for stolen goods such as mobile phones. It would also give probation officers the power to administer lie-detection tests to sex offenders and terrorists after their release from prison and also increase sentences for some offences.

However, ministers are concerned the bill will be overshadowed by controversies such as the homelessness debate.

Thats just part of the things were looking to do in terms of making sure that people dont sleep on the streets and thats not right, we want to provide the resources for people, housing, improving the number of refuges people can sleep in, and the amount of social housing and affordable housing, which weve done, said UK Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake.

Polly Neate, chief executive of the homelessness charity Shelter, stressed that the legislation was unfair.

Instead of punishing people for being homeless, politicians should be trying to prevent them from ending up on the streets. Everyone at risk of sleeping rough should have a right to suitable emergency accommodation, and to end homelessness for good it must invest in genuinely affordable social homes  we need 90,000 a year, she said.
Russia's FSB security service said Monday that four people arrested over a foiled "terror" plot had provided money and arms for the deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall last month. Russian soldiers secure an area at near the Crocus City Hall concert venue on the western edge of Moscow. (AP/File)

More than 140 people were killed when gunmen stormed the Crocus City Hall venue on March 22 before setting the building on fire in the most deadly attack in Russia for two decades.

The FSB said in a statement Monday that it had arrested four people a day earlier in the southern Dagestan region who "were directly involved in the financing and supply of terrorist means to the perpetrators of the terrorist act carried out on 22 March in the Crocus City Hall in Moscow."

Russia's national anti-terrorism committee said on Sunday that it had apprehended three people who were "planning to commit a series of terrorist crimes."

The FSB said Monday that four foreign citizens had been arrested in the operation in the regional capital Makhachkala and the nearby town of Kaspiysk.

The Interfax news agency cited an FSB video showing one of the detained men saying: "I took weapons to them, these guys who attacked Crocus City Hall. I took them weapons from Makhachkala."

Russian authorities had previously announced the arrests of 12 people they say are connected to the attack -- including the four suspected gunmen, who have been identified as Tajik citizens.

- Ten suspects charged -

The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said separately Monday that it was formally charging another suspect with carrying out a "terrorist attack".

"At the moment, the investigation has charged ten defendants," it said in a statement.

Moscow courts confirmed the tenth suspect, Yakubdjoni Yusufzody, has been detained until May 22, accused of having "transferred money to an accomplice" a few days before the attack to "provide accommodation for the terrorists".

Citing information provided to the court, Russian agencies reported that Yusufzody is also from Tajikistan.

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the massacre, the most deadly it says it has ever carried out on European soil, though President Vladimir Putin has talked up a Ukrainian and Western connection.

Kyiv and the West have repeatedly denied any involvement and accused Moscow of "exploiting" the tragedy.

Dagestan is a Muslim-majority region in Russia's southern Caucasus region.

The FSB has come under scrutiny over its failure to thwart the attack despite private and public warnings by the US intelligence community that "extremists" were planning an "imminent" attack on "large gatherings" in Moscow.

The agency regularly announces it has foiled alleged "terrorist cells", but in recent months has mainly announced the arrests of what it calls pro-Ukrainian saboteurs planning attacks on Russian military sites and infrastructure.
Colombo, The leader of the opposition in the Sri Lankan Parliament on Monday urged the government to disclose the details of Indian intelligence pre-warning the 2019 Easter bombings. HT Image

Sajith Premadasa, the main opposition leader in Parliament, questioned the government on the sequence of the pre-intelligence warnings issued by India ahead of the 2019 coordinated suicide bombings that left 270 persons dead, including 11 Indians.

The bombings, carried out by the National Thawheed Jamaat , a local jihadi group, targeted churches and Colombo star-class hotels.

Tell us how many times Indian intelligence warned on the attacks, which were the dates when the information was provided? Who had deleted the WhatsApp messages sent by the Indian intelligence counterpart agencies to local intelligence, Premadasa asked.

The Indian intelligence had given clear details to the Sri Lankan intelligence on the attacks, Premadasa said.

I asked the government how many probes were carried out and what were their recommendations, Premadasa said, accusing the local intelligence officials of having links with some of the suicide bombers.

He accused ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Premadasas rival in the 2019 presidential elections, of taking advantage of the Easter Sunday bombings to win the polls in the past.

Premadasa said that Gotabaya had pledged to probe the attack but transferred 31 officials who were conducting the investigations.

Nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group NTJ linked to ISIS carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three Catholic churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing nearly 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500.

The attacks led to a significant political change in Sri Lanka. It emerged that the then authorities had ignored prior intelligence on the attack by Indian intelligence agencies.

However, the timing of the bombing ahead of the 2019 presidential election was the subject of conspiracy theories which suggested that the Rajapaksa brothers then in opposition had taken political advantage of the attacks.

Sirisena, 72, who had denied any knowledge of the attacks, was the president at the time of the attack.

Sirisena was accused and found guilty in a special presidential panel he appointed as the countrys president. The findings blamed him for inaction on the prior intelligence received on the attacks.

Later, he was ordered to pay Sri Lankan 100 million to the relatives of the victims of the attack as compensation. He has so far paid only a part of it.

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US authorities working on the Baltimore bridge collapse have opened the first of two small, temporary channels to let ships access the site of the incident. Wreckage of the collapsed Baltimore bridge (REUTERS)

These channels will initially only be open to vessels involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge cleanup operation, and will not be big enough to allow cargo and container ships to pass through.

The first of the channels opened Monday, US Coast Guard petty officer Carmen Caver told AFP, adding it was "only for commercial vessels that are involved with the salvage."

A second temporary channel is also planned, and will be opened at a later date, another US Coast Guard official said.

The temporary lanes will be used by workers undertaking the mammoth task of clearing the harbor of the steel structure, which was destroyed in a matter of seconds last Tuesday when an out-of-control ship struck it, killing six people.

Authorities hope that removing the bridge by cutting it into smaller sections and lifting them out will help rescuers recover all the victims' bodies as well as reopen the crucial shipping lane.

On Friday, President Joe Biden is due to visit the port city, which is about 40 miles north of Washington, the White House announced.

The first temporary channel will have a controlling depth of 11 feet , a 264-foot horizontal clearance and vertical clearance of 96 feet, the multi-agency task force overseeing the operation said in a statement.

The temporary channel "is not big enough for any container or cargo ships to pass through," Caver told AFP, adding: "They're working on a plan to make it slowly open to more and more people."

The port of Baltimore is a key hub for the auto industry, handling almost 850,000 autos and light trucks last year more than any other US port according to Maryland state figures.

It also ranked first for farm and construction machinery, as well as imported sugar and gypsum, and second for coal exports.

The port's ongoing closure is already hitting the US economy, Maryland Governor Wes Moore told MSNBC on Sunday.

"It's impacting people all over the country," he said.
One person died and four others were injured after a gunman opened fire inside a Nashville restaurant. At the time, an Easter Sunday brunch service was underway, authorities have said. 1 dead, 4 injured in shooting at Nashville restaurant during Easter Sunday brunch, suspect Anton Rucker (pictured) on the run (@MNPDNashville/X)

The shooting unfolded inside Roasted, a well known brunch spot at 614 Garfield St. in the Salemtown section of the city. It happened shortly before 3 pm, according to Metro Nashville police, New York Post reported.

While one man was gunned down, many others were wounded. However, they are expected to survive. According to The Tennessean, the four people who survived suffered either gunshot or graze wounds. An ambulance rushed them to a local hospital.

Roasted was filled with customers at the time of the shooting. Some children were present too, dining to mark the Christian holiday. People were dancing to a DJ and enjoying mimosas. Some were taking photos. Roasteds Instagram stories showed a staffer dressed as the Easter bunny.

(roastedsalemtown/Instagram)

Detectives are working to determine the motive for this gunman opening fire during Sunday brunch at Roasted on Garfield St. 1 man killed, several others hurt, non-critically. Shooting occurred at 3 p.m. Gunman fled in this Mercedes GLS 450. Know him? 615-862-8600, Metro Nashville PD posted on X, sharing a snap of the suspect with a gun at the eatery.

Who is the suspect?

In a post, the police later said that they are looking for the suspect, identified as Anton Rucker, a convicted felon. Convicted felon Anton Rucker, 46, is being sought for the homicide at Roasted Salemtown. He has agg assault convictions in Nashville & was arrested in Murfreesboro on felony drug charges last 10/31, and on agg assault & gun charges last Aug, they posted on X.

A woman in a nearby playground revealed that she heard about eight gunshots, and saw customers rushing out of the eatery, yelling. One person reportedly shouted breathe to someone on the ground.

Everyone was grabbing the children and running or dropping on the ground, she said. I got waves of chills because I could tell someone was hurt, just from the sound and that many gunshots, Dia Settle said.

Rucker fled the eatery in a Mercedes GLS 450. He remains on the run.
TUCSON, Ariz.  A Tucson police officer has died after a driver crashed into his patrol car while he was responding to a call with his siren on and lights flashing, authorities said Monday. HT Image

Tucson police said Officer Adam Buckner, 31, had the right of way before the collision Sunday night at an intersection not far from the University of Arizona campus. He died from his injuries after being rushed to a hospital.

Buckner was going through an intersection on a green light when a vehicle making a turn failed to yield to his marked patrol car's sirens and lights, Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar said at a news conference Monday. Kasmar did not say what call Bucker responded to.

Community members and other officers gave first aid and CPR to Buckner before paramedics took him to Banner-University Medical Center.

The other driver, whose identity wasnt immediately released, was left with minor injuries and there was no sign of impairment, Kasmar said.

He said no citations were issued to the other driver, pending an investigation.

We all know the risk of our profession, said Kasmar, who choked up several times during the news conference and did not take any questions from reporters.

Buckner began his law enforcement career with the New Orleans Police Department in 2017 and later became a detective. He joined the Tucson Police Department in November 2021.

Officer Buckner was a son, a brother, a husband and a friend of many and a true law enforcement professional, Kasmar said.

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A man kidnapped, burned and cut a Georgia woman who was leaving work, her family told DeKalb County Police. The woman, in her 60s, was attacked while she was leaving work at an accounting firm along Montreal Road in Tucker last week, according to WXIA. An assailant kidnapped a Georgia woman, slashed and burned her before she escaped (Getty Images/iStockphoto - representational image)

It is unclear when exactly the incident took place. However, the family believes it might have happened shortly before 5:30 pm, which is when the firm closes.

What happened to the victim?

A man allegedly approached the woman and asked her to let him in. When she refused, he forced her into his car and made her drive to an ATM and withdraw money. At some point, the man slashed the victim across her body, including her face. He also burned her face, the family alleged.

After leaving the ATM, the suspect made the woman drive back to her business. This is where she managed to escape.

The woman then drove a few hundred yards down Montreal Road to DeKalb County Fire Station 22. Fire Captain Shaneqwa Eafford later told reporters that only one member of the crew was awake at the time.

The woman made some noise in the parking lot, which the crew member heard. The crew member then woke up Eafford and the other firefighters. The fire station subsequently contacted the police, who were reportedly dispatched to the area at about 9 pm.

"We had a DeKalb Fire Rescue transport unit in the house that was able to take her immediately; no wait at all," Eafford said. "It was a blessing for her to be able to come to us and for us to be here as well.

The womans family confirmed that she is in the hospital, and has undergone at least one surgery. Detectives are trying to identify, locate and apprehend the suspect.
The Kremlin on Monday dismissed a report that Russian military intelligence may be behind the mysterious "Havana syndrome" ailment that has afflicted U.S. diplomats and spies globally. U.S. Congress passed the Havana Act in 2021 authorising the State Department, CIA and other U.S. government agencies to provide payments to staff and their families affected by the ailment during assignment. (AP)

Insider, a Russia-focused investigative media group based in Riga, Latvia reported that members of a Russian military intelligence (GRU) unit known as 29155 had been placed at the scene of reported health incidents involving U.S. personnel.

The year-long Insider investigation in collaboration with 60 Minutes and Germany's Der Spiegel also reported that senior members of Unit 29155 received awards and promotions for work related to the development of "non-lethal acoustic weapons".

"This is not a new topic at all; for many years the topic of the so-called 'Havana Syndrome' has been exaggerated in the press, and from the very beginning it was linked to accusations against the Russian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about the report.

Also Read: What is Havana Syndrome? Russia behind mysterious illness in US officials, says investigator

"But no one has ever published or expressed any convincing evidence of these unfounded accusations anywhere," Peskov said. "Therefore, all this is nothing more than baseless, unfounded accusations by the media."

A U.S. intelligence investigation whose findings were released last year found that it was "very unlikely" a foreign adversary was responsible for the ailment, first reported by U.S. embassy officials in the Cuban capital Havana in 2016.

Symptoms of the ailment have included migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness.

The Insider report said the first incident of "Havana Syndrome" symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016.

It said "there were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a U.S. government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam".

U.S. Congress passed the Havana Act in 2021 authorising the State Department, CIA and other U.S. government agencies to provide payments to staff and their families affected by the ailment during assignment.
The SpaceX founder has never missed a beat to double down on his Disney hate train. Seizing the April Fools moment on the first day of the new month, Elon Musk quirkily transitioned to unleashing his fury at the woke Disney agenda in an idiosyncratic move. FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of Twitter, gestures as he attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, France, June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo/File Photo(REUTERS)

Swerving from his usual online tirades targeting the mass media company, he sardonically wrote on X (formerly Twitter): Excited to join @Disney as their Chief DEI Officer.

Having previously slammed the Disney CEO, Bob Iger, for the company's content and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) approach, Musk again indulged in jibes at his expense. In the same tweet, he continued: Can't wait to work with Bob Iger & Kathleen Kennedy to make their content more woke! Even the linguini.

Who is Kathleen Kennedy?

Kennedy is the Lucasfilm president who's also been handling the beloved Star Wars franchise. She's been under heavy Twitter for expanding the property at an unmatched rate, with a new Star Wars project always being accessible in some shape. On top of that, some unwarranted criticism also poured in, accusing her of infusing the woke narrative into Star Wars.

Also read: Trump lambasts Biden and Mexican President's $20bn demand: 'I wouldn't give him 10 cents'

A more hyperbolic response to this record followed through with a South Park special ridiculing her. The Joining the Panderverse special typecasted her as the main villain. It also featured Disney executives, including CEO Bob Iger, addressing the failing attempts at diversity pandering.

Elon Musk - Disney Crossfire

While Musk's latest tweet was curated on April Fools' Day, his sour tensions with the media company and its associates run deep.

Lucasfilm terminated its contract with the Star Wars alum Gina Carano in 2021 after she shared a heated post, expressing her right-wing opinions on social media. She wrote, "Most people today dont realize that to get to the point where Naxi soldiers could easily round up thousands of Jews, the government first made their own neighbours hate them simply for being Jews. How is that any different from hating someone for their political views? It wasn't the first remark of the sort she'd passed along.

In February 2024, she sued Lucasfilm and Disney for firing her from the hit show The Mandalorian. Eventually, Musk came to her aid and backed her case financially.

Around the same time, he dropped another tweet addressing the company's alleged diversity guidelines for content. Labelling them as enforced by Disney's DEI Gestapo, he conflated these laws with Nazi Germany's much-feared official secret police.

Disney even responded to Elon Musk's previous controversial claims by seemingly boycotting the microblogging platform towards the year-end in 2023. Walt Disney halted its posts on the platform for a while as well.

In December, another contentious Musk tweet dropped, stating: Disney has a major content problem. Almost their entire upcoming slate is unwatchable. They are the worlds biggest example of go woke, go broke lol.
Television presenter Nana Akua has said that there was a "slight dig" in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's message to Kate Middleton after she announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a statement saying they wish "health and healing" for Kate. An expert has revealed that there was a slight dig in Harry and Meghan's message to Kate Middleton after her cancer announcement (Photo by Handout / BBC STUDIOS / AFP, AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," Harry and Meghan said in the statement shared with PEOPLE.

Was there a dig in the message?

Speaking about this message, GBN America Akua told guest journalist Lee Chien that there may have been a dig at the public in what the pair said. "Well, I thought the message was interesting because Harry and Meghan's message was about offering health and healing, Akua said.

"But then it felt like there was a dig about the privacy that they need themselves. I just thought I could almost hear Meghan saying unlike the privacy you gave us sort of thing. Do you know what I mean?" Akua added.

"Absolutely, it's so underlines the difference between celebrity and public servant, Cohen replied. "Truly admired public servants are the working royals versus Meghan and Harry who have become nothing but celebrity influencers. In the United States, most people can't even make the distinction. So that gives rise to what you've just underlined."

Akua said, You know what? They had everything. It's almost as though they didn't see that the shiny, gold-glistening thing would eventually become distorted and it actually wouldn't survive. Whereas the longevity of the monarchy, which is what they are both part of is something that is to be cherished, looked after, enjoyed and respected."

Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video but did not specify what kind of cancer it was. She said the news was a "huge shock" after an "incredibly tough couple of months.
In a surprising turn of events, an inventory check on President Joe Biden's Air Force One discovered that several items, including gold-rimmed plates and pillowcases, were missing from its press section. White Correspondents' Association reminded the journalists via an email that stealing items from Air Force One was prohibited.(AP )

Following this, the White Correspondents' Association reminded the journalists via an email that stealing items from the plane was prohibited.

Politico stated that after a thorough investigation into the theft, multiple journalists had "quietly stuffed everything from engraved whiskey tumblers to wine glasses" into their bag before stepping off the Air Force One.

Also Read: Joe Biden makes jokes on Boeing, jests, I dont sit by the door of Air Force One

White House reporters enjoy special privileges on Air Force One

Whenever the US President leaves the White House for official trips, a group of thirteen journalists ride along with him in his Boeing. Their expenditures, including airfare, onboard food and drinks, are covered by the media outlets.

During the trip, the crew offers them miniature M&M chocolate parcels bearing the US President's signature and seal as souvenirs.

President Ronald Reagan instituted a policy in 1988 of providing mementos to the scribes instead of the customary packs of cigarettes with the presidential seal that had been distributed for decades.

According to the report, taking goods bearing the logo of Air Force One, such as towels and silverware, has been standard practice for years.

An individual can also purchase several Air Force One-branded accessories online.

Also Read: Joe Biden trips twice while boarding plane with shorter stairs, netizens say it's as embarrassing as it is sad

White House raises alarm over stealing incidents

In its report, Politico pointed out that noises resembling rattling dishes and glasses could be heard from their journalists' bags as they disembarked the jet.

In one incident, it said that a former White House journalist hosted a lavish dinner party and served meals on gold-rimmed plates that were pilfered from Air Force One .

One correspondent who received the email quietly returned an embroidered pillowcase after facing severe backlash from the journalists' group.

Voice of America White House correspondent Misha Komadovsky has assembled a "subtle" assortment of mementos from the journeys on the president's aircraft.

Speaking to BBC News, Komadovsky said that he simply forgot to throw out a paper cup bearing the Air Force One logo, adding that "I didn't embarrass anyone or commit any wrongdoing to put this collection together."

Komadovsky also possesses a box of presidential M&Ms that bears Biden's autograph. They're just regular M&Ms in a nice box, he argued.

Air Force One features world-class amenities, including a large presidential suite, an operating table-equipped medical station, a boardroom and dining room, two galleys for preparing food that can feed a hundred people at once, and special spaces for the press, VIPs, security, and secretarial staff.
A trailer filled with Bibles was set on fire outside an evangelical church in Tennessee on Easter morning, local police reported. The church's far-right pastor condemned the act as intentional. Hundreds of Bibles set ablaze outside an evangelical church in Tennessee on Easter morning

Around 6 a.m. on Sunday, police and firefighters rushed to a trailer fire at an intersection near the Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, a city about 20 miles east of Nashville, according to the Wilson County Sheriffs Office. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The sheriffs office stated, The trailer, containing Bibles, was intentionally dropped off in the middle of the intersection and set on fire. No further details were immediately disclosed, as the sheriffs office aims to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Pastor Greg Locke, the founder of Global Vision and a self-proclaimed social media firebrand, shared photos of the charred utility trailer filled with burned Bibles on Facebook and Instagram. In his caption, he mentioned that the churchs security cameras captured a man parking the trailer right in front of our church.

During a live-streamed Easter service, Pastor Locke assured his congregation that the culprit would soon face serious consequences. Although he had not personally viewed the security footage, he described it, saying, Hes got his hazard lights on at 5:58 in the morning. Im like, Wow, heres the most polite crook Ive ever met. Ive never met polite Satanists. And so he unhooks the trailer and douses it with gasoline. There were probably 200 Bibles. I dont know where he got them.

Locke expressed his intention to distribute the scorched Bible pages but mentioned that authorities confiscated them as evidence. He claimed that the incident was being investigated as a hate crime and that the FBI was involved.

Locke, an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump who frequently criticizes President Joe Biden, the news media, and crack-smoking, demon-possessed leftists, is a controversial figure. He has drawn national headlines for his vaccine skepticism, anti-LGBTQ+ stunts, and book burnings. Additionally, he has clashed with neighbors and county authorities over the noise from his late-night services and construction projects.

Global Vision has experienced several vandalism incidents in recent years. In 2020, ahead of a scheduled appearance by Trump loyalist Roger Stone, the church was tagged with the phrases repent and Locke + Stone will burn in hell, and the letters FU were sprayed on the pastors pulpit.
To mark Easter Sunday, Michelle Obama shared a rare throwback clip of one of their celebrated White House Easter Egg Rolls. Since 1878, the Easter Egg Roll has been a yearly tradition on Easter Mondays at the White House. It was a fun and popular activity for children to roll their eggs down the hill on the grounds of Capitol Hill back in the 1870s. Michelle Obama has shared a rare throwback clip of her daugters Malia and Sasha during a White House Easter Egg Roll (michelleobama/Instagram)

The Congress then passed a law in 1876, forbidding anyone to use the Capitol's grounds as a playground. However, in 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes declared that kids could roll their Easter eggs at the White House.

During the eight years that Barack Obama was president, the family held the egg roll tradition every year. On the holiday this year, they took to social media to share a video of one of their past celebrations. The video also features their daughters  Malia, 25, and Sasha, 22  who are rarely seen.

Michelle shared the video with the caption, From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Sasha and Malia have stayed away from the public eye

Both Sasha and Malia mostly stay away from the public eye. They live in Los Angeles. Sasha recently graduated from the University of Southern California. Malia, the Obamas eldest daughter, is a writer and producer.

Malia debuted her first short, titled The Heart, at the Sundance Film Festival. She went by her first and middle names, Malia Ann. She is also known for having co-written Donald Glover's Swarm. Malia studied filmmaking at Harvard University.

Michelle spoke out about "the other side" of parenting during a recent episode of her The Light Podcast. Speaking with Today Show anchor Hoda Kotv, Michelle said, I'm moving from mom-in-chief to advisor-in-chief. That's a lovely thing  to be able to watch my girls fly and have the relief that 'Okay, I think I didn't mess them up.'"
During her live show on Friday, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace angrily tossed her script aside while discussing former President Donald Trump's social media comments about a judge's daughter. MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace loses cool over Donald Trump, tosses her scripts while anchoring.(Screenshot of MSNBC)

"We need to change the conversation," Wallace declared, frustrated. "I've reported breaking news about gag order requests due to threats against judges and their children more times than I can count today."

Wallace, along with former federal Judge Michael Luttig, MSNBC's John Heilman, Lisa Rubin, and Glenn Kirschner, criticized the former president. She accused Trump of using the "highest court in the land" to delay "every federal criminal trial."

"Donald Trump brazenly and repeatedly attacks not just judges," Wallace stated. "Judges dont have Secret Service protecting them."

"What are we going to do differently, because Donald Trump sure as hell isnt changing," she added.

Luttig argued that Trump's goal was to "delegitimize" the courts. He believed that Trump wanted Americans to dismiss court rulings against him as politically motivated.

"From the moment the former president began his vicious attacks on the federal and state courts and their judges, his objective was to delegitimize those courts. This way, if they ruled against him in any of his cases, his followers, and possibly a significant portion of the nation, would dismiss those rulings as politically motivated," Luttig explained.

Manhattan prosecutors requested a judge to clarify a gag order imposed on Trump after his critical social media posts about the judge's daughter.

Trump accused New York Judge Juan Merchan of favoring his daughters interests as a Democratic political consultant. He claimed that the judge's daughter, Loren Merchan, whose firm has worked on campaigns for President Joe Biden and other Democrats, had posted a photo on social media showing her "obvious goal" of seeing him jailed.

"Judge Juan Merchan is totally compromised and should be removed from this TRUMP Non-Case immediately," Trump wrote. "His Daughter, Loren, is a Rabid Trump Hater, who has admitted to having conversations with her father about me, and yet he gagged me."

Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump in the hush money case on March 26. He cited Trump's "prior extrajudicial statements," stating they posed "a sufficient risk to the administration of justice."

Merchan's order prohibited Trump from making or directing public statements about potential witnesses, their participation, or the counsel in the caseexcept for Braggor about court staff, DA staff, or family members of the staff.
Hackers have reportedly breached a massive Russian prison database containing sensitive information. The move comes just weeks after the death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny. CNN has exclusively learned that a group of anti-Kremlin cybercriminals sought to avenge the death of Navalny, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is escorted upon his arrival for a hearing in Moscow after being detained at a protest against corruption and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.(Reuters)

Russian prisoner database hacked

Alexey Navalny died while serving a sentence of 19 years in prison on charges of extremism that he denied as politically motivated. CNN reviewed interviews with hackers and examined screenshots and data provided. As per the report, hackers used a computer network connected to Russia's prison system to put a photo of Navalny on the hacked prison contractor's website.

Also read: What is Havana Syndrome? Russia behind mysterious illness in US officials, says investigator

In the wake of Navalny's death, his supporters, relatives, and Western leaders accused the Kremlin of being responsible, a charge the Kremlin denies. Navalny's widow, Yulia, has vowed to continue his work. She, along with Navalny's followers, have accused President Putin of being behind his death.

Long live Alexey Navalny

A message on the hacked website read Long live Alexey Navalny. The screenshot showed a picture of Navalny with his wife Yulia attending a political rally. Reports allege that the hackers not only breached the website but may have also accessed a database containing information on hundreds of thousands of Russian prisoners, including their families and friends. The hackers said the data included information about prisoners in the penal colony in the Arctic region where Navalny passed away on February 16.

Reportedly, the hackers changed prices in the Russian prison's online store making items look quite cheap. We were watching the [access logs to the online store] and it just kept scrolling faster and faster with more and more customers making purchases, a hacker told CNN.

Also read: MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace loses cool on air, angrily tosses her script over news on Donald Trump, we need to change

The staff took a while to notice, but it was too late. Hackers had already exploited the system. They breached a database containing information on roughly 800,000 prisoners and their families, as verified by a news outlet. cybersecurity expert confirmed the authenticity of the leaked data.
Arizona has reportedly declared Pluto its official state planet. However, Pluto is notably not a planet but was relegated to dwarf planet status several years ago. Pluto has been declared the official state planet of Arizona even though it was reclassified as dwarf planet years ago (Pixabay - representational image)

According to The Arizona Daily Star, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed legislation on Friday, Match 29. When questioned on whether or not Pluto is a full-fledged planet, she ignored it. I am proud of Arizonas pioneering work in space discovery, Hobbs said.

Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in Flagstaff, Arizona, back in 1930 at the Lowell Observatory. Pluto also happens to be the only planet to be discovered in the US.

The whole story of Clyde is just amazing, just sitting there under the telescope looking for planets by taking photos over a period of time, said Arizona state Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix), who praised the Pluto legislation.

Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales (D-Tucson), who is one of five senators who voted against the measure, said, Scientifically, they took it out of being a planet. She added that lawmakers must take scientific information into account, something that we as a Legislature, as a body, sometimes omit.

Is Pluto a planet?

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted to remove Pluto from the group of planets, claiming that the icy object at the edge of the solar system failed to meet the full and proper definition of planets. It was thus reclassified as a dwarf planet.

According to Britannica, Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet because, while it is large enough to have become spherical, it is not big enough to exert its orbital dominance and clear the neighborhood surrounding its orbit.

The website noted that Plutos demolition felt like a break from tradition to many across the globe. It added that the step was, however, a positive step forward into a new light, new knowledge, and changing perspectives of the universe.

The website of NASA Science says that Pluto being reclassified prompted widespread outrage. As the textbooks were updated, the internet spawned memes with Pluto going through a range of emotions, from anger to loneliness. But since the release of New Horizons images showing a very prominent heart-shaped feature on the surface, the sad Pluto meme has given way to a very content, loving Pluto that would like to once again be visited by a spacecraft, it said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the UK in 2020 after stepping down from their royal duties. While they retained their titles as Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they have largely distanced themselves from royal affairs. As Easter 2024 approaches, a major celebration for the family, Meghan and Harry were once again absent. This absence has reportedly upset Harry even more, as his children were excluded from royal traditions and may never have the chance to bond with their cousins. Prince Harry likely feels keenly' that Archie and Lilibet are missing out on a significant Royal Easter tradition this year, reported The Mirror.(Alexi Lubomirski / Courtesy Archewell Foundation)

Prince Harry upset, Archie and Lilibet miss royal Easter

Prince William and Kate Middleton, following prior announcements, missed the Easter celebrations due to Kate's ongoing cancer treatment. Hopes of seeing Harry and Meghan were also dashed, as they reportedly remained in California. King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh carried on the royal Easter tradition. A royal expert suggested that Harry, who once valued this family gathering as a senior royal, might feel disappointment about his family and children missing this beloved tradition.

Also read: Prince Harry, Meghan no longer regarded as Royalty in America, especially after.

Royal expert and author Tom Quinn spoke to the Mirror. "Harry always enjoyed this tradition because he got to meet an adoring public for a short period. But whats really going to upset Harry this year is that his children will miss out on the Easter egg hunt that takes place afterwards." Quinn said.

How Royals celebrate Easter

For the royals, the occasion is a chance to meet and mingle with the local community. On Easter Sunday, the family usually gather at St George's Chapel in Windsor for a service, followed by a walkabout and a traditional roast lamb lunch. Its a family tradition on Easter thats been going on since Queen Victorias time on the throne. As for Harry and Meghan, the pair never attended the celebrations after relocating to California from England in 2020.

Also read: Prince Harry and King to meet again because Charles knows the difficult childhood..

Harry is said to be disappointed that his children wont be able to spend as much time with his cousins. Quinn adds, Of course it wouldve given Archie and Lillibet a chance to get to know George, Charlotte and Louis. The family rift is going to prevent this and Harry will feel it keenly.

The Duke of Sussex is soon expected to return to the UK for his Invictus Games event. During this visit, he will have a formal meeting with his family and King Charles. There is speculation that he and his older brother, Prince William, could also have a private conversation.
Days after Sean Diddy Combs Miami and Los Angeles homes were raided over allegations of sex trafficking, the rapper took to Instagram to post a series of photos of his one-year-old daughter, Love. The post, celebrating Easter, is the first he shared on social media after the investigation. Sean Diddy Combs has shared his daughter's photos in his first social media post after the raids (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)(AFP)

HAPPY EASTER from Baby Love, Diddy captioned the post, which includes a few snaps of Love. Comments for the post are turned off. Diddy shares Love with Dana Tran.

Raids at Sean Diddy Combs homes

A rep for Homeland Security Investigations confirmed to Page Six that the raids took place. We will provide further information as it becomes available, the rep said.

During the raid, Diddys sons  Justin Dior Combs and King Combs  were spotted being handcuffed and questioned. Diddy was in Miami at the time, and was photographed around Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.

Diddys attorney Aaron Dyer later called the raids a witch hunt. Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated, Dyer said in a statement.

Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way, Dyer added.

Sources told Page Six that Diddy and his team were not prepared for the raids. In fact, the rapper was preparing to visit the Bahamas with his kids for spring break.

Even after the raid, Diddy was photographed with his children, stepping out seemingly unbothered. He was seen stepping out shirtless last week, for a smoke. Besides Love, King, and Justin, Diddy has a daughter named Chance, and twins DLila and Jessie.
As the Biden administration is facing immense criticism over its failure to restore ceasefire amid ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Senator Chris Van Hollen lambasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over continuous assault on Gaza. Senator Chris Van Hollen made the suggestion that Biden should back up his no excuses language with real action and allow flow of more aid into Gaza.(AP)

When Hollen appeared on ABC News' "This Week," he was questioned on Biden's capacity to persuade Netanyahu to pursue a course of action that reduces the number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

The Maryland Democrat made the suggestion that Biden should back up his no excuses language with real action and force Israel to allow flow of more aid into Gaza.

We have a situation where Netanyahu continues to essentially give the finger to the president of the United States, and we're sending more bombs, Hollen said, adding that "And that doesn't make sense."

Also Read: US signs on more bombs and warplanes for Israel amid war: Report

Hollen stresses US should not send more weapons to Israel

The Senator further said that the United States should not supply more bombs to Israel until the Netanyahu administration allows more humanitarian assistance into Gaza to help people who are starving to death.

Though Hollen believes that Israel has a right to defend itself following Hamas attack, he stressed that it should not restrict aid into Gaza.

Also Read: Netanyahu to undergo hernia surgery today, Israel's deputy PM to step in temporarily

Amid concerns over a possible Israeli onslaught in Gaza's Rafah, the Biden administration agreed to sending more bombs and fighter jets to Israel.

The Washington Post reports that the latest weaponry package includes 25 F-35s that were originally approved as part of a huge package by the US Congress in 2008, as well as over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs.

Friction grows between Biden and Netanyahu

Meanwhile, the number of Palestinians killed in the war has surpassed 32,000 people, as per the health ministry operated by Hamas in Gaza. The Hamas attack on Israel claimed the lives of 1,200 people.

Given the high death toll overall, Biden and other US officials have questioned the manner in which the Netanyahu government and Israeli military is conducting its operation against Hamas in Gaza.

Amid the growing frustration with the Netanyahu administration, Biden and his top officials have warned that there could be "consequences" if the Israeli military moves into Rafah without a plan for civilians.
Helicopters lift off for flight training

China Military Online) 13:33, April 01, 2024

A helicopter attached to a brigade under the PLA 71st Group Army flies in low-altitude during a flight training exercise on March 10, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zeng Yuxuan)

Helicopters attached to a brigade under the PLA 71st Group Army fly to designated airspace during a flight training exercise on March 10, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zeng Yuxuan)

A helicopter attached to a brigade under the PLA 71st Group Army sits on the airfield during a flight training exercise on March 10, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zeng Yuxuan)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Amidst the 2024 presidential campaign, the Trump familyMelania, Barron, and Donaldwas seen on an outing for the Easter celebration at Mar-a-Lago. Barron Trump, who recently turned 10 on March 20th, joined his parents at the Easter brunch. Towering at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches, he drew attention with his stature. Melania Trump and son Barron shine during Easter celebrations at Mar-a-Lago.(X)

While Melania stunned in her immaculate white knee-length gown, Barron looked elegant in his black tuxedo with a bright yellow tie. They both attended the Easter dinner and received praise for their refined appearances.

Lara Trump, new co-chair of the RNC, also posted Donald Trump enjoying time with his grandkids, sporting a festive version of his Make America Great Again(MAGA) cap.

Also Read: Easter or Transgender Day? Big row erupts over Joe Biden's decision, Trump seeks apology: Here's the big truth

The circumstances seemed largely back to normal after Donald Trump returned to Florida from a tumultuous legal battle in New York over a civil fraud judgement. Melania's public appearances raised questions about her prospective engagement in her husband's future political endeavours, suggesting that she might become more involved.

Netizens react to Barron and Melina's looks

Netizens on X (formerly Twitter) showered support and love on a post featuring the Trump family, particularly focusing on Barron and Melania. One user remarked on the family's beauty, commenting, "What a Beautiful Family.... Barron is coming into his own... Looking Good Barron." Another user wrote of Barron's mature demeanor, suggesting he's "definitely an old soul,.

Barron's staggering height also drew attention, with users marveling, "Wow, look at his younger son, he's very tall," and another user humorously added, "Damn that kid's like 7ft tall lol."

Also Read: 'Make America Pray Again', Trump is selling bibles, calls it his favourite book

Meanwhile, Melania received praise for her grace and elegance, with one comment noting, "Melania and Barron are both beautiful beings. Look at the way they walk, too. Wow!"

The sentiment was mixed regarding Melania's role, with one user expressing eagerness for change, stating, "Melania looks beautiful! I cannot wait to get the tablecloth queen out of the White House!" However, overall, the prevailing sentiment was one of admiration, summed up by a user's comment, "They look absolutely gorgeous."
A lead US military investigator has told 60 Minutes that he believes US officials are being attacked by Russia. Greg Edgreen, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, has been examining reports of the Havana Syndrome. Edgreen notably ran the Pentagon investigation into the syndrome, which officials referred to as "anomalous health incidents. What is Havana Syndrome? Russia is behind mysterious symptoms in US officials, said a former Pentagon investigator (Pixabay - representational image)

An FBI official, identified only as Carrie, had fallen victim to symptoms associated with the Havana Syndrome while she was investigating an alleged Russian spy inside the US, a joint investigation by CBS News, Der Spiegel, and Russian-focused magazine The Insider has found. Carrie was reportedly hit by a crippling force while she was at home in Florida in 2021, doing laundry.

It felt like I was stuck in this state of, like, disorientation, not able to function, she told the program. I am completely consumed by a piercing sound that I can only describe as when you listen to a movie and the main character is also consumed by the sound after a bomb goes off.

It just pierced my ears, came in my left side, felt like it came through the window, into my left ear. I immediately felt fullness in my head, and just a piercing headache. And when I realized that I needed to get out of the laundry room, I left the room, and went into our bedroom next door, and projectile vomited in our bathroom, she added.

What is the Havana Syndrome?

According to health.com, Havana syndrome" is a condition some government officials and their family members at US embassies in different countries have reported experiencing since 2016. Symptoms have included headaches, sleeplessness, and other signs similar to those of neurological conditions.

While some people experience the syndrome briefly, others have chronic symptoms. The causes of Havana syndrome remain unknown, it added.

The recent revelations come days after some National Institute of Health studies claimed that although various US government employees experienced these symptoms, there was no consistent evidence of brain injury. The report added that the symptoms, in fact, were possibly caused by preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors, as well as some other factors.

National Institutes of Health said that their research team used advanced imaging techniques and in-depth clinical assessments but found no significant evidence of MRI-detectable brain injury, nor differences in most clinical measures compared to controls, among a group of federal employees who experienced anomalous health incidents (AHIs).

These incidents, including hearing noise and experiencing head pressure followed by headache, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction and other symptoms, have been described in the news media as Havana Syndrome since U.S. government personnel stationed in Havana first reported the incidents, it added.

Meanwhile, Carrie revealed that when she was hit by the symptoms, she was on a case concerning a man named Vitalii Kovalev. A Russian national, he was arrested after a high-speed chase in Florida. Police subsequently discovered a Russian passport and bank account notes. They also recovered a device that could erase his Mustangs computer data.

Who was Vitalii Kovalev?

An investigative journalist for The Insider, Christo Grozev, said that Kovalev used to be a Russian military electrical engineer with a top secret security clearance. He eventually left his career in intelligence and became a chef in the US.

Kovalev was caught and he pleaded guilty to evading police and reckless driving. He was subsequently sentenced to 30 months behind bars, but he eventually returned to Russia. Authorities in Russia claimed he died soon after on the frontlines of the countrys war with Ukraine.

Grozev claimed that he was able to obtain an accounting document connected to a top-secret Russian intelligence unit known as 29155. The document spoke of a bonus payment for an officer who worked on a project involving potential capabilities of non-lethal acoustic weapons.

When I saw it, I literally had tears in my eyes, because it was spelling out what they had been doing, he said. Grozev, however, added that this is not a solid proof of Havana Syndromes cause. Its the closest to a receipt you can have for this, he explained.

Carrie was hit by the attack when Kovalev was in prison. A cardiologist later told her she could get back to work. However, some of her symptoms remained.

I remember complaining to my colleagues for months after that, I felt like I had early Alzheimers, she told correspondent Scott Pelley. Short term memory, long term memory, confusing memories, multitasking. My baseline changed. I was not the same person.

What did Greg Edgreen say?

Retired Army officer, lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen, also spoke with 60 Minutes, claiming it appeared as though Russia had a common denominator across most of the Havana Syndrome cases. One of the things I started to notice was the caliber of our officer that was being impacted, he said.

This wasnt happening to our worst or our middle-range officers. This was happening to our top 5% percent, 10 percent performing officers across the Defense Intelligence Agency. And consistently there was a Russia nexus. There was some angle where they had worked against Russia, focused on Russia, and done extremely well, he added
An American citizen named Gilbert Reyes Bermudez was arrested in the Dominican Republic for allegedly murdering three women in the Honduran island of Roatan, police in Honduras have announced. Bermudez, 36, allegedly killed Maria Antonia Cruz, Nikendra McCoy and Dione Solorzano. Who is Gilbert Reyes Bermudez? American citizen arrested in Dominican Republic for murdering 3 women in Honduras (Policia Nacional de Honduras/Facebook)

The murders took place on January 6, when the suspect went out with the three women. Solorzano was reportedly Bermudez former partner.

The day after the murders, the women were reported missing. Three days later, their bodies were later found with gunshot wounds in a car, according to the Costa Rica newspaper Tico Times.

Who is Gilbert Reyes Bermudez?

Not much has been revealed about Bermudez except that authorities seized $205 and 600 pesos in cash from him, according to the Dominican newspaper Dominican Today. His American passport was also seized, as were his two cell phones, and other items like documents, keys, glasses, and a wallet. They were being held by OCN-Interpol Santo Domingo.

The National Police of Honduras said on social media that the process to extradite the suspect back to Honduras has begun. In a press release, the Honduran government said that crime scene evidence and witness testimony will be used against Bermudez in the case. He had arrived in Dominican territory on March 16.

Bermudez was arrested at the International Airport of Las Americas Dr. Jose Francisco Pena Gomez. He was at the airport, trying to flee the country to Miami. He was reportedly wanted under a Red Notice for International Search and Seizure, No. A-529/1-2024, for aggravated femicide and murder.

Honduras reportedly has the highest femicide rate in the Latin American region. There are 6.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to UN Sustainable Development Group. Cases of violence against women rose significantly during the pandemic, and the number of emergency calls rose to 282 per day.
Sarah McNally, a 41-year-old bar worker from Ireland, was fatally stabbed in an Irish pub, Ceili House Bar, in Queens, New York City. Originally from CoLongford, McNally had been living in Queens for years. Sarah McNally, a 41-year-old bar worker from Ireland, was fatally stabbed in an Irish pub, Ceili House Bar, in Queens, New York. (X@RemyVicious)

According to the police, they were called to the pub on Grand Avenue at around 6:30 pm on Saturday to find McNally stabbed in the neck and a man with a stab wound to the back and neck.

The assailant is reported to be her boyfriend, who allegedly stabbed her in the neck and then himself. Moreover, the attack seemed to be domestic as the pair had been living together for several months now". However, there had been no prior history of domestic violence between McNally and her boyfriend, according to sources, NY POST reported.

"There were so many cops. Cop after cop here," Maspeth resident Alyssa Rosselli said. "I didn't know her, of course, but I felt very sad all these women have to deal with domestic violence.

Also Read: Two women arrested for assaulting Jewish person who called them out for ripping down Israeli hostages' posters in NYC

McNally was pronounced dead in hospital

McNally was taken to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was announced dead. McNallys family, including her mother Dorrie, father Des, and extended family, are heartbroken.

According to sources, officers urged the assailant to drop the knives and had to tase him with stun guns when he refused.

Police said the unidentified stabber was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst in critical condition.

Charges against him are pending, sources said.

Also Read: Who is Jose Antonio Ibarra? Laken Riley's killer wasnt aggressive, says wife

Queens Community mourns it beloved member

Sarah McNally was mourned as a beloved member of the Queens community. Her photos were added to a small and growing memorial outside the Irish pub where she was employed and was loved by many.

"Very friendly person. Stop in, she'd always have good time to chat, good friend," added resident James O'Malley.

"We're just shocked by the news Sarah is no longer with us. She was a staple of the bar and of Maspeth. We'd always see her," resident Peter Cappelli said.

Meanwhile, the locals said that the street had its issues as several druggies and their dealers roam around it. Its been getting worse and worse, said Lambe.

McNally's death comes after another Irish woman Denise Morgan, 36, was shot dead at her Queens home last October.
Washington, The White House has slammed those attacking and opposing the nomination of highly accomplished Pakistani-American lawyer Adeel Mangi to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and said the US Senate must stand against hate. HT Image

If confirmed, Mangi would be the first-ever Muslim-American judge to serve on a federal appellate court. President Joe Biden nominated him to the prestigious position in November last year.

Some Senate Republicans and their extreme allies are relentlessly smearing Adeel Mangi with baseless accusations that he is anti-police. That could not be further from the truth, and the close-to-a-dozen law enforcement organisations that have endorsed him agree, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said.

An immigrant, Mangi, embodies both the American dream and the values that make our country the greatest nation on earth. The United States Senate must stand against hate, must reject baseless claims of guilt by association, and must support Mangis confirmation, he said in a statement issued by the White House.

Since taking office, President Biden has worked with Majority Leader Schumer and Judiciary Chair Durbin to confirm 190 highly qualified life-tenured federal judges  a significant accomplishment in a narrowly divided Senate, the White House said.

However, one exceptionally well-qualified individual  Adeel Mangi, nominated by the President to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals  continues to be subjected to baseless, vile attacks, rooted not in his record but in his religion. It is wrong and cruel, it said.

After Biden nominated Mangi to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Republican Senators, including Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton, and Josh Hawley, unleashed a cruel, Islamophobic, smear campaign to derail Mangis nomination, the White House said, adding, It was vulgar and those Senators owe Mr Mangi an apology.

Biden and the White House remain 100 per cent behind Mangis nomination. He is exceptionally well-qualified, dedicated to fairness and impartiality, and the rule of law And yet, Mr Mangi has endured vicious attacks that other judicial nominees have not endured  because he would be the first Muslim judge to ever sit on an appellate court, the White House said.

Matthew J Platkin, New Jersey Attorney General, said Mangi has been falsely and outrageously called a terrorist. And he has been accused, without a shred of evidence, of being an anti-Semite and of celebrating the Hamas attacks on October 7 simply because of his Muslim faith, Platkin said.

These attacks, if left unchecked, send a message to Muslim Americans throughout our nation that when they pledge allegiance, the country for which that flag stands has no place for them. This judicial nominee deserves better. But far more broadly, our Muslim brothers and sisters, and friends and neighbours do, too, he wrote.

Pakistani-American Khizr Khan told CNN that in his pro bono work, Mangi has fought against religious discrimination.

But what is happening now is nothing short of outrageous, as Republican senators at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in December lobbed question after question not about his legal philosophy or record, but about whether he supports terrorism and Hamas, he said.

Jennifer Bendery wrote in the Huffington Post that Mangi is a 23-year civil litigator based in New Jersey. He was unanimously rated well-qualified by the American Bar Association and has been praised by several organisations, including the AFL-CIO, the Coalition of Underrepresented Law Enforcement Associations and more than a dozen Jewish groups, for both his legal and pro-bono work.

But for months, Mangi has been the target of blatantly Islamophobic attacks by Republican senators and right-wing groups like the Judicial Crisis Network. This group has run ads accusing Mangi of being a radical and an antisemite, and of being involved in an organisations efforts to teach students to hate Israel, to hate America and to support global terrorism. None of this is true, Bdendery said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at a loss for words as he highlighted the dire situation unfolding at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza amid ongoing hostilities. Since the hospital came under siege on March 18, the UN health agency reported that 21 patients have lost their lives and the situation remains critical. Palestinians carry a wounded person following an Israeli airstrike near the Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The WHO chief said in a post on X that 107 patients are currently housed in an inadequate building within the hospital compound, lacking essential health support, medical care, and supplies. Patients, including 4 children and 28 critical cases, are facing severe shortages of basic necessities such as diapers, urine bags, and even water for wound cleaning, he added.

The lack of water is particularly alarming, with reports indicating that only one bottle remains for every 15 people as of yesterday.

Food is extremely limited  this is potentially life-threatening for diabetic patients whose condition is worsening, Tedros said, urging Israel for the immediate facilitation of access and the creation of a humanitarian corridor.

We repeat: every moment matters. Ceasefire! he said.

In another post on X, the WHO chief wrote, Lost for Words.

Read: The war in Gaza may topple Hamas without making Israel safer

Tedros made the appeal hours after he said that an Israeli air strike on another major hospital in Gaza, Al-Aqsa, killed four people and wounded 17.

"A WHO team was on a humanitarian mission at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza, when a tent camp inside the hospital compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike today," the WHO chief wrote.

He gave no details of the victims, but added: "WHO staff are all accounted for."

The Israeli army said on X that one of its planes "struck an operational Islamic Jihad command center and terrorists positioned in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in the area of Deir al Balah.

"Following the precise strike, the Al-Aqsa hospital building was not damaged and its function was not affected," it added.
Venezuelan authorities have arrested the renowned YouTuber, Oscar Alejandro, this Sunday at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas. YouTuber, Oscar Alejandro was arrested at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas, over terrorism charges

The family stated that the arrest was made under alleged "terrorism" accusations. However, the Prosecutor's Office, controlled by Nicolas Maduro's regime, has not issued an official statement yet.

"Oscar Alejandro's arrest is linked to accusations of terrorism," read the family statement posted on his social media. With 1.89 million subscribers on YouTube, Oscar Alejandro is well-known for promoting Venezuelan culture.

"Recognized for his work in promoting Venezuelan culture, he now faces this legal process. The family hopes that the judicial process, which will begin with a hearing on Monday, April 1, 2024, in the 2nd Court of Control of the Metropolitan Area, will clarify the details of the situation and ensure fair treatment in accordance with Oscar Alejandro's legal rights," the public complaint concluded.

Various press reports state that the YouTuber is detained at the Antiterrorism Division of the Scientific Investigation Corps of Venezuela headquarters.

Oscar Alejandro was arrested while preparing to travel with his family to Canaima National Park in the State of Bolivar.

This is yet another case where Venezuelan authorities have used "terrorism" accusations to arrest civilians, journalists, activists, or opinion leaders amid increasing repression leading up to the presidential election on July 28.

Why was Oscar Alejandro's Arrested?

Although Venezuelan authorities have not specified the accusations against the YouTuber, accounts on Twitter linked to the Maduro regime began falsely accusing Oscar Alejandro of inciting an attack against a crucial building in Caracas.

In a video cited by numerous accounts on Twitter that support the Maduro regime or consistently criticize Venezuelan dissidents, Oscar Alejandro briefly mentioned the Credicard Tower in Caracas. He noted that the building houses the servers for all the credit and debit cards in Venezuela. "If a bomb were thrown at that building, the entire national banking system would collapse," he said in the video, highlighting the vulnerability of Venezuela's electronic payment system.

The video, published seven months ago, had no impact until today when dozens of accounts began to share it after news of the YouTuber's arrest spread on social media.

Many Venezuelan users on social media, including journalists and human rights defenders, claimed that Oscar Alejandro's detention was arbitrary and unfounded.

The YouTuber, known for producing and publishing videos about travel and Venezuelan culture, publicly stated months ago that he avoided discussing politics or showcasing Venezuela's complex situation on his YouTube channel due to fears of retaliation from Maduro's regime.

Recently, Oscar Alejandro traveled to Nicaragua, a country governed by socialist dictator Daniel Ortega, an ally of Maduro.

Oscar Alejandro's videos about Nicaragua faced censorship, drawing international attention to the issue.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to meet Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto in Beijing on Monday amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. HT Image

Prabowo, who will succeed Joko Widodo in October, has arrived in the Chinese capital, according to a video posted online by China Central Television. The Indonesian Defense Ministry said Prabowos journey was intended to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and China and enhance cooperation, especially in the field of defense.

This is the first international trip for the incoming Indonesian leader since winning the election in February. The visit demonstrates the robustness of China-Indonesia ties, Chinas Foreign Ministry said earlier. Prabowo will also meet with Premier Li Qiang and Defense Minister Dong Jun before departing on Tuesday.

Investors will watching whether Prabowo will continue his predecessors middle-of-road strategy in navigating the US-China rivalry. China is Indonesias biggest economic partner and is pouring more than $7 billion into the nations commodity processing capacity.

Confrontations between China and the Philippines have ratcheted up over the past year as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shifted his foreign policy back to the nations longtime ally, the US. Since Marcos took office in 2022, he has boosted security ties with Washington and its allies. He has also asserted the Philippines territorial claims, which overlap with China and other neighbors.

Jokowi has maintained a non-confrontational approach over the sea dispute  though Beijings claims cut into Indonesias exclusive economic zone  and Xi would prefer Indonesia continue that approach. Prabowo said during his campaign that he wouldnt pick sides in the dispute.

China claims almost all of the waterway thats vital for global trade and is estimated to contain vast energy reserves. Beijing has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that said its efforts to assert control over the South China Sea exceeded the law.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Jury selection is set to begin Monday in Idaho for the death penalty trial of Chad Daybell, whose wife  "Doomsday Mom" Lori Vallow Daybell  was sentenced last year to life in prison without parole for murdering her two youngest children and conspiring to kill her husband's first wife.

Chad Daybell  a self-published writer of doomsday-focused fiction loosely based on Mormon teachings  faces the same charges as his wife, who told a friend she believed the kids, 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, had been taken over by evil spirits and turned into "zombies."

They were last seen alive in September 2019 and their bodies were found buried in Chad Daybell's yard in eastern Idaho the following summer.

JJ was asphyxiated with a plastic bag and duct tape over his mouth but Tylee's cause of death couldn't be determined because her body wasn't intact and arrived at the Ada County Coroner's Office in what the chief forensic pathologist testified last year were "three separate, sealed bags," TV station KTVB reported at the time.

Chad Daybell's first wife, Tammy Daybell, was found dead in her home in October 2019 with the cause also determined to be asphyxiation. Two weeks later, Chad Daybell married Lori Vallow, becoming her fifth husband.

During Lori Vallow Daybell's trial, her lawyer maintained there was no evidence tying her to any of the killings and suggested Chad Daybell, 55, and Lori Vallow Daybell's now-dead brother, Alex Cox, committed the killings, according to the Associated Press.

Defense lawyer Jim Archibald also said Lori Vallow Daybell was a loving, protective mother before meeting Chad Daybell, who convinced her that they'd been married in several previous lives and that she was a "sexual goddess" destined to help him save the world by gathering 144,000 followers so Jesus could return.

At her sentencing, Lori Vallow Daybell  who was repeatedly committed for mental health treatment to make her competent to stand trial  told the judge that she was regularly visited by the spirits of all three victims and that they were all happy and busy in the "spirit world."

"Jesus Christ knows that no one was murdered in this case," she said. "Accidental deaths happen. Suicides happen. Fatal side effects from medication happen."

But Judge Steven W. Boyce  who said killing one's own children was "the most shocking thing, really, that I can imagine"  told her she'd justified the murders by "going down a bizarre religious rabbit hole  and clearly you are still down there."
The former head of U.S. Central Command claims that ISIS wants to attack the United States and the threat is growing.

Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie issued the warning in an interview with ABC News.

They're going to try to do it," McKenzie said on "This Week" on Sunday. "I think the threat is growing."

He noted that an Islamic State affiliate called ISIS-K took responsibility for the Moscow concert hall shooting that left more than 130 people dead and scores more injured. ISIS has a "strong desire" to attack the U.S. and its allies, McKenzie said.

"It began to grow as soon as we left Afghanistan, it took pressure off ISIS-K. So I think we should expect further attempts of this nature against the United States as well as our partners and other nations abroad," McKenzie told news anchor Martha Raddatz. "I think this is inevitable."

McKenzie argues that the United States should have kept a small military force in Afghanistan.

He noted that ISIS has also claimed responsibility for a January bombing in Iran that killed 84 people and injured at least 284.

He claimed the March 22 terror attack in Russia shows the dangers of militants being able to plan large-scale attacks.

The U.S. said it alerted Russia to warning signs of the attack but was ignored.

"I think there was probably good opportunity for the Russians to have averted this attack had they actually listened to the material that was presented to them," McKenzie said.

The attackers have been identified as citizens of Tajikistan, a former Soviet land that borders Afghanistan. It has seen a growth in Islamic militarism since it became independent.


The minimum wage for California fast food workers rose Monday to $20 per hour, as a new law went into effect.

State legislators passed the law last year, in what proponents called a bid to bring greater financial security to hundreds of thousands of people who work in fast food, but detractors said could lead to higher prices and slowed job growth.

The increase sets the minimum wage for fast food workers above the overall state minimum wage of $16 for other industries.

"It gives me a little bit more of a wiggle room," McDonald's worker Jaylene Loubett, of Los Angeles, told NPR.

If anything, Loubett said, the pay hike doesn't go far enough.

"Even though it's a big help, people need to realize that $20 compared to the cost of living in Los Angeles, it's still not enough to feel secure," she said.

For Loubett and the more than 500,000 other people who work at California's fast food restaurants, the raise is a welcome boost in the face of rising cost of living, particularly in the Golden State.

But restaurant owners and other critics say that the higher wages could lead to unintended consequences.

"There isn't a quick-service restaurant owner in California who can easily shoulder an immediate 25% wage increase for all their employees," Mike Whatley, vice president of state affairs and grassroots advocacy for the National Restaurant Association, an industry trade organization, told CBS MoneyWatch.

"Consumers are starting to see this in menu prices, and employees across the state are starting to feel it, too," he said.

Starbucks told the Los Angeles Times that it plans to offset the higher wages, in part, by raising menu prices.

And Alex Johnson, the owner of 10 franchised restaurants in the San Francisco area, including Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon outposts, told CBS MoneyWatch that he plans to introduce more automation to reduce the need for human labor, and is considering shifting focus to restaurants in nearby Nevada.

"I work really hard to treat employees fairly, but there are consequences to these actions that increase costs - we're not hiring anymore, and I'm contemplating closing or selling my restaurants," Johnson told the outlet. "It's a sad time."

For now, though, workers and advocates are treating the pay hike as a win.

"The $20 raise is great. I wish this would have come sooner," Ingrid Vilorio, an immigrant who now works part-time at a Jack in the Box after previously working full-time at McDonald's, told the Associated Press. "Because I would not have been looking for so many other jobs in different places."
A commuter who drove over Baltimore's ill-fated Francis Scott Key Bridge on the way to his second job says he "probably wouldn't be here" if he'd delayed the trip by a even a minute.

Larry DeSantis was headed to Herman's Bakery in Dundalk, Maryland, early on March 26 when he crossed the span.

Moments later, DeSantis said, he got a chilling phone call from his other workplace.

"Someone called me like maybe two minutes later and said, 'Where are you at?' That was my other job calling," he told CNN for a report Monday.

"I said I just went over the bridge, and they said 'Well, you know, the bridge just collapsed.'"

DeSantis said he considered himself "very lucky."

"If I had stopped and talked to somebody, my co-worker for a minute, I probably wouldn't be here today," he said.

Video recorded by a traffic camera during the five minutes before the bridge collapsed shows a vehicle that could be DeSantis' truck, followed by a tractor-trailer cab that he said he passed on the span, according to CNN.

DeSantis didn't hear the bridge crash down behind him because he was listening to the radio while commuting between jobs, he told the Baltimore Banner.

Six construction workers are presumed to have been killed in the catastrophe, with only two bodies recovered to date.

Two survivors were pulled from the water after the container ship Dali lost power and smashed into a bridge column around 1:30 a.m., sending its steel trusses and roadway crumbling onto the freighter and into the Patapsco River.

Meanwhile, officials said the Coast Guard was preparing a temporary, alternate channel for commercially essential vessels to bypass the scene and get to and from the shuttered, economically vital Port of Baltimore, according to the Associated Press.

Crews have started removing wrecked steel and concrete, with dive teams surveying parts of the bridge and checking the ship on Sunday.

Workers in lifts also used torches to cut away parts of the trusses protruding from the water.

The port ranks as the ninth-busiest in the nation but has been No. 1 in handling cars and light trucks for the past 13 years, with nearly 800,000 vehicles passing through last year.
Convicted family killer Alex Murdaugh was handed even more prison time after pleading guilty in federal court to dozens of financial crimes, tacking decades onto his current sentence.



A federal judge in South Carolina on Monday sentenced Murdaugh, 55, to 40 years in prison for nearly two dozen charges of conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering, according to CNN.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty to these charges last year.

Prosecutors say Murdaugh, who is now a disbarred attorney, defrauded personal injury clients and his own firm of millions of dollars.



In 2021, Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife Maggie and 22-year-old son Paul, deaths which prosecutors said were attempts to distract from his financial crimes, CNN reported.

U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said Monday that he handed Murdaugh a longer sentence than the 17 1/2 to 22 years suggested by the federal agents because Murdaugh stole from "the most needy, vulnerable people," according to the Associated Press.

His victims included a client who became a quadriplegic after a crash, a state trooper hurt on the job, and a trust fund meant for children whose parents died in a wreck.

"They placed all their problems and all their hopes on Mr. Murdaugh and it is from those people he abused and stole," Gergel reportedly said. "It is a difficult set of actions to understand."

Murdaugh must also pay nearly $9 million in restitution.

The 22 federal counts marked the final charges outstanding for Murdaugh, who just three years ago was a powerful lawyer hailing from a family influential in South Carolina's Hampton County.

Murdaugh again apologized to his victims, reportedly saying he felt "guilt, sorrow, shame, embarrassment, humiliation."

He reiterated an offer to meet with his victims, to hear them out and allow them to "more closely inspect my sincerity," according to the AP.

"There's not enough time and I don't possess a sufficient vocabulary to adequately portray to you in words the magnitude of how I feel about the things I did," he said.
An American YouTuber who "likes danger" plans to take a break from traveling the globe to record videos after being kidnapped in Haiti while trying to interview the infamous gang leader known as "Barbecue."

Addison Pierre Maalouf, 26, spent 17 days in captivity before he and his family paid about $50,000 in ransom, he told the Voice of America for a Sunday report.

"I came to this country because I wanted to give a voice to somebody who was leading an insurrection against a very, very corrupt government," Maalouf said.

"Not that I know much about Haiti, but what I do know is that it's very big in the news and I'm an adventurer who likes danger."

Maalouf, who's from Georgia and calls himself YourFellowArab online, said he'd "been to 60 countries and Haiti so far is the number one worst country I've been to."

"I travel to dangerous places. I speak to people who are dangerous to understand their story and hear their voice," he said. "But after this, I'm done. I'm done for a little bit because my parents don't deserve the trouble that I put them through."

Maalouf said he "had a confirmed interview with Barbecue," a former Haitian police officer whose real name is Jimmy Cherizier.

But after arriving in Haiti, which is wracked by gang violence, Maalouf and local journalist Jean Sacra Sean Roubens were "set up by corrupt police officers," he said.

At one point during the ordeal, Maalouf said, he and Roubens were "locked in a room for four hours with shotguns held up to us" and "almost got shot by two people who were on crack."

Maalouf said he was otherwise "treated well" while being held for ransom by Haitian gang leader Lanmo Sanjou.

"But I would like to state that I was kidnapped purely for the color of my skin," he added. "So, being kidnapped for the color of my skin does not excuse the fact that we were treated well."

Sanjou, aka Joseph Wilson, is wanted by the FBI in the October 2021 kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries, including five children, who were held captive for 61 days.

The State Department has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest and/or convictions.

A video posted online Saturday before Maalouf's relase showed Sanjou sitting on a sofa between Maalouf and Roubens, who both embraced him at the end of the recording.

Roubens told the New York Times that he was also released.

Sanjou couldn't be reached for comment, according to the Times.
Police in Maine are trying to solve the mysterious death of a college student whose body was found in a parking lot off campus over the weekend.

Bowdoin College student Qingyang Zhan, who was known as K, was found dead Sunday morning in a lot near the Frank J. Wood Bridge in Topsham.

The Topsham Police Department was dispatched to investigate a report of a body in the lot. The lot is currently where equipment is parked for the construction of the replacement of the bridge.

They found the 20-year-old student's body and they are awaiting an autopsy from the Medical Examiner's Office to rule on a cause of death.

Police say the investigation is continuing but there is currently no cause to believe that there is an active threat to the community.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased as well as the Bowdoin College Community," the department said in a statement.

Bowdoin College President Safa R. Zaki alerted the campus of the "upsetting" death and said counseling would be made available.

She noted that Zhan was born in Shanghai, China, and had been living in the US since 2019.

Zhan started at Bowdoin in the fall of 2021. Faculty members describe her as a bright and engaging presence.

She helped found Bowdoin's Chinese Students Association and was also active in the Asian Student Association.

A government and legal studies and Asian studies double major, she was a learning assistant for Asian Studies in the Baldwin Center for Teaching and Learning and a musician who played the piano and guitar as part of the Bowdoin Concert Band, the school said.

"K's death is a devastating tragedy for her parents, her brother, other loved ones, and also for her friends, classmates, and our entire Bowdoin community," Zaki said in a letter to the campus. "This news is very difficult to process, especially since we do not yet know the circumstances of K's death. Please take care of yourselves and of others and take advantage of the opportunities to come together."

The school plans a memorial service in the coming days.
The Republican who flipped a New York congressional district in 2023 indirectly criticized former President Donald Trump's attacks on the daughter of the Manhattan judge overseeing an upcoming trial.

Prosecutors said Trump falsified payment records to hide a $130,000 hush money payment to former porn star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election to buy for her silence about an affair she said with him a decade earlier.

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler said, "Families should always be off-limits" in an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday.

It comes after Trump's social media attacks against Judge Juan Merchan and his daughter, who is a Democratic political consultant.

But Lawler also said, "The former president has every right to defend himself in court. He has every right to defend himself as - through the proper legal channels."

Then he blamed both parties for not dealing with the issues that matter to voters.

"I think everyone needs to tone down the rhetoric, the language. And, obviously, social media has become a vehicle by which to bludgeon people," Lawler said.

"I just think, at the end of the day, the former president, current president, and on down, all of us have a responsibility to check our language, to watch what we're saying, and to focus on the issues at hand."

"At the end of the day, Donna, the American people are focused on what matters to them, whether you are Democrat or Republican."

Anchor Dana Bash also referenced a video Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social showing a photo of President Bidgen hog-tied in the back of a pickup truck.

Lawler blamed the media for bringing up controversial statements and social media posts by Trump.

"We are seeing issues all across this country that frankly don't get the attention they deserve because we're focused on stuff like this."

The interview touched on several other issues, including IVF rights and more aid to Ukraine.

At the end of the interview, Lawler wouldn't answer whether he would endorse Trump's campaign and only responded that he was more concerned with winning his own election.

Democrats have targeted his 17th Congressional District seat as one they could possibly flip in 2024.
As Donald Trump's campaign kicks its search for a vice presidential candidate into higher gear, one Republican senator has asserted that the chosen nominee is also expected to be the former president's successor in the 2028 presidential race.

"This person will not only be one heartbeat away from the presidency during President Trump's next term but will likely be our nominee in '28 and serve as president for the next eight years following President Trump's term," Montana Senator Steve Daines told Politico.

Trump and his associates have reportedly floated an array of potential candidates, including Senators Marco Rubio, JD Vance and Tim Scott, as well as governors, including former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Trump has dismissed the significance of the vice presidency in the past - saying that the most important criterion for selecting his running mate is that they could be a good president "in case of emergency."

At the same time, however, the former president has reportedly asked guests at Mar-a-Lago for their take on vice presidential candidates, while having meetings where he vacillates between several options.

"He's going to draw this out 'Apprentice'-style," a source close to the campaign told Politico.

The campaign has even highlighted the selection process during fundraising efforts by sending supporters emails with the subject line "Want to know who my VP will be?"

During his 2016 campaign, Trump selected then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate to ensure that he could hold on to the party's conservative, religious base. Eight years later, in a changed political landscape, the GOP's priorities are no longer the same.

In the years since Trump and Pence left office, many Republicans have derided the former vice president for not participating in Trump's attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. On the morning of the January 6 insurrection, Trump told Pence that if he certified the election results it would be a "career-killer," a White House employee testified before the January 6 committee.

"When people didn't know Trump beyond sort of the TV personality or the business guy, you needed a little more balance. And I think that made a lot of sense with Mike Pence at the time," Donald Trump Jr. told Politico. "Now, I think we see where our country is, you need someone who's actually going to fight."
3 Ways to Leverage Your Hotel PMS Data for Revenue Management Success



Data is the lifeblood of your business, and as a hotelier, it's what helps you make informed decisions, stay ahead of your competition, and ultimately, drive revenue.

And when it comes to data, there's no source more important than your Property Management System (PMS).

Your PMS is the beating heart of your hotel operations, tracking everything from reservations and check-ins to hotel room rates and billing. But it's also a treasure trove of data that can be used to optimize your revenue and distribution strategies, and your hotel's performance overall. The question is, are you tapping into its full potential?

To ensure you are maximizing your PMS data, in this blog post, we explore some of the important discoveries you can make buried away in your PMS data - data that, when used effectively, will ensure that you are delivering on your KPIs and growing your bottom line.

Identify your business drivers: Key factors impacting your hotel's revenue

The first secret to unlocking the full potential of your PMS data is to identify your business drivers.

Business drivers are the key factors that impact your hotel's revenue and profitability. This on-the-books data will make up the foundation for a large number of strategic business decisions you need to make.

Here are some of the key drivers you should be able to record and find in your PMS:

Market segment - The category of the market, grouping of rate codes, to which the reservation belongs, such as transient, group, etc.

Rate code - The PMS rate code assigned to the reservation, such as BARBB, CORP1, etc.

Room type - The rooms being consumed and their associated rate

Channel - The distribution channel used to make the reservation

Country - The country from which the guest is traveling

Day of week stays - The days of the week for which the reservation is made

Length of stay (LOS) - The number of room nights booked as part of the reservation

Lead time - The amount of time in advance the reservation is made

Company - Whether the reservation is linked to a company, potentially one you have already prospected for a negotiated rate

Agency - The travel agent who made the reservation, such as CWT, Booking.com, etc.

Once you have identified your business drivers, you can use this information to optimize your pricing, availability, LOS, and room type strategies.

For instance, if you know that your hotel's retail BAR-driven occupancy is higher on weekends, that's a great opportunity to adjust your pricing strategy and bump up your rates on weekends to capture more revenue.

By pinpointing these drivers, you can also get a better sense of which guest segments are most profitable for your hotel. Maybe you discover that your corporate guests are bringing in more revenue than your leisure guests.

Armed with that knowledge, you can focus your sales and marketing efforts on attracting more corporate guests or find ways to enhance your leisure offering.

In addition, understanding your business drivers can help you optimize your distribution strategies. If you find that direct bookings generate more revenue than bookings through online travel agencies (OTAs), it makes sense to prioritize direct bookings.

When you take a closer look at your guest data, you can start to see patterns and trends that reveal which guests are most likely to be interested in additional services or amenities.

You can then target upsell opportunities that are priced appropriately, boosting your revenue and giving your guests an even better experience.

To guarantee you're analyzing your data accurately, it's important to establish clear naming conventions for things like rate codes, channel codes, and other data points. When your data is organized and labeled consistently, you can be confident that any insights you gain from your analysis are based on accurate information

It's crucial that all of this data is captured at the front desk. Keeping a record of a guest's country of origin or using the correct rate code for guests will help to ensure the next steps in your decision-making are founded on accurate data.

Maintaining clean record keeping and capturing accurate information will allow the necessary visibility to develop accurate commercial strategies.

Ultimately, driving commercial growth is not only about filling your hotel as much as possible but also strategically leveraging the highest-rated business to develop an optimized mix of business. This will allow you to maximize your revenue on a daily basis to find incremental gains for growth over the weeks, months, and years.

Measure your pickup and pace to adjust your Revenue Management strategy

How many rooms have we added since yesterday? How is this performance better than the same time last year? These are key questions that you will likely have to regularly answer; answers that are all found in your PMS data.

Before you can make any strategy decisions, you need some context. What business did you pickup yesterday and how does it affect your current business mix? How is it pacing against your forecast or against the same time last year? Perhaps you only had pickup in your static rate segments and if you were to raise your rates in dynamic segments, you would end up depressing the pick-up on your higher-yielding rates.

Alternatively, you might spot that your pick-up is filling up too quickly from lower-paying segments or rate codes. If so, you could consider setting up inventory or LOS restrictions to ensure that you're not selling too many rooms at lower rates.

Your pick-up is something you should look at daily, and when looking at it, it's also important to assess and understand the type of business you have picked up. Analyzing your pickup and pace can help you make informed decisions about pricing and inventory management.

For example, if you notice that pick-up is slow for a particular date, you can adjust your commercial strategy to incentivize bookings. Similarly, if you notice that pace is slower than the same period in the previous year, you can adjust your marketing efforts to attract more bookings.

With this information you can then begin to be more strategic in how you approach certain dates, whether it's through inventory and pricing decisions, promotional and distribution strategies, or sales and marketing campaigns.

Optimizing strategies for long-term success in hotel Revenue Management

To ensure that you are meeting your revenue goals, it's important to establish clear KPIs and track them regularly.

By monitoring metrics like Revenue Per Available Room(RevPAR), Average Daily Rate (ADR), and occupancy rates, you can quickly identify areas where you need to adjust your strategies to achieve your revenue targets.

With detailed visibility of PMS data, that you can leverage effectively, you can drive commercial success through optimizing pricing, distribution, forecasting, room type consumption, management of booking windows, unique special event strategies, or cancellation policies.

Pricing optimization involves analyzing historical data to identify trends and patterns in market segments, rate codes, and room types that drive the most revenue. With this information, and by using dynamic pricing, you can adjust your room pricing to meet market demand and yield the most from your highest-rated segments.

Similarly, distribution optimization involves analyzing historical data to identify the channels that drive the most revenue, such as OTA channels, direct booking channels, and metasearch channels.

By focusing on these channels and reducing reliance on less profitable ones, you can then adjust your distribution strategies to ensure you are not losing out and maximizing those that bring you the most revenue.

Effective Revenue Management involves categorizing revenue streams into a hierarchy from the most granular level of individual reservations into rate codes and then into segments. From here you can project expected revenue based on past performance and market trends.

By allocating resources to different areas of the business based on strategic priorities and expected ROI, you can optimize efficiency of the inventory you have available and maximize revenue for your hotel.

To develop strategies for lasting success, it is essential you get your forecasting right.

If you forecast accurately, you can anticipate future performance meaning you will be able to adjust your inventory and pricing strategies accordingly. To create accurate forecasts, it's vital you understand the factors that can impact demand, such as events in the area, seasonality, and economic conditions.

Your PMS hosts all types of historical data and trends you can use to inform your forecasting, ensuring your forecasts are up-to-date and relevant. You can then adjust pricing and distribution strategies to maximize revenue during periods of high demand and minimize revenue loss during periods of low demand, while still factoring in variable market conditions to ensure your strategy meets market demand effectively.

To ensure that your forecasts remain accurate and relevant, it's best to review and adjust them regularly. By doing so, you can make the necessary adjustments and ensure that your property is always operating at peak efficiency, optimizing revenue opportunities and maximizing profitability in line with your KPIs.

Unlocking your PMS data with Business Intelligence

While having PMS data is one thing, leveraging your PMS data effectively is the real key to maximizing revenue and profitability in today's fast-paced hospitality industry.

To truly drive revenue, you need the right information in front of the right people, enabling your entire team to make data-driven decisions on the fly. That's where Lighthouse Business Intelligence comes in.

Lighthouse Business Intelligence brings your PMS data to life by putting the right information front and center with a few clicks, saving hours of time on data collection and analysis.

This fully automated, brand-neutral hotel software enables your entire team to make more informed, data-driven decisions with confidence. With real-time insights into the beating heart of your business, you can streamline your decision-making and focus on the areas that are business-critical, while identifying new opportunities to grow your revenue.

Business Intelligence gives you both a high-level consolidated perspective and granular visibility into the trends and performance of each component of your business so that you can see exactly which market segment, rate plan, or other key business driver is working - or not.

Whether you're preparing for an RFP or just a weekly revenue call, Business Intelligence streamlines all your PMS data into one easy-to-use dashboard with endless drill-down options, to serve the whole commercial team.

Summary

Your hotel's PMS data is a gold mine of valuable information that can help you fine-tune your revenue and distribution strategies.

By identifying your business drivers, measuring your pickup and pace, and reviewing and adjusting your strategies, you can make educated decisions that set your property up for success.

So, take the time to analyze your PMS data and identify key insights that can help you optimize your revenue and distribution strategies. Set clear KPIs and track them regularly, and don't be afraid to make adjustments along the way to hit your revenue targets.

With the right information and tools at your disposal, you can unlock the full potential of your PMS data and drive sustained business success for your property.

Leveraging a Business Intelligence tool gives you a competitive edge, as it provides nearly instantaneous insights extracted from the wealth of data within your PMS, that everyone on your team has access to, to make smart commercial decisions.

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 partnersNtheir success is our success.
Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa

Guestroom at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa

Marriott Hotels today announced the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa on the island of Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu, on the East Coast of Malaysia. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Perhentian Island Marine Park, the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa marks the flagship brands debut in Terengganu. Through the brands rich legacy, the new resort invites guests to discover the irresistible charm of a tropical sanctuary that beckons with the unparallelled natural beauty of marine biodiversity, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a myriad of unforgettable experiences anchored in the captivating heritage and tradition of Malaysian culture.

Located on the northwest coast of Perhentian Kecil Island, the resort is easily accessible by ferry from Kuala Besut Jetty, which is an hours drive from the city of Kota Bharu.

We are excited to open the first Marriott Hotel in stunning Terengganu in the East Coast of Malaysia. Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is an important milestone in our journey of expansion, not only is it the first Marriott Hotel in the beautiful Perhentian islands, but also our first in Terengganu and the East Coast of Malaysia, said Ramesh Jackson, Area Vice President, Malaysia and Indonesia, Marriott International. We are raising the bar in this part of Malaysia with heartfelt service reflecting the Marriott Hotels legacy of wonderful hospitality and sharing elevated experiences with the aim to make Perhentian and Terengganu a must-see destination for domestic and international travelers alike.

The design of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is a beautiful embrace of Malaysias unique East Coast, inspired by the beauty of the South China Sea, its coastal forest shoreline and the unique traditions and culture of the area. In line with the islands status as a marine park and an environmentally sensitive area, the design of the resort is approached with sustainability placing the highest importance on minimizing environmental impact, the use of local building materials and native landscaping. The building designs are intended to create a seamless transition between the indoors and the outdoors, harmoniously blending sustainable yet poetic spaces. Decorative designs reflect the traditional woven craft of songket with intricate motifs that generate a strong visual contrast against rustic feature walls. Throughout the resort, natural elements such as tree trunks or tree saplings are used for the columns and roof or facade screens and applied in various unique ways, working together to create a serene and welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Accommodations

Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa invites guests to experience modern elegance and comfort with 200 exquisite deluxe rooms and 17 villas that capture spectacular day and night views of the sea in the most tranquil setting. The guestrooms are arranged specifically to follow the natural contour of the existing topography to minimize disturbance to the lay of the land, and are carefully positioned and angled to ensure unobstructed views and privacy. The designs are intentionally kept simple, clean and modern, reflecting an ethos that blends in with the natural environment with minimum disruption. The largest is the 120 square meter Royal Villa, one of the largest hotel suites on the island with a private pool. All rooms and villas feature calming interiors of natural tones accentuated with plush comfortable beds and complimentary Wi-Fi for the guests convenience and comfort.

For guests who wish to maintain their workout routines on their travels, a 24-hour fully-equipped Fitness Center and a Yoga Deck with stunning sea views provides for invigorating workouts, while the resorts symphony of three outdoor pools and a jacuzzi are filled with dechloronised water for an environmentally-conscious and rejuvenating experience. Club Penyu, the resorts kids and teens club is a hub of fun, tailored for young guests aged between 3-17 years, further elevating family escapes with leisure and educational activities delving into the richness of local culture, products and marine life. The Qi Forest Spa & Wellness is perfect for guests wishing to pamper themselves and unwind with an array of spa treatments  including the traditional Malay massage.

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Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa promises plenty of activities for all ages and interests. With direct beach access, exploring the beauty of Terengganu underwater begins at the outstandingwhere experienced scuba diving instructors and equipment promise the ultimate adventure, including a dedicated dive pool, dive boat and using Nitrox for dives. Dive excursions to nearby coral outcrops and reefs uncover abundant underwater scenery where colorful soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, harp and black corals, are teeming with life including reef fish, mollusks, barracudas, kingfish, black tip and nurse sharks. Above water, there are opportunities for dolphin and pilot whale spotting in July and August. Other attractions at the resort include the, where guests can discover more about the timeless beauty of Terengganus traditional arts and crafts through workshops, demonstration and activities.

Dining

Dining at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is a culinary adventure with locally sourced ingredients. All-day dining restaurant Dapur serves local and international favorites, a highlight being its signature bubbly breakfast concept, combining buffet and a chefs special a la carte menu for everyones palate and preferences. Specialty restaurant Sekoci is a poolside dining experience with an alfresco concept, offering indulgent international cuisine for lunch. For dinner, guests are invited to savor coastal dining with exquisite grilled seafood delights that captivate the senses, while the Greatroom bar and lounge provides a stylish ambiance for memorable evenings with expertly crafted cocktails. Guests can indulge in local delicacies and locally infused cocktails while taking in picturesque views of the South China Sea from the alfresco dining area.

Events

Events and functions are elevated experiences at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa with the centrepiece being the pillarless grand ballroom measuring 551 square meters, complete with a built-in LED screen and a stage that sets the tone, offering limitless possibilities for special events. With a breathtaking, sea-facing pre-function area and outdoor terrace, this collective space offers perfect tranquility and elegance. In addition to the grand ballroom, the hotel offers two flexible function rooms, each equipped with the latest technology and customizable setups to accommodate a variety of events.

An ideal wedding destination, the resort can cater to dream weddings, from lavish celebrations to more intimate affairs, with a variety of flexible spaces, world-class amenities and expert planners to seamlessly bring every detail to life.

We are very excited to welcome guests to Perhentian Kecil, an island within Terengganus Marine Park, as rich in natural beauty as it is in local culture and tradition, offering visitors a unique glimpse of Malaysia, said Anne Busfield, General Manager, Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa. "Our commitment to delivering exceptional service, combined with contemporary locally inspired design, ensures that every guest experiences the true essence of wonderful hospitality.
Travel March Review: Holiday Late's Pricing, The Budget & Travel, Agent debt, UKInbound

Welcome to the Travel Monthly Review Show - March 2024 edition. In this episode we tackle:

Some industry news including Late's pricing, Agent debt and industry associations

Spring Budget UK - The UK Government announced a range of measures to keep Britain financially fluidEwe'll analyse what they mean to the industry

In our monthly feature - we're joined by Joss Croft, CEO of UKInbound, to look at trends of the international traveller market to the UK

Plus - we cannot end the show without our Quick Quiz

Featuring Will Plummer (CEO, Trust My Group), Claire Steiner (UK Director, Global Travel and Tourism Partnership), and James Clarke (General Manager, Travelzoo UK),

FEATURE TOPIC UK - Spring budget - election year

Air- passenger Duty: Air passenger duty on business-class travel is set to rise

Holiday lets: Completely getting rid of the Furnished Holiday Let scheme from April 2025,. This now means that mortgage interest will NOT be deductible

Abolishing Multiple Dwelling Relief from June

Freezing alcohol duty: The freeze on alcohol duty, which had been due to end in August, will continue until February 2025.

Employee and general business

2% cut in National Insurance This means employees were paying 12% in December, 10% January to March and 8% from April.

The self-employed will pay 6% from April.

Increasing the VAT threshold from 85,000 to 90,000 from April

Increasing the threshold that Child Benefit

Listen to the podcast here.

About Haynes MarComs





Haynes MarComs supports businesses with strategic brand marcomms and digital and PR campaigns by taking an holistic approach to sales, marketing and customer delivery. Our aim is to make your business more efficient and productive in your go-to-market strategy to secure the confidence from the market that drives lead generation to meet your commercial goals.




iciHaiti - Textile : The Digneron Industrial Park, looted, vandalized and burned





Friday March 29, 2024, the Digneron Industrial Park, of Palm Apparel Group of a group of Haitian businessmen whose first phase of the construction of this Park in the free zone of Digneron located in Roche Blanche (Croix-des-Bouquets) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27328-haiti-economy-the-free-zone-of-digneron-has-already-create-8-000-jobs.html was built at the cost of 15 million dollars (4 industrial buildings, two administrative buildings for customs facilities and infrastructure (cafeteria, dispensary) was attacked by heavily armed individuals who looted and burned a 9,000 m2 warehouse of raw materials.



Subsequently, these individuals entered a production unit of nearly 19,000 m2 where they vandalized and looted offices and damaged many industrial machines...



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27328-haiti-economy-the-free-zone-of-digneron-has-already-create-8-000-jobs.html



PI/ iciHaiti


















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JK Rowling could be investigated by police for misgendering trans people under Scotlands new hate crime law, an SNP minister has said.

The partys community safety minister, Siobhian Brown, had previously claimed that misgendering  for example, using the pronoun he when talking about a trans woman  would not count as a hate crime, but she has now said it would be a police decision.

Speaking as the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act came into force on Monday 1 April, Ms Brown told Radio 4s Today programme: It could be reported and it could be investigated. Whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland for that.

The legislation was passed in 2021, while Humza Yousaf was serving as justice secretary in Nicola Sturgeons government. It is only now being implemented after Police Scotland spent time training its officers.

The new law covers hatred on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

Women were not listed as a protected group in the legislation, in a move that has been described as astonishing by human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

On this point, Ms Brown admitted that more work needs to be done and said a misogyny bill would be introduced.

But the legislation has raised concerns that the definition of a hate crime is too ambiguous, and could threaten free speech, with prominent critics including Rowling, podcaster Joe Rogan and Elon Musk, the owner of X.

open image in gallery JK Rowling has been criticised for misgendering transgender people ( AFP via Getty )

Harry Potter author Rowling has frequently argued online that trans women are not women and last week vowed to continue calling a man a man despite what she called the ludicrous law. She said she would not delete social media posts that could breach hate crime laws.

In response to the new law coming into force on Monday, Rowling posted a series of tweets about trans women who are convicted paedophiles and rapists, writing: The new legislation is wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence those of us speaking out about the dangers of eliminating womens and girls single-sex spaces, the nonsense made of crime data if violent and sexual assaults committed by men are recorded as female crimes, the grotesque unfairness of allowing males to compete in female sports, the injustice of womens jobs, honours and opportunities being taken by trans-identified men, and the reality and immutability of biological sex...

The re-definition of woman to include every man who declares himself one has already had serious consequences for womens and girls rights and safety in Scotland, with the strongest impact felt, as ever, by the most vulnerable, including female prisoners and rape survivors.

The writer, who lives in Edinburgh, added: Im currently out of the country, but if what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment... #ArrestMe.

Rowling has long been a fierce critic of the Scottish Governments gender reform plans, arguing the proposals infringe on womens safety.

She has previously stated that she would rather go to jail than refer to a trans person by their preferred pronouns.

Her latest public row was with trans activist India Willoughby, whom she deliberately misgendered.

India didnt become a woman, she wrote on X. India is cosplaying a misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is.

Willoughby responded to Rowlings comments, writing: Genuinely disgusted by this. Grotesque transphobia, which is upsetting. I am every bit as much a woman as JK Rowling. Recognised in law, and by everyone I interact with every day. The debate about whether JK Rowling is a transphobe is over.
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Jennifer Garner has announced the death of her father, William John Garner, at the age of 85.

The 13 Going On 30 and Elektra star, 51, said her father passed peacefully on Saturday afternoon (30 March), and that he was leaving behind a loving legacy.

We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away  valid question), she joked in a post on Instagram, alongside a series of pictures of the pair together.

While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners.

Today is for gratitude.

We are grateful for Dads gentle demeanour and quiet strength. For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all in, ever patient girl dad. We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith.

open image in gallery Jennifer Garner (right) with her parents William and Patricia at the premiere of 'Elektra in 2004 ( Getty Images for Twentieth Century Fox )

Garner said her family were extending their gratitude to the Charleston Area Medical Centre and City of Hope  which is a world-renowned pioneer in cancer research, treatment and prevention.

Your care extended Dads life and gave him time to be in his favourite spots - surrounded by daughters and grandchildren, cheering for his beloved Aggies, captaining a boat, and  most of all  next to his wife of 59 years, our Mum, she said.

There is so much to say about my dad  my sisters and I will never be done talking about how wonderful he was, so bear with us  but for today I share these memories with my appreciation for the kind and brilliant man, father, and grandfather he was, as well as the loving legacy he left behind.

Last year, Garner wrote about her father on Instagram after she gifted him a heartwarming trip down memory lane as a birthday surprise.

The actor visited her hometown of Charleston, West Virginia and used part of her time to plan an early birthday present for her father.

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Dads early birthday surprise: a ride in his childhood car  [a] 1948 Studebaker Champion, she wrote on social media.

Her fathers birthday fell on 21 September, which is famously referenced in the Earth, Wind & Fire song September. Jennifer referenced the date in an older birthday tribute post from 2017.

My dads birthday = the 21st night of September = #earthwindandfireday, she wrote, quoting the lyric of the song, which also played in the background of the clip. We always knew you were the coolest, Dad! Happy Birthday!

Additional reporting by agencies
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Paul OGrady fans were reduced to tears as the late comedian and TV presenters final TV production aired on ITV last night.

OGrady, best known for creating the celebrity drag persona Lily Savage, died of cardiac arhythmia last March at the age of 67.

At the time of his death, he was completing work on Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure, a new documentary in which the presenter travels to Thailand and Laos to explore elephant conservationalism.

The first episode of the two-part series finally premiered on ITV on Sunday night (31 March), drawing effusive and bittersweet reactions from fans.

Didnt expect to end up crying over a programme about Elephants with Paul OGrady #PogElephants but here we are, one viewer wrote.

What a joyous bit of television! What incredible animals and what a loss Paul OGrady is, another commented.

Watching Paul OGradys Great Elephant Adventure, someone else remarked. What magnificent creatures and a wonderful human being.

open image in gallery Paul OGrady in Great Elephant Adventure' ( ITV )

Earlier this week, OGradys husband Andre Portasio shared candid details about the TV stars death, one year on.

Describing the day of OGradys death as most ordinary, he recalled that the star had come back from touring, so was a little bit tired and woke up really late.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free

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According to Portasio, OGrady had been looking very smart in a white shirt ahead of a planned meeting with long-time radio producer Malcolm Prince. Ill never forget saying to him how handsome he looked, and him joking back, saying F*** off!

He left to get some tea, and I heard this loud bang  but because the house is big and old, I didnt think of anything at first, Portasio explained. I walked to the kitchen to start putting some food on, and I started taking things out of the fridge  and all of a sudden, I could see him lying on the floor. I just didnt know what to think at first.

After noticing that OGrady had suffered a head wound, Portasio then contacted the emergency services. I called the ambulance and they said the best chance to keep him alive was to do CPR, he said, adding: I dont know how long it took for the ambulance to arrive but by the end I was exhausted.

OGrady and Portasio met in 2006 and got married in 2017.

Paul OGradys Great Elephant Adventure is available to stream now on ITVX.
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This town, sang The Specials in 1981, is coming like a ghost town. The song, by the Coventry-based ska revival band, became the anthem of urban decay during the Thatcher era. Music  and only music, it seemed  could speak to the way that inequality was crushing the zeal of a generation. This is the milieu of This Town, a new six-part BBC One series from Steven Knight that celebrates how, at the margins of society, music is not a distraction but an escape.

Birmingham, 1980s. Gentle poet Dante (Levi Brown), wandering the streets a heartbroken mess, runs smack into a combustible clash between protesters and police. There, he connects with livewire Jeannie (Eve Austin). You still weird then? she asks him.

Elsewhere, sensitive Bardon (Ben Rose) is being pressured by his father to engage in activities in support of the IRA, while Dantes brother Gregory (Jordan Bolger) is currently deployed with the British army in Northern Ireland. And finally, among the pubescent cohort, theres Fiona (Freya Parks), an edgy record-shop employee and the object of Dantes unrequited affections. These relationships  as tangled as spaghetti junction  form the backdrop to a story of creativity blossoming even in the tinderbox of social unrest.

How could I have been so thick? Dante observes, in a moment of realisation. Words need music. And so, the native poetry of the Brummie man is merged with ska, as Dante, Bardon, Jeannie and Fiona come together to make music in the madness. Its a coming-of-age tale expedited by circumstances: Dante falling in with a bad crowd, while Bardon struggles to get out from the yoke of his father Eamonn (Peter McDonald). The dreams of gentle men, in perpetual tension with the world around them.

If youd asked me, a few weeks ago, whether Id already seen a show called This Town, written by Peaky Blinders creator Knight, Id have had to toss a coin. From Serenity to Spencer, SAS: Rogue Heroes and A Christmas Carol to All the Light We Cannot See and Great Expectations, Knight has been on the sort of prolific streak that makes James Graham and Jack Thorne look like idle layabouts. Its also a very hit-and-miss resume, one that exposes the lack of imagination among commissioners. And yet unlike the confected schmaltz of All the Light We Cannot See or the dumbed-down Dickens of Great Expectations, This Town offers Knight a chance to return to the Midlands of his youth, his upbringing among the turbulence, and a tale that feels deeply personal.

At the heart of this are the charming central quartet. Brown, particularly, is a revelation in the lead role, giving Dante a strange fragility. It is a tender performance, aided by Austin, Rose and Parks, who offer variations on themes of friendship, family and romance. Knight has also assembled an excellent grown-up (well, older) cast, too, with standouts including Michelle Dockery as Bardons addict mother and Nicholas Pinnock as Dante and Gregorys father, himself in recovery. These generations mirror each other, exposing the cyclical nature of ambition, its fruition and destruction.

Knight isnt a writer who deals with his themes particularly subtly. Peaky Blinders always quivered on the verge of being prestige TV, but was ultimately too tempted by the impulse to be something mainstream, lapped up by primetime TV viewers. This Town is blunt, too. Issues such as structural racism are dealt with sympathetically but crudely. The depiction of the activities of the IRA, equally, is rendered in vivid strokes that verge on pastiche. The emotional delicacy of Dante and his poetry is not reflected by Knights storytelling, which privileges big, bold actions  eruptions of violence, shock betrayals, starry-eyed kisses. Well take over the whole f***ing world, Bardon declares in a moment of youthful confidence, and at times, it feels like Knight has never lost that exuberance.

Which is why Peaky Blinders was a smash hit, and why This Town works. For all the sadness, all the exploitation and abuse, there is a joyful streak. Compared to many of Knights recent projects, the show feels personal to him, and, as a result, the characters come bursting into life. This Town is no ghost town.
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The US ambassador to India has said any governments involvement in assassination attempts on foreign soil cross an unacceptable red line, in the latest criticism of New Delhis alleged plot to kill a prominent separatist Sikh leader in New York.

India was confronted last year by Canada, the US and other Western nations over apparent attempts by Narendra Modis government to kill prominent Sikh separatists living abroad. US prosecutors say an Indian government official was involved in a plot to kill New York-based lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, which was ultimately foiled by the American security services.

India has said it is investigating the claims, while it has rejected allegations relating to the murder of another Sikh separatist in British Columbia, Canada. It has labelled Mr Pannun a terrorist for his involvement in calls for a separate Sikh state to be carved out of India.

Ambassador Eric Garcetti, speaking on the issue of the Pannun assassination plot for the first time, said no government should ever be involved in the attempted assassination of another countrys citizen.

I think thats absolutely critical. For any of us, just abstractly, that has to be a red line. No government or government employee can be involved in the alleged assassination of one of your own citizens. Thats just an unacceptable red line, the US diplomat told Indian news agency ANI in an interview aired on Sunday.

He went on: "Any country, having an active member of their government involved in a second country trying to assassinate one of their citizens. Thats, I think, usually a red line for any country. Thats a basic issue of sovereignty. Thats a basic issue of rights.

A fierce critic of Indian governments through decades, Mr Pannun has been a leading organiser in north America for a so-called Khalistan referendum, inviting Sikhs worldwide to vote on whether Indias Punjab state should become an independent nation and homeland for the religion.

Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of Canada and the US, has issued multiple opaque threats towards India, targeting the Indian parliament, Air India and Indian officials.

In an indirect reference to these threats, Mr Garcetti said the US protects free speech for better and for worse, and that a citizen of the US can be convicted or deported only according to the countrys law.

The US ambassador also warned generally against arresting people for their speech, calling it a slippery slope.

"They (people) can say, why dont you just arrest people for what they say? We dont have that system. I, as ambassador, cant change that rule. Even while it hurts us sometimes, things that are just about America, not even talking about India at all, what people say, he told the Indian news agency.

He added: As a Jew, I had people who stood on a freeway overpass in my city condemning Jews. And theyre not arrested. If they threaten violence, they can be. But its also a slippery slope. Once you start arresting for what people say, that can go really extreme. And so its the American philosophy not to."

For convicting an American citizen or to process their deportation in another country, the situation has to meet our law, he added.

And if anybody ever says something that steps over that line, and I know its gotten very close, we will be working together on that," he added.

Mr Garcetti said New Delhi and Washington were working together to hold responsible those behind the alleged Pannun plot, stating that this demonstrates the closeness of India and US ties.

Indian foreign affairs minister S Jaishankar responded to Mr Garcettis comments on Monday and said that the top US diplomat was saying what he thinks is the position of his government.

The position of my government is that in this particular case, there has been certain information provided to us which we are investigating, S Jaishankar said at a news briefing.

He claimed that New Delhi was investigating the allegations primarily because its own security interests are also involved.

It is something we are investigating as we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation," he said, adding that when the Indian government has an update to provide on that probe, they will do so.

The explosive claims from the US about the Pannun plot came just two months after Canada accused New Delhi of being involved in the killing of a Canadian national associated with the Sikh separatist movement in Surrey, British Columbia.

Washington reportedly informed a wider group of allies of the attempt against Mr Pannun following a statement by the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in September.
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Pat Nibin Maxwell moved from India to Israel at the height of the Gaza conflict in December last year, leaving behind a pregnant wife and a four-year-old daughter. The decision to relocate to another country in search of work was not an easy one, particularly to such a restive region.

It was a choice driven by financial reasons, his cousin Jose Dennis tells The Independent. Maxwell was among hundreds of Indian youths taking up blue-collar jobs in dangerous locations, including Russias frontline with Ukraine, driven by what an economist describes as extreme desperation due to the lack of well-paid employment in India.

On 4 March, Maxwells family were told on a call that the 31-year-old was grievously injured in an anti-tank missile strike on a poultry farm in northern Israel. He was hospitalised along with two other Indians, Dennis says. Later, we learnt that he has died.

The decision to take up work in conflict zones comes with high risks despite the fact it is backed by the government in some cases. The Narendra Modi administration has signed an agreement with Israel to allow 40,000 Indians to work in the fields of construction and nursing in the Middle Eastern country, making up for the loss of Palestinian workers amid the Gaza war.

The Indian governments move led to criticism in some quarters, with opponents of the scheme questioning why better, safer job opportunities couldnt be made available closer to home.

At the time the scheme was announced, the government said India was committed to making sure its migrant workers were protected. Through this agreement, we want to ensure that there is regulated migration and the rights of the people who go there are protected, said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for Indias foreign ministry.

Confirming the news of Maxwells death and the injury to two others due to a cowardly terror attack launched by Hezbollah, the Israeli embassy in India said in a post on X it was deeply shocked and saddened.

Our prayers and thoughts naturally go to the families of the bereaved and those of the injured. Israeli medical institutions are completely at the service of the injured who are being treated by our very best medical staff. Israel regards equally all nationals, Israeli or foreign, who are injured or killed due to terrorism, the post said.

In Kollam, Maxwells family are struggling to come to terms with the loss. As well as his wife and young daughter, he is survived by his elderly parents and two brothers, his relatives said. It is a very difficult time for us. We are running [around] and making arrangements to receive his body, his cousin says.

open image in gallery Pat Nibin Maxwell at his home in Kerala ( Facebook )

Maxwell had an industrial training certificate and was working with a manpower supply firm in the UAE before he quit in December to move to Israel. Nibins brother-in-law, who works as a caregiver in Israel, had helped him to get the job, his father, Antony Maxwell, told the Indian Express.

A week after Nibin left for Israel, his brother Nivin also followed. Nivin, who worked at a private firm in Bengaluru, is also employed in the agricultural sector in Israel. The two moved to Israel considering the better prospects.

Israels suspension of work permits for tens of thousands of Palestinians following the Hamas attacks on 7 October last year created a massive labour gap in the country, opening up blue-collar job opportunities for workers in countries such as India. It started offering visas for employment in the construction and agricultural sector, with about 800 Indians moving to the country in December.

open image in gallery This picture taken from Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles moving inside Gaza on 6 March 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

By February, tens of thousands of workers were filling job centres across India, spotting opportunities in the acute labour shortage.

Anoop Singh, a college graduate and construction worker, was told he would make about 1,200 a month if he was selected to go to Israel  significantly more than the 282 to 330 he could get as a monthly wage for the same work in India.

Thats why I have applied to go to Israel, he told the Associated Press as he waited at the centre in Lucknow, the capital of Indias most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, for his job interview.

Israel is not the only destination for Indian workers in search of a job, regardless of the risk. There are growing media reports of Indian nationals being unwittingly recruited to join the Russian army in its invasion of Ukraine after they moved countries in response to adverts for jobs seeking army helpers.

On Wednesday, the Indian embassy in Russia said it had learnt about the tragic death of an Indian national Shri Mohammed Asfan. Asfan, a clothes seller from Hyderabad, travelled to Russia via Dubai in November seeking work. His family say he was duped by a Middle East-based agent and did not know he would be forced to fight on the frontline, where he was killed.

You dont have to fight, says Dubai-based agent Faisal Khan on his YouTube handle BabaVlogs in a post seeking such helpers from India. All you have to do is to clear demolished buildings, look after armories and after a year of service youll be eligible for permanent residency."

Upon landing in the country, the recruits reportedly find the reality is very different  that they are quickly shipped to the frontline.

One of Khans recruits, an unemployed graduate from Uttar Pradesh, told AFP that he was deployed in eastern Ukraines Donetsk region after receiving basic arms training. I was hurt in the fighting and taken to the hospital, he told the agency. I somehow escaped.

Khan has said he was not aware that some helpers were being utilised like this.

open image in gallery Members of Ukraines 72nd Brigade Anti-air unit use binoculars to search for Russian drones on 23 February 2024 near Marinka, Ukraine ( Getty Images )

In a statement last week, the government of India acknowledged that it was aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army as it urged them to stay away from Russia-Ukraine war.

The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge, said Jaiswal.

Economists say that recruitment drives for blue-collar jobs in Israel and Russia cast an unflattering light on the cracks in Indias growth story. On the one hand, the message championed by prime minister Narendra Modi is that Indias economy is the fastest-growing in the world, a bright spot amid an otherwise gloomy global outlook, as the government invests in big-ticket infrastructure projects to woo businesses and foreign investors.

The government has been reluctant to release official unemployment figures, however, and the opposition says rising joblessness and the quality of jobs offered in the country are huge points of concern at a time when India has become the worlds most populous nation.

We need to understand, of course [that] India has always been witnessing out-migration, says A Kalaiyarasan, an economist and assistant professor at the Madras Institute of Development Studies. There used to be a Gulf migration with South Indians going to Gulf countries or people from Punjab going to Canada. You can find some pockets within Tamil Nadu, going to Singapore.

But these migrants are looking for opportunities for a longer time, better than what they have at home and in countries where they see themselves settling in, or returning after a few years but with a lot of money, he tells The Independent. This is patently not the same with people going to Russia or Israel.

Now the people who go desperately to these war zones are not just looking for better prospects but are now driven by extreme forms of desperation. And that would differentiate this international migration from the others.

After a rise in salaried jobs in the last two decades, the pace of regular wage jobs has stagnated since 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic and an overall growth slowdown, according to the State of Working India report by Azim Premji University. The report says that while unemployment is falling, it is still high  above 15 per cent for university graduates of all ages and around 42 per cent for graduates under 25.

This drop in unemployment also has its caveats, as Kalaisaran highlights the Indian economys failure to create the same number of decent jobs as it used to before.

So, even when someone says they are employed, what kind of employment is there? Are they really happy with that? Is it really what they want to do? he asks as he gives the example of those employed in the gig economy. According to some estimates, it employs up to 10 to 15 million people in India and as per a Nasscom report, it is expected to expand to 23.5 million by 2030.

Ask say Swiggy and Zomato (delivery) guys. Most of us think it is a job. Many of the graduates and engineers are actually opting for these jobs after their degrees. Ask them why they are doing it and they will say, they are looking for better opportunities.

But now the better jobs and decent jobs have become very bad and very, very rare despite our economic recovery.
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A 10-year-old girl died after eating her birthday cake in Punjab in northern India, her family has alleged.

Police are investigating the incident, which occurred after the girls family ordered a chocolate cake online from a bakery in Patiala city. Soon after they ate it, the entire family fell sick with symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

The girl, identified as Manvi, began vomiting shortly after she had cut and eaten the cake late in the evening on 24 March, the girls grandfather, Harban Lal, recounted. Mr Lal said that Manvi felt thirsty and reported discomfort from dryness in her mouth.

open image in gallery Manvi, 10, was hospitalised the morning after eating her birthday cake and died shortly after ( Rozana Spokesman / YouTube )

She went to bed for the night but her condition worsened after she woke up the next morning. The family hurried her to a local hospital.

She was put on oxygen and underwent an electrocardiogram, a diagnostic test measuring the hearts electrical activity, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards, Mr Lal said.

The family alleged that the cake was contaminated and has filed a case with the police against the bakerys owner.

Samples from the cake and the victims body have been sent for testing and the results are awaited, police told local media.

The family also noted that the name of the bakery on the bill and the actual shop didnt match, suggesting it might have been a fly-by-night cloud kitchen.

Such kitchens operate with minimal infrastructure, often in small setups, to fulfil online delivery orders efficiently. They package food from a central location, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness in their operations.

We are also monitoring this concept of cloud kitchen because the name of the bakery kept changing in Zomato, a local police official, Sarfaraz Alam, said.

Zomato is a food delivery app in India. The company is yet to react to the Patiala incident publicly, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The family also accused the local health department of indifference. They claimed that the first police report was made five days after Manvis death.

Mr Lal was quoted as saying by NDTV that the health department officer refused to take the sample of the cake that we had ordered. The officer insisted they will take samples only from the shop where the cake was baked.

A Zomato spokesperson said in a statement shared with The Independent: We are heartbroken and deeply shaken up by the recent tragic incident that happened in Patiala. As soon as we learnt about the incident, which is now under police investigation, we immediately delisted the restaurant from the Zomato platform.

The spokesperson added: We have also debarred the restaurant owner from operating any entity on Zomato. We are extending our complete support to the law enforcement agencies in the matter.
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A new trend points to bridal parties increasingly choosing wellness retreats over boozy benders.

More and more brides are foregoing the rowdy Bachelorette parties of yore, and instead, theyre opting for healthy, calming wellness retreats. According to one bride, a physicians assistant named Margaret Wilson who spoke to The New York Times, she and her bridal party were drawn to the idea of a unique experience that wasnt solely dependent on partying.

I had been through a lot of life changes the year leading up to my wedding, and I was looking for a low-stress, meaningful experience with my dearest friends, Wilson explained of her bridal partys 2023 trip to a wellness spa in Sedona, Arizona. This trip was meant to enrich my relationship with my loved ones and myself, and it did exactly that.

Intimate, low-stress weekends like these have seen an uptick in interest in recent years, with wellness travel in particular becoming especially trendy in 2024. Many brides are choosing experiences that soothe their mind, body, and soul before their big day as opposed to a trip guaranteed to end with a terrible hangover.

This bachelorette trend may track a broader shift in how we celebrate milestones, Sara Margulis, the chief executive of the honeymoon registry site Honeyfund, explained to the outlet. There is a strong desire to go beyond the boozy party and get out and connect with nature and enjoy each other.

For those who arent down for a wild night on the town, a wellness retreat is the perfect lowkey alternative.

Theres definitely still that group of girls who want to go to Nashville and wild out, wedding planner Jesse Reing told the New York Post. But I think the stereotypical bachelor or bachelorette party is maybe like a myth, or a bit antiquated at this point.

The wedding planner added to the outlet that the majority of her clients over 25 are opting for calmer, healthier retreats or a day at their local spa. Whether its budget-friendly or a bougie affair, Reing noted that whats out is hard partying.

My clients want to go somewhere remote, quiet, and beautiful that takes care of every single thing for you. Somewhere where you can focus on your wellness and connect with your friends. They want it to be special and meaningful, Reing said. Thats common. Ill tell you what is less common: partying and binge drinking.

Wellness retreats are considered the grown-up alternative to reveling in a nightclub crawl across the Las Vegas Strip. Angela Adto Tepper, the founder of luxury brand AZA Travel, noted that during the pandemic, many people shifted their priorities to more intimate gatherings.

We have been slammed, in a good way, with girls getaways, she told Brides. People just really want to bring focus to friendships. While its still [fun] to do something lively, like in the Bridesmaids movie, in Vegas, New York City, or Miami, you can have that and also a balance to feel like youre connected with each other and come back feeling rejuvenated and like you had bonding moments.

This trend indicates that more brides are prioritising spending quality time with their pals rather than attempting to live up to an ideal popularised by Hollywood movies.
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In honour of Easter candy, Cadbury has named its first-ever raccoon as the winner of this years Cadbury Bunny Tryouts photo contest.

The beloved chocolate company - known for its famous creme-filled chocolate eggs - recently held the sixth annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts, in which pet owners across the United States submit photos of their pets on social media in the hopes they will be chosen as the next Cadbury bunny.

Throughout March, fans voted on Instagram in a bracket-style competition for their favourite pet, marking the first time the annual contest was held on social media. Out of 32 contestants - including cats, dogs, horses, a donkey, and a goat - Louie the raccoon was declared the winner of the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts.

Louie is a two-year-old raccoon from Miami, Florida, the company shared in a press release. He was rescued by his owner Jaime Arslan in 2021 after he had been deemed unfit to live in the wild. As the grand prize winner, Louie will receive $7,000 in prize money and have a starring role in the 2025 Cadbury Bunny Tryouts commercial.

Each year we look forward to crowning a new Cadbury Bunny, especially this year where we engaged fans in a new way through our bracket-style competition. It was incredible to see pet lovers getting in on the fun, said Natalie Shuntich, senior associate marketing manager at The Hershey Company, in a press release.

The Hershey Company has owned the rights to manufacture Cadbury chocolate in the US since 1988. It banned imports of British-made Cadbury chocolate in 2015.

Witnessing how fans participated in each wave of voting, and the loving support for our thirty-cute finalists from Cadbury fans across the U.S. is a testament to the love for the Cadbury brand, Shuntich added.

Louie the raccoon has joined the ranks of past Cadbury Bunny Tryouts winners, including last years winner, Crash the rescue cat; Annie Rose the therapy dog (2022); Betty the frog (2021); Lieutenant Dan the Treeing Walker Coonhound (2020); and Henri the English Bulldog (2019).

Were thrilled that Louie has been chosen as the winner of this years Cadbury Bunny Tryouts - we are longtime fans of the Cadbury brand and are honored to see Louie join the long legacy of incredible Cadbury Bunnies, said Arslan, Louies owner. Louies TV debut in Cadburys 2025 commercial cant come soon enough!
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Rebel Wilson has candidly opened up about her past relationship with food and her brief experience with Ozempic.

In promotion of her new memoir, Rebel Rising, the 44-year-old Australian actress spoke to The Sunday Times about the details ahead of its 4 April release. Wilson, who changed her name from Melanie to Rebel, touched on the book topics, including how she used food as a coping mechanism, especially growing up around her late father, who she claims to have had an abusive relationship with.

Rather than addressing her feelings head on, the Pitch Perfect star said she would gravitate toward sweet treats as an aid.

I wasnt dealing with my emotions properly, I was just stuffing my face and holding on to them, she told the outlet.

Since 2020, Wilson has been on a weight loss journey, with the actress revealing shes lost 80 pounds in four years. The comic utilised several different methods, including a brief stint on Ozempic, the diabetes drug that has increased in popularity for its weight loss effects.

Wilson said she didnt use Ozempic until after she lost weight, adding that the weekly injection helped her maintain her new shape, which she described as still curvy and solid.

Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I think those drugs can be good, she noted to The Sunday Times. But though the drug proved to be beneficial for her, Wilson is no longer taking it.

The Senior Year star is proud of the place shes in now with her body. However, she said people expressed concern for what would happen to her career if she lost weight.

Basically, no one apart from my mum wanted me to lose weight, Wilson admitted. People thought Id lose my pigeonhole in my career, playing the fat funny character, and they wanted me to continue in that.

Ignoring these hesitations, the on-screen star developed a newfound confidence, appreciation, and understanding in the relationship between her mental and physical health.

She said: I feel strongly that young women shouldnt try to obsess over looking like Victorias Secret models  they should just look like themselves.

I know that my relationship with food is complicated, Wilson added.
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Through his office window at what was then one of Africa's few modern clinics dealing with HIV and AIDS, the man who now oversees the United States' threatened global AIDS effort used to hear the sound of taxis pulling up throughout the day.

If he turned his head to look out the window, Dr. John Nkengasong said, he knew what he would see: another desperate family carrying a dying loved one  a man or woman already lapsing into a coma, a stick-thin child  and hoping to find help.

It was before the Bush administration started the U.S. President's Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, in 2004. There was almost no affordable effective treatment anywhere between South Africa and the Sahara, no rapid HIV tests or high-quality government labs, and few beds for AIDS patients.

Nkengasong has spent decades working in Africa on HIV and AIDS, a career intertwined with the U.S. program that since its introduction 20 years ago has transformed care in some of the hardest-hit countries and saved an estimated 25 million lives. He spoke to The Associated Press during a battle over funding in Congress that imperils the AIDS program's future.

Opponents say the HIV/AIDS funding could be indirectly supporting abortion abroad, although the Biden administration and PEPFARs defenders say there is no evidence that it does. After a handful of conservative lawmakers threatened for months to block the funding unless restrictions were attached, a compromise was struck in late March that extends the funding for a year.

But advocates of the program warn that without the full five-year renewal, its future remains in doubt as the political debate over abortion and reproductive rights only becomes more combative.

Before PEPFAR, in most cases, Nkengasong's infectious disease clinic in Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast, could offer the families no care. In their loved ones' last hours, the families who came there often were left to crouch outside, in the parking lot.

They would surround a skeleton of a human being, with a tinge of flesh over their bodies," Nkengasong recalled. "They held their loved ones, giving them the best comfort they could.

Soon enough, the sound of wailing would rise through his windows. The cries signaled another death to HIV/AIDS, one of millions in Africa by the mid-2000s.

The scene would be repeated nearly hour by hour, Nkengasong said. Sometimes he would get up and close the curtains, blocking out the misery of an epidemic he could not then stem.

Two decades later, Nkengasong says, his trips to the region from his offices in Washington bring joyous meetings with men, women and children whose lives were saved through PEPFAR, credited as the biggest government effort ever against a single disease.

In all, the U.S. program has spent more than $110 billion on HIV care and treatment, local medical systems and social programs aimed at stemming infection. The U.S. says it has saved 25 million lives in sub-Saharan Africa and other vulnerable regions, including those of 5.5 million children.

'A THRIVING INDUSTRY OF COFFINS'

Nkengasong, who was born in Cameroon and did his graduate studies in Belgium, worked in Africa in the 1990s, when the AIDS epidemic was raging all but unchecked.

It made for a thriving industry of coffins," he said. Visiting cities in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and elsewhere for his work on infectious diseases, he would travel streets lined by handmade coffins of all sizes.

Beds of infectious-disease clinics were full of "adults lying there looking like babies, because of what HIV had done. That ugly face," Nkengasong recalled.

With early retroviral medication averaging $10,000 per patient per year, only 50,000 HIV-infected people in sub-Saharan Africa were estimated to be receiving effective treatment in the mid-to-late 1990s. That was out of what the World Health Organization said was 10 million people there living with HIV and AIDS.

THE AHA MOMENT

One day in spring 2002, as he was in his lab conducting tests, a large American delegation suddenly arrived at the clinic in Abidjan.

Health Secretary Tommy Thompson and other leading U.S. health officials crowded into the facility, along with representatives of businesses and members of faith-based organizations.

I remember opening the door and the first person who walked through was Dr. Fauci, Nkengasong recounted. Anthony Fauci, a leading HIV researcher, was then a top official at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and a leader in Nkengasong's field of HIV and AIDS work. And he said, John, good to see you again. And I was so excited."

Unbeknownst to Nkengasong and his colleagues, national security adviser Condoleeza Rice and other officials privately had been making the case to President George W. Bush that the global HIV epidemic was where the U.S. could make a huge difference.

For the Bush administration, the epidemic presented an opportunity to do good at a time when the U.S. was waging war in Afghanistan and later Iraq as well after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Nine months after the Americans showed up in his lab, we're watching news on CNN, it was the State of the Union address," Nkengason recalled. And President Bush announced the start of PEPFAR.

That night, the president pledged an initial $15 billion over the next five years to tackle the AIDS epidemic around the world.

Nkengason called it the aha moment" for himself and others fighting AIDS in the most vulnerable region of the world.

Two decades later, AIDS deaths globally have fallen nearly 70% from their peak in 2004. Sub-Saharan Africa is still the most vulnerable region and home to two-thirds of the people living with HIV. But the PEPFAR program and others have strengthened health care systems to deal with infectious diseases, made treatment available to millions, and expanded support for the most at-risk populations, including women.

On a trip back to Abidjan, Nkengasong met a healthy 17-year-old girl, one of millions spared from infection at birth thanks to medical treatment that prevented HIV transmission from their infected mothers.

This past summer, he visited a clinic in Namibia where HIV-infected mothers had delivered super healthy babies thanks to treatment that saved them from infection.

I grabbed some of the babies and looked at them, he said. Holding them, he wondered what would have happened to them without proper care.

And they just give you that smile," he said.
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A senior defense department official who attended last year's NATO summit at Vilnius, Lithuania, had symptoms similar to those reported by US officials who have experienced Havana syndrome," the Pentagon said on Monday.

Havana syndrome is still under investigation but includes a string of health problems dating back to 2016, when officials working at the US Embassy in Havana reported sudden unexplained head pressure, head or ear pain, or dizziness.

The injuries to key US government personnel or their families were part of a 60 Minutes report Sunday that suggested Russia is behind the incidents, one of which took place during the 2023 NATO summit at Vilnius.

I can confirm that a senior DOD official experienced symptoms similar to those reported in anomalous health incidents, deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday. Singh referred questions on whether Russia had a role to the intelligence community, which is still investigating the matter.

The official, who was not identified, was not part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's official traveling delegation to Vilnius, Singh said, but was there separately, attending meetings that were part of the NATO summit."

Singh did not say whether the affected defense official had to seek further medical care, retire or cease performing duties, citing medical privacy.

In February the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in its 2024 threat assessment found that it was unlikely that a foreign adversary was responsible for causing the mysterious ailments but noted that US intelligence agencies had varying levels of confidence in that assessment.

The US embassy in Havana ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Pentagon's health care system has established a registry for employees or dependents to report such incidents. In March, however, a five-year study by the National Institutes of Health found no brain injuries or degeneration among US diplomats and other government employees who had Havana syndrome symptoms.

A history of Havana syndrome

Since 2016, roughly 200 American personnel have fallen ill with the syndrome, according to the latest reports.

The first incident was in 2016 in Havana , Cuba. According to the State Department, at least 21 employees of the US embassy there reported the typical symptoms: headaches, tinnitus, and balance and memory problems. Some retired early because of the illness, which became known as the  Havana syndrome .

American officials were stumped, and some accused the CIA of not taking the situation seriously enough. The Trump administration, eager to shut down diplomacy with Cuba anyway, removed more than half the staff of the Havana embassy, accusing the country of specific attacks. Cuba has denied any responsibility.

But before long the syndrome was popping up in other places. Intelligence officers reported the same symptoms in China and Russia. Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA officer, was in Moscow in 2017 when he was suddenly stricken.

I was woken up in the middle of the night with an incredible case of vertigo, Mr Polymeropoulos told The Guardian . My head was spinning, incredible nausea, I felt like I had to go to the bathroom and throw up. It was just a terrifying moment for me. I had tinnitus which was ringing in my ears, and the vertigo was really what was incredibly debilitating and I really wasnt sure what was happening. I couldnt stand up. I was falling over.

Four years later, Mr Polymeropoulos says his headache still hasnt stopped. In 2019, he retired from the CIA because of his symptoms.

I had a lot more to offer, the former intelligence officer told GQ . I was 50, but I had to retire because these goddamn headaches dont go away.

The cases kept coming. In 2018, almost a dozen staffers were evacuated from the US embassy in Guangzhou, China, after reporting a medical incident similar to the event in Havana. In the fall of 2020, a number of US troops in Syria developed mysterious flu-like symptoms, similar to those of the Havana syndrome.

There have also been suspected attacks on US soil. In 2019, a White House staffer reported being stricken with the Havana symptoms while walking her dog in Arlington, Virginia. And in November 2020, Defense officials have now told members of Congress, a suspected attack sickened a National Security Council official near DCs Ellipse park  within walking distance of the White House.

On 7 June, the US Senate voted unanimously to provide financial support to victims of the mysterious syndrome.

Later in the summer, Vice President Kamala Harris flight to Hanoi, Vietnam, was delayed after US personnel in the Vietnam capital reported experiencing Havana Syndrome-related symptoms over the weekend ahead of her trip.

And in December, a State Department employee reportedly filed a lawsuit against Mr Blinken and the agency for alleged disability discrimination.

Mark Lenzi, a member of the diplomatic security services, claimed in court that his employer failed to adequately investigate him falling ill in 2017 when he was based in Guangzhou, China.

Mr Lenzi said he and his wife and children all began experiencing sudden and unexplained mental and physical symptoms in November 2017, but were not evacuated.

What is causing the illness?

Directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy was the culprit found by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in a May 2021 report on the illness commissioned by the State Department.

According to a New York Times analysis, that language is crucial. By using words like pulsed and directed, the report was saying the energy wasnt randomly dispersed by a cellphone or other device. It was being aimed at people.

How does one aim energy at people? And whos doing the aiming? The reports that have leaked from the CIA and other agencies have been vague, citing classified information and a need to avoid making unfounded accusations. But after a contentious CIA briefing earlier this month, some members of Congress were more blunt about what they think is going on.

Theres a mysterious, direct energy weapon that is being used, Senator Susan Collins, who is on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN after the briefing. And it is causing, in some cases, permanent traumatic brain injury.

Months later, Secretary Blinken suggested little progress has been made on identifying the cause.

To date, we dont know exactly whats happened and we dont know exactly who is responsible, he told MSNBC on 13 January.

He went on to say that the admission was not an indication that the federal government was not taking the symptoms seriously, and said that his department was working overtime to find answers.

There is no doubt in my mind that people have been directly and powerfully affected, he said.

We are working overtime across the entire government to get to the bottom of what happened, whos responsible. And in the meantime to make sure that were caring for anyone whos been affected and to protect all of our people to the best of our ability.
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Watch live as President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden host an Easter Egg Roll at the White House on Monday (1 April).

The 2024 event will be split into nine sessions with around 40,000 people taking part, including thousands of military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors.

Tickets to the general public were distributed to people from around the country in a public online lottery.

According to the White House, the South Lawn and Ellipse will be transformed into a school community, full of fun educational activities for children of all ages to enjoy.

The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.
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Kara Dilliway was just three years old when she came down with a common ear infection in October 2022.

She recovered quickly, as was expected, but just days after the infection cleared her parents found she was struggling to hear and talk.

Wed noticed shed just started to say yes and no to things, thats when we thought something is going on, says her mother Sam Dilliway, a 41-year-old community care worker from Basildon, Essex. Doctors said she could have glue ear, a common condition in children  fluid build-up had started to cause problems with her hearing, and would need draining.

Kara Dilliway, 4, has been left with hearing loss for over a year after suffering from glue ear ( Samantha Dilliway )

But what should have been a minor ailment has turned into a never-ending ordeal for the family. What was a simple case of glue ear could now leave her with hearing loss for up to two years as she awaits routine treatment.

It comes after data released in January found that over 10 million people have been left on NHS waiting lists for basic ear care services.

When Basildon Hospital referred Kara to private healthcare provider Omnes in December 2022, her mother was told the waiting list would be nine weeks.

Sam and Asa have been left feeling helpless over delays in their daughter being treated ( Samantha Dilliway )

After speaking to staff at the company the following January, Ms Dilliway says she was told the hospital had been mistaken and the list would be six months.

I thought at the time that it was fine, because it was still shorter than the year-long wait at the NHS, she told The Independent. But when I rang them in June 2023, they told me they had lost the referral.

After much panic, Basildon Hospital sent proof of their referral to Omnes and Kara was seen for her first appointment with a consultant a couple of days later.

She was told she had problems with her tonsils and adenoids too, her mother explained. They said she would need grommets, and she could have the minor operation just before she started nursery in September.

However, when Ms Dilliway rang Omnes in August, they again said they had no record of the referral. She reported the company to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 25 August 2023, and her husband Asa sent a complaint to their local MP, Stephen Metcalfe.

The CQC was unable to comment on individual cases in response to The Independent, but said, Where we receive information of concern or evidence that people are at risk, we follow this up directly and we have a range of powers we can use if we find people are not receiving safe care.

Kara was referred back to the NHS and seen for another appointment in October. Ms Dilliway was told that her daughter did in fact need her ear draining and a hearing test confirmed she was suffering from hearing loss.

However, the matter was further complicated because no hearing test was conducted at her June appointment with Omnes, which meant she would need yet another appointment in three months to confirm the effects of the glue ear on her hearing.

Kara is a sociable girl who has become withdrawn due to untreated hearing loss for glue ear ( Samantha Dilliway )

That is a standard practice in line with NICE guidelines, we have to do two hearing tests to confirm the hearing loss isnt temporary, says Dr Anthony Aymat, a consultant ENT and head and neck surgeon at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.

However, due to long waiting lists, were seeing more children impacted by these common conditions. The NHS backlog is increasing despite the fact we are doing more and more outsourcing and insourcing. Waiting lists keep going up.

Dr Aymat says that the long-term effects of such conditions being left untreated in children can be severe. While glue ear is unlikely to leave permanent damage, there is always a small risk of permanent hearing loss. However, the developmental effects are far more likely and potentially long-lasting.

Ms Dilliway says the effect on her daughter has been noticeable.

Its changed her personality. Shes a really sociable and outgoing kid, but shes become withdrawn, she says. Before, she would openly initiate conversations with people, but now she cant hear what theyre saying and people dont persist when we ask them to speak up, so she just looks at them and wont talk.

Kara has since been seen by a consultant who has offered a steroid nasal spray. She has been put on the list for grommets and adenoids, with the wait expected to be about a year long, according to Ms Dilliway.

Dr Giles Thorpe, executive chief nursing officer at NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, of which Basildon Hospital is a part, said: Ensuring timely and effective care is critical and we would support a thorough investigation to understand the reported circumstances to help prevent such experiences in the future.

We would urge the family to come forward and make contact with the Mid and South Essex NHS Hospital Trust Patient Advice and Liaison Service for support, so that any concerns can be looked into.

A spokesperson for Omnes said: Omnes Healthcare is committed to providing and supporting provision of timely, effective care for patients.

As with other healthcare providers nationally, our services are experiencing significantly increased levels of demand. Unfortunately, referral processes have, on occasion, not been as streamlined as they should have been.

Over recent months, we have been working collaboratively with our partners at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to implement improvements, to further enhance levels of service and ensure delivery of timely, effective care for all our patients.
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Children are being forgotten by the government as they face disgraceful waiting times for NHS treatment, Britains top paediatric doctor has warned.

Dr Camilla Kingdon said children are being failed because their care is not being treated as a priority, despite considerable progress having been made in reducing waiting times for adults.

In her final interview as president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, she also issued a stark warning over the impact of poverty on young peoples health, lamenting the rise in the number of children being treated for severe lung disease due to damp and poor ventilation in inadequate housing.

Many parents cannot afford to be at their dying or sick childs bedside because of financial pressures  an issue that has grown significantly worse in the past five years, she said.

She told The Independent: Children simply need to be made a priority. We cannot afford to be ignoring this problem.

The latest NHS figures show that the backlog for childrens hospital care has risen again, increasing from 387,000 in August to 412,000 in January, despite the adult waiting list having fallen since October.

Camilla Kingdon says the waiting time for hospital care for children is a disgrace as she calls for political leaders to focus on the issue ( RCPCH )

The waiting list for childrens community services, such as speech and language therapy and assessment for autism, hit a record high of 236,992 in December, up from 206,504 in October 2022.

Experts have long warned that services for young people have been neglected in favour of adult lists.

The Independent first revealed warnings over the rising childrens waiting list in leaked documents last year. Several stories by this publication have also exposed the extent of the crisis in childrens mental health care.

Dr Kingdon, who ends her three-year presidency next week, warned that there is a lot of work to do as she urged ministers to drum up the political will to rectify the situation. She called on Rishi Sunak to appoint a dedicated childrens health minister to ensure that young people are not forgotten when major decisions are made.

We fear children are being left behind again in health policy and the wider political agenda, she said. While there has been considerable progress in reducing wait times for adult treatment in recent months, childrens waiting lists continue to grow.

If a child is waiting 52 weeks for treatment and theyre three years old, 52 weeks is a third of their life. I think its a disgrace. Children have to be prioritised in a way they havent been.

Her comments come as new figures show that an estimated 4.33 million children are living in relative low income households in the year to March 2023  the highest since comparable records for the UK began in 2002-03.

The latest NHS figures show the backlog for childrens hospital care has risen again ( Getty )

Separate figures from think tank The Kings Fund found that the number of children who experienced deep poverty in 2022 was 88 per cent higher than in 2019, with 1 million destitute children in the UK.

Deep poverty is when household income after housing costs is less than 40 per cent of the UK median income. In 2021, this equated to 109 a week.

Dr Kingdon, who works at Guys and St Thomass Hospital in south London, said she felt an inescapable responsibility to speak out about how poverty is affecting childrens health.

She said: The truth is, the situation  the incredible challenges that poverty is playing with day-to-day lives  is getting worse.

We look after incredibly sick babies, who may spend sometimes months in hospital. I see poverty when parents cant afford to visit their babies. When a father cant take a different time off work to visit his baby, because hes on a zero-hours contract and actually taking time off means less income. Its as simple as that.

She said issues linked to poverty, such as inadequate housing, also make it difficult to safely discharge babies to their homes.

I cant describe to you the number of conversations I have with families about their housing, and I have written letters on their behalf. We know that our housing stock in the UK is some of the worst in Europe.

It reflects the difficulties weve got in being able to discharge a baby safely home. A lot of the babies have had very severe lung disease, and thats about inadequate ventilation in the homes; damp and mould on the walls, and so on.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has levied several warnings at the NHS and the government over worsening waiting lists for childrens care.

A DHSC spokesperson said: Cutting waiting lists is one of the governments top five priorities and were taking action to ensure no child has to wait longer than necessary for treatment. Despite winter pressures and the impact of industrial action, overall NHS waiting lists have decreased for the fourth month in a row.

It said it has taken significant action to improve childrens health which includes reducing sugar in foods, and investing more than 600 million to improve the quality of sport for children.

This article was amended on 1 April 2024 to include a response from the DHSC and also to correct an error. It originally stated that Dr Kingdon works at St Georges Hospital, but in fact she works at Guys and St Thomass.
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More repeat knife offenders are being spared jail than at any time since a two-strike crackdown was introduced nearly a decade ago, The Independent can reveal.

Out of more than 4,000 adults caught carrying a knife or offensive weapon for at least the second time, nearly four in 10 were spared an immediate jail sentence in England and Wales in the year ending September 2023, exclusive analysis of Ministry of Justice figures shows.

The figures represent a record proportion of criminals being spared prison since a crackdown in 2015 which required repeat offenders to be jailed for a minimum of six months.

The proportion of repeat knife offenders caught with a blade being sent to prison has fallen, the latest figures show ( Getty/iStock )

The findings by The Independent have escalated demands for a royal commission by the Police Federation of England and Wales which accused judges and magistrates of sentencing on knee-jerk reactions driven by budget and a lack of prison places.

Have you been affected by this? Email alex.ross@independent.co.uk

It comes during a surge in knife crime with the number of offences recorded by police in England and Wales jumping five per cent to 49,000 in the year to September 2023. Almost 45 per cent of murders in the same period involved a knife or sharp instrument.

The police federation said it was no wonder the victims and the wider public feel let down, while former Downing Street adviser on crime Rory Geoghegan claimed the weakening of punishments was making towns and cities less safe.

Hayley Ryall, whose 16-year-old son Mikey Roynon died after being stabbed in the neck at a birthday party in Bath last year, said: Too many people are carrying knives, and until tougher sentences are given, what message are we sending out? People will continue to think they can get away with it and we will lose more lives like my son.

Mason Rist (15, left) and Max Dixon (16) were killed in a knife attack in Bristol in January. Campaigners say stronger punishments need to be given to stop young people from carrying knifes ( Avon and Somerset Police/PA Wire )

The requirement to jail repeat knife offenders was the result of an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Act, nicknamed the two-strike rule, under former prime minister David Cameron.

It was further strengthened under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 when judges and magistrates were told only in exceptional circumstances could they justify not imposing an immediate prison sentence.

But the latest data reveals that 38 per cent of adult repeat offenders avoided an immediate jail sentence in the year ending September 2023, up from 35 per cent the year before and from a low of 28 per cent in 2019.

The proportion given suspended sentences rose to 23 per cent, a joint high from two years previously, while in 1 per cent of cases  48  the defendant got off with a discharge or a fine.

The new figures come in the wake of a series of high-profile stabbings across the UK  including the deaths of two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, in Bristol in January  which have heightened concerns over the carrying of knives.

The latest NHS data also showed there were 3,775 hospital admissions with sharp object attacks in England in the financial year 2022-23  an increase of 4 per cent on 2014-15.

Steve Hartshorn, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, is calling for a review on the sentences given to repeat knife offenders ( Police Federation )

Steve Hartshorn, chair of the police federation, said: Decisions on sentencing guidelines appear to be knee-jerk reactions, driven by budget and the availability of prison places rather than by logic or strategy, which hamstrings the ability of judges to pass appropriate sentences.

He claimed a failure by judges and magistrates not to back up the work of police officers after identifying and arresting those carrying knives was a factor in a recent survey that found more than nine in 10 officers were suffering from low morale.

Mr Hartshorn also called for a royal commission  a type of committee appointed to investigate an issue  on the criminal justice system and public security, adding: It is no wonder the victims and the wider public feel let down.

Patrick Green, chief executive of the Ben Kinsella Trust, set up in the name of the 16-year-old student stabbed to death in Islington in 2008, said the figures suggested concerning inconsistency in applying sentencing guidelines.

He added: Victims deserve justice, and this lack of enforcement creates a situation where they may feel failed by the system.

Furthermore, it weakens the intended deterrent effect on habitual knife carriers, putting more young lives at risk. We urgently need a renewed focus on upholding the law and ensuring stronger consequences for repeat offenders.

Hayley Ryall with her only son Mikey Roynon, who was stabbed in the neck at a house party in Bath last year ( Hayley Ryall )

Mr Geoghegan founded the Public Safety Foundation after being a special adviser on justice and home affairs to Downing Street and a police inspector at Thames Valley Police.

He said: Any weakening of the already lax punishments for those caught carrying knives, machetes, and other illegal weaponry on our streets will serve only to make our towns and cities less safe.

Carrying an illegal weapon on the street is never acceptable, and to be caught doing so repeatedly is an all-too-common occurrence. Its vital that those who are caught face tough consequences including prison sentences.

Mr Geoghegan added that political parties should commit to expanding prison capacity to send an unambiguous message to offenders.

Latest figures show the prison population on 22 March was 87,700, 1,200 below the 88,900 operational capacity. But government forecasts predict the population will rise to 94,400 by March next year.

To help deal with the crisis, the government recently extended emergency proposals to allow the early release of prisoners.

A spokesperson for the Judicial Office, which represents judges, said prison overcrowding was not taken into consideration at sentencing. They said sentencing guidelines, along with case-specific aggravating and mitigating factors, could affect a sentence.

At the magistrates courts, offenders can be given an immediate prison sentence of up to six months, or be sent to the crown court for a potentially longer sentence.

Tom Franklin, chief executive of the Magistrates Association, said the situation was not a one-size-fits-all and that repeat knife offenders could be let off an immediate prison sentence for having a blade for a reasonable reason.

He said: For example, some of those pleading guilty may have had the knife for a reasonable reason but do not meet the requirements for a statutory defence.

He added that magistrates also take into consideration recommendations from the probation service when considering a jail sentence, which may suggest an offenders behaviour could be managed in the community.

He said: Although magistrates can and do impose such custodial sentences where appropriate, it is generally recognised that short custodial sentences are not very effective in promoting rehabilitation, and thus, where there are suitable alternatives to immediate custody, these are used instead.

The MoJ said 33 per cent of all knife-carrying offences led to an immediate prison sentence in the year to September 2023, with the average prison sentence given being seven and a half months.

A spokesperson said: Our latest figures show that criminals who carry knives or offensive weapons are being sent to jail more often and for longer than they were a decade ago following our decisive action to protect the public.

We are doing everything possible to steer young people away from crime and thanks to our tough sentencing reforms, offenders who carry knives are more likely to face jail than 10 years ago.
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A team of lifeboat volunteers freed a humpback whale after it became entangled in fishing ropes off the coast of Cornwall.

The distressed mammal was discovered wrapped up in crab or lobster pot lines in Mounts Bay, near the port of Newlyn, by wildlife-watching boat company Marine Discovery Penzance on Sunday.

Quickly, several other boat trip operators arrived in a bid to help the whale, named Ivy, before the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) attended to cut the whale free from the ropes.

The humpback whale had been spotted several times off the coast in recent weeks before becoming tangled in fishing rope ( The Dolphin Lady )

The dramatic rescue was caught on camera by an amateur photographer who goes dolphin spotting in her spare time.

The woman, a language teacher known on social media as The Dolphin Lady, travelled to Cornwall specifically to see Ivy after learning that the whale had been spotted off the south coast.

I still cant believe what we witnessed, she said of the rescue.

A man watching the rescue with The Dolphin Lady quipped that the whale waved goodbye as it flapped its tail while swimming away.

Andy Cowie, owner of boat trip company Atlantic Adventures, was among the skippers to head out to the whale after seeing a post on social media.

Mr Cowie, who is also a member of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, told The Independent how it had become tied up in ropes used to connect crab and lobster pots to buoys.

It had tried to free itself but had become more wrapped up in the ropes, Mr Cowie said.

The whale also had a wound and was clearly quite distressed.

He said the team of skippers monitored the whale before the RNLI made a decision to cut it free.

The whale had been seen in recent weeks along the coast, said Mr Cowie, who believed its presence could be down to the impact of global warming.

According to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, there were at least 30 sightings of humpback whales recorded in the area in 2023/24.

In February, hundreds of people headed to Falmouth after three were spotted off the coast. Last month, there was another sighting near Porthleven.

Mr Cowie said: Humpbacks migrate further south at this time of year to breed, and the thought is that because of global warming its food source is reduced further north so they havent been able to build up the fat stocks to be able to travel further south - and so stop around our coast line to feed before moving on south."

Mr Cowie said dangers posed to whales in the region included fishing trawlers and lost nets.

He added: Today highlighted the dangers our marine wildlife faces from human activity.

We hope and pray Ivy recovers from this ordeal.
 Close Prince William and his eldest son George were spotted at an Astone Villa match on Thursday evening

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King Charles and Queen Camilla have said they were utterly shocked and horrified by the knife attack at a Sydney shopping mall.

Their statement follows one issued by the Prince and Princess of Wales earlier today in which they praised the heroic emergency responders.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in the Australian city at 3:30pm local time on Saturday as shocking videos showed a man wearing shorts and a green and yellow shirt carrying a blade.

One of his victims is a nine-month-old baby, who is undergoing surgery in hospital.

The attacker was also shot dead by a police officer, who confronted the attacker and shot him as he faced her and raised a knife.

Police do not believe the act was terror-related, but that the man is known to law enforcement.

In a statement, the King said: My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi.

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.

While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.
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A worker hit pigs in the face and on their backs with a paddle as they prepared to put them into gas chambers to die, secret filming has revealed.

The video, taken at a slaughterhouse supplying supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Sainsburys and Aldi, as well as Marks and Spencer, includes rare footage of pigs being suffocated by carbon dioxide (CO2) for up to a minute.

Many of the pigs were from farms endorsed by the RSPCA Assured scheme (meant to suggest higher welfare), and the pork packaging carried the RSPCA Assured logo.

A worker prepares to hit the pigs ( Joey Carbstrong )

The clip was taken at an abattoir owned and run by Cranswick Country Foods in Watton, Norfolk, and was for a documentary called Pignorant, which aims to highlight how most pigs are killed in UK abattoirs using the gas, which animal-welfare activists say is excruciatingly cruel.

A number of the pigs were seen still moving after many minutes in the gas.

Cranswick did not respond to requests to comment but its understood most of the supermarkets involved contacted the company after seeing the footage.

A worker herds the pigs into a walkway leading to the CO2 chamber ( Joey Carbstrong )

Activist Joey Carbstrong, the maker of Pignorant, said hitting pigs in the face was against government animal-welfare laws, and the animals were clearly frightened and writhing in agony as they were suffocated.

Our latest investigation exposes the callous treatment of supposedly high welfare pigs destined for supermarkets, he said.

If facing the horrors of a CO2 gas chamber wasnt bad enough, the workers add insult to injury by hitting the pigs. Unfortunately this is inevitable in a system where animals are treated as commodities.

Carbon dioxide is anything but a humane method of stunning and killing animals and causes severe pain and suffering.

The public deserve to know what lies behind the facade of high-welfare labelling. Pigs are sensitive, curious, feeling beings; they deserve our respect.

As long ago as 2003, the governments own welfare advisers recommended that carbon dioxide killing be banned but the advice was never taken up.

Government regulations on handling animals in slaughterhouses ( Gov.uk )

The following year the European Food Safety Authority also concluded that it was cruel and called for it to be phased out. Since then, both the RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming have repeatedly jointly called for alternatives to be used.

Mr Carbstrong said the meat industry claimed to use CO2 for welfare reasons but added that in his opinion the reason is that its more cost effective. In other words, he said, abattoirs can kill more animals in a shorter time than they could by stunning.

The British Meat Processors Association has previously admitted to The Independent that pigs find high concentrations of carbon dioxide aversive and said they will try to avoid exposure to these, adding: In the case of gas killing using carbon dioxide, pigs are seen to exhibit strong reactions for a period of up to 30 seconds.

A 2021 government review concluded: There has been no willingness on the part of abattoirs to explore inert gas mixture stunning commercially because of extended dwell time and therefore reduced throughput.

Official figures show around 88 per cent of pigs in the UK are stunned with high concentration CO2, and most of the rest are electrocuted with tongs to the head.

After gassing, the pigs were sent down a chute ( Joey Carbstrong )

In January, The Independent revealed how two workers were sacked after pigs were beaten to death on a nearby free-range farm supplying Morrisons and Tesco. Cranswick took over the farm, and pigs from there were sent to this abattoir.

An RSPCA Assured spokesperson said hitting any animals was completely unacceptable, and that after seeing the footage it launched an immediate investigation and sent an assessor to ensure it did not happen again.

Our experts have also carried out a detailed analysis of the footage to identify any breaches of the RSPCA welfare standards, they said.

We cant currently make any further comment as our investigation is ongoing.

Regarding concerns about the use of CO2 shown in the footage, the RSPCAs welfare standards have strict requirements which help reduce the negative experience for the animals involved.

The bodies are taken away from the CO2 chamber ( Joey Carbstrong )

However, alternatives to CO2 need to be developed as a matter of urgency and we urge the UK government to follow the EUs lead to seek a phase-out by investing in research to find a more humane alternative as a priority.

This footage highlights how difficult it is to think about the killing of animals farmed for food, and how critical it is that this process is as humane as possible.

Were working hard to improve the lives of farm animals by working with the food and farming industry to adopt higher welfare farming practices.

Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury, Aldi and Morrisons  which is a Cranswick customer but does not buy from that abattoir  referred to comments from the British Retail Consortium, whose director of food and sustainability, Andrew Opie, said: Our members take their responsibilities to animal welfare very seriously and are in touch with the supplier and the RSPCA about the steps theyre taking in response to these allegations.

Asda was also approached for comment.
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Poorly insulated homes will increase residents energy bills by about 50 per cent compared to properties that have met government targets, according to new research.

Analysis from the Energy and Climate Change Intelligence Unit (ECIU) found the average annual gas bill will be around 340 higher per year for homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) score of F.

The findings were released on Monday as a new price cap comes into force, and involved assessments of some of the leakiest homes in the country, meaning the heat produced by gas boilers quickly escapes the building.

The extra cost is when compared to homes with EPC ratings of C, which are considered reasonably well-insulated. Even D-rated homes will face annual bills around 15 per cent higher, the research found.

ECIU energy analyst Jess Ralston said: For millions living in cold, leaky homes, insulation is crucial for lowering bills.

But with energy independence remaining a top concern for the public and politicians alongside the cost of living, insulation is now also key to reducing our demand for gas.

Poorly insulated homes are costs families more to heat ( PA Archive )

Unless we start to use less gas, well just have to import more from abroad as the North Sea continues its inevitable decline, regardless of new licences.

The ECIU said that a little over a decade ago there were considerably more homes being insulated every year in the UK. There has been a 95 per cent drop in the number of insulation measures since the period before a raft of changes were made by then prime minister David Cameron. Laws passed under the coalition government to require every new-build home to have zero carbon emissions were scrapped by David Camerons administration soon after the Conservatives took sole control in 2015.

In September, current prime minister Rishi Sunak scrapped plans that would have forced private landlords to ensure their properties had a minimum level of insulation.

Ms Ralston said: Government insulation schemes are not delivering at target levels and fixing them does not seem to be a priority, despite the bill and energy security benefits.

The next government, whatever colour it is, rapidly needs to increase deployment of energy efficiency measures if it wants to gain energy independence and lower bills.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: Nearly half of all homes in England now have an EPC rating of C or above, up from just 14 per cent in 2010.

We have allocated 20bn for energy efficiency over this parliament and next  helping cut bills for those families who need it most.

Our investment will raise insulation standards of around 500,00 homes across the UK.
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Drivers have been hit by gridlocked roads and tailbacks across the UK as people head home at the end of the four-day Easter weekend.

An estimated two million holidaymakers are making return journeys today, with the worst congestion expected in the southwest of England.

It comes after the RAC warned of carmageddon ahead of the Easter break and said heavy traffic and long queues could be expected.

Tailbacks were seen on the M5 between Bristol and Taunton, with tailbacks reported on the A102M Blackwall tunnel in Greenwich, southeast London.

On some parts of the M5 traffic clogged up to a crawl of 16mph, with 30-minute delays across many of the home counties.

Motorway traffic on the M5 motorway near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset ( Ben Birchall/PA Wire )

A major traffic accident also took place this afternoon between Junctions 23 and 24 of the M60, just outside of Denton, Greater Manchester.

The serious incident forced the motorway to close in both directions, as an air ambulance was been spotted at the scene.

On Good Friday, queues of 15 to 20 miles built up on the M4 and M5 interchange near Bristol, which added 45 minutes to journey times.

The western side of the M25 London orbital motorway was described as pretty bad and a lot worse than normal, with 40-minute queues.

The RAC said holidaymakers heading south were behind much of the congestion after forecasters predicted sunny spells over the next few days.

Motorway traffic on the M5 motorway near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, ( Ben Birchall/PA Wire )

RAC spokesperson Simon Williams said: Everyones heading to Devon and Cornwall  thats the attraction, and theres been a bit of better weather. Its causing some pretty horrendous queues.

The M20 in Kent was also busy, with congestion approaching Folkestone on the coast. There were also hold-ups on the A628 between Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire after two separate accidents, National Highways reported.

Tourist board VisitEngland said around 11 million people in the UK were planning an overnight Easter trip, generating an estimated 3.2bn for the economy.

Around 14 million trips by road are estimated to have been made over the weekend, a survey by the RAC and transport analysis company Inrix suggested.
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Government ministers must overhaul the failing compensation scheme for victims of the Windrush scandal, campaigners have said, after several people died before receiving payouts.

The Home Office should be stripped of responsibility for determining and handling payments to victims and it should be turned over to an independent body instead, critics say.

The compensation scheme has been in place since 3 April 2019 in a bid to right the wrongs of the scandal, which emerged a year earlier and saw many British citizens, mostly from the Caribbean, denied access to healthcare and benefits and threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in the UK.

Despite growing concerns around the number of people dying before receiving payouts, the Home Office has so far resisted demands for such reforms, warning that changing how the system is administered could disrupt claims being processed and lead to delayed payments.

Conroy Downie, a 67-year-old Windrush victim who has been advising thousands of others on how to make compensation claims and is still waiting for his case to be fully settled, said: Its a failure, its disgusting. I think they are waiting for us to die off.

Conroy Downie is among the Windrush victims still waiting for compensation ( Jamie Lau/Age UK/PA Wire )

The great-grandfather, who was born in Jamaica and came to the UK as a teenager before joining the army and twice wrongly faced deportation amid the scandal, said the system has failed us as he described how one of the main problems was that people still dont trust the Home Office.

Immigration and human rights lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie, who has worked with more than 400 Windrush victims, said: Like the Post Office Horizon scandal, it is deplorable that the scheme is managed by the perpetrators of the wrong.

The partner and head of immigration and asylum law at the firm Leigh Day said the Home Office must speed up the decision making and work with lawyers and campaigners to bring about reform.

While there have been some improvements over the years, we are still some way to go to say the scheme is operating in an efficient way, she added.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said while the latest figures show modest improvements in the performance of the scheme, many people are still waiting far too long for the redress they are due  over a year or even 18 months in the worst cases.

She added: This is unacceptable, especially given that for many of the older applicants, time is not on their side.

Repeating calls to shift the schemes administration to an independent body, so claimants have the confidence to apply and for a redesign so it provides fair recompense for loss of future earnings and pensions income, Ms Abrahams said: The Windrush compensation scheme can be made fairer and easier to access if the political will is there in government.

Its high time everyone affected received the justice they are due before its too late and more people go to their graves uncompensated for the enormous harm they and their families have experienced through the years.

According to analysis of the latest available Home Office figures, 7,862 claims have been made as of January 2024.

A total of 80.1 million had been paid out by the end of the first month of this year for 2,233 claims  an average of nearly 35,900 per claim.

Some 4,847 claims had been fully closed by this time, of which just over half (52 per cent) were found to have no entitlement to compensation, 36 per cent were offered compensation, and the remaining 12 per cent had their eligibility for a claim refused or withdrawn.

Of the 1,345 claims still being processed, 185 (14 per cent) had been in the system for at least 12 months, including 83 for more than 18 months.

This is a slight improvement on a year ago; at the end of January 2023, 19 per cent of claims (416 out of 2,192) had been in the system for a year or more, with 171 for more than 18 months.

The 12 month-plus proportion has crept upwards in recent months, however, having dipped as low as 12 per cent in October 2023. It peaked at 38 per cent in June 2022.

Meanwhile just over a third (35 per cent) of claims in January 2024 had been in the system for one to three months, down from 39 per cent a year earlier, but up from 18 per cent two years ago in January 2022.

The number of claims received by case workers has been on a downward trend in recent months.

The average was 174 per month in the three months to January 2024, down from 204 in the previous three months and well below the 286 per month in the equivalent three months a year earlier (November 2022 to January 2023).

The Home Office insisted the government remains absolutely committed to righting the wrongs of the Windrush scandal and has continued to improve the process so people receive the maximum award as quickly as possible.

We firmly believe moving the operation of the scheme away from the Home Office would risk significantly delaying vital payments to people  there would be considerable disruption to the processing of outstanding claims while a new body was established and made operational, a spokesperson added.

A candlelit vigil and rally is set to take place in Brixton, south London, on Saturday to mark the sixth anniversary since the scandal was exposed.
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Rishi Sunak is facing a Tory revolt over plans to criminalise homelessness in a key crime bill this year.

The prime minister risks a backbench rebellion when MPs vote on the Criminal Justice Bill, which would give police the power to fine or move nuisance rough sleepers.

Dozens of MPs from the left and right of the Conservative Party are said to have warned Tory whips they will vote against measures in the bill.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake refused to say whether he would support the plans to criminalise rough sleeping ( PA Wire )

Senior government sources told The Times they had paused the legislation while ministers negotiated with more than 40 expected rebels.

The government is panicking about the scale of the rebellion because they know if it gets pushed to a vote they will lose, one said.

The rebel added: But were not backing down or giving way. The ball is in the governments court. They need to listen or it will be desperate for them.

A minister on Monday refused to say whether he would support the plans to criminalise rough sleeping.

Asked by Times Radio whether he would back the bill as it stands, business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: Those things are not within my auspices. I will be interested to see the legislation as it goes through and what the prime minister has planned.

Asked if it was right to arrest someone for so-called nuisance rough sleeping, Mr Hollinrake said: What is the most important thing is we provide the resources to get people off the streets and there should be those places where people can go to.

I dont think that should be... that shouldnt be optional for people, if there are places that people can go to off the streets then those people should be off the streets, they shouldnt be lying on the streets. It is not fair to other people in our town and city centres.

Shelter chief executive Polly Neate accused the government of punishing people for being homeless ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

The plans as they stand would grant police and local authority workers new powers to order beggars to move on while encouraging them to make use of accommodation services and mental health support.

Another new offence will be created for criminal gangs organising begging networks, and a government release said people causing nuisance on the street would be moved on, pointing in particular at those obstructing shop doorways and begging by cash points.

Homelessness charities have warned the government measures intended to replace the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act which criminalised all rough sleeping will instead result in the further criminalisation of homeless people.

Polly Neate, chief executive of the charity Shelter, said: Parliament must not enact this legislation. Instead of punishing people for being homeless, politicians should be trying to prevent them from ending up on the streets.

Everyone at risk of sleeping rough should have a right to suitable emergency accommodation, and to end homelessness for good it must invest in genuinely affordable social homes  we need 90,000 a year.

Fiona Colley, director of social change at Homeless Link, said she was disappointed by the plan.

Homelessness is not a crime, she said. When the government committed to repealing the Vagrancy Act it was done with an understanding that people sleeping on our streets need to be supported, not criminalised.

Therefore, we are extremely disappointed to see that this new plan will result in further criminalisation of vulnerable people, rather than offering the constructive solutions that work in helping people off the streets for good.

The Liberal Democrats called on the government to back down on the plans to criminalise homelessness. MP Layla Moran, who led a cross-party campaign to scrap the Vagrancy Act, said: The heartless proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill risk bringing back the Vacancy Act by the back door.

The government should listen to their own backbenchers and take a compassionate approach to tackling homelessness, instead of stigmatising and criminalising rough sleepers.

Sleeping rough is not a lifestyle choice. Ministers should focus on tackling the root causes of this crisis, not scapegoating the victims of it.

A government spokesperson said: We are determined to end rough sleeping and prevent people from ending up on the streets in the first place. That is why last year we published our strategy to end rough sleeping for good, backed by an unprecedented 2bn commitment.

No one should be criminalised for simply having nowhere to live, which is why we committed to repealing the outdated Vagrancy Act, which was passed in 1824.

These provisions provide a civil route to engage with rough sleepers to help them to take up offers of support and only criminalise any non-compliance with a lawfully made direction, notice or order.
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Rishi Sunaks pledge to stop the boats is in tatters after figures showed a record number of migrants crossed the Channel in the first three months of 2024.

A total of 5,435 asylum seekers arrived via small boats in the UK this year, Home Office figures showed, a 43 per cent increase from the same time last year.

The figure is also around a fifth higher than the total by this point in 2022, the year which saw the highest number of small boat crossings on record.

Rishi Sunak has made stopping the boats a key pledge of his leadership ( PA Wire )

The total number of arrivals soared over the weekend amid calm weather in the Channel, making it the busiest Easter bank holiday weekend for Channel crossings on record.

Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the Conservatives had overseen an unprecedented level of dangerous Channel crossings this Easter bank holiday.

Mr Kinnock said: Over the Christmas break, they were quick to claim credit for the low number of crossings, so where are the home secretary and prime minister now, when weve seen almost 800 people arrive in small boats over the bank holiday weekend?

After Christmas, James Cleverly boasted on social media that there were no small boat arrivals over Christmas for the first time since they started in 2018.

A group of people thought to be migrants crossing the Channel in a small boat from the coast of France and heading in the direction of Dover ( PA Archive )

Mr Kinnock added: This is complete chaos. Its time the Tories got a grip.

The Labour MP called for the government to adopt his partys plan to chase people smuggling gangs and set up a new returns and enforcement unit.

Last January Mr Sunak set out his five pledges to voters, with one of them being to stop the boats.

A key plank of the strategy is the scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, but the legislation to implement that plan was not passed before Easter because peers inflicted a series of defeats on the government and ministers did not seek to rush it through before parliaments recess.

It will now be considered by MPs when parliament resumes on 15 April, with the Commons likely to undo the latest changes made by the Lords and send it back to the upper chamber.

The PM has claimed his plan to stop Channel crossings is working, as numbers fell by a third last year. But critics blamed poorer weather, and have seized on the record start to 2024 as evidence the pledge will not be met.

Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson said: While Labour continue to snipe from the sidelines at our plan to tackle illegal migration, it is clear that they have no plan at all.

In fact, Labour voted 118 times against measures that the Conservatives have created to secure our borders, and when Starmer chose his five missions for government there was no mention of immigration whatsoever. The numbers of illegal migrants would only go up under Labour who are determined to scrap a working deterrent in the Rwanda plan.

By sticking to the plan, the Conservatives have brought small boats arrivals down by a third and 24,000 people were returned last year with more being removed every week. We need to stick to our plan, or we will go back to square one with Labour.
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A temporary shipping channel has opened around the Port of Baltimore to keep commercial traffic coming into the city following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last week.

It is located on the northeast side of the main channel close to the bridge site. It has been marked with government-lighted aids for navigation. Officials said the passage is 11 feet deep with a 264-foot horizontal clearance and a vertical clearance of 95 feet.

It will be accessible to commercially essential vessels, officials added. The action marks one of the first in the effort to reopen the channel. Over the weekend, authorities removed a 250-tonne part of the wreckage from the site.

This marks an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore, US Coast Guard Captain David OConnell, federal on-scene coordinator, said on Monday. By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore.

On Monday, workers were focused on removing a 350-tonne part of the bridge. A representative of the US Coast Guard who spoke to reporters at an afternoon news conference said that officials were also working on creating a second southwest channel to help deeper vessels coming into the area.

The channel will measure 15 feet deep and open later this week, but Maryland Governor Wes Moore said that could depend on the weather, which is predicted to be stormy early this week.

Simultaneously, officials say they aim to open a third channel by clearing some of the debris where the bridge is located. That third channel is expected to be open in the coming weeks as officials remove significant parts of the bridge from the area. At least 8,000 people are dependent on jobs at the Port of Baltimore.

The structure collapsed into the water around 2am last Tuesday, sending eight construction workers into the Patapsco River below. Two were rescued. One had critical injuries while another was in stable condition. Another six men died, with two bodies being recovered from the water last week.

The remains of another four men are currently in the river under the debris. Mr Moore said one of his priorities is to reunite the men with their families as officials continue to clear the river of debris.

The work is moving, he said. The mission continues.
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A dairy worker in Texas has tested positive for avian flu, representing only the second-ever human case in the US.

H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, has been spreading rapidly across cattle in the American South and Midwest over the past few weeks but has so far largely failed to make the jump to humans.

One other person tested positive in Colorado in April 2022 after direct contact with poultry.

Across the globe, a total of 887 humans have been infected with avian flu since 2003, according to the World Health Organisation, with 462 resulting in death.

However, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said on Monday that the person infected last week was suffering only mild symptoms, and was being treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir.

Texas, Idaho, Michigan, Ohio, and New Mexico have all recorded bird flu infections in cows, raising fears that the virus's widespread replication will make it easier to spread to humans.

Every single time is a little bit of Russian roulette, Joe Biden's former Covid tsar Dr Ashish Jha told Politico. You play that game long enough and one of these times it will become fit to spread among humans.

However, federal agencies said in a joint press release on Friday that they had not yet detected any mutations in the virus that would make it more transmissible for humans, concluding that the overall risk to the public remains low.

They added that there was no danger of milk being infected with the disease because it is pasteurised before being sold to humans.

Scientists have long feared that bird flu could be the source of a future human pandemic, due to the very large pool of infected animals in which it can continuously mutate.

It first began to infect humans during an outbreak among chickens in Hong Kong in 1997 and has periodically gone epidemic since.

The current outbreak, which began in 2020, has been particularly severe, afflicting wild and captive bird populations on multiple continents as well as killing seven humans.
Magnificent gala ushers in spring on Pamir Plateau

Xinhua) 14:14, April 01, 2024

URUMQI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- As the cold grip of winter loosens its hold and the earth awakens with the promise of new beginnings, residents in Tajik Autonomous County of Taxkorgan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, welcomed the arrival of spring with lively folk dances and vibrant musical performances on the Pamir Plateau.

In celebration of the Tajik festival "Shogun Bahar," which means welcoming the spring, a music event was held in Taxkorgan on the night of March 20.

Displaying dynamic and vigorous movements, 21-year-old Ilham Saimaiti and his companions performed the group dance "Makit under the sunshine." This dance fuses several forms of folk dance, including Yangge, a traditional style from northern China that is a national intangible cultural heritage.

"We want to convey the joy and happiness of daily life through our dance," he said, catching his breath after his first performance on the plateau.

Echoing Ilham Saimaiti, Hegik Ukmat khan, a local musician playing the rawap, a stringed instrument, expressed his aspiration to connect with more people through his music.

Hegik Ukmat khan, along with 50 other musicians who played traditional and modern instruments such as the pipa, hand drum and accordion, captivated the audience with their enchanting melodies.

Moreover, at the Tiznap Village in Taxkorgan, a Tajik-style carnival also kicked off on March 21 to celebrate the festival.

Dancers clad in elaborate outfits twirled and leaped with grace on a square as the sound of hand drums and flutes echoed through the air.

Traditional activities like horse racing and goat-dragging competitions were held at the racetrack, as agile racers atop the horses captivated fascinated spectators.

For the locals, the festival is not only a celebration to welcome spring, but a time to come together, strengthen their connection to their roots, and enjoy the beauty of their shared traditions.

"I look forward to welcoming more guests to our region in the future to celebrate spring together and share in the joyous festivities," said Zulfikar Kadam, a resident of Taxkorgan.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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Disgraced legal scion Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to 40 years in prison  to run concurrently with a previous sentence  over a slew of federal financial fraud crimes.

The 55-year-old convicted killer and fraudster appeared in federal court in Charleston on Monday morning, where US District Judge Richard Gergel determined what penalty he should face for a sprawling decade-long scheme where he stole millions of dollars from vulnerable legal clients. The new sentence, which exceeds the 30 years prosecutors asked for, will run concurrently with the state sentences Murdaugh is already serving.

Judge Gergel said he handed Murdaugh a harsher sentence because his crimes impacted the most needy, vulnerable people, the Associated Pressreports.

They placed all their problems and all their hopes on Mr Murdaugh and it is from those people he abused and stole, Judge Gergel said. It is a difficult set of actions to understand.

From at least 2008 through 2021, Murdaugh swindled several clients at his law firm PMPED out of over $10m in funds. He had already been sentenced to 27 years in prison for his financial crimes, months after being given two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for murdering his wife Maggie and their 22-year-old son Paul.

In addition to his new 40-year sentence, Murdaugh has also been ordered to pay $8.7m. The money will be divided among several victims, The Post and Courier reports, as well as his former law firm and the bank Murdaugh used to funnel stolen funds.

Among the victims was the family of Gloria Satterfield  the Murdaughs longtime housekeeper who helped raise his two sons Paul and Buster.

Satterfield died in February 2018 following a mysterious trip and fall down the steps of the affluent familys Moselle home  the same estate where Murdaugh murdered his wife Maggie and son Paul just three years later.

Murdaugh urged Satterfields two sons to file a wrongful death lawsuit then stole the $4m in settlement money from them. The insurer that paid Ms Satterfields family will receive $3.8m from Murdaugh, the court also ordered Monday.

Just minutes before Judge Gergel handed down his sentence, Murdaugh addressed the court and apologised to his victims.

I want you to know and I want the victims to know, I am filled with sorrow, I am filled with remorse, I am filled with guilt, Murdaugh said, per The Herald. I am very committed to trying to be a better person.

Judge, I know theres not enough time and I dont possess sufficient vocabulary to express to you in words the magnitude of what I feel about what I did  as you pointed out for a long period of time... I literally am filled with sorrow and I am filled with guilt, he continued.

In September, Murdaugh finally pleaded guilty to 22 federal charges over the multi-million-dollar scheme including wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud after reaching a plea deal with Justice Department (DOJ) prosecutors.

Under the terms of the deal, he was to face up to 30 years in federal prison to be served concurrently with his state conviction on the same charges. In November, he was handed a 27-year prison term in state court at a highly-emotive sentencing hearing where he was confronted by several of his victims.

Alex Murdaugh appears at a hearing where he sought  unsuccessfully  to be granted a new murder trial ( AP )

The federal plea deal required Murdaugh to cooperate with prosecutors and be truthful about the details of his sprawling fraud.

But just days before his sentencing, DOJ prosecutors posted a new court filing saying that the double murderer had broken his end of the bargain and asking the judge to break the plea deal.

In the filing, Assistant US Attorney Emily Limehouse argued that Murdaugh had lied on a polygraph test. The filing also stated that an additional $1.3m in stolen money and a further 11 victims of Murdaughs financial crimes had been discovered since the deal was reached.

However, at the sentencing, both parties reached an agreement to preserve the plea deal.

In total, this took the extent of Murdaughs financial fraud scheme to a staggering 25 known victims and more than $10.5m money stolen. Ms Limehouse argued that these newly-discovered crimes would add nine to 11 years to a prison sentence.

As a result, the DOJ asked Judge Gergel to scrap the plea deal and pushed for Murdaugh to be hit with a lengthier sentence and for it to run consecutively to his state sentence.

Instead of sentencing guidelines of 21 years to run concurrently with his state sentence, Murdaugh faced 20 to 30 years on each of the 22 counts.

Despite his convictions, many questions remain about the extent of Murdaughs crimes.

While he continues to insist that he stole the money to feed his own decades-long opioid habit, prosecutors have long cast doubts on this assertion  pointing to, in part, the sheer extent of missing money which appears to be unaccounted for.

Two of his accomplices  both also powerful figures in the Lowcountry  have also been convicted over the white-collar fraud scheme. Fellow attorney Cory Fleming was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges and confessing to swindling millions from Satterfields family. Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte, who like Murdaugh came from a prominent, affluent family, was sentenced to seven years.

The trio of conspirators would represent clients in wrongful death lawsuits then steal the funds for themselves. Laffitte and Fleming would often act as conservators to Murdaughs victims.

Much of the stolen money was funneled through a fake Forge bank account which sought to imitate the legitimate and totally unrelated business Forge Consulting.

Alex Murdaugh cries as he addresses the court during his sentencing on state financial fraud charges in November ( AP )

Some of the money was also channeled through checks cut to Curtis Cousin Eddie Smith  Murdaughs distant cousin and alleged drug dealer who also happens to be the alleged accomplice in the killers bizarre botched hitman plot.

Murdaughs financial crimes came crashing down around him in the lead-up to the brutal murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul on 7 June 2021.

At his murder trial, jurors heard how Murdaughs colleagues at PMPED were closing in on his thefts with a colleague confronting him about $792,000 in stolen money on the morning of the murders.

His finances were also coming under intense scrutiny in a lawsuit brought by the family of Mallory Beach  a 19-year-old woman who died in a 2019 crash on the Murdaugh family boat. A hearing for the boat crash lawsuit was scheduled for 10 June  three days after the murders.

Jurors at the trial heard how Murdaugh shot and killed his wife and son to distract from his crumbling empire.

Two months on from the deadly shootings  in September 2021  Murdaugh was ousted from his law firm after they uncovered his years of theft.

A mere hours later, Murdaugh was shot in the head by the side of a road in Hampton County in a bizarre incident now known as the roadside shooting incident.

Days later  after checking in to rehab for what he claims was a two-decade-long opioid addiction  he confessed to paying his distant cousin Mr Smith to shoot and kill him in an assisted suicide plot so that his surviving son Buster could get a $10m life insurance windfall.

Both men were arrested and charged over the incident. However, Mr Smith denies Murdaughs version of events and the charges against him are still making their way through the courts.

Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh prior to the murders ( Maggie Murdaugh/Facebook )

In a dramatic moment at his murder trial, Murdaugh took the stand and confessed to running a vast financial fraud scheme.

But, while he may have confessed  at least in part  to stealing millions from vulnerable clients, close friends and even his own family members, Murdaugh continues to deny murdering Maggie and Paul.

He was convicted of the murders in May 2023 following a dramatic six-week trial of the century where his web of lies fell apart when jurors heard damning cellphone footage placing him at the murder scene mere moments before the killings. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Since then, he has fought against his conviction  sensationally seeking a new trial in September based on allegations that Colleton County Court Clerk Becky Hill tampered with the jury and pressured them to return a guilty verdict against him.

His bid for a new trial has since been denied and Ms Hill has denied the allegations. Yet, she still remains the focus of two investigations by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

And last week, she resigned from her role with immediate effect  a move she insisted was not related to the jury tampering accusations.
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Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh is set to be sentenced today on a slew of federal financial fraud crimes, with prosecutors making an 11th-hour bid to break a plea deal after he allegedly lied on a polygraph test.

The 55-year-old legal dynasty heir  who will already die behind bars after being handed two consecutive life sentences for murdering his wife and son  will appear in federal court in Charleston at 10am ET on Monday, where US District Judge Richard Gergel will determine what penalty he must face for a sprawling decade-long scheme where he stole millions of dollars from vulnerable legal clients.

From at least 2008 through 2021, Murdaugh swindled several clients at his law firm PMPED out of over $10m in funds.

Among the victims was the family of Gloria Satterfield  the Murdaughs longtime housekeeper who helped raise his two sons Paul and Buster.

Satterfield died in February 2018 following a mysterious trip and fall accident down the steps of the affluent familys Moselle home  the same estate where Murdaugh murdered his wife Maggie and son Paul just three years later.

Murdaugh urged Satterfields two sons to file a wrongful death lawsuit then stole the $4m in settlement money from them.

In September, Murdaugh finally pleaded guilty to 22 federal charges over the multi-million-dollar scheme including wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud after reaching a plea deal with Justice Department (DOJ) prosecutors.

Under the terms of the deal, he was to face up to 30 years in federal prison to be served concurrently with his state conviction on the same charges. In November, he was handed a 27-year prison term in state court at a highly-emotive sentencing hearing where he was confronted by several of his victims.

Alex Murdaugh during a court hearing where a judge turned down his request for a new murder trial ( AP )

The federal plea deal required Murdaugh to cooperate with prosecutors and be truthful about the details of his sprawling fraud.

But now, DOJ prosecutors are saying that the double murderer has broken his end of the bargain.

In a dramatic court filing last week, Assistant US Attorney Emily Limehouse argued that Murdaugh had lied on a polygraph test. The filing also states that an additional $1.3m in stolen money and a further 11 victims of Murdaughs financial crimes has been discovered since the deal was reached.

In total, this now takes the extent of Murdaughs financial fraud scheme to a staggering 25 known victims and more than $10.5m money stolen. Ms Limehouse argued that these newly-discovered crimes would add nine to 11 years to a prison sentence.

As a result, the DOJ is asking Judge Gergel to scrap the plea deal and is pushing for Murdaugh to be hit with a lengthier sentence to now run consecutively to his state sentence.

Instead of sentencing guidelines of 21 years to run concurrently with his state sentence, Murdaugh could face 20 to 30 years on each of the 22 counts.

Despite his convictions, many questions remain about the extent of Murdaughs crimes.

While he continues to insist that he stole the money to feed his own decades-long opioid habit, prosecutors have long cast doubts on this assertion  pointing to, in part, the sheer extent of missing money which appears to be unaccounted for.

Tony Satterfield addresses the court during Alex Murdaughs sentencing on state financial charges in November ( AP )

Two of his accomplices  both also powerful figures in the Lowcountry  have also been convicted over the white-collar fraud scheme. Fellow attorney Cory Fleming was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges and confessing to swindling millions from Satterfields family. Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte, who like Murdaugh came from a prominent, affluent family, was sentenced to seven years.

The trio of conspirators would represent clients in wrongful death lawsuits then steal the funds for themselves. Laffitte and Fleming would often act as conservators to Murdaughs victims.

Much of the stolen money was funneled through a fake Forge bank account which sought to imitate the legitimate and totally unrelated business Forge Consulting.

Some of the money was also channeled through checks cut to Curtis Cousin Eddie Smith  Murdaughs distant cousin and alleged drug dealer who also happens to be the alleged accomplice in the killers bizarre botched hitman plot.

Judge Gergel has already hinted that he could hand down a harsher sentence to Murdaugh than the prosecution guidelines recommend.

Murdaughs financial crimes came crashing down around him in the lead-up to the brutal murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul on 7 June 2021.

At his murder trial, jurors heard how Murdaughs colleagues at PMPED were closing in on his thefts with a colleague confronting him about $792,000 in stolen money on the morning of the murders.

His finances were also coming under intense scrutiny in a lawsuit brought by the family of Mallory Beach  a 19-year-old woman who died in a 2019 crash on the Murdaugh family boat. A hearing for the boat crash lawsuit was scheduled for 10 June  three days after the murders.

Jurors at the trial heard how Murdaugh shot and killed his wife and son to distract from his crumbling empire.

Two months on from the deadly shootings  in September 2021  Murdaugh was ousted from his law firm after they uncovered his years of theft.

Alex Murdaugh with his attorney Jim Harpootlian during a hearing seeking a retrial for his wife and sons murders ( The State Newspaper, 2024 )

A mere hours later, Murdaugh was shot in the head by the side of a road in Hampton County in a bizarre incident now known as the roadside shooting incident.

Days later  after checking in to rehab for what he claims was a two-decade-long opioid addiction  he confessed to paying his distant cousin Mr Smith to shoot and kill him in an assisted suicide plot so that his surviving son Buster could get a $10m life insurance windfall.

Both men were arrested and charged over the incident. However, Mr Smith denies Murdaughs version of events and the charges against him are still making their way through the courts.

In a dramatic moment at his murder trial, Murdaugh took the stand and confessed to running a vast financial fraud scheme.

But, while he may have confessed  at least in part  to stealing millions from vulnerable clients, close friends and even his own family members, Murdaugh continues to deny murdering Maggie and Paul.

He was convicted of the murders in May 2023 following a dramatic six-week trial of the century where his web of lies fell apart when jurors heard damning cellphone footage placing him at the murder scene mere moments before the killings. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Since then, he has fought against his conviction  sensationally seeking a new trial in September based on allegations that Colleton County Court Clerk Becky Hill tampered with the jury and pressured them to return a guilty verdict against him.

His bid for a new trial has since been denied and Ms Hill has denied the allegations. Yet, she still remains the focus of two investigations by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

And last week, she resigned from her role with immediate effect  a move she insisted was not related to the jury tampering accusations.
 Close Chad Daybell trial: Former friend testifies

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Melanie Gibb, the former friend of Lori Vallow, was served with a subpoena during a break in Chad Daybells triple murder trial in Boise, Idaho on Thursday.

Daybells defence attorney John Prior told her she had to accept to the papers. Ms Gibb was called by the prosecution to testify in the case a year after she testified at Vallows trial about the couples extreme religious beliefs.

Daybell, 55, is on trial for the murders of Vallows children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and JJ, seven, as well as his then-wife Tammy Daybell, who died suddenly in her sleep in October 2019. Weeks later, Daybell married Vallow.

Nine months after the children were last seen, they were found on Daybells property in Rexburg, Idaho.

Prosecutors say his desire for sex, power, and money led to their murders. Mr Prior, however, said his client was manipulated by Vallow.

Last year, Vallow was convicted in the three murders and sentenced to life in prison. Jurors heard how she, Mr Daybell and her late brother Alex Cox were fuelled, in part, by their bizarre cult beliefs.

If convicted, Mr Daybell faces either the death penalty or life in prison.
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A woman who was injured in a nightclub shooting says shell go to extreme lengths to prove that rapper Sean Diddy Combs was her attacker.

Natania Reuben was at Club New York in Manhattan, New York in December 1999 when a shooting broke out, injuring three people. Ms Reuben was shot in the face  and now she tells NewsNation shed allow doctors to remove the pieces of a bullet still embedded in her head to prove Diddy shot her.

If I didnt suffer, Im willing to have a doctor remove a part of the nine-millimetre bullet in my face so that they can use it as evidence if need be for this trial, and it may cost me my life, Ms Reuben told the media outlet.

The infamous shooting began with a conflict between Diddy  then known as Puffy  his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, his bodyguard Anthony Wolf Jones and rapper Jamal Shyne Barrow. Gunfire erupted afterwards, and the four were arrested.

Charges were quickly dropped against Lopez before the case went to court. She cooperated with investigators at the time and has since denied any wrongdoing regarding the 1999 shooting. Diddy and Mr Jones were acquitted of all charges after the 2001 trial. Barrow, then 21, was convicted of assault and gun possession and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Now, the trial is back in the limelight more than 20 years later after Rodney Lil Rod Jones filed a bombshell lawsuit in February against Diddy. Mr Jones says he was subjected to unwanted advances by associates of Diddy at his direction and that he was forced to engage in relations with the sex workers Combs had hired.

Mr Jones also claims that Diddy lied about his role in the 1999 shooting, writing that Diddy was bragging about bribing witnesses, and jurors in the criminal case concerning the 1999 NYC nightclub shooting with Shyne.

He shared that artist, and Mr. Combs girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Lopez, aka, J.Lo carried the gun into the club for him and passed him the gun after he got into an altercation with another individual, Mr Jones said in court filings.

Ms Reuben said she hopes Diddy and the others arrested that night are held accountable.

When I was fighting for my life on an operating table in St. Vincents Hospital for the doctors to remove the bullet that was the portion of the bullet that had shattered and was aspirating into my lungs, they had already held Miss Lopez and let her go and dropped her charges after about an hour, she said. This is absolutely ridiculous

Im grateful that God spared my life back on that fateful day on December 27, 1999, Ms Reuben continued. Im a living miracle.

Diddy has strongly denied all of the allegations against him. His attorneys have branded the lawsuits and their accusations as money grabs, baseless or sickening.

Mr Jones lawsuit is making headlines after federal agents raided Diddys homes in California and Florida last week.

A statement from Homeland Security said law enforcement actions had been executed as part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners.

Meanwhile, Diddys attorney Aaron Dyers condemned the raids.

Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr Combs residences, Mr Dyers said last week.

The Independent has contacted Diddy and Lopez comment.
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A shooting at a mall in Indianapolis on Saturday night left seven children and teenagers wounded.

Gunshots were fired at around 11.30pm at the Circle Center Mall, in the downtown area, with police officers hearing them and responding to the scene.

When they arrived, they found six young people with gunshot wounds, with ages ranging from 12 to 17-years-old.

All were taken to nearby hospitals, with a seventh victim arriving separately, and all were in a stable condition as of Sunday morning.

Tanya Terry, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Departments deputy chief of operations, told reporters at the scene that officers noticed groups of teenagers in the area just before the incident.

She said that parents should know where their children are after 10pm, adding that it was extremely concerning that more young people had fallen victim to gun violence.

Once again, we have a situation in which young people are resolving conflict with firearms, and it has to stop, Ms Terry said.

Conflict should not lead to somebody pulling out a gun and trying to resolve it. The consequences are eternal.

The police department told The Independent on Monday that no arrests had yet been made and that its officers were still conducting their investigations.

WTHR reported that this was the third weekend in a row that at least six people have been injured in a shooting in Indianapolis.

In a statement released on X, the citys mayor Joe Hogsett said he was heartbroken for those involved.

Let me be clear: a 12-year-old child has no business being out late at night anywhere without parental or adult supervision, Mayor Hogsett said. As important, there is no reason why a young person at any age should be in possession of a gun.

But no level of law enforcement or community programming can keep guns out of the hands of every young person in our city.

The mayor said the city was working to build on a $150m violence reduction strategy, which includes hiring as Chief Violence Prevention Office, who will focus exclusively on young people.
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Power. Money. Sex.

These are the three things that prosecutors say drove Lori Vallow to kill.

And theyre also the three things that experts say make up the playbook of a destructive cult.

All cult leaders are driven by those three things in that particular order, Steve Hassan, a world-renowned cult expert and former member of the Moonies cult, tells The Independent.

Power is number one, then two its money which is also used for control, and three is sex. Its the playbook of a cult leader.

Vallow soon earned the nickname the cult mom not long after her two youngest children Tylee Ryan, 16, and Joshua JJ Vallow, 7, disappeared in September 2019.

As the childrens other family members desperately searched for them  and begged Vallow to come clean about where they were  details about her doomsday cult beliefs began to emerge.

The 50-year-old mother-of-three had grown up in the Church of the Latter-day Saints (LDS) but, since meeting her new lover Chad Daybell, her beliefs had grown ever more extreme.

She believed she and Mr Daybell had been chosen for a religious mission to lead the 144,000 followers  that he was a prophet and she a goddess.

Her murder trial - which ended in a conviction for killing the kids and conspiring to kill Mr Daybells first wife Tammy - exposed how these beliefs grew increasingly fantastical and dangerous, invoking zombies, dark spirits and death.

Cult mom

At her trial, prosecutors said that Vallow, Mr Daybell and their inner circle believed in a rating system of light and dark with certain death percentages for how they ranked the spirits of the people around them.

Over time, this then evolved into the belief that some people had become zombies. And that the only way to get rid of the zombie was to destroy the human body it was in.

Shockingly, this included her two children.

Before their disappearances, Vallow had told friends that they had been taken over by dark spirits, and that Tylee was possessed by a demon named Hillary, according to courtroom testimony.

Chilling text messages sent to Mr Daybell revealed her complaining that: We r both so tired of taking care of demons. We are weary. Please ask the Lord to take them.

One month later, the children vanished.

It would be nine months later before both of their remains were discovered in the pet cemetery of Mr Daybells yard in Idaho.

Their final moments had clearly been brutal.

Lori Vallow talks with her lawyers before the jurys verdict is read at her murder trial ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Little JJ, still in his pyjamas, had been suffocated with a plastic bag wrapped around his head with tape, the scratch marks on his neck revealing the young boy desperately fought for his life.

Tylees cause of death may never be known as her body was hacked into pieces with a pickaxe and badly burned.

At her trial, a jury found Vallow guilty of murder and conspiracy to murder Tylee and JJ, after hearing how she, Mr Daybell (who stands trial on 1 April) and Vallows brother Alex Cox (who is also now dead) conspired to kill them.

But the children werent the only victims as Vallows descent into extreme cult beliefs led to a trail of death and destruction in her wake.

Mr Daybells first wife Tammy and Vallows fourth husband Charles are also dead, while others  who testified to being shot at  appear to have had a lucky escape.

Its a tragic and shocking case that has horrified America for the last four years because of, not only the brutality of the murders, but the unanswered questions that remain around the role cult beliefs played in what happened.

After all, this was a woman who, by all accounts, had long been seen as a good and loving mother to her children.

Can a mother really be driven to kill her own two children  children she has raised and cared for their whole lives  by the power of a cult? Can cult beliefs really wield that much power?

Power of cults

Many of the most infamous cults have ended in murder or mass death.

The Manson Family murdered nine victims under the direction of their leader Charles Manson.

More than 918 people died in the Jonestown massacre.

A total of 39 Heavens Gate followers took their own lives under the belief that they would be beamed up to an alien spacecraft.

Dr Hassan knows the power a cult can have on a person all too well.

Back in 1974, the then-19-year-old was recruited into the Unification Church  also known as the Moonies cult. Under the cults leader Sun Myung Moon, he quit college and his job, handed over his bank account and believed his family were Satanic.

Tylee Ryan and Joshua JJ Vallow ( Family handout )

I became a different person in the image of Moon and believed that the old Steve had fallen and was Satanic and that armageddon would happen, he tells The Independent.

For about two and a half years, there was no getting away.

Then, when he fell asleep at the wheel of a van due to sleep deprivation and nearly died, it actually saved him.

While spending two weeks in a hospital bed recovering from his injuries  away from the cults direct influence  his family arranged a deprogramming intervention.

At the end of it, I realised that Moon was a liar and if he was a liar then he wasnt trustworthy and if he wasnt trustworthy he couldnt be god on earth and my whole belief system collapsed, he says.

At the point that I had that realisation, I cried and said how did they do this to me? How could I believe these crazy things and turn my back on my friends and family?

But its this thinking that only certain types of people can be drawn into a cult or cult beliefs which can be dangerous, he says.

The public has unconscious bias that says when people try to understand other peoples behaviour they tend to overestimate the persons personality and underestimate the power of the situation, explains Dr Hassan.

So people think oh Steve must have got into the Moonies because his family were not nice, or he was looking for something in his life or something.

He adds: The biggest vulnerability is thinking that it could never happen to you.

Breaking down sense of identity

Dr Hassan explains that cults work by breaking down an individuals sense of identity.

Undue influence has been exerted in a systematic way to break down a persons sense of identity and build them back up in the image of their cult leader, he says.

Steven Hassan left the Moonies aged 22, and has since become a leading expert on cults and mind control ( Supplied )

Wed like to believe that were rational beings but were not. Were emotional, social beings and we adapt to our environment to the information we receive from our environment.

Dr Hassan says that there are four components to what he describes as a destructive mind control cult: behaviour, information, thought, and emotional control.

Together, this creates dependency or obedience to the cult leader or cause, he explains.

In Vallows case, her progression towards more extreme beliefs didnt happen in a vacuum, he says.

Vallow and Mr Daybell had already grown up in the Church of the LDS.

Mr Daybell was a self-published author who wrote doomsday books loosely based on the teachings of the church and also ran a podcast based on his teachings. He claimed that he was a prophet.

Vallow always really took the church seriously, her brother Adam Cox said in his podcast Tylee and JJs Silver Linings Podcast with his uncle Rex in 2023.

Mr Cox said his sister was fun growing up and that her marriage to Charles Vallow seemed great.

But, he said that in the lead-up to all the death and destruction, she had started to see herself as more spiritual.

It just feels like she started to pull away spiritually from where Charles was  her idea of spirituality, he said.

With Lori going down that road it was like a snowball she just kept on picking up different stuff and different stuff and different stuff she wanted to convince people the end of the world was coming she was doing food storage every moment it was getting bigger and bigger.

One question he said he was still trying to work out the answer to is who was the ringleader in Vallow and Mr Daybells relationship.

Leader or follower?

People ask was Lori brainwashed by Chad or Chad by Lori? he said.

Based on what Dr Hassan has seen about the case, he is also torn about who is likely the cult leader in this scenario.

Mr Daybell appears the obvious choice as someone who referred to himself as a prophet and given that, before the murders, Vallow was said to be a good mother who loved her children  and that things started getting crazy and weird after she met Mr Daybell.

But, based on other information that came out at trial, a different picture of Vallow has also emerged  one of a woman lacking empathy and being focused on transactional things and how they can help her, says Dr Hassan.

Chad Daybell at a court hearing ( Post Register )

That profile of her as a malignant narcissist is characteristic of a cult leader, he says.

They are narcissists who think theyre above the law, pathological liars, sadistic, paranoid.

So if Lori is a narcissist and lacks empathy and then she meets Chad and theyre convinced they have a sacred mission together how much was she influenced by him and how much was he influenced by her?

My guess  and its just speculation  is that if the Lori before Chad loved her kids and was a pretty good mom and wanted to do good choices for them then what would lead her to agree to kill them or think theyre possessed? We have to look at what are the sources of influence? Chad is an obvious choice.

Its an argument Vallows attorneys tried to push in their closing statement at her trial, arguing that she was a good mom whose life fell apart after meeting religious leader Mr Daybell.

One year after meeting Chad, four people are dead, her attorney told jurors.

Why cant people escape religious leaders? Why cant Lori escape and get back to her good mom life?... But is Lori a leader or a follower of Chad? She so wants to be a leader but shes not leading anyone.

Leader or follower, brainwashed or brainwasher, it doesnt change her accountability for the fact that children JJ and Tylee and mother-of-five Tammy are now dead.

If Lori truly believed she was on a mission from god and that they were all zombies and the kids werent her kids anymore but were just demons in their bodies, then she may have thought she was not killing her kids, says Dr Hassan.

[But] if she was involved in killing her children then she is guilty are there aggravating circumstances? Maybe  but shes still guilty.

Yet, there are other questions around the power that cult beliefs may have played in Vallows killer prowess.

While her bizarre cult beliefs were laid out at trial, so too was the level of planning and conspiring that went into the murders.

On the one hand, Vallow appeared to be preparing for the end of the world based on her bizarre doomsday beliefs.

On the other, she was researching life insurance policies for her children, stealing their social security and survivor benefits and preparing to embark on a new life in Hawaii with Mr Daybell.

In the month before Tylees murder, trial testimony showed that the teens social security benefits were changed to be payable into her mothers bank account instead of her own and the mother and daughter then opened a joint account.

Lori Vallow smiles as she leaves a court hearing ( AP )

Less than a month later, Tylee was dead  with all the funds now going straight to her mother.

A similar pattern then unfolded in the days leading up to JJs murder.

Following their murders, the couple then eloped to Hawaii and got married on a beach  a wedding that online searches reveal they had been planning for at least six months (when Tammy was alive and well).

It all comes back to those three key components of the cult playbook.

As prosecutors said in both opening and closing statements of Vallows murder trial: Money, power, and sex  thats what this case is about.

Whether that involves Vallow being under the spell of a cult, being a narcissistic cult leader or simply the drive of her own conscious desires is still a mystery.

As Mr Daybells trial now gets under way, maybe well find out...

This piece was originally published in August 2023.
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The man police believe shot and killed one person and injured four others at a Nashville coffee shop is at large, according to law enforcement.

Detectives are still trying to identify the motive of a gunman who shot five people at the Roasted coffee shop on Easter Sunday in Nashvilles Salemtown neighbourhood. The Metro Nashville Police Department has named Anton Rucker, 46, as its primary suspect.

Mr Rucker has previous aggravated assault charges and had been arrested in Murfreesboro on felony drug charges last Halloween, police said. Last August he was arrested on aggravated assault and gun charges.

The gunman was caught on surveillance video around 3pm firing inside the shop at another man. One of the wounded, Allen Beachem, 33, died from his wounds.

Police believe that the shooter got into an altercation with another man inside the coffee shop, which ultimately escalated into a shooting. Officers said they have no reason to believe that the suspect knew the victim before the attack.

"There was an altercation between two men at Roasted. Sunday brunch was being served. During that time period, the altercation occurred and escalated, very sharply, to one of the men pulling a gun and firing multiple shots," Metro police spokesman Don Aaron said during a press conference. We don't have any indication that they knew each other at this point. It could be something as simple as one person invading another person's space.

Metro Nashville Police officers are searching for Aaron Rucker, 46, who they have named as a suspect in an Easter Sunday coffee shop shooting ( MNPD )

The coffee shop was hosting an Easter Sunday brunch on the day of the shooting that featured a DJ and dancing. Witnesses to the shooting told The Tennessean that they saw parents fleeing the coffee shop with their children after the shooting began.

Everyone was grabbing the children and running or dropping on the ground, Dia Settle, one of the witnesses, told the paper. I got waves of chills because I could tell someone was hurt, just from the sound and that many gunshots.

The gunman then reportedly fled the scene in a Mercedes GLS 450, according to the MNPD.

Mr Aaron said that eight people in total were taken from the scene of the shooting.
 Close Police ready to search all leads on disappearance of missing teen Sebastian Rogers

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After members received death threats, a non-profit organisation helping in the search for Sebastian Rogers in Tennessee said on Monday that it was now working privately with his family.

In an interview with The Independent, United Cajun Navy spokesperson Kevin LaFond also addressed rumours that the group was a scam.

The word hurtful comes up. The other is uninformed, Mr LaFond said of those accusations. Folks that know the United Cajun Navy know that theres proof in our words everywhere and its not hard to find it.

The group was called in by the 15-year-olds father and other members of the community, after the search for him stretched over a month.

Sebastian disappeared overnight on 25 February, with his mother Katie Proudfoot finding his bed empty the following morning.

Sebastians parents met with law enforcement on Thursday, as the search for him neared five weeks.

His dad said he could not discuss what the meeting was about, but insisted that he still has hope that his son is out there somewhere.

I dont know if hes been abducted or if hes just over at a friends house, but Ill know when I find him exactly what has happened to him, Seth Rogers told Fox 17.

After over a week without any law enforcement update, Sumner County Sheriffs Office is expected to hold a media briefing on Tuesday morning.
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The mayor of the city of Baltimore is calling on Congress to act as a united body in response to the devastation caused by the crash of a massive container ship into his citys iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge, which destroyed the crossing and has shut down one of the biggest ports on the East Coast.

Mayor Brandon Scott appeared on CBSs Face the Nation and told guest host Ed OKeefe that the disaster was more than just an issue for his state, citing the specific sectors likely to be impacted by the expected months-long closure of the port. The Port of Baltimore is the largest import site for foreign automobiles in the United States, and also services other sectors including agriculture.

This should not be something that has anything or any conversation around party, he told CBS. It matters to the global economy.

The federal government is expected to pay the vast majority of the cost required to clear the wreckage from the Patapsco River, remove the trapped container ship and rebuild the bridge. Maryland officials have already begun receiving an initial transfer of $60m from federal emergency funds, and members of the states congressional delegation including Senator Ben Cardin have said that such funding is likely to cover about 90 per cent of the projected $2bn or thereabouts required for the repair process.

President Joe Biden pledged to support that bid this week, telling Marylanders in an address from the White House: Its my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect the Congress to support my effort.

This is going to take some time, but the people of Baltimore can count on us though to stick with them at every step of the way until the port is reopen and the bridge is rebuilt.

The president is expected to visit the state in the days ahead.

Maryland officials and their representatives on Capitol Hill are expected to push for the remainder to be funded through legislation. Already, a few Republicans have come out against that idea  none, however, are connected to leadership.

Rep Ralph Norman, a top Nikki Haley backer until her presidential campaign ended after Super Tuesday, blasted the idea in a statement to The Hill, calling it totally absurd.

Dan Meuser, from Marylands neighbour to the north, called the presidents pledge to support the push for further funding outrageous in a Fox Business interview.

It was kind of outrageous immediately for Biden to express in this tragedy the idea that hes going to use federal funds to pay for the entirety. You know, he doesnt refer to it as the American taxpayer dollars on anything. You know, the first reaction, in fact the only reaction, tends to be to spend. the Pennsylvania Republican said.
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President Biden will visit the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Friday and will meet with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other state and local officials as efforts to clear a key maritime shipping artery continue, the White House has said.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at the daily press briefing on Monday that Mr Biden would use the visit to meet with state and local officials and get an on-the-ground look at federal response efforts.

Ms Jean-Pierre said Mr Biden is continuing to lead a whole of government approach to the collapse, including by working with Mr Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the Maryland congressional delegation and numerous state and local officials to reopen the port, rebuild the bridge and support the people of Baltimore through the unified command.

The US Coast Guard is coordinating a complex and highly coordinated effort to remove the wreckage with resources from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the state of Maryland and others. Crane barges are on the scene supporting the mission, she said before noting that the Chesapeake 1000  what she described as the largest heavy lift crane barge on the East Coast  has been on site since late Thursday, with the first major piece of wreckage having already been removed.

As the President said within hours of the collapse, this administration will be with the people of Baltimore every step of the way. We are with you, Baltimore, and we will be there until we get this done, she added.

The announcement of Mr Bidens impending trip comes just hours after officials opened a temporary shipping channel to allow some movement of cargo vessels around the wreckage of the bridge and the ship which struck it last week.

This marks an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore, Captain David OConnell, federal on-scene coordinator, said in a news release on Monday morning. By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore.

Officials called the temporary channel part of what they described as a phased approach to opening the port, The temporary channel has government-lighted navigation aids and has a controlling depth of 11 feet, providing a 264-foot clearance and a vertical clearance of 95 feet.

Ms Jean-Pierre also said the Biden administration is taking action to address the economic impacts of the disaster, including by launching two business recovery centres through the Small Business Administration which will support impacted business owners and aid them in completing applications for disaster loans.

In addition, she said the Department of Labour  is working with local and state officials to determine how to assist workers whove found themselves out of work because of the ports closure, adding later the Acting Labour Secretary Julie Su is in Baltimore on Monday to meet with stakeholders.
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US president Joe Biden and Donald Trump both made online posts on Sunday in which they wished people a happy Easter, though their messages differed somewhat in tone.

Mr Bidens, written on Twitter/X, was short and simple, stating: To all those gathering in churches and homes around the world today: Happy Easter. May God bless and keep you.

In his own message, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Mr Trump also wished a Happy Easter to all, although he included an attack on those seeking to put me in prison.

In a lengthy and, as is often the case, all-capitalised post on Sunday afternoon, the former president railed against some of his usual suspects, including DOJ special counsel Jack Smith and Georgia attorney Fani Willis.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL, INCLUDING CROOKED AND CORRUPT PROSECUTORS AND JUDGES THAT ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO INTERFERE WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2024, AND PUT ME IN PRISON, he wrote.

INCLUDING THOSE MANY PEOPLE THAT I COMPLETELY & TOTALLY DESPISE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO DESTROY AMERICA, A NOW FAILING NATION.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Mr Trump referred to Mr Smith as deranged and said that Ms Williss case against him was illegal, another of his favourite refrains.

It comes as Republicans, led by the former president, sounded off on Mr Biden after he issued a statement recognising Trans Visibility Day because it happened to coincide with Easter Sunday.

Donald Trumps Easter message, posted on Truth Social ( @realDonaldTrump/ TruthSocial )

Created by a Michigan-based transgender activist, Rachel Crandall, in 2009, International Transgender Day of Visibility (often shortened to Trans Visibility Day) falls on 31 March 31 every year  Easter Sunday in 2024.

President Biden marked the push for transgender rights with a statement recognising Trans Visibility Day on Friday, drawing the ire of the far right.

On Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the joy, strength, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know, he wrote on Twitter/X.

Today, we show millions of transgender and non-binary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect.
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Donald Trump has been uncharacteristically quiet on what is likely to be one of the biggest foreign policy issues of his second term, should he win in November. But in the few interviews and statements he has given on Israel and the war in Gaza, the former president has shown signs that he may be cooling in his support for the longtime US ally.

In two recent interviews, the former president spoke about how he had been disturbed by images and videos showing civilians bearing the brunt of the onslaught and called for an end to the war.

Youve got to get it over with, and you have to get back to normalcy, he said in an interview with The Hugh Hewitt Show that aired Thursday, adding that he wanted Israel to get back to peace and stop killing people.

And the other thing is I hate, they put out tapes all the time. Every night, theyre releasing tapes of a building falling down. They shouldnt be releasing tapes like that. Theyre doing, thats why theyre losing the PR war, he added.

His comments come a week after he made similar statements to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom .

I think Israel made a very big mistake, he told the newspaper I wanted to call and say dont do it. These photos and shots. I mean, moving shots of bombs being dropped into buildings in Gaza. And I said, Oh, thats a terrible portrait. Its a very bad picture for the world. The world is seeing this  every night, I would watch buildings pour down on people.

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, March 25, 2024. ( AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah )

Attempting to read between the lines on Mr Trumps often-wandering remarks on any topic is an imperfect science, at best. The Trump campaign has denied the interview represents a change in policy, while Richard Grenell, an intelligence official in the Trump administration whom the former president has described as called an envoy, described Mr Trumps comments as pretty clear in response to a query from The Independent.

In the days after the brutal attack, which killed 1,200 people and saw more than 200 taken hostage, Mr Trump offered his enthusiastic backing for Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza.

But his recent comments, coming after more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, have been interpreted as a sign that Mr Trumps previous unyielding support for Israel is not guaranteed.

One of the journalists who conducted the interview, a right-wing Israeli settler named Ariel Kahana, said Mr Trumps comments shocked us to the core.

Both US presidential candidates, Biden and Trump, are turning their rhetorical backs on Israel, he wrote. Trump effectively bypassed Biden from the left, when he expressed willingness to stop this war and get back to being the great country you once were. Theres no way to beautify, minimize or cover up that problematic message, he continued.

If the images of large civilian casualties coming from Gaza are shaping Mr Trumps foreign policy plans, it wouldnt be the first time.

In 2017, during his first term, Mr Trump took the extraordinary decision to launch airstrikes against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in response to deadly chemical weapons attacks that killed more than 100 people, including many children.

Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the UN, with photos of victims killed in chemical weapons attacks as she speaks during an emergency session at the UN about Syria in 2017 ( Getty )

It was an act that his predecessor, Barack Obama, had resisted throughout his presidency, fearing that a direct strike on Assad could drag the US more directly into the civil war there. It was also somewhat unexpected, coming from a candidate who had pitched himself as non-interventionist and America first.

Following the strikes, numerous Trump administration officials recounted that the then-president had been moved to act after seeing what he described as horrible images of children suffering from the after-effects of the nerve agent used by Syrian forces.

Mr Trump himself frequently referenced the young victims of the chemical attacks in justifying his response.

When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, babies, little babies, with a chemical gas that is so lethal  people were shocked to hear what gas it was  that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line, he told a news conference at the White House.

Donald Trump speaks as Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Army Gen. Mark Milley looks on after getting a briefing from senior military leaders in the Cabinet Room at the White House on October 7, 2019 in Washington, DC. ( Getty Images )

Mr Trump is no dove, and his claims of being a non-interventionist president were belied by his escalation of bombing across the Middle East. As president, he claimed to have implemented a loosening of the rules of engagement in the US-led air campaign against Isis, a campaign that caused thousands of civilian casualties.

As president, Mr Trump was renowned for his prolific cable television viewing, often watching hours a day and forming policy around what he saw. Shocking images from Syrias war motivated him to take drastic action, in a departure from his previously held views. It is not beyond the realm of possibility, then, that his exposure to masses of videos of death and destruction in Gaza might push him into a more arms-length policy when it comes to Israel.

The former president has other, still personal reasons for not embracing Israels war. While he is fond of declaring that he fought for Israel like no president ever before  pointing to the controversial decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem and his administration brokering the Abraham Accords  he has privately expressed anger at the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for perceived disloyalty after he congratulated Joe Biden for his 2020 election win.

He was very early  like, earlier than most. I havent spoken to him since. F**k him, Mr Trump told journalist Barak Ravid.

His early comments on the Hamas attack included barbed criticism of Mr Netanyahu for failing to anticipate such an operation.

He was not prepared. He was not prepared, and Israel was not prepared, Mr Trump said.

Following criticism from many within his own party, Mr Trump would later correct his tone and offer his support for the prime minister, but it did not go unnoticed.

Trump and Netanyahu together in 2020 ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Long before his interview with Israel Hayom, Mr Trumps former national security advisor John Bolton offered a warning to supporters of Israel regarding a potential second term.

Anybody who thinks that hes going to be pro-Israel as he was in his first term could well be in for a surprise, Mr Bolton told the New York Times. Like everything else for Donald Trump, support for Israel he saw as a political plus for him. And if he ever saw it as not a political plus, the support would disappear.

Much of Mr Trumps reluctance to talk about the issue is likely a deliberate policy of strategic silence  his opponent, president Biden, is losing support from independents and his own party for his handling of the conflict. The former president can say nothing and benefit from the split among Democrats on the issue.

But if he wins in November, Mr Trump would be unable to run for president again. The political considerations that may have played a part in his backing Israel would all but disappear, and US foreign policy would instead be decided by his id.
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Republican Michigan Representative Tim Walberg has clarified his comments after saying that Gaza should be like Hiroshima and Nagasaki in comments many interpreted as endorsing the use of nuclear weapons on an area where more than 30,000 people have already been killed.

Mr Walberg made the comments while speaking to constituents last week, prompting a video of the event to go viral.

Walberg spokesperson Mike Rorke shared a transcript of the interaction with The Independent.

Why are we spending our money to build a port for them? Mr Walberg was asked.

Its Joe Biden, the reason, we need to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, the Republican said. I dont think we should. I dont think any of our aid that goes to Israel to support our greatest ally, arguably in the world, to defeat Hamas, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and China helping Hamas.

We shouldnt be spending a dime on humanitarian aid. It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima, he added. Get it over quick. The same should be in Ukraine. Defeat Putin quick. Instead [of] 80 per cent in Ukraine being used for humanitarian purposes, it should be 80-100 per cent to wipe out Russia, if thats what we want to do.

As a child who grew up in the Cold War era, the last thing Id advocate for would be the use of nuclear weapons, Mr Walberg said in a clarifying statement on Sunday. In a shortened clip, I used a metaphor to convey the need for both Israel and Ukraine to win their wars as swiftly as possible, without putting American troops in harms way.

My reasoning was the exact opposite of what is being reported: The quicker these wars end, the fewer innocent lives will be caught in the crossfire. The sooner Hamas and Russia surrender, the easier it will be to move forward, he added. The use of this metaphor, along with the removal of context, distorted my message, but I fully stand by our allies.

The video emerged from an event on 25 March in Dundee, Michigan.

A Democratic member of the Michigan State Senate, Darrin Camilleri, called for Mr Walbergs resignation, calling him an absolute disgrace.

Former Republican US House Michigan representative Justin Amash, who left the party in 2019, wrote on X that Mr Walbergs comments evince an utter indifference to human suffering.

The people of Gaza are our fellow human beings  many of them children trapped in horrific circumstances beyond their individual control, he added. For him to suggest that hundreds of thousands of innocent Palestinians should be obliterated, including my own relatives sheltering at an Orthodox Christian church, is reprehensible and indefensible.

The war in Gaza began after the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas in which an estimated 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 were taken hostage.

Mr Rorke told The Detroit News on Saturday: Congressman Walberg vehemently disagrees with putting our troops in harms way. He has great empathy for the innocent people in Gaza who have been thrust into this situation due to the attack carried out by Hamas leaving 1,163 innocent civilians dead.

To this day, Hamas still is holding hostages, including Americans. Hamas should surrender and return the hostages, he added. During his community gathering, he clearly uses a metaphor to support Israels swift elimination of Hamas, which is the best chance to save lives long-term and the only hope at achieving a permanent peace in the region.
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This week was Donald Trumps second week on criminal trial  the first of courtroom testimony  and it was certainly eventful.

Jurors heard from the prosecutions first witnesses in the case including lengthy testimony from tabloid mogul David Pecker, who outlined the catch and kill scheme at the heart of the hush money case.

The former president faced calls for $10,000 fines over gag order violations over his continued attacks on witnesses.

And Americans heard Mr Trump both fume about the landmark trial and use it as a campaign platform on Truth Social and in the courthouse corridors.

Mr Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election, in order to stop her coming forward with allegations of a 2006 affair.

Here are the key takeaways from the week:

Day one

Prosecutors lay out criminal conspiracy and cover-up

During opening statements on Monday, prosecutors were direct in laying out the heart of the case, with Manhattan Assistant District Attorney

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo speaks during a hearing ( REUTERS )

telling jurors it was about a criminal conspiracy and a cover-up.

The defendant Donald Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election. Then he covered up that criminal conspiracy by lying in his business records, over and over and over again, Mr Colangelo continued.

The prosecutor then laid out the catch-and-kill scheme, arranged between Mr Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen and Mr Pecker to block negative press about Mr Trump.

Mr Colangelo told the jury that while no politician wants bad press, evidence will show this was a planned, coordinated, long-running conspiracy. It was election fraud. Pure and simple, he said.

Defence tries to humanise Trump

In the defences opening statement, lead attorney Todd Blanche tried to humanise Mr Trump  while still vowing to refer to him as President Trump.

This is a title he has earned, Mr Blanche said.

But hes not just the former president, the defence attorney continued. Hes not just Donald Trump that youve seen on TV or read about or seen photos of. Hes also a man, hes a husband, hes a father. And just like me, said Mr Blanche.

Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court and delivers remarks to the media ( AP )

President Trump is innocent. President Trump did not commit any crimes. The Manhattan District Attorneys office should have never brought this case.

Mr Blanche also tried to discredit the prosecutions star witness in the case, Michael Cohen, stressing his 2018 guilty plea for lying to Congress and that he had been found liable for perjury in the past.

On top of this, Mr Blanche argued that Cohen is obsessed with Mr Trump.

Cohens financial livelihood depends on President Trumps destruction, according to Mr Blanche. He cannot be trusted.

Day two

Potential gag order violations

Judge Juan Merchan held an hour-long hearing around potential gag order violations.

Prosecutors accused Mr Trump of violating the gag order, which bars him from making public statements about potential witnesses, court staff and the families of the judge and DA, on at least 10 different occasions.

Defence attorney Todd Blanche meanwhile argued that Mr Trumps posts were responding to political attacks. However, he failed to provide any example of what Mr Trump was responding to, leading to a scolding from the judge.

You presented nothing, a frustrated Judge Merchan said. Youre losing all credibility, Ill tell you that right now.

The judge also warned Mr Trump directly against intimidating jurors in his courtroom.

The judge has yet to make a ruling on the alleged gag order breaches. Prosecutors suggested imposing a $10,000 fine against Mr Trump and ordering him to remove the offending posts, noting they have not yet asked for jail time.

The threat of penalty hasnt deterred Mr Trump from continuing to rant about the case on Truth Social and to reporters as he enters and exits the courtroom.

A behind-the-scenes look at tabloid journalism

In his testimony, Mr Pecker provided a peek behind the curtain on what was happening at some of his tabloids.

Mr Pecker described a mutually beneficial scheme to keep the National Enquirer jam-packed with stories boosting Mr Trumps 2016 election odds while ensuring negative stories never saw the light of day.

As part of the arrangement, Mr Pecker would notify Cohen of any unflattering stories about the candidate  particularly those involving women. Since Mr Trump was well-known as the most eligible bachelor, dating the most beautiful women, and it was clear based on my past experiences that when someone is running for office like this, it is very common for these women to call up a magazine like the National Enquirer to try and sell their stories, the former publisher testified.

Writing positive stories about Mr Trump and negative stories about his opponents would help him and it would help me, Mr Pecker explained  as it would help him sell his tabloids.

Jurors were shown a number of positive National Enquirer headlines and covers about Mr Trump, like DONALD TRUMP: HEALTHIEST INDIVIDUAL EVER ELECTED! They were also shown negative ones about his 2016 GOP primary opponents, like DONALD TRUMP BLASTS TED CRUZS DAD FOR PHOTO WITH JFK ASSASSIN.

Pecker is questioned by prosecutor Joshua Steinglass ( REUTERS )

Doormans story about a love child

Jurors heard how the scheme was first put into practice after a former Trump World Tower doorman, Dino Sajudin, claimed that the then-2016 candidate had a love child with a maid working at Trump Tower.

Mr Pecker testified that Dylan Howard, then editor-in-chief of the National Enquirer, told him that Dino was in the market for selling a story and so he called Cohen to tell him. Cohen told Mr Pecker it was absolutely not true but that he would look into it, he testified.

I asked Dylan to negotiate a price, negotiate a number, to buy the story and take it off the market, he said.

Mr Pecker told the court they agreed upon $30,000 for the story and Cohen told him that the boss was very pleased, referring to Mr Trump.

I thought it was very important that Dino wouldnt be shopping the story to other media outlets, he told the court.

However, he then revealed his more selfish motivation for the transaction  if he could have verified the story, he would have published it. It would probably be the biggest sale of the National Enquirer since the death of Elvis Presley, Mr Pecker said.

Day three

How Playboy model affair story unfolded

During the third day of testimony, Mr Pecker shed light on how he came across former Playboy model Karen McDougals story  that she had a 10-month affair with Mr Trump in 2006, one year after he had married Melania.

Mr Howard had interviewed Ms McDougal, learning of the alleged affair and how Mr Trump apparently called her a 12 out of 10, Mr Pecker told the court.

Although Mr Howard warned there was no corroborating evidence, Mr Pecker said he believed the story to be true. He testified that he initially offered the former model $10,000 to buy the story but she turned it down.

Mr Howard later told Mr Pecker that ABC was interested in buying Ms McDougals story, but that I knew from my experience that ABC doesnt buy stories.

Mr Howard had concluded that Ms McDougal didnt want the story to be published. She said she didnt want to be the next Monica Lewinsky, Mr Pecker added.

The boss will take care of it

During testimony about buying the rights to these stories, Mr Pecker told the court about his interactions with Mr Trump on the matters  directly linking the criminal defendant to the arrangements.

Cohen had given Mr Pecker the green light to pay the former Playboy model $150,000 for the rights to her story, Mr Pecker told the court.

Dont worry about it. Im your friend. The boss will take care of it, Mr Pecker recalled Cohen telling him, inferring that the boss meant Mr Trump.

Mr Pecker recalled another occasion after he had won the 2016 election, when Mr Trump asked him: Hows our girl? referring to Ms McDougal. Mr Trump also thanked him for handling the McDougal story and the doorman situation, he told the court.

He said the stories would be very embarrassing  to him, his family and the campaign, Mr Pecker testified.

Mr Trump even invited the former tabloid boss to a thank you dinner at the White House to show his gratitude for killing damaging stories, Mr Pecker testified  testimony that shone a light on how the former president used his position in the White House to manage blowback from the scheme.

An unhappy-looking Trump appears in criminal court ( EPA )

Trump was very upset when McDougal affair story leaked

Despite the substantial efforts to block other outlets from getting access to Ms McDougals story, it did eventually become public  and, according to Mr Pecker, this made Mr Trump very upset.

The Wall Street Journal published an article just days before Election Day in 2016, unleashing the blockbuster story.

Mr Pecker recalled Mr Trump phoning him, very upset, saying, How could this happen? I thought you had this under control.

Mr Pecker testified that AMIs deal with Ms McDougal was for the lifetime rights to her story. Mr Pecker recalled then telling Cohen that the deal was off after his conversations with counsel about the transaction. He was very, very angry, very upset, screaming basically at me, Mr Pecker said. He recalled Cohen saying: The boss will be very angry with you.

To this day, the publisher has never been reimbursed, Mr Pecker said on the stand.

Celebrities dragged into the case

During the former AMI chiefs testimony, several celebrities and high-profile figures were dragged into the case, including Rahm Emanuel, Mark Wahlberg and Tiger Woods.

But one person in particular set the stage for Mr Peckers wariness to conceal politically-linked stories: The Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr Pecker said he had struck up an arrangement with the actor to conceal compromising stories about him when he was campaigning to become governor of California  long before the publishers dealings with Mr Trump.

Mr Pecker recalled Schwarzenegger saying: I plan on running for governor and I would like you to not publish any negative stories about me now and in the future, and Ill continue being the editor of Muscle & Fitness and Flex and be a spokesperson. Mr Pecker said he agreed to the arrangement.

When the actor announced his gubernatorial bid, a number of women called up the National Enquirer with stories to sell on different relationships, or contacts, or sexual harassment that they felt that Arnold Schwarzenegger did, the former publisher testified. Mr Pecker outlined the agreement: I would call him and advise [Schwarzenegger] of other stories that were out there and I wouldbuy them for a period of time.

This experience made me sensitive about buying any stories in the future. Thats how I became sensitive about this topic, Mr Pecker told the court.

None of the celebrities are accused of any wrongdoing in the case.

First mention of Stormy Daniels

Stormy Daniels name cropped up in Mr Peckers testimony for the first time on Thursday when he told the court that Cohen had come to him asking for his help to get Mr Trump to pay him his bonus.

I understood he was complaining that he had not been repaid, Mr Pecker said.

Michael Cohen had paid Stormy Daniels out of his own funds, which is the first time that I had heard of that. I wasnt involved in that transaction, the former publisher testified.

Stormy Daniels, speaks outside US Federal Court with her lawyer Michael Avenatti in 2018 ( AFP via Getty Images )

So Mr Pecker approached Mr Trump, telling him: Michael Cohen is very concerned about this bonus this year and I want you to know hes very loyal, hes been working very hard from my perspective, I believe hed throw himself in front of a bus for you.

The former publisher recalled Mr Trump saying: I dont know what youre talking about. Michael Cohen has multiple apartments in my buildings.  He owns 15 taxi medallions.

Mr Pecker testified Mr Trump then added: Dont worry about it. Ill take care of it.

Day four

Two sides spar over whether Trump deserves title of president

Early in the day on Friday, the two sides briefly sparred over whether or not Mr Trump deserves to go by the title of president during his trial.

The moment came about as Mr Trumps defence attorney Emil Bove repeatedly referred to the defendant as President Trump when speaking about events prior to him taking office.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass tried to object saying: He wasnt president in June 2016.

In opening statements on Monday, defence attorney Todd Blanche had told the jury that his legal team planned on referring to their client as President Trump because its a title he has earned.

Trump attorneys try to poke holes in Peckers testimony

During cross-examination, Mr Bove tried to cast doubt on the former tabloid bosss lengthy testimony about the catch and kill scheme.

But despite multiple attempts to impeach Mr Peckers credibility, the former publisher repeatedly affirmed his under-oath descriptions of his meetings with Mr Trump.

At one point on Friday, Mr Bove tried to get Mr Pecker to admit that he either lied on the witness stand or to federal law enforcement about Mr Trump thanking him for his help burying stories of Mr Trumps alleged affairs.

Pecker being questioned on the stand ( AP )

Was that a mistake? Mr Bove asked. Do you believe Trump said that to you as we sit here right now?

Mr Bove then handed Mr Pecker a report from his interview with federal prosecutors and the FBI in 2018, alleging that Mr Peckers prior testimony contradicted his earlier interview.

This is the FBIs interview, is that correct? These are the FBI notes? The FBI notes, some of these here, are wrong. I know what I testified to yesterday, Mr Pecker said.

I know what the truth is, he added. I cant state why its written this way.

Pecker doubles down that McDougal payment was made to help Trumps election odds

Mr Pecker previously called his relationship with Mr Trump mutually beneficial  using his tabloid empire to identify negative stories about the then-2016 candidate in an effort to boost Mr Trumps election chances.

However, the former AMI chief testified on Friday that one aspect of the agreement did not benefit him at all: the Karen McDougal story. That story was killed and the payment made with the sole purpose of helping Mr Trumps election odds, he testified,

Mr Pecker repeatedly testified that stories about Mr Trump were big sellers for the National Enquirer. Burying Ms McDougals story was against his own business interest, prosecutors sought to point out.

Karen McDougal speaking to CNN about Donald Trump ( CNN )

Had you published a story about a Playboy model having a yearlong sexual affair while he was married  Would that have sold magazines? Mr Joshua Steinglass asked. That would be like, National Enquirer gold.

Mr Pecker agreed.

At the time you entered into that agreement, you had zero intention of publishing that story, Mr Steinglass said. You killed the story because it helped candidate Donald Trump.

Yes, Mr Pecker said.

Stormy Daniels Trump Tower visit - and Apprentice plans - revealed

Two new witnesses briefly took the stand on Friday.

The first was Rhona Graff, Mr Trumps former personal assistant at the Trump Organization, who testified that she has a vague recollection of seeing Stormy Daniels at Trump Tower before his 2016 presidential campaign.

She assumed that Ms Daniels may have been at the office to discuss a role with The Celebrity Apprentice, Mr Trumps former hit reality TV competition series on NBC, she said.

The network severed ties with Mr Trump in 2015 after his presidential campaign launch and his derogatory comments about immigrants.

Ms Graff recalled that Mr Trump believed Ms Daniels would be a good contestant on the show.

I cant remember a specific incident when I heard it. It was part of the office chatter, she said.

Third witness takes the stand

Gary Farro, a banker assigned to Cohen at First Republic Bank, testified that Cohen urgently asked for his help setting up an LLC shell company while negotiating a hush money payment to Ms Daniels in 2016.

That account, Essential Consultants LLC, was used to wire Ms Daniels the $130,000 payment at the heart of the presidents criminal case.

Mr Farro will resume his testimony on Tuesday.

Elsewhere in Trumpworld

Beyond the courtroom, there was a lot of other happenings in Trumpworld this week.

Civil fraud bond deal

On Monday, lawyers for Mr Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office reached a deal around the payment of his $175m bond in his civil fraud case, so long as the collateral remains in cash.

The AGs office had previously expressed concerns about the underwriter Knight Specialty Insurance Company.

E Jean Carroll

On Thursday, a federal court upheld the verdict in former Elle columnist E Jean Carrolls $83m defamation case against Mr Trump  rejecting his request for a new trial.

In May 2023, Mr Trump was found liable for sexually abusing Ms Carroll, and earlier this year, a jury determined that Mr Trump had defamed Ms Carroll, awarding her $65m in punitive damages and $18m in compensatory damages.

Supreme Court immunity case

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Thursday in the landmark case involving the former presidents claims of presidential immunity from prosecution.

During oral arguments, the justices appeared poised to allow some, but not absolute, immunity. The case stems from special counsel Jack Smiths federal indictment against Mr Trump, accusing him of engaging in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and stay in the White House.
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Police are set to scour the deleted social media of an Australian woman alleged to have murdered three family members by poisoning a home-cooked beef wellington.

Erin Patterson, 49, hosted a reconcilliation lunch for her estranged in-laws and another couple at her home in the small, rural town of Leongatha, Australia, in July 2023.

But the next day all four people who attended the meal fell ill and were taken to hospital for symptoms similar to food poisoning - which medics later said was consistent with poisoning from death cap mushrooms.

Ms Pattersons former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gails sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, all died days after. Mrs Wilkinsons husband Ian Wilkinson, 68, survived.

Now, police will search Pattersons deleted social media and internet history for the tiniest clue that could be used in a potential court case.

Erin Patterson, 49, is accused of murdering three family members by poisoning a home-cooked beef wellington ( News International )

A police source told the Herald Sun: Its not easy but its doable on most occasions. She might be involved in conversations or narratives where she has talked about this stuff on online forums. It could be the tiniest thing.

Ms Patterson was arrested at her home and charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder on 2 November last year.

The mother-of-two allegedly created several profiles under different names. She was known to delete her accounts and start new ones sporadically, according to the same newspaper.

Don and Gail Patterson died after eating poisoned mushrooms at Erin Pattersons home in Victoria, Australia, on 29 July ( Supplied )

Investigators discovered five iPads, two secure digital cards, a smartwatch and a trail camera among several hidden items at her house.

Death cap mushrooms, which grow in the Leongatha area, are highly toxic and account for about 90 per cent of mushroom-related fatalities globally.

Detectives said the deaths could be very innocent and warned the case was extremely complex.

Heather, 66, and Ian Wilkinson, 68, became ill after eating poison mushrooms at a lunch cooked by Patterson ( The Salvation Army Australia Museum/Facebook )

Last year, Ms Patterson said: I didnt do anything. I loved them and Im devastated they are gone. Theyve lost their grandmother. Im so sorry that they have lost their lives.

She also claimed she fed her children the leftovers from the wellington on the day after the fatal meal - but took the mushrooms out because her kids dont like them.

Ms Patterson will return to Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court via video link on 22 April for a special mention ahead of a committal mention on 3 May.
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New Zealand is investigating the mysterious death of thousands of eels in a stream on the countrys North Island.

An estimated 3,500 juvenile eels were found dead in the Kauritutahi stream, sparking an investigation by environment officials under the Ministry for Primary Industries.

This is the second mass death of eels in the country this year. Several thousand adult eels were found dead in a stream near Mataura in Southland in February.

While the Mataura mass death was attributed to a toxic pollutant in the waterway, its unclear what killed the eels in Kauritutahi. The authorities, though, suspect it may be due to a stress event linked to climate change.

Juvenile eels, known as elvers, migrate upstream between late November and early March when temperatures reach about 16C, according to the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. Elvers thrive when water temperatures range between 16 and 18C along with good stream flow and dissolved oxygen levels of 7-8.5 milligram per litre.

The parameters in the stream were reportedly found to be unsatisfactory when measurements were taken the day after the mass death was reported.

Australias Great Barrier Reef hit by mass coral bleaching

Algae build-up was also observed in some stream sections with limited water flow, indicating it was warming up.

We noticed some algae build-up, which generally is due to the stream water warming up, said Hona Edwards, a member of a local guardian group that monitors the stream.

Then the biggest percentage of the stream was observed to range from very limited to no water flow. When theres no flow, the dissolved oxygen reduces, and the toxins build up in the waterway, he said.

Such algal blooms occur when conditions such as warm water temperatures and low water volumes are coupled with nutrient flows from agricultural use and toxic pollutants from human activities.

While mass deaths of freshwater fish are known to occasionally take place across the world, a study of lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin in the United States found that such incidents have increased globally in the past decade.
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The remains of a two-year-old boy were found just half a mile away from the family home from where he vanished eight months ago.

Emile Soleil, 2, disappeared from a family reunion at his grandparents house in Le Vernet  a small village in the Alpes-des-Haute-Provence with around 125 residents on 8 July last year, sparking a huge manhunt involving drones, sniffer dogs and helicopters.

Ramblers in the Alps on Saturday discovered bones belonging to the toddler, including his skull, close to the isolated property. Lead prosecutor Remy Avon, who is heading the judicial inquiry into his disappearance, said the possibilities that Emile had been murdered, kidnapped, or got involved in an accident were all being looked at.

Emile Soleil, 2, disappeared from a family reunion at his grandparents house in Le Vernet on 8 July last year ( @GendarmerieNationale_Twitter/AF )

A statement released by prosecutors in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday said genetic analysis identified the bones as belonging to Emile but that police were continuing to investigate the scene.

The search site is roughly one kilometre from the house in Haut-Vernet where the toddler was last seen with his grandfather, Philippe Vedovini, Le Figaro reports. The mayor of Vernet, Francois Balique, told the French newspaper the childs remains were found on a path between the church and chapel of the village.

Emiles family lives in Marseille and he was on holiday at his maternal grandparents home at the time of his disappearance. Police said at least 10 people were present at the property for a family reunion.

The boy was officially in the care of Mr Vedovini on the day of his disappearance, as his parents took a break. A witness saw Mr Vedovini, a physiotherapist-osteopath, cutting wood outside his house around the time Emile is thought to have wandered off.

An entrance to the French southern Alps village of Le Vernet, near the Haut-Vernet where Emile went missing ( AFP via Getty Images )

The family was due to leave for a hiking outing, and Emiles grandparents noticed he was missing when they went to put him in the car.

Emile was reportedly seen by two people when he left their home but they lost sight of him. Described as 3ft tall, with brown eyes and blond hair, Emile was wearing a yellow T-shirt, white shorts with a green pattern and walking shoes when he disappeared.

Police issued an appeal for information about Emile on 9 July and launched an extensive search operation in Le Vernet, aided by nearly 500 volunteers.

On 13 July, the search was called off and investigators admitted they had no clue what had happened to Emile.

There had been no trace of Emile since the day he vanished, with investigators refusing to rule out any theory for the tragedy, including abduction and murder.

There was no immediate comment about the discovery of the bones from Emile's family, who were all at Easter Sunday mass when told.

Jose Morale, mayor of La Bouilladisse, the town near Marseille where Emile's family live for most of the year, said: We will do our best to support them. For the parents, it's very complicated. There is no relief, the sadness is infinite, we are all dejected.

Mr Vedovini is a devout Catholic who gave up a vocation to become a monk, in order to marry his wife, Anne Vedovini.

A card with the inscription reading "For the little Emile and his family" inside a chapel in La Bouilladisse, southern France ( AFP via Getty Images )

They brought up 10 children, including Emile's mother, who is now known by her married name of Marie Soleil after she married Emile's father, Colomban Soleil, 26.

Lead prosecutor Mr Avon confirmed that Emile's parents' home, in the southern town of La Bouilladisse, was searched back in July, while the grandparents homes nearby, and in the Alps, were also investigated. The house from which Emile went missing is an Alpine holiday home, one regularly used by the whole family.

The disappearance is reminiscent of the BBC series The Missing, in which a young boy vanishes while on holiday with his family in France, only to be killed in a hit-and-run accident after chasing a fox.

On Sunday, the Aix-en-Provence public prosecutor announced the development in a statement. It read: On March 30, 2024, the national gendarmerie was informed of the discovery of bones near the hamlet Vernet.

The investigators took possession of the bones and immediately transported them to the IRCGN in order to carry out genetic identification analyses which made it possible to conclude on March 31 that they were the bones of the child Emile Soleil.

Under the direction of the investigating magistrates, the IRCGN is continuing criminalistic analyses of the bones and the national gendarmerie is dedicated to deploying resources to undertake additional research in the geographical area where they were found.

The Facebook group Pray for Emile  where Emiles mother regularly posted calls for prayer to find her little boy  was flooded with tributes for the boy.

One wrote: Thinking of you in this painful ordeal. May God welcome your little Emile in his paradise where love and kindness reign. May he support you in these times, lots of courage and love for you, and your entire family.

Another added: My prayers are with you on this day and those that follow.
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The Israeli military withdrew from Gazas largest hospital after two weeks of close-quarter fighting in which it claimed hundreds of militants were killed or arrested.

Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed that 200 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters were killed, 900 were arrested and 2.4m in foreign currency and weapons were seized during the assault on Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and press ahead with a ground offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza, despite thousands of protesters calling for his removal in recent days.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities. Health officials in Gaza deny those allegations.

More than 20 patients died and hundreds were trapped inside the hospital during the raid, according to the World Health Organisation.

Palestinians inspect rubble surrounding Shifa hospital, where Israel claims Hamas militants hide with weapons and money ( Reuters )

Meanwhile, Syrian authorities said an Israeli strike destroyed the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, killing and wounding several people.

Pictures showed smoke and dust rising from the multi-storey building, which was next to the Iranian embassy on a highway in the western Mezzeh district

Reports said the strike killed Iranian military adviser General Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016.

Mr Netanyahu said on Sunday that nothing would stop Israels offensive into Rafah, which aid agencies have claimed would cause a humanitarian catastrophe.

He said: Nothing will stop us, once we do that [evacuate civilians], not American pressure and nothing else. If we do not destroy those battalions of Hamas there we cannot actually win because otherwise it is an existential threat against the state of Israel.

Palestinians walk through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip near Shifa Hospital in Gaza City ( AP )

The speech was made as protesters gathered in Jerusalem to urge the government to reach a deal to free dozens of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The crowd of protesters stretched for blocks around the Knesset, or parliament building, and organisers vowed to continue the demonstration for several days.

They urged the government to cancel an upcoming parliamentary recess and to hold new elections nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Demonstrator Einav Moses, whose father-in-law Gadi Moses is held hostage, said: After six months, it seems like the government understands that Bibi Netanyahu is an obstacle.

Like he doesnt really want to bring them back, that they have failed in this mission.

Two Palestinians walk amid rubble left by the Israeli assault on Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza ( AFP via Getty Images )

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a ceasefire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

In his address, Mr Netanyahu also said he understood the pain of the hostages families: I will do everything to bring the hostages home.

He also said calling new elections  in what he described as a moment before victory  would paralyse Israel for six to eight months and would freeze the hostage talks.

The conflict began on 7 October when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people - mostly civilians - and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,845 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry says women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed.

The war has displaced most of the territorys population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine. Northern Gaza, where Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger.

Only a third of Gazas hospitals are even partially functioning, while Israeli strikes kill and wound dozens of people every day. Doctors say they are often forced to operate without anaesthetic and other crucial supplies.
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A top Iranian commander has been killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria, according to Lebanese security officials.

Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander in Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), was killed in the attack on the building in Damascus, according to Reuters news agency.

Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, a deputy commander in the Quds Force, was also killed alongside five other officers, the IRGC said.

Israel, which has repeatedly hit Iranian targets during the six-month war in Gaza, declined to comment on the incident, first reported by Iranian state TV.

An Israeli military spokesperson said: We do not comment on reports in the foreign media.

The IRGC blamed Israel for the strike, as did Irans foreign ministry, which labelled it an abhorrent and brutal attack and vowed revenge.

The suspected Israeli strike on Irans consulate in Syria killed a top Iranian commander, officials said ( AP )

Irans foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian called the strike a breach of all international conventions. A spokesperson for the ministry told Iranian state TV that Tehran would decide on the type of response and punishment against the aggressor.

Syrias foreign minister Faisal Mekdad, who later attended the scene, said his country strongly condemns this atrocious terrorist attack that targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed a number of innocents.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan also condemned the attack, while Hamas - which is backed by Iran - said it condemned the strike in the strongest terms.

Guardsman Brigadier General Zahedi was a leading figure in its elite Quds Force - a unit specialising in military intelligence and unconventional warfare.

He was a mid-ranking commander during the Iran-Iraq war, having joined the IRGC two years after the revolution of 1979.

Iran called the strike a breach of all international conventions ( EPA )

Having previously served as a commander in the Revolutionary Guards ground forces, he served as the head of the Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon until 2015.

Since the Iranian-backed Palestinian faction Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, Israel has ramped up airstrikes in Syria against Lebanons Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia and Irans Guards, both of which support the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Quds Forces aim is to export Irans 1979 Islamic revolution abroad. The US assassinated the former head of the Quds Force, Qassem Solemaini, in January 2020.

Experts say Yemens Houthis, along with Gazas Hamas and Lebanons Hezbollah, form part of Irans axis of resistance - a military alliance built over four decades to oppose Israeli and American power in the Middle East.

Lebanons Hezbollah, the most powerful group in the axis, has 100,000 fighters, has exchanged fire with Israeli forces since Hamas went to war with Israel and more than 70 of its fighters have been killed.
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The Sun is going to disappear from the sky in the US  before coming back again, almost five minutes later.

A total solar eclipse on 8 April, visible across North America, means that day will briefly turn into night. And this time around it is relatively easy to see.

The eclipse is much longer than the previous one. This time around, the total darkness will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds  twice as long as a similar event in 2017.

It will also go through a more populated route, meaning more people are likely to see it. It will start on the Pacific coast of Mexico, before heading up and east: taking in Texas, Oklahoma and all the way up to New England, before disappearing in Canada.

An estimated 44 million people live inside the 115-mile-wide path of totality stretching from Mexico to Canada. About 32 million of them are in the US, guaranteeing jammed roads for the must-see celestial sensation.

The eclipse will allow many to share in the wonder of the universe without going very far, said NASA's eclipse program manager Kelly Korreck.

Here's what to know about April's extravaganza and how to prepare:

What happens during the total solar eclipse?

The moon will line up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, blotting out the sunlight. It will take just a couple hours for the moon's shadow to slice a diagonal line from the southwest to the northeast across North America, briefly plunging communities along the track into darkness.

Fifteen U.S. states will get a piece of the action, albeit two of them  Tennessee and Michigan  just barely.

Among the cities smack dab in the action: Dallas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; and Montreal  making for the continent's biggest eclipse crowd.

Don't fret if you don't have front-row seats. Practically everyone on the continent can catch at least a partial eclipse. The farther from the path of totality, the smaller the moon's bite will be out of the sun. In Seattle and Portland, Oregon, about as far away as you can get in the continental U.S., one-third of the sun will be swallowed.

Why is totality longer?

By a cosmic stroke of luck, the moon will make the month's closest approach to Earth the day before the total solar eclipse. That puts the moon just 223,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) away on eclipse day.

The moon will appear slightly bigger in the sky thanks to that proximity, resulting in an especially long period of sun-blocked darkness.

What's more, the Earth and moon will be 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) from the sun that day, the average distance.

When a closer moon pairs up with a more distant sun, totality can last as long as an astounding 7 1/2 minutes. The last time the world saw more than seven minutes of totality was in 1973 over Africa. That won't happen again until 2150 over the Pacific.

How do I safely watch the eclipse?

Sunglasses won't cut it. Special eclipse glasses are crucial for safely observing the sun as the moon marches across the late morning and afternoon sky, covering more and more and then less and less of our star.

During totality when the sun is completely shrouded, it's fine to remove your glasses and look with your naked eyes. But before and after, certified eclipse glasses are essential to avoid eye damage. Just make sure they're not scratched or torn.

Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must be outfitted with special solar filters for safe viewing. Bottom line: Never look at an exposed sun without proper protection any day of the year.

Where are some eclipse watch parties?

Towns up and down the path of totality are throwing star parties. Festivals, races, yoga retreats, drum circles and more will unfold at museums, fairgrounds, parks, stadiums, wineries, breweries and even one of Ohio's oldest drive-in movie theaters and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Besides looking up, you can attend a space prom in Texas Hill Country, get married at eclipse-themed ceremonies in Tiffin, Ohio, and Russellville, Arkansas, or brush up on moonwalking history at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio  Neil Armstrong's hometown.

As the eclipse unfolds, NASA will launch small rockets with science instruments into the upper atmosphere from Virginia and chase totality's shadow from high-altitude planes. Satellites and the International Space Station crew will attempt to capture the show from space.

When is the next total solar eclipse?Full solar eclipses occur every year or two or three, often in the middle of nowhere like the South Pacific or Antarctic. The next total solar eclipse, in 2026, will grace the northern fringes of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

North America won't experience totality again until 2033, with Alaska getting sole dibs. Then that's it until 2044, when totality will be confined to Western Canada, Montana and North Dakota.

There won't be another U.S. eclipse, spanning coast to coast, until 2045. That one will stretch from Northern California all the way to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Aside from Carbondale, Illinois, in the crosshairs of both the 2017 and 2024 eclipses, it usually takes 400 years to 1,000 years before totality returns to the same spot, according to NASA's Korreck.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
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Carnival Legend cruise passengers have shared their reactions to the trip being rerouted, after the collapse of the Francis Key Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.

Following a trip to the Bahamas, the cruise was set to end on 31 March, with the ship initially docking in Baltimore, Maryland. However, after the Key Bridge collapsed on 26 March, Carnival Legends ship was rerouted, before being docked in Norfolk, Virginia, on 31 March.

As noted on Carnival Legends official website, passengers were then provided with a complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. The cruises next seven day trip  set to begin on 31 March  will also leave from and return to Norfolk. The following trips will abide by this strategy, instead of being operated in Baltimore, and passengers have been made aware of the change.

We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, said in a statement. As those plans are finalised, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.

According to13 News Nows, about 2,6000 guests docked in Norfolk on 31 March, following their trip to the Bahamas. With the help of 70 different buses, passengers were then driven back to Baltimore.

Speaking to the publication, many cruise passengers reflected on how they felt when they first left Baltimore, before the bridge collapsed.

We had to go under that bridge right, said passenger Viktoriia Aldred. The bridge looked amazing and you go under the bridge and youre like: wow.

Passenger Dave Smiddy also recalled that when the cruise ship first left the city, he even stood on the deck to take pictures of the bridge. We were all on deck underneath it when we left, he explained.

Baltimore native and cruise passenger Michael Lukoski noted that while on the ship last week, he heard the heartbreaking news about the bridge collapse.

"When I got the news Tuesday morning, it was absolutely you couldnt believe it. You know what I mean? I was woken up saying there was a bridge collapse and it was like: no way, he said.

After acknowledging how surreal it would feel for him to return to Baltimore after the bridge collapse, Lukoski expressed his gratitude for the Carnival Legend cruise line for helping him get home.

I thank the good folks in Norfolk for getting us home, he said. Were Baltimore, were strong.

The senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Legend, John Heald, took to Facebook on 28 March to address how the cruises are going to be leaving and returning from Norfolk, instead of Baltimore.

In the comments of his video, many people said they were on the Carnival Legend ship that was rerouted to Norfolk on 31 March, and praised the company for how it handled the situation. Meanwhile, other people applauded Heald for being so vocal with upcoming cruise passengers about their itinerary changes going forward.

On the Legend now and the issue has been handled exceptionally well and quickly. Thank you to the leadership and the crew here on board, one wrote.

We appreciate the efficiency of all of the carnival and sincerely feel for Baltimore! This example is why we stay committed to only Carnival! another added.

A third commented: Carnival is doing a great job of keeping us posted on what is going on. They are very very helpful with all they do for their customers and workers. Thank you John.

Carnival Legend isnt the only cruise line thats changing its operations in light of the bridge collapse. On 28 March, Royal Caribbean announced that its Vision of the Seas ship will not be embarking from Baltimore on 4 April anymore. Instead, it will be embarking from Norfolk, Virginia, on 4 April, and returning to the city on 12 April.

Passengers that were set to embark in Baltimore on 12 April will now be embarking in Norfolk. The itinerary for that trip has also been revised, with passengers skipping their visit to Nassau and returning to Norfolk on 19 April, one day earlier than planned.

Baltimore officials have now opened a temporary shipping route around the wreckage of the Francis Key Scott Key Bridge, in a bid to get trade and movement of goods in and out of the city. Captain David OConnell described this as an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore.

The first section of the collapsed bridge was removed from the Patapsco River over the weekend, marking an important step towards removing the wreckage and getting the crucial port back up and running. After removing a 200-tonne segment, workers are now focusing on lifting a section of the bridge while leaving the crumpled part resting on the bow of the Dali container ship.

The Independent has contact Carnival Legend for comment.
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On 8 April 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America, providing an astronomical experience in many alluring locations.

Only a tiny proportion of humanity has ever witnessed a total eclipse  but tens of millions of people will be able to experience one as the path of totality sweeps from the Pacific to the Atlantic during the course of that magical Monday.

Heres what you need to know about why you should see it and where to be.

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

The greatest show on earth comes courtesy of the lifeless moon. Normally the orbiting lunar lump merely provides earth with tides, moonlight and somewhere to aim space rockets. But roughly once a year the natural satellite aligns with the sun and, thanks to a geometric miracle, blots out the hub of the solar system to create a total eclipse.

open image in gallery On track? Part of the path of the 8 April 2024 total solar eclipse in the US ( NASA/Scientific Visualization Studio/Michala Garrison )

Even though the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, its also about 400 times closer to earth than the sun is, says Nasa. This means that from earth, the moon and the sun appear to be roughly the same size in the sky.

A narrow band marking the path of totality carves an arc of darkness across the surface of our planet. If you are somewhere on that line at the predicted time, and you have clear skies, then the experience will become a lifelong memory.

The closer you are to the centre of the path of totality, the longer the total eclipse will last. The astronomer Dr John Mason, who has guided dozens of eclipse trips (and will be doing so again in 2024), says: People down in southwest Texas will get about four minutes 20 seconds, and that reduces to about three minutes 20 seconds up in the northeast. Thats a pretty good, long total eclipse.

Whats so good about seeing an eclipse?

In the days leading up to the eclipse, locations in the path of totality acquire something of a carnival atmosphere as astronomical tourists converge in excited anticipation.

On the day, the cosmological performance begins with a warm-up lasting more than an hour, during which the moon steadily nibbles away at the surface of the sun.

Suddenly, you experience totality. The stars and planets appear in the middle of the day. The air chills.

To testify to the heavenly fit between our two most familiar heavenly bodies, faint diamonds known as Bailys beads peek out from behind the moon. They actually comprise light from the sun slipping through lunar valleys.

A sight to behold  so long as you can see the moon blotting out the sun and appreciate the mathematical perfection of nature in our corner of the galaxy.

Eclipses are entirely predictable: we know the stripes that the next few dozen will paint upon the surface of the Earth. But the weather is not. Cloud cover, which blighted the Cornwall eclipse in 1999, downgrades a cosmological marvel to an eerie daytime gloom.

Almost as predictable as the eclipse is that traffic towards the path of totality will be heavy on the morning of 8 April 2024.

Accommodation rates are astronomical: even humdrum motel rooms in Niagara, central in the path of totality, are selling for C$600 (350) for the night of 7-8 April 2024.

open image in gallery Heavens above: Viewing the last great American eclipse in Wyoming in 2017 ( Simon Calder )

Where will the great American eclipse 2024 be visible?

The path of totality makes landfall from the Pacific at Mazatlan on Mexicos Pacific Coast and sweeps northeastwards to reach the US-Mexican border at Piedras Negras.

In the US, three big Texan cities  San Antonio, Austin and Dallas  are on the extremes of the path of totality; many citizens are likely to drive to locations near the centre of the line.

Arkansas will be an attractive place to see the eclipse, with both Texarkana (on the border with Texas) and Little Rock within the path of totality.

In the Midwest, Indianapolis and Cleveland share the distinction of being fairly central in the path of totality. In upstate New York, Buffalo and nearby Niagara Falls (shared with Canada) could be extremely attractive  though prone in early April to cloudy skies.

In Canada, Montreal is just touched by the path of totality. The line then reverts to the US, passing across northern Maine  which promises to be a superb with clear skies. Then back to Canadas Maritime Provinces, with New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland all in the line of darkness.

Will I be able to see a partial eclipse from the UK?

Yes. The eclipse ends with the sunset in the eastern Atlantic, about 600 miles off the coast of Cornwall, before it reaches the UK and Ireland. But on the island of Ireland and western parts of Great Britain, a partial eclipse may be visible with the sun low in the sky.

If skies are clear and you have an open view to the west, it will start at around 7.55pm in Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

BBC Weather presenter Simon King said: With the partial solar eclipse occurring late in the day UK time, the Sun will be low to the horizon and will actually set before the spectacle is over.

Can I combine an exciting city with a partial eclipse?

Boston, New York and Chicago are among the big cities that will see a sizeable chunk of the sun blotted out. Viewer as far apart as Alaska and the far north of Colombia and the Caribbean will, if skies are clear and they use the correct eye protection, see a partial eclipse. But there is nothing to compare with a total eclipse.

Eclipse guru Dr Mason sums up the difference between a 99 per cent partial eclipse and a total eclipse as far apart as a peck on the cheek and a night of passion.

There will be people who will look at the map and say, I live in Cincinnati or I live in Columbus [Ohio] and Im just outside the zone of totality. But Im going to get a 99 per cent-plus eclipse, so maybe I wont bother to travel.

What they dont realise is there an enormous difference between 99 per cent and 100 per cent. And theres a range of phenomena that they wont see if they put up with 99 per cent.

You must use special eclipse safety glasses or viewers when viewing a partial eclipse or during the partial phases of a total solar eclipse.

open image in gallery Selfie star: Dr John Mason, wearing his special eclipse headgear, with a young astronomical fan in Wyoming ahead of the 2017 eclipse ( Simon Calder )

Where should I be for the total experience?

There are no guarantees of clear skies: all you can do is play the odds based on the record of cloud cover for the corresponding date in previous years.

Dr Mason says the average expected cloud cover amounts increase from around 40-45 per cent on the Mexico/Texas border to over 80 per cent in Maine, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Three particularly tempting locations:

Southern Texas , close to San Antonio or Austin. Besides clear skies being more likely than not, access is easy with direct flights to Austin. Importantly there is much to explore in the region before and after the eclipse, from Big Bend National Park on the Rio Grande to Space Center Houston  an excellent place to continue the cosmological theme.

, close to San Antonio or Austin. Besides clear skies being more likely than not, access is easy with direct flights to Austin. Importantly there is much to explore in the region before and after the eclipse, from Big Bend National Park on the Rio Grande to Space Center Houston  an excellent place to continue the cosmological theme. Northern Arkansas , a picturesque part of the state, with the added attraction of Memphis just a couple of hours away.

, a picturesque part of the state, with the added attraction of Memphis just a couple of hours away. Niagara Falls: the dramatic border between the US and Canada could be an eclipse washout due to clouds. But the natural surroundings are impeccable  and there is plenty of accommodation, which will avoid the risk of being caught in severe traffic congestion on the freeways from Toronto and locations in New York State.

However, the most recent forecasts for cloud cover suggest that the Midwest around Indianapolis and the northeastern state of Maine could have the best prospects.

open image in gallery Darkening skies: the track of the total solar eclipse 2024 ( HeavensAbove.com )

When are the next total solar eclipses?

Summer 2026  Wednesday 12 August, to be precise  should bring a spectacular eclipse visible in northern Spain at the height of the European holiday season. The path of totality begins in the Arctic and crosses Greenland and Iceland before arriving in the northern half of Spain. The stripe of darkness will traverse the great cities of Bilbao, Zaragoza and Valencia in mainland Spain before arriving in Palma de Mallorca.

The following summer (2 August 2027), the southern tip of mainland Spain is in the path of totality for an eclipse that will sweep across North Africa and the Arabian peninsula: going east from the Strait of Gibraltar, it will encompass Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, the northeasternmost corner of Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Just under 12 months later, on 22 July 2028, Outback Australia will be the place to be. A total eclipse will make landfall in northern Western Australia, sweep across the Northern Territory and part of southwest Queensland  then clean across New South Wales, with Sydney in the middle of the path of totality.

Winter cloud cover could disrupt the experience in Australias largest city  and is very likely in the southern portion of New Zealands South Island where the eclipse reaches a finale.

Australia also features in the cosmological plans on 25 November 2030. This is early summer in the southern hemisphere, and likely to be good conditions for viewing in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa (Durban is on the path of totality) as well as South Australia.
A Florida caterpillar invasion has seen the tiny bugs swarm trees and parks across the state.

Residents have reported the spiny white and yellow creatures dropping out of oak trees, swarming cars and taking over porches.

The creatures are called tussock moth caterpillars.

They may look cute and fuzzy, but a brush with a Tussock Moth Caterpillar will leave someone with an itchy, burning rash.

Doctor Jackson Mosley, a Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Entomologist explains why we are seeing so many of them, how long we should expect to see them, and how they are potentially harmful.
The Israeli military has withdrawn from Gazas main hospital after a two-week raid, leaving behind a swathe of destruction, Palestinian residents said.

Hundreds of people returned to al-Shifa Hospital and the surrounding area after the withdrawal early on Monday (1 April).

al-Shifas main surgery building, which housed the intensive care unit, and the neighbouring building where the emergency, general surgery and orthopedics departments were located have been destroyed.

There was no immediate comment from the military, which has described the raid as one of the most successful operations of the nearly six-month war.
Witnesses have spoken of their horror after a man was killed and five other people were injured during a shooting inside a Nashville, Tennessee, restaurant.

The shooting happened on Sunday (1 April) around 3pm local time in Nashville's Salemtown neighbourhood and began within minutes of the male suspect's arrival at the restaurant with a woman, police said.

The suspect and the man who died got into an argument that significantly escalated within moments, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said during a news conference at the scene.
Company has been sued by former shareholder over stake sale

Dublin-based Airborne Capital, a specialist aircraft leasing and management firm, has insisted that a former shareholder has no basis for a $28m (26m) claim made against the Irish company in a dispute related to the sale of its stake in the business.

Airborne Capital has said the claims made against it and its directors have no basis in fact or law.

UK-based InterGlobe Aircraft Management Services (IGAM), a unit of InterGlobe Enterprises that owns Indias largest airline, IndiGo, initiated legal action in London last year.

IGAM is suing Airborne CEO and co-founder Ramki Sundaram and the Irish firms chief financial officer, Anand Ramachandran, for alleged fraud.

IGAM has claimed that they and Airborne conspired to deliberately mislead it and induce it to sell an interest in the business at a far lower price than it otherwise would have done.

A defence document filed by lawyers for Airborne Capital and its two senior directors states that IGAM has not suffered any loss because its share in Airborne Capital was not worth more than what it received.

These allegations have no basis in fact or law, said a spokesperson for Airborne Capital. This was a commercial agreement reached between two well-advised entities.

Airborne acted properly and in good faith throughout. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and we have instructed our solicitors to defend these inappropriate allegations accordingly.

IGAMs claim for $28m is alleged to be the difference in the true value of IGAMs 65pc stake in Airborne and the amount it received when it sold the stake in 2022.

But in the defence document, its noted that in 2021 investment bank Greenhill & Co was retained to advise on the raising of capital to finance IGAMs exit from Airborne.

IGAM became a shareholder in Airborne Capital in 2019 when it bought shares in the business that were owned by Kerry-based Fexco and Nataxis. That saw both the latter investors exit Airborne.

Greenhill was unable to identify any other potential buyer for IGAMs stake after it initiated the sale of its holding in Airborne.

IGAM and Airborne agreed in principle to exit terms on the basis that the total consideration for IGAMs preference shares in Airborne would be $73.5m. That included cash of $50m and $23.5m in profit participating notes.

But Airborne and its two directors claim that IGAM never provided them with any valuation showing how this figure was arrived at and that the claim made against them is notably silent on the calculation of, or justification for, this amount.

Ultimately, sufficient financing to fund that $50m cash element in full could not be secured. The cash element of the deal was then revised down to $43.2m, with the amount of profit participating notes rising to $30.3m.

A so-called Omnibus Agreement was then inked between the relevant parties to the sale.

There was nothing in the Omnibus Agreement that required any provision by Airborne Capital of financial information about Airborne Capital to IGAM for the purposes of any valuation, nor was there any mechanism for adjusting the price payable to IGAM at completion (based on financial information or otherwise), the defence document stated. The sale was for a fixed price.
Technology

X is down 15pc since Elon Musk took over and drove a significant chunk of users  and almost all major advertisers  away. Photo: Getty Images

Threads is now outperforming X (formerly Twitter) by 8 to 1 in app downloads. Photo: Getty Images

Meta offices were once the apex of tech culinary opulence. Pictured, the Facebook international office on Hanover Reach in Dublin in 2013. Photo: El Keegan

For all the criticism he attracts, Mark Zuckerberg seems to be an unparalleled operator in the long-term running of a social networking company. Photo: Getty Images

There are signs the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by Meta Dublin staff may be over. The company has cut down on food perks which, at one point, were the envy of every other professional organisation in Ireland.

From being the high point of tech culinary opulence, staff have been told they are not allowed to bring goodies home, which some are now grumbling about.

What a difference a few years makes. I remember how close to the ground my jaw had dropped the first time I visited Metas  then Facebooks  Dublin headquarters.

With high-end chefs in the lavish kitchens, and sky-high optimism about the place, the company offered a different world menu every day.

Meta offices were once the apex of tech culinary opulence. Pictured, the Facebook international office on Hanover Reach in Dublin in 2013. Photo: El Keegan

This was supplemented by umpteen smaller eateries, fridges, mini-cafes and other snack repositories throughout the building.

The guiding idea was that feeling peckish, or having to go somewhere disruptingly far outside your workzone for food, shouldnt ever be a reason to derail a spurt of creativity or industry.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 2nd April 2024

Fast forward to 2024 and its a slightly different story.

In day-to-day office life, Meta now resembles something a little more like a telco.

The food is still available and good, but the exuberant atmosphere is over. No unconditional free snacks for everyone anymore.

This rhymes with the general mood of belt-tightening economy sweeping through the Irish office in general, kicked off by two fairly savage rounds of layoffs  where almost a third of staff were let go  a year ago.

Was the part-Disneyland scenario experienced up until recently just an historical anomaly?

From a staffing perspective, the company has yet to fully recover, with the new headquarters in Dublins leafy Ballsbridge only being part-occupied by the company itself.

Ironically, from a business perspective, things are looking better now for Meta than they have in a long, long time.

Its most recent quarterly results last month were at blowout level, showing a massive 25pc hike in revenue and a tripling of its profitability to over 1bn per week.

Anyone who bought Meta shares a year ago has more than doubled their investment; anyone who took a punt six months ago has seen the value of their shares rise 65pc.

Why have things turned around so favourably for Mark Zuckerbergs company, which was bogged down with fears of being lumbered with a dud investment (the Metaverse) and with regulatory walls closing in all over the world?

Threads is now outperforming X (formerly Twitter) by 8 to 1 in app downloads. Photo: Getty Images

A glance at some of the companys performance ratings gives a clue. Audiences for Facebook and Instagram, in particular, are up; Instagrams Reels  a copycat feature from TikTok  has performed spectacularly well. So well, in fact, that Instagram overtook TikTok in global app downloads to become the biggest app of 2023, something many of us thought it couldnt do.

And although Meta still cant make any meaningful revenue from WhatsApp in Europe, its latest copycat app  Threads, which mimics the core functionality of Twitter  is now starting to pick up steam.

According to the most authoritative app measurement analytics firm, Sensor Tower, Threads is now outperforming X (formerly Twitter) by 8 to 1 in app downloads.

While still only a fraction of Xs size (14 million daily active users compared to Xs 154 million daily users), that gap is narrowing, with X down 15pc since Elon Musk took over and drove a significant chunk of users  and almost all major advertisers  away.

Like other copycats from Meta, I am starting to find Threads genuinely useful and now post there for work and social reasons as often as I do on X.

So Meta, comparatively, is in pretty rude business health and looks like being a solid performer

The overarching point here is that Mark Zuckerberg, for all the criticism and noise he attracts, appears to be an unparalleled operator in the long-term running of a social networking company.

He seems to have successfully defended Metas half of the global online advertising duopoly, against some pretty formidable threats.

So Meta, comparatively, is in pretty rude business health and looks like being a solid performer in the short to medium term.

X is down 15pc since Elon Musk took over and drove a significant chunk of users  and almost all major advertisers  away. Photo: Getty Images

Can this be reflected again anytime soon in the working conditions that Meta staff enjoy in Dublin?

Or was the part-Disneyland scenario experienced up until recently just an historical anomaly that has been permanently adjusted by more old-fashioned, besuited local business managers?

Probably not for a while. When he was canning hundreds of Irish workers last year, Zuckerberg promised that the company would start hiring again in numbers soon.

That moment hasnt quite come yet, with only 24 open positions for Dublin  a tiny fraction of the hundreds on offer for much of the last five years.

But everything else points to better times soon.
Death toll on Irish roads rises to 58, which is 16 more than same period for last year

It is understood the man being questioned did not realise he had struck a person with his vehicle. File photo

Gardai investigating the death of a teenage boy who was struck by a car on the N17 in Mayo on Saturday night have spoken with an elderly man.

The boy, named locally as Vikaris Gudaitis (17), was struck by a vehicle and killed in the townland of Barnacarroll, Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Distraught family and friends have been paying tribute to Vikaris on social media. He was a student of St Colmans College in Claremorris.

Originally from Lithuania, Vikaris and his family lived in the area since he was a young child.

The accident happened less than one kilometre from where three people died in a collision last Tuesday.

Una Carlin Bowden and her two daughters, Ciara (14) and Saoirse (10), were killed when their vehicle collided with a fuel lorry on the N17 outside Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Gardai investigating the tragedy that happened on Saturday night have spoken to an elderly man. It is understood he was not initially aware he had struck a person.

A witness is believed to have followed the car involved and contacted gardai.

The man, who has not been arrested, was spoken to by gardai shortly after the incident.

No arrests have been made and gardai continue to appeal for witnesses.

It is understood Vikaris reached the main N17 road having walked three kilometres from Claremorris.

On Friday night, Claire Kavanagh (37) died in a two-car collision on the N24 in Co Tipperary.

Ms Kavanagh, from Carrick-on-Suir in Tipperary, was three months pregnant with her second child.

In a heartfelt message on social media, her cousin, Haleigh Kavanagh Walsh, paid tribute to her best friend and partner in crime.

All you ever wanted was to be a mammy and what an amazing mammy you were.

All I have left now are memories but I will treasure them forever, she wrote.

Yesterday morning, a cyclist in his 60s died following a collision with a car in Knocknagee, Co Kildare.

Saturday nights tragedy is a devastating blow for a town and county already trying to come to terms with last Tuesdays tragic collision.

Ciara and Saoirse Bowden, who were both members of the Oughterard Rugby Club, were described as two girls with a great energy about them despite their quiet nature.

Speaking to RTEs Morning Ireland, club PRO Julie Ann Brown said they were three beautiful, kind, loving, caring ladies just gone in a moment.

Despite renewed calls for increased road safety ahead of the Easter bank holiday, the teenagers death on Saturday was one of three road tragedies over the weekend.

It brings the total number of deaths on Irish roads to 58 in the first three months of the year. That represents an increase of 16 more than the first three months of last year.

On February 28, 10-year-old Dylan Coady Coleman died following an accident in Co Clare.

Dylan became a big brother to baby Shane shortly before the tragedy. His mother Laura said Dylan and Shane had a chance to meet before his death.

James Moyles (33) from Ballina, Co Mayo died after he and his niece Croia were struck by a vehicle on Lord Edward Street in Ballina on February 20.

Two young friends, 20-year-old Darragh Dullea and 19-year-old Cillian Kirwan, were also killed on February 20 when a vehicle they were passengers in struck a wall on the N69 Limerick-Tralee Road.

The two men were students at Salesian Agricultural College in Co Limerick, and were described as having great career prospects ahead of them.

In February, locals in Nenagh, Co Tipperary were left in shock by the death of 15-year-old Leah OMeara, who was killed in a two-car collision on the R503 at Rearcross, Co Tipperary.

On January 31, Daryl Culbert (21), Katie Graham (19) and Michael Kelly (25) were killed in the same incident in Co Carlow. .

Former Fine Gael TD John Connor died in a single-vehicle collision in Frenchpark, Co Roscommon, on January 27.

The youngest person to die on Irish roads this year was six-year-old Hana Meshkat from Knocknacarra, Co Galway. She died on February 17, nine days after she was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash on the m6.
AT the height of the pandemic, care worker John Bracken visited the homes of people with disabilities and helped them get up, get breakfast and get ready for the day ahead.

He transferred patients and delivered Covid tests to and from labs for nursing homes and hospitals.

But the programme assistant and driver who has worked for the Irish Wheelchair Association for over 20 years, is not among thousands of workers honoured for their contribution with a special 1,000 Covid recognition bonus.

The government payment, which was announced two years ago, has been made to thousands of HSE and private sector workers who were in direct contact with patients during the pandemic.

He was, however, presented with a HSE recognition certificate at a ceremony in Punchestown.

It honours the father-of-twos outstanding contribution and dedication to the HSE Dublin, South Kildare and West Wicklow community healthcare Covid-19 pandemic response.

I was frontline, he said.

I dont know how they can single me out. Its really the recognition I want. You can blow 1,000 in a weekend. Im after the recognition. I put myself out there, above and beyond, thats why I feel so hard done by and feel I wasnt treated properly.

The care worker, who is based in Clane, Co Kildare, said he stepped in to visit peoples homes because there was a shortage of personal assistants.

Some were sick because of Covid, he said. I had to stand in as a PA and go into homes and give people breakfast, and help them get dressed and have a shower. If I didnt go in, they wouldnt have got up in the morning. Ive done a lot of stuff that is not really in my remit.

I was going into the nursing homes. Unfortunately people were dying, and I was going in to pick up the Covid tests and deliver them. I made sure these tests were picked up and went to the lab on that same day. It was very important work I did for two years but when it came to the 1,000 it was like I didnt exist. I volunteered to do this work but feel I was used and abused.

He said he feels worse because he has not received full payment of increases due to workers in state-funded section 39 organisations, which were agreed after they threatened to strike.

His job involves picking up wheelchair users. Many have had strokes or might have cerebral palsy, he said.

We bring them to the day centre and they get a cup of tea, brown bread, or a scone and do activities. We play a game called Boccia, which is like boules. They love it here. I pick them up from down Longwood, Enfield, Naas, and Leixlip.

Brendan Carr, Siptu sector organiser, said its members at the Irish Wheelchair Association are rightly outraged to be owed a well-deserved Covid recognition payment.

He said a small number of staff did not get the payment despite working directly for the HSE.

These staff played a vital role throughout the pandemic, keeping essential services running at great risk to themselves and their families, he said.

Denying them is a slap in the face and a complete disregard for their hard work and sacrifice, he said.

A HSE spokesperson said the government once off pandemic payment recognised certain frontline public sector healthcare workers unique role during the pandemic.

She said eligibility criteria were extended to include workers in section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities who work on site, private sector nursing homes, agency staff in the HSE, and health care support assistants contracted to the HSE.

Only those staff who meet all of the above eligibility criteria are covered for this payment, she said.

She said the HSE appreciates that many other workers, volunteers and citizens provided important services during this difficult time.

While this is not questioned, it is important to recognise that this in itself is not sufficient to be considered eligible for this payment, she said.

The government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed.

While undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by other healthcare staff since the onset of this pandemic, it is right that the government pursue this course to recognise those at greatest risk in the performance of their duties throughout the pandemic, including those who worked in the very acutely affected environments outlined above.

The HSE spokesperson said it cannot comment on individual cases as it would breach its ethical duty to maintain the individuals right to privacy.
Parades Commission received partial notification of gathering for first time this yearForm lodged did not include parade from Creggan shops as police drone warns of illegal processionPSNI confirm investigation underway into unnotified section of Easter Monday parade

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A petrol bomb was thrown at a member of the media after an Easter Monday commemoration event in Derrys Creggan area.

Images show one of the petrol bombs landing close to where journalists and photographers were gathered and earlier reports suggested a number of bottles were also thrown at the media.

Another video of the attacks shows a man running away as three youths  one holding an ignited petrol bomb  chase him down before throwing the bomb at his feet.

Police have said those involved in throwing petrol bombs have now dispersed.

Meanwhile, Ulsterbus said services to the Creggan area have been suspended for the rest of the day.

A police helicopter flew overhead the dissident parade and a drone warned those in attendance that it was an illegal procession.

The PSNI also warned drivers to avoid the Central Drive area and the surrounding area in Creggan due to the presence of a number of people with petrol bombs and confirmed a van had been set alight.

It is understood the police helicopter has also been tasked to the incident and a fire engine forced to turn back after a fire was lit across the road in the area.

"The NIFRS were mobilised just before 7.30pm to attend a report of rubbish being on fire across the road in Creggan Heights, said a spokesperson.

"A number of missiles were thrown at the appliance. No damage was sustained. The appliance then turned back and left the area. Police are now on the scene.

Police said they were aware of social media commentary regarding the incident and appealed to any journalist attacked to report it to police.

Writing on social media, UUP leader Doug Beattie wrote: Embarrassing, dangerous and completely pointless.

Designed to raise tensions but will achieve absolutely nothing. A minority of nobodies.

National Union of Journalists (NUJ) General Secretary Seamus Dooley said the attacks were unacceptable.

"This was a public commemoration. Photographers and reporters are entitled to report on such events without without threat or intimidation, he said.

"The targeting of the media is this way is unacceptable and has no place in a democratic society. It is fortunate that there were not more serious injuries.

"Those responsible have no respect for the people of Derry and do not reflect the views of the vast majority of people across Northern Ireland. The NUJ extends support and solidarity to the journalists covering the commemoration.

Alliance leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long said the violence had no place in any community at any time.

"In at least some cases, these are children. This is grooming and exploitation, she posted on X.

Foyle MP and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the disturbance was the last thing the community wants or needs.

"The kids being whipped up into throwing petrol bombs at journalists and the police are putting their own lives and futures at risk as well as the safety of others.

Those responsible for this only want to drag us back. They have nothing to offer the people of this city and they need to understand that we all want a better future.

"The people of Derry want to live in peace with their neighbours. We wont have that peace threatened by anyone, let alone cowards that send kids out to throw petrol bombs.

UUP group leader on Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ald Darren Guy, has appealed to parents to be aware of where there children are.

"This afternoon we have again witnessed how local IRA criminals will use young kids in an attempt to draw in PSNI units to Creggan, to attack them with bricks and petrol bombs, by destroying their own area as bait, he said.

"These kids will achieve nothing other than a criminal record and diminish any future chances they have in life, all because bully boy criminals have used coercive control, to have them carry out their sinister fantasies, which amounts to nothing more than child criminal exploitation.

"I would appeal to all parents to know where their kids are and question them as to what they've been up to.

Derry City and Strabane area commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said despite a number of warnings to make the parades participants aware they were taking part in an illegal procession, they proceeded to the City Cemetery.

Sadly, we saw evidence of petrol bombs being prepared by young people prior to the parade, she said. "These youths were also involved in the parade along Central Drive.

"It is our assessment these would have been used to attack police had the opportunity arose.

"Its incredibly sad, and really disheartening to see young people, including children, involved in this.

"Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality is reprehensible.

A local persons van was set on fire for no reason, just next to a local community hall on Central Drive in Creggan, while a number of petrol bombs were also thrown in the area.

Chief Superintendent Kearney said the PSNI has now launched an investigation into the parade, as well as the other incidents which unfolded.

Earlier, the event organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery.

There was a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against the then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

A form was lodged with the Parades Commission for part of the Easter Monday commemoration event.

Sources in the area believed it was a positive development that a form had been lodged with the Parades Commission for the first time in relation to the dissident republican parade at the City Cemetery.

However, the form was only in relation to that part of the event at the City Cemetery and did not include a parade from Creggan shops.

The form was submitted by the Creggan Easter Committee over the weekend.

The Parades Commission confirmed it had been submitted, but said the form had been lodged late. Therefore, it was not registered on the Parades Commission website.

A spokesperson for the Parades Commission said: The Commission received a notification from the Creggan Easter Committee for an event at Creggan cemetery on Easter Monday.

Notifications should normally be received 28 days in advance.

Posters which appeared in the area ahead of the event told people to assemble at 2pm and to wear your Easter lily with pride.

It had been suggested that if there was a heavy police presence, it would be like a red rag to a bull for some young people who live in Creggan.

An Easter commemoration event is held at Derrys City Cemetery on April 1st 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Ahead of the parade, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the PSNI should be aware of attempts to provoke a response.

He believed it was best for police officers to serve any required notice and withdraw from the area.

Easter lily signs, an INLA sign and an Eistigi flag  the youth wing of Irish republican group Saoradh  are some of the symbols which mark the short route from Creggan shops to the City Cemetery.

An IRA sign also leans against a sculpture which sits atop a roundabout outside the grounds of St Marys chapel and depicts five young people dancing in a group.

The statue is just one example of how local people have tried to install uplifting artworks in the Creggan community over recent years.
Over 2,000 learner motorists in Dublin failed to show up for their driving test last yearThis is more than one third of the national totalMonaghan and Leitrim had the lowest number of driving test no-shows

Over 2,000 learner motorists in Dublin failed to show up for their driving test last year

More than 2,000 learner motorists in Dublin failed to show up for their driving test last year  more than one-third of the national total.

Such no-shows, which result in the loss of a driver testing slot, have now been identified as a major factor in contributing to the long waiting time to sit a driving test in Ireland  now standing at an average of five months.

Such an average waiting time is almost double the Government and Road Safety Authority (RSA) target.

The revelation came as the RSA insisted that new Department of Transport initiatives will target no-shows and drivers who, through a loophole in regulations, continue to obtain a driving permit despite never having sat a driving test.

In 2022, 28,570 Irish motorists were on a third or subsequent learner permit first issued between 2009 and 2018.

A total of 6,441 motorists failed to show up for a booked driving test centre appointment in 2023. That represents roughly 4pc of the overall total of booked tests.

A massive 2,210 of those lost test slots were in Dublin  more than one-third of the entire national total of missed tests.

Dublins total of driving test no-shows is almost 10 times higher than that in Tipperary or Waterford.

Monaghan and Leitrim had the lowest number of no-shows, with just 40 missed appointments each throughout 2023.

The RSA  in a statement to Social Democrats Catherine Murphy  insisted that measures were being examined to tackle both the issue of lost driving test slots and the number of motorists driving on a learner permit without having sat a driving test.

As part of plans to reduce the number of people on a third or subsequent consecutive learner permit, the Department and the RSA are considering a range of measures to ensure that learner permit holders sit a driving test before they can obtain a subsequent learner permit, an RSA official explained.

The Minister for Transport is committed to taking action on this issue after the driving test average wait times have been restored to their target level of 10 weeks, which we expect to achieve by the middle of 2024.

Road-safety campaign group PARC has called for extra road-policing resources, renewed road-safety promotions and a crackdown on driving licence enforcement as a national priority.

PARC founder Susan Gray said ensuring learner drivers sit a driving test is critically important.

Ms Gray also warned that providing resources for garda road policing operations is vital given the worrying surge in road deaths across Ireland.

The number of deaths on Irish roads should be a cause of concern for everyone, she said.

The PARC official said reforming the driver test system to deliver maximum efficiency was an issue of paramount importance.

It needs to be really highlighted to encourage (the Department of) Transport and the RSA to change regulations.

Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers said he was pressing for reforms including a tackling of drivers on multiple learner permits.

At the Ministerial Committee on Road Safety on November 16, I made clear my commitment to tackling the issue of learner drivers rolling over learner permits indefinitely without ever sitting a test, he said.

As I have set out previously, I want action to be taken to address this issue as soon as service levels in the driver testing service are restored to an acceptable level.

At the end of January, the average wait time to be called for a test was 19.5 weeks and it has been falling steadily since the peak of over 30 weeks last August.

The RSA remains confident that a 10-week average waiting time will be restored by the middle of 2024.

In parallel, discussions are also ongoing between the RSA and my officials on the new learner permit regime that will be introduced when the 10-week wait time is restored.

This issue does not require primary legislation to address and, as such, there are no relevant provisions included in the Road Traffic Bill 2024.

While Ireland remains one of the safest countries in Europe in terms of road travel, the death rate has been rising over recent years.

In contrast, it has been falling in many other European countries.

Current figures indicate that almost 70pc of fatal collisions in Ireland occur between 7pm and 4am.

According to RSA research, the highest-risk age among road users in 2023 was those aged 16-25 years.

This group represented 26pc of total fatalities (48 deaths) and the figures represented an overall increase of 23 road user fatalities compared to the 2022 figures.

Men are also dying on Irish roads at a rate of five-to-one compared to women.

RSA Chairperson Liz ODonnell warned the recent scale of road fatalities was a cause of serious concern.
Teachers are to demand that their work abroad in recognised schools should count towards their salary if they return home to IrelandMotions calling for the length of teacher training programmes to be halved and for a reduction in the 25-year teachers salary scale are also set to be debated A total of 79 million in funding to support digital learning and minor building works in primary and secondary schools announced this morning

Teachers demanding that their work abroad should count towards their salary if they return home to Ireland

Teacher recruitment and retention represents the single biggest crisis now facing Irish schools and is set to be one of the main topics discussed at this years teaching conferences, beginning today.

Irelands main teaching unions are warning that there is now unprecedented difficulty in hiring staff.

Two in every three Irish secondary schools now have unfilled vacancies.

Three in every four secondary schools have advertised positions within the past year for which, over a six-month period, they have not received any applications.

A Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) survey of 104 secondary schools nationwide revealed that 89pc were experiencing a staff recruitment and retention problem.

And almost half of those schools surveyed (45pc) said they have had to restrict student access to specific subjects because of teacher availability issues.

A key proposal at this years teaching conferences will be enhanced systems to attract trained Irish teachers back home from abroad.

At the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) convention in Wexford, teachers are set to propose that the length of teaching service abroad should be included in the calculation of incremental credit in their salary in a bid to encourage second-level teachers to move back home.

The fact some teachers do not receive credit for working abroad is a significant disincentive for people considering returning to Ireland, the ASTI said.

Motions calling for the length of training programmes to be halved and for a reduction in the 25-year teachers salary scale are also set to be debated as the ASTI looks to address the severe shortage of teachers.

Second-level teaching normally requires a degree and a Professional Master of Education (PME).

However, the cost of the two-year PME is estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000. Student teachers are required to undertake classroom teaching practice, but do not receive any pay.

The ASTI is proposing that the PME be reduced to one year, as it believes the high cost of qualifying, together with a two-year commitment, is impacting the attractiveness of teaching as a career.

The issue will also dominate the three-day TUI conference which opens tomorrow in Killarney, Co Kerry.

A TUI spokesperson warned that the teacher recruitment and retention crisis has deepened across Irish schools and classrooms over recent months.

This crisis is worsening, they said.

Schools are experiencing unprecedented difficulties filling vacancies, a problem exacerbated by cost-of-living increases and the severe scarcity of affordable accommodation.

Contracts of full hours must be provided from initial appointment to boost recruitment and teachers must have access to enhanced career structures to boost retention.

It must also be made easier for Irish teachers to return home from abroad.

The recruitment crisis is particularly severe in Dublin where cost-of-living issues are particularly acute, especially in terms of accommodation and housing costs.

Dublin schools have experienced tremendous difficulty in recruiting suitable staff  with many teachers from outside the Dublin area unwilling to commit to permanent jobs because of the cost of housing and the requirement, in many cases, to undertake lengthy travel to the school from areas where housing costs are lower.

The TUI warned that the problem is a symptom of the wider underfunding of the education sector.

The union  which represents 20,500 teachers and lecturers in second-level schools, further education and training colleges and technological universities/institutes of technology  said that the success of the Irish economy over recent decades has largely been due to the availability of a highly skilled, highly educated workforce.

When education is not adequately resourced, students lose out.

The latest OECD figures show that of 36 countries, none spend a lower proportion of national wealth (GDP) on education than Ireland.

This is even more pronounced at second level, where at 1pc, the spend for second level is just half that of the OECD average.

This is resulting in larger class sizes, overstretched pastoral support systems for students and education facilities which are often unsuited to modern teaching and learning.

But the TUI warned that regional variations in pay and investment are not the answer to the problems facing the sector and are not acceptable to trade unions.

There must be parity of esteem across the technological university sector and any regional variations in terms of pay and conditions are unacceptable.

TUI members recently gave an overwhelming mandate for industrial action over this critical issue.

Separately, the sectors funding crisis continues to have a significant negative impact, resulting in larger class sizes and less access to laboratories, equipment, materials, libraries and tutorials.

Other topics which will feature prominently at this years conferences include student wellbeing, teacher workload and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the Leaving Cert.

A key motion will explore how AI will affect project work and assessment.

Education Minister Norma Foley had previously proposed that additional assessments such as coursework, orals and practical examinations would count towards at least 40pc of overall marks.

The plans for teachers to assess students for 40pc of marking in Leaving Cert exams was then shelved because of the risk of cheating posed by AI. A motion put forward by the ASTI is urgently seeking to ensure flexibility in the percentage of marks allocated.

Teachers are also calling for state exams to no longer be held during Easter and midterm breaks. The ASTI says senior-cycle oral examinations should be scheduled during term time in the interest of student and staff well-being and health and safety.

More than 500 delegates at the ASTI convention will hear that student and teacher well-being must be supported by adequate investment in schools.

Teachers are seeking properly resourced psychological support services for students and are looking to conduct a survey of teachers on the psychological stressors they experience in their working lives. A motion will also consider the need for stronger legislation to deal with online harassment.

Delegates will also seek the abolishment of the controversial 33 hours of additional non-class contact hours agreed under the terms of the Croke Park Agreement.

The ASTI said it will ballot members with a view to taking industrial action if the unpaid Croke Park hours are not terminated before the beginning of the 2025/2026 school year.

The three main teaching unions will hold their conferences over the next few days.

The INTO conference starts today and runs until Wednesday in Derry. Minister Foley will address delegates at it today.

The ASTI convention takes place from tomorrow until Thursday in Wexford.

The TUI conference begins tomorrow and runs until Thursday.

Both the minister and junior higher education minister Niall Collins will address the TUI conference. They will be pressed by union leaders and delegates to develop specific measures to target staff recruitment.

This years conference  which will be attended by over 500 delegates  will revolve around the theme educate, advocate & empower.

Funding

A total of 79 million in funding to support digital learning and minor building works in primary and secondary schools has been announced.

It includes 50 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to all recognised primary and post-primary schools and 29 million in minor works funding also being provided to primary and special schools.

The ICT funding will help schools continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment, while the minor works funding can be used for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds.

Education Minister Norma Foley, making the announcement, said the department is acutely aware of schools need to have appropriate ICT infrastructure and remains committed to funding its Digital Strategy.

Digital technologies can open up a world of opportunities to our pupils and students. It is important that schools can properly equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to harness the benefits of such technologies, Minister Foley added.

The ICT grant will consist of a 2,000 basic grant for primary schools.

It will also include an additional payment of 39 per mainstream pupil, 43 per pupil in DEIS schools and 47 per pupil with special needs in a special school or special class in a primary school.

A 100 pupil-primary school will receive 5,973 and a 500 pupil- primary school will receive 21,865.

Post-primary schools will be paid a 2,000 basic grant plus 47 per mainstream student and 52 per student in DEIS schools.

A 500 student- post-primary school would receive 25,840 and a 1,000 student-post-primary school would receive 49,680.

This ICT grant builds on the 210m already allocated under the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and the 50m issued under Irelands National Recovery and Resilience Plan to enable schools to support learners at risk of education disadvantage through the digital divide.
Irish missionary nun Sister Majella McCarron with Prof Philip Nolan, President NUI Maynooth, on the occasion of her donating her private correspondence from renowned Nigerian writer and social activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, written while he awaited execution

Tributes have been paid to one of the countrys most tireless environmental and human rights defenders, Sister Majella McCarron, who died at the weekend.

Sr McCarron, who was 85, became known for her work on behalf of the Ogoni people in Nigeria whose lands were destroyed by oil production.

She became an international voice for Ogoni leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa, during his imprisonment and after his subsequent execution.

Later in Ireland, she supported communities in Mayo opposed to the running of a gas pipeline across the landscape during the turbulent Shell to Sea campaign.

James Orr from Friends of the Earth with Fiona Joyce and Majella McCarron from the Stop the Drill campaign in 2016. Pic: Jonathan Porter/Presseye

She also backed the successful campaign against fracking in Co Leitrim and more recently threw her weight behind communities in northern Ireland challenging gold-mining plans for the Sperrin Mountains.

Sr McCarron was born in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh and joined the Our Lady of Apostles missionary order in the 1950s.

She studied science at University College Cork before being assigned to a parish in Nigeria where she spent 30 years teaching.

It was during her time there that she became aware of the plight of the people of Ogoniland, a region of mangroves, farmers and fishing families in the Niger delta.

Oil companies moved there in the 1950s, destroying farmland, fishing grounds, natural habitats and villages.

Local opposition was repressed by government and militia but the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) began to gain international attention under the leadership of writer and activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Tensions reached a peak in the early 1990s and Mr Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists were arrested for alleged involvement in the murder of four Ogoni chiefs who had disagreed with him on strategy.

The allegations were condemned around the world as being without substance and the trial without proper procedures but all nine were hanged.

While on death row, Mr Saro-Wiwa wrote letters and poems which were smuggled out of prison to Sr McCarron.

The controversy over the executions led to oil companies abandoning operations in Ogoniland but the legacy of environmental damage continues.

The United Nations Environment Programme has been supporting the Nigerian government in attempting a clean-up.

The Love Leitrim group which formed to fight fracking in the county said: Weve lost an incredible campaigner and advocate for human rights.

Sr Majellas legacy will live on to inspire small communities standing against the might of corporate greed.

Shell to Sea campaigner, Ruairi McKiernan, said Sr McCarron was a powerful courageous voice who has left her mark.

Maynooth University, to which Sr McCarron donated the writings Mr Saro-Wiwa sent her, expressed their appreciation for allowing the archive to be brought to the attention of the world.

The Our Lady of Apostles order said they were in mourning for a member who would be deeply missed.

Sr McCarron, who was one of a family of five siblings with two surviving brothers, spent her retirement at the orders Ardfoyle Convent in Cork where she continued to campaign through letter writing.

She died at Marymount Hospice, Cork on Saturday and her funeral takes place at the Convent on Tuesday.
Allison Keating answers your queries about life and relationships

Question: My husband and I are in our mid 40s and have three young children. I work full time and have absolutely no time to myself so I am overweight and frumpy. I know this to be true but I dont have the bandwidth to do anything about it.

My husbands brother has just returned from Australia with his new wife, who is gorgeous. She is only a couple of years younger than me but I could be her mother if you saw us side by side, even though she also has three kids. The two brothers are very close and I feel I am being forced to spend time with them against my will.
A motion from the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn requesting that Cork County Council would put in place a zebra crossing at the existing crossing in Patrick Street, Fermoy in the interest of safety of all road users was brought before a recent Fermoy Municipal District meeting.

Mayor OFlynn highlighted the current courtesy crossing in Patrick Street as exceptionally dangerous.

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People are worried and concerned. Numerous people have been on to me saying it is exceptionally dangerous. A zebra crossing is the answer. Is it possible to do when we are doing the resurfacing of Patrick Street or would it take separate funding? It is a very busy road and ahead of the tourism season, people are concerned there could be a possible accident. Some motorists who may be strangers to Fermoy may not know that there is actually a crossing there. People are enjoying the shopping experience in town. It is important we make it as safe as possible. he said.

Fine Gael councillor Noel McCarthy agreed saying the crossing is causing confusion to motorists.

I understood why it was put there, it is the most popular crossing in the town. You have very busy businesses in that particular area. It is a crossing that is used so many times a day. It is causing concerns to motorists because they dont know who has right of way. It is really causing confusion.

Cllr McCarthy wondered if there was a need to have two zebra crossings in Fermoy town.

Should we consider writing to the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and asking them would they take away the other one by Centra and where the old post office was. Do we need two? The longer it goes on the longer we are in danger of an accident happening. We need to address it. It is our town. It is our problem to get the TII to act on this fast.

We need a very obvious crossing, said his party colleague Cllr Kay Dawson. I live in fear that someone steps out and the motorist or the truck driver cant see them because they are stepping out between cars. We need to re-educate people how to use a crossing. We need to make it as clear as possible where our crossings are. I find those undefined crossings can be nearly more dangerous that having nothing.

Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre OBrien said she has raised the issue of standardising pedestrian crossings numerous times, while Independent councillor Frank Roche agreed that people jumping in between cars is lethal.

Senior Engineer with Cork County Council Brendan OGorman provided the councillors with an update: This is on a national road and any safety improvement scheme here will be advanced by the National Roads Office (NRO) and TII. We have already asked for this project to be advanced on foot of previous councillor representations. We would have instructed the National Roads Office to undertake an inspection and to bring forward a safety scheme proposal for the area. They havent done that yet. We will have an update at the April meeting.

Mr OGorman said in his opinion two controlled crossings are required on that street. That street needs two crossings. If you take away the crossing by Centra you are going to create a much more dangerous scenario. It is our highest priority to convert it to a controlled crossing. We have instructed our national roads office to take this on board again. I would be very hopeful that it could be done in conjunction with the planned resurfacing on the street.

It would need a Section 38 so there would be a bit of planning and design in the background. There would be very limited if any further removal of car parking spaces. The one issue might be the loading bay. That is not ideal to have that adjacent to a pedestrian crossing. We might need to relocate that. We will reiterate it to the National Roads Office. That is our highest priority in the town, he added.
Two large scale artistic features have been installed along the new N22 road between Macroom and Baile Bhuirne. The sculptural forms representing female heads were created by West Cork based artist Sarah Goyvaerts and were commissioned by Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland with funding from the Per Cent for Art Scheme for the N22 development. The first ancestral sculpture The Bronze Age Girl represents a young female whose remains were found in a burial site during the archaeological works for the N22 development. The second ancestor represents the mythical goddess Aine, who is associated with fertility, abundance and the midsummer point of the year. Photo: Cork County Council

Two new roadside sculptures are turning heads on the N22 Cork bypass.

Featuring two female heads, they have been created by west Cork based artist Sarah Goyvaerts and were commissioned by Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with funding from the Per Cent for Art Scheme.

The first sculpture named The Bronze Age Girl represents a young female whose remains were found in a burial site during the archaeological works for the N22 development, having been cremated and buried with considerable care and effort at Kilnagurteen over 3,500 years ago.

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The second ancestor represents the mythical goddess Aine, who is associated with fertility, abundance, and the midsummer point of the year.

Aine is located on the raised verge facing oncoming westbound traffic in the townland of Coolavokig and has been positioned to face the Summer Solstice sunrise.

The Bronze Age Girl can be seen on the raised verge facing oncoming eastbound traffic in the townland of Carrigaphooca and is lined up to face the Winter Solstice sunset.

As we unveil these captivating sculptures along the N22 development, we are celebrating the many benefits that the Macroom to Baile Bhuirne bypass has brought to the community, paving the way for future growth, while also looking to our past. Sarah Goyvaerts and her creative team have brought history and myth to life, said Mayor of the County of Cork, Frank OFlynn.

These pieces not only beautify the landscape but also serve as a testament to our cultural legacy, marking our relationship to place and keeping our stories alive, he added.

Ahead of the installation, artist Sarah Goyvaerts said: It was a privilege to create works for a part of the county that Im very familiar with.

The sculptures were created in ferrocement over a mesh and stainless-steel framework and include natural pigments distilled from rocks found in the Baile Bhuirne area.
The people of Longford will be saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of a young life, someone who has made a life for herself in New York

An Irish woman killed following an alleged stabbing inside a New York bar last night has been named locally as 41-year-old Sarah McNally from Longford town.

Ms McNally was killed after allegedly being attacked inside the doors of The Ceili House pub on Grand Avenue in Maspeth, Queens, on Saturday evening at around 6.30pm.

According to US sources, New York Police responded to a 911 call at around 6.35pm in relation to an assault where they found the Longford woman with a stab wound to her neck and a man with a stab wound to his back and neck.

Both were taken to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition by EMS with the woman later passing away from her injuries, police said.

The mans age was not immediately known and no arrests have yet been made as police detectives continue to investigate the incident.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 2nd April 2024

Ms McNally originally hailed from Longford town before emigrating to the US a number of years ago.

It is understood she has been resident in New York for much of that time and had been working in the local hospitality sector.

News of her passing back home has been met with widespread shock and dismay.

Tributes to Ms McNally from family and friends continued to pour in online over the weekend.

Rest in peace my beautiful niece Sarah, we are heartbroken, love you always, Ms McNallyss aunt Mary wrote in a tribute posted to social media.

Another of Ms McNallys aunts Margaret Gaffey added: My beautiful niece taken too soon. Love you.

A former member of St Mels Musical Society, which Ms McNally was a part of, said: We are all deeply shocked and saddened over the tragic and untimely death of Sarah McNally.

Deepest sympathy to her parents Dorothy and Dessie and to all of her extended family. May she rest in peace.

Local Cllr Seamus Butler said details surrounding the tragedy had left the local community of Longford town in a state of numbed disbelief.

"She was Longford born and she was a former pupil of Scoil Mhuire in Longford where my wife actually taught her, he said.

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"Obviously the NYPD have to do their job and find out what happened but it is really shocking. All we can do is just pray for her family hopefully her remains can be repatriated.

They were sentiments which were shared by Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Monaghan.

The people of Longford will be saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of a young life, someone who has made a life for herself in New York.

For such a young life to be so tragically ended in such violent circumstances, our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in the Queens area of New York that knew her and her mother and father in Longford as well as her extended family.

Speaking again this morning on RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland, Councillor Martin Monaghan said the death of Sarah McNally in New York has left the town of Longford in a state of shock.

As family, friends and neighbours attempt to come to terms with the loss of such a young life. Sarah would have been 41 years of age and moved to New York 10 years ago, he said.

He told RTEs Morning Ireland that she would have been an integral part of Longford life before that, having worked in bars in the town.

Her mother and her father would be Longford-based in a small tight-knit community here in Longford.

"The OConnors and McNallys would be really decent Longford people.

It comes as a huge shock to the family to get this news over a Bank Holiday weekend," he said.

He described the nature of her death following an alleged stabbing in a bar as very cruel adding that a tragedy abroad makes things an awful lot worse than it would be at home with the distance.

Cllr Monaghan offered his thoughts and prayers to Ms McNallys parents.

I have no doubt that the vast Longford community in New York and we have a huge community in the area will do their utmost to support the family at this difficult time, Cllr Monaghan added.
King of Swing Luke Thomas pictured with Dancing with the Stars Pro John Nolan at the launch of 'Putting on the Ritz' at The National Opera House in Wexford on April 12.

Join Ireland's King of Swing Luke Thomas and The Swing Cats for their Kings Of Swing Tour on Friday, April 12 at 8pm at The National Opera House, Wexford.

Luke Thomas and the Swing Cats are coming to the National Opera House in Wexford with their Kings of Swing Tour on Friday, April 12.

Dancing with the Stars pro John Nolan will join them on the night as well as special quest The Runaways to celebrate 100 years of swing music with a musical timeline of classics from the 1920s to modern day.

The show will feature songs and dance performances from legends like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland with classics like Singin in the Rain, Puttin On the Ritz, Mr Bojangles, Let's Face the Music and Dance, New York, New York, Somewhere over the Rainbow, King of The Swingers, Sing, Sing, Sing, Night and Day and many more. Luke Thomas has performed on The Late Late Show, Ireland AM, The Today Show, The Six O'Clock Show and every major radio station in the country.

The show will start at 8p.m. and include swing music through the decades, from the Big Band era of the 1930s to the 1940s and beyond.

Tickets are from 28 and available to buy from www.theswingcats.ie.
Staff from Whelan's Pharmacy in Riverchapel pictured on the pharmacy's first anniversary on Friday. (l to r)- Gail O'Connor, Debbie Fitzpatrick, Peter Conry, Ed Whelan, Sharon Pierce and Grace Fitzgerald. Pic: Jim Campbell

Supervising Pharmacist, Peter Conry said that local residents have welcomed them back into the area and that the first year went really well.

We started on March 8 last year and we got through the first year which is a biggie. Its been a very good year, not everyone has found us since we closed before. On the sad side of things, some of the older people that welcomed us into Riverchapel arent with us anymore, we were just having a little think about that on the day as well.

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"Otherwise, its been good, a lot of people have been coming in with their ideas and we tend to work a lot on nutrition as well. We also have a lot of people coming in and sharing their stories. Were a learning environment which is something were quite proud, said Peter.

Theres a good atmosphere and plenty of banter. We have quite an interesting customer base here as well. We have a lot of Eastern Europeans living in and around Riverchapel and we have a lot of South Africans as well and the refugees from Courtown. Were very happy to help them. We have an even more international clientele than Gorey, said Peter.

Excluding Sundays, they are open six days a week from 9a.m. to 6p.m. During the winter we close at 5p.m. on Saturdays, but we open for an extra hour during summer for people down for the weekend, said Peter.

The pharmacy had previously closed at the end of July, 2022 but reopened at the same premises months later and two of their former staff still work there. We have Jordan here that started out as a young girl in the previous pharmacy and now shes a very experienced technician, said Peter.

All together, ten people work at the pharmacy and on an average day theres around five or six staff members working in the shop and happy to help customers. They are all experienced technicians which have worked in pharmacies for years. Including Peter, most of their staff used to work at Lloyds Pharmacy in Gorey. Everyone has different experience that they bring to it as well. Theres a good variety of experience and expertise. We can hand people over to somebody that would know more about their problems, said Peter.

Their main areas of expertise is lifestyle and nutrition. We generally would put food over supplements, we have a good range of cosmetics as well. Were up to date and on trend, said Peter.
A man who broke into a car at the Ferrycarrig Hotel and stole 4,000 was back before Wexford Circuit Court with compensation money to offer to his victim.

Dubliner Bernard Joyce (24) from 96 Briarfield Road in Kilbarrack, was found guilty of theft and criminal damage at a trial last year. On that occasion, details were given of how he observed Ger OBrien from Coolcotts, Wexford withdraw cash which represented two years savings  from the Bank of Ireland in Enniscorthy.

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He was passenger in a dark Volkswagen which then tailed the unwitting target to the Ferrycarrig. The money was intended to pay for a new vehicle and OBrien was driving his girlfriends car that day.

He emerged from a gym session at the hotel to find a car window smashed and the cash gone. The offence dated back to January of 2020.

Back in court, construction worker Joyce had 4,500 to offer by way of compensation.

Judge James McCourt imposed a two year sentence, this term suspended once the father of two agreed to produce a further 500 to cover the cost of repairs.
When Liam ONeill reflects on his 33 years with the National Ambulance Service one incident remains foremost in his memory. It occurred in 2008 and ultimately led to a change in how paramedics across the country treat patients in their care.

I made medical history, I actually changed protocols, Liam (62) says from his home in Wexford town. We were bringing a man to Dublin but the consultant said he wasnt going to make it. On the way up he kept going into cardiac arrest, at the time we were only allowed to shock a patient a maximum of 12 times, but before he got to Enniscorthy he had arrested three or four times, he was going into what we call VT (ventricular tachycardia) conscious, he was talking but it was hard to detect what he was saying.
Fighting rages across Gaza amid revival of truce talks, 77 people killed

Israeli strikes kill 77 Palestinians in the past 24 hoursIsrael says it killed Islamic Jihad leaderFighting rages around Gaza's biggest hospitalCairo hosts new truce talks with Israeli envoys

Mourners at the funeral of aid truck driver Ismail Abed al-Daya, killed in an Israeli strike. Photo: Reuters

Nidal Al-Mughrabi Mon 1 Apr 2024 at 03:30







Israeli strikes killed 77 Palestinians in Gaza in the past 24 hours, health authorities said yesterday, as Egypt hosted an Israeli delegation for a new round of talks in a bid to secure a truce with Gazas Hamas rulers.
With efforts underway to clean up thousands of tonnes of steel debris from the collapsed bridge in Baltimore's harbour, Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Sunday urged Republicans to work with Democrats to approve the federal funding needed for rebuilding the bridge and to get the port economy back on its feet.
Donald Trump accuses Joe Biden of assault on Christian faith for backing trans day that fell on Easter Sunday

International Transgender Day of Visibility has been celebrated on March 31 since 2009

US president Joe Biden has been accused of betraying the Christian holiday. Photo: Reuters

Susie Coen Telegraph.co.uk Mon 1 Apr 2024 at 03:30







The Trump campaign has accused Joe Biden of wielding an assault on the Christian faith for marking an annual transgender event, which this year fell yesterday on Easter Sunday.
Tax Rules in India in Effect from April 1, 2024

While the Finance Act 2024 makes some amendments to income-tax provisions, such as the treatment of agricultural income, the countrys finance ministry maintains there will be no changes to the direct tax regime in India for FY 202425, i.e., from April 1, 2024.

Amendments to indirect taxation under the Finance Act 2024, which generally puts into implementation Interim Budget 2024 provisions, include updates to the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 concerning Input Service Distributors and penalties for the failure to register certain machines used in the manufacture of goods under special procedures.

Indias finance ministry has clarified that there will be no additional changes to the income tax regime (new and old) in the new financial year starting April 1, 2024 (FY 25).

In the Interim Budget for 2024-25, announced on February 1 this year, Indias finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman made no recommendations for changes to the tax structure, either direct or indirect. As such, the income tax slabs set in the Union Budget for 202324 continue to apply to both the old and new regimes.

New Tax Regime 115BAC (1A) introduced for FY 2023-24 (INR)

Existing Old Regime (INR) 0-0.3 million 0% 0-0.25 million 0% 0.3-0.6 million 5% 0.25-0.5 million 5% 0.6-0.9 million 10% 0.5-1 million 20% 0.9-1.2 million 15% Above 1 million 30% 1.2-1.5 million 20% Above 1.5 million 30%

The new tax regime is applicable to individuals other than companies and firms, as a default regime from FY 2023-24, and the assessment year corresponding to this  AY 2024-25.

Under the new tax regime, the tax rates are significantly lower, though the benefit of various exemptions and deductions (other than the standard deduction of INR 50,000 (approx. US$699.04) from salary and INR 15,000 (approx. US$179.86) from family pension) is not available, as in the old regime.

While the new tax regime is the default tax regime, taxpayers are free to select the tax system that best suits their needs.

The option of opting out of the new tax regime is available until the filing of the return for AY 2024-25. Eligible persons without any business income will have the option to choose the regime for each financial year. Thus, they can choose a new tax regime in one financial year and an old tax regime in another, and vice versa.

Roundup of key amendments introduced in the Finance Act, 2024

Prominent changes in the Finance Act, 2024, which came into effect February 15, include updates to the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (CGST Act) regarding input service distributors (ISD), some adjustments to income-tax provisions, and penalties for failing to register specific machinery used in manufacturing under special procedures. The Finance Act 2024 emphasizes compliance, clarifies tax rates, and enforces laws to streamline tax administration and better facilitate corporate transactions.

It is now mandatory to use the input service distributor system in order to distribute input tax credits (ITC). This condition involves procurement of common services for branches or distinct persons so they can receive ITC, which could then be allocated to different branches or companies under the same permanent account number (PAN). This makes it easier to allocate credits for services like authorized consulting, security, or protection that are available all at once but used in different subdivisions.

An input service distributor or ISD is a taxpayer under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime who is responsible for distributing the GST input tax credits linked to its GSTIN among its units or branches with distinct GSTINs but registered under the same PAN.

Another significant change in the Finance Act 2024 pertains to the inclusion of Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) invoices in clause (61) of Section 2, which was not the case previously. This change mandates the inclusion of RCM invoices within the ISD mechanism for the distribution of ITC from the Head Office to branches exclusively.

Following this amendment, any tax paid by an ISD under RCM can only be distributed to branches under ISD rules, with no other methods like cross charges being allowed. This regulatory update is intended to establish consistency in ISD-related compliance across all taxpayers.

The Finance Act 2024 has also introduced a new section, 122A, that imposes penalties for the failure to register certain machines used in the manufacture of goods. This special procedure, notified under Section 148 of the CGST Act, 2017 specifically applies to goods like tobacco, pan-masala, and similar items.

READ: Indias 50th GST Council Meeting July 2023: Key Outcomes for Businesses

What is the Finance Act, 2024?

The Finance Act, 2024 intends to change certain enactments, give specific assistance to taxpayers, and maintain the current income tax rates for FY25. The Act offers a thorough road map for the governments intended distribution of financial resources and simplifies the nations tax laws. These modifications pertain to a number of current laws that control various taxes in the nation, including the Income Tax Law, the Stamp Act, and the Money Laundering Law. The Act also passes into law key provisions introduced in the Interim Budget 2024.

INDIRECT TAXES

Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST)

Amendment of section 2. In the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (hereinafter referred to as the Central Goods and Services Tax Act), in section 2, for clause (61), the following clause shall be substituted, namely: (61) Input Service Distributor means an office of the supplier of goods or services or both which receives tax invoices towards the receipt of input services, including invoices in respect of services liable to tax under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4) of section 9, for or on behalf of distinct persons referred to in section 25, and liable to distribute the input tax credit in respect of such invoices in the manner provided in section 20;. Amendment in the Manner of distribution of ITC by the ISD (Section 20 of the CGST Act) 20 (1) Any office of the supplier of goods or services or both which receives tax invoices towards the receipt of input services, including invoices in respect of services liable to tax under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4) of section 9, for or on behalf of distinct persons referred to in section 25, shall be required to be registered as Input Service Distributor under clause (viii) of section 24 and shall distribute the input tax credit in respect of such invoices. (2) The Input Service Distributor shall distribute the credit of central tax or integrated tax charged on invoices received by him, including the credit of central or integrated tax in respect of services subject to levy of tax under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4) of section 9 paid by a distinct person registered in the same State as the said Input Service Distributor, in such manner, within such time and subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be prescribed. (3) The credit of central tax shall be distributed as central tax or integrated tax and integrated tax as Integrated tax or central tax, by way of issue of a document containing the amount of input tax credit, in such manner as may be prescribed.

Section 122A: Penalties and Registration Procedures for Specified Machines

Section 122A has been introduced in relation to penalty for failure to register certain specified machines used to manufacture specified goods as notified under section 148 of the CGST Act, 2017.

The text of proposed new section 122A provides as under:

122A. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where any person, who is engaged in the manufacture of goods in respect of which any special procedure relating to registration of machines has been notified under section 148, acts in contravention of the said special procedure, he shall, in addition to any penalty that is paid or is payable by him under Chapter XV or any other provisions of this Chapter, be liable to pay a penalty equal to an amount of INR 100,000 (US$0.5 million) for every machine not so registered

(2) In addition to the penalty under sub-section (1), every machine not so registered shall be liable for seizure and confiscation:

Provided that such machine shall not be confiscated where

the penalty so imposed is paid, and the registration of such machine is made in accordance with the special procedure within three days of the receipt of communication of the order of penalty.

What is Section 148?

Indias CGST Act, 2017s Section 148 details special procedures for particular processes. Therefore, the government may notify certain classes of registered persons and the special procedures to be followed by such persons, including those with regard to registration, furnishing of a return, payment of tax, and administration of such persons, based on the Councils recommendations and subject to any conditions and safeguards that may be prescribed.

Section Particulars Existing Norms Amendment 10(23FE) Exemption to the wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA or Sovereign wealth fund or pension fund Exemption for specified investment between 01/04/2020 to 31/03/2024 Exemption for specified investment between 01/04/2020 to 31/03/2025 80-IAC Deduction for profits and gains of eligible start-ups Entity should be incorporated on or before 31/03/2024 Entity may be incorporated on or before 31/03/2025 10(4D) Exemption to specified fund Commencement of operations on or before 31/03/2024 Commencement of operations on or before 31/03/2025 10(4F) Exemption to royalty or interest income received by a non-resident from lease of aircraft or a ship 80LA Deduction to Off-shore Banking Units and IFSC

Summary

The revised ISD provisions in the Finance Act of 2024 aim to bring structure and clarity to the allocation of ITC for businesses with multiple GSTINs. Businesses that align their tax and accounting procedures with these updates are expected to benefit from improved compliance and efficient management of input tax credits.

This article was originally published on February 21, 2024. It was last updated on April 1, 2024.
Photo courtesy: X/@BJP4India

New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now lashed out at the ruling DMK of Tamil Nadu after a Right to Information (RTI) revealed new details about Katchatheevu, an island in Sri Lanka.

An RTI filed by Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief K Annamalai revealed how the Indira Gandhi government had ceded the disputed island to Sri Lanka.

Modi cited a The Times of India report which says the then Congress government- led by Gandhi- had ceded the island to Sri Lankan taking then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi into confidence.

However, DMK MP Era Sezhiyan had lashed out at the agreement calling it an "unholy and disgraceful act of statesmanship".

Hitting out at the DMK, Prime Minister Modi posted on X on Monday, "Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMKs double standards totally.

"Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular."

Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMKs double standards totally.



Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2024

Jaishankar lashes out at Congress

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had lashed out at the Congress for ceding the island to Sri Lanka.

Addressing a press conference, Jaishankar said, "The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were also given away in 1976... The most basic recurring one is the indifference shown by the central government and Prime Ministers of the day about the territory of India. The fact is they simply did not care."

"In May of 1961, PM Nehru writes that he attached no importance at all to this little island and he would have no hesitation in giving up claim to it. He wrote that he doesn't like matters like this being pending indefinitely and being raised again and again in Parliament. He saw it as a nuisance," he added.

VIDEO | VIDEO | Here's what External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) said on the Katchatheevu island issue during a press conference.



"We should get the fishing right. The island was given away in 1974 and fishing rights were given away in 1976. The most basic pic.twitter.com/sVfXx3EfPm  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2024

About Katchatheevu

Katchatheevu, which is an uninhabited island, was under the control of British Ceylon since 1921.

Though India never controlled it, the island remained a disputed territory.

In 1974, the then Indian government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, signed an agreement to recognise Sri Lanka's sovereignty over the island.

In a separate agreement signed in 1976, both the countries' fishermen were restricted from fishing.
Photo courtesy: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has added fuel to the pot boiling Katchatheevu issue which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have weaponised to corner the main opposition force, Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a press conference, Jaishankar has lashed out at the then Congress government, which in 1974 ceded the Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, and also criticised India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for his attitude towards the disputed island which was located in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing a press conference, Jaishankar said, "The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were also given away in 1976... The most basic recurring one is the indifference shown by the central government and Prime Ministers of the day about the territory of India. The fact is they simply did not care."

"In May of 1961, PM Nehru writes that he attached no importance at all to this little island and he would have no hesitation in giving up claim to it. He wrote that he doesn't like matters like this being pending indefinitely and being raised again and again in Parliament. He saw it as a nuisance," he added.

PM Modi slams DMK

While Jaishankar slammed the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning took to his X handle to lash out at the DMK, which was in power back then when Katchatheevu was handed over to Sri Lanka. DMK is ruling Tamil Nadu now in an alliance with the Congress.

An RTI filed by Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief K Annamalai revealed how the Indira Gandhi government had ceded the disputed island to Sri Lanka.

Modi cited a The Times of India report which says the then Congress government- led by Gandhi- had ceded the island to Sri Lankan taking then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi into confidence.

However, DMK MP Era Sezhiyan had lashed out at the agreement calling it an "unholy and disgraceful act of statesmanship".

Hitting out at the DMK, Prime Minister Modi posted on X on Monday, "Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMKs double standards totally.

"Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular."

Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMKs double standards totally.



Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2024

About Katchatheevu

Katchatheevu, which is an uninhabited island, was under the control of British Ceylon since 1921.

Though India never controlled it, the island remained a disputed territory.

In 1974, the then Indian government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, signed an agreement to recognise Sri Lanka's sovereignty over the island.

In a separate agreement signed in 1976, both the countries' fishermen were restricted from fishing.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Pinarayi Vijayan

Kozhikode/UNI: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the INDIA bloc rally held on Sunday in New Delhi is a strong warning to the BJP-led NDA government, and it is said to be considered very important in the political field of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, PInarayi Vijayan said, "The NDA government is implementing anti-people policies and adopting nationwide hunting for opposition party leaders under the leadership of the BJP, and he also warned that the Congress party also needs to learn a lesson from this.

"The Congress party had filed a complaint against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Aravind Kejrival over the excise policy and its lead to end the arrest of Chief Minister Aravind Kejrival. The stand taken by the Congress party was said to be a stand with the BJP-led NDA government."

Pinarayi Vijayan also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for contesting against CPI national leader Annie Raja from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

In Kerala, the Communist Party led by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) are fighting each other, but at the national level, both are in the India bloc,so the candidature of Rahul Gandhi is considered against the vision of the India bloc. LDF candidate Annie Raja faced sedation charges for visiting Manipur.

He alleged that Rahul Gandhi never raised a word against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

He also said, "Rahul Gandhi cannot say that he is contesting against BJP State President K Suredran, who is contesting for the NDA from Wayanad constituency."

In response to a question about the recent acquittal of three RSS workers in the Riyaz Maulavi murder case in Kasaragod by a local court due to a lack of evidence, Pinarayi Vijayan said the practice of killing people as part of religious hatred should be stopped at any cost in Kerala.

He said, "The LDF government is committed to ensuring the killers are punished as they deserve in this sensational Riyaz Maulavi Kodagu murder and will seek all the possibilities of the law for that."

He also said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the prosecution maintained transparency and absolute honesty in the investigation and trial, and no one complained at any point.
Photo courtesy: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS: Arvind Kejriwal has been allowed to have home-cooked meals, bottled drinking water, and a supply of toffees in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, a Delhi court said Monday as the Chief Minister was sent a 14-day custody in the city's Tihar Jail following his arrest last month in the alleged liquor policy scam.

He will also be allowed to meet his wife Sunita during his time in jail and have access to bed linen from home, including pillows and a quilt.

Kejriwal will be provided with medical equipment to monitor his health given he is a diabetic patient and has a weak immune system.

The Aam Aadmi Party supremo will be in Tihar's Jail No. 2, with his former deputy Manish Sisodia, and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi's K Kavitha among the opposition leaders behind bars in the Delhi liquor policy case.

Kejriwal was taken to jail this afternoon after the Enforcement Directorate's extended custody finished.

The ED has named the Delhi Chief Minister as the "kingpin" in the alleged scam and told the court the AAP leader had given "evasive replies" and concealed information relevant to the investigation.

The probe agency, which had arrested Kejriwal on March 21, had asked for a 15-day judicial custody citing his "non-cooperative behaviour".

Kejriwal arrested ahead of Indian general polls

Kejriwal has become the first serving Chief Minister to be arrested and is the third senior leader from the party to be arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam.

The arrest comes hours after a team from the ED questioned him at his residence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The arrest was made just weeks before India voted in the first phase of the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament) polls on April 19.

Several opposition parties, who are parts of the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bloc, rallied behind Kejriwal in a mega rally held at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday.

Speaking at the rally, Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal termed the Chief Minister as "a lion" and said, "The BJP has locked up Kejriwal. Bhagat Singh went to jail fighting the Britishers, Kejriwal went to jail fighting dictatorship."
Photo courtesy: Instagram/Allu Arjun

Hyderabad/IBNS: Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has returned from Dubai after unveiling his wax statue at the Madame Tussauds.

Upon his return to India, Allu Arjun was scheduled to attend a pre-release event of Vijay Deverakonda's Family Star.

The event is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.

As per a report by 123telugu.com, Allu Arjun will not be attending the event leaving his fans disappointed.

Vijay will be starring alongside Mrunal Thakur in Family Star, which is directed by Parasuram Petla.

The romantic family drama film is slated to release on April 5.
Photo courtesy: UNI

Jerusalem/UNI: A knife-wielding Palestinian teenager stabbed and seriously wounded three people in a shopping mall in Israel on Sunday before he was shot dead by police officers, said the Israeli police in a statement.

The three men, aged 25, 20 and 17, respectively, were seriously injured after being stabbed in Gan Yavne, south of Tel Aviv, and had been rushed to a hospital, Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said in a statement.

The attacker, identified as a 19-year-old boy from the city of Dura in the occupied West Bank, was shot dead by the municipal police forces, according to the police.

The police said they were investigating the incident as "a terror attack."
Photo Courtesy: IDF X page

Two of the three people detained in Russia's Muslim-majority Dagestan Republic suspected of plotting to commit terrorist crimes are of Central Asian origin, a local law enforcement source told Sputnik on Monday.

On Sunday, Russia's National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) said the country's special forces had sealed off the suspected terrorists in several apartments in the cities of Makhachkala and Kaspiysk. A counterterrorist operation regime was introduced in the designated areas.

"One of the detainees is from Dagestan; two are from Central Asia," the source said.

The counterterrorist operation regime was lifted in the affected city areas at 12 p.m. on Sunday (09:00 GMT). No casualties among civilians or law enforcement officers were reported. Dagestan head Sergei Melikov said the terrorists had been identified due to increased security measures following the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall venue near Moscow.

The four suspected Crocus City Hall shootersall citizens of Tajikistanwere arrested and charged with terrorism.

(With UNI inputs)
Survey says British PM Rishi Sunak may lose his seat in upcoming polls. Photo Courtesy: Rishi Sunak Instagram page

A poll released by a civil society campaign organisation indicates that the ruling Conservative Party might face defeat in the general polls likely to be held later this year.

The poll showed PM Rishi Sunak himself bracing to face a tough challenge in his own constituency of Richmond and Northallerton to Labour.

The poll of over 15,000 people carried out by Survation on behalf of Best for Britain, and put in the field days after the Spring Budget, puts Labour on a 19 point lead over the Conservatives.

This is up 3 points from the campaign group's previous mega-poll conducted at the end of last year, the poll showed.

When the Conservative share of the vote - down to 26% compared to Labours 45% - is translated into seats, the poll showed the Tories are on track to win just 98 seats, none of which are in either Wales or Scotland.

This hit to the Tories' electoral prospects comes as Reform UKs share of the vote surges across the UK, with the party set to come second in 7 seats and their overall vote share up to 8.5%, just behind the Liberal Democrats on 10.4%.

To assess the effect of Reform UK, Best for Britain said it looked at the impact of the party agreeing to stand aside for the Conservatives across the UK.

They asked those currently planning to vote Reform UK who they would vote for if the party didnt stand a candidate in their constituency. In this scenario the Conservatives would win 150 seats - a more than 50% increase in their total seat haul.

Speaking on the Prime Minister's possibility of winning his constituency, the organisation said: "The seat-specific results are particularly damning for the Prime Minister, showing that he is at a risk of losing his own constituency of Richmond and Northallerton to Labour, with Sunaks lead at less than 2.5% share of the vote."

"The same goes for the Chancellor Jeremy Hunts new seat of Godalming and Ash where, despite his efforts to win over voters by cutting National Insurance in the Spring Budget, he is only leading the Liberal Democrats by a 1% share of the vote," the organisation further said in the analyses.

Notably, of those rumoured to be in the race to replace Sunak, only Kemi Badenoch is set to comfortably retain her seat in North West Essex, the analyses said.

Tom Tugendhat and Gillian Keegan are on course to hold their seats, each with a 5% lead over their nearest rivals, while Suella Braverman, Robert Jenrick and Priti Patels seats have become marginal, it said.

The poll also suggests that the Conservatives are set to regain four seats lost in recent by-elections.

"These include Chesham and Amersham, where the Lib Dems now slip to third place behind Labour, Glastonbury and Somerton, Honiton and Sidmouth and Tamworth. The data also identifies seven constituencies that are now deemed to be three-way marginals. Best for Britain points out how these losses and close ties highlight the need to provide voters with accurate guidance on how to vote locally, to effect change nationally," the poll said.

Naomi Smith, CEO of Best for Britain, said: This poll shows we are headed for a change election of unprecedented proportions and major swings as the electorate switches support away from the Tories in different directions."

Under a first past the post system, and with most voters not knowing who is in second place in their new constituencies, we will be providing voters with state of the art polling analysis at www.getvoting.org to give them the information they need to make sure their vote counts," Smith said.

When was the poll conducted?

The poll of 15,029 adults and MRP analysis by Survation on behalf of Best for Britain was conducted between 8th March and 22nd March 2024.
Photo Courtesy: Videgrab of Baltimore bridge collapse

Washington: Authorities in the US city of Baltimore are working to open a temporary alternative route for commercial vessels following the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command said.

Last week, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after it was struck by a cargo ship. Six construction workers on the bridge at the time of the collapse are believed to be dead.

"The Captain of the Port (COTP) is preparing to establish a temporary alternate channel on the northeast side of the main channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge for commercially essential vessels," the command said in a statement on Sunday.

A 2,000-yard safety zone currently remains in effect around the bridge in order to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment, the statement added.

"This action is part of a phased approach to opening the main channel. The temporary channel will be marked with government-lighted aids to navigation and will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and a vertical clearance of 96 feet," the command said.

The statement did not specify when the alternate route would become operational.

Meanwhile, US East Coast ports are shifting their working hours in order to receive cargo diverted from Baltimore over the bridge collapse, Bloomberg reported, adding that the Port of Virginia will open an hour earlier on Monday.

The ports of New York and New Jersey are working to ensure quick access for carriers that typically navigate via Baltimore.

In the early hours of March 26, a commercial Singapore-flagged cargo ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore soon after it departed the port for Sri Lanka's Colombo.

The bridge collapsed, sending at least eight people from a construction crew working on the bridge into the water. Ship traffic in the port of Baltimore was suspended until further notice following the bridge's collapse.

(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)
Who is Aryan Khan's girlfriend? Is Shah Rukh Khan's son dating anyone? The internet is convinced that the star kid who is all set to make his directorial debut soon is dating actress Larissa Bonesi.

Who is Aryan Khan's girlfriend? Reddit is convinced he is dating Larissa Bonesi

X

It all started after and eagle-eyed Redditor posted, "A few days ago I saw a comment on Reddit that Aryan Khan is dating Larrisa Bonesi.then I checked on social media Aryan follows Larrisa's entire family on Instagram and Larrisa also follows Aryan's family. Larrisa's Dog's account also follows Aryan Khan. On the birthday of Larrisa's mother, Aryan had sent her a gift from Dyavol, which Larrisa's mother had posted in the story on Instagram.this may also be wrong, I have told this as per my observation on social media. This clip is from Martin Garrix's concert last year where Aryan is seen with Larrisa and her sister."

One of the Redditors shared that Aryan was at Larissa Bonesi's birthday party on March 28.

Reddit

Some others started discussing the age-gap between them both. "She is like seven years older to him," a user wrote. "So he's into older women," said another one.

Who is Larissa Bonesi?

The actress was spotted in songs like Guru Randhawa's Surma Surma has also starred in movies like Penthouse (also starring Tisca Chopra, Bobby Deol, Mouni Roy), 2016 Telugu language action-comedy movie Thikka and 2018 Telugu comedy movie Next Enti? among others.

In an interview, Sai Dharam Tej had previously said, "I have fallen in love. It happened but none was favourable. Coming to the actresses I have worked with, I had genuine feelings for Larissa Bonesi, with whom I worked in Thikka. I told her about the same and proposed love. She rejected me saying that she already had a boyfriend."



Born on March 28, 1990 in Brazil, the actress was rumoured to be dating Sooraj Pancholi in 2019. It was said that they met in the gym and were together for over three years.

Larissa Bonesi was also spotted in Aryan Khan's Dyavol clothing line campaign too.

X

What are your thoughts on Aryan Khan and Larissa Bonesi? Let us know in the comments section below.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is on a mission to transform India into a green economy by slashing GST on hybrid vehicles and aiming to phase out the country's over 36 crore petrol and diesel vehicles.



When questioned about the feasibility of completely eliminating petrol and diesel cars from India, Gadkari responded with a resolute "One hundred per cent."

File Photo

While acknowledging the challenges, Gadkari expressed optimism about achieving this ambitious goal, stating, "It is difficult but not impossible. This is my vision."

In an interview with PTI, Gadkari highlighted that India currently spends Rs 16 lakh crore on fuel imports. He emphasized that redirecting these funds towards agricultural improvements would benefit farmers, lead to prosperous villages, and create employment opportunities for the youth.

BCCL

Although Gadkari did not specify a timeline for this transformation, he has proposed reducing GST on hybrid vehicles to five per cent and flex engines to 12 per cent. The proposal is under consideration by the Finance ministry.

Gadkari is confident that promoting the use of biofuels can help India end its dependence on fuel imports. However, environmental activists caution that the transition to green mobility must also address the reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production.

Avinash Chanchal from Greenpeace India emphasized the need for a shift to 100 per cent renewable energy alongside electric vehicles to effectively combat the climate crisis.




A recent Reddit post has sparked widespread outrage. This is about an insensitive conversation between a boss and a recently laid-off employee. The post, titled "'Why arent you going on holiday? Mindblowing Conversation with Boss," recounts a shocking interaction where the boss discussed his upcoming family trip to another continent immediately after terminating the employee.

The Reddit user, who shared the post, described how the boss casually mentioned his plans for a summer vacation with his partner and children right after informing the employee of their termination. The boss then proceeded to inquire about the employee's holiday plans, suggesting that they should take a break to relax and spend time with their children.

Employee | Photo: Unsplash

The insensitive nature of this exchange left the employee questioning whether the boss was oblivious to the situation or intentionally mocking them. The user expressed disbelief at the boss's lack of sensitivity, given that the employee had just been informed that they would no longer have a job in a week.

Several Redditors reacted strongly to the post, condemning the boss's behavior and sharing their own similar experiences. One user criticized the boss for being out of touch with reality, while another shared a personal anecdote about receiving an inadequate pay raise and being asked about their holiday plans.

Unsplash

The Reddit post has garnered over 2000 upvotes since it was shared, highlighting the widespread resonance of this story and the outrage it has generated among online communities. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and sensitivity in workplace interactions, especially during difficult and challenging times for employees.
If you are a fan of Bollywood movies, you might recall the scene in DDLJ where the dad feeds pigeons every morning. But, gone are those days as it appears that feeding pigeons can now result in a hefty fine. Recently, a UK council has warned a woman of a Rs 10,000 fine for feeding pigeons.



Annes anti-social behaviour has detrimental effects

97-year-old Anne Seago loves feeding birds.

The retired music teacher enjoys watching sparrows and robins eat seeds in her birdhouse from her conservatory.

Anne Seago/ Chris Neill, dailymail.co.uk

However, after a neighbor complained about pigeons and seagulls, the municipal council of Fylde warned Anne Seago that she might be committing a "criminal offense."



The Council received reports of 'excessive bird feeding' from four individuals since 2016. Officials observed 'hundreds of pigeons' near the properties during their visits. They stated that his has led to the accumulation of bird food, attracting vermin and spreading diseases, and to the accumulation of bird droppings, causing harassment and property damage.

Representative image/ Unsplash

Consequently, Anne Seago was threatened with a fine of 100 (Rs 10,533). The council's letter stated that providing food for wild birds is "unreasonable and is having a detrimental effect on neighbouring residents.



Activists speak up in support of Anne

Anne's 77-year-old son, Alan, worries that the stress of being accused of 'anti-social behavior' might become overwhelming for her.

According to reports, council officials have been pursuing Mrs. Seago for two years following a neighbor's complaint about pigeons and seagulls being attracted to her bird table, causing a nuisance. Environmental health officers have even checked her bungalow to see if pigeons are roosting on the roof.

Representative image/ Unsplash

Now, MPs and activists are urging the municipal council of Fylde in Lancashire to reconsider and instead engage in dialogue with the bird-loving residents. Tory MP Sir John Hayes remarked that it seems 'strange' to interfere with what Seago does 'in a private area.'



For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


'boAt', India's fastest-growing audio wearable startup, has launched a new advertising campaign aimed at the trillion-dollar tech titan Apple.

The "Don't be a Fanboy" ad demonstrates the company's desire to present itself as a viable alternative to the premium American brand in the earwear sector.

What was the ad campaign all about?

The campaign includes advertisements featuring a family of committed "Fanboys" (probably Apple) and a proud "boAthead" member | Image: X

The campaign includes advertisements featuring a family of committed "Fanboys" (probably Apple) and a proud "boAthead" member.



The advertisements market the qualities that the less-than-a-decade-old company provides through banter and veiled criticisms of the family's commitment to legacy features and products.

Which debate did the campaign start?

The campaign has ignited debate and garnered attention across many social media channels, with industry experts weighing in on its success.

The campaign has received varied reactions, with some seeing it as a smart move to engage Apple, a company that primarily targets rich consumers in India.

How did people on the internet react?

Somewhere, a copywriter for boAt has gone home thinking he has socked it to Apple by writing no fruits were harmed in making this ad. And trade portals are reporting it as shots fired, said Lakshmipathy Bhat, SVP of Global Marketing & Communications at Robosoft, who shared insights on the campaign.

Somewhere a copy writer for boAt has gone home thinking he has 'socked it to Apple' by writing 'no fruits were harmed in making this ad'. And trade portals are reporting it as 'shots fired!'. Again, I am happy for boAt's popularity and wish them more success. Such initiatives  bhatnaturally   (@bhatnaturally) March 31, 2024

Again, I am happy for boAts popularity and wish them more success. IMO, such initiatives will make the brands current and prospective customers (unlikely to be those who can afford and seek Apple products) happy with their choice, he added.

"One tech enthusiast expressed, that the fact that everyone is talking about it means that their strategy worked, at least from the brand awareness angle.

Another commentator remarked, Its a healthy tactic. To taunt your competition. He doesnt have hate for the company but a healthy tussle with apples.

While some thought the ad campaign made perfect sense, others argued that there is no competition between the two. "The boat is no match for Samsung, let alone Apple! When BMW trolls Mercedes, it's fine.

"But it makes me cringe when Maruti trolls Mercedes," stated one of the X users. "Boat is encouraging customers to quit Apple in favor of Boat earphones. It's like Oyo is ridiculing Taj Hotels. People don't book Taj properties solely for their lovely beds and pillows. Similarly, consumers aren't paying Rs. 23000/- for sound quality," added another. "

Check the full ad here.

Disclaimer: No Fruits  were harmed in the making of this film. It's time to give an Indian brand a chance to compete on the global level. Dont be a fanboy, be a boAthead. pic.twitter.com/nQou26YLfc  boAt (@RockWithboAt) March 30, 2024

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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Aman Guptas boAt has been making headlines on the daily now. After roping in Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh for its ad campaign, it is now in the news for another ad campaign in which it is urging people to Think Better and shift from Apple to boAt. Ever since the pictures started doing the rounds on social media, a debate has been kickstarted around it where one section is impressed by the creativity, the other section is appalled at the audacity to compete with the tech giant.



The bottom line remains that Aman Gupta has surely brought a revolution in the tech market with his innovative product and an aspiring promotion strategy. With his vision and determination, he has taken his brand boAt to a remarkable level.

boAt

For the unversed, the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Boat is also an investor on business reality show Shark Tank.



Popular among fans and pitchers alike, he is loved for his sense of humor. Recently, he bagged the prestigious Celebrity Entrepreneur of the Year award at the National Creators Award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Lets take a look at the entrepreneurs life beyond work.

Aman Guptas Formative Years

A true blue Delhi boy, Gupta did his schooling from Delhi Public School, RK Puram and later pursued BA from Delhi University. He also cleared Chartered Accountancy before earning an MBA degree in Finance from Indian School Of Business.

Aman Guptas Family Life

GQ

In 2008, Aman Gupta tied the knot with Priya Dagar, and together they have two daughters named Ada Gupta and Miraya. A significant milestone in Gupta's journey occurred in 2013 when he established Boat, a consumer electronics company renowned for its audio products. With Gupta at the helm, Boat has gained recognition for its commitment to quality, innovation, and affordability, garnering praise from customers and building a strong brand following.



Aman Guptas Lifestyle

Aman Gupta's achievements with Boat have provided him with a luxurious lifestyle, encompassing opulent residences and valuable possessions. He resides in an extravagant duplex bungalow located in South Delhi, valued between Rs 8 to 15 crore. Additionally, Gupta possesses a collection of high-end vehicles, including a BMW X1 valued at Rs 55 lakhs and a BMW 7 Series priced at Rs 1.70 crore, according to reports.

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Aman Guptas Net Worth

As of 2024, Aman Gupta's net worth is estimated to be Rs 720 crore, with his sound accessories brand, boAt, valued at Rs 10,500 crore according to GQ India. Gupta's entrepreneurial endeavors, notably Boat, along with investments and other business ventures, have been instrumental in his financial prosperity. He has also invested in numerous startup companies such as Shiprocket, WickedGud, 10 club, Freecultr, Bummer, Skippi Ice Pops, and several others.

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It wont be wrong to say that with the advancement of technology, things have become much smoother for young entrepreneurs in terms of facilities for setting up a business.

While businessmen in the olden times had to go through a long process to get little things done, it has comparatively become simpler.

sonyliv

Reflecting on the same, Shark Tank judge and one of the leading entrepreneurs of our country, Anupam Mittal recently revealed that he had to pay a large price to acquire the domain of his brand shaadi.com.



Anupam Mittal Owned Sagai.com Before shaadi.com

Mittal shared a story from the late 1990s when their company, having $30,000 (Rs 5.4 lakh as per one dollar rate of Rs 18 in the 1990s) in funds, made a strategic decision to spend $25,000(Rs 4,50,000) on acquiring the domain, foreseeing potential long-term advantages. Furthermore, he disclosed his prior ownership of Sagai.com before obtaining Shaadi.com.

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Talking about the same in a podcast, he said, We had a company, where we provided IT solutions to other companies. So there we started Sagaai.com, which was the precursor to Shaadi.com. We had saved about $30,000 in our company. We were getting the domain for about $25,000. $25,000 or $30,000 seemed exorbitant but I believed that without a domain that can become ubiquitous, that can become known for the category, itll be tough and this will make our lives easier. So we used all our money.



Anupam Mittal Also Shared Why He Never Thought Of Investing In A Dating App

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He was also questioned about his involvement in dating apps and whether he had overlooked the opportunity to develop one. The Shark Tank panelist explained that the dating app industry in India is not lucrative, emphasizing that platforms like Tinder and Bumble have not shown substantial growth.



He said, "Their revenues are not that big and the problem is in India its very lopsided. Women always have too much to choose from so therefore youll see very few guys get all the demand and all the other guys who come on these sites dont know what to say. They say the most obnoxious things and the women run away. So I think theres no theres not real money to be made."

Anupam Reflected On How His Website Shaadi.com Is Used More By The Millennials Than The Youth

unsplash/representational image

In contrast to common assumptions, Anupam contended that the younger demographic does not rely on traditional matchmaking services but instead gravitates towards dating apps. He highlighted that Shaadi.com predominantly caters to millennials.



"This whole thing about millennials not using matchmaking sites is not quite correct, most of our audience is millennials," he added.

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About Mustafa Suleyman: Mustafa Suleyman has been appointed by Microsoft as the CEO of its recently established AI division. Suleyman, a co-founder of Google's DeepMind, will be responsible for supervising the advancement of consumer-facing AI products including Copilot, Bing, and Edge. Additionally, he will hold the position of Executive Vice President of Microsoft AI, reporting directly to CEO Satya Nadella.

For the first time, all of Microsoft's consumer AI projects will be under the leadership of one individual. In his new role, Suleyman will oversee tasks such as integrating AI Copilot into Windows and adding conversational elements to Bing.

Who is Mustafa Suleyman?

Born to a Syrian taxi driver father and an English nurse, Suleyman grew up in the London Borough of Islington. He enrolled at Oxford to study philosophy and theology but dropped out in his second year to start the Muslim Youth Helpline, a charity providing free and confidential faith and culturally sensitive support services to vulnerable young people.

By the age of 22, Suleyman was advising then-London mayor Ken Livingstone on human rights policy. He soon realised that the government was not the best organisation to promote "radical systemic change."

What is Mustafa Suleyman's Net Worth?

While details about Suleyman's net worth are not publicly available, his business acumen has undoubtedly amassed a significant fortune. Alphabet's acquisition of DeepMind is estimated to be between $450 million and $650 million, along with Suleyman's role as a co-founder.

Mustafa Suleyman is a respected member of the Harvard Kennedy School and helps lead the World Economic Forum's AI Governance Alliance | Photo: Reuters

What are the Professional Achievements of Mustafa Suleyman?

In March 2022, Suleyman co-founded Inflection AI with LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman. The company, which aims to humanise computer interactions, reached the $1 billion "unicorn" milestone following a $225 million funding round in May 2022. While the current valuation of Inflection AI remains undisclosed, Suleyman believes it is now worth billions.

Mustafa Suleyman's Entrepreneurial Journey

At the age of 19, Suleyman played a pivotal role in establishing the Muslim Youth Helpline, one of the UK's largest mental health support services. He co-founded DeepMind in 2010, which quickly gained recognition for its groundbreaking work in AI and machine learning.

During his time at DeepMind, Suleyman has been embroiled in various controversies. The AI startup was criticised for its work in the UK healthcare sector, with the country's data protection watchdog revealing in 2017 that London's Royal Free Hospital had illegally given the company access to 1.6 million patient records, prompting Suleyman to apologise at the time.

After Google's acquisition of DeepMind, Suleyman worked in policy and later co-founded Inflection AI. As an advocate for responsible technology development, Suleyman acknowledges the social and ethical implications of AI and supports initiatives promoting transparency, ethics, and accountability.

File photo

Mustafa Suleymans Wife and Family Life

DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman has maintained a highly private stance regarding his personal life, leaving his marital status shrouded in mystery. His dedication to privacy has fueled curiosity about his relationship status among the public. Despite being renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the AI domain and co-founding DeepMind, Suleyman has kept his personal life, including his dating status, under wraps. The scarcity of personal details makes determining his marital status a challenging task.



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USB Scam In India: The Indian Government has issued a warning to smartphone and laptop users regarding the USB Charger scam. According to the latest report by CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), an agency within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, cyber-criminals may exploit USB charging ports installed in public places like airports, cafes, hotels, bus stands, and others for malicious activities.

These infected ports may lead to situations where hackers can trap users in juice-jacking attacks when these USB ports are used to charge devices.

In a post shared on micro-blogging site X (earlier Twitter), the national cybersecurity watchdog has also shared safety tips to prevent users from falling victim to such scams.

What is a USB Scam In India?

The USB scam in India is specifically concerned with the potential dangers of using public USB charging ports for your electronic devices. It's also known as "juice-jacking."

What are Juice-Jacking Attacks?

Juice-jacking is a theorised cyberattack where a public USB charging port is tampered with to steal data or install malware on a device plugged into it. Here's a breakdown of the concept:

The USB Scam Attack Method:

Compromised Charging Port: Attackers can tamper with a public USB charging port (found in airports, train stations, cafes, etc.) by installing hardware or modifying software.

Data Theft or Malware Installation: Once a device is plugged in to charge, instead of simply receiving power, the compromised port might:

Steal Data: The attacker's software could copy sensitive information like contacts, photos, or even login credentials.

Install Malware: Malicious software could be installed on the device, potentially allowing remote access or data exfiltration.

Important Points

Theoretical Risk: While juice-jacking is a possible attack method, there haven't been any confirmed widespread incidents reported. However, it's a good reminder to be cautious when using public charging ports.

Alternative Risks: Even without malicious intent, public USB ports might carry electrical risks or malfunction, potentially damaging your device.

How to Stay Safe:

Avoid Public USB Ports: Whenever possible, use your wall charger or a portable power bank to charge your device.

Whenever possible, use your wall charger or a portable power bank to charge your device. Carry a Charging Cable: Having your cable reduces the need to rely on potentially compromised public ports.

Having your cable reduces the need to rely on potentially compromised public ports. Only Use Trusted Sources: If necessary to use a public port, try to find one in a well-lit, secure location with CCTV cameras.

If necessary to use a public port, try to find one in a well-lit, secure location with CCTV cameras. "Charge Only" Mode: Some devices offer a "charge only" mode when connected via USB. This mode restricts data transfer while allowing charging. Enable it if available on your device.

Some devices offer a mode when connected via USB. This mode restricts data transfer while allowing charging. Enable it if available on your device. Security Software: Ensure your device has up-to-date security software to detect and prevent malware infections.

Ensure your device has up-to-date security software to detect and prevent malware infections. Keep your smartphone's software updated regularly to safeguard against vulnerabilities.

regularly to safeguard against vulnerabilities. Consider charging your phone when it's turned off, if possible.

By following these precautions, you can minimise the risk associated with using public USB charging ports. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your data and devices.

If you've fallen victim to the USB Charging Scam, report it immediately. You can call 1930 or report a Cyber fraud Incident at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in.



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Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, has weighed in on the distribution of palliative to Nigerians amidst the economic hardship the country is faced with.

According to him, such moves are undignifying, hence, governments should map out better plans to tackle the nations issues.

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Speaking on Channels Televisions Sunday Politics, he said: We need to see a much more robust programme designed by the government to help us go away from just lining up and collecting palliative when we are not at war.

READ ALSO: God Told Me Tinubus Administration Will Last Eight Years  Minister Of Works, Umahi

I think it is the height of indignity to see Nigerians lining up every day under the sun and waiting to collect bags of rice which probably never come not because money has not been given but because everybody who gives out money in Nigeria from the Federal Government knows that a good part of this money is always stolen. Nigerians are not looking for handouts.

In a bid to fix the situation, Kukah urged the Federal Government to tackle insecurity.

Ordinary farmers just want to go back to their farms. People just want to be able to get back to their lives. Ending insecurity is the beginning of this healing and a decisive programme and plan to end is the beginning of the healing, he added.

Governments across levels have rolled out palliative measures including the distribution of food items to mitigate the effect of hardship faced by citizens.
A yet to be identified number of people have been killed as gunmen, suspected to be members of rival cult groups allegedly attacked some communities in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday.

However, the reason for the shooting has yet to be officially ascertained, but sources in the areas disclosed that the armed men might have engaged one another in a supremacy battle.

It was gathered that the attacks took place in Okpuno area, around Eke Awka and Obinagu.

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INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that similar incident was also said to have happened at Opposite Dike Park, around Eke Awka Market, all in Awka, the state capital.

Meanwhile, a source in the one of the affected areas, told PUNCH that the victims were on their way for a picnic and other social functions when the armed men stormed the area in their numbers and started shooting.

READ MORE: One Shot Dead In Anambra Market Cult Clash

The source said: The victims were on their way to different functions when they were killed by the bullets from the armed men who stormed the area at about noon on Sunday.

The incident also escalated to other areas, where some more persons were also gunned down by the armed men suspected to be cultists.
Founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, as weighed in on the merger plot by opposition parties to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, come 2027.

In a statement on Sunday, he posited that the current circumstances differ significantly from that of 2015 as Nigerias socio-economic landscape has evolved since then.

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Firstly, the likelihood of opposition political parties forging a formidable coalition to unseat the APC, akin to the defeat suffered by the PDP in 2015, is improbable due to differing circumstances, Okechukwu, who played a pivotal role in the merger committee that birthed the APC as a formidable opposition in 2013, stated.

READ ALSO: Obidients Were Delighted To See Naira Go Downhill  Onanuga

According to him, removing an incumbent President should not be undertaken lightly but should stem from a genuine desire to replace an underperforming administration.

While its acknowledged that Atiku referenced the current socio-economic challenges, President Tinubu maintains a clear focus. In contrast, the landscape in 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan was marked by bleak prospects, the former Director General of Voice of Nigeria added.

Recently, initiation of merger talks among certain opposition parties in the country to form a robust coalition against Tinubu has garnered attention.
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Boards Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has said that many Nigerians are too religious people, but not godly.

Oloyede disclosed that many citizens shun hard work but turn to prayers, thinking being religious will guarantee them results.

The JAMB boss urged Nigerians to harness the vast endowment of the country to turn its situation around.

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Oloyede led this out in a lecture, titled, Duties of Muslim Citizens in National Development, which he delivered over the weekend, in Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State during the First Aare Sulaiman Afolabi Ogunlayi Ramadan Lecture organised by a House of Representatives member, Akin Rotimi.

READ MORE: I Dont Have Social Media Accounts  JAMB Registrar, Prof. Oloyede

Represented by the Provost, Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State, Prof. Rafiu Adebayo, said: Religion if used as it is, we can solve our problems.

We are too religious and we are not that godly. We are in love with prayer but we dont know the difference between prayer and hard work.

Too many prayers without work is part of our problems in Nigeria. Let us make the best use of our endowments.

Nigeria abandoned our endowments and relied on oil as a source of income after the discovery of oil.

It is until we unite and bury ethnic bitterness, that is when we will get it right. Religion would have solved our problems properly but we did not utilise it very well.
In the dynamic world of music, Viberate for Artists emerges as a comprehensive solution, integrating the essential tools for musicians to analyze and promote their work efficiently. Since its inception in 2015, Viberate has been instrumental in providing analytics for music industry professionals. The introduction of Viberate for Artists is a significant enhancement, especially designed for music creators. This unique hub brings together first-party streaming stats, social media analytics, and a robust platform for targeted Spotify playlist pitching and promoting music through a free website for musicians.

Viberate for Artists: A Revolutionary Tool in Music Analytics

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Viberate for Artists stands out as the inaugural platform offering an integrated view of first-party data. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists utilizing Spotify for Artists, as it enables them to amalgamate streaming information from various channels such as Shazam, Apple Music, and Amazon Music into a singular, comprehensive dashboard. The integration of Spotify for Artists within Viberate enriches the user experience with detailed metrics from Viberates extensive database, consolidating social media and music statistics in one central location. This integration facilitates the effective planning and monitoring of music releases, setting Viberate for Artists apart as a premier tool in the industry.

Empowering Musicians with Professional Promotional Tools

Viberate for Artists democratizes access to sophisticated, data-driven tools once exclusive to industry heavyweights. The platform empowers artists to leverage music analytics for audience analysis, discovering collaboration opportunities, and crafting impactful promotional campaigns. A key feature of Viberate for Artists is its capability for Spotify playlist promotion. Artists can identify Spotify playlists that align with their musical style, thereby enhancing their streaming performance by directly pitching songs to playlist curators.

Featuring over 12 million Spotify playlists, Viberate for Artists offers unparalleled opportunities for musicians to pinpoint playlists that match their genre. The platform equips musicians with a professional one-sheet, vital for booking and showcasing their music on various platforms and social networks. This facility is instrumental for playlist curators to efficiently screen artists, listen to their music within the platform, and assess their suitability based on audience metrics and other relevant data.

A Free Website for Musicians: Expanding Digital Presence

Viberates vast, verified, and crowdsourced database of musicians ensures that every artist can access a professional website for musicians. These websites are not only shareable but also feature links to music and social media channels, highlighting all the crucial content that industry professionals seek when scouting new talent. For users of Viberate for Artists, these websites are further enhanced with a book now button and contact options, providing an all-encompassing digital presence. Additionally, the information on these music websites is automatically updated, ensuring that artists profiles are always current and reflective of their latest work.

Affordable Access to World-Class Tools

Understanding the diverse needs of artists, Viberate for Artists is priced accessibly at just 2.99 per month. This pricing strategy is part of Viberates commitment to making its comprehensive suite of tools available to a broad spectrum of artists. With the introduction of Viberate for Artists, the platform opens up additional functionalities that are essential for artists aiming to establish a significant presence on the global stage.

In summary, Viberate for Artists revolutionizes the way musicians analyze and promote their music. By integrating Spotify for Artists, offering tools for Spotify playlist promotion, and providing a website for musicians, Viberate for Artists positions itself as an indispensable resource in the music industry. Whether for analyzing streaming data, planning promotional campaigns, or enhancing digital presence, Viberate for Artists is a game-changer for musicians worldwide.
Tosin Silverdam, a renowned blogger, has mocked the release of controversial social media critic, Verydarkman from police custody.

On March 31, VeryDarkMan was released after serving a week in prison on charges of cyberbullying and other offences.

Amid his release, images and videos of him circulated on the internet, eliciting various opinions concerning the change in his appearance within that little period.

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Tosin Silverdam, while making fun of Verydarkman, wished him well upon his release and exhorts him to do better and refrain from doing the actions that landed him in jail in the first place.

He also referred to himself as VeryMadMan because of his appearance in prison release photos and videos.

READ MORE: Social Media Influencer, VeryDarkMan Regains Freedom From Police Detention

Praise the Lord, Im the most happiest person right now, so finally theyve released the number one, the activist of our time, the young Fella of our generation. They should have released him after Easter. Finally hes out, we no go hear word. Why does he look like a mad man? He spent only one week. Lets hope he wont continue with his madness, he said in part.

SEE POST:
Recently Redis changed its license, and mountains of misinformation have followed, not to mention a fork driven by trillion-dollar cloud company AWS. Among that misinformation is Steven J. Vaughn-Nicols earnest but incorrect declaration that the Redis change means developers can no longer use Redis code.

This is simply not true. For 99.9999999999999% of developers, their rights under the license remain exactly the same as they would under the most permissive of open source licenses. What it does mean is that trillion-dollar cloud companies like AWS can no longer take Rediss code without contributing back.

AWS, after years of pulling plump profits from Elasticache (its Redis service), panicked and started a fork (Valkey), enlisting others so that it wouldnt have to shoulder all the cost. The company learned that expensive lesson with its Elasticsearch fork, OpenSearch. Lest you think this is about community winning out over corporations, keep in mind that this community is more like a cabal of trillion-dollar tech companies ensuring a steady supply of cheap or free software to which they contribute virtually nothing. The members of the trillionaire club have founders worth more than the market valuations of Redis and all of the so-called open source baddies combined.
Droneport details needed, says residents' association

More details about a droneport proposed for the roof of the Woolworths' supermarket in Woy Woy should be included in a development application before Central Coast Council considers its merits, the Peninsula Residents' Association has claimed.

The development application lodged by SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd for drone operator Zipline also does not provide adequate information to warrant approval, the association says.

The association has asked that the droneport be treated as "prohibited" under the planning provisions.

"The commercial flying of drones" is a new use of the land that requires assessment by Central Coast Council, the association has written in a submission to the council

"The admitted involvement of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority means that the 'physical infrastructure' is ostensibly an 'air transport facility' which is prohibited in the E1 zone.

"The 15km delivery area described in public statements by Woolworths and Zipline means it could well also qualify as an airstrip, freight transport facility, a transport depot or a distribution centre, all of which are prohibited in the zone," the submission states.

In these cases, a fully-fledged Planning Proposal would be needed to rezone the site.

"Even if does not fall under these definitions, the operation would fall under 'any other development not specified' and would be subject to Council consent.

"In any case, the development application should provide full details of the proposed operation.

"The Statement of Environmental Effects for the application does not mention operating times, numbers of drones, flight frequency, flight paths and heights or payload standards.

"It does not state its landing area requirements or whether or how it would serve the medium density areas of the Peninsula which have minimal open space and less soft areas for landing deliveries.

"Without this information, neither the council nor the community has the necessary basis to support the application.

"Unconditional blanket approval is inappropriate, and neither is conditional approval without an application first publicly disclosing the basis for them and giving the opportunity for submissions to be made about them.

"While the association has not taken a position on the novel use of drones, it would want the community to be fully informed about the proposal and the substantial safety concerns addressed before approval of any facility is contemplated."

Residents Association planning specialist Mr Frank Wiffen said: "The idea is that these grocery orders will be dropped by parachute to lucky recipients in a matter of minutes after being ordered."

He said a Canberra trial by another company called Wing which is owned by Alphabet, a massive conglomerate which also owns Google, came to an end in September.

"Many residents were strongly opposed to the drones and started a community-wide protest group," he said.

Mr Wiffen said the viability of drone delivery services seemed to rely on "maxing out" the operation with high numbers of deliveries, high charges and low numbers of operators.

"The universal view among drone delivery companies seems to be that by far the biggest obstacle they face in setting up a viable operation is government regulation.

"Specific regulations of major importance are the ability to fly a drone beyond line of sight and the ability for a single operator to be responsible for multiple drones.

"The industry says the optimum number is 15.

"This brings costs down to a level where they can compete with other delivery methods."

Mr Wiffen said it was also likely that its viability would also rely on its use by other local businesses, such as chemists and fast food operators.

"This is not mentioned in the development application.

"Otherwise, it would be more appropriately located at Woolworths' Warnervale warehouse.

"In Australia, trials of drone delivery has so far been confined to low density areas in Canberra and Queensland.

"The Woy Woy operation may be an extremely important precedent as the first in NSW.

"We think it deserves close scrutiny by council and the community."

The association is encouraging residents to send submissions about DA/204/2024 to Central Coast Council, before the closing date of April 9.
SEPTA transit police officers arrive at Somerset Station at Kensington and Somerset in Philadelphia on Monday. Read more

Philadelphia police arrested a man they say fatally stabbed a 30-year-old man on a subway platform in a Kensington SEPTA station Monday morning.

The 33-year-old man, whom police did not identify, stabbed the victim in the chest at SEPTAs Somerset Station, authorities said. He was arrested shortly before 1 p.m. three blocks away from the crime scene, at Ruth and East Monmouth Streets, said Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore.

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Police responded to the Somerset Station at 8:30 a.m. for a 911 call of a person screaming. When officers arrived, they found the victim on the westbound platform on the Market-Frankford Line with a stab wound to the left side of his chest, police said.

The man, whom police did not identify, was taken to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead at 9:21 a.m., police said.

The stabbing stemmed from an argument that started on a Market-Frankford train and ended violently on the subway platform, Vanore said. A witness told police she overheard the victim and the suspect arguing on the train before the two got off the train and the suspect stabbed the victim, he said.

Philadelphia police and SEPTA transit police asked for the publics help in identifying the suspect in images taken from SEPTA surveillance footage they released Monday. The footage shows the man wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with Nike written across it, a red glove on his left hand, black pants, and black slide-style sandals.

Mondays fatal stabbing is the latest in a recent spike in violence along the public transit system.

Last month, 15 people  including eight Northeast High School students  were shot over the course of four days on or near SEPTA properties or vehicles, and two of them were killed, including a high school student.

In January, a 28-year-old man was stabbed in the back multiple times in the 15th Street SEPTA subway station. Jason Howard, 33, was charged with aggravated assault and related crimes in connection with the incident.

Howard and the victim were experiencing homelessness and authorities said they were likely taking shelter in the subway station when they got into an argument and Howard pulled out a knife.

The spate of violence in recent months comes amid the worst year for homicides along the transit system since 2020, with six killings reported on SEPTA in 2023, according to agency data. Those 12 months also saw 108 aggravated assaults, down slightly from 2022, when there were 111.

In the month of January, there were two homicides and six aggravated assaults reported on SEPTA, according to the most recent available agency data.

SEPTA has seen more of its bus drivers call out from work after recent violent incidents, with employees citing psychological strain and fear.

Anyone with information about the latest crime is asked to call SEPTA transit police at (215) 580-8111.

On Monday evening, another stabbing was reported at a transit station in the city.

Around 5:50 p.m., a man was stabbed several times at PATCOs station at Eighth and Market Streets in Center City, said Mike Williams, spokesperson for the Delaware River Port Authority. The man was transported to a local hospital and was listed in stable condition.

Williams said it appeared that the man was acting as a good Samaritan and attempted to intervene in a physical altercation between a man and a woman. The woman, who was punched in the face, was also taken to a local hospital to be evaluated.

Anyone with information helpful to that investigation can call DRPA police at 856-968-3301.

Staff writer Robert Moran contributed to this article.
Fifteen former guards at George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton have filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against Delaware County, the jails' warden, and other county officials. Read more

Fifteen former guards at the Delaware County prison have filed a federal lawsuit, saying they were fired without cause amid efforts to undermine their union when the county resumed control of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in 2022.

The group said county officials, including the jails warden, targeted members of the Delaware County Prison Employees Independent Union.

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The lawsuit names Jail Oversight Board Chair Kevin Madden, Warden Laura K. Williams, and Cheyenne Marquette, the jails human resources manager.

Upon taking office, Williams unilaterally repudiated the unions collective bargaining agreement with The GEO Group, the private prison firm that previously ran the facility, and ignored the states status-quo doctrine that maintains previous contract guidelines during negotiations, the lawsuit said.

She told her subordinates to create a hit list of people to be fired, according to the suit, singling out union members, including its president and vice president, and prevented the county from deducting union dues from members paychecks.

A county spokesperson declined to comment Monday, citing the pending litigation.

 READ MORE: As the Delco jail returns to county control, its new warden is focused on mental health and staff training

All 15 plaintiffs said their rights were violated when they were fired without notice, hearing, and/or opportunity to be heard, according to the lawsuit. They were in good standing, the suit said, with no disciplinary actions that would have warranted losing their jobs.

The group demanded a jury trial, seeking unspecified damages for lost wages, emotional distress and physical pain.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Philadelphia, said the officials had blocked union leadership from meeting with its members at the jail, and have continued to terminate employees without due process, as recently as the end of last year.

Frank Kwaning, the union president, and Ashley Gwaku, the vice president, filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the states Labor Relations Board last year, saying they were unfairly targeted because of their work with the union.

A judge ruled against them, saying the county was justified in its decision not to retain them.

 READ MORE: Delco DA candidate calls for investigation into county jail after deaths and reports of attacks on staff

For decades, Delaware County contracted management and operation of the 1,883-inmate George W. Hill facility to The GEO Group, which helped fund its construction in the 90s. Efforts to return the jail to public control began about 2018, amid protests from citizens and advocates over suicides and other deaths at the jail, as well as widespread reports of poor conditions.

The county formed its Jail Oversight Board in 2019, chaired by Madden, a county council member. Three years later, the county began overseeing the facilitys operation after terminating its contract with GEO.

The union has long complained of poor morale among corrections officers and difficulties ratifying a contract with the county.

The guard union signed its first temporary work agreement with the county in September, which came with an across-the-board raise of $3 an hour. For correctional officers, that meant an hourly rate of $24, up from $21, with an additional 1.5% wage increase for employees with more than 20 years on the job.

That agreement lapsed Dec. 31, and the union has been working without a contract since as negotiations continue.
Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commissions, speaking at a during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in 2023, is among the Biden administration officials critical of consolidation in health care, including the current expansion of private equity's role in the sector. Read more

Private equity-backed urology practices control nearly 40% of the market in the Philadelphia region, according to a recent Health Affairs study that provided rare insight into the opaque world of private, for-profit health-care businesses.

The areas biggest PE-backed urology practice, MidLantic Urology LLC, has 55 urologists and 26 offices, yet does not account for all of the 40% market share in urology.

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Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley and elsewhere did not identify individual practices, but found private equity, or PE, firms collectively had at least 30% market share in 120 markets nationwide in 2021 in at least one of 10 major specialties studied.

The findings raise concerns about competition and call for closer scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission, state regulators, and policy makers, Ola Abdelhadi and coauthors wrote, while cautioning that their data might not be complete because private equity ownership is difficult to track.

Federal regulators with oversight of the health-care industry and economic competition in early March asked for public comments on private equity and other for-profit corporations increasing presence in health care. Its part of what the FTC, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called an inquiry on the impact of corporate greed in health care.

Given recent trends, we are concerned that transactions may be generating profits for those firms at the expense of patients health, workers safety, and affordable health care for patients and taxpayers, the three agencies said.

Private equity firms gather money from pension funds, endowments, and wealthy individuals. That money goes into limited partnerships, or funds, that buy companies or stakes in companies. The goal of the PE firm is to make a profit by selling the companies within the typical 10-year lifespan of the funds.

The number of U.S. physician practices acquired by private equity firms soared to 484 deals in 2021 from 75 in 2012, according to the researchers at the University of California-Berkeley.

The increase in PE deals with physician groups comes as the health-care industry consolidates under hospital systems and insurers, said Gary Kirsh, a urologist in Cincinnati and president of Solaris Health, which includes MidLantic, and is backed by Lee Equity Partners.

Independent docs have a choice, because if they put their head in the sand and remain their own small operation in each locale, they are not going to survive the consolidating headwinds, he said in an interview . They can join hospitals or work for an insurance company or get investor help, he said.

Private equity ownership of physician practices

On a national basis, physician practices owned by private equity firms employ less than 5% of doctors, according to the American Medical Association, a physician trade group.

But these acquisitions are drawing attention from academic researchers and advocates because they are typically too small to require a formal antitrust review. This allows firms to accumulate significant share in some markets. (The federal review goes beyond private equity ownership of doctors practices.)

Optum, owned by UnitedHealth Group, has 90,000 employed or affiliated physicians, a UnitedHealth official told investors last fall. That amounts to 10% of the nations physicians controlled by a single company. Optum has the same corporate parent as the nations largest insurer.

Optum would grow further under a deal disclosed last week to acquire financially troubled and PE-backed Steward Health Cares physician group, which covers nine states but does not have a presence in the Philadelphia area.

Private equity firms can have outsized influence on health care prices and quality in markets with high PE concentrations, according to the study in the March issue of Health Affairs, a health policy journal. The study looked at PE market share by metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which is a Census Bureau group of counties with economic ties to at least one urban center.

Experts on a panel last year at the University of Pennsylvanias Leonard Davis Institute, which studies health policy and economics, said private equity-backed health-care businesses should not have special rules for reimbursement, transparency, and other matters.

It should be the same rule book for everyone, said Ryan McDevitt, a Duke University economics professor.

PE-backed physician groups in Philly region

Three large urology groups in Philadelphias Pennsylvania suburbs formed MidLantic Urology in 2018 because they did not want to work for one of the big local health systems as they were consolidating the market, recalled Michael Hagg, a urologist who is MidLantics market president.

We wanted to open our own ambulatory surgery center. Its quite an economic lift, Hagg said.

To open the center in Wayne in 2020, MidLantic sought private equity investment to share the economic risk, he said. Solaris has absolutely no say or input in what we do clinically, he said. If we need help from an administrative standpoint, theyre there to help us.

PE-backed groups in womens health and gastroenterology also have significant market share in the Philadelphia region. This is how they came to be:

Axia Womens Health: Boston-based Audax Group acquired and combined Womens Health Care Group of PA and Regional Womens Health Group, which were concentrated in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, into Axia in 2017.

Audax then expanded the company, which is based in Voorhees, through 18 acquisitions, adding locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, before selling it four years later to Partners AG, a Swiss firm, in a deal valued at nearly $800 million, according to PE Hub.

U.S. Digestive Health: Based in Exton and backed by a Connecticut private equity firm, U.S. Digestive has become the largest gastroenterology practice in the broader Philadelphia region in the last five years through the acquisition of multiple physician groups.

After starting with the consolidation of three large physician groups in Philadelphias western suburbs, as well as Lancaster and Berks Counties, U.S. Digestive has more than tripled in size with acquisitions in northern Delaware and across southern Pennsylvania. It has 40-plus offices and 24 surgery centers. The number of doctors has grown to 170 from 70 in 2020.

Align ENT & Allergy: In a recent deal, three ear, nose, and throat practices in the Philadelphia region joined with one in Connecticut to form Align ENT & Allergy, with 30 physicians and 28 audiologists in the two states. Behind the new company is Zenyth Partners, a New York PE firm. Zenyth also owns Schweiger Dermatology Group, which has 10 offices in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

We [physicians] gain the advantages of a professionalized company while retaining local control so we can concentrate on our clinical practices and serve our local communities, Mark Ginsburg, an otolaryngologist and facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon from Providence ENT, said in a news release announcing the deal in February. The other two Philadelphia-area groups are Pinnacle ENT and BergerHenry ENT.
Madison Cook holds her six-week-old baby, Sydney at her home in Philadelphia, in March. A 2nd-year surgery resident at Temple University Hospital, Cook posted on social media about how she had warning signs of preeclampsia but had to fight to be admitted to Einstein Hospital. Read more

In her 38th week of pregnancy, Madison Cook had good reason to worry that she had developed the life-threatening complication called preeclampsia.

Her blood pressure was high, and an outpatient test revealed the abnormal presence of protein in her urine  classic warning signs of the dangerous condition. Also she is Black, and she knew that Black women are at higher risk of preeclampsia and more likely to die from it.

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But when Cook arrived at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital on Jan. 18 expecting to have labor induced, her blood pressure and lab results had returned to normal. On-call physicians recommended that she go home.

Cook is a physician too  a 2nd-year surgical resident at nearby Temple University Hospital  and she pushed back. Her gut feeling was to err on the side of caution and stay at the hospital for close monitoring.

After Cook enlisted the support of her obstetrician, Einstein physicians agreed to admit her after all. She waited more than five hours for a bed to open up, and when a nurse checked her blood pressure again, it had shot up to an alarming 176 over 100.

The story has a happy ending. Baby Sydney was born healthy, and her mother is fine. Still, Cook worries about people in similar situations who lack her medical expertise and might not feel comfortable questioning their physicians.

Her experience drew national attention after she shared her story in a social media thread that quickly went viral, at last count drawing 1.8 million views. It was reshared by dozens of physicians and nurses and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D., Minnesota), among other notables.

Einstein has a strong track record in treating preeclampsia and other complications of pregnancy, with rates of adverse outcomes well below the national average.

The hospital stands by its physicians initial recommendation that Cook go home, citing the fact that her blood pressure and lab results had returned to normal. They told her she should continue to check her blood pressure at home, just in case.

In an interview, Cook agreed that was a justifiable decision, given her normal lab results and blood pressure readings during the two hours she was in triage.

On paper, everything was fine, she said.

But given the abnormal urine test at her outpatient visit and her risk factors (being Black and having a history of high blood pressure), she thinks they should have admitted her immediately.

She said her goal in sharing her story was to raise awareness of preeclampsia and the need for physicians to listen to their patients. She worries especially about Black women, given their higher risk of the condition, and because surveys have found they are less likely to have their medical concerns taken seriously.

She didnt name Einstein in her social-media post, and identified the hospital later only in response to a media inquiry.

Three months later, shes back working 80-hour weeks at Temple, delighting after every shift when she comes home to baby Sydney. And she remains unsettled by the thought of what might have been.

Warning signs

In the spring of 2023, Cook was well into her first year as a surgical resident when she became pregnant.

She didnt want to have the baby at the hospital where she worked, so she opted for Jefferson Healths Einstein Hospital in North Philadelphia. She picked an outpatient OB-GYN practice with two women physicians of color, in part because shed seen studies finding that Black patients can have better outcomes when treated by Black physicians.

Cook had elevated blood pressure for years, and she continued taking medication for that condition throughout most of her pregnancy, keeping her blood pressure within normal range. Early in her third trimester she stopped taking the drug, as it was making her feel light-headed and fatigued.

All seemed fine. She checked her blood pressure frequently, and for more than two months, it remained normal. She went on maternity leave, feeling relaxed with the temporary hiatus from her career.

Yet at the 38-week outpatient appointment, Cooks blood pressure was 140 over 100  reading 140 when her heart was beating and 100 when it was at rest between beats. Thats just past the 140/90 threshold for diagnosing hypertension in pregnancy, and a possible sign of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can include liver and kidney dysfunction. Left untreated, it can progress to full-blown eclampsia, with seizures or a coma.

When she tested positive for protein in her urine, Cook recalled, her obstetrician told her to go straight to the hospital. She was going to deliver a baby that day.

Back to normal?

When Cook arrived at Einsteins labor and delivery triage unit soon after 11 a.m., her blood pressure had gone back down, and it stayed normal on multiple readings over a two-hour period.

Laboratory tests of her blood also came back normal, revealing no sign of kidney or liver problems.

Those blood tests are a more accurate barometer of preeclampsia than the type of urine dipstick test shed had in her outpatient visit. That urine test often yields a false positive, meaning it indicates the presence of protein when none is there.

Still, Cooks urine protein reading at the outpatient visit had been high, at 3-plus. Urine tests with that result are falsely positive in just 7% of cases, according to guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a nonprofit medical society.

Cook did not feel comfortable going home. Shed been scheduled to have labor induced a week later, at 39 weeks. But given the urine test, her risk factors, and her obstetricians original recommendation, she felt it was wiser to have labor induced that same day.

She called her obstetrician, who called the on-call attending physician to ask that Cook be admitted. That doctor went back to Cook to discuss the plan.

There were no beds available, the on-call physician said. She said Cook would be better off in a less stressful environment at home, and could continue to monitor her blood pressure there, Cook recalled.

But the pregnant physician was firm. The on-call doctor agreed she could stay, and go forward with inducing labor.

A spike in blood pressure

The hospital agreed to admit Cook at 2:15 p.m. She waited in the hospitals antepartum wing until a bed became available at 7 p.m. Her blood pressure was checked again at 7:30, six hours since it last had been measured in the triage unit.

Hypertension in pregnancy is defined as an elevated blood pressure on two consecutive readings, taken at least four hours apart. Hospital officials said the longer span between Cooks blood-pressure readings occurred because of her transition between units.

For most pregnancies, readings of at least 140 over 90 are considered a sign of preeclampsia when combined with other tests. For women such as Cook, whod had high blood pressure before she was pregnant, a level of 140 over 90 is not necessarily indicative of the condition, requiring a more careful evaluation of various lab results.

But when physicians saw her measurement at 7:30 p.m. was 176 over 100, the doctors were stunned, Cook recalled. One of them asked if she felt anxious, suggesting that might be a contributing factor.

In a subsequent reading her blood pressure was 178 over 95  indicative of severe preeclampsia.

She was treated with magnesium sulfate to reduce the risk of seizures, as well as medication to lower her blood pressure. Cook was happy with her care from then on, and said she got a supportive comment from one of her counterparts, a medical resident.

Im glad you stayed, the resident said, Cook recalled.

Once she was stabilized, Cook received medication to induce labor. Sydney was born early Saturday morning.

The hospitals response

Einsteins patient population is 75% Black, and it has an excellent track record in treating complications of pregnancy, as measured by a standard composite indicator of severe maternal morbidity  a category that includes rates of eclampsia, blood transfusions, and strokes, among other preventable complications.

In a national analysis of data from 2014 to 2017, the most recent years for which this information is readily available, USA Today found Einsteins rate of these complications was 0.5%, well under the 1.4% median rate of hospitals in 13 states for which data was available.

For Black women in particular, Einstein scored even better in comparison with other hospitals. The hospitals rate of these complications in Black women was 0.6%, whereas the median rate for hospitals in the 13 states was more than four times that high, at 2.6%.

David Jaspan, the hospitals chair of obstetrics and gynecology, said in an interview that he was sorry Cook felt her concerns were not taken seriously.

He was not involved in her care but upon reviewing the case and speaking with Cooks physicians, he said they made the right obstetrical decision based on all the available information.

Told that Cooks goals included increasing awareness of preeclampsia in the Black community, Jaspan said he was all for it.

If she wants to partner with us to educate the community on the risks of preeclampsia, he said, I would certainly welcome that.

Cook still thinks her health was at risk when the hospital recommended that she go home. She knows that Einsteins physicians followed accepted guidelines in reaching that decision, but she believes her risk factors and her outpatient results earlier that day merited more consideration.

A graduate of Meharry Medical College who grew up in Yorktown, Va., she said her experience as a patient reminded her of some difficult calls shes had to make as a surgeon at Temple.

Sometimes her patients tell her they are in severe pain, yet CT scans and other imaging suggests no apparent cause. In such cases, she reminds herself that patients know their own bodies, so further review may be necessary.

Its important to believe patients, she said. They know their bodies better than we do.
RV Parks and campsites are expected to be completely filled throughout the Texas Hill Country for the total solar eclipse on April 8. Read more

As people across North America prepare to look up at the sky on April 8  when the moon will stand between the sun and the Earth in a rare total solar eclipse officials in Bandera County, Tex., are thinking about one very down-to-Earth thing: traffic.

County officials have been planning for the eclipse and the thousands of visitors it will draw to their Texas county for upward of three years. Bandera County falls entirely in the path of totality - a narrow, 115-mile arc cutting across 15 states, stretching from northern Mexico to Maine.

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How would an area with a population of 24,000 accommodate an influx of tourists, their business and their cars?

In October we did a trial run of what were going to do in April, and at all of the major intersections we put deputies to direct traffic when needed, said Jack Moseley, a county commissioner.

Cities across the path of totality have been coordinating tourism campaigns, launching promotional events and setting up countdown clocks over the past year ahead of what the Great American Eclipse website predicts could be one of the largest-ever mass travels events in the country. But planning for a boom in visitors in a place like Dallas or San Antonio (also in or near the path of totality) and a place like Bandera is very different.

 READ MORE: The next total solar eclipse is in April. Heres what to know and where to see it.

No port-a-potties, no cell service

Without the infrastructure and resources of a large metropolis, officials in small counties and towns say preparing for the larger-than-life astronomical phenomenon requires attention to very human, somewhat banal details.

All the port-a-potties in the county are booked, said Johanna Johnston, the event coordinator for Maine Eclipse and the executive director of Southern Aroostook Development Corporation.

Johnston and her colleagues in Aroostook County, Maine, began preparations for the eclipse nearly three years ago. The path of totality includes a large swath of the county, including Houlton, the county seat, where many out-of-towners are expected to congregate. Johnstons conservative estimate is that Houlton will see about 10,000 visitors - more than double the towns population of 4,000. Its a flood of bodies Johnston said the area hasnt seen since a 1997 Phish concert. Hotels and rental homes like Airbnb have been booked up for months, schools are closing for the day, and locals have been warned to complete any necessary errands the week before.

County resources will be stretched thin in the days leading up to and after the eclipse, meaning emergency services, police and firefighters have to be strategically allocated. Emergency management teams have procured extra cellphone towers for the county in the event that an overload of users downs connections and people need to contact 911.

Our county services are very limited. The state patrol, the sheriffs department, theyre all going to be having to spread their resources throughout the entire county - they cant just concentrate on Houlton, she said. So as far as safety and security, were just dependent on the Houlton Police Department, which is very small.

In Bandera County, crews are making do with even fewer resources.

Cellphones probably will not be working because of the amount of people, Moseley said. As a matter of fact, in a large part of the county cellphones dont work anyway.

 READ MORE: Some area schools are dismissing early, or keeping kids longer, for the upcoming solar eclipse

Police stationed at major intersections will be equipped with radios to reach the main office in the case of an emergency, and people will be directed to those intersections for service. The county also doesnt have its own fire department; Bandera relies on nine volunteer departments, four of which will be equipped with more ambulances on the eclipse day.

With only one major grocery store in the county, officials have been encouraging residents to get whatever they might need for several days, pick up any prescriptions and fill up their tanks well ahead of time.

We ask and will continue to ask the citizens to take care of any gasoline purchases, any food purchases - not to stock up, but just be cognizant of it - by the Wednesday prior to the eclipse, because it may be the following Wednesday before we can be fully serviced, said Patricia Moore, executive director of the Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Gassing up early

To avoid clogged roadways on the day of, Banderas RV parks and rentals are pushing folks to make a weekend out of the eclipse experience and book campgrounds for three to four days. But Moore said she has some concerns about the true eclipse chasers, who may travel around that morning in search of the clearest skies. (Even after years of preparation, the weather is one thing officials wont have any control over.)

We as Texans know our weather; it was very cloudy this morning and right now its gorgeously sunny, and thats a common occurrence for us, she said. The other people that are coming in, if they wake up and its cloudy that morning, theyre going to try and go somewhere else. Our roadways are very rural and that migration could be a challenge, not just for us, but for everyone in the region.

In Fredericksburg, Tex., a city north of Bandera, crowd estimates for the eclipse range from 50,000 to 150,000. Sean Doerre, the public information officer for the city, said that when planning for the eclipse began three years ago, officials decided to focus on crowd management and logistics rather than marketing and tourism - trusting that the crowds would come.

Fredericksburg sits in the heart of Texan wine country, so officials are largely relying on the promotions and special events of local wineries to draw visitors as they concentrate their efforts on the tedious details of crowd management.

 READ MORE: Aprils total solar eclipse promises to be the best yet for experiments

Like many other small towns ahead of this eclipse, Fredericksburg formed an eclipse task force that met with local officials from other small cities and counties that navigated the 2017 eclipse about best practices. It was really about focusing on those most basic needs - so trash, extra restrooms, designated public viewing areas - so you dont have people running all over town looking for the best place to watch, Doerre said.

Erie, Pa., has taken a bit of a different approach. Its the fifth-largest city in the commonwealth and may become the third-largest, population-wise, on April 8 with the eclipse visitors. Christine Temple, the director of communications for VisitErie, said its been an all-hands-on-deck approach - involving layers of coordination with state and city police, the Pennsylvania Transportation Department and local school boards - but that officials have tried to get the residents excited about the day, too, while also preparing them for inevitable inconveniences.

She and her colleagues launched a local initiative called SHINE  an acronym for schedule your appointments, have a plan, inform yourself and others, navigate traffic, and enjoy. While she said there are always going to be naysayers who wont take the warnings seriously or get into the spirit of the day, by and large residents and especially local businesses have been looking forward to their towns chance in the spotlight, so to speak.

Its been such a community, a cohesive process, that its been kind of cool to watch, said Temple, who was born and raised in Erie. We sometimes get a bad rap; people think that theres nothing to do here unless you come up for the beaches.  I would really love for a lot of these people that are first-timers to our area, that theyre pleasantly surprised by what they find and that they come back.

For Johnston in Maine, this will be the first eclipse shes experienced, and she said shes enjoyed going into local schools and community groups with cheesy Power Points to get her community excited about this rare day. But with the nitty-gritty planning - mapping traffic patterns, organizing stakeholder meetings and ordering port-a-potties - its been easy to lose sight, literally, of some of that excitement herself.

Asked what shes most looking forward to about April 8, Johnston joked: The end of it.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. walks on the newly restored Boardwalk in the northern part of Atlantic City on Feb. 24, 2022. Read more

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. called a news conference Monday to address the recent search of his home by officers with the Atlantic County prosecutors office, saying that theres no corruption and that warrants served on his electronic devices were related to a family issue.

News of the search came Thursday, the day that the principal of Atlantic City High School was charged with failing to make a report to a state child welfare agency about an allegation of child abuse, according to the Atlantic County prosecutors office.

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Small and his attorney, Ed Jacobs, did not disclose information about the nature of the investigation involving Small, which Jacobs said the mayor has been aware of for several months. Prosecutors have also not described the investigation.

A team of law enforcement officers descended on Smalls home Thursday morning to execute the search warrants, removing two cell phones and a handful of laptops that Jacobs said were personal and did not belong to Atlantic City government.

In an emotional address prefaced by messages of support from local religious and civil rights leaders, Small said that the issue confirms Im human. The mayor denied rumors that he said had been raised about his teenage daughter, including allegations that Small had attacked her over a pregnancy and that his wife, superintendent of Atlantic City Schools LaQuetta Small, had reacted violently.

Shes never been pregnant, Small said of his daughter.

The gathering offered a window into a lawmaker navigating a potential public-relations crisis, with the mayor making uncensored remarks, such as: The most egregious rumor to date is that my daughter was pregnant with twins, and I beat the [expletive] out of her so bad that I killed the babies and Im going to be charged with double murder.

It was unclear whether the investigation is connected to the arrest of Atlantic City High School principal Constance Day-Chapman several hours after the search of Smalls home.

The 37-year-old Day-Chapman  who served as Smalls campaign manager during his 2021 reelection campaign and as the Atlantic City Democratic Committee chair  is alleged to have ignored an unnamed juvenile students report of parental abuse at home, according to the Atlantic County prosecutor. When the student reported the abuse to another school staff member, Day-Chapman allegedly denied knowing about the first report, and said she would contact the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. But instead of reporting to the agency, Day-Chapman allegedly went to the students parents, prosecutors said.

Jacobs said the conference was called to provide Atlantic City residents with context and balance over the search, which began around 8:30 a.m. Thursday and saw five warrants executed on Smalls vehicles and home where he lives with his wife, their two children, and his mother-in-law.

The investigation and search had not caused Small to lapse on his duties as mayor of Atlantic City and had nothing to do with public matters, according to Jacobs. The attorney said that there have been no thefts, no extortions, no payoffs, no acts of dishonesty which have unfortunately tainted prior administrations.

Small took office in 2019 after former Mayor Frank Gilliam  the fourth Atlantic City mayor since 1981 to face charges  resigned and pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

In 2009, Small and five others were accused of tampering with ballots during the Democratic mayoral primary. Small was acquitted on that charge in 2011.

The city of Atlantic City remains in good hands under the administration of Mayor Small, Jacobs said. It is unfortunate that personal family matters have drawn the attention of the county prosecutor.

Small, a Democrat who is up for reelection next year, suggested the investigation was politically motivated. He said that people dont like the fact that this mayor has given minorities opportunities in city hall that theyve never had before. The statement that was met by applause from supporters.

Small also described the search as aggressive and said it lasted several hours, despite officers retrieving just a handful of devices.

Law enforcement conducted themselves in the highest professional manner, the Atlantic County prosecutors office said in a statement Monday.

Standard operating procedures and protocols in executing residential search warrants were utilized to ensure the safety of all occupants of the residence, neighbors, and law enforcement alike, the statement said. These procedures are put in place for safety reasons and these procedures do not deviate regardless of ones political, professional, or social status. Both Mayor Small and Dr. Small were treated with dignity and respect during the entire process.

Small and Jacobs declined to divulge details when pressed about Fridays search. The attorney declined to answer a question about whether the search of Smalls home was related to the child abuse complaint at Atlantic City High School.

Were not here to try a case thats never been brought, Jacobs said of the investigation, in which no charges have been filed.

When Jacobs was asked whether he believed charges would eventually be filed against Small, the attorney said: If common sense prevails, no.
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Welcome to April. Expect rain until mid-afternoon and temps in the low 50s, as well as plenty of shenanigans from the jokesters in your life.

Today we have the story on Delaware Countys first diversity, equity, and inclusion director, who was fired after she filed a complaint alleging racial discrimination by her boss. And as 2024 presidential campaigns progress, voters should be aware of artificial intelligence as a device for deception.

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P.S. This week, The Inquirer is launching its first newsletter dedicated to the regions eds and meds sector: Philly Health Insider. Reporters Aubrey Whelan and Abraham Gutman will break down whats new with Philadelphias scores of health-care, research, and medical institutions, with a focus on accountability and data-driven journalism.

If youre a professional working in the health space and you want to stay informed on the latest local news of your industry, from hospital inspections to whos making moves  this newsletter is for you.

Philly Health Insider is a subscriber-exclusive newsletter. But if youre not already a subscriber, you can read it free for three months. Sign up here to get it in your inbox weekly, starting this Wednesday.

 Julie Zeglen (@juliezeglen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Lauren Footman was hired in April 2022 for what was described as a historic role  Delaware Countys first director focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

But by November of the following year, she had filed two racial discrimination complaints about her boss, executive Marc Woolley: one internally, and one with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In January, she was fired.

Trouble in Delco: Footman alleges Woolley treated her and other Black women employees unfairly, such as using differing disciplinary measures. Upon her firing, the county offered her 12 weeks severance in exchange for pulling her EEOC complaint. Meanwhile, an internal investigation cleared Woolley, who has been the subject of controversy in other high-profile local government jobs hes held, from wrongdoing.

The national view: Footmans firing comes at a fraught time for DEI initiatives, which gained attention after the racial justice protests of 2020 and have since faced a backlash, most prominently from lawmakers in red states.

Juliana Feliciano Reyes has the full story.

If you saw a photo of Donald Trump kissing Anthony Fauci in a Ron DeSantis campaign ad last summer  no you didnt.

That spot was a watershed moment in U.S. politics, said Matthew Stamm, the director of Drexel Universitys Multimedia and Information Security Lab. His team detects false or manipulated political images, including the DeSantis ad, which was likely crafted with the help of artificial intelligence.

Its now easier than ever to spread misinformation via AI-addled media.

It [once] took work to use Photoshop and video tools, one computer science pro said. You needed experts. But now, your average high school student can generate deepfakes.

Alfred Lubrano breaks down the rising use of AI in campaign materials, and why democracy itself is at risk when deception thrives.

What you should know today

 Trivia time

After this Easter season, Just Born said it will stop using Red Dye No. 3 to make its pink and lavender-hued Peeps, as Pennsylvania lawmakers look to ban the controversial food colorant. Where is the candy company based?

A) Manayunk

B) Chester

C) Horsham

D) Bethlehem

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we're...

 Craving: Cereal, after reading about the Philly-area creatives making comics about the breakfast food.

 Weighing: The good news against the bad news of this Peco report on the states electricity generation.

 Inspired by: A family in rural Pennsylvania that helps others through their grief.

 Unscramble the anagram

The Phillies left fielder hit his first home run of the 2024 season on Sunday. We call that a ...

Hint: 

MR. BABS CHOW

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Roserita Fratoni, who correctly solved Sundays anagram: Havertown Grille. Its one of two Philly spots retired Eagles center Jason Kelce cited as his favorite restaurants in town.

Photo of the day

Your only in Philly story

 Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if youre not a lifer, or something that made you fall in love with Philly over again  or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

This only in Philly story comes from reader Suzanne Grill, who describes the bliss of bumper sledding through Germantown:

When I was in my very early twenties, I moved from Montgomery County out to California to go to college. When I returned two years later, I shared an apartment on Cliveden Street in Germantown with an old friend who Id known since grade school. He introduced me to a few other friends he knew in the small vintage apartment building.

They already spent a lot of time together, but we all quickly became a tribe. We shared coffee together in the morning, and spent hours in local bars and coffeehouses at night, and at concerts and festivals, or in each others apartments every weekend. We were all over 21, working full-time jobs, free and adventurous. We shared a similar idea of what was a fun activity.

Early one winter evening, it began to snow like crazy. Not windy, not a blizzard, just a lot of snow, very quickly. And it was perfect for sledding.

Not having one sled, dish or even a trash can lid among us, our friend Charlie said, Come on outside. We went down to the street, where he hopped in his Karmann Ghia and told us to hang on, pointing to the back of the car. We all had snow boots on, and spent about an hour blissfully bumper sledding up and down the vacant roads, from Cliveden Street and Germantown Avenue, to Walnut Lane. One of the most memorable nights of my life, because at that moment I felt I really belonged, to this group of friends and to this city.

Stay sharp  those April Fools pranksters are on the prowl. See you tomorrow!

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A statue of Benjamin Franklin at the Franklin Institute. The inherent rights of all people is not a new construct of Christian nationalism, but a long-held belief that is foundational to everything our society is built upon, writes Jennifer Stefano. Read more

One of the most striking aspects of Americas steady slouch toward totalitarianism is that our most educated and influential citizens are often our most ignorant.

Take, for example, Politico reporter Heidi Przybyla.

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During a recent appearance on MSNBCs All In with Chris Hayes, Przybyla felt the need to warn the nation about Christian nationalists. With patronizing intonation, Przybyla explained: They believe that our rights as Americans, as all human beings, do not come from any earthly authority. They dont come from Congress, they dont come from the Supreme Court, they come from God.

Though she later apologized for her remarks, I have to wonder: Is someone as accomplished and educated as Przybyla really this ill-informed? If so, Przybyla is not alone, according to Phil Kerpen, president of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, a free market educational group.

This year, Kerpens group released a first-of-its-kind survey of American elites attitudes and beliefs about government and individual rights. The survey defines elites as people having at least one post-graduate degree, earning at least $150,000 annually, and living in high-population density areas (more than 10,000 people per square mile in their zip code).

The big takeaway, Kerpen told me, is these elites think people have too much freedom in this country and not enough government control. Kerpen said that while the survey did not ask a specific question about where our rights come from, these elites think that most Americans have too much control over our own lives, and they want more government power. So its pretty clear the elites dont believe our rights are derived from anything other than government.

The most terrifying part of the poll: 70% of the elites surveyed trust the government to do the right thing most of the time. This is a dangerous precedent and the type of thinking that leads to totalitarian abuse by those in power.

The reason the U.S. Constitution and law can be changed is because America is a self-governed nation. The concept of self-governance springs from the idea that human beings have rights no one  not another individual, and certainly not a government  can infringe upon.

When Thomas Jefferson put quill to parchment for the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776, he wrote about the laws of Nature and of Natures God to elucidate truths that were self-evident  that all men are created equal and had certain unalienable rights. He wasnt inventing a new concept. He was using the ideas brought forth by the leading intellects of the British Enlightenment, especially John Locke.

Lockes philosophies are what the American way of life is built upon: the rule of law, liberalism, republicanism, scientific inquiry, and tolerance, especially of various religious views. The First Amendment does not grant people the right to religious freedom or speech. Rather, those rights are inherent to every person at their creation. In the declaration, Jefferson wrote, That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

In other words, the government doesnt grant us our rights. The government can only enumerate rights, and then protect them from infringement.

One need not be religious to believe rights are inherent to humanity; some of the leading Founding Fathers were not. Thomas Paine, who came to Philadelphia after meeting Benjamin Franklin in London, was a 1700s version of a progressive  a radical whose pamphlet Common Sense ignited the American Revolution. Paine also found the Old and New Testaments to be impositions, fables, and forgeries. While he acknowledged one God, and no more, he also believed that my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

The inherent rights of all people is not a new construct of Christian nationalism, it is a long-held belief of religious and secular Americans that is foundational to everything our society is built upon. That Przybyla and other highly educated people on the left obsess over Christian nationalists believing rights originate somewhere other than government  as if that were a dangerous thing  smacks of conspiracy theory-level ignorance.

This is a calamity for our nation. Przybyla and her ilk need an enlightenment of their own, and would do well to remember Hamlets exhortation to his well-educated friend: There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio/ Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Matthew Stamm (right), director of Drexel University's Multimedia and Information Security Lab, leads a team working on finding false images created by AI. Tai Nguyen (left), a graduate research assistant, stands alongside Stamm as he displays an AI image of former President Donald Trump, which they debunked. Read more

As the presidential campaign slowly progresses, artificial intelligence continues to accelerate at a breathless pace  capable of creating an infinite number of fraudulent images that are hard to detect and easy to believe.

Experts warn that by November voters in Pennsylvania and other states will have witnessed counterfeit photos and videos of candidates enacting one scenario after another, with reality wrecked and the truth nearly unknowable.

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This is the first presidential campaign of the AI era, said Matthew Stamm, a Drexel University electrical and computer engineering professor who leads a team that detects false or manipulated political images. I believe things are only going to get worse.

Last year, Stamms group debunked a political ad for then-presidential candidate Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ad that appeared on Twitter. It showed former President Donald Trump embracing and kissing Anthony Fauci, long a target of the right for his response to COVID-19.

That spot was a watershed moment in U.S. politics, said Stamm, director of his schools Multimedia and Information Security Lab. Using AI-created media in a misleading manner had never been seen before in an ad for a major presidential candidate, he said.

This showed us how theres so much potential for AI to create voting misinformation. It could get crazy.

Election experts speak with dread of AIs potential to wreak havoc on the election: false evidence of candidate misconduct; sham videos of election workers destroying ballots or preventing people from voting; phony emails that direct voters to go to the wrong polling locations; ginned-up texts sending bogus instructions to election officials that create mass confusion.

Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt is leading a newly formed Election Threats Task Force, intended in part to combat misinformation about voting. In a brief interview, Schmidt noted that in recent years weve seen how easily misinformation has been spread using far more primitive methods than AI  tweets and Facebook posts with no video or audio.

So AI presents a far greater challenge if its weaponized to deceive voters or harm candidates.

Sham Biden call

Like the internet itself, AI can be a powerful tool to both advance and hinder society.

And while bad actors have long possessed the ability to generate fraudulent content in the digital age, the contouring of text and imagery to shame or denigrate a political opponent was once slow and painful, said computer science professor David Doermann from the University of Buffalo, State University of New York.

It took work to use Photoshop and video tools, Doermann said. You needed experts. But now, your average high school student can generate deepfakes.

Deepfakes are synthetic media in which a person in a photo or video is swapped with another persons likeness, or a person appears to be doing or saying something they didnt do or say.

A recent example occurred before the January New Hampshire primary. An AI-generated robocall simulated President Joe Bidens voice, urging voters not to participate, and save their votes for the November election.

Average voters could have easily believed Biden recorded the message and become disenfranchised as a result, noted the Campaign Legal Center (CLC), a nonpartisan government watchdog group in Washington, D.C.

This is the first year to feature AIs widespread influence before, during, and after voters cast ballots, said CLC executive director Adav Noti. AI provides easy access to new tools to harm our democracy more effectively.

Malicious intent

AI allows people with malicious intent to work with great speed and sophistication at low cost, according to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

That swiftness was on display in June 2018. Doermanns University of Buffalo colleague, Siwei Lyu, presented a paper that demonstrated how AI-generated deepfake videos could be detected because no one was blinking their eyes; the faces had been transferred from still photos.

Within three weeks, AI-equipped fraudsters stopped creating deepfakes based on photos and began culling from videos in which people blinked naturally, Doermann said, adding, Every time we publish a solution for detecting AI, somebody gets around it quickly.

Six years later, with AI that much more developed, its gained remarkable capacities that improve daily, said political communications expert Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the University of Pennsylvanias Annenberg Public Policy Center. Anything we can say now about AI will change in two weeks. Increasingly, that means deepfakes wont be easily detected.

We should be suspicious of everything we see.

Democracy can wither

Misinformation has gushed like a fire hose of falsehoods, some of it from Russia, said Matt Jordan, director of the Pennsylvania State University News Literacy Initiative, which helps students and citizens distinguish reliable journalism from the noise that often overwhelms and divides us, according to its website.

Democracy, Jordan said, depends on a capacity to share reality, which misinformation shatters. In such an atmosphere, he warned, democracy can wither.

Politicians arent the only ones at risk in that atmosphere.

Security specialists recommend election workers keep personal social media accounts private so that pernicious individuals armed with AI have less access to their images and voices. To avoid online intimidation on Election Day, experts also suggest election workers use multistep log-ins, ever-changing pass phrases, and fingerprint scanning.

In 2020, we encountered a lot of ugliness related to threats, and have had to scramble to make sure our people feel safe, said Schmidt, Pennsylvanias top election official.

AI-generated misinformation helps exacerbate already-entrenched political polarization throughout America, said Cristina Bicchieri, Penn professor of philosophy and psychology.

When we see something in social media that aligns with our point of view, even if its fake, we tend to want to believe it, she said.

To battle fabrications, Stamm of Drexel said, the smart consumer could delay reposting emotionally charged material from social media until checking its veracity.

But thats a lot to ask.

Human overreaction to a false report, he acknowledged, is harder to resolve than any anti-AI stuff I develop in my lab.

And thats another reason why were in uncharted waters.
Foreign Policy, March 22, 2024

Lynne ODonnell

Al Qaeda is back to its old tricks in Afghanistan. Much as it did before masterminding the 9/11 attacks, the terrorist group is running militant training camps; sharing the profits of the Talibans illicit drug, mining, and smuggling enterprises; and funneling the proceeds to affiliated jihadi groups worldwide.

An unpublished report circulating among Western diplomats and U.N. officials details how deeply embedded the group once run by Osama bin Laden is in the Talibans operations, as they loot Afghanistans natural wealth and steal international aid meant to alleviate the suffering of millions of Afghans.

The report was completed by a private, London-based threat analysis firm whose directors did not want to be identified. A copy was provided to Foreign Policy and its findings verified by independent sources. It is based on research conducted inside Afghanistan in recent months and includes a list of senior al Qaeda operatives and the roles they play in the Talibans administration.

To facilitate its ambitions, al Qaeda is raking in tens of millions of dollars a week from gold mines in Afghanistans northern Badakhshan and Takhar provinces that employ tens of thousands of workers and are protected by warlords friendly to the Taliban, the report says. The money represents a 25 percent share in proceeds from gold and gem mines; 11 gold mines are geolocated in the report. The money is shared with al Qaeda by the two Taliban factions: Sirajuddin Haqqanis Kabul faction and Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzadas Kandahar faction, suggesting both leaders, widely regarded as archrivals, see a cozy relationship with al Qaeda as furthering their own interests as well as helping to entrench the groups overall power.

The Talibans monthly take from the gold mines tops $25 million, though this money does not appear in their official budget, the report says. Quoting on-the-ground sources, it says the money goes directly into the pockets of top-ranking Taliban officials and their personal networks. Since the mines began operating in early 2022, al Qaedas share has totaled $194.4 million, it says.

After regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban integrated a large number of listed terrorist groups that fought alongside them against the U.S.-supported Afghan republic. The Biden administration, however, has persistently denied that al Qaeda has reconstituted in Afghanistan or even that al Qaeda and the Taliban have maintained their long, close relationship.

Those denials ring hollow as evidence piles up that the Taliban and al Qaeda are as close as ever. The U.N. Security Council and the U.S. Congress-mandated Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) have consistently reported on the Talibans symbiotic relationship with dozens of banned terrorist outfits, including al Qaeda.

Few experts believed Taliban leaders assurances, during negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump that led to the ignominious U.S. retreat, that the groups relationship with al Qaeda was over; bin Ladens vision of a global caliphate based in Afghanistan was a guiding principle of the war that returned the Taliban regime, which one Western official in Kabul said differs only from the previous regime in 1996-2001 in that they are even better at repression.

The historic relationship hit global headlines when bin Ladens successor, Ayman al-Zawahiri, was killed on July 31, 2022, in a U.S. drone strike as he stood by the window of a Kabul villa. The property was linked to Haqqani, the head of the largely autonomous Haqqani network and a member of al Qaedas leadership structure. He is also a deputy head of the Taliban and its interior minister, overseeing security. He is believed to harbor ambitions for the top job of supreme leader, with aspirations to become caliph.

Now that they can operate with impunity, the reports says, the Taliban are once again providing al Qaeda commanders and operatives with everything they need, from weapons to wives, housing, passports, and access to the vast smuggling network built up over decades to facilitate the heroin empire that bankrolled the Talibans war.

The routes have been repurposed for lower-cost, higher-return methamphetamine, weapons, cash, gold, and other contraband. Militants from Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and the Palestinian territories also circulate through the al Qaeda training camps that have been revived since the Taliban takeover. Security is provided by the Talibans General Directorate of Intelligence.
Gov. Josh Shapiro joins local leaders and Philadelphia homeowner Dominque Young outside Young's home in Southwest Philadelphia on Friday to push for $50 million in state funding for the Whole Home Repairs program, which Young benefitted from. Read more

A year after moving into her Southwest Philadelphia home, Dominique Youngs initial excitement over being a first-time home buyer evaporated when her electrical heater began to fail.

One particularly cold evening, the mother of two children had no option but to rent an Airbnb for the night to keep her family warm. It was the last straw for Young, who searched for emergency repair services and came across Pennsylvanias Whole Home Repairs Program.

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Today, Youngs rowhouse is outfitted with a new heating system thanks to the program, which in 2022 offered Pennsylvanias counties funding to assist homeowners who could not afford high-priority repairs.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed a $50 million investment in the program as part of his budget for the next fiscal year  and he stood outside Youngs home on Friday to tout the program as a common sense investment in a state where more than half of homes are at least 50 years old.

The program rolled out with the use of federal funds but is not active in the current fiscal year, after it was cut in a final budget deal reached in December. Shapiro is pushing lawmakers to revive it.

It is a way we can come together to cut costs for Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians and deliver real results for folks who need it most, Shapiro said. As a result of this work, were helping people stay in their homes.

State Sen. Nikil Saval (D., Philadelphia), who championed the initial program, stood alongside Shapiro on Friday.

Every person has a right to a home that is safe and healthy, Saval said, but hundreds of thousands of people across our commonwealth are denied this right simply because they lack access to the resources they need and deserve their homes.

State Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D., Philadelphia), also spoke in support of the program, saying it would serve people who did not feel appreciated and recognized by government.

The event was briefly interrupted when Williams fainted while Shapiro was speaking. Williams rested on the steps of a nearby home for several minutes, before being helped away after colleagues suggested he leave.

Thankfully, it seems as though I was dehydrated, but I went to the hospital for testing just to be on the safe side, Williams said in a statement Friday afternoon. I am feeling much better (and staying hydrated!) and am so grateful for your concerns and well wishes!

Whole-Home Repairs covers a variety of repairs, from fixing damaged floors and roofs to improving energy and water efficiency. Up to $50,000 is available per homeowner, whose household income must not exceed more than 80% of the areas median income. Small landlords can also receive forgivable loans from the program to keep rents affordable for tenants.

Over 1,000 Pennsylvanians have participated in the program, according to Saval. He said demand is overwhelming, adding that counties have received between four and 25 times more applications than they have the resources to serve.

But the programs rollout has not come without challenges. A 2023 Spotlight PA report found that many counties have capped the $50,000 grants at around half that amount, and most counties had not awarded loans to small landlords for housing affordability due to strict requirements for monitoring the funds. Those issues were coupled with construction labor shortages.

Southwest Philadelphia was the third recent stop for Shapiro as he pushes the program as part of his ambitious $48.3 billion budget proposal.

A divided General Assembly, however, presents hurdles as Shapiro seeks bipartisan support for his budget ahead of a July deadline. But the governor emphasized that it previously received bipartisan support.

We all come together and seed a lot of programs, and then you study how they work, Shapiro said. This one is off the charts successful.
Review recommendations will take years to implement, Shorten said. For the past three months, I have travelled around Australia talking to people with disability and the sector. In just over 12 weeks, I hosted a national tour of eight townhalls, where thousands of Australians heard, discussed, and asked questions about the reviews proposed reforms and what needs to happen next.
The incident, involving a container ship collision with the bridge, led to fatalities and the bridges destruction, forcing the Port of Baltimore, one of the top 20 largest US ports, to suspend vessel traffic indefinitely. This accident is poised to become the largest insured loss in the marine market, surpassing the $1.5 billion loss from the Costa Concordia disaster in 2012.
Today we are a business that has meaningful scale and market-leading specialism, underpinned by our one team culture. Our focus is now on continuing to move ahead at pace with our strategy, capitalizing on the energy I see throughout our business to attract new talent, capture new opportunities and help our clients solve new challenges, he said.
Pullano rented a car from Priceless Car Rental when she was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last January. Her initial booking was quoted at $372 for a weeks rental. However, she was later informed that she had to also pay for insurance and that her Canadian car insurance policy would not be accepted.
We are delighted to welcome to the board of directors Rana Ghorayeb and Martine Rivard, who are recognized for their strategic impact on the development of organizations. Their contribution will be significant at a time when the organization is growing and taking on major projects, said Jaclot.
Chinese Juncao hailed as "grass of happiness" around globe

Xinhua) 14:18, April 01, 2024

Media (R) from Rwanda learns about Juncao from a Chinese student in the national engineering research center of Juncao technology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. Juncao, which in Chinese literally means "mushroom" and "grass", can be used, as its name suggests, to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, as livestock feed or as a green barrier to control soil erosion and stop desertification.

Having taken root in over 100 countries and regions around the globe, Juncao has been hailed by the locals as the "Chinese grass" or "grass of happiness." (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Students from Rwanda and Papua New Guinea check the growth of Juncao at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. Juncao, which in Chinese literally means "mushroom" and "grass", can be used, as its name suggests, to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, as livestock feed or as a green barrier to control soil erosion and stop desertification.

Having taken root in over 100 countries and regions around the globe, Juncao has been hailed by the locals as the "Chinese grass" or "grass of happiness." (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Aimable (L) from Rwanda talks with Luo Xiaofen, a staff member of the national engineering research center of Juncao technology, at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. Juncao, which in Chinese literally means "mushroom" and "grass", can be used, as its name suggests, to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, as livestock feed or as a green barrier to control soil erosion and stop desertification.

Having taken root in over 100 countries and regions around the globe, Juncao has been hailed by the locals as the "Chinese grass" or "grass of happiness." (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Students from Rwanda and Papua New Guinea talk with Chinese schoolmates who are majored in Juncao technology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. Juncao, which in Chinese literally means "mushroom" and "grass", can be used, as its name suggests, to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, as livestock feed or as a green barrier to control soil erosion and stop desertification.

Having taken root in over 100 countries and regions around the globe, Juncao has been hailed by the locals as the "Chinese grass" or "grass of happiness." (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Ben Menda Ukii from Papua New Guinea studies in the national engineering research center of Juncao technology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. Juncao, which in Chinese literally means "mushroom" and "grass", can be used, as its name suggests, to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, as livestock feed or as a green barrier to control soil erosion and stop desertification.

Having taken root in over 100 countries and regions around the globe, Juncao has been hailed by the locals as the "Chinese grass" or "grass of happiness." (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Lin Zhanxi (2nd R), the inventor of Juncao technology, introduces a plate made from Juncao to students at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. Juncao, which in Chinese literally means "mushroom" and "grass", can be used, as its name suggests, to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, as livestock feed or as a green barrier to control soil erosion and stop desertification.

Having taken root in over 100 countries and regions around the globe, Juncao has been hailed by the locals as the "Chinese grass" or "grass of happiness." (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Ben Menda Ukii (R) and Fuke Hako from Papua New Guinea read a book on Juncao technology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. Juncao, which in Chinese literally means "mushroom" and "grass", can be used, as its name suggests, to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, as livestock feed or as a green barrier to control soil erosion and stop desertification.

Having taken root in over 100 countries and regions around the globe, Juncao has been hailed by the locals as the "Chinese grass" or "grass of happiness." (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The agency has cited the reduction in discounts as being a response to widespread unpermitted work, insufficient documentation, and inadequate monitoring of special flood zone areas. Despite this, FEMA has expressed a commitment to assist Lee County in regaining eligibility for Community Rating System discounts in the future.
Coalition is at the forefront of evolving cyber insurance coverage to address this ever-changing risk ecosystem, he said in a previous statement. While FTF and data breach coverages have always been cornerstones of our policies, this new endorsement gives brokers confidence that theyre offering their clients the most comprehensive cyber coverage  and provides policyholders with peace of mind.
Did your homeowners insurance premium go up this year? Mine did. Of course I live just outside of Austin, Texas, where wildfire risk has risen significantly as the state battles ongoing severe drought.

Even with a nearly 25% increase in annual homeowners premium, I was relatively pleased that I didnt receive a nonrenewal notice as did many homeowners in my neighboring community. While I wasnt happy to pay more, I do understand why  there are more and more claims driven by catastrophe weather events nationwide.

But after reading many posts on my neighbors social media, it was clear that many people had no idea why their insurance premiums rose substantially or why their carrier decided to cancel their coverage after 10, 15, 20 years of no claims.

That lack of knowledge by property owners appears to show in this years J.D. Power report on 2024 U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction. With 28 catastrophic weather events in 2023 causing nearly $93 billion in damage, customer service satisfaction plunged to a seven year low, the study found. More extreme weather events led to a larger number of high-severity claims and longer claims settlement times, negatively affecting satisfaction.

The average claims cycle time  the amount of time from reporting the claim to finished repairs  has now reached 23.9 days, over six days longer than in 2022.

For claims related to catastrophic events, that average repair cycle time jumped to 34.2 days.

As a result, customer satisfaction has declined by five points to 869 (on a 1,000-point scale) from a year ago, the study found.

The average overall satisfaction score among customers who experienced catastrophic claims is 841.

Catastrophic weather events are straining an already fragile system still experiencing supply chain issues that affect the availability and cost of materials, said Mark Garrett, director of claims intelligence at J.D. Power. Resources become strained for both insurers and the contractors doing the work. Unfortunately, its when claims last beyond three weeks that J.D. Power sees things decline. When claims last less than three weeks, satisfaction improves, so its the longer claims that are solely responsible for the decline. Insurers are challenged to manage expectations and proactively communicate during longer claim periods as customers tend to have more questions when experiencing delays.

Because of rising insurance premiums, when customers have a claim and have to cover $1,500 or more in costs, the study found that satisfaction is negatively affected, even if it is to cover their deductible.

The increasing frequency of catastrophic weather events coupled with policies that often have higher deductibles for this type of weather (wind, hail, named storms, etc.), means more customers will be paying higher deductibles.

Topics Homeowners
When it comes to artificial intelligence, more questions than answers keep underwriters from venturing into the space and lead to a lack of clarity, according to panelists at The Professional Liability Underwriting Societys 2024 cyber symposium in New York City.

I mean, the thing with AI is its not new. Its been around since the 50s, said Garrett Droege, director of innovation and digital risk practice leader at IMA. Generative AI is pretty new, but its still a subset of deep learning and a subset of machine learning. Its all been with us for a long time. I think we as an industry have done a bad job at keeping pace with that, because we saw this coming 20 years ago.

Droege, who was speaking on a panel about the intersection of cyber and tech E&O coverages, said insurers should have built models around AI and how it would likely impact the risk profile of companies when they first saw the risk coming.

I havent seen, in the wild, any AI exclusions policies, he said. However, I talked to a lot of people in this room  chief underwriting officers  and I know they exist. Theyre sitting at a desk waiting to be deployed on cyber and tech E&O policies.

He said one element keeping insurers from moving forward is a lack of clarity about AI risks and whether they fall under a cyber or a tech E&O policy. I mean, we do work with a lot of technology companies  a lot of emerging technology companies  and the risk is not that clear between the two, he said. Sometimes its both. What happens if the tech fails and allows unauthorized access? Well, then thats a tech E&O claim. What happens if theres just a brute force entry? Then its a cyber claim.

Subtle Differences

The challenge for underwriters is that these differences are often subtle, said Jeff Kulikowski, executive vice president at Westfield Pro.

Just because a company uses technology doesnt make it a tech E&O risk, he said. So, we get a lot of requests  and Im sure it comes from the client most times  to just add every coverage they can, and thats fine. But theres a distinct difference between a company that uses technology to perform their professional service versus a company thats providing a technology service for others for a fee.

He said strategic consultants, doctors, auto salespeople and accountants, for example, all use technology to perform a professional service and should have their own E&O policies. However, theyre not providing a technological service to others like a software or telecommunications company.

It sounds easy to distinguish, but its really not, he said. You can get into some very confusing arguments around third-party administrators, whether its an entirely related software or its a service model. There are hybrid models, but I think we all can do a better job at determining whats technology versus a technology service. Its very, very subtle, and it takes a little digging into.

Underwriters should be analyzing clients operational models to determine what their losses could be and the types of exposures that should be covered, Kulikowski said.

While its certainly the clients responsibility to analyze as much as possible, its also the underwriter that needs to tell the client what information is needed on their contracts, what questions around their business model differentiates them from A, B, C or D, and to really dive in. Its just a different level of underwriting than your standard cyber policy. We have to understand the operational risk, not from a business interruption standpoint but from an actual financial loss standpoint.

This is especially important as these financial losses can add up, Droege said.

If and when the shoe drops and theres a major event that results in AI containment that people are worried about, you want to know if this would be an exclusion on a policy around the cyber or tech E&O or both, he said. (Editors note: AI containment refers to limitations being placed on AI that prevent it from advancing too far.)

Im sure there are people in this room that are aware of recent claims involving generative AI and social engineering claims. Theyre very, very costly. Thats going to be where were headed, Droege said. Weve got to figure out what does that mean for cyber? How do we underwrite against that? Can we underwrite against that?

Evolving Risk

Meghan McEvoy, vice president and cyber and E&O broker at Aon, said she is constantly working with clients as this risk evolves. She added its important to find out who the key stakeholder in a clients organization is to make sure theyre ethically entering the AI space and what their ethics committee or privacy team is doing to keep up with the regulatory environment.

Its about making sure youre keeping up with that AI regulatory environment thats starting to expand and what youre doing to protect data and protect your network, she said.

Kulikowski agreed, adding that AI has to be the most overused phrase in the industry right now, and with good reason.

Ten years ago, if you said AI to an underwriter, the first thing that they would think of is Skynet. So, now were sitting here thinking, How can we underwrite to AI?' he said. When you dig into it, its not simple in any way. But I really think the big question [for clients] is not just do you use AI but how do you use it?

Is it within your marketing platform? Do you use it to scrape data? Do you use it for running a trading platform or making investment decisions? Do you utilize it within your manufacturing process? (Editors Note: Skynet is the fictional AI system depicted in Terminator films.)

While determining how AI is being used is a step toward increasing clarity around cyber and tech E&O coverage, those arent the only questions on insurers minds when it comes to AI risks.

There are some issues with generative AI and software development where you can use ChatGPT to code for you, and most developers do that all day every day, Droege said.

Wheres the liability line for that if the software results in a data breach? If the code was not secure and it allowed unauthorized access, but the code was written by the AI and not the company, whos responsible? Is it the developer of the AI model? Is it the software developer?

Truth with Certainty

Another problem Droege sees with AI is an inability to determine the truth with certainty.

For hundreds of years, weve been able to use our eyes and ears to verify, Yeah, I saw that, I heard that, so that is true. Now, thats not the case, he said. There are cyber events happening right now where people are using generative AI to mask live video streams and to mask audio calls.

He said in these cases, phone or video calls can come from cyber criminals using AI to pose as a company executive and gain information or money fraudulently.

I think youre going to see blockchain as a bit of a savior for the AI challenges that we have, as a general ledger that is a single source of truth that can back up, and we can verify identities, he said. Thats going to be the way in my opinion.

While underwriters are figuring out how to address AI, Kulikowski said one thing is certain: He doesnt feel that its ready to be its own class of business quite yet.

I feel like everybody panics about AI, and its something that you need to take your time and really look through the basics of what it is  specifically generative AI  and how its utilized within a company, he said. I dont know that its yet its own class of business. Its certainly an exposure class, but its really up to us as the industry to define the risk as it sits in every industry, and again, how its utilized and how we can address that.

This means that at some point, hesitant underwriters will simply need to take the plunge despite unanswered questions, Droege said.

There arent a lot of carriers raising their hands and saying, Yeah, we love new risks,' he said. Thats the one thing we dont do well as an industry. We want to understand it. We want to sit on the sidelines, let someone jump in the water first, and see what plans are going to come out of it. But a lot of these emerging technologies are moving so fast. Insurance is the currency of business. These companies have to have insurance to get the contracts to build the models that were all relying on and build things safely.

Topics Cyber InsurTech Data Driven Tech Artificial Intelligence Underwriting Professional Liability
Often alarming, misleading or just plain annoying  when mass tort lawsuit advertisements pop up on a TV screen, many consumers instinctually reach for the remote. An expert believes that the ads are worth your attention.

Especially for those in the insurance industry, ignore them at your own peril, your own risk, said Rustin Silverstein, president and founder of X Ante, a legal services company that shares data and insights on the forces driving the increase in mass tort litigation.

An Unceasing Onslaught

The Travelers Institute, the public policy and education arm of Travelers Insurance, recently hosted a webinar that explored the surge in attorney advertising encouraging consumers to pursue mass tort lawsuits.

During the event, Silverstein shared that last year, an estimated $1.2 billion was spent on TV ads by lawyers and others soliciting clients or offering legal services.

More than 16 million advertisements ran in 2023. Or, as Silverstein described it, an unceasing onslaught.

To put that number in context, about 45,000 TV ads by lawyers and others soliciting legal claims aired across the United States every day. That works out to about 1,900 ads per hour, or about one lawyer ad airing on television every two seconds.

General auto accident, slip and fall, and personal injury advertisements accounted for about $1 billion in spending, while a selection of more specific topics totaled $152.3 million. Some of these specific mass tort ads targeted prescription drugs, medical devices, specific consumer products, natural disaster insurance claims and more.

I think one thing to understand about those lawyers and others who solicit these advertisements is that they will always be shifting their topics, Silverstein said. Theyre always going to look for what is the most likely to bring  the most lucrative cases  . So, theyre constantly shifting the targeting of their advertising, and thats something that we monitor.

Advertising Drives Financial Rewards

There is a lot to be gained by airing these ads, Silverstein said.

Plaintiff firms that place these advertisements collect between a contingency fee of 25% and 40% from the rewards or settlements they receive, Silverstein said, and in the past 10 years or so, about 2,000 advertisers have sponsored ads related to mass tort.

Only about 15 of those advertisers account for half of all the ad spending, though, and a third of those top-spenders arent even law firms  theyre for-profit lead generation companies that exist to generate and sell claims to law firms. Third-party litigation financing is also increasing and has been an attractive proposition, Silverstein said, because returns have been high.

These advertisers are very sophisticated, Silverstein said. They are direct marketers. So, when they see that particular ads will generate what they consider quality leads, quality clients, they will continue to invest in that. They will continue to advertise around it. And then, of course, when they get positive developments in litigation  that will only fuel the fire and the interest in advertising in that particular topic.

When it comes to verdicts and settlements becoming more expensive in general, Silverstein believes that a lot of it is driven by this attorney advertising, he said. People see these ads, and it drives them to file more claims.

He added that this advertising not only generates thousands of lawsuits, but it also pressures insurers and defendants into settlements due to the cost of litigation that never ends because of the large volume of cases and the risk of damage to reputations.

Also, when consumers see enough ads about a company, it begins to change their perception, Silverstein said, translating to impacts on bottom lines and stock share prices. It also influences people who sit on juries about whats a fair outcome, Silverstein said of the ads.

Ill just conclude with saying that I think these ads are ignored at your own risk, he said. If you are involved in one of these industries thats targeted, you will probably face greater consequences. And what we argue with our clients is the more you can stay on top of whats happening with this advertising, the better prepared you can be to address these issues as they come up.

Practical Steps and Key Takeaways

Silverstein outlined three clear values of tracking mass tort advertisement data for insurance industry professionals. The first is the litigation risk component. From an underwriting perspective, are potential policyholders already vulnerable?

These legal ads are like the canary in the coal mine, he said. You will see them before youll see the lawsuits being filed. So, before you write a policy for somebody who has a product in the market or may be vulnerable to potential litigation, you can see, have there already been ads run against them on this topic?

When it comes to managing claim volumes, the ads can also be a good proxy for whats coming, Silverstein said. If were seeing a lot of lawsuits, is this going to continue for the next year, two years, five years? Well, the lawyer advertising will tell you that. If the ads continue to stay on TV and stay out there, you can expect more lawsuits to follow.

Monitoring the ads can also be helpful, he said, because studying them can give insurers a sense of who is behind the lawsuits  and who they may face on the other side of the negotiation table. In addition to that, they can help identify parts of the country that are susceptible to advertising and high verdicts and awards.

Its a bit early to determine the effect of artificial intelligence on ad targeting, Silverstein said, but he believes AI will probably be utilized to streamline the potential client intake process firms have to go through early on in this process. He also sees AI being utilized to develop and tailor their messaging. Because so many of these ads are running, attorneys are constantly competing, Silverstein explained, and theyre always looking for new technology, [a] new approach to help them in this kind of never-ending competition.

A Parting Thought

During the webinar, Stef Zielezienski, executive vice president and chief legal officer of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, pointed to Florida as an example of light at the end of the tunnel.

Last year, Florida Gov. Ron Desantis signed a reform bill into law that aimed to decrease frivolous lawsuits and prevent predatory practices of trial attorneys who prey on hardworking Floridians, according to information posted on the governors official website. The bill modifies the bad faith framework, eliminates one way attorneys fees and fee multipliers and ensures that Floridians cant be held liable for damages if the person suing is more at fault, the statement said.

Zielezienski said effectively highlighting the disconnect between the percentage of claims versus a high percentage of lawsuits was really what opened the eyes of those that were probably skeptical to reform.
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP)  A tropical cyclone that swept across Madagascar has killed 18 people and left four missing after making landfall on the north of the Indian Ocean island nation earlier this week, authorities said on Friday.

The storm has also caused severe flooding that partly submerged entire villages, displaced or affected some 47,000 people and set off landslides that injured three people, the National Office for Disaster Management said.

Cyclone Gamane hit northern Madagascar on Wednesday and has now weakened considerably, leaving a trail of destruction behind it.

In the Diana and Sava regions in the north, bridges and roads were washed away and houses and rice fields were submerged. Residents paddled around their villages in canoes looking to help others trapped in their homes as the water level nearly reached the roofs of some buildings.

The cyclone red alert was lifted on Thursday morning after the worst part of the storm brought wind gusts of over 210 kilometers per hour (130 miles per hour).

Madagascar has been hit by at least 10 strong tropical cyclones since the start of 2022 and is facing a hunger crisis in parts of the island, due to the damaging impact of extreme weather, according to the World Food Program.

The United Nations said the number of cyclones in the past two years is unprecedented for Madagascar, which has also suffered from its worst drought in 40 years in the south. It is one of the countries most at risk to climate change and one with the highest rates of poverty, according to the World Bank

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
President Xi Jinping met with a group of American business leaders in Beijing including Blackstone Inc.s Stephen Schwarzman and Qualcomm Inc.s Cristiano Amon as China is seeking to restore confidence in the economy and keep relations with the US on a stable footing.

The Chinese leader on Wednesday met with representatives from American business, strategic and academic communities. State broadcaster CCTV named some of the attendees and said they took a group photo before the event.

Other attendees at the all-male gathering include Raj Subramaniam, chief executive officer of FedEx Corp.; Evan Greenberg, CEO of the insurer Chubb Ltd.; Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations; Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council; and Mark Carney, chairman of Bloomberg Inc.

The meeting lasted more than an hour and a half, with delegates raising questions and Xi answering them, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing a private event. Xi said he doesnt see the need for Washington and Beijing to decouple, and that he wants American businesses to invest in China, the person said.

Xi also acknowledged issues with the domestic economy, adding that officials can handle them and the Chinese economy hasnt peaked, the person said, describing the talks as open and frank.

Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the details of the meeting. It said during a regular briefing on Wednesday that Xi had stated Chinas position to the CEOs.

Beijing is trying to show it welcomes foreign businesses, but whipsawing tensions with Washington, a shaky economic recovery and raids on consulting firms have damped investor enthusiasm. For global executives, the meeting was a chance to underscore interest in participating in the Chinese market despite deepening geopolitical tensions and moves in China to favor local competitors.

China and the US should seek common ground on major issues while reserving differences on minor ones, Xi said, according to a readout of the meeting.

Chinas reform will not stop and its opening up will not stop, he said. The country is planning major measures to comprehensively deepen reforms and build a first-class business environment, he added.

Other attendees at the all-male gathering include Raj Subramaniam, chief executive officer of FedEx Corp.; Evan Greenberg, CEO of the insurer Chubb Ltd.; Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations; Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council; and Mark Carney, chairman of Bloomberg Inc.

Xi also talked about avoiding the Thucydides Trap, describing an inevitable conflict between a rising power and an established one, according to Harvard scholar Graham Allison, who attended the meeting on Wednesday. The president said the US and China must balance their competition with recognition that each nations survival requires that they simultaneously cooperate, Allison added.

US-China ties have stabilized after Xi met with President Joe Biden in San Francisco in November, although they continue to dispute over a broad range of issues spanning trade curbs and accusations of cyberattacks.

On Tuesday, China said it filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization over US electric vehicle subsidies. Earlier in the week, the US and UK accused state-backed Chinese hackers of targeting politicians, companies and dissidents, as well as stealing troves of British voter data.

Relations with the US risk worsening with former President Donald Trump already vowing massive tariffs on the campaign trail that could shrink trade between the two nations to practically nothing. Trumps rhetoric may add pressure on Biden to take harsher measures in the run-up to election day.

China appears to be ramping up outreach to foreign investors as it seeks to achieve an annual growth target of around 5%, a goal deemed ambitious by some economists. The Ministry of Commerce in January pledged to hold a round-table meeting with foreign companies every month to hear and address their concerns.

However, investors have complained about whiplash as China pursues its dual goals of development and security, with executives hearing warm words only to then see authorities probe consultancy firms, expand a vague anti-spy law and restrict access to data. A structural economic slowdown has also led executives to re-evaluate the balance between risks and rewards for operating in the country.

Prior to the pandemic, Xi used to hold more regular gatherings with executives at events such as the annual Boao Forum for Asia, which is sometimes described as Chinas Davos. Hes not expected to attend this years conference, which started Tuesday in Hainan.

Many US CEOs are in Beijing for the annual China Development Forum, which gathers together global business leaders and Chinese officials. Some executives attending the confab extended their stay or moved previously planned appointments in order to meet with Xi after receiving a formal invitation last week, Bloomberg News reported.

Topics USA China
A container ship struck a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, [March 26] causing it to plunge into the river below. From 1960 to 2015, there were 35 major bridge collapses worldwide due to ship or barge collision, with a total of 342 people killed, according to a 2018 report from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure. Eighteen of those collapses happened in the United States.

A list of notable disasters involving ships or barges hitting bridges in the U.S.:

POPPS FERRY BRIDGE

March 20, 2009: A vessel pushing eight barges rammed into the Popps Ferry Bridge in Biloxi, Mississippi, resulting in a 150-foot section of the bridge collapsing into the bay.

March 20, 2009: A vessel pushing eight barges rammed into the Popps Ferry Bridge in Biloxi, Mississippi, resulting in a 150-foot section of the bridge collapsing into the bay. INTERSTATE 40 BRIDGE: 14 DEAD

May 26, 2002: A barge hit the Interstate 40 bridge over the Arkansas River at Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, collapsing a 500-foot section of road and plunging vehicles into the water. Fourteen people died and 11 were injured.

14 DEAD May 26, 2002: A barge hit the Interstate 40 bridge over the Arkansas River at Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, collapsing a 500-foot section of road and plunging vehicles into the water. Fourteen people died and 11 were injured. QUEEN ISABELLA CAUSEWAY: 8 DEAD

Sept. 15, 2001: A tugboat and barge struck the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel, Texas, causing a midsection of the bridge to tumble 80 feet into the bay below. Eight people died after motorists drove into the hole.

8 DEAD Sept. 15, 2001: A tugboat and barge struck the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel, Texas, causing a midsection of the bridge to tumble 80 feet into the bay below. Eight people died after motorists drove into the hole. EADS BRIDGE: 50 INJURED

April 14, 1998: The Anne Holly tow traveling through the St. Louis Harbor rammed into the center span of the Eads Bridge. Eight barges broke away. Three of them hit a permanently moored gambling vessel below the bridge. Fifty people suffered minor injuries.

50 INJURED April 14, 1998: The Anne Holly tow traveling through the St. Louis Harbor rammed into the center span of the Eads Bridge. Eight barges broke away. Three of them hit a permanently moored gambling vessel below the bridge. Fifty people suffered minor injuries. BIG BAYOU CANOT: 47 DEAD

Sept. 22, 1993: Barges being pushed by a towboat in dense fog hit and displaced the Big Bayou Canot railroad bridge near Mobile, Alabama. Minutes later, an Amtrak train with 220 people aboard reached the displaced bridge and derailed, killing 47 people and injuring 103 people.

47 DEAD Sept. 22, 1993: Barges being pushed by a towboat in dense fog hit and displaced the Big Bayou Canot railroad bridge near Mobile, Alabama. Minutes later, an Amtrak train with 220 people aboard reached the displaced bridge and derailed, killing 47 people and injuring 103 people. SEEBER BRIDGE: 1 DEAD

May 28, 1993: The towboat Chris, pushing the empty hopper barge DM3021, hit a support tier of the Judge William Seeber Bridge in New Orleans. Two spans and the two-column bent collapsed onto the barge. Two cars carrying three people fell with the four-lane bridge deck into a canal. One person died and two people were seriously injured.

1 DEAD May 28, 1993: The towboat Chris, pushing the empty hopper barge DM3021, hit a support tier of the Judge William Seeber Bridge in New Orleans. Two spans and the two-column bent collapsed onto the barge. Two cars carrying three people fell with the four-lane bridge deck into a canal. One person died and two people were seriously injured. SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE: 35 DEAD

May 9, 1980: The 609-foot freighter Summit Venture was navigating through the narrow, winding shipping channel of Floridas Tampa Bay when a sudden, blinding squall knocked out the ships radar. The ship sheared off a support of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, dropping a 1,400-foot section of concrete roadway during the morning rush hour. Seven vehicles, including a bus with 26 aboard, fell 150 feet into the water. Thirty-five people died.

Photograph: A car is halted at the edge of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge across Tampa Bay, Fla., after the freighter Summit Venture struck the bridge during a thunderstorm and tore away a large part of the span on May 9 1980. (AP Photo/Jackie Green, File)

Related:

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA
Innovation is at the heart of the human experience, with a constant stream of new ideas and inventions changing the way we conduct business. But seismic shifts in technology dont come all at once, or even at a steady pacethey tend to come in waves. During such periods of gradual advancement, organizations can update their resilience strategies to get in front of risks on the horizon and anticipate cyberthreats. In this current cycle of emergent technology, the sophistication of threats powered by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) means the scale and complexity of cyberattacks may be outpacing an organizations risk response mechanisms.

The widespread uptake of AI is an example of one of these rapidly transformative moments, and everyone from individuals to organizations and regulators needs to be prepared for the opportunities on offer and the risks they pose. The recent proliferation of lawsuits concerning the use of AI across industries including healthcare, publishing and commercial real estate shows that while AI can be harnessed to drive growth, it also comes with heightened risk if deployed without appropriate guardrails and guidance.

Risk Changes as Technology Advances

Since the earliest days of the internet, people have been warned to be careful about what they say, and to whom, when interacting with strangers online. In the realm of business, the stakes can be extremely high from a financial standpoint, with large transactions routinely conducted online and large amounts of commercially sensitive information stored and transmitted digitally. As cutting-edge forms of AI  like generative AI  enter our everyday lives, new and highly sophisticated threats are further complicating the cyber landscape.

Open-source AI models are a useful tool when approached with working knowledge of how they function. For example, a group of software engineers from a leading technology company unwittingly became a cautionary tale when they tested their unreleased proprietary code by entering it into ChatGPT. Unaware that by entering their own data into the chatbot they were providing the chatbots parent company with full ownership and access, their code became freely available to anyone using the service and could be viewed by competitors or adapted by anyone  including cybercriminals.

This example demonstrates two of the pitfalls associated with rapid advances in modern technology faced by todays organizations. The tools themselves may contain flaws that increase risk, or as is more common, the way human users interact with these new tools may expose risk.

Dual Risks: Technology and Users

Any time an organization adopts new technology, that organization inherently opens itself up to risk by introducing a new set of unknowns to their business practices. Allowing the wrong users access to a program, for example, or flaws in the programs code, are technological issues that can create security vulnerabilities which need to be addressed by IT and cybersecurity professionals. The practice of hacking  where cybercriminals use code to break through an organizations cybersecurity systems  is increasingly difficult, but the sudden ubiquity of AI offers a new way to create vulnerabilities by targeting system users with lifelike dupes.

Emails that look genuine but are designed to extract important security credentials are not a new phenomenon, but generative AI has allowed new, sophisticated forms of phishing attacks to proliferate on an unprecedented scale. Deepfakes are a convincing new form of cyberattack where criminals develop highly convincing visual and auditory assets to impersonate others. Recently in Hong Kong, an employee of a multinational firm believed they were on a conference call with several colleagues and company directors, when in fact it was a deepfake scenario set up by cybercriminals. The employee was persuaded to wire the equivalent of $25 million to the criminal syndicate.

If we think of an organizations data as its crown jewels, we might also think of its cybersecurity measures as the castle walls that protect it. But as AI tools become better at imitating human speech and thought patterns, its no longer enough to keep an eye out for the battering rams and ladders cybercriminals might use to breach the walls  organizations must take extra care to ensure employees dont unwittingly open the gates themselves.

Preparing for New Risks

There are no silver-bullet solutions for organizational risks posed by new technologies, but there are measures companies can take, no matter what their business domain, to update and maintain their resilience strategies.

These include:

Creating a working cyberthreat group spanning departments that works proactively to align risk strategy across technical, financial, and leadership teams.

Monitoring resource allocation and budgets. As a standing agenda item, the group should review the acquisition and development of new technology to ensure company-wide awareness.

Expanding organizational networks to leverage third-party service providers that can provide updates on evolving threats and potential treatment.

These actions can help risk managers and their organizations take a proactive approach to incident response, even before a major cyber event.

Regulatory Scrutiny

The uptake of AI has so been rapid and widespread that our lives are affected by AI every single day, whether we are aware of the fact or not. This had led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies looking to install guardrails for the responsible use of AI and to protect users. The White House published its Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights with its focus on making automated systems work for the American people and in mid-December 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commissions new cyber disclosure rules came into effect. Under these rules, organizations are now obliged to report on material cyber incidents on 8-K within four days of the event, and must describe the nature, timing and impact of the incident. They must also disclose how cybersecurity risks could materially impact business, and governance processes for risk management, among other measures, and face fines for breaches and non-compliance.

Lawsuits On The Horizon

Recent court rulings could potentially allow for an increase in litigation when a cyber breach occurs. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that plaintiffs can sue an organization in the event of a data breach if their information is accessed by a third party, even if the information wasnt misused. What this means is that a lack of material loss may not preclude a plaintiff from suing a company  if cybercriminals managed to access private data in a cyberattack, that may be grounds enough for a lawsuit.

Individuals may also be at risk for litigation in a business context. A survey of recent SEC enforcement indicates that the regulator is willing to hold individuals accountable for cyber incidents. If an employee is deemed responsible for shortcomings that lead to a data breach, or if they did not follow adequate disclosure policies, they may be subject to large civil penalties and even criminal charges.

Emerging Risks and Insurance

In this context of heightened government scrutiny and legal action, it is essential to understand how insurance policies can respond to emerging technology risks. As a relatively new form of insurance in a rapidly changing field, cyber insurance does not currently have a standardized form. Different carriers offer different coverages, terms, exclusions, conditions and endorsements. Organizations should regularly undertake cyber risk assessments and ensure they have adequate cyber coverage for the organization and its directors to cover any liabilities.

Organizations should also regularly consult with trusted professionals about emerging and current technology risks to understand how insurers view the current risk landscape. The more an organization knows about disparate cyber threats, the more adequately it can adjust its coverage to reduce risk exposure, while updating resilience protocols.

Of course, thwarting cyber incidents before they occur is the preferred course of action for organizations and their stakeholders, but building a strong resilience plan and putting a strong insurance policy in place is not just a contingency, it is a necessity.

Considering a Policy

The advance of technology and the stakes involved mean that when it comes to the question of data breaches, its no longer a question of if but when. At some point, cybercriminals will successfully perpetrate an attack that results in an insurance claim.

A strong insurance policy will provide the right coverage for an organization. As risk managers and their teams build this policy, they should assess the following criteria:

The terms and conditions in the potential policy, paying special attention to exclusionary language.

The range of coverage to be provided, in relation to the risk profile and policys cost.

Coverage available from other insurance policies.

When considering a policy, it is recommended that the risk management team request complete copies of the insurance policies on offer  specimen forms and the full endorsements that would be included  as well as adequate time to evaluate the terms offered.

The New Normal

New technologies disrupt our world, but over time their presence becomes normalized in our daily lives and their uses become regulated and understood. Deepfakes created with generative AI might be the latest threat deployed by cybercriminals, but they certainly wont be the last. Keeping a watchful eye on emergent technologies and undertaking regular risk assessments is just the first step toward mitigating cyber risk. Pairing a strong operational resilience strategy with an insurance policy to match will help your organization be better prepared for the next time a bad actor is ready to strike.

Topics Cyber InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
Roughly a week after State Farm announced that it would nonrenew tens of thousands of homeowners and commercial apartment policies in California, AM Best has downgraded the company that offered those policies.

Last week, State Farm cited its responsibility to maintain the claim-paying capacity of State Farm General Insurance Company, the State Farm provider of homeowners insurance in California, in support of its decision to go forward with nonrenewals. What State Farm characterized as tough but necessary decisions included the nonrenewals of roughly 30,000 homeowners, rental dwelling and other property insurance policies (residential community association and business owners) and withdrawals of some 42,000 commercial apartment policies.

Related: State Farm Update: More Difficult but Necessary Decisions in California

Friday, AM Best downgraded the financial strength rating of State Farm General to B (fair) from A (excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating to bb+ (fair) from a (excellent).

AM Best said the ratings reflect State Farm Generals balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as weak, referring to the first building block on an insurer financial strength rating. Addressing the other rating components, AM Best said it assesses State Farm Generals operation performance as marginal, its business profile as neutral, and enterprise risk management as appropriate.

Related: State Farm Sets Another Record With $14B Underwriting Loss in 2023

The ratings also reflect lift, as defined within Bests Credit Rating Methodology, from its parent, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the AM Best announcement says.

The rating agency announcement also highlighted the continued deterioration in State Farm Generals policyholder surplus at Dec. 31, 2023.

Related: State Farm Announces New CEO; Farney Succeeding Tipsord June 1

AM Best also revised the outlook of the FSR to stable from negative, while the outlook of the long-term ICR is negative.

The continuation of the negative outlook on the long-term ICR reflects the uncertainty of the companys ability to stabilize and strengthen its risk-adjusted capitalization given ongoing challenges regarding profitability and internal capital generation, trending adverse reserve development occurring on prior accident years, and the challenging regulatory environment within Californias marketplace that have constrained the ability of State Farm General (as well as its industry peers) to increase premium rates in a timely fashion, AM Best said.

The rating agency did take note of the corrective actions that State Farm management is taking to stabilize its balance sheet strength but said those actions will need time to gain positive traction over the intermediate term.

Topics California AM Best
US home insurance rates are expected to reach a record high this year, with the biggest increases occurring in states prone to severe weather events, according to a new analysis.

The average premium for homeowners insurance in the US is expected to hit $2,522 by the end of the year, driven largely by intensifying natural disasters, rising reinsurance costs and higher fees for home repair, according to Insurify, a Massachusetts-based insurance-comparison platform. That figure would represent a 6% increase over the average US premium at the end of 2023, and follows a roughly 20% increase over the past two years.

Many Americans are motivated to buy a home because they think their housing costs will remain fixed or stable when compared to renting, says Cassie Sheets at Insurify, who co-authored the analysis. But this trend of significant insurance rate hikes makes housing costs more unpredictable.

Home insurance is becoming a flashpoint in the US as damage from thunderstorms picks up and as climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters. In the 1980s, the country experienced about three disasters a year that caused damages of at least $1 billion each. In the 2010s, that climbed to 13 per year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last year, the US endured a record 28 weather and climate disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages each.

Responding to climate-induced threats, a growing number of insurance companies are pulling out of California and Florida, where those impacts are frequently felt. To fill the gap, state insurers of last resort are absorbing trillions of dollars in risk.

Its possible that the highest-risk areas will become uninsurable, says Betsy Stella, vice president of carrier management and operations at Insurify. However, where theres demand, typically a supplier will appear. The question will be, at what cost?

For Insurifys analysis, researchers collected real-time quotes from the platform and combined them with aggregate rate filings from a third-party data provider. They then analyzed how often and by how much insurers implemented rate increases during the second half of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 and applied that pattern to the rest of this year. Insurify only looked at data for single-family frame houses that met a list of criteria around insurance type, coverage limits and homeowners credit score and claim history.

The steepest premiums are expected for states that also have the highest risk of natural disasters. Homeowners in Florida, who already pay the highest rates of home insurance in the country, are expected to see another 7% increase this year  bringing the state average to $11,759, more than four times the national average.

Six states, including Texas and Washington, will see their premiums remain almost flat this year, according to the analysis, which cited a healthier insurance market and the stabilizing effect of local legislation. South Dakota is the only state likely to see a meaningful drop in premiums: Its average is expected to fall about 3% to $2,488.

For states with rising premiums, Insurifys researchers largely point the finger at the increase in natural catastrophes. According to AccuWeather, the US can expect an explosive hurricane season this year, with the potential for as many as 25 named storms between June and November, compared with about 14 on average. Meanwhile, sea-level rise and other adverse climate impacts are catching up with historically low-risk states like Maine.

The rising cost of reinsurance  through which insurers can hedge their risk by buying protection from other insurers  is also playing a role in higher premiums, as are the growing costs associated with home reconstruction. Insurance fraud and legal disputes also contribute to higher rates, the analysis notes. That problem is particularly acute in Florida, which accounts for 9% of home insurance claims but 79% of lawsuits over filed claims, according to a 2022 statement from Governor Ron DeSantis.

Photograph: A house partially submerged in floodwaters after Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Cristal River, Florida, on Aug. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Trends USA Florida Homeowners
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Arkansas and local officials hailed the response from emergency workers, community groups and individuals on Friday as they marked the one-year anniversary of tornadoes that tore through the state and killed four people.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited a title company in Little Rock and a church in Jacksonville that were damaged by a tornado tore through the area. Five tornadoes hit the state on March 31, including two EF-3 tornadoes that devastated central and east Arkansas. Four people died in Wynne, located 91 miles (147 kilometers) northeast of Little Rock.

Sanders praised the response from community groups and individuals around Arkansas who assisted in the hours and days after the tornadoes alongside state and local authorities. Federal, state and local agencies have estimated the tornadoes caused between $70 million to $90 million in damage to public infrastructure, according to the state Department of Emergency Management.

Everyone with a moment to spare was outside the next day helping to pick up debris, Sanders said outside Pulaski County Title with local officials, police and firefighters. I have never been more proud to call myself an Arkansan.

The tornado destroyed Wynne High School, and students there have been attending classes at a temporary campus while a permanent replacement is being built.

In Little Rocks Walnut Valley neighborhood, work continues on many homes damaged or destroyed by the tornado. The neighborhood and city officials plan to mark the tornados anniversary on Saturday by planting a seedling donated by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

We showed that we will be united together and show our true unity and resilience together, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott said.

Photo: Debris covers the ground around damaged homes in Wynne, Ark., on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Unrelenting tornadoes that tore through parts of the South and Midwest that shredded homes and shopping centers. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm
MIDLAND COUNTY  Leslie Borrego lives in a modest house south of the city limits, built 24 years ago by her late husband Raul, who died unexpectedly from an aneurysm four years ago.

The walls, decorated with framed portraits of Raul, have provided shelter to Borrego and her growing family of six kids and three grandchildren.

Like thousands of other Hispanic families who live in unincorporated parts of the state, often referred to as colonias, Borregos family water source is a nearby well managed by a third party. And for the last three years, the water piped into her home, as well as her neighbors, contained traces of arsenic and other chemicals above the mandated state standards, according to records from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ.

Borrego and other residents say they never knew.

The wells former operator, Ramon Gonzalez, never alerted them, residents say. Neither did the state agency supervising him. The commission said it did its part by issuing a $1,300 fine in 2013, along with a court order, which is currently pending at the states attorney generals office, a spokesperson said. The agency said that under the Safe Water Drinking Act, individuals who operate a water system serving households have up to a year to issue a notice if the contamination doesnt pose an immediate risk.

He never told us anything, Borrego said.

Gonzalez resigned as operator in 2023. The Texas Tribune has been unable to reach him.

Water quality, supply and infrastructure are tests for many communities in Texas  especially as the states population rapidly expands. The challenge is acute in the states rural and unincorporated areas, like Borregos Midland County community.

Texas is on the cusp of releasing $1 billion to finance desperately needed water projects in all corners of the state in one of the largest investments since 2013, which voters approved last November. Its unclear whether these funds will reach the 9,300 residents living in the Permian Basins colonias, who for decades have relied on a system that has largely left their water source to rot.

The neighborhood consists of a handful of blocks. As is the case with many unincorporated communities in West Texas, the area has no paved roads  run-down properties neighbor brick homes, trailer homes outnumber concrete ones, and dogs run in packs, chasing out strangers. A mountain of discarded shingles on the horizon blocks the sunsets from view. One gravel road was in such disarray that neighbors on the block pooled $5,000 to buy enough caliche, a material made of gravel and sand, to cover the holes and make it drivable.

Problems with the well predate Gonzalez. The state has recorded almost 600 violations since 1997  a staggering number considering a well about 20 miles north used by a trailer park has had no violations since 1996. Another four miles west has had only 46 during the same time period.

Regulators do not keep an average number of violations per well. However, a 2022 report showed that just 4% of water systems were not compliant that year.

A court appointed Gonzalez to maintain the water well in 2005. Receivers are generally only appointed when a water system is at risk of abandonment, a spokesperson for the states environmental quality department said. As the Texas-appointed operator of the water well, Gonzalez charged a $35 monthly fee to each home, which he collected in cash and money orders, according to multiple residents in the neighborhood. He was responsible for maintaining the water well and ensuring it was compliant with state standards, including regular monitoring and treatment.

The well was a wreck when Lisa King and her company took over management of the well in late 2022. King is co-owner of New Water System, a Houston-based company that manages water wells in various states of disrepair.

We have extensive work to do after six years of neglect, she said. It was the Wild West, trying to figure out what was happening with the system.

Records show the wells water from 2020 through 2023 had chemical levels that exceeded state standards. And in some cases, the levels were unknown due to a lack of testing.

In 2020, multiple chemicals, including arsenic, atrazine and benzopyrene were present in the water. Ingesting these chemicals can lead to cancer and issues related to the heart and fertility. The same records show the consumers had not been notified that the water was contaminated.

In 2021, Gonzalez had not tested whether the water contained other chemicals, including chlorine, fluoride, lead and copper  which is mandated by state law. That year, the water had arsenic above the acceptable limit.

In 2022, the operator again did not test for a majority of chemicals. Still, the report said the water contained arsenic, but no one except the operator knew.

The TCEQ said it issued the standard violations to the operator in each case. When the commission identifies serious or continuing violations, regulators can begin an enforcement process, which includes financial penalties of up to $25,000 and a lawsuit. Between 2011 and 2019, regulators sent four notices. On those four occasions, Gonzalez said he brought the well to compliance, according to records by the regulators.

The state said that Gonzalez, as the manager of a public water system, was required to notify his customers of each violation and sign a letter certifying to the state he did. The TCEQ could not immediately confirm whether he notified the residents.

Information about contamination of the well did not reach residents, the majority of whom are Hispanic and whose primary language is Spanish.

Marcela Salcido moved to the neighborhood from Kermit, a nearby West Texas town, in 2008 after a divorce. The 63-year-old lives by herself in a house her sister left her before moving to Mexico. Over the years, Salcedo has expanded the house and added rooms for her two sons, their spouses and kids.

Salcido paid her $35 well bill on time every month. She rarely complained when the water stopped running for days or even weeks at a time. She keeps jugs of water in the living room and cases of water bottles she replenishes weekly. She didnt know the water from her faucets and shower had arsenic or other chemicals. And it wasnt until March 2024 that Salcido learned the water system was under new management. In the months since the new owners took over, they have not contacted Salcido.

Its an ugly thing, Salcido said in Spanish of when she learned the water contained contaminants. Sometimes I drank that water.

King and her husband said they had been gradually introducing themselves to the neighborhood as the new operators. The previous operator kept no records of the residents, so they went door by door. It took us years just to find names, King said.

The state does not track the number of residents who get water from wells and other non-municipal water lines.

Texas colonias have long been neglected. Residents live there often because the land is inexpensive and there are few regulations to build homes. It comes with a cost: There is little infrastructure propping up these communities, which typically line the states border with Mexico.

Midland County Commissioner Luis Sanchez identified 12 neighborhoods in the county that met the criteria for being recognized as colonias by the state.

A study prepared by Sanchez estimates that rehabilitating the water system across the 12,000 acres of the Midland colonias would cost $10 million. A sewer service, the study said, would cost the county $16 million.

Other organizations are working to establish water lines in colonias.

Kathryn Lucero, director of DigDeeps Colonias Water Project, got running water to a community along the U.S.-Mexico border and aims to do the same for five additional colonias.

Lucero said that for these projects to succeed, the residents need to be informed, engaged and involved in improving the infrastructure. The organization works with leaders in each community to understand their issues.

Midlands colonia residents were surprised to learn  from a Texas Tribune reporter  that their water contained chemicals.

The information long confirmed what Borrego believed to be true, that the water running through her pipes was dangerous and undrinkable. The person who operated the well when she and her husband settled in Midland warned them not to drink the water.

In the years since the water has felt oily and has smelled of chlorine, Borrego said.

On a windy Monday afternoon in March, Borrego pushed the door twice into the frame, ensuring she had sealed it shut. She draped the windows. Windy days fill the interior with the dust from the gravel road. While her favorite novela played in the background, she looked at a bill the new water operators had sent her: $754, a charge that includes three months worth of use  the new fee is $85 per month  late fees, a residential and receivership fee.

King, who said her company had spent more than $10,000 on the initial work of restoring the well, said the rate is one way the company can continue to finance repairs and upgrades for it, which had been drilled in 1986. Thats without accounting for the meters they plan to install in each household.

Repairs are ongoing. A little over a year after King took over, the well is yet to be in full compliance with state standards.

Its been a challenge to let them understand what was causing them to have water out of compliance, King said. I feel for them.

In the years shes lived there, Borregos water has never run consistently. Sometimes, when she turns on the faucet, she gets that whiff of chlorine, which she figures is what happens when the water is being cleaned, but she cant be too sure. No one tells her.

We need to pay whatever they say, Borrego said. We need the water.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/01/midland-texas-water-violations/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

Topics Texas
The Georgia General Assembly has approved a less-expensive version of a bill that would provide a type of disability insurance for first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The state Senate last week voted unanimously in favor of House Bill 451, which, if signed into law, will require municipalities and counties to adopt insurance programs that provide a one-time payment of $3,000 for first responders diagnosed with PTSD, a sum that would likely come from local governments budgets, not through workers compensation insurance.

An earlier version of the bill would have required a $10,000 lump sum.

The idea is modeled after a firefighters cancer benefits plan adopted in recent years in Georgia and a few other states. Current Georgia law provides workers compensation benefits for PTSD only when the responder has an accompanying physical injury.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Devan Seabaugh and others, also would require monthly benefits equal to 60% of the responders monthly salary, up to $5,000 a month, for 36 months. This would give law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, correctional officers and probation officers time off from work to seek treatment and recover from traumatic events. Volunteer first responders would be covered at a lower monthly rate.

The bill was dubbed the Ashley Wilson Act, after a Gwinnett, Georgia, police officer. It was endorsed by the state House of Representatives in late February and was roundly praised, despite the fact that similar measures had failed to advance in the Capitol for the past three years.

Any first responder who receives income replacement disability benefits  may be required by the insurer providing such benefits to have his or her condition reevaluated by a qualified diagnostician selected by the insurer, the final bill reads. In the event any such reevaluation reveals that such first responder has regained the ability to perform the duties previously performed as a first responder, then such benefits shall cease.

As of late February, MetLife was one of the few insurers to express interest in providing the benefits program, the Association of County Commissioners said.

The measure also requires data to be collected each year. Premiums paid on the program would not be subject to the states premium tax.

Topics Legislation Georgia
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  A 30-year-old woman in the U.S. on a student visa has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for setting fire to First Baptist Church in Montgomery in 2021, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Xiaoqin Yan, a citizen of China, was convicted last year on charges of arson and illegal possession of a firearm. At the time of her arrest, Yan had overstayed her non-immigrant visa and, therefore, could not lawfully possess a firearm. Her visa was revoked after her arrest.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross of Alabamas Middle District said in a news release that Yan was sentenced to 102 months in prison on Friday. The statement didnt specify how long Yan had overstayed her visa.

According to court records and evidence presented at Yans June 2023 trial, Yan entered a church in downtown Montgomery on Sept. 30, 2021 and ignited multiple fires inside the building. The church sustained at least $25,000 in damage, al.com reported.

Yan was captured on surveillance video. Investigators also found items identical to those seen in the video, as well as clothing the type worn by Yan when setting the fires.

Evidence presented during the trial also showed that Yan had multiple encounters with church staff prior to the arson and had exhibited odd behavior.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics China Alabama
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation reached a settlement agreement in principle with a cryptocurrency asset platform for violating state securities regulations.

The group of affiliated companies known as Abra  Plutus Financial Holdings Inc., Plutus Financial Inc., Plutus Lending LLC and Abra Boost LLC  offered and sold interest-bearing cryptocurrency depository products referred to as Abra Boost and Abra Earn.

The settlement requires the companies to notify all Oregon consumers with open accounts containing crypto assets with the companies that they are winding down U.S. operations and to encourage consumers to move any remaining crypto assets from the platform.

Consumers have at least seven days from the date they receive notice to remove their assets from the Abra platform. Assets remaining after that date with a value of $10 or more will be converted to fiat and a check or other instrument will be sent directly to the consumers last known address.

In Oregon, 167 residents still have cryptocurrencies on the Abra platform valued at about $32,387.14, according to the division.

The companies  controlled by William Bill Barhydt, who is also a party to the settlement  reportedly offered Abra Earn to all U.S. clients and Abra Boost to accredited U.S. clients. Investors in both programs earned interest by depositing digital assets with Abra and authorizing Abra to lend client assets to institutional borrowers, according to the department.

As part of the settlement, Abra and Barhydt will enter a consent order with DFR requiring that they cease and desist from offering or selling unregistered securities in Oregon and ordering them to pay an administrative penalty, which will be suspended if they comply with the process to return all assets owned by Oregon consumers before April 25.

Topics Oregon
Using a blink-and-youll-miss-it experiment, researchers from Trinity College Dublin have discovered that individuals differ widely in the rate at which they perceive visual signals. Some people perceive a rapidly changing visual cue at frequencies that others cannot, which means some access more visual information per timeframe than others.

The rate with which we perceive the world is known as our 'temporal resolution', and in many ways it's similar to the refresh rate of a computer monitor.

All eyes on Clinton Haarlem (@ClintonHaarlem) as he gives his visionary presentation "More than meets the eye: exploring variation

in visual temporal processing"#ZoBosymp2023 pic.twitter.com/9OO7zSR8rg  TCD ZoBo Symposium (@TcdZobo) March 3, 2023

The researchers, from the Department of Zoology in the School of Natural Sciences and the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, found that there is considerable variation among people in their temporal resolution, meaning some people effectively see more images per second than others.

To quantify this, the scientists used the critical flicker fusion threshold, a measure for the maximum frequency at which an individual can perceive a flickering light source.

If the light source flickers above a persons threshold, they will not be able to see that it is flickering, and instead see the light as steady. Some participants in the experiment indicated they saw the light as completely still when it was in fact flashing about 35 times per second, while others were still able to perceive the flashing at rates of more than 60 times per second.

Clinton Haarlem, PhD Candidate in the School of Natural Sciences, TCD: "We believe that individual differences in perception speed might become apparent in high-speed situations where one might need to locate or track fast-moving objects, such as in ball sports, or in situations where visual scenes change rapidly, such as in competitive gaming"

Clinton Haarlem, PhD Candidate in the School of Natural Sciences, is the first author of the article that has just been published in journal PLOS ONE. He said: We also measured temporal resolution on multiple occasions in the same participants and found that even though there is significant variation among individuals, the trait appears to be quite stable over time within individuals.

Though our visual temporal resolution is quite stable from day to day in general, a post-hoc analysis did suggest that there may be slightly more variation over time within females than within males.

We dont yet know how this variation in visual temporal resolution might affect our day-to-day lives, but we believe that individual differences in perception speed might become apparent in high-speed situations where one might need to locate or track fast-moving objects, such as in ball sports, or in situations where visual scenes change rapidly, such as in competitive gaming, added Clinton Haarlem.

This suggests that some people may have an advantage over others before they have even picked up a racquet and hit a tennis ball, or grabbed a controller and jumped into some fantasy world online.

Andrew Jackson, Professor in Zoology in Trinitys School of Natural Sciences, said: What I think is really interesting about this project is how a zoologist, a geneticist, and a psychologist can all find different angles to this work. For me as a zoologist the consequences of variation in visual perception likely has profound implications for how predators and prey interact, with various arms-races existing for investment in brain processing power and clever strategies to exploit weaknesses in ones enemy.

Kevin Mitchell, Associate Professor in Developmental Neurobiology in Trinitys School of Genetics and Microbiology, and the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, said: Because we only have access to our own subjective experience, we might naively expect that everyone else perceives the world in the same way we do. Examples like colour blindness show that isnt always true, but there are many less well- known ways that perception can vary too. This study characterises one such difference  in the frame rate of our visual systems. Some people really do seem to see the world faster than others.
Ships carrying large drug consignments are coming into Ireland every day of the week with only about 10% being detected by authorities, sources say.

A record 3.15 tonnes of cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of 280m was seized in 2023. If this represented just 10% of total imports, some 31.5 tonnes of those drugs alone would have been imported and trafficked through Ireland last year.

Irelands depleted navy  with just one ship currently operational  has left the country vulnerable to drug cartels and traffickers, said former navy commander Eugene Ryan. Mr Ryan is a founding member of the European anti-drug trafficking organisation MAOC-N.

The deadly Mexican Sinaloa cartel now has its tentacles in Ireland and the Kinahan cartel has had a huge impact on the country, with contacts reaching across the world and through the deep web.

But any cartel will get involved in importing drugs into a weak country," Mr Ryan said.

"And Ireland is weak at the moment.

The MV Matthew and its record 2.23 tonne haul of cocaine was seized off the south coast last September.

I have no doubt there are motherships going around full of drugs and they're being dropped off in pre-designated areas, Mr Ryan said.

These motherships are coming over all the time. They're either coming by yachts, coming on merchant vessels like the MV Matthew [which was intercepted last September off the Cork coast with a record 2.23 tonnes of cocaine], or they're coming on smaller vessels, like rig tenders [which service oil rigs].

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said last month it was "nearly impossible" to know what quantities of drugs were being trafficked into Ireland. He also said organised crime groups now see Ireland as a target.

Sources have indicated there are designated positions off the Irish coast which are used by merchant vessels to drop drugs onto the sea bed to await later collection.

And cocaine consignments appeared to be dropped off ships in Donegal and Denmark recently, which were never retrieved by gangs.

Some 850kg of cocaine worth an estimated 58m washed up in Denmark this month.

Some gardai have indicated this botched delivery may have been linked to a suspected attempt to smuggle drugs into Tragumna pier in West Cork days earlier.

Last July, packages of cocaine, weighing some 60kg and worth some 4m, washed up on beaches in Donegal.

Gardai suspected they had been dropped overboard by a larger boat and were due to be picked up at sea by drug smugglers.

Mr Ryan was involved in intercepting two of the biggest cocaine seizures in the Irish State  in the infamous Dunlough Bay operation and the yacht Dancing with Waves off Castletownbere, also in West Cork.

He said the timing of the Tragumna operation was interesting, coming just before St Patricks Day.

If I was a narco, I would say, whens the best time to hit Ireland? Probably around St Patricks Day, probably around Easter. Because the one ship will be alongside somewhere, crew will be on rest and recreation, therell be nothing out there [at sea].

I can see us being an easy touch now.
A significant fall in pupil-teacher ratios at both primary and secondary level is still not enough progress, with Ireland still having the "busiest classrooms in Europe", the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) annual conference has heard.

While there were some welcome announcements from the Department of Education before the start of the conference in Derry on Monday, the mood of the conference was far from buoyant, with chief concerns relating to teacher recruitment and retention.

The publication of Education Indicators for Ireland 2023  a report presenting a comprehensive set of educational markers  showed that the pupil-teacher ratio has reportedly fallen from 15.2 to 13.4 since 2018, while in post-primary it has fallen from 12.7 to 12.5.

Education Minister Norma Foley also announced 79m in funding to support digital learning in schools and minor building works. The 156th INTO congress was opened by INTO President Dorothy McGinley.

Threaded throughout her speech were reflections on the last INTO conference held in Derry, back in 1934, just 12 years after the establishment of the free state when Derry felt it had been cut off.

The historic and whole-island feel of the event was enhanced by a speech laden with the Irish language; memories of John Hume and Martin McGuinness; and flecked with quotations from Padraig Pearse and James Connolly.

We have come a long way, the president said. But the general tone of the address was one of disappointment at the condition of the education system in 2024.

Any good educational system must be all about valuing. It is vital that economic, political and social structures are set up to ensure that everyone in our schools experiences being valued and finding their true worth, she said.

Intense workload, new initiatives, teacher shortages, supersized classes, depleted budgets, high living costs, limited career pathways  all unfortunately feed into teacher burnout.

The most acute anger was felt in comments about class sizes.

One of the many motions debated at the Derry congress of 1934 was about class sizes and yet 90 years on, why are we still pleading with the departments North and South to reduce our supersized classes.

The president described bulging classes, containing children with additional needs, complex needs, emotional and behavioural needs and little or no help for these children and their teachers".

This is "absolutely and unquestionably not acceptable to the INTO," she said.

Some positivity was shared. Pay deals have been settled on both sides of the border. Reflecting on the win, the president said: We took example from the great James Connolly, who said, We are on our knees, let us rise.

The INTO will therefore leave no stone unturned, she said, as we begin our preparations to progress our next pay claim in September.

Applause from the auditorium was most resounding over various examples of underfunding, and its impact on children; a call for a more diverse teaching profession; inclusion for all LGBTQ+ members of school communities; and a devotion to the cause of Palestinian people.

Following her speech, in response to the departments earlier statistic that the pupil-teacher ratio has fallen from 15.2 to 13.4 since 2018, President McGinley shared her continuing frustration.

Im still visiting bulging classrooms with over 30 students, with highly diverse students. We fought hard and reduced classrooms by one student for two years in a row, but that hasnt happened this year. We have the busiest classrooms in Europe. That hasnt changed.

INTO delegate and teacher from Wicklow, Maebh Egan, was pleased with the opening speech. The president has travelled all over the country. She knows the issues and remembers the faces. She knows the truth of what is happening on the ground.
A van has been set on fire following a dissident march in Derry to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Petrol bombs were also thrown at members of the media covering the event, as police warned the public to avoid the Creggan area of the city.

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery.

Two young men, one carrying a petrol bomb, stand next to an IRA sign in Creggan as a parade commemorating the anniversary of the Easter Rising takes place (Liam McBurney/PA)

There was a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

A police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings, and a drone issued a warning to those assembled that it was an unnotified parade.

A group of young men carrying crates of petrol bombs at the start of the parade (Liam McBurney/PA)

A number of young people with masks covering their faces attended the parade, carried crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry.

Media came under attack following the march, with a number of petrol bombs thrown.

A PSNI spokesperson said: We would ask drivers to avoid Central Drive and the surrounding area in Creggan where there are a number of people with petrol bombs in the area, and a van has been set on fire.

A colour party arrive at the City Cemetery in Londonderry after the parade (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police on the ground were attacked at the same event last year with petrol bombs and other missiles.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against the then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

Most parades were lawful and passed without incident.
Scenes of young people with petrol bombs in Derry have been condemned.

Crates of petrol bombs appear to have been prepared in advance ahead of a dissident republican parade in the Creggan area to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

While the main parade passed off without major incident, petrol bombs were later thrown at members of the media and a van was set on fire.

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area before making its way to the City Cemetery.

A group of young men carrying crates of petrol bombs (Liam McBurney/PA)

A senior police officer said they had been notified about an event in the City Cemetery, but not of the parade from Central Drive.

Derry City and Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said they believed petrol bombs seen on Central Drive would have been used to attack police if the opportunity had arisen.

The parade included a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

A police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings, and a drone warned people it was an unnotified parade.

A number of young people with masks covering their faces carried crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry.

Crates of petrol bombs (Liam McBurney/PA)

Members of the media came under attack after the march and a number of petrol bombs were thrown.

Ms Kearney said police engaged with the event organiser and, on the day, issued several warnings from a drone to make people aware they would be taking part in an unnotified parade on Central Drive.

Despite several warnings, participants proceeded along Central Drive and into the City Cemetery, she said.

Sadly, we saw evidence of petrol bombs being prepared by young people prior to the parade.

These youths were also involved in the parade along Central Drive. It is our assessment these would have been used to attack police had the opportunity arose.

Its incredibly sad, and really disheartening, to see young people, including children, involved in this.

Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality, is reprehensible

Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality, is reprehensible.

A local persons van was set on fire for no reason, just next to a local community hall on Central Drive in Creggan, while a number of petrol bombs were also thrown in the area.

The fire has been dealt with by NIFRS and those involved throwing the petrol bombs have dispersed.

Todays parade was un-notified and therefore an investigation has commenced into what occurred, as well as the other incidents which serve only to damage the local community.

Footage obtained from our evidence-gathering operation today will be reviewed as part of an investigation into a breach of the Public Processions Act and offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood condemned the scenes.

A colour party arrive at the City Cemetery in Londonderry after the parade (Liam McBurney/PA)

This is the last thing that our community wants or needs.

The kids being whipped up into throwing petrol bombs at journalists and the police are putting their own lives and futures at risk as well as the safety of others, he said.

Those responsible for this only want to drag us back. They have nothing to offer the people of this city and they need to understand that we all want a better future.

The people of Derry want to live in peace with their neighbours. We wont have that peace threatened by anyone, let alone cowards that send kids out to throw petrol bombs.

Police on the ground were attacked at the same event last year, with petrol bombs and other missiles.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

Most parades were lawful and passed without incident.
The Government has suspended all funding to an Irish language promotion organisation in Cork over governance and financial control shortcomings, as the body says it is being treated unfairly.

Funding to the Irish organisation in Cork City, Gael-Taca, has been suspended since February, with the Department of an Gaeltacht saying that it does not have the organisational capacity to handle State funds.

These shortcomings in governance and in financial control deviated significantly from best practice expected from organisations receiving government funding. Consequently, my department had no option but to suspend the previous funding agreement with Gael-Taca, junior Gaeltacht minister Patrick ODonovan said, in a parliamentary question response.

The organisation itself, which was set up in 1987, was the lead body for language planning in Cork City, with volunteers working to increase the number of services across the city that are available through Irish.

Following the closure of its offices on Sullivan's Quay due to a lack of funding, the organisation has been run mostly by volunteers. Mr ODonovan says that the department has liaised with Gael Taca to deal with outstanding issues and to help strengthen its governance regime.

He also confirmed that substantial emergency funding was provided to Gael-Taca to clear debts that were accumulated by the organisation. However, Mr ODonovan confirmed that his department received a funding application from Gael-Taca last September, but that they decided in February not to provide such funds.

The department remains of the view that Gael-Taca has neither the organisational capacity to handle State funding in line with best practice nor a clear future vision for the organisation, Mr ODonovan said.

Consequently, my Department notified Gael-Taca in February 2024 that it was not in a position to enter into a funding agreement with the organisation.

Gael-Tacas secretary, Adrian Breathnach, accepted that the organisation did experience issues with financial control during the covid-19 pandemic, leading to the dismissal of one staff member.

However, Mr Breathnach said that, since then, the organisation has sought to co-operate with the department to restore confidence and restart operations, particularly following the closure of its premises on Sullivan's Quay.

This included a new board being put in place and the development of both a plan for the future of the organisation and for the Irish language in Cork City.

We did everything we could and we are being treated unfairly. I mean, we've done everything, Mr Breathnach said, adding that the Gael-Taca accounts are audited each year.

Following the announcement that Gael-Taca would not receive any State funding, having sought 100,000, the organisation has requested a meeting with the department but has yet to receive a response.

While Mr ODonovan said that funding is not being provided to Gael-Taca, the department is still planning to support the development of the Irish language in Cork, with it exploring other possibilities at present.
At least 141 people have been detained on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol since last Thursday, according to gardai.

In that time, the death toll on Irish roads has also gone from 50 to 58.

During a traffic stop in Limerick, one driver did a u-turn and tried to avoid being stopped but gardai gave chase and he was subsequently detained.

Inspector Padraig Sutton, who runs Limericks Roads Policing Unit said the latest figures were alarming.

Since the operation began, we have had 141 detained on suspicion of driving while intoxicated," he said.

"In the last 48 hours, 46 people in the country have been detained on suspicion of driving while being intoxicated. Those are alarming figures for us.

We are out there and doing our best and trying to reverse the trends.

Insp Sutton warned: No matter what you are doing on the road, you need to take care of yourself and think about the fact that your actions have consequences.

St Colemans College student Vikaris Gudaitis was killed about 1km from a triple tragedy just days previously.

He said bank holiday weekends were one of the periods where road users were at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.

The risk of a fatal or serious injury collision is highest between 3pm and 6pm during the Easter bank holiday weekends, while Easter Saturday is the highest risk day for a fatal or serious injury collision.

The latest road death involved the death of a teenage boy, who died after a collision with a driver on the N17 in Mayo on Saturday.

St Colemans College student Vikaris Gudaitis was killed about 1km from a triple tragedy just days previously.

During a traffic stop in Limerick, one driver did a u-turn and tried to avoid being stopped but gardai gave chase and he was subsequently detained.

Donegal woman Una Carlin Bowden and daughters, Ciara, 14, and Saoirse, 9, died when their vehicle collided with a truck on the N17 outside Claremorris, Co Mayo, last week.

In recent days the minister with responsibility for road safety, Jack Chambers, told the Irish Examiner he was concerned about insufficient numbers of gardai assigned to road policing.

He has repeatedly raised the matter with both Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and wants to see road policing units beefed up. Greater numbers will ensure there is an increased perception of enforcement among motorists, he said.

Insp Sutton, who runs Limericks Roads Policing Unit said: "Enforcement is not the silver-bullet solution here."
As Irelands annual teachers' conferences take place this week, the Irish Examiner considers some of the issues dominating Irish education in 2024.

Complaints of inadequate funding dominate, along with caution around artificial intelligence (AI), and a broader consideration of how our education system might best reflect a changing country.

The teacher recruitment and retention crisis and conditions of work

Ireland continues to boast an excellent education system. Most recent results from the Programme for International Student Assessment rank Irish students significantly above the OECD average in all three domains  reading literacy, maths literacy, and science literacy.

This is not where the story ends, however, and challenges continue to affect the sector, the most considerable being a shortage of teachers.

A shortage of teachers is one of the biggest challenges facing the profession.

Ahead of last years teacher conferences, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), representing teachers and lecturers in post-primary, higher and further education, published a survey identifying that 40% of teachers said they did not believe they would be in the profession in 10 years.

The TUI believes the crisis is only worsening, and so it is set to dominate all union conferences. Attendees will hear a demand for increased measures to tackle teacher shortages in schools, exacerbated by cost-of-living increases and the severe scarcity of affordable accommodation.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), the union for primary teachers and principals, asserts the new pay deal, the Building Momentum Agreement, has resulted in teachers suffering a reduction in real pay due to rising costs in the Republic. They call for a type of London Weighting to help with teacher scarcity in Dublin and other urban areas.

Other suggested solutions include shortening the teacher training course, loosening Teaching Council registration, and expanding teacher courses to serve more rural parts of the country.

At secondary school level, some suggest the introduction of planning hours for teachers of Leaving Cert subjects during the school day.

The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) calls for the removal of the 33 hours of unpaid Croke Park hours, and more flexibility for teachers. They ask that post-holders, those with responsibilities beyond the classroom, receive timetabled hours to fulfil their duties within the school day.

Conversations about pensions and a restoration of pre-2013 conditions continue. More full-hour contracts are needed for teachers joining the profession, says the TUI, alongside more incentives and easier processes for teachers returning from abroad.

The provision of education for children with special educational needs

Earlier this month, principals of primary schools were vociferous in their opposition to a new allocation model which removes complex needs as a criterion for support in their schools. They asked for an opportunity to share more accurate information with the department, beyond standardised test results.

However, the department responded to the petition shared by the Irish Principals Forum by questioning the accuracy of the document, saying some signatories were not principals, or were names collected from unaffected schools.

The forum shared disappointment at its response. Inclusion Ireland, and autism charity AsIAm also warned against the new allocation model. The department then said it removed the criterion on complex needs over concerns relating to data provided by the HSE.

Beyond disputes over the new model, children with additional needs are losing teacher time as a knock-on effect of the recruitment and retention crisis.

The teacher conferences coincide with Holy Communion and Confirmation season. With far fewer Irish families practising their faith, conversations continue in the media and online about faith formation in schools.

In a survey conducted by the INTO last November, two thirds of primary schools responded they had used a special education teacher (SET) to cover a teacher absence. Some 61 schools indicated they had used a SET for more than 20 days by the end of the first month of the school year.

The INTO is calling for increased supports from outside services and from the inspectorate in managing inclusive education, and for a simplified process in accessing supports.

A survey released by the INTO shows 58% of respondents have experienced physical aggression in school. They link this to a paucity of supports for teachers and wrap-around services for pupils. A total of 440 participants completed the survey.

The findings point to a distressing reality faced by teachers and highlight the need for comprehensive policy reforms in education and health support services," it said.

At secondary level, ASTI also seeks improved therapeutic services for students, and a formalisation of the role of coordinating special educational needs in schools.

The TUI points to a more general underfunding issue in education, highlighting that out of 36 countries in the OECD, none spends a lower proportion of national wealth (GDP) on education than Ireland.

At second level, this is more pronounced, where at 1%, the spend for second level is just half that of the OECD average. This is resulting in large class sizes, over-stretched pastoral support systems for students and education facilities which are often unsuited to modern and inclusive teaching and learning.

Religion in schools

The teacher conferences coincide with Holy Communion and Confirmation season. With far fewer Irish families practising their faith, conversations continue in the media and online about faith formation in schools.

The INTO suggests surveying all members on the following questions: Should faith formation education take place in primary schools? Should primary school education in Ireland have secular or religious patrons?

It plans to publish the result by June 2024. It also proposes the removal of the requirement for a religious certificate to teach in Irish schools.

Under the new primary curriculum, the amount of time dedicated to faith formation is set to reduce from two and a half hours to two hours a week. Critics believe more needs to be done to protect the rights of non-Catholic children during school hours.

Conversations relating to the patronage of schools continue

At present, 89% of primary schools have a Catholic ethos, which gives them a legal right to teach faith formation within their schools. About 5% have a multi-denominational ethos and the remaining approximately 6% of primary schools have a religious ethos other than Catholic, mainly Church of Ireland.

The current Programme for Government commits to improving parental choice by meeting a target of delivering 400 multidenominational primary schools by 2030. Groups such as Education Equality argue the existing target is not enough and will still leave about 88% of schools under religious patronage.

One of the biggest conversations in education in recent months relates to artificial intelligence, technology, and its impact on assessment and learning.

In Census 2022, over 3.5 million people living in the State reported their religion was Roman Catholic, accounting for 69% of the population. The number of people who reported having no religion increased to more than 14% of the population, an increase of 63% since the 2016 census, and of 187% since the 2011 census.

The Genesis Report (data collected in 2019) shows a majority of parents at primary (56%) and secondary (66%) do not choose schools because of their religious ethos.

AI, technology and senior cycle reform

One of the biggest conversations in education in recent months relates to artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and its impact on assessment and learning.

Education Minister Norma Foley launched a new plan last November to discourage parents from buying smartphones for primary school children.

Concerns remain high that smartphone use is impacting sleep and mental health and exposing young children to the risk of cyberbullying and sexual content.

The minister released practical guidelines to help facilitate charters between families and schools, as were already being developed in Wicklow and Waterford earlier last year.

Schools continue to grapple with the issue of intrusive technology, however, particularly at secondary, where most children carry phones into school.

Teachers also feel the impact of technology

Research by Red C, carried out on behalf of ASTI, found one in five teachers experience some form of cyberbullying, and are often subject to receiving angry messages from students or seeing them posted online.

Teachers report being recorded without their consent, and having private information shared online. Although the majority of cyberbullying against teachers is reportedly perpetrated by students, 20% is carried out by parents.

The research is based on a survey of 1,920 ASTI members.

AI presents a different challenge, particularly at senior cycle, in relation to a changing assessment model.

In November of last year, Ms Foley shelved plans to introduce teacher-based assessment across Leaving Cert subjects as part of a revised senior cycle programme, identifying the advent of AI technology for the change in direction.

Some 22% of teacher respondents from the same ASTI survey say they use it in their classrooms and nearly a third use it to prepare lessons. However, over 80% have concerns about its impact on teaching and learning.

The TUI calls on all stakeholders to ensure AI does not outpace education.

In November of last year, Ms Foley shelved plans to introduce teacher-based assessment across Leaving Cert subjects as part of a revised senior cycle programme, identifying the advent of AI technology for the change in direction.

Seven subjects, including the sciences and two entirely new courses, will contain some additional component outside of the final exam, however. This will not be marked by teachers as originally planned and will instead be sent to the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

Ms Foley denied the assessment change was due to union opposition, which has always been considerable.

A key motion at the ASTI annual convention next week will seek to explore the potential impact of AI on Leaving Cert additional components (such as project work) and their assessment in these seven subjects. There are concerns 40% of Leaving Cert subject grades will be allocated to these additional components in redeveloped or new Leaving Cert subjects.

Into the future: new curricula, free books, and new school buildings

The new primary curriculum is currently the subject of public consultation, and much media attention. In its current draft, students will spend more time on foreign languages, with an increased focus on Stem (science, technology, engineering, and maths) and opportunities to engage with a wider arts curriculum, including dance and creative media.

In Budget 2024, funding of 67m was set to provide free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle pupils in recognised post-primary schools for the upcoming school year 2024/25.

A concern over a lack of adequate funding pervades the primary sector. The focus on Stem is welcomed but schools worry about implementing the changes without adequate funding.

The INTO is calling for funding for the implementation of the primary maths curriculum and demands schools be fully supported with in-person training prior to and during the implementation of any new curricula.

It also calls for training and resourcing of the new modern foreign language programme, as outlined in the primary curriculum framework. There are also widespread concerns about a lack of funding in relation to digital technologies in classrooms.

As per the new primary curriculum, alongside a reduction in the time given to faith formation, Irish teaching will reduce from three and a half hours to three in English-medium schools.

An increased focus on wellbeing will include relationships and sex education. Children will learn about puberty in third or fourth class, as opposed to fifth or sixth class. This will likely cause controversy, but defenders of the move say children are starting primary school later and developing earlier.

At secondary, the TUI welcomes Norma Foleys announcement that continued professional development will be provided before the implementation of new senior cycle subjects, and sample papers will also be available to teachers before the implementation of the senior cycle, with specifications incorporating significant scaffolding to aid teachers.

Stakeholders seem pleased with the recent rollout of free schoolbooks across primary schools. In Budget 2024, funding of 67m was set to provide free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle pupils in recognised post-primary schools for the upcoming school year 2024/25.

However, The National Association for Principals and Deputy Principals reports over 80% of its members lack the necessary supports and information to deliver the scheme by the start of the new school year.

Issues relating to school buildings continue to hit headlines. In Budget 2024, the allocation of 940m for 2024 will facilitate a continued rollout of urgently needed school building projects.

This includes the continued progression of building projects currently at construction  40 new buildings, and about 260 school extensions  all expected to be completed in 2024 or early 2025.

Reactions on the ground are lukewarm, however, with school communities saying their current conditions are not fit for purpose. There are associated enrolment pressures in Kildare, north Wicklow and parts of Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

The Department of Education has acknowledged "capital funding pressures" that arose in 2023.
This week a Health Minister will again visit University Hospital Limerick (UHL) following disturbing revelations around overcrowding and its tragic consequences.

While families and advocates welcome the heightened attention, a certain weariness can be detected as this is far from the first visit by senior politicians to the beleaguered hospital.

In February 2023, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar met the Midwest Hospital Campaign at a Limerick hotel.

Campaign volunteer Marie McMahon, whose husband died in 2018 at the overcrowded hospital, told the Irish Examiner afterwards she felt he listened to their concerns, but added: At the end of the day, it is all about what is delivered.

Mr Varadkar also visited the emergency department.

In August 2019 then-Health Minister Simon Harris visited after the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) trolley figures for July showed 1,293 patients without a bed there.

Tragically, an inquest last week heard overcrowding continued that year.

Martin Abbott, aged 65, from Shannon died without dignity in December, his daughter Anne Marie Abbott said. He spent three days on a trolley, and was found face down on the floor. The court heard he may have been dead for up to an hour.

Dad's death should not be in vain, Anne Marie said and she called for his death be a catalyst for meaningful change and improvements.

A review also continues into the death of Aoife Johnston, 16, in December 2022.

The incoming Taoiseach opened a revamped 24m ED at UHL in 2017, but INMO trolley data shows overcrowding continued.

Mary Fogarty, assistant director of industrial relations, described conditions as unacceptable and dangerous for patients just weeks ago.

Current Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has crossed the Shannon to UHL several times already.

In June 2022 he asked the HSE to send a specialist support team following a sharply critical report by regulator Hiqa.

Meanwhile overcrowding consequences ripple across the region.

This time last year, colorectal surgeon and member of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, Dr Colin Peirce, said his operating list of 10 patients planned for a Tuesday at Nenagh Hospital was cancelled on the Monday afternoon.

He told the Irish Examiner:

Its a very dangerous cycle that we are in here.

Last month UL Hospitals Group again cancelled operations to save beds for emergencies.

Dr Mick Molloy, emergency medicine consultant on the Irish Medical Organisations consultant committee, said bed numbers speak for themselves. A 2008 report for the HSE recommended 642 beds for UHL but instead the hospital website shows 531 up to mid-March.

The bed situation develops into a big competition between patients, he warned.

Recent measures have included significant staff recruitment, a GP in the ED, and controversially re-purposing a Nenagh nursing home for overflow. Construction continues on a 96-bed block including new and replacement beds, with a second block planned.

Of course, if Mr Donnelly or HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, who will accompany him, did not visit UHL at a time of such strain, they would also be criticised.

However, families are surely entitled to ask what exactly will result from this weeks photo opportunities?
There were two starkly differing perspectives on education spending at the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) AGM with Minister Norma Foley insisting it is plenty, in contrast to the union which says it is not nearly enough.

In a press conference ahead of addressing delegates, Ms Foley reflected on how far the education system has come since the last INTO conference was held in Derry, 90 years ago.

90 years ago, class sizes were 50 students plus, now they have been reduced to a ratio of 23 students per teacher," she said.

And so, the tone was set, with the minister appearing unflappably and impenetrably optimistic.

On poor funding in education, she questioned Irelands rank as the lowest in the The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It depends on who is articulating it, she told the Irish Examiner.

Referring to the data that compares the percentage of government spending on education, she said: Some people would say that the Modified Gross National Income (GNI) is a fairer reflection and under that, we are fair performers.

This is not a currently included in the OECDs calculations, however. Data is compared using two measures: expenditures on public and private education institutions per full-time-equivalent (FTE) student, and total government and private expenditures on education institutions as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP).

We are also third in spending as a department, and during my tenure we have gone from a budget of more than eight billion to more than 10bn. That is a considerable endorsement, the minister said.

Ms Foley posited that funding is only one aspect, and that many initiatives on the ground are improving childrens experience of school.

A few hours later, in her main address to delegates, she put Irelands education sector into a more international context, calling to mind the atrocities occurring in Gaza. Her comments garnered a huge response from the audience, with clapping thundering down the aisles. She then spoke of the increasing diversity in Irish schools, referencing the integral work of teachers.

I have visited hundreds of schools, and my message is very consistent when I address staff and students. I tell them that their investment in the school is what really makes the school what it is, she said.

Her department has made huge improvements during her tenure, she said.

In total, there have been more than 5,000 extra primary school teachers employed since the 2019/2020 school year, bringing the number of primary teachers to 43,000 in this school year.

In stark contrast to the address by the president of the INTO earlier in the day, she said: As you are aware, I managed, over the course of three budgets, to bring down the pupil: teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools for the current school year. That is the lowest ever seen at primary level.

Whatever frustrations the INTO might share, class sizes are indisputably, as she included, at the lowest level ever seen at primary level, but this is still above the European average.

Later in her address she seemed to make an error, saying that class sizes were now favourably compared to the OECD average of 15:1.

The auditorium shouted out in protest and were reminded by President Dorothy McGinley to show respect.

Minister Foley addresses delegates in Derry.

Despite palpable anger among delegates at the treatment of children with additional needs, Ms Foley lauded her departments improvements in the area.

More and more schools are putting their hands up to take special classes. We will have 400 more established in September. It has truly been a shining example of inclusion in education.

Some might have questioned the choice of language putting their hands up, potentially hitting the wrong note among educators in the auditorium.

However, in response to complaints regarding the absence of wraparound supports for children with complex needs, a lack of funding, Ms Foley said: I am conscious the Department of Education cannot take over the role of the HSE and its trained staff. But it can work on new models, such as the in-school counselling service, which for the first time ever is placing counsellors into schools to work with students, teachers, and parents.

The minister was also proud to share Irelands excellent international reputation in education. When asked to explain how Ireland continues to outperform peers in maths and literacy when travelling abroad, she reported having no hesitation in telling them that the success is down to the excellent, committed and talented teachers working tirelessly in every classroom in Ireland in our schools.

She was keen to emphasise the work she has carried out in response to increased smartphone usage in schools, and the research that is ongoing in relation to AI. But she put teachers front and centre and under the limelight in her closing remarks.

The best frameworks in the world are of no use without the dedication and commitment of those standing in the classroom day in and day out.

This focus on teachers was noted in General Secretary John Boyles response.

Teachers deserve to be rewarded, recognised, and remunerated commensurate with their qualifications and for specialised work, " said.

Invest in education, empower the best teachers. It really is that simple. We need action, not apathy. Talks and reports won't fill empty classrooms, he continued.

Referencing the teaching recruitment and retention crisis he said: We are losing our best and our brightest.

You need to be ruthless at cabinet to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis, otherwise your legacy over the education brief will not be what I know you want it to be.

Speaking of classroom sizes he reiterated the unions position.

You slammed on the brakes on class size reductions. You missed an unprecedented opportunity to bring an end to Irelands shameful largest class sizes in the Eurozone. He called out the Ministers error and urged her not to mention class sizes.

On overall spending he commented: During your ministry, the annual expenditure on education has increased by 5bn. While this has been welcome, I want to put some perspective on it. Between 2009 and 2017 education budgets were slashed. Since you took office, the percentage of total government expenditure allocated to your department has hovered at around 10%. It was once closer to 19%. But the OECD has repeatedly highlighted that at 10% less than the OECD average per pupil, Ireland is simply not spending enough on primary education.

We should be investing 20% he said.
It was that problematic character Enoch Powell who once observed that all political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs.

He was writing his line of Joseph Chamberlain, statesman, imperialist, and a man with highly portable principles.

But that verdict may have impinged this week on one of Powells most notable mentees, Jeffrey Donaldson.

Donaldson, 61, was hired as an assistant by Enoch Powell, and served as election agent for the UUP MP for South Down between 1982 and 1984.

He quit as Democratic Unionist Party leader on Friday after his arrest on historic charges of rape, gross indecency, and multiple counts of indecent assault.

After a weekend of rumour on social media, his wife of 36 years was named as being charged with aiding and abetting additional offences in relation to the same police operation.

Both deny any wrongdoing and are due to appear in Newry Magistrates Court on April 24.

The revelations of the charges have reverberated throughout the North, the Republic, and Westminster.

Read More Police warning public not to speculate on Jeffrey Donaldson offences as they risk criminal charge

The PSNI investigation, under the stewardship of the new chief constable Jon Boucher who has been in effective control of the service since October, commenced in January.

Donaldson and his wife were arrested at their home in Dromore, Co Down, just before 7am on Thursday.

His arrest and subsequent resignation threw his party into chaos.

All references to him were removed from the DUP website and all his social media accounts have been closed.

Party insiders have acknowledged that they could lose his Lagan Valley seat.

While Donaldson has indicated that he will not run in the forthcoming Westminster election, anticipated to be in the late autumn, it is not clear whether he will resign his seat which would necessitate a by-election.

But the political obituaries have already been written, irrespective of the outcome of the forthcoming court case.

Mordant humour circulating on the internet included this line: Its official. 2nd worst Good Friday in DUP history.

Donaldson, who led his party for three years, was the principal Unionist influence on the deal which reopened power-sharing in Stormont, and now he has gone within eight weeks.

That, of itself, is unlikely to blow off the doors of devolution but it will place greater scrutiny on the relationship between Northern Ireland deputy first minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, and Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill.

And on the personality of the interim leader, East Belfast MP, Gavin Robinson.

There is a strand of Unionism, as there is within the Conservative party, which is keen to unshackle from EU law and from what it sees as an ipso facto Irish sea border.

But the prime requirement now, after a prolonged and sterile suspension of power sharing, is for some stability and clear blue water between these events and the verdict of the ballot boxes, whenever that comes.

Judicial process affecting Donaldson and his wife is now under way.

What the body politic needs is business as usual, albeit that this can be a tenuous definition in the North.
The Israeli military has withdrawn from Gazas main hospital after a two-week raid, leaving behind a swathe of destruction, Palestinian residents said.

Hundreds of people returned to Shifa Hospital and the surrounding area after the withdrawal early on Monday, where they found bodies inside and outside the facility.

There was no immediate comment from the military, which has described the raid as one of the most successful operations of the nearly six-month war.

The army says it killed scores of Hamas and other militants, including senior operatives, and that it seized weapons and valuable intelligence.

Palestinians inspect the damage to a residential building (Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP)

Mohammed Mahdi, who was among those to return, described a scene of total destruction.

He said several buildings had been burned down. He counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

Another resident, Yahia Abu Auf, said there were still patients, medical workers and displaced people sheltering inside the medical compound.

He said several patients had been taken to the nearby Ahli Hospital, and that army bulldozers had ploughed over a makeshift cemetery inside the hospital compound.

The situation is indescribable, he said. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities.

The war has been going on for nearly six months (Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP)

Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with war wounded.

The military had previously raided Shifa, Gazas largest hospital, in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control centre inside and beneath the compound. It revealed a tunnel running beneath the hospital that led to a few rooms.

The war began on October 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed over 32,000 Palestinians, displaced most of the territorys population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine.
Russias top security agency said it has broken up a terrorist cell whose members provided weapons and cash to suspected attackers of a Moscow concert hall.

The Federal Security Service, or FSB, said it detained four suspected members of the cell in the southern Russian province of Dagestan in the North Caucasus.

The agency alleged that the suspects were involved in channelling funds and providing weapons to the gunmen who attacked the concert hall on Moscows western edge on March 22, killing 144 people in the deadliest attack on Russian soil in two decades.

A woman sprinkles flowers at a makeshift memorial during a vigil for the victims of the Moscow concert hall attack (Dita Alangkara/AP)

The detained militants directly participated in financing the perpetrators of the March 22 terror attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow and providing them with terror means, the FSB said in a statement.

It said one of the suspects detained in Dagestan confessed to taking weapons to the Moscow attackers.

The FSB released a video showing one of the suspects saying that they also planned an attack in the city of Kaspiysk in Dagestan.

The agency said the suspects are foreign nationals, without specifying their nationality. The suspected attackers of the Moscow concert hall arrested hours after the March 22 raid are citizens of the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan.

The detention of four suspects in Dagestan follows the arrest of the four suspected gunmen and seven others who were accused of involvement in the attack.

An affiliate of the so-called Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Russian president Vladimir Putin acknowledged that radical Islamists conducted the raid but alleged  without providing evidence  that Ukraine and the West were involved, despite Kyivs vehement denials.
For maybe the last time, Alex Murdaugh, in a prison jumpsuit instead of the suit he used to wear, shuffled into a court on Monday in the US and was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.

Murdaugh, 55, was punished, this time in federal court in South Carolina, for stealing from clients and his law firm.

The disbarred lawyer is already serving a life sentence without parole in a state prison for killing his wife and son.

A report by federal agents recommended a prison sentence between 17 and a half years and just under 22 years.

The 40-year sentence will be insurance on top of insurance.

Along with the life sentence, Murdaugh pleaded guilty and was ordered to spend 27 years in prison in state court on financial crime charges.

The federal sentence will run at the same time as his state prison term and he is likely to have to serve all 40 years if his murder convictions are overturned on appeal.

Alex Murdaugh is already serving a life sentence without parole in a state prison for killing his wife and son (Tracy Glantz/The State/AP)

US District Judge Richard Gergel said he sentenced Murdaugh to a harsher punishment than suggested because Murdaugh stole from the most needy, vulnerable people, like a client who became a quadriplegic after a crash, a state trooper who was injured on the job, and a trust fund meant for children whose parents were killed in a crash.

They placed all their problems and all their hopes on Mr Murdaugh and it is from those people he abused and stole. It is a difficult set of actions to understand, Judge Gergel said.

The 22 federal counts are the final charges outstanding for Murdaugh, who three years ago was an established lawyer negotiating multimillion-dollar settlements in tiny Hampton County, where members of his family were elected prosecutors and ran the areas premier law firm for nearly a century.

Murdaugh will also have to pay nearly nine million dollars (7 million) in compensation.

Prosecutors are asking for a harsher sentence because FBI agents think he is not telling the whole truth about what happened to six million dollars (4.7 millions) he stole and whether a so-far unnamed lawyer helped his criminal schemes.

Murdaughs largest scheme involved the sons of his longtime housekeeper Gloria Satterfield.

She died in a fall at the family home. Murdaugh promised to take care of Ms Satterfields family, then worked with a lawyer friend who pleaded guilty to a scheme to steal four million dollars (3 million) in a wrongful death settlement with the familys insurer.

Theres not enough time and I dont possess a sufficient vocabulary to adequately portray to you in words the magnitude of how I feel about the things I did

In all, Murdaugh took settlement money from or inflated fees or expenses for more than two dozen clients. Prosecutors said the FBI found 11 more victims than the state investigation found.

Murdaugh again apologised to his victims at his sentencing on Monday, saying he felt guilt, sorrow, shame, embarrassment, humiliation.

Just as at his state sentencing, Murdaugh offered to meet whis victims so they can say what they want to say and more closely inspect my sincerity.

Theres not enough time and I dont possess a sufficient vocabulary to adequately portray to you in words the magnitude of how I feel about the things I did, Murdaugh said.

Murdaugh blamed nearly two decades of addiction to opioids for his crimes and said he was proud he has been clean for 937 days.

Judge Gergel scoffed at him blaming drugs.

No truly impaired person could pull off these complex transactions, the judge said of the maze of fake accounts, juggled cheques and money passed from one place to another to hide the thefts for nearly 20 years.

No truly impaired person could pull off these complex transactions

Murdaugh was convicted a year ago of killing his younger son Paul with a shotgun and his wife, Maggie, with a rifle.

While he has pleaded guilty to dozens of financial crimes, he adamantly denies he killed them and gave evidence in his own defence. There will be years of appeals in the murder cases.

The case has captivated true crime fans, spawning dozens of podcast episodes and thousands of social media posts. It continued its odd twists in the days before Mondays sentencing hearing.

Lawyers for Murdaugh said an FBI agent who conducted a polygraph test asked Murdaugh if he could keep a secret, then confided he had just examined notorious Dutch killer Joran van der Sloot.

Murdaugh failed that polygraph test, according to prosecutors who want a harsher sentence.

Each of the 22 counts to which Murdaugh pleaded guilty in federal court carried a minimum of 20 years in prison. Some carry a 30-year maximum.

The defence said the alleged odd behaviour and unusual questions from a FBI agent caused Murdaugh to fail the test.

Prosecutors want to keep many of the FBI statements secret, saying they are still investigating the missing money and who might have helped Murdaugh to steal it.

They say making the information public would jeopardise an ongoing grand jury investigation.
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Today

Periods of rain. Thunder possible. Low near 55F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tonight

Periods of rain. Thunder possible. Low near 55F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tomorrow

Sunny skies. Cooler. High 67F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
03/31/2024

Sophomore honor society, Lambda Sigma, leads an effort to build 60 beds for underserved children in Calhoun County.
East Lansing, MI (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  For 176 days, the world has borne witness to Israels use of disproportionate, and arguably, genocidal force against the people of Gaza. The civilians, children, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and neighbors of Gaza. As of the time of this writing, Al-Jazeera reports that Israel has killed 32,782 people, including more than 13,000 children and 8,400 women. Some 74,980 people have been injured, and more than 8,000 people are reported missing.

Since it was founded, Israel has received the most cumulative funding in the form of U.S. foreign economic and military aid, receiving about $300 billion. And in 2022 alone, the US provided Israel $3.3 billion in military aid. Since October 7, 2023, the Biden administration has asked Congress to provide Israel up to $14 billion more in aid. While this legislation has yet to pass, the United States has since made more than 100 arms transfers to Israel, and almost all have occurred without Congress consent or notification. In less than 60 days and between October  December 1, 2023, the United States provided Israel 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells.

These weapons transfers highlight not only the ways in which the United States is complicit in the military operations that have taken the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinian lives. They also highlight the US policy of unobstructed support, encouragement, and actions aiding and abetting Israel in the slaughter of innocent and helpless people who are being forcibly removed from their homes, bombarded, and starved to death.

Here in the United States, the Muslim, Arab, and MENA background populations have turned sharply against Biden. Despite being a part of Bidens 2020 winning coalition, they have been vital to the success of the uncommitted campaign during the 2024 presidential primaries, which has seen large-scale and public referendums on Biden in key swing states, sending strong signals that Biden has a realistic chance of losing the election in several battleground states in November 2024 if his administration does not shift course with respect to its unwavering support for Israel.

However, most importantly perhaps, for scholars and keen observers of American politics, is that US policy is not just out of step with the preferences of its Muslim, MENA, Arab background citizens, but is in stark and direct opposition to mass public opinion.

A new Gallup poll shows that the majority of Americans disapprove of Israels actions. In fact, approval of the military action Israel has taken in Gaza fell from a razor thin 50% in November 2023 to 36% by March 2024. Whats more, Democrats have always opposed Israels military action in Gaza; in November 2023, 36% of them approved, and by March 2024, this figure dropped by half to a mere 18%. In this poll, not even a majority of Independents  a constituency we might think that Biden is trying to win over in 2024  has ever supported Israels effort. In November 2023, 47% of them approved, and by March 2024, approval declined to not even one-third of Independents (29%). Only a majority of Republicans has ever approved of Israels military actions, though even among this group, there has been a decline in support from 71% in November 2023 to 64% in March 2024.

On March 6, 2024, I fielded a public opinion survey on 1,110 Americans about various policies related to the Israel-Gaza war on the survey platform Prolific. To make the respondent sample more representative of the US population, I applied ACS weights for age, race, and education. These results echo the Gallup findings, but also reveal that Americans want the US to pursue policies that the Biden administration is simply not pursuing. For instance, the survey reveals that Americans across the ideological divide are strongly in favor of a permanent ceasefire and overwhelmingly opposed to sending military aid to Israel  in direct contradiction to the Biden administrations own actions at the moment.

Respondents in the survey were asked: Since October 7, 2023, Israel and Hamas have been in a state of active warfare in the Gaza Strip. Have you been actively following the Israel-Hamas war? I find that Americans are indeed paying attention to this conflict, with over two-thirds (67.81) indicating that they are either somewhat (50.97%) or actively (16.84) following the war.

Survey respondents were also also asked To what extent do you support the following actions in the war unfolding between Israel and Hamas?: An immediate and temporary ceasefire, An immediate and permanent ceasefire, The US to provide humanitarian aid to Palestine, The US to provide military aid to Israel, The US to vote for the UN ceasefire resolution, and A deal to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

The figure below displays how much all respondents, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents strongly or somewhat agreed with each of these policies.



Click to enlarge.

These findings confirm that the American public is at odds with the administrations own policies. Not only do they reveal not just how out of step the Biden administration is with its core constituency, Democrats, but also, how out of step it is with most of the American public.

Take the US position on a ceasefire. On January 22, 2024, the White House explicitly indicated that it was opposed to a ceasefire, and by February 20th, it was the sole country to veto the three UN Security Council resolutions for one. With respect to an immediate and temporary versus permanent ceasefire, the results from the Prolific survey indicate that more than nearly three-quarters (74.41%)  either strongly or somewhat support a permanent ceasefire. This number is larger than support for a temporary one (66.13%). Moreover, majorities of each partisan group  and the overwhelming majority of Democrats (82.63%), Republicans (58.06%), and Independents (75.47%) either strongly or somewhat support a permanent ceasefire.

In terms of aid, Americans are also at odds with Biden. The survey reveals large public support for delivering humanitarian aid for Palestine and weak support for military aid for Israel. Nearly two-thirds of Americans in the survey (62.34%) somewhat or strongly support providing humanitarian aid to Palestine, while less than one-third (29.1%) somewhat or strongly support providing military aid to Israel. While 80.85% of Democrats, 31.23% of Republicans, and 57.56% of Independents are in support of sending humanitarian aid to Palestine, no majority of either of the three partisan groups is somewhat or strongly supportive of sending military aid to Israel (e.g., 22.54% of Democrats, 41.51% of Republicans, and 29.06% of Independents). Given that the Biden administration has been incredibly slow at providing humanitarian aid to Palestine and has bypassed Congress over 100 times since the war began to deliver military aid to Israel, the results from this survey demonstrate the many ways that the Biden administration is pursuing policies at odds with the American publics policy preferences.

Finally, regarding a UN ceasefire resolution and hostage release, there is large-scale public support for both. More than two-thirds of Americans (66.24%) somewhat or strongly support the US voting for a UN ceasefire resolution and somewhat or strongly support a deal to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas (68.47%). Breaking these figures down by partisanship, over 80% of Democrats, about 42% of Republicans, and 63.95% of Independents support a US vote in support of a UN ceasefire resolution. Majorities of all three groups support a deal to release the hostages (e.g., 74.53% of Democrats, 58.05% of Republicans, and 67.19% of Independents). Importantly, the American public does not see hostage release and a ceasefire as mutually exclusive.

These findings beg the question: Why is US policy under a Democratic president in an election year so at odds with the preferences of both Democrats and the American public? The results clearly outline how Americans want US policy to look moving forward. Not only are they paying attention to this conflict, they are most in favor of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and of a deal to release the hostages. One other finding from this survey is also clear: the key constituents that Biden has to mobilize in the 2024 presidential race (e.g., Democrats and Independents) are very skeptical of his administrations policies, and especially of sending military aid to Israel.
Ahead of the 60th anniversary of Brazil's last military coup, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has canceled events honoring its victims, seeking to show unity with the army after several officers were linked to an alleged plot to keep him from power.

"We need to bring Brazilian society and the armed forces closer, not treat each other as if we were enemies," the leftist president told reporters in late February.

On March 31, 1964, the Brazilian military ousted then-president Joao Goulart and went on to hold dictatorial power for 21 years.

The era, long a flashpoint in Brazilian politics, still counts among its defenders the far-right Jair Bolsonaro, a former army captain who served as president from 2019 to 2022.

The anniversary had seemed a natural one for Lula -- a former union official who once led an historic workers' strike against the military regime -- to remember the 434 people who were killed or disappeared during military rule, according to the findings of a 2014 National Truth Commission.

In contrast to neighboring Argentina, which tried state agents for crimes committed during the 1976-1983 dictatorship there, in Brazil that dark chapter ended with the 1979 passage of an amnesty law.

- 'Political calculation' -

But the 78-year-old Lula told reporters the 1964 coup was "already part of history," adding that his government "will not dwell on the matter."

"I am more concerned with the coup of January 8, 2023 than the one in 1964," he added.

That day in January, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters invaded the seat of power in Brasilia -- the Congress, Supreme Court and presidential offices -- calling on the military to depose Lula a week after his inauguration.

Police are investigating Bolsonaro for allegedly taking part in plotting a "coup d'etat" to remain in power after his election defeat in 2022.

Several of his close allies have been linked to the plot, including government ministers and high-ranking army officers. Police have detained a major and a colonel.

"There has never been a time as propitious to discuss the place of the armed forces in Brazilian society as there was after the Bolsonaro government and January 8," historian Lucas Pedretti told AFP.

But Lula "made a political calculation placing a strategic accommodation with the armed forces in the foreground, to the detriment... of the historic needs of Brazilian society to review its past," said Pedretti, a political scientist with the Rio de Janeiro State University.

- Protests -

Lula's decision meant the cancellation of events planned by his own government, including the Human Rights Ministry.

Silvio Almeida, who heads that ministry, had planned to deliver a speech at a Brasilia museum honoring those who were killed or persecuted by the former military regime, local media reported.

While Lula last year had reversed a Bolsonaro policy that allowed the military to hold celebrations of the 1964 coup, there will be no official reflections this year on the role of the armed forces then or since.

"It's history; we don't need to be stirring things up," one army source told AFP.

Rights groups have insisted that Lula reinstate the Special Commission on Deaths and Political Disappearances, which was established in 1995 to investigate political crimes during the dictatorship years, then canceled by Bolsonaro in his final year in government.

The Brazilian Coalition for Memory, Truth and Justice -- which groups more than 150 associations -- sharply criticized the president's decision not to commemorate the coup anniversary.

"Vigorously repudiating the 1964 coup is a way of reaffirming the commitment to punish current and possible future coup attempts," the group said in a statement.

"We will not accept that governments again negotiate or abandon the rights of victims in order to be able to compromise with the military," the statement added.
Moon Ga Young is on the hunt for a new label after leaving her longtime agency, KeyEast.

Best known for her roles in "True Beauty" and "Link: Eat, Love, Kill," the actress is set to continue working on new projects under new management.

Moon Ga Young Parts Ways With KeyEast

As confirmed by a report, Moon Ga Young has parted ways with KeyEast after she chose not to renew her contract. The actress was with the label for six years.

Furthermore, the 27-year-old actress will reportedly begin her hunt for a new agency this April in hopes of "shaping up" 2024 to be a defining year.

READ ALSO : Moon Ga Young Delivers Top-Tier Fan Service Amid Criticisms Regarding Her Risque Look at Milan Fashion Week 2024

As for her acting career, Moon Ga Young wanted to widen her acting repertoire with a new agency.

To recall, the actress has been with KeyEast since 2018 and has renewed her contract with them multiple times.

Other than Moon Ga Young, the agency is also home to several notable K-drama stars, like "SKY Castle's" Kim Seo Hyung, Jang Yoon Ju of "Queen of Tears," and Yoon Jong Hoon of "The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection."

What's Next for Moon Ga Young?

Following this big move in her career, Moon Ga Young is also set to return with an upcoming movie and series.

After the 2022 melodrama "The Interest of Love" with Yoo Yeon Seok, Moon Ga Young is making a special appearance in Lee Jun Ho and Kim Hyang Gi's webtoon-based K-drama "Cashero."

Viewers will also get to see her big screen comeback for the upcoming Korean remake of "Us and Them." According to reports, Moon Ga Young is selected to headline the romance movie, along with Koo Kyo Hwan.

The upcoming film is a remake of the hit 2018 Chinese romantic movie of the same name, which starred Jing Boran and Zhou Dongyu.

"Us and Them" depicts the love story of a couple who went through a heartbreaking breakup. Years later, fate brings them together.

Further, Moon Ga Young also appeared in BIGBANG Daesung's new music video, "Falling Slowly." The actress played as the main lead, and was portrayed as the love interest of Kim Seon Ho.

Other than an upcoming movie, Moon Ga Young is also booked and busy traveling overseas to represent brands.

She was at Milan Fashion Week to attend Dolce & Gabbana's women's FW24 collection show, where she serves as the global brand ambassador.

Moon Ga Young made heads turn with her black sheer dress, which sparked a wave of discussions across social media.

In addition to this, the South Korean star had a remarkable look during the two-day event at the Dolce & Gabbana show for the brand's 2023 F/W collections wearing a white see-through dress, showing off her physique.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Flores
Song Joong Ki refreshed the viewers' memories and delighted them with his comeback as the iconic Vincenzo Cassano in Netflix's "Queen of Tears."

Song Joong Ki Shows Up As Mafia Consigliere Vincenzo Cassano in 'Queen of Tears'

In "Queen of Tears" Episode 8, which aired on March 31, the weekend drama once again delivered a favorable broadcast for the unexpected appearance of a familiar face.

Song Joong Ki made a surprising cameo in the series, bringing back to life his famous character Vincenzo Cassano. In the current drama, he is the competent divorce attorney for Hong Hae In (Kim Ji Won).

The unexpected return of the character gave viewers nostalgia. This was made possible thanks to director Kim Hee Won, who also helmed "Vincenzo." He is also under the same label as Kim Ji Won.

Song Joong Ki's Past Drama Characters Mentioned in 'Queen of Tears'

The creatives made a brilliant way of mentioning all of Song Joong Ki's drama roles during his brief screentime in "Queen of Tears."

In his scenes, Kim Yang Gi, who plays Baek Hyun Woo's friend Moon Tae Yu, introduced Vincenzo to Hong Hae In's husband.

"He's a terrifying man. There are rumors about who he is. The youngest heir of a conglomerate. A former soldier deployed overseas. Someone who came here on a spaceship. Others say he's a werewolf. His name is Vincenzo. And he is from the mafia."

this is so funny because theyre both lawyers but one is a MAFIA lawyer and the other one is a babygirl lawyer  someone save hyunwoo from vincenzo and let it be eunseong in his place instead!#QueenofTears #QueenofTearsEp8 pic.twitter.com/QRta75dC8A  ria  (@vincensus) March 31, 2024

Song Joong Ki, Kim Ji Won, and Kim Soo Hyun's Reunion + Dramas Crossover

"Vincenzo" and "Queen of Tears" fans could not get enough for the clash of their universes. Many viewers were delighted to see three big names in the industry sharing a frame.

The cameo also resurfaced all of Song Joong Ki's past works with the "Queen of Tears" stars, too. He and Kim Ji Won headlined both "Descendants of the Sun" and "Arthdal Chronicles."

Meanwhile, Song Joong Ki and Kim Soo Hyun appeared in "Will It Snow for Christmas?"

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE : 'Vincenzo' Cast Reunites After Two Years - Are They Preparing For Season 2?

This is not the first time that tvN's "Queen of Tears" wowed the audience with its star-studded cameos.

Earlier, in episode 1 "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" actor Oh Jung See appeared and reunited with his former co-star Kim Soo Hyun.

Kim Young Min, Lim Chul Soo, and Ko Kyu Pil, who were in "Crash Landing on You," also appeared and are currently making progress with their respective roles in the series.

Fans Rejoice At Vincenzo Cassano's Return

After watching Vincenzo in "Queen of Tears," fans expressed their sentiments over his comeback.

the blood stains on his briefcase??! this is so funny omg the silence is LOUD! as expected from the Italian mafia  #Vincenzo#QueenOfTears #QueenOfTearsEp8pic.twitter.com/Ml0sLugwrX  daisy han (@kdramadaisy) March 31, 2024

"Thank you Song Joong Ki for making a cameo. You don't know how much this means to the whole 'Vincenzo' nation."

"The blood stains on his briefcase?? This is so funny! Omg, the silence is loud, as expected of the Italian mafia."

"Hong Hae In and Hong Cha Young proving again that they are cousins."

What can you say about Song Joong Ki's appearance as Vincenzo Cassano in "Queen of Tears"? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Shai San Miguel wrote this.
Jun Ji Hyun's mother-in-law never fails to amaze the public with her funny antics.

Lee Chung Woo, the renowned fashion designer and the mother of Jun Ji Hyun's husband Choi Joon Hyuk, went viral for gushing over a BTS member.

Jun Ji Hyun's Mother-in-Law is Certified Army

Other than having a name for herself in the fashion industry and her relationship to the South Korean superstar, Lee Chung Woo delighted her 18.2K followers by vocally admiring BTS' V.

In one of her Instagram stories, Jun Ji Hyun's mother-in-law couldn't help but gush over the K-pop star's visual. In an Instagram post, she wrote:

"#V at a K-League match today for team #GangwonFC

I didn't know visuals like this were possible while serving in the military

Guessing K-Army has made some stellar improvements! #BTSARMY"

She included a photo of the BTS member in his military uniform.

BTS V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, is currently serving in the military after enlisting on December 11, 2023.

As for Jun Ji Hyun's mother-in-law, the public was delighted by Lee Chung Woo's very relatable reaction to the BTS member.

In an online post, netizens praised the renowned designer for "having a really good eye," while some of the comments include:

"She knows what's good, hahaha."

"I found her other posts to be even funnier. A MIL stanning her DIL?!"

"She has good taste, haha."

Aside from Lee Chung Woo's reaction after seeing BTS V's visual, Jun Ji Hyun's mother-in-law previously made headlines after she expressed her excitement for the actress' upcoming project.

Lee Chung Woo Excited for Jun Ji Hyun's Team-Up With Kang Dong Won

In 2023, news sparked that the top star was in talks to headline an upcoming K-drama with Kang Dong Won.

Interestingly, while Jun Ji Hyun's fans were thrilled to see the actress back on the small screen, Lee Chung Woo seemed to be more excited for her daughter-in-law's team-up with the top actor.

Swooning over the charms of Kang Dong Won, the renowned designer posted a side-by-side photo of Jun Ji Hyun and the actor, along with a funny and very relatable caption:

"This is my favorite combination (of actors)! Finally..."

Her reaction garnered the attention of the netizens, with the majority speaking about how "cool" Jun Ji Hyun's mother-in-law is.

As for the actress' K-drama comeback, she will be working with Kang Dong Won on the upcoming romance series "Polaris."

Directed by Kim Hee Won of "Vincenzo" and "Queen of Tears," along with screenwriter Jung Seo Kyung, who worked with him in "Little Women," the upcoming K-drama is a spy-romance series that focuses on the lives of the agents who work to find their true selves.

While "Polaris" will be Jun Ji Hyun's comeback after 3 years, the upcoming K-drama will be Kang Dong Won's first in 20 years.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Flores
From Editor for Emerging Product Sarah Feldberg:



The San Francisco Chronicle is thrilled to announce the hire of Michael Barba as a reporter on the City Hall team.



Barba will join the Chronicle on April 15, with a focus on covering key San Francisco government officials and departments, as well as public safety and the upcoming election. He will report to Deputy Metro Editor Emily Fancher.



Michael will give us new strength in accountability journalism at a critical time for the city, said Chronicle Editor-in-Chief Emilio Garcia-Ruiz. He will, among other things, play an important role in our plan to boost coverage leading up to this years high-stakes election.

Barba comes to the Chronicle after three years at the San Francisco Standard. His reporting for the publication revealed that DA Brooke Jenkins was paid by a nonprofit group linked to the Chesa Boudin recall campaign; that Mayor London Breed had a policy of making appointees sign undated resignation letters; and that a city building inspector reviewed his own home.

Weve admired Michael Barba for years, and were thrilled to welcome this talented journalist to the Chronicle and the City Hall team, said Fancher, who leads the Chronicles City Hall coverage. We look forward to Michael providing important political and public safety coverage to our readers during this crucial election year and beyond.

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Barba was recognized as the Journalist of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalists Northern California chapter in 2022. He previously worked as a reporter at the San Francisco Examiner and attended San Francisco State University, where he majored in journalism with a minor in philosophy.

Reporting for the Chronicle has been a dream of mine since I began my career in local news nearly a decade ago, Barba said. Im honored to join a team of journalists who I admire so much and excited to contribute to the papers storied history.

About The San Francisco Chronicle

The San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfchronicle.com) is the largest newspaper in Northern California and the second largest on the West Coast. Acquired by Hearst in 2000, The San Francisco Chronicle was founded in 1865 by Charles and Michael de Young and has been awarded six Pulitzer Prizes for journalistic excellence. Follow us on Twitter at @SFChronicle.
"Lovers in Paris" star Park Shin Yang updated fans with his life outside show business with his new career.

Back in January 2024, the actor was thriving as an artist after having his first solo exhibition held at the mM Art Center in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi.

Titled "The 4th Wall," guests could see his new-found love through art featuring various floors that showcased his artwork.

During his appearance in Channel A's "Best Friends Documentary Table for 4," Park Shin Yang wowed the hosts with his achievement as an artist.

'Lovers in Paris' Star Park Shin Yang Talks About His 130 Paintings

According to a report, he has produced about 130 paintings over the past 10 years, which were on display in his first solo exhibit.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Park Shin Yang dishes on the process of finding a new career amid his fame as an actor.

He said that he has been painting for a long time and hasn't sold any of his paintings before. His main focus back then was to pursue art education.

READ MORE : Top 5 Old but Gold Favorite Korean Dramas of All Time That are Worth Your Time

When asked if he wanted to sell any of it in the future, he said that he "had no intention of putting them up for sale" and revealed the reason behind it.

According to him, people see his artwork as something that is "too big" to hang on walls.

"I want to show my drawings to as many people as possible because the purpose of acting and drawing lies in evoking the feelings of people. I even thought about toting my drawings around in a container truck and traveling from this marketplace to that marketplace like a traveling theater troupe."

Park Shin Yang signed up for a master's course in Western painting at Andong National University back in 2021.

Prior to this, he continued his education in Russia after graduating from Dongguk University's acting department.

During his time at M.S. Schepkin Higher Theater School and Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute, he visited the artworks of Russian painter Nicholas Roerich and drew closer to learning art and painting.

Moreover, he also sees art as his escape after being mentally and physically exhausted at the time due to health issues.

In 2019, Park Shin Yang suffered from leg paralysis and underwent emergency surgery, prompting him to put his acting career on hold.

Other than the hit rom-com "Lovers in Paris," he is well known for his role in "Money's Warfare" and films such as "The Letter" and "The Big Swindle."

His last K-drama appearance was headlining "My Lawyer, Mr. Jo" season 2 in 2019 with Go Hyun Jung.

IN CASE YOU MISSED : Missing 'Lovers in Paris' Star Park Shin Yang? Actor Reveals Surprising New Career





For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Flores
Kennesaw State University named Military Friendly School

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 1, 2024

Kennesaw State University's commitment to supporting its 2,000 military-connected students has earned it a gold status designation by militaryfriendly.com in its 2024-2025 ranking of military friendly institutions.

The Military Friendly recognition comes as the universitys Military and Veteran Services (MVS) Outreach Program has increased its efforts to provide support to its military-connected students on both the Marietta and Kennesaw campuses. Services include student support services, academic advising, and counselors.

We are honored by this recognition which is a testament to Kennesaw States dedication to helping our veterans, service members and their dependents achieve their academic goals, said Stacey Dixon, director of KSUs Military and Veteran Services.

The universitys MVS Outreach Program helps newly enrolled undergraduate students by connecting them with officials who guide them through registration, enrollment, and the financial aid process.

The MVS has also collaborated with the Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research to address health concerns during the transition from military to civilian culture. Kennesaw State University boasts the only VetSuccess on Campus counselor in the state, providing vital support to KSU veterans and dependents with education benefits, on-campus counseling, and employment goals.

According to the website, Military Friendly Schools strive towards and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world. Eligibility is based on an evaluation of six key areas  admissions and orientation, culture and commitment, financial aid and loan repayment, graduation and career outcomes, and military student support and retention.

 Darius Goodman

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
Monday, April 1, 2024 - Azimio Coalition led by National Assembly Minority Leader, Opiyo Wandayi, announced willingness to temporarily pause political hostilities and work with the Kenya Kwanza government to pass a supplementary budget geared at ending the doctors' strike that has caused a healthcare crisis in Kenya.

Speaking in Lugari Constituency, Wandayi remarked that it was time that the ruling coalition Kenya Kwanza worked with the opposition to end the impasse.

Wandayi further remarked that President William Ruto should head negotiations calling for an end to the strike.

The issue of doctor's strike is so serious that it cannot be whisked away.

"If it is a question of budget, let us summon Parliament next week and bring a second supplementary budget, Wandayi remarked stating that drastic action needed to be taken.

While addressing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula who was in attendance, Wandayi added that the process should not be delayed further.

He explained that Parliament which is on recess should be recalled to pass the supplementary budget that would carter for the posting of medical interns and promote doctors.

But before we do that, the doctors' strike needs to be addressed, he amplified the need for negotiation.

In mild praise to Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Wandayi revealed that she had done her best to end the strike although her best was not good enough.

Perhaps the time has now come for President William Ruto himself to come and assist you, Wandayi told CS Nakhumicha.

According to Wandayi, Ruto should now sit at the apex of the negotiating table with Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials and other stakeholders.

Appreciating Wandayis proposal, CS Nakhumicha promised that she would work with Parliament to end the strike which is in its third week.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Authorities released body camera footage Saturday that shows a San Pablo police officer shooting a man in the leg as he swung a 30-inch metal pole at another officer. Jacom Stephens/Getty Images

Authorities released body camera footage Saturday that shows a San Pablo police officer shooting a man in the leg as he swung a 30-inch metal pole at another officer.

In the September incident, the officer who was attacked ducked and wasnt injured. The man who was hit in the leg was 44-year-old Andre Smith, police said in a written narrative that accompanied the video.

The incident began about 1:40 p.m. on Sept. 8 at a home on Dover Avenue near Pullman Street after Smiths wife called 911 to request a mental health evaluation. She reported Smith was showing signs of schizophrenia, according to audio of the 911 call, which police released along with the body camera footage.

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I dont know how to handle this without it being a big deal, the woman said, according to the audio clip.

When officers showed up, Smith locked himself in a room and wouldnt speak to the officers, police said. Smith wasnt acting violent, so police told the woman to call back if she needed help.

A little more than an hour later, the woman called 911 again. Smith had walked out of the room and was harassing her, she told the dispatcher.

Smith could be heard in the background.

I dont want to live this no more, Smith said, according to audio of the 911 call. Im tired of social injustice. I dont want to go to court. Id rather go after their throat. And if they kill me, then they kill me, but when its time for them to die, Im going to throw them into a lake of fire and torch em.

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The woman told the dispatcher Smith didnt possess guns. Officers showed up, ready to use less-lethal weapons if necessary, police said.

Officers found Smith standing next to a vehicle in the driveway. He then paced around in the front yard as an officer talked to him, the footage showed.

We just want to make sure everythings OK, the unidentified officer said. Nothing needs to happen here. Just please listen to us. Let this go smoothly. Let us help you.

Smith grabbed two metal poles and didnt comply with commands to drop them, police said.

Officers fired beanbag rounds and foam projectiles at Smith, but he held onto the poles and retreated to the side of the house, police said.

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Officers continued to talk to him, asking him to walk out with his hands in the air. Your kids, your wife, everybodys worried about you, an unidentified officer in a neighboring backyard said.

After 16 minutes, Smith walked out and threw large rocks at the officers while holding a chair as a shield, police said. Officers fired beanbags and foam projectiles again. Two of the officers walked toward Smith in the front yard and deployed their Tasers.

Smith then grabbed a metal pole, charged at one of the officers who had a Taser and swung the pole, the footage showed. Thats when another officer fired a rifle and struck Smith in the leg. Police officials identified the officer as Manuel Agredano, who joined the department in 2019.

Smith was treated at a hospital and later released, police said.

Smith was charged in Contra Costa Superior Court with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, as well as special enhancements. He later pleaded not guilty, according to court records.

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Monday, April 1, 2024 - Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has said they are not friends with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who is emerging as the most corrupt governor in the history of Kenya.

With less than two years in office, Sakaja has accumulated wealth worth billions and all the money is from Nairobi county coffers.

Speaking of his relationship with the corrupt county chief, Sifuna explained that his fallout with Sakaja was because he failed to deliver what he promised the Nairobians.

The Orange Democratic Movement secretary general accused Sakaja of playing public relations politics instead of serving the people who elected him.

"We are not friends; even he knows we are not. But it is not a requirement for you to work with people. My problem with him is that he likes public relations so much.

"If you sit with him, he will tell you to consider this one done, but if someone just did their job, we don't have to be friends," Sifuna claimed.

Sifuna further claimed that the governor doesn't pick up his calls, making it difficult for him to air out issues touching on Nairobians.

"We can be cordial, but he does not pick up my calls when I call him, yet I am his senator. And the discussion you have with him, he does not fulfill, he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Monday, April 1, 2024 - The United Nations has changed the terms of engagement with President Willia Ruto as it moved to make it hard for him to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti.

In a statement, the UN announced that Haiti will require up to 5,000 police officers to effectively combat and dismantle the deadly gangs operating within the country.

UN rights expert William ONeill stated that the mission would necessitate between 4,000 and 5,000 police officers in response to the escalating conflict in the Caribbean nation.

ONeill noted that the current situation is at its worst and that it will require five times more officers than the initial number of 1000 officers to help the Haitian National Police regain control of security and curb human rights abuses.

The UN human rights expert announced while presenting a report that called for immediate and bold action to tackle the cataclysmic situation in the country.

He further stated that impunity and poor governance, along with escalating gang violence, have severely undermined the rule of law, bringing institutions in Haiti dangerously close to collapse.

O'Neill's report, detailing the situation in Haiti over the past five months, ending in February, revealed that gangs continue to recruit and exploit boys and girls.

The report also exposed the grim reality of many children losing their lives, with some being killed for attempting to escape.

In July of last year, the United Nations announced that it required only 1000 police officers to address the situation in the Caribbean nation, with Kenyan police being preferred for the mission.

The report by the UN human rights expert comes a month after Kenya signed a deal with Haiti allowing the deployment of its police officers to Port-au-Prince.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Monday, April 1, 2024 - Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka is an angry man after the High Court in Kiambu stopped the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.

Speaking in Diani, Kwale County, Kalonzo remarked that he was suspicious that the suspension of the NADCO report was politically motivated.

He issued President William Ruto and Raila Odinga an ultimatum to issue a statement over the recent development.

According to Kalonzo, should Ruto Raila not speak on the issue, he would deduce there was internal sabotage toward the implementation of the NADCO report.

It is the responsibility of those who nominated the NADCO committee, Raila Odinga and Ruto, to come out and give directions.

"Otherwise, we will see they took advantage of us should they not do that, he stated.

Kalonzo had co-chaired the NADCO committee together with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah.

Flanked by former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa who was also a member of NADCO, Kalonzo remarked that even during the deliberations of the report, the Azimio side was aware of a scheme to sabotage it.

He explained that during the committees sittings, the Azimio wing had received intelligence reports that someone would be sent to the courts to oppose what they had agreed on.

It is because of this, that Kalonzo held the belief that a court ruling issued on Friday, March 29, suspending the implementation of the report was State-sponsored.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
AI Vibes: China makes headway in digitalization

16:09, April 01, 2024 By Sheng Chuyi ( People's Daily Online

China's 5G penetration rate surpassed 50 percent in 2023, as noted in the country's government work report this year, drawing considerable attention.

China reached this milestone two years earlier than predicted by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association. The association had estimated that China's 5G penetration would exceed 50 percent by 2025.

This achievement underscores China's prowess in mobile communication technology and highlights the burgeoning development of the country's digital economy.

According to statistics, China's online retail sales totaled 1.2 trillion yuan ($166 billion) during the 2024 Spring Festival shopping season, which ended on Feb. 17, with a daily average year-on-year increase of about 9 percent. In January of this year, 14.7 billion express parcels were shipped across China, surging 84.8 percent from the previous year. Additionally, rural online retail sales on key e-commerce platforms, monitored by the Ministry of Commerce, increased by 16.1 percent year-on-year during the Spring Festival shopping season. These impressive figures stem directly from the robust backing of digital technologies.

As the world's largest developing country, China has built 5G networks that cover all counties and extended broadband internet services to all villages. Over 80.3 percent of administrative villages across the country are covered by 5G networks. Rural and urban areas have essentially achieved parity in network quality and speeds, which is a tremendous achievement.

In the past four years since China issued the first 5G license for commercial use, the country has built over 3.3 million 5G base stations, and the number of 5G mobile subscribers has surpassed 800 million. This clearly indicates China's leading position in the world in both the development and application of 5G technology.

On Feb. 26, Chinese tech giant Huawei officially launched the world's first 5.5G intelligent core network solution, which is planned to be put into commercial use this year. Compared to 5G, 5.5G can provide a tenfold improvement in areas such as connection speed, latency, positioning, and reliability.

In recent years, Chinese companies have continuously achieved breakthroughs in core technologies, including 5G radio frequency transceivers, leading globally in the number of declared 5G standard-essential patents.

Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and relevant enterprises are focusing on the next-generation internet, taking the lead in planning and comprehensively promoting research and development in 6G technology.

With the support of 5G and other technologies, China has become the first major economy in the world where the number of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices exceeds that of mobile phone users. China accounts for over 70 percent of the world's mobile IoT connections. More than 95 million devices are linked to China's industrial internet platforms, reflecting the country's growing digital productivity.

Today, 5G technology has been applied in 71 major categories of China's national economy, with deep penetration in industries such as manufacturing, mining, power, ports, and healthcare. Looking ahead, the technology is expected to be applied in broader aspects, enabling an even more powerful impact across various domains.

(Hou Nuoshuqi, as an intern, also contributed to this video.)

(Web editor: Sheng Chuyi, Wu Chengliang)
United Airlines passenger Monica Reinas flight to Paris of San Francisco International Airport was diverted to Denver. Courtesy of Monica Reina United Airlines passenger Monica Reina captured this image of her flight out of San Francisco International Airport to Paris, which was diverted to Denver. Courtesy of Monica Reina

A passenger on a United Airlines flight that departed from San Francisco International Airport last week said she reported hearing a loud banging noise onboard before the plane was forced to land in Denver due to engine troubles.

Monica Reina, a photographer and filmmaker in San Francisco, told the Chronicle in an interview Sunday that she was on the flight that departed SFO just before 6 p.m. on Thursday. She was headed to Paris to get a connecting flight to the United Kingdom for a birthday celebration.

Just before reaching the Canadian border, the flight was diverted and landed without incident at Denver International Airport shortly after 11 p.m. and was canceled, according to United. Passengers were given hotel and flight vouchers, Reina said.

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Reina said she was stuck in Denver for 24 hours and chose to fly back to San Francisco. Though she didnt make it to Paris, she said she was grateful to the United crew for landing safely in Denver and remaining calm and professional during the flight.

It could have been chaos in that cabin, she said, but the crew was super calm, very sweet and very responsive.  They made me feel that it was going to be OK.

United Airlines passenger Monica Reina captured this image of her flight out of San Francisco International Airport to Paris, which was diverted to Denver. Courtesy of Monica Reina

The incident occurred on a second aircraft that passengers had to board about three hours after United officials said the first plane had engine troubles, Reina said.

About two hours into the flight, Reina said, she started hearing a banging sound near her seat for about 30 seconds.

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It was like someone was knocking super hard on my window, said Reina, adding that most passengers did not seem to hear the sound because they were wearing headphones.

Reina said she alerted a flight attendant, who notified the pilot of the noise. The crew members remained calm and reassured Reina that they were looking into it, she said. Moments later, the pilot told the passengers that the plane had to divert to Denver due to a potential mechanical issue.

About 40 minutes before landing in Denver, the loud banging sound continued for an additional 30 seconds.

United Airlines passenger Monica Reina captured this image of her flight out of San Francisco International Airport to Paris, which was diverted to Denver. Courtesy of Monica Reina

It was the latest safety incident reported on United flights in the past several weeks. Last week, a United Airlines executive announced to employees that the Federal Aviation Administration will increase oversight of the airline.
Oliver Hartwich writes:

In his exit interview on TVNZs Q+A programme, former Finance Minister Grant Robertsons suggested that New Zealand can and should sustain higher government debt levels than the current 30% of GDP target.

As Grant Robertson exits politics, it is galling to be lectured by him about an alleged need for even more debt. His legacy of profligate spending and the increased public debt he leaves behind is something New Zealand must now address.

The country needs to cut government spending and reduce debt to lower levels as a buffer against future shocks  and maybe also to protect against future governments opening the spending taps as widely as Robertson did.

New Zealands fiscal future depends on making prudent decisions today. To navigate our fiscal holes responsibly, the new Government should not be digging deeper, but chart a course towards long-term sustainability and resilience by reducing both expenditure and debt.
Two men from Honduras were sentenced to federal prison time in separate drug cases in San Francisco  one of them for selling drugs to an undercover officer, the other for intending to sell drugs, prosecutors said. Robert Daly/Getty Images

Two men from Honduras were sentenced to federal prison time in separate drug cases in San Francisco  one of them for selling drugs to an undercover officer, the other for intending to sell drugs, prosecutors said.

The prosecutions were part of an ongoing crackdown on San Franciscos drug markets as the city saw a record number of overdose deaths  813  last year.

Marcos Carcamo, 25, was sentenced to four years in prison after he was convicted in December of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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Carcamo was arrested in San Francisco in August. He admitted he laced fentanyl at his home in Oakland and traveled to San Francisco four or five times a week to sell drugs, according to prosecutors.

During a search of his home, officers seized other drugs, including methamphetamine and heroin, a gun and ammunition, a pill press, and nearly $59,000 in cash, prosecutors said.

Raul Alexander Guisa-Ortega, 25, was sentenced to three years in prison after he was convicted in December of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Guisa-Ortega was arrested in August after he sold drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, to an undercover officer three times that month, prosecutors said, adding that he admitted he knew fentanyl was often deadly.

Officers found more drugs hidden in his car and house in Oakland during a search, prosecutors said.

In addition to time behind bars, both Carcamo and Guisa-Ortega were ordered to serve three years of supervised release after their prison terms.

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The prosecutions stemmed from investigations the San Francisco Police Department led in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and California Highway Patrol.
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A portion of Highway 1 in Monterey County collapsed during Saturdays storm. Convoys were arranged for the roughly 1,600 people trapped by the crumbling roadway. Caltrans

UPDATE: Highway 1 convoys to halt in Big Sur as more rain moves in

Residents and essential workers will have two daily opportunities to join convoys crossing the portion of Highway 1 in Monterey County that collapsed during weekend storms, California transit officials said.

The convoys began Monday and will set off from the Rocky Creek Bridge at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in both directions, according to Monterey County spokesperson Nicholas Pasculli. Visitors were told to leave the area, with passage across the area near the crater granted only to locals and emergency workers.

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The road collapse stranded an estimated 1,600 people on Easter weekend after part of one lane crumbled into the ocean south of the bridge at Palo Colorado on Saturday.

Engineers with the California Department of Transportation were assessing the damage that occurred during Saturdays heavy rainfall.

Easter weekend visitors to Big Sur were among those stranded by the closure and had to spend the night in temporary lodging and emergency shelters. Some people slept in their cars, while others sought shelter at hotels and the Big Sur Lodge, which opened a conference room to stranded travelers, according to county officials.

The convoys were expected to last several days, officials said, with workers on hand to direct vehicles and observe the roadway for cracks at the slip-out area.

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Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski said Caltrans employees were discussing ways to temporarily stabilize the edge of the roadway and work out a structural solution to the crumbling road. Repair crews will place concrete barriers along 500 feet of the roadway to protect workers from passing cars, he said.

More rain could disrupt the convoys in the coming days, however, with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms expected to begin Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Caltrans will alert the public to any convoy cancelations later this week, Drabinski said.
The barriers John Jones III encountered upon being released from prison propelled him to pursue a career in activism. Jones is now the director of violence interruption and prevention programs at Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency, which provides housing and employment opportunities to low-income and disabled individuals in Alameda County. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Like millions of Californians, John Jones III knows the effects of incarceration extend far beyond prison walls.

Swept up in the cultural and political maelstrom of the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s, the third-generation East Oakland resident went from getting straight As in grade school to dodging the gun violence, police brutality and economic despair that was devastating his community and clipping his peers lives short.

At age 16, he was involved in a violent altercation that resulted in the death of another young person. He served eight years in a youth correctional facility for first-degree murder. He was later incarcerated in state prison for a separate assault. He was paroled in 2012.

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Eager to find work, the licensed aircraft mechanic was barred from working at an airport due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations requiring a clean background check and 10 years of no felony convictions. He also struggled to find adequate housing because of his record, he said, making it difficult for the single father to reconnect with his oldest son.

My first real place was literally a renovated basement, Jones recalled. The shower was upstairs, so I had to leave the basement, walk to the driveway, up the back steps through the kitchen door, just to be able to cook or use the shower.

The barriers he encountered upon release propelled him to pursue a career in activism, said Jones, now 49 and director of violence interruption and prevention programs at Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency, which provides housing and employment opportunities to low-income and disabled individuals in Alameda County. Many of us, weve walked that walk. Myself included.

John Jones III, a violence prevention advocate in Oakland, petitioned to have his old criminal record sealed under a 2022 state law. According to the nonprofit Alliance for Safety and Justice, three in four people with a past conviction had not pursued record relief and slightly more than half of those who did found the process difficult. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

In a presidential election year where the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, is promising a more punitive approach to criminal justice and Democratic leaders like President Joe Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are considering reforms to address racial and social disparities, the Golden State is figuring out how to assist formerly incarcerated residents who say a criminal record stands between them and breaking from old patterns.

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In his final State of the Union address before the 2024 election, Biden alluded to the possibility of cannabis reform, highlighting executive actions he took in 2022 to pardon simple marijuana possession convictions and echoing a 2020 campaign proposal where he suggested providing federal assistance to help states expunge certain nonviolent criminal records.

California has been at the forefront of this issue for years, enacting some of the most sweeping record-sealing laws in the country.

In 2016, voters approved Proposition 64, legalizing cannabis and allowing people to clear past marijuana-related convictions. Since then record-sealing eligibility has grown, and the state, along with a few others, has enacted clean slate legislation aiming to automate the process.

One such law was 2018s Assembly Bill 1793, which aimed to automatically seal cannabis convictions for those who qualify, instead of requiring people to request it. However, expungement efforts were hindered by practical difficulties; a 2022 Los Angeles Times investigation identified the California Department of Justice and county courts as the primary bottleneck.

In 2019, the state passed AB1076, instituting guidelines and deadlines for expungement and requiring that old misdemeanor convictions and felony convictions that didnt result in prison also be automatically sealed.

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In the last six months of 2022, when AB1076 went into effect, about 1.8 million records in the Bay Area  and over 11 million records statewide  were cleared under this law, the state Justice Department reported. (The law requires annual reporting in July.)

That same year, SB731 was passed, making record sealing available for most past convictions four years after a person has finished their sentence and any supervision with no new felony convictions.

Under this law, at least 250,000 Californians with nonviolent, non-sexual felony convictions are eligible for automatic record sealing, and at least 1 million more people with violent felonies, excluding sex offenses, are eligible to petition to have their record sealed, according to Californians for Safety and Justice, one of the laws sponsors. (Records would still be accessible in some instances, like school background checks.)

Even with legislative efforts to streamline the expungement process, some reform advocates say it remains difficult for both individuals seeking to have records sealed and the agencies tasked with carrying it out.

A 2023 study by the criminal justice reform nonprofit Alliance for Safety and Justice found three in four people with a past conviction had not pursued record relief, and slightly more than half of those who did found the process difficult.

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Expungement is so important to keeping people gainfully employed and keeping communities safe and thriving, said Kelly Pretzer, a deputy public defender in San Francisco. The vast majority of our applicants are people of color, and having a criminal record  make(s) it really, really difficult to move on in life.

A 2020 study published in the Harvard Law Review, focused on Michigan  one of a handful of states that have passed clean slate laws in recent years  found that people with expunged records are less likely to reoffend and more likely to earn higher wages than they would without expungement.

About 8 million Californians with a criminal record, and 70 million to 100 million Americans nationwide, face thousands of state and local legal restrictions, known as collateral consequences, that limit access to employment, housing and education. Most collateral consequences hinder job opportunities, like barring licenses for specific professions.

Formerly incarcerated people face higher rates of joblessness and homelessness, especially women, people of color, and those recently released from prison, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, a nonprofit think tank.

SB731s petitioning process went into effect in January, and the automatic expungement process was delayed until July. While the goal of the law is to put the onus on the state rather than the individual, resource limitations are challenging its effective implementation.

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The infrastructure is not there, said Saun Hough of the Alliance for Safety and Justice, noting that the counties and state use different systems, making it difficult to communicate with one another about which records have been expunged at the county level and which records are eligible.

A record, or rap sheet, is disaggregated data dispersed across various agencies with varying protocols, resulting in uneven data quality, and sometimes the information in these records is incomplete or misleading.

Jones recalled seeing a background check that listed the date he went to prison as 1983 when he would have been 9 years old. Another challenge is that the data in these digitized records are scraped and sold by unregulated third-party websites.

On the petition side, resource constraints hinder the legal systems ability to handle the volume, Hough said. He added that there arent enough courts, clerks or county-level public defenders to meet the demand, leading to lengthy delays for petition hearings and a lack of consistent guidance for judges.

The most difficult thing about pursuing expungement relief is finding an attorney who can help you in a timely manner, Pretzer said. Across the state, people are experiencing long wait times to have an attorney look at their history and determine their eligibility.

After SB731 took effect last year, Jones petitioned to have his record sealed through the Alameda County Public Defenders Office. While he is still waiting to hear back, he says the goal of having his record sealed is total redemption.
The mysterious so-called Havana Syndrome symptoms experienced by U.S. diplomats in recent years have been linked to a Russian intelligence unit, according to a joint media investigation released Monday.

Havana Syndrome was first reported in 2016 when U.S. diplomats in Cuba's capital reported falling ill and hearing piercing sounds at night, sparking speculation of an attack by a foreign entity using an unspecified sonar weapon.

Other symptoms including bloody noses, headaches and vision problems were later reported by embassy staff in China, Europe and the U.S. capital Washington.

The diplomats may have been targeted by Russian sonic weaponry, according to the joint report by The Insider, Der Spiegel and CBS's 60 Minutes.

The year-long investigation "uncovered evidence suggesting that unexplained anomalous health incidents, also known as Havana Syndrome, may have their origin in the use of directed energy weapons wielded by members of (the Russian GRU) Unit 29155," the report said.

Russia's 29155 unit is responsible for foreign operations and has been blamed for several international incidents, including the attempted poisoning of defector Sergei Skripal in Britain in 2018.

Moscow dismissed the allegations as "groundless" on Monday.

"This topic has been talked up in the press for many years already. And from the very beginning most often it's linked to the Russian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference.

"But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation," he said.

Washington closed its Havana immigration office in 2018 under a U.S. policy shift toward Cuba and also in response to fears at the time that the Havana Syndrome" was a result of a microwave or other electronic attack.

U.S. intelligence also said in 2022 that intense directed energy from an external source could have caused some cases of Havana Syndrome, officially known as anomalous health incidents (AHIs).

But intelligence agencies concluded in March 2023 that "there is no credible evidence that a foreign adversary has a weapon or collection device that is causing AHIs."

Washington announced the reopening of its immigration office in Havana in August 2023.

The joint investigation suggests the first cases of Havana Syndrome may have occurred in Germany two years earlier than the cases reported in Havana in 2016 that gave the syndrome its name.

"There were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a U.S. government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam," the report said.

The New Yorker reported in July 2021 that about two dozen U.S. intelligence officers, diplomats and other government officials in Austria had reported problems similar to the Havana Syndrome since President Joe Biden took office the same year.

The United States deployed medical and scientific experts to study the alleged attacks and those affected have been extensively examined to try to understand their afflictions. (AFP)
Ahmad Yaseen makes kebabs at the original Mazra in San Bruno in 2022. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Brothers and co-owners Saif Makableh, left, and Jordan Makableh, right, inside the new Mazra in downtown Redwood City. Juliana Yamada/Special to The Chronicle The entryway of the new Mazra in Redwood City is decorated with plants and emerald glass chandeliers. Juliana Yamada/Special to The Chronicle

When the restaurant Mazra opened in 2020 inside a longtime Mediterranean market in San Bruno, the owners cooked kebabs on a humble, 4-foot grill, casually calling out orders to customers.

A year later, everything changed for the family-run business. Mazra was named no. 2 on Yelps list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the country. Throngs of people lined up before the restaurant opened, waiting over an hour for juicy kebabs and crisp falafel wraps. The hype never really subsided, which forced brothers and owners Saif and Jordan Makableh to search for a new location so they could temporarily close and upgrade their fathers former grocery store.

The new Mazra opens April 2 at 2021 Broadway in downtown Redwood City  with a gleaming 22-foot grill, 130 seats and exciting new dishes. (Renovations have begun at the San Bruno original, which the owners hope to reopen late this year.)

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Inside Mazra's new location, opening April 2, 2024 in downtown Redwood City. Juliana Yamada/Special to The Chronicle

All of Mazras Levantine hits will be served here, from chicken and lamb kebabs to a whole head of crisp purple cauliflower doused in a lemony tahini sauce. Much of the menu is cooked over mesquite wood on the long, narrow grill, custom built by a grill guru in Texas. There is also garlicky rotisserie chicken, six-hour lamb shanks and oyster mushrooms coated in a saffron sauce and then charred on the grill.

Two spinning gyro machines will churn out shawarma for wraps with hummus, tahini, pickles and tzatziki. Expect new creations to show up, like a Mediterranean ceviche with sea bass, prawns, cilantro oil, some kind of seasonal fruit (such as persimmons in the winter) and lavash chips. After about a month, Mazra will start serving breakfast dishes like shakshuka and ful (a rich stew of fava beans and spices).

The garlic rotisserie chicken from Mazra, pictured in 2022. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

A bright orange La Marzocco espresso machine means new coffee drinks, with beans courtesy of San Francisco favorite Grand Coffee. The ashta cold brew, inspired by the Middle Eastern dessert of the same name, comes with a float of Straus heavy cream that slowly seeps into the coffee. Cardamom, cinnamon and orange syrups can be added to any coffee.

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The Makableh brothers have transformed the cavernous, 5,000-square-foot space into a lush, bright destination. Sparkling emerald green tiles and marble adorn the ordering counter and coffee bar. Like the San Bruno original, the owners filled the dining room with faux plants, including three tall fake olive trees, and Turkish rugs. Glittering green glass chandeliers hang above, and sun filters in through a large skylight they built in what used to be a dark dining room.

A local artist covered one wall with an enormous mural of two hands holding a glass of tea and a bundle of fresh mint, a reference to the cultural importance of tea (always offered for free at Mazra, as if it were the Makablehs home).

A large mural covers the wall of the main dining room at Mazra in Redwood City. Juliana Yamada/Special to The Chronicle

Theres more seating in a spacious covered back patio, plus a parklet on Broadway. The street has been permanently closed to traffic since the pandemic, creating a lively outdoor dining scene.

Saif Maklabeh is anxious about how the new Mazra will be received. Its hard to replicate the charm of a Hail Mary restaurant that was never supposed to be, born as a way to save the familys struggling, 15-year-old Green Valley Market.

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I dont want people to feel like we sold out, he said. But its Mazras unexpected success that kept them open during the pandemic, enabled the expansion, and that will allow the original to reopen later this year with a new kitchen.
. Jack Ohman/The Chronicle

Rep. Katie Porters career whiteboard is now freshly wiped clean in a not wholly unexpected way but, at 50, shes still got a lot of blank space left. Its now a Whats Next Board.

After all, shes eight years younger than Vice President Kamala Harris and about six years younger than the soon-to-be termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom. Oh, and shes 27 years younger than former President Donald Trump and 31 years younger than President Joe Biden.

Porters problem isnt her age, its how does she find the reset button?

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Porters exit from the U.S. Senate race was, shall we say, not perfectly executed. On Election Night, she tartly observed that we had the establishment running scared  withstanding 3-to-1 in TV spending and an onslaught of billionaires spending millions to rig this election.

Porter got her tone wrong, but shes factually right. There were some billionaire crypto guys dropping a lot of money on ads against her that were now-typical fare: ominous narration, creepy music and so on.

The problem was that the word rigged in relation to elections is a registered trademark of Trump, so a lot of fellow Democrats landed on Porter for her choice of words.

So, obviously, I wish I had chosen a different word because what happened with the controversy was it took away from two really important truths, Porter said on Pod Save America with Jon Favreau.

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Obviously.I want to really make clear that at no time, in no way would I ever suggest that theres anything other than a careful, thoughtful, amazing election system that actually should be the model for a lot of the country, in my opinion, Porter noted, a bit too late.

Rep. Adam Schiff was more than happy to weigh in on Meet The Press on March 10. That term rigged is a very loaded term in the year of Trump. It connotes fraud, ballot stuffing and false claims like those of Donald Trump. I think whats remarkable is Democrats very quickly rallied to say, No, we dont use that language. 

The question now is whether Porter can quickly rally to salvage what was a promising political career prior to Californias March 5 primary.

Porters first step was to immediately send out a clarion call to her followers to donate to President Joe Bidens reelection campaign. Always a good start, getting money to someone. Ask any billionaire.

Porters event horizon is actually not bad, even if she did step on some toes.

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On Fox40s Inside California Politics, Porter lightly sidestepped host Nikki Laurenzos question about whether shed run for governor in 2026. She noted she was going to help her former 2018 Democratic congressional primary foe, state Sen. Dave Min, who has been dinged up for driving under the influence and faces a strong opponent in Republican Scott Baugh, who gave Porter a very close race in 2022 for her Orange County seat.

Min is by no means a done deal and if he loses, Porter could run for her seat again in 2026. That seems to be a nonstarter for her because she was probably not likely to hold her seat anyway. She obviously didnt want to be a House lifer; that L.A.-to-D.C. flight is brutal 36 times a year. Being in the Senate keeps you out of Reagan National Airport a bit more often.

Lets look at the governors race. There are several major declared and potential candidates thus far, including her supporter, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and three serious female candidates: former state Senate President Toni Atkins, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former State Controller Betty Yee. Sen. Laphonza Butler cant be ruled out, either. Nor can former Rep. Jackie Speier, who is now running for San Mateo County Supervisor, a post she held 40 years ago. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is said to be looking at running as well. There may be others, too.

Does Porter clear the field there? Not likely. After her family spat with Schiff and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, not to mention her obvious lack of support from the California Democratic House delegation, most people wouldnt be seeing a lane there.

Lets say, for fun, that the Attorney General post opens up. Porter would probably be more likely to make a splash in the as-yet-unjelled AG field. Again, shes youngish at 50 and has a lot of name ID that wasnt likely damaged much by her remarks on election night.

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About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

If President Biden is reelected, Porter might be a good fit for a major financial regulatory post, something she expressed an interest for in her book, I Swear: Politics is Messier Than My Minivan.
NewsVoir

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 1: A 12-year-old boy mangled his eye badly in a horrifying accident when playing with a Swiss Army Knife in school. The sharp edge of the blade penetrated his right eye below the eyelid. Parts of his eye popped out, leading to excessive bleeding and vision loss, giving the face a grotesque appearance.

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The boy named Raghav (identity changed), hailing from Mulund, was rushed by his parents to hospitals nearby where the doctors recommended immediate removal of the eye. The boy was finally taken to Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital in Wadala, Mumbai, which specializes in trauma injuries to the eye.

Said Padmashri Prof. Dr. S. Natarajan, Chief of Vitreoretinal Services at Aditya Jyot Hospital who led a team of eye surgeons that operated upon the young patient in January this year. "Upon arrival, the boy's eyeball was giving the appearance of a crushed tomato. It had both visible and hidden injuries, with parts of the eye protruding out. It was a very complex case and a race against time to save the boy's eye."

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He added, "We conducted a very delicate and intricate procedure aimed at preserving the integrity of the eye. It involved complex manoeuvres including suturing to seal perforations and meticulous exploration behind the globe to address hidden injuries. Despite facing significant challenges such as profuse bleeding around and behind the eye, our team managed to repair the badly smashed eye back to its original shape. Our goal was to preserve the eye at any cost, and we managed to achieve that successfully. The surgery lasted one hour and 20 minutes."

Dr. S. Natarajan said, "The case was not just about physical restoration of the eye but also saving the young patient from life-long psychological trauma if his eye had to be removed. I am happy to report that Raghav is now expected to resume a normal life like earlier, free from the burden of lifelong treatment for visual impairment. Although additional surgeries may be required in the future, the prognosis is optimistic, offering hope for a bright future for him. Can there be a greater satisfaction than giving a young boy his eye back."

The parents of the boy are overwhelmed at the success of the surgery. Said the boy's father, "Seeing the horrifying condition my boy was in, with parts of his eye hanging out, I had lost all hope. It was heart-breaking to see this accident in my son who is yet to enter teenage. I thank the doctors of Aditya Jyot Hospital from the bottom of my heart for giving Raghav his life back."

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NewsVoir

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 1: The beauty industry is set to employ 26.3 million people by 2030 (As per BWSSC report). It is also a highly lucrative field where salaries can range as high as Rs. 4 lakhs - Rs. 10 lakhs per year*(Average of different jobs in the beauty industry. Source: Ambitionbox).

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So what is the easiest way to land these jobs? It's simple - you need India's most iconic beauty institute. Here's how Lakme Academy Powered by Aptech trains you to be the best candidate for jobs in the beauty industry.

A Robust Placement Program

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Designed by industry leaders, their placement program enhances students' marketability in many ways. They help build their resumes, hold intensive master classes and workshops with successful industry leaders and alumni, build their interview skills, practice mock interviews to refine techniques and host top-notch grooming sessions.

Campus Drives

Each student receives at least 3 one-to-one interview opportunities with renowned brands, where they apply for jobs after receiving detailed job descriptions and fulfilling applicable criteria.

Networking Opportunities

Their Alumni Connect programs provide access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world insights. Meanwhile, the Aptech E-CELL nurtures individuals keen on entrepreneurship.

Job Fairs

They also host job fairs like the most recent one that took place in New Delhi. Iconic beauty brands such as Lakme Salon, Sephora, Kaya Skin Clinic, Kama Ayurveda, Glam Studio, Cut & Style Salon, Ruby Luxury Salon, Estee Lauder, MAC and Nykaa, among others, showed up.

Impressive Brand Collaborations

With a network of 50+ prominent brands in the branded salon and beauty retail industries, the academy offers unmatched recruitment opportunities. The top recruiters include:

1. Lakme Salon2. Nykaa3. Tira Beauty4. Kryolan5. Colorbar6. Sephora7. Tony & Guy Salon8. Kaya Skin Clinic9. Green Trends Salon10. Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic

& more...

Industry Visits

Since December 2023, the academy arranged visits to 30+ stores of Purplle, Sugar Cosmetics, Nykaa, Kryolan & Colorbar drawing 650+ students. These students received insights into beauty retail, explored job roles, learned about trends and were given access to expert demonstrations.

Influencer Marketing

They also host influencer marketing workshops, focusing on Instagram for them to build a platform. Successful beauty artists also have the chance to become high-earning influencers. On platforms like Instagram, their earnings potential is significant. With follower counts ranging from modest to massive, influencers can earn substantial figures for their posts. On average, this includes earnings from Rs. 40,000 to well over Rs. 4 lakhs per post, depending on their audience size. (Source: The Economic Times.)

Ready to step into a beautiful future? Enrol now with Lakme Academy Powered by Aptech!

Lakme Lever Pvt. Ltd. (Lakme Lever) is a 100% subsidiary of Hindustan Unilever Limited. In 2015, Lakme Lever formalised a strategic alliance with MEL Training and Assessments Limited (MEL) [100% subsidiary of Aptech Ltd. - a global pioneer in vocational training] to set up beauty academies to train aspiring stylists across India and equip them to start their careers in the beauty industry.

Lakme Lever operates India's first and leading chain of Lakme Salons that offer expert services in Hairstyling, Skin and Beauty Care. With nearly 40 years of experience and a footprint of over 450+ Lakme Salons across 160 cities, Lakme Salon has a deep understanding of the beauty industry. Lakme Salon is dedicated to the contemporary Indian woman's exploration of the fine art of beauty. Known for its magical concoction of stunning makeup, fabulous hair and excellent skin services, Lakme Salon brings the backstage expertise and experience of Lakme Fashion Week to modern Indian Women through a team of over 5000+ highly trained Professional Stylists. With professionally trained hair and makeup experts with countless shows under their belt and outstanding skin services, Lakme Salons offer customers a distinct portfolio of services and backstage rituals presented in a unique Runway Secrets menu. Continuous innovation in the portfolio is at the centre of Lakme Salons' growth philosophy.

Lakme Academy Powered by Aptech is present in 150+ locations across 65 cities and offers foundation and advanced-level courses in skin, hair, makeup and nails.

*Disclaimer

Secondary data sources need independent verification.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

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VMPL

New Delhi [India], April 1: Bagdogra Airport is preparing for significant changes under the guidance of its new advisor, Abha Jindal. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has appointed Jindal for this pivotal role, demonstrating the government's commitment to promoting gender equality.

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Abha Jindal's appointment comes at a crucial time as Bagdogra Airport prepares for expansion and modernization. Construction is set to commence soon, with the government allocating Rs 3,000 crore for the project. This funding is sourced from both the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The development of Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri aims to make it the first international airport with extensive amenities in the entire North East India region. The allocated funds will be utilized for various infrastructural enhancements, including runway improvements, night landing systems, terminal building upgrades, and a multipurpose car park. Following the allocation, the state government has allocated 108 acres of land to the airport authority, with the central government subsequently initiating development efforts.

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Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Aviation Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Siliguri is poised to reach new heights and serve as a gateway to the world. Upon completion of the new airport terminal, the number of international flights is expected to increase significantly, benefiting tourists from around the globe as well as Indian citizens visiting North Bengal. Abha Jindal has stated that the construction of the new terminal building is expected to be completed by 2026.

As part of the plan, six aero bridges and four remote bridges will be added, facilitating smoother passenger movement and enhancing airport operations. Additionally, improvements to the current terminal include adding more seats in the security area and acquiring new equipment to enhance safety measures.

Bagdogra Airport's evolution signals a significant progress towards enhancing air connectivity and regional development in North East India.

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VMPL

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 1: STEP, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, successfully hosted the inaugural Green Ribbon Fest on Thursday, at the Hall of Harmony, Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai. The event, which ran from 10 am to 5 pm, brought together mental health startups, investors, industry experts, and stakeholders for a day filled with impactful discussions, pitch presentations, and networking opportunities.

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The Green Ribbon Fest was founded as a platform to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of mental health. Against the backdrop of increasing awareness and destigmatisation efforts surrounding mental health, the fest aimed to address the critical need for accessible and comprehensive support systems in today's fast-paced and digitally connected world.

Speaking at the event, Reinu Shah, Founder, STEP said, "It is necessary to highlight mental health and look into cutting-edge ways to address mental health issues as societies struggle with a variety of issues. Neglecting mental health can lead to a range of problems, including depression, anxiety, among others. As an incubator, our aim is to encourage innovation and collaboration in the mental health entrepreneurship space. By promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering supportive environments, we can create a society where everyone has access and support they need to thrive mentally and emotionally."

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In the next session, Stepper Bhavana Issar wowed the audience with an emotional tale of personal and professional experiences highlighting the issues plaguing family caregivers and stated that there isn't an equivalent word for caregiver in any of the Indian languages. She emphasized that not only the patients but the family caregivers need a community of others who are walking through difficult conditions so that no one feels alone and everyone can replenish their emotional reservoirs. Bhavana is the Founder & CEO of Caregiver Saathi, a social venture dedicated to providing tech-enabled support for family caregivers.

Neha Kirpal, Founder, Amaaha Health said, "The Green Ribbon Fest provides an important forum for startups, investors, and industry experts to come together and drive meaningful change in the mental health landscape. I urge people to work together and build this ecosystem. We need to educate our stakeholders, keep doing advocacy to our stakeholders so that they can educate our investors, educate other sectors and other doctors so the ecosystem can build. Mental health should be treated as science as it creates an impact on every aspect of our lives, everybody needs to work together to solve mental health. By working together, we can build a more accepting and caring society where mental health is valued and encouraged."

Further, she added, "In reflection on the relevance of the event. We can develop workable solutions to deal with our society's changing mental health necessities by encouraging innovation and teamwork. In the field of mental health, activities such as the Green Ribbon Fest are essential for increasing awareness, encouraging cooperation, and sparking creativity. Together, we can build a more promising and healthful future for everyone."

The event showcased the most promising mental health innovators, with 10 startups selected as winners from approx.100 applications received from all over the country. The diverse panel of jury comprised of investors, entrepreneurs, and mental health experts. The startups were categorized into revenue, pre-revenue & prototype stages.

The winners of the pitching competition were INSIGHTE Counselling Vertical- Co Founder: Nikita Nath, Strangify - Founder: Himanshu Rajporohit, Goodlives - Founder: Sakshi Shah, Wellbe - Co Founder: Dr. Siddarth Kumar, Curomates - Founder: Anirudh Roy; and Reboot Wellness - Founder: Saloni Malhotra, Niya - Co Founder: Nidhi Lal, Momly - Co Founder: Supriya Anantkrishnan, and Crink App - Co Founder: Mariyam V Vijayana.

The grand prize, accompanied by a grant of Rs 10,00,000 lakh, was won by Kodate Parenting, led by Jeyappriadhevi J, for building an innovative solution to parenting issues.

When asked about the importance of winning the grant, the winners expressed a sense of gratitude and happiness for their victory. They expressed that winning the grant will significantly aid in the further development and expansion of their startup ventures. This sentiment underscores the importance of such opportunities in providing crucial support for budding entrepreneurs to realize their visions and advance their businesses.

Durmeric Natureceuticals Pvt Ltd served as the gifting partner, underlining their commitment to supporting mental health entrepreneurship.

The Green Ribbon Fest concluded with the prize distribution. STEP expressed gratitude to all the guests, sponsors, and participants for their vital roles in making the event a success. The Green Ribbon Fest, supported by Parivartan, signifies a significant stride towards fostering innovation and collaboration in the mental health sector.

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New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): The first meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) manifesto committee was held on Monday under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where discussions took place on suggestions made by the public. The next meeting is likely to be held soon.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, co-convener of the BJP Manifesto Committee, said at a press conference that on Friday the first meeting of the Manifesto Committee was held.

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"There were eight Union Ministers, including Rajnath Singh, three Chief Ministers, Bhupendra Patel, Vishnu Dev Sai, Dr. Mohan Yadav, and many other senior leaders who are members of the committee, who remained present and had a meaningful discussion," he said.

"BJP takes each and every issue seriously in every Sankalp Patra, discusses it and includes it in the Sankalp Patra . Our party has a robust mechanism by which the Sankalp Patra is prepared. This is an initial manifesto and it will be finalised in a few days," he added.

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Everyone gave their suggestions on different topics, what can be done on their valuable topics, what kind of developed 'India@2047' will be, what will be the outline of the party, what will be the outline of the government. Regarding this, the resolution letter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third term was discussed, said Piyush Goyal at the press conference.

Before this, for about 35 days, 916 video vans travelled across the country to reach out to common people and seek their suggestions. They visited more than 3,500 assembly constituencies and met eminent people from different societies in 100 cities, added Goyal.

Meetings with businessmen, organisations, the trade industry, and intellectuals were held in more than 100 cities and thousands of different suggestions were given to the ministers and leaders of our party.

A missed call campaign was also run by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Around 3.45 lakh suggestions were given across the country. People were contacted through the missed call campaign. Those who expressed their desire to talk, want to say something, or have suggestions were also incorporated.

We all have access to its database. At the same time, people are connected to Namo App, which is widely used across the country. Around 1,70,000 suggestions have been received in Namo App. This in itself shows how much enthusiasm there is among the people of the country and how much participation Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received, added Piyush Goyal.

By creating a kind of database of all these suggestions and compiling them, a very meaningful discussion took place today. Our committee members, considering all the sections of society and considering the different suggestions that have come, gave priority to the interests of the country and the public.

After shortlisting, some time will be taken to think further on the suggestions and the committee will meet after a few days. All the members will also bring their own views on these suggestions after doing some study on these suggestions in the next meeting, Piyush Goyal said further.

With the formation of the BJP's manifesto committee for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the party has kicked off the process for its preparation, which is to showcase the roadmap for a 'Viksit Bharat' and held its first meeting on Monday.

The 27-member manifesto committee led by senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh has 11 ministers besides four chief ministers of the party-ruled states.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been appointed the convener of the committee, while Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal has been made the co-convener. The manifesto committee also has one BJP leader from each of the minority communities, including Sikhs, Muslims and Christians. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Monday acquitted four men and set aside the life sentence awarded by the trial court for alleged offences of gang rape and kidnapping in July 2018. At the instance of the prosecutrix, police had arrested all of them from their native village in district Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

Division bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain, while setting aside the trial court judgement, criticised Delhi police for the shoddy probe and trial court for ignoring the statement of prosecutrix before the magistrate and during trial.

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Pawan Sharma and other three were held guilty and convicted for offences under Sections related to gang rape, kidnapping etc and were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for life with fine. They had challenged the trial court judgement.

The division bench said, "We are of the view that there was not enough material on record to prove the case of prosecution. No incriminating word has been whispered by 'G' and her parents.

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While criticising the police, the court said, " Investigation is also not upto the mark as neither PCR form nor CDR of mobile of 'G' were placed on record." It was important to trace her location as she made call from her mobile phone.

"It is also quite apparent that she had made call from her own mobile to PCR but for the reasons best known to the prosecution, PCR form has also not been placed on record," the bench observed.

"Even if semen was detected on the 'legging' of victim and the DNA extracted from the same matched with the DNA profile of the accused persons, it could not have beenautomatically assumed that it was a case of sexual assault, particularly when 'G' has not uttered even a single word in this regard. It could have been also taken as a case of consensual physical relationship," the bench said.

The High court said that the trial court swayed away by the first statement of prosecutrix.

The bench observed, "Quite possibly, learned trial court seems to have got carried away by the fact that in her first statement, which has been otherwise disowned by her during trial, she had incriminated all the appellants."

Learned Trial Court also did not give any weightage to the fact that such statement was made by her on 29 July 2018 and immediately thereafter when she was produced before the concerned learned Magistrate, she, in her statement under Section 164 Cr.P.C., categorically claimed that she had left the home of her own and same version was reiterated by her in the witness box," the bench observed.

The High Court noted that the prosecutrix was major at the relevant time.

The division bench held that in such a situation, there was virtually nothing which could have indicated that she had been kidnapped and then confined and gang-raped.

On the shoddy police investigation the High court remarked that it is quite baffling and mysterious as to why the police did not collect the CDR details of mobile of 'G'.

It would have certainly thrown valuable light about vital details. her mobile was seized by the police, it added.

" It seems that no effort was made to obtain the call details record and to place the same on record. Holding back such valuable piece of evidence has to be taken as a circumstanceagainst the prosecution. We will not mince any word in commenting that Call Details Record of 'G' would have also reflected her location which could have even strengthened the case of prosecution but is not explicable as to why such valuable piece of evidence was not bothered to be collected. Thus, a golden opportunity went begging," the bench said in the judgement passed on April 1.

In her cross-examination conducted by the prosecution, she admitted that she had made call to the police but pleaded her ignorance whether such call was made by her from Mathura or Delhi. So much so, she claimed that her phone was taken into possession by the police, the judgement noted. (ANI)

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Kamrup (Assam) [India], April 1 (ANI): After experiencing dry and hot weather for the past few weeks, heavy rains accompanied by hailstorms wreaked havoc in parts of Assam's Kamrup district on Sunday.

Several houses were damaged, and trees and electric poles were uprooted in the Nagarbera area of Kamrup district due to the severe hailstorm on Sunday.

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The hailstorms and rains hit the Naitor Kalyanpur, Naitor Udla, Jamlai, Bidyanagar, and Hekra villages of the Nagarbera area. Road connectivity was also disrupted after uprooted trees blocked the roads in the area.

An affected person in the Nagarbera area said that the rains and storm not only damaged his house but also caused injuries to his wife, and daughter.

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"My house was damaged and many other houses in our locality were also damaged. Many families of Naitor Udla, Kalyanpur, Jamlai, Bidyanagar, Lahotari, and Nagarbera have been badly affected. My wife and daughter were busy cooking when a bunch of trees hit my house due to the storm and injured both my wife and daughter," said the affected person.

"Later I rushed them to the hospital for their treatment. I am economically very poor and I have no money to repair my house. I am a daily wage labourer. I request the government to help me," the affected person pleaded.

Another affected person in the Nagarbera area complained of damage to his house in the rains accompanied by the storm and said, "My house has been severely damaged due to the rains and hails last night. Several trees have also been uprooted in the area." (ANI)

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Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], April 1 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel's son Abhiyan Patel along with a few others were booked for allegedly assaulting owners of a restaurant in the state capital Bhopal, a police official said.

The incident occurred in Gulmohor locality under the jurisdiction of Shahpura police station in the city on Saturday late night. According to information, minister's son Abhigyan Patel was travelling in a car with his friends and during this, the car collided with a scooty of a media person. Following which, a dispute occurred between them and Patel along with his friends, beat up the media person fiercely. The media person entered inside a nearby restaurant to save himself.

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After that the minister's son entered the restaurant with his friends. Meanwhile the owners of the restaurant, stopped the minister's son after which he along with friends assaulted the couple. Seeing the ruckus, the nearby people gathered over there and informed the police.

Habibganj Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mayur Khandelwal told ANI, "The owners of a restaurant registered a complaint that Abhigyan Patel along with few others has physically assaulted them and hence a case has been registered for the same under IPC sections 294, 324, 506 and 34 into the matter."

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Meanwhile, when asked about four police personnel also suspended after the incident into the matter, ACP Khandelwal added, "Abhigyan Patel and others complained that police personnel had physically assaulted them and acting on that all four police personnel have also been suspended and an investigation is on."

The official further said that as the investigation moved forward, more sections would be added (against Abhigyan Patel and others) if needed.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari alleged that it was anarchy and said that suspension of Police personnel was wrong.

"This is anarchy. A journalist was assaulted and his FIR complaint was not registered. A woman was misbehaved but her FIR was not registered and a person sustained severe head injuries but section 307 is not imposed... SSP doesn't have the information that four police personnel have been suspended, but it's right there in newspaper headlines. Discouraging police and supporting crime has been the intention of this govt. The CM is the Home Minister also, and when the family of his ministers do something like this, he seems to be helpless."

He also said that he would write a letter to CM and would request that justice should be done in the matter.

"I will write a letter to the CM and request that justice be done in this case and also that such incidents shouldn't be repeated. Suspension of Police personnel is wrong, it will discourage police, if they do suspend them, we will protest in the favour of the police," Patwari added. (ANI)

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Limits on housing density approved by local voters can be overridden by lawmakers, says a state appeals court, upholding 2021 legislation meant to encourage construction of small apartment buildings. Talia Herman

Limits on housing density approved by local voters can be overridden by lawmakers, a California appeals court ruled, upholding legislation that was intended to encourage construction of small apartment buildings.

The law, SB10 by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, allows city and county governments to authorize new housing with up to 10 units in some urban areas, including those near transit, without conducting environmental studies. If an initiative passed by local voters has prohibited new housing in the area, the city council or county supervisors can still approve construction by a two-thirds vote. The law took effect in 2022 and is scheduled to expire at the end of 2028.

It was challenged by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which also supports more housing construction but opposed SB10 in the Legislature because it did not include requirements for low-cost housing. The foundation contended the legislation violated the voters right, under the California Constitution, to make law by initiative. The suit was joined by the city of Redondo Beach (Los Angeles County), whose voters had passed an initiative requiring their approval for more construction on existing housing parcels.

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But the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles said state lawmakers can overrule local voters on issues of statewide concern.

The housing shortage is a matter of statewide concern, and SB10 is reasonably related to addressing that concern, Justice Brian Hoffstadt said in Thursday 3-0 ruling, which upheld a judges decision.

Hoffstadt cited previous legislation aimed at addressing the shortage of affordable housing, starting with a 1965 law that required local governments to adopt long-term plans to promote adequate housing. Later laws required local governments to seek approval of their housing plans from the state Department of Housing and Community Development, and to approve proposed housing developments unless they found a specific, adverse, and unavoidable impact on public health or safety.

Many local residents do not want to live near high-density housing, so they elect local officials hostile to such housing or lobby heavily against such housing, Hoffstadt said. Statewide, he said, the increase in housing prices at all levels reasonably supports the Legislatures finding that there is a shortage of housing at all of those levels, including affordable housing.

A California appeals court ruled that limits on housing density approved by local voters can be overridden by lawmakers, upholding state Sen. Scott Wieners SB10. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle 2023

Plaintiffs in the suit also argued that allowing a city council to override local voters would lead to poorer decision-making because council members are more likely than the voters to be swayed by political interests. That might mean the state law was ill-advised, Hoffstadt said, but it doesnt make it unconstitutional.

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The AIDS Healthcare Foundations president, Michael Weinstein, said Monday that the court wrongly allowed state lawmakers to weaken voters rights.

The drift toward the state overriding local governance is something that every community should be concerned about, Weinstein said in a statement. Unfortunately, the court supports allowing the state in its infinite wisdom to let local legislative bodies override local ballot initiatives. It seems that neither the court nor the Legislature believes voters should have the right to self-determination.

The foundation could seek review of the case in the state Supreme Court.

Wiener was not immediately available for comment. After the suit was filed, he said SB10 empowers cities to be full partners in solving Californias profound housing shortage.
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) There is no bar either in the Constitution or in law which prohibits jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from continuing in office but running the government from a prison is "ractically impossible", the legal experts said on Monday.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal on Monday was remanded to judicial custody till April 15.

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The views of the legal experts are in line with the Delhi High Court's observations on March 28 when it had dismissed a PIL seeking removal of Kejriwal from the post of chief minister following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The high court had said there was no legal provision prohibiting the AAP leader from running the government post-arrest to warrant any judicial interference and the executive authorities would act in case there is a constitutional failure.

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Asked whether Kejriwal can continue as the chief minister post his judicial custody, senior advocate Ajit Sinha said, "There is no specific provision in the Constitution barring a person continuing as the chief minister once incarcerated, but it is practically impossible."

Senior advocate and former SCBA president Vikas Singh echoed the same views saying there are many things which are not written in the Constitution and it will be difficult to run the government from prison. The chief minister will have to seek permission from the court and the authorities for every action which he proposes to take as the head of the administration.

In any case, Kejriwal cannot summon a cabinet meeting in jail, Sinha said, adding that running the government from the prison will be "practically impossible".

Sinha also gave the example of RJD president Lalu Prasad saying that initially he was of the view that the government can be run from the jail. However, later he made his spouse Rabri Devi his successor.

He said it would be impossible to run the day-to-day administration such as making cabinet decisions, signing the official papers and transfer orders as these tasks cannot be completed in the secluded and protected area of the jail.

"Cabinet meetings cannot be summoned in jail and the state would be rendered rudderless in the absence of the CM presiding over these meetings. For every such meeting or administrative task, Kejriwal will have to seek the court's permission, which is practically impossible," Sinha said.

Sinha further said the makers of the Constitution did not envision a scenario of a sitting CM landing in jail and so there was no provision dealing with it.

While senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan said there is no bar in law on a person continuing as chief minister once arrested, senior advocate Vikas Singh said though legally there is no bar, administratively it will be next to impossible.

Asked whether Kejriwal can continue as chief minister after his arrest, Sankaranarayanan said, "There is no bar in law on a person continuing as chief minister once arrested."

"As per the Representation of the People Act, it is only after a conviction that an MLA can be treated as disqualified and, therefore, disentitled to be a minister. Although unprecedented, it is technically possible for him to function from jail," he said.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case on March 21, hours after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him protection from any coercive action by the central probe agency.

On Monday, a court here sent him to judicial custody till April 15. Kejriwal has not tendered his resignation from the post of the chief minister. The AAP said Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister of Delhi, irrespective of the duration of his term in jail.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], April 1 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief VD Sharma reacted to the incident involving state Health Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel's son, Abhiyan Patel, who was booked for allegedly assaulting the owners of a restaurant in the Bhopal.

"No one has the right to commit hooliganism. The law and the administration are doing their work. The administration will take action against whoever is at fault," the Madhya Pradesh BJP chief said while speaking to reporters here.

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The incident occurred in the Gulmohar locality under the jurisdiction of Shahpura police station in the city late on Saturday night. According to reports, the Minister's son Abhigyan Patel was travelling with his friends when their car collided with a two-wheeler belonging to a media person. A dispute ensued, leading to Patel and his friends assaulting the media person. The media person sought refuge inside a nearby restaurant.

Subsequently, Patel and his friends entered the restaurant, where the owners tried to stop them, resulting in Patel and his friends assaulting the couple. Onlookers gathered and informed the police.

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Habibganj Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mayur Khandelwal said, "The owners of the restaurant registered a complaint that Abhigyan Patel, along with a few others, physically assaulted them. Based on the complaint, a case under IPC sections 294, 324, 506, and 34 was registered against the accused persons."

Regarding the suspension of four police personnel after the incident, ACP Khandelwal added, "Abhigyan Patel and others complained that police personnel had assaulted them. Acting on that, all four police personnel have also been suspended, and an investigation is ongoing."

He further mentioned that more sections might be added against Abhigyan Patel and others as the investigation progresses. (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, Apr 1 (PTI) Several Left-leaning women organisations on Monday condemned an advertisement released by the BJP that parodies INDIA bloc leaders and shows them fighting over a "bride".

The advertisement should be withdrawn, they demanded in a statement.

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It was signed by All India Democratic Women's Association general secretary Mariam Dhawale, National Federation Of Indian Women general secretary Annie Raja, All India Progressive Women's Association general secretary Meena Tiwari and Poonam Kaushik of the All India Coordination of POW- PMS-IJM-G, Jhansi.

"Four national women's organisations strongly condemn the recent poll ad released by the BJP which is an insult to the women of this country as it portrays her from an extremely feudal, patriarchal perspective," they said in the statement.

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"Showing opposition leaders in disagreement over a 'bride' that is fighting over a 'thing' they want to obtain, is not just in poor taste but is offensive to the woman who has been objectified and degraded by this depiction," the statement said.

The INDIA bloc was formed by some opposition parties, including the Congress, the TMC, the Samajwadi Party and the RJD, to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.

The advertisement shows actors portraying INDIA bloc leaders arguing over who would be the "bridegroom".

Several opposition leaders have also objected to the advertisement.

"The Manuwadi concept of 'nari shakti' propounded by the PM and the BJP has been shown up in its true colours. Women's organisations demand an immediate withdrawal of the ad along with an unequivocal apology from the BJP," the statement said.

The organisations urged women to "unitedly come forward against the regressive BJP", which, they said, has shown an "anti-women mind set".

(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, Apr 1 (PTI) BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj attacked the AAP on Monday asking if Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal was now "officially" holding the post.

Swaraj, Delhi BJP secretary and party candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, also hit out at the opposition INDIA bloc saying its Ramlila ground rally on Sunday was a "flop show" to "mislead" people on corruption issues.

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AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar hit back, saying the BJP has been "utterly shaken" by the "overwhelming public support" for Kejriwal at the rally.

Addressing a press conference here, Swaraj asked the Aam Aadmi Party to clarify "whether Sunita Kejriwal is now officially the chief minister because she is using the Delhi chief minister's chair to give the media messages".

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The BJP leader was referring to Sunita Kejriwal holding digital briefings with a backdrop similar to that of the Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal before his arrest on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in the alleged liquor scam linked money laundering case.

The AAP should also tell why its leaders are being denied bail by the courts in the "liquor scam" case, she said.

The courts have not granted bail to former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh who are behind bars for several months in the case.

Swaraj, daughter of late BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, also asked the AAP to answer if Kejriwal skipped nine summonses of ED and did not appear before the agency for questioning until elections are announced so that he could play "victim card" after his arrest.

She also claimed that at the INDIA bloc's Ramlila ground rally on Sunday, most of the chairs were empty when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was giving speech, indicating that the rally did not receive public support.

The INDIA grouping constituents like Trinamool Congress, AAP and the Left parties, they all seem to be "deceiving" the Congress because they did not give a single seat to the grand old party in the states ruled by them, Bansuri said.

AAP's Kakkar said the INDIA bloc stood "resolutely united" against the "rampant dictatorship" that has "thoroughly unsettled" the BJP.

"Together, we exposed the BJP's operation of an 'Extortion Department' and their practice of whitewashing corrupt leaders once they join the party," Kakkar charged.

She hit out at Swaraj alleging it's "utterly ironic" that she is lecturing about corruption while she defended "the most corrupt" of the country as a lawyer.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Taipei, Apr 1 (AP) Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou is visiting China to help build social and cultural links on a trip that might include a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping despite heightened tensions.

Ma left Taipei on Monday with a student group on an 11-day trip that underlines continued interactions in education, business and culture despite Beijing's threat to use military force against the self-governing island democracy to achieve unification.

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Toward the end of his second term in 2015, Ma held a historic meeting with Xi in Singapore, which has close contacts with both sides.

The meeting  the first between the leaders of China and Taiwan in more than half a century  produced few tangible outcomes and Ma's Nationalist Party lost the next presidential election to Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.

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Current Vice President Lai Ching-te, despised by Beijing for his opposition to unification, was elected as Tsai's successor in January, although the Nationalists recovered a narrow majority in the legislature.

Ma's itinerary includes a visit to Beijing, where there is heavy speculation he might meet with Xi, who says he remains open to Taiwanese politicians who proclaim that the island and the mainland, which split during a civil war in 1949, belong to a common Chinese nation.

Taiwan's official Central News Agency quoted Hsiao Hsu-tsen, who directs Ma's foundation, as saying he hopes Ma will have the chance to meet with "an old friend, but gave no details.

Taiwanese are largely opposed to political unification with China, and the island is boosting military relations with allies such as the US and Japan while maintaining close economic ties with the mainland. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar held a meeting with his visiting Thai counterpart Admiral Adoong Paan-Iam here on Monday and discussed measures to further strengthen Navy-to-Navy cooperation.

The two sides also held discussions on the present situation in the Indian Ocean region, with emphasis on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and the need for collaborative efforts towards ensuring peace, stability and maritime security.

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Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy, is on an official visit to India from April 1-3.

In a post on X, Indian Navy Spokesperson stated, "Adm Adoong Pan-Iam, Commander-in-Chief, #RoyalThaiNavy on an official visit to #India interacted with Adm R Hari Kumar #CNS at South Block, New Delhi. Both Principals discussed measures to further strengthen Navy to Navy cooperation incl Ops, Trg & related issues. The present situation in the #IOR with emphasis on Red Sea & Gulf of Aden, and the need for collaborative efforts towards ensuring peace, stability & #maritimesecurity was also deliberated."

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According to the Ministry of Defence press release, discussions between Admiral R Hari Kumar and Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam centred around issues of mutual cooperation in the maritime domain, training exchange programmes and information sharing.

Earlier in the day, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam laid a ceremonial wreath at the National War Memorial. He was welcomed by the customary Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Navy at the South Block.

His visit to India is a testimony of strong "bilateral relations and lasting friendship" between the navies of India and Thailand, the MEA said.

He is also scheduled to call on Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Defence Secretary, and the National Maritime Security Co-ordinator.

"To further deepen Defence Cooperation between both countries, Adm Adoong Pan-Iam is scheduled to meet officials of the Indian Defence Industries and the Department of Defence Production at New Delhi," the MEA release said.

"Following this, an interactive session with Indian Navy Officials from the Warship Design Bureau is also planned to explore current trends in ship building and identify future opportunities, including scope of ship maintenance and repairs in India," it added.

The navies of India and Thailand have been conducting regular Coordinated Patrols on biannual basis since 2005, and the maiden IN-RTN bilateral Exercise, viz, Ex- Ayutthaya was held in December 23 last year.

Recently, one Royal Thai Navy ship, HTMS Prachup Kheri Khan, participated in MILAN 24, held in February 2024 in Visakhapatnam. The two navies are also active members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tel Aviv [Israel], April 1 (ANI/TPS): The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) reported that Sunday evening an Israel Air Force aircraft attacked a vehicle in the area of the village of Kounine in Lebanon where the terrorist Ismail Ali Elzin, was staying.

The IDF described him as a key operative and leader in the anti-tank unit of the Redwan force in the Hezbollah terrorist organisation.

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The Redwan force's mission is to infiltrate northern Israeli territory for the sake of terrorism.

Ismail Ali Elzin, said the IDF, is responsible for dozens of anti-tank attacks aimed at IDF forces and the Israeli rear.

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However, no word was given as to whether or not he was harmed in the attack.

Also Sunday evening IDF fighter jets attacked a number of military buildings belonging to Hezbollah where terrorists were staying in the area o Meiss El Jabal and in the area of Leyda, both in southern Lebanon.

Iraeli fighter jets also attacked additional launch positions of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the Merkaba area, as well as an observation post of the organization in the Kfarkela area, in southern Lebanon.

The attacks came after earlier on Sunday a number of launches from southern Lebanon were identified that crossed into the areas of Mount Dov and Arab al-Aramshe in Israel.

Israel's air defence fighters intercepted some of them. (ANI/TPS)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Windsor [England], April 1 (ANI): King Charles III made his most significant public appearance, his first since his recent cancer diagnosis, attending the traditional Easter Mattins church service at St George's Chapel in Windsor, CNN reported.

The King, 75, appeared in good spirits, arriving with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side.

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The Easter service, a long-standing tradition in the royal calendar, typically sees the extended royal family gathering at Windsor Castle before proceeding to church together. On this occasion, the King's attendance was particularly significant, drawing crowds of well-wishers eager to show their support.

As the royal couple made their way into the chapel, they waved joyfully to the gathered crowd, with one member of the public wishing them a "Happy Easter," to which the King graciously responded, as reported by CNN.

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Anne Daley, among those who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the monarch, travelled from Cardiff to show her support, noting the King's wonderful appearance and his appreciation of the Welsh flag.

This year's Easter celebration was more subdued, with fewer royals in attendance to minimise the King's contact with others during his treatment.

Both the King and Queen sat apart from the main congregation during the service, echoing the separation observed by the late Queen Elizabeth II at Prince Philip's funeral amid pandemic restrictions.

The King's siblings, including Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew, were among the first to arrive with their respective families, signalling solidarity with the King during this challenging time.

Following the service, Queen Camilla was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and the royal couple delighted the crowd by engaging in a spontaneous walkabout, with the King stopping to chat and shake hands with well-wishers.

Despite his health challenges, the King has continued to fulfil his duties, albeit with a reduced public schedule. He has maintained a steady involvement in state affairs, attending to official matters and meeting with various dignitaries and community leaders.

In a recorded message for the Royal Maundy service, the King expressed his heartfelt commitment to serving the nation, despite his absence from the congregation, emphasising the special significance of the event to him.

While the King's presence at the Easter service brought reassurance to many, there was a notable absence from the festivities--the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. The Waleses have been facing their own health challenges, with Princess Catherine undergoing chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis.

The family's decision to prioritise privacy during this difficult time has been met with understanding from the public, with a Kensington Palace spokesperson expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.

As the Waleses navigate this period of uncertainty, they have opted to spend the Easter holidays together, focusing on Catherine's recovery. Prince William is expected to resume his public duties once their children have returned to school, CNN reported. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Streaks of Light Seen in California. (Photo Credits: Video Grab)

Redmond (Washington), Apr 2 (AP) Microsoft will stop packaging its Teams videoconferencing app with its Office software after the practice attracted antitrust scrutiny.

The tech giant said Monday that customers buying Office subscriptions starting this week won't get Teams bundled with the service. Microsoft will start selling the two products separately around the world, following a move last year to separate the products in Europe.

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That was after the European Union's executive commission, the 27-nation bloc's top competition enforcer, opened a formal investigation over concerns that bundling Teams with Office gives the company an unfair edge over competitors.

The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed in 2020 by Slack Technologies, a maker of popular workplace messaging software.

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Slack, owned by business software maker Salesforce, alleged that Microsoft was abusing its market dominance to eliminate competition  in violation of EU laws  by illegally combining Teams with its Office suite, which includes Word, Excel and Outlook. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Sindh [Pakistan], April 1 (ANI): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to boycott the upcoming Senate elections in Sindh, citing what it alleges to be widespread rigging in the electoral process, Geo News reported.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh expressed concerns over the integrity of the Senate elections, saying, "Senate elections are being won through rigging."

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He highlighted the exclusion of PTI-backed candidates from the Sindh Assembly, suggesting foul play in the election results documented in Form 47, as reported by Geo News.

Sheikh noted that despite six PTI-backed candidates being in contention for Senate seats in Sindh, they have opted to boycott the elections. He further criticised the incumbent government, accusing it of electoral malpractice and asserting, "The incumbent government is going to be buried in a mass grave."

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The decision to boycott comes after 14 candidates withdrew their nomination papers for the Senate elections in Sindh, potentially paving the way for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to secure uncontested victories, particularly in the women's reserved seats.

The PPP has nominated a slate of 11 candidates for the Senate elections, including Syed Masroor Ahsan, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, and Rubina Qaimkhani. Meanwhile, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has fielded just one candidate, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, for the general seat.

Independent candidates, supported by the PTI, such as Mehjabeen Riaz and Mir Raja Khan Jakhrani, were also initially in the running but have since withdrawn from the electoral race.

The polling for seven general seats, including those for technocrats, women, and minorities, is scheduled to take place at the Sindh Assembly on April 2 from 9am to 4pm, 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)
Salesforce West at 50 Fremont St. is among the office buildings in San Francisco using lots of energy. John King / The Chronicle

San Franciscos downtown offices still havent returned to pre-pandemic levels of use, as many workers continue to prefer their home offices. But the buildings they left behind kept thrumming with wasted energy.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many of these buildings were nearly or completely vacant, they continued to guzzle immense amounts of energy, according to city data analyzed by the Chronicle.

Of the 100 highest energy users reporting in 2022, the most recent data available, 43 were office buildings, the largest segment. Among them, five office buildings that remained at least 90% vacant well into 2023 combined to use almost half as much energy as the Empire State Building in 2022  enough to power at least a thousand homes.

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I think work has changed, said Bianca Howard, professor and director of the Building Energy Research Laboratory at Columbia University. I dont know if we will go back to how things were before.

But substantial barriers exist to either reducing these hollowed-out office buildings consumption or putting them to a different use, she added.

Large buildings managers have to report how much energy they use every year, thanks to a San Francisco ordinance that took effect in 2011. The data includes electricity, natural gas and steam usage. About 70% of buildings comply.

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Salesforce West at 50 Fremont St. is the largest of the five buildings that remained mostly vacant into 2023. It had a carbon footprint equivalent to burning 226,817 gallons of gasoline, based on EPA estimates. Thats about 80% of the buildings pre-pandemic energy use, even though it was 90% vacant as of last May.

The building manager at Salesforce West could not be reached for comment.

These environmental issues are part of a growing conversation: how to transition U.S. cities downtowns to meet a dramatic shift in worker culture. The problem is even more immediate in S.F., where downtown is filled with giant, empty towers of carbon emission.

The city has reduced its carbon footprint by more than half since 1990, and is striving to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. The largest contributor is electricity and natural gas use by buildings, which makes up almost half of the citys footprint.

The biggest single energy users are the citys few urban data centers, such as the one on Paul Avenue in Bayview, but office buildings represent a much larger group that together consume more power than any other category of commercial buildings.

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San Francisco office buildings average energy use remained above 75% of its pre-pandemic level during 2020 and 2021. But given studies of other cities energy use during COVID, the reduction S.F. offices achieved is actually impressive, said Joseph Piasecki, a spokesperson for the S.F. Environment Department, which publishes the data.

A 25% reduction in energy use across a diverse portfolio of buildings, from historic properties to the latest new construction  thats considerable, Piasecki said. Though some buildings were mostly empty, very few were truly at zero occupancy.

On the other hand, hotels, the second largest group of big power users, dropped to about 60% use in 2020.

This could potentially reflect that a lot of hotels now do have some type of key card access where the lights turn on when the key is in place, Howard of Columbia University said. Theyve taken some steps to be able to turn down based on occupancy.

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Offices were likely less prepared for the unprecedented shift, she said.

Building experts say its no surprise that empty offices are burning so much energy. Electrical infrastructure like elevators consumes energy even when not in use, as do the pumps that maintain water pressure for faucets and toilets, said Eric Fournier, research director at UCLAs California Center for Sustainable Communities. Turning these off would make it hard for buildings to maintain a posture of openness.

A building is kind of a living thing, he said. You cant just cut the cord on it and expect it to carry on in good health for a long period of time.

Air conditioning systems are also kept on in empty buildings to avoid structural problems, mold and water-borne illnesses.

The design of these large offices, many of which were built over a century ago, typically assumes a certain range of temperatures, Fournier explained. If you deviate from that for a prolonged period, weird things happen that could be very expensive to fix.

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Howard, the building energy researcher at Columbia, says that while demand for these buildings seems to have permanently fallen, repurposing them is a challenge. Their entire water and electrical systems would need to dramatically change. Plus, the open floor design common in workplaces, with natural light only around the perimeter, simply isnt meant to house people.
Gilgit Baltistan [PoK], April 1 (ANI): Following the ongoing protests and aggression against the abduction of an 11-year-old girl, Falak Noor, the protesters issued an ultimatum of 48 hours to bring the ones responsible in these cases to justice.

They further demanded that all the accomplices in these cases be brought to justice, saying that they will not tolerate any blows to their identity and pride.

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The locals also demanded that all such cases of abduction, killing, and forced marriages must be prosecuted under the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and criminal harassment, so that no one dares to do such a heinous crime again.

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) now remains the centre of protests and public aggression due to the recent abduction case of minor girl Falak Noor.

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Reportedly, major protests have been organised by local leaders and members of the general public.

The aggression over the abduction of Falak Noor has now also spread outside GB because a major protest was organised outside the Karachi Press Club demanding justice for the minor girl.

During the protest in Karachi, Nasir Mansoor, a local leader and the Deputy General Secretary of the National Trade Union Federation, Pakistan (NTUF), referred to the case of Falak Noor and stressed that only the administration is responsible for the abduction of these innocent girls and civilians.

"Not the IG, not the political leaders or the police is responsible for the murder and abduction of these innocent girls and the kidnapping of innocent civilians, only the administration is responsible. The people of Pakistan at least have an identity and a social contract but the people of GB don't had any identity for the last 70 years. We are bound to do our duties as citizens and receive certain privileges in return. But nothing has been happening. What is happening in GB is happening in Balochistan and in Sindh, everywhere the administration is failing to fulfil its duties," Mansoor said.

He added that it is a war of identity that is being fought by Sindhis, Balochis, and the people of Gilgit Baltistan, further stressing that this war will continue till they don't get their deserved rights.

"The people who demand their rights, identity and representation in GB are included in Schedule 4 (declared anti-state), but when our daughters get abducted, they have no objections. And at that time, they remain ignorant. It is a war of identity which is being fought by Sindi, Balochis, and the people of GB. And this war will continue till they don't get their deserved rights. They all want to divide us based on religion and region so that we forget the struggle for our rights," Mansoor said.

Moreover, another protest was organised outside the Gilgit press club, raising demands for the same issue.

A local leader Muhammad Ali said that the administration and security personnel have remained incapable of recovering the 11-year old girl.

"We had heard that there was some sort of law in this occupied territory. But the truth is that the law is nothing more than a toy in the hands of the powerful that remains useless. Where are the security personnel who remain ignorant? They must also have daughters and even then, they remain irresponsible in such a crucial case. No one is more ignorant than these people. We don't know who is the culprit, or what is his religion, age, background and carder. We don't want to know who is the victim and which part of the society she belongs to," he said.

Ali added, "But the truth still stands that a minor girl has been abducted and the administration and security personnel have remained incapable of recovering the girl." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London, Apr 1 (AP) A new law against hate speech came into force in Scotland on Monday, praised by some but criticised by others who say its sweeping provisions could criminalise religious views or tasteless jokes.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behaviour on the basis of characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. Racial hatred was already banned under a law dating from 1986.

Also Read | Poland: Three Adults, Two Children Crushed to Death As Strong Winds Topple Trees in Rabka-Zdroj Town.

The maximum sentence is seven years in prison.

The legislation does not specifically ban hatred against women. The Scottish government says that will be tackled by a separate forthcoming law against misogyny.

Also Read | China Horror: In a Bid To Avoid Extra Work, Woman Poisons Pregnant Colleagues Drink To Stop Her From Taking Maternity Leave.

Scottish Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said the new law would help build safer communities that live free from hatred and prejudice.

We know that the impact on those on the receiving end of physical, verbal or online attacks can be traumatic and life-changing, she said. This legislation is an essential element of our wider approach to tackling that harm.

Critics argue that the law will have a chilling effect on free speech, making people afraid to express their views.

The legislation was passed by the Scottish Parliament almost three years ago but has been delayed by wrangling over its implementation.

Veteran human rights activist Peter Tatchell said the law was well-intended but vague, relying on subjective interpretation of what constitutes abuse and allowing people to report alleged offenses anonymously.

The Scottish National Party-led government in Edinburgh says the legislation includes free speech protections, including a specific guarantee that people can still ridicule or insult religion.

The threshold of criminality in terms of the new offenses is very, very high indeed, First Minister Humza Yousaf said.

Your behaviour has to be threatening or abusive and intended to stir up hatred.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who has called the law ludicrous, is among critics who say it could be used to silence what are known as gender-critical feminists, who argue that rights for trans women should not come at the expense of those who are born biologically female.

In a series of posts on X, Rowling referred to several prominent trans women as men. Misgendering could be an offense under the new law in some circumstances.

I'm currently out of the country, but if what I've written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment, Rowling wrote.

Scottish National Party lawmaker Joanna Cherry, another critic of the law, said that if you are a woman, you have every right to be concerned.

Biological sex is not included as a protected characteristic in the act, despite women being one of the most abused cohorts in our society, she wrote in The National newspaper.

Meanwhile, police organisations are concerned the law will trigger a flood of reports over online abuse.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said the law could cause havoc with trust in police. And the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents wrote to lawmakers to express worry that the law could be weaponized by an activist fringe.

The law is the latest case of Scotland's semi-autonomous government, which is led by the pro-independence SNP, diverging from the Conservative UK administration in London.

In 2022, the Scottish Parliament passed a law allowing people to change their legally recognized gender through self-declaration, without the need for medical certification.

The gender-recognition legislation was vetoed by the British government, which said it conflicted with UK-wide equalities legislation that, among other things, guarantees women and girls access to single-sex spaces such as changing rooms and shelters.(AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London, Apr 1 (PTI) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a potential revolt from within his party ranks over new legislation that is set to criminalise homelessness and hand police powers to crack down on rough sleepers on the country's streets.

According to a report in The Times' on Monday, several Conservative Party MPs have warned that they will vote against the measures in the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently going through the House of Commons and set to become law before a general election expected later this year.

Also Read | China Horror: In a Bid To Avoid Extra Work, Woman Poisons Pregnant Colleagues Drink To Stop Her From Taking Maternity Leave.

The proposals, which had been unveiled by former Indian-origin home secretary Suella Braverman, would mean rough sleepers in England and Wales could be fined as much as 2,500 Pounds or face prison terms.

A lot of colleagues believe that the bill as it stands is completely unacceptable because it would have the effect of criminalising people who have no choice but to sleep on the streets. We are urging ministers to think again, said Tory MP Bob Blackman, who is also joint secretary of the powerful Conservative backbench 1922 Committee.

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Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former deputy prime minister Damian Green are among the other Tory MPs who have signed amendments that would remove the new police powers. Green said he supported Blackman's amendment because it represented a practical way forward to help people off the streets rather than criminalising them.

People are not homeless because they want to be. These plans are even worse than the vagrancy act that was first introduced after the Napoleonic wars that this is supposed to be replaced, an unnamed Tory MP was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

The Criminal Justice Bill is designed to present the Conservatives as tough on crime as it prepares for a gruelling general election campaign, with the odds stacked against the governing party due to intense anti-incumbency sentiments.

The proposals within the legislation include expanding police powers to test suspects for drugs on arrest and enter premises to search for stolen goods such as mobile phones. It would also give probation officers the power to administer lie-detection tests to sex offenders and terrorists after their release from prison and also increase sentences for some offences.

However, ministers are concerned the bill will be overshadowed by controversies such as the homelessness debate.

That's just part of the things we're looking to do in terms of making sure that people don't sleep on the streets and that's not right, we want to provide the resources for people, housing, improving the number of refuges people can sleep in, and the amount of social housing and affordable housing, which we've done, said UK Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake.

Polly Neate, chief executive of the homelessness charity Shelter, stressed that the legislation was unfair.

Instead of punishing people for being homeless, politicians should be trying to prevent them from ending up on the streets. Everyone at risk of sleeping rough should have a right to suitable emergency accommodation, and to end homelessness for good it must invest in genuinely affordable social homes  we need 90,000 a year, she said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow, April 1: A Uttar Pradesh police constable, posted at Bakshi-ka-Talab police station, was sent to lines after he posted a status on his WhatsApp account in support of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who died of cardiac arrest four days ago.

The action came after his WhatsApp status was circulated online on Sunday. Mukhtar Ansari Laid to Rest: Gangster-Turned-Politician Buried in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur Amid Tight Security (Watch Videos).

Deputy Commissioner of Police, North, Abhijeet Shanker, said, "As the Model Code of Conduct is in place, the police department has initiated correspondence with the Election Commission to seek approval for the suspension of the constable, Faiyaz Khan."

"The constable has violated the guidelines of the police service manual and has exhibited conduct contrary to disciplinary standards. Once we receive clearance from the EC, we will suspend him and take appropriate legal action," Shanker added. Mukhtar Ansari Death: Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Seeks High-Level Probe Into Death of Jailed Gangster-Turned-Politician.

"The inspector at BKT police station alerted us about the WhatsApp status after which we initiated investigation," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2024 07:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The police have registered an FIR against the magistrate. Police officials said that the 18-year-old victim, resident of Hindaun City area, was raped by some youths on March 19. She took refuge in the court and registered a case at Hindaun Sadar police station on March 27 on the orders of the court.
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New Delhi, April 1: Samsung, a leading smartphone manufacturer company, is expected to integrate generative artificial intelligence technology into its voice assistant, Bixby. The Samsung Bixby Assistant was initially introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Samsung might be planning to upgrade the Bixby Assistant and change its position in the competitive tech industry with the introduction of GenAI. This development signifies a pivotal moment for Samsung and for the future of its voice assistants as well. By incorporating GenAI technology, Samsung might be aiming to make Samsung Bixby more conversational and enhance user interaction with its devices. WhatsApp New Feature Update: Meta-Owned Messaging Platform Likely To Soon Introduce International Payments and Locked Chats Feature for Linked Devices.

As per a report of Tech Times, Samsung is anticipated to integrate Generative AI into the Bixby. This is expected to help a significant shift in how users engage with voice assistants. Earlier version models that primarily respond to direct queries, GenAI-powered assistants is expected to understand the context better, carry out more detailed conversations and provide more personalised and proactive assistance. This shift towards a more intelligent and interactive form of artificial intelligence could set a new standard for voice assistants for Samsung.

Voice assistants traditionally are operated by users for asking questions and receiving responses, rather than engaging in more natural conversations. At present, Bixby primarily enables hands-free access to Samsung's Galaxy AI tools rather than functioning as a standalone AI assistant.

Samsung AI Chip And Future Vision

Samsung's focus on Bixby AI might be on information indicating the company's intention to unveil its own artificial intelligence processor, Mach-1, in the initial half of 2025. This upcoming chip is anticipated to start the production by end of this year. Redmi Turbo 3 Likely To Launch in April, May Be Introduced As Redmi Note 13 Turbo in China and Rebranded As POCO F6 in Global Market: Report.

Samsung has not provided a specific timeframe for when these GenAI features will be rolled out to Bixby, but the company is making clear on its dedication to developing this technology. This initiative reflects Samsung's broader goal of incorporating advanced AI technologies into their products to position themselves at the top of the digital assistant revolution.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2024 06:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Islamabad, April 1: According to the Pakistani authorities on Sunday, March 31, a man who reportedly recorded his brother strangling their sister to death has been taken into custody in connection with the most recent honour killing that has shocked the nation. In the vicinity of Toba Tek Singh region in the central-eastern region of Punjab, 22-year-old Maria Bibi was reportedly strangled by her brother on March 17. Her death was purportedly caused by her brother Muhammad Faisal, while her father Abdul Sattar was present.

The girl seems to be being strangled by Faisal on a bed in the family home while their father watches on in a video that was captured by the woman's other brother, Shehbaz, and later went viral on social media. Pakistan Honour Killing: Teenage Girl Killed by Family for Featuring With Boy in Viral Video, Her Friend Narrowly Escapes Similar Fate.

In the video, Shehbaz can be heard saying, "Father, tell him to let go," but he is ignored as his brother keeps strangling the lifeless body for almost two minutes. After Faisal finishes, his father gives him water to drink. It was not until March 24 that the authorities learned the girl had not died from natural causes. We filed a complaint and became the complainants, according to a police official in Toba Tek Singh. Sattar and Faisal were taken into custody soon after, while Shehbaz was taken into custody on Saturday night to ascertain the degree of his participation. Honour Killing in Pakistan: Woman Burnt Alive by Family Members in Punjab Province As She Wants To Marry a Man of Her Choice.

A significant portion of Pakistani society adheres to a rigid code of "honour," with women subservient to their male relatives in matters of education, work, and potential spouses. In Pakistan, hundreds of women are slain by males each year on suspicion of breaking this code. In 2022, 316 "honour" crimes against women were reported in Pakistan, according to the Human Rights Commission of that nation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2024 10:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
United Airlines aircraft seen at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday. Over the weekend, a United flight en route to San Francisco from Frankfurt, Germany, was forced to divert due to an overflow from one of the aircrafts toilets into the cabin. Aidin Vaziri/The Chronicle

Over the weekend, a United Airlines flight en route to San Francisco from Frankfurt, Germany, was forced to divert due to an overflow from one of the aircrafts toilets into the cabin.

The Boeing 777, operating as United Flight 59, had to return to Frankfurt approximately two hours into the flight Friday after spending some time circling over the North Sea.

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A United spokesperson attributed the incident to a maintenance issue with one of the aircrafts lavatories.

Passengers were accommodated in hotels in Frankfurt and rebooked on different flights the following day. The aircraft returned to service on Sunday, according to aviation records.

This incident is the latest in a series of safety-related events involving United Airlines in recent weeks. On Thursday, a United flight departing from San Francisco International Airport for Paris had to divert to Denver International Airport just short of the Canadian border due to an engine issue.

In another incident, a United flight destined for Denver had to return to the gate at San Francisco International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a bird strike that damaged the pilots side window, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Last week, a United Airlines executive informed employees that the Federal Aviation Administration would be increasing its oversight of the airline.

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United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby also emphasized in a customer letter earlier this month that safety is our highest priority and is at the center of everything we do. He added that the recent incidents are reminders of the importance of safety.

On Monday, Uniteds pilots union shared a memo from the airline. The note requested pilots to consider voluntary unpaid leave starting in May, potentially extending through the fall, citing delays in the delivery of new aircraft.
Canada has dispatched approximately 70 soldiers to Jamaica to provide training for Caribbean troops set to participate in an UN-authorized mission to Haiti, according to the Canadian defense ministry on Saturday.

Last year, Kenya took the lead in organizing the mission, aimed at assisting national police in combating potent gangs in Haiti, where escalating violence has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, Reuters reports.

However, legal challenges in Kenya have stalled the initiative.

The troops from Canada, hailing from the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec, will offer instruction on fundamental peacekeeping techniques and combat first aid.

This move aligns with Haiti's official languages, one of which is French.

During their stay in Jamaica, slated for an initial month, the troops will train approximately 330 Caribbean troops from Jamaica, Belize, and the Bahamas.

Last month, Canada pledged C$80.5 million to support the deployment of the Kenyan-led mission.

READ NEXT: UN: Haiti Death Toll Tops 1,500 Amid Gang Violence

Haiti Struggles Amid Soaring Gang Violence

William O'Neill, a United Nations expert, disclosed that Haiti urgently requires up to 5,000 international police officers to address the "catastrophic" surge in Haiti gang violence, responsible for over 1,500 deaths in the initial three months of this year alone, Aljazeera noted.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently released a report underscoring the critical need for immediate and decisive action to tackle the dire situation in Haiti.

Haiti has been grappling with political instability and violence, exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

The resulting power vacuum has emboldened numerous armed Haiti gangs, particularly those controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The situation worsened in February when Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, a former police officer, mobilized heavily armed factions to oust unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Despite Henry's promise to resign, violence targeting vital institutions has persisted, exacerbating hunger and displacement.

The OHCHR report revealed alarming statistics, with over 4,400 killed and 1,600 wounded by gang violence last year.

Tragically, even infants have become victims of this brutality.

Haiti Gangs have resorted to egregious tactics, including recruiting and exploiting children, as well as using sexual violence as a tool of control.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned these atrocities, urging swift intervention in a nation teetering on the edge of collapse.

Kenya's Prime Minister William Ruto, awaiting the establishment of a transitional council in Haiti, has postponed the deployment of up to 1,000 personnel. Several other countries have pledged their support.

Mob Violence Reflects Haiti's Desperation

In a grim illustration of Haiti's turmoil, two men were lynched by a mob amid suspicions that they were supplying weapons to the gangs plaguing the nation, according to AP News.

The incident, which occurred in a town near Mirebalais, underscores the profound anger among Haitians after enduring months of gang-related violence, kidnappings, and armed assaults.

Haiti Gangs have targeted critical infrastructure across Port-au-Prince, including police stations, the airport, and prisons, resulting in mass jailbreaks.

William O'Neill emphasized the urgent need for international support to restore security in Haiti, stressing the necessity of swiftly deploying the proposed international security force.

The formation of a transitional presidential council is deemed crucial to address Haiti's political vacuum.

Kenya's President William Ruto has indicated a reluctance to deploy personnel until a Haitian counterpart is in place.

O'Neill stressed the urgency of funding the trust fund for the international police operation, highlighting Haiti's appeal for assistance since October 2022.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for international intervention, signaling the gravity of Haiti's plight.

READ MORE: Gang Targets Wealthy Areas in Port-au-Prince, Leaving Bodies on Streets

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Canadian military deploys to Jamaica to train troops ahead of Haiti mission - From CBC News
President Joe Biden and former President Trump conveyed markedly different Easter messages, showcasing their divergent approaches on the holy day.

Biden Easter message, a devout Catholic, delivered a solemn message emphasizing themes of hope, resurrection, and peace, The Hill reports.

He extended warm wishes to Christians worldwide, urging solidarity and commitment to work for peace amid global conflicts.

In contrast, Donald Trump Easter message utilized his platform on Truth Social, a social media platform he frequents, to launch a barrage of criticisms against his adversaries.

While he began with customary Easter greetings, the bulk of his message comprised attacks on individuals involved in legal cases against him, including Special Counsel Jack Smith and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

READ NEXT: Biden Raises $25M+ in Fundraiser Featuring Obama, Clinton

Trump's Easter Message Veers into Legal Criticisms

Former President Donald Trump Easter message on Truth Social diverged sharply from the traditional holiday spirit, Politico noted.

Despite starting with Easter wishes, Trump's post quickly shifted focus towards lambasting prosecutors and political opponents, employing a slew of derogatory terms.

He directed ire at individuals such as Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, labeling them with disparaging epithets.

Trump's message, characterized by inflammatory language, underscores his ongoing legal battles and his refusal to retreat from confrontation.

The former president's post also referenced his pending legal issues, including the hush-money case involving Stormy Daniels, adding a layer of controversy to his Easter communication.

Donald Trump Easter message on Truth Social encapsulates his enduring focus on legal battles and political adversaries.

With over 90 charges looming against him, Trump's social media presence often reflects his combative stance, even during holidays.

His latest Easter post, interspersed with insults and complaints, echoes his previous holiday messages, which similarly veered into political territory.

Trump's engagement with his base through social media remains a defining feature of his post-presidential persona.

Trump Easter message stirred controversy with its sharp criticisms and provocative language, especially targeting Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Accusations leveled against Bragg, including collaboration with the Department of Justice, lack substantiated evidence, yet underscore Trump's defiant posture amid legal scrutiny.

Moreover, Donald Trump's simultaneous recognition of Trans Visibility Day by President Biden drew fire from conservative circles.

The convergence of Trans Visibility Day with Easter sparked debate, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and social conservatism.

Biden's Acknowledgment of Trans Visibility Day Sparks Debate

President Joe Biden Easter message and his acknowledgment of Trans Visibility Day ignited debate, particularly among conservatives, who criticized the timing of the statement coinciding with Easter Sunday, according to the Independent.

The convergence of these two events underscored broader societal divisions over LGBTQ+ rights and religious observance.

Joe Biden's recognition of Trans Visibility Day represents his administration's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, commemorating transgender individuals' contributions and struggles.

However, the timing of the statement fueled partisan discord, exemplifying the ongoing cultural and political battles surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.

READ MORE: Biden Mocks Trump's 'Mental Health' at Washington Dinner

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Trump and Biden deliver starkly opposing Easter day messages - From CNN
The warnings that financial and business experts have been saying about Donald Trump's Truth Social stocks may be coming true as its stocks began dipping when the stock market closed on Maundy Thursday.

Truth Social stocks were considered a "meme stock," and the business itself was not doing very well, losing more money than it had earned before it merged with Digital World Acquisition Corporation. Even after this, however, the business was still struggling despite the boost in value and investment from Trump supporters.

According to USA Today, share prices started at $70.90 per share on Tuesday, before surging to $79.38 per share. However, despite the efforts of Trump supporters to keep the stock prices up by buying shares of Truth Social as a way to show they support Trump, stock prices dropped to $61.96 before the markets closed on Thursday.

The SEC itself has warned that Trump has a history of failed business ventures, from Trump Shuttle to Trump Steaks to the fraudulent Trump University. Despite this, Truth Social told the regulatory body that "there can be no assurances" that this company won't go the same route.

Truth Social even admitted in its filing the history of Trump's business failures, including his various companies going bankrupt and him being sued because of his businesses. The SEC filing also admitted to the former president being investigated for various crimes, as well as his various civil cases.

Despite this, Truth Social still told the SEC that it could not t kill Trump's licensing agreement for "personal or political conduct" even if it could hurt Truth Social's "reputation or brand or be considered offensive, dishonest, illegal, immoral, or unethical, or otherwise harmful."

Donald Trump May Have Broken Gag Order With Latest Attack on Hush Money Trial Judge's Daughter

Speaking of Donald Trump's legal problems, he is facing a criminal trial in New York over the misuse of campaign funds as he stands accused of paying former adult film star Stormy Daniels hush money using campaign money to keep quiet about their affair.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Warned by Federal Judge Over Constantly Attacking Judges in His Cases

The former president has a penchant for attacking his opposition during cases, and this forced Judge Juan Merchan to issue a gag order against him. He may have broken that gag order thanks to a post on Truth Social attacking the judge's daughter, who has previously consulted on Democratic campaigns.

"This is a disgrace to our Legal System. Judge Merchan should be immediately sanctioned and recused, and this fake 'case,' only kept alive by the Highly Conflicted Judge, should be completely dismissed right away," he wrote. This led Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to ask the judge to make it clear that attacking his family should not be allowed and point out that this is a possible violation of the gag order.

Saturday Night Live Pokes Fun of Donald Trump Selling a Bible

Meanwhile, during Black Saturday, James Austin Johnson played Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live and poked fun at the former president's attempts to sell a Bible while on the middle of several criminal investigations and facing mounting legal debts.

"That's right, it's Easter," said Johnson in character. "That time of year when I compare myself to Jesus Christ. That's just a thing I do now and people seem to be OK with it."

"Look at this beautiful Bible, made from 100 percent Bible," he added. "As you know, I love Bible. It's my favorite book. I've definitely read it. My favorite part is probably the ending. It all wraps up. But this is a very special Bible. And it can be yours for the high, high price of $60."

"I'm doing this for the glory of God," he continued. "And for pandering and mostly for money."

READ MORE: Donald Trump Viciously Mocked for Selling 'Trump Bible' While Having Money Problems

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Easter Cold Open - SNL
The Climate Prediction Center favors below-normal temperatures in California from April 6 to 10. High temperatures could be 5 to 15 degrees below normal. Baron/Lynx

UPDATED FORECAST: Bay Area could see the coldest April day in years as temperatures begin to drop

It may seem like an April Fools Day joke, but Mother Nature isnt playing any tricks: The cold, wet weather pattern is anticipated to continue across California as the calendar turns to April.

A dry, mild start to the month is predicted across Northern California, with abundant sunshine and highs about 5 degrees above normal Monday and Tuesday, in the mid-60s on the coast and mid-70s inland.

Live storm map: See where rain is hitting California and Bay Area

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But then a big swing is anticipated. From Wednesday through next Monday, a series of low-pressure systems is expected to impact the Golden State. While rainfall totals are unlikely to be significant, thunder and lightning tend to accompany April showers in California. Its too early to say which counties have the best chance of thunderstorms, but the Central Valley is a hot spot for thunderstorms and tornadoes throughout spring.

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 40 to 70% chance of below-normal precipitation across California from April 6 to 10. Baron/Lynx

Temperatures are forecast to be well below normal during this period. Sacramento will struggle to reach 60 degrees, nearly 10 degrees below its average high of 70. The National Weather Service forecasts a high of just 58 in Los Angeles on Friday, nearly 15 degrees below normal.

Californians hoping for a dry, warm break may have their wishes granted in mid-April. Long-range weather models advertise a break in the rain April 9 through 14, although forecast skill at this range is low.

The lingering influence of El Nino means that more rain cannot be ruled out as the month progresses, but late April is typically a period of transition across California.

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Based on historical records, the chance of accumulating rain in San Francisco is around 25% on April 1, but by the end of the month, that chance decreases to less than 15%. San Francisco averages about six April days of rain, with an average monthly total of 1.5 inches, but rain was measured in as many as 17 days back in 1967.

Sacramento averages five days and 1.3 inches of precipitation in April, while Los Angeles and San Diego typically record only four days and less than 1 inch of rain in the month.

While precipitation chances trend down throughout April, temperatures go up. The average high temperature in Sacramento increases from 69 degrees on April 1 to 76 degrees on April 30.

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 30 to 50% chance of above-normal temperatures in Northern California this April. Baron/Lynx

Despite a likely cold start to the month, the second half of April could be warmer than normal. According to the Climate Prediction Center, probabilities are leaning toward above-normal temperatures in Northern California, with equal chances of cool and warm conditions in Southern California.

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This week in Northern California

A temperature roller coaster is on tap for Northern California this week.

Tuesdays highs are forecast to range from the mid-60s in San Francisco to the mid-70s in San Jose, Livermore and Vacaville. Baron/Lynx

High pressure is anticipated to move across the northern half of the state Monday and Tuesday, leading to mainly clear skies. Highs will be about 5 degrees above normal, in the mid-60s at the coast and mid-70s inland.

Temperatures will drop about 5 degrees Wednesday when a low-pressure system nudges toward the Oregon-California border. A few thunderstorms are possible in the Sacramento Valley on Wednesday afternoon.

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By Thursday, showers are likely to return to San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Sacramento, with a slight chance of rain continuing through the weekend. Rainfall totals will vary widely due to hit or miss showers, but generally a quarter- to half-inch of rain is expected. The San Francisco Giants home opener 1:35 p.m. Friday may feature a rain delay. Highs will be in the mid-50s to lower 60s in Northern California.
A fight in Piscataway against two large warehouses near an elementary school and an ecological park has been dealt another blow.

On March 19, a judge in Middlesex County Superior Court dismissed a lawsuit brought by Piscataway residents against the town and its planning board challenging the rezoning of 24.5 acres of forest and wetland from rural - residential to industrial, according to a copy of the 55-page order and opinion.
Pennsylvania State Police from Bethlehem-based Troop M on Monday announced the results of its Easter holiday weekend campaign to combat aggressive driving.

The enforcement, titled, Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program, ran from 12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday (Easter). The enforcement annually targets aggressive driving on state highways. The troop covers Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties.

Troopers investigated 31 crashes and made 21 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests. During last years enforcement, there were 21 crashes and 23 DUI arrests. There was one alcohol-related accident during this years campaign compared with no alcohol-related crashes in 2023.

There were no fatal crashes this year or last year. Ten people were hurt in accidents this year compared with eight injuries in 2023. Troopers handed out 186 speeding violations during this years enforcement, compared with 219 speeding violations in 2023.

There were 899 other traffic citations handed out compared with 545 last year.

Pennsylvania State Police in Harrisburg said troopers throughout the three-day enforcement period investigated 407 statewide vehicle crashes, resulting in six fatalities. Alcohol was a factor in two of those crashes, according to state police.

Troopers arrested 358 motorists for suspected DUI; issued 5,285 speeding citations; issued 557 citations for failure to wear a seat-belt; and 90 citations for not securing children in proper safety seats, according to state police.

Motorists can expect continued patrols as part of Troop Ms effort toward traffic safety throughout the summer season, particularly around the Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day holidays, state police said.

Anyone who flees a police officer during a traffic stop can face a third-degree felony charge which carries a sentence of up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000, Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M, said.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
The European Poetry Festival Ireland comes to the Riverbank Arts Centre on Thursday, May 2.

A special event offering a unique approach to poetry in performance, it features five poets/artists based in Ireland and five visiting poets/artists from the rest of Europe who pair up to produce brand new, specially commissioned collaborative works to premiere on the night.

Representing a legacy of poet Christodoulos Makris spell as Writer in Residence at Maynooth University and Kildare County Council Arts and Library Service, this is his third programming partnership with European Poetry Festival to be presented at Riverbank Arts Centre.

The European Poetry Festival is a predominantly UK-based festival celebrating the resurgence of avant-garde and literary poetry across Europe in the 21st century, while exploring and expanding the possibilities of the live poetry experience.

The festivals primary focus is on innovative poetry in collaboration and engagement between poets from across the continent.

The full line up will be announced closer to the date.

Curated by Christodoulos Makris and European Poetry Festival director, SJ Fowler.

This event is made possible through generous funding from Kildare Arts and Libraries Service, and it is additionally sponsored by selected European state agencies.

This event is free and can be booked online at www.riverbank.ie
Newbridge-based Ink Tank Creative Writing Group are publishing a new novel, Behind the Bookshelves, on April 4. This is the third publication from the group.

Remember those lockdowns when we couldn't all meet up in person? Like many others, our group decided to meet online. It was during one of those online meetings that one of our members suggested we write a relay book. One person would write a chapter, then the next writer would continue the story and so on until we got to the end.

The premise was: 'What happens when a small-town writing group is taken hostage in their local library? Lives will be threatened, and mayhem will ensue. Will anyone survive unscathed?

Seven members of the group took up the writing challenge, while several others took up the task of editing and the result is within these covers, said Maria McDonald, a founder member of Ink Tank.

We didn't expect the twists and turns our story took but with seven different writers, it was inevitable. The final product is now ready for readers.

Beyond the Bookshelves:Its Derby Saturday in Newbridge. When two thieves rob a bookie shop, the Gardai give chase. The thieves run for cover through the open door of the local library where Betty the librarian is waiting on the writers group to finish so she can lock up and go home to attend to her elderly mother.

Armed and dangerous, the thieves barricade themselves and their hostages into the library. When one of the writers groups attempts to reason with them, their reaction leaves Maxwell with a bloodied nose.

Det Insp Darcy is about to finish his shift when the call comes in. Baffled as to why anyone would take hostages in a library he leads the negotiation team. Who are these men and what do they want? Who is the mole on his team who threatens them all?

Caught in the middle are the hostages, each with their own story. Can they escape unscathed?

Ink Tank Creative Writing Group decided that all monies raised from the sale of this novel will go towards supporting a local charity, Samaritans Newbridge and Kildare.

The group members cover all design and printing costs along with a publishing grant from Kildare County Council.

Newbridge Samaritans have more than eighty volunteers who take 2,700 calls every month. That equates to over 400 hours on the phone.

All those people give their time and energy free of charge. Without the support of the local community, they would struggle to provide not only telephone support but all their services such as school and college visits, attendance at festivals, Prison Service etc.

Behind the Bookshelves will be available in local independent bookshops from April 4 as well as online.

For further details contact Ink Tank at inktankwriters@gmail.com

The book will be launched at Newbridge Library on Thursday April 4 at 6 pm.

Ink Tank is a mixed group of all ages and abilities who meet and discuss all things literary (and life in general). Members share their work and offer one another constructive criticism. The group meets in Newbridge Library twice monthly.
A 1,000-year-old Irish oak tree toppled by a storm is set to be resurrected in the form of whiskey casks.

The ancient giant, with a 10-metre girth, stood tall on the grounds of Swainstown Farm in Kilmessan, Co Meath, until powerful Storm Elin brought it crashing to earth last year.

In a unique project between Meaths Boann Distillery and the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel cooperage in Kildare, the oak will be transformed into barrels that will age and produce Prestons brand of single pot still Irish Whiskey.

The Preston family, who live on Swainstown Farm, are descendants of the renowned Prestons of Drogheda, Co Louth, operators of a major whiskey bonding business for almost a century from 1886.

Peter Cooney of Boann Distillery said is extremely rare that Irish oak is used to craft casks.

He said: The idea was first mooted six years ago after I told Arthur Preston about our plans to revive the Prestons Whiskey brand, using an old whiskey recipe, called a mashbill, and dating back to the late 19th century.

We made a deal that, in return for the casks I gave him for his Swainstown Farm shop, he would let me know when an old Irish oak tree on his grounds would become available for cutting.

Arthur had one old tree in mind that had stood in the front paddock of the Preston Estate, and when it fell during last Decembers storm, I got the call from him to come and check her out.

A large section cut from the lower body of the tree will now be shipped to a facility in France, where it will be split and made into staves and air-dried for two years.

The staves will then be transported back to Kildare, where coopers will turn them into Irish oak casks before they are filled with a unique mashbill to reproduce Prestons whiskey.

We typically source our barrels from American white oak shipped directly from bourbon and whiskey distilleries, said Mark Quick, managing director of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel.

With this venture we will revive traditional whiskey cask crafting in Ireland using Irish oak from a tree that stood for over 1,000 years, so we are very excited about it.

Arthur Preston said it was an innovative collaboration between heritage-rich estates, seasoned distilleries and renowned cooperages, adding: I cant wait to taste the final product.

The Prestons mashbill that will be laid down once the casks are ready is a secret Vintage Mashbill XI from Boanns 2021 Vintage Mashbill project, which brought old whiskey recipes back to life.

Mr Cooney added: By using Irish oak, we can bring a piece of ancient Ireland to the glasses of future connoisseurs.
St. Petersburg College Prepares Students for High-Demand Jobs in the Semiconductor Industry





ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Petersburg College is collaborating with companies and CEOs in the semiconductor industry to design a curriculum for job opportunities as a semiconductor technician.

The semiconductor industry continues to grow, especially in Florida. The tiny semiconductor chip enables the function of the technology devices that power our daily lives ? including cell phones, biomedical devices, cars, and even refrigerators. As demand for technology grows, the number of jobs grows too.

Short-term workforce training and certificate options are part of St. Petersburg College's Engineering, Manufacturing, and Building Arts programs that provide cutting-edge skills, hands-on training and industry certifications.

"Our region has an urgent need for a highly skilled technician workforce that blends foundational skills with Industry 4.0 knowledge," said Jackie Skryd, DBA, St. Petersburg College's Vice President of Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships.

St. Petersburg, Florida-based semiconductor chip manufacturer Plasma-Therm has partnered with St. Petersburg College's Workforce, Community, & Corporate Partnerships team to develop a talent pipeline for technician-level employees. Plasma-Therm CEO Abdul Lateef has served on SPC's advisory committees, presented in its classrooms, and hired its graduates.

"We want to bring the discussion of semiconductor and manufacturing to the forefront, dispelling the notion that these are old-fashioned factory jobs," Lateef said.

The partnership addresses a critical need throughout the semiconductor industry. It develops a talent pool that matches the needs of the industry, while helping students train for jobs that will help them earn more money and improve their lives.

"By forging strong partnerships with Plasma-Therm and other local industry leaders, we are positioned to create a strong pipeline of skilled and certified local technicians in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors," said Skryd.

Plasma-Therm and others in its industry are looking for a range of employees, from skilled technicians with certificates to engineering graduates with two- and four-year degrees. St. Petersburg College's curriculum will also offer progression pathways to advanced-level careers and high-wage jobs in the engineering technology field.

About St. Petersburg College

Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College (SPC) is Florida's first two-year college. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC offers more than 200 degree, certificate and transfer programs, including many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. The College's career-focused curriculum is created with input from industry experts to provide students with real-world skills needed to meet the needs of today's employers.

SOURCE St. Petersburg College

31 march 2024 at 18:13

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New Programs Inspire Entrepreneurs at the College of Business at St. Petersburg College





ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders in the College of Business at St. Petersburg College are continually assessing and introducing programs that address trends in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices.

Buoyed by input from business leaders and funding from grants, the College and its new dean, Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, have been gaining momentum in creating new ways for students to gain an edge in the global economy. The latest changes seek to improve the marketability, job and salary prospects of graduates while fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among those who want to strike out on their own.

In the past year, the College has launched specialty tracks in two degrees, expanded the avenues to earn academic credit for business and life experience, known as experiential learning, and created niche certificates where there is great demand.

"One of our goals is to support lifestyle entrepreneurs," said Hernandez-Agosto, who brings with him expertise as a business incubator manager, as well as in entrepreneurship and community development, and 15 years of experience in higher education in the areas of marketing, recruitment, curriculum development and accelerated learning programs for adult learners. "Most entrepreneurial programs focus on high-wage or growth areas like tech, but few focus on and take pride in helping these entrepreneurs."

This fall, the College will launch the bachelor's level Corporate Entrepreneurship Advanced Technical Certificate and the Green Innovations and Social Entrepreneurship Certificate. The corporate entrepreneurship certificate will give students the know-how to innovate within existing, traditional organizational frameworks, turning them into "intrapreneurs." The Green Innovations and Social Entrepreneurship Certificate leans heavily into social enterprises and got its start during a summer sustainability program funded by a $25,000 VentureWell grant, awarded to colleges to expand and strengthen STEM innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

This year, the College is embarking on Titan Venture XLP, a business incubator that partners with Gibbs High School's Business, Entrepreneurial, Technology Academy in St. Petersburg. Funded by a $100,000 Entrepreneurship Education and Training Grant from the Florida Department of Education, Titan Venture XLP provides mentorship and business lessons to students, who can earn 12?18 college credits for their business ideas and practical experience.

Launched last fall, the bachelor's level Business Analyst Specialist Advanced Technical Certificate focuses on essential business skills like customer needs analysis, and data flow and design and is geared toward technology students who want to transfer to business roles and for business students who want to expand their technical and data skills.

About St. Petersburg College

Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College (SPC) is Florida's first two-year college. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC offers more than 200 degree, certificate and transfer programs, including many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. The College's career-focused curriculum is created with input from industry experts to provide students with real-world skills needed to meet the needs of today's employers.

SOURCE St. Petersburg College

31 march 2024 at 19:40

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Feature: Australian winemaker looks to go deep into Chinese market

Xinhua) 16:31, April 01, 2024

ADELAIDE, Australia, April 1 (Xinhua) -- When Kym Teusner loaded the first shipment of Teusner Wines to Beijing in 2006 to tap the Chinese market, he did not think that his brands would become highly sought after among wine critics who were looking for small production but very high-quality Barossa producers in one of Australia's oldest wine regions in Adelaide.

Teusner has been producing wines under the Teusner brand for 20 years in the Barossa Valley, one of the world's great wine-producing areas in South Australia, since 2002.

Emerging from a very small winery 22 years ago to focus heavily on old wine fruits from vineyards that were up to 130 years of age, Teusner Wines grew rapidly over the past decade, with the annual production capacity of about 3,000 tons and a very strong global reputation, Teusner told Xinhua.

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Thursday that the country would lift anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian wine from Friday.

Australia's wine exports to China were worth 1.1 billion Australian dollars (some 713 million U.S. dollars) in 2019. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in the wine region of Hunter Valley in the north of Sydney on Thursday that the resumption of trade will see an even higher amount.

The wine industry employs hundreds of thousands of people if tourism and other industries were considered, Albanese said, adding, "Trade is about Australian jobs."

"We already have purchase orders in the system from our past customers, so we are very confident that people quickly want to have our wine back into China," said Teusner who has about 200 hectors of vineyards now.

"I'm pretty excited about the next few years," he said, adding the Barossa Valley is a very diverse place that allows winemaking to suit different parts of China, as the Chinese market is diverse too.

Teusner said the Barossa Valley is much warmer, and has a much more stable climate, so the grapes are much riper, which means wines are much richer, much more concentrated, and much more flavorsome.

Fiona Yao, sales manager of Teusner Wines export, was one of the first Chinese people to enter the Australian wine industry in Barossa Valley 15 years ago.

Yao said the aroma, taste and character of Australian red wines have gained increasing popularity in the Chinese market in recent years.

"Most wineries are very eager to return to the Chinese market," she said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
FPT Global Internship Returns for Second Edition, Welcoming IT Students





FPT Software announced the second edition of its Global Internship initiative. The program is designed to provide opportunities for students to fast-track their technology careers with professional working experiences in a global leading IT company.

FPT Software's Global Internship 2024 will welcome international students to its state-of-the-art campuses in Hanoi and Da Nang City, Vietnam, opening for enrollment from March 28th until June 2024. Spanning over eight weeks, the program will be divided into two cohorts starting from July 2024, with eligible participants including students in their second year or above pursuing bachelor's degrees in IT-related fields.

With Vietnam becoming a global digital hub and a chosen, trusted partner for enterprises worldwide, FPT Software's Global Internship program offers software engineering students opportunities to experience the country's vibrant technology scene and the IT firm's projects that tackle business challenges for clients across different industries. Besides such hands-on knowledge and experiences, participating interns will also gain direct mentorship and enhance industry networks with FPT Software's technical experts, especially in the fields of AI, Cloud, Data, and Cyber Security.

"Our company's ambitious goal is to fuel the global pipeline of one million IT talents by 2035, and the Global Internship program is among our efforts to foster a future-ready workforce globally," said Chief Human Resources Officer Nguyen Tuan Minh. "We believe that as our global interns engage in FPT Software's unique work culture, they will become FPT Software's enthusiastic ambassadors across different markets where we operate," he added.

Since the first Global Internship last year, FPT Software has hosted students from top-rank universities worldwide. The firm looks forward to expanding the program to all countries and territories where it operates. More information on the program can be found at https://fptsoftware.com/pages/global-internship.

About FPT Software

FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, is a global technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam, with $1 billion in revenue (2023) and over 30,000 employees in 30 countries.

The company champions complex business opportunities and challenges with its world-class services in Advanced Analytics, AI, Digital Platforms, Cloud, Hyperautomation, IoT, Low-code, and so on. It has partnered with over 1,000+ clients worldwide, 91 of which are Fortune Global 500 companies in Aviation, Automotive, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Utilities, and more. For more information, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/

31 march 2024 at 23:40

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ATREG Announces Completion of JDI's Higashiura, Japan Fab Sale to Sony





ATREG, Inc., the premier global firm in the semiconductor industry for brokering and executing the exchange of advanced technology cleanroom manufacturing assets, announced today that the acquisition of Japan Display, Inc. (JDI)'s large operational LCD panel manufacturing fab located in Higashiura, Japan by Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (SCK) has officially closed.

In May 2022, JDI announced that the company would end production at the Higashiura fab by March 2023 to increase JDI's cost competitiveness and profitability. JDI plans to lease and convert part of the plant into an engineering center.

"Our work with ATREG has allowed us to find the best solution for Higashiura," explains Yasushi Shimogaichi, chief strategy officer for JDI. "This acquisition will preserve jobs and allow for ongoing engineering innovation at the site."

"While concerned about the size of the site and the short timeline to find and secure a buyer, ATREG brought multiple interested parties to the table and through a competitive process allowed JDI to select the best buyer for this well-designed, infrastructure-rich facility," adds Stephen Rothrock, president and CEO of ATREG. "Congratulations to both parties on a successful outcome."

About ATREG, Inc.

ATREG is the only firm in the world dedicated to the holistic exchange of advanced technology manufacturing infrastructure. A linchpin of the semiconductor industry for nearly 25 years, ATREG has served as an objective intermediary in the transfer of over $30 billion in assets, acting as an indispensable conduit for the growth of its partners and the industry as a whole while remaining uniquely focused on aggregate asset deployment and human capital retention. For more information, please visit our web site, read our blog, or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

1 april 2024 at 02:55

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Empower Energy Pty LTD Unveils Comprehensive Guide to Home Solar Battery Systems - Harnessing the Power of the Sun for Sustainable Living





Empower Energy Pty LTD releases an informative guide unveiling the intricacies of home solar battery systems, empowering homeowners to embrace sustainable living and energy independence.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / In an era where sustainability and energy independence are becoming increasingly paramount, the integration of solar battery systems into residential properties has emerged as a game-changer.

This article covers the key knowledge and tools needed for homeowners to harness the power of the sun effectively. It explores the ins and outs of home solar battery systems, covering everything from functionality and cost to their overall worth as an investment.

How do home solar batteries work?

Here is a summary of how a home solar battery system works:

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity.

An inverter converts the electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for household use.

Excess electricity is stored in batteries for use when the sun isn't shining.

Hybrid solar battery systems integrate the battery and inverter, reducing energy losses during conversion, and avoiding clipping' when solar panels are oversized.

The best solar-battery products automatically manage the battery to maximize bill savings.

Cheaper versions focus on maximizing self-consumption of solar generation but save less money on cloudy days, when the battery is not fully charged, reducing the overall benefit.

Home solar battery systems operate on a simple yet sophisticated principle: capturing solar energy during the day and storing it for later use, e.g. high-cost periods. At the heart of these systems are photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity is then directed to an inverter, where it is converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for household use. Excess electricity is stored in batteries, ready to power your home when the sun isn't shining.

The best solar-battery products make this process seamless and efficient for homeowners. For example, a hybrid solar battery system, where the battery and inverter are integrated, reduces energy losses that occur when converting from solar panel DC to grid AC and back to battery DC. These systems also avoid solar inverter clipping', when there is more solar energy from the panels than the inverter can handle, by intelligently focusing charging of the battery at the same time.

The best solar-battery products also automatically manage the battery to maximise your bill savings. Cheaper versions operate to maximize self-consumption of solar generation, however, they do not save money on cloudy days, which occur frequently, especially during the winter, as shown in the figure below. This can significantly reduce the benefit of owning a solar battery.

Australian Capital Cities Average Daily Insolation by Month for an 8 kW PV System

Source: NREL PV Watts

How much does a home solar battery cost?

The cost of installing a home solar battery system varies depending on factors such as system size, battery capacity, and installation requirements, e.g. whether it is configured to back up the grid during an outage.

While the initial investment may seem daunting, it's essential to consider the long-term benefits. It is therefore important to compare products on an apples-to-apples basis. For example, a 5 kWh battery that is lower priced, could actually be more costly on a $/kWh basis. Dividing total solar-battery costs by the battery's usable capacity in kWh terms can help ensure you are able to compare different offers on the same cost basis.

Are home solar batteries a worthwhile investment?

Pros:

Significantly reduces your carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future

Offers substantial savings on electricity bills, providing long-term financial benefits

Increases energy independence and reliability by providing power even when the grid is down

Many installers provide estimates of return on investment and payback period, helping you make an informed decision

In Australia, battery warranties are required to be 10 years, ensuring long-term protection for your investment

Cons:

Initial upfront costs can be high, but the long-term savings often and increasingly outweigh this

Some low-cost solar batteries may not provide the same longevity or benefits as higher-quality options

Inverter warranties may be shorter than battery warranties in some cases, which is an important consideration as you need both for the system to operate correctly

It's important to choose a reputable company that will be around to honour the warranty, especially for cheaper products

Blackout-Proofing Your Home: What to Look For in Full Home Backup

One of the most significant advantages of home solar battery systems is their ability to provide full home backup during power outages. You should check that offered solar batteries have advanced features designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, giving homeowners peace of mind when they need it most.

They key driver of a solar-battery's backup capability is its energy capacity, measured in kWhs. A battery with 14 kWhs of energy capacity will provide backup for twice as long as a battery with 7 kWhs of energy capacity.

The size of the inverter is also important, as it is what powers your house when the grid is down. Single phase batteries are typically limited to 5 kWs of inverter power capacity. However, in some states, like South Australia, you can connect more than 5 kWs under a special regime. You should check whether a solar-battery can operate under your state and local distribution grid schemes before buying solar-batteries that feature more than 5 kW of inverter capacity per phase.

From automatic switchover to seamless integration with existing infrastructure, the solar-battery installation should be tailored to meet the unique needs of every household. An advanced feature to look out for is pre-charging up when a major storm is forecast, to help ensure that the battery is fully charged when the chances of a grid outage are higher.

Rebates, subsidies, and Virtual Power Plants

Navigating the world of rebates and subsidies can be overwhelming, but it is important to check that a solar-battery is eligible for key government incentives, including Small Technology Certificates (STCs), which are given for solar PV systems, as well as battery rebates, which vary by state.

Hybrid solar battery-systems are at an advantage over non-hybrid systems due to their ability to connect more solar panels (oversizing' them), and their ability to avoid clipping' of oversized of panels by aligning these events to the timing battery charging. This enables more STCs for a comparably sized inverter, resulting in a higher government incentive, and it enables greater solar panel generation yield, compared to non-hybrid inverters of a similar power in kW terms.

Virtual power plants (VPPs), which are used by VPP operators to provide services to energy retailers, distribution networks, can offer additional incentives for solar-battery homeowners. The incentive structures and levels can be very difficult to compare, and it is important that estimates are able to be compared on an apples-to-apples basis. It is important that your solar-battery is able to participate in VPPs to be able to access VPP payments.

The value of VPP participation depends upon the VPP you are signed up with. A key aspect of VPP offers include the number of days per year that they will take control, as this can result in higher bill costs, and remove the solar-battery's ability to minimize your retail bill on these days. Other key considerations include upfront and annual payments, payments for accessing kWhs during events, and any lock-in periods.

Which Solar Battery Is Best In Australia - Empower ElectroBank 14

Based on the criteria outlined below, we have identified the top three solar battery products in Australia:

Empower ElectroBank 14 - This is an Australian designed solution that ticks all the boxes, including AI based optimization, and is backed by one of the largest investors in the world. Visit Empower Energy Tesla Powerwall 3 - Although not built for Australian conditions, and not able to be used by 3rd party VPPs, this is Tesla's latest and greatest product, which features a hybrid topology. Sonnen Battery Hybrid - A hybrid system that ticks most of the boxes, it is more expensive than the above alternatives, and is currently being sold by its parent, Shell.

With so many options on the market, choosing the right solar battery can be challenging. As we have summarised above, the top-performing solar batteries include the following key features:

Hybrid topology to avoid DC-AC-DC (also known as double conversion losses) and clipping losses, maximize STC credits, and avoid 3 rd party solar PV incompatibility issues

to avoid DC-AC-DC (also known as double conversion losses) and clipping losses, maximize STC credits, and avoid 3 party solar PV incompatibility issues Ability to integrate existing 3 rd party inverters (if you already have one)

inverters (if you already have one) Built for Australian conditions , including operation at 45C ambient temperatures, and IP66 rating, to guard against critters, sea salt corrosion, etc.

, including operation at 45C ambient temperatures, and IP66 rating, to guard against critters, sea salt corrosion, etc. Automated optimisation of solar-battery operation, to ensure full benefit capture, even on cloudy days and as major storms approach

of solar-battery operation, to ensure full benefit capture, even on cloudy days and as major storms approach Flexible hardware and software configuration , to ensure the system is future proof, even as grid conditions, retail energy plans and VPP offers evolve

, to ensure the system is future proof, even as grid conditions, retail energy plans and VPP offers evolve Value for money when calculated on a $/kWh of battery energy capacity basis

The best solar-batteries should be able to provide a 5-7 year payback, depending on prevailing conditions.

In conclusion, home solar battery systems represent a sustainable, cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to take control of their energy future.

MEDIA DETAIL

Contact Person Name: George Elovaris

Company Name: Empower Energy Pty LTD.

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://empowerenergy.au/

SOURCE: Empower Energy Pty LTD.

1 april 2024 at 04:50

View the original press release on accesswire.comNews published onand distributed by:
Stratos Wealth Advisors Welcomes $500 Million Reno Tahoe Wealth Management from RBC





Multi-Generational Family Team Chose Stratos to Develop Long-Term Growth Strategy

BEACHWOOD, Ohio, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratos Wealth Advisors (Stratos), a part of Stratos Wealth Holdings announced it has successfully recruited a senior team of wealth managers from RBC Wealth Management who will establish the firm's first Northern Nevada office. The team will use Fidelity as its primary custodian. Working with Fidelity Investments provides the team with access to a wide range of products and services that can help serve the needs of their clients.

Peter Bessette, Dan Roberts, Carla Bessette, Erich Brenner, Sonni Schafer and Drew Bessette have created Reno Tahoe Wealth Management, a team that manages approximately $500 million in total client assets. The new firm will become part of Stratos Wealth Advisors. Peter was previously the branch manager for RBC Wealth Management in Reno.

"Peter and his team have established a reputation for putting clients' needs first, whether they are individuals or institutions," said Charles Shapiro, a Stratos founding partner and Chief Development Officer. "Peter's reputation as a firm leader positions Reno Tahoe Wealth Management for growth in the Northern Nevada region. The Stratos team will focus our efforts on supporting practice management, succession planning, technology, and enhanced client investment solutions. This will help the team with their long-term growth strategy."

Multi-Generational Family Team Positioned for Growth

A 42-year industry veteran, Peter joined RBC Wealth Management in 2000, working closely with Dan and Erich. His wife, Carla, who has 30 years in the business, also joined RBC in 2000 as a Vice President and Financial Advisor on their team. Drew, their son, joined as a wealth planning associate in 2020.

Peter said, "After deciding to become independent advisors, we wanted a partner to help us make that transition while also developing and executing a long-term growth strategy with an eye towards the next generation. The values and vision Stratos presented as we considered our next steps gave us the confidence that Charles and the entire leadership team were the right people to help us meet our current and future needs."

Strong Collaboration with Fidelity

Peter continued, "Our decision to work with Stratos was made easier as we considered ways our relationship with Fidelity Investments would help bolster our ability to serve our clients. When combined with Stratos' incredible practice management, technology, and other consulting services, we feel the services and support offered by Fidelity gives us everything we need to succeed."

Rohit Mahna, head of client growth at Fidelity Institutional Wealth Management Services, added, "We are thrilled to welcome Reno Tahoe Wealth Management to the Fidelity platform and look forward to supporting them as they enter the next major stage of their growth journey. This next step reflects the team's dedication and long-term commitment to serving their clients and we are eager to provide the products and services needed to help further their goals."

About Stratos Wealth Advisors

Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, manages over $3.6 billion in advisory assets and over $39 million in third-party managed assets as of December 31, 2023. Stratos offers operational, strategic and a reliable infrastructure allowing advisors the flexibility to develop and grow their business. Since its founding, Stratos has grown to 59 independent advisors, has 82 home office staff, and has more than 30 locations in the United States.

About Stratos Wealth Holdings

Stratos Wealth Holdings is a family of companies focused on supporting the growth of financial advisors across business models and affiliation structures. Stratos companies include registered investment advisors Stratos Wealth Partners, Stratos Wealth Advisors, and Stratos Investment Management.

Fidelity Disclosures

Fidelity Investments is an independent company, unaffiliated with Reno Tahoe Wealth Management. Fidelity is a service provider to Reno Tahoe Wealth Management.

There is no form of legal partnership, agency affiliation, or similar relationship between your financial advisor and Fidelity, nor is such a relationship created or implied by the information herein. Fidelity has not been involved with the preparation of the content supplied by Reno Tahoe Wealth Management. and does not guarantee, or assume any responsibility for, its content.

Fidelity Investments is a registered trademark of FMR LLC.

Fidelity Investments provides clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC.

Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, Ltd, a registered investment advisor.

Media Inquiries

Donald Cutler or Brandon Blackwell

Haven Tower Group

424.317.4864 or 424.317.4868

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Stratos Wealth Advisors

1 april 2024 at 06:00

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Algernon Pharmaceuticals to Move Forward with Psychedelic Drug DMT Stroke Research Program as its Lead Asset





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the "Company" or "Algernon") (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW0) (OTCQB: AGNPF), a Canadian clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, is pleased to announce that it plans to move forward with its intravenous formulation of its AP-188 ("N,N-Dimethyltryptamine" or "DMT") stroke research program as its lead asset, after having sold its Ifenprodil research program for USD $2M cash and a 20% common share equity position in Seyltx, a U.S based private drug development company, on March 27, 2024. Seyltx plans to initiate an Ifenprodil multi-center Phase 2b placebo-controlled chronic cough study in CY2024.



Algernon established Algernon NeuroScience (AGN Neuro), a wholly owned subsidiary, to advance the research and development of the DMT stroke program in 2023.

AGN Neuro has completed a feasibility study and has finalized its clinical trial design for a 40 patient Phase 2a DMT Stroke study. AGN Neuro is the world's first company to investigate DMT for the treatment of stroke and its ability to promote neuroplasticity in the healing of brain injuries. The Phase 2a human stroke trial will study an intravenous sub-psychedelic dose of DMT in patients who are hospitalized after having suffered an acute ischemic stroke.

"Investigating neuroplasticity in a clinical setting, as a potential new treatment approach for ischemic stroke patients, is a new and promising area of research," said Christopher J. Moreau CEO of Algernon. "Algernon is a global leader in this important area of research, and we look forward to further advancing the stroke program through our planned Phase 2a DMT Stroke study."

Phase 2a Stroke Study Design

Subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke will be randomized in blinded fashion to receive either DMT or placebo. The primary outcome measure of the study will be safety, and information will be gained on measures of efficacy including preservation of brain tissue, motor recovery, depression and numerous biomarkers linked to the pathophysiology of stroke.

The decision to advance into a Phase 2 study was based on positive data from the Company's Phase 1 trial conducted at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) in Leiden, Netherlands. This study showed that plasma levels of DMT associated with neuroplasticity in preclinical studies could be achieved with a prolonged, 6-hour infusion of DMT at a dose which did not cause a psychedelic experience. The amount given exceeded the human equivalent of the dose used in preclinical studies in rats which demonstrated neuroprotective effects.

About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Algernon Pharmaceuticals is a Canadian clinical stage drug development company investigating multiple drugs for unmet global medical needs. Algernon Pharmaceuticals is the parent company of a private subsidiary called Algernon NeuroScience, that is advancing a psychedelic program investigating a proprietary form of DMT for stroke and traumatic brain injury and has an active research program for chronic kidney disease.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Christopher J. Moreau

CEO

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

604.398.4175 ext 701

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

1 april 2024 at 07:00

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New Kentucky Law Will Protect Homebuyers from Predatory Contracts





WASHINGTON, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, and AARP Kentucky applaud the Kentucky General Assembly for passing House Bill (HB) 88, which includes provisions protecting homeowners from the predatory practice of filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS). Sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith (R-KY), the new law will make NTRAPS unenforceable.

"The property rights of American homebuyers must be protected," said ALTA Vice President of Government Affairs Elizabeth Blosser. "A home often is a consumer's largest investment, and the best way to support the certainty of land ownership is through public policy. We have to ensure that there are no unreasonable restraints on a homebuyer's future ability to sell or refinance their property due to unwarranted transactional costs."

NTRAPS have been recorded in property records since 2018. The practice preys upon homeowners, offering small cash gifts in exchange for decades-long contracts for the exclusive rights to sell the property. Submitting NTRAPS for inclusion in property records characterized as liens, covenants, encumbrances or security interests in exchange for money creates impediments and increases the cost and complexity of transferring or financing real estate in the future.

"The passage of HB 88 is a continuation of AARP's advocacy efforts, undertaken in collaboration with ALTA in other states, to put an end to this harmful practice," said AARP Government Affairs Director Samar Jha. "We expect and hope to work on similar legislative solutions in other states to help protect homeowners against such predatory housing practices."

HB 88 follows the objective of similar bills introduced across the country to provide a remedy for existing NTRAPS while also discouraging these types of unfair practices impacting homeowners.

"Several real estate companies have been using a predatory business model to target seniors and financially insecure homeowners," said Gary W. Adkins, volunteer state president of AARP Kentucky. "As a former prosecutor, unscrupulous players who intentionally engage in predatory business models targeting and misleading older consumers makes my blood boil. Invariably, older adults are targeted specifically, and therefore, need extra safeguards to be protected from such an unfair, deceptive, and abusive practice. I can only imagine that AARP's Founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, felt the same sense of urgency and outrage when she found her retired colleague living in a chicken coop."

The new law will:

Make NTRAPS unenforceable by law.

Restrict and prohibit the recording of NTRAPS in property records.

Create penalties if NTRAPS are recorded in property records.

Provide for the removal of NTRAPS from property records and recovery of damages.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is expected to sign HB 88 into law in the coming weeks.

About ALTA

The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, is a national trade association representing more than 6,000 title insurance companies, title and settlement agents, independent abstracters, title searchers and real estate attorneys. ALTA members conduct title searches, examinations, closings and issue title insurance that protects real property owners and mortgage lenders against losses from defects in titles.

Contact: Megan Hernandez

Office: 202-261-0315

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Land Title Association

1 april 2024 at 08:00

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Paramount Earns 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award





Paramount Group, Inc. (NYSE: PGRE) ("Paramount" or the "Company") is proud to announce that it has achieved the 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. Paramount was honored among a select group of organizations for the company's contributions to energy efficiency and the transition to a clean energy economy.

ENERGY STAR award winners are recognized for demonstrating sustainability excellence in their respective industries. This year, Paramount achieved ENERGY STAR labels across 100% of its office portfolio, spanning 11.3 million square feet. The company's longstanding commitment to ENERGY STAR has yielded over 165 ENERGY STAR labels historically.

Achieving these labels signifies that Paramount's assets perform within the top 25 percent for energy efficiency when compared to similar buildings nationwide, a testament to Paramount's focus on responsible operations. To further evolve the company's sustainability strategy, Paramount has leveraged the ENERGY STAR Tenant Recognition program to encourage collaboration and sustainability best practices at the tenant level.

"We are proud to achieve Partner of the Year for the third consecutive year, distinguishing us as a Sustained Excellence recipient," said Wilbur Paes, Paramount's Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer. "Our team prides itself on executing a thoughtfully designed energy management program that reduces the environmental impact of our portfolio which resonates with our tenants and stakeholders."

About Paramount Group, Inc.

Headquartered in New York City, Paramount Group, Inc. is a fully-integrated real estate investment trust that owns, operates, manages, acquires and redevelops high-quality, Class A office properties located in select central business district submarkets of New York City and San Francisco. Paramount is focused on maximizing the value of its portfolio by leveraging the sought-after locations of its assets and its proven property management capabilities to attract and retain high-quality tenants.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR's impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

1 april 2024 at 08:05

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InspireSemi Announces Secured Loans and Closing of Private Placement





VANCOUVER, British Columbia and AUSTIN, Texas, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inspire Semiconductor Holdings Inc. (TSXV: INSP) ("InspireSemi" or the "Company"), a chip design company that provides revolutionary high-performance, energy-efficient accelerated computing solutions for High Performance Computing (HPC), AI, graph analytics, and other compute-intensive workloads, today announced that it has entered into a secured loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") and has received loans thereunder (each a "Loan") of US$450,000 made by certain arm's-length investors and Jeff R. Schneider, a director of the Company (each a "Lender").

The maturity date of each Loan is the date that is 12 months following the date that such Loan is received by the Company (the "Maturity Date"), being March 28, 2025. Each Loan bears interest of 10% per annum payable on the Maturity Date. The Loans may be repaid by the Company prior to the Maturity Date at the Company's option.

The Loans are secured until repayment by a first ranking security granted by general security agreement (and guaranteed by all subsidiaries) on all of the present and future acquired assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.

The Company will, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), issue a total of 48,911 Bonus Warrants to the Lenders. Each Bonus Warrant is exercisable for one proportionate voting share of the Company ("PV Shares") at a price per PV Share $12.50 and will have a term expiring one year from the date of issuance. All issued Bonus Warrants (and PV Shares issued upon exercise of Bonus Warrants) are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

For clarity, each PV Share issued upon exercise of a PV Warrant will be convertible into 100 SV Shares at the option of the holder and upon the terms outlined in the Company's articles available as Schedule "A" to the Company's management information circular dated August 14, 2022 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The terms of the Loan Agreement provide that the Company may receive additional secured loans on the same terms up to a maximum amount of US$3,000,000. The Company will provide updates regarding any additional loans made under the Loan Agreement and any additional Bonus Warrants issued by way of further press release.

The proceeds of the Loans will be used to fund additional costs with respect to the tape out of the Company's Thunderbird semiconductor chip, and for general working capital.

A total Advance of US$65,000 was made by, and the Company intends to issue 7,065 Bonus Warrants to, Jeff R. Schneider, who is considered an "insider" by virtue of him being a director of the Company and therefore these transactions are considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ? Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the formal valuation exemption in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and upon the minority approval exemption in section 5.7(1)(a)of MI 61-101 on the basis that, at the time the Advance was made and the Bonus Warrants will be issued neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

The Loans and the issuance of Bonus Warrants are subject to the approval of the Exchange.

Closing of Private Placement

The Company further announces that it closed a tranche of the non-brokered private placement previously announced on January 15, 2024 (the "Financing") comprised of subordinate voting share units (each an "SV Unit") or proportionate voting share units (each a "PV Unit") for total proceeds of C$136,010.10.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Financing for general working capital purposes. No finder's fees are payable on any portion of the funds raised under the Financing.

Investors not resident in the United States were issued SV Units at a price per SV Unit of C$0.15. Each SV Unit consists of one subordinate voting share in the capital of the Company (each an "SV Share") and one half of one SV Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant an "SV Warrant"). Each whole SV Warrant is exercisable for one SV Share at a price per share of C$0.20.

Investors resident in the United States were issued PV Units at a price per PV Unit of C$15.00. Each PV Unit consists of one proportionate voting share in the capital of the Company (each a "PV Share") and one half of one PV Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant a "PV Warrant"). Each whole PV Warrant is exercisable for one PV Share at a price per share of $20.00.

The Company issued 633,334 SV Units for gross proceeds of $95,000.10 and 2,734 PV Units for gross proceeds of $41,010. Each of the SV Warrants and PV Warrants issued have an expiry date of three years from April 1, 2024, being April 1, 2027.

All securities issued pursuant to the closing of the Financing are subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable securities law requirements until 4 months and one day from their date of issuance, in this case until August 2, 2024.

The Financing has been conditionally approved by the Exchange but remains subject to the receipt of final approval from the Exchange.

About InspireSemi

InspireSemi (TSXV: INSP) provides revolutionary high-performance, energy-efficient accelerated computing solutions for High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI, graph analytics, and other compute-intensive workloads. The Thunderbird ?supercomputer-cluster-on-a-chip' is a disruptive, next-generation datacenter accelerator designed to address multiple underserved and diversified industries, including financial services, computer-aided engineering, energy, climate modeling, and life sciences & drug discovery. Based on the open standard RISC-V instruction set architecture, InspireSemi's solutions set new standards of performance, energy efficiency, and ease of programming. InspireSemi is headquartered in Austin, TX.

For more information visit https://inspiresemi.com

Follow InspireSemi on LinkedIn

Investor Relations Contact

Phil Carlson/Scott Eckstein

KCSA Strategic Communication

[email protected]

Company Contact

John B. Kennedy, CFO

(737) 471-3230

[email protected]

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Statements concerning InspireSemi's objectives, goals, strategies, priorities, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and the business, operations, financial performance and condition of InspireSemi are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words 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 statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass.

Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information regarding: (i) the business plans and expectations of the Company including expectations with respect to production and development; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors (iii) expectations as to the use of funds in respect of the Financing or Loan Facility. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this presentation, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of InspireSemi, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to them and on assumptions they believe to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: (i) statements relating to the business and future activities of, and developments related to, the Company after the date of this press release; (ii) expected completion of or satisfaction of all closing conditions in connection with the Financing or Loan Facility, including receipt of final approval from the Exchange; (iii) expectations for other economic, business, regulatory and/or competitive factors related to the Company or the technology industry generally; (iv) the risk factors referenced in this news release and as described from time to time in documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca; and (v) other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS PRESS RELEASE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE OR JURISDICTION.

1 april 2024 at 08:40

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The Villa Group Resorts Invite You to Gather Your Tribe with Mexico Vacation Program





Book a Big Family Vacation Hassle-Free to Los Cabos or Riviera Nayarit

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Villa Group, renowned for its collection of beachfront resorts across Mexico, is thrilled to unveil its latest offering: the Gather Your Tribe program, meticulously crafted for unforgettable family reunions. With a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, this initiative aims to cater to families seeking an extraordinary getaway.

From today until June 30th, 2024, large families can take advantage of this opportunity when booking between 4 and 9 rooms, unlocking exclusive perks at Villa La Estancia Los Cabos, Villa La Valencia Los Cabos, Villa del Arco Cabo San Lucas, and Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit. The program is designed to streamline the booking process, removing contractual obligations, and ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for all.

Gather Your Tribe and Craft Your Memories

With the idea that families should be able to gather for a vacation together without any hassle, these all-inclusive family resorts are offering additional perks for groups booking between four and nine of the hotels' rooms. The booking period is available now through June 30, 2024, with a minimum length of stay of three or more nights, for travel anytime between April 1st, 2024 and December 19th, 2025.

The Gather Your Tribe program includes:

Additional space for reconnection: upgrade from two single-room reservations into one Two-Bedroom Suite.

Special amenities for those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.

Family Event Day: Enjoy a one-hour photo session, followed by a semi-private cocktail and dinner reservation at one of the resort restaurants for up to 20 people.

The Best Places for Big Family Vacations

With spacious family suites, which are well above the industry standard, diverse culinary experiences, exceptional hospitality, and a plethora of onsite activities, it is easy for everyone to have a good time. At an additional cost, groups can enjoy exclusive activities such as gourmet experiences, wine or Tequila tastings, and in-suite chef services. Other activities include spa treatments and cultural tours to enhance their stay. When booking family reunions at The Villa Group Resorts, guests can rest assured knowing their group vacation is in the best hands.

For more information, visit https://villagroupresorts.com , or to make a reservation, contact the Call Center at 1-800-831-1191.

About The Villa Group:

The Villa Group is a leading luxury resort collection with an exceptional portfolio of beachfront properties in Mexico. With a commitment to providing extraordinary experiences and unparalleled service, The Villa Group Resorts offers guests a wide range of amenities, world-class dining options, and breathtaking ocean views. From the pristine shores of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to the captivating landscapes of Los Cabos, The Villa Group invites guests to discover the ultimate vacation experiences.

SOURCE The Villa Group Beach Resorts & Spas

1 april 2024 at 08:38

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Christine Chiu of 'Bling Empire' Fame to Illuminate Taiwan's Luxurious Heritage in an Exclusive Journey





The Taiwan Tourism Administration, in partnership with China Airlines, is delighted to unveil an exclusive Familiarization (FAM) trip featuring Christine Chiu, acclaimed for her role in "Bling Empire." As the journey explores Taiwan's iconic destinations, including Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, and Taipei 101, it seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, showcasing the island's irresistible charm. With luxurious experiences tailored for families and China Airlines' unwavering dedication to seamless travel, this trip firmly establishes Taiwan as a must-visit destination.

LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Taiwan Tourism Administration, in collaboration with China Airlines, is proud to announce an exclusive Familiarization (FAM) trip featuring Christine Chiu, a distinguished Taiwanese-American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and producer, renowned for her prominent role in the hit Netflix reality series "Bling Empire." With her unwavering dedication to luxury travel and cultural exploration, Christine Chiu is uniquely poised to showcase Taiwan's premier experiences to a global audience.

From exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants highlighting local Taiwanese ingredients to VIP tours at the iconic Taipei 101, and opulent hotels and resorts boasting unparalleled amenities, Taiwan offers refined experiences tailored for families.

Embarking on a journey that seamlessly blends Taiwan's timeless charm with its modern allure, the Chiu family will explore emblematic destinations such as Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, and the National Palace Museum. These iconic sites epitomize Taiwan's breathtaking scenery, rich heritage, and gastronomic delights, offering an exclusive glimpse into the island's luxurious lifestyle through the eyes of an esteemed producer.

This extraordinary voyage also signifies a heartfelt homecoming for Baby G, as he embarks on his inaugural visit to his ancestral homeland, spotlighting Taiwan's ability to captivate visitors of all generations with its blend of tradition and innovation.

In a narrative blending traditional elegance with contemporary luxury, Christine Chiu and her family will unveil a curated selection of high-end experiences in Taiwan. From exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants highlighting local Taiwanese ingredients to VIP tours at the iconic Taipei 101, and opulent hotels and resorts boasting unparalleled amenities, Taiwan offers refined experiences tailored for families. With China Airlines providing exceptional service and seamless flight options, the journey ensures both comfort and efficiency, showcasing the island's commitment to premium offerings.

In partnership with China Airlines, the flagship carrier of Taiwan, families like Christine's can enjoy a seamless journey to Taiwan and beyond. China Airlines recently launched the Soar Over Asia campaign, aiming to promote new routes and convenient transfers to Asia in collaboration with various tourism boards. This collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting venture, positioning Taiwan as the premier gateway to Asia and providing travelers with unparalleled access to the region's diverse destinations.

Throughout their journey, Christine Chiu will be sharing captivating moments on Instagram, inviting audiences worldwide to experience Taiwan's luxurious allure. The Taiwan Tourism Administration and China Airlines extend a heartfelt invitation to global audiences to join the Chiu family on this extraordinary exploration of Taiwan. Through their experiences, Taiwan is set to reaffirm its position as a premier luxury travel destination on the global stage.

Welcome to visit the page at https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ and follow our Facebook page or Instagram to learn more about the exciting and diverse themes, tours, and various products available in Taiwan, including food, lodging, travel, and shopping.

About Taiwan Tourism Administration

The Taiwan Tourism Administration is the official government agency responsible for domestic and international tourism policy development and execution. There are three North American tourism offices located in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

About China Airlines

China Airlines, founded in 1959 and headquartered in Taiwan, is a leading carrier with over 10,000 employees globally and a fleet of 106 aircraft. As a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, it offers access to over 10,770 daily flights to 1,050 destinations across 166 countries. Committed to sustainability and ensuring passenger satisfaction, it has awards such as the "Giant Thumb Award" and "Golden Flyer Award". Additionally, it has been recognized as "Best Airline in North Asia" by Global Traveler magazine and earned distinctions like "Travelers' Choice Major Airline Asia" on TripAdvisor and "Five Star Major Airline" at the APEX awards.

Media Contact

Wanda Li, Taiwan Tourism Administration (Los Angeles), 626-350-7888, [email protected]

SOURCE Taiwan Tourism Administration (Los Angeles)

1 april 2024 at 09:00

News published onand distributed by:
DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY GENERAL OPERATIONAL UPDATE





TSX.V: DME

U.S. OTC: DMEHF

Frankfurt: QM01

VANCOUVER, BC, April 1, 2024 /CNW/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSXV: DME) (U.S. OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) From the President of the Company. The Company is pleased to update its shareholders on the current operational developments in New Mexico and Arizona. DME has successfully installed the necessary physical equipment for the helium processing plant in New Mexico, achieving its initial objective of becoming a fully vertically integrated helium company. The required hardware and software components for handling the gaseous mixture have been installed and tested for operations. These components were essential to meet end-user BTU requirements and upcoming industry changes in natural gas processing, safety, and transportation. The dehydration, amine and high-pressure compression units are operational and currently processing gas. Numerous modifications were made to address the compositional change from a nitrogen to a natural gas environment, which includes both light and heavy fractional hydrocarbon molecules. The replaced components have been retained for use in the construction of a future plant to be used in a primary nitrogen gas stream where natural gas values are less than 9.8%, such as in Arizona.

The company is still performing cost-efficient maintenance on initially selected wells to increase the overall throughput of the plant. The geologic team has identified wells for short-term, and long-term production boosts. For example, foaming 15 wells has led to a notable increase in raw gas flows to the plant. This maintenance has been carried out multiple times in recent months, resulting in sustained gas flow increases and a significant reduction in saltwater production.

The Company continues negotiations with a specific end-user for the natural gas portion of the product stream at the end of the current contract. DME continues to receive interest from end-users for our processed helium due to the ongoing helium shortage. Additionally, we are collaborating with a private company and national laboratories for CO2 capture and processing. The Company's goal is to cost-effectively produce food-grade CO2 for potential commercial sale. There is a reported shortage of food-grade CO2, providing an additional opportunity for increased revenues and value for the Company.

The Company continues to work closely with state and federal inspectors to bring the visible side of the field operations current. This involves repairing and maintaining roads and the perimeter surrounding the surface equipment. This crucial aspect of field operations was highlighted during recent wildfires in West Texas and South-Eastern New Mexico. The Company has acquired tracked equipment and haul capability to handle these issues internally and safeguard its investment. So far, DME has repaired numerous miles of roads on its BLM and State of New Mexico leases and will proceed with planned work.

The DME team has completed its end-of-year and first-quarter financial reports and diligently navigated the latest changes between Canadian IFRS and US GAAP accounting procedures. Despite the complexity of the task, the team recognized the importance of addressing these issues to support the Company's transition from exploration to a full-scale helium producer. While the initial NI 51-101 report on the West Pecos New Mexico asset was limited due to time (only the first 90 days after purchase) and data available, DME anticipates gaining a clearer understanding of future opportunities once the plant is fully operational. Canadian regulators developed the NI 51-101 to provide specific insights into different categories of oil and gas production and reserves. Although the presence of helium is well documented in almost every well, helium production was never tracked separately, nor were royalties or credit given to the well owners/producers. Therefore, until the Company has documented helium values properly accounted for, future reserves are purely based on well-test data. After DME has the plant fully operational, it should provide a better idea of what initial future production exists for that field and where to seek out further opportunities to maximize helium production.

The Company has renewed its leases in Arizona and is actively striving to establish a cost-effective pathway to production in the state, mirroring successful models in other states.

ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY

Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on the exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen, natural gas and condensate. The Company is focused on helium extraction from different raw gas sources in an environmental and economic manner supplying elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries.

We seek safe harbor

"Robert Rohlfing"

Robert Rohlfing

Exec Chairman & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities.

Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp.

1 april 2024 at 09:00

News published onand distributed by:
Plurilock Welcomes New Executive Chair and Begins Business Transformation Plan





Plurilock has appointed Ali Hakimzadeh to the board of directors as Executive Chairman of the Board.

to the board of directors as Executive Chairman of the Board. The Company will undertake a 10:1 share consolidation.

The Company will raise up to $3,000,000 to fuel growth in its VAR business, its growing Critical Services offering, and in its Plurilock AI sales team.

VANCOUVER, BC, April 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), a cybersecurity services and solutions provider, is pleased to provide information on its corporate transformation plan.

Appointment of Executive Chairman

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Ali Hakimzadeh to the board of directors and the election of Mr. Hakimzadeh as Executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hakimzadeh has an extensive background in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Hakimzadeh also brings over 25 years of investment banking, merchant banking, and capital market advisory experience. Most recently, Mr. Hakimzadeh was Executive Chairman of the Board of HS Govtech Solutions Inc., a company that sold software to state, municipal, and local governments in North America. HS Govtech was a listed issuer which was sold in 2023 to a San Francisco based private equity buyer at a price that was over a 150%12 premium to the market price prior to announcement. Mr. Hakimzadeh replaces outgoing director and chairman Robert Kiesman.

"We are very excited for Mr. Hakimzadeh to join our team, particularly with his capital markets experience, and look forward to what we can accomplish together," says Ian L. Paterson, CEO of Plurilock.

Share Consolidation

To optimize the capital structure of the Company and to attract financing, the board of directors has approved a share consolidation at a ratio of one post-consolidated share for every ten (10) pre-consolidated shares (the "Share Consolidation"). The Share Consolidation is anticipated to be completed in the immediate future. Immediately following the Share Consolidation, the issued capital of the Company will be reduced to 10,294,845 shares outstanding.

Financing

In connection with the Share Consolidation, the Company will be undertaking a financing to raise approximately $3,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering will be priced in the context of the market and issued on a post-consolidated basis.

Capital raised through this transaction will be used to support the company's increasing focus on its profit centers, including use for:

Providing working capital in the VAR to fuel growth

Hire additional sales and sales support staff

"Our focus over the course of 2024 will be on profitable growth and to improve Plurilock's balance sheet," says Paterson. "We will invest in the growth centers of the business, with the strong aim to continue to achieve positive margin growth throughout the year."

Debt Settlement

The Company proposes to settle up to $500,000 of payables though the issuance of shares (the "Debt Settlement"). The Debt Settlement through share issuance will help to conserve and extend the Company's working capital. The Debt Settlement will be priced in the context of the market on a post-consolidated basis.

Debenture Repriced and Inducement

The Company also announces its intention to induce conversion of its $1,520,000 of outstanding convertible debentures (the "Debenture Inducement"). It is intended that the Company will reprice the outstanding debentures and offer an inducement to exercise their conversion rights within a prescribed time period. The terms of the repricing and Debenture Inducement will be determined in the context of the market on a post-consolidated basis.

The Offering, the Debt Settlement, and the Debenture Inducement are all subject to exchange approval and, where applicable, subject to shareholder approval. Certain insiders of the Company will be participating in the Offering and the Debt Settlement and are relying upon exemptions from MI 61-101 pertaining to the protection of minority shareholders in related party transactions.

The transactions contemplated herein are described to transform the capital structure of the Company and position it for growth and shareholder value appreciation. Management believes that the transactions comprising the business transformation will benefit all shareholders as the Company continues to ramp up sales and business activity.

About Plurilock

Plurilock sells cybersecurity solutions to the United States and Canadian Federal Governments and to Global 2000 companies. Through these relationships, Plurilock sells its unique brand of critical services?leveraging our expertise to aid clients in defending against, detecting, and preventing costly data breaches and cyberattacks.

For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, the success of the Company in obtaining new or extended contracts or orders; the Company's ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; and unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

__________________

1 https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/hs-govtech-announces-execution-of-arrangement-agreement-880201244.html 2 https://twitter.com/stocks_stones/status/1770857063909908637

SOURCE Plurilock Security Inc.

1 april 2024 at 09:21

News published onand distributed by:
American Farmland Trust and Anheuser-Busch Support Idaho Farmers through New U.S. Farmed Certification





CERTIFICATION INCLUDES NEW PACKAGING SEAL FOR PRODUCTS MADE WITH INGREDIENTS GROWN BY AMERICAN FARMERS

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch recently announced the national rollout of its newly-adopted U.S. Farmed certification and seal for several of its industry-leading beer brands, showing support for farmers in the U.S., including Idaho, where the state's farmers sold $10.9B worth of agricultural products in 20221. Developed and verified by the American Farmland Trust (AFT), a national nonprofit that helps to keep American farmers on their land, the U.S. Farmed certification and packaging seal helps shoppers choose products that derive at least 95 percent of their agricultural ingredients from farms in the United States.

Anheuser-Busch is a proud supporter of American farmers, including its more than 300 direct grower partners across Idaho from whom the brewer spends over $200 million purchasing barley and hops from each year. Anheuser-Busch sources nearly 30% of its barley for Budweiser, Bud Light and Busch Light from Idaho growers, and the brewer has seven agricultural facilities across the state, including the A-B Elevator and Barley Office, Elk Mountain Hops Farm and Idaho Falls Malt Plant.

Consumers in Idaho are empowered to purchase U.S. Farmed certified products to benefit U.S. farmers and invest in the future of domestic ingredient sourcing, helping to ensure a vibrant and thriving agricultural sector in America for generations to come. The U.S. Farmed seal will first appear on Anheuser-Busch's Busch Light this May, and Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob ULTRA have also obtained U.S. Farmed certification.

Companies across the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry are encouraged to join the effort by obtaining U.S. Farmed certification for their domestically-sourced products. AFT will use funds raised through those certifications to expand programs and provide U.S. farmers across all 50 states with free resources and expert advisory services to help them access, protect, and maintain American farmland.

By harnessing the potential of U.S. sourced goods across the entire CPG industry, the U.S. Farmed certification aims to create a far greater impact for American agriculture than any one company could alone. This industry-wide effort will be supported by an Anheuser-Busch led campaign, "Choose Beer Grown Here," to encourage consumers to seek the U.S. Farmed certification and seal when shopping for products.

"American farmers are the backbone of this country, and Anheuser-Busch has been deeply connected to the U.S. agricultural community and committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients from U.S. farmers for more than 165 years ? that's who we are," said Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth. "We source nearly all the ingredients in our iconic American beers from hard-working U.S. farmers ? many of whom we have worked with for generations. The U.S. Farmed certification takes our commitment to the next level, and we are proud to lead the industry in rallying behind American farmers to ensure the future of U.S. agriculture, which is crucial to our country's economy. We look forward to other companies joining us in seeking U.S. Farmed certification for their products so that together we can make an even greater impact and show our support for American farmers."

The U.S. Farmed certification comes at a critical moment for American agriculture. According to AFT, within the next 15 years, ownership of over 30 percent of our nation's agricultural land could be in transition as the current generation of farmers prepares to retire. At the same time, farmland loss threatens the very foundation of our agricultural capacity, and new and beginning farmers are often challenged to secure the capital needed to enter agriculture. The U.S. Farmed certification will address this challenge head on by providing growers in Idaho and across the country with access to the direct support needed to pursue their options for maintaining and protecting their farmland, as well as innovative strategies for transitioning their land to the next generation of farmers.

"For over four decades, American Farmland Trust has worked tirelessly to ensure the land that sustains us remains in farming and its soils stay healthy and productive. Now, with the launch of the U.S. Farmed certification, we're taking a bold step to help secure the future of American agriculture and create both a movement and a market niche that celebrates and supports our nation's farmers," said Beth Sauerhaft, PhD, AFT Acting President and CEO. "Each U.S. Farmed certification has the potential to open new opportunities for farmers to receive assistance with succession planning, farmland protection tools for their operations, and other useful tactics to safeguard their land ? our nation's food systems. We appreciate Anheuser-Busch's leadership in bringing the U.S. Farmed certification to some of the country's most iconic brands, while also making tangible impact for American farmers."

"As a third-generation Idaho barley farmer, my family has been growing high-quality ingredients for companies like Anheuser-Busch for decades ? but until today, consumers couldn't see that," said Luke Adams, Farmer and Owner at Timm Adams Farms. "I'm thrilled to see AFT launch the U.S. Farmed certification and proud to grow for the first company to join the effort. Knowing that consumers can choose to support not just me, but all farmers across our country, means a lot to my family and to the people on my farm whose jobs rely on their purchases."

For more information on the U.S. Farmed certification and seal, including resources for American Farmers and product certification, please visit http://www.farmland.org/us-farmed.

Learn more about Anheuser-Busch's commitment to U.S. farmers here http://www.anheuser-busch.com/USFarmed.

ABOUT AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 7.8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Learn more at www.farmland.org.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States.

We are home to several of America's most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

1 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services (2022). Census of Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/index.php.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

1 april 2024 at 10:08

News published onand distributed by:
Surface Disinfection Market to Reach $5.6 billion, Globally, by 2032 at 7.4% CAGR: Allied Market Research





The global surface disinfectant market has experienced growth due to several factors such as increase in prevalence of hospital-acquired diseases and rise in awareness of hygiene & infection control.

WILMINGTON, Del., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Surface Disinfection Market by Composition (Alcohols, Chlorine Compounds, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Others), Type (Liquids, Wipes, and Sprays), and Application (Surface, Instrument, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the "surface disinfection market" was valued at $2.7 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $5.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2032.

Prime determinants of growth

The surface disinfectant market is fueled by factors such as surge in hospital-acquired infections, higher healthcare spending, and broad applications of surface disinfectant in non-healthcare sectors. Stringent regulations regarding surface disinfectant use and hazardous chemical handling restrain market growth. Nevertheless, advancements in production processes and the emergence of eco-friendly disinfectant alternatives offer lucrative growth opportunities for market expansion.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A189176

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023?2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size In 2022 $2.7 Billion Market Size In 2032 $5.6 Billion CAGR 7.4 % No. Of Pages In Report 250 Segments Covered Composition, Type, Application, And Region. Drivers Surge In Occurrence Of Hospital Acquired Infections

Increased Expenditure On Healthcare

Use Of Surface Disinfectants In Non-Healthcare Sector Opportunities Advancements In Manufacturing Of Surface Disinfectants

Development Of Eco-Friendly Surface Disinfectant Products Restraints Product Resistance And Overuse Of Surface Disinfectants

Stringent Regulations For The Use Of Surface Disinfectants

The alcohols segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period.

On the basis of the composition, the alcohols segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the global surface disinfectant market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to its effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, quick evaporation leaving no residue, compatibility with various surfaces, and rapid action, making it a preferred choice for disinfection.

Procure Complete Report (250 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/4ahEVJg

The liquids segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period.

On the basis of type, the liquids segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the global surface disinfectant market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to its ease of use, versatility in application methods, ability to cover large surface areas, and compatibility with various disinfection processes and equipment.

The surface segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period.

On the basis of the application, the surface segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global surface disinfectant market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to the wide range of surfaces requiring disinfection, including countertops, floors, medical equipment, and household items, driving the demand for surface disinfectants.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032.

On the basis of region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global surface disinfectant market revenue and is expected to rule the roost in terms of revenue throughout the forecast timeframe.

Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/surface-disinfection-market/purchase-options

Players: -

3M

BASF SE

Ecolab

LANXESS

Lonza

P&G

PAUL HARTMANN AG

PaxChem Ltd.

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.

Spartan Chemical Company, Inc.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global surface disinfectant market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, and agreements 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 highlight the competitive scenario.

Similar Reports:

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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1 april 2024 at 10:05

News published onand distributed by:
Signature Resolution Welcomes Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice John R. Stegner (Ret.) to Panel of Neutrals





Alternative dispute resolution firm to further enhance panel with its first Supreme Court Justice

LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Signature Resolution, a leader in alternative dispute resolution, is pleased to announce the addition of former Idaho Supreme Court Justice John R. Stegner (Ret.) to its panel of neutrals. With more than four decades of experience in the legal field, Justice Stegner brings a wealth of knowledge from his time as both a trial lawyer and a trial judge, ensuring fairness and insight in his role as a neutral mediator.

"Mediation is the art of the possible?a chance to uncover elegant solutions and empower individuals amidst legal complexities. With dedication to resolution and innovation, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to help clients navigate their disputes."

Justice Stegner is renowned for his holistic view of mediation, which he describes as "the art of the possible." His tenure as a trial judge emphasized mediation, where he championed creativity and flexibility in settling disputes. Justice Stegner's approach is deeply influenced by an understanding of the emotional and financial burdens of litigation, advocating for mediation as a solution that empowers parties to shape their outcomes. Known for his innovative mediation practice, he is recognized for crafting solutions that often transcend traditional expectations.

"As I embark on this new chapter with Signature Resolution, I am honored to contribute my decades of legal experience and passion for mediation to facilitate meaningful resolutions. Mediation is the art of the possible?a chance to uncover elegant solutions and empower individuals amidst legal complexities," said Justice Stegner. "My goal is to guide disputing parties with a steady hand, fostering understanding and collaboration to pave the way for closure and mutual satisfaction. With dedication to resolution and innovation, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to help clients navigate their disputes."

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Whitman College, Justice Stegner pursued his juris doctor at the University of Idaho College of Law, where he was a member and managing editor of the Idaho Law Review. His career began with a clerkship under U.S. District Court Judge Harold L. Ryan, transitioning into a successful career as a trial lawyer and later as a revered trial judge. His commitment to justice was further exemplified through his initiative in establishing and managing specialized courts focusing on drug-related and mental health issues, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to the legal system.

"We are honored to welcome Justice Stegner to Signature Resolution. His addition marks the first Supreme Court Justice to join our panel," said Dario Higuchi, founding partner and managing member of Signature Resolution. "Known for his innovative mediation techniques, he emphasized creative and adaptable dispute resolution during his tenure as a trial judge, highlighting mediation's emotional and financial advantages. We are enthusiastic about the innovative and empowering influence he will have on our clients and the wider mediation community."

Justice Stegner's contributions to the legal community have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the prestigious George G. Granata Jr. Professionalism Award and the Idaho State Bar's Distinguished Jurist Award. His retirement from the Idaho Supreme Court marked the end of an illustrious chapter in his career, culminating in a special honorary award from the Idaho Bar acknowledging his exceptional service.

In his new role at Signature Resolution, Justice Stegner is excited to apply his extensive mediation expertise, aiming to facilitate resolutions that reflect his deep commitment to justice, fairness, and the positive transformation of the legal process. His dedication to resolving conflicts and fostering understanding makes him a valuable addition to the Signature Resolution team, where he will continue to inspire confidence and trust in the legal community.

To learn more about Justice Stegner and his mediation practice, please visit signatureresolution.com.

About Signature Resolution

Founded in 2017 in the heart of Los Angeles, Signature Resolution comprises a panel of distinguished neutrals hailing from diverse backgrounds, including respected judges and trial attorneys specializing in virtually every civil practice area. The founding partners inaugurated the organization with a vision of providing the highest level of service and convenience for attorneys and their clients. Signature Resolution's panelists offer unrivaled expertise and commitment to resolve even the most challenging legal matters. In addition to the Los Angeles location, Signature Resolution also has offices in Century City, San Diego, and Oakland. For more information about the firm's mediation, arbitration and other dispute resolution services, visit signatureresolution.com.

Media Contact

Media Team, Signature Resolution, 1 9499951459, [email protected], https://signatureresolution.com/

SOURCE Signature Resolution

1 april 2024 at 11:00

News published onand distributed by:
Wilson Sonsini Files Pro Bono Lawsuit Against USDA Alleging Discrimination Against Farmers of Color





Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, has filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of pro bono clients, Angie and Wenceslaus (June) Provost Jr., along with a proposed class, in response to alleged discriminatory practices against Black and minority farmers.

The lawsuit contends that despite a prior settlement in the Pigford litigation?one of the largest civil rights class action lawsuits in U.S. history addressing discrimination in federal farm programs?the USDA's prejudiced practices persist. The alleged practices include, but are not limited to, disproportionately denying loans, imposing unfair terms, delaying loans, and/or treating individuals differently based on race. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that the agency has been negligent in promptly addressing discrimination claims and has proceeded with foreclosure on farmers with pending complaints. As a result, significant barriers to economic mobility have been created, and generations of disenfranchisement have been perpetuated.

Agriculture is the heart and soul of life for the Provosts, who reside in New Iberia, Louisiana. June, a fourth-generation sugarcane farmer, grew up tending to his family's vast 4,000+ acre farm alongside his father and brothers. Eventually, he and his wife, Angie, assumed full responsibility for its operations. Despite their hard work, years of inadequate funding through loans hindered June and Angie's ability to acquire and maintain equipment and hire workers, resulting in the loss of the family's farm.

"Farmers deal with all sorts of challenges, from pests to unpredictable weather messing with crop yields," explained Angie Provost. "Yet for farmers of color, there's an extra layer of difficulty. We often face bias from government agencies and get treated unfairly by lenders, unlike our White counterparts dealing with similar issues. These hurdles together reinforce the unfair idea that Black and other socially disadvantaged farmers aren't cut out for the job, making it harder for us to get the support we need to succeed."

"All I ever wanted was a fair shake from the USDA so I could support my family and pursue my love for farming," added June Provost. "But it's clear they don't see me and other Black farmers as regular folks; we're just ?those people' to them. Until every farmer gets the support they're due, none of us will truly thrive."

The complaint alleges that the ordeal experienced by the Provosts is not an isolated incident; instead, it symbolizes a broader trend familiar to Black farmers across both the Southern region and the entirety of the U.S. Consequently, the number of Black farmers continues to dwindle. In 1910, about 14 percent of U.S. farmers were Black, owning more than 16 million acres. According to the latest available Census of Agriculture data, only one in 100 farmers is Black, owning a total of less than 5 million acres.

Ariel Anaba, who has long represented the Provosts and has primary responsibility for handling the case, expressed, "A year and a half ago, I chose to join Wilson Sonsini, drawn in part by its reputation as a pro bono champion of social justice causes, advocating for underprivileged and marginalized communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist the Provosts in seeking to right wrongs and safeguarding their land and livelihoods. For over a century, Black and Brown farmers have been denied equal treatment under the law. The significance of this case extends beyond the Provost family, since it will protect the ancestral legacy of Black and Brown farmers across the country."

Luke Liss, Wilson Sonsini's Pro Bono Partner, remarked, "The farmers that provide for this great country have long depended on subsidies and loans from the federal government to obtain essential resources such as land, equipment, seeds, and livestock, as well as to cover general living expenses. However, the allocation of these resources has not been fair. Wilson Sonsini is proud to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with the Provosts on their journey for equitable treatment for all, as part of living our values of furthering access to justice and service to the underserved via our pro bono work and Community Impact Program."

Wilson Sonsini has assumed the representation in this matter on a pro bono basis. The firm has long engaged in successful large-scale pro bono litigation, encompassing a diverse range of cases. This includes prevailing alongside co-counsel in trial and subsequent appeals against the federal government on behalf of one of the largest classes of Medicare beneficiaries in history, to successfully advocating for Colombians impacted by paramilitary violence under the Torture Victim and Protection Act, in addition to various other recent and ongoing matters across the U.S.

The case is Provost v. Vilsack, case number 1:24-cv-00920.

About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini's services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and/or advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. Wilson Sonsini also has a premier Community Impact program, focused on access to justice and serving the underrepresented via pro bono and community service work. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has more than 1,000 attorneys and 19 offices in 17 technology, business, and regulatory markets across the United States, China, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.

1 april 2024 at 12:10

News published onand distributed by:
project44 Named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadranttm for Real-Time Transportation Visibility Platforms for Fourth Consecutive Year





This is the second consecutive year project44 has been positioned highest for its "Completeness of Vision" and "Ability to Execute"

CHICAGO, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, project44, the leading High-Velocity Supply Chain Platform, announced it was named a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for Real-Time Transportation Visibility Platforms (RTTVP) for the fourth year in a row. Of the seven companies evaluated, project44 was also positioned as highest on the "Ability to Execute" and furthest right on the "Completeness of Vision" axes for the second consecutive year.

In addition to the Magic Quadrant report, project44 was positioned highest in all Use Cases (tied with another vendor for the Level 1 Complexity Use Case) in the 2024 Gartner Critical Capabilities for Real-Time Transportation Visibility (RTTVP) report. The Critical Capabilities report provides deeper insight into vendors' product and service offerings by evaluating nine critical capabilities and five Use Case scenarios of customer complexity. project44 was the highest scoring vendor for all five of these Use Cases.

"The project44 team is honored to be included in this year's Magic Quadrant for RTTVP, and we are proud to be able to deliver a trusted platform to our customers," said Jett McCandless, project44 Founder and CEO. "Whether a customer needs visibility into a single mode in a single region, global multimodal visibility or extended capabilities such as facilities and yard management, project44 is the clear choice."

We believe new innovations in the last year have continued to contribute to project44's industry recognition. The company has experienced a year of strong growth through added products and capabilities such as extended visibility through AI-powered enhancements, data quality enhancements, China over-the-road (OTR) visibility, multimodal ratings and bookings, and configurable branded tracking and alerts. By equipping global brands with these innovations, they can maintain their resilience and high velocity in the face of a constantly evolving supply chain.

project44 is part of the Gartner Peer Insightstm Customer First program, which is designed to build trust and credibility by signaling that a technology provider solicits reviews from all customers and recognizes the benefits of honest, unbiased feedback. In 2023, project44 was also named a Customers' Choice in the 2023 Gartner Peer Insights "Voice of the Customer" report.

Here's what project44 customers are saying:

"We are excited to have partnered with project44 to help us reach new heights in our supply chain to better serve our customers. Our partnership is very collaborative, and we share a common vision with improved visibility with our shipments and distribution yards," said Carmine Bosco, AVP Enterprise Supply Chain at Canadian Tire Corporation. "We look forward to elevating our supply chain processes to new heights, delivering seamless experiences and driving success in an evolving landscape."

"It's been an incredible experience working with project44. Their commitment to help IVECO achieve high quality in Inbound/Outbound visibility has truly set them apart. The collaborative spirit at project44 has helped us achieve a better Manufacturing and Customer-centric delivery efficiency and made our partnership both productive and meaningful," said Gianluca Pajrone, Logistics Intelligence Specialist at IVECO. "We value the dedication of the project44 team in Europe, Latam and EMEA and look forward to achieving even greater milestones together. Working with project44 has been an amazing journey, and we're excited about the continued success our partnership will bring."

"Our organization was looking for a visibility solution, so we decided to work with project44 given their expertise on the visibility solution, long-term customer roadmap for technology, ability to track multiple modes of transport, including Truck, Rail and Ocean, and advanced tracking tools available for visibility. project44's collaborative approach throughout the project was seamless and a big success for both our business partners as well as for our system integrator."

? IT Supply Chain Lead, Consumer Goods

Download a copy of the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for RTTVP report here.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant and Peer Insightstm are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from project44.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About project44

project44 is on a mission to make supply chains work. Movement by project44, the only High-Velocity Supply Chain Platform, enables shippers, LSPs and carriers across the globe to reduce costs, optimize operations, deliver an exceptional customer experience and drive greater resiliency and sustainability. Having built the industry's largest and most connected ecosystem, project44 provides visibility into over 1 billion shipments annually for over 1,300 of the world's leading brands within manufacturing, automotive, retail, life sciences, food & beverage, CPG, and oil, chemical & gas.

project44's commitment to excellence was recognized across organizations and awards including an eleven-time leader on G2's Supply Chain Visibility Grid, Google Cloud Partner of the Year, and SAP Pinnacle Award winner. project44 is headquartered in Chicago with a diverse team spanning 23 global offices including Austin, Amsterdam, Krakow, Paris, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and Tokyo. Learn more at project44.com.

Media Contact: press@project44.com

SOURCE project44

1 april 2024 at 12:13

News published onand distributed by:
SunMed Growers Announces Maryland Debut of Belushi's Farm Cannabis





Jim Belushi will join SunMed at launch events across the state April 3-4

CECIL COUNTY, Md., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SunMed Growers will host a series of launch events with iconic performer and longtime cannabis proponent, Jim Belushi, to mark SunMed's partnership with Belushi's cannabis brand, Belushi's Farm. The collaboration combines SunMed's state-of-the-art, sustainable cultivation practices with Belushi's hand-harvested, legacy strains to bring high quality cannabis ? and a bit of Rock and Roll ? to Maryland consumers.

One of the first companies awarded a license to grow medical cannabis in Maryland, SunMed today is the state's largest cannabis brand and one of the only cultivators to grow its plants in full-spectrum sunlight. SunMed President, Jake Van Wingerden, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: "Our collaboration with Belushi's Farm symbolizes more than just the strength and maturation of Maryland's market. For me and Jim, it is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, quality, social responsibility and the healing power of cannabis."

The SunMed x Belushi's Farm partnership will kick-off with high-testing, hand-harvested and sun-grown cultivars, including Flower and Pre-Rolls from Belushi's Farm's premium house brand and it's Blue Brother's brand, described by Jim as "the working man's cannabis."

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Exclusive interviews with Jim Belushi and SunMed Growers representatives.

Photo sessions and facility tours at SunMed Growers.

Coverage of product launch events and consumer experiences.

LAUNCH EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

1:30pm ? 3:00pm Meet & Greet with SunMed Employees 127 Worsell Manor Rd, Warwick, MD 21912

? 127 Worsell Manor Rd, 21912 4:00pm ? 6:00pm Meet & Greet at Nature's Care and Wellness Dispensary 4925 Pulaski Hwy, Perryville, MD 21903

Thursday, April 4, 2024

12pm ? 2pm Meet & Greet at Gold Leaf Dispensary 2029 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401

? 2029 West St, 21401 3pm ? 5pm Meet & Greet at Green Point Wellness Linthicum 823a Elkridge Landing Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

? 823a Elkridge Landing Rd, 21090 7pm ? 11pm Belushi Launch Party (Ticketed, invite-only event) Twain's Tavern, 8359 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Pasadena, MD 21122

RSVP

Members of the media are invited to attend all launch events. Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 2 to the media contact below.

About Belushi's Farm

With 42 years in the public eye, actor, comedian and musician Jim Belushi's primary inspiration today comes from what he describes as the beauty and healing power of cannabis. Belushi's Farm Cannabis, located on 93 acres along Oregon's Rogue River, is the evolution of this endeavor. What began as 48 plants during Oregon's medical marijuana program in 2015 is today home to a range of cannabis offerings including The Blues Brothers, Captain Jack's Gulzar Afghanica (a rare strain from the Hindu Kush region that became known in the '70s as "The Smell of SNL"), Good Ugly Weed, Belushi's Farm premium brand and The Discovery Network's GROWING BELUSHI, which provides audiences with an insider perspective on the people, operations and mission behind Belushi's Farm cannabis. A long-time proponent of adult-use legalization, Jim has advocated across the U.S. for patient rights. He is an ambassador for Last Prisoner Project, a coalition of cannabis industry leaders, executives and artists dedicated to bringing restorative justice to the cannabis industry and is working with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission and the Portland City Council to create an opioid trade program where veterans, the infirmed, downtrodden and addicted can have a place for healing for low to no cost. BelushisFarm.com

About SunMed Growers

SunMed Growers is a licensed grower and processor in Maryland. Locally owned and operated, SunMed's greenhouse, processing lab and edibles kitchen sit among acres of farmland in Cecil County. The company's "Dutch-style" greenhouse relies on advanced cultivation technologies, sustainable farming practices - and natural light - to create the ideal environment for cannabis plants. High-tech greenhouse cultivation provides a level of consistency commonly associated with flowers grown indoors while maximizing the inherent benefits of full-spectrum light, which stimulates the production of more diverse and potent terpenes and cannabinoids in the cannabis flower. From closed-loop, zero runoff irrigation to natural, integrative pest management and house-crafted soils to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and biodegradable packaging, SunMed's facilities and practices set an industry standard for quality and sustainably from seed to sale. SunMedGrowers.com

SOURCE SunMed Growers

1 april 2024 at 13:11

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New Report Examines the Growing Importance of Revenue Cycle Management in an Evolving Behavioral Health Industry





The BGL Healthcare & Life Sciences Insider: The State of RCM in Behavioral Health

LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Behavioral health focused revenue cycle management services and software companies are poised for outsized growth, according to an industry report released by the Healthcare Outsourcing & Information Technology investment banking team from Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL).

Download and read the BGL Healthcare & Life Sciences Insider ? Behavioral Health and Revenue Cycle Management: https://bit.ly/bglBehavioralHealthRCM

Behavioral health has stood out as an area of optimism and growth.

As many acute care and traditional hospital-based services have been struggling with declining margins and disintermediation from lower cost venues of care, behavioral health has stood out as an area of optimism and growth and has received tremendous venture and private equity growth capital. But, as demand rises for behavioral health companies, many are struggling with payor denials and working capital pressures, leading to growing interest in innovative and impactful revenue cycle services and software solutions.

Inside the report, BGL features insights gathered through a series of exclusive interviews with behavioral health executives who discuss how the industry's revenue cycle needs have transformed. BGL also examines the most important regulatory developments that have shaped the industry, some of the recent consolidation activity that illustrates the increased attention on the sector, and then profiles more than 50 behavioral revenue cycle services and software companies who are helping to transform this sector.

Key highlights include:

Policy changes aimed at improving access to behavioral health services have strengthened demand across the industry

Many providers have experienced recent financial challenges, as surging practice valuation required substantial leverage and payors responded to increased behavioral health volume with more stringent denials

Revenue cycle vendors specializing in autism spectrum therapy, substance use disorder, and broader psychiatric services are innovating around proprietary technology and improvements in workforce efficiency

Initial wave of M&A activity in the behavioral revenue cycle sector is described

BGL's Healthcare Outsourcing & Information Technology investment banking team foresees quality RCM vendors playing an increasingly instrumental role in stabilizing the profitability of behavioral health businesses. We also expect an influx in growth capital invested into early-stage high-potential RCM vendors, with large diverse RCM consolidators, who have historically focused on growth across the traditional acute care industry, to begin evaluating acquisition opportunities among behavioral health RCM services and software platforms.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York, and real estate offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and San Antonio. The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 35 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.

SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

1 april 2024 at 16:45

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Piedmont Natural Gas files rate adjustment in North Carolina for capital investments to better serve customers





Company seeks recovery of investments in system reliability and improvements to support new and existing customers

Request includes rate reductions for natural gas costs and income tax payment credits passed to customers

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following significant infrastructure investments in recent years to support the ongoing reliability, safety and growth of its system, Piedmont Natural Gas today filed a request with the North Carolina Utilities Commission to raise its base rates. If approved, Piedmont's requested rate adjustment would become effective in November 2024.

Piedmont seeks to recover its prudently incurred costs to comply with federal safety regulations, enhance the customer experience, build needed infrastructure and provide safe, reliable natural gas service to meet the energy demands of more than 810,000 customers in North Carolina.

Piedmont also is requesting concurrent rate reductions for pass-through natural gas costs and to accelerate the flowback to customers of the remaining eligible balance of excess deferred income taxes, which will help mitigate the overall impact to customer bills. This request represents an overall 11.7% increase in the company's revenues over the first year that new rates are effective. An additional overall increase of about 0.8% would occur after the first year once the reduction for excess deferred income taxes expires.

Piedmont requests periodic rate adjustments to reflect fluctuations in the market price of the natural gas it purchases for its customers. By law, Piedmont does not mark up the cost of natural gas and must pass through the actual cost on a dollar-for-dollar basis to customers. Market prices for wholesale natural gas are at the lowest point in more than a decade. This trend, if it continues, may enable Piedmont to seek further rate reductions for pass-through natural gas costs in the coming months.

"At Piedmont, we work hard every day to avoid increases to customer bills and to keep costs as low as possible," said Brian Weisker, senior vice president and president of Piedmont Natural Gas. "The investments we've made to strengthen and enhance our natural gas delivery system help ensure we can meet rising demand for natural gas from new and existing customers while also protecting our customers from unplanned outages."

Piedmont serves six of North Carolina's 10 most populated cities. Its last general rate case proceeding in North Carolina was in 2021.

"Many of these investments were required for us to safely operate in our communities, but we know price increases for any reason can be challenging for some customers," Weisker said. "Piedmont is here to help those customers by offering a variety of ways to manage their bills, including assistance programs, our Equal Payment Plan and energy-saving tips and tools."

Level out your bill with the Equal Payment Plan (EPP) program

Piedmont's free EPP program helps customers manage their budgets by leveling out a customer's natural gas bills, allowing them to pay a predictable, equal monthly amount to help avoid billing surprises. Piedmont determines this payment by adding up a customer's annual natural gas usage and then dividing it into the same payment amount each month. Learn more here.

Energy-saving tips and tools

Piedmont Natural Gas also offers a variety of energy-saving tips and tools to help customers and our communities identify ways to save money and energy all year long. These programs and tools help customers understand what factors are impacting their natural gas bills and emphasize specific actions they can take to prepare and reduce the impacts of higher usage.

Assistance for customers in need

Share the Warmth provides funds to local agencies to assist families with their utility bills, no matter the source of energy they use. Contact information for approved assistance agencies across Piedmont's service area is available at piedmontng.com/ShareTheWarmth.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides assistance to pay for natural gas, electric and other energy sources customers use in their homes.

Piedmont says anyone in need should apply for this and other newly available programs to see if they qualify. For more information, go to piedmontng.com/AssistancePrograms.

Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, distributes natural gas to more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Piedmont Natural Gas earned the No. 1 spot in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the South among large utilities for the second year in a row, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study . More information: piedmontng.com . Follow Piedmont Natural Gas: Twitter , Facebook .

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and advanced nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Media contact: Jason Wheatley

Media line: 877.348.3612

[email protected]

Twitter: @PNG_JasonW

SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas

1 april 2024 at 17:19

News published onand distributed by:
CWB announces Dividend Rates on First Preferred Shares Series 5, Series 6, Series 9 and Series 10





EDMONTON, AB, April 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Canadian Western Bank ("CWB") (TSX: CWB) today announced the applicable dividend rates for its non-cumulative 5-year rate reset First Preferred Shares Series 5 (the "Series 5 Preferred Shares") (TSX: CWB.PR.B), non-cumulative floating rate First Preferred Shares Series 6 (the "Series 6 Preferred Shares"), non-cumulative 5-year rate reset First Preferred Shares Series 9 (Non-Viability Contingent Capital (NVCC)) (the "Series 9 Preferred Shares") (TSX: CWB.PR.D) and non-cumulative floating rate First Preferred Shares Series 10 (Non-Viability Contingent Capital (NVCC)) (the "Series 10 Preferred Shares").

Series 5 Preferred Shares

With respect to any Series 5 Preferred Shares that remain outstanding after April 30, 2024, commencing as of such date, holders thereof will be entitled to receive fixed rate non-cumulative preferential cash dividends on a quarterly basis, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of CWB and subject to the provisions of the Bank Act (Canada). The dividend rate for the five-year period commencing on May 1, 2024, and ending on April 30, 2029, will be 6.371% per annum or $0.3981875 per share per quarter, being equal to the sum of the five-year Government of Canada bond yield as at April 1, 2024, plus 2.76%, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Series 5 Preferred Shares.

With respect to any Series 6 Preferred Shares that may be issued on May 1, 2024 in connection with the conversion of the Series 5 Preferred Shares into the Series 6 Preferred Shares, holders thereof will be entitled to receive floating rate non-cumulative preferential cash dividends on a quarterly basis, calculated on the basis of actual number of days elapsed in each quarterly floating rate period divided by 365, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of CWB and subject to the provisions of the Bank Act (Canada). The dividend rate for the three-month period commencing on May 1, 2024, and ending on July 31, 2024, will be 1.940% (7.759% on an annualized basis) or $0.4849375 per share, being equal to the sum of the three-month Government of Canada Treasury bill yield as at April 1, 2024, plus 2.76%, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Series 6 Preferred Shares.

Beneficial owners of Series 5 Preferred Shares who wish to retain their Series 5 Preferred Shares do not need to take any further action. Beneficial owners of Series 5 Preferred Shares who wish to exercise their right of conversion should instruct their broker or other nominee to exercise such right before 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on April 15, 2024. The news release announcing such conversion right was issued on March 21, 2024 and can be viewed on SEDAR+ or CWB's website. Conversion inquiries should be directed to CWB's Registrar and Transfer Agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada, at 1-800-564-6253.

Series 9 Preferred Shares

With respect to any Series 9 Preferred Shares that remain outstanding after April 30, 2024, commencing as of such date, holders thereof will be entitled to receive fixed rate non-cumulative preferential cash dividends on a quarterly basis, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of CWB and subject to the provisions of the Bank Act (Canada). The dividend rate for the five-year period commencing on May 1, 2024, and ending on April 30, 2029, will be 7.651% per annum or $0.4781875 per share per quarter, being equal to the sum of the five-year Government of Canada bond yield as at April 1, 2024, plus 4.04%, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Series 9 Preferred Shares.

With respect to any Series 10 Preferred Shares that may be issued on May 1, 2024 in connection with the conversion of the Series 9 Preferred Shares into the Series 10 Preferred Shares, holders thereof will be entitled to receive floating rate non-cumulative preferential cash dividends on a quarterly basis, calculated on the basis of actual number of days elapsed in each quarterly floating rate period divided by 365, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of CWB and subject to the provisions of the Bank Act (Canada). The dividend rate for the three-month period commencing on May 1, 2024, and ending on July 31, 2024, will be 2.260% (9.039% on an annualized basis) or $0.5649375 per share, being equal to the sum of the three-month Government of Canada Treasury bill yield as at April 1, 2024, plus 4.04%, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Series 10 Preferred Shares.

Beneficial owners of Series 9 Preferred Shares who wish to retain their Series 9 Preferred Shares do not need to take any further action. Beneficial owners of Series 9 Preferred Shares who wish to exercise their right of conversion should instruct their broker or other nominee to exercise such right before 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on April 15, 2024. The news release announcing such conversion right was issued on March 21, 2024 and can be viewed on SEDAR+ or CWB's website. Conversion inquiries should be directed to CWB's Registrar and Transfer Agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada, at 1-800-564-6253.

TSX Listing

The Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") has conditionally approved the listing of the Series 6 Preferred Shares and the Series 10 Preferred Shares effective upon conversion. Listing of the Series 6 Preferred Shares is subject to CWB fulfilling all the listing requirements of the TSX and, upon approval, the Series 6 Preferred Shares will be listed on the TSX under the trading symbol "CWB.PR.E". Listing of the Series 10 Preferred Shares is subject to CWB fulfilling all the listing requirements of the TSX and, upon approval, the Series 10 Preferred Shares will be listed on the TSX under the trading symbol "CWB.PR.F".

The Series 5 Preferred Shares, the Series 6 Preferred Shares, the Series 9 Preferred Shares and the Series 10 Preferred Shares have not been and will not be registered in the United States under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities in the United States and any public offering of the securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus.

About CWB Financial Group

CWB is the only full-service financial institution in Canada with a strategic focus to meet the unique financial needs of businesses and their owners. We provide nationwide full-service business and personal banking, specialized financing, comprehensive wealth management offerings, and trust services. Our teams deliver a uniquely proactive and differentiated level of service to clients in targeted industries where we have deep expertise. Clients choose CWB for our highly personalized service, specialized expertise, customized solutions and faster response times.

As a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), CWB trades under the symbols "CWB" (common shares), "CWB.PR.B" (Series 5 preferred shares) and "CWB.PR.D" (Series 9 preferred shares). We are firmly committed to the responsible creation of value for all our stakeholders and our approach to sustainability will support our continued success. Learn more at www.cwb.com.

SOURCE CWB Financial Group

1 april 2024 at 19:00

News published onand distributed by:
People walk behind a Meta Platforms logo during a conference in Mumbai, India, September 20, 2023. FRANCIS MASCARENHAS / REUTERS

A digital tool considered vital in tracking viral falsehoods, CrowdTangle will be decommissioned by Facebook owner Meta in a major election year, a move researchers fear will disrupt efforts to detect an expected firehose of political misinformation.

The tech giant says CrowdTangle will be unavailable after August 14, less than three months before the US election. The Palo Alto company plans to replace it with a new tool that researchers say lacks the same functionality, and which news organizations will largely not have access to.

CrowdTangle has been a game-changer for years, offering researchers and journalists crucial real-time transparency into the spread of conspiracy theories and hate speech on influential Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

Killing off the monitoring tool, a move experts say is in line with a tech industry trend of rolling back transparency and security measures, is a major blow as dozens of countries hold elections this year  a period when bad actors typically spread false narratives more than ever.

In a year where elections are taking place in dozens of countries that are home to almost half the global population, "cutting off access to CrowdTangle will severely limit independent oversight of harms," Melanie Smith, director of research at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, told Agence France-Presse (AFP). "It represents a grave step backward for social media platform transparency."

Meta is set to replace CrowdTangle with a new Content Library, a technology still under development. It's a tool that some in the tech industry, including former CrowdTangle chief executive Brandon Silverman, said is currently not an effective replacement, especially in elections likely to see a proliferation of AI-enabled falsehoods.

"It's an entire new muscle" that Meta is yet to build to protect the integrity of elections, Silverman told AFP, calling for "openness and transparency."

Read more Subscribers only No, tech bosses don't ban their kids from using screens

'Direct threat'

In recent election cycles, researchers say CrowdTangle alerted them to harmful activities including foreign interference, online harassment and incitements to violence. By its own admission, Meta  which bought CrowdTangle in 2016  said that in 2019 elections in Louisiana, the tool helped state officials identify misinformation, such as inaccurate poll hours that had been posted online.

In the 2020 presidential vote, the company offered the tool to US election officials across all states to help them "quickly identify misinformation, voter interference and suppression." The tool also made dashboards available to the public to track what major candidates were posting on their official and campaign pages.

Read more Digital Markets Act: How the way you use Google Maps and Messenger is changing

Lamenting the risk of losing these functions forever, global nonprofit Mozilla Foundation demanded in an open letter to Meta that CrowdTangle be retained at least until January 2025. "Abandoning CrowdTangle while the Content Library lacks so much of CrowdTangle's core functionality undermines the fundamental principle of transparency," said the letter signed by dozens of tech watchdogs and researchers. The new tool lacks CrowdTangle features including robust search flexibility and decommissioning it would be a "direct threat" to the integrity of elections, it added.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the letter's claims are "just wrong," insisting the Content Library will contain "more comprehensive data than CrowdTangle" and be made available to academics and non-profit election integrity experts.

Meta, which has been moving away from news across its platforms, will not make the new tool accessible to for-profit media. Journalists have used CrowdTangle in the past to investigate public health crises as well as human rights abuses and natural disasters. Meta's decision to cut off journalists comes after many used CrowdTangle to report unflattering stories, including its flailing moderation efforts and how its gaming app was overrun with pirated content.

Read more Subscribers only Facebook turns 20: Mark Zuckerberg's five lives
GARDAI have issued a warning to the public regarding romance scams.

A romance scam is a confidence trick involving scammers who feign romantic intentions towards a victim, gaining the victim's affection, and then using that goodwill to get the victim to send money to the scammer under false pretences or to commit fraud against the victim.

Gardai say there has been a substantial increase in these types of scams in the past year.

Garda Nathan Crehan from Henry Street garda station said there are a number of signs people should look out for.

"Romance fraudsters will try to move communications away from dating websites. They suggest that you move to instant messaging, text or phone calls instead.

READ MORE: Limerick Parochial house with rich history hits the market

"They will ask a lot of personal questions and avoid answering personal questions about themselves.

"They will try to establish a bond quickly and ask for financial help. They may tell you about money problems in the hope that youll offer to help.

"They will never meet you in person. They will present obstacles and may go as far as making arrangements and cancelling them at the last minute."

If you believe that you are a victim of a romance scam, or think your identity or personal information has been compromised, contact any garda station and report the crime. An Garda Siochana will treat all reports in confidence.
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FROM Cappamore to campaigning for change, broadcaster Katie Sheehan refused to be silenced and has used her voice to speak her truth and try to implement change for women.

Katie, who went to Doon Secondary School had a tough journey in life and a lot of what made this tough was her period which led her to be diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) later in life.

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and it causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before your period and it can cause women to get to the point where they dont want to go on anymore.

It took Katie to get to this moment in her journey to accept this was not going to be her faith and as April marks PMDD awareness month she encourages women to reach out for help if they feel like something is wrong in their bodies.

When you are young, you are navigating through the newness of getting your period. Looking back now, the signs were always there, I just didnt have the information. I thought this was your period and girls were always supposed to feel like crap. I first got my period when I was twelve and from there they were always very heavy and I could go months without one and then have one for months non-stop again.

I remember getting this checked with the doctor and when you are that young, they will tell you that it is because of your age and it will become regular as you become older but for me it never happened. I went on for years with pains, aches, missed periods and I didnt realise the effects it would eventually have on my body.

It took until Katie was trying for children to come to terms with the fact that there was something wrong and it was when she looked into this further, she was diagnosed with endometriosis, a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus and makes it harder to get pregnant.

I went to a gynaecologist and I was then diagnosed with endometriosis which answered my question as to why I was not getting pregnant as easily. From that moment I was lucky enough to get pregnant with my daughter Nicole with a little bit of help.

After experiencing the moment Katie waited for her whole life she wanted to expand her family however had a miscarriage before giving birth to her second child Michael and knew something had changed mentally for her.

My moods during that time changed from low to real depression and nothing in life made me happy or felt good and I was really struggling. I put it down to losing a baby and wanting another baby and then I got pregnant, I stopped trying and with no help out of nowhere it just happened and this just lifted my mood. I felt like I was getting this chance again and it was amazing.

Katie thought nothing could impact this high she was feeling until later in her pregnancy she went for a scan and something was not right with the baby.

I went for a private scan where they tell you everything and they said the babys bowel wasnt developing quite as it should. I then gave birth to my son and it was a whole different struggle to find out that the reason for this was because he had cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that damages your lungs, digestive tract and other organs. Often those who are suspected to have cystic fibrosis undergo a sweat test to determine.

Michael went to the Cystic Fibrosis Unit in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) soon after birth where he underwent a sweat test which confirmed he had the disease.

After hearing those words confirming her son had this disease, Katie explains she checked out.

I remember thinking why is this happening. I went home and I read about cystic fibrosis and I cried so much. I still had to operate as a mother and looking back now I was a robot. My period then came back normal after having Michael but my dips in my mood kept getting lower. I put it down to the miscarriage and then Michaels diagnosis so I put it to the back of my mind.

After five years, Katie recognised a complete shift in her moods labelling it uncontrollable.

I remember I went back to the gynaecologist and I expressed that it felt different. I started tracking my moods and it clicked with me that the lows came around my period.

The doctor in the moment told Katie she had PMDD and presented Katie with a number of options including a hysterectomy to deal with this disorder.

After that moment, Katie admits life continued to get harder for her, and she decided she couldnt go on anymore.

Unfortunately I got to the point where I couldnt go on. The mental struggle everyday from PMDD was excruciating. I tried to take my own life but I am so grateful that I am here today. I hold a lot of shame which I know a lot of people who have been in my position hold because you think how could you do that to those who love you or the kids who rely on you? However when you are mentally not even here anymore and the pain is that hard you cant see any other way.

After the attempt Katie went back to her gynaecologist and decided to go ahead and have a full hysterectomy.

I was 32 when I went ahead with it. I had two children and I was so lucky. They needed me and the strongest me and the only way to do that was to have this procedure. Some women choose to keep their ovaries but after all the diagnoses and nearly losing my life to PMDD I wanted it all gone. I knew I would go into surgical menopause but it was something at the time that had to be better than how I was living.

Katie was the first person in Ireland who had this procedure robotically in UHL which meant shorter recovery time but before being wheeled down to theatre, Katie did question if it was the right decision.

After the surgery Katie refers to her recovery time as the fight back and it was during this time and in caring for her son she discovered her passion for media.

A drug which has helped many cystic fibrosis patients in Ireland is Vanza Triple and during the time of Katies recovery this drug was not available. Katie campaigned going on as many media outlets as possible with other cystic fibrosis parents until in 2019 the drug was brought to Ireland.

After this Katie had time to think what her next step would be and she decided her true calling other than being a mother was media.

Starting out working in community radio in Limerick, Katie went on to now cover weekends on Spin SouthWest.

It is so special to me. I wanted to show my kids I could turn my life around and if you believe in something just go for it.

On what is next for Katie, she explains she wants to continue to use her voice to make a change.

I want to use my voice to show people they can have everything they want. To tell girls to listen to their bodies, get help and dont settle for an answer if you dont feel right. To let parents of a cystic fibrosis child know it will be ok.

To hear more from Katie, you can tune into Spin SouthWest from 9am-12pm every Saturday and 12pm-3pm every Sunday or you can listen by downloading the GoLoud app.

If you have been affected by anything mentioned in this article visit here for help.
Tributes are being paid to the Longford woman who died following a horrific stabbing attack in New York over Easter.

A spokesperson from the New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner Public Information confirmed the identity of victim of Saturday's incident as 41-year-old Sarah McNally of Queens Street, NY.

Ms McNally was originally from Longford town and she had been living and working in New York for a number of years.

Local councillor Gerry Warnock remembered the deceased as 'a lovely soul'.

He remarked: "My thoughts and prayers are with Dorrie, Dessie and Sarah's extended family and many friends."

He added, "This is an absolute tragedy and may God give them the strength to navigate this cruel journey of having their beautiful girl taken from them.

"May her gentle soul rest in peace."

In a Facebook post, Sarah's aunt Mary McNally wrote, "we are heartbroken. Rest in peace my beautiful niece Sarah."

Sarah died after she suffered a stab wound to her neck at the Ceili House Irish pub on Grand Avenue in Maspeth at approximately 6.34pm (10.34pm Irish time) on Saturday.

The DCPI spokesperson said an unidentified male also had a stab wound to the back and neck, and was hospitalised.

"The investigation remains ongoing."
Residents of an Irish town are in a state of shock after an expat was stabbed to death in New York.

The victim, named by New York police as Sarah McNally, 41, originally from Co Longford, is understood to have lived in the US for several years.

She died after being stabbed at a bar in New York City on Saturday evening.

The incident happened at the Ceili House Bar, in Maspeth in the Queens area, where Ms McNally is understood to have worked.

A man also suffered stab wounds in the incident.

In a statement, the New York Police Department spokesperson said an investigation remained ongoing.

On Saturday March 30 2024, at approximately 1834 hours, police responded to a 911 call for an assault in progress at 69-56 Grand Avenue within the confines of the 104 Precinct, they said.

Upon arrival, police observed a 41-year-old-female with a stab wound to the neck and an unidentified male with a stab wound to the back and neck.

They said the pair were taken to Elmhurst Hospital where Ms McNally was pronounced dead.

Longford District Council Cathaoirleach (chairman) Martin Monaghan told RTE that Ms McNallys death has left the town of Longford in a state of shock.

Sarah had moved to New York about 10 years ago where she would have been an integral part of Longford life before that, having worked in bars in Longford, he said.

He described her family as really, really decent Longford people.

Its very cruel. People struggle to say the right words at this time and theres little anyone can say to make things better for Sarahs parents, he said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time and a tragedy away from home makes things an awful lot worse.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said: The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.
Apple has directly employed an estimated 1,50,000 people in its ecosystem in India since it participated in the country's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphones in August 2021, as per an Economic Times report.

The majority of those employed are first-time time job seekers aged between 19 and 24 years, it added citing estimates from government officials and experts. Companies that get PLI benefits are required to report employment data to the government.

The report further said that around 3,00,000 other people were also employed indirectly through companies benefiting from the PLI scheme.

More specific than the ecosystem, Apple directly employs 3,000 people in India and the development of its iOS application supports over 10,00,000 jobs, the officials added.

"Overall, the Apple ecosystem is likely to have created over 4 lakh jobs (directly and indirectly) in the last 32 months," an official told the paper.

Apple did not respond to queries, as per the report.

Apple's Growing Presence in India Despite challenges in key markets such as the United States and China, Apple has intensified its focus on India, the world's second-largest smartphone market.

Since initiating iPhone manufacturing in India in 2017, Apple has expanded its local production in line with the PLI scheme. It collaborates with suppliers such as Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron, Apple to bolster manufacturing capabilities.

Apple is fostering a supplier ecosystem in India, spanning across multiple states and creating over 77,000 direct jobs, the report said. Foxconn is the leading collaborator in terms of job creation at 41,000 jobs, followed by Wistron with 27,300 jobs created and Pegatron with 9,200 jobs, the report said.

Building a Robust Supplier Ecosystem In addition to the three contract manufacturers, other notable contributors include Tata Electronics and Salcomp Technologies, among others, which are involved in the production of enclosures, power adaptors, cables, and batteries for iPhones. This supplier system has created over 70,000 direct jobs, officials told the paper.

To further support its expanding ecosystem, Apple has launched educational programs, including initiatives focused on women's health, as part of its $50-million Supplier Employee Development Fund.
Last year Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, paid a visit to Heilongjiang in the countrys north-east. Part of Chinas industrial rustbelt, the province exemplifies the problems besetting Chinas economy. Its birth rate is the lowest in the country. House prices in its biggest city are falling. The provinces GDP grew by only 2.6% in 2023. Worse, its nominal GDP, before adjusting for inflation, barely grew at all, suggesting it is in the grip of deep deflation.

Never fear: Mr Xi has a plan. On his visit, he urged his provincial audience to cultivate new productive forces". That phrase has since appeared scores of times in state newspapers and at official gatherings. It was highlighted in last months two sessions", annual meetings of Chinas rubber-stamp parliament and its advisory body. In the preface of a new book on the subject, Wang Xianqing of Peking University likens the term to reform and opening up", the formula that encapsulated Chinas embrace of market forces after 1978. Those words shine" even today, he wrote, implying that new productive forces" will have similar staying power.

What do the shiny words mean? Chinese officials are hunting for ways to power the countrys economy. For many years its productive forces drew on the mobilisation of labour and accumulation of capital. The countrys workforce grew by 100m people from 1996 to 2015. Its stock of capital rose from 258% of GDP in 2001 to 349% two decades later, according to the Asia Productivity Organisation, a think-tank. After the global financial crisis of 2007-09, much of this capital accumulation took the form of new property and infrastructure.

Chinas workforce is now shrinking and demand for property has slumped: fewer people are moving to Chinas cities, speculative gains on real estate are no longer assured and potential homebuyers are reluctant to buy flats in advance in case distressed developers run out of cash before building is complete. The property downturn has hurt consumer confidence and deprived local governments of crucial revenues from land sales. Even after China abandoned its strict covid-19 controls, the economic recovery has been muted and uneven. Spending has not been strong enough to fully employ Chinas existing productive forces. As a consequence, according to one measure, deflation has persisted for three quarters in a row.

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At Chinas stage of development, economies typically pivot towards services. But the governments heart lies elsewhere. The pandemic boosted demand for Chinas manufactured goods, from surgical masks to exercise bikes. Americas export controls on chokepoint technologies" have also created a need for homegrown alternatives, from lithography machines to aviation-grade stainless steel. Chinas 14th five-year plan, which spans 2021-25, promised to maintain manufacturings share of GDP, which had declined from almost a third in 2006 to just over a quarter in 2020 (see chart).

In its quest for a sophisticated, yet self-contained, manufacturing system, China has long employed a variety of helpful policies. Its Ministry of Education, for example, recently approved a new undergraduate concentration in high-end semiconductor science and engineering. Chinas spending on more explicit industrial policies, including subsidies, tax breaks and cheap credit, amounted to 1.7% of GDP in 2019, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tankmore than three times the percentage spent by America.

What China really wants to be is the leader of the next industrial revolution," says Tilly Zhang of Gavekal Dragonomics, a consultancy. That will require it to upgrade traditional industries, break foreign strangleholds on existing technologies and forge a new path in industries of tomorrow. Although the central governments ambition is impressive, even unsettling, it cannot succeed without the help of local governments, which are short on cash, and private entrepreneurs, who are short on confidence. As such, the new slogan may betray a damaging hyperopialong-sightedness that is blinding the leadership to more immediate economic concerns.

The owl spreads its wings

To Barry Naughton of the University of California, San Diego, who confesses to reading some Hegel in his younger days, the phrase new productive forces" evokes the dialectical" idea that an accumulation of quantitative changes can result in a qualitative break or sudden leap, as Hegel put it, like when an incremental increase in temperature turns water into steam. Marx, meanwhile, noted that when new productive forces achieve sufficient weight in the economy, they can remake the social order: The handmill gives you society with the feudal lord," he wrote, the steam-mill, society with the industrial capitalist." New productive forces, then, can be a big deal.

But in presenting the concept, Mr Xi has said that the test for new productive forces will be improvements in total factor productivity", a term lifted not from Marx, but from mainstream economics. It refers to increases in output that cannot be attributed to increases in measurable inputs, such as capital, labour and human capital. In mixing Marxist and neoclassical concepts, new productive forces is a strange hybrid beast", says Mr Naughton.

According to Mr Xi, the new productive forces will flow from the application of science and technology to production. The phrase is a signal that Chinas technology push should be even more ambitious than it is today and more tightly integrated into economic production. Chinas leaders have promised a whole of nation" effort to boost technological self-reliance. The central governments budget, unveiled in March, increased spending on science and technology by 10%, to 371bn yuan ($50bn), the largest percentage increase of any division. Frugal innovation, this is not.

Nor is it Chinas first assay at the problem. In 2006 a 15-year plan set national targets to increase research-and-development (R&D) spending, cut dependence on foreign technology and lift technologys contribution to growth. It also identified 16 megaprojects", such as building Chinas own large passenger aircraft and landing a probe on the moon. These were largely attempts to replicate existing technologies. In 2010, after the global financial crisis, China changed tack, lavishing some of its heavy stimulus on a variety of strategic emerging industries", including new kinds of information technology, renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs)many of which were still embryonic.

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Six years later, China shifted emphasis again. Its innovation-driven development strategy" expressed faith that the world was in the midst of another industrial revolution. Advances in digital technologies, the internet of things, green technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) promised breakthroughs across swathes of the economy. Rather than pick a miscellany of emerging industries, Chinas new strategy emphasised this cluster of mutually reinforcing technologies. China aimed to become a world power" in innovation by the middle of this century. By 2020 it was spending almost 2.9trn yuan (2.8% of GDP) on science and technology, according to Rhodium Group, a consultancy. The governments contribution exceeded 60% if generous tax breaks are included. Of the recipients, a sixth ended up with universities or research institutes. Roughly 60% flowed to companies (see chart).

Mr Naughton has called Chinas innovation strategy the greatest single commitment of government resources to an industrial policy objective in history". What does the country have to show for it? The results have so far been better than any middle-income country could expect. But they are not quite as impressive as Chinas leaders might have hoped.

In e-commerce, fintech, high-speed trains and renewable energy, China is at or near the technological frontier. The same is strikingly apparent in EVs, success with which helped China last year become the worlds biggest exporter of cars. In a list of 64 critical" technologies identified by the Australian Policy Research Institute, a think-tank, China leads the world in all but 11, based on its share of the most influential papers in the fields. The country is number one in 5G and 6G communications, as well as biomanufacturing, nanomanufacturing and additive manufacturing. It is also out in front in drones, radar, robotics and sonar, as well as post-quantum cryptography.

White heat

China has also made good progress in broader measures of a countrys innovation ecosystem". The Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, combines about 80 indicators, spanning infrastructure, regulations and market conditions, as well as research effort, patent awards and citation counts. A middle-income country with Chinas GDP per person would expect to rank in the 60s. China ranks 12th.

The economic impact of these achievements is harder to measure. Chinas list of strategic emerging industries" has kept evolving since its introduction in 2010, making it tough to track progress. Two members of Chinas National Bureau of Statistics once lamented that the criteria for inclusion, especially at the level of products, are vague". How to know if a boiler counts as energy saving" or a composite material counts as high performing"? Nonetheless, Chinas statisticians estimate that strategic emerging industries accounted for 13.4% of GDP in 2021, up from 7.6% in 2014 but below the original target for 2020 of 15%. By comparison, the value added by property building and services (ignoring upstream links to steel, iron-ore and other such industries) was about 12%.

Although these gains are impressive, Chinas leaders are not content. They have been alarmed both by Americas technological embargoes and its recent technological triumphs. Sweeping export controls on the sale of chips and chipmaking equipment have revealed Chinas dependence on foreign components, software and equipment. Americas advances in AI have also prompted reflection. AI was an industry in which China thought it had an edge. The countrys leaders were shocked by the introduction in 2022 of ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI.

Chinas progress has also been hurt by its own leaders. They cracked down heavily on many of Chinas leading tech companies in 2021, accusing them of mishandling data, thwarting competition and exploiting gig workers. This regulatory storm targeted consumer-facing platform" companies, such as Alibaba and Meituan, rather than advanced manufacturers or other firms in hard tech". However, the damage to investor confidence was hard to contain. The disfavoured platform companies, with their huge troves of data, are also leading investors in many frontier technologies, such as AI, that Chinas leaders are keen to foster. The countrys big internet firms cut their R&D spending by almost 7% in the first half of 2023, compared with a year earlier, according to Rhodium.

Total-factor productivity growthMr Xis preferred test of new productive forcehas also slowed. Chinas tech programme introduced in 2006 implied that its contribution to growth should rise to 60%. Instead, it has fallen to less than a third, according to calculations by Louis Kuijs of S&P Global Ratings, a credit-rating agency. China is thus suffering from its own version of the Solow paradox": you can see a new technological age everywhere but in the productivity statistics. These setbacks and shortcomings may explain the perceived need for a fresh slogan to shake things up.

The countrys innovation push now seems split into three. It is determined to replicate chokehold" technologies that the rest of the world might seek to deny it. A second goal is to invent technologies the rest of the world has yet to create. In January the ministry of science and technology, along with six other ministries, issued a list of future industries", many of which are even more pathbreaking than the strategic emerging industries of the past. They include photonic computing, brain-computer interfaces, nuclear fusion and digital twinsdigital simulacra of patients that doctors can monitor for illnesses that might arise in their real-life counterparts. Chinas government is encouraging laboratories and research institutes to spend more than half of their basic research money on scientists under 35 years of age, in the belief they are more likely to make the breakthroughs the country needs.

These moonshots could be seen as a folly China can ill afforda distraction from the dogged pursuit of self-reliance, which requires homegrown versions of technologies that China can no longer count on importing from abroad. But according to Ms Zhang of Gavekal, Chinas leaders hope that futuristic industries will contribute indirectly to the countrys technological sovereignty by giving it bargaining chips" in the tech battles ahead. If America threatens to cut off Chinas access to a vital input, China can retaliate in kind.

Round the bend

Chinese commentators often talk about overtaking at the curve". Chinas success in EVs, following its longstanding failure to displace incumbent makers of traditional vehicles, demonstrates that it can sometimes be easier to make advances in fields that are not already occupied by well-entrenched incumbents. According to Jie Mao of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing and his co-authors, Chinas science-and-technology policies from 2000 to 2012 boosted productivity the most in industries in ferment, rather than industries that had reached maturity either at home or abroad. In fighting a guerilla war, Mao Zedong famously believed in occupying the countryside before advancing on the cities. In the same way, China may be marching into wilder and woollier areas of technological discovery, where its long entrenched adversaries have a smaller advantage.

A third objective is to upgrade existing industries. Even the most traditional agriculture can form new productive forces," Wang Yong of Peking University has argued, so long as it employs revolutionary technologies. He cites automated planting or selective breeding using big data. At the two sessions, the annual meetings of Chinas parliament and its advisory body, a delegate from a prominent state-owned distillery even argued that the new productive forces can be found in hard spirits.

The pursuit of these goals will be expensive. One lesson of the past ten to fifteen years is that large quantities of money cannot guarantee a Hegelian transformation of production. But a lack of spending will surely preclude one.

It must therefore worry Chinas leaders that local governments budgets are stretched and animal spirits are low. In the past, much of the money for Chinas tech push has come from local-government funds that raise money from land sales and special bonds". Their revenues fell by more than a fifth from 2020 to 2023.

When the economy is booming and local authorities are flush with cash, they are at liberty to invest in ventures that might not pay off for five or ten years, points out Matt Sheehan of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think-tank. In 2010, for example, growth was rebounding and stimulus money could flood into EVs, solar panels and other evolving technologies. But for local governments in todays more straitened times, economic firefighting is going to end up overwhelming attempts to think long term," he predicts. Companies will be urged to invest in projects that offer short-term payoffs. They may also be pestered and harassed for taxes and fees to help their provincial or municipal patron balance its books.

At this years two sessions, Li Qiang, Chinas prime minister, set out the countrys major tasks" for the year ahead. First on Mr Lis list was to modernise the industrial system" and develop new quality productive forces". Expanding domestic demand, which is necessary to dispel deflation, ranked only third. If the mood and markets do not revive, local governments will struggle to refill their coffers and private investment may fall short. Mr Xi is determined to reinvent Chinas economy. To do so, he needs to reinflate it first.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
New Delhi: India is planning to manufacture carbon fibre for use in aerospace, civil engineering and defence as an alternative to metal, two officials said, a move that will also help the country get around a proposed European Union carbon tax on steel, alloy and metal products.

Currently, India does not produce any carbon fibre, relying entierly on imports from countries such as the US, France, Japan and Germany. The European Union's proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tax on embedded carbon imports, kicks in in 2026.

Carbon fibre is a critical material in technical textiles and is known for its high strength and lightweight properties, making it essential for various applications such as fighter planes noses, civilian airplanes, drone frames, car chassis and fire-resistant building material.

To reduce import dependence and cater to future needs, the Indian government is considering setting up carbon fibre manufacturing units," one of the two officials said.

This plan includes conducting research in premier technical institutes such as Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to ensure that these manufacturing units meet international standards," the official said.

Such a move will also help enhance India's self-reliance and strengthen its position in high-tech industries. Carbon fibre will be required in high-speed trains, replacing metal. It will also be essential for applications in atomic energy and defence.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is the industry partner of the textiles ministry for this project.

"With this, India will have its own technology and manufacturing units. The project will be completed in the next three years," the second official said.

Carbon fibre is a controlled item and is not available in the open market. Countries supplying carbon fibre can refuse to provide it at any given time, despite an agreement being in place, potentially disrupting defence projects.

Carbon fibre also serves as a basic raw material for numerous technical textiles products. The project is part of the National Technical Textiles Mission, started in 2020 to oversee various technical textiles activities.

India exports technical textiles worth $2.5 billion, with plans to increase this to $10 billion in the next five years. The country's market share in the global textiles and apparel trade was 4% in the 2021-22 financial year.

Queries emailed to the textiles ministry did not elicit any response till press time.

According to the latest data from the commerce ministry, textile exports totaled $30.96 billion during the April 2023-February 2024 period, down from $32.33 billion a year ago.

India is the world's third largest exporter of textiles and apparel with a 4.6% share of global trade, and ranks among the top five exporters in several textile categories. Exports are projected to reach $65 billion by FY26.

The government has identified five key focus areas to strengthen India's textiles ecosystem. These include addressing skill gaps and infrastructure through initiatives such as PM MITRA parks, the production-linked incentive scheme, Technical Textiles Mission, Samarth and the National Handloom Development Programme.
Six years ago a film titled Operation Red Sea" became a huge hit in China. It was touted as the first in Chinese cinemas to focus on the exploits of the modern Chinese navy, which in recent years has overtaken Americas to become the worlds largest. The plot revolves around a naval special-forces operation to rescue a Chinese citizen taken hostage by terrorists in a Yemen-like Red Sea country. This mission is a message to all terrorists that you will never harm a Chinese citizen," intones the commanding officer. The Communist Party organised showings to whip up patriotic fervour. Officials said the film showed a China that was taking on its responsibilities as a great power".

America is wary of Chinas growing global reach. But since mid-November, when Houthi rebels in Yemen began attacking shipping in the Red Sea with missiles and drones, American officials have been prodding China to show some of that great-power spirit by helping to resolve a real-life crisis in the region. During 12 hours of meetings on January 26th and 27th in Bangkok, Americas national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, tried to persuade Chinas foreign-affairs chief, Wang Yi, that Chinas influence could be used to stop the threat to a major artery of global trade. China, however, views its responsibilities differently. It does not want to flex muscle in the Middle East. China sees the regions security as a quagmire of Americas making. It is exploiting an opportunity to talk up solidarity with the Arab world.

Security in the area is certainly important to China. In 2021, when a container ship blocked the Suez Canal for six days near its entrance to the Red Sea, Chinas Ministry of Commerce estimated that 60% of the countrys exports of goods to Europe were using that route (last year about 17% of Chinas goods exports worldwide were to the European Union and Britain).

The Houthis claim their dozens of attacks have been aimed at vessels linked to countries that support Israel in the Gaza conflict (China does not). But there are risks for all. On December 3rd a container ship chartered by OOCL, a Hong Kong-based firm owned by COSCO, a state-controlled Chinese shipping giant, was hit by a drone-fired rocket. There has been speculation that the Houthis had outdated information about the vessel, which previously had been chartered by an Israeli firm. On January 19th the Houthis said Chinese and Russian ships would enjoy safe passage through the Red Sea. But much of Chinas maritime trade involves ships registered in other countries. Many of these are now playing safe by going around the Cape of Good Hope (see map).

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Data provided to The Economist by Spire Global, an analytics firm, shows that before December, 99% of container ships sailing between Europe and China went through the Suez Canal. By the second week of January, fewer than half were doing so (see chart 1).

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The Cape route can add about two weeks to the journeyavoiding the high premiums now demanded by insurers for Red Sea transits, but adding to transportation costs. The China Containerised Freight Index, a measure of container prices at major Chinese ports, has more than doubled since late 2023 for shipping to Europe (see chart 2).

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Your problem

The Chinese government, however, prefers to stay on the sidelines. The countrys only overseas military base is close by, in Djibouti. Yet the Chinese navy has been keeping a low profile. It has avoided involvement in an American-led military coalition, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, which has been formed in response to the Houthi attacks. Chinas state media do say a Chinese shipping line, Sea Legend, is offering to carry freight through the area with the help of Chinese navy escorts. Its website displays a schedule for such escorts in the Gulf of Aden, which adjoins the Red Sea. China has much experience of such missions: since 2009 its warships have been helping to protect commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden from attacks by Somali pirates.

America believes that Iran is encouraging the Houthis and that China, which has close ties with the government in Tehran, could help persuade the country to stop the Red Sea attacks. According to a senior American official, Mr Sullivan stressed this during his meeting with Mr Wang in Bangkok. Reuters says that during several recent encounters in Beijing and Tehran, Chinese officials have indeed asked their Iranian counterparts to rein in the Houthis. The Chinese message has been that: If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran," the news agency quoted an Iranian official as saying. The American official said China had confirmed it was talking to Iran about the attacks. But were certainly going to wait to see results before we comment further," he said, seeming unsure of whether we think theyre actually raising it".

China likes to present itself as a benign big power that can help spread peace in the Middle East and elsewhere. In 2022 Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, unveiled a Global Security Initiative" (GSI) that was clearly aimed at rallying support for China, especially among countries resentful of American hegemony. It called for resistance to cold war" thinking and opposition to the pursuit of ones own security at the cost of others security". These are standard Chinese descriptions of American behaviour. The idea was that conflicts would ebb if countries focused on building their economies (hint: we can help with that if you subscribe to our worldview).

There was nothing new in this, but the GSI was much trumpeted in Beijing. In March last year, China claimed a victory for it in the Middle East, brokering a deal that saw Saudi Arabia and Iran restore diplomatic relations after a seven-year rupture. In reality it was low-hanging fruit. They went to China, I think, to get that great-power stamp of approval at the very end of the process," says Jonathan Fulton of the Atlantic Council, an American think-tank. In the Red Sea, China cannot be expected to work GSI magic. American hopes that China might help end the crisis face several obstacles. One is Chinas willingness to use what the American official called its substantial leverage" in Iran, which exports about 90% of its oil to China. China welcomes this cheap supply of energyit accounts for about 10% of its crude oil imports. It relishes friendship with a country that shares its misgivings about American power.

Another difficulty is that Iran supplies the Houthis with weapons and intelligence, but its ability to control them may be limited. They are strengthened by Iran, which gives Iran a little bit of sway over their actions," says Dina Esfandiary of Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think-tank. But if what they want to do goes against what Iran wants to do, they usually dont hesitate to go ahead and do it." Meanwhile, China is expending little energy on trying to secure peace in Gazait lacks the clout to achieve much there. Its state media have been pumping out coverage accusing America of fanning the flames. Mr Wang has pointedly remarked that the UN Security Council has not given approval for American and British strikes in Yemen.

China would have much to fear from a wider conflict in the region. Its companies have invested more than $20bn in countries around the Red Sea, mainly in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, according to the American Enterprise Institute, a think-tank in Washington. More than 70% of the oil that China consumes is imported; about half of it comes from the Middle East.

But at present China appears to believe that the threat from the Houthis is bearable. COSCO has said it would re-route its ships around the Cape of Good Hope and stop delivering to Israel. But some of its vessels have continued to ply the Red Sea. Ships try to protect themselves from Houthi attacks by making clear a link with China in their automated identification systemstransponders that are fitted on ships above a certain tonnage on international voyages. By late January, more than 30 vessels per day in the Red Sea were advertising such a connection, Spire Globals analysts found (see chart 3).

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In China movie fans have been more focused on when a much-anticipated sequel to Operation Red Sea" might be released (this year, many reckon). Expect it to feature an alternative universe, with China in the thick of Middle Eastern action.
Bank Holidays in April 2024: Banks will remain closed on April 1 for annual closing in most states across India. There are a few exceptions such as Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, and West Bengal.

The new financial year 2024-25 will begin on April 1 and all the banks are busy completing their fiscal year-end formalities. The normal services in banks are interrupted during this period and most of the staff works overtime to finish all the required procedures.

Overall, the banks in India will remain shut for 12 days in April 2024. This will differ in each state as per the Reserve Bank of India's calendar, for reasons like public holidays, regional holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The holiday calendar is decided by the RBI and the corresponding state governments. The regional holidays of the banks vary depending on the local customs of different states.

See | Maharashtra Bank Holidays in 2024

Below is the full list of other bank holidays in April 2024 April 5 bank holiday: On account of Babu Jagjivan Rams Birthday/Jumat-ul-Vida, banks will remain shut in Telangana and Jammu

April 9 bank holiday: Banks in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Goa, Jammu and Srinagar will be closed for Gudhi Padwa/Ugadi Festival/Telugu New Year's Day/Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba)/1st Navratra.

April 10 bank holiday: Banks will be closed in Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Jammu, and Srinagar because of the Bohag Bihu/Cheiraoba/Baisakhi/Biju festivals.

Also Read | Bank Holidays in 2024. Check the full list here

April 15 bank holiday: On this day, banks will suspend offline operations for customers in Assam and Himachal Pradesh due to Bohag Bihu and Himachal Day.

April 16 bank holiday: On the occasion of Ram Navami, banks will be closed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chandigarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh.

April 20 bank holiday: Banks' branches in Tripura will be shut for Garia Puja festival.

Regular Bank Closures Banks will be closed on the second Saturday: April 13

Banks will be closed on the fourth Saturday: April 27

Bank holiday on Sundays: April 7, 14, 21 and 28

Customers Can Use Online Banking Facilities, ATMs Notably, regardless of a national or state holiday, online banking services continue as usual and customers can access their banks' websites, mobile apps or ATMs for urgent transactions. However, in case of work needing bank staff assistance, it becomes important that customers keep an eye out for the bank holiday schedule and note specific dates to plan their visits.

While our list provides a general overview, it's important to note that regional variations might exist. To ensure you're fully prepared, double-check with your specific bank branch or their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate holiday schedule in your local area.

Bank Holidays List for 2024 The RBI releases the full list of bank holidays for the year, based on factors such as national/state holidays, cultural or religious observance, operational requirements, government announcements, and coordination with other banks. It's important to note that the central bank communicates its holiday schedule through official channels, including its website and notifications to banks and financial institutions.
When the spring proxy season kicks off in April, executives at public companies should expect a flood of political shareholder proposals focused on issues like climate change rather than traditional business concerns. From 2021 to 2023, the number of environmental and social shareholder proposals jumped 52%. It wasnt an accident.

Weeks after the last presidential election, a well-connected network of asset managers and nonprofits began an effort to use shareholder proposals to push European-style climate policies on U.S. companies and consumers. In December 2020, the Shareholder Rights Group and the Interfaith Center of Corporate Responsibilitythe latter an association of religious organizations, other nonprofit groups, unions and investors with more than $2 trillion in total assetspresented a briefing paper to the Biden transition team that called on the new administration to allow shareholder proposals to set greenhouse gas targets aligned with global climate goals," in particular the Paris climate accords goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Securities and Exchange Commission complied. In November 2021, new SEC guidance cleared the way for shareholder resolutions proposing Paris-aligned timeframes or targets to address climate change." From 2022 to 2023, shareholder votes on climate-specific proposals soared by nearly 70%. According to Vanguard, the most common subject" of the environmental proposals in 2023 was target-setting for greenhouse gas emissions." The bulk of these proposals, as a Harvard Law School report pointed out, were filed by the handful of asset managers and nonprofits that pushed the Biden administration to relax shareholder proposal rules.

Fortunately, these activists have mostly failed. Shareholders approved only 3% of environmental and social proposals last year. However much corporate leaders say they want to address climate change, the actual sacrifices that European-style climate policies demand are unpopular with U.S. companies.

As J.P. Morgans board put it in opposing a shareholder proposal to reduce its carbon emissions in line with the Paris agreement: Our climate ambitions are subject to important prerequisites and considerations . . . including the necessity of technological advances" and the evolution of consumer behavior and demand." Translation: We cant cut emissions, and even if we wanted to our customers probably wouldnt like it. BlackRock was blunter in its recap of last years climate-focused proxy season: Poor proposal quality was met with decline in shareholder support."

Shareholder activists arent giving up. This year they have already filed resolutions seeking emissions reductions at Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and Home Depot. Management teams need a plan to deal with ideologically driven shareholder proposals.

Investor education is crucial. Executives must explain that there is a more effective way for investors to change the orientation of companies around long-term strategic issuesthrough annual director elections. If a company is actually risking its enterprise value because it hasnt properly addressed climate risk, thats a much better route than committing to overly prescriptive or unduly constraining" resolutions, to quote BlackRocks description of what companies faced last proxy season. Directors have a fiduciary duty to assess risks to shareholder value and more flexibility to set strategic goals in light of those risks.

Companies should also maintain detailed records and report to their investors on the costs of responding to shareholder proposals. SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda estimates that companies spend around $150,000 to respond to each proposal, not including the opportunity costsemployees could be doing other things. And if corporations want to improve the quality of shareholder proposals, they should stop funneling money to nonprofit shareholder activists. Apart from George Soross Open Society Foundations, the biggest donors to Interfaith Center of Corporate Responsibility include the targets of the organizations antibusiness policy prescriptions: Bank of America, Abbott Laboratories, Citigroup, ConocoPhillips, Johnson & Johnson, among others.

Finally, companies should consider asserting their legal rights. In January, Exxon filed a lawsuit to exclude a climate proposal submitted by Shareholder Rights Group member Arjuna Capital and the nonprofit Follow This. Nearly 90% of Exxon shareholders rejected the same proposal in 2023. The proponents public statements revealed the obvious contradiction between the proposal and the desire of most investors to see a financial return on their capital. Arjuna has stated that Exxon should shrink," and Follow This concedes that it buys shares in energy companies to stop climate change, not to make a financial profit."

Arjuna Capital and Follow This dropped their proposal after Exxon sued, but the case is still pending because the company seeks assurances that the activists wont pick the proposal up again. Taking ideological proponents to court may help investors in another way. It may reveal the degree to which this is a coordinated effort to open the door to purely ideological proposals that undermine shareholder returns.

Mr. Toth is a founding partner of PNT Law, based in Austin, Texas.
The primary market is set to witness another exceptional year in FY2024-25 thanks to robust economic growth and increasing hopes for policy continuation. For the third consecutive year, raising funds through initial public offerings (IPOs) would be a buzzing activity on D-Street, as 56 companies get ready to raise 70,000 crore, equivalent to $8.4 billion, in FY25. Moreover, 19 companies have already secured the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approval to raise a substantial 25,000 crore.

Bharti Hexacom, Go Digit Insurance, Swiggy, Ola Electric, Waaree Energies and Brainbees Solutions are some of the most awaited IPOs in FY25.

Experts believe that the IPO market is likely to witness a promising year. In FY2024-25, the IPO market is poised for another exceptional year, driven by increased domestic capital, improved governance, thriving Indian entrepreneurship, favourable government policies supporting FDI, rising financial literacy, and diligent institutional investors. Many IPOs are in the pipeline, reflecting the robust support of the Indian economy. With diverse offerings and a strong appetite for capital growth, the IPO landscape in FY2024-25 promises to be dynamic and vibrant, offering exciting opportunities for investors and companies, Mahavir Lunawat, Managing Director, Pantomath Capital Advisors Private Limited, told Livemint in an interview.

Lunawat further highlighted that equity raised through IPOs in FY25 will exceed 1 lakh crore. This current market condition has created an enormous opportunity for inclusive growth and capital availability to a broader spectrum of enterprises and ecosystems. We anticipate that equity raised through IPOs in FY25 will exceed 1 lakh crore. This figure could increase even further if no global shocks affect the Indian market, he observed.

On the other hand, investor participation in IPOs in FY25 will depend on factors such as market conditions, company performance, sectoral trends, government policies, and global economic factors.

With favourable conditions in place, we can anticipate healthy investor engagement. The willingness of many large companies to raise capital after deferring their IPO plans also signals good participation from investors in terms of IPO subscriptions in FY25, Lunawat pointed out.

IPO market ahead of general elections The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) significantly strengthened its political clout in the state assembly elections by clinching emphatic victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. These results are a positive indicator, creating a sentiment that the ruling government might return to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha election in 2024. This outcome instils confidence in both domestic and global investors, encouraging long-term investments in the Indian equity markets, given the anticipated continuity of policies and reforms, the MD of Pantomath Capital Advisors noted.

Capital markets will be an enabler in achieving the government's large investment targets, according to him. Assessing IPO exuberance's current state involves factors like market conditions, investor sentiment, company performance, regulatory environment, and historical trends.
Shareholders of Hi-Tech Pipes, a leading player in Indian piping, were ecstatic with its stock performance in recent years. The stock began its upward rally in June 2022 and has maintained the same momentum to date, yielding a fabulous return of 250%, climbing from 40 apiece to the current level of 139.75 apiece.

The stock recorded gains in six of the previous nine months, with October posting the largest gain of 27%, followed by July's 26.7%. Zooming out, over the last three years, the stock has risen from 23 apiece to the current market price of 139.75, providing shareholders with a massive return of 507%.

Hi-Tech Pipes, incorporated in 1985, is a manufacturer of Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) steel tubes and pipes, square hollow sections, rectangular hollow sections, solar torque tubes, GI and GP pipes, cold-rolled coils and strips, galvanised plain and corrugated sheets, color-coated coils, and metal beam crash barriers, among others (currently, it has a total of 1,200+ SKUs).

The end usage of these products varies across several sectors like agriculture, automotive, infrastructure, architecture and construction, and industrials, among others.

In a recent note, domestic brokerage firm Antique Stock Broking initiated coverage on the company shares with a 'buy' rating and set a target price of 200, citing growth opportunities in India's steel tube market. This target price indicates a potential upside of 43% from the stock's previous closing price.

The brokerage has outlined the following key factors, contributing to its bullish outlook on the company:

Steady domestic steel demand in the near and mid term The company stands to benefit from the expected growth in India's structural steel tube market. Currently, India's iron and steel pipe and tube market share is at 5.5%, below the global average of 9%. However, it's projected to increase to 8.3% by CY30, with the Indian structural steel tube market expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12% to nearly 17.3 mtpa by CY30.

ERW pipes, which constitute about 70% of the market, present a significant area of interest for Hi-Tech Pipes. Additionally, India's per capita consumption of steel pipes and tubes is currently at 6 kg, much lower than the global average of 21 kg, indicating substantial growth potential.

Also Read: Steel industry grapples with price pressures as global demand wanes

The commissioning of new blast furnaces and HRC mills in the next few years will ensure a steady supply of HR coils, which is favorable for HRC-based steel pipe makers like Hi-Tech Pipes, according to the brokerage.

Import substitution initiatives The brokerage stated that the country has limited capacity for high-temperature-resistant pipes needed in drilling and oil exploration. These are often imported by Indias oil refineries. However, with the government's emphasis on expanding refining capacity and promoting oil exploration to reduce the country's crude oil import bill, as well as initiatives like Make in India, which focus on bolstering MSMEs, India is emerging as a manufacturing hub, it underscored.

This shift, as per the brokerage, is driving the demand for locally manufactured and assembled products, presenting a significant opportunity for Indian steel pipe makers like Hi-Tech Pipes to capitalise on the growing market demand.

New opportunities in solar energy The brokerage pointed out that the company stands to benefit from the rising demand for torque tubes used in solar tracking systems for large-scale solar power projects.

It said that sun tracking technology is increasingly preferred in these projects as it maximise land utilisation and boosts electricity generation by 15%25% compared to fixed-mounted PV systems. Companies like Arctech, a major solar tracking solutions provider, have commissioned significant solar tracker installations in India, with Arctech holding a dominant market share.

Other key players include NEXTracker from the US and Mahindra Susten from India. These tracker companies supply the entire tracker assembly to EPC contractors, with fabrication and manufacturing outsourced to empaneled vendors.

The demand for torque tubes is substantial, with approximately 4045 tons of steel needed per MW installation of solar power.

The brokerage emphasises the company's collaborations with leading tracker OEMs in India, as well as the establishment of dedicated production lines at its Sanand facility. These torque tubes are expected to find ready market demand in nearby solar projects in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan.

This strategic move is poised to enhance Hi-Tech Pipes' financial performance, as torque tubes are high-margin products. The working capital for the company would also not be impacted as OEMs supply the raw material, a special grade of steel, directly to the fabricators, it noted.

Outlook Antique Stock Broking notes the company's structured changes, aiming to elevate its capacity to 1 mtpa by FY26. It emphasises that the revival of demand, coupled with infrastructure spending and the Make in India initiative, along with import substitution requirements, will further drive domestic sales.

Regarding the company's new plant in Sanand, Gujarat, the brokerage anticipates it to effectively address the demand for torque tubes stemming from ongoing and upcoming solar power projects in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the export market.
New EPFO rules: April 1st signals the start of a new financial year in India, bringing along revisions to regulations governing savings plans. Starting April 1, the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) will introduce important changes. According to various media reports, with the new rule, when an individual changes jobs, their old Provident Fund (PF) balance will be automatically transferred to the new employer. This eliminates the need for EPFO account holders to manually request PF transfers when joining a new company. Previously, despite having a Universal Account Number (UAN), individuals had to go through the hassle of requesting PF transfers, which would no longer be necessary.

As many troublesome procedures are put in the past, employees wont have to endure the inconveniences of manual requests and administration chores. With a streamlined process, itll be easier to move different employees from one department to the other, said Ashish Aggarwal, Director, of Acube Ventures.

Imagine the satisfaction of no longer having to worry about keeping track of your Provident Funds as you explore new professional opportunities without the fear of managing your PFs.

As per the Director, of Acube Ventures, this reform of EPFO manifests their will for the opportunity to support workers by the hassle-free access to his/her own saved funds. Moreover, it promises to make the retirement journey safe and prosperous.

According to EPF regulations, employees must contribute 12% of their monthly basic salary, with employers required to match this contribution.

Also Read: Has your income tax slab changed from today? Finance Ministry says this... Importance of UAN in the online transfer of PF The Universal Account Number (UAN) serves as a centralized platform for multiple Member IDs issued to an individual by different employers. It facilitates the linking of several EPF Accounts (Member IDs) to a single member. UAN provides a range of services, including a dynamically updated UAN card, an updated PF passbook with all transfer-in details, the ability to link previous members' PF IDs with the present PF ID, monthly SMS notifications regarding the credit of contributions to the PF account, and the option for automatic transfer request initiation upon changing employment.

EPFO adds 16.02 lakh members in January 2024 In January 2024, the EPFO, according to payroll data disclosed on Sunday, saw an increase of 16.02 lakh subscribers, as stated by the Ministry of Labour. Approximately 8.08 lakh members were newly enrolled during this period. The provisional payroll data from the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) indicates a net addition of 16.02 lakh members in January 2024, the ministry noted.
The Finance Ministry has issued a clarification amidst the dissemination of misleading information on social media platforms regarding the new tax regime. It emphasizes that there are no new changes taking effect from April 1, 2024. Taxpayers have the flexibility to choose between the old and new tax regimes based on their preferences and financial circumstances, with the option to opt out of the new regime until filing their return for Assessment Year 2024-25. Eligible individuals without business income can alternate between the old and new regimes for each financial year.

Also Read | Income tax slabs FY 2024-25: Five tips to help taxpayers decide between old and new income tax regimes On the social media platform, the Finance Ministry posted: "It has come to notice that misleading information related to the new income tax regime is being spread on some social media platforms. It is therefore clarified that:

1)There is no new change which is coming in from 01.04.2024.

2)The new tax regime under section 115BAC(1A) was introduced in the Finance Act 2023, as compared to the existing old regime (without exemptions) (SEE TABLE BELOW)

3)The new tax regime is applicable for persons other than companies and firms, is applicable as a default regime from the Financial Year 2023-24 and the Assessment Year corresponding to this is AY 2024-25.

4)Under the new tax regime, the tax rates are significantly lower, though the benefit of various exemptions and deductions (other than the standard deduction of Rs. 50,000 from salary and Rs. 15,000 from family pension) is not available, as in the old regime.

5)The new tax regime is the default tax regime, however, taxpayers can choose the tax regime (old or new) that they think is beneficial to them.

6)The option for opting out from the new tax regime is available till the filing of return for the AY 2024-25. Eligible persons without any business income will have the option to choose the regime for each financial year. So, they can choose a new tax regime in one financial year and an old tax regime in another year and vice versa.

Income tax slabs as per the new tax regime are as follows Income from 0 to 3,00,000: 0% tax rate

Income from 3,00,001 to 6,00,000: 5%

Income from 6,00,001 to 9,00,000: 10%

Income from 9,00,001 to 12,00,000: 15%

Income from 12,00,001 to 15,00,001: 20%

Income above 15,00,000: 30%

Old regime tax slabs 1) Income up to 2.5 is exempt from taxation under the old tax regime.

2) Income between 2.5 to 5 lakh is taxed at the rate of 5 per cent under the old tax regime.

3) Personal income from 5 lakh to 10 lakh is taxed at a rate of 20 per cent in the old regime
It is time that gives the long-term investor an advantage, says Utpal Sheth, CEO of Rare Enterprises the Mumbai based private equity firm that manages assets of more than $1 billion. I would say 80-90% of market participants are in it for less than a year. As an investor, if you have the conviction and courage to stick around for the long term, most of your competition automatically reduces." adds Sheth, noting that most people do not have the commitment for long-term investments.

Sheth, who joined Rakesh Jhunjhunwalas Rare Enterprises as CEO and Partner in 2003, started his career at 18 and has worked with ASK Financial, HRS Insight Financial Intermediaries (a financial intermediation firm started by his father), and Enam Financial Consultants , besides being a co-founder and mentor of the Trust Group that offers a host of financial services, including debt syndication and merchant banking. Sheth, who is on the board of Trust Mutual Fundan asset management company (AMC) spoke to Mint about his investment philosophy Terminal Value Investing (TVI) which influences all decisions taken by the AMC.

TVI does not refer to the terminal value that you get in a discounted cash flow calculation," Sheth explains. It is a nebulous and dynamic concept. It cannot be a precise number because the key factors that contribute to TVI cannot be quantified. Think of it like a climber who is looking up at Mount Everest. You cannot see the top because of clouds in between. You can sense the mountain and its top but you cannot see it," he says.

According to Sheth the factors that contribute to TVI are megatrends (that lasts several decades), leadership attributes, and intangibles (like culture, brand, institutionalization, etc.). He gives the example of e-commerce giant Walmart in the 1980s and Amazon in the 2000s. The leaders in the sector have the ability to capture most of the value created in the megatrend. Just like Amazon captured most of the value created in e-commerce in the 2000s. This plays out over a long period of time," he explains. It is time that gives the long-term investor an advantage. I would say 80-90% of market participants are in it for less than a year." he says.

We can refer to such firms as gorilla companies and draw an analogy between TVI and gorilla." said Sheth. Gorillas are rare. You will find hundreds of monkeys in a jungle but just a few gorillas. They are also dominant. Other animals do not mess with gorillas. Finally, gorillas have longer lifespans (longevity) than monkeys. They are not a fleeting sensation or a fad," he says.

But arent such companies expensive? Sheth counters this with an example based on price to earnings (P-E) of some companies. There was a study some time ago comparing the hindsight P-E of select companies in 1981 with the P-E of 2001 . They found that the market had dramatically underestimated earnings power and growth of these stocks. Those companies that apparently had the lowest hindsight P-E (price of 1981, earnings of 2001) apparently had the highest PE (price and earnings both of 1981).

Can this philosophy be applied to a mutual fund with all its regulatory restrictions compared to proprietory asset management that he has been involved with at Rare Enterprises? According to Sheth, that is just a relative question. A mutual fund (MF) might benefit from a smaller position in a gorilla company, or it may just identify more of these gorillas over time.

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Trust MF has Mihir Vora as its chief investment officer. Vora who previously worked at Max Life Insurance and various MF houses, also has a growth at reasonable valuation" style and considers TVI as the North Star of growth investing that influences the fund houses stock picking philosophy. The AMC was launched in 2019 and focused on debt funds for the first few years of its existenceit is now turning towards equities.

Is Trust AMC a good substitute for retail investors who want to get a flavour of TVI (as practised by Utpal Sheth)? Sheth clarifies, I sit on the board of directors of the AMC. My philosophy will influence the AMC. Thats about it. The AMC is run independently by a capable and committed team." he adds.

India is structurally in a great place. Corporate profits have shot up over the past few years from 2% to 4.5% of GDP. The amount of leverage in the corporate sector is also relatively low. Every dip is being bought. Foreign money flow has been replaced by domestic inflow and this is not timid money that panics at the sign of a correction. So, Im not worried about the overall market scenario. There may be a few pockets of overvaluation but nothing generalised," he says.

What about the army of retail traders that have entered the stock market who may have never seen a bear market. Will they panic and run? If you look at long-term charts, the bear markets are just blipsyou dont even spot them. If you are a long-term investor, why would you worry about such temporary corrections?" he asks.
Demat Account KYC Details: Before opening a demat account to dive into the world of trading and investments, individuals must adhere to certain KYC (Know Your Customer) norms mandated by regulatory authorities.

These norms serve to verify the identity and credentials of account holders, ensuring transparency and security in financial transactions. In 2002, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced KYC guidelines for banks to prevent their misuse for illicit activities like money laundering or terrorist financing.

The primary objective is to enable banks to thoroughly understand their customers and their financial activities, thereby allowing them to manage associated risks more effectively. Following the RBI's lead, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also implemented KYC norms for clients in the securities market.

Understanding KYC KYC is an acronym for Know Your Client in market terms. KYC is the mandatory process of identifying and verifying the client's identity when opening an account and periodically over time.

In other words, banks and other financial institutions must ensure that their clients are genuinely who they claim to be.

Also Read: Can I convert my single demat account into a joint account?

KYC encompasses various steps aimed at ensuring financial institutions have a comprehensive understanding of their clients. These steps include establishing the identity of customers, comprehending the nature of their financial activities, and validating the legitimacy of the source of funds.

Additionally, KYC protocols involve assessing the risks of money laundering associated with customers to safeguard against illicit financial activities.

Importance of KYC in demat account opening KYC is a mandatory requirement when opening a demat account. It ensures that every penny that makes its way to the Indian stock market is accounted for and has a paper trial.

Every SEBI-registered intermediary is mandated to obtain and verify the Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) from clients at the onset of an account-based relationship. SEBI-registered intermediaries are prohibited from opening or maintaining anonymous accounts, accounts under fictitious names, or accounts for undisclosed or unverified persons.

Also Read: Can you open a demat account in India as an NRI?

To enhance KYC norms and ensure the identification of every participant in the securities market, PAN (Permanent Account Number) is mandated as the unique identification number. This measure aims to establish a robust audit trail for all transactions in the securities market, regardless of the transaction amount.

In October 2023, SEBI issued a comprehensive set of KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations for investors through a master circular. According to this circular, all Sebi-registered intermediaries will use the same KYC form and supporting documents.

The account opening form for clients will consist of two parts: Part I will be the KYC form capturing basic client details, while Part II will gather additional information pertinent to the intermediary's area of activity. However, the master circular primarily addresses the provisions outlined in Part I of the KYC form.

The documents that will be accepted as proof of identity include a passport, driving license, Aadhaar number, voter's ID card, letter issued by the NPR, and any other document as notified by the central government in consultation with the regulator.

Additionally, the in-person verification conducted by one Sebi-registered intermediary can be trusted by another, and the e-KYC service introduced by UIDAI will be recognised as a valid method for KYC verification, as stipulated in the SEBI guidelines outlined in the master circular.

Methods of completing the KYC process The KYC process can typically be completed in three main ways:

In-Person Verification (IPV): This involves physically visiting a designated location, such as a bank branch or financial institution's office, and providing original documents for verification. A representative of the institution verifies the identity and documents of the applicant in person.

Video KYC: With advancements in technology, many institutions offer video KYC facilities where applicants can complete the verification process remotely via a video call. Applicants need to display their original documents to the camera for verification, and a representative conducts the verification process in real-time.

Also Read: How to update personal details in my demat account?

Digital KYC: Some institutions provide digital KYC options where applicants can complete the verification process entirely online. Applicants upload scanned copies or images of their documents through a secure online portal or mobile app. The institution then verifies the authenticity of the documents electronically using automated systems or manual checks.

FAQs Is KYC mandatory for opening a demat account? Yes, KYC (Know Your Customer) is mandatory for opening a demat account. It involves verifying the identity and address of the account holder.

Will my broker freeze my demat account if it's inactive for a long time? If your demat account remains inactive for an extended period, your depository participant may freeze it as a precautionary measure. Reactivating the demat account typically involves completing the e-KYC (Know Your Customer) process again.

Who are KRA's? KRAs (KYC Registration Agencies) are entities authorised by SEBI to maintain KYC records of investors on behalf of SEBI-registered intermediaries.

Can I open a demat account without submitting a PAN card? No, submitting a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is mandatory for opening a demat account as per regulatory requirements.
Arizona--a southwestern US statehas recently declared Pluto as its official state planet despite the dwarf planet being stripped of its official status as a planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union

Last Friday (i.e. March 29), Arizona governor Katie Hobbs signed a legislation declaring the dwarf planet as the official state planet of the US state, reported The Arizona Daily Star. When quizzed on whether the Pluto is a full-fledged planet? The Arizona governor dodged the question saying I am proud of Arizonas pioneering work in space discovery.

It is important to note that Pluto was discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff of Arizona in 1930. Pluto happens to be the only planet to be discovered in the US.

The whole story of Clyde is just amazing, just sitting there under the telescope looking for planets by taking photos over a period of time, said Arizona state Republican Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix), who praised the Pluto legislation.

Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (D-Tucson)--one among the five senators who voted against the legislation--said, Scientifically, they took it out of being a planet. Gonzales added that lawmakers must take scientific information into account, something that we as a Legislature, as a body, sometimes omit.

What is the status of Pluto? In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) voted to remove Pluto from the group of planets, claiming that the icy object at the edge of the solar system failed to meet the full and proper definition of planets. The IAU reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet.

According to NASA, Pluto is a dwarf planet located in a distant region of our solar system beyond Neptune known as the Kuiper Belt. It was long considered our ninth planet, but the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006.

It was named by 11-year-old Venetia Burney of Oxford, England, the US space agency added.

Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet because, while it is large enough to have become spherical, it is not big enough to exert its orbital dominance and clear the neighbourhood surrounding its orbit, ass per Encyclopedia Britannica.

The website noted that Plutos demolition felt like a break from tradition to many across the globe. It added that the step was, however, a positive step forward into a new light, new knowledge, and changing perspectives of the universe.

NASA further said, When Pluto was reclassified in 2006 from a planet to a dwarf planet, there was widespread outrage on behalf of the demoted planet. As the textbooks were updated, the internet spawned memes with Pluto going through a range of emotions, from anger to loneliness. But since the release of New Horizons images showing a very prominent heart-shaped feature on the surface, the sad Pluto meme has given way to a very content, loving Pluto that would like to once again be visited by a spacecraft.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that most regions of the country will witness above-normal temperature during April-June. The forecast comes at a time when the country prepares for seven-phase general elections from 19 April onwards.

Above-normal heatwaves are likely in central and western peninsular regions of the country. Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience the worst impact of heat waves, said IMD director-general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on Monday.

During this period, 10-20 days of heatwave are expected in different parts of the country against a normal of four to eight days, he added.

The likely weather condition could be due to El Nino that continues to persist till May and neutralize thereafter in June. Towards the second half of the monsoon season (July-September), La Nina conditions are expected, Mohapatra informed.

Also read: Mint Explainer: Return of La Nina and its impact on Indian monsoon, agriculture However, normal to below-normal maximum temperatures will likely be recorded over some parts of the western Himalayan region, northeastern states and north Odisha.

In April, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country with a high probability over central south India. Normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely over some parts of the western Himalayan region and the northeastern states in April.

Above-normal heatwave days are likely over many areas in central India and the adjoining areas of the northern plains and south India in April, the weather office said. Two to eight days of heat wave are expected in these regions against a normal of one to three days.

During heatwaves, elevated temperatures pose significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Additionally, prolonged periods of extreme heat can lead to dehydration and also strain infrastructure like power grids and transportation systems.

Experts said to address these challenges, it is imperative for authorities to take proactive measures, including providing access to cooling centres, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to alleviate urban heat island effects in affected areas.

Efforts are essential for safeguarding public health and minimizing the adverse impacts of heatwaves as the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to take place between 19 April and 1 June. Therefore, the ministry of earth science and the National Disaster Management Authority along with ministries of jal shakti, power, health and agriculture have come up with a heat action plan at the city or district level. This is to ensure that billions of citizens can cast their votes seamlessly.

The ministry of agriculture affirmed that the main winter or rabi crop wheat is unlikely to get hit in key regions, including Madhya Pradesh, due to the extreme heatwaves as 90% harvesting is done. In the case of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, there will be no impact on harvests even if the temperature rises above 35 degrees.

The estimated production of wheat remains 112.02 million tonne, up 1.46 million tonne from the previous year as predicted earlier, an official from the agriculture ministry who was present in the conference said.

As far as rainfall in April is concerned, Mohapatra said that normal precipitation at 88-112% of long period average (LPA) is expected across the country. LPA of rainfall over country during April based on data from 1971 to 2020 is about 39.2 mm.

Normal to above-normal rainfall is predicted over most parts of the northwest, and some parts of central and north peninsular India. However, east and west coast, parts from east and northeast India south peninsular India may receive below normal rainfall this month.
Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Monday, April 1, sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to 15-day judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener's Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand came to an end today. Following the court order, Arvind Kejriwal was taken to Tihar jail amid huge protests by AAP leaders and supporters.

Arvind Kejriwal arrest: What is Judicial custody? When an accused is in the custody of the Magistrate concerned, then he/she is said to be in judicial custody, where the person will be sent to jail. Therefore, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was sent to Tihar Jail after he was sent to judicial custody by the Rouse Avenue court till April 15.

Arvind Kejriwal arrest: How Judicial custody is different from ED custody? In judicial custody, the accused is held in the custody of the Magistrate and sent to jail. On the other hand, when someone is sent to ED custody, then the person being remanded is under the ED for interrogation and investigation.

Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar: Major challenges against Delhi CM in running govt from jail As Arvind Kejriwal will remain in Tihar Jail during judicial custody till April 15, one of the major challenges faced by the AAP national convener would be running the government from jail.

Running a government does not mean simply signing the files... To run a government, cabinet meetings are called, ministers are consulted, and there is a lot of staff, there are meetings or telephone conversations with the L-G [lieutenant governor], former Tihar Jail public relations officer Sunil Kumar Gupta told ANI on Monday.

While mentioning the challenges against the management to let Arvind Kejriwal run the government from jail, Sunil Gupta said, All the rules have to be broken for it.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded in judicial custody till April 15 following his arrest in the Delhi excise policy case. GST collection data released on Monday indicated an 11.5% rise to 1.78 lakh crore while the Election Commission received complaints about Rahul Gandhi and the Trinamool Congress. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refused to stay Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of Gyanvapi mosque and the India Meteorological Department issued a major heatwave warning.

Arvind Kejriwal sent to Tihar Jail The Delhi Chief Minister has been placed in judicial detention after two weeks in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate. Reports quoting sources indicate the AAP supremo will be lodged in Jail Number 2 for the next two weeks. He was was arrested on March 21 as the ED probes a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. AAP workers have since gathered outside the Tihar Jail and raised slogans against the BJP-led Centre.

GST collections hit  1.78 lakh crore in March Gross Good and Services Tax (GST) revenue for March 2024 witnessed the second highest collection ever at 1.78 lakh crore, with a 11.5 per cent year-on-year growth. This surge was driven by a significant rise in GST collection from domestic transactions at 17.6 per cent, said a statement from the Finance Ministry on Monday.

SC refuses to stay Hindu prayers in Gyanvapi mosque The Supreme Court has ordered a status quo on religious observances by both the Hindu and Muslim sides inside the mosque premises. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud noted that both communities were presently conducting their religious observances unhindered. The court was hearing a fresh plea by the Gyanvapi mosque management committee after the Allahabad High Court upheld a lower court's order allowing Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the mosque.

Jalpaiguri storm At least five people died and over 200 were rendered homeless after a sudden storm and heavy rain wreaked havoc in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to Jalpaiguri on Sunday night while West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose arrived on Monday morning. The two top officials have since visited the storm-hit areas of Alipurduar and assured those affected of all possible help in relief and rehabilitation.

Vistara flight cancellations Vistara was forced the full-service carrier to cancel up to 50 flights on Monday as pilots failed to show up. Reports quoting sources indicate that many first officers have been reporting sick to protest against pay revision. The airline announced on Monday that it would temporarily reduce flight operations to manage the situation. Sources said Vistara has been facing pilot issues since the revision in monthly emoluments for first officers of its A320 fleet after signing of new contracts.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud said on Sunday he believes that premier investigative agencies are "spread out too thin". He said these agencies must only focus on those that concern national security and crimes of economic offences against the nation.

Speaking at DP Kohli Memorial Lecture 2024 on the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) day, the CJI said, I think we have perhaps been spreading our investigative agencies too thin over the years."

"Despite the rapid change in the environment, out premier investigative agencies must concentrate their attention and efforts on that class of crime which truly threatens the security of the nation, the public order or the economic health of the nation, CJI DY Chandrachud said.

Chandrachud emphasised that the CBI "is increasingly being asked to investigate a diverse array of criminal cases apart from its original role of anti-corruption".

"As the years have progressed, the CBI saw a significant expansion in its jurisdiction, encompassing broader spectrum of offences. This widening scope empowered the agencies to investigate diverse cases  ranging from economic frauds, and bank scams to financial irregularities and terrorism-related incidents," the CJI said.

ALSO READ: Over 600 lawyers write to CJI DY Chandrachud raising alarm over a group tainting judiciary

'Complex challenges before probe agencies' CJI Chandrachud said law enforcement agencies like the CBI face "new and complex challenges that demand innovative solutions" in digitally-connected world. "Challenges have become complex because of three main reasons. First, tracing misuse of personal data in India within vast digital ecosystem presents a daunting task," he said.

Secondly, the techniques employed by cyber criminals, such as data encryption and anonymisation add layers of complexity to investigation requiring advanced forensic capabilities and specialised expertise, he said.

Speaking about the third challenge, the CJI said navigating jurisdictional issues and obtaining cooperation from international entities, including social media platforms and foreign governments, may further hinder the efforts of our law enforcement agencies, including the CBI.

India must re-think its investigative framework The CJI said India must re-think its investigative framework. He went to give suggestion to the investigative framework better. He said the CBI can be upgraded by making structural reforms.

The need of the hours is the complexity of CBI prosecution and leveraging technologies to avoid delays, he added.

He said a multi-disciplinary teams, consisting of law enforcement officers and domain experts including data analysts, can be formed. They can deploy unique approaches and pattern recognition in a seamless manner, over a fluid investigative landscape, he added.

On new criminal law CJI DY Chandrachud said the new criminal laws, recently enacted by Parliament, encompass substantive crime, procedure and evidence. The three newly enacted criminal laws - Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam - were passed by Parliament this year.

"These laws aim at digitising various aspects of criminal procedure. This is a significant step towards modernising the justice system," the CJI added.

"From the initial registration of a First Information Report (FIR) to the final delivery of judgment, every stage of a criminal investigation is slated to be recorded digitally under the purview of the proposed legislation," he said.

The CJI emphasised that this comprehensive approach ensures a seamless flow of information and is intended to facilitate better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders involved in the investigative and adjudicatory processes.
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast extreme heat for several Indian states in the coming months. Above-normal heatwave days are likely over most parts of the plains during this time with 10 to 20 heat wave days expected in different parts of the country against a normal of four to eight days. The hotter-than-usual temperatures will also raise the risk of water shortages, crop damages and higher coal use to avoid power blackouts.

The rainfall during April 2024, averaged over the country as a whole, is most likely to be normal (88-112% of LPA). Normal to above-normal rainfall is likely over most parts of the northwest India and many parts of central India, north peninsular India, some parts of east and north east India. Below normal rainfall is likely along east and west coasts, some parts of east and northeast India and west central India, the Met Department added.

The extreme weather conditions will also coincide with Lok Sabha elections in India. More than 1.4 billion people are slated to cast their ballots in seven phases between April 19 and June 1.

Which states will be affected? Above-normal heatwave days are likely over many areas in central India and the adjoining areas of the northern plains and south India in April. The weather department indicated that Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh will experience the worst impact of heat waves

Heat wave warning for wheat-producing states? The IMD has not issued any heat wave warning for wheat-producing states  except Madhya Pradesh  until April 7. Reports however indicate that the weather pattern will have limited impact on winter-sown wheat crops as the plants have matured and harvesting has started in many states. A bumper output could also prompt authorities to ease exports restrictions that have been in place since 2022.

Power cuts and coal shortage? Coal reserves at power plants have jumped 38% over the past year, even as inventories remain below mandated levels. These account for about three-fourths of electricity generation and can presently last for 18 days on average. However the weather outlook will put additional pressure on energy companies.

Peak electricity demand  estimated to surge to a record 250 gigawatts this summer  may rise further in case of a prolonged heat wave. The power ministry has asked plants to continue importing coal to make up for any shortfall in local supplies.
India's defence exports reached an all time high level of 21,083 crore in financial year 2023-24 with a 32.5% growth in FY24 compared to previous financial year, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.

Underlining the strong growth of private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) over the years, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said defence ministry has taken several initiatives to spur Indias defence manufacturing and exports.

Delighted to inform everyone that the Indian Defence Exports have scaled to unprecedented heights and crossed 21000 crore mark for the first time in the history of Independent India, wrote Rajnath Singh in a post on X.

Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis visionary leadership the Defence Ministry has taken several initiatives to spur Indias defence manufacturing and exports, he added.

A month ago, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh applauded India's defence manufacturing capability which he said is a reflection of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

"Our total defence manufacture stands at a monumental one lakh crore. Try figuring it out by scribbling the number, in digits, on a piece of paper. This shows India is becoming self-reliant (atma nirbhar) and leaders across the world acknowledge that 21st century shall belong to India", said the Defence minister earlier.

India's journey from defence importer to exporter India achieved significant success in expanding its defence manufacturing capabilities, which led to a boost in exports last year. The Ministry of Defence attained a historic success the previous year by witnessing a surge in defence exports. The rise in exports was led by an increase in global interest in Indian defence products like LCA-Tejas, light combat helicopters, aircraft carriers, and more.
The coming general election will not only determine the victory or defeat of political titans but will also serve as a referendum on the introduction of new values into Indian politics. One can draw parallels between the upcoming election and Indias first general election of 1952. It had been just five years since Independence. The wounds of Partition were still fresh. Kings, princely states, landlords, and landowners held enormous power in rural areas. Also, four years had passed since Gandhijis death. And, except for a few territories, such as Goa, the countrys unification had proceeded smoothly under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels leadership.

Against such a backdrop, Jawaharlal Nehru was attempting to create a shining example of idealistic socialism. The first general election would determine how much trust we had in democracy and how long we could maintain our democratic character. Winston Churchill, who served as prime minister of United Kingdom twice, had predicted: The Indian political parties and political classes do not represent the Indian masses. It is a delusion to believe that they doIn handing over the Government of India to these so-called political classes we are handing over to men of straw, of whom, in a few years, no trace will remain."

How could he have been so wrong?

Following the election, it was decided that kings and emperors would be consigned to history. Dalits and other disadvantaged groups will gradually overcome their historical disadvantages, while minorities will be accorded equal rights. Despite major barriers, our country has followed Nehrus path for nearly 70 years, but it has faced logical challenges in the last 10 years.

Yesterdays alluring coexistence is now referred to as appeasement. Some may call it majoritarianism, but they should remember that the entire world has already taken this route. If the Bharatiya Janata Party gets a majority in this election, it will be apparent that the new colour on ancient values has been extensively adopted by the decisive voters.

What are these new values?

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once declined to attend the inauguration of the Somnath temple. He argued that the prime minister of a secular country should be cautious about displaying his religious beliefs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi treads a different path. He takes care to pause his speech as soon as he hears an azan (Islamic call to prayer), but also has no hesitation about becoming the main jajman (the person who institutes the performance of a ritual) at the Ram Temples consecration. When the Opposition objects to this, BJP spokespersons ask: How can following ones own faith harm the faith of others?"

Further, by concretely implementing welfare policies, Modi has created a new class of beneficiaries. He has made considerable gains among women and young voters. According to a CSDS survey, three out of every 10 Bharatiya Janata Party voters vote entirely for Prime Minister Modi. If he wins again this time, he will be the second prime minister to win three consecutive terms. If Gujarats stint in power is included, it will serve as a benchmark for other politicians in any democratic country to aspire for.

The questions now are: Why is this shift in values happening? And, why has the Opposition failed to create a counter-narrative?

The fundamental reason is that regional parties have consistently betrayed voters trust. After coming to power, leaders of these parties founded in the name of socialism, regionalism, and opposition to class discrimination became casteist and dynasts. As a result, those who joined these parties for noble reasons were alienated. These parties also often split when their leaders family split either after the retirement of the leader from politics or her or his death. Examples include the Thackeray and Pawar families of Maharashtra, the Paswan family of Bihar, and the Patel family of Uttar Pradesh. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu is an exception as the party remains true to its values.

When S. Siddaramaiahs popularity in Karnataka dwindled in the face of the BJPs fervent nationalism, he whipped up Kannadiga pride. His decision that Kannada should be the dominant language of signboards in Bengaluru has sparked a big debate. It harks back to the cultural transition that began with the renaming of Faizabad, Allahabad, Ahmed Nagar, etc.

The hints are clear: The 2024 general election will deliver a mandate to elevate the country as the third superpower, while introducing fresh values that will shape policy directions for Indian politics and society in the foreseeable future.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal.
Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Day, is celebrated every year to commemorate the formation of the state of Odisha on April 1. President Droupadi Murmu and a number of notable dignitaries ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, on Monday, extended warm greetings to Odia people on the occasion of Odisha statehood day.

President Droupadi Murmu took to social media to express her greetings on the occasion of the state's foundation day, or Utkala Dibasa and in a post on X, she stated, Warm greetings to people on Odisha Day! Odisha is known for its vast natural wealth and rich cultural heritage. The resilient people of this state have made great contributions to the development of Odisha and the country.

Also read: Odisha Foundation Day 2024: From rich cuisine to dance forms, all you need to know about Utkal Divas The post further read, "Odisha has produced many icons over the centuries, including several makers of modern India. May Lord Jagannath bless the state and its people with greater success and prosperity."

Among other notable personalities who greeted the Odia people included PM Modi, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Also read: Top Events on April 1: Arvind Kejriwal's ED hearing, Jalpaiguri storm, JEE admit card, IPL 2024, and more In a social media post on X, PM Modi on X stated, Wishing everyone a very happy Utkala Dibasa! This day reminds us of the rich culture and heritage of Odisha and its dynamic people.

He further added that the state has made a rich contribution to national progress. I pray for the success and prosperity of the people of Odisha."

Also read: Bank Holiday Today on April 1: Are all banks closed today? Check details here CM Patnaik in a post on X stated, Odisha is writing a glorious history in all fields. Odisha has become prosperous due to the commitment of every Odia. In keeping with this era of transformation, the idea of creating a 'developed Odisha' is the idea of Odia. 

He further called on the people of Odisha on this 'Odisha Day' to strengthen 'asmita and swaviman' and move forward towards building developed Odisha.

Union Minister Amit Shah's post read, "Greetings to our sisters and brothers in Odisha on their statehood day. With its diverse ethos and traditions, Odisha has gained fame as a global attraction as a jewel in Bharat's vibrant cultural tapestry. May the state script an exemplary growth story in the times to come,"

Mallikarjun Kharge also extended his greetings to the people of Odisha and stated, "On the occasion of Utkala Dibasa, we extend our warmest greetings and good wishes to the people of the state. Odisha is known for its riveting natural beauty, unique culture, and beautiful monuments and is home to a large tribal population that values nature."

Also read: India forms more than 1.68 lakh companies in FY24; highest in Feb While stressing on the need for employment opportunities in Odisha, he remarked, Odisha needs more employment opportunities, freedom from corruption and the betterment of all its people.
Katchatheevu island row: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the Congress and ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) over the Katchatheevu island issue, saying ceding it to Sri Lanka resulted in the seizure, detention, or apprehension of a large number of Indian fishermen and fishing vessels by the island nation.

In a scathing attack on the Congress and the DMK, he said: "In 1974, India & Sri Lanka concluded an agreement where they drew a maritime boundary, and in drawing the maritime boundary, Katchatheevu was put on the Sri Lankan side of the boundary."

Jaishankar remarked, This is the background of the issue that we are discussing. In the last five years, the Katchatheevu issue and the fisherman's issue have been repeatedly raised by various parties in Parliament.



The Katchatheevu row pertains to how the uninhabited expanse became part of the island nation in 1974 after then PM Indira Gandhi greenlit the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement. The 163-acre island, traditionally used by fishermen from both countries, was initially part of the Madras Presidency.

Also read: Eye opening: PM Modi lashes out at Congress for giving away Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka He pointed out that the Katchatheevu issue had been a key issue during parliament questions, debates and in the consultative committee.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, had written to the Centre numerous times and that he had responded and attended to queries regarding the same issue to the current CM, M K Stalin, 21 times, Jaishankar pointed out.

Also read: Katchatheevu row: PM Modi calls out DMK's double standard, says ...did nothing to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests' Jaishankar said this issue has not suddenly surfaced, but was a live issue'. "It is an issue which has been very much debated in Parliament and in Tamil Nadu. It has been the subject of correspondence between the union government and the state government.



Jaishankar accused political parties in Tamil Nadu of adopting double standards. "The Congress and the DMK, have approached this matter as though they have no responsibility for it,  he pointed out.

Also read: Where is Katchatheevu island and why is it at the centre of a BJP-Congress clash? As though the situation is for today's central government to resolve (and) this has just happened, and they are the people who are taking up the cause; that is the way they would like to project it.

We now know not only who did it but also who hid it, the union minister remarked.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also flayed the ruling DMK, accusing it of being a mute spectator on the issue.

The party has done nothing to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests, Modi said.



Responding to the row, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said Katchatheevu island was given to Sri Lanka as part of a friendly agreement in 1974, and reminded Modi that the NDA government had also undertaken a similar "friendly gesture" towards Bangladesh, pertaining to border enclaves.


The Income Tax department on Monday, April 1, told the Supreme Court that it has decided against taking any coercive action against the Congress party with reference to the tax demand notices totalling 3,500 crore in view of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

The I-T department urged the court to post the matter for hearing in June and said, Do not want to create problems for any party during elections.

In the apex court, a bench presided by Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih recorded the statement of the Solicitor General and posted the Congress' plea against the tax demand notices for July.

Also read: Has your income tax slab changed from today? Finance Ministry says this... Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Tax department informed the court that no precipitative action will be taken till the final adjudication of the matter in the prevailing circumstances.

I want to make a statement in this matter. The Congress is a political party and since elections are going on, we are not going to take any coercive action against the party, PTI quoted the Solicitor General's statement.

Also read: ITR 2024: Income Tax vs TDS. How the two are different? Tushar Mehta further remarked that the I-T department is not commenting on the merit of the matter and all rights and contentions should be left open, reported PTI.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi who appeared in the court representing the Congress appreciated the I-T department's gesture and termed it gracious.

Also read: Budget 2024: No change in income tax slab this year. Here are the details of new and old tax regimes Abhishek Singhvi pointed out that demand notices were issued in March and before for different years totalling approximately 3,500 crore.

On Sunday, the last day of the financial year 2023-24, March 31, the Congress informed that it received fresh notices from the Income Tax department. As per Congress' claims these notices raised a tax demand of 1,745 crore for the assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17.

Also read: Seven key personal finance deadlines set to expire on March 31 The Tax department has raised a total demand of 3,567 crore from the party, with the latest notice issued. Moreover, according to the party's claims regarding notices received by the I-T department on Friday, March 29, a demand of 1,823 crore was raised.

In a recent development, concerning tax demands from previous years, the tax authorities have already withdrawn 135 crore from the party's accounts.
World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at loss for words following an Israeli strike on Gaza hospital that killed four and injured numerous others.

The Director-General of WHO highlighted the dreadful situation at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza amid ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and the Hamas militant group. These hostilities took the shape of a war following Hamas's attack on Israel six months ago, on October 7, following which Israel declared war.

Also read: Israel-Hamas truce talks to resume today in Cairo, to bring a pause to war after 6 months: Report Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital came under siege on March 18, since then 21 patients have lost their lives and the situation remains critical, the UN health agency reported.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to social media and in a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, 21 patients have died since the hospital came under siege on 18 March. Hostilities continue around the hospital according to updates from Al-Shifa hospital in #Gaza reported by a health worker inside the hospital.

Commenting on the terrible inhumane conditions, he said 107 patients are in an inadequate building, within the hospital compound, lacking needed health support, medical care and supplies.

He remarked, Patients have been moved multiple times within the hospital compound since the siege began.

The WHO chief pointed out that the hospital lacks necessary means of care, these range from unavailability of diapers, urine bags to water. The sieged hospital bears witness dehydrated patients with infected wounds among whom 4 are children while 28 patients are in critical condition.

Also read: Israel-Hamas War: My hope is that by next Monday.., says US President Joe Biden on ceasefire He also noted that there is no water to clean wounds and only one bottle of water remains for every 15 people since March 31. Amid spread of contagious diseases due to extremely unsanitary conditions and a lack of water.

The post further reads, Food is extremely limited  this is potentially life-threatening for diabetic patients whose condition is worsening."

The WHO Director-General called upon Israel to immediately facilitate access and a humanitarian corridor so that the UN agency and its partners could carry out the lifesaving transfer of patients.

He raised an appeal for ceasefire and wrote, We repeat: every moment matters. Ceasefire!
April Fool's Day 2024: The first day of April is marked with jokes and pranks every year  a custom known somewhat colloquially as April Fools Day. There are several unverified theories regarding the origin of this practice  from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to a war in the Netherlands. Various companies and media organisations have also been drawn into the practice over the years, participating in elaborate hoaxes that are revealed during later days of the month.

Vague references to April Fool's Day can be found as early as the 1500s and grew increasingly popular over the decades. By the eighteenth century, it appears to have become a well-established custom in parts of Europe. Its exact origin however remains unclear with several origin stories from various countries.

Some suggest that the concept of April Fool's Day is linked to The Canterbury Tales. One of the verses penned by Geoffrey Chaucer  The Nun's Priest's Tale  recounts how vain cock Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox some 32 days after March began. Many modern scholars however believe this to be a copying error in presently available manuscripts.

Another theory traces the occasion back to biblical roots  to the time of Noah and the ark. Cartoonist Bertha R. McDonald cited a London Public Advertiser excerpt from 1769 to explain its correlation with Noah erroneously sending the dove out before the water had abated (on April 1).

The mistake of Noah sending the dove out of the ark before the water had abated, on the first day of April, and to perpetuate the memory of this deliverance it was thought proper, whoever forgot so remarkable a circumstance, to punish them by sending them upon some sleeveless errand similar to that ineffectual message upon which the bird was sent by the patriarch, she cited in an article for Harper's Weekly in 1908.

Meanwhile in the Netherlands, April 1 is synonymous with the defeat of Spanish Duke Alvarez de Toledo. The Capture of Brielle in 1572 however makes no mention of foolish pranks or indeed any of the activities that currently mark the celebration of April Fool's Day.
In a nationwide local election on Sunday, Turkish voters gave a blow to President Tayyip Erdogan and his party, marking their biggest electoral setback.

As reported by Reuters, the opposition emerged as a strong political force, with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu solidifying his position as Erdogan's main rival.

Imamoglu led by a significant margin in the mayoral race in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, with the Republican People's Party (CHP) also securing victories in Ankara and 15 other cities. This electoral outcome represents a major setback for Erdogan and the AK Party, signalling a shift in Turkey's political landscape.

Erdogan referred to it as a turning point in a speech delivered after midnight.

Moreover, this election was widely viewed as a gauge of President Erdogan's popularity as he aimed to regain control of crucial urban regions previously lost to the opposition in elections five years ago. The CHP's previous victories in Ankara and Istanbul in 2019 had significantly diminished Erdogan's perception of invulnerability.

As reported by AP, the main battleground for the 70-year-old Turkish president was Istanbul, a city of 16 million people where he was born and raised and where he began his political career as mayor in 1994.

A strong showing for Erdogan's ruling Islamic-oriented Justice and Development Party, or AKP, would likely harden his resolve to usher in a new constitution  one that would reflect his conservative values and allow him to rule beyond 2028 when his current term ends, AP reported citing analysts.

For the opposition  divided and demoralized after a defeat in last year's presidential and parliamentary elections  keeping Istanbul and Ankara would be a major boost and help remobilize supporters.

Some 61 million people, including more than a million first-time voters, were eligible to cast ballots for all metropolitan municipalities, town and district mayorships as well as neighborhood administrations.

Turnout is traditionally high in Turkiye, but this time the vote comes against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis. Observers said disillusioned opposition supporters could opt to stay home, doubting that the election will change things. Governing party supporters, meanwhile, could also choose not to go to the polls in protest at the economic downturn that has left many struggling to pay for food, utilities and rent.

Some 594,000 security personnel were on duty across the country to ensure the vote goes smoothly. Nevertheless, one person was killed and eleven others were hurt in the city of Diyarbakir where a dispute over the election of a neighbourhood administrator turned violent, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

At least six people were also injured in fighting that erupted in the nearby province of Sanliurfa.

According to the data we have obtained, it seems our citizens' trust in us, their faith in us has paid off, Imamoglu said of the early results.

Polls had pointed to a close race between Istanbul's incumbent mayor, Imamoglu, and the AKP's candidate Murat Kurum, a former urbanization and environment minister.

Imamoglu  a popular figure touted as a possible future challenger to Erdogan  ran without the support of some of the parties that helped him to victory in 2019.

Both the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the nationalist IYI Party put forward their own candidates for the election. However, a six-party opposition coalition led by the CHP fell apart after it was unsuccessful in removing Erdogan from power in the previous year's election.

The coalition struggled to take advantage of the economic downturn and the government's initially inadequate response to the earthquake tragedy that claimed over 53,000 lives last year.

At the same time, the emergence of a new religious-conservative party, the New Welfare Party (YRP), has attracted voters disenchanted with Erdogan's economic policies, potentially diverting some votes from his candidates.

In the predominantly Kurdish-populated southeast of Turkey, the Democratic Regions Party (DEM) appeared set to secure victories in numerous municipalities.

However, there is uncertainty regarding whether the party will be permitted to maintain control of these municipalities. In previous instances, Erdogan's administration ousted elected pro-Kurdish mayors over alleged ties to Kurdish militants and replaced them with government-appointed trustees.

Erdogan, who has presided over Turkiye for more than two decades  as prime minister since 2003 and president since 2014  has been advocating a new constitution that would put family values at the forefront. He does not have sufficient votes to enact a new constitution now, but a strong showing could allow him to woo some conservative, nationalist or Islamic legislators from the opposition camp for a needed two-thirds majority.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a sharp rebuttal on Monday amid calls for a boycott of neighbouring India. The senior politician recently secured a fourth consecutive term at the helm following elections that were boycotted by most major Opposition parties. Numerous influencers and critics however accuse the Narendra Modi-led government of actively backing the ruling coalition for its own interests.

My question is, how many Indian sarees do their wives have? And why are they not taking the sarees from their wives and setting them on fire? Please ask BNP leadersGaram masala, onions, garlic, ginger, all spices that come (from India) should not be seen in their (BNP leaders') homes, reports quoted the Awami League president as saying.

Opposition leaders claim that at least 25,000 people were taken into custody ahead of the elections in January. The Awami League and its allies now control almost every seat in parliament.

ALSO READ: PM Modi congratulates Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on poll win, latter lauds India's pivotal role The Bangladeshi leader claimed that BNP ministers and their wives would indulge in shopping trips to India while in power. The remarks came in the wake of senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi threw his Kashmiri shawl on the road in symbolic protest against Indian products.

The India Out campaign first began on social media  led by exiled Bangladeshi physician Pinaki Bhattacharya  after the election results. His followers claim that the movement is fuelled by the Indian government's unilateral support for the Sheikh Hasina-led administration. The campaign has been running three primary hashtags: #Indiaout #BoycottIndia and #BoycottIndianproducts.

A closer examination of this trend reveals that the group that began this campaign has always been engaged in anti-India activities in Bangladesh. Several users among them, are either indirectly associated with the political parties of Bangladesh (mainly BNP), or claim to be their supporters, explained a recent report by the Digital Forensics and Research and Analytics Centre.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday vowed to shut down Al Jazeeras operations in Israel, calling it a terror channel that spreads incitement, after parliament passed a law clearing the way for the closure.

Netanyahus pledge escalated Israels long-running feud against Al Jazeera but also threatened to heighten tensions with Qatar, which owns the channel, at a time when the Doha government is playing a key role in mediation efforts to halt the war in Gaza. Neither Qatar nor the broadcaster immediately commented.

Israel has long had a rocky relationship with Al Jazeera, accusing it of unfair bias against Israel. Relations took a major downturn nearly two years ago when Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh was killed during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian-American journalist was well-known across the Arab world for her critical coverage of Israel, and the channel accused Israel of intentionally killing her. Israel denied the charge, saying she was likely killed by Israeli fire in what appeared to be an accidental shooting.

Those relations further deteriorated following the outbreak of Israels war against Hamas on Oct. 7, when the militant group carried out a cross-border attack in southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.

In December, an Israeli strike killed an Al Jazeera cameraman as he reported on the war in southern Gaza. The channels bureau chief in Gaza, Wael Dahdouh, was injured in the same attack.

The network also blamed Israel for killing Dahdouhs son in a strike in January. Hamza Dahdouh was working for Al Jazeera when the strike hit a car he was traveling, it reported. The army later said that Hamza Dahdouh was a member of Islamic Jihad, a militant group that joined the Oct. 7 attack with Hamas.

Wael Dahdouhs wife, daughter and another son were killed along with his grandson in another Israeli strike last October. The channel broadcast images of Dahdouh entering the hospital and giving way to grief as he peered over the body of his dead son. Israel has not said who the target of that strike was.

Al Jazeera is one of the few international media outlets to remain in Gaza throughout the war, broadcasting bloody scenes of airstrikes and overcrowded hospitals and accusing Israel of massacres. Israel accuses Al Jazeera of collaborating with Hamas.

Al Jazeera harmed Israels security, actively participated in the Oct. 7 massacre, and incited against Israeli soldiers. It is time to remove the bullhorn of Hamas from our country, Netanyahu said on X, formerly Twitter.

He said he planned on acting immediately under the authorities of the newly passed law. The terror channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel, he said.

Al Jazeera has been closed or blocked by other Mideast governments, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Egypt has banned Al Jazeera since 2013. It launched the crackdown after the 2013 military overthrow of an elected but divisive government dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood group. Egypt considers the Brotherhood a terrorist group and accused both Qatar and Al Jazeera of supporting it.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the U.S. does not always agree with Al Jazeera's coverage, but respects its work.

We support the independent free press anywhere in the world, he said. And much of what we know about what has happened in Gaza is because of reporters who are there doing their jobs, including reporters from Al Jazeera.

Israel has in the past threatened to shutter Al Jazeera but never did so. Mondays law did not immediately close the station but it authorizes officials to do so after consultations and approval from legal and security officials. Any order would be valid only through July 31 or the end of the war in Gaza.

Israels communications minister, Shlomo Karhi, said he intended to move forward with the closure. He said Al Jazeera has been acting as a propaganda arm of Hamas by encouraging armed struggle against Israel.

It is impossible to tolerate a media outlet, with press credentials from the Government Press Office and offices in Israel, would act from within against us, certainly during wartime, he said.

His office said the order would seek to block the channels broadcasts in Israel and prevent it from operating in the country. The order would not apply to the West Bank or Gaza.

Al Jazeeras local bureau chief, Walid Al-Omari, said late Monday that the station had not heard from Israeli authorities. But its clear its a question of time and they will take the decision within days, he told The Associated Press.

But punishing the channel could be risky. Qatar has been acting as a chief mediator between Israel and Hamas. It helped broker and sponsor a weeklong cease-fire in November, and has been hosting weeks of on-and-off talks aimed at brokering another pause in fighting.

By targeting Al Jazeera, Israel could be trying to push Qatar to put additional pressure on Hamas to make concessions. Netanyahu has in the past accused Qatar of not doing enough. But it also risks alienating Qatar, a wealthy energy-rich Gulf state that is one of the few countries with influence over Hamas.

Israel has come under heavy criticism from press-freedom groups during the war. The Committee to Protect Journalists says 90 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the war, in addition to two Israeli journalists. Israel also has barred international journalists from entering Gaza independently to cover the war. The army has allowed small groups of journalists to enter Gaza on brief, highly controlled visits under military escort.

Hagar Shechter, an attorney with the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said the law violates the right for free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of occupation, and undermines separation of powers. She added that the group plans to file a petition with Israels Supreme Court against the law.

Oren Persico, a staff writer at the Seventh Eye, an independent media watchdog website in Israel, said the law was a watered-down version of legislation sought by the countrys far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, due to pushback from legal experts.

The closure needs an expert opinion from a top security official deeming the network harming Israels security. The order would then need Cabinet or parliamentary approval, and further approval from the courts.

Persico said most worrying was that other media, including Israeli outlets, could also be in the line of fire.

Whats important here isnt Al Jazeera, its about the authority that the government has to shut down media, its a slippery slope, he said.

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The Middle East economy remains resilient despite challenges from oil cuts and geopolitical turbulence, says the latest PwC Middle East Economy Watch.

The non-oil sector's growth is anticipated to stay robust, buoyed by a stronger-than-expected non-oil GDP performance in 2023 and Purchasing Manager Indices (PMI) in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are solidly in expansionary territory in early 2024.

The report emphasises the potential of green finance to hasten economic diversification and job creation across the region, while also attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). It delves into three themes:

* Oil cuts are extended, but the non-oil sector remains robust: Opec+ members have agreed to extend production cuts into the second quarter of this year, recognising slower growth in demand for oil, alongside the risk of increasing supply from non-Opec+ countries. The production cuts mean that the oil sector will likely contract in 2024 compared to last year. Saudi Arabia has also paused its plans to increase oil production capacity given supply/demand dynamics. However, this move will free up capital for investment in alternative energy projects, including gas and renewable energy sources.

Currently, Qatar has announced ambitious plans for the expansion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) capabilities, particularly with the introduction of the North Field West project. This initiative marks a significant phase in Qatar's strategy to enhance its LNG production capacity, further cementing its position in the global LNG market, and is in line with the more optimistic prospects for gas compared to oil, and its appeal due to the lower carbon emissions associated with gas.

* Trade corridors: The disruption to Red Sea trade has revived discussions around the need for alternative trade corridors. Two major trade routes proposed in recent years are the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and Iraqs Development Road, both having their challenges and advantages. Progress on either initiative is unlikely until the current conflict is resolved.

* Green financing gathers pace: There is a growing momentum around green financing following the success of COP28 and the introduction of green finance frameworks in the region. In 2023, the issuance of green bonds and sukuk in the Middle East doubled to $24 billion, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This momentum continues in 2024, with Oman publishing a Sustainable Finance Framework, while Qatars finance minister announced at Davos that its debut green bond would be coming soon. Saudi Arabia is also considering a sovereign green issuance, in addition to the large sums raised by the PIF.

Richard Boxshall, Partner and Chief Economist, PwC Middle East, commented: Oil demand plays a key role in influencing the growth of oil-exporting Middle East countries. Nonetheless, strong growth in the non-oil sector is expected to counterbalance these impacts.

Stephen Anderson, Partner, Middle East Strategy Leader, PwC Middle East, said: The region is increasingly focusing on sustainability, aligning with net zero ambitions and the imperative for economic diversification. The growth in green finance is a strong indication of this focus and has the potential to enhance the region's appeal to foreign investors. - TradeArabia News Service
(Bloomberg) -- Nippon Steel Corp. made what it calls a formal commitment on spending and jobs to the United Steelworkers union, backing up a pledge made in an earlier meeting as the Japanese steelmaker looks to build support for its $14.1 billion acquisition of United States Steel Corp.

Nippon Steel delivered the proposed bilateral agreement last week, according to two people familiar with the matter and a letter sent to US Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman. Both are Pennsylvania Democrats who have opposed the purchase.

The document puts in writing pledges made previously in a meeting between leadership of Nippon Steel and the union  which have so far failed to sway the labor group. It includes an additional $1.4 billion in capital spending, as well as no layoffs as a result of this transaction and no layoffs through at least the term of the existing labor agreement, which expires in 2026, according to the letter to the senators.

Nippon Steels new president has pledged to press ahead with the takeover, despite opposition led by President Joe Biden, who has said US Steel should be American-owned.

Shares of US Steel rose as much as 3.1% to $42.05 in New York on Monday.

Nippon Steels New Chief Says Deal Will Only Strengthen US Steel

Nippon Steels document to the union is being sent for review and discussion, according to the letter to the senators. Its delivery was first reported by CTFN.

The Japanese company and its US arm are committed to take the steps necessary to establish a respectful, cooperative, and productive relationship with the USW workers at US Steel facilities, the companies wrote in the letter to the senators.

Make no mistake about it  Nippon Steel has the resources, the technology, and the will to revitalize US Steel and breathe new life into the American steel industry, they wrote.

The letter to the senators outlines pledges Nippon Steel has made that will be included in the proposal. Those include a commitment not to shut-down or idle facilities covered by the labor deal at least until it expires; a commitment to share leading-end technology at the sites; a commitment to revisit plans for three blast furnaces; a commitment to share audit of financial statements; and a commitment that U.S. Steel jobs and production will remain in the United States.

We are committed to Pennsylvania, they wrote. We will bring to Pennsylvania our advanced steelmaking technologies and our world-class steelmaking know-how to produce the high-grade steel that American manufacturers want in Pennsylvania and around the country.

The political opposition to the deal is closely tied to the unions public resistance. Pennsylvania is a key battleground state in this years election campaign, both for Bidens reelection bid against Donald Trump and in the Senate, where Casey is seeking another term.

The letter to the senators was in response to one they sent to the firms earlier in March, citing grave concern that both companies are falling short of their commitments and obligations to Pennsylvanias workers.

In that March 19 letter, Casey and Fetterman called on Nippon Steel and US Steel to promptly be able to produce binding legal commitments to maintain these agreements, protect workers, and alleviate concerns about successorship.

US-based Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has also pursued a purchase of US Steel, with Chief Executive Officer Lourenco Goncalves saying he has talked to the Biden administration about ways to avoid antitrust concerns.

Whether a rival bid will materialize again  and whether Bidens administration will, or can, ultimately block the Nippon Steel purchase  remains unclear.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a US auto industry trade group, wrote the White House on Friday warning that any deal between US Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs would leave the latter with total or near total control of steel manufacturing in the US, could lead to anti-competitive pricing for the auto sector and deserves at least the same or more antitrust scrutiny.

(Adds shares in fifth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Lady Rose Hanbury's United Kingdom estate Houghton Hall has refuted claims regarding the possession of antique valuables allegedly looted from China, as per a Hindustan Times report. The accusations arose following scrutiny towards artefacts in the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley's grand residence.

Boasting approximately 106 rooms, Houghton Hall is among the UK's most magnificent mansions, attracting numerous tourists yearly for its architectural heritage.

Social Media Accusations Chinese TikTok users recently targeted Houghton Hall, alleging that the historic estate harbours treasures taken during China's last imperial dynasty. Images of the Grade I listed house circulated widely on social media platforms, despite assertions from the estate that no stolen belongings are within its premises.

The Marquess David Cholmondeley (63) and his wife, Rose Hanbury (40), faced criticism for allegedly possessing "pillaged loot" acquired from the Baghdadi Jewish Sassoon family, renowned as "the Rothschilds of the East."

The Sassoons amassed wealth in the 19th century through trade in opium, tea, and textiles across China and India, particularly during China's 'century of humiliation' (18391845). Notably, the Marquess is a descendant.

While the origins of certain objects remain uncertain, a TikTok user posted interior pictures of Houghton Hall, suggesting ties to the Sassoons' wealth accumulation through looting in late Qing China.

Response from Houghton Hall In response, a representative for Houghton Hall clarified that the Chinese-origin items in question were acquired by the Walpole family, Houghton's original owners, during the Qing Dynasty. The spokesperson affirmed that these items were not looted but produced for export to Europe, echoing the prevalence of similar collections in country houses across Europe and America.
China launches an amphibious attack on Taiwan. The U.S. responds with a missile attack to sink Chinese ships. Within minutes, California is plunged into darkness, followed by New York and Washington. Electric trucks around America start crashing into other vehicles.

This may seem far-fetched, but government climate policies are making it easier for the Chinese Communist Party to wage a multifront cyberattack. Even the Biden administration is raising alarms about how malign actors could exploit electric vehicles, chargers and rooftop solar systems to wreak havoc on the homeland.

So-called distributed energy systems provide an increasing number of entry points to the grid. An academic study last November modeled a case in which a remote attacker commandeered public EV chargers to create electric frequency distortions that led to a systemwide blackout in Manhattan.

Such attacks will become feasible by 2030 with increased EV adoption," the authors warned. President Biden hopes to install 500,000 public EV chargers by 2030. Thats 500,000 potential bots Americas enemies could turn into weapons to take down the grid.

Rooftop solar and renewable generators are similarly vulnerable. A 2022 Energy Department cybersecurity briefing noted that distributed renewable generators could be more vulnerable than fossil-fuel and nuclear plants to cyberattacks because their output is highly configurable in unique and powerful ways" and software-driven and digital-controlled."

As more solar is installed and inverters become more advanced, this risk grows," the Energy Department warns. If a solar inverters software isnt updated and secure, its data could be intercepted and manipulated. An attacker could also embed code in an inverter that could spread malware into the larger power system." Notably, Chinese companies including Huaweiwhose telecom equipment the U.S. has blacklisted for national-security reasonsdominate the global solar-inverter market.

EVs present their own risks. New cars are equipped with high-tech software that improves navigation, fuel efficiency and safety. EVs additionally connect to the grid when they charge and are controlled by software systems that can be updated remotely. Tesla has been able to increase a vehicles battery range and power input simply with a remote software update.

Many Chinese EVs are even more advanced than those coming off U.S. assembly lines. They can alert drivers when a traffic light is about to turn green and trigger flashing lights or audible warnings if a driver appears to be getting drowsy.

But these systems rely on sensors, facial recognition and microphones that can collect sensitive information. Vehicles can record audio and video, as well as gather intel about the drivers identity, finances and contacts if his phone is connected by Bluetooth. If the idea of the government using smart cars" to surveil and control society sounds Orwellian, welcome to the Peoples Republic of China.

The Associated Press reported in 2018 that China was requiring automakers operating in the country, including foreign-owned companies like Tesla, to transmit real-time data on drivers of alternative energy vehicles" to government monitoring centers. Heres betting Chinese mandarins dont want this data only to nab speeders.

Enter the Commerce Department, which in March launched a national-security investigation into vehicles that connect to the grid and other critical infrastructure and that are designed, developed or manufactured by foreign adversaries. Connected vehicles from China could collect sensitive data about our citizens and our infrastructure and send this data back to the Peoples Republic of China," Mr. Biden warned as he ordered the probe. These vehicles could be remotely accessed or disabled."

Pervasive data sharing of sensitive information, the Commerce Department warns, reflects the Chinese governments broader approach to co-opting private companiesone that raises significant concerns about how the PRC government might exploit the growing presence" of Chinese-made vehicles in foreign markets.

Chinese electric passenger cars havent penetrated the U.S. market in part because of 25% tariffs. American consumers also havent warmed to EVs. But businesses and governments are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to electrify their fleets to meet their CO2 emissions goals. Many are now turning to Chinese EV manufacturer BYD.

BYD ranked as Californias top seller of electric trucks in 2022 and second in buses, mostly used by public-transit agencies, ports and airports. A congressional investigation this year revealed suspicious cellular modems in Chinese cranes at U.S. ports. Dont think Chinese electric trucks pose the same risks?

You dont have to be paranoid to wonder whether Beijing has egged on the Wests climate obsession because Chinese leaders view green technology as a tool they can exploit. Some of the technologys national-security risks can probably be mitigated, but not when the government is putting the pedal to the metal.
It was in 1867 under the British Raj that India adopted a fiscal year starting 1 April, when James Wilson was finance minister. Not only was the date arbitrary, so was annual accounting, drawn as it was from agriculture. Although other institutions traceable to early farminglike patriarchyhave been challenged, the idea of an annual reckoner has endured for centuries with little resistance. Even so, both longer and shorter cycles have had advocates. Stints to elected office span half a decade for the same reason that central planners came up with five-year plans: Its seen as the least time it takes to make a big difference. Market-oriented or not, an economys path is guided by variables that can take as long as seven years to varyand adjust. Similar logic backs business gurus who insist a CEO needs a span of many years for anything more than a tactical strategy to play out. Hence the Hindi term quarter se quarter tak," a snarky reference to market pressure on companies for shiny quarterly results. Long horizons matterwhich is why the Viksit Bharat goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumes significance. It focuses Indian minds on how India can best emerge as a developed country by 2047 to mark a century of freedom.

As finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at a Mint summit on Saturday, we expect to have a billion citizens in the middle-income bracket by then. Our labour market, meanwhile, has been under debate for the pivotal role it will be expected to play, one way or another. Not only must our economy grow at an annual average of about 8%, this growth needs to be inclusive enough to uplift the bulk of our population by 2047. A broad look at our current profile of jobs would put the big asks in context. Despite post-pandemic improvements detected by official surveys, we have low participation in the overall labour force (especially of women), too few formal job-holders amid too many self-employed, and weak wage escalation amid a sticky problem of joblessness (mostly among the youth) that has only shown a modest recovery from covid. The past half decade also saw a classic old exodus of workers from farmsour biggest employerto low-skill service and construction jobs suffer a setback, while new factories have only just begun picking up the slack. Its a far cry from a rich economys HR profile, but exactly how far we lag is hard to ascertain. Data offers a glazed view, at best, and labour trends have been hit by shocks like Indias 2016 note-ban and 2020 lockdown. A gloomy view of how were placed emerges from the India Employment Report 2024 released by the Institute for Human Development and International Labour Organization. Among other statistics, its 2022 figure of four-fifths of our jobless being youthwith more educated than illiterate folks unable to find workhas evoked gasps. But its frailties must not be missed. Oddly, the time-frame of its study runs from either 2000 or 2005 to 2022. Since it lacks evenly spaced data-points and ends in a covid-hit year, its trend portrayals lack a reliable basis. Even its dismal take on how our educated youth are doing can be challenged.

Given the value of long-horizon projects, its sad that Indias labour records are too patchy to offer us a snapshot we can take as a testament of reality. Whats hard to deny is that our market remains rigid, we risk facing a middle-income trap at some point, and our 2047 goal may elude us if we under-invest in education and healthcare. All said, this needs a fiscal fix. Like infrastructure, it cant be left to market forces.
At the time Egypts pyramids were being constructed, one of the cradles of global civilization emerged the Indus Valley around the borders of Pakistan and India. Its grid-planned cities produced sewerage networks, delicate artworks and an undeciphered writing system. Then, a 900-year drought [is thought to have] emptied its urban areas and sent its population back to a simpler, poorer village life on the plains of the River Ganga.

Something grimly similar is happening right now. Tech professionals are leaving Indias IT hub of Bengaluru amid an intensifying drought that has gripped the city as it sweats through another torrid pre-monsoon season, The Deccan Herald reported this month. More than half of the wells the city depends on for groundwater have dried up after failed rains last year, leaving businesses and citizens dependent on trucked-in water tankers.

In neighbouring Keralawhich catches much of the monsoon rainfall before it reaches inland stretches of Karnatakaa minister has written to Bengalurus companies, suggesting they relocate because water is not an issue at all" in his state, The Times of India reported.

That seems in poor taste in southern India, where fights over the distribution of river flows between parched states have gone on for decades. These pressures are only going to grow as populations rise and climate change makes the cycles of drought and monsoon more pronounced.

Thats not just a regional problem, but an issue for the country as a whole and the world at large. The southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for just about 15% of Indias population but they generate about a quarter of GDP thanks to the strong performance of their technology and manufacturing sectors. The global economy is counting on that engine of growth to take over in the years ahead, as China slows toward stagnation.

Southern India lacks the huge reserves provided by the Himalayan snowpack in the north, making water shortages a fact of life. Chennai went through a comparable emergency in 2019, while the current drought is also biting in Hyderabad.

Existing policies are not helping fix a problem will require making hard compromises with two of Indias most politically sensitive industries: agriculture and power generation.

The households struggling with water restrictions right now only consume about 7% of Indias water. The overwhelming majority, 85% or so, goes to farming.

While rainfall cannot simply be transferred from a paddy farm to a tech workers kitchen tap, the groundwater thats running out in Bengaluru ultimately shares its aquifers with rural water tables. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are two of the most important growing states for sugarcane, a notoriously thirsty crop. Far from seeking to rein in this trade, the government is encouraging planting with mandated prices and export subsidies that have landed New Delhi in years of disputes at the World Trade Organization.

India now produces enough sugar to meet its populations needs twice over and production will remain higher than demand well into the 2040s, according to a recent report from government thinktank Niti Aayog. Meanwhile, the increased cane production required by the central governments ethanol-blending policy could consume an additional 348 billion cubic metres of water, according to a 2020 studyaround twice what is used by every city in the country.

Coal-fired electricity is another water hog. Thermal generators need to suck giga-litres from rivers to cool their turbine circuits. The power sector may account for more than a quarter of Karnatakas urban water consumption by 2030, according to a 2014 study. Much of that electricity goes back into agriculture. As well as sucking up groundwater, Indias millions of grid-connected electric pumps put further stress on the power system, accounting for about a fifth of electricity consumption.

Its unlikely that, with general elections just weeks away, these persistent problems will be tackled any time soon. But they cant be ignored. Bengaluru and Hyderabad have prospered by earning a reputation as some of Indias best cities for upwardly-mobile professionals, blessed with relatively clean air and a milder climate. Should institutional failures turn urban clean water into a privilege rather than a right, their attractions will diminish, dissipating the development benefits of urban growth and agglomeration.

India is determined to escape the fate of its Indus Valley forebears, and prosper through this coming era of climate change. To do so, it will need to put the needs of its thirsty cities first. bloomberg
The first thing students learn in Economics is that human beings act rationally. So, when a price comes down, we buy more of the product. This was the micro part of the story. Summed up, this created a macro picture, which tautologically led to rational decisions. The assumption of rationality was based on the tenet of self-interest made popular by Adam Smith. It was among the underlying assumptions of classical economic theorists.

Things have been turned upside down by behavioural economists, including Professor Daniel Kahneman of Princeton, who died recently. No, we are not always rational and hence do not always take the right decision. Kahneman, a student of psychology who did not formally study Economics, achieved global fame as our leading behavioural economist after his book Thinking, Fast and Slow was published, explaining his work with his late friend Amos Tversky.

Kahneman showed that a $5 discount on a product costing $15 would make us drive miles to get this benefit, while we would not do so if the $5 off came on something priced at, say, $115. Thats absence of rationality, as the $5 figure looks different based on the anchor or vantage point we take. His book became epochal and we can see ourselves in such situations very often.

The concept of thinking fast can be related to impulsive behaviour, like when we do things instinctively, often without any rationale. Over-eating is a good example; we know it is not good, yet indulge in it at times.

Kahneman believed such impulsive behaviour is really strong and guides us more often than not. It is literally a kind of auto-pilot response driven by cognitive bias. Just a few years ago, when covid struck, the standard response of most governments was similar, with lockdowns being imposed. It was not well-conceived, as no country thought of its consequences and simply took a cue from China mindlessly. Kahnemans theory of a snappy response thus holds for governments too. The Israeli attack on Gaza, where Hamas is based, would qualify as a case of fast thinking on the part of a government.

Contrast this with the second form of behaviour that Kahneman describes: thinking slow, so as to arrive at deliberative or logical decisions. For example, we may decide to buy a house in a particular locality after thinking it through. This differs vastly from a decision taken at an individual level of buying a mobile phone, say, or a pair of shoes, where impulse may be a major driving factor. The Hamas attack on Israel last October was probably of this variety.

Kahnemans theory is relevant for running any business, especially if it is consumer-facing. Companies have to distinguish between products with steady demand based on peoples needs and those that can be swayed by impulse. The difference shapes how advertising services are employed to drive demand for products and services with distinct drivers. This holds more so for new products. Even human vulnerabilities are leveraged by marketers, with attributes like skin complexion or health associations being highlighted to derive an impulsive response. Super markets also know how to display their goods so that a stroll through the racks will lead one to impulse temptations. The goods that we want would anyway be placed on interior shelves while we are exposed to products that can trigger fast thinking purchases.

Hence, while marketers had already worked their way through our minds in designing products and marketing strategies, the field of Economics owes much to Kahneman and others for formalizing these actions through rigorous theory based on human psychology. Its important because impulsive thinking is common even in formulating public policy, as we saw during the pandemic, with deliberation given very little space.

Kahnemans theory applies to much that we encounter in our lives. Especially telling is the notion of loss aversion, which can be traced to his theory. Yes, most of us are willing to forgo potential gains once we evaluate the possible loss that goes along with it. This explains why the stock market, though catching on in the country, still scares a large number of retail investors who hear of crashes and the like. Kahneman explained this through Prospect Theory, which showed that individuals prefer a lower gain thats certain over a less-likely higher profit. We value losses and gains differently and feel worse about losing $100 than we feel good about making the same amount.

It is probable that most actions taken in financial markets, including those for foreign exchange or domestic bonds, are driven by fast thinking dealers. This has been worried about for long, as taking decisions based on price movements does not allow much time to think; only micro-seconds are available. Slow thinking belongs to the realm of research, where the past is analysed and patterns ascertained.

Kahnemans contribution to the universe of academic thought has been remarkable, as his work explains how many of the decisions taken by us are not rational. This also means that Economics as a subject has expanded out of its traditional mould and branched into deeper recesses, like Econometrics first and now Behavioural Economics.

These are the authors personal views.
Congress leader KC Venugopal announced on Monday that the party will release its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on April 5. The event will take place at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office in New Delhi.

He further informed that subsequently, the Congress will hold two mega rallies on April 6  in Jaipur and Hyderabad.

"In Jaipur, INC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi will be launching the manifesto addressing the Mega Rallies," the Congress General Secretary said.

He said Rahul Gandhi will also address the manifesto launch mega rally in Hyderabad.

"Our focus has always been on giving the country a welfare-oriented, pro-development vision and that will be presented to the people for this election as well," Venugopal said.

Lok Sabha Election schedule Voting for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will begin on April 19. The elections for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases. The results will be announced on June 4.

The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies will be held on April 19, covering 21 states and union territories. The second phase for 89 constituencies will be held on April 26 and the third phase for 94 constituencies on May 7.

The fourth phase of voting for 96 seats will be held on May 13, covering 10 states and union territories and the fifth phase for 49 seats on May 20, covering eight states and union territories.
The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has sparked a political discourse between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre and the INDIA bloc, a multi-party political alliance including Congress, AAP, CPI(M) and others.

Top INDIA leaders have accused the BJP of misusing the central agencies by registering cases against opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Calling it a washing machine party, they stated that if the opposition leader joins the BJP, then the case against him will be closed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with Tamil Nadu-based Thanthi TV on Sunday, refuted the allegations and said that the central agencies function independently. "We don't direct them (agencies).

PM Modi stressed, We neither obstruct nor direct their actions. They work independently, and this is evaluated by the scales of the judiciary.

PM further stressed that the ED is handling approximately 7000 cases, with less than 3% of them related to politicians. During their (the opposition) 10-year rule, the amount of money seized was only 35 lakh. On the other hand, we have seized 2200 crore, Modi stated.

Regarding the opposition's accusations that enforcement agencies were targeting individuals not affiliated with the ruling BJP, the Prime Minister asserted that the ED follows the same procedure to initiate a case, "irrespective of the ruling party in power."

"Regardless of the party, the process is the same. The ED cannot initiate any case on its own; various department need to file the cases first, then the ED takes action. The PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) law has existed since before, but they (opposition) did not use it. Over 150 court cases were filed to exempt the PMLA law, and they even went to the Supreme Court to remove or retain an officer. They used the judiciary as a weapon because they know Modis actions against corruption wont stop. They think they can stop these organisations through the courts, he remarked.

On January 31, the former Jharkhand chief minister, Hemant Soren, was detained by the ED in relation to alleged land mining scandal. Subsequently, on March 21, the ED arrested the Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in connection with a case involving the excise policy.

Political parties from various backgrounds have criticized the Enforcement Directorate's arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case related to the excise policy, labelling it as violative of the spirit of democracy.
Delhi's Rouse Avenue court sends Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in the excise policy-linked money laundering case.

As reported by ANI, Delhi CM said, What the PM is doing is not good for the country.

He appeared before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja in a crowded courtroom.

Members of the AAP, including Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal, were in attendance.

Kejriwal was arrested by the federal probe agency on March 21 in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel said, I do not expect anything from this (ED Custody) hearing... Why did they change the laws of ED? They had wrong intentions. If they have made someone a target from the political point of view, he cannot escape. He cannot get out of jail.

The next day, Special Judge Baweja ordered him to remain in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) until March 28.

Subsequently, the court granted the ED's request for an extension of his custodial interrogation by four days until April 1.

In its remand application, the probe agency has accused the AAP leader of being involved in the entire conspiracy of Delhi liquor scam, in drafting and implementation of the policy, for favouring and benefiting the quid pro receiving kickbacks and eventually using part of proceeds of crime generated out of the scheduled offence in the election campaign for Goa Assembly elections.

In a rally of solidarity against the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister, leaders of the INDIA bloc convened at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday.

Among the attendees were former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and other leaders from the INDIA bloc.

The rally also saw the participation of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal, and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren.

Sunita Kejriwal, wife of AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, was also present
Launching her Lok Sabha election campaign from West Bengal's Krishnanagar constituency, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned people that applying under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA would designate them as foreigners and advised against it.

She further challenged the saffron party to win 200 constituencies, while reiterating that she will not allow the implementation of CAA in the state.

As reported by PTI, Banerjee cited the BJP as a jumla party, the TMC supremo accused the BJP of peddling lies regarding the CAA, stating that Modi's guarantee on CAA is a zero guarantee.

The CAA is a trap to turn legal citizens into foreigners. Once you implement CAA, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will follow. We would allow neither CAA nor NRC in West Bengal. Don't fall for the false assurance of the central government. If you apply, you will be designated as a foreigner for five years, Banerjee said.

She expressed doubt about having a member from the census department on the CAA committee, Why has such a member been included if they have no plan for NRC in the future? The CAA is the head and the NRC is the tail.

Why are BJP leaders not applying for citizenship under the CAA? It is because if they apply, they will have to declare themselves as foreigners and therefore cannot contest the election anymore, she claimed.

Banerjee brought attention to a case where a young person, concerned about the CAA, tragically took their own life in the Sonarpur region of the South 24 Parganas district.

Reaching out to the Matuas, who are expected to benefit most from the implementation of the CAA, the TMC supremo urged the community to have faith in her, stating she would never allow anyone to snatch your citizenship.

Matuas, please have faith in me. I will not allow anyone to snatch your citizenship. Do you want that (citizenship to be snatched) or want to live peacefully? Through CAA, they will snatch everything from you and keep you in a detention camp, she said, while addressing her first rally in the election season.

The Matuas, originally hailing from East Pakistan, constitute a vulnerable Hindu community that migrated to India during the partition and the formation of Bangladesh due to religious persecution. Their substantial population and cohesive voting tendencies have rendered them a coveted voting group for political parties in West Bengal.

Under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), whose regulations were announced on March 13, the government will commence granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrantscomprising Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christiansfrom Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, provided they arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Mamata Banerjee further accused the BJP-led Union government of employing central agencies against her party's leaders, Banerjee stated, Every day, CBI, ED, and Income Tax teams are being dispatched to the homes of our leaders.

She asked, "If the BJP is confident of winning 400 seats, why are they sending CBI and ED teams to our leaders' houses? Why are officers from Bengal being sent to other states?"

Banerjee vehemently condemned the central government for the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. She remarked, They arrested Arvind Kejriwal but they couldn't stop him from working. He is still working from jail.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government of looting citizen's "hard-earning money through banks". He said the BJP-led government "mastered the art of ruining the banking sector through demonetisation". In 2016, the central government demonetised  500 and  1,000 banknotes.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Kharge noted three ways in which the PM Modi-led government is allegedly using the banking sector to loot people of the country.

"Modi saheb, banks play a major role in the country's economy, and you have used banks to destroy the unorganized sector and MSMEs...the public's hard-earned money has been looted through banks," he said.

In one of three points, Kharge said, "In the last four years, your government looted 35,000 crore from the public's pocket for not maintaining minimum balance in banks."

He mentioned that during the Congress-UPA government in 2012, the charge on Monthly Average Balance was abolished. However, "the Modi government started collecting it again in 2016," Kharge said.

"Modi government imposed a tax on withdrawing and depositing one's own money from ATM/Bank," the Congress chief added.

Kharge also alleged that the BJP government did not waive off the loans of farmers, but waived off loans worth 19 lakh crore of big businessmen in the last six years.

"In the last 6 years alone, the Modi government has written off loans worth more than 3 lakh crore of willful defaulters. Why?" he asked.

Kharge said, "20% of Jan-Dhan accounts are lying inactive...People will not forgive" the BJP in this election!"

Kharge's statement came just ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said India needs to increase its economic self-reliance in the next 10 years to mitigate the impact of global crises, and make rupee more accessible and acceptable throughout the world.

He was addressing the opening ceremony of the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Mumbai. The RBI commenced its operations on April 1, 1935.
Arvind Kejriwal will remain the Chief Minister of Delhi, but his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, is likely to assume a "significant role" in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the coming days, party sources told news agency PTI on Sunday.

Sunita Kejriwal has been at the forefront of the Opposition's protest against the arrest of her husband, Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi chief minister was arrested on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy.

On March 31, Sunita attended the INDIA bloc's "Loktantra Bachao" rally at the Ramlila ground, "making her political debut", reported PTI.

At the grand rally, she called Arvind Kejriwal a "lion" who "lives in the hearts of millions of people". She even read out a message penned by Arvind Kejriwal from the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody.

She also slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for keeping Arvind Kejriwal in jail despite the court "not calling him guilty".

"The EDs investigation has concluded and the court hasnt called him guilty so why have they kept him in jail? Their aim is only to keep him in jail during the Lok Sabha elections," Sunita Kejriwal said.

"The people of the country will answer to this dictatorship," she said on Monday after a city court sent the Delhi CM to judicial custody till April 15.

Sunita Kajriwal  'a Rabri Devi in the making' Union Minister and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said that a "Rabri Devi is in the making" in an apparent reference to Sunita Kejriwal.

"I have already said three-four times in the past seven-10 days that 'Rabri Devi' will come forward now. I mean to say that Sunita Kejriwal will come forward now...," Puri said.

Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur had also compared Sunita Kejriwal to Rabri Devi earlier. Speaking to news agency ANI, Thakur had said that like Rabri, Sunita is making announcements for his arrested husband, and will gradually" catch hold of the chief minister's chair.

Rabri Devi is former Bihar chief minister and wife of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. Speaking to PTI, senior advocate Ajit Sinha said when Lalu Yadav was sent to jail, he was initially of the view that the government could be run from the jail. However, later he made his spouse Rabri Devi his successor.

Arvind Kejriwal in jail Kejriwal is the fourth top AAP leader who has been lodged in the Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy case. Earlier, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, ex-health minister Satyendar Jain and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were sent to jail for their alleged involvement in the "scam".
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday lodged a complaint with the Elections Commission (EC) of India against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for releasing personal details of BJP candidate and Sandeshkhali protester Rekha Patra. The BJP brought the EC's attention to a "very derogatory post" made by the TMC Social Media Incharge Debganshu Bhattacharya and the party's official handle on X.

"The post carried personal details of the BJP candidate - Ms. Rekha Patra from Basirhat [in West Bengal] and mocked her for being a beneficiary of a health scheme. Swasthya Sarthi and Duare Sarkar Scheme of the State Government in malicious and mala fide manner with the sole intent of showing her in poor light," the BJP said in its complaint.

The saffron party said that it was a clear violation of her right to privacy wherein her personal details including her personal phone number and her bank details were also published.

How did a political party access this confidential governmental private data of beneficiaries?" the BJP asked. Referring to the matter, the BJP accused the TMC of -violating Fundamental Right guaranteed by the Constitution of India, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, IPC, Electoral Laws and MCC".

It added that the TMC's action "is a matter of great concern and is in contravention to the settled principles of Free & Fair elections with level playing field for all contesting parties. The controversy erupted just ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

The TMC tweet at centre of controversy The BJP was referring to a tweet posted by the TMC on March 28. In the post, the TMC said the BJP's MP candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra, "plays the ultimate game of hypocrisy, enjoying the benefits of Mamata Banerjee's schemes while aligning herself with Delhi's JOMIDARS (BJP)."

The post also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme a "failure" in comparison to the West Bengal Chief Minister's Swasthya Sathi scheme.

"PM Narendra Modi, the next time you call her, don't forget to inquire about her Swasthya Sathi card. It might help you understand how our leader's brainchild, Swasthya Sathi, surpasses the failed Ayushman Bharat scheme," the TMC posted.

The TMC has attached a screenshot of the personal details of Patra to prove that she is a beneficiary of the state government's scheme.

NCW chief reacts National Commission for Women chief Rekha Sharma reacted to the TMC's social media post and asked if Mamata Banerjee is paying to the beneficiaries "from her own pocket? "

"Is Mamata Banerjee paying from her own pocket? That's taxpayers' money and is for every citizen of West Bengal. Is it only for AITC workers? And what do you mean by Delhi's Jomidars? Is West Bengal not part of India? You people behave as if Momta Benarji own the state," Sharma said in a post on X.

Who is Rekha Patra? Rekha Patra is the BJP candidate from West Bengal's Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency and a victim of the Sandeshkhali violence. '

Sandeshkhali is a village in the Basirhat subdivision, which falls under the North 24 Parganas district. Basirhat, one of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, is currently represented by the TMC.

Patra is an alleged victim of torture at the hands of arrested and now-suspended TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides, news agency PTI reported. She was among the most vocal protestors of Sandeshkhali. The police arrested Shibu Hazra, a local muscleman and Shajahan Sheikh's associate, based on her complaint.
Ayurvedic wellness centres, homeopathy clinics and Unani hospitals across the country may soon have integrated accreditation standards, as the government pushes to widen the reach and popularity of alternative medicine.

The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare (NABH) has requested stakeholders views on common accreditation standards it plans to issue by June, chief executive Atul Mohan Kochhar said. The decision was taken to ensure ease of business for the wellness centres, he added.

This is for the first time that a common set of guidelines will be introduced for the Ayurveda-associated hospitals, clinics and wellness centres," Kochhar said in an interview. AYUSH has got seven disciplinesAyurveda, yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and homeopathy. We already had different set of accreditation guidelines for these disciplines but now, there is going to be only one," he said.

The proposal comes in the wake of the insurance regulator recently bringing AYUSH treatments under health insurance coverage. Starting 1 April, insurers must have board-approved policies outlining their approach towards placing AYUSH treatments at par with other treatments. Currently, there are separate standards for AYUSH disciplines to secure NABH accreditation.

NABH has already framed a draft of the new standards with support from the Ayush ministry and the All India Institute of Ayurveda, and has asked stakeholders to submit their feedback by 15 April. Mint has seen a copy of the NABH notice.

Reji Raj, general manager and senior physician at Amal Tamara Ayurvedic Centre in Kerala, said accreditation will provide guests with an additional layer of assurance, ensuring they receive care that aligns with the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and patient-centredness.

The necessity for NABHs Integrated Accreditation Standards for Ayurveda Hospitals stems from the growing demand for standardized and quality healthcare services in the alternative medicine sector. It elevates the credibility of Ayurvedic institutions, highlighting their pivotal role in providing holistic, evidence-based care within the healthcare landscape. By obtaining accreditation, Ayurveda and Naturopathy hospitals can bolster trust and confidence among patients seeking these treatments," he added.

According to Kochhar, Ayush hospitals and clinics are popular in tier-II and III cities, and tourists from abroad visit them for healing and to seek a better lifestyle. An accreditation will give these centres a stamp of authenticity; also, we will push them to engage in conducting more scientific research and studies. Now, there will be a common standard based on the uniqueness of different categories," Kochhar added.

However, integrated accreditation might lead to confusion, the AYUSH Medical Association (Ayushma) claimed.

Ayurveda is completely different from naturopathy. All the disciplines have their individual identity and impact on health. If the standards for securing NABH accreditation become the same, it will further lead to confusion, and the requirements might not fit; Ayurveda will need a separate set of standards from Unani," said Ram Avtar Chaudhary, general secretary, Ayushma.

NABH is a constituent board of Quality Council of India, set up to establish and operate accreditation programmes for healthcare organizations.As per the Ayush ministry, India has 3,844 Ayush hospitals under various categories.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reignited a longstanding debate in Indian politics by criticizing the Congress party for relinquishing control of the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974, under Indira Gandhi's leadership. This move has elicited responses from opposition parties, bringing the island's status back into the spotlight.

What do we know about Katchatheevu?

Katchatheevu is an uninhabited island situated in the Palk Strait, lying between India and Sri Lanka. Despite its modest size of approximately 285 acres, the island has been a point of dispute between the two nations.

Historically, both countries have staked claims to Katchatheevu. Following extensive negotiations that began in the early 20th century, India and Sri Lanka signed a maritime boundary agreement in 1974, assigning the island to Sri Lankan territory.

A subsequent agreement in 1976 addressed additional maritime boundary issues, impacting Katchatheevu. While these agreements aimed to resolve the controversy, the debate over Katchatheevu persisted in Indian politics, focusing on the relinquishment of claimed territory and restrictions imposed on Indian fishermen's rights in the surrounding waters.

The genesis of the current controversy

The controversy resurfaced last week when Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of mishandling the Katchatheevu issue.

Media reports alleged DMK's M Karunanidhi's acquiescence in transferring the island to Sri Lanka, despite the party's public stand against such a move. Further fuelling the debate, foreign minister S Jaishankar cited prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru's comments from 1961 downplaying Katchatheevu's value and criticized the Indira Gandhi government's 1974 and 1976 agreements with Sri Lanka that compromised Indian fishermen's rights. This prompted a rebuttal from Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighting the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) territorial concessions to Bangladesh in 2015.

Why does this remain an issue?

Katchatheevu has remained a contentious issue, especially in Tamil Nadu's politics, since the 1974 agreement. The state's chief minister MK Stalin recently urged PM Modi to discuss the matter with Sri Lankan leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, advocating for the restoration of fishing rights or the island's transfer to India.

This issue is critical for Tamil Nadu fishermen, who have encountered difficulties with Sri Lankan authorities. Over the past 20 years, Sri Lanka has detained 6,184 Indian fishermen and 1,175 fishing vessels, Jaishankar has said.

What now?

The future course of action regarding Katchatheevu is uncertain. While the BJP's renewed attention to this matter may stem from intentions to strengthen its position in Tamil Nadu, challenging the ruling DMK, the Sri Lankan government remains firm in denying fishing rights to Indian fishermen. Some analysts have pointed out that the BJP's focus on Katchatheevu could have more to do with domestic politics as it hopes to make inroads into Tamil Nadu at the expense of the ruling DMK.
The presence of water on MarsEarths neighbour is not an alien concept. Astronomers over decades have talked about the presence of water on the Red Planet without evidence. However, a recent study by an international team has suggested that the fourth planet of the solar system from the Sun might have retained more water for a longer period than previously thought.

As the Curiosity rover of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has begun exploring a new region of Mars i.e Gediz Vallis channelappears to have been carved by an ancient riverit could reveal more about when liquid water disappeared once and for all from the Red Planets surface.

Also Read | Infosys gets demand notice of  341 crore from income tax department The rover team is focusing on the Gediz Vallis channel and searching on for evidence that would confirm how the channel was carved into the underlying bedrock. The formations sides are steep enough that the team doesnt think the channel was made by wind.

The rovers journey through this region aims to find out the process of the Gediz Vallis channel formationwhether the debris flows (rapid, wet landslides) or a river carrying rocks and sediment could have formed the bedrock. Scientists are also eager to find out whether the debris was transported by water or dry avalanches.

Since 2014, Curiosity has been ascending the foothills of Mount Sharp above the floor of Gale Crater to explore the evaluation of the Mars climate change. The study of layers in the lower part of Mount Sharp formed over millions of years may provide scientists a clue as to how the presence of both water and the chemical ingredients required for life changed over time. These layers present a chronological record of Mars environmental changes, crucial for understanding its potential for past life.

Also Read | Vistara Airlines confirms flight cancellations, delays If the channel or the debris pile were formed by liquid water, thats really interesting. It would mean that fairly late in the story of Mount Sharp  after a long dry period  water came back, and in a big way, said Curiositys project scientist, Ashwin Vasavada of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

Last year, Curiosity made a challenging ascent to study the ridge, which drapes across the slopes of Mount Sharp and seems to grow out of the end of the channel, suggesting both are part of one geologic system.
LARNACA, CyprusWhen President Biden declared in early March that the U.S. military would build a pier on the coast of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid by sea, a Spanish-American celebrity chef was already two steps ahead of the worlds mightiest fighting force.

Jose Andres had commandeered a tugboat to bring 200 tons of food on a barge from Larnaca, a port city in Cyprus, to Gazas shores for use in kitchens run by his disaster-relief group, World Central Kitchen. He had also flown to Tel Aviv to charm Israeli officials into supporting his initiative.

When the tugboat arrived in Cyprus in mid-February, everything went from impossible to maybe," said Andres. Making such leaps is the signature of the chefs philanthropy.

To reach shore after Gazas port was bombed, local contractors cobbled together a jetty from the rubble of destroyed buildings. The vessels began the three-day journey across the Mediterranean before the jetty was complete; if it wasnt ready in time, the volunteer crew would have to improvise.

In a war that poses unprecedented challenges for humanitarian organizations used to operating in the worlds toughest environments, Andress tiny but nimble charity has repeatedly set the pace. The group is punching above its weight in Gaza, where more than one million people are estimated to be starving as a result of Israels war against Hamas. While the United Nations provides nearly 80% of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, World Central Kitchen accounts for more than half of non-U.N. deliveries, mostly food, according to Cogat, the Israeli military body coordinating aid there.

Andres, a twice Michelin-starred chef who recently promoted his latest cookbook on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," started the Washington-based nonprofit in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Its field kitchens provide free, hot meals during crises, including recent earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Morocco and floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Andres first operated in a war zone in Ukraine, building a network of restaurant partners to prepare meals for displaced families.

In Gaza, home to about 2.2 million people, World Central Kitchen has delivered by its own count more than 43 million meals since October. Its main field kitchen, in the southern city of Rafah, provides 50,000 hot meals and meal kits to Palestinians daily and has its own bakery. The organization runs several other community kitchens across the Gaza Strip and offers meals to staff and patients in hospitals that are still functioning. It has delivered about a third as much food as the U.N.s World Food Program, according to Cogat.

Andres, who volunteers his time to World Central Kitchen while continuing to open new restaurants, says his main goal in launching the maritime corridor was to show that the situation in Gaza was so bad that it required such drastic measures.

Any option was better than nothing," he said in an interview. We can complain all day or we can find alternative methods. The ultimate goal for us is to make sure that we are able to feed as many people as we can and minimize the famine."

The gregarious 54-year-olds connections include world leaders and movie stars whom he taps in his mission to respond to emergencies around the world. His radical thinking extends to a vision where militaries are repurposed to feed the hungry.

World Central Kitchens willingness to ignore conventional wisdom also helped it navigate mountains of logistical and bureaucratic obstacles in Gaza. When cooking gas ran out after the war began, it produced wood-pellet stoves and obtained pellets from Egypt. To get around Israeli bans on metal mixing spoons, it ordered wooden ones and fashioned insulating sleeves to keep cooking pots warm when away from the fire.

When poor security and Israeli checkpoints prevented the U.N. and other humanitarian groups from delivering ready-made meals to northern Gaza, World Central Kitchen joined with Jordan in February to airdrop foodweeks before Biden directed the U.S. military to do the same.

Then in mid-March, the groups tugboat and barge reached Gazas coast. Onshore crews, working day and night under the supervision of Israeli forces, were able to prepare the landing area in northern Gaza. Once unloaded, the aid groups first shipment by sea to Gaza was a successand had delivered less than 20 trucks worth of food.

The mission was triggered by the deteriorating situation in the north, which was cut off from almost all aid. Andres hoped to use the tugboat mission to get food to civilians sheltering at Gaza City hospitals, while trying to deliver more food by truck, which is more efficient.

In early January, the chef texted his friend Oscar Camps, the Catalan activist who runs the migrant-aid nonprofit Open Arms, about sending food to Gaza by sea. As the men secured permissions to make the first voyage happen, Biden revealed the U.S. plan and the European Commission said it was supporting a maritime corridor, putting the spotlight on the World Central Kitchen voyage that went ahead the following week.

We did it on our own, not in coordination with anyone from the beginning," said Andres. He secured bureaucratic clearances from Cyprus and Israel, which inspected the goods before the vessels sailed, and financial backing from the United Arab Emirates.

On Saturday, World Central Kitchens second mission set sail from Cyprus after waiting several weeks for better weather to cross the sea. The original barge and tug are joined by a larger cargo ship and a support vessel that altogether are carrying enough rice, pasta, flour, dates and canned food to prepare more than one million meals.

This time, the larger ship equipped with a forklift and crane will wait in international waters while the barge ferries food back and forth to the jetty, as World Central Kitchen aims to increase the speed and volume of maritime deliveries, said Juan Camilo Jimenez, who helped organize both shipments.

Our modus operandi is: be ready and do everything you can control so when we get the opportunity, we [can] start the journey," said Jimenez.

Additional voyages will likely be completed before significant construction even gets under way on the U.S. pier, which U.S. defense officials say will take two months to build because the U.S. military must transport equipment and forces into the region, including six vessels and 1,100 military personnel.

The Pentagons plan calls for aid to be unloaded from ships onto a floating pier, then transported by U.S. military support vessels to a two-lane causeway that would be attached to the shore. Biden has said no U.S. troops will be on the ground and the Israeli military will provide security. The Israelis have already done the same for the World Central Kitchen sea mission, an unusual level of coordination for humanitarian groups in Gaza.

Unlike nongovernment organizations that have criticized Israels conduct of the war and restrictions on aid, Andres and his team are often careful about what they say publicly. They delivered meals to Israelis displaced from border areas as a result of the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks, which likely boosted their credibility with Israeli authorities.

But in March, as the desperation in Gaza grew, Andres tweeted that Biden should demand Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stop killing children, targeting humanitarian volunteers and press!" He criticized plans for the U.S. military to deliver aid by sea and said the White House should instead push for more trucks from the U.N. and other aid groups to get through Israeli checkpoints.

Before Oct. 7, most goods entered Gaza through Israel. After the Hamas attack, the Israeli government decided to stop that. Netanyahu remains under pressure from Israels far right and protesters to stop any aid from entering Gaza.

Israel has said it is doing everything it can to ensure aid reaches Gaza, including the limited opening of a ground crossing directly to the north.

Some critics of the maritime corridor say it relieves pressure on Israel to end its restrictions on aid getting to the north by truck. Andres has called for a cease-fire and said that while he wont hesitate to use every possible avenue to get aid into Gaza, the crisis ultimately cant be addressed without opening more ground crossings, particularly in the north, which is in line with the consensus in the international aid community.

World Central Kitchen is looking to scale up the maritime corridor with bigger boats and more sailings, as Israels military has blocked a far bigger organizationthe U.N. Relief and Works Agencyfrom delivering food to the north.

Some humanitarian organizations fear that aid groups are being used by Israel to sideline Unrwa, which other U.N. agencies and independent charities, including World Central Kitchen, rely on for their own aid deliveries. Andres said his charity tries to stay above politics.

Israel, which controls the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip on what it calls security grounds, has accused at least a dozen Unrwa employees of taking part in the Oct. 7 attacks. It is pushing for the agency to be gradually phased out of Gaza and lobbying allies to replace it with other humanitarian groups, which lack the capacity to do so.

Unrwa fired the staffers allegedly linked to the attacks, and said Israel hasnt provided evidence that the involvement in militant groups goes beyond a few individuals. The U.N. has launched two investigations into the allegations, which U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed were credible but couldnt be independently confirmed.

Israels military said it blocked a request by Unrwa to go to north Gaza in late March, saying the agency hadnt requested to go there for the previous six weeks. Unrwa says that it was denied access to the north repeatedly over the past six weeks, including four times for food distribution.

Israel is constantly exerting significant efforts to find a solution that will ease the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip and especially into the north," said Cogat, the Israeli military body responsible for facilitating aid.

Aid groups say Israeli restrictions are the biggest obstacle to getting aid to people in Gaza, alongside the lack of security and limited capacity to make deliveries.

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel on Thursday to ensure the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza civilians by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary."

During a recent trip to Gaza, Sam Bloch, World Central Kitchens director of emergency response, said he saw how supply-chain challenges and a lack of communications, water and traditional fuel complicate aid delivery. Continued bombing and crippled infrastructure make some roads impassable.

The farther north you go, the more desperate people have become to feed their families," he said. In a way, we are just getting started."

Margherita Stancati, Nancy A. Youssef and Ben C. Solomon contributed to this article.

Write to Stephen Kalin at stephen.kalin@wsj.com
In today's digital age, having a reliable home printer is essential. It fulfills a variety of printing needs. It includes documents, school projects, photos, and creative crafts. There are many affordable options available. This will make it easy to find a quality printer that fits your budget. Enter home printers under 5000 with a range of budget-friendly printers. They are designed to meet the needs of home users without breaking the bank. It includes compact and space-saving inkjet printers to reliable and cost-effective laser printers. There's a home printer under 5000 to suit every need and preference. Brands like HP and Canon offer quality printers at affordable prices. You can trust that you're getting a reliable product that delivers excellent results. Print documents for work, school assignments, or family photos. A home printer under 5000 is your go-to solution for all your printing needs. Say goodbye to expensive printing services and enjoy the convenience of having a printer at home that's ready to use whenever you need it. Stay tuned as we explore some of the best home printers under 5000 and help you find the perfect printer for your home office or personal use.

1. HP Deskjet 2331

HP Deskjet 2331 is an all-in-one colour printer with print, copy, and scan functions. It features high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity. It offers print speeds of up to 7.5 ppm in black and 5.5 ppm in colour. This HP colour printer with scanner wifi supports a variety of media sizes including A4, B5, A6, and DL envelopes. This printer under 5000 HP features 5 buttons and 2 LED Indicator lights.

Specifications of HP Deskjet 2331:

Connectivity Technology: USB

USB Printing Technology: HP Thermal Inkjet

HP Thermal Inkjet Colour: Purple

Purple Model Name: Deskjet 2331

Deskjet 2331 Printer Output: Colour

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid All-in-One Functionality, Decent Print Quality Slow Printing Speed Wireless Printing Higher Running Costs, Limited Paper Tray Capacity

2. Canon Pixma MG2577s

Canon Pixma MG2577s is an all-in-one inkjet colour printer. It has print, scan, and copy functions with a flatbed scanner. It features USB connectivity and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. The printing speed is 8 ipm in Black and 4 ipm in Colour. It supports A4, Letter, and Legal page sizes. It has manual duplex printing. It is compatible with PG-745 (Black) and CL-746 (Colour) ink cartridges. This small printer under 5000 comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase.

Specifications of Canon Pixma MG2577s

Connectivity Technology: USB

USB Printing Technology: Inkjet

Inkjet Colour: Blue/White

Blue/White Model Name: Pixma

Pixma Printer Output: Colour

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid All-in-one functionality, High-quality prints No wireless connectivity, Slow print speed Quiet operation, Affordable price No automatic duplexing

3. HP DeskJet 2332

HP DeskJet 2332 is an all-in-one printer with print, copy, and scan functions. Get a faster and more reliable connection Hi-Speed USB 2.0. It yields up to 120 pages in black and 75 pages in colour. Get 1-year limited hardware warranty. Print with printing speeds up to 7.5 ppm (black) and 5.5 ppm (colour). The printer supports A4, B5, A6, and DL envelope standard media sizes with up to 60-sheet input, and 25-sheet output capacity. Breeze through tasks with 2 LED indicator lights and 5 control panel buttons. With a 1000-page duty cycle, you can print schoolwork, scan office documents, or generate copies.

Specifications of HP DeskJet 2332

Connectivity Technology: Wired

Wired Printing Technology: HP Thermal Inkjet

HP Thermal Inkjet Colour: Grey

Grey Model Name: Deskjet 2332

Deskjet 2332 Printer Output: Colour

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid All-in-One Functionality, Compact Design Slow Print Speeds Highly Affordable Lower Print Quality

4. Canon Pixma TS307

The Canon Pixma TS307 is a single-function wireless inkjet colour printer designed for basic printing needs. It has Wi-Fi and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connectivity. The Maximum Print Speed in Color is 4.0 ipm and in Monochrome it is 7.7 ipm. It features borderless printing for Up to 4R size. It supports the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. It comes with affordable ink cartridges.

Specifications of Canon Pixma TS307

Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB

Wi-Fi, USB Printing Technology: Inkjet

Inkjet Colour: Black

Black Model Name: Pixma

Pixma Printer Output: Color

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Wireless connectivity Printing function only Affordable price, Mobile printing No auto-duplex printing

5. Canon PIXMA MG3070S

Canon PIXMA MG3070S is an All-in-One WiFi Inkjet Colour Printer. It has Print, Scan, and Copy Functions with WiFi, PictBridge Wireless LAN, Hi-Speed USB, and Mobile Connectivity. The Maximum Print Speed in colour is 4.0 ipm and in Monochrome it is 8.0 ipm. The Maximum Input Sheet Capacity is 60 sheets. This printer under 5000 with wifi comes with a 1-year carry-in warranty from the date of purchase.

Specifications of Canon PIXMA MG3070S

Connectivity Technology: App, Wi-Fi, USB

App, Wi-Fi, USB Printing Technology: Inkjet

Inkjet Colour: Black

Black Model Name: Canon Pixma MG 3070S

Canon Pixma MG 3070S Printer Output: Colour

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid All-in-One Functionality, Wireless Connectivity Lower Print Speeds, No Automatic Duplex Printing Compact Design, Affordable No Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

6. Canon MG2570S

Canon MG2570S is a Multi-Function Inkjet Colour Printer with Print, Scan, and Copy Functions. The printing speed is 8 ipm in Black and 4 ipm in Colour. It comes with USB Connectivity and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. It supports A4, A5, B5, l, LGL, 10.16cm x 15.24cm, 12.70cm x 17.78cm, Envelopes (DL, COM10), and Custom Page sizes. It comes with a 1-year onsite warranty from the date of purchase.

Specifications of Canon MG2570S

Connectivity Technology: USB

USB Printing Technology: Inkjet

Inkjet Colour: Black

Black Model Name: MG2570s

MG2570s Printer Output: Colour

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid All-in-One Functionality, Decent Print Quality Limited Color Gamut Compact Size

Also read: Best colour printer: Top 10 picks for stunning print quality and exceptional details

7. Canon Pixma E410

The Canon Pixma E410 is an all-in-one inkjet printer with print, scan, and copy functions for basic home use. The printing speed is up to 4.0 ipm for black & white and 8.0 ipm for colour printing. It supports plain paper, photo paper (glossy, semi-gloss), and some creative papers. The Paper Tray Capacity is typically around 70 sheets of plain paper. It features a Compact Design, Quiet Operation, and Auto Power ON. It also comes with a USB connection, Easy Ink Cartridge Replacement, and a Basic Software Suite.

Specifications of Canon Pixma E410

Connectivity Technology: USB

USB Printing Technology: Ink Efficient

Ink Efficient Colour: Black

Black Model Name: Pixma

Pixma Printer Output: Colour

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid All-in-One Functionality, Automatic Power ON Slower Print Speeds Compact and lightweight Lower Print Quality

Best 3 features for you:

Product Name Connectivity Technology Printing Speed (Colour and Black) Functionality HP Deskjet 2331 USB 5.5 ppm and 7.5 ppm Print, Scan, and Copy Canon Pixma MG2577s USB 4 ipm and 8 ipm Print, Scan, and Copy HP DeskJet 2332 USB 5.5 ppm and 7.5 ppm Print, Scan, and Copy Canon Pixma TS307 WiFi and USB 4 ipm and 7.7 ipm Print Canon PIXMA MG3070S WiFi, Wireless LAN, USB, and Mobile 4 ipm and 8 ipm Print, Scan, and Copy Canon MG2570S USB 4 ipm and 8 ipm Print, Scan, and Copy Canon Pixma E410 USB 5.5 ipm and 7.5 ipm Print, Scan, and Copy

Best overall product:

The HP Deskjet 2331 stands out as the best overall product in its class, offering exceptional performance and reliability. With its compact design and user-friendly interface, it seamlessly integrates into any home or office environment. This printer delivers high-quality prints with sharp text and vibrant colors, making it perfect for various printing needs, from documents to photos. Its efficient operation and affordable price make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking reliable printing solutions. Additionally, with HP's renowned reputation for durability and customer support, the Deskjet 2331 ensures a hassle-free printing experience for years to come.

Best value for money product:

Canon Pixma MG2577s is an all-in-one inkjet colour printer. It has print, scan, and copy functions with a flatbed scanner. It features USB connectivity and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. The printing speed is 8ipm in Black and 4ipm in Colour. It supports A4, Letter, and Legal page sizes. It has manual duplex printing. It is compatible with PG-745 (Black) and CL-746 (Colour) ink cartridges. This small printer under 5000 comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase.

How to find the best home printers under  5000?

Choosing the best home printer under 5000 requires careful consideration of several factors. They ensure it meets your specific needs and provides reliable performance within your budget. Assess your typical printing requirements. It includes the types of documents you print, the frequency of printing, and additional features like scanning and copying. Inkjet printers are versatile and suitable for printing photos and graphics. Look for printers with high print resolution for crisp and clear output. It is important for printing photos and graphics with vibrant colours and sharp details. Consider the printing speed of the printer, especially if you have high-volume printing needs. Look for printers with faster printing speeds for increased efficiency and productivity. Choose a printer with multiple connectivity options to suit your preferences. Look for printers with Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless printing from your device. Additionally, consider printers with USB and Ethernet ports for wired connections. Ensure that the printer supports the types and sizes of media you use. Look for additional features that enhance usability and convenience. They include automatic duplex printing, built-in scanners, and intuitive touchscreen interfaces. Carefully evaluate these factors and prioritize your printing needs. You will choose the best home printer under 5000 that meets your requirements.

FAQs

Question : What features can I expect from a home printer under 5000?

Ans : Features of home printers under 5000 may vary depending on the model and brand. Common features include printing capabilities and most models have scanning and copying functionalities. They also include compact size, USB and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Question : Can I print photos with a home printer under 5000?

Ans : Yes, many home printers under 5000 support photo printing, especially inkjet printers. The print quality may not be as high as professional photo printers. But these printers are suitable for printing snapshots and casual photos for personal use.

Question : Are home printers under 5000 suitable for small businesses?

Ans : Home printers under 5000 are primarily designed for personal use. They may not be suitable for high-volume printing or demanding business environments. However, they can serve the needs of small businesses with light printing requirements. It includes printing invoices, flyers, or occasional documents.

Question : What are some reliable brands for home printers under 5000?

Ans : Popular brands for home printers under 5000 in India include HP and Canon. They offer a variety of models within this price range.

Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Some of the biggest U.S. companies in artificial intelligence have asked their Taiwanese manufacturing partners to step up production of AI-related hardware in Mexico, seeking to diminish reliance on China.

Taiwan-based Foxconn, the worlds largest contract electronics manufacturer, and other Taiwanese companies are heeding the call and investing more in Mexico, according to industry executives and analysts.

They are taking advantage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the free-trade deal that took effect in 2020. It has attracted billions of dollars from manufacturers aiming to move operations from China to Mexico, a process known as nearshoring.

The North American nations hope to replace products imported from Asia as much as possible," said James Huang, chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. Based on this consensus, Mexico is poised to become the most important manufacturing base for the USMCA."

In February, Foxconn said it spent about $27 million to acquire land in western Mexicos Jalisco state, in what people familiar with the plan described as a major expansion of the companys AI server production. Foxconn said it had invested about $690 million in Mexico over the past four years.

Foxconns Mexico facilities manufacture AI servers for U.S. giants such as Amazon.com, Google, Microsoft and Nvidia, said people familiar with the operations. The U.S. companies either declined to confirm whether they have servers made in Mexico by Foxconn or didnt respond to requests for comment.

The rising presence of Taiwanese firms in Mexico is part of a process that will dramatically modify the industrial structure of Mexico in the next 10 years," said Francisco Cervantes, head of Mexicos largest private-sector organization, last year.

The hardware used in AI applications consists of powerful computers called servers, storage systems, cooling units, connectors and other equipment. From the outside, the machines look similar to those that handle non-AI tasks. Under the hood, they are designed to tackle the complex calculations needed in AI programs and often incorporate cutting-edge processing units.

As production of such gear increases, U.S. companies are looking to avoid repeating the history of the smartphone after it took off some 15 years ago. Much of the core manufacturing of smartphones and their parts ended up in China, in particular at the factories run by Foxconn and others to assemble iPhones.

Mexico presents its own risks as a production hub, including crime, insufficient water and electricity supply, and intense wage competition for workers skilled at assembling high-tech goods.

Some Taiwanese managers said they rely on private security to keep local gangs from robbing plants of chips or other valuable equipment. They also said Mexican workers tend to be less willing than those in China to log long overtime hours. Mexican workers are unionized, and factories are required to comply with USMCA labor provisions.

Taiwan-based Inventec, which manufactures servers for AI and other functions for major U.S. tech companies, is one company expanding its footprint in Mexico.

Arch Chen, Inventecs regional manager in Mexico, told a conference in Taiwan in December that one of his clients, a top American brand involved in AI development, initially said it wanted its equipment produced in the U.S. After inspecting facilities in Mexico, the client was impressed by the technology and opted to produce there instead, Chen said.

It is getting harder to make cutting-edge equipment in China because the U.S. bans the export to China of advanced chips for AI applications such as those designed by Nvidia.

Major U.S. server manufacturers such as Dell and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have asked their suppliers to move some server and cloud computing production to Southeast Asia and Mexico, reducing reliance on China, people familiar with the matter said. HPE and Dell both said they wanted to strengthen and diversify supply chains, and HPE said its supply chain includes robust sourcing from China.

AI-related equipment is one of several advanced manufacturing fields in which Mexico is taking a growing role as U.S.-China tensions rise. The country has 14 free-trade agreements with 50 countries, more than any other nation in the world. Those pacts have attracted car manufacturers from Asia, Europe and the U.S., and turned Mexico into the worlds No. 5 car exporter.

Some electric vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla, are looking to open plants in Mexico. Taiwanese firms have also invested in the central and southern parts of Mexico to supply the automotive industry.

Taiwan officials estimate there are about 300 Taiwanese firms in Mexico that employ 70,000 people. Two-way trade last year surpassed $15 billion, according to Mexican government data.

Taiwanese contract manufacturers have concentrated in a few hubs near Texas, such as Ciudad Juarez neighboring El Paso, Texas, and Monterrey. These locations host facilities of companies known in Taiwan as the six brothers of electronics"Foxconn, Pegatron, Wistron, Quanta, Compal and Inventec.

Led by those six, Taiwanese manufacturers account for around 90% of global production of server motherboards, the heart of a server containing the principal components, according to Mark Liu of market research firm TrendForce.

Foxconn alone accounts for more than 70% of the upstream work for graphics-processing units, which refers to manufacturing the building blocks of the circuits that power AI servers, Foxconn Chairman Young Liu said last August.

Chinese-made products accounted for 13.9% of U.S. goods imports last year, down from 21.5% in 2015, according to Census Bureau data. Meanwhile, Mexico took over first place, with its share rising 2 percentage points to 15.4%.

During a visit by a Taiwanese delegation to Mexico last year, Mexican Economy Minister Raquel Buenrostro said the country was ready to work with more Taiwanese suppliers, especially in the manufacture of products such as semiconductors.

We cannot forget that Mexico is the country in the Americas that has invested the most in infrastructure projects in the last five years: airports, trains, highways, and more," she said.

Write to Yang Jie at jie.yang@wsj.com and Santiago Perez at santiago.perez@wsj.com
Will two martyred Agniveers get respect, compensation like other soldiers, Rahul asks govt 13 Oct 2024 | 7:14 PM New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday expressed his condolences to the families of two Agniveers who died during a training in Nashik, Maharashtra and asked whether the government will give respect and compensation to them like other soldiers. see more..

Delhi Police seize 1,323 kg of illegal firecrackers, arrests 3 13 Oct 2024 | 6:04 PM New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) Delhi Police on Sunday said that it has busted a huge cache of 1323 Kgs of illegal firecrackers in the national capital and arrested three individuals involved in supplying these banned firecrackers across the Delhi-NCR region. see more..

Baba Siddique murder: Cong demands resignation of Maha CM, DyCM 13 Oct 2024 | 6:00 PM New Delhi, Oct 13(UNI) Condemning the killing of senior NCP leader Baba Siddique, the Congress on Sunday blamed the Maharashtra government for the deteriorating law and order situation and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. see more..

India backs statement by UNIFIL countries condemning attacks on peacekeepers in Lebanon 13 Oct 2024 | 4:54 PM United Nations/New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) India has backed a joint statement by 34 countries contributing to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon that said they strongly condemn recent attacks on the peacekeepers in south Lebanon, after five peacekeepers were injured in firing on UN outposts. see more..
The Longford woman who died after being stabbed at a bar in New York City on Saturday evening has today being remembered as 'a wonderful young woman, bright, vivacious, witty and charismatic'.

Residents of Longford town are in a 'state of shock' and still coming to terms with the horrific news that Sarah McNally, 41, was stabbed to death at the Ceili House Bar, in Maspeth in the Queens area, where she worked.

Speaking on RTE's News at One today, Longford / Westmeath Fianna Fail TD described Ms McNally as a "wonderful young woman, bright, vivacious, witty and charismatic" who went to the US "full of hope".

Ms McNally previously worked in Valentine's public house, Main Street, Longford where she was very well liked.

She later joined The Irish Prison Service in Longford for some years before deciding on immigrating to New York.

She enjoyed music and in her younger years she appeared on stage in a number of musical productions with St Mel's Musical Society.

Deputy Flaherty said Ms McNallys family is "steeped in the local community" and her death was "tragic and deeply upsetting news".

He continued, "By all accounts, it was a very happy life and everything was going well for her in New York, which makes this news all the more harrowing and upsetting for people that know her.

"I cannot imagine a worse call for a parent to get. It's truly traumatic and I understand her heartbroken mother is flying out to be with Sarah this morning and that's a journey that no parent wants to have to undertake."

Cllr Gerry Warnock remembered the deceased, who was educated at St Emer's national school and Mean Scoil Mhuire in Longford town, as 'a lovely soul'.

Cllr Warnock remarked, "My thoughts and prayers are with Dorrie, Dessie and Sarah's extended family and many friends."

He added, "This is an absolute tragedy and may God give them the strength to navigate this cruel journey of having their beautiful girl taken from them.

"May her gentle soul rest in peace."

Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Martin Monaghan told RTE that Ms McNallys death has left the town of Longford in a state of shock.

Sarah had moved to New York about 10 years ago and she would have been an integral part of Longford life before that, having worked in bars in Longford, he said.

He described her family as really, really decent Longford people.

Its very cruel. People struggle to say the right words at this time and theres little anyone can say to make things better for Sarahs parents, he said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time and a tragedy away from home makes things an awful lot worse.

Also read: Tributes paid to 'lovely soul' as NYPD release name of Longford woman who died in horrific pub attack

A man also suffered stab wounds in Saturday's incident.

In a statement, the New York Police Department spokesperson said an investigation remained ongoing.

On Saturday March 30 2024, at approximately 1834 hours, police responded to a 911 call for an assault in progress at 69-56 Grand Avenue within the confines of the 104 Precinct, they said.

Upon arrival, police observed a 41-year-old-female with a stab wound to the neck and an unidentified male with a stab wound to the back and neck.

They said the pair were taken to Elmhurst Hospital where Ms McNally was pronounced dead.

Also read: Longford woman dies following stabbing incident in New York pub

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said: The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: April 01 2024

Two exceptional students from Brentwood High School, Alisha Ahsan and Stephanie Pizano, were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the National STEM Challenge.

Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter kicked off the March Town Board meeting by recognizing two exceptional students from Brentwood High School, Alisha Ahsan and Stephanie Pizano, for their outstanding achievements in the National STEM Challenge.

These talented seniors have been named among the 125 champions of the prestigious competition, which showcases their innovative solutions to the pressing issue of nitrogen pollution in Long Island waters.

Alisha Ahsan, a 17-year-old from Bay Shore, has made a remarkable impact with her research on the effects of nitrogen pollution on eelgrass. Her proposed method to help restore the declining sea grass by gluing seeds onto live shellfish, has the potential to make a significant difference in the health of Long Island's marine ecosystem. Alisha's project has not only earned her a place among the champions of the National STEM Challenge, but also an opportunity to present her research at the Long Island Sound Summit.

Stephanie Pizano, an 18-year-old from Brentwood, has invented a groundbreaking filter designed to reduce nitrogen pollution from fertilizer runoff and septic waste. Her innovative solution has the potential to positively impact the water quality of Long Island's bays and harbors. Stephanie's dedication to her research has not only earned her recognition as a champion in the National STEM Challenge, but also a chance to compete in the International Science & Engineering Fair in Los Angeles.

The success of Alisha and Stephanie is a testament to the exceptional work being done by the educators and mentors at Brentwood High School. The research program, led by educator and scientist Rebecca Grella, has consistently produced high-achieving students who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of science.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: April 01 2024

Currently, squatters gain homeowner rights after occupying a residency for only 30 days.

Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R,C-Oyster Bay) led a press conference this morning to advocate for changes to the states laws on squatters rights. Blumencranz spoke about his proposal, A.6894, which would protect the rights of homeowners and add squatting to the definition of criminal trespassing. Just last week, two squatters killed a woman in Manhattan in her mothers apartment and a homeowner was arrested for trying to evict these trespassers from their property.

Currently, squatters gain homeowner rights after occupying a residency for only 30 days. This forces the rightful property owners to go through a lengthy and expensive court process in order to evict these squatters. Blumencranzs proposal would push back squatters' rights from 30 to 45 days and allow police to make arrests for trespassers. These changes will give homeowners more protection from losing their property to squatters and give law enforcement officers the authorization they need to detain violators.

The fact that someone can break into your house and have full legal protection after 30 days is completely wrong and un-American, said Blumencranz. This is why Ive proposed the Property Protection Act to close these glaring loopholes in the law and directly combat the squatting crisis we are facing in our state. Long Islanders and all New Yorkers should not have to live in fear of people trying to game the system and take away their hard-earned property and their American dream. New York is the home of hard-working individuals and families, not criminals looking to cheat their way to the top. We must act now to protect New Yorkers and their homes.

Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District, which includes portions of the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. For more information on Assemblyman Blumencranz, follow him on Facebook.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: April 01 2024

Managers of Manhattan Condominium Building and Staffing Agency Underpaid Building Security Guards for Years in Violation of New York Law.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander today announced a settlement totaling almost $230,000 with a contracting agency and the Board of Managers of a New York City condominium building for failing to pay workers in the building the prevailing wage required by New York law. From 2016 to 2019, Allied Universal Security Services (Allied Universal) underpaid the security guards it was contracted to provide at 540 West 28th Street Condominium (the Condominium) in Chelsea, depriving some workers of almost $30,000 each in fair pay. As a result of a joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Office of the New York City Comptroller, Allied Universal will pay nearly $230,000 in restitution to OAG, which will be distributed entirely to the seven affected employees.

Every New Yorker deserves to be compensated fairly and fully for their hard work, said Attorney General James. For years, Allied Universal swindled their workers out of their hard-earned wages while the owners of the building where they worked benefited from a lucrative tax break. Now, these workers will finally be paid what they are owed. I want to thank Comptroller Lander for his partnership in this investigation, and we will continue to hold employers accountable for wage theft to ensure all New Yorkers are paid fairly.

We take our responsibility to enforce prevailing wage laws seriously, to protect workers from companies that try to cheat them out of the wages they have earned, said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Todays settlement proves that companies cannot escape accountability for exploiting their workers. Im proud that our Bureau of Labor Law worked in partnership with Attorney General Letitia James team on this case to ensure the security guards at Allied Universal get the pay they deserved.

In 2011, the Condominium received a Section 421-a tax break that required its owners to pay building service employees prevailing wages as established by the New York City Comptrollers office. At the same time, the Condominiums Board of Managers contracted with Allied Universal, a private security and staffing company, to provide security services for the building.

An investigation conducted by OAG and the Office of the New York City Comptroller found that from September 2016 to February 2019, Allied Universal failed to pay the security guards working in the Condominium the wages owed to them under the prevailing wage rules. Seven employees were cheated out of thousands of dollars of supplemental benefit payments each, with some missing out on tens of thousands of dollars in fair pay.

For their violations of New York law, Allied Universal will pay the full amount its employees are owed plus interest, totaling $229,718.48. The OAG will distribute the entirety of these funds as restitution to the former Allied Universal employees who were classified as Unarmed Security Guards from September 2016 to February 2019.

In addition, Allied Universal must conduct an audit of its contracts at all other New York City buildings and certify to OAG each year that all of its employees are being paid the prevailing wage at properties benefiting from a 421-a tax break.

New Yorkers who believe they have been a victim of wage theft or other labor law violations are encouraged to contact OAG by filing a confidential complaint online or calling (212) 416-8700.

Todays announcement is the latest in Attorney General James efforts to crack down on wage theft. In November 2023, Attorney General James recovered $328 million for Uber and Lyft drivers whose earnings were shortchanged for years. In August 2023, Attorney General James recovered $300,000 in unpaid wages for New York City nail salon workers. In March 2023, Attorney General James recovered $24,000 in stolen wages for former employees of a worker cooperative. In October 2022, Attorney General James secured $90,000 in stolen and unpaid wages for more than a dozen former employees of a commercial dry cleaner in Queens. In July 2022, Attorney General James delivered $500,000 to current and former employees of a Manhattan bar for enduring sexual harassment, discrimination, and wage theft. In May 2022, Attorney General James recovered more than $2.9 million for hundreds of New York City Marriott workers who were denied full severance pay.

The matter was handled for OAG by Assistant Attorney General Lawrence Reina under the supervision of Labor Bureau Civil Enforcement Section Chief Fiona Kaye. The Labor Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Karen Cacace and Deputy Bureau Chief Young Lee. The Labor Bureau is a part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

The Comptrollers Offices investigation was conducted by Jose Quiroz, Deputy Director of Investigations, supervised by Frank Gonzalez, Director of Investigations in the Comptrollers Bureau of Labor Law. The audit of underpayments was performed by Ilona Stadnicka, Auditor, supervised by Stuart Rimmer, Director of Audit. The Bureau of Labor Law is overseen by Claudia Henriquez, Director of Workers Rights.
IDF troops operating in Gaza on March 31. (IDF)

The Israel Defense Forces left the large Shifa hospital compound overnight between March 31 and April 1 at the same time of day they had arrived: in the middle of the night. When it began, the operation consisted of IDF naval commandos from Shayetet 13 in a quick raid designed to take hundreds of alleged terrorists sheltering at the hospital by surprise. The commandos were followed by tanks of the 401st armored brigade, and the operation was managed by Israels 162nd division which controls northern Gaza.

Between March 18 and 31, the IDF detained up to 900 suspects at the hospital and also fought gun battles with terrorists who barricaded themselves in several buildings at the compound. The IDF says around 200 terrorists were killed in these battles. Of the 900 suspects, a total of 513 are confirmed to be members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the IDF said in a briefing on April 1.

According to the briefing, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar saw Shifa as an important command and control center in northern Gaza. The IDF had left the area of the hospital after clearing it in November. However, it was always suspected some terrorists continued to hide at the hospital, because not every person or place therein had been searched. Consequently, the terrorists began to congregate in large numbers, leading to the IDFs decision to execute a surprise raid. In the first operation at Shifa in November, the IDF had provided the suspected terrorists with up to a week of warning to vacate the area. On March 18, however, the IDF showed up unexpected.

According to the IDF, the terrorists barricaded themselves in the emergency room, the maternity ward and a management building. This led to significant destruction in these areas over the two weeks of the raid. The IDF found weapons, documents and money stashed in various areas. The terrorists also hid these items in places like toilets and in the ceiling. According to the briefing on April 1, millions of Israeli shekels, Jordanian dinars, and other currencies were found, and some were earmarked for specific activities or units.

The terrorists returned to Shifa because they felt they could embed there and also have sources of food and water. Nevertheless, the 1,000 suspected terrorists lurking among 5,000 civilians and medical personnel suggests that approximately one in six of the people in the sprawling Shifa compound were linked to Hamas or PIJ. Mortars were fired at the IDF throughout the raid on Shifa, suggesting a continued Hamas presence in the north and thus the possibility of additional IDF raids in the area.

The IDF says it has completed the mission at Shifa as an operation Rafah near the Egyptian border still hangs in the balance. In addition, the IDF continues to control the Netzerim corridor that splits Gaza in two and has enabled quick maneuver into both central Gaza, where Hamas continues to control several urban areas, and into northern Gaza.

The IDF said on Monday, April 1 that in the central Gaza Strip, an IDF helicopter directed by IDF troops struck a booby-trapped Hamas military compound from which terrorists observed IDF troops and an additional Hamas military compound. There were also sniper and other threats to IDF troops. In Khan Younis, the IDF continues to operate in Amal, a neighborhood where Hamas maintains a presence.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Unstable weather expected in Japan's Kanto region, including Tokyo

Tokyo, Apr 1 (UNI) Japan's weather agency said on Monday that sudden downpours, lightning, gusts, and hailstorms are expected in Tokyo and the rest of the Kanto region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said unstable atmospheric conditions brought rain to some parts of the Kanto and Koshin regions on Monday morning.

Weather officials urged people to be on the alert as the weather may abruptly change even if the sun is shining. Through Monday night, thunderclouds are expected to develop in some areas of Kanto as the conditions become more unstable, the JMA said.
Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement acknowledging the deaths of seven advisors in an Israeli airstrike that hit an area of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, on April 1. The attack is the most significant airstrike against Iran and the IRGC on Syrian soil by the Jewish state to date.

The IRGC identified Brigadier General Muhammed Reza Zahedi, his deputy Brigadier General Muhammed Hadi Hajrahimi, and five other IRGC officers who were killed in the attack.

According to Ynet News, Zahedi was a senior IRGC officer serving as Irans envoy to command the Qods Force in Lebanon and Syria. He effectively led the IRCGs regional Intelligence Division and ground and air forces. He was also involved in planning terrorist operations within Israel.

Iranian media, citing Arabic-language reports, said the attack destroyed the Iranian consulate building adjacent to the embassy. However, the strike may have hit a private property in the vicinity of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital.

Israel has significantly increased military operations against IRGC officers in Syria following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attack.

On Dec. 25, 2023, Israel killed Razi Mousavi, a senior officer in Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in an airstrike in the Syrian capital. Mousavi was a veteran advisor of Irans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, according to IRNA, Irans official news agency, which confirmed his death.

Next month, on Jan. 20, an airstrike in the Syrian capital of Damascus, reportedly carried out by Israel, killed at least five IRGC-QF officers. The five IRGC-QF advisors who were killed in the strike include Qods Force deputy intelligence officer Sadegh Omidzadeh, his deputy, Hajj Gholam, and three other advisors in the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, according to The Associated Press.

Lastly, hours after the strikes in Damascus, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari accused Iran of orchestrating a drone attack in Eilat, Israel, that also occurred on the morning of April 1, 2024. Tonight (Monday am), an unmanned aircraft made and directed by Iran hit the naval base in Eilat. This is a very serious incident, said Hagari.

The Israeli airstrike targeting Mohammad Reza Zahedi and other members of the IRGC in Damascus carries two critical implications. Firstly, it serves as a clear message that Israel will not tolerate violent actions by the IRGC and its affiliates. Secondly, the decision to carry out a strike that would likely result in the destruction of the Iranian consulate demonstrates Israels willingness to take significant risks to reach those who are orchestrating attacks against the Jewish state despite the high potential for retaliatory actions by Iran or its proxies in the region.

Irans ambassador in Syria, Hossein Akbari, blamed Israel for the attack and vowed a harsh response.

Joe Truzman is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian militant groups and Hezbollah. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Rain. High 49F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Showers in the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 34F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Foreign enterprises eye bright prospects in Chinese market

People's Daily Online) 16:28, April 01, 2024

Executives of multinational corporations and representatives of foreign business associations in China voiced optimism about the prospects of the Chinese market at the first "Invest in China" event on March 26.

They expressed their intention to keep investing in China, maintaining an optimistic view of the market. Given its status as the world's second-largest economy, China demonstrates long-term economic stability, expanding market opportunities, and a growing appeal to investors.

"Generally speaking, multinational corporations are fully confident in the 'Invest in China' initiative. In January and February this year, the number of new foreign-invested enterprises in China increased by 34.9 percent, evidence of this confidence," said He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, at a regular briefing.

He added that China continues to connect with the world through a higher level of opening up. "Choosing China means choosing opportunities, and investing in China means investing in the future. The Ministry of Commerce will always welcome enterprises from all over the world to invest in China and share in the benefits of China's high-quality development."

Chayce Clark, executive vice president and general counsel of Nu Skin Group, said: "By participating in this event, we hope to convey to more government leaders, partners, and consumers our determination and conviction to invest unwaveringly in China and contribute to China's development. We look forward to boarding the train of China's development, sharing in the dividends of the Chinese market, and achieving mutual benefit and win-win results."

According to Clark, Nu Skin has witnessed the continual optimization of China's business environment and increasing opportunities for investment over the past 20 years. In recent years, the Chinese government has issued a series of policies and measures to provide a fairer, more transparent, and convenient investment environment for foreign-funded enterprises. This year's government work report sent a positive signal that China will continue to expand its high-level opening up and promote mutually beneficial cooperation, boosting confidence and momentum among foreign enterprises to deepen their engagement in China.

As living standards improve, consumers are increasingly prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, presenting significant opportunities for the beauty and wellness industry.

"In particular, the national 14th Five-Year Plan and the Big Health strategy provide direction for enterprises like ours, offering broad development prospects. Platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China International Import Expo inject strong momentum for continued investment in China," Clark noted.

He added that the purchasing power of Chinese consumers has been growing, with an increasing demand for high-quality, value-added beauty and wellness products. Meanwhile, the sustained growth of the Chinese economy provides ample room for expansion in the beauty and wellness consumer market. In this increasingly competitive industry, innovation and progress are continuously being unleashed.

According to this year's government work report, new quality productive forces are attracting attention across all sectors, opening up new investment opportunities.

"Since entering the Chinese market, Nu Skin has actively responded to the government's calls, continuously promoting innovation and upgrades, keeping pace with the times, adapting to market changes, and achieving sustainable development," said Clark. He also shared the company's plan to weave Internet of Things technology into a unified digital ecosystem for business model innovation, creating efficient connections between customers, contributors, and service providers. On top of that, Nu Skin will consistently roll out new products to cater to the varied demands of consumers.

The event was co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing Municipal Government. Over 140 executives from multinational corporations and representatives of foreign business associations in China from 17 countries and regions participated in the event.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
What was once the site of a state-owned psychiatric hospital in Grafton will now be the site for two life-science research and manufacturing buildings, according to MassDevelopment.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, MassDevelopment said that the 33.2 acres of land on 124 Westboro Rd. that was once part of the state-owned Grafton State Hospital will be the future home for two new buildings totaling 200,000 square feet and will lease offices for life science research, manufacturing and other industrial uses built by the Boston-based real estate company GFI Partners.
A 17-year-old man who was on the Massachusetts State Polices Most Wanted list in connection with his role in a 2023 shooting in Brockton was arrested in Worcester Monday morning, State Police said.

Kahmari T. Price was added to the departments list of most wanted fugitives in October 2023 for his role in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Mark A. Boyd on North Main Street in February of that year. Price was actively attempting to avoid capture since the shooting, State Police spokesman David Procopio said in a statement.

State Police tracked Price to an address on West Boylston Street in Worcester, where he was arrested around 9:40 a.m. Monday morning.

Price was expected to be arraigned in Brockton District Court Monday afternoon, according to Procopio.
A 2-year-old child was flown to a hospital Sunday after being attacked by a dog at a Cape Cod home, according to police. The toddlers injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Police and firefighters were dispatched to a home at 100 East Hill Road in Wellfleet for a report of a dog bite around 2:15 p.m., Wellfleet police said in a press release. The 2-year-old had been bitten by a pit bull mix dog.

Firefighters brought the toddler to Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Barnstable so that they could be flown to a Boston hospital for treatment, police said. Everyone involved in the incident knew each other.

Police are still investigating the incident.

Pit bulls are the breed most likely to be involved in dog attacks, according to Forbes. However, the ASPCAs position on pit bulls highlights the role of socialization in dog aggression, noting that pit bulls are more likely to be bred and raised to be aggressive, and that each dog should be treated as an individual.
Boston police arrested three people early Sunday morning after one of the suspects assaulted officers as they tried to break-up a loud party in Dorchester, according to police.

Mattapan residents Stephanie Ilma, 24, and Luca Delguado Santos, 20, and Boston resident Miguel Martinez were all charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and interfering with a police officer, Boston police said in a press release.

Ilma is also facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon  shod foot, assault and battery on a police officer, unlawful possession of a firearm  taser and resisting arrest, police said. Santos was additionally charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest.

Officers responded to the area of 4 Sumner Square around 4:15 a.m. for a report of a loud party, police said. At the scene, officers could hear loud music and discovered a group of about 70 people.

Officers asked the group to leave the area multiple times, but they refused, police said. Police then noticed Santos enticing the crowd by playing music from a portable boombox.

Officers approached Santos and asked him to turn the speaker off, but he responded by swinging the speaker, which hit an officer in the knee, police said. Officers grabbed the speaker from Santos, and a large crowd formed around the officers.

Ilma then became extremely aggressive towards the officers and refused back off. When officers told her she was being arrested, she became combative and punched multiple officers, leading to a violent struggle during which she was placed into handcuffs, police said.

During the struggle, Santos jumped on top of officers and attempted to intervene in Ilmas arrest. He refused to obey officers orders to stop resisting, and a second struggle ensued, but he was also eventually put in handcuffs, police said.

At this time, Martinez began to entice the crowd that had formed around the arresting officers. Officers asked him to leave the area, but he refused and was subsequently arrested, police said.

Officers searched Ilmas purse following her arrest and discovered a taser inside. All three suspects are set to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court, police said.
A fatal fire that killed a Carver man in March likely started inside a homes kitchen, Massachusetts Fire Marshal Jon Davines office announced.

The fire, which tore through a Tremont Street home on March 20, led to the death of James Collins, 69, according to the Plymouth County District Attorneys office in Davines offices statement released Monday.

Because investigators could not exclude cooking equipment, lithium-ion batteries, or an event involving an electrical appliance  all of which were present in the area of origin  it will remain officially undetermined, Davines office said. Investigators found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set, however.

About 80% of residential fires start in the kitchen, State Fire Marshal Davine said in the statement. We dont know exactly what caused this fire, but we know that you can reduce the risk of injury or worse with a practiced home escape plan. Make sure you and your family know two ways out of the house and two ways out of each room, if possible. If youre on the ground floor, remember that one way out might be a window.

Firefighters learned of the fire through a 911 call at around 11 p.m. on March 20, Davines office said. The Carver Fire Department found heavy fire on the first floor, but they had to enter knowing there was one person inside.

They removed Collins from the home, while another person who was inside was found injured and taken to the hospital to receive medical care, Davines office said. This person has since been released from the hospital and is recovering.

On behalf of the Carver Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Collins loved ones, said Carver Fire Chief Craig Weston in the statement. This was a very sad loss for his family and the community.
The family of former Massachusetts U.S. Rep. William Bill Delahunt have announced funeral services to honor the life of the long-time congressman and Norfolk County district attorney. He passed away peacefully from a long-term illness on Saturday, according to a statement from his family.

Delahunts wake is set to take place on Friday, April 5, from 2 to 7 p.m at United First Parish Church on Hancock Street in Quincy, his family said in a statement. United First Parish Church is known as the Church of the Presidents because two American presidents  John Adams and John Quincy Adams  attended the church and are buried there with their wives.

Delahunts funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, at 11 a.m. at Saint Gregory Parish on Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester, according to the statement. Father Jack Ahern  a close family friend  will lead the funeral Mass.

Delahunt  a Democrat and lifelong Quincy resident  represented Massachusetts 10th Congressional District for 14 years. He was 82 when he died surrounded by his loving family at his home in Marina Bay, according to his family. He was a cherished father, fiance, grandfather and former husband.

While we mourn the loss of such a tremendous person, we also celebrate his remarkable life and his legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration, Delahunts family said in a statement Saturday. We could always turn to him for wisdom, solace and a laugh, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in our family and our hearts.

Delahunt held elected office for nearly 40 consecutive years, serving first as a Quincy city councilor in 1972 before joining the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1975. He then served as Norfolk County district attorney from 1975 to 1996 and finally became a U.S. Representative in 1997.

During his time in Congress, Delahunt served a district that no longer exists. The Massachusetts 10th Congressional District comprised the South Shore, Cape and Islands and was redrawn after the 2010 Census. Delahunt represented the district from 1997 to 2011.

Public officials such as Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Ed Markey praised Delahunts public service as both a prosecutor and congressman over the weekend. As Norfolk County district attorney, Delahunt created the countrys first domestic violence unit, changing both the way women and spouses are treated by the justice system and how they are viewed  as equal to men, as whole beings, and as the focus for justice, rather than just an afterthought. Markey said in a statement on Saturday.

Known for being a liberal congressman who valued bipartisanship, Delahunt passed impactful bills, such as one that made all children adopted overseas automatically American citizens. He is also remembered for being an early backer of former President Barak Obamas presidential bid.

It is a fitting honor that the door of the William D. Delahunt Norfolk County Courthouse opens every day so that the people inside can do the hard work of making lives better, as Bill Delahunt did, Markey said in his statement. The Commonwealth and the country are better for Bill Delahunts vision and service.
Gov. Maura Healey has ordered flags at all state buildings and city and town halls to fly at half-staff this week in honor of the late Massachusetts U.S. Rep. William Bill Delahunt, who represented the South Shore, Cape Cod and the Islands in Congress for 14 years.

A Democrat, lifelong Quincy resident and long-time Norfolk County district attorney, Delahunt passed away peacefully from a long-term illness on Saturday at age 82, according to a statement from his family. He died surrounded by his loving family at his home in Marina Bay.

Healeys order begins Monday and will be in effect until sunset on Saturday, April 6  the day Delahunt is scheduled to be buried. In a statement, Healey called Delahunt a remarkable public servant who helped transform Massachusetts  especially Southeastern Massachusetts  at the local, state and federal levels.

His approach is proof of the progress we are able to make when we bring people together, the governor said. Congressman Delahunt leaves a lasting legacy of integrity, compassion and collaboration. He will be sorely missed by many, and my thoughts are with his family and all who knew and loved him.

Delahunts wake is set to take place on Friday, April 5, from 2 to 7 p.m at United First Parish Church on Hancock Street in Quincy, his family said in a statement. His funeral is scheduled for the following day at 11 a.m. at Saint Gregory Parish on Dorchester Avenue in Bostons Dorchester neighborhood.

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Delahunt held elected office for nearly 40 consecutive years, serving first as a Quincy city councilor in 1972 before joining the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1975. He then served as Norfolk County district attorney from 1975 to 1996 and finally became a U.S. Representative in 1997.

During his time in Congress, Delahunt served a district that no longer exists. The Massachusetts 10th Congressional District comprised the South Shore, Cape and Islands. Delahunt represented the district from 1997 to 2011. It was redrawn after the 2010 Census.

Public officials such as Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Ed Markey praised Delahunts public service as both a prosecutor and congressman over the weekend. As Norfolk County district attorney, Delahunt created the countrys first domestic violence unit, changing both the way women and spouses are treated by the justice system and how they are viewed  as equal to men, as whole beings, and as the focus for justice, rather than just an afterthought. Markey said in a statement on Saturday.

Known for being a liberal congressman who valued bipartisanship, Delahunt passed impactful bills, such as one that made all children adopted overseas automatically American citizens. He is also remembered for being an early backer of former President Barak Obamas presidential bid.
A Maine man pleaded guilty to conspiring to straw purchase guns in Maine to traffic them to Massachusetts, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

Traveyon Richardson, 26, of Bangor, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to straw purchase firearms and one count of trafficking of firearms, Levys office said in a statement on Monday. Richardson and his co-conspirator Breon Stroup were indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023.

Stroup used the app Snapchat in September 2022 to ask Richardson to purchase two specific firearms for him in Maine where he lives, Levys office said. The next day, Stroup sent a money transfer to Richardson using Cash App, buying firearms. He then picked the guns up from the federal firearm license dealer and drove them to Massachusetts in October 2022.

About two weeks later, in October 2022, the two men had a phone conversation where Stroup told Richardson he had deleted his Snapchat account, but Richardson asked about Stroups iCloud account, Levys office said. Stroup replied that he also deleted his iCloud account.

The charge of conspiracy to straw purchase firearms provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of trafficking of firearms provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

Chief United States District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled Richardsons sentencing for July 10, 2024.
A 41-year-old man who prosecutors say filed a fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claim for a man living in Brazil who has since been charged with migrant smuggling will return to court later this month for a probable cause hearing, according to federal court filings.

Julio Roncaly Morais, of Haverhill, is charged with mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He was arraigned in Federal Court in Boston last week, where he was released on a number of conditions, including surrendering his passport, avoiding contact with other defendants in the case unless a lawyer is present, and not possessing a firearm, court records show.

On June 3, 2020, Morais is accused of filing an unemployment assistance claim in Massachusetts on behalf of Chelbe Willams Moraes, who was living in Brazil at the time, acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. In the application, Morais is accused of certifying under the penalty of perjury that Moraes was a resident of Massachusetts able and available to work in the state, but could not because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state Department of Unemployment Assistance subsequently paid more than $5,000 before ceasing payments because it could not reach Moraes.

Moraes is facing charges in a separate case, where he is accused of forced labor conspiracy, encouraging and inducing an alien to come to, enter and remain in the United States for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, and residence is or will be in violation of law and conspiring to do so; money laundering conspiracy and money laundering, according to Levys office.

The charges Morais faces could carry a prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of $250,000.

Morais probable cause hearing will be at 2 p.m. on April 16.
A motorcyclist was killed Sunday evening when they were hit by a car in Dorchester, Boston police said.

Boston police were sent to the area of Dorchester Avenue and King Street at around 8:35 p.m. Sunday for a report of a crash, Officer Michael Torigian, a department spokesman, said Monday morning. When officers arrived, they found the motorcyclist with life-threatening injuries.

The person was rushed to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead, Torigian said.

The crash remains under investigation and no arrests have been made as of Monday morning. The driver of the car remained at the site of the accident, Torigian said.

Police have not released the motorcyclists identity as of Monday morning.
A 20-year-old man is being sought by police in connection with the fatal shooting of his older brother in Brockton early Sunday, and two men are facing accessory charges in the slaying, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office announced Monday.

Jeremiah Abreu is wanted for the shooting death of Sedrick Abreu in Brockton at a home on Hoover Avenue at around 2:17 a.m. Sunday, Cruzs office said in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter. Following the shooting Sunday, police searched the home and arrested Sirick Amado, 24, and Antonio Dejesus, 26.

Amado and Dejesus are both charged with accessory to the homicide and are expected to be arraigned in Brockton District Court on Monday, Cruzs office said.

Police also seized several items of evidentiary value after a search of the home where Sedrick Abreu was killed.

Cruzs office previously said the killing was not a random act of violence.

An investigation into the shooting is ongoing, Cruz said.
More than 5,000 boxes of a popsicle brand sold at Massachusetts stores have been recalled because they could potentially be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Tropicale Foods has recalled 5,224 units of its Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack because the mango bars in the pack possibly have been contaminated with Salmonella, the FDA said in an online statement.

The variety packs have a best by date of 10/11/2025. The popsicles were sold in more than dozen states  including Massachusetts  and certain locations in Europe, the FDA said.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, the FDA said. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

So far, no illnesses have be reported. And Tropicale Foods has stopped production on the popsicles. The company is conducting an investigation as to what caused the problem.

Anyone who bought the variety pack should throw them out immediately. Those with questions can contact Tropicale Foods at 909-563-3090 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.
As the Bay State scrambles to find the cash to keep its emergency shelter system running amid a surge of newcomers, Massachusetts lawmakers on Capitol Hill are calling on the Biden administration to act.

Now is a critical moment to provide federal relief to Massachusetts as the Commonwealth continues its steadfast efforts to care for new arrivals and existing residents alike, as well as ensure the states long-term financial stability, the lawmakers wrote in a letter that will be sent Monday to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell.

The letter, which was shared exclusively with MassLive, was led by Democratic U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. All nine Democratic members of the states U.S. House delegation co-signed the letter.

The letter calls on the two agency bosses to immediately distribute support through FEMAs Shelter and Services Program to Massachusetts and other states in desperate need of money to welcome new arrivals.

The program provides funds to non-federal entities that provide sheltering and other eligible services to noncitizen migrants who have been encountered by the Department of Homeland Security and released from custody while awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceedings, according to FEMAs website.

In their statement, the Bay States federal lawmakers noted that, while FEMA has $650 million at its disposal thanks to a recently approved appropriations bill, thats not enough to address the full scale of the financial crisis across the country, including Massachusetts.

Still, the federal assistance will provide vital support for a humanitarian response to the unprecedented influx of newly arriving migrants into the Commonwealth, the lawmakers wrote.

In a statement obtained by MassLive, Markey noted that the Commonwealth and its partner organizations are doing extraordinary work to welcome and support new arrivals.

I have met with organizations on the front lines and have witnessed firsthand the challenges they face, Markey continued.

I am going to continue to fight for funding to support the vital work they are doing each and every day to welcome immigrants with care and compassion, the Massachusetts Democrat said.

Spending on the states emergency shelter system, strained to the maximum by an ongoing influx of Massachusetts families and new arrivals from other countries, is expected to soar past $900 million a year for the next two years.

The House and Senate each have passed dueling funding bills that seek to limit shelter stays to nine months, with extensions under certain conditions, MassLive previously reported.

The clock is ticking on legislative negotiators to reconcile the differences between their respective proposals. Thats because funding could run out by April without an agreement, according to published reports.

On Thursday, state House Speaker Ron Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said the state can weather the storm this year, thanks to reserve accounts, but will face serious funding choices in the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2026.

Every program that we fund is susceptible to being tapped to get to fund this shelter program  not in this budget, but in the next budget, Mariano said, MassLive previously reported.

Last week, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, announced that her office would now require new arrivals and long-term residents of Massachusetts staying at state overflow shelters to prove they are working toward independence every month.

Healey, who has remained resolute in arguing that its up to Washington to clean up the mess its dumped on states, may also have a funding back-up plan if lawmakers cant get a deal.

Healeys office can tap $707 million now earmarked for school reimbursements for the shelter program, the Boston Herald reported, citing the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

As of Friday, 7,545 families, 45 more than the states self-imposed cap of 7,500 were in the emergency shelter system, state data showed. Hundreds more people are being housed at overflow sites around the state, while still others sit on a state waiting list.
Lawmakers started negotiations Monday on a bill thats expected to eventually inject hundreds of millions more dollars into the states family shelter system and put time limits on how long homeless families can stay in the system.

The chairs of the House and Senate Ways and Means committees, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, D-3rd Suffolk, and Sen. Michael Rodrigues, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth, will lead the negotiations, as they also both work on their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

Michlewitz, Rodrigues and conferees Reps. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D- and Todd Smola and Sens. Cynthia Friedman, D-4th Middlesex, and Patrick OConnor, R-1st Plymouth/Norfolk, held their negotiations open to the public for about two minutes Monday, before voting to go into executive session and closing the discussions to outsiders.

In opening statements both chairs emphasized the urgency of the negotiations.

I look forward to working with all of you to get this rectified as quickly as possible. You and I are experienced at it, Rodrigues said to Michlewitz. So Im sure we will accomplish that goal quickly.

The Houses version of the fiscal 2024 spending bill () directs $245 million towards the shelter system.

The Senates version of the bill would authorize the Healey administration to pull from an $863 million state savings account called the transitional escrow fund across both fiscal 2024 and 2025.

State officials estimate that funds already appropriated for the shelter system will run out sometime this spring.

The Senate bill also calls for making permanent pandemic-era provisions allowing expanded outdoor dining and a graduate student nursing program.

But in a contrast from the House, it would not allow restaurants to continue selling alcoholic beverages to go -- a pandemic-era policy that expired at the end of March since lawmakers failed to renew it before then.

Im looking forward to working with you, and all of you, on this supplemental budget bill trying to get it done as quickly as possible. We have some obviously important pieces in there that are of immediate need. And I know we share a desire to see this get to the governors desk as soon as we can, Michlewitz said.

Much of the debate will revolve around the use of reserve funds, which have grown since an influx of federal dollars during the pandemic and state budget surpluses allowed lawmakers to tuck away historic amounts.

Both House and Senate bills also look to cap how long a family can stay in shelter -- a departure from the states 40-year-old policy that qualifying homeless families can stay in state-run housing for as long as it takes to get on their feet.

Representatives and senators are looking to restrict stays to nine months.

The Senate would allow officials to award one or more 90-day extensions to shelter residents who meet criteria, such as single parents of children with disabilities or those who need an extension to avoid losing a job.

The House would offer three-month extensions to those who are employed or enrolled in a job training program, pregnant women, people with certain disabilities, veterans and those facing domestic violence risks.
If youre looking for a cocktail to-go with your favorite bar food on this April Fools Monday, the jokes on you.

At least for now.

The pandemic-era program that made adult sippy cups legal expired on Sunday after Democrats who control the state House and Senate failed to come to an accord on a supplemental budget package that also provides an infusion of taxpayer cash for the Bay States emergency shelter system.

Legislative negotiators were slated to start meeting on Monday to try to iron out their differences on their respective bills, which seek to limit shelter stays to nine months, with extensions under certain conditions, MassLive previously reported.

The Houses version of the bill put $245 million more toward the system in the budget year that starts July 1, according to MASSterList, a politics newsletter.

The Senates version of the legislation would allow the Democratic Healey administration to pull more than $800 million from a state reserve fund across both fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025, the newsletter reported.

The drinks-to-go program, meanwhile, allowed Bay State residents to purchase up to 64 ounces of a mixed cocktail; 192 ounces of beer, or 1.5 liters of wine, either by picking it up in-person from a restaurant, or through a delivery service, Boston.com reported.

In practical terms, thats about eight cups of mixed drinks; a 12-pack of beer, or two bottles of wine  which is quite a lot of door to dash through, if you got it delivered.

Restaurant owners and saloon-keepers who struggled to keep their doors open during the pandemic were fans of the policy, which allowed to shore up their bottom lines, according to Boston.com.

The pandemic really shined a light on people getting delivery food, and that is a practice that has continued, Jessica Muradian, of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, told Boston.com. There are customers that love the convenience of getting a restaurant quality drink with food orders.

Liquor store owners, meanwhile, felt entirely different about the policy  viewing it as competition.

The restaurants are trying to be liquor stores and restaurants at the same time due to what happened during the pandemic. Theyre taking advantage of a situation, Robert Mellion, the executive director of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, told Boston.com,

If it was just about a Mai Tai, it would just be one drink, not 64 ounces and 192 ounces of beer and two bottles of wine, he said.
Thousands of eager eclipse-viewers are expected to head up to northern New Hampshire and Vermont to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse coming up on Monday, April 8.

But they may find the remnants of up to 2 feet of snow expected to fall on the region this week.

The moons shadow will be passing over northern Vermont and New Hampshire in whats called the path of totality. Thats where people looking up at the sky get a chance to see the sun completely blocked by the moon for a few minutes during the eclipse.

The April 8 solar eclipse will pass over northern Vermont and New Hampshire as well as parts of New York and Maine. (National Weather Service graphic)National Weather Service graphic

The center of the path passes close to St. Albans, Vermont, and the path itself passes over Burlington, Montpelier, and communities in New Hampshire, Maine and New York  like Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester.

By Monday, the snow will have likely melted off of roadways in northern New England, but it will likely still be on trails and other woodland areas by Monday, according to Gabriel Langbauer, meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Services Burlington, Vt., office.

The melted snow will also make roads and trails quite muddy, Langbauer added.

The Burlington National Weather Service office has issued a cold water safety notice for visitors to the state, who may try to get a glimpse of the eclipse near Lake Champlain or other bodies of water.

As for viewing conditions, Langbauer is cautiously optimistic.

While the National Weather Services models are still in the tentative stages, it is looking like there is a good chance of a high pressure ridge over northern Vermont on April 8, Langbauer said.

High pressure is very good for clear skies, he said.
THE pedestrian who was killed in a road traffic collision along the N17 over the weekend has been named as 17-year-old Vakaris Gudaitis.

The teenager who lived in Claremorris was killed when he was hit by a car on the N17 near Barnacarroll at approximately 9.20pm on Saturday night about eight kilometres north of Claremorris.

Mr Gudaitis was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Mayo University Hospital where a post mortem was to take place. This is the second road tragedy which happened in Mayo in the past week.

Last Tuesday, Una Bowden, aged in her 40s,was driving on the N17 when their car collided with a truck on Tuesday. She and her two daughters, Saoirse (9) and Ciara (14) were pronounced dead shortly after.

A fundraising appeal has been set up by friends of the family of Mr Gudaitis to help pay for the funeral of the teen, whose family are natives of Lithuania.

Kristina Veldon who is organising the fundraiser on Go Fund Me stated that 'nobody could have predicted or prepared for these unfortunate circumstances'.

As you are well aware, the cost of funerals can be quite expensive, so we are looking for donations from the public to help the Gudaitis family pay their final farewell to their son.

Any donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated to cover the funeral expenses. Let's help this family in their time of need, she wrote. As of Monday lunchtime, the appeal had raised 4,025 of a target of 5,000.

An Garda Siochana stated that no other injuries were reported in the collision involving Mr Gudaitis and are appealing for information into the tragedy.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), and were travelling on the N17 between Claremorris and Knock yesterday [Saturday] evening between 8.45pm and 9.30pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station, the Garda appeal read.
A developer who stopped working on the primary care centre in Ballyhaunis is currently working on a new primary care centre in Co Galway.

Sharpdale Ltd, who stopped construction on Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre in May 2021, are currently undertaking work at a primary care centre in Dominic Street in Portumna.

Work ceased on the Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre after the project became no longer economically viable. The facility was developed through the operational lease mechanism.

Under this arrangement, the HSE enters into agreement with a developer to build a primary care centre. The HSE then leases the building for a fixed period.

Several such primary care centres have been delivered through such a model throughout the country.

When opened, Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre was due to provide nursing, physiotherapy, dentistry and home support. It was due to be operational in the final quarter of 2021.

A public meeting of almost 30 people in Ballyhaunis Community Centre last Wednesday heard concerns regarding the stalled project.

The meeting was told that existing GP surgeries in Ballyhaunis were full up while one attendee claimed that the site was inadequate for the size of the project.

One man who lives across from the site said unattended scaffolding at the site posing a health and safety risk.

Another man who attended the public meeting said it would cost an extraordinary amount of money for the HSE to negotiate new rates with developers delivering primary care centres throughout the country.

Working group

A working group of local residents formed after the meeting are due to invite the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, to visit the incomplete primary care centre in Ballyhaunis.

The builder and the HSE were invited to attend last Wednesdays meeting but did not do so.

Aontu local election candidate Paul Lawless, who organised the meeting, told The Mayo News that the issue was being raised by almost every constituent he met in the Ballyhaunis area.

Mr Lawless told the meeting that trying to find information about the project was like hitting a stone wall.

He acknowledged efforts by the HSE to recruit more GPs but said they were moving at a glacial pace.

Mr Lawless cited the success of the Lahardane community in retaining their GP when he called on people to support a campaign to complete the Ballyhaunis primary care centre.

Theres one currency a politician knows, and thats votes in the ballot box. And that is the value of mobilising groups like this, he told the meeting.

The Knock-based schoolteacher told The Mayo News that he understood why the developer had walked away from the project for economic reasons.

I can understand where the developer is coming from. Costs have gone up, said Mr Lawless, who hit out at the lack of urgency from the HSE regarding the situation.

Ballyhaunis cannot wait another three years for the completion of this project and frankly the building cannot wait another three years as it suffers from water ingress, he said.

Aontu local election candidate Paul Lawless speaking at a public meeting on Ballyhaunis primary care centre

Dervin & Sons, whose director John Crean is also a director of Sharpdale Limited, has not responded to queries made by this newspaper regarding the project.

Statement

THE last statement the HSE issued to The Mayo News on the matter said that it remained in contact with the builder regarding the project.

The HSE has been assessing this issue on a national basis and all options are being explored including rate uplifts, withdrawing the current agreement and re-advertising of the development.

The HSE has not responded to further questions from The Mayo News regarding the ownership of the building.

The matter has already been raised in the Dail by Mayo TDs and locally by Fine Gael local election candidate Alma Gallagher.
EXPENSES to elected members of Mayo County Council have risen by over 13,000 last year and now stand at over 1.2 million.

A grand total of 1,261,683.21 was paid to 30 county councillors in 2023, 13,033 more than the 1,177,134 paid out in 2022.

This includes a 34,005 gratuity payment to Fianna Fail councillor Michael Smyth, who retired from public office last April. He received a total of 48,124.92 in payments in 2023, the fifth-highest of any county councillor in Mayo.

Other separate gratuity payments to former members of the local authority include former TD and Senator Michelle Mulherin (28,224), Mark Winters (9,609), Myles Staunton (9,258) and Peter Clarke (9,356). Excluding Cllr Smyth, this brings the total number of gratuities paid to former members to 56,447.

Gratuities are paid to former county councillors after they turn 50 according to the number of years they served in offices.

Politicians who win seats in the Dail and Seanad are also entitled to these one-off payments.

The bulk of payments made to county councillors - 863,590.55 in total - went towards their remuneration payment of 28,868.98.

Knockmore-based Independent councillor Seamus Weir, who will not be contesting the upcoming local elections, claimed 56,064.84 in 2023.

Cllr Weir served as Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council for the first six months of the year, which entitled him to claim a 14,794.52 allowance.

The Knockmore-based representative also claimed 1,169.14 for an official visit to New York in March 2023, as did Cllrs Richard Finn, Donna Sheridan and Sean Carey.

The second-biggest recipient of expenses was Castlebar-based Independent Michael Kilcoyne, who received 49,721.

Of that, he received 6,500 for chairing a strategic policy committee and 6,170 for serving as Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District.

The third highest was Ballinrobe-based councillor Michael Burke (Fine Gael) who was paid 48,390.

This figure included 6,500 for chairing a strategic policy committee and 4,969 for attending nine training conferences.

The fourth highest payment of 48,368 was made to Foxford Councillor Neil Cruise, whose expenses included 8,170 for attending 17 conferences.

All but ten members of the council received expenses totalling 78,136.07 for attending training and conferences.

County councillors who did not claim any expenses for training and conferences last year were: Ger Deere, Blackie Gavin, Adrian Forkan, Michael Kilcoyne, Al McDonnell, Paul McNamara, Brendan Mulroy, Jarlath Munnelly, Donna Sheridan and Michael Smyth.

Fianna Fail county councillor Adrian Forkan, who was co-opted last year in place of Cllr Smyth, received the least of any councillor with 18,177.36.
There is sadness on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean this Easter at the passing of Eileen Wiley, known affectionately as Eily.

Mrs Wiley was the grandmother of the reigning Rose of Tralee, Roisin Wiley, who hails from both New York and Co Limerick.

Roisin represented New York in the 2023 Rose of Tralee competition. She memorably called to the care facility in Bruree, Co Limerick, after she received her crown to make Mrs Wiley the proudest grandmother in Ireland.

Mrs Eileen Wiley passed away on Good Friday, March 29. She hailed from Kilmallock and passed away at Croom Hospital.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell has led tributes to the mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

My deepest condolences to all the family, relations and friends. May Eilys gentle soul rest in eternal peace, said Mayor Mitchell on rip.ie

Minister of State Niall Collins expressed his deepest sympathies and Kilmallock-based councillor, Mike Donegan offered his sincere condolences.

One sympathiser describes Mrs Wiley as the essence of kindness and gentleness.

The Wiley family is well known in the business and GAA communities in New York and County Limerick. One of her sons, Eddie Wiley, is chairman of Club Limerick New York which has welcomed Liam MacCarthy and star hurlers Stateside, as well as doing a lot of fundraising for Limerick GAA.

Reposing this Easter Sunday evening, March 31, from 6pm at Daffy's Funeral Home, Kilmallock, followed by evening prayers at 7.30pm.

Removal to arrive on Monday for noon Requiem Mass at St Peter & Paul's Church, Kilmallock followed by burial afterwards to the local cemetery. Her funeral Mass will be live streamed here
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, April 1, 2024

The TV Blog hereby throws its support behind the Disney Board ahead of this weeks proxy vote on Wednesday.

The reasons are basically this: As far as I can learn, the financial firm of Trian Partners has no department of imagineering in its corporate structure. Moreover, Trian has never made a cartoon.

The same goes for the other entities seeking to elbow their way onto the Disney Board to bring their influence to bear on the companys top management.

Their goals, as I understand them: (1) To rein in compensation for Disneys top brass, (2) curb spending on production to fill the Disney+ pipeline and (3) make more money for shareholders, including themselves.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to make money in America.

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But how can they put a price on dreams? Dreams are expensive!

Really, Nelson Peltz? Where is your Mickey Mouse? Where is your Magic Kingdom? Where is your Darby OGill And the Little People?

Disney has been hard at work since at least February contacting little people -- i.e., individual investors in its empire -- by mail and by phone to support the Disney board with their proxy votes in advance of the companys annual shareholders meeting in two days.

Trian has adopted similar tactics to sway shareholders to vote to elect Peltz, 81, a founding partner of Trian, and Jay Rasulo, a former Disney executive, to the Disney board.

They havent forgotten the little people either. We want to make sure that all the shareholders -- not just guys like us -- but guys who got 50 shares for a gift, a kid who got 10 shares and has it on his wall as his 10th birthday gift, those are the people we wanna help, says Peltz in a video clip on Trians Restore the Magic web site.

Kid investors with shares of Disney are one thing. But what about the millions of other kids who are emotionally invested in Disney?

Who can they trust to keep the characters they love -- Mickey, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Nemo and thousands of others -- alive and well?

Not the Trian gang. They aim to curtail Disney productions, which could include animation (although they have said no such thing).

Whats next? Star Wars?

Disney, on the other hand, has a history of never jettisoning or otherwise sidelining or mothballing any of its intellectual property, no matter how long in the tooth it might be, except maybe for Song of the South.

In some ways, the proxy vote boils down to a choice between these Trian guys and Bob Iger, now in his second term as Disney CEO.

The Trian activists have openly complained about the size of Igers compensation package.

In addition, they are dissatisfied with the pace of Disneys efforts to form a succession plan to replace Iger, who is 73, in the event he leaves -- which is also something they wouldnt exactly mourn.

But Iger seems like a better hope for the preservation of the Disney characters, the Magic Kingdoms and the Department of Imagineering than Peltz, despite his evident concern for kids with Disney stock certificates thumbtacked to their bedroom walls.

Although his last name is not Disney, Iger feels like a part of the family.

The TV Blog believes that if Walt Disney were alive today, he would regard Bob Iger as the son he never had (Disney had two daughters).

In endorsing the Disney Board over the activist investors, the TV Blog exhorts those who have not yet done so to vote to Make Disney Great Again -- MDGA!
by Ray Schultz , March 31, 2024

Julie Makinen is stepping down as editor in chief of The San Francisco Standard to care for her ailing parents, effective April 12.

Makinen joined the Standard last year after stints at the Desert Sun and the Los Angeles Times Beijing bureau, according to Mission Local.

Jon Steinberg, executive editor, and Jeff Bercovici, managing editor, will head the newsroom for now.

CEO Griffin Gaffney praised Makinen in a email to the staff.

From leading the charge on our world-class reporting of news events like the Bob Lee murder in her first month here to building out our express desk, she has unquestionably upleveled our organizational rigor and professionalism across the board, Gaffney wrote, Mission Local reports.

The Standard was founded in 2021 by billionaire journalist-turned-investor Michael Moritz.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, April 1, 2024



Omnicom Group is holding its annual meeting this year at the Baltimore offices of commerce and retail media specialist Flywheel Digital, which the holding company paid $835 million to purchase last October, its largest acquisition ever.

The meeting is scheduled for May 7.

Three votes are scheduled for the meeting, which will be election of the companys board of directors, the approval of KPMG as the firms independent auditor and an advisory vote supporting (or not) executive compensation for 2023.

advertisement advertisement According to the companys 2024 proxy statement, CEO John Wren earned total compensation of $20,150,620, which is about half a million dollars less than he earned in 2022.

By comparison, WPP CEO Mark Read took a 33% reduction in compensation last year to 4,498,000 GBP, reflecting the companys weaker financial performance  organic revenue growth was up less than 1% and similar results are expected for this year.

Omnicom by contrast posted organic growth last year of 4.1%, in line with expectations and with growth guidance of 3.5% to 5% for 2024.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 1, 2024

Google has agreed to destroy or remediate data it collected from Chrome users who browsed in incognito mode prior to December, in order to settle a class-action privacy lawsuit.

The settlement terms, unveiled Monday, also require Google to revise is disclosures about incognito mode.

If accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, the deal will resolve a battle dating to June 2020, when California residents Chasom Brown and Maria Nguyen and Florida resident William Byatt alleged in a class-action complaint that they were tracked by Google even though they used the Chrome browser's incognito mode to navigate the web.

They specifically alleged that even in incognito mode, visiting a site that uses Google Analytics or Google Ad Manager results in Google's collection of IP addresses, browser and device information, and web pages' content. Information about users' IP addresses, browsers and devices can power digital fingerprinting, a controversial tracking technique that enables companies to compile information about users based on the characteristics of their devices.

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The users argued that Google's representations about incognito mode didn't adequately convey to users that their data would be collected. The complaint included claims that Google violated its contract with users, and ran afoul of the federal wiretap law and various California laws.

Google argued the case should be dismissed on the grounds that users expressly consented to data collection by accepting Google's privacy policy and other terms of service.

Rogers rejected Google's stance last August, writing that the company's privacy policies didn't unambiguously disclose that it would collect data from people who browsed in incognito mode.

She noted in the ruling that Google's privacy policy told users they could "choose to browse the web in a private mode, like Chrome Incognito mode."

Counsel for Google and the Chrome users revealed last December that they had agreed to resolve the litigation, but the terms weren't made available until now.

The proposed settlement requires Google to shed some information collected from incognito users that can be used for device fingerprinting -- including portions of IP addresses -- and to delete detailed URLs that reveal the specific web pages incognito users visited.

The potential deal also requires Google to modify its disclosures, including by telling Chrome users that browsing in incognito mode won't change how outside sites and services -- including Google's -- collect data.

A Google spokesperson stated Monday that it was "happy to delete old technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never used for any form of personalization."

Rogers had ruled earlier in the case that the plaintiffs could seek an injunction against Google, but couldn't seek monetary damages on a class-wide basis.

The proposed agreement would allow users to pursue individual lawsuits against Google for monetary damages. Lawyers for the plaintiffs said in Monday's court papers that a "very large number" of individual Chrome users plan to do so.
by Jochen Szangolies

Recently, the exponential growth of AI capabilities has been outpaced only by the exponential growth of breathless claims about their coming capabilities, with some arguing that performance on par with humans in every domain (artificial general intelligence or AGI) may only be seven months away, arriving by November of this year. My purpose in this article is to examine the plausibility of this claim, and, provided AGI includes the ability to know what youre talking about, find it wanting. I will do so by examining the work of British philosopher and logician Bertrand Russellor more accurately, some objections raised against it.

Russell was a master of structure in more ways then one. His writing, the significance of which was recognized with the 1950 Nobel Prize in literature, is often a marvel of clarity and coherence; his magnum opus Principia Mathematica, co-written with his former teacher Alfred North Whitehead, sought to establish a firm foundation for mathematics in logic. But for our purposes, the most significant aspect of his work is his attempt to ground scientific knowledge in knowledge of structureknowledge of relations between entities, as opposed to direct acquaintance with the entities themselvesand its failure as originally envisioned.

Structure, in everyday parlance, is a bit of an inexact term. A structure can be a building, a mechanism, a construct; it can refer to a particular aspect of something, like the structure of a painting or a piece of music; or it can refer to a set of rules governing a particular behavioral domain, like the structure of monastic life. We are interested in the logical notion of structure, where it refers to a particular collection of relations defined on a set of not further specified entities (its domain).

It is perhaps easiest to approach this notion by means of a couple of examples. Take the set of all your direct maternal ancestors: your mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and so on. There is a relation that we might call ancestrality that obtains between each two: your great-grandmother is ancestral to your grandmother, and your grandmother is ancestral to your mother. Furthermore, if Agatha is ancestral to Betty, then Betty cant be ancestral to Agatha; and if Charlotte is ancestral to Dorothy, and Dorothy is ancestral to Eunice, then Charlotte is also ancestral to Eunice.

Now turn to your bookshelf. The books on it are of various thicknesses: Helgasons Sixty Kilos of Sunshine is heftier than Williams Stoner, but both are dwarfed by Don Quixote. With a bit of thought, it becomes obvious that the thickness-relation between the books follows the same rules as the ancestrality-relation. Mathematicians formulate such rules in terms of axioms. If a, b, and c are arbitrary elements of either of the two sets, and we write suggestively < for the relation, then:

Nothing is ancestral to itself (not a < a) Nothing is an ancestor of its own ancestor (if a < b, then not b < a) The ancestor of an elements ancestor is itself that elements ancestor (if a < b and b < c then a < c) For any two distinct elements, one must be the others ancestor (a < b or b < a if a and b are distinct)

The same rules work for the books on your shelf if we replace is ancestral to with is thicker than. This means that the two sets have the same abstract structure (in this case, in mathematical terms, a strict total order). This is very useful: for suppose youre engaged in a genealogy project, but are having trouble to keep the order of your ancestors straight. If youre interested in n of your ancestors, all you have to do is take n books from your shelf, order them according to thickness, and fix a note to each spine corresponding to the name of one of your ancestors in order. Then, if you want to find out whether Mildred is an ancestor of Georgina, and the sticker labeled Mildred is fixed to the back of One Hundred Years of Solitude while the one labeled Georgina is taped to Kafka on the Shore, all you have to do is compare the thickness of the two books. A real time-saver!

This is the basis of scientific modeling. If you want to predict the behavior of one system, one way to do so is to take another system such that it instantiates the same structure, and map your observations on this model to the object under study, just as you mapped the books to your maternal ancestors. My favorite example is that of an orrery: because the little beads on wires are arranged in the same relative positions as the planets of the solar system, and because the gears that make it go implement the same ratios of movement, you can use the orrery to predict the motion of planets.

It is often useful to think about the instantiated structure in the abstract. Suppose we care only about three ancestors, respectively books. We may denote them, as before, a, b, and c; the entire collection is then the set {a, b, c}, the domain of the structure we are considering (the curly braces {} here indicate nothing but a collection of various things, where what we can collect is left essentially open). We can then write somewhat more neutrally (a, b) for a < b, in order to not bias the interpretation of the relation were defining; this just means that a is related to b, in some not further specified way. For this, the parentheses () denote an ordered collection, such that a is the first, and b is the second element of (a, b). In contrast, {a, b, c} has no ordering preference, so that it is the same object as {b, a, c} or {c, b, a}. Then, the relation can be fully defined by the set {(a, b), (b, c), (a, c)}; together with the domain {a, b, c}, it completely defines the structure were interested abstractly. This can be readily checked by testing it against the axioms above (exercise for the reader!).

Our abstract structure has two distinct concrete instantiations, in terms of books and ancestors. They might be, for example, {(Independent People, One Hundred Years of Solitude), (One Hundred Years of Solitude, Kafka on the Shore), (Independent People, Kafka on the Shore)} and {(Fiona, Mildred), (Mildred, Georgina), (Fiona, Georgina)}, over the domains (sets of elements) {Independent People, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Kafka on the Shore} and {Fiona, Mildred, Georgina}, respectively. These are then two different concrete structures, if the relation is interpreted as is thicker than and is ancestral to, in turn. What this means is that there are multiple concrete structures that instantiate a given abstract structure: indeed, thats ultimately what makes scientific modeling possibleby means of instantiating a systems abstract structure in a model system, or by studying it abstractly, using mathematics (which lends itself to an interpretation of mathematics as the science that studies (possible) structuresbut that only parenthetically).

The Paucity of Structure

Russells philosophical investigations were guided by what he called the problem of matter, which for him essentially meant the philosophical foundations of physics. He tackled the problem in a characteristically systematicdare I say structured?way. First, he set out to find a firm foundation for the language in which physical theory is written, namely, mathematics. The result of this investigation is the magisterial Principia Mathematica, which seeks to reduce mathematics uniquely to a logical foundation. Then, he sought to give an account of how we can come to have knowledge of the outside world. This resulted in his causal theory of perception. These set on firm foundations each, he went on to give a theory of the ontology of physics in terms of events and their connections, rather than, e.g., in terms of particles moving in space-time.

The project is as ambitious as it is sweeping in its reach, and is undertaken with Russells characteristic mix of precision, eloquence, and clarity. However, in its original form, it could never have worked: both of its preliminary investigations rest on foundations insufficient to bear the weight of their ambition. Thats not to say they were undertaken in vain: their failure, I think, has taught us something surprising about the world that might have been difficult to uncover otherwise, and it is perhaps only Russells penetrating logic that could have laid the underlying issues bare enough to uncover the crack in their foundations. Even today, it can still teach us new insightssuch as, that Large Language Models (LLMs) have no way of knowing what theyre talking about.

In brief, what caused Russells project to stumbletwiceis that (abstract) structure underdetermines its domain. Weve seen an example of this already: the abstract structure defined above does not determine whether it is instantiated in terms of books of varying thickness, or your maternal ancestral line. But of course, there was never really any reason to expect this structure to uniquely determine its domain.

But the question remains, can we do better? Can we find an abstract structurea set of axioms, like 1.-4. abovethat does single out a unique domain of applicability? This is what Russell and Whitehead attempted to do with the Principia Mathematica: find one single system that encompasses all of mathematics; one single set of axiomsan abstract structurethat would leave no questions open about its domain (what mathematical logicians call its model).

However, in 1931, the young logician Kurt Godel proved his celebrated incompleteness theorems, the upshot of which is that every system of the type Russell advocated fails to establish some properties of its domainthat there are always multiple instantiations for any abstract structure, any set of axioms (of sufficient expressive strength). Just as 1.-4. fail to distinguish between books and ancestors, any attempt to fit mathematics within a single, strict structure always leaves enough wriggle room to introduce different objects that still fulfill the structures strictures: certain questions about its domain are undecidable from the axioms. (A particular irony, here, is that the form of the argument used by Godela so-called diagonal proofclosely parallels that of Russels paradox, which the latter had discovered lurking in the Foundations of Arithmetic of Gottlob Frege, who had himself tried to find a suitable foundation for mathematics.)

Virtually the same fate befell Russells causal theory of perception. Its central contention was that of the outside world, we only know the abstract structure; but as it turns out, such knowledge is a paltry thing indeed. Here, it was the mathematician Max Newman that pointed out the flaw in Russells formulations: if all we know about a domain is its abstract structure, then all we really know about that domain is the number of elements it contains (its cardinality). Why is that the case? Well, if I know that a particular structure exists, then I know that its domain exists. But I can create subsets of that domain at willsimply by defining appropriate groupings. But a collection of such subsets then is just another relation on that domain, and with that, defines another structure. So with the structure I am given, every structure on the domain exists. But every such structure already exists, if only the domain does. And as the elements of the domain are not further specified, the domain is entirely defined by the number of elements it contains.

Russells response to this criticism is what philosopher Stephen French has called a classic Homer Simpson Doh! moment. A letter from Russell to Newman in response begins:

Many thanks for sending me the of-print of your article about me in Mind. I read it with great interest and some dismay. You make it entirely obvious that my statements to the effect that nothing is known about the physical world except its structure are either false or trivial, and I am somewhat ashamed at not having noticed the point for myself.

It should be noted here that it is the abstractness of structure that is at issue. If one allows instead acquaintance with (some) concrete structure, something like Russells view becomes more tenable (and there are some that interpret him as having put forward a theory of this sort, with Newman merely pointing out an ambiguity in Russells formulation). Philosophers often cash out abstract versus concrete structure in terms of extension versus intension. A relation is given in extension, if it is specified by means of enumerating all the elements that stand to each other in that relation; its intension is then what that relation is supposed to belike listing all pairs of numbers such that one is smaller than the other as opposed to explaining the notion smaller than.

The Matter with LLMs

With the above, we are ready to assess the claims of LLM understandingthat, in some sense, LLMs know what theyre talking about, as opposed to being mere stochastic parrots or autocomplete on steroids. The basic idea is that LLMs are in just the situation that all of us would be, if Russells theory of perception in its original form were aptall they have access to is abstract structure, so, they can have virtually no knowledge of the domain.

LLMs are trained on a large corpus of texts. As such, all they have access to are words, or word-like entities including punctuation collectively called tokens, and the ways they are arranged. Now, some of these tokens denote things in the world, while the ways they are arranged amount to assertions about thesethat is, relations over a certain domain given by the terms that refer to some concrete or abstract thing: a structure. A second layer of input is typically provided by human reinforcementgrading generated responses as regards their aptness.

The prototypical LLM task then is one of completing a partial relationfinding an element from the domain that fits in with the elements it has already been presented with (the prompt). In a vastly simplified way, suppose you are presented with a stack of books, ordered by thickness, and a stack of candidates to add to the pile: you would probably choose the next thickest book to complete the prompt. To do so, you need to have some abstract representation of the structure, that you take the stack to instantiate, and then complete with the appropriate token. This abstract representation, in the LLM, is essentially given by the weights defining its connectivity: it is those that ultimately implement the relation, having been set to their values by exposure to a large corpus of concrete instantiations of it (the texts they have been fed).

The question is, now: can just this act of relation-completion be indicative of understanding? Does knowing the abstract structure of language, in other words, suffice to glean the meaning of the terms present?

The prior considerations in this essay should make this seem dubious, but we can be more explicit. Adapting an example from Tim Buttons The Limits of Realism, suppose we have three sentences, Ajax is a cat, Betty is a cat, and Chad is not a cat. There, the denoting terms are Ajax, Betty, and Chad, making our domain {Ajax, Betty, Chad}, together with a relation is a cat consisting of {(Ajax), (Betty)} (note that, in contrast to what we looked at before, this is a one-place relationit is fulfilled by single elements, not pairs or multiples; but this doesnt constitute a salient difference) [*].

Now, when the LLM produces the utterance Betty is a cat, does it follow that it is speaking about Betty, who actually happens to be a cat? Well, no: the structure the LLM asserts has multiple different models, and there is no fact of the matter which of the models is the right one. We can just relabel the referents of the terms that are being used: we cook up a new model, in which Betty is referred to be the name Ajax, Chad by the name Betty, and Ajax by the name Chad. Then, the relation is a cat is given by the set {(Betty), (Chad)}, and the sentence Betty is a cat means that Chad is an element of this setwhich is true. But Chad, of course, is not a catAjax and Betty are. But the LLM is not talking about anything being a cat, as we understand itit talks about a certain element fulfilling a given relation. In one model, that relation corresponds to sets of things that actually are cats, and the utterance names an element of that setbut in another, equivalent model, the relation does not map to cats, and what is asserted by the utterance may, while being just as true, not have anything to do with what we take its meaning to be.

Hence, there is no ultimate fact of the matter regarding what LLMs may meanthus, if we take human utterances to generally have a definite (if maybe false) meaning, this human capability is beyond LLMs by virtue of their construction: the information they have access to, corresponding to mere abstract structure, is simply incapable of imparting them any nontrivial knowledge about the world.

[*] A point of clarification: Im essentially granting the LLM, here, that it has figured out which tokens refer to elements of the domain, and which assert relations between these. Even this might be too much: essentially, any sentence can be thought of as a relation over tokens, and the LLM task being just to complete that particular relation. This doesnt really map to anything in the world in particular, with the structure of language not necessarily reflecting the structure of the world; hence, Im considerably simplifying the task the LLM faced in understanding the world from the structure it has access to.
A Chinese national attempted to drive onto Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms in California last week after military police informed him that he was not authorized to do so, Marine Corps officials told Military.com.

The suspect briefly made it past gate guards on Wednesday, but was immediately apprehended by military police, Marine spokesperson Maj. Joshua Pena told Military.com.

"At approximately 12:45 p.m. on March 27, 2024, an individual attempted to access Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, without valid identification," Pena said.

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"Despite being prompted to exit at the Condor Gate by installation security, the individual proceeded onto the installation without authorization. Military law enforcement were immediately notified and detained the individual," according to Pena. "They then notified and transferred custody to Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)."

The Condor Gate entrance is adjacent to a military family housing complex and within sight of an elementary school.

In a March 29 post on the social media platform X, Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino with Customs and Border Patrol confirmed the suspect was in the U.S. illegally. No further information regarding the man was provided.

There have been rising concerns in the last few years surrounding an apparent influx of Chinese intelligence efforts made around military installations and involving service members.

In September, a report by The Wall Street Journal showed that more than 100 Chinese nationals had posed as tourists in recent years in order to gain critical access to bases and other sensitive sites, citing U.S. officials who described the trend as espionage-related.

These incidents included Chinese nationals who attempted to forcibly gain access to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in 2020, saying they had reservations at the base hotel, and a group who illegally entered a naval air station in Key West, Florida, to take photos.

Other instances appear to be more innocuous, with Chinese nationals attempting to gain access to bases stating their phone's map applications took them to fast food restaurants nearby.

But in addition to efforts directed at gaining access to military installations, a number of service members have been tangled up in espionage-related incidents involving foreign nationals as well.

In February, a Navy chief assigned to the USS Higgins was charged with espionage after allegedly leaking sensitive information regarding national defense to a Chinese intelligence officer.

According to the charge sheet, Chief Petty Officer Bryce Steven Pedicini, on multiple occasions between November 2022 and May 2023, allegedly transmitted the classified material while serving in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and in Yokosuka, Japan, where the USS Higgins is based.

Pedicini marked the third sailor in a year to face espionage-related charges.

There was no evidence of espionage in the incident at the Twentynine Palms gate, but an investigation remains ongoing. "His purpose and intent behind his actions are still being investigated," Bovino said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection told Military.com in an email that the agency does not comment on specific cases. However, an official with the agency told Military.com that the suspect was taken to a nearby station for processing following his custody transfer from military law enforcement.

"The fact is we are enforcing the law, and regardless of nationality, there are consequences for those who fail to use lawful pathways," the official said. "Individuals encountered at the border are screened and vetted, and those without a legal basis to stay are removed."

The incursion occurred less than two months after the death of 10-year-old Ryker Frost, a Marine Corps family member who was killed Feb. 16 in a vehicle collision at Twentynine Palms.

According to Katie Cherkasky, the attorney representing Gunnery Sgt. Max Frost and his wife Arielle in filing a potential Federal Torts Act claim, the accident occurred during military police officers' pursuit of an unauthorized entry at the base's main gate.

Cherkasky said Monday the family remains concerned that no new safety measures have been instituted at the gate following the accident, which also injured the Frosts' two other sons.

"There's a lot of issues with the way that this ultimately happened that made it foreseeable that this would be an issue that people would be able to run through the gate," Cherkasky said.

The earlier vehicle collision remains under investigation.

-- Patricia Kime contributed to this report.

Related: Chinese Nationals Posing as Tourists Have Accessed US Military Bases and Other Sensitive Sites: Report
The Coast Guard on Monday suspended search efforts for a Marine who went missing last week while swimming off the coast of Puerto Rico in high surf. The statement follows an announcement from local authorities Sunday that said they halted active search efforts for the missing Marine.

Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru, 26, was visiting the U.S. territory with his family. Someone called 911 to report he had become distressed while swimming near the eastern side of the island off a beach in the town of Luquillo.

The U.S. Coast Guard told Military.com on Monday that the territory's emergency management bureau had taken the lead in the search on Thursday.

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Search efforts became "passive" after the Puerto Rican bureau said Sunday that "the disappearance of a 26-year-old young man was reported on La Pared beach in Luquillo, whose active search continued until today."

"From tomorrow onwards, nearby coastal municipalities will be watching their coasts as part of a passive search," according to a bureau press release, which was provided to Military.com and translated by the Coast Guard.

The search for the Marine, a Massachusetts native, continued throughout last week with Coast Guard assets deployed alongside local authorities. The search for Wanjiru came after the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau said two other swimmers were reported dead. Other swimmers were rescued after being dragged out by sea currents.

Wanjiru is a reserve Marine with 4th Marine Aircraft Wing out of Chicopee, Massachusetts. He serves as a motor vehicle operator for the unit, according to 4th MAW.

"At the time of his disappearance, Wanjiru was not in an active-duty status or conducting military operations," a statement from the unit said. "4th Marine Aircraft Wing is concerned for the Marine's welfare and is in communication with Wanjiru's family, local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard while the search for Wanjiru continues."

The territory's National Meteorological Service said that swells would affect the coast, specifically the west, north and east of the island at the time and location where Wanjiru was reported to have been swimming. Local Puerto Rican authorities said that Wanjiru's disappearance was reported at 3:47 p.m. Wednesday.

The Coast Guard said it launched an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft and MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters to help with the search. Local authorities aided in the search with jet ski patrols in the area.

"We keep Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru and his family in our prayers, hoping they find strength and closure during this most difficult time," Capt. Jose Diaz, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander, said in a statement Monday.

"The loss of life in Puerto Rico beaches during March has been quite surreal, including the loss of two service members," he said, referencing a member of the National Guard, Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz Llanos, who died while trying to save a tourist from drowning in the Puerto Rican surf.

"I commend the efforts of all responders, who have done their utmost to find Cpl. Wanjiru and who have also responded to numerous cases this month resulting in dozens of lives saved, while also conducting efforts to prevent any further loss of life in our beaches," he said.

Throughout the week and weekend Puerto Rico's State Agency for Emergency and Disaster Management posted several updates on the search and warnings to the public, saying that it was not suitable for swimmers to go in the water in the north, west and east of the island. Those conditions would last through "at least Tuesday," the agency said.

Related: Marine Missing After Swimming in Puerto Rico; Coast Guard Searching Coastal Waters
Troops at Colorado Space Force Base Will Have to Bring Their Own To-Go Boxes for Dining Hall

While the initiative is aimed at reducing waste on base, the spokesperson added that they hope it will give troops on base...
by Terese Svoboda

The Slavs inspired the word slave. Abductions in Eastern Europe began in the ninth century AD conducted by Spanish Muslims, and the area is still plagued by human trafficking (especially children), with a million more victims per year than in the Americas. [1] My surname means freedom in Ukrainian, Russian and Czech. My ancestors flaunted their liberty at a time when many others were being enslaved  or were they once enslaved and took on this patronymic after they escaped slavery, or were they freed? Many Blacks in the US took on the name Freedman or Freeman after the Civil War.[2]

Few know that Blacks were freed twice before the end of the American Revolution. Eighty-seven years prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, in November, 1775, during the year before the Declaration of Independence, Dunmores Proclamation ordered the slaves freed in Virginia. Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, was cornered by colonists on a ship in the Norfolk harbor with only 300 soldiers at the time. His proclamation did not stem from any moral or religious objections to slavery. As governor of Virginia, he had withheld his signature from a bill against the slave trade. He simply wanted help  to use Blacks to protect the Loyalists.

Only months before, Dunmore had been quite popular with all Virginians, Loyalists and patriots, as victor of the Battle of Point Pleasant. Marching alongside a thousand of his ragtag backwoodsmen, he routed the areas Native Americans, opening up a huge area of West Virginia and Ohio for settlement and speculation. Although treaties had been in place for some time, Dunmore ignored them.[3] George Washington, head engineer of the frontier fort construction on the West Virginia/Ohio border, had purchased quite a bit of its acreage, and like the other developers in the area, wanted the Native Americans gone. No freedom for them. Forced to abandon hundreds of acres of corn and semi-permanent homes, the Native Americans were not counted as brave and free people that the Virginians declared themselves to be in their many Resolves published in response to Lord Dunmores Proclamation a year later.

I have once fought for the Virginians and by God, I will let them see that I can fight against them, wrote Lord Dunmore. He had been testing his views on slavery since April 1775, and those, along with increased British taxation, undermined his constituencys faith in his rule. By the time he announced his proclamation in November, he was desperate to merely hold onto his position. The proclamation established martial law and offered freedom to any of the patriots slaves and indentured servants who would leave their owners, join the British army, and reduce Williamsburg to ashes.

Loyalists, even though Dunmores Proclamation did not apply to them, worried that their slaves would get ideas about freedom that would be counter to the success of their plantations under the King. All the slave-owning colonists patrolled both the land and the water for escaping slaves, and limited gatherings of enslaved people. The owners also tried to convince the enslaved that collaborating with the British would be a self-destructive move. After all, Lord Dunmore held enslaved Black people himself. A month after the proclamation went into effect, the owners made their own declaration: all enslaved fugitives would forgo punishment if they returned to their captors within ten days. If not, they faced execution. Virginian Thomas Jefferson, who was working on his draft of the Declaration of Independence for next years Second Continental Congress, complained that Dunmore was prompting our negroes to rise in arms against us. The owner of some three hundred slaves, George Washington, in his letters in the winter of 75-76, wrote that they had to contain Dunmore, or the matter would snowball. [4]

Within a month 300 black men had signed up with Dunmores Royal Ethiopian Regiment, their uniforms featuring the words Liberty to Slaves, and soon their ranks grew to 800 men. What the enslaved were offered was the exchange of their lives on the plantation for possible death on the battlefield, and whether enlistment would yield actual freedom after military subjugation was still a gamble. Although soldiers were badly treated, they were not slaves but as conscripts endured conditions not much better. When commanded to obey, they often risked death, but if they refused to obey, they could be shot for insubordination. Just as the Virginians feared, Dunmores Proclamation served as inspiration and hope, and eventually thousands fled slavery.

Five years later, another proclamation made in New York encouraged freedom without the price tag of fighting. On June 30, 1779, Sir Henry Clinton, British commander-in-chief of the North American forces, issued the Philipsburg Proclamation. He granted freedom to all slaves in the rebel states whether or not they fought for the British, promising to every NEGROE Who shall desert the Rebel Standard, full Security to follow within these Lines, any Occupation which he shall think proper. [5] Six months later, after the British troops captured Charleston, even more thousands of enslaved African Americans left their place of slavery and joined the British troops. Among the victorious was George Washingtons slave Harry who had joined Dunmores battalion a few years earlier. Washington hired a slave catcher to attempt to retrieve Harry and eighteen other slaves who fled his plantation. Unmoved by his fellow patriots legislation of freedom for all, Washington even sent out another slave catcher after the war was over. Harry, like another of Wshingtons slaves, Georgia Squash, hid in the British zone of New York, and escaped to Nova Scotia, with about three thousand other free Blacks.[6] Squash was very lucky. The day after her sailing to Canada, Washington wrote to the commissioner of embarkation in New York to ask him to privately imprison any slaves of his discovered leaving. Harry found it impossible to thrive on the rocky frigid coasts of Nova Scotia, and relocated to Sierra Leone. When he protested against British taxation there, he was banished from the country and never heard from again.

Other freed slaves faced similar disenfranchisement. Among the freed Blacks who settled in Caribbean colonies, like Jamaica and the Bahamas, some ended up back in slavery there, with similar fates in Canada. After Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781, he returned many ex-slaves to their owners. The Treaty of Paris two years later provided that all property including slaves would be returned to their rebel masters[7]. The British commanders refused to carry this out, even though slavery was legal in Britain, and offered compensation instead. Not that there is any evidence that these sums were paid.[8] Estimates of the number of freed Blacks who sailed off to London vary widely  between 400 and 15,000. Although some claim that as many as 100,000 slaves, a fourth of the total number in the thirteen states, escaped to the British lines,[9] the majority of the slaves did not attempt to escape. Obstacles presented by the sick, disabled or elderly slaves, or those suffering terrible anguish in leaving behind families scattered across several plantations prevented them. The slaves also had to be situated on farms close to the British lines or have the means to reach them. Although the British were happy to encourage such escape, they had no means to support the formerly enslaved. Historians estimate that nearly 50 percent of the enslaved people who escaped to British lines died of cold, starvation and disease before the end of the war.[10]

As for Dunmore, after the American Revolution, he was appointed governor of the Bahamas, where thousands of Blacks had been transported, most of them enslaved. Despite his effort to pose as the Great Liberator, his court re-enslaved 29 of the 30 Freed blacks claimed to be runaways by Bahamians. Blacks built a village in Nassau behind Government House, and another near Fort Charlotte, to provide asylum to these runaways where no white person dares make his appearancebut at risk of his life. [11] Quite a change from the enthusiasm to Dunmores earlier proclamation that had black mothers in Virginia naming their children after him.

The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was similar to the Philipsburg Proclamation in that it declared that that all persons held as slaves were freed without the requirement of enlistment. That exemption sparked the Draft Riots in New York City, leaving at least a hundred dead. Working class immigrants were angry that the Blacks werent required to fight and feared that they would take their jobs while they were serving. Less than a year later, a thousand Blacks volunteered to fight in the war, and marched through the devastated city to a ship that took them to battle, bravely risking execution or re-enslavement by the Confederates.[12]

Why has America, the supposed land of the free and home of the brave, had to repeatedly make these proclamations in the name of freedom? Even now, with private prisons forcing the incarcerated and immigrants to work for nothing, and sex slavery on the rise, not to mention being one state short of ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment making women equal to men, maybe its time to issue yet another declaration of independence.[13]

***

Terese Svobodas new fiction is the novel Roxy and Coco, and the Juniper Prize winning collection, The Lost Swim.

***

With thanks to Kathleen Hulser, public historian.

[1] https://etactics.com/blog/where-does-human-trafficking-occur-the-most#Regions

[2]https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/many-african-american-last-names-hold-weight-black-history-rcna17267

[3] Fort Gower Resolves. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/fort-gower-resolves They still thought of themselves as subjects of Majesty King George III, whilst his Majesty delights to reign over a brave and free People.

[4] https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2i1621.html paraphrased.

[5]https://web.archive.org/web/20071024151754/http://museum.gov.ns.ca/blackloyalists/who.htmhttps://www.ouramericanrevolution.org/index.cfm/page/view/p0422#:~:text=Furthermore%2C%20he%20promised%20%22to%20every,claim%20that%20he%20or%20she

[6] Brooks, Joanna (2002). Face Zion Forward: First Writers of the Black Atlantic, 17851798. UPNE. pp. 6.

[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philipsburg_Proclamation

[8] https://wams.nyhistory.org/settler-colonialism-and-revolution/the-american-revolution/deborah-squash/

[9]https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/lord-dunmores-proclamation-1775

[10] https://wams.nyhistory.org/settler-colonialism-and-revolution/the-american-revolution/deborah-squash/

[11] https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2h47.html

[12]https://press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/317749.html&title=The+New+York+City+Draft+Riots+of+1863&desc=

[13]https://www.statista.com/topics/4238/human-trafficking/#:~:text=Despite%20increased%20international%20attention%20and,the%20world%20continues%20to%20grow.
Of the U.S. Navy warships lost or damaged during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the hardest hit was by far the USS Arizona, which was struck by four armor-piercing bombs. One of those bombs blew up the ships magazine, causing an explosion which sank the Pennsylvania-class battleship and killed 1,177 sailors and Marines, hundreds of whom are still entombed there to this day.

Among the survivors of the explosion was 20-year-old Lou Conter, a quartermaster who was standing on the Arizonas quarterdeck at 7:55 a.m. when the first wave of 138 Japanese airplanes launched their surprise assault. Conter not only survived the explosion of the ships magazine, but he survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and the rest of World War II.

Conter died of congestive heart failure more than eight decades later on April 1, 2024, at his home in Grass Valley, California, at age 102.

The USS Arizona explodes during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Navy)

Conter was born Sept. 13, 1921 in Ojibwa, Wisconsin, enlisting in the Navy when he turned 18 in 1939. After three months of boot camp in San Diego, he was sent to the USS Arizona as a regular deckhand on the forward port side of the ship. After making Seaman 2nd Class, he was transferred to the quartermaster division. The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred just over a year later.

The first planes came over at five minutes til eight, as the color guard was ready to play colors, Conter told the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. We took a few bomb hits and the captain [Franklin Van Valkenburgh] came up immediately and said to secure the quarterdeck.

Within minutes of the attack, both Capt. Van Valkenburgh and Adm. Isaac C. Kidd were on the bridge with other members of the quarterdeck crew. The ship had been cleared of its lines and gangplanks and was ready to get underway. But after two enemy hits, a Japanese bomb penetrated the Arizonas deck and blew up the ships magazine, which held one million pounds of gunpowder. The explosion lifted the more than 35,000-ton battleship some 30-40 feet out of the water and ignited a fire from the mainmast forward.

Guys were running out of the fire and trying to jump over the sides, Conter recalled. Oil all over the sea was burning our senior officer ordered all us survivors to take them in and even render them unconscious if we had to, and lay them down on the deck so they wouldnt jump over the side and kill themselves.

Conter began helping his fellow crew members and preparing to move casualties to the hospital, but water began flowing over the deck as the Arizona started to sink. It wasnt long before he was ordered to abandon ship. Once in the lifeboats, the sailors began pulling bodies out of the water and fighting fires. That work continued until the following Tuesday; the Navy was forced to call off the diving operation five days later.

Conter was one of 335 sailors and Marines to survive the attack, and was the last living survivor. Some 2,341 service members died on Dec. 7, 1941.

Conter continued serving in the Navy after Pearl Harbor. He became a naval aviator, piloting PBY-1 Flying Boats for Patrol Bombing Squadron 11, a Black Cat unit, hunting Japanese submarines at night while painted black. He flew 200 missions in the Pacific Theater where he was shot down twice, both time rowing to safety aboard a raft. After the war, he joined the reserve and went home to California.

During the Korean War, Conter reentered active duty, serving as an air intelligence officer and flying missions from the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard between May and December 1951. When he returned to the United States, he was sent to work in special operations for the National Intelligence Department. There, he established the Navys first Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, or SERE, training program and became the services first SERE officer.

Conter would start SERE schools across the United States and in Germany, training aviators who would use the training in the Vietnam War. He eventually retired in 1967 as a lieutenant commander, having served 28 years in the Navy. He became the last survivor of the USS Arizona after Ken Potts died in April 2023 at age 102.

That same year, at age 101, Conter told the Wall Street Journal he would have liked to go visit the USS Arizona Memorial one last time. He hadnt been since 2019, but his doctor forbade him from taking the nine-hour flight; during that visit, he noted how much he enjoyed visiting his shipmates. Though many consider him and every member of the Arizonas crew as heroes, Conter refused to use that label.

I consider the heroes the ones that gave their lives, that never came home to their families, he said. Theyre the real heroes.

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It's May 8, 1942. The U.S. Navy is fighting a critical battle against a Japanese invasion fleet bound for Port Moresby, a steppingstone to the Australian mainland. The Battle of the Coral Sea would be the first time two naval forces engaged in combat outside of visual range. Although Japan would be forced to abandon its invasion, it won a tactical victory against the Allies. The fleet carrier USS Lexington was 25% of the Navy's carrier strength in the Pacific Theater at the time, and it had been rendered completely inoperable.

As the skipper of the Lexington realized his situation, he gave the order to abandon ship. Some 2,735 of its sailors were evacuated, but a handful of them were late making their way to the lifeboats. They were busy raiding the carrier's ice cream fridge, making sure to take every last delicious bite. Such was the power ice cream had over American sailors.

If an army marches on its stomach, as Napoleon Bonaparte once purportedly said, then a fighting force as large and powerful as the one the United States fielded in World War II is also going to need dessert. That was the thinking behind a surprising number of decisions made at the highest levels of American military power during the war, anyway. The U.S. War Department, the Navy and the American dairy industry all teamed up to make sure the country's fighting men and women had ready access to the frozen sweet treat at all times.

This is not to say ice cream was the single-most decisive factor for an Allied victory in the Pacific Theater of World War II, but there's a reason the U.S. built a flotilla of ice cream delivery ships and a floating ice cream barge.

Technically, it was called a BRL: "Barge, Refrigerated, Large." Each was capable of making 500 gallons of ice cream and storing 1,500 more.

A few things happened before World War II that not only made ice cream more accessible, but also more in-demand among Americans than ever before. The first was a series of technological advancements that made ice cream both easier to make and easier to store. Freezers were suddenly capable of making continuous streams of ice cream in just about five minutes, according to author Anne Cooper Funderburg's fantastic history of the treat, "Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla: A History of American Ice Cream.".

"At the beginning of World War II, the American ice cream factory was far removed from the labor-intensive, salt-and-ice operations of the 19th century," Funderburg wrote. "The consumer could buy ice cream at more outlets and in a greater variety of flavors and packages than ever before."

Though Prohibition, which outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcohol in the United States, ended before the start of World War II, American industry needed to make products to fill the gaps booze left behind. More than one beer brewery converted its machinery to make ice cream, and soda fountains replaced saloons as gathering spots. Between 1916 and 1925, ice cream consumption grew by 55% among hungry Americans.

Neither the end of Prohibition nor the Great Depression could stop the American ice-cream craze. So when the country entered World War II, it naturally became what we call today a "force multiplier."

Imagine a fighting force fueled by coffee, cigarettes and ice cream: It's the United States Navy. (U.S. Navy)

A national tragedy such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the country's subsequent entry into the largest conflict of all time wasn't about to stop the trend, either. Americans still loved ice cream, and enlisting in the military did nothing to stop that. In fact, the popularity of ice cream (combined with a little lobbying from the U.S. dairy industry) made sure it would be readily available to any U.S. service member who wanted it.

And boy, did they want it. The U.S. Navy had (in)famously outlawed alcohol aboard ships in 1914, six years before Prohibition, but it still needed to fill the gap in morale boosting power a sailors daily drink left behind. As any noncommissioned officer who has overseen junior enlisted Americans will tell you: if you don't give them something to boost their morale, they can get into anything ... and you might not like what they find.

Luckily, they found ice cream. Airmen in the Army Air Forces were using open seats on B-17 Flying Fortresses as ice-cream freezers during bombing missions (where temperatures could be as low as -25F). Navy and Marine Corps aviators would mix canned milk and cocoa powder in fuel drop tanks, then fly missions, returning to their otherwise tropical or desert climates with tanks full of sweet treats.

After an assistant to then-Under Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal wrote that "ice cream, in my opinion, has been the most neglected of all the important morale factors," the secretary made getting ice cream to those troops his highest priority. Thereafter, any ship large enough would be fitted with a so-called "gedunk bar" (gedunk being the World War II sailor's word for ice cream, but now just means any junk food). The ice cream had the triple benefit of providing calories, helping beat the heat and boosting morale.

Four out of five World War II sailors agree. (U.S. Navy)

Here's where a little interservice rivalry (whether real or imagined) came into play for the benefit of everyone. The Army also realized the benefits of providing ice cream to its soldiers. It not only created a dehydrated ice cream mix that could be flavored with any fruit or candy on hand (some 135 million pounds of the stuff by 1943). The Quartermaster Corps also provided the machines and ingredients to make another 80 million gallons of fresh-made ice cream to soldiers and airmen around the world.

Funderburg writes that by February 1945, at the same time the Allies were preparing to invade Germany in earnest, the Army began building ice-cream factories to bring half-pint cartons "right into the foxholes."

Not to be outdone, the Navy borrowed a concrete barge from the Army and then spent a million dollars (around $17.2 million in today's dollars) turning it into a floating ice-cream factory, parlor and storage facility. It could turn out 10 gallons every seven minutes and hand off gallons to smaller concrete barges, pulled by tugs, which would distribute ice cream to anywhere and everywhere it was needed in the Pacific.

Not everyone was thrilled with ice cream's rampant popularity. At the end of the war, then-Col. Lewis "Chesty" Puller allegedly decried ice cream as "sissy food" and lobbied for beer and whiskey instead. The newly formed Department of Defense opted to stick with ice cream instead.

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When the USS New Jersey left the pier for the first time in two decades at the end of March, it did so in style -- with the warship's unusual yellow battle flag flying in the wind.

Decommissioned in 1991 and now serving as a museum ship, the Iowa-class battleship traveled from Camden, New Jersey, down the Delaware River to Philadelphia Navy Yard last week for a 60-day period of dry-dock maintenance in accordance in Navy regulations, USNI News reports.

According to the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, the former warship left Camden with its battle flag flying high for the first time in the more than 30 years since its decommissioning:

The USS New Jersey displays its battle flag as it leaves Camden, N.J., for dry docking in Philadelphia. (Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial via Twitter)

A fixture of American naval tradition since the Revolutionary War, Navy warships usually fly custom battle flags while entering and exiting port and during "special ship evolutions" such as holidays, a phenomenon Military.com has documented extensively in the past.

But while many of these flags pay tribute to the namesake behind each vessel, the USS New Jersey's battle flag has a more modern spin on the traditional battle ensign.

The USS New Jersey's battle flag consists of the ship's motto, "Firepower for Freedom," emblazoned in red above the ship's name and serial number (BB-62) in blue against a yellow field, while a silhouette of the ship's primary 16-inch, 50 caliber Mark 7 guns sits below them. But below that, in bright red, sits an unusual word in blue: "WETSU."



"WETSU" is not a piece of New Jersey history or naval lore: According to service members and veterans, it stands for "We Eat This Stuff Up" (or a slightly more vulgar version), a piece of military slang that typically stands for putting on a happy face while performing some kind of grueling labor.

Related: Want to Walk Beneath a Massive Battleship? Here's How to Take a 'Once-in-a-Lifetime' Tour.

The exact origin of the phrase and how it proliferated through the ranks is likely lost to time, but according to veterans of the USS New Jersey, the motto was apparently imparted to the crew by now-retired Rear Adm. Ronald D. Tucker during his time as the vessel's last commanding officer. One Navy veteran suggested that Tucker frequently posted "WETSU" on bulletin boards to remind his crew to grin and bear it during inspections, press availabilities or other unusual disruptions to daily life aboard the ship.

While historical slogans such as "Don't Give Up the Ship," "Fire When Ready" and even "Give 'Em Hell" are frequent fixtures of Navy battle flags, the incorporation of relatively modern military slang into a ship's battle ensign is certainly unusual.

The WETSU flag appeared in photographs from aboard the USS New Jersey during the 1990s, and curators with the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial presumed that some sailor took the flag home with them after the ship's decommissioning. But the flag had actually remained on board the ship for years before the curators discovered and restored it.



To learn more about the USS New Jersey's battle flag, watch this October 2023 video from the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial unveiling it to the public:
Troops in contact! The forward operating base comes alive. Strap on your plate carrier, throw your assault pack over your shoulder, grab your rifle and suck down some water on your way out the door.

The fittest quick response force in the world couldnt get there in time on foot. A truck would be too slow -- and besides, the only one you have is doubling as a guard tower for your FOB. Theres a third option, though, and your buddies who are taking fire are lucky it exists.

The U.S. Army is in the process of fielding the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). Its a midsize pickup thats stripped to the bare essentials, beefed up with military tech and ready to whisk soldiers across the battlefield faster and with more agility than any current Army vehicles could hope for.

Lets grab some wrenches and get under the hood of the Armys new off-roader.

What Is the ISV?

The Infantry Squad Vehicle turns small units into highly maneuverable mounted forces that can cover ground faster than any foot soldier but without the limitations of a heavy gun truck. (Photo courtesy of General Motors Defense)

The U.S. military has an impressive array of vehicles, but there is one capability gap. The Army can insert troops rapidly into remote areas via helicopter or parachute. It has trucks, tanks and specialized vehicles that can bring overwhelming firepower to the enemys doorstep. There isnt much between the two, though. Soldiers are either arriving at the fight in an armored truck or a pair of boots.

The ISV fills that void by turning small units into highly maneuverable mounted forces that can cover ground faster than any foot soldier but without the limitations (and target profile) of a heavy gun truck.

GM Defense created the ISV by stripping down the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to its core. According to the spec sheet, 90% of the ISVs components are commercially available. Under that olive-drab exterior, youll find axles, differentials and suspension that you can buy from the parts counter at your local Chevy or GMC dealership.

Other common GM components include the 2.8-liter Duramax engine from the diesel Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, the 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission found in vehicles ranging from the Colorado to GMC Yukon XL Denali, standard GM electronics and standard GM disc brakes.

Military-specific features include a roll cage instead of an enclosed cab, seating for nine, and a suite of adaptable kits that includes mounting points for weapons, optics and lights. The ISV uses a combination of analog and digital gauges to provide vital information even when a digital screen is a no-go.

As far as the Armys adoption of the ISV goes, the vehicle hasnt always satisfied soldiers during testing. Previous assessments of the vehicle by the Defense Department's chief weapons tester initially indicated issues ranging from a cramped design to a lack [of] the capability to deliver effective fires, provide reliable communication, and force protection for an infantry squad.

But according to the service, GM Defense has made significant improvements to the ISV based on soldier feedback, and in recent years the automaker has implement[ed] corrective actions to address reliability and maintainability deficiencies identified in previous testing, according to the DoD weapon testers latest assessment.

The Army is currently fielding the ISV to the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Divisions, with other light forces to follow, according to GM Defense.

With robust off-road capabilities, the highly reliable ISV significantly improves tactical mobility across a range of military operations, the automaker says. The vehicle is easily maintainable and highly adaptable to meet diverse mission and operational needs.

ISV Variants

Pickup trucks are undeniably useful, and GM Defense builds 4- and 5-seat versions of the ISV that have a 5.5-foot bed for hauling equipment. (Photo courtesy of General Motors Defense)

Part of the ISVs magic is its ability to shape-shift, depending on mission requirements. GM Defense currently lists four alternatives to the nine-seat troop carrier.

A two-seat variant boosts cargo room with a seven-foot flatbed and a 3,200-pound payload while maintaining the ISVs compact footprint.

Pickup trucks are undeniably useful, and GM Defense builds four- and five-seat versions of the ISV that have a 5.5-foot bed for hauling equipment. This might be the platforms most versatile configuration.

The Army has proven its ability to mount weapons on just about anything, but the heavy gun carrier (HGC) variant of the ISV is a modified version of the five-passenger ISV that includes a ring turret for a heavy or medium machine gun. The 5.5-foot bed provides plenty of room for ammunition and spare barrels.

All of these vehicles use the same drivetrain, but there is an all-electric E-ISV in the works. GM Defense aspires to create a silent, fast, rugged combat truck with this concept vehicle.

Customized Kits for Any Mission

Beyond choosing one of the available variants of the Infantry Squad Vehicle, units can add attachments to enhance mission capability. (Photo courtesy of General Motors Defense)

No vehicle is complete without a few modifications and personal touches, and that goes for the ISV, too. Beyond choosing one of the available variants, units can add attachments to enhance mission capability.

Since the ISVs visible white headlights are far from ideal on the battlefield, GM Defense offers infrared lights that are only visible when using night vision. If youve ever used an infrared light or strobe, you know how effective these can be. That advantage is even more important if youre driving at high speeds through a kinetic area.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, load an Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) during an air assault during Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Rotation 23-10 on the Avelino Drop Zone, near Fort Johnson, La., Sept. 22, 2023. (Spc. Hannah Stewart/U.S. Army photo)

The HGC variants top mount is also available as a kit. The 46-inch ring serves as a turret that allows soldiers to direct fire in any direction with a medium or heavy machine gun. That allows soldiers to mount a Mk19, M2 or suppressed M240 (which is every bit as incredible as you imagine).

If a top-mounted turret doesnt provide enough firepower, units can add swivel mounts to the side of the vehicle. Each mount allows soldiers to add an M240 or M249 and position it exactly where they want it.

The ISV isnt just a formidable threat; it can save lives when every second counts. A CASEVAC kit adds the ability to mount a stretcher to the vehicles roll cage. When not in use, the kit collapses into compact storage bags.

No Battlefield Is Safe from the ISV

The Infantry Squad Vehicle is very responsive and powerful on rugged terrain. (Photo courtesy of General Motors Defense)

In automotive terms, the ISV isnt exactly a speed demon. GM Defense declined to use the Colorado ZR2s 310-horsepower gasoline engine, after all. But soldiers dont need it to blaze across continents on the highway; they have other vehicles for that. They need the ISV to be responsive and powerful on rugged terrain, and it does that extremely well.

The grunty turbo diesel offers peak torque early in the RPM range, meaning power is always available and doesnt require the engine to work hard to produce it. Front and rear locking differentials from the Colorado ZR2 should be able to pull the ISV through just about anything, especially given its sub-5,000-pound curb weight.

The ISV is a reminder that there are times when being light and nimble is better than being big and strong. Anyone with off-roading experience has seen heavy-duty rigs get bogged down while Jeep Wranglers and Suzuki Samurais casually roll on by (case in point: this head-to-head matchup pitting a Range Rover against a Suzuki Jimny). Compared to other military vehicles, the ISV floats through mud, is a piece of cake to winch out of trouble, and slips through trees and urban environments as easily as a passenger car.

The ISVs compact dimensions are another source of speed, even more so than its engine. At 207 inches long, 82 inches wide and 84 inches tall, the ISV can fit inside a CH-47 or CH-53. It can be sling-loaded under a helicopter or flown inside a C-17, C-130 or A-400M. That makes it one of the most expeditionary vehicles in the U.S. military arsenal.

The ISV Ushers in a New Era

Service members of a certain age will remember a time when the Humvee was the hottest military tech on four wheels. The old, muscled-up 4x4 is in its sunset years now, and the nimble ISV is the future.

This new vehicle is everything we love about the Humvee without the baggage. Aluminum body panels dont offer any protection, so GM Defense got rid of them. Theres no heavy armor because we have gun trucks for missions that require that. The ISV is a Mad Max vehicle come to life, and its going to be a smash hit with front-line infantry units for years to come.

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The Yankees have acquired right-hander Jake Cousins from the White Sox, both teams announced. The White Sox will receive cash considerations in return. Cousins signed a minor league contract with Chicago in December and was not on the 40-man roster.

Cousins, 29, is coming off an impressive spring in which he struck out 11 and walked just two in seven innings of work. He gave up a lone earned run on five hits, although he also allowed three unearned runs. Despite his strong spring stats, the righty was unable to crack the White Sox Opening Day roster.

Drafted by the Nationals in 2017 and released less than two years later, Cousins rebuilt his value with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League over the first few months of the 2019 season. He pitched well enough to catch the Brewers attention that summer, and two years later, he made his MLB debut with Milwaukee. In 30 appearances during the 2021 season, he pitched to a 2.70 ERA and 3.60 SIERA, with seven holds and an impressive 35.2% strikeout rate.

Cousins got off to a bumpy start in 2022 before suffering a UCL injury. However, he opted not to have Tommy John surgery and returned a few months later. He looked quite sharp upon his return, putting up a 2.66 ERA and 3.62 FIP in 22 minor league appearances and tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings at the MLB level. Unfortunately, he struggled to recapture that success in 2023. Cousins gave up 15 earned runs over 22 2/3 innings with the Brewers between the minors and majors. He was DFAd at the trade deadline and claimed by the Astros. He did not make it back to the majors with Houston and gave up another 10 earned runs in 15 innings at Triple-A.

Presumably, Cousins will report to the Yankees Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Given his previous major league experience and brief run of success with the Brewers, he could certainly see time in the Yankees bullpen this year. He has one option year remaining.
MARINETTE, WI -- A Wisconsin woman was arrested last week in connection with the death of a 3-year-old girl last summer. A press release from the Marinette Police Department confirmed 32-year-old Samantha Wishman was taken into custody and is facing charges of first-degree reckless homicide and neglecting a child  consequence is death, after the toddler died on June 15, 2023.

The childs death was initially believed to have been an accident after they fell down a flight of stairs. However, as the investigation unfolded, police eventually determined that Wishman was a suspect and ultimately she was charged in the case.

The investigation involved efforts from the Marinette Police Department, the Marinette County Medical Examiners Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Forensic Sciences State Crime Laboratory in Madison, and the Marinette County District Attorneys Office, according to the release.

Police and prosecutors have not publicly disclosed why Wishman was charged in the case and reiterated that she is innocent until proven guilty.
Update: John Sinclair, poet whose imprisonment inspired Ann Arbors Hash Bash, dead at 82

ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbors 53rd annual Hash Bash is set to take place Saturday in the same spot it originated over half a century ago on the University of Michigan Diag.
Update: The road was reopened to traffic by 11:30 a.m. Monday

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- A two-vehicle crash with injuries caused the closure of East Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo County, according to fire officials.
The top pitching prospects in the Detroit Tigers system will head to Erie to start the season, with Jackson Jobe, Ty Madden and Troy Melton leading the Double A pitching staff for the SeaWolves.

Erie opens the season Friday at Harrisburg, with five Top 30 Detroit Tigers prospects on the roster.
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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP flays Rahul Gandhi for EVM remark, asks EC take firm action against Congress leader
April 01, 2024 / 20:20 IST

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, on Congress leaders joining the BJP said, Filing of nomination is being done. Going to the people and presenting one's case before them with one's candidates is going on...If we start losing the trust of our party officebearers, how can we blame others for it?...If they are leaving you, it means that the stage of despair and disappointment has reached. It is better if they do self-introspection - just like the BJP is doing self-introspection and connecting people with us.
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Mahindra sales up 4% in March at 68,413 units
As Nifty may see fresh buying on regaining 22,500, bet on these 3 stocks for 10-15% return
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It's wonderful to be 25. It's also wonderful to be 60, Buch tells IIM-A students
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RBI focussed on stable and strong financial system, says Governor Shaktikanta Das
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Election wrap: BJP flays Rahul Gandhi for EVM remark, S Jaishankhar's take on Katchatheevu island and more
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Today the battle is for cultural rebalancing: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
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If you decide to buy insurance after April 1, your insurer will issue the policy only in digital form. This is in line with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of Indias Protection of Policyholders Interests regulations that make it mandatory for insurers to issue policies in dematerialised form. Read more
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Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_
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A memorial for combat wounded veterans is displayed at The Purple Heart and Gold Star Families Memorial Site at Skinner Plaza in Hagatna on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024.
Sonora Parking Lot Purchase View Photo

Sonora, CA  The Sonora City Council will vote on purchasing a parking lot at the corner of Church and Stewart Street for $124,000 from the Irving J Symons Foundation, a supporting organization of the Sonora Area Foundation.

The city already owns a nearby parking lot at Church Street and Washington Street, so it would add to the public parking inventory in that area. The proposed purchase is designed to be a public benefit.

In addition, the council will vote on having Mayor Mark Plummer sign a completed Community Wildfire Protection Plan that was developed by the city administrator and the fire department.

In addition, the council will vote on approving the Sonora Chamber of Commerces plans for its summer concert series on Second Saturday Art Nights over the summer and fall months. They would be held at Coffill Park on June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12.

There will also be proclamations recognizing Red Cross Month and Autism Awareness Month. The meeting will start today (April 1) at 5pm at Sonora City Hall. It is open to the public.
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Update at 12:53 pm: The CHP reports that traffic is now flowing freely following a big rig incident at the top of Priest Grade. No additional information is immediately available.

Original story posted at 12:25 pm: Groveland, CA  The CHP reports that a semi-truck is stuck at the intersection of New Priest Grade, Old Priest Grade and Priest Coulterville Road.

The truck, pulling a trailer, is blocking some of the traffic lanes of both New Priest Grade and Priest Coulterville Road, according to the CHP.

Officials are responding to the scene to investigate the situation further. Travel with caution near that intersection and be prepared for a delay.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Betteridges Law, but hear me out. Enshittification[1]  I wont use the asterisk in prose, since after all by now its a term of art  was declared 2023s Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society. Cory Doctorow defined enshittification in Wired, The Enshittification of TikTok:

Here is how platforms die: First, they are good to their users; then they abuse their users to make things better for their business customers; finally, they abuse those business customers to claw back all the value for themselves. Then, they die. I call this enshittification, and it is a seemingly inevitable consequence arising from the combination of the ease of changing how a platform allocates value, combined with the nature of a two-sided market, where a platform sits between buyers and sellers, hold each hostage to the other, raking off an ever-larger share of the value that passes between them.

And a worked example:

When a platform starts, it needs users, so it makes itself valuable to users. Think of Amazon: For many years, it operated at a loss, using its access to the capital markets to subsidize everything you bought. It sold goods below cost and shipped them below cost. It operated a clean and useful search. This was a hell of a good deal for Amazons customers. Lots of us piled in, and lots of brick-and-mortar retailers withered and died, making it hard to go elsewhere. And Amazon sold us Prime, getting us to pre-pay for a years worth of shipping. Prime customers start their shopping on Amazon, and 90 percent of the time, they dont search anywhere else. That tempted in lots of business customersmarketplace sellers who turned Amazon into the everything store it had promised from the beginning. As these sellers piled in, Amazon shifted to subsidizing suppliers. Kindle and Audible creators got generous packages. Marketplace sellers reached huge audiences and Amazon took low commissions from them. This strategy meant that it became progressively harder for shoppers to find things anywhere except Amazon, which meant that they only searched on Amazon, which meant that sellers had to sell on Amazon. Thats when Amazon started to harvest the surplus from its business customers and send it to Amazons shareholders. Today, Marketplace sellers are handing more than 45 percent of the sale price to Amazon in junk fees. The companys $31 billion advertising program is really a payola scheme that pits sellers against each other, forcing them to bid on the chance to be at the top of your search. Searching Amazon doesnt produce a list of the products that most closely match your search, it brings up a list of products whose sellers have paid the most to be at the top of that search. This is enshittification: Surpluses are first directed to users; then, once theyre locked in, surpluses go to suppliers; then once theyre locked in, the surplus is handed to shareholders and the platform becomes a useless pile of shit. From mobile app stores to Steam, from Facebook to Twitter, this is the enshittification lifecycle.

(Here is a second worked example from Doctorow: Facebook, and how Facebook disposed of its surplus.) Enshittification, then, is a theory for the life-cycle of firms[2]. And Doctorow focuses, basically, on platforms, through the lens of user experience, whether consumers or businesses[3]. (Spoiler: Thats why I started thinking of Boeing; whats more indicative of an enshittified aircraft firm than losing a cabin door in flight? I mean, other than flying into the ground at 450  or, to be fair, 700  miles per hour.) Doctorow expands on his thesis in the Financial Times, Enshittification is coming for absolutely everything:

There are four forces that discipline companies, serving as constraints on their enshittificatory impulses

Companies, not platforms:

Competition. Companies that fear you will take your business elsewhere are cautious about worsening quality or raising prices. Regulation. Companies that fear a regulator will fine them more than they expect to make from cheating, will cheat less. These two forces affect all industries, but the next two are far more tech-specific. Self-help. Computers [back to platforms] are extremely flexible and so are the digital products and services we make from them. . That means that users can always avail themselves of programs that undo the anti-features that shift value from them to a companys shareholders. And, finally, workers. Tech workers have very low union density, but that doesnt mean that tech workers dont have labour power[3]. The historical talent shortage of the tech sector meant that workers enjoyed a lot of leverage. One by one, each of these constraints was eroded, leaving the enshittificatory impulse unchecked, ushering in the enshittocene.

Absolutely everything? Enshittocene? Much as I stan for Doctorow, Im not so sure. Digging more deeply into Doctorows view on tech workers:

For decades, tech workers bargaining power and vocational awe put a ceiling on enshittification Tech was still constrained by their workers sense of moral injury in the face of the imperative to enshittify . Remember when tech workers dreamt of working for a big company for a few years, before striking out on their own to start their own company that would knock that tech giant over? That dream shrank to: work for a giant for a few years, quit, do a fake start-up, get acqui-hired by your old employer, as a complicated way of getting a bonus and a promotion. Then the dream shrank further: work for a tech giant for your whole life, get free kombucha and massages on Wednesdays. And now, the dream is over. All thats left is: work for a tech giant until they fire you, like those 12,000 Googlers who got fired last year, eight months after a stock buyback that would have paid their salaries for the next 27 years. Workers are no longer a check on their bosses worst impulses. Today, the response to I refuse to make this product worse is turn in your badge and dont let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

Id like a bit more evidence on moral injury, and when it kicks in and when it doesnt. I dont deny that tech workers  like most workers, I would argue  want to do a good job (given some level of basic humanity from management). But somebody writes all those dark patterns. Somebody wrote the software that allowed Uber to steal drivers tips. Somebody (back to Boeing) wrote the MCAS system. Somebody wrote, well, Palantir. And so on.

And in terms of remedies (skipping over anti-trust, regulation, and self-help) Doctorow has this to say about labor:

Finally, theres labour. Here in Europe, theres much higher union density than in the US, which American tech barons are learning the hard way. There is nothing more satisfying in the daily news than the recent salvo by Nordic unions against that Tesla guy. But even in the US, theres a massive surge in tech unions. Tech workers have realised theyre not founders-in-waiting. In Seattle, Amazons tech workers walked out in sympathy with Amazons warehouse workers, because theyre all workers.

Here again, I would like more evidence that theyre all workers (in their minds, as well as reality). Take examples from Seattle: Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon. Boeings machinists are demanding a seat on Boeings board[4]. There are at least fledgling union efforts at Starbucks and Amazon. Where are they on the demand by Boeings machinists? Could they be making similar demands of Starbucks and Amazon? And turn around is fair play: Where are the Boeing machinists on Starbucks and Amazon?

Now I want to pivot to Boeing (and soon, I promise, to Monarch Lathe). In both cases I will focus on the labor force, and how management destroyed the ability of that workforce to make a maximally viable product (as one might say). Maureen Tkaciks Suicide Mission:

Like most neoliberal institutions, Boeing had come under the spell of a seductive new theory of knowledge that essentially reduced the whole concept to a combination of intellectual property, trade secrets, and data, discarding thought and understanding and complex reasoning possessed by a skilled and experienced workforce as essentially not worth the increased health care costs. CEO Jim McNerney, who joined Boeing in 2005, had last helmed 3M, where management as he saw it had overvalued experience and undervalued leadership before he purged the veterans into early retirement. Prince Jimas some long-timers used to call himrepeatedly invoked a slur for longtime engineers and skilled machinists in the obligatory vanity leadership book he co-wrote. Those who cared too much about the integrity of the planes and not enough about the stock price were phenomenally talented assholes, and he encouraged his deputies to ostracize them into leaving the company.

So Boeing builds a union-busting plant in Charleston, SC, with predictable and predicted results:

In 2023, [787] deliveries were halted in January, February, and again in August over problems with the shimming, the horizontal stabilizer, and God knows what else. [Totally-not-assassinated whistleblower John Barnett], and hundreds of others who had blown the whistle on Boeings managerial nihilism, had been thoroughly vindicated. But it was too late. There were no more cleanup crews left at Boeing; too much knowledge had been drained from the company.

And Barnetts reaction:

It made him sick to think that the value of his Boeing shares had tripled over the same period during which hed watched the company get so comprehensively dismantled. But it was downright surreal to watch the stock price nearly triple once more during the two years after he left the company.

(Stockholders may well be made sick too, since Boeing is on the path to liquidation. But nobodys gonna claw back those management bonuses!)

And now [drumroll] here is the moment Monarch stans have been waiting for. First, what a machine!

I initially read that as two thousandths and thought "that's not bad for a piece of equipment built in 1946" And then I double-checked the number of zeros.  ABrownHat  (@TheBrownestHat) March 30, 2024

Here is what happened to the workforce at Monarch. From John Legge, Time Line History of The Monarch Machine Tool Company (PDF):

It is the people that distinguish one company from another. Technology is free to everyone. Inventions are there for anyone to invent them. At any period in time, every company has the same tools at their disposal. It is then up to the employees of the company to have the intuition to grasp and used these tools, to create new manufacturing techniques, new process, new inventions and features to improve the design of their product. It is then up to the management of a company to foster an atmosphere of inventiveness, pushing for better, more efficient ways of doing things, and providing the resources to accomplishing the goals set forth. Thus, it is this chain of people that weave the history of a company. It is this same group of individuals that sets one company apart from another. Monarch evolved from making low-end lathes, to being considered the premiere lathe builder in the world, and to its decline in the 1980s and 1990s. The failure of Monarch came at its own hand. Monarch was built on a foundation of quality and timely innovation in both product design and manufacturing. It maintained this foundation through a long chain of dedicated employees who spent their careers learning and then practicing their art. It was quite common to see three generations of a family working together. Machinist kept detail[ed] notes on how to machine critical parts; these notes were then passed on to their successor. With the breaking of this chain, Monarch started to slip.

The chain was not broken for putatively ideological reasons (shareholder value) but for reasons internal to the firm that left it unable to react to changing market conditions; reading between the lines, our elites selling off manufacturing to China. However, the point is the same as for Boeing, and Legge puts it more concisely than Tkacik: It is the people that distinguish one company from another.

* * *

So here we have two companies  Boeing and Monarch  whose products were, in a word, crapified, but which, I would argue, as companies, were not enshittified.

Why? First, neither Boeing nor Monarch were platforms; the use value of their products did not reach customers through a rent-collection middleman. Hence, their life-cycles were unaffected by surplus collection and distribution as Doctorow describes it. Second, of the four forces disciplining enshittification, self-help applies to neither, and regulation applies only to Boeing (though I grant the government  for example, Oak Ridge (!)  was an important Monarch customer).

So not absolutely everything.

Third, the last of the four constraints on enshittification (those members of the working class stationed at a particular firm) should, IMNSHO, be at least heuristically first in the order of analysis. Amazon, Boeing, and Monarch had very different workforces, so step one is to understand them. (For example, at least in my experience, tech workers who are not themselves documentation specialists hate documentation; quite the reverse of workers at Monarch who passed [their notes] on to their successors, and from Boeings far more sophisticated, formal (and regulated) documentation process that John Barnetts supervisors sought to bypass and destroy). I dont know if I could prove this  too many confounders  but I would argue that the more power the workforce has over production  and Boeing, Monarch, and the early Google show this  the less crapified the product. Regulation, self-help  and [genuflects] even competition?  are in some ways kludges to make up for disfavored characteristics in the workforce. If you have too many special cases, you are doing it wrong (Jon Benteley). If It is the people that distinguish one company from another, then everything that is not the people is a special case.

Finally, a note to distinguish enshittifcation and crapification. Interestingly, crapification was first used by writer Hugh in a comment in May 2013, and in a post in July 2013. In each case, the context was labor. From the comment: I should add that that the jobs crisis goes beyond unemployment. It also includes the crapification of the American work place: crap jobs paying craps wages with few or no benefits and no job security (anticipating Graeber). From there, the usage broadens out to the declining quality of products and services (of which there are many, many examples in the following years; but none  at least in my recollection  framing crapification as part of a life cycle). However, as we see from Boeing and Monarch, if you want to crapify the product, crapify the job. Where job crapification comes in the life-cycle of enshittification is an open question; Doctorow seems to think it comes at the end (the Google firings) but Im not so sure.

NOTES

[1] From Ursula LeGuins The Dispossessed:

Wallowing? The word he used was not wallowing, there being no animals on Anarres to make wallows; it was a compound, meaning literally coating continually and thickly with excrement. The flexibility and precision of Pravic lent itself to the creation of vivid metaphors quite unforeseen by its inventors.

(Dry, very dry.) Pravic is the constructed language used by the anarchist inhabitants of the planet Annares; one might speculate that there is a word for transforming non-excrement into excrement. But that word does not appear in the novel, oddly, considering its theme.

[2] I looked briefly at the literature on the life-cycle of firms; the article that came up most often was Victoria Dickinsons Cash Flow Patterns as a Proxy for Firm Life Cycle (PDF):

Gort and Klepper (1982) define five life cycle stages: (1) an introductory stage, where an innovation is first produced; (2) a growth stage, where the number of producers increases dramatically; (3) a maturity stage, where the number of producers reaches a maximum; (4) a shake-out stage, where the number of producers begins to decline; and (5) a decline stage, where there is essentially zero net entry. I propose that cash flows capture the outcome of these distinct life cycle stages.

It would be interesting to see if Doctorows notion of surplus and cash flow patterns connect. That said, this masters thesis has a table of life cycle theories, some with three stages, others with four or five, some with ten, which leads me to question whether the field supplies anything more than heuristics. Back to the rough ground of actual firms, then.

[3] All workers have labor power. That is what they sell to survive.

[4] No reason to wait for Elizabeth Warren.
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Modern Living Is Stripping Our Gut of Healthy Bacteria SciTech Daily

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Climate/Environment

Water

Iowa official finds dead fish in 50 miles of fertilizer-contaminated river Des Moines Register (LS)

#COVID-19

The Greatest Trick The John Snow Project.Most governments are trying to trick us into believing we dont need to adapt to COVID-19. They cant sustain the illusion forever.

Victorian children as young as eight-years-old are being diagnosed with long Covid. Health experts warn its becoming more common, putting further pressure on the states health system. https://t.co/hN7jIhJQ8E @ainsleykoch #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/dxhTpPxHAB  7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) March 31, 2024

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The Lucky Country

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Syraqistan

European Disunion

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3 Strikes and Cashiers Are Out at the New Ball Game PYMNTS

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Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. Not only are Western commentators loath to admit how much they over-estimated the impact of shock-and-awe sanctions against Russia, but they also seem to be allergic to admitting to the remarkable job Russia did of reorienting its economy. Russia very rapidly substituted for most European exports (some gaps were harder to fill, like auto and aircraft parts) and shifted trade activity to China, India, Turkey, Africa, and other Global Majority members. But Russia was also significantly an autarky and rich in raw materials. By contrast, Germany has no solution to its dependence on energy imports, formerly at very favorable prices from Russia.

But then againwhat would have happened if Germany accused the US of being behind the NordStream bombing? The US (and the UK and the Baltics) would have screamed that Germany was making insane accusations and aiding the evil Putin. And if Scholz had dared do so, Robert Habeck and Annelena Baerbock would have joined the US in the hanging party.

By Michael Hudson, a research professor of Economics at University of Missouri, Kansas City, and a research associate at the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. His latest book is The Destiny of Civilization. Originally published in the Investigacion Economica (Economic Research), produced by UNAM (Autonomous National University of Mexico)

The dismantling of German industry since 2022 is collateral damage in Americas geopolitical war to isolate China, Russia and allied countries whose rising prosperity and self-sufficiency is viewed as an unacceptable challenge to U.S. hegemony. To prepare for what promises to be a long and costly fight, U.S. strategists made a pre-emptive move in 2022 to turn Europe away from its trade and investment relations with Russia. In effect, they asked Germany to commit industrial suicide and become a U.S. dependency. That made Germany the first and most immediate target in Americas New Cold War.

Upon taking office in January 2021, Joe Biden and his national-security staff declared China to be Americas number one enemy, viewing its economic success as an existential threat to U.S. hegemony. To prevent its market opportunities from attracting European participation as it built up its own military defense, the Biden team sought to lock Europe into the U.S. economic orbit as part of its drive to isolate China and its supporters, hoping that this would disrupt their economies, creating popular pressure to surrender their hopes for a new multipolar economic order.

This strategy required European trade sanctions against Russia, and similar moves to block trade with China in order to prevent Europe from being swept into the emerging China-centered mutual prosperity sphere. To prepare for its U.S.-China war, U.S. strategists sought to block Chinas ability to receive Russian military support. The plan was to drain Russias military power by arming Ukraine to draw Russia into a bloody fight that might bring about a regime change. The unrealistic hope was that voters would resent war, just as they had resented the war in Afghanistan that had helped end the Soviet Union. In this case they might replace Putin with oligarchic leaders willing to pursue neoliberal pro-U.S. policies akin to those of the Yeltsin regime. The effect has been just the opposite. Russian voters have done what any population under attack would do: They have rallied around Putin. And the Western sanctions have obliged Russia and China to become more self-sufficient.

This U.S. plan for an extended global New Cold War had a problem. The German economy was enjoying prosperity by exporting industrial products to Russia and investing in post-Soviet markets, while importing Russian gas and other raw materials at relatively low international prices. It is axiomatic that under normal conditions international diplomacy follows national self-interest. The problem for U.S. Cold Warriors was how to persuade Germanys leaders to make an uneconomic choice to abandon its profitable commerce with Russia. The solution was to foment the war with Russia in Ukraine and Russia and incite Russophobia to justify imposing a vast array of sanctions blocking European commerce with Russia.

The result has been to lock Germany, France and other countries into a dependency relationship on the United States. As the Americans euphemistically describe these NATO-sponsored trade and financial sanctions in Orwellian doublespeak, Europe has freed itself from dependency on Russian gas by importing U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) at prices three to four times higher, and divesting itself of its business linkages with Russia, and moving some of its major industrial companies to the United States (or even China) to obtain the gas needed to produce their manufactures and chemicals.

Joining the war in Ukraine has also led Europe to deplete its military stocks. It is now being pressured to turn to U.S. suppliers to rearm  with equipment that has not performed well in Ukraine. U.S. officials are promoting the fantasy that Russia may invade Western Europe. The hope is not only to rearm Europe with U.S. weapons but that Russia will exhaust itself as it increases its own military spending in response to that of NATO. There is general refusal to see Russias policy as defensive against NATOs threat to perpetuate and even escalate attacks to grab Russias Crimea naval base in pursuit of the dream of breaking up Russia.

The reality is that Russia has decided to turn eastward as a long-term policy. The world economy is fracturing into two opposing systems that leaves Germans caught in the middle, with their government having decided to lock the nation into the unipolar U.S. system. The price of its choice to live in the American dream of maintaining a U.S.-centered hegemony is to suffer industrial depression. What Americans call dependency on Russia has been replaced by a dependency on more expensive U.S. suppliers while Germany has lost its Russian and Asian markets. The cost of this choice is enormous. It has ended German industrial employment and production. That has long been a major buttress of the eurozones exchange rate. The future for the EU looks like a long-term downward drift.

So far, the loser in the U.S. New Cold War has been Germany and the rest of Europe. Is economic vassalage to the United States worth forfeiting the opportunity for mutual prosperity with the fastest growing world markets?
Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier is facing intense criticism from students, faculty, alumni and city leaders for the universitys response to a sit-in held by students last week. Vanderbilt arrested four students related to the protests, and administrators have since initiated internal disciplinary processes against more than two dozen students.

Twenty-five students are suspended, unhoused and not allowed back on campus, says one student protester, requesting anonymity amid ongoing legal and disciplinary cases. Weve been on interim suspension since Tuesday. Returning to campus could be grounds for trespass. Most of these students are low-income, on full financial aid from the university and rely on Vanderbilt for housing and food.

Vanderbilt held preliminary hearings with students last week via its internal judicial system, the Office of Student Accountability. At these meetings, students were informed of violations alleged by the university and given potential consequences, which include expulsion. Longer hearings are scheduled for this week.

Widespread campus backlash led to a meeting Monday between Vanderbilt faculty and administrators, brokered by the faculty senate. Professors are circulating a letter addressed to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost C. Cybele Raver, Vanderbilts general counsel and faculty senate president Andrea Capizzi criticizing the universitys response to student protests as excessive and punitive and disputing its characterization of student protests as a safety threat. In it, they ask administrators to repeal suspensions and criminal charges and reinstate students access to campus.

Students at Vanderbilt Law School and Vanderbilt Divinity School are circulating similar letters criticizing the universitys response to protests. A petition calling on Vanderbilt to repeal the suspensions, drop charges against protesters and allow students to vote on the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions referendum that prompted the sit-in has garnered nearly 2,500 signatures in just 24 hours.

On Thursday, 11 Metro councilmembers led by Councilmember At-Large Zulfat Suara requested that Diermeier repeal the student suspension, drop criminal charges against students and reconsider allowing the student BDS referendum vote. Suara and her colleagues also asked for a meeting with Diermeier. The chancellor ignored this request a day later in a letter defending the universitys response to protests and repeating the schools public position on the matter: We will review whether our response aligned with our core values.

+4 Student Protests Continue at Vanderbilt University Demonstrations continue over Vandys reaction to pro-Palestinian activism as well as student suspensions

Seen as the architect of the universitys ongoing response to protesters, Diermeier faces the brunt of criticism from the universitys various stakeholders. The ongoing fiasco puts the German-born academic in the drivers seat of an actual reputational crisis, the specific niche Diermeier has spent decades studying as a business professor. He specifically addresses corporate responses to activist pressure and public relations scandals in academic articles and books, like 2011s Reputation Rules: Strategies for Building your Company's Most Valuable Asset.

The school did not respond to the Scene's request for comment.
Being pro-life a potential stepping stone to terrorism, says UK government

Taking a stand for unborn human lives is a clear indicator that one is on the path towards becoming a terrorist, according to the government of the United Kingdom.

A UK counterterrorism program called "Prevent," which aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism through education, includes mentions of "single-issue ideologies" that the government says could radicalize people into becoming terrorists, one of those issues being abortion.

Right to Life UK is warning the public that the UK government sees certain "extreme right-wing ideologies" as dangerous, one of them being pro-life advocates who oppose murdering babies in the womb through abortion.

"Narratives are likely to come from those who seek?to change a specific policy or practice, as opposed to replacing the whole economic, political or social system," the Prevent training program states.

"Examples include, animal rights, anti-abortion or anti-fascism. Single-issue narratives can be politically agnostic, meaning they may be?neither right nor left aligned."

In a statement of response to the Prevent program's disturbing language against pro-lifers, Right to Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said the UK government is making it undeniably clear that it opposes people who support life.

"The government are explicit that they believe that being pro-life is a potential ideology leading to terrorism," Robinson said. "There has not been a single instance of anti-abortion terrorism in British history."

"It is a grave insult and sign of deep intolerance that the government, via Prevent training, implies that being pro-life is potentially the beginning of the road towards terrorism."

Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions.

(Related: Remember when pro-abortion Donald Trump criticized Florida for passing a "heartbeat" law to protect unborn children, calling it a "terrible mistake?")

American government sees pro-lifers as dangerous, too

America's federal government is not much different than the UK government  they are close allies after all. The Department of Justice (DOJ) infamous labeled pro-lifers as dangerous terrorists as well, paving the way for the eventual criminalization of pro-life thoughts and actions.

Remember when the FBI terrorized and arrested pro-life activist Mark Houck, a Catholic father of seven, for his views? FBI agents in full tactical gear showed up armed in September 2022 at Houck's home and dragged him away in front of his wife and children for supposedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a bill that punishes pro-lifers for trying to deter pregnant mothers before they murder their unborn children.

"[It was] an act of terror designed to humiliate, intimidate and instill fear in us," Houck told Live Action president and founder Lila Rose about the experience.

"And they've effectively done that with our children to this day, but [to] instill fear in pro-life America, right? Because this is now becoming an overreach of government."

In the end, Houck was acquitted of all charges, but he is just one of many pro-lifers who are being targeted right here in the United States for taking a stand for the lives of the unborn.

The DOJ continues to target pro-life groups for their "extremely dangerous behavior," which includes non-violent actions such as sitting in front of or within close vicinity of an abortion facility.

Under the FACE Act, the DOJ has brought 20 criminal prosecutions and one civil case against a total of 46 defendants, reports indicate. All but one of the cases involved charges for disrupting abortion clinics in some way.

Right now, several pro-lifers across America face a potential of 11 years in prison for obstructing the entrance to an abortion clinic. Pro-abortionists who deface crisis pregnancy centers, meanwhile, are free to continue committing their crimes without punishment.

The pro-death lobby considers it terrorism to protect the unborn. Find out more at Abortions.news.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

NaturalNews.com
The world was shocked when the World Trade Center was attacked, leaving unimaginable images of horror from survivors and deaths. However, a damaged Callery pear tree was found and survived at Ground Zero, now becoming an inspiration for survivors and Americans.

No one expected that a tree would survive the terror attacks at Ground Zero. According to reports, the tree was discovered with broken and burned branches. Immediately, the Department of Parks and Recreation in New York helped to remove and restore the tree from the damaged area.

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is popular as an ornamental and broadleaf deciduous tree. Reports show that it can grow up to 50 feet. Unlike other trees, the pear tree can survive in areas despite the threats of pollution and challenging heat.

According to reports, the said tree was first planted in the 1970s at the World Trade Center.

The Survivor Tree

The tree was rehabilitated. In 2010, it was returned to the Memorial to show as a symbol of hope, resilience, and new life. It is also a reminder of the terrors brought about by the terrorists at the World Trade Center.

Before the tree was restored, workers were concerned about the state of the tree, which severely suffered. However, the tree showed signs of recovery in 2022 after sprouting with leaves.

On September 11, 2013, a seedling program of the Survivor Tree was launched, providing seedlings to communities with tragic experiences. It helps to inspire and become resilient amidst the problem.

Now, the tree also signifies hope for people to recover and be resilient from what happened in the past.

Also Read: Invasive Plants Can Hide in Plain Sight for up to 320 Years Before Expanding Rapidly

More Facts about Pyrus calleryana

According to reports, the Pyrus calleryana is from the family of Rosaceae. In terms of size, the tree can range from small to medium with a glossy green appearance and thornless twigs.

It is mostly planted in rural yards, suburban, and urban areas. While the tree can potentially grow quickly, the strong winds can damage it. Although it holds cultural importance, the tree can pose possible damage to natural habitats by forming large colonies. Callery pear can likely overwhelm other native plants.

In addition, the tree is believed to be native to Taiwan and China and was used for landscaping. The tree can spread when birds or other animals eat the fruits, which can be scattered in rural areas or cities.

Related Article: Climate Cooling Benefits Of Planting Trees Overestimated, Study Says

For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News
Black-capped chickadees have incredible memories, recalling the locations of hundreds of bits of food to help them survive the winter.

Barcode-Like Memory Formatting

Scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute have discovered how chickadees recall so many details: they memorize each food location using brain cell activity similar to a barcode.

This new information may shed light on how the brain develops memories of the experiences that comprise our lives.

This barcode-like memory formatting could be a frequent technique in animal brains, including human brains.

The birds' behavior and activity at each cache site, whether it was food storage, retrieval, or stash checks, were captured on camera. The team put a sensor in each bird's brain to record the activity of neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory formation.

The findings demonstrate that each time a bird stashed seeds, even if it was in the same position, a distinct set of neurons fired in its hippocampus, resulting in a barcode-like pattern of activity.

The same "barcode" was shown when the morsel was retrieved as when it was cached.

The barcodes were unique to place cells, which are neurons in the hippocampus that are known to play a role in memory formation for specific locations.

While place cell activity occurred whenever the bird visited a cache site, barcodes only appeared when the bird was actually storing or retrieving a seed.

Overall, the team believes a distinct mechanism is at work when birds are creating memories of individual occurrences versus creating a mental map of an area.

"These results suggest that the barcode represents a specific episodic experience, unique in place and time in the chickadee's life," the researchers report.

Scientists have long known that these birds use the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for remembering in all vertebrates, to store cache memories. However, no one had discovered the precise neuronal activity in the hippocampus that encodes episodic memories like food-caching episodes.

Read Also: Clever Cuttlefish: Unlike Humans, Cuttlefish Memory Becomes Sharper the Older They Get!

Memory Genuises

Dmitriy Aronov, Ph.D., a principal investigator at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute and an assistant professor of neuroscience at Columbia's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, describes chickadees as "memory geniuses."

The species are masters of episodic memory, which is the brain's ability to recall specific events, such as storing food under tree bark or in a knothole.

This can prove to be a matter of life or death for the chickadees, since unlike most birds that live in cold places, chickadees don't migrate during the winter.

This means their survival hinges on remembering where they hid food during the warmer months, with some making up to 5,000 of these stashes per day.

The researchers also want to know if the barcoding technique discovered in chickadees is widely used in other animals, including humans. Such research may shed light on a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

"If you think about how people define themselves, who they think they are, their sense of self, then episodic memories of particular events are central to that. That's what we're trying to understand," said postdoctoral research fellow Selmaan Chettih, Ph.D., the study's co-first author along with Emily Mackevicius, Ph.D.

Related Article: Your Pet Dog Have 'Episodic Memory' Too, Just Like Humans
Chocolate eggs and bunnies are more expensive than ever, as climate change depletes global cocoa supplies and farmers' profits in West Africa.

Cocoa Supply In West Africa

Cacao plants in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon provide almost three-quarters of the world's cocoa, which is used to make chocolate.

Experts believe the shortage is caused by a combination of causes, including climate-related weather occurrences and the chocolate industry's inherent exploitation. It has arrived at a time of growing worldwide demand, resulting in scarcity and resultant price increases.

Other causes believed to be contributing to the scarcity include rising fertilizer prices, deforestation, and illicit mining methods that degrade land.

"The [agricultural] challenges include various pests and diseases of cocoa, aging trees on many farms, declining soil fertility and more variable and extreme weather events resulting from climate change," said Dr Andrew Damyond of the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading.

He also added that the recent El Nino event has resulted in a wetter rainy season in West Africa, leading to higher cocoa pod losses due to pod rot.

Cocoa trades on a regulated global market. Farmers sell to local dealers or processing firms, which subsequently sell cocoa products to international chocolate makers.

Prices are established up to one year in advance. Many farmers blame climate change for their bad harvests. Cacao plants only grow near the equator and are highly sensitive to weather fluctuations.

"The cacao hasn't even produced any fruit. People say that we've had a bit, but those living over that way, they've had nothing," said Eloi Gnakomene, a cacao farmer in Ivory Coast.

Read Also: Cocoa Waste to Carbon Wealth: A Novel Approach to Mitigate Climate Change Using Chocolate Byproducts

Chocolate Prices

Cocoa futures have already doubled this year, trading at a record high of more than $10,000 a metric ton in New York, following a 60% increase the previous year.

Farmers who harvest cocoa beans believe the raises are insufficient to offset reduced yields and increasing production costs.

However, the strong Easter demand for chocolate represents a potential treat for large confectionery producers.

Major multinational manufacturers in Europe and the United States have more than passed on the increase in cocoa prices to customers.

The Hershey Company's net profit margins climbed to 16.7% in 2023, up from 15.8% in 2022. Mondelez International, which owns the Toblerone and Cadbury trademarks, reported an increase to 13.8% in 2023 from 8.6% the previous year.

Consumers are keeping track. Which? , a consumer research and services company based in the United Kingdom, this year's chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies from well-known brands such as Lindt and Toblerone cost almost 50% higher. It also mentioned that certain candy eggs were smaller.

Dr. Michael Odijie, who has been researching cocoa farming conditions in West Africa at University College London, believes that a historical emphasis on keeping consumer prices low has contributed to long-term exploitation.

"I believe chocolate products are too cheap, resulting in cocoa farmers not earning enough to sustainably cultivate cocoa. Many problems in cocoa farming stem from this, including child labour and child trafficking as well as unsustainable cultivation methods," he said.

Related Article: A New Cocoa Processing Technology Yields Darker Chocolate That Is Fruitier and More 'Flowery'
Forests are the lungs of our planet, teeming with life and playing a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. But for many lizard species, trees are more than just a part of the scenery - they are essential for their very survival.

A recent study by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley has shed light on the devastating impact of deforestation on lizard populations.

The study found that lizards rely on trees to regulate their body temperature, and with the disappearance of the forest canopy, they are struggling to survive in the harsher conditions.

When the Canopy Disappears, So Do Lizards: The Devastating Impact of Deforestation

Lizards are cold-blooded reptiles, meaning they cannot generate their own body heat.

They rely on external sources to maintain their optimal body temperature range, which is crucial for their metabolism, digestion, and activity levels. Trees play a critical role in this process by providing shade and cooler microclimates.

During the hot midday sun, lizards can retreat to the shade of the trees to avoid overheating. Conversely, on cooler mornings, they can bask in patches of sunlight filtering through the leaves to warm up.

The loss of trees due to deforestation has a direct impact on the ability of lizards to regulate their body temperature. With the canopy gone, they are exposed to the full force of the sun, leading to overheating and potentially fatal consequences.

A study published in the journal "Nature Climate Change" found that lizards in deforested areas experienced body temperatures that were significantly higher than those in forested areas.

This rise in body temperature can lead to a cascade of physiological problems, including dehydration, organ failure, and even death.

The consequences of deforestation go beyond just the immediate impact on lizard populations. Lizards play a vital role in the ecosystem as predators of insects and other invertebrates.

Their decline can lead to an increase in pest populations, which can have cascading effects on the entire food chain. For example, a study in Borneo found that the loss of lizards due to deforestation led to an increase in the population of termites, which in turn damaged trees and contributed to further deforestation.

Also Read: Climate Change and Lizards: Reproduction Strategy May Need to Change, Researchers Say

A Race Against Time: Saving the Earless Dragon from Extinction

The plight of the earless dragon, a small lizard native to Australia, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of habitat loss. With only eleven individuals remaining in the wild, this charismatic creature is teetering on the brink of extinction.

The primary threat to the earless dragon is the loss of its grassland habitat due to agricultural development and urbanization.

These activities have fragmented and destroyed the grasslands where the earless dragon makes its home, leaving the remaining population isolated and vulnerable.

Additionally, earless dragons are insectivores, and the use of pesticides in agriculture has reduced the availability of their prey.

Climate change is another major threat to the earless dragon. The increasing frequency and intensity of droughts are putting stress on the already fragile grasslands where the earless dragon lives.

Additionally, rising temperatures can make it difficult for earless dragons to regulate their body temperature, as discussed earlier.

Invasive species are also a threat to the earless dragon. Feral cats and foxes prey on earless dragons, and cane toads, a poisonous amphibian introduced to Australia, compete with earless dragons for food and resources.

Scientists are racing against time to save the earless dragon from extinction. A captive breeding program has been established in an attempt to bolster the wild population.

However, the long-term success of this program hinges on the preservation of suitable habitat for the reintroduction of captive-bred individuals. Conservation efforts are also underway to address the threats posed by climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss.

The story of the earless dragon is a cautionary tale that highlights the urgent need to protect endangered species and their habitats.

By raising awareness about the threats posed by deforestation and habitat loss, we can take steps to ensure the survival of these remarkable creatures for generations to come.

Related article: Asian Water Monitor Lizards Thought Nearly Extinct in China Caught on Camera for the First Time After a Decade
The United States Department of Agriculture has designated "primary natural disaster areas" for more than 30 Georgia counties, including 10 in metro Atlanta.

The designation comes after the state experienced a severe drought for weeks during the crop season.

Exceptional and Extreme Droughts

Droughts have crippled the Peach State in recent weeks, disrupting the growing season. The state produces the most peanuts, pecans, blueberries, and other crops in the country.

According to the US Drought Monitor, the designated counties experienced droughts that ranged from "exceptional" to "extreme".

"Our agency stands committed to providing support to our agricultural producers who are recovering from natural disasters," said Arthur Tripp, the FSA's state executive director for Georgia.

Low rainfall in November caused droughts ranging from "moderate" to "exceptional" in north Georgia, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA reported that the droughts enhanced the risk of wildfires in Georgia.

The Georgia Forestry Commission reported that firefighters in Walker County, which was issued an "exceptional" drought warning in November, spent days battling a 1,400-acre fire.

During the same time period, Dade County wildfires consumed nearly 900 acres, while a Gilmer County blaze consumed 50 acres.

Farmers in affected counties can apply for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to recover.

"Drought conditions can be devastating for many agricultural operations. Through these designations, Georgia's farmers and ranchers will have access to the emergency credit that is critical to their recovery from severe drought conditions," the agency said.

The droughts subsequently affected approximately 5.4 million Georgians, particularly farmers, who reported significant crop losses and delayed harvests due to the dry land.

The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation said there were more than 39,000 farms in Georgia in 2022, covering almost 10 million acres of farmland.

Read Also: Barcelona Drought Forces Water Bills to Spike by Up to 16%

Drought In Africa

Last month, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster, claiming that the absence of rain has devastated the agricultural sector, affecting more than one million families.

Since the time of the announcement, the southern African country has gone without rain for five weeks, when farmers need it the most.

This exacerbated the consequences of the severe drought and flooding that ravaged the country last year.

Climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon have exacerbated the situation, which now affects national food security as well as water and energy supplies, according to Hichilema.

Zambia is heavily reliant on hydroelectric power.

"The destruction caused by the prolonged drought spell is immense," he added.

Malawi also declared a state of disaster due to drought in 23 of its 28 districts, and the president says it urgently requires more than $200 million in humanitarian help.

Malawi is the latest country in the area to experience food shortages due to a prolonged dry period caused by El Nino.

El Nino is a natural meteorological phenomenon that causes warming of the sea surface in portions of the Pacific Ocean. It has an impact on world weather, resulting in below-average rainfall in southern Africa.

Climate warming may intensify and exacerbate El Ninos, according to some scientists.

The 2015-2016 El Nino caused a catastrophic drought in southern Africa, the worst in 35 years, according to the UN. Office of Humanitarian Affairs.

Related Article: Climate Change Fuels Frequent Shift From Worsening Drought to Deadly Flooding, Research Warns
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 61F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 37F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Chandra Shekhar Ghoshs journey from humble beginnings to the founder and CEO of Bandhan Bank is an inspiring tale of determination. Born into a financially struggling family in Agartala, Tripura in 1960, Ghosh faced hardships from a young age. His familys small sweet shop barely provided enough income to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Ghosh was determined to pursue his education.

After completing his schooling, Ghosh travelled to Bangladesh to pursue higher studies. Despite financial constraints, he graduated in Statistics from Dhaka University in 1978. To support himself, Ghosh gave tuition to children while living in an ashram.

In 1985, Chandra Shekhars life took a significant turn when he secured a job with an International Development Non-Profit Organisation (BRAC) in Dhaka. It was here that he witnessed the transformative impact of small financial assistance on women in rural villages. Inspired by this, Ghosh resolved to replicate the model in India.

Returning to Kolkata in 1997, Ghosh began working for the Village Welfare Society before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. In 2001, he founded Bandhan, a microfinance company aimed at providing loans to women. With an initial investment of Rs 2 lakh borrowed from family and friends, Ghosh started small. Despite facing numerous challenges, including having just 12 employees, Bandhan made significant strides. By 2002, the company had distributed loans worth Rs 15 lakh to approximately 1,100 women.

In 2009, Bandhan was registered as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Ghoshs vision and dedication had a transformative impact, positively affecting the lives of around 80 lakh women. When RBI invited applications for setting up banks in 2013, Ghosh seized the opportunity and applied for a banking license. Finally, in 2015, Bandhan Bank commenced operations after receiving the banking license.

With a market capitalisation of Rs 28,997 crore, the bank serves 3.26 crore customers through 6,262 banking outlets across 35 states and union territories. Ghoshs remarkable journey from selling milk to becoming a billionaire CEO serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the power of determination and hard work in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday celebrated its 90th year in Mumbai, where RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered their keynote presentations.

Addressing the event, Governor Shaktikanta Das said that the RBI has been working to strengthen the resilience of the Indian financial sector by continuously assessing new trends and implementing preventive measures.

Interestingly, the RBI event saw some of the important personalities of Indias corporate sector sitting in the front row. The front row at RBI@90 celebrations saw the presence of guests like Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Deepak Parekh, Uday Kotak and KV Kamath.

A Look at Whos-Who of India Inc at RBI@90 Event

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries

Mukesh Ambani is Indias one of the top businessmen who serves as chairman and managing director of the Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), a multinational conglomerate with businesses across sectors such as petrochemicals, energy, textiles, retail and telecommunications.

With a net worth of $117.5 billion as of March 4, 2024, Ambani is Asias wealthiest person. He is also ranked among the top 10 wealthiest people in the world on Forbes magazines annual list of billionaires in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group

Anand Mahindra is the Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and Tech Mahindra Limited. His tenure has seen the Group expand domestically and internationally into a range of major industrial sectors, from automobiles and agriculture to IT and aerospace.

He has served on several influential bodies, including the Reserve Bank of India Board, UN Global Compact Board, Global Board of Advisors of the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Bank Groups Advisory Board for Doing Business. Anand Mahindra, Indias leading business tycoon, has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan Award in 2020, Indias third-highest civilian honour, for his contribution to the nation in the field of Trade and Industry.

Deepak Parekh, Indian businessman & former Chairman of HDFC

Deepak Parekh has an extensive and highly commended executive career, including serving on the Boards of several Indian and international corporations. He has been a member of Indian Government-appointed advisory committees and task forces on matters ranging from infrastructure reform to capital markets and financial services.

His contributions to business have been recognised on numerous occasions and he was the first international recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, in 2010.

Uday Kotak, Founder & Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank

Uday Kotak is the Founder and Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank and has played an important role in the growth of the Kotak Mahindra group over the past 38 years. He has played an important role in defining and developing Indias banking and financial sector over three decades.

Kotak leads several key bodies and is currently Co-Chairman of the Indo-UK Financial Partnership (IUKFP) and Chairman of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of Indias advisory committee on Corporate Insolvency and Liquidation. He is on the International Advisory Panel of Monetary Authority of Singapore, the International Advisory Board of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation.

KV Kamath, Chairman of Board of Directors of Jio Financial Services

Kundapur Vaman Kamath is an accomplished Indian banker who started his career with Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI; later named ICICI Bank). Kamath is a Padma Bhushan awardee currently serves as an Independent Director and Non-Executive Chairman at Jio Financial Services. He also serves as an independent Director on the boards of Houston-based oil services company, Schlumberger, since 2010, and Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer, Lupin.

RBI Turns 90 Today

Established in 1935, RBI functions as the nations central bank, following the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission and is governed by the Reserve Bank of India Act, of 1934.

The functioning of this central bank is governed by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (II of 1934), and it began operations on April 1, 1935, with Sir Osborne Smith as the first Governor, responsible for functions such as currency issuance, banking services for banks and the government, and the development of rural cooperatives and agricultural credit.

In 1937, the Central Office of the Reserve Bank was also shifted from Kolkata to Mumbai.

The RBIs role has expanded to cover monetary management, regulation and supervision of the financial system, management of foreign exchange, currency issuance, regulation and supervision of payment and settlement systems, and developmental roles over the years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday issued a special coin to mark the commemoration of the 90th year of the Reserve Bank of India. The function was also attended by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and other members of the RBI.

The Finance Ministry unveiled a special Rs 90 denomination coin marking the 90th anniversary of the RBI. This distinctive commemorative coin, made with 99.99% pure silver and weighing around 40 grams, symbolises the rich history and accomplishments of the RBI spanning nine decades.

Features of the coin

The coin highlights the renowned RBI emblem in the centre, accompanied by the inscription RBI@90 beneath, representing the institutions enduring heritage and role in maintaining Indias financial resilience. It displays the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar, an emblem of Indias cultural heritage and democratic principles, with the national motto Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs) engraved in Devanagari script below.

RBI history

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) functions as the nations central bank. Central banking institutions are a relatively modern concept, with many of them, including those in their current form, being established around the early 1900s.

The establishment of the Reserve Bank of India was based on the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission. Governed by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (II of 1934), the bank officially began its operations on April 1, 1935.

The Bank was constituted to

Regulate the issue of banknotes

Maintain reserves with a view to securing monetary stability and

To operate the credit and currency system of the country to its advantage.

The Bank commenced its operations by assuming the responsibilities previously carried out by the Controller of Currency within the Government and by assuming management of Government accounts and public debt from the Imperial Bank of India.

From its outset, the Bank was recognized for its unique role in fostering development, particularly in agriculture. As India embarked on its planned development initiatives, the Banks developmental function gained prominence, particularly during the 1960s when the Reserve Bank led the way in utilising finance to spur development.

The Bank played a crucial role in fostering institutional development by establishing entities such as the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India, the Unit Trust of India, the Industrial Development Bank of India, the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Discount and Finance House of India. These initiatives were aimed at strengthening the financial infrastructure of the nation.

Following liberalisation, the Bank has redirected its attention to fundamental central banking tasks such as Monetary Policy, Bank Supervision and Regulation, and Oversight of the Payments System, while also emphasising the development of financial markets.
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FPSB India, the professional standards-setting body for financial planning in India, to launch an Executive Education Programme in Financial Planning.

The course is tailored for working professionals and students to cater to the growing demand for advanced financial planning education, states the official press release. This programme will leverage the expertise of both FPSB India and IIM Bangalore to deliver comprehensive learning experiences that meet the evolving needs of the industry, the institute said.

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Furthermore, FPSB India will offer five scholarships to meritorious candidates for the course. The scholarships will be given to empower deserving candidates with the skills, knowledge, and certifications necessary for a successful career as a Certified Financial Planner professional, the institute added in the release. Both IIMB and FPSB will also collaborate on organising joint events, including workshops, seminars, and conferences, to foster knowledge exchange and networking opportunities for professionals and students alike as part of the executive programme.

Speaking about the collaboration, Krishan Mishra, CEO of FPSB India said, This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to elevate the financial planning profession in India. By joining forces with IIM Bangalore, we aim to provide students with unparalleled opportunities to excel in the professional financial planning sector and contribute to the growth and development of the industry.

Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore said, We are happy to partner with FPSB India in our shared mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the field of personal finance. Together, we will leverage our combined expertise to empower future finance professionals with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in todays dynamic business environment.
Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Intelligence Bureau has invited applications to apply for different vacant posts in various departments. It includes posts such as ACIO, JIO and SA among others. Candidates aspiring to be hired under the same can apply by sending the curriculum vitae form to the mentioned address on the notification.

Ahead of the due date of applying for the job vacancies on May 3, let us take a look at the brief details of the offered posts under the Intelligence Bureau.

Vacancy

As per the notice, the recruitment drive is aiming to fill up as many as 660 vacant posts in the department. It includes executive vacancies of 80 posts in ACIO-I, 136 in ACIO-II, 120 in JIO-I, 170 in JIO-II and 100 in SA.

Apart from this, 8 in JIO-II/ Tech, 3 in ACIO-II/ Civil Works and 22 in JIO-I/MT are also offered in the drive. Additionally, ten posts as Cook, five as Caretaker, five as PA and one post as Printing Press Operator have also been released.

Eligibility

Candidates willing to apply for the given posts can go through the official notification as various positions require different educational criteria.

How to Apply?

The application of interested and eligible candidates, completing the cooling off period of 3 years since their last deputation, can apply for the posts. They can attest their relevant documents with the provided application form in the notification.

The application will be sent to the Joint Deputy Director/G-3, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, 35 S P Marg, Bapu Dham, New Delhi-110021 with all the required details.

Salary

As per the notification, the salary offered in different positions varies from one another. Starting from Rs 19,900 to Rs 1,42,400, the released 660 posts under the Ministry of Home Affairs are offering a golden opportunity for eligible applicants.

Apart from the salary package, the candidate will also be offered a special security allowance of 20 per cent on the basic pay of the shortlisted candidates. Additionally, the uniform allowance of Rs 10,000, two LTC packages, childrens education allowance of Rs 27,000 and scholarships will also be provided.
It is time of brisk business for 42-year-old Abdul. Truth be told, its a usual phenomenon during election time outside the V.O.C park in South Coimbatore, where candidates of every affiliation and symbol try to woo the public. Abdul, over the years, has heard political articulation of every kind, from the Dravidian parties of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), national players, fringe candidates to independent candidates in the fray. This time, Coimbatore may have finally got its chance to host a multi-cornered contest, he says.

We cant say who will win. All three parties are contesting this time. The AIADMK, DMK and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are trying to woo the voters here," Abdul said.

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K Annamalai, the face of Tamil Nadus BJP and arguably one of the most spirited leaders in Tamil Nadu, is contesting from Coimbatore. The DMK has chosen to field its own rather than handing it to an alliance partner like in 2019 to show how committed it is to retain the seat. Ganapathy P Rajkumar from the DMK is locking horns with Singai Ramachandran, an IIMA graduate who was spotted by J Jayalalithaa and made the IT wing chief through the 2016 and 2019 elections.

A TRIANGULAR CONTEST?

Coimbatore is a complex patchwork of votebanks. The pitch is even more fragmented now, with the growing clout of the BJP. A traditional business hub helmed by affluent entrepreneurs into textile, machine tools and other export-oriented units, Coimbatore has a powerful working class segment too, with the Communist parties having a stronghold and boasting of previous wins.

All said, while the contest still threatens to get purely binary  between the AIADMK and the DMK  the only surprise this time could be how the BJP performs. The party has a history with this constituency. Current Jharkhand governor and former TN state president CP Radhakrishnan had won successively in 1998 and 1999 from this constituency, riding on the back of the 1998 bombings allegedly to target BJP leader LK Advani.

The BJP may have lost ground since Radhakrishnans days in Coimbatore. But consistent efforts have been made across the rank and file. Its for this reason that the electorate, too, believes it will not be a purely Dravidian battle.

It is an easy win for the ruling party," said an auto driver from Coimbatore. First-time voter Rajesh said he would give Annamalai a chance.

On the other hand is the strength of the AIADMK. Five of the six Assembly constituencies that make up Coimbatore are with the party, while the other  Coimbatore South  had chosen BJPs Vanathi Srinivasan. This gives significant leverage for the AIADMK to activate the local machinery, rivalling what the DMK can execute as the party in power in Tamil Nadu.

Coimbatore is always a stronghold of the AIADMK. And the battle here is always between the AIADMK and the DMK," Rajeshwari, 36, said.

LOCAL ISSUES

Residents want the candidate representing their constituency to bring a Metro rail network to the city. We need a Metro line. We need better infrastructure. We want a candidate who has a vision for Coimbatore. Parties just visit us before the elections and dont come back to fulfil the poll promises," said Narasimhan, a long-time resident whose scepticism about the intent of politicians has only grown over the years.

Coimbatores business class is, again, legendary. The textile entrepreneurs built their units with great vivacity, despite inherent challenges such as lack of water and other infrastructural challenges. In recent times, several issues have taken root  Goods and Services Tax (GST) woes and difficulty to obtain Mudra loans, among others. They want their Parliamentary representative to take up these issues in Delhi.

We have put forth our requests to the central government. We want GST on jowar to be reduced from 12% to 5%. We need uniform raw material price. The process of getting mudra loans should be simplified. We want the system to be easy for us. We have met central government ministers and put forth our requests. We hope the new government helps revive our sector," said Puviarasu, an entrepreneur from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

Will Coimbatore be the place where the tide turns for the BJP, with K Annamalai rowing the boat, or will it be a case of the more things appear to change, the more they remain the same?

We will know on June 4.
After his successful rally in Meerut on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hit the Lok Sabha election campaign trail across India over the next few days. Similarly, after a two-day visit to Rajasthan, union home minister Amit Shah will also head to Karnataka. BJP national president JP Nadda too will launch his campaign journey for 2024 with his visit to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan over the next few days.

The top three leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party are all set to hit the ground running, with their focus on Mission 400 for the polls beginning this month.

Modi

On April 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his poll canvassing in the hill state of Uttarakhand. The PM, who enjoys immense popularity and has a deep connect with the state known as Devbhoomi, will hold a rally in Rudrapur that afternoon. Later, he will go to Kotputli in Rajasthan.

Then, on April 4, the Prime Minister will hold a rally in Bihars Jamui constituency where BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is a contender. The incumbent MP from that Lok Sabha seat is Chirag Paswan, who will this time contest from his fathers bastion, Hajipur.

The same day, the PM will also go to Cooch Behar In north Bengal. That is the seat from where union minister of state Nisith Pramanik Is presently the Member of Parliament. This is a BJP-dominated region where the party saw major success in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. There was violence in the constituency recently with the Trinamool Congress alleging that Pramaniks supporters attacked its minister and local MLA Udayan Guha, a charge that has been denied by the BJP. Incidentally, TMC chairperson and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will be in the region on the same day as PM Modi.

On April 6, the Prime Minister will visit Uttar Pradesh where he will hold a rally in Saharanpur followed by a roadshow in Ghaziabad. Saharanpur has seen the return of Raghav Lakhanpal, who was not able to win in the 2019 elections. He will take on popular Congress politician and poet Imran Pratapgarhi. The BJP has fielded a new candidate in Ghaziabad, considered a safe seat for the party. Atul Garg has replaced two-time MP and union minister of state General VK Singh. The PMs roadshow in Ghaziabad is expected to start at about 5pm and stretch over close to 2 km.

The Prime Minister will return to the all-important state on April 9, this time for a rally in Pilibhit. Jitin Prasada has been given a ticket here, replacing Varun Gandhi. Varuns mother Maneka Gandhi though has been fielded from Sultanpur yet again by the BJP. A prominent Brahmin face, Jitin will test his electoral fortunes for the Lok Sabha for the first time since he switched from the Congress to the BJP in 2021, and became a minister in UPs Yogi Adityanath government.

Shah

After having meetings in Rajasthan over the past two days, union home minister Amit Shah will go to the southern state of Karnataka. He is expected to reach the capital city Bengaluru shortly.

While Shah is slated to hold an important organisation meeting with the BJP representatives of the state, on Tuesday, he will have two important programmes. He will chair the Shakti Kendra Pramukh event in Bengaluru. This will be followed by a roadshow of the home minister in Ramanagara.

Nadda

BJP national president JP Nadda will also be hitting the campaign trail, with a two-day visit to the central state of Madhya Pradesh, followed by Rajasthan. On Tuesday, Nadda is expected to hold three programmes in MP: an intellectual summit in Jabalpur, followed by a rally in Shardul, and a Shakti Kendra meeting in Jabalpur in the evening.

On the second day of his two-day visit, Nadda will perform a darshan at the Ujjain Mahakal temple before heading out to Rajasthan. The BJP national president will hold a rally in Jhalawar on Wednesday afternoon. This is the bastion of the Raje-Scindia family. Vasundhara Rajes son Dushyant Singh is contesting here to win his fourth Lok Sabha term.

Nadda will then return to Madhya Pradesh where he is expected to hold an organisation meeting for BJP leaders from the cluster of Indore Ratlam and Khandwa. The BJP chief will also hold a meeting of the core group of the state unit, in which top leaders, including chief minister Mohan Yadav, are expected to be present.

Sources say this is the beginning of the BJPs Lok Sabha campaign, and in the coming weeks, the saffron party will launch several major leaders for electioneering across the length and breadth of the country. The first round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election will take place on April 19, with the final phase on June 1, and the votes will be counted on June 4.
The Election Commission of India on Monday warned BJP leader Dilip Ghosh and Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate for derogatory remarks against women. The poll body also asked them to be careful in public utterance, saying their election-related communications will be specially and additionally monitored by the Commission from this time onwards.

Both the leaders were served show cause notices by the ECI last week for their comments against Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, respectively.

The Commission was convinced that the two leaders made a low-level personal attack and violated the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The warning notices, issued on Monday, have also been sent to the respective party presidents asking them to issue specific advisory to all party functionaries involved in the election campaign.

Party chiefs should sensitize and monitor their leaders conduct for any disrespectful comments, the poll body said.

The Commission stressed that it considers the whole process of conduct of election as a major enhancer of status of women in India and is committed not to allow any erosion of this status in any manner during the election period under its own aegis.

They have been warned to remain careful in public utterances during the Model Code of Conduct period. Their election related communications will be specially and additionally monitored by the Commission from this time onwards. A copy of the warning notice is also marked to party chiefs for sensitising their functionaries to be careful while communicating in public domain and refrain from any such derogatory comments and violations of MCC guidelines, an official statement said.

What Ghosh and Shrinate Said?

Ghosh made objectionable and disrespectful comment against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, which was broadcasted and widely circulated by various news media channels.

Ghosh, BJPs Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat candidate, had mocked Banerjees family background. A police complaint has also been filed against the BJP leader in this regard.

The notice to Shrinate was issued after a complaint from the BJP. The Congress national spokesperson came under fire over a derogatory social media post against actress and BJPs Mandi Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut.

The post had a semi-nude picture of a woman with a caption in Hindi saying, Will someone tell what are the rates in Mandi? The post has since been deleted.

Both Issued Clarifications

Both Ghosh and Shrinate have clarified their statement and post. Ghosh on Wednesday said that he had merely countered the political statements Mamata had given to mislead people, adding that he did not have any personal dispute, grudges or ill will towards Mamata Banerjee.

Shrinate, just minutes after the social media post went viral, issued a video clarification saying, Many people have access to my Facebook and Instagram accounts. Someone from them made an extremely inappropriate post today. As soon as I found out, I deleted that post. Everyone who knows me also knows very well that I can never make personal and indecent comments towards any woman. I wanted to know how this happened.

She sourced the image from a parody account on X on her name, saying it made the objectionable post first.

The ECI has announced the Lok Sabha polls in seven phases between April 19 and June 1. The counting of votes will be done on June 4.
The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the Income Tax department will not recover anything from the Congress party until the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections.

A top court bench, headed by Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih, was hearing the petition filed by the grand old party challenging the proceedings of the IT department. This comes two days after the Congress said that it got two more notices in addition to the penalty of Rs 1,823 crore.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, during the hearing, noted, I want to make a statement in this matter. The Congress is a political party and since elections are going on, we are not going to take any coercive action against the party. The department is not commenting on the merit of the matter and all rights and contentions should be left open, he said.

Further, the Centre said that they are conceding that IT department wont recover anything until election are over. No recovery from the Congress until conclusion of polls.

Appearing for Congress, senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi appreciated the gesture and termed it to be gracious.

He said that all demand notices were issued in March and before for different years totalling approximately Rs 3,500 crore.

The Congress, on March 29, received a demand notice of Rs 1,823 crore from the IT department. As per sources, the fresh notice issued to the party is for the assessment years 2017-18 to 2020-21 and includes penalty and interest.

Reacting to the Income Tax departments notice, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had slammed the BJP-led Centre and accused it of engaging in tax terrorism. He warned that when the government changes, action will be taken against those who have destroyed democracy.

When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who violate democracy! And such action will be taken that no one will dare to do all this again. This is my guarantee, Gandhi said in a social media post on X.

The grand old party alleged that the central government wants to freeze its bank accounts.

A day later, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh revealed that the party received two more income tax notices after the demand notice. Two more notices were sent to us last night, he said on Saturday (March 30).

With this latest notice, the Income Tax department has raised a total demand of Rs 3,567 crore from the party, the Congress had said.

A report by news agency PTI quoted sources as saying that the Congress lost income tax exemption in 2018-19 due to extensive use of cash in the electoral process.

Last week, the Delhi High Court rejected the pleas moved by the Congress party against the initiation of income tax re-assessment proceedings against it for four years.

Earlier on March 22, the court dismissed the petitions filed by Congress to challenge the re-assessment proceedings for assessment years 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17.

The latest four petitions for other assessment years in relation to which IT Department has initiated their proceedings, were dismissed by the court on similar grounds on March 28.

(With PTI inputs)
The opposition parties in the INDIA bloc have come together to save their own skin following action against corruption by the Narendra Modi government, union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kiren Rijiju told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview.

I can say with confidence that action is being taken against the corrupt, and in the present regime, nobody can even dream of being corrupt, doing corruption. I cant say about the past, but under Modi ji, it is impossible for any corruption to happen, he said. Modi is doing so much work that is actually bringing these parties together because what binds them is corruption and dynastic politics. The Congress party which imposed Emergency in the country is giving lecture on saving democracy right now. When they are in power, then everything is okay, and when people vote them out of power, they feel democracy is in danger.

The BJP leader also took aim at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who is in judicial custody after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.

Have you seen a person like Kejriwal who is giving himself an opportunity to rule from jail? How can a jailed chief minister rule the state? Who is Kejriwal? Is he the Supreme Court or is he the supreme commander? Is he the king? How is he giving a clean chit to himself and other leaders around him? Does he have the authority to distribute clean chit? This is a typical habit of Kejriwal, he said. The people of Delhi and the voters will not be impacted. And, in fact, by doing all this, he will lose whatever little credibility he has.

The Congress and its alliance partners only know how to abuse Modi and talk ill about constitutional authorities and bodies, he said. They have not even spared the Supreme Court when the apex court has not given them a favourable verdict. Even recently, the letter which was written by prominent lawyers reflected that they did not want the leaders to pile any pressure on the judiciary. How can they try to influence the judiciary? One must let them function independently, said Rijiju.

He also hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who had accused PM Modi of trying to do match-fixing in the Lok Sabha polls.

I wanted to remind him of his match-fixing with the communist party of China. We work by the rule of the law and as per the Constitution and all this bogey of the opposition will not cut ice with the people of our country, Rijiju told CNN-News18.

The BJP leader also took a dig at Rahul over his electoral and political fortunes. Rahul Gandhi has lost the opportunity. At the age of 54-55, one must peak In terms of political maturity and understanding of issues. But Rahul Gandhi relies on the advice of some of his NGO connections and his friends, who have no connection with the ground. So wherever Rahul Gandhi goes and speaks, the Congress party loses the election, he said.

The tiny island of Katchatheevu between India and Sri Lanka on Palk Straight has become the latest flashpoint between the BJP and Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The disputed area was given to Sri Lanka by the government headed by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi through an agreement in 1974, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as other BJP leaders have used the issue to target the Congress and its ally DMK.

Speaking on this, Rijiju said, The Prime Minister does not mention that he has discovered something new. This is a historical fact and everybody knows that the government back then had gifted the piece of land to Lanka. The question that needs to be asked is why was it done, he said. It is not a question of the BJP being desperate. It is about stating facts. The Tamil Nadu chief minister himself wrote to the Prime Minister to get the land back. If the timing is being questioned by the opposition, then they must ask the Tamil Nadu chief minister, why he wrote to the prime minister requesting for the land to be gotten back.

Several opposition leaders such as TMCs Mamata Banerjee have opposed the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act by the BJP-led Centre. On this, Rijiju said, CAA is clear in its law and its implementation. There is a rubbish campaign that is being run by the Congress, the Leftists, and some of the tukde tukde gang. They are trying to mislead the people by running these false narratives and campaigns. They want to bring chaos to society? In my state it has been well-defined about which areas would be exempt, etc. Its good for us, especially tribals.

The BJP leader said that the people of the country should not fall prey to the propaganda of the opposition on the issue of alleged Chinese intrusion. The government is doing what no other government has done for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Obviously, China is upset with the government of India because we are building infrastructure along the border. They would have been happy with the Congress government for doing nothing, he said.

He also spoke about his partys electoral situation in Arunachal Pradesh. There is no competition to us as we have already won 10 seats out of 60 seats in the assembly. We are looking for a clean sweep. We will win Lok Sabha with record margins, said the BJP leader. Before I became a member of Parliament, Arunachal was not even on the development map of the country. But now we have road connectivity, rail, and other connectivity. We have a 4G network and because of this development, we are confident of this clean sweep.

The BJP has its eyes set on the northeast region, which sends 25 MPs to the Lok Sabha.

From the first day, the PM said governance must reach each part of the country. There was so much insurgency because there was no voice for them in Delhi and thats the reason they felt cut off. But now every voice and every concern is taken into account on the demands of the people of that region, Rijiju said. Genuine efforts are being put to solve issues and not brush them under the carpet like the previous governments. The earlier governments, whether UPA or Congress, would only listen to these issues and buy time. But now there is a genuine effort to solve each issue. Although some issues are multidimensional and complicated, it is taking time.

So, is the BJP-led NDA confident of reaching its 400-seat target in the Lok Sabha polls? The prime minister has reflected the mood of the nation and the slogan of Abki Baar 400 Paar first came from the people of the country, said Rijiju. The PM just echoed the emotions of the people. This country is on a growth journey where big nations have crumbling economies. His government has taken tough decisions whether it is the abrogation of Article 370, removing triple talaq, etc, and has built a strong nation. Why would anybody want to think that the people of the country will not bless Modi?

Rijiju also elaborated on the catchphrase Modi ki guarantee. Guarantee is what makes sense because Modi did whatever he had promised, and probably even more than what he had promised. The track record of Modi as chief minister of Gujarat was definitely there, but his credibility as the prime minister of the country is many notches higher. There was a time when the respect for political leaders and leadership in this country was going very very low. But now with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the government at the Centre for the last decade, people have begun to trust the political leadership and the faith in politicians has been renewed, he told CNN-News18.

So what does the BJP plan on doing if it wins a third consecutive term at the Centre under PM Modi? The Prime Minister has laid a very strong foundation for the country in the last decade that this government has been in power. But between now, when the third term begins and up to 2047, the prime minister is speaking about the Amrit Kaal, when we have to work towards a completely developed nation. As a minister, I know exactly what I am to do once we return to power. The roadmap and the blueprint for Modi 3.0 is ready. We will begin on a new journey for a developed nation from then.
Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Cong Names Kadiam Kavya as Candidate from Warangal LS Constituency Congress on Monday announced Kadiam Kavya, daughter of former Telangana deputy chief minister Kadiam Srihari, as its nominee from Warangal in the Lok Sabha polls. The AICC announced the candidature of Kadiam Kavya Monday night.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Kamal Nath Can See His Defeat in Chhindwara, Says MP Minister Prahlad Patel After Congress leader Kamal Naths remark on BJP playing game of deceit and bargaining ahead of polls, Madhya Pradesh Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said, He (Kamal Nath) can see his defeat in Chhindwara. Thats why these allegations were made. However, these are fake allegations.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Holds Roadshow in Chhindwara VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) holds a roadshow in Chhindwara's Chaurai. (Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvqRQz)#LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/JTJ72ibahY  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Amid Seat-sharing Talks in Jharkhand, RJD Says It'll Contest Palamu, Chatra The RJD on Monday announced it would contest the Palamu and Chatra Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand even as the seat-sharing talks are yet to conclude among the INDIA bloc parties. State RJD president Sanjay Singh Yadav made the announcement at a press conference.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Party Will Take Call Regarding Nomination Process Tomorrow. Says Arun Govil On the Lok Sabha elections, BJP candidate from Meerut, Arun Govil said Today, we had pooja at the new BJP office, and then we had a meeting with our party workersParty will take a call regarding this program (nomination process) which will take place tomorrow.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Roadshows, Door-to-door Visits Mark Nitin Gadkari's Poll Campaign Seeking blessings of elders, traversing the length and breadth of the the city in roadshows and vowing to build a clean and pollution free city, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has set himself a target to win the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of at least five lakh votes. Gadkari has claimed that he would not put up banners and posters across the city to seek votes for the April 19 election, but have heart-to-heart and home-to-home conversations with voters.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Should I Remain as CM or Not? Siddaramaiah''s Emotional Appeal to Varuna Voters in LS Polls Amid speculations about leadership change, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday asked the people of his Varuna assembly segment to give the Congress candidate a lead of at least 60,000 votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, to ensure that he remains in the post.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Out Of 25 seats in Northeast, We Aim to Win 22, Says Union Min Sarbananda Sonowal While responding to a media query on the upcoming polls in the Northeast, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, Certainly it (Northeast) will play a crucial role (in victory). Out of the 14 seats (in Assam), we aim to win 12. And out of the 25 seats (in Northeast), we aim to win 22.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: 'SP's Mahendra Nagar Files Nomination as INDIA Bloc Candidate in Noida Samajwadi Partys Mahendra Singh Nagar on Monday filed his nomination as the INDIA bloc candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency in western Uttar Pradesh, officials said. Nagar filed the nomination papers before District Election Officer Manish Kumar Verma at the collectorate office in Surajpur, Greater Noida, a local official said.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: BJP Candidate Kangana Ranaut Offers Prayers at Baba Bhootnath Temple #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: BJP candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha seat, Kangana Ranaut offers prayers at Baba Bhootnath Temple. pic.twitter.com/IjiWvrOMJ7  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Pappu Yadav Says He Will File Nomination Papers from Purnea Former MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav on Monday said he will file his nomination papers for Purnea in Bihar later this week, and urged RJD president Lalu Prasad to forego the Lok Sabha seat for ally Congress. Yadav, who joined the Congress less than a fortnight ago, made the announcement on X, a day before Bima Bharti, the RJD candidate, was likely to file her nomination from the seat.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: PM Modi to Start Uttarakhand Election Campaign from Rudrapur Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin the BJPs Lok Sabha poll campaign in Uttarakhand on Tuesday by addressing a rally in Rudrapur, which is part of the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency. More than one lakh people are likely to attend the rally, state BJP president Mahendra Bhatt said. Uttarakhand lives in the heart of the prime minister. The people of Uttarakhand also look forward to his visits eagerly, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Union Min Kishan Reddy Urges People to Base Decisions On Past 9 Years Ahead of the elections, Union Minister Kishan Reddy said, I would urge people to base their decisions on the work accomplished by the Modi government over the past nine and a half years. The Modi government has undertaken significant endeavors in infrastructure, policy formulation, welfare, and other developmental activities, elevating the country to new heights.

Andhra Lok Sabha Polls: Congress Confirms Five Lok Sabha, 114 Assembly Candidates Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President Y S Sharmila on Monday said five Lok Sabha and 114 Assembly candidates have been confirmed for the ensuing polls in the state. Sharmila, who is attending the Congress central election committee meeting at AICC office in New Delhi said these candidates were finalised in the meeting today. The names of remaining candidates will be confirmed soon. The first list of candidates could be released tomorrow, said Sharmila in a press release. The Communist Party of India (CPI), Congress and CPI (M) are INDIA bloc partners in Andhra Pradesh.

Lok Sabha Polls:I-T Notices to Cong Biased Action, Says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday slammed the BJP government over the Income Tax departments notices to her party, describing the move as a biased action to weaken the voice of 140 crore Indians. She asserted that people will never allow the anti-democratic plans of the BJP to succeed. In a post in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi asked why a fine of Rs 3,567 crore had been imposed on the Congress.

Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha Election: Why BJP Raking Issue Settled in 1974, Says Chidambaram on Katchatheevu Island Issue Heres what Congress leader P Chidambaram said responding to the press conference by EAM S Jaishankar on Katchatheevu island issue. Why is the PM raking up an issue that was settled in 1974? In 1974, the Indira Gandhi govt, in order to help lakhs of Tamils, negotiated with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu island was acknowledged as belonging to Sri Lanka. In return, 6 lakhs Tamils were allowed to come to India. The issue was closed 50 years ago. 2,000 sqkm of Indian territory has been occupied by Chinese troops. The PM says no Chinese troops is present in Indian territory and no part of Indian territory is in occupation of Chinese troops. You gave a clean chit to China. He should talk about what has happened in last 3 years instead of what happened 50 years ago. Chinese occupation is aggression. I would request the PM to speak about that, he said. VIDEO | Heres what Congress leader P Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) said responding to the press conference by EAM S Jaishankar on Katchatheevu island issue. Why is the PM raking up an issue that was settled in 1974? In 1974, the Indira Gandhi govt, in order to help lakhs of pic.twitter.com/jCLfQgkKb4  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2024

Bihar Lok Sabha Polls: Lalu, Rabri, Misa Bharti, Rohini Acharya Visit Hariharnath Temple RJD president Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi on Monday offered prayers at the famous Hariharnath temple in Bihars Saran district along with daughters, Misa Bharti and Rohini Acharya, both of whom are likely to try their luck in the Lok Sabha elections. Lalu, Rabri, Bharti and Acharya reached the Hariharnath temple at Sonepur in the morning and performed puja at the temple. RJD sources say Singapore-based Acharya is likely to contest from Saran Lok Sabha seat and Rajya Sabha MP, Bharti from the Patliputra constituency. Acharya, who has gained popularity because of her social media activism and her gesture of donating a kidney to her father, is also scheduled to kick off her campaign in Saran on Tuesday, they said.

Kerala Lok Sabha Election: Vijayan Says Huge Public Participation in INDIA Bloc Rally, a Warning to BJP Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said the huge participation of people in the INDIA bloc rally held in New Delhi a day ago was a strong warning for the BJP. Addressing the media in Kozhikode, Vijayan also attacked the Congress party and said it was the steps taken by the grand old party which led the Enforcement Directorate to probe the Delhi liquor excise policy case. AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested recently by the ED in the liquor policy case. Aam Aadmi Party is part of the INDI Alliance.

UP Lok Sabha Election: Shahid Siddiqui Quits RLD, Says Constitution and Democratic Structure Under Threat Rashtriya Lok Dal vice president Shahid Siddiqui on Monday announced that he has resigned from his post and the partys primary membership, saying the Constitution and democratic structure are under threat and remaining silent is a sin. Siddiquis move comes days after the RLD joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Yesterday I sent my resignation from the membership of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and the post of national vice president to national president Jayant Singh. Today, when Indias Constitution and democratic structure are under threat, remaining silent is a sin, he said in a post on X. I am grateful to Jayant ji but I am forced to distance myself from the RLD with a heavy heart. Indias unity, integrity, development and brotherhood are dear to all. It is the responsibility and duty of every citizen to save it, he added.
Members of the BJP core committee in Maharashtra on Sunday held a meeting with in-charges of clusters to take stock of all 48 constituencies in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections.

During the two-hour meeting, instructions were given to focus on all the 48 constituencies and win them. The cluster chiefs were asked to prepare for elections thinking as if PM Modi is the candidate, a party leader said.

Notably, the BJP-led NDA has set the target of winning more than 45 seats in the state.

The BJP has divided all 48 Lok Sabha constituencies into 16 clusters and entrusted senior leaders with the responsibility of managing them. They are tasked with focusing on unique issues and identifying challenges in each constituency.

BJPs Maharashtra in-charge and Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma, who is a former deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, also attended the meeting at the party office in south Mumbai.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state unit president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mumbai unit president Ashish Shelar, and several state cabinet ministers who are members of the BJP core committee were also present.

The BJP, a member of the Mahayuti alliance, has so far declared 24 candidates in Maharashtra while ally Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, announced nominees for eight seats and Ajit Pawar-led NCP for three seats, including Baramati.

BJP workers are also asked to work for every candidate of Mahayuti, which comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (led by Ajit Pawar), and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha. It was also decided to hold public meetings and rallies in all the 288 assembly constituencies in the state, the BJP leader said after attending the meeting.

He said BJP workers will be asked to celebrate the partys Foundation Day on April 6 at the booth level.

They were asked to communicate to voters all the key works and schemes of the Modi government, the leader added.
Shambhavi Choudhary, 25, a Lady Sriram College (LSR) graduate and Delhi School of Economics (DSE), Delhi University pass-out, is one of the four women to get a ticket from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). She is the youngest candidate in the country and will contest from Samastipur constituency from Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

Married to Saayan Kunal, son of philanthropist and scholar Acharya Kishore Kunal, a former IPS officer, who is credited with appointing several Dalit priests in temples in Bihar, Shambhavi is the daughter of Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary, who has held several key roles in the Bihar cabinet.

Samastipur is a Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved seat and was won in 2019 by Prince, son of ex-Union minister Pashupati Paras. This time, Samastipur went to Chirags faction and Shambhavi Choudhary became the chosen one.

Edited excerpts from an interview with CNN-News18:

How would you introduce yourself?

I did my schooling from Notre Dame Academy, Patna. I did my graduation from Lady Sriram College, Delhi University. I pursued my Masters in Delhi School of Economics and right now I am pursuing my PhD from Magadh University in Bihar. Other than that, I am a huge animal lover and have been working in the social sector associated with different kinds of NGOs. Right now, I am the honorary director of Gyan Niketan School. I have been working hard in the field of education for the last couple of years.

Your debut is with the 2024 general elections. Why did you decide to join politics? Did you have any pressure from your family?

There was no pressure from the family. I was always interested in politics. I have been born and brought up in a political family and that has definitely impacted my personality, preferences and personal interests. My family knew that I was interested, but the debut was not planned. When the elections were announced, I asked Chirag bhaiya to consider me and told him that if there was any possibility to work in Samastipur, I would feel honoured and privileged.

Why Samastipur? Why LJP and not JDU?

My father is in the Janata Dal United (JDU) and I am really proud of the family I come from. But to join the LJP has been a political decision. When life gives you two options, a professional and another personal, both should be independent. I chose the LJP because I resonate with Chirag bhaiya more. Hes young and so am I. It is a futuristic approach for my political career in the long run. I am really in tune with Chirag bhaiyas vision of Bihar & Biharis first. It had a profound impact on me. I was a student of Delhi University and the professors used to say that you dont look like a Bihari. I always wondered what a Bihari should look like?

How many times have you visited Samastipur? What are your plans for the constituency?

I have never been to Samastipur, but my mother-in-law and father-in-law are from Samastipur. They have worked a lot in that area. I am really looking forward to moving to Samastipur as I have a home there. Other than the policies in my mind, I am going with an optimistic view and moving with a positive mindset. I plan to work in the field of education and healthcare. My priority will be to use modern-age technology in the field of education, health, financial independence, generation of employment and investment. The first step is to go there and understand the demography. My plan is to start development from class two level, so I would like to carry out micro investigation of what is needed and try to start with Jeevika didi and Tola Sevaks. In the next five years, I plan to develop a brand new Samastipur for the generations to come.

You must be familiar with the accusation of nepotism and parivarvad against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. Now questions will be raised on your candidature as well. How will you counter those?

Coming from a political family may have created an easy passage for me for communication. But from here, my political career will be decided by people. Whether I get to represent Samastipur or not will be by people, not my family or relatives.

Your fight is with the Congress, which has a Yadav, Muslim and OBC vote bank. How big is the challenge as far as the caste formula is concerned?

Despite having 26% Yadavs and OBCs, five of the six Vidhan Sabha seats are with the NDA. We have a history of NDA victory in Samastipur. I come from the SC category and my husband is from forward caste. My father was a staunch advocate of Dalit rights and this will be a deadly combination. It will help strengthen my position if you are talking of demographics. The most important part is that there is no alternative to an educated person and Bihar has come to a point where they want educated people who can take their voices to the higher level. I can be a good voice for Samastipur in Parliament and this is what the people of Samastipur must be expecting.

Do you think the NDA agenda such as Ram Mandir, 370, CAA, etc. will help you or will Tejashwi Yadavs job card work in Bihar this time?

What is important are the fulfilled promises. As far as employment is concerned, I am sure that Modi ji, Nitish Kumar and the NDA have been able to provide a lot of employment in the past 10 years and will continue to do so. These are narratives set by the media. Eventually people vote looking at how impressive a candidate is.

Only 10% of the total seats, i.e 4 out of 40, have been given to women. You are one of them. How do you plan to address womens issues of Bihar if you are elected?

My party LJP(R) has given two out of its five seats to women, which is almost 40% and I am not in a position to answer for other parties. I will try to do my best to raise womens issues. My first priority will be employment.

Voters of certain constituencies complain that their MP never or seldom visits the constituency after winning. Will you prove them wrong?

We used to have this conversation in the family. You have your fathers home and you have your in-laws home and I have always told my friends and relatives that my house will be in Samastipur. I am stationed in Patna right now, which is just two-and-a-half hours away from Samastipur

Will a Congress candidate be a challenge for you?

I am going to focus on myself, my ideas and vision. I am in no position to comment on people who are senior to me. I am going to focus on my campaign and ideas.

Your message to people?

Apna pyaar aur aashirwad bana ke rakhiye, hum aap hi ki beti hain, apne ghar aa rahe hain aur bahut asha aur umeed ke saath aa rahe hain. Hum aapko wada karte hain ki hum aapki umeedon per khare utrenge.
The political scenario in Maharashtra ahead of the Lok Sabha elections is becoming more interesting, with five major parties in the mix despite there being two major alliances  the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

A triangular contest is expected on many seats and with so many options available, political leaders are also experimenting with their affiliations, which is resulting in rampant party hopping. So, a number of them are out trying their luck with new parties that may offer them a Lok Sabha ticket.

Here are some politicians, who have speedily changed tack with only weeks left for the polls:

Nilesh Lanke

Known as an Ajit Pawar loyalist, Nilesh Lanke recently quit as Parner MLA and snapped ties with the NCP faction led by the deputy chief minister. He joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, which was quick to reward him with a Lok Sabha ticket from Ahmednagar constituency. Lanke is a staunch opponent of BJP leader and state revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and will be up against his son, Sujay Vikhe-Patil. Alleging that the minister wanted to end his career, Lanke had accused him of not using MP funds to develop the constituency. The rivalry between the Pawar and Vikhe-Patil families is old.

In the 2019 general elections, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil had asked for a ticket for his son from the Congress, but Sharad Pawar did not offer this seat to the party. Due to this, Sujay joined the BJP and got a ticket while his father, who was then the leader of the opposition, also joined the saffron party before the assembly poll.

Vasant More

A former leader of Raj Thakcerays MNS, Pune-based Vasant More quit the party a few weeks ago after meeting the state leadership of the Congress. He had a word with Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and also met Sharad Pawar, expressing his desire to contest from the Pune Lok Sabha seat. But, in the MVA, the Pune seat went to the Congress that had already announced the name of sitting MLA Ravindra Dhangekar as a candidate. More, who was contemplating contesting as an Independent, saw an opportunity after the Prakash Ambedkar-led VBA decided to go solo. He met Ambedkar and discussed the issue with him and is hoping for a positive response from the VBA, which might declare him as their candidate for Pune.

Mahadev Jankar

A cabinet minister in the previous Devendra Fadnavis-led government, Mahadev Jankar had also been hankering for a Lok Sabha ticket from both the alliances. He was miffed with the Mahayuti for ignoring his demands, and had also met Sharad Pawar with whom he had a successful discussion. Jankar represents the Dhangar community, which has influenced a significant number of votes in most parts of the state. Pawars idea behind roping him in was to secure the sizeable vote bank in the Baramati constituency, from where his daughter and MP Supriya Sule is contesting. This time she is facing a challenge from her family member and Ajit Pawars wife Sunetra Pawar. But, this did not happen as Fadnavis managed to placate Jankar, who got convinced to return to the Mahayuti fold. Ajit Pawar gave one Lok Sabha seat from his quota to Jankar, who will now contest from the Parbhani seat.

Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil

A former deputy CM, Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil is batting for the Solapur seat for his nephew Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil. Upset with the decision of the BJP to repeat Ranjitsinh Nimbalkar, Vijaysinh held talks with Sharad Pawars NCP and even met the veteran politician at a public function. Last week, he and party leader Amol Kolhe had a meeting in which they discussed how to file Dhairyasheels nomination from Madha constituency. Interestingly, Vijaysinhs son Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil is a BJP MLC.

Jyoti Mete

Wife of late Maratha leader Vinayak Mete, Jyoti Mete also wants to contest the upcoming polls. Vinayak Metes Shiv Sangram is part of the Mahayuti but she first approached Sharad Pawars NCP. A few months ago, she resigned from a state government job as she is keen on contesting and also met Fadnavis. She wants to contest from Beed constituency, where the BJP has fielded Pankaja Munde. Jyoti is confident that the Maratha community will support her if she contests against Munde from Beed.

Archana Patil-Chakurkar

The daughter-in-law of former home minister Shivraj Patil-Chakurkar, Archana Patil-Chakurkar recently joined the BJP. Though she has not yet got a ticket, she may get some responsibility in the party and could be rewarded with a ticket for the assembly election, against Amit Deshmukh or Dheeraj Deshmukh of the Congress.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is gearing up to celebrate its foundation day on April 6 in the midst of election season as the country prepares for phase 1 of polling on April 1.

The party has issued an official circular to its office bearers  right from the central leadership to the teams on ground working at the booth level  detailing the various programmes that need to be conducted to celebrate the foundation day.

Keeping in mind the upcoming elections, the central theme of this years celebration is to make voters aware of the work done by the Narendra Modi-led Union government in the last one decade. The message that needs to be sent is that the government will come back with a defining majority in 2024.

Each worker on ground, who is busy gearing up for the election, needs to take a resolve that the party must come back with a decisive mandate. Abki Baar 400 Paar and Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar are what we need to work on, the circular issued by the party says.

So far as the programmes for the foundation day are concerned, they will be held at multiple levels  national, state, district, and up to the booth level.

Leaders have been encouraged to fly the party flag at their homes and party offices across the entire country. Apart from this, the party leaders need to organise small processions and bike rallies across the country.

A special outreach also needs to be made to the intellectuals and prominent citizens across the country to tell them about the work that has been done by the Modi government for various strata of society in fields like education and culture.

Party leaders will also need to reach out to the various beneficiaries of central government schemes and provide them a deep insight of the long-term vision of the BJP.

Apart from this, they are required to reach out to old party workers and seniors who have contributed towards strengthening the party over the years and felicitate them. The party leaders will need to send a report of the programmes organised by them to the party headquarters also.

It is expected that given the occasion, top leaders of the party  including senior ministers  may be present at multiple programmes across various states. PM Modi is also likely to send a message to the karyakartas on the foundation day.

Formed on April 6, 1980, the BJP is the worlds largest party at present. The origins of the party date back to the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, which was formed in 1951 by Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Over the years, the party has had big names as its president, including former deputy prime minister LK Advani, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Venkaiah Naidu, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah. At present, JP Nadda is the national president of the party.
Television actress Deepali Pansare has, over the years, garnered much appreciation with her roles in serials like Mukurane Ki Wajah Tum Ho, Khidki, Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? and Chikoo Ki Mummy Door Kei. The actress recently began her new journey with the serial Jhanak, in which she is seen essaying the character of a strict school principal Mrinalini. In a recent chat with ETimes TV, Deepali opened up about her role in the daily soap and also talked about the ongoing controversy in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

Speaking about Jhanak, the actress said, I have watched a few episodes of the show and I had given look tests for quite a few characters. The director of the show Yogesh Bhati is my favourite and Ive worked with him earlier. Talking about her character, she added, I am quite different from Mrinalinis character in real life. This the best part of being an actor as we get to break our comfort zone with each and every role that we do on screen. With this I am trying to convince my viewers that I am such a strict and intimidating person as a school principal.

Deepali also opened up about her previous show Muskurane Ki Wajah Tum Ho wrapping up in just four months and said, I have been blessed to be a part of hit shows. As an actor, we give auditions, waits for months for the show to go on-air and then when it just shuts down in few months, we do feel sad about it. The only hope is that it sustains longer.

The actress further talked about the ongoing controversy over Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Asper reports actors Shehzada Dhami and Praitksha Sonmukhe were fired from the show by the producer and were asked to leave the sets within 15 minutes. She said, Any actor must keep his personal and private life separate. If youre working for 12 hours, then punctuality, performance and head work is really important. I would not want to comment on what really happened as I wasnt present on the shows set and didnt know what actually happened there.

Jhanak premiers on the channel Star Plus. Krushal Ahuja and Hiwa Nawab are the lead pair of the show.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently in a conversation with a BJP candidate said the Centre is planning to return Rs 3,000 crore attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the poor people of West Bengal.

According to an audio clip of the conversation with Amrita Roy, the BJP candidate from Nadias Krishnanagar, the PM was referring to the bribe-for-job scam in West Bengals education department that is being investigated by the ED and the CBI.

I am seeking legal advice. ED has attached around Rs 3,000 crore in Bengal. This money belongs to poor people. Some gave money to get appointed as teachers. Some paid to get a clerks job. It is my wish that legal provisions be made or laws introduced once the new government is formed so that this Rs 3,000 crore is given back to those who gave it as bribes. Please tell this to the public, PM Modi told Roy who is pitted against Trinamool Congresss Mahua Moitra, according to the audio clip released by the BJP.

How Does ED Conduct Searches and Raids?

The ED can conduct searches on the premises of suspects in a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It reaches the suspects property with a search warrant and conducts searches. The recoveries made during the searches are seized in the presence of independent witnesses who have to sign the seizure memo.

Under PMLA, the ED can provisionally attach property if it has a reason to believe that the suspect is in possession of any proceeds of crime, and such proceeds of crime are likely to be concealed, transferred or dealt with in a manner so as to frustrate confiscation of such property under PMLA.

The ED attaches the property to stop the stop the accused reap benefits from the asset. The accused, however, can get the property released by filing an application in a court or tribunal.

What Does the Law Say?

According to the amendment in 2019 via the Finance Act, the proceeds of crime refers to any property derived or obtained, directly or indirectly, by any person as a result of criminal activity relating to a scheduled offence or the value of any such property or where such property is taken or held outside the country, then the property equivalent in value held within the country.

The property remains out of bounds for the accused until he is freed of all the charges and the judicial trial is complete. The law, however, has provisions for the accused to access the property by applying applications in high courts or tribunals.

The law provides live properties such as shops, malls, restaurants and hotels to continue to function even if the property is sealed but the resting of operational profits lies with the ED. Businesses can therefore share their profit with the government agency or can get a stay on this from the courts, based upon the outcome of the case.

What Happens to Properties & Assets After They Are Attached?

A provisional attachment does not mean immediate sealing of a property. The accused can live in the property as long as the matter remains pending in the court.

The ED order for attachment of property is valid for 180 days for confirmation by the Adjudicating Authority under the PMLA. If the action of attachment is not approved by the Adjudicating Authority or the government, the property is automatically released. If the attachment is approved, then the accused gets 45 days to challenge the ED action in the Appellate Tribunal followed by the higher courts.

There may be properties which are of no use to the agency or any other government department while the trial in the case is still on. In such cases, the concerned special director of the ED is made custodian and administrator of the property. Once the trial is over, the property can be auctioned by the government. In cases where trials run for a long time, such properties begin to crumble because of lack of maintenance.

When vehicles are attached, they are parked inside the Central Warehousing Corporation.
Most people in India buy a car based on their spending capacity. People compromise on the features and models as long as the vehicles cost is within their budget. Thus, carmakers meet the local safety requirements including airbags, but they fail the high global tests.

Citroen eC3 was the latest Indian car model that fell short of the global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) safety test. Citroen eC3 is an electric car, based on the popular Citroen C3 hatchback, launched in India in 2023. It only got zero stars for adult protection with 20.86 points out of 34.

So, what are the global car safety parameters?

A vehicle safety is evaluated globally based on several factors such as offset frontal impact, side impact, and pole side impact.

Bharat NCAP, which was introduced last year, by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, shares the test parameters with the Global, Latin and ASEAN NCAPs, with a 64 kmph for offset frontal impact, 50 kmph for side impact, and 29 kmph for pole side impact.

The Euro NCAP, however, sets its frontal, side and pole side impacts at 50 kmph, 60 kmph and 32 kmph respectively.

What about Speed Protocols?

The European NCAP has used different crash testing protocols, including speeds, due to testing philosophies, regulations and standards. The Speed Assist Systems is developed in such a way that it allows different types of Speed Assist Systems to be assessed in two areas; SLIF and Speed Control functions which may be combined, as per the Euro NCAP.

Each region or country has a different standard for vehicle safety based on testing methodologies, including crash test speeds.

Bharat NCAP vs Global Standards

One prominent feature of Bharat NCAP is its cost-effective approach to auto Manufacturers. Thus, to reduce the production cost of the vehicles in India, many manufacturers dont include certain safety tests, which are included in other NCAPs.

The cost of testing under Bharat NCAP is Rs 60 lakh, whereas goes beyond Rs 2 crore overseas.

Road and transport minister Nitin Gadkari had highlighted road construction as a major hindrance for passenger safety, which is being currently addressed by his ministry.

Contrary to Bharat NCAP, the European standards include pedestrian safety assessments with tests involving child headform and lower legform impacts on bumpers conducted at 40 kmph.

Which Cars Performed Poorly in Global NCAP?

Citroen eC3 missed out on ISOFIX child sear anchorages, and side airbags. Global NCAP mentioned that the hatchback did not offer good protection for the passengers chest and provided weak protection for the drivers chest in the frontal impact test. It was given a zero rating in that department.

Maruti Wagon R

The cost-effective Maruti Wagon R, one of the best-selling cars in India, scored poorly with a one-star safety rating. It got a zero in the child protection tests.

Maruti Swift

Three of Maruti Suzuki cars scored poor ratings in 2022. Swift hatchback got one-star safety rating. The model got one star in the adult occupant protection category as well as in child protection category.

Maruti S-Presso

The model underwent global NCAP crash test in 2022, and received decent rating on frontal impact to the drivers and passengers head and neck while drivers chest showed poor protection while passengers chest showed marginal protection.

Renault Kwid

The entry-level hatchback from French auto giant, Renualt, failed the Global NCAP test. It scored just one star in both adult and child protection tests.

What are BNCAP Ratings?

5-star safety: Overall, excellent performance in crash protection and equipped with identified Safety Assist Technologies namely: electronic stability controls, pedestrian protection, side head protection under side impact, seat belt reminder.

4-star safety: Very good performance in crash protection and equipped with identified additional Safety Assist Technologies namely: electronic stability controls, pedestrian protection, side head protection under side impact, seat belt reminder.

3-star safety: Good performance in crash protection and equipped with identified additional safety assist technologies namely: electronic stability controls, pedestrian protection, side head protection under side impact, seat belt reminder.

2-star safety: Nominal performance in crash protection with no or optional fitment of identified safety assist technologies.

1-star safety: Marginal performance in crash protection above the regulatory limits with no or optional fitment of identified safety assist technologies.
A 42-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her male friend on Sunday in Bengalurus Shalini Grounds in Jayanagar, said police. The woman identified as Farida Khanum belonged to Kolkata, and was living in a lodge.

Police said they have arrested 32-year-old Girish in connection with the case and have charged him with murder, adding that Farida worked in a spa and Girish was an employee of a private firm.

They were in a relationship and had known each other for the last ten years. Girish was unhappy with the nature of her job and was forcing her to quit against her wishes, which led to fights between them, reported news agency, PTI.

Farida was separated from her husband and was taking care of her two daughters. Also, Faridas husband died recently, said police.

However, various media reports suggest that Girish proposed her to marriage, but she rejected it. In a fit of rage, Girish stabbed her at least 15 times and then surrendered at the Jayanagar police station.

According to police, Girish had converted to Islam in 2011 due to difficulties in finding a match for his sister but reverted to his original name while still adhering to some Islamic practices, reported India Today.

On Saturday, after an argument over the same issue, Girish attacked her with a knife. Some passers-by noticed her in a pool of blood and rushed her to a hospital where she was declared dead, police said.

Police suspect it to be a premeditated murder as he was carrying a knife and said that further investigations are on. A case under section 302 of the IPC has been registered.

(with inputs from PTI)
Indias latest report on tuberculosis has unveiled a subtle downturn in cases over eight years. Last week, an India TB report indicated that there were approximately 27.8 lakh TB cases in the country in 2023, representing a slight decrease from the estimated 28 lakh cases in 2015.

The annual India TB Report is prepared and published under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) by the Central TB Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Tuberculosis, an infectious bacterial disease, can impact various parts of the human body, with the lungs being the primary target, potentially resulting in fatal outcomes for the patient.

Lets unpack the successes and challenges of Indias TB elimination efforts  especially when the elimination target has been advanced by five years ahead of the global target of 2030. But its important to set the record straight before we begin  India still faces a significant journey towards achieving the goal of TB elimination by 2025. Nevertheless, notable shifts indicate progress at the grassroots level.

Highest Notifications, So Far

India has closed the gap between the incidence (estimated cases emerging each year) and the total number of cases notified to the government: In 2023, India recorded 25.52 lakh notifications  the highest so far.

The data shows that the overall notification of TB cases has improved by 64% over the last nine years, from 2014 to 2023. It shows that the public sector reported 17.08 lakh patients, and the private sector notified 8.44 lakh patients.

Interestingly, Uttar Pradesh saw the highest jump in notifications (by 21% compared to the previous year) followed by Bihar (at 15% compared to the previous year). Uttar Pradesh reported an increase of 51% in notifications from the private sector compared to the previous year.

Also, Bihar is one of the only large states (over 50 lakh population) with more notifications from the private sector than the public sector.

Furthermore, the annual report revealed that the private sector exhibited higher treatment success rates compared to the public sector. Treatment success rates among patients notified from the public and private sectors were 86.9% and 89.5%, respectively, it said.

Improvement in Testing

The scale of testing has improved significantly, which is a hugely positive sign. The presumptive TB Examination Rate (PTER) rose from 1,295 per lakh population in 2022 to 1,710 per lakh population in 2023. Again, the trend is encouraging as the PTBER stood at 979 per lakh population in 2019. PTER is a measure of the extent of testing being conducted per unit of population, making it a key monitoring indicator.

However, the program continues to rely heavily on smear microscopy as the upfront testing method instead of WHO-recommended Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT).

NAAT is considered to be more sensitive. However, in 2023, only 21% of patients received an upfront NAAT test as opposed to the 79% who still received a sputum smear microscopy as their initial diagnostic test.

Of the 1.89 crore persons tested for TB with sputum smear microscopy, 5.78 lakhs were diagnosed with TB, representing a yield of 3%.

The report highlights a recommendation. Scale-up molecular diagnostic testing to all presumptive TB testing across the country with robust recording and reporting.

Just Half the Patients Were Tested for Rifampicin

Rifampicin, which belongs to the antimicrobial class of drugs, is a critical first-line drug in the treatment of TB.

According to the India TB Report 2024, 58% of the notified TB patients were checked for resistance against Rifampicin. Conducting Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing is crucial for identifying drug resistance early, enabling patients to receive suitable treatment and undergo further testing to assess resistance to other medications.

A study published last year showed that based on the meta-analysis, the pooled global prevalence of rifampin-resistant TB stands around 9.4%.

Better Use of X-Rays in Screening

Better use of chest X-rays can improve yield from screening. The data shows that in 2023, around 20.5 crore individuals were screened for TB symptoms, of which 21.8 lakh persons were tested and 35,438 were diagnosed with TB. This represents a yield of 17.5 per lakh population, which needs improvement.

The number is low because the screening efforts rely on symptom checking. In active case-finding efforts, the target groups are first screened using a symptom checklist where frontline workers ask people if they have been exhibiting any TB symptoms. However, this poses a challenge. The National TB Prevalence Survey suggests that 46% of those detected with TB in the study were asymptomatic and were diagnosed only because of chest X-rays.

Even the ICMRs prevalence survey notes that nearly half of the patients do not show symptoms. Hence, the screening efforts need to be broadened. In fact, screening efforts can get a major boost by using AI-based portable devices and mobile X-ray units.

The India TB report also talks about the importance of scaling up of AI-enabled portable, handheld and mobile X-ray units for screening during active case finding.

Diabetes Could be the Biggest Risk Factor

The NATBPS in India 201921 indicated a higher incidence of TB among survey participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg per square metre, individuals with diabetes, those engaged in alcohol consumption and tobacco smokers.

India is known as the diabetes capital of the world and, unfortunately, diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing TB by two to three times, consequently elevating the likelihood of multi-drug resistant TB. Moreover, TB treatment tends to be less effective in individuals with diabetes. In 2023, nearly 92% of TB patients underwent diabetes screening, with 7.7% diagnosed with the condition. This concerning relationship between TB and diabetes presents a significant health challenge, particularly in India.

In short, though the goal of eliminating TB from India may still seem distant, the report provides a strong indication of significant progress being made at the ground level.
At least five people were injured when a leopard wandered into a village in north Delhis Wazirabad on Monday morning, causing panic among the locals. Officials said the leopard was rescued afterwards.

According to officials, the leopard leaped from a house terrace in Jagatpur village early in the morning, then entered the adjacent building, where it was trapped in a room. Videos circulating on social media show locals chasing the leopard and others fleeing in fear.

STORY | Leopard barges into house in Delhis Roop Nagar, 5 injuredREAD: https://t.co/EbH7OulTMV VIDEO:(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/7bJRdu08YH  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2024

The Delhi Fire Service received information about the incident around 6:20 am and dispatched two fire tenders.

With the help of the locals, the officials locked the leopard in a room. The injured were sent to a hospital, Delhi Fire Service (DFS) chief Atul Garg told news agency PTI.

A resident reported that the leopard was first seen around 4:30 am, and a PCR call was made at 5:15 am, adding that it tried to attack over a dozen people, injuring some of them.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) MK Meena stated that a call concerning the leopard entering a house came from Jagatpur village. Subsequently, local police arrived at the scene and informed forest department officials.

Police confirmed that five people were injured in the leopard attack, with Mahender, Akash, and Rampal among the identified victims.

DCP Meena mentioned that seven forest department personnel, a team from the Delhi Fire Department, and local police were present at the location.

A local resident mentioned that the village is surrounded by jungle but lacks fencing or any other security measures.

In a similar incident last December, a leopard was spotted at Sainik Farms in South Delhi, with videos capturing the big cat wandering in the residential area. It was last sighted on December 6, and the forest department suspected it had returned to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. A week later, a leopard was fatally struck by a car on National Highway 44 near Khatushyam temple in north Delhis Alipur.

(With inputs from PTI)
A 32-year-old man allegedly murdered his wife and two children and kept their bodies next to him in their house in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow for almost three days. However, the foul smell emanating from their house led to his arrest on Sunday, police said.

The accused  identified as Ram Lagan Gautam  was arrested on the charges of killing his wife Jyoti, aged 30 and children Payal and Anand, aged six and three. Police said that he confessed to the crime during questioning.

According to DCP (South) Tej Swaroop Singh, Ram Lagan  a native of Balrampur district  lived in a rented house in Saravan Nagar area under the jurisdiction of the Bijnor police station. The murders came to light when the house owner, Dhirendra Kumar, living nearby, visited the house.

The couple  Ram Lagan and Jyoti  had been married for seven years and the accused had suspected his wife of having an affair, the DCP said, adding that he used to spy on her when she spoke on calls. This often led to arguments between them. They had an argument on March 28 night as well, after which he killed her and the children, Singh was quoted as saying by NDTV.

As per preliminary investigation, the accused killed his wife and children on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, he said. After committing the triple murder, the accused spent the night in the same room as the dead bodies.

Reportedly, for the next three days he left the house in the morning and came back home by night. It was only after this, that noticing Ram Lagans behaviour and the foul smell, the landlord entered the house where he ended up finding three bodies stuffed inside a sack, police added.

The accused was unable to take the bodies out as he lived in a crowded locality. Police said that Ram Lagan told his neighbours that his family had gone to a relatives house for Holi.

The corpses have been sent for post-mortem examination, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.

(With PTI inputs)
Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi had expressed his general acceptance of the suggested solution by the Centre to hand over Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka but said that he wont take a public stand in favour of it due to political reasons. This was after the then Foreign Secretary Kewal Singh met the chief minister on June 19, 1974, in Madras (now Chennai).

Documents from the Ministry of External Affairs in possession of News18 now reveal these facts. These documents also reveal the opinion of the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru over the island.

I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like these pending indefinitely and being raised again and again in Parliament, said Nehrus noting dated May 10, 1961, in the document.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the Katchatheevu issue a major one as he has attacked the Congress government for compromising with Indias territorial integrity by ceding the island to Sri Lanka in 1974 as part of an agreement. PM Modi said DMK leaders keep writing to him to get back the island but do not attack their INDIA bloc partner Congress for ceding it in the first place.

The MEA document reveals that while DMK had launched protests against ceding the island in 1974, party chief Karunanidhi had accepted the Centres proposal.

On the substance of the proposal, the Chief Minister indicated that he was inclined to accept the suggested solutionthe Chief Minister having once again signified his general acceptance of the suggested solution, said that, for obvious political reasons, he could not be expected to take a public stand in favour of it, the documents say about foreign secretarys meeting with the CM.

The document says the chief minister assured the foreign secretary that he would help keep the reaction low key and would not allow it to be played up.

Foreign secretary appreciated this gesture and stressed that nothing should be done to embarrass the Central Government or turn the affair into an issue between the Centre and the state, the documents say. They add that the Tamil Nadu government had been kept informed throughout the negotiations with Sri Lanka. The foreign secretary, in that meeting, had also thanked the chief minister for favouring him with the views of the Tamil Nadu government and said he would report to the foreign minister and prime minister about his talks with the chief minister.

In this meeting, Karunanidhi, however, told the foreign secretary about his difficulty that he could not take the opposition into confidence without sharing with them the knowledge about the oil strike and convince them about the need to accept the compromise. The CM wanted to know whether then PM Indira Gandhi had sounded the opposition.

Foreign secretary said, to his knowledge, the proposal was known only to one or two senior Cabinet Ministers and that probably the Prime Minister would like to have the views of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu before discussing it with the opposition, the documents reveal.

The chief minister also wanted to know if any mass hysteria had been built in Sri Lanka over Katchatheevu.

Foreign secretary said that the controlled press in Sri Lanka, unlike that of India, could whip up public feeling on the subject and make a solution difficult to attain.

The foreign secretary also said that various suggestions had been mooted by the Indian side  like a condominium, a line cutting through the island, and a line skirting the island. But none of this is acceptable to Sri Lanka, the foreign secretary told the CM. At one stage, the Tamil Nadu chief secretary suggested that the strong feelings prevalent in the state could help strengthen the central governments bargaining posture.

Foreign secretary said this had not been lost sight of but apparently it has had no effect on the Sri Lankan side, the documents say.

Interestingly, the Centres then Attorney General, MC Setalvad, in his opinion to the Centre on October 19, 1958, had said: it appears that the balance lies in favour of concluding that the sovereignty of the island was and is in India.
An eight-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly physically assaulted by a man at a village in Rajasthans Alwar for touching a water bucket kept near a handpump, police said.

A police complaint was lodged by the victims father following the incident that took place at around 9.30 am on Saturday.

The boy, who is class 4 student at the government school in the village had gone to drink water at the handpump located within the school premises when a man from an upper caste was filling up water in a bucket at the time, the complaint stated.

The accused man allegedly assaulted the boy when he touched the bucket, as per the complaint.

Speaking to The Indian Express, the boys father said, There is a handpump inside the school boundary from where other people of the village also fill up their water. My son just touched the bucket to move it aside and drink water from the hand pump. The man was from an upper caste community, and he brutally beat up my son. Hearing him shouting, my relative, who was passing by the school, reached the spot and saw my son weeping. I was informed about the incident and we went to the culprits home.

The father also said that the man did not apologise and instead used casteist slurs against him and his family.

My son is terrified to go back to school. He has asked me to withdraw this complaint and is not ready to go back to school as he fears that the man will hit him again. I just want justice to be delivered and the culprit to be punished, the boys father added.

A FIR has been registered under the SC/ST Act in connection to the incident and an investigation is underway. Circle Inspector Sawai Singh said that the accused has been interrogated and if found guilty, the necessary procedure will be followed.

The boy is safe to go back to school and there will be no trouble for him anymore. We have assured him of that, the inspector added.
A portion of the ceiling outside the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Assams Guwahati collapsed on Sunday following a sudden storm accompanied by heavy downpour. The storm wreaked havoc around the Adani Group-controlled facility prompting the authorities to briefly halt operations and divert six flights to other destinations, a senior official said.

When the rain and storm lashed the area, a portion of the roof of the airport was blown away in the forecourt area. The roof was very old and could not withstand the impact, Chief Airport Officer (CAO) Utpal Baruah said.

Due to this, the ceiling broke open and water started flowing inside. However, there was no injury and everything is under control, he said.

A purported video of the ceiling falling apart and rainwater gushing has gone viral on social media platforms.

*A Portion Of Ceiling Collapses at Guwahati Airport, Flooded, Flights Diverted After Heavy Rainfall*Amid severe storm and heavy rainfall, a portion of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airports ceiling collapsed in Guwahati on Sunday. Due to a sudden collabse pic.twitter.com/HJbY7mqPN2 Barigela Shiva (@ShivaBarigala) April 1, 2024

As per Baruah, the water entered the terminal from the ceiling.

Good Morning EveryoneVaise toh #northeast #India main Pre-Monsoons(Mid march to April) chal rahe hai..lakin kal jo barish yaha hui..bohat saalo baad aisi barish dekhi.. #climate change ke karan ab pahle jaisi barish nahi hoti yaha..Video1- #GuwahatiAirport #Assam #Guwahati pic.twitter.com/T2Gtpcsnhn Exploring_Unseen (@travellwithamit) April 1, 2024

A big tree was also uprooted at the Oil India complex outside the airport by the storm, which blocked a road.

We immediately rushed there and cleared the road for a smooth supply of fuel to the terminal, Baruah said.

I am personally monitoring the situation so that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Due to the storm and heavy rain, the visibility dropped drastically and we had to divert six flights, the CAO said.

The flights operated by IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express have been diverted to Agartala and Kolkata, he said.

The visibility has improved and normal operations have resumed. Flights have started landing in Guwahati, Baruah added.

(With PTI Inputs)
Bollywood luminary Alia Bhatt took the helm at the esteemed Hope Gala in London to raise funds for underprivileged adolescents in India through the Salaam Bombay foundation. The star-studded event was attended by musician Harshdeep Kaur, comedian Rohan Joshi and director Gurinder Chadha, and many others. At the red carpet of the event, Alia Bhatt made a stunning statement in a resplendent maroon gown. Her choice of attire exuded regal vibes, captivating everyone with her timeless elegance and enchanting style.

From the shelves of the renowned clothing brand Gucci, Alias ensemble showcased a timeless maroon velvet gown, adorned with delicate spaghetti straps and a captivating squared-shaped neckline, exuding an air of vintage elegance. The gown was elevated with intricate diamante detailing at the yoke and neckline, evoking a sense of regal sophistication. Its form-fitting silhouette gracefully complemented her toned physique.

Adding to her allure, Alia accessorized with a dazzling diamond and sapphire-encrusted choker-style necklace and a matching cocktail ring, further enhancing her ensemble.

When it comes to makeup, Alia understands that less is often more when paired with an ensemble as striking as hers. Opting for a minimalist approach, the actress captivated with a mesmerizing gaze, accentuated by kohl-rimmed eyes, soft pinkish-nude eyeshadow, and mascara-laden lashes. Her flawless complexion was enhanced with subtle contouring and a touch of blush, adding a natural radiance to her cheeks. Completing her understated yet elegant look, Alia chose a nude lipstick shade.

Her cascading tresses, styled with a soft middle parting and gentle waves, framed her radiant face with effortless charm.

See her pics here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt (@aliaabhatt)

For the gala, Alia draped herself in a 30-year-old vintage couture saree from the atelier of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. This exquisite ivory floral Resham saree, as described by the designers, is a timeless masterpiece adorned with meticulously embroidered silk threads, creating a fabulous sense of dimension.

Alias stylist, Ami Patel, paired the saree with a stunning halter neck tulle blouse, custom-crafted to perfection. The delicate silver zari work and shimmering crystals adorning the blouse added an ethereal touch, harmonizing flawlessly with the sarees elegance.

Completing the ensemble, Alia accessorized with emerald earrings sourced from Heeramaneck & Son, adding a touch of opulence to her attire.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ami Patel (@stylebyami)

Her makeup exuded understated glamour, with rouged cheeks, precisely structured eyebrows, and a soft nude-pink eye makeup palette, perfectly complementing her natural beauty. Meanwhile, her lips were adorned with a subtle nude pink shade, enhancing her radiant smile.

Internationally acclaimed hairstylist Daya Ruci styled Alias tresses with a chic middle parting and gentle waves, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall look.
During a recent event organized by the Telugu Digital Media Federation (DMF) in Hyderabad, Telugu superstars Chiranjeevi and Vijay Deverakonda engaged in a discussion about their experiences with stardom while still holding onto their middle-class values. Chiranjeevi shared a defining moment of humiliation he faced on a film set early in his career, emphasizing how it fueled his determination to succeed. He advised Vijay to maintain his unique attitude, referring to it as an important asset.

Chiranjeevi reflected on a specific incident on set where he was questioned about his superstar aspirations, which deeply impacted his resolve to become a successful actor. He recounted the experience of working with established actors and junior artists, highlighting the challenges he encountered and how they shaped his path to stardom, I was working with prominent actors like Jagayya and Sarada, apart from numerous junior artists. I was yelled at on set one day. Do you think youre a superstar? they asked me. I felt humiliated, it wasnt okay I was talked to like that. However, that was the day I decided I would become a superstar. I used the incident to fuel my ambition. Only I know how hard Ive worked to be here today.

Discussing his own journey, Chiranjeevi mentioned how a chance encounter led to his first role in the film industry. Despite initial hesitations, he embraced the opportunity and gradually progressed in his career through various projects, crediting his hard work and unwavering dedication. He stated, I only accompanied my friend Sudhakar, who wanted to refuse a role in Punadhirallu. I was then asked whether I wanted to do it. I was unsure as I was still studying at the Madras Film Institute. However, they convinced me and I dropped out.

He further added, That film was the first time I stood in front of the camera, with my new name (he was named Sivasankara Varaprasad at birth), in Rajahmundry. Before I wrapped up that film, I got to act in Pranam Khareedu. Then, Bapu roped me in for Mana Voori Pandavulu, and Balachander casted me. Its thanks to the almighty, that I was bound to be here.

Vijay, on the other hand, shared his earlier apprehensions during the filming of his initial movies and acknowledged his growth and maturity since then, When I see Yevade Subramanyam or Pelli Choopulu clips, I remember how scared I was. I now know I had no reason to be that worried. I watch Arjun Reddy; I remember how young and rash I was.

Chiranjeevi commended Vijays resilience and urged him to maintain his distinct attitude, 

I loved how you looked; never let that go. Keep the attitude alive also, its your asset, its important to know your strengths. Thats what kept me successful all these years, the superstar exclaimed.

Both actors also touched upon their middle-class upbringing and how it continues to influence their lives. Vijay expressed his grounded nature by sharing simple habits from his past. He revealed, My life has changed a lot, but in my head, Im still that middle class boy. I still have the habit of putting water when the shampoo bottle is almost empty so I make the most of it before throwing it away.

Chiranjeevi added, I combine pieces of little soap to use it for another week instead of throwing it away. My family habitually wastes electricity, and I go around switching off lights. (Ram) Charan recently went to Bangkok without switching off their lights, I did it for them. I am also particular about conserving water,

Meanwhile, Vijay Deverakonda is currently gearing up for the release of The Family Star which also stars Mrunal Thakur. On the other hand, Chiranjeevi made his acting debut with the 1978 movie Punadhirallu. However, he got his major breakthrough with Sindhooram in 1997. In his career of more than four decades, Chiranjeevi has worked in over 150 feature films in several languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Some of his popular films are  Rudra Veena, Indra, Tagore, Swayam Krushi, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Stalin and Gang Leader.
Priyanka Chopra is back in LA after spending some quality time with her family in India. Priyanka, Nick Jonas and Malti Marie headed back to the USA from India on Sunday, March 31. The actress took to her Instagram handle recently to share that she is enjoying the rain in LA.

Priyanka Chopra took to her Instagram story today to share a video of LA rains from her terrace. She wrote, One of my favourite sounds. Priyanka, Nick and Malti jetted off to LA only yesterday after celebrating the festival of colours in Noida, India.

Recently, Priyanka Chopra shared some inside photos from her Holi celebration in India. In one of the photos, Priyanka could be seen giving a loving look to Nick as she held their daughter Malti in her arms. Another video featured Priyanka sitting in Nicks lap and enjoying dhol beats. She also shared videos of her family, including her cousin Mannara Chopra, dancing to dhol beats and Bollywood music. Later during their trip, the couple headed back to Mumbai and attended Mannara Chopras birthday bash.

Priyanka and Nick landed in Mumbai on different dates but have been spending time together since their arrival. While Priyanka was initially here for work  launching a new Bulgari store and attending an Amazon Prime Video event, she took some time out for family once Nick landed. The couple visited the recently opened Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with Malti. Photos from their visit went viral.

During her visit, rumours also sparked that Priyanka Chopra had scheduled meetings with Sanjay Leela Bhansali to discuss upcoming projects. However, neither Sanjay Leela Bhansali nor Priyanka Chopra have addressed these reports or have been spotted together yet. Meanwhile, it is said that Priyanka will be seen in Farhan Akhtars Jee Le Zara with Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif.
Australian actress Rebel Wilson has recently been in the news, following a few surprising revelations in her memoir, Rebel Rising. From reflecting on her journey in the industry to struggles that she faced off-screen, her emotional journey through weight loss, and the shocking allegations against Sacha Baron Cohen on the sets of their 2016 film, The Brothers Grimsby, the actress gave a deep insight into her life. While Wilsons details about her experience of working with Sacha Baron Cohen have already become a talking point on the internet, she has now shared more details, opening up on how she felt disrespected on the films sets.

In a conversation with The Sunday Times, Rebel Wilson began by recalling how she would fear speaking out, thinking that she would be labelled as a troublemaker. She also went on to describe the film as one of the most professional experiences of her career.

Speaking about the same, Wilson said that her outfits in the films were deliberately chosen to show off her fat and cellulite. The costumes were chosen to see all the cellulite on my thighs and a top to show the fattest part of my armlike I was something to be laughed at and degraded because of my size. Its one thing for someone who is fat to exploit their size for comedy, but its another for somebody else to humiliate you, she said.

Rebel Wilson accuses Sacha Baron Cohen of sexual harassment

The revelation comes amid the ongoing debate between Wilson and Cohen. While the actress in her forthcoming memoir claims that the British actor sexually harassed her on the sets of the film, the allegations have been denied by Cohen as well as the films producers.

Recently, the actress through a shocking social media post also confirmed that it was her The Brothers Grimsby co-star, about whom she was talking. I will not be bullied or silenced with high priced lawyer or PR crisis managers. The a**hole that I am talking about in ONE CHAPTER of my book is Sacha Baron Cohen, she wrote on Instagram.

In a sharp reaction to this, Cohen while denying the allegations that he has been attempting to prevent her from publishing the memoir, said: While we appreciate the importance of speaking out, these demonstrably false claims are directly contradicted by extensive detailed evidence, including contemporaneous documents, film footage, and eyewitness accounts from those present before, during and after the production of The Brothers Grimsby.
Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda has opened up about his salary, confessing that he started taking his market price only recently and he was paid peanuts until his last release Kushi co-starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Vijay got candid about why money should be a secondary thing for outsiders as he interacted with media at the promo event for his upcoming film The Family Star.

I am a star, but I started to see little money only recently, around Kushi. As an outsider, one shouldnt think about money at first. One should worry about cementing his style, and performances; my work in the films should speak first. Outside, a lot is said about how much I am earning and all that. I earned peanuts till Kushi. Only after that film, I started taking my market price, Vijay was quoted as saying by Indian Express.com.

When asked what his current market price is, Vijay Deverakonda said, It is a comfortable market price. Before he could finish his answer, producer Dil Raju interjected and said, He discussed with the producer and said whatever will make all of us profitable will be the market price. As he had discussed all this with us, we are collaborating on two more projects.

During the same event, Vijay was also asked about his wedding plans. The actor, who is reportedly in a relationship with Rashmika Mandanna, said that he wants to get married eventually.

I also want to get married and become a father, Vijay said. The actor also confirmed that he will have a love marriage. He also made it clear that his bride-to-be must be liked by his parents.

Earlier this year, the rumoured couples trip to the Maldives fuelled speculation about a possible marriage announcement. It was also said that Vijay and Rashmika would get engaged soon. However, the Liger actor dismissed the reports.
Monkey Man is a special movie for Dev Patel. The actor, who became a household name after the success of Slumdog Millionaire, is making his directorial debut with the action flick. The trailer has managed to create quite the buzz ahead of the films release. The trailer makes it clear that the action sequences were quite demanding. So much so that Dev Patel, also the lead actor of Monkey Man, broke his hand in the first action sequence they filmed.

Speaking at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Dev Patel said, Everything could have gone wrong went wrong. The first action scene Im basically, Im a crash test dummy where my co-star is using my face to break every piece of porcelain in this bathroom, and my hand, I heard it snap. I was like This is not good.

However, despite this, the actor kept on going with his shoot. He shared that about 450 people were shooting on the island and if he stopped due to the injury, the film would not be completed. So, he told his producer, Dont say anything. Lets just keep filming. By the end of the day my hand was like an elephants foot. And we couldnt afford to put a cast on and VFX it out of this movie.

Dev Patek shared that their team was filming Monkey Man during the pandemic, therefore, the medical facilities they had were not at par. He had flown to Jakarta the night he was injured, and the doctor put a screw in his hand and advised him not to put pressure. However, Dev mentioned, Actually, I went straight back to set the next day, and was throwing myself and bouncing off a window.

On the show, he also shared about a T-shirt that the crew jokingly made for him which had a picture of his hand x-ray and The one screw that kept this production alive inscribed on it.

Monkey Man follows a young man seeking vengeance against the corrupt politicians who murdered his mother. In addition to Dev Patel, the film stars Sharlto Copley, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Vipin Sharma and others. The film was originally set for a Netflix premiere but Jordan Peele, who was reportedly intrigued by the movie, purchased it, claiming that the flick deserved a theatrical release.
Madhuri Dixit is one of the most successful actresses in the Bollywood industry. She has made a huge fan base with her outstanding acting prowess. She, as the female lead, worked in several top-grossing action dramas, including Ram Lakhan (1989), Tridev (1989), Kishen Kanhaiya (1990) and the romantic drama Dil, to name a few. However, one of her superhit films, Pukar.

Pukar was released in the year 2000. The movie turned out to be a huge success, and the actress received immense appreciation for her performance.

Meanwhile, recently, the actress opened up about one of her dreadful experiences while shooting for a song in the movie in a light chiffon saree in the cold of Alaska. Lets take a look.

In a media interaction, Madhuri shared that she was shooting for the song Kismat Se Tum Hum Ko Mile with Anil Kapoor for the action thriller film Pukaar in Alaska. While Anil Kapoor was wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a black jacket, Madhuri was seen grooving to the song wearing a light blue chiffon saree. The actress further said she couldnt shoot the song on the first day due to the extreme cold weather. The team had reached around 4 p.m. to shoot for the song on the glaciers and choreographer Farah Khan asked her to sing. While she was trying to sing, she couldnt even move her lips as she had frozen.

Madhuris condition had worsened. She could not shoot the scene. There was also a doctor on the set. He checked on her. Then they saw that Madhuris lips had turned blue due to the cold. After that, a heater was immediately brought on the set. Madhuri sat near the heater and relaxed a bit. After that, she somehow managed to shoot for the song.

In terms of the movie, Pukar was co-written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The cinematography was done by Ashok Mehta, Santosh Sivan, Baba Azmi and Chota K. Naidu. It stars Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles, along with Namrata Shirodkar, Danny Denzongpa, Shivaji Satam and Om Puri. The score and soundtrack were composed by A. R. Rahman.

However, the movie bagged two National Film Awards at the 48th National Film Awards.
As I scrolled through the news updates from my beloved home state of Assam, nestled in its bustling capital Guwahati, I was utterly shaken. The headlines screamed of a chilling revelation: a privileged young man, a student at the prestigious IIT Guwahati, had pledged his allegiance to none other than the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), a terrorist organisation that emerged as an offshoot of Al-Qaeda. In an open letter penned on LinkedIn, he articulated his allegiance, sending shockwaves through the nation. He wrote:

So, my message to the Kuffar (infidels): Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance. Say, there is no ilah (God) except Allah (The God) and Muhammad is His messenger (may peace be upon him). Establish Salat amongst your people and give Zakat to the Zakat-Collectors appointed by the Khalifah, Abu Hafs Al-Hashimi Al-Qurashi. And if you turn away, then I give you glad tidings of a painful punishment.

My final call: There is no ilah (God) except Allah and Muhammad is his Rasool (Messenger), may peace be upon him. And Alhamulillahi RabbilAalamin.

This shocking development comes hot on the heels of the arrest of ISIS India head Haris Farooqi, raising grave concerns about the infiltration of radical extremism into the very heart of India. With its brutal tactics and uncompromising ideology, ISIS carved out a formidable stronghold across vast swathes of Iraq and Syria, proclaiming the establishment of a caliphate under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. However, this audacious bid for power was met with widespread condemnation from numerous Muslim nations, rejecting ISISs claim to represent Islam.

Central to ISISs modus operandi is its unyielding commitment to an extreme interpretation of Islam, viewing violence as a means to enforce its vision of Islamic rule rooted in Sharia law. The groups indiscriminate targeting knows no bounds, branding anyone who fails to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as an enemybe they Westerners, Christians, Jews, or even fellow Muslims. Armed with a highly trained militia well-versed in guerrilla warfare tactics, ISIS poses a formidable threat, capable of wreaking havoc on a global scale.

Beneath the surface of ISIS lies not just flesh and blood, but a powerful ideologya truth encapsulated in the famous quote from V for Vendetta. Despite being an American pop-culture reference, its resonance extends to the core of the discussion surrounding ISISs future. The groups theological underpinnings, often overlooked in public discourse, serve as a driving force behind its resilience and influence.

Indias position in the global landscape of ISIS influence is often deemed anomalous. Despite boasting the worlds third-largest Muslim population, the country has seen relatively low numbers of ISIS-related cases. Investigative agencies have probed just over 100 cases, with estimates reaching 200 to 300 individuals. These figures pale in comparison to European nations, where foreign fighter migration to Iraq and Syria has been more pronounced. Approximately 10 to 15 Indians responded to ISISs call to action between 2014 and 2016.

The latest US State Department report on terrorism highlights 66 known Indian-origin fighters affiliated with ISIS, commending Indias counterterrorism efforts, particularly the work of agencies like the NIA. Despite these successes, concerns persist regarding the role of the Internet in recruitment, radicalisation, and the exacerbation of interreligious tensions. As India grapples with these challenges, the importance of proactive measures to counter extremism cannot be overstated.

The entry point, as explained by Jesse Morton, a former online recruiter of Al-Qaeda, who went by the name Yonus Abdullah Mohamed, explained the three-point agenda that is used to pull potential recruits towards their ideologyis personal grievance, a dent in a persons psyche that can be nurtured in a negative manner and used to contribute to a broader cause.

The first pillar, Tawheed al-Haakimiyyah, champions the supremacy of Allah and Sharia lawan undisputed belief used to indoctrinate followers into a rigid worldview. Next comes Kufr bin Takhud, which demands the complete rejection of false gods like idols, democracy, and even ones own parents if they obstruct the path to jihadist extremism. Lastly, Al-wallah-al-Burrah mandates unwavering loyalty to Muslims above all elsea doctrine that fosters an insular mindset and division.

The target individual must possess more than just a sense of disillusionment; recruiters exploit feelings of purposelessness and boredom, offering a twisted sense of purpose and belonging. In this dangerous game of manipulation and exploitation, the lines between truth and propaganda blur, leaving unsuspecting individuals vulnerable to the siren call of extremism.

As we navigate this treacherous landscape, it becomes imperative to recognise the insidious tactics employed by recruiters and to remain vigilant against their seductive promises of purpose and belonging.

Between 2014 and 2018, a wave of radicalisation swept across states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, leading young men and women on a perilous journey towards the allure of ISIS. From May 25, 2014, individuals from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh succumbed to the siren call of extremist ideology, venturing to Iraq and Syria to join the ranks of the notorious terrorist organisation. However, not all returned unscathedsome met tragic ends on the battlefield, while others languished in foreign prisons, awaiting repatriation.

As recently as November 28, 2014, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) uncovered the insidious spread of ISIS influence within India, arresting individuals who succumbed to the seductive rhetoric of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. This journey into extremism was facilitated by the systematic exploitation of the Internet, with sympathisers utilising online platforms for radicalisation, recruitment, and planning of terror activities. Shockingly, investigations revealed a disturbing trendmany were influenced by speeches and videos of Islamic preachers, including the infamous Zakir Naik, founder of the Islamic Research Foundation. Despite facing allegations of money laundering and inciting extremism, Naiks teachings continued to resonate with vulnerable individuals, leading them down the path of radicalisation.

As authorities grapple with the multifaceted challenges posed by radicalisation, the nexus between online propaganda and real-world violence becomes increasingly apparent. The fight against terrorism transcends physical borders, requiring concerted efforts to combat the spread of extremist ideologies and safeguard the future of vulnerable youth.

In the backdrop of a global clash of civilisations, a war of ideas continues to permeate every facet of life in the 21st century. On one front stand constructive forces striving to maintain societal order, uphold constitutional values, and foster cooperation among diverse individuals. Conversely, disruptive elements sow seeds of radicalisation, leading to chaos and the recruitment of young minds into terror outfits.

While education is often touted as a bulwark against extremism, recent links between engineering graduates and PhD students from across India to terror outfit ISIS highlight a more sinister reality. The penetration of ISIS in India traces back to the groups inception, with numerous young minds swayed by promises of rewards in the afterlife. Despite the relatively low percentage of terror recruits from Indias Muslim population, the presence of even one ISIS terrorist on Indian soil is one too many.

The NIA remains vigilant, orchestrating raids, apprehending suspects, and implementing de-radicalisation programs. Notably, on December 9, 2023, the NIA conducted pre-dawn raids in Maharashtra and Karnataka, resulting in the arrest of 15 operatives affiliated with ISIS, including a PhD scholar and former lecturer.

However, the battle against radicalisation extends beyond law enforcement agencies. Family and community play pivotal roles in identifying and addressing signs of radicalisation, working in tandem with organisations like the NIA. Notable successes by the NIA, such as the arrest of Dr Adnan Syed and other high-profile operatives, underscore the relentless pursuit of justice and security. Nevertheless, incidents of radicalisation contribute to feelings of Islamophobia among other communities, necessitating a concerted effort to address the root causes of extremism.

Moderate Muslims must actively disown and distance themselves from individuals espousing extremist ideologies. Post 26/11, groups like the Indian Muslim Council set commendable examples by publicly denouncing radical elements. By standing united against extremism and advocating for peace and moderation, the Indian Muslim community can combat radicalisation and foster a safer, more inclusive society for all.

In the battle against radicalisation, families and communities play a pivotal role in detecting signs of extremism and partnering with agencies like the NIA to mitigate threats. These cases underscore a concerning fanaticism detached from personal oppression, emphasising the urgency of confronting extremist ideologies. However, vigilance is crucial against propaganda spread by certain quarters, including communists and Islamist influencers. Their narratives, alleging a genocide of Muslims in India, not only exacerbate tensions but also validate extremist rhetoric. By rejecting divisive narratives and fostering unity, communities can collectively combat extremism and uphold values of peace and tolerance.

The ISIS emerged as a significant threat, spreading its venomous ideology across the globe. However, Indias resilience against this menace remains commendable. With only a fraction of a percentage of the population succumbing to ISIS propaganda, India has stood firm against radicalisation. Among its 20 crore Muslim population, the number of recruits to ISIS remains negligible. This resilience is a testament to the unity and resolve of the Indian people.

But the battle against extremism is ongoing, requiring constant vigilance and cooperation between communities and security agencies. The NIA and other security forces have been at the forefront, tirelessly working to thwart terrorist plots and dismantle extremist networks. However, the stakes are high. While security agencies must succeed every time, terrorists need only succeed once to wreak havoc.

As a nation, we must move beyond mere condemnation and actively challenge the twisted theological worldview propagated by groups like ISIS. Families, communities, and religious leaders must denounce extremist ideologies unequivocally. By standing united and rejecting divisive narratives, we can safeguard our incredible Bharat from the clutches of these monstrous ideologies.

As an Indian Muslim, I hate ISIS with every fibre of my being, but I understand that mere condemnation is not enough. Some fear that as a Muslim is primarily loyal to his faith, a Muslim may sacrifice the best interests of his country for Islam. But His Holiness noted that, in fact, sincere patriotism is a tenet of Islam. Prophet Muhammad stated, Love of ones country is a part of faith (Sakhawi). There is no conflict between ones pledge to religion and their Pledge of Allegiance because exhibiting loyalty to ones country of residence itself becomes a religious practice.

There is a saying of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, which goes like this,

   

Hubb al-Watan min al-Iman

Love of ones country is part of ones Iman (faith).

In this clash of civilisations, the future of our nation hangs in the balance. Let us remain vigilant, resolute, and unwavering in our commitment to preserving the fabric of our diverse society. Together, let us build a future where peace, tolerance, and harmony prevail, leaving no room for the darkness of extremism to take root.

The author is a practising advocate. She writes articles on womens rights, politics and law. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Were all asking the wrong questions on the Katchatheevu disclosures. In all honesty, the issue will have a minimal bearing on the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu. The elections wont be won or lost on the alleged omissions of the Congress-DMK on an issue that dates back to 1974. The voter, at least at this very advanced moment in the poll campaign, is unlikely to reorient toward the BJP for exposing that Indira Gandhi colluded with DMK supremo and chief minister M Karunanidhi to gift the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka at a cost to Tamil Nadu.

Nonetheless, the revelations around Katchatheevu are important. They should be welcomed because they serve a greater, more beneficent purpose.

The disclosures make it very difficult from here on for the DMK to claim that it is the sole guardian of Tamil Nadus interests.

For decades now, since 1974, at least two generations of voters in Tamil Nadu have been told that the Centre gave away this strategic island in the Palk Straits. They were told that the central government under Indira Gandhi did this because politicians in the north have a callous disregard for Tamil Nadus sentiments. Or for that matter the interests of anyone south of the Vindhyas.

The DMK has thrived by perpetuating this north-south rift myth for decades all together.

In July 1974, DMK MP Era Sezhiyan, for instance, fumed at Indira Gandhi for hiding the Island pact from Tamil Nadu. For betraying Tamil sovereignty and identity.

Even today, for instance, when fisherfolk are arrested and brutalised by the Lankan navy for drifting too close to Katchatheevu in search of depleting fish stocks, the DMK curses the Centre for cheating the people of the south. For depriving poor fishers of a right to a decent living by restricting their access to waters that are rightfully theirs.

But now it turns out that the DMKs own founder Karunanidhi had acquiesced in the decision. In fact, a record of the discussions between the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government at the Centre and the M Karunanidhi-led Tamil Nadu state government in 1974 shows that the DMK supremo may have got to know of the prospective agreement with Lanka ahead of many in even the union government.

Now, with the DMKs first family having been exposed as co-conspirators in the decision to give up Indias claims over Katchatheevu, the partys fulminations at the Centre come across as severely hypocritical. Some might even use the more unforgiving term  lies.

Ironically, it is the BJP, which has often been accused of being a Hindu upper caste, Hindi belt party  an interloper in Tamil Nadu politics  that can take credit for unmasking the DMK before the Tamil Nadu public.

By placing never-before-seen government documents in the court of public opinion, the BJP has left the DMK with no leg to stand on. The historical record simply cant be disputed.

Watch this space to find out how these disclosures shape the response of Tamil voters to the BJP in the long term.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a contentious issue for the indigenous Baloch population in Balochistan, a province strategically positioned geopolitically. Central to this debate is the Gwadar deep-water port, strategically connecting Chinas Xinjiang region with the Arabian Sea. Despite the purported economic integration goals of CPEC, the Baloch people express profound concerns regarding potential repercussions on their natural resources and the delicate ecological balance of the region. This sentiment perceives CPEC not merely as an economic corridor but as a project designed to exploit Balochistans resources, contributing to regional poverty.

The association between CPEC and the oppression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang adds complexity to the Baloch perspective, framing the initiative as a geopolitical instrument entangled in broader regional dynamics. In this context, the intricate relationship between economic development and the preservation of local resources and ecological sustainability becomes a critical concern for the indigenous population.

Recent developments suggest a resurgence of activity, notably characterised by the prominent role assumed by the influential military establishment. The militarys pronounced inclination toward fostering stronger relations with China is underscored by its perception of China as a robust ally in countering India. Reports indicate collaborative efforts between the Pakistani and Chinese governments to expand Pakistans manufacturing capacity for Chinese military aircraft, weaponry, and related infrastructure under the auspices of a discreetly formulated plan.

Concurrently, a nascent institutional entity, the CPEC Authority (CPECA), spearheaded by a retired lieutenant general, actively promotes and defends the corridor. However, the disclosure of substantive details regarding the corridor remains limited. Official documentation on the cpec.gov.pk website provides only cursory information, rendering independent verification challenging. This opacity is further strengthened by the Chairmans restrained interaction with the media, contributing to a discernible lacuna in publicly accessible project specifics.

A recent public awareness session organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in Gwadar provided a platform for political and social activists, BYC leaders, and local residents to voice their concerns. This session unveiled a collective worry over the adverse consequences of CPEC, contending that the development in Gwadar presented a misleading facade, concealing the detrimental effects of Pakistani and Chinese interests in the region. Panellists at the BYC session highlighted the increase in environmental vulnerabilities in Gwadar due to infrastructure development, with recent floods and rains leaving the city in a state of helplessness.

The unintended consequences of infrastructure projects linked to CPEC have contributed to the degradation of the very region that is expected to play a key role in the economic corridor. A concerning trend of forced displacement, primarily targeting indigenous populations, was underscored by the BYC panellists.

CPEC projects are increasingly perceived as a means to replace locals with foreigners, notably Chinese and Punjabis, posing a significant threat to the socio-economic fabric of Balochistan, as indigenous communities lose ancestral lands and livelihoods. The collective portrayal of CPEC as a threat to Balochistan encompasses concerns of environmental degradation, displacement of local populations, and undermining the regions socio-economic stability.

Despite Balochistans abundance of natural resources viz, gold, copper, black pearls, oil, coal, natural gas, and various reserves exceeding a trillion dollars, the province bears the lowest human development index in Pakistan. The absence of hospitals and educational institutions dedicated to the welfare of indigenous people exacerbates the situation. Balochistan, with only one university for the entire province, stands in stark contrast to Punjab, where a single city houses seven to eight universities.

Faced with a bleak future within Pakistan, the Baloch youth have initiated a movement for freedom, prompting the implementation of a kill and dump policy by Pakistani authorities in response to their mobilisation. Female Baloch students, recognising the precariousness of their prospects in Pakistan, have also joined the call for independence.

Pakistans aggressive pursuit of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been marked by forceful displacements of local inhabitants and the suppression of dissenting voices. Paramilitary and state agencies have systematically violated human rights, with instances of enforced disappearances, abductions, and extrajudicial killings persisting for years. While the Pakistani authorities suppress perceived dissent, local concerns intensify due to the substantial presence of the Chinese military, initially justified as protection for Chinese personnel on the ground. Contrary to official portrayals of CPEC as a project benefiting the local population, the reality reveals that the project is firmly under the control of authorities in Beijing and Islamabad, lacking any form of local governance.

If the ongoing situations persist, the security establishment of Pakistan may find itself grappling with more significant challenges posed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant groups. The nuanced security landscape in the region suggests potential escalations of conflict and unrest, emphasising the imperative for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to address the root causes of grievances in Balochistan. It is paramount to recognise that the people of Balochistan harbour a collective desire for peaceful coexistence, underscoring the importance of diplomatic and inclusive approaches to foster stability and harmony in the region.

Addressing the socio-political concerns and grievances of the Baloch population is crucial for establishing a foundation that prioritises peace over violence and paves the way for a more secure and prosperous future for Balochistan. However, the BLA views the CPEC as a mechanism facilitating Chinese colonialism within the Balochistan region. There is a genuine concern that the Pakistan Army, in collaboration with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is utilising CPEC as an opportunity to exploit the rich natural resources of Balochistan. This is bound to lead to an increase in attacks on the Pakistan Army and security apparatus. These attacks are manifestations of the resistance exhibited by BLA and other militant groups against the implementation of CPEC in Balochistan.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said in the Rouse Avenue Court that Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal told the central agency that excise policy scam accused Vijay Nair reported to minister Atishi.

According to the agency, Kejriwal also named Saurabh Bhardwaj while being questioned in connection with the case. Nair was previously the chief of AAPs media communication cell.

Who Is Vijay Nair, Delhi Liquorgate Accused Kejriwal Claims Reports to Atishi As Per ED?

The court on Monday sent the Delhi chief minister to judicial custody till April 15 after additional solicitor general SV Raju noted that the ED was not seeking any further custody.

The agency said Kejriwal had failed to explain why Nair, who was also a key accused till he became a government witness, had more than 10 meetingswith co-accused persons involved in the liquor business. The AAP chief evaded this and other questions, said the directorate.

Kejriwal told during interrogation that Vijay Nair used to report not to me but to Atishi. Vijay Nair has been close to Kejriwal. Kejriwal said during interrogation that Nair did not report to him, he used to report to Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, the ASG told the court.

The central agency said in its application that Kejriwal was evasive in replying to questions on why Vijay Nair worked from the CMs camp office by feigning unawareness about people who work there.

It is noteworthy that Vijay Nair is not some small time volunteer of the AAP but is its Head of Media and Communications. He (CM Kejriwal) was also shown different WhatsApp chats showing the involvement of Vijay Nair, who was a close associate of the arrestee and lived and worked very closely with the arrestee, it read.

The central agency sought Kejriwals judicial custody, citing non-cooperative behaviour.

He did not reveal the password for digital devices His conduct was totally non-cooperative. He is not giving his phone and deliberately misleading the investigation by giving evasive replies, the ED told the court.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate, which alleged that he was a key conspirator in the money laundering case linked with the Delhi excise policy case.

 there are reports Arvind Kejriwal said prime accused Vijay Nair used to report to Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj. Delhi Governments liquor policy situation is becoming clearer. It is to be seen if Kejriwal resigns or heads towards a new politics BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said. Lalu Yadav at least resigned when he was going to jail (the Rashtriya Janata Dal patriarch handed the reigns to his wife, Rabri Devi) but he (Mr Kejriwal) hasnt resigned yet.

According to the agency, the Delhi CM received several crores of rupees as kickbacks from the so-called South Group lobby of liquor traders for formulating the Delhi excise policy and using that capital in the Goa and Punjab assembly elections.

The names of our two senior leaders who are ministers in Delhi government  Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj  have figured because the BJP has realised that AAP will not shut down by sending Kejriwal alone to jail and preparations for other leaders need to done, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Jasmine Shah told the media.

Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: Atishi Marlenas Explosive Expose At 10 AM
Google Pixel 9 launch is still a long way out but that doesnt stop us from getting interesting updates about the upcoming Pixel flagship series. The Pixel 8 series has shown us that Google is ready to give the basics in a refined way and 2024 could be XL for the Pixel lineup in the market. Thats right, we might see Google bringing back the Pixel XL moniker this year, except that might be part of the Pixel 9 Pro series.

It is interesting to hear Google add a Pro XL model to the Pixel 9 series, and the latest update comes via multiple leaks recently. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is definitely a mouthful and will compete with the iPhone 16 Pro Max variant that should be coming out later this year as well.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Model Launch In 2024: What We Expect?

The XL part of the Pixel 9 Pro could mean that you get a large 6.7 or 6.8-inch screen which makes it as big as the iPhone Pro Max version. The sales of the Pro Max clearly suggest there is a market out there and people who like big, unwieldy phones, but it is another matter if they would want something of that ilk from Google. The vanilla Pixel 9 is expected to feature a 6-inch display, while the Pixel 9 Pro could get a 6.1-inch screen.

The biggest reason to bring a Pixel 9 Pro XL is not just for the size but also satiate the appetite of people who want more cameras at the back, something that the Pro Max does for the iPhone users.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL also gives Google the room to widen the pricing gap between all three models, which Samsung and Apple have done over many years. Having said that, Googles pricing strategy has always raised eyebrows, so it is imperative that the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesnt go high into the price stratosphere which makes it inaccessible for most people.

Were eager to see if Google does plan to add another member to the Pixel 9 series but in the meanwhile, the company might add a new Pixel A-series phone as soon as next month. Google I/O 2024 is confirmed for May 14 and thats the platform where we have got the new Pixel phone, and the Pixel 8a could be announced during the keynote in more than a months time by the company.
Polymatech Electronics, Indias pioneer in opto-semiconductor chips, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese firm Orbray Co. Ltd, marking a pivotal step in the companys vision to evolve into a fully integrated, end-to-end semiconductor company.

However, the partnership entails a comprehensive exchange, as Orbray will provide training to Polymatech Electronics engineers at its state-of-the-art facility in Japan. Furthermore, the Indian company has also finalised the procurement of sapphire ingot growing and wafer fabrication machinery, slated for installation by March 2025 at its Chennai facility.

Sapphire ingot technology is the process of growing large, high-quality crystals of sapphire (aluminium oxide) for use in the semiconductor industry.

Eswara Rao Nandam, Managing Director & CEO of Polymatech Electronics, remarked, This is a historic day for us as we move closer to our companys vision of becoming a fully integrated, end-to-end semiconductor company. This MoU will enable us to progress towards converting ingot into products, thereby entering the next level of our growth story.

Orbray, an 85-year-old Japanese precision components manufacturer renowned globally, brings to the table a wealth of expertise in optical fibre components, Sapphire Wafers, and micro-motors, operating across various plants worldwide.

As of now, Polymatech Electronics has been Indias sole developer, producer, and packager of opto-semiconductor chips since 2019. Opto-semiconductor chips are tiny electronic devices that can either emit or detect light. They are made from special materials, like silicon or germanium, which can conduct electricity and interact with light in unique ways. There are two main types of opto-semiconductor chips, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), where the Tamil Nadu company has the major focus, and light-detecting devices.

With an expanding clientele spanning the US, EU, and MENA countries, the company boasts a current production capacity of 2,000 million chips. Polymatech Electronics manufactures these chips at its Oragadam, Tamil Nadu facility and has exported more than $125 million in the fiscal year 2023-24.

Polymatech Electronics specializes in designing, manufacturing, packaging, and assembling semiconductor chips and chip modules catering to diverse applications, including medical, agriculture, large-area lighting, PCs, laptops, and cell phone backlights.

Nandam said: This is a considerable investment, and we will apply with the Government of India for capital subsidy under applicable schemes and respective state governments. Polymatech Electronics previously signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu on 27 May 2020.

We are also in advanced discussions with Silicon Carbide Wafer and Silicon Wafer fabrication machinery suppliers to accelerate our plans to become multi-wafer producers. As part of Polymatech Electronics initiative to make high-end semiconductor chips, we will supply all these wafers to companies entering the Indian market for packaging and other businesses, he added.
A food delivery man in Dubai was honoured by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for his quick thinking and sense of civic responsibility. Zeeshan Ahmad Irshad Ahmad, who works as a delivery man for the food delivery company Talabat, was recorded fixing a traffic signal that was dangerously dangling by the side. Instead of ignoring the broken traffic light, Zeeshan got up from his bike and fixed the sign. His kind gesture was recorded by a person who was in a car behind him. This video soon went viral and got the attention of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The RTA reached out to Zeeshans employers and contacted Zeeshan. He was invited to the RTA headquarters and given a certificate of appreciation. Zeeshan is originally from Pakistan and has been working in the UAE for over a decade. His video is now circulating across social media. Commenting on his video, an Instagram user wrote, The realisation of your moral and civic duty is the key feature of a growing and developing society.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sach Kadwa Hai (@sachkadwahai)

Another person wrote, There are less such people in the world that is why the world is going down everyone is minding their own business and the world has become trash. An Instagram user praised UAEs government for honouring Zeeshan and wrote, One of the best places. People are so nice and you get rewarded for being a good resident. Last of all, people fear the law and respect it. good for him.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Zeeshan recalled the moment when he fixed the traffic light and said, I was just driving along Al Wasl Street because I did not have a delivery order at the time. I suddenly noticed the broken signal. One panel was detached, and it was dangling very dangerously. It was a windy day, and I worried it might hit a pedestrian or another driver. So, I quickly parked my bike and attempted to fix it. I had no idea someone had recorded and posted a video of me online.

He added that RTA officials treated him like a brother as they thanked him for his service. He said that fixing the light was just a humanitarian gesture from my side and he didnt do it expecting any reward. Zeeshan got married in 2023 and his family and wife were overjoyed by the recognition he got.
In China, a woman was apprehended attempting to smuggle unusual stag beetles in her suitcase.

According to a report from Metro, the incident unfolded at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport where the woman arrived with a suitcase, initially appearing visibly anxious. Despite her attempt to evade detection, the X-ray machine flagged something suspicious in her luggage, triggering an alarm.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered hundreds of insects concealed within the suitcase, some of which were still alive and actively crawling around. Astonished officers found 439 Japanese Stag Beetles hidden behind a snack packet. These orange-coloured beetles are considered exotic in China and are valued as one of the most expensive insects globally, with a single Stag Beetle Atlas fetching approximately Rs 8,000 in Japan.

However, the smuggling of plants and live animals is strictly prohibited in China. Nevertheless, reports indicate a growing demand for exotic insects in the country, leading to an increase in smuggling activities.

Allegedly, the arrested woman had been involved in smuggling operations for months. China has witnessed a surge in individuals owning exotic pets, including monkeys, crocodiles and various bird species, with many affluent individuals acquiring these pets through smugglers at exorbitant prices.

In a separate incident, customs officials in Xiamen intercepted a ship transporting over 20,000 live cockroaches. This highlights the extent of illegal wildlife trafficking occurring in the region.

This event echoes a previous viral smuggling attempt, where customs authorities in Shenzhen thwarted a womans endeavour to transport 102 iPhones and 15 expensive watches from Hong Kong to China. The woman had strapped the contraband items onto her body in a failed bid to avoid detection.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating smuggling activities, particularly concerning high-value goods and prohibited wildlife trade, in China and beyond.
When you visit a grand store or a mall you must have seen security guards or salespersons standing. They stand for the whole shift hours on their feet. Have you ever wondered why? Recently, a man took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to criticise store owners for not giving chairs to security staff. The post has created a buzz on the internet to which several people have reacted.

The viral post features a pic of a middle-aged security guard in his uniform doing his work. In the picture, the face of the guard is not revealed. He can be seen standing outside an outlet. The post was shared by an X user Satbir Singh (@thesatbir). Sharing the picture of a security guard, he wrote, Store owners, if you employ security staff, please give them a chair. Many are middle-aged (early retirement from armed forces etc) and are on their feet at the same spot from 10 am to 9-10 pm. Every day. Torture.

Also Read: Bengaluru Man Criticises Urban Companys Dark Subscription Tactics, App Designer Responds

Check the viral post:

Store owners, if you employ security staff, please give them a chair. Many are middle aged (early retirement from armed forces etc) and are on their feet at the same spot from 10am to 9-10pm. Every day. Torture. pic.twitter.com/AhGkeAde6c Satbir Singh (@thesatbir) March 31, 2024

Also Read: Dont Be A Fanboy: boAts New Ad Campaign Takes On Apple, Sparks Massive Debate Online

The post was shared a day ago and since then it has amassed above 34K views and several likes. Several people have also reposted it. Following Satbirs post, many users in the comments section joined in and criticised store owners. Never understood why stores dont have chairs, wrote one user. Fully agree with you these security personnel need to be treated with respect and dignity, pointed out another. Completely agree and this happens only in India, especially in Delhi / NCR. Sad but the reality, wrote a third. This post reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where George insists on getting a chair for the security bloke and after its arranged for, the security guard ends up sleeping through a robbery at that store, mentioned a fourth person.
What happens when you add a Desi touch to American cuisine? Starbucks India has the answer, with their not-so-new offering thats been making waves online, setting tongues wagging about its unique flavour. Whats causing this stir, you wonder? Its none other than the Podi Cream Cheese Bagel, introduced around October last year, showcasing the coffeehouses fusion of South Indian spices with a Western staple. Recently, an image of this intriguing creation popped up on X, sparking lively discussions.

For those not in the know, a bagel and cream cheese is an iconic American combo, featuring a sliced bagel slathered with cream cheese. The combination of the savoury bagel with the creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese offers a harmonious and satisfying flavour profile. Now, Podi is a blend commonly found in South Indian cuisine, comprising ground dry spices like dried chilis, black gram, chickpeas, salt, and sesame seeds.

So, Starbucks India decided to blend these two culinary worlds, infusing the cream cheese spread with a spicy kick on the bagel.

Also Read: Chikki Donut: Tim Hortons Whitewashing Diwali Sweets Has Desis Saying Leave Us Alone

And the moment X user @nishanth_who shared an image of this treat from Starbucks, accompanied by the caption, I have seeen things you people wouldnt believe, it immediately captured the imagination of netizens.

I have seeen things you people wouldnt believe.. pic.twitter.com/8L4zHoRSIf Nishanth Vijayan (@nishanth_who) April 1, 2024

Now, for those wary of April Fools Day pranks, falling today on April 1, sorry to burst your bubble, but this is no joke, much to the dismay of many hopeful commenters.

Please tell me this is an april fools joke, pleaded one. Another lamented, What a terrible day to be able to see. Though the idea of it seems nice, the execution wasnt that great. It tasted below normal/ boring, remarked the third.

Also Read: Woman Dips Bagel In Seawater For Salty Flavour And We Cant Believe Our Eyes

Meanwhile, alongside the Podi Cream Cheese Bagel, priced at Rs. 330, Starbucks India also unveiled the Baked Veggie Bagel and Double Egg Bagel on their menu.
You must have received unsolicited calls from banks asking if you need a loan or credit card. These spam calls, sometimes, annoy us to our core, isnt it? Just like all of us, a doctor from Bengaluru was tired of blocking some of the numbers but it didnt work and he was flooded with more spam calls. Given the constant calls from a leading banks loan team, he recently called them out as he shared his unpleasant experience on his X handle.

In a post on X, the Bengaluru doctor named Sundar Sankaran expressed his frustration for being pestered with unwanted calls from HDFC Bank. Referring to these calls as a nuisance, he hit out at the bank writing, HDFC loan requirement callers have become a nuisance, and if you get angry with them, you are pestered with more calls despite blocking. Today, after one caller got fired by me, another caller claiming to be the manager of HDFC wanted to know why I was rude. Looked like spam calls, but HDFC has to act and investigate. He also added a few phone numbers to his post from which he received those calls.

HDFC loan requirement callers have become a nuisance and if you get angry with them you are pestered with more calls despite blockingToday after one caller got fired by me another caller claiming to be manager HDFC wanted to know why I was rude looked like spam calls but HDFC Sundar Sankaran (@sundar_s1955) March 30, 2024

Dr Sankarans tweet quickly garnered the attention of netizens on the platform. Shared on March 30, the post has been viewed by thousands of people. Asserting how they have also been flooded with similar calls, many even shared similar experiences. A user, however, had the best advice for the doctor as he said, Sundar best thing is dont answer the calls of unknown numbers. Sometimes I send an sms, I dont recognise your number, send me a message..No response after that.

As the responses full of criticism against HDFC started flowing in, the bank apologised to the doctor in a tweet that read, Hi Sundar, sorry to hear about your experience. Please DM us the caller details and your contact number on which the call was received for better assistance.

Hi Sundar, sorry to hear about your experience. Please DM us the caller details and your contact number on which the call was received for better assistance. -Anay, Service Manager https://t.co/wLE9eBZSVM HDFC Bank Cares (@HDFCBank_Cares) March 30, 2024

Dr Sankaran, however, refused to send a message asking them to take the necessary action against the number provided in his post.
How many times have you encountered scammers that pretend to deliver huge cash benefits with the objective to rob us or threaten people of adverse circumstances if they do not pay a said amount immediately. Its much more difficult for individuals who are trying to save every penny for a better future. Recently, an Instagram user raised awareness about a scam in which people imitate police officials and coerce individuals to give them money. The woman stated that scammers exploit their victims by creating a sense of urgency and fear in their minds.

In the clip shared on Instagram, Charanjeet Kaur is seen speaking with someone from a phone number that includes a photo of two police officers. The guy claims to be an inspector with the Delhi Police and informs her that her sister, whose name is Charanjeet Kaur, has been arrested for blackmailing a ministers son. The person posing as the inspector then asked for Rs 20,000 to release her sister. Irked by the entire situation, the woman shouts at the person and reveals that she is the same woman they claim to have arrested.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charanjeet Kaur (@charannshernii)

In the caption, she wrote, Police ki dp dekhke log aise moments mei bhot dar jaate hain fir jald baazi mei bina soche smjhe paise transfer kardete hai and isi chakkaar mei fraud ka shikaar ban jaate hain. I knew about this scam pehle se isliye mai bach gayi. Please share this among all your family and friend circle taaki wo aise scams se bach sake! (People are afraid when they see the police DP and transfer money without thinking twice, becoming victims of fraud. I was aware of this fraud and managed to save myself. Please share this with your family and friends so that you can prevent such scams)

While this video went viral, others also shared similar stories of scammers they faced. A user narrated, My father also received a fraud call They said your sons name is Yogesh? He said that your son is in the police station, he has been accused of a sexual assault case and I was sitting at home with my elder brother, watching TV. He was saying that if you want to compromise send it Rs 30,000 or else he will be jailed
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has retaliated against a faction of opposition leaders, who are amplifying efforts to fuel anti-India sentiments in the country, following her fourth consecutive win in the general election.

Reminiscent of a similar movement in the Maldives led by current President Mohamed Muizzu, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) opposition has spearheaded a Boycott India campaign. They accuse Awami Leagues Hasina of being pro-India and alleging Indian influence her election win in January.

Last month, BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque said, Indias position on the election went against peoples expectations, which led some Bangladeshis to launch the boycott campaign. Another senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: India does not support the people of Bangladesh, but the Awami League. This is why people are venting their anger by boycotting Indian products.

Bangladesh PM Hasina challenges BNP leaders amid India boycott campaign, asks why they dont burn their wives Indian sarees, not use Indian spices in the kitchen. pic.twitter.com/twbYis1lJv Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 31, 2024

Hasina Hits Back

After remaining silent initially, Hasina recently confronted BNP leaders. The leader of Awami League, known for her affinity for saris and India, questioned the BNPs anti-India stance during a rally. Addressing the Awami Leagues Independence Day discussion in Dhaka last week, the Bangladesh PM said: A BNP leader has burnt his shawl. How many Indian sarees do the wives of these BNP leaders have? I saw BNP ministers wives selling sarees imported from India before Eid.

If the BNP leaders have truly boycotted Indian products, they will burn their wives Indian sarees. They must answer if they can eat without Indian spices. I want to know if they have truly boycotted Indian products, she was quoted as saying by the countrys English news portal bdnews24. Her strong rebuttal to the opposition underlines the deep-rooted political and economic ties between Bangladesh and India, which have been strengthened under the Narendra Modi government in India.

Hasinas comments came as she sought Indias cooperation last month to import electricity from Bhutan using its land. During the meeting with High Commissioner Pranay Verma, she also urged the Indian government to remove the anti-dumping measures for importing jute and jute goods from Bangladesh. At the same meeting, Verma invited the prime minister to visit India after the Indian National Election and she accepted the invitation.
Israeli strikes hit an Iranian embassy annex building in Syrias capital on Monday, local media said, as a war monitor reported eight people were killed in the building, including a senior commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.

The Israeli attack targeted the Iranian consulate building in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus, according to Syrias official news agency SANA. The bombing site was confirmed by news agencies as the building next to the embassy, an annex, had been levelled, in an upscale neighbourhood of the capital. The news of Iranian Commander Mohammad Reza Zahedis death was reported by news agency Reuters.

Iranian media also reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building and that the ambassador was unharmed. Hossein Akbari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, and his family were not harmed in the Israeli attack, Irans Nour news agency said.

UK-based group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israeli missiles destroyed the building of an annex to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, killing six people. Syrias official SANA news agency earlier reported that our air defence systems confronted enemy targets in the vicinity of Damascus.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has stepped up strikes on Iran-linked militant groups amid its Gaza war raging against Hamas since October 7. The incident came days after the Observatory reported Israeli strikes that killed 53 people in Syria, including 38 soldiers and seven members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Iran Calls For International Response

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Monday called for the international community to act after the Israeli attack on their consulate in Damascus.

In a telephone conversation with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, Amir-Abdollahian said, blamed the consequences of this action on the Zionist regime and stressed the need for a serious response by the international community to such criminal actions, a statement by Irans foreign ministry stated.

(With agency inputs)
US envoy to India Eric Garcetti defended his comments on the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) saying it is the job of the envoy to monitor and report and said that religious freedom is an integral part of democracies.

I said in broad strokes that religious freedom is an important part of any democracy. Protecting minorities is very important. That doesnt have to be read negatively, Garcetti told news agency ANI.

I think its the job of monitoring what happens. Thats the job of an ambassador. Thats the job of a state department. The Ministry of External Affairs job and the Indian ambassadors job is to monitor and to report. And we simply said that, he further added.

He also said that the US too has a ton of flaws and remains open to criticism. He, however, pointed out that there is a need to find a common international law while respecting every countrys specific history.

We have a deep friendship. Its very respectful. Sometimes we can agree to disagree on things and continue with our business, and we shouldnt take it with thin skin. We shouldnt take it personally, the US envoy said.

The US stance on the CAA has led to the Indian external affairs ministry to say that those who have a limited understanding of Indias pluralistic traditions and the regions post partition history should not attempt to comment on it.

The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) is an internal matter of India and is in keeping with Indias inclusive traditions and our long-standing commitment to human rights. As regards the US State Departments statement on the implementation of CAA, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted, the external affairs ministry (EAM) said after the US raised concerns regarding the CAA.

We are concerned about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller at a press briefing in Washington DC on March 14.

Lectures by those who have a limited understanding of Indias pluralistic traditions and the regions post partition history are best not attempted. Partners and well-wishers of India should welcome the intent with which this step has been taken, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to the US criticism.

Garcetti told the news agency that the US remains open to criticism. Certainly, I open up the United States, I say all the time, from a place of humility. We have a ton of flaws. Were open to criticism. We want to listen, Garcetti said.

He also called for a common international law. The most important thing for all of us is to find common international law that we can all be a part of, try to implement equally, and respect the specific histories that every country has, he further added.

Pannun Probe

Speaking to ANI, the US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said India and the US are probing the assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is a Khalistani separatist-terrorist. He said that no country and no government employee of any country can be involved in an assassination attempt of a foreign citizen and said that it is a red line that should not be crossed.

I think thats absolutely critical. For any of us, just abstractly, that has to be a red line. No government or government employee can be involved in the alleged assassination of one of your own citizens. Thats just an unacceptable red line, Garcetti was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has again slammed China for issuing new names for Indian territories, days after he dismissed Beijings wrongful claims regarding the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Jaishankars rebuke came as China released a fourth list of 30 new names of various places in Arunachal Pradesh. India has been rejecting Chinas renaming of places in Arunachal, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country and assigning invented names does not alter this reality.

Speaking at the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, Jaishankar said, If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effect. Our army is deployed there (Line of Actual Control), he was quoted as saying by ANI, in response to a question about Chinas renaming of Indian territory.

#WATCH | Surat, Gujarat: On Chinas claim regarding Arunachal Pradesh, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effectOur army is pic.twitter.com/EaN66BfNFj ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

Last week, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs released the fourth list of standardised geographical names in Zangnan, the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh which Beijing claims as part of south Tibet. According to state-run Global Times, the Chinese government posted 30 additional names for the region. The Chinese Civil Affairs Ministry released the first list of the standardised names of six places in Zangnan was released in 2017, while the second list of 15 places was issued in 2021 followed by another list with names for 11 places in 2023.

The recent statements by China to reassert its claims over the state started with Beijing lodging a diplomatic protest with India over Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese government has issued a flurry of statements to highlight its claims. Jaishankar on March 23 dismissed Chinas repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh as ludicrous and that the frontier state was a natural part of India.

This is not a new issue. I mean, China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with and remain ludicrous today, he said in response to a question on the Arunachal issue after delivering a lecture at the prestigious Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) of the National University of Singapore (NUS). So, I think weve been very clear, very consistent on this. And I think you know that is something which will be part of the boundary discussions which are taking place, he said.

Beijing was also peeved over the US statement recognising Arunachal Pradesh as part of Indian territory. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on March 9 that the US recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.

(With agency inputs)
A man fatally stabbed a woman inside an Irish pub in Queens over the weekend. The woman, Sarah McNally, 41, is an Irish citizen was stabbed by her boyfriend to death in front of the patrons. The Glendale resident died on the floor of the Ceili House pub on Grand Avenue in Maspeth after her boyfriend stabbed her in the neck on Saturday.

People familiar with the developments and people close to McNally described her as a sweet innocent girl from Ireland, according to a report by the New York Post.

She was just standing there talking Her boyfriend came in  and he just walked right in and stabbed her. Then he started trying to stab himself. Horrible. Just horrible! one patron was quoted as saying by the US-based news outlet.

Police are yet to find out what led to the murder.

Police nabbed the attacker while he had a blade in each hand and was bleeding from his self-inflicted knife wounds. Cops tasered him to cow him into submission because he did not drop the knives when ordered.

The attacker is received treatment in NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst and remains in critical condition. Police said that the charges against him are pending.

The people mentioned above said that there was no history of domestic violence between the two.

Mike Lambe, a 62-year-old landlord who has lived about two blocks away from the bar for around 20 years, told the newspaper that the murdered McNally was a sweet, innocent girl from Longford. Longford is a county in Ireland.

She had been working at the bar less than a year, he said.

She was an innocent! he said.

The man also pointed out that the street where the bar is located was facing crime-related issues and issues related to drugs.
A new Palestinian government that contains both Gazans and four women was sworn in Sunday, but was already facing scepticism from its own people.

The Palestinian Authority led by Mahmud Abbas is under pressure from Washington to prepare to step into the breach in the aftermath of the Gaza war and undertake reforms.

Newly-appointed prime minister Mohammed Mustafa said his governments top national priority was ending the war as he named his new team.

He said his cabinet will work on formulating visions to reunify the institutions, including assuming responsibility for Gaza.

President Abbas, 88, is being nudged by the United States to shake the creaking authority up so it can reunite the occupied West Bank and the devastated Gaza Strip under a single rule after the war.

The Palestinian Authority has had almost no influence over the Gaza Strip since Hamas took power there in 2007 from Abbass Fatah party.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Abbas to make administrative reforms when the two men met in January.

Abbass Ramallah-based administration has been hamstrung by Israels decades-old occupation of the West Bank and his own unpopularity.

Mustafa, an economist and longtime Abbas advisor, said the reconstruction of the Palestinian territories was his main goal, with Gaza in ruins after six months of Israeli bombardment in retaliation for the October 7 attack.

His new cabinet is made up of 23 ministers and includes four women and six ministers from Gaza, among them former Gaza City mayor Maged Abu Ramadan who has been given the health portfolio.

Among the new female faces is Varsen Aghabekian, a Palestinian-Armenian academic who will work alongside Mustafa in the foreign ministry, which he also controls.

Deepen divisions

The premier, who previously worked for the World Bank, said the thorny issue of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem was also a top priority along with the fight against corruption.

But many doubt whether the Palestinian Authority  which has been dogged by divisions, corruption scandals and the authoritarian tendencies of its ageing leader  can be a credible player in any future deal.

Ali Jarbawi, a former PA minister and political scientist, said it faces massive challenges on all fronts.

It is broke and its in debt and cant pay its salaries, so it needs immediate financial support, he said.

And it needs to be accepted by both Palestinian factions  Fatah which controls the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza.

Thirdly it needs a political horizon, from the international community, and a commitment to the two-state solution, Jarbawi said.

And none of that can happen unless the Israeli government, the army and settlers in the West Bank ease the pressure on Palestinians, he added.

Senior Hamas member Bassem Naim criticised Abbass policies.

His hijacking of the unified Palestinian decision-making is dangerous for our cause at this very critical stage in the history of our people, he told AFP.

He said Hamas proposed sitting down for the sake of national dialogue and rebuilding the political system but Abbas blocked all these attempts.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Marxist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine issued a joint statement earlier this month declaring that Mustafas appointment would only deepen Palestinian divisions.

People on the streets of Ramallah, where the authority is based, were equally sceptical.

Changing the government will not solve anything because change to us comes only from the outside, said Suleiman Nassar, 56.

We know very well that any minister or any Palestinian government will not get in without an American or Israeli approval he said.
The leader of the opposition in the Sri Lankan Parliament on Monday urged the government to disclose the details of Indian intelligence pre-warning for the 2019 Easter bombings.

Sajith Premadasa, the main opposition leader in Parliament, questioned the government on the sequence of the pre-intelligence warnings issued by India ahead of the 2019 coordinated suicide bombings that left 270 persons dead, including 11 Indians. The bombings, carried out by the National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ), a local jihadi group, targeted churches and Colombo star-class hotels.

Tell us how many times Indian intelligence warned on the attacks, which were the dates when the information was provided? Who had deleted the WhatsApp messages sent by the Indian intelligence counterpart agencies to local intelligence, Premadasa asked.

The Indian intelligence had given clear details to the Sri Lankan intelligence on the attacks, Premadasa said. I asked the government how many probes were carried out and what were their recommendations, Premadasa said, accusing the local intelligence officials of having links with some of the suicide bombers.

He accused ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Premadasas rival in the 2019 presidential elections, of taking advantage of the Easter Sunday bombings to win the polls in the past. Premadasa said that Gotabaya had pledged to probe the attack but transferred 31 officials who were conducting the investigations.

Nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group NTJ linked to ISIS carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three Catholic churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing nearly 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500.

The attacks led to a significant political change in Sri Lanka. It emerged that the then authorities had ignored prior intelligence on the attack by Indian intelligence agencies. However, the timing of the bombing ahead of the 2019 presidential election was the subject of conspiracy theories which suggested that the Rajapaksa brothers then in opposition had taken political advantage of the attacks.

Sirisena, 72, who had denied any knowledge of the attacks, was the president at the time of the attack. Sirisena was accused and found guilty in a special presidential panel he appointed as the countrys president. The findings blamed him for inaction on the prior intelligence received on the attacks. Later, he was ordered to pay Sri Lankan Rs 100 million to the relatives of the victims of the attack as compensation. He has so far paid only a part of it.
A British television news anchor claimed there was a slight dig in Prince Harry and Meghan Markles get well soon message to Princess Kate released following the latters cancer diagnosis.

The pair released a statement where they wished health and healing for the Princess of Wales and said they hope that the pair can do so privately and in peace.

GB News America (GBN) host Nana Akua told her guest Lee Cohen that she felt that the message from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was a dig at the public.

I thought the message was interesting because Harry and Meghans message was about offering health and healing. But then it felt like there was a dig about the privacy that they need themselves. I just thought I could almost hear Meghan saying unlike the privacy you gave us sort of thing. Do you know what I mean? Akua said.

Her panellist on the show, journalist Lee Cohen, said the message shows the difference between celebrities and public servants.

Truly admired public servants are the working royals versus Meghan and Harry who have become nothing but celebrity influencers, Cohen said, referring to Harry and Meghan.

In the United States, most people cant even make the distinction. So that gives rise to what youve just underlined, Cohen further added.

Akua said Harry and Meghan should cherish and protect the legacy of the monarchy. The longevity of the monarchy, which is what they are both part of, is something that is to be cherished, looked after, enjoyed and respected, she said.

Harry and Meghan fell out with the UK royal family and stepped down as senior royals in January 2020. The rift widened further following the release of Prince Harrys memoir Spare, the Netflix docudrama and their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

However, Harry has attempted to restore ties and has visited the UK to meet his father, King Charles, following the latters cancer diagnosis.

Ill stop in and see my family as much as I can, Harry told ABC News, suggesting that he could visit more frequently.

Meanwhile, Princess Kate confirmed last Friday that she has cancer but did not say which type of cancer she has been diagnosed with just like her father-in-law.
US President Joe Biden has personally asked the countrys Ambassador in New Delhi to bring down the visa wait time for India, said envoy Eric Garcetti himself in a podcast, adding that this is a huge priority for the American government.

I dont think presidents even focus on visa wait times. But we all have so many Indian friends who are saying, Why is this taking so long? That it even went up to the president. The reality of 250 is that it is an average. And I think the typical person is actually under 200 days already, Garcetti said during a podcast with ANI in response to the 250-day wait for visa appointments despite the recent reduction in wait time.

The US ambassador said that there are several things that the country is doing to address the visa concern, including the opening of new consulates. Weve talked about opening two new consulates in the near future. One in Bangaluru, and another one that will be in Ahmedabad. Two, were working with the Ministry of External Affairs to put more bodies in India, and theyve been very responsive and helpful. Third, we are shipping it out, he said, adding the US councilors, who dont have enough work in their countries, are working on Indian visas.

Green Cards

When asked about the long backlog of Green Cards for Indians, the US Ambassador said, Part of this is a legislative problem that Congress will have to address on whether its the number of legal immigrants, the number of green cards, or the number of people who can become citizens.

He said there are just limits to how many Green Cards can issued. Like any country, Im sure there are limits here, too. And that is frustrating for Indians, I think because there are so many Indians who want to come to America. And thats a great part of our news, by the way. Second only to Mexicans, where Indian visas last year, the biggest number of students, double the second biggest.

Welcome More Indians

The US Ambassador said there are a lot of Indians who want to come to the US, which he described as a good problem to have. Last year, over 2,45,000 student visas came from India. Number one in adoptions, number one in all these categories that show 1.4 billion people, a lot of them would love to come to America. And so its a good problem to have, he added. But Ambassador Garcetti added that a couple of things were changing.

Weve here in not just Delhi, but across India, increased 60 percent in a single year with the same number of people, the number of visas that we adjudicated, and brought down wait times by 75 percent, he said. I certainly would love to see the ability for us to welcome more Indian immigrants legally and more Green Card holders, he added. He said the US needs the Indian workforce, which has been beneficial in the American healthcare and tech sectors.
Donald Trump and his supporters will expect nothing less than undying loyalty from Trumps vice president pick as election day nears. The reason for this is their and their leaders experience with Mike Pence.

Mike Pence experienced that under Donald Trump operating as US vice president is not an easy job and harder than usual as evidenced by the events of January 6 Capitol Hill riots. Insurrectionists descended on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, they had a specific target in mind the outgoing vice president. They built a wooden gallows, and called out for him by name: Hang Mike Pence! Hang Mike Pence! As the extensive congressional hearings into the insurrection later documented, the threats were not hollow. One informant told FBI investigators that if given the chance, certain far-right insurrectionists would have tried to kill him, writes Emma Shortis, a senior fellow at the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University in a piece for the Conversation.

The federal investigators said the rioters were drawn to the Capitol by Trump, who had just lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. They were after Trumps VP because, as one later claimed, he had betrayed Trump by not refusing to certify the election results.

Donald Trump is relishing the media attention his hunt for his veep is getting. He has teased who would be his running mates several times on prime time shows earlier this year.

Shortis pointed out that Pence was chosen to lead as Trumps second-in-command because of his perceived weakness with evangelical voters. The evangelical voters are a major vote bank for the Republican Party and this election season, too, they have backed Trump.

Now with that electoral group covered, Trump may have to focus on Shortis called the former presidents race and woman problem. He should choose a VP candidate who can address at least one of those concerns, Shortis writes.

In the first category, the leading candidates appear to be two men who ran against Trump for this years nomination Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy. Scott a South Carolinian that Bloomberg has dubbed Trumps New Black Best Friend is the only Black Republican in the Senate. He has certainly indicated he is keen for the job, professing his love for Trump.

Ramaswamy has also presented himself as the newer, shinier Trump. In one memorable moment in the debates, he was first to raise his hand when the candidates were asked who would still support Trump if he is convicted of a crime. Ramaswamy also quickly endorsed Trump when he dropped out.

But there is no indication Trump considers race to be a problem for his candidacy in fact, quite the opposite.

However, race may not matter to Donald Trump because he is campaigning by leaning in to increasingly extreme racist rhetoric. Trump has said on several occasions that immigrants in the United States illegally are poisoning the blood of our country.

Trump pledged at a November rally in New Hampshire that he would root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country.

Hence, if Trump chooses a non-white veep, many of his supporters would baulk at the selection.

Shortis points out that a conservative woman might makes sense because Trump may have a problem with women as evidenced by the appointment of three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, which subsequently led to the overturning of Roe v Wade.

Among the leading women Republican VP candidates are Elise Stefanik, a congresswoman from New York, and Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota. Congresswomen Marjorie Taylor Green is often added to this list and she does wear her Trump loyalty on her sleeve like Ramaswamy, Scott, Stefanik and Noem.

Trump is generally pleased with such public professions of loyalty and with MTG it is likely that he will have to share the spotlight which he does not like to do.

Trump might choose an unconventional, wildcard candidate, rejecting advice from what he deems as political establishment, who would actually be able to rein in his impulses.

His campaign is now predominantly driven by a thirst for vengeance against individuals he perceives as obstructing his progress and as evidenced by his last tenure it has been seen that the former US president has consistently demonstrated a disregard for conventional political norms and strategies.
Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Jerusalem for the second consecutive night in a mass protest demanding the ouster of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and boosted efforts to free the hostages held in Gaza.

The protesters blocked the main city highway, rallied in front of the Knesset, lit fires while waving Israeli flags, chanting Netanyahu must go while jostling with the police. The police were forced to fire water cannon to quell the protests.

Reports by the New York Post and the AFP said it was the biggest protest in Jerusalem since the war in Gaza broke out in October.

Those opposed to Netanyahus right-wing government and family members of hostages have found a common cause. The kin of those held in Gaza vowed to take to the streets every night this week in a bid to bring them home.

People are raging, they are tired, they want elections. They blame Bibi (Netanyahu) and the government, which says it is not responsible for anything, protester Dana Rabfogel Shor, who demonstrated on both nights, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

Dana is a distant cousin of Itay Svirsky, who was killed in the Hamas attack.

Protests also rocked Tel Aviv, which is Israels largest city, as protesters blocked the city main motorway for nearly two hours.

Protesters say they are angry at Netanyahu over the Hamass October 7 attack and his handling of the country which was reaching a boiling point.

Many protesters carried placards of Netanyahus face covered in blood, accusing him of failing to protect the country from Hamas.

UR the boss, UR to blame, read messages written on signs held by the protesters. Others said Elections now!

Even before the war, Netanyahu  who on Sunday had a successful hernia surgery  faced months of street protests over controversial judicial reform.

Netayahu on Sunday accused the world of ganging up on Israel and said those who are criticising Israel are forgetting the events of October 7. He said the massacre of October 7 is being quickly forgotten, according to a report by the Times of Israel.

There are people here and abroad who say maybe theres something to this [criticism], Netanyahu said of the backlashhe and his government has been facing. Maybe were really not OK (responding), he said.

There is no army in the world that has done and does what the IDF has done to minimize the number of casualties and achieve achievements no other army has managed, he further added.

Hamas militants seized about 250 hostages on October 7, of whom Israel believes 130 remain in Gaza, including 33 who are presumed dead.

Israel has been traumatised by the unprecedented Hamas attack that resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israels retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,782 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
Thousands of suburban residents in Masvingo City might be at risk of losing their homes as most of them do not have ownership rights in the form of title deeds.

Findings from a survey conducted by the Masvingo City Council that were presented at a title deeds workshop organized by the local authority at Charles Austin Theatre show that a large part of Masvingos population have no title deeds and are not aware of process through which one can acquire the documents as well as their importance.

Speaking at the event, Masvingo City Director of Housing and Social Services Simbarashe Mandishona said it was sad to note that most people living in high and medium-density suburbs where most people are located had no title deeds.

Recently we conducted a survey in Masvingo City trying to figure out peoples awareness of the importance of title deeds and how one can access them. It was however shocking to note that most residents in middle and high-density suburbs formed the largest part of the population that do not have title deeds.

It is only in low-density suburbs like Rhodene where most people have title deeds and are acquainted with the processes through which the papers are obtained as well as their importance, said Mandishona.

Mandishona went on to urge all residents from low, medium, and high density suburbs, small and big organizations representatives who were present to take the issue of legal property ownership papers seriously, directing them to inform others who did not attend the familiarization programme.

I urge everyone here to take this issue seriously because if not, there is a high likelihood that one can easily lose their hard-earned property, be it a house, business, or any other important valued assets. I encourage you all to inform others who are not present on the importance of title deeds and the processes to acquire title deeds to prevent loss of property, said Mandishona.

Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office Deputy Registrar Elizabeth Nyagura said it was advisable to use registered legal practitioners known as conveyancers when dealing with property transfers.

When dealing in property transfer, it is advisable to use a conveyancer who gives effect to the transfer from the seller to the buyer. The conveyancer will make both parties sign declarations where the draft deed of transfer will bear the name of the buyer as the new owner, said Nyagura.

She warned property owners against displaying certificates in houses.

A title deed certificate is a security document which must not be displayed on walls, nowadays because of technology one can scan and copy the paper, and who knows what next that person is going to use the document for, so it must be kept private, said Nyagura.

She also urged people to be careful when using their title deed documents as collateral to get loans as they can be misused and they can lose their properties in the process.

I also urge you to be careful when using title deeds as collateral, be aware of where you sign papers as they can be declarations giving other people or organizations power over your property. It is advisable to use reputable banking institutions.

Finally on safe keeping of your documents, I encourage you not to laminate your certificates, because stamps do not work on laminated title deeds, instead place them in plastic to protect them from water and dust, she said.

She said documents like the original deed of transfer in the name of the seller, CGT certificate issued by ZIMRA, and rates clearance issued by the local authority are some of the documents that might be needed when doing a transfer.

She went on to say when the documents are sent to the deeds office a stamp duty will be paid, the office will then examine the documents and send them to the surveyor general who will deduct the area and return the papers to the deeds office where one paper copy will be left at the office and the other given to the lawyer who will give the buyer.

The documents to be lodged together with the new or draft deed of transfer will vary depending on the cause of the transfer for example sale or transfer from the deceased estate, however, in the case of land development documents such as a compliance certificate issued by the local authority are usually required.

Speaking to TellZim News after the workshop, Edgar Katapa who runs a poultry business in Masvingo said the workshop was an eye opener as it helped with information on issues to do with title deeds to Masvingo residents, how to acquire, and how to keep them safe.

The title deed workshop was an eye-opener to me, I have learnt a great deal about procedure to follow for one to get the certificate as well as the safekeeping of the documents.

I urge all people in Masvingo to attend workshops like this one whenever they get a chance and to seek advice from relevant authorities on issues they do not understand concerning deeds certificates since a lot of people have lost their properties due to ignorance of how these things work, said Katapa.

Reasons for title deed transfer include, sale, inheritance, donation when parents donate to children, or when a husband donates to his wife through sheriff or court order and reconstruction where some group or companies need to restructure or grow its structures. TellZimNews
Harare City Councils principal engineer for road maintenance in the Department of Works, Albert Madanha, who is facing allegations of assaulting Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officers and of forging documents to obtain land, spent the Easter holiday in custody after his bail ruling was deferred to tomorrow.

The ZACC officers had gone to Madanhas office to arrest him for allegedly forging documents in favour of Southern Plan Energy Private Limited, to acquire land illegally.

The State opposed granting of bail saying Madanha was a flight risk.

Madanha was facing charges of criminal abuse of duty, over the illegal land issue, and assaulting and resisting law enforcement officers when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei last week.

It is the States case that sometime in September 2022, Southern Plan Energy approached Madanha seeking assistance on how to acquire land from the City of Harare to establish a cylinder filling station for liquified petroleum gas.

Madanha advised Southern Plan Energy to identify a vacant stand that was suitable for the intended business and they came up with the corner of Wilson Road and Piers Road in Borrowdale, which is a road servitude.

Madanha, the court heard, without permission and approval from the council, agreed with Southern Plan Energy which allowed the company to build on council land for the filing station.

Madanha allegedly issued a forged design permit and a notice to Southern Plan Energy for them to proceed with improvements on the land without following the dictates of the Urban Councils Act and contrary to his duties.

On June 2, 2023, Madanha, using the forged documents and certificates, made Southern Plan Energy pay US$2 084 as a land development levy.

Madanha did not remit the money to the City of Harare and when he did site inspections, he created a design permit. He then originated a notice to proceed with the building.

The court heard that Madanha acted contrary to his duties as a principal engineer (roads) since none of these functions were part of his official duties.

The court heard that Madanha flouted laid down council regulations and standard operating procedures for the roads division.

On the assault charge, the court heard that on Sunday last week, three ZACC Officials visited Madanhas residence to arrest him. They identified themselves and pronounced that Madanha was under arrest.

He tried to close the door but the officers prevented him from doing so. He then allegedly started punching the officers.

After a prolonged scuffle, the officers later managed to handcuff him before taking him to ZACC offices along Herbert Chitepo Avenue in Harare.

The court heard that the two ZACC officers were bruised as a result of the assault. Herald
A MAN, who was caught in possession of two black cobras, which were tucked away in a satchel, in the Kwekwe CBD, has said he will reunite with his deadly snakes when he returns home in Gokwe.

The snakes were taken by officials from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority but Polite Ncube, (26), says he will reunite with his cobras once he returns home.

He appeared in court in Kwekwe and was charged with contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act after being caught in possession of the two black cobras.

Last Monday, Ncube was intercepted by police officers who were on patrol in the Kwekwe CBD.

He was in possession of two cobra snakes, which were in a satchel.

Ncube told the court that he was given the snakes by his grandfather.

He said they were just two short roots, when he received the items from his grandfather, but they grew to become snakes, which he claims he uses to heal people, who will be suffering from ailments.

He was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of US$200 or spend four months in jail.

The snakes were taken by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

However, Ncube said he was not bothered by that because he was going to reunite with the snakes once he returns home in Gokwe. H Metro
The murder charge against Lizelle Gonzalez were dropped quickly, and the Texas prosecutor who brought it was punished. But Gonzalez has sued the district attorney for more than $1 million, in a filing that says the humiliation of her arrest and jailing for taking an abortion-inducing drug has "permanently affected her standing in the community," the New York Times reports. "The fallout from defendants' illegal and unconstitutional actions has forever changed" Gonzalez's life, the suit says. It names Starr County, District Attorney Gocha Ramirez, and Assistant District Attorney Alexandria Lynn Barrera.

Gonzalez had gone to a county hospital after taking the drug misoprostol 19 weeks into her pregnancy. Hospital employees reported her to the district attorney's office, the suit says, which violates federal privacy laws. Ramirez's staff then investigated, the Texas Tribune reports the suit claims, not police or sheriff's officials. Barrera and Ramirez presented the case to a grand jury. Gonzalez was arrested in April 2022 and held for two nights in the county jail on $500,000 bond. Advocates raised the money for her release, and Ramirez three days later asked for the charges to be dismissed, saying it was clear that Texas law did not allow for the prosecution.

A Texas bar investigation agreed that the actions by Gonzalez, who then went by Lizelle Herrera, were not criminal. Ramirez agreed to pay a $1,250 fine, and his license was being held in probated suspension for a year. The suit says Gonzalez is suing not just because of the emotional and reputational harm, but to "vindicate her rights but also to hold accountable the government officials who violated them." (More abortion rights stories.)
UPDATE

Apr 11, 2024 2:30 AM CDT

Aniya and Anieca Ogden are safe. The 14-year-old twin sisters who vanished on March 8 were found Monday, a month after going missing, Fox 2 and WXYZ report. Their father says they ran away while visiting their grandmother, and they have since been reunited with family. The investigation into their disappearance continues.

Apr 1, 2024 1:30 AM CDT

Aniya and Anieca Ogden, 14-year-old twin sisters, left their Detroit home on March 8 and haven't been seen since. The Detroit Police Department is once again reaching out to the public asking for assistance as the search for the girls continues, WWJ News Radio reports. Police say the girls left home together that day, "without permission," and never came back home. They are Black, and are both about 5 feet tall and about 130 pounds with brown eyes and sandy brown hair, CBS News reports. Anyone with information can call the Detroit PD's 12th Precinct at (313) 596-1240, or call Crime Stoppers to leave an anonymous tip at 1-800-SPEAKUP (1-800-773-2587).
Last year, the US government declared that it could find no evidence linking a foreign adversary to the mysterious ailment striking diplomats known as Havana Syndrome. A joint investigation by the Insider, CBS News, and the German outlet Der Spiegel begs to differ and points the finger at Russia:

The investigation focuses on the Russian intelligence unit 29155, suggesting that it deployed some kind of sonic weaponry.

Among other things, journalist Christo Grozev of the Insider uncovered a bonus received by a 29155 officer for work on the "potential capabilities of non-lethal acoustic weapons." Says Grozev: "It's the closest to a receipt you can have for this."
The death last month of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a Russian penal colony shocked the world. It also apparently angered a bunch of anti-Kremlin hackers, who are now accused of swiping a Russian prisoner database in retaliation. CNN has the exclusive on this "stunning breach of security":



Photo hack: CNN reports that just hours after Navalny's death, the hackerswho say they're made up of various nationalities, including Ukrainians and Russian expatsused access they had to a network tied to Russia's prison system to upload a picture of Navalny to the prison contractor's website, along with the message "Long live [Alexei] Navalny!"
GOP Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan is taking some heat over comments he made about the Israel-Hamas war during a local town hall meeting. During the forum, Walberg suggested Gaza be handled "like Nagasaki and Hiroshima," though he has since insisted he wasn't advocating the use of nuclear weapons.

The line: "I don't think any of our aid that goes to Israel to support our greatest ally, arguably maybe in the world, to defeat Hamas and Iran and Russia, and probably North Korea's in there, and China, too, with them helping Hamaswe shouldn't be spending a dime on humanitarian aid," said Walberg at the town hall, per Politico. "It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick. The same should be in Ukraine. Defeat Putin quick."

"I don't think any of our aid that goes to Israel to support our greatest ally, arguably maybe in the world, to defeat Hamas and Iran and Russia, and probably North Korea's in there, and China, too, with them helping Hamaswe shouldn't be spending a dime on humanitarian aid," said Walberg at the town hall, per Politico. "It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick. The same should be in Ukraine. Defeat Putin quick." Video: You can watch and hear the clip in this video. The comments came after he was asked why the US was spending money to build a pier to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, notes the New York Times.
James Patterson is launching a true-crime series on the streaming service Fox Nation. Unsolved With James Patterson, hosted by the bestselling author, premieres Monday and will air in three segments. According to Fox Nation, Patterson's series will include a trio of unsolved homicide cases: the death of a Louisiana schoolteacher who became increasingly unstable and locked down in her home with guns and cameras before being found with a shotgun wound to the head; a Utah student who joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and soon after disappeared; and an altruistic San Francisco resident who disappeared and was later found dismembered.
UPDATE

Apr 2, 2024 4:38 PM CDT

Police in Scotland said Tuesday that they have received complaints about a tweet from JK Rowling but her "comments are not assessed to be criminal and no further action will be taken." In the post, the author described several transgender women as men and dared police to arrest her under a new Scottish law that makes "stirring up hatred" related to transgender identity, among other characteristics, a criminal offense. Robbie de Santos, director of human rights at the Stonewall charity, said it was "simply incorrect" for commentators to say misgendering or "stating facts on biology," as Rowling puts it, would be criminalized, the Guardian reports. "This kind of misrepresentation about the act and its purpose only serves to trivialize the very real violence committed against us in the name of hate," de Santos said.

Apr 1, 2024 11:35 AM CDT

JK Rowling has a pretty deep history of making comments taken as inflammatory in the transgender community, and the Harry Potter author isn't backing down. As the BBC reports, Rowling's latest throwdown is with the government of Scotland, the country in which she resides, and which recently passed a law making it a criminal offense to "[stir] up hatred" against people related to their age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, or intersex status. Among the classes not protected under the new law, per the AP: women, meaning attacks based on gender wouldn't be illegal. And Rowling is inviting Scottish authorities to arrest her if her opinions flout the law. A look:
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An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Syria, killing a senior Iranian military adviser and several other people, Syrian state media said Monday. The strike on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus could mark an escalation of the Israeli military's ongoing targeting of Iranian military officials and allies in Syria, which have intensified since the onset of its war with Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7, the AP reports. Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment about the Syrian media reports.

The Iranian Arabic-language state television Al-Alam and pan-Arab television station Al-Mayadeen, which has reporters in Syria, said the strike killed Iranian military adviser Gen. Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016. Iran said several long-serving diplomats were also killed. Iranian Ambassador Hossein Akbari condemned Israel and said as many as seven people were killed, but first responders were still searching for any other bodies under the rubble. He said two police officers who guard the building were wounded. Akbari vowed revenge for the strike "at the same magnitude and harshness."

"We consider this aggression to have violated all diplomatic norms and international treaties," said Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, per the Guardian. Iranian state television said the Iranian ambassador's residence was in the consular building, which stood next to the embassy. State news agency SANA, citing an unnamed military source, said the building in the tightly guarded neighborhood of Mazzeh was leveled.

(More Iran stories.)
A New Zealand-born woman who died from a drug overdose in a Gold Coast apartment has been named by Australian police.

Danielle Whittaker, who is originally from Wellington, died while celebrating her 40th birthday with six close friends on Good Friday.

The group were at the Ocean by Meriton apartments in Surfers Paradise when several women became unwell.

It's believed some women ingested a mix of drugs beforehand.

Emergency services were called to the apartments just after 11pm on Friday after reports of multiple drug overdoses.

Whittaker suffered cardiac arrest at the scene and paramedics were unable to revive her.

Two other patients were found not breathing and taken to hospital.

One 43-year-old woman was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but is now stable. Another 43-year-old woman has now been released from hospital.
A 13-year-old girl has been charged with murdering her mother after having her mobile phone taken off her in the US state of Pennsylvania.

Lataya Powell was taken into custody on Friday (local time) after emergency services responded to a call about an "unresponsive female".

Emergency services rushed to a residence around 12:30pm and found the teen's 44-year-old mother with stab wounds to her torso and "head area".

According to the coroner she died at the scene and an autopsy is pending.
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UN says four staff wounded in south Lebanon blast

UN says four staff wounded in south Lebanon blast

AFP | Beirut

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

United Nations peacekeepers said three military observers and a translator were wounded Saturday in a blast in southern Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah militants trade frequent cross-border fire.

The military observers, from Australia, Chile and Norway, and a Lebanese language assistant had been on foot patrol around the so-called Blue Line -- the UN-demarcated border between Israel and Lebanon.

The four "were injured when an explosion occurred near their location", according to Andrea Tenenti, a spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

The personnel were working for the UN Truce Supervision Organization, which supports the UN peacekeeping force.

They were "evacuated for medical treatment" and were in a stable condition, Tenenti said, adding the United Nations was "investigating the origin of the explosion".

Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah have exchanged near-daily fire since Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, triggering war in Gaza.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported an "enemy (Israeli) drone" raided the Rmeish area of southern Lebanon where the incident is said to have occurred.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned what he called a "dangerous incident", while his foreign ministry said the attack was "in violation of international law".

The Israeli army told AFP in a statement: "We did not strike in the area."

Hezbollah, which has a powerful arsenal of rockets and missiles, says its attacks on Israel are in support of Hamas.

- 'Unclear' circumstances -

UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned Saturday's blast and underscored "grave concern" over the frequent exchange of fire along the Blue Line, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Norway's defence ministry said the Norwegian UN observer was "lightly injured" and had been admitted to hospital.

"The circumstances surrounding the attack are unclear," defence ministry spokesperson Hanne Olafsen told Norwegian news agency NTB.

In Canberra, a Defence Department spokesperson told AFP the Australian had sustained "non-life threatening blast injuries".

The person was "transported to a health centre at a nearby military base for treatment and has now been released to recover".

Tenenti said: "All actors have a responsibility under international humanitarian law to ensure protection to non-combatants, including peacekeepers, journalists, medical personnel and civilians."

Cross-border fire since October has killed at least 347 people in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, but also at least 68 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in southern Lebanon and in northern Israel, where the military says 10 soldiers and eight civilians have been killed.

An uptick in deadly exchanges in recent days has fuelled concerns of an all-out conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, who last fought a war in 2006.

The UN Truce Supervision Organization was set up after the 1948 war that accompanied Israel's creation to monitor armistice agreements reached with its Arab neighbours.

It also assists other UN peacekeeping operations in the region, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, which was established after Israel's 1978 invasion of south Lebanon and expanded following the 2006 war.
AFP | Beijing, China

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Frances defence minister said Paris would deliver hundreds of armoured personnel carriers and anti-aircraft missiles as part a new aid package to Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.

To hold such as extensive front line, the Ukrainian army needs for example our VAB vehicles: its absolutely essential for troop mobility, Sebastien Lecornu told La Tribune newspaper in an interview published late Saturday.

France is currently phasing out its VAB fleet -- some of them more than 40 years old -- with new Griffon armoured vehicles, but Lecornu said the older models were still operational.

Were talking about hundreds of them for 2024 and early 2025, he said.

Paris will also supply more Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T launchers, similar to the US-supplied Patriot air defence systems.

We are also developing remotely operated munitions in a very short timeframe, to deliver them to Ukraine starting this summer, Lecornu added.

The French government is pushing defence companies to ramp up production to meet the needs of its own army and to ensure continued support to Ukraine after more than two years of war with Russia.

Kyiv has warned its stocks of munitions are running low, urging in particular Washington to end a political standoff that has frozen a new $60 billion aid package.
Two Atlantic County teenagers were shot during a dispute near a restaurant in Galloway Township on Sunday, authorities said.

The shooting arose from a dispute between groups gathered near the Hoon King Chinese Restaurant in the 200 block of Collins Road, police said Monday. Both teenagers, ages 16 and 17, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were being treated at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

Both are Pleasantville residents, police said.

The shooting spurred from a confrontation between two groups, police said. Police did not release details on the exchange that led to the shooting.

Township police were informed by Atlantic City law enforcement that the teenagers were taken to the citys hospitals after being shot. Galloway police then discovered and performed forensic exams on the scene.

Police did not say if both teenagers shot at one another or were the targets of another shooter. The case continues to be investigated.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact township police at 609-652-3705 or Atlantic County Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234. Anonymous texts can be sent to 274637(CRIMES).

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
How does it feel? Bob Dylan sings in his 1965 hit. To be on your own, with no direction home. A complete unknown, like a rolling stone.

Dylan performed the song, Like a Rolling Stone, live for the first time at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. It was also the first time he played an electric guitar  a Fender Stratocaster  onstage, upsetting some folk diehards who rejected the rock incursion.

A Complete Unknown, the upcoming Timothee Chalamet movie depicting this time in Bob Dylans life (the movie title references the same song), is now casting New Jersey locals for scenes recreating the music festival.

New York casting agency Grant Wilfley Casting tells NJ Advance Media that New Jersey residents are needed to work as extras in 1965 music festival scenes in Cape May this spring (see details below).

Timothee Chalamet filming "A Complete Unknown" in New York. The production recently came to Jersey City and is bound for other local places, including Cape May.Gotham/GC Images

Grant Wilfley casting director Melissa Braun gave the title of the film as Wurtzle Brothers, which seems to be a stand-in name for the James Mangold-directed film about Dylan. (Famed Hollywood producer Sol M. Wurtzel of Fox Film Corporation and 20th Century Fox was one of five brothers; A Complete Unknown is a Searchlight Pictures film  Searchlight was formerly known as Fox Searchlight.)

Mangold and Chalamet (Dune: Part Two, Wonka) began filming in New York in March and started filming in Jersey at the end of March. Recent production locations have included Jersey City.

Mangold and Chalamets film  theyre both producers  is slated to expand its presence in the state. Searchlight Pictures says filming is set to continue through June. The Cape May scenes, where Jersey will play Newport, Rhode Island in scenes set at the 1965 folk festival, are scheduled for May.

Steven Gorelick, director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, previously told NJ Advance Media A Complete Unknown would be filming in Hudson, Passaic, Essex and Cape May counties.

Among the things theyre doing is theyre duplicating Woodstock in New Jersey, he said in March (Dylan lived in Woodstock, New York at one time). So theyll be up in the northwest (of New Jersey), Im sure, too. Theyre still scouting locations but thats one of our biggest projects on the horizon. Were really excited about that one.

Pete Seeger, left, in 1965 performing at the Mosque Theater in Newark. Edward Norton, right, plays Seeger in "A Complete Unknown."Sam Falk | New York Times via Getty Images; Mega/GC Images

The film, written by Mangold (Ford v Ferrari) and Jay Cocks (Gangs of New York), follows a young Dylan during his ascent in the 60s.

New Jersey is part of that story. A teen Dylan famously journeyed from Minnesota to New York to visit his hero Woody Guthrie, who was suffering from Huntingtons disease at Morris Countys Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital.

Young Dylan met another of his major influences  folk legend Pete Seeger. Oscar nominee Edward Norton plays Seeger in the film.

The cast also includes Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick) as folk star Joan Baez, who was in a relationship with Dylan; and Elle Fanning, who reportedly plays a Dylan love interest based on his relationship with artist Suze Rotolo.

Other actors in the film include Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Scoot McNairy (12 Years a Slave) and Dan Fogler (the Fantastic Beasts movies). Jersey actors Charlie Tahan (Ozark), who grew up in Glen Rock, and P.J. Byrne (Babylon), from Old Tappan, are also part of the cast (see full list).

Chalamet in late March as Bob Dylan on the set of "A Complete Unknown" in New York.Mega/GC Images

Interested in being in the movie? Here are the details.

Grant Wilfley Casting is looking for New Jersey locals 18 and older to serve as extras in the 1965 music festival scenes in Cape May from May 12 to 16.

SAG-AFTRA pay is $208 for eight hours; non-SAG pay is $176 for 10 hours.

To submit your information, send an email with the title Cape May Local to brothers@gwcnyc.com.

Include you name; phone number; whether or not you are a SAG-AFTRA member; your height, weight and current clothing and shoe sizes; whether or not youd be OK with being clean shaven or getting a period haircut, if requested; whether or not you have visible tattoos; if you are local to the Cape May area; the dates you are available from May 12 to 16; and confirmation that you are 18 or older. Attach current close-up photos that show hair length and full body.

For more information, visit gwcionlocation.com/new-jersey.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
A Zurich-bound flight had to return to Newark Liberty International Airport shortly after take off Sunday night due to an unruly passenger, officials said.

The passenger was removed from Swiss International Airlines flight 19 when it landed back in Newark shortly before 11 p.m, Port Authority police said Monday. No one was injured.

The passenger behaved abusively towards the crew, Swiss International Airlines said in a brief statement, adding that the flight was canceled.

The Airbus A330-300 took off from Newark Liberty at about 9:55 p.m.. with 236 passengers and 13 crew members aboard, the airlines said

Passengers will be re-booked on later flights, Swiss International Airlines said.

Information about charges against the passenger and the exact nature of the disturbance wasnt immediately available from Port Authority police.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com
UPDATE: Police reported Tuesday that she was located and is safe.

An intellectually disabled Pennsylvania woman who was visiting family in Gloucester County went missing Sunday afternoon, police said.

The woman told her family she was walking to the Wawa at 108 Egg Harbor Rd. in Washington Township at 2:30 p.m., authorities said. At 10:30 p.m., family members alerted police because she never returned home, according to a release from the Washington Township Police Department.

Video surveillance from the convenience store shows her entering the business, leaving at 4:27 p.m., and walking toward Blackwood-Barnsboro Road, the department said.

She does not have any money or credit cards with her, police said.

She was last seen wearing black pants, a black jacket, green Ugg boots and carrying a brown bag and a red bag, investigators said. She is 5-feet-5-inches tall and weighs 170 pounds, investigators said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Washington Township Detective Matt Franchi at Mjfranchi@pd.twp.washington.nj.us or 609-820-1404.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
A person in Texas has been diagnosed with bird flu, an infection tied to the recent discovery of the virus in dairy cows, health officials said Monday.

The patient is being treated with an antiviral drug, and their only reported symptom was eye redness, Texas health officials said. The person had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected, and the risk to the public remains low, according to health officials.
Hudson County defied an order from the state comptrollers office and has approved a $13.5 million one-year contract for medical services at the county jail.

The Office of the State Comptroller issued a report last week that directed county officials to not move forward with a proposed contract with Wellpath  which has been providing medical services at the jail for nearly six years  stating that the contracts had been illegally awarded.

The countys attorneys disagree, saying the county awarded the contract under the professional services exception. The state contends the contract must be put out for bid.
A Bergen County foundation dedicated to education and Italian heritage is donating a sundial to Ellsworth Park in Union City as part of a yearlong project celebrating the arts of terrazzo and mosaic.

The 4-foot-wide sundial will commemorate the role played by Vincenzo Pellarin in the transfer of technology, expertise and artisans from Italy to the U.S. in the early 20th century, according to retired Stevens Institute of Technology history professor Silvio Laccetti, whose Silvio Laccetti Foundation of Fairview is donating the piece.
A New Jersey man died on his college campus in Pennsylvania on Saturday, university officials said in a statement.

The death of Christian Samay, a senior at Bucknell University, a private liberal arts university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, was not related to Fridays active shooter alert and lockdown, said university president John C. Bravman.

This is an unspeakable loss for the Bucknell community, and our hearts go out Christians family and friends, he said.

Samays death was not suspicious, he said. We appreciate your support and respect for the privacy of all involved, he said.

A university spokesman referred to Bravmans statement from Saturday.

The schools statement did not disclose Samays hometown, but the Asbury Park Press reported Samay lived in Mountain Lakes in Morris County.

A LinkedIn profile that appears to be Samays also lists Mountain Lakes as his hometown.

University officials did not disclose how Samay died.

The Asbury Park Press reported the universitys public safety department responded to an address where the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity is located around 1:45 p.m. Saturday and found Samay dead.

The universitys active shooter alert Friday was a hoax from someone in Virginia, the report said.

In his statement, Bravman said counseling and other resources were available to students.

I call upon all Bucknellians to support each other in this difficult time, and to keep Christians family in your prayers, he said.

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at mailto:bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
A 22-year-old Stockton University student who was set to graduate this May, was killed in a crash involving a drunk driver, according to the victims family.

On March 28, Yolanda Pacheco, of Mount Holly, was driving an SUV in the westbound lanes of the Black Horse Pike in Hamilton Township in Atlantic County, when she was struck.

The crash involved a car driven by an unidentified 25-year-old woman from Mays Landing, which collided with Pachecos vehicle near milepost 37.2, according to New Jersey State Police.

The impact caused Pachecos SUV to veer off the highway, overturn and collide with three parked vehicles, ultimately killing her, police said.

Pachecos passenger, a 27-year-old woman from Egg Harbor City, was treated for moderate injuries.

The 25-year-old driver of the other car involved was also hospitalized with moderate injuries, according to police.

Authorities said the investigation into the crash is ongoing, but have not commented on its progress or on the cause of the crash.

In a GoFundMe organized by Patricia Helmick, Pachecos mother, Hemlick says that her daughter was killed in an accident caused by an alleged drunk driver.

Pacheco was a student in Stockton Universitys psychology program and was set to graduate with her bachelors degree in May, according to her family.

We are now left to plan a funeral instead of a graduation party, Helmick wrote in the GoFundMe. No parent should have to go through this.

The family is raising funds for Pachecos funeral service, scheduled for this Friday. As of Monday, they have surpassed their $20,000 goal on GoFundMe.

Described by her family as one of a kind, Pacheco was known for her great heart, bubbly personally and willingness to help anyone in need, her mother said in the online fundraiser.

(Yolanda) was a great daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and friend to her loved ones, Hemlick said. Losing someone so young and unexpected has caused financial hardship for her family.

In an email sent out to students and staff, Stockton Universitys administration expressed condolences to Pachecos family and friends and offered support services.

Pachecos sister, Yesenia, is also apart of the Universitys community. She is the schools coordinator of student transitions, according to Christopher C. Catching, vice president for student affairs.

Stocktons counselors are available to help any student or staff member in need of support through telehealth or in-person appointments, Catching said in a statement.

Students can contact the Counseling Center by calling (609) 652-4722 or visit during walk-in hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., in J-204, Catching said.

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Nyah Marshall may be reached at Nmarshall@njadvancemedia.com.
By Mattan Berner-Kadish

My mother recently finished her first week as judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. I am so proud of her and happy that her dream has come to fruition. I am unable, however, to fully celebrate her success. Why?

In real time  I am watching another deserving nominee and his family be prevented from feeling the same joy.

What is happening to Adeel Mangi, who was nominated by President Biden to be a Circuit Court of Appeals Judge on the Third Circuit, is a travesty, and when compared to my mothers process, puts in stark relief how incredible this nation can be, and how incredibly cruel it can be as well.

I first heard of Adeel when he was nominated alongside my mother by President Biden on November 15, 2023. We met briefly before their confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. What I had heard and read about him was true: This is a kind, sweet, intelligent man who was thoroughly qualified to be a judge in this country  a judgment confirmed by the American Bar Association, which gave him its highest rating.

While Adeel and my mother shared a date in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, they took separate paths. They told different stories of America, were born in different places, practiced different faiths. Yet, both the American-Israeli Jew and the American-Pakistani Muslim have been considered deserving of the tremendous responsibility that comes with having been nominated to U.S. Circuit Court Judge positions. In todays political climate, it was not hard to see the meaning and power behind that statement.

Sadly, and predictably, it quickly became clear that the hearing was not going to be about testing the legal acumen and knowledge either of them possessed in their pursuit of the position. What unfolded instead was a brazen display of Islamophobia from Republican senators, who decided their time was best spent accusing Adeel of supporting Hamas and the attacks to our country on 9/11 and questioning his beliefs on Israels legal system.

Because of the color of his skin and his religious conviction, the hearing was more insidious. While Adeel repeatedly and emphatically rejected terrorism and Hamas attack on October 7th, the truth mattered not at all. The Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee used soundbites from their interrogation as clickbait to fundraise and amplify their Islamophobic fake outrage, and some Democrats have decided that the blowback from the right-wing outrage is not worth spending their political capital.

In the lead up to the hearing, a (perhaps naive) observer might have thought much more of the focus from the GOP would have been on my mother. Adeel is a graduate of Oxford and Harvard, worked for years in a well-regarded corporate law firm, and has no radical statements on his record. He resembles the average judge confirmed in practice, ideology, and background in this countrys history, even with President Bidens efforts to diversify the courts.

In contrast to that, my mother fought for reproductive rights as a Planned Parenthood attorney and for workers rights and economic justice at SEIU. She spent her childhood in public school, attended college and law school at public universities, and has given speeches and made statements that most judges would never make. While much of the coverage about her nomination has focused on the historic nature of her confirmation as the first lesbian on the Fourth Circuit, what she chose to be in this life is far more interesting and telling than what was not her decision.

In an era where judicial activism, especially from the Supreme Court, is constant and in clear sight, I have no qualms saying that I hope 1,000 more judges like my mother are confirmed around the country. I dont mean lesbians, I dont mean Jews. I mean lawyers who are committed to pursuing public interest careers  lawyers, who like my mom who said they were going to work for big law for a few years to pay off law school debt before going into public interest law, and then actually did it.

I want judges who know what a day of work means for the average American, and how their companies and bosses treat them. I want judges who fought to keep innocent people out of jail. I want judges who worked to protect womens right to control their own bodies. I want judges who did not remove themself or their children from public schools, and know what education looks like for those who attend them. I want our judges to reflect Americas diversity and experience.

For all of those reasons, Adeel Mangi should be a judge right now. I dont know if I would agree with all of his rulings, and I doubt hed be as much of a liberal jurist as I would like. But there is no doubting his qualifications, his professionalism, his fairness, or his judicial temperament. Those arent the things keeping him off the bench. Racism and Islamophobia are.

While it seems highly likely that his nomination will die without a vote, I retain hope. Not only for the coming months, but for a brighter future, where we have fought back against fear and panic, elected braver (and more) Democratic senators, and where Adeel Mangi is seated on the 3rd Circuit.

Mattan Berner-Kadish is a union organizer and the son of Nicole Berner, a Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

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In 2024, unionized health care workers, including more than half the members at HPAE locals across New Jersey, will go to bargaining tables to negotiate expiring contracts with their employers.

This year, Health Professionals and Allied Employees will negotiate contracts in six separate locals, representing 7,000 members in hospitals from Bergen County down though Camden County. Safe staffing has been and will continue to be the top priority of every one of these negotiations.
Among New Jerseys crowning achievements is its education system, and its ability to produce a skilled and productive workforce. It is one of the states proudest boasts, and it remains our competitive advantage and a fundamental reason why companies recruit here and settle here.

So in what world does it make sense to cut state aid for our community college by 12% -- as Gov. Murphy proposes in his 2025 fiscal budget -- if the states goal is to train and maintain this stellar workforce asset?

The 18 community colleges already operate on razor-thin revenues, and this cut would bring their funding down to 2002 levels.

We spoke with Dr. Aaron Fichtner Thursday, president of the NJ Council of County Colleges, whose member schools have played a vital role in producing that workforce. Here is our abridged conversation:

Q. How do you explain the role that community colleges play in our state?

A. They educate 230,000 New Jerseyans every year -- thats four out of 10 students in all colleges and universities -- and our graduates power the economy in so many key industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to financial services to logistics. They play an absolutely critical role in expanding economic and educational opportunities for so many New Jerseyans.

Q. When community colleges were founded, the formula was supposed to be 33% the funding from the state, 33% from counties, and 33% from tuition fees. Now the state contribution is down to about 20%. How does this make sense? Why did this cease to be a priority?

A. Its been a longstanding issue. As you noted, it was supposed to be a three-way split, but weve never lived up to those expectations on the state level, and more of the burden of paying for community colleges falls in the laps of students.

Now, the state has been generous in expanding student financial aid programs. Gov. Murphy championed the creation of the Community College Opportunity Grant program thats helped many lower-income students go to community college for free or at a reduced cost  thats been transformative. But the state investment in operating aid is critical to the ability of our colleges to function and to keep tuition low, and to offer quality programs that are aligned with the needs of the local economy.

Q. Now the governors budget calls for the state ante to drop by 12% Youve said this would trigger a series of very difficult decisions. What kind of decisions do these colleges dread the most?

A. These proposed cuts are deeply concerning to our colleges that already operate on tight budgets. Colleges will be forced to consider tuition increases, cutting programs and services to students, cutting academic programs that are connected to the needs of local employers. All of those options are on the table.

But at a time when a post-secondary college education is more important to more people, we should be moving forward and not moving backwards. Were seeing states around the country making investments in community colleges while inexplicably we are disinvesting.

Q. The legislative testimony from some of your college presidents were compelling: Dr. Connolly of Sussex CC, said a small cut could threaten the existence of a cutting-edge programs like Optics Technology; Dr. Iacono of CCM said it would devastate the medical industrys request to get 2,000 new nurses in the pipeline. You could almost hear branches of New Jerseys labor market creaking.

A. Correct. Think about the number of people in healthcare occupations, the people in manufacturing and technology, in IT, that got their start at community colleges. And were proud of all of the work our 18 colleges do every day, but state investment is critical to their ability to meet the needs of employers across the state.

Q. You mentioned the CC Opportunity Grant program. More than 30 states now have some tuition-free system, and New Jerseys income-based eligibility program seems popular. From where you sit, how is CCOG working and how can we improve it?

A. The CCOG has been transformative for a large number of students who now can go to community college tuition-free or at a reduced cost, so we applaud the governors leadership and look forward to working with the administration to expand it. One of the most exciting parts is that half of the students who are getting assistance through CCOG are adult students, returning to college to get a post-secondary credential or degree, and this allows them to do it in a more affordable way.

We would like to expand eligibility to more income levels, because we believe that if we are going to have a prosperous, equitable New Jersey then we need to help more New Jerseyans get some post-secondary education. Not every New Jerseyan is going to get a four-year degree, but looking at labor market trends, we believe that everyones going to need some post-secondary education, and community colleges are well-positioned to provide that.

Q. In 2017, when you were the Department of Labor commissioner under Gov. Christie, you launched the 65 by 25 initiative, which aimed to have 65% of NJ adults attain a post-secondary degree or a industry-valued credential by 2025. How is that going, and what role have community colleges played?

A. Its currently at 58.9%, and its important to reach the 65% goal and go higher going forward. The percentage of Black and Hispanic residents of our state who have earned a post-secondary degree or credential is far lower, however. Community colleges are the cornerstone of the effort to build a skilled workforce and expand opportunities to all New Jerseyans. The workforce development and academic programs that our colleges offer are connected to the needs of the economy and are really critical to our states future.

Q. So what happens to this initiative if this budget cut goes through?

A. Its going to significantly undermine our effort to help more people get a post-secondary degree or credential. We really cant afford at this point in our states history to allow our economy is to step backwards. We need to help more people get on a path to a family-supporting career and to help power the economy. If you look at the technological changes that were all experiencing  starting with AI -- we need a strong network of community colleges for the future of our communities and for our residents.

Q. How successful have you been in getting the ears of legislators throughout this process?

A. Theyve been responsive because both Democrats and Republicans understand how important these institutions are. Part of it is that theyre locally driven. Everyone is confident that Sussex County Community College is going to meet the needs of that community, just as Passaic County Community College meets the needs of their community. We combine the local-driven nature of our colleges with a statewide network  this is exciting. We are confident the Legislature and the governor will keep this in mind when they finalize the state budget.

Q. What else is happening in your world that the lawmakers and taxpayers need to know?

A. Our colleges are innovating and transforming in ways to ensure that we meet the changing needs of our residents and of our economy -- everything from new partnerships with high schools and labor unions and employers, to new student success and career pathways initiatives, while working to help students make sure theyre getting access to food, housing, transportation, and all those things that tend to undermine someones ability to complete college.

The transformation is profound. In fact, the council is releasing a new Opportunity Agenda next week and inviting our employers, workforce development, and social justice partners  as well as the governor and state legislators  to work with us to expand opportunities for all New Jerseyans. This is not a moment to exhale. State investment in community colleges is essential to our states efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable New Jersey.

In addition to the 140 school districts facing funding cuts, community colleges will also lose $20 million in aid under Murphy's budget



Sen. Parker Space (R-24) and his district mates, Asm. Inganamort and Asw. Fantasia, are calling on the administration to reverse their decision pic.twitter.com/iVq7XyJSpT  New Jersey Senate Republicans (@NJSenateGOP) March 6, 2024

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Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has, like fellow former GOPer lawmaker Liz Cheney, made it his mission to keep former President Donald Trump out of the White House.

Aside from TV appearances and public speaking gigs where he argues the danger of a second Trump term, Kinzinger is also having fun.

Ill just leave this here, he posted on X, formerly Twitter, with an image of Trump Medias stock taking a nose dive.

Ill just leave this here pic.twitter.com/cX8XpQAQca  Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini)  (@AdamKinzinger) April 1, 2024

Trump Media stock jumped as much as 59% on its first day of trading last month, before cooling off and closing with a gain of 16%. Later in the month, the stock gained an additional 14% to close at $66.22. Trump holds a majority stake in Trump Media that could bring him billions.

But The Wall Street Journal reported it had about $4 million in sales and a nearly $60 million operating loss last year.

Kinzinger opted not to run for reelection and face a primary challenge. He served with Cheney on the Houses committee investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and was one of only a few Republicans to vote to impeach Trump in Trumps second impeachment.

Wow. Ill just leave this here for some reason.



TIMBERRRRRRRRRR pic.twitter.com/E1g0MNJmwW  Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini)  (@AdamKinzinger) April 1, 2024

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears to have secured a ballot position in another battleground state that will likely help decide the outcome of the 2024 race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Kennedys campaign said Monday he collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot in North Carolina, according to published reports. Per Axios, Kennedy has drawn concern from Democrats that he could spoil the election for Biden in November and the Democratic National Committee has already created a team dedicated to countering Kennedys long-shot independent presidential bid.

Trump won North Carolina by less than two percentage points in 2020.

Kennedy doesnt stand a chance to win. But he could be a spoiler for Biden.

It appeared for a moment to be self-defeating once it looked like Kennedys run would actually attract more Trump supporters. However, more recent polling showed that Kennedys run gives Trump an edge over Biden  though its not ironclad, and theres still uncertainty about how Americans might respond to an independent ticket.

Kennedy has secured access to the ballot in Utah. He and an allied super PAC, American Values 2024, say theyve collected enough signatures to qualify in several other states, including swing states Arizona, Nevada and Georgia, but election officials there have not yet signed off.

Late last month, Kennedy chose Nicole Shanahan to be his vice presidential pick, adding a wealthy but nationally unknown figure to his independent White House bid thats trying to appeal to voters disaffected by a rematch of the 2020 election.

Shanahan, 38, is a California lawyer and philanthropist whos never held elected office. She leads Bia-Echo Foundation, an organization she founded to direct money toward issues including womens reproductive science, criminal justice reform and environmental causes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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HOUSTON  Anthony Volpe spent most of Sunday afternoon in the clubhouse trainers room after being a late scratch from the lineup. The second-year shortstop got sick during the Yankees recent visit to Mexico City, he never fully recovered almost a week later, and he was feeling worse on Easter.

But when Season 1, Episode 4 of the Juan Soto Show continued and the Yankees won again to sweep the Astros at Minute Maid Park for the franchises first 4-0 start to a season since 2003, Volpe got up and headed out to the playing field after the final out of a 4-3 win.
European logistics company expands business thanks to China-Europe freight trains Pub Date:24-04-01 09:43 Source:Xinhua



Metrans, a major player in seaport container traffic in Europe, has expanded its rail services linking the growing markets of Asia and Europe, thanks to rapid cargo transport connections from the China-Europe freight trains. Editor:Qin Shuying

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PORTER  The release of dramatic videos of an armed robbery Monday night at the Porter Zip Foods convenience store helped police make an arrest in the case.

Police received numerous tips from the public after viewing the videos, which "led to the rapid development of this suspect information," according to Porter Police Detective Lt. John Lane.

The arrest was made late Tuesday night with the assistance of Chesterton police in the 6400 block of Evergreen Avenue in Portage, according to a posting on the Portage Police Department's Facebook page.

"Special kudos to the Portage Police Patrol crew and supervisors for actively searching for this armed and dangerous suspect!!!" Portage Chief Troy Williams wrote.

Dramatic surveillance videos of the robbery show a masked man entering the store at 9:40 p.m. at the corner of Wagner Road and Franklin Street, pointing a handgun at the clerk while he clears the register drawer of cash and then fleeing the building.

At one point in the videos, the clerk helps free up the cash only to have the man slap her hand away and then later aim the handgun directly at her face.

No one was physically injured in the robbery, police said.

The man wore black pants, a bandanna over his face and a black hoodie with distinct bright green horizontal stripes, according to police. He is believed to be white or of mixed ethnicity with a light-medium skin tone and is about 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 9 inches in height.
U.S. Steel said it expects to close its $14.9 billion sale to Nippon in the second or third quarter despite criticism from elected officials of both major parties, including President Joe Biden, and opposition from the United Steelworkers union, which has expressed concerns about turning over an American steelmaker to a foreign owner, saying it could undercut tariff protections for domestic steelmaking.

U.S. Steel is working with Nippon to close the deal later this year, its president and CEO, David Burritt, said in an update to investors after the company reported making $895 million in profit last year.

"U. S. Steel and Nippon continue to work towards expeditiously closing the transaction," he said. "Were excited that Nippon has been front and center with key stakeholders, making clear their commitment to them and to the transaction. We continue to expect closing to occur in the second or third quarter of 2024."

U.S. Steel maintains the deal would benefit all stakeholders, including its mostly union-represented workers.

"For employees, Nippon has expressed their commitment to retaining and investing in our talent, and to honoring all collective bargaining agreements," Burritt said. "For customers, the transaction with Nippon will improve the competitive landscape and bring a well-capitalized global steel leader, with experience and expertise in blast furnace operations, decarbonization, and innovation, to the American industry. For communities, the transaction will secure jobs in our communities and supports safe operations at all U. S. Steel facilities. Together, U. S. Steel and Nippon will continue to positively impact communities, to enhance and improve quality of life, and to support projects and opportunities that advance safety, education, and environmental stewardship."

He said a merger with Nippon was the best proposal the company received, including an unsolicited proposal from domestic rival Cleveland-Cliffs.

"The merger with Nippon Steel Co. was the best proposal received based on value, form of consideration, certainty of payment, certainty of closing and other factors," Burritt said in the video update to investors. "First, value. $55 per share, all-cash, was the highest offer we received as a result of the competitive strategic alternatives review process. And second, in the boards judgment a transaction with Nippon has the best deal certainty. The transaction with Nippon is subject to certain regulatory approvals, and were confident that we will clear those processes in a timely manner."

Unlike if it had been absorbed into Cleveland-Cliffs, U.S. Steel would maintain a measure of independence as a subsidiary of Nippon Steel, Burritt said.

"U. S. Steel will retain its name, continue to mine, melt, and make steel in the United States of America, and maintain its headquarters in Pittsburgh, which will retain 1,000 jobs in corporate, research, commercial, information technology, and other areas," he said. "As I stated in our December 18 deal announcement, not only does the merger with Nippon maximize value for stockholders, but it truly achieves the best for all."
Janine, a nurse in Arizona, checked into the hospital for stomach surgery in 2017. Before the procedure, she told her physician that she did not want medical students to be directly involved. But after the operation, Janine said, as the anesthesia wore off, a resident came by to inform her that she had gotten her period; the resident had noticed while conducting a pelvic exam.

What pelvic exam? Janine, 33, asked. Distressed, she tried to piece together what had happened while she was unconscious. Why had her sexual organs been inspected during an abdominal operation, by someone other than her surgeon? Later, she said, her physician explained that the operating team had seen she was due for a Pap smear.

Janine burst into tears. I started having panic attacks trying to figure out what had happened, she recalled in an interview. I have a history of sexual abuse, and it brought up bad memories.

She felt especially unnerved as a medical professional: Patients put such trust in the medical profession, especially on sensitive topics such as going under anesthesia. (Janine asked that she be identified only by her middle name. The hospital declined to comment on its policies regarding informed consent for pelvic exams.)
Rosh Mahtani, the founder of the jewelry brand Alighieri, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her company this year. Her handmade gold-plated pieces, inspired by Dantes Divine Comedy, made her a winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design and a mainstay of luxury e-commerce vendors.

During Paris Fashion Week last month, buyers came to her showroom to select stock for the upcoming season, including MatchesFashion, a leading multibrand fashion retailer that is responsible for about half a million pounds, or $630,000, of Alighieris projected revenues. But there was a problem.

They had owed me 70,000 pounds [about $88,000] in unpaid invoices since October and had been asking for discounts on those bills, Ms. Mahtani said last week. It made her uneasy, even if such bargaining was increasingly commonplace for independent brands like hers. Still, she said, she wasnt quaking in her boots.

The team made a selection, and we talked about a capsule collection for the summer, she said. I dont think any of us had a sense of what would come next.
Theres no point talking about farm practices that help save the environment, if farmers cannot make a living.

ARNAUD ROUSSEAU, the head of Frances largest farmers union. The percentage of the population that farms has fallen to 2 percent.
New York City welcomed a hint of spring, with a bit of warm sun that turned this years Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival into a rousing success.

Fifth Avenue was filled with magnificent hat wearers, sauntering up and down 5th Avenue with charm and excitement that rivaled children who might be scouring parks for Easter egg hunts. A recurring cast of milliners and costumed spectators trading nods with the more casual participants  who found creative ways to create their own grand impressions  was a particular delight to see.
Officials in California on Sunday slowly began guiding drivers past a collapsed section of scenic Highway 1 in the Big Sur area, one day after the damage left about 2,000 motorists stranded overnight.

Officials with the California Department of Transportation urged the public on Sunday to avoid that section of the southbound highway in the Central Coast, and Monterey County issued a disaster declaration. The highway remains closed to the public while crews work on the affected areas, where large chunks of the road fell into the ocean. The agency, known as Caltrans, did not give an estimate of when the highway would fully reopen.
As tensions fester between China and Taiwan, one elder politician from the island democracy is getting an effusive welcome on the mainland: Ma Ying-jeou, a former president.

Mr. Mas 11-day trip across China, which began on Monday, comes at a fraught time. Beijing and Taipei have been in dispute over two Chinese fishermen who died while trying to flee a Taiwanese coast guard vessel in February, and China has sent its own coast guard ships close to a Taiwanese-controlled island near where the men died.

Taiwanese officials expect China to intensify its military intimidation once the islands next president, Lai Ching-te, takes office on May 20. His Democratic Progressive Party rejects Beijings claim that Taiwan is part of China, and Chinese officials particularly dislike Mr. Lai, often citing his 2017 description of himself as a pragmatic worker for Taiwans independence.

On the other hand, Chinas warm treatment of Mr. Ma, 73, Taiwans president from 2008 to 2016, seems a way to emphasize that Beijing will keep an open door for politicians who favor closer ties and accept its conditions for talks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced growing challenges to power on Sunday as thousands gathered outside Parliament to call for early elections in what were shaping up to be one of the largest demonstrations against the government in Israel since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip.

Some protesters carried signs calling for Mr. Netanyahus immediate removal. Others wielded posters calling for elections, saying those who destroyed cant be the ones to fix.

The protest came a day after thousands took to the streets of Tel Aviv, waving flags and carrying pictures of the Israeli hostages with signs reading Hostage deal now.
The choreographer Benjamin Millepied is a protean figure. The founder of the L.A. Dance Project, he has been a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, the director of the Paris Opera Ballet, a filmmaker and a perennially well-connected catalyst for adventurous collaborations with figures from the worlds of fashion, movies, music and dance.

Recently relocated to Paris from Los Angeles, Millepied has not  heaven forfend  been idle. He has, with Solenne du Hays Mascre, started the Paris Dance Project, not a company, but an umbrella for choreographic and educational initiatives; he continues to run the L.A. Dance Project; and he hasnt stopped choreographing.

His new work, Me. You. We. They  in which he made a surprise appearance as a dancer  is the seventh that he has created with the composer Nico Muhly, and it was the concluding piece on the program Benjamin Millepied & Nico Muhly, performed by L.A. Dance Project, which opened on Friday at the Philharmonie de Paris.

Millepieds first theatrical offering since returning to France, the program is a clever choice for the Philharmonie. The concert hall, designed by Jean Nouvel, opened in 2015 in a traditionally working-class neighborhood amid heated debate about its location  Would classical music attendees go to the outskirts of Paris? Would a new audience come?  as well as cost overruns and Nouvels very public unhappiness with the finished building.
For those like myself who still havent cut the cord, here is a selection of cable and network TV shows, movies and specials that broadcast this week, April 1-7. Details and times are subject to change.

Monday

AMERICAN IDOL 8 p.m. on ABC. At this point in the season, most contestants are headed home. But for a lucky handful, the journey continues. This week, the famed singing competition show will reach its final showcase round, where the remaining hopeful vocalists have one last chance to impress the judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and earn a spot in the Top 24.

Tuesday

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (1995) 8 p.m. on TCM. Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant are just a few noteworthy names to star in Ang Lees adaptation of Jane Austens first novel. Mr. Lee is after something more broadly accessible, a sparkling, colorful and utterly contemporary comedy of manners, Janet Maslin wrote in her review for The New York Times. He achieves this so pleasantly that Sense and Sensibility matches the Austen-based Clueless for sheer fun. Not bad, considering that these characters respond to any awkward social circumstance by talking about the weather.
Protests against Netanyahu intensified

Thousands of people gathered outside Israels Parliament yesterday in one of the largest demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the start of the war in Gaza.

He has faced increasing pressure, abroad and at home, over Israels handling of the war, and many Israelis are calling for him to resign. Close allies like the U.S. have criticized the wars heavy civilian toll and have urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza. And many Israelis have demanded that Netanyahu prioritize the release of the hostages held by Hamas as part of a cease-fire deal. Thousands demonstrated against Netanyahus government in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

The protests in Jerusalem, which were expected to continue through Wednesday, came as in-person talks about a potential cease-fire resumed in Cairo.

Context: Protests against Netanyahu over his plan to overhaul the judiciary largely subsided after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel, but public dissatisfaction with the war has now driven Israelis back into the streets.
Warner Bros. Discovery said on Monday that two members of its board of directors, Steven Newhouse and Steven Miron, had stepped down after the company learned about an investigation into whether their presence on the board violated antitrust law.

Federal law forbids most corporate officers and board members to simultaneously serve on the boards of their competitors.

Mr. Newhouse and Mr. Miron are both executives at Advance, a private, family-held business whose holdings include the Conde Nast glossy magazine empire that publishes titles such as Vogue and The New Yorker.
There are some crafts that Portugal is especially known for: pavements and plazas patterned with black and white stones, and azulejos, often referred to as tiles, that cover buildings, often in seas of blue and white.

Such artistry is being honored this year during the Journees Europeennes des Metiers dArt, or European Crafts Days, from today through April 7, with programs that give an inside look at how the work is done. Portugals artisanal heritage will be celebrated on April 7 when ateliers around the country devoted to woodwork, weaving, jewelry, bookbinding and painting tiles will open their doors to the public.
The Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday that hospitals must obtain written informed consent from patients before they undergo sensitive examinations  like pelvis and prostate exams  especially if the patients will be under anesthesia.

A New York Times investigation in 2020 found that hospitals, doctors and doctors in training sometimes conducted pelvic exams on women who were under anesthesia, even when those exams were not medically necessary and when the patient had not authorized them. Sometimes these exams were done only for the educational benefit of medical trainees.

On Monday, the secretary of Health and Human Services, along with top officials from the departments Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Office for Civil Rights, sent a letter to the countrys teaching hospitals and medical schools denouncing the practice of doctors and students conducting the exams without explicit consent.

The Department is aware of media reports as well as medical and scientific literature highlighting instances where, as part of medical students courses of study and training, patients have been subjected to sensitive and intimate examinations, the letter said. It is critically important that hospitals set clear guidelines to ensure providers and trainees performing these examinations first obtain and document informed consent.
Construction has not yet started on what could become the worlds tallest jail, a 300-foot-tall tower on a site in Manhattans Chinatown where the remnants of a former detention center still stand.

But local residents and businesses say theyre suffering through its prelude: a noisy, dusty and earthshaking demolition to lay the groundwork for the jail, in a neighborhood still reeling from the pandemic.

Since demolition began last spring, large cracks have formed along the wall of a neighboring senior center, where residents shut their windows to block out dust. Longtime businesses have warned that they may have to close because of reduced foot traffic or costly renovations. A pediatric health center has already moved, citing constant noise and ceiling leaks.

Now, community groups that opposed the new jail are pushing for more accountability at the demolition site, formerly home to the Manhattan Detention Complex, also known as the Tombs. Locals are bracing for a yearslong construction process that they fear will become only more disruptive.
Americans used to think of China as a place to do business and Latin America as a place to vacation. More recently, our neighbors to the south are seen as the source of desperate migrants. That mind-set led us to the mess that we are in now. Today the American economy is far too dependent on China for critical supplies while imports from countries in our hemisphere, aside from Canada and Mexico, are lagging, experts say. Our influence in our own neighborhood is waning.

It doesnt have to be this way. I saw evidence of that in Costa Rica, a stable democracy that is vying to become the Silicon Valley of Latin America  with active support from the United States.

Costa Rica is crucial to the gargantuan U.S. effort to reduce dependence on microchips from China, which plays an outsize role in packaging and testing the tiny gadgets that run everything from smartphones to fighter jets. More than 40 percent of the chips the U.S. Department of Defense uses for weapons systems and infrastructure rely on Chinese suppliers. More than 90 percent of advanced chips are produced in Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China.
Peter Beinart and

In this interview with the Times Opinion editor Max Strasser, the journalist Peter Beinart explores what he calls the twin pillars of American Jewish life: Zionism and liberalism. Beinart argues that the two are fundamentally in conflict with each other, a longstanding tension that has become even more fraught since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel retaliated in Gaza. In this conversation, Beinart makes the case for liberalism over Zionism and calls on the American Jewish community to see that Palestinian equality doesnt need to be a threat to Jewish safety.

Below is a lightly edited transcript of the conversation.

The Opinions is a collection of audio essays from Times Opinion. To listen to this piece, click the play button below.
Gail Collins: Hey, Bret, we just hit April Fools Day. Did you have any political nominees?

Bret Stephens: Leaving aside anyone buying a Trump Bible for $60, my nominee is Kari Lake  2020 election denier, 2022 Arizona loser in the governors race and now a 2024 Republican aspirant for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Kyrsten Sinema. Lake is being sued by another Republican, Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County recorder, who contends that she defamed him by making false claims about her loss in 2022, which led to all kinds of threats against Richer and his family.

Lake isnt even bothering to defend herself on the substance of the suit and has asked the court to move directly to the damages phase. I hope the court takes the fake out of Lake with a whopping judgment in Richers favor.

Who is your nominee?

Gail: Well, so many to choose from. Think Im gonna go with James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, whos been busy trying to come up with a way to impeach Joe Biden for  whatever. Current subject is the business dealings of Joes son Hunter, a road weve been down a trillion times before.

Bret: Hey, think of all the fun well have when Democrats return the favor by investigating Javanka, Don Jr. and Eric when Donald Trump is  gulp  back in office.
After 176 days, Israels assault on Gaza has not stopped and has expanded into what Human Rights Watch has declared to be a policy of starvation as a weapon of war. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, and the international community has reverted to a deeply familiar call for a two-state solution, under which Palestinians and Israelis can coexist in peace and security. President Biden even declared the only real solution is a two-state solution in his State of the Union address last month.

But the call rings hollow. The language that surrounds a two-state solution has lost all meaning. Over the years, Ive encountered many Western diplomats who privately roll their eyes at the prospect of two states  given Israels staunch opposition to it, the lack of interest in the West in exerting enough pressure on Israel to change its behavior and Palestinian political ossification  even as their politicians repeat the phrase ad nauseam. Yet in the shadow of what the International Court of Justice has said could plausibly be genocide, everyone has returned to the chorus line, stressing that the gravity of the situation means that this time will be different.

It will not be. Repeating the two-state solution mantra has allowed policymakers to avoid confronting the reality that partition is unattainable in the case of Israel and Palestine, and illegitimate as an arrangement originally imposed on Palestinians without their consent in 1947. And fundamentally, the concept of the two-state solution has evolved to become a central pillar of sustaining Palestinian subjugation and Israeli impunity. The idea of two states as a pathway to justice has in and of itself normalized the daily violence meted out against Palestinians by Israels regime of apartheid.

The circumstances facing Palestinians before Oct. 7, 2023, exemplified how deadly the status quo had become. In 2022, Israeli violence killed at least 34 Palestinian children in the West Bank, the most in 15 years, and by mid-2023, that rate was on track to exceed those levels. Yet the Biden administration still saw fit to further legitimize Israel, expanding its diplomatic relations in the region and rewarding it with a U.S. visa waiver. Palestine was largely absent from the international agenda until Israeli Jews were killed on Oct. 7. The fact that Israel and its allies were ill prepared for any kind of challenge to Israeli rule underscores just how invisible the Palestinians were and how sustainable their oppression was deemed to be on the global stage.
Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest Black churches in America, and certainly one of the most storied. As a college student at Columbia University, Barack Obama often lingered in the back pews during Sunday services, taking in the sermon and the choir. Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the 216-year-old institution in recent years for the memorial services of Cicely Tyson and Andre Leon Talley.

Its the kind of church where networking mixes with Bible study, and the roll reads like a whos who list of Black intelligentsia and entrepreneurship.

In 2017, when Mara Porter, a member of the church, found a Harlem brownstone to buy, she was struck by the charming real estate agent who had listed it. He was also a deacon at the church. A year later, Ms. Porter and her husband, Tommie Porter, hired the deacon as a contractor to lead the renovations of the $1.44 million house. We really loved the idea of keeping it in the community, said Ms. Porter, 44, host of CrimeFeed on Investigation Discovery.
In recent months, Google has raced to settle a backlog of lawsuits ahead of major antitrust showdowns with the Justice Department later this year.

On Monday, the company resolved its fourth case in four months, agreeing to delete billions of data records it compiled about millions of Chrome browser users, according to a legal filing. The suit, Chasom Brown, et al. v. Google, said the company had misled users by tracking their online activity in Chromes Incognito mode, which they believed would be private.

Since December, Google has spent well over $1 billion to settle lawsuits as it prepares to fight the Justice Department, which has targeted Googles search engine and its advertising business in a pair of lawsuits.

In December, Google resolved a suit with dozens of attorneys general claiming it strong-armed app makers into paying high fees. Six weeks later, the company settled a case that accused it of improperly sharing users private information from its defunct social media site, Google+. And in March, Google agreed to pay a Massachusetts company, Singular Computing, an undisclosed sum after being accused of stealing patent designs  a claim that Google denies.
A day after he was struck with a rock in a random attack on the Upper East Side, the actor Michael Stuhlbarg appeared Monday evening in the first preview of the Broadway play Patriots, in which he stars as a Russian oligarch who helped facilitate Vladimir V. Putins rise.

Stuhlbarg, best known for his role as a gangster in the series Boardwalk Empire, was walking in Central Park on Sunday evening when a man threw a rock, hitting him in the back of the neck, the police said.

Stuhlbarg chased the man, Xavier Israel, 27, out of the park, where he was taken into custody and charged with assault. The location where the man was arrested on East 91st Street is the address for the Russian consulate.

The police said Stuhlbarg declined medical attention.

Stuhlbarg  who the show said in a news release was feeling fine  appeared onstage Monday for his debut in Patriots. He plays Boris A. Berezovsky, a Russian business tycoon who reigned in post-Soviet Russia and helped install Putin as president, but then had a bitter falling out with the Kremlin and died in exile.
My first conscious memory occurred on the lower landing of a staircase that spiraled up four floors of the 14th-century, moat-encircled Gjorslev castle in Denmark. I was hugging the railing while my tweed-clad grandfather, Edward Tesdorpf, who owned the place, smiled at me as he walked down the hall to take care of his ever-expanding farm businesses. I was 3 years old.

And now, five decades later, Im standing on the same spot, this time with a statuesque Danish woman in stylish Japanese casual wear. This is roasted and steamed tea from Korea, Mette Marie Kjaer tells me, offering a pleasant cup of miso-tinged brew.

Ms. Kjaer runs her Asian tea company, Sing Tehus, from a rented wing of the castle, offering tea ceremonies and yoga retreats while maintaining Gjorslevs status as the oldest continuously inhabited building in Scandinavia. After half a century of benign neglect following my grandfathers departure, the castle is hosting not just yoga and tea events, but arts festivals, medieval fairs and even a summer musical theater in its courtyard. Gjorslev, my grandparents home, has opened to the world.
Officials in Baltimore opened a temporary channel on Monday to help restore some traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore, one of the nations busiest commercial shipping hubs.

The alternate channel will allow some essential vessels to bypass wreckage from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, which has been blocking the harbors main channel since it was hit by a giant cargo ship last week.

The temporary channel was announced late Sunday by the state and federal agencies leading the disaster response and confirmed in a news conference on Monday afternoon.

Today was an important milestone in the process of beginning to pull the wreckage out, beginning to open up channels, Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland said. We know we still have more work to do.
Two Israeli journalists traveled to Palm Beach, Fla., a little over a week ago, hoping to elicit from Donald J. Trump a powerful expression of support for their countrys war in Gaza.

Instead, one of them wrote that what they heard from Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago shocked us deeply.

Both U.S. presidential candidates, Biden and Trump, are turning their rhetorical backs on Israel, concluded Ariel Kahana, a right-wing settler who is the senior diplomatic correspondent for Israel Hayom. The newspaper is owned by the billionaire Republican donor Miriam Adelson; Ms. Adelson herself arranged the interview with Mr. Trump, according to a person with direct knowledge of the planning.

What had Mr. Trump said that so alarmed Mr. Kahana?

He told the interviewers that Israel was losing public support for its Gaza assault, that the images of devastation were bad for Israels global image and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should end his war soon  statements that sounded far more like something President Biden might say than the kind of cheerleading Mr. Netanyahu has come to expect from Washington Republicans.

You have to finish up your war, Mr. Trump said. You have to get it done. We have to get to peace. We cant have this going on.
Bunny ears. Rain slickers. Sixty-four thousand hard-boiled eggs.

Under rainy skies, President Biden on Monday hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition so wholesome and old-fashioned that it often simply transcends Washington politics.

Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, sacrifice and resurrection, but mainly, love and grace toward one another, Mr. Biden said from the White House balcony, where he stood between two enormous Easter Bunnies.

But this year, even before the skies opened on the children who were gleefully rolling eggs down the White House lawn, the 146-year-old tradition was caught up in a partisan storm.

In the days leading up to the event, Republicans seized on guidelines for the annual egg decorating contest that prohibit religious symbols on the entries  even though the rule has existed for decades and was enforced by Mr. Bidens predecessors.
During his closing argument in the 2004 murder trial of Brenda Andrew in Oklahoma, a prosecutor dangled her thong underwear before the jury. She had packed the undergarment for a trip to Mexico a few days after her estranged husband was killed.

The prosecutor, Gayland Gieger, said the item was strong evidence that Ms. Andrew had murdered her husband. The grieving widow packs this to run off with her boyfriend, he said, holding her underwear.

Thats enough, he said. Cant twist the facts, folks. Cant twist the evidence.

The spectacle drew gasps from the crowded courtroom, a local newspaper reported. The jury convicted Ms. Andrew and condemned her to death. She is the only woman on the states death row.

Later this month, the Supreme Court will consider whether to hear Ms. Andrews appeal, which said the display of her underwear was a representative part of an unrelenting strategy by prosecutors, as a dissenting judge put it, of introducing evidence that has no purpose other than to hammer home that Brenda Andrew is a bad wife, a bad mother and a bad woman.
More about the forecast:

Large sections of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas were at risk of damage from strong winds and hail greater than two inches in diameter, said the Storm Prediction Center, which is part of the Weather Service.

The areas most at risk Monday extend from central and eastern Oklahoma into far southeast Kansas and central Missouri, the center said.
An American YouTube personality who was kidnapped two weeks ago by a gang leader in Haiti was released over the weekend and was on his way home to the United States on Monday morning, according to his father.

The American, Adisson Pierre Maalouf, 26, had traveled to Haiti from the neighboring Dominican Republic to interview Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer and gang leader known as Barbecue, according to Mr. Maaloufs family, who spoke to The New York Times after his release.

Kidnapped with him was Mr. Maaloufs guide, Jean Sacra Sean Roubens, a Haitian journalist. Mr. Roubens confirmed to The Times that he had also been released.
Lin Qi was a billionaire with a dream. The video game tycoon had wanted to turn one of Chinas most famous science-fiction novels, The Three-Body Problem, into a global hit. He had started working with Netflix and the creators of the HBO series Game of Thrones to bring the alien invasion saga to international audiences.

But Mr. Lin did not live to see 3 Body Problem premiere on Netflix last month, drawing millions of viewers.

He was poisoned to death in Shanghai in 2020, at age 39, by a disgruntled colleague, in a killing that riveted the countrys tech and video-gaming circles where he had been a prominent rising star. That colleague, Xu Yao, a 43-year-old former executive in Mr. Lins company, was last month sentenced to death for murder by a court in Shanghai, which called his actions extremely despicable.

The court has made few specific details public, but Mr. Lins killing was, as a Chinese news outlet put it, as bizarre as a Hollywood blockbuster. Chinese media reports, citing sources in his company and court documents, have described a tale of deadly corporate ambition and rivalry with a macabre edge. Sidelined at work, Mr. Xu reportedly exacted vengeance with meticulous planning, including by testing poisons on small animals in a makeshift lab. (He not only killed Mr. Lin, but also poisoned his own replacement.)
Israeli strike killed Iranian commanders, Iran said

At least seven officers including three generals overseeing Irans covert operations in the Middle East were killed in an Israeli strike in Syria yesterday, according to Iranian and Syrian officials.

The strike on the Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus appeared to be among the deadliest attacks in a yearslong shadow war between Israel and Iran.

Among those killed was Gen. Mohamad Reza Zahedi, 65, who oversaw Irans covert military operations in Syria and Lebanon, two other generals and four officers, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said in a statement. Four Israeli officials confirmed that Israel had carried out the attack.

Irans ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, said in a statement that the Iranian consulates building came under attack by two F-35 fighter jets. This attack will have our fierce response, he said, according to Iranian media.
In the first pitched battle of the civil war that shaped a newly independent Ireland, seven centuries of history burned.

On June 30, 1922, forces for and against an accommodation with Britain, Irelands former colonial ruler, had been fighting for three days around Dublins main court complex. The national Public Record Office was part of the complex, and that day it was caught in a colossal explosion. The blast and the resulting fire destroyed state secrets, church records, property deeds, tax receipts, legal documents, financial data, census returns and much more, dating back to the Middle Ages.

It was a catastrophe, said Peter Crooks, a medieval historian at Trinity College Dublin. This happened just after the First World War, when all over Europe new states like Ireland were emerging from old empires. They were all trying to recover and celebrate their own histories and cultures, and now Ireland had just lost the heart of its own.
In a municipal building in the heart of the alpine city of Bolzano, Stefano Baldo clocked out of work early for his breastfeeding break.

Its clear I dont breastfeed, Mr. Baldo, a 38-year-old transportation administrator, said in his office decorated with pictures of his wife and six children. But with his wife home with a newborn, one of the parents was entitled by law to take the time, and he needed to pick up the kids. Its very convenient.

Full houses have increasingly become history in Italy, which has one of the lowest birthrates in Europe and where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as Pope Francis, has warned that Italians are in danger of disappearing. But the Alto Adige-South Tyrol area and its capital, Bolzano, more than any other part of the country, bucked the trend and emerged as a parallel procreation universe for Italy, with its birthrate holding steady over decades.

The reason, experts say, is that the provincial government has over time developed a thick network of family-friendly benefits, going far beyond the one-off bonuses for babies that the national government offers.
Israeli lawmakers passed a law on Monday allowing the government to temporarily shutter foreign media outlets that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has determined undermine the countrys national security, and the Israeli leader said he would use the new law to block Al Jazeera broadcasts and activities in Israel.

Mr. Netanyahus government has had a tense relationship with Al Jazeera for years, but the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7 escalated tensions. Mr. Netanyahu has called Al Jazeera a Hamas mouthpiece.

On Monday, Mr. Netanyahu said it was time for the Qatar-based network, one of the most widely viewed sources of television news in the Arab world, to stop broadcasting in Israel, although he did not specify when that would happen.

The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel. I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channels activity, Mr. Netanyahu posted on X, while recovering from hernia surgery.
For months, Israel and Hamas have been at odds over a host of issues during talks aimed at brokering a truce, including whether Israeli troops would withdraw and the length of a cease-fire.

Now one of the major sticking points to emerge as in-person talks resumed this week is how displaced Palestinians will be able to return to the northern Gaza Strip, according to Israeli, Hamas and regional officials.

Despite mounting international pressure, the talks aimed at brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza appear to be stalled.

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt have been meeting with Israeli officials and separately with Hamas leaders, trying to find a formula the warring parties can live with. The United States, Israels staunchest ally and largest supplier of weapons, has also been involved. On Saturday, Israeli negotiators traveled to Cairo for another round of talks.
At least three senior commanders and four officers overseeing Irans covert operations in the Middle East were killed on Monday when Israeli warplanes struck a building in Damascus that is part of the Iranian Embassy complex, according to Iranian and Syrian officials.

The strike in Damascus, the Syrian capital, appeared to be among the deadliest attacks in a yearslong shadow war between Israel and Iran that has included the assassinations of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists.

That covert war has moved into the open as tensions between the countries have intensified over Israels military campaign in the Gaza Strip against Hamas, the Iranian-backed militia that led the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Four Israeli officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters, confirmed that Israel had been behind the strike in Damascus, but denied that the building had diplomatic status.
As the war between Israel and Hamas approaches the six-month mark, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confronting rising pressure on multiple fronts, at home and abroad.

He has encountered resistance from protesters, relatives of hostages held by militants in Gaza, the international community, and elements of his own governing coalition, as criticism mounts over his prosecution of the war against Hamas.

Hes facing a pile-on, said Dahlia Scheindlin, a political scientist based in Tel Aviv. But he's responding with maximum possible defiance and minimum possible decision-making.

Although many Israelis have refrained from protesting against the government during the war, thousands of Israelis on Sunday thronged streets in Jerusalem beside the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, to call for early elections, in one of the most significant demonstrations against Mr. Netanyahus government since the war began in October.
Penon de Velez de la Gomera, a small rock in northern Africa conquered by Spain in 1564, holds the title for the worlds smallest national border, measuring just 85 meters in length.

Spain has almost 2000 kilometers of land borders with Portugal and France, but it also has much smaller borders with countries like Andorra, the United Kingdom (Gibraltar), and Morocco. It is with the latter, the African nation of Morocco, that Spain shares the smallest land border in the world, an 85-meter-long stretch of land linking a rock about 19,000 square meters in size to the Moroccan coast. Penon de Velez de la Gomera has been Spanish territory since 1564 when it was conquered by Admiral Pedro de Estopinan, and although Morocco has repeatedly laid claim to it, Spain has never agreed to return the land and actually has troops stationed there to enforce Spanish rule.

Photo: Ignacio Gavira

Penon de Velez de la Gomera is one of the so-called places of sovereignty that Spain has in North Africa, along with Ceuta, Melilla, the Penon de Alhucemas, the Chafarinas Islands and the Isla de Perejil. Its legal status is that of non-autonomous territories under Spanish administration. Interestingly, this barren rock was an island until 1934 when an earthquake created a small isthmus and turned the island into a peninsula. This land border was officially recognized as the smallest in the world.

Penon de Velez de la Gomera is currently only inhabited by Spanish troops in charge of surveillance and defense. Soldiers are rotated every month and live in modest facilities, without running water or electricity. They rely solely on Spanish Navy ships that deliver supplies on a regular basis.



Fun fact, Penon de Velez de la Gomera is the last Spanish territory to suffer an invasion by agents of a foreign power. In 2012, a group of seven people belonging to an organization known as the Coordination Committee for the Liberation of Ceuta and Melilla snuck onto the rock and replaced the Spanish flag with the Moroccan one. The invasion only lasted a few minutes, as Spanish troops quickly took down the foreign flag and arrested the perpetrators, but it technically counted as an actual invasion.
Daryl Somma DiSalvo

Inizio Evoke, a health marketing, communications and transformation platform, appoints Daryl Somma DiSalvo as chief strategy officer. She joins Inizio Evoke from McCann Health New York, where she also served as CSO. Before coming to McCann in 2018, she held strategic posts at CDM New York and Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Advertising. At Inizio Evoke, Daryl will lead the practice across the agency platforms brand and creative business, overseeing the development of client brand strategies and elevating the global strategy practice. Daryls track record of creating winning strategies for many of the worlds highest-profile brands is unmatched, said Inizio Evoke CEO & founder Reid Connolly. Her approach to building healthcare brands that are grounded in both data-driven and behavioral insight will help us continue to deliver innovative work, elevate creative and commercial impact, and help our clients build more intimate connections with their customers.

Lauren Wire

Madden Media, a destination marketing agency, expands its PR division with the addition of Lauren Wire as senior associate director of PR. Wire was most recently an associate VP at Finn Partners, helping lead media relations efforts for large statewide accounts, hotel brands and international clients. She previously worked at MMGY Global and Formula Public Relations. In her new post, Wire will focus on client strategy and relationships, guiding Madden's current roster and helping to grow the agencys portfolio. Lauren is a true powerhouse and offers a wealth of knowledge in the travel and tourism PR sector. She embodies all of the qualities our agency prides itself on, including prioritizing relationships over transactions, said Madden Media PR director Brianna Francis.

Matt Capalby

Matters of State Strategies, a Scottsdale, AZ-based firm that specializes in strategic communications, government affairs and political campaign management, brings on former vice-chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party Matt Capalby as VP of government affairs. In addition to having been involved in numerous municipal, state and federal campaigns, Capalby served in former Arizona Governor Napolitano's administration, as the Northern Arizona regional director for the Department of Environmental Quality and a policy advisor. He has extensive experience on issues relating to state legislative affairs, economic development, natural resource management, land use and regulatory issues. Hes had a storied career and his immeasurable work on behalf of labor in our state is remarkable, said Matters of State Strategies VP Jeanne Lunn.
Gordon Sondland

Gordon Sondland, who was US ambassador to the European Union under Donald Trump, registered as a representative of Ukraines cabinet and ministers on March 21.

His job is to meet with members of Congress, European Bank and top Ukrainian officials to secure funding for its war with Russia.

Sondland also will visit front-line Ukrainian troops to build support for the military, according to his Justice Dept. filing.

He does not have a formal contract for the advocacy work and he is working as a volunteer.

Sondland, who is founder and chairman of Provenance Hotels, famously testified against Trump during his first impeachment proceedings.

He claimed that Trump pressured Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the Biden familys business dealings in his country in return for a White House meeting.

After he refused to resign, Trump fired Sondland.
Plans for a massive development that could have transformed the centre of Tullamore have been blocked by Offaly County Council.

The local authority has refused planning permission for the development on the old Tesco site in the centre of the town.

According to the council's website, a decision was due on April 2 but the status of the application on line has been updated to refused. At the time of writing, no details were available as to the reasons for the decision to refuse permission.

Cayenne Holdings had sought permission for the development named Distillery Yard which would include about 200 apartments and 45,000 sq feet of retail space. It was to be developed on land between Patrick Street, Kilbride Street and close to William Street.

The mixed use development of residential and commercial, including retail, cafe and restaurants, was planned to be in six blocks from two to 13 storeys.

The plans were for 204 apartments in four buildings, including 102, one-beds, 91 two-beds and 11 three-beds.

The blocks were planned to be five, six, eight, and between 11 and 13 storeys high. A two to three-storey block was proposed to be partly contained within the former De Bruns public house, with a change of use to two cafes or licensed restaurants.

DE Williams House, which is a protected structure, was also included in the development.
This is Chapter 1 (of Section 1) of the 2024 Serialization of the third printing (2013) of the book by Steven Jonas: "The 15% Solution : How the Republican Religious Right Took Control of the U.S., 1981-2022 ." The book was first published in 1996. This Section is entitled "Setting the Stage," and this Chapter, 1, is entitled "The United States in 1995: Setting the Stage for Fascism." The 2013 version of the book (the most recent print edition) is available at Amazon: click here.

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Chapter One: Author's Note

The story of fascism in the old United States in my view begins with the accession to the Presidency of Carnathon Pine, The Last Republican, in the year 2001. And thus, the description of the drama, as we will see it in some detail, begins in earnest in the next Chapter, constructed around that personage's Inaugural Address. However, before dramas can proceed, the stage must be set.

For this book, I have chosen to do that with an essay written by our friend Dino Louis, in 1995. As you can see, Louis was never short on opinion and interpretation of facts. The bare facts he occasionally cites throughout the essay were taken primarily from a feature article that appeared in the then leading weekly printed newsmagazine Time early in that year (Hull, et al). I hope, dear reader, that you will find this essay helpful in understanding from whence fascism arose in our national ancestor.

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Is the Stage Being Set for Fascism?

by Dino Louis, 1995

Politics Now

A spectre is haunting the United States of America. But it is not the spectre of communism. It is the spectre of fascism.

Elections '94. The Republicans win. The message is clear. Grinchism, developed by Newt Gingrich and his fellows as a meaner, harsher version of Reaganite"'Bushism, is triumphant. The people have spoken. They and the Grinchites have clearly identified what's wrong with the country: government is too big, taxes are too high, the "undeserving poor" are "stealing bread from our table," people "different from us" have set out to destroy "our nation."

And on the "moral" side? Well, that slasher of national domestic spending Rep. John Kasich of Ohio, tells us (Nelson):

"The American people in their guts, mothers and fathers across this country, know that over the last couple of decades we have removed the speed limits from the highways, the lines on the highways, the yes and the no, the black and the white and the rights and the wrongs. And Americans are beginning to say that . . . culture has slipped and it's time once more to assert that Judeo-Christian tradition of rights and wrongs and values that guides our nation in the 21st Century."

The proposed solutions to these problems? Shrink government. Cut taxes. Slash government spending, especially on the poor. End tolerance, reinvigorate prejudice. On the "moral" side? Follow the Christian Coalition (Nelson) and outlaw freedom"'of"'choice in the outcome of pregnancy, require voluntary school prayer, make divorce more difficult (except for the leading Republican Presidential candidates), prohibit pornography (except for aspiring Republican Supreme Court nominees), ban sex education and contraception. And oh yes, above all free the "free market."

The "mainstream" Democratic response, enunciated by the Democratic Leadership Council and more or less followed along by the President? "Yes, for the most part, on the economic side, at least, you're right. Although we may disagree on some details of both problem analysis and program prescription, you are basically right. And we can be even more Republican than the Republicans. Just let us show you how."

But pause for a moment. Did "the people" as a whole really speak in the 1994 election? Well, no. The message of Reaction was support ed by less than 20% of the eligible electorate. Not voting in droves were those who potentially benefit most from government intervention in the economy, and government protection of their rights in the soc ety. It seems safe to assume that they did n't vote because even the Clinton Administration, with its emphasis on deficit cutting not growth stimulation, on being liked not aggressively protecting rights, did not seem to give them anything much to vote for in either intervention or protection.

And then consider, have the Grinchites identified the real problems the country faces? Well, no. Since Clinton was elected in 1992 the basic problem list has remained unchanged (Thurow): a declining industrial base; the export of manufacturing jobs, to be replaced, if at all, by lower paying service jobs; a continually deteriorating national infra structure; serious problems in health services, education, and environmental protection and preservation; the ever-increasing gap between the have"'a"'lots and everyone else.

It is these problems, not some sudden changes in "Americans' morality," that are putting tremendous pressure on the American family, as Thurow has pointed out (1995):

"Falling real wages have put the traditional American family into play, as the one"'earner middle"'class family becomes extinct. . . . Thirty"'two percent of all men between 25 and 34 years of age earn less than the amount necessary to keep a family of four above the poverty line. Mothers have to work longer hours if the family is to have its old standard of living.

"Children exist, but no one takes care of them. Parents are spending 40 percent less time with their children than they did 30 years ago. More than two million children under the age of 13 have no adult supervision before or after school. Paying for day care would use up all or most of a mother's wages.

" . . . Men have a strong economic incentive to bail out of family responsibilities since when they do so their real standard of living rises 73 percent-- although that of the family left be hind falls 42 per cent."

Added to these real economic and economy"'based family pressures are resurgent racism and homophobia, the atmosphere of hate fed by a talk radio culture dominated by the Right Wing, and the new national chauvinism reflect ed in California's "Proposition 187."[1]

Will the DLC"'lead me"'tooism effectively respond to this crisis? Well, no. It won't win elections. That was proven in 1994, when almost every me"'too Democrat running in a closely contested election lost. As [post"'World War II President] Harry Truman once said, when someone wants to vote for a Republican, he'll pick the real thing over a pale imitation every time. But even more importantly, the DLC/ Grinchite program simply cannot solve the basic problems the country faces because it doesn't face them. It deals with side issues like term limits and "shrinking government." It is an agenda of distraction, not focus.

Big problems require big solutions. It's not the size of government that's the problem. It's what government does with its size. It's not the number of terms of office that lead to a "non"'responsive Congress," "de voted to the 'Special Interests'." It's corporate campaign financing and the hidden system of lobbying. It's not the tax burden (one of the lowest in the industrialized world) that's the problem. It's what the tax revenues are spent on. It's not the poor that are dragging the country down. AFDC could be eliminated tomorrow and the total Federal saving would amount to less than 10% of the current deficit, less than 1% of the Federal budget. It's the declining industrial base, declining per capita income, and increasing true unemployment.

And the whole so"'called "moral" agenda, the fake "Contract on the American Family" of the Christian Coalition, could be enacted tomorrow and the economic problems that are the real factors making life ever"'tougher for ever more Americans would remain absolutely untouched. Much less personal freedom. No fewer, actually more, personal and family problems.

Atomization is Taking Over

The country thus seems to be falling apart. But at a time when people really need to pull together, under a constant barrage of Republican propaganda about "individual responsibility" and the ability of the "free market" to solve every conceivable problem, the people are pulling apart too. "Many Americans have stocked up on guns and walled in their communities," Time tells us in it's own "State of the Union" mes sage (Hull, et al). "More than 700,000 children are educated at home." "Self"'reliance" is spreading, and "in many cases Americans are acting out of long"'term necessity, unable to depend on a life"'long job or the pension that accompanies it."

"Many American families and businesses are being forced to privatize security and sanitation by default. Community associations, ranging from small condominiums to sprawling planned communities, have grown from 10,000 in 1970 to 150,000 in 1993 and now include 1 out of every 8 Americans." "Privatization of local services is, however, a lot less liberating for the millions of Americans who can't afford it."

The True Economic Perspective

In the face of all this, what is happening to wealth in America? Well, family income has gone up steadily since the Nixon years, but per capita in come has declined. Why has the former risen while the latter has fallen? As pointed out above, two-parent employment, for the most part. Just one of the major family stressors that have arisen over the last 20 years. And while per capita income has declined, the con centration of wealth has in creased.

Time again: "Over the past 20 years the very rich have improved their lot in life by getting richer. Half a million U.S. households (one"'half of 1% of the population) now owns 39% of all assets (stocks, bonds, cash, life"'insurance policies, paintings, jewelry, etc.). This makes the U.S. No. 1 among prosper ous nations in the inequality of income. . . . During the Reagan years . . . the nation's net worth in creased from $13.5 trillion to $20.2 trillion . . . between 1983 and 1989, $3.9 trillion of the reward was captured by the top one"'half on 1%." That's almost 60% of the in crease in wealth going to that top 0.5%.

Or as Thurow put it (1995):

"The tide rose (the real per capita gross domestic product went up 29 per cent between 1973 and 1993), but 80 percent of the boats sank. Among men, the top 20 percent of the labor force has been winning all of the country's wage increases for more than two decades. . . .

"With the death of Communism and, later, market socialism as economic alternatives, capitalists have been able to employ more ruthless approaches to getting profits without worrying about political pres sure. 'Survival of the fittest' capitalism is on the march. What economists call 'efficiency wages' (a company paying higher salaries than the minimum it needs to pay, so that it gets a skilled, cooperative, loyal work force) are disappearing to be replaced by a different form of motivation-- the fear of losing one's job [and one's health insurance]."

I just wonder if Reagan's tax cuts for the wealthy and "borrow to spend" policies had anything to do with all these developments.

Some Social Issues

Let's take a look at some social problems, like crime for instance. The crime rate has actually been falling a bit over the last couple of years, while the nation rose to first place among developed nations for proportion of its citizens incarcerated. But crime overall has risen dramatically during the period since the 1970s when all those prisons have been built. Why? They are irrelevant. There is an arrest in only about a fifth of all crimes, with only half of those leading to convictions in serious cases, and fewer than 50% of those leading to jail time (Lacayo).

Even while crime has been decreasing slightly in recent years, the fear of crime has risen markedly. Part of this is real. Murder is still a relatively rare event in this country, with a rate that has remained more or less unchanged since the 70s. But the proportion of murders committed by strangers has risen dramatically, while the homicide"'solution rate dropped from 91% in 1965 to 66% in 1993.

And youth violence has increased markedly. What might the reasons be? Not enough prisons? Not long enough sentences? Well, the Director of the FBI, Louis Freeh, "recommends focusing on the in creasing number of children brought up in 'no parent' homes." Dare I say there is some relationship between the latter and declining per-capita"'income/ rising"'two"'parent"'employment, and rising one"'parent working/no"'affordable"'day"'care"'available for their pre"'school children?

However, at least part of the increasing fear of crime is definitely the work of politicians in both parties. For them a focus on crime and "being tough" on it wins elections (even if the advocated measures affect the crime rate not more than minimally). And then there are the media (primarily in the hands of major corporations like General Electric and major private right-wingers like Rupert Murdoch) for whom presenting crime, real, fictional, semi"'real, and semi"'fictional, in gorier and gorier detail, up"'close and personal, makes money. Finally, there are the demons of right"'wing talk radio, who especially like to color crime black and brown.

What about education? Well, while, for example --- our 13 year"'olds rank 14th among the children of the developed countries in math performance, and does anyone know where Belgium is --- it's estimated that less than half of the average of $5300.00 spent per pupil in this country goes to support classroom work. As to health care, costs continue to sky rocket, quality declines, health care corporation profits rise, and the critically"'required comprehensive reform is once again a dream that does not become reality, just as it has every time it's been seriously proposed by a national leader, beginning with Teddy Roosevelt in his 1912 Bull Moose campaign.

In response to this situation, Americans turn to God, in massive nu bers. 95% profess to be believers, distributed among about 1600 denominations (44% of them non"'Christian). 40% of Americans pro fess to attend a religious institution regularly. With churches hardly hard to find, there is hardly "Christian persecution" going on, despite what the Religious Right would have us believe.

Democracy in Decline

In the face of all this, it seems that our democratic structures are be ginning to crumble. According to John Gray, a fellow of Jesus College, Oxford University (England) (1995):

"In the United States the end of the cold war [2] has intensified a mood of political cynicism. American public opinion expects little from its democratic institutions, and if the experience of the last decade or so is any guide, even its modest expectations are likely to be disappoint ed. . . .

"The mobility of capital has contributed significantly to the decline of the middle class and its distinctive culture. . . . This may prove [to be] of decisive importance for democracy in the United States and in other Western democracies-- namely the proletarianization, through rising debt, falling incomes and unrelenting job insecurity, of the traditional middle classes. The U.S. undoubtedly leads the field in replicating in a Western industrial economy the middle"'class impotence that is an endemic feature of many third world countries in Latin America and elsewhere. . . .

"In a worst"'case scenario, we may even glimpse a sort of Colombianization [not Christopher] of the United States, in which failing political institutions, become increasingly marginal in an ungovernable, criminalized and endemically violent society."

I could not have made the point better myself. But in the midst of all this, what does the winning party in the last election offer us? Why nothing other than the "Contract On," sorry, I mean the "Contract For America," alluded to above. Relevant to the problem list? Right up there with what we need? Problem"'solutions provided by the Party of Business? Not quite!

For proof of that statement, here's the "Contract" in a nutshell (Kelly): a balanced federal budget by the year 2002; term limits for members of Congress; "tough" welfare"'"reform;" cut crime"'prevention, increase incarceration; carry out death sentences quicker; permit the use of improperly seized evidence; restrict the use of U.S. troops in United Nations operations; prevent the use of money saved from military"'spending cuts for national domestic pro grams; cut the capital"'gains tax; raise the Social Security earnings limit; enact a 'loser pays' provision for civil litigation; cut Congressional staffing by a third and the number of Congressional committees; require Congress to apply to itself the laws it passes; require a three-fifths majority for tax hikes; and submit proposed Federal environmental regulations to risk-assessment and cost-benefit analysis.

Like the Christian Coalition's "Contract on the American Family" of which this "contract" was a precursor, what a prescription of irrelevance. Just put the real problem"'list against the "solution list" contained in either "Contract." Nothing on what really ails the country. Nothing on jobs, export of, and insecurity in. Nothing on the crumbling infrastructure. Nothing on health, nothing on education, nothing on the environment (except to make it easier for companies to poison it). Lots of focus on welfare, only a small chunk of Federal spending, but great politics because it's painted black (even though two thirds of recipients aren't). The crime proposals focus on measures that just don't work and take money away from ones that either do or at least might. Balanced budget and term limits? How are they going to affect every day life?

More tax cuts for the rich? In the 80s, cuts for them didn't lead to investment and jobs here at home-- just to speculation, sometimes huge financial losses, export of capital, and that widening gap between rich and poor. Then there's the proposal for "reform" of the civil litigation system to address a problem that just doesn't exist: an "avalanche of tort litigation" against companies. In fact, the major increase in civil cases is in contract actions between companies (Kelder)-- and so forth. And the Democrats right now have nothing much better.

And then there's the "moral" agenda, as noted not exactly designed to touch the declining industrial base and declining per capita incomes; the export of manufacturing jobs, to be replaced, if at all, by a less than equal number of lower paying service jobs; and a continually deteriorating national infrastruture.

John Gray, in that last sentence I quoted from him, is right. And that "Colombian" state, that unstable, violent, insecure state, in a domestic environment of increasing racism and xenophobia, is a prescription for future, massive "civil unrest," followed by the imposition of a violent, oppressive, authoritarian governing structure to control it.

A spectre is haunting the United States of America. But it is not the spectre of communism. It is the spectre of fascism. Is anyone out there watching or listening? And if they are, are they seeing or hearing any thing?

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References:

Gray, J., "Does Democracy Have a Future?" The New York Times Book Re view, January 22, 1995, p. 1.

Hull, J.D., et al, "The State of the Union," Time, January 30, 1995, p. 53.

Kelder, G., "What Speaker Newt's 'Contract on America' and Tort 'Reform' Mean for the Tobacco Control Movement," Tobacco on Trial, November/December, 1994, p. 3.

Kelly, M., "You Say You Want a Revolution," The New Yorker, November 21, 1994, p. 56.

Lacayo, R., "Lock 'Em Up!," Time, February 7, 1994.

Nelson, L"'E., "Contract Words, Deeds Divorced," Newsday, May 18, 1995, p. A 19.

Thurow, L.C., "Companies Merge; Families Break Up," New York Times, September 3, 1995, News of the Week in Re view.

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[1] Author's Note (2048): This latter item referred to a product of the old "Initiative and Referendum" system used most prominently in California. Once a tool of progressives, Initiative and Referendum became a leading anti-democratic tool of Right-Wing Reac tion in both the Transition Era and the Fascist Period. I discuss it in some detail in Chapter four.

[2] Author's Note (2048): The "Cold War" was a 45 year-long, political, econom ic, and diplomatic (but non-military) battle between the old U.S. and the old Soviet Union, that followed the end of World War II. The Cold War came to an end following the peaceful demise of the old Soviet Union as a nation-state.

(Article changed on Apr 01, 2024 at 9:04 PM EDT)
The Islamic State terror group has a "strong desire" to attack the U.S. and other foreign powers, the former head of U.S. Central Command warned on Sunday, calling it a threat that is only growing.

"We should believe them when they say that. They're going to try to do it," retired Gen. Frank McKenzie told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz.

The threat of ISIS, also known as Islamic State, might have seemed to be waning as headlines turned to Ukraine, Gaza and the next US election. But last week's attack on a Moscow concert hall reminded the world of the enduring danger of Islamist terrorism and the ambitions of what is known as IS Khorasan (ISIS-K) far beyond its camps in the mountains of Afghanistan.

Analysts believe the group has a growing focus on Europe - and point to events such as this year's Paris Olympics as potential targets. The IS affiliate claimed it carried out the attack, and U.S. intelligence said it had information confirming the group was responsible. French President Emmanuel Macron said France has intelligence pointing to "an IS entity" as responsible for the attack.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the Moscow attack. The fact that Tajik nationals were allegedly involved indicates ISIS-K was responsible; the group draws many members from central Asia and has a record of previous plots in Russia. US officials have also said there is evidence ISIS-K carried out the attack.

"I think the threat is growing," McKenzie continued, pointing to the dangers from affiliates like ISIS-K after the broader group took responsibility for a deadly attack in Moscow earlier this month.The group also said it was behind a mass bombing in Iran in January.

"It begun to grow as soon as we left Afghanistan, it took pressure off ISIS-K. So I think we should expect further attempts of this nature against the United States as well as our partners and other nations abroad," McKenzie said. "I think this is inevitable."

The question is what the U.S. and Europe need to do to prevent an attack as bad as 9/11 - or worse.

Preventing such an attack involves a multifaceted approach that requires international cooperation, robust intelligence, and targeted counter-terrorism efforts. And there are some key strategies that the U.S., Europe, and their allies can employ.

Enhancing the exchange of intelligence between countries is crucial. By sharing information about potential threats, movements of suspected terrorists, and their financial networks, countries can preemptively disrupt plots.

Addressing the root causes of radicalization is essential. This includes promoting social cohesion, economic opportunities, and inclusive education. Programs aimed at deradicalization and preventing the spread of extremist ideology online and in communities are vital.

While maintaining the flow of legitimate travel and trade, improving border security to prevent the movement of terrorists and their resources is necessary. This includes the use of advanced screening technologies and databases to track the movement of known or suspected terrorists.

Strengthening alliances and partnerships to fight terrorism on a global scale is crucial. This involves military, financial, and diplomatic efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and their support systems.

Cutting off the financial networks that support terrorist organizations through international cooperation and sanctions is key to undermining their operations.

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Among the EU member states, Latvia has one with the fastest population decrease -- the recent forecasts show that the Latvian population in 2030 should be 20% lower compared to situation in 2014. The main factors responsible for this trend are negative natural growth and negative migration balance.

In 2020 only 17.6 thousand children were born, which is the historical low for last hundred years; at the same time, 28.9 thousand persons died, 4.1 per cent more than in 2019. Consequently, Latvia has experienced the largest population decline among all Baltic States in 2020.

The more so, Latvia has consistently suffered emigration. It has experienced a very intensive outflow of its population: it is estimated that in the first 2 decades of 21st century the country has lost more than 400 thousand people or almost 17% of its population due to out-migration, the highest share in the EU (together with Lithuania).

The process of migrations started with EU accession in 2004 and gradual access of Latvians to EU labor market, and later by the economic crisis of 2008-2010. The main destination countries were the United Kingdom (100 thousand), the United States (96 thousand), Germany (30 thousand), Sweden (30 thousand), Ireland (30 thousand) and Norway (11 thousand). Only in 2020, 12 thousand Latvians left the country.

It is not a surprise that Latvian authorities could not find enough volunteers to serve in the Latvian Armed Forces.

In April 2023, the Saeima decided on the re-introduction of the compulsory national defense service in Latvia. The law on State Defense Service (Valsts aizsardz?bas dienests, VAD) foresees two types of service: military and alternative or civil service.

Criminal liability is foreseen if a person avoids service. Males born after January 1, 2004, are subject to mandatory service, i.e., males must start service within one year of turning 18. If they are still in school, then they must start service within one year after graduation. Males and females aged 18 to 27 can apply voluntarily.

After failing to motivate enough Latvian young people to join the military, authorities organised a lottery on the 23rd of January, 2024. During this lottery, youngsters from all over Latvia were randomly selected for mandatory military service in National Armed Forces, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence. A total of 300 recruits were randomly selected.

These people were sent notifications to go through a health examination, which they had to take at the NBS Medical Centre in Riga.

According to data from the Ministry of Defence, there are currently 22 539 youngsters aged 18 to 19 in Latvia. And only 3 581 of them technically meet all the requirements for military service.

Additionally, until 2027, those who live and declared abroad will not be conscripted.

Due to willingness of young people to leave Latvia for better life in other European countries and lack of motivation to serve, Latvian authorities cannot man its armed forces properly. So, emigration remains the best way to avoid serving, at least till 2027. Young Latvians successfully use this opportunity and leave Latvia in order not to serve in the Armed Forces. Soon Latvian authorities will be forced to catch those liable for military service on the streets.


'komorebi'

(Image by lauwsi) Details DMCA



The Still and Moving Center

by John Kendall Hawkins

"Does anyone hear the music they play? Does anyone even try?"

- Bob Dylan, "Three Angels," New Morning (1970)

In these days of seeming, seeming eschatological blunder, of bad things happening all around us, of Cain on the rise among the ears of corn, when even the poor ol' sky seems lost in wonder at the human doings below, it is most welcome to come across a film that is quiet at its center, modest in its scope. Making lemonade where only lemons go. We hear and read the talk of handsome men and precious women delivering the news of our AI future, machines on the rise, Elon Musk bringin' telepathy to life. AI Jesus is here. Or maybe it's AI Icarus. Where do you weigh in? (Don't worry: That was rhetorical.)

Perfect Days has a light, deft touch, and I liked it very much. Directed by Wim Wenders, who has given us several screen gems in the past, including Paris, Texas (1984), and Wings of Desire (1987), and Until the End of the World (1991), we are served up with fresh aromatic indications of humanity's resiliency. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles. Very simple language, unadorned message. It stars Koji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, and Arisa Nakano. None of them known to Western moviegoers. No westerner would star in a film of such disorienting modesty and balance. 5-7-5. Haiku.

The storyline is a familiar routine of getting through the day, intact. It's a story of one man, Hirayama (Yakusho), a janitor for The Tokyo Toilet, who lives in a quiet residential area of Tokyo and who wakes each day on his back on the floor, eyes opening to a new world each morning, rising from his shikibuton (mattress) with kakebuton (quilt), which he folds neatly and places in the corner of his bedroom. He brushes his teeth. He dresses in his blue uniform for the day's work. He buys a can of coffee outside his residence before hopping into his blue van, in which he plays old cassette tapes of 60s and 70s artists that provide the fine soundtrack for the film and are integral to the plot. Van Morrison, Eric Bourdon and Patti Smith, et alia. Rising Sun. Dock of the Bay. Redondo. And the sweet, almost mystical Nina Simone closing out the film with "Feeling Good."

By any standard, it would seem, Hirayama's life is sh*t. Wenders provides take after take of the same old same old. The banality of his routine would ordinarily be soul-sapping. The aging Tokyo-ite cleans public toilets for a living. All kinds of modern, well-designed shithouses, too -- some with sliding doors, and, as Wenders depicts it, all of them dignified and clean and well-lighted. Could be doom and graffiti gloom, but that's not the story the director wants to tell. We never see one stinkin poop. Wenders imposes his special brand of gentle humanity, Hirayama is suffused with the stuff. His kind eyes, his non-judgemental outlook. He is an observer of being, of reality, and exists phenomenologically more than socially or politically. Remove politics and social media from a life and you gots a whole lotta instant silence. Wenders loves this suspension of the unbelievably banal.

It's not all scrubbing and polishing and spraying after a population needing a place to dump their processed nutrients, perhaps while getting in some texting. Promises are made, or maybe broken. The ubiquity of these structures whose sole function is to help us relieve ourselves of our pent-up toxicity, does, after a while, produce a kind of wonder or even awe. So much depends, it seems, on having a good bowel-cleansing sh*t. (This may be why it's important to get off The Grid once every so often.) Praise be (yet again) to the glorious ancient Romans and their foresight as sanitation innovators. All roads lead to Rome.

Wenders shows our hero helping a lost child find his mother. He helps a Black woman figure out how to even open the facilitation door. (She's ebullient in her gratitude.) In another glorified outhouse he finds that some unknown, lonesome soul has left behind an unfinished tic-tac-toe game, which he plays, making a move and placing the paper back where it was inserted. (They also serve who only sweep and buff, to play with a John Milton line.) And Hirayama finds tree seedlings, gently scoops them into little paper pots, and replants them at home, where he has a small forest of trees on a table needing watering each day.

Hirayama works with a young, Takashi, who is love-smitten and in desperate need to impress his girlfriend. Takashi almost loses her, when she refuses to ride on his motor scooter and begs Hirayama to let him drive his girlfriend home in his van. Later, Hirayama lets Takashi borrow some money in order to be with the girl in a bar. Eventually, Takashi disappoints Hirayama when he quits without notice, forcing the elderly public servant to clean Takashi's toilets, too. Hirayama's stress rises, but he manages to flush it. Hirayama, too, seems smitten with a woman bartender who likes to sing to the patrons. We hear her sing, "House of the Rising Sun." It's disorienting. But you can see why Hirayama is smitten.

Mostly, Hirayama likes reading books by Patricia Highsmith and William Faulkner. And Japanese short stories. He likes taking photographs of trees with sunlight streaming through. Komorebi. He dreams of and wakes up to these komorebi moments. (One thinks of Anais Nin, for some reason.) He listens to others. Wenders teases this out by making Tokyo seem like the quietest metropolis in the world, at least while the camera is focused on Hirayama, who is tuned not to the din all around him but to the still center of the here and now. It's devastatingly gorgeous, as the Aussies say.

There are plenty of tender moments, if you're into that kind of thing. As when his niece shows up at his flat unexpectedly and he needs to guide her and protect her, which leads to a near- rapprochement with his sister, who comes to get the niece, and who seems to want to take him away from his sh*t-cleaning ways. But he doesn't see it as an occupation that is beneath him.

There is also a scene where Hirayama espies a man embracing the female bartender he likes and he cycles off and goes riverside to drop some suds on his sudden sadness. Out of nowhere the man finds him, and he explains to Hirayama how he used to be married to the bartender but is now remarried -- but more importantly has terminal cancer that has spread throughout his body. Hirayama is infused with empathy for this good man. He tells Hirayama of dying and wishing he knew one thing: If two merging shadows are the same or if one is darker. They sort it out with a little play right there. There shadows commingling, the egalitarian darkness of non-being assured.

The character of Hirayama brought back memories of the time I lived and worked in Papua New Guinea. I would go around snapping photos of the exotic (to me) environs and one time came across Mr. sh*t. His truck depicted Rodin's The Thinker as The Stinker, sitting on a toilet. On the side of the truck was his commercial slogan: Chicken sh*t, horse sh*t, cow sh*t, but no bullshit. He became popular. But when he wanted to run for office as Mr. sh*t he was denied and returned to obscurity in this land of loamiest of loams.

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The human and physical carnage in Gaza and Israel is unprecedented. In response to Hamas's brutal attack killing about 2000 Israelis, Israel has killed at least 31,000 people, primarily women and children, and caused the nearly total physical destruction of Gaza. This continuing tragedy has radically changed the parameters of a 75-year confrontation in three respects.

Israel is diplomatically weaker and more isolated than it has ever been. Its disproportionate and indiscriminate response to the Hamas attack has resulted in its near total international condemnation.

In the United States that criticism includes a call by the Senate Minority Leader Schumer for new elections in Israel. He is the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States. His comments elicited a favorable response from President Biden. Finally, nineteen Democrats in the Senate called for the recognition of an nonmilitarized Palestinian state.

Hamas, and terrorist groups in general, have lost what little credibility they may have had given the civilian death toll in the initial attack and the human rights violations since. Those crimes include rape, murder, and the abuse of hostages. Even Palestinians are appalled by what Hamas has wrought.

The Palestinian cause is better understood and appreciated than ever before. The mass media has responded with a flood of information and opinions on the Middle East not seen in years. Public opinion in US and internationally is more informed than ever before. The conflict has generated a major history lesson.

These three changes combined have produced a unique opportunity to reformulate the American response to Palestinian/Israeli relations. That new response must begin with diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state consisting of Gaza and the West Bank. That action will alter the political landscape in three additional ways.

Recognition will more nearly level the diplomatic playing field. Palestinians can negotiate with Israel from a position of legal equality. Their leaders will enjoy the status of being officials of a state rather than the occupied territories.

Treating Palestine as a sovereign state gives Palestinians something they might lose if terrorism continues. A hopeless situation is fertile ground for terrorism because no other course of action has produced results. Violence at least keeps a cause visible, and there is nothing to lose. The dignity of statehood can be lost or compromised.

Recognition gives notice to Israel that the status quo will not continue. Most countries recognize the existence of a Palestinian state but to little effect. The proposed American action could be the tipping point in the politics of the region.

Will this actually happen? I doubt it but it is past time to begin thinking seriously along these lines. Even a hint that the US might do this could change the reality on both sides of the conflict.

In the meantime, let's begin talking about Occupied Palestine rather than the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza. Just using that phrase is a step in the right direction.
When a legislative body votes on a bill, its members cast votes either Yea or Nay, but a third option is to vote Present instead. Present votes are simply ignored. Generally, when there are more Yea votes than Nay votes then the bill passes, though sometimes a higher threshold is set.

Yea is a vote of support; Nay is a vote of opposition and Present is an abstention. Aside from the transformed language, just how different is this voting system from balanced approval voting (BAV)? It is not difficult to see that this is an example of BAV, though with only a single candidate. Given that limitation, the outcome (pass or not pass) is determined by simply comparing the number of Yea's and Nay's; there is no reason to calculate the net vote.

But the downside of insisting on only a single candidate is that none of the benefits of BAV are realized. This is clearly a blunder. BAV works quite well with numerous candidates and surely there must be a way for a legislature to benefit from this. With more candidates, computing a net score (Yea's minus Nay's) for each candidate would become necessary, but we will show that only two separate votes are needed. And there is a likelihood of producing better legislation.

When a bill is introduced to a legislature, it may face a comprehensive transformation through an amendment process. Traditionally, this happens through a sequence of votes, each vote deciding whether to adopt or reject a proposed amendment. There may be dozens of votes for dozens of proposed amendments but in the end, it sometimes happens that even the legislator who introduced the bill does not support it. The iterative nature of this process itself shares much of the blame for this apparent disfunction.

Whether by accident or by design, an amendment adopted early in this process may preempt another amendment from being considered later. One way this may happen is because the two amendments are so similar that the second becomes moot; but often it is because the later amendment conflicts with another that has already been adopted. If the order of introduction of two conflicting proposals were reversed, it could surely have been the other amendment that was adopted. When the two amendments conflict with each other, this seemingly accidental swapping can induce a major change in the effects of a bill. Clearly, it is a significant advantage to introduce an amendment early. In turn this his places undue power in the hands of whoever establishes the schedule. But no matter which order occurs, some legislators will become frustrated at being unable introduce the amendment they prefer.

Legislators may be denied the opportunity even to vote for a bill they would have supported and, feeling wronged in some way, these legislators may turn against passage of the bill. Another concern about this procedure is that it is all too easy for legislators to focus on the details of individual amendments while paying too little attention to the overall impact on the bill. Finally, it is worth considering whether amendments introduced late in the process are the very ones that benefit from greater consideration. If so, it seems clear that this iterative process favors the proposals that are the least thoroughly assessed.

A different procedure could provide some important advantages. For this alternative procedure, amendments would be introduced and debated first, before there is any voting. Then, a single BAV election would ask legislators to express, in a single session of voting, to specify, Yea, Nay or Present, regarding each of the proposed amendments. Tradition-loving legislators would be free to continue voting Yea or Nay rather than support or oppose but the net vote for each amendment would be computed as the Yea count minus the Nay count and amendments that fail to receive a positive net vote would be removed from further consideration. Notice that with this BAV vote, an amendment gains no advantage by being introduced first. Legislators are asked to weigh conflicting amendments against one another and vote accordingly with the choice determined on perceived merit rather than on which alternative was introduced first.

The first vote would reduce, perhaps quite significantly, the number of amendments that remain under consideration. The clearly poor amendments will be rejected. But still, it is entirely possible for there to remain amendments that conflict with others. Further deliberation and another BAV vote would be required to further refine the remaining amendments and use a compatible assortment of amendments.

In preparation for the second vote, a legislator could submit a list showing which of the remaining amendments would be included. That selection would serve to define a bill to serve as one candidate for the second BAV vote. In general, several legislators would likely propose competing bills, defined by their alternative lists of amendments. A second round of debate would ensue, enforcing focus and discussion on the relative merits of these proposed bills. Ultimately, the second (and final) BAV election would be held to determine which of the candidate bills is the most widely favored by the legislature. Provided the net vote for that candidate bill is positive (or some stronger requirement might be set) then that bill would pass out of that chamber of the legislature.

As with other BAV elections, individuals may find several of the bills acceptable and vote Yea for them (making clear a considered degree of willingness to compromise). And, of course, individual legislators may, at the same time, vote Nay regarding several other of the competing bills. The bill with the larges net vote is the bill most favored by the legislature; provided that the net support for that bill is positive, that is the bill that will pass from that chamber of the legislature. If that bill does not receive a positive net vote then no bill is passed.

As with the first vote, this second one makes the order of introduction irrelevant. Would this process take longer than the traditional one? Perhaps, but votes can be time-consuming and with this revised process, only two votes need be taken, certainly never dozens. The strategy of introducing a poison-pill amendment designed to undermine subsequent amendments would become ineffective. And the second vote would force legislators to consider the various proposed bills with respect to their overall impact.

It does seem likely that the legislation produced would improve with the adoption of this altered process.


Damage in Gaza Strip during the October 2023 - 28.

(Image by Wikipedia (commons.wikimedia.org), Author: Wafa (Q2915969) in contract with a local company (APAimages)??) Details Source DMCA



On March 25, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2728 , regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, by a vote of 14-0. The United States abstained rather than -- as it usually does when the Israeli regime dislikes a resolution -- using its "permanent member" veto.

The meat of the resolution "[d]emands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs, and further demands that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain."

I have several questions about the resolution, including whether "all hostages" includes the thousands of Palestinian Arabs held by the Israeli regime, often for years, often without charge or trial. They're not usually referred to as "hostages" by Israel or its allied regimes, but since they're occasionally traded off for Israeli captives, they're "hostages" by definition.

A second question: Why just until the end of Ramadan (April 8)? If the UN Security Council wants an end to the fighting, why not demand a PERMANENT end to the fighting?

But here's the big question:

Now that the UN Security Council has issued its demands, how are UN member states, especially the US, going to enforce those demands?

UN Security Council resolutions are binding on all UN member states.

If this resolution means anything at all, the initial response SHOULD be for all UN member states to immediately declare and enforce a ban on the sale or delivery of arms to the belligerent parties.

Yet White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby insisted at a press briefing that "we are still providing tools and capabilities, weapons systems so that Israel can defend itself .... no change by this nonbinding resolution on what Israel can or cannot do in terms of defending itself."

The resolution is not "nonbinding." The Security Council HAS ordered a ceasefire, the the US regime IS bound by that order, and Kirby's opinion that murdering tens of thousands of civilians and subjecting hundreds of thousands to starvation, etc. constitutes Israel "defending itself" doesn't magically change so much as a comma in that resolution or an atom of that obligation.

While it's a given that some other regimes are also going to flout a system of international law they loudly invoke when they find it convenient, the regimes that do take their obligations seriously should start freezing US assets and sanctioning US regime figures until such time as the US regime decides to bring its actions into compliance with the "rules-based international order" it so piously claims to lead and personify.
Pastor Irate about "The Trump Bible"

Trump "is playing silly games with the serious, cherished beliefs of millions of Americans."

In case you missed it: Trump, famous for profiting from overpriced cologne, neckties, gold-foil sneakers, a gambling casino and Trump vodka"is now hawking Bibles-- for $59.99![1] I'm irate.

I'm a Bible-believing, retired Southern pastor. Trump's actions anger me in more ways than I can count-- with January 6th counting double-- but now he triggers three concerns with this single act:

1. Denigrating the Holy Bible, making it a mere prop to win votes.

2. Mixing religion with Nationalism in unhealthy ways (this is the "God Bless the USA" Lee Greenwood Donald Trump Bible).

3. Being a total imposter, masquerading as a man of religion who claims "It's my favorite book-- even though his words and action show he's never taken any of it to heart.

Please hear me unfold my lament, remembering that I've spent my entire life studying and honoring the Bible.

1. Trump Desecrates the Holy Bible: Let's be clear: there is nothing wrong with selling Bibles. Many good and genuine Christians run Christian book stores, work for Bible publishers, or even sell them door-to-door. They revere it as "God's Holy Word" and handle it with special care, not as a mere commodity, a piece of produce. That's in sharp contrast to Trump, who has been filmed putting his own autograph on a Bible with a Sharpie, and in 2020 posing for a photo op in front of St. John's Episcopal Church waving an upside down Bible, and who did not know how to pronounce "Second Corinthians" (which most of us learned in Sunday School as children). [2] It is cynical and tacky for the moneygrubbing, woman-grabbing liar to sell "Truth Social" on the same day he reduced the selling of Bibles to a farce.

2. He mixes religion with Nationalism with no understanding that the early patriots DIED to protect America from being forced to bow to a tyrant's narrow definition of God. [3] When I was pastor, the county sheriff-- later exposed in scandal-- was a member of my church. A few months before Election Day, he'd come every Sunday in his suit 'n tie to be seen in church. He did win re-election each time he played that game, followed with another three years of church absence. But most church-members chuckled behind his back, "Does he really think he's fooling us?!" There's nothing new nor clever in politicians wrapping their (unopened) Bible in the flag and whining that America needs to pray more-- when those close to them never observe any sign of regular prayers or spirituality.

But the rising clamor to make America a "Christian Nation" is more than just hypocrisy. It's a threat to democracy and our founding principle: freedom of religion. History is littered with the victims of religious wars, by people arrogantly insistent that "MY sectarian beliefs are right and YOURS are wrong!" In his $59 Bible ad, Trump, with all the sincerity of a snake oil salesman, just said he wants to "Make America Pray Again." Show me where the Bible states we should MAKE someone pray, or FORCE someone to adopt one version of faith over another? (Funny thing is, the Bible teaches two religions: Judaism and Christianity. And warned against setting up a tyranny-- even a Godly one" read 1st Samuel 8:10-17.) "Christian Nationalism" is an oxymoron. Jesus never used government to impose his Truth (that is, his teachings, not Truth Social propaganda stock!) onto anyone. To the contrary, he chided his disciples for attacking the officials and temple guard who came against Christ; the new faith was not to be forced upon the world. [4]

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Donald Trump is making a pitch for the God Bless the USA Bible. This bible is a mix of the King James version of the Christian Bible, the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Pledge of Allegiance and the lyrics to Lee Greenwood's song God Bless the USA, which Greenwood wrote at the start of the First Gulf War.

On Trump's Truth Social platform he wrote, "Happy Holy week! Let's Make America Pray Again. As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible."

His video sales pitch for the Bible is up on the God Bless the USA Bible site. In it he makes the false statement that claims America's Founders built the American nation "on Judeo-Christian values." This is a common falsehood the theocrats of the religious right use frequently. It's interesting to note that three documents added to the King James Bible in the God Bless the USA Bible, the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights all teach us that America was not based on Judeo-Christian values. None of these documents even mention Judaism or Christianity. None of them even mention Abraham, Moses or Jesus. If America's Founders created the US to be based on Judeo-Christian values, they most certainly would have said so in at least one of these three important documents.

Most Deists and other freethinkers are aware that many of America's key Founders were not Christians or Jews, they were Deists. The Deism of these Founders is ignored by the theocrats who are working tirelessly to turn the US into a Bible-based Christian theocracy where they will actually be able to "make America pray." This is why it's very important for Deists to do all we can to educate people about America's true history. This will help people to realize not only that America was never intended by the Founders to be a Christian nation, but also that the theocrats in the religious right today are promoting lies and falsehoods. If we really do value knowing what is true and what is false, we must confront all falsehoods, including the falsehoods of the theocrats. As Thomas Paine wrote in The Age of Reason, "...it is an affront to truth to treat falsehood with complaisance."

A good source of knowledge about the Deism of America's key Founders and the importance they put on having complete separation of religion from government is our page The Deistic Roots of the United States of America. One key point from that page is the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the United States and the Bey and Subjects of Tripoli of Barbary. This treaty originated during the administration of George Washington, and it was unanimously ratified during the administration of John Adams. Article XI states:

"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion . . ."

America's Founders made it very clear that they never intended the US to be based on Judeo-Christian values and that they in fact did all they could to ensure the separation of religion from government. This is seen in the Deist Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists who wrote to Jefferson regarding the persecution they experienced at the hands of other Christian sects. Jefferson wrote,

"...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between church and State."

The famous Christian apologist C.S. Lewis' described in his best-seller Mere Christianity what a Christian society would be like. I first learned of this when I wrote An Answer to C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity (for PDF click here). Lewis wrote,

"...the New Testament, without going into details, gives us a pretty clear hint of what a fully Christian society would be like. Perhaps it gives us more than we can take. It tells us that there are to be no passengers or parasites: if man does not work, he ought not to eat. Everyone is to work with his own hands, and what is more, every one's work is to produce something good: there will be no manufacture of silly luxuries and then of sillier advertisements to persuade us to buy them. And there is to be no 'swank' or 'side,' no putting on airs. To that extent a Christian society would be what we now call Leftist. On the other hand, it is always insisting on obedience - obedience (and outward marks of respect) from all of us to properly appointed magistrates, from children to parents, and (I am afraid this is going to be very unpopular) from wives to husbands. Thirdly, it is to be a cheerful society: full of singing and rejoicing, and regarding worry or anxiety as wrong. Courtesy is one of the Christian virtues; and the New Testament hates what it calls 'busybodies.'"

This would be a horrible and terrible place to live in. The lives of everyone would be similar to the lives of the people currently living/suffering in Communist North Korea. Yet, this is what the Christian theocrats are working to impose upon us.

The more weto get the word out about Deism, the more we are moving away from the nightmare of the theocrats and the religious right.
Experts see huge potential for cooperation between China and Southeast Asian nations in promoting marine ranching, which is a viable solution to addressing overfishing in the region.

They made the remarks during the 2024 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Youth Dialogue on Regional Cooperation in Marine Economy, which was held on Saturday in Haikou, in Hainan province.

Hu Bo, director of Peking University's Center for Marine Strategy, highlighted China's rich experiences in aquaculture and marine ranching. The latter is a form of aquaculture that involves cultivation of marine resources like fish for food and other products in open sea or in an enclosed section of the ocean.

Currently, 80 percent of China's fish harvest comes from aquaculture. "The proportion of wild fish in the country's total fish harvest has shown a declining trend," Hu said.

In 2022, the marine capture production in the country was less than 10 million metric tons, with only 2 million tons of it coming from the South China Sea, he said.

"To a great extent, China is no longer reliant on fishery resources in the South China Sea," he added.

Thanks to China's proactive efforts to promote marine ranching, he said, this new mode is now contributing roughly 5 percent of the total aquaculture produce.

He said that China made progress in aquaculture as fishery resources depleted at an alarming rate in the South China Sea.

Covering only about 1 percent of the world's ocean area, the South China Sea, including the Gulf of Thailand, contributes to 10 percent of global capture, he said.

"Such excessive fishing is undoubtedly unsustainable," he added.

To make matters worse, there remains an increasing demand for fishery products as Southeast Asian economies expand rapidly. Currently, about 1 billion people rely on protein resources from the South China Sea, he said.

Hu said that China's experiences in promoting marine aquaculture and ranching can be an instructive solution for Southeast Asia to strike a balance between development and protection.

China can offer support in terms of funding, technology and equipment to promote in-depth cooperation in this regard, he added.

Ben Lee, general secretary of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, also looks forward to seeing China and Southeast Asian countries joining hands to promote marine ranching.

China's marine ranching methods also utilize all available space from the ocean surface to seabed, Lee said. He said he believes the use of all these techniques are needed in the Southeast Asian region, and he hopes that China can take its technologies to these nations.

Li Nan, senior engineer and chief researcher of CNOOC Energy Economics Institute's Section of Ocean Economics, said that China and some RCEP countries can also cooperate to explore the development of marine ranching and marine wind power in an integrated manner.

China already has good practices, he said. With rich wind and fishery resources, these countries also boast suitable geographical conditions for such integrated development. "The introduction of marine wind power can provide more clean energy and reduce the carbon emissions generated by the aquaculture sector."
The federal government has seized more than $5.7 million worth of properties in Oregon that were used for the cultivation of marijuana that a Houston man sold and distributed out of state.

Fayao Paul Rong, 53, was sentenced in federal court in Portland last July to two-and-a-half years in prison for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana.

Rong led a drug-trafficking organization that operated marijuana grow houses in Clatsop, Columbia, Linn, Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, according to federal prosecutors. Fourteen properties were seized, and the owner of a 15th property paid the government $400,000 in lieu of forfeiture.

Rong bought the residential homes and converted them into indoor marijuana grow sites with hired help and then sold the marijuana outside of Oregon, according to federal prosecutors. None of the sites were licensed by the state to grow marijuana.

The more-than-year-long investigation kicked off after the state police became aware of excessive electricity use and several transformer explosions at the various homes, according to court records.

Rong had bought the homes using multiple identities and used them to process marijuana. In a 12-month period starting in August 2020, his drug trafficking ring sold more than $13.2 million in black-market marijuana, according to federal prosecutors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, working with state police, raided 25 properties with search warrants in early September 2021, according to court records.

Investigators seized nearly 33,000 marijuana plants, 1,800 pounds of packaged marijuana, 23 guns, nine vehicles and more than $591,000 in cash.

When arrested, Rong told authorities that he periodically met with a loosely organized group of Chinese individuals at the Hong Kong Cafe restaurant in Portland to exchange information on how to operate indoor marijuana grows in Oregon and the group worked together to sell the marijuana on the black market, according to a federal affidavit.

Rong used other names and corporations as straw names to buy homes, pay for upgrades in utilities and pay utility bills in an effort to disguise his ownership of the homes, according to federal prosecutors.

The case demonstrates the long reach of our commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and mitigating the damage these criminal organizations inflict on neighborhoods and communities, said Natalie Wight, Oregons U.S. attorney.

The proceeds of the forfeited properties are deposited in the U.S. Department of Justices Assets Forfeiture Fund and used to support crime victims and for a variety of other law enforcement purposes.

-- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian or on LinkedIn.

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A 51-year-old man who is accused of murdering a fellow MAX train rider told police he thought he heard voices stating that the victim was going to kill him before he lunged at the victim with a knife without provocation, according to court documents.

Shondel Lamar Larkin told investigators after the Friday evening stabbing that he had been diagnosed with a mental illness, had stopped taking his medications a few months ago and thought people in general wanted to kill him because hes a convicted sex offender, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by the prosecution.

Although video surveillance from the train appears to show no interaction between the men before the attack, witnesses said they heard Larkin exclaim You said you were going to kill me! Larkin told police he thought the victim was wearing an earbud and had stated into it the suspect is right here.

Court documents name the victim as Michael Matthew Brady. He had boarded the train at Pioneer Courthouse Square and was sitting across the aisle from Larkin when Larkin got up and began stabbing him, the affidavit states. Brady, who was unarmed, tried to defend himself as he staggered out of his seat and to the trains doors, the document says.

Larkin stopped stabbing at some point, Brady leaned against the doors and then fell out onto the platform when the train stopped and the doors opened, the document states.

Police officers were the first to arrive at the MAX station shortly after 6 p.m. The officers and then medics from Portland Fire & Rescue and American Medical Response administered life-saving measures, but the victim succumbed to his injuries, according to the affidavit.

Police found Larkin still on the train at the 82nd Avenue station at Northeast Halsey Street. Larkins clothes were stained with blood and he was armed with a knife, which he dropped upon police orders, the affidavit states. He told police he had blanked out before the stabbing.

Larkin was arraigned Monday on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

Court records state his housing status as homeless.

Larkin appears to be the same man who was arrested in 2022 for allegedly peeping into the windows of a womans home in Culver City, Calif.

In July 2023, Larkin was apparently living in the Portland area but extradited to California on a warrant stating that he was a fugitive. Its unclear what happened in California court after that. But by December, law enforcement in California posted Larkins photo on a Wanted web page, stating that theyd issued a warrant for his arrest for failing to comply with electronic monitoring.

The last time anyone died by homicidal violence while riding TriMet was in August 2021, when a 44-year-old homeless man was shot and killed by another passenger on a bus along Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard after getting into a confrontation with a third passenger. Wayne Conrad Thompson, who according to court records had been struggling with his mental health, is being prosecuted under accusations of second-degree murder.

In May 2017, Jeremy Christian launched into a racist rant and then stabbed three fellow riders in their necks on a Northeast Portland MAX train, killing two of them. Christian was sentenced in 2020 to life in prison with no possibility of release.

Fridays homicide on MAX follows a string of relatively recent violent assaults on TriMet buses, trains or property. The attacks include two teens stabbed on a MAX train, a bus driver knifed repeatedly by a passenger who had been awoken after the bus driver told all passengers it was time to get off, a 3-year-old who was pushed onto the MAX tracks by a woman struggling with mental illness and a man whose ear was reportedly bitten off and his face chewed on by a stranger on a MAX platform, all in late 2022 or 2023.

In December 2023, a 23-year-old man was stabbed at or near the Providence Park MAX station, and he died after he stepped through the open doors of a MAX train that had stopped there. His alleged attacker has been charged with second-degree murder.

Despite those incidents, calls reporting assaults on TriMets buses, trains and platforms have been in sharp decline  from about 250 in 2021 to about 100 in 2023 in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

 Aimee Green covers breaking news and the justice system. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or @o_aimee.

Reporter Zane Sparling contributed to this story.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
It takes a lot to make a cheap burger.

A rancher needs to raise the cows. A butcher must ground the meat. A farmer needs to grow, thresh and mill the wheat for a baker to mix into buns. A chef must mix and form the patties, while others grow onions, tomatoes, lettuce, sesame seeds, cucumbers and more. All for a sandwich many customers expect to cost $10 or less.
An eleventh-hour deal will keep the Legacy Health system in-network for some 200,000 patients insured by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon.

The prior agreement between the health system and the insurance company had been set to expire at midnight. Absent a deal, Legacy patients with Regence plans would have had to pay higher out-of-network fees  significantly increasing their out-of-pocket costs  or else find another provider starting Monday.

The two organizations had sparred publicly in recent weeks, each blaming the other for the failure to reach an accord while warning patients of what Legacy had called the very real possibility that the contract would expire.

Its the second time this year that a deal has played out in such dramatic fashion for Regence and a Portland-area health system.

Providence Health & Services reached a deal with Regence on Jan. 15, the day before their contract was set to expire.

Regence and Legacy said little Sunday night about who gave up what to make a deal happen, saying only that there would be no disruption in service.

We are very happy that our patients will continue to see their trusted providers and receive services at our hospitals without interruption, Merrin Permut, Legacys chief population health officer, said in a statement.

-- Elliot Njus edits business news. Contact him at enjus@oregonian.com.

-- Jeff Manning covers business news. Reach him at jmanning@oregonian.com.
Portland design reporter Damon Johnstun will cover the 62th edition of Salone del Mobile, the prestigious furnishing and design show, April 16-21 at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy. The trends and products that debuted during Milan Design Week last year are now in showrooms. Here is a look at what Johnstun calls the Silver Renaissance, the resurgence of silver-toned metals in high-end furnishings.

Milan Design Week 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the design world as silver-toned metals reclaimed the spotlight, triumphing over their more vibrant counterparts. Stainless steel, aluminum and chrome, often relegated to utilitarian roles, have emerged as a dominant trend, challenging the supremacy of matte black, gold, rose gold, brass and bronze.
Intel says it resumed flying its employee shuttle service in and out of Hillsboro Airport on Monday, a year after it suspended the flights amid a steep business downturn.

The air shuttles return apparently reflects the companys improving financial position and, perhaps, a move back to more in-person meetings among employees at Intel sites in Oregon, Arizona and at corporate headquarters in Santa Clara, California.

Intel has 23,000 employees in Washington County, more than anywhere else the chipmaker operates. The Intel Air Shuttle was a popular alternative to driving between the companys Oregon campuses and Portland International Airport, 25 miles away.

Intel had operated 13 flights daily through Hillsboro in past years but had ratcheted that back to eight flights a day after the pandemic. The Port of Portland, which operates Hillsboro Airport, said Intel will now fly up to six times a day but said the companys schedule will vary.

Intel spokesperson Eleonora Akopyan said the company will operate two larger aircraft later in 2024, which could help compensate for the reduction in flights by carrying more employees. She didnt say how big the new airplanes will be or how many passengers the current planes fly.

Flight tracking site FlightAware showed four flights Monday between Hillsboro and San Jose, California, using a 50-passenger jet operated by a corporate air shuttle service.

-- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com or 503-294-7699.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, REGISTER HERE: https://secure.princetonreview.com/event?PSOId=539275 The Princeton Review will be hosting a live Suture Clinic demonstration on Monday, April 1st, and we want you to join! We will provide you with the tools that you need to facilitate the learning experience!

Hosted by: Society of International Pre-Med Students

Additional Information can be found at: https://ou.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10070497
A Texas woman, who faced killing charges for self-administering an abortion and spent two nights in jail, has filed a lawsuit versus prosecutors along the U.S.-Mexico border who started the criminal case, which was later dismissed.

Texas Woman Charged with Murder for Abortion

Lizelle Gonzalez filed the lawsuit in federal court on Thursday, after action was taken versus the district attorney in rural Starr County by the State Bar of Texas in 2022. The charges were brought against Gonzalez under the allegation of "the death of an individual by self-induced abortion."

Despite the abortion regulations in Texas and elsewhere, which exempt women seeking abortion from criminal charges, Gonzalez argues she suffered harm due to her arrest and subsequent media coverage.

The lawsuit asserts that the hospital violated Gonzalez's privacy rights by reporting the abortion to the district attorney's office, leading to an investigation and murder charge against her.

Cecilia Garza, Gonzalez's attorney, stated that prosecutors pursued the indictment despite being aware of the exemption from murder charges for women undergoing abortions under state law.

Starr County District Attorney Gocha Ramirez, who faced disciplinary actions from the State Bar, declined to comment on the lawsuit. Ramirez settled a fine and a probated suspension of his license for 12 months in February as part of an agreement with the State Bar, admitting to making a mistake.

Texas Woman Seeks Legal Claim for Over $1 Million

In 2022, a Texas woman faced arrest and imprisonment for self-induced abortion, with her name and photo swiftly circulating globally. Despite the charges being dropped three days later by the Starr County prosecutor, who later faced disciplinary action, Lizelle Herrera, now Lizelle Gonzalez, claims irreparable damage from the "humiliation" of the widely publicized ordeal.

In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday, Gonzalez is seeking over $1 million from Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez and Assistant District Attorney Alexandria Lynn Barrera.

Although prosecutors commonly enjoy immunity, the lawsuit disagrees they lost this protection by ensuing the case and supposedly misleading the grand jury. Starr County, located in South Texas's Rio Grande Valley, has a population of roughly 65,000.

Gonzalez's accusation happened before Roe v. Wade was reversed and Texas implemented its near-total abortion ban. Despite this, Texas law, both then and now, does not permit murder charges against individuals undergoing abortions. Ramirez conceded this after Gonzalez spent two nights in jail.

The State Bar of Texas investigation found Ramirez attempted to pursue criminal charges for actions not deemed criminal, resulting in a fine and a suspended license for a year. Ramirez declined immediate comment on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit aims to prove Gonzalez's constitutional rights and hold liable those who violated them. Further details disclosed in the lawsuit shed light on the timeline leading to Gonzalez's arrest. Following visits to the Starr County emergency room in January 2022, where Gonzalez was 19 weeks pregnant and purportedly took Cytotec (misoprostol) to induce abortion, hospital employees informed the district attorney's office.

Ramirez's office directly investigated the allegations, presenting them to a grand jury with purportedly false information. Gonzalez's arrest garnered international attention and prompted widespread activism, resulting in her release on bail organized by national advocacy groups.

Ramirez dropped the charges three days later, but the lawsuit claims the media scrutiny persisted, fueled by the politically charged nature of the case.

Gonzalez seeks over $1 million for the adverse effects on her liberty, reputation, emotional well-being, and public perception resulting from the prosecution. No hearing dates have been scheduled.
April Fools' Day, observed on April 1st in the majority of countries, is characterized by the custom of playing practical jokes.

What Happens During April Fool's Day?

These practical hijinks may include actions like pretending someone's shoelaces are untied or sending them on futile errands. Although the day has a long history, its exact origins remain uncertain. It shares similarities with ancient festivals such as the Hilaria in Rome, celebrated on March 25th, and India's Holi, which ends on March 31st.

Some believe the modern custom originated in France with the Edict of Roussillon in 1564, shifting the start of the new year from Easter to January 1st. Those adhering to the old calendar were mockingly dubbed "April Fools." Others contemplate the timing of the day connects to the vernal equinox on March 21st, a period marked by unpredictable weather changes.

While April Fools' Day is commemorated differently across countries, the typical theme is the opportunity to play jokes on others.

In France, the tricked individual is called "poisson d'avril" (April fish), and children often affix paper fish to the backs of unsuspecting friends.

In Scotland, the day is known as Gowkie Day, possibly linked to the cuckoo, symbolizing folly and cuckoldry. Newspapers and media outlets also engage in worldwide by publishing inaccurate headlines or stories as part of the fun.

If you're a family that enjoys playful hijinks, you might find the selection of April Fool's pranks for children enjoyable. Whether your family is seasoned in jest or seldom indulges in humor, a cleverly planned trick is bound to bring laughter. The key lies in knowing your audience and venturing beyond the usual prank calls and typical gags like whoopee cushions.

For some creative inspiration, explore our compilation of April Fool's Day pranks for kids, and perhaps find a few that parents can enjoy too.

10 Practical Jokes Suitable for Children on April Fool's Day

1. Dough... Not

For older kids who can handle a twist in their snack, try transforming an apple into a delicious doughnut with these easy steps:

Peel, core, and halve an apple horizontally. Shape the bottom with a knife to resemble a doughnut. Melt candy melts and dip the apple halves, then add sprinkles. This prank offers a tasty treat with a healthy twist!

2. Cereal Surprise

Add a fun twist to breakfast by hiding realistic-looking gummy worms in your kid's cereal bowl for an amusing reaction.

3. Pop Goes the Carpet

Surprise your child with hidden bubble wrap under their rug for an unexpected "pop" when they step on it.

4. Meatloaf Surprise

Make a savory meatloaf and mashed potato "cake" for dinner, offering a humorous twist on a classic dish.

5. Good-Morning Gag

Trick your kids into thinking it's a school day on a weekend, then surprise them with a special breakfast outing instead.

6. Faux Cookie Dough Dip

Serve up a delicious bean dip that looks like cookie dough, providing a healthy and surprising snack.

7. Charcuterie Change-Up

Create a meat and cheese board with a sweet twist using cookies and candy instead.

8. Micro Meal

Pack a tiny lunch in a matchbox for a humorous surprise.

9. The Colossal Popsicle

Make an oversized ice pop for a delightful prank that can be enjoyed afterward.

10. Trick Treats

Replace candy wrappers with unexpected healthy snacks for a surprising treat.
Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund has completed its fourth investment in just over two years since its closing, with a US$3 million preferred equity investment in Zeepay.



Zeepay specialises as a Mobile Money Challenger, and is currently the biggest non-telco Mobile Money Operator in Africa by balance sheet and revenue with Mobile Money Licenses in six countries - Ghana, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Barbados. Zeepay further terminates remittances into Mobile Money Wallets across all networks, including its own wallets available in six countries. Zeepay has a financial inclusion partnership with UNCDF.



This year marks Zeepay's ten years of existence. The company has over 200 staff, with offices across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.



Andrew Takyi-Appiah, Managing Director of Zeepay, said, "We are happy to welcome Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund, our new shareholder, into the business. Making it the fifth institutional shareholder in less than three years after the initial investment by I&P. The new funding raised will be used to strengthen our financial position in support of our high growth in 2024.



Kwabena Appenteng, Director at Verdant Capital, said, Zeepay offers investors like Verdant an attractive combination of hard currency earnings through its remittance-to-the-wallet business and growth opportunities across the continent. As a testament to the strength of the management team at Zeepay. The business reached profitability earlier in its lifecycle than other fintechs and has maintained strong profitability while growing and diversifying its footprint and revenue base.



Zeepay was advised by JLD & MB Legal Consultancy, the premier and award-winning corporate and commercial law firm in Ghana.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Seven young people between the ages of 12 and 17 were wounded in a shooting outside a shopping mall in downtown Indianapolis late Saturday night, police said.

Police officers patrolling the area heard shots fired near the Circle Centre Mall shortly after 11:30 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Tanya Terry said.
By Ford Turner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A million-dollar bank account pumped up by a burst of donations in 2023 has given Philadelphia state Rep. Jared Solomon a leg up in the quest for statewide name recognition as five candidates seek the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Solomons campaign finance committee account showed a balance of $1,059,429 on March 4, far and away the highest total. Next in line were the committees for Jack Stollsteimer, the Delaware County district attorney, with $518,836; and Joe Khan, an attorney and former Bucks County solicitor, with $342,343.

I think that is the tale of the tape, right there, said Jim Lee, president and CEO of Susquehanna Polling & Research, pointing out that a million dollars can buy a lot of advertising leading up to the April 23 primary election. With five candidates in the race on the Democratic side, communicating a message to the states electors will be paramount.

Jared Solomon's campaign for attorney general has raised more than $1million, far exceeding the amount of cash raised by campaigns of the other 4 Decmoratic candidates. Provided by the League of Women Voters

Indeed, Solomon is the only candidate for attorney general to have run television ads so far this year, having spent over $250,000 on airtime for ads currently running in every Pennsylvania broadcast market, according to AdImpact, which tracks political advertising.

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination. The campaign committee for David Sunday, York County district attorney, showed a balance of $177,250 on March 4, while the committee for state Rep. Craig Williams of Delaware County had $113,528.

Jack Stollsteimer's campaign for attorney general has the second-largest campaign war chest among the 5 Democratic candidates for the office. Alejandro A. Alvarez, The Philadelphia Inquirer via TNS

The state Republican party has endorsed Sunday. Lee said that has made Sunday the favorite to win.

State Democratic leaders did not endorse a candidate.

The other two Democrats among the five are Eugene DePasquale of Pittsburgh, a former state auditor general, and Keir Bradford-Grey of Philadelphia, an attorney and former head of the Defender Association of Philadelphia. As of March 4, DePasquales campaign committee had $138,210 and Bradford-Greys had $114,064.

Prior to any late-race advertising, the Democrat with the most name recognition might be DePasquale, who was state auditor general for two four-year terms after serving in the state House.

Republican attorney general candidate Dave SundayCourtesy candidate Facebook page

DePasquale has won statewide before, said Chris Borick, a professor of political science at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. Any advantage garnered by that, he said, is modest. The other ones may have regional name recognition, because of where they work, Mr. Borick added.

Incumbent Attorney General Michelle Henry, who makes about $197,000 a year, was chosen by Gov. Josh Shapiro to succeed him after Shapiro was elected governor in 2022. She is not running for election.

The attorney general is the states top law enforcement officer, with a staff of several hundred prosecutors, attorneys, investigators, agents and support staffers. The budget for the office this year is about $139 million.

Both Shapiro  elected attorney general in 2016  and Tom Corbett, elected eight years earlier, ended up becoming governor. In between, 2012 election winner Kathleen Kane ultimately resigned as attorney general and went to prison on a perjury conviction.

Some observers believe that with presidential, U.S. Senate and state General Assembly candidates also on the ballot, the average voter on April 23 may give little thought to the attorney general race  or the races for state treasurer and auditor general.

I dont think most voters even understand the row office positions, said Lori McFarland, Lehigh County Democratic Committee chairperson. The Berks County Democratic chairperson, Kevin Boughter, said of the attorney general contest, For the people who are political nerds, that race comes to the forefront for them.

Not everyone believes the candidates campaign totals are of supreme importance. Sam DeMarco, who chairs the Allegheny County Republican Committee, said hes seen outside groups spend big money late in a state-level campaign.

That money doesnt show up on a candidates campaign finance report.

Borick said the March 4 campaign totals should not be overlooked when rating a candidates strength. Also telling, he said, is whether their money came from a few megadonors or a lot of small donors.

Solomon built most of his million-dollar stash last year.

He ran for the 202nd House District seat in 2014 and lost in the Democratic primary to longtime incumbent Mark Cohen. Two years later, he defeated Cohen in the primary and had no Republican opponent in November. He has been re-elected three times since then.

His year-end campaign committee totals never surpassed $131,000 until Dec. 31, 2022, when it reached $253,143. A year later, it was $1,017,447. Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton was by far the single largest donor during 2023, giving a total of $150,000 to the campaign.

Dozens of individuals, organizations or committees donated between $5,000 and $10,000 to Mr. Solomons campaign last year, and hundreds donated between $1,000 and $4,999.

Stollsteimer, who had the second-highest campaign balance on March 4, received more donations in the first nine weeks of this year than Solomon did. Stollsteimers total donations for the period were $232,737, and Solomon had $170,173.

Stollsteimers largest donors in that most recent reporting period were the Greater PA Carpenters Council, $50,000; Laborers District Council PAC, $25,000; and Susannah Rouse, Gupreet Singh, and Plumbers Union Local 690 Election Political Action Fund, each with $10,000.

All things being equal, if you are getting money late, it signals a bit of momentum and energy in the campaign, Borick said.

The Democratic and Republican primary elections winners will face Forward Party candidate Eric Settle in the November election.
A Match 6 Lotto ticket sold in Berks County for the Friday, March 29, drawing is worth $1,070,000, according to the Pennsylvania Lottery.

The ticket matched all six winning numbers, 1-5-8-11-13-28, lottery officials said in a press release.

The Rite Aid located at 4630 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, will earn a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Winners are not known until the tickets have been validated and the prizes have been claimed, lottery officials said in the release.

The winnings will automatically appear in the players account once the claim has been processed.

Over 53,300 other Match 6 Lotto tickets also won prizes in Fridays drawing. Lottery officials remind players to check their tickets every time.

In a separate press release, Pennsylvania lottery officials said a Powerball ticket worth $1 million was also sold in Berks County.
A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was sold for the Saturday, March 30, drawing in Berks County, according to the Pennsylvania Lottery.

The ticket matched five of the five white balls drawn -- 12-13-33-50-52 -- but did not match the red Powerball 23.

Paulinos Deli & Grocery, 555 N. Ninth St., Reading, will get a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Winners are not known until the tickets have been validated and the prizes have been claimed, lottery officials said in a press release.

Winners should immediately sign the back of their ticket. They have one year to claim their prize.

Over 167,600 other PA Lottery Powerball tickets won prizes of various amounts in Saturdays drawing, lottery officials said, adding that the current jackpot run has generated over $77 million in sales in Pa.

The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $975 million after no one matched the six numbers drawn Saturday night, continuing a nearly three-month stretch without a big winner. No one has won Powerballs top prize since New Years Day.
By WAFAA SHURAFA, SAMY MAGDY and TIA GOLDENBERG, Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israels military withdrew from Gazas largest hospital early Monday after a two-week raid, in which it said it killed some 200 militants and detained hundreds more. Palestinian residents said the troops left behind several bodies and a vast swath of destruction.

The military has described the raid on Shifa Hospital as one of the most successful of the nearly six-month war. But it came at a time of mounting frustration in Israel, with tens of thousands protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday and demanding he do more to bring home dozens of hostages held in Gaza. It was the largest anti-government demonstration since the start of the war.

The fighting showed that Hamas can still put up resistance even in one of the hardest-hit areas. Israel said it had largely dismantled Hamas in northern Gaza and withdrew thousands of troops late last year, leaving a security vacuum that has made it difficult to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid.

The military said that among those killed were senior Hamas operatives and other militants who had regrouped there after an earlier raid in November, and that it seized weapons and valuable intelligence.

The U.N. health agency said more than 20 patients died and dozens were put at risk during the raid, which brought even further destruction to a hospital that had already largely ceased to function.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities. Health officials in Gaza deny those allegations. Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with war-wounded. Palestinians say Israeli troops forcibly evacuated homes near Shifa in downtown Gaza City and forced hundreds of residents to march south.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesman, said Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group had established their main northern headquarters inside the hospital. He described days of close-quarters fighting and blamed Hamas for the destruction, saying some fighters had barricaded themselves inside hospital wards while others launched mortar rounds at the compound.

He said the troops had arrested some 900 suspected militants during the raid, including more than 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, and seized over $3 million in different currencies, as well as weapons.

He denied that any civilians had been harmed by Israeli forces, saying the army had evacuated more than 200 of the estimated 300 to 350 patients and delivered food, water and medical supplies to the rest. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the raid along with some 200 militants, the military said.

Mohammed Mahdi, who was among hundreds of Palestinians who returned to the area, described a scene of total destruction. He said several buildings had been burned down and that he had counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

Video footage circulating online showed heavily damaged and charred buildings, mounds of dirt that had been churned up by bulldozers and patients on stretchers in darkened corridors.

Another resident, Yahia Abu Auf, said army bulldozers had even plowed up a makeshift cemetery in Shifas courtyard.

The situation is indescribable, he said. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late Sunday on X, formerly Twitter.

He said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients. He also said there were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration.

The military had previously raided Shifa in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control center inside and beneath the compound. It revealed a tunnel running beneath the hospital that led to a few rooms, as well as weapons it said it had confiscated from inside medical buildings, but nothing on the scale of what it had alleged prior to that raid.

The war began on Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,782 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 13,000 Hamas fighters, without providing evidence, and blames the civilian death toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territorys population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine. Northern Gaza, where Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger.

Even as Israel has turned its focus to other parts of Gaza this year, its troops have battled militants in the north on a number of occasions, and the two weeks of heavy fighting around Shifa highlighted the staying power of the armed groups.

Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all of the hostages are freed. He says Israel will soon expand ground operations to the southern city of Rafah, where some 1.4 million people  more than half of Gazas population  have sought refuge.

But he faces mounting pressure from Israelis who blame him for the security failures of Oct. 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Allied countries, including main backer the United States, have warned him against an invasion of Rafah.

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
By Melanie Lindman, Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, The Associated Press

JERUSALEM  Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October. Protesters urged the government to reach a cease-fire deal to free dozens of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas militants and to hold early elections.

Israeli society was broadly united immediately after Oct. 7, when Hamas killed some 1,200 people during a cross-border attack and took 250 others hostage. Nearly six months of conflict have renewed divisions over the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though the country remains largely in favor of the war.

Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and bring all the hostages home, yet those goals have been elusive. While Hamas has suffered heavy losses, it remains intact.

Roughly half the hostages in Gaza were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. But attempts by international mediators to bring home the remaining hostages have failed. Talks resumed on Sunday with no signs that a breakthrough was imminent.

Hostages families believe time is running out, and they are getting more vocal about their displeasure with Netanyahu.

We believe that no hostages will come back with this government because theyre busy putting sticks in the wheels of negotiations for the hostages, said Boaz Atzili, whose cousin, Aviv Atlizi and his wife, Liat, were kidnapped on Oct. 7. Liat was released but Aviv was killed, and his body is in Gaza. Netanyahu is only working in his private interests.

PROTESTERS HAVE MANY GRIEVANCES

Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of Oct. 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel ahead of the attack. Some accuse him of damaging relations with the United States, Israels most important ally.

Netanyahu is also facing a litany of corruption charges which are slowly making their way through the courts, and critics say his decisions appear to be focused on political survival over the national interest. Opinion polls show Netanyahu and his coalition trailing far behind their rivals if elections were held today.

Unless his governing coalition falls apart sooner, Netanyahu wont face elections until spring of 2026.

Many families of hostages had refrained from publicly denouncing Netanyahu to avoid antagonizing the leadership and making the hostages plight a political issue. But as their anger grows, some now want to change course  and they played a major role in Sundays anti-government protest.

The crowd on Sunday stretched for blocks around the Knesset, or parliament building, and organizers vowed to continue the demonstration for several days. They urged the government to hold new elections nearly two years ahead of schedule. Thousands also demonstrated Sunday in Tel Aviv, where there was a large protest the night before.

People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group outside of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Sunday, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)AP

Netanyahu, in a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery later Sunday, said he understood families pain. But he said calling new elections  in what he described as a moment before victory  would paralyze Israel for six to eight months and stall the hostage talks. For now, Netanyahus governing coalition appears to remain firmly intact.

Some hostage families agree that now is not the time for elections.

I dont think that changing the prime minister now is what will advance and help my son to come home, Sheli Shem Tov, whose son Omer was kidnapped from a music festival, told Israels Channel 12. To go to elections now will just push to the side the most burning issue, which is to return the hostages home.

In his Sunday address, Netanyahu also repeated his vow for a military ground offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than half of territorys population of 2.3 million now shelters after fleeing fighting elsewhere. There is no victory without going into Rafah, he said, adding that U.S. pressure would not deter him. Israels military says Hamas battalions remain there.

In another reminder of Israels divisions, a group of reservists and retired officers demonstrated in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood.

Ultra-Orthodox men for generations have received exemptions from military service, which is compulsory for most Jewish men and women. Resentment over that has deepened during the war. Netanyahus government has been ordered to present a new plan for a more equitable draft law by Monday.

Netanyahu, who relies heavily on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, last week asked for an extension.

The Bank of Israel said in its annual report on Sunday that there could be economic damage if large numbers of ultra-Orthodox men continue not to serve in Israels military.

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE HITS TENT CAMP AT HOSPITAL

Also Sunday, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp in the courtyard of a crowded hospital in central Gaza, killing two Palestinians and wounding another 15, including journalists working nearby.

An Associated Press reporter filmed the strike and aftermath at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where thousands of people have sheltered. The Israeli military said it struck a command center of the Islamic Jihad militant group.

Tens of thousands of people have sought shelter in Gazas hospitals, viewing them as relatively safe from airstrikes. Israel accuses Hamas and other militants of operating in and around medical facilities, which Gazas health officials deny.

Israeli troops have been raiding Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest, for nearly two weeks and say they have killed scores of fighters, including senior Hamas operatives. Gazas Health Ministry said more than 100 patients remain with no potable water and septic wounds, while doctors use plastic bags for gloves.

Not far from Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, dozens of members of Gazas tiny Palestinian Christian community gathered at the Holy Family Church to celebrate Easter, with incense wafting through the rare building that appeared untouched by war.

We are here with sadness, attendee Winnie Tarazi said. About 600 people shelter in the compound.

Members of the 'Brothers in Arms' reservist protest group wave Israeli flags during a demonstration in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim, demanding equality in Israel's military service, in Jerusalem on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)AP

GAZAS DEATH TOLL NEARS 33,000 AND HUNGER GROWS

The United Nations and partners warn that famine could occur in devastated, largely isolated northern Gaza. Humanitarian officials say deliveries by sea and air are not enough and that Israel must allow far more aid by road. Egypt has said thousands of trucks are waiting.

Israel says it places no limits on deliveries of humanitarian aid. It has blamed the U.N. and other international agencies for the failure to distribute more aid.

Gazas Health Ministry said Sunday that at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but it has said that women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed.

Israel says over one-third of the dead are militants, though it has not provided evidence, and it blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates in residential areas.

Amid concerns about a wider conflict in the region, Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli drone struck a car in the southern Lebanese town of Konin.

A Lebanese security official told The Associated Press that Hezbollah militant Ismail al-Zain was killed, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Israels military called al-Zain a significant commander. Hezbollah confirmed the death.

Late Sunday, a Palestinian attacker stabbed three people in southern Israel, seriously wounding them, said the Hatzalah rescue service. Police said the attacker was shot, but gave no further details on his condition.

Magdy reported from Cairo and Shurafa from Deir al-Balah. Associated Press writer Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report

Find more of APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
By AUDREY McAVOY, The Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP)  Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona battleship that exploded and sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has died. He was 102.

Conter died on Monday at his home in Grass Valley, California, following congestive heart failure, his daughter, Louann Daley said, adding she was beside him along with two of her brothers, James and Jeff.

The Arizona lost 1,177 sailors and Marines in the 1941 attack that launched the United States into World War II. The battleships dead account for nearly half of those killed in the attack.

Conter was a quartermaster, standing on the main deck of the Arizona as Japanese planes flew overhead at 7:55 a.m. on Dec. 7 that year. Sailors were just beginning to hoist colors or raise the flag when the assault began.

Conter recalled how one bomb penetrated steel decks 13 minutes into the battle and set off more than 1 million pounds of gunpowder stored below.

The explosion lifted the battleship 30 to 40 feet out of the water, he said during a 2008 oral history interview stored at the Library of Congress. Everything was on fire from the mainmast forward, he said.

Guys were running out of the fire and trying to jump over the sides, Conter said. Oil all over the sea was burning.

Pearl Harbor survivor Lou Conter, then 98, center, attended the 2019 ceremony on the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, file)AP

His autobiography The Lou Conter Story recounts how he joined other survivors in tending to the injured, many of them blinded and badly burned. The sailors only abandoned ship when their senior surviving officer was sure they had rescued all those still alive.

The rusting wreckage of the Arizona still lies where it sank. More than 900 sailors and Marines remain entombed inside. Only 335 Arizona crew members survived.

Conter went to flight school after Pearl Harbor, earning his wings to fly PBY patrol bombers, which the Navy used to look for submarines and bomb enemy targets. He flew 200 combat missions in the Pacific with a Black Cats squadron, which conducted dive bombing at night in planes painted black.

In 1943, he and his crew where shot down in waters near New Guinea and had to avoid sharks. A sailor expressed doubt they would survive, to which Conter replied, baloney.

Dont ever panic in any situation. Survive is the first thing you tell them. Dont panic or youre dead, he said. They were quiet and treaded water until another plane came hours later and dropped them a lifeboat.

In the late 1950s, he was made the Navys first SERE officer  an acronym for survival, evasion, resistance and escape. He spent the next decade training Navy pilots and crew on how to survive if theyre shot down in the jungle and captured as a prisoner of war. Some of his pupils used his lessons as POWs in Vietnam.

Conter retired in 1967 after 28 years in the Navy.

Conter was born in Ojibwa, Wisconsin, on Sept. 13, 1921. His family later moved to Colorado where he walked five miles one way to school outside Denver.

He enlisted in the Navy after he turned 18, getting $17 a month and a hammock for his bunk at boot camp.

Conter had been getting weaker and weaker in recent months and was hospitalized for 10 days in February, his daughter said. He had been in hospice since returning home.

He told his family he loved them, thanked them for being with him and taking care of him at home.

Im glad hes at peace. Im glad he didnt suffer. I know when he transitioned over, he had so many people there waiting for him - his wife Val, who he loved dearly, Daley said.

Conter is also survived by another son, Tony, and a stepson Ron Fudge, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements were pending. The family plans to bury him in Grass Valley, next to his late wife Valerie, who died in 2016 after they had been married for 45 years.

With Conters death, there are now 19 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack still living, according to Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. About 87,000 military personnel were on Oahu on Dec. 7, according to a rough estimate compiled by military historian J. Michael Wenger.
CM Punk showed up on Ariel Helwanis MMA Hour podcast Monday and broke his silence regarding his release from AEW.

And he went scorched earth when talking about his former company and owner Tony Khan.

Punk was famously fired by Khan after an incident between he and wrestler Jack Perry at last years AEW All In show in London. Rumors have run rampant about what exactly happened there, in part, because Khan reportedly said he feared for his life, when announcing that he terminated Punk.

But Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, had a different story to tell to Helwani.

Tonys big idea was to do a separate show, he said referencing Khans want to have Punk and The Young Bucks on different shows so they didnt have to work together. We are going to separate everybody, and I said, Thats never going t work. Just let me go. Just get me out of here. Just pay me my money. Ive already been off TV. I hurt this arm. Just get me out of here.

Punk said Khan insisted that he would give him AEWs Saturday night Collision show while keeping The Young Bucks and their friends on the companys Wednesday Dynamite show.

Just let me go, Punk said he responded. Its best. These guys dont want me here. This isnt a real business. This isnt a real business predicated on making money, drawing money, selling tickets, you know doing business. Its not what it was sold to me as.

Punk said issues began with the second Collision show.

Im sitting in catering, minding my own business, and Tony Schiavone comes nad gets me and hes like, Hey, I really need your help, and I was like, What?. And he was like, Jack is cursing me out and he has cursed out (the crew and the doctor).

I was like, dude isnt supposed to be here, Punk continued. I was told people were getting separated so there shouldnt be problems, and you dont want me involved in this because just like everything else Ive explained before, you all need to handle this because if you dont, Im going to handle it and youre not going to like the way I handle it.

Prophetic words.

Punk said the issue was that Perry wanted to smash the window out of a rental car with a bat, and that the doctor on site didnt want him working with real glass. Also, Punk said  it was a rental car.

I was like this is a rental car, and I very politely, because I like Jack, I said, Doc has told you no, Darryl told you no, Mike has told you no, Tony Schiavone has told you no, and now Im telling you no. We dont do that here. If you want to do that, go to Wednesday and do that.

And he said, OK, I just thought it was a really cool idea.

That was it, Punk added. I didnt think there was going to be a problem.

But, at All In, Perry slammed Hook onto a car windshield, looked into the camera and said, Real glass, cry me a river.

It was obviously directed at me, Punk told Helwani.

I went to Tony (backstage), and I was like, Please handle that. Like, please, Punk said. (Khan) was like, Well what do you want me to do? And I was like, Im not telling you what to do. Just be the boss, please. Im telling you Im tired of this (expletive). I told you this was a mistake. I told you separate shows wasnt going to work, and now we are all here. You know, please handle it because if you dont, you are not going to like the way I handle it.

Helwani asked Punk if Khan handled it.

No, Punk responded.

Then Helwani asked Punk exactly what happened in the infamous altercation.

I walk up to him, and Im like, Jack, why do you insist on doing this dumb internet (expletive) on TV? And hes just like, Well if you got a problem about it, do something about it. And I was like, Oh come on man, Ill (expletive) kill you. What are we doing?

I thought I did the responsible thing, Punk said. I didnt punch anybody. I just choked him a little bit. I turned to Tony (Khan) and said, This place is a (expletive) joke man. Youre a clown. I quit.

Punk said he then went back to his dressing room, but decided to wrestle his match with Samoa Joe later that night after talking to Joe and agent, Jerry Lynn.

Punk said the last time he talked to Khan was backstage that night at Wembley Stadium. He said that he felt that narrative that Khan shared around his departure from the company was part of a concerted effort to slander me and to try to ruin my career and stuff like that.

Helwani asked him what it was like to work for Khan.

I dont like the drama, but the truth is the truth, he said. He is not a boss. Hes a nice guy, and I think ultimately that is a detriment to the company, but its not my company. Im an outsider. I thought I was brough in to sell merchandise and tickets and draw numbers for pay-per-views and I did that. But that is clearly not what that place is about.

Punk also discussed previous incidents that led to his initial suspension from the company following his infamous post-event press scrum. As part of that, he claimed that Adam Page went into business for himself, changing an arranged promo in the ring, but said he was professional and went along with it.

I thought I was being professional by not just murdering him on live television, Punk said. Everything went off the rails from there. Its a shame.

As for talking about it, Punk said he has nothing to hide.

I didnt have to sign an NDA for anything I did wrong, he said.
The Pennsylvania dairy industry got a boost last month in its eternal quest for market stability and  dare we say it, growth  as one of the nations larger farmer-owned cooperatives launched its first dairy processing operations in the state.

The Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative acquired and took over operations of an existing ultra-pasteurization plant in northeast Philadelphia on March 1. First and foremost, that saved the jobs of about 178 plant workers.

In the not-too-distant future, it could also mean an expanded market for hundreds of Pennsylvania farms milk, as Maryland & Virginia  known by some as MDVA for short  also announced plans to more than double milk processing capacity at the site within two years.

And for non-farmers? That, in the long-term, may help more farms stay in active production in a neighborhood near you. Heres why.

Making the milk you want

This kind of expansion has been something of a holy grail for Pennsylvania dairy farmers for many years, as the industry has battled flat consumer demand for beverage milk and increasing competition from all kinds of dairy substitutes.

Pennsylvania lost a chance to land a major new processor last year, when Coca-Cola chose to open a new Fairlife plant in New York state.

MDVA, though, sees new opportunity for its member farmers in Philly because the former HP Hood plant there offers ultra-pasteurization  a super-heating, fast-cooling formula that creates a product with a much longer shelf life than traditional pasteurization.

The new process is ideal for the kinds of value-added dairy products like whipping cream, half-and-half and fitness and recovery drinks in which dairies have seen growth in in recent years, and that still get their farmers the best prices as a sale of Grade A, or fluid milk.

Ultra-pasteurized milk products are pulling the largest value or return back to our farmer owners... So really this is sort of realizing this peak potential of what we can do with milk in the marketplace, said cooperative spokeswoman Amanda Culp.

Until now, MDVA has made its ultra-pasteurized product at co-packing facilities  another plant that is under contract to make the product for the cooperatives Maola retail label.

Now, with its own ultra-pasteurized production lines, executive vice president Lindsay Reames said, the cooperative will have a freer hand to increase production and tap the full growth potential in those products.

As production increases, proximity will also help in the work of expanding Maolas presence in store cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and beyond.

The cooperative did not announce the purchase price for the Philadelphia plant because of a non-disclosure agreement with HP Hood.

But it has pledged that more investment is coming. The company, as part of its acceptance of $10 million in state funding, has committed to boost production capacity from 10 million to 25 million gallons annually over a two-year period.

A bumpy ride

With the theme of Connecting Our Communities, the 33rd butter sculpture is revealed at the Pa. Farm Show in Harrisburg. January 4, 2024. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.comDan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

The dairy business has veered between a bumpy ride and just plain decline in Pennsylvania for about 20 years now.

According to federal data, the total number of farms with milking cows in the state has been more than halved since the start of the century, and the states aggregate dairy herd has shrunk by 24 percent since 2000, from 617,000 to 468,000 in 2022.

So, fewer farms and somewhat larger herds on average.

According to the last Agriculture Census, dairy ($2.5 billion in farm sales) has also been edged out by the poultry business ($2.6 billion) as Pennsylvanias single-biggest ag sector in terms of the dollar value of annual production.

But dairys proponents still see a clear future for the business, given the states natural resources, historic dairy infrastructure and the proximity to so many major markets, plus access to seaports for international export.

Pennsylvania, at the moment, still ranks 6th in the nation in terms of the size of its dairy herd, and second in the number of active farms.

Finding a market for that milk is critical. State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said last week that the quest to find new dairy processing to help reverse the recent slides continues.

But the MDVA decision is a big deal, too, he said.

Yes, it was an operating, functioning dairy processing plant previously. However, that milk that was coming to feed that plant was coming from all over the mid-Atlantic region, Redding said. It could have been flowing down from New York. It was coming up from Virginia. It came across from Ohio.

Now, you have 720 farms in Pennsylvania that are Maryland Virginia members and their milk is feeding that plant.

David Poole, whose family runs a 190-cow dairy farm near Robesonia in Berks County, is one of them. He gave voice to what it means recently during an informal turn-key celebration at the Philadelphia plant.

Seeing this plant open here in Pennsylvania means a lot to me and the farmers across the state, Poole said. It means more opportunity to sell our milk into value-added products. It means more certainty in the marketplace. And it means more certainty for our farm and our future generations.

Maryland & Virginia is the third-largest of the dairy cooperatives in Pennsylvania, trailing Land OLakes and Dairy Farmers of America.

But dont let the name deceive you.

With about 80 percent of MDVAs 900 member farms located in the Keystone State, whats good for the cooperative is very definitely good for Pennsylvania dairy  many of them family-owned farms in the southeastern and south-central regions.

It is a big deal, there is no question about it. We take it a tremendous vote of confidence in Pennsylvania, Redding said. They could have done this plant somewhere else and had the same vision. They did it here.

Looking for Maola

Maryland & Virginias Maola brand is in Food Lion, Giant Food and Shoppers Food groceries, and sold in the grocery departments at some Costco and Sams Club stores. Most of general retail sales occur now in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, Culp said.

Redding said a push is coming for greater retail market penetration in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Now that its here, theyre making a really strong play for the retail sector to include grocery stores and convenience stores, and the restaurant and institutional buyers, he said.

Aside from the Philadelphia plant, MDVA has two ingredients plants that make milk powder, cream and butter that moves, on an industrial scale, to other food processors. We have dozens of customer relationships for these types of ingredients, Culp said.

The cooperatives four existing dairy plants are more traditional dairies that make the typical plastic jugs now seen in grocery cases.

The new Pennsylvania plant will increase the cooperatives overall capacity, but also give MDVA its important entree into the ultra-pasteurized market.

Our job as a dairy cooperative is to provide certainty to our farmers, knowing that their milk always has a home, said Culp. Weve a done a pretty darn good job at that. But this addition in Philadelphia just brings that even greater level of certainty to the farmers who own our cooperative.

Redding said what he really likes about the cooperatives deal it that folks at the farm level have ownership in a significant processing plant.

Making the leap from simply supplying raw milk to somebody else, to adding value to that milk by way of their own plant, he said, is a really strong statement of what consumers want and need.

But its also where the predictability and, I think, comfort comes at the farm level in terms of being able to make those types of long-term investments knowing that youve got a long-term play in a plant thats going to produce what people actually want and are telling you every day they are ready to buy.
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If you somehow managed to escape the torrent of conservative hysterics and outrage about President Bidens Easter Egg rules, congratulations, you have made some really exceptional life choices.

For the rest of us, you couldnt miss the noise. Conservative outlets like Fox News and the Daily Caller spent the weekend in hysterics over a flyer noting 45 year old rules about an Easter egg decorating contest. You see, the rules ban questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements.

Ex-president Donald Trump shared the Fox News article on Truth Social, even though the rule was in place during his administration, too. But the truth has no place here, in the conservative echo chamber of disinformation and performative outrage.

Donald Trump, Jr got in on the show, writing on Twitter, Biden is banning religious symbols from Easter celebrations at the White House, while flying the trans flag and declaring Easter Sunday to be Trans Visibility Day. This is the lefts new religion. They want people worshiping the trans flag instead of God. They must be stopped.

Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) claimed over a screengrab of the Fox News article on Twitter that President Biden bans Christian symbols from the White House Easter egg roll. Disgraceful.

Newt Gingrich wasnt going to let the moment go by without his trademark disingenuous outrage:

The takeaway from all of this was that a bunch of people spent Easter weekend lying:

And sure, liberals got upset a lot during the Trump administration, sometimes even over things that werent actually happening. But Democratic leaders and former presidents didnt lead the charge over things that were business as usual. The outrage over policy disagreements like deliberate separation of families at the border was genuine and based on principles the U.S. is supposed to uphold. These kinds of Trump policies led to a fear that then generalized, given the constant horror of those four years.

The American Egg Board, which supports the White House Egg Roll, was forced to say in a statement reported by NBC News, The American Egg Board has been a supporter of the White House Easter Egg Roll for over 45 years and the guideline language referenced in recent news reports has consistently applied to the board since its founding, across administrations.

The White House even had to weigh in as the histrionics reached unbearable levels.

*Fyi on all the misleading swirl re White House and Easter: the American Egg Board flyers standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Adminsfor all WH Easter Egg Rolls incl previous Administrations.  Elizabeth Alexander (@EAlexander46) March 30, 2024

Fox News added an undated update at the end of the article, which basically makes their entire article moot because it points out that this rule has been in place for a long time. The original article was published on March 29, and there is no notice on the article that it has been clarified or updated. Was it updated immediately or days after it was published?

The title remains and it is misleading at best:

In between bouts of performative outrage about fictional changes to Easter Egg rules, Republicans spent their Easter weekend also attacking President Biden for honoring Transgender Visibility Day, which is always on March 31, but this year fell on Easter Sunday.

These attacks are coordinated, which suggests that the MAGA outrage is fake and performative:

So, why did they spend Easter weekend lying about President Biden? This is a question that will apply more and more as the election heats up, so its worth answering clearly.

Conservatives spent Easter weekend lying about President Biden and trying to divide Americans because they cannot run on their policies, and so they depend upon turning us on one another in any way possible.

Usually this desperation to avoid actual policy discussion leads them to fall on the easy out for a base primed to fall for racism by ginning up fear about crime and border dog whistles. They round this out with attacks on trans people, women, and any other vulnerable groups they can attack. Yes, this is the opposite of what they claim to stand for. That is to say, this is the opposite behavior one would expect from folks claiming the moral high ground because they wear a cross or sell Bibles or wrap themselves in the flag.

You will know them by what they do, not what they say. As Matthew 7:15-20 warns: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.

If youre wondering what kind of policies could be so bad that conservatives would spend Easter weekend lying about stupid, easily debunked things like an Easter egg decorating contest, well Anti-abortionists are actually plotting to restrict IVF:

The anti-abortion movements short-term goal is to calm Republicans political panic and prevent any legislation they see as harmful to their long-term effort, like the bill Alabama GOP lawmakers approved earlier this month that provides civil and criminal immunity to IVF providers for any death or damage to embryos. Long-term, they would like to not only regulate IVF but also other reproductive technologies not yet in use, like in vitro gametogenesis and artificial wombs.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said he expects the panic to subside and for lawmakers to eventually embrace restrictions on IVF, such as youre limited to the creation of three embryos, as opposed to a dozen or whatever.

In other words, if Republicans can turn your attention from the loss of your medical freedom via their overturn of Roe to the outrage of fictional new regulations about Easter egg decorations, thats a win for them.

If they can cleverly hide their true intentions to restrict IVF and other reproductive technologies by focusing your attention on their outrage about trans people being acknowledged on a day that also happens to be Easter, well  this is all a win for them.

The goal is to flood the zone with lies, accusations, fake impeachment efforts, smearing of the presidents family name, and culture wars. All of these things are meant to work on emotions. They are effective, too, because most people vote on emotions rather than policy. And thats why its important to pull back from the agitation and even the outrage about the lies, to unplug from the anger and the hurt, and to look at what is actually going on.

When a political party cannot discuss their actual policies because their policies are harmful for the average person and small business, they will instead distract with culture wars and performative outrage.

This isnt to suggest that conservatives arent actually outraged about trans people being acknowledged on Easter, but rather that the elites know that pointing this out will enrage their base, which is already primed to focus on trans people as *the problem*.

Every time you hear a new lie or divisive culture war issue wading into an area meant to take rights away from someone else, ask yourself what this politician might be hiding, from what might they wish to deflect your attention?

If you think that conservatives wont rush to vote based on a lie about Easter egg decorations, Im sorry to tell you this is absolutely inaccurate: They will. Or rather, they will vote based on the accumulation of years of culture war lies, all of which confirm pre-existing biases. They wont look into their own wallet to ask questions about a party whose financial policies serve the elites first and last, with a deceptive short term topping for the workers like Trumps tax cuts, because theyve been primed to fall into line to associate with the Republican version of Jesus (that is to say, a nasty hateful person who divides people) and the Republican version of the U.S.A., which is a country that closes its borders to all non-whites, is isolationist and defensive, and ultimately not cedes its superpower to close off and make way for President Putin.

The Easter weekend of lies was coordinated, it was performative, it was a show meant to distract you, the voters, from reality.

And this is why we cant have nice things anymore. Even Easter eggs have been politicized and attacked by conservatives.

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[wpedon id=344887 align=center]
BEAUFORT  When Beaufort County Council considered a motion to spend $1 million on a conservation easement for a property in neighboring Jasper County, the enthusiasm among council members was palpable.

The motion, which was approved unanimously March 25, was likely the first time in the history of South Carolina that a county invested to conserve property beyond its borders. It was a historic moment, the gravity of which was not lost on council.

"Truly, this is Beaufort County making the impossible possible," said Council Chair Joseph Passiment.

The funding came from the county's Green Space Program, a 1 percent sales tax that will raise $100 million for land preservation over two years. The program features an innovation that allows council to spend tax dollars outside the county.

The land at the center of this discussion was the 4,409-acre Gregorie Neck property. Located in the heart of the Port Royal Sound watershed, where the Broad River is formed by the confluence of the Coosawhatchie and Tulifiny rivers, it's notable for its 13 miles of shoreline, a diversity of wildlife and a well-managed landscape.

It's also notable because 1.7 miles of Interstate 95 bisects the northern edge of the property, a fact that could have easily resulted in the property being developed for residential, commercial or industrial uses, said Kate Schaefer of the Beaufort-based Open Land Trust.

Councilman York Glover noted that while the money was going into Jasper County, the conservation benefits will flow down the Broad River into Beaufort County.
It is something Jamie Roper sees and hears often, in both her professional and her personal life.

As coordinator for the Mayors Office on Aging in Charleston, Roper fields messages from families caring for a loved one with dementia who have nowhere else to turn.

I get a lot of those calls, calls from families who are frantic, she said. They dont know what to do, their loved one is becoming combative. Where do I go, I dont know what to do. I have to work. How do I get help? 

But Roper also hears it from the family of a close friend, caring for a woman she considers a second mother to her, who are facing the same issues with her dementia.

It is one reason Roper and others with the South Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimers Association are lobbying to get $1.1 million added to the South Carolina Department of Agings budget to fund 10 dementia care specialists. That would be one for each of the states 10 regions for aging services. It would be similar to successful programs already running in other states, such as Georgia and Wisconsin, said Taylor Wilson, director of government affairs for South Carolina.

Were starting to see more of this focus on providing hyper-local support to families facing a dementia diagnosis, she said.

And the reason for that is simple: resources available in one area of the state are very different than those in another, particularly for rural areas. The family of a newly diagnosed patient in Cheraw, for example, is facing a situation where the nearest neurologist is miles away in Conway and the nearest support group is in Florence, Wilson said, while those resources are more abundant elsewhere in the state.

But a lot of those families have similar concerns: I need a break as a caregiver, I need some resources, I need some education. I need to know how to deal with difficult behaviors with my loved one, Wilson said. The Alzheimers Association has an excellent hotline to connect families with some services and the state can provide things like vouchers for respite care. But they may not know about local resources just up the road, she said.
Last Sunday, I was asked to bring the morning sermon for a wonderful church in the country called Mt. Lebanon Methodist. I had a dream recently about delivering a message and when I awoke, I went I into my office and asked God to please not let it dissipate before I could write down as much  Read moreThe dynamic relationship between love and prayer
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 17:17:27

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Arrow Marketsraises $4 million in funding to revolutionize crypto options trading. Their hybrid request-for-execution (RFE) takes it one step further from a request-for-quote (RFQ) system. by providing a seamless, user-friendly experience to provide efficient options prices to users by delegating key aspects of trust to the blockchain. Arrow Markets is a global project with participation from Framework Ventures, Delphi Ventures, and the Avalanche Blizzard ecosystem fund. This round comes at a valuation of $75M demonstrating investors' confidence in the burgeoning DeFi options market and the ability of Arrow Markets to capture significant market share.Monthly options trading volume for bitcoin reached a record high last year, with over$38Bacross major crypto derivatives exchanges. Arrow Markets introduces a sophisticated Request-for-Execution (RFE) system to seamlessly provide quotes for option contracts on Avalanche's C-chain. Arrow is poised to be the go-to solution for retail options traders with competitive prices, a polished product that rivals the UX of centralized exchanges."We are excited to back Arrow Markets to help fuel the growth of on-chain options market," said Roy Learner, Principal at Framework Ventures. Crypto options have historically struggled to gain widespread adoption due to capital inefficiency and illiquidity. Arrow's hybrid exchange aims to address these issues by enabling a fast, cheap trading experience while minimizing counterparty risk. Arrow's design will simplify the options trading experience, making it easy for retail and institutions alike to trade and settle any options strategy on-chain." Robinhood is considered the gold standard for user-friendly stock options trading in the U.S. Arrow is bringing a comparable UX to crypto options trading globally. Arrow's user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources make crypto options trading accessible to investors of all levels of experience. Complex trading strategies for speculation and hedging will be precompiled into easy-to-buy options portfolios via an intuitive user interface.To help retail investors grow confidence in their decision-making, Arrow's platform offers a testnet experience, allowing users to practice and refine their options trading strategies risk-free. With Arrow, users can easily onboard, explore, and navigate the complexities of options trading, democratizing access to crypto markets for a global audience."Just like options trading sparked a revolution in traditional finance (TradFi), Arrow Markets is rewriting the rules of DeFi, leading the next wave of innovation in the space - driven by user-friendly options markets. Crypto options trading can be complex, leaving many investors feeling like they're aiming arrows in the dark. Arrow Markets aims to empower everyone to refine their aim with easy-to-buy portfolios of options, navigating trading with confidence," states Ed Mehrez, co-founder of Arrow.The core team at Arrow Markets consists of researchers and engineers from financial economics, mathematics, and computer science. Arrow's protocol emphasizes the transparent transfer and settlement of options on-chain while enabling market makers off-chain to competitively quote through an intuitive costless off-chain API.For more information about Arrow and its mission to democratize the entire options-trading pipeline, please visit https://www.arrow.markets/ About Arrow:Arrow Markets brings a new paradigm to options trading on Avalanche, combining centralized efficiency and on-chain transparency. Their RFQ (Request for Quote) enables traders to request quotes from multiple market makers with a single click, providing a simpler, faster, and more secure trading experience.Contact name: Kara KomarniEmail:kara@ incryptoland.comCountry: British Virgin IslandsSOURCE: Arrow Market
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 20:51:04

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GLASGOW, UK / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Blackspire Partners, an innovator in public relations, is honoured to announce its inclusion in Clutch's Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list for 2024. This prestigious accolade is awarded to businesses demonstrating extraordinary revenue growth of 92.3% from 2022 to 2023, highlighting Blackspire Partners' impactful strategies and commitment to excellence in the PR industry.Being recognised by Clutch, the leading global marketplace for B2B service providers, underscores the effectiveness of Blackspire Partners' unique approach to public relations. This approach prioritises innovative PR strategies and emphasises a transparent PR experience distinguished by guarantees and full-service marketing solutions.Lewis Webster, Co-Founder of Blackspire Partners, remarked, "Being acknowledged by Clutch as one of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies is a testament to our team's relentless dedication and innovative spirit. Edward and I are immensely proud of this recognition, which further validates our approach to providing a transparent PR experience through our guarantees and comprehensive marketing services." Co-Founder Edward Bruce added, "Our commitment to transparency and delivering guaranteed results has been a cornerstone of our success. This, coupled with our full-service marketing offerings, allows us to not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. Our recent feature in Rolling Stone, which discusses how we are reshaping the PR industry, is a reflection of our efforts to innovate and lead with integrity." Sonny Ganguly, Clutch CEO, celebrated the winners by stating, "The business services sector is rich with companies driving significant growth for themselves and their clients. Blackspire Partners exemplifies the best in this field, showcasing rapid growth, innovation, and a commitment to excellence." Blackspire Partners' recognition is highlighted further by their recent feature in Rolling Stone, where they were celebrated for their revolutionary impact on the PR industry. This accolade not only acknowledges their financial growth but also their pioneering approach to PR, which includes a dedication to transparency, guaranteed results, and a full spectrum of marketing services.As Blackspire Partners looks to the future, the firm remains dedicated to delivering strategic, impactful PR solutions and full-service marketing offerings that ensure clients' messages are heard loud and clear. The team at Blackspire Partners is excited to continue their growth, innovation, and industry leadership journey.About Blackspire PartnersBlackspire Partners is a premier public relations firm that champions strategic communication, innovation, and transparency in the PR industry. By offering guarantees and a full suite of marketing services, Blackspire Partners ensures that its clients' campaigns are successful, impactful, and aligned with their goals.Contact Information:Edward BruceBlackspire Partners edward@ blackspire.partnershttps://blackspire.partners SOURCE: Blackspire Partners
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 16:32:29

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Christina K. McGlosson, Former Acting Director, Whistleblower Office, Division of Enforcement, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, joins the firm in its Washington, DC officeWASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, one of the leading plaintiffs' law firms in the United States, announced today that Christina K. McGlosson has joined as Special Counsel: Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Practice in the firm's Whistleblower practice. McGlosson most recently served as Acting Director of the Whistleblower Office, in the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Under her leadership, awards totaling $42 million were made to four deserving whistleblowers in September 2023 and October 2024."Joining Cohen Milstein offers me the ideal opportunity to use my experience and knowledge acquired over so many years in the public sector to represent brave whistleblowers who reveal fraud and misconduct," said Christina McGlosson. "I am delighted to bring my Dodd-Frank expertise to the well-established and talented team at the firm." McGlosson brings more than two decades of experience both at the CFTC and, before that, at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). During her more than 18 years at the SEC, McGlosson served, among other prominent positions, as Senior Counsel to the Director of Enforcement, Senior Counsel to the Chief Economist, and helped create and structure the SEC's Office of the Whistleblower. She regularly speaks as an expert in the federal securities laws, Commodity Exchange Act provisions, Dodd-Frank whistleblower provisions, government investigations, and legal and jurisdictional aspects of digital assets. She will represent clients in the presentation and prosecution of fraud claims before the SEC, CFTC, and IRS, as well as before other relevant government agencies."Christina brings an impressive background to our seasoned whistleblower team," said Benjamin D. Brown, managing partner at Cohen Milstein. "I am certain she will help expand our ability to represent whistleblowers who expose major incidences of corporate fraud that serve to undermine the integrity of financial markets." ###About Cohen Milstein Sellers & TollCohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, a premier U.S. plaintiffs' law firm, with over 100 attorneys across eight offices, champions the causes of real people - workers, consumers, small business owners, investors, and whistleblowers - working to deliver corporate reforms and fair markets for the common good. For more information visit https://www.cohenmilstein.com/ Press contact: cohenmilstein@ berlinrosen.com SOURCE: Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 19:48:50

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ROCK HILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Today, April 1st, marks the last day for businesses nationwide to e-file their essential 1099 and ACA 1095 forms for the 2023 tax year. As the deadline approaches, the urgency heightens, underscoring the critical importance of timely compliance with IRS regulations.An Overview of Today's DeadlinesVarious forms fall under this deadline, including but not limited to:- Form 1099-MISC- Form 1099-R- Form 1099-S- Form 1099-B- Form 1099-INT- Form 1099-K- Form 1099-C- Form 1099-SA- Form 1099-OID- Form 1099-PATR- Form 1099-G- Form 1099-Q- Form 1099-DIV- Form 1099-A- Form 1099-LTCAdditionally, businesses must submit ACA forms 1095-B and 1095-C by the same deadline.Failing to meet this crucial deadline carries potential penalties, underscoring the necessity for businesses to ensure compliance promptly. To aid businesses in fulfilling their filing obligations, TaxBandits offers a user-friendly platform fore-filing of 1099andACA 1095 forms .Even in the final hours, TaxBandits provides tailored solutions, ensuring a seamless experience for businesses amidst tight deadlines.Effortless E-filing:TaxBandits offers a streamlined platform enabling businesses to file essential tax forms such as 1099, W-2, 94x Series, and ACA 1095 forms effortlessly. With support forstate filing requirementsandTIN Matchingservices, TaxBandits ensures accuracy and compliance.Comprehensive Compliance:TaxBandits clients can trust in the platform's commitment to compliance, ensuring adherence to IRS and SSA regulations. Secure distribution options, including Online Access and Postal Mailing services, facilitate the timely and secure distribution of recipient copies.User-Friendly Interface:TaxBandits boasts an intuitive design facilitating quick data entry, efficient form completion, and an overall stress-free e-filing process.Flexible Data Import Options:TaxBandits supports various data import options, including manual entry, bulk import, and integration withpopular accounting softwareslike QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, and Zoho Books. Additionally, TaxBandits is the exclusive1099 e-file partner of Sage Intacct , enabling seamless data transfer for Sage Intacct customers.Outstanding Customer Support:TaxBandits prioritizes personalized support, offering multiple communication channels such as email, phone, or Live Chat support for prompt assistance directly from knowledgeable team members.Exclusive Features for Tax Professionals:Tax professionals can access exclusive features, including:Staff Management -Tools for inviting team members and delegating filing tasks.Client Management - Tools for streamlined management of client filings.Reports - Generate reports for tax season insights.Volume Pricing - The more forms required for filing, the higher the savings.Dashboard - A central location for managing all clients.When asked about today's IRS e-filing deadlines, the CEO and CO-founder of SPAN Enterprises (parent company of TaxBandits), Agie Sundaram, responded, stating, "As the e-filing deadline for Form 1099 and ACA forms looms large today, TaxBandits goes above and beyond simply e-filing. Our dedicated team understands the urgency of meeting this deadline and is fully prepared to assist you, ensuring our clients navigate the last-minute filing process with confidence and precision." Business owners and tax professionals can sign up for a free account and start filing now attaxbandits.com About TaxBandits:TaxBandits is a SOC 2 Certified, IRS-authorized e-file provider specializing inForm 1099 ,Form W-2 ,1095-C ,1095-B ,Form 940 ,Form 941 , andForm W-9 . Catering to businesses, service providers, andtax professionals , TaxBandits offers a comprehensive solution for year-end filings. Additionally, TaxBandits API enables seamless integration for software providers and high-volume filers, enhancing efficiency and value for clients.About SPAN Enterprises:Headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, SPAN Enterprises has been developing industry-leading software tools for e-filing and business management for over a decade. The SPAN Enterprises portfolio includes Tax 990, ACAwise, ExpressExtension, 123PayStubs, and TruckLogics.For media inquiries, please contact:Stephanie GlanvilleContent Writer, SPAN Enterprises stephanie@ spanenterprises.com ###SOURCE: TaxBandits
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 00:32:27

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 31, 2024 / When DeFi developers launch token projects, it is common practice for them to lock their token's liquidity for a fixed period of time. This ensures security within their community, allowing for greater confidence and conviction in the token. However, these tokens often "die" or are no longer traded long before the liquidity unlock date set by the developer. This phenomenon has led to 100s of millions of dollars remaining "stuck" in the locked liquidity of dead token projects. The DROPS Marketplace proposes a solution to the illiquidity of these frozen assets - One which benefits both the buyer and seller while simultaneously stimulating the DeFi economy as a whole.DROPS proposes a decentralized, permissionless, peer to peer marketplace for buying & selling locked liquidity. In doing so, DROPS is accelerating the velocity of this locked capital, thereby stimulating the DeFi economy by allowing for the trade of 100s of millions of previously non-tradable assets to occur.While token developers would previously have had to wait months or years in order to access the capital in their locked liquidity, this is no longer the case with DROPS. Through the DROPS Marketplace, token developers can list their liquidity at a discount, and receive their funds in a much more rapid fashion.Buyers of locked liquidity also benefit substantially. By purchasing liquidity locks at reduced prices, buyers receive a guaranteed ROI simply by waiting for the unlock time!The $DROPS Token is the native currency of the DROPS Marketplace, and is used primarily to buy & sell locked liquidity through the platform. Liquidity may also be bought and sold using $ETH, should the seller be willing to incur the associated 10% brokerage fee. No brokerage fee applies when liquidity is bought and sold in $DROPS.20% of all token trading fees and 100% of ETH brokerage fees are used to benefit the $DROPS token and its holders. 100% of these collected revenues are used to market buy $DROPS, redistributing these purchased tokens as per the following breakdown:40% to DROPS UNI V2 LP Providers:These users are rewarded for the stability they bring to the platform and ecosystem, and for allowing the DROPS Token to become a more stable asset for use within the Marketplace.30% to $DROPS Token Holders with Over 50,000 $DROPS:These users are rewarded for the value they provide to the $DROPS Token, which subsequently allows for its use as an asset within the Marketplace.10% to $DROPS Token Holders:These users are also rewarded for the value they bring to the $DROPS Token, and its subsequent operability as an asset within the Marketplace.20% Burned:20% of all accrued platform revenues are used to buy and burn $DROPS Token. This allows for perpetual deflation and consistent increases in value for all $DROPS holders.DROPS Links:Website: https://drops.site/ Marketplace: https://app.drops.site/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DropsERC Telegram:https://t.me/DropsERCContact person: Snipe EtherCompany name: DropsWebsite: https://drops.site/Email: team@ drops.site SOURCE: DROPS
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 17:17:23

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / In the vast and often turbulent sea of cryptocurrencies, one coin stands out not just for its potential gains, but for its noble mission: $USDT Coin. Born out of a desire to make a tangible impact on the world, this Solana-based meme coin is on a mission to save our shelled friends from extinction, one flip at a time!At its core, $USDT Coin isn't just about making profits - it's about making a difference. The coin's mission is clear: to ensure the survival of turtles by encouraging every person to hold at least a $USDT Coin. Through this collective effort, the community behind $USDT Coin aims to provide crucial support to turtle conservation efforts worldwide.What sets $USDT Coin apart from the myriad of other meme coins flooding the market? It's the unwavering dedication and passion of its community, with a plan to add utilities through its journey including, staking, yield farming, community governance to a DAO model and many other aspects. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies backed by corporations or institutions, $USDT Coin relies solely on the support of its community members. This grassroots approach not only fosters a sense of belonging and ownership but also ensures that every decision made is in the best interest of the project and its mission.Currently, $USDT Coin is in the midst of its much-anticipated Pre-Sale Round 1. This presents a golden opportunity for investors and crypto enthusiasts alike to get in on the ground floor of a project with the potential to shake the entire crypto space. Those who missed out on the Pepe, Dogwifhat, Bonk, or Book of Meme craze need not fret - $USDT Coin offers a unique chance to be part of something truly revolutionary.With the Pre-Sale Round 1 in full swing, now is the time to act. Interested individuals can visit the official website https://upsidedownturtle.io/ to participate and secure their place in history. But time is of the essence - with each passing moment, the opportunity to join the $USDT Coin movement grows slimmer.In a world where cryptocurrencies often seem detached from reality, $USDT Coin serves as a beacon of hope. It's a reminder that, with the power of community and a shared mission, we can make a tangible difference in the world. So, what are you waiting for? Jump in your seat, run to the pre-sale, and be part of the movement to save our shelled friends from extinction. The future of turtles - and the crypto space - depends on it.CONTACT:Twitter: https://twitter.com/UpsideturtleWebsite:https://upsidedownturtle.io/Alex ScottEmail:cryptolovex@ gmail.comCountry: UAESOURCE: UpSideDownTurtle
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 20:01:35

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20 Years of Unmatched Service: Reflecting on Greenawalt Roofing Company's Journey and Legacy of ExcellenceLANCASTER, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Greenawalt Roofing Company, the Northeastern region's premier roofing, siding, and gutter services company, celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year. This significant milestone represents two decades of commitment to delivering unmatched customer satisfaction and craftsmanship to its residential and commercial customers.Since being founded in 2004, Greenawalt Roofing Company has become a pioneer within the roofing and exterior services industry, setting the standard for excellence. The company has grown and evolved over the last 20 years, expanding its geographical reach and services offered to customers all across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Ohio.President and founder of Greenawalt Roofing Company, Travis Greenawalt, expressed his gratitude to those involved in the success of the company, stating, "Our mission has always been to provide 100% customer satisfaction, and celebrating our 20-year anniversary is a testament that our commitment has paid off. I want to personally thank everyone from the Greenawalt team for their hard work and dedication, as well as all of our valued customers for their continued trust and support." Looking to the future, Greenawalt Roofing Company remains committed to 100% customer satisfaction and the pursuit of excellence in each and every project. The company's 20th-anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of past accomplishments, as well as a launchpad for the company's continued growth and success in the roofing and exterior industry.For more information about Greenawalt Roofing Company and its services, please visit www.greenawaltroofing.com About Greenawalt Roofing Company:Greenawalt Roofing Company has been a trusted name in the roofing and exterior services industry for over 20 years. Renowned for its commitment to integrity, excellence, and customer satisfaction, the company has completed over 15,000 projects, establishing itself as a leader in the industry. Greenawalt Roofing Company is fully licensed and insured and can provide a Certificate of General Liability and Worker's Compensation for every job.Contact InformationJacob AyalaMarketing Assistant, Greenawalt Roofing Companyjayala@ greenawaltroofing.com (717) 898-6000SOURCE: Greenawalt Roofing CompanyView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 23:31:09

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PUNE, INDIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / In a momentous occasion for Lyfpal Technologies Private Limited, the Pune-based tech firm, recognized by the government of India as a fast-emerging certified startup of the new Bharat, is now honored with the prestigious title of "Best Company for Freshers" in 2024. This recognition comes as a testament to the company's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with an environment conducive to growth and innovation.The Award is backed by Lyfpal Technologies Private Limited reviews and Employees' happy votes presented, acknowledges Lyfpal Technologies exceptional efforts in welcoming and empowering entry-level professionals, offering them opportunities to kick-start their careers in the tech industry. With a focus on mentorship, skill development, and career advancement, Lyfpal has emerged as a beacon of excellence for aspiring professionals entering the workforce."We are immensely proud to receive this esteemed accolade," remarked Mr. Jigar Thakkar, the CEO of Lyfpal Technologies. "LYFPAL is like a family for us, and we strongly believe that it's a long-term journey and commitment. Most of our team join us as their 1st job, and almost everyone has tremendous loyalty for the company; we still have our initial recruits now leading and sharing imp responsibilities." Lyfpal Technologies has earned a reputation for its innovative projects, cutting-edge technologies, and collaborative work culture. The company's commitment to fostering talent from diverse backgrounds has contributed to its success in attracting top-tier graduates and entry-level professionals seeking meaningful career opportunities."Our journey towards excellence is fueled by the passion and creativity of our young employees," said Mr. Sumit Sheth, Head of Finance at Lyfpal Technologies. "We prioritize their growth and development by offering tailored training programs, mentorship initiatives, and challenging assignments that allow them to grow both personally and professionally." The recognition as the "Best Workplace for Freshers in Pune" underscores Lyfpal Technologies' position as a leader in talent development and employer branding within the tech industry. By nurturing the next generation of tech innovators, the company is not only investing in its future but also contributing to the advancement of the broader technology ecosystem in India and beyond.As Lyfpal Technologies continues to set new benchmarks for excellence, this latest accolade serves as a reminder of the company's unwavering commitment to fostering talent, driving innovation, and shaping the future of the tech industry.For more information about Lyfpal Technologies Private Limited and its initiatives, visitwww.lyfpal.com Media Details: Company Name: Lyfpal Technologies Private LimitedMail: office@ lyfpal.com City and Country: Pune, IndiaWebsite: https://lyfpal.com/ SOURCE: Lyfpal Technologies Private Limited
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 18:04:07

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ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Reborn Cabinets, a leader in the home remodeling industry, proudly announces it has won the prestigious 2024 USA Today Top Workplaces award. This accolade celebrates Reborn Cabinets' commitment to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture that empowers its employees to thrive.The USA Today Top Workplaces award is selected solely based on employee feedback. Winning the award demonstrates Reborn Cabinets' dedication to its employees' well-being and professional growth. This dedication to a set of core values creates an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and inspired, thus establishing Reborn as an employer of choice in the home improvement sector."Our team members are the heart of everything we do at Reborn Cabinets. We are incredibly honored to be recognized by this team as one of the top workplaces in the nation by USA Today," said Vince Nardo, CEO of Reborn Cabinets. "This award is a testament to the core values our team members uphold with passion and exceptionalism. We are first and foremost committed to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning as we continue to grow and serve our customers." The USA Today Top Workplaces award reflects feedback gathered from Reborn Cabinets' employees through a rigorous assessment conducted by Energage, a leading provider of employee engagement solutions. This recognition underscores Reborn Cabinets' ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.For more information about Reborn Cabinets and its award-winning workplace culture, please visit www.rebornjobs.com About Reborn Cabinets: Reborn Cabinets LLC, a Renovo Home Partners company, provides its signature cabinet refacing and one-day bathroom remodeling to customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon and Washington. More information can be found on its website at www.reborncabinets.com , or by calling 888-273-2676. Applicants interested in career opportunities are encouraged to apply online at www.rebornjobs.com About Renovo Home Partners: Renovo Home Partners is a direct-to-consumer platform focused on high-volume, quick-turn bath, window, cabinet refacing, siding, roofing and other remodeling services through its acquired network of top home services brands across the United States. For more information, visit the Renovo Home Partner website: www.renovohomepartners.com Contact InformationDiana RamirezDirector of Community Relationsdramirez@ reborncabinets.com (714) 678-2303Allie LaBrunaMarketing Content Manageralabruna@ reborncabinets.com 714-678-2303SOURCE: Reborn Home SolutionsView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 15:17:42

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NNMF to invest $17.5M into the $117M expansion project, creating more than 130 local jobsBROWNSVILLE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 /Rich Products ("Rich's"), a global family-owned food company, and National New Markets Fund, LLC ("NNMF") announced today that the second phase of Rich's Brownsville, TX manufacturing facility expansion is officially underway. NNMF, an affiliate of Los Angeles-based SDS Capital Group, will invest $17.5M of its New Markets Tax Credit ("NMTC") allocation to support the 150,000-square-foot expansion, which will increase Rich's production capacity for its growing branded appetizer business.Rich's largest capital campaign to date, the $117M expansion is comprised of two phases. Phase two, slated to be completed in July 2025, will add capacity for greater production capabilities and storage. The first phase, which began in 2023, included the development of a new frozen warehouse that is expected to open this summer. Upon completion, the full expansion project is expected to create more than 130 full-time jobs, 70% of which are slated to be filled by members of Brownsville's marginalized communities."We've seen a huge influx in customer demand within our growing seafood and appetizer business, so adding capacity is key for continued growth," said Kevin Spratt, president, Rich Products' U.S./Canada region. "As a proud member of the Brownsville community for over 60 years, we're fully committed to strengthening our local impact with the right combination of associates, products and infrastructure. We're grateful to NNMF for being a key supporting player in this project and are excited about the opportunities this will create for our business, the local community and the valued customers we serve every day." The NNMF investment capital uses funding generated from the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program administered by the U.S. Treasury Department. This program provides investment capital for projects benefiting low-income communities, including Rich's Brownsville facility. In addition to creating job opportunities, Rich's will offer workforce training to the Brownsville community, including computer literacy courses in partnership with Texas Southmost College. The courses will prepare the local workforce for employment at Rich's and other regional organizations."The economic and community benefits from Rich's expansion in Brownsville are noteworthy," said Deborah La Franchi, CEO, National New Markets Fund. "This is a company that is committed to its associates-not only is it creating more than 130 jobs, but it's offering quality wages and benefits in a community grappling with a 35.7% poverty rate." Rich's received the NNMF allocation as part of a complex $25.5 million NMTC financing package. Dudley Ventures Community Investment Fund is the investor purchasing the NMTCs from each of the participating NMTC allocatees: NNMF and DV Community Investment Corporation (DV CID)."Dudley Ventures is proud to support Rich's expansion through our investment into the New Markets Tax Credits of NNMF and DV CID," said Kyle Koupal, Vice President at Dudley Ventures. "We are committed to supporting projects that create accessible jobs in our nation's marginalized communities." For those interested in joining the growing Rich's team in Brownsville, please visit careers.rich.com MEET RICH'S.Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $5.8 billion, Rich's is a global leader with a focus on everything that families make...possible.Rich's-Infinite Possibilities. One Family.Learn more at Richs.com or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.About National New Markets FundNational New Markets Fund, LLC, founded in 2005, has invested $752 million (51 investments) of its New Market Tax Credit allocations into projects located in the Great Lakes region and the Deep South. Each investment has provided critical community services or quality jobs to high-distress communities - such as hospitals, charter schools, and food banks, as well as job-creating manufacturing expansions. In 2013, NNMF narrowed its focus to invest only in manufacturing and food-processing companies (26 companies total). This more focused strategy centers on creating quality jobs for the local residents of these impoverished communities - both rural and urban. SDS Capital Group, the parent of NNMF, is a pioneer and national leader in impact investing. SDS's founder launched SDS in 2001 with a vision of creating a platform of impact funds that would attract and engage the private-sector in the battle against poverty. Today, SDS's platform includes five distinct impact fund strategies ($1.3 billion current asset under management; additional $1.1 billion exited), with its direct investments having helped support the creation of over 25,000 jobs and over 6,500 low-income or permanent supportive housing units throughout the US.# # #MEDIA CONTACTS:Rich Products: Mary Pacempace@ rich.com (860) 550-1736 (mobile)NNMF: Bruce Beck bruce@ dbrpr.com (805) 777-7971 (office)(818) 540-8077 (mobile)SOURCE: Rich's
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 19:19:43

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Helping children with cancer and blood disorders is at the heart of the Aflac mission.NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Originally published in Aflac's Do Good Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.Learning to FlyKordell was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth and, following his diagnosis, his family began coming to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center for his treatment, care plan and for support during multiple pain crises. Throughout the years, he and his care team have worked to help him manage his condition well enough that he is back to chasing his passions, including aviation. Thanks to his care team, Kordell is now working toward his junior pilot license. To learn more about how you can help patients like Kordell, visit www.aflaccancercenter.org Learn more$770,000 raised for Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders CenterAflac's sales agents and brokers raised $770,000 during a charitable auction held in January at FOCUS, the company's annual meeting of leading sales agents and brokers. The tally shattered the pre-auction expectations of $220,000 by more than 350%, with all proceeds going to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where it will be used to support treatments and research for kids with pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Learn more about volunteer and giving opportunities by clicking the button below.Contribute hereAnother year, another $1.5 million for cancer and blood disorders researchCrucial for the development of new treatments and promising therapies for children with cancer and blood disorders such as sickle cell, pediatric oncology and hematology research has been a focus of support for Aflac for nearly 30 years. In keeping with that commitment, The Aflac Foundation, Inc. recently made a $1.5 million donation to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, $1 million of which is earmarked for the hospital's clinical research office. The remaining $500,000 will help fill critical needs at Children's Hughes Spalding Sickle Cell Clinic, where more than 85% of patients rely on Medicaid or are uninsured.The latest donation by the foundation brings Aflac's support of pediatric cancer and blood disorders to over $176 million since 1995. Additionally, the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. has provided, free of charge, more than 28,000 My Special Aflac Ducks to children across the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland ages 3 and up diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder such as sickle cell since 2018.Learn moreLittle boy's cancer diagnosis launches dad's new careerLast August, Aflac helped 6-year-old Daniel Teague's Make-A-Wish come true by funding a visit to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, and a pre-trip celebration with a special video message from Gen. Charles "Charlie" Duke - retired astronaut who walked the surface of the moon during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972 - to get Daniel ready for takeoff. As a result of the experience, Daniel's parents, Brian and Brannon, researched Aflac and its commitment to children with cancer and blood disorders, which led Brian to look into full-time employment opportunities. Today, he is a member of the Aflac flock.Learn moreLearn about the Aflac Childhood Cancer CampaignOrder My Special Aflac Duckfree of chargeAflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999Z2400208 Exp 03/25Learning to flyView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Aflac Incorporated on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Aflac IncorporatedWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/aflac-incorporatedEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Aflac Incorporated
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ROCK HILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Today marks the final deadline forACA reporting , requiring all Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), insurance providers, PEOs, and other TPAs to e-file their ACA 1094 and 1095-B/C Forms with the IRS by April 1, 2024.ACAwise, the premier ACA reporting vendor, offers tailored e-filing solutions designed to streamline the process for businesses. With customizable features and expert guidance, ACAwise ensures accurate ACA Form generation based on employers' data, along with additional services like postal mailing and TIN Matching.It's crucial to note that the deadline for filing ACA Forms with California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey is today, April 1, 2024.Risks of Late ACA Reporting with the IRSMuch like other IRS filing requirements, failure to comply with ACA Reporting deadlines and requirements can result in significant consequences. The costs of IRS penalties for this type of reporting can escalate rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to promptly get their reporting process on track to improve their standing with the IRS. ACAwise provides a comprehensive solution to assist clients in getting back on track and meeting their requirements promptly, thereby avoidingIRS penalties .ACA Solutions to Help Businesses Catch Up' on ReportingACAwise, a leading ACA reporting vendor, offers comprehensive e-filing solutions tailored to meet the needs of businesses. By leveraging flexible options, ACAwise alleviates the burden of ACA reporting, generating ACA Forms accurately based on employers' provided data. Organizations can also benefit from customizable features such as postal mailing and/or online access for recipient copies, TIN Matching, and State-Mandated ACA reporting services.Next Steps for Avoiding Potential IRS PenaltiesFor organizations unable to meet the deadline, there are options available to avoid IRS penalties. Mandated ACA reporters can file an Extension Form 8809, requesting an additional 30 days for completing and e-filing ACA Forms. ThroughExpressExtension.com , ACAwise's sister product, organizations can easily file an 8809 Extension and receive instant IRS updates on its status.Reach out to the ACAwise Team PromptlyAfter filing an extension, organizations are encouraged to contact ACAwise for assistance in navigating the ACA filing process. While timely filing may not always be feasible, filing slightly late is far preferable to not filing at all. The IRS tends to respond more favorably to organizations acting in good faith, and delaying filing only increases the risk of substantial ACA penalties.When asked about the major deadline today, Agie Sundaram, CEO, and Co-founder of SPAN Enterprises (parent company of ACAwise) responded by stating, "ACA reporting is a difficult process for businesses to navigate without the assistance of a professional provider. We recommend that any businesses struggling to meet the deadline today should file an 8809 extension and give our team a call. We can help them get back on track with their reporting requirements and avoid the accumulation of harmful IRS penalties." Businesses seeking a solution for ACA Reporting can visitacawise.comto learn more about their services and contact the team.About ACAwiseCreated in response to the Affordable Care Act, ACAwise is a full-service reporting provider. The experienced team at ACAwise is able to carry out the ACA reporting needs for organizations of any size. The ACAwise solution includes data validations, the generation and e-filing of accurate Forms 1094-B/C and1095-B/Cwith the IRS and state, complete ACA code generation, recipient copy distribution, past-year filing, and more.About SPAN EnterprisesBased in Rock Hill, South Carolina, SPAN Enterprises has been developing industry-leading software solutions for IRS e-filing and business management tools for over a decade.The SPAN Enterprises portfolio of products includes ACAwise,TaxBandits ,Tax990 ,ExpressExtension , 123PayStubs, and TruckLogics.For any media inquiries, please reach out to Stephanie Glanville, Content Writer atstephanie@ spanenterprises.com ###SOURCE: ACAwise
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-02 00:56:02

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OVERLAND PARK, KS / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2024 / Tortoise today announced the following balance sheet information and asset coverage ratio updates for TYG, NTG, TTP, NDP and TPZ.Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp. (NYSE:TYG) today announced that as of March 28, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $529.6 million and its unaudited net asset value was $415.8 million, or $38.62 per share.As of March 28, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 696%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 473%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com Set forth below is a summary of the company's unaudited balance sheet at March 28, 2024.Unaudited balance sheet(in Millions) Per ShareInvestments$ 527.3 $ 48.98Cash and Cash Equivalents0.5 0.04Current Tax Asset0.4 0.03Other Assets1.4 0.14Total Assets529.6 49.19 Short-Term Borrowings25.4 2.36Senior Notes50.3 4.68Preferred Stock35.7 3.31Total Leverage111.4 10.35 Other Liabilities2.4 0.22Net Assets$ 415.8 $ 38.62 10.76 million common shares currently outstanding.Tortoise Midstream Energy Fund, Inc. (NYSE:NTG) today announced that as of March 28, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $296.7 million and its unaudited net asset value was $240.4 million, or $47.20 per share.As of March 28, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 716%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 537%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com Set forth below is a summary of the company's unaudited balance sheet at March 28, 2024.Unaudited balance sheet(in Millions) Per ShareInvestments$ 294.9 $ 57.90Cash and Cash Equivalents0.5 0.10Current Tax Asset0.2 0.05Other Assets1.1 0.21Total Assets296.7 58.26 Short-Term Borrowings12.1 2.37Senior Notes29.2 5.73Preferred Stock13.7 2.70Total Leverage55.0 10.80 Other Liability1.3 0.26Net Assets$ 240.4 $ 47.20 5.09 million common shares currently outstanding.Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TTP) today announced that as of March 28, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $94.6 million and its unaudited net asset value was $77.7 million, or $38.62 per share.As of March 28, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 918%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 575%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com Set forth below is a summary of the company's unaudited balance sheet at March 28, 2024.Unaudited balance sheet(in Millions) Per ShareInvestments$ 93.5 $ 46.52Cash and Cash Equivalents0.5 0.25Other Assets0.6 0.26Total Assets94.6 47.03 Short-Term Borrowings6.3 3.13Senior Notes3.9 1.96Preferred Stock6.1 3.04Total Leverage16.3 8.13 Other Liabilities0.6 0.28Net Assets$ 77.7 $ 38.62 2.01 million common shares currently outstanding.Tortoise Energy Independence Fund, Inc. (NYSE:NDP) today announced that as of March 28, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $75.3 million and its unaudited net asset value was $65.6 million, or $39.37 per share.As of March 28, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 798%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com Set forth below is a summary of the company's unaudited balance sheet at March 28, 2024.Unaudited balance sheet(in Millions) Per ShareInvestments$ 74.7 $ 44.85Cash and Cash Equivalents0.4 0.21Other Assets0.2 0.14Total Assets75.3 45.20 Credit Facility Borrowings9.4 5.64 Other Liabilities0.3 0.19Net Assets$ 65.6 $ 39.37 1.67 million common shares currently outstanding.Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TPZ) today announced that as of March 28, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $128.3 million and its unaudited net asset value was $104.1 million, or $17.68 per share.As of March 28, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 539%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com Set forth below is a summary of the company's unaudited balance sheet at March 28, 2024.Unaudited balance sheet(in Millions) Per ShareInvestments$ 126.8 $ 21.53Cash and Cash Equivalents0.4 0.06Other Assets1.1 0.20Total Assets128.3 21.79 Credit Facility Borrowings23.7 4.02 Other Liabilities0.5 0.09Net Assets$ 104.1 $ 17.68 5.89 million common shares currently outstanding.The top 10 holdings for TYG, NTG, TTP, NDP and TPZ as of the most recent month-end can be found on each fund's portfolio web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com About TortoiseTortoise focuses on energy & power infrastructure and the transition to cleaner energy. Tortoise's solid track record of energy value chain investment experience and research dates back more than 20 years. As an early investor in midstream energy, Tortoise believes it is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the global energy evolution that is underway. With a steady wins approach and a long-term perspective, Tortoise strives to make a positive impact on clients and communities. To learn more, please visitwww.TortoiseAdvisors.com Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. is the adviser to Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp., Tortoise Midstream Energy Fund, Inc., Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc., Tortoise Energy Independence Fund, Inc. and Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.For additional information on these funds, please visit cef.tortoiseadvisors.com Safe harbor statementThis press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statemen
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-01 15:27:25

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Get quick insights from large high-dimensional datasets from our new Event Analytics capabilities. Enable everyone in operations to address complex use cases, such as energy management, OEE, and event-based tag reporting with Custom Calculations. Get a 360 view of operations and bring shift teams closer to operational data by integrating Shiftconnector to your contextual data layer. HOUSTON, TX, HASSELT, BELGIUM, and DARMSTADT, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2024 / TrendMiner, the advanced industrial analytics platform powered by AI, is marking a significant advancement in event analytics capabilities with the launch of its 2024.R1 release.Our latest update helps process manufacturers streamline operations by expanding the number of addressable use cases within our user-friendly software environment. It helps users generate quick insights into the relationship between production events and features new ways to extract aggregated information from sensor-generated data. With this update, companies can build an enhanced data layer for extracting ad-hoc insights and develop solutions that provide value throughout the factory, from the control room to the board room. The new 2024.R1 release also adds an enhanced overview of the shop floor by adding Human Intelligence fromEschbach Shiftconnector  as contextual data to available time-series data. This provides users with a 360-degree view and full control over the production process."With the 2024.R1 release, we are doubling down on our commitment to providing our users with the most intuitive and powerful analytics tool on the market. The integration with Eschbach Shiftconnector, which has already proven to be successful atBayer , brings a new layer of insights to our analytics and empowers users to seamlessly incorporate shift information into their analysis. Combined with the addition of event analytics, TrendMiner is enhancing both the precision and relevance of the insights being generated." --Rob Azevedo, Head of Product Marketing, Strategic AlliancesCustom CalculationsAs companies grow in analytics maturity, they also can address more advanced use cases. These include energy management, Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), shift-based reporting, and non-linear soft sensors. For quick insights on these areas of operational performance, TrendMiner now features Custom Calculations. Users can generate time-series tags in a high-code interface for more complex formulas. They can be used just like any other tag in TrendMiner: For graphical visualization, searching, monitoring, or creating a dashboard.Better Visualization of Process EventsWith the growing success of advanced industrial analytics, companies are gathering more data to get deeper insights in operations. TrendMiner's new Event Analytics module helps users get an overview of large, high-dimensional datasets. It provides operational experts with new ways to calculate, visualize, and refine their data through histograms and parallel coordinates. These highlight distributions and correlations of the data that make root-cause analysis simpler, provide more possibilities for monitoring process conditions, or offering a chance to simply explore the data.Seamless Integration with Eschbach ShiftconnectorOur new integration with Eschbach Shiftconnector provides operational experts with an enhanced view of the situation on the shop floor with information typically siloed in shift logs for analyzing operational performance. This new connection links the shift information and Human Intelligence from the Shiftconnector platform as contextual events to the time-series data in TrendMiner's Enhanced Data Layer. Operational experts can investigate incoming Shiftconnector data in more depth and dimension by providing access to the equipment data.Further InformationFor details about all the new capabilities and improvements in the TrendMiner 2024.R1 release, visitwww.trendminer.com . Users of the TrendMiner software will get more information via other communication channels. Learn more about this release in our upcoming webinar at 4 p.m. CET (10 a.m. EDT) Wednesday, April 3, 2024.Register here .About TrendMinerTrendMiner , delivers advanced industrial analytics software to optimize process performance in chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, metals & mining, water & wastewater, and other process manufacturing industries. TrendMiner unlocks the full potential of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) data infrastructure, regardless of vendor, and taps into the available human intelligence for making data-driven decisions. The solution includes standard integrations with a wide range of data sources, such as OSIsoft PI, Yokogawa Exaquantum, AspenTech IP.21 , Honeywell PHD, GE Proficy Historian, Wonderware InSQL, Cumulocity, Aveva Data Hub, AWS S3, AWS IoT SiteWise, Amazon Timestream, Microsoft Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Explorer, Microsoft Fabric, and SAP's S/4 HANA, and DMC.TrendMiner empowers everyone in manufacturing operations across multiple locations with powerful yet intuitive capabilities to iteratively generate and validate real-time context-aware time-series insights individually and as a team. Search, diagnostic, and predictive capabilities help speed up root cause analysis, define optimal processes, and configure early warnings to monitor production 24/7. TrendMiner helps operators make data-driven decisions to improve production quality, meet business objectives, and increase profitability.Media ContactMatt Saxton TrendMiner Editor +1 408-490-5345 matthew_saxton@ softwareag.com SOURCE: TrendMiner
A foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has dismissed calls by some opposition politicians for a merger to oust the ruling party.

Mr Okechukwu specifically faulted the agitation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a member of the Labour Party (LP), Pat Utomi, for a merger ahead of the 2027 general election.

Call for merger

Atiku, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 presidential election, has been championing the call for a coalition among the main opposition parties.

Two days ago, the former vice president, in a message to congratulate Senegalese President-Elect Bassirou Faye, urged all opposition parties to forge a coalition that is formidable enough to oust the ruling party if the salvaging of Nigeria is to stand any chance.

Last year, Mr Utomi announced ongoing talks on the possibility of a merger among the parties. However, there has not been a concrete move to suggest a merger.

The situation is different from 2015

But in a statement on Sunday, Mr Okechukwu said the circumstances on the ground that will make it possible for opposition political parties to forge a formidable coalition to oust the APC like the PDP was defeated in 2015 differ remarkably.

Secondly, dethroning an incumbent President should not be a political pastime, but as a practical political consciousness to remove an underperforming administration, he stated.

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He explained that the difference in the socioeconomic situation of Nigeria between 2015 and 2024 is clear, stressing that while in 2015, Nigeria lost focus, today, despite the socio-economic hardship, both the international and local communities agree that President Bola Tinubus administration has courage, vision and focus.

Mr Okechukwu stated: Yes, my understanding is that Atiku was referring to the current socio-economic hardship, but the truth is that whether you like it or not President Tinubu has focus. In 2015, under President Goodluck Jonathan, there was little or no hope.

Luckily, Mr President has with his economic reforms, won the confidence of the international community. All he needs is to domesticate his economic programme to benefit the greatest number of Nigerians.

Mr Okechukwu said he believes that a formidable opposition coalition is healthy for Nigerias democracy, however, it is incumbent on Atiku, Utomi and others to convince Nigerians on which economic philosophy the coalition would be anchored.

Nigerians know that all the leading presidential candidates in 2023 were all neo-liberals. For instance, like Tinubu, Atiku and Obi agreed to remove fuel subsidy and to harmonise the foreign exchange rate.

Since they all belong to the neo-liberal school of thought and are capitalists, they better support Mr President, because the success of Tinubus economic reforms is better for such students more than those of us who subscribe to the belief that government has business in our welfare.

The former director general of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) said President Tinubu acknowledges the challenges his policies are causing Nigerians.

There are two things going positively for President Tinubu. One is that the buy-in of the international community is high, which means that foreign direct investment which propels prosperity is guaranteed in the course of time.

Secondly, unlike President Muhammadu Buhari, whose rising tide of expectations was high at inception on issues like anti-graft war and economic empowerment, that of Tinubu is starkly low. This is to say that not much was expected from President Tinubu from the onset. The bottom line is that he will garner local buy-in with time instead of declining expectations.

Mr Okechukwu reminded merger canvassers to study the Senegalese opposition, recalling how in 2014, Ousmane Sonko invited his friend and fellow tax collector, Bassirou Faye, and other emergent political actors to form a political party, PASTEF.

He noted that PASTEF or Patriots of Senegal, which Sonko led, was dominated by young Senegalese with Faye serving as the Secretary-General while Sonko was the leader.

He stated: I want to inform the former Vice President that in 2017, although PASTEF only secured one seat out of 165 in the Legislative election, in 2019, Sonko contested as the Presidential candidate, while Faye was his campaign manager.

Then, three years later, PASTEF garnered 56 out of the 165 seats contested at the National Assembly election. The 2022 election showed that Sonko has emerged as a strong contender for the 2024 Presidential poll.

Sonko and Faye were jailed and released by President Macky Sall less than 12 days to the election, Sonko endorsed Faye as his presidential candidate and Senegalese people joined to elect him as President.

Mr Okechukwu said he decided to tell the long story so as to convince Atiku, Utomi and Co, who were with us during the APCs merger in 2013 that the formation of broad-based political coalition is not a hundred metres dash neither can it be pulled off by leaders that insist on being on the ballot.

Finally, unlike Sonko, who yielded space for Faye to take the presidential ticket, Atikus breach of the rotation convention and blatant refusal to back either younger Peter Obi or Nyesom Wike; hence contested against the Southern Presidential aspirants in the 2023 poll showed that he cannot walk the talk of building strong coalition.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advised Nigerians to prioritise data backup to avoid loss of information.

The Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of the agency gave this advice on Sunday in an advisory to celebrate World Backup Day.

Ms Umar said data backup was the practice of copying information from a primary to a secondary location, to protect it in case of a disaster, accident, or malicious action.

The act of data backup is when you create a copy of your important information, store it in a secure and separate location, and recognise the backup as a restoration method.

Your data is more valuable than your device. Remember a backup strategy isnt

something to focus on just one day of the year.

It should be part of your cyber hygiene and by backing up your data, you are already one step ahead of any cyber threat that might cause data loss, she said.

According to Ms Umar, the rules of backup include keeping at least three copies of your data, maintaining the copies on two different storage media and storing one copy offsite or in the cloud.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Backup Day is celebrated annually on 31 March by the backup and tech industry worldwide.

The day highlights the importance of protecting data, and keeping systems and computers secure.

(NAN)

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A socio-political group, under the aegis of Ekiti Patriotic Consultative Forum, has filed for an order of Mandamus before the Ekiti State High Court to compel the State government to release to it all documents, including financial records and loans, relating to the Ekiti International Cargo Airport project.

Lead counsel to the group, Oluwagbenga Babawibe, also the secretary to the forum, made this known in a statement, including court processes, made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.

Recall that on 15 October 2022, about a day before his exit from office, the then-outgoing governor, Kayode Fayemi, whose administration initiated the project, commissioned the airport. At the time, the facility was yet to commence operation due to the absence of navigational and some other equipment.

During the commissioning, a military aircraft, marked ATR-42, belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, touched down at the airport to the excitement of many residents.

Mr Babawibe said the motion exparte for the request for the order of Mandamus was filed before the State High Court on 28 March, in suit No  HAD//352m/2024, between the group and the government.

The counsel said the request was made for the documents pursuant to the provisions of the Ekiti State Freedom of Information Law, 2011.

He disclosed that his law firm, Urban Attorneys & Solicitors, acting for the forum, had since 22 November 2023, made the written request to the government through the offices of Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, and the State Accountant General.

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He noted that the receipt of the letter was acknowledged on 11 December 2023 by the Accountant Generals office but without any action.

Mr Babawibe said when the letter was written in 2023, the group had given a seven-day ultimatum, within which the request should be accessed, and also warned then that failure to act on it would force the group into approaching the court to compel the government to act.

He, however, regretted that up till now, despite all the efforts, no response had been received from the government, hence the decision to resort to the court to force the government to act on the said request.

The state government is said to have signed the contract with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Limited (CCECCL).

Also, in an affidavit in support of the motion exparte, Tope Kolawole, a legal practitioner in the same law firm, said the Ekiti Patriotic Consultative Forum is comprised of very responsible Ekiti indigenes who are always working towards the development and growth of the state.

He said the latest action by the group had become necessary for want of probity, accountability, and effective management of public funds.

He noted that the group, which has the right to know how the public fund is spent, had no option but to apply for leave of the court to file for the said order of mandamus after all subtle means of getting the relevant documents failed to yield results.

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Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), has appointed 273 lawyers as advisers while also announcing his eight-point agenda in office.

In a statement, Mr Ajulo said the appointment of the aides was aimed at enhancing the provision of excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State and protecting the rights of its people.

Upon assuming the position of Attorney General of Ondo State, a total of 273 lawyers, comprising both seasoned professionals and junior colleagues, eagerly presented a multitude of ideas to lend their support to me in serving the government and people of Ondo State. I have graciously appointed all the 273 lawyers, dividing them into two categories: Honorary Advisers and Technical Advisers to the Attorney General & Commissioner of Justice of Ondo State.

They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce the vision of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ondo State to be the best public law office in Nigeria, the statement read.

Mr Ajulo disclosed that the terms of engagement of the aides, who are yet to be named officially, were remarkably innovative.

According to the Justice Commissioner, the appointees are lawyers who have distinguished themselves in law practice, bench (retired), government, academia, and social work, among others.

He listed an eight-point reformative agenda, AJULOKAY, which would drive his time in his office to include (A) Access To Justice, (J) Justice Sector Reform, (U) Uniform Law Enforcement Procedures, and (L) Law Officers And Lawyers Welfare In Ondo State Will Be Reviewed.

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Other points are (O) Obedience To Court Order And Law; (K) Knowledge Of Existing Laws (Adequate Dissemination); (A) Adherence To Executive Orders Of The Governor And Rule Of Law; and (Y) Youth, Children, Juvenile, Women And Persons With Disability Laws.

Find below the Commissioners 8-point agenda:

THE 8-POINT REFORMATIVE AGENDA OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE

In view of the functions of the office of the Attorney General of a State donated by sections 195 and 211 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, together with all the stakeholders, we shall work within an 8-point performative agenda to recalibrate the law and Justice sector in Ondo State for a renewed hope and in line with the mission and vision of His Excellency, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This agenda will inform the objectives and strategies the office of the Attorney General of Ondo State and the Ministry of Justice will pursue, as well as performance indicators to measure our progress while in office.

A  ACCESS TO JUSTICE: We shall ensure the protection of fundamental human rights, particularly the rights of the vulnerable in the State. In this regard, we shall work towards recalibrating the human rights and legal aid institutions with the aim of capacity building for better delivery of their respective core mandates. Particularly, the Office of People Defender will be established with the mandate to safeguard the fundamental human rights and freedom of the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups through a strong, vibrant, and high-quality pro bono service in collaboration with stakeholders nationally and internationally.

J  JUSTICE SECTOR REFORM: Bearing in my mind the importance of the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man, we shall assiduously work towards the facilitation of immediate and long-term reforms in the judiciary. The overall objective of justice sector reform in the State will include the building of a justice system that is affordable, efficient, independent, transparent, professional, and accountable to citizens and residents of the State. We shall ensure innovation in the justice delivery system in the State and ensure the speedy dispensation of justice. We shall also take maximum advantage of the existing legal framework in the State with a view to advancing more creative development for seamless criminal justice delivery in Ondo State.

U  UNIFORM LAW ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES: We shall ensure adherence to law and order in respect of enforcement of law by security agencies and MDAs. The idea of illegal arrest, detention and enforcement of order of Court must be stopped. All security agencies in the State must comply with the laws establishing such bodies.

L  LAW OFFICERS AND LAWYERS WELFARE IN ONDO STATE WILL BE REVIEWED: We shall look into all areas of existing displeasure in the practice of law in Ondo State vis a vis the need for improved welfare of law officers across the State. We shall collaborate with the Chief Judge of the State to embark on development of Court Infrastructures, eradication of touting in Courts and we shall collaborate with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association in the State to establish a Compliant Desk to address all issues connected with lawyers and their practice across the State.

O  OBEDIENCE TO COURT ORDER AND LAW: There must be strict compliance with Order of Courts and Law in the State by Government and all persons. We shall do everything within the perimeters of our law to prohibit flagrant abuse of Court Orders and Laws within the State.

K  KNOWLEDGE OF EXISTING LAWS (ADEQUATE DISSEMINATION): We shall engage in strategic partnership with key stakeholders in the State to facilitate the dissemination of the existing laws in the State and constitute the Law Development Strategy Team to ensure adequate information pertaining to different sectors of the society is disseminated across the State, utilising all known communication platforms for compliance.

A  ADHERENCE TO EXECUTIVE ORDERS OF THE GOVERNOR AND RULE OF LAW: We shall, from time to time, advise the Executive Governor in tune with the needs and yearnings of the people of Ondo State. We ensure compliance by all MDAs and other stakeholders in the State of all Executive orders issued by the Executive Governor in this regard.

Y  YOUTH, CHILDREN, JUVENILE, WOMEN AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY LAWS: We shall zoom, with particular attention, all laws relating to Youth, Children, Juvenile, Women and Persons with disability with a view to ensuring that these classes of people are not unlawfully abused or exploited for whatever reasons within the entire state. We shall liaise with the House of Assembly to make law for the protection of the vulnerable in the State.

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The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended the state Women Leader for defending former governor Nasir El-Rufai in the recent controversy over the states debt.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Governor Uba Sani on Friday lamented the high debt burden his administration inherited from that of Mr El-Rufai and how it is making it difficult for the government to pay its workers.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, Mr Sani said his administration inherited a debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the El-Rufai administration.

He also said what remains in the states accounts after deductions from the federal monthly allocations is not enough to pay the salaries of civil servants.

But the state APC Women Leader strongly rebuked Mr Sani for his remarks, recalling how Mr El-Rufai helped him to become governor.

In a video she posted on her official Facebook page, Maryam Suleiman (Mai Rusau), speaking in Hausa, described Mr Sani as an ingrate.

If you say there is no money in Kaduna State, why dont you resign? Notwithstanding the huge debt burden, you ran from pillar to post trying to get the partys governorship ticket from El-Rufai. El-Rufai did not stop at anything until he got you the seat.

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And about the loan, as a senator, Uba Sani was the arrowhead of securing the loans for the El-Rufai administration. He was deeply involved in that, and he is saying the state is burdened with loans! she said.

The suspension

The APC, in a letter co-signed by the state Chairperson and Secretary, Ali Maishago and Zakka Bassahuwa respectively, announced the suspension of Mrs Suleiman for alleged defamation of the character of the governor.

The letter reads: The Badarawa/Malali Ward APC Executive Committee after due deliberations and careful examinations on the viral video clip released on 30th March, 2024 via social networks; Facebook, WhatsApp, and Tiktok, which is against the constitution of our dear party APC as stated in article 21.2 (v).

In view of the above, below are the gross misconducts where the subsequent suspension relied upon:

Deformation (sic) of character of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State Malam Uba Sani.

Unauthorised publicity of the party dispute that discredited the personality of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State.

Furthermore, from today Sunday 31st of March, 2024, the leadership of APC Badarawa/Malali Ward unanimously resolved to suspend Hajiya Maryam Suleiman (Mai Rusau) from the Party pending the further investigation on the matter from the constituted authority.

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The police in Kaduna State have arrested a motorcycle snatcher after the father of the suspect reported the incident to the police in Kaduna State.

The police spokesperson in the state, Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said, On March 29, we received information from the father of the suspect that he saw his son, Sani Nafiu, with a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen, that the motorcycle was stolen from Abuja.

He said on receipt of the information, officers arrested the suspect of Tijjani Kaya quarters in Giwa Local Government Area.

He said police investigation revealed that the suspect stabbed the victim, Shamsu Jamilu of Danja, aged 28, at Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspect collected the motorcycle of the victim lying unconscious.

The suspect Nafiu has been arrested and the motorcycle recovered, he said.

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Mr Hassan said an investigation was ongoing and after completion, he would be charged to court for prosecution.

(NAN)

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Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Sunday said offering palliatives was not a lasting solution to the economic hardship in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Diri made the remark when he spoke during the Easter Sunday service at St. Peters Anglican Church in his community, Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The governor said even though he was not against palliatives, he was more concerned with putting in place the right structures and systems to address the economic challenges.

He said his administration was initiating policies and programmes that would bring about long-term empowerment to people of the state rather than short-term palliatives.

According to him, the government was tackling manpower shortage and the skills challenge by establishing technical colleges in the eight LGAs, embarking on skills acquisition programmes, building roads to connect the hinterlands, as well as other infrastructure that would bring socio-economic empowerment to the people.

The governor also explained that the government alone cannot provide for everyone and called on the people to get involved in businesses and other meaningful ventures toward adding value to their lives and the state.

He said: There is nowhere in the world that the government does everything for you. Let us get involved in businesses. Take advantage of our skills acquisition programmes, and that way, you will add value to yourselves and Bayelsa State. That way, youths will become productive.

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On the significance of the Easter celebration, Mr Diri urged the people to learn from the lessons of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot and that of the doubting Thomas Didymus in the scripture.

READ ALSO: Police arrest fake soldier declared wanted by the military

He advised that Christians should imbibe the virtues of trust, honesty and faithfulness to have a better society.

In a sermon, the Bishop of Northern Izon Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Funkuro Amgbare, said the power in the resurrection of Jesus Christ brought about salvation for Christians.

Mr Amgbare, who urged the clergy always to uphold the truth and propagate the gospel, decried the moral decadence in the church and emphasised the need to reverse the trend.

Mr Diri read the first and only lesson at the service, taken from the book of John 20:1-18.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu is set to attend the inauguration of Senegals president-elect, Bassirou Faye, as substantive president in Dakar on Tuesday at the invitation of the West African country.

Mr Tinubus spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated on Monday in Abuja that the president would leave Abuja for Dakar on Tuesday.

Mr Tinubu, chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments, will join other regional leaders at the event.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other senior government officials would accompany the President.

The president is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration, Mr Ngelale stated.

(NAN)

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The time is coming, but now is.

My oldest brother, Bayo, left Nigeria without telling anyone where he was going. He did not tell our aged parents, his wife, or his children. And he did not tell Biodun and I, his brothers.

Moreover, he communicated with no one thereafter, so we did not know his whereabouts. When our parents passed away, one after the other, we had no way of reaching him. His safety became a matter of great concern. All we could do was commit him to God in prayer, which was more than enough.

A Wasted Trip

Some six years later, we got word that he was sighted in The Gambia. I had to attend the funeral of a member of our church in Sierra Leone, so I decided to take the opportunity to go to The Gambia to see if I could find him.

The person who told us about him gave us the address of a street corner shop in Serrekunda, The Gambia. It was not difficult to find, and I was directed to a barbershop where I met a Nigerian man.

He told me my brother had been living with him for years. But several months before my arrival, he left Serrekunda for a place called Basse. I thought The Gambia was a small country, but he assured me Basse was nine hours from Serrekunda by road.

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I told him that since I had come from Nigeria, I would have no choice but to go and see him there. But the man said that would not be possible. My brother left no forwarding address. So where would you look? he asked.

I concluded that my trip to The Gambia was in vain. I checked into a hotel and told the Lord: It looks like You brought me to The Gambia so that I can spend a quiet time with You.

Kingdom Dynamics

But the next day, the Lord woke me up early in the morning. Out of the blue, He said: Femi, let me tell you about the kingdom of God. Then He started another session teaching me about kingdom dynamics.

I was an intellectual who came to believe in God because of a miracle healing from gunshot wounds. As a result, I was afraid that one day my intellect would confound my faith. I did not stop being intellectual because Christ came into my life, and in so many ways my faith had confounded my intellect.

However, I was afraid that one day I would read something or see something that would contradict my intellect and my faith would be shattered. I was afraid, for example, that I would discover intellectually that some parts of the Bible are false or contradictory. How then would I handle it?

One of those things I questioned was Jesus statement to His disciples that many of them would not die until they saw the kingdom of God. But, I thought, all His disciples are dead. According to church history, all but one was martyred. And yet, the kingdom of God has still not arrived.

Today, the church is still following the prayer guide of the Lord, which says: Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10).

Who was Jesus referring to? Who among His disciples did not taste death until they saw the coming of Gods kingdom? Could Jesus have gotten it wrong? How could He have gotten it wrong? Jesus is not merely truthful; He is the truth. Moreover, He deliberately prefaced his statement by saying: I tell you the truth. (Luke 9:27).

That morning in The Gambia, the Lord brought up this little question of my fears. He said:

Femi, you have been wondering what I meant in Luke 9:27. You have been asking who among My disciples did not die until he saw the coming of the kingdom of God. You said all the disciples are dead and the kingdom of God has still not arrived. So, what could I have meant? Let Me answer your question now.

Those who were alive after My death and resurrection, and who became born again at, or after, the Pentecost, saw the kingdom of God in their lifetime. Look at what I said to Nicodemus: Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Once a man is born again, he can see the kingdom of God. The disciples were born again, so they saw the kingdom of God. What I want to do this morning is to show you the kingdom of God, since you also are born again.

Miracle of Miracles

And so, the Lord said to me: Femi, let me show you the kingdom of God.

And just then, the telephone in my hotel room rang.

The Lord said: Answer the phone.

When I picked up the phone, the concierge said: Dr. Aribisala, your brother would like to talk to you.

I asked incredulously: My brother? Where is he speaking from?

The man replied: He is right here in the lobby.

I told him: I am coming right down.

I put down the phone and could not believe my eyes. What just happened here? I saw it, as clear as daylight. The Lord had supernaturally moved my brother from Basse, nine hours away, to come down to Serrekunda to meet me.

Bayo never knew I was coming. As I said, I had not heard from him in over six years. He had simply decided to come down to Serrekunda to see his friends. Little did he know that that decision was part of the Lords plan to bring him to Serrekunda to meet me.

When he got to the barbershop, the gentleman I had spoken to the night before quickly informed him that I had come to The Gambia to see him. Then he gave him my hotel address.

That is how God works. That is the kingdom of God on the move; in the quiet. The natural man might call it a coincidence, not knowing that it is God who is at work. God is at work, and he is at work spiritually. His kingdom is spiritual, nevertheless The Most High reigns and rules in the affairs of his children.

Faribisala@yahoo.com; www.femiaribisala.com

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To say the truth, we have grossly abused the church planting practice and turned it into a major tool for building personal empires and the systematic transfer of wealth. However, there are also many genuine church planting projects that have God at their centre. Many of these great church branches are across the globe and are truly ministering to the spiritual needs of believers.

This is another major opportunity for redeeming the churchs image and lost glory, if our leaders are truly interested in stopping the current apostasy in the church. There is nothing wrong in expanding the presence of a church to locations that can serve the spiritual growth of other believers. Truly, we have the mandate to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, and the uttermost part of the world. But we cannot plant churches with pastors that are not called by God to shepherd people. The pastoral office is an extremely sensitive one with very unique responsibilities. The church needs to confront the menace of appointing pastors indiscriminately to oversee branches and parishes. It is also a statement of fact that a lot of church leaders actually expand their church networks solely for financial gains. It is purely a business model to generate wealth for these leaders.

To say the truth, we have grossly abused the church planting practice and turned it into a major tool for building personal empires and the systematic transfer of wealth. However, there are also many genuine church planting projects that have God at their centre. Many of these great church branches are across the globe and are truly ministering to the spiritual needs of believers. But to deepen the impact of the church in producing sound believers and genuine disciples of Christ, church leaders who know that they have missed it in this area should reorganise their church planting practices, centring it around quality. If quality will be compromised by opening up five hundred branches of a large church, why not open just fifty branches that can be monitored, organised, supervised, and run with sound Biblical standards.

This is aside the numerous cases of branch-for-sale vices that are still happening in the church. To build a great future of truth for the next generation, we must close these gaps and come back to true church planting practices that are spirit inspired, well structured, mammon-proof, and Christ-centred. I love what Dr Erwin Lutzer said about church planting, and I quote him, It is not only the church gathered that will win the world, but also the church scattered.

A Call for National Repentance

The list of potential sources of remedies for the looming apostasy in the church is endless. From the silence of many church leaders in the time of evil and errors in the church, to the endorsement of false teachers by some leaders, and the fraternising of church leaders with corrupt politicians, the fight against apostasy will be a long and tough one. Interestingly, all the aforementioned root causes stem from one overarching root cause  the love of money. There cant be any solution to the apostasy thats now sweeping through the rank and file of the church until we go back to the Biblical definition of ministry success. For as long as church leaders and fathers continue to promote and pursue excessive financial prosperity as lifes goals, widespread apostasy will continue unabated. In a society where hunger, lack and poverty have now become a weapon in the hands of evil politicians, the church that should be the real light of the world should not abandon her light for the pursuit of darkness. Above all, Nigeria is overdue for a solemn meeting for national repentance, which actually needs to be initiated by fathers and church leaders. If they refuse to acknowledge this fact and consciously unite to repent, there is no remedy to this looming apostasy.

There is still hope. God has never left Himself without remnants. There are still remnants of faithful believers and godly leaders in our nation. We all need to rise up, speak up, and intensify prayers, first for the church, and second for ourselves. You may be popular or unpopular, however what matters here is your validation before God. God does not need to win numerically to win spiritually.

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 heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).

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Years ago, many evangelicals in America came together to sign a document to respond to a government overreach. Read the excerpt of this letter with me:

We will not bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from the proclaiming truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesars. But under no circumstances will be render to Caesar what is Gods.

There is still hope. God has never left Himself without remnants. There are still remnants of faithful believers and godly leaders in our nation. We all need to rise up, speak up, and intensify prayers, first for the church, and second for ourselves. You may be popular or unpopular, however what matters here is your validation before God. God does not need to win numerically to win spiritually. One standing saint can win with God a battle that one million fallen saints cant win. In the spirit of love for the church, and for the future of the gospel, we have left the era of face your calling or face your ministry.

If we refuse to pray against iron gates, we may end up praying behind iron gates. Start speaking out the truth in and to your family. Start speaking it out to your church. Defend the Bible in word and in action and do this in love. Ours seems to be a generation of deaf ears.

Leornard Ravenhill has once said, If we refuse to pray against iron gates, we may end up praying behind iron gates. Start speaking out the truth in and to your family. Start speaking it out to your church. Defend the Bible in word and in action and do this in love. Ours seems to be a generation of deaf ears. Dr Erwin Lutzer in the book, The Church in Babylon said,

Jeremiah lived in a day of deaf ears. He was the weeping prophet, but the people around him remained dry eyed. In Jeremiah 20:7, he said, Oh Lord, you have deceived me because he expected the people to believe the words God gave him for them. Same as the position God has put me. Only a tiny remnant will read, learn, and change. But for those who have ears, let them hear what the Lord is saying to His church  its time to repent and come back to me.

He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelations 3:22).

Ayo Akerele is the senior pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen Ministries in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through ayoakerele2012@gmail.com

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The consolidation effort laid out should be actively pursued to bolster national security, but its execution must be efficient and strategic. Meticulous planning, inclusive dialogue with stakeholders, and a judicious strategy are crucial for realising the intended goals, while avoiding adverse side effects. The Nigeria Police Force must take charge of domestic safety, while the National Border Force oversees border security, and the military maintains the nations sovereignty.

Border security is imperative for national security, public safety and economic success of communities.  Young Kim

For many years, Nigeria has grappled with a range of security issues that have deeply affected the countrys social fabric, democratic trust, and overall equilibrium. The most pressing concerns include terrorism, which has evolved into widespread banditry and abductions; escalating conflicts between pastoralists and agriculturalists; as well as the rampant siphoning of oil and unauthorised minerals extraction. Organised criminals activities such as cyber fraud, gang violence, human smuggling, and narcotics trafficking makes the country face severe repercussions to its economy and international reputation.

The predominant criminal activities are mainly facilitated by the proliferation of arms  both small and light weapons. Whenever the Nigerian Police parade criminals, there is a display of sophisticated foreign-made and locally assembled weapons used by the suspects. Due to the observed increase in arms proliferation, in 2016 the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, headed by Ambassador Imohe, conducted a National Small Arms and Light Weapons Survey, which showed how small arms and light weapons have contributed to insecurity and instability in Nigeria for decades.

The statistics on the aberration of the presence of small and light weapons in the country are alarming. According to Small Arms Survey, a Swiss-based non-profit, in 2020 Nigeria had an estimated 6.2 million arms in the hands of civilians, beyond those belonging to the military and law enforcement agencies. This is by far the highest number of small arms and light weapons held by civilians in any African country. It also posits that Nigeria has more Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) than any country in subSaharan Africa. The compilation of these reports culminated in the creation of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in 2021. Given the ongoing issues, it appears that the Centre, staffed by representatives of various security forces, the military, and pertinent governmental bodies, is yet to curb the widespread distribution of these weapons.

Given Nigerias geographical position, the illegal smuggling of weapons through our porous borders mainly facilitates our security challenges. The Nigeria Immigration Service is presently tasked with safeguarding the nations borders. Their duties extend to regulating the movement of people into and out of Nigeria, issuing travel documents, and granting residency permits to non-citizens within the country. Conversely, the Nigeria Customs Service is charged with revenue collection from excise duties, the promotion of domestic and global trade, and conducting anti-smuggling operations, alongside other security measures.

The solution to border security in our country is the creation a new Nigeria Border Force by merging the existing Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service. A critical element is to remove the revenue collection aspect of the NCS and transfer it to the Federal Inland Revenue Service or change the name and functions of the agency to the National Revenue Service. No law enforcement mechanism should be saddled with revenue generation or collection responsibilities.

Globally, nations, even those with substantial resources, require assistance with border security challenges. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) holds the primary responsibility for this task within its territory. In addition to its central role, the CBP manages a broad spectrum of border-related duties, encompassing immigration control, customs oversight, and the advancement of trade processes. Its core objective is to protect the countrys frontiers, thwart unauthorised entry, and guarantee the regulated movement of individuals and commodities through US boundaries. The CBP is active at entry points, along territorial limits, and within maritime areas, to uphold security and promote lawful transit and commerce.

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In the United Kingdom, the agency responsible for border security is the Border Force. This law enforcement command operates within the Home Office and plays a critical role in securing the UK border. Its functions include enforcing immigration and customs regulations, controlling the entry of people and goods into the UK, and maintaining security at airports and seaports, both domestically and overseas. Russia, with 16 countries as its neighbours, and spanning approximately 20,000 kilometres, has the Federal Security Service to ensure the integrity and security of its borders, both land and sea.

The solution to border security in our country is the creation a new Nigeria Border Force by merging the existing Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service. A critical element is to remove the revenue collection aspect of the NCS and transfer it to the Federal Inland Revenue Service or change the name and functions of the agency to the National Revenue Service. No law enforcement mechanism should be saddled with revenue generation or collection responsibilities. Trade facilitation issues should be moved to the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Commerce, with parastatals under it to include the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission and Nigerian Export Promotion Council which would handle issues of trade, commerce, imports, exports, etc. The issuance of international passports under the Nigeria Immigration Service should equally move to the National Information Management Commission.

There is no doubt that this would be a complex integration process. Merging two distinct agencies involves challenges related to organisational culture, hierarchy, and operational practices. Staffing decisions, training, and reorganisation would require careful planning and execution. The pragmatic thing to do is to create an agency that absorbs only what is required from the two agencies.

This will enhance national security because a unified border force could streamline security efforts by combining the expertise and resources of both agencies, and this coordinated border management would improve surveillance, intelligence sharing, and response to security threats. A single agency could harmonise policies, procedures, and protocols for border management for consistent enforcement and control across land, sea, and air borders. The merger would also reduce redundancy and enhance efficient resource allocation through better utilisation of personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. There will be no ambiguity about border control.

There is no doubt that this would be a complex integration process. Merging two distinct agencies involves challenges related to organisational culture, hierarchy, and operational practices. Staffing decisions, training, and reorganisation would require careful planning and execution. The pragmatic thing to do is to create an agency that absorbs only what is required from the two agencies. Transferring revenue collection from NCS to the Federal Revenue Service (FIRS) could impact revenue generation in the short term because NCS has specialised knowledge in customs duties, tariffs, and trade facilitation, which may take time to transfer to FIRS. As an alternative, those with such skills could move to FIRS.

The consolidation effort laid out should be actively pursued to bolster national security, but its execution must be efficient and strategic. Meticulous planning, inclusive dialogue with stakeholders, and a judicious strategy are crucial for realising the intended goals, while avoiding adverse side effects. The Nigeria Police Force must take charge of domestic safety, while the National Border Force oversees border security, and the military maintains the nations sovereignty. Addressing these matters demands a unified approach, robust governance, and, above all, a resolute political commitment.

Umar Yakubu writes from Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch and serves on the Board of the United Nations Convention against Corruption Coalition.

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The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Ali-Biu, has directed the Kogi Sector Command to commence a detailed investigation of the multiple crashes that occurred in Obajana, Kogi State, on Sunday.

This was contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Jonas Agwu, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Ali-Biu, who expressed concerns over the scores of road users killed in the crash, said the investigation would lead to speedy prosecution of all the drivers responsible.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crash occurred on Sunday at Obajana market.

He said, With the recent collaboration between the corps, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), as well as state judiciary, the drivers responsible for this crash will not go unpunished.

They are going to be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, and those found guilty will face the consequences of their actions.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved four vehicles comprising two Dangote trucks, one Sharon bus and one motorbike.

The reports showed that one of the Dangote trucks brake systems failed while speeding and crashed into three stationary vehicles, including a bus carrying 12 passengers.

Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Open in WhatsApp The impact of the crash resulted in a fire that killed the 12 passengers on the bus and the motorbike rider.

Overall, the crash involved 15 people, comprising eight male adults and three female adults, three male children and one female child.

Unfortunately, 13 persons, comprising six male adults, three male children, three female adults and one female child, were killed, while FRSC operatives rescued the remaining two victims without injuries.

NAN) The 13 victims whose lives were claimed by the crash were burnt beyond recognition, and their corpses were deposited at Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. (

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The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has announced a N1 million subsidy for intending pilgrims to the hajj from the state.

The development was communicated to reporters by the spokesperson of the Jigawa Pilgrims Welfare Board, Murtala Usman, on Monday.

Mr Usman said the subsidy is for intending pilgrims from Jigawa who initially deposited their fees for pilgrimage to Mecca in the 2024 hajj exercise.

Each intending pilgrim will now pay about N900,000 only as against the N1.9 million increase announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

From the initial, the NAHCON allocated 1,518 seats for Jigawa State, but only 1,260 seats were sold to intending pilgrims and completed their payment.

The subsidy gesture announced by the governor is effective on those who have deposited their amount before the sudden increase of N1.9 million Hajj fare increase by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mr Usman said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that NAHCON increased the rate for the hajj, citing foreign exchange rate adjustment.

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About 49,000 pilgrims who had earlier paid the old fees of N4.9 million each to the commission were directed to pay an additional N1.9 million each on or before 28 March, while new registration has been fixed at N8.5 million.

This rate adjustment was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda-Usara, on Sunday.

Explaining the reason for the hike, the commission stated that the exchange rate of N1,474.00 to a dollar made it imperative to adjust.

According to the statement, about 49,000 intending pilgrims under the public quota paid N4.9 million to the commission when the naira was still at N897 to a dollar at the banks.

The commission stated that its efforts to maintain the existing fare have been futile, hence the decision to announce a new rate.

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A former Nigerian senator from Enugu State, Chukwuka Utazi, has revealed why he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Utazi, who represented Enugu North District in the 9th Senate under the PDP platform, defected to the APC during a meeting of the party leaders in Enugu on Saturday.

He resigned from the PDP in October, shortly after the 2023 general elections, explaining that those ideals that attracted me to the party have since receded into oblivion.

The former senator defected to the APC alongside other politicians from other political parties, including a 2023 governorship aspirant of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Dave Nnamani and a former Nigerias minister of Aviation, Fidelia Njeze.

The senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress for Enugu North District, Chuka Idoko, his All Progressives Grand Alliance counterpart for the same district, Jonathan Eze and an entrepreneur, Goddy Jinegwo, equally defected to the APC.

The chairperson of the APC in the state, Ugochukwu Agballah, received the defectors to the party, with other top leaders of the APC in attendance.

Why I joined the APC

Speaking shortly after joining the APC, Mr Ukazi said he was joining the party to realise Igbo presidency ambition.

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Today is a special day in my political career. As a national politician, I want to join politics at the centre. What we are doing in Enugu cannot take Enugu anywhere. I resigned from PDP. Nothing is coming to Enugu. If you are not at the centre, you are failing, he said.

The only way to get Igbo presidency is to serve as a servant at the APC. I want to serve in the party. APC is the only way to join the mainstream nationally. We will ensure that (other PDP) members join the party (APC). With the party discipline, we will go far, the former senator stated.

While receiving the defectors into the APC, the Deputy National Chairperson, South, of the party, Emma Eneukwu, said with the calibre of persons who joined the APC, the party is now in good stead to win elections in the state and pursue Igbo presidency.

It is a new beginning for the party in 2027. We need more people (from the PDP). The South-east must take their place in Nigeria. Igbo presidency is long overdue, he said.

Background

Before the 2023 presidential election, there had been calls from South-east leaders that the region should be allowed to produce a Nigerian president for the first time in 2023.

The hope of many residents of the South-east was dashed when the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP, the two dominant political parties in Nigeria, picked their candidates outside the region during their separate presidential primaries in May last year.

But the hope was rekindled after a former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, dumped the PDP and defected to the LP, where he later emerged as the partys 2023 presidential candidate.

Although Mr Obi was not the only presidential candidate from the South-east, the LP candidate enjoyed swelling support across the country ahead of the general election, mainly in the South-east and South-south regions.

The LP candidate was seen as a potent instrument for realising the Igbo presidency ambition in 2023.

But he lost in the 2023 presidential election after coming third in the exercise with 6,101,533 votes.

Bola Tinubu of the APC was declared the winner after polling 8,794,726 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, who scored 6,984,520 votes.

Mr Obi and Atiku challenged the election outcome at the election courts and to the Supreme Court but lost in all the courts.

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Mutiat Kilasho was 12 when she began to show interest in her fathers rice farm.

After three years of apprenticeship with him, she began cultivating a local variety of the crop named after her community  Ofada, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, south-west Nigeria.

In 2017, Mutiat secured five hectares of land in the area to start her rice farm. The yields were good in the first two years but then followed a downturn. She persevered with the consistent poor returns until last year when she decided to quit.

Now 25, Mutiat identified a change in the pattern of rainfall as the source of the change of fortunes for rice farmers in the area. She said as the rains became heavier, they washed away her crop and left her in debt season after season.

Things were going smoothly when I started but the ofada rice started experiencing problems two years after. In the first instance, I thought I would be able to control the problems but the flood continues to wash the crops away every year.

I had no other choice than to stop the rice farming when the level of indebtedness was too much for me and unbearable, she told PREMIUM TIMES.

Over the last decade, the weather pattern in Nigeria has changed significantly. There has been a significant surge in rainfall in some parts of the country, which has affected the largely rain-fed farming activities.

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Research by the Climate Change portal of the World Bank indicates that the southern part of Nigeria experienced heavy rainfall during rainy seasons between 1991 and 2020, with annual rainfall usually above 2,000mm, and up to 4,000 mm and more in the Niger Delta.

The research also showed that coastal areas experienced a short drier season with most rain occurring from March to October.

In the North, rain only fell from June to September in the range of 500 mm to 750 mm. The rest of the year was hot and dry. Northern areas have a high degree of annual variation in their rainfall regime, which results in flooding and droughts.

Data obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) by our reporter also confirmed an increase in rainfall in the range of 1000mm to above 2000mm in different parts of the country.

Excessive rainfall related to climate change significantly threatens natural resources, food production and peoples livelihoods around the world. In Nigeria, farming is largely based on natural conditions. Crops and livestock have their ideal weather and seasons.

Ms Kilasho said she constructed drainage around the farm to control flooding but it was ineffective due to the heavy rainfall during that period.

I consulted professional farmers and I was advised to construct a drainage on the farm to divert the flood but nothing changed, she added.

Ofada rice is the most common variety of rice grown in Ogun State. It is distinguished by its unique flavour and texture. It does not contain much starch and is commonly prescribed for people who are diabetic. The crop is grown on free-draining soil where the water table is permanently below the roots of the plant. The rice is popular across the South-west region but many farmers have stopped cultivating it.

The crop cannot withstand prolonged heavy rainfall, as it either washes it away or causes it to fail, resulting in huge losses for farmers.

Ms Kilashos father, Biliamin Kilasho, 65, stopped large-scale farming in 2021 after floods ravaged his farm. Mr Kilasho started growing Ofada rice in 1986 on a hectare of land, which he gradually expanded to 20 hectares. At the height of his prosperity, he employed 10 workers as farmhands.

When we started, the land was fertile, the rice grew faster and I made a lot of money. But things have changed now, the land is no longer fertile and rice is not growing the normal way it used to, he narrated.

Rice plantations cannot withstand heavy rainfall. I tried to control the effect but all the methods were still not proactive. Because I couldnt control the effect and the loss was too much for me to bear, I had to stop the Ofada rice business.

Habibatu Olorunlogbon, a mother of five, also stopped cultivating Ofada rice last year after floods wreaked havoc on her farmland.

I pulled out of the business and started garri production. I cannot quantify the loss I incurred on Ofada rice production. Sometimes we made gains but most times we recorded losses especially when we experienced high rainfall, Mrs Olorunlogbon told PREMIUM TIMES.

If rain does not fall, it will affect the crop but if the rain is too much, the plant will fall and it may even wash away.

The Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, Adeshina Arikoserere, also confirmed to our reporter that there are many instances where floods ravaged farmlands where Ofada rice is being cultivated in different parts of the state.

He said many members of his association abandoned their farmlands as a result of the financial loss they incurred from the flood situation and other challenges.

There is no way the crop can survive if there is heavy rainfall. There are many instances where floods ravaged our farms but if there is no heavy rainfall, the Ofada rice will grow normally, Mr Arikoserere said.

Shortfall in production of Ofada rice

A study by Oxfam Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation working to influence policy change in favour of the poor and most vulnerable, shows that Nigeria needs to improve local food production to ensure food security.

Environmental and climate change activists say if farmers continue to pull out of production, it may lead to food insecurity in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of Youths in Agro-Ecology and Restoration Network, Opeyemi Elujulo, said farmers stopping the cultivation of Ofada rice will affect people in the South-west region.

It is one of the major foods in Ogun State. If they keep pulling out, of course, that will affect food production, Mr Elujulo said.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) projected that about 2.5 million people in Nigeria would face acute food insecurity during the June to August 2023 lean season. That figure is higher than the 19.45 million the global organisation projected in 2022. The agency is yet to release its projections for 2024.

But the situation may worsen. Mr Kilasho told our reporter that the production and circulation of the local Ofada rice has declined in Ogun State and other south-west states in the last five years.

The decline in production makes Ofada rice expensive for the average Nigerian. About seven to 10 years ago, we used to sell 20kg of Ofada rice for N5,000. But as of last year, it was sold for N40,000. We dont know what will happen this year, he stressed.

The Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association in Ogun State also told our reporter that many farmers have left the local rice business.

Mr Arikoserere said most farmers do not have the resources to control the challenges they encounter on the farm.

The production and circulation of Ofada rice has really depreciated because many of the farmers have left for other businesses. We are still organising sensitisation for them to return to their farms and looking forward to the rainy season.

The production and circulation of Ofada rice have reduced compared to what we had in the past because most of the farmers lack resources to control the problems they always encounter on their farms and the lack of subsidized input such as chemicals and fertiliser and other things that can help us on the farm, he added.

When asked about members of his association that had abandoned production of the local rice in the state, Mr Arikoserere said he could not ascertain the number but noted that they are many.

The truth is that many have abandoned their farms because of the challenges they faced on the farms, he said.

Abiola Kushoro, a resident of Lagos State, told our reporter that she no longer eats Ofada rice.

We used to eat Ofada rice at least three times a week before but we have stopped it because our parents can no longer afford it.

Mrs Kushoro said her cousin also abandoned his rice farm three years ago.

He used to supply us but he stopped the business about three years ago. I rarely see Ofada rice in circulation in my area now, Mrs Kushoro added.

Bukola Kasali, a rice seller in Lafenwa market in Abeokuta, said the circulation of the local rice has reduced compared to the past.

I have stopped selling Ofada rice, I am now selling foreign rice. I stopped last year. The people who used to deliver the local rice to us in the market stopped delivering and the little portion I was able to get was very expensive. In fact, I ate my last stock because people didnt buy it because it was too expensive, the rice seller added.

Way forward

Mr Elujulo said there should be constant capacity-building programmes for farmers and implementation of the loss and damages fund agreed at the Conference of Parties (COP) to compensate countries vulnerable to climate change.

Mr Elujulo also recommended the adoption of agroecology to build resilience in the impact of flooding and resettling of people displaced by flood and other natural effects to help farmers.

Some of the ways forward will be support for the farmers and implementation of the loss and damages of the climate system. Putting those measures in place to address the lingering impact of climate change will be a good way to go about it. Also, building the capacity of farmers on how to produce, in a way that increases their resilience to flooding events and all that.

We have talked about the concept of agroecology and how it helps to address some of these impacts and other best practices that can help to build resilience in the impact of flooding.

Flooding in most parts of Nigeria is also traceable to the way we dump our refuse and manage our waste and waterways. That is one of the things that need to also be addressed to ensure that the overflow is not coming to the farmlands.

Accessibility of Ofada rice

Ofada rice is traditionally grown in Ogun State but is also popular in other southwestern states such as Osun, Ekiti and Lagos.

A market survey in the states showed that Ofada rice is no longer as popular as it was five to 10 years ago. In all the markets our reporter visited, Ofada rice was only available in small quantities in Lafenwa and Kuto markets in Abeokuta. Few supermarkets also had Ofada rice in stock across the states.

Folake Oyebiyi, an Ofada rice seller in Kuto market in Abeokuta, said the rice has become too expensive for many of her customers.

I order large stocks but the suppliers have stopped bringing in large quantities. Ofada rice is now scarce everywhere, she added.

The farmers association chairman also said many of the producers of Ofada rice prefer to export the little quantity available.

There is not enough paddy rice and that is why Ofada rice is very expensive. Another problem is that people are hoarding the little Ofada rice they are producing so they can export it and make more money, Mr Arikoserere said.

This report was sponsored by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, with funding support from the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy, Abuja

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CHICAGO, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Integration with IoT for smart alerts, AI for predictive analytics, and multimodal communication channels are key components of the Mass Notification System Market of the future. Emergency response will be improved by geofencing, cloud-based solutions, and mobile app integration, and data security and standard compliance will be guaranteed by cybersecurity protocols and legal compliance.

The global Mass Notification System Market is projected to grow from USD 23.8 billion in 2024 to USD 65.1 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 22.3% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Recognized as a vital component of organizational safety initiatives, mass notification systems streamline safety protocols by swiftly delivering predefined messages that alert individuals to various situations and provide clear safety directives. Whether facing natural disasters or security threats, these systems ensure precise communication, minimizing confusion, and facilitating prompt adherence to safety procedures. Integration of mass notification systems empowers organizations to effectively address risks, prioritizing the well-being of personnel and safeguarding assets. Serving as a fundamental pillar in fortifying safety endeavors, these systems elevate overall preparedness and reinforce efficient crisis management strategies.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Mass Notification System Market"

440 - Tables

71 - Figures

426 - Pages

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Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 20182029 Base year considered 2023 Forecast period 20242029 Forecast units USD Billion Segments Covered Offering, Communication Channel, Facility Type Application, Vertical, and Region Geographies covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Siemens AG (Germany), Everbridge (US), Honeywell (US), Eaton (Ireland), Motorola Solutions (US), Blackberry (Canada), Johnson Controls (Ireland), Singlewire Software (US), OnSolve (US), AlertMedia (US), Alertus Technologies (US), F24 (Germany), HipLink (US), American Signal Corporation (US), ATI Systems (US), Finalsite (US), Omnilert (US), Regroup Mass Notification (US), Mircom (Canada), Konexus (US), Netpresenter (Netherlands), Illumina (US), CrisisGo (US), Omnigo (US), Ruvna (US), Klaxon Technologies (UK), Crises Control (UK), ICEsoft Technologies (Canada), Squadcast (US), Pocketstop (US), Preparis (US), HQE Systems (US), Veoci (US), Text-Em-All (US), and DialMyCalls (US)

Healthcare & Lifesciences to account for higher CAGR during the forecast period.

The healthcare & life sciences sector is projected to experience a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Within this sector, there exists a pressing need for rapid and efficient communication during critical circumstances. To tackle this challenge, there's an increasing adoption of mass notification systems, empowering healthcare administrators and professionals to communicate swiftly across distances and facilitating timely responses. The adaptability of these systems is paramount, as they cater to patients, staff, visitors, emergency services, and the broader community. Furthermore, they facilitate two-way communication, enhancing comprehension during incidents, and play a vital role in ensuring business continuity and aiding post-emergency recovery efforts. Strict adherence to stringent state and federal regulations is imperative due to the multifaceted roles these systems undertake. This ensures compliance, security, and alignment with industry standards, thereby emphasizing both patient care and operational resilience.

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Services Segment to account for higher CAGR during the forecast period.

The services segment is anticipated to exhibit a higher CAGR over the forecast period. Mass notification system services have emerged as pivotal instruments for organizations aiming to optimize their communication strategies. These services encompass a wide array of functionalities crafted to bolster emergency preparedness, crisis management, and day-to-day communication endeavors. Through the utilization of diverse communication channels such as SMS, email, voice calls, and integration with social media platforms, these services ensure expeditious delivery of critical messages to specified recipients. Offering real-time updates, customizable features, and seamless integration with existing infrastructures, mass notification system services present a versatile solution for disseminating crucial information to employees, stakeholders, and the general public. By adhering rigorously to data privacy regulations and industry standards, these services furnish secure and compliant communication avenues, thereby enabling organizations to navigate emergencies and routine communications with heightened efficiency and efficacy.

Asia Pacific to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This surge is primarily attributed to the escalating adoption of advanced mass notification systems, propelled by the urgent need for resilient emergency communication and crisis management frameworks. Various organizations, including governmental entities, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and others, are increasingly integrating mass notification systems to expedite the dissemination of crucial alerts during complex scenarios such as seismic events, industrial incidents, and security breaches. Notably, mass notification systems solutions are meticulously tailored to accommodate the region's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape, offering multilingual messaging support and seamless integration with prevalent communication channels. As the regional business environment expands and urbanization rates accelerate, the scalable and adaptable nature of mass notification systems plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety, minimizing disruptions, and enhancing overall disaster preparedness.

Top Key Companies in Mass Notification System Market:

Major vendors in the global Mass Notification System Market are Siemens AG (Germany), Everbridge (US), Honeywell (US), Eaton (Ireland), Motorola Solutions (US), Blackberry (Canada), Johnson Controls (Ireland), Singlewire Software (US), OnSolve (US), AlertMedia (US), Alertus Technologies (US), F24 (Germany), HipLink (US), American Signal Corporation (US), ATI Systems (US), Finalsite (US), Omnilert (US), Regroup Mass Notification (US), Mircom (Canada), Konexus (US), Netpresenter (Netherlands), Iluminr (US), CrisisGo (US), Omnigo (US), Ruvna (US), Klaxon Technologies (UK), Crises Control (UK), ICEsoft Technologies (Canada), Squadcast (US), Pocketstop (US), Preparis (US), HQE Systems (US), Veoci (US), Text-Em-All (US), and DialMyCalls (US).

Recent Developments:

In March 2024 , the state of California partnered with Motorola Solutions to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Through this partnership, California will utilize Rave Prepare, a solution provided by Motorola Solutions, to gather additional opt-in information.

, the state of partnered with Motorola Solutions to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Through this partnership, will utilize Rave Prepare, a solution provided by Motorola Solutions, to gather additional opt-in information. In February 2024 , Everbridge announced that it would enter into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Thoma Bravo .

, Everbridge announced that it would enter into a definitive agreement to be acquired by . In July 2023 , Johnson Controls to expand OpenBlue digital buildings capabilities through acquisition of workplace management software leader FM:Systems.

, Johnson Controls to expand OpenBlue digital buildings capabilities through acquisition of workplace management software leader FM:Systems. In June 2023 , Everbridge announced that the dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago , has deployed the company's public alerting software to help keep residents and visitors safe and informed in the event of an emergency.

, Everbridge announced that the dual-island nation of , has deployed the company's public alerting software to help keep residents and visitors safe and informed in the event of an emergency. In February 2023 , Singlewire Software acquired Visitor Aware to bolsters safety and communication solutions by adding visitor and student management capabilities to its InformaCast software, enhancing emergency preparedness and operational efficiency.

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Mass Notification System Market Advantages:

Across the use of mass notification systems, organisations may ensure that essential messages are delivered on time and improve emergency response times by rapidly reaching a large number of individuals across a variety of communication channels.

By instantly alerting people and offering directions during emergencies like natural disasters, security threats, or medical emergencies, mass notification systems improve safety and security by reducing risks and safeguarding people and property.

With the ability to customise and target messages depending on recipient geography, role, or preferences, mass notification systems help organisations make sure the appropriate information reaches the right people at the right time.

Mass notification systems ensure that messages are sent across a variety of communication platforms and reach individuals wherever they may be. Multichannel communication includes SMS, email, phone calls, social media, and digital signage.

In order to ensure adherence to laws like OSHA, NFPA, and HIPAA, mass notification systems assist organisations in meeting regulatory obligations and industry standards pertaining to disaster preparedness and communication.

By allowing businesses to communicate with stakeholders, consumers, and staff during emergencies or interruptions, mass notification systems help to ensure company continuity by reducing downtime and preserving operational resilience.

Report Objectives

To define, describe, and predict the Mass Notification System Market by offering (software, hardware, and services), communication, application, vertical, and region

To provide detailed information related to major factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges) influencing the market growth

To analyze opportunities in the market and provide details of the competitive landscape for stakeholders and market leaders

To forecast the market size of segments with respect to five main regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America

, , (APAC), & (MEA), and To analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall Mass Notification System Market

To analyze competitive developments, such as partnerships, new product launches, and mergers and acquisitions, in the Mass Notification System Market

To analyze the impact of the recession on the Mass Notification System Market

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Hidemasa's appointment bolsters Aculys' position as a leader in the field of CNS in Japan and Asia

TOKYO, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aculys Pharma, Inc. ("Aculys"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing innovative treatments for neurological conditions, today announces the appointment of Hidemasa Tanigaki as Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director, effective March 29th.

Hidemasa has an outstanding track record and has been a leader in the pharmaceutical sector for over the last 30 years. Hidemasa began his journey with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company ("Takeda") in 1992 and held numerous key positions throughout his tenure with the company. After starting his career as a medical rep, he was later involved the successful launch of multiple products. From 2015, he was global lead in Boston for the oncology business strategy. Upon his return to Japan, he served as Sales Director for Specialty Pharma and the Head of Rare Hematology, before assuming the role of President and Representative Director of Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in 2021. He then led the Gastrointestinal Disease Business Unit at Takeda.

Hidemasa Tanigaki, new CEO and Representative Director of Aculys, stated: "I am thrilled to join Aculys which focuses on addressing today's drug lag/drug loss with an utmost sense of urgency. I believe the Aculys' pipeline carries great potential to transform the lives of patients. I look forward to working with the team to deliver such products to those in need as quickly as possible."

BT Slingsby, Executive Chairperson of Aculys, added: "The Aculys Board warmly welcomes Hidemasa as the new CEO of Aculys. We believe his impressive track record and experience in the pharmaceutical sector make him an ideal leader to take the team and assets toward commercialization. We are confident he will continue to position the Company as a leading biopharma in the field of neurological and psychiatric disorders, executing Aculys' clinical, commercial, and financial strategy."

Takeshi Takahashi will step down as the interim CEO and remain a Board Member.

About Aculys Pharma

Aculys Pharma is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that is pioneering ways to eliminate drug lag/drug loss in Japan, and is working to resolve social issues related to neurological and psychiatry diseases. Its corporate name was created from the philosophy of serving as a "Catalyst to Access." Aiming to act as a bridge for innovative medical care in the field of neuropsychiatry, Aculys Pharma develops and commercializes novel pharmaceuticals and provides innovations for better medical care to patients, their families, healthcare professionals, and society.

Company name: Aculys Pharma, Inc.

Address: 6F, the ARGYLE aoyama, 2-14-4 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku,Tokyo, Japan

Representative: Hidemasa Tanigaki

Established: Jan 2021

URL: https://aculys.com/en/

SOURCE Aculys Pharma, Inc.
TOKYO, March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GA technologies Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato district, Tokyo; President, Representative Director and CEO: Ryo Higuchi, Stock Code: 3491; Hereinafter as "the "Company") announces that Ms. Namika Sagara assumed office as the Executive Officer CBO (Chief Behavioral Officer) of the Company on April 1, 2024.

As one of the few Japanese with a doctoral degree in behavioral economics, Ms. Sagara has been providing consulting services based on behavioral economics in a variety of industries including finance, insurance and pharmaceuticals in Europe and the United States, even before behavioral economics became popular. In 2013, she established Sagara Consulting LLC and became its representative. In 2016, she became the founder and CEO of the behavioral science center at a leading market research company in the United States and built the industry's first capability based on behavioral economics. Since then, she has been providing behavioral science consulting around the world, mainly incorporating behavioral economics.

The Company will incorporate the knowledge of behavioral economics that Ms. Sagara has developed over the years into the services of each business operated by the GA Group, and will translate this into further improvements in customer satisfaction and the overall growth of the GA Group.

New Executive Officer

Executive Officer and CBO (Chief Behavioral Officer): Namika Sagara

After graduating from the University of Oregon in 2002, she completed a master's program in psychology, specializing in behavioral economics, at the graduate school, followed by a doctoral program, specializing in behavioral economics, at the business school of the University of Oregon. After working as a postdoctoral fellow at the business school of Duke University, she founded Sagara Consulting LLC, a behavioral economics consulting company, and became its representative. In 2016, she became the founder and the representative of the behavioral science center at one of the world's leading market research companies. Currently, she is consulting based on behavioral science with a focus on behavioral economics all over the world, while serving as the representative of Behavioral Science Group, LLC. In 2024, she began an association with GA technologies Co., Ltd.

Comment on Taking Up Her Appointment

I have been providing consulting services based on the knowledge of behavioral economics to a wide variety of industries and businesses in countries around the world. Drawing on this experience, I will work on customer centricity incorporating a behavioral economics perspective mainly in the real estate area at the GA Group and strive to improve customer satisfaction and contribute to the GA Group's growth.

Judy Yu

[email protected]

+81-3-6230-9180

SOURCE GA technologies Co., Ltd.
DUBLIN, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Caster Wheels Market - Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global caster wheels market was valued at USD 8.30 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach a value of $12.05 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.41%

The global caster wheels market is characterized by a diverse range of companies offering mobility solutions for various applications. The industry's competitive dynamics are shaped by factors such as product innovation, quality, customization capabilities, and distribution networks. Key players in the industry, such as Comfort Castors, Blickle Rader+Rollen, Brauer, Colson Group, and more, dominate the global caster wheels market.

These companies often have extensive manufacturing capabilities, a wide product portfolio catering to diverse industries, and a strong international presence. They leverage economies of scale to offer competitive pricing and invest significantly in research and development to introduce innovative caster wheel designs with enhanced features.

The APAC region held the largest share of the global caster wheels market in 2023, driven by increasing government investment and a rise in automobile production within the region. China, South Korea, and Japan are anticipated to play pivotal roles as significant growth drivers within the APAC region. Moreover, the e-commerce boom in the APAC region has played a crucial role in driving the demand for caster wheels.

The need for streamlined warehouse operations and fast-paced order fulfillment has led to the widespread adoption of material handling equipment equipped with caster wheels, facilitating smooth movement and flexibility in confined spaces.

Increases Demand for Motorized Casters Wheel



The burgeoning demand for motorized casters in the market can be attributed to a confluence of factors that underscore their unparalleled versatility and efficiency across various industries. Furthermore, the integration of motorized caster wheels has emerged as a transformative solution, significantly enhancing task efficiency and expediting operations across multiple industries.

This surge in productivity is a pivotal driver propelling the growth of the caster wheels market. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the competitive edge offered by these innovative wheels, fostering a rising trend in their adoption. Organizations prioritize speed and efficiency in their operations, and the demand for motorized caster wheels continues to grow, contributing to the expanding market presence and success of this advanced mobility solution.



Growing Demand for Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels



The use of heavy-duty equipment in industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing is growing, and this is causing a noticeable increase in the demand for heavy-duty caster wheels. There are several reasons for this rising demand, such as a lot of construction and infrastructure development happening worldwide. Moreover, heavy-duty caster wheels play a crucial role in the manufacturing industry, where they are utilized in various processes like assembly lines, welding stations, and painting booths.

As the manufacturing sector continues to expand and embrace automation, the demand for heavy-duty caster wheels is poised to rise. These robust and reliable wheels provide mobility and flexibility, allowing equipment and materials to be easily moved and repositioned, contributing to increased efficiency and productivity in industrial settings. With the ongoing growth in manufacturing and the increasing trend towards automation, heavy-duty caster wheels are set to remain in high demand, supporting the evolving needs of this vital industry.

Limited Product Differentiation and High Fragmentation



Limited product differentiation and high fragmentation can have a combined and profound impact on the caster wheels market. When product differentiation is little, it means that most caster wheels on the market share similar features and capabilities, making it challenging for consumers to identify the best product to meet their specific needs. In such a scenario, they often turn to established brands or low-cost options, creating a race to the bottom in terms of pricing.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATIONS



The global caster wheels market by applications is segmented into industrial, commercial, and residential. The industrial segment dominated the application segment, holding the highest global market share in 2023. This growth was fueled by increasing demand within key industrial sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and warehousing. In the industrial landscape, caster wheels play a vital role in facilitating the smooth movement of heavy machinery, equipment, and materials, contributing to operational efficiency and safety.

As manufacturing processes evolve and logistics operations expand, the demand for robust and reliable caster wheels continues to rise. The industrial segment's contribution underscores the integral role of caster wheels in enhancing mobility and functionality across diverse applications within the industrial realm.

INSIGHTS BY MATERIAL



The global caster wheels market by the material is segmented into rubber, plastic, and metal. The rubber segment accounted for the highest market in the material segment in 2023. The versatile and durable nature of rubber caster wheels makes them a preferred choice, driving increased adoption in applications ranging from material handling equipment to furniture and hospitality. As industries continue to prioritize efficiency and mobility, the robust growth of the rubber segment underscores the expanding growth of the caster wheels market.

INSIGHTS BY CASTER TYPE



The swivel caster-type segment dominates the global caster wheels market and is projected to witness the highest CAGR in the caster-type segment during the forecast period. The driving forces behind this growth were multifaceted, including the expansion of hospitals and increased demand for versatile furniture solutions.

As hospitals expanded their facilities, the need for efficient and maneuverable equipment became paramount, thereby boosting the demand for swivel caster wheels. Furthermore, the versatile nature of swivel casters found applications beyond the healthcare sector, contributing to their widespread adoption in various industries. This surge in demand underscored the adaptability and reliability of swivel caster wheels, making them a pivotal component in facilitating seamless mobility across diverse settings.

INSIGHTS BY LOAD CAPACITY

The medium-duty caster segment held the largest global caster wheels market share in the load capacity segment. The rise in popularity of medium-duty casters can be attributed to their versatility, catering to diverse applications across various industries. These casters strike an optimal balance between load-bearing capacity and maneuverability.

As industrial and logistical processes continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for reliable and adaptable material handling solutions, contributing to the increased adoption of medium-duty casters. This surge in the caster wheels market is further driven by advancements in caster wheel design, materials, and technology, effectively meeting the varied demands of sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL



The global caster wheels market by distribution channel is segmented into OEMs/ODM and aftermarket. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)/Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) accounted for the most prominent segmental share in the market. The significant market impact of this trend is indicative of the pivotal role played by OEMs and ODMs in shaping the dynamics of the caster wheel industry.

The robust growth in this distribution channel suggests a heightened demand for customized and specialized caster wheel solutions as manufacturers seek tailored components to enhance the performance and functionality of their products. The trend underscores the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships between caster wheel suppliers and OEMs/ODMs, driving innovation and efficiency in various industries that rely on caster wheel technology.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How big is the caster wheels market?

What is the growth rate of the global caster wheels market?

Which region dominates the global caster wheels market share?

What are the significant trends in the caster wheels market?

Who are the key players in the global caster wheels market?

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Opportunities & Trends

Shift Toward Sustainable Caster Wheels

Growing Demand for Caster Wheels in Emerging Markets

Increased Demand for Customized Casters

Rising Demand in Retail and Logistic Industries

Increased Demand for Motorized Caster Wheels

Industry Overview

SWOT Analysis

Raw Material Insights

Value Chain Analysis

Raw Material

Manufacturer

Distribution

End-users

Icwm-Mhi

Icwm

Mhi

Market Growth Enablers

Increased Demand for Caster Wheels in Pharma and Healthcare

Growing Demand for Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels

Rising Demand in the Hospitality Sector

Market Restraints

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices

Limited Product Differentiation and High Fragmentation

Failure and High Maintenance of Caster Wheels

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Company Profiles

Blickle Rader+Rollen

Brauer

Comfort Castors

Colson Group

DH Casters

Hengshui Yu Tong Metalwork

Hamilton Caster

Muvtons Castors

STEINCO Paul vom Stein

TENTE International

Other Prominent Vendors

Bharat Industrial

ProVeyance Group

Shri Shyam Enterprises

Jyoti Architectural

Krizan Syndicate

GITE INDUSTRIES

RWM Casters

H. Varley

Payson Casters

Veeky Impax

TAKIGEN MFG

Kalpar Engineers

Fallshaw Group

Tellure Rota

GITE INDUSTRIES

RADER-VOGEL

ELESA+GANTER

Darcor

Wicke Group

AUT (Wheels & Castors)

Algood Casters

Vulcan Industries

KYUNG CHANG PRECISION

YUEI

TOHOKUSHARYO MF

INOAC Wheel

Trio Pines

Trew Industrial Wheels

ER Wagner

Monroe Engineering

Kason Industries

Caster Concepts

Conveyer & Caster

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kzb1xh

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

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For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Electric Outboard Motors Market - Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global electric outboard motors market was valued at $120 million in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of $196.62 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.58%

The global electric outboard motors market is fragmented, with the presence of many local and international players. The competition among these players is intense. The rapidly changing technological environment could adversely affect vendors as customers expect continuous innovations and upgrades in the manufacturing of electric outboard motors.

The key players in the global electric outboard motors market include Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Evoy, Pure Watercraft, Yamaha Motor, and Brunswick Corporation. There is intense competition in the market as all the players compete to gain more market share. The market will witness consolidation due to the intensely competitive environment. These factors make it imperative for vendors to distinguish their products and service offerings through a clear and unique value proposition, or they will not survive the highly competitive environment.



The global electric outboard motors market is well-developed in North America and Europe. The established markets of Europe and North America are expected to witness high demand for electric outboard motors during the forecast period since the commercial adoption of boats has increased in these regions. Such factors offer vendors many opportunities during the forecast period. In addition, the demand for marine infrastructure arises due to changing market dynamics, such as a higher number of recreational boat users.

The global electric outboard motors market is undergoing several transformations regarding research on innovative products. The demand and adoption of boating activities are high for numerous reasons, such as increased urbanization and a rise in living standards. The U.S. is one of the biggest manufacturing hubs in North America. Over the past few years, it has attracted huge investments for expanding existing facilities or new facility setups. The presence of manufacturing facilities for Pure Watercraft and Vision Marine Technologies, among others, is a major driver for the growth of this region's electric outboard motors market.

Developing Lithium-ion Batteries



The increasing need for extended battery life has driven significant advances in enhancing backup capacity. Li-ion batteries have less harmful environmental effects. As most vendors try to achieve sustainability, most electric outboard motors have Li-ion batteries that are better for the environment. The adoption of battery systems and battery technology will play a pivotal role in influencing purchasing decisions. Professional users are increasingly encouraged to adopt a unified battery system for electric outboard motors.

This trend is expected to propel the reliance on Li-ion batteries further, driving market growth. The longevity and performance of Li-ion batteries have prompted vendors in the global electric outboard motors market to expand their product offerings with Li-ion battery options. Electric outboard motors are mostly equipped with Li-ion batteries, giving tough competition to lead acid batteries.



Rising Participation in Leisure Boating Activities in Europe



The European boating industry is one of the world's most dynamic and competitive industries that significantly contributes to the growth of the European economy. The leisure boating market in Europe has witnessed impressive growth over the past five years. Countries such as Belgium, Croatia, and many others have seen significant increase in the recreational boat market.



High Initial Costs



The electric outboard motors market faces a significant challenge in the form of high initial costs, which can act as a restraining factor for its widespread adoption and market growth. The upfront expenses associated with electric outboard motors, including the motor itself and the required battery systems, often surpass the costs of traditional gasoline-powered alternatives.

Several factors contribute to these high initial costs, including advanced technology embedded in electric outboard motors and the cost of high-quality, high-capacity batteries, which represent a significant portion of the overall expense.





Segmentation by Power: 5 KW - 50 KW, Up to 5 KW, Above 50 KW

The 5 KW - 50 KW power segment is expected to be the largest revenue segment of the global market. This power range is suitable for various vessels, including mid-sized boats, pontoons, and specific types of commercial watercraft. Environmental sustainability is the key driver for adopting electric outboard motors in the 5 kW to 50 kW range.

With zero emissions during operation, these motors play a crucial role in promoting cleaner air and water environments, addressing concerns about pollution in marine ecosystems. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable boating practices, appealing to boat owners and operators prioritizing environmental protection. As charging infrastructure continues to improve, electric outboard motors within the 5 KW to 50 KW range become increasingly practical for a diverse range of boating enthusiasts and commercial operators.

Segmentation by Application: Recreational, Commercial, Military



The recreational application segment holds the most prominent share of the global electric outboard motors market in 2023. Electric outboard motors have transformed the landscape of recreational boating, providing numerous advantages that appeal to both environmentally conscious individuals and those seeking an enhanced on-water experience. In the realm of smaller vessels like kayaks, canoes, and dinghies, electric outboard motors offer a quiet and efficient mode of propulsion.

Furthermore, electric outboard motors have gained popularity for day cruisers and weekend boaters due to their user-friendly nature, low maintenance requirements, and eco-friendly operation. The instant torque delivery of electric motors improves maneuverability, simplifying tasks such as docking and navigating in tight spaces. These aspects collectively contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable boating experience for recreational users. As technology advances and the infrastructure supporting electric boating expands, the prevalence of electric outboard motors in the recreational sector is likely to grow.

Segmentation by Boat Length: Less than 30 ft, 30 ft - 50 ft, More than 50 ft



The less than 30 ft boat segment is expected to be the largest revenue segment of the global market. The rising popularity of electric outboard motors for boats measuring less than 30 feet is driven by several benefits catering to both recreational and practical needs. A significant advantage is the quiet operation of these electric motors, enhancing the overall boating experience.

The demand for electric outboard motors in the less than 30 ft boat segment is driven by several factors, including supportive government policies, environmental awareness, cost considerations, and technological advancements. Due to the rising adoption of sustainable practices in the marine industry, the electric outboard motors market in smaller boats is estimated to witness sustained growth.

KEY QUESTIONS ASNWERED:

How big is the electric outboard motors market?

What is the growth rate of the global electric outboard motors market?

Which region dominates the global electric outboard motors market share?

What are the significant trends in the electric outboard motors market?

Who are the key players in the global electric outboard motors market?

MARKET LANDSCAPE

Market Opportunities & Trends

Developing Li-Ion Batteries

Growing Opportunities in the Electric Boat Industry

Growth in the Marine Tourism Industry

Industry Overview

Rise of Electric Outboard Motors

Functioning of Electric Outboard Motors

Advantages of Electric Outboard Motors

Type of Control System

Evolution of Electric Outboard Motors

Future of Electric Outboard Motors

Dawn of Electric and Hybrid Engines

Value Chain Analysis

Material Suppliers

Manufacturers

Distributors

Application

Market Growth Enablers

Rising Participation in Leisure Boating Activities in Europe

Growing Demand for Outboard Power Boats

Sustainable Development of the Electric Outboard Motors

Market Restraints

High Initial Costs of Electric Outboard Motors

Limited Charging Infrastructure

Emergence of Trolling Motors

Key Company Profiles

Torqeedo

ePropulsion

Evoy

Pure Watercraft

Yamaha Motor

Brunswick Corporation

Other Prominent Vendors

Aquamot

Aquawatt

Elco Motor Yachts

ELECTRINE

Electro-Mobile

E-TECH

Flux Marine

Golden Motor

KARVIN

Krautler

RAD Propulsion

Rim Drive Technology

Stealth Electric Outboards

Stream Propulsion

E'dyn

TEMO

Vision Marine Technologies

Wolong Electric Group

Molabo

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5m1ma0

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
GLOBALink | U.S. students take part in cultural exchange activities in SE China's Fujian Pub Date:24-04-01 10:56 Source:Xinhua



FUZHOU, March 30 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of students from the United States has recently completed a series of cultural exchange activities on their first trip to southeast China's Fujian Province. The cultural exchange program, which ran from March 25 to 29, included a visit to historical landmarks in Kuliang, located on the outskirts of Fuzhou, where students learned about the history of China-U.S. exchanges. In addition, they visited Fuzhou University and innovative enterprises in the science and technology sector. The students also explored the natural beauty of Wuyishan National Park and immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture, experiencing tea art from the Song Dynasty (960-1271 AD) and visiting the Yantaishan historic community. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Editor:Qin Shuying

Related News Letter from China: A harmonious blend of t... GLOBALink | U.S. teens experience Chinese ... Xinhua Headlines: China trains new-generat... Historical handmade horn comb in east China
BEIJING, March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese science and technology have made rapid progress and significant achievements over past decades. While supporting the high-quality development of the domestic economy and leading the continuous upgrading of industries, Chinese science and technology endeavors have also made important contributions to world technology advancement. In the future, the prospects for the development of Chinese science and technology are being viewed as even brighter than past decades, and there will be more "Chinese elements" in the progress of world scientific and technological development.



The Global Innovation Index by the World Intellectual Property Organization and the National Innovation Index Report by the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development both show that China's innovation capability has been rapidly improving in recent years. China's ranking in the Global Innovation Index has risen from 34th in 2012 to 12th in 2023. In the National Innovation Index Report, China's ranking has increased from 20th in 2012 to 10th in 2023.



The influence of Chinese scientific research continues to rise. In 2022, China published 360,000 high-level international journal articles, with a total of 649,600 citations, ranking first globally. China's intellectual property achievements are steadily increasing. In 2023, China's granted invention patents reached 921,000, with a total of 4.99 million valid invention patents.



China continues to produce significant technological innovations. New applications in the field of aerospace have been achieved. China successfully completed a mission to return samples from the moon. The domestically-produced C919 large passenger aircraft completed its first commercial flight. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has officially become part of International Civil Aviation Convention (ICAO) standards, becoming a globally recognized satellite navigation system for civil aviation.



China's construction of science and technology innovation centers is being coordinated and promoted comprehensively. According to the Global Top 100 Science and Technology Cluster list released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China was home to 24 science and technology clusters that featured in the global top 100 by 2023, marking an increase of 3 from the previous year, which positioned China as the country with the most science and technology clusters. Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area stand out as the three major international science and technology innovation centers, with their scientific strength entering the international leading ranks.



In recent years, China has been actively implementing the strategy of innovation-driven development, with scientific and technological innovation becoming a new driving force for economic transformation and upgrading, enhancing economic vitality.



According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2023, the value added of high-tech manufacturing in China increased by 2.7 percent, accounting for 15.7 percent of the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size, and investment in high-tech industries increased by 10.3 percent compared to the previous year.



China has vigorously promoted the development of digital economy, focusing on advancing industrial digital transformation and the development of digital industries. In 2022, the size of China's digital economy reached 50.2 trillion yuan ($6.95 trillion), with a nominal year-on-year growth of 10.3 percent.



China is an active participant in global climate governance, is focused on green and low-carbon international cooperation, and regards technological innovation as an important force to promote sustainable development. Currently, China is accelerating the construction of a new-energy system, with new-energy technologies represented by wind power, photovoltaics, new-energy storage, and new-energy vehicles showing great potential.



According to data from the National Energy Administration, by the end of 2023, China's installed capacity of solar power generation was about 610 million kilowatts, and the installed capacity of wind power was about 440 million kilowatts. Meanwhile, China's new-energy vehicle industry is also growing rapidly, with a production of 9.44 million new-energy vehicles in 2023, an increase of 30.3 percent over the previous year.



After decades of continuous efforts, China's science and technology has laid a solid foundation for future achievement. Faced with a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, China also has the ability to seize development opportunities and achieve a leap in scientific and technological strength.



The country's continuous large-scale investment in science and technology will produce significant cumulative effects, realizing the emergence of capabilities and a leap from quantitative to qualitative changes in scientific and technological innovation achievements. The total R&D expenditure in the whole society has increased from 1.03 trillion yuan in 2012 to 3.3 trillion yuan in 2023.



China has become the world's second-largest economy, with a complete and well-matched industrial system, being the only country in the world that has all the industrial categories listed in the UN industrial classification. This provides sufficient resource guarantee and application scenario support for scientific and technological innovation.





SOURCE Global Times
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, on the decision by the Israeli government to block Al Jazeera from broadcasting to Israeli citizens.

"We object to the announced decision by the government of Israel to block the news programing of Al Jazeera from reaching Israeli citizens. We furthermore object to any potential decision to order the shuttering of Al Jazeera bureaus in Israel.

"The people of Israel are in the midst of a critical debate about the policy of their government in its six-month war with Hamas, along with the broader direction of their government. What's more, Al Jazeera's coverage of what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories is relied upon by millions of viewers around the world.

"At this pivotal juncture for Israeli democracy, any moves by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to end Al Jazeera's reporting from Israel would be reminiscent of actions taken by illiberal governments to crack down on journalism they felt threatened their hold on power. Such anti-press freedom actions are unworthy of a fellow democracy that prizes its close relationship with the U.S. government and the American people."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization, the Club is a leading advocate for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged, global citizenry through an independent and free press and via programs and trainings. The NPCJI is the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders in the College of Business at St. Petersburg College are continually assessing and introducing programs that address trends in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices.

Buoyed by input from business leaders and funding from grants, the College and its new dean, Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, have been gaining momentum in creating new ways for students to gain an edge in the global economy. The latest changes seek to improve the marketability, job and salary prospects of graduates while fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among those who want to strike out on their own.

In the past year, the College has launched specialty tracks in two degrees, expanded the avenues to earn academic credit for business and life experience, known as experiential learning, and created niche certificates where there is great demand.

"One of our goals is to support lifestyle entrepreneurs," said Hernandez-Agosto, who brings with him expertise as a business incubator manager, as well as in entrepreneurship and community development, and 15 years of experience in higher education in the areas of marketing, recruitment, curriculum development and accelerated learning programs for adult learners. "Most entrepreneurial programs focus on high-wage or growth areas like tech, but few focus on and take pride in helping these entrepreneurs."

This fall, the College will launch the bachelor's level Corporate Entrepreneurship Advanced Technical Certificate and the Green Innovations and Social Entrepreneurship Certificate. The corporate entrepreneurship certificate will give students the know-how to innovate within existing, traditional organizational frameworks, turning them into "intrapreneurs." The Green Innovations and Social Entrepreneurship Certificate leans heavily into social enterprises and got its start during a summer sustainability program funded by a $25,000 VentureWell grant, awarded to colleges to expand and strengthen STEM innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

This year, the College is embarking on Titan Venture XLP, a business incubator that partners with Gibbs High School's Business, Entrepreneurial, Technology Academy in St. Petersburg. Funded by a $100,000 Entrepreneurship Education and Training Grant from the Florida Department of Education, Titan Venture XLP provides mentorship and business lessons to students, who can earn 1218 college credits for their business ideas and practical experience.

Launched last fall, the bachelor's level Business Analyst Specialist Advanced Technical Certificate focuses on essential business skills like customer needs analysis, and data flow and design and is geared toward technology students who want to transfer to business roles and for business students who want to expand their technical and data skills.

About St. Petersburg College

Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College (SPC) is Florida's first two-year college. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC offers more than 200 degree, certificate and transfer programs, including many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. The College's career-focused curriculum is created with input from industry experts to provide students with real-world skills needed to meet the needs of today's employers.

SOURCE St. Petersburg College
LOS GATOS, Calif., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanco Pipelines Inc., a renowned underground pipeline installation company serving Northern California, has taken a significant leap towards enhancing productivity with the procurement of two state-of-the-art HB365LC-3 hybrid excavators from the newly appointed Komatsu distributor, Gee Heavy Machinery.

Sanco Pipelines uses a Komatsu HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator to dig a utility trench. Operators dig utility trenches with Komatsu HB365LC-3 hybrid excavators.

Established over 68 years ago, Sanco Pipelines Inc. has been a cornerstone in Northern California's infrastructure development. Current owner Braden Schrader, carrying forward the legacy of his predecessors, remains committed to delivering top-notch quality and timely completion of projects.

"We attribute our growth to the core principles instilled by my grandparents and father: delivering excellence, on time, every time," stated Schrader. "This ethos has earned us enduring partnerships and trust among developers, enabling us to sustain our focus on our core competency  underground pipeline installations for storm, water, and sewer systems."

The acquisition of the HB365LC-3 hybrid excavators marks a strategic move by Sanco Pipelines Inc. towards optimizing operational efficiency. Schrader's decision was reinforced by the machines' performance during a demonstration at Komatsu's Quarry Days in Arizona, where operators were impressed by the equipment's speed and minimal noise levels.

Patrick Cofield, Gee Product Support Sales Manager, emphasized the impact of these excavators on Sanco Pipelines' operations, stating, "The HB365LC-3 hybrids not only bolster production but also align with California's stringent emission regulations. We are proud to support Sanco Pipelines in this transition towards greener and more efficient equipment."

Powered by Komatsu's innovative hybrid technology, the HB365LC-3 excavator offers comparable or superior performance to traditional models while achieving up to 20% fuel savings, depending on the application. Taimoor Khan, Komatsu's Business Development Manager for Carbon Neutral Products, highlighted the machine's advanced features designed to enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Gee Heavy Machinery, the new Northern California Komatsu distributor since December 1, 2023, expressed enthusiasm about the market's response to the hybrid excavators. Joel Larson, Chief Operating Officer, and Dave Damboise, Vice President of Sales and Rental, underscored the machines' compatibility with California's emission reduction initiatives, emphasizing Komatsu's reputation for reliability and efficiency.

Patrick Cofield reiterated Gee Heavy Machinery's commitment to providing exceptional service and support to customers like Sanco Pipelines, ensuring seamless integration and maximum operational uptime.

The introduction of the HB365LC-3 hybrid excavators signifies a milestone in Sanco Pipelines' journey towards sustainable and high-performance infrastructure development, setting a benchmark for industry peers.

To learn more about our products, services and career opportunities, please visit www.geehm.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Barb Canibano

Vice President, Marketing

T: (725) 253-4044

E: [email protected]

The opinions expressed herein are those of the end user and may not reflect those of the distributor or manufacturer. Individual performance may vary based on operating conditions.

SOURCE Gee Heavy Machinery
Registration is officially open for the world's premier conference and exhibition showcasing the latest in computer graphics, set to take place at the Colorado Convention Center

DENVER, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGGRAPH 2024 will soon descend upon Denver's Colorado Convention Center this summer, and this announcement marks a full circle moment. The SIGGRAPH concept came to fruition at The University of Colorado in Boulder, and 51 years later will return to the place where it all began. The SIGGRAPH community focuses on computer graphics and interactive techniques, which includes innovation and technological developments in the fields of animation, visualization, imaging, and art to name a few. This community consists of computer scientists, researchers, mathematicians, engineers, technologists, and artists who are all interested in how computer-generated images inform, inspire, and shape the world we live in. Registration for this world-renowned event opened Thursday, 28 March.

Registration is open for the world's premier conference and exhibition showcasing the latest in computer graphics. Post this  2023 ACM SIGGRAPH SIGGRAPH 2023 Electronic Theater. Photo by Andreas Psaltis  2023 ACM SIGGRAPH

While SIGGRAPH was conceptualized in Boulder more than five decades ago, the event's return to Colorado from Sunday, 28 July to Thursday, 1 August, further amplifies Colorado as a national leader in the IT industry. According to the Colorado Technology Association's Colorado Tech Industry Report, Colorado has the seventh fastest IT industry growth rate in the nation, and in the next five years, Colorado IT employment growth is predicted to grow by 12%, the third highest predicted growth rate across the U.S.

"For the first time, we have the chance to go back to Colorado after a half century. It's a full circle to come back here, and I think that's really meaningful," SIGGRAPH 2024 Conference Chair Andres Burbano of the Open University of Catalonia said. "Computer graphics and interactive techniques are a constant presence in our everyday lives. Thanks to the phones in our pockets, we carry graphics with us on the go, impacting how we live, work, play, and travel, and this development reaches far beyond ourselves and our communities. It extends to how we interact with different levels of reality from the more intimate and personal to the global and public."

ACM SIGGRAPH presents two annual conferences attended by tens of thousands of industry experts. For the North American event, Virtual Access is available as well, allowing attendees to tune in from around the world. SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 will be held 36 December in Tokyo, Japan. These are considered the world's largest, most influential conferences on computer graphics and interactive techniques. Year after year, these conferences inspire progress through education and collaboration. Participants are offered unique opportunities for education and interaction with the best and brightest in the industry.

SIGGRAPH 2024 selecting Denver to host proves that the Mile High City is on the world's playing field when it comes to technology and computer graphics. The technology industry has a large impact on the Colorado economy. In 2021, the industry generated more than $76 billion in Gross State Product (GSP), accounting for 18% of the state's total economic output and accounted for 9% of Colorado's employment. Colorado proves to be setting the stage as a leader for technology in the nation.

"There are also several industries in Colorado that are important for SIGGRAPH, like creative industries, electronics, technology, and information. We know that there's a lot of movement around the aerospace industry, and there are aspects of computer graphics and applications of graphics to the aerospace industry. Colorado offers us an expanded view of the idea of computer graphics and interactive techniques," Burbano added.

SIGGRAPH 2024 offers a vast lineup of programs covering topics in the realms of arts and design, gaming and interactive, new technologies, production and animation, and research and education. As a contributor or an attendee, each plays an active role in building the desirable future of computer graphics and interactive techniques. There will be keynote presentations from the industry's brightest minds, an animation showcase at the Academy Award-qualifying Electronic Theater, various panels, an Educator's Forum, storytelling in the VR Theater, the Student Research Competition, and an Experience Hall full of immersive tech and the annual Art Gallery, and many more interactive opportunities.

For more information and to participate in SIGGRAPH 2024, discover more about the conference and register at s2024.siggraph.org/register.

About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2024

ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2024, the 51st annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 28 July1 August at the Colorado Convention Center, along with a Virtual Access option.

SOURCE SIGGRAPH
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Petersburg College and HCA Florida Healthcare are partnering to train Florida's future caregivers.

Spurred by a $80,000 grant from HCA Florida Healthcare, St. Petersburg College secured a matching $80,000 grant from the Florida Department of Education's Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) program. The LINE grant incentivizes collaboration between nursing education programs and health care partners in reducing Florida's nursing shortage.

This collaborative initiative builds on St. Petersburg College's more than 60 years of successfully preparing nurses to meet the demands of the changing health care industry.

"St. Petersburg College is a high-quality educator that not only provides well-trained nurses to our local community but also has an impressive pass rate for nursing graduates taking their state license exam," said Leanne Salazar, DNP, MBA, ARNP, CENP, CPPS, CPHQ, FNP-BC, the Chief Nurse Executive at HCA Healthcare West Florida Division.

With the grant funds, 25 nursing students at St. Petersburg College received $2,000 in scholarships, which alleviates financial burdens and fosters student success.

"This scholarship helps students to not have to work or to work less. It can also help buy their books or to do whatever it is they need it to do so they can focus on their studies," said Dr. Leah Olson, Academic Program Director at St. Petersburg College. "Getting a nursing degree is very challenging, and the College wants all students to be prepared to take care of people and the community."

In addition, St. Petersburg College utilized grant funds to upgrade the simulation equipment that's used to train nursing students and purchased new equipment and supplies to enhance nursing students' learning experience.

Together, St. Petersburg College and HCA Florida Healthcare are helping to alleviate the current nursing shortages while preparing future nurses to meet the demands of a changing health care industry.

About St. Petersburg College

Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College (SPC) is Florida's first two-year college. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC offers more than 200 degree, certificate and transfer programs, including many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. The College's career-focused curriculum is created with input from industry experts to provide students with real-world skills needed to meet the needs of today's employers.

SOURCE St. Petersburg College
The two organizations celebrate the start of Earth Month with a social media surprise for fans of Ben & Jerry's popular Phish Food ice cream

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Ben & Jerry's joined forces this year with a social media surprise - just in time for April Fools' Day and the first day of Earth Month. Ben & Jerry's 1.5 million Instagram and 400.7 thousand TikTok followers were treated to the news that the fudge fish in the popular Ben & Jerry's Phish Food ice cream was "o-fish-ally MSC certified sustainable", complete with the MSC Blue Fish stamp of approval. The digital joke aimed to bring attention and awareness to the MSC's mission to end overfishing and ensure wild seafood is fished sustainably. Both organizations participated in online commentary to discuss sustainable fishing and ultimately recognize the April Fools stunt.

The Marine Stewardship Council and Ben & Jerrys April Fools Surprise  Phish Foods Fudge Fish now MSC Certified

"Ben & Jerry's is founded on principles of sustainability, and a long-standing belief that business can be a force for good," said Chris Miller, Ben & Jerry's Social Mission Director. "We believe sustainable food supply chains are critical for the preservation of our environment and a matter of social and economic justice. What better way to bring light to those efforts than by collaborating with like-minded organizations, like the Marine Stewardship Council, to showcase just how easy it can be for everyone to play their part."

This unlikely and lighthearted collaboration comes during an important moment in time when new data from MSC shows American consumers' desire to live more sustainably. To show shoppers how easy it is in their everyday shopping to choose blue, the MSC partnered with Vermont-based artist Jackson Tupper to create illustrations that aim to inspire shoppers to choose sustainable seafood.

"We are excited to partner with Ben & Jerry's this Earth Month to bring awareness to environmentally sustainable seafood in a fun and creative way," said Nicole Condon, MSC US Program Director. "During Earth Month and beyond, we want to spread awareness about how American consumers can make a meaningful impact simply by choosing products that have gone through a rigorous, third-party review like seafood products that carry the MSC Blue Fish label."

During Earth Month 2024, MSC is taking even more steps to raise awareness for sustainable seafood with their I Choose Blue for a Healthier Planet campaign. During Earth Month this year, the MSC encourages consumers to consider why they "choose blue". Is it to support ocean health? For their health and the health of their family? Every consumer may have a different reason for choosing sustainable seafood, but the MSC wants to remind them to Choose Blue on their way to the grocery store this Earth Month.

About the Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a global, science-based nonprofit organization helping to protect the ocean and safeguard seafood supplies for the future. For over 25 years, the MSC has been working with scientists, fisheries, seafood companies, industry experts, retailers, conservation groups and other nonprofits to improve the way our ocean is fished through the MSC Fisheries Standard and Chain of Custody Standard . The MSC program incentivizes and rewards sustainable fishing practices globally. Through the use of the MSC blue fish label , the MSC makes it easy for everyone to identify and choose sustainable, wild-caught seafood from a certified source. Learn more at www.msc.org .

About Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is an aspiring social justice company that believes in a greater calling than simply making and selling the world's best ice cream. The company produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and Non-Dairy/vegan desserts using high-quality ingredients and lots of big chunks and swirls. As a certified B Corp, Ben & Jerry's incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices via values-led sourcing initiatives when purchasing ingredients. Ben & Jerry's is distributed in over 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Scoop Shops, and via on-demand delivery services. Ben & Jerry's, a Vermont corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, a fair financial return, and addressing issues of social, racial, and environmental injustice around the globe. The Ben & Jerry's Foundation, guided by Ben & Jerry's employees, granted $5.1MM in 2023 to support progressive, justice focused grassroots organizing around the country. For up-to-date information visit benjerry.com.

Media Contact: Jackie Marks

[email protected]

SOURCE Marine Stewardship Council
Book a Big Family Vacation Hassle-Free to Los Cabos or Riviera Nayarit

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Villa Group, renowned for its collection of beachfront resorts across Mexico, is thrilled to unveil its latest offering: the Gather Your Tribe program, meticulously crafted for unforgettable family reunions. With a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, this initiative aims to cater to families seeking an extraordinary getaway.

The Villa Group, renowned for its collection of beachfront resorts across Mexico, is thrilled to unveil its latest offering: the Gather Your Tribe program, meticulously crafted for unforgettable family reunions. The program is designed to streamline the booking process, removing contractual obligations, and ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for all. From today until June 30th, 2024, large families can take advantage of the Gather Your Tribe program when booking between 4 and 9 rooms, unlocking exclusive perks at Villa La Estancia Los Cabos, Villa La Valencia Los Cabos, Villa del Arco Cabo San Lucas, and Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit.

From today until June 30th, 2024, large families can take advantage of this opportunity when booking between 4 and 9 rooms, unlocking exclusive perks at Villa La Estancia Los Cabos, Villa La Valencia Los Cabos, Villa del Arco Cabo San Lucas, and Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit. The program is designed to streamline the booking process, removing contractual obligations, and ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for all.

Gather Your Tribe and Craft Your Memories

With the idea that families should be able to gather for a vacation together without any hassle, these all-inclusive family resorts are offering additional perks for groups booking between four and nine of the hotels' rooms. The booking period is available now through June 30, 2024, with a minimum length of stay of three or more nights, for travel anytime between April 1st, 2024 and December 19th, 2025.

The Gather Your Tribe program includes:

Additional space for reconnection: upgrade from two single-room reservations into one Two-Bedroom Suite.

Special amenities for those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.

Family Event Day: Enjoy a one-hour photo session, followed by a semi-private cocktail and dinner reservation at one of the resort restaurants for up to 20 people.

The Best Places for Big Family Vacations

With spacious family suites, which are well above the industry standard, diverse culinary experiences, exceptional hospitality, and a plethora of onsite activities, it is easy for everyone to have a good time. At an additional cost, groups can enjoy exclusive activities such as gourmet experiences, wine or Tequila tastings, and in-suite chef services. Other activities include spa treatments and cultural tours to enhance their stay. When booking family reunions at The Villa Group Resorts, guests can rest assured knowing their group vacation is in the best hands.

For more information, visit https://villagroupresorts.com , or to make a reservation, contact the Call Center at 1-800-831-1191.

About The Villa Group:

The Villa Group is a leading luxury resort collection with an exceptional portfolio of beachfront properties in Mexico. With a commitment to providing extraordinary experiences and unparalleled service, The Villa Group Resorts offers guests a wide range of amenities, world-class dining options, and breathtaking ocean views. From the pristine shores of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to the captivating landscapes of Los Cabos, The Villa Group invites guests to discover the ultimate vacation experiences.

SOURCE The Villa Group Beach Resorts & Spas
Applications are now being accepted to join MR. PEANUT and "shell-ebrate" with fans across the streets of America in the iconic NUTmobile

AUSTIN, Minn., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- If you've ever dreamed of traveling the country with MR. PEANUT aboard his world-famous NUTmobile, listen up. The makers of the PLANTERS brand have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer.

Applications are now being accepted to join MR. PEANUT and shell-ebrate with fans across the streets of America in the iconic NUTmobile. The PLANTERS brand team is in search of three team members  affectionately known as Peanutters  to chauffeur MR. PEANUT across America. Theyll travel in the one-of-a-kind, 26-foot-long NUTmobile, bringing joy and plenty of nuts to fans of the brand at celebrations and festivals throughout the nation.

The PLANTERS brand team is in search of three team members  affectionately known as Peanutters  to chauffeur MR. PEANUT across America. They'll travel in the one-of-a-kind, 26-foot-long NUTmobile, bringing joy and plenty of nuts to fans of the brand at celebrations and festivals throughout the nation. Any fun, creative and carefree people in search of life's next nutty adventure are invited to apply.

"We are thrilled to be taking applications for our third official class of Peanutters," said Patrick Horbas, director of marketing for the PLANTERS brand. "From being the grand marshals of parades to making appearances at community events and grand openings, our Peanutters are fun-loving ambassadors of the iconic PLANTERS brand, bringing smiles and joy to millions of people they meet every year."

The Peanutter position is a full-time, paid, one-year job opportunity from June 2024 to June 2025. Responsibilities and highlights include:

Representing the PLANTERS  brand in media interviews and appearances with local radio, TV and digital publications. The Nutmobile is a rolling public relations firm on wheels that garners millions of media and social impressions each year.

brand in media interviews and appearances with local radio, TV and digital publications. The Nutmobile is a rolling public relations firm on wheels that garners millions of media and social impressions each year. Entertaining fans across the country at local community events.

Engaging with consumers, ensuring everyone has a nutty time and a positive brand experience with the NUTmobile and MR. PEANUT  .

. Volunteering and giving back to local communities.

For those who would "go nuts" to be included in the newest class of Peanutters, see if you met the following criteria:

College graduate with a bachelor's degree, preferably in communications, marketing, advertising, public relations or a related field.

Desire to travel, an appetite for adventure and proficiency in nut-related puns is a must.

A resume, cover letter and short video describing why you would make the perfect Peanutter submitted by April 14, 2024 .

For more information on how to submit your Peanutter application, visit BeAPeanutter.com and learn more about this "can-nut-miss" job opportunity!

About the Planters Brand

Founded in 1906 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the Planters brand has been the ultimate snacking solution for consumers for over a century with a vast portfolio of peanuts, snackable nut mixes, seeds, cheez curls, cheez balls, and so much more. No matter what you're craving  salted, unsalted, dry roasted, honey roasted, whole nuts, half nuts, peanuts, cashews, mixed nuts  Planters products have you covered. The Planters brand, which has been owned by Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) since 2021, is also home to the beloved Mr. Peanut character, who is currently touring the streets of America in his world-famous NUTmobile. Fans of the Planters brand can request the world's largest peanut on wheels by submitting a request at plantersnutmobile.com/request. For more information on all Planters products, visit planters.com.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, Skippy, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized on Fast Company's list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, received a perfect score of 100 on the 202324 Corporate Equality Index and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Contact:

Media Relations

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
PARIS, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 24, VAPORESSO unveiled its strategy upgrade at the VAPORESSO Vaping Ecosystem Strategy Conference of Europe in Paris, France. This upgrade involves extending the brand's product categories to meet consumer demands. By crafting a diverse range of products tailored to specific needs, VAPORESSO is building a comprehensive service ecosystem that encompasses more categories, ensuring a cohesive and integrated consumer experience. The upgrade also involves enhancing the localization layout in Europe, establishing a branch in Europe, and intensifying the development of localized operations within Europe. Both the comprehensive service ecosystem and the European localization layout underscores VAPORESSO's dedication to delivering top-quality, varied products and services to consumers.

A Comprehensive Service Ecosystem to Deliver Top-quality, Varied Products and Services to Consumers

Since its inception in 2015, VAPORESSO has been dedicated to providing consumers with high-quality vaping experiences through innovation-driven efforts and has become a leading brand in the global open-system vaping sector. With a keen eye on consumer preferences and a commitment to meeting their dynamic needs, VAPORESSO's strategic upgrade is set to guarantee the provision of superior products and exceptional service.

E-liquid stands at the heart of category innovation and device innovation, serving as a crucial element in fulfilling consumer preferences for taste and flavor. Therefore, VAPORESSO is expanding from open-system categories to include e-liquid products under its e-liquid brand DELICIU.

DELICIU, powered by VAPORESSO and positioned as a leading global e-liquid service brand, focuses on delivering unparalleled taste by authentically replicating original flavors using high-quality raw materials and top-tier manufacturing standards. This dedication to quality ensures seamless compatibility with all vaping devices going forward.

With this comprehensive service ecosystem, VAPORESSO aims to flourish across more categories, while continuously enhancing services, pursuing product innovation, and striving to deliver an expanded range of premium products to consumers.

A New European Branch to Serve as Central Hub and Foster Development in Europe

In its pursuit of excellence, VAPORESSO's European branch will serve as the central hub for the brand's operation in Europe, embodying the core of their market development plans in the region. It is committed to localizing and streamlining processes to enhance efficiency. This move is designed to work in close coordination with the headquarters in Shenzhen, enhancing the support provided to partners and contributing significantly to their success. Moreover, the branch will establish three centers including European Flavor and Sensory Research Center, European Product Design Center, and European Marketing Center for sustained growth and expansion in Europe.

These initiatives aim to penetrate the local market through taste experience, product quality, and marketing strategies, enabling the company to thoroughly establish its presence in the European market, delivering products and services that perfectly align with consumer preferences.

Continuous Efforts to Promote Harmonious Advancement of European Vaping Industry

VAPORESSO's this strategic upgrade is an innovative approach to exploring more possibilities in the vaping industry. With the establishment of its comprehensive service ecosystem and the strategic advancement of its European localization efforts, VAPORESSO is ready to pursue a wider range of business collaborations with partners, navigating the changing market landscape side by side and sharing the benefits of future market possibilities in Europe.

VAPORESSO is fully dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of the vaping industry in Europe. Starting with the supply chain, VAPORESSO commits to consistently offering high-quality products to ensure a reliable supply and maintain product standards. On the sales side, VAPORESSO plans to work closely with various partners to explore new collaborative opportunities and strengthen the industry as a whole. In addition, VAPORESSO intends to enhance the capabilities of retail stores, improving the shopping experience for consumers and supporting the growth of retail partners. By focusing on local needs in Europe and building a comprehensive service ecosystem, VAPORESSO is actively contributing to the healthy growth of the European vaping industry.

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AUSTIN, Texas, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, a premier firm specializing in business brokerage and advisory services, is excited to announce the opening of its newest office in Austin, Texas. Managing Partner Jackson Payne leads the expansion. This strategic move underscores Viking's commitment to supporting the business community in one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States.

Jackson Payne, known for his dedication, adaptability, and personalized approach in the M&A industry, brings a wealth of experience to the new Austin office. His journey at Viking M&A, along with the success story of his brother Coleman Payne at Viking's Houston location, highlights a deep-rooted passion for helping entrepreneurs realize their business goals. Jackson's extensive background, which includes facilitating 12+ closed transactions in three years at Viking and navigating the sale of his family business, equips him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within the M&A landscape.

Austin's vibrant business climate, home to nearly 2.3 million residents, presents a fertile ground for mergers and acquisitions. With increasing numbers of business owners exploring exit strategies, the need for seasoned M&A advisory in the Austin metro area has never been greater. Viking's expansion into Austin is timely, providing local entrepreneurs with access to unparalleled expertise and personalized guidance through the intricacies of selling their businesses.

Jay Offerdahl, President and Founder of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, expressed enthusiasm about the new office: "The decision to expand our presence to Austin represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy. Jackson's leadership and extensive experience make him exceptionally qualified to support Texas entrepreneurs through the most critical financial transactions of their lives."

The Payne brothers' combined experience offers a unique blend of large-firm resources and expertise with the personal touch of a smaller office. Their understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, from sale preparation to post-sale integration, ensures that Viking's clients across the Texas market receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

The Austin office is poised to become a cornerstone for Viking M&A in Texas, reflecting the firm's commitment to fostering successful business transitions and building lasting partnerships with entrepreneurs across the state.

About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions

Viking provides exit strategies and M&A services to middle-market business owners. In business since 1996, 70% of Viking's brokers are former business owners. Viking has an 85% close rate, representing over 850 successful transactions.

SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions
Lucknow, April 1 : In a surprise move, former Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Sulkhan Singh, has sought a CBI inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of jailed gangster Mukhtar Ansari.

He said that questions are being raised in people's minds about how Mukhtar Ansari died suddenly.

"Mukhtar Ansari himself had also alleged that he was given slow poison. In such a situation, the state government should immediately recommend a CBI investigation into this matter, so that the truth can come out," he told reporters.

The former DGP was in Jalaun to attend a private function when he made this statement.

He said that it is not possible to guess how he (Mukhtar Ansari) died.

He added that Mukhtar Ansari was in state custody and had also alleged in the court that he was being given slow poison.

"Besides, the fear of murder was also expressed, that is why it is necessary for the government to clear its stand so that there is no doubt left. It is very important to get the CBI to investigate this matter at the earliest," the former DGP said.

Replying to a question, he added that anything can happen because policemen can conduct fake encounters.

"Presently 250 policemen are in jail under punishment and some are under trial. What cannot happen when a policeman can kill? However, it is not right to link every policeman with this," he said.
Prayagraj, April 1 : The Prayagraj police have launched a massive hunt for slain mafia-politician Atiq Ahmad's henchman Israr Ahmad, who was among the seven men convicted by the special CBI court in Lucknow on Friday for the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal in 2005, the police said.

While the six others -- Abid Pradhan, Javed, Ranjeet Pal, Abdul Kavi, Gul Hasan, Mohammed Farhan -- were sentenced to life imprisonment, the court declared accused Israr an absconder and issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

Raids are being carried out in search of Israr in Newa, Mariadih and other areas here.

The police raided Israr's home at Newa where they learnt that he fled a day before the verdict.

Vaibhav Singh, Station House Officer of Dhoomanganj police station, said, "Raids are being carried out at Newa and other places in search of Israr Ahmad. His close aides are being questioned to learn about his hideouts."

Police officials also said Israr's wife and children were found at his home but they claimed they had no information about him. All possible hideouts of Israr were being raided and his close aides were being questioned to trace him.

The judgment in the case was pronounced on March 29. Farhan was brought from Chitrakoot jail while Abdul Kavi was brought to the court from Lucknow jail. All others, including Abid Pradhan, Gul Hasan, Ranjeet Pal, Javed and Israr, were out on bail.

Israr, who is in his 60s, allegedly fled a day before the verdict.

Israr has 13 cases, including Gangsters Act and Goonda Act against him at the Dhoomanganj and Cantonment police stations in Prayagraj.

Atiq Ahmad was also an accused in the Raju Pal murder case but the proceedings against him and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf were stopped after they were gunned down by three assailants posing as journalists outside a hospital in Prayagraj on April 15 last year.

Another accused, Rafiq Ahmed, died in prison in 2020.

Raju Pal was gunned down on January 25, 2005, in Prayagraj as a result of political rivalry with Atiq Ahmad's brother Ashraf, whom he had defeated in the 2004 bypoll to the Allahabad West Assembly constituency three months before.
Kanpur, April 1 : Two accused were arrested on Sunday after the Kanpur police intercepted two buses transporting more than 110 people from Nawabganj to neighbouring Unnao for religious conversions, the police said.

The Kanpur police have uncovered a syndicate allegedly involved in religious conversions.

Colonelganj Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mahesh Kumar, said, "The police arrested two persons, who allegedly targeted impoverished and Dalit communities, coercing them into converting their religion for money. Upon examining the documents of passengers, the police filed FIRs for attempted religious conversion and the investigation has been initiated."

Upon receiving a tip-off, barricades were set up at Ganga barrage, and checking was initiated.

The police immediately went on high alert upon sighting two buses and halted them. During initial questioning and investigation, it was revealed that people from various places, including Nawabganj, Armapore Kohna, were being taken to a church in Unnao for an alleged large-scale religious conversion.

Sanjay Valmiki, a resident of Armapore, who was among the passengers, filed a complaint with the police.

He alleged that Simon William and Deepak Morris, residents of Avas Vikas Kalyanpur and Vishnupuri Nawabganj respectively, coerced him to convert to Christianity with promises of reuniting with his estranged wife and children, along with incentives of Rs 50,000, a job, and medical treatment.

Based on Sanjay's complaint, the police filed FIRs against Simon William and Deepak Morris under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act 2021.

Both are currently in custody and are being questioned, police said.
Lucknow, April 1 : A Uttar Pradesh police constable, posted at Bakshi-ka-Talab police station, was sent to lines after he posted a status on his WhatsApp account in support of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who died of cardiac arrest four days ago.

The action came after his WhatsApp status was circulated online on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, North, Abhijeet Shanker, said: "As the Model Code of Conduct is in place, the police department has initiated correspondence with the Election Commission to seek approval for the suspension of the constable, Faiyaz Khan."

"The constable has violated the guidelines of the police service manual and has exhibited conduct contrary to disciplinary standards. Once we receive clearance from the EC, we will suspend him and take appropriate legal action," Shanker added.

"The inspector at BKT police station alerted us about the WhatsApp status after which we initiated investigation," he said.
Aligarh, April 1 : Bahujan Samaj Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, Gufran Noor, continues to be critical after he suffered a heart attack, said officials on Monday.

Noor was admitted to a private hospital on Sunday evening when he suffered a heart attack.

Bahujan Samaj Party had declared Gufran Noor as its candidate from the Aligarh Lok Sabha constituency for the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Aligarh goes to polls in the second phase on April 26 and the last date for filing nominations is April 4.

According to family sources, Noor suffered a heart attack even though he had no medical history.

Gufran Noor has been the district president of AIMIM. Earlier in the year 2012, he had contested elections from the Barauli Assembly constituency on the Quami Ekta Dal ticket.

In 2023, he contested the mayor's election on AIMIM ticket and now he is contesting elections for the third time. However, after his medical condition, there is a possibility of the BSP changing the candidate if the doctors advise Gufran against contesting the polls.

The Aligarh seat was won by the BJP in 2019 and its sitting MP Satish Gautam, is seeking re-election. The SP-Congress candidate is Brijendra Singh.
New Delhi, April 1 : The Finance Ministry has clarified that there is no new change in the income tax regime that is coming in from April 1, 2024, as is being reported by some social media platforms.

"It has come to notice that misleading information related to new tax regime is being spread on some social media platforms. It is therefore clarified that: There is no new change which is coming in from April 1, 2024," the Finance Ministry said on Sunday in a post on X.

The new tax regime under Section 115BAC(1A) was introduced in the Finance Act 2023, as compared to the existing old regime without exemptions.

The new tax regime is applicable for persons other than companies and firms, as a default regime from the Financial Year 2023-24 and the Assessment Year corresponding to this is AY 2024-25, the Finance Ministry said.

Under the new tax regime, the tax rates are significantly lower, though the benefit of various exemptions and deductions (other than standard deduction of Rs 50,000 from salary and Rs 15,000 from family pension) is not available, as in the old regime, the Finance Ministry added.

The new tax regime is the default tax regime, however, taxpayers can choose the tax regime (old or new) that they think is beneficial to them.

Option for opting out from the new tax regime is available till filing of return for the AY 2024-25.

Eligible persons without any business income will have the option to choose the regime for each financial year. Therefore, they can choose the new tax regime in one financial year and the old tax regime in another year and vice-versa, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.
Tel Aviv, April 1 : The US and Israel will hold a virtual meeting of senior officials regarding the Rafah operations.

The meeting will be held later on Monday.

The US side is likely to be led by Brett McGurk, the Special envoy of the US President in charge of Middle East, while the Mossad Chief David Barnea, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and other senior officials.

According to Israel Defence Ministry sources, the US side had informed Israel for such a meeting as the latter has publicly said that it was prepared for an all-out attack on Rafah.

The US, it may be recalled has been totally opposed to such a ground invasion in Rafah region, which is the southernmost tip of Gaza Strip and densely populated.

An estimated 1.3 million people are in the Rafah area that include a large number of people displaced from north and central Gaza since the war commenced on October 7, 2023.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had recently met the Middle eastern leaders during his visit to Cairo and Riyadh .

In the meeting, the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has clearly told Blinken to prevent any ground invasion by Israel in Rafah area sharing its borders with Egypt.

Egypt has also informed Blinken that once the incursion begins there would be an unprecedented flow of people from Rafah into the Egyptian area and that would lead to major issues.

However, the Israeli side led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are pushing for a ground invasion into Rafah to defeat Hamas and release the hostages.

The Israeli intelligence, including Mossad, Shin Bet and military intelligence have provided inputs to the Israel war cabinet that the Hamas is almost defeated militarily and that it has only four battalions remaining in the Rafah region.

The Intelligence agencies have also reported that a final push was imminent to give a crushing defeat to Hamas militarily and that this would pave the way for a proper negotiation in the release of the hostages.

With the US and the Israel diametrically opposite on the issue of military invasion into Rafah, it has to be seen how smooth the virtual meeting would be.
New Delhi, April 1 : At least five people were injured after a leopard entered a house in a village in Delhi on Monday, a fire department official said.

According to Director of Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Atul Garg, a call regarding a leopard barging into the house at Gali No-3, Jagatpura village was received at 6.18 a.m.

Acting on the call, two fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

"At 8.25 a.m., with the help of residents, the leopard was cornered and it was in a room. Around 4-5 people got injured and all were rushed to the hospital for treatment," said Garg.

Meanwhile, police have cordoned off the area and a team from the forest department is also on the spot.

More details were awaited
Mumbai, April 1 : Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who has returned to directing films after 22 years with his upcoming film 'Tanvi The Great', has shared a glimpse from the set before starting the shoot.

Anupam took to his Instagram stories and shared a clip of the entire cast and crew reciting the Ganesh aarti before starting the shoot of the film.

Japanese DOP Keiko Nakahara was seen alongside the camera while the rest did the puja.

On his 69th birthday, the National Award-winning actor announced his next directorial 'Tanvi The Great'.

He made his directorial debut with 2002 film aOm Jai Jagadisha starring Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan and Abhishek Bachchan.

Without divulging much, Anupam had shared that the upcoming film is a musical story of passion, courage and innocence.

Oscar-winning music director M. M. Keeravani came onboard for the film.

Anupam had shared a video of himself in the recording with the aNaatu Naatua composer doodling on his MIDI keyboard.

'Tanvi The Great' is produced under Anupam Kher Studio.
Manchester, April 1 : A resolute defensive display from Arsenal earned the Gunners a point as they played out a goalless draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Liverpool top of the table.

City dominated the ball, with 72 per cent possession, but were unable to create many clear-cut chances, with Gabriel and William Saliba superb for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side drop to second, two points behind Liverpool following the Reds' 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the day. City are a point further back in third.

In what was a tense, feisty affair, chances proved at a premium at both ends of the field as for the first time in 58 games City were denied a goal on home soil.

Nathan Ake and Mateo Kovacic both went close for City whilst former Blue Gabriel Jesus and sub Leandro Trossard threatened for the visitors.

In the end though, the two were forced to settle for a point with Liverpool emerging as new leaders after their earlier 2-1 win at home to Brighton.

City, who only managed one shot on target, were held to their first 0-0 draw in the Premier League since March 2022 against Crystal Palace, ending their run of 75 consecutive league games without any being goalless.

One concern for Arsenal will have been the sight of Saka limping off during the second half, with Arsenal next in action at home to Luton Town on Wednesday.
Mumbai, April 1 : National Award-winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar visited the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok and called it a stunning example of the combination between Hinduism and Buddhism.

Bhandarkar, who is currently holidaying in Thailand, took to X (formerly called Twitter) and shared a video and a picture from the shrine, which he said represents guardian spirits in Thai animist beliefs.

"Visited the #ErawanShrine in #Bangkok, a stunning example of syncretism between #Hinduism and #Buddhism. Built in 1956, this shrine represents guardian spirits in Thai animist beliefs. #Feelingblessed #Thailand #ErawanShrine," he wrote.

The Erawan Shrine, which houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. The name also refers to Mahabrahma, the ruler of the Brahma realm in Buddhist cosmology.

On the work front, Bhandarkar is known for making movies such as 'Chandni Bar', 'Page 3', 'Traffic Signal', 'Fashion' and 'Babli Bouncer".
New Delhi, April 1 : Sridhar Vembu, Founder and CEO of leading cloud software provider Zoho, said on Monday that this is the best time to invest in India for young entrepreneurs from all across the world.

The sense of optimism is real and India is the most dynamic large economy in the world, "poised for decades of solid growth", Vembu posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"I have been speaking at industry bodies, large company meets, colleges and various other forums in many parts of India," he wrote.

"I also hear from a lot of Indians living abroad who want to return to India. Just yesterday I met a FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) engineer who plans to return to rural India".

According to him, this is the time to invest in the country, which is set to become a global hub for supply chains across industries.

"We are investing heavily both within Zoho as well by backing deep R&D driven companies similar to Zoho in outlook.

"Our rule of thumb is simple: if some technology is not yet being developed in India, we are interested in people that are committed to solving that problem, by creating and nurturing the talent that will achieve mastery in that domain," Vembu explained.

A follower said: "I left my job in Germany and I am happy to report that I am returning to India this month, to be with my people, not sure what I want to do next, hopefully I will be able to contribute in my own way".

Vembu replied: "Best wishes. Welcome back!"
New Delhi, April 1 : Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday paid tributes to prominent Lingayat scholar, educator, and spiritual leader, Dr Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu, on his 117th birth anniversary.

The Siddaganga Math seer passed away at the age of 111 years on January 22, 2019.

"Tributes to His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu on his Jayanti. He has made unparalleled contributions towards community service, embodying the true spirit of selflessness and compassion," PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

"His work in education, health care and social welfare has touched millions of lives, and set a profound example of dedication and humanitarian service. We will keep working to fulfil his vision for our society," he added.

The revered seer was born on April 1, 1907, in Veerapura Village of Ramanagara, and was considered as the incarnation of Basavanna, the 12th Century social reformer.

Also known as a "walking god" among his followers, he established 132 institutions for education and training and was known for his philanthropic works.

The government in 2015 conferred him with Padma Bhushan -- the third-highest civilian award in India.

Earlier in 2007, he was also conferred the Karnataka Ratna award.
Kozhikode : , April 1 (IANS) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday slammed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress a day after the INDIA bloc protest rally in Delhi where the latter shared the stage with CPI(M)'s General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.

Taking potshots at the grand old party, CM Vijayan pointed out that it was due to a complaint raised first by the Congress against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that he is in jail now.

CM Vijayan was addressing the media ahead of his election campaign in and around Kozhikode.

He attacked Rahul Gandhi, who is seeking re-election from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency and is contesting against INDIA bloc partner CPI's candidate.

"We all know that Rahul, though not the president of the party, is the tallest leader in the Congress party. Just see, who is he contesting against in his constituency -- Wayanad, it is the CPI's Annie Raja, the candidate there. It defies logic and rationale as Congress and CPI are part of the INDIA bloc and instead of taking on the BJP he is taking on CPI candidate," said CM Vijayan,

"What's he up to? We all know what happened in Manipur and we also know Annie Raja was put under duress when she spoke against the incidents in Manipur. Did Rahul say anything?" asked the CM.

Incidentally in Wayanad, the BJP came out with a surprise candidate by fielding its state president K. Surendran.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP-BDJS fought together and Tushar Vellapally was the candidate who finished a poor third.

He ended up with just around 78,000 votes which accounted for a mere 7.25 per cent, while Rahul Gandhi won with a staggering margin of over 4.31 lakh votes -- the highest margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala.
New Delhi, April 1 : The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn the plea filed by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeking permission to participate in the budget session of the state legislative assembly.

In its order, a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant noted that once the session of the Vidhan Sabha has already been concluded from February 24 and March 2, the prayer raised in the special leave petition has become infructuous.

However, the Bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan, said that it would decide if a Chief Minister or an MLA in custody could be allowed to participate in the proceedings of the assembly.

"My Lords, the session of the assembly is over but the question of law may be kept open," submitted senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Soren.

On February 28, the Jharkhand High Court had declined to grant permission to Soren to participate in the budget session of the Jharkhand legislative assembly.

It was contended before a bench of Justice SN Prasad of the High Court that since no charge sheet has been filed against Soren, the right to participate in the Budget Session cannot be taken away merely based on ECIR.

Earlier, the PMLA court in Ranchi had rejected Soren's application seeking permission to participate in the state assembly's budget session scheduled between February 24 and March 2.

Soren -- who presently remains in judicial custody -- was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.
New Delhi, April 1 : Three people have been injured after a leopard entered a house in a village in Delhi on Monday, police said.

A fire department official said that after four hours of operation, the leopard was caught.

The three injured have been identified as Mahender, Akash, and Rampal, all residents of Jagatpur village.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Manoj Kumar Meena said that on Monday, at 6:14 a.m., a Police Control Room (PCR) call was received at Wazirabad police station regarding a leopard entering a house in Jagatpur village.

Accordingly, the local police reached the spot and forest officials were informed.

"Currently, seven persons from the Forest department and Fire department, along with local police are present on the spot. The leopard has been contained in a room, and then caught," said the DCP.

According to Director of Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Atul Garg, a call regarding a leopard barging into the house at Gali No-3, Jagatpur village, was received at 6.18 a.m.

Acting on the call, two fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

"At 8.25 a.m., with the help of residents, the leopard was cornered in a room. The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment," said Garg
Kolkata, April 1 : The West Bengal government has mooted a plan to introduce old-age pension for those inmates of open correctional homes who have crossed the age of 60 and also lost their ability to earn a living.

A senior official from the state correctional services said that the difference between the inmates in regular correctional homes and those in open correctional homes is that people in the second category have to earn a living to meet their expenses.

"The state government takes their financial responsibility only for the first three months after the inmates are transferred to open correctional homes. After three months, they are allowed to go outside and do some work to meet their daily expenses at the home. They go out to work, and return to the home at sunset after purchasing items for their daily necessities, including food," the official said.

However, he added that recently a communication had been received from the authorities of one of the three open correctional homes in the state.

The communication pointed out that this particular clause of paying for their own expenses is causing difficulties for aged inmates who have lost their ability to go out every day and earn money to fulfill their needs.

"While the communication has come from one open correctional home, the other two such homes also have similar inmates who are unable to earn a living. That's why the plan was mooted for the possibility of introducing some token old-age pension for such inmates.

"However, it is only at a discussion level and its implementation will take some time and it will have to be cleared by the state cabinet," the department official said.

The West Bengal correctional services minister, too, said that the proposal might be considered once it is placed in the state Cabinet.
Srinagar, April 1 : A teenager was stabbed and seriously injured in J&K's Srinagar.

Police said that a teenager identified as Farhan Rafiq Wagay was stabbed by unidentified persons in Maloora area on the outskirts of Srinagar city on Sunday.

"He sustained serious head injury due to stabbing and was admitted to Jhelum Valley Medical College Hospital in Srinagar.

"A case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation started to trace the assailants," police said.

--IANS

sq/dan
Chennai, April 1 : There has been a sharp uptick in the number of caesarean section (C-sec) deliveries that took place across India between 2016 and 2021, according to a study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, showed that from 17.2 per cent in 2016, the prevalence of C-sections across India increased to 21.5 per cent in 2021.

While C-Sec is a lifesaving procedure for high-risk pregnancies, the researchers on Monday said that "clinical factors were not necessarily the reason for surgical deliveries," particularly in Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh.

When not strictly necessary, a C-sec is known to increase the risk of maternal infection, uterine haemorrhage, infant respiratory distress, and hypoglycaemia, affecting both the mother and the child.

Further, the chances of C-sec delivery were found to be four times higher if the woman gave birth in a private hospital as compared to a public hospital.

In 2016, 43.1 per cent of women gave birth via C-Sec in the private sector. The number spiked to 49.7 per cent in 2021, meaning that nearly one in two deliveries in the private sector is a C-section. In Chhattisgarh, women had a 10-times higher chance of delivering by C-section in a private hospital while in Tamil Nadu, they had a three-times higher chance.

"Across India and Chhattisgarh, the non-poor were more likely to opt for C-sections, while in Tamil Nadu, the case was surprisingly different, as the poor were more likely to have C-sections in private hospitals," said Prof. V R Muraleedharan, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, in a statement on Monday.

The team attributed the rise in C-sec deliveries to women's preferences, their socio-economic level, and education.

The study also showed that overweight women and women of advanced maternal ages (aged 35-49) were twice as likely to have C-sections as those who were not.

"There is an alarmingly high proportion of poor women undergoing C-sections in the private sector in Tamil Nadu. This requires further analysis and corrective action in case some of these are clinically unnecessary," the researchers said.

The study is based on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 20152016 and 2019-21.
New Delhi, April 1 : The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a bail plea filed by DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in June last year in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam.

Agreeing to examine Senthil Balajias special leave petition, a bench presided over by Justice Abhay S. Oka sought the response of the anti-money laundering agency within a period of four weeks.

However, the Bench, also comprising Ujjal Bhuyan, declined to pass any interim order staying the February 28 order of the Madras High Court, which had dismissed Balajias bail petition.

In its order, a bench of Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court observed that even if Balaji had resigned from his position as a Minister, he continues as an MLA belonging to the ruling party in Tamil Nadu and continues to wield a lot of influence on the state government.

However, Justice Venkatesh asked the trial court to complete the trial within three months by conducting the proceedings on a day-to-day basis.

Balaji was arrested by the ED in June last year, and remains in judicial custody since then.

In November last year, the Supreme Court had declined to entertain Balajias plea seeking bail on medical condition remarking that it was not satisfied with his illness and his medical condition could be cured with medicines.
Bhubaneswar, April 1 : Wishes poured in from every corner of the society as Odisha is celebrating 'Utkal Dibasa' or the 88th Formation Day of the state on Monday.

Odisha, one of the first states in the country to be formed on the basis of language on April 1, 1936, commemorates the day every year as Utkal Dibasa or Odisha Day.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others cutting across party lines wished the people of Odisha on the occasion of Utkala Dibasa.

"Warm greetings to people on Odisha Day! Odisha is known for its vast natural wealth and rich cultural heritage. The resilient people of this state have made great contributions in the development of Odisha and the country. Odisha has produced many icons over the centuries, including several makers of modern India. May Lord Jagannath bless the state and its people with greater success and prosperity!," said President Murmu.

PM Modi also wished the people of Odisha on the occasion of Utkala Dibasa celebration.

"Wishing everyone a very Happy Utkala Dibasa! This day reminds us of the rich culture and heritage of Odisha and its dynamic people. The state has made a rich contribution to national progress. I pray for the success and prosperity of the people of Odisha," PM Modi posted on his 'X' account.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also wished the people of Odisha.

"Odisha is writing a glorious history in every sector. Odisha is enriched with the commitment of every single Odia people. It is the resolution of every Odia to form a 'Vikshit Odisha' or 'Developed Odisha' in tandem with this era of transformation. On this occasion of Utkala Dibasa, let us move ahead to form a 'Vikshit Odisha' or 'Developed Odisha' by strengthening our dignity and self-respect.," wrote CM Patnaik.
Mumbai, April 1 : Early-stage investment firm Venture Catalysts, on Monday, said that it has led a seed funding round in Plotch.ai, the country's largest Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) rails infrastructure company.

Plotch.ai's partnership with Google to integrate AI into the ONDC network is a move to promote local language adoption and enhance accessibility for rural India.

The fresh investment (the financial terms were not disclosed) by Venture Catalysts and AC Ventures will fuel Plotch.ai's continued growth in facilitating ONDC adoption, it said in a statement.

"With Venture Catalysts' invaluable support, we will accelerate product development, expand our customer base, and play a leading role in building a truly inclusive digital marketplace for India," said Manoj Gupta, CEO, Plotch.ai.

Plotch.ai currently processes close to one million transactions every month, experiencing a 100 per cent month-on-month growth. Their client base includes Snapdeal, Meesho, Paytm, Marico, and Bluestar.

"Their innovative solutions and deep understanding of the ONDC landscape position them perfectly to unlock the network's immense potential," said Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, MD and CEO of Venture Catalysts.

T. Koshy, CEO and MD of ONDC, said that technology service providers (TSPs) are catalysing the growth of the ONDC network.

"Plotch.ai has played a critical role in some of the key launches in the network. We hope to see a lot more enablers like Plotch.ai in ONDC network," said Koshy.
April 01 : Inspector Rishi : Intriguing Mystery with somewhat predictable narrative

Series Name : Inspector Rishi

Release Date : March 29, 2024

Starring: Naveen Chandra, Sunainaa, Kanna Ravi, Srikrishna Dayal, Malini Jeevarathnam, Kumaravel and others

Director: JS Nandhini

Producer: Shukdev Lahiri

Streaming - Amazon Prime

While there have been numerous films and series exploring the supernatural, the latest offering on Amazon Prime Video, Inspector Rishi in Tamil, introduces a blend of this genre with scientific concepts and traditional tales. This fusion is intriguing, but the series, created and directed by Nandhini JS, might feel a bit drawn out with its 10 lengthy episodes.

In the series 'Inspector Rishi,' the narrative begins with a tribal ritual and a subsequent mass suicide in the Thaenkadu forest of Tamil Nadu. Years later, a series of murders occur, and the villagers attribute them to the spirit of Vanaratchi haunting the forest.

Rishi Nandhan (played by Naveen Chandra), a crime branch inspector with one eye, arrives in Thaenkaadu village near Coimbatore, surrounded by dense forest, to investigate these strange murders. Accompanied by his sub-inspectors, Ayyanar (Kanna Ravi) and Chitra (Malini Jeevarathnam) and forest officers Irfan (Elango Kumaravel), Sathya (Srikrishna Dayal) and Kathy (Sunainaa), he sets out to determine if the murders are indeed the work of Vanaratchi, the forest-protecting goddess. The series explores the mystery behind the murders, uncovering their motives and methods.

Naveen Chandra completely shines in his role. He adeptly embodies the multifaceted role of a resolute investigator delving into a series of forest homicides. Sunainaa does a great job playing a forest beat officer. She shows both innocence and depth in her character. All the supporting characters add to the credibility of the show with superlative performances by everyone.

The show has its flaws too. The series doesn't mix mystery, horror, and excitement well, so the story isn't great, and it moves slowly. The first five episodes are slow, and even though it gets a bit better later, it's still slow. Also, watching 10 episodes for 8 hours is hard. The scary parts aren't really scary, and Vanaratchi's appearances don't feel important because the storytelling and camera work aren't great. The twists and twists are not new and they remind us of Tamil films.

Director JS Nandhini tries to tell an exciting story but there are too many scenes that don't matter and the story feels too long, so it's not very interesting.

It definitely sounds like a series that tries to bring something fresh to the table with some amazing performances but it falls down due to unnecessary scenes and unwarranted subplots.

All in all, it is a decent watch!
Islamabad, April 1 : Pakistan Supreme Court has taken a suo moto notice of the case related to a letter of six sitting judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), accusing the country's intelligence agencies of harassing, threatening, blackmailing and interfering in judicial matters and decision makings.

The notice comes after the legal fraternity spread across the country asserted pressure on the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo-moto notice.

The SC decision comes after at least 300 members of the legal fraternity joined hands and announced their backing for the six IHC judges. The legal fraternity called on the highest court to take immediate notice of the case as it relates to interference in judicial affairs by the state's intelligence agencies.

The legal fraternity said that such interferences are a clear violation under Article 184(3) of the Constitution.

The legal fraternity also rejected the formation of a one-member inquiry commission under former Supreme Court Chief Justice Tasaddaq Jillani, insisting that the matter's seriousness and sensitivity is more critical and warrants a suo moto by the Chief Justice instead of a former judge-headed commission.

"Any inquiry into the matter undertaken under the purview of the federal government violates the very principles that the inquiry seeks to protect and uphold. We note that such inquiry commission and its proceedings would be entirely wanting in credibility," read the public letter signed by at least 300 lawyers.

"We endorse the resolutions passed by the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, the Islamabad Bar Association, the Sindh High Court Bar Association, the Pakistan Bar Council, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council and the Balochistan Bar Council to the extent that they resolve to uphold the principle of independence of judiciary, express solidarity with the six judges of the Islamabad High Court, commend their courageous action and demand appropriate action to uphold such principles," the letter added.

The letter of the six sitting judges details alarming details shared by each of the judges, detailing how they are subjected to harassment, intimidation, torture, and illegal surveillance other than direct contacts by operatives of the intelligence agencies and interference in judicial matters.

Apparently, it seems that the judiciary is not ready to bow down to the powerful influence of the military establishment and is also ready to fight it out legally.
Islamabad, April 1 : In a major positive development for former Pakistan Premier Imran Khan and his wife, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the 14-year sentence of the former Prime Minister and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were found guilty in the Toshakhana case, a case related to mishandling and illegal means of acquiring gifts received by foreign dignitaries by Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi during their time in office.

Imran Khan was sentenced in the case days before the general elections, in what was being said as a hasty proceeding and a hasty decision to ensure Imran Khan stayed behind bars.

The verdict was initially announced by the accountability court on 31 January, which was later challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), which now has suspended the sentence and has allowed Imran Khan and his wife Bushra to be released on bail.

During the proceedings at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the court heard the appeal by Imran Khanas lawyer against the 31 January 2024 verdict by the accountability court, in which Imran Khan and his wife were found guilty of misusing the stateas gift repository, sentencing Imran Khan and his wife to 14 years imprisonment while a fine of Rs 787 million each on the accused was also slapped.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) division bench, comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb took up the appeal against the sentence.

Barrister Ali Zafar represented Imran Khan while NAB prosecutor Amjad Pervaiz represented the National Accountability Board (NAB).

The relief for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi is a big success and news for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and followers, who have been taking our protests and rallies and holding social media campaigns for the release of their leader Imran Khan, who they say has been put behind bars in false, fake and concocted cases with an intend to punish Imran Khan for standing against global powers like the United States and call out the countryas powerful military establishment for their interference in the countryas politics.

While speaking to reporters from the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Imran Khan said that his struggle has been for decades only for the rule of law and accountability.

Imran Khan said that it is the powerful establishment that has been calling the shots and trying to shut his voice down.

Khan said that the letter of the judges needs to be thoroughly investigated and all quarters who are made party be held accountable and answerable on the serious allegations.

PTI supporters say that IHCas decision proves that cases against Imran Khan have no basis or legal justification, adding that Imran Khan is their leader and has been one of the countryas most popular leaders for his truth and bold stance against powerful political opponents, the military establishment and global powers.
Mumbai, April 1 : Senthil Vinu, who has directed the upcoming film 'The Silent Prayer', has shared that he has some disturbing memories from the riots of 1984 that ravaged Coimbatore.

'The Silent Prayer', which will be screened at the Red Lorry Film Festival on April 5, is based on the 1984 riots in Coimbatore.

The story of the film is told through the lens of young Sikh siblings caught in the whirlwind of events far beyond their control.

This film pays tribute to their unconquerable spirit, illustrating how, amid the gravest of times, the purest light of humanity is often ignited by the youngest among us all.

Recollecting his experience, director Senthil Vinu said: "I have some very disturbing memories from the riots of 1984 in Coimbatore. But as I travelled around India and the world, I discovered that the broader populace remained largely unaware of the riots that ravaged Coimbatore. Yet, amid the ashes of destruction, I observed something remarkable -- the resilience of the Sikh community."

He added, "Despite their establishments being reduced to ashes, they embarked on a journey of rebuilding from scratch, forging ahead with their lives. Astonishingly, they harbored no animosity towards the city or its inhabitants, choosing instead to view the ordeal as a dark chapter in their past."

The music for the film has been crafted by the veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja.

Producer Nisha Patial also shared the story of how the veteran composer came on-board for the film.

She shared that Ilaiyaraaja was impressed by the narrative of the film, and felt that the film is meant for the global audience.

Sharing how the composer agreed to do the film, Nisha said: "Our paths had previously crossed with the maestro for another venture, which, due to unforeseen circumstances, was paused. Yet, destiny had its plans when 'The Silent Prayer' was conceived. Presenting the raw version of our film to him was a moment charged with anticipation. His response not only uplifted our spirits but also affirmed our belief in the film's universal appeal. Maestro said after seeing the 'film that is meant for the global audience and the music also needs to be global'. He was humble enough to give us the opportunity to listen to us for what kind of music is needed."

"The subsequent moments were surreal. As we prepared to leave, anticipating discussions and planning in the coming days, Ilaiyaraja's words halted us in our tracks. 'Where are you going? The musicians are waiting in the studio', The maestro had decided; the creation begins now. The immediacy, the spontaneity of his decision, was both a surprise and a testament to his dedication and passion for music," she added.

"As the notes flowed, so did the emotions, touching something deep within, bringing tears of joy and a profound sense of gratitude. In that moment, it was clear; Ilaiyaraja doesn't just create music. He weaves emotions, crafting melodies that speak directly to the soul," she concluded.

'The Silent Prayer' is produced by Nisha Patial of Palampur Talkies and Directed by Senthil Vinu.
Bulandshahr : , April 1 (IANS) Bulandshahr has given three chief ministers to Uttar Pradesh -- Banarasi Das, Kalyan Singh and Ram Prakash Gupta -- and this is what makes it politically important and relevant.

Yet, despite its profile, Bulandshahr elections have always been low-key and subdued.

Bulandshahr, known for its proximity to Delhi, has earned global recognition for its pottery from Khurja town.

The constituency also has pilgrimage sites dating back to the Mahabharata period.

However, efforts of the BJP governments at the Centre and in UP, have enhanced the status of Bulandshahr in recent years.

The impact of the Jewar Airport being built in Gautam Buddha Nagar, adjacent to Bulandshahr, is beginning to be felt here too.

The BJP first tasted victory here in 1991 and sent Chhatrapal Singh to Parliament for four consecutive times.

In 2004, Kalyan Singh won the parliamentary polls from here and Dr Bhola Singh won the seat in 2014 and 2019. He is again the BJP candidate from Bulandshahr in 2024.

There is no denying the fact that former chief minister late Kalyan Singh wielded considerable influence on the Bulandshahr seat.

After the delimitation in 2009, Bulandshahr seat was reserved for the Scheduled Castes.

In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, SP candidate Kamlesh Valmiki won the seat because of Kalyan Singh's support.

Kalyan Singh was upset with the BJP and resigned from the party to campaign for the SP in 2009.

BJP candidate Ashok Pradhan had to face defeat because of strong opposition from Kalyan Singh.

The Bulandshahr Lok Sabha seat has five assembly constituencies -- Bulandshahr, Syana, Dibai, Shikarpur and Anupshahr -- and all of them are held by the BJP at present.

The two assembly constituencies of the district, Khurja and Sikandrabad, are included in the Gautam Buddha Nagar Lok Sabha seat.

With a majority of OBC voters in Bulandshahr, the constituency plays a key role in the caste politics of Uttar Pradesh.

There are about 3.5 lakh Lodhis, Brahmin-2 lakh, Rajput-1.50 lakh, Jat-2 lakh, Scheduled Caste-3.50 lakh, Other Backward Class-3 lakh and Muslim -3 lakh.

The combination of Lodhi, Backward and Scheduled Caste voters opens the doors to victory for the candidates on Bulandshahr reserved seat.

BJP candidate Bhola Singh says, "Bulandshahr has grown in the past 10 years. The upcoming Jewar airport will make the district a much sought-after destination. The plans to advance the Avantika Corridor will improve the tourist potential of the area."

He said that in the coming months, there is a proposal to build a ring road and free the city from traffic jams. A Metro project and train service from Bulandshahr to Delhi are also on the anvil, he added.
In Gujarat, the main contest will be with Congress, with the victory in the highest number of seats till date, BJP will form the government again - Union Minister Parshottam Rupala.. Image Source: IANS News

Rajkot, April 1 : Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, the BJP candidate for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, declared on Monday that he had issued two apologies concerning his remarks about the maharajas and considers the matter resolved.

Union Minister Rupala mentioned that leaders of the Kshatriya community also share this viewpoint.

Addressing queries he asserted the community's right to assembly and acknowledged that the decision to replace him as a candidate rests with the BJP and the community.

Senior BJP leader Rupala emphasised that candidate selection was the prerogative of the party high command and dismissed any speculative discussions concerning it.

He hoped that his "apologies would be accepted, aligning with the Kshatriya dharma."

Union Minister Rupala clarified that he had not made any derogatory comments about the Rajput community and labelled the issue as political.

On March 30, Raj Shekhawat, chief of the Karni Sena, had officially resigned from the BJP and rejected minister Rupala's apology for his remarks that offended the Rajput community.

Raj Shekhawat's resignation was made public through a social media post.

Meanwhile, internal strife within the BJP in Gujarat has been exacerbated by CR Paatil's apparent preference for new entrants over party veterans.

This strategy has led to discontent among grass roots workers who are feeling sidelined in the wake of the BJP welcoming defectors and the ostentation of recruitment events.
Kolkata, April 1 : Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday called up West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and sought information about the current situation in the state's Jalpaiguri district that was hit by a storm on Sunday night in which at least four persons were killed and over 100 injured.

According to an official, HM Shah has also assured the Chief Minister of all possible cooperation from the Central government to restore normalcy in the storm-hit areas.

Taking to X, HM Shah wrote: "I am deeply concerned about the massive damage caused by the storm in West Bengal, Assam and Manipur. Spoke to Chief Ministers and assured all possible assistance. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery. Requesting all BJP functionaries to stand by the victims in this time of crisis and help them in all possible ways."

On Monday, while leaving for Jalpaiguri from Kolkata, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari said that BJP volunteers have already been contributing to relief operations.

Mamata Banerjee had arrived in Jalpaiguri on Sunday night.

On Monday, she supervised the relief operations in the flood-affected areas.

Dhupguri and Mainaguri were the worst-affected areas in Jalpaiguri district.

District administration sources said that the number of casualties is expected to rise as the condition of some injured persons is serious.
New Delhi, April 1 : Embattled edtech company Byju's has once again delayed salaries for thousands of its employees for the second successive month, saying that a few "misguided foreign investors" obtained an interim order in late February which restricted usage of the funds raised through the rights issue.

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Embattled edtech company Byju's has once again delayed salaries for thousands of its employees for the second successive month, saying that a few "misguided foreign investors" obtained an interim order in late February which restricted usage of the funds raised through the rights issue.

In an email to the employees on Monday, which has been accessed by IANS, the company's management said, "We regret to inform you that there will again be a delay in the disbursement of salaries."

"We have full faith in the Indian judicial system and we eagerly await a favourable outcome that will enable us to utilise the funds raised through the rights issue and alleviate the financial challenges that we are currently facing," the company said.

The edtech company has mandated all its employees to work from home as it gives up office spaces across the country amid a severe cash crunch, barring those working at its offline tuition centres.

Last Friday, Byju's held its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) called by the board of directors to raise capital via the rights issue. Some key investors have gone to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against the rights issue.

The letter to the staff further said that regardless of the court verdict, "we are following a parallel line of credit to ensure that you receive your salary by 8th of April".

"On a positive note, we have the necessary vote to increase the authorised capital for the rights issue. It means that once the restrictions on using the raised funds are lifted, we can meet all our salary commitments immediately," it said.

The company's Co-founder and CEO, Byju Raveendran, has appealed to the "disgruntled investors in a collaborative spirit".

"We are hoping that litigating investors would have a reasonable spirit in not frustrating our daily lives any longer. We understand the feelings of helplessness that may arise due to these circumstances, and we share your frustration," the company told its employees.
New Delhi, April 1 : The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, at its headquarters in New York, will be hosting an event on Tuesday, to commemorate India's significant contribution towards achieving Zero Hunger, in line with Sustainable Development Goal-2.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations formally refers to the Indian delegation to the United Nations.

The occasion will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several eminent guests are expected to be in attendance.

It will witness opening remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, and keynote addresses by Noble Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Infosys, and Madhu Pandita Dasa, Chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation will also be in attendance.

The event, titled Achievements in Food Security: India's Strides Towards Sustainable Development Goals, deliberates on the initiatives undertaken by the Government of India and The Akshaya Patra Foundation towards achieving this goal. It also recognises Akshaya Patra's dedication and deliverance towards alleviating hunger both in India and overseas, over the last 23 years.

The event will also celebrate the remarkable milestone of serving four billion meals by the Akshaya Patra Foundation.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation was established in 2000. Going a step ahead with the ISKCON temple's tradition of feeding the hungry (whosoever comes to the temple), it all began with feeding 1,500 children of five schools in Bengaluru.

This initiative grew to become the world's largest (not-for-profit run) mid-day meal programme, serving wholesome food to over two million children from 24,082 schools across 16 states and two Union Territory in India.

Speaking to IANS, Naveena Neerada Dasa, Executive Director, Strategy and International Relations of ISKCON, Bangalore and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said that they intend to bring together countries and entities to join this cause.

"Not a think-tank, we are a 'do-tank'," he said.

He recommends setting up centralised kitchens to serve the purpose of a holistic, functional kitchen even during times of crisis and disaster, and cited the example of their services during the Covid-19 pandemic when they expanded their capacity to 110 per cent and continued to feed the hungry.

The event will begin at 8.00 p.m. IST (11.00 a.m. EST).
Guwahati, April 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday condoled the loss of lives in Assam due to a storm while assuring the Central government's support to restore normalcy.

Taking to X, Union Minister Shah posted in Assamese: "I am deeply concerned about the terrible damage caused by the storms in West Bengal, Assam and Manipur. I have spoken to the Chief Ministers and assured them of all kinds of assistance. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

"I also urge all BJP workers to stay with the victims during this time of crisis and provide them with all kinds of assistance," he added.

At least four persons have lost their lives in Assam due to the hailstorm that hit the state on Sunday night, causing heavy damage in several parts of the state.
New Delhi, April 1 : Early intervention can help develop skills, reduce difficulties, and ensure long-term success of people suffering from autism -- a developmental disorder that affects how individuals behave, interact, and learn, said experts on Monday.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on April 2 to raise awareness, destigmatise, and support the people living with the condition.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly called autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in brain development in children.

"Early intervention is crucial to significantly influence the developmental trajectory and general well-being of people with ASD. Early detection and diagnosis can pave the way for families to obtain vital resources and support services, starting them on their journey to recognising and addressing their child's special needs," Dr Vipul Gupta - chief of Neurointervention and co-chief of stroke unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.

While no single cause has been identified for ASD, research points to a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors that may contribute to its onset.

Dr Aabha Bhalerao, Consultant Gynaecologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, told IANS that advanced parental age, prenatal exposure to certain medications like valproic acid, exposure to environmental toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides, nutritional factors like inadequate folic acid intake, maternal health conditions like diabetes and obesity, premature birth, and birth complications, are all major factors for the development of autism.

In addition, maternal health conditions such as gestational diabetes or hypertension can impact the risk of autism in children. Complications during childbirth, such as prematurity or birth injury, oxygen deprivation, or foetal distress, can also contribute to the risk.

"It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that a child will be diagnosed with autism. Likewise, many children who develop autism may not have been exposed to these factors. Autism spectrum disorder is likely the result of a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental influences," Dr Aabha said.

People with ASD may experience challenges in social interactions and may struggle with interpreting and utilising both verbal and nonverbal communication cues. The treatment majorly includes speech therapy, social skills training, and applied behaviour analysis (ABA).

"Through utilising the neuroplasticity of the brain in the beginning stages, early intervention helps develop skills, reduces difficulties, and ensures long-term success," Dr Vipul said, noting that it can enable patients to "navigate everyday life and promote their independence, inclusion, and fulfilment."
Bengaluru, April 1 : With Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's son-in-law, Radhakrishna Doddamani, entering the fray, the Kalaburagi seat has turned into a high-profile constituency.

Bengaluru, April 1 (IANS) With Congress President Mallikarjun Khargeas son-in-law, Radhakrishna Doddamani, entering the fray, the Kalaburagi seat has turned into a high-profile constituency.

In a setback to the Congress, Umesh G Jadhav of the BJP wrested the seat by delivering a humiliating defeat to Kharge in the 2019 general election in Kalaburagi. The BJP has again this time fielded Umesh Jadhav as its candidate.

However, Mallikarjun Kharge took revenge during the assembly election by pulling votes from oppressed classes in the state towards Congress and defeating the BJP in the 2023 assembly election.

The BJP leaders have vowed to defeat Khargeas son-in-law, Radhakrishna Doddamani, to settle the score of defeat in the assembly election. Sources explain that central leadership is also keen to win this seat at any cost as it would be considered a failure of AICC President Kharge and could prove to be a setback for the Congress party.

Following the latter abusing casteist slurs and giving life threats to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, son of Mallikarjun Kharge, the competition for the seat has intensified. Priyank Kharge is also accused of carrying out high-handedness on BJP workers and dominating the affairs in the Kalaburagi district with the help of the police department.

The BJP has alleged that two of its party workers were killed for political reasons in the district recently and staged a large-scale protest in Kalaburagi. This is also likely to become a major issue in the election.

Radhakrishna Doddamani looked after all activities of AICC President Kharge in Karnataka, especially in the Kalaburagi region. Unlike Priyank Kharge, Doddamani is known as a warm, humble person accepted by all sections of society.

Sources explain that Priyank Khargeas hard stance, ruthless mindset, and donat-care attitude towards the leaders of the forward communities, including Lingayats, might cause a setback for the Congress party.

The Kalaburagi Lok Sabha Constituency was created before the first elections of India in 1951-52. The seat includes Afzalpur, Jewargi, Gurumitkal, Chittapur, Sedam, Kalaburagi Rural, Kalaburagi South, and North assembly segments. Among the eight constituencies, BJP and JD (S) managed to win only one seat each in the 2023 assembly elections.

The Congress party has six MLAs, including Minister Priyank Kharge, and Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil representing the Chittapur and Sedam assembly segments, respectively.

From 1952 to 2019, the Congress party has won the seat a majority of times. BJP managed to win in 1998 and 2019 general elections only. Mallikarjun Kharge represented the seat in the 2009 and 2014 general elections.

Qamar Ul Islam won the Kalaburagi MP Seat for JD (S) in 1996.

In the 2019 general election, BJPas Umesh Jadhav defeated Mallikarjun Kharge by 95,452 votes. The BJP depends on the influential Lingayat vote bank in the region and is confident of pulling votes from oppressed classes and Other Backward Communities (OBC). They firmly believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modias wave will help them achieve victory.

On the other hand, the Congress party is banking on the Muslim and Dalit vote bank in the region. The party also believes that people cutting across caste and class will vote for the Congress in the backdrop of the implementation of guarantees. Though being native to Mallikarjun Kharge, the district is still considered one of the most backward districts in the state.

Sources explain that there is an equal fight between the Congress and BJP candidates in the seat. The alliance of JD (S) will prove to be beneficial for the BJP in this seat. Yet, fingers are crossed over the results.
Chennai, April 1 : The Tiruchi Lok Sabha seat where Durai Vaiko son of veteran leader and founder of the MDMK, Vaiko, is contesting for the first time, has become a tough constituency for the INDIA bloc.

The seat was allocated to the MDMK after Vaiko put pressure on the DMK leadership led by TR Baalu, who was heading the seat sharing talks with alliance partners.

Replacing the veteran leader and providing the seat to MDMK has led to resentment brewing among the supporters of S Thirunavukkarasar who has a deep grass root connect with the local Congress party workers.

MK Subbarayan, a local Congress leader in Tiruchi told IANS, "Durai Vaiko is unacceptable in the constituency and he is an outsider. The seat was handed over to him on a platter and the Congress is having difficulty at the local level to accept his candidature. S Thirunavukkarasar has a deep connect in this constituency and there was no reason to remove him."

The DMK was expecting Durai Vaiko to contest the elections on its 'Rising Sun' symbol; however Vaiko's son was adamant that he would only contest on the 'Matchbox' symbol allocated to him by the Election Commission.

It may be recalled that in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, MDMK leader, late A Ganeshamurthy had contested and won from Erode Lok Sabha seat on the DMK's symbol even though he was an MDMK candidate.

With Durai Vaiko flatly refusing to contest on the DMK's symbol, the party's local leadership is also not being very cooperative with the MDMK candidate.

I Kuppusamy, a local DMK leader told IANS, "The MDMK candidate can only win with the support of the DMK and he should have contested the polls on our symbol. There is anger among DMK workers against this and many of our workers are not eager to come out and work for Durai Vaiko."

The suicide attempt and subsequent death of the sitting Erode MP and MDMK leader, A Ganeshamurthy, have also dealt a body blow to the MDMK candidate.

The family members of the deceased MP have levelled allegations that A Ganeshamurthy tried to commit suicide and subsequently died due to a heart attack after he was denied his seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The Erode seat which he represented was exchanged by Vaiko with the DMK for allocating the Tiruchi seat to his son.

A Ganeshamurthy was a veteran three-term Lok Sabha MP and had deep grass root connections.

His death has led to resentment among MDMK cadres, supporters and sympathisers and this could also boomerang on Durai Vaiko.

The MDMK leader is pitted against, P Karuppiah of the AIADMK, P Senthilnathan of the AMMK and D Rajesh, a pro-Jallikattu activist and leader of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, S Thirunavukkarasar of the Congress won the seat by a huge margin of 4,59,286 votes but things are not easy for Durai Vaiko in the constituency.
Ahmedabad, April 1 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Ahmedabad on Tuesday, where he will engage with the media in the afternoon, followed by an interactive session.

The session, set to take place at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), will focus on 'International Policy: A Catalyst to Viksit Bharat', aiming to shed light on how foreign policy influences India's development trajectory. He will also meet the chairperson of GCCI here.

In addition to his public engagement, the EAM is also expected to meet with BJP leaders from Gujarat. As sources indicate, these discussions will likely revolve around the state's strategic role in national and international policy frameworks.
Itanagar, April 1 : With its unchallenged victory in 10 out of the 60 Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP's imminent cakewalk in the bordering state can boost the party in the remaining poll-bound Northeast states.

The Assembly elections and polling for the state's two Lok Sabha seats -- Arunachal West and Arunachal East -- will be held simultaneously on April 19.

Apart from the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in the eight northeastern states, elections would be held for the remaining 50 Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh and 32 Assembly seats in Sikkim.

Of the total of 25 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are in Assam, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura (2 each), and Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim (1 each).

The BJP is already in an advantageous position in the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the Northeast, as the party currently has 14 seats spanning Assam (9), Tripura (2), Arunachal Pradesh (2), and Manipur (1), while the Congress has four -- 3 in Assam and 1 in Meghalaya.

Of the remaining seven seats, Assam's All India United Democratic Front, Nagaland's Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Mizoram's Mizo National Front, Meghalaya's National People's Party (NPP), Manipur's Naga People's Front, and Sikkim's Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) hold one each. One seat in Assam is held by an Independent.

Besides in Arunachal, the BJP now heads governments in Assam, Tripura, and Manipur, while its allies NPP leads the government in Meghalaya, NDPP in Nagaland, and the SKM in Sikkim.

The ruling Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram has already announced that it would not ally with the BJP-led NDA or the Congress-led INDIA bloc.

Like in previous elections, out of the 60 nominees, 10 ruling BJP candidates in Arunachal, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, won their respective seats without a contest, almost ensuring the prospect of the BJP coming back to power for a third consecutive term.

Incumbent Chief Minister Khandu formed the first BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh in 2016 after he, along with several MLAs, quit the Congress and formed the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA). Subsequently, most of the PPA legislators, including Khandu, joined the BJP.

In 2019, the BJP won 41 seats, the Janata Dal (United) secured seven seats, the National People's Party (NPP) managed five, the Congress bagged four, and the PPA won one seat while two seats went to Independents.

All the seven JD(U) MLAs and the lone PPA legislator joined the BJP later.

In February this year, two NPP and three Congress MLAs joined the BJP. After the latest switchovers, the number of BJP legislators in Arunachal increased to 53.

Though the main opposition Congress this time announced 34 candidates and the NPP led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced 29 nominees for the Assembly elections in Arunachal, in reality, 19 Congress and 20 NPP candidates are in the fray as several nominees of the two parties either did not file their nomination papers or withdraw their candidatures.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit A. Pawar, is contesting 14 seats, the PPA is fighting 11 seats, the Arunachal Democratic Party has fielded candidates in 4 seats, while the Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) is contesting 1 seat.

After the BJP candidates' victory in 10 seats without contest, some political critics have accused the ruling party of winning a large number of seats in an "undemocratic manner", a claim rubbished by the BJP leaders.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said on the X: "I'm happy to witness the steady faith in the BJP-led government that will further elevate the development pace of our state in the upcoming term upon winning."

"The unwavering support and confidence rendered by the people to the BJP is immense. It has further emboldened our commitment to work for the welfare of the people and further development of the state. I look forward to continuing serving my people with renewed dedication," he added.

Chief Minister Khandu said the BJP is confident of bagging the 50 seats where its strongest "opponent" is believed to be the NPP, an NDA partner.

One of the prominent BJP leaders and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is often heard saying that he is confident that the NDA will win 22 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the northeastern region.

Sarma claimed that the BJP and its allies hardly have any competition in the region.

"The electoral fight will be among our candidates to win by the highest margin, and I am not being complacent about it," CM Sarma said at a party meeting on Sunday.

Another senior BJP leader and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also said that the Northeast will play a vital role in BJP's victory this time.

"Out of the 14 seats in Assam, we (BJP) aim to win 12 seats, and out of the 25 seats in the northeastern states, we will win 22 seats," said Sonowal.

In Tripura too, the BJP is in an advantageous position this time, as the tribal-based Tipra Motha Party (TMP) led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, which contested against the BJP in the 2019 polls, has not only become its ally but is also campaigning jointly for the upcoming polls.

After year-long discussions, culminating in the signing of a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government on March 2, the tribal-based party joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7 this year.

The ruling BJP, besides fielding former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb from the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat, has nominated the scion of the state's erstwhile royal dynasty, Kriti Singh Debbarma, for the Tripura East seat that is reserved for tribals.

Debbarma is the daughter of late Maharaja Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya Deb Barman, and the elder sister of Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in)
Jaipur, April 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will register a hat-trick of victories in Rajasthan in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls by winning all 25 seats with 70 per cent votes.

Targeting the Opposition during a programme in Jaipur, he said: "INDIA bloc has come together to save the corrupt, not democracy."

The Union Minister, who in the home constituency of former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, also targetted the veteran Congress leader over several issues.

Addressing the Shakti Kendra Pramukh Sammelan in Jodhpur, HM Shah said "neither Gehlot nor Sonia Gandhi is worried over the problems of the common people".

"Ashok Gehlot wants to make his son the Chief Minister. Sonia Gandhi wants to make her son the Prime Minister. They are not worried about the common people," he said.

HM Shah also spoke about the work done by the BJP-led Central government in the last 10 years and challenged Ashok Gehlot to stay prepared to participate in a debate on the work front.

"Ashok Gehlot ji, if you are free... then answer my question. I have given the details of our work done publicly today. Now, you can decide the date for the debate to discuss your work, I will send our Yuva Morcha president to discuss it," HM Shah said.

Taking a dig at Gehlot regarding the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) -- a drinking water and irrigation programme, HM Shah said: "When I promised ERCP, everyone was laughing... Ashok Gehlot was asking how it would be implemented? Gehlot ji, Bhajan Lal Sharma has become Chief Minister for the first time and within five months, he took steps towards the ERCP."

The Union Minister also criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, saying the former has no right to talk about democracy.

"They are talking about saving democracy. Rahul Gandhi, your grandmother had put lakhs of people in jail during the Emergency and had banned political parties. You have no right to talk about democracy," HM Shah said.

Commenting on Congress joining the rally against AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, HM Shah again criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying: "Yesterday, he said 'save democracy'. Why? What happened to democracy? Why are you talking about saving democracy? If we commit a scam of Rs 12 lakh crore, will we go to jail or not? Why are you complaining? We had contested elections in 2014 and 2019 saying that whoever commits corruption will go behind the bars. Here too (in Rajasthan), those who committed corruption in the paper leak matter were put in jail".

Further attacking the Opposition leaders, HM Shah said: "Lalu Yadav wants to make his son the CM, Uddhav Thackeray wants to make his son CM, Mamata Banerjee wants to make her nephew CM and M.K. Stalin wants to make his son the CM. How can one who thinks about his son, daughter, daughter-in-law and nephew, think about the youth of India? Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP think for the youth of India."
Kolkata, April 1 : The West Bengal Police on Monday faced the wrath of the Calcutta High Court for not adhering to the court order in a murder case against suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who is the accused mastermind behind the attack on ED and CAPF teams at Sandeshkhali on January 5.

A single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta also cautioned about issuing a contempt notice against the state police in the matter.

The matter pertains to an old case related to a murder at Sandeshkhali, in which the state police filed its charge sheet without including the name of Shahjahan though the latter was the prime accused in the case.

The family members of the victim had approached the single-judge bench of Justice Sengupta, objecting to the non-inclusion of Shahjahanas name in the charge sheet. After that, the bench recently put an interim stay on the investigation being carried out by the state police into the matter.

However, when the matter came up for hearing on Monday, Justice Sengupta noted that the state police filed a supplementary charge sheet in the same case even when the interim stay order was in place.

Expressing his displeasure over the development, Justice Sengupta questioned how the state police could file a supplementary charge sheet after the court put a stay on the investigation.

Justice Sengupta also directed the state police to immediately withdraw the supplementary charge sheet or face contempt of court charges.

The matter will come up for hearing again on Wednesday.
Mysuru, : April 1 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday defended the remarks against the Union Home Minister Amit Shah by his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

"The statement of Yathindra was not issued with an intent to insult Home Minister Amit Shah. BJP leaders do not know about etiquettes and my son does not need to learn from them. Yathindra made the statement based on the report by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Is the report submitted by the CBI correct or incorrect?" The Chief Minister asked.

Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka reacting to comments against the Home Minister Amit Shah, had said that Yathindra would go to jail soon for his comments.

Ashoka had said that the BJP would file a complaint with the Election Commission over the statement by Yathindra.

"Yathindra had made the objectionable statement thinking that he is the son of the Chief Minister. Arrogance is very much a part of the DNA of the Congress," he said.

Ashoka added that Rahul Gandhi is facing the consequence of landing up in prison after issuing objectionable statements against PM Modi and the BJP.

"Those who address the President and Prime Minister in a disrespectful manner and claim that they would attack the PM are real goondas. Siddaramaiah has 'rama' in his name. But, he is ruling like Ravana. Yathi means a sage. But, looking at the words that Yathindra speaks, he can be called a demon," Ashoka said.

Ashoka said that the Congress government got Kar Sevak arrested, brought down the Hanuman flag and also sheltered Muslim rioters.
Mumbai, April 1 : Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Monday expressed his readiness to contest the Satara Lok Sabha constituency if allotted the seat from the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) quota.

He made it clear that the Satara seat belongs to the NCP (SP) quota and anybody nominated by that party would be acceptable to the other Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies.

"However, in case the NCP (SP) gives up the seat, I am prepared to contest from there on the Congress name-symbol," Chavan, a former state Chief Minister and Union Minister, told the media.

Incidentally, NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar had indicated on March 29 that he was studying the prospects of various party candidates from Satara from his party plus Chavan (Congress).

Sitting Satara MP Shriniwas D. Patil, 83, has decided to bow out of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls race owing to ill-health, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly toying with the idea of nominating Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhonsle.

Chavan said that he would contest Satara only if granted permission by the party and on the Congress name and symbol (hand).

State NCP (SP) President Jayant Patil held discussions on Sunday with Chavan a" who had earlier been elected thrice to LS from the erstwhile Karad (now, Satara after the delimitation of 2008), and previously even his mother, Premala Chavan was elected from there four times including in a by-election.

The NCP (SP) is scouting around for a strong candidate to grapple with Bhonsle in case he is nominated by the BJP, and Chavan would be the first leader of a national stature to enter the 2024 poll fray from the Congress in the state.

In the eventuality of the NCP (SP) giving Satara to the Congress, the latter might reciprocate with some other seat from its quota as a goodwill gesture, as part of adhering to the alliance politics of 'give-and-take', said a party leader.
Kolkata, April 1 : A special PMLA court in Kolkata on Monday remanded suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody till April 13.

Shahjahan was presented before the special PMLA court on Monday, where the ED counsel argued for taking him into custody for interrogation in several cases related to money laundering, including his involvement in the multi-crore ration distribution case in West Bengal.

The ED counsel also told the court that besides being involved in the ration distribution case, the accused virtually ran a land syndicate at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district where the victims were the common people of the locality.

According to the central agency counsel, farmlands were forcefully converted into pisciculture farms by flowing salt water in them, and the proceeds of crime were invested in the business of exporting prawns and shrimps, which was in the name of Shahjahanas daughter, Sheikh Sabina.

To recall, the ED took Shahjahan into custody from the Basirhat sub-jail on Saturday.

On Monday, as Shahjahan was being produced at the court, a section of the lawyers practising there staged a demonstration demanding exemplary punishment for him, including death sentence.

Meanwhile, three of the seven individuals who were first arrested by the state police and then handed over to the CBI in connection with the attack on ED and CAPF teams at Sandeshkhali on January 5 gave in-camera statements before the Basirhat sub-divisional court on Monday.

All the seven accused have claimed that the state police are falsely implicating them to shield the actual culprits behind the attack.
Panaji, April 1 : Goa Bench of Bombay High Court has issued notices to police officers for posing for photographs along with accused persons, official said.

According to Advocate General Devidas Pangam, four years back the High Court had banned such practices of clicking photos with accused persons to get it published on newspapers or other media platforms. However, the same has repeated again in recent times.

"High Court has taken suo-motu contempt cognisance against the police officers, who recently posed themselves with accused persons for photographs to be published in newspapers," Pangam said.

"There is a direction of the High Court banning publication of photographs, showing accused persons along with police posing for it. Though it is banned by the high court, recently one of such photographs was published in newspapers wherein a lady (accused person) was seen along with police," he further said.

"This is the reason, the High Court has taken cognisance and has issued notices to certain police officers, who are involved in such types of photographs," he said.

Sources informed that earlier in 2019, the High Court had taken Suo-Motu cognisance of police posing with the mother following her arrest and had sought explanation as the act amounts to violation of human rights.
Chennai, April 1 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday said that the Katchatheevu island issue is a diversionary tactic by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioned the sudden "love" of PM Modi and BJP towards the fishermen.

Chennai, April 1 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday said that the Katchatheevu island issue is a diversionary tactic by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioned the sudden "love" of PM Modi and BJP towards the fishermen.

"The people of Tamil Nadu want to put forth only three questions to those, who, after being in a Kumbakarna slumber for 10 years, are displaying a sudden love for the fishermen for elections. Why does the Union government return just 29 paise out of the Rs 1 paid by TN as tax," Stalin wrote on X.

"Why has not been a single penny given to Tamil Nadu as flood relief despite the state having faced two natural disasters (the floods in Chennai and Thoothukudi in December 2023)," the Chief Minister asked.

The Chief Minister Stalin also called upon the Prime Minister to respond to the issues he has put forward.

He was responding to Prime Minister Modi's attack on the Congress ceding the Katchatheevu islands to Sri Lanka in 1974.

Prime Minister and the BJP had put the DMK also on the back foot stating that then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had ceded Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka with the knowledge and connivance of then Chief Minister and DMK leader, M.Karunanidhi, the father of MK Stalin.

The Prime Minister has also said that Congress and DMK were family-based political parties and their interests were primarily family-centric.

--IANS

aal/dan
Chandigarh, April 1 : To instil a sense of security ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Punjab Police along with teams of central armed police forces on Monday carried out flag marches at all vulnerable and sensitive pockets across the state.

Polling in Punjab will be held in the last phase of polls on June 1.

Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla said following the directions of DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, police teams conducted flag marches in all 28 police districts from 11 am to 3 pm simultaneously.

The exercise was aimed to boost the confidence of the public, besides preparing police personnel to tackle any untoward situation, he added.

He said Commissioners of Police and the Senior Superintendents of Police have already been directed to install special checkpoints and enhance patrolling parties across the state to keep vigil around anti-social elements in their respective jurisdictions.

To check the movement of criminals, bootleggers and drug smugglers, the SSPs of border districts have been asked to seal the borders by installing inter-state checkpoints.

Twenty-five companies of central armed police forces have been deployed in vulnerable districts to dominate sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas in the state.

The 25 companies include five coys of Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF), 15 coys of Border Security Force (BSF) and five coys of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Mumbai, April 1 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) of creating "Gallic gondhal" (confusion on the streets).

The BJP also termed the INDIA blocas rally at the Ramleela Maidan in the national capital on Sunday in protest against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest as the "grand meeting of the corrupt".

Quoting verses from famous ghazal writer Chandrashekhar Sanekaras work, aShing Funkale Tevha Nusta Banner Laun Aleaa (when the clarion was sounded, they just put up their banners and returned), Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar said: "In recent times, Shiv Sena (UBT)as culture has been to criticise the Prime Minister in the most demeaning language. Maharashtra and its Marathi Manoos are known for their cultured behaviour... They have never entertained people who are rude and uncivilised in their speeches.aa

Shelar also asked Uddhav Thackeray if he was okay with the language used by his spokesperson while speaking in public.

"Sometimes in front of late Ahmed Patel or at times before Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee or Arvind Kejriwal, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesman Sanjay Raut is always ready to dance to their tunes," he claimed.

State BJP chief spokesman Keshav Upadhye claimed that many leaders accused of looting the country had gathered for the INDIA bloc's rally in Delhi on Sunday.

"However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to eliminate corruption from the country. No matter how much the leaders of the INDIA bloc protest, the judiciary will uphold the charges against them. These leaders will have to answer the voters on the corruption cases against them," Upadhye said.
Mumbai, April 1 : Maharashtra Congress has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has violated the election model of conduct after Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised to withdraw police cases against 353 persons, here on Monday.

In a letter to the state Chief Electoral Officer, Congress Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe said that the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Solapur, Ram Satpute had called up Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis making the demand, and a purported video of the conversation has sparked a furore.

Londhe said that the Deputy Chief Minister has misused his position and violated the model code of conduct in force, a case should be registered against him, he should be sacked as state Home Minister, and the candidature of Satpute should be cancelled.

Enclosing the undated video of the tele-con, Londhe said that during the poll campaign, Satpute called up the Deputy Chief Minister and demanded that police cases filed during the Covid-19 pandemic against 353 persons of the Mochi community should be withdrawn.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis can be heard assuring the people not to worry and that he would make efforts to withdraw all the cases, leading to claps and cheers from the gathering.

"This is a clear violation of the code of conduct to lure and make promises in such a way during the election period. According to Supreme Court guidelines, police cases cannot be taken back unless recommended by a state government committee. Despite knowing this Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis has misled the voters by such false promises to lure them," said Londhe.

He wondered why the cases against the persons were not withdrawn earlier and remembered only during the elections, and demanded that the state CEO should take immediate cognisance of the Congress complaint.

There has been no reaction from the BJP to the Congress accusations in the matter so far.
New Delhi, April 1 : The Board of Directors of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) on Monday authorised the management of the company to evaluate the vertical demerger of the Madura Fashion & Lifestyle business from the ABFRL into a separate listed company.

The proposed demerger will enable the creation of two separately listed companies as independent growth engines with distinct capital structures and parallel value creation opportunities, ABFRL said.

The Madura Fashion & Lifestyle (MFL) business segment consisting of four lifestyle brands, namely Louis Phillippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England, along with casual wear brands American Eagle and Forever 21, sportwear brand Reebok and the innerwear business under Van Heusen will be demerged into a separate listed entity.

The entity will have a strong balance sheet to power its future growth aspirations. Post the necessary approvals, the demerger will be implemented through an NCLT scheme of arrangement, and all the shareholders of ABFRL will have identical shareholding in the newly-formed entity, the company said.

Post the demerger, the remaining ABFRL will be focused on high-growth segments where there are tailwinds from a shift from unbranded to branded, premiumisation, rise of super premium and luxury, and rapid growth in Gen Z-focused digital-first brands.

After the completion of the proposed demerger, ABFRL will raise growth capital within 12 months to infuse strength into its balance sheet.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said, "Over the years, our fashion and retail business has grown from five brands in two categories to a dynamic portfolio of 20+ brands across all lifestyle categories.

"As the platform embarks on its next transformational phase of growth, there is scope to re-evaluate the capital structures to optimise the different parts of the portfolio. The move towards a more simplified and streamlined architecture is designed to unlock distinct opportunities for value creation. This strategic realignment is poised to significantly enhance the long-term stakeholder value."

Shares of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail were up 3 per cent in trade on Monday at Rs 211.70.
New Delhi, April 1 : Congress party is set to release its vision document cum manifesto at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) HQs in the capital on April 5.

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said on Monday that the party is all set to release its vision document on April 5 'after vast deliberations with people from across the country'.

Soon after the manifesto launch, the grand old party will hold mega rallies on April 6, one in Jaipur and the other in Hyderabad.

Congress' public rally in Jaipur will see the party's top brass including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi addressing the public gathering.

In the Hyderabad rally, Rahul Gandhi will declare the party's big poll promises to the public and seek their support in the run-up to the Parliamentary elections 2024.

"Our focus has always been on giving the country a welfare-oriented, pro-development vision and that will be presented to the people for this election as well," said K.C. Venugopal.

Earlier, Jairam Ramesh said that the party's 'ghar ghar guarantee' campaign to distribute eight core guarantee cards across the country will be launched from April 3.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its 27-member election committee, headed by Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday.
Chandigarh, April 1 : 'Seven Winters in Tehran' directed by Steffi Niederzoll bagged the Cinevesture People's Choice Award for Best International Film, while 'Jaggi' directed by Anmol Sidhu was honoured as the Walkers People's Choice Award for the Best Indian Film. The awards in different categories were announced at the debut edition of the Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) held in Chandigarh from March 27 to 31.

Chandigarh, April 1 (IANS) 'Seven Winters in Tehran' directed by Steffi Niederzoll bagged the Cinevesture People's Choice Award for Best International Film, while aJaggia directed by Anmol Sidhu was honoured as the Walkers People's Choice Award for the Best Indian Film. The awards in different categories were announced at the debut edition of the Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) held in Chandigarh from March 27 to 31.

'Yellow' directed by Elham Ehsas won the Westside People's Choice Award for Best Short Film.

'Unveiled' by Ritisha Sinha, a student from Mount Carmel School in Sector 47B Chandigarh, received the award for best Students' Film.

Several directors and actors from the industry including Shekhar Kapur, Jaideep Ahlawat, Tahira Kashyap, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Roshan Mathew, Abhay Deol, Sudhir Mishra, Suvinder Vicky, Boman Irani, Rasika Dugal, Rajshri Deshpande, Randeep Jha, Ajitpal Singh, Q and Anurag Singh were present at the festival on different days and held masterclasses and panel discussions.

The festival screened 25 award-winning international features in the World Cinema section, 16 indie gems in the India Unveiled and 30 shorts in Brief Encounters. There was also a curated section of children's films and timeless Classics.

The festival closed its panel discussions with a conversation between producer-director Karan Johar and film critic Namrata Joshi.

Also, 20 projects under CIFF Market Projects on the festival's sidelines, including three web series were presented with three debut projects being selected for the Mentorship Program.

Nina Lath, Founder & CEO of Cinevesture said, "We are overwhelmed by the support and trust this pilot edition of CIFF has received from the film community, the response and acceptance of Chandigarhas residents. Our partners and collaborators have been extremely kind."

Adding that the inaugural edition was a resounding success, CIFF Director, V.S. Kundu said, "The masterclasses and panel discussions were lively and meaningful. The film market at CIFF built a solid foundation as an intimate yet professional networking and mentoring platform."

The festival advisory board includes Rana Daggubati, former Head of Cannes Film Market Jerome Paillard, former Co-Director of Sundance Film Festival Nicole Guillemet, filmmaker Ajitpal Singh (Fire in the Mountains and Tabbar), Bangladeshi filmmaker and screenwriter Nuhash Humayun (Moshari) and the co-owner of the Blake Friedmann Literary Agency Julian Friedmann.
Chennai, April 1 : The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP is set to rake up the Katchatheevu island issue across the state to force the Congress and the DMK on the back foot.

For the second day in a row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday put the blame for ceding the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka on the Congress with the connivance of the DMK.

The charge has struck a chord with the party's Tamil Nadu leadership with state BJP chief K. Annamalai publicly saying that the state unit of the party is in favour of retrieving the Katchatheevu island.

The fishermen community in Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, and Kanyakumari, along with many fishing hamlets in the state, are up in arms against the frequent arrests and impounding of costly mechanised fishing boats by the Sri Lankan navy.

The fishermen of Tamil Nadu are also sore at the physical assaults in mid-sea, allegedly by the Sri Lankan fishermen, and the robbing of expensive fishing nets and even satellite phones.

The fishermen are against both the Central and state governments over these arrests, even though the Centre has been intervening to release the fishermen from captivity.

However, after the Prime Minister took up the Katchatheevu island ceding matter and put the onus of giving it away on then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the state BJP is planning to make the fishermen aware of this.

The Tamil Nadu BJP has commenced referring to the issue of ceding the island to Sri Lanka in all its public programmes to drive home the point that both the Congress and the DMK were responsible for the woes of the fishermen of the state.

Annamalai had applied for an RTI with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the Katchatheevu island, and the reply was published in the media leading to the Prime Minister taking up the matter.

Annamalai also said that as per the documents he received, there was Article 6 which allowed the fishermen of both India and Sri Lanka to use the Katchatheevu island for drying their nets and to rest.

This, according to Annamalai, was included to prevent any protests by the fishermen of Tamil Nadu.

He also said that after a year, that article was removed which was the basic issue faced by the fishermen in the area.

V.L. Antony, a fisherman leader from Nagapattinam, told IANS, "The Katchatheevu island should not have been handed over to Sri Lanka, and the Prime Minister has said that this happened due to the callousness of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and our own leader, Karunanidhi. If this is true, the Congress and the DMK made a grave mistake that is affecting our day-to-day lives."
Kochi, April 1 : Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notice to the CPI-M leader M.M. Varghese in connection with the Kerala Cooperative Bank scam case, two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised tough action against people involved in the case.

Varghese had also appeared before the ED last year in the same case.

The fresh action came at a time when the ED has brought the scam to the notice of the Election Commission, Reserve Bank of India and the Union Finance Ministry.

On Saturday, PM Modi promised tough action against those involved in "cheating" in the bank scam case.

Senior CPI-M legislator and former State Cooperative Minister A.C.Moideen, former CPI-M legislator M.K. Kannan and Varghese have been questioned by the central investigating agency.

A few CPI-M leaders and employees of the Trissur-based Karuvannur Cooperative Bank have already been put behind bars.

Varghese, however, said he is yet to get the notice, but added that he will speak with the party leadership if he needs to appear before the ED.

With Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the Congress-led opposition has accused the BJP and the CPI-M of having a secret pact and despite several months of ED probe, no action has come.
Ankara, April 1 : Turkey's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has claimed a major victory in local polls in 35 mayoralties throughout the country, according to unofficial results of Sunday's local elections. This comes as a jolt to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's whose Justice and Development Party (AKP) won 24 mayoral positions.

The People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) won 10, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) 8, the Welfare Party 2, the Great Unity Party (BBP) 1, and the Good Party (iYi) one position, Turkish Supreme Election Council Chairman Ahmet Yener told reporters on Monday.

In the elections for 30 metropolitan municipalities, the CHP won 14 mayoral positions, the AKP 12, the DEM 3, and the Welfare Party 1 mayoral position, Xinhua news agency reported.

Yener said the local elections went "smoothly", with a participation rate of 78.11 per cent.

Incumbent CHP mayors in Istanbul and Ankara kept control of their municipalities on Sunday, while the opposition had major gains in many other cities, delivering a surprise defeat to President Erdogan.

In his address to his supporters on early Monday, the Turkish president acknowledged the election failure and said the results were "not an end" for them "but rather a turning point".

"Thanks to the common sense of our citizens, Turkish democracy proved its maturity once again," Erdogan said in the capital Ankara.

The AKP could not get the desired result, he said, adding "the results of the ballot boxes show us that we have lost height. We will identify the problems and take the necessary measures".
Mumbai, April 1 : The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making "politically motivated" allegations that India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had 'ceded' the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka.

SS (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made serious allegations on this issue by quoting an RTI reply "for political point scoring" in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections with the hope to bag some seats in Tamil Nadu and dividing the electorate by 'casting aspersions'.

"Let's remember such decisions are taken by governments, which includes inputs and advice from professionals like diplomats, military officers, legal advisors and bureaucrats. To reduce them to one leader or one party is undemocratic, because a government is more than just one person," said Chaturvedi.

She pointed out that the RTI query was filed by a BJP leader who is contesting the election from TN and information shared is by the BJP government at the centre for scoring some political brownie points.

"Going by the BJP logic, will anyone from Arunachal Pradesh or Ladakh file an RTI regarding the land-grab by China after the 'jhoola' diplomacy of the PM and his declaration that nobody entered Indian territory nor is any of our post is in someone else's control, after the (June 2020) Galwan Valley clashes," Chaturvedi said. She questioned whether the BJP would file an RTI to know how Nepal released a map in 2020, claiming three villages in the Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limipiyadhura (in Uttarakhand) as part of its territory.

Referring to PM Modi's tweet on Katchatheevu Island, Chaturvedi said that India withdrew its claim on the isle during negotiations with Sri Lanka to normalise relations in 1974, when Indira Gandhi was PM and the DMK government in TN then did not object to it.

"India could not produce documentary evidence of historical fishing rights on this (Katchatheevu) island in Palk Strait whereas Sri Lanka had documentary evidence to prove its claim. The total land involved was 150 acres of this island and with that Indira Gandhi as PM also ensured the repatriation of 6 lakh Tamilians to India," said Chaturvedi.

She charged the government with ceding 112 enclaves to Bangladesh in return for 55 enclaves in a bid to resolve the border dispute with the neighbour, pending since Partition, owing to the ill-defined border lines in Sunderbans Delta.

"In total, India ceded more than 15,000 acres of land to Bangladesh in a bid to strengthen the relationship with its neighbour. This was hailed as path breaking and rightly so as larger neighbour India was looked at as magnanimous and large hearted in this agreement," said Chaturvedi.

However, the manner in which PM is raking the 1974 agreement on Katchatheevu, withdrawing Indiaas claim, trying to show down the previous government and questioning India's international agreement with a neighbour is "not in good stead for our neighbourhood security and international relations".

She recalled how in October 2014, the then Attorney-General of India Mukul Rohatgi had said in the Supreme Court in October 2014 to the question of Sri Lanka arresting Indian fishermen fishing off the coast of this island, "that the island claim was withdrawn and it was handed over to Sri Lanka after due process and international law".

Chaturvedi also said that the Ministry of External Affairs could look into the 'discrepancies' in its RTI responses of 2015 and 2024 on the issue, when the current External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was the Foreign Secretary.

In 2015, the RTI reply said that "this did not involve either acquiring or ceding territory belonging to India since the area in question had never been demarcateda Under the Agreements, the island of Katchatheevu lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line".

Chaturvedi said that now, "the government claims it has been ceded and questioned if the change in stance is for electoral politics to gain something in the TN Lok Sabha or the PM has made a case for Sri Lanka".
New Delhi, April 1 : The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Central government on a petition challenging the recent notification banning 23 "ferocious" dog breeds in the country.

Declining to stay the notification, Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice to the Centre seeking its response to the petition.

The petition, filed by a dog trainer and a doctor, argues that the ban lacks any empirical basis or scientific justification.

It contends that no comprehensive study was conducted in India to establish the alleged ferocity of these breeds, and the necessity for their prohibition.

The petitioners asserted that the sudden and blanket ban could lead to unnecessary suffering or euthanasia for dogs with no history of aggression. They also challenged the ban on specific breeds like Cane Corso, Rottweiler, and Terrier, highlighting its "arbitrary nature and lack of rational basis".

The petitioner dog trainer also invoked constitutional rights by arguing that the ban directly impacts his livelihood.

He cited Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to practice any profession, subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the general public.

The petitioner contended that the ban constitutes a severe encroachment upon his fundamental rights, stressing the "arbitrary and unreasonable" nature of the Centre's action.

He also said that the notification infringes upon his right to carry out his profession freely, and without undue interference.
Hyderabad, April 1 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao alleged on Monday that the Congress government in Telangana brought drought in the state with its inefficiency.

He slammed the government for its mishandling of the agricultural crisis in the state and demanded immediate relief measures for distressed farmers.

The former minister also objected to attributing drought-like situations in the state to nature, stating that these conditions were brought by the Congress government, not by nature.

KTR, who visited Nalgonda district on Monday and interacted with few farmers, stated that the looming agricultural crisis is the result of mismanagement by the current Congress government.

He criticised the government for not prioritising farmer issues while engaging in political activities.

KTR questioned the sincerity of the state chief minister and his colleagues for failing to visit farmers and provide assurance.

He also lamented that around 200 farmers have committed suicide due to the mismanagement of the agriculture issues by the Congress-led state government.

KTR pointed out that the Congress government is unable to provide quality free power to farmers, whereas for the past 10 years, every farmer had uninterrupted 24x7 free power.

He challenged ministers who claimed there were no power cuts in the state to visit farmers in the fields and assert the same in front of them if they had the courage. He accused the Congress government of trying to portray KCR as a failed leader by labeling the Kaleshwaram project as a failure.

KTR highlighted that the government's negligence in repairing the Medigadda project led to the withering of lakhs of acres of crops.

He claimed that following KCR's field visit on Sunday, the government became apprehensive and, with the help of the same Kaleshwaram project's mega motors, started lifting water from the Nandi Pump House and releasing it to farmers in Karimnagar.

KTR emphasised that similar efforts should have been made earlier.

He questioned whether 120 days were not enough to initiate repairs and provide irrigation water to lakhs of farmers.

KTR demanded immediate relief measures for distressed farmers in the state and called for financial assistance of Rs 25,000 per acre for farmers who have lost their crops due to lack of power and irrigation water supply.

KTR visited two farmer families in Mushampally village in Nalgonda district.

KTR interacted with them and supported one farmer named Mallaiah Yadav with Rs 1 lakh. Yadav lost his 8 acres of crop due to lack of water supply and power supply.

Yadav's video went viral on social media a month ago, and moved by his anguish, KTR had promised that he would personally visit him soon.
Washington, April 1 : US Congress' five Indian-descent members on Monday demanded a briefing from the Justice Department on the spate of vandalism at Hindu temples across the country, some of whom were left with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti.

"Attacks at mandirs from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans," the five members wrote in a joint letter.

"Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately 'no leads' on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation. Our communities remain concerned about law enforcement coordination regarding these bias-motivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is appropriate federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law."

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi is leading the initiative, his office said.

The other four are Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera and Shri Thanedar.

"The number of incidents and the closeness of the timing of incidents raise troubling questions about linkages and the intent behind them," the members said further.

"It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear within a community that has often been marginalised or neglected, and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in America. We, therefore, request that you provide us with an understanding of what the Department's strategy is specifically concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus in the US."

A Hindu temple in Hayward, California, was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in January, just a few weeks after similar graffiti was noted on a temple in Newark, also in California.

"With at least two incidents recorded in the last couple of weeks, attacks on Hindu temples by Khalistani separatists are seemingly on the rise," the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group had said in a statement at the time.

Pro-Khalistani activists were involved in the two incidents of arson and vandalism at the Indian consulate in San Francisco in 2023.

While US President Joe Biden-led administration had responded with outrage promising to punish those responsible, no arrests have been made yet.
New Delhi, April 1 : A 35-year-old man, who went missing six days ago, was found dead, the Delhi Police said on Monday, adding that he was allegedly killed by the woman with whom he had an illicit relationship.

The police have apprehended the woman along with her two associates allegedly involved in the crime.

The deceased has been identified as Madhav Singh, a resident of Gulshan Chowk in Anand Parbat.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), M. Harsha Vardhan, said that on March 27, a missing complaint was filed at the Anand Parbat police station by a relative of Singh.

Singh, who used to live alone, worked as a labourer in a factory.

The call details of Singh's phone revealed that he was in contact with a woman named Jyoti, who called him to her house at the Punjabi Basti in Baljeet Nagar.

"Further investigation raised strong suspicion against Jyoti and her husband. When the police visited Jyoti's house, it was found locked. The body of Singh was found buried in a sewage pit there," the DCP said.

"After a probe, the police arrested the accused persons, Lekhpal and Jyoti, on Sunday," the officer said.

During interrogation, they disclosed the involvement of a person named Surjit, a resident of Baljeet Nagar, who was arrested on Monday.

"They admitted that Singh was having an illicit affair with Jyoti," said the DCP.

"They also revealed that on the morning of March 25, Lekhpal, Surjit and Jyoti called the Singh to Jyoti's house. The accused persons killed Singh and disposed of the body before absconding," the officer said.

"Surjit has previous criminal records," he added.
Jaipur, April 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kotputli of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday for his first poll rally in Rajasthan after the announcement of the general elections' schedule.

The Prime Minister will reach Jaipur at 2:30 p.m., from where he will leave for Kotputli by helicopter to address a public gathering.

Preparations are being finalized by the state BJP for Prime Minister Modi's rally. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday inspected the meeting venue and took stock of the preparations.

This will be the Prime Minister's fourth visit to the state in the year.

Earlier in January, he participated in the DG-IG conference held in Jaipur. In the same month, the Prime Minister held a road show in Jaipur with French President Emmanuel Macron.

In March, he came to Jaisalmer to participate in an Indian Army event.
New Delhi, April 1 : The Delhi High Court on Monday overturned a trial court's decision to sentence four men to life imprisonment for the alleged gang rape of a woman, citing deficiencies in the police investigation and inconsistencies in the prosecutrix's statements.

A division bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain criticised the Delhi Police for its flawed investigation, and the trial court for relying on the initial statement of the prosecutrix, which was later retracted during the trial.

The high court noted that the prosecutrix had disowned her initial statement shortly after making it, stating that she had left home voluntarily.

This crucial detail, coupled with the absence of concrete evidence linking the accused to the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault, raised doubts about the prosecution's case.

The court condemned the lapses in the police investigation, noting the failure to collect vital evidence such as the Call Detail Records (CDR) of the prosecutrix's mobile phone, which could have corroborated her location at the time of the incident. Moreover, the court criticised the absence of efforts to obtain DNA evidence from the accused under Section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Despite the detection of semen on the victim's clothing and its match with the accused's DNA profile, the court cautioned against automatically assuming sexual assault, citing the possibility of consensual physical relations.

Examining inconsistencies in the testimony of the prosecutrix's parents and the absence of corroborating evidence, the court concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish a solid case against the accused. Consequently, the court acquitted all four accused individuals of the charges.
Aizawl, April 1 : In a joint operation, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police have seized heroin worth Rs 12.43 crore smuggled in from Myanmar, officials said on Monday.

Assam Rifles sources said that acting on a tip-off, its troops along with Mizoram Police seized the contraband from an abandoned place at Zokhawthar in Champhai district bordering Myanmar.

In a separate joint raid, the paramilitary troopers and the Mizoram police seized a large cache of explosives and arrested one person from the Zokhawthar area on Sunday.

The seized explosives include 1,000 sticks of Neogel 90, 200 detonators, 235-metre Cordex, and 10 cartridges.
Hyderabad, April 1 : The Telangana police have sought the custody of former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Task Force, Radha Kishan Rao, for further questioning in a phone-tapping case.

The Nampally court took up hearing on the petition seeking custody of Radha Kishan Rao, who was arrested on Friday and remanded to judicial custody for two weeks.

The counsel for Radha Kishan Rao sought time to file a counter to the police petition. The court adjourned the hearing to Tuesday.

Rao is the fourth police officer arrested in the phone-tapping case, which came to light last month.

Meanwhile, the police in their remand report revealed that the Special Operations Team was created in the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) under the previous BRS government for surveillance of rival political leaders and their families and dissidents within the ruling party.

Former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao allegedly created the SOT with his trusted aides, including DSP D. Praneeth Rao.

After his superannuation in August 2020, Radha Kishan Rao was appointed Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Task Force.

On SIB chiefas orders, officials during the December 2018 Assembly elections gathered information and shared the same with Radha Kishan Rao. The Task Force seized Rs 70 lakh belonging to Anand Prasad, the TDP candidate from the Serilingampally constituency.

On Praneethas inputs, the team also seized Rs 1 crore during the 2020 Dubbaka by-election. The money belonged to a chit fund company in Siddipet, associated with the relatives and associates of BJP candidate M. Raghunandan Rao.

Similarly, during the Munugode by-election in October 2022, Rs 3.5 crore of BJP candidate Komatireddy Raja Gopal Reddy was intercepted and seized.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and Sircilla constituency in-charge K.K. Mahender Reddy has submitted a petition to Hyderabad Police Commissioner Kottakota Srinivas Reddy, demanding a probe against the leaders of the previous BRS government who had issued orders for phone-tapping.

The previous government allegedly tapped phone conversations of politicians, film celebrities, and businessmen.

Alleging that a centre was established in the Sircilla constituency for phone-tapping, he demanded that Sicilla MLA K. T. Rama Rao be issued a notice for investigation.
Mumbai, April 1 : Pacer Trent Boult struck like lightening for a three-fer, Yuzvendra Chahal spun a web to bag 3-11 while Riyan Parag struck his second successive half-century as Rajasthan Royals thrashed Mumbai Indians by six wickets with 27 balls to spare in Match 14 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium here on Monday.

The Boult from New Zealand used the conditions perfectly, moved the ball on both sides and claimed Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir and Dewald Brevis for first-ball ducks as he reduced Mumbai Indians to 14/3 in the third over after Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to field first. The 34-year-old Boult claimed 3-15 in his three overs before ending his quota with 3-22.

Yuzvendra Chahal then became Mumbai Indians' tormentor, wiping out the middle-order in claiming 3-11 in four brilliant overs as Mumbai Indians were restricted to 125/9 in 20 overs, their second-lowest total against Rajasthan Royals. They scored 92 against them in 2013.

Chasing 126 for victory, Rajasthan Royals were in trouble at 48/3 before Riyan Parag came to their rescue, adding 40 runs off 35 balls with Ravichandran Ashwin and then unleashing a flurry of shots towards the end to claim a comfortable victory. With Parag, who struck five fours and three sixes, remaining unbeaten on 54, Rajasthan Royals reached 127/4 in 15.3 overs to seal a comfortable victory with a lot to spare.

In a match dominated by the bowlers, Parag struck the lone fifty, his composed knock coming off 38 balls as he ended the match with a flurry of shots, a six off Piyush Chawla followed by two sixes and a four off Gerald Coetzee to seal the third victory for Rajasthan Royals, taking them to the top of the IPL table with six points. Mumbai Indians remain stuck at the bottom, yet to open their account after suffering three successive defeats.

Yashasvi Jaiswal struck the 17-year-old South African pacer Kwena Maphaka to back-to-back boundaries off the fourth and fifth deliveries of the opening over. But the young South African had his revenge on the next delivery, as a full-length delivery outside off shaped away and Jaiswal lobbed it straight to Tim David at cover. Maphaka claimed his first IPL wicket in his second match after going wicketless for 66 against SRH in Hyderabad. RR were 10/1.

Skipper Sanju Samson lashed a widish delivery from Maphaka through point for a boundary and then enjoyed the same result off the next delivery, as the bowler offered more width. But he was out soon, castled by Akash Madhwal as he chopped onto his stumps, attempting a cut without any foot movement.

And when Jos Buttler, who was troubled by Jasprit Bumrah despite being struck for a boundary, was out for 13, caught by Piyush Chawla as he pulled Akash Madhwal flat and straight to fine leg, Rajasthan Royals were in trouble at 48/3 in the 7th over.

However, Parag came to their rescue and ensured that they maintained their unbeaten streak.

Parag ramped Gerald Coetzee to the boundary and followed it up with another boundary off the next delivery. A boundary each off Coetzee and Bumrah helped him keep RR's hopes alive. They reached 100/4 in the 14th over.

With 25 needed off 36 balls, Parag slogged Piyush Chawal over cow corner for his first six and in the next over carved Coetzee over cover for six and followed it up with a pull-over midwicket to complete his back-to-back fifties.

He sealed victory for Rajasthan Royals with a top-edge off a short one by Coetzee as the ball sailed over the keeper's head to the boundary. Parag remained unbeaten on 54 as he helped Rajasthan Royals to their third victory in three matches.

Earlier, Boult rattled Mumbai Indians with some incisive pace bowling, claiming the first three wickets of Mumbai Indians.

With the home crowd repeatedly booing skipper Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians got off to a poor start and were struggling at 30/4 at the end of the first five overs on a pitch that was expected to support the batters. New Zealand pacer Trent Boult was the wrecker-in-chief as he claimed three of those four wickets.

Rohit Sharma was out for a first-ball duck as Boult landed a scrambled seam delivery at fullish length around off-stump, which opened up Rohit's defence and took the outside edge behind to Sanju Samson. That was off the fifth ball of the opening over and Mumbai Indians were 1/1. This was the 17th duck for Rohit Sharma in 17 editions of the IPL and he now shares the dubious record with Dinesh Karthik.

It became 1/2 when Impact Substitute Naman Dhir was trapped lbw off the first delivery he faced off Boult. The ball landed on a length and moved in a little bit and sneaked through the gap between bat and pad. Dhir reviewed the decision but DRS came in favour of the bowler as Hawk-eye should the ball would have clipped the leg-stump.

Ishan Kishan survived the hat-trick ball and scored a single but Boult got his third wicket of the Power play and 100th overall as he sent back Dewald Brevis for a first-ball duck, holing out to short third-man with a loose shot. Boult had picked three wickets off four deliveries and was breathing fire. Brevis came in as the earliest Impact Substitute in the second over and went back as early as possible without bothering the scorer.

Ishan Kishan deposited the first delivery he faced from Nandre Burger over the long-on boundary for a big six and four balls later gloved a rising delivery into his body past keeper Samson for a four.

Burger had the last laugh in the fourth over and the South African pacer after Kishan had creamed him through cover to the boundary sent back Kishan with a delivery that seamed away off the deck and took the edge back to Samson. Ishan Kishan scored 16 off 14 balls, hitting two boundaries and one six. Mumbai Indians slumped to 20/4 in the fourth over and were in deep trouble.

Skipper Hardik Pandya, who was booed during the toss, along with Tilak Varma raised 56 runs for the fifth wicket as they tried to repair the innings.

Pandya, who started with three dot-balls off Burger, hammered the South African pacer over point in the sixth over and then walked into the delivery to thump it the cover-point boundary on the next delivery for back-to-back fours. He ended the over by dancing down the pitch and slamming it over mid-on for his third four of the sixth over. It was the most expensive over for RR thus far as it cost them 16 runs.

Hardik struck Avesh Khan for a boundary Ravichandran Ashwin. Chahal had his revenge as he had the Mumbai Indians skipper holing out to long-on. Chahal, who had nearly got Pandya on the previous delivery in the 10th over as the ball missed the off-stump by a whisker, sent down a flattish delivery around the middle and leg and Pandya tried to deposit him into the stands but got it off the bottom part of the bat and was out for 32 off 21 balls, hitting six boundaries in all.

Piyush Chawla was out to Avesh Khan for three and when Tilak Varma, who was holding one end up, was out for 32 off 29 balls, Mumbai Indians were down to 95/7 and in deep woods. Varma, who mostly scored through singles and twos, hammered Boult for a six in the fifth over as the pacer erred in line with a fullish delivery down the leg and Varma helped it over the boundary.

He also hooked Avesh Khan over the fence when the pacer tried to bounce him. But just when it looked like he would hog the strike and help Mumbai Indians to a big score with trademark blazing shots, Chahal had him reaching out to a wide googly and the batter ballooned an edge to Ashwin at short third-man.

Chahal, who bowled a brilliant line and length against a clueless Mumbai Indians middle-order, claimed Coetzee as his third victim as Mumbai Indians continued to falter and could post a paltry score.

Brief scores:

Mumbai Indians 125/9 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 34, Tilak Varma 32; Yuzvendra Chahal 3-11, Tret Boult 3-22, Nandre Burger 2-32) lost to Rajasthan Royals 127/4 in 15.3 overs (Riyan Parag 54 not out; Akash Madhwal 3-20) by six wickets.
Patna, April 2 : Bihar BJP MLA Pawan Yadav claimed that he received an extortion call from Pakistan on Monday.

"The caller has demanded Rs 50 lakh and also threatened that he will kill him and his family members if the demand is not met," said the MLA from Bhagalpur's Kahalgaon.

The BJP MLA said that he immediately lodged a written complaint at Kahalgaon police station and also informed the DSP about the extortion call.

Bhagalpur SSP has constituted a team to investigate the matter.
Gaza, April 2 : The Israeli army has withdrew from the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said.

The security sources told Xinhua news agency on Monday that most of the hospital buildings were destroyed, burned, and attacked by the Israeli army, which turned the hospital out of service.

Medical and Civil defence crews pulled out dozens of decomposing bodies, including children, women, and medical staff, from the courtyards of the hospital, the security sources said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

"It is impossible to resume the work soon inside the hospital as the Israeli army deliberately destroyed all medical equipment in the complex, including operating rooms, intensive care, all specialised departments, and refrigerators for the dead," medical sources told Xinhua news agency.

On March 18, the Israeli army carried out a sudden large-scale military operation on the Shifa hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, under the pretext that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) used the hospital for military operations against Israel.

Israeli Army Spokesman Avichai Adraee said in a press statement that the army finished its military operation in the Shifa... the army killed and arrested dozens, including leaders of Hamas and the PIJ.

"The army found rifles, pistols, explosive materials, and dozens of mortar shells in the maternity ward, some of which were inside beds and pillows," Adraee added.

Al-Shifa complex was established in 1946, subject to Israel in 1967, and to the Palestinian Authority after the Oslo Accords in 1994.

As a government entity affiliated with the Gaza-based Health Ministry, Al-Shifa complex is the most significant health institution providing medical services in the Gaza Strip, which includes three specialised hospitals and employs 25 per cent of the Gaza Strip's hospital workers.

The Hamas-run media office said in a press statement that "the Israeli army killed at least 400 Palestinians and arrested more than 900 others during its military operation in the Shifa hospital".

It held Israel and the US responsible for the Israeli "crimes" against the Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave.

Overall, at least 32,845 Palestinians have been killed and 75,392 wounded since Israel launched its retaliatory attack against Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli death toll from Hamas's surprise attack stands at 1,139, with about 100 still held hostage in Gaza.
Ayodhya, April 2 : The Ayodhya district administration has urged people who plan to visit here on Ram Navami, to celebrate the festival at their homes instead and come to the temple town later as it has limited capacity to cater to visitors, an official said.

District Magistrate Nitish Kumar has appealed to devotees across the country in this regard.

He said whether in big cities or in small villages, people should celebrate the festival with enthusiasm there only and come to Ayodhya later to be able to have darshan of Shri Ram conveniently.

Ram Navami, the festival to celebrate the birth of Shri Ram, will be observed on April 17.

Meanwhile, the administration here has geared up for the largest ever crowd management exercise on the occasion of Ram Navami.

The officials are expecting a congregation of more than 50 lakh pilgrims on the day.

The District Magistrate said the administration is mulling over setting up multiple entry and exit points for devotees at the Ram temple complex.

The Ram temple trust will make arrangements for drinking water and durries on the open floors, in view of rising temperatures.

The district administration will ensure regular supplies of foodgrains, vegetables, milk etc, for eateries, dharmshalas and temple kitchens.
Sex and the City is now available on Netflix.

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All six seasons of the HBO romantic comedy-drama series started streaming Monday.

Sex and the City is created by Darren Starr and aired from 1998 to 2004.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall star as Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha, four friends navigating life and love in New York City.

The cast also included Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Mario Cantone, and late actor Willie Garson.

Netflix celebrated the release by recommending 16 "essential episodes" of the show, including "Valley of the Twenty-Something Guys" (Season 1, Episode 4) and "They Shoot Single People, Don't They?" (Season 2, Episode 4).

Sex and the City was followed by two films, Sex and the City (2008) and Sex and the City 2 (2010), and the revival sequel series And Just Like That..., which was renewed for a third season at Max in August 2023.

Other HBO series available on Netflix include Insecure, Band of Brothers and Ballers.
STERLING REPUTATION?

When the name Sterling is mentioned in the world of firearms, it summons the iconic British SMG with a side-loading magazine or the British-made Sterling Armalite AR-180. But this is not that. When it comes to sub-$200 handguns, there is another: Sterling Arms, founded in 1967  and out of business by 1983. Thats what we found this time at the Cabelas/Bass Pro Shops in Reno, Nevada.

This inexpensive stainless steel blowback pistol in extremely nice condition was a mere $79 and simply marked Sterling .25 Auto. A little research through old Gun Digest Annuals (Number 69, 1978) revealed that this one was the Model 300S. The S is for the stainless steel version. Back then, it sold for the princely sum of $89.95, which was $16 more than the blued version ($442 in todays dollars).

It features indestructible cyclone grip panels, and it can hold six rounds of .25ACP. The magazine release is European-style located at the base of the grip frame. There are no sights, just a guttersnipe-type groove for point shooting. Lets see what a $79 gamble gets us.

BACKGROUND

Sterling Arms was founded in 1967 in Buffalo, New York, as a manufacturer of .22 target pistols nearly identical to the High Standard line. The following year saw the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968, so they shifted their designs and moved to Lockport, New York. By 1969, they essentially made a copy of the Italian Rino Galesi pistol, which was banned from importation per GCA 68. However, they soon ran into difficulties obtaining parts. In 1971, they contracted E&R Machine to make parts for them and by 1973 E&R bought the company.

This wasnt your typical junk gun company. They made a single-shot target pistol in the style of the Thompson Center Contender and were an early importer of the SIG Sauer P230 pistols. They were probably known more for their inexpensive semiauto pistols though, like the 300 but also chambered in

.22LR, .32ACP, and 380.

The target customers for this lineup were people who wanted inexpensive handguns for personal protection. Most of the horror stories about reliability out there concern the .22LR and .380 models.

As stated, the company shuttered their doors in 1983 after losing a product liability lawsuit. Someone playing with a Sterling Arms Model 300 removed the magazine, and without clearing the chamber, pressed it to his head and fired it. This person didnt die but became a paraplegic and sued Sterling Arms for their own oversight.

The Sterling Arms 300S is chambered in .25ACP (aka 6.35 Browning). Most shooters, us included, scoff at this round for its low power, but some outliers love it for the low recoil.

After cleaning and lightly lubing the pistol, it was time for shooting. A decade-old box of PMC 50-grain FMJ and a newer box of Privi Partizan were used for this initial outing. The magazine is easy to load. At 7 yards, the average group size was around 3 inches. This wasnt bad for a pistol with no sights, but certainly nothing to write home about.

THE AWESOME

Not expecting much, this pistol was surprisingly reliable. There were no malfunctions, no failures to feed, nor any of the other horror stories you mightve expected from a Sterling Arms pistol. This is a well-made little handgun despite its low cost.

The exterior is extremely smooth and free of sharp edges. Coupled with its light weight, this would make for an effective deep-carry-type of pistol. Build wise, its more of a Seecamp than a Raven or Lorcin.

THE OK

As with any out-of-production gun from 40 years ago, spare parts can be a challenge to find. Your best bet might be the various auction sites or Numrich Gun Parts. Be forewarned that the parts may not always be a true drop-in fit, and regarding the firing pin, there are different versions depending on when it was produced.

Regarding holsters or accessories, theres not much out there. It was able to fit in a Seecamp pocket holster, so there might be some hope there if you happen upon one of these.

The pistol has no sights in the traditional sense. This is more of a point-and-shoot variety handgun if you need to use it for self-defense.

THE AWFUL

Its chambered in .25ACP, which is essentially a centerfire version of .22LR with a worse reputation. This is a suboptimal round to begin with, and this caliber is pretty much ignored by new firearm manufacturers; ammo can be relatively expensive and hard to find.

Also, if you manage to find defensive loads, do not count on the hollow points to expand reliably. Just hope for penetration with FMJ or hard cast lead rounds from a company like Buffalo Bore if youre depending on something like this to save your life.
A la profunda indignacion por el innecesario, desproporcionado e ilegal allanamiento al domicilio particular de la presidenta, hoy debo agregar mi total rechazo a la filtracion a la prensa de las fotografias que obran en las actas suscritas ayer.
In acknowledgement of recent campus safety concerns, Asia Parker, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in political science and international affairs at the University of Georgia, partnered with the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) to bring a Womens Safety Workshop to the community. The first workshop was held on March 24.

The Women's Safety Workshop is a free event that highlights many aspects of women's safety through a Q-and-A panel with experts from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, CCSO, Project Safe and the Cottage. Following the panel, attendees engage in Safety Trivia focusing on risk reduction tips and a hands-on self defense workshop taught by Lt. David McAllister, Parker and CCSO.
What is to be done to resist the twin thrusts of the BJP's ideology, majoritarian and a strong centripetal instinct against federalism? asks Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Delhi Ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi along with AAP MLAs protest at the Delhi assembly against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, March 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest before the elections will be seen as an attack on democracy, which it is without doubt.

It is also of a piece with the BJP's distrust of federalism.

Down the years, but especially after the linguistic states were formed, the party wanted federalism and the entire edifice of states in India to be abandoned in favour of a single legislature and, given that we were in a parliamentary system, a single leader.

The RSS head M S Golwalkar wrote an essay in 1956, that is reproduced in his book Bunch of Thoughts.

He writes: 'Then came our present Constitution converting our country into a number of almost distinct units each with a 'state' of its own and all 'federated' into one 'Union'... When one pauses to think of the conditions in which makers of this Constitution lived when they framed this Constitution one sees that the atmosphere then was extremely congenial to the formation and evolution of a Unitary State -- One Country, One Legislature, One Executive Centre running the administration throughout the country-an expression of one homogeneous solid nation in Bharat or what remained of it then.

'But mind and reason of the leaders were conditioned by the obsession of 'federation of states' where each linguistic group enjoyed a 'wide autonomy' as 'one people' with its own separate language and culture.'

He continues under the subhead 'There Is a Remedy'.

'Towards this end the most important and effective step will be to bury deep for good all talk of a federal structure of our country's Constitution, to sweep away the existence of all 'autonomous' or semi-autonomous 'states' within the one State viz., Bharat and proclaim 'One Country, One State, One Legislature, One Executive' with no trace of fragmentational, regional, sectarian, linguistic or other types of pride being given a scope for playing havoc with our integrated harmony.

'Let the Constitution be re-examined and re-drafted, so as to establish this Unitary form of Government.'

The second source we have for the hostility to federalism and Article 1 of the Constitution is from Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Article 3 of the BJP constitution says Integral Humanism shall be the basic philosophy of the party.

Integral Humanism is the name given to a set of four lectures Upadhyaya gave in Bombay between April 22 and April 25, 1965.

What follows is a quotation from the third lecture. It is headlined 'Constitution Cannot Be Arbitrary'.

Upadhyaya writes: 'Is the Constitution too, not subject to some principles of a more fundamental nature?

'We have a written Constitution, but even this written Constitution cannot go contrary to the traditions of this country. In as much as it does go contrary to our traditions, it is not fulfilling Dharma. That constitution which sustains the Nation is in tune with Dharma.

'There is no recognition of the idea of Bharat Mata, our sacred motherland, as enshrined in the hearts of our people. According to the first para of the Constitution 'India that is Bharat will be a Federation of States', i.e. Bihar Mata, Banga Mata, Punjab Mata, Kannada Mata, Tamil Mata, are all put together to make Bharat Mata.

'This is ridiculous. We have thought of the provinces as limbs of Bharat Mata and not as individual mothers. Therefore, our Constitution should be Unitary instead of Federal.'

With such hostility to the provinces, even if it has gone mostly unnoticed, it should not surprise us that chief ministers are not seen as legitimate even if they are elected.

The BJP can hold on to the position, at least justifying it to itself, that we are a democracy and that elected chief ministers can be jailed without conviction.

After 2014, this ideological attack on federalism has manifested itself in several ways:

The use of Union agencies to intrude into 'law and order', ostensibly a state subject.

The ending of states' right to tax with GST and their total dependence on the Union's largesse.

The call for 'one nation one election', which privileges the Union one over all the rest.

The Union government's attack on Opposition governments and leaderships in Bengal, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi. Whether through arrests, denial of allocated funds, through constant intrusion and through.

This is untenable in democracy and we can see the tension having built to bursting point.

This is the background to the arrest of Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other ministers before that, and of the chief minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren last month and the jailing of Telangana leader K Kavitha this month.

It shows the contempt the government has for the Opposition and for democracy, the disregard it has for the judiciary and the extent to which it can go to secure its interests over those of the country.

The question is: What is to be done to resist the twin thrusts of the BJP's ideology, majoritarian and a strong centripetal instinct against federalism?

The internal mechanisms of opposing authoritarianism have never worked well in India including during the Emergency.

Jayaprakash Narayan was an exception but one wonders what he might have achieved in an era of ED and CBI.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The Indian crew onboard a crippled container vessel that collided against a key bridge in Baltimore last week is healthy , according to a nonprofit organisation that has been in touch with the personnel.

IMAGE: Demolition crews cut the top portion of the north side of the collapsed Francis Scott Key bridge into smaller sections for safe removal by crane in the Patapsco River, in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 30, 2024. Photograph: US Coast Guard/Petty Officer 3rd Class Kimberly Reaves/Handout via Reuters

The 2.6km-long, four-lane bridge over the Patapsco River in Baltimore, came crashing down after Dali, a 984-foot cargo ship bound for Sri Lanka, collided against it in the early hours of March 26.

The 21 crew members of Dali, of which 20 are Indians, are still onboard the crippled cargo ship nearly a week after the collision.

"All I know right now is that they are healthy and we are doing the best we can to support their needs emotionally and otherwise," Baltimore International Seafarers' Centre Executive Director The Rev. Joshua Messick told PTI.

Messick said he has 'been in touch with the crew via WhatsApp' and described the crew's responses to him as well as to those who are in touch with it as being 'succinct'.

"I imagine they are being very careful about what they say and to whom," he said.

Messick added that he has again reached out to the crew of the Dali to 'see if I could have anything delivered to them today'.

The Baltimore International Seafarers' Centre is a nonprofit organisation serving seafarers who call on the Port of Baltimore from all over the world. Its mission is to 'facilitate the well-being of crew members by offering transportation ashore', according to information on its website.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi had said that 20 Indians are onboard the cargo ship Dali and the Indian Embassy in Washington is in close touch with them and the local authorities.

"Our information is that there are 21 crew members, of which 20 are Indians. All of them are in good shape, (and in) good health. One of them got injured slightly and needed to have some stitches, and stitches have been given. And, he has gone back to the ship," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to a query during his weekly media briefing last week.

He had also said the Indian Embassy in the US is in 'close touch with the Indians onboard the ship and also local authorities'.

Messick said he is also reaching out to the captains of all eight vessels currently trapped in the Port of Baltimore following the bridge accident.

His organisation is working in tandem with the other seafarers' centre in Baltimore -- Apostleship of the Sea -- to offer support to the crews and personnel on the other vessels as well.

"We will work together to provide whatever services we can while you are in Baltimore. This includes transportation ashore, running errands for crew members without visas, accepting packages delivered to us on your behalf that we will then bring to the ship, and any kind of emotional care you or your crew may need," Messick said in the message sent jointly by him as well as Andy Middleton of the Apostleship of the Sea/Stella Maris.

Last week, US authorities began interviewing personnel, including the Indian crew members, onboard Dali that collided against the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Shipping company Synergy Group, which manages the Singapore-flagged Dali, said in a statement last week that the US agency National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) boarded the vessel on Wednesday and collected documents, voyage data recorder extracts, and other evidence as part of their investigation.

"The NTSB also began interviewing crew members. We will continue to cooperate with investigators throughout this process," Synergy said.

Dali's owners Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and Synergy had confirmed the safety of all crew members and two pilots aboard the vessel. They, however, reported one minor injury and said the injured crew member had been treated and discharged from the hospital.

"One of the vessel's crew members who was injured returned to the vessel on Wednesday after being treated," Synergy said.

Six persons, who were part of a construction crew repairing potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when the collision occurred in the early hours of March 26, are presumed dead.

Divers recovered the bodies of two of the construction workers from a red pickup truck found submerged in the Patapsco River and search is on for the remaining four victims.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has said the removal of the wreckage of the bridge and the cargo ship is a complex and time-consuming operation.

"This is not a Baltimore catastrophe, not a Maryland catastrophe. This is a national economic catastrophe," Moore told CNN in an interview on Sunday.

Moore said this port is one of the busiest, most active ports in the country.

"So, this is not just going to have an impact on Maryland. This is going to impact the farmers in Kentucky. This is going to impact the auto dealer in Ohio. This is going to impact the restaurant owner in Tennessee," he said.

"This is not just about Maryland's economy. This is something that is impacting the nation's economy. This is the largest port for new cars, for heavy trucks, and for agricultural equipment. So, this is impacting people all over the country," Moore told MSNBC in another interview.
Hitting back at the Centre over the Katchatheevu island issue, opposition leaders on Monday cited a 2015 RTI reply, which stated that the agreements in 1974 and 1976 did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India, and asked whether the "change" in Modi government's stance was for "election politics".

IMAGE: Congress leader P Chidambaram said that it is true that fishermen were detained in the last 50 years. Likewise, India has detained many Sri Lankan fishermen. Every government has negotiated with Sri Lanka and freed our fishermen. Photograph: ANI Photo

The opposition's response came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday claimed that prime ministers from the Congress displayed indifference about Katchatheevu island and gave away Indian fishermen's rights despite legal views to the contrary.

Jaishankar's remarks at a press conference were made a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited a media report to assert that new facts reveal that the Congress "callously" gave away Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram hit out at the government over the issue.

"Tit for tat is old. Tweet for Tweet is the new weapon. Will Foreign Minister Mr. Jaishankar please refer to the RTI reply dated 27-1-2015...The Reply justified the circumstances under which India acknowledged that a small island belonged to Sri Lanka," Chidambaram said.

Why is the Foreign Minister and his ministry doing a somersault now, he asked.

"How quickly can people change colours. From a suave liberal Foreign Service officer to a smart Foreign Secretary to a mouthpiece of the RSS-BJP, life and times of Mr Jaishankar will be recorded in the annals of acrobatic sports," Chidambaram said

"It is true that fishermen were detained in the last 50 years. Likewise, India has detained many Sri Lankan fishermen. Every government has negotiated with Sri Lanka and freed our fishermen," the former home minister said.

"This has happened when Mr Jaishankar was a foreign service officer and when he was Foreign Secretary and when he is Foreign Minister. What has changed for Mr Jaishankar to launch a tirade against the Congress and DMK?" he said.

Were not fishermen detained by Sri Lanka when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was PM and the BJP was in power and in alliance with different political parties of Tamil Nadu, he asked.

"Were not fishermen detained by Sri Lanka when Mr Modi was in power since 2014?" he said.

In a post on X, Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi shared an RTI response from the ministry of external affairs in 2015 which said Katchatheevu Island lies on the Sri Lanka side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line, that was delineated by the 1974 Agreement demarcating it in the Palk Straits and a subsequent 1976 Agreement demarcating it in the Gulf of Mannar and Bay of Bengal.

"This did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India since the area in question had never been demarcated. Under the Agreements, the Island of Katchatheevu lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line," the RTI reply said.

Tagging the RTI reply dated January 27, 2015, Chaturvedi said, "Maybe MEA will be able to address this discrepancies in its RTI response in 2015 vis a vis 2024."

"As per the RTI response in 2015 when current Foreign Minister was serving as the FS (foreign secretary) it was said 'This did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India since the area in question had never been demarcated...," the Shiv Sena-UBT leader said.

"Today the Foreign Minister and yesterday the PM claimed it has been 'ceded'. So is the change in stance for their election politics or has Modiji made a case for Sri Lanka?" she said.

Tagging her post on X, Congress general secretary, in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh said, "Just shows how quickly the Foreign Secretary changed his colours when he became External Affairs Minister."

"There is no limit to hypocrisy or lie-mongering as far as the Modi Sarkar is concerned," Ramesh charged.

Jaishankar on Monday said prime ministers such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi dubbed Katchatheevu, given to Sri Lanka in 1974 as part of a maritime boundary agreement, as a "little island" and "little rock". He asserted that the issue has not cropped up abruptly but was always a live matter.

It has been frequently raised in Parliament and has been a matter of frequent correspondence between the Centre and the state government, Jaishankar said, adding that he has replied to the chief minister at least 21 times.
HANGZHOU, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Standing in front of a horse-face skirt showcased in a garment factory, Liu Wenyue, 24, meticulously elaborated on the inspiration she drew from when designing it. "I drew inspiration from the shell carving process used to create mother-of-pearl lacquer, an intangible cultural heritage in China. I chose the chromatic silver thread and images from traditional Chinese paintings -- birds, flowers, hills and rocks -- as the motifs. I also added window-frame patterns on the edge to give the entire piece the appearance of lacquerware," said Liu. "It is the best-selling piece in our store, with 20,000 pieces sold so far," said Liu, a young Hanfu designer who majored in pre-school education and switched to a new profession, riding the boom of popularity of traditional Chinese culture. Having designed nearly 500 sets of Hanfu in just four years, Liu managed to turn Hanfu designing -- initially a hobby of hers -- into a stable source of income. She now runs a studio located in Xucun Township, Haining City of east China's Zhejiang Province, and focuses on designing horse-face skirts. The horse-face skirt is a type of Hanfu that features a high and flat front and pleated sides, which originated in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and prevailed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The traditional Hanfu robe embellished with intricate embroidery can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D. 220). Hanfu has evolved throughout history, resulting in a diverse array of designs seen in different Chinese cities today. The more wearable traditional clothes are, the likelier they are to become popular and be passed down to future generations, Liu argued. "I hope that the Hanfu pieces I designed can easily blend into people's everyday lives. This is why I have prioritized horse-face skirts as my flagship products," Liu said, adding a horse-face skirt is very versatile, as it can be matched with tops and fits all age groups. Liu's passion for Hanfu started at college when she was enthralled by the traditional attire but could barely afford the costumes herself. After seeing Hanfu design blueprints shared on the internet, she felt confident in her ability to design the outfits and attempted to map out her first design blueprint. To her astonishment, a Hanfu merchant bought her design for 300 yuan (about 42 U.S. dollars). Even though the design had not yet been produced, the buyer provided her with valuable professional guidance, recommending that she learn computer-aided design, which ultimately led to her entry into the industry. She started her own Hanfu studio in 2019 with a partner who is also a Hanfu enthusiast. However, her parents, belonging to a generation to whom Hanfu remains a novelty, were skeptical about her career choice. Their skepticism faded as her business prospered. In July 2023, she relocated her studio to the current site in Xucun Township, a place closer to the textile source. In her new studio, horse-face skirts that feature a variety of patterns dominate the product display. They include patterns of fireworks, herbal medicines, blue and white porcelain, and Year of the Dragon images. "I draw nutrients mostly from traditional Chinese cultural elements when designing the skirts, and at the same time integrate modern aesthetics into the design to highlight the younger generation's understanding of Hanfu," said Liu. Today, she has not only built a fan base domestically, but also received orders from overseas, among which some are from overseas Chinese and international students. Orders have also been placed by foreigners who are interested in Hanfu culture.
YEREVAN, 1 APRIl, ARMENPRESS. On April 1, the US mobile training team visited the Republic of Armenia as part of the Armenia-US defense cooperation.

From April 1 to 5, the instructors will engage in an exchange of expertise in public relations and communications at the administrative complex of the Ministry of Defense.

This exchange will involve cooperation with the Department of Information and Public Affairs of the MoD, as well as with personnel from the state institution "Zinuzh Media."

The program commenced with a speech by the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia-Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan.
Exercise 'Tiger Triumph 2024', the bilateral tri-service exercise between India and the US, was held from March 18 to March 31, 2024.

The exercise was conducted in two phases: The harbour phase at Vishakhapatnam and the sea phase at Kakinada.

On Friday, March 29, 2024, Indian and US armed forces participated in the exercise at Vishakhapatnam.

All Photographs: ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
A Jawaharlal Nehru University student alleged that she was sexually harassed on campus by four people, including two former students, prompting the university administration to order an inquiry, an official said on Monday.

Photograph: Supreet Sapkal/ANI Photo

The Left-led students' union has alleged that the four people, including the two former students, belong to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The ABVP, however, denied the allegation and claimed that it was being falsely implicated.

The chief proctor's office received a complaint alleging sexual harassment on the night of March 31.

The complainant said the alleged incident occurred when she and her male friend were taking a walk near the Jawaharlal Nehru University Ring Road around 2 am, the official told PTI.

They were allegedly followed by four people, including two students who have already graduated, in a car. These people allegedly sexually harassed the female student, he said.

"We have initiated an inquiry into the matter and the proctor's office is probing into the allegations. We have declared the two ex-students out-of-bounds from campus. The due process is being followed and necessary action will be taken after the inquiry is completed," Chief Proctor Sudhir Kumar told PTI.

The Left-led Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) alleged that the four accused belong to the ABVP.

'It has come to our notice that on the intervening night of March 30-31, around 2 am, four people affiliated with the ABVP were found harassing female students at the Ring Road in presence of JNU security guards. They were found harassing and using derogatory remarks directed at the students. The JNUSU strongly condemns this act of sexual harassment,' it said in a statement and accused the administration of delayed action and bias towards the RSS-affiliated group.

An ABVP representative, on the other hand, accused the victim of being inclined towards the Left and said, "The Left is trying to implicate our students in a false case. They have done this previously when a subsequent inquiry revealed it to be a hoax."

The university administration recorded the statements of the victim and her friend and also called the security officials and a professor, who witnessed the alleged incident, for their testimony after a students' union delegation met the proctor to demand action against the accused.

Several students led by the JNUSU also protested at the Sabarmati dhaba, demanding action.

The university has also written to Dean of Students Manuradha Chaudhary to ensure the victim's safety, Kumar said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was brought to Tihar Jail in New Delhi on Monday after a city court sent him to judicial custody till April 15, officials said.

IMAGE: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal bought to Tihar Jail after being sent to judicial custody till April 15 in Delhi liquor policy case, in New Delhi on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

"He was brought to Tihar jail and will be lodged in Jail number 2. He was taken for a medical examination. He will be kept in a separate cell," a jail official said.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who was arrested in October last year in the same case, was earlier lodged in jail number 2 but was shifted to Jail number 5 recently.

Kejriwal's former deputy Manish Sisodia, who is in jail in connection with the same case, is lodged in Jail number 1, while Bharat Rashtra Samiti leader K Kavitha is in Jail number 6 of the women's jail.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal was produced in the court of Special Judge Kaveri Baweja after his Enforcement Directorate custody came to an end.

The ED had sought 15-day judicial custody of Kejriwal, saying he was 'totally uncooperative'.

Meanwhile, a protest erupted on Monday outside Tihar Jail ahead of the arrival of Kejriwal.

Scores of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers, carrying party flags and wearing T-shirts with 'Main Bhi Kejriwal' printed on them, gathered outside the jail entrance.

A senior police officer said that they have stepped up the security arrangements outside Tihar Jail to maintain law and order.

"No one will be allowed to breach law and order situation," the officer said.

The Delhi Traffic Police said that traffic would be 'affected on Jail Road in the carriageway from Delhi Cantt towards Tilak Nagar due to a demonstration' in a post on X.

'Kindly avoid the stretch,' police said.
The Supreme Court on Monday referred to a five-judge Constitution bench a suit filed by the Kerala government raising the issue of ceiling on net borrowing.

Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

The apex court, however, refused to grant any interim injunction to Kerala saying the state has secured 'substantial relief' during the pendency of the interim application.

A bench of justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan passed the order on the suit filed by the Kerala government accusing the Centre of interfering in the exercise of its 'exclusive, autonomous and plenary powers' to regulate the state's finances by imposing a cap on borrowing.

The bench referred to Article 293 of the Constitution, which deals with borrowing by states, and said this provision has not been so far subject to any authoritative interpretation by the apex court.

'Since Article 293 of the Constitution has not been so far the subject to any authoritative interpretation by this court, in our considered opinion, the aforesaid questions squarely fall within the ambit of Article 145(3) of the Constitution. We, therefore, deem it appropriate to refer these questions for pronouncement by a bench comprising five judges,' it said.

The top court said on a critical analysis of the contentions of both sides, it seems that the suit raises more than one substantial question regarding the interpretation of the Constitution, including -- 'Does Article 293 vest a state with an enforceable right to raise borrowing from the Union government and/or other sources? If yes, to what extent such right can be regulated by the Union government?'

It said another question is can the borrowing by state-owned enterprises and liabilities arising out of the public account be included under the purview of Article 293(3) of the Constitution.

Also, the court said, "What is the scope and extent of judicial review exercisable by this court with respect to a fiscal policy, which is purportedly in conflict with the object and spirit of Article 293 of the Constitution?"

It said on merits also, various questions of significant importance impacting the federal structure of governance as embedded in the Constitution arise for consideration.

These include -- "Is fiscal decentralisation an aspect of Indian Federalism? If yes, do the impugned actions taken by the defendant (Union) purportedly to maintain the fiscal health of the country violate such Principles of Federalism?"

The bench said another question pertains to what has been the past practice regarding regulation of the state's borrowing by the Union.

"If such practice has been restrictive of the plaintiff's borrowings, can it estop the plaintiff from bringing the present suit? Conversely, if such practice has not been restrictive, can it serve as the basis for the plaintiff's legitimate expectations against the defendant - Union of India?" it noted.

The bench said another question would be, "Is it mandatory to have prior consultation with States for giving effect to the recommendations of the Finance Commission?".

It directed the apex court registry to place the matter before the Chief Justice of India for the constitution of an appropriate bench to deal with the issue.

On the issue of interim injunction, the bench referred to the triple test -- prima facie case, balance of convenience and irreparable injury.

It said the Kerala government has sought a mandatory injunction and not a prohibitory one.

"Instead of arguing that the Defendant Union of India should refrain from imposing a Net Borrowing Ceiling during the next FY (financial year), the plaintiff (state) has applied for a backward-looking injunction, i.e., for an injunction to undo the imposition of the net borrowing ceiling that covered various liabilities and to restore the position that existed before such ceiling," the bench said.

It said prima facie, the court is 'inclined to accept the argument of the Union that where there is over-utilisation of the borrowing limit in the previous year, to the extent of over-borrowing, deductions are permissible in the succeeding year, even beyond the award period of the 14th Finance Commission. This is, however, a matter which will have to be finally decided in the suit'.

It also noted that according to the Centre, the Kerala government is apparently a 'highly debt stressed state that has mismanaged its finances'.

The bench said the state has strongly refuted this submission by the Centre.

"In any case, we cannot be oblivious of the fact that in light of the plaintiff's (Kerala) contention regarding pending financial dues, the defendant (Union) has already made an offer to allow additional borrowing," it said.

The bench noted that in a meeting held on February 15, the Union had first offered consent for Rs 13,608 crores, out of which Rs 11,731 crore was subject to the pre-requisite of withdrawal of the suit, a condition that was disapproved of by the court.

"Subsequently, in a meeting dated March 8, 2024, the Union offered consent for Rs 5,000 crores. Further, vide circulars dated March 8, 2024, and March 19, 2024, the Union has accorded consent for Rs 8,742 crores and Rs 4,866 crores respectively, which comes to a sum total of Rs 13,608 crores," the bench said.

"Even if we assume that the financial hardship of the plaintiff (state) is partly a result of the defendant's regulations, during the course of hearing this interim application, the concern has been assuaged by the defendant -- Union of India -- to some extent so as to bail out the plaintiff -- state from the current crisis," it said.
Of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the electoral battle in Baramati will be the most keenly watched one in the ensuing elections.

Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra will be held in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. Counting of votes will be held on June 4.

Following are the key Lok Sabha seats to watch out for in Maharashtra.

IMAGE: Baramati is set for a high-profile battle after the NCP fielded Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, against Supriya Sule, the daughter of opposition stalwart Sharad Pawar. Photograph: Supriya Sule on Instagram

1. Baramati

This western Maharashtra constituency has always backed Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar and his family over the last five decades.

The situation has drastically changed this time after nephew Ajit Pawar rebelled against him and joined the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state as deputy chief minister.

Supriya Sule, the present three-term MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter, is facing a challenge from Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra, making for a riveting high-stakes contest within the prominent political family.

2. Nagpur

BJP veteran and Union minister Nitin Gadkari is a two-time MP from this constituency which also houses the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

It is also the home turf of state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

It was once a Congress stronghold, but Gadkari won by a margin of more than two lakh votes in the last two elections.

3. Bhandara-Gondia

This eastern Maharashtra constituency assumes significance as its former MP and now NCP working president Praful Patel is believed to have played a key role in Ajit Pawar's rebellion against Sharad Pawar.

The BJP has won the seat four times since 1989 but always opted for a fresh face.

The saffron party's Sunil Mendhe is the incumbent MP.

4. Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg

This coastal constituency will be closely watched if the BJP fields Union minister Narayan Rane.

His son Nilesh represented it earlier before losing in 2014 and 2019 to Shiv Sena's Vinayak Raut who is now with Shiv Sena-UBT.

The constituency has witnessed agitations against a proposed mega refinery and an under-construction nuclear power plant.

The Rane family apparently got upset when the BJP gave the charge of the coastal region to minister Ravindra Chavan.

5. Bhiwandi

The BJP won this constituency near Mumbai in 2014 and 2019.

It is currently represented by Union minister Kapil Patil.

Muslims have a sizable presence in the area which is known for its powerloom industry.

6. Kalyan

Another constituency in the Mumbai region.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde won from here in 2014 and 2019 on the ticket of the undivided Shiv Sena.

Of its six assembly segments, three are with the BJP, one with the Shiv Sena, and one each with the MNS and NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar.

Simmering tensions between the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena came to surface recently when a BJP MLA opened fire on a local Sena leader inside a police station in Ulhasnagar.

7. Nanded

This central Maharashtra constituency has been a stronghold of Congress, and the family of former chief minister Ashok Chavan, who won the seat in 2014, but lost to the BJP's Prataprao Patil Chikhalikar in 2019 with the VBA-AIMIM candidate eating into the Congress' votes.

Chavan is now in the BJP and a Rajya Sabha member, but if his party loses, it will also be a blow to his prestige in his new political home.

8. Dindori

In 2019, the BJP refused ticket to incumbent MP Harishchandra Chavan from this north Maharashtra seat, and gave ticket to NCP turncoat Bharti Pawar, who won by two lakh votes and became a Union minister of state.

She is considered close to Devendra Fadnavis, and another victory will raise her standing within the party.

9. Beed

Once a stronghold of BJP stalwart Gopinath Munde who died in an accident in 2014, this central Maharashtra constituency elected his younger daughter Pritam Munde in the subsequent byelection and again in 2019. Her elder sister Pankaja Munde lost her assembly seat to her estranged cousin and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde in 2019.

Dhananjay, who belongs to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, is now a state minister.

Pankaja has replaced Pritam as BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Beed amid reports of Pritam facing an anti-incumbency sentiment.

10. Raver

Raksha Khadse, the sitting MP of this north Maharashtra seat, is with the BJP, while her father-in-law Eknath Khadse is with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP after his exit from the saffron party.

Raksha won in 2014 while contesting for the first time, and increased her victory margin in 2019.

11. Mumbai South

This constituency, where some top industrialist families and bureaucrats live, has been represented by Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena-UBT since 2014.

Sawant defeated Congress' Milind Deora in 2014 and 2019.

Deora is now a Rajya Sabha member of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and is likely to be challenged by assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar of BJP who won south Mumbai's Colaba assembly seat in 2019.

12. Mumbai North

The BJP has named Union minister Piyush Goyal as the candidate from the Mumbai North constituency, which is considered as one of the party's safest seats.

In his three-decade-long political career, Goyal has never contested Lok Sabha or state assembly elections.

Many key policies showcased as achievements of the 10 years of the Narendra Modi-led government came through the portfolios handled by Goyal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday targeted the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam over the Katchatheevu island issue, alleging the ruling party of Tamil Nadu did nothing to safeguard the state's interests.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses a press conference in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI on X

New details emerging on the issue of India handing over the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lank have unmasked the DMK's double standards totally, he said on X, citing a news report which claimed that then chief minister M Karunanidhi had given his concurrence to the agreement despite his party the DMK's public posturing against the deal.

The media report is based on an RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai to his queries on the 1974 agreement between India and Lanka when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister.

Modi said, "Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. New details emerging on Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK's double standards totally."

"The Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don't care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular," he added.

The prime minister on Sunday targeted the Congress over the issue.

He said, "Weakening India's unity, integrity and interests has been the Congress' way of working for 75 years and counting."

The BJP is hopeful that the issue will come in handy in its efforts to gain political traction in the Dravidian territory during the Lok Sabha polls, more so as it involves neighbouring Sri Lanka whose treatment of its own Tamilian citizens and Tamil Nadu fishermen has long been a charged political issue in the state.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also claimed that prime ministers from the Congress displayed indifference about Katchatheevu island and gave away Indian fishermen's rights despite legal views to the contrary.

Prime ministers such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi dubbed Katchatheevu, given to Sri Lanka in 1974 as part of a maritime boundary agreement, as a "little island" and "little rock", he told a press conference, asserting that the issue has not cropped up abruptly but was always a live matter.

It has been frequently raised in Parliament and has been a matter of frequent correspondence between the Centre and the state government, Jaishankar said, adding that he has replied to the chief minister at least 21 times.

Attacking the DMK over its public posturing against the agreement, Jaishankar said its leader and then chief minister M Karunanidhi was kept fully informed about the agreement, first reached in 1974 between India and Sri Lanka.

The Congress and DMK raised the issue in Parliament as if they bear no responsibility for it, while they are the parties which did it, he said, adding the DMK very much "connived" with the Congress in 1974 and afterwards in creating this situation.

In 20 years, 6,184 Indian fishermen have been detained by Sri Lanka and their 1,175 fishing vessels seized by the neighbouring country, Jaishankar said,

It is the Narendra Modi government which has been working to ensure that the Indian fishermen are released, he said, adding, "We have to find a solution. We have to sit down and work it out with the Sri Lankan government."

He claimed the people of Tamil Nadu have long been misled over the issue and that he was speaking on the matter to inform the masses.
A leopard strayed into a village in north Delhi's Wazirabad early on Monday, creating panic in the area and injuring eight residents before being tranquillised by forest department officials after an over five-hour-long rescue operation.

IMAGE: Announcement being made in Delhi's Sainik Farm area urging people to stay indoors after a leopard was spotted in the area, April 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI/X

According to officials, the leopard that was spotted in Jagatpur village adjacent to the Yamuna might have wandered into the area from the nearby Yamuna Biodiversity Park.

A forest official told PTI that the big cat entered the room of a house after injuring at least eight people in the village after which the room was latched from outside by the rescue team.

"After receiving a call in the early hours today, the divisional wildlife rescue team sprung into action and reached the location within 30 minutes. A plan to rescue the leopard was chalked out with the chief wildlife warden having granted permission to tranquillise the feline," the official said.

Reacting to the incident, Delhi Forest Minister Gopal Rai told PTI, "Sometimes leopards stray into urban areas from adjoining parts of the ridge. I have directed the officials for monitoring the situation."

Earlier, the Delhi Police with the help of residents managed to corner the leopard in the room from 8.25 am till 11.30 am.

The house where the big cat was held captive belongs to a retired government employee who along with his family members were not present there when the leopard managed to sneak in. His four grand children were sleeping in one of the rooms when the animal entered the house.

"My daughters-in-law had gone to a temple in the morning when the leopard managed to sneak into our house. Thankfully, they had locked the door of the room from outside where kids were sleeping," said Mahender Singh, the house owner.

The forest official said the room where the leopard was locked opened into another room with two flanking smaller rooms on either side.

Two veterinary doctors were positioned at each side of these flanking rooms with double and single barrel dart guns to capture the animal, the official added.

Upon opening of the room's doors, the leopard ran out in the other open room and was successfully darted by the veterinarians, he said.

Meanwhile, a large crowd surrounded the house to witness the rescue operation.

According to the officials, the leopard had jumped from the terrace of a house in the Jagatpur village and barged into the next building where it was locked in a room. Some videos emerged on social media which showed the leopard being chased by some people and others running in panic.

"The rescued animal shall be handled further in accordance to the standard guidelines and protocols," the forest official said, adding that the forest department will be taking proactive steps to help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts through community mobilisation and training programmes.

The Delhi government's forest department is working to develop a protocol for managing the incidents of man-animal conflict situations on the lines of one developed at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, the officials said.

According to the Delhi Fire Service, information about the incident was received around 6.20 am and two fire tenders were sent to the spot.

"With the help of the locals, the officials locked the leopard in a room. The injured were sent to a hospital," DFS chief Atul Garg said.

A resident said the leopard was first spotted around 4.30 am and a PCR call was made at 5.15 am. It attacked over a dozen people and injured some of them, he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) M K Meena said a call about the leopard entering a house was received from Jagatpur village, following which the local police reached the spot and forest department officials were informed.

Police said that eight people were injured in the leopard attack and three of them have been identified as Mahender, Akash and Rampal.

Seven personnel of the forest department, a team from the Delhi Fire Department along with the local police were present at the spot, the DCP said.

A local said the village is surrounded by jungle but there is no fencing or any other kind of security.

On December 1 last year, a leopard was sighted at Sainik Farms in South Delhi with some videos showing the big cat strolling in the lanes of the residential area. It was last seen on December 6 and the forest department believed it returned to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

A week later, a leopard was killed after being hit by a car on the National Highway 44 near Khatushyam temple in north Delhi's Alipur.
Underlining that investigative agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been spread 'too thin' over the years, Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud on Monday said they must pick their battles to promote efficiency and concentrate attention on crimes that truly threaten the nation's security, economic health and public order.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice D Y Chandrachud addresses during the 20th D P Kohli Memorial Lecture on Adopting Technology to Advance Criminal Justice, in New Delhi on Monday, April 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Expressing concern over instances of 'unwarranted' confiscation of personal devices during raids, the CJI said they highlight the pressing need to strike a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights.

In the realm of criminal justice, the delicate balance between search and seizure powers of agencies like the CBI and individual privacy rights stands at the cornerstone of a fair and just society, he said in his keynote address at the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture in the memory of agency's first director.

At the heart of this balance lies the need to uphold due process while ensuring the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies, he said.

The CJI said allowing investigative agencies 'to spread themselves too thin would pose a serious challenge' to the personnel because their numbers are limited and noted that he has been told by the CBI director that a significant portion of the agency's workforce comes on deputation.

"It is important for us, both in the context of not just streamlining the courts but also promoting the efficiency of the CBI and the investigative agencies, to pick our battles.

"I think we have perhaps been spreading our investigative agencies too thin over the years, despite a rapid change in the environment. Our premier investigative agencies must concentrate their attention and efforts on that class of crime which truly threatens the security of the nation, public order or economic health of the nation," the CJI said.

He said Section 94 of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Section 185 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam grant courts and law enforcement the authority to summon documents and materials, including digital evidence deemed necessary for investigation.

"Instances of raids conducted and incidents of unwarranted confiscation of personal devices highlight the pressing need to strike a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights," he said.

The CJI lauded the new criminal laws enacted by Parliament, saying they aim to digitise various aspects of criminal procedure which is a significant step towards modernising the justice system.

He said the comprehensive approach of new laws ensures 'a seamless flow of information', and aims to 'facilitate better coordination' and 'collaboration' among stakeholders involved in the investigative and adjudicatory processes.

CJI Chandrachud said the crime landscape was evolving at an 'unprecedented pace', and agencies like the CBI must build their capacities to tackle it by using technological tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He said criminal investigations must be synchronised with court procedures for effective and time-bound prosecutions.

Advanced data analytics enables law enforcement agencies to navigate through vast amounts of information, uncovering patterns and connections that might otherwise remain concealed, the CJI said.

Terming Artificial Intelligence as a 'game changer' in the criminal justice system, he also cautioned that AI is not free of prejudice and biases.

"Because of skewed data, AI may lead to community-based profiling of marginalised social groups as having more crimes. This may not only abuse the privacy rights of individuals but also lead to disproportionate targeting of social groups. AI is a gift which must only be wielded within ethical boundaries," he said.

He said that by leveraging these tools responsibly and ethically, technological advancements can benefit all members of society, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The CJI said clear guidelines and safeguards must be established to prevent misuse or abuse of AI and other advanced technologies, safeguard privacy rights, and address biases that may inadvertently arise.

"Leveraging advanced data analytics, cutting-edge forensic methodologies, and artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities to bolster crime detection, investigation, and prosecution. However, this digital transformation must be underpinned by robust safeguards to protect individual rights, promote transparency, and mitigate the potential risks of technological misuse or abuse," he said.

CJI Chandrachud said while digitisation promises increased efficiency and accessibility, it also runs the risk of excluding individuals without internet access or technological proficiency, which remains a significant portion of India's population.

He said there was a pressing need to ensure that the benefits of digitisation are equitably distributed and that mechanisms are in place to address the digital divide.

Earlier, the CJI presented the President Police Medal (PPM) for Distinguished Service to six personnel and the Police Medal (PM) for Meritorious Service to 29 CBI officers.

Welcoming CJI Chandrachud, CBI Director Praveen Sood said criminals are leveraging advanced technological capabilities like encrypted social media communication and virtual asset-based transactions.

The international dispersal of crimes and proceeds of crimes has necessitated the need for leveraging technology for investigation by police as well as speedier trials.
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque and sought response of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple trustees on the plea of the mosque management committee.

IMAGE: A priest offers prayers at 'Vyas ji ka tehkhana' at the basement of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, in Varanasi. Photograph: ANI Photo

The top court also ordered maintaining of status quo on offering of namaz by Muslims in the Gyanvapi premises in Varanasi.

The court was hearing a fresh plea of the Gyanvapi mosque management committee against an Allahabad high court decision upholding a lower court's order allowing Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the mosque.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud also sought response of priest Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vyas by April 30 on the plea of the mosque committee.

The bench, which also comprised Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was hearing the plea of the mosque committee which manages the affairs of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.

The high court, on February 26, had dismissed the committee's plea in which it had challenged the district court's January 31 order allowing Hindus to offer prayers in the cellar.

While dismissing the plea of the mosque committee, the high court had observed that the Uttar Pradesh government's 1993 decision of stopping worship rituals inside the "Vyas Tehkhana" -- located at the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi -- was "illegal".
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday urged the Election Commission to take the "strictest action" against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the "match-fixing" remarks and other comments he made during an INDIA bloc rally in New Delhia day ago.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses the 'Loktantra Bachao' Maharally, at Ramlila Maidan, in New Delhi on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

A BJP delegation comprising Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and the party's national general secretary Arun Kumar lodged the complaint against Gandhi with the poll panel.

Addressing the media after meeting Election Commission officials, Puri said the former Congress chief's comments during the public meeting were "extremely objectionable" as they are not just in violation of the model code of conduct but could have serious implications.

"Addressing the public meeting yesterday, Rahul Gandhi said this (Lok Sabha polls) is a fixed match. He also said that the Central government has deployed its people in the Election Commission. He also raised questions on the credibility of the EVMs and said the Constitution will be cancelled (changed) after elections," he told reporters.

"We urged the Election Commission to take strictest action against Rahul Gandhi, other Congress leaders and those of the opposition's INDIA alliance," Puri added.

Kumar accused Gandhi of repeatedly making such comments and said the Election Commission should consider censuring him from speaking during the Lok Sabha elections as the Congress leader would not stop making such remarks.
YEREVAN, APRIL 1, ARMENPRESS. Iran tipped off Russia about the possibility of a major "terrorist operation" on its soil ahead of the concert hall near Moscow last month, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers on March 22 at the Crocus City Hall, killing at least 144 people in violenceclaimedby the Islamic State militant group. The United States had also warned Russia in advance of a likely militant Islamist attack but Moscow, deeply distrustful of Washington's intentions, played down that intelligence, Reuters says, adding that it is harder, however, for Russia to dismiss intelligence from its diplomatic ally Iran.

"Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran," one of the sources told Reuters.

Iran arrested35 people in January, linked to twin bombings on Jan. 3 in the city of Kerman that killed nearly 100 people.

A second source told Reuters that the information Tehran provided to Moscow about an impending attack had lacked specific details regarding timing and the exact target.

"They (the members of ISIS-K - Islamic State's Afghanistan-based branch) were instructed to prepare for a significant operation in Russia... One of the terrorists (arrested in Iran) said some members of the group had already travelled to Russia," the second source said.

A third source, a senior security official, said: "As Iran has been a victim of terror attacks for years, Iranian authorities fulfilled their obligation to alert Moscow based on information acquired from those arrested terrorists."

Asked about the Reuters report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday: "I do not know anything about this."

Zamir Kabulov, Russian presidents special representative for Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Ministrys Director of the Second Department on Asia said he did not have any information on that.

Iran's foreign ministry did not reply to a request for comment on this story.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was sent to Tihar Jail after a court remanded him in judicial custody till April 15 in the excise policy case, will remain under 24x7 watch with CCTV cameras in his cell and could watch TV and read books, officials said.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrives at the Rouse Avenue Court for questioning in an alleged Delhi Excise Policy case, in New Delhi on Monday, April 1, 2024. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

They said that Kejriwal, the first sitting chief minister to be lodged at the Asia's largest jail, has been kept in jail number 2 and will be allowed home-cooked food as ordered by the court.

Among the books that would be provided to him are the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabhrata, and How Prime Ministers Decide. He will be also allowed a religious locket that he wears.

Kejriwal has given a list of six people whom he would like to meet as per rules.

The list includes his wife Sunita Kejriwal, their son and daughter, his private secretary Bibhav Kumar and Aam Aadmi Party general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy, and remained in their custody for 10 days. He was produced in the court Special Judge Kaveri Baweja after his Enforcement Directorate custody came to an end.

The ED sought his 15-day judicial custody, saying he was 'totally uncooperative'. The court granted the ED plea.

"He was brought to Tihar jail at 4 pm and was taken to jail number 2. He was medically examined and his vitals were checked. Later he was sent to the cell, where he will be staying alone," a jail official said.

His sugar level was a tad low and medicines have been given to him on the advice of jail doctors, the official said.

Before this, Kejriwal was arrested twice and sent to Tihar Jail: the first was during the 2012 anti-corruption movement spearheaded by Anna Hazare, when he was arrested along with several other protesters and kept in Jail number 1; the second was in a defamation case filed by Nitin Gadkari in 2014 when he was lodged in Jail number 4.

The jail number 2 houses convicts and currently 600 convicts and 50 under trails are lodged in this jail.

Sources said gangsters like underworld don Chhota Rajan, Neeraj Bawana were also in the high security wards of this jail at some point of time.

A CCTV camera is installed in Kejriwal's cell and he will be under watch 24 hours. A television set has also been provided like the other inmates in their cells and wards, according to jail manuals.

Tihar's jail number 2 also houses factories and manufacturing units for food products and furniture.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who was arrested in October last year in the same case, was earlier lodged in jail number 2 but was shifted to Jail number 5 recently.

Kejriwal's former deputy Manish Sisodia, who is in jail in connection with the same case, is lodged in Jail number 1, while BRS leader K Kavitha is in Jail number 6 of the women's jail.

While Kejriwal will be provided home-cooked food, according to jail rules, timings for the tea, food and watching television will be same for him like the other inmates, the officials said.

For an inmate, the morning starts with tea, biscuits and snacks including 'dalia' between 7 and 8 am. The lunch either has chapati or rice along with dal and one vegetable, an official said.

He said the wards remain closed between 12 pm and 3 pm. At 4 pm, tea is served again. The official said dinner is served by 7 pm with the same set of food items - dal, rice, chapati and vegetable.
Battling the virus, enduring separation from loved ones, and working extended hours became part of the job.

IMAGE: Beads of sweat run down the forehead of a healthcare worker wearing protective gear after she took swabs from residents for a rapid antigen test, amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at a residential apartment in Ahmedabad, July 23, 2020. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

In April, Mumbai is typically hot and getting increasingly humid. Manjusha Patil (name changed on request) was making her way back from COVID-19 hospital duty to her apartment in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai.

Having already completed a gruelling 12-hour shift, Patil felt exhausted, famished, and parched. She slowly ascended the stairs of her 26-storey building, her apartment situated on the 18th floor.

The housing society had barred her from using the elevator, fearing she might transmit the virus to other residents.

"Some of my neighbours were sympathetic, suggesting that if I sanitised the elevator after each use, it should be safe. However, the popular vote was that I avoid the elevator altogether," Patil recounted with a sombre expression.

Patil wasn't the only frontline worker who faced such treatment and ostracisation. Many others weren't even allowed into their colonies.

Several stayed back in hospitals. Ambulance drivers slept in their vans. Many contracted the virus, fell ill or died as they tended to patients.

Approaching the fourth anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown on March 24, some of these frontline workers shared their stories from the pandemic -- experiences that they believed had strengthened them and filled them with pride.

India imposed a stringent lockdown when the nationwide COVID-19 cases had barely surpassed 500. By the end of March 2020, cases had exceeded the 1,000-mark, and by April, over 10,000 had been reported. The virus was spreading rapidly.

"The greatest concern for us as clinicians was our incomplete understanding of the disease's progression," Patil said.

"After the first week, there was a tendency for the disease to worsen. The general public was scared, so I can't fault them for their lack of empathy towards frontline workers."

IMAGE: A healthcare worker takes a swab from a woman to test for the COVID-19 in Kolkata, July 23, 2020. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

Struggles and setbacks

Jessica D'Souza, chief nursing officer at a leading private hospital in Mumbai, had earlier told Business Standard how May 2020 onwards, numerous nurses had remained in the hospital for months.

Some had even left their toddlers back home.

"Most of the nursing staff was from outside Mumbai. Some hadn't even informed their families about their COVID-19 duties," she had said.

"Many were the sole breadwinners for their families."

A male nursing colleague, who had become a father just about 10 days ago in April 2020, hadn't been able to meet his newborn due to his Covid-19 duties, D'Souza had said.

Shailaja T, a nurse at Jeevan Jyoti Hospital in New Delhi, recalled the agonising days when she had to force herself to stay away from her seven-year-old son.

Despite the challenges, the nurses said, no frontline worker stepped back from duty. In fact, nurses from other departments volunteered for COVID-19 duty, they said.

In large corporate hospitals, each nurse typically attended to one patient on a ventilator, or two others. In a ward, they cared for up to six patients. Manpower shortage posed a significant challenge.

By June 2020, healthcare facilities were grappling with a dilemma: While bed capacity could be ramped up, the crisis of manpower shortage was difficult to tackle.

The owner of a mid-sized hospital in Delhi explained, "For 80,000 beds, around 6,000 nurses are required, assuming that one nurse can attend to 15 non-critical patients in a normal ward. With three shifts, nurses need periodic rest."

Makeshift Covid centres sprung up across India. One such centre in Mulund, an eastern suburb of Mumbai, started operations around July 2020.

At its peak, it had 1,650 beds and handled a daily influx of 150-200 Covid patients. By November 2022, this jumbo centre was dismantled.

Working in such centres was particularly challenging since these relied on external sources for medical and basic supplies.

IMAGE: A healthcare worker wearing protective gear squeezes the sweat out of his face masks as he takes a break from taking swab from the residents for rapid antigen test, at a residential area in Ahmedabad, July 24, 2020. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Battling the virus, enduring separation from loved ones, and working extended hours became part of the job. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the day exacerbated the challenges.

"Wearing PPEs in negative-pressure ICUs is unbearably hot. Many staff members developed allergies from wearing gloves," D'Souza said.

"Easy-to-eat food and drinks were provided in antechambers attached to the Covid-19 wards, where nurses took their breaks."

The COVID-19 lockdown took a toll on frontline workers' mental health.

Dr Lancelot Pinto, a consultant pulmonologist and epidemiologist at the P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Mahim, north central Mumbai, recounted heartbreaking episodes witnessed during the pandemic.

"A couple was admitted to our hospital, placed on separate floors. The husband passed away, but the family forbade us from informing the wife. Facing her daily enquiries about her husband's well-being was one of the toughest tasks," Dr Pinto said.

Another doctor said her daughter still resents her for not being around when she had Covid-19.

Dr Seema Dhir, senior consultant of internal medicine at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, recalled, "During the second wave of COVID-19, my daughter contracted the virus. With neighbourhood restrictions and my overwhelming workload, I couldn't take leave."

"My department allowed me to conduct video consultations with COVID-19 patients. I found myself stretched to my limits."

IMAGE: Healthcare workers wearing PPE are showered with flower petals by the residents to show gratitude towards the frontline workers fighting the COVID-19 outbreak, on the occasion of National Doctor's Day in Kolkata, July 1, 2020. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

Triumph and resilience

No matter how nightmarish those days were, practically every frontline worker Business Standard spoke to said the crisis made them realise the importance of their work, and got them more motivated and dedicated towards their profession as a life-altering event.

Dr Pinto reflected that even post-pandemic, patients whom he hadn't even treated during COVID-19 would express their gratitude for their efforts.

"These instances were the most rewarding, serving as a reminder of the impact we had during such trying times."

Moolchand, an ambulance driver at a community health centre in Mathaniya, Jodhpur, recalled the daunting task of transporting COVID-19 patients when even their families hesitated to approach them.

"We transported 15 to 20 patients every day. I was separated from my family, who urged me to return," he said.

"We scarcely had time to eat, drink, or even use the restroom during the day since we wore PPEs constantly."

"No one would even offer us water; people were so fearful of the virus," narrated Moolchand (he gave only his first name).

"During COVID-19, I felt a profound sense of responsibility to do what was right. I believe I was chosen by a higher power to assist others during such a harrowing time."

Reshma Tewari, chief of the critical care unit and ICU at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, recounted drafting her will while treating patients during the pandemic.

"My husband stood like a rock by my side, ensuring I was pampered like never before," she said.

"I now feel stronger, more resilient, and in greater control of my life. I shared my drafted will with my husband and son about six months ago, and we laughed, putting it behind us."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
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YEREVAN, APRIL 1, ARMENPRESS French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne met with his counterpart Wang Yi in the Chinese capital. The meeting between the two foreign ministers comes ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's planned visit to France, Euronews reports.

According to the report, Stephane Sejourne largely echoed positions that have been laid out by European leaders. European officials have expressed concern that a flood of low-priced Chinese-made electric vehicles could disrupt production and displace jobs in Europe.

Sejourne posted on X that the two leaders discussed "the desire to strengthen and rebalance our economic relations."

On the topical issue of Ukraine, he said France expects China, as a major country, to pass on clear messages to Russia. China has a different stance on the war, with its support for Ukraine unclear, the report adds.

Sejourne said France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China to contribute toward finding a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Officials and state-backed media in Russia and China are on the frontline, spreading unverified claims.

More than 133 people were killed and over 100 injured in last months brazen attack on concertgoers just before a performance by a Soviet-era rock band at Moscows Crocus City Hall.

Eleven people have been detained, including four people directly involved in the armed assault.

ISILs Afghan branch  also known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, ISKP (ISIS-K)  claimed responsibility for the March 22 attack and United States officials have confirmed the authenticity of that claim.

In the wake of the incident, a series of rumors emerged online, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and official Russian media outlets claiming that Ukraine and the U.S. had a hand in orchestrating the incident.

In China, the countrys official media outlets and social media influencers repeated similar narratives, making accusations against Western leaders that they turned blind eyes on the incident.

But such claims are either misleading or false. Below is what AFCL found.

Did Western leaders ignore the casualties of the attack?

Chen Weihua, EU Bureau Chief of China Daily, a Chinese state-run English daily, claimed in an X post on March 23 that the U.S. and other Western leaders remained silent on the Moscow attack.

The fact that U.S. and other Western leaders have said nothing about the horrible terrorist attack in Moscow yesterday exposed their total disregard for innocent civilian lives. Maybe they see those terrorists as allies? the post reads.

Chen Weihua claimed that the U.S. and other Western leaders were silent about the attack. (Screenshot/X)

But his claim is false.

The U.S. State Department released a statement on March 23, expressing condolences for the victims of the shooting.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also condemned the attack on the same day in an X post.

Separate statements released by the U.S. State Departments official website (top) and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinkens official Twitter account (bottom)on March 23 both expressed condolences to the victims of the attack. (Screenshot/U.S. State Department & X)





In addition, the Community Notes attached to Chuns post read: The US and other Western countries have condemned the attack and sent their condolences.

With Xs Community Notes function, users who meet eligibility criteria can rate and write notes. X does not control what shows up.

According to the Community Notes on Chuns post, which cited Al Jazeera and The Moscow Times, various officials from Western countries spoke out to condemn the terror attack and mourn the victims.

Leaders from various Western countries such as the UK (top) and organizations such as the EU (bottom) and other leaders speak out to condemn the terror attack and mourn the victims. (Screenshot/X)

Did Obama admit that the U.S. trained ISIS?

A Chinese social media influencer on X called Brother Lei claimed in a post on March 24 that former U.S. President Barack Obama had previously admitted the U.S. helped train ISIS, attaching a clip of him speaking at a news conference as evidence.

A Chinese influencer on X account claimed that Obama admitted the U.S. helped train ISIS. (Screenshot/X)

The claim is misleading.

A combination of image and keyword search on Google found the clip was taken from Obamas U.S. Department of Defense news conference held on July 6, 2015, and the full video published by the Pentagon.

At the five-minute and 40-second mark of the full video, Obama can be heard saying, We are speeding up training of ISIL forces.

However, a full verbatim transcript of the speech published by the White House made a correction, which indicated that Obama intended to say, the U.S. was accelerating the training of Iraqi forces rather than ISIL.

The full text of Obamas speech in July 2015 with the slip of the tongue corrected. (Screenshot/ White House website)

The key message of the news conference was the emphasis on the necessity of international collaboration to effectively tackle ISIS. Obama consistently highlighted the U.S.s pivotal role in leading the efforts against the terrorist group.

Ukrainian involvement?

Following the incident, both Russian and Chinese official media outlets claimed that Ukraine played a role in orchestrating the attack.

Such claims are currently unsupported by public evidence and both the White House and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have denied any connection.

Separately, a Chinese YouTube Dr. Cai claimed that one of the four arrested suspects named Rustam Azhyiev is a Ukrainian citizen and joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2022.

A Chinese social media influencer on X claims that one of the suspected perpetrators of the terrorist attack is a Ukrainian citizen. (Screenshot/X)





But this claim is unsupported by the currently known list of identified suspects.

Seven of the 11 suspects in custody have been identified, while the remaining four suspects remain unknown. Rustam Azhyiev is not among them, nor are any Ukrainian citizens.

A report by the Russian state-owned news agency TASS published on March 25 names three members of a single family accused of being involved in the terrorist attack, a father named Isroil Islomov and two brothers named Aminchon and Dilovar.

All of the Islomovs were born in Dushanbe, the capital of the former Central Asian Soviet republic and now independent nation of Tajikistan. Tajikistan borders Afghanistan and is part of ISKPs claimed area of its activities.

The father holds Tajik citizenship while the two brothers are Russian citizens.

Reports by the Associated Press further identified the four known suspected gunmen arrested by Russia as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Mukhammadsobir Faizov. All four are also Tajik citizens.

Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Taejun Kang and Matt Reed.

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) was established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. We publish fact-checks, media-watches and in-depth reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of current affairs and public issues. If you like our content, you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hardly, as the Chinese leader reportedly said China will continue to centralize its economy: report.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a high-profile meeting Wednesday with leaders of the biggest American businesses to woo foreign capital and confidence, Chinas rich are scrambling to dump assets and leave the country in an apparent vote of no confidence.

While Chinas state media reported little of the 90-minute closed-door meeting, executives from the United States business delegation that included the chief executives of Qualcomm, FedEx and BlackRock, have revealed to foreign media outlets that they observed Chinas economic confidence to be very low.

An anonymous CEO told former CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera that he had asked Xi tough questions, to which he received tough responses.

Overall, the number one thing that was clear to this person was China is not backing away from centralizing its economy, that it is not going to pursue pro-market reforms, Caruso-Cabrera said in a televised CNBC interview.

She told the American broadcaster that it is a big negative as these business leaders were there to hear what Xi had to say about the future of the Chinese economy.

While Xi tried to send a very positive message about the economy, telling the CEOs that it hasnt peaked, he also said a lot of people have told him how to fix the economy, but they know how to fix their economy.

The bottom line is the business environment is terrible and that they dont want to do the pro-market reforms that have been suggested; they dont believe in them, Caruso-Cabrera added.

She also pointed out that Beijing likens the private sector to small businesses, which implies from the Chinese government perspective that these firms are not big and stable enough to support the economy. That notion would have aligned with Xis policy of advancing state enterprises and a retreat of the private sector.

Foreign businesses have been spooked by Chinas draconian measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and tightened regulations such as the anti-espionage law, and raids on consultancies and due diligence firms.

The waning confidence is reflected in foreign direct investment dropping to a 30-year low. It sank 8% last year as the economy sputtered at its slowest growth pace since 1990.

Xi reassured the American CEOS that Chinas reforms will not pause, the opening will not stop, according to a report by the official Xinhua news agency released after the meeting.

Xi was quoted as saying he would be planning and implementing a series of major measures to deepen reforms that will build a market-oriented, legal and international first-class business environment.

But Caruso-Cabrera pointed out that in conversation with asset managers, the rich in China are worried and selling Chinese assets on a large scale, including private jets and high-end properties. Because of the dangers of having money in China, they are moving it offshore.

She also said Xi stated that Chinas political system will not change, with Chinas stance that Taiwan is a renegade province that should be reunited with the Mainland, a red line.

Chen Li-fu, president of the Taiwan Association of University Professors, told Radio Free Asia that for Xi to personally meet the executives, it means Chinas economy is really not in good shape, and Chinas foreign capital outflow is really serious.

But Chen doesnt believe the meeting will reverse the trend of Beijing restricting free trade and free information. Which means that foreign investors arent likely to invest in China, he added.

Translated by RFA Staff. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Xu's sentence for 'subversion' is linked to her work with jailed veteran democracy activist Qin Yongmin.

Veteran Chinese rights activist Xu Qin is seen in an undated photo.

Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu have handed a four-year jail term to veteran rights activist Xu Qin, after repeatedly delaying her trial and sentencing despite concerns over her deteriorating health, and amid reports of torture from a prominent rights group.

The Yangzhou Intermediate People's Court sentenced Xu, a key figure in the Wuhan-based China Rights Observer group founded by jailed veteran dissident Qin Yongmin, to four years' imprisonment on March 29 for "incitement to subvert state power," a charge frequently used to target peaceful critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, the Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch rights website reported.

It quoted Xu as telling the sentencing hearing: "I'd like to thank everyone for their care and support, and also thank my husband for his help and support. Regardless of whether its futile or not, I must appeal. This is my right."

An award-winning activist in a number of high-profile human rights cases, including that of detained human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, Xu was detained under "residential surveillance at a designated location" in 2021, a form of incommunicado detention rights groups say puts detainees at greater risk of torture and mistreatment.

Her family told RFA in earlier interviews that Xu is a stroke and heart attack survivor who suffers from high blood pressure, among other ailments.

But according to the Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch rights website, many of Xu's health problems were caused by her torture and mistreatment in detention.

"During her detention and interrogation, Xu Qin was brutally tortured to extract a confession, and was held in solitary confinement for a long period of time," the website said in a report about her sentencing published on Sunday.

"Xu already suffered from multiple health problems including stroke, heart attack and hypertension, and as a result [of the torture], she was left paralyzed and unable to stand," it said.

Since she was locked up in the detention center, Xu has started using a wheelchair, according to her lawyer.

Chinese human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan are seen in an undated photo. (xuyan709 via X)

Xu told the court on Friday that she would appeal the sentence, which came after more than two years in pretrial detention at the Yangmiao Detention Center in Yangzhou city, where she held intermittent hunger strikes in protest at a loss of communications privileges as well as a months-long ban on meetings with her lawyer, Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch said.

Repeated calls to Xu's lawyer rang unanswered during office hours on Monday.

Trial was delayed

Xu's trial was delayed several times following her initial detention in May 2021, with the authorities citing only "unavoidable circumstances."

But her family says it was delayed due to her refusal to provide the state security police with a "confession."

The trial was eventually held on Nov. 7, 2022, but the verdict and sentencing were also repeatedly delayed until now.

New York-based rights lawyer Chen Chuangchuang, who also heads the U.S. branch of the banned China Democracy Party, said Chen has always been an extremely tenacious activist.

"The trial was held a long time ago, but the verdict and sentencing were delayed multiple times, which is a deliberate form of torture used by the Chinese Communist Party," Chen told RFA on Monday.

Chen said that one of the purposes of the authorities' repeated delay in pronouncing the sentence was to get Xu Qin to plead guilty, and that she had been especially targeted due to her association with Qin Yongmin.

According to the Weiquanwang rights website, the charges against Xu listed her participation in Qin's China Rights Observer and its sister organization Rose China as evidence against her.

Qin was sentenced in July 2018 to 13 years' imprisonment for "incitement to subvert state power," the latest in a string of long sentences for his peaceful dissent and attempts to build the banned China Democracy Party.

A contemporary of exiled dissident Wei Jingsheng, Qin was sentenced to eight years in prison for "counterrevolutionary propaganda and subversion" in the wake of China's Democracy Wall movement in 1981.

He served a further two years' "re-education through labor" in 1993 after he penned a controversial document titled the "Peace Charter."

Qin then served a 12-year jail term for subversion after he helped found the China Democracy Party in 1998 in spite of a ban on opposition political parties.

Xu was honored with the Lin Zhao Freedom Award for her human rights advocacy in 2022, and the Oscar China Freedom Human Rights Award last month.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Roseanne Gerin.


The move also shows Moscow fears exposure of its own U.N. sanction violations, say experts.

Russias Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia addresses the Security Council on the day of a vote on a Gaza resolution at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2024.

Russia faced widespread criticism following its use of veto power to effectively terminate official United Nations monitoring of sanctions on North Korea amid investigations into alleged arms transfers between Moscow and Pyongyang.

The Russian veto at the U.N. Security Council on Thursday blocked the renewal of the panel of experts tasked with probing violations of sanctions related to North Koreas prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which was imposed nearly 20 years ago.

For a resolution of the renewal to pass, it must receive the support of at least nine of the 15 members of the Security Council, with no veto from any of the five permanent members  the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France.

China abstained from Thursdays vote, while the remaining 13 U.N. Security Council members voted in favor.

The panel, which consists of eight experts drawn from the permanent members of the Security Council, is tasked with assisting the North Korea Sanctions Committee to investigate alleged violations of sanctions by North Korea, and has issued in-depth reports twice a year on the sanctions violations.

The Security Council has extended the panels mandate for one year each March by passing a resolution. Its mandate expires at the end of April.

Members of the United Nations Security Council meet on the day of a vote on a Gaza resolution at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2024. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)





Russias Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Friday that its veto was in line with its interests.

It is clear to us that the U.N. Security Council can no longer use old templates in relation to the problems of the Korean Peninsula, said Zakharova.

The move follows accusations from the U.S., South Korea and others that Pyongyang is supplying Moscow with weapons to use in its war in Ukraine  a claim that both countries have denied.

But the panels report, released in March, detailed, with photographs, Russias arms dealings with North Korea in violation of sanctions. It also added that the panel was investigating reports of the arms transfers.

The Russian move met with international criticism with South Koreas foreign ministry on Friday slamming the move as an irresponsible decision.

Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, writing on social media after the veto, described the move as a guilty plea, while Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, said the move was regrettable since it disrespected the U.N.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Russias actions have cynically undermined international peace and security.

Russian, Chinese agenda

During negotiations on the draft text on Thursday, Russia and China unsuccessfully pushed for it to include a requirement that the sanctions regime be renewed annually. Over the past few years, both nations have advocated for a relaxation of these sanctions.

Russias U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told the council before the vote that Western countries were trying to strangle North Korea and that sanctions were losing their relevance and becoming detached from reality in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the country.

He accused the panel of experts of increasingly being reduced to playing into the hands of Western approaches, reprinting biased information and analyzing newspaper headlines and poor quality photos. Therefore, he said, it was essentially conceding its inability to come up with sober assessments of the status of the sanctions regime.

Anthony Ruggiero, the White House NSC Director for North Korea, said that Russia and China were worried the panel would continue to expose the truth: Beijing and Moscow are violating U.N sanctions on North Korea.

Bruce Bennett, senior fellow at an American think tank RAND Institute, shares a similar view.

After all, Russia and China are regularly violating the U.N. Security Council sanctions against North Korea, said Bennett.

Russia in particular is doing this because of its needs for military equipment in its conflict with Ukraine. As long as the U.N. panel of experts is operating, the panel will report on such violations, and Russia does not like being embarrassed by that reporting.

So if the U.N. panel of experts is no longer watching Russian and Chinese violations, those violations will likely increase and become more serious.

He notes that the alternative for the U.S. and its allies is forming a new panel to take over from the U.N. experts, focusing on reporting violations of sanctions by Russia and China.

Such a panel will not have the international clout and prestige of a U.N. panel. Still, hopefully the United States decides to take such actions.

Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan.
The attacks have left an already traumatized community in constant fear for their lives.

Residents of Thada village, Minbya township, Myanmar, mourn villagers killed during an overnight airstrike by the military junta, March 18, 2024.

Junta airstrikes and artillery bombardments in western Myanmars Rakhine state have killed 79 Rohingya Muslims and injured 127 more since ethnic Arakan Army rebels ended a ceasefire with the military in November, according to data compiled by RFA Burmese.

Some 1 million Rohingya refugees have been living across the border in Bangladesh since 2017, when they were driven out of Myanmar by a military clearance operation.

Another 630,000 living within Myanmar are designated stateless by the United Nations, including those who languish in camps and are restricted from moving freely in Rakhine state.

The killings since the Nov. 13 start of the conflict in Rakhine state have further traumatized the Rohingya community and left them fearing for their lives when airplanes appear overhead, they told RFA.

An investigation by RFA found that at least 79 Rohingyas were killed and 127 injured by junta bombardment in Rakhine state as of Monday. They include 27 dead and 43 injured in Minbya township, 24 and 45 in Buthidaung, 17 and 17 in Kyauktaw, four and 17 in Mrauk-U, and seven and five in Sittwe.

At least two mass casualty incidents occurred over the same period.

On March 18, an airstrike on Minbyas Thar Dar village killed 22 Rohingya and injured 29, according to residents. In January, junta artillery strikes on Buthidaungs Hpon Nyo Leik village killed 12 and injured 32, sources in the region told RFA.

Were just victims

A Rohingya resident of Thar Dar village called the mass killing in March heartbreaking and questioned why members of his ethnic group are being caught up in the conflict.

We [Rohingyas] dont want to take over the country and we arent attacking [the military], he said, adding that the Rohingya simply want to live their lives in peace. Were just victims of conflict [between two other groups].

Thada village, Minbya township, Myanmar, following an overnight airstrike by junta forces, March 18, 2024. (AA Info Desk)

Restrictions on the Rohingyas movement make it difficult for members of the community to earn an adequate income. Few have the means to relocate amid the fighting in Rakhine.

A Rohingya from Kyauktaws Let Saung Kauk village, where junta bombardment killed six people in February, called the militarys fighter jets messengers of death for his community.

We live in fear that the junta will drop bombs and cry when we hear fighter jets, he said. We dont know whether to flee or stay here and die.

Attacks on civilians and forced recruitment

Nay San Lwin, a Rohingya activist, said that the junta targets civilians in response to attacks by the Arakan Army, or AA.

"The armed conflict in Rakhine state is between the AA and the army, but the junta responds not only by attacking the AA, but also civilians, he said. The military always commits massacres. They burn down villages. Civilians, including Rohingyas, are suffering great losses in the conflicts.

Myanmars military is desperate for new recruits after suffering devastating losses on the battlefield to the AA in Rakhine state. Since November, the military has surrendered Pauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Myay Pon, Ponnagyun, Ramree and Rathedaung townships in the state, as well as Paletwa township in neighboring Chin state.

Residents say the military has forcibly recruited more than 1,000 Rohingyas in Buthidaung, Sittwe, Maungtaw and Kyauktaw townships for military service, and has forced Rohingyas to hold public protests against the AA.

Attempts to contact junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun for comment on RFAs findings went unanswered Monday.

RFAs investigation also found that junta artillery fire, airstrikes, landmines and small weapons fire killed some 187 civilians and injured 531 others in the four months since the start of the conflict in Rakhine state.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
The U.S., Japan and the Philippines to launch joint naval patrols amid tensions with China in the South China Sea.

U.S. and Japanese navies hold a multi-large deck exercise in a show of force amid rising tension in the region on Jan. 31, 2024.

The United States, Japan and the Philippines are launching joint naval patrols in the South China Sea in a move seen as countering Chinas increased aggression in the region.

The trilateral patrols are part of a package of initiatives that top leaders of the three countries will announce at their first-ever summit on April 11, according to the U.S. news outlet Politico, which was the first to report on the plan.

While the Philippines and the U.S. have already been conducting regular joint patrols, this will be the first time that the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force takes part in such activity, to be held at the earliest possible date, said Japans Asahi Shimbun.

The Asahi quoted unnamed Japanese government sources as saying that the move is made in response to Chinas growing naval presence in the region.

There are no further details on the joint plan, but Politico said that it would be a show of force designed to show Beijing its belligerence wont be tolerated.

In recent months, Chinas coast guard has stepped up its campaign of harassment near some disputed reefs in the South China Sea, using water cannons against Filipino vessels.

Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4, left, is hit by two Chinese coast guard water cannons as they tried to enter the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)





Beijings tactics will be high on the agenda at the summit between U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the three countries form a regional security triangle.

On the South China Sea  the three allies are deeply aligned, said a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a U.S. think tank.

Japan is well positioned to play a linking role among Indo-Pacific countries, it noted.

Japan views the East and South China Seas as a connected theater, CSIS said, adding that Tokyo believes that helping Southeast Asian countries confront China in the South China Sea is part and parcel to pushing back on Chinese revisionism across the region, including in the East China Sea, where China directly threatens Japanese interests.

Radio Free Asia learned earlier this year that the Japan International Cooperation Agency is also preparing a 10-year maritime security support plan for four ASEAN nations  Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam  to boost security in the South China Sea.

Ship riddled with bullets

The planned joint patrols have met with angry responses from China.

The Global Times newspaper called the move the latest case of U.S. intention to deplete allies and weaken China as Washington recruits Japan to further destabilize the region and threaten China's surrounding security.

It quoted a Chinese analyst as warning U.S. allies and partners, including Japan and the Philippines, that they are all pawns for the U.S. to benefit from."

Beijing's narrative is that every time the situation escalates it is due to its opponents' "provocations", and so it bears no responsibility for any of its aggressions, said Ray Powell, a maritime security analyst at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, Stanford University.

The Chinese militarys Southern Theater Command, whose primary area of responsibility is the South China Sea, has just conducted a real combat training exercise in the South China Sea, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

The exercise, held on unspecified dates in early spring, aimed at enemy targets, such as armed fishing boats harassing China in its sea areas, and Philippine Coast Guard vessels, according to Hu Xijin, Global Times former editor-in-chief.

Hu posted a video clip of the training exercise on social media platform X with a stern warning to Manila that Once the Philippines fires the first shot, I fully support Chinas PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) in making [the] Philippine ship riddled with bullets.

I believe most Chinese people will support it by then, added the Chinese political commentator.

China's strategy is to escalate until its adversaries give up, so beating the war drums is intended to cause them to back off, Powell from Stanford University told RFA.

The analyst said that with its current assertive transparency campaign, Manila is reaching out and forming partnerships with more like-minded nations despite Beijings threats.

Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan.
The pagodas abbot was arrested last week for abusing democratic freedoms.

Police use excavators to demolish the lecture hall of Dai Tho Pagoda in Tam Binh district, Vinh Long province, Laos, on April 1, 2024.

A week after arresting its abbot, Vietnamese authorities on Monday demolished a lecture hall linked to a Buddhist pagoda serving the Khmer Krom indigenous people in southern Vietnam, claiming it was built illegally in 2020.

Video from the scene showed an excavator moving rubble from the front of the broken-down facade of the lecture hall linked to the Dai Tho pagoda, or the Tro Nom Sek pagoda in Khmer.

Just last week, authorities arrested the pagodas abbot Thach Chanh Da Ra on charges of abusing democratic freedoms.

It was very savage and cruel of them to destroy the lecture hall that local people have built over the past few years, a follower told RFA Vietnamese. "This regime is unbearable!

On Monday, around 100 police officers appeared at the pagoda to prevent residents from accessing it as six excavators demolished it, a Buddhist follower who did not witness the destruction but heard from relatives about it, told RFA Vietnamese on condition of anonymity like all unnamed sources in this report.

The lecture hall did not have the proper permit at the time of its construction, another resident told RFA.

The resident said the land was donated to the pagoda by Thach Thi Xa Bach, and Ras request for a permit was rejected because authorities said the land belonged to Thach Thi Oi, Bachs younger sister.

Endless tears

The Khmer Krom indigenous community, numbering about 1.3 million people, live in a part of Vietnam that was once southeastern Cambodia. They face discrimination in Vietnam and suspicion in Cambodia, where they are often perceived not as Cambodians but as Vietnamese.

Police were out in force during the demolition to prevent Khmer Krom from trying to stop the excavators by occupying the building, a Khmer Krom woman told RFA Khmer.

"Khmer Krom people have endless tears and suffering from mistreatment, she said, adding that the demolition of the lecture hall was a form of abuse.

We Khmer Krom are very miserable, she said. Today, the Vietnamese authorities brought a lot of dogs with them ready to bite us."

The Khmer Kampuchea Krom Federation said that the actions of the Vietnamese authorities were discriminatory and that the authorities aim to eradicate the Khmer Krom people.

"Vietnamese authorities destroying the center is an attempt to prevent the Khmer Krom from respecting the Buddhist traditions, Son Yeung Ratana, the head of the Information Department of the Khmer Krom Federation, told RFA. The lecture hall building was far from the pagoda. It was built to help people that could not travel very far.

RFA attempted to contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia and the Tam Binh district police, but neither responded. Staff at the Vinh Long provincial police said that information could only be given out in person.

Translated by Anna Vu and Sum Sok Ry. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
Analysts and experts warn it lacks the skilled staff and infrastructure to meet its goals.

Semiconductor chips are seen on a circuit board of a computer in this file photo.

As Vietnam tries to position itself as an essential part of the global semiconductor supply chain, there is no shortage of training, but academics and industry insiders warn that quality is needed over quantity.

On March 23, Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc, Chairman of the Council of the University of Technology at Vietnam National University told the newspaper Education that his school had ample semiconductor and microchip-oriented training programs at bachelor and master to doctorate levels.

Hanoi University of Science and Technology offers two main majors on semiconductors and seven related to design, production, packaging and testing, as well as semiconductor chip application.

Beyond academia, companies like FPT and government bodies such as the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Education and Training are actively promoting semiconductor industry training in the country.

On March 20, Vietnamese media reported that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received representatives of U.S. semiconductor company Lam Research Group and asked them to work with Vietnamese agencies to invest in the local semiconductor industry and promote human resource training.

However, in spite of the wide choice of training programs, some experts say Vietnam is not focusing enough on the quality of human resources.

In early March, the Vietnamese government asked South Koreas Samsung to support the goal of training 50,000 engineers for the semiconductor industry by 2030. The Ministry of Planning and Investment said it was looking to submit the project to the government with a goal of extending it to 2045.

So each year, Vietnam plans to train more than 8,000 engineers. In theory, that goal can be achieved, said Dr. Trong Tong, a senior expert at the U.S. headquarters of chip giant Intel.

However, for Intel and me personally, the number of engineers and the field of study of the workers is not as important as their quality.

Candidates can study any field as long as it is in the engineering field, we will recruit them all as long as that person is capable.

Dr. Tong worked in the software sector at Intel for eight years building machinery systems for semiconductors.

While his coverage is considered broad, he said that in a chain of about 20 steps covering the entire process he only covers one or two steps, each step always includes both hardware and software to control the machine.

When machines and software are brought into the factory, a large number of people are needed to operate them. He said Vietnamese engineers often only work on machines for the first few years after they have graduated.

If Vietnam wants to be self-reliant, I guarantee it wont be possible quickly.  It takes time to accumulate both knowledge and experience. Thats a reality, because it's so complicated. Its not as simple as making software, he told Radio Free Asia.

To recruit at PhD level, Dr. Trong said the subject is not that important.

You can have a PhD in materials science, a PhD in physics, chemistry, a PhD in electronics, mechanics, or computer science. As long as you have high expertise in a field of science and technology, you can be recruited. If the candidate has expertise in the semiconductor industry, its a little better, but basically they still have to be trained from the beginning.

At Intel, we dont really care what candidates study. Electronics, materials or chemistry are all fine  We assume that candidates who have graduated from engineering must know basic math, physics, chemistry, have good logical thinking, and we will hire them if they satisfy the company's requirements.

Dr. Tong said setting a target of 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030 is the wrong way for Vietnam to tackle the skills shortage. He said that target was easily achievable but meaningless unless Vietnam trained people to meet the precise requirements of the semiconductor industry.

From training to production

On March 21, Vietnamese media reported that FPT launched an integrated circuit design training program. In recent years, FPT has successfully designed a number of chip lines.

However, according to Dr. Trong Tong, the journey from chip design to chip production is very long.

He said designing chips now is not difficult since one just needs the software to do it. But once the design is complete, bringing it to production is the problem.

If Vietnam wants to participate, he said, it needs to mass produce chips to lower the product price.

Maybe Vietnam wants to make chips the way [VinGroup founder] Pham Nhat Vuong makes electric cars, by buying a machine system to make them. But in the semiconductor industry, it cannot be done simply. People cannot buy a system and install it.

Nguyen Quoc Tri, an independent researcher and journalist in Ho Chi Minh City, told RFA that both political and business leaders as well as many Vietnamese people are excited and optimistic that Vietnam will become a formidable force in the semiconductor industry. According to him, the belief is unfounded.

In Vietnam, development goals are often politicized, such as cars, 5G and now semiconductors, causing collective hysteria, said the researcher.

Many political and business leaders compete with each other to say Vietnam is about to become a formidable technological force. But the problem is that Vietnam is lacking in foundation: capital, human resources, source technology, infrastructure, etcetera.

Dr. Trong recalled that in 2023 Intel planned to expand production in Vietnam but abandoned the plan and moved to Malaysia. The reason, he said, is that Malaysia has better infrastructure and human resources for the semiconductor industry.

According to the Financial Times, Malaysia is the surprise winner in the electronic chip competition between the United States and China. It said Penang state is considered the "Silicon Valley of the East.

Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Four Israeli soldiers were killed and dozens were injured, seven critically, when a "swarm" of Hezbollah drones hit an army base near the northern Israeli town of Binyamina in one of the bloodiest attacks on the country since October 2023.

Hezbollah is an armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military early on October 14 said the attack took place at an army base some 60 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. It did not immediately provide further details.

CNN had earlier reported that the United Hatzalah rescue service said it had "provided assistance to over 60 wounded people in various conditions -- some of them in critical, serious, moderate, and light condition."

National emergency service Magen David Adom (AFMDA) said at least 67 people were injured in the attack in Israel's Haifa district.

Hezbollah -- which is considered a terrorist group by the United States, although the EU has only blacklisted its armed wing -- claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had launched a "swarm of attack drones" at a military training camp in Binyamina.

Iran-allied Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets and drones into Israel but, because of Israel's sophisticated air-defense systems, most have been shot down or have caused little damage and few casualties.

Earlier in the day, angry UN peacekeepers said Israeli forces had smashed into a gate of one of their bases in Lebanon, causing about 15 minor injuries.

"At around 4:30 a.m., while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the position's main gate and forcibly entered the position in the Ramia area," said the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), adding that the Israeli forces left after about 45 minutes.

Israel later claimed the tanks had come under fire when they crashed into the base gate.

The action came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said UN peacekeepers must "immediately" pull out of the combat zone in southern Lebanon and directly addressed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"The time has come for you to withdraw UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and from the combat zones," Netanyahu said, accusing Guterres of making UNIFIL soldiers "human shields" and "hostages of Hezbollah."

"Mr. Secretary-General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm's way. It should be done right now, immediately," he said.

UNIFIL is a 9,500-strong mission created in 1978 tasked with monitoring a cease-fire that ended a 33-day war in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah.

Forty nations that contribute to UNIFIL said in a joint statement on October 12 that they "strongly condemn recent attacks" on the peacekeepers. The United States and European leaders have demanded Israel stop firing at the peacekeepers, with U.S. President Joe Biden on October 12 saying he was "absolutely, positively" telling Israel to stop.

Fears of an all-out regional war grew as signs indicated Israel could be preparing to launch a direct strike on Iran in retaliation for Tehran's massive missile strike on Israel on October 1.

Biden on October 13 said he had ordered the Pentagon to send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and troops to Israel as part of U.S. efforts "to defend Israel."

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said the system will help bolster Israel's air defenses following Iran's missile attacks. The THAADs are similar to Patriot missile systems but can cover wider areas and require about 95 soldiers to operate, analysts say.

"It is part of the broader adjustments the U.S. military has made in recent months, to support the defense of Israel and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias," Ryder said.

The French presidency on October 13 said President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call, told his Iranian counterpart, Masud Pezeshkian, it was Tehran's "responsibility" to back efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East. The Iranian presidency also reported the call, saying the sides discuss ways to end the conflict but also using heavily belligerent language toward Israel.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on October 13 said Tehran was prepared for a "war situation," although he stated his government desired peace.



"We are fully prepared for a war situation. We are not afraid of war, but we do not want war. We want peace, and we will work for a just peace in Gaza and Lebanon," he said while on a visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.



Israeli warplanes hit a 100-year-old mosque in a village of Lebanon near the border early on October 13, a day after a marketplace was hit in the southern city of Nabatiyeh, according to Lebanon's official National News Agency.



Lebanon's Health Ministry reported deadly strikes in other areas of the country, including one on a Shi'ite Muslim village in a mostly Christian mountainous area.



Hezbollah said it launched rockets at Israeli forces inside Lebanese territory on October 13 as ground troops conducted incursions into the country's south.

A Hezbollah statement claimed it targeted a "gathering" of Israeli forces in the village of Maroun al-Ras "with artillery shells."

Hezbollah fired hundreds of projectiles from Lebanon into Israel on October 12 as Israelis celebrated Yom Kippur, an important holiday on the Jewish religious calendar.



The escalation comes as Israel is also conducting fresh attacks in Gaza and is expected to strike Iran in retaliation for a missile attack earlier this month.



Palestinian medical officials said on October 13 that an Israeli strike killed a family of eight and wounded seven others in the central Gaza Strip.



The attack late on October 12 hit a home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, killing a couple and their six children, who ranged in age from 8 to 23, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where the bodies were taken.



Israel continues to strike what it says are militant targets in Gaza nearly every day for more than a year into the war with Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the United States and European Union.

The Israeli Army said in a statement on October 13 that forces operating throughout the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours had attacked about 40 targets and killed dozens of militants.

Both Hamas and Hezbollah are allies of Iran. Israel has repeatedly said it will respond to Iran's missile attack on October 1, which Tehran said was launched in retaliation for Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon and the killings of a string of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.



Washington believes Israel has narrowed down targets in its potential response to military and energy infrastructure, NBC reported on October 12, citing unnamed U.S. officials.



There is no indication that Israel will target Irans nuclear facilities or carry out assassinations, the NBC report said, adding that Israel has not made final decisions about how and when to act.



Araghchi said there would be "no red line" for Iran in defending its citizens from the potential strikes.



"While we have made tremendous efforts in recent days to contain an all-out war in our region, I say it clearly that we have no red lines in defending our people and interests," Araghchi wrote in a post on X on October 13.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Barotali Mirzoev says his son told the family two days before the Crocus City Hall attack near Moscow that he was returning home to Tajikistan. Dalerjon Mirzoev, who had been working in Russia since last October, is one of four Tajik men accused of carrying out the attack on March 22 in which 144 people were killed.
Israel stepped up its massive air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership, even as the world awaits with trepidation the October 7 anniversary of the bloody attack on Israel by Hamas -- which, like Hezbollah, is a U.S.-designated terror group with ties to Iran.

Meanwhile, Tehran said it had lifted all flight restrictions after earlier announcing it was closing Iranian airports as of 9 p.m. on October 6 until 6 a.m. on October 7, citing "operational restrictions," at a time when Israel is weighing options for its response to Iran's recent massive missile strike on its territory.

State media said the restrictions were lifted after ensuring favorable and safe conditions.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 6 threatened Iran that it might eventually find itself looking like Beirut or Gaza -- which has also been battered over the past year -- if Tehran attempts to further harm Israel.

"The Iranians did not touch the air force's capabilities. No aircraft were damaged, no squadron was taken out of order," Gallant said in reference to the Iranian missile strike, which caused few injuries and slight damage to two air force bases.

"Whoever thinks that a mere attempt to harm us will deter us from taking action should take a look at [Israels operations] in Gaza and Beirut, where Israel is battling fighters of Hamas, which has been deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and EU.

Israel earlier said conducted a series of targeted strikes on weapons storage facilities and infrastructure sites that belong to Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has been designated by the United States as a terror group, while the European Union has blacklisted its armed wing but not its political unit, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament.

Lebanon's official National News Agency said Hezbollah's stronghold in the area was hit by more than 30 strikes. A petrol station and a medical supplies warehouse were hit by the air raids.

Video footage showed huge flames and plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky, as residents fled their homes in panic with explosions echoing in the background.

Many observers said the attacks were the strongest yet of Israel's recent air strikes.

"Last night was the most violence of all the previous nights," Hanan Abdullah, a resident of the Burj al-Barajneh area in Beirut's southern suburbs, told Reuters.

"Buildings were shaking around us and at first I thought it was an earthquake. There were dozens of strikes -- we couldn't count them all -- and the sounds were deafening,"

Israel has bombed Beirut suburbs for days, killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and possibly his potential successor, Hashem Safieddine.

Security sources have said Safieddine had been out of contact since October 4, after an Israeli air strike near Beiruts international airport that was reported to have targeted him. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine.

Israel says Nasrallah was killed in a strike on the group's central command headquarters in Beirut on September 27.

Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters on October 6 that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) -- also had not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon.

Senior Hezbollah member Mahmoud Qmati, when asked about Qaani's whereabouts, told Reuters: "I have no information. We are also searching for the truth of this matter.

Statements on October 6 out of the United States -- Tel Aviv's most important ally -- indicated some frustrations with the scope of Israel's military action.

"Military pressure can at times enable diplomacy. Of course, military pressure can also lead to miscalculation. It can lead to unintended consequences," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in statement.

The spokesperson said Washington supported Israeli actions in going after extremist elements but added that U.S. leaders but did not approve of the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

"Every civilian casualty is one too many," the spokesperson said.

Israel said on October 5 that its forces had killed 440 Hezbollah fighters in ground operations in southern Lebanon and destroyed 2,000 Hezbollah targets. Nine Israeli soldiers had been killed in southern Lebanon so far, the authorities said.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest conflict, most of them since September 23.

Israel says the attacks on Hezbollah are aimed at enabling the safe return of tens of thousands of citizens to homes in northern Israel, bombarded by the group since last October.

The Israeli forces were on high alert ahead of the first anniversary of an attack on October 7 last year, which sparked the war and was carried out by Hamas.

According to Israel tallies, some 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage in the unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel.

Israeli police on October 6 said several people had been injured in a suspected shooting attack in Beersheba, a city in southern Israel. One attacker was killed, the ambulance service said.

Separately, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza reported on October 6 that at least 41,870 Palestinians have been killed in the territory in the yearlong war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Palestinian officials said that an Israeli strike on a mosque in Gaza early on October 6 killed at least 19 people who were sheltering after being displaced from their homes near the town of Deir al-Bala.

The Israeli military said the strike was targeting militants. The reports could not immediately be confirmed, but the Associated Press said one of its journalists counted the bodies at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital morgue.

AP also reported that hospital records showed that the fatalities from the mosque strike were all men.

Israel said its forces on October 6 surrounded the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza in response to indications that Hamas was rebuilding its operational capabilities in the area.

Israel is also considering a retaliatory strike on Iran, which fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1.

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad visited Kharg island on October 6, amid concerns that Israel could target Iran's largest oil terminal there.

"The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] Navy plays an important role in the security of oil and gas facilities," Paknejad was quoted as saying at the facility, from which around 90 percent of Iranian oil exports are shipped.

In Syria, state media and local rights monitors said an Israeli air strike targeted three cars in the city of Homs, although details remained sketchy.

Israeli forces have for years been striking Iran-linked targets in Syria and have intensified such actions since the October 7 attacks.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Israeli military says its forces withdrew from Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital on Monday, ending their two-week siege of the Palestinian enclave's largest medical facility.

The hospital complex was completely destroyed during the military operation in search of Hamas militants.

The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, claimed terrorists were killed and "numerous weapons and intelligence documents" were seized in the operation.

Israel alleged that Hamas was using the hospital as a base to carry out attacks, and its cadres were hiding among the inmates. Hamas denied it.

Casualties were reported after the Israeli army bombed a building in the Al-Shifa medical complex last month.

UN agencies had tried to reach Al Shifa to provide the necessary and urgently needed medical supplies and humanitarian aid, but the Israeli authorities did not allow it.

According to the World Health Organization, two-thirds of Gaza's 36 hospitals are non-functional. Two are minimally functional, and 10 are partially functional - four in the north, and six in the south.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Bulgaria and Romania have become Schengen members.

With this, the Schengen rules will apply in both countries including on issuing Schengen visas. Controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted.

27 countries are inside the Schengen Zone, including most nations in mainland Europe.

Of the 27 EU member states, 25 are part of the Schengen Area.

The European Council had decided to admit the two Balkan nations into the Schengen area in December 2023.

Since then, both Member States had taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth application of the Schengen rules from 2024 March 31. The European Commission launched Cooperation Frameworks in March. Bulgaria and Romania successfully implemented the pilot projects for fast asylum and return procedures. With these Cooperation Frameworks, Romania and Bulgaria will further contribute to strengthening the cooperation on border and migration, as well as to the joint European efforts to address EU security at external borders and migratory challenges, the Commission said.

The Schengen accession of these two Member States will make the common area more attractive by significantly expanding the world's largest common area without internal border controls.

The Council will need to take a decision to establish a date for the lifting of checks at internal land borders between Bulgaria, Romania and the other Schengen countries.

The largest area of free movement in the world, the Schengen area facilitates citizens of member states to travel without internal border controls, and significantly benefits Europe's .

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen family marks an important day. "I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area - the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens".

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Mass anti-government protests demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza and the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were held outside the country's parliament Sunday.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Raanana and Herzliya on Saturday.

They want the government to sign an emergency agreement with the Hamas to free about 130 Israelis who are being held hostages since October 7.

Earlier, Netanyahu rejected the calls for snap polls and vowed that he is determined to launch another round of military operation targeting Hamas forces in Rafah.

Netanyahu's coalition government survives with the support of ultra-nationalist Jewish parties.

Meanwhile, talks for a ceasefire in the months-old war in Gaza and a deal to free the hostages have reportedly resumed in Egyptian capital Cairo.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics titled "Characteristics of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths on Shared and Nonshared Sleep Surfaces" has revealed some concerning trends in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases.

The study analyzed a CDC database of 7,595 recorded SIDS cases from the period of 2011 to 2020. The data indicated that the majority of fatalities occurred in infants under 3 months old.

Findings revealed that 59.5% of the infants who passed away were sharing a sleep surface, and 75.9% were in an adult bed at the time of death. Soft bedding was prevalent among all the deceased infants.

Dr. Fern Hauck, a senior researcher and safe-sleep expert at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, expressed concern about the high number of risky sleep behaviors observed in both infants sharing a sleep surface and those sleeping alone.

The study identified several hazardous sleep practices including bed-sharing, sleeping with suffocation hazards, sleeping in non-recommended positions, and sleeping outside a crib.

To mitigate these risks, sleep experts advocate for infants to sleep alone on their backs in a crib with only a fitted sheet. Hauck emphasized the importance of educating new parents on safe sleep practices before discharge from the hospital and providing ongoing support and guidance.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Analysing the buyer trends, there is a rapid influx towards Maruti Suzukis utility segment, while other segments are taking a hit

Indias largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, ended the month of March 2024 on a positive note where YoY growth is concerned. However, there was MoM decline in sales across the charts, except for the mid-size vehicle Ciaz and LCV Super Carry. Where total sales are concerned, Maruti Suzuki pushed out 1,87,196 units, down from 1,97,471 units sold in February 2024.

Maruti Suzuki Sales March 2024

Breaking up the 1,87,196 units across their respective segments, we get 1,52,718 units of total domestic passenger sales, 3,612 units of CVs and 25,892 units shipped to global markets, among others. Breaking these numbers further, we get segment-wise sales analysis.

For starters, the companys Mini segment comprising Alto and S-Presso accounted for 11,829 units, down from 11,582 units sold last year. In FY 23-24, companys Mini segment accounted for 1,42,094 units which is a lot less than 2,32,911 units sold in FY 22-23. These numbers show diminishing buyer interests who are flocking for UVs.

The same pattern was observed with Compact segment too. This segment has Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, Tour S and WagonR vehicles. This used to be Marutis hottest segment, but now it registers YoY and MoM decline. Sales stood at 69,844 units last month, down from 71,832. In FY 23-24 there were 8,28,015 Compact cars sold, down from 8,63,029 from a year ago.

Mid-size was the only segment in Marutis lineup to register a MoM growth and a YoY growth. Consisting of only the Ciaz sedan, this segments numbers stood at 590 units, up from 300. Most buyers are flocking to Marutis Utility segment where we have Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, S-Cross and XL6.

Compact cars accounted for 58,436 and sales increased YoY when compared to 37,054 units from a year ago. In FY 23-24, Compact cars sold 6,42,296 units, up from 3,66,129 YoY. Being the only van on sale, Eeco sold in good numbers at 12,019 units, up from 11,995 units from March 2023.

Total sales

In total, companys domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 1,52,718 units. Despite being less than the numbers from February 2024, there was a YoY growth as opposed to 1,36,787 units. In FY 23-24, total domestic PV sales accounted for 17,59,881 units, up from 16,06,870 units from FY 22-23.

Where CVs are concerned, Maruti only has Super Carry which sold 3,612 units, down from 4,024 units. Maruti sold 4,974 units to other OEMs like Toyota and this segment saw a YoY growth over 3,165 units from last year. Total domestic sales (PV+LCV+OEM) was 1,61,304 units trouncing the 1,39,952 units from last year.

Marutis total exports in March 2024 stood at 25,892 units and saw a YoY decline when compared to 30,119 units shipped last year. Total sales (Domestic + Exports) stood at 1,87,196 units, showing a healthy growth over 1,70,071 units sold last year. In FY 23-24, Marutis total sales accounted for 21,35,323 units (highest-ever), which is greater than 19,66,164 units from FY 22-23.
Hyundai Creta continues to pave the way for the Korean brand in India and the latest model, launched in January, has once again helped add wind to the proverbial sails of the company. In the month of March, 16,458 Hyundai Creta units were sold, a record for any one month since the SUV model was launched back in 2015.

Hyundai informed that March was the second-successive month of record sales for Creta SUV after the model notched up 15,276 units in sales in February, a record that has now been bettered. The company also informed that the current order bank is at around 45,000 and that it is continuing to speed up delivery timelines.

Also check these Cars Find more Cars Hyundai Creta 1497 cc 1497 cc Multiple Multiple  11 Lakhs Compare View Offers Hyundai Creta N Line 1482 cc 1482 cc Petrol Petrol  16.82 Lakhs Compare View Offers Hyundai Venue 1493 cc 1493 cc Multiple Multiple  7.94 Lakhs Compare View Offers Kia Seltos 1497 cc 1497 cc Multiple Multiple  10.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Thar 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple  11.25 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Mahindra XUV300 2024 1197 cc 1197 cc Petrol Petrol  9 - 15 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched

What powers Hyundai Creta in India?

Also watch: Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift launched: First look

While there are many factors powering Hyundai Creta - from a turbo petrol engine to various transmission choices, plethora of features and updated exterior and cabin styling, it is also one of few models in the segment that continues to offer a diesel engine option. The company says that around 40 per cent of all Creta sales are accounted for by the version with 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine.

In March, the company also brought out the Creta N Line in two variants - N8 and N10 - with some cosmetic updates on the outside and in the cabin, and with minor tweaks to suspension and steering set up.

Overall, the company informed that it had sold 1.63 lakh units of Hyundai Creta in financial year 2023-24. Together with Hyundai Venue (1.29 lakh), this is a shade less than half of all Hyundai sales in the financial year in the domestic market - 6.14 lakh units. Overall, the company sold 7.77 lakh units in the financial year, when domestic sales and exports are combined.

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.

First Published Date:
Toyota India on Monday teased its upcoming car Urban Cruiser Taisor, which is essentially the rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx crossover. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is slated to break cover on 3rd April 2024. This is going to be the next model in the lineup of the Japanese automaker that has been launching rebadged Maruti Suzuki cars in India over the last few years, as part of the OEM's global partnership with Suzuki for platform and technology sharing.

Upon launch, this Toyota crossover will compete with rivals such as Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Nissan Magnite, Kia Kiger etc.

Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor 1197 cc 1197 cc Multiple Multiple  12 - 16 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Kia Seltos 1497 cc 1497 cc Multiple Multiple  10.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra XUV700 2184.0 cc 2184.0 cc Multiple Multiple  13.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Mahindra XUV500 2024 2179 cc 2179 cc Diesel Diesel  12 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Mahindra Thar 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple  11.25 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Scorpio-N 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple  13.60 Lakhs Compare View Offers

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor: Exterior

The teaser image has given us a preview of what the upcoming crossover's exterior would look like. The upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor teased online comes wearing a red hue with new design LED daytime running lights. Also, it boasts a new design radiator grille. Among other changes, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor will come sporting updated LED headlamps, revamped LED taillights, and revised front and rear bumpers, as well as a new set of alloy wheels. The silhouette that has been teased by the OEM reveals the crossover will carry squarish wheel arches and a sloping roofline, similar to the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor: Interior

Coming to the interior, Toyota has not revealed anything so far. However, expect the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor to come as feature-rich as the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Expect it to come with a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, ambient lighting, 360-degree surround view camera, head-up display, automatic climate control etc. Expect Toyota to update the seats and upholstery materials subtly to make it distinctive compared to the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor: Powertrain

Mechanically, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor would come carrying the same powertrain as the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The crossover could come available in both petrol-only and petrol-CNG bi-fuel options as well. Transmission options too would remain the same as the Fronx.

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.

First Published Date:
On Dec. 6, the San Diego Planning Commission upheld a conditional use permit for a 36,361-square- foot marijuana production facility in Sorrento Valley. It was the first marijuana production facility (MPF) to be considered by the planning commission as an appeal was filed against the project citing vehicular access and parking issues.

City staff found that the project complied with all the regulations of the land use and development code and recommended denial of the appealthe commission unanimously concurred.

The MPF will be located in an existing 41,124-square-foot, two-story building at 10170 Sorrento Valley Road. In September, the Torrey Pines Community Planning Board recommended approval of the project with recommendations to provide a more aggressive fire protection system and to provide a more comprehensive plan for storm water.The project was determined to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and it was approved for a conditional use permit by the citys hearing officer.

In October, Sean St. Peter filed the development permit appealSt. Peter has proposed a retail outlet and MPF about 1,000 feet away from the project in question.

I cannot support the appeal, said Commissioner William Hofman. We allow 40 of these citywide and it seems to be its first come, first serve which generates a lot of competition. Im guessing thats why were seeing an appeal.

Hofman questioned whether the process of approval of MPF applications in the city has essentially become a mad dash to the finish line.

Tim Daly, project manager with the citys development services department, said the city has a little over 70 applications for MPFs and 21 have been approved at this time. Approximately 44 applications are currently in various stages in the review and appeal process and priority is given to when the final environmental document is approved.

As it gets more competitive at this point of time you see more appeals of the notice of rights to appeal the environmental determination if its an exemption on the particular project, Daly said.

Per city regulations, MPF facilities require a 1,000-foot separation from parks, churches, child care centers, playgrounds, libraries, minor-oriented facilities, residential care facilities and schools. The facilities must also be 100 feet from a residential zone. Security requirements include interior and exterior lighting, security cameras, alarms and a security guard.

Gina Austin, an attorney representing St. Peter, said the issues outlined in the appeal may seem minor but they should be corrected before approval.

I am a cannabis advocate and an advocate of development so its hard for me to be against this project because were looking to put as many of these in as possible in the San Diego region to allow for the supply chain, Austin said. As an underlying basis to that, it has to be fair and it has to be consistent.

During the hearing, project opponents shared similar concerns about parking and traffic, as well as the storage of hazardous materials on the site. Opponents also expressed frustrations with the citys process as a wholeKathleen Lippett, representing San Diegans for Safe Neighborhoods, said opponents have little chance of prevailing against a multi-million dollar enterprise.

The citys process for MPFs and marijuana outlets has been decidedly one-sided. Its become clear over time that there is little tolerance for any objections for these facilities and that every obstacle has been cleared to accommodate them, Lippett said. The objections of nearby longstanding churches, youth serving organizations, treatment and recovery centers in the path of an MPF or retail outlets are dismissed out of hand.

Lippett and Judi Strang, a local representative for PTAS and parent groups across the county, both questioned the need for more in the supply chain.

The amount of pot and marijuana products that are going to be produced in this building will saturate our area, said Strang. Considering this is one of 40, youre going to have a glut of marijuana in the city of San Diego and the County of San Diego, the state of California. This pot is going to leave our area and go other places. This is hardly anything anyone would consider good for public health, safety and welfare.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- GAC Group, one of the major automobile groups in China, disclosed its financial performance for the year of 2023, showcasing a year-on-year growth in revenue, but a plunge in net profit.

During the reporting period, the group's gross operating revenue amounted to around 129.706 billion yuan, marking an increase of about 17.62% compared to the same period last year. However, its annual net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company plunged 45.08% year on year to about 4.429 billion yuan. Meanwhile, the basic earnings per share stood at approximately 0.42 yuan, declining by about 46.15% over a year earlier.

Photo credit: GAC Group

The group attributed the performance changes to four major factors:

(1) Seizing opportunities amidst industry dynamics

In 2023, China's economy showed steady signs of recovery, with the domestic automotive market experiencing overall stability and growth, reaching historical highs in both production and sales volume. However, challenges such as the subsidy phase-out for new energy vehicles and price reduction frenzy within the automotive industry still existed in this period.

In response, GAC Group strategically aligned itself with China's "14th Five-Year Plan," leveraging favorable policies and market opportunities while actively addressing industry challenges. By focusing on high-quality development, the group achieved a cumulative sales volume of 2.505 million vehicles in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 2.92%.

Emphasizing positive R&D and independent innovation, GAC Group accelerated the introduction of all-new products and refreshed products to enhance its product competitiveness. Notably, GAC Motor expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of new PHEV models, including the Trumpchi E8, E9, ES9, M6, and M8. Additionally, GAC AION sold over 480,000 vehicles for the year, marking a 77.02% surge year-on-year, while advancing the development of its energy ecosystem.

(2) Accelerated product transformation in joint ventures

Joint ventures within GAC Group intensified their product transformation efforts. GAC Toyota introduced new-generation models such as the all-new Levin and the Bozhi 4X, along with various PHEV models. The proportion of new energy vehicle and energy-saving vehicles continued to rise, achieving a combined sales volume of over 950,000 vehicles for the year. Similarly, GAC Honda also launched many new products, including the new-generation ACCORD, the INTEGRA HATCHBACK, the ZR-V e:HEV, and the BREEZE e:HEV/PHEV.

(3) Synergistic development of supporting businesses

Supporting businesses along the industrial chain, such as financial services, automotive components, and trade services, closely aligned with the group's strategic objectives, demonstrating continuous synergy to support the core business. Of them, financial enterprises deepened cooperation and innovation in business expansion, providing strong support for the group's automotive sales. Meanwhile, automotive components and trade services actively responded to the group's globalization strategy, expanding into foreign markets.

(4) Strategic investments and restructuring to navigate market competition

To cope with intense market competition, major subsidiaries within GAC Group increased their investment in commercial businesses. Additionally, the group undertook the restructuring of GAC Mitsubishi, effectively resolving historical issues associated with the subsidiary.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On April 1, Tesla's official website in China revealed price increases for the Model Y lineup.

The Model Y Standard Range's price has risen to 263,900 yuan, the Long Range to 304,900 yuan, and the Performance to 368,900 yuan, with each seeing a 5,000-yuan increase.

Model Y; photo credit: Tesla

Previously, Tesla had announced price hikes in North America and Europe.

On March 1 this year, the Rear-Wheel-Drive and Long Range versions of the Model Y in North America saw their prices rise by $1,000 each, to $43,990 and $48,990, respectively. On March 16, Tesla's website hinted at another $1,000 increase for the Model Y in North America starting April 1. On March 17, Tesla announced price increases for the Model Y in some European countries, with hikes of around 2,000 euros or equivalent local currency.

In March, Tesla China introduced limited-time offers, including an 8,000-yuan insurance subsidy for on-hand vehicles and up to 10,000 yuan off paint color options. These policies ended by the end of March. With the latest price adjustments, the Model Y has seen its price increase by up to 23,000 yuan overall.
Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new genus and species of saltasauroid titanosaurian dinosaur, based on the fossilized remains found in the Paysandu Department of Uruguay.

The newly-described dinosaur species roamed our planet during the Late Cretaceous epoch, over 85 million years ago.

Named Udelartitan celeste, the ancient giant was between 15 and 16 m (49-52 feet) in body length.

The species belongs to a superfamily of titanosaurian dinosaurs called Saltasauroidea.

With over 80 species, mainly described in this century, titanosaurs represent the most successful and diverse sauropodomorph group, said Dr. Matias Soto from the Instituto de Ciencias Geologicas in Uruguay and his colleagues.

They were the most abundant large-bodied herbivorous in the Late Cretaceous of the supercontinent Gondwana, in strong contrast with the ornithischian-dominated coeval faunas of Laurasia.

The clade apparently arose in South America, where it shows its greatest diversity, with records ranging from the Berriasian-Valanginian to the Maastrichtian (from 145 to 72 million years ago).

The fossilized material of Udelartitan celeste (sixty vertebrae, bone fragments and associated eggshells) was discovered in 2006 within sediments of the Guichon Formation, near Quebracho in Paysandu Department, Uruguay.

In Uruguay, titanosaur remains are known since the beginning of the 20th century, when four species were recognized based on fragmentary remains, the paleontologists said.

Although such referrals have been questioned, their titanosaur identity is out of doubt given the strong procoely of the caudal centra.

These findings were relevant because they allowed to confirm the presence of Upper Cretaceous rocks in Uruguay, although in light of recent South American findings, e.g., Ninjatitan zapatai, Tapuiasaurus macedoi, an older age within the Cretaceous cannot be ruled-out in absence of additional data.

According to the team, Udelartitan celeste shows a unique combination of characters as well as a potential autapomorphy.

Its discovery demonstrates that at least two titanosaur lineages were present in the Late Cretaceous of Uruguay: Saltasauroidea and Aeolosaurini.

Udelartitan celeste represents a second sauropod taxon recognized in Uruguay, after the recently reported Aeolosaurus vertebra from the Asencio Formation, the researchers said.

Its phylogenetic relations as either a saltasaurine saltasaurid or a non-saltasaurid saltasauroid document the presence of saltasauroids in the Guichon Formation.

The discovery is reported in a paper in the journal Cretaceous Research.

_____

Matias Soto et al. Phylogenetic relationships of a new titanosaur (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) from the Upper Cretaceous of Uruguay. Cretaceous Research, published online March 26, 2024; doi: 10.1016/j.cretres.2024.105894




China announced the decision to establish Xiong'an New Area on April 1, 2017, with the aim of developing the area into a modern city that is green, intelligent, livable and competitive by 2035.

Darina Semenova visits Xiong'an to experience the convenience of community life here.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On April 1, HIMA (Harmony lntelligent Mobility Alliance) announced that AITO, the new energy vehicle brand jointly developed by Huawei and SERES Group, delivered 31,727 vehicles in March 2024, which shot up 50.07% month on month.

Photo credit: HIMA

In the first three months of this year, AITOs cumulative vehicle deliveries amounted to 85,842 units.

In the past month, the new AITO M7 model achieved a monthly delivery volume of 24,598 vehicles, representing a 33.11% surge from a month ago. Cumulative deliveries of the M7 have exceeded 120,000 units since its market release.

In the meantime, the AITO M9 flagship SUV, whose delivery commenced on February 26, realized a monthly delivery volume of 6,243 units in March.

In March, the entire AITO lineup received a major OTA (Over the Air) upgrade. The AITO M9 now features the city NCA (Navigation Cruise Assist) function, enabling nationwide urban-area intelligent driving. With this OTA upgrade, all AITO-branded models now possess advanced intelligent driving capabilities nationwide, enhancing safety and convenience for users' smart travel experiences.
THEMATIC ISSUES

Children and Armed Conflict

Expected Council Action

In April, Malta will convene a briefing on children and armed conflict titled Addressing the consequences of the denial of humanitarian access for children. Malta, which chairs the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, is organising the meeting as one of the signature events of its Council presidency. The expected briefers are Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban, and a civil society representative.

Malta plans to prepare a summary of the meeting as an outcome.

Background and Recent Developments

Denial of humanitarian access is one of the six grave violations monitored by the UN-led Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict established by resolution 1612 of 26 July 2005. (The six grave violations, as determined by the Security Council, are child recruitment and use; killing and maiming; rape and other forms of sexual violence; attacks on schools and hospitals; abductions; and the denial of humanitarian access.)

The MRM field manual, issued in June 2014, describes denial of humanitarian access as the intentional deprivation of or impediment to the passage of humanitarian assistance indispensable to childrens survival by parties to the conflict. This includes wilfully impeding relief supplies and significant impediments to the ability of humanitarian or other relevant actors to access and assist children in situations of armed conflict. A June 2022 policy note published jointly by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict and Fordham University notes that denial of humanitarian access can take several forms, including attacks against relief workers and convoys, bureaucratic and administrative impediments, and suspension or diversion of aid.

For several years, the Secretary-Generals annual reports on children and armed conflict have been warning about a substantial increase in the incidence of denial of humanitarian access. Numbers peaked in 2019 at some 4,400 incidents and have since remained high, with the most recent annual report, which was issued on 5 June 2023, documenting 3,931 verified instances of denial of humanitarian access in 2022, most of which were perpetrated by government forces. The highest numbers of incidents were recorded in Gaza (1,861 cases committed by Israeli forces), Yemen (a total of 901 incidents, including 601 cases committed by the Houthi rebel group, 210 by unidentified perpetrators, and 68 by the Yemen Armed Forces), and Afghanistan (a total of 718 incidents, including 706 committed by the Taliban). The report warns that the situation of humanitarian access is expected to worsen in light of the adoption of restrictive laws, decrees and regulations increasing control over humanitarian work and workers, notably in Afghanistan, Myanmar and parts of Yemen.

The Security Council often addresses the issue of humanitarian access in both its thematic and country-specific meetings. It was the focus, for instance, of the Councils 2022 annual debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, held under the US May Council presidency. Humanitarian access has become a prominent issue of concern in the past year in light of severe escalations of violence in places such as Gaza and Sudan. Council members have also frequently expressed concern about the detrimental effects of policies restricting womens participation in humanitarian efforts, including the Talibans decisions to ban Afghan women from working for NGOs and the UN, as well as the Houthis enforcement of mahram, requiring Yemeni women aid workers to be accompanied by male guardians. Although the situation of children is frequently raised in such discussions, members rarely frame the denial of humanitarian access as a grave violation that should be addressed through the tools of the children and armed conflict mandate.

Developments in the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict

Since February 2023, when Malta assumed the chairmanship of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, the working group has adopted conclusions on the Secretary-Generals reports on children and armed conflict in South Sudan, Nigeria, and Mali. Between 10 and 13 July 2023, the working group conducted a visiting mission to Nigeria, its first country visit since 2019, when working group members travelled to Mali.

In the past several years, difficult Council dynamics on several country situations have prevented agreement on the conclusions, which require consensus. When Malta assumed the chairmanship in 2023, it inherited five sets of pending conclusions: three (Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Syria) about Secretary-Generals reports that were presented in 2021 and two about reports presented in 2022 (Nigeria and Somalia). Of these five, the working group has only been able to adopt conclusions on Nigeria; it seems that the visit to the country may have reinvigorated the negotiation process. In an unprecedented development, the working group failed to adopt conclusions on the three reports submitted in 2021. In line with the two-year reporting cycle, the Secretary-General recently presented country reports on Afghanistan and Syria, and is soon expected to issue a report on Myanmar. The working group is currently negotiating its conclusions on the new Afghanistan and Syria reports. The proposed draft conclusions apparently include text acknowledging that conclusions were not adopted on the preceding reports.

It seems that some members are increasingly interested in formalising the working practices of the working group that have hitherto been informal, such as conducting videoconference (VTC) meetings with UN country task forces on monitoring and reporting on grave violations against children (CTFMRs). The working group began conducting such VTC meetings in 2017, under Swedens chairmanship, and it has become a recurring practice since Belgiums 2019-2020 chairmanship. Formalising its practices could, however, curtail the working groups flexibility to adapt its working methods to address evolving circumstances.

Key Issues and Options

Malta has circulated a concept note (S/2024/265) ahead of Aprils meeting, which notes that the briefing will allow Council members to examine the key issue of the impact of the denial of humanitarian access on children and to propose solutions to facilitate humanitarian access to all those in need. Another key issue highlighted in the concept note is how MRM data on denial of humanitarian access could inform the Councils approach to this issue.

An overarching priority for the Council is to make full use of the tools of the children and armed conflict agenda to end and prevent the denial of humanitarian access. A crucial issue in this regard is the working group issuing conclusions in a timely manner, as they play an important role in promoting accountability and encouraging conflict parties to take specific actions to prevent and end violations against children. Enhancing the transparency of the work carried out by the working group may assist in this regard. An option would be to request the chair to provide the Security Council a periodic report on developments related to the working group, similar to periodic briefings provided by the chairs of sanctions committees. Such briefings could indicate which conclusions are pending agreement. (For more options, see the brief on children and armed conflict in our July 2023 Monthly Forecast.)

Denial of humanitarian access is the only grave violation that does not trigger a listing in the annexes to the Secretary-Generals annual report on children and armed conflict. There appears to be little appetite among Council members for a resolution that would make denial of humanitarian access a trigger violation, particularly as some permanent Council members have sensitivities about some country situations where this violation is prevalent. In light of the difficult dynamics within the working group, and in the Council in general, members do not appear to see this as an opportune moment to pursue such a product.

Civil society organisations, including those providing humanitarian assistance, do not have a unified position on whether denial of humanitarian access should become a trigger violation. The joint Watchlist/Fordham University June 2022 policy note outlines several risks and opportunities in this regard. It also notes that there are some challenges to monitoring and reporting on the denial of humanitarian access that should be addressed before this question can be examined. Notably, it says that the current definition of this violation is too broad, resulting in varying and inconsistent interpretations on which incidents of denial of humanitarian access should be reported through the MRM. In October 2023, the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict began developing a guidance note on the denial of humanitarian access in cooperation with several stakeholders, including UNICEF, and will continue this work in 2024.

Council members could seek to bring more visibility to the issue of denial of humanitarian assistance. One option would be to organise an Arria-formula meeting to discuss the guidance note on the issue once it is published. Members could also highlight in their statements in country-specific meetings the effects on children of denial of humanitarian access, while emphasising that this constitutes a grave violation. Regular VTC meetings with CTFMRs could also help the working group to better understand the challenges in monitoring and reporting on the denial of humanitarian assistance.

Council Dynamics

The children and armed conflict agenda, including its robust normative framework established through 13 thematic resolutions adopted over the years, enjoys broad general support among Council members. The fact that the first resolution that the Council was able to adopt on the war between Israel and Hamas after several failed attemptsresolution 2712 of 15 November 2023references child protection issues throughout, attests to the importance that members attach to the issue. (For more on resolution 2712, which was authored by Malta, see our Whats in Blue story of 15 November 2023.)

However, political sensitivities in the Council on files such as Syria and Myanmar are also evident at the subsidiary body level, resulting in protracted negotiations before consensus can be reached on some conclusions in the working group. There have also been disagreements during these negotiations regarding references to the UN guiding principles of humanitarian assistance. China and Russia have increasingly sought to include this formulation, which is viewed as giving greater weight to state sovereignty and the consent of the country concerned. Other Council members prefer references to the delivery of humanitarian assistance in accordance with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

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AMERICAS

Colombia

Expected Council Action

In April, the Security Council is expected to receive a briefing from Special Representative and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu on recent developments and the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on the mission, which was circulated to Council members on 26 March. A civil society representative may also brief.

The verification missions mandate expires on 31 October 2024.

Key Recent Developments

The Security Council conducted a visiting mission to Colombia between 7 and 11 February, which was co-led by the UK (the penholder on the file), Guyana, and Switzerland. (Security Council Report, which accompanied the Council on the visit, provided coverage of the visiting mission that can be found in our dispatches from the field, dated 7, 9, 12, and 14 February.) The visiting mission allowed Council members to assess progress and challenges in the implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the government of Colombia and the former rebel group Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP). It also afforded them an opportunity to learn more about the total peace policy promoted by the administration of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego, which entails the promotion of dialogue with armed groups operating in the country as well as the implementation of the 2016 agreement.

During their visit, Council members heard first-hand accounts from the actors at the heart of peacebuilding efforts in the country, including government officials, former FARC-EP combatants, human rights defenders, and representatives of womens and victims organisations. This impressed upon members the ambitious and transformative nature of the 2016 accorddescribed by many interlocutors as a roadmap for the future of the countryas well as the tremendous scope of tasks to promote the agreements implementation, as various issues need to be tackled simultaneously in a vast country, requiring a whole-of-government approach.

Several recurring themes from the visiting mission, which are also addressed in the Secretary-Generals report, are likely to feature in the Councils upcoming engagement on Colombia. One longstanding issue is the persistent violence against communities (including indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities), former FARC-EP members, human rights defenders, and social leaders. The Secretary-Generals report says that the roll-out of key security guarantees policies remained at a standstill, as the decrees setting normative, budgetary, and institutional frameworks were yet to be issued. This includes the public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups and criminal organisations, which was presented on 7 September 2023 by the National Commission on Security Guarantees (NCSG), a body established by the 2016 agreement. The report emphasises the continued relevance of the NCSG, including in providing guidance for the policys implementation at the local level and promoting coherence with other peace and security policies.

Throughout the visiting mission, Council members heard views from civil society representatives about the governments dialogue process with armed groups operating in the country. Some expressed concern about the persistent violence, including sexual violence, despite the observance of bilateral ceasefires between the government and the guerrilla group Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) and the dissident group of the former FARC-EP that identifies itself as the Estado Mayor Central Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (EMC FARC-EP).

The Secretary-Generals report notes that while the ceasefires have produced concrete benefits, they are preliminary, limited in scope, and temporary by nature. It emphasises that these negotiations have fostered expectations among many Colombian actors, who wish to see outcomes that address many of the structural issues as soon as possible, noting that these aspirations need to be taken into consideration at the negotiating table.

The Secretary-Generals report further underscores the importance of complementing the ceasefires with immediate measures for the benefit of communities. To that end, it calls on the Colombian government to ensure the prompt implementation of the security guarantees measures of the 2016 agreement and to strengthen the integrated presence of the state, especially in conflict-affected areas.

Recent months have witnessed both progress and setbacks in the governments dialogue efforts with armed groups operating in the country. On 5 February, the ELN and the government announced a six-month extension of their bilateral ceasefire. Shortly after, a crisis emerged following the announcement by the government of its intention to hold a regional dialogue in the Narino department that would reportedly involve one of the ELNs regional fronts. The ELNs central command said that this decision was taken without its approval, and on 20 February announced the suspension of the dialogue with the government. After an emergency meeting held in Cuba between 24 and 26 February, which was attended by international guarantor countries and Ruiz Massieu, the sides agreed to continue implementing the ceasefire. They will meet for a seventh round of talks in Venezuela between 8 and 22 April.

In January, the government and the EMC FARC-EP decided to extend their bilateral ceasefire for a period of six months. The process faced an obstacle after the EMC carried out attacks on 16 and 17 March against indigenous communities in the Cauca department, resulting in the death of a traditional community leader. This led Petro to suspend the ceasefire as of 20 March in the departments of Cauca, Narino, and Valle del Cauca.

Ahead of and during the visiting mission, Council members heard concerns from the Colombian government and former FARC-EP combatants about the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), the judicial component of the transitional justice system established by the 2016 agreement. They also heard concerns from members of the SJP about the many pressures they face in their work, including challenges to their autonomy and security threats against magistrates as well as victims and those appearing before the court.

In a 6 February letter to Petro, sent shortly before the visit, signatories to the agreement raised concerns about pending amnesties for former combatants and argued that the SJPs decision to prosecute middle-ranking and rank-and-file former guerrillas has created legal uncertainty, among other issues. Following the visit, several leaders of the former FARC-EP suggested in a 24 February interview that an alternative justice mechanism could be considered, but then clarified in an 8 March interview that they will continue appearing before the SJP. The Secretary-General called in his report for constructive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders to resolve such issues.

Human Rights-Related Developments On 1 March, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk issued an update on the human rights situation in Colombia. He stressed that while Colombia made significant strides in 2023, pressing issues remain. In 2023, his office verified 105 killings of human rights defenders; 98 massacres, in which 320 people were killed; 53 cases of gender-based violence; and 134 cases of recruitment or use of children by non-state armed actors. On the other hand, he also highlighted Colombias commitments and actions to promote human rights, while welcoming the adoption of policies such as the public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups and criminal organisations. In a 15 March statement issued after the conclusion of his ten-day visit to Colombia, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples Francisco Cali Tzay acknowledged the legal advances and the governments intention to strengthen indigenous peoples rights. He deplored, however, the persistent challenges that threaten indigenous people, putting them at imminent risk of physical and cultural extermination. He also expressed alarm at the plight of indigenous women and children, who face discrimination within and outside their communities in access to health, education, and food. He urged the Colombian government to implement the recommendations of his predecessors, made after their visits in 2004 and 2009, and called for concrete measures to address the historical marginalization of indigenous peoples. Cali Tzays report to the Human Rights Council (HRC) will be available in September.

Key Issues and Options

The overarching priority for the Council is to continue supporting the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement. Throughout their visiting mission, Council members heard from interlocutors that the international communitys attention has helped the agreement withstand changes in the country, including the priorities of different governments. The Council could continue providing such support through its regular messaging on Colombia, including in future products such as press statements and resolutions on the verification missions mandate.

The Council heard consistent calls for the need to make 2024 the year of implementation by moving from the planning phase to advancement of policies, a message reiterated in the Secretary-Generals most recent report. Council members could continue emphasising in their statements the need to do so, including by implementing such policies as the public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups and criminal organisations.

Promoting the implementation of the gender and ethnic chapters of the 2016 agreement, which has been slow, has become a key priority for the Council in recent years. This is evidenced in the frequent messaging by Council members and in the agenda of the visiting mission, as members held a working dinner with representatives of womens organisations in Bogota as well as Afro-Colombian and indigenous representatives in the city of Buenaventura. During the visit, Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Marquez Minawho heads the Ministry of Equality, which oversees implementation of the two chaptersoutlined institutional hurdles to progress on these issues, including complicated bureaucratic procedures and systemic racism in certain state institutions. In addition, the Secretary-Generals report said that resource constraints continue to hamper the implementation of more than 100 gender-related provisions of the 2016 agreement, noting that the Vice Ministry of Women within the Ministry of Equality remains underfunded. Members could seek to bring more visibility to these issues, including by expressing support to Marquez efforts and by continuing to invite women as well as Afro-Colombian and indigenous civil society representatives to brief the Council.

Supporting transitional justice efforts in the country is a longstanding priority for the Council. Members have emphasised the importance of upholding the SJPs autonomy on numerous occasions, including through their press statements on Colombia. They apparently also wish to see addressed concerns about legal uncertainty by those appearing before the court. It seems that several SJP magistrates are expected to visit New York ahead of the Councils April Colombia meeting. Council experts could meet informally with the magistrates to discuss the concerns raised about the SJPs work. This will also allow them to gain a better understanding of the courts preparations for the handing down of sentences, which is expected in 2024, a crucialand potentially polarisingstage in the transitional justice process.

Council Dynamics

Council members are united in their support for the peace process in Colombia and for the verification missions work. It seems that Council members were encouraged by their recent visiting mission, as it demonstrated how the Council can exact important change on the ground when it speaks with one voice, which has become increasingly rare considering difficult dynamics on other situations, such as Ukraine and Gaza.

Council members have different views, however, about the appropriate level of Council support for the governments dialogue efforts with armed groups operating in the country. Some members, such as the US, apparently feel that a cautious approach is needed and advocate a case-by-case analysis of a possible UN role in such dialogue efforts. Other members would apparently like to see a more proactive approach from the Council in support of the dialogue processes. Council member Switzerland is an accompanying country in the dialogue process with the ELN and a guarantor country in the process with the EMC FARC-EP.

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AFRICA

Great Lakes Region (DRC)

Expected Council Action

The Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, is expected to provide the biannual briefing to the Council in April on the implementation of the 2013 Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework (PSC-F) for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region.

Key Recent Developments

Since the Councils last meeting on the Great Lakes region, the security situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated significantly. Conflict between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) has intensified in North Kivu, the epicentre of the conflict. Various armed militias known locally as Wazalendo (patriots) are joining forces with the FARDC in the conflict. The deteriorating security situation has reportedly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the DRC with a massive displacement of people. Reports indicate that the M23 has gained control of several areas and is advancing towards Goma, the capital of North Kivu. In particular, fighting has been reported near Sake, a town located 27 kilometers from Goma.

The deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC has also increased regional tensions. On 17 February, a Congolese military aircraft stationed at the Goma airport reportedly sustained minor damage in a drone attack. The DRC accused Rwanda of instigating the attack. In an apparent response to this accusation, Rwandas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation alleged in an 18 February press statement that the DRC has been posing a threat to Rwanda, leading Kigali to adjust its security posture.

Rwanda also accused the DRC and Burundi of supporting regime change in Rwanda. These accusations followed a 12 February visit by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye to Kinshasa, where he reportedly met with his Congolese counterpart to discuss the security situation in eastern DRC. Burundi has deployed forces in eastern DRC as part of a bilateral agreement with the Congolese government. Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have been strained since Burundi decided in January to close its borders with Rwanda, accusing it of supporting Burundian armed groupsan allegation Rwanda has denied. Burundis decision apparently came after a 22 December 2023 attack by Red Tabara, a Burundian armed group operating in eastern DRC, that targeted a village near Burundis western border with the DRC and reportedly left 20 dead, including 12 children.

On the margins of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa in February, Angolan President and Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Joao Lourenco, convened a mini-summit on 16 February that included regional leaders and AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. Participants discussed ways to restore a cessation of hostilities and facilitate direct talks between the DRC and Rwanda to avoid a further expansion of the conflict into a regional crisis. Following the mini-summit, President Lourenco held bilateral meetings with the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda on 17 February. He continued his diplomatic engagement in Luanda, meeting with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on 27 February and 11 March, respectively. Both leaders reportedly agreed in principle to meet for direct talks.

The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) was stationed in eastern DRC for a year as part of the Nairobi process, a regional initiative led by the East African Community (EAC). However, EACRF ceased operations when its mandate expired on 8 December 2023; the Congolese government did not want to renew the EACRFs mandate, seemingly dissatisfied with its inability to neutralise the M23. Instead, the Congolese government sought support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC)which decided to deploy its forces, known as the SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC)in eastern DRC with an offensive mandate in support of the Congolese governments military operations. The mission, comprising 5000 troops from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, started deploying in North Kivu in December 2023.

On 27 June 2023, a quadripartite summit of the EAC, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the ICGLR, and SADC was held in Luanda under the AUs auspices. The meeting agreed on a joint framework to promote coherence among the existing initiatives of the four regional mechanisms engaged in the DRC, with a clear division of responsibilities and agreed timelines. In its 4 March communique, the AU Peace and Security Council requested the AU Commission to convene a second quadripartite summit to follow up on the implementation of commitments made during the first summit.

Women, Peace and Security

At the 86th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which took place from 9 to 27 October 2023, the CEDAW Committee decided to request the government of the DRC to submit an exceptional report on conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls in its eastern provinces by April. During its 87th session, from 29 January to 16 February, the CEDAW Committee adopted a list of issues and questions for the DRC government to address in its exceptional report. Among other things, it asked the government to report on political and operational decisions it has taken to ensure that the civilian population is protected against sexual violence and other related human rights violations in eastern DRC, in particular after the departure of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO). The Committee also asked about measures taken by the government to strengthen the security of camps for internally displaced persons and limit the circulation and proliferation of light weapons in and around the camps, including in the context of the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue in April is how to de-escalate the regional tensions in the Great Lakes region. Council members would be keen to hear from Xia on his offices efforts, including his engagements with regional leaders in this regard.

A related issue is how to coordinate and harmonise the ongoing regional initiatives, which are supported by the Council. In this connection, Council members might be interested in receiving updates on progress in implementing the commitments made at the quadripartite summit. They may also welcome the intention to convene a second quadripartite summit.

Another important issue is the discussion about the revitalisation of the PSC-F to address the root causes of instability in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. Council members may wish to follow up on the decisions of the 11th meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the PSC-F in Bujumbura and learn more about preparations for the upcoming ROM meeting in Uganda this year.

Support for regional forces deployed in eastern DRC is likely to be another major issue. On 22 November 2023, SADC sent a formal letter to the Secretary-General requesting UN support for the deployment of SAMIDRC, including facilities, equipment, air asset services, medical support, and information and intelligence-sharing, among other things. The Councils decision on this matter will be informed by the Secretary-Generals upcoming report and recommendations pursuant to resolution 2717 of 19 December 2023. (For more, see the In Hindsight in our April Monthly Forecast.)

A possible option for Council members is to consult informally with SADC to have a better understanding of the deployment of SAMIDRC, its mandate and concept of operations, and its specific needs for support from the UN.

Council Dynamics

Council members are broadly supportive of addressing the root causes and drivers of conflict in the Great Lakes region. They believe the principles and commitments enshrined in the PSC-F remain relevant and should be respected by the signatory countries. They also supported the decision to reinvigorate the PSC-F. Council members agree that there is no military solution to the situation in eastern DRC and remain fully supportive of the efforts to find a political solution through the ongoing regional initiatives under the auspices of the EAC and the ICGLR. They may particularly welcome the role being played by Lourenco in trying to facilitate talks between the DRC and Rwanda to ease the tensions between the two countries.

Council members are concerned about the worsening humanitarian and human rights situation in the Great Lakes region, including the massive displacement of people due to the ongoing fighting in eastern DRC and human rights violations such as sexual exploitation and abuse. Some members continue to call for full adherence to international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as stress the need to ensure accountability and justice for human rights abuses and crimes committed in eastern DRC.

The increasing level of hate speech and incitement to violence against Kinyarwanda communities in eastern DRC has raised significant concerns among some Council members. This issue is expected to gain heightened attention in April, coinciding with the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis.

Council members have also highlighted the need to address the illegal exploitation of natural resources, which is fuelling the conflict in eastern DRC. They support the implementation of the UN Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention, and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region, which was developed by the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes. One of the key priorities of the strategy is promoting sustainable and transparent management of natural resources, as well as trade and investment.

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AFRICA

Libya

Expected Council Action

In April, the Security Council will hold its bimonthly briefing on the situation in Libya. Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily will brief the Council on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country and the Secretary-Generals latest report on UNSMIL. The chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki (Japan), will also brief on the committees activities.

Key Recent Developments

The political impasse in Libya continues between the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, and the eastern-based Government of National Stability (GNS), led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad and aligned with the House of Representatives (HoR) and the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) under the command of General Khalifa Haftar. The prolonged stalemate involving the rival governmentswhich has persisted since the indefinite postponement of elections that had been scheduled for December 2021is a key driver of Libyas political, security, and economic instability.

In this context, both the UN and national actors have concentrated efforts on facilitating agreement on a new roadmap for national elections to unify the countrys divided governments. In March 2023, the HoR and the GNU-aligned High State Council (HSC) established a joint 6+6 committeecomposed of six representatives from each bodyto draft electoral laws to enable elections. In June 2023, the committee announced that it had reached agreement on draft legislation, which the HoR and HSC subsequently approved.

The proposed legislation proved to be controversial, with various political factions contesting several of its provisions and both UNSMIL and Libyas High National Elections Commission (HNEC) identifying technical shortcomings. In September 2023, the 6+6 committee submitted to the HoR an amended version of the draft legislation, which the HoR approved on 2 October. Subsequently, it was sent to the HNEC for implementation, and the commission confirmed that the revised legislation was technically feasible. On 4 October, however, the HSC rejected the revised legislation, instead endorsing the 6+6 committees previous version and withdrawing its members from the committee.

In an attempt to break the impasse, UNSMIL announced in a 23 November 2023 statement that Bathily had invited key Libyan institutional stakeholders to a meeting to facilitate a settlement on the politically contested electoral issues. The statement said that Bathily had requested the HoR, HSC, LNA, and Presidential Council (established under the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement to serve as the countrys head of state) to designate representatives to attend a preparatory meeting to discuss the date, venue, and agenda of the meeting of their principals. The parties have not been able to agree on the parameters of the initiative, however, setting different and partially conflicting conditions for participation. At the Councils 15 February briefing on Libya, Bathily explained that the HoR has insisted that the main issue on the agenda should be the formation of a new unified government to organise elections, while Dbeibah has contended that the GNU will supervise the coming electoral process, meaning he will step down only after elections have been held. The HSC has pushed for the discussion to focus on reverting to the initial version of the 6+6 committees draft legislation.

At the 15 February briefing, Bathily reiterated that progress on holding credible national elections is not possible without a political settlement among Libyas main institutional stakeholders, and he called on them to put their self-interests aside and negotiate all contested issues in good faith. He also stressed the Councils critical role in exerting pressure on Libyan leaders to this end, as well as the importance of a unified and coordinated approach by all members of the international community. In this context, Bathily said that parallel initiatives are useful only if they support UN efforts. Otherwise, Libyan actors may use them as a means to perpetuate the status quo.

Following the briefing, Council members issued a press statement on 27 February reaffirming their commitment to an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, facilitated by the UN, which builds on the updated electoral laws agreed by the 6+6 committee and which will enable free and fair national elections to be held as soon as possible. The statement also called on all key stakeholders to engage fully with Bathily in good faith and without preconditions and make the compromises necessary to move the country forward towards elections.

On 10 March, the heads of the HoR, HSC, and Presidential Council met in Cairo under the auspices of the Arab League. In a joint statement following the meeting, the leaders said that they had agreed on the need to establish a unified government to organise elections and had decided to set up a technical committee within a specified period of time to build consensus on the 6+6 committees legislation, consider amendments, and resolve contested issues. The statement further called on UNSMIL and the international community to support the process to ensure its success. In an 11 March post on X (formerly Twitter), Bathily said that Presidential Council President Mohamed Menfi had informed him of the outcome of the Cairo meeting and that they had agreed to follow up on its conclusions. Neither Dbeibah nor Haftar attended the meeting, however, and some independent analysts have questioned the initiatives chances of success.

The AU has continued to support efforts to convene a national reconciliation conference in Libya. On 5 February, the AU High-Level Committee on Libya, which is chaired by Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, held a summit in Brazzaville, resulting in an outcome declaration that welcomed the recent decision of the Preparatory Committee for the Inclusive Conference on National Reconciliationa joint planning entity comprising AU and Libyan representatives that is led by Libyas Presidential Councilto hold the conference on 28 April in the city of Sirte.

Regarding the security situation, Bathily said during his 15 February Council briefing that no violations of the 2020 ceasefire agreement had been recorded during the reporting period. He cautioned, however, that the political stalemate continued to impede progress on implementing the agreements outstanding provisions, particularly the withdrawal of foreign forces. He also noted that competition between semi-governmental armed groupswhich are affiliated with different factions of the GNUto control strategic areas in Tripoli continued to threaten the citys fragile security. On 22 February, GNU Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi announced that the groups had agreed to transfer regular security duties in Tripoli to the police and would cease street patrols by the end of Ramadan on 9 April.

On 19 March, armed clashes broke out at the Ras Jdir border crossing into Tunisia, which the GNU subsequently closed. The violence reportedly occurred after Trabelsi signed a decree mandating GNU security forces to combat smuggling and maintain security at the border crossing, which is in a region inhabited by the AmazighLibyas largest ethnic minorityand under the de facto control of their governing body, known as the Amazigh Supreme Council. The GNU attempted a similar military operation at Ras Jdir in November 2023. Some analysts have cited control over the illicit economic activities taking place at the border crossing as the main cause of the ongoing dispute.

At the Councils February briefing, Bathily reiterated his concern about the countrys human rights situation, particularly for migrants and refugees. He described an increase in Sudanese refugees entering Libya, to which UN agencies have limited access, and criticised the forced expulsion of refugees to Libyas neighbouring countries, which violates international law. He also repeated his call for full access and independent investigations into alleged violations and abuses in Libyan detention facilities, where conditions are particularly dire. Illustrating the severe situation facing migrants and refugees in Libya, up to 60 people reportedly drowned on 13 March when a rubber dinghy that departed from north-western Libya deflated in the central Mediterranean. Some days later, on 22 March, the International Organization for Migration announced the discovery of a mass grave in south-western Libya containing the bodies of at least 65 migrants who are believed to have died while being smuggled through the desert.

Key Issues and Options

Supporting political momentum towards national elections to unify Libyas divided governments remains the key issue for the Security Council. In this context, an important objective for the Council is to help foster common political ground between the countrys rival legislatures to agree on electoral lawsa goal that Bathily has repeatedly urged Council members to support by wielding their influence on national stakeholders.

At Aprils meeting, members are likely to reiterate their call on Libyan actors to partake in good faith negotiations to finally achieve consensus on outstanding political issues. In this regard, some members may stress the importance of fully engaging with Bathilys mediation efforts and caution against competing initiatives that fail to deliver tangible progress toward elections, thereby prolonging the status quo. They might also welcome the AU-supported reconciliation conference in April as an important milestone that could help facilitate political agreement. The Council could consider adopting a presidential statement delivering these messages.

Council Dynamics

Council members remain united on the need for a Libyan-led, inclusive political process resulting in elections that will help to restore political, security, and economic stability to the country. They also remain broadly supportive of the UNs mediation role in this regard.

Broader geopolitical tensions still influence Council dynamics with respect to Libya, however. The US and other Western members remain concerned about the presence of the Wagner Groupthe private Russian security companyin the eastern part of the country under Haftars control. For its part, Russia routinely blames Libyas current instability on the NATO-led military intervention in 2011 and accuses Western countries of seeking to exploit Libyas oil reserves for economic gain.

The UK is the penholder on Libya.

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- NIO Inc. ("NIO" or the "Company"), a major player in China's smart electric vehicle market, today unveiled its delivery results for March and the first quarter of 2024.

In March 2024, NIO achieved a delivery volume of 11,866 vehicles, representing a 14.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure comprised 6,737 premium smart electric SUVs and 5,129 premium smart electric sedans.

NIO EC6; photo credit: NIO

Meanwhile, NIO announced it delivered 30,053 vehicles in the first quarter of 2024.

As of March 31, 2024, the cumulative deliveries of NIO vehicles amounted to 479,647 units.

In March 2024, NIO commenced the delivery of its 2024 product lineup, including the ES8, ES6, EC7, EC6, and ET5T models. These annual iterations boast improved configurations and performance, with particular emphasis on the upgraded Center Computing Cluster, contributing to enhanced computing power and product competitiveness, said NIO. Looking ahead, the Company plans to initiate deliveries of the 2024 ES7, ET7, and ET5 models in the second quarter of 2024.

NIO today announced the launch of a subsidy program, totaling up to 1 billion yuan, aimed at incentivizing the replacement of traditional oil vehicles with NIO's electric vehicles. The move is in response to China's State Council's "Action Plan for Promoting Large-scale Equipment Upgrades and Old-for-New Substitution of Consumer Goods," said the automaker.
SECURITY COUNCIL AND WIDER UN STRUCTURE

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Expected Council Action

In April, Maltas Minister for Foreign, Trade and European Affairs, Ian Borg, in his capacity as the current Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), is expected to brief the Security Council on the organisations activities.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The Council has received annual briefings from the OSCE CiO since 2004. The chairmanship of the OSCE rotates yearly, and on 1 January, Malta succeeded North Macedonia in this function. Aprils briefing will give Borg an opportunity to inform the Council about Maltas main priorities as chair and discuss possible avenues to strengthen OSCE-UN cooperation.

Malta outlined its priorities as OSCE chair at a 25 January session of the OSCE Permanent Council. At that meeting, Borg said that the war in Ukraine would remain the chairmanships top priority, while addressing instability in other crisis settings across the OSCE region would also require the organisations continued attention.

Since Maltas OSCE chairmanship coincides with its membership as an elected member of the Security Council, Borg noted that Malta had a unique opportunity to identify constructive synergies between the two bodies in the realm of peace and security. In this regard, he noted Maltas intention to advance discussions on Women, Peace and Security; cybersecurity; transnational challenges; and arms control.

The OSCE has come under significant stress since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Ukraine has been a major focus of the organisations work since the outbreak of hostilities in 2014, which saw fighting between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. In line with the OSCEs responsibility for monitoring the 2015 Minsk II agreementwhich outlined steps for ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine through a political settlementits Special Monitoring Mission had gathered daily information related to ceasefire violations and the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the Donbas region.

In 2022, 45 participating states twice invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to create an independent fact-finding mission to investigate abuses of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) in Ukraine. (The mechanism, which was created in 1991, allows participating states to initiate an investigation into human rights violations over the opposition of the state under scrutiny.) The fact-finding missions presented their findings in reports dated 12 April and 11 July 2022. The report of 12 April 2022 documented clear patterns of [international humanitarian law] violations by the Russian forces in their conduct of hostilities, citing evidence of the deliberate targeting of civilians, attacks on medical facilities, rape, and executions.

On 30 March 2023, the same 45 participating states invoked the Moscow Mechanism again, requesting the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate possible violations of IHRL and IHL, as well as possible cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity associated with the forcible transfer of children within parts of Ukraines territory temporarily controlled or occupied by Russia and/or their deportation to the Russian Federation.

More recently, on 29 February, 45 participating states invoked the Moscow Mechanism to investigate violations of IHL and IHRL associated with or resulting from the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian Federation. Ukraine selected the three experts to be part of the mission on 15 March.

Objections by Russia have prevented unanimity on broader decisions crucial to the OSCEs work. The organisation has been unable to agree on its annual budget; as a result, the OSCE has had to rely on monthly allotments. At the 25 January session of the OSCE Permanent Council, Borg highlighted that another priority for Malta would be to safeguard the OSCEs functionality, calling on OSCE participating states to demonstrate the necessary political will to give [the OSCE] the foundations it needs for a secure and resilient future and reach a consensus on a Unified Budget.

Additionally, the organisation overcame a significant hurdle when its Ministerial Council unanimously agreed on 1 December 2023 to select Malta as the 2024 OSCE Chairperson and to extend the tenure of senior officials, including OSCE Secretary-General Helga Maria Schmid, until September 2024. Prior to this decision, Russia had opposed the anticipated selection of Estonia, a NATO member, as CiO for 2024. Without an agreement, the OSCE would have faced the first instance in nearly five decades of failing to reach consensus on the CiO selection.

In addition to the situation in Ukraine, the briefers and Council members may address other conflict situations in the OSCEs area of operations. For example, the OSCE plays a role in international efforts towards a comprehensive and lasting political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict. Given that this and other conflicts in the OSCE region are not regularly discussed by the Security Council, some members might want to use the briefing to hear more about the OSCEs mediation efforts in these situations.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Over the years, Council members have expressed sharply diverging positions on issues within the OSCEs purview, most notably Ukraine, and on the broader European security architecture. These divisions have become more pronounced following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Several Council membersincluding the P3 (France, the UK, and the US)have argued that Russia ignored the efforts of the OSCEs then-CiO, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau, to prevent the war in Ukraine by addressing Russias security concerns through his Renewed European Security Dialogue initiative. Russia has dismissed this argument and has said that such a dialogue would not have been successful because of the Western countries position on the principle of indivisible security as set out in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has long argued that the enlargement of NATO poses an existential threat to Russia. In a 1 February 2022 letter to Canada, the US, and several European countries, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov criticised OSCE participating states for selectively interpreting the principle of indivisible security, noting that either there is security for all or there is no security for anyone. Western countries and former Soviet satellite states have typically associated the principle of indivisible security with the right of sovereign states to determine their own security alliances.

Given the growing calls for a peaceful settlement to the war in Ukraine, Council members might stress the need for the OSCE to reassert itself as a credible interlocutor for finding a lasting solution to the conflict and in the wider discussion of the future of Europes security architecture. Members might also suggest a possible role for the OSCE in monitoring potential future interim agreements, for example on securing the safety of nuclear siteswhich has been discussed at the Council on multiple occasions.

At the Councils last meeting on OSCE-UN cooperation, held on 4 May 2023, Russia argued that the OSCE failed in its primary task to achieve peace through good faith implementation of the Minsk agreements. It also accused the OSCE of becoming a platform for Russophobic invective. Nevertheless, Russia expressed its continued faith in the potential of the OSCE, saying that Moscow will not give up on attempts to hold a dialogue at the OSCE.

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Overview

In April, Malta will hold the presidency of the Security Council.

Malta is expected to organise a debate on the role of young people in addressing security challenges in the Mediterranean under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item. Ian Borg, Maltas Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, is expected to chair the meeting. A UN Secretariat official, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean Nasser Kamel, and a civil society representative are expected to brief.

In April, Malta will also organise a briefing on children and armed conflict titled Addressing the consequences of the denial of humanitarian access for children. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban, and a civil society representative are expected to brief.

The annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) will be held this month. Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Christopher Fearne will chair the meeting, which is expected to focus on preventing CRSV through demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten and a civil society representative are the anticipated briefers.

The quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question will also be held in April. Borg is expected to chair the meeting, which will include a briefing by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In April, the annual briefing on the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will take place. Borg will brief in his capacity as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

Several African issues are on the programme in April, including:

In addition to the quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, other issues related to the Middle East on the programme in April will be:

Yemen, monthly meeting on developments;

Syria, monthly meeting on political and humanitarian issues; and

Middle East, a briefing from Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator (SHRC) for Gaza Sigrid Kaag in accordance with resolution 2720 of 22 December 2023.

Two issues on the Americas will be on the programme:

Colombia, meeting on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia; and

Haiti, meeting on the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).

Regarding European issues, a briefing is planned on the work of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

As in past months, there may be one or more meetings on Ukraine, as well as additional meetings on the war between Israel and Hamas.

Other issues could be raised during the month, depending on developments.
AFRICA

South Sudan

Expected Council Action

In April, the Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) before its expiration on 30 April.

Key Recent Developments

The Secretary-Generals most recent report on South Sudan, dated 26 February, notes that implementation of critical benchmarks outlined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), necessary for elections to be held in December, remains behind schedule. Key issues that are yet to be determined include the constitution-making process, the type and number of elections, the electoral timeline, voter registration modalities, an integrated election security plan, and an election dispute resolution mechanism. In this regard, the report states that an assessment as to whether a critical mass of compliance has been achieved will be made in April 2024. (For background, see the South Sudan brief in our March 2024 Monthly Forecast.)

Security Council members convened for an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the situation in South Sudan. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed in the open session, highlighting the importance of political will, systematic planning, and adequate resources to realising the aspirations of the South Sudanese people regarding elections. He added that political competition amongst the ruling elite, increased inter-communal clashes and the added strain inflicted by the influx of returnees and refugees escaping the conflict in Sudan have all combined towards an assessment that elections, when held, are going to take place in an environment of elevated tensions and a constrained civic and political space in the country.

During the closed consultations, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom apparently said that, while the four core elements of the UNMISS mandate remain relevant in the current circumstances, the demands and expectations of the mission have expanded over time. (The four key elements of UNMISS mandate are: protection of civilians; creating the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance; supporting the implementation of the R-ARCSS and the peace process; and monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights.) It seems that Haysom further said that the UNMISS mandate renewal provides an opportunity to adopt a strategic and resource-informed approach that recognises the need for having adequate capacity in place ahead of the envisioned elections and to support a peaceful exit from South Sudans transitional phase. (For more, see our Whats in Blue story of 4 March.)

On 14 March, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2726, renewing the mandate of UNMISS until 30 April. It appears that this technical rollover was pursued to allow the Council sufficient time to review the conclusions of the UN Secretariats assessment regarding South Sudans election preparedness and then to have a substantial discussion on UNMISS mandate renewal, especially on the mandates technical electoral assistance component. (For background, see our Whats in Blue story of 13 March.)

On 20 March, the members of the Troika on South Sudan (Norway, the UK, and the US) issued a joint statement, calling on the South Sudanese government to urgently take steps necessary to ensure genuine and peaceful elections at the end of this year. The statement urged the government to use public revenue in a transparent manner to address public needs, including funding and operationalisation of electoral institutions.

With less than nine months left until the national elections, parties to the R-ARCSS remain divided on election preparedness. In a 20 March press release, the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), South Sudans ruling party, expressed its willingness to participate in elections at the end of this year. The press release noted that the institutions and legislation necessary to hold elections in December, such as the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), have been put in place. At the same time, it argued that the implementation of the rest of the provisions of the R-ARCSS, namely, a new census, a permanent constitution, and the return of refugees, are irrelevant for holding elections in December and should not be used as a pretext for the extending the transition period. The press release proposed that presidential and gubernatorial elections take place in December and parliamentary elections be held one year after the elected government comes into place. On the other hand, the SPLM-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) expressed concerns about the lack of necessary preparations and suggested a period of 24 months to complete the pending tasks.

In a 21 March press release, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)the body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the R-ARCSSnoted that despite their reconstitution, bodies such as the PPC, NEC, and NCRC remain unfunded. The way forward on elections, RJMEC said, depends on the parties meeting and engaging in dialogue openly and constructively, in the spirit of collegiality and consensus. In this regard, the RJMEC has written to the South Sudanese government, stressing the importance of inter-party consultations, and having a constructive dialogue with other stakeholders, according to the press release.

Intercommunal and subnational violence persists in many areas of the country. In a 27 February press briefing, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said that UNMISS had established a temporary operating base in Abiemnhom in Unity state, in line with its protection of civilians mandate and to improve security in areas bordering Warrap state and Abyeia disputed area along the Sudan-South Sudan border. UNMISS also established a temporary operating base in Maper, near the borders of Lakes, Unity, and Warrap states. The mission has identified Maper as a conflict hotspot characterised by frequent cross-border cattle raids, intercommunal violence, and widespread criminality, especially along key transportation routes. (For background, see the South Sudan brief in our March 2024 Monthly Forecast.)

Human-Rights Related Developments

On 1 March, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan presented its latest report (A/HRC/55/26), dated 29 February, to the Human Rights Councill (HRC) in Geneva. In her remarks, Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, said that the investigations conducted by the Commission point towards an absolutely unacceptable situation in South Sudan, whereby families and communities are devastated by human rights violations and abuses by armed forces, militias and state institutions acting with impunity. She mentioned that while commitments have been made by the South Sudanese authorities in addressing the drivers of violence and repression in the country, we continue to see a lack of political will to implement the measures necessary to improve millions of lives. Among other things, the 29 February report noted that key measures outlined in the R-ARCSS remain unimplemented, including security and transitional justice institutions, highlighted the instances of recruitment of children in the armed forces, and documented persisting armed conflict, violence and human rights violations in the country. The report called on the South Sudanese government, among other points, to allocate necessary resources for functional and effective rule of law and justice institutions, guarantee democratic space to enable credible elections with legitimate outcomes, and accelerate and ensure the deployments, resourcing and payment of the necessary unified forces. It also recommended that UN member states assist the South Sudanese government to take measures to end violence, especially conflict-related sexual violence.

During its 55th session, the HRC held an enhanced interactive dialogue on 1 March on the Commissions 29 February report. In his remarks during the session, Christian Volkmann, director of the field operations and technical cooperation division of the OHCHR, expressed concern about the current human rights situation in South Sudan. He stressed that inter- and intra-communal violence continue to pose significant threats to human rights, notably in Warrap, Jonglei, and Eastern Equatoria states: for instance, in 2023, UNMISS Human Rights Division documented 885 incidents, affecting 3,340 civilians, including 2,221 men, 516 women, and 603 children, reflecting a 24 percent increase compared to 2022. Volkmann noted that while there was some notable progress in advancing transitional justice in 2023, it had been slow.

PBC-Related Developments

In a letter to the Council, dated 11 March, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassador Sergio Franca Danese (Brazil) submitted advice on behalf of the PBC regarding the UNMISS mandate renewal. Among other points, the PBC suggested the Council consider:

calling for the provision of required funds for all the electoral management bodies; calling for the establishment of all outstanding institutions and processes and the development of effective security arrangements that would ensure an environment conducive to the holding of free, fair and credible elections; encouraging the transitional government to ensure the implementation of a robust code of conduct for all political stakeholders; and encouraging the international community to increase its support to the government to address the spiraling downturn in the economy, taking into account the significant effects of climate-related events such as frequent and intense flooding and localized drought.



Key Issues and Options

The key issue for the Council in April is the UNMISS mandate renewal. In their discussions, Council members are likely to be guided by the UN Secretariats assessment regarding South Sudans election preparedness and outstanding tasks related to the implementation of the R-ARCSS. Ahead of the negotiations, one option for the members would be to hold closed consultations with Special Representative Haysom to receive a briefing on the assessment report and exchange views on the possible way forward.

An additional important issue is how UNMISS can enhance its capacity to protect civilians, which is one of the missions core mandated tasks. In keeping with the recommendations of the independent assessment on the implementation of the UNMISS protection of civilians mandate, dated 4 December 2023, the Council could encourage the mission to adopt a more proactive posture and expand its footprint by, for example, responding quickly to outbreaks of violence, systematically conducting patrols to protect women and girls carrying out subsistence activities (such as gathering firewood) at camps for internally displaced persons and at the Malakal protection of civilians site, and employing more community liaison assistants.

Another key issue is the ongoing restrictions on humanitarian access and violence against aid workers in South Sudan. One option in this regard would be for the Council president to conduct a demarche on behalf of all Council members to South Sudan, seeking its assistance in facilitating unfettered humanitarian access.

Council Dynamics

Most Council members share similar concerns about the delays in implementing the R-ARCSS, the ongoing sub-national and intercommunal violence, and the economic and humanitarian crises in South Sudan. There are, however, differences in tone in members statements. Some members, such as the US, are more critical than others about what they perceive as the South Sudanese governments lack of political will to implement the R-ARCSS. During the 5 March Council briefing on the situation in South Sudan, the US said that in the absence of urgent action from the South Sudanese government, allocating further financial resources for election preparationssends a wrong message. It added that future funding for the elections must be accompanied by a renewed push on the South Sudanese peace process and improved humanitarian access.

On the other hand, Council memberssuch as China, Russia, and the members of the A3 plus one grouping (Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Guyana)are less critical of the government. In their statements, these members often highlight the progress made by the South Sudanese government amidst the challenges facing South Sudan, including the dire humanitarian situation, intercommunal violence, and the looming economic crisis. These members advocate for enhanced international financial support to assist South Sudan in its political transition and strengthening its capacity-building.

Differing views persist on the utility of the arms embargo on South Sudan. China, Russia, and African members have tended to view the arms embargo as counter-productive, while others have seen this as an important tool in curtailing instability in the country.

The US is the penholder on South Sudan, while Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone) chairs the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee.

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Status Update since our March Forecast

International Criminal Tribunals

On 4 March, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2024/1) requesting the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) to submit a report on the progress of its work since the last review of the IRMCT, which was conducted in June 2022.

Afghanistan

On 6 March, the Security Council held an open briefing on the situation in Afghanistan (S/PV.9565). Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva briefed on recent developments and the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on the mission (S/2024/196). The Council was also briefed by Fatima Gailani, Chair of the Afghanistan Future Thought Forum, which comprises employees of the former Afghan government as well as representatives of civil society and academia. On 15 March, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2727, extending UNAMAs mandate for another year, until 17 March 2025.

Sudan

On 7 March, the Security Council convened for an open briefing (S/PV.9567), followed by closed consultations, on the Secretary-Generals report on UN efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability (S/2024/204), submitted in accordance with resolution 2715 of 1 December 2023, which terminated the mandate of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). The report covered developments between 1 December 2023 and 20 February 2024. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed in the open chamber, while Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra briefed during the closed consultations.

On 8 March, the Security Council adopted resolution 2724, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and for all warring parties to seek a sustainable resolution to the conflict through dialogue. It was adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (Russia).

On the same day (8 March), the Security Council adopted resolution 2725, renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee for another year, until 12 March 2025. The resolution expresses the Councils intention to review the panels mandate and take appropriate action regarding a further extension by 12 February 2025. The resolution contains new language encouraging all parties and all member states, as well as international, regional, and subregional organisations, to ensure continued cooperation with the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, and the safety of its members. This years resolution also takes note of the panels reporting on the complex financing schemes established by armed groups active in Darfur and requests the panel to further investigate all relevant funding sourcesincluding local, national, and internationalof these armed groups. It was adopted with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia).

On 20 March, the Security Council held a briefing on food insecurity in Sudan under the Protection of civilians in armed conflict agenda item (S/PV.9582). (See the Protection of Civilians status update for more information.)

Ukraine

On 8 March, Ukraine, supported by Ecuador, France, and the UK, requested a briefing (S/PV.9570) to discuss intensified Russian missile attacks earlier this month, including a lethal strike on 6 March in the city of Odesa during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari and Lisa Doughten, the Director of Financing and Partnerships of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), briefed.

On 14 March, Council members held a meeting under any other business at Russias request to discuss developments pertaining to the domestic investigations conducted by Denmark, Sweden, and Germany into the 26 September 2022 explosions that caused physical damage to the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca briefed.

On 15 March, the Security Council convened for a briefing on the situation in Ukraine (S/PV.9578). The meetingwhich was requested by Ukraine and supported by Sloveniafocused on the presidential elections that Russia was organising between 15 and 17 March in Crimea and in parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions in Ukraine. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed.

On 22 March, the Security Council convened for an open briefing under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item (S/PV.9585). Russia requested the meeting to discuss the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine. High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu and political analyst Matthew Hoh briefed the Council.

Working Methods

On 11 March, the Security Council convened for its annual open debate on its working methods (S/PV.9571 and Resumption I). Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki (Japan), the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG), and Executive Director of Security Council Report (SCR) Karin Landgren were the briefers. Yamazaki briefed on the work of the IWG so far in updating Note 507. Landgren covered the importance of working methods in the context of conflict prevention and suggested ways in which the Council could make greater use of some of its tools including engaging with UN regional offices and regional organisations. The elected members (E10) made a joint statement for the seventh time at the annual working methods open debate. It was delivered by Mozambique, the E10 coordinator for March. 44 member states spoke during the debate. Among the issues raised were Article 27 (3), the annual report of the Security Council, and the use of the veto.

Arria-formula Meeting on the Synergies between the CEDAW and WPS Agenda

On 12 March, Switzerland convened a Security Council Arria-formula meeting on leveraging the synergies between the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) framework. President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd provided opening remarks. Council members were briefed by UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous and the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee), Ana Pelaez Narvaez. Civil society representative Moon Nay Li of the Womens League of Burma also briefed.

EU-UN Cooperation

On 12 March, the Security Council held its annual meeting on EU-UN cooperation under the agenda item Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security (S/PV.9573). At the meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell briefed Council members on strengthening the EU-UN partnership.

Conflict Prevention

On 13 March, the Security Council held an open debate on Promoting Conflict Prevention  Empowering All Actors Including Women and Youth under the Peacebuilding and sustaining peace agenda item. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassador Sergio Franca Danese (Brazil) briefed. The Council also heard briefings by Abiodun Williams, Professor of the Practice of International Politics at Tufts University and Sharon Bhagwan Rolls, Programme Manager at the Pacific Women Mediators Network. Sixty-seven member states issued a joint statement at the press stakeout committing to work together to effectively incorporate proposals and recommendations made by various countries and regions into the Councils activities to further promote conflict prevention. Because of the number of speakers, the debate was continued on 19 March.

Protection of Civilians

On 20 March, the Security Council held a briefing on food insecurity in Sudan under the Protection of civilians in armed conflict agenda item (S/PV.9582). Guyana and Switzerland, the Councils co-focal points on conflict and hunger, joined by Sierra Leone and Slovenia, requested the meeting after OCHA sent a white note to Council members on food insecurity in Sudan, dated 15 March. The white note estimated that nearly 18 million people across Sudan are currently facing acute food insecurity, described by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)used by relief agencies to measure hunger levelsas crisis level conditions or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above). OCHA Director of Operations and Advocacy Edem Wosornu, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina, and World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Carl Skau briefed. Sudan participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

Non-Proliferation

On 26 March, Council members convened for a briefing on the activities of the 1540 Committee (S/PV.9589). Ambassador Jose Javier De La Gasca (Ecuador) briefed the Council in his capacity as chair of the 1540 Committee. At the briefing, he discussed the latest developments since the Committees previous report to the Council. He emphasised that the Committee approved the appointment of five candidates to its Group of Experts in February 2024, allowing the group to be better resourced to assist the Committee in its work.

Lebanon

On 19 March, Council members received a briefing in consultations on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1701. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed.

Arria-formula Meeting on Unilateral Coercive Measures and Counter-Terrorism

On 25 March, Russia convened an Arria-formula meeting on the impact of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) on global counter-terrorism efforts. The briefers were Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Vladimir Voronkov; UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights Alena Douhan; and Alfred-Maurice de Zayas, a lawyer and former UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. In addition to Council members, participants included Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, as well as Cuba, Iran, Sri Lanka, and Syria.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

On 27 March, the Security Council held a briefing and consultations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the work of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) (S/PV.9590). Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO Bintou Keita and a civil society representative briefed. Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

UNDOF (Golan)

On 27 March, Council members received a briefing in closed consultations on the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report (S/2024/242), dated 18 March, on the activities of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the implementation of resolution 338 of 22 October 1973. The report covered the activities of UNDOF from 21 November 2023 to 20 February 2024. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed.

Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)

On 28 March, the Security Council voted on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts (PoE) assisting the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee. The draft text failed to be adopted owing to a veto cast by Russia. All other membersexcept China, which abstainedvoted in favour of the text.
MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In April, the Security Council will hold a meeting on the political process and the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Key Recent Developments

The civil war in Syria entered its 14th year on 15 March. While the fighting continues, the political process remains at a stalemate, and approximately 16.7 million Syrians remain in dire need of humanitarian assistance, 12.9 million of whom face food insecurity. This is the highest recorded share of people requiring humanitarian assistance at any time during Syrias civil war. Since 2011, over 14 million Syrians have been displaced, including 7.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to UNHCR.

In a 9 March statement marking the anniversary of the Syrian conflict, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the devastating impact of the 13-year-long conflict on the Syrian population, noting that arbitrary detention, mass incarceration, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and other ill-treatment, continue and are an obstacle to sustainable peace in Syria. He emphasised the importance of reaching a genuine and credible political solution in line with resolution 2254 of 18 January 2015 and creating the conditions necessary for the voluntary return of refugees in safety and dignity. Among other points, he called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, a cooperative and strategic approach to counter-terrorism, and sustained and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country.

On 17 March, Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen met with Syrian Foreign Minister Fayssal Mekdad in Damascus. During a press stakeout, Pedersen said that during the meeting, he presented his proposal for reconvening the Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva until the government and the opposition can find another mutually agreeable venue. The Constitutional Committee has not met since June 2022 owing to the opposition of Russia, a close ally of Syria, to Geneva as the venue, following Switzerlands imposition of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

On 21 March, Pedersen and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya briefed the Council on the political and humanitarian tracks in Syria, respectively. Pedersen underscored that Syria faces a negative trajectory with respect to political, security, humanitarian, human rights, and economic conditions. Noting that the political track remains blocked and dormant, he urged the Syrian government to engage in a deepened and concrete dialogue and said that it had rejected his offer to hold the ninth round of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva at the end of April. (The Syrian opposition, represented by the Syrian Negotiations Commission [SNC], accepted Pedersens proposal).

In her remarks at the meeting, Msuya provided an overview of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country. She highlighted that funding shortages for relief efforts had significantly curtailed the ability of humanitarian organisations to provide assistance in the country. In some cases, she pointed out, these shortages had led to the scaling back of health services in several areas: in north-west Syria, for instance, over 30 outpatient therapeutic feeding programmes for malnourished children have been forced to close since October 2023 and over 75 nutrition rapid response teamsabout half the totalhave suspended operations. Syrias 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), which required $5.41 billion, had received 37.8% percent funding ($2.04 billion), $31 million less than the 2022 HRP, which required $4.44 billion.

Heavy flooding in several parts of north-west Syria has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation. According to a 22 March OCHA press release, flooding at several displacement camps in Idlib and northern Aleppo during the preceding two days affected more than 15,700 people. Since the start of this year, more than 3,300 family tents have been damaged and some 500 tents have been completely destroyed as a result of over 100 flooding incidents in north-west Syria, the press release added.

Recent weeks have seen a decline in attacks against US forces stationed in the Middle East, which had increased in the months following the start of the Israel-Hamas war on 7 October 2023. Some reports have attributed this to the US response to a 28 January attack against its military facility known as Tower 22 in north-east Jordan, in which three US service members were killed. On 2 February, the US launched retaliatory airstrikes against 85 targets in western Iraq and eastern Syria, which reportedly killed at least 23 people affiliated with the militias, in Syria. On 7 February, the US Central Command announced that it had conducted an airstrike in Iraq in which a commander of Kataib Hezbollaha Shia militant group in Iraq supported by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on US forces in the region had been killed. (For background, see the Syria brief in our March 2024 Monthly Forecast.)

Airstrikes, allegedly conducted by Israel, continue to target sites in Syria. According to media reports, on 17 March, airstrikes launched from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights hit two military sites in the Qalamoun mountains in the north-east of Damascus, injuring one soldier. On 19 March, missile strikes targeted several military installations outside Damascus, which media reports suggest were weapons depots for Hezbollah.

On 26 March, airstrikes targeting positions in Deir-ez-Zor and Al-Bukamal and its surroundings left at least 15 people dead, including one IRGC member, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR)a UK-based monitoring group with a presence in the country. This attack also resulted in the death of a staff member of the World Health Organization. While the SOHR reported that the airstrikes were conducted by unidentified aircraft, Syrian state media accused the US of the attack. During a press conference later that day, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh denied these claims. At the same time, Israeli media reports suggest that the Israeli Defense Forces were responsible for the attack.

In the latest round of attacks, the SOHR reported that on 29 March, airstrikes allegedly conducted by Israel hit several targets across Aleppo, including Hezbollahs weapons warehouse in the Jabrin area, near Aleppo international airport, and Syrian air defence facilities in Al-Safirah. At the time of writing, the attack had resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people, including 36 Syrian soldiers and six Hezbollah fighters, which SOHR reported as the highest death toll ever among regime forces in a single Israeli attack in Syrian territory, and the most violent attack by Israeli forces on Syria in the past three years. While Israel has not commented on these strikes, it has historically targeted sites associated with Iranian forces and affiliated militants in Syria.

Human-Rights Related Developments

On 11 March, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria (COI) released its latest report, covering the period from 1 July to 31 December 2023. During this period, the report said, the conflict in Syria was characterised by increased confrontation and infighting among the various authorities and forces controlling areas in the country, with north-west Syria witnessing the largest escalation of hostilities since 2019-20. The report provided evidence documenting that across multiple frontlines, parties to the conflict have attacked civilians and infrastructure in ways that are likely to amount to war crimes. The report highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, noting that approximately 90 percent of the population lives in poverty, while increased lawlessness is fuelling predatory practices and extortion by armed forces and militias.

In an 18 March statement, COI Chair Paulo Pinheiro described the intensified hostilities across multiple frontlines in Syria and stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive path towards a just political settlement. He said that since 7 October and Israels Gaza onslaught, attacks between the US and alleged Iran-backed groups, as well as strikes by Israel, have significantly increased. He added that some of the strikes that Israel has conducted in Syria since then have hit Syrias major airports, affecting UN humanitarian air services. Daesh (also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) has also been increasing its attacks against civilians, which he said may amount to war crimes. The prospects of a political settlement for Syria appeared more remote than ever, he said, pointing out that there has been little to no progress on some key issues such as security, refugees, and drugs.

On 19 March, the COI published a policy paper titled Punishing the Innocent: Ending violations against children in Northeast Syria. Highlighting the violations and crimes against children in north-east Syria, the paper said that some 30,000 Syrian and foreign children remain unlawfully deprived of their liberty because of their, or their families, alleged links to Daesh. The COI called on the Syrian government to enable voluntary and safe return of children to their homes in government-controlled areas and facilitate pathways for all children residing in Syria to access affordable and recognised official documentation. It also recommended that UN member states take immediate steps to ease the registration of children of foreign nationals born in Syria, to facilitate their repatriation, to prevent a situation of statelessness created during the armed conflict, and provide adequate funding for humanitarian responses for all children, including gender- and age-sensitive health, education, shelter, livelihood, reintegration and rehabilitation programmes.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members is the ongoing hostilities in Syria. Determining how the Council can address the spillover effects from the situation in Israel and Gaza and de-escalate tensions is an important issue for the Council. Continuing violence and the lack of accountability threaten to destabilise the country further. At the same time, Daesh remains one of the key security threats in Syria. One option would be for the co-chairs (Switzerland and the UK) of the Informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians to hold a meeting on the situation in Syria to receive briefings from relevant UN entities on the impact of the conflict on civilians.

Another important issue for the Council is maintaining international attention to the situation in Syria when it is largely focused on other crises, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine. As well, a key issue is how to alleviate the growing humanitarian needs throughout the country. In this regard, members could consider calling for an international donor conference to garner additional funds for humanitarian assistance in Syria. A press statement calling on the international community to scale up the humanitarian response would be another option.

The need to break the underlying political impasse in Syria and support the Special Envoys work in this regard is another key issue. The Council could consider adopting a presidential statement that backs Pedersens efforts to reinvigorate the political process.

Council Dynamics

Syria remains one of the most divisive files on the Councils agenda. China and Russia are supportive of the Syrian government, emphasising the need to respect the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity and drawing connections between unilateral coercive measures on Syria and the challenging humanitarian situation in the country. In contrast, the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and other like-minded members criticise the government for violating international humanitarian law and human rights law, arbitrarily detaining people, and not engaging meaningfully in political dialogue.

Switzerland is the penholder on the Syria humanitarian file.

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The Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

Expected Council Action

In April, the Security Council expects to hold its quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg is expected to chair the meeting, which is one of the signature events of Maltas April presidency. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is the anticipated briefer.

During the month of April, the Security Council also expects to receive a briefing from Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator (SHRC) for Gaza Sigrid Kaag. Resolution 2720 of 22 December 2023 mandated the SHRC to report to the Security Council within 20 days of her appointment and thereafter every 90 days until 30 September.

Council members may convene additional meetings during the month depending on developments.

Key Recent Developments

Following the 7 October 2023 large-scale attacks against Israel led by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out massive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. On 27 October 2023, the IDF also launched a ground operation initially focused on northern Gaza and later extended to most other areas of the Gaza Strip. Figures provided by Palestinian officials in Gaza cited by OCHA indicate that, as at 27 March, at least 32,490 Palestinians had been killed. Up to 1.7 million people are estimated to be displaced across the Gaza Strip, the majority of them multiple times. Large areas of Gaza, including critical infrastructure, have been bombed to the ground, with analysts identifying Israels offensive as one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history.

According to figures provided by Israeli authorities cited by OCHA, more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in Israel, the vast majority on 7 October 2023. As at 21 February, an estimated 134 Israelis and foreign nationals remain captive in Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is abysmal, with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently describing the conditions in which people in Gaza are living and receiving health care as inhumane.

An 18 March Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report said that famine is imminent in the northern governorates of the Gaza Strip and projected to occur anytime between mid-March and May 2024, with the entire population of Gaza facing high levels of acute food insecurity. In a 19 March statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that [t]he situation of hunger, starvation and famine is a result of Israels extensive restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid and commercial goods, displacement of most of the population, as well as the destruction of crucial civilian infrastructure. Noting that the report found that over half of all Palestinians in Gaza, 1.1 million people, have completely exhausted their food supplies and are facing catastrophic hungerthe highest such number ever recorded by the IPC system anywhere, anytimeGuterres said that the report is clear evidence for the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and called on Israel to ensure complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza.

In a 24 March post on X (formerly Twitter), UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that Israeli authorities had informed the UN that they will no longer approve any UNRWA food convoys to northern Gaza, a situation which Lazzarini said would lead to the clock ticking faster towards famine. (Israel has presented reportedly uncorroborated information since 18 January that 12 UNRWA employees played a role in the 7 October attacks. Israeli news outlets reported in March that the IDF had decided to work to dismantle UNRWA in Gaza.) According to a 27 March UNRWA update, five UNRWA food convoy requests to access the north have been denied by Israeli authorities since 22 March.

Non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Commission of Jurists have stressed that Israel has failed to comply with the 26 January order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) indicating provisional measures in South Africas proceedings against Israel concerning alleged violations in the Gaza Strip of obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention). Among other measures, the ICJ said that Israel must take all measures within its power in relation to Palestinians in Gaza to prevent the commission of acts within the scope of Article 2 of the convention, including killing and causing serious bodily or mental harm, and ensure that its military forces do not commit any of these acts. The ICJ order also says that Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza.

Following a 6 March request by South Africa for the indication of further provisional measures, on 28 March the ICJ ordered that Israel shall, among other actions, take all necessary measures to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza.

On 9 February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had ordered the preparation of a combined plan to evacuate civilians and to destroy Hamas forces in Rafah. Since that announcement, key international interlocutorsincluding senior UN officials and humanitarian and human rights organisationshave repeatedly warned of the catastrophic consequences of an offensive targeting Rafah, where over a million displaced Palestinians are currently present.

Since 7 October 2023, Council members have voted on ten draft resolutions, adopting three of these texts: resolution 2712 of 15 November 2023, resolution 2720 of 22 December 2023, and resolution 2728 of 25 March. (For background, see our Whats in Blue stories of 15 November 2023, 20 December 2023, and 26 March.) Resolution 2728 was the first of these resolutions to demand a ceasefire, albeit a time-limited one. The Security Council had been coming under increasing criticism for its failure to adopt such a measure, with Medecins Sans Frontieres Secretary General Christopher Lockyear stressing during his briefing at the 22 February Council meeting on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question that [m]eeting after meeting, resolution after resolution, this body has failed to effectively address this conflict.

Resolution 2728, which was put forward by the Councils ten elected members (E10), was adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention from the US. The resolution:

demands an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire (Ramadan started on 10 March and will end around 9 April);

demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and that the parties comply with their international law obligations in relation to all persons they detain; and

emphasises the urgent need to expand humanitarian assistance and reinforce the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

With the exception of provisions focused on the appointment of the SHRC and UN reporting, resolutions 2712, 2720, and 2728 remain unimplemented.

Regarding the situation in the West Bank, a 4 March report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, covering the period from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023, noted that the human rights situation in the West Bank was already grave prior to 7 October 2023. State and settler violence against Palestinians increased markedly after 7 October, entrenching the long-standing discriminatory system under which Israel exercises control over Palestinians, according to the report. The report also said that Israel escalated the use of lethal force against Palestinians across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, often in situations in which its use constituted arbitrary deprivation of life.

According to the latest Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 2334, which was delivered orally at the 26 March Security Council meeting on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question and covered the period from 8 December 2023 to 18 March, during the reporting period, 159 Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces, one Palestinian was killed by Israeli settlers and another was killed either by Israeli forces or by settlers. Ten Israelis were killed by Palestinians during the same period, according to Israeli sources cited in the report.

The report noted that settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has continued and intensified, with approximately 4,780 housing units being advanced or approved during the period covered by the report. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures have continued too, with Israeli authorities demolishing, seizing, or forcing people to demolish 300 structures, displacing 314 people. The report further notes that, in a continuing trend, 35 Palestinians left their West Bank communities citing violence and harassment by settlers and shrinking grazing land.

Human-Rights Related Developments

According to a 25 March report by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, which analyses Israels operations in Gaza since 7 October 2023 with reference to the Genocide Convention, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the threshold indicating Israels commission of genocide is met. Amnesty International has welcomed the report, saying that it must serve as a vital call to action, adding that states must apply political pressure on the warring parties to implement resolution 2728 and must impose a comprehensive arms embargo against all parties to the conflict.

Women, Peace and Security

According to a 1 March press release by UN Women, 9,000 women have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces during the war. The update says that, according to data collected by UN Women, more than four out of five women in Gaza report that their family eats half or less of the food they used to before the war began, with mothers and adult women being those tasked with sourcing food, yet eating last, less, and least than everyone else. A 21 February statement issued by UN independent experts stressed the urgent and growing need to address the near total disruption of schooling, massive destruction of housing, lack of access to sexual and reproductive health care and supplies, and heightened risk of arbitrary detention and violence, including gender-based violence, faced by women and girls in Gaza and the West Bank.

On 11 March, the Security Council held a meeting on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) under The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question agenda item. France, the UK, and the US, joined by Ecuador and Slovenia, called for the meeting following a request by Israel. The meeting followed a mission by Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten to Israel to gather, analyse, and verify information on CRSV during the 7 October 2023 attacks and the issuance on 4 March of a report presenting her findings. The report says that there are reasonable grounds to believe that CRSV, including rape and gang rape, was perpetrated in at least three locations during the 7 October attacks. The mission also found clear and convincing information that some of the hostages that were taken into Gaza during the attacks have been subjected to various forms of CRSV, and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing. Pattens mission included a short visit to the city of Ramallah in the West Bank, where, according to her report, [s]takeholders raised concerns about cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Palestinians in detention, including the increased use of various forms of sexual violence.

Key Issues and Options

The prospects for a two-state solution were waning even before the current escalation, and the longer the war continues, the more difficult it will be to establish a political horizon for such negotiations. Determining how the Council can facilitate the resumption of political negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians to move towards a resolution of the conflict and achieve a two-state solution remains a fundamental issue for the Council.

The lack of implementation of resolutions 2712, 2720, and 2728 is also a key issue for the Security Council. As the body mandated by the UN Charter to decide on measures to give effect to judgments of the ICJ, the non-implementation of the ICJ order is also an issue for the Security Council. Council members could evaluate the space for imposing measures not involving the use of force under Article 41 of the Charter to advance the implementation of the Councils resolutions and the ICJ order.

If Council dynamics impede the adoption of such measures, another option would be for the Council to request a briefing from the ICJ president on the provisional measures the Court has rendered.

In a 23 February statement, over 30 UN independent experts said that [a]ny transfer of weapons or ammunition to Israel that would be used in Gaza is likely to violate international humanitarian law and must cease immediately. The statement notes that the 1949 Geneva Conventions and customary international law require that all states ensure respect for international humanitarian law by conflict parties. States that are parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) have additional obligations. Although any agreement on a Council product on this issue is unlikely, given that the US remains the largest arms exporter to Israel, an option could be for Council members to invite some of the experts who issued the statement to brief the Council on the legal consequences of weapons and ammunition transfer when there is a clear risk that such weapons may be used in violation of international humanitarian law.

Council Dynamics

Before 7 October 2023, Council dynamics precluded effective action in response to the non-implementation of Security Council resolutions as well as a shared strategy to restart a political process between Palestinians and Israelis, with the US maintaining that the circumstances were not ripe for the reignition of such a process.

Difficult dynamics have characterised the Councils response to the war, which has been marked by contentious and prolonged negotiations, with multiple failed adoptions.

The US, which has provided Israel with political and military support throughout the war, has until recently opposed demands for an immediate ceasefireincluding by vetoing two draft resolutions that called directly for this measure and a draft text calling for humanitarian pauses. While the US still opposes unconditional demands for an immediate ceasefire, it recently introduced a qualified use of this term during negotiations at the Security Council and in its political messaging. The US abstained on the vote on resolution 2728, allowing this resolution, which received favourable votes from all other Council members, to be adopted. Nevertheless, following the adoption, the US has downplayed the importance of resolution 2728 in its public remarks, and has stressed the primacy over the resolution of the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas it is co-facilitating with Egypt and Qatar in delivering results on the ground.

Resolution 2728 was co-sponsored by the E10 after overcoming diverging positions among this group during negotiations on some aspects of the resolution. (For background, see our Whats in Blue story of 26 March.) In its intervention after the adoption of resolution 2728 and at the 26 March meeting on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, France said that it will seek a further Security Council product on this issue.

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AFRICA

Western Sahara

Expected Council Action

In April, Security Council members are expected to receive a briefing in closed consultations on the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The Special Representative for Western Sahara and Head of MINURSO, Alexander Ivanko, and the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, are the anticipated briefers.

Background and Key Recent Developments

On 30 October 2023, the Security Council adopted resolution 2703, renewing the mandate of MINURSO for another year until 31 October, with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (Mozambique and Russia). The resolution introduced new language that welcomed the convening by de Mistura of informal consultations with Morocco, the Polisario Front (the entity representing the inhabitants of the Western Sahara region, known as Sahrawis), Algeria, and Mauritania, as well as with members of the Group of Friends of Western SaharaFrance, Russia, Spain, the UK, and the USfrom 27 to 31 March 2023 in New York.

The Secretary-Generals most recent report on MINURSO, dated 3 October 2023, noted that these informal bilateral consultations were aimed at discussing lessons learned in the political process, deepening examination of the positions, and continuing to seek mutually agreeable formulas to advance the political process. According to the report, during the informal bilateral consultations, Morocco reiterated its position that its autonomy proposal was the only viable outcome of a political process. (The plan, which Morocco submitted to the UN in 2007, calls for integrating the territory into Morocco, with the Sahrawi people managing their internal affairs while being represented externally by Morocco.) On the other hand, the Polisario Front reaffirmed its position that self-determination remained the only basis of any political process.

The situation continues to be tense on the ground. According to a 29 October 2023 Reuters article, four explosions struck the city of Smara, which is located in the disputed territory, on the same day, killing one person and injuring three others. The Polisario Front claimed responsibility for this attack. According to another media report, the Sahrawi Peoples Liberation Armythe armed wing of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)attacked the positions of the Moroccan armed forces on 3 March in the Rous Sebti area of Mahbes, located in the UN-monitored buffer zone. On 20 March, a drone strike allegedly carried out by the Moroccan army in Mahbes killed three people associated with the Polisario Front, according to a local media report.

In a letter dated 19 February, the SADR called the attention of the Council members to the increasingly dangerous situation in the Occupied Sahrawi Territories, accusing Moroccan forces of waging a genocidal war against Sahrawis. The letter references reports from the region indicating that Moroccan forces were involved in the destruction of, and setting fire to, several rural houses and huts owned by Sahrawis in the city of El Aaiun. The letter further accused Moroccan authorities of confiscat[ing] vast lands owned by Sahrawis and deliver[ing] them to Moroccan settlers and foreign investors. South Africa shared this letter as an annex to official UN correspondence since the SADR holds no official status with the UN.

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter), US Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Joshua Harris arrived in Algiers on 6 December 2023 to begin a round of consultations with Algeria and Morocco on advancing regional peace and intensifying the UN political process in Western Sahara. On 8 December, he met with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and Secretary General of the Algerian Foreign Ministry Lounes Magramane. On 17-18 December, Harris visited Rabat, where he met with Moroccos Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and reiterated the US position on Western Sahara, which calls for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution for Western Sahara and supports Moroccos Autonomy Proposal as serious, credible, and realistic, and one potential approach to resolving the issue. In a 29 February press release, US President Joseph Biden announced his decision to nominate Harris as the US Ambassador to Algeria.

De Mistura has continued his diplomatic efforts in a bid to advance the political process. On 31 January, he visited Pretoria at the invitation of the South African government to meet with senior government officials, including South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, to discuss the issue of Western Sahara. (South Africa supports the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara and recognises an independent SADR, as proclaimed by Polisario Front in 1976). South Africa and Morocco have long experienced strained relations over their divergent stances on this issue. In an interview with a Moroccan news agency, Moroccos Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, expressed opposition to de Misturas visit to South Africa, adding that Morocco clearly warned him about the consequences of his trip on the political process.

On 11 March, de Mistura met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. According to a Russian foreign ministry press release, the officials discussed, among other things, prospects for a settlement of the Western Sahara issue. In addition, they took note of the stabilising role of MINURSO and exchanged views on the plans for re-launching the political process. During the meeting, Lavrov emphasised the importance of reaching a fair, long-term and mutually acceptable solution to the Western Sahara issue in accordance with Council resolutions, the press release said. On the same day, de Mistura also held consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members to consider is how to bring all parties to the negotiating table and reinvigorate the political process. At the same time, managing the competing interests of the relevant stakeholders is also a paramount issue. Resolution 2703 called on all parties to resume negotiations with a view to achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

Significant obstacles remain in the peace process. The Polisario Front announced in November 2020 that it would no longer respect the ceasefire agreement it signed with Morocco in 1991, which has led to a significant rise in hostilities over the last few years.

An important issue, which is described in the Secretary-Generals 3 October 2023 MINURSO report, is the constraints on MINURSOs logistical supply and maintenance of team sites east of the berm, which purportedly have serious consequences for the missions ability to sustain its field presences in the difficult conditions of the region. (The berm refers to an approximately 1,700-mile-long earthen wall that divides the Moroccan-administered portion of Western Sahara from that held by the Polisario Front.)

The human rights situation is another issue of concern. The Secretary-Generals 3 October 2023 report noted that OHCHR was unable to conduct any visits to Western Sahara for the eighth consecutive year despite multiple requests and strong encouragement from the Security Council for enhanced cooperation in resolution 2654 of 27 October 2022, which extended MINURSOs mandate for one year. The report added that OHCHR continued to receive allegations pointing to the shrinking of civic space, including through obstruction, intimidation and restrictions against Sahrawi activists, human rights defenders, and student movements. It further noted that Moroccan authorities reportedly continued to prevent gatherings in support of the right to self-determination and Sahrawi commemoration events.

A possible option for Council members would be to issue a press statement to express support, during the upcoming Council meeting, for de Misturas efforts and any strategy or approach that he is developing and urge the relevant parties to resume negotiations and show flexibility in their engagement with the Personal Envoy and each other, in the hopes of ending the current impasse and achieving progress towards a political solution.

Council Dynamics

Council members differ starkly in their national positions on Western Sahara. The US, the penholder on Western Sahara, recognised Moroccos sovereignty over the region in December 2020 during the administration of President Donald Trump and committed to opening a consulate in the disputed territory. The Biden administration has not changed this position. While France has traditionally supported the Moroccan autonomy plan, the UK supports a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

The African members of the Council do not have a common position. Sierra Leone recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and established a consulate in Dakhla in August 2021. At the same time, Algeria and Mozambique strongly support the right to self-determination for the Sahrawis and maintain diplomatic relations with SADR. These members are likely to push for more negotiations to determine the status of Western Sahara and for a focus on the human rights situation in the region. Guyana, which is a member of the A3 plus one grouping, withdrew its recognition of the SADR, dating from 1979, in November 2020.

Some members, such as Algeria and Russia, have also opposed the roundtable talksan initiative launched by former Personal Envoy Horst Kohler, which brought together Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and the Polisario Front. Algeria sees this initiative as potentially reframing the situation as a regional conflict instead of one between Morocco and the Polisario Front, with Algeria and Mauritania viewed as concerned neighbours. Algeria insists that it is not a party to the conflict and that it cannot take the place of the Polisario in negotiations but is prepared to step up its role in the political process as a neighbouring state.

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THEMATIC ISSUES

Women, Peace and Security

Expected Council Action

In April, the Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Christopher Fearne will chair the meeting, which is expected to focus on preventing CRSV through demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten and a civil society representative are the anticipated briefers.

No outcome is expected.

Key Recent Developments

The Secretary-Generals annual reports define CRSV as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage, and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict. The reports say that it also encompasses trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual violence and/or exploitation, when committed in situations of conflict.

This years report on CRSV will cover the period from January to December 2023 and will provide the basis for the April open debate. As mandated by resolution 1960 adopted in 2010, this years report will again include an annex listing parties credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other forms of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict on the agenda of the Security Council.

Despite the existence of a comprehensive legal and normative framework on CRSV, awareness campaigns, research and advocacy, CRSV remains prevalent. Several situations on the Security Councils agenda are likely to be discussed in this years Secretary-Generals report on CRSV.

Sexual violence, including rape, continues to be reported in the context of the conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, with some reported rapes appearing to be ethnically and racially motivated, according to UN independent experts. In her October 2023 briefing to the Security Council, Hala Al-Karibthe Regional Director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, a network of around 100 womens organisations from across the regiondescribed several reports of atrocities, including rape, torture and trafficking, perpetrated by the RSF, while noting that both the SAF and the RSF have committed serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. In May 2023, Patten urged the conflict parties to instantly issue strict command orders that prohibit sexual violence and put in place mechanisms to monitor the conduct of all armed elements they control, a message reiterated in a 29 January joint statement by the members of the Security Council that have signed on to the Shared Commitments on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

In Haiti, sexual violence, including rape, continues to be perpetrated by rival armed gangs in the context of the acute crisis affecting the country, characterised by extreme violence, political deadlock, and dire humanitarian conditions. The Secretary-Generals latest report on Haiti, which was issued on 15 January and covers developments since 16 October 2023, notes that gangs continue to use sexual violence systematically to consolidate control over populations, targeting women and girls, and that [s]ome are forced into exploitative sexual relations with gang members and face a brutal death if they refuse. Healthcare and psychosocial services for survivors and their dependents remain largely insufficient.

According to the summary letter of the 6 November 2023 meeting of the Informal Expert Group (IEG) on WPS on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), continued violence and armed conflict have a severe impact on women and girls, especially in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, with internally displaced women and girls being at heightened risk of sexual violence, sexual slavery, abduction, forced marriage and exploitation, owing to, among other factors, the presence of armed groups in and around the sites for internally displaced persons. The letter adds that sexual and gender-based violence is prevalent beyond the conflict areas, noting that this is exacerbated by food insecurity and womens socioeconomic situation, and stresses the urgent need for integrated multisectoral centres where survivors can receive medical, legal, psychological and socioeconomic support. In 2022, the DRC recorded the highest number of UN-verified CRSV incidents (701 cases).

CRSV remains a major concern as well in South Sudan. According to data cited in the reports of the Secretary-General on the situation in the country, between 16 February 2023 and 15 February 2024, the UN Mission in South Sudan documented and verified 96 CRSV cases affecting 138 survivors, including 80 women, five men, 50 girls and three boys. From 4 to 8 September 2023, Patten visited South Sudan, holding meetings with government officials and survivors of CRSV. She emphasised the necessity of strengthening accountability mechanisms and the need to focus on preventive and restorative interventions, mental health support and rehabilitation for survivors.

Patten also recently conducted a mission to Israel to gather, analyse, and verify information on CRSV during the 7 October 2023 attacks against Israel led by Hamas. Following a request from Israel after the issuance on 4 March of Pattens report on her visit, the Security Council held a meeting on CRSV on 11 March under The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question agenda item. According to the report, the objective of Pattens visit was to inform UN reporting by her office, including the Secretary-Generals annual report on CRSV, given the absence of relevant United Nations entities operating in Israel and, consequently, of UN-verified information. The report says that there are reasonable grounds to believe that CRSV, including rape and gang rape, was perpetrated in at least three locations during the 7 October attacks. The mission also found clear and convincing information that some of the hostages that were taken into Gaza during the attacks have been subjected to various forms of CRSV, including rape and sexualized torture and sexualized cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and it also has reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing. The report also notes that at least two allegations of sexual violence widely repeated in the media were determined to be unfounded.

Pattens mission included a short visit to Ramallah in the West Bank. Unlike her visit to Israel, this visit was not intended to verify information because of the presence of UN agencies in the occupied Palestinian Territory that will provide UN-verified data for the purposes of the Secretary-Generals annual report on CRSV. Nevertheless, the report notes that [s]takeholders raised concerns about cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Palestinians in detention, including the increased use of various forms of sexual violence, namely invasive body searches; threats of rape; and prolonged forced nudity. A 19 February statement by UN independent experts expressing alarm at allegations of human rights violations against Palestinian women and girls says that [a]t least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual violence while in detention. According to a recent update on the war in Gaza by the NGO Working Group on WPS, [t]he constant bombardment of hospitals, combined with the Israeli governments restrictions on fuel, water and aid, has led to the collapse of the healthcare system, putting mothers and their newborns at risk of significant physical and mental harm and violating womens sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The situation in Colombia is also likely to be discussed in the Secretary-Generals report. In September 2023, Patten commended the opening by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace of a dedicated case on sexual and gender-based violence, reproductive violence and other gender-based crimes on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity during the armed conflict. The case will encompass three sub-cases focusing on violence perpetrated against civilians by members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP); violence committed by members of the state security forces against civilians; and violence committed within the ranks of both the FARC-EP and the state forces. At the same time, violence in the communities has not stopped, noted civil society briefer Yolanda Perea during her 11 January briefing at the Security Council, adding that [t]hose who have been reintegrated, in particular the boys and girls who were forced to take up arms, and who suffered sexual violence, remain at risk.

Other situations of concern that might be detailed in the Secretary-Generals report include Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen.

Peacebuilding Commission Developments

On 31 January, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to discuss the needs and gaps in investing in womens full, equal, and meaningful participation throughout the peace continuum and how the Commission could help to address the challenges. During the meeting, some speakers spoke about the need to strengthen the protection of the human rights of women and to prevent all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including by strengthening legal frameworks and improving access to justice, and of the importance of strengthening the protection of women peacebuilders to secure a safe and enabling environment for their participation.

Then-PBC Chair Ambassador Ivan Simonovic (Croatia) recommended in his summary of the meeting that the PBC strengthen the implementation of its Gender Strategy and Action Plan, including monitoring and measuring the impact of its engagements. The Commission should also continue to provide a platform for women peacebuilders to share the priorities and needs of women in peacebuilding and to integrate their recommendations into the PBCs advice to relevant UN bodies.

Key Issues and Options

The holistic and substantive implementation of the Security Councils resolutions on WPS is the overarching issue. Regarding the topic of the open debate, the persistence of CRSV across conflict situations continues to be a key issue of concern.

Adopted in 2019, resolution 2467 recognised that CRSV occurs on a continuum of interrelated and recurring forms of violence against women and girls. To address CRSV from a structural perspective, including its political aspects and consequences, one option is to include in Council discussions of CRSV a focus on the theme of the continuum of violence and other intersecting forms of inequality that women and girls face both during conflict and in peacetime, as well as a focus on the nexus of protection and participation.

Members could support the deployment of womens protection advisers in peace operations, as well as in transition processes from peacekeeping operations to special political missions and country teams. In this regard, members may also support the maintenance of existing womens protection adviser positions in the context of the Fifth Committee and request the inclusion of enhanced capacity in contexts in which it is inadequate. A further option is to strengthen the gender and CRSV expertise informing the work of sanctions committees and invite Patten to share information with these committees.

Politicisation and instrumentalisation of UN findings regarding CRSV is a further issue. In a 7 March interview with France 24, Patten said that her 4 March report should not in any way be misused to justify the denial of a humanitarian ceasefire, nor should it be instrumentalised in any way to continue with this bloodshed. An option is for members to clearly express in their remarks at the Security Council that they oppose any attempt to instrumentalise CRSV to legitimate further violence. For instance, at the 11 March Council meeting on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, Malta said that advancing the WPS agenda means ensuring that the conflict-related sexual violence agenda is not instrumentalized, noting that this includes respecting and safeguarding the identity and dignity of survivors.

Council Dynamics

While notable implementation gaps persist, Council members are generally supportive of the WPS agenda, and their views converge on the need to eradicate CRSV. Nevertheless, Council dynamics on WPS remain difficult. For instance, during the recent negotiations of resolution 2725, which renewed the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee until March 2025, Switzerland proposed new language requesting the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict to share relevant information with the committee, and inviting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to do the same. However, owing to opposition from other Council membersincluding China, Russia, and the A3 plus one (Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Guyana)the proposed language was not included in the resolution. Nevertheless, at the request of the A3 plus one members, resolution 2725 includes an operative paragraph requesting the panel to assess in its reports, among other things, progress towards the promotion of peace and stability in Darfur and violations of IHL or violations or abuses of human rights, including those related to sexual and gender-based violence.

Russia continues to oppose the term CRSV arguing that it leads to an improper blurring of crimes of a sexual nature that occur in peacetime and during armed conflict, therefore unduly expanding the purview of the Councils mandate; an argument that most other Council members and civil society groups working on womens rights reject. Russia has also objected to Patten briefing in sanctions committee meetings and opposed her participation in Council meetings.

The UK is the penholder on WPS, and the US is the penholder on CRSV. Sierra Leone and Switzerland are the co-chairs of the IEG on WPS.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In April, the Security Council is expected to hold a briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Yemen. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and a representative of OCHA are expected to brief. There may also be a civil society briefer. The head of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), Major General Michael Beary, is expected to brief during consultations.

Key Recent Developments

Attacks by the Houthi rebel group on commercial shipping following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023 have continued, significantly disrupting trade routes in the Red Sea and prompting retaliatory military strikes by the UK and the US since 11 January. The situation has also stalledand risks upendingpeace talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia and deliberations on a UN roadmap for an inter-Yemeni political process.

On 2 March, the Belize-flagged and UK-owned cargo ship Rubymar, which was struck by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile on 18 February, sank in the Red Sea. This was the first vessel to sink since the start of the crisis, and triggered environmental concerns as it was carrying approximately 21,000 metric tonnes of fertilisers that could cause ecological damage.

On 6 March, three crew members (two Filipino nationals and one Vietnamese citizen) of a Barbados-flagged merchant vessel were killed when the ship was hit by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. These were the first deaths caused by the Houthi attacks. The Houthis claimed that the vessel, called the True Confidence, was US-affiliated. According to media reports, the ship had been owned by the US private equity company Oaktree Capital but a new, non-US company had recently purchased it.

At the Councils 14 March briefing on Yemen, Grundberg observed that the longer the crisis continues, the more likely it is that Yemeni parties will shift calculations and alter their negotiation agendas, adding that in a worst-case scenario they could decide to return to war. Amid this regional turmoil, Grundberg underscored the importance of the Councils maintaining its unity in support of a political process under UN auspices. OCHA Director of Operations and Advocacy Edem Wosornu, who recently visited the Yemeni governorates of Aden, Sanaa and Amran, also briefed. Wosornu highlighted a surge in food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen. Recent UNICEF and World Food Programme (WFP) assessments showed an 11 percent increase in food insecurity since November 2023, according to Wosornu. She indicated that this was partially a result of the WFPs suspension late last year of general food assistance in Houthi-held areas over differences with Houthi authorities about whom to prioritise for assistance. Wosornu said that there had been progress in resolving the issue but that the resumption of assistance would require donor funding totalling $230 million for the next five months.

During the briefing, the UK and the US raised concerns about recent reports that Iranian ships had entered Hodeidah port without receiving clearance by the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM). Since 2016, commercial ships travelling to Yemeni ports not under the internationally recognised governments control have been required to report to UNVIM, which conducts inspections of ships and clears them for continued transit. The system was set up to facilitate commercial imports into Yemen and to ensure compliance with the targeted arms embargo against the Houthis. Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which manages UNVIM, briefed along with General Beary in closed consultations after the open session.

In an 18 March press statement, Council members condemned in the strongest terms Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, including the attacks on the True Confidence and the Rubymar. Among other points, the statement called for practical cooperation, including with the Yemeni government, to prevent the Houthis from acquiring the arms and related materiel necessary to carry out further attacks and reiterated that all UN member states must comply with the targeted arms embargo.

Meanwhile, Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi announced in a televised address on 14 March that the group would expand its campaign to prevent ships linked with Israel from passing through the Indian Ocean towards Africas Cape of Good Hope. Since last year, the Houthis have said that their attacks on Israeli-owned ships or ships travelling to Israel would continue until Israel ends its military campaign in Gaza and allows more humanitarian aid into the territory. That same day, Russian news agency RIA Novosti cited an unidentified official as saying that the Houthis had successfully tested a hypersonic missile. Other media outlets picked up on the report, though a US spokesperson rejected its accuracy. On 18 March, a Houthi cruise missile hit an open area near the southern Israeli city of Eilat, which was the first time the group struck Israeli territory. No damage or injuries were reported. Previous Houthi drones and missiles had struck neighbouring countries or been intercepted by air defences.

Key Issues and Options

The Houthi threat to commercial shipping and the continued exchange of attacks by the Houthis on vessels and by US-led forces on Houthi targets is a key issue. Moreover, the crisis has complicated Omani-mediated talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia to reach a peace agreement and Grundbergs efforts to develop a road map for an inter-Yemeni political process.

Preserving progress that had been made in these mediation efforts prior to the start of the crisis and preventing even the possibility of a return to war between Yemeni parties is also an important issue. Fragile relations among the factions that form the Yemeni governments Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), and how a political process should address some PLC members calls for a separate southern Yemeni state, remain additional concerns related to political efforts.

If peace talks remain stalled, one option for Council members is to issue a press statement to encourage the parties to protect the progress that has been made and continue engaging with the Special Envoy to develop his roadmap. Such a statement could also call for parties to de-escalate the current Red Sea crisis and to refrain from provocative actions or rhetoric.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains a key issue. OCHAs 2024 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), released in January, projects that 18.2 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection services in 2024, compared to 21.6 million in 2023. The risk that regional conflict dynamics linked to the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping could reverse humanitarian gains and exacerbate needs is a key issue. Council members may highlight the need for donors to fully fund the HRP.

Council Dynamics

Council members are united in their support for the various mediation efforts. They have welcomed the Houthi-Saudi talks and stress the ultimate need for an inclusive Yemeni political process under UN auspices to achieve a sustainable resolution of the conflict. Members have also condemned the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and are concerned about the consequences for maritime security, freedom of navigation, and Yemens peace process.

The Red Sea crisis, though, has created some Council divisions on the Yemen file. On 10 January, the Council adopted resolution 2722, which took note of the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels from attacks. However, Algeria, Mozambique, Russia and China abstained on the vote, and China and Russia have criticised the US and UK for strikes in Yemen without Council authorisation. The US and UK stress that their strikes are undertaken in self-defence under article 51 of the UN Charter. In the Council, the US and Japan co-authored resolution 2722. They also co-drafted the 18 March press statement. The Houthis continue to hold the Japanese-operated cargo ship Galaxy Leader and its crew since capturing the vessel, linked to an Israeli businessman, in November 2023.

Russia, China, and the African Council members (Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone) and Guyana, which are known as the A3 plus one, also highlight the importance of a Gaza ceasefire to end the Red Sea crisis, and in Council negotiations on products on the Houthi attacks they have argued for explicitly recognising the link between the two crises. A long-standing red line for Russia is identifying Iran as supplying the Houthis with arms in the Councils Yemen products.

The UK is the penholder on Yemen. Ambassador Joonkook Hwang (Republic of Korea) chairs the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee.

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A new model for publishing--zero money to anybody, a total eclipse of sales, royalties, profits, costs, you name it--launches across the country, literally, next Monday, April 8.

Bringing together the best minds in the book biz, Eclipse Books will publish its first and only book, Now You See It, Now You Don't, with a succession of one-hour laydowns in an arc of delivery totality coast to coast on the day of the eclipse.

"We see a unique opportunity to not upset the apple cart, nor reinvent the wheel, and def not realign the payment model, like, at all. We do not want to be a change agent or disruptor," Eclipse founder Saul "Sol" Lument told Shelf Awareness. "We see this as the perfect escape fiction that will outsell the Trump Bible by a mile. Which is also fiction."

Rooting through a box of 3D glasses collected from Regal 8 Cinemas over the past 10 years, Sol, we mean Saul, continued: "After all, what is more American than ignoring world events and focusing on a disc in the sky for one passing moment?"

Sol added, "My son, Sun, and daughter, Ray, were so bummed out the past few eclipses by cloud cover that once I heard that April 8 was guaranteed by every Penn State-trained meteorologist to be clear skies, I knew I had to act and act now, or well, wait until August 23, 2044, the next one."

Asked what exactly the book is about, Sol/Saul said, "Not sure yet. I have a week. I'm mostly concerned about the rolling laydown date. One-hour timed releases are not easy, you know."

Within minutes of our first conversation, Sol called back, apologizing for a kind of eclipse of the conversation, saying that he actually has an idea for the book. He called it "a special keepsake of a special event," highlighting the key moment of the eclipse, the three or four minutes when the sky is completely dark. "One page. A brilliant re-creation of a brilliant moment. All black. Nothing to see. Everything to see."

When Shelf Awareness suggested that a book should have words and pages, and even ideally an index, Lument said, "Why? That's such old-school thinking. I envision zero burden on supply chain or AI or anything. Why does a book have to be about anything? Especially a book about an eclipse?" --Carl Lennertz
Amit Jain, CEO and country manager of ENGIE India, revealed the company's ambitious plans to significantly expand its solar capacity in India through a hefty investment of Rs 7,000 crore by 2025.

Jain outlined ENGIE's investment strategy, stating that approximately 800 million, equivalent to around Rs 7,000 crores, will be allocated to five upcoming projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat. This capital expenditure is earmarked to bolster ENGIE's solar capabilities and will be fully deployed by 2025.

Currently, ENGIE boasts an operational portfolio of about 1.1 GW of renewable assets in India. Over the past 18 months, the company has secured an additional 1.25 GW capacity through utility-scale renewable tenders , signaling its robust growth trajectory. Jain projected that by the end of 2025, ENGIE's operational capacity would soar to close to 6 GW, with a significant emphasis on both solar and wind energy.

Jain affirmed that ENGIE's future endeavors will focus on broadening its renewable energy portfolio, aiming to achieve around 2 GW of solar and wind capacity by 2025. He indicated that the company's investment allocation would hinge on the specific project type and financing requirements.

Discussing ENGIE's strategic roadmap, Jain articulated plans to venture into complex projects integrating wind, solar, and storage components by 2025. However, he clarified that the company would refrain from participating in offshore wind bids due to pricing challenges and wind speed variability concerns.

While ENGIE won't engage in the initial round of auctions for offshore wind projects, Jain hinted at potential future considerations based on business viability.

Underpinning ENGIE's commitment to sustainability, Jain highlighted the company's efforts in water conservation within its solar projects. Specifically, ENGIE has undertaken initiatives such as transitioning from water cleaning of modules to robotic cleaning across five assets spanning five states. This transition is estimated to conserve approximately 60 milliliters of water, showcasing ENGIE's dedication to eco-friendly practices.

ENGIE's substantial investment and strategic focus on renewable energy expansion underscore its pivotal role in shaping India's evolving energy landscape. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, ENGIE stands poised to contribute significantly to India's renewable energy transition.
Applying for a U visa can feel like navigating through a maze. This pathway, designed for victims of certain crimes, offers protection and cooperation with law enforcement in the United States. But knowing where to start or what steps to take next often seems overwhelming.

We'll walk you through each stage of the U Visa application process, from understanding eligibility criteria to submitting your paperwork correctly. You'll also learn about U Visa processing times and how family members might be included in your application. Plus, we dive into what happens after approval  including work authorization and paths to permanent residency.

Our guide aims to simplify this complex journey by providing clear instructions and insights at every turn. Let's get started on securing your safety and future in the U.S.

Understanding the U Visa: A Pathway for Victims

Purpose and Protection Offered by the U Visa

The U Visa stands as a beacon of hope, offering protection to victims who've suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to certain types of crimes in the United States. It's not just about staying safe; it's also about aiding law enforcement in investigating these criminal activities. Think of it as a two-way street where both parties benefitthe victim gets shielded from further harm while helping bring perpetrators to justice.

This visa category underscores the government's commitment to assist those in dire situations, highlighting an empathetic approach towards immigration policy. For more detailed information on how this process aids victims and law enforcement, consider visiting USCISs page on U Nonimmigrant Status.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be eligible for a U Visa, there are specific boxes you need to tick off. First up, experiencing significant mental or physical abuse is unfortunately at the top of this listyour situation must align with what is considered substantial under current guidelines.

You must have useful information concerning that crime, which can aid law enforcement investigations or prosecutions. Lastly, demonstrating willingness and cooperation throughout said investigation plays a crucial role, too.

For those wanting an exhaustive checklist regarding eligibility criteria straight from official sources, heres something directly from USCIS that might help.

Navigating the Application Process

Essential Documentation for Your Application

Filing for a U Visa feels like assembling an intricate puzzle where each piece is crucial. First, you need to gather evidence of the crime, such as police reports or court documents. This proves that the incident occurred and that you cooperated with law enforcement.

Next are personal statements detailing how the crime affected you physically and emotionally. It's about painting a vivid picture of your experience clarifying why you're eligible for this visa.

Last but certainly not least, identification documents are key. We're talking passports, birth certificatesanything that confirms who you say you are. With these in hand, you have a solid application foundation.

Completing Form I-918 and Supplemental Forms

Tackling Form I-918 can feel daunting at first glance. But think of it as telling your story: who you are, what happened to you, and why protection under a U Visa is necessary.

You'll also need to fill out Supplement B - officially known as U Nonimmigrant Status Certification. This form requires certification from law enforcement proving your helpfulness in investigating or prosecuting the criminal activity.

Rounding off with proof of eligibility might involve additional forms depending on individual circumstancesso always double-check requirements specific to your case. By breaking down each step into manageable tasks, you transform what seems like an overwhelming process into achievable milestones toward safety and stability in the US.

Processing Centers and Wait Times

Where Your Application Is Processed

The journey of a U Visa application begins when it lands on the desk of an adjudicator at one of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) centers. Specifically, these applications are processed by the Vermont Service Center. Now, why does this matter to you? Because knowing where your paperwork is headed lets you set realistic expectations about the timeline.

This means some applications move at different paces. The processing times can vary widely depending on several factors, including case complexity and the current workload at USCIS.

If curiosity or anxiety gets the better of you while waiting, checking your case status online through the official USCIS website is a good way to keep tabs without wearing out your welcome mat from pacing back and forth.

Understanding Caps and Waiting Lists

A crucial piece in understanding wait times for U Visas involves grappling with caps and waiting lists. Each fiscal year, there's a cap-10,000 visas-that might seem like hitting a bottleneck if you're applicant number 10,001.

This limit leads to what's known as a waiting list, which sounds exactly like what it is-a line where applicants wait their turn for visa availability but don't lose hope. Being placed on this list also means receiving deferred action or parole, allowing applicants to remain in the US legally during their wait time.

In essence, navigating through these waters requires patience matched only by perseverance. Although delays can be frustratingly long, they arent insurmountable barriers, with an informed strategy guiding your steps forward. Pro Se Pro offers a beacon for those needing direction, providing expert services that equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop a comprehensive and effective approach, ensuring that every step taken is informed and strategic, significantly improving the chances of successfully navigating through complex legal processes.

Legal Status, Work Authorization, and Family Inclusion

Impact of Bona Fide Determination on Applicant's Status

A bona fide determination is like getting a golden ticket in your U Visa journey. Once you get this nod from USCIS, they believe there's enough merit to your case to take a closer look. But heres the kicker: it doesnt just sit pretty on your application; it unlocks some immediate perks.

First, youre no longer just someone waiting in line; youve got a form of legal status now. This change isn't just symbolicit's practical. You can breathe easier knowing that deportation is off the table while your application is under review.

Beyond this peace of mind, theres more good news about work authorization. After receiving a bona fide determination, applicants can apply for permission to work in the United States by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

Including Family Members in Your Application

The U Visa process acknowledges that healing and rebuilding go beyond individual boundariesits often a family affair. That's why eligible family members might join you on this path toward safety and stability.

Hold tight if you're over 21 years old because you can include unmarried children under 21 and spouses through Form I-918 Supplement A filings as part of your initial application or even at later stages, depending upon specific conditions met during processing times.

This inclusion isnt merely about paperwork; it reflects an understanding that support systems are crucial for recovery after experiencing trauma or crimeanother step toward not just surviving but thriving, too.

Tracking Your Application and Understanding Approval Conditions

Purpose and Protection Offered by the U Visa

The U Visa stands as a beacon of hope for victims of certain crimes, offering them protection while aiding law enforcement in their investigations. This unique visa category allows individuals who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to criminal activity to stay in the United States legally.

One crucial aspect that applicants must grasp is the pathway this visa opens to obtaining lawful status, which comes with conditions tied closely to cooperation with law enforcement agencies. By providing critical information about criminal activities, applicants help bring perpetrators to justice and secure a chance at rebuilding their lives on safer grounds.

Navigating the Application Process

Filing for a U Visa requires meticulous attention to detail, from gathering essential documentation such as police reports and proof of victimization. Applicants must fill out Form I-918 along with its supplemental forms accurately, ensuring that all required information is provided.

To streamline this process further and ensure no stone is left unturned, visiting USCIS's official page on Form I-918 can provide additional insights into completing your application effectively.

Moreover, understanding each steps significance will significantly enhance your ability to confidently track your application's progress through USCIS's online system.

Pathway to Lawful Permanent Residency

Purpose and Protection Offered by the U Visa

The U Visa is a beacon of hope for victims of certain crimes, offering them safety and a chance at a new life in the United States. This visa acts as a shield and support, recognizing the bravery of individuals who help law enforcement bring perpetrators to justice.

But it's more than just immediate protection; it opens up an incredible opportunity. Once you've held your U Visa for three years, you're on track to apply for something even bigger: lawful permanent residency (LPR), also known as getting your green card.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To move from holding a U Visa to becoming an LPR, there are specific boxes you need to tick. First, ensure that you've lived continuously in the country during those three years with your U Visa. Breaking this continuous residence could break your path forward.

You'll also need certification from a law enforcement agency confirming your helpfulness throughout their investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. And don't forget about admissibilitymake sure there aren't any legal reasons that would make obtaining LPR status impossible for you.

For detailed guidance on transitioning from a U Visa holder to lawful permanent resident status, USCIS provides clear steps and requirements.

Conclusion

From understanding eligibility to gathering documents and filling out forms correctly.

You've learned where your application goes and how long it might take. You know that family can often accompany you on this journey.

And after approval? Work authorization and the path to permanent residency are within reach. These are critical milestones on your road to safety and stability in the U.S.

So, start today. Apply for a U visa confidently, knowing each step brings you closer to securing your future here. It's about taking action with knowledge by your side.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Ayla Rain Eilert was an artist.

Vibrant and warm, she had moved to New York City  first Queens, then Brooklyn, then Manhattan  from her familys home in New Jersey after high school to pursue a career in ballet and yoga. She had found her niche, combining painting with live performance, and was driven by her creative endeavors.

Heres a young lady that just strove to live, her father, Daren Eilert, told the Advance/SILive.com from his home in Dallas, Texas.

When sores began to appear on Aylas tongue, and she complained of pain in her throat, Daren and Aylas mom, Amy, encouraged Ayla from afar to seek medical treatment. Months of misdiagnoses eventually led to a biopsy, which in turn led to the unthinkable: On Sept. 23, 2021, roughly three months before her 24th birthday, Ayla was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Six days later, Ayla underwent surgery to remove half her tongue  which was then rebuilt with part of her thigh  and 22 lymph nodes.

Less than seven months later, she was dead.

Throughout her excruciating battle with a relentless cancer  one that would eventually express tumors through her neck, and waste away her body until it was a skeletal 80 pounds  Ayla repeatedly begged for relief by way of medical aid in dying, according to her parents. It was a request that couldnt be realized: What Ayla sought is not currently legal in New York.

Ayla receiving treatment shortly after her diagnosis. She would eventually undergo rounds of aggressive radiation  30 treatments in 30 business days  chemotherapy and immunotherapy. (Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)(Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, which counts Staten Island state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton as its prime co-sponsor, could change that. Also known as M.A.i.D., the legislation would allow mentally competent, terminally ill patients over the age of 18 the choice of self-administering prescribed life-ending medication.

THIS IS NOT A QUALITY OF LIFE

To Daren and Amy Eilert  and their now-23-year-old son Colton, Aylas little brother  medical aid in dying wouldnt have been the easy way out for Ayla; rather, it would have been the mercy she desperately sought from what her parents referred to as a type of rare, non-genetic form of cancer that affects single-digit percentages of women under 40 each year.

She did everything possible to make herself better, including just being in massive pain so she didnt have opioid addiction later, said Daren, 54. She just did everything possible to stay alive. This was a woman who totally wanted to stay alive, but once the cancer was massively through her body, she was like enough is enough.

Despite medical aid in dying being legal just across the river in New Jersey  which Aylas paternal grandmother, the Rev. Gillian McAllister, helped to pass  moving Ayla would have proved nearly impossible if not detrimental to her care.

Amy knits beside Ayla's bedside as Ayla draws on a sketchpad. Ayla was diagnosed with a type of rare, non-genetic form of cancer that affects single-digit percentages of women under 40 each year. (Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)(Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)

Rounds of aggressive radiation  30 treatments in 30 business days  chemotherapy and immunotherapy left her exhausted. By March 2022, scan results showed the cancer had metastasized in 13 places, with significant masses in her nasopharynx area, neck, back, lungs, ribs and buttocks. Tumors inside her throat blocked the passage of food down her esophagus.

Doctors and nurses had promised to manage Aylas pain, said Amy, but the over 4,000 milligrams of morphine she received per day toward the end of her life barely made a dent in her agony; still, the medical staff were perplexed each time Ayla would inquire about medical aid in dying.

They all asked her why she wanted it, and she was very articulate, said Amy, 52. This is not a quality of life, and I am not afraid to die. I just dont want to be in pain anymore.

Hearing her daughter asking for death was hard, admitted Amy.

As a mom, I understood what she was saying, but internally, I didnt know if I was a supporter of medical aid in dying. [I thought], well, I dont know if I want you to do that. I want you to be here.

But its the fact that Ayla would have felt at ease and in control, said Amy, that swayed her.

Colton Eilert, Ayla Eilert's younger brother, holds Ayla's hand as a do not resuscitate order hangs on the wall. By March 2022, scan results showed the cancer had metastasized in 13 places, with significant masses now in her nasopharynx area, neck, back, lungs, ribs and buttocks. (Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)(Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)

She promised Ayla that she and Daren would continue to advocate on Aylas behalf when the inevitable happened.

At the end of the day, do we want more than anything to have Ayla here? Yes, I would rather her walking on the planet upright, and having beautiful experiences with her, said Amy. [Advocacy is] one of the things Ayla told me to do, because she couldnt [do it].

On March 18, 2022, Ayla returned to her apartment in East Harlem to undergo home hospice care.

Her decline was really, really rapid and she wanted to die at home, said Amy. They figured she was stable enough to go do that. They also figured that she probably wasnt going to live much longer. They released her on a Wednesday, and nobody expected her to make it through the weekend.

For 15 days, hospice professionals attempted to alleviate Aylas tormented suffering. On the 15th day, she was brought back to Mount Sinai, on the Upper East Side.

The home hospice doctor said they couldnt manage her, or her pain, anymore, said Amy.

Ayla initially returned to her East Harlem apartment for home hospice care. Fifteen days later, she was brought back to Mount Sinai. The home hospice doctor said they couldnt manage her, or her pain, anymore, said Amy. (Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)(Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)

AYLAS FINAL MOMENTS

Ayla was readmitted to Mount Sinai on April 1.

The last few hours of her life were torturous for her, said Daren.

She was clawing at her neck in so much pain, her father recounted. Our daughter was just in massive, massive suffering pain.

As Amy massaged Aylas head and the pressure points on her legs in an attempt to alleviate her aching body, Daren rushed around the hallways of the hospital for hours, advocating for more pain medication that would never arrive.

Eventually, just as the sun began to rise, Daren settled at Aylas bedside. He watched as light slowly illuminated the cityscape, then Central Park, which Aylas hospital room overlooked. Sitting next to his daughter, he interlaced his hand into hers, and looked into her eyes. A wave of calmness and love washed over him.

Ayla's younger brother Colton presses on pressure points in Ayla's legs to try and alleviate some of her pain, as his girlfriend Zelda and mother Amy look on. Ayla repeatedly begged for medical aid in dying, said Daren and Amy. (Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)(Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)

He told Ayla, through tears, that it was time to rest.

You can do this, he remembered telling his daughter. And as soon as I said that, a tear drips out of her eye, and she starts to slow her breath rate down, and these apneas start to get longer and longer. I realized, oh my gosh, shes actually listening to me. Shes moving through the process.

Daren called out for Amy, who was at the foot of Aylas bed.

We started to cheer her on like cheerleaders, [saying] You can do this, because we dont want her in pain, said Daren. We want her suffering to stop. Aylas crying, but the apneas are slowing ... until it finally just stops. And then theres this great level of peace in the room. And we just continue to say, Were just so grateful for you.

On April 2, 2022, at 6:45 a.m.  following months of watching their daughter fight her cancer in agony, all the failed medical treatments and attempts at pain management, her requests for aid in dying unable to be completed  Ayla died in her hospital bed.

I got to witness her birth at home in New Jersey, said Daren, and witness her death in the hospital over Central Park, which she loved, with the New York sunrise.

FAILURE TO PASS

The Medical Aid in Dying Act was first introduced in the New York State Senate by former Staten Island Sen. Diane Savino, a Democrat  and in the Assembly by Westchester County Assemblymember Amy Paulin, also a Democrat  during the 2015-2016 legislative session. It was born from the widely publicized 2014 death of another woman in her 20s, one who had also suffered with cancer: Brittany Maynard.

Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton speaks in Albany as Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and M.A.i.D. advocates in yellow shirts look on. The lack of M.A.i.D advancement in New York has been frustrating for Scarcella-Spanton, the co-prime sponsor of the bill. (Courtesy of Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton)Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Maynard, a resident of California, was 29 years old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Three months after her initial diagnosis, doctors determined Maynard had developed glioblastoma, and predicted she had roughly six months to live. The lifelong Californian moved to Oregon to take advantage of that states Death with Dignity Law  a law California did not have at the time  and on Nov. 1, just 18 days shy of her 30th birthday, Maynard self-administered life-ending medication that had been prescribed by her doctor. In the 11 months between her cancer diagnosis and death, Maynard, a proponent for medical aid in dying, became well-known for her advocacy on behalf of the terminally ill.

Prior to Maynards death, only three U.S. states  Oregon, Washington and Vermont  had laws that permitted medical aid in dying. Since her death, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., have enacted similar legislation. Montana also permits physician-assisted death per a 2009 state Supreme Court ruling, although there is no official law on the books.

Legislation introduced in eight other states over the years  Alaska, Connecticut, Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Nevada  has failed to advance. Per a 1997 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, there is no constitutional right to aid in dying, and states may therefore prohibit it.

Ayla before her cancer diagnosis, on vacation with mom Amy and dad Daren. (Courtesy of Amy and Daren)(Courtesy of Amy and Daren)

Since its initial proposal in New York almost 10 years ago, medical aid in dying has been re-introduced  with some adjustments  in the state Assembly and Senate in four consecutive legislative sessions. The bill has never advanced past the committee stage, which is where the most recent iteration  introduced by Manhattan Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Democrat, in the Senate and Paulin once again in the Assembly in January 2023  currently sits.

The lack of advancement has been frustrating for Scarcella-Spanton.

I dont know how you can be against it, said the 34-year-old senator, Savinos immediate successor. This is not a partisan issue, its not a Democrat versus Republican issue. Its a moral issue, its about whats right, and giving people a choice in their end-of-life decisions. ... I know what bothers me about the pushback on this bill is that you hear peoples stories, theyre screaming in pain on the way out, and then thats the memory they leave behind.

For Scarcella-Spanton  a longtime advocate of medical aid in dying and self-described Catholic  providing an ailing person the choice to end their life under medical supervision is common sense.

I always tell people if you dont like this policy, if you dont like this option, dont use it. You dont have to use it, but maybe your mom wants to use it, maybe your dad wants to use it, maybe somebody whos terminally ill in your family, they would choose to use it.

ASKING FOR M.A.I.D.

The process of procuring the prescription for life-ending medication should the legislation pass would be a rigorous one.

Among the extensive criteria, referred to as guardrails by Scarcella-Spanton: It must be determined a person has a medically confirmed incurable condition that would kill them within six months (a person wouldnt qualify solely because of age or disability, and there is no list of qualifying medical conditions); the person must be deemed to have the mental capacity to make an informed decision about taking life-ending medication; and the person must be able to self-administer the medication, without aid. The bills language is specific to note medication must be ingested; lethal injection and lethal infusion are not allowed under the proposed law.

Only the person seeking to end their life under M.A.i.D. can request the prescription; health proxies, surrogates, family members and others cannot make the request on an individuals behalf.

Its only after all criteria is met that a doctor can prescribe the medication. If its determined at any point in the process that the individual who is requesting the medication under M.A.i.D. does not have the mental capacity to make an informed decision, has impaired judgment, or is being coerced to ask for the medication, doctors are required to refrain from writing the prescription.

Medical professionals who act in good faith in accordance with the provisions of the bill would be afforded protections from civil and criminal liability, as well as professional disciplinary action.

Health care providers who dont wish to participate in the M.A.i.D. process can opt out without fear of retribution.

No doctor has to prescribe [the medication], said Corinne Carey, senior campaign director for pro-M.A.i.D. group Compassion & Choices in New York and New Jersey. No facility has to allow it on their premises, no pharmacist has to fill a prescription. Its an entirely voluntary process, which ensures that everyone can make their own choice in the end.

Carey, 56, has been advocating for New Yorks medical aid in dying legislation for nearly 10 years. Shes visited the state Capitol countless times in support of M.A.i.D., and watched as some of the legislations fiercest advocates  26 of her peers and friends, and counting, who were diagnosed with incurable cancers and other conditions deemed terminal  died in pain.

Excruciating pain, said Carey, with a tremendous amount of suffering.

Should the bill be signed into law, it would take effect immediately. The bill is clear to distinguish that the death of a person who employed M.A.i.D. would not be deemed suicide, or constitute as suicide, assisted suicide, or homicide, among other designations. Additionally, the cause of death on death certificates would be listed as underlying terminal illness or underlying terminal condition.

There is no residency requirement included in the proposed legislation; those in surrounding states would be able to come to New York to access Medical Aid in Dying Act once passed, after all criteria is met.

Its unclear how Scarcella-Spantons political peers from Staten Island would vote for the legislation in Albany, and whether Gov. Kathy Hochul would actually sign the bill should it come across her desk.

Mid-Island Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, a Republican, admitted to the Advance/SILive.com he was torn on whether to support medical aid in dying in New York.

Its a complicated subject, said Pirozzolo. ... Its something that I think about fairly often, and I havent come to a conclusion.

Requests for comment submitted to Democrats Hochul and Assemblymember Charles Fall, and state Sen. Andrew Lanza, Assemblymember Mike Reilly, and Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, all Republicans, were not returned.

Ayla rehearsing at a studio. She had moved to New York City  to Queens, then Brooklyn, then Manhattan  from her familys home in New Jersey after high school to pursue a career in ballet and yoga. She had found her niche, combining painting with live performance, and was driven by her creative endeavors. (Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)(Courtesy of Daren and Amy Eilert)

OPPOSITION TO THE BILL

According to a recent 2024 poll released by research group YouGov  which was commissioned by M.A.i.D. proponent Death With Dignity  72% to 73% of New Yorkers statewide support medical aid in dying. A Sienna College poll from November 2023 put New Yorkers support closer to 60%.

And while the bill has gained the endorsements of several large groups, such as the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Public Health Association, and the New York Civil Liberties Union, it also has its detractors: Namely, some religious institutions, right-to-life groups and disabilities rights groups.

For as many proponents that show up in Albany to lobby for the legislation, there are just as many hard-nosed critics.

A memorandum of opposition released by the New York State Catholic Conference in February reaffirmed the churchs stance against M.A.i.D., and claimed those most at risk of being taken advantage of and discarded by the health system will be endangered further should the legislation pass.

The New York Association on Independent Living, too, has repeatedly voiced its opposition. The nonprofit, which promotes the independent living and rights of New Yorkers with disabilities, is concerned about the possibility for coercion and abuse of the law.

Scarcella-Spanton hopes to allay their concerns, and the concerns of other organizations staunchly opposed to M.A.i.D.

The disability community is always at front and center in my mind, she said. I want to hear what their concerns are. I want them to know that this will not be a slippery slope. The bill is written to make sure that people who have nefarious intentions would never be able to utilize this to harm somebody.

And I dont have any disrespect towards the religious institutions for their position on this, she continued, but ... for me personally, as a Catholic, I think that having this as an option will provide people with peace.

Opposition groups aside, Scarcella-Spanton believes there is enough support for the bill to pass this year should it exit the committee stage and come to the floor for a vote.

We cant be scared to pass it, said the senator. I think the people who are against it are never going to be for it, and thats OK. But I invite [those against the bill] to do some research ... Its just simply a choice in giving people peace and dignity in their death.

The 2023-2024 legislative session ends in June, and Election Day in November threatens to wipe out some of the legislations current support, according to Scarcella-Spanton. What will happen if the bill fails to pass before then?

Well keep trying, she said.
UPDATE: The warning about delays coming over the Goethals Bridge is no longer in effect.

***

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Delays are reported on the Goethals Bridge to Staten Island on Monday morning.

The delays are due to congestion at Forest Avenue, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The Goethals Bridge to NY has delays due to congestion at Forest Ave. Updates are posted when situations change.  Goethals Bridge (@PANYNJ_GB) April 1, 2024

The backup extends from Forest Avenue to the Elizabeth Toll Plaza, according to Google Maps.

Motorists coming into Staten Island by way of the Goethals Bridge should plan for extra travel time. (Google Maps)Google Maps

Meanwhile, construction is causing delays on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge headed to Staten Island.

According to the MTA, planned construction work on the Staten Island-bound lower level has closed one lane on the span.

Motorists are advised by the MTA to either allow for extra travel time or to use alternate routes.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The MTA recently gave the final approval of the structure of its controversial congestion pricing plan, putting into motion a proposal that would make New York City the first in the United States to implement such a tolling structure.

The agency voted 11-1 to approve details of the plan, slated to begin in the coming months, largely following recommendations made to the MTA board in December.

Since the agency has indicated that congestion pricing could begin as early as mid-June, barring several pending lawsuits, here are five things drivers need to know.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Congestion pricing is an electronic tolling system in which drivers will be charged when entering Manhattan south of 60th Street.

A resolution in the 2019 New York State budget allowed the MTA to establish this zone, referred to as Manhattans Central Business District (CBD) by the MTA.

Drivers will pay a variable toll, depending on the size of their vehicle. The revenue generated from the program will be bonded against and placed in an MTA lockbox to fund capital improvements to the citys transit system.

The program is expected to generate $1 billion annually, which will be used to secure $15 billion in bonds for repairs and improvements to the public transportation system.

WHEN DO YOU PAY?

Drivers will only be charged upon entry into the the CBD; they will not be charged for exiting.

Vehicles that enter the zone south of 60th Street more than once a day will only be charged the toll once.

Drivers on the FDR Drive, West Side Highway and the sections of the Battery Park Underpass and Hugh Carey Tunnel that connect the two will not be subject to tolls, unless exiting into the surface streets that make up the CBD.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

Regardless of the time of day, drivers will be paying to enter the CBD.

During peak hours, which the MTA defines as 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, drivers will pay the full toll depending on vehicle type.

Toll rates will be discounted by 75% during overnight hours, which are defined as weekdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and weekends from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Passenger vehicles: $15, $3.75 overnight

Passenger-type vehicles with commercial plates: $15, $3.75 overnight

Motorcycles: $7.50, $1.87 overnight

Small trucks: $24, $6 overnight

Large trucks: $36, $9 overnight

Buses providing transit services: Exempt

Other small buses: $24, $6 overnight

Other large buses: $36, $9 overnight

Ride-share vehicles: $2.50 each trip into the CBD

Taxis: $1.25 each trip into the CB

EXEMPTIONS AND CREDITS

The vote was finalized with limited exemptions.

The MTA said it did so to keep the charge as low as possible while still meeting the programs financial goal of raising $15 billion for construction projects.

School buses would have to be under contract with the city to be exempt. Municipal vehicles will only be exempt if they are specialized and serve to benefit the public, like garbage trucks, street sweepers and snow removal trucks.

The MTA emphasized that the cars of elected officials and city commissioners would not be exempt when driving south of 60th Street in Manhattan.

A 50% discount on the standard toll is offered for low-income drivers after their first 10 trips each month.

While there are limited exemptions, drivers entering the congestion zone via the Queens-Midtown, Hugh L. Carey, Holland, or Lincoln tunnels will be offered crossing credits.

Like the toll rates, the crossing credits would vary based on vehicle type and would only be issued during standard tolling hours. No credits would be issued during overnight hours, when tolls would already be discounted by 75%.

Heres a look at the crossing credits for each vehicle type.

Passenger vehicles: $5

Passenger-type vehicles with commercial plates: $5

Motorcycles: $2.50

Small trucks: $12

Large trucks: $20

Buses providing transit services: Exempt

Other small buses: $12

Other large buses: $20

No additional credits are offered to Staten Islanders who cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to enter Brooklyn before moving to Manhattan.

LOCAL OPPOSITION

There is still a chance that congestion pricing doesnt survive the many legal challenges it faces.

Borough President Vito Fossella and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) have filed a lawsuit to stop congestion pricing.

The publicly available suit claims that the plan would not eliminate air and noise pollution and traffic, but would simply shift pollution and traffic to Staten Island, the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Northern New Jersey.

Recently, Fossella presented information from New York Citys Open Data portal showing that congestion pricing will decrease the quality of life in lower-income areas, especially along Staten Islands North Shore.

New Jersey officials, led by Gov. Phil Murphy, are also separately trying to stop congestion pricing with a federal lawsuit.
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Part of the problem appears to be that Cettire cannot be too boastful of its success due to the nature of its operation. The company is what is known in the online retail industry as a dropship retailer. In a nutshell, Cettire does not own the Jimmy Choo heels or the Prada Re-Edition 2005 shoulder bags it is selling on its website, and it has no relationship with the luxury brands that make the goods. It doesnt hold nor does it ship any of the goods it sells on its website. The clothes and accessories are owned by European distributors and retailers who need to offload excess stock but also need to remain anonymous as their supplier relationship with these brands relies on them keeping quiet about these backdoor sales via the so-called grey market. These are not opaque risks. Cettire investors were given clear warning in the prospectus, ahead of its public float in December 2020, of just how tenuous its supply of luxury goods is. Cettire founder Dean Mintz has sold more than $300 million worth of shares since its ASX listing in December 2020. Credit: AFR

More software than retail? For Cettire, it all starts with suppliers. And then extends to the luxury brands themselves. Many of Cettires agreements are relatively short term and/or terminable at will, the company points out in its prospectus. It is possible that the manufacturers may change their arrangements with Cettires suppliers so as to limit the suppliers ability to sell to Cettire or to Cettires customers, either generally or in specific geographic locations. Meanwhile, Cettires decision to go public may have added another degree of danger to the business supply pipeline.

The risk of manufacturers taking this kind of action may be increased by the company listing on ASX and the scale of its operations becoming more visible as a result of financial reporting and continuous disclosure obligations, the prospectus says. In response to queries about these issues, Cettire emphasised the current strength of its supply channels. Cettires available inventory has more than tripled since IPO and, with more than $2 billion in accessible inventory, the company is bringing to market one of the largest selections of luxury in the world. The company does not take this for granted and works hard to maintain and expand its industry relationships, a company spokesman said. For all of these risks, when the business model clicks, the economics are brilliant for Cettire. The company receives money from shoppers before it has even bought the designer goods from its web of suppliers, which means it always has cash in the bank. It holds no inventory and only needs to ensure the logistics of moving the goods from supplier to customer, taking care of any taxes and duties and customer support.

The risks and rewards are well understood in this context. But then we get to the big selling point: its ability to offer the latest luxury goods at a steep discount. This goes to the heart of the controversy surrounding Cettire, whose valuation catapulted to a record $1.8 billion in February based on its soaring sales and earnings. According to Cettire, its secret sauce lies with its back-end technology systems that connect it seamlessly with its web of suppliers and their $2 billion worth of inventory. We currently operate with approximately 70 FTE [full-time equivalent staff], a significant proportion of which relates to technology and software engineering talent, it says. No wonder LHC Capital has described Cettire as a business more akin to a software company, based on its technology. The software is integrated into its suppliers technology stack, giving Cettire live access to inventory which is then largely automatically curated and published on its website.

Cettire has enticed shoppers by offering the latest high-end fashion at low prices, but controversy has grown over how it actually does this. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer While this does not fully explain the significant discounts the business can offer, industry veterans say Cettires position in the grey market of fashion retail gives it the edge on prices. Selling online  and mostly outside the European Union  means Cettire can exploit loopholes in trade regulations that would otherwise see it pay value-added tax (VAT) in the EU, or duty on goods delivered to the US, which is its largest source of business. Tommy Mathew, a fashion e-commerce veteran with brands such as Acne Studios and Helmut Lang who now works as an independent consultant to fashion brands, did his own report on Cettire in 2021 when it was starting to make waves. The main reason they have been able to grow is that most of their customers are outside the European Union, so they can sell European designer fashion without the 20 per cent VAT, effectively offering a 20 to 30 per cent discount on new luxury goods to customers willing to buy cross-border, he says.

Mathew told this publication that other vendors could do what Cettire does but the ASX-listed group does have an edge. Some other sellers could do what Cettire does and, functionally, many of their own suppliers [boutiques in Italy] that sell online and cross-border to the US will do what Cettire does, too, but they dont have the same digital marketing budget that Cettire has, he says. Customs controversy The retailer has also been recently subject to more serious allegations. The Australian Financial Review reported on purchases its reporters made with Cettire where the group charged customers duty on the goods purchased but which, according to shipping records, did not appear to pay it to the proper authorities. The AFR story sent the share price plunging more than 20 per cent and the stock has yet to fully recover as traders and journalists dig further into discrepancies between the taxes and duties being paid by customers and Cettire.

The investor reaction was understandable, given that any aspersions cast on Cettires incredible profit engine, compared with its failed rivals like Farfetch, would pose an existential-level threat to the business. In its response to the allegations, Cettire said, All applicable duties and other import charges are paid to the relevant authorities at the point of customs clearance. Cettire is registered for sales tax and remits sales tax in the states where it believes it has registration obligations, the company added. This masthead does not suggest that Mintz is aware of any duties irregularities. However, the allegations made in the AFR story are not being discounted by Ron Shamgar, head of Australian Equity Strategies at TAMIM Asset Management, which was an early investor in Cettire but no longer has a financial interest in the stock. To be honest, they were always very secretive  It was very opaque, he said of his dealings with Cettire while an investor.

Loading Sometimes, with a company, something doesnt feel right  or its almost like, too good to be true  and that was the case with Cettire, he says. Shamgar says he has never heard of any business being able to generate the massive sales of Cettire  approaching $700 million this year  with so few staff. Its unheard of, he says. The fact that company founder Mintz has extracted $310 million from the business in share sales in barely two years is a point that Shamgar finds amusing, as well as the fact that many investors are willing to buy shares at such an extraordinary price, despite what he sees as warning signs.
A persistent theme in Republican campaigning these past few years has been the effort to portray Democrats in general, and President Joe Biden in particular, as being soft on China  in contrast to Donald Trumps supposed toughness.

One of the major planks in the GOP case against Bidens China policies, by the way, was that he was showing his softness by not banning TikTok. This looks ironic now since Trump, who had favoured a ban, suddenly reversed his position, reportedly around the same time that he had a sit-down with a billionaire who donates to Republican campaigns and has a large stake in the Chinese-controlled company.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. China is feeling pressure from Bidenomics. Credit: AP

Even before his TikTok flip-flop, however, the reality was that while Trump talked a xenophobic line that shaded into racism  for example, trying to relabel COVID-19 as the Chinese virus  and imposed showy but ineffective tariffs, he never had a coherent strategy for confronting our biggest rival. Biden, on the other hand, has quietly taken a very tough line on trade, especially with China.

Ive been pointing out for a while that Bidens sophisticated economic nationalism is a very big deal, much more so than Trumps protectionist thrashing. In fact, Bidens policies are so tough on China that, while I support them, they make me a bit nervous. But in case you dont believe what Im saying, let me point to someone who apparently agrees with me: the Chinese government.
HISTORY

How To Win an Information War

Peter Pomerantsev

Allen & Unwin, 34.99

Ever since they trundled that wooden horse up to the gates of Troy  a gift bearing Greeks  deception has been one of warfares indispensable arts, and demoralising the enemys loved ones as a means of sapping the will to risk his life for them (and for his land or creed) has been one of its objectives.

Seldom in the history of warfare can anyone have been more skilled in aligning the means and ends of deception than Sefton Delmer, the subject of this new study that convincingly proves why he deserves to be called the nearly forgotten genius of propaganda.

Sefton Delmer making a propaganda broadcast to Germany from the BBC in November 1941. Credit:

In Peter Pomerantsev, the timely topic of how dark artists manipulate mass emotions has found a consummate chronicler.
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Exclusive Eating outRestaurant news Award-winning chef Jo Barrett to close hatted Lorne restaurant Little Picket Riding high with a Good Food Guide hat, Victorias Chef of the Year is quitting the bowls club to tackle new projects. Dani Valent April 2, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Victorias Chef of the Year, Jo Barrett, is closing Little Picket, the one-hat restaurant at Lorne Bowls Club that she opened in the winter of 2022. Unlike other regional restaurants shutting due to hard times in hospitality, Barrett insists her tale is positive: she is closing to focus on two new projects that she hasnt been able to juggle with the demands of a busy restaurant. Chef Jo Barrett and partner David Osgood. Eddie Jim Our lease is coming up at the end of April and we have decided not to renew it, says Barrett, who owns Little Picket with her partner, David Osgood. Its not based on anything negative; its been fantastic. But there are other opportunities that the time is right to pursue. The first initiative is Wild Pie, which will turn feral and native animals into pastry-encased meals. People like pies, she says. They are the most approachable way to introduce wild game into peoples lives and get them to eat more free-range organic food.

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The new company is a partnership between Barretts longtime chef-collaborator, Louise Daily, keen hunter and Three Blue Ducks co-founder Mark LaBrooy, and Discovered Wildfoods, a game meat company founded by Billy Staughton and Tara Medina. Jo Barrett will use introduced species such as deer and goat in her pies. Jason South Discovered engages licensed hunters to cull sambar deer with a single shot to the head on farmland in the Victorian high country. The carcasses are swiftly chilled and butchered with cuts mostly sent to restaurants. We were planning to make pies at Little Picket but we have never had time, says Barrett. Now we have a site in Beechworth connected to the Discovered boning room. We will make our own pastry and put meat into pies, which can go into restaurants, plus there will be a small range for people at home. There are multiple motivations. Deer are an introduced species that damage native bushland and encroach on farmland. Traditional culling wastes the meat, leaving healthy protein to rot on the ground. Its delicious meat, too, says Barrett.

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Discovered Wildfoods director Tara Medina, chefs Mark LaBrooy, Louise Daily and Jo Barrett, and business partner Billy Staughton. Supplied As well as venison, Wild Pie will use wallaby culled on Flinders Island. The team has recipes ready to go for wild boar and goat. The more pies, the more people can be part of eating a problem: production will begin with 1000 pies a week. Barretts second project is alongside the CSIRO, developing creative, edible ways to use the 456 million loaves of bread wasted in Australia every year. Ive been going on my days off to the CSIROs innovation lab and working with a scientist, says Barrett. Weve been able to pay off our equipment, pay everyone, have holidays and come out with a profit. I would say its been a success. Jo Barrett Many chefs cover side projects by employing more staff for their restaurants. Im not that type of person, says Barrett. Im not at that stage in my career where I would feel OK about having my name on something and stepping away.

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Like any restaurateur, Barrett is happy to admit that hospitality is not easy but she rejects the idea that its irretrievably broken. Ive learnt a lot and matured a lot doing Little Picket, she says. We did some things that were really smart, especially in terms of utilising an existing site with an already engaged community that supported us and that we let shape us. I feel proud of how we set this up, with humble beginnings. Some of the DIY projects have been tiring, though. We saved money by not having a bookings system and by doing all our own laundry but its taken a toll in terms of time, she says. On the other hand, weve been able to pay off our equipment, pay everyone, have holidays and come out with a profit. I would say its been a success: we are closing on our own terms while we are ahead. House-made dim sims on the menu at Little Picket, by request of the bowls club members. Eddie Jim

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Wild meat has been an increasing focus for Barrett both personally and professionally, and shes served quite a bit of it at Little Picket, where her menu has balanced the desires of bowling club members, Surf Coast locals, discerning visitors from Melbourne and Barretts desire to use locally grown food from small farmers as well as harvested game. Surely theres no other restaurant in Australia that lists venison, rooster and wild boar pie alongside a dim sim that the pennant bowlers requested. I dont have an ego around cooking fancy, says Barrett. We have amazing pork producers, there was organic cabbage; they wanted a dimmie, we made one. David Osgood on the floor at Little Picket at Lorne Bowls Club. Eddie Jim When announcing its award winners last October, The Age Good Food Guide applauded the class of 2024 for its commitment to ethics in action, sustainable principles and doing significant things to reduce their environmental impact. Barrett sees her big move as steps along this same trajectory. I love cooking in the restaurant but its all-consuming and I can feel quite stretched, she says. I can see a way I can make a bigger impact. I feel excited about food and what is coming next.

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Exclusive Eating outComing soon First look at Morena, the much-anticipated Latin American restaurant opening in Sydneys GPO Latin Americas golden era is coming back to life at Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravias grand new fine diner. Scott Bolles April 2, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

When Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia first toured Sydneys GPO Building in 2021, he knew hed found a home for Morena, the Latin American restaurant he will open on April 15. The GPO edifice and its Martin Place setting reminded him of the colonial architecture across Latin America, particularly the central square in Lima, his home town. Chef Alejandro Saravia in his new restaurant Morena. James Brickwood Everything they built in that period was grand, with carved stone and gold, Saravia says. He hopes Morena will capture what Saravia calls Latin Americas golden era. It was super wealthy. Everything the world wanted, it had: gold, copper. It was a time when youd go to Cuba for New Years Eve, Saravia says. 1 / 4 Yellowfin tuna with aged soy dashi and daikon, one of nine ceviche dishes at Morena. Arianna Leggiero 2 / 4 Borrowdale pork neck al pastor, adobo rojo, pineapple, salsa verde, corn tortilla and crackling. Arianna Leggiero 3 / 4 OConnor beef eye fillet, saltado sauce, aji amarillo, red onion and tomato. Arianna Leggiero 4 / 4 Goats cheese custard, Andean crisps, aji panca and huacatay oil. Arianna Leggiero Previous Slide Next Slide

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Melbourne architects Ewert Leaf (Lune Croissanterie, Figlia) have used Latin American neoclassical architecture as a touchpoint, but Saravia is channelling venues such as Perus Gran Hotel Bolivar, where Hollywood stars Frank Sinatra, Orson Wells and John Wayne once stayed. On Morenas walls hang paintings inspired by the Peruvian Cusco School, in hand-carved frames highlighted by gold leaf, and waiters in jackets and vests will serve the restaurants signature ceviche at the table. We have nine different types of ceviche that represent how the dish is prepared differently across Latin America, Saravia says. The list includes a Colombian king prawn ceviche with green plantain crisp, and a Mexican version with kingfish and a cucumber agua chile, which he describes as having delicate consomme-like qualities. The GPO Building reminds Alejandro Saravia of Latin American neoclassical architecture. James Brickwood Since moving to Australia in 2006, Saravia has built his reputation mostly in Melbourne, initially with Peruvian restaurant Pastuso, and later at one-hat Farmers Daughters, which highlights produce from the Gippsland region.

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Morena marks a return to both Sydney, where he had a restaurant of the same name in Surry Hills from 2011 to 2013, and his Latin American food roots. The 200-seat restaurant occupies the former home of Italian restaurant Intermezzo, which closed during the pandemic, and a neighbouring store. With more Australians travelling to the Americas, our exposure to Latin American food is on the uptick. Saravia believes the timing is right for the restaurant, and he wants to tell a story with each dish. That Latin American culinary education will sweep more than his native Peruvian food; the opening menu includes a Cuban suckling pig with mojo sauce and Brazilian lamb picanha with a marinade using cachaca, a spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. In the spirit of the Gran Hotel Bolivar in Peru, Saravia wants both the drinks list and menu to be adventurous. Hes tipping the Aztec negroni  made with chocolate bitters and agave  to become Morenas signature drink, and hell slide affogato onto the dessert menu, but give the traditional Italian coffee dessert a Latin American twist using carob ice-cream and a touch of rum. Ox tongue skewers with Peruvian dried chillies and carretillero sauce. Arianna Leggiero There will also be a nod to Latin Americas many migrants, with an African-influenced ox tongue dish, and a beef stir-fry on the opening menu. The stir-fry, made with premium eye fillet, Peruvian chilli paste, onions and tomato, is based on Chifa cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian ideas, and will be cooked on a specially installed wok burner.

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An Australian man accused of killing a British ex-paratrooper while the pair were fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine sought consular assistance from Australian authorities before going into hiding.

Abdelfeteh Nourine, known as Adam or Jihadi Adam, was named by Ukrainian authorities last week as the suspected killer of Daniel Burke, a former British soldier.

Australian Abdelfetah Adam Nourine is accused of killing former British soldier Daniel Burke in Ukraine.

Nourine and Burke, who had both volunteered to help repel the Russian invasion, travelled to a firing range together in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region last August, about 50 kilometres behind the front lines.

Burkes body was discovered the following month with bullet injuries to the back of the head and neck.
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 Galina Doroshinas homemade curtains frame a million-dollar view of Sydney Harbour from Greenway, NSWs first social housing high-rise block that is celebrating its 70th birthday. When I first came and saw this great ugly building, I thought, Is it a prison? said 94-year-old Doroshina. As it turned out, it is so comfortable. The locations perfect. There is a shop, there is a medical centre, doctors come to our building. [And the view] is like a photo in a frame. Greenway in Milsons Point is bucking trends. Its 350 residents  two-thirds over 60 and 19 older than 90  are living longer on average than other Australians. Galina Doroshina, 94, thought Greenway was a prison, now she loves it and her million-dollar view. Credit: Rhett Wyman The social housing estate is also located in a far more affluent and central area than most public and community housing. Housing Minister Rose Jackson said Sydney needed more opportunities for people to live in public housing everywhere in our city. It doesnt matter if it is the wealthiest community in Sydney; there should be opportunities for public housing. I look forward to another 70 years, she said, and 70 more Greenways.

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They wouldnt necessarily look like Greenway because design and planning had changed since 1954. But Greenways vibrant community proved public housing belonged in the cities and the suburbs, she said. An analysis of public housing using ABS census data from 2006 to 2021 by Luke Metcalfe, a data scientist and founder of Microburbs.com.au, indicates Jackson has a huge job. The number of private dwellings rose by 300,000 to 1.85 million in Greater Sydney in that period, but the number of people who said in the census that they rented from a government or community housing provider fell by 10,000 to 70,144. Theres a strong correlation between high median income and a decrease in public housing, Metcalfe said. In affluent areas, where the gap between the underclass and their residents is the greatest, they fight harder to keep them out of their area, he wrote in a blog post last weekend. Public housing was increasingly concentrated in lower median income areas such as Blacktown, where it represented 5.9 per cent of all housing, Fairfield (7.4 per cent), Liverpool (6.1 per cent), Canterbury Bankstown (7.2 per cent) and Campbelltown (8.1 per cent), which has had the most public housing since 2006. It fell most in affluent areas. Lane Coves public housing dropped 64 per cent from representing 4.6 per cent (678 dwellings in 2006) to 1.5 per cent (244 in 2021.) Ku-ring-gai, Mosman and Woollahra, have the least public housing in Sydney, with fewer than 100 dwellings in each.

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The Greenway building in Milsons Point. Credit: Sam Rutherford From 2006 to 2021 in the City of Sydney, where the former Coalition government sold homes at Millers Point as a way to fund hundreds more in Sydneys less expensive areas, public housing fell 19 per cent to 6849 homes compared with a 40 per cent rise in all dwellings. No more shunting people off to the side, Jackson promised. If public housing stock had kept pace with population growth, Professor Hal Pawson of the City Futures Research Centre at UNSW said Australia would have built 567,943 public and community housing dwellings by 2022 compared with the stock of 434,732. Greenway was built at the peak of the post-war housing boom, and was celebrated as the largest housing estate of its kind in the southern hemisphere, North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said. Its electric stoves and fridges used so much electricity that an on-site substation had to be built. Newspaper reports in 1954 noted that the housing estate, built on a tract of wasteland created where old homes had been razed to make way for construction of the Harbour Bridge, was directly opposite fashionable Vaucluse and Point Piper. NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson says Sydney needs another 70 Greenways, spread across suburbs including our wealthiest. Credit: Rhett Wyman

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Dr Michael Zanardo, an architect and urban designer who specialises in affordable and public housing, said Sydney absolutely needs to build more public housing, soon and at volume. When it was completed, Greenway was seen as a real achievement and a sign of progress. Would we build Greenway again quite like this today? Probably not, but there are some excellent lessons there for future projects, he said. A Greenway resident relaxes in her lounge room in November 1957. Credit: State Archives Collection Bryce Gunn, 82, is president of the Greenway Tenants Group, which has been working with property manager St George Community Housing to improve residents access to services. Loading Greenway is down a steep hill from the train station. Access had been so poor that, in the past, some residents called an ambulance to get a ride to Royal North Shore Hospital to get a hot meal from its cafe, go shopping and see the doctor. As well as starting a wellness centre with visiting doctors and health professionals four days a week, Gunn said the group raised $52,000 by selling 20,170 sausage sandwiches to fund a commuter bus and to install a lift to street level.

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An unlikely alliance of residents, cyclists and parents are pushing for a cycleway ramp at the southern end of the Harbour Bridge to be resurrected because they fear a choke point created by the states transport agency will lead to serious injuries or death.

The situation on upper Fort Street, where cyclists, pedestrians and cars are funnelled into a congested narrow road and then a shared path during Fort Street Public School drop-off and pick-up, has become absurd, parents say.

Cyclists must pass students and parents approaching the entrance to Fort Street Public School on a steep ramp after crossing the Harbour Bridge. Credit: Kate Geraghty

After a $68 million upgrade and expansion of the school to cater for 550 children opened this year, cars are now forced to drive across a bike lane and into a playground, while cyclists ride a steep, narrow ramp with no markings as parents pull their children up the same incline on the only path to the school from the city.

Fort Street Public School P&C president Luke Lee said its a debacle and parents are livid that this is what the transport and education department left them with after the upgrade.
Ah, the fun to be found in the Parliamentary TV subtitles, which rendered the Member for Fadden as the Member for Saturn, writes Don Bain of Port Macquarie. The travel expenses would be astronomical!

Tell me I havent just seen an ad for tinned formula for seniors on TV, implores Viv Mackenzie of Port Hacking. Talk about cradle to the grave. Perhaps it was an expensive April Fools prank?

Andrew Brown of Bowling Alley Point has a question relating to cycling snobbery: Col Begg (C8) has me wondering, do any riders still turn their racing handles downside up, so they are raised on high and looking akin to water buffalo? And do they respond to friendly waving from the flat bar mob?

It always thrills me to see one of my former colleagues in Herald Letters or Column 8, but to be there on the same day is amazing! says Alison Stewart of Waitara. Merilyn McClung (C8) and I worked together late last century and early this century in educating high school students. Great memories.

Regarding Merilyns thoughts on Winxs new foal (C8), Meri Will Baulkham Hills thinks if Winx had triplets theyd be called Winkn, Blinkn and Nod.
The Australian government is threatening to sue Wall Street giant 3M Company for nationwide forever chemicals pollution that has seen tens of thousands of properties across the country poisoned and taxpayers forking out nearly $400 million in compensation.

It comes following a landmark US federal court settlement approved over the weekend under which the company will pay up to $US12.5 billion ($19 billion) to remove forever chemicals from thousands of water supplies in one of the largest pollution cases in American history.

3Ms global headquarters in Maplewood, Minnesota. Credit: Bloomberg

Approving the settlement on Saturday, Judge Richard Gergel said the deal avoided many years of future litigation over the plaintiffs allegations 3M knew of the environmental and potential human health risks of its forever chemicals but failed to warn users, bystanders, or public agencies of the risks.

The size of the settlement is so large the judge flagged the risk of bankruptcy for 3M.
A man has died in a house fire in Perths north overnight.

Emergency crews rushed to a fire on Hawksbill Drive in Alkimos around 10.35pm on Monday, with firefighters extinguishing the blaze.

Firefighters at the blaze on Monday night. Credit: 9 News Perth

WA Police Arson Squad Detective Sergeant Chris De Bruin said firefighters discovered the body of a male person inside the property.

We can confirm that only one person was located inside the house, one deceased person, he said.
Misbehaving politicians could be docked up to 5 per cent of their salary or suspended from federal parliament if a law creating a powerful new body charged with investigating allegations of misconduct is passed.

A leaked document outlining the punishments for MPs and senators found to breach parliamentary standards also recommends that some complaints remain secret, as the body would have the power to enforce confidentiality agreements. The document was drafted by a cross-party parliamentary working group charged with designing the new system.

Then-sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins in 2021. Credit: Jessica Hromas

The much-delayed Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission is meant to be established by October, three years after an independent inquiry called out parliaments revolting and humiliating workplace culture in the wake of former staffer Brittany Higgins allegation she had been raped in a ministers office.

Former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins November 2021 report, Set the Standard, called for the creation of the commission, which would have the power to levy punishments for serious breaches of workplace safety, such as sexual assault, violence, harassment, bullying and discrimination.
FARGO  North Dakota appears to be on course to be one of the deadliest states to work in after the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its latest report, for 2022.

The state-by state comparison is pending a report evaluation, which the AFL-CIO typically releases in late April. The AFL-CIO, a national labor organization, has been compiling reports on worker safety for more than 30 years.

The number of fatal work injuries in North Dakota totaled 37 in 2022, which was up by three deaths from the year before, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Last year, Atticus, a law firm which tracks the Bureau of Labor Statistics' data and focuses on workplace safety, labeled North Dakota as the most dangerous state to work in. Minnesota came in as the eighth most dangerous.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that self-employed fatal incidents in North Dakota decreased from 11 in 2021 to 10 in 2022. Across the state, there are about 417,000 workers, according to the bureaus statistics.

Minnesotas workforce was about 2.9 million in 2022, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Transportation incidents topped the chart in North Dakota, resulting in 13 fatal work injuries, up from 10 and accounting for 35% of all fatal workplace injuries.

A total of eight deaths across North Dakota were related to contact with objects or heavy equipment. Exposure to harmful substances or environments was the third-most prominent fatal work event with seven fatalities, up from six in 2021.

Some of the deaths from 2022 included a man who was crushed when a lawn mower overturned, two people who were crushed by an excavator and a load that fell from a truck, and one person who died after falling down stairs.

North Dakotas fatality rate is slightly worse than in 2021, which saw nine out of every 100,000 workers die while on the job, a number that far outpaced Minnesotas rate of roughly three of every 100,000 workers dying on the job, according to the National Safety Council.

Minnesota saw a total of 81 fatal work injuries in 2022, up one from 80 in 2021, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, which coincided with the Bureau of Labor Statistics' number.

Minnesotas fatal-injury rate was listed at 2.8 per 100,000 workers, the same rate as the previous year.

The national fatal-injury rate per 100,000 workers was 3.7 people, according to the bureaus statistics.

North Dakotas fatality rate exceeded the national average in all fatal injury categories except transportation and violence by persons or animals. Nationally, transportation-related injuries comprised 38% of workplace deaths, according to the bureaus statistics.

Contact with objects or equipment and exposure to harmful substances deaths comprised 14% and 15%, respectively, of the U.S. total, but in North Dakota comprised 22% and 19%.

Additionally, men accounted for 95% of the work-related fatalities in North Dakota compared to 92% of national share, according to the bureaus statistics. Most of the people who died (78%) while on the job were listed as white non-Hispanics.

Out of the 37 fatal work injuries in North Dakota, 73% worked for wages and salaries while the rest were self-employed.

Nationally, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries in 2022, which is a 5.7% increase from 2021 with 5,190 incidents, the bureau reported.

The number of deaths in 2022 was the highest since at least 2011, which had 4,693 recorded fatal incidents. The most dangerous years since then were 2016 and 2021 with 5,190 deaths, 2018 with 5,250 deaths and 2019 with 5,333 deaths.

A worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury in 2022, compared to 101 minutes in 2021, the bureau reported.

Also, the amount of unintentional overdoses increased 13.1% to a high of 525 fatalities in 2022, up from 464 in 2021, which continues a trend of annual increases since 2012, according to the bureaus statistics.

While the death rate across the nation appeared to be increasing, so did the nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses rate, with 2.8 million incidents in 2022, up 7.5% from 2021. Illnesses that year, which was during the coronavirus pandemic, increased 26.1% to 460,700 cases, according to the bureaus statistics.
The Minns government has been warned a failure to deal with Sydneys silent crisis over the shortage of industrial land could force companies and billions in investment to move interstate, as a chorus of industry figures call for reform of the states planning rules.

The pressure to build more houses to fix housing stock comes as the city also faces an acute scarcity of industrial land.

Vacant industrial estate in Lane Cove North. The government has been urged to update its policy to better utilise unloved sites like this. Credit: Sydney Morning Herald

Record low vacancy rates are driving commercial rents up to 80 per cent higher than equivalent sites in Melbourne or south-east Queensland, according to Atlas Economics property and land use director Esther Cheong. She said this has in turn inflated prices for goods.

Businesses have been struggling with what Cheong described as a silent crisis over the lack of new industrial land. An industry outlook undertaken by commercial real estate firm Colliers this year found industrial and logistics vacancy rates in Sydney hovering at 1.2 per cent, a figure below the national average of 1.6 per cent and the second-lowest in the world behind Toronto in Canada.
The worlds largest private collection of Nordic art is set to become public with the May opening of an innovative cultural centre in the south of Norway.

April 1, 2024

by Julietta Jameson
This article is part of Travellers April hot list of the top new hotels, reviews and attractions.

After almost 20 years plying Europes great rivers in chartered ships, APT is creating its own vessels, heralding a new era for the Australian company based in Melbourne.

The 2025 Europe pre-release collection is now on sale offering APT fans and newcomers alike the opportunity to be among the first to experience the global tour operators two new European ships, the APT Solara and APT Ostara.

A render of the APT Solara in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Each ship carries up to 154 guests serviced by 60 crew and theyll sail the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers.

Custom-designed by Melbournes award-winning architectural firm, Hecker Guthrie, in collaboration with naval engineers, the ships are being built by TeamCo Shipyard B.V, in Heusden, Netherlands.
Australia has been neutralised. But not conquered. Its the year 2034. A coup, a small war and a waiting enemy was all it took to upend life in the Lucky Country, writes Mark Wales in a forthcoming novel. The former elite soldier is not shy about naming the invading enemy  the Peoples Liberation Army. And thats where his problem started.

Wales is known to Australias special forces community for his six years in the Special Air Services, and to viewers of Network Tens Australian Survivor as sole survivor of the rugged reality show in 2022. Now hes hoping to emerge as sole survivor of a Liberal party preselection contest for the federal West Australian seat of Tangney on Saturday.

Former SAS soldier Mark Wales appeared on Tens Australian Survivor. Credit: Network Ten

Its a traditional Liberal seat that Anthony Albaneses Labor picked up in 2022. But with Labors margin under 3 per cent, its in the category of gettable for the Libs. But Wales novel is now being used against him, even before publication, on grounds that it could foment racial anxiety by posing China as a hostile force bent on subjugating Australia.

The community feels, rightly or wrongly, that they are being attacked or singled out unnecessarily, says the president of the West Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Tony Chong. If youre trying to promote a country as multicultural, this is not the way to do it, he told The Australian.
The United States has at last let a United Nations Security resolution pass, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza until the end of Ramadan  less than two weeks  and the release of all hostages. In response, an infuriated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called off an Israeli delegations visit to Washington, where the two nations were planning to discuss Israels security needs and the Gaza war.

This marks an unprecedented rift in US-Israeli relations and comes amid Washingtons growing frustration with Netanyahus conduct of the Gaza war.

The US let a United Nations Security resolution pass, marking an unprecedented rift in the US-Israel relationship. Credit: AP

Israels operations in Gaza have steadily flown in the face of the Biden administrations emphasis on the need to stay on course with international law. The final straw has been Netanyahus determination to attack Rafah, which Washington has said would be a huge mistake, given the toll an attack would inflict on the 1.4 million Gazans located there.

No Israeli leader has leveraged American support more than Netanyahu to pursue a self-centred anti-Palestinian policy. Yet, he has managed to bypass any American presidents who have previously raised objections by relying on hedge politics and bipartisan support in the US Congress.
US, Israel holding virtual meeting on Rafah offensive plans



Washington, April 1 (AFP) Apr 01, 2024



The United States and Israel were due to hold a virtual meeting Monday on the planned offensive in Gaza's Rafah, officials said, a week after Israel called off its delegation's visit to Washington.

Tensions have risen between Israel and its chief backer the United States over the heavy civilian death toll in Gaza, and especially over Israeli plans to send ground forces into Gaza's crowded far-southern city of Rafah.

Israel had agreed to send a delegation to Washington for discussions on the plans, but canceled the trip after the United States last week declined to veto a UN Security Council ceasefire call, abstaining instead.

"The meeting is scheduled for today. It will be online. There may be a meeting in person later this week," said an Israeli source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A US official confirmed the virtual meeting, adding that "we anticipate follow-up meetings in person following additional work by expert teams."

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told journalists that the goal of the meeting is the same as that of the canceled delegation visit.

The aim is to "understand what their plans are for any type of operation within Rafah, to understand how they're going to move or conduct operations with a very concentrated population that's there, over a million people," Singh told journalists.

She did not confirm Defense Department participation in the talks, but a US official said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would take part.

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Russia accuses Israel of 'unacceptable' strike on Damascus



Moscow, April 1 (AFP) Apr 01, 2024



Moscow on Monday accused Israel of carrying out an "unacceptable" attack on a diplomatic building in Syria, after air strikes destroyed the Iranian embassy's consular annex in Damascus.

"On the evening of April 1, the Israeli Air Force struck the Iranian consulate building in Damascus," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We strongly condemn this unacceptable attack against the Iranian consular mission in Syria."

Israel did not comment on the reported attack. Syrian and Iranian officials have also accised Israel of staging the strikes.

Moscow said that any attacks on a diplomatic building were "unacceptable".

"We call on the Israeli leadership to stop provocative acts of armed violence against the territory of Syria and neighbouring countries," the ministry said.

A top Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander was among eight people reported to have been killed in the strikes amid worsening regional tensions.

Iranian officials vowed a stiff response with fears of even further violence between Israel and Iran's allies triggered by the Gaza war.
CORRECTED: Toll rises to 11 killed in Israeli strikes on Damascus Iran embassy annex: monitor



Beirut, April 1 (AFP) Apr 01, 2024



The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said the death toll from an air strike on an Iranian embassy annex building in Damascus -- widely blamed on Israel -- had risen to 11 on MOnday.

"The death toll from the Israeli strikes on the Iranian embassy annex has risen to 11: eight Iranians, two Syrians and one Lebanese -- all of them fighters, none of them civilians," Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the British-based Observatory, told AFP.

The observeratory had previously said there were eight dead.
Iran guards say 7 members killed in Israel strike on Syria consular annex



Damascus, April 1 (AFP) Apr 01, 2024



Israeli air strikes destroyed the Iranian embassy's consular annex in Damascus Monday, Syrian and Iranian officials said, with a top Revolutionary Guard commander among seven members the force said were killed, amid worsening regional tensions.

Israel said it would not comment on the reported attack, but Iranian officials vowed a stiff response with fears of even further violence between Israel and Iran's allies triggered by the Gaza war.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps named Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and another high-ranking officer, Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, as among seven of its members killed.

Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 11 people, including several Guards members, were killed when "Israeli missiles... destroyed the building of an annex to the Iranian embassy".

The toll includes "eight Iranians, two Syrians and one Lebanese -- all of them fighters, none of them civilians," Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Observatory with a network of sources in Syria, told AFP.

Iran's ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, giving a lower toll, told Iranian state TV that "at least five people were killed in the attack which was carried out by F-35 fighter jets" which fired six missiles at the building.

AFP reporters saw the annex building had caved in, and emergency services were rushing to search for victims under the rubble as sirens wailed in the upscale Damascus district of Mazzeh.

Security personnel shielded the site where earth-moving equipment was brought in to clear the debris and remove charred vehicles from the road outside, watched by a crowd of onlookers.

Syria's defence ministry said "the attack destroyed the entire building, killing and injuring everyone inside, and work is underway to recover the bodies and rescue the wounded from under the rubble".



- Regional tensions -



Iranian state TV said Zahedi -- a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, the Quds Force -- was among the dead.

The Observatory said Zahedi served as the leader of the Quds Force for Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, adding that he was killed along with his deputy, his aide, and the Quds force chief of staff for the same three countries.

Two other members of the Guards and two Iranian advisers were also killed in the strike, the Observatory said.

The targeted building is next to the Iranian embassy, the front of which is decorated with a large portrait of Qassem Soleimani, the architect of Iran's military operations in the Middle East, killed in January 2020 in an American drone strike in Iraq.

The Damascus strikes were the fifth in a week to hit Syria, whose President Bashar al-Assad is supported by Iran, Israel's long-time arch foe in the region.

Syria's state news agency SANA had earlier reported that "our air defence systems confronted enemy targets in the vicinity of Damascus".

Iran's ambassador, Akbari, vowed the attack "will lead to our decisive response", adding "the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate shows the reality of the Zionist entity which recognises no international laws and does all that is inhumane to achieve its goals".

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called for a "serious response by the international community".



- 'Heinous attack' -



Only the gate of the building was left standing after the attack, with a sign mentioning "the consular section of the embassy of Iran", an AFP journalist said.

Window panes in buildings within a 500-metre (550 yard) radius had been shattered, and many parked cars were damaged by the blast.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad also denounced the attack after visiting the site, calling it a "heinous terrorist attack... killing a number of innocent people", in a statement carried by SANA.

The Gaza war, which started with the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, has devastated the coastal territory and also seen Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah exchange near daily cross-border fire.

Israel has also struck targets in Syria, mostly army positions as well as those of Iran-backed combatants.

Hamas condemned "in the strongest terms" the attack which it called a "dangerous escalation."

Moscow, a Damascus ally along with Tehran, blamed "the Israeli Air Force" for the "unacceptable attack against the Iranian consular mission in Syria."

The Damascus strike came three days after the Observatory reported Israeli strikes that had killed 53 people in Syria, including 38 soldiers and seven members of Hezbollah.

It was the highest Syrian army toll in Israeli strikes since the Israel-Hamas war began, said the monitor.

"Syria and Lebanon have become one extended battleground from the Israeli perspective," Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, told AFP after the Friday strikes.

The bloodiest ever Gaza war erupted with the Palestinian militants' unprecedented October 7 attack which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign, aimed at destroying Hamas, has killed at least 32,845 people, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry.
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In his address on Sunday, Mr Netanyahu also repeated his vow for a military ground offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than half of territorys population of 2.3 million now shelters after fleeing fighting elsewhere. There is no victory without going into Rafah, he said, adding that US pressure would not deter him. Israels military says Hamas battalions remain there.
"Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children," he said in a speech that also touched on the plight of Haitians, the Rohingya and victims of human trafficking.
A Williston man accused of child pornography has pleaded guilty in federal court and faces at least 15 years in prison.

Nicholas Nesdahl, 29, is to be sentenced June 24 on seven counts of producing or attempting to produce images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The mandatory minimum sentence is 15 years, according to North Dakota U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider.

Nesdahl was accused of befriending minors on social networking platforms and grooming them to produce pornographic images and videos of themselves. Authorities said victims were in North Dakota, Minnesota, Maryland, Texas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and ranged in age from 6 to 15.

The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.
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The Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Paul Stanescu, declared, on Monday, that Romania's entry into the Schengen area with air and sea borders is a step towards "dignity" and "more freedom", as well as "a major success" of the current governing coalition.

"We come from different political camps, but we are united by the fundamental values of democracy, social justice and the need for faster development and coherence in the governmental act. (...) We are in a responsible political partnership, which also takes state interests into account. What keeps us connected is the very diversity of ideas and the desire to have balanced solutions and benefits for all social categories. In the short and medium term, we must continue to collaborate and negotiate constructively for Romania," Stanescu concluded.
February airline boardings at the eight commercial service airports in North Dakota grew by 10.2% from the same month in 2023.

Meanwhile, several airports in the state are getting federal funding for infrastructure work or snow removal equipment.

The number of airline passengers in Bismarck, Williston, Dickinson, Minot, Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Jamestown during the month totaled 97,124 -- nearly 9,000 more than the year before, according to the state Aeronautics Commission.

Air service activity throughout North Dakota remains healthy and strong as spring break travel takes off, Commission Executive Director Kyle Wanner said.

March is historically one of the busiest times of the year for air travel in North Dakota as residents go about their spring break plans, according to the commission.

Boardings in February were up at all airports except Jamestown, which saw a 7.4% decrease. Bismarck's boardings were up 12.2%, while Dickinson's rose 12.7% and Williston's increased 33%. Other increases: Fargo (4%), Grand Forks (5.3%), Minot (22.7%) and Devils Lake (70%). Devils Lake typically has fewer passengers than other airports, meaning its percentages can swing greatly -- the 70% increase equated to 280 additional passengers.

The average aircraft load statewide in February was 85%. There were 1,333 flight departures and 30 cancellations, for a cancellation rate of 2.2%.

Delta Air Lines had the largest North Dakota market share during the month, at 38%, followed by Allegiant with 25% and United with 21%. American had 12% and Frontier 4%.

Year-to-date boardings statewide stand at 191,628, up 7% from the same point in 2023. Bismarck's boardings are up 9.7%, Dickinson's 4.7% and Williston's 34.7%.

Travelers can fly nonstop out of Bismarck to Minneapolis, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando, and starting in May the Tampa Bay area will be added to the list.

The full boardings report is at bit.ly/43ta3Dh.

Airport grants

The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded more than $3.2 million in grants to airports across the state, according to U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven, both R-N.D.

The Jamestown airport is getting the biggest chunk -- $2.6 million for work on a service road and taxiway, and for snow removal equipment.

Garrison's airport is getting $150,000 for terminal reconstruction, and the Beach airport is getting the same amount for a runway guidance system and lighting.

The Hettinger airport is getting $144,000 for pavement work. Glen Ullin is getting $113,000 for snow removal equipment. The Ashley airport will use $67,500 for runway signage and markings.
The situation of public finances remains fragile and generates concern that the budget deficit target for this year risks not being reached, and the reduction of the deficit should be achieved through a mix of measures that also target the area of budget expenditures and, above all, fiscal administration in order to obtain a greater collection of existing taxes, Chairman of the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) Daniel Anghel said on Monday after a meeting of investors with the minister of finance and his team.

According to a FIC press statement released on Monday, FIC has continued its dialogue with the Ministry of Finance by organising an event dedicated to fiscal strategy that brought together half of the presidents and financial directors of the FIC member companies with Minister of Finance Marcel Bolos and his team from the Ministry of Finance and the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF).

During the event, investors raised questions regarding the sustainability of the national budget, tax reform, digital transformation of ANAF and the implementation of electronic reporting systems, the impact of measures adopted last year, measures to support large investments and to stimulate innovation, research and development, developments in international financial markets and dialogue with rating agencies, and the financing of the healthcare system.

FIC members support the strategic, medium- and long-term approach to key areas, as is the case with the fiscal regime, which must be analysed from the perspective of the results recorded at the level of collection and the contribution to the state budget, but also economic development and the identification of those elements that must be adjusted and to find sustainable solutions.

"The efforts for fiscal consolidation are essential for the perception of investors and for the fulfillment of the conditions in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and implicitly for attracting European funds through this mechanism. As a result, it is very important to see if the measures taken, in this case the fiscal package entered into force this year, have the expected results and what are the future fiscal policies. If the fiscal package does not reach its objective, the business environment can expect other fiscal decisions. However, the reduction of the deficit should be achieved through a mix of measures that also target the area of budget expenditures and, above all, fiscal administration in order to obtain a greater collection of existing taxes. From this perspective, we argue that ANAF reform and digital transformation remain vital for fiscal consolidation. At the same time, a predictable and stable fiscal framework is necessary for the business environment to make investments with an impact on the economy and, obviously, for the revenues to the state budget," said Anghel.

Since 2019, Romania has been in a complicated budgetary context and a balanced approach from the authorities is needed to ensure the assumed deficit for 2024, says FIC. The presidents and financial leaders of FIC members, together with the representatives of the ministry, agreed that in order to ensure the sustainability of the state budget, it is necessary to support investments with a high added value, to improve collection by modernizing the entire ANAF architecture and streamlining and prioritizing public service administration expenditure.

FIC and Ministry of Finance representatives concluded that the partnership between the FIC and the Ministry will continue in April with technical discussions regarding tax reform and the digital transformation of ANAF.
In 2022, Dr. Love Holt-at the time a Reproductive Freedom Organizer with Pro Choice Missouri (now known as Abortion Action Missouri)-shared a courageous yet intimate commentary with the Riverfront Times, titled: My Abortion Helped Me Escape an Abusive Marriage.

After I had my abortion, I gathered the courage to leave my abusive marriage, Holt wrote. I was homeless with no resources to provide (for) myself or my childrenI couldnt imagine taking a new baby through this horrific journey. I dont know if I would have made it as a single mother of four plus a newborn.

The commentary, Holt said, didnt go over well with Black people she knew.

I was in a stand-alone position with many in my community, turning their backs on me, shunning me, Holt recalled, adding: They were perplexed as to why I was supported by white people for a white cause.

African American attitudes toward abortions have always been rather nuanced. Although they overwhelmingly vote Democrat, theres always been a stubborn streak of conservatism-especially among older Black churchgoers-that isnt as robust among white liberal voters.

For centuries, the Black church has played a crucial role in the civil rights struggle. Therefore, religiosity, even for those who dont attend church regularly, has influenced how many Black people discuss, debate or vote on reproductive rights issues. Some support issues like abortion in silence or not at all.

Apparently, according to several surveys, those attitudes are changing, especially since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

According to recent polling, Black voters are becoming more supportive of a legal right to abortion and are concerned about how eliminating access to abortion will disproportionately harm women of color.

An aggregated Gallup poll found the percentage of Black Democratswho found abortion morally acceptable rose from 34% in 2017 to 50% in 2020 before Roe was overturned.

A Public Religion Research Institute poll after Roe v. Wade was overturned, found that about 75% of Black Americans  compared with 88% of all Democrats  are now supportive of laws protecting most or all cases of abortion.

That figure is mostly attributed to younger Blacks being more likely than older Black voters to be fully supportive of abortion rights. It also speaks to why Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party are framing the issue of reproductive rights as part of a broader civil rights struggle.

Holt said she shared her story publicly to emphasize the importance of the anticipated impact Dobbs will have on those most at risk. Very few reproductive rights advocates make the connection between domestic violence and abortions, she stressed.

Domestic violence is about control. Reproductive and sexual coercion isa tactic abusers use to maintain power over their victims by manipulating their partners pregnancy and reproductive outcomes, she said.

I decided to leave my abuser after giving birth to my fourth child while enduring physical and emotional abuse, but he knew that five children would restrict my ability to leave.

Kawanna Shannon is aformerdirector at Planned Parenthood who is now an author, motivational speaker, and owner of her own healthcare company.

Reproductive work, she said, has her studying new and pending laws that will impact the health of Black people. Shannon, too, maintains thatBlack attitudes-even among those in church-are evolving and many are becoming more concerned and politically active on the issue.

I believe (Black) people are waking up and realizing this is bigger than church and state. Reproductive rights are more than just about abortion. Black women are number one in almost every disease; were number one in dying (both mother and child) on the delivery table during childbirth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Black women have the highest abortion rate at 23.8 per 1,000 women, compared with 6.6 per 1,000 white women. Additionally, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.9 times the rate for white women.

As the Black church, you just cant say youre fighting for one right and not another, Shannon continued. There are women carrying pregnancies that are not healthy. If youre going to say, God is love then you have to show that, you have to do that in thought, words and action.

Changing thoughts into action is one reason Pamela Merritt accepted the role of executive director at Medical Students for Choice. The nonprofit has a network of over 10,000 medical students, who after graduation, Merritt said, should be able to describe reproductive healthcare-medically and accurately-to their patients.

We have to realize that 51% of the population is capable of pregnancy and that we deserve, as the majority, to have our realities centered in medical information. If people dont learn how to talk about reproductive healthcare and how to advocate for access to it for their patients, well never break this cycle of providing inadequate care.

Merritt said Black women and African American voters of all genders are deeply connected to reproductive rights and access to abortions because its a life-or-death issue and Black women uniquely die as a result of pregnancy complications.

Social media-particularly Black Twitter, she added has done a wonderful job in allowing people to connect across states and talk about how scared they are of pregnancy and possible complications.

Shannon credits the Black church for trying to get an understanding of people and their lives and what theyre going through. Its the only way the church can come to empathize with women and fight for them, she added.

However, women, Shannon insisted, must command the fight for reproductive rights.

If you go to church; theres usually more women than men. We cant be afraid to jump out and take the lead. Power comes in numbers, and a lot of us know that this is about our bodies and how our rights are being stripped away. We know that if we dont get out and make a change, change wont be made.

Shannon warns that even if Black attitudes and voting habits rise to the point where anti-reproductive rights initiatives are defeated in November, the fight should continue.

Theres always work to do. We should never be comfortable because theres too many (Black) people who arent registered to vote, too many who will not exercise that right. Yet, the adversary never sleeps.

We need to be ready to take action and make change at any given moment. We should never rest, never sleep, never think weve made iteven if we win.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
The city of St. Louis has ceremonially renamed a portion of Washington Avenue in honor of hometown supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss in the heart of the Garment District.

Kloss, who grew up in Webster Groves, arrived Monday at 16th Street and Washington Avenue, also known as Karlie Kloss Way. The actual sign with her name on it went up in 2019, but due to scheduling conflicts and the pandemic, she was finally able to officially unveil it about five years later.

Kloss has appeared on more than 40 international Vogue covers, hosted the reality competition television series Project Runway, created a coding camp for girls and runs several business ventures.

She also has two children with husband Josh Kushner, a tech entrepreneur and younger brother of Jared Kushner, husband of Ivanka Trump. Jared and Ivanka Trump both served as senior advisers to former President Donald Trump.

This moment is so meaningful to me, Kloss said. My family has been proudly rooted in the Midwest for generations, and no matter how far I travel, my beloved St. Louis is always home in my heart. The spirit of St. Louis has shaped me into who I am today, so I carry those community and family values everywhere I go. Its very full circle  and quite surreal  to forever have a part of me in my hometown.

The street naming event was coordinated by the St. Louis Fashion Fund, an advocacy group for more than 800 fashion-related businesses. Both Kloss and fashion writer Derek Blasberg, who spoke at the event, have received the funds highest awards for their contributions to the fashion industry.

The decision to name a street in Karlies honor was because of her continued support of the Fashion Fund, fashion and the arts. We consider her to be a St. Louis icon, said Susan Sherman, co-founder and board chair, of St. Louis Fashion Fund.

Additionally, Blasberg, whom Kloss refers to as her big brother, loved the idea of the street renaming, she added.

In order to have the street renamed, the fund worked through the local alderwoman, who proposed it for a vote before the full Board of Aldermen in St. Louis. It easily passed.

The fund supports students, designers, emerging brands and established brands. Its mission is to help promote job creation and economic growth. The organization mentors local creatives and partners with funding groups such as Arch Grants to boost fashion entrepreneurship and scholarships for aspiring fashion designers.

The fund also runs a speaker series called Speaking of Fashion spotlighting global fashion icons who share the vibrancy of the St. Louis fashion scene into the national conversation. Fashion Funds goal is to bring the business of fashion back to St. Louis and regain its status as a fashion capital.
Calling the Three Seas States Eastern European countries is an oversimplification. Perhaps it would be more precise to say they are located in Central and Eastern Europe. The Three Seas functions as an entity comprising separate nations whose histories are often intertwined and sometimes complicated and loaded with sensitive matters. Its countries proudly and eagerly share their heritage, rediscovering what they share rather than focusing on divisions.

Three Seas Initiative comprises 12 countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Some of the states regained their independence earlier than others. A flag and coat of arms have for centuries worked like a logo  an icon encapsulating the roots of a nation. What do central and Eastern European flags tell us?

Austria

The current flag was adopted in 1945, after the end of the Second World War. It is said to be one of the oldest flags still in contemporary use, representing the nation rather than the sovereign from the start. The colors represent strength and bravery (red), peace and honesty (white). The flag sometimes is presented with an eagle (in the past, a two-headed eagle). It symbolizes Austrias sovereignty.

The crown on its head refers to the people of the middle class and pays tribute to their efforts in building the country. The eagle is holding a sickle (symbolic of the significant role agriculture has played in Austrias history) and a hammer (referring to the industry and the mining history of the country). The broken chain was added to the eagles legs in 1945 and represented liberation from the National Socialist Dictatorship.

Bulgaria

Until the Ottoman Empire incorporated Bulgaria into its lands, the flag o the country was that of Tsar Ivan Shishman  a white flag with three red lions on a white shield. While the lion is still considered an important symbol of the country, the flag does not resemble the pre-Ottoman version in the least.

It was changed after the Russo-Turkish war when Bulgaria regained its independence (1879). The tri-color flag purposely resembles the Russian tri-color, as it emphasizes the unity of the Slavic nations (pan_Slavic colors) and the ethnic origins of Bulgarians.

Apart from that universal message, the colors used are not coincidental and have their meaning. Starting from the top: the white stands for freedom, peace, and love. The green refers to the pivotal role of agriculture in the countrys history. And the red symbolizes independence, struggle, and courage, especially in battle.

Croatia

Although Croatias route to independence was incredibly long and lasted for more than three centuries, the nation chose its colors to unite under despite the state did not exist in official terms. The red, white, and blue stripes correspond with the colors chosen by former, ancient realms  predecessors of todays Croatia. The Kingdom of Croatia was united under the colors of white and red; the Kingdom of Slavonia used white and blue, while Dalmatia chose blue and yellow.

Out of these four colors  three common ones were chosen. In the center, you can see the Croatian coat of arms with a crown of five shields. The shields depict (from the left) the oldest known coat of arms of Croatia, the coat of arms of the Ragusa Republic, the coat of arms of Dalmatia, the coat of arms of Istria, and the coat of arms of Slavonia. The flag was officially adopted in December 1990, shortly before the Croatian War of Independence.

Czech Republic (Czechia)

The basis for contemporary Czechias flag can be found in the ancient Kingdom of Bohemia. Upon the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the government decided that its flag would draw from the roots of the Bohemian flag. However, it would incorporate a blue triangle (apart from its symbolism, it was also very practical as it distinguished it from the flag of Poland).

The white stands for the virtues of peace and honesty, while the red corresponds with strength and courage (especially in battle). The blue triangle stands for justice, truth, and loyalty. After the fall of Czechoslovakia, Czechia briefly entertained the thought of changing its national flag. However, in the end, the decision was to keep the current flag to remind future generations about their nations history.

Estonia

The symbolism of the Estonian flag is a little different from the symbolism we have seen in the previous flags, where the colors draw their meaning from heraldry. Estonias flag was thought up in 1881 by a fraternity at the University of Tartu. It was soon adopted by the Estonian national movement to become its official symbol after the First World War and after gaining independence. Starting from the top, the blue represents the sky over the nation, the freedoms it enjoyed, and the sea on its borders.

The black stripe corresponds with the land and independence taken from the Estonian nation for so long. The bottom white stripe speaks of hope for the future and of work that needs to be done to turn those hopes into reality. Those with more romantic souls will also point out that the blue, black, and white are strikingly similar to the winter landscape in Estonia, with its blue skies, black, bare forests, and deep snow.

Hungary

The flag of Hungary has its roots in the Middle Ages. At first, the flag displayed only white and red, originating from the Arpad Dynasty. After Hungary adopted the Christian faith, Stephen I added the green color, creating the basis for all variations present in history from that point on. The flags symbolism is most commonly referred to in the romantic interpretation, where the red color symbolizes the blood spilled in many wars for the country; white stands for many rivers which flow through the land; and green symbolizes the Hungarian mountains.

However, especially if we bear in mind the longstanding history of the Hungarian flag, we should also consider the alternative version relating to the symbolism used in heraldry. In that case, the red stands for the nations strength and courage, the white emphasizes the nations faithfulness and faith, and the green speaks of the nations hope for the future or sometimes is interpreted as the symbol of plentifulness of the land.

Latvia

Not many people know that Latvias flag is one of the oldest European flags. It was first recorded to be used by the Latvian troops in a battle in 1279. The flag is a carmine sheet divided in the middle by a white stripe. The legend connected with the flag says that the Latvians (in some sources, the Latvian king), when battling for the lands and wounded, were sent back wrapped in a white sheet that would soak with blood everywhere but under their spines.

In terms of heraldry, the red does refer to courage and strength in battle. The white symbolizes the virtues of truth, lawfulness, and freedom. In more modern times, the flag in its current shape was resurrected from ancient sources by Ansis Cirulus, an artist credited with the design of the Latvian flag.

Lithuania

The case with the flag of Lithuania is, indeed, an interesting one. Historically, the red flag depicted a white knight charging on a horse (known as Vytis in Lithuanian and Pogon in Polish) in its center. This flag is associated with Gediminas despite the lack of sufficient historical evidence to prove it. However, historical sources clearly describe its usage during battles with the order of the Teutonic Knights, including the famous battle in the fields of Grunwald in 1410.

After the First World War, partly because the original flag was impractical to use internationally, and partly as Lithuanias wanted to make a clear statement and got its history detached from Poland (the colors in Lithinaunias coat of arms are white and red as the Polish flag) Lithuanians started to look for a new symbol. Drawing on their folk outfits, they came up with a flag that, in its symbolism, does not follow the rules of heraldry. In the new (1918) Lithuania flag, yellow represents the sun, light, and prosperity.

The next color, green, symbolizes the beauty of nature, freedom, and hope. The only color which seems to take some meaning from the heraldry is red, corresponding with the courage and blood sacrificed by Lithuanians for their homeland, and symbolizes the land. But once in a while, the discussion of whether the original flag should be reinstituted emerges, so stay tuned.

Poland

Although Polish national colors have been in use for centuries (at least from the early 10th century), it was not until the end of the First World War that the Polish Sejm officially established the form of the Polish national flag. Initially, it would depict a white eagle on a red background. Hence the early form of the Polish flag would use both colors. It was in 1919 when the official Act described the flag as comprising two stripes  white and red.

The white (or, to be precise, silver) symbolizes the eagle and the virtues of purity, loyalty, humility, and nobility. The red corresponded with courage and strength, especially in battle, as well as zeal and sacrifice. It also was the most expensive dye in the early centuries. Hence it was symbolic of royalty.

Interestingly, Poland has two official versions of its national flag. The other is also adorned with Polands coat of arms. However, its use is restricted to diplomatic missions, merchant ships, airports, and consulates. What else you should know about flags of Eastern Europe?

Romania

The flag of Romania is the only one in this set comprising horizontal rather than vertical stripes. Originating from the colors used by the Romanian nobles, it was first described, and its symbolic meaning explained, in 1821. Starting from the left, the blue stripe is said to represent liberty; the yellow stripe stands for justice, while the red refers to fraternity.

Hard to stop yourself from making a connection with the French flag and French Revolution. However, such an association has no historical grounds, just as the theory of it being a hybrid of the flags of Moldavia and Wallachia.

Slovakia

The colors of Slovakias flag are those described during the 1848 Revolutions and known as the pan-Slavic colors. They are used by many Slavic countries and can be especially seen in the flags of the nations that regained independence at some point post the turbulent 1848. The idea behind the pan-Slavic colors was to emphasize the Slavic roots of the Central and Eastern European countries and Russia.

The contemporary Slovakia flag comprises three horizontal lines: white, red, and blue. Their meaning is derived from medieval heraldry, where white stands for purity and truth, red reminds of courage and strength (especially in battle), and blue refers to loyalty and faithfulness. Bearing to the left on the flag, we can see Slovakias coat of arms  a cross with two arms, rising over a blue hill and presented on a red background. It speaks of the nations heritage and strong connection to the Orthodox religion, which was prevalent in the lands.

Slovenia

There are two sources where we can search for the roots of Slovenias flag. The first one is connected with the 1848 Revolutions and the pan-Slavic colors established at the Slavic Congress, held that year in Prague. But there are older sources connecting Slovenia to the white, red, and blue. The land of Carniola, which was under the Roman Empire, was granted a coat of arms by the Emperor. The coat of arms featured a white shield, a blue eagle, and a red-and-white checkered crescent on its breast.

The symbolic nature of the colors follows suit with the other Slavic countries, where white stands for purity and truth, red reminds of courage and strength (especially in battle), and blue refers to loyalty and faithfulness. Bearing to the left on the flag, we can see Slovenias coat of arms, representing the countrys heritage. The white mountain in the middle is symbolic of Slovenias most famous peak  Triglav. The blue, wavy lines at the bottom refer to the waterways which shaped the countrys history. The stars on a blue background were taken from the coat of arms used by the dynasty in Celje  the major dynasty of Slovenia.

It is interesting to realize that most national flags as we know them today may be rooted in the long history of the states but are, in fact, a relatively modern addition to the way countries unite. This change is significant and echoes different winds of history, which have blown into the sails of Europe and, indeed, the entire world.
JERUSALEM  Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October. Protesters urged the government to reach a cease-fire deal to free dozens of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas militants and to hold early elections.

Israeli society was broadly united immediately after Oct. 7, when Hamas killed some 1,200 people during a cross-border attack and took 250 others hostage. Nearly six months of conflict have renewed divisions over the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though the country remains largely in favor of the war.

Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and bring all the hostages home, yet those goals have been elusive. While Hamas has suffered heavy losses, it remains intact.

Roughly half of the hostages in Gaza were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. But attempts by international mediators to bring home the remaining hostages have failed. Talks resumed on Sunday with no signs that a breakthrough was imminent.

Hostages' families believe time is running out, and they are getting more vocal about their displeasure with Netanyahu.

We believe that no hostages will come back with this government because theyre busy putting sticks in the wheels of negotiations for the hostages, said Boaz Atzili, whose cousin, Aviv Atzili and his wife, Liat, were kidnapped on Oct. 7. Liat was released but Aviv was killed, and his body is in Gaza. Netanyahu is only working in his private interests.

Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of Oct. 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel ahead of the attack. Some accuse him of damaging relations with the United States, Israels most important ally.

Netanyahu is also facing a litany of corruption charges which are slowly making their way through the courts, and critics say his decisions appear to be focused on political survival over the national interest. Opinion polls show Netanyahu and his coalition trailing far behind their rivals if elections were held today.

Unless his governing coalition falls apart sooner, Netanyahu won't face elections until spring 2026.

Many families of hostages had refrained from publicly denouncing Netanyahu to avoid antagonizing the leadership and making the hostages' plight a political issue. But as their anger grows, some now want to change course  and they played a major role in Sundays protest.

The crowd on Sunday stretched for blocks around the Knesset, or parliament building, and organizers vowed to continue the demonstration for several days. They urged the government to hold new elections nearly two years ahead of schedule. Thousands also demonstrated Sunday in Tel Aviv, where there was a large protest the night before.

Netanyahu, in a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery later Sunday, said he understood families' pain. But he said calling new elections  in what he described as a moment before victory  would paralyze Israel for six to eight months and stall the hostage talks. For now, Netanyahus governing coalition appears to remain firmly intact.

Some hostage families agree that now is not the time for elections.

I dont think that changing the prime minister now is what will advance and help my son to come home, Sheli Shem Tov, whose son Omer was kidnapped from a music festival, told Israels Channel 12. To go to elections now will just push to the side the most burning issue, which is to return the hostages home.

In his Sunday address, Netanyahu also repeated his vow for a military ground offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than half of territory's population of 2.3 million now shelters after fleeing fighting elsewhere. There is no victory without going into Rafah," he said, adding that U.S. pressure would not deter him. Israel's military says Hamas battalions remain there.

In another reminder of Israel's divisions, a group of reservists and retired officers demonstrated in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood.

Ultra-Orthodox men for generations have received exemptions from military service, which is compulsory for most Jewish men and women. Resentment over that has deepened during the war. Netanyahus government has been ordered to present a new plan for a more equitable draft law by Monday.

Netanyahu, who relies heavily on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, last week asked for an extension.

The Bank of Israel said in its annual report on Sunday that there could be economic damage if large numbers of ultra-Orthodox men continue not to serve in Israels military.

Also Sunday, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp in the courtyard of a crowded hospital in central Gaza, killing two Palestinians and wounding 15, including journalists working nearby.

An Associated Press reporter filmed the strike and aftermath at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where thousands of people have sheltered. The Israeli military said it struck a command center of the Islamic Jihad militant group.

Tens of thousands of people have sought shelter in Gaza's hospitals, viewing them as relatively safe from airstrikes. Israel accuses Hamas and other militants of operating in and around medical facilities, which Gaza's health officials deny.

Israeli troops have been raiding Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest, for nearly two weeks and say they have killed scores of fighters, including senior Hamas operatives. Gaza's Health Ministry said more than 100 patients remain with no potable water and septic wounds, while doctors use plastic bags for gloves.

Not far from Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, dozens of members of Gaza's tiny Palestinian Christian community gathered at the Holy Family Church to celebrate Easter, with incense wafting through the rare building that appeared untouched by war.

We are here with sadness, attendee Winnie Tarazi said. About 600 people shelter in the compound.

25 of the best places to see the solar eclipse across the US 25 of the best places to see the solar eclipse across the US Mapping the path of totality across the US Waco, Texas Cleveland Indianapolis Findlay, Ohio Buffalo, New York Erie, Pennsylvania Rochester, New York Hondo, Texas Niagara Falls, New York Dayton, Ohio Del Rio, Texas Evansville, Indiana Burlington, Vermont Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Little Rock, Arkansas Texarkana, Arkansas Massena, New York Paducah, Kentucky Caribou, Maine Syracuse, New York Akron/Canton, Ohio Youngstown, Ohio San Antonio Toledo, Ohio Barre/Montpelier, Vermont
SoftwareOne Holding AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous/Miscellaneous

ISS supports voting proposal of SoftwareOnes Board of Directors



01.04.2024 / 09:00 CET/CEST





Media Release

ISS supports voting proposal of SoftwareOnes Board of Directors

Stans, Switzerland, 1 April 2024  SoftwareOne Holding AG, a leading global software and cloud solutions provider, noted the voting recommendations of proxy advisor ISS for the companys upcoming AGM. ISS supports the proposal of the Companys Board of Directors.

ISS, a global provider of independent and objective shareholder meeting research and recommendations, recommends voting FOR all nine nominees proposed by the Board of Directors, including three non-independent nominees representing the 29% block shareholders group.

ISS recommends to vote AGAINST the full replacement of the Board of Directors as proposed by the 29%-block shareholders. The ISS report further classifies all nominees of the block shareholders as non-independent.

The Board of Directors thus sees its position confirmed, that a balanced board would be in the best interests of all stakeholders. This would also help restore calm to the company and allow management to focus on leading it, meeting its growth and profitability objectives, and implementing Vision 2026.

CONTACTS

Anna Engvall, Investor Relations

Phone +41 44 832 41 37, anna.engvall@softwareone.com

FGS Global, Media Relations

Phone +41 44 562 14 99, press.softwareone@fgsglobal.com

ABOUT SOFTWAREONE

SoftwareOne is a leading global software and cloud solutions provider that is redefining how organizations build, buy and manage everything in the cloud. By helping clients to migrate and modernize their workloads and applications  and in parallel, to navigate and optimise the resulting software and cloud changes  SoftwareOne unlocks the value of technology. The company's ~9,300 employees are driven to deliver a portfolio of 7,500 software brands with a presence in over 60 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, SoftwareOne is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SWON. Visit us at www.softwareone.com

SoftwareOne Holding AG, Riedenmatt 4, CH-6370 Stans

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This media release may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to the groups future business, development and economic performance. Such statements may be subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, such as but not limited to force majeure, competitive pressures, legislative and regulatory developments, global, macroeconomic and political trends, the groups ability to attract and retain the employees that are necessary to generate revenues and to manage its businesses, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and general financial market conditions, changes in accounting standards or policies, delay or inability in obtaining approvals from authorities, technical developments, litigation or adverse publicity and news coverage, each of which could cause actual development and results to differ materially from the statements made in this media release. SoftwareOne assumes no obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
April 1, 2024: In late March Russia attempted to disable Ukraines electrical power network by firing missiles at hydroelectric, thermal, and nuclear power stations. This was the largest and most extensive Russian attack on these targets ever attempted, and its goal was to cause nation-wide failure of the electricity distribution system. The ZNPP, or Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, was a primary target of at least eight missile attacks and was in danger of shutting down. Some cities, like Kharkiv, came close to losing all power and utilities like water supply which need electricity to operate the many pumps needed to keep all neighborhoods supplied with fresh drinkable water. The heaviest hit areas were in eight northeastern provinces, where Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, suffered from 15 Russian missiles targeting power production and distribution facilities. This caused the power to disappear for a while from most of the city. Power company workers were quick to begin restoring power to neighborhoods and key utilities. These attacks cost $11.5 billion in damage to the Ukrainian energy production and distribution system.

This was the first time the Russians concentrated their missile attacks on power systems. Until now Russia had concentrated on military targets. The troops were prepared for such attacks and the Russians had little to show for such attacks. Going after civilian targets, like electricity production and distribution, had a more obvious impact. The lights went out in most of Kharkiv city for a while. The power generation and distribution company employees were quick to restore power, one neighborhood at a time.

Hydroelectric facilities were attacked but there was not much damage to the massive dams. Buildings and roads leading to the dams were not damaged sufficiently to shut down power production. Power transmission lines were sometimes shut down and quickly repaired. The transmission lines are difficult targets to damage using missiles. These targets are easier to damage using commandos able to place explosive charges in the right places.

Many major cities operate trains and trolleys that use electrical lines along their routes. With electrical power cut or intermittent, people using these systems to get around, especially to and from work, were stranded. There were not enough buses and other road vehicles to replace the electric powered trains and trams. The power companies have many employees who specialize in maintenance and repair of power distribution systems. Because of the Russian attacks, retired and former employees were brought in to keep the lights on and electrified transportation moving. The power was also needed to keep utilities, like water supply and sanitation systems working.

The dozens of missiles used in these attacks caused some civilian casualties including a few dead. Some attacks were carried out by Russian troops that were operating close to transmission lines. Using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to locate targets for mortars and artillery to attack transmission lines was difficult because these targets are difficult to hit. The Russians tried and largely failed. Nearby Ukrainian forces fired back at the Russians, which reduced the attacks on power transmission systems in the area.
April 1, 2024: Countries that traditionally obtained their combat aircraft Russia are looking for new suppliers of more effective aircraft. One example is Azerbaijan, which is buying JF-17Cs fr0m Pakistan. This latest version has superior electronics including a jam-resistant KLJ-7A active electronically scanned array radar that can use China's PL-15E air-to-air missile. This means Pakistan can offer the relatively inexpensive JF-17C to nations facing potential opponents who use Russian MiG-29s and various models of the Su-30.

Currently Pakistan has 152 JF-17s in service, as well as 75 F-16s, 179 French Mirage fighters and 50 elderly Chinese F-7PGs. The F-7s are Chinese versions of the obsolete MiG-21 but with substantial upgrades. Pakistan is retiring the F-7PGs as more JF-17s enter squadron service. Each squadron needs twenty JF-17s with trained pilots and maintainers as well as squadron command and staff officers. That takes time to organize.

Pakistan began receiving its F-16s in 1982, but most deliveries took place after 2001 because Pakistan had refused to halt its nuclear weapons program in the 1980s. Pakistan finally detonated several of its nuclear weapons in 1998 to confirm they had nuclear weapons. American sanctions were less effective after 2002 because of the new war in Afghanistan. For that war the United States needed cooperation from Pakistan and, to obtain it, Pakistan received the F-16s that had not been delivered in the 1980s.

Pakistan wanted to produce its own jet fighters and China, the major weapons supplier for Pakistan, offered to help. The result was the JF-17, which was assembled in Pakistan using many key parts manufactured in China. That was enough for Pakistan to declare the JF-17 a locally produced fighter.

Pakistan now plans to keep its JF-17s flying until the new Turkish TF-X Kaan jet fighter is available. TF-X made its first flight in February 2024. The TF-X Kaan is a 27 ton twin-engine fighter optimized to achieve air superiority. The first models wont be equipped to carry bombs or missiles for ground attack missions. The Turkish plan is to have Kaan ready by the early 2030s. Once mass production begins, Turkey plans to produce 250 of these aircraft over an eleven year period. A major reason for the Turks spending a lot of money, time, and effort to build their own jet fighters was because of the problems they have caused and had in procuring American jets because those come with pesky conditions. Turkey also hopes to sell its TF-X, an aircraft produced by a Moslem country, to other Moslem nations like Pakistan. To do that Turkey is willing to allow Pakistan to produce some TF-X components and perhaps even assemble TF-X fighters in Pakistan for use by Pakistan. Such co-production deals are common, especially when selling new aircraft to countries that have the industrial capacity to handle co-production.

With fighters like the JF-17 and TF-X, there isnt much of a market for Russian made jet fighters anymore. This is especially true as F-16s are also being sold to countries, like Ukraine, that have long used Russian-designed aircraft. Before 1991, when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, they used to produce components for many Soviet and now Russian aircraft. Now Ukraine wants to co-produce F-16s and its successor the F-35. Once the war is over Ukraine probably could get a deal to produce components for these two aircraft.
I began reading "Mastering the Process: From Idea to Novel" because it was one

of the textbooks of FICT 161 W - Mystery and Thriller Workshop: Misdirection,

Mayhem, and More (I found it by accident at a university Website). I decided

to read first "Careless in Red," by the same author Elizabeth George, the moment

I read that it was used in the above book as an example.

In sumary, Jon Parsons's brat son, after a party, was "sorted out," left in a

cove, caught by the incoming tide, and died. The police found no evidence

against anyone in particular. But Jon pinned it on one youth, Ben. After

wrecking the rest of his own life trying in vain to prove Ben guilty, he settled

the score by murdering Ben's 18-year-old boy, 20 years later. The way he did it

resembled the previous case: plenty of suspects, no evidence, and he walked away

free.

The story evolves around the lives of dozens of characters. Their own personal

tales, while interesting, slowed down progress. In addition, a lot of ink is

spent on sketching places. In the end, 600+ pages lead to no arrest. I would

have cut passages of red herrings and maybe even characters but again, the

author might get paid by the number of words.

As an English language buff, I enjoyed the idiomatic narration throughout the novel. I

was delighted to meet many expressions I learned from the past year and among

which are "Chickens come home to roost," "die with one's boots on," "All come

out in the wash," and "by hook or by crook," to list a few. This means I have

been on the right track.

I was acquainted with Cornwall, where it all happened, through popular British

dramas such as Doc Martin and Foyle's War. But I knew nothing about surfing or

rock-climbing. The author, I learned, read books, staked the area out, popped in

surf-shops, and called on police stations to glean the knowledge required. The

"Mastering" book sure will show me more on how it is done.
When the solar eclipse happens April 8, most everyones attention will be on the sky, rather than shopping or banking or almost anything else.

So many businesses are altering their hours temporarily during the eclipse. Here are a few of the changes that will be happening.

M&T Bank will close its Western New York branches at noon. To help make up for that, Western New York-area branches with Saturday hours will remain open for an additional hour on April 6.

Evans Bank branches will close at 1 p.m. The banks administrative offices at 6460 Main St. will remain open for employees who wish to work in the office, but will be closed to the public after noon.

Northwest Bank branches in the Buffalo area will close at 1 p.m.

Tops Markets stores will remain open throughout the eclipse.

Wegmans will close its Buffalo area stores from 3 to 3:30 p.m. April 8 during the peak of the eclipse. Pharmacy and food pickup and delivery will be unavailable during that time, as well.

Boulevard Mall will be open regular hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA will be open regular hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 8. Individual store hours may vary.

McKinley Mall will be open regular hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Walden Galleria will be open regular hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but individual store hours may vary.
An Allegany County man who admitted burning his dog to death in what police described as a deviant act of animal cruelty has avoided jail time in the case.

Jeremy Vankuren was sentenced last week by Allegany County Judge Terrence M. Parker to three years of probation, plus fees and surcharges, according to a court official.

Vankuren pleaded guilty to two counts of torturing, injuring and not feeding an animal, which are misdemeanors under the states Agriculture and Markets law.

He initially was charged with kidnapping and aggravated animal cruelty, both felonies, and menacing, torturing an animal and obstruction of governmental administration, all misdemeanors, in the incident that occurred June 19 at his residence on County Route 23 in Fillmore, a hamlet within the Town of Hume.

State Police previously told The Buffalo News that Vankuren was hosting a party that day when, at some point, he became irritated by his dogs barking.

When another party guest overheard Vankuren say that he was going to go out and take care of the dog, this guest, fearing what Vankuren would do, attempted to intervene, troopers said.

That is when, according to troopers, Vankuren tied the guest to a chair and forced him to watch as Vankuren threw his own dog, a red-nosed pit bull that was 13 or 14 years old, into a burning barrel in the backyard.

Its a very deviant kind of act. And its not something that people should look at lightly, Trooper James OCallaghan, the State Police spokesman in Western New York, said in an interview last year.

The friend remained tied up for hours, but was released or got free later that day, troopers said.

Vankuren was arrested nine days later after State Police, who received a tip from a member of the public, executed a search warrant at his residence.

It is not clear why prosecutors dropped the felony charges and allowed Vankuren to plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts.

Allegany County District Attorney Ian M. Jones and Paul S. DiCola, the countys first assistant public defender and Vankurens lawyer, did not immediately respond to messages Monday.
The Airmen of Notes trombone section plays during a concert at Kiva Auditorium, N.M., Nov. 17, 2023. The United States Air Force Bands premier jazz ensemble is set to embark on a seven-day tour across Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, officials announced Monday, April 1, 2024. (Spencer Kanar/U.S. Air Force)

(Tribune News Service)  The Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force Bands premier jazz ensemble, is set to embark on a seven-day tour across Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, officials announced Monday.

The Airmen of Note, one of six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, is based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. The tour is designed to honor the service of airmen past and present, showcasing the global efforts of military members.

We are excited to bring the band to Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, said Chief Master Sgt. Brian MacDonald, Flight Chief and split lead trumpet of the Airmen of Note. Performing live and meeting communities around the country is a regular highlight of our mission. We look forward to sharing Americas unique music with the local community in each city!

Free public performances are scheduled in several cities, with tickets required for attendance. Details and ticket information are available on the official website, music.af.mil/Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/Events/.

The tour kicks off Wednesday, May 1, at Sentinel High School in Missoula, Mont., at 7 p.m., followed by performances in Butte, Bozeman, and Billings, Mont.; Sheridan and Gillette, Wyo.; and concludes in Rapid City, S.D., on Tuesday, May 7.

(c)2024 Rapid City Journal, S.D.

Visit http://www.rapidcityjournal.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals upheld Pvt. Trevon Coleys 2022 conviction on involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in the death of Sgt. Monesha Burton, who was killed in a high-speed crash caused by Coley in Kaiserslautern, Germany, in 2021. (Kaiserslautern fire department)

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany  A U.S. soldier serving eight years in prison for killing another soldier in a high-speed crash in Kaiserslautern three years ago has lost his first appeal in military court.

The U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals upheld Pvt. Trevon K. Coleys 2022 conviction of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault for the death of Sgt. Monesha L. Burton.

In a 3-0 ruling last month, the appellate judges denied Coleys challenge on five separate claims.

On the evening of March 5, 2021, Coley and two other soldiers were driving to their barracks. They were speeding and weaving their way around traffic, according to court documents.

Coley, in the lead, was driving 107 mph, seconds before he collided with Burtons Ford Fusion at an intersection near Daenner Kaserne and Kleber Kaserne. Coleys Dodge Charger was estimated to be going 68 mph when the cars made contact, according to court testimony.

Sgt. Monesha L. Burton died in a two-car traffic accident in Kaiserslautern, Germany, March 5, 2021. The U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals upheld Pvt. Trevon K. Coleys 2022 conviction on involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault charges for Burton's death. (Russell Toof)

The speed limit at the intersection was 50 kilometers per hour, or 31 mph.

Pfc. Quiera M. Jackson, a passenger in Burtons car, sustained serious injuries in the wreck.

Coley, who was driving without a valid license, tried to get his girlfriend to cover for him and say she was driving the car that collided with Burton.

In his appeal, Coley maintained at his court-martial that military judge Lt. Col. Lance Smith should have provided language that would have allowed the jury to consider Burtons driving conduct on the night of the wreck, an error that denied him a fair trial.

The evidence at trial, the appellate judges noted, centered on Coleys excessive speed through an otherwise busy intersection at night and whether Burton used reasonable care, in light of defense assertions that she rolled through the stop sign at the intersection.

The appeals court ultimately ruled that it didnt matter if the military judge erred or whether the defenses characterization of Burtons driving was accurate.

The evidence supporting appellants guilt was overwhelming, the appeals judges wrote in their opinion. Any assumed fault (by Burton) was miniscule in comparison to the appellant driving 107 miles per hour into an intersection with obstructed lighting and visibility.

We have no doubt that the panel members would have found appellant guilty even with the additional instruction by the judge, the ruling stated.

The appeals found no evidence to support Coleys assertion that his defense team was ineffective for failing to interview the medical professionals who treated Burton at the crash scene.

The court also denied Coleys claim of unlawful command influence, which stemmed from the original judge, Col. Charles Pritchard, recusing himself from the case.

Pritchard stepped away after ruling in January 2022 that the accused in a separate case had a constitutional right to a unanimous verdict. Pritchard said he did not want to decide any unanimous verdict motions until the higher courts weighed in.

That issue stalled when the Supreme Court in February declined to hear two cases challenging the constitutionality of split-jury verdicts in military court.
Police say a U.S. service member was extracted from this stolen vehicle after it crashed in Goyang city, South Korea, March 31, 2024. (Goyang Fire Station)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Firefighters in Seoul cut an American service member from a compact car he allegedly stole and crashed early Sunday, injuring two South Koreans, according to local police.

The unnamed, 23-year-old male service member was visiting Hongdae, a Seoul neighborhood known for its nightlife, when he stole a Kia with the keys in the ignition sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning, a Goyang Police Station officer said by phone Monday.

South Korean police typically do not identify individuals suspected of crimes due to the countrys strict privacy laws.

At 6:17 a.m. Sunday, police in Goyang city, about nine miles north of Hongdae, responded to a reported crash and found the service member trapped inside the Kia, the officer said.

He said the Kia apparently rear-ended a truck and another car stopped at a red light. Two South Koreans in the other vehicles were injured but did not require immediate hospitalization.

Firefighters with extraction tools cut through the Kias door to remove the service member, according to the officer.

The service member was turned over to U.S. military police after his arrest and a test of his blood alcohol content, the officer said.

South Korean officials customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

The service member refused a breath test for his blood alcohol content, saying he had difficulty breathing, the officer said. A blood sample was taken instead at a local hospital, but results were not available Monday.

A 0.03% blood alcohol content is the legal limit for driving in South Korea; by comparison, all 50 U.S. states set 0.08% as their limit.

USFK typically maintains custody of its personnel unless South Korean authorities allege they committed more serious offenses like rape and homicide.

An Eighth Army spokesman said the command is cooperating with the Korean National Police investigation and has launched its own investigation.

The safety and well-being of [South Koreas] citizens and our soldiers remain our top priority, spokesman Col. Juan Martinez said in a statement emailed Monday. This investigation is ongoing, and there are no further details for release at this time.

Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report.
Soldiers from the 98th Support Maintenance Company (SMC), 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), 11th Airborne Division, return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after a nine-month deployment to Europe, Thursday, March 28, 2024. (John Pennell/11th Airborne Division)

The Wolverines of the 98th Support Maintenance Company returned home to a warm welcome last week after a nine-month deployment to Europe.

The 138 soldiers provided maintenance and wheeled-vehicle recovery from Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland, as well as Pabrade, Lithuania, and Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, from July 9, 2023, until their return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on Thursday.

Its a bittersweet moment to be home, said Capt. Jennifer Cabanas, 98th SMC commander. The Wolverines have been working nonstop for over a year and a half to prepare and complete our mission overseas. ... I couldnt be more proud of everything the Wolverines have accomplished. They represented the 11th Airborne Division well and set the bar very high for future rotational units.

Lt. Col. Gavin R. Laskowski, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion commander, said 98th SMCs specialized maintenance skills and equipment enhanced the warfighters ability to maintain readiness, bolster security and enhance interoperability with allied forces within the European Command area of responsibility.

It feels great to be back home where my friends and family are, being able to reconnect with loved ones, Spc. Warren McClure said. It was a privilege and an opportunity to go to another country, to eat their food and speak to their kind people. I was able to make new friends on this journey and was able to have an experience of a lifetime.

Soldiers from the 98th Support Maintenance Company (SMC), 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), 11th Airborne Division, return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after a nine-month deployment to Europe, Thursday, March 28, 2024. (John Pennell/11th Airborne Division)

Family members welcome home soldiers from the 98th Support Maintenance Company (SMC), 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, who returned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Thursday, March 28, 2024, after a nine-month deployment to Europe. (John Pennell/11th Airborne Division)

Family members welcome home soldiers from the 98th Support Maintenance Company (SMC), 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, who returned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Thursday, March 28, 2024, after a nine-month deployment to Europe. (John Pennell/11th Airborne Division)

Soldiers from the 98th Support Maintenance Company (SMC), 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), 11th Airborne Division, return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after a nine-month deployment to Europe, Thursday, March 28, 2024. (John Pennell/11th Airborne Division)

Soldiers from the 98th Support Maintenance Company (SMC), 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), 11th Airborne Division, return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after a nine-month deployment to Europe, Thursday, March 28, 2024. (John Pennell/11th Airborne Division)

Lt. Col. Gavin Laskowski, commander of the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), welcomes the soldiers of the 98th Support Maintenance Company (SMC) on their return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after a nine-month deployment to Europe, Thursday, March 28, 2024. (John Pennell/11th Airborne Division)
Crews from Coast Guard cutters Hamilton (WMSL 753) and Munro (WMSL 755) conduct at-sea training in the Pacific Ocean, March 12, 2024. Hamilton returned to its homeport in Charleston, S.C., Friday, March 29. (Ray Corniel/U.S. Coast Guard)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton returned to its homeport in Charleston, S.C., last week after four months at sea.

The Hamilton, which arrived home Friday, was busy while deployed: The crew interdicted four vessels trafficking illicit narcotics, apprehended 10 suspected drug smugglers, rescued 47 migrants on an unsafe voyage at sea and assisted six mariners in distress.

The Hamilton patrolled in support of Homeland Security Task Force-Southeasts Operation Vigilant Sentry and Joint Interagency Task Force-Souths counterdrug mission in the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific.

Hamilton interdicted 7,448 pounds of marijuana from four drug trafficking ventures worth more than $7 million. In support of JIATF-S, Hamilton assisted Panamanian and Costa Rican partners with two additional interdictions for a combined 5,800 pounds of cocaine, worth approximately $76 million.

Among its rescue missions, Hamiltons crew spotted a U.S.-flagged sailing vessel with three people aboard on Christmas Eve. Hamilton sent over a rescue and assistance team to help restore the boats engines, offer medical aid and provide an escort back to Florida.

I am so proud of our crews flexibility, resiliency and superb execution of duty, said Capt. Justin Carter, commanding officer of Hamilton. We accomplished every task asked of us, whether countering drug smugglers, responding to unsafe migrant ventures, or aiding mariners at sea.

Hamilton also conducted at-sea trainings with Coast Guard cutters Munro and Bear and an MH-65 helicopter crew from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron.

In January, the Hamilton arrived at the newly constructed Amador Cruise Terminal, in Panama City, Panama, to become the first U.S. government vessel to moor at the facility.

Hamilton is one of four 418-foot National Security Cutters (NSC) homeported in Charleston. NSCs are a worldwide deployable asset that supports Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and national objectives through drug interdiction, migrant interdiction, national defense, search and rescue, fisheries enforcement and national intelligence collection.
U.S. Marine Samuel Wanjiru was in the beach area of La Pared in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, when he disappeared amid high surf and life-threatening rip currents on Puerto Rican beaches. (Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administracion de Desastres-NMEAD/Facebook)

(Tribune News Service)  The search for a 26-year-old Worcester, Mass., Marine who was swept away by strong currents while vacationing in Puerto Rico has entered a passive phase, Puerto Rican authorities said.

Samuel Wanjiru was the subject of an active search effort over the course of several days beginning Wednesday, when he came into distress after going into the water, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Wanjiru was in the beach area of La Pared in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, when he disappeared amid high surf and life-threatening rip currents on Puerto Rican beaches.

Search efforts for the Worcester native were conducted by land, air and sea, with Puerto Rican authorities posting images on social media of helicopters circling the waters and divers ducking below the surface in an attempt to find the man.

Wanjiru is a reserve Marine assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 472, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, in Chicopee, the 4th Wing confirmed in a statement. At the time of his disappearance, he was not in an active-duty status or conducting military operations.

Another man had been pulled dead from the water just hours before Wanjiru went in, the Coast Guard said, at a different beach called Montones Beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard officials were alerted and tried to save the man, but he died after his rescue.

This month has been deadly when it comes to beach drownings in the area of Puerto Rico, said Capt. Jose E. Diaz, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan.

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The first MQ-4C Triton arrives at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, March 30, 2024. The Triton's basing in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations establishes the second global detachment of Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19. (U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy  One of the U.S. militarys newest intelligence drones has arrived in Europe as part of the only Navy unmanned patrol squadrons second detachment.

An MQ-4C Triton drone arrived at Naval Air Station Sigonella on Saturday, the Navy announced in a statement the same day.

Last month, VUP-19 celebrated the deployment of a detachment and opening of a Triton hangar at the base in Sicily. The squadron also has a detachment in Guam.

Bringing the Triton to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility expands the roles of unmanned aircraft systems operations in our region and beyond, Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, commanding officer of NAS Sigonella, said in the statement.

NAS Sigonellas location in the Mediterranean enables deployment of P-8 Poseidon patrol and reconnaissance aircraft throughout the theater, supporting U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.

The drone, which is designed to work with the P-8 Poseidon, can aid intelligence gathering, support search and rescue operations and serve as a communications relay.

It wasnt clear how many Tritons eventually would be based at Sigonella. A drones five-member crew per ground station comprises a pilot, tactical coordinator, two mission payload operators and a foreign signals intelligence coordinator, according to the Navy.

The first MQ-4C Triton arrived at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, March 30, 2024. The Triton's basing in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations establishes the second global detachment of Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19, while the other is in Guam. VUP-19 is homeported at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Air Station Mayport in Florida. (U.S. Navy)

The VUP-19 detachment at the base includes 43 maintainers, three pilots and an officer-in-charge, said Lt. j.g. Andrea Perez, a base spokeswoman. She added those numbers would change in the next month or so when more squadron personnel arrive.

The detachment will have regular six-month rotations every April and October, Perez said.

In its 2024 budget, the service reduced the number of Tritons it planned to purchase from 70 to 27 due to a Joint Requirements Oversight Council reassessment, according to the Navy budget documents.

That reduction also saw the gross cost of the Triton rise nearly 25% from $194.7 million in 2023 to about $243.2 million per drone in 2024 due to buying fewer units, according to the budget documents.

The JROC reassessment also reduced the number of Triton deployment sites from five to three, Seapower Magazine reported in May 2023. Its not clear where a third detachment would be located but earlier contenders included Whidbey Island, Wash., and a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, according to the Seapower report.

VUP-19 is homeported at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Air Station Mayport in Florida.

As of September, five Tritons had been delivered to the Navy, Northrop Grumman, the drones maker, said in a Sept. 14 statement. Navy 2024 budget documents account for 22 drones in production with another five in development.

The drone reached initial operating capability in September, clearing the way for the Triton to ease into operations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The Israel-Hamas war on the edge of the eastern Mediterranean, Russian threats in the Baltics and the war in Ukraine have brought sharper focus on the European theater more than at any time in decades. The Navy also partners with African nations to combat extremist militants and protect sea lanes.

The U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations covers half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic Ocean to the coast of Antarctica, including all of Europe and Russia, and most of Africa.
U.S. Navy Mess Attendant 3rd Class David Walker, left, and U.S. Army Cpl. Frank V. Benak (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)

The remains of two World War II veterans who went missing in action were recently accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and will have U.S. burials later this year.

U.S. Navy Mess Attendant 3rd Class David Walker, 19, of Norfolk, Va., was accounted for Nov. 27, 2023, and U.S. Army Cpl. Frank V. Benak, 24, of Scottsville, Mich., was accounted for Feb. 2, the DPAA announced Thursday.

Walker was assigned to the battleship USS California, which was attacked by Japanese aircraft while moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. The California sustained multiple torpedo and bomb hits, causing it to catch fire and slowly flood and resulting in the deaths of 103 crew members, including Walker.

Navy personnel recovered the remains of the crew from December 1941 to April 1942, and these remains were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu cemeteries. Forty-two crewmen were initially identified after the attack, and in September 1947, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks but were only able to identify 39 men at the time. The unidentified remains were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu.

In 2018, DPAA personnel exhumed the 25 California unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis. Walkers remains were identified by scientists from DPAA using anthropological and dental analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

Walkers name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Walker will be buried Sept. 5 in Arlington National Cemetery.

Benak was assigned to Cannon Company, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, and deployed in present-day Papua New Guinea in December 1942. In an attempt to neutralize Japanese forces near the town of Buna, Benaks unit attacked enemy defensive positions in the north. Benak was reported missing in action on Dec. 5 while on combat patrol near Buna Creek.

The AGRS concluded searches of battle areas and crash sites in Papua New Guinea in 1948. A set of remains that were initially found in 1944 near where Benak was killed could not be positively identified and were eventually interred as unknowns at Fort McKinley Cemetery, now Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines.

In May 2012, Australian Defence Force personnel looking for unresolved casualties near Buna, found an identification tag belonging to Benak in the possession of a village leader at Buna. A set of remains from Manila American Cemetery, X-168 Finschhafen #2 was disinterred in January 2017 following a yearslong investigation.

To identify Benak remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and autosomal DNA (auSTR) analysis.

Benaks name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Benak will be buried April 13 in Miami.

As of May 2023, more than 81,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts. Out of the total, approximately 75% of the losses are located in the Indo-Pacific region, and over 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea (such as ship losses and known aircraft water losses).
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., visits Hanscom Air Force Base outside Boston, Aug. 3, 2023. (Todd Maki/U.S. Air Force)

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  Two U.S. senators and a representative remain concerned about gaps in health care access for Defense Department civilians in Japan, they said in a recent letter to the Defense Health Agency.

Strategies to improve DOD civilian health care, staffing issues at military medical facilities and wait times are among questions raised by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, in their March 20 letter to DHA.

We write in regard to my ongoing concerns that Department of Defense (DoD) civilians and contractors in Japan continue to face problems with access to medical care and that this problem is impacting morale and retention, the letter states.

The letter to Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, DHAs director, and Lester Martinez-Lopez, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, references a Nov. 29 report from the Office of the Inspector General that noted significant challenges associated with civilians using off-base medical care.

The lack of care is having serious and negative impacts on the lives of service members and DoD civilians, causing many to leave their assignments in Japan, the letter continued.

The letter cites a March 2023 survey by the Japan Civilian Medical Advocacy Group, a grassroots organization lobbying for health care options for DOD civilians. It found that 42% of respondents were actively in the process of finding a new job and 60% were considering changing jobs due to health care concerns.

The advocacy group is extremely grateful for the letter, said spokeswoman Alexa Freeman, a DOD contractors spouse at Yokosuka Naval Base, south of Tokyo.

It makes us hopeful that our ongoing crisis has not been forgotten; very little has actually changed about the situation for SOFA personnel in Japan and there is no solution from DHA in sight, she said by Facebook Messenger on Saturday. SOFA is the status of forces agreement that lays out rights and responsibilities of individuals affiliated with the U.S. military in Japan.

Fatal consequences

The letter also notes the sometimes fatal consequences of a lack of adequate health care, and cites the case of a Marines 7-year-old daughter who died in January 2023 after falling almost three stories at an Okinawa mall.

A Navy and Marine Corps investigation following the girls death discovered that Japanese hospitals turned away at least 24 people affiliated with the U.S. military between January 2022 and February 2023. Several died, the report said, although it does not disclose an exact number.

We are hopeful that DHA will make meaningful changes so they can provide necessary health care to the total force, but in the meantime our community members continue to struggle, suffer, and in some cases, die, Freeman said. It underscores how broken the system still is.

U.S. Forces Japan, which is monitoring those cases, has not responded to multiple inquiries from Stars and Stripes since Feb. 13 requesting updates on the number of people denied care or who died as a result.

DHAs Virginia-based spokesman, Peter Graves, has not responded to a request for comment emailed by Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

Not only is the limited access to care frustrating and financially burdensome, but it has proven to be fatal as well, the lawmakers wrote in their letter to DHA.

Most Japanese providers do not accept U.S. health insurance. SOFA members are often required to pay on the spot for health care, sums that can reach thousands of dollars.

Continue to be concerned

DHA, under a congressional mandate, is required to prioritize care for Tricare Prime beneficiaries  a plan available to active-duty troops, their families and eligible retirees.

On Jan. 1, 2023, the agency began limiting care for DOD civilians to acute or urgent conditions. Two months later, it rescinded that decision, allowing them to be seen for chronic conditions on a space available basis.

The reversal came after a series of townhall meetings at U.S. bases in Japan where thousands of DOD civilians aired complaints about the changes.

At least one command, the headquarters of U.S. Army Japan at Camp Zama, has attempted to smooth the way for SOFA patients by employing Japanese interpreters who help facilitate care at a local hospital.

The letter from Warren, Kaine and Burgess acknowledges efforts to improve the situation, but says they arent enough.

We appreciate the steps that DHA and [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command] are taking to address these issues, the letter states. But we continue to be concerned by reports of problems accessing care, and its impact on morale and retention.
Conley Monk Jr. of New Haven, Conn., is claiming emotional, psychological and reputational harm in a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs because the agency repeatedly denied his benefits for disability compensation after his military service in Vietnam. A federal judge ordered on Friday, March 29, 2024, for Monks case to move forward, after the VA sought to have it dismissed. (Conley Monk)

WASHINGTON  A federal district court judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs that claims the agency systematically engaged in a pattern of rejecting applications for disability benefits from Black veterans at a higher rate than for white veterans.

The practice has gone on since World War II, according to the lawsuit.

Judge Stefan Underhill denied the VAs motion to reject a case brought by Vietnam veteran Conley Monk Jr. of Connecticut on behalf of himself and the estate of his father, a World War II veteran, that claims racial discrimination through systematic benefits obstruction for Black veterans.

Monks claim is on behalf of all Black applicants for veterans benefits administered by the VA or its predecessor since Jan. 1, 1945.

Underhills ruling issued Friday in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut rejected the VAs argument that it is immune from the lawsuit and allows the case to move forward.

Monk, 74, is a former Marine Corps private who enlisted in 1968 and was sent to Vietnam a year later. The National Veterans Council for Legal Redress is another plaintiff in the lawsuit. The council, which Monk co-founded, is a nonprofit that works to advance the rights of veterans who have received other-than-honorable discharges.

Monks father, Conley Monk Sr., served in Normandy, France, in 1944 but was denied a claim for disability compensation for a stomach condition that he developed during the war, according to court documents. Monks father served in a segregated Army unit.

Plaintiffs are not aware of any changes in VA practices, policies or procedures in or around 2001 that would suggest the discriminatory trend between 2001 and 2020 represented a departure from prior periods, according to the lawsuit.

VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes said Monday that the VA is working to address racial disparities in approval rates. He declined to comment further on the case, citing pending litigation.

Monks lawsuit, filed in 2022, claims the VA should have known about pervasive racial disparities in the award of VA benefits, and the agency is liable for the resulting dignitary, emotional and psychological harm.

The failure of VA leadership to redress these discrepancies through improved training, supervision, auditing, monitoring and quality control resulted in subjecting Mr. Monk Jr., Mr. Monk Sr., and members of [the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress] to a racially discriminatory system, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit is brought under the federal Tort Claims Act, which waives the sovereign immunity of the U.S. for claims resulting in injury or loss of property caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the government.

The Veterans Legal Service Clinic at Yale Law School, which is representing the plaintiffs, said after the judges ruling that the VAs attention to racial disparities in benefits administration is long overdue.

This is a victory not just for Conley Monk but for the countless Black veterans who have been subjected to the VAs discriminatory benefits system over decades, said Jared Hirschfield, a law student intern at the clinic.

In 2021, the VA responded to a Freedom of Information Act request and sent the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress benefits records from 2001-2020.

According to the lawsuit, the organization obtained a statistical analysis of the records, which showed Black veterans were 21.9% more likely to have a claim for disability denied than white veterans.

For decades, there have been anecdotal reports and widespread suspicion of racial discrimination in these programs. In 2021, statistical evidence confirmed, for the first time, racial discrimination by VA, the lawsuit states. Black veterans have been subjected to the emotional, dignitary, and reputational harms of interacting with a racially discriminatory VA benefits system.

Monk was exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam and later developed diabetes, which has been linked to exposure to the herbicide. He also was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder related to military service, according to the lawsuit.

But for over 40 years, the VA repeatedly denied him access to education, housing and medical benefits, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit also pointed to other examples of discrimination within the VAs system for disability benefits, including a series of emails in 2017 between a veterans law judge and an attorney with the Board of Veterans Appeals that contained racist messages about Black claimants and was referred to as a forum of hate in the communications.

The VAs Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans also notified the Veterans Benefits Administration for several years starting in 2013 that it believed minority veterans were receiving lower compensation ratings than non-minority veterans, according to the lawsuit.

An internal study by the VA in 2017 confirmed Black veterans received the lowest grant rates of any ethnic group, according to the lawsuit. The results of the study were provided through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Underhill wrote in his 25-page decision that Monks claims arise from a backdrop of systematic benefits obstruction for Black veterans.

Monks challenges claim failure of VA officials and employees to maintain a racially neutral and nondiscriminatory system of administering benefits, the judge wrote.

The lawsuit states Monk received a rifle marksman badge and a Vietnam service medal. But he exhibited signs of PTSD after his unit pulled out of Vietnam and he was transferred to Japan.

Monks PTSD led to two altercations in Okinawa, and he agreed to an other-than-honorable discharge because of his conduct and left the military.

He was discharged in 1970, according to court documents. Monk became ineligible for benefits because of the status of his discharge. Monk repeatedly petitioned the military to overturn its decision but was turned down.

In 2015, Monk was awarded the benefits that he had been denied for 45 years, according to the lawsuit. In 2020, his other-than-honorable discharge was overturned.

The harms of racial discrimination in the military are extensive. Non-white service members are subjected to disproportionately higher levels of discipline and punishment than their white counterparts, the lawsuit said.

Monk is claiming negligent infliction of emotional distress and negligent supervision by the VA of its employees who made determinations on claims.

The lawsuit seeks damages for the pain and harm inflicted and not for the specific benefits denied.

To adjudicate Monks claims, I would not need to determine first whether the VA acted properly in handling his requests for benefits, the judge wrote. Additionally, Monks alleged harm  emotional distress  occurred from having to litigate claims and navigate a VA benefits system that administered benefits in a racially discriminatory way. The risk of harm that veterans would be denied benefits in a racially discriminatory manner was reasonably foreseeable to the VA.
Lou Conter during the Walk of Honor after a Dec. 7, 2019, ceremony at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial marking the surprise attack. Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona, which sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, died Monday, April 1, 2024. He was 102. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)

Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona, which sank during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor and has become the site of a memorial visited by millions each year, died Monday morning at his home in Grass Valley, Calif. He was 102.

His death was announced in a news release by Historic Pacific Parks, a not-for-profit organization that supports preservation of and education about significant sites in the region.

Conter was the last of 335 sailors and Marines who survived the destruction of the Arizona, which claimed the lives of 1,177 crew members after Japanese planes dropped armor-piercing bombs on the battleship.

The remains of more than 900 sailors and Marines remain entombed in the ship. The sunken hulk is now part of the USS Arizona Memorial.

Conters death leaves fewer than two dozen veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack known to be living.

For years, Conter, donned in Navy whites, had been a fixture at the annual Dec. 7 commemorations held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii. He remained vigorous until recent years and often served as a spokesman for the dwindling coterie of survivors.

He did not attend the ceremony the past three years due to health issues, but he was present via recorded messages played for the audience.

For those of us who survived that terrible day, we all shared something in common, Conter said in the 2021 recording. Dec. 7, 1941, changed our lives  not just for those of us who were on the USS Arizona or at Pearl Harbor but throughout the United States. It affected those of us who served as well as our families, our friends and our neighbors.

The second-to-last living Arizona survivor, Howard Ken Potts, died about a year ago at age 102.

A Marine stands with his back to the USS Arizona Memorial during a rifle salute Dec. 7, 2019, at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial that was part of a ceremony marking the 78th anniversary of the Japanese surprise attack on Oahu. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)

Conter epitomized what it meant to be a member of the Greatest Generation, which fared the Great Depression and spent nearly four years at war against Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany, said Aileen Utterdyke, president and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks.

He had an exemplary career in the Navy and was steadfast in imploring the schools, parents and everyday Americans to always remember Pearl Harbor, she said.

Lou Conter was born Sept. 13, 1921, in Ojibwa, Wis.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1939 and reported to the USS Arizona in Hawaii in 1940 with the rank of quartermaster third class.

On the Sunday morning of the surprise Japanese attack, Conter was on watch on the quarterdeck station between the ships third turret and main deck when sirens began wailing to announce the first wave, he said in an audio interview in 2015 for the National World War II Museum.

When the first bomb hit the Arizona, Conter was knocked forward onto the deck, while many of his fellow crew members were blown entirely off the ship.

Within a few minutes, an armor-piercing bomb hit on the starboard side forward by number two turret, went through six decks into the lower handling room and blew up a million pounds of powder in the forward magazine, he said. Thats what blew up.

Conter said an officer who witnessed the explosion from afar later told him that he saw the front of the Arizona rise out of the water about 30 feet before plunging back down.

Within 15 minutes, the ship rested at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.

Conter escaped on a lifeboat. In the following days, he worked at the grim task of recovering bodies from the harbor and containing fires, he said.

Later in the war, Conter piloted amphibious bomber planes and survived being shot down twice, once in shark-infested waters near New Guinea.

After the war, he became an intelligence officer and flew combat missions during the Korean War while he was assigned to the USS Bon Homme Richard.

He is credited with creating the Navys first survival, evasion, resistance and escape program, or SERE, according to the Historic Pacific Parks.

During the commemoration at Pearl Harbor in December, Marine Corps Capt. Ray Daniel Hower, Conters nephew, talked of the legacy left by the last Arizona survivor and others like him.

Whenever my uncle Lou or any other veteran of World War II is recognized or thanked for their service, they humbly answer: We just did what we had to do,  Hower said. Fair enough. But the fact that you did it, the sacrifices you made, the courage and heroism you showed, the determination to succeed that you demonstrated, the live sacrifice by the fallen, the legacy that you all built, remains unmatched and a lesson that keeps on teaching.
A Niagara Falls man accused of hitting a pedestrian with his vehicle was arraigned Thursday in Cheektowaga Town Court on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in serious injury, according to acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane.

Shortly before 5 a.m. on Feb. 27, 50-year-old Travis Rosario was driving on Luiz Kahl Way near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Cheektowaga when his vehicle struck a pedestrian crossing the road near Genesee Street, Keane said.

The victim, a 44-year-old Williamsville man, suffered a head injury and several fractured bones. He was transported by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

Rosario was released on his own recognizance because the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. He is scheduled to return to court on June 7. If convicted of the charge, Rosario faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

- Harold McNeil
His defence maintained the chair had been left abandoned on a street for days and Waters found it and sat in it.

John Waters (43) maintained the chair had been left abandoned on a street for days.

A father of one caught sitting in a stolen hospital wheelchair on a street in Dublin city centre admitted he did not need it when he was confronted by gardai.

John Waters (43) got up and walked away when officers on duty saw him in a Mater Private Hospital wheelchair, a court heard.

His defence maintained the chair had been left abandoned on a street for days and Waters found it and sat in it.

Judge Cephas Power applied the Probation Act.

Waters, from Portland Close in the north inner city pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to possession of stolen property.

A garda told the court she was on foot patrol on Parnell Street at 1.20pm on February 23 last year when she saw Waters sitting in a wheelchair with The Mater Private Hospital written on the side.

I asked him how he came into possession of the wheelchair and he wasnt able to provide a reason, the garda said.

He stated that he didnt need it and proceeded to walk away.

Waters had 74 previous convictions, the majority of which were for public order offences.

However, he also had convictions for possessing and handling stolen property.

Waters would say the wheelchair had been left outside on OConnell Street for a day or two at least and he was sitting in it when the gardai approached, his lawyer said.

However, he was putting his hands up to the charge.

Waters had suffered from addiction but he had dealt with that and was no longer taking any drugs, his lawyer said.

He was working in construction and was living with his girlfriend and young child.

His lawyer asked the judge not to jail Waters as he was now doing so well.

Judge Cephas Power said Waters seems to have turned his life around a lot since the offence.

He said the accused would be discharged conditionally under the Probation Act if he did not come to garda attention for 12 months.
CAB said the couple had gone on a spending spree after a 2.5m Brinks Allied security van robbery in Artane, Dublin, in 2005

Notorious gang boss Stefan Saunders has been hit with another financial blow after being ordered to pay the States costs in his unsuccessful appeal against the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).

Saunders and his wife, Tammy, were found by the High Court to have bought their family home with the proceeds of crime and in February lost an appeal preventing them from selling or otherwise dealing with the property pending further order

CAB said the couple had gone on a spending spree after a 2.5m Brinks Allied security van robbery in Artane, Dublin, in 2005.

The couple argued in their appeal that the judge erred in fact and in law in determining that Hazelbury, Clonee, Co. Meath came from the proceeds of crime from activities of [Stefan] as a member of a gang of robbers.

However, in February the Court of Appeal dismissed their case against the High Court ruling.

At the end of February the couple made submissions that they should not have to pay CABs legal costs, relying on the fact that they have the benefit of the CAB ad hoc legal aid scheme.

They also submitted that the appeal is a public law case which, while civil in nature, involves an order under Section 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996 against their house.

On that basis, they submitted that the Court might exercise its discretion not to award costs against them.

However, CAB sought an order for the costs of the appeal against Saunders on the basis that it has been entirely successful on all material aspects of the case.

In delivering a judgement of the three judge Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Mary Faherty said: It is difficult to disagree with the Bureaus submissions, particularly in circumstances where the appellants do not cite any authorities in support of their submissions, and in light of the position under the 1995 Act.

I note especially s. 33(2) of that Act which makes clear that the fact that a party is legally aided is effectively irrelevant in considering costs.

She went on say that the Saunders have not provided any basis upon which the Court could consider departing from the normal rule where the losing party pays the costs.

The appellants have not established any basis upon which the Court should depart from the normal rule and, accordingly, the Bureau is entitled to the costs of the appeal, the judge said.

Stefan Saunders was jailed in 2018 for seven-and-a-half years after gardai foiled a cash-in-transit armed robbery in 2016.

He is also suspected by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) of being involved a security van robbery in Artane, Dublin, in 2005.

Saunders was interviewed by gardai in connection with the heist but he was not prosecuted.
Ms Fan, who said she is a lover of fashion, denied the goods were bought as part of a sophisticated money-laundering operation between Ireland and China

Yan Yan Fan said she liked to spend money on clothes and shoes

A fur coat and tens of thousands of euro worth of designer bags were among the Aladdins Cave of luxury items seized from a woman allegedly linked to a Chinese drugs gang.

The Sunday World has obtained the list of jaw-dropping designer goods that were among 88 items seized during a raid in on the home of Yan Yan Fan March 2021.

Now, the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) are seeking a court order to have the cash and goods declared the proceeds of crime.

The items include a Chanel Petite Timeless Tote Black Caviar Leather valued at 2,500, a Louis Vuitton On-the-Go Tote MM valued at 2,000, a Chanel Medallion Bag with Grained Calfskin valued at 4,400 and a Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Trunk valued at 3,950.

Yan Yan Fan said she liked to spend money on clothes and shoes

Other items include a Chanel Gold Vinyl Chain Shopper valued at 1,000, a Louis Vuitton Passport Cover Monogram valued at 245, Jimmy Choo shoes as well as 229,000 in a solicitors client account.

Ms Fan, who said she is a lover of fashion, denied the goods were bought as part of a sophisticated money-laundering operation between Ireland and China.

She spent 129,000 on luxury goods on her platinum Brown Thomas card between 2010 and 2020, but in a bizarre twist it emerged she now works as a sales assistant at the upmarket store.

Counsel for CAB Jim Benson said the cash seized included 14,000 found at Ms Fans home, which she claims belonged to a man staying in her apartment

The man, Guang Ying Wang, is also named in the CAB case and is not contesting the claim, although he told gardai at the time he won it playing poker.

The Bureaus case is that Ms Fan is linked to an organised crime gang involved in cannabis grow-houses and that she had a role managing properties.

Mr Wang, who had been staying at her apartment, is currently in prison in the State, it was heard.

She is also linked to 12 bank accounts which she controls, in which 1.7m went through since 2005.

Counsel for CAB said it beggars belief that all the cash transactions came from her parents in China, and that her evidence it came from the sale of property was inconsistent.

The purchase of the luxury goods could not have been funded by her declared income, which at its highest was just under 30,000 a year, CAB have claimed.

A property in Dublin was bought for 145,000 in 2015, and later sold for 229,000, using bank drafts and cash transfer and 50,000 from unknown sources.

While she says the money came from her parents, CAB said she did not provide any evidence to back her assertion.

Investigators claim the goods were part of a money-laundering system using the daigou method in which money is sent from China to buy luxury goods abroad.

Yan Yan Fan defended herself at the High Court proceedings last week, where she told Judge Alex Owens she had no involvement in crime.

She stated in evidence that she had been in China at the time of the raid and Wang had stayed there because she had offered a surety for him while facing charges.

Ms Fan said money for the property came from her parents first to buy an apartment in Navan for 85,000, which was later sold at a profit.

Some cash lodgements at ATMs in Dublin city were from Chinese tourists who she said have to carry cash to enter the State, when she worked as a tour guide.

I dont know why they dont believe me, she said about CAB.

The designer goods found at her apartment were her own personal collection and some were fakes that she had bought at markets in China.

She said a Birkin bag was bought for US dollars through a website for myself in 2018, asking the judge: Why buy it from the US and keep it for five years if it is money-laundering?

A Chanel bag that had been seized was bought in China and what would be the point in bringing it back if she was money laundering, she added.

She said the shoes date back to before 2011 and were for her use, with one pair valued at 1,000 she bought on sale for 150.

Ms Fan said she spends money on shoes and clothes, its the only hobby I have.

The headline figure of 1.7m put forward by CAB is shocking she said but that it is not true when you go into the detail.

She said a lot of the transactions are in fact the same money being moved about with sale of apartments and transfers from her parents.

Judge Owens will deliver a judgement at a later date.
Self-styled citizen journalist Philip Dwyer is looking to be elected as an Ireland First candidate in the upcoming European elections

A far-right agitator, previously called out in the Dail as a dog kicker and creche creeper and an inciter of the Dublin riots has confirmed he is running for a plum 120,000 role in Europe.

Self-styled citizen journalist Philip Dwyer is looking to be elected as an Ireland First candidate in the upcoming European elections.

Dwyer is currently before the courts charged with engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour outside a creche arising from an incident where he confronted staff in relation to a childrens drawing of a rainbow.

The 56-year-old is due to appear before Blanchardstown District Court for a hearing of the alleged offence on September 19.

One of the far rights most active posters on social media, Dwyer announced on Twitter last week that he plans to run for a post as an MEP in July for the children of this country.

Im delighted to announce that Ill be running for the European elections in June, he said in a video. The number one reason that Ive decided to run is for the children of this country and the Irish nation.

A former postman, Dwyer was dismissed from An Post in May 2010, with the company citing dereliction of duty and failure to comply with their instructions.

During an unfair dismissal case taken by Dwyer, it emerged he had kicked a number of dogs, including a friendly collie he kicked in the head with a steel toe-cap boot, and threatened another woman that he would kill her familys dog.
Back in court, construction worker Joyce had 4,500 to offer by way of compensation

A man who broke into a car at the Ferrycarrig Hotel and stole 4,000 was back before Wexford Circuit Court with compensation money to offer to his victim.

Dubliner Bernard Joyce (24) from 96 Briarfield Road in Kilbarrack, was found guilty of theft and criminal damage at a trial last year.

On that occasion, details were given of how he observed Ger OBrien from Coolcotts, Wexford withdraw cash which represented two years savings  from the Bank of Ireland in Enniscorthy.

He was passenger in a dark Volkswagen which then tailed the unwitting target to the Ferrycarrig.

The money was intended to pay for a new vehicle and OBrien was driving his girlfriends car that day.

He emerged from a gym session at the hotel to find a car window smashed and the cash gone. The offence dated back to January of 2020.

Back in court, construction worker Joyce had 4,500 to offer by way of compensation.

Judge James McCourt imposed a two year sentence, this term suspended once the father of two agreed to produce a further 500 to cover the cost of repairs.
Crime cash is used to buy luxury goods which are then sent back to China

Cannabis was seized from several grow-houses

A violent Chinese organised crime gang operating in Ireland ran a series of cannabis grow-houses and abducted fellow nationals.

Details of the underworld network emerged as the Criminal Assets Bureau took a case against Yan Yan Fan and her ex-boyfriend Guang Yin Wang.

Officers gave evidence of separate grow-house operations that were discovered around the country linked to the pair.

The biggest seizure was at Henrietta Place in Dublin in November 2012 where 1,490 plants worth 1.1 million were found.

Gardai believed 2,500 other plants were harvested before they got there.

Yan Yan Fan, who was not prosecuted, was leasing the building but denied all knowledge of the drugs stash following her arrest.

She was also linked to a previous grow-house at Kilrush, Co Mayo where cannabis worth 120,000.

A man arrested at the scene Jia Zhong Zu had a mobile phone which used the same number as Fan used on ads with a property rental website.

He was arrested again at a business park in Rathcormac, Co Cork where cannabis 698,896 was seized.

A vehicle registered to Yan Yan Fan was previously seen by gardai in the Cork area some months beforehand.

At both Henrietta Place and Rathcormac it emerged in later court hearings that men had been left to tend the plants to work off debts.

Zhong Zu fled the jurisdiction when Wang obstructed gardai trying to arrest him in 2013 at Parnell over the abduction and serious assault of Chinese man who was left dumped in the Phoenix Park.

In that case the alleged victims sister got a telephone call demanding 59,000 to be paid over.

A fourth cannabis grow-house was then uncovered in March 2021at Hazelbury Park, Dublin 15 with plants worth 400,000.

In that case Guang Ying Wang was arrested and questioned.

The gang used the Daigou system which is an informal bank transfer system used in China to avoid official restrictions.

Crime cash is used to buy luxury goods which are then sent back to China and money from their sale is sent back through the official banking system as gifts from family and friends.

A senior in her evidence said that she believed that details provided dont reflect Ms Fans involvement in crime despite having no criminal convictions in this country.

The officer added that both Fan and Wang have benefited substantially from their criminal activities.

I further say that Yan Yan Fans attempts to disguise the funding and ownership of a number of properties ... demonstrates an attempt to launder the proceeds of this criminal conduct.

CABs Chief Officer Michael Gubbins in his evidence described her as a significant member of an Organised Crime Group which primarily involved in the cultivation and supply of cannabis on a wholesale basis.

He added that her role was sourcing and managing the properties whereby the cannabis is cultivated and laundering the proceeds.

Ms Fan who represented herself in the High Court, denied any involvement in crime.

Guang Ying Wang, who did not contest the case and is currently in prison in Ireland for drug offences, was described as the grow house manager and involved in the sale and supply of cannabis.
The accident happened less than one kilometre from where three people died in a collision last Tuesday.

It is understood the man being questioned did not realise he had struck a person with his vehicle. File photo

Gardai investigating the death of a teenage boy who was struck by a car on the N17 in Mayo on Saturday night have spoken with an elderly man.

The boy, named locally as Vikaris Gudaitis (17), was struck by a vehicle and killed in the townland of Barnacarroll, Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Distraught family and friends have been paying tribute to Vikaris on social media. He was a student of St Colmans College in Claremorris.

Originally from Lithuania, Vikaris and his family lived in the area since he was a young child.

The accident happened less than one kilometre from where three people died in a collision last Tuesday.

Una Carlin Bowden and her two daughters, Ciara (14) and Saoirse (10), were killed when their vehicle collided with a fuel lorry on the N17 outside Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Gardai investigating the tragedy that happened on Saturday night have spoken to an elderly man. It is understood he was not initially aware he had struck a person.

A witness is believed to have followed the car involved and contacted gardai.

The man, who has not been arrested, was spoken to by gardai shortly after the incident.

No arrests have been made and gardai continue to appeal for witnesses.

It is understood Vikaris reached the main N17 road having walked three kilometres from Claremorris.

On Friday night, Claire Kavanagh (37) died in a two-car collision on the N24 in Co Tipperary.

Ms Kavanagh, from Carrick-on-Suir in Tipperary, was three months pregnant with her second child.

In a heartfelt message on social media, her cousin, Haleigh Kavanagh Walsh, paid tribute to her best friend and partner in crime.

All you ever wanted was to be a mammy and what an amazing mammy you were.

All I have left now are memories but I will treasure them forever, she wrote.

Yesterday morning, a cyclist in his 60s died following a collision with a car in Knocknagee, Co Kildare.

Saturday nights tragedy is a devastating blow for a town and county already trying to come to terms with last Tuesdays tragic collision.

Ciara and Saoirse Bowden, who were both members of the Oughterard Rugby Club, were described as two girls with a great energy about them despite their quiet nature.

Speaking to RTEs Morning Ireland, club PRO Julie Ann Brown said they were three beautiful, kind, loving, caring ladies just gone in a moment.

Despite renewed calls for increased road safety ahead of the Easter bank holiday, the teenagers death on Saturday was one of three road tragedies over the weekend.

It brings the total number of deaths on Irish roads to 58 in the first three months of the year. That represents an increase of 16 more than the first three months of last year.

On February 28, 10-year-old Dylan Coady Coleman died following an accident in Co Clare.

Dylan became a big brother to baby Shane shortly before the tragedy. His mother Laura said Dylan and Shane had a chance to meet before his death.

James Moyles (33) from Ballina, Co Mayo died after he and his niece Croia were struck by a vehicle on Lord Edward Street in Ballina on February 20.

Two young friends, 20-year-old Darragh Dullea and 19-year-old Cillian Kirwan, were also killed on February 20 when a vehicle they were passengers in struck a wall on the N69 Limerick-Tralee Road.

The two men were students at Salesian Agricultural College in Co Limerick, and were described as having great career prospects ahead of them.

In February, locals in Nenagh, Co Tipperary were left in shock by the death of 15-year-old Leah OMeara, who was killed in a two-car collision on the R503 at Rearcross, Co Tipperary.

On January 31, Daryl Culbert (21), Katie Graham (19) and Michael Kelly (25) were killed in the same incident in Co Carlow.

Former Fine Gael TD John Connor died in a single-vehicle collision in Frenchpark, Co Roscommon, on January 27.

The youngest person to die on Irish roads this year was six-year-old Hana Meshkat from Knocknacarra, Co Galway. She died on February 17, nine days after she was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash on the M6.
It will be an Easter weekend to remember for six lucky Lotto players from Hamilton, Hawera, Whanganui, Paraparaumu, Porirua and Nelson, after each winning $166,667 with Lotto First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning tickets were sold at Countdown Hawera in Hawera, Kapiti Knitting and Lotto in Paraparaumu, North City Lotto in Porirua, Pak N Save Richmond in Nelson and on MyLotto to players from Hamilton and Whanganui.

Powerball was not struck on Saturday evening and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $20 million.

Meanwhile, a lucky Strike player from Auckland will also be celebrating after winning $200,000 with Strike Four. The winning Strike ticket was sold at Ashs Superette in Auckland.

15 Lotto players win Second Division

Fifteen lucky Lotto players will be over the moon after each winning $24,587 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning Second Division tickets were sold at the following stores:

Store Location MyLotto Northland New World Kerikeri Kerikeri Pak N Save Lincoln Road Auckland Paper Plus Auckland Hospital Auckland Panorama Dairy Auckland MyLotto (x4) Auckland MyLotto Waikato New World Newlands Wellington Redwood Lotto Blenheim New World Ferry Road Christchurch MyLotto Christchurch MyLotto Ashburton

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores or on MyLotto should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

Lotto NZ exists to return 100 per cent of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.
The Royal New Zealand Air Forces Squadron Leader Sean Perrett was at the controls of a very special warbird when the restored P-51D Mustang debuted at Warbirds Over Wanaka.

Ohakea-based Squadron Leader Perrett has nearly four decades of flying experience and is Flight Commander of the Air Force Heritage Flight  where Biggin Hill Trust aircraft are flown by RNZAF pilots.

Former RNZAF P-51, serial number NZ2423, built in 1945, spent 56 years in a farm shed near Nelson before the trust restored it to flying condition last year.

It was one of 30 P-51D aircraft delivered to the RNZAF at the end of the Second World War, says squadron leader Sean.

When the aircraft was sold it had flown only about 260 hours which must make it one of the lowest-time Mustangs in the world and one of the few still with its original engine.

Ive been flying at Warbirds since 2004 and flying any type of warbird is a privilege, but to be flying in the debut of an ex-RNZAF Mustang as a serving RNZAF pilot is very special, he says.

Sean says some people thought such aircraft were so valuable that they should be put safely in a museum and never flown.

But I think that its important for people to see and hear them flying.

Also taking part in the Heritage Flight display at Wanaka will be a 1944 Spitfire Mk IX flown by Squadron Leader Stuart Anderson.

Every RNZAF aircraft type was seen at Warbirds Over Wanaka, some conducting flying displays, others on static display for the public to get up close, and some providing transport support to the biennial event.

Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, says events such as Warbirds Over Wanaka provided an opportunity for the RNZAF to display its aircraft capability, showing how it can support the people of New Zealand.

Domestic airshows and display activities enable the RNZAF to inspire, educate and engage with the communities they serve, he says.

Not only do they allow for the demonstration of skills and capabilities of the RNZAF, they also support the preservation of the RNZAFs history.

Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow was held from Friday March 29 to Sunday March 31 at Wanaka Airport.
The University at Buffalo will get its chance to shine in the spotlight of artificial intelligence, as the director of the National Science Foundation will visit the state flagship institution soon to see how upstate and Western New York can help to drive U.S. research and innovation in order to create new jobs and keep America in the forefront of the new technology.

At the behest of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sethuraman Panchanathan has agreed to come to Western New York as soon as next week to observe UBs state-of-the-art capabilities in AI, particularly its National Artificial Intelligence Institute for Exceptional Education, which Schumer helped establish with a $20 million federal investment.

State legislators pledge support for Empire AI UB Provost Scott Weber and Vice President for Research and Economic Development Venu Govindaraju welcomed New York Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and four other state legislators to UB last week for what felt like a pep rally for UBs role in AI research and the future of Empire AI.

That will help Panchanathan and the NSF see how the region from Buffalo to Syracuse is primed to lead in artificial intelligence innovation, and why the federal government should choose upstate New York as the perfect partner for the Biden administrations AI initiatives, Schumers office wrote in a press release announcing the visit.

The data is clear: the University at Buffalo and Upstate NY are at the top when it comes to powering technological advancement and AI innovation, Schumer said in the release. We have a golden opportunity for the United States to be even more of a trailblazer in AI, with Buffalo leading the way.

Referring to the unmatched capabilities of Western NY and the broader Upstate region in AI, Schumer said Panchanathan and others will see firsthand what I have long said  Buffalo and Western NY are going to lead the next generation of innovation for America.

How UB aims to build on the AI boom With multimillion-dollar tech giants jostling for ownership of AI, state and national leaders want to position the public sector and academia as key players to ensure that equity, safety and the public good are as important as profits in the industry. And they are tapping UB to play a role in that goal.

In particular, he has cited the presence at UB of a supercomputing center and other research facilities, as well as the AI Institute for Exceptional Education, which is using its five-year NSF grant of $20 million to develop new AI that will identify and help children facing speech and language struggles. And he noted the states establishment of the new Empire AI Consortium of leading research universities across the state, with UB as its hub.

That consortium, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her State of the State address Jan. 9, includes $400 million in public and private funding for an advanced computing center to be shared by the State University of New York, City University of New York, Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Simons Foundation.

The University at Buffalo is very excited that Dr. Panchanathan has accepted Sen. Schumers invitation to visit the University at Buffalo, SUNYs flagship university, UB President Satish K. Tripathi said. We look forward to welcoming Sen. Schumer and Dr. Panchanathan to UB and to showcasing the many ways in which our facultys NSF funded research is driving innovative solutions to societys most challenging problems.

The Jan. 4 personal invitation by Schumer  which was also extended to Arati Prabhakar, head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy  stems from a confluence of announcements at the state and federal levels that the senator wants to capitalize on as he lobbies hard for upstate New York.

In particular, it followed an Oct. 30 executive order from President Biden directing the NSF to establish a National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) as a pilot project within 90 days. In turn, that came after a final report issued last year by a task force created under the National AI Act of 2020 that investigated the feasibility of creating and sustaining such a program. The goal was to encourage responsible and trustworthy AI innovation in the young field.

Schumer seeks to include UB, New York in federal AI research pilot Schumer has invited the heads of the Biden Administrations National AI Research Resource pilot to visit New York and strongly consider Empire AI for their two-year project to create a national shared infrastructure for AI innovation.

The two-year proof of concept pilot, officially launched by NSF on Jan. 24, is designed to create a national infrastructure to connect AI researchers with resources and to collaborate on innovation and policy among 10 federal agencies and 25 private partners in government, industry, education and research. It focuses on addressing societal challenges, including in human health, education, environment and infrastructure.

The 35 partners currently include NASA, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the federal agencies for agriculture, defense, energy and veterans affairs, as well as IBM Corp., Intel Corp., Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Google, Meta, Microsoft Corp., OpenAI, EleutherAI and Amazon Web Services.

But the NSF is now also asking other potential partners to submit proposals to participate in the initiative to create a formal permanent program, and Schumer wants Western New York in the forefront.

Schumers invite also follows the designation  with his support  of the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region as a new federal tech hub, uniting the three cities in a joint bid to compete for at least $75 million in federal dollars to cultivate a semiconductor and microchip-manufacturing corridor along the Thruway. Micron Technology is already investing up to $100 billion to build a chip-making facility near Syracuse, to produce the memory chips needed for AI.

Together, that creates a prime opportunity, not only for significant federal investment and valuable research positions somewhere in the country, but also the opportunity for a geographic region to take a leadership role. So, Schumer wants to highlight the potential of his home state to be selected, because of its advancements in both research and manufacturing that can boost the economy and create high-paying jobs.

Artificial intelligence is gaining state lawmakers' attention, and they have a lot of questions Legislators are seeking ways to protect constituents from discrimination and other harms while not hindering cutting-edge advancements in medicine, science, business, education and more.

When I wrote my CHIPS & Science Act, I did so with Buffalo as a guiding light, knowing it has the research capabilities, top-notch scientific minds, powerhouse workforce and entrepreneurial spirit to spur innovation in this field, Schumer said. This is the time to bolster the regions AI capabilities to catapult our state and country to the next frontier of AI.
From illegal street racing to fatal crashes  this Easter weekend serves as a reminder for everything Police do not want to see on New Zealand roads.

Up and down the country, Road Policing staff have seen drivers overtaking on congested roads, speeding and taking unnecessary risks, says Road Policing Director Superintendent Steve Greally.

Seven people have lost their lives and several others are seriously injured.

Thats seven families that will never see their loved ones again, seven Easters ruined and seven avoidable deaths.

This morning it was confirmed a fourth person passed away in a crash that took place on State Highway 8 in Pukaki.

The scene was harrowing, and Police once again would like to thank the members of the public and emergency personnel that made every effort to save the lives of those involved.

A further three people died in crashes in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Tasman.

For emergency services attending these incidents, it never gets easier.

A crash where people are dead or seriously injured is a horrific scene, and I cannot but commend the staff that respond and serve with utmost professionalism, says Superintendent Greally.

In Waikato, Police are urging drivers to be mindful of agricultural vehicles, which are often travelling at a much lower speed that other vehicles on open roads.

Police in Bay of Plenty, Southern and Canterbury districts also want their drivers to take it easy.

Slow down  we cant say it any other way.

Speed is a top contributor to serious injury and death in a crash, and with the Easter Weekend traffic and roadworks, speeding is the last thing anyone should be doing, says Superintendent Greally.

Motorists should also be taking the conditions into account as they head home today.

In some areas the weather is beginning to turn.

Sunny Nelson is having one of three bad weather days of the year and we ask anyone travelling in that area to drive to the conditions.

We know that it can be frustrating to be stuck behind slow-moving vehicles but remain patient and only pass when it is safe to do so.

In saying that, if you are driving one of those slow vehicles, be mindful of traffic around you, and pull over and let traffic pass when it is safe to do so.

Police want every single person on our roads this weekend to get to their destination safely, which means focusing on the basics  watch your speed, put the phones away, dont drive while impaired (including by fatigue), and ensure everyone is properly restrained.

Police will be doing their part around prevention and enforcement, and we need all road users to play their part and make smart decisions behind the wheel.
The New Zealand Principals' Federation is welcoming the latest research report on Behaviour in Classrooms, conducted by the ERO research team.

"I am grateful that ERO has responded to our calls for more research into the behaviour problems that classroom teachers face every day in our schools," says NZPF president Leanne Otene.

EROs report notes that the OECDs PISA reports over the past twenty years reveal that Aotearoa New Zealands classrooms have consistently had the worst behaviour compared to most other OECD countries.

"This is sobering reading and highlights what principals have been saying for years," says Leanne.

"This government is focused on evidence based data and here it is in black and white," she says. "I expect that, as with the cell phone directive, the government will move with urgency on these findings."

"We cannot focus on how we meet both our own and the governments goal of raising achievement, if we are not also resourcing behaviour and learning support," says Leanne.

"Inevitably, our high level of behaviour challenges has a serious impact on teacher effectiveness and our childrens learning."

Leanne welcomes the recommendation for greater investment in effective support adding that the lack of professional Educational Psychologists, specialists and therapists is long overdue and until this issue is addressed, schools will continue to struggle and have their classes disrupted.

"The time lag to provide the specialists must be filled by instigating a system of smaller classes and increased teacher aide staff."

The report recommends that schools need excellent policies and plans for behaviour management including national plans.

"I agree all schools need good policies and plans to manage behaviour in schools," says Leanne, "and to implement those policies and plans we need equitable access to the experts and specialists to advise, support and guide school responses."

The positive behaviour for learning (PB4L) programme, which is funded by the Ministry, is mentioned in the report as a helpful way to manage student behaviour school wide and Otene agrees.

"The PB4L PLD programme is an option for schools and needs to be available to more schools. But there is no silver bullet here, and PB4L is just one option that can be very effective for some schools," says Leanne.

Leanne notes that it would have been helpful if the report had also explored culturally applicable options for our Maori and Pacific Island students.

"An exploration of cultural mana enhancing approaches would have been a useful addition to this behaviour research."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has launched the Governments next action plan to deliver for New Zealand  setting out key steps to be taken by June 30 to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and improve public services.

I am proud to lead a government of action. We are delivering big changes that are already making a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders, says Luxon.

Kids are more focused on learning after we banned phones in schools, farmers and tradies finally have tax relief after we got rid of the Ute Tax, and hospital emergency departments saw a reduction in violence after we added more security.

There is always more to do and thats why we are backing up the 100-Day Plan with our next action plan for New Zealand."

The Prime Minister says just like their 100-Day Plan, this next action plan is focused on three key areas to make life better for Kiwis:

1. Rebuilding the economy and easing the cost of living

2. Restoring law and order, and

3. Delivering better public services.

Having a clear plan with specific actions and timeframes for delivery creates momentum and drives focus," says Luxon.

Commitments in the Governments action plan for New Zealand include:

Deliver a budget that reduces wasteful spending while investing in frontline services.

Deliver tax relief to hardworking New Zealanders.

Set targets for improving public services, like education and health.

Launch an Attendance Action Plan to get kids back to school.

Restore Three Strikes to hold serious, repeat offenders to account.

Establish a Regional Infrastructure Fund to boost economic growth in our regions.

Reform the CCCFA regime to make it easier for home-buyers to access credit, and introduce legislation to improve the rental market.

Much of the action plan is focused on rebuilding the economy  like measures to increase investment in renewable electricity, and RMA reform to cut red-tape on farmers," says Luxon.

"It is only through a strong economy we can reduce the cost of living, lift incomes and afford the public services Kiwis deserve.

New Zealanders expect and deserve delivery from their government, and that is exactly what they are getting from us.




As part of the finishing touches along Cameron Road, the construction team is currently installing name blades and signs along the corridor, during both days and nights.

Work paused over the Easter Weekend as the team observed the public holidays of Good Friday on March 29 and Easter Monday on April 1 and no one was on site during these times.



Tauranga City Council say there are also some remedial stormwater works underway on Cameron Road.

These works are largely underground and involve entering several manholes at the roadside, which will be fenced off while this work is underway.

There will be a lane closure in place on the eastern side of Cameron Road this week between 518 Cameron Road (ASB) and 528 Cameron Road (Fujifilm) while contractors expose the existing stormwater pipes using saw cutting.

A hydrovac truck will then flush the inside of the pipes and reinstate concrete in this section.

This work is expected to take four days and is weather dependent.

"Noise is associated with these works however contractors will endeavour to keep this to a minimum," says a council spokesperson.

"Access to businesses will be maintained."



There is also work underway on the streetlights, with some of the older lights being removed as new ones are turned on. The area directly around the lights will be closed as this work proceeds.



Work to install permanent fences and timber posts at some of the mid-block pedestrian crossings is nearing completion.



The team is also completing the remaining paint work on the shared footpath and cycleway, at nights (6pm to 6am) as weather allows.



"We thank you for your patience and understanding while these essential works are underway," says a council spokesperson.
A Defence officer who lost $250,000 to offshore fraudsters says ASB should reimburse his loss because a branch manager helped him complete the huge money transfer, missing crucial red flags that he was being scammed.

The man is one of at least three victims who lost a combined $550,000 through an elaborate international investment ruse last year.

The scam involved a Queensland money mule who laundered the stolen funds through a New Zealand-based ANZ account before sending it to an Australian crypto trading company and Vietnamese account.

Its understood Australian police are now involved in the investigation. And though the victim is accusing the banks of negligence, they are both denying liability and insist they did nothing wrong.

Losing his retirement savings had had profound emotional and physical effects, the man says.

I am extremely upset and emotional about what has happened to me. My anxiety levels are extremely high. Im devastated.

The victim, who is an officer in the armed services, recently sold a house and wanted to invest the proceeds in a low-risk investment to help fund his retirement.

He found a website for PT Wealth Management purportedly offering 90-day government-backed bonds with SBS bank.

He was contacted by a British investment adviser calling himself Sam Clarke, who convinced him to invest $250,000.

The victim says he conducted due diligence, checking both the FMAs public scam warning page and running a Trust Pilot search for poor customer reviews or warning signs of a scam.

An FMA warning about imposter websites was only issued a month after he had been fleeced.

He was sent payment instructions for an ANZ holding account under the name CADT Holdings Ltd and visited the Takapuna ASB branch to make the transfer in person on April 13 last year.

Due to the size of the payment, a branch manager helped the victim complete the transfer, asking him about the nature of the investment and whether he had sent money to the ANZ recipient account before.

Having a manager oversee the transfer gave him confidence he was in safe hands and that anything suspicious would be picked up by the bank, he says.

The payment occurred just a month after the Banking Ombudsman warned NZ banks about the rise in fake investment scams, recommending they provide additional customer warnings and update staff training.

The victim now believes a supposed SBS bond investment going to an ANZ account should have triggered alarm bells at ASB and further scrutiny.

Victim signs property contract while awaiting bond payout

Following the transfer, the victim signed a sale contract for a property. As settlement approached he contacted Clarke to arrange withdrawal of his money when the three-month investment term expired.

However, a June 15 email bounced back and the victim realised hed been scammed.

The man was unable to cancel the property contract and had to borrow $150,000 from family which he is now paying back.

After alerting ASB to the fraud, only $139 could be recovered. Police launched an investigation which identified multiple victims. Fraud investigators told the man his money had been siphoned to Vietnam.

ASB chief executive Vittoria Shortt. Photo / Supplied.

The man complained to ASB but a final response letter denied liability, saying banks were not required to make extensive inquiries about recipient account holders and ASB was acting on his instructions.

The obligation is on the customer to satisfy themselves about the legitimacy of the recipient and the purpose of the transfer.

The letter says the manager had conducted due diligence on the payment and did not observe any red flags.

While ASB found it had followed correct processes, it has agreed to make a $1000 goodwill gesture to acknowledge the mans awful experience.

The man acknowledges he had been sucked in by the scammers and is partly responsible for losing the money.

But he says the criminals are skilled con artists with expert knowledge of the financial sector and the documents they produce are extremely convincing.

He believes ASB has failed in its duty of care.

The victim has lodged a complaint about his case with Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden. Photo / File.

He also claims ANZ is negligent in harbouring a money mule, raising questions about its anti-money laundering obligations.

He has now lodged a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman, Nicola Sladden.

The man said hed kept the fraud secret from family and friends.

I have been dealing with this on my own for the last 12 months.

My kids know because they rallied around and stopped me jumping off a cliff. It really did knock me around.

ASB, ANZ respond

ASB executive general manager of technology and operations, David Bullock, says the branch manager followed proper process when processing the victims payment and is satisfied with the answers he provided.

PT Wealth Management is the name of a legitimate investment management company and ASB was not aware of the scam until the FMAs warning was posted a month later.

While the victim referenced bonds, it's entirely feasible hed been transferring funds to a wealth manager to invest in bonds, which is common practice.

Scammers have very sophisticated methods of operating, they understand how banks work, and they are adept at creating believable scenarios to manipulate their victims.

Banks are currently unable to verify that the name of the recipient account matched the customers intended payee. The sector is working on a technical solution which it hoped to role out late this year.

ASB is spending nearly $100 million on preventing fraud and scams to help keep customers safe, but customer vigilance remained essential.

ANZ says this appears to be a terrible case of a customer setting up a mule account to help criminals steal money.

ANZ says it met proper due diligence and anti-money laundering requirements when setting up the business account.

The company was registered with the New Zealand Companies Office and we appropriately sought information regarding the nature of this business.

After being notified of the fraud, ANZ blocked the account but was unable to recover the stolen funds.

Anyone who allowed their bank accounts to be used as mule accounts were enabling these scams and risked becoming part of an international criminal network.

Waitemata CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting said the three victims transferred money to the suspects ANZ account between April and May last year, losing $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Investigations show the director of CADT Holdings is based in Queensland. The company has since been deregistered and the alleged stolen money transferred to Australian digital asset company Zerocap Pty Ltd, or Vietnamese-based company IGB Holdings Ltd.

Police have requested assistance from Australian authorities.
Jose Luis Piedra Seville Monday, 1 April 2024, 23:28 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The progress made by non-profit set-ups (cooperatives, mutuals, associations, foundations and social enterprises) in Andalucia has made this region the national leader in this production sector, with a total of 4,931 cooperative enterprises that now account for nearly 10% of the region's GDP and 12.5% of employment.

The strength of such cooperatives is also matched by their leading role in terms of turnover and employment in Spain, exceeding national levels in these parameters by 20%. In addition, it is worth noting that the cooperative presence is strong across the region, with at least one social economy organisation operating in four out of every five Andalusian municipalities.

Cooperatives in Andalucia currently support a total of 81,876 jobs and their turnover amounts to 15.827 billion euros according to data provided by AndaluciaEScoop, the umbrella organisation for the Andalusian Agri-food Cooperatives and FAECTA, the two largest organisations in the cooperative world in this region.

In this region alone there are more than 375,000 families making a living from cooperatives, a sector that has become a major factor in the fight against depopulation of rural areas. This explains to a large extent why Andalucia suffers less from this phenomenon when compared to how seriously it affects other rural areas in other regions.

The diversity of this region's cooperatives, both in terms of size and sectors, makes this thriving sector as a whole even more powerful. Its development has led some cooperatives to demonstrate that there are no limits to their growth with some businesses becoming sector leaders for production - for instance, such as Covap, Dcoop or Coviran. That said, the bulk of the overall sector still consists of smaller cooperatives.

The success of this business model has led some of these cooperatives to become some of the largest companies in Andalucia. Some 26 regional cooperatives are among the 100 most important cooperatives in Spain and 21 of them are among the top 100 for exports.

They are present in all sectors of the Andalusian economy, from the giants of the agri-food industry and leaders in export and innovation to other projects linked to education, social services, crafts and law. Similarly, we must recognise the recent take-up by thousands of the region's youth, mostly engineers and university graduates, who are channelling their entrepreneurial calling via cooperatives.

The prominence of women in the sector is an important feature to note. The presence of women in the cooperative social mass is higher than in other sectors, reaching 49% in worker cooperatives, especially in educational activities and services, and 30% in agri-food cooperatives.

Cooperatives also stand out for their export capacity, innovation and resilience in the face of adversity. Proof of this was the role they played during the pandemic, adapting their businesses and sustaining employment up to ten points above the average, maintaining basic services such as food supply, care for dependent persons and education, among others.

As a final point, the spirit of the cooperative has always distinguished itself by creating jobs for vulnerable groups and those with difficulties in accessing the labour market.
Juan Cano Monday, 1 April 2024, 17:53 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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A 16-month-old baby remains in an intensive care unit at a hospital in Almeria, in the Andaluia region of Spain, due to possible abuse at the hands of her mother and her partner.

A judge in the Andalusian province ruled the injuries were compatible with alleged abuse and sent the baby girl's mother and her partner to prison. The judge also pointed out two other injury reports issued on 8 and 13 March in which the little girl suffered an injury to her right toe and her nose.

The child's third visit to the hospital, on 25 March, was the one that led to the couple's arrest. They were living with the baby in a house in El Ejido with the family of the mother's partner. The mother lacked housing options due to her financial situation, the court heard.

In the injury report of 25 March, doctors indicated their suspicion that the girl's injuries were the result of "child abuse", which activated a police response.

The baby girl had a wound on her left ear lobe and outer ear, facial bruises around her left eye, a swollen nose, a buildup of fluid on her lower right leg, a wound on her right big toe, a bruise on her left ankle, as well as multiple bruises on her head, scratches all over her body and multiple fractures in her right shin. The little girl had to undergo surgery. She is currently being treated in Almeria hospital's intensive care unit where she is still undergoing treatment.

The mother and her boyfriend offered "evasive answers" and did not provide a "plausible" version of events, according to the judge, who also noticed "contradictions" in the statements of the family members who lived with the accused. The judge ruled they both "beat" the girl, according to the court order.
Europa Press Seville Monday, 1 April 2024, 23:34 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The regional government of Andalucia has logged more than 12,500 natural springs and water sources across the region and their links to the Andalusian regional network of drover's roads. This connection is reflected in the inventory drawn up by the General Directorate for Forestry Policy and Biodiversity (part of the regional Ministry of Sustainability, Environment and the Blue Economy).

This inventory will serve as a guide both for livestock use and for recovery of this aspect of the region's natural and cultural heritage. It will also serve as a reference source when making future plans to change or renovate and restore these vital water resources.

The document is over 200 pages long and includes a description of each inventoried water location along with a bank of catalogued images, past and present, according to the regional ministry's press release on this topic.

This inventory also serves as a method of exploring the rich biology surrounding our natural springs, showing that "the environments around such springs could be some of the most biodiversely rich habitats of any ecosystem found on the land masses bordering the Mediterranean". At the same time, the study reveals that they are also "the most unknown, fragile and scarce, as well as the most vulnerable to climate change".

For this reason, the research work carried out on these natural springs has made it possible to demonstrate that these "are oases of life", affording us "a better understanding of the structure and functioning of the ecosystem of such springs in mountainous areas, with a view to assessing the possible actions that can be undertaken".
Jorge Pastor Granada Monday, 1 April 2024, 23:20 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Javier Olivares was eight years old when he started to accompany his father on hunting trips in Granada province. "We would go to the Llanos de los Olivares, in Gorafe, up at dusk where there were rabbits, wood pigeons and turtle doves," he recalls. It was at that moment that he fell in love with nature.

Olivares (Jerez de la Frontera, 1960) really understands the Sierra Nevada. Among his many merits he has photographed the 125 species of butterflies that inhabit Granada's Sierra Nevada, the highest mountains on the Spanish mainland. Over four decades he has taken more than ten thousand shots.

Javier is a geologist by profession but a biologist at heart. "I wanted to do the latter, but at that time there were few opportunities and I studied the former," he explains. He graduated in Geology from the University of Granada and his work has taken him around the world from oil platforms in the North Sea, to the Algerian desert and in 1987 to mines the Picos de Europa mountains. That job changed his life as it was there that he discovered the fascinating world of butterflies.

Zoom Javier Olivares, with his camera. Jorge Pastor

But before continuing with the life and work of Javier Olivares, it's important to travel back in time to the beginning of the 20th century and to Granada which was home to a man called Arturo Cerda y Rico who hung out with the artistic and intellectual elite of the time.

Arturo was Javier's great-grandfather and himself a talented photographer. "I didn't know him or my grandmother, but photography was everywhere in my house," Javier explains. That's why he was thrilled when, in 1975, at the age of fifteen, his father gave him a Russian Praktica with a fifty-millimetre lens. "I can't forget the excitement I felt when I knew I had a good shot and would check that it was on the negative," he smiles.

In those early days his speciality was eagles. "In my village, Gorafe, there were shepherds who destroyed their nests because they ate the fields, but I caught them and fed them with game meat. I raised three or four specimens of booted and short-toed snake eagles," recalls Javier.

Zoom Simple enamelled. Javier Olivares

"I looked after them until they became adults, they flew all day long and at night they came back for me to feed them." This proximity and knowledge of the birds of prey allowed Javier to take a a number of memorable pictures with his Praktica, which he keeps in his collection like a piece of treasure.

Javier Olivares' devotion to butterflies began with that posting in the Picos de Europa, but his interest in them increased exponentially when, during an excursion in the Sierra Elvira, he met Jose Luis Gimenez Gomez, who introduced him to literature, research and articles on these marvellous winged insects.

"I took exams to become a biology and geology teacher and after a few years in different places, I ended up in Granada, very close to my beloved Sierra Nevada," he says. Through his brother he met Jose Miguel Barea, a technician at the National Park, and the two of them began a photographic documentation project that culminated in 2011 with a compilation publication. "At that time there were 121 species of butterflies in the Sierra Nevada; in recent years we have discovered four more.

Photogenic

Why are these animals so photogenic? You only have to take a look at the photo on the left, an Erebia from the Sierra Nevada, to see for yourself. "Because of their aesthetic beauty and their diversity," says Javier. But also for other characteristics, such as the fact that each group has its own habitat or its dependence on weather conditions. Just like flora, they are more abundant in rainy years than in dry ones.

Zoom Monitoring work on the Alpine butterfly of Sierra Nevada. Javier Olivares.

Immortalising them also requires skill. You don't have to run after them, but wait for them where you know you'll find them," he says, "The ideal time to shoot them is when they are just hatched and camouflaged in the plants. "You can get as close as you want". As for the best times of day, without a doubt, sunsets, "because that's when they look for places to rest after a day of fluttering around". This also prevents the light intensity from being too strong, as can happen in the Sierra Nevada when the sky is clear. "It is best if there is a light layer of cloud".

Zoom Blanca de Mann. Javier Olivares.

Among the ten thousand butterfly photos that Javier keeps on his hard drives, there is one that was particularly satisfying. That of a Parnassius Apollo which flies like a bird. "I set up the tripod in a place where I knew they were going to pass and every time they did, I took a series of photos. "I caught not only a male in the foreground, but a female in the background," he says proudly. Then came 124 more great moments.

Zoom Harlequin. Javier Olivares.

The most abundant butterflies and also others which, although not in imminent danger, are in danger of extinction in Grenada. In general, populations have declined by thirty percent in the last fifteen years, but in the cases of the Agriades Zulluchi, the Polymmatus Golgus and the Agrodiaetus Violetae the situation is particularly worrying, so much so that the Association for the Conservation of Butterflies in Europe launched recovery plans in 2015.

Climate change is forcing butterflies to move to higher ground, where space is more limited. The destructive capacity of human beings has no understanding of existence, beauty and nature. Existences, beauties and natures like those 125 species of butterflies that live in Sierra Nevada.
Malaga bids farewell to storm Norman and wettest Holy Week in eighty years Of the 45 huge processions scheduled in the city this year some 23 did not take to the streets, the highest number since 1942

El Rico was the only brotherhood that went out on Holy Wednesday despite the rain.

Antonio M. Romero / Jesus Hinojosa Malaga Monday, 1 April 2024, 12:16 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, Malaga bid farewell to the wettest Holy Week in the past eight decades. A total of 23 processions did not take to the streets this year, the highest figure since 1942, when, in the midst of the post-civil war period, the brotherhood phenomenon began to re-emerge after the conflict and the turbulent 1930s, and processions did not happen. This analysis excludes 2020-2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic prevented any worship during Easter.

Until now, 2011 was the worst year in terms of processions that could not take to the streets as a result of bad weather. That year 17 processions - 43.5% of the total - were cancelled, according to official data.

This figure has been exceeded in 2024. A total of 23 processions were suspended, 51.1% of the total number. The worst day was Holy Wednesday when only one of the seven brotherhoods carried out their procession. On Palm Sunday, Lagrimas y Favores, Humildad y Paciencia, Dulce Nombre, Humildad, Salutacion and Salud were impacted. On Monday, Cautivo, Dolores del Puente, Crucifixion and Pasion did not carry out their processions, while on Holy Thursday, Zamarrilla and Misericordia were forced to stay inside their churches.

On Good Friday, Traslado, Piedad, Sepulcro and Servitas decided not to proceed. Holy Tuesday was the only day last week that was unaffected by the weather. The cancelled processions sparked frustration among church members, as well as economical ramifications on hotels and street stalls.

Special processions as a consolation

However, there is some good news, various brotherhoods still have some special processions to look forward to in Malaga city this year as various churches celebrate anniversaries.

There will be an extraordinary procession of the Cristo del Amor from the Cathedral on 8 June to mark the centenary of the brotherhood; a procession of the Virgen de la Paz, from the Cofradia de la Cena, on 13 July, from the Victoria neighbourhood, also to mark the brotherhood's 100th anniversary; and the transfer of the titular statues of the Hermandad de los Dolores del Puerto de la Torre to the city centre on 14 September for the 75th anniversary of the brotherhood.

There will also be the departure of Maria Auxiliadora from the Cathedral for the 125th anniversary of her archconfraternity on 21 September; a procession of the Virgen de Dolores y Esperanza on the same day through the streets of Cruz del Humilladero to mark its 25th anniversary in the neighbourhood; the processions to and from the canonical coronation of the image of the Divina Pastora de las Almas on 5 October in the first temple of the diocese; and the procession of Nuestra Senora de Gracia y Esperanza, patron saint of the Cofradia de los Estudiantes, on 19 October for the 75th anniversary.
Chus Heredia Malaga Monday, 1 April 2024, 07:32 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Last week, Wednesday 27 March marked one year since Malaga metro network expanded into the city centre.

On that date last year, the transport system finally reached the heart of the capital of the Costa del Sol with the new Guadalmedina and Atarazanas stations after 17 years of work and bureaucracy.

Now that it's been in operation for 12 months, figures show almost 16 million people have used it in its first year on lines 1 and 2, well above expectations after the Junta de Andalucia regional government predicted 14 million.

Metro de Malaga, the concessionary company appointed by the Junta, has transported 15.82 million passengers since 28 March last year (the first day of operation after the official opening) until Tuesday 26 March - a daily average of 43,364 users a day.

'A debt to Malaga'

The Junta's regional minister for development Rocio Diaz pointed to the successful first year, which has settled an outstanding debt: "The city has enthusiastically welcomed this extension of the Malaga metro, which has been setting record figures day after day". She pointed out a new record set on Holy Tuesday: the best day since it came into operation in 2014, with 84,122 passengers.

The arrival of the Malaga metro in the city centre has more than doubled the number of users, according to the figures. The daily average for 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic, was 18,842 users a day; meanwhile the average for 2022, the last full year without the extension to Atarazanas, was 18,357 users a day.

Last week closed with another record, the best weekly figure, with 417,955 passengers boarding trains from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March - a daily average of 59,708 users a day. The previous weekly record was from 20 to 26 November last year, coinciding with the Christmas lights switch-on, with a total of 399,599.

The best months of the year since the metro was brought into service in the centre were October, November and December 2023, with daily averages of 47,469, 50,802 and 50,257 validated tickets, respectively.

The new Guadalmedina and Atarazanas stations have brought the Malaga metro route closer to the city centre, making it a more attractive mode of transport for users. The busiest periods are Easter week (with 516,990 passengers from Friday to Easter Sunday 2023), Feria (with 320,948 passengers from 11 to 19 August 2023) and Christmas (with 564,606 passengers registered from 24 December 2023 to 6 January 2024).

El Perchel, Guadalmedina and Atarazanas stations, which form part of the extension of the metro to the city centre, concentrate 35.45% of the passenger traffic of the total of 19 stations that make up the current metro network.

Line 2 extension

The anniversary coincides with when work is also due to get under way to extend line 2 to the Civil Hospital, specifically on the first of the three sections (Guadalmedina-Hilera-Santa Elena). And an important fact: 5.6 million passengers used the 'green' travel card or the youth card (41% of the total).

Room for growth

Despite the good results, there is still room for improvement. For years, Metro de Malaga's concessionary company has been forecasting trains will carry around 18 million passengers every year, just on the connection to the city centre.

The next leap will come when the network that is currently designed is completed, with the extension to the large hospital hub. By then, 21 million users are expected in the first year, and up to 22.6 million when the line is completed.
Maria Albarral Marbella Monday, 1 April 2024, 07:03 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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An increasing presence of an invasive algae on Costa del Sol beaches has local councils concerned and calling on Spain's national government for help.

The situation with the algae (Rugulopteryx okamurae) is becoming increasingly worrying with town halls forced to provide their own resources to combat the problem, but it is very expensive.

In Marbella alone, so far this year, the council has invested more than 800,000 euros to remove 75 tonnes of the algae from the beaches every day. "This worrying situation is causing clear damage to the fishing, tourism and environmental sectors and is causing us great economic, technical and material efforts to the council to maintain the coastline," said councillor Diego Lopez. He criticised the Spanish government that "no strategic action is being carried out and no practical solutions are being offered to the councils".

The invasive algae is especially affecting the beaches of San Pedro Alcantara, Puerto Banus, Fontanilla and Cabopino, where the aquatic plants can exceed one metre in height. These plant remains, which are present in all coastal municipalities along the Andalusian coastline, became part of the list of species of concern for the European Union in 2022.

Estepona concerns

The same concern is shared in Estepona. Mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano has on several occasions asked the central government for "a national aid plan for the coastal municipalities affected, as the proliferation of this algae has a negative impact on both the tourist and fishing sectors, and it is the town councils that have to make their own resources available to alleviate the effects of this situation".

In the case of Estepona, it costs more than one million euros to remove the algae from their coastline. During the past year the town hall collected a total of 3,415 tonnes of seaweed, with the highest figure reached in 2022, when 5,331 tonnes had to be removed from beaches.

Mijas and Benalmadena affected

Mijas is another of the municipalities affected by the massive arrival of the invasive algae. "We share the concern with the rest of the town councils because it means an extra effort in the department as well as a cost. In 2023 alone we collected 4,000 tonnes and invested 380,000 euros," said councillor Daniel Gomez.

The storm over the past few days has caused algae to invade municipalities that have not been so affected in recent years. This is the case of Benalmadena. According to figures provided by the council, it is estimated that this week alone they will need to collect about three trailers full in Playa Bonita and two between all the urban beaches, which would add up to a total of 70 tonnes.
Irene Quirante / Juan Cano Malaga Monday, 1 April 2024, 17:14 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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A driver who allegedly led police on a dangerous car chase along the Costa del Sol while driving at speeds up 160km/h and ramming a police vehicle has been arrested.

The 46-year-old Brazilian man allegedly overtook a Guardia Civil patrol at high speed on the dual carriageway at the Faro de Calaburra lighthouse in Mijas about 5.30am on 28 February.

The dark-coloured Ford Focus was driving with its warning lights on, leading officers to believe it may have been a medical emergency. They followed the vehicle in case he needed assistance, but then noticed the man was driving erratically and darting across lanes, according to sources.

The police officers switched on their vehicle's stop lights on, but that didn't make any difference, and the motorist allegedly drove faster instead. He took the first exit to Fuengirola, and a National Police crew then joined the pursuit.

Violent impact

The driver allegedly sped through the town, running through traffic lights, hitting parked cars and forcing other drivers to swerve out of harm's way. On reaching a roundabout, the motorist allegedly turned around to continue along the Paseo Maritimo Rey de Espana in the direction of Benalmadena, where police said he was driving at about 160km/h.

There, a National Police crew was waiting for him, with their vehicle parked across both lanes. However, according to sources, the driver accelerated and rammed the police vehicle, writing off both cars. The suspect then got out of the car and allegedly tried to run away, but was caught and arrested.

Two officers inside the rammed police patrol car required medical assistance, however, their injuries were not serious.

The suspect reportedly refused to do a breathalyser and drug test. According to sources, he did not have a valid driving licence.
Colpisa Madrid Monday, 1 April 2024, 06:48 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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National Police have arrested 25 people for allegedly defrauding Spain's Social Security of more than four million euros by making false unemployment claims.

The arrests - which include four civil servants and four bank workers - were carried out in different locations in Madrid on Wednesday 27 March. The alleged fraud took place between 2020 and 2024. Investigations started in December 2022 after authorities detecting irregularities in the records of several employees while processing their unemployment benefits.

Police then uncovered a network involving public employment service officials, bank employees and administrative managers, among others. False invoices were allegedly used for purchases of vehicles or computer equipment that were to serve as initial capital to start the unemployed self-employed activity. The arrested public employees then allegedly made use of their credentials to access the SEPE databases and process false claims.

In exchange, the workers received constant monthly payments from the organisation's leaders, which could reach up to 50,000 euros. They controlled the final profit through bank employees.

Sources from the regional ministry of economy told Europa Press that in October 2022 the Directorate General of the Public Employment Service informed SEPE of a computer security incident and requested an audit on the use of information by an employee who was on sick leave at the time. After the audit, in December 2022 the Community of Madrid filed a complaint against the worker, National Police's cybersecurity unit taking charge of the investigation.

Social Security accumulates a deficit of 363 million euros

Details of alleged scam comes amid data published last week by the Ministry of Social Security which reveal a deficit of 363 million euros recorded in the first two months of the year, equivalent to 0.02% of GDP, after receiving 31.317 billion euros in this period, 7.5% more, compared to expenditure of 31.680 billion (+10% year-on-year).

This negative balance of the Social Security was recorded despite the system receiving 26.891 billion euros in contributions up to February, 8.1% more than in the same period of 2023 and 33.8% more than in 2019.

The Ministry also made public on Wednesday the figures for the whole of 2023, which show income from social security contributions rose by 10.3% in the year, its highest rate since 2004, to 154.633 billion euros.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The National Association of Realtors $418 million nationwide settlement of antitrust litigation over agent commissions could bring major changes to the homebuying experience.

The agreement, which is subject to court approval, requires the Realtors to drop what critics have long said are rules that keep agents sales commissions artificially high  typically around 6% in the U.S., compared with 1% to 2% in many other countries.

The NAR has long said that commissions for both seller and buyer agents are negotiable.

But consumer advocates say many buyers and sellers dont realize that, often assuming the fee is locked in at whatever their agents tell them.

Starting this summer, there will be more required transparency to buyers and sellers about those commissions.

Realtors will be required to tell clients in clear written language that both buyer- and listing-agent commissions are negotiable. (The Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors says its members already do this.)

The increased transparency could drive down house prices, some experts say. At the same time, the settlements aftermath could prompt thousands of real estate agents to leave the business.

Heres how the changes could affect homebuying and selling in Central New York and elsewhere:

Less secrecy about agents commissions

For decades, Realtor agents could see how much commission was attached to each listing. But that information was not generally available to the public.

That commission information, on the Realtors Multiple Listing Service database, gave agents incentives to show houses with the highest commissions. The practice baked the commissions into home prices and, consumer advocates say, helped to keep home prices higher than they otherwise would be.

Under the settlement agreement, which is expected to take effect in July, Realtors will be barred from including those commission rates in their private database of house listings. Without those commission rates attached to each listing, Realtors could be more apt to show buyers homes based on prices and amenities without letting a higher sales commission affect their decisions.

They also will be prohibited from creating another database to mimic the MLS databases commission information.

They will, however, be allowed to share compensation information by other means.

Agents may, for example, make such offers over the phone. And sellers will still be able to offer concessions through the Realtors database  the MLS  such as paying a share of a buyers closing costs, as long as the concessions do not include a payment to the buyers broker.

Realtors will also be barred from filtering out or restricting MLS listings communicated to their clients based on the existence or level of compensation offered to the buyer broker or other representative assisting the buyer.

More competition, lower commissions

Real estate broker and agent commissions are a big deal, totaling $100 billion annually in the U.S.

Currently, its not easy for home sellers to buck the system and offer lower commissions to buyers agents because those agents can see the commissions being offered through the Realtors MLS database.

By removing those commission rates from the database, consumer advocates say buyer agents will be more willing to negotiate openly over their commissions.

And that could lead to more competition among agents, pushing down commissions by up to 30%, or $30 billion a year, according to a Keefe, Bruyett & Woods analyst report.

Theres no guarantee of this happening, but a drop like that could bring the typical commission down to around 4%.

The median price of homes sold in the Syracuse area in February was $197,895. A drop in commissions from 6% to 4% would mean that agents could see their fees fall from $11,873 to $7,915 on the sale of a house at that price.

Nationwide, the median price of homes sold in February was $384,500. A similar drop in commissions could mean agents would see their paychecks shrink from $23,070 to $15,380 on the sale of a house at that price.

Fewer agents

Lower commissions could prompt many real estate agents, especially those who dont sell many homes, to quit the business. Some estimates are that as many as 1 million of the nations 2 million agents could leave the industry.

Still others could decide to offer a limited set of services in exchange for a flat fee. Some agents already do this.

Such an a la carte compensation system would allow buyers to shop for each service they need and bargain for the price, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

Again, theres no guarantee of this happening. But a similar fallout occurred among travel agents when online travel sites such as Expedia, Tripadvisor and Travelocity sprang up.

Buyers could wind up paying their own agents

Under the settlement, agents must have a written agreement with buyers before they can show them a house. The agreement must have a start date and an end date and spell out what services the agent will provide and for how much. (Technically, the agreement could apply to just one home showing, but agents will likely try to sign up clients for the entire time they are searching for a home.)

Typically, the house seller pays the real estate agents commissions, which are split between seller and buyer agents.

The settlement could change that longstanding practice.

Going forward, a seller and their agents will no longer be required or allowed to make offers of compensation to the homebuyers agent through the Realtors MLS database.

Put another way, that might tempt some sellers to offer nothing to the buyers agent. (Why pay what you dont have to?) That would mean the buyer would have to compensate their own agent.

All this could be a problem especially for first-time home buyers already struggling to make a down payment and pay closing costs and attorney fees. Under the current system, whereby sellers typically pay all commissions, the compensation for agents is effectively included in the price of a home, which can be financed through a mortgage.

Vaughn Lang, longtime general counsel for the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors, said he thinks most sellers will still be motivated to offer to pay a buyer agents commission to help make a sale happen. They just wont be able to include the offer in the MLS, he said.

Home price declines

As we mentioned earlier, agent commissions are baked into the price of a home. Consumer advocates such as Steve Brobeck, senior fellow at the Consumer Federation of America, are predicting that prices will fall as commissions shrink because sellers will pass some of the savings on to buyers.

And remember that a la carte system of flat fees that more buyer agents may start to offer? The Richmond Fed thinks that could push home prices down, too.

Given that a la carte commissions do not increase with house prices, helping buyers negotiate the lowest possible home prices would no longer conflict with buyer-agents self-interest, it said.

Ultimately, however, prices are based on supply and demand. And with few homes on the market and demand high, prices are not likely to fall right away.

And just because a sellers costs go down doesnt mean they will be willing to pass those savings on to buyers.

Time will tell, but in my personal opinion, each deal stands on its own, said Lang.

Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | X | Facebook | 315-470-3148
You dont have to live in the path of totality to experience the stellar 2024 total solar eclipse.

On April 8, NASA will broadcast a livestream of the eclipse as it crosses North America  starting in Mexico before darkening skies over the United States and Canada. The broadcast is free to watch and will be available on at least five platforms.

That will include views from Upstate New York, which is considered one of the best places on the continent to catch the once-in-a-lifetime show. (NASA astronauts will even be in Niagara Falls for the eclipse.)

Heres everything you need to know about livestreaming the eclipse.

What will NASAs live broadcast of the eclipse show?

Although NASA is offering four different eclipse-related livestreams, the main event is the administrations Through the Eyes of NASA broadcast. The broadcast will include telescopic views of the eclipse from across the long, North American path; conversations with experts, who will answer viewers questions; live demonstrations; and more, according to NASA.

The main broadcast will be offered in Spanish.

NASA will also share two other livestreams: One broadcast that will show a clean telescope feed of the eclipse that, weather permitting, will offer views of the eclipse from 12 locations in the path of totality and another that will show the launch of three sounding rockets for a mission from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility.

Two New York telescope operators are also slated to share views from Upstate on NASAs livestream: Jessica Balena, of the Potomac Animal Wellness Services, will share telescope views from Niagara Falls while Seth McGowan, of the Adirondack Sky Center, will share views from Tupper Lake.

What time will the eclipse livestream start?

The main broadcast showing views of the eclipse from across Mexico, the United States and Canada will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. on Monday, Aug. 8, according to NASA. The live telescope feed will also begin at 1 p.m.

The Spanish version of the main NASA broadcast will start at 1:30 p.m., while the administrations broadcast of its rocket launches will start around 2:30 p.m. and last until just after 4 p.m. The sounding rockets are set to be launched about 45 minutes apart, NASA said.

Where can I watch NASAs free livestreams?

NASA is offering eclipse chasers a variety of platforms to catch a broadcast of the eclipse on.

The administrations four livestreams can all be watched on NASAs website. The broadcasts can also be watched on NASA+, the space agencys on-demand streaming service that is available as an app or through NASAs website. (NASA+ is free and requires no subscription.)

Viewers can also watch NASAs eclipse livestreams on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch.

What if I still want to catch the eclipse in person in Upstate New York?

Aside from stepping outside and looking up at the sky during totality, there are dozens of unique eclipse watch parties planned across Upstate New York to make the celestial show even more memorable. And while reservations are booking fast, some hotels still have rooms available for a last-minute getaway.

But if you decide to venture away from home to watch the eclipse, plan to leave early and stay late: Epicly long traffic jams are expected in New York.
Entertainment / Shows

by Simbarashe Sithole

Lovers of Sungura braved rains on Thursday night as the king of Sungura Alick Macheso held a Harare gig in Budiriro where he was supported by Somandla "Mafia" Ndebele.Although rains tried to disturb Sungura lovers when Mafia was playing but fans did not stop trickling in.Both Mafia and Macheso did not disappoint as they performed until Good Friday much to the appreciation of their fans.Macheso's Ochestra Mberikwazvo band yesterday played in Bulawayo, today they are in Beirtbridge and on Sunday they will be in Chiredzi meeting their fans and giving them the best Easter holiday with tunes.Speaking to Bulawayo24.com Macheso said he will be launching the Sungura festival in Bindura Mashonaland Central where he was born and various artistes will be supporting him."We are taking our music across the country as you can see, but we are launching the Chesology sungura festival on Saturday 13 April in Bindura," said Macheso through his manager Lucky Macheso."The festival is starting in my home area but will expand it to other provinces as time goes," he added.Macheso was born on June 10,1968 at Bindura hospital.
A hot potato: Simply known as "Lenna," the test image was scanned by Alexander Sawchuk at the University of Southern California's Signal and Image Processing Institute in 1973. It's been used in research papers about image processing since then, but now the time has come to retire this piece of fortuitous standard in digital beauty.

Lena Forsen, the Swedish model depicted in the notorious Lenna image, was shot by Dwight Hooker and appeared as the centerfold of the November 1972 issue of Playboy magazine. The Lenna image was cropped and then used by researchers because of its high contrast and detail level, appearing in several papers about image processing throughout the last three decades of the past century.

The IEEE Computer Society, which describes itself as the largest global community of computer scientists and engineers, recently sent an email to its members saying that it will not accept new research papers that include the Lenna image. The organization is committed to promoting an "inclusive and equitable" culture that welcomes all, the mail states, and the objectification of women is no longer an accepted practice.

Also read: How JPEG Image Compression Works

After April 1, IEEE's committee members and reviewers should look for the Lenna image in any new submitted research and ask authors to replace it. Lenna has been part of computing research history for a long time, but things have changed. Even Lena Forsen, who is now 73, expressed her intention to "retire" from her unlikely (and mostly unwilling) role in the tech industry.

In today's email from the IEEE Computer Society pic.twitter.com/WktrFRvVDK  Michael P. Frank i'ii"iaAiA e/acc (@MikePFrank) March 27, 2024

In 2019, a promotional film named Losing Lena described Lenna as a remarkable representation of many of the computer industry's shortcomings. The face "more studied than the Mona Lisa" contributed to the creation of the algorithm adopted by the still-ubiquitous JPEG image format, but it was ultimately part of a biased culture promoted by a "small subset of homogenous individuals."

Forsen was seemingly amused when she discovered that her face and complexion were being used as a test subject for image research, and Playboy decided to overlook the copyright violation to exploit the phenomenon. In the Losing Lena documentary, Lena expresses her intention to "retire from tech" after she had been long retired from modeling.

Despite its widespread use, Lenna has always attracted significant criticism in the research community. Nature has banned the image since 2018, and the new stance expressed by the IEEE Computer Society will likely make this historical piece of digital content even more controversial (and undesirable) among experts.
In context: HP halted its operations in Russia and Belarus soon after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, like many other tech companies. The tech giant has now completed its exit from Russia, shutting down the local website used to download drivers and for technical support. In response, Russia has complained that HP offered no warning that it was about to close the site. Furthermore, the country's media is pointing to the controversy over HP's printer ink policies, claiming that "the rest of the world is boycotting HP."

In March 2022, HP was one of many Western firms to announce it was leaving Russia and Belarus  where its sales generated around $1 billion  as a response to the invasion of Ukraine. The impact of stopping the supply of equipment to the countries wasn't too severe thanks to parallel imports, which involve importing products from other nations without the permission of the IP owner.

Now, to comply with US-mandated sanctions, HP has completely withdrawn from Russia. Trying to access HP's Russian website automatically redirects visitors to the company's website in Kazakhstan, where Russian is one of the two most-spoken languages. Users can download drivers for HP products from this website, but there is no online support. HP's Belarus website also redirects to the Kazakhstan site.

Russian news outlet CNews complains that HP did not send out notifications informing users that it was shutting down its Russian website, choosing instead to do everything surreptitiously. The publication notes that this stands in contrast to Microsoft, which gave Russian companies about a week to find new cloud services before kicking them off its platform.

HP saw its 36% share of the Russian printer market fall to 21% in the third quarter of 2022 following the suspension of operations. Chinese company Pantum took the top spot with a 53% share, up from just 16% a year earlier. Second-place Epson still has a 22.1% share of the Russian market despite it also suspending exports in 2022.

CNews writes that while HP is boycotting Russia, the rest of the world is boycotting HP. The site highlights the long-running controversies over the company's printers, including its ink subscription model and the policy of forcing people to use HP cartridges.
What just happened? Microsoft has been dealt some more bad news related to its Copilot generative AI assistant: The US House of Representatives has issued a strict ban on congressional staffers using the tool over security fears. It now joins ChatGPT on the House's list of banned and restricted AI tools.

In guidance to congressional offices issued by The House's Chief Administrative Officer, Catherine Szpindor, and seen by Axios, it's stated that Copilot is "unauthorized for House use." The guidance adds that Copilot will be removed from and blocked on all Windows devices controlled by the House.

Szpindor said that the Office of Cybersecurity had deemed Copilot to be a risk to users due to the threat of leaking House data to non-House-approved cloud services.

Microsoft is planning to roll out a suite of government-focused tools this summer, which it says meet federal government security and compliance requirements. The Redmond company hopes these will address Congress' concerns.

"We recognize that government users have higher security requirements for data. That's why we announced a roadmap of Microsoft AI tools, like Copilot," a Microsoft spokesperson told Reuters.

Szpindor's office said that the guidance applies to the commercial version of Copilot, adding that the government version will be evaluated when it becomes available and a determination regarding its use will be made at that time.

For all the hype over generative AI, plenty of large companies and organizations have banned the use of the most popular tool of them all, ChatGPT. Amazon, Apple, Samsung, the World Economic Forum, Bank of America, and Verizon are just some of the big names that have implemented total bans or restrictions on OpenAI's generative AI among employees. House staffers were restricted from using the paid-for version of ChatGPT last year, limiting inputs to non-sensitive data, while use of the free version was banned altogether.

Microsoft has been aggressively pushing Copilot recently, launching a Pro subscription, quietly installing the Copilot app on Windows PCs, and releasing the new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 with dedicated Copilot buttons. However, according to a new report, Copilot for Microsoft 365 customers are complaining that it isn't as good as ChatGPT, despite being built on top of the same technology. Microsoft believes the issue lies with people who aren't using Copilot correctly or don't understand the differences between the two products.

Masthead: NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Oxford University created DrugGPT, an AI tool to solve pharmaceutical prescription issues. By giving quick second views on prescribed drugs and comprehensive information to help patients better understand their therapy, this technology acts as a safety net for medical professionals.



The DrugGPT chatbot allows medical practitioners to enter a patient's circumstances into the AI chatbot tool and create a list of suggested medications while highlighting possible side effects and drug interactions, according to The Guardian. DrugGPT's ability to provide context for its suggestions by referencing pertinent guidelines and studies is one of its standout features.



DrugGPT stands out for its efficacy, obtaining performance levels equivalent to those of human specialists in medical exams, even though some doctors currently utilize AI chatbots for medical purposes. The project's lead researcher, Professor David Clifton, claims that DrugGPT is a useful tool for medical professionals, providing suggestions to supplement their own knowledge.

"It will show you the guidance - the research, flowcharts and references - and why it recommends this particular drug," he noted.

How Will DrugGPT Impact Healthcare?

Millions of medication-related medical mistakes occur each year in England alone, raising serious concerns about this issue. These mistakes can endanger lives and cause unneeded expenses. Patients who do not comply with recommended directions can contribute to medication-related problems.



Consultant obstetrician Dr. Lucy Mackillop emphasizes how DrugGPT may give medical professionals useful data to enhance patient comprehension and medication adherence. We must remember that healthcare personnel are humans and may commit errors, especially under pressure.



Even though DrugGPT and other similar healthcare technologies can reduce mistakes, general practitioners still need to make sure they have enough money and employees to provide safe patient care. Dr. Michael Mulholland emphasizes the importance of implementing advanced safety precautions and ensuring thorough testing and assessment of novel instruments before their widespread use.

(Photo : Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

The prescription medicine OxyContin is displayed August 21, 2001 at a Walgreens drugstore in Brookline, MA.

Medical experts acknowledge the how AI signfiicantly improved healthcare services. According to research from the Indian Journal of Dermatology, published in the National Library of Medicine, recent developments in the use of AI systems have profoundly affected the diagnosis and prognosis of patients in a variety of medical specializations.



As demonstrated by Google's creation of a DCNN trained on retinal fundus pictures to categorize diabetic retinopathy and macular edema in adults with diabetes, AI has also been beneficial in determining the prognosis of patients, per the study. This AI model has several benefits, such as extensive coverage in screening programs, early diagnosis of retinopathy, automated grading of retinopathy, and serving as a second opinion for ophthalmologists, thereby lowering access barriers.



Moreover, the study pointed out that AI assistants, like those created by BotMD, are improving patient experiences and helping doctors by offering round-the-clock clinical support. These AI technologies help doctors discover on-call doctors, schedule appointments, answer prescription questions, and access hospital protocols and clinical tools, enhancing hospital productivity.

Experts Seek Accountability for AI-Assisted Doctor Malpractices

In a recent update, medical experts urge US authorities to ensure clear safeguards and accountability in the use of AI in healthcare. The American Medical Association (AMA) is advocating to Congress for liability protection against AI-related medical negligence.

President Jesse Ehrenfeld highlights the importance of physician confidence in AI systems in efforts to improve healthcare, as reported by TechTimes.



The AMA is in favor of "augmented intelligence" as opposed to relying exclusively on AI. According to a Capital Economics report, healthcare organizations are incorporating AI technologies more and more; 6.1% aim to implement them within the next six months.

Although AI has great potential, liability issues have come up again, drawing political attention. Legislative action regarding liability protection is unpredictable owing to regulatory constraints, even in light of changing political climates.
Last week's tech developments saw significant stories amidst the Catholic holiday, with the likes of Google DeepMind's new AI fact checker for LLMs, SAFE, announced to the world.

This also saw a massive rise in Canada's car thefts, which took advantage of Apple's AirTags Bluetooth trackers and X's plan to move NSFW content to specific groups.

The latest developments bring insight into how technology evolves in the present, one that centers on improving the daily lives of its users globally.

Google DeepMind: AI Fact Checker for LLMs, SAFE, Is Here

Google DeepMind wants to bring more accurate and legitimate experiences with large-language models (LLMs) with a new AI fact checker for the renowned technology called 'SAFE.'

The company released its latest study on the pre-print server, arXiv, detailing more of what the technology brings for the current setup of AI companies. The Search-Augmented Factuality Evaluator, a.k.a. SAFE, uses the LLM's responses and scrutinizes them while cross-referencing the results it brings with search engine results for verification.

It was revealed that SAFE is more accurate to as much as 76 percent in the study's cases compared to a human evaluator when presented with the LLM's performance. The team applied their studies to present LLMs including Gemini, GPT, Claude, and PaLM-2.

Apple's AirTags Exploited: Canada Car Theft Rises

Apple AirTags are now exploited by car thieves in Canada, as the rising cases of theft reportedly use the renowned technology to track and monitor these vehicles before criminals make their move. This was amidst the massive campaign of the Canadian government to fight against these crimes, with various regions in the Great North seeing a rise in the tech's use.

Reports share that victims report finding AirTags in several inconspicuous areas in their cars, with car owner Ethan Yang claiming that he found one on his car's front grill in Montreal.

Vermont owners claim that other forms of GPS monitoring devices were attached to their vehicles last March.

X is Planning to Move NSFW Content to Groups

Instead of increased content filtering on the platform, X is looking to move NSFW (not safe for work) content to new groups, centering on adult and explicit content available on the social media. Other platforms either ban or allow NSFW content but is only accessible for accounts that are of legal age, a.k.a. age filters, which do not necessarily remove it.

This new feature on X was discovered recently, allowing users to create or join groups that cater to NSFW content on Elon Musk's social media, designated by creators and members as adult-service content.

Failing to label these groups as NSFW may lead to content removal, filtering, and other actions by the platform.

X's known verification may also come into play for this new NSFW groups, as it could help determine the real age of the user and only allow those who are of the right age.
Samsung is reportedly vying to have its voice assistant Bixby be generative artificial intelligence-powered, as claimed by a top executive of the company.

A move to refine Samsung's Bixby and potentially hold the same capabilities as other top chatbots like ChatGPT.

With the advent of generative AI and large language model technology, Won-Joon Choi, executive vice president of Samsung's mobile division, stated that he felt the company needed to redefine Bixby's role for it to be capable of generative AI in the future and become smarter.

(Photo: by David Becker/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 08: Attendees examine Bixby enabled devices at the Samsung booth during CES 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 8, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Choi stated that Samsung is "working so hard" to create generative AI features for Bixby, but they did not provide a timeframe for when they may be available.

Currently, Bixby can only launch Samsung's Galaxy AI tools hands-free for users, not entirely supporting AI itself but rather as a way to launch Samsung's other AI tools.

In 2017, Bixby made its debut alongside the Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone. Among the features provided by the software were restaurant recommendations and real-time translations.

However, voice assistants have generally relied on users asking queries and receiving answers rather than being more conversational.

Read Also: Google Circle to Search to Bring Language Translations for Android Soon

Samsung's AI Push

Samsung, like many other smartphone manufacturers, wants to incorporate more sophisticated AI technologies into their products.

The business unveiled its newest S24 line of smartphones and additional Galaxy AI features. One feature that allows users to look for something on Google without having to switch apps is the ability to circle things on their displays.

Samsung is concentrating on this technology at a time when investors are closely examining what generative AI will bring from Apple.

At its yearly developers' conference, WWDC, scheduled for June, Apple is likely to highlight AI technologies across several of its devices.

Samsung's AI Chip

Samsung's push for Bixby AI coincides with reports that the industry leader in smartphones plans to introduce its own artificial intelligence chip, called Mach-1, in the first half of 2025.

An AI processor that might serve as Samsung's attempt to take on the recently revealed "B200" chip from NVIDIA, which is scheduled for release later this year.

The new chip will be put into production by the end of the year and launched in early 2025. It is anticipated to target edge applications with low power consumption requirements.

The statement was delivered during the corporation's 55th regular shareholders' meeting. According to Samsung Semiconductor CEO Kye Hyun Kyung, the SoC was almost finished, and the chip design had successfully undergone technological validation on FPGAs.

Samsung's Bixby AI push also comes after reports found that a beta version of Microsoft's Copilot AI companion has been made the default assistant on Android handsets in its recent beta version. This beta version of Copilot replaced the default and existing systems, such as Samsung Bixby and Google Assistant, as well as the onboard technology of other operating systems.

Related Article: Iconic 'Since Last Charge' Feature Returns on Android Smartphone After Series of Complaints

(Photo: Tech Times)
On CryptoWatch's round-up this week, the final sentencing against Sam Bankman-Fried was handed down. The disgraced former FTX CEO and co-founder received a 25-year prison sentence for his crimes and fraud charges.

It also sees the latest lawsuit against Robert Robb, also known as the proprietor of the crypto trading bot scam where he stole $1.5 million from investors.

Moreover, Worldcoin has also suffered a significant hit in Europe, as Portugal was the latest country to ban the biometrics-centered blockchain-based company.

Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

After the guilty charges and conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, Judge Lewis Kaplan handed down the sentence against the fraudulent tech executive, giving him 25 years to serve behind bars for his crimes.

The decision from Judge Kaplan centers on the many crimes of SBF and his behavior during the hearings, citing that he went as far as to perjure himself in court.

Additionally, Kaplan considered that Bankman-Fried had no remorse for his crimes and how they affected many people, such as investors, customers, and his colleagues.

However, the judge waived the $11 billion, but he did not order restitution for this, claiming that it was because of the complexity of the case and its number of victims.

Read Also : Crypto Mining with Green Hydrogen Could Offer Wider Deployment of Clean Energy: Study

Crypto Trading Bot Scam: FBI Reveals Crimes

The massive arrest by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against a criminal related to a crypto trading bot scam finally reveals more details about the case.

First off, it was tied to the suspected proprietor, Robert Robb, where the missing $1.5 million investments from his investors were transferred to his personal accounts and used for luxurious spending.

Robb initially promised that the crypto trading bot would center on a "Maximum Extractable Value" (MEV), which he marketed via Telegram and other social media platforms.

It promised massive returns on their investments and the money they used to buy the $RAT token, which would instantly make these people "millionaires."

Worldcoin Faces a Ban in Portugal

The renowned crypto biometrics venture Worldcoin is now facing a massive roadblock in Portugal, as the country's data protection authority placed a temporary ban against the company.

This means that effective immediately, Worldcoin will stop operating in the country, focusing on its collection of biometric data from Portugal's citizens.

Also known as the project of OpenAI's co-founder and current CEO, Sam Altman, the company requests users' biometrics in exchange for its proprietary crypto token.

According to TechCrunch, Worldcoin saw this ban primarily because of its controversial practice that scans the eyeballs of children to use for their service.

Moreover, it was said that Worldcoin's policy of storing biometric tokens for the long-term preservation of personal data could go against the EU's rules and regulations.
Motorola's believed-to-be new flagship smartphone is coming, and the Edge 50 Ultra smartphone delivers the latest from the company, centering on the renowned Edge 50 series.

The leaker revealed what to expect from Motorola's upcoming flagship, offering a look at its sleek new body and other features.

Moreover, based on the leak, it offers three colorways to choose from, capturing more of the older smartphone designs from Samsung, Xiaomi, and others.

Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Leaks: New Flagship Coming

Evan Blass, a renowned tech analyst and leaker, shared photo and video renders of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, the company's next flagship release under the Edge 50 series.

It centers on a sleek new design featuring a curved screen, centering on the three-variant release of the Edge 50 Pro, Edge 50 Fusion, and the Edge 50 Ultra.

This new leak showcases more of what the Edge 50 UItra offers, with smaller bezels and a thinner frame featured on this smartphone.

It also has a textured finish on its rear, a horizontal three-lens camera array, a new bright display, speaker grills on the top and bottom of the screen, and a punch-hole front camera.

Read Also : Motorola Unveils New AI Features and Adaptive Display Devices at Lenovo Tech World 2023

What can you expect from the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra?

The other media found on Blass' thread claims it would feature water resistance, solid display protection, and skin tone enhancements, particularly for the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra variant.

It was said to also feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset but did not reveal other details like its memory and storage allocations.

The leak features three colorways to choose from, including Peach Fuzz, Light Beige, and Black.

Motorola and its Smartphone Development

Since Motorola returned to modern smartphone development, the company has focused on developing Android-based devices that go against the latest releases from tech giants like Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and more.

One of its top innovations is the previously leaked 'slap bracelet' foldable smartphone, which can be molded to one's wrist and later confirmed as a wearable mobile device.

The company is also famous for its renowned foldable, the Razr series, to make a significant return to the market. It is now a foldable touchscreen smartphone that still resembles its flip phone origins.

Moto has made it a point to bring annual updates to the series, with last year's Razr+ debuting in the middle of the year. It features flagship specs like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

With Motorola's continued developments, more devices are expected to deliver the top experiences available from their releases, especially with its renowned flagships.

Moto's Edge 50 series is getting an Ultra, Pro, and Fusion, which leaks suggest will be coming this April. These devices will showcase the iconic design of known flagships, top specs, and more.
Artificial intelligence is helping improve women's health as Endometriosis Australia has reportedly used AI to develop a period and reproductive tracking application that helps quicken possible diagnoses of endometriosis cases.

The CHARLI app encourages users to make lifestyle changes, uses self-logged data to identify odd patterns, and connects users with GPs, specialists, and allied health practitioners, among other healthcare experts.

Samantha Costa, a co-founder of CHARLI, stated that the app should increase access to healthcare, especially for rural women.

(Photo: Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)A Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Hospital staff nurse checks a patient in Paramus, New Jersey, on October 26, 2023.

Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue that looks like the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, according to research. It can cause unbearable pelvic pain and complicate getting pregnant. Endometriosis can appear during a person's first menstrual cycle and continue until menopause.

According to Costa, the app aimed to find anomalies that endometriosis-affected women might not have detected immediately.

Read Also: Healthcare Companion Robots Powered by AI Could Help Alleviate Loneliness Among Older People

CHARLI's Advantages

The co-founder continues, saying that it enables young girls to recognize that what they are going through in the early stages of their reproductive journey may not be normal.

It also helps establish early lines of communication with their treatment provider-whether it is a local general practitioner or an app-to begin that process sooner than they otherwise might have.

Endometriosis Australia medical director Anusch Yazdani says women in remote and rural locations should benefit from CHARLI, as women's health resources were centered in urban areas.

According to Ms. Nesbit-Sackville, the app will give women like her more knowledge on endometriosis and assist them in advocating for themselves by gathering comprehensive data they can share with medical specialists.

AI-Assisted Prescriptions

AI continues to be increasingly employed in the healthcare industry. Oxford University researchers recently unveiled DrugGPT, a new AI tool designed to address problems with pharmaceutical prescriptions.

The DrugGPT chatbot reportedly enables medical professionals to input a patient's details into the AI chatbot tool, generate a list of recommended medications, and note potential adverse effects and drug interactions.

One of DrugGPT's best qualities is its capacity to contextualize its recommendations by citing relevant guidelines and research.

Even while some doctors already use AI chatbots for medical purposes, DrugGPT stands out for its effectiveness, achieving performance levels comparable to those of human specialists in medical exams.

Professor David Clifton, the project's principal investigator, asserts that DrugGPT is a helpful resource for medical practitioners, offering recommendations to enhance their expertise.

DrugGPT and similar medical technologies reduce errors, but general practitioners still need to ensure they have enough money and personnel to provide safe patient care.

Dr. Michael Mulholland emphasizes the importance of implementing enhanced safety protocols and ensuring that new instruments are thoroughly tested and reviewed before their widespread use.

Related Article: Healthcare Professionals Convene on Who to Blame for AI-Assisted Doctor Malpractices

(Photo: Tech Times)
Amidst the challenges of battling stage 4 cancer, a member of the Cybertruck Owners Club shared a poignant request. Fulfilling a heartfelt wish, Tesla brings joy to a cancer patient's life with a special home delivery.

Bringing Comfort to a Cancer Patient

Tesla has brought joy to a cancer patient by delivering a Cybertruck directly to their home, fulfilling a heartfelt wish. The special delivery came as a touching gesture from Tesla, showcasing their commitment to their loyal customers in times of need.

The recipient, a member of the Cybertruck Owners Club facing stage 4 cancer, shared their poignant story online, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to experience the Cybertruck despite health challenges. Individuals came together to offer support amidst the challenging times.

Offers like "I'm in San Diego if you'd like to meet up and take mine for a spin" and "I should get mine in about 2 weeks, so if you ever wanted to drive it and check it out IRL, let me know and I'll drive over" flooded in, showcasing a community united in compassion.

Detailing the special home delivery, Mrp911 described how multiple Cybertrucks, including a Rose Gold, Black, and Stainless variant, arrived, filling the driveway with excitement. This heartwarming act reflects Tesla's dedication to positively impacting people's lives beyond automotive innovation.

The Tesla community extended unwavering support, addressing any needs or questions and leaving a lasting impression. In response, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his satisfaction with the positive outcome.

Tesla has a history of fulfilling the dreams of its devoted supporters. Back in 2017, the company expedited the delivery of a Model 3 reservation holder who was terminally ill, making him among the initial non-employee recipients of the Model 3.

Fast-forward to 2018, and another Tesla enthusiast's dream became a reality when he expressed his desire to meet either Tesla CTO JB Straubel or Chief Designer Franz Von Holzhausen to a friend.

Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Cancer:

Each year, Cancer.org estimates that more than 2 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, underscoring the widespread impact of this disease. While the diagnosis directly affects patients, its ripple effects extend to their families and caregivers, amplifying emotional distress and worries.

Coping with such profound news entails grappling with a spectrum of emotions, including fear, uncertainty, and anxiety about what lies ahead and the potential outcomes of treatment. It is crucial to understand that these feelings are a natural response to such challenging circumstances.

Resources like the National Cancer Institute provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals and families navigating through these difficult emotions, offering strategies for coping and resilience in the face of adversity.

Much like its impact on physical health, cancer often triggers a diverse array of emotions that may be unfamiliar or intensified.

Whether undergoing treatment, in remission or supporting a loved one, individuals may experience fluctuating emotions that vary in intensity and frequency.

However, it's important to recognize that such emotional responses are entirely normal and part of the journey through cancer.
Several sources and reports are already spreading massive rumors about the PlayStation 6, claiming that the next console will have a speculated release date, price, and specifications.

Once it is released, this would effectively replace the PS5, being the company's central gaming device for all the experiences available.

It is important to note that no information was yet released or confirmed by Sony regarding this console, and most of the data revealed were based on speculations.

PlayStation 6 Rumors: Price, Release Date, Specs

Digital Trends presented the latest rumors on the PlayStation 6, centering on the console's upcoming pricing, release date, specifications, and more about its development. First off, the report cited Microsoft's court documents presented at its acquisition hearing for its merger with Activision Blizzard.

It was said that Microsoft expects that there will be no new PlayStation consoles until 2027, with the deal of keeping Call of Duty on the Sony platform until then.

The seven-year life cycle of Sony's consoles also dates the next PlayStation to 2027, given that PS5 was released in 2020.

What to expect from the PlayStation 6?

PlayStation's next-gen console is expected to be priced at around the $600 threshold, with AMD chips set to power the console like its partnership on the PS5.

Additionally, it was said to feature 4K quality at 120 fps, centering on a massive leap from 4K at 60 fps. It was reported that the PS6 could also offer 8k at 60 fps.

However, despite these supported rumors, particularly regarding its release date, it is important to take this information with a grain of salt.

PlayStation 6 and Sony

Earlier leaks and rumors about the PlayStation 6 claimed that it would be the next console that Sony would release after the 2020 drop of the original PS5 and the 2023 PS5, a.k.a. Slim.

In this alleged claim, Sony will no longer release a PS5 Pro, best known as the improved version of the PlayStation 5 compared to its current releases and based on its previous versions.

For the PlayStation 4, the original release was followed by the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro that came out in 2016.

Additionally, Sony's renowned consoles have a seven-year life cycle, and since the PlayStation 5 was released in 2020, fans, analysts, and gamers expect it by 2027.

Similar to earlier reports, the 2027 release date for the PlayStation 6 is also expected, but Sony has not yet indicated or mentioned this console.

Like new releases, the PS6 is expected to be a better-performing console than the PS5, but it was reportedly $100 more expensive than the previous one. The device is powered by AMD chips and a new SSD.
United States tech giants are reportedly vying for Mexico as the next big location for its manufacturers of artificial intelligence-related hardware, a move to lessen reliance on China and Asia-imported materials in general.

The biggest AI companies in the US have asked their Taiwanese manufacturing partners to boost the quantity of hardware made in Mexico specifically for AI applications.

Analysts and industry experts report that Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, and other Taiwanese companies are boosting their investments in Mexico in response to the request

They are profiting from the free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which went into effect in 2020. Manufacturers looking to move operations from China to Mexico have poured billions of dollars into it.

(Photo: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images) A woman uses a smartphone during the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona on February 28, 2024. The world's biggest mobile phone fair throws open its doors in Barcelona, with the sector looking to artificial intelligence to try and reverse declining sales

The Wall Street Journal reports that in the last four years, the nation has received $690 million from the largest contract electronics manufacturer in the world. To support a significant expansion of its AI server production, Foxconn recently paid $27 million for a parcel of land in the western state of Jalisco.

The largest IT giants in the United States, including Nvidia, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, are reportedly leveraging Foxconn's facilities in Mexico to assist in meeting their needs for AI servers as they compete to develop the newest and greatest AI technology.

Big Tech corporations are attempting to ensure that a smaller portion of their supply chains depend on China, a more potent political adversary of the United States.

Read Also: Xi Jinping Warns Against Chip Restrictions During Talks with Dutch PM Rutte: 'No Force Can Stop China's Progress'

Mexico as an AI Manufacturing Hub

Mexico has reportedly shown itself to be a profitable investment for these ventures and is already rearranging international commerce. According to U.S. data released last month, imports into the country from Mexico exceeded imports from China for the first time in 20 years. Bureau of Census.

As an industrial hub, Mexico has its own set of hazards, such as high crime rates, inadequate water and energy supplies, and fierce wage competition for laborers proficient in assembling high-tech products.

According to some Taiwanese managers, they depend on private security to prevent local gangs from stealing chips or other expensive equipment from their operations.

They said Mexican laborers are typically less inclined to work long overtime shifts than their Chinese counterparts. Mexican factories must abide by USMCA labor regulations, and workers there are unionized.

China Responds

As the US and its allies continue to tighten restrictions, China, on the other hand, is reportedly preparing its semiconductor industry with a gigantic $27 billion chip fund, the largest of its type to date.

The action seeks to quicken the development of cutting-edge technologies in opposition to US efforts to impede China's efforts to advance semiconductor technology.

This project, which is anticipated to surpass the 200 billion yuan threshold of its previous fund, demonstrates China's will to strengthen its semiconductor capabilities despite outside criticism.

The Big Fund's growth is a calculated move by China's tech ministry to reaffirm its leadership in the world semiconductor market amid growing US tech sanctions aimed at China's chip and AI industries.

Related Article: Huawei Defies US Sanctions with 10% Revenue Surge

(Photo: Tech Times)
A Tasmanian man reportedly becomes the first offender in his state for artificial intelligence-generated child abuse material. The 48-year-old man was convicted after possessing, uploading, and downloading hundreds of prohibited AI-generated content.

After being detained and charged, the Gravelly Beach man entered a guilty plea on March 26, 2024, for having access to and possession of child abuse materials.

According to the Australian Federal Police, this is reportedly the first conviction in Tasmanian history involving AI-generated material intended for child exploitation, as part of a Tasmania Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (TAS-JACET) investigation.

(Photo: JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images) Argentine art designer Santiago Barros works with an AI program at his home in Buenos Aires on July 21, 2023, using file portraits from the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo photo bank of couples who disappeared during the dictatorship (1976-1983) to recreate what the still missing grandchildren might look like today and then share them on Instagram .

The inquiry was noteworthy, according to AFP Detective Sergeant Aaron Hardcastle, because it was the first time authorities had found and taken evidence of child abuse produced by artificial intelligence in Tasmania.

The content is reportedly "repulsive," regardless of whether it is an AI-generated image or one showing a real child victim.

The Tasmania JACET Team, the AFP, and its law enforcement partners will keep track of who distributes this disgusting content, find it, and bring it before the courts.

The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is urging members of the public with information about individuals engaging in child abuse to get in touch with them.

Read Also: Georgia Could Soon Ban Political AI Deepfakes

US Cases on Prohibited AI Content

In a related incident, a third-grade teacher was detained last month after being found in possession of child porn and artificial intelligence-generated child porn that was made using images from three pupils' yearbooks.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Steven Houser, a 67-year-old teacher at Beacon Christian Academy in New Port Richey who teaches science to third graders, is the accused.

According to the sheriff's office, none of the media highlighted his pupils. When deputies arrived, Houser confessed to utilizing three yearbook photos from students to produce child pornography using artificial intelligence.

While Australia's Tasmania state proves decisive regarding certain AI-generated images, certain US states remain debatable regarding minors.

Middle school pupils at Beverly Hills Schools created and shared nude pictures with other students' faces last February using AI.

US Legality of AI Deepfakes

The investigation has raised concerns over the legal loopholes that forbid pornographic material produced by artificial intelligence.

According to reports, posting an unconsented photo of a classmate in the nude may put an eighth-grader in California in legal hot water.

However, it is unclear if state laws would apply if the photo were a deepfake created by artificial intelligence.

This prompted demands that Congress prioritize children's safety in the US. AI on social media, in particular, has the potential to be very beneficial, but if allowed to run amok, it may also be fatal.

An AI-generated nude does not reflect a real person, claims Santa Ana criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams. He made it clear that it was child erotica rather than child porn.

Moreover, he added, speaking as a defense attorney, it does not contravene this particular provision or any others.

Related Article: AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Images Are Rampant, Could Flood the Internet, UK Watchdog Warns

(Photo: Tech Times)
DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Suspected Israeli warplanes bombed Iran's embassy in Syria on Monday in a strike that Iran said killed seven of its military advisers, including three senior commanders, marking a major escalation in Israel's war with its regional adversaries.

Reuters reporters at the site in the Mezzeh district of Damascus saw emergency workers clambering atop rubble of a destroyed building inside the diplomatic compound, adjacent to the main Iranian embassy building. Emergency vehicles were parked outside. An Iranian flag hung from a pole by the debris.

"We strongly condemn this atrocious terrorist attack that targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed a number of innocents," said Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad who was seen at the site along with Syria's interior minister.

Iran's ambassador to Syria said the strike hit a consular building in the embassy compound and that his residence was on the top two floors.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that seven Iranian military advisers died in the strike including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in its Quds Force, which is an elite foreign espionage and paramilitary arm.

Israel has long targeted Iran's military installations in Syria and those of its proxies, but Monday's attack was the first time Israel hit the vast embassy compound itself.

It has ramped up those strikes in parallel with its campaign against Iran-backed Palestinian group Hamas, which ignited the Gaza war with an Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took 253 hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Israel' military has escalated airstrikes in Syria against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, both of which support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Israel typically does not discuss attacks by its forces on Syria. Asked about the strike, an Israeli military spokesperson said: "We do not comment on reports in the foreign media".

The New York Times cited four unnamed Israeli officials as acknowledging Israel had carried out the attack.

Iran's U.N. mission described the strike as a "flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the foundational principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises."

Saying the strike was "a significant threat to regional peace and security," the Iranian mission urged the U.N. Security Council to condemn the attack and said Tehran reserved the right "to take a decisive response."

Hezbollah, the Lebanese group seen as Iran's most powerful armed proxy in the region, vowed to retaliate. "This crime will not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge," the group said in a statement.

Muslim nations including Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also condemned the attack, as did Russia.

Earlier, Iran's ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari, who was unharmed, told Iranian state TV that five to seven people, including diplomats, were killed and Tehran's response would be "harsh".

Iranian state media said Tehran believed Zahedi was the target of the attack. His deputy and another senior commander were also killed along with four others.

Iran's Arabic Language Al Alam Television said that Zahedi was a military adviser in Syria who served as the head of the Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016.

REGIONAL TENSIONS

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Washington remained "concerned about anything that would be escalatory or cause an increase in conflict in the region" but did not expect the strike to affect talks on freeing Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Tuesday a Swiss diplomat representing U.S. interests in the country was summoned by Tehran to emphasize the responsibility of Washington in the attack.

"An important message was sent to the American government as a supporter of the Zionist regime (Israel). America must give answers," Amirabdollahian said in a post on X.

According to Axios citing a U.S. official, Washington told Tehran it "had no involvement" or advanced knowledge of the Israeli strike.

Analysts were divided whether the attack on the Iranian embassy compound would spark significantly greater violence.

Jon Alterman of Washington's CSIS think tank, said the attack probably reflected Israel's belief that such strikes are deterrents and make a wider conflict less, rather than more, likely.

"The Israelis are convinced that if they seek to hang back, the threat will grow and not diminish," he said. "They are persuaded that as long as they do something like this periodically, their adversaries will be deterred."

However, Steven Cook, an analyst at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, saw potential for escalation.

"The IRGC can loosen restraints on proxies in Iraq and Syria, placing American forces in jeopardy again," he said. "The Iranians could also direct Hezbollah to escalate its attacks on Israel, which have been growing bolder and more numerous."

(Reporting by Firas Makdesi in Damascus, Laila Bassam in Beirut, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Humeyra Pamuk in Washington, Michelle Nichols at the United Nations and Adam Makary in Cairo; Writing by Maya Gebeily, Peter Graff and Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Cynthia Osterman and Lincoln Feast.)
Xiaomi's newest electric vehicle model, the SU7 electric sedan, will reportedly take up to seven months before being delivered to buyers, as per a notice in the Chinese tech giant's application.

After announcing the car's starting price of $29,870, Xiaomi started accepting orders for its SU7 electric vehicle sedan on Thursday. Pre-orders reportedly reached 88,898 on the first day on Friday night.

When Reuters reportedly checked Xiaomi's vehicle app on Monday, the company said that delivery times for the SU7 regular model could be between 18 and 21 weeks, for the SU7 Pro model, they could be between 18 and 21 weeks, and for the most costly model, which costs 299,900 yuan, they might be between 27 and 30 weeks.

(Photo: Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) Xiaomi's Smart car model SU7 Max is displayed at the Chinese company's stand during the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona on February 26, 2024.

Xiaomi also unveiled two further limited-edition "Founder's Edition" models of the automobile, which include free items like refrigerators, as part of the campaign to start sales. When it opened for orders on Thursday, the initial batch of 5,000 of these automobiles sold out right away.

Co-founder and CEO Lei Jun announced on Weibo on Sunday that a second round of sales for the Founder's Edition would begin, though he did not disclose the price. Additionally, he stated that Xiaomi detected and prevented several unusual orders, including those from scalpers, during the Founder's Edition ordering process.

Read Also: Biden's Electric Vehicle Push Gets New Legislation, Further Curbing Carbon-Emitting Vehicles

Xiaomi's EV Push

After introducing the SU7 as a foray into the EV market, Xiaomi now faces off against BYD, Nio, Xpeng, Li Auto, and Tesla, the industry leader. Notably, Xiaomi's pricing approach places the SU7 in a competitive market against the Model S and Model 3 of Tesla, which have starting prices of 698,900 and 245,900 yuan, respectively.

The SU7 has remarkable driving ranges; one model can travel up to 668 km (415 miles) on a single charge, which is more than the 650 km range of the Model S from Tesla. An even longer range of up to 800 kilometers is available in another version.

Xiaomi proves to only be moving forward with its EV push, after promising a significant investment as part of its diversification initiatives, allocating $10 billion over the course of ten years to its automotive ventures. With an annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles, a unit of state-owned manufacturer BAIC Group produces Xiaomi's vehicles.

BMW in the EV Industry

The release of Xioami's newest electric vehicle (EV) comes just a few weeks after BMW introduced the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, demonstrating the company's bold entry into the electric car market and direct challenge to Tesla's market supremacy.

Oliver Zipse stressed that the launch of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X represents a reinterpretation of the BMW brand and the company's dedication to transforming drivetrain dynamics.

The platform is designed to improve driving pleasure, efficiency, kinetics, and precision. The Neue Klasse X is distinguished by its state-of-the-art drive and chassis control system, which is powered by an exclusive software stack that BMW internally developed. This cutting-edge solution combines driving dynamics and powertrain seamlessly to improve the driving experience.

Related Article: Worried About Getting Electrocuted by an EV? Here's What the Experts Have to Say

(Photo: Tech Times)
Microsoft Corporation has announced that it will split Teams, its workplace messaging and video conferencing tool, from the Office suite globally.

Reuters tells us that this decision is in response to continuous antitrust scrutiny by European Union (EU) regulators. Last year, the tech giant unbundled Teams from its Office product in Europe, seeking to prevent any penalties from the EU.

Microsoft Hit with Antitrust Probe

(Photo : GERARD JULIEN/AFP via Getty Images)

The logo of French headquarters of American multinational technology company Microsoft, is pictured outside on March 6, 2018 in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, a Paris' suburb.

Teams, which was integrated into Office 365 in 2017, has gained significant popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its video conferencing capabilities. However, competitors have criticized Microsoft for bundling the two products together, arguing that it provides the company with an unfair advantage in the market.

In August 2023, the European Commission launched an antitrust investigation into Microsoft following a complaint from Salesforce-owned competing workspace messaging app Slack. The investigation focuses on whether Microsoft's bundling of Office and Teams violates EU competition rules.

To address concerns raised by the European Commission and provide clarity to customers, Microsoft has decided to extend the unbundling of Teams from Office globally. This means that businesses worldwide will now have the option to purchase Office products without Teams, offering them more flexibility in their purchasing decisions.

(Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

An illustration picture taken on March 2, 2023 in Moscow shows a smart phone screen bearing the Microsoft Teams application logo.

What This Means for Customers

Starting April 1, customers can choose to renew, update, or switch to the new offers, which include standalone Teams subscriptions for enterprise customers. Prices for Office products without Teams range from $7.75 to $54.75 for new commercial customers, while standalone Teams subscriptions will cost $5.25. It's important to note that these prices may vary by country and currency.

The EU's antitrust investigation into Microsoft's bundling practices follows concerns about the company's market dominance and potential anti-competitive behavior. If found guilty of antitrust breaches, Microsoft could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual turnover.

Despite Microsoft's efforts to address the EU's concerns, it remains unclear whether these measures will be sufficient to avoid potential fines. The European Commission has expressed particular concerns about the interoperability between Microsoft's productivity suites and rival messaging apps.

In Other News

TikTok Shop will raise its commission fees for retailers commencing April 1st, 2024. The cost will increase from 2% to 6% of the order value, and then to 8% on July 1.

According to reports, this move follows TikTok Shop's successful US launch phase, during which its low fees and subsidies attracted sellers. Analysts believe that this transition marks a watershed moment for the online shopping platform, testing users' loyalty to TikTok Shop's e-commerce strategy and perhaps increasing customer costs.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.
Hyundai and Kia announced a recall involving 3.4 million vehicles in September in the US last year due to the risk of catching fire.



The South Korean car manufacturers advised owners to park their cars outside and away from structures, regardless of whether the engines were running. However, six months later, many of these vehicles remain unfixed, putting lives at risk.



Hyundai and Kia blamed the delay in repairs on parts shortages, particularly fuses to reduce electrical currents on circuit boards connected to brake fluid leaks. Popular Hyundai and Kia models such as the Santa Fe, Elantra, Sportage, and Forte were impacted from 2010 to 2017.



According to AP News, the firms say the cars are safe to drive but that owners should contact them or dealers if they detect dashboard lights or burning odors. Since September, flames and "thermal incidents" have not resulted in any recorded injuries or deaths.



Safety advocates worry about the lengthy repair procedure, which is shorter for vehicle recalls. They advise owners to park impacted vehicles outdoors and away from others to reduce risks like brake fluid leaks impairing braking.

Swift Action in Addressing the Issue Urged

Having recalled 13 million vehicles for engine issues since 2010, Hyundai and Kia face more obstacles. Critics say the firms' focus on cost-effective fixes like fuses over root causes may risk safety.



Owners, dissatisfied with the slow pace and hazards, have filed over 500 complaints while they await repairs. Some want NHTSA to speed repairs or provide affected owners with loaners.



Hyundai, Kia, and Mando all recalled brake control modules from South Korean manufacturer Mando. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation launched an investigation to verify the recalls' validity and the companies' replies.



Hyundai and Kia try to speed up repairs and reassure owners of their safety commitment, but safety advocates and owners remain concerned, emphasizing the need for rapid and effective resolution to avert new dangers and restore customer trust in the brands.

Read Also : Rising Car Theft Cases in Canada Linked to Criminals Exploiting Apple AirTags

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

New Hyundai cars are displayed on the sales lot at San Leandro Hyundai on May 30, 2023 in San Leandro, California.

This issue follows Hyundai's New York International Auto Show debut of the revamped 2025 Tucson SUV, which improved its design and technologies, as earlier reported by TechTimes.



The revised 2025 Tucson retains Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design approach with a more commanding front and back look, refreshed lighting signatures, new alloy wheels, and a much-improved interior.

US dealerships should expect 2025 Tucson 2.5L versions in June, followed by 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid models later in the summer.



Jose Munoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized the increased appeal of the 2025 Tucson SUV, emphasizing its eco-powertrain strategy, including internal combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models.



Munoz stated, "With all-wheel drive offered on gas and hybrid models, customers can enjoy all-road, all-weather capability coupled with outstanding efficiency and an attractive variety of trims, including outdoor-focused XRT and sporty N Line models."

Kia Focuses on EV Manufacturing

Meanwhile, Kia announced early this year its focus on passenger and freight electric cars (EVs).



In January, the firm introduced vans, trucks, ride-hailing, and last-mile delivery EVs to help companies and families switch to electric cars. Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), a revolutionary modular platform, will serve as the construction site for these cars.



The Seoul-based car company wants consumers to be able to customize their Kia EVs by replacing their cabins, or "life modules." Kia did not describe its modular system's capabilities.



The Kia PV5, the first PBV-based car, was also unveiled at CES 2024. The futuristic-looking PV5 is a three-row EV scheduled to debut in 2025 for around $35,000.
A research presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Barcelona found worrying mpox vaccination efficacy trends. The study found that even after two doses, mpox vaccination protection declines rapidly in the immune system.



After receiving the smallpox vaccine, the person's antibody levels dropped to nearly zero if they had not received the vaccination. At 28 days following their second smallpox vaccine, less than half of males without prior immunization exhibited mpox antibodies, according to a report from HealthDay.



One of the study's authors, Dr. Klara Sonden, deputy state epidemiologist for the Public Health Agency of Sweden, suggested that a booster dosage might be necessary for long-term mpox protection.

Booster Dosages Trials Needed

Despite the urgent need for more studies, the researchers observed a lack of clinical studies on mpox booster dosages. They stressed the need for such trials in public health guidelines.

After the vaccine's approval in late 2022, mpox infections in Europe rose in the second half of 2023, raising concerns. A case report during the conference described a 35-year-old man who had two Jynneos vaccine doses and developed severe mpox.

Researchers said the man had many sexual partners at a Vienna event in January 2024, two years after taking the mpox vaccination. The patient experienced fever, chills, headache, peeing difficulty, bloody diarrhea, and penis and anus itching five days later. Tests revealed that the patient had active and severe mpox. After 25 days, his scabs fell off and a swab test showed his disease was gone.



Researchers noted that. previous smallpox vaccine may preserve protective mpox antibody levels.

The largest Swedish sexual health clinic will launch a booster dosage randomized clinical study in response to these findings. Although Sweden has seen few mpox cases, experts advise continuing monitoring and investigation.



These notable mpox findings were presented at a medical convention and should be regarded as preliminary until published in a publication with peer review.

Read Also : This Smartphone App Can Help Detect Early Signs of Frontotemporal Dementia

(Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Gabriela Solis prepares a dose of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine at an L.A. County vaccination site in East Los Angeles on August 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

US Health Authorities Assures Enough Mpox Vaccines

In the United States, ABC reported that the number of cases in New York City has tripled since last year. But the city guarantees that vaccination availability is not a problem, according to a NYC Department of Health representative.



In December, the CDC warned medical providers about visitors entering the U.S. from countries with a more severe strain of the mpox virus, primarily the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the U.S. has not detected this strain.



The health official noted that they are "closely monitoring the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo... and taking necessary preparations here in the United States."



In addition to immunization, doctors recommend infection prevention methods.



"Efforts should be made to avoid close physical contact with individuals who may have been exposed recently or exhibit lesions. Seeking medical attention for lesions is crucial, as medications are available to reduce the duration of illness," Dr. Richard Silvera, associate program director of the infectious diseases fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai highlighted.

TPOXX, an antiviral medication, can cure severe instances of mpox, especially those with impaired immune systems.



According to the World Health Organization, numerous endemic locations in non-native nations have recorded cases of mpox since May 2022. Unlike West or Central Africa, where the mpox virus is native, most reported cases with travel histories have connections to Europe and North America. Several mpox cases and clusters have appeared concurrently in non-endemic and endemic nations across drastically diverse geographical regions for the first time.



Most reported instances have been discovered through sexual health services or other primary or secondary healthcare facility services. Males who have sex with males have been at the center of these incidents, the UN health agency noted.
Recordings off Hawaii: Researchers are filming sex between humpback whales for the first time

West Indies: a total of eight tonnes of cocaine intercepted at sea in one week

We tested Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max: the best way to make your TV smarter

Gofio, the Canarian restaurant that lost its Michelin star in December and shines more than ever

Cattle lick each other - but not every cow also licks every other one

The patient should be observed by a specialist: herbalist - about the medicinal use of plants

Ito Jakuchu's newly discovered scroll-shaped masterpiece may have been created when he was 76 years old

The first high-speed rail Spring Festival transportation on the China-Vietnam border: there is an endless stream of passengers as it draws to a close

More than 20,000 blue and white porcelain specimens were unearthed from the Yuan Dynasty ship cargo site in the Poyang Lake waters of Duchang, Jiangxi

Spartak and Zenit tied in the match of the 19th round of the RPL in St. Petersburg

The debuts of Pedro and Ugalde, the rescue of Khlusevich and Ignatovs post: Zenit and Spartak tied in the 19th round of the RPL

Fernando Alonso and the long faces at Aston Martin: "We have four teams ahead of us"

They investigate the president of the FIA for withdrawing a sanction from Alonso and returning him to third place in Saudi Arabia in 2023

Champions League: in the midst of Mbappe psychodrama, PSG plays for its future against Real Sociedad

The popularity of flower viewing tours across the country has soared. What are the popular destinations for spring outings?

Development and security should be pursued with both hands! Government work report delivers new signal for real estate

Development and security should be pursued with both hands! Government work report delivers new signal for real estate

Uber Eats will introduce autonomous robots in some areas of Tokyo from the 6th

A tractor unit on the A-6 ends with police charges and causes serious traffic problems near Benavente

(Interview with the Two Sessions) Justin Lin hits back at the theory that Chinas economy has peaked: He will not follow in Japans footsteps

(Interview with the Two Sessions) Justin Lin hits back at the theory that Chinas economy has peaked: He will not follow in Japans footsteps

Ushakov said that BRICS is ahead of the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity

(Voice of the Two Sessions) He Xiaopeng: It is recommended to speed up the commercialization process of flying cars

Fengyun-4 B star officially takes over from A star to provide services to more countries jointly building the Belt and Road

Bloomberg: Macron will announce France's participation in the purchase of shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Toopi Organics: the company that relies on urine to do without fertilizers

Nuclear and war in Ukraine at the heart of Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Czech Republic

Four former Twitter executives sue Musk for more than $128 million in severance pay

Demonstratively provocative in nature: what is known about the NATO Nordic Response exercises in Finland, Sweden and Norway

The Liberal Democratic Party and the Rikun Democratic Party are adjusting the schedule for the House of Councilors Political Ethics Inquiry, expected to be held as early as next week

Hyeres: after a shooting near a nursery, the town hall posts two police officers near the establishment

On the eve of March 8, Putin thanked the women participants in the special operation

Digital dementia and anxiety: psychologist - about the risks of constant use of gadgets

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

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82% of EU farm subsidies bolster high emissions foods: study



Paris, April 1 (AFP) Apr 01, 2024



More than 80 percent of EU agriculture subsidies support polluting livestock and animal product farming, undermining the bloc's climate targets, a study published Monday found.

With global food systems accounting for about a third of greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union's Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) currently "presents an economic disincentive for transitions" to more sustainable practices, the study in the journal Nature Food said.

"We found that the CAP disproportionately supports animal-based products over plant-based alternatives," said lead author Anniek Kortleve from Leiden University in The Netherlands.

"It came as a little bit of a surprise. It was a little bit higher than other studies reported before, and this is because of the proper inclusion of feed subsidies," she explained.

Direct payments to livestock farmers accounted for half of the subsidies -- of which 57 billion euros ($62 billion) was budgeted in 2013 -- funding high-emissions agriculture, researchers found.

The rest was largely made up by subsidies supporting livestock, particularly for animal feed production, it said.

For beef, the study reported that subsidies of about 0.71 euros per kilogram swelled to 1.42 euros once feed was factored in.

While focused on 2013 figures, "not much has changed" in the distribution of the subsidies up until 2020, the latest data the researchers reviewed, co-author Paul Behrens said.



- 'Damaging' incentive -



Researchers said the subsidies challenge the bloc's goals to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Globally, "emissions from the food system are enough to drive us beyond 1.5 (degrees Celsius)", Behrens said, referring to threshold set by the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit the increase in average global temperatures.

"It's very difficult to meet those targets if you're setting up the economics such that you're incentivising the most damaging products," said Behrens, an associate professor at Leiden University.

Dedicating land to livestock and their feed prevents reforestation and other practices to promote the return of more diverse plants and animals that can absorb climate-heating carbon, he said.

"You can't be using the land for so many different applications at the same time," he said.

With farmers increasingly experiences losses related to climate change through floods, droughts and wildfires, investment into how land is adapted and distributed could provide them longer term protection, Behrens said.

The subsidised products are not limited to consumption within Europe.

The study found that 12 percent of CAP subsidies -- particularly to "high value" products like cheese, pig meat and wine -- were exported to non-EU countries including China, Russia and the United States.

Acknowledging the importance of subsidies for farmers, Behrens said the CAP system needs "reimagining" to encourage "environmental benefits" while adapting to "far more precarious" conditions with climate change.
US judge approves giant 3M settlement on 'forever chemicals'



New York, April 1 (AFP) Apr 01, 2024



US conglomerate 3M's settlement with public water suppliers received final court approval, the company announced Monday, clearing the way for billions of dollars to test for and filter out dangerous chemicals.

District Judge Richard Gergel on Friday gave final approval to a US class-action settlement in which 3M agreed to pay as much as $12.5 billion to resolve litigation over polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are often called "forever chemicals."

In his order, Gergel cited figures from a court-appointed official who said that just 7.5 percent of the class opted out of the agreement.

3M cited "overwhelming" support for the deal.

"This is yet another important step forward for 3M as we continue to deliver on our priorities," said Chief Executive Mike Roman.

"The final approval of this settlement and continued progress toward exiting all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025 will further our efforts to reduce risk and uncertainty as we move forward."

3M said previously it was accounting for $10.3 billion over 13 years.

Funds will go to public water suppliers for PFAS treatment technologies and nationwide testing for PFAS.

Found in everyday products such as non-stick frying pans and waterproof clothing, PFAS can linger in the environment for a long time and have been linked to serious health conditions including cancer and birth defects.

Attorneys had alleged that 3M and other manufacturers sold PFAS-containing products when they knew of potential health and environmental problems.

3M did not admit liability in the case.

Michael London, a lead attorney in the class-action suit from Douglas and London, said the settlement represented the largest ever for clean water.

"It's an enormous step and it comes after years of litigation," London told AFP. "It is a great deal and it helps get money to these water districts who need it."
Namibia heightens poaching alert after 28 rhinos killed



Windhoek, April 1 (AFP) Apr 01, 2024



Namibian authorities stepped up an anti-poaching alert Monday after announcing that 28 rhinoceros had been killed by poachers since the start of the year, including 19 at the country's largest animal reserve.

The southern African country's environment ministry said an "urgent high-level meeting" with security officials had been called to plan measures to combat the "barbaric" poaching wave.

The ministry also appealed for public help "in this difficult fight" against a phenomenon surging again across southern Africa. No arrests have been made so far, the ministry added.

Namibia's Etosha Park has been particularly hard hit by the new wave of killings.

Of the 19 rhinos slaughtered in the park, 10 were found during a campaign in March to dehorn rhinos to reduce the risk of them becoming poaching targets, the ministry said.

The horns are used in traditional medicine in Asian markets after the animal is killed.

"This is our flagship park and has a high concentration of rhino conservation and other high value species making it a major attraction of tourists," the ministry said in a statement.

Authorities said 87 rhinoceros were killed across Namibia in 2022, up from 45 the previous year. Figures for 2023 have not yet been revealed.

In neighbouring South Africa, which has the highest population of rhinoceros, nearly 500 were killed by poachers last year, up 11 percent from 2022.

There were an estimated 23,300 rhinoceros in Africa at the end of 2022, with about 15,000 in South Africa.
Is Chad Daybell a doomsday cult mastermind? Trial for the murder of Lori Vallows children and ex-wife begins

Chad Daybell has been known by many different names over the years: Gravedigger, doomsday author, alleged cult leader  but could he also soon be known as a convicted killer?

Thats up to an Ada County jury to decide as they settle in for several grueling weeks of heartbreaking testimony and graphic evidence exhibits in a Boise, Idaho courtroom. After more than a week of jury selection, a panel was finally seated in the case on Monday 8 April with opening statements getting under way on 10 April. The highly-anticipated trial is expected to last at least two months.

Daybell is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft over the deaths of his former wife Tammy Daybell, and his wife Lori Vallows children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and son Joshua JJ Vallow, 7.

The disturbing saga has shocked the nation over the last few years, which began in 2019 with the question, Where are the children? Vallows children were missing and she was in Hawaii with her new husband, Chad Daybell, just three weeks after Tammy had died suddenly in her sleep.

Nine months after the children were seen alive, their remains were found in shallow graves on Daybells property in Idaho in June 2020.

The childrens disappearance and deaths brought to light a series of other mysterious deaths and other incidents connected to the doomsday couple, revealing a pattern of people close to the pair dying suddenly.

As part of their cult beliefs, the couple allegedly believed in a rating system of light and dark for how they ranked the spirits of the people around them. This evolved into the belief that some people were zombies and the only way to get rid of the zombies was for the human body to be destroyed and thus rid their lives of obstacles, as their text messages later revealed.

Heres what we know so far of the twisted tale:

Who is Chad Daybell?

Chad Daybell dug graves while he was a student at Brigham Young University and worked as a cemetery sexton in Utah for almost 20 years.

He told the Deseret News in 1992 that he believed digging graves helped him through school.

Daybell later founded his own publishing company, Spring Creek Book Company.

He authored several fiction and nonfiction books  many of them doomsday books loosely based on the teachings centered around The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Chad Daybell claimed he could teleport, see into the future and see dead people, and that he and Lori Vallow were part of the chosen 144,000 (Judge Steven W. Boyce livestream)

He married his first wife Tammy in 1990 and they founded Spring Creek Book Company together in Utah  the company which published his doomsday books.

The couple had five children together and moved to Salem, Idaho, in 2015.

Among his teachings, he claimed he could teleport, could see into the future, see dead people, and that he and Vallow were part of the chosen 144,000.

Tammy Daybell found dead

On 19 October 2019, Tammy, an otherwise healthy 49-year-old, died suddenly in her sleep.

In a chilling 911 call made that day, one of Tammys sons is heard first then Daybell gets on the phone and abruptly says: Im Chad, the husband. Shes clearly dead.

In a bizarre twist, her death came just 10 days after she had called 911 to report someone shooting at her with a paintball gun in the driveway of their home.

Despite the mysterious circumstances, her husband declined an autopsy and her death was ruled from natural causes.

Chad and Tammy Daybell before her death in October 2019 (Facebook)

It was only after her two children were reported missing weeks later  and authorities began delving into Vallow and Daybell, their sudden remarriage and bizarre cult beliefs  that questions began being asked about her death.

Investigators exhumed her body for an autopsy in December 2020.

The results found that Tammy had died at the hands of another and died of asphyxiation.

In a shocking moment revealed at Vallows trial, Daybell had predicted his wife Tammy would soon be dead  around eight months before he and Vallow allegedly conspired to murder her.

Tammys friend Alice Gilbert testified that he once told her he had a vision that Tammy would die before the age of 50.

He had a vision that Tammys time on Earth was coming to an end, she said. He didnt know how or when - but he didnt see her living past the age of 50.

Daybell is charged with murder in relation to her death, as well as the murders of the two children. Hes also charged with conspiracy to commit murder for all three deaths.

Vallow was found guilty of conspiracy to kill Tammy, with prosecutors alleging that the couple conspired with Vallows brother, Alex Cox.

How did Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow meet?

The pair met in October 2018 at a religious conference in St. George, Utah. They began recording together on the Preparing a People podcast Time to Warrior Up as well as other podcasts, many of which focused on the end of the world.

At the time, Vallow was married to Charles Vallow, who had become concerned for his wifes mental health and went to the police for help. He filed for divorce in January 2019 but later withdrew the filing  and then was killed by his brother-in-law.

Vallows brother Alex Cox shot and killed Charles in July 2019 in Chandler, Arizona. Cox claimed the shooting was in self-defence.

Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell married in 2019, less than three weeks after Tammy Daybell died (Tony Blakeslee/East Idaho News via AP, Pool, File)

Just a year after they met, and less than three weeks after Tammy had died, Vallow and Daybell married in Hawaii on 5 November 2019.

Where are the children? JJ and Tylees disappearance

Vallows children JJ and Tylee were last seen alive in September 2019  not long after Vallow had moved the two children from Arizona to Idaho.

Chilling photos captured a smiling JJ, Tylee and their uncle Alex Cox on a visit to Yellowstone National Park on 8 September.

The photo is now believed to be the last proof of life of 16-year-old Tylee.

Days later, on 22 September, JJ was also seen for the last time  at his school in Rexburg and by his mothers friends at her apartment that night.

By the next morning, the seven-year-old  who had autism  had vanished. JJs grandparents raised the alarm after they were unable to get in touch with their grandson.

When asked where JJ was, Vallow told friends Melanie Gibb and David Warwick that he had to be taken away because he was being a zombie.

Tylee Ryan and Joshua JJ Vallow vanished in 2019 (Family handout)

It would be many more months before investigators  and the childrens desperate family members  knew what had happened to the two siblings.

Remains found buried in Daybells backyard

Cellphone data places Vallows brother Alex Cox in the yard of Daybells property in the hours after both of the childrens disappearances. The morning after Tylee was last seen alive, Daybell also sent a text to his wife to say that he had shot a raccoon and buried it in the pet cemetery on the grounds of their property.

A month after her children disappeared, Vallow signed a contract for a storage unit at Self Storage Plus in Rexburg. Surveillance cameras show Vallow visiting the unit nine times in October and once in November, often with Daybell or her brother. Authorities later found that it contained childrens items, photos, and clothing.

Tylee and JJs remains were found buried in the backyard of Chad Daybells Idaho home (Post Register)

Nine months after they went missing, the childrens family members worst fears were realised when JJ and Tylees remains were discovered buried in Daybells backyard in June 2020.

JJs body was found in a black plastic bag wrapped in duct tape while Tylees body had been dismembered and burned in a fire pit, before being buried in the pet cemetery.

Daybells arrest

Daybell was arrested on 9 June 2020 and booked into the Fremont County Jail after the childrens remains were found.

He had left the house during the search as Rexburg Police, Fremont County Sheriff deputies and the FBI swarmed the property and began a dig that lasted for hours. But he was arrested a short time later.

Daybell has shown little to no emotion at his court appearances over the past four years.

On 21 March, he was transferred from Fremont County Jail to the Ada County Jail in Boise in preparation for his trial.

The charges against Daybell

Daybell is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Vallows two children and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of his former wife Tammy. Hes also charged with insurance fraud.

Prosecutors say that the couple conspired with Vallows brother Alex Cox to kill the children and Daybells wife both as part of their doomsday beliefs  but also to collect life insurance money, the kids social security and survivor benefits.

All of these overt acts were done so Lori could eventually be with Chad Daybell and reportedly complete their mission here on earth, according to an investigative report.

Chad Daybell could face the death penalty in convicted (Post Register)

This belief system, lust and greed would also lead to the deaths of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell.

In Arizona, Vallow is also charged with conspiring to murder her ex-husband Charles Vallow with Cox. Cox died in December 2019. The Maricopa County Attorneys office previously announced that it did not charge Daybell as well with Charles murder  but only because there is no reasonable likelihood of conviction.

The doomsday cult

At the centre of the string of alleged murders and mystery deaths stands the couples bizarre doomsday cult.

Daybell ran a publishing company that put out books about apocalyptic scenarios loosely based on the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Vallow followed his books for some time, before the pair finally met in person and their relationship became romantic. And as their relationship grew more intense, so too did their apocalyptic beliefs.

Charles Vallow claimed in divorce documents that Vallow believed she was a god-like figure chosen to carry out the work of 144,000 believers.

Multiple friends cited in police reports say that the couple believed they could drive out evil spirits and seek revelations from beyond the spiritual veil.

Vallow even believed she could teleport between Arizona and Hawaii, according to documents.

But  most chillingly  the couple allegedly believed that people, including JJ and Tylee, had become zombies.

They allegedly had a scoring system for ranking how far peoples souls had gone from good to evil.

The only way to then rid an individual of the zombies would be for them to die, according to documents.

Chad and Loris revealing texts

Daybell and Vallow exchanged steamy texts in July 2019, just days after Vallows brother killed her husband.

FBI Special Agent Douglas Hart testified at Vallows trial that the doomsday couple exchanged thousands of text messages, voicemails and photos after meeting at a religious conference in October 2018 including messages relevant to the deaths of her children and their spouses and referring to them as obstacles.

Two days before Charles was murdered, Vallow texted her niece Melani Boudreaux: They have an elaborate plan Ill call you soon  We both need to stay here to defend ourselves. Its coming to a head! This week will change everything.

Two days later, Cox shot and killed Charles.

Vallow then sent Charles sons a nonchalant text informing them of his death: Hi boys. I have very sad news. Your dad passed away yesterday. Im working on making arrangements and Ill keep you informed with whats going on. Im still not sure how to handle things. Just want you to know that I love you and so did your dad!!

The two brothers desperately begged for information about what happened to their father but Vallow ignored them for lengthy periods and gave only sporadic answers.

Days later, Daybell sent a love story he wrote to Vallow through a series of text messages.

A detective described the writings as a romance novel of sorts and noted that it follows the relationship between the couple but names were changed to James and Elena.

It talked about how James knew he was in the presence of an exalted goddess who had returned to earth to perform a special mission - a mission of progressing together as translated beings.

Daybell texts Vallow well give them a reason to scream

In other chilling messages, when Vallow complained to Daybell about being tired of taking care of demons while referring to her children, he offers to cause pain.

We r both so tired of taking care of demons, she wrote in a text to Daybell in August 2019  one month before Tylee and JJ were murdered. We are weary. Please ask the Lord to take them.

They spoke about inflicting pain on children and giving them a reason to scream.

Daybell asked if she wanted him to cause pain to the two threes she was travelling with.

She replied to him telling him to hold off, but added that if they started to act up again we can zap them.

Daybell agreed and responded: Sounds great. Yes, If they are going to act up, well at least give them a reason to scream.

Chad Daybell was booked into the Ada County Jail on 21 March 2024 ahead of his 1 April murder trial (Ada County Sheriffs Office)

In messages in July 2019, the couple discussed the death percentages on Tylee and JJ.

She is a 0.13, Mr Daybell said about Tylee. I turned the pain to 10 and placed a spiritual virus in here.

Of JJ, he said he is at 99.99 Raphael visited him and told him to follow Amy into the light.

Chad Daybells children speak out

Daybells five children have only spoken out in public once in an interview with 48 Hours in September 2021, and defended their fathers innocence.

Garth Daybell, Emma Murray, Seth Daybell, Leah Murphy and Mark Daybell are also the children of Tammy Daybell.

The time has come that we need to share our story, Leah Murphy said.

My father needs someone to be a voice for him. To let people know whats real  what we know, Emmy Murray said.

How is it possible two children are found buried in your fathers backyard and he had nothing to do with it? the reporter asked Ms Murray. She replied, He was framed.

I dont know why they (the bodies) would be there, Ms Murray said. But I do know that if he were to commit a crime, he wouldnt be foolish enough to put the evidence in his own backyard.  We presume innocence in this country. Just because things look funny, we dont send people to jail.

Convicted killer Lori Vallow now faces charges in Arizona

The trial of the doomsday cult couple stalled for the past few years  in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic, mental incompetence and legal wranglings.

Vallow has been behind bars since January 2020 when she was arrested in Hawaii and extradited to Idaho for failing to meet a court order to present her children to authorities.

Charles and Lori Vallow pictured together. Lori is charged with conspiracy to murder Charles in Arizona (Provided)

Mr Daybell has been in prison since the childrens remains were discovered in June 2020.

The case was largely put on hold when Vallow was found not mentally competent to stand trial. She then spent almost a year at a mental health facility before she was ruled competent in May 2022 and the case proceeded through the courts.

The death penalty was taken off the table for Vallow but not for Daybell.

Now, following the jurys unanimous 2023 guilty verdict on seven counts, Vallow is spending five life terms in prison without parole for killing her children and conspiring to kill Tammy.

In a dramatic closing statement last year, Vallows lawyers argued that she had been under the control of Daybell, under the spell of the craziness of his cult beliefs.

One year after meeting Chad, four people are dead, he said.

But is Lori a leader or a follower of Chad? She so wants to be a leader but shes not leading anyone, he said.

Shes following Chad. She thinks Chad is following Jesus but hes not. Hes unfortunately being led by the storm - not the first guy to be led by the storm.

Now, Vallow will be tried in two separate cases in Arizona on two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder for other deaths.

In one case, court records show that Vallow is accused of conspiring to kill her former husband Charles, who was shot and killed in July 2019 by Cox. In the months leading up to his death, Charles told local police he was concerned that Vallow may hurt him or their children.

In the second case, Vallow and Cox are accused of trying to kill her nieces ex-husband, Mr Boudreaux, outside his home in Gilbert, Arizona, in October 2019. He survived the drive-by shooting.

A grand jury indicted Lori on the conspiracy charges for Charles death in 2021. However, she had to face charges in the deaths of her kids and Tammy Daybell in Idaho before she could face a judge in Arizona.

JJs grandparents return to Idaho for second shot at justice

Larry Woodcock, the grandfather of Lori Vallows murdered seven-year-old son JJ Vallow, told East Idaho News in a recent interview that he and his wife Kay will be once again traveling from their Louisiana home to Idaho for the proceedings.

Mr Woodcock said he believes prosecutors will prove their case against the alleged cult leader, who he described as a wimp of a man.

Im totally confident that hell be found guilty, Mr Woodcock said. If you took a picture of Chad on April 1 in court and you found a picture of him four years ago when he was in court, I dont think theres any change.

His demeanour hasnt changed, his attitude hasnt changed  hes so blase and just a wimp of a man.

Larry Woodcock hugs an attendee after the verdict was read at Vallows trial (AP)

After spending nearly every day of Vallows weeks-long trial in Ada County courtroom, the Woodcocks said they know Daybells trial will be different. Woodcock pointed out that while he had a lot of anger towards Vallow, he does not know Daybell as well.

I was angry at Lori  that she would do something and participate in something like this, he explained. I really dont have a lot of feelings about Chad. Im angry at him, sure, and I certainly share no love for him. But its just a really different set of feelings.

Mr Woodcock said he hopes Daybell is given life without parole, instead of the death penalty.

There are certain things in life I think are worse than death. Life in prison without the possibility of ever getting out and dying in prison may be worse than death, Mr Woodcock added.

I certainly dont wish him the best.

Heres what to expect Chad Daybells weeks-long trial

Daybells trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.

Jury selection began on 1 April, with a panel finally seated on Monday 8 April.

Opening statements will now get under way on 10 April.

Prior to the trial starting, Judge Steven Boyce granted a request to move the trial from Fremont County due to publicity.

Unlike Vallows trial, which attracted large crowds of spectators and true crime enthusiasts from all over the world, filling up the courtroom, and two overflow courtrooms, Daybells proceedings is being livestreamed from Judge Boyces YouTube page.

Sentencing will happen immediately following the verdict.

Could Chad Daybell be sentenced to death?

If he is found guilty, he could be sentenced to life in prison or could face the death penalty.

His attorney John Prior filed a motion to have the death penalty taken off the table, but Judge Boyce denied the request.

If jurors return a guilty verdict, they first will need to consider whether any aggravating factors apply in the case.

Those aggravating factors could are:

At the time the murder was committed, the defendant also committed another murder

The defendant exhibited utter disregard for human life

The murder was committed during another serious crime

The murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity

If the jurors decide there are no aggravating factors, Judge Boyce will sentence Daybell anywhere from 10 years to life in prison.
The firefighters responsible for protecting Australias air travellers will take protected industrial action in two weeks, a move which could wreak havoc on school holiday travellers if airlines do not amend their usual schedules.

The firefighters are alleging the government-owned air navigation regulator has concealed dire resourcing issues, which threatens airport safety. The aviation unit of the United Firefighters Union has been lobbying government-owned Airservices Australia for months to secure better pay and conditions.

The planned strike could wreak havoc on travel schedules. Credit: Rob Homer

Aviation firefighters at major airports across the country will undertake a four-hour work stoppage from 6am on April 15, the same day NSW schools begin their autumn break, and the first day of the new school term in Victoria.

Each airport has a Task Resource Analysis safety risk rating, a theoretical assessment of whether key airport resources, including firefighting trucks, personnel, equipment and procedures, are sufficient relative to the size of the aircraft which fly into them.
Rather than a straight interview series, in Creative Types other high-profile Australians weigh in on the artist featured, with Cate Blanchett on Thornton, and Kylie Minogue on Bonachela.

Triolis program, Creative Types, is a six-part series featuring well-known creative Australians at the top of their game across various mediums, and a new addition for the ABCs 2024 slate.

The ABCs reputation as a home for strong arts and culture coverage is at a low ebb, with the broadcaster facing criticism for successive cuts to arts funding, culminating with the closure of its standalone arts department last year . So, a lot is riding on Virginia Triolis eagerly anticipated return to ABC TV this month, with a new, high-profile arts show.

When our children are young, Trioli says, we prize their art, pinning it up on the fridge or at our desks. We do that without hesitation because I think we just instinctively know that its that work thats the window to who they really are... and their most expressive, creative selves.

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When they hit a certain age, she says, its enough of that and instead a focus on what they are going to study and career goals. The drive to create is a theme that emerged during all the interviews.

Despite the similarities in concept to existing ABC shows like Australian Story (which has recently begun airing more traditional one-on-one interviews, rather than more in-depth, documentary-style episodes) Trioli argues Creative Types is unique. She credits director Stamatia Maroupas and director of photography Josh Flavell for the vision, plus executive producer Jaya Balendra (formerly a producer of Art Nation/Artscape).

Its doing something very different [to Australian Story] - were staying close to the bones of that story of what is creativity to you, Trioli says.
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Exclusive Eating outComing soon Will this trailblazing Sydney chef usher in a new golden era for St Kildas Prince Dining Room? Hes won awards and accolades in the Harbour City. Will his freewheeling style and signature Jatz snack bring more sizzle to St Kilda? Emma Breheny April 2, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

High-profile Sydney chef Mitch Orr has taken the reins of St Kilda institution Prince Dining Room, which is seeking to reclaim some of its glory from yesteryear, when the likes of Andrew McConnell and Michael Lambie led its fine-diner Circa. Mitchs style of cooking has that little bit of edge and grit to it, but also finesse and I think that suits St Kilda, says Andrew Ryan, the venues executive director. Orr, recruited as food and creative director, has hired Pipis Kiosk head chef Ben Parkinson, with a plan that Orr will visit once a month minimum from Sydney, where he also oversees the hatted Kiln. Mitch Orr, chef at hatted Sydney restaurant Kiln, will oversee food at one of St Kildas dining institutions. Supplied The former Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year winner previously ran his own restaurant in Sydney, Acme, and has worked at Maurice Terzini venues plus Porteno and Sepia.

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He wants to inject more energy into Prince Dining Room via events and collaborations, including pizza parties with dough pros from Sydney, such as Westwoods Mitch Westwood. Were just changing a couple of little things in the kitchen Its more about changing the vibe. Livening up the bar and doing something a little bit different from whats probably been done there before. Prince Dining Room has undergone two overhauls since the Ryan family took over the restaurant and attached pub and music venue, The Prince, in 2017. Its second reboot earned the restaurant a Good Food hat last year, but chef Daniel Coopers move to Chiswick in Sydney last spring paved the way for further changes. Orr has recruited Ben Parkinson from nearby Pipis Kiosk as his head chef. Supplied Seafood and vegetables will dominate the new menu, making the most of Parkinsons experience at Pipis. Orr and Parkinson are excited by the wood-fire oven and grill, both of which theyve worked with previously. Theyll roast whole fish and produce from Ramarro Farm and Dog Creek Growers, as well as gently smoking things.

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Will we see a St Kilda version of Orrs signature, jazzed-up Jatz crackers? Maybe just in the bar [area]. Were having a little play around with how we might do that, Orr says. Jatz with smoked butter and anchovy at Orrs restaurant Kiln. Flavio Brancaleone Orr has stepped into more of an advisory role at Kiln, which won best new restaurant at The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide awards in 2022, giving him more time for consulting gigs like this one. Asked how it feels to be working across the street from fellow culinary director Karen Martini at newly hatted Saint George, Orr says:

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U.S. authorities have targeted an apartment in a Donald Trump-branded luxury Manhattan tower, where they are looking to seize a $7 million unit prosecutors say was illicitly obtained by one of Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguessos children.

A forfeiture complaint filed Friday in Manhattan federal court and obtained by The Daily Beast says the action concerns the misappropriation, theft, or embezzlement of hundreds of millions of dollars from the Congolese treasury, some of which was used for the purchase of a luxury apartment in the Southern District of New York for the use of President Nguessos daughter.

That property is Unit 32G in the Trump International Hotel & Tower at 1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023, the complaint states.

The United States is seeking to repossess the property because the funds used to acquire it are traceable to violations of specified unlawful activities and U.S. law, according to the complaint.

Sassou-Nguesso, who has been described as a breathtakingly corrupt kleptocrat, has held power in Congo, almost uninterrupted, since 1979.

Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2023 Navy Day parade in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Kremlin via Reuters

A past listing for the apartment says it is a corner space overlooking Central Park and the Hudson River [and] captures the essence of the most sought after Columbus Circle neighborhood. Special features include: floor to-ceiling windows, 10' ceilings, a gracious entrance gallery, living/dining room, a windowed eat-in-kitchen with washer/dryer, two bedrooms with spectacular views and luxurious baths ensuite, plus a powder room, capacious closets and a separate bar, ideal for entertaining. Sorry no pets allowed.

Ownership of the Trump International Hotel & Tower is complicated, with the Trump Organization managing the building and owning some units and hundreds of individual owners holding the rest. On Monday, a Trump Org spokeswoman, Kimberly Benza, told The Daily Beast, If this sale did occur, it would be by a 3rd party unit owner unrelated to our Organization.

The ties between Congolese first-daughter Claudia Lemboumba Sassou-Nguesso and the Trump International condo were first brought to light in 2019 by anti-corruption NGO Global Witness, which at the time publicly called upon the Justice Department to begin the process of seizing the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom unit. Sassou-Nguesso in 2014 paid a little over $4,000 a square-foot for the residencea significant premium over the buildings median square-foot price of $2,521.

The apartment was procured via a byzantine array of shell companies and intermediaries who routed funds stolen from Congos public coffers through entities in Portugal, Cyprus, the British Virgin Islands, and Brazil, the forfeiture complaint states. The money finally ended up in the U.S., where Sassou-Nguesso and her enablers hired law firm K&L Gates to purchase apartment 32G for the benefit of Sassou-Nguesso, using a portion of the laundered funds and embezzlement proceeds, according to the complaint.

Claudia Sassou-Nguesso, daughter of Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, during a national assembly meeting in 2012. Guy Gervais/KITINA/AFP via Getty Images

The complaint says Sassou-Nguesso was aware she could be rejected by Trump International as a politically-exposed person, and considered listing her cousin as the units beneficial owner to avoid trouble. However, Trump International officials told Sassou-Nguessos team that it was not a problem and that the information was only for the condominium building, the complaint goes on. On June 24, 2014, a Portuguese businessman representing Sassou-Nguesso in the deal wired a $710,000 deposit to the condos seller, sending the $6,525,000 balance a month later, according to the complaint.

In sum, the money used to purchase the Defendant Asset was a portion of the approximately USD 19.5 million of Congolese state funds embezzled through sham contracts and these embezzled funds were used to purchase the Defendant Asset for Sassou Nguessos apparent personal enrichment, the complaint states.

After the Global Witness report was released in 2019, the Trump Organization said that monthly common charges paid by condo owners did not go directly to Trump himself for profit.

According to the forfeiture complaint, Sassou-Nguesso paid some $250,000 in common charges between 2018 and 2022. It says they were paid out of bank accounts in Luxembourg, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates in the name of another Portuguese national fronting for Sassou-Nguesso.

Although the apartment has apparently remained unoccupied since it was purchased, prosecutors say they have reviewed emails from Sassou-Nguesso about interior design work to be conducted at the property, transferring, via her worldwide network, more than $400,000 to a Portuguese firm to carry out the job.

The apartment, according to the forfeiture complaint, is traceable to a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of specified unlawful activities.

The Court, for the reasons set forth herein, adjudge and decree that the Defendant Asset be forfeited to the United States of America and disposed of in accordance with existing laws, together with costs, and for such other relief as this Court deems proper and just, the complaint states.

The Trump International Hotel & Tower at 1 Central Park West in Manhattan. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Trumps properties, as The New York Times once said, have a long history of serving as home to people with checkered pasts.

Former federal prosecutor Kenneth McCallion, a onetime member of an organized crime strike force that investigated potential criminal activities during the construction of Trump Tower, told The Daily Beast that dirty money has long been attracted to Trump buildings.

Theyd pay cash for condos, held them for a few years, sold them, and the proceeds of the sale would then be clean money, McCallion said.

Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier owned a unit in Trump Tower on Manhattans 5th Avenue; alleged Russian gangster David Bogatinone of at least 13 Russian organized crime figures who have resided in the buildingowned five.

A Trump development in Panama was riddled with brokers, customers and investors who have been linked to drug trafficking and international crime, according to a 2017 NBC News investigation.

A hotel the former president helped build in Azerbaijan was allegedly financed in large part by oligarchs with ties to Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, and at the Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium New York, 77 percent of units were sold to shell companies that paid in all-cashan attractive avenue for criminals to launder illegal proceeds while masking their identities, according to the U.S. Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Trump himself and the Trump Organization have not been accused of any wrongdoing related to the Sassou-Nguesso deal.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The oversized myth that men dislike shopping for clothes is busted with a peek behind select polished closed doors and by the satisfying sound of champagne corks taking flight.

Discreet menswear destinations with private bars and personalised service are replacing the lifeless mens floors of department stores and dark alcoves of high-street shops packed with polo shirts.

Joe Farage in his Darlinghurst menswear boutique. Credit: James Brickwood

With 25 years experience in the fashion industry, designer Joe Farage is naturally on-trend, having closed Farage stores in Sydney and Melbourne shopping centres to focus on last years opening of a five-level flagship in Darlinghurst.

This is a very different approach to retail, Farage says. You get to work more closely with your customer, take them on the full journey, from day to night, and build a wardrobe in an environment that is inspiring. And yes, they do tend to spend more money.
A bankrupt accountant and former thoroughbred owner is under police investigation over allegations he siphoned more than $3 million from clients in the Macedon Ranges to finance his online gambling habit.

Andrew Marshall, 45, was a director and shareholder of Langley McKimmie Accountants in Woodend until his dismissal on June 6 last year, after allegedly misappropriating funds from five clients, according to documents filed in the Supreme Court.

Bankrupt accountant Andrew Marshall of Langley McKimmie.

Langley McKimmie launched civil action against Marshall in a bid to recoup the missing money and was granted a temporary freezing order over his remaining assets by the court, including his family home in Gisborne, at least four betting accounts and his stake in several racehorses.

One client lost $1.2 million from her Commonwealth Bank account, while the trustee of a superannuation fund had $1 million misappropriated from a Macquarie Bank account, according to the Supreme Court writ filed on June 16 last year.
Exactly how the killers found him has not been established, though two senior Ukrainian officials said he had reached out to a former girlfriend, still in Russia, and invited her to come see him in Spain. This was a grave mistake, one of the officials said. Russian defector Maksim Kuzminov flew a military helicopter into Ukraine. Credit: AP A dog gets a dogs death. Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president Senior police officials speaking on the condition of anonymity said the killing bore hallmarks of similar attacks linked to the Kremlin, including the assassination of a former Chechen rebel commander in Berlin in 2019 and the poisoning of former Russian military intelligence operative Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England, in 2018. Skripal survived.

The two hooded killers who appeared on surveillance camera footage from the parking garage of Kuzminovs apartment complex were clearly professionals who carried out their mission and quickly disappeared, police officials said. Loading It is not common here in Spain for someone to be shot with a lot of ammunition, said Chief Pepe Alvarez of the Villajoyosa Police Department. These are indications that point to organised crime, to a criminal organisation, to professionals. While no evidence of direct Kremlin involvement has emerged, Russia had made no secret of its desire to see Kuzminov dead. Weeks after his defection, the Kremlins signature Sunday evening news program ran a segment quoting fellow pilots and commandos from Russias military intelligence service vowing revenge. Well find this person and punish him, with all the severity of our countrys laws, for treason and for betraying his brothers, said one of the commandos, who was not identified. We find everyone eventually. Our arms are long.

How Ukraine gets defectors out The defection of Kuzminov was a coup for Ukraine, orchestrated by a covert unit in the HUR, Ukraines militarys intelligence arm. The unit specialises in recruiting Russian fighters and running agents on Russian territory to carry out sabotage missions. Some soldiers from the unit have received specialised training from the CIA on operating in hostile environments. While the unit had been able to persuade individual Russians and sometimes small groups of soldiers to defect, Kuzminovs daring flight  and the high value of what he delivered  was unprecedented, said a senior Ukrainian official with knowledge of the operation. Russian helicopter pilot Maxim Kuzminov (right) at press conference in September 2023 with two Ukrainian military personnel after defecting. Credit: Getty In the early evening of August 9, 2023, Kuzminov took off in a military helicopter from an airfield in the Kursk region in western Russia for what was supposed to be a simple cargo delivery to another base in the country. With him in the cockpit were a technician named Nikita Kiryanov and a navigator, Khushbakht Tursunov. Neither soldier appeared to be aware of Kuzminovs plans.

Shortly after take-off, Kuzminov turned off the helicopters radio communications equipment and dove to an altitude of just under 20 feet to evade radar. Then he crossed into Ukraine. In interviews with Ukrainian news media, Kuzminov was coy about what happened next. He said only that he had landed the helicopter at a prearranged rendezvous point in the Kharkiv region, just over 16 kilometres from the border, where he was met by HUR commandos. Everything went well, he said in one interview. The reality is more complicated. When he crossed into the country, Kuzminov surprised a group of Ukrainian fighters, who opened fire, according to another senior Ukrainian official. In the confusion, Kuzminov was shot in the leg. What happened to his crewmates is less clear. A Russian television report about them, citing a medical examiner, claimed that the two had been shot and killed at close range and suggested that Kuzminov had killed them before landing. The senior Ukrainian official involved in the operation said this was not true.

Our soldiers shot them, the official said. Otherwise, they would have killed Kuzminov and could have escaped in that helicopter. Loading In interviews, Kuzminov said his crewmates were unarmed but never explained how they died. The HUR clearly considered the mission a major success. Shortly afterward, General Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraines military intelligence chief, announced that the operation would give confidence to other Russian soldiers who were considering defection. The intelligence agency even produced a documentary film about the operation to showcase its triumph. Kuzminov went on a media tour, holding a news conference, giving interviews denouncing Russias war and calling on others to follow his example.

You wont regret it, he said in the documentary. Youll be taken care of for the rest of your life. The Ukrainian government paid Kuzminov $US500,000 ($765,000) and provided him a Ukrainian passport and a fake name: Ihor Shevchenko. They also offered him a chance to join them in fighting Russia. Instead, Kuzminov left Ukraine in October and drove to Villajoyosa, a small town on the Mediterranean coast popular with British and Eastern European tourists. There, he settled on the ninth floor of a modest apartment building about a 10-minute walk from the beach. It was a curious choice for someone so explicitly targeted by Russian authorities for liquidation. The region is a well-known base of operation for Russian organised crime figures, some of whom maintain ties to the countrys intelligence services, Spanish authorities say. How the killing went down

On the morning of February 13, a white Hyundai Tucson entered the garage under Kuzminovs apartment building and parked in an empty spot between the elevators used by residents and the ramp leading to the street. Two men waited there for several hours, according to the senior Guardia Civil official. About 4.20pm, Kuzminov drove into the garage, parked and began walking toward the elevators. As he passed in front of the white Hyundai, the two assailants emerged, called out to him and opened fire. Although he was struck by six bullets, most of them in the torso, Kuzminov managed to sprint a short distance before collapsing on the ramp. The two killers got back into the car and ran over Kuzminovs body on their way out. The vehicle was found a few miles away, burned with the help of what investigators believe was a special accelerant. It took specialists a week to identify the make and model of the car and establish that it had been stolen  two days before the killing  in Murcia, a town about an hour away. A special unit in the Guardia Civil is carrying out the investigation under strict secrecy rules. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that Kuzminov was the person killed.

Theyre everywhere Among the community of Russian and Ukrainian expatriates living in Villajoyosa, there was no question of who was behind the death. Loading Everyone thinks the services took him out, said Ivan, 31, who fled his home city, Kherson, Ukraine, at the start of the war. Theyre everywhere. Spains annual report on national security threats, published this month, said Russia had revamped its intelligence operations in the country after the expulsion of 27 Russian diplomats over the war in Ukraine. Although fewer in number, the report said, Russian spies continued to seek out ways to destabilise Spains support for NATO.

In the past, Russian officials have twisted themselves into knots trying to obfuscate the Kremlins connection to various assassinations around Europe, often in the face of clear evidence of state involvement. Kuzminovs case is different. Senior Russian officials spoke of his death with barely disguised glee. This traitor and criminal became a moral corpse the moment he planned his dirty and terrible crime, said Sergei Naryshkin, the director of Russias foreign intelligence service. Loading Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now the deputy chair of the countrys security council, said: A dog gets a dogs death. In contrast with the great fanfare that accompanied Kuzminovs defection, Ukrainian authorities have been mostly quiet about the killing. Senior officials worry that it could dissuade others from following his example.
What do a letter Martin Van Buren wrote to Queen Victoria, a telegram from Harpo Marx to John F. Kennedy, and an inventory of Eva Braun's possessions seized by the Allies have in common? Alex Smith has transcribed all of them.

As a citizen archivist for the National Archives and Records Administration, Smith is one of thousands of volunteers helping transcribe millions of digitized files so that their text is searchable in the administration's online catalog.

A pension application of the widow of William Graham, a veteran who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the documents included in a current citizen archivist transcription mission.

About six months before Smith, 70, was set to retire eight years ago from his position at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, he came across a news article about the volunteer opportunity.

A graduate of Bowdoin College with an English degree and a penchant for history, he immediately settled on the program as a way to occupy his free time.

"I had been thinking about what it was after I had retired that I was going to do to give some structure and some passion to my life, and I thought this is perfect," he said.

A pension application of Samuel Odiorne, a sloop ranger who served in the 18th century, among NARA's collection of revolutionary war veteran pension applications.

The catalog holds descriptions of the archive's holdings researchers can use to locate files, but a computer can't always pick up the text within the files, Suzanne Isaacs, the archives' catalog community manager, told USA TODAY.

That's where citizen archivists come in: Their transcriptions of the documents make every word of the text searchable. "It unlocks history, and then it's available to the world," Isaacs said.

Archivists also use software that picks up images of text, called optical character recognition, but humans are still better at parsing old documents.

"We have so many different kinds of records over the course of a few centuries," Isaacs said. "They're odd sizes, they're folded, they're torn, ink bleeds through. Some are handwritten and gorgeous, and some are handwritten and it looks like chicken scratch. So we find that humans are just better, at this point, at being able to decipher what's said."

The program started in 2016, about five years after the archives started to add features to the catalog that allowed users to comment or transcribe the files.

Isaacs said the catalog holds 270 million digitized files, still a fraction of the 15 billion items held by the National Archives. "We're ramping up and getting more and more things in the catalog all the time," Isaacs said.

By 2026, the catalog is on track to hold half a billion files  which means more volunteers will be needed to help transcribe the documents.

Isaacs said the program is wide open to new volunteers, and those interested should visit the citizen archivist page on the National Archives website.

"We are constantly recruiting," she said. "Our work never stops."

More: Why presidential records are quickly becoming the 'dark archives' of America's past

A backstage pass to history

In more than eight years volunteering, Smith has transcribed more than 100,000 pages of files across hundreds of years of history.

In 2017, Smith traveled to the nation's capital, where he was awarded the Citizen Archivist award by then-Archivist of the United States David Ferriero. It was Smith's first visit to the National Archives building.

Smith savors the peek behind the curtain of history he gets from the files, which are as diverse as safety guidelines sent to soldiers during the 1918 influenza pandemic and bankruptcy records of the famous Wild West showman Buffalo Bill Cody. "I learned it cost a dollar a night to stable a camel at that point," he said of the latter.

Sometime, the documents reveal hidden connections between historical events, like one Smith came across while transcribing insurance claims for the Titanic. The claims included transcripts of interviews with other sea captains meant to prove how the doomed ocean liner had violated safety norms. The name of one interviewee  Capt. William Thomas Turner  jumped out to Smith immediately.

"'We understand you have to finish this today because you're sailing tomorrow,'" the interviewers asked, according to the document Smith transcribed. "They said, 'Oh, and what ship are you captaining?' And he said, 'The Lusitania'"  a name now synonymous with disaster after a German torpedo sank it soon after in May 1915.

"It was indeed the trip in which it was sunk, and the poor man had been saying things like, 'Well, I don't really know how long it would take under normal circumstances to lower a lifeboat.' And I thought, well, you've got to find out in a few days," Smith said.

Smith has been amazed by the hidden angles of major historical events the documents illuminate. "I hadn't known much about the immediate aftermath of World War II, and there are fascinating documents on the displaced persons who were trying to get out of Switzerland, or China, wherever it was," Smith said. "Their stories are made very vivid. It's wrenching."

Some documents have a humanizing effect on well-known historical figures. Smith recalled an account from former Secretary of State Dean Acheson of an incident when then-President Harry S. Truman demanded the recall of the Russian ambassador for being rude to his wife, Bess Truman. "The Secretary of State said it took the combined efforts of the secretary, one of Truman's closest aides, and Mrs. Truman herself to try to talk Truman out of it," Smith said. "And finally, Truman said: 'That's it. I can't compete with all of you.'"

Once, while going through telegrams sent to Kennedy to congratulate him on his Democratic nomination for president, Smith found a telegram from the silent comedian Harpo Marx that asked, "'Do you need a harp player in your cabinet?'"

Smith has come across other humorous tidbits, like one from the court testimony of Kathryn Kelly, the wife of George Kelly Barnes, better known as Machine Gun Kelly, the infamous Prohibition-era gangster.

"She was a very inept liar," Smith said. "At one point, the prosecutor had gotten her to say that she was afraid of her husband, and anything she did, she did because she was afraid of him." Asked why she bought her husband the machine gun that became his favorite weapon, Smith read that Kathryn Kelly said, "'Well, I thought he was dangerous, but I didn't think he was going to be dangerous with the machine gun.'"

More: These new museums (and more) are changing the way Black history is told across America

'You never know what you're going to find'

Citizen archivists can work from anywhere  all they need is a computer. "We only ask for a page at a time," Isaacs said.

The flexibility is a factor that attracted Smith to the program. "It's entirely in your hands. You can do it at any time of day or night," he said. "I've had insomnia periodically and thought fine, I'm going to go in and transcribe whatever I was working on earlier in the day."

Although citizen archivists can pick their own documents to transcribe, the amount of material can seem overwhelming. "We create missions, which are topical subject areas, or very specific records about maybe a holiday or a celebration or a historic event," Isaacs said. Some missions available on the program's website now include World War II oral histories, records related to the Chinese Exclusion Era, and UFO-related records.

The catalog also recently announced a new mission in collaboration with the National Park Service ahead of America's 250th birthday to transcribe the pension files of Revolutionary War soldiers. "Something you transcribe could be used in an interpretation tour by a park ranger at a battlefield," Isaacs said.

Smith has participated in the missions, but he also enjoys coming across topics that pique his interest, or even searching for random keywords to see what pops up. "I enjoy just tossing a word in the search engine at random, something that doesn't have an obvious tie, like 'bakery,' or 'emerald,' or whatever comes to mind," he said.

"You never know what you're going to find. It just really is very fulfilling, and I've learned a lot."

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Archives recruits volunteers to read rare historical files
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed Monday that a U.S. official had symptoms consistent with Havana syndrome during a 2023 NATO conference, confirming one part of an extensive 60 Minutes investigation into the illness that aired that night before.

I can confirm that a senior DoD official experienced symptoms similar to those reported in anomalous health incidents, deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters when asked about the possible Havana syndrome attack in Vilnius, Lithuania. She said the unnamed official was at the NATO conference attending meetings, but was not part of Secretary Lloyd Austins delegation.

60 Minutes Links Havana Syndrome Victim to Alleged Russian Spy

Singh did not confirm any details on a number of other suspected attacks mentioned in the 60 Minutes special.

All I can share is that when it came to that particular 60 Minutes piece, just the DoD official that was impacted in Vilnius, but thats it, she said.

The 60 Minutes special drew links between the mysterious incidents and Russia, and included an interview with Greg Edgreen, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who formerly ran the Pentagons investigation into Havana syndrome.

Edgreen told the program that the attacks, which include sudden headaches and ear pain, seemed to be targeting officials whose work related to Russia.

That claim is at odds with the general consensus of the intelligence community, which has deemed it unlikely that the illnesses are the work of a foreign government.

A pair of National Institute of Health studies released last month determined that the dozens of U.S. government employees experiencing symptoms presented no clear evidence of brain injury.

Instead, they attributed the incidents to preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors, among other things.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A woman places a drawing at a makeshift memorial in front of the burnt-out Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow (AFP via Getty Images)

Russias top security agency has broken up what it called a terrorist cell linked to the Moscow concert hall massacre.

The Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, said it detained four members in the southern Russian province of Dagestan.

Agents alleged that the suspects were involved in channelling funds and providing weapons to the gunmen who attacked the Crocus City venue on March 22, killing 144 people in the deadliest attack on Russian soil in two decades.

In a statement, the FSB said: The detained militants directly participated in financing the perpetrators of the March 22 terror attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow and providing them with terror means.

It said one of the suspects detained in Dagestan had confessed to personally bringing weapons to the Moscow gunmen.

The FSB released a video showing one of the men saying that they also planned an attack in the city of Kaspiysk in Dagestan. It wasnt clear whether the two confessions came from the same person.

The agency said the suspects are foreign nationals, without specifying their nationality.

The alleged attackers arrested hours after the raid are citizens of the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan.

The detention of four suspects in Dagestan follows the arrest of the four suspected gunmen and seven others who were accused of involvement in the attack.

An affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that radical Islamists conducted the raid, but alleged - without providing evidence - that Ukraine and the West were involved, despite Kyivs vehement denials.
48.81 % 16 major dams of Nagpur division have highest water stock availability in State





Staff Reporter

the 16 major dams of Nagpur division have a total of 2,529.73 Mcum(Million Cubic Metres) live water storage whereas the total designed storage of these dams is 4,302.42 Mcum, according to the Water Resource Department of Government of Maharashtra. With this live storage, Nagpur division has 48.81% of stock. Last year, on this date, the water storage in these dams was just 20.55 per cent which is now more than double. However, with highest water stock available in 16 major dams of Nagpur division, water shortage in many villages in the division looms large this summer season. Like every year, this year also, the administration is concerned about providing water for irrigation in every corner of the division. The evaporation factor is also a big challenge for the administration amidst scorching summer months. Dams in Amravati division have the second highest water storage in the State with 45.44 per cent. Out of 2,953.88 Mcum designed storage, Amravati division has 1,647.78 Mcum live water storage as of today. Last year, the Amravati division had 55.38 per cent water stock which is now reduced by almost 10 per cent this year.





Konkan division, which witnessed the highest rainfall in Maharashtra, has 44.75 per cent water storage in its dams which is third in the list. Last year Konkan had 47.40% stock which was higher than this year. Nashik (39.33%) and Pune (36.69%) are on fourth and fifth place in the list whereas Aurangabad division has the lowest, 21.52 per cent, water storage in its reservoirs. Nashik, Pune and Aurangabad divisions had more water stock last year and this year, it has reduced. The total designed water storage of dams in Aurangabad division is 5,938.86 Mcum, of which, 2,361.37 Mcum live water is available in the division. The overall scenario of water stock in major dams of Maharashtra this year is 37.55 per cent which is less water stock than the previous year (45.54%).
Advanis life full of sacrifice, tenacity, dedication: Amit Shah





NEW DELHI,

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani remained selflessly dedicated to national welfare and social upliftment throughout his life. Expressing happiness over the BJP patriarch being conferred with Bharat Ratna, Shah also said that Advanis life is full of sacrifice, tenacity and dedication and is an unlimited source of strength and inspiration to crores of people.

Today, being a witness to this historical moment, I am both happy and emotional. Honourable Shri LK Advani being honoured with Bharat Ratna by Honourable President Smt Droupadi Murmu is a proud moment for all of us. Advani remained selflessly dedicated to national welfare and social upliftment throughout his life, he wrote on X in Hindi.

President Murmu conferred Bharat Ratna, the countrys highest civilian honour, on Advani at his residence here on Sunday.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Shah and the family members of Advani among others. This year, the Government announced five Bharat Ratna awards -- one to Advani and four posthumously to former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan and two-time former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Rao, Singh, Swaminathan and Thakurs kin received the award from the President on Saturday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
BSPs calculated move in Mp





By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla

Despite drawing a blank in Assembly elections, BSP is moving forward in the State. Maintaining equidistant from both the main parties Congress and BJP, Bahujan Samaj Party has announced to go solo in upcoming general elections and fielded 17 candidates in the State. Some of the districts of the State neighbouring Uttar Pradesh have been influenced by BSP. The BSP split votes in most seats during Assembly elections, while a few independents and the GGP too eased the BJPs victory. Irrespective of the fact that the BSP failed to open its account in the State. In upcoming elections, the party may dent prospects of Opposition and facilitate a comfortable win for the ruling party as political experts opined. Despite the fact that some of its key leaders from the State have moved towards saffron fold and joined the latter. For instance, former Lok Sabha member Ramlakhan Singh of the BSP, ex-Congress MLA Neelesh Awasthi, former legislator and Congressman Ajay Yadav, among others, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a series of induction of leaders from rival parties ahead of Loksabha Elections.

On other hand, former MP Budh Sen Patel, ex-BJP MLA Narayan Tripathi and Congress member Laxman Ahirwar joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) recently. Tripathi, a Brahmin leader from Vindh, lost the assembly polls from Maihar seat in Satna district last year. Laxman Ahirwar is the son of late Nathuram Ahirwar, who was the Congress MP from Khajuraho seat from 1966 to 1977 and had also been a minister in the state. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BSP failed to open its account. The confidence of party leaves questions whether the party will be kingmaker, spoiler, or simply an also-ran in the state. Despite the fact that the BSP polled 5.01% votes and won two seats in 2018 and in next elections 2023, it couldnt win even a single seat in an election held hardly three months ago. Ignoring this utter failure, the Party is planning to field more candidates. Even Party Supremo Mayawati has planned the election campaign in the State.

Mayawati has planned the assembly election campaign in the state. In April, Mayawati will address a Public Meeting in Satana in support of the BSP candidate. On April 28, She will be in Morena Constituency of Chambal region. It has heated up political temperature in bordering states. Notably, districts sharing a border with UP conspicuous presence of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party cannot be ignored. In Khajuraho seat, Samajwadi Party is going to give a fight to BJP as Congress has left the seat for the SP under the seat sharing agreement. From This seat, BJP has repeated its Candidate and State Party President V D Sharma.
Cong callously gave away Katchatheevu island to Lanka: PM Modi





NEW DELHI,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cited a media report to assert that new facts reveal that the Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. Eye opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in peoples minds- we cant ever trust Congress, he said on X, sharing the report. Modi added, Weakening Indias unity, integrity and interests has been Congress way of working for 75 years and counting. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took a swipe at the Congress, saying these facts should concern every citizen. He said on X, It is important that people know the full truth about our past. The facts brought out by the article should concern every citizen, he added.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that the decision of the then Congress Government at the Centre has led to the capture and imprisonment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Lankans as they at times wander to the island, which is only 25 km off their States coast, and are arrested. The island was with India till 1975, he said. Tamil Nadu fishermen used to go there earlier but the agreement India signed with Lanka under the Indira Gandhi Government barred them from doing so, he added. Unfortunately, neither the DMK nor the Congress is raising the issue but Modi is due to his commitment to the issues pertaining to the country and its people, he said.

The BJP is hopeful that the issue will come handy to its efforts to gain political traction in the Dravidian territory as it gears up for the Lok Sabha polls, more so as it involves the neighbouring Sri Lanka whose treatment of its Tamilian citizens has long been a charged political issue in the State. The report is based on a RTI reply Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai received on the decision of the then Indira Gandhi Government in 1974 to hand over the territory in Palk Strait to the neighbouring country. The report also cites first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus comments on the issue, a source of dispute between India and Lanka, that he would have no hesitation in giving up claims on the island. In a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Trivedi asked as to why he is keeping mum on the issue and that he should tell people that not only his party but his family too is responsible for this.
Congress takes on crowd funding campaign BJP says bid to divert attention from tax evasion





By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla

To oppose freezing of bank accounts, State Congress has carried forward All India Congress Committees One Vote One Note programme (Ek Note, Ek Vote), campaign in teh State capital on Sunday. Pradesh Congress Committee members are reaching out to people with this slogan. Congress State President Jitu Patwari and Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Arun Srivastava took to streets for crowd funding. On the other hand, BJP called it Congress attempt to divert attention from tax evasion. BJP State President and MP V D Sharma alleged that the Congress is crying foul. He demanded former Chief Minister and PCC Chief Kamal Nath to respond on this issue. Kamal Nath should respond to allegations of business in the name of charity. From Congress office to Kamal Naths residence, everyone is involved in corruption. Congress is spreading confusion, bank accounts are not frozen, only liabilities are banned. Congress used to spend on luxuries while BJP believes to serve the country, he said. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi assures the 140 crore people of the country that every penny of their blood and sweat is dedicated to the country, the new corruption of the corrupt Congress and INDIA alliance is coming in front of public.

Congress not only evaded taxes but also carried out many scams in the country from 2004 to 2014. But during the governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, law is fair enough for everyone. If anyone violates norms, he/she will have to face stern action and have to follow the law of the country. Slamming Congress, he further said Kamal Naths role in the Income Tax Department investigation is under question and his involvement in tax evasion is now surfacing. Reports going on in the media are also putting Kamal Nath under scanner. In such a situation, Kamal Nath should share details of donation business to public. Notably, after freezing the accounts of Congress, now Congress has started One Vote-One Note for crowd funding in MP. Under this campaign, Congress will now seek financial support from common people. Congress and Kamal Nath are now getting trapped in their own trap.

Congress had earlier said that a notice of Rs 200 crore has been received.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are now telling that they have received a tax notice of Rs 1800 crore from the Income Tax Department. Sharma said that the Income Tax Department had searched several places in Madhya Pradesh in April 2019, when cash receipts pertaining to two companies were found. In which one company gave cash in exchange for contracts, while the other company was said to be close to Kamal Nath which had given cash amounting to crores to Congress. Corruptionnath (jibe on Kamal Nath) should tell the world who are those close to him? The cash recovered from Kamal Naths associates was linked to a major alleged corruption scam in the State. Kamal Nath, who cheated the people of Chhindwara, people of Madhya Pradesh should also tell about this scam. The investigating agencies have also exposed fraud of crores of rupees from Kamal Naths official residence to AICC office. Why Kamal Nath and Patwari are silent on this issue. Congress is merely spreading confusion among the public regarding freezing of accounts.

State President Sharma said that for every political party in the country, its income is only donations received by it, but to get exemption on this income, every party has to fulfill the conditions of Income Tax Act 13 (A). According to the Income Tax Department, Congress has violated Act 13(A) in the assessment year 2018-19. After which many notices were given, but Congress ignored these notices. Reacting to BJPs allegations, PCC President Jitu Patwari said that our accounts have been frozen by the BJP Government through Income Tax. Innocent leaders and Chief Ministers of our India alliance are being sent to jail. We are running One Vote-One Note campaign to inform people about the dictatorship of the Government. This campaign is to save India, to secure democracy and to ensure that the Constitution is followed. Here on demonetisation he said that by demonetisation they collected billions of rupees. During the One Vote One Note programme organised under the leadership of dstrict Congress Committee Bhopal (City) President Praveen Saxena, District Congress Committee Bhopal (Rural) President Anokhi Patel, a large number of people from nearby locality and outlets gathered in New Market.
Fiscal 2023-24 ends.. with heavy rush at Govt offices





By Ankita Garg

As it was the last day of March 2024, people thronged Government offices to pay taxes, bills and other financial transactions. Office of the sub-registrar, LIC, banks, Electricity Department, RTO offices, ward office and other transaction windows remained busy till late night on Sunday. To ease the rush and for convenience of public, most of the Government offices remained open for three days Friday, Saturday and Sunday that was earlier noted as holiday. With the beginning of financial year 2024-25, price of various items are being revised with marginal hike. At the same time there are also a few product and service that have saw a decline in terms of sale price. Even LIC, post office and Mutual Fund offices saw big line of customers seeking various changes in documents and transaction related task. Property price in Bhopal saw average 7.19 % hike while toll tax for four-wheelers on four National Highways and six state highway routes will see a hike up to 7.5 per cent from April 1. Private bus operators and autos in city have also revised the fare. Fuel charges were earlier slashed by Rs 2 per litre on March 15 that brought some relief to citizens. If we talk about LPG cylinder, it saw a steep Rs 100 per cylinder on March 8.

Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) ward office also remained open on Sunday where many people visited to complete the dues. People paid their taxes and other financial task in financial year 2023-24. Sub-registrar offices remained open till 12 midnight: As per Collectors guidelines, property price at 1,443 locations in Bhopal are set to swell on average 7.19% from April 1. People who were already done with their deals to purchase any property preferred complete the registration in order to prevent higher stamp duty charges. For three days March 29 to 31, record break number of people confirmed registry of their documents at sub-registrar office. On an average 350 to 380 properties were being registered every day in Bhopal for past one week. Adding fuel to the fire, registrar office server got down and people continue to line up. On Sunday, registrar office continued the regular working till 12 midnight and more than 600 people got their documents registered.
Gaza starves as US cuts funding to UNRWA





By C.J. Atkins

JUST two days before instructing his United Nations ambassador to abstain and allow a Security Council ceasefire resolution to pass, President Joe Biden signed a budget package that permanently cut all funding for UNRWAthe organization responsible for distributing most food, water, and shelter aid in Gazaand simultaneously approved $3.8 billion of fresh cash for the Israeli government. Now, a week later, the U.N. says that famine is becoming a reality in the territory as Israels war grinds on and food supplies dwindle. Some leaders conclude its already happening. Josep Borrell, the EUs foreign policy chief, said, Starvation is used as a weapon of war. He went on to ask, By whom? before answering: Lets dare to say by whom. By the one that prevents humanitarian support from entering into Gaza. Israel is provoking famine. According to a report from Al Jazeera journalists who followed several families in Gaza this week, many people are fortunate if theyre able to consume 300 calories per day. Canned cheese, a few beans, a chunk of a tomato, and makeshift bread baked from flour or whatever flour substitute can be foundthese are meals of the lucky ones in Gaza. On many days, some families literally have nothing to eatzero calories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends 2,000 calories per day for healthy adults.

UNRWAthe United Nations Relief Works Agencyis heavily reliant on US funding; Washington provided $343 million in 2022. So, combined with Israels blocking of almost all entry points into Gaza, experts expect the US action to make the situation on the ground in Gaza even worse. The bill that Biden signed was a bipartisan funding deal crafted to avoid a US government shutdown last week. Republicans inserted the provision banning funds for UNRWA, but other than a few progressive lawmakers, most Democratsand the White Houseaccepted the bill without reservation. Biden affixed his signature to the bargain as soon as it hit his desk. This is how genocide is legislated, the Bay Area chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace said in response. Budgets are moral documents, and this one is murderous. The bill extends the temporary halt on UNRWA funding issued in January for at least the rest of the fiscal year. Transfers to UNRWA were stopped after the Israeli government accused approximately a dozen agency employees of participating in the Oct. 7 attacks carried out by Hamas.

To date, Israel has provided little if any solid proof of its accusations, and an internal UNRWA report in February alleged that several of its staff members had been tortured and coerced by Israeli troops into admitting supposed links to Hamas. The Israeli government has long sought to undermine the legitimacy of UNRWA, stretching all the way back to 1949 when the organization was founded to help Palestinians whod been expelled from their homes and land to make way for the founding of a Jewish state. Netanyahus cabinet was also angered recently when UNRWAs reports were used as evidence in the genocide case brought before the International Court of Justice by South Africa. The Israeli Defense Forces declared earlier in March that it plans to unilaterally destroy UNRWA throughout the occupied territories.

With the accusations of Hamas collaboration being proved essentially baselessonly nine out of 13,000+ UNRWA staff in Palestine have been dismissed after a U.N. investigationalmost every country that joined the US pause has resumed funding the aid group, including the European Union, Canada, Britain, Australia, Sweden, Finland, and Japan. Most nations not in the sphere of US imperialism never cut the funds they provide to UNRWA, a list that includes China, Vietnam, Russia, and others. Ceasefire activists and progressives here in the US, meanwhile, remain critical of the diplomatic dance Biden continues to do when it comes to the carnage in Gaza. Iman Abid, an organizer with USCPR, said: President Biden has worsened forced starvation in Gaza by cutting off funding to UNRWA. Palestinian families have been forced to make meals with grass or animal feed to survive. Newborn babies are so weak and exhausted from malnutrition that they do not even have the energy to cry. Leaders in the Palestinian-American community are encouraging demonstrators to add increased food aid and the restoration of funding to UNRWA to the demands they make at rallies and in contacts with members of Congress. (IPA)
HONOURING DOYEN OF INDIAN POLITICS President confers Bharat Ratna on L K Advani at his residence





NEW DELHI :

PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu conferred Bharat Ratna, the countrys highest civilian honour, on BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani at his residence here on Sunday. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and the family members of Advani, the Rashtrapati Bhawan said in a post on X. Prime Minister Modi sat next to Advani as the President honoured the veteran leader with Bharat Ratna. Modi said on X that it was very special to witness the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on Advani and this honour is a recognition of his enduring contributions to the nations progress. His dedication to public service and his pivotal role in shaping modern India have left an indelible mark on our history.

I am proud to have got the opportunity to work with him very closely over the last several decades, the Prime Minister said. The Rashtrapati Bhawan described Advani as a doyen of Indian politics and said that he has served the nation with unwavering dedication and distinction for over seven decades. As a parliamentarian, his emphasis on dialogue enriched parliamentary traditions, it said. Whether as Home Minister or as Deputy Prime Minister, Advani always prioritised national interest above all, earning him respect and admiration from across party lines, it said in a series of posts on X.

His long and tireless struggle for Indias cultural regeneration culminated in the reconstruction of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024, it said. Among the handful of post-Independence political leaders who succeeded in reshaping the national agenda and placing it on the path of development, Advanis accomplishments provide the best articulation of the genius of India and its inclusive traditions, the Rashtrapati Bhawan said and shared pictures of the ceremony on X. Born in Karachi (now in Pakistan) in 1927, Advani migrated to India in 1947 during Partition. The 96-year-old BJP stalwart served as Deputy Prime Minister from June 2002 to May 2004 and as Union Home Minister from October 1999 to May 2004.
Hurray! Cheetah cub born in Kuno turns one





By Ankita Garg

Indias first born cheetah cub at Kuno National Park, Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh has turned one year old. The captive born and human reared cheetah cub has been tagged as Mukhi. Mukhi is litter of Namibian cheetah Jawala that rejected the cub soon after the death of three siblings amid the scorching heat of May 2023. The cub was rescued by the forest team in critical condition and it was a touch challenge for the team to keep the cub alive. Cheetah Jwala had delivered four cubs in March 2023 and three of them died of heat stroke and dehydration. The four cubs was abandoned by mother in critical condition, made the forest team literally bleak.

Chief Conservator of Forest Uttam Sharma said, This is an achievement for us to keep the critical cub surviving for one year. The cub was very weak and dehydrated. Now he has gained survival rate and all possible efforts will be made to provide safety to the cats in Kuno periphery. He further said when Mukhi was rescued, he was just two months old and not feeding well. The team kept the cub in intensive care unit for 24X7 monitoring. He was offered goat milk and it was specially arranges to keep besides the cub for regular supply of milk. Health condition of the cheetah cub was not well as he was suffering from heat stroke.

He said, on May 14, all the four cubs of Jwala were healthy and after that mercury started soaring in Kuno and day temperature settled at 47 degree Celsius. On May 23, first cub of the cheetah was died and then on May 25, two cubs died. Now the park is left with only one cheetah cub who is now one year old. Experts suggested us that goat milk is the best immunity booster along with sufficient iron, vitamin, calcium, potassium, phosphorous and other essential nutrition, added CCF Uttam Sharma. He further informed that birthday celebration was organised in Kuno National Park to mark the achievement.
Man cheated ofRs 3.9 lakh on pretext ofdoubling money





Staff Reporter

BHILAI,

A MAN was cheated of Rs 3.9 lakh on pretext of doubling money in the online fraud in Sector-10, Bhilai. In the case Bhilai Nagar police have registered the cheating crime and are further investigating in coordination with Anti Cyber Crime Unit (ACCU) sleuths. Police sources informed that in his complaint the victim G Venugopal of Street-30, Sector-10, Bhilai alleged that unidentified cheaters relieved him of Rs 3.9 lakh on pretext of doubling money through online trading. The police said that in the case the victim G Venugopal was tempted with the offer of doubling money by unidentified callers who contacted him over phone and persuaded him for downloading Mobile App TR.PRICE.IN and received sum of money in 16 installments in various bank accounts during February 26 to March 6 this year.

The victim alleged that they later blocked his account with giving meager returns of Rs 10,108.37 against the investment. Acting into the matter the police have registered the offence against unidentified accused under section 420 of Indian Penal Code and are further investigating. Rajkumar Lahre, Station House Officer, Bhilai Nagar Police Station informed that the police have already registered the offence and tracking unidentified criminals in coordination with ACCU. He appealed people to not to succumb to such offers and schemes stating that fraudsters are all the time active at cyber space and keep preying people with evolving new modus operandi and fraud tactics.
No Bail On Abusing Position







By Adv. R. S. Agrawal

IN THE judgment of the case - Amit Maurya alias Amit Kumar Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh , delivered on March 13, 2024, Justice (Mrs) Manju Rani Chauhan, at the Allahabad High Court, has declared quite emphatically that it is clear that the individual in question has failed to uphold the ethical standards expected of journalists. Instead of serving the public interest, they have chosen to prioritize their own personal gain at the expense of journalistic integrity and personal values. Therefore, considering the gravity of these allegations, there is no justification for granting bail to an individual, who has so blatantly abused their position of trust and influence. The Court has stated that Firstly, it is imperative to address the principles that if someone is engaged in corrupt practices, the appropriate course of action is to bring forth information to the public domain, allowing for transparency and accountability to prevail. It is the duty of the journalists and publishers to disseminate factual information to the public, empowering them to make informed decisions. However, it is entirely unacceptable for publishers to exploit their platform for their personal gain, resorting to coercive tactics under the guise of publication. The act of leveraging publication as a tool for coercion, not only undermines the integrity of journalism but also erodes public trust in the media, which plays a pivotal role in upholding democratic values.

It is crucial to score the fundamental principle that in the event of someone being involved in corrupt activities, the proper course of action entails bringing this information to light in the public domain. This serves to uphold transparency and accountability within society, essential pillars of a functioning democracy. It is the solemn duty of journalists and publishers to disseminate factual and accurate information to the public, thereby empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their governance and societal matters. However, it is utterly reprehensible for publishers to misuse their platform for personal gain, resorting to coercive tactics disguised as legitimate publication endeavors. Exploiting ones position in the media landscape to extract benefits or coerce individuals through threats tarnishes the integrity of journalism. Such actions not only betray the trust bestowed upon the media by the public but also undermine the very essence of democratic principles. When publishers resort to leveraging their platform as tools for extortion, they not only betray the trust of their audience but also jeopardize the foundational values of journalism, which include impartiality, integrity and commitment to the truth. By engaging in such unethical practices, they erode public confidence in the media, which serves as a crucial watchdog in safeguarding democratic norms and institutions. In essence, the misuse of publication for personal gain not only corrodes the credibility of journalism but also undermines the democratic fabric of the society.

The medias role as a guardian of truth and accountability is essential in ensuring the health and vitality of democracy. Therefore, it is imperative that publishers adhere to ethical standards and refrain from exploiting their platform for illicit purposes, thereby upholding the integrity of journalism and preserving public trust in the media as a cornerstone of democratic governance. Secondly, the use of personal remarks and abusive language against any individual, particularly public figures such as the Prime Minister or Chief Minister, is reprehensible and antithetical to the principles of civil discourse. In a democratic society, dissent and criticism are essential components of robust governance, but they must be expressed in a manner that upholds dignity and respect for all individuals. Resorting to derogatory language and personal attacks serves no constructive purpose and only serves to inflame tensions and undermine the fabric of the civil society. Though the dissent serves as a catalyst for critical reflection and course correction, prompting policymakers to reconsider decisions in light of public feedback. However, when dissent devolves into an ad hominem attacks and character assassination, it detracts from the substantive issues at hand and impedes the pursuit of common goals for the betterment of society.

Moreover, resorting to abusive language and personal remarks not only undermines the dignity of the individuals targeted but also sets a harmful precedent for future discourse. Thirdly, it is crucial to draw a clear distinction between legitimate dissent with the government and constructive criticism, and the propagation of abusive language and hatred. In a democracy citizens have the right to express dissent and engage in constructive criticism of government policies and actions. However, this must be done within the bounds of civility and respect for democratic institutions. Resorting to inflammatory language and spreading hatred only serves to sow discord and undermine the Foundations of democracy. However, this right to dissent comes with a responsibility to exercise it in a manner consistent with the norms of civil discourse. On the other hand, the propagation of abusive language and hatred represents a stark departure from the principles of democratic discourse. When dissent descends into vitriol and personal attacks, it ceases to contribute constructively to public discourse and instead fosters division and animosity.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon all members of society including journalists, activists and public officials to uphold the principles of civil discourse and reject the proliferation of abusive language and hatred. By promoting a culture of civility and respect, all concerned can safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions and advance the collective well-being of society. Fourthly, it is essential to acknowledge and uphold the secular principles upon which our nation is founded. Religious sentiments hold immense significance for millions of citizens. Publishers and journalists, as purveyors of information and opinion, wield significant influence in shaping public discourse and perceptions. Making baseless statements or passing derogatory remarks on religious figures or practices not only constitutes the misuse of their power but also poses a direct threat to the fabric of our secular democracy. Fifthly, it is apparent from the allegations in this case, that the individual in question (the applicant for bail) has misused publication as a tool for coercion, all while hiding behind the facade of being a journalist, instead of fulfilling his noble duty of providing accurate information. In conclusion, the HC has stated that considering the gravity of allegations against the applicant, including the misuse of publication for extortion, propagation of abusive language against public figures and disregard for religious sentiments, it did not find any merit in this application for bail and rejects it and the persons responsible for abusing their position and influence for personal gain be held accountable for their actions.
Robbers on looting spree Target ATMs, shops across city





Staff Reporter

A gang of thieves committed a series of bold burglary attempts, targeting ATMs and shops across various locations in the city. The audacious robberies left residents on high alert as the police failed to arrest the perpetrators and prevent further incidents. The brazen robberies by the gang began late in the night, with the first reported incident that took place at Mundhrikar Mobile Shoppe, owned by Kiran Suresh Mundhrikar, a resident of Kanji House Chowk, New Mangalwari.

According to Kirans account, the gang attempted to break into the shop around 5 am. However, Kirans quick response thwarted their plans as he courageously intervened and hurled a brick at the assailants and cause them to flee the scene. Despite Kirans brave act, the thieves managed to make away with eight mobile phones collectivelly of Rs 1.24 lakh. Prior to their failed attempt at Mundhrikar Mobile Shoppe, the thieves targeted a State Bank of India ATM near Power Grid Square in Hingna.

In a bid to evade security measures, they sprayed black paint on CCTV cameras and triggered security alarms. However, their efforts were in vain as they failed to break-open the ATM. Soon after, the gang proceeded to make another attempt at burglary, this time targeting a shop in the Tehsil Police Station area. Despite successfully gaining entry by lifting the shutter, the thieves left the premises without pilfering any valuables, including a laptop and cash that were reportedly within reach. The police suspect the gangs origin to be from Mewat as their striking modus operandi is similar to gangs hailing from the region. Moreover, the spate of ATM break-in attempts reported not only in Nagpur but also in neighbouring Chandrapur and Warora suggests a coordinated effort by the culprits.
RTMNU agrees with Art professor on having its own well-equipped art gallery for students





Staff Reporter

The Post Graduate Teaching Department of Fine Arts of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has been in existence for past 50 years, but no art gallery was proposed ever by the University. Dr Kishor Ingle, a professor with Government Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, moved a proposal of establishing Art Gallery in the Senate meeting. The meeting unanimously accepted it and asked Ingle to prepare a proposal in that regard. Dr Kishor Ingle, a Senate Member moved the proposal which says, Universitys department produces students of art. After securing degrees, they need to display their artwork. Even during their education, they are supposed to put their creations on display in a professional manner. They dont have a well-equipped professional place where they can display the artwork. Considering this aspect, University should create such gallery where youngsters and others also can exhibit their painting, sculpture, photographs. The artists will get a good platform.

RTMNU Senate immediately approved the proposal. Dr Prashant Bokare, Vice Chancellor assured all cooperation and asked Dr Ingle to prepare a proposal that includes place for setting up gallery, its expenditure and other factors. The artists from this region have to go either to Mumbai or Pune. Getting a place for the exhibition at those galleries is very difficult. The artists have to wait for long. Nagpur has Jawahar Art Gallery which fulfills need of Nagpurs artists. Dr Ingle feels, Nagpur needs one more to be run by the University itself. Once there were 2-3 art galleries in Nagpur like Masoji Art Gallery near Yashwant Stadium, another was in Mahajan Market. One Tagore Art Gallery in NIT building near Ambazari functioned for long time. But it too has shut down for the reasons best known to the authorities. The MFA department of University has one small hall where students keep their artwork on display but it is not professional, plus it is very small. Government Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya exhibits artwork, which get huge response.

One more art gallery is present in the premises of Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh but it is also very small and inconvenient to the artists for various reasons. Dr Ingle thinks that an art gallery can be developed near Universitys Booty hall. He will be submitting a proposal very soon. Dr Ingle also proposed to organise workshops for the new artists of Fine Arts. I feel University is celebrating its centenary and in the wake of it, a workshop for the artists, alumni of RTMNU should be conducted. A 4-day workshop can be held where these artists create their artwork. These artworks can be put on display on the walls of University building. This display would take the art of our students to the common public. This will also make University building look beautiful. University accepted this proposal also and asked administration to take appropriate measures.
Fayetteville State University to Receive $1 Million Grant to Improve Student Success

Fayetteville State University (FSU) in North Carolina will receive a $1 million grant from the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) to increase student enrollment, retention, and graduation.

NISS is an organization launched by the University System of Georgia in 2021 to help colleges and universities across the design, implement, and scale student support systems. The NISS diagnostic process identified four ways for FSU to identify and address barriers hindering student success, especially for first- and second-year students:

Establish programs and processes that connect curriculum and career pathways;

Identify courses with "high non-pass rates," assess course/program effectiveness, and establish student supports where needed;

Assess student communication and use chatbots to get timely, accurate, and personal information to students; and

Create standard advisory systems across campus to support students consistently.

FSU will use the NISS grant to establish three positions to assist students from college enrollment to completion. It will also fund paid internships and supplemental instructors in core courses. Alumni will also be invited to discuss how they have used their degrees.

For more information, read FSU's full press release.
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The Lead Bishop of Worldwide Anglican Church (WAC) in Nigeria, Bishop Seun Adeoye on Monday stated that the unending shedding of innocent blood in Nigeria has negatively impacted the country.

The founder and General Overseer of Sufficient Grace and Truth Ministries (SGTM) and the Director of Information of World Bishops Council (WBC) in Africa spoke on April 1, 2024 during the conclusion of the four days 2024 Passover Celebration held at Rehoboth Arena, Okinni, Osun State.

Bishop Adeoye who took his message from the Book of Numbers 35: 30-34, noted that the shedding of innocent blood constituted grievous offence before God while such land is declared by the Scripture as polluted as defiled.

The cleric said God specifically in verse 33 warned that we shall not shall not pollute the land because blood it defileth the land and that the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Bishop Adeoye who noted that there were reports of sad occurrences in Nigeria which showed that virtually everywhere and everyday innocent blood were being shed and many of the perpetrators of these crimes are walking around as free men.

He lamented that thousands of innocent souls have been murdered by bandits, terrorists, separatists, kidnappers, ritualists, mobs and other armed gangs and unfortunately we all looked away unconcerned as if such dastardly acts are normal in our society.

Any land where innocent souls are killed without justification is placed under the curse of God, and the word of God says that the only remedy to atone the land is to shed the blood of the killers. That is blood for blood!

We may not know it but I can say this that the uncountable blood of innocent souls shed in Nigeria are daily crying for revenge. They are asking for blood. But glory be to God that there is the excellent blood of Jesus, already shed and available for the atonement of the land, he stated.

The cleric urged Christians who understood the great spiritual importance of the blood Jesus shed on the Cross and the power of His resurrection to pray fervently to God to be merciful on Nigeria by healing the land.

Bishop Adeoye explained that the menace of hunger, economic hardship, untold suffering and several other challenges ravaging the country is beyond what any politician can resolve without Gods intervention, saying that Nigerias land need to be cleansed without delay.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to invite Christian leaders in the country with the aim of declaring a day or a week of atonement for the cleansing, healing and prosperity of the land, adding this will lead to total recovery of the lost glory of Nigeria.
Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped three medical students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.

It was reported that the incident occurred on Thursday night.

The students were identified as Ojang Precious Ebejin, a 200-level student of the Department of Medicine and Surgery; Ugwu Chukwuemeka, a 300-level student of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, and Damilola Dickson, a final-year student of the same department.

Confirming the abduction, the spokesman for the Cross River State Police Command, SP Irene Ugbo, said the command along with other security agencies had launched a manhunt for criminals to ensure the rescue of the victims.

Ugbo said the students were abducted on Thursday night at one of the university's hostels inside the campus but did not provide further information.

According to the police spokesman, "the police are working in collaboration with other agencies to rescue the students."




Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has asked the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON and the States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies to inform all Hajj 2024 intending pilgrims how much they will receive as Basic Travel Allowance, BTA.

IHR said it has become necessary to draw the attention of the NAHCON and state Hajj agencies that the 2024 Hajj fare they announced so far did not indicate the amount that will be given to intending pilgrims as BTA contrary to usual practices over the years.

This was contained in a statement signed by the national coordinator of the group, Ibrahim Muhammed and made available to newsmen.

The BTA, IHR said, is an allowance of foreign currency that a Nigerian citizen, in this case, the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia is allowed to draw from a Nigerian bank when travelling abroad. It's a part of the countrys foreign exchange controls and such money is added to the hajj fare components.

Traditionally, the announcement of Hajj fare by NAHCON always comes with a provision of Basic Travelling Allowance for each intending pilgrim. This is meant to allow pilgrims to prepare their minds on how much they will receive and make their financial plans accordingly.

For example, the 2023 Hajj pilgrims paid an average of N2.9m inclusive of $800 Basic Travel Allowance. Hajj fare computations consist of local and foreign service components with Basic Travelling Allowance for pilgrims.

However, the previous board of NAHCON later slashed the 2023 Hajj BTA to $700 owing to what they described as differentials in airfare tickets. This years hajj fare was announced without stating how much is the BTA even when additional hajj fare was announced, IHR said

The group said the BTA is given to pilgrims on the day of their departure to Saudi Arabia as pocket expense funds to enable pilgrims to take care of certain financial needs while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The CSO added that it is strange that the two-hajj fares announced so far by NAHCON has not announced provisions for BTA for intending pilgrims even after another announcement on the increment of the fare from the N4.899 to N6.617.

We are calling on NAHCON and States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Agencies to immediately announce how much is the 2024 hajj BTA to intending pilgrims, IHR said.

e-sign

Ibrahim Muhammed

For: Independent Hajj Reporters

1st April, 2024


This article is a continuation of the previous ones in relation to the highly trumpeted equity charter. For some time now, I have been writing on OWERRIZONE IN 2015, 2019, 2023 AND 2027 IMO POLITICS, however, this is a continuation of same and I humbly implore my reader to enjoy it as we journey together.

Based on the above analyses of causes and outcomes of destabilizing the equity charter in the State, there is need for a mandatory rotatory governorship in Imo State, and possibly let such be passed as a bill into law. However, to realize this proposal of a rotatory governorship, certain structures have to be put to place. The three senatorial zones need to harmonize their human resources, interests (that have been individualized) as well as other factors as godfatherism, revenge, etc., and thus share them among the dominating political parties in the State, which candidatures would be worthwhile personalities that can deliver when given mandate.

Once this is done, the first step towards ensuring a rotatory governorship is set for 2027. What remains is what Rev Fr (Prof) Jude Uwalaka calls the necessity for a new covenant for mutual existence which would be an outcome of a formal national dialogue of all ethnic nationalities. This could be conventionalized or relativtized to Imo as a State.

A new charter, a new agreement or a new political covenant has to be drawn and finalized for non-distortable equitable power-sharing and shifts, with its harmonious mutuality kept aside), in a gathering like a Summit but in a wider range of invitation where people of various class will come and discuss the way forward.

In this sense, on a wider range that would include all registered political parties, elites and stakeholders of the State, all politicians across the State for a States political-dialogue of all the three Senatorial Zones, Federal Constituencies, Local Government Areas and Ward Leaders.

Like Jude Uwalaka that suggests a political platform that co-operates with neighbouring political units (for the Igbos to get to a rotatory presidency), this Igbo political platform demands that the component parts, groups and peoples having claims of Imoliteness will have to spell out the basic socio-economic and political structures, rights and policies necessary to establish a new Imo State that meets up with the demands or democratic inclusivism and equity in power-sharing and shifts.

While mandating this rotation, it further necessitates that the component Federal Constituencies, Local Government Areas and Wards rotate this rotation in a manner that gives belongingness to others. It further necessitates that other elective and appointive political positions be spread across the remnant component parts. This is the sense of true federalism. If this charter of equity is not ensured, in a Ward, in a Local Government, in a Federal Constituency, in a Senatorial Zone, a particular group of majority set-up or upper hand framework will perpetuate domination of power and Commongood to the detriment, nay, to the deficiency of others- To be Aristotelian in perspective.

More so, factionalism within the privileged class could be adduced as a factor for the disruption of the equity charter in the State. Okwudiba Nnoli (in his Ethnic Politics in Nigeria) noted that factionalism within the privileged class (in every society, political party or association) contributes to the politicization of ethnicity, and in Imo case, of zones and class, which result to inequitable power shifts and sharing.

Many political parties today were born out of factionalism amongst the privileged class. Many intrigues and manoeuvrings that resulted in the distortion of the equity charter in 2003 and 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 were all from this privileged class. The emergence of most apex political office holders (appointive and elective) often to the shattering of already reached rotatory charters, were from the privileged class.

A recent and perfect example of this claim is the emergence of Chief Ikedi Ohakim in 2007 as the Imo State Governor. Fresh in our memories are the PDP clashes of the Titans, which resulted to Senator Ifeanyi Ararume bearing the ticket and Engr Charles Ugwu holding the flag; none of whom finally made.

This crisis during the last moment of Chief Udenwa regime was at the root of factionalism in the ruling party in Imo State then: Agenda and Onongaono, then the emergence of CAN (especially the Alliance for Good Governance facet) as a strong political party in the State after PDP and APGA, and later PPA ascended to the stool of leadership in the State because of the clash, and without any of the three strongest political parties making it. These clashes of the Titans and factions amongst the privileged class in PDP, not only generated ACNs emergence but made Imo then a none PDP-led State; echoes of which still linger today.

In the regime of Chief Rochas Okorocha, APGA also entered into deep factions within the privileged class and certain clashes of the Titans was at the neck of dragging the partys political swiftly mobile feat to the mire. But one common feature in the depth of power possession, power sifts and sharing in the State, is the very idea of the always distorted equity charter.

Each time the ruling party is in power, it always tries to envision the equity charter, believing continuity of their political party in the steering of the State affairs, and by the time inter-party clashes or inter-senatorial zones rivalry occur among the privileged class, or even when a strong godfather-monster rises in furry and determination to achieve a private end, the party not only looses the States headship but destroys the equity charter already formed and Imo goes back to zero status again.

Thus, for 25 years of Democracy (1999-2024), Imo State has been ruled by PDP (1999-2007), PPA (2007-2009), PDP (2009-2011), APGA (2011-2015), APC (2015-2019), PDP (only seven months in 2019), APC (2019-2024+) . In each distortion, the equity charter suffers, mostly as it was a PDPs envisioned model of ruling and interchanging the baton of leadership (with APC) from one senatorial zone to the other in Imo State and Nigeria till 2050.

In this decision, the PDP-led Government of Chief Udenwa justifiably turned the charter of 4 years rotation (in the spirit of 2nd tenure that reigned in his time) to 8 years before it became Okigwes turn and which he ensured. Yet, the Orlu zone that distorted this charter in 2003 and 2011, can still correct it by either giving the turn to an Owerri zone and then it becomes Okigwe 4 years, Orlu 4 years and Owerri 4 years or allowing an Okigwe man to complete their 4 remaining years, then Owerri zone takes over for 8 years.
Abuja, 1 April 2024: Seplat Energy Plc, leading Nigerian independent energy company, says the execution of corporate social investment (CSI) programmes in oil and gas producing communities as well as empowerment of their people is capable of promoting stability in the energy sector and ensure security of critical national assets.

Mr. Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy, said this during the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) 2024 organised by SPE Nigeria Council in Abuja recently. The theme of this years SPE OLEF is Stability in the Energy Sector: Integrated Strategies for Infrastructure, Transportation and Security.

Ezugworie, who spoke during the Energy Forum Discussion Session, said operators and the energy industry at large must refocus on sustainability and think long-term. In tackling security and ensuring stability in our industry, we must think sustainability and operate responsibly. In doing this, we must collaborate; as we can impact our people and communities more collaboratively, the Seplat Energy COO advised.

Identifying the various social investment programmes executed by Seplat Energy yearly in communities where it has operations, Ezugworie said health, educational, infrastructural and skills/knowledge interventions are executed as part and parcel of business strategy, which is in tune with Seplat Energys sustainability journey. Seplat Energy also executes projects targeted at solving energy problems for the communities and increasing energy access for the people. Operators should be very intentional about these interventions. They dont come by chance. The idea is to continue to service our partnership with our communities, he added.

If you keep people empowered and included, they will find less reasons to be agitated or violent. Of course, they will become your partners and show willingness to work with you for the common good of all, Ezugworie added.

He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the government for their efforts in securing the oil and gas assets in the country, adding that there are opportunities to do more to further ensure a more stable industry. Particularly, Ezugworie commended the government for the recently signed three Executive Orders on the oil and gas sector, identifying the action as a needed step in the right direction.

Identifying investment inflows in the energy sector as also critical in driving stability, the Seplat Energy boss said the companys ANOH gas plant, which achieved mechanical completion in December 2023, will be a major game changer. First gas from the ANOH plant is expected this year, which will make Seplat Energy a leading domestic supplier of gas. The ANOH gas plant will provide feedstock for the OB3 pipeline nearing completion.

He also identified the divestment programmes of the international oil companies (IOC) as also key in the quest to stabilise the countrys oil and gas sector, saying successful completion of the programmes are capable of creating and retaining more value for the industry and the Nigerian economy at large as is evident in success stories of Seplat Energy and other indigenous operators that have recorded giant strides over the years.

Stressing the need for Nigeria to secure its critical national assets like oil and gas pipelines, Ezugworie said pipeline inspections via sensors, drones and robots, amongst others, are essential. Despite the fact that these technologies can detect and locate defects, anomalies, and threats in real time, and provide data and feedback for maintenance and repair, Ezugworie said there is the need for improved response time to actually address the challenges.

He added: If you look at what the NNPCL is doing today to combat oil theft, you will see that the journey has already started. The platforms have been built for the collaboration among stakeholders to thrive. But we still see some of these threats recurring.

In the area of collaboration, we need to improve more when it comes to intelligence sharing. Strong collaboration between government agencies is also very key. The relationship between these government agencies should be very cordial to boost response time when the need arises. Implementing these strategies will significantly improve collaboration between security agencies and industry stakeholders in Nigeria, leading to better intelligence sharing, coordinated response efforts, and enhanced security outcomes.
In her debut campaign rally for the Lok Sabha elections at Dhubulia Sporting Club Ground in Krishnagar, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unleashed a fierce barrage against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of misusing central probe agencies, obstructing development funds meant for Bengal, targeting opposition parties, and pursuing a discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Addressing a fervent crowd of supporters, Miss Banerjee lambasted the BJP-led government, alleging, The CBI, ED, NIA, IT are going after our workers and leaders. She highlighted instances of alleged harassment faced by party members, citing a case where 16 officers from the income tax department were at a party members home for three days, depriving his family of basic amenities.

Questioning the BJPs tactics, Miss Banerjee asked: If BJP is so confident of winning the Lok Sabha polls, why are you using agencies? Why are the state officers being transferred? She rallied her supporters with a call to action, asserting: If you want to live well, remove BJP from the country and Bengal as well. Miss Banerjee condemned the expulsion of Trinamul MP Mahua Moitra from Parliament, accusing the BJP of targeting her and her family through investigative agencies. They expelled her from the Lok Sabha because she raised her voice against the BJP, Miss Banerjee declared, holding up Ms Moitras hand in solidarity. She said As Mahua is contesting the election again, they are now harassing her parents by sending the ED and the CBI.

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She then asked her supporters, Will you make her win? Remember they expelled her even after you gave her the vote. Expressing concern over the political landscape, Miss Banerjee criticised the arrests of fifteen Trinamul Congress vote managers by the NIA, while questioning the exemption of leaders from other parties. The country is not in a good condition. Fifteen of our vote managers have been arrested by the NIA. The Gaddar babu of Contai (BJP leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari), why are my district presidents being served with notices? Miss Banerjee asked during her speech. She further lamented the actions of what she termed as a jumla government at the Centre, pointing out that certain actions cannot be undertaken once elections are announced.

Why are Congress and CPI-M leaders being spared, though I dont want anything to happen to them. They have kept Arvind (Kejriwal, the Delhi chief minister arrested in a liquor scam) behind bars, but could they stop his work? she asked, highlighting what she perceives as selective targeting. Miss Banerjee expressed confidence in her partys resilience, advising party leaders and workers to respond to notices and summons after the election process. Miss Banerjee called for unity amongst anti-BJP forces in Bengal, accusing the Congress and the CPIM of indirectly aiding the BJPs electoral prospects.

She urged voters to support Trinamul to uphold state-funded welfare schemes and ensure the continuation of benefits such as Kanyashree and Swasthya Sathi. Assuring minority communities, particularly the Matua community, Miss Banerjee pledged that no one would lose citizenship due to the implementation of the CAA.
The longstanding allegation of Trinamul Congress that the BJP is working as a washing machine appear to have been confirmed today when the Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said everybody is welcome in the party. In an interview with a television news channel, Nirmala Sitharaman was asked how could people with tainted image be taken in the party and she replied: Our is an open party where everybody is welcome.

Meanwhile, more than 400 lawyers of Supreme Court have written a letter to the Chief Justice of India alleging interference of BJP in the judiciary and one of the issues highlighted by them is how could BJP nominated a judge of Calcutta High Court who took premature retirement as a candidate in the Lok Sabha polls. Justice Abhijit Ganguly took pre mature retirement and is contesting in BBJP ticket from Tamluk Lok Sabha seat. Debashsis Dhar, former IPS officer and BJP nominee from Birbhum was under CBI lens for possession of assets disproportionate to his sources of income.

Trinamul Congress leaders including Abhishek Banerjee, partys national general secretary had asked over and again why the BJP which talks big about honesty has not said a single word on why FIR named accused Suvendu Adhikari who was seen taking money on video in the Narada sting operation was not arrested by the CBI. CBI had filed the FIR and BJP had at the time called a Press conference to expose his corruption. Trinamul Congress had called the BJP the biggest washing machine which cleans the stains of corrupt leaders

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Asansol MP and former Union minister Shatrughan Sinha said that the ruling BJP has become Khamosh seeing the huge crowd at the INDIA rally at Delhis Ramlila Maidan today. Speaking at the TMC organisational meeting in Rabindra Bhawan in Asansol, Mr Sinha said that the composition of the INDIA bloc has become a deadlier combination day by day as the elections are nearing and the Janta Janardan will make BJP Khamosh for arresting the popular chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren.

Todays huge crowd at Ramlila maidan in Delhi will further inspire and strengthen the India bloc parties and their leadership in their crusade against the BJP led government at the Centre, he added. I have been an Union minister from that party and objected to the party leadership about how they were running the government wrongly and still they are continuing the same mistakes, said Mr Sinha. Mr Sinha is seeking reelection in the coming Lok Sabha polls from Asansol, though the BJP has been unable to finalise the name of the party candidate till date. In the 2022 by-election TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has invited me to contest from Asansol.

This time also she has given me an opportunity to contest. I urge our party supporters to work hard so that we retain this Lok Sabha seat once again and make the hands of CM Mamata Didi even stronger, Mr Sinha said. In the last election for the seat, Mr Sinha had defeated Agnimitra Paul by a margin of over three lakh votes. Agnimitra Paul, the MLA of Asansol South seat is contesting this time from Midnapore Lok Sabha seat

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Rival Trinamul Congress supporters clashed in the presence of the partys Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha candidate, Kirti Azad, within the Durgapur Municipal Corporation area this morning, creating a situation of chaos. Mr Azad faced the unpleasant situation while campaigning in the minority-dominated Amrai village within the Ward: 12 of the DMC area as supporters of two rival INTTUC groups of the Durgapur Steel Plant led by Sheikh Sahabuddin and Sheikh Aminur Rehman scuffled in public.

The trouble broke out when Sheikh Manik, Sahabuddins aide, while trying to welcome Mr Azad with a floral bouquet, was pushed by Sheikh Aminur in front of the local Shankarananda temple. TMCs block president Ujjawal Mukherjee also backed Sheikh Aminur. Sheikh Azimuddin, another Sahabuddins supporter, slapped Sheikh Aminur in retaliation, which further fuelled the chaos. A hapless Kirti Azad went into the temple and sat on the stairs clapping in the rhythm of the temples bell.

The Sahabuddin and Aminur groups are at loggerheads after the INTTUC expelled Sahabuddin from the steel plant union and assigned Aminur the drivers wheel. Other leaders rushed to the spot and accompanied Mr Azad for a walk. Mr Azad later said: This was not at all a chaos, rather the situation was a result of over-enthusiasm among our supporters. Mocking at the chaos, Dilip Ghosh-the BJP candidate for the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat, said: This is the beginning and many more odd and bizarre circumstances on the cards which he has to face and struggle against his own partymen.

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Mr Ghosh, while campaigning in Galsi-2 block of the constituency, about 30 km from Durgapur town, said: Its an irony of fate is that Kirti Azad will be busy handling squabbles within and would have less time to fight against Dilip Ghosh. The election will be over by the time he settles things in his party. He added: Age Party Samlaa, tarpore dekhbi Bangla (Handle your party first, then you may think about Bengal. About Mr Ghoshs remarks, Mr Azad said: He should mind his own business as he has to sit with their cadres every now and then to resolve their own wrangles.
In a prompt and swift initiative, the Department of School and Mass Education in Odishas Khordha district has settled pensionary benefits on the day of retirement of teachers and staff, drawing appreciation from different quarters.

Adhering to the governments policy in true letter and spirit, the district administration is fully committed to settling the pension dues of all retiring employees on the very day of retirement. The school and mass education department has performed an excellent job in this regard, said Chanchal Rana, Collector Khordha while handing over final pension papers to retired employees.

Every Government employee at the end of service is rightly entitled to a peaceful and quiet retired life with his pensionary benefits settled on the day of retirement. The department has prioritised the initiatives and measures facilitating the promotion of welfare of the pensioners, said Khordha District Education Officer Biswanath Tarai.

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Earlier, retired employees used to get a provisional pension after retirement. It was a long and patient wait for them to get the full pension. But those days have become a thing of the past. The authorities deserve appreciation for doing the needful to ensure final pension settlement on the date of retirement, observed a retired high school teacher, Annada Pati.

Meanwhile, the State government has launched the Online Pension Processing and Tracking system for pensioners. This system helps online submission, processing and tracking of pension papers by the individual as well as the administrative authorities. The system captures the pensioners personal and service particulars. The system obviates delays in payment of pension by ensuring complete transparency, said officials.
The Apple ecosystem employed over 150,000 people directly since the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme was approved in 2021, making it the countrys largest blue-collar job creator, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said on Monday.

About 3 lakh people have been employed indirectly, with a total of over 4 lakh new jobs, owing to Prime Minister Narendra Modis PLI policies which have been transformative, said the minister who is an NDA candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat.

iPhone factories are set to hire more than 10,000 people directly in the peak June-September period, he posted on X.

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The FY24 production of iPhones exceeded Rs 1 lakh crore in February, with 70 per cent exports and a total market value of Rs 1.6 lakh crore.

iOS app development now supports more than 1 million jobs. Apple has launched an education initiative on womens health as part of its $50-million Supplier Employee Development Fund, the Union Minister informed.

Apples revenue in India hit nearly Rs 50,000 crore in FY23, with sales increasing 48 per cent to Rs 49,321 crore and net profit rising 76 per cent to Rs 2,229 crore  fastest growth of net profit for Apple in India in the last five years.

India is close to achieving the target of Rs 20 lakh crore worth of mobile phone production in the last 10 years while crossing Rs 1.20 lakh crore worth phone exports in the current fiscal year (FY24)  a whopping 7,500 per cent increase in exports over a decade  top electronics industry body India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said last month.

Driven by this export growth, mobile phones have now become Indias fifth largest export as an individual commodity.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Monday visited Sanjay Van and Mehrauli Archaeological Park here and reviewed progress of on-going comprehensive restoration and beautification works undertaken by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the deadline for which has been set before the onset of this monsoon.

These heritage monuments will be developed as new public assets for the capital and will help Delhi emerge as a heritage city. Most of the works at both the sites have been completed and are already drawing a large number of footfalls since October last year when the LG had inaugurated the renovated Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the LG office said.

Saxena had first visited the two sites on February 4, 2023 and since then he had been overseeing the restoration work at the sites, it said.

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Recently these sites have been handed over to the DDA by the ASI which is assisting in the protection of the monuments and its restoration. Also, the Culture Ministry has also agreed recently that DDA will use its resources to execute the conservation works while ASI, with all its expertise, will supervise the conservation works.

The Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which is close to Qutub Minar, is spread across in around 200 acres and is known to have more than 100 historical monuments and ruins. The nearby Sanjay Van also houses several monuments including Qila Rai Pithora, once the capital of Prithviraj Chauhan of Tomar dynasty. The other monuments there include Rajon Ki Baoli and Anangtal Baoli, which are now undergoing restoration.
A woman drug peddler from South Delhis Madangir area has been nabbed, a Delhi Police official said on Monday. 1.8 kilograms of ganja was recovered from the woman, police said.

She was nabbed by a woman constable with the help of other police staff, who bravely intercepted the female drug supplier.

A case under the NDPS Act has been registered against the woman, while she has been arrested.

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The police have initiated several measures to curb the drug supply menace in South district. Accordingly, regular traps are being mounted against the drug dealers.

It was on Sunday evening at around 07:25 pm, constable Kamini along with staff of Police Station Ambedkar Nagar was deployed for patrolling duties in the area for prevention and detection of crime.

While patrolling near Maternity Hospital Madangir along BRT Road, the woman constable noticed a lady in suspicious circumstances, and later was asked to stop. During the search, 1.80 kg of ganja was recovered.

The police station was informed and later in this regard, an FIR under Section 20 of the NDPS Act, was registered.

The investigation has been taken up further to find the linkages of the arrested accused to find out the supply network.

For her efforts and diligence, the woman police personnel and the staff along with her are being rewarded suitably, a senior police official said.
A leopard strayed into Jagatpur village in Delhis Wazirabad and attacked several people, while triggering panic among the residents of the area, the police said on Monday.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, and so far there are no reports of any casualty in the incident.

The big cat was later rescued by the Forest Department with the help of agencies like the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), following a four-hour long operation.

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Some videos of the incident showed the leopard jumping on a buildings roof and being chased by the locals, while others were running in panic.

Three of the eight victims who were attacked by the wild animal were identified as Mahender, Akash and Rampal, residents of Jagatpur village.

As per locals and the videos surfaced on the social media, a man was severely attacked, who sustained wounds with scratch marks on his back and shoulder.

All three were rushed to a hospital for necessary medical attention.

The incident was reported at around 6.14 am on Monday morning. Police were informed that a leopard had entered a house in Jagatpur. A police team was rushed to the spot. The concerned forest officials were also informed, who later reached the spot.

As per officials, the leopard after jumping from the roof of a house entered a room, where he was contained, as the room was locked from outside at around 8.20 am.

Such incidents are rare in the setting of a city like Delhi, while last year a big cat was sighted at South Delhis Sainik Farms area.

Delhi has several reserved forest areas and also Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the culprits responsible for the killing of two non-tribals at Ichamati in the East Khasi Hills district have been identified.

The tragic incident occurred during an anti-CAA protest last Wednesday had sparked widespread unrest across the state.

We are actively pursuing the culprits, stated Sangma reiterating his governments commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that justice prevails.

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However, as of now, no arrests have been made, according to the East Khasi Hills Police.

The bodies of Esan Sing and Sujit Dutta, both non-tribals, were discovered in Ichamati and Dalda, located within the Shella Assembly constituency along the India-Bangladesh border.
Reiterating the resolution of more than 400 seats in LS 2024 polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday fiercely attacked Congress and INDIA bloc, saying the Congress had no right to raise the slogan of save democracy as the BJP led NDA government was elected by the people, and it will be elected this time too.

Addressing the workers of Jodhpur, Barmer-Jaisalmer, Jalore-Sirohi and Pali Lok Sabha seats at the Polo Ground in Jodhpur, Shah categorically said, Congress has no right to raise the slogan of save democracy. Our government has been elected by the people and will be elected this time also.

Democracy was strangled by Indira Gandhi when the country was thrown into the fire of Emergency, in which countless people were put behind the bars. It is ridiculous for such a Congress to give the slogan of saving democracy, Shah added.

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Shah said that the family members (Congress) were not worried about the country but about themselves.

Sonia Gandhi wants to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister, Mamata Banerjee wants to make her nephew the Chief Minister, Lalu Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray and Stalin want to make their respective sons as the Chief Minister. Those who are worried about their own sons and daughters, how will they worry about the youth of the country? If anyone thinks about the country and the youth, it is Narendra Modi, he categorically alleged.

On his second day of campaign in Rajasthan, he further accused, The Congress not only pushed the country into the pit of terrorism but also failed to progress economically. Congress has only been doing politics of appeasement. Jawahar Lal Nehru had made a big mistake by including Kashmir in Article 370, due to which Kashmir could never become a part of India, but Modi ji removed 370 and raised the Indian flag there.

The Home Minister said that impressed by the way Modi ji has raised the countrys flag in the world, the entire people of the country were ready to make him the Prime Minister for the third time.

Appealing to the workers, he said,  This time with Modi jis mantra of crossing 400, we all will have to go door to door and motivate people to vote. This time NDA will win more than 400 seats and BJP will win more than 370 seats, a party release quoted him as saying.
The Congress on Monday announced that the party will release its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections on 5th April.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge of Organisation KC Venugopal wrote, After vast deliberations with people from across the country, the Congress will be releasing its vision document, the Manifesto, on 5th April at AICC HQ.

He also informed that the party will hold two mega rallies on 6th April in Jaipur and Hyderabad.

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In Jaipur, INC President Mallikarjun Kharge ji, CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi ji, Rahul Gandhi ji and Priyanka Gandhi ji will be launching the manifesto addressing the mega rallies. Rahul ji will also be addressing the manifesto launch mega rally in Hyderabad, he said.

Venugopal added, Our focus has always on giving the country a welfare oriented, pro-development vision and that will be presented to the people for this election as well.

Last month, the Congress Manifesto Committee, headed by former Union minister and party stalwart P Chidambaram, had handed over the draft manifesto to Kharge.

The general elections will be held in seven phases between 19th April and 1st June. The results will be declared on 4th June.
Delhi excise policy case: Delhis Rouse Avenue court on Monday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15.

The Delhi chief minister was produced before the Rouse Avenue Court after his Enforcement Directorate custody ended today.

Appearing for the central probe agency, ASG SV Raju told the court that the Delhi CM may be sent to judicial custody. He, however, added that the ED may require his further custody at a later date.

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The court later sent the Delhi CM to judicial custody till April 15.

Notably, the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will start from April 19.

While being produced before the court, Kejriwal told reporters that whatever Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing, it is not good for the country.

Earlier last week, the Delhi court had extended Kejriwals custody with the Enforcement Directorate till April 1 in the money laundering case linked to the liquor policy scam case.

The federal probe agency had asked for seven-day custody of the AAP chief, but the court said he has to be produced before it on April 1.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 and produced before the court on March 22, and was initially remanded to EDs custody till March 28.

His arrest sparked protests in the city and also in Punjab, the northern state which also has an AAP government.

On Sunday, the Oppositions INDIA bloc held a mega Loktantra Bachao rally at Delhis historic Ramlila Maidan and demanded the immediate release of Kejriwal.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High is scheduled to hear Kejriwals plea against his arrest by the ED on April 4. The Aam Aadmi Party national convenor has also challenged his remand and sought bail.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to conduct a trial run of the 3.5 kms long emergency landing strip along the Jammu-Srinagar highway near Bijbehara in South Kashmir today.

Elaborate security and safety arrangements have been made by the authorities who have deployed mobile radars, CCTVs and other sophisticated equipment for the smooth trial.

Army, CAPFs and J&K Police personnel have been deployed in strength around the landing facility.

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As a precautionary measure, the traffic police has banned movement of load carriers on the highway from 4 am on 1 April 7 am on 2 April.

Light motor vehicles have been diverted on the old highway between Alstop and Doonipora. Truckers have been advised not to undertake journeys on the highway during the restricted period.

The highway stretch has been cleared of vehicles etc and health and fire services have been deployed. The trial run is expected to take place in the night hours.

The construction of the facility began in 2020 at a cost of Rs 119 crore. Sukhoi fighters and Tejas Light Combat Aircrafts are likely to take part in the trial.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday asserted that Indias own national security interests are involved in its investigation into the alleged involvement of a government official in the plot to assassinate Khalistan supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

It is something we are investigating as we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation, he told reporters when asked for his reaction to US Ambassador Eric Garcettis remarks that the involvement of a government official in the assassination bid on the citizen of another country is an unacceptable red line.

In an interview with a news agency, Mr. Garcetti acknowledged that India and the United States are working together in investigating the alleged foiled assassination plot against Pannun. However, he also emphasized that a red line should not be crossed and no government employee of any country can be involved in an assassination plot of a foreign citizen.

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To this, Mr Jaishankar said the US Ambassador would say what he feels is the thinking or position of his government. The position of my government is that in this particular case, there has been certain information provided to us which we are investigating, he said, adding that Indias security interest is involved. So, as and when we have something to say on the investigation we would be very glad to speak about it. At this point, beyond the fact that there is an investigation going on, we have nothing more to say, he said.

Pannun is an India-designated terrorist who holds American and Canadian citizenship. He has issued open threats against India on several occasions in recent months.
An Air India flight operating from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi on Monday, following a security concern arising out of a bomb threat.

By Statesman News Service 14 October, 2024 8 mins read
Lok Sabha MP from Ghazipur Afzal Ansari has alleged that some favourite officials of Uttar Pradesh government hatched a conspiracy to murder Mukhtar Ansari to save the heinous criminals.

He also said that the Uttar Pradesh government was thinking that the story of Mukhtar Ansari was over after his death but the story would start now.

Under the protection of the government, their favourite officials hatched a conspiracy to murder Mukhtar Ansari to save the heinous criminals, he alleged before the media here on Monday.

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He further said that conspiracy against Mukhtar was devised in connivance with jail administration, STF and LIU.

Afzal further disclosed that if there is a need for investigation in the future, Mukhtar Ansaris body has been buried with the precaution that in five, ten and 20 years, his nails and hair can be examined to find out the cause of his death.

During the press meet at his residence, the MP said that Mukhtar himself had told him that the food was poisoned on March 19.

On March 20, I talked to the Jail Superintendent. He had informed me that a panel of doctors is treating him and his health is fine. When I told during conversation that he had been poisoned, he was mum, he said.

The MP claimed that even before this, a prisoner guard and the deputy jailer had been affected by poison when they checked the food before being consumed by Mukhtar. Both remained hospitalized for five days.

The Superintendent had admitted that the prisoner guard and the Deputy Jailer were ill, but the doctors had given different reasons for both of them, he added.

He further said that after Mukhtar was admitted to Banda Hospital on March 25, I had asked the doctors to refer him to a bigger hospital. Then the doctors said that he would be cured in four days. Mukhtar was deliberately sent back to jail from ICU just a few hours later, he alleged.

The doctors gave a written letter of fitness and sent him to jail in a wheelchair, he said, while adding that the government administration had created an atmosphere of panic in Purvanchal. Despite this, a huge crowd gathered for the last journey of Mukhtar, he said.
The BJP on Monday intensified its attack on the Congress over the issue of Katchatheevu Island with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi in targetting the grand old party for giving away the island to Sri Lanka.

Addressing a press briefing after Modis fresh attack on DMK, a Congress ally and the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, over the issue, Dr Jaishankar said Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru saw Katchatheevu Island as a nuisance.

In an observation given by the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1961, he wrote, I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like this pending indefinitely and being raised again and again in Parliament. So, to Pandit Nehru, this was a little island, it had no importance, he saw it as a nuisance For him, the sooner you give it away, the better, Dr Jaishankar said.

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Countering Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges charge that the Modi government has suddenly woken up to the issue, the Union minister said that it is a live issue and didnt surface overnight.

The Katchatheevu issue didnt surface suddenly; its a live issue, often debated in Parliament The Congress, DMK approached the Katchatheevu issue as though they bear no responsibility, Dr Jaishankar said.

The minister further claimed that he has replied to Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin 21 times on Katchatheevu issue.

In fact, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has written to me numerous times. My record shows that I have replied to the current Chief Minister (MK Stalin) 21 times on this issue. This is not an issue which has suddenly surfaced. This is a live issue, he added.

The Katchatheevu Island issue surfaced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing a news report, took on the Congress government for giving it away to Sri Lanka in a social media post on Sunday. He later mentioned the issue in his rally in Meerut.

Earlier today, the prime minister said the new details that have emerged have unmasked the DMK. Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests. New details emerging on Katchatheevu have UNMASKED DMKs double standards totally, the PM said.

The Congress has countered the attack by raising the issue of alleged Chinese incursion in Ladakh. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the prime minister of giving clean chit to China after 20 Indian Army soldiers were martyred in a battle with the Chinese military personnel in Galwan valley.

Kharge said that the Indo-Sri Lanka agreement was a friendly gesture similar to the India-Bangladesh land agreement under which India handed over 111 enclaves to Dhaka and got only 55 in return.
The Income Tax Department on Monday assured the Supreme Court that it will not take any coercive steps to recover approximately Rs 3500 crore income tax dues from the Indian National Congress (INC) till the ongoing general elections are over.

Till the matter is heard, we will not take recovery/coercive steps as elections are going on, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih.

The bench took on record the undertaking given by Solicitor General Mehta who appeared for the Income Tax Department.

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The issues which arise in these appeals are yet to be adjudicated upon, but having regard to the situation now, the (Income Tax) department does not wish to precipitate the matter in as much as no coercive steps will be taken with regard to (the tax demand of) Rs 3,500 crore approximately till the next date of hearing. List the matter in the second week of July , the bench said in its order recording the undertaking.

Stating that the IT department does not want to create problems for any party during elections, Mehta said the issue in the present appeal was not related to the recent tax notices issued to the Congress, yet, considering the upcoming elections, the IT department will not take any coercive steps.

The bench also recorded in its order Solicitor Generals submission that the Rs 3500 crore demand is not strictly relatable to the controversy in these appeals.

Rs 3500 crore also includes the levy of notices worth about Rs 1,700 crore that were issued last week.

The top court was hearing a 2018 appeal by the Congress against a 2016 judgment of the Delhi High Court. In the appeal, the party moved an interim application seeking stay of the recent demand notices issued by the IT department in March.

The Delhi High Court on March 28 rejected the Congress plea challenging the initiation of tax reassessment proceedings against it for assessment years 2017 to 2021 by tax authorities.

The High Court had said the pleas were dismissed in terms of its earlier decision refusing to interfere with the opening of reassessment for another period.

On March 22, the High Court had rejected the Congress plea challenging initiation of reassessment proceedings pertaining to assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal on Monday slammed the Centre after her husband was sent to judicial custody till April 15 and said people of the country will answer to this dictatorship.

If the investigation is over, why has he been sent to jail? People of the country will answer to this dictatorship, she said.

Her reaction came after Delhis Rouse Avenue Court sent Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy case.

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Appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju told the court that the Delhi CM may be sent to judicial custody. He, however, added that the ED may require his further custody at a later date.

The probe agency told the court that Kejriwal gave false and contrary evidence related to other members of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Asked about the kind of interaction of accused Vijay Nair to the arrestee, Kejriwal stated that Nair didnt report to him but to his Cabinet ministers Atishi and Saurav Bharadwaj, and that his own interaction with Vijay Nair was limited.

Hearing the case, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja sent Kejriwal to judicial custody until April 15. She, however, directed Tihar jail authorities to allow the Delhi CM to carry books and prescribed medicines.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy money laundering case. He was initially sent to ED custody till March 28, which was later extended till April 1.
In a setback to the NDA, Rashtriya Lok Dal national vice president Shahid Siddiqui on Monday resigned from the party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls after citing weakening of all institutions that together have made India one of the greatest countries of the world.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) led by Jayant Chaudhary is the NDAs partner in Uttar Pradesh.

Siddiqui wrote on social media platform X, I have sent my resignation letter to Rashtriya Lok Dal President Jayant Chaudhary. I cannot silently watch the democratic structure of the country come to an end. I am grateful to Jayant Singh ji and my colleagues in RLD.

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Yesterday I resigned from the post of national vice president of RLD and its membership. I and my family stood up against Indiras Emergency and today cannot stand idly by watching the weakening of all the institutions that together have made India one of the great countries of the world, he said.

Siddiqui added that when Indias Constitution and democratic structure is in danger, remaining silent is a sin. I am grateful to Jayant ji, but with a heavy heart I am forced to distance myself from RLD. Indias unity, integrity, development and brotherhood are dear to all. It is the responsibility and duty of every citizen to save it, he added.
Sheyphali B Sharan on Monday assumed charge as the Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau, upon superannuation of Manish Desai on Sunday.

She is an officer of the 1990 batch of the Indian Information Service.

During an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Sharan has held cadre portfolios of largely looking after media publicity work as the Press Information Bureau officer for ministries such as finance, health and family welfare, and information and broadcasting. She has also served as the spokesperson for the Election Commission of India.

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In addition, she has worked on Central Staffing Scheme Deputations as Director in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs 2013-2017) besides working on cadre post of OSD (Information Policy at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 2000-2002) as also as Director Administration and Finance at LSTV, Lok Sabha Secretariat in 2007-2008.

Upon assumption of charge, she was welcomed by senior officials of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Launching a counter offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his brutal takedown of the party over Katchatheevu Island row, the Opposition Congress on Monday asked the PM to speak about the Chinese occupation of Indian land and not rake up a 50-year-old issue.

In a social media post on X, the senior Congress leader said, Why is the PM raking up an issue that was settled in 1974? In 1974, the Indira Gandhi government, in order to help lakhs of Tamils, negotiated with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu island was acknowledged as belonging to Sri Lanka. In return, 6 lakhs Tamils were allowed to come to India. The issue was closed 50 years ago.

Referring to the 2020 India-China military standoff in Galwan Valley, the Congress leader alleged that the Chinese troops occupied 2,000 sq km of Indian territory but the PM gave Beijing a clean chit.

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2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been occupied by Chinese troops. The PM says no Chinese troops are present in Indian territory and no part of Indian territory is in occupation of Chinese troops. You gave a clean chit to China, he said.

Chidambaram further suggested the prime minister must speak about what happened in the last three years instead of raking up the issue of Katchatheevu Island which is 59 years old.

He should talk about what has happened in the last 3 years instead of what happened 50 years ago. Chinese occupation is aggression. I would request the PM to speak about that, he added.
Apart from disrupting vital infrastructure projects, the recent suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has shaken the confidence of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.

Reports indicate some are considering leaving the country due to safety concerns, says a Pakistan security analyst.

The Pakistani government has repeatedly pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, the recent incident has eroded trust, the analyst said.

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Chinese social media reflects growing anxiety, with calls for stricter security measures to protect Chinese lives, writes Pakistani security analyst Muhammad Amir Rana in Dawn.

The Shangla terrorist attack on the Chinese engineers vehicle is having consequences. Chinese companies have suspended work on at least three critical hydropower projects: the Dasu dam, the Diamer-Basha dam, and the Tarbela 5th Extension.

Delving into the reasons for the attack, the Pakistan security analyst said some residents in the area may sympathise with the Uighur community in Xinjiang, and others may dislike the presence of foreigners on their land. These factors could be nurturing negative perceptions about Chinese nationals in the region.

One example is seen in the blasphemy accusation against a Chinese official at the Dasu dam site last year. The incident highlighted that tensions could erupt, he said.
The Carlisle Town Band will host its annual spring concert at 3 p.m. April 21 at the Carlisle Theatre.

The town band, under the direction of Dave Rohrer, will celebrate its 180th anniversary with a "Pops" style concert, featuring guest soloist Greg Strohman on trombone. Strohman is a professor of music at Dickinson and Lebanon Valley colleges, and he will perform Arthur Pryor's "Blue Bells of Scotland."

Other selections are Leroy Anderson's "The Syncopated Clock," a medley of George Gershwin tunes, songs from "Les Miserables" arranged by Warren Barker, "Sweet Chariot" and "Your Basic Bossa" by local composter David Kammerer.

The concert will also be presented in memory of two former town band members, Kerry Meads and Truman Bullard.

Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit the band's website at carlisleband.org.
The Ethereum Code system is a cutting-edge automated trading platform that utilizes advanced artificial intelligence technology. This Ethereum Code review will thoroughly examine this trading bot to determine its effectiveness in streamlining the trading process.

Since its launch in the market, the Ethereum Code trading software has garnered significant attention from crypto experts and enthusiasts alike. There are numerous online reviews that offer varying opinions about the effectiveness of this trading platform. Opinions on Ethereum Code vary, with some praising its safety, efficiency, affordability, and user-friendly interface, while others have expressed doubts about its value. Therefore, a thorough examination is required to confirm the authenticity of this system.

Visit Ethereum Code Official Website

This Ethereum Code review has been written to provide a complete guide on this platform. As you keep reading, you will understand the A to Z aspects of this trading bot. Dive right in to see if this trading software is suitable for your crypto trading goals and then make an informed decision.

Here is a quick summary of the main facts of Ethereum Code.

Ethereum Code - Facts Overview

Trading Bot Name Ethereum Code Platform Category Trading platform Platform Type Web-Based Minimum Deposit $250 Success rate High success rate Trading Fees Zero Account Fees None Deposit/ Withdrawal Fees None Payout Time 24 Hrs Supported Digital Assets Cryptocurrencies, stocks, forex, and more Mobile App Compatibility Yes Free Demo Account Yes Customer Support Availability 24/7 Trading Modes Automated and manual Official Website Click Here

What Is Ethereum Code?

Ethereum Code is a free and automated crypto trading platform that has been integrated with the latest artificial intelligence technology and advanced mathematical algorithms to help execute profitable crypto trades.

This trading platform also provides top-notch tools and strategies that can be used to evaluate market trends and patterns, compare price data, monitor price movements, provide alerts, and generate valuable signals. Ethereum Code does all the tasks automatically thereby saving time and ensuring accuracy.

Visit Ethereum Code Official Website

How Does Ethereum Code Work?

The Ethereum Code trading platform works by utilizing the latest technologies like artificial intelligence to streamline trading and make the trading experience seamless. The system scans market data, trends, and patterns around the clock, spots profitable opportunities, connects with exchanges, and automatically conducts trades.

This trading platform collects vast amounts of market data in real time and then examines them. Once this is done, the platform spots beneficial trading opportunities that can be executed to make huge profits. After this, the system sends signals to exchange accounts. Here, the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies and other assets are carried out.

The system comes with two modes namely, manual mode and automated mode. Savvy traders can use the manual mode and customize trade settings such as parameters according to their trading goals, skills, and market conditions. Traders can mention the exact price points and other aspects for executing and exiting trades. So, based on the preferred settings, the system will function. The demo mode can be opted for by novice traders to navigate the website, learn to trade and develop skills and strategies without spending real money.

The automated mode of the Ethereum Code app allows emotion-free trading thereby helping make informed trading decisions. So, this is how the bot works to ease trading and grab the right opportunities.

Ethereum Code Registration Process

Here are the simple steps that you have to follow to begin live trading on the Ethereum Code trading software:

 Step 1- Create an account on the Ethereum Code trading platform

The first step in the account opening process is to provide basic details such as your name, email ID, phone number, and a strong password. During this process, you neednt provide identification details. Once the creator approves your account, you can use your free Ethereum Code account and access the simple dashboard.

 Step 2- Deposit a minimum of $250 as initial capital

The next step is to fulfill the requirement of initial capital. The minimum deposit is $250 which is used to provide full access and activate options for manual and automated modes of trading. To make the deposit, you can use any of the available payment options. Traders can also use the demo account and do virtual trading to explore the system and learn to trade.

 Step 3- Set up and configure your trading account

The third step in trading is to set up and configure your Ethereum Code trading system. For this, select the crypto assets that you want to trade. You can also customize different settings of the software such as parameters, trading time, and so on as required.

 Step 4- Enter live trading

Once the above-mentioned steps are completed, you can begin live trading on the Ethereum Code trading platform. Seasoned traders can opt for the manual mode while beginners can use the automated mode and trade different assets.

Register On Ethereum Code For Free!

Ethereum Code Main Features

The Ethereum Code trading software comes with a set of advanced features to ensure smooth and profitable trading. The following are the main features that are said to make it unique:

 Supports Different Cryptocurrencies And Other Assets

The Ethereum Code platform provides the opportunity to trade a wide variety of financial assets including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, etc., and other assets like stocks, commodities, forex, and CFDs. So, the system lets buyers and sellers expand their portfolios and reduce risks.

 Advanced Technologies And Algorithms

The next important feature of the Ethereum Code trading bot is that it has been integrated with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms that help accurately analyze crypto markets and generate precise trade signals.

 Complete Control Over Funds

The Ethereum Code system ensures complete control over funds. This means that traders can deposit funds depending on their requirements and withdraw them at any time without any hassles.

 Collection Of Real-time Market Data

One of the main features of the Ethereum Code platform is that it collects real-time market data that is used to carry out the whole trading process with ease. The data is stored safely and used to analyze market trends, price movements, market risks, and so on.

 Free Demo Account

This trading platform provides a free demo account that can be used by beginners to enter virtual trading on the platform. The main aim of this feature is to let traders explore the system, learn trade strategies, develop skills, and evaluate the crypto market without risking real money.

Ethereum Code- Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit

The Ethereum Code trading bot provides a complimentary registration process and a cost-free trading experience. As part of the requirements, a minimum deposit of $250 is necessary to initiate live trading on this software. You have the option to deposit this initial capital through various payment services. Traders have the ability to adjust their deposit based on their individual risk tolerance, trading abilities, financial objectives, and the current state of the market. The payout time is 24 hours and can be done at your convenience without any complications. By implementing effective strategies and capitalizing on favorable market conditions, substantial profits can be achieved.

Visit Ethereum Code Official Website

Ethereum Code Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are one way to verify the genuineness of any trading platform. The user responses to Ethereum Code have been positive until now and no complaints have been reported. Honest reviews and opinions of this trading software are available on legitimate crypto forums and other sources. Satisfied traders have commented that the platform is simple to use and helps make immense daily profits. Some reported that risk management on the platform is easy and the system offers timely alerts. From these Ethereum Code customer reviews, the system seems safe.

Is Ethereum Code Legit?

A trade system's legitimacy can be judged by a number of factors. These include the way the website is designed, the technologies used, the number of advanced tools and features that are built in, the payment methods that are accepted, the partnerships with reputable traders, and so on.

For Ethereum Code, the official website is well-organized and has a simple dashboard and an easy-to-use interface. This makes the tool easy to use. Next, the system has cutting-edge technologies and algorithms that make it easy to study the crypto market and send out accurate signs. The system does all the work, which is another part of these ideas.

Ethereum Code has strict safety and security rules and has also added stronger encryption technology to keep user data safe. There are also a number of safe and quick payment options. It works with trustworthy dealers, which adds to the system's credibility. There is a high success rate, and so far, customer feedback has been good. All of these things show that the Ethereum Code platform is real.

Ethereum Code Countries Eligible

At the moment, the Ethereum Code platform is accessible in most countries across the globe where local laws and regulations allow trading activities. These countries include:

 United Kingdom

 Sweden

 Netherlands

 Finland

 Poland

 Canada

 Australia

 South Africa

 Norway

 Switzerland

 Slovenia

 Slovakia

 Mexico

 Brazil

 Spain

 Germany

 Taiwan

 Thailand

 Hong Kong

 Japan

 Belgium

 Malaysia

 Singapore

 Vietnam

For the complete list, access the official Ethereum Code website where you can also get to know about regions where the platform is restricted for use.

Visit Ethereum Code Official Website

Ethereum Code Cryptocurrencies Supported

One of the main aims of the Ethereum Code platform is to provide traders access to a wide variety of asset classes. This is why this trading software supports different cryptocurrencies and other assets like stocks, forex, commodities, and CFDs. the mainstream crypto assets that can be bought and sold through this platform are listed below:

 Bitcoin (BTC)

 Ripple (XRP)

 Montero (XMR)

 Ethereum (ETH)

 Litecoin (LTC)

 Binance Coin (BNC)

 Cardano (ADA)

 Polkadot (DOT)

 Dash (DASH)

 Ethereum Classic (ETC)

Ethereum Code Review - Bottom Line

Based on what we've learned, the Ethereum Code trading tool looks like a real piece of software for trading different cryptocurrencies. Artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms are just two of the high-tech features built into the system that speed up the whole trade process. Many users have been able to make a lot of money every day using Ethereum Code, which shows that this trading bot works well and is safe.

According to online reviews of Ethereum Code, this trading system is simple and safe to use, cheap, serves a range of cryptocurrencies and other assets, and gives you a number of ways to pay. The dashboard is easy to use, and the layout is simple. With the demo mode, you can try out the site and learn how to trade without having to spend any money.

It makes it very easy to sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. There are a lot of reviews of Ethereum Code on Trustpilot. Most of them are good, but some are bad. But 4.3 out of 5 stars are given to the robot, which means it's good.

To start trading on Ethereum Code, you only need to pay $250. There are no other fees. The traders have full power over the money and can take it out at any time. The method is very safe because it follows strict rules and uses cutting edge encryption technology. When you think about all of these things, Ethereum Code seems like a real crypto trade bot that you should try.

Visit Ethereum Code Official Website

Ethereum Code - FAQs

Is it easy to open an account on Ethereum Code?

Yes. It is easy to set up an account on the Ethereum Code platform. The account setup process is also free of charge.

Can the Ethereum Code trading system be used on mobile phones?

The Ethereum Code platform is compatible with all mobile phones, laptops, desktops, and tablets.

Is Ethereum Code available in all countries?

Currently, the Ethereum Code platform is available in most countries except regions where local laws restrict trading. These countries include Iran, Cyprus, the United States, Israel, and France.

What are the services offered by Ethereum Code?

Ethereum Code automatically does trading for you and also connects you to trusted brokers who will assist you throughout your trading journey.

What about Ethereum Code customer support?

The Ethereum Code customer support team is available round-the-clock to solve all your queries and concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ceremony held to mark the 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India in Mumbai on Monday. The Prime Minister's address is scheduled for 11 am.

Besides the Prime Minister, the event will also be attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.



The Prime Minister, expected to arrive in the morning, will travel via helicopter to INS Shikra, the Indian Navy's helibase in Colaba. From there, he will proceed by road to the RBI adjacent to Town Hall. Traffic restrictions have been imposed in the city ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, effective from 7 am to 2 pm.



A post by RBI on X read: "Join us for the commemoration of the 90th year of Reserve Bank of India (RBI@90). Address by Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi and by Hon'ble Finance Minister @nsitharaman. Welcome address by RBI Governor @dasshaktikanta," RBI said in a post on X.



The country's national bank was established in 1935 on this date following the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission to maintain the country's monetary stability. The first Governor was Sir Osborne Smith and the bank was responsible for functions such as currency issuance, banking services for banks and the government, and the development of rural cooperatives and agricultural credit.



In 1937, the Central Office of the Reserve Bank was also shifted from Kolkata to Mumbai. The RBI continued as Burma's central bank until 1947 and for Pakistan until 1948.



Over the next nine decades, the bank has seen 26 Governors. The past governors include IG Patel, Manmohan Singh, C Rangarajan, Bimal Jalan, Raghuram Rajan, Urjit Patel etc. The tenure of the current governor, Shaktikanta Das, began in October 2021.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, said the Reserve Bank of India has to accord "top-most priority" to growth and at the same time focus on trust and stability. He was speaking at an event to mark 90 years of RBI in Mumbai.

Modi noted that RBI has created an identity around the world based on its professionalism and commitment. He said the policies drafted today will shape the next decade of RBI as the central bank enters its centenary year.

The next decade is extremely important for the resolutions of a Viksit Bharat, PM Modi said, highlighting the RBIs priority towards fast-paced growth and focus on trust and stability.

Emphasising the importance of coordination of monetary and fiscal policies in the GDP and the economy of the country, Modi recalled the 80-year celebration of RBI in 2014 and remembered the challenges and problems like NPA and stability faced by the banking system of the country then. He said starting from there, today India has reached a point where the banking system in the country is being seen as a strong and sustainable banking system in the world.

Modi credited clarity of policy, intentions, and decisions for this transformation. Where intentions are right, results too are correct. Speaking on the comprehensive nature of reforms, the PM stated that the government worked on the strategy of recognition, resolution and recapitalisation.

He said even though the discussions related to the RBI are often limited to financial definitions and complex terminologies, the work carried out at RBI directly makes an impact on the lives of common citizens.

Modi emphasised the importance of clarity for the targets of the next 10 years. He pointed out the importance of keeping an eye on the changes brought about by the cashless economy while promoting digital transactions. The PM also stressed the need for deepening financial inclusion and empowerment processes.

He underlined the need to improve the "ease of doing banking" and provide tailor-made services as per the needs of the citizens.

Noting the achievement of RBI in infusing rule-based discipline and fiscally prudent policies in the banking sector, the PM asked for advance estimation of the needs of various sectors to take proactive steps while assuring the banks of the governments support.

Modi also stressed increasing the economic self-reliance of India in the next 10 years so that the impact of global issues is mitigated. Today, India is becoming the engine of global growth with 15 per cent share in global GDP growth, he said.

He underlined the importance of a strong banking industry for providing required funding to the projects of the nation. He noted the changes brought about by technologies like AI and BlockChain and noted the importance of cyber security in the growing digital banking system.

Modi also released a commemorative coin to mark 90 years of RBI on the occasion.
Beleaguered edtech major BJYU'S has delayed the salaries of employees for the month of March. This is the second month in a row that the company has withheld salaries.

In a letter to the employees, the company blamed "a few misguided foreign investors" for causing the delay, reports CNBC TV18.

A few misguided foreign investors in BYJU'S have obtained an interim order in late February which has restricted usage of the funds raised through the successful rights issue," the company said in a mail to the employees, adding that this "irresponsible action" by four foreign investors has forced the company to temporarily hold the disbursal of salaries until the restriction is lifted.

BYJU'S had raised $200 million through a rights issue in February to meet its operational requirements especially expenses related to employee salaries. The company had held an EGM (extraordinary general meeting) to increase the authorised share capital of the company to complete the process of raising $200 million.

A group of four investorsProsus, General Atlantic, Sofina, and Peak XValong with support from other shareholders, including Tiger and Owl Ventures, had approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against the company's EGM and the rights issue.

BYJU'S assured the employees that regardless of the court verdict, the company is "following a parallel line of credit to ensure that you receive your salary by 8th of April."

The mail to employees further stated: "We have full faith in the Indian judicial system and we eagerly await a favourable outcome that will enable us to utilise the funds raised through the rights issue."

The company urged the employees not to lose hope. "We understand the feelings of helplessness that may arise due to these circumstances, and we share your frustration. However, we urge you to hold onto hope and remain resilient."
The Allahabad High Court has suspended Congress leader Raj Babbar's conviction in a 1996 case accusing him of assaulting a poll officer. This order paves the way for Babbar to file a nomination for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.



In July 2022, a Magistrate Court had convicted Babbar in the 1996 incident, and currently, an appeal against the same is pending. The court based its judgement on two crucial aspects. The first being that the two witnesses (the persons who had sustained injuries), had in their statements said they had not been assaulted by Babbar, but, he in fact rescued them. The witnesses had named one of Babbars co-accused along with five or six others of entering the polling station and assaulting them. Babbar had reached the polling station subsequently, in another car and tried to persuade the assailants not to do anything with the government servantswas making efforts to subside the matter and it is on his intervention the matter was subsided.

On the legal aspect, the court observed that charges were never formed under Section 149 IPC wherein it has to be established with evidence that people shared a common objective and were part of unlawful assembly, and secondly, that they were aware of the offences likely to be committed to achieve the said common objective.

Thus, without establishing the basics, the court convicted Babbar under Sections 323 and 353 (assaulting a public officer on duty and preventing said officer from performing duty) and 322 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt). The court also said that it would refrain from discussing anything further so far, as the factual matrix of the case is concerned, as the same may tilt the balance of appeal in favour of either party. The UP government has three weeks to respond to the courts judgment.
With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, Katchatheevu, a small island between India and Sri Lanka, has once again hit the headlines. An RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has stirred up the political storm, with even Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching an attack on the Congress party.

"Eye-opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu, Modi wrote on social media platform X.

Soon, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stepped in and said former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had displayed an indifference towards Katchatheevu and Indira Gandhi ceded the island to Sri Lanka. They gave away the Indian fishermens rights despite legal views to the contrary, Jaishankar said.

Where is Katchatheevu?

Katchatheevu is a small uninhabited 285- acre islet in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka12 miles from Tamil Nadus Ramanathapuram and 10.5 miles south of the Delft Island in Sri Lanka. It doesnt have even a drop of drinking water. Every year, a two-day festival happens at the St Antony's Church in the island and the fisherfolks from both the countries visit the island during this time. St Antony is considered the guardian of the fishermen.

Till a decade ago, fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka used to dry their nets in the island. But now, they have shifted to using nylon nets.

Katchatheevu once belonged to the Zamindari Raja of Ramanathapuram. Till a decade ago, members of the Ramanathapuram Zamindari used to claim rights for Katchatheevu.

Why was Katchatheevu ceded to Sri Lanka in 1976?

The islet was controlled by the British Ceylon till 1921. Both India and Sri Lanka had not made any claim on the island and it remained undisputed till 1974 when both the countries decided to redraw their maritime boundaries. The fishermen used to fish on both sides till the maritime boundaries were demarcated in 1974. Indira Gandhi and the then Sri Lankan president Sirimavo Bandaranaike were good friends.

According to the exchange letter of an agreement between the two countries, Wadge bank, off the Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari), was bought by India from Sri Lanka in exchange of Katchatheevu.

Indira Gandhi decided to cede the island to Sri Lanka in 1974, which was opposed by the then Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi. The maritime boundary between the two counties in the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal was realigned in 1976 and the Wadge Bank was taken by India.

The fishing vessels of Sri Lanka and persons on board these vessels shall not engage in fishing in the Wadge Bank. However at the request of the government of Sri Lanka and a gesture of goodwill, the government of India agrees that Sri Lanka fishing vessels duly licesend by the government of India may engage in fishing in the Wadge bank for a period of three years, reads the exchange letter from ministry of external affairs dated march 23, 1976.

Even after that, there was no conflict in the region and the fishermen continued to fish on both sides. It was a seabed filled with chalk shells, prawns, pearl oysters and corals, which had depleted over the years. At one point of time, the scientists also felt that the region could be explored for oil. The islet was also a spot for major smuggling during the 1990s. But after the ethnic strife began in Sri Lanka, the islet became a point of conflict and the Sri Lankan navy became watchdogs in this region. The Tamil fishermen were not allowed to go to fish near Katchatheevu as the Sri Lankan navy could not differentiate between LTTE sympathisers and the Tamil fishermen.

However, the use of trawlers by the Indian fishermen started wiping the seabed and the Tamil fishermen in Sri Lanka raised alarm about their marine resources being depleted. This resulted in the Sri Lankan navy arresting the Indian fishermen who got into the international waters. The issue still continues for which both the countries have still not found a solution.

The controversy now

In 2013 and 2014, the ceding of Katchatheevu turned into an election issue. Apparently, Jayalalithaa gained out of it as she turned it into an emotional issue against the DMK and its patriarch Karunanidhi. During every election, the Katchatheevu issue would be raked up by the political parties. This time the BJP raised it, only to turn it into an anti-Congress and anti-DMK issue. While it may not help the BJP gain votes in Tamil Nadu, it may be used by the saffron party to play the anti-Congress card in North India.

Katchatheevu, however, is completely a non-issue in Sri Lanka.

It is a myth that the islet was simply given away. The ceding happened only after it was rooted in real claim and negotiations. Prime Minister Modis recent attention to this island is for elections. Prima-facie, it is part of the election strategy to corner the Congress and to get mileage out of an emotive issue. There is more to it than meets the eye, says Dr Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Rohan Gunaratna, a Sri Lankan, is the author of Sri Lankas Easter Sunday Massacre

Incidentally, Katchatheevu has never been an emotion issue for the fishermen as they are much aware that there are no fish in and around the island these days.
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay prayers of the Hindu side in the sealed cellar of Gyanvapi mosque and ordered to maintain the status quo. Hearing Masjid committees plea against the Allahabad High Courts order, the apex court ordered to maintain the status quo.



The Supreme Court has also sought a response of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust on the Masjid committees plea. The Masjid committee challenged Allahabad High Courts order upholding a lower courts decision permitting prayers in the sealed cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque.

The Supreme Court observed that bearing in mind the fact that the namaz is offered in Gyanvapi mosque by the Muslim community unhindered after the orders allowing puja inside Tehkhana and the offering of puja by Hindu priest is confined to the area of Tehkhana, it is appropriate to maintain status-quo so as to enable both the communities to offer worships in the above terms, ANI reported. A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising of justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra also sought a response from priest Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vyas by April 30 on the plea of the mosque committee.

The Allahabad High Court on February 26 had dismissed the committee's plea in which it had challenged the district court's January 31 order allowing Hindus to offer prayers in the cellar.

While dismissing the plea of the mosque committee, the high court had observed that the Uttar Pradesh government's 1993 decision of stopping worship rituals inside the "Vyas Tehkhana"--located at the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi--was "illegal".

-with agency inputs.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a trial run of the 3.5 km-long emergency landing facility on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway at Bijbehara today. The authorities have made elaborate arrangements by deploying security forces and installing radars, CCTVs and other technical equipment to ensure a smooth trial.

Security forces have been deployed near the emergency landing facility, which stretches from 246.200 km to km 249.700 on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

In addition to robust security measures, radars and other technical equipment, including CCTVs, have been deployed around the site.

Work has also started on clearing the motorway in preparation for the trial run.

Services such as the health and fire services are currently on site.

The trial run is scheduled to take place during the night hours today and vehicles on the national highway will be diverted accordingly. The traffic department has issued an advisory announcing a ban on heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) on the highway from 4am on Monday to 7am on Tuesday. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be diverted to the old national highway route between Alistop and Doonipora, including Wanpoh, Khanabal, Batengoo, Padshahi Bagh and Bijbehara. Truck drivers are advised not to use the highway during this period.

Officials highlighted the multiple uses of the facility in scenarios such as war, floods, NDRF rescue operations, airdrop of relief materials, transportation of stranded people and other emergency needs.

Construction of the facility began in 2020 with an allocated budget of Rs 119 crore.

Sukhoi fighter jets and Tejas light combat aircraft are expected to take part in the trial. Sukhoi is a multi-role combat aircraft of the IAF, capable of conducting air and ground operations. The aircraft has been inducted into the IAF in large numbers, and was involved in operations during the aerial skirmish with Pakistan in February 2019. The aircraft is manufactured in India under Russian licence. Tejas is an indigenous light combat aircraft that will replace the IAF's ageing Mig-21 fighters.
The highly anticpated sequel to Robert Pattinson's 'The Batman', 'The Penguin', created by Lauren LeFranc and season two of 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' are ready to grace the OTT platforms this week.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be produced before the Rouse Avenue Court as his custody with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ends on Monday. The court had remanded him to the ED custody till April during his last appearance on March 28.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.

There are speculations that the ED can ask for an extension for the Delhi CMs custody for four more days, failing which it would ask for Kejriwal's judicial custody. There is also a possibility that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has registered the predicate offence in the case, may seek his custody. If denied, Kejriwal could be sent to Tihar Jail.



The federal agency had earlier cited his lack of cooperation, stating the chief minister continued to give evasive replies to questions. Though the ED confiscated several electronic devices from Kejriwal, including his iPhone, the chief minister had not shared his password with the investigators.



Following this, the ED had contacted Apple to help gain access to his iPhone, The Indian Express reported. The AAP had earlier complained that the ED was asking for access to the chief minister's phone to access AAP's "election strategy" and pre-poll alliances.



The ED was asked by the Delhi High Court to file a response to Arvind Kejriwal's petition seeking his release by Tuesday. The matter will now be heard on Wednesday.



Meanwhile, at the mega rally held in Delhi on Sunday, Kejriwal's wife Sunita made her maiden speech. She addressed her husband a "sher" (lion) who will not stay behind bars for long and announced his six "guarantees" to the country on behalf of the INDIA bloc.

She also read out her husband's message from ED custody and announced the six guarantees, which also include full statehood for Delhi.

She also sought the forgiveness of other leaders on his behalf. "Today, I seek forgiveness from all INDIA bloc partners because I did not seek their permission for making these announcements," she said, quoting his message.


In a shocking incident in Keralas Kochi, a 45-year-old man, who was under treatment at a city hospital after being brutally beaten up by a gang over the barking of his pet dog, died on Monday.

The victim, Thottungal Parambil Vinod, was the driver of Kerala High Court judge Satish Ninan.

Police had already arrested four postal department employees for attempted murder after Vinod was attacked at his house on the Mullasseri canal road on March 25.

Those arrested were identified as Ashwini Golkar (27) from Uttar Pradesh, Kushal Gupta (27) from Ghaziabad, Utkarsh (25) from Rajasthan, and Deepak (26) from Haryana. The accused were staying at a rented apartment close to Vinods house.

According to local media reports, one of the accused, who was passing by Vinods house, threw a sandal at his German Shepherd dog when it barked at him from inside the gate.

On questioning this, Vinod was also brutally roughed up by the gang, the reports claimed.

Vinod was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a city hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on Monday.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has hit out at the Congress and Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK over the Kachatheevu island issue, stating India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru saw the island as a nuisance and gave it away.

"The fact is they simply did not care. In an observation given by Nehru in May 1961, he wrote, 'I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like this pending indefinitely and being raised again and again in the Parliament," said Jaishankar as the Lankan island issue hogs the limelight again.



The EAM said that Nehru viewed this as a little island with no significance. "To Pandit Nehru, this was a little island, it had no importance, he saw it as a nuisance... For him, the sooner you give it away, the better," he added.



The island, 1.6 km long and over 300 m wide, was handed over to Sri Lanka under the Indo-Sri Lankan maritime agreement in 1974. The issue, which has been dominating Tamil Nadu politics for some time, resurfaced again after a media report based on an RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on the 1974 pact.



Jaishankar said the fishing rights to the island too were given away in 1975 despite legal views to the contrary.



He alleged that the Congress continued with its dismissive attitude towards Katchatheevu. "This view continued during Indira Gandhi's tenure as well. There was a member of parliament called G. Viswanathan from Tamil Nadu and he says, 'We are worried about Diego Garcia, thousands of miles away from the Indian territory, but we are not worried about this small island," Jaishankar told reporters.

"Gandhi is said to have remarked in the AICC meeting that this is a little rock. I am reminded of those days when Pandit Nehru called about our northern boundary as a place where not a blade of grass grew," he said.



The EAM said that the issue has not cropped up abruptly but was always a live matter. "It has been frequently raised in Parliament and has been a matter of frequent correspondence between the Centre and the state government," Jaishankar said.



He added that he has replied to the chief minister at least 21 times. He also slammed the DMK over its public posturing against the agreement.



"Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was kept fully informed about the agreement, first reached in 1974 between India and Sri Lanka. The Congress and DMK raised the issue in Parliament as if they bear no responsibility for it, while they are the parties which did it," he said.



The DMK very much "connived" with the Congress in 1974 and afterwards in creating this situation.



It is the Narendra Modi government which has been working to ensure that the Indian fishermen are released, he said, adding, "We have to find a solution. We have to sit down and work it out with the Sri Lankan government."


The Election Commission on Monday censured BJP leader Dilip Ghosh and Congress' Supriya Shrinate for derogatory remarks against the dignity of women.



The Commission said it is convinced that they made a low-level personal attack and thus violated the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. They have been warned to remain careful in public utterances during the Model Code of Conduct period.

Their election-related communications will be specially and additionally monitored by the Commission from Monday onwards.

A copy of the warning notice or censure is also being marked to their respective party chiefs for sensitising their functionaries to be careful while communicating in public domain and refrain from any such derogatory comments and violations of model code guidelines.

A controversial comment was posted on social media platforms from Shrinate's accounts against Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who has been fielded by the BJP as its candidate from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Following a row, Shrinate removed the controversial remarks from all her social accounts, claiming that those were not posted by her but by someone else who had access to her accounts.

Ghosh was captured on video mocking Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's family background. He later apologised for his contentious remarks against the West Bengal Chief Minister.

Election Commission of India censures BJP MP Dilip Ghosh and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for derogatory remarks against women. The Commission, in its order after the receipt of their replies to notices issued to them over MCC violations, said they are convinced that they made a personal attack and thus violated the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. They have been warned to remain careful in public utterances during the Model Code of Conduct period. Their election-related communications will be specially and additionally monitored by the Commission from this time onwards.
A court here on Monday granted 13 days' Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Shajahan Sheikh, who was arrested by the central agency in connection with a money laundering case over alleged siphoning of money in the garb of pisciculture business in Sandeshkhali.

The now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader was arrested by the ED on Saturday in Basirhat jail, where he is lodged in connection with a case of mob assault on the agency's officials when they went to search his premises in Sandeshkhali on January 5 about another money laundering case.

Rejecting the bail prayer of Sheikh, the PMLA Court judge Suvendu Saha granted his custody to ED till April 13.

Appearing for the agency before the court, advocate Arijit Chakrabarti prayed for Sheikh's ED custody to interrogate him on alleged siphoning of money derived from land grabbing from hapless villagers, in the garb of pisciculture business.

ED officials had been assaulted by a mob of nearly 1,000 people on January 5 when they went to search the premises of Sheikh at Sarberia village in North 24 Parganas district's Sandeshkhali in connection with a ration distribution scam case, in which a then minister was arrested by the agency.

Jyotipriya Mallick was the state's forest minister when he was arrested and held the Food and Supplies portfolio from 2011 to 2021.

On an order of the Calcutta High Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the assault case, in which Sheikh has been accused of orchestrating the mob attack on the ED officials to prevent them from raiding his premises.
The collaborative mission between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), known as NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), is facing a minor setback. The new timeline for the missions launch readiness will be determined by the end of April. NISAR represents the inaugural joint venture in satellite hardware between NASA and ISRO focused on observing Earth.

The satellite is nearing its launch phase at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located on the southeastern shoreline of India. One of the last key steps before launch involves coating the 39-foot (12-meter) diameter drum-shaped radar antenna reflector, a vital part of the satellite provided by NASA with a protective layer. This step is essential to safeguard the antenna from potential temperature-related issues that could affect its functionality once it is in orbit.

ISROs latest assessments indicate that the reflector could be exposed to temperatures above initial projections while folded during transit. In the light of this, the extra protective measure has been deemed necessary, explained space expert Girish Linganna.

The objective of the NISAR project is to transform the comprehension of terrestrial transformations by deploying microwave signals to survey the planets landmasses and ice regions with a 12-day recurrence. The mission anticipates delivering critical, detailed observations on the dynamics of ice sheets, vegetation expansion and geological phenomena, including seismic and volcanic activities.

The specialised coating, engineered to deflect solar radiation and thereby control temperature spikes, is currently being applied in a dedicated facility in California. This step necessitates transporting the reflector from ISROs assembly location in India, underscoring the collaborative essence of the mission, added Linganna.

The NISAR satellite, after it arrived in India on March 6 last year, underwent a series of examinations at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. Before being transported for further testing in India, NISAR was assembled and evaluated at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Following confirmation of the coatings ability to manage heat, the reflector is slated to be sent back to India to be affixed to the satellite, signifying one of the concluding phases before the satellites deployment.

The satellite is equipped to provide unparalleled observations of Earths changing landscapes by leveraging the capabilities of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radars. Its mission scope covers the surveillance of glacial shifts, assessment of wetlands and forested areas and the study of land surrounding pivotal geological formations.

Similar projects have experienced postponements due to a range of factorsincluding technical difficulties, adverse weather, or unexpected complications. Every mission has its distinct set of challenges that can lead to schedule changes. Therefore, it is crucial to keep abreast of announcements from the respective space organisations for the latest information on launch dates and mission progress, said Linganna.

NISAR is scheduled to be launched into space aboard ISROs Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The satellite is designed to be placed in a near-polar Earth orbit at an altitude of 747 kilometres. It will conduct observations while orbiting Earth, completing one full orbit every 12 days. According to NASA, the satellite is constructed to operate for a minimum duration of three years.

NISAR marks a significant milestone as the inaugural Earth science spacecraft collaboration between NASA and ISRO. It stands as one of the largest cooperative efforts between the two agencies, with NASA investing over $1 billion solely in the missions formulation and development. The collaboration entails NASA contributing an L-band radar and engineering payload and ISRO contributing the S-band payload, spacecraft bus and launch vehicle.

Space experts explain that though specific types of coatings to be done in California for the antenna of NISAR or its components are not publicly detailed in general, satellites like those used in the NISAR project typically use several types of coatings for various purposes.

There are thermal control coatings which are used to manage the thermal balance of the satellite. They can reflect solar heat, helping to keep the satellite cool, or can be designed to absorb heat where warmth is necessary. Similarly, there are conductive coatings which are used to prevent the build-up of static electricity on the satellites surface, which can damage sensitive electronics, said Linganna.

There are also optical coatings which are applied to lens elements and other optical components to enhance their performance by reducing reflection or tailoring the transmittance of different wavelengths of light. There are also protective coatings which protect the satellite from the harsh environment of space, including micro-meteoroids, atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation and other potentially damaging factors, he added.
With India undertaking a massive atmanirbharta effort to make weapons, platforms and military systems at home to reduce dependence on foreign weapons companies, Pakistan, too, has chosen to emulate its neighbour.

But the critical difference is that Pakistan is trying to make weapons at home amid political instability and deepening economic woes under the shadow of overt and covert Chinese help in making military equipment.

So deep is the economic crisis that recently the Pakistan government has issued an order banning the use of red carpets at government events, other than diplomatic ones which has to be continued as a matter of protocol. The measure is understood to be part of the governmental effort to curtail unnecessary expenditures.

President Asif Ali Zardari has already relinquished his salary and perks due to the precarious financial state his country is in, even as Islamabad is planning to approach the IMF for funds.

A few days ago, Islamabad celebrated Pakistan Day with a grand display of its military products in a parade. What is interesting is that most of these equipment tried to tout a made in Pakistan tag.

The paradewhich saw participation by a Chinese military marching contingentwitnessed the introduction of a new aircraft prototype, the PFX fighter, which, according to some reports, may stand for Pakistan Fighter Experimental. This aircraft is an upgrade of the Chinese JF-17 Thunder which has been in the Pakistan Air Forces (PAF's) service for more than two decades.

According to an agreement with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), headquartered at Kamra in Pakistans Punjab, makes a major part of the airframe and other components before the JF-17 is fully assembled with Chinese parts. Islamabad plans to replace the aging JF-17 with the PFX.

Easily the mainstay of the PAF in terms of numbers and organised into six squadrons, the JF-17 is deployed at all the three commands of the PAFNorth, Central and South.

Significantly, Pakistan is reported to be in talks with Turkey for collaboration on the latter's fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft called the TFX or the Kaan which had its first flight on February 21.

A key platform put on display was the Haider main battle tank that is the first ever locally produced tank based on the Chinese NORINCO-designed VT-4 tank which rolled out from the premises of Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) recently.

There were other equipment on display with the home-made tag which included air defence systems, the Buraq combat drone that is armed with the Burq guided missile system, tactical and strategic missiles, armoured personnel carriers and combat vehicles.

But this effort at indigenisation is happening at a time when the Pakistani economy is in doldrums.
Thousands of Israelis rallied against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday seeking the ouster of the government and the conduct of fresh elections. The protests were spearheaded by a coalition of anti-government protest movements.

Nearly six months after the war began, tens of thousands took part in the demonstration, billed as the largest-ever anti-government protest in recent times, to the country's parliament building in Jerusalem, accusing Netanyahu of failing to resolve the hostage crisis and mismanaging the war against Hamas.



The demonstrations, slated as a four-day event, also targeted the government's controversial military draft policy that exempted ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service.



The protesters picketed Netanyahu's private residence, clashing with the police in many places. In Jerusalem, police used skunk water - a foul-smelling substance fired from a water cannon - to clear protesters who had blocked Begin Boulevard, the city's major north-south highway.



The irate crowd blamed the government for failing to bring back the over 130 hostages believed to still be in Gaza  33 of whom are presumed dead. "We believe that no hostages will come back with this government because theyre busy putting sticks in the wheels of negotiations for the hostages," said Boaz Atzili, whose cousin, Aviv Atzili and his wife, Liat, were kidnapped on 7 October, told AP. Liat was released but Aviv was killed, and his body is in Gaza.



"This government is a complete and utter failure," 74-year-old Nurit Robinson told Reuters. "They will lead us into the abyss."



The protests have also brought the political divisions to the fore. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who took to the streets against the government, also accused Netanyahu of focusing more on keeping his coalition partners happy than helping citizens impacted by the war. "The lights have been on in his office for a week to make sure that the ultra-Orthodox can continue to evade conscription despite the war. The IDF is begging for more soldiers [but] they dont care," Lapid said.



Meanwhile, the Prime Minister insisted he was doing everything in his power to bring the captives home. Responding to the protests, Netanyahu said as Israels prime minister, he was doing everything and will do everything to bring our loved ones home.



Israeli anti-government demonstrators protest seeking secure release of hostages held by the Palestinian Hamas, in Jerusalem | AFP

Netanyahu argued that elections would paralyse the country for months."It would paralyze negotiations for freeing our hostages and would bring an end to the war before the goals are completely achieved," he said. "And the first who would welcome this is Hamas, and that tells you everything."

He said the final stage of the war was drawing close and the IDF was ready to operate in Rafah.
At least 12 people, including the mastermind, have been arrested in connection with last week's suicide bombing that killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, officials said on Monday.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), which launched a probe into the attack, blamed the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group for the assault, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

No group had claimed responsibility for the terror attack that took place when the Chinese engineers were en route from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu, the headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of the province, when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-rigged car into their vehicle in Bisham area of Shangla district.

A report submitted by the CTD on Monday said over a dozen militants and facilitators of the attack were arrested in multiple raids carried out by authorities.

The CTD sources said authorities arrested Hazrat Bilal, the mastermind of the attack who brought the suicide bomber from Afghanistan.

Bilal is also wanted in prior attacks on the Chinese.

The report said the explosives-laden vehicle was brought through the Chaman border to Dara Zinda town in Dera Ismail Khan district for Pakistani Rs 0.25 million.

According to CTD sources, the non-custom paid vehicle was parked at a petrol station for a fee of Pakistani Rs 500 per day.

Two facilitators were also arrested from Balochistan, the report said.

The report said some of those arrested had links with TTP militants in Pakistan and that raids were still ongoing across the country.

A team of Chinese experts last week landed in Pakistan as the two sides began a joint probe into the attack that visibly left China upset.

China asked cash-strapped Pakistan to ensure the security of Chinese nationals working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in different regions of the country.

This is the second suicide bomb attack on Chinese personnel working at the Dasu power project as a similar incident in 2021 claimed the lives of nine Chinese personnel and four Pakistanis working on the site.

Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed a thorough joint investigation into the attack.

Shehbaz, accompanied by the Chinese ambassador in Pakistan, also visited the Dasu hydroelectric power station site to show support for the Chinese personnel working on the project.

Earlier in the day, the bodies of the five Chinese personnel were flown to Wuhan on a special Pakistani military plane following a wreath-laying ceremony in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

Floral wreaths were laid at the Nur Khan Airbase on behalf of the president, the prime minister, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, the chief of the Pakistan Army staff and the chief of the Pakistan Air staff.

A thirty seconds silence was observed in honour of the deceased.

The government in a statement once again strongly condemned the terrorist incident and expressed its firm resolve to bring the terrorists and facilitators to justice.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, travelled aboard the aircraft to Wuhan to transport the mortal remains of the killed.

Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 1: Vatika Naturals, a flagship brand from House of Dabur, after pioneering an empowering initiative this International Womens Day with the launch of their IWD2024 campaign, #ROOTFORME in USA and UK, it is now campaigning on the same in India to create awareness.



#ROOTFORME is a digital campaign that marked IWD2024 addressing intersectionality at workplace which affects women of colour, compounded by race, ethnicity, religion and several other issues which can pose as a major roadblock for career advancement for a lot of women and make them susceptible to workplace harassment and stereotyping.



From being a generic hair care brand for South Asian women, this year Vatika Naturals embarked on a journey to become the preferred brand by multi-ethnic audiences across the UK and the USA and have a significant presence among India women.



Redefining women's empowerment this International Women's Day, Vatika led a conversation with humour addressing workplace stereotypes and discrimination, through partnerships with leading stand-up comediennes like Shazia Mirza and Sikisa.



In celebration of the campaign launch, Business Head Dabur International Europe UK, Zakir Mansoori stated  Vatika Naturals has been bringing bespoke hair care solutions to multi-ethnic audiences around the World for over 35 years and the brand has been garnering a lot of love from our loyal base of customers. Earlier this year we launched our Afro Naturals range, especially for women with textured hair. And there is lots to look forward to from Vatika, as we embark on this journey to make the brand relevant to a wider audience, which would include new product launches and newer formulations for different hair types.



Roshni Singh, Group Marketing Manager UK EU & Americas stated, Vatika Naturals is not just a hair care brand but a custodian of values which champion diversity, differences, and uniqueness especially amongst women. With the #ROOTFORME campaign, Vatika endeavours to further strengthen its stand towards being inclusive and diverse. #RootForMe is a call to action for individuals to stand together and dismantle barriers preventing equality for women and specifically women of colour. Vatika is always challenging the status quo or stereotypes that hinder the growth of an individual.



Agency Founder and Chairman for HereandNow365, Manish Tiwari further elucidated that Vatika Naturals is a brand which identifies and celebrates differences, and to match the brands vision, our team has developed this concept which is not just clutter-breaking but light-hearted. The aim of deploying humour is not to make light of the issues at hand, rather to offer hard-hitting provocative messaging through treatment and platforms which resonate with our younger audiences in todays time.



The two-week campaign was launched across Vatikas social media channels on the 8th of March 2024 across UK and the USA and now active on several platforms in India. To amplify the message, the brand was seen at iconic landmarks like Times Square, New York city and the London Underground in March, to spark dialogue around workplace issues, stereotypes, and navigating these challenges.



About Vatika Naturals:



For over 35+ years in the US & UK, Vatika Naturals- subsidiary of Dabur, is proud to have a strong expertise in inclusive hair care that harnesses the power of natural ingredients in their products. The products range from shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, temporary hair colours, and hair masks; made with natural led ingredients such as - Coconut, Olive, Almond, Garlic, Black Seed, Onion, Egg protein and many more.



The term Intersectionality has its roots in Black feminist activism and was originally coined by an American legal race scholar  Kimberle Williams Crenshaw in 1989. Intersectionality is an overlapping of multiple forms of inequality that create obstacles for an individual who is already at a predisposed disadvantage.



Shazia Mirza and Sikisa, come from backgrounds of ethnic minority, and have each faced stereotypes in their own line to escalation in comedy.



About Shazia Mirza  born to Pakistani parents and brought up in Birmingham, known for her bold comedy has made multiple TV appearances on household shows such as The Jonathan Ross



Show, Top Gear, Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and many more.



About Sikisa - hailing from Barbados, she has been giving smashing sets and has since appeared on Jonathan Rosss Comedy Club, The Dog Ate My Homework and many such illustrious shows.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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NEW DELHI, March 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IIHM Institute of Hospitality Skills (IIHS), India's largest training centre affiliated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Udaipur today. The centre aims to provide comprehensive courses on hospitality skills, catering to professionals seeking to upskill and enhance their career prospects. With a prime focus on vocational training, IIHS aims to bridge the skill gap and empower individuals in the thriving hospitality industry.





The establishment of IIHS was triggered by IIHM's recent recognition as the recipient of the Training Partner Award for Highest Training Centre Affiliation. This accolade further solidified IIHM's commitment to the Skill India and THSC initiatives, paving the way for the creation of IIHS.



IIHS Udaipur is a Joint Venture of IIHM with Inventree Hotel and Resorts. The guiding principle of Itravel (Infallible Travel Concepts), the parent company of the brand "Inventree Hotels and Resorts," is beautifully encapsulated in the Sanskrit phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "The World is one Family." This profound philosophy underscores the importance of prioritizing collective well-being over individual interests. It's a reminder that their interconnectedness transcends borders and boundaries. At the heart of Itravel's ethos lie core values such as resource stewardship and a commitment to empowering people. By equipping individuals with employable skills, the company not only uplifts lives but also contributes to the greater good. Indeed, our Mission, Vision, and Values place "Passionate Human Capital" at the very center of operations. Without people, hotels are mere words and structuresa truth that resonates deeply. Moreover, through its collaboration with IIHM, a leading Hotel Management School, Inventree extends the gift of quality education to those in need. By enhancing their employability. Inventree creates a ripple effect of positive change. As the brand continues to flourish, it sets ambitious goals: doubling its inventory within the next two years and ascending to the ranks of the fastest-growing hotel brands.



In this journey, it's the people- their dreams, aspirations, and hard work  that propel Inventree forward. Together, they weave a tapestry of hospitality, where every thread matters.



On the occasion, Dr Suborno Bose, Founder of IIHS, said, "Udaipur being one of the most iconic tourist destinations of the country, we had to open a centre here, to facilitate skill training for the students in and around and make them ready for the hospitality industry. In this process, the children of Udaipur will be now getting hospitality courses affiliated to the Government of India's Skill India mission. We are collaborating with Skill India and THSC to train hundreds of skilled hospitality workers in the entire country."



IIHS offers a wide range of courses catering to the diverse needs of aspiring hospitality professionals. These courses include:



 Diploma Course in Luxury Hospitality Operations (LHO) - 1 year, with placement opportunities (For 12th pass-outs only)



 Diploma Course in Kitchen Operations - 9 months + 3 months



 Diploma Course in Bar & Beverage - 3 months + 3 months



 Other course options - 6 months + 3 months



The eligibility criteria for these courses require individuals to be Class 10 or 12 pass-outs.



In addition to the core courses, IIHS also offers short-term skill-based programs focusing on various aspects of hotel operations. These programs cover areas such as service staff ethics, the art of cooking, baking, concierge services, front-office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage services, bar and beverage management, kitchen assistance, bell desk services, and more. Furthermore, the courses also incorporate knowledge on essential topics like FSSAI regulations, safety training, and overall management skills. IIHS promotes the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) to recognize and build upon existing knowledge and experience.



IIHS certifications are recognized by Government organizations including the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Skill India. These certifications can provide students with an edge in the job market and validate their skills and expertise.



IIHS aims to open 100 centres across the country within the next two years, with a mission to educate 100,000 young unemployed professionals and help them join the hospitality industry. Apart from the Udaipur centre, the courses are also being offered at Siliguri, Jalpaigudi, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Goa, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Guwahati



The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has already been leading the way in hospitality education, offering world-class programs that prepare students for careers in the dynamic hospitality industry. With a focus on practical experience and hands-on learning, IIHM graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry. The institute's emphasis on technology, sustainability, and wellness trends ensures that students are prepared for the future of hospitality. With IIHS, this forward-looking hospitality education methodology is being taken directly to vast numbers of aspiring students.



IIHS's vision is to be a leader in hospitality skills training and development, and providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the contemporary hospitality industry. IIHS is committed to creating a culture of innovation and excellence, focusing on the needs of students and the ever-evolving needs of the hospitality industry.



The mission of IIHS is to empower young people by providing them with the hospitality and social skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in the hospitality industry. IIHS aims to cultivate ethical and socially responsible leaders who are equipped with the latest industry trends and best practices.



About IIHM

IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is one of the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across eleven National and International cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Worlds biggest Culinary Olympiad Young Chef Olympiad, with participation of over 50 countries, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world. It has MoU's with over 50 countries for student and faculty exchange bringing the best of education for its students from around the World.

The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times consecutively in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was also featured in Forbes Magazine as Great Indian Institute and Great Place to Study consecutively in the year 2018 - 2019 and 2019 - 2020. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World's Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA - Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by Assocham from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon'ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India.

Please visit for more information: www.iihm.ac.in



Contact:

Abdullah Ahmed

COO, IIHM Hotel School Group

T: +91-(0)11-43204700

E: Abdullah.ahmed@iihm.ac.in



Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2375486/IIHMUdaipur.jpg



Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256068/4520417/IIHMLogo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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 The role of hospital employees in patient care is often overlooked, and in an effort to recognize and reward them for the vital role they play, Kauvery Hospital has come out with a unique initiative called the Flying Angels program.



Kauvery Hospital rewards its best employees through a unique initiative called the Flying Angels



1st April, 2024: Kauvery Hospitals, a leading multi-specialty healthcare chain in Tamil Nadu, runs a unique employee-reward initiative called the Flying Angels that was launched in the year 2019. This is one of Kauvery Hospital's outstanding employee-reward initiatives, which demonstrates the hospital's commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment while creating pleasant and lasting memories for the employees.



At an event held in 2019, the management posed a question to the employees asking how many of you have flown in an airplane and the responses they received prompted them to initiate the flight trip program called the Flying Angels.



Under the program, a cohort of the best hospital employees from the Kauvery Hospitals from various locations are invited to experience a chance to fly to a popular destination. Throughout their excursion, they engage in enlightening discussions with top management personnel, embark on sightseeing excursions, participate in engaging games, and indulge in delectable cuisine, fostering camaraderie and relaxation amongst colleagues. The hospital graciously covers all expenses, including local travel, sightseeing, meals, and shopping, ensuring a worry-free and enriching experience.



To date, six such programs have been successfully executed, involving nurses, ambulance drivers, housekeeping staff, and 5S employees. For many, this journey represents the realization of a long-held dream, marked by moments of pure excitement and profound emotion. It remains a cherished memory for all who participated, a testament to the enduring bond shared among lovable staff on a truly memorable day.



As one nurse puts it: It was a different experience mingling with colleagues from other Kauvery locations, and we bonded well sharing our feelings with each other. We felt like members of one big family and that was exciting.



As ambulance drivers, we are always alert and attending to phone calls on the move, but for the first time I experienced a relaxed and free time without the disturbance of phone calls!, said an ambulance driver joyfully recounting his experience.



I had not even crossed the borders of my hometown, so flying on an airplane was an absolute dream-come-true for me said one housekeeping staff. It was a happy, spell-bound moment for me flying up there in an airplane with the lovely sky above and the beautiful clouds below us, said Jyoti happily reminiscing about the experience.



Each ones experience of the program was different, but they all agreed that it was a totally joyful, memorable trip and profusely thanked the hospital for the opportunity and honour.



Speaking about the program Dr S Manivannan said that the contribution of the employees to the success of the hospital has been significant, and this program was initiated to recognise and reward them and literally take them to great heights.



The success of the Flying Angels program assures that it is indeed a step in the right direction!



(Disclaimer : The above Press Release is provided by HT Syndication and PTI will not take any editorial responsibility of this content.). PTI PWR

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Mumbai, Apr 1 (PTI) Benchmark equity indices started the new fiscal on a bullish note on Monday, with the Sensex and Nifty reaching all-time high levels, amid firm trends from Asian markets and foreign fund inflows.

Extending its winning momentum to the third day running, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 556.98 points to 74,208.33 in early trade. The NSE Nifty climbed 192.1 points to 22,519.

Later, the BSE Sensex reached its all-time high of 74,254.62 and the NSE Nifty hit the lifetime peak of 22,529.95.

From the Sensex basket, JSW Steel, Tata Steel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Tata Motors, and Larsen & Toubro were the major gainers.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Shanghai were quoting in the green while Tokyo traded lower.

Wall Street ended on a mixed note on Thursday.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 188.31 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.37 per cent to USD 87.32 a barrel.

"The undertone of the market is bullish and there is momentum in the market," Geojit Financial Services Chief Investment Strategist V K Vijayakumar said.

Equity markets were closed on Friday for Good Friday.

The BSE benchmark jumped 655.04 points, or 0.90 per cent, to settle at 73,651.35 on Thursday. The NSE Nifty climbed 203.25 points, or 0.92 per cent, to end at 22,326.90.

In the 2023-24 financial year, the BSE benchmark jumped 14,659.83 points or 24.85 per cent, while the Nifty soared 4,967.15 points or 28.61 per cent.
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) State-owned National Highways Authority of India's 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' norm, which aims to discourage the use of single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle, has come into force from Monday, a senior official said.

NHAI had extended the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative compliance deadline to March-end, in view of the problems being faced by Paytm FASTag users.

"Multiple FASTags won't work... People who have multiple FASTags for one vehicle won't be able to use all of them from today (April 1)," the official told PTI.

To enhance the efficiency of the electronic toll collection system and provide seamless movement at toll plazas, the NHAI has taken the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative that aims to discourage the use of single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.

Last month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had advised customers as well as merchants of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to shift their accounts to other banks by March 15.

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India, operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

With a penetration rate of around 98 per cent and over 8 crore users, FASTag has revolutionised the electronic toll collection system in the country.

It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it or directly toll owner.
Colombo, Apr 1 (PTI) Sri Lanka's Tamil political parties plan to field a candidate from the minority community for the presidential election who would present a credible and acceptable political solution for them, a senior community leader has said.

Sri Lanka is set to hold the next presidential election in the last quarter of 2024. The next president would be elected by mid-November at the latest.

Addressing reporters at his residence in the eastern port district of Trincomalee on Sunday, senior Tamil leader R Sampanthan said that Tamils would be well served in the forthcoming presidential election by supporting a candidate who would pledge to resolve all issues concerning the Tamil minority through an acceptable political solution.

Sampanthan said the political parties that form the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have proposed to field a Tamil candidate. But the Tamils must understand that such a candidate would not be able to pull much support and as such the parties must decide on the best course of action, he added.

Sampanthan stressed that the candidate who would present a credible and acceptable political solution for the Tamils by the merger of north and east provinces should be the important political factor for the Tamils.

Asked if the Tamils were likely to extend support to the incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe if he came forward to be a candidate, Sampanthan said it would depend on talks with him following his handing over of the nominations to contest the election.

In Sri Lankas presidential election history since 1982, Tamil candidates have contested the election but at most elections, they have by and large supported the opposition front-runner against the incumbent.
Deir Al-Balah, Apr 1 (AP) Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Monday that ships carrying hundreds of tons of aid are approaching war-ravaged Gaza.

Kombos told The Associated Press that the three ships have been granted permission to start offloading their cargo.

The Israel-Hamas war has displaced most of Gaza's population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine.

According to US charity World Central Kitchen, the vessels Jennifer, Open Arms, Ledra Dynamic and a barge are carrying enough ready-to-eat items to prepare more than 1 million meals. The items include rice, pasta, flour and canned vegetables.

Earlier this month, the Open Arms ship inaugurated the direct sea route to the Palestinian territory after delivering 200 tons of food, water and other aid. (AP)

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Karachi, Apr 1 (PTI) Unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate fire on a Pakistan Army bomb disposal team near the port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, killing two soldiers and injuring four others.

The bomb disposal team of the Pakistan Army was busy clearing landmines in the Ankara Dam area of Gwadar district when gunmen opened fire on them on Sunday, the Dawn newspaper reported on Monday.

Two security personnel were killed and four others injured in the attack in the Ankara Dam area on Sunday, officials said.

The firing incident took place some 25km from the port city [Gwadar], which claimed two lives and injured four others, said Gwadar SSP Mohsin Zohaib, adding that after the incident, the bodies and the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital.

Security forces have launched a search operation in the area to trace the attackers.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has, in the past, claimed most of the attacks in Gwadar.

The BLA is opposed to China's investments in Balochistan and accuses China and Pakistan of exploitation of the resource-rich province, a charge rejected by the authorities.

On March 24, the BLA also claimed responsibility for an attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Security forces had killed eight militants of the banned separatist group in the gunfire.

Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is home to a long-running violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups have previously carried out several attacks targeting the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic corridor projects.
Jerusalem, Mar 31 (AP) Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered outside the parliament building in Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government demonstration since the country went to war in October. They urged the government to reach a deal to free dozens of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and to hold early elections.

Nearly six months of war have renewed divisions in Israeli society. The Hamas militant group killed some 1,200 people during its cross-border attack on October 7, and took 250 others hostage. Roughly half the hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November, but repeated attempts by international mediators to broker another cease-fire deal have failed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and bring all the hostages home. But those goals have been elusive. While Hamas has suffered heavy losses, it remains intact, and hostages' families believe time is running out.

After six months, it seems like the government understands that Bibi Netanyahu is an obstacle, said demonstrator Einav Moses, whose father-in-law, Gadi Moses, is held hostage. Like he doesn't really want to bring them back, that they have failed in this mission.

The crowd stretched for blocks around the Knesset, or parliament building, and organizers vowed to continue the demonstration for several days. They urged the government to cancel an upcoming parliamentary recess and to hold new elections nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Netanyahu, in a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery later Sunday, said he understood the pain of the hostages' families. I will do everything to bring the hostages home," he said.

He also said calling new elections  in what he described as a moment before victory  would paralyze Israel for six to eight months and would paralyze the hostage talks.

Netanyahu also repeated his vow for a military ground offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than half of territory's population of 2.3 million now shelters after fleeing fighting elsewhere.

There is no victory without going into Rafah," he said.

The military has said Hamas battalions remain there. Allies and humanitarian groups have warned of catastrophe with a Rafah ground offensive.

Also Sunday, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp in the courtyard of a crowded hospital in central Gaza, killing two Palestinians and wounding another 15, including journalists working nearby.

An Associated Press reporter filmed the strike and aftermath at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where thousands of people have sheltered. The Israeli military said it struck a command center of the Islamic Jihad militant group.

Tens of thousands of people have sought shelter in Gaza's hospitals, viewing them as relatively safe from airstrikes. Israel accuses Hamas and other militants of operating in and around medical facilities, which Gaza's health officials deny.

Israeli troops have been raiding Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest, for nearly two weeks and says it has killed scores of fighters, including senior Hamas operatives.

Only a third of Gaza's hospitals are even partially functioning, while Israeli strikes kill and wound scores of people every day. Doctors say they are often forced to operate without anesthetic and other crucial supplies.

Those wounded in Sunday's strike lay on Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital floor and gasped while being treated, one clutching at the underside of a stretcher that held someone else.

Not far from Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, dozens of Palestinian Christians gathered at the Holy Family Church to celebrate Easter, with incense wafting through the rare building that appeared untouched by war. We are here with sadness, attendee Winnie Tarazi said. About 600 people shelter in the compound.

Israel is carrying out one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history.

The United Nations and partners warn that famine could occur in devastated, largely isolated northern Gaza. Humanitarian officials say deliveries by sea and air are not enough and that Israel must allow far more aid by road. Egypt has said thousands of trucks are waiting. The top UN court has ordered Israel to open more land crossings and take other measures to address the crisis.

The head of the World Food Program, Cindy McCain, told CBS it was able to get just nine trucks into Gaza on Thursday. That's nothing. We just cannot continue this way, she said, calling for unrestricted access. People are going to die otherwise, and they already are dying.

Gaza's Health Ministry said Sunday that at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including 77 whose bodies were brought to hospitals over the last 24 hours. The ministry's count does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but it has said that women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed.

Israel says over one-third of the dead are militants, though it has not provided evidence, and it blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates in residential areas.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to broker another cease-fire and hostage release. Talks resumed in Cairo on Sunday with little expectation of any breakthrough.

Hamas wants any such agreement to lead to an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Netanyahu has rejected those demands and says Israel will keep fighting until it has destroyed Hamas' military and governing capabilities.

Amid concerns about a wider conflict in the region, Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli drone struck a car in the southern Lebanese town of Konin.

A Lebanese security official told The Associated Press that Hezbollah militant Ismail al-Zain was killed, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Israel's military called al-Zain a significant commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan Forces' anti-tank unit, which has conducted strikes into northern Israel. Hezbollah confirmed the death.(AP) RUP

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The same year the Charlottesville area beat out Napa Valley for Wine Region of the Year, the region also showed off it can compete with another of Californias business vales: Silicon Valley.

DataShapes, an artificial intelligence company that manufactures software for defense industry vehicles, announced it has relocated its San Francisco headquarters to just outside Charlottesville.

The move was partly grounded in the areas proximity to Washington, D.C., and the defense industry players that make up a majority of DataShapes clientele.

If that were the sole factor behind the decision, a move to Northern Virginia would have made the most sense. It was the local talent pool  with a constant supply of students graduating each year from the University of Virginias top-rated colleges  and the more limited immediate and direct competition in the tech industry that sealed the deal for DataShapes.

We liked the environment of Charlottesville, its a lot more homey and a closer-knit community, DataShapes President Logan Selby told The Daily Progress. Northern Virginia would have been similar to Silicon Valley; you cant throw a rock in the Bay Area without hitting another AI company.

DataShapes has taken up residence in UVas North Fork Discovery Park just north of the city in Albemarle County. The office park offered several benefits to the company: Its already home to several other government contractors, including Booz Allen and the Mitre Company; it allows DataShapes to work in a classified environment; and it provides the company room to expand its offices in the coming years, according to Selby.

The park is also home to the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerces Defense Affairs Committee, which acts as a liaison for governmental agencies, private sector contractors and localities in the region.

Today, only six DataShapes employees work out of the North Fork office, but in the next year, Selby said the company is planning on hiring 20 to 25 new employees from the surrounding area, including data scientists, software engineers and marketing professionals. As it continues to scale its operations, DataShapes is looking to triple its local workforce in the next couple of years, Selby said.

Founded in 2019 out of San Francisco, DataShapes designs and manufactures AI-powered software primarily used by defense and intelligence agencies in military vehicles and satellite operators. DataShapes technology allows these crafts  whether on land, in the air, under the sea or in space  to gather and analyze data in a matter of minutes, a process that typically takes weeks.

The companys leaders began to discuss relocating to the East Coast over the past few years, given DataShapes close working relationships with the Department of Defense and other governmental entities. Selby moved out to California when he came on board as DataShapes CEO in January 2022, but had spent a seven-month stint living in the Albemarle village of Crozet while working for the National Ground Intelligence Center in 2020.

I might have been a little biased, said Selby. I loved the area of Charlottesville and built some good relationships here.

One of those relationships is with UVas School of Data Science, which DataShapes has already tapped as the perfect feeder program as we scale the company, said Selby, who is already planning to give several lectures for undergraduates in the fall as well as collaborate on students capstone projects.

Selby expects the companys association with the university to extend beyond students four years in the classroom, as he hopes to provide employment opportunities for new graduates that allows them to stay in Charlottesville.

There will be a lot of Cavaliers in the future of the company, Selby said.

Though their names are not yet public, Selby did confirm that there is a significant number of Cavaliers on DataShapes investor team who were especially excited about the companys new headquarters and a chance to return to their college town.

DataShapes has only been in the Charlottesville area since Feb. 27, but it already feels at home, said Selby. Industry peers as well as government officials from Charlottesville and Albemarle County have reached out to welcome the new business, Selby spoke at the Data Centric Summit held at the CODE Building on Charlottesvilles Downtown Mall in mid-March and DataShapes attended the Data & AI Summit in Richmond later in the month.

We have a lot of exciting things coming up this year, said Selby. Well be making official announcements in the upcoming weeks and months, but overall, theres a lot of excitement.
London, Apr 1 (PTI) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a potential revolt from within his party ranks over new legislation that is set to criminalise homelessness and hand police powers to crack down on rough sleepers on the countrys streets.

According to a report in The Times on Monday, several Conservative Party MPs have warned that they will vote against the measures in the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently going through the House of Commons and set to become law before a general election expected later this year.

The proposals, which had been unveiled by former Indian-origin home secretary Suella Braverman, would mean rough sleepers in England and Wales could be fined as much as 2,500 Pounds or face prison terms.

A lot of colleagues believe that the bill as it stands is completely unacceptable because it would have the effect of criminalising people who have no choice but to sleep on the streets. We are urging ministers to think again, said Tory MP Bob Blackman, who is also joint secretary of the powerful Conservative backbench 1922 Committee.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former deputy prime minister Damian Green are among the other Tory MPs who have signed amendments that would remove the new police powers. Green said he supported Blackmans amendment because it represented a practical way forward to help people off the streets rather than criminalising them.

People are not homeless because they want to be. These plans are even worse than the vagrancy act that was first introduced after the Napoleonic wars that this is supposed to be replaced, an unnamed Tory MP was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

The Criminal Justice Bill is designed to present the Conservatives as tough on crime as it prepares for a gruelling general election campaign, with the odds stacked against the governing party due to intense anti-incumbency sentiments.

The proposals within the legislation include expanding police powers to test suspects for drugs on arrest and enter premises to search for stolen goods such as mobile phones. It would also give probation officers the power to administer lie-detection tests to sex offenders and terrorists after their release from prison and also increase sentences for some offences.

However, ministers are concerned the bill will be overshadowed by controversies such as the homelessness debate.

Thats just part of the things were looking to do in terms of making sure that people dont sleep on the streets and thats not right, we want to provide the resources for people, housing, improving the number of refuges people can sleep in, and the amount of social housing and affordable housing, which weve done, said UK Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake.

Polly Neate, chief executive of the homelessness charity Shelter, stressed that the legislation was unfair.

Instead of punishing people for being homeless, politicians should be trying to prevent them from ending up on the streets. Everyone at risk of sleeping rough should have a right to suitable emergency accommodation, and to end homelessness for good it must invest in genuinely affordable social homes  we need 90,000 a year, she said.
Deir Al Balah (Gaza Strip), Apr 1 (AP) The Israeli military withdrew from Gaza's largest hospital early on Monday after a two-week raid, leaving behind several bodies and a vast swath of destruction, according to Palestinian residents.

The military has described the raid on Shifa Hospital as one of the most successful operations of the nearly six-month war. It says it killed scores of Hamas and other militants, including senior operatives who had regrouped there after an earlier raid, and that it seized weapons and valuable intelligence.

The UN health agency said several patients died and dozens were put at risk during the raid, which brought even further destruction to a hospital that had already largely ceased to function. The heavy fighting showed that Hamas can still put up resistance even in one of the hardest-hit areas of Gaza.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesman, said Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group had established their main northern headquarters inside the hospital. He described days of close-quarters fighting inside different buildings, and blamed Hamas for the destruction, saying some fighters had barricaded themselves inside hospital wards while others launched mortar rounds at the compound.

He said the troops had arrested some 900 suspected militants during the raid, including more than 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, and seized over USD 3 million in different currencies, as well as weapons.

He denied that any civilians had been harmed by Israeli forces, saying the army had evacuated more than 200 of the estimated 300 to 350 patients and delivered food, water and medical supplies to the rest.

Mohammed Mahdi, who was among hundreds of Palestinians who returned to the area, described a scene of total destruction.

He said several buildings had been burned down and that he had counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

Video footage circulating online showed heavily damaged and charred buildings, mounds of dirt that had been churned up by bulldozers and patients on stretchers in darkened corridors.

Another resident, Yahia Abu Auf, said there were still patients, medical workers and displaced people sheltering inside the medical compound after several patients had been taken to the nearby Ahli Hospital. He said army bulldozers had plowed over a makeshift cemetery in Shifa's courtyard.

The situation is indescribable, he said. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities. It says it launched the raid on Shifa after Hamas and other militants had regrouped there.

Health officials in Gaza deny those allegations. Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with war-wounded. Palestinians say Israeli troops forcibly evacuated homes near Shifa Hospital in downtown Gaza City and forced hundreds of residents to march south.

At least 21 patients have died since the raid began, World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late Sunday on X, formerly Twitter.

He said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients. He also said there were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and that many patients suffered from infected wounds and dehydration.

The military had previously raided Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, in November, after saying Hamas maintained an elaborate command and control centre inside and beneath the compound. It revealed a tunnel running beneath the hospital that led to a few rooms, as well as weapons it said it had confiscated from inside medical buildings, but nothing on the scale of what it had alleged prior to that raid.

The war began on October 7, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel responded with an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 32,782 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 13,000 Hamas fighters, and blames the civilian death toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territory's population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine. Northern Gaza, where Shifa is located, has suffered vast destruction and has been largely isolated since October, leading to widespread hunger.

Israel said late last year that it had largely dismantled Hamas in northern Gaza and withdrew thousands of troops. But it has battled militants there on a number of occasions since then, and the two weeks of heavy fighting around Shifa highlighted the staying power of the armed groups.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all of the hostages are freed. He says Israel will soon expand ground operations to the southern city of Rafah, where some 1.4 million people  more than half of Gaza's population  have sought refuge.

But he faces mounting pressure from Israelis who blame him for the security failures of October 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October. Deep divisions over Netanayahu's leadership long predate the war, which still enjoys strong public support. (AP) PY

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Thane/Mumbai, Apr 1 (PTI) The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed authorities to suspend personnel allegedly involved in beating up five minors who were detained by Shivajinagar police in Mumbai on suspicion of theft.

The five minors, who were accused of stealing Rs 63,000 from a woman's purse, were hit inside the police station, their parents had claimed. A complaint was also submitted to the Child Welfare Committee that a 15-year-old boy was kept in police custody overnight.

In a release issued on Monday, the MSCPCR said its chairperson Susieben Shah has written to Maharashtra Additional Director General of Police Deepak Pandey to appoint a committee under a deputy commissioner of police (DCP) rank officer to probe such cases.

The committee must submit a report within 15 days on how the children's rights were violated by the police while handling this case, the release quoted Shah as saying.

A meeting was held on March 19 by the MSCPCR, which was attended by ADG Pandey, Shivajinagar police station officials, the parents of the children, among others, it said.

"The commission has ordered to take action against the guilty policemen in the case. Upon medical examination of these victim children, fresh marks of beating like abrasions and blunt trauma were found," Shah said.

Stringent directions have been given to suspend the police personnel involved till completion of the probe, the MSCPCR release informed.
Raipur, Apr 1 (PTI) A Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Monday morning, a police official said.



The gunfight took place in a forest under Kistaram police station area when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxal operation, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran G Chavan told PTI.



Personnel belonging to the District Reserve Guard and Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA- an elite unit of the Central Reserve Police Force) were involved in the operation, he said.



After the exchange of fire stopped, the body of a Naxalite and a weapon were recovered from the spot, the official said.



The identity of the deceased was yet to be ascertained, he said, adding that search operation was still underway in the area.



Following this incident, 33 Naxalites have been killed so far this year in separate encounters with security forces in Bastar region, comprising seven districts including Sukma, according to police.



Sukma district comes under the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, which will go to polls in the first phase of elections on April 19.
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) The Trinamool Congress on Monday urged the Election Commission to immediately restrain central agencies like the ED, CBI, Income Tax Department and NIA from taking action against candidates, leaders and workers of the Trinamool Congress and other parties opposed to the BJP till the conclusion of Lok Sabha elections.

A delegation of TMC leaders that included Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen, Saket Gokhale and Sagarika Ghose met the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners and submitted a memorandum alleging misuse of central agencies by the BJP against the opposition parties.

They also urged the poll panel to transfer the directors of ED, CBI, I-T department and the NIA to ensure a level playing field for political parties in the Lok Sabha elections.

The TMC leaders cited incidents where central agencies have taken action against their party candidates.

"Yesterday every single opposition party agreed and a resolution was passed (at INDIA bloc rally) that there is unprecedented and biased action by central agencies. We have seen a surge in actions by central agencies," Gokhale said after the meeting.

"This is all being done at the behest of the ruling party... Why has not a single official from central agencies been transferred? Why is it limited to state government officials?" he said and urged the poll panel to pause the action of agencies to ensure a level playing field in elections.

The list mentioned Mahua Moitra's office being raided by the CBI, ED summons to her and Chandranath Sinha, West Bengal's Minister-in-Charge of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, income tax raid on Jui Biswas, Councillor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and the arrest of a number of TMC workers by the NIA in West Bengal.

"Not only do AITC candidates have to contest the elections, but outside hindrances, like the ones mentioned above, are an ongoing battle they have to face.

"The assurance of the Election Commission of India to provide a level playing field is being compromised at every step," the memorandum submitted by TMC claimed.

If workers at the local level are "hauled up on an everyday basis, then they have no time and energy left to carry out their prior political engagements. Such deliberate roadblocks instigated by the central departments/agencies have only one beneficiary, i.e., the ruling dispensation at the Centre", it said.

The party said it looks to the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field. "This must be done to protect the basic structure of the Constitution," the leaders said.
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) Geopolitical and "security challenges" in the Indian neighbourhood were discussed by the Army's apex leadership in the presence of its top commanders during a conference here on Monday, sources said.

The discussions were held at Manekshaw Centre as part of the Army Commanders' Conference, the first for the year 2024.

The Army chief, Army vice chief and all Army commanders attended the brainstorming sessions as part of the conference on Monday, a defence source said.

The Army Commanders' Conference is being organised in a hybrid mode. The conference was held in virtual mode on March 28 and in physical mode from April 1-2.

"Geopolitical and security challenges in the Indian neighbourhood" were discussed during the conference, the sources in military establishment said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the army commanders conference on Tuesday during which the senior military leadership will also assess the overall security situation, the Defence Ministry had said in a statement on March 27.

The conference, with its wide scope, ensures the Indian Army remains progressive, forward-looking, adaptive and future-ready, it said.

It serves as a "pivotal forum for apex leadership of the Indian Army to brainstorm conceptual issues, review and assess the overall security situation".

It will lay down key priorities facilitating important policy decisions to chart the course for future direction, officials had said.

The Army's top leadership will engage in intensive brainstorming sessions on April 1. The sessions will be aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability and investing in training and development programmes to ensure readiness for future challenges, the statement had said.
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Monday flew a sortie at the Air Force Station, Adampur, in Punjab, sources said.

He undertook the sortie to get a "first-hand experience" of the level of training and tactics followed at the field level, they said.

It was not immediately known in which aircraft he undertook the sortie.
Prayagraj (UP), Apr 1 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court on Monday fixed April 4 for hearing a plea regarding maintainability of a suit seeking "removal" of the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura that stands adjacent to the Krishna Janmasthan temple.

The petition claims that the mosque has been built on a 13.37 acre piece of land of the Katra Keshav Deo temple.

After hearing the matter, Justice Mayank Kumar Jain fixed the next date of hearing in the case on April 4.

The counsel for the Muslim side, Taslima Aziz Ahmadi, appearing through video conference, submitted before the court that the suit is barred by limitation.

On Monday, the Muslim side concluded its arguments on their objection regarding maintainability of the suit.

It was further submitted that the suit was filed for possession after "removal" of the structure of the Shahi idgah mosque as well as for restoration of the Katra Keshav Deo temple and for permanent injunction.

The plea in the suit shows the structure of the mosque is there and the committee of management is in possession of the same.

"In this way a question/dispute has been raised on Waqf property and thus provisions of the Waqf Act will apply, and in such it is the Waqf tribunal that has the jurisdiction to hear the matter and not a civil court," argued Ahmadi.

After hearing her, the court asked her to conclude her arguments by the next date of hearing.
Lucknow, Apr 1 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court has pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government after petitions alleged that it has violated the court's directions on the issue of asking people with valid firearm licences to surrender their weapons during elections.

The court noted that it had been passing orders for two decades asking authorities not to issue a general order without specifying the reason for depositing firearms.

The Lucknow bench of the high court said state authorities have not been complying with its directions.

Noting that many petitions had been filed in the court against a general order of the state with regard to depositing of firearms, a bench of Justice Abdul Moin warned authorities that in case any more petitions are filed, it would be constrained to impose a heavy cost on authorities.

The bench, however, clarified, "In case, the state authority has valid reasons requiring the licence holder to deposit his firearm, it would always be open for the competent authority to pass a specific order in this regard."

It passed the order on a petition moved by Ravi Shanker Tiwari and others on March 22.

The petitioners have alleged that they had been asked to deposit their firearms without being given a specific reason. This is a clear violation of several orders passed by the high court which prohibits the state from issuing any general order during the election period for depositing the licensed arms, they claimed.

Considering the matter, the bench found that in the case of Mohd Arif Khan in 1994, the high court had restrained state authorities from passing a general order for depositing the licensed arms.

It said in cases in 2000, 2002, 2021 and 2022, the court had reiterated its orders. But it has been of no avail as is apparent from the deluge of petitions being filed at present, the bench said .

The bench said the court had given specific directions to the chief secretary and the principal secretary, home, to issue directions to the authorities concerned to comply with the directions of the court in this regard. But no heed has been paid till date, it said.

The bench observed, "This indicates that the judgments which have been passed by the highest court of the state under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and are binding on all the authorities in the state are being conveniently overlooked and are not being followed."

"The matters which can be sorted out at the level of local authorities are engaging the attention of this court again and again which itself reflects the lackadaisical approach of the authorities concerned," it said. When the bench was apprised that committees at district level have been formed to look into these matters, the bench said, "Even if the said committee has been formed some cogent reasons should emerge from the order of the screening committee as to why it is essential for the firearms to be deposited and there cannot be general order for deposit of firearms keeping in view of the judgments of this court."
Kochi, Apr 1 (PTI) The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), on Monday extended its support to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

However, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan told the media that the UDF has not reached any understanding with the SDPI.



SDPI state President Muvattupuzha Ashraf Moulavi, who met the media here, said after considering all factors, the party has decided to support a secular front -- the UDF.





"In Kerala, we have decided to support the Congress-led UDF which is spearheading the anti-BJP bloc," Moulavi told the media







The SDPI leader said the party has not fielded any candidates in Kerala but has 18 candidates in various parts of the country.





"Our Constitution is being challenged. The BJP is bringing in laws to provide citizenship on the basis of religion. Uniform Civil Code is planned, which will affect the diversity of the country. We will support the Congress-led UDF which is fighting the BJP at the national level," Moulavi said.





Satheesan, stating that many parties are extending support to the UDF, said, "We have not held any discussion with the SDPI nor have reached any understanding."



Polling will be held in Kerala on April 26 for the Lok Sabha elections and the nationwide results will be declared on June 4.
Jaipur, Apr 1 (PTI) Two people were killed and another injured when a car collided with a culvert on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Monday, police said.

According to Laxmangarh SHO Shriram Meena, preliminary investigation revealed that the car that was going from Jaipur to Delhi went out of control and collided with a culvert as the driver dozed off.

Further investigation in the matter is on, he said.

"Two passengers in the car died and the driver was injured in the accident," the SHO said.

Meena said the injured driver has been admitted to Alwar District Hospital for treatment.

He said the deceased were identified as Ajay Arora (57) and Rajendra Singh (45) and the bodies were handed over to their families after postmortem.


Nagpur, Apr 1 (PTI) Two men have been arrested from Odisha in connection with six cases of chain snatching in Maharashtra's Nagpur city, police said on Monday.

Jafar Ali Gholu Ali (19) and Jaheer Husain Mohammad Bihari (21), both natives of Nuapada district of Odisha, were allegedly involved in chain snatching incidents in different parts of the city on March 28, commissioner of police Dr Ravinder Singal.



During the investigation, the police established the identity of the accused with the help of the CCTV footage, and traced them to their hometown in Odisha, he said.

With the help of the Odisha police, the Nagpur crime branch apprehended the duo and recovered stolen gold jewellery, a motorcycle and mobile phones from their possession, the official said.

The police were searching for another accomplice involved in the thefts, he said.
A video showing a London police officer debating the offensiveness of swastikas with a woman during a pro-Palestinian rally has sparked widespread criticism on social media. The officers responses were met with disbelief and anger, as he seemed to downplay the symbols impact and suggested it needed context.

Under what context is a swastika not disrupting public order? the woman repeatedly asked, to which the officer replied, Everything needs to be taken into context, doesnt it?

The woman pressed, Why does a swastika need context? Why is a swastika not immediately antisemitism?

The officer admitted, I dont have an in-depth knowledge of signs and symbols, but acknowledged that some symbols produce mass alarm.

The Metropolitan Police responded, stating the video was taken out of context and the officer had offered to assist the woman. However, social media users condemned the officers handling of the incident, with one commenter joking, That officer is qualified to be an Ivy League university president.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Likud Minister Dudi Amsalem on Sunday morning filed a petition to the Supreme Court against Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to draft Arabs to the IDF in the name of equality in response to the courts ruling last week to freeze the funds of some yeshivos.

He posted a video, saying: Good morning Am Yisrael. My friend Attorney Motti Shimon and I are here today to file a petition to the Supreme Court regarding a draft law for Arabs. According to the law today, every Israeli-Arab is supposed to go to the recruitment center and the IDF decides whether to recruit him to the IDF or to national service. But that hasnt happened since the founding of the state.

Nevertheless, the Supreme Court, at a time of war, rushed to fall on the Chareidim and lomdei Torah.

Every Arab who reaches the age of 18 and wants to study in a university  the State funds it. They also get scholarships and preferential treatment when theyre looking for a job. And three weeks after they begin university, theyre already protesting with a PLO flag against the State of Israel.

But in the view of those who sit in this building [the Supreme Court], its the lomdei Torah who are at fault. I call it the building of hypocrites. I want to see now what those hypocrites are going to do about the Arabs. I promise you  they wont do anything.

Why? They have a lot of hatred toward Judaism and Jewish tradition but without it, theres no Am Yisrael.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Our readers are all familiar with the fact that due to the recent Israeli Supreme Court ruling, learning in yeshiva will no longer grant bnei yeshiva an exemption from the army, as YWN has reported extensively.

However, there is an important detail for dual citizens to make note of. YWN spoke to Rabbi Nechemia Malinowitz of Eretz HaKodesh, who explained, as he details in the video below, that those who are citizens of a different country and also have Israeli citizenship  making them dual citizens  can still obtain a ben mehagrim status. A ben mehagrim  literally the son of an Israeli citizen who now lives abroad  is eligible for an army deferment of between one and four years in order to study in Israel.

As Rabbi Malinowitz explained, the aforementioned Supreme Court ruling does not affect those with a ben mehagrim status.

However, Rabbi Malinowitz points out that you must maintain your ben mehagrim statusyoure your ben mehagrim status expires, it will be very difficult to transfer to a ben yeshiva status. Therefore, dual citizens are urged to maintain their status as bnei mehagrim.

[Note that in order to receive a draft deferment based on ben mehagrim status, one must be registered as an Israeli citizen and have a mispar zehut (Israeli ID number). Check with the Israeli parent or parents as to whether their teudat zehut has or had a sefach (addendum) with the childs name and mispar zehut. If the ben mehagrim was never issued a mispar zehut, he will need to obtain one. To do so, the Israeli parent(s) must go down to the nearest Israeli consulate to have the child registered as an Israeli citizen. An appointment should be made in advance. The parent(s) should bring their Israeli identification documents, the childs original birth certificate with an apostille, and his foreign passport.]

For more information, you can reach out to the Igud at 02-673-1149.

WATCH:

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A drone reportedly launched from Iraq hit a building in Eilat in the early hours of Monday morning, causing light damage. BChasdei Hashem, no one was injured in the incident.

Kan News later reported that the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance militia in Iraq issued a statement saying that they targeted a vital target in Israel.

On Monday afternoon, the IDF released for publication that the drone damaged a Naval Base in Eilat and that the incident is under investigation.

Kan News reported that the drone hit a Navy hangar in the Gulf of Eilat, creating a large hole. A Navy vessel was docked right near the hangar, including one of Israels new Saar 6 warships that Israel deployed to the Red Sea in the wake of Houthi attacks on commercial ships. For those unaware, the Saar 6 Warship costs approximately $500 Million.

Ynet military correspondent Yoav Zitun commented on the incident, saying that the drone that hit Eilat overnight is one of the most severe incidents since the beginning of the war. An enemy aircraft was launched from Iraq and infiltrated Israel via Jordan until it exploded on a building next to the city  without being intercepted. That is what is permitted to be publicized. There were no injuries but the infiltration and accurate hit should not have occurred.

According to Army Radio, almost all previous drones launched from Iraq fell or were intercepted on the way to Israel. At least one drone did cross into Israeli territory but fell in an open area in the Golan.

The IDF initally stated following the incident: Following the warning about the infiltration of a hostile aircraft in the city of Eilat and the Eilat region, IDF forces identified a suspicious aerial target that crossed from the east towards the territory of the State of Israel. The target fell in the Gulf of Eilat area. There were no casualties and minor damage was caused to a building.

Following the fall, ambulances arrived at the area but Baruch Hashem, they werent needed:

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed an identical pair of bills last week, disappointing university police chiefs who say the legislation would have helped protect Virginias college campuses from gun violence.

They were among 30 bills the Republican governor vetoed on March 26, with his office saying each would have violated the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners.

State Sen. Creigh Deeds, the Charlottesville Democrat who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, said the legislation was crafted in response to the 2022 University of Virginia shooting that left three student-athletes dead and two others injured.

Both bills  the House version was sponsored by Democratic Del. Katrina Callsen of Albemarle County  would have banned firearms from the commonwealths public colleges.

Hindsight is 20/20, Deeds said, but had the bills been in effect years ago, it may have prevented the 2022 tragedy.

Well never know. But we have an obligation to fix the loopholes or the gaps that we see. And thats what this legislation was all about, Deeds told The Daily Progress.

That legislation would have made it a crime to have a gun at a public university in Virginia in virtually all cases, allowing law enforcement to make arrests, seize weapons and open criminal investigations.

While many universities have policies that prohibit guns, violating administrative policies only results in administrative sanctions, such as suspension or expulsion.

Campus police chiefs, such as UVas Tim Longo, have lobbied lawmakers to allow them to impose criminal penalties for gun possession on campus. That way they could take swift action and separate the firearm from its owner, Longo said.

If possessing a firearm on campus was made illegal, police could seize the weapon while investigating the matter.

In explaining his veto decision, Youngkin wrote that universities already have the authority to regulate their respective campuses, including implementing firearms prohibitions.

Longo said that while he respects the governors role in the process and hopes to continue working with him on the matter, he is disappointed by the decision.

As for Youngkins claim that universities can already prohibit guns?

University policy does not have the force of law, Longo told The Daily Progress. Nor does it provide the remedies we were seeking or afford for the full investigative processes that come with a criminal investigation.

Longo said he explained that when he testified before the General Assembly and in conversations hes had with the governors staff.

Callsen too was disappointed by Youngkins decision.

The bill, she told The Daily Progress, was advocated for by campus law enforcement with the specific goal in mind to protect college students and faculty and give campus police the proper tools to address gun violence on campus.

Youngkin claimed that by vetoing the bill he was allowing for consideration of differences across regions and the unique circumstances of the commonwealths many students.

This legislation does not adequately consider the numerous variations in Virginias diverse geographic, cultural, and societal norms across different regions of the Commonwealth, Youngkin wrote.

That line makes little sense to Deeds.

I mean, whats he talking about? Deeds asked. What is he talking about?

Dana Schrad, director of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, took it to mean that Youngkin is putting the rights of hunters over the safety of college campuses.

He may not understand how university policy doesnt help when law enforcement conducts a criminal investigation and needs a warrant to search for a weapon in campus housing, Schrad told The Daily Progress. Our campus chiefs are disappointed in this veto.

This marks the second time a bill like this has failed. Deeds was able to pass a similar version in the Senate last year, but it was killed in a Republican-controlled House of Delegates subcommittee; the House version of that bill, introduced by former Del. Sally Hudson, another Charlottesville Democrat, was also killed by a House committee. This time the proposed legislation actually made it to the governors desk, a victory for Deeds and Democrats in the General Assembly, but the result is ultimately the same.

While Deeds was able to get Republican support for the legislation last session, this time around he acknowledged that both his and Callsens bills were partisan.

That was a cue for the governor to veto the legislation, I guess, that and the fact that the gun lobby was all stirred up about it, Deeds said. This is something I wish theyd done a deeper dig on and put some thought into. This is a bill that should have been signed.

Gun violence on college campuses has become a focus of Charlottesvilles delegation in Richmond after UVa student Christopher Jones was witnessed shooting and killing three of his classmates on a chartered bus coming back from a field trip to D.C. the night of Nov. 13, 2022. Multiple firearms were later found in Jones dormitory.

If a search warrant had been issued when there were suspicions raised about the alleged shooter, maybe that search warrant couldve turned up the guns that were later found in his residence, Deeds said.

The governors veto message is totally off base. He doesnt understand. He doesnt get it, Deeds continued. Im disappointed, but Im not shocked.
A large pro-Hamas demonstration  and a pro-Israel counter-demonstration  is planned to take place tonight outside Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck, NJ, as Jews gather inside for an event in support of ZAKA.

ZAKA, as most are well aware, is an internationally recognized organization which ensures kavod hameis following accidents and terror attacks  and played a vital role in identifying bodies following the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

So why would anyone have a problem with an event supporting it? Well, according to the pro-Hamas crowd, they have to demand accountability from ZAKA for false claims that fuel Gaza genocide.

Which false claims? Nobody knows. In fact, ZAKA is not a Jewish-only organization; It has Muslim volunteers too who assist in ensuring that dead Muslims are given proper treatment according to Islamic law.

But facts and reality wont stop pro-Hamas agitators from protesting  and there are fears that the security of the ZAKA event attendees could be compromised.

However, the Vaad Harabanim of Bergen County on Sunday issued a statement saying that the community will not bend to the haters.

This protest is a violation of all that we hold sacred, the rabbanim wrote. First and foremost, it is a desecration of the memory of those who died at the hands of genocidal terrorists, al kiddush Hashem, for the sanctification of the Divine name.

Second, it is a brazen attack on every member of the Jewish community, as the twelve hundred kedoshim of October 7th  men, women, and children  were killed simply for being Jewish. Finally, it is yet another attack on our holy spaces of worship, following the outrageous hate march against Keter Torah on March 10th.

This will not pass, the rabbanim declared.

The statement says they have requested that authorities cancel the protest on security grounds, but were turned away.

As such, the rabbanim are asking the Jewish community to show up in force outside Bnai Yeshurun for a counter-demonstration.

We call upon the community to join us outside Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, beginning at 6:30 PM, to decry this outrageous and hateful act. Our gathering will be led by the Rabbis of the RCBC and Bergen County Jewish Action Committee.

We will remain peaceful at all times, and act only in a manner which sanctifies the Divine name for whose sake the kedoshim made the ultimate sacrifice.

Vihi sheamda laavosenu vlanu, as they rise up against us once more, we have total faith in His powers of redemption. The Jewish People will never be broken.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Israeli Knesset has passed a law allowing the government to temporarily ban foreign news networks from operating in the country if deemed harmful to national security. The law, dubbed the Al Jazeera law, was praised by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi.

There will be no freedom of speech for Hamas mouthpieces in Israel. Al Jazeera will be closed in the coming days, Karhi said.

The law grants the communications minister sweeping powers to cease broadcasting, shut down offices, confiscate equipment, and block websites of foreign news channels deemed a threat to national security. Orders can be renewed for 45-day periods, subject to judicial review within three days.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ensured the laws passage by coordinating with coalition whip Ofir Katz.

Critics argue the law restricts freedom of speech and targets Al Jazeera, which serves as a mouthpiece for Hamas.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Planning ahead: The New Deal for Working People was put together by Angela Rayner

Treasury Minister Gareth Davies has criticised Labour's plan to outlaw zero-hours contracts.

'These contracts are used by employees because they are providing them with flexibility on how they work,' Davies told the Mail.

'We have got to get the balance right between making sure that workers have rights, but we have also got to make sure that businesses are able to be nimble.'

Under Labour's New Deal for Working People, put together by deputy leader Angela Rayner, zero-hours contracts would be banned, new employees would have full rights from day one, and the practice of firing and rehiring would be made illegal.

Leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to introduce the deal for workers within 100 days of taking office, a move that is popular with the party's trade union backers.

But Davies disagrees with the implication that enterprises are by nature exploitative. 'Most business owners treat their staff impeccably because the happier colleagues are, the better businesses are and the better service customers get,' he said.

The Exchequer Secretary's comments were made during a visit to start-up hospitality business Chai Guys Bakehouse in west London.

The visit was timed to coincide with the rise in the VAT threshold from 85,000 to 90,000 from today and the extension of the 75 per cent business rates relief for small retail, hospitality, and leisure firms.

Davies, a former City fund manager at Columbia Threadneedle, indicated that the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt would use the annual Mansion House speech in July to continue his effort to unleash start-up funds for tech companies.

'Every time the Labour Party have left office they leave higher unemployment,' Davies added. 'We put greater value in creating opportunities for employment.'

The minister declined to say whether the Treasury might abolish stamp duty on share dealings to restore confidence in London quoted firms. 'It's about having a tax environment that is supportive of growth and having a stability of regime.'
Prio Wealth Limited Partnership reduced its position in W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 0.2% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 16,097 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 35 shares during the period. Prio Wealth Limited Partnerships holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $14,523,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in W.W. Grainger by 170.0% in the first quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 17 shares during the last quarter. HWG Holdings LP acquired a new position in shares of W.W. Grainger during the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Scarborough Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of W.W. Grainger in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 225.0% in the 1st quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 39 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in W.W. Grainger during the 1st quarter worth approximately $41,000. 80.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get W.W. Grainger alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 12,992 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,037.68, for a total value of $13,481,538.56. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 98,567 shares in the company, valued at $102,281,004.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 27,502 shares of W.W. Grainger stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,000.82, for a total value of $27,524,551.64. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 111,559 shares in the company, valued at approximately $111,650,478.38. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 12,992 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,037.68, for a total value of $13,481,538.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 98,567 shares in the company, valued at approximately $102,281,004.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 9.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

W.W. Grainger Price Performance

Shares of NYSE GWW opened at $1,040.46 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 2.30 and a quick ratio of 1.40. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $981.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is $958.94. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 12 month low of $674.41 and a 12 month high of $1,049.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.73, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.16.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $9.76 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.58 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $4.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.35 billion. W.W. Grainger had a net margin of 10.86% and a return on equity of 53.25%. The firms revenue was up 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $9.28 earnings per share. Analysts expect that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 38.75 EPS for the current year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Monday, August 12th were issued a $2.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $8.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.79%. W.W. Graingers payout ratio is 22.64%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have issued reports on GWW. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,000.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Wolfe Research upgraded W.W. Grainger to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, September 22nd. Erste Group Bank restated a hold rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a research note on Friday, June 14th. Morgan Stanley began coverage on W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday, September 6th. They set an equal weight rating and a $990.00 target price for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on shares of W.W. Grainger from $978.00 to $972.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,014.11.

View Our Latest Research Report on GWW

About W.W. Grainger

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools.

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Gardai investigating a serious assault in Dublin at the weekend say they are anxious to speak with a young man who presented himself at a garda station a short time after the incident.

Detectives have renewed their appeal for information following the assault which has left one man in a critical condition in hospital.

Two men were attacked shortly after 10pm on Saturday outside a residence in the Grange View Way area of Clondalkin.

One of the men, aged in his 30s, was taken to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment, where his condition has been described as critical. The second also received medical treatment but it's understood his injuries are non-life threatening.

In an update, issued this Monday evening, gardai confirmed that a technical examination of the scene has concluded and that investigations are ongoing.

"Gardai wish to speak to a young male who presented himself at Clondalkin garda station on March 30 2024 at approximately 10.30pm. He may contact the station on 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station," said a spokesperson.

The investigation team is also renewing its appeal to any person who was in the Tower Road area of Clondalkin between 9.30pm and 10.15pm on Saturday to contact them.

They are also appealing to anyone who was travelling on the number 13 bus between Clondalkin and Bawnogue between 9.45pm and 10.15pm and anyone who was in the Grange View Way area of Clondalkin between 10pm and 10.30pm to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage, are asked to make this footage available to the investigation team.
A longtime Kansas City transit activist has earned newfound public support in a faraway election contest.



To wit . . .

CLAY CHASTAIN IS NOW RANKS AS LEADING MAYORAL CONTENDER FOR 2027!!!

Here's more explanation of the numbers:



"It turns out, Mr. Chastain has built a great deal of name recognition and familiarity with Kansas City voters," leading KCMO pollster Charles Farley said. "He has been a fixture in local politics and many locals know that he can be relied upon to serve as the opposition candidate. So at this point, with more than three years until the next election . . . There's no doubt he ranks high with voters when it comes to name recognition. His challenge is to hold on to that momentum for the next 36 months."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Wales has been one of the destinations you must visit for its spectacular views and its deep, enriching cultural heritage. Tucked away on the western edge of Britain, this country offers experiences that cater to every type of traveler. If you thought Wales was all about sheep and choirs, think again. Here, ancient castles stand guard over lush landscapes and the cities buzzing with creativity and a love for the Welsh way of life.

Dive into the heart of Welsh culture by trying your tongue at some Cymraeg (that is, the Welsh language) or by losing yourself in the tales of dragons and heroes that permeate the air. The national parks, like Snowdonia and the Pembrokeshire Coast, are playgrounds for adventurers and peace-seekers, offering hiking, surfing, and moments of quiet contemplation.

But before you visit this country, you have to know everything first. This guide will lead you to the must-know facts before visiting Wales, and who knows? Maybe after reading this, you will book a ticket to this wonderful country.

Best Time to Visit

When you plan a trip to Wales, timing is key to making the most of your visit. Spring blossoms from March to May, bringing mild weather and fewer tourists, perfect for exploring the rolling hills and coastlines. Summer, from June to August, offers the warmest temperatures and a plethora of festivals, making it a vibrant time to experience Welsh culture and outdoor activities. However, accommodation prices peak, and popular spots get crowded.

Autumn arrives in September and paints the landscape in stunning hues of red and gold, ideal for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty with a cooler climate and fewer crowds. Winter, particularly around Christmas, transforms Wales into a picturesque wonderland, especially in the mountainous regions, though some attractions may close or have reduced hours.

Getting Around

Navigating Wales is an adventure in itself, with options to suit every preference. Trains connect major towns and cities, offering scenic routes that are as much a part of the experience as the destinations themselves. Buses reach further, including smaller villages and rural areas, providing a flexible and economical way to travel.

For those who prefer the freedom to explore at their own pace, renting a car opens up endless possibilities, from hidden valleys to secluded beaches. However, the real magic of Wales can often be found on foot, with national trails and coastal paths leading to breathtaking views and secret spots that are inaccessible by any other means.

Related Article : Most Loved Outdoor Ice Rinks In UK That Will Make You Get Your Skates On

Best Places to Explore

Wales has a natural beauty and historical sites. Cardiff, the capital, blends historic architecture with modern living and is home to the impressive Cardiff Castle and the buzzing waterfront at Cardiff Bay. The Snowdonia National Park offers rugged landscapes and the highest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon, providing trails for all levels of hikers as well as opportunities for zip-lining and underground trampoline parks in caverns.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is renowned for its stunning coastal walks and beaches, perfect for surfing and kayaking. History buffs will relish exploring the ruins of Tintern Abbey and the imposing Caerphilly Castle. For a unique experience, the Llechwedd Slate Caverns offer underground tours and a glimpse into the industrial past of Wales.

Tips for Travelers

To fully embrace the Welsh experience, a few tips can enhance your journey. Always carry a raincoat, as the weather can change swiftly, especially in the mountains and coastal areas. Trying local food and produce at markets and pubs not only supports local communities but also offers a taste of authentic Wales.

Moreover, respect the natural environment by sticking to paths and taking litter home, preserving the beauty for future visitors. Embrace the slower pace of life in rural areas, where the focus is on enjoying the moment and the stunning surroundings. Lastly, do not hesitate to engage with locals; their friendliness and hospitality are part of what makes Wales so special.
New Zealand is at the number one spot for the best country for work-life balance. This conclusion comes from the latest Global Life-Work Balance Index, organized by the employment and hiring giant Remote. They looked into how countries across the globe stack up when it comes to managing work and play.

New Zealand shines bright with a score of 79.35 out of 100. The factors that push New Zealand to the top include a mix of high minimum wage, great sick leave benefits, and inclusive healthcare options.

But aside from these things, what makes New Zealand stand out, and why does it deserve the spot? Let's find out!

Generous Annual Leave and Sick Pay

In New Zealand, workers enjoy an impressive 32 days of statutory annual leave. This generous allowance proves the country's commitment to ensuring that its workforce has ample time to rest, recharge, and pursue personal interests outside their professional lives. In addition to vacation time, New Zealand offers a high sick pay rate of 80%, allowing employees to recover from illness without the stress of financial hardship.

This approach not only supports individual well-being but also promotes a healthier and more productive working environment. By prioritizing employee health and leisure, New Zealand sets a global standard for work-life balance. The impact of these policies is evident in the overall satisfaction and happiness reported by New Zealanders, further solidifying its top position in global rankings.

Universal Healthcare System

New Zealand's government-funded universal healthcare system is a cornerstone of its exceptional work-life balance. Every resident has access to essential health services, reducing the burden of medical expenses and ensuring that everyone can receive care when needed. This inclusivity extends to preventive care and mental health services, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.

The accessibility of quality healthcare contributes to a less stressed and more secure workforce, knowing that their health concerns can be addressed promptly and effectively. It also means that workers are less likely to push through illness at work, reducing overall sick days and increasing productivity. The universal healthcare system is a key factor in why many consider New Zealand an ideal place to live and work.

Work Hours and Happiness

According to 4 Day Week Jobs, New Zealand boasts an average workweek of just 26.3 hours, one of the shortest among industrialized nations. This allows employees more time to spend with family, pursue hobbies, or simply relax, leading to a more balanced lifestyle. The happiness index in New Zealand reflects this balance, with a score of 7.2 out of 10. This high level of contentment among New Zealanders is attributed to the ability to find a harmonious balance between work demands and personal life.

The reduced work hours also mean businesses need to be more efficient and focused during working hours, leading to innovative work practices and a strong emphasis on productivity. As a result, New Zealanders enjoy a high quality of life, further affirming its rank as the top country for work-life balance.

Inclusivity and Diversity

New Zealand prides itself on being an inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. The country's LGBTQ+ inclusivity rate, at 78 out of 100, highlights its progressive stance on social issues. This inclusivity extends into the workplace, where policies and practices are designed to support and accommodate a diverse range of employees.

Such an environment fosters workers' sense of belonging and respect, contributing to their overall satisfaction and well-being. In New Zealand, the emphasis on inclusivity and diversity is essential to creating a productive, harmonious, and balanced work culture.
In a heartwarming event, Alaska Airlines reunited a passenger and her dog, Moose, after an unexpected adventure that spanned from North Carolina to Seattle. The reunion took place on Thursday, following Moose's accidental exclusion from a flight and his subsequent escape from the airport.

Alaska Airlines Brings Lost Dog Moose Back to Owner

The story began on Tuesday night at Raleigh-Durham International Airport when Moose was supposed to board an Alaska Airlines flight with his owner to Seattle. However, according to NYPost, due to a mistake in the loading process, Moose was left behind. The airline's staff took care of Moose overnight, planning to send him on the next flight to Seattle.

The next morning, as the staff prepared Moose for his flight, the dog managed to slip out of his collar and ran away from the airport. This prompted an extensive search. Concerned for her pet, Moose's owner flew back to Raleigh on Wednesday afternoon to join the search efforts.

Thankfully, the airport's fire rescue team found Moose unharmed on Thursday morning. They quickly connected Moose with his owner, who had been searching in a different area. The joyful reunion was facilitated by Alaska Airlines, marking a happy ending to what could have been a distressing incident.

Alaska Airlines expressed relief and joy over the successful reunion, focusing on the efforts of the K-9 officers at the airport who took care of Moose until he could be returned to his owner. This incident underscores the importance of pet safety during travel and the commitment of Alaska Airlines to ensure the well-being of all its passengers, including the furry ones.

Alaska Airlines Passenger's Phone Survives Fall from Sky

In January, a passenger's iPhone fell thousands of feet from an Alaska Airlines flight and was later found working. The event occurred during a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, on Jan. 5. The phone belonged to Cuong Tran, who experienced a startling wake-up as his flight, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, encountered a significant mishap.

The problem began when the aircraft lost a door plug mid-air, creating a loud whoosh of wind inside the cabin. Tran, who was dozing off at the time, suddenly found himself amidst a confusing and frightening situation. "I heard this whoosh sound - really strong-sounding wind," Tran described his ordeal, as quoted by the Business Insider.

He soon realized the gravity of the situation when he noticed a big hole in the side of the plane, his phone, shoe, and sock already sucked out into the sky.

Miraculously, Tran's iPhone was later found on the side of a road, still half-charged and in airplane mode, displaying an email with a baggage claim receipt. This unusual survival story caught the attention of many, bringing out both the phone's durability and the bizarre nature of the incident.

Recently, passenger videos from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 went viral, showcasing the terrifying moments when part of the plane's fuselage tore away, forcing passengers to grab oxygen masks as wind roared through the gaping hole.

Following this incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded all Boeing 737 Max 9 planes equipped with a plug door. This measure will remain in effect until the FAA confirms each aircraft can safely operate again.
On Sunday, Romania and Bulgaria made a big step by joining a special travel zone in Europe called the Schengen area. This means people can now travel to and from these countries by air and sea without having to show their ID at the border. However, if they are traveling by land, they still need to go through checks.

Romania and Bulgaria Joined the Schengen Travel Zone

This change is a part of Romania and Bulgaria's journey to become closer to the European Union (EU). They have been trying to join this travel zone for many years. The Schengen area allows people to travel freely between certain countries in Europe without stopping for ID checks. Before Romania and Bulgaria joined, 23 out of 27 EU countries, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, were already in this zone.

As per AP News, the decision to let Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen zone partially was celebrated by many. Ursula von der Leyen, who leads the EU Commission, called it a "huge success" and a "historic moment." Despite this step forward, Austria has been against Romania and Bulgaria joining completely because of worries about illegal migration. This is why land border checks are still in place.

Officials from both Romania and Bulgaria are happy about this change. They believe it will make traveling easier for millions of people every year. Also, it is expected to help the economy by making it easier for tourists to visit.

In the future, both countries hope to join the Schengen area fully, which would mean no more border checks on land either. But for now, Romania and Bulgaria are celebrating this important step in their relationship with the rest of Europe.

Related Article : Schengen Visa Prices Could Spike Ahead of 2024 Summer Season

Romania and Bulgaria Ease Passport Checks at Airports

On Sunday, airports in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Bucharest, Romania, made a big change. They stopped checking passports for people flying to or from most places in the European Union.

Last year, Romania and Bulgaria agreed to allow free travel by air and sea. However, they could not fully join the Schengen zone because Austria was worried about illegal immigration. Austria wants both countries to work harder to stop people from crossing borders illegally.

Mincho Yurukov, a traveler from Bulgaria, shared his happiness about this change. As shared by Reuters, he said it makes flying much nicer because there are no more checks. This makes him feel more connected to Europe.

Leaders from both Romania and Bulgaria are looking forward to removing all border checks. This means in the future, people might not need to show passports at road and rail crossings either. Ursula von der Leyen, a top official in the European Union, praised this step. She said it's good news for both countries and makes Europe stronger.

Romania and Bulgaria are also working with other countries to control illegal immigration. They want to be fully part of the Schengen zone soon, making travel easier for everyone.
Fairbanks International Airport is trying out a new kind of robot named Aurora to keep birds and other animals away from runways. This test is happening in Anchorage, Alaska, and might be used more widely if it works well. Aurora is built by Boston Dynamics, a company known for creating robots that move like animals.

Fairbanks International Airport Tests New Robot, Aurora, for Wildlife Safety

The airport in Fairbanks, Alaska, is working on making flights safer by using a robot. The robot, called Aurora, is designed to scare off animals that could be dangerous near runways. It can move in all directions, climb stairs, and even dance. It's made to work in Alaska's tough weather, including snow and water.

According to Simple Flying, some people worry that robots like Aurora could be used to watch them without their permission. But, Alaska's Department of Public Safety says Aurora will only patrol near runways to prevent accidents with animals. It won't be used to keep an eye on people. The robot will be watched closely to make sure it's safe and does its job right.

In 2023, Alaska had 93 incidents where airplanes hit birds or animals, causing problems. Fairbanks International Airport had 10 of these incidents. Using robots like Aurora could be a cheaper way to stop these accidents than hiring experts.

Fairbanks International Airport is joining other airports in using robots. For example, Emirates airline is testing check-in robots in Dubai. As technology improves, airports and airlines are finding new ways to use robots to help passengers and keep flights safe. Fairbanks International Airport's trial with Aurora is a step toward using more technology for safety and efficiency.

Related Article: Airports Get a Digital Makeover with Facial Recognition Tech

Fairbanks International Airport to be Named After Congressman Don Young

Governor Mike Dunleavy has proposed a bill to change the name of Fairbanks International Airport to Don Young Fairbanks International Airport. This is to honor Don Young, Alaska's longest-serving congressman, who recently passed away. The new name, proposed on Jan 24, aims to remember Young's hard work for Alaska's transportation.

The Office of the Governor stated that Don Young worked hard to improve how people and goods move around Alaska. He was a big supporter of making the state's airports and roads better. Young worked in Alaska's government and then in Congress for many years. He helped make laws to update Alaska's air travel and make flying safer. Young also worked to make sure small airports could get money to stay safe and run well.

The Fairbanks International Airport's new name would show how much Young did for Alaska. Governor Dunleavy said renaming the airport is a great way to keep Young's achievements alive. He mentioned how Young's efforts are still helping both Alaskans and visitors every day.

This change means the Fairbanks International Airport will carry Don Young's name as a tribute. It celebrates a man who loved Alaska deeply and worked to make it a better place for everyone. The airport's new name will remind people of Young's dedication to improving travel and safety in Alaska.
India's landscape is a feast for the senses, peppered with mesmerizing spots from north to south. While Kashmir has long captured global admiration, Kerala has swiftly climbed the ranks as a must-visit on any traveler's itinerary. And it's easy to see why.

Kerala, with its diverse terrain that spans beaches, hills, and lush plains, is nothing short of magical. As you plan your next trip to this slice of paradise, ensure you don't skip any of the gems this state has to offer.

When's the Best Time to Hit Kerala?

Figuring out the best time to check out Kerala is pretty crucial if you wanna soak up all its chill vibes. You'll wanna head there between September and March - that's when the weather's just right, not too steamy or chilly. Skip the monsoon season from June to August unless you're into the whole rain-drenched scene.

Post-monsoon, everything looks super lush, making it awesome for your Insta shots. Around December and January, the place buzzes with cool festivals and a comfy cool climate. Hit up Kerala during these months to catch it in all its laid-back glory.

Cool Spots to Check Out

Kerala's got spots for every mood if you're all about nature or diggin' the city scene.

Alleppey - Backwater Paradise: This place is like the Venice of the East, with chill houseboat cruises through the backwaters. It's all about laid-back vibes, rice paddies, and cool birdwatching. Spending a night on a houseboat? Unforgettable.

Munnar - Tea Country: Imagine rolling green hills of tea plantations and fresh, cool air. Munnar is perfect for hiking or just chilling with a cup of local tea. It's the ultimate escape from the city grind.

Fort Kochi - Culture Central: This spot is a cool mix of history and modern vibes, with old-school Portuguese houses and those iconic Chinese fishing nets. It's a peek into Kerala's past while munching on some yummy local eats.

Thekkady - Call of the Wild: Wanna see elephants and maybe even a tiger? Thekkady's your spot, with its wild national park and boat rides for animal spotting. It's a nature lover's dream.

Varkala - Cliffside Beaches: Varkala is all about breathtaking cliff views and chill beach times. Perfect for a sunset swim or just lounging around. Plus, the cliff is lined with cafes and shops for when you wanna grab a bite or shop.

Kochi - The City Beat: Kochi is where traditional meets trendy. Think street food, ancient temples, and cool art galleries. It's a great starting point for any Kerala adventure.

Dive Into the Culture

Kerala's all about vibrant festivals, delicious food, and arts. Catch the Onam festival for some real local flavor, from traditional boat races to floral carpets. The food here? A mouthwatering mix of coconut, spices, and all the seafood you can dream of. Don't miss a Kathakali dance show - it's all about the drama and colorful storytelling.

Adventure's Calling

For the thrill-seekers, Kerala's packed with stuff to get your heart racing. Bamboo rafting, mountain treks, or surfing - pick your adventure. With its wild landscapes, Kerala's basically an outdoor playground.

What's the Verdict?

Kerala's the place to be if you're looking for a mix of adventure, culture, and some serious relaxation. It's got something for everyone, making sure you leave with some epic memories. So, grab your bags and head to Kerala - trust me, it's the laid-back trip you've been dreaming of.
TV Programm heute

Wer heute Fernsehen sehen will, greift entweder zur Programmzeitschrift oder  vor allem bei jungeren TV-Zuschauern gang und gabe  nutzt den Programmguide seines Vertrauens im Internet. Bei TV SPIELFILM gibt es mit der "TV Programm von heute"-Ubersicht eine praktische Zusammenstellung aller Sendungen des Tages. Von den Hauptprogrammen Das Erste, ZDF, RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben und kabel eins bis hin zu den Spartenkanalen, Dritten Programmen und Sport- oder Infokanalen: Wer das Programm heute kennen will, kann sich kinderleicht durch die Ansicht navigieren.

TV heute: Vielseitig aber auch unubersichtlich

Im Laufe der Jahre bevolkern immer mehr Sender die deutsche Fernsehlandschaft. Wer das Fernsehprogramm heute im Auge behalten will, muss uber einen breiten Blick verfugen. Der durchschnittliche deutsche TV-Haushalt empfangt mehr als 70 vollwertige Programme uber seinen Fernseher, insgesamt gibt es mehr als 400 Programme im deutschen TV. Landesweite, regionale und lokale Fernsehangebote dominieren das Programm heute. Mit dem Aufkommen von Streamingdiensten wie Netflix und Amazon oder der wachsenden Bedeutung des Pay-TV wird die Auswahl fur Fernsehen heute immer groer.

Mit dem TV Programm von heute wahrt der Programmguide Ubersicht in Zeiten der Unubersichtlichkeit. Auch bei der Auswahl einer geeigneten Sendung hilft TV SPIELFILM: Wir geben Programm-Tipps fur jeden Tag, zeigen mit dem bestens bekannten Daumen, ob sich das Programm heute lohnt oder nicht. Die Kritiken und Tipps stammen aus der Redaktion und werden taglich gewissenhaft und mit geubtem Auge ausgewahlt und verfasst. Informationen bezuglich des Genres, der Schauspieler und der Altersfreigabe im TV sind ebenfalls ersichtlich. Die ubersichtliche Darstellung in Tabellenform gliedert die einzelnen Sendungen zeitlich und liefert einen schnellen Uberblick uber das tagliche TV-Programm.

Fernsehen heute: Webseiten und Apps

Eine weitere Moglichkeit sich nicht nur uber das TV Programm zu informieren, sondern auch direkt einzuschalten, besteht uber die digitalen Angebote von TV SPIELFILM. Mit den Apps oder uber die Internetseite kann direkt ins tagliche Programm geschaltet werden.

Auch eine Verbindung zu den Streamingangeboten findet sich unter jeder Sendung: Wenn eine Serie auch uber Netflix, Amazon, Maxdome und Co. streambar ist, erfahrt ihr es im EPG von TV SPIELFILM.

Der mobile Zugriff, aktuelle Informationen nach einem Programmwechsel und die Funktion, Sender nach eigenem Belieben zu sortieren, stellen weitere Vorteile fur das Fernsehen von heute dar. Hilfreiche Features sind auerdem die integrierte Suchleiste sowie eine Erinnerungsfunktion. Durch diese Funktion erhalt der Zuschauer die Moglichkeit, von ihm favorisierte Filme, Serien oder Dokumentationen fur das Programm heute auszuwahlen und auf eine Merkliste zu setzen. Kurz vor der Ausstrahlung wird der Nutzer uber das gewunschte Programm im TV heute informiert.
By Jeff Murphy, April 1, 2024



Joanne Kurt-Hilditch, Ph.D., third from left, senior director of the Missouri Safety Center at the University of Central Missouri, recently presented the first Missouri Safety Center Community Service Award to Dean Wille, owner of Gator Graphics, Warrensburg, for voluntarily using one of his business signs to share messages encouraging motorists to wear seatbelts. Joining them for the presentation were Missouri Safety Center members, from left, Debbie Busker, enforcement coordinator; Ryan Schildknecht, breath alcohol instrument lab coordinator; Mike Perkins, senior program manager; and Matt Bond, breath alcohol instrument training program manager.



WARRENSBURG, MO  An estimated 35,000 to 40,000 individuals who pass by a tall digital advertising sign north of the Highway 50 and Highway 13 intersection each day are getting an important safety reminder while the business owner who made it possible is getting recognition.



Warrensburg businessman Dean Wille, owner of Gator Graphics, in March received the first Missouri Safety Center Community Safety Award. Joanne Kurt-Hilditch, Ph.D., senior director of the Missouri Safety Center at the University of Central Missouri, recently made the presentation of a framed certificate and a Safety Center coin to Wille to commemorate his selection. Wille voluntarily posts Buckle Up for Your Safety messages on a large electronic sign near a high-traffic business entrance as a way to remind passersby of the importance of wearing seatbelts.



We are very engaged with the Missouri Department of Transportations efforts to encourage motorists to wear seatbelts. When we saw how one community member is engaging the community to help prevent motor vehicle injuries, we wanted to do something special, Kurt-Hilditch said.



Wille said the sign is an extension of Gator Graphics, which offers electronic advertising services throughout the local area. As the son of a former Warrensburg auto body shop owner, Larry Wille, he grew up seeing what can happen to vehicles involved in a collisions. The placement of messages reminding motorists to wear their seatbelts is an opportunity to use a highly visible sign  which is an extension of his graphics business  to put something meaningful out there for the benefit of the public.



Kurt-Hilditch hopes to use the Community Safety Award as a way to encourage other individuals to engage in other opportunities to support traffic safety. To learn more about the Missouri Safety Center, visit mosafetycenter.com.
Ukraine has confirmed 53 engagements with Russias invasion forces along the frontlines over the past day.

Thats according to the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

The enemy launched 22 missile attacks and 79 airstrikes, as well as97 rocket salvos, on Ukraines defense positions and at populated areas. Civilian casualties were reported, as well as damage to civil infrastructure, including apartment blocks.

Two of the three Shahed kamikaze drones were intercepted.

Russian airstrikes targeted Oleksandrivka, Sumy region; Kozacha Lopan, Ohirtseve, Kharkiv, Borschova, Vovchansk, Petropavlivka, Kotliarivka, Cherneshchyna, and Pershotravneve of Kharkiv region; Bilohorivka, Luhansk region; Terny, Yampolivka, Chasiv Yar, Rozdolivka, Umanske, Novobakhmutivka, Ocheretyne, Berdychi, Orlivka, Novomykhailivka, Pobieda, Urozhaine, and Staromaiorske of Donetsk region; Huliaipole and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region.

More than 110 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions came under Russian artillery fire.

Volyn and Polissia directions: the operational situation underwent no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna directions: the enemy maintains their military presence near the border, engaging in sabotage activities to prevent Ukrainian troops from maneuvering.

Kupiansk direction: the enemy ran no offensive (assault) missions.

Lyman direction: Ukrainian soldiers repelled three enemy attacks in the area of Terny, Donetsk region, where the Russians tried to break through the defense lines with air support.

Bakhmut direction: Ukraine repelled eight attacks in the areas of settlements of Bilohorivka, Luhansk region; Verkhnokamianske, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka of Donetsk region, where the enemy tried to improve their tactical position, enjoying air support.

Avdiivka direction: Ukraine repelled 13 assaults in the areas of Berdychi, Semenivka, Umanske, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske of Donetsk region, where the enemy employed air support to try to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions.

Novopavlivka direction: Ukraines Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the areas of Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, and east of Vodiane of Donetsk region, where the Russian ground forces, supported from air, undertook 22 attempts to penetrate the defense lines.

Orikhiv direction: the invaders launched two attacks in the areas of Staromaiorske, Donetsk region, and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region.

Kherson direction: the enemy does not give up its intention to knock out our units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnieper. During the past day, he attacked the positions of our troops twice.

During the past day, Ukraines Air Force hit 11 Russian manpower and weapons clusters and three anti-aircraft missile systems, while missile forces hit three UAV control points, an anti-aircraft missile system, an e-warfare system, and an artillery system.

As Ukrinform reported earlier with reference to the Institute for the Study of War think tank, the Russian military is reportedly forming mobile fire groups to mitigate against Ukrainian drone strike threats but will likely struggle to field these groups at the required scale in the near term.
The total battlefield losses sustained by the Russian invasion forces have amounted to 442,880 as of the morning of Monday, April 1.

Thats including 710 soldiers and officers killed or wounded in action in the past 24 hours, according to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

Also, Ukraines defense forces destroyed a total of 6,986 enemy tanks (+20 in the past day), 13,321 (+17) armored fighting vehicles, 11,082 (+32) artillery systems, 1,023 MLR systems, 744 (+1) anti-aircraft warfare systems, 347 warplanes, 325 helicopters, 8,757 (+26) UAVS of operational and tactical level, 2,057 (+9) cruise missiles, 26 warships/cutters, a submarine, 14,752 (+35) vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,826 (+3) units of specialized equipment.

The latest reports on enemy losses are being verified, the General Staff adds.

As reported earlier, Ukraine confirmed 53 combat clashes with Russian invasion forces in the past day.

The enemy launched 22 missile attacks and 79 airstrikes, as well as97 rocket salvos, on Ukraines defense positions and at populated areas. Civilian casualties were reported, as well as damage to civil infrastructure, including apartment blocks.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a businessman in Kyiv who supplied building materials to Russia for the construction of fortified areas in the temporarily occupied territories.

According to the SBU, the detainee is the owner of several enterprises from the temporarily captured city of Berdiansk, Zaporizhzhia region.

It was established that after Russian troops captured the city, the culprit began to cooperate with the invaders. In particular, he supplied Russian companies with sand, crushed stone and cement for the construction of fortifications on the southern front.

The issue concerns the mass production of pyramidal anti-tank reinforced concrete structures, better known as "dragon's teeth."

Later, the perpetrator left for Kyiv, from where he continued to run an illegal business in the temporarily captured part of the Zaporizhzhia region. For this purpose, he left his entire top management there and communicated with them remotely.

On the culprit's instructions, his subordinates in Berdiansk "re-registered" controlled local enterprises according to Russian "legislation" and began to regularly replenish the Russian budget by paying "taxes."

During the search of the detainee's apartment in the Ukrainian capital, law enforcement officers discovered documents and other material evidence of criminal activity in favor of Russia.

The perpetrator was served with a suspicion notice under Part 4 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (conducting economic activities in cooperation with the aggressor state, illegal authorities created in temporarily occupied territories, including by the occupation administration of the aggressor state).

The suspect is in custody.

Photo credit: Security Service of Ukraine
U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink has responded to another Russian missile attack.

The diplomat posted the relevant message on social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.

5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, the third air raid alert of the night, the whole country called to bunker with Russia launching missiles all over Ukraine, Brink posted.

As reported by Ukrinform, in the early hours of March 31, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 14 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, 11 Shahed combat drones, an Iskander-M ballistic missile, and a Kh-59 guided missile.

Ukraines air defense forces destroyed nine Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles and the same number of combat drones.
Every F-16 fighter jet not flying over the Ukrainian skies means more chances for Russian helicopters, planes, and missiles to land on Ukrainian citizens.

Sjoerd Wiemer Sjoerdsma, a Dutch politician and a member of the House of Representatives (2012-2023), said this in an interview with an Ukrinform correspondent.

"I strongly believe that the Netherlands, Europe, and the West should supply Ukraine with whatever it needs militarily speaking, whenever it needs it, and wherever it needs it. And unfortunately, what we've seen is that we've been drip-feeding the Ukrainian military instead of giving it what it needs. I don't think there was any NATO country that would send its troops to storm trenches without clear air support. So I think it's outrageous. We've taken so long to get the green light to send Ukraine F-16s. Because every F-16 that's not flying over Ukrainian skies means more chances for Russian helicopters, more chances for Russian jets, more chances for Russian missiles to land on Ukrainian soldiers and civilians," the politician said.

He added that Ukrainian pilots undergo training on F-16 fighters in Romania.

"I know Ukrainian pilots are being trained in Romania. I know there's been a lot of work done in the logistical chain to ensure that the planes are there, but I don't dare predict when they're there. If it were up to me, they would have been there two years ago but, apparently, it doesn't work that way," he said.

Earlier reports said that the Netherlands planned to hand over the first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the second half of 2024.

The Netherlands is allocating more than EUR 150 million for the purchase of ammunition for F-16 fighter jets.
Dutch politician, member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands (2012-2023) Sjoerd Sjoerdsma emphasized that Ukraine deserves material, financial, and moral support - everything that can be done to help it defend against Russian aggression.

He said this in an interview with an Ukrinform correspondent in The Hague.

"Ukraine deserves our material, financial, and moral support, whatever we can to help protect Ukraine from Russian aggression. And it's been a long time since we've seen such naked aggression, disregard of borders, disregard of human life, disregard of other people's culture. So I think for almost any politician in Netherlands there wasnt any question on which side we were. We were firmly on the Ukrainian side. But I also think the Netherlands has a debt of honor when it comes to Ukraine because of the two things in the past," Sjoerdsma said.

According to the politician, the Netherlands has a deep sense of respect when it comes to Ukraine, due to two events that took place in the past.

"The first is the horrible referendum that we held on the Association Agreement with Ukraine in which the Dutch population voted. But I don't think they voted no because they wanted Ukraine out of Europe or they wanted nothing to do with Ukraine. No, it was because of a serious disinformation campaign and a lack of will from politicians to defend their points of view. I think we were the only party at the time to really campaign in referendum. We went all out, we printed flyers, we were in all cities with volunteers, explaining to people why this Association Agreement was a win-win both for Ukraine and the Netherlands. So we had something to make up for when it comes to our ties and the Ukrainian inspiration within Europe," the politician emphasized.

He also recalled the shooting down of flight MH17. "I remember, after the first dark days of the downing of the plane, the strong outcry in the society to bring our loved ones back. They were shut down over a theater of war where Ukraine was fighting Russia  at the time, of course, they were called pro-Russian separatists. We all know that they were from Russia. And Ukraine was prepared to stop the fighting to allow the bodies of our loved ones to be retrieved. I think this was the gesture of such goodwill and such honor that I think it's almost a debt of blood for the society to return the favor. I was there when the bodies were flown back to Eindhoven by the Dutch and Australian military. I will always remember this," said Shurdsma.

In his opinion, these two things make up for what the Netherlands has done and what it needed to do. " But of course, the invasion itself, so incredibly barbaric that there was also no doubt that we had to act," said the politician.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Netherlands is allocating more than EUR 100 million for the Czech initiative for the rapid delivery of artillery rounds to Ukraine.

Czech President Petr Pavel announced on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that Prague had found about 800,000 artillery rounds (500,000 155mm shells and 300,000 122mm shells) in third countries, which EU members could purchase for Ukraine. Several nations have already supported the initiative.
The Swedish government has allocated about SEK 40 million ($3.7 million) for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The press service of Ukraines Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories reported this, according to Ukrinform.

The Ministry of Reintegration noted that the assistance is provided through the UN World Food Programme.

Earlier, Sweden allocated SEK 1.4 billion to Ukraine, which was aimed, among other things, at supporting the country's population during the winter.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Sweden has allocated 26.4 million to the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environmental Partnership (E5P Fund) for grant support for energy efficiency projects in Ukraine.
On April 2, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will pay a working visit to The Hague to take part in the ministerial conference "Restoring Justice for Ukraine.

The press service of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine announced this, according to Ukrinform.

The conference aims to discuss point 7 of the Ukrainian Peace Formula - "Restoration of Justice" - and to review the results of documenting and investigating crimes committed by Russian invaders on the territory of Ukraine.

The agenda will include further steps towards the creation of a special tribunal for Russia for the crime of aggression.

Participants of the conference, organized by Ukraine, the Netherlands and the European Commission, include the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the President of Eurojust, representatives of the International Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (RD4U) and the International Center for the Prosecution of Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA).

As expected, a political declaration will be adopted following the conference.

In The Hague, Kuleba will also hold a series of bilateral talks, including with his Dutch counterpart, Hanke Bruins Slot.

As Ukrinform reported, on March 28-29, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister paid a working visit to India. With his Indian counterpart, he held a review meeting of the intergovernmental commission. During the meeting, the parties discussed global security and the Peace Formula.
With financial support from the Danish government, Mykolaiv received 12 new passenger buses from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"12 new buses for Mykolaiv residents - these are the results of cooperation with Denmark. Mykolaivpastrans received all the buses under a contract with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Transport for Mykolaiv was funded by the Danish government," the mayor wrote.

He clarified that the city began receiving buses in December 2023, and by the end of March, as promised by the manufacturer, all 12 had arrived.

As reported, the transfer of buses is part of a cooperation project between the Mykolaiv City Council and the Danish government aimed at upgrading the technical composition of the city's public transport. The project was implemented with the technical support of the United Nations and funding from the Kingdom of Denmark.

Photo: mkrada.gov.ua
In the Kyiv region, 130 schools and 70 kindergartens, which were destroyed or damaged by Russias full-scale invasion, have already been restored.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Oleksiy Kuleba announced this in Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"The Kyiv region is one of the most affected regions of Ukraine. Aggressors destroyed more than 29,000 infrastructure facilities here. Now 17,000 of them have been restored. Most of them are residential buildings. There are also 130 schools, 70 kindergartens, 112 medical institutions, 77 administrative buildings, 86 cultural institutions, more than 580 life support facilities," he noted.

The deputy head of the Presidents Office assured that the relevant specialists work every day to restore the damaged facilities.

He added that on Sunday, together with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, they honored the memory of Ukrainians killed by Russian troops during the temporary occupation of Bucha in the Kyiv region. According to him, Russians killed more than 1,700 residents in the Kyiv region.

"The mass grave in Bucha is a clear reminder to us and the whole world of what today's Russia is. It is a terrorist country," he added.

As reported, on February 18, Ruslan Kravchenko, head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration, said that 244 schools, kindergartens, out-of-school and vocational education institutions were destroyed or damaged in the Kyiv region due to the full-scale war. According to him, 198 facilities, including 122 schools and 71 kindergartens, have been fully or partially restored.
PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2024) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, while agreeing with the suggestion of Governor Haji Ghulam Ali regarding the provision of better treatment facilities to transgender, has issued instructions for the reservation of a separate room for the trans community in District Headquarter Hospitals of the province.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapure on Sunday night. Mayor Peshawar, Haji Zubair Ali was also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and KP CM discussed different problems faced by the trans community of the province, and several decisions were taken.

Chief Minister, Ali Amin issued instructions to the Health Department for the reservation of a separate room for transgender for the provision of treatment facilities to them at District Headquarters Hospitals.

Chief Minister also agreed over the provision of land for a separate graveyard for the transgender community and a notification in this regard will be issued soon.

Haji Ghulam Ali apprised Ali Amin about the challenges faced by transgender in the burial of a community member as people did not allow them to perform the last rituals of the deceased in their respective graveyards.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also held out assurance of inviting the transgender community to the CM house for a meeting with him.

It merits a mention here that Governor Haji Ghulam Ali in a unique gesture of humility and humbleness, spent his Sunday holiday with 300 transgender of Peshawar by extending them special invitations for visiting the Governor House to share their problems and receive Ramzan food packages.

The transgender community was highly jubilated and excited over getting an opportunity to rub shoulders and take selfies with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

They thanked the Governor for giving them the honor of inviting to the Governor's House in such a large number and listening to their problems.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2024) A new Punjabi movie titled Babul Veer directed by Ghulam Hussain Taunsvi would be released on Eid-ul-Fitr, featuring Haider Sultan Rahi in the lead role.

Film Star Haider Sultan Rahi talking to APP said that this new Punjabi movie would rule the hearts of the audience on Eid ul Fitr.

Rahi expressed his hope that the film fans would also love to watch him in his new style and role in the new movies.

Haider Rahi is the eldest son of the most famous Punjabi actor and action hero late Sultan Rahi who dominated the cinema screens for decades without any failure.
(@Abdulla99267510)

The processions and gatherings are being organized to honor Hazrat Ali (RA) amid tight security arrangements.

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 1st, 2024) Youm-e-Hazrat Ali (RA), commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA), is being observed nationwide with fervor and reverence.

The pocessions and gatherings are being organized to honor Hazrat Ali (RA), with the main procession starting from Mubarak Haveli in Lahore's historic Mochi Gate area and concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah during Iftar.

To ensure safety, thorough security measures have been implemented, including the closure of key gates, deployment of personnel, installation of surveillance cameras, and establishment of walk-through gates along the route. Namaz-e-Zuhrain will be offered at Rang Mahal Chowk during the procession.

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to the Walled City area, with stringent security checks in place for procession participants. Similar arrangements are in place in Multan and Karachi, where multiple processions and gatherings are scheduled.

In Karachi, the main procession from Nishtar Park will be closely monitored by security forces, with snipers deployed on high-rise buildings along the route and strict control over adjacent areas. The procession will conclude at Hussainiya Iranain.

Overall, robust security measures have been enacted nationwide to ensure a peaceful observance of Youm-e-Hazrat Ali (RA).
The 135th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, will take place from April 15 to May 5 in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province

BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2024) The 135th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, will take place from April 15 to May 5 in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

Officials from the ministries of commerce and foreign affairs, among others, briefed the media with the latest updates on Monday afternoon.

According to Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, the scale of the event this year has topped past editions in the number of enterprises registered in the import and export fairs, new participants, early registered buyers from overseas and others.

This year, the Canton Fair is expected to display China's high-level opening up in five outstanding features, including an increased weight of innovation from participating enterprises, expansion in its digital platform, higher benchmark of quality examination, support for enhancing supply chain stability, and continuous upscaling of the event with streamlined services.

A total of 93,000 buyers from 215 countries and regions have completed pre-registration for the spring session of China Import and Export Fair this year, and more than 220 leading enterprises and industry and commercial institutions have confirmed they're sending delegations to participate in the fair.

APP/asg
Frozen Vietnamese fish sandwich becomes big hit in US

Frozen bread with fish cake sold in the U.S. Photo courtesy of CWTS Group

U.S.-based CWTS Group, owned by Vietnamese-American Chinh Nguyen is selling up to 50,000 packs of the popular sandwich, banh mi, a month in that country.

Chinh said she began selling the baguette with fish cake inside in frozen form last year as she missed Vietnamese food herself.

She imports the products from Vietnam and regularly sells 30,000 packs a month, rising sometimes to 50,000.

"It was an unexpected result in the first year as I only wanted to test the market."

The product sold well because consumers want to spend less time cooking and prices are reasonable, she said.

A pack costs US$5.99.

Many families buy a whole box of 25 packs, each with two baguettes covered in ground shrimp sauce and pickles.

CWTS Group also sells Vietnamese sticky rice at the same price for a pack of three portions.

The items are the two best-selling frozen foods on Asian food platform SayWeee with weekly sales of over 1,000.

Tuan Anh, a Vietnamese- American, said he often buys several boxes at a time.

"Heating it up is convenient and the taste is well preserved."

CWTS Group expects sales of the sandwich and sticky rice to rise to 7.2 million each annually.

It also plans to sell other Vietnamese foods such as tomato soup and braised fish.
LANZHOU, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2024) Upon her arrival at Mogao Caves in Dunhuang City, Xinhua journalist Daria Vorobeva was impressed not only by the delicate millennial-old Buddhist painting, but also by the city's commitment to reviving the cultural diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage and sharing it with the world.

"One can find traces of various cultures; it's so rich and fascinating," Vorobeva said.

In 126 B.C., following the return of the royal emissary Zhang Qian from his journey westward from Chang'an, the capital of the Han Dynasty (202 B.

C.-220 A.D.), the corridor for commercial and cultural exchanges across Asia and Europe flourished, which has later been known as the Silk Road.

Since then, a continuous flow of merchants, envoys, and monks from around the world have traversed the Silk Road, coming to China for commercial trade, cultural communication, and exploration.

In the contemporary era, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) revives the spirit of the Silk Road and injects new vitality into greater connectivity with countries and regions participating in the initiative.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Kinshasa, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Apr, 2024) The Democratic Republic of Congo's planning minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka was Monday appointed as the African nation's first woman prime minister, state television announced.

An economist, she takes over as prime minister from Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, following President Felix Tshisekedi's sweeping re-election on December 20.

Tshisekedi officially triumphed with 73.47 percent and the vote passed largely peacefully in a country long torn by violence and instability.

The opposition branded the ballot a sham.

Voting was officially extended by a day due to logistical snarls and polls were open for days after in remote areas.

Parties supporting Tshisekedi garnered more than 90 percent of the seats in parliament, allowing him to legislate with ease.

The new prime minister will be tasked with pushing the president's declared priorities of employment, youth, women and national cohesion for the nation of about 100 million people.

He first became president in 2019 promising to improve living conditions in the DR Congo -- which boasts mineral riches but has a largely impoverished population -- and put an end to 25 years of bloodshed in the east.

Tshisekedi failed to keep those promises but campaigned for a second term on his achievements such as free Primary medication, asking for another mandate to "consolidate" the progress.

According to the United Nations, some seven million people have been internally displaced by conflict in the DR Congo, one of the world's poorest countries.

The security situation has worsened in North Kivu province where a Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 has seized swathes of territory over the last two years.
Beijing, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2024) France's top diplomat said on Monday that Paris wants China to send "clear messages" to its strategic ally Russia over its war in Ukraine, after meetings with his counterpart in Beijing.

France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years and, during meetings in Paris in February, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "independent" stance.

But Paris has also sought to press Beijing on its ties with Moscow, which have only grown closer since the invasion of Ukraine.

While China says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for its offensive.

Paris has, in contrast, become one of Kyiv's firmest backers, with Macron in February even refusing to rule out putting troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said Monday that Beijing "plays a key role in... the respect of international law, including on Ukraine's sovereignty, and therefore we are clearly expecting that China will send very clear messages to Russia".

"We are convinced that there will be no lasting peace if it is not negotiated with the Ukrainians," he told a press conference in Beijing, speaking alongside his Chinese counterpart Wang.

"There will be no security for Europeans if there is no peace in accordance with international law," he continued.

"It is an essential issue for us, which is why France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China," he said.
Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2024) Former US surgeon general Jerome Adams was stuck with an eye-watering medical bill of nearly $5,000 after being treated for a simple case of dehydration following an overnight stay at an Arizona hospital last January.

Now he's calling for reforms to the country's market-based health care system, including greater transparency around costs and an independent arbitration process -- while using his bully pulpit to speak out for the 100 million Americans saddled with medical debt.

Although the rate of uninsured Americans has been declining in recent years, The Commonwealth Fund estimates that 43 percent of working-age adults are "underinsured," which limits their access to care and leaves many just one major catastrophe away from financial ruin.

"I was out at the Society of Critical Care Medicine meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, and like literally thousands of tourists visiting that area, I decided that I would go and hike up Camelback Mountain," the 49-year-old told AFP.

He took along a bottle of water, more than enough, he thought, for a 60 degree Fahrenheit (16 degree Celsius) day.

But by the time he was heading out for dinner he started feeling dizzy and lightheaded -- and his fellow doctors advised him it was best to get it checked out, especially as a middle-aged Black man at higher risk of cardiovascular complications.

"We called an ambulance because I was out of town. I got IV fluids on the way. And by the time I got there, it was pretty clear that it was dehydration," he said in an interview in Indiana, where he now works at Purdue University.

He took medics' advice and stayed overnight, and two months later received a bill for $4,800. Threats of being sent to collections agencies soon followed.

Adams said he was well aware his situation was all too common in a country where nearly 66 percent of all bankruptcies are directly tied to medical expenses.

But as a Black physician who walked a tightrope to advocate for racial justice in health care -- both as Donald Trump's surgeon general, and before that as head of Indiana's health department under Mike Pence -- Adams said he could be a champion for others.

"My complaint isn't about me personally, because I will be okay -- but I do have a voice," he insisted. Since the incident, he has kept busy posting to his nearly 90,000 X followers about other cases, such as a mother of premature quadruplets handed a bill of $4 million.

While progressives like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders have proposed eliminating private health insurance altogether, Adams says that's not realistic given that too many players profit from the status quo.

Rather, he advocates for a set of reforms that work to regulate the free market, just as the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, did in the 2010s.

First, more transparency: "You can't have a market without transparency and without accountability -- and right now, if I went to a car dealer, they would have to tell me how much the car costs."

Second, he says, there needs to be an arbitration process where the hospital that provided the care -- the Mayo Clinic in his particular case -- aren't given full reign and patients have no recourse to contest their mega bills. Mayo did not provide a requested comment to AFP.

Finally, while Obamacare helped bring coverage to tens of millions of Americans, it partly did so by incentivizing employers to provide workers with plans that cost them less -- but also pay out much less, said Adams.

People in these plans -- which includes Adams himself -- can make contributions to tax-free spending accounts in order to offset some of their risk. But if a health incident occurs early on in the year, they may not have enough stashed away -- and in such cases, legislation should be passed requiring insurers foot a larger portion, he said.

For Adams, who grew up with severe asthma and saw repeated trips to the hospital as a child because his parents couldn't afford his medications, the policies he's advocated for during his career have always been personal too.

"There's a lot of trade-offs that we have here," he said of American health care. "But we've got to ask ourselves, at what point even in a capitalistic system is enough, enough?"
The following story has been edited for length and clarity.

How does the Navajo tribe interpret the significance of solar eclipses?

CC: We learn when we are young that eclipses are a time for renewal and reorder of the cosmos. It is time to pray for the sun. Teaching tells us to make an offering of corn pollen or cornmeal for the sun. We see the sun and moon as sacred beings akin to Godbut not the gods. They represent male and female spirits, and this coming together signals a change and rebirth.

What do Navajo communities do to prepare for eclipses?

CC: My culture views solar eclipses and lunar eclipses as a time to stop, pray and fast. During these events, Navajos do not go outside, sleep, drink water, eat, go to the bathroom or engage in intimate relationships. If these rules are broken, it is seen as knocking ourselves out of alignment spiritually, physically and mentally. With respect to fasting, we are told we will have problems such as digestive issues. If we look at an eclipse, we will have issues in the eyes. If you sleep during the eclipse, it is said you will suffer from sleeping ailments.

Are there any deities or spirits in Navajo mythology associated with the sun, moon or eclipses? What role do they play in a phenomenon like a total solar eclipse?

CC: Yes. In my culture, the sun and the moon are holy beings. The sun represents a male being and the moon a female being. The sun is the being that keeps away monsters from the Earth. During an eclipse, when the sun goes behind the moon, it is believed these monsters return and roam the Earth in a spiritual sense.

How do Native American perspectives on solar eclipses contribute to an understanding of astronomy?

CC: Every indigenous culture around the world has contributed to astronomy in its own way. We all have been here for thousands of years, and we had time to sit and observe. The ancient people of Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon were probably the first people to record an eclipse before the European world. Indigenous people have always been observing.

Before colonialism, we used a lunar calendar. Certain stars were only visible at certain times of the year, and we used them to tell what time of year it was. The night sky informed us when to plant crops and harvest. There are certain ceremonies that are done at a certain time, and we use the night sky to guide us.

A lot of people talk about the North Star. Native Americans used it as well.

How do Native American teachings on eclipses inform their views on ecology and the environment?

CC: We are told animals are paying respect to the sacred order in the universe. The birds stop singing, and the insects stop flying around.

How have modern times impacted Navajo communities, especially in terms of cultural revival or interest in traditional practices around eclipses?

CC: Modern times have brought unique viewpoints. There is often a spectrum of these beliefs and mixing of traditional culture and modern-day culture. We are learning to adapt to these events. I do understand there are hard-working people who do not have the time to miss work or school and who may need to break these practices. I stand with the working class by doing work, but being an academic has given me some graces to keep a few key practices such as not eating, drinking fluids or going to the bathroom.
Mexican artist Derli Romero will give a free talk titled Rostros migrantes: Humanizing Migrants Voices through Art and Narrative with Kimberle Lopez Tuesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 111 of the University of Wyomings Visual Arts Building.

Following the talk, there will be a catered reception and art viewing.

Lopez is an associate professor of Latin American literature in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of New Mexico. She holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic languages and literatures from the University of California-Berkeley, and she is the author of Latin American Novels of the Conquest: Reinventing the New World.

In the presentation, Romero will describe his motivation and the process that resulted in his artistic work Rostros migrantes.

His project encompasses the testimonies of migrants from different countries passing through Mexico. Using a lithographic technique, he printed their stories on silhouettes made from the immigrants clothing after exchanging these for new clothing.

Rostros migrantes creates connections between art and social justice. The underlying theory of this project is that human identity is inscribed on peoples profiles. The micronarratives inscribed on the silhouettes express the suffering and the small joys migrants find along the way.

This project also explores the humanity of migrants in ways that are often neglected by mass media representations.

The event is hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean cohort of UWs Center for Global Studies. It is sponsored by the Department of Visual Arts; the Milward L. Simpson Fund; the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies; the Center for Global Studies; and the Department of Modern and Classical Languages.

For more information about this event, email Associate Professor Zoe Pearson at zpearson@uwyo.edu or Assistant Professor Sonia Rodriguez Hicks at soniahr@uwyo.edu.
The University of Wyomings Central Asian Student Association (CASA) will celebrate its annual Central Asian Awareness Day and Navruz from 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 19, in the Wyoming Union Ballroom.

Although the event is free and open to the public, tickets are required. Tickets will be distributed Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16-17, at 12:30 p.m. at the Wyoming Union information desk.

Navruz is one of the most treasured holidays in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), Iran and Azerbaijan, says CASA adviser Dilnoza Khasilova, assessment specialist in UWs Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning.

Sometimes known as New Year, Navruz is a chance to celebrate nature, to welcome a new year and to enjoy flavorful food with friends, neighbors and family, Khasilova says. Navruz is celebrated on the spring equinox, which is usually March 21. The holiday is celebrated across Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia, all the way to the Black Sea and the Balkans.

The celebration will feature Laurel Victoria Gray, an award-winning dance scholar and Fulbright international dance scholar; Silk Road Dance Company; and Zamira Salim, a folk dancer from Uzbekistan.

CASA, established in October 2011 as a recognized student organization at UW, was formed to create and promote a better understanding of Central Asia and its rich culture and history among students, faculty and the local community through involvement, as well as participation in various social and cultural activities.

The student organization has been recognized multiple times for the best event and top country display during International Education Week at UW. The groups table was voted the best cultural display by the organizers of the event. This year, CASA raised funds to support the UW International Students and Scholars offices food pantry and Karma projects.

CASA has presented many cultural events on campus and in the community, Khasilova says.

By showing Central Asian heritage, our students develop close relationships and deepened intercultural understanding, she adds. It is exciting that we have local and other international students who are interested in this region and its culture and traditions.

For more information about Central Asian Awareness Day and Navruz, visit CASAs Facebook page.
Donald Snyder

Donald Snyder has been selected as the University of Wyoming College of Business 62nd Distinguished Alumnus.

He was nominated for embracing the spirit of hard work, leadership and integrity. Snyder will be honored at the 73rd annual College of Business Recognition Dinner later this month.

Snyder, who was born in South Dakota and grew up in humble surroundings, first in South Dakota and then in Wyoming, graduated with honors in business administration from UW in 1969. He began a successful banking career, continuing to be involved within the industry today.

He has deep ties to southern Nevada and has been an executive with senior leadership experience in both the commercial banking and gaming industries. Snyder also served as dean of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and president of UNLV. He continues to serve as a volunteer for UNLV.

Years before becoming an administrator at UNLV, Snyder had a long history of active volunteer engagement with the university. He became a member of the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees in 1988; served five years as chair of the board; and later served as chair of the first and only comprehensive capital campaign that concluded in 2009.

For his work supporting UNLV, Snyder was awarded the Presidents Medal in 2000; received an honorary Doctor of Law degree in 2001; and was named a Distinguished Nevadan in 2003. The UNLV Lee Business School also inducted him into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame in 2011 for his leadership.

Snyder has had a diverse and successful professional career in banking, gaming/hospitality and higher education. This includes service as chair and CEO of First Interstate Bank of Nevada -- now Wells Fargo -- and president and board member of Boyd Gaming Corp.

He currently sits on the board of directors for Western Alliance Bancorporation, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company. Including his current board service, Snyder has served on the boards of seven public companies and several private and subsidiary company boards.

His involvement with the community consists of service on several nonprofit boards, including as chair of several of those boards and commissions. He has been honored for his community leadership on numerous occasions during his more than 37 years in Nevada.

Snyder and his wife, Dee, have been married for 53 years, and they have three children and four grandchildren. Snyder recently completed an autobiography titled Taking the Lead with co-author Jack Sheehan.

To view a complete list of previous UW College of Business Distinguished Alumni Award winners, visit www.uwyo.edu/business/alumni/distinguished-alumni.html.
Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the so-called "gentleman's agreement" between Duterte and China

Harry Roque's revelations are not all that surprising. Duterte always kowtowed to Beijing, putting his relationship with China first before our national interest. That much was clear during his presidency.

Duterte also never accorded our 2016 Arbitral Award its much-deserved respect and reverence. Kaya hindi kataka-taka na kung ano-anong "gentleman's agreement" ang pinasok niya.

More importantly, the current chief executive has rescinded any concession that was made to China.

The BRP Sierra Madre should remain on Ayungin. Our troops have been risking their lives to guard that ship. Huwag nating balewalain ang hirap at sakripisyo nila.
Farmers are selling grade A (highest quality) Monthong durian at all-time high prices of VND218,000-230,000 (US$8.8-9.3) per kilogram.

Grade B and C are selling at VND195,000-200,000 and VND100,000-140,000.

Ri 6 durian prices remain steady at VND160,000 for grade A and VND70,000 for grade C.

Hoang, a farmer in Ben Tre Province, said he was surprised to see the skyrocketing prices.

He sold a ton of grade C Monthong durian for VND110,000 per kilogram and still has two tons of the off-season fruit to harvest next week, he said.

"I have never seen prices this high. In the last three days many merchants have offered to buy my [grade C] durian for VND130,000-140,000, but I have not sold yet."

Also besieged by traders is Lan in Can Tho City, who said off-season Monthong durian saw several price spikes this year due to lower supply.

This year his family could only harvest three tons in the off-season, down from four last year, he said.

"Climate change, salinity intrusion and nutrient deficiency have all led to decreased yield."

Concurring with this, a representative of durian firm Van Hoa said Monthong durian production has decreased by 20-30% this year.

"Supply is very scarce, with grade A prices reaching a peak of VND230,000 per kilogram. And even then, they are not easily available for purchase."

Nguyen Hang, a trader in Tien Giang Province, said they could only procure five to 15 tons of the fruit per day this year compared to 30-40 tons last year.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta has surpassed normal levels this year and is a huge problem also for durian farmers.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, expected supply to recover in May and prices to stabilize.

Vietnam exported nearly 39,000 tons of durian for $172 million in the first two months of the year, almost double the figure for the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs.

The Plant Protection Department recently said the country is set to sign a memorandum of understanding to officially export frozen durian to China.

This can potentially boost annual exports by 30%, Nguyen said.


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Tri Nguyen, deputy director of a factory in HCMC, received a termination notice from his employers on the second last working day before the Lunar New Year holidays.

"I had anticipated it due to the shortage of orders," the 42-year-old says. "But what surprised me more was that right after Tet [in February], the company decided to shut down the factory and lay off all employees, including long-serving staff."

It was the second time Tri had lost his job in just over a year. The first was in September 2022, but he was aware of the disadvantages caused by his age and so did not rush to find a new job. Instead, he took some time to learn new skills.

But when he began job hunting again in May 2023, he realized that times had changed. The positions he wanted were no longer as plentifully available as before; many applicants were willing to work for lower wages.

So, even if he made the final rounds of interviews, he was ultimately not hired. It took him a full year of unemployment before he found another job at a similar level as his previous one.

But since the manufacturing sector remained mired in difficulties, he lost his job again after five months.

"This time I started looking for a job immediately after being laid off because I saw that the market was gradually recovering and I needed to act fast," he says.

Tri has been actively searching for jobs and sent applications to two places since Tet, but has yet to receive an interview call. Since first starting to work over 20 years ago, he has never experienced such difficulty, he says.

Middle-aged workers at the Hanoi Center for Employment Service file for unemployment benefits on March 13, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Phan Duong

In 2023 Vietnam had over 1 million out of 52.4 million people of working age without jobs, according to the General Statistics Office. The trend of laying off middle-aged employees increased sharply, with their number in 2023 1.6 times up from 2021.

The same year observed nearly 30% of people who lost their jobs in HCMC were over 40.

Analysts expect 2024 to be a challenging year for middle-aged workers, with their unemployment rate rising rapidly.

Tri and his wife, who have two school-age children and a mortgage on a house in Binh Tan District, have been forced to tighten their belts. He finds it painful whenever he has to tell his children to quit their piano or English class.

The fear of letting his family down is strong with each job loss. His children wonder why they no longer see him go to work. Neighbors and friends have started gossiping about his prolonged unemployment.

Whenever he goes for an interview, he has to hide the fact from the family to spare them the cycle of hope and disappointment.

"The repeated job losses and unsuccessful interviews have severely eroded my will and confidence," he says. "At times I feel like Im trapped in a tight space, unable to stretch my arms or legs."

Since resigning in early March, Nguyen The Hung, a construction engineer in Hanoi, is in a similar mood as Tri.

Despite having planned to relax after 30 years of working, the 53-year-old felt so despondent on the day he went to claim his unemployment benefits that he skipped lunch that day.

"I was engulfed by a sense of loss throughout the first week [after quitting]," he says.

With the real estate sector in free fall, his company consistently failed to win bids. Previously a key player in securing billion-dong (VND1 billion equals US$40,400) projects, Hung found himself going to work daily without actual work to do and his efforts increasingly futile. His income dropped by more than half, and he was not paid a bonus for Tet.

"I thought quitting would liberate me from all of that, but it was not the case," he says. "The lack of money, social status and admiration tortured me."

Following the "great resignation" phenomenon for better work-life balance during COVID-19 and "quiet quitting" two years ago, 2023 and 2024 were expected to be years of "quiet firing" or mass layoffs in Vietnam, especially in tech companies and labor-intensive industries like textiles and footwear.

A report in January by executive search services provider Navigos said 18.4% of businesses do not have the intention of hiring new employees, and nearly 60% said they plan to add less than 25% of their current workforce.

Bui Doan Chung, founder and managing director of the Vietnam Human Resources Professional JSC, says: "Job opportunities will become more limited regardless of age."

"This also increases the risk of job loss and hinders employment opportunities for middle-aged workers, who are already affected by the curse of 35."

am Thi Thu Trang, CEO of a recruitment company in Hanoi, says many industries will continue to pare their payroll this year, with a focus on redundant senior and mid-level positions. Experienced workers with high salaries will be replaced by juniors or newcomers who are paid less and can play multiple roles.

During mass layoffs caused by economic downturns, older workers are especially vulnerable, she says.

"Some of them that cannot adapt to new job contexts are more likely to be laid off and find it harder to get hired," according to her. "Moreover, biases against older workers such as being conservative and unwilling to learn new things put middle-aged workers in a more vulnerable position."

Chung of Vietnam Human Resources Professional JSC, who has assisted and interviewed many older people in the past 18 years, says the most important thing for middle-aged workers is to dare to "reinvent themselves" and "step out of their comfort zones" to undertake tasks they had never done before or that require a high level of detail and expertise.

A period of unemployment is an invaluable break to reassess ones skills and strengths, learn new languages and technologies and find a career direction they can pursue until retirement, he says. Being able to accomplish these also makes employers better appreciate the responsiveness and adaptability of candidates to new work environments, he points out.

"Sometimes the perception that older workers have a big ego or are very inert is just a prejudice," he states. "Many people in this group I interacted with recently are very proactive in learning and have an open mind."

Hong Anh (name changed), 41, a single mother of two living in District 7, HCMC, is one such.

Once a representative in Vietnam for a Hong Kong company, her contract was terminated at the end of 2023. She was shocked to learn that the termination was not due to any fault of hers but merely an excuse for layoff.

But she accepted it and quickly bounced back. During the Tet holidays, she learned how to use LinkedIn to reach human resources managers, studied a new language, and revisited her knowledge about laws and legal matters.

Currently on probation at a new company, she now has many advantages.

"My sudden job loss made me realize that I must always be prepared for unexpected changes," she says. "Looking back I also saw that I had been resting on my laurels."

Tri has now obtained chief product officer (CPO) and total quality management (TQM) certificates. He plans to move into a management or executive role at a business or represent a foreign company in Vietnam from his current production specialty, and has enrolled in a CEO course.

"Im also preparing for the possibility of starting my own business in future if another crisis occurs because it becomes harder to find a job as one gets older," he says.

Hung has decided not to return to the construction industry due to his lack of health and competitiveness when compared with younger colleagues at his age. His plan includes receiving unemployment benefits before transitioning to retirement and getting a pension since he has paid social insurance premiums for the 30 years needed to qualify.

Though his youngest child is about to graduate from university and his oldest has become capable of taking care of themselves, Hung said it is necessary to work further to save for his old age.

"Im considering working as a security guard," he adds, indicating he might never use his engineering degree again.
Members of Cameroons opposition parties are encouraging citizens to learn from Senegal, where a 44-year-old politician was elected last week as the youngest leader on the African continent. They say its time for change in Cameroon, where President Paul Biya, now in his 90s, has ruled for more than four decades and is preparing to run for re-election.

Nothing has generated debates on the streets, in offices, within political parties and in Cameroons media organs so much as Senegal's March 24 elections.

Participants in a debate program aired by Equinox Television said civilians in central African countries, especially Cameroon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, Congo and Gabon should emulate the example from Senegal and democratically oust leaders who keep a tight grip on power and rule with an iron fist.

Njamnsi Theodore is a 35-year-old teacher who hopes Cameroonians will get inspired by what just happened in Senegal.

"The results of the presidential election in Senegal and the entire process sends a very clear message to Cameroonians especially the youths," he said. "Register and vote. If you don't register, you wouldn't vote and if you don't vote you wouldnt have that chance of getting the leaders that you really want, so register, that is the clear message, that is the lesson we get from the Senegalese situation."

Opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye is now Senegals president-elect after winning a first-round victory fueled largely by young voters.

In Cameroon, opposition and civil society groups say voter apathy is high because elections are always marred by fraud.

Ninety-one-year-old President Paul Biya has won all presidential elections since the return of multiparty politics in Cameroon in 1990 and is preparing to run again next year.

The opposition says Senegals election shows it is possible to stop leaders from clinging to power. Senegals President Macky Sall attempted to postpone this years election but backed down after widespread protests.

Mbang Boniface is a member of Cameroons Renaissance Movement Party. He says youth can remove Biya from power if they register as voters, choose their candidate, vote and defend their votes if necessary after the polls.

He says Senegals youths massively voted for Bassirou Diomaye Faye because they believe only young people can effect changes needed on a continent where leaders are generally old and out of touch with the views and aspirations of the population.

Of course, Senegal is sending a very strong message to Cameroon," he said. "The Senegalese president is 44 years [old], meaning he is young and able to understand the problems of the youth. Here in Cameroon, we have a president who is 91 years. He started ruling when Faye was just born. Faye is able to understand the problems of the youths unlike here in Cameroon, where the youths will have to sort their problems by themselves."

But Samson Websi, political analyst at Cameroons National Institute of Management and Technology says it will be difficult to oust Biya in an election.

He says unlike in Senegal where government institutions are independent, Biya has loyalists planted throughout the government.

"Senegal stands out as an example to what happens in Cameroon, where democracy is suffering from military involvement in politics," he said. "Parliament in Cameroon is virtually at the beck and call of the executive. The judiciary in Cameroon is not independent. The president of the republic [Biya] is the head of the judiciary. He is the one who guarantees the independence of the judiciary, which means that democracy is in trouble."

Cameroons government insists that its institutions are independent, while Biyas Cameroon People's Democratic Movement Party say the president has fairly won all elections.

They say Biya enables young people to participate in decision-making through bodies such as Cameroon's National Youth Council. However, the opposition says Biya appoints only youths loyal to him to head the council.

Cameroons presidential elections are set for next year. President Biya will set the date.
Ontario's Niagara Region has declared a state of emergency as it prepares to welcome up to a million visitors for the solar eclipse in early April.

The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be the first to touch the province since 1979, and Niagara Falls was declared by National Geographic to be one of the best places to see it.

The city is in the path of totality, where the moon will entirely block the sun's rays for a few minutes. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said earlier in March that he expects the most visitors his city has ever seen in a single day.

The regional municipality of Niagara is proactively invoking a state of emergency to prepare for the event. The declaration announced Thursday sets in motion some additional planning tools to prepare for the day, which could involve major traffic jams, heavier demands on emergency services and cell phone network overloads.

The eclipse will reach Mexico's Pacific coast in the morning, cut diagonally across the United States from Texas to Maine, and exit in eastern Canada by late afternoon. Most of the rest of the continent will see a partial eclipse.
Alex Murdaugh, the South Carolina lawyer convicted in a high-profile trial last year of murdering his wife and son, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday for financial crimes.

Murdaugh, 55, scion of an elite family of judges and attorneys, is already serving a life sentence for the June 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, 22, at the family hunting estate.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty last year to state charges of stealing millions of dollars from clients of his prominent personal injury firm, and was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

He was back in court on Monday for sentencing on federal charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and money laundering.

District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Murdaugh to 40 years in prison, to be served concurrently with the 27 years he already received.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty to the federal charges in September, at which time U.S. Attorney Adair Boroughs said the disbarred lawyer's "financial crimes were extensive, brazen, and callous."

"He stole indiscriminately from his clients, from his law firm, and from others who trusted him," Boroughs said.

Murdaugh's televised three-week murder trial last year captivated viewers nationwide and outside the country.

Evidence from his son's cellphone indicated Murdaugh was the only person with them at the estate's dog kennels several minutes before Maggie was killed with an assault rifle and Paul with a shotgun.

Murdaugh denied killing his wife and younger son, but admitted stealing millions of dollars from clients of his law firm to feed an opioid addiction.

Even before the trial finished, Netflix and HBO rushed out docu-dramas on the case.
Delicately and with intense concentration, Zanyiwe Ncube poured her small share of precious golden cooking oil into a plastic bottle at a food aid distribution site deep in rural Zimbabwe.

"I don't want to lose a single drop," she said.

Her relief at the handout  paid for by the United States government as her southern African country deals with a severe drought  was tempered when aid workers gently broke the news that this would be their last visit.

Ncube and her 7-month-old son she carried on her back were among 2,000 people who received rations of cooking oil, sorghum, peas and other supplies in the Mangwe district in southwestern Zimbabwe. The food distribution is part of a program funded by American aid agency USAID and rolled out by the United Nations' World Food Program.

They're aiming to help some of the 2.7 million people in rural Zimbabwe threatened with hunger because of the drought that has enveloped large parts of southern Africa since late 2023. It has scorched the crops that tens of millions of people grow themselves and rely on to survive, helped by what should be the rainy season.

They can rely on their crops and the weather less and less.

The drought in Zimbabwe, neighboring Zambia and Malawi has reached crisis levels. Zambia and Malawi have declared national disasters. Zimbabwe could be on the brink of doing the same. The drought has reached Botswana and Angola to the west, and Mozambique and Madagascar to the east.

A year ago, much of this region was drenched by deadly tropical storms and floods. It is in the midst of a vicious weather cycle: too much rain, then not enough. It's a story of the climate extremes that scientists say are becoming more frequent and more damaging, especially for the world's most vulnerable people.

In Mangwe, the young and the old lined up for food, some with donkey carts to carry home whatever they might get, others with wheelbarrows. Those waiting their turn sat on the dusty ground. Nearby, a goat tried its luck with a nibble on a thorny, scraggly bush.

Ncube, 39, would normally be harvesting her crops now  food for her, her two children and a niece she also looks after. Maybe there would even be a little extra to sell.

The driest February in Zimbabwe in her lifetime, according to the World Food Program's seasonal monitor, put an end to that.

"We have nothing in the fields, not a single grain," she said. "Everything has been burnt (by the drought)."

The United Nations Children's Fund says there are "overlapping crises" of extreme weather in eastern and southern Africa, with both regions lurching between storms and floods and heat and drought in the past year.

In southern Africa, an estimated 9 million people, half of them children, need help in Malawi. More than 6 million in Zambia, 3 million of them children, are impacted by the drought, UNICEF said. That's nearly half of Malawi's population and 30% of Zambia's.

"Distressingly, extreme weather is expected to be the norm in eastern and southern Africa in the years to come," said Eva Kadilli, UNICEF's regional director.

While human-made climate change has spurred more erratic weather globally, there is something else parching southern Africa this year.

El Nino, the naturally occurring climatic phenomenon that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean every two to seven years, has varied effects on the world's weather. In southern Africa, it means below-average rainfall, sometimes drought, and is being blamed for the current situation.

The impact is more severe for those in Mangwe, where it's notoriously arid. People grow the cereal grain sorghum and pearl millet, crops that are drought resistant and offer a chance at harvests, but even they failed to withstand the conditions this year.

Francesca Erdelmann, the World Food Program's country director for Zimbabwe, said last year's harvest was bad, but this season is even worse. "This is not a normal circumstance," she said.

The first few months of the year are traditionally the "lean months" when households run short as they wait for the new harvest. However, there is little hope for replenishment this year.

Joseph Nleya, a 77-year-old traditional leader in Mangwe, said he doesn't remember it being this hot, this dry, this desperate. "Dams have no water, riverbeds are dry and boreholes are few. We were relying on wild fruits, but they have also dried up," he said.

People are illegally crossing into Botswana to search for food and "hunger is turning otherwise hard-working people into criminals," he added.

Multiple aid agencies warned last year of the impending disaster.

Since then, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has said that 1 million of the 2.2 million hectares of his country's staple corn crop have been destroyed. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has appealed for $200 million in humanitarian assistance.

The 2.7 million struggling in rural Zimbabwe is not even the full picture. A nationwide crop assessment is underway and authorities are dreading the results, with the number needing help likely to skyrocket, said the WFP's Erdelmann.

With this year's harvest a write-off, millions in Zimbabwe, southern Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar won't be able to feed themselves well into 2025. USAID's Famine Early Warning System estimated that 20 million people would require food relief in southern Africa in the first few months of 2024.

Many won't get that help, as aid agencies also have limited resources amid a global hunger crisis and a cut in humanitarian funding by governments.

As the WFP officials made their last visit to Mangwe, Ncube was already calculating how long the food might last her. She said she hoped it would be long enough to avert her greatest fear: that her youngest child would slip into malnutrition even before his first birthday.
On March 28, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the U.S. military had destroyed four drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

CENTCOM said those drones were aimed at a Coalition vessel and a U.S. warship and presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.

Those attacks fit into a monthslong Houthi campaign to target commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to show their solidarity with Hamas and opposition to Israel.

Sympathetic social media users, in turn, have repeatedly tried to exaggerate the success of those strikes.

Ships from the United States and United Kingdom remain in the Houthis crosshairs. The U.S. and U.K., with support from allies, maintain a presence in the Red Sea, and have conducted a series of joint strikes on the Houthis to degrade their ability to carry out what CENTCOM called illegal and reckless attacks on U.S. and international vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

By contrast, Bloomberg reported on March 21 that China and Russia may provide political support to the Houthis in bodies such as the United Nations Security Council, including by blocking more resolutions against the group, in exchange for safe passage through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Some social media users suggest that support may go further, insinuating that Russia and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, which include the U.S. and the U.K., might clash in the region.

On March 28, verified X user Alex_Oloyede2, who regularly spreads pro-Kremlin disinformation, posted a photograph with nine naval vessels at sea, with the comment:

BREAKING: Possible Sea Confrontation between Russia and NATO The Russian Pacific fleet has entered the Red Sea, making its way to the coasts of Yemen where multiple American and British ships carry out strikes against the Houthis.

That post had received 2.6 million views, 29,000 likes and 7,300 reposts at the time of writing, and some variation of it has been shared by over a dozen accounts across X.

It has also been shared on TikTok.

However, the claim is misleading on a number of levels.

First, the photo is from 2018, and shows a rehearsal in Kronstadt, west of St. Petersburg, Russia, for the Russian Navy Day parade.

Unlike the photograph used by Alex_Oloyede2, which implies a more robust Russian naval presence, Russian media have confirmed that only two Russian vessels, the missile cruiser Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, were dispatched to the Red Sea.

And those reports suggest the Russian ships, rather than confronting NATO, were engaged in training against the exact sort of attacks the Houthis have been launching.

On March 24, Zvezda, the Russian Defense Ministrys official TV channel, reported that the Varyag and Marshal Shaposhnikov participated in exercises to combat piracy in the waters of the Arabian Sea.

Those exercises took place in the Gulf of Aden, which connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

According to Zvezda, the crews practiced actions to repel a pirate attack on a merchant ship, specifically joint actions to destroy several unmanned boats and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) of a mock enemy under conditions of a massive attack.

Those exercises mirrored the forms of attacks the Houthis have launched against commercial vessels, and U.S. and U.K. warships, in the Red Sea.

Despite Russias strategic alliance with Houthi-patron Iran, the Houthis have reportedly struck a Chinese-owned and -operated oil tanker carrying Russian oil, as well as a Panama-flagged ship carrying Russian oil, in the Red Sea.

On March 28, Zvezda reported that the Varyag and Marshal Shaposhnikov had transited the Bab-el-Mandeb strait into the Red Sea to carry out their assigned tasks as part of a long-distance sea voyage.

There is no evidence suggesting a possible sea confrontation between NATO and Russia.

Russian and Iranian state media have regularly spread disinformation narratives intended to whitewash actions by the Houthi rebels while falsely portraying the United States as the party responsible for escalating hostilities in the Red Sea.

Accompanying this disinformation narrative, social media users have repeatedly spread the false claim that Russia has or could deploy its forces to intervene on behalf of the Palestinians, or aligned forces like the Houthis.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, Polygraph.info has documented a number of social media posts using recycled footage or images to support false, misleading or otherwise unsubstantiated narratives about the conflict and related events in Yemen and the Red Sea.

In a January report, the European Fact-Checking Standards Network Project, a consortium of fact-checking and open-source intelligence (OSINT) organizations across Europe, said that X, formally known as Twitter, ranked worst in its efforts to fight disinformation.

An earlier 2023 investigation by NewsGuard, an information analysis company, found that blue-checked, verified X users like Alex_Oloyede2 and those who spread the same misleading claim, are superspreaders of misinformation about the conflict, boosting falsehoods while displaying a verification blue checkmark that verifies nothing.
A vendor walks on a railway track as tourists gather on either side, in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Sept. 28, 2019. Photo by Reuters/Kham

Vietnam is seeking to learn from China to develop its first high-speed railway network, according to its government, with plans in the works for a rail line running the length of the country.

Vietnam is planning to build a 1,545 km (960 miles) high-speed system, opens new tab with a price tag that could be as much as $72 billion, or 17% of its gross domestic product, according to state media.

"China's railway industry is the world's most developed, and Vietnam, therefore, wants to learn from its experiences, especially in terms of technology, financial mobilisation and management expertise," a government statement at the weekend said.

It was released as Vietnam's Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung visited to China, where he talked with Chinese trade and transport officials and railway executives.

Vietnam and China signed dozens of cooperation agreements, including on railways, during a visit to Hanoi by Chinese President Xi Jinping in December.

Last year, Vietnam's government said it had asked Japan for support in building the high-speed railway.

Southeast Asia has so far been slow to adopt high-speed rail, despite plans in place for years by Vietnam, Thailand and others.

No timeframe has been announced for the high-speed system in Vietnam and the plan would be submitted to parliament for approval later this year, according to the government.
On March 27, Russias RIA Novosti state news agency published two articles about the United Nations most recent report on the human rights situation in Ukraine, which covered the period December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.

While most of the U.N. report was devoted to Russian human rights violations in Ukraine, RIA Novosti ignored that, focusing only on the U.N. reports criticism of violations by the Ukrainian side. In particular, the Russian news agency reported that 13 Russian POWs interviewed by U.N. officials claimed their Ukrainian captors tortured them during interrogation.

On March 28, RIA Novosti published an article headlined Peskov commented on the UN report on the torture of the Russian servicemen in Ukraine, which cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"Peskov, commenting on the U.N. report on the torture of Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine, said that this is not news for Moscow, all crimes of the Kyiv regime are documented, the RIA Novosti article stated.

It also quoted Peskov as saying: Of course, we will ensure that those who are behind these crimes are properly punished.

That is misleading. The U.N. report primarily focused on Russian human rights abuses in the areas of Ukraine under Russian control.

The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released the report, its thirty-eighth on the human rights situation in Ukraine, on March 26.

The report, based on the work of the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), stated that the Russian militarys invasion and occupation of parts of Ukraine have been accompanied by serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

According to the report, Russian shelling of Ukrainian territory between December 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, led to an increase in civilian casualties compared to previous months.

The OHCHR verified 1,804 civilian casualties in Ukraine during the specified period, 712 of whom were injured as a result of shelling. Russian actions in Ukraine killed at least 429 civilians (232 men, 181 women, 10 boys and 6 girls) and injured 1,375 (717 men, 576 women, 50 boys and 32 girls), the report stated.

According to the OHCHR report, Kharkiv, which was subjected to numerous Russian attacks, suffered the most. Civilian areas around Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, and Kherson were severely damaged, and several cities and towns along the front line reportedly were virtually destroyed.

The majority of casualties were caused using explosives in populated areas, and a disproportionate share of the dead and wounded were elderly people, especially in areas close to the front line, the U.N monitors found.

They also recorded damage to or destruction of 106 educational facilities and 28 health care facilities.

In addition, the U.N. interviewed 60 Ukrainian men who were recently released from Russian captivity, in which they spent from several weeks to almost two years.

Their accounts reinforced previously documented patterns of widespread torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of Ukrainian POWs in Russian captivity, as well as conditions of detention that fail to comply with international law, the reports authors emphasized.

The OHCHR report stated that during the period between December 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, the U.N. received reports of 12 incidents in which at least 32 recently captured Ukrainian prisoners of war were executed.

The U.N. also reported that Russian occupation authorities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions pressured men to enlist in the ranks of the Russian armed forces and sign contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russian forces also pressured residents of the occupied territories to obtain Russian citizenship and passports, both directly, through threats and intimidation, and indirectly. Some of the people that the U.N. mission interviewed said those without Russian passports faced restrictions on access to government services, health care and employment.

Several Ukrainian media outlets noted that the U.N. report alleges that Russian prisoners were tortured by Ukrainians and Russian servicemen hors de combat (temporarily or permanently unable to perform their combat duties) were executed.

Glavcom.ua, a popular Ukrainian website that has been blocked in Russia for the last ten years, reported that the U.N. was actively concerned with the fate of the Russian military, who came to a foreign land to kill Ukrainians. The website noted that Russian POWs were interviewed by the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission inside Ukraine because "Ukraine, unlike the occupying country, granted the U.N. mission full access to the official internment centers where Russian prisoners of war were held."
The French foreign minister pressed China on trade issues and the war in Ukraine on Monday ahead of a planned visit to France by Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this spring.

Stephane Sejourne, in talks with his counterpart Wang Yi in the Chinese capital, largely echoed positions that have been laid out by European leaders, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on a visit to Beijing last week.

The rebalancing of our economic partnership is a priority, as it is for our European partners, Sejourne said at a joint news conference with Wang. The European Union is a very open market, the most open in the world. But the current deficits with a certain number of countries, including China, are not sustainable for us.

European officials have expressed concern that a flood of low-priced Chinese-made electric vehicles could disrupt production and displace jobs in Europe. The EU is investigating whether Chinese government subsidies for EVs give an unfair advantage to Chinese auto exporters. European companies operating in China are complaining that recent changes to national security laws have made it riskier to invest and do business in the country.

On the Chinese side, officials have raised concern about a de-risking strategy being pursued by the EU to ensure that it is not overly dependent on any one country for vital supplies and minerals. Wang expressed understanding for the European position but said he hopes it doesn't negatively affect business sentiment.

I believe the facts have proved and will continue to prove that China constitutes opportunities to Europe, rather than risks," he said. The two sides are partners not opponents.

He also said that China is willing to import more "high-quality French products and services and is working to resolve the concerns raised by European companies, including restrictions on the transfer of data overseas.

Sejourne insisted that Europe is not becoming protectionist and remains open to investment, a possible reference to attempts to woo Chinese automakers and other companies to create jobs by building factories in Europe rather than exporting their products from China.

Neither foreign minister mentioned a Chinese anti-dumping investigation into imports of French brandy that, together with the EU electric vehicle probe, could be a precursor to a trade war.

On the Ukraine war, he said France expects China, as a major country, to pass on clear messages to Russia. China, though, has a different stance on the war than Europe or the United States, both of which back Ukraine. China may have Russia's ear, but it's unclear what message it is delivering.

Sejourne said France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China to contribute toward finding a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Dozens of migrants found in a wooden boat on the Mediterranean Sea between northern Africa and southern Europe have been transported to the Greek island of Crete, Greece's coast guard said Monday.

The boat with 74 people on board was found 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers, 29 miles) south of the small Greek island of Gavdos on Sunday night, the coast guard said, adding that a patrol boat transported the 73 men and one woman to Crete.

It was not immediately clear where or when the boat launched or what countries the passengers were from.

Greece is a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Gavdos, which lies 27 nautical miles south of Crete, and Cretes southern coastline have seen an increase in migrant arrivals in recent months. In several cases, the coast guard said they had crossed the Mediterranean from the eastern Libyan port of Tobruk, having paid smuggling gangs up to $5,000 each.

The influx has put pressure on authorities on Gavdos, a summer tourism destination about 29 square kilometers (11 square miles) in area that has just a few dozen residents in the off season.
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Israeli forces withdraw from Shifa hospital in Gaza after two weeks as Benjamin Netanyahus government faces the biggest public protests since October 7th. Plus, a look at Easter in the Holy Land, an update from Kyiv and elections in Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday vowed to ban Al Jazeera broadcasts inside Israel.

The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel. I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channel's activities, Netanyahu said in a post on the social media platform X.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli parliament passed a law allowing the government to close down foreign news outlets viewed as threatening state security.

The measure, which passed 70-10, gives top ministers and the communications minister the power to close foreign media outlets in Israel if they are believed to pose a threat to Israels security. Under the law, the Israeli government can also ban targeted outlets from broadcasting inside Israel.

Netanyahu announced earlier in the day that he would be reviving efforts to shut down the news channel in Israel.

Doha-based Al Jazeera condemned Netanyahus announcement in a statement.

Al Jazeera reiterates that such slanderous accusations will not deter us from continuing our bold and professional coverage, and reserves the right to pursue every legal step, the Qatari outlet said.

Mohamed Moawad, managing editor at Al Jazeera, said Netanyahus statements and a potential ban of the outlet in Israel would represent a broader assault on press freedom.

We are not in the business of pleasing anyone, and thats journalism. We speak truth to power, Moawad told VOA from Doha.

Moawad, who previously worked at VOAs sister outlet Alhurra TV, added that he worries Netanyahus comments could be used to justify violence against Al Jazeera reporters. This is alarming and dangerous, he said.

A potential ban also troubled the United States.

If it is true, a move like this is concerning, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

We believe in the freedom of the press. It is critical, she added.

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has previously referred to Al Jazeera as a propaganda mouthpiece for the militant group Hamas and accused the Qatari outlet of exposing Israeli soldiers to potential attacks from Gaza.

Press freedom groups have previously condemned efforts by the Israeli government to shutter Al Jazeera in Israel and renewed calls Monday urging Israel to refrain from shutting down the outlet.

CPJ is deeply concerned by new legislation authorizing the Netanyahu government to shutter Al Jazeera in Israel, Carlos Martinez de la Serna, program director at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement Monday.

The law grants the government the power to close any foreign media outlets operating in Israel, posing a significant threat to international media within the country. This contributes to a climate of self-censorship and hostility toward the press, a trend that has escalated since the Israel-Gaza war began, he added.

The potential shutdown of Al Jazeera takes place in the context of an ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Since Hamas attacked southern Israel last October, at least 95 journalists have been killed, according to CPJ data.

Some information in this report came from Reuters, Agence France-Presse and The Associated Press.
Health officials in Gaza say four international aid workers and their Palestinian driver were killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike while driving in central Gaza.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry said the aid workers were with the charity World Central Kitchen, or WCK, and included a British, Australian and Polish national. The nationality of the fourth international worker was not known.

A paramedic from the Palestinian Red Crescent told The Associated Press that the aid workers' car was hit as they were returning from northern Gaza, where they helped to deliver aid that had arrived hours earlier on a ship from Cyprus.

"We are aware of reports that members of the World Central Kitchen team have been killed in an IDF [Israel Defense Forces] attack while working to support our humanitarian food delivery efforts in Gaza," WCK posted on the social media platform X. "This is a tragedy. Humanitarian aid workers and civilians should NEVER be a target. EVER."

The Israeli military said in a statement that it was "conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident." It said it had been "been working closely with WCK" to provide aid to Palestinians.

Earlier Monday, U.S. and Israeli officials held virtual talks about Israel's plan for a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza to root out more Hamas fighters, a prospective attack the U.S. opposes for fear it would endanger the more than 1.3 million Palestinians sheltering there.

Following the talks, the White House said Israel would take "into account" U.S. concerns over the planned offensive.

In a statement, the White House said the two sides had a "constructive engagement on Rafah" during two hours of videoconference talks, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The Israeli officials who attended the meeting included national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Minster for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, according to the White House.

"The U.S. side expressed its concerns with various courses of action in Rafah. The Israeli side agreed to take these concerns into account and to have follow up discussions," the statement said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that "there is no victory without entering Rafah, and there is no victory without eliminating the Hamas battalions there." Netanyahu has approved a military operational plan for an attack.

Israel has said it would protect the Palestinians from new warfare in Rafah, located just north of Gaza-Egyptian border, but has given no public indication where it would move them.

Most of the Palestinians sheltering in the area were ordered to move there by the Israeli military to escape clashes in northern Gaza in the earliest weeks of the 6-month-old conflict.

The high-level U.S.-Israeli talks took place a week after Netanyahu at first called them off in protest of the U.S. failure to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. The U.S. abstained from the vote on the resolution a week ago, allowing it to pass, after previously vetoing other similar resolutions.

Following Monday's secure video conference, the U.S. said it expected that "expert teams" would hold further talks in person.

The U.S. has been Israel's staunchest ally in the fight against Hamas, which started the war with its shock October 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 32,700 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, although the Israeli military says a third of those killed have been militants.

The Israeli military said Monday its forces withdrew from the area of the Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza after completing an operation there.

The withdrawal comes two weeks after Israeli forces launched the operation at Gaza's largest hospital, accusing Hamas commanders of using the site to conduct terror operations.

The Israeli military has said it killed 200 militants near the hospital, where it carried out both ground fighting and airstrikes.

Bodies were found inside and outside of the hospital complex as people returned to the site following the departure of Israeli tanks and troops.

Much of Gaza has been left in ruins by the Israeli offensive aimed at defeating the Hamas terrorist group. Many of the Palestinians sheltering in Rafah traveled there from other parts of Gaza in search of safety.

An Israeli airstrike on Al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza killed four people and wounded 17 others, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday in a post on X.

Tedros called for an end of Israel's attacks on hospitals in the enclave and for the "protection of patients, health personnel and humanitarian missions."

The strike on a tent camp inside the hospital compound was witnessed by a WHO team that was on a humanitarian mission there assessing the needs and collecting incubators for the north of Gaza, the WHO chief wrote, adding: "WHO staff are all accounted for."

Thousands of people have been sheltering around the hospital after the fighting forced them to flee their homes.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Pakistans Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has promised the best possible security for Chinese nationals working in his country as Islamabad repatriated the remains Monday of five workers from China, killed last week in an attack.

On March 26, five Chinese workers and their Pakistani driver died when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into their bus.

The workers were traveling to the Chinese-funded Dasu hydropower project in the remote region of Kohistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when they came under attack in Bisham, about 4-hours north of the capital Islamabad.

In a visit to Dasu, Monday, with Jiang Zaidong, Beijings ambassador to Islamabad, Sharif met the Chinese workers at the hydropower project and assured them of fool-proof security arrangements.

I will not rest until we have put in place the best possible security measures for your security. Not only in Dasu, [but] all over Pakistan, Sharif said, adding that, this was his promise to the people of China, and to the Chinese leadership including President Xi Jinping.

After the attack last Tuesday, Pakistan quickly put together a joint investigation team to probe the incident as well as an inquiry committee to examine security measures for Chinese citizens working in the country.

Sharif assured the Chinese nationals that his government will not waste any time to act on the recommendations of the inquiry committee.

Since 2015 a special military unit that includes thousands of personnel as well local police contingents have been providing security for Chinese nationals working on the nearly $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Popularly known as CPEC, the mega-project is part of Beijing's global Belt and Road Initiative.

A team of Chinese investigators is working with Pakistani officials to ascertain the facts surrounding last week's deadly attack.

Speaking at a regular news briefing Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin reiterated Beijings demand to find and punish the perpetrators of the attack.

China firmly supports Pakistan in looking into what happened with utmost resolve and effort, bringing the perpetrators and whoevers behind the attack to justice, Wang said.

The spokesperson added that Beijing supports Pakistan in doing everything possible to protect the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.

Referring to those responsible for the attack, Sharif promised workers at Dasu that his government will make sure that exemplary punishment is given to them.

Muhammad Imran, the district police officer of Shangla which includes Bisham  the site of last Tuesday's attack  told VOA that security has increased on the Karakoram Highway.

We are trying our best to give robust security to [the] Chinese as well as to [foreign] tourists who travel this route frequently, Imran said. However, he refused to say how many additional personnel had been called to provide enhanced security.

Remains repatriated

Earlier on Monday, a Pakistani military plane carrying the bodies of the five Chinese victims of the attack arrived in the city of Wuhan, China. Chaudhry Salik Hussain, minister for overseas Pakistanis and human development, accompanied the remains.

Before the plane departed, Pakistans President Asif Zardari, and army chief Gen. Asim Munir, along with Sharif took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at a military air base near the capital.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Banned Pakistani militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban that was behind several recent deadly attacks in Pakistan denied involvement.

In July 2021, 13 people including nine Chinese nationals were killed in a suicide attack on their convoy as they travelled to Dasu  Pakistans largest hydroelectric project.

In 2022, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan handed the death penalty to two men accused of facilitating the deadly attack.
"Ready? Signal sent!"

In the control room of a research center in Romania, engineer Antonia Toma activates the world's most powerful laser, which promises revolutionary advances in everything from the health sector to space.

The laser at the center, near the Romanian capital Bucharest, is operated by French company Thales, using Nobel prize-winning inventions.

France's Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland of Canada won the 2018 Nobel Physics Prize for harnessing the power of lasers for advanced precision instruments in corrective eye surgery and in industry.

"The sharp beams of laser light have given us new opportunities for deepening our knowledge about the world and shaping it," said the Nobel Academy's citation.

At the center, in front of a wall of screens displaying light beams, Toma checks a series of indicators before starting the countdown.

On the other side of the glass, long rows of red and black boxes house two laser systems.

"I will not lie. From time to time, things can get a little stressful," 29-year-old Toma told AFP during a recent on-site press visit.

"But it's also very joyful to work here. And we are very happy that we have results" as teams of international researchers come to the center, she added.

'Incredible odyssey'

Nobel prize winner Mourou confessed he was "very moved" by his "incredible odyssey" from the United States, where he spent 30 years, to bringing this project to fruition in Europe.

It was born in the 2000s out of the European Union's Infrastructure ELI project

"We start from a small luminous seed with very, very little energy, which will be amplified millions and millions of times," said Mourou, 79, trying to give a sense of the "huge step taken," the "phenomenal powers" achieved.

Scientists have always pushed to create more powerful lasers.

By the mid-1980s however, they had hit a wall, as they could not increase the power without destroying what was amplifying the beam.

That was when Mourou and his then-student Strickland invented a technique called Chirped-Pulse Amplification (CPA), which managed to boost power while keeping the intensity safe.

It works by stretching an ultra-short laser pulse in time, amplifying it, and squeezing it together again, creating the shortest and most intense laser pulses the world has ever seen.

Already it has been applied in corrective eye surgery, but it has also opened the way for scientists to continue pushing the boundaries of laser power.

"We will use these ultra-intense pulses to produce much more compact and less expensive particle accelerators" to destroy cancer cells, said Mourou.

Age of the laser

Other possible applications include treating nuclear waste by reducing the duration of its radioactivity, or cleaning up the debris accumulating out in space, he added.

For Mourou, just as the last century was that of the electron, the 21st century will be that of the laser.

The scale of the operation at the research center is dizzying.

The system is capable of reaching a peak of 10 petawatts (10 to the power of 15 watts) for an ultra-short time, in the order of a femtosecond (one millionth of a billionth of a second).

It took "450 tons of equipment" carefully installe to get an "exceptional level of performance," said Franck Leibreich, laser solution managing director at Thales.

The high-tech building housing the center cost $350 million, mainly financed by the European Union.

Thales bills it as the largest investment ever made in scientific research in Romania.

Meanwhile, countries including France, China and the United States are already advancing their own projects to manufacture even more powerful lasers.
A Russian court on Monday extended the pre-trial detention of jailed American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until June 5, according to media reports.

An editor at VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kurmasheva was jailed in October 2023. She stands accused of failing to register as a so-called foreign agent and spreading what Moscow views as false information about the Russian army.

Kurmasheva and her employer reject the charges against her. If convicted, she faces a combined sentence of up to 15 years behind bars.

Alsus imprisonment is as outrageous today as it was six months ago, RFE/RL President Stephen Capus said in a statement in response to the extension of the reporters detention.

The charges against Alsu are baseless. It's not a legal process, it's a political ploy, and Alsu and her family are unjustifiably paying a terrible price. Russia must end this sham and immediately release Alsu without condition, Capus added.

A dual U.S.-Russian national, Kurmasheva traveled to Russia in May 2023 for a family emergency. Her passports were confiscated when she was trying to leave the country in June 2023, and she was waiting for them to be returned when she was arrested in October 2023.

During Mondays court appearance, Kurmasheva told reporters she was not very well physically and that she is receiving minimal medical care. The living conditions in the prison are very bad, she said, adding that a hole in the floor of her cell functions as the toilet.

In a Monday post on the social media platform X, Kurmashevas husband Pavel Butorin again rejected the charges against her.

Russia wants Alsu locked up, abandoned, and forgotten. No, thats not going to happen. We wont rest until Alsu returns home to her children, he said in the post.

Kurmasheva is one of two American journalists currently jailed in Russia.

The second is Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who last week marked one year jailed in Russia on espionage charges that are widely viewed as baseless and politically motivated.

Russia's Washington embassy did not immediately reply to VOA's email requesting comment.

Last week, a spokesperson at the U.S. embassy in Moscow told VOA that Russian authorities denied requests by the embassy for consular access to Kurmasheva.

We are deeply concerned about Alsu Kurmashevas detention in Russia, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Kremlins continued attempts to intimidate, repress, and punish journalists and civil society voices. Healthy democracies do not undertake such steps.

A free and independent press is a vital, core institution that undergirds democracies, ensuring that electorates can make informed decisions and hold governmental officials accountable. In this light, the charges against Ms. Kurmasheva are a sign of the weakness of Putins regime, the spokesperson added.
A new law against hate speech came into force in Scotland on Monday, praised by some but criticized by others who say its sweeping provisions could criminalize religious views or tasteless jokes.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior based on characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. Racial hatred was already banned under a law dating from 1986.

The maximum sentence is seven years in prison.

The legislation does not specifically ban hatred against women. The Scottish government says that will be tackled by a separate forthcoming law against misogyny.

Scottish Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said the new law would help build safer communities that live free from hatred and prejudice.

We know that the impact on those on the receiving end of physical, verbal or online attacks can be traumatic and life-changing, she said. This legislation is an essential element of our wider approach to tackling that harm.

Critics argue that the law will have a chilling effect on free speech, making people afraid to express their views. The legislation was passed by the Scottish Parliament almost three years ago but has been delayed by wrangling over its implementation.

Veteran human rights activist Peter Tatchell said the law was well-intended but vague, relying on subjective interpretation of what constitutes abuse and allowing people to report alleged offenses anonymously.

The Scottish National Party-led government in Edinburgh says the legislation includes free speech protections, including a specific guarantee that people can still ridicule or insult religion.

The threshold of criminality in terms of the new offenses is very, very high indeed, First Minister Humza Yousaf said. Your behavior has to be threatening or abusive and intended to stir up hatred.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who has called the law ludicrous, is among critics who say it could be used to silence what are known as gender-critical feminists, who argue that rights for trans women should not come at the expense of those who are born biologically female.

In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Rowling referred to several prominent trans women as men. Misgendering could be an offense under the new law in some circumstances.

Im currently out of the country, but if what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment, Rowling wrote.

Scottish National Party lawmaker Joanna Cherry, another critic of the law, said that if you are a woman, you have every right to be concerned.

Biological sex is not included as a protected characteristic in the act, despite women being one of the most abused cohorts in our society, she wrote in The National newspaper.

Meanwhile, police organizations are concerned the law will trigger a flood of reports over online abuse.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said the law could cause havoc with trust in police. And the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents wrote to lawmakers to express worry that the law could be weaponized by an activist fringe.

The law is the latest case of Scotland's semi-autonomous government, which is led by the pro-independence SNP, diverging from the Conservative U.K. administration in London. In 2022, the Scottish Parliament passed a law allowing people to change their legally recognized gender through self-declaration, without the need for medical certification.

The gender-recognition legislation was vetoed by the British government, which said it conflicted with U.K.-wide equalities legislation that, among other things, guarantees women and girls access to single-sex spaces such as changing rooms and shelters.
A section of the American International School Vietnam (AISVN) in HCMC's Nha Be District. Photo by VnExpress/Le Nguyen

Students at the American International School Vietnam continued to stay home on Monday after the spring break ends, as the school has not opened an account to receive parents' further payments to keep it running.

Bui Thong, a parent of two children at AISVN, said the school informed that the students would stay home on Monday via an email sent Sunday.

Over 1,200 students began staying home on March 18 over a teachers' strike due to unpaid salaries and insurance. They returned to school the next day but there were not enough teachers to maintain classes. The students then stayed home over the spring break, from March 23-31.

In the email Sunday, AISVN said it has not been able to create a joint bank account for the Department of Education and Training, the school and parents, over the weekends. As such, it would need more time to resolve issues regarding teachers unpaid salaries. An official date for when students can return to school is expected to be announced on Monday.

"I am willing to pay more money for my children to continue studying at the school," Thong said.

At a Saturday meeting with parents and HCMC authorities, AISVN said the school is no longer financially capable to pay teachers salaries and maintain education activities. Nguyen Thi Ut Em, head of the school board, called for parents to contribute an additional VND125 billion (US$5 million) to pay for teachers salaries and allow the school to operate until the end of the school year in June.

Em proposed an extra monthly payment at VND9.5 million for kindergarteners, VND14.5 million for primary school students, VND20.5 million for students at grade 6-8, and VND25.5 million for students at grade 9-12.

On Sunday, certain parents said they have received emails informing them about the exact amounts of money they need to contribute. A parent of an 8th grader said they were requested to pay VND61.5 million for the remaining three months of the school year.

Education department director Nguyen Van Hieu is expected to have a meeting with AISVN teachers on Monday regarding salary and insurance issues.

Em has been forbidden from emigration over personal income tax issues.

AISVN provides curriculums under the International Baccalaureate program.

The school's tuition is VND280-350 million a year for kindergarteners, VND450-500 million a year for primary school levels, and VND600-725 million for middle and high school levels. The school has 129 foreign teachers, 26 Vietnamese teachers and 103 employees. But 85 teachers have stopped working.

In October of last year, several parents gathered to demand repayment of debts from the school. They claimed that the school had borrowed tens of billions of Vietnamese dong without interest to enable children to study for free. However, even after the children graduated, the debts remain unpaid.

HCMC boasts 35 schools utilizing foreign capital, predominantly employing curricula from North America and the U.K., supplemented by Vietnamese subjects. Tuition fees at these schools can reach up to VND1 billion per year.
After months of debate and political crisis caused by outgoing president Macky Salls decision to delay Senegal elections, the country pulled it off. Elections took place in a calm, credible and transparent setting, a new president was elected and is getting ready to be sworn in. Some say what happened in Senegal may inspire others in sub-Saharan Africa.

The tensions of the last few months in Senegal seem to be fading away - to be replaced by the hope that Senegals reputation as a beacon of democracy in the region has been restored.

Barrister Agbor Balla, president of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, told VOA, Senegals success may have helped turn the wave of military coups in the region.

If Macky Sall had stayed longer, it mightve given rise to a coup detat look at the other countries around Senegal in West Africa, weve seen how civilian governments have been toppled by the military," said Balla.

A feeling echoed by Ibrahima Diallo, founder of FNDC, National Front for the Defense of Democracy and Human Rights in Guinea, a country that recently experienced a coup. Diallo told VOA the lessons of democracy in Senegal have resonated.

I think the electoral process in Senegal has given more power and solid arguments to pro-democracy activists in Guinea and the rest of West Africa to say there are no other ways to follow but the democratic way for stability and development of our countries, he said.

Diallo said he and others were hopeful the junta led by Mamadi Doumbouya, who toppled Guinean President Alpha Conde in 2021 would soon organize elections, but it never happened.

We decided to demonstrate to remind the junta that when it took over, it had promised to transition the country into civilian rule, I was arrested and spent 9 months in prison without being tried only because I was asking the junta to respect what they had said by organizing free and fair elections to transition to civilian rule and go back to their military barracks, he said.

Prince Michael Ngwese Ekoso is the national president of the United Socialist Democratic Party in Cameroon, a country that has been ruled by the same leader for over four decades.

Weve had a lot of setbacks on the watch of this current regime. Just like the Senegalese stood up and said we would follow the aspirations of the people and they would follow the institutions of the laws of the land, I am calling on Cameroonians especially young Cameroonians like me as well as other people to go and register massively in the electoral lists, he said.

At 48 years old, Ekoso hopes to one day replace his countrys president Paul Biya, 91, one of the longest-serving presidents in Africa.

He congratulates the people of Senegal and President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye whose victory in the recent election followed a political crisis sparked by outgoing President Macky Salls failed attempt to postpone the vote. Faye defeated ruling party coalition candidate Amadou Ba in the first round with over 54% of the vote.
Somalias semi-autonomous region of Puntland is criticizing changes made by the federal parliament to the countrys provisional constitution and announced it is withdrawing recognition for federal government institutions.

In a statement by the region's council of ministers issued Sunday from the capital, Garowe  Puntland alleges the constitution, that had been enacted in 2012, was amended without the input of all Somalis, including those in the region.

The changes were approved Saturday during a joint session of the bicameral federal parliament in Mogadishu and followed weeks of debate.

Regional officials said as a result, Puntland will have the power of a full, independent government until there is a federal system of government agreed upon, a constitution agreed by Somalis, and approved through a referendum in which Puntland is part of.

Essentially, Puntland is refusing to recognize the authority of the Somali federal government until the dispute  over the changes to the constitution  is resolved.

Puntland is the oldest federal member state with 48 lawmakers in the countrys two houses of parliament, as well as ministers and representation in all federal institutions.

It is not clear if Puntland will recall the lawmakers, ministers and civil servants from the region who are working as part of the federal institution.

The dispute centers on changes to the first four chapters and expected amendments to the entire 15-chapter provisional constitution. The main changes so far deal with the powers of the president, the number of national political parties, and federal and state-level elections.

Under one of the revisions, the parliament gives the president the authority to hire and fire the prime minister. Previously, only parliament had the power to dismiss the prime minister.

VOA contacted the Somali government including the office of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for a response, but no reply was given.

In a Facebook post Saturday, President Mohamud hailed as historic, the parliaments move to approve the first four revised chapters of the constitution.

"The completion of the constitution is essential for promoting democracy, the nation and state institutions, he said.

I urge lawmakers in the two houses of parliament to resume deliberating amendments and completion of the remaining chapters of the constitution.

On Sunday evening, Mohamud signed off on the amended copy of the first four chapters.

In August 2012, a National Constituent Assembly composed of 825 people from various sectors of society approved the original provisional constitution. At the time, however, the assembly said certain articles needed further review, including resource sharing, citizenship and the status of the capital, Mogadishu. Somalia adopted the federal system in 2004. It was intended to transfer some of the powers of the central government to the state and district levels and maintain unity.

In June 2023, a National Consultative Council, which includes President Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, four regional leaders and the mayor of Mogadishu, met and agreed to introduce direct elections as early as this June and unify the election schedules. They also endorsed a presidential system.

Some of those proposals were integrated into the amended constitution while some were rejected. Puntland was already absent from the June 2023 meeting after declaring in January of last year that it was going to conduct its affairs as an independent government citing alleged undermining of state building processes.

The current amendments to the constitution have divided opinions in Somalia with some strongly in support and others vehemently opposed. Ahmed Isse Awad, a former foreign affairs minister, who ran unsuccessfully for the leadership of Puntland earlier this year, said both the federal government and Puntland have made rushed decisions.

This was unnecessary; it did not go through the normal process of constitutional reform, he said when asked about the amendments.

Somalia has suffered, and the Somali state has collapsed due to the absence of institutional framework and the political culture of a strong man. And it seems that this constitution entrenched that political culture that has already caused the collapse of the Somali state.

Awad said the president should uphold the existing constitution and if a constitution has to be amended, reformed or completed, it has to go through the democratic process.

Awad said Puntland should equally respect the federal constitution but said he did not think the region intended to secede from the rest of Somalia just because the federal government was messing with the constitution.

Puntland is part of the federal government; the constitution of Puntland cannot contradict the federal constitution, he said.

Just like the federal government is elected to prioritize state building, good governance and to better the livelihood of the Somali people, the government in Puntland is elected to prioritize the wishes of the Puntland people and their good governance therein, but not to dismember the Somali state.

Puntland accused the Somali president of violating the constitution that he was elected and sworn in.

Hassan Sheikh has lost his constitutional legitimacy as president, the statement read.

Separately, the U.N. Assistance Mission to Somalia issued a statement urging all stakeholders in Somalia to redouble their efforts to build consensus through an inclusive process. The statement was issued on behalf of Somalias international partners.

Puntland said in the statement, it will directly negotiate with the international community and international organizations on matters concerning its interests.

It said the decision will be put before the regions parliament for endorsement.



VOAs Mohamed Olad Hassan contributed to this report.
Tens of thousands of Israelis came out to protest the Netanyahu government. Its the largest protest since the start of the October 7th war in Gaza. Netanyahu turned over the reins of the Israeli government temporarily Sunday to have surgery. We talk with Atalia Omer, PhD Professor of Religion, Conflict, and Peace Studies Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies/Sociology at the University of Notre Dame. He says hell be back after a short recovery. The Palestinian Authority forms a new government. In Turkey, a defeat for the ruling national party in municipal elections. And teaching girls to be soldiers in Ukraine at what was once a boys-only military school.
A top Indian opposition leader will remain in custody for two more weeks, following his arrest by the federal financial crime-fighting agency.

The extension of his detention comes despite protests from opposition parties who claim it is part of a crackdown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his rivals ahead of the countrys April 19 national elections.

Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, or Common Man's Party, is the top elected official in the city of New Delhi and has been an influential politician for the past decade. Kejriwal is accused of accepting $12 million in bribes from liquor contractors around 2 years ago. The AAP has denied the accusations.

"These people have only one aim, they want to put him in prison during the elections," Kejriwal's wife, Sunita, told reporters, referring to Modi's government. "The people will give a response to this dictatorship."

Opposition parties allege the government is exploiting federal agencies to target political rivals, citing a pattern of raids, arrests, and corruption probes. They argue this undermines fair competition in elections, a claim denied by Modis government.

Kejriwal has denied the allegations against him and accused the directorate of "manipulating investigative agencies for political motives."

Kejriwal also has called his arrest "a political conspiracy."

The detention decision came shortly after a New Delhi rally organized by the INDIA bloc, comprising 27 opposition parties including AAP, protesting Kejriwals arrest and accusing Modi of trying to rig the election.

However, the governments legal representation in the case said that Kejriwals "conduct has been totally non-cooperative" and that he could potentially be put in custody following more investigations.

This marks the first instance of a chief minister in India being arrested while in office.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels this week to France and Belgium for wide-ranging talks that include discussion of the situations in Ukraine, Gaza and Haiti and trade talks with the European Union and Armenia.

Blinken begins his trip in Paris, where the State Department says he will meet with President Emmanuel Macron about supporting Ukraine, preventing the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza from expanding and bringing stability to Haiti.

The United States and France have been among Ukraines top supporters in the two years since Russia launched an invasion of its neighbor.

Blinken is also set to express U.S. support for the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as he holds talks with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.



The top U.S. diplomat will travel to Brussels for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers as the alliance celebrates its 75th anniversary.

While in Brussels, Blinken is also scheduled to meet with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

A three-way meeting among the United States, European Union and Armenia is set for Friday, with the State Department saying the session will focus on U.S. and EU support for Armenias economic resilience as it works to diversify its trade partnerships and address humanitarian needs.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will lead their respective delegations.

Separate U.S.-EU trade and technology talks will close Blinkens stop in Belgium.
The United States is backing a year-old intelligence assessment that health problems affecting, and in some cases incapacitating, hundreds of American personnel around the world are not the result of a weapon wielded by a U.S. adversary.

The White House, the Pentagon and the State Department Monday stood by a March 2023 report by the National Intelligence Council that concluded it is very unlikely the adverse symptoms known as Havana Syndrome were caused by enemy operatives, despite a new investigation that suggests a notorious Russian intelligence unit may be to blame.

The intelligence community has not concluded that, said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, defending the conclusions of the 2023 assessment.

But Jean-Pierre also said the White House has not stopped looking at the issue, which in some cases has forced U.S. personnel to retire.

Weve taken this very seriously, she said. We are going to do everything that we can  We're going to continue to do a comprehensive examination of the effects here that we're seeing and the potential causes."

A joint investigation unveiled late Sunday by CBS 60 Minutes, Germanys Der Spiegel and The Insider, found there is reason to believe that the U.S. intelligence assessment came to the wrong conclusion.

Pointing to travel documents, mobile phone records, eyewitness testimony and interviews with multiple U.S. officials and victims, the news organizations concluded there is a high likelihood that Russia is to blame.

Specifically, the investigation tied numerous reports of Havana Syndrome with the presence of members of Unit 29155 of Russias military intelligence service, known for its role in sabotage and assassinations.

It also found that many of the symptoms are consistent with the impact of sound or radio-frequency-based directed energy weapons.

Additionally, the investigation found members of GRU Unit 29155 received awards and promotions for their work on such weapons.

At the White House, Jean-Pierre referred additional questions about Havana Syndrome to the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

ODNI, the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency, or DIA, on Monday all declined to respond to VOAs request for comment.

But both ODNI and DIA pointed to the Worldwide Threat Assessment issued by U.S. intelligence agencies last month.

Most IC [intelligence community] agencies have concluded that it is very unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible for the reported AHIs [anomalous health incidents], the assessment said, using the U.S. government terminology for Havana Syndrome.

IC agencies have varying confidence levels because we still have gaps given the challenges collecting on foreign adversaries  as we do on many issues involving them, the assessment added, noting intelligence analysts continue to monitor developments in areas we have identified as requiring additional research and analysis.

U.S. officials have recorded about 1,500 cases of Havana Syndrome since staff at the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba, first reported unexplained illnesses in 2016. Victims in Cuba, Russia, China, Poland, Austria and even the United States have reported a variety of symptoms, including nausea and dizziness, debilitating headaches and memory problems.

An initial investigation pointed to the possibility that at least some of those suffering symptoms were impacted by some sort of weapon, findings that were supported by a 2022 report by a panel of experts.

"Pulsed electromagnetic energy, particularly in the radiofrequency range, plausibly explains the core characteristics," the 2022 report said.

But that same year, U.S. intelligence officials began backing off the hypothesis that the mystery ailments were the result of a weapon. The CIA, for example, said it appeared most of the cases could be "reasonably explained" by medical conditions or environmental and technical factors.

Russia on Monday rejected the conclusions of the investigation by CBS 60 Minutes, Germanys Der Spiegel, and The Insider.

This is nothing more than a groundless accusation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by Russias TASS news agency.

This is not a new subject at all, Peskov said. From the very beginning it was somehow tied to accusing the Russian side of it but nobody has ever published or voiced any convincing support to these unfounded accusations.

Still, there have been reports of new cases.

The Pentagon Monday confirmed one of them, involving a U.S. defense official who was struck with symptoms similar to those reported in anomalous health incidents" during a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last July.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters the individual was not part of the delegation attending the summit with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"I'm not aware that the secretary's delegation was at risk," Singh said, adding that Austin has confidence in the intelligence community.

As for the possibility that Russian agents, or those working for other U.S. adversaries, may be deploying a directed-energy weapon, "We'd always be concerned, Singh said.

We'd always be concerned of any type of impact to our servicemembers, to our civilians that causes health defects, health impacts, she said in response to a question from VOA.

State Department officials Monday said there would be no repercussions for any employees speaking against the U.S. intelligence findings and noted those affected by Havana Syndrome have been given access to medical care and compensation through the HAVANA ACT, signed into law in 2021.

The safety and security of our personnel remains the top priority of the secretary and we are doing everything possible to help those affected, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
The U.S. military reported Sunday destroying two aerial drones in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, saying the aircraft posed a threat to vessels in the region.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that its forces shot down one of the drones over the Red Sea, and that the other was destroyed on the ground where it was ready to launch.

Both of the drones were destroyed Saturday.

These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels, CENTCOM said.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency did not report any threats against vessels in the region at the time.

The Houthis have carried out numerous attacks against vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in recent months, saying their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The attacks have led many commercial shipping companies to reroute their vessels away from the area, opting instead to use the much longer and more expensive route of going around the African continent.


The White House hosted its annual Easter Egg Roll on Monday, after rainy weather delayed the event by about 90 minutes.

First lady Jill Biden, who teaches English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, set a theme of EGGucation for the festivities, which included rolling eggs on the South Lawn, an egg hunt, an obstacle course, educational activities and performances.

The White House said it expected 40,000 people to participate, which is 10,000 more than last year. Thousands of the egg roll guests included military and veterans families, military survivors and caregivers. The general public claimed their egg roll tickets through an online lottery system.

From the White House balcony, President Joe Biden spoke to attendees about the meaning of Easter, saying the holiday reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, and sacrifice and resurrection.

Thats what I see in our country. Were a great nation because were a good people, he said.

In addition to the egg roll, a temporary schoolhouse was erected, offering activities focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The South Lawn is transforming into our learning playground and school community, the first lady said, adding that as a teacher, I love any time when we can turn the White House into a classroom.

The annual tradition began in 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes invited children to the White House lawn to roll Easter eggs after they were barred from the U.S. Capitol grounds.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.
U.S. and Israeli officials are holding virtual talks Monday about Israels plan for a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza to root out more Hamas fighters, a prospective attack the U.S. opposes for fear it would endanger more than 1.3 million Palestinians sheltering there.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that there is no victory without entering Rafah and there is no victory without eliminating the Hamas battalions there. Netanyahu has approved a military operational plan for an attack.

But U.S. officials, led by White House national adviser Jake Sullivan, are looking to convince Israeli officials that there are other ways neutralize Hamas elements in Rafah without a ground invasion. Most of the Palestinians sheltering in the area were ordered to move there by the Israeli military to escape clashes in northern Gaza in the earliest weeks of the six-month-old conflict.

Israel has said it would protect the Palestinians from new warfare in Rafah, located just north of Gaza-Egyptian border, but has given no public indication where it would move them.

The high-level U.S.-Israeli talks are occurring a week after Netanyahu at first called them off in protest of the U.S. failure to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. The U.S. abstained from the vote on the resolution a week ago, allowing it to pass, after previously vetoing other similar resolutions.

Following Mondays secure video conference, the U.S. said it expects that expert teams will hold further talks in person.

The U.S. has been Israels staunchest ally in the fight against Hamas, which started the war with its shock October 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israels counter-offensive in Gaza has killed more than 32,700 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, although the Israeli military says a third of those killed have been militants.

The Israeli military said Monday its forces withdrew from the area of al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza after completing an operation there.

The withdrawal comes two weeks after Israeli forces launched the operation at Gazas largest hospital, accusing Hamas commanders of using the site to conduct terror operations.

The Israeli military has said it killed 200 militants near the hospital, where it carried out both ground fighting and airstrikes.

Bodies were found inside and outside of the hospital complex as people returned to the site following the departure of Israeli tanks and troops.

Much of Gaza has been left in ruins by the Israeli offensive aimed at defeating the Hamas terrorist group. Many of the Palestinians sheltering in Rafah traveled there from other parts of Gaza in search of safety.

An Israeli airstrike on Al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza killed four people and wounded 17 others, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday in a post on X.

Tedros called for an end of Israels attacks on hospitals in the enclave and for the protection of patients, health personnel and humanitarian missions."

The strike on a tent camp inside the hospital compound was witnessed by a WHO team that was on a humanitarian mission there assessing the needs and collecting incubators for the north of Gaza, the WHO chief wrote, adding: "WHO staff are all accounted for."

Thousands of people have been sheltering around the hospital after the fighting forced them to flee their homes.

In Israel Sunday, tens of thousands of anti-government protesters launched a planned three-day protest in front of the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, calling for Israel to reach a deal with Hamas to free dozens of hostages, for Netanyahu's resignation and for a general election. The protest is the largest anti-government demonstration since Israel went to war in Gaza last October.

Together with the negotiating team and the Cabinet, I am working around the clock to free all of our hostages, Netanyahu said at his Sunday news conference. I am doing so while balancing between the necessary pressure on Hamas and the flexibility that is possible in the negotiations.

Netanyahu also dismissed calls for an election, saying that would only delay efforts to free the hostages and paralyze Israel for six months.

Netanyahu's popularity, already dented over a domestic judicial crisis in Israel, has plummeted further since October 7, with successive opinion polls showing little faith in his leadership and a defeat by more centrist rivals if an election were to be held.

Fighting in Gaza has continued despite the U.N. Security Council cease-fire resolution last week that also called for the release of all hostages held by the militant group.

With the war nearing the six-month mark, the United States, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to mediate another cease-fire and hostage release since the only previous one in November.

Netanyahu approved a return to cease-fire talks with Hamas on Friday.

Hamas, however, would not be present at the talks in Cairo, an official told the Reuters news agency Sunday, as it waited to hear from mediators on whether a new Israeli offer was on the table.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.
Students sit on the stairs at the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. Photo by Reuters

The U.S. rejected over 250,000 student visa requests last year, marking the highest denial rate in 20 years.

The rejection figure represented approximately 36% of all applications submitted in last year

A report by the Cato Institute, a U.S. public policy research organization, released on March 19, revealed that the total number of student visas, known as F-1 visas, issued last year exceeded 445,000, an increase of about 34,000 from the previous year.

However, at the same time, the number of visas denied also rose by 30,000 year-on-year.

The denial rate for student visas in 2023 was 36.3% of all applications, the highest since 2013.

Over the past decade, the rejection rate for student visas in the U.S. has more than doubled from 15% in 2014.

According to the Cato Institute, students from India faced the highest number of rejections, accounting for approximately 29%.

David J. Bier, associate director of immigration studies at The Cato Institute, said "The State Department does not separately delineate the reasons for student visa denials but nearly all nonimmigrant visa denials are for failing to prove "nonimmigrant intent" (that is, the desire not to move to the United States permanently)."

He stated that applicants must demonstrate strong connections to their homeland, compelling them to return once their visit's purpose concludes.

"The nonimmigrant intent subjective standard can be enforced in a variety of ways. Consular officers are supposed to only consider someones "present intent" not considering how their intention might change if opportunities arise in the U.S. to stay legally. In practice, there is very little consistency in application," said Bier.

One of the requirements for applying for an F-1 visa is acceptance into a U.S. university.

The Cato Institute reports that on average, one student must pay $30,000 annually for tuition and living expenses, which means that the U.S. turned down 253,355 students who would have likely paid roughly $7.6 billion per year in tuition and living expenses.

Over four years that number rose to $30.4 billion in lost economic benefits to the country.

The Cato Institute's report highlights the disparity in denial rates for F-1 visas compared to other temporary visas. Since 2021, the rejection rate for student visas has been nearly double that of all other visa types.

Recent statistics from the Institute of International Education (IIE) show that for the academic year 2022-2023, the U.S. hosted approximately one million international students from over 200 countries and territories, including 21,900 from Vietnam.

Of them, 55% are pursuing degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Among Vietnamese students, 47.6% choose STEM fields, and about 25% opt for Business and Management majors.

Tuition fees at U.S. universities currently range from $28,000 to $46,000 per year, depending on whether the institution is public or private. International students are allowed to work part-time for no more than 20 hours per week.

Upon graduation, they can stay in the country for 12 months under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

For several STEM fields, international students can extend their OPT for an additional 24 months, allowing them to remain in the country for up to 36 months in total.
Photo: Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

This article was originally published on April 1, 2021.

On April 1, infinity years ago, the titular Noah was on his ark, feeling pretty cocky, since God considered him an animal worth saving from drowning. So he sent out a dove. But the flood had not subsided. What a fool. An April fool. And, ever since, we pay tribute by freaking pranking people.

This is a real theory  one of many. One credits The Canterbury Tales, in which Chaucer wrote about a rooster who was tricked by a fox on the 32nd of March. There is a fairly convoluted theory that in the Middle Ages there were people who celebrated the New Year for multiple days starting on March 25, so January 1-heads called April 1 April Fools Day as a way of shaming them. Honestly, reading about the history of April Fools Day feels like a prank.

Its also not clear when the first bad prank took place  as in a prank that most people believed to be true and no one laughed at  but it has been going on for a while. In the 1700s, famous cutup Jonathan Swift wanted to stick it to popular sham astrologer John Partridge by publishing a prediction that, on March 29, he was going to die. And then on March 29, Swift published an elegy for Partridge. The supposedly dead man was then met with confused looks as he walked around his town on April 1. When he published a rebuttal, Swift responded by saying that it was actually written by an impostor and that Partridge was in fact dead. Eventually, Partridge left public life forever. Cancel culture has really gotten out of control.

Smash-cut to 1905, when a German newspaper called the Berliner Tageblatt published a story that thieves dug a hole under the U.S. Treasury and stole all of Americas silver and gold. This story was widely picked up throughout Europe before it was made clear that it was a joke. And in 1957, the BBC aired a story about Switzerlands booming spaghetti crop. Because spaghetti was not widely available at the time in England, a lot of people believed it. I will not make a joke about British food here and you cant make me.

Personally, Im sure I learned about the day from television, where April Fools-related story lines were just all over kid TV. I also remember The Drew Carey Show used to do special April Fools episodes where, frankly, a lot of random shit would happen. There was also April Fools Day in 1997 when Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak swapped shows. Great wholesome stuff.

But, as the internet does, its made everything faster and worse. Now, the April Fools prank is dead. Proof: McDonalds Shake Sauce. T-Mobiles Smartshoephone. Kickstarters minimalist watch that has no hands. Mark Zuckerberg x H&M. Yelp made it so your screen looked cracked when you opened the app. Starbucks Pupbucks. Rent the Runway for dogs. Google Play for pets. Vibrators for cats. Honestly, a lot of it is pet-related, which is what happens when a boss demands people who arent funny be funny one day a year. Etsy bought the city of Portland in 2012, which is a pretty impressive prank, considering only two seasons of Portlandia had aired by that point. Anyway, they are all lame, and the internet is lamer for having experienced them. The result is April 1 is now anticipated with dread as a day where the internet must be avoided at all costs.

This must change. April Fools Day, a tradition that goes back to Noah (probably not), must rise from the ashes as a glorious, hilarious phoenix. How? We shift it from being a day of pranks and hoaxes to a day of jokes and comedy!

This is not without precedent. Halloween started off as a pagan harvest festival where people could commune with the spirits, and now you get candy, dress up like sexy Garfield, and watch scary movies. Valentines Day started as non-romantic religious feast day meant to celebrate two of the many saintly Valentines who mostly did regular saint stuff (like dying for being Christian), but turned into a day of chocolate, overpriced prix fixe menus with short rib and vegetable risotto entree choices, and watching romantic comedies. To effectively turn a holiday into a mood, it needs: something for kids, expected ways of dress, decorations, a signature color, multiple food associations, a vice activity, and a type of movie to watch.

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Halloween has trick-or-treating and cute costumes. They really nail it. Valentines Day has kids giving each other valentines, which I guess is cute, but honestly, I never felt like I genuinely received a valentine as a kid (which is more about me, I understand), so I think it is actually worse than Halloween. For April Fools, kids will  tell each other jokes! Awww. Right? Kids are very good at making up jokes, because they understand the rhythm but not exactly the logical relationship between setups and punchlines. I think we should empower kids to tell each other their own jokes or ones they read. Shy kids can write the joke on a piece of paper and just leave it around the classroom for someone to find, and not only would this be encouraged, people will have to say the shy kids joke is the best no matter what. (This is less about April Fools and more about rewarding shy kids.)

Just in case this isnt enough, it will be commonplace for schools to provide their kids with those Popsicles that have little jokes on them. This would be fun, and it will be funny because then the kids will have Popsicle-dyed mouths all afternoon.

Since 2011, every Halloween, Jimmy Kimmel has a tradition of giving children trust issues by getting parents to tell them all of their candy has been eaten. But giving little kids an opportunity to tell jokes on the show seems like a nice replacement. And, who knows, maybe one of those kids will become a famous comedian and will get to tell this story as a guest on Kimmel one day. That would be a nice thing to look forward to in 20 years.

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In parts of Europe, April Fools is known as April Fish, and people pin paper fish on victims backs. This is, however, a prank, and we arent doing those anymore. SO NO FISH ALLOWED.

Instead, you can eat chicken, because of rubber chickens, the famous gag item. Bananas because of the funny slipping. Cream pie out of respect to many a great stooge who cruelly had the sweet treat shoved or thrown onto their face. And beans because of farts.

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Valentines Day has sex. St. Patricks Day has drinking. On April Fools, we smoke cigars. Comedians have loved cigars for nearly 100 years. There are multiple comedians you cant picture without a cigar. I dont know how many of you are able to just picture George Burns out of thin air, but those who can will definitely picture him with a cigar. Same with Milton Berle. Currently, Ron White has his own signature cigar. Why are cigars so popular with comedians? My guess is cigars turn-of-the-century association with the upper class meant cigars were a useful tool of satire and then later, when the comedians found success, a means of Jewish assimilation. Or, more likely, comedians found it a useful prop for dick jokes. Either way, were all smoking cigars as a way of honoring Groucho Marx.

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Speaking of Groucho, everyone, especially babies, has to dress like Groucho. Somewhere along the way, Grouchos face became the symbol of comedy. He is an icon. There is an emoji right now that is just Grouchos face that is apparently supposed to symbolize disguise (which seems anti-Semitic), but is actually Groucho. So, lets all dress up like Groucho on April Fools: mustache, glasses, maybe not the big nose (which seems anti-Semitic), and, of course, a cigar. The other option is to dress up in April Fools colors 

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Halloween has orange and black. Valentines has red. April Fools is all about  blue! Not going to lie, this is partly because it is really easy, so people will be like, All right, well, I guess I was probably going to wear blue anyway. But also, jokes can be blue if they have bad words like piss in them. There are a variety of theories about where the term came from, but its easier just to trust me and wear the jeans you were already going to wear.

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Valentines Day has hearts and Cupid. Halloween has skeletons and spiderwebs. April Fools can have chattering teeth a.k.a. outside bones, whoopee cushions, and, of course, a giant inflatable Groucho Marx. It will be like that inflatable Christmas decoration where Santa is Gru and the reindeer are Minions, but Groucho is Santa and the reindeer are Harpo, Zeppo, and all the rest!

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So, this part is pretty obvious, but one note: I dont want to get into a whole thing about what is or isnt comedy, but, lets say on April Fools we watch hard comedies with big characters and even bigger jokes. Theres nothing wrong with a bittersweet dramedy about three generations of Silverlake cancer survivors, but maybe save it for April 2.

So, there it is. Ill see you on April 1. Ill be the one wearing blue, smoking a cigar, and eating a banana cream pie. I wont be wearing a Groucho costume, because I already kind of look like him.
Photo: Rob Verhorst/Redferns

In the final years of his life, Marvin Gaye spent a stretch of time in Belgium, recovering from drug addiction and recording some of his last hits, including Sexual Healing. Turns out, Gaye was even more prolific during this era than we thought. A glut of unreleased music by the soul legend has turned up in Belgium, as the BBC heard through the grapevine. When Gaye later left Belgium, he left his tapes, along with some costumes and notes, with the Belgian musician Charles Dumolin, whom he lived with. Dumolin died in 2019, and now his family owns a collection of tapes that includes, according to their lawyer, as many as 66 unreleased demos. (Gaye died in 1984.) Marvin gave it to them and said, Do whatever you want with it, and he never came back, Alex Trappeniers told the BBC. According to Trappeniers, the demos include multiple complete songs and some that are as good as Sexual Healing. Aint nothing like the real thing, indeed.

The family wants to release the music, but whats actually going on is more complicated. Legally, they would own the tapes themselves thanks to a Belgian law that grants ownership of property to someone after theyve had it for 30 years, even if it wasnt given to them. But since the law doesnt include intellectual property, the Gaye estate would still have a claim to the songs on the tapes  making a release more complicated. Gayes family did not comment to the BBC, but lawyers for two of his children are now reportedly aware of the tapes.

Gayes estate has previously been protective of the soul legends legacy, winning a copyright lawsuit against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams over similarities between their song Blurred Lines and Gayes hit Got to Give It Up. But Trappeniers said he and the Dumolin family would hope to work with the Gaye estate to finish and release some of the demos. If we put our hands together and find the right people in the world, the Mark Ronsons or the Bruno Mars  Im not here to make suggestions but to say okay, lets listen to this and lets make the next album, he said. Like the man himself said: It takes two, baby.
China Duty Free, IPPG to open stores to serve Chinese tourists in Vietnam

Chinese tourists visit the Saigon Central Post Office in downtown HCMC, June 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung

China Duty Free, owned by state-owned travel company China Tourism, has signed a deal with conglomerate Imex Pan Pacific Group to open three duty-free shops in Vietnam to attract Chinese tourists.

The first will be opened in the northern city of Mong Cai in Quang Ninh Province near the China border this year, Jonathan Hanh Nguyen, chairman of Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG), said.

The second will open next year in the beach city of Nha Trang of Khanh Hoa Province and the third in downtown HCMC at an unspecified date.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic HCMC and Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh provinces were top destinations for Chinese tourists.

This year Vietnam eyes 18 million foreign arrivals, the same as the figure in 2019, the year before the pandemic, and tourism revenues of US$34 billion.

China was the largest source of tourists for Vietnam before Covid.

In 2019 it had received 5.8 million Chinese tourists, or 30% all foreign arrivals.

In the first quarter of this year Vietnam received 890,000 visitors from China, an increase of 635% from the same period last year.

According to a survey done by Hotels.com, Chinese travelers spend an average of $930 abroad, 58% of it on shopping, especially high-end products.
A father and grandfather from Victoria have drowned while trying to save a toddler who slipped into the deep end of a pool at a Surfers Paradise hotel.

The long-weekend tragedy unfolded just before 7pm (AEST) on Sunday at the Top of the Mark apartment building on Orchid Avenue, where the Victorian family was holidaying.

The toddlers mother tried to save her daughter, but she could not swim, so the childs 38-year-old father and his father, 65, rushed to their aid.

A father and grandfather from Victoria drowned at the Top of the Mark apartment building in Surfers Paradise on Sunday.

Queensland Ambulances Gold Coast senior operations supervisor Mitchell Ware confirmed a two-year-old child was playing in the pool.
Ecuadoran gangsters abducted, interrogated and killed five tourists, apparently thinking they were members of a rival drug gang, officials said Saturday.

Around 20 attackers stormed a hotel Friday in the beach town of Ayampe in southern Ecuador and kidnapped six adults and a child, local police commander Richard Vaca said.

The abducted tourists, all Ecuadorans, were interrogated and hours later the bodies of five adults were found with gunshot wounds on a road, he said.

The assailants "apparently mistook them for adversaries" from a rival drug gang, said Vaca.

President Daniel Noboa said one person has been arrested so far in the case and the government is tracking down the rest of the attackers.

Once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis by the rapid spread of transnational cartels that use its ports to ship drugs to the United States and Europe.

In January, Noboa imposed a state of emergency and declared the country in a state of war against gangs after a wave of violence following the prison escape of a notorious gang leader.
The Sisters of Mercy religious congregation has announced that it is to donate its former convent building in Ballina to the local community.

The announcement was made in the parish newsletter on Easter Sunday. Following detailed discussions, the Sisters have made the generous decision to gift the convent building to a newly-formed charity, Ballina Convent Regeneration CLG. This charity includes community and church representation with Fr Aidan OBoyle, Pat Flynn, Vincent Lang and Mark Duffy serving as voluntary directors.

"We have an ambitious plan to work with the Ballina community to reopen the Convent doors to the public," said the new charity in a statement. "We hope that by the end of 2024 with the support of the wider community [that] we can hold a Christmas service in the Old Chapel of the Convent, as well as reopening the dining room as a community and event space. To realise this plan, the priorities are the repair and replacement of roofs, gutters and damaged windows, along with full electrical and heating upgrades and general enhancements."

The building is one of Ballina's oldest and most revered. The foundation stone for the convent was laid in 1863 and it was completed in 1867, becoming home to generations of nuns who served the Ballina community with distinction.

Following its closure more than a decade ago, the building suffered from vandalism and deterioration caused by a combination of water ingress, rot and mould. Over the past two years, the Sisters have worked with the community of Ballina to discuss possible routes to revive the convent from its current condition, with the hopes of it being returned to use as an asset for the town, continuing the Sisters mission. The former St Marys Secondary School is not part of this regeneration project and was recently listed for sale on the open market. The future use of the convent building will be determined through public consultation.

Work has already been carried out by volunteers which has had a positive impact in diverting water from overflowing gutters and allowing light into each room. This has been significant in halting the continued decline of the building.

"We have been supported by the LEADER programme for an architectural conservation plan which is being completed by Vincent Coleman with the support of Simon Beales architectural and engineering practice," said the charity. "We received funding for an architectural lighting plan led by Dark Source, based on dark sky principles, which will celebrate the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows in a sensitive manner. We were awarded grant support from the Historic Structures Fund for repairing the gutters, windows and damaged roof of the Convent. We have also submitted an application for funding to the Heritage Council for further restoration works."

Sister Breege ONeill, Provincial Leader Mercy Western Province, said: " It is with joy and hope that we the Sisters of Mercy, Western Province, entrust the Convent of Mercy building to the people of Ballina and surrounding area. We pay tribute to the dreams, enthusiasm and dedication of the Ballina Convent Regeneration Company who have embarked on the restoration of this building. We look forward to the completion of the project when the convent doors will open once more to contribute to a new and exciting chapter in the development of Ballina."

From their arrival in 1851 the Sisters of Mercy devoted their lives to health, education and social good, specifically targeting the disadvantaged and those most in need in the Ballina community. The Sisters led the delivery of ambitious projects including the opening of St Josephs Hospital as well as Scoil Iosa primary school and St Marys Secondary School.

Cllrs Mark Duffy and Annie May Reape, in a joint statement, said: We thank the Sisters of Mercy for entrusting this historic building to the Ballina community. The Sisters have left a remarkable legacy. This is an exciting new chapter in the development of community infrastructure, and we look forward to hearing your ideas, proposals and suggestions for how this building can best serve the community of Ballina and North Mayo. We hope that everyone can get behind this ambitious project.

Bishop of Killala John Fleming also welcomed the announcement.

As bishop, I greatly appreciate the continued generosity of the Sisters of Mercy, as this ambitious project seeks to save the historic convent. The Sisters have made an incredible contribution to the town of Ballina. This project will celebrate their story and help use it as a continued force for good in our community of Ballina.
A Mayo secondary school has paid a poignant tribute to a former pupil who died tragically at the weekend.

Vakaris Gudaitis, 17, was killed after he was struck by a car on the N17 at Barnacarroll, Claremorris at approximately 9.20pm on Saturday night. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Vakaris was a former pupil at St Colman's College, Claremorris, and the school took to social media to express their sadness at the news.

It was with deep sadness that we learned about past-pupil Vikaris Gudaitis (17) who was fatally injured on Saturday night last in a road traffic incident outside Claremorris.

Originally from Lithuania, Vikaris and his family have lived in the south Mayo community for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gudaitis family at this very difficult time. May Vikaris Rest in Peace.

Mr Gudaitis' death comes just days after the death of a mother and her two daughters on the same stretch of road.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Gudaitis family pay for Vakaris' funeral costs.

Funeral arrangements are not available at this time.
Jonathan McCambridge and Rebecca Black, PA

Scenes of young people with petrol bombs in Derry have been condemned.

Crates of petrol bombs appear to have been prepared in advance ahead of a dissident republican parade in the Creggan area to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

While the main parade passed off without major incident, petrol bombs were later thrown at members of the media and a van was set on fire.

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area before making its way to the City Cemetery.

A senior police officer said they had been notified about an event in the City Cemetery, but not of the parade from Central Drive.

Derry City and Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said they believed petrol bombs seen on Central Drive would have been used to attack police if the opportunity had arisen.

A group of young men carrying crates of petrol bombs at the start of an Easter Monday parade in the Creggan area of Derry. Photo: PA Images

The parade included a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot in the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

A police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings, and a drone warned people it was an unnotified parade.

A number of young people with masks covering their faces carried crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry.

Members of the media came under attack after the march and a number of petrol bombs were thrown.

Ms Kearney said police engaged with the event organiser and, on the day, issued several warnings from a drone to make people aware they would be taking part in an unnotified parade on Central Drive.

Despite several warnings, participants proceeded along Central Drive and into the City Cemetery, she said.

Sadly, we saw evidence of petrol bombs being prepared by young people prior to the parade.

These youths were also involved in the parade along Central Drive. It is our assessment that these would have been used to attack police had the opportunity arose.

A colour party prepares to start their Easter Monday parade through the Creggan area. Photo: PA Images

Its incredibly sad, and really disheartening, to see young people, including children, involved in this.

Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality, is reprehensible.

A local persons van was set on fire for no reason, just next to a local community hall on Central Drive in Creggan, while a number of petrol bombs were also thrown in the area.

The fire has been dealt with by NIFRS and those involved in throwing the petrol bombs have dispersed.

Todays parade was un-notified and therefore an investigation has commenced into what occurred, as well as the other incidents which serve only to damage the local community.

Footage obtained from our evidence-gathering operation today will be reviewed as part of an investigation into a breach of the Public Processions Act and offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.

A young boy carrying crates of petrol bombs. Photo: PA Images

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood condemned the scenes.

This is the last thing that our community wants or needs.

The kids being whipped up into throwing petrol bombs at journalists and the police are putting their own lives and futures at risk, as well as the safety of others, he said.

Those responsible for this only want to drag us back. They have nothing to offer the people of this city, and they need to understand that we all want a better future.

The people of Derry want to live in peace with their neighbours. We wont have that peace threatened by anyone, let alone cowards that send kids out to throw petrol bombs.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly sunny and rather mild; a few scattered showers are possible, but mainly in the Poconos and along and north of the I-80 corridor..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with a few showers; many only get a couple hundredths of an inch at most but a bit more in the Poconos and points north...maybe as much as a quarter of an inch.
The Chairman of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, expressed respect for Chairman of the Supreme Court Nino Kadagidze and Georgian judges. Papuashvili stated that the Parliament of Georgia will take all necessary actions to put an end to unjust attacks aimed at damaging the court's reputation and harming the state of Georgia."In the media, I have acquainted myself with excerpts of the judges' deliberations on the issue of 'Vetting' at the plenary session of the Supreme Court, which further supports the opinion formed during the recent discussions on this issue with various groups.Once again, I would like to express my respect for the Chairman of the Supreme Court, Mrs. Nino Kadagidze, and the Georgian judges. It is unfortunate that due to a few NGOs with the goal of gaining political power, the participation of foreign organizations in justice issues has been equated today with an attack on the judiciary, hostile rhetoric against judges, and moral terror against their family members - essentially everything that is anti-European.The Parliament of Georgia will do everything to stop these unjust attacks, the purpose of which is to damage the reputation of the court and harm the Georgian state," Papuashvili wrote.Chairman of Georgian Dream, Irakli Gharibashvili stated that judges Levan Murisidze and Mikheil Chinchaladze, who are among the four Georgian judges sanctioned by the United States of America last year, were victims of the system."You mentioned Mr. Murusidze and Mr. Chinchaladze; who would ask these people back then? There was terrible pressure on them; they were victims of the system. I will tell you more: since then, these people have shown complete independence.I want to thank them and stand by each judge as an ordinary citizen, not as a party representative, for taking this correct, patriotic position. Some NGO cannot beat 300 judges; these people will decide their own fate," Gharibashvili said.Murusidze and Chinchaladze were sanctioned by the United States for misusing their positions as court chairpersons and members of the Supreme Council of Justice, thereby harming the rule of law and public trust in the Georgian judicial system.
Photo taken on March 23, 2024 shows a Bai and Yi ethnic minority village nestled in the Wumeng Mountains in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, the emerald green lake, golden rapeseed flowers, and tidy village complement each other beautifully.(Shi Kaixin/Guangming Picture)

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's, GMW.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information.
Representatives of China and five Central Asian countries attend a launching ceremony of the secretariat of the China-Central Asian cooperation mechanism in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, March 30, 2024. China and five Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, held a ceremony here and launched the secretariat of the China-Central Asian cooperation mechanism on Saturday. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

XI'AN, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China and five Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, held a ceremony in the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province and launched the secretariat of the China-Central Asian cooperation mechanism on Saturday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov sent their congratulatory letters.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, commended cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries under the China-Central Asia mechanism which was initiated four years ago.

Wang said the establishment of the secretariat signifies that the consensus reached by the heads of state of China and Central Asian countries has been implemented and demonstrates to the international community the firm determination of the six countries to work together for development and cooperation.

It is believed that with the joint support of all parties, the secretariat will operate smoothly and effectively, and the China-Central Asia mechanism will grow stronger and bring more benefits to the people of the six countries, Wang added.

Foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries say that parties related have high hopes for the secretariat and will fully support its work. They hoped that the establishment of the secretariat will inject new momentum into the cooperation between Central Asian countries and China.

Sun Weidong, China's vice foreign minister, said that the primary responsibility of the secretariat is to promote the implementation of the consensus and outcomes reached by the heads of state of the six countries, make preparations for the China-Central Asia Summit, and serve the foreign ministers' meeting and the cooperation mechanism in key areas.

It is hoped that the secretariat will actively perform its duties, earnestly ensure its services, and be a "servant" of the China-Central Asia Mechanism, he added.

Wu Yingqin, executive director of the secretariat, said that the secretariat will work actively to step up rules and regulations, fully implement the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit and the important consensus of the heads of state, promote cooperation in key areas, and push for new achievements in China-Central Asia cooperation. 

Editor: JYZ
Last week, Michigan Republican Congressman Tim Walberg urged the total destruction of Gaza in the manner of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the Japanese cities the United States destroyed with atomic bombs in 1945 at the end of the Second World War.

We shouldnt be spending a dime on humanitarian aid, Walberg said at a town hall meeting in Dundee, south of Ann Arbor. It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick, he said.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential buildings and a mosque in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. [AP Photo/Fatima Shbair]

The call by a congressman for the extermination of a completely defenseless and imprisoned population expresses the homicidal sentiments that have gripped the American ruling class. After decades of perpetual war, the United States is approaching a level of criminality hitherto associated only with Nazi Germany.

The expressions of feigned outrage from Democratic Party officials are the height of hypocrisy. Representative Elissa Slotkin, one of the top CIA Democrats, called Walbergs comments a reprehensible thing for anyone to suggest. In fact, the Republican congressman was expressing the fundamental content of the Biden administrations policy toward Gaza.

The Netanyahu government, with the support of the White House, has made the decision to raze Gaza to the ground, to starve its people to death, and expel those left alive, as part of its final solution to the Palestinian question.

This is the meaning of Bidens decision last week to send another 1,800 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.

Israel will not use nuclear weapons in the tiny enclave of Gaza, which would render Israel itself uninhabitable and irradiate the beachfront real estate Israel hopes to seize once the Palestinians are displaced. But Israel has already dropped over 65,000 tons of ordnance on Gaza, more than three times the explosive power of the bombs that leveled Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

As a result, over 54 percent of buildings in the Gaza strip were either damaged or destroyed, compared to 40 percent following the bombing of Nagasaki.

Just as significant as Walbergs open call for the extermination of the Palestinians, however, was what he had to say about the relationship of the genocide in Gaza to the US proxy war with Russia in Ukraine, and its looming conflict with China.

Calling Israel our greatest ally, Walberg said that any moves to feed the starving population of Gaza would be a gift to Iran and Russia as well as China.

After proposing a Nagasaki and Hiroshima solution for Gaza, Walberg immediately added, It should be the same in Ukraine, declaring that the aim of the US should be to wipe out Russian forces.

Walberg later issued a clarification, declaring, The sooner Hamas and Russia surrender, the easier it will be to move forward.

In other words, Walbergs open support of genocide in Gaza was accompanied by a call for all-out war with Russia aiming to wipe out Russian forces and force Russia to surrender.

Walberg is saying plainly what the entire US political establishment and media are seeking to conceal. The Biden administration has repeatedly declared that the United States is not at war with Russia, and that it does not seek conflict with China. All the while, NATO is sending tanks to Ukraine that have been driven over the Russian border by NATO-funded terrorist groups.

If the United States seeks to wage an offensive war against Russia in order to make it surrenderand succeed where Adolf Hitler failedthis will inevitably require a level of mass death and destruction not seen since the Second World War.

In this context, the Gaza genocide is the opening act of a global conflict whose death toll will be in the tens, or even hundreds, of millions.

The greatest horrors of the 20th century: world war, genocide, and the prospect of nuclear holocaust, are reemerging.

In its New Years statement, the World Socialist Web Site made the following warning:

As the war in Gaza has normalized genocide as an acceptable instrument of imperialist policy, the relentless escalation of the US-NATO war against Russia has been accompanied by the de facto acceptance of a high level of possibility, even probability, that the conflict may lead to the use of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons.

It concluded:

Taken as a whole, the normalization of different forms of social barbarism signifies that the capitalist class has arrived at a dead end. A class whose policies consist of different forms of sociocide has clearly exhausted its historical, economic, social, and political legitimacy.

In supporting the Gaza genocide, Biden speaks for the entire US political establishment. Last week, Biden held a fundraiser attended by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who unequivocally praised Bidens support for the genocidal war in Gaza. He genuinely cares about preserving the existence of Israel, Clinton said of Biden.

When anti-genocide protesters voiced their opposition to US policy inside Radio City Music Hall, Obama intervened to defend Biden and criticize the protesters for not being willing to listen to Bidens defense of Israeli genocide.

The universal endorsement of the Gaza genocide by the entire US political establishment contrasts with the growing mass opposition among workers and young people all over the world. Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of people participated in demonstrations against the genocide. In Israel, tens of thousands of people took part in mass protests calling for the resignation of Netanyahu.

It is urgently necessary to arm the growing movement against genocide and war with a socialist program. In a statement on X responding to Walbergs statement, Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joseph Kishore declared:

Opposition to the genocide must be developed as a fight against US-NATO imperialism. This requires the mobilization of the working class against the capitalist ruling elite and its normalization of genocide and nuclear war. In its election campaign, the Socialist Equality Party is developing a leadership in the working class, connecting the fight against war with the fight against inequality and the capitalist system. This is the basic and urgent task.
Fair Train, an agency employment firm founded by the train drivers union GDL, elected Rainer Wendt as the new chairman of its Supervisory Board on March 25. Wendt takes the place of Mario Reiss, who is to replace Claus Weselsky at the head of the GDL.

The new Supervisory Board of Fair Train, Rainer Wendt second from right [Photo by Fair Train e.G.]

Wendt has been chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG) since 2007, which, like the GDL, is part of the German Civil Service Union (DBB). However, he has made a name for himself not as a trade union leader but as an ultra-right law-and-order politician.

There are few other public figures who advocate beefing up the powers of the state apparatus, the restriction of democratic rights and a racist immigration policy as frequently and emphatically as Rainer Wendt. He is not a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), having belonged to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) since the 1970s and, as he lives in Munich, to the Christian Social Union (CSU) since the 1980s. But with his political views, he would be at home in the AfD.

In two books, Germany Is Being Left Behind and Germany in Danger, Wendt paints a picture of a weak state that is the result of the immigration of hundreds of thousands of refugees who dont know our culture or have a deep contempt for it.

As an antidote, he calls for the establishment of a police state. A weak state cannot protect the people who live within its borders. And thats why we must stop weakening Germany further. Because our country is no longer safe, which is why we need a strong state, he writes in the introduction to Deutschland in Gefahr (Germany in Danger, 2016).

In 2016, Wendt played a key role in circulating the lying propaganda about immigrants terrorising visitors on New Years Eve in Cologne and gave interviews to far-right publications such as Compact magazine and Junge Freiheit. He is in favour of the hermetic sealing of Europes borders against refugees, the expansion of data retention and the tightening of the trespass law and has defended the blanket surveillance of all citizens by the US National Security Agency.

He wants to equip the police with rubber bullets and electroshock weapons and use them ruthlessly. Police resources must be weapons that hurt, only then will they work, he said when defending a brutal police operation against demonstrators protesting the controversial Stuttgart21 construction project. In 2016, he accused the chairwoman of the Legal Affairs Committee of being a parliamentary smart arse because she had criticised the shooting of a 17-year-old man on a rampage by SEK (Special Task Force) police officers and called on her not to interfere in police work.

Wendt also hit the headlines when Frankfurts Goethe University disinvited him to speak in 2017 following fierce protests against his racist views. Two years later, a storm of public protest prevented his appointment as state secretary in the Saxony-Anhalt Interior Ministry. State Premier Reiner Haseloff (CDU) had wanted to entrust him with control of the entire apparatus of the security authorities.

Recently, Wendt has attacked those protesting the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. The radical Islamists are asking the question of power on our streets, and we have to answer it in our favour, otherwise it will no longer be the Basic Law [Constitution] that rules, but Sharia law, he told Bild tabloid.

Why was this right-wing extremist agitator appointed to head Fair Train? The answer to this question says a lot about the role of Fair Train and the character of the GDL.

The WSWS already refuted Weselskys claim last summer that setting up a cooperative to hire and loan train drivers to the railway companies would solve their problems. The opposite is the case, we wrote, The cooperative is a trap and every train driver should be aware of it. It marks a new stage in the transformation of trade unions into tools of the big corporations and into companies exploiting the workers themselves.

Wendts election to head the Supervisory Board of Fair Train confirms this warning. Anyone familiar with the history of the labour movement knows that the defence of social gains and the defence of democratic rights are inextricably linked. A police state is ultimately always directed against the working class. It serves to suppress any form of social and political opposition to the domination of capital.

In our last article on Fair Train, we wrote that the GDLs move effectively amounts to dividing the railway workforce and banning them from striking. The outsourcing to a temporary employment agency drives a wedge between the train drivers and the other railway employees and thus undermines any joint struggle.

With the election of Wendt as chairman of the Supervisory Board, it is becoming clearer that a strike-breaking organisation is being deliberately set up in order to stab other railway workers in the back if industrial action is taken.

Claus Weselsky has long cultivated the image of a militant trade unionist by ranting against the Deutsche Bahn management, organising one- or two-day strikes and allowing himself to be portrayed as an enemy by the media. But he has always refused to call an all-out full strike, even when this was supported by a majority of his members, made sure that the limited strikes did not spread to other areas, and finally agreed on settlements that were in some cases lower than those of the EVG, Deutsche Bahns in-house union.

In this respect, the most recent collective agreement agreed massive concessions. What Weselsky grandiosely describes as a reduction in working hours with full pay compensation is in fact the opposite: a reduction in real wages and an open-ended working time corridor that leads to longer working hours and lower pay.

Weselsky has been working with Wendt, whom he describes as a friend, for a long time. It can be assumed that the initiative to place the law-and-order man at the head of Fair Train came from Weselsky. Wendt, as he himself admits, is not a railway or train driver expertapart from the fact that he sometimes travels by train and once held a rail discount card.

The GDL is following the same path as all the trade unions. Deprived of the opportunity to negotiate limited reforms within a national framework by the dominance of global financial institutions and corporations, they have turned into company policemen. While asset values and share prices are rising, they are responsible for falling wages, job cuts and increasing workloads. They are fully behind the governments pro-war policy and help it to pass the costs of rearmament and war onto the working class.

The appointment of the ultra-right-wing policeman Rainer Wendt as head of a cooperative founded by a trade union, which makes a profit by hiring out its own members to the railways, is symptomatic of this process.

In order to break the stranglehold of the unions and defend jobs, incomes and social rights, independent rank-and-file action committees must be set up in which the workers themselves have their say. The Fourth International and the Socialist Equality Parties have created the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to facilitate and coordinate this step internationally.

Get in touch with the Rail Action Committee via WhatsApp on +49-163-337 8340 and register using the form below.
More than 100,000 people rallied outside the Knesset in Jerusalem Sunday night in the biggest protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fascist government since the start of Israels genocidal war on Gaza in October.

The demonstration called for the government to step down, hold early elections and agree a deal to secure the release of the hostages still held by Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza. Of the 134 hostages still in captivity, at least 36 are dead according to Israeli military sources, likely an underestimate. Speakers called on opposition leaders, former military chiefs Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, to leave the government coalition and fight for elections.

Police push people who take part in a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, March 31, 2024 [AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg]

The protests have been organised by a range of groups, including some that led the nine-month-long anti-government protests last year, although Netanyahus judicial overhaul was off the agenda. They held blue and white Israeli flags and banners reading Elections now and chanted slogans such as You destroyed the country and we will fix it. While the main protest was held outside the Knesset, several hundred tried to block Begin Boulevard, one of the main roads around Jerusalem, with the police using skunk water to disperse the crowds and arresting a score of demonstrators.

Protest leaders, including the Kaplan Force and Brothers in Arms, said they would set up more than 100 tents near the Knesset and hold protests, rallies and activities until Wednesday. With Netanyahu declaring that the war will go on for months, they fear every passing day will cost the lives of more hostages. The Knesset has voted to go into recess from April 7 to May 19.

Yair Lapid, opposition leader and former prime minister, was the keynote speaker at the rally. He said Netanyahu was destroying Israels relationship with its chief backer, the United States, and leaving the captives to their fate. The crowd responded, Elections now! Elections now!

There has been widespread and mounting criticism of the governments failure to heed warnings that an attack by Hamas on southern Israel was imminent and its decision to stand down security meant to protect the towns and villagesin fact deliberate actions aimed at creating a pretext for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

A separate group of protesters, led by the Brothers in Arms reservists, rallied in Mea Shearim, an ultra-orthodox neighbourhood of Jerusalem, calling for an end to the exemption of ultra-orthodox religious students from the universal requirement to serve in the military.

Young men are currently required to serve for 32 monthsand women for 24 monthsand as reservists thereafter for 54 days in a three-year period until they are at least 40 years of age. The exemption, originating in a deal worked out in 1948, has long angered secular Israelis and has become increasingly controversial during the war that has so far killed about 600 soldiersthe highest number in years.

The Knesset is discussing new legislation that would allow the ultra-orthodox to avoid army service, following a ruling by the Supreme Court that such exemptions are illegal and must end by March 31, now deferred to April 30. Netanyahus far-right and ultra-orthodox partners have vowed to resign from his government if the law is not passed.

Adding to the mounting sense of political crisis is another Supreme Court ruling ordering an end to government subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who study the Torah in religious schools instead of serving in the army.

Another demonstration took place in Tel Aviv where some families of hostages and their supporters blocked a main highway, protesting against Netanyahus refusal to conduct meaningful negotiations with Hamas.

Sundays rallies followed protests in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Caesarea and other cities Saturday evening demanding the release of the hostages, branding Netanyahu an obstacle to the deal. There is a widespread recognition that without a deal the hostages will die in captivity, given Netanyahus pledge to mount a ground invasion of Rafah, where more than 1.5 million Palestinians, mostly displaced from other areas of Gaza, are trapped.

Amos Malka, a former head of the military intelligence directorate, told the rally, If the families knew how small the gap is, which Netanyahu is refusing to close in negotiations with Hamas, they would explode.

Speaking at a hastily summoned press conference shortly before he was due to go into hospital for surgery, Netanyahu said, The call for elections now, a moment before victory, would paralyze Israel for at least half a year. It would paralyze the negotiations for freeing our hostages, it would bring the war to an end before its goals are completely achieved, and the first that would welcome this is Hamas, and that tells you everything. He insisted the offensive against Rafah would go ahead.

The protests take place amid increasing social dislocation and unrest as a result of the war. In February, Israels Central Bureau of Statistics reported that Israels $500 billion economy had contracted by nearly 20 percent in the last quarter of 2023, as a result of the internal displacement of nearly 200,000 people near Israels borders with Gaza and Lebanon, the call up of 360,000 reservists (scaled back in January), the withdrawal of work permits for 75,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and 12,000 from Gaza that work mainly in construction and agriculture, as well as 15,000 undocumented workers, and the loss of vital revenues from tourism and high tech industries.

The Bank of Israel warned that the war was likely to cost $53 billion through to 2025 due to the increased cost of funding the military and the loss of tax revenue. Last week, high school students organised a one-day walkout over the lack of funding for education, teacher shortages and unresolved salary negotiations between the Finance Ministry and the Teachers Union.

Also animating the growing movement against Netanyahu are concerns about Israels increasing isolation on the global arena and the damage done to the countrys reputation even by the Biden administrations muted criticisms, necessitated by fears that the Democrats could lose votes, particularly among young people, in Novembers presidential election in swing states such as Michigan.

To the extent that the Biden administration views opposition leader and war cabinet member Benny Gantz as a more acceptable leader, opposition to Netanyahu has focused on his leading polls predicting defeat for Netanyahu in a general election, with a working majority of 71 seats in the 120 seat Knesset. But this is only because this former military chief of staff would be more efficient in prosecuting the war on Gaza that is the opening move in a wider war planned against Iran and its allies in Lebanon and Syria, as part of US preparations for war on China.

Demands for Netanyahu and his fascist gang to step down, hold fresh elections and secure the release of the hostages are valid. But they can never be achieved by appealing to a war criminal like Gantz, whose entire career has demonstrated his commitment to militarism in pursuit of Israels objectives, including the final solution of the Palestinians. Launching his 2019 election campaign, Gantz bragged about his role as commander of the Israel Defence Forces in the 2014 Gaza War in sending parts of Gaza back to the Stone Agea policy he is now completing as a member of Netanyahus war cabinet.

It is essential that Israeli workers and young people follow the lead taken by many Jews internationally and take a determined stand against the war in Gaza, as part of a mass international anti-war movement against capitalism and for socialism. It means breaking with all factions of the Zionist bourgeoisie, taking up the defence of the lives of the Palestinians and not just hostages, forging the unity of the Palestinian and Jewish working class in a struggle for socialism against their common oppressors.

The critical task facing workers and youth is the building of independent revolutionary parties, sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International, including an Israeli-Palestinian section, to provide the political leadership needed to overthrow the Zionist state and the Arab bourgeois regimes and build a United Socialist States of the Middle East.
The general secretary of Unite, Sharon Graham, is mounting a witch-hunt against those demanding an end to the supply of British arms to Israel used to prosecute the genocide in Gaza.

Details of the bureaucratic clampdown were published by Skwawkbox on March 27 under the headline, Graham tells staff/organisers Unite will always put arms jobs before fighting Gaza genocide.

Unite leader Sharon Graham speaking at a Trades Union Congress rally in London on June 18, 2022

Skwawkbox cites from a letter sent by Graham to union officials under the heading Palestine. It aims to silence criticism of the leadership of the second largest union in the UK, with over a million members and representing workers in key sections of the arms industry.

In an obscene attempt to claim the moral high ground, Graham declares that most abhorrent is the attempted weaponisation of the conflict and the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and collective punishment of the people of Gaza.

According to Graham and the union executive, anything other than token gestures against the genocidal war is impermissible, above all advocating for industrial and political action by the working class.

Unite, through the General Secretary and the Chair of the Union and the Executive Council, was the first major union to publicly and unambiguously call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Graham declares. We have been unequivocal that the deliberate killing of civilians, hostage-taking and collective punishment are war crimes and should be identified as such.

Graham boasts that Unite has also donated 50,000 to Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders specifically to help the many victims of this horrific conflict. Most recently the General Secretary has written to the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) offering our solidarity after the horrific bombing of their Gaza headquarters which, alongside providing services to workers, was also functioning as a kindergarten and bakery.

In October last year the World Socialist Web Site exposed the silence of British trade union leaders following the urgent appeal made by the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions insisting that ending the genocidal situation in Gaza and restraining Israels war machine meant cutting off the supply of arms by the US, Britain and other imperialist powers.

Graham and other nominal lefts such as Mick Lynch of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, Dave Ward of the Communication Workers Union and the entire Trades Union Congress (TUC) did nothing. In relation to the Unite leaders complicity, the WSWS noted out the strategic role played by BAE Systems, which provides up to 15 percent of the parts to F35 Lockheed Martin stealth combat aircraft raining death on Gaza.

Unite is hostile to any action by workers that would upset the lucrative relations it has established, along with the GMB and Prospect unions, with one of the largest arms companies in the world. A 3 minute read published last September by the Financial Reporting Council, BAE Systems  building trust with organised labour, boasts that from a total group workforce of 82,500, among its UK workforce of 33,800 BAE Systems has not faced industrial action in the UK in the last 15 years.

The three unions work through the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering unions with full time convenors paid for by BAE Systems. They are part of the pro-company Corporate Consultative Committee, based on shared interests regarding ethical issues, financial performance and political issues. The note stresses, Confidentiality is essential, and so far the record has been good.

To preserve this relationship with the arms manufacturers, Grahams letter denounces unofficial protests across the UK to blockade arms manufacturers supplies to Israel, including at BAE Systems. These have been mobilised through the group Workers for a Free Palestine, while other protests by Palestine Action have focussed on shutting down the UK operations of Elbit Systems, one of Israels three largest defence companies.

The letter states, We cannot and will not endorse any organisation which decides unilaterally and without any discussion (let alone agreement) with the workers themselves, to support the targeting of our members workplaces or their jobs No outside body, no matter what their political position, will be allowed to dictate terms to our Union and our members.

Graham cites as a core principle of Unite that the first claim on our priorities is always the protection and advancement of our members interests at work. She cites as actions that actively work against our members and their jobs groups that look to build networks inside trade unions to undermine the defence industry or demand the disbandment of NATO and AUKUS [the Australian, British and US military alliance against China]. Whatever anyone may think personally about those objectives is irrelevant. We are a trade union with thousands of members employed in the defence industry.

The Skwawkbox article in reply provides numerous examples of how Graham is in fact defying policy adopted by the Unite membership, citing one insider stating, Unites official position, democratically reached repeatedly at conference and confirmed again just last summer, is that it supports Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel. We didnt add except where it might affect defence jobs. Weve also voted for the end of trade agreements with Israel.

Graham is also alleged to have overseen a series of bureaucratic decrees silencing opposition to the Labour Partys support for the Zionist regime and blocking participation in the pro-Palestinians demonstrations. These include:

Banning the screening last summer by Unite branches and on union premises of the documentary, Oh Jeremy Corbyn/The Big Lie, exposing the right-wing witch-hunt and antisemitism smears against the left. This was conducted in collusion with the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CCA), with the Zionist lobby group boasting, Following correspondence with CAA, the Unite union has cancelled the screening of a propaganda film about the anti-Semitic former leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn.

Trying to ban a fringe meeting in support of the Palestinians at the Labour Party annual conference in October 2023 and then placing the organiser of the event, Unites Director for International Affairs Simon Dubbins, under investigation.

Banning union executive members marching under Unite banners at national Gaza protests.

Blocking two motions on Palestine brought by the London and Eastern region of the union on March 14 at a Unite executive.

The claim that the opposition by Graham and the union executive to blocking arms production is a defence of workers jobs is grotesque. In the context of the unfolding genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, the same filthy rationale could have been applied to defending the jobs of those involved in the manufacture of Zyklon B for Hitlers gas chambers.

The position of the Unite leaders on Palestine could not contrast more starkly than with their promotion of the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, deliberately provoked by Britain, US and other NATO powers, as a fight to defend national sovereignty and human rights. Graham personally sanctioned unofficial action at British ports to block the unloading of oil and gas from Russian tankers.

Such double standards are consistent with Unite and the entire union bureaucracys backing for a violent redivision of the world by the imperialist powers that are all complicit in the Gaza slaughter, escalating war against Russia and targeting China.

The TUC at its 2022 Congress adopted a GMB motion backed by Unite that supports affiliated campaigns for immediate increases in defence spending in the UK. The GMB hailed as a welcome development contracts for the building of a new range of nuclear submarines through the AUKUS military pact against China.

Both the TUC and Labour Party have committed to ramping up military spending, which means gutting social spending and will inevitably lead to mass job losses and the further decimation of workers living standards. The demobilisation and sabotage of last years strike wave of 2 million workers by the union bureaucracy was a downpayment for this militarist agenda and carried out in preparation for a Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer that would wage war in Ukraine and continue to back Israels genocide.

The relationship between these positions was made explicit by prominent Zionist Lee Harpin, writing in the Jewish News, praising Graham for condemning pro-Palestine activists and then noting, Despite early claims that the left-wing leader would seek to move the union away from Labour and disaffiliate, Unite now appears to be opting to become a critical friend of the Starmer led Labour Party.

To defend her rotten politics Graham declares that Unite members have recently been attacked directly, been spat at and called child killers.

There have been some reports of incidents of overt hostility to defence industry workers, which flow from protests that attract outraged middle-class and semi-anarchist individuals. They have for the most part neither made, nor have any confidence in their ability to secure principled support for a block on military supplies from the workers themselves.

But the chief political responsibility for this must be laid firmly at the door of Graham and her ilk, and the major pseudo-left tendencies that proclaimed her, Lynch, and others as leading a left-wing revival of the trade unions; and whoin the case of Lynch and other RMT leadersput them on the platforms of the Stop the War Coalition and Palestine Solidarity Campaign to burnish their credentials as friends of the Palestinians.

RMT leader Mick Lynch addresses a protest in London against Israel's genocide in Gaza, February 4, 2024

The RMTs position on Gaza is in fact identical to that of Unite, with RMT members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary dispatched to support Britains armed forces backing the siege of Gaza and Stalinist official Eddie Dempsey portraying this as providing humanitarian assistance.

The Socialist Equality Party insists, and Grahams letter makes clear, that ending genocide in Gaza means a political fight to mobilise the working class, including arms industry workers, against the trade union and Labour bureaucracywhich Counterfire, the Socialist Workers Party and other pseudo-left groups are desperate to prevent.

A campaign seeking to win the support of armaments workers must insist that financial losses flowing from halting the supply of weapons be absorbed by the arms companies from their ill-gotten gains, with the pay and jobs of workers fully protected.

Such a struggle requires the building of rank-and-file committees against the pro-company trade union apparatus to collectively map out the fight against the profit interests, nationalism and militarism the bureaucracy champions. On this basis a path can be laid for a decisive intervention by the working class, as part of a global socialist anti-war movement directed against its source, capitalism.
Tamas Sulyok took office as Hungarys president on March 5. His predecessor Katalin Novak resigned after two years in office due to scandalous pardonings of criminals. Both belong to the ultra-right Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has ruled the country since 2010.

Hungarys newly elected president Tamas Sulyok arrives for his inauguration ceremony in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, March 10, 2024. [AP Photo/Denes Erdos]

Significantly, Novak was not obliged to resign due to the pardoning of 17 members of the far-right Hunnia movement, responsible for several attacks on the former social-democratic MSZP [Hungarian Socialist Party] government, as well as left-wing institutions. Rather, he was forced out as a result of the pardoning of Endre Konya, who as deputy director of a boarding school in Bicske had been convicted of aiding and abetting the cover-up of child abuse. Novak pardoned him, like the other offenders, on the occasion of the Popes visit last year, as the 444.hu website revealed.

After several weeks of protests by opposition parties, the far-right publicist Zsolt Bayer, a close confidant of Orban, also turned against Novak. After the resignation of the president, the responsible justice minister, Judit Varga, likewise resigned and announced her withdrawal from politics.

Vargas ex-husband, the millionaire Peter Magyar, who himself had long profited from the Orban system, placed himself at the helm of the ongoing protests. His intention is to use the new anti-corruption party Talpra, Magyarok! (Rise up, Hungary!) to challenge Fidesz and overcome the division in society.

That the leaders of the opposition camp would rather launch a scandal around the topic of pardoning a paedophile than address the pardoning of violent fascist criminals speaks volumes about the rotten character of the opposition. The latter ranges from the MSZP, which emerged from the former Hungarian Stalinist ruling party, to the Greens and the far-right Jobbik party.

Sulyok had been president of the Constitutional Court since 2016 and was a reliable pillar of Orbans authoritarian regime. Shortly before Sulyok took office, historian Laszlo Karsai revealed on hvg3600 that the new president lied about his fathers Nazi past. Historians Krisztian Ungvary and Anna Gergely added to Karsais account.

In an interview with the Hungarian-language Romanian newspaper Kronika in August 2023, Sulyok claimed that his father, Laszlo Sulyok, as a lawyer, had been sentenced to death in absentia by the Stalinist Peoples Court in 1946 and had therefore gone into hiding for 10 years.

Miklos Horthy and Adolf Hitler in 1938

In fact, Sulyok senior was chairman of the Hungarian National Socialist Party, an unconditionally pro-German split-off from the Arrow Cross Party, in the Fejer district. The Arrow Cross Party seized power in October 1944 with the help of the German army because the Horthy regime, which had been allied with Nazi Germany since 1941, was seeking a separate peace with the invading Soviet army. They continued the extermination of Hungarian Jews, which had only begun in May 1944, with particular brutality.

As the historians point out, Sulyok was neither put on trial nor sentenced to death in absentia. Instead, preliminary proceedings were initiated against him in May 1945, but these were discontinued in 1950.

The basis for the proceedings was, among other things, a newspaper article from June 17, 1944 in the regional newspaper Fejermegyei Naplo, in which Sulyok senior welcomed the new Arrow Cross regime and declared: We see the establishment of party organizations as a means of developing a better future for Hungarians. Anyone who is free of Jewish blood, morally upright and of Hungarian National Socialist conviction is entitled to join us.

The case was dismissed in absentia because three acquaintances of the elder Sulyok claimed the article was actually written by the Cistercian priest and Arrow Cross member, Rafael Marschall, who had already fled to the West. Despite the historical evidence, Sulyok junior insisted on his fathers innocence and declared that the Hungarian Nazi Party member was a socially sensitive, patriotic, philo-Semitic personan obvious and absurd falsification of history.

The historians also make it clear in their articles that antisemites and Nazis like Sulyok senior had little to fear in the Stalinist Peoples Republic of Hungary, which was founded in 1949, as long as they did not hold a political office. They refer to the antisemitic poet Jozsef Erdelyi, who was convicted but only spent a few days in prison and was able to publish again as early as 1954. The Stalinist bureaucracy also relied on antisemitic resentment and national chauvinism.

Beyond such historical questions, the brazen falsification of history by the current Hungarian head of state is also a symptom of the right-wing development of the entire ruling class in the European Union, including Hungary.

For years, the Fidesz government has glorified the authoritarian regime established by Miklos Horthy in 1920 after the violent suppression of the Soviet Republic under Bela Kun. In addition to the cult of Horthy himself, whom Orban praised in 2017 as an exceptional statesman, extreme right intellectuals are also glorified. The nationalist writer Jozsef Nyiro was elevated to the status of national poet in 2010 and his writings were declared compulsory reading in schools. Countless monuments have been erected to the war criminal Albert Wass.

This aggressive historical revisionism is not limited to Hungary. In Germany, the radical right-wing historian Jorg Baberowski received the support of politicians, the media and numerous professors in 2014 when he proclaimed in the German weekly Der Spiegel that Hitler was not vicious. In 2018, French president Emmanuel Macron honored the Nazi collaborator and dictator Philippe Petain as a great soldier whose tribute was legitimate. In 2020, Spanish generals praised the Franco dictatorship, while threatening a coup and mass murders.

All the dams then broke in Ukraine, where the NATO-backed regime erected monuments to Nazi collaborators and mass murderers and named streets after them en masse. In 2023, the Canadian parliament celebrated the Ukrainian veteran of the Waffen SS Jaroslaw Hunka with a standing ovation. It is therefore hardly surprising that, with a few exceptions, the international press is keeping the new Hungarian presidents historical revisionism quiet.

Orbans regime has been criticized repeatedly by its allies for maintaining economic and political relations with Russia. Nonetheless, Hungary has been fully integrated into NATOs plans for war against Russia. It voted for the arming of Ukraine and the admission of Finland and Sweden into NATO, and is increasingly developing into an important arms producer, especially for German industry.

The German giant Rheinmetall alone operates an entire network of arms factories, taking advantage of the low minimum wage, which was recently increased to 266,000 Hungarian forints (roughly 690 per month [US$745]). Within the EU, it is only underbid by Romania and Bulgaria.

The new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is already rolling off the production line at the Zalaegerszeg tank factory and the new Panther KF51 could follow. Hungary wants to integrate both into its own army. One of the largest ammunition and explosives factories is being expanded in Varpalota. In Kaposvar, the Gidran wheeled vehicle is being built in a joint venture with the Hungarian armaments group HT Division, while Rheinmetall is developing the associated software in Budapest. And a few days ago, Rheinmetall announced the construction of a hybrid factory in Szeged that will manufacture products for civilian and military use.

Hungarys own armaments spending will increase by almost 29 percent this year to an unprecedented 4.63 billion, or 2.1 percent of gross domestic product. The Zrinyi 2026 armament program is being accelerated and extended to 2030.

In their preparation for a third world war, the ruling classes everywhere are once again pursuing the crimes of the past. Around 900,000 Hungarians died in the Second World War, more than 6 percent of the population. Of the 825,000 Jews who lived in Hungary before the war began, some 565,000 died in the Holocaust.

Eighty years later, the Hungarian elites are not only falsifying history and rehabilitating the crimes of that time, but with their NATO allies are preparing incomparably greater ones.
As the India-China border conflict approaches its fifth year, New Delhi has forward deployed an additional 10,000 troops along its disputed border with China in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Indian states that abut western Tibet.

This escalation heightens the risk of an all-out war between the nuclear-armed rivals. It was clearly coordinated with Washington, which Indian officials revealed last summer has pressed New Delhi to detail what support it would provide the Pentagon should the US go to war with China. It comes as the US is inserting itself ever more obtrusively in the India-China border dispute and is intensifying economic, diplomatic and military-strategic pressure on China, through Taiwan and its major treaty allies in Asia, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Tanks on the banks of Pangong Tso lake region, in Ladakh along the India-China border on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. [AP Photo/India Army via AP]

Since May 2020 tens of thousands of Indian and Chinese troops have been arrayed against each other along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the undefined border between the two countries. On several occasions, Indian and Peoples Liberation Army troops have clashed where Chinese-held Aksai Chin meets Indian-held Ladakh, in what is far and away the most significant border conflict between the worlds two most populous countries since they fought a brief border war in 1962. In June 2020, 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand combat. In August of that year several thousand Indian forces captured strategic heights unopposed in an action that Indian government officials later conceded could easily have resulted in a major clash with Chinese troops and a rapid escalation to war. After a further skirmish in December 2022, New Delhi boasted that its forces had been able to repel what it claimed was a Chinese advance thanks to real-time intelligence from the US.

The situation remains highly volatile. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP) government have used the border conflict to dramatically expand Indias bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral military-strategic ties with Washington and its principal Asia-Pacific allies Japan and Australia, thereby further consolidating Indias role as a junior partner and frontline state of US imperialism in its war drive against China.

The new deployment of troops to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh was announced as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was ending a March 5-8 visit to South Korea and Japan, where he emphasized enhanced military collaboration.

The troops are being relocated from the countrys western border with Pakistan, underscoring that New Delhi now views China, not its historic rival Pakistan, as its principal adversary. They are in addition to the 50,000 troops that Indian and China have each forward deployed since 2020 along the border, as well as sizeable numbers of tanks, warplanes and artillery. On both sides, there are continuous efforts to construct new fortifications, airstrips, roads, tunnels, bridges and rail links aimed at facilitating the swift movement of troops and supplies to the inhospitable Himalayan border region.

Despite nearly two-dozen rounds of bilateral talks, the most recent on February 19, the standoff continues, with each side stressing the other must pull back.

Chinas response to Indias latest provocation has been relatively muted. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated that it would not be conducive to easing tensions and that China is committed to working with India to safeguard the peace and stability of the border areas.

Washingtons ever more obtrusive intervention in the Sino-India border conflict

Further intensifying tensions, Modi traveled March 9 to Arunachal Pradesh, in northeastern India, to inaugurate a two-lane tunnel constructed at an elevation of 4,000 meters. This tunnel is aimed at facilitating easier access for soldiers and military equipment to the border state and ensuring year-round mobility in the remote area. Additionally, he announced a range of supplementary infrastructure initiatives, including road development and electricity generation.

Modis visit led to a series of verbal jousts between China and India over Arunachal Pradesh. Objecting to the visit and Indias development of infrastructure in the area, which is claimed by China as its own territory, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin reiterated March 11 that the area of Zangnan [the name used by Beijing for Arunachal Pradesh] is Chinese territory and that it has never recognized the so-called Arunachal Pradesh. He insisted that India has no right to arbitrarily develop the area of Zangnan and strongly opposed Modis visit to the east section of the China-India boundary.

India reacted the following day with a statement by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, saying, Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other states of India and it is, and will always be, an integral and inalienable part of India.

Openly expressing its support for Indias border claims, US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said on March 20: The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control. Protesting Washingtons full-throated advocacy of the Indian stance on the border dispute, something which was unheard of before 2020, Beijing declared that the boundary question is a matter between the two countries and has nothing to do with the US.

New Delhi has stepped up its militaristic rhetoric. In comments clearly aimed at China, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on March 7: Whether from land, air, or sea, if anyone attacks India, our forces will respond firmly and if anyone bats an eyelid at us, we are in a position to give a befitting reply.

The Indian bourgeoisie aims to become a major player on the global stage. However, the ruling elites arrogant aspirations do not align with the genuine capabilities of Indian capitalism. Though estimates vary, the Chinese economy is nearly five times larger than that of India, and China eclipses India in most technological domains. Correspondingly, Beijing wields much greater military power than New Delhi.

New Delhi is trying to offset its significant relative weakness compared with Beijing by integrating itself ever more fully into the US strategic offensive against China and by offering India to the imperialist powers as an alternative cheap-labour production chain-hub to China.

At the same time, India is aggressively working to boost its own military prowess. On March 11, India tested an indigenously built, nuclear-capable missile with multiple warheads, whose development is aimed primarily at China. In 2021, India first tested the Agni-5 ICBM, which boasts a range of 5,000 km, making it capable of reaching nearly all areas of China.

Bhutan, Nepal and the Indian Ocean region

New Delhi is also aggressively working to increase its strategic influence throughout South Asia. In recent weeks these efforts have focussed on the small Himalayan state of Bhutan, which India has long considered its protectorate. Concerned about Chinas moves to develop closer ties with Bhutan, India capitalized on the visit of Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, from March 14 to 18, to fortify its influence. Modi and Tobgay discussed advancements in infrastructure, connectivity, energy and people-to-people exchanges and reaffirmed their commitment to bolster the unique and enduring friendship between the two countries.

Tobgays visit was followed by a two-day visit by Modi to Bhutan on March 22-23. In Thimphu, Modi held talks to further develop bilateral ties in a wide range of areas, according to reports. This included bilateral energy cooperation and an announcement of the doubling of Indian aid for Bhutans five-year plan from 50 billion rupees (US$600 million) to 100 billion rupees.

New Delhi is concerned by reports that Thimphu and Beijing have made significant progress in reaching a border agreement, since such an agreement would cut across Indias efforts to exploit the border dispute between Bhutan and China. In mid-2017, India intervened in the Doklam Plateau border dispute, in the name of supporting Bhutan. India sent its own troops to the Himalayan ridge, an area claimed by both Bhutan and China, with the aim of maintaining its influence and ensuring Thimphu didnt cede the Doklam to Beijing in exchange for territorial concessions elsewhere.

Indian strategists have long voiced alarm that control over the Doklam would, in the event of a war, place Chinese forces in a position to seize control of the critical Siliguri Corridor, a narrow slice of Indian territory squeezed between Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and China that connects India to its northeastern states.

In addition, New Delhi and Washington are aggressively working to deepen the integration of Sri Lanka and Nepal into their strategic orbit. On March 12-14, the US Department of Defense (DOD) and the US Embassy in Colombo conducted training sessions for the Sri Lanka Air Force, focusing on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) flight demonstrations to intensify the surveillance of Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean. This is on top of four senior US government officials, including Richard Verma, deputy secretary of state for management and resources, who visited Sri Lanka in February. Bangladesh is also under Indian pressure to loosen its China links.

In late February, as part of New Delhis broader strategy to bolster its presence in the western Indian Ocean, officials from India and Mauritius inaugurated an airstrip and jetty on the tiny Mauritian island of Agalega, financed by India. Agalega is a crucial strategic outpost in the Indian Ocean, positioned proximate to Africa. Additionally, India has secured logistical access to Omans Duqm port.

To counter the pro-Chinese government in the Maldives and its recent military pact with Beijing, New Delhi has commissioned a new naval base, INS Jatayu, on the southernmost island of Minicoy in Indias Lakshadweep archipelago, which lies off its southwest coast. It will be Indias second naval base on the archipelago and is around 800 km from the Maldives. There is a significant decrease in Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives compared to last year, which New Delhi sees as a way of pressuring Male, capital of Maldives, whose main foreign currency earner is tourism.

Initiated under the Congress Party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and greatly expanded during the 10 years of Modis BJP regime, the anti-China Indo-US Global Strategic Partnership threatens to embroil the masses of India, Asia and the world into a global conflagration and nuclear holocaust. Yet there will be no discussion of this threat during Indias election campaign, which will unfold over the next two months. This is because all sections of the political establishmentbeginning with the BJP and the Stalinist CPM and CPI-supported, Congress Party-led INDIA opposition electoral blocstand four-square behind the Indian bourgeoisies war alliance with US imperialism.
25 years ago: Russell Henderson pleads guilty to kidnapping and felony murder of Matthew Shepard

On April 5, 1999, Russell Henderson pled guilty to the kidnapping and felony murder of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, beaten to death for his sexual orientation.

Matthew Shepard [Photo: Mathew Shepard Foundation]

Shepard was tied to a fence post, beaten in the head with the butt of a .357-caliber Magnum, tortured, robbed and left for dead. His mutilated and unconscious body was discovered by a passing cyclist who first thought it was a scarecrow.

Shepard suffered irreparable brain damage from the crushing of his skull and was comatose when he entered the hospital in October 1998. There were more than a dozen lacerations, including burns, covering his head, face and neck. He also had hypothermia from being left out in subfreezing temperatures all night. An uncle described his injuries as like something you might see in war. Shepard died while on life support at Poudre Valley Hospital in Colorado.

The attack on Shepard was met by an outpouring of protest. Hundreds of marchers in the University of Wyomings homecoming parade, including the schools marching band, wore yellow arm bands for Shepard after the murder. Hundreds of others held a candlelight vigil night outside the hospital. The head of Poudre Valley Hospital stated that in the space of 24 hours after the report broke of the attack on Shepard, the hospital received 2,000 e-mail messages from every continent and hundreds of hits on its website expressing concern and outrage over the attack.

McKinney and Henderson met Shepard at the Fireside Lounge, a favorite spot for students in the college town of Laramie. When they learned Shepard was gay, McKinney and Henderson said they were gay too, in order to lure him out of the bar and into McKinneys pick-up truck. It was not the first time Shepard had been attacked. The 5-foot 2-inch, 105-pound student had been beaten twice before because of his sexual orientation, friends said. In a previous incident, his jaw was broken.

The attack occurred just days after the Center for Reclaiming America and Coral Ridge Ministries held a joint press conference with the Family Research Council to announce a series of anti-gay television advertisements, along the lines of a newspaper ad campaign they ran the previous summer, whipping up anti-gay sentiment.

Marv Johnson, executive director of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, told the press, The best way to characterize that [anti-gay atmosphere] is by a comment a legislator made a few years back, when he likened homosexuals to gay bulls as worthless and should be sent to the packing plant. Right-wing forces in Wyoming had also stymied passage of a hate crimes bill claiming it would give special rights to gay people.

50 years ago: French President Georges Pompidou dies in office

On April 2, 1974, the President Georges Pompidou of France died while still holding office, after succumbing to the effects of a blood cancer. Fearing the political instability that would come with an announcement of his illness, the French government had worked to suppress public awareness of Pompidous cancer. However, suspicions that the president was in ill health had existed for months as he had ceased all public appearances.

Alan Poher, the president of the Senate, would assume the role of acting president until a new election was organized for May 5, 1974. Poher had served as acting president once before after the resignation of Charles de Gaulle in 1969.

Georges Pompidou

Pompidou, who had served as de Gaulles prime minister, was elected to the presidency in June 1969. His ascension to president came one year after the eruption of the May-June 1968 General Strike and near revolution that ultimately forced de Gaulle to resign.

During the crisis Pompidou served as lead negotiator for the government in talks with Georges Seguy, head of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT). While the betrayals of the strike by the CGT and the Stalinist Communist Party of France massively discredited them in the 1969 election, Pompidou won by presenting himself as a liberal Gaullist open to negotiations and discussions of reform with the trade unions.

During the May 1968 negotiations with the CGT, Pompidou explained his political orientation to the unions, writing in the minutes of the meeting, The government is convinced that the integration of the working class through the trade unions, which have the necessary training and appropriate influence, helps the smooth running of the factory.

As President, Pompidou made several political maneuvers that broke with the old Gaullist program, most significantly in foreign policy. Where de Gaulle struggled for military and economic independence from the United States and Britain, Pompidou sought a reproachment with the Nixon administration on trade and supported the UKs admission into the European Economic Community.

But these shifts did not change the fundamental class issues that had brought about the 1968 general strike. At the time of Pompidous death, a new strike wave was already underway. For example, in April 1974, 9,000 workers in Saint-Nazaire were on strike against a lockout, and bank workers had been engaged in a month-long national strike and staged a major march through Paris. Demands for strikes were growing among rail, gas, electric, and mine workers.

The Financial Times of London described the situation on the eve of Pompidous death, writing, The economic and political stakes in France are higher today than they have been for many years. While it is still much too early to speak of another May 1968, the pot is beginning to reach a boiling point.

The May 1974 elections would prove to be one of the most contentions in French history with the results decided by less than 425,000 votes, a margin of 1.6 percent. A coalition of the Socialist Party, Communist Party, and the Movement of Left Radicals behind Francois Mitterrand would be narrowly defeated by Valery Giscard dEstaing of the Independent Republicans, who had the backing of the Gaullists and other right-wing political forces.

75 years ago: US establishes NATO pact with European powers

On April 4, 1949, the US and a large group of European powers signed the North Atlantic Treaty, which stipulated the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The trans-Atlantic pact had been the subject of secret negotiations in Washington over the preceding weeks. It was a central component of the establishment of the post-World War II order, dominated by American imperialism.

Signatories to the treaty, aside from the US and Canada, including France and Britain, as well as eight other European states. Over the following decades, NATO would be expanded, including with the incorporation of West Germany in the 1950s and the bringing in of former Soviet-bloc states after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Dean Acheson and other imperialist diplomats at the signing of the treaty creating NATO.

While the first articles of the Treaty center on pabulum about international peace and security, the Treaty is a militarist document.

Article 5 commits all parties to consider any military attack one of them to be an attack on all. When it is invoked, all member states are obligated to respond militarily. Article 4 committed all members to consultation over military matters when the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the parties is threatened. Such discussions were to take place in the North Atlantic Council, the principal decision-making body of NATO, composed of its permanent members.

The creation of NATO followed other US initiatives, including the Marshall Plan for the economic reconstruction of Europe under Washingtons dominance, and the Truman Doctrine, which declared that America would intervene anywhere in the world where freedom and democracy were threatened. Those measures, and others, were part of the increasingly aggressive Cold War directed against the Soviet Union. The secrecy surrounding negotiations for the establishment of NATO was directly aimed at the Soviets, who were excluded.

Lord Hastings Lionel Ismay, NATOs first Secretary-General, was credited with coining the saying that NATOs purpose was to to keep the Soviet Union out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. This summed up the attitude of British imperialism, and to some extent, of many of the other European powers.

100 years ago: Northern Rhodesia becomes British protectorate

On April 1, 1924, the territories of Northen Rhodesia (now Zambia), run by the British South Africa Company (BSAC), a charter company that had ruled the central African region for British imperialism since 1911, were turned over to British imperialisms full control as a protectorate with its capital at Livingstone, under the administration of the United Kingdoms Colonial Office, which appointed Herbert Stanley as its governor, a veteran imperialist bureaucrat who was later to be governor of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).

Herbert Stanley, first governor of the British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia

A legislative council was also formed that included nine members appointed by London and five members who were elected by the European minority of about 4,000 settlers. No members of the African majority of approximately a million people could vote.

European settlers had been hostile to the BSAC for decades, but particularly since 1920, when the company had imposed an income tax on them. A sharp increase in taxes for Africans that year had also caused unrest. The BSAC was focused on supplying labor to mines in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Settlers and the British authorities wanted to more extensively exploit the mineral wealth, particularly copper, of Northern Rhodesia and the Belgian Congo.

World War I had boosted demands for metals in Northern Rhodesia as well as foodstuffs particularly for the war against Germany in its colonial territories of East Africa, for which 3,500 troops were levied. After 1924, the rich copper deposits in the north of the country were developed, especially by the South African Anglo American Corporation, with the increase in demand for electrical components in the international auto industry. Low wages and poor working conditions would lead to mass strikes by African miners in the Copperbelt in 1935.

Northern Rhodesia became formally independent of British imperialism by 1964 when the African National Congress, led by Kenneth Kaunda, came to power in a universal suffrage election.
Home health aides on hunger strike in New York City. [Photo: Harry Mena]

About 24 home health aides in New York City recently waged a hunger strike to demand that the City Council vote on a bill to abolish 24-hour shifts.

The hunger strike reflects not only how intolerable the shifts are, but also how desperate the workers have become. Such shifts are physically and emotionally punishing, and workers are paid for only 13 of the 24 hours that they work. Many of the home health aides have been demanding action from the City Council for almost 10 years.

A bill to eliminate 24-hour shifts for home health aides was introduced in the City Council about a year and a half ago, but Council Speaker Adrienne Adams never brought it to the floor for a vote. While claiming to support workers demands for better job conditions, Adams argues that because home health care is reimbursed by Medicaid, the issue must be decided by the state, not the city.

During the five-day hunger strike, the workers rallied outside City Hall. Home health aide Guihua Song addressed one of the rallies through an interpreter. Its not that we dont cherish our health. We know that hunger striking harms the body and causes great damage to us, but we have no choice, she said, according to The Villager. Working 24 hours a day for a long time, our bodies have been tortured, broken down and full of aches and pains. We cannot care for our children and families. The strike ended on March 25 without any action from the City Council.

A banner outside the encampment of home health aides on hunger strike in New York City [Photo: Rohith Jayaram via Facebook]

Home health aides care for elderly clients and those with disability or chronic illnesses. The workers help their clients perform daily activities such as washing, dressing, preparing meals and attending medical appointments. The job often requires lifting patients without assistance. Many home health aides, who are predominantly women and immigrants, develop work-related injuries or deformities.

State law provides for eight unpaid hours of sleep and three hours for meals. But in practice, breaks are not enforced, and the workers are often unable to rest or eat. Some have reported suffering insomnia and deteriorating eyesight. Home health aides may be assigned as many as five 24-hour shifts in a row.

In 2022, Councilmember Christopher Marte introduced a bill that would limit the shifts that home care employers can assign to 12 hours within a 24-hour period. Hence, two workers could each be assigned a 12-hour shift to provide 24-hour care for a client.

Many home health aides are members of 1199SEIU, which initially opposed Martes bill. The union changed its position when the bills 50-hour limit on the home-care workweek was increased to 56 hours. Moreover, officials of 1199SEIU did not attend a rally that the hunger strikers held in front of City Hall. These acts demonstrate that the union bureaucracy is not interested in protecting workers rights. It is more concerned about maintaining its cozy and mutually beneficial relationships with the healthcare companies.

During the initial hearing on the bill, the chairs of the state Senate and Assembly Health Committees argued that to avoid potential gaps in coverage, revised regulations related to home health aides must be passed in the state government along with changes in Medicaid funding. But the state legislature, which is dominated by Democrats, has not pursued the issue since Marte introduced his bill.

Members of the City Council, with an even greater Democratic majority, suggested that passing Martes bill in the Council would provoke the state to take up the issue. But like the state legislature, the Council has also failed to act, leaving workers to continue suffering through unbearable workloads.

Yayun Li, one of the hunger strikers, told the news program Democracy Now!, For many of us working 24-hour workdays, we are forced to work these kinds of shifts, because if we refuse, then a company wont assign us workOnly 24 hours or very few hours. So, we really need to stop this kind of practice.

Jerry White, the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for US vice president, posted a X/Twitter statement supporting the home health aides. It read it part:

The New York City home health aides, who recently engaged in hunger strike, have shown tremendous courage and justified anger in their fight to abolish 24-hour shifts. They deserve the support of all workers. But bitter experience has shown that appeals to the Democrats are futile...The Democrats speak for the financial and corporate elite whose interests are irreconcilable with those of the working class. Together with the Republicans, the Democrats have dismantled all efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 1,000 Americans each week since late August. The Democrats have also joined the Republicans filthy campaign of anti-immigrant bigotry. Most criminally, Biden continues to deliver bombs and missiles to Israel for its genocidal war against the Palestinians and campaign of ethnic-cleansing in Gaza. Just a few weeks ago, Biden signed a bipartisan government spending bill that included $825 billion for the US military--and both parties claim there is no money for public health, education, decent wages and other vital interests of the working class! Regardless of the risks to human survival, both parties are escalating US imperialism's confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia and China and are seeking to make the working class pay for it. The Democrats depend on the labor bureaucrats who run 1199SEIU and other unions to suppress workers opposition. That is why home health aides must form rank-and-file committees under their own democratic control to unite with every section of the working class to oppose war and capitalist exploitation. At bottom, the fight against 24-hour shifts is a fight against the system of for-profit healthcare. Only the replacement of capitalism with socialism can guarantee workers rights and provide free, high-quality healthcare for all as a basic right.
Screenshot of a video Donald Trump shared on his Truth Social account showing a supporter's truck tailgate painted to depict President Joe Biden hogtied. [Photo: Donald J. Trump]

On Friday, ex-President Donald Trump shared a 20-second video on his Truth Social account featuring a painting depicting President Joe Biden with his arms and legs bound with rope. The violent imagery was attached to a large pickup truck festooned with Trump slogans and pro-police flags.

Appealing to the police, Trump captioned the video with the date of March 28, 2024, Long Island, New York. On that date, Trump appeared at the wake of Jonathan Diller, a New York City police officer who was killed in March. Diller is the first NYCPD cop to be killed in uniform in two years.

While police rarely die on the job from violent interactions with the public, this has not stopped the Trump campaign, as with the killing of Georgia college student Laken Riley, from using the death of Diller to position himself as the candidate of law and order in opposition to Biden.



Speaking at Dillers wake on Thursday, Trump praised the police as the greatest people we have.



He said, The Diller family will inevitably never be the same, Trump said. We have to stop it. ... We got to toughen it up.  We need to have law and order.

Dillers funeral on Saturday was attended by some 50,000 police officers.

Since first running for office, Trump has consistently presented himself as an ally of the police in opposition to Biden and the Democrats, who, Trump falsely claims, want to defund the police. In reality, despite paying lip-service to police reform, Biden and the Democrats have boosted police budgets across the country, while Democratic mayors are overseeing the construction of multimillion-dollar police training centers in major cities.

On Saturday, the day after Trump posted the video featuring the two pick-up trucks that had pro-police slogans and the image of Biden hogtied, New York Rep. Anthony DEsposito, a former cop, shared a picture from the Diller procession captioned, Dont ever cross us. This authoritarian declaration, which has been viewed over 6.7 million times, prompted an avalanche of anger from social media users, with many denouncing DEsposito as a fascist.

The appeals by Trump and the Republican Party to the right-wing and backward elements that dominate police departments bore fruit in Trumps attempted coup of January 6, 2021. According to a 2023 paper by the Center for Policy & Research at Seton Hall University, titled The January 6 Insurrectionists: Who They Are and What They Did, of the 716 people prosecuted in the first year following the attack, 18.5 percent, or some 132 defendants, had a background in law enforcement or military.



Over the years, on popular social media sites such as Reddit and Twitter/X, users have uploaded photos of trucks from California to Kentucky to New York that have a similar violent decal. However, Trumps Friday post appears to be the first time he has directly promoted imagery featuring Biden hogtied with a rope.

A Reddit user posted a picture of a similar image on a truck in New York. The back window decal features Christian nationalist iconography and the logo of the fascistic III Percenter militia. [Photo: u/Tulip]

In a statement sent to major press outlets Friday night, Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, defended the post as merely a picture ... on the back of a pickup truck. He accused Democrats and crazed lunatics of calling for violence and weaponizing the justice system against Trump.



Trumps post Thursday, which is still up as of this writing, is one of many examples of the Trump campaign, and the Republican Party as whole, normalizing fascist violence against their political opponents.



At a Republican fundraiser in Kansas several weeks ago, Republicans erected an effigy of Biden which they pummeled, and then shared the video on social media.



Trump also reposted an interview featuring Florida Republican operative Laura Loomer and attorney Paul Ingrassia. The latter is a member of the New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC) and was recently interviewed by Loomer because he filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court in support of Trumps claim of absolute immunity from prosecution.



As a member of the NYYRC, in December of 2022 Ingrassia attended a fundraiser that was hosted by the Club and its president Gavin Wax, a member of the Proud Boys. The gala featured a speech by Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in which she boasted that the January 6 coup would have been successful if she and Steve Bannon had organized it, because we wouldve been armed.
On Friday, the German Federal Election Committee authorised the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) to stand in the European elections. The committee verified that the SGP had submitted all of the required documents and well over 4,000 confirmed supporting signatures from registered voters, thus ensuring its participation in the election. In addition to the SGP, 34 other parties are on the ballot. Ten parties that had submitted an election proposal were not authorised.

SGP Chairman Christoph Vandreier at the meeting of the Federal Election Committee on March 29, 2024. [Photo: Phoenix Livestream]

Our authorization to stand in the election is of great significance, said SGP Chairman and lead candidate Christoph Vandreier following the meeting. The SGP is the only party that opposes genocide in Gaza, the insane policy of war and the worsening social devastation, and fights for a socialist perspective. We will use the election campaign to build a powerful movement against war and capitalism.

The election authorisation procedure is deeply undemocratic. The majority of the Federal Election Committee members are representatives of the establishment parties (including the far-right Alternative for Germany, AfD). They decide whether their political opponents and rivals can stand in an election in which they themselves participate.

Legally, only the formal requirements are supposed to be scrutinised. The bureaucratic hurdles are high, and the checks are rigorous, as the Federal Election Commissioner put it. All parties must provide precise information about the meeting at which their candidates were elected, submit their statutes, programme, declaration of consent and certificate of eligibility for each individual candidate, as well as evidence of the democratic election of the party executive committee, whose members must sign the election proposal and submit it on time. Many parties, even established ones, have seen some of their candidates fail to gain authorisation.

The hurdles for non-established parties are particularly high. For this election, they either had to submit up to 2,000 signatures per federal state, or 4,000 for a joint list for all federal states.

Each person providing a signature had to state his or her full name, address and date of birth, and each signature was then checked individually by the local electoral office. The election officials also check whether the signatory is actually authorised to vote and has not already signed for another party. All signatures, together with the original certificates, must then be submitted to the Federal Returning Officer for further verification.

Vandreier spoke out strongly against this undemocratic practice at the meeting of the Federal Election Committee. He said:

In view of the enormous opposition to the genocide in Gaza, the war policy against Russia and the social devastation, which are supported by all of the parties in the Bundestag [parliament], there is a bias to keep anyone who opposes this off the ballot. So, it is all the more important that we fulfill all of the requirements and stand in the European elections.

While Vandreier was saying this, his microphone was switched off so that it could not be heard during the live broadcast. I dont think were running an election campaign here, said Federal Election Commissioner Dr. Ruth Brand, in an attempt to justify the muzzling of Vandreiers criticism of the undemocratic procedure. The official representatives of other left-wing parties were also prevented from commenting on the proceedings.

This undemocratic procedure underscores the importance of the SGPs participation in the elections, in which it is resolutely opposing the attacks on basic democratic rights and the danger of fascism. In its election statement, the party warns that the ruling class is continuing its fascistic traditions by sending German tanks against Russia, normalizing genocide as state policy, and arming the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) to a degree not seen since Hitler. The election statement declares:

In order to suppress the growing opposition to this hated policy, the coalition government is donning the moth-eaten garb of fascism. It is inciting hatred against refugees and immigrants and abolishing basic democratic rights. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is being courted and right-wing extremist terror networks among the police and the secret services and within the army are being shielded by the highest authorities. But the toxic nationalism of those in power is countered by a powerful international movement. Millions of people around the world have demonstrated against the genocide in Gaza in recent weeks, despite the propaganda from the politicians and the media, and have indicated how strong and globally networked the working class is today. This movement must be expanded and armed with a socialist perspective.
In the days following last weeks collapse of a major Baltimore-area bridge after a collision with a container ship, the Biden administration has responded by shielding those responsible, while acting primarily to uphold the profit interests of American and world capitalism.

The Biden administration has pledged to reopen the Port of Baltimore, the countrys largest vehicle port, and limit the impact of the disaster on supply chains. The White House responded immediately by releasing $60 million in quick release Emergency Relief funds, while doing nothing so far to hold responsible the ships operator Synergy Marine or shipping giant Maersk which contracted the vessel. However, there are indications that the poor condition of the ship, which lost power shortly before the accident, played a major role. The ship was involved in an earlier collision in 2016 in Belgium and was cited last year for propulsion issues.

On Sunday, work finally began on the removal of debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge from the Patapsco River, the beginning of a lengthy operation. This work is not going to take hours. This work is not going to take days. This work is not going to take weeks. We have a very long road ahead of us, said Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

The MV Dali and the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. [AP Photo/ Petty Officer 3rd Class Kimberly Reaves/U.S. Coast Guard]

The removal of the bridges remains is not only critical for reopening the shipping channel leading to the Port of Baltimore. It is also necessary for the recovery of the remains of four construction workers, who were on the bridge at the time of collapse, which are likely encased in the wreckage. Two of the eight workers were rescued while the bodies of two more were recovered last week, before recovery operations had to be halted.

However, the capitalist ruling class views the disaster as primarily an economic event. The White House convened two sessions of the National Economic Councils Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force on Wednesday and Friday to discuss the governments response to supply chain impacts stemming from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and partial closure of the Port of Baltimore.

On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg chaired a stakeholder listening session involving representatives from government agencies, major corporations and the union bureaucracy. Significantly, one of the companies in attendance was Maersk.

According to a readout of the Thursday meeting, discussion centered around how to mitigate current and future supply chain disruptions stemming from the suspension of vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore. The statement then added that the Department of Transportation continues to communicate with port, labor, and industry partners to advance collaboration at all levelsborne out of the lessons learned during COVID-driven disruptions.

In other words, the response to the bridge collapse will be modeled after the completely inadequate response to the pandemic, where schools and workplaces have been left open to mass infection and death to ensure the continued flow of profits. The government, having long dismantled all remaining public safety measures, falsely declared the pandemic over, even as it continues to kill more than 1,000 Americans a week. The working class, not the corporate elite responsible for the disaster, will be made to foot the bill.

Once again, the corporate parties to a major disaster are allowed to play a decisive role in the official response. This recalls last years derailment of a Norfolk Southern train containing toxic chemicals near East Palestine, Ohio. The railroad, left in charge of initial cleanup, released and burned the contents of several cars in an attempt to reopen the track as soon as possible. This poisoned the air, ground and water supply of the town, while state and federal authorities systematically downplayed the disaster.

Norfolk Southern was also one of the companies invited to Thursdays meeting with Buttigieg.

As if to drive the comparison home, two other Class I railroads, BNSF and CPKC, have announced they will refuse to pay a paltry $1 million safety fee to the government of Minnesota, a local news station reported over the weekend. The fees were part of a new law passed after a fiery crash in that state last year, only a few weeks after the East Palestine disaster.

The administrations response is being organized through corporatist bodies, drawing together the major corporations and the trade union bureaucracy under the auspices of the capitalist state. These bodies are being set up in order to prepare for a worldwide struggle for the domination of supply chains, especially against China, a major element in the drive to world war. The Supply Chains Disruption Task Force includes government agencies from the military-intelligence apparatus, such as the departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

A key element in the Biden administratoins domestic policy is the use of the union bureaucracy to impose labor discipline on the working class. In addition to Maersk and other major corporations, the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) and other port unions attended Thursdays White House meeting.

According to the readout, Labor unions discussed how they are communicating with ports to ensure each port has sufficient labor to cover increased traffic. Industry participants emphasized the jobs that are dependent on the Port of Baltimore and the urgency behind opening the channel.

In other words, the union bureaucracy has signaled its willingness to make up for the closure in Baltimore with speedup and overtime in other ports. In 2021, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which covers port workers on the West Coast, signed an agreement with the port operators and the White House to run the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach 24/7 in order to work through massive shipping backlogs caused by the globally uncoordinated response to the pandemic.

Later, the ILWU kept workers on the job for more than a year, while the White House was heavily involved in behind-the-scenes talks. The union suddenly announced a deal, brokered by the White House only after wildcat actions by dockworkers threatened to disrupt the unions no strike agreement.

With the contract for over 40,000 East Coast dockworkers expiring this September, the ILA has threatened to strike if no deal is in place by then. But the unions role in working with the White House and port operators to ensure the integrity of supply chains shows this is so much hot air, designed to get out in front of rank-and-file opposition.

Other bridges across the US vulnerable

While Biden signed legislation for a record $825 billion in military spending only days before the bridge collapse, US infrastructure is in an advanced state of decay. Around $125 billion in repairs were needed for the countrys bridges as of 2021, according to the American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE). More than half of the worlds bridge collapses between 1960 and 2015 due to collisions with barges and ships took place in the United States.

Many other bridges are at risk of similar disasters. On Saturday, Oklahoma state police temporarily closed a bridge over the Arkansas River following a collision with a barge, although the bridge did not collapse.

The Wall Street Journal published a story over the weekend which identified eight other major bridges of similar width and height as the Francis Scott Key Bridge which are also potentially vulnerable to collapse in the event of a collision. These include world famous landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the George Washington Bridge in New York City. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland, which also intersects shipping routes in and out of the Port of Baltimore, was also listed.

The George Washington Bridge's east tower from Englewood boat basin, New Jersey. [Photo by Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0

All but one are older than the Key, and all contain what is known as fracture critical members, meaning the failure of even a single steel component in tension could cause a collapse, according to the newspaper. All these bridges were built before new federal guidelines adopted in 1991 to protect from collisions, rules which were not applied retroactively.

Similar vulnerabilities may also exist for older bridges over the Mississippi River, home to ports which service river barges as well ocean-going vessels. In comments to Engineering News-Record, Former ASCE President Norma Jean Mattei cited the Vicksburge Bridge in Mississippi as well as three bridges in the metro New Orleans area as in need of assessment.

However, while investments needed for public safety are put off for decades, substantial investments are being made to maximize profit-making through automation and to remove bottlenecks of the kind revealed by the Key Bridge collapse.

A $232 million investment in the port of Brunswick, Georgia, currently the second largest auto port in the US, has been recently announced. Once complete, Brunswick will overtake Baltimore as the countrys largest. Similar investments are being made at ports around the country, especially in the Atlantic and Gulf South. One of the functions of these investments is to whipsaw dockworkers across different ports, enabling shippers to easily redirect cargo in case of work stoppages.

The subordination of societys resources to profit makes these and other disasters inevitable. The only solution is the replacement of capitalist private ownership with the democratic control of the economy by the working class. This requires a mass working class movement directed against all the big business parties and the pro-corporate union bureaucrats, on the basis of a socialist program.
The University of Michigan (U-M) has summarily implemented its new repressive anti-disruption policy in advance of the officially announced feedback deadline of April 3, handing out trespassing tickets to students and banning them from school facilities.

According to an article in The Michigan Daily on Friday, Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE) reported that three students were served citations Thursday morning by police in Ann Arbor for trespassing at the 101st Honor Convocation when a protest disrupted the event at Hill Auditorium Sunday.

Students demonstrate against the Gaza genocide on March 28, 2024 at the University of Michigan.

The tickets were handed out as more than 100 students protested outside a meeting of the U-M Board of Regents on Thursday morning to demand the university divest from companies linked to Israel and the genocide being carried out in Gaza. According to some students, the Board of Regents moved its meeting up to 9:00 am from the normal 4:00 pm starting time to avoid the protesters.

The new disruptive activity policy, which threatens the expulsion of students and termination of faculty and staff for actions deemed disruptive to normal celebrations, activities, and operations of the University, was in response to the abrupt shutdown of the Honors Convocation held March 24 at Hill Auditorium. Students in attendance held up signs and shouted slogans against the US/Israeli mass murder in Gaza and the complicity of the university during a speech by U-M President Santa Ono.

When the protesting students assembled outside the Alexander G. Ruthven Building on Thursday morning, March 28, they were confronted by 13 state police officers and barricades with flyers on them that had QR codes linking to the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Standard Practice Guide and the Michigan State Trespass Law.

In an anonymous interview with the Daily, one student reported having received a ticket Thursday morning stating the student was banned from five campus buildings. The student said, I never received a warning. I was blindsided by this ticket.  While I was walking with my friend, a police officer grabbed me and informed me that I was banned from five university buildings.

A video posted to Twitter/X by the pro-Palestinian TAHRIR Coalition at U-M shows University of Michigan police officer T. Cargill serving a ticket to a student and saying, This is from the Hill Auditorium incident, Okay. Same thing, Ruthven, Hill Auditorium, Rackham, Michigan Stadium and Chrysler Arena. You are not allowed to go there.

The student then asks, So, I cant go to my own graduation?, to which the officer replies, There is a way to appeal that, Okay. You can contact and I believe well make arrangements for that, Okay?

According to information published on the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security website, Detective Thomas Cargill is a member of the Computer Forensics team for the universitys Criminal Investigation Unit.

The Board of Regents proceeded with its March 28 meeting and went out of its way to officially reject any divestment of holdings in the universitys $17.9 billion endowment. Refusing to directly address the students demand for divestment from Israel, Regent Sarah Hubbard said, We will continue to shield the endowment from political pressures and base our investment decisions on financial factors such as risk and return.

The universitys undemocratic anti-disruption policy and its intransigent rejection of protesters demands takes place in the face of broad and mounting opposition on campus to the US/Israeli genocide.

On Thursday afternoon, more than 1,000 students and supporters rallied to demand divestment and the dropping of charges against 40 students arrested last November for staging a peaceful sit-in at the Ruthven Building. The students were also demonstrating against President Onos attack on their first amendment rights through the imposition of an anti-disruption policy that essentially criminalizes any action deemed by the administration to disrupt normal operations. Since the policy statement explicitly applies to faculty and staff as well as students, it could very well be used to ban picketing by striking university employees.

This mass student opposition was shown in the results of a referendum organized by the TAHRIR coalition on a resolution calling for divestment from Israel and the dropping of charges against student protesters. It was also demonstrated in the results of student government elections, held last week.

Four months after President Ono unilaterally disallowed a referendum called by the student government demanding that the university acknowledge the genocidal character of the Gaza onslaught and divest from Israel, 3,204 students and other university members99 percent of all those who participated in the referendumvoted for the Gaza anti-genocide resolution.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at U-M participated in the mass protest on March 28 and distributed a statement denouncing the university crackdown on protesters, calling for their defense and the dropping of all charges against them, and supporting a yes vote in the referendum. The presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Socialist Equality Party in the 2024 US elections, Joseph Kishore and Jerry White, spoke to students and explained their socialist strategy against genocide, war and repression.

In the student government elections, TAHRIR-backed candidates were elected president and vice-president and their slate won 22 out of 45 seats in the student assembly.

The hard-line, repressive position of the administration in response to overwhelming opposition among students and much of the faculty and staff to the genocidal war in Gaza underscores the fact that the university will not be pressured into changing its policies.

This brings into stark relief the need for a new perspective and strategy for the movement among workers and young people internationally against genocide, the escalating imperialist war against Russia over Ukraine, and US war preparations against China, of which the protests at U-M are a part.

As explained by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at U-M, the genocide in Gaza is one front in a global war spearheaded by US imperialism for a redivision of the world, which, if not stopped by a mass revolutionary movement against capitalism based in the working class, will lead to the nuclear annihilation of the planet.

The University of Michigan is part of this system and the much greater network of war, inequality, repression and criminality. The protests in the US and around the world must be consciously directed, not at putting pressure on the existing governments and political parties of the capitalist class in the futile hope of shifting their policies, but at overturning them and establishing workers power and socialism.

In the US, this is a fight against the Biden administration and the Democratic Party, no less than Trumps fascistic Republicans. In fact, the U-M administration and regents are linked far more closely to the Democratic Party than to the Republicans.

The crackdown on student opposition is taking place across the US, by both big business parties, and in countries around the world. Students must turn to the working class and fight for its independent political mobilization against capitalist war and repression, on the basis of a socialist program.
Friendship and cooperation are cherishable whenever they happen

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held talks with Nauruan President David Adeang, who was paying a state visit to China. The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on growing China-Nauru relations and international and regional issues of common interests, and reached important consensus.

Friendship, no matter its beginning, will have a bright future, and cooperation, regardless of scale, will be productive as long as it is sincere, Xi said.

Xi's remarks fully demonstrate China's sincerity to work with Nauru to create a bright future for bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Photo shows a photovoltaic power generation project undertaken by a Chinese enterprise in Nauru. (Photo/Li Lingfeng)

Since 2016, eleven countries have established or resumed diplomatic relations with China. Taking the establishment or resumption of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, and in the spirit of seizing the day and giving full play to the late starters advantage, China and these countries have continuously deepened political mutual trust, actively promoted practical cooperation and achieved win-win results. It demonstrated China's commitment to the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, and China's firm resolution to remain a reliable friend and sincere partner of relevant countries on their path of development.

The fast growth of bilateral relations between China and these countries fully demonstrates that establishing and developing relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle is a right move that conforms to the trend of history and the times, as well as a correct choice that withstands the test of time and history.

China believes that a friend is a friend, regardless of when the friendship began, and cooperation should be valued, regardless of its size. This exemplifies China's efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

In October 2019, less than 20 days after China and the Solomon Islands formally established diplomatic relations, Xi met with the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Beijing. Xi said that the friendship between the two nations will enjoy bright prospects although their diplomatic ties are newly forged. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations, their friendly cooperation has become a pacesetter for the relations between China and other island countries in the Pacific in spite of a relatively late start. Their cooperation is a paradigm of unity, cooperation and common development for countries of different sizes, and for developing countries.

In March 2023, China established diplomatic ties with Honduras, and three months later, Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento paid a state visit to China. Under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, the bilateral relations between the two countries started to grow from a high level. The economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two sides enjoy great dynamism and promise.

China resumed diplomatic ties with Nauru this January and two months later, President Adeang paid a state visit to China. The two countries signed bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of the Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, economic development and agriculture.

China always believes that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. China has always been a member of the developing world, and China's vote in the United Nations Security Council always belongs to developing countries.

China adheres to the principle of treating all countries as equals when developing relations with nations it has established or resumed diplomatic ties with, and is committed to carrying out practical cooperation in various fields with these countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Photo shows the upgrading and renovation project of Aiwo Port Terminal in Nauru undertaken by a Chinese enterprise. (Photo/Li Lingfeng)

President Castro said Honduras firmly sticks to the one-China principle and is willing to develop ties with China that feature independence and mutual respect.

President Adeang said Nauru highly appreciates China's commitment to equality among all countries, no matter big or small, and is willing to abide by the one-China principle, and continuously deepen cooperation with China.

China sincerely makes friends and actively promotes cooperation. Along the coastline of Nauru, rows of blue photovoltaic panels stand neatly arranged. This is the first photovoltaic power generation and energy storage system project undertaken by a Chinese enterprise in Nauru. It is also Nauru's largest photovoltaic power project to date. Once connected to the grid, it will meet the entire nation's electricity needs.

In the coming future, China is ready to carry out more practical cooperation with Nauru in trade, investment and infrastructure construction, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture, health, youth and other fields.

Less than four months after the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Honduras started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). This February, the two countries signed an early harvest arrangement for the FTA. At the recently concluded fourth round of the FTA negotiations, the two countries conducted comprehensive and in-depth consultations on fields such as trade in goods, trade in services, investment and rules, and have made positive progress.

In November last year, dozens of Honduran companies participated in the sixth China International Import Expo, where Honduran coffee and fruit wine received a warm welcome.

Fredis Cerrato, Honduras' Minister of Economic Development, noted that China is undoubtedly a strategic and fundamental partner for Honduras, providing significant support for Honduras to expand exports, attract investments, and promote technological development.

China welcomes more countries to establish or resume diplomatic relations with it and will continuously strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation with other developing countries, so as to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
South Korean media have become popular parts of international pop culture, with K-pop and K-dramas attracting countless fans around the globe. The countrys movies have similarly captivated audiences from all nations, with South Korean cinemas bold storytelling, rich characters, and innovative filmmaking techniques garnering attention from fans and critics, not to mention award-giving bodies.

From twisty thrillers like Oldboy and Memories of Murder to global sensations like Parasite and Decision to Leave, South Korean cinema has become a staple for cinephiles. Its best movies span a variety of genres and come from different generations, with each one highlighting all the different aspects and unique elements that make the countrys films worth discovering and celebrating.

7. Burning (2018)

CGV Arthouse

Directed by Lee Chang-dong, Burning is a must-see psychological thriller with a deceptively simple plot. The film follows Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in), a young aspiring writer who reconnects with his childhood friend, Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo). Hae-mi asks Jong-su to take care of her cat while she travels to Africa, but upon her return, she introduces him to Ben (Beefs Steven Yeun), a rich man she met during her trip. Jong-su soon becomes suspicious of Bens intentions and relationship with Hae-mi, especially as they learn about the strangers bizarre hobby.

Burning is a slow-burn movie, with the thriller taking its time to build an atmosphere thats both mesmerizing and uneasy during its first half. By the time its more dramatic events unfold, viewers are likely already completely immersed in the haunting films world. The 2018 movie takes its time to tell its story thats inextricably linked with class and wealth disparity, rewarding patient audiences with an unexpected ending they will remember.

6. The Handmaiden (2016)

CJ Entertainment

The Handmaiden is a gorgeous psychological thriller set in 1930s South Korea. In it, a young Japanese heiress, Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), meets her new handmaiden, Sook-Hee (Kim Tae-ri). Unbeknownst to Lady Hideko, Sook-Hee is part of a scheme orchestrated by a charming conman posing as a count, Fujiwara (Ha Jung-woo), who intends to steal her inheritance. What nobody expects is the genuine love that Lady Hideko starts to develop for Sook-Hee, who begins to feel conflicted about the plan.

Director Park Chan-wook is known for his talent for visual storytelling, with The Handmaiden being among the greatest examples of his skill. Aside from being a visually stunning film, the thriller is also full of deliciously dark humor and surprisingly intense and emotional depictions of romance, betrayal, and sexual desire. Its a stylish and provocative work full of surprises that can shock or impress, depending on whos watching.

5. Oldboy (2003)

Show East

Director Park Chan-wooks Oldboy is a renowned neo-noir action thriller centered on a man named Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), who is one day kidnapped and then mysteriously imprisoned in a cell for 15 years for seemingly no reason. Upon his sudden release, he makes it his mission to discover who was responsible for his suffering, only to find himself walking into a conspiracy that could be much worse than his confinement.

Oldboy is one of the most violent action movies ever, with its flawlessly choreographed fight sequences and bloody interactions involving torture being unflinching all throughout. One particular hallway scene has become popular for the exhilarating way Oh Dae-su takes down several goons with a hammer. Of course, the 2003 movie is best known for its infamous plot twist, which leaves viewers with an incredibly disturbing ending that they wont see coming.

4. Memories of Murder (2003)

CJ Entertainment

Before the international hit that was Parasite, director Bong Joon-ho was already crafting intriguing thrillers like Memories of Murder. The 2003 neo-noir crime thriller is centered on a messy investigation led by detectives Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho) and Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung) following gruesome murders in rural South Korea. They race against the clock to capture the unknown serial killer who targets young women.

Memories of Murder is difficult enough to watch at times, but it becomes even more unsettling when viewers learn that its based on a real string of crimes from the 1980s known as the Hwaseong serial murders. An expertly made crime movie, Memories of Murder greatly benefits from Bong Joon-hos direction, as the filmmaker infuses it with his trademark meticulous visuals and a ton of dark humor that doesnt take away from the gravity of its story.

3. The Wailing (2016)

20th Century Fox

The Wailing is a genre-busting work by director Na Hong-jin, with the 2016 movie revolving around a small village plagued by a mysterious illness and a series of brutal murders. Police officer Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won) investigates the bizarre and dangerous events but soon encounters a sinister shaman (Hwang Jung-min) and a mysterious stranger (Jun Kunimura) rumored to be behind the chaos.

Director Na Hong-jins film is a fantastic blend of several horror and thriller subgenres, as its a possession, zombie, police procedural, drama, and even comedy all at once. Its a slow-burn movie that showcases familiar horror tropes used in unfamiliar ways, making full use of clever cultural references and even mythology to weave its suspenseful story. Whichever way audiences want to look at it, The Wailing undeniably offers a wholly original viewing experience that horror fans will especially appreciate.

2. The Housemaid (1960)

Kuk Dong Seki Trading Co.

One of South Koreas classic movies worth streaming today, 1960s The Housemaid is a provocative domestic horror film that follows the chaos that unfolds after a middle-class family hires a young housemaid, Myeong-sook (Lee Eun-shim). She soon has an illicit affair with the familys patriarch (Kim Jin-kyu), leading to a series of shocking and tragic events that cause the entire family to unravel.

Directed by Kim Ki-young, The Housemaid was a groundbreaking and subversive masterpiece that challenged societal and gender norms in South Korean society. Its sexually predatory femme fatale is a cleverly written and wonderfully portrayed character that embodies the unfair pressure put on women, particularly those from lower-class backgrounds. Unsurprisingly, these themes helped the film hold up incredibly well, with its message remaining relevant in any country today. It also spawned a trilogy that would explore similar subjects, with its sequels titled Woman of Fire and Woman of Fire 82.

1. Parasite (2019)

CJ Entertainment

Parasite is a modern masterpiece that needs no introduction. A satire, thriller, and comedy, it tells the story of the Kim family, who are used to poverty but soon find a way to temporarily escape it and experience the way the other side lives. Each family member achieves this by posing as a skilled worker for the affluent Park family, which is a scheme that seems flawless for a while, at least until the midpoint revelation.

The influential thriller with an infamous twist quickly turned director Bong Joon-ho into a household name following its premiere in 2019. After gaining international acclaim, Parasite also broke new ground in Hollywood by becoming the first ever non-English-language movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The cinematic landmark has received numerous accolades and praise for its novel eat-the-rich narrative told with stylistic visuals, witty, dark humor, and scathing social commentary.
How an Arizona indie bookstore adapted - adding a bar and hosting events - and is turning 50

It started with a love of books and $500.

Fifty years later, Changing Hands Bookstore is a community gathering space and a safe haven for book lovers.

With two popular locations in the Phoenix area, Changing Hands is no Arizona hidden gem. Instead, the bookstore has forged deep ties into the community it grew along with. It has survived the rise of Amazon and a global pandemic and cemented itself as the place to go for book recommendations and good conversations among friends and authors.

How has Changing Hands managed to survive and thrive? Maybe it has something to do with the foundation it was built on.

Pick your next read See USA TODAY's best-selling booklist

Changing Hands begins: 3 book lovers with a dream and $500

Gayle Shanks, Tom Brodersen and Bob Sommer met in 1972 while volunteering at an alternative school in Phoenix and bonded over their love of reading. For years, they talked about their dream to open a bookstore that would double as a community gathering space.

"It was just part of what we did and we knew the importance of books in our own lives. And we also loved the ideas that were in books," Shanks said.

"And so the idea of being a bookseller, which we thought meant you got to read books, to sell books, but really to just talk about books all day long with people who came in to buy them was our idea of the ideal job."

Brodersen purchased a struggling used bookstore's inventory for $500. It included books, bookcases and the oldest cash register they'd ever seen.

Now they had the supplies. They just needed the right space in the right location to attract book buyers.

On April 1, 1974, the first Changing Hands Bookstore opened in a 500-square-foot space on Fifth Street in downtown Tempe.

"We had this idea that books could change people's minds and help them become more critical thinkers," Shanks said.

"So, we thought we were going to have this bookstore that was going to be a place where people could come and talk about ideas that they had either read in books or were thinking about. And it's grown into a much bigger space, or two spaces."

Find your next favorite bookstore See USA TODAY's interactive bookstore map

Changing Hands moves to Mill Avenue

In 1978, Changing Hands moved to a bigger, more prominent storefront on Mill Avenue in Tempe, adjacent to the Arizona State University campus. In 1980, Brodersen stepped down, and in 2000 Cindy Dach joined the team. She became a co-owner in 2006.

The Mill Avenue store was a hit.

"I fell in love with Changing Hands in their original location on Mill when I went to ASU," said customer Jeff Moriarty. "I was a poor college student, so I frequently stopped in to browse the aisles and pick out cheap books to read and escape for a while.

"The place was so warm and inviting, and I came to realize it was the people who made it that way. The books were just the way they loved to connect with people and the community."

In 1998, rents in downtown Tempe were rising and Changing Hands moved again, this time to a plaza at McClintock Drive and Guadalupe Road in south Tempe, where they still are to this day.

Katie Kantrowitz looks through books at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix on March 27, 2024.

Changing Hands Bookstore, First Draft Book Bar open in Phoenix

Changing Hands expanded beyond Tempe when it opened a second store in Central Phoenix in May 2014.

The owners wanted this location to have a little something extra.

The First Draft Book Bar serves up coffee, wine, beer and snacks in the middle of the brick-walled store. Seating is at the bar and in an adjacent room called The Commons, which doubles as a community gathering/co-working space and an event space for readings and other activities.

Authors such as Barbara Kingsolver and Terry Tempest Williams and poets including Alberto Rios and Norman Dubie have come to speak at Changing Hands through the years.

How Changing Hands withstood Amazon, the pandemic and embraced BookTok

Josey Romero, 6, puts back one of the "Dogman" books at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix on March 27, 2024.

These special experiences may have been precisely what sustained Changing Hands through the rise of Amazon and the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.

The ease of having a seemingly limitless selection of books delivered to your door or your Kindle contributed to hundreds of chain and independent bookstores nationwide closing their doors.

"There were many, many moments when we didn't know how we were going to go on," Shanks said. "Amazon hitting us in the face was really difficult for a while, the recession hit us hard, and then of course there was a pandemic and we had to close our store for nine months."

"And we didn't know if we were going to be able to open the stores again, because who knew what was going to happen?"

But Changing Hands Bookstore continued to focus on its strength: listening to customers.

"Our ear was always to the ground and the ground was always our customers and our community, and as long as we listened, they told us what they needed. We wanted it to be their bookstore, not our bookstore," Shanks said.

According to an article at publishersweekly.com, booksellers across the digital and physical spaces have seen increased sales over the last couple of years thanks in part to TikTok's latest craze: BookTok. It's a TikTok space where people share what they're reading, show off special collectors editions and, of course, influence the algorithm.

"BookTok has definitely grown a certain segment of the readership that shops in our store and I feel really fortunate that they do," Shanks said. "We had 25 chain bookstores in the Valley at one point in the '90s, and Changing Hands managed to survive in spite of the fact that in five miles from us in every single direction, there was a chain bookstore."

And while Shanks isn't totally in love with all of the books from BookTok that bring customers in, she does love that it gets people started on their reading journey.

"Once you start reading, you get hungry for more," Shanks said.

Changing Hands Bookstore at 50: Still going strong

Thanks to the community support, Changing Hands Bookstores has enjoyed 50 years of passing down the tradition of reading from generation to generation.

As for the future, Shanks simply wants things to keep going as they are.

"Someone came in the other day and said, 'My mom brought me into the store when I was still in her womb, and this was the first place she ever took me, and I grew up in your store,'" Shanks said. "It's a really good feeling and I think in great part because that's why we wanted to be in business."

"I hope we have many more generations of readers who grow up in our store and continue to support us."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Changing Hands Bookstore celebrates 50 years in Phoenix
The Banished Former Hero episode 1, titled Exile, will focus on former hero Allens life after his reincarnation. The episode will also explain his future goals and his relationship with his ex-fiancee.

The Banished Former Hero episode 1 release date and time

The Banished Former Hero episode 1 will premiere on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 2 a.m. JST on AT-X and other Japanese networks. Meanwhile, international fans can stream the episodes on Crunchyroll roughly 30 minutes after it airs in Japan.

Here is the global release date and time for the upcoming episodes:

Monday, April 1, 2024, at 10 a.m. PST

Monday, April 1, 2024, at 1 p.m. EST

Monday, April 1, 2024, at 6 p.m. GMT

Monday, April 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. CET

Monday, April 1, 2024, at 10:30 p.m. IST

The Banished Former Hero cast, plot & more

The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases is based on Shin Kozukis light novel series of the same name. It follows the tale of Allen, the fallen noble who is kicked out for his inability to use his powers. However, unknown to many, Allen was a hero in his past life, making him stronger than most normal people. With his life now in his hands, Allen decides to live for himself.

But this is easier said than done, as his ex-fiancee sends numerous assassins after him, causing Allen to flee. Due to his past life as a hero, Allen does turn his back on anyone who needs hima trait that does more harm than good in his current life.

The anime boasts a stellar cast, with Shouta Aoi taking on the role of Allen, Minami Kurisaka as Riese, and Akari Kito as Anriette. Aimi will reportedly perform the ending song, Meritocracy, while Aoi will contribute to the opening song, Evolve. At the helm of the series is Kazuomi Koga, who will direct the anime at Studio DEEN, and Marvy Jack.

The post The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases Episode 1 Will Highlight Allens Dilemma appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
His book may not have sold a ton of copies but Minneapolis writer Jack El-Hai's work is about to become a movie with Rami Malek and Russell Crowe

While most of us are dealing with spring drear this week, Minneapolis writer Jack El-Hai will be in Budapest, hobnobbing with actors Russell Crowe and Rami Malek.

Those two Oscar winners (Crowe for "Gladiator," Malek for "Bohemian Rhapsody") are currently filming "Nuremberg," an adaptation of El-Hai's book, "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist." They play the title roles: Crowe is Hermann Goring, one of Adolf Hitler's top officials, and Malek is Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, hired to determine if Goring was fit to stand trial for war crimes.

The book's journey to the big screen has been long. Its writer is the first to acknowledge that his nonfiction book was not a big seller when it was published in 2013. But Hollywood hopped on "Nuremberg" even before it was published, having noticed the story when El-Hai "test-drove" it with a magazine feature about Goring and Kelley. The now-defunct production company that purchased the first option on the book renewed it multiple times in the intervening years.

The enduring attraction of the tale? Its two strong central characters.

"I always refer to it as King Kong vs. Godzilla in a fight to the death," joked El-Hai (who was unaware that "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" just opened).

With writer/director James Vanderbilt finally at the helm, "Nuremberg" was set to film in spring 2023, but strikes by the actors and writers unions cut it off.

As filming drew near, Malek reached out to El-Hai for more information about Kelley, and El-Hai stands ready to answer more questions when he visits the set for a couple of days, starting April 5.

"I know a little about how [Malek] sees the character," said El-Hai. "The movie covers only some of the years that are covered in the book  the run-up to the first Nuremberg trial and a tiny bit afterwards. But Rami, who had read the book, was interested in talking with me about Kelley's early and later years. I hope when I'm in Hungary I'll have more chances to do that on the set," El-Hai said.

But he's not sure what his role will be. "We'll see if anyone wants that from me or if I'll be more of a spectator," he added.

Either is fine by El-Hai, who's keenly aware that books and films tell stories in different ways.

"What I'm looking for is a creative person who can really focus on a tough conflict that's in the story and pull forth from that the best dramatic possibilities," said El-Hai. "I didn't hope a movie based on 'The Nazi and the Psychiatrist' would be like this or like that. I wanted to see what it would become and I'm very happy with what it is becoming."

There will be more trips to see how others re-imagine El-Hai's work. "Nazi" also has been adapted into a play, "Sense of Decency." El-Hai and his wife, Ann Aronson, will attend opening night April 20, at California's North Coast Repertory Theatre.

Meanwhile, El-Hai's "The Lobotomist" also was sold to Hollywood before it was published in 2005 and the writer said there's a script in place that may finally make it before cameras.

The prolific nonfiction author has written five books, including Minnesota-set "The Lost Brothers," and dozens of magazine articles. He publishes the free monthly newsletter Damn History, which focuses on popular history and he blogs the behind-the-scenes stories of his work at el-hai.com.

El-Hai is currently at work on two more books that could interest moviemakers: "Face in the Mirror," due next year, is about a young man who received a full-face transplant at the Mayo Clinic. And the tentatively titled "The Case of the Autographed Corpse" is about an Apache medicine man who was wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and who reached out to "Perry Mason" writer Erle Stanley Gardner for assistance in helping to overturn his conviction.

No release date for "Nuremberg" has been announced but, given the talent involved, Oscar prognosticators are already including the film in early predictions for next year's awards, which suggests it could reach theaters before the end of the year.
Burn Your Maps is a 2016 dramedy film directed by Jordan Roberts. It follows a young boy who convinces his grieving family that hes a Mongolian goat herder reborn in the wrong place. They then set out on a wild journey to Mongolia.

Heres how you can watch and stream Burn Your Maps via streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.

Is Burn Your Maps available to watch via streaming?

Yes, Burn Your Maps is available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

A young boy named Wes deals with the huge loss of his baby sister by believing hes actually a goat herder from Mongolia. This strange idea stuns his parents, already stressed with grief. Despite their confusion, they decide to take Wes seriously. Their quest to fulfill his wish for Mongolia becomes a crazy adventure. Along the way, this unexpected trip helps them confront their sadness and reconnect as a family.

The movie stars Vera Farmiga as the mom Alise, Jacob Tremblay as the young Wes, and Marton Csokas as the dad Connor. In supporting roles, we see appearances from Suraj Sharma, Virginia Madsen, and Ramon Rodriguez, among others.

Watch Burn Your Maps streaming via Amazon Prime Video

Burn Your Maps is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

It is a popular streaming streaming with a vast collection of movies, TV series and documentaries, including Amazon Originals like Jack Ryan and Fleabag.

You can watch via Amazon Prime Video by following these steps:

Go to Amazon Prime Video Select Sign in and Create your Amazon account Sign up for a Prime Video membership: $8.99 per month for a standalone Prime Video membership

Burn Your Maps synopsis is as follows:

A family in emotional turmoil is taken by surprise in this quirky adventure where an eccentric 8-year-old American boy, Wes, has an existential epiphany  He believes that he is in fact a Mongolian goat herder.

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.

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The post Burn Your Maps Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Amazon Prime Video appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Call Me by Your Name Actor Michael Stuhlbarg Attacked by Man with a Rock in N.Y.C.

The man was arrested shortly after the attack

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Michael Stuhlbarg in 2023

Call Me By Your Name and Boardwalk Empire actor Michael Stuhlbarg was attacked by a man with a rock near New York Citys Central Park on Sunday.

Xavier Israel, 27, was taken into custody after striking a 55-year-old man in the back of the neck, according to the New York Police Department. Though police did not name Stuhlbarg, PEOPLE has confirmed he was the victim.

A rep for Stuhlbarg did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

The New York Post was the first to report the news of the seemingly-random attack.

The incident took place when Stuhlbarg was walking near 90th Street and East Drive around 7:45 p.m., and the actor then chased down Israel afterward. Israel was arrested nearby at 8 p.m., police said, adding that the victim declined to be treated for minor injuries.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Michael Stuhlbarg in 2023

Related: Arrest Made After Women Came Forward on TikTok Saying They Were Randomly Punched in N.Y.C.

Israel, who is currently homeless, was on parole for attempted robbery when he struck Stuhlbarg, according to police.

A character actor whos been active for the past 25 years, Stuhlbarg has starred in series including Damages, Ugly Betty and Boardwalk Empire, on which he played gambler and gangster Arnold Rothstein. His performances in Dopesick and The Looming Tower earned him Emmy nominations for best supporting actor in a limited series or movie.

His film credits include Best Picture Oscar winner The Shape of Water, Lincoln, A Serious Man, and Call Me By Your Name.

Everett Michael Stuhlbarg, Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer in 'Call Me By Your Name'

Stuhlbargs new Broadway show, Patriots, from The Crown creator Peter Morgan, is scheduled to begin performances Monday. Stuhlbarg plays wealthy Russian Boris Berezovsky opposite Will Keep as Vladimir Putin.

In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the new Russia belongs to its oligarchs  and no one is more powerful than billionaire Boris Berezovsky, according to a synopsis of the show.

When an eventual successor to President Boris Yeltsin is needed, Berezovsky turns to the little-known deputy mayor of St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin. But soon Putins ruthless rise threatens Berezovskys reign, setting off a riveting, near-Shakespearean confrontation between the two powerful, fatally flawed men, the synopsis adds.



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Read the original article on People.
Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of murder. Reader discretion is advised.

Chad Daybell, a self-published author from Idaho, faces murder charges in the deaths of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and the two children of his second wife, Lori Vallow Daybell. The case previously witnessed the conviction of Lori in May 2023 for murdering her childrenTylee Ryan, 16, and JJ Vallow, 7. The jury had also convicted her of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in Tammys death, per The New York Times.

According to The Washington Post, JJ and Tylee went missing in September 2019. After a months-long investigation, detectives found the kids remains buried on the grounds of Chad Daybells property in Idaho. Authorities discovered the remains in two shallow graves in June 2020, reported Fox News. Investigators found Tylees dismembered and burned remains while JJs body was wrapped in plastic and tied with duct tape.

Moreover, during the investigation, authorities learned that both Daybell and Loris spouses had died under mysterious circumstances. Loris brother reportedly shot her husband, Charles Vallow, to death in Arizona in July 2019. Meanwhile, Tammy, Chad Daybells first wife and the mother of his five children, died at the familys home in October 2019. Less than two weeks after Tammys death, Daybell married Lori in Hawaii, per CBS News.

Friends have claimed the couple held extreme religious beliefs that some people turned into zombies after dark spirits possessed them. They claimed that the only way to get rid of the zombies was to destroy the human body by killing them. The Independent stated that Before Tylee and JJ disappeared, Lori told friends the two children had become zombies and dark spirits.

Lori Vallow Daybell received life in prison and is now in custody in Arizona, facing additional charges. Elsewhere, Chad Daybells trial begins this Monday, April 1, 2024.

Chad Daybells trial: What is he accused of?

According to CBS News, Chad Daybell is facing three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Tammy Daybell, Tylee Ryan, and JJ Vallow. Additionally, he faces conspiracy to commit murder in all three deaths. In JJ and Tylees case, the conspiracy charge also includes conspiracy to commit grand theft by deception. KSL-TV stated that Daybell also faces insurance fraud charges for receiving payment on Tammy Daybells life insurance policy after her death.

CBS reported that Daybell met Lori Vallow Daybell in 2018 and soon started a romance. At the time, Lori had a daughter, Tylee Ryan, from a previous relationship and was married to her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. The Vallows had also adopted JJ, Charles nephew, who had autism.

However, in 2019, the Vallows separated, and Charles filed for divorce, alleging that his wife threatened to murder him. Then, in July of that year, Loris brother Alex Cox fatally shot Charles in Arizona, where the family, including JJ and Tylee, lived. Cox claimed he murdered Charles in self-defense. The former died unexpectedly of apparent natural causes in December 2019.

Soon after Charles death, Lori, JJ, and Tylee moved to Idaho. But, in September, both children disappeared after taking a family trip to Yellowstone National Park. Following this, Chad Daybells first wife, Tammy, died at the familys home on October 19. Officials initially believed she died of natural causes but later ruled her death suspicious. Two weeks after Tammys death, Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow married in Hawaii on November 5.

By the end of 2019, the FBI had begun looking for missing JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan extensively. They continued the search for months into 2020 before finally making a break in June. Police found JJs and Tylees remains in shallow graves while executing a search of Chad Daybells property in Rexburg, Idaho.

According to CBS News, Daybells adult children have previously told 48 Hours they believe he is innocent. His daughter Emma Murray said he was framed in the deaths of JJ and Tylee. They claimed he would be smart enough not to bury bodies on his property.

Emma alleged that Lori Vallow Daybell and her brother, Alex Cox, were responsible for the crimes. Reportedly, Coxs GPS pinged at the Daybell property on the day authorities believe Tylee was buried. She said, I think its pretty clear it was Lori and Alex.  Alex came and left for periods of time.  We dont know  what exactly he was doing.

Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty and is facing the death penalty, per KPNX. Daybells trial begins on April 1, 2024, with jury selection.

Previously, in 2023, Lori Vallow Daybell trial in 2023, received three consecutive life terms without parole on murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges. She was facing two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her children JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. The conspiracy to commit murder count stemmed from Tammy Daybells death. She received an additional 10-year term for grand theft.

According to The New York Times, Lori Vallow Daybell now faces conspiracy to two counts of conspiracy to commit murder in Arizona. One of the two counts stems from the 2019 death of her husband, Charles Vallow. Loris brother Alex Cox shot Charles to death in July of that year during an altercation. Cox claimed he shot the victim in self-defense.

The second count stemmed from the incident when Cox allegedly shot at Loris nieces husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Boudreaux escaped unharmed during the shooting. Authorities considered Cox as the third co-conspirator in the case, reported KPNX. However, he died before he could face any charges.

A documentary titled Doomsday: The Missing Children had previously chronicled the case. Episodes of true crime shows such as CBS 48 Hours and ABC 20/20 have also looked into the case.

The post Who Is Chad Daybell & What Did He Do? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Colman Domingo Recalls Emotional Final Moment with Louis Gossett Jr. on Set: 'He Had Tears in His Eyes'

The late Louis Gossett Jr. starred opposite Colman Domingo in last years The Color Purple movie musical

Elizabeth Goodenough/Everett; Dee Cercone/Everett Colman Domingo; Louis Gossett Jr.

Colman Domingo is revealing some of his last memories of his late costar Louis Gossett Jr.

The Oscar- and Emmy-winning legend, who starred with Domingo in Decembers movie musical The Color Purple, died March 28 at 87. In an essay for Variety, Domingo, 54, recalled sharing emotional moments together on the movies set.

The first day that I met Mr. Gossett, I said Thank you,  recalled the Rustin Oscar nominee. Those were the words I wanted to say. Because I knew that there would be no me if there was no him. And other giants like him.

Domingo said that on Gossetts final day of filming The Color Purple as Ol' Mister, he kissed his beloved costars hands and asked costar Fantasia Barrino to sing a song of thank you.

Related: Louis Gossett Jr. Almost Played for the New York Knicks  Heres Why He Turned the Gig Down (Exclusive)

Gossett, said Domingo, told us, 'Knock em dead, now.' He had tears in his eyes. I couldnt thank him enough for all that he had given. He ran his race for us.



The Roots star brought years of experience, intelligence, with good humor, light and love to our set, continued Domingo. He would ask me after a take, with all the humility in the world, Was that okay? I looked at him and said, Anything you give us is a gift.

Because Domingo played The Color Purples villainous Mister, son to Gossetts Ol Mister, he felt a kinship with his costar  whom he called Daddy while filming the Blitz Bazawule-directed, Oprah Winfrey-produced adaptation.

Warner Bros./Everett Colman Domingo and Louis Gossett Jr. in "The Color Purple" (2023)

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Lou and I had many moments off screen just chatting about life and art, and he constantly would talk about the responsibility of youth, Domingo added of Gossett, a teacher and a humanitarian.

Domingo also named fellow cinema trailblazers James Earl Jones, Glynn Turman, Roscoe Lee Browne, Paul Winfield, Morgan Freeman and Sidney Poitier alongside Gossett as his inspirations, men who came from the theater, like me, who gave such dignity to heroes and villains.

Among the stars who posted remembrances of Gossett in the wake of his death was Barrino, 39, who called him an Awesome Man on her Instagram.

"You left behind so many tokens for us and paved the way for Black Actors and Actresses. You will be missed, but Man did you Live a Blessed Life," she wrote.



Fellow Color Purple star David Alan Grier wrote alongside a throwback snapshot that Gossett was one of my fave acting heroes. Hung out with him years ago at the Toronto film festival ... I bailed at 2 AM as he bid me good evening and strolled down the street with a girl on each arm.

Related: Colman Domingo Wants to Find Joe Jacksons 'Humanity, Heart and Humor' in Michael Jackson Biopic (Exclusive)

Elisa Leonelli/Shutterstock Louis Gossett Jr. at the 1983 Academy Awards

Writing for Variety, Domingo recalled doing a workshop for a musical version of An Officer and a Gentleman, the 1982 drama that made Gossett the first Black person to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Playing the same role, wrote Domingo, I learned to divorce myself of any interpretation of a legendary actor such as he, because no artist can live up to something so detailed and nuanced and truly their own making.

Gossett's nephew said the actor died Thursday night in Santa Monica, California, with no cause of death yet revealed. He is survived by his two adult sons, Satie and Sharron.



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Credit: Vicente Labra*

Once a rapidly growing Latin American economy, and fertile ground for influential indie pop and neoperreo movements, Chile has become the center of socio-political discord thats swept the region over the last several years. Since October 2019, millions of Chileans have taken to the streets in waves of protests and civil unrest dubbed el estallido social, or the social outburst. Their goals: dismantle the neoliberal policies of the Seventies that fostered staggering income inequality, abandon the archaic Pinochet-era constitution, and draft a new magna carta to codify institutional gender parity and land rights for the countrys indigenous communities.

In 2020, hundreds of Chileans were maimed during the violent repression of former president, the billionaire Sebastian Pinera, who recently died while piloting his helicopter, triggering a national wave of schadenfreude. The hopeful government of student union leader-turned-president Gabriel Boric, who was elected in 2021, failed multiple attempts at passing a new constitution, fanning the flames of a far-right backlash that has gridlocked political discourse. And the formerly vibrant capital city of Santiago now stands bruised in the shadow of burned buildings, spiking crime rates, and a fractured populace fatigued by precarity.

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An unresolved culture war, plus the ravishing effects of the pandemic, have sewn bleakness and disillusionment into Chilean music. You can hear it in the guttural rage of a burgeoning post-hardcore scene led by Asia Menor and Candelabro, as well as the icy techno K-holes of Alejandro Paz and Valesuchi. However, between primal screams and dance floor disassociation, flourishing streetwise narratives have come to epitomize the disenfranchised emotions of a generation. The soundtrack for el estallido social has become trap, reggaeton, and plugg crafted in peripheral neighborhoods, shifting the artistic status quo and propelling Chiles music industry into enormously lucrative territory.

Chile was in a dictatorship just over 30 years ago, so politics has everything to do with our music, says rising trap phenom Akriila, speaking with Rolling Stone from Santiago. Born Fernanda Sepulveda and hailing from the district of Maipu, she bought her first microphone while in high school and recorded early demos in her mothers car. She was initially drawn to mixtapes from Princesa Alba and Gianluca, circa 2017. But by the time she began releasing music during the pandemic, trap was the sound of the zeitgeist.

She describes the evolution of Chilean trap as euphoric. Early hits like Gianluca and Pablo Chill-Es Sismo in 2019 echoed Atlanta cadences, while 2022 new-money anthem JFM (Jovenes Flaite Milloneta), by Aqua VS, Pablo Chill-E, and Julianno Sosa, reclaimed the pejorative Flaite (or Ghetto) and consolidated this new local idiom. Chill-E in particular is best known internationally for collaborating on Bad Bunnys YHLQMDLG, but at home hes a trap trailblazer and peoples hero who fought alongside protestors in the first waves of el estallido. Later, he enlisted folk legends Quilapayun and Inti Illimani for the searing indictments of Aburrido.

Akriila cultivated her own blend of irreverent boasts and social critiques across buzzy 2021 singles XEKERAU and Monas Xinas, as well as an imaginative 2023 mixtape titled 001. Shes since collaborated with chamaleonic trap tent poles Young Cister and Harry Nach, and in recent months, shes pivoted towards a commercial reggaeton sound that made crossover superstars out of Polima Westcoast, Kidd Voodoo, and Marcianeke. At 20 years old, Akriila stands unconcerned with easy classification, and wise to industry games that equate sonic versatility with market potential.

Yeah, I do trap, but I think about it as pop, the way Charli XCX, Rosalia, and Tokischa operate within specific genres but fall under the pop umbrella, she says, teasing a forthcoming album with more adventurous forays into reggaeton, drum-and-bass, and acoustic ballads. Trap is harder edged. Its about street codes, malianteo, and strong personalities. Its very different from something like plugg, which is romantic and dreamy. Trap isnt about love.

Were on the other, more sentimental side of the coin, adds Poison Kid, a founding member of Nvscvr, widely recognized as Chiles godfathers of plugg. The trio is composed of vocalists Poison Kid and Baby J, and producer MLSHBTS, who have roots in the Santiago districts of Renca, Padre Hurtado, and Pudahuel. The group came together the way plugg projects usually do: on the internet. Their 2018 debut New Bois overflows with quirky genre hallmarks including cartoonish auto-tune and Nextel chirps, and even a couple of features from Polima Westcoast.

In recent years plugg has surged across Latin America, finding sadboi idols in Colombias Sa!koro and Mexicos Mikeanyway, and confounding, shitposty provocateurs in Argentinas SWAGGERBOYZ, AgusFortnite2008, and Stiffy, and Perus Terrokal Boyz, Ghxst Ghxst and JordyLongSocks. And while Chile certainly isnt hurting for irreverence  just look at uproarious agitators KUINA and Guro  the prevailing trend is more aligned with R&B en espanol, as with silken projects like Kode and Bouncy Boys Band.

Plugg became an extension of R&B, says Nicolas Orellana, editor-in-chief of Sonido Radar, an outlet thats been reporting on the rise of Chilean musica urbana since 2016. Its softer, inside music that helped younger artists and fans unpack their emotions in the wake of traumatic events like el estallido and the pandemic. It became comfort music at a time when everything was fucked.

Chilean trap, plugg, and reggaeton have hit their blockbuster stride, raking in millions of plays across streaming platforms and stepping into the international market. Young Cister and Argentine trap icon Duki linked up for romantiqueo hit Dolce, while Polima Westcoast enlisted Colombian superstar J Balvin for throbbing otaku anthem Kawaii. Meanwhile, Akriila just wrapped a Latin American festival tour with performances at Lollapalooza in Argentina and Chile, Estereo Picnic in Bogota, and Festival Ceremonia in Mexico City. Nvscvr are also going on tour in support of their new album Top, with spring dates in 10 Chilean cities and a string of shows in Mexico, Argentina, and Peru. But growing, quantifiable success doesnt mean these artists are getting too big for their britches.

Middle-class people in Chile have always hustled and those are ultimately the stories were telling, says Nvscvrs Baby J. Thats the target of Nvscvrs music. I sing about realities Ive experienced. I dont need a character. Ive been broke and unemployed, and I think that speaks to a lot of middle-class Chileans who dont have the resources to rise above.

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Evil Lives Here: Who Is Andrew Luster and What Was He Convicted Of?

Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of assault and substance abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

Evil Lives Heres latest episode, I Saw Myself on Tape, aired on ID on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET. It revolved around the crimes of a millionaire fugitive named Andrew Luster from southern California.

Andrew Luster is the great-grandson of Max Factor, the Polish-American founder of the cosmetics empire Max Factor & Company. Luster was found guilty on multiple counts of rape, poisoning, and drug possession involving three women. He allegedly charmed and drugged the women, following which he would sexually assault them. Moreover, CBS News reported that he recorded the assault in his bedroom and the tapes were later used to prove him guilty in court.

Having met in 1996, a woman named Tonja began dating Andrew Luster and lived with him for four months. According to her, Luster asked her to try out a drug called GHB on the night they met. CBS News reported that after Tonja tried it, she passed out for the rest of the night. When she went to authorities after he was arrested, they showed her tapes that revealed that he raped her that night after she was drugged.

According to ABC News, two other women also accused Andrew Luster of raping them after he drugged them. They claimed that he gave them the GHB drug and assaulted them in his Mussel Shoals beach house, which is located northwest of Los Angeles.

Andrew Lusters trial began in December 2002. However, a fugitive warrant was issued for Luster in January 2003. He fled from an in-home detention after posting a bail of $1 million. He was convicted in absentia on 86 counts. However, Luster was later captured in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on June 18, 2003.

How many years was Andrew Luster sentenced to?

Andrew Luster was sentenced to 124 years in prison. In 2003, ABC News reported that Luster was ordered to pay $20 million in damages to Tonja. All three victims reportedly sued Luster over intentional infliction of emotional distress, rape, negligence, assault and fraud. Tonja testified that she was unaware of the sexual assault until investigators showed her the video as part of another investigation.

ABC 7 reported in December 2022 that Lusters sentence was reduced to 50 years in 2013 and is expected to be released early. However, his parole was denied in 2022 after the prosecutor argued that Andrew Luster remains a threat to public safety.

After his escape in 2003, Andrew Luster was caught by the Mexican police and jailed after they received a call reporting a street scruffle at 5 a.m. Per The New York Times, witnesses told authorities that three men had attacked another man with what seemed like a spray aerosol and bundled him into a van. Duane Lee Chapman was a bail bondsman who had been pursuing Luster and took him down that morning. A video crew reportedly recorded the confrontation.

The latest Evil Lives Here episode revolves around the crimes, trial, and conviction of Andrew Luster. The episode aired on ID on March 31, 2024.

The post Evil Lives Here: Who Is Andrew Luster and What Was He Convicted Of? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
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How lucky are we to live in a world where Vomo Island exists.

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An unpretentious slice of luxury in the heart of the South Pacific, Vomo offers a private island experience for sun seekers and adventure seekers alike, boasting more than 200 acres of soft sand beach, lush greenery and postcard-worthy hikes.

Located in the Mamanuca Island group of Fiji, Vomo Island is an easy sunset to sunrise flight from LA on Fiji Airways (which offers non-stop service from LAX) followed by a scenic 40-minute boat ride from Nadi International Airport. Since re-opening after the pandemic, Vomo has quietly become a go-to destination for travelers looking for a calming retreat thats (just slightly) off the beaten path. Tucked into the resorts oceanfront location are 28 luxury villas, as well as six private residences, that can accommodate up to ten guests each.

vomo island reef house

Here, privacy means your own home, set apart from other residences on the property by lush landscaping and long, sweeping pathways. The crown jewel of Vomo Island is Reef House, a five-bedroom, 10,000 square-foot retreat designed by Mark Richi, co-founder of the award-winning firm, Architecture Building Culture. Mirroring the beige sandy beach with a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic, Reef House features its own private infinity pool, entertaining lounge, indoor/outdoor landing, and a full kitchen, where you can request the resorts chef for private dining. Your own stretch of beach is just steps from Reef House, putting you  and your feet  right on the Northern shore of the Yasawa Islands.

On a recent visit to Reef House, guests were greeted by a dedicated butler, who tended to everything from booking spa and dinner reservations, to mixing up fresh coconut cocktails for an afternoon in the sun. A staff to guest ratio of 2:1 means service is extra attentive  and personalized. By the end of the first day, the staff know your room temperature preferences, your preferred drink order, and how you like your eggs for breakfast (along with what time to wake you up to enjoy your meal). By the end of the week, theyll get to know your childrens names, your favorite music to play through the villas built-in speakers and your favorite local snacks, which theyll send home with you in heaps. The level of service here is unmatched.

vomo island pool

Days on Vomo Island are spent soaking in the views from the pool, or embarking on one of the resorts many excursions  all included in the price of the stay. Indeed, one of the most popular activities at Vomo Island is snorkeling, with the resorts nearby waters boasting some of the best coral reef and aquatic life spotting in the region. Its not uncommon to spot manta rays during the summer, while tiger sharks get up close and personal (all entirely safe!) with private charters that go out daily with Vomo Islands dedicated snorkeling team.

Vomo Island is also one of the best places to go diving in Fiji, thanks to Vomos PADI Dive Center, which offers certification courses with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) staff on the property. Once certified, divers have the opportunity to venture out to sea to swim with king fish, turtles and eagle rays; more adventurous travelers can also be taken to the open water for shark diving excursions. Both the snorkeling and diving are overseen by Vomos resident marine biologist, Laisenia Lai Rokoua, who works with the resort and guests to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly travel.

Its not just lip service either: Vomo is one of the most sustainable resorts in the region, with non-profit organization, Counting Coral, recently declaring Vomo as the healthiest of all Fijian Island properties, when it comes to environmental stewardship. Counting Coral has also installed a massive coral restoration sculpture in Fiji that doubles as both an underwater art installation and a coral gene bank, to promote re-growth and propagation. Dive trips to see this sculpture can now be booked through Vomo.

Aside from diving and snorkeling, days on Vomo Island are spent hiking its lush canopy of trails, which lead to cliffside views of the crystal blue waters down below; watersports, including kayaking and windsurfing; or melting your cares away at the propertys Kui Spa, which incorporates local ingredients and techniques (think: Fijian coconut oil and a traditional bamboo massage) into its many stress-relieving treatments.

For many guests though, its not what you do on Vomo Island, but what you dont do. While WiFi is available throughout the island, this is not a hotel where people spend their time working (or stressing). Coming from the hustle and bustle of L.A., were used to people inquiring about our jobs. Here on Vomo Island, we were greeted not with questions of What do you do? but rather, What did you do today?

vomo island resort

Today, we watched the sunrise break from the sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows in our bedroom suite, then sauntered over to our kitchen, where a breakfast platter of island fruit, smoothies and freshly-baked goods awaited us. Then, we went on a hike for views of Mount Vomo, making our way to a majestic viewing point and hilltop yoga deck for a sun salutation. Lunch was served at The Rocks, the resorts adults-only poolside bar, which served up a delectable platter of Asian-inspired bites paired with surprisingly stiff drinks. An afternoon relaxing by our private pool at Reef House was followed by some unexpected guests in the early evening: the resorts staff had gathered in our lobby to perform for us the meke, a traditional dance that incorporates storytelling and music. The ceremony included the passing around of kava, a traditional Fijian drink that mixes yaqona (a type of earthy-tasting root) strained with water. Served in a large communal bowl, it was the local staffs way of welcoming us into their community. The evening ended with a private meal cooked for us by the resorts gifted chef, with the first pour of wine perfectly timed to the first stars appearing in the sky.

This, is Vomo Island, a place where life is lived to its fullest, yet never to its brink; a place where hospitality runs hand in hand with happiness; and a place you may not have yet visited, but one youll return to time and time again. Today, we experienced the best in Fijian dining, entertaining and generosity of spirit. Tomorrow, well experience it all over again. How lucky are we indeed.

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The deputy has been placed on administrative leave, pending an administrative inquiry according to the Hendry County Sheriffs Office

ABC7 SWFL/Youtube Country Oaks Elementary School in Port LaBelle, Fla., where two 10-year-olds were arrested for a gun sale last week.

A Florida elementary school was locked down last week after a deputys 10-year-old son allegedly sold his deceased fathers handgun to another 10-year-old.

Deputies who work with the childs mother seized ammunition from the backpack of the other 10-year-old, the Hendry County Sheriffs Office confirmed in a series of statements on Facebook.

Investigators learned of the exchange of a firearm allegedly between the 10-year-olds at Country Oaks Elementary School in Port LaBelle, Fla. the morning of March 27, after receiving a call about a suspicious incident, according to the sheriffs office.

After interviewing elementary students at the school, deputies arrested both of the 10-year-olds, who they identified by name. PEOPLE is withholding the childrens names, based on their ages.

The incident had started more than a month earlier, according to investigators.

In early February, the deputys son allegedly agreed to exchange a handgun for $300, according to the sheriffs office.

Investigators allegedly located that handgun in the other 10-year-olds backyard under a shed, Wednesday per the sheriff's office. While confiscating the firearm, investigators allegedly also located a baggie of marijuana weighing approximately 74 grams, per the sheriffs office.

The deputys son was arrested Wednesday and charged with selling of a firearm to a minor, unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a firearm on school property and grand theft of a firearm, according to the sheriffs office.

The other 10-year-old was arrested and charged with sale/purchase of a firearm by a minor, unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a firearm on school property and possession of marijuana over 20 grams.

It's not clear if either suspect has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

In a Facebook statement Wednesday, noting the elementary schools brief lock down, Steve Sheriff Whidden said it was an isolated incident.

I want to assure everyone that at no time were the students, staff and school administration in danger, the sheriff said in the statement.

The two elementary school students were placed in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Google Maps Country Oaks Elementary School in LaBelle, Fla.

The sheriffs office released the photograph of the 10-year-old who allegedly purchased the gun to local outlet, NBC2. The outlet reported that the deputys son is exempt from a mugshot because his mother is a law enforcement officer.

The childs mother  who has not been publicly named  was placed on Administrative Leave pending an administrative inquiry, per the sheriffs office.

PEOPLE identified a deputy with the childs last name, who was listed as a law enforcement officer in a recent sheriffs office Facebook post.

PEOPLE reached out to the Hendry County Sheriffs Office Monday morning, naming the deputy, requesting an update on their internal investigation and any potential criminal charges pending against her, as well as for a comment on the disparity between the released mugshots of juveniles within its office.

The sheriffs office did not respond by the time of publication.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

PEOPLE also reached out to listed numbers associated with the deputy, requesting comment but did not hear back by the time of publication.

In Florida, anyone who leaves a loaded firearm on their premises that is not securely locked with a trigger lock, locked box or other secure area, can be held criminally liable if a child obtains that gun and either possesses it in a public place or uses it in a threatening manner, per the Giffords Law Center.

It was unclear if the gun, which was brought onto the elementary school property, was loaded at the time of the exchange.



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Frankie Muniz Says He Walked Off 'Malcolm In The Middle' Set Due To 'Rude' People

Frankie Muniz says life on the Malcolm in the Middle set was messier than the dysfunctional family the show portrayed.

The former actor is currently on the reality TV series Im A Celebrity Australia, and in a clip from a recent episode posted by news.com.au, Muniz shared a story that no one knows with his cast members about his time on Malcolm in the Middle.

There were two episodes Im not in because I walked off the set, Muniz said.

Everyone was so afraid to stand up when certain people were controlling or rude or disrespectful. Like, they walked on pins and needles.

I remember being so mortified by watching people afraid to stand up for themselves. And Im like, Say something, he continued. I didnt care if they told me I was never going back, because it was worth it to me.

When one of Munizs Celebrity Australia castmates pointed out to him that the show was based around you  so you had that power to walk out without much consequence, Muniz agreed, saying, That helped.

Chris Masterson, Erik Per Sullivan, Bryan Cranston, Muniz and Justin Berfield arrive for the 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2001. The actors rounded out the main cast of "Malcolm in the Middle." Steve Granitz via Getty Images

Although Muniz didnt specify the episodes hes not in, hes credited on all 151 episodes of Malcolm in the Middle on IMDbalongside Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan, who all rounded out the main cast. Muniz was a part of the hit Fox sitcom from its premiere in 2000 to its end in 2006.

HuffPost has reached out to Malcolm in the Middle creator Linwood Boomer for comment.

Recently, Muniz shared that hell never let his son become a child actor.

I would never let my kid go into the business, he told Australian outlet Pedestrian.TV in an interview last month.

And not that I had a negative experience, because to be honest, my experience was 100% positive, but I know so many people  friends that were close to me  that had such insanely negative experiences.

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In December 2022, authorities arrested FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried in the Bahamas. Reports suggested that the US government filed criminal charges against Bankman-Fried, who faced a multi-count fraud indictment. The news of his arrest came almost one month after Bankman-Frieds company filed for bankruptcy. After his arrest, authorities brought Bankman-Fried to the US for the trial.

Sam Bankman-Fried founded FTX in 2019 and became popular among cryptocurrency fanatics. It has been reported that FTX had 1 million users by July 2021. However, a year later, the company encountered a setback when CoinDesk published an article claiming that Alameda Research held a massive FTT, per The Associated Press. The article caused concern among individuals who had invested their money in the crypto market. The outlet also reported that rival cryptocurrency exchange Binance announced that the company will sell its holdings in FTT.

On November 8, 2022, Binance reached a deal to acquire FTX. Citing the letter, The Associated Press noted that FTX faced a cash crunch. However, the deal went off, and Binance refused to acquire FTX. According to ABC News, the fall of FTX prompted federal prosecutors to initiate an investigation against the crypto firm. Meanwhile, FTX filed for bankruptcy, and John Ray III became the new CEO. In his filing, Ray noted that Bankman-Fried used business funds to buy luxurious homes for employees, reported The Associated Press.

Almost a month later, authorities in Bahama arrested Sam Bankman-Fried and charged him with multiple financial crimes. The court reportedly sentenced him to 25 years in prison for multi-billion dollar fraud.

Sam Bankman-Frieds financial fraud case explored

After police arrested Sam Bankman-Fried in the Bahamas, he was charged with financial fraud. The Associated Press noted that Bankman-Fried intentionally cheated customers and investors to make himself and others rich. The publication also mentioned that Bankman-Fried played a significant role in the companys decline. On the other hand, federal prosecutors alleged that the FTX founder formulated a plan to defraud the companys investors.

According to The Associated Press, Bankman-Fried diverted the customers and investors money to cover debts, expenses, and risky trades at Alameda Research. The outlet also mentioned that the FTX founder made several real estate purchases and massive political donations. Subsequently, Bankman-Frieds parents signed a $250 million bond and took him to California. However, in August 2023, the court revoked his bail and sent him to prison.

The judge revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried tried to influence witnesses against him. Citing the judges statement, the outlet suggested that the FTX founder tried influencing trial witnesses and others whose names were not even mentioned in the case. In October 2023, the trial began, and Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the trial, Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison testified against Bankman-Fried, her ex-boyfriend, admitting that both committed financial crimes, reported The Guardian.

FTX founders ex-girlfriend helped in prosecuting him

In her testimony, Ellison noted that she and the founder of FTX committed fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. Citing her testimony, The Guardian also mentioned that Elisson didnt commit any of the above-mentioned crimes alone. She also noted that Bankman-Fried decided to use FTX customer funds to repay loans. Ellison said, I understood that he was telling me to use FTX customer funds to repay our loans.

As per ABC News, Ellison became the star witness in the case. Meanwhile, Sam Bankman-Fried testified in his defense. The trial ended on November 2, 2023, and the jury found Bankman-Fried guilty on all charges. As a result, the court sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

The entire case has been documented in Bloombergs documentary Ruin: Money, Ego, and Deception at FTX.

The post FTX Cryptocurrency Scandal: Who Is Sam Bankman-Fried & What Did He Do? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Hope Hicks, the former close aide to Donald Trump, is expected to testify in the former presidents upcoming New York criminal trial related to hush-money payments to former porn actress Stormy Daniels.

NBC News, citing an unnamed source, reported earlier Monday that Hicks was expected to be a witness for the prosecution. ABC News also reported that Hicks was expected to take the stand.

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Her attorney, Robert Trout, declined comment. A spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hicks was a spokesperson for the Trump Organization in 2015 when, at the start of Trumps bid for the presidency, she served as his campaign press secretary. She later served as communications director in the White House, then left to join Fox Corp. as chief communications officer, before returning to the administration as counselor to the president.

Last year, Hicks met with prosecutors in advance of charges being filed against Trump. He has pleaded not guilty to charges related to falsifying business records, in connection to the payments that were made to Daniels in advance of the 2016 election. Another key witness in the case is expected to be Michael Cohen, Trumps former attorney and so-called fixer. Hicks attorney has previously denied that she was involved in the conversations about the payments.

Trumps trial is scheduled to start April 15.

Prosecutors in the case also have asked the judge in the case, Juan Merchan, to clarify the scope of his gag order on Trump. Last week, Merchan issued a gag order that restricts what Trump can say about prosecutors other than Bragg, as well as about courtroom staff and their family members. Trump has continued to attack Merchans daughter.

This issue is not complicated. Family members of trial participants must be strictly off-limits, prosecutors wrote. Defendants insistence to the contrary bespeaks a dangerous sense of entitlement to instigate fear and even physical harm to the loved ones of those he sees in the courtroom. This Court should immediately make clear that defendant is prohibited from making or directing others to make public statements about family members of the Court, the District Attorney, and all other individuals mentioned in the Order.

Trump has attacked Merchans daughter, Loren, a Democratic political consultant, in an effort to make the case that the judge is biased against him. Trump called her a rabid Trump hater and also posted a news story with photos of her on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump has pointed to X/Twitter social media posts attributed to her, even though a court spokesman said that it was a manipulation of an account she long ago abandoned.

Trumps attorneys wrote in response, President Trumps campaign advocacy on issues that bear on his candidacy, as well as the appearance of impropriety associated with these proceedings that warrants recusal, is not a basis for violating the First and Sixth Amendments yet again by expanding the gag order.

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On Monday (April 1), Interpol announced a free concert at Mexico Citys Zocalo slated for April 20. It will be, according to a press release, the biggest show the New York band has ever played in their career.

We are absolutely electric with excitement to announce that we will be playing a free concert for our Mexican fans  and fans from all over for that matter  at the Zocalo in the heart of Mexico City on Saturday April 20, 2024, the band wrote on their social media in both English and Spanish. Its a dream for us to be able to perform in such an iconic and historic setting! We are gonna give it some ganas, so be there or be square as they say. More information to follow soon.

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Estamos absolutamente electrificados de emocion al anunciar que daremos un concierto gratuito para nuestros fans mexicanos, y de hecho, para fans de todas partes, en el Zocalo en el corazon de la Ciudad de Mexico el sabado 20 de abril de 2024.

Es un sueno para nosotros poder pic.twitter.com/xPQ3OkOdiv  Interpol (@Interpol) April 1, 2024

The announcement was also made by the government and the secretariat of culture of Mexico City in a press conference and on social networks, causing excitement among fans online. On Saturday, April 20, the Zocalo welcomes Interpol, a post-punk band formed by Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler and Sam Fogarino, the post reads. Come sing iconic songs of this New York band like Cmere or Evil in the Zocalo.

This is the second massive show announced so far this year in the Primer Cuadro of the city, following Mexican-American artist Julieta Venegas gig on March 16 to commemorate International Womens Day, when she drew some 80,000 fans to the venue, according to figures from the capitals authorities.

Interpols show in the Zocalo was a rumor that circulated for at least two years, when the group came to the Mexican capital to promote their 2022 album The Other Side of Make-Believe, and even visited the Museum of Mexico City.

The concert will be an opportunity for Interpol to give back to their long and dedicated Mexican fan base for their unconditional support over the years, the bands press office in Mexico said in a statement, referring to the performance as the biggest show of their career.

Mexico Citys Zocalo, where international artists such as Paul McCartney, Rosalia and Roger Waters have performed, is the countrys main public plaza, and the second largest in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing. So far, the group with the largest attendance in the Zocalo has been the Argentine band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, which in June 2023 gathered 300,000 concertgoers, according to official figures, taking the record away from Mexicos Grupo Firme, who in September 2022 gathered 280,000.

Interpol, the trio formed by Paul Banks (vocals and guitar), Daniel Kessler (bass) and Sam Fogarino (drums), has found its most loyal audience in Mexico. Banks, who lived and studied in the Mexican capital many years ago when his father, a top executive in the automotive sector, was temporarily transferred to Mexico, has talked about the loyalty of the bands Mexican fans on several occasions.

The Evil and Obstacle 1 musicians have headlined festivals such as Corona Capital Mexico City in 2019 and Corona Capital Guadalajara in 2023. Last year, they participated in The World Is a Vampire festival alongside the Smashing Pumpkins at the Foro Sol in the Mexican capital. A year earlier, they performed a concert at the Palacio de los Deportes to present their album Marauder.

Formed in New York in 1997, Interpol quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of post-punk, shoegaze and dark wave influences. Their debut album, Turn on the Bright Lights (2002), was critically acclaimed, establishing the band as a major force in alternative music. Over the course of their career, Interpol has released seven studio albums, including The Other Side of Make-Believe.

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Lisa Vanderpump - Credit: Gilles Mingasson /Hulu

Its been a busy year for reality TV veteran Lisa Vanderpump. Not only did she have a hectic summer filming Vanderpump Rules at the height of the shows popularity post-Scandoval, but she also spent months preparing and filming for her latest reality venture: Vanderpump Villa.

After buying a chateau in the French countryside with the purpose of hosting guests in the luxury villa named Chateau Rosabelle, Vanderpump tells Rolling Stone she wanted to film the experience and immerse viewers in a new world outside of Los Angeles. Ive lived in France, I speak French, and I love the whole culture in France. I thought, I can buy this chateau and go back in time to when dinners were lavish and beautiful. Theres this escapism; youre in the middle of nowhere, and we have these guests that come in and just want to escape. You see marriage proposals, celebrations, rebirths, and it was just a lovely idea, she says.

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The show follows the chateaus staff as they live and work together, a conceptual crossover between Vanderpump Rules and Below Deck. The first three episodes of Vanderpump Villa are streaming on Hulu, and new episodes will continue to premiere on Mondays.

The series was greenlit last summer, and according to Vanderpump, she hopped on a plane to start filming Vanderpump Villa in France the day after she finished working on Season 11 of VPR. At a time when the dynamics of her hit reality series on Bravo are shifting because of Tom Sandoval cheating on Ariana Madix with Raquel Leviss and the subsequent fallouts, with the relationships between cast members more delicate than ever, Vanderpump is excited about starting this next chapter with Hulu and Bunim Murray Productions.

How do you think Vanderpump Villa is different from other shows youve worked on?

This show is way more visual than Vanderpump Rules. Also, with Vanderpump Rules, you dont really see the back of the house so much, and you dont see the organization behind the scenes. We dont see this whole immersive experience. The premise of Vanderpump Rules was an existing group of friends that kind of grew up together. This isnt. This is a couple of people who have worked for me before and a couple of people who have been involved with each other before. There were different dynamics, and you put them all together. Theres a lot of positivity and good relationships, but there was also some tension.

Did you have a hand in casting Vanderpump Villa?

Of course, Im a control freak. Something like 5,000 people applied in the first week. There were people who were pretending they were housekeepers who had never picked up a duster in their lives. It was most important to find people who were confident enough to be in that situation because its a bit of a struggle living with 12 people. We thought it should be an interesting mix of people from all walks of life, diversity, and great energy. But most of all, they had to be qualified. I didnt take anybody there to be a reality star. Theyre going to be on television, so of course youre looking for a great recipe of different characters. But we also hosted guests with really poignant things to celebrate, so we couldnt screw up.

Youre not just a producer on Vanderpump Villa, you also appear as a cast member. Why do you think your presence on screen is also important to the show?

Oh, my God, who else would sort that whole mess out? I cant employ somebody [to do my job]. I found the chateau with a vision to buy it before the show was conceived. Then I was inspired and thought, Why dont we do a show about it? It was authentic, and then I thought we should have cameras capturing everything. But I had to be there, otherwise it would be like a yacht without a driver.

You have a longstanding relationship with Bravo and NBC. What was it like to work with Hulu and Bunim Murray Productions on Vanderpump Villa?

It was a different experience. Ive had a great relationship with Bravo, and Ive put myself out there on the line defending them and defending NBC, standing up for them against all this negativity. I had a very positive experience with Hulu, and they really included me in every decision that had to be made, and almost deferred to me. I was like, I really feel the color palette should be this, or I really like this person for this position, or I really think we should do that, and they said, This is about your vision. We want it to be authentic. You create it, and well document it. I had a wonderful relationship with them.

Vanderpump Villa was greenlit last June after news of Scandoval broke. Do you think Vanderpump Rules popularity played a role in helping to move this show forward?

No, that was just incidental. We wanted to do it the year before, but I was on Vanderpump Rules, and we couldnt  I was under contract with them. As soon as I had some freedom, I wanted to do [Vanderpump Villa].

What was your experience filming Vanderpump Villa in France after filming a more tumultuous season of Vanderpump Rules last summer?

This is a passion project; everything I do is a passion project. Its all about my obsession with beauty and creating restaurant experiences, and with the chateau, this show is the same thing. Its about What would I like to see? I would like to travel to France every week and be in a chateau, listen to this music, see the beauty, and then see whats going on behind the scenes. I think the upstairs, downstairs feeling is fascinating. I couldnt be there a lot of evenings because when it was 6:00 in the evening in France, my business and everything Im working on in the United States opened, so I had to be on Zoom and a lot of the time in the evenings I wasnt there. So you see the staff have to run the chateau, and they kind of had more leeway to run amok. I would have to kind of take them to task. I had real guests there. I dont want anybody to think this is a shit show.

Last summer, you filmed VPR under a microscope with fans and paparazzi following the casts every move. How did it feel to go from filming in that capacity to an isolated bubble in the French countryside?

Heavenly. It was blissful. I think paparazzi can get in the way a little bit sometimes because you just want to tell the story, you dont want things leaked here and there. Before Scandoval, we had very few leaks on Vanderpump Rules ever, all the stories were authentically a surprise to the viewer, whereas on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, all those stories would always come out. You almost knew what was going on before you saw it. It wasnt like that on VPR, so thats a pain in my ass. Ive been in London filming with Gordon Ramsay, and to be able to walk down the street without paparazzi is kind of cool. Youre just so conditioned to stepping out the door and hearing cameras clicking, but you want to keep it all fresh so the viewer sees that for the first time.

Youre also just coming off of filming the Vanderpump Rules Season 11 reunion. How was that?

It was enough. I flew back to America from England for one day to film it. There was a lot to talk about.

The cast members dynamics have obviously shifted quite a bit in the last year. Do you think Vanderpump Rules will continue?

Theres always that possibility. I didnt really think wed be here 12 years later when we started, but the story keeps going. When there are existing friendships, it keeps going, and theres lots of things happening. Have we agreed? No. Im here in Vegas for one day. Ive got to go back to London to finish filming with Gordon. Vanderpump Villas been my baby, Im very excited about it. Its very different from anything Ive done. So, I dont know what the future holds. Theres a lot going on. There are three shows going on, and right now, Vanderpump Villa is my utmost priority.

This season on Vanderpump Rules, Tom Sandovals mental health has been a major storyline, and youve also opened up about your own brothers suicide. Why was that something you wanted to highlight?

Ive been involved in suicide prevention with the Trevor Project prior to my brother [dying by] suicide. He was my only sibling so I was devastated. My life will never be the same, Ill never get used to it. Ill never get over it. So when Tom actually said to me, Ive had very dark thoughts. It was too much, I totally understood that. I dont think many people could have gone through what he went through when [news of Scandoval] was everywhere. He was the most hated man in America. What bullshit, you know? What had he done that would give somebody the right to say that? But it was everywhere. It was at White House Correspondents Dinner, it was on CNN, it was on Good Morning America, and I thought it was too much for him. When he said he had dark thoughts, that scared me, so I said to Bravo, I think you need to show the truth of this and what hes thinking. Otherwise, why would I be fighting for him like that? We should always be careful of other peoples [mental health]. Suicide rates are so high, with young men especially, and Im very cognizant of that.

Rachel Leviss decided not to come back to Vanderpump Rules this season. I dont know if youre listening to her podcast?

Im not interested in anything she has to say. Thats the last thing on the planet I would do. Listen, I wished her well, and I was shocked because I didnt think she was the kind of young woman that would be sleeping with her best friends boyfriend. I was shocked but Im always concerned about how [the cast] will do in the future. She called me. I was the only one who spoke to her when we were filming, and I just said, Listen, if you want to come back and tell your side of the story, that would be great. You would be one-on-one with me so you can actually get your word in. She decided not to do that, but I think to continue denigrating the cast [is not right], you know, she was a victim of a circumstance she created.

How does it feel to see Vanderpump Rules alums Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute back on TV on the VPR spinoff, The Valley?

Its great to see people resurging and coming back to [TV]. Ive never been a fan of a couple of those people. Ive been honest about that. Im an executive producer because the show came out of my stable, but Im not that actively involved. Im definitely aware of whats going on, but it isnt my total passion project. Its a great show, and its well thought out, the way they crossover [with VPR] slightly with conversations. I support all that. I think the fans will feel very comfortable watching [The Valley] because they feel like they know these people already.

Do you think theres a world in which there will ever be a crossover between Vanderpump Villa and any of your other shows?

Vanderpump Villa is a different energy. Its not just about the complicated dynamic between the young people, its also about how they do their jobs. Its got a bit of Bridgerton, a bit of upstairs downstairs, a bit of Below Deck, and a bit of Vanderpump Rules, but then a huge amount of uniqueness. But no, I dont want to see people crossing over and jumping in one show out to the other. This is Vanderpump Villa, and it stands on its own, and it will have its own support.

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Lou Contor's family plans to bury him next to his late wife of 45 years, who died in 2016

Kent Nishimura/Getty U.S.S. Arizona survivor Lou Conter stands in the shrine room of the U.S.S. Arizona memorial at the 71st Annual Memorial Ceremony commemorating the WWII Attack On Pearl Harbor at the World War 2 Valor in the Pacific National Monument December 7, 2012 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Lou Conter, the last known survivor of the USS Arizona battleship, which sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor, has died. He was 102.

Conter died Monday morning at his home in Grass Valley, California, following congestive heart failure, his daughter, Louann Daley, confirmed to the Associated Press, NBC affiliate KCRA and CBS affiliate KOVR.

His family plans to bury him next to his late wife of 45 years, who died in 2016, per the AP.

Conter was a quartermaster and was standing on the main deck of the Arizona when the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, per the AP.

"We took a 50-60-hundred-pound bomb alongside the number two turret," Conter previously told KCRA. "It went through five decks in the forward lower handling room and blew the power up there for the number one and number two turret, and the whole bow came up out of the water."

Related: Remains of Ohio Sailor Identified 80 Years After Pearl Harbor Attack, Officials Say

Conter was one of the only 335 officers and crewmen who survived. 1,177 of the ship's crew were killed in the attack, according to KOVR.

According to the AP, the wreckage of the Arizona remains underwater, where it sank. More than 900 marines and sailors are entombed inside.

After Pearl Harbor, Contor served in three wars, flew in 200 missions as a pilot, and was even shot down twice, KOVR reported. He retired in 1967 after nearly 30 years in the Navy, per the AP.

Related: Longtime Friends Separated After Pearl Harbor Reunite 76 Years Later: 'There Was a Fabulous Kiss'

Contor would continue to visit Hawaii and reflect on the attack.

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The 2,403 men that died are the heroes," Contor told the AP in 2022. "And weve got to honor them ahead of everybody else. And Ive said that every time, and I think it should be stressed."

Related: Ken Potts, One of the Last Pearl Harbor Survivors, Dies at Age 102: 'Keep Their Memories Alive'

Conter wanted to make a final trip to Hawaii in December but didn't have the strength, KCRA reported. He had been in hospice for the last four weeks.

There are now only 19 living survivors of the Pearl Harbor, Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, told the AP.

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FILE - Iraqi-born Israeli author Sami Michael, left, is congratulated by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, as he receives an Emet Prize in Jerusalem Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007. Sami Michael, an award-winning Iraqi-Israeli author who was known for writing poignantly about oppressed minorities and the challenges faced by Jews from Arab countries, has died. He was 97. (AP Photo / Jim Hollander, Pool, File)

JERUSALEM (AP)  Sami Michael, an award-winning Iraqi-Israeli author who was known for writing poignantly about oppressed minorities and the challenges faced by Jews from Arab countries, died on Monday. He was 97.

His characters, who were often Arabic-speaking Jews like himself, opened a window into the particular pains and challenges faced by Mizrahi Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, as well as his close relationships with Israeli Palestinians in the mixed city of Haifa.

His characters bridged the divide between Jews and Arabs, said Itamar Drori, a senior lecturer in literature at Israel's Bar Ilan University.

Because Michael was a native Arabic speaker who grew up immersed in Baghdad's rich cultural scene, Michael often felt closer to Arab culture in Israel, especially because Israel's European-influenced Jewish leadership discriminated against Mizrahi Jews, Drori said.

Michael was also critical of Israels treatment of Palestinians and advocated for oppressed minorities.

He served as the president of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel for more than two decades until last September. He expressed his pain and rage toward the injustices in Israel, demanded where justice must be served and instilled in us a spirit of hope for change, the organization said in a statement announcing Michael's death.

Michael was born in a wealthy mixed neighborhood of Baghdad in 1926 and was active in the Communist Party as a young man.

An arrest warrant from Iraqi authorities forced him to flee to Iran in 1948 and then to Israel in 1949, where he worked as a journalist for the party's Arabic-language newspaper in the northern city of Haifa. In 1955, disgruntled with some of the Communist Partys ideology, he left the paper and the party and went to work as a hydrologist with the Israel Hydrologic Authority.

After a writing hiatus of nearly 20 years, Michael published his first novel in Hebrew in 1974, All Men are Equal  But Some are More, recounting the struggles of Mizrahi Jews as they adjusted to life in Israel. In the years after Israeli independence in 1948, newly arrived Mizrahi Jews were forced to live in shantytown transit camps and faced significant discrimination by the countrys European leaders.

He wrote more than 20 novels and childrens books, in addition to plays, essays and cultural criticism. Some of his books were also adapted into movies. He won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for childrens literature as well as many of Israels top literary prizes, including twice capturing the prime minister's prize for Hebrew literature.

The main role of culture is to shine a bright light over ignorance, injustice and corruption, Michael told Israels Haaretz newspaper in 2018. He added that he felt called to take action against Israeli policies that push the country into an abyss, recalling when writers and poets remained silent in Iraq against unjust government dictates in his youth.

Signing petitions was not enough, because without real action on the part of intellectuals and consumers of culture, the whole of society will pay a heavy price, he said.

Later Monday, President Isaac Herzog eulogized Michael as a giant among giants who made our bookshelf rich and spectacular.

Michael is survived by his two children from his first marriage, and his second wife, journalist Rachel Yona Michael, according to Haaretz.
Janelle Brown is not backing down from those who tried to ruin an emotional and intimate moment with unsolicited comments.

The "Sister Wives" star is still grieving the loss of her son, Garrison, who died from an apparent suicide in March. However, her pain did not stop others from making "snarky" remarks about his celebration of life ceremony.

Janelle Brown's Late Son Receives Military Tribute

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Over the weekend, Janelle shared a carousel of images depicting moments from her late son's celebration of life ceremony. The United States National Guard paid tribute to Garrison, a member of their unit, with the folding of an American flag.

The honorary military presentation showed multiple service members paying tribute to Janelle's son inside and outside the ceremony venue. Some National Guard members outside the event held guns as they stood at attention.

Naturally, this was an emotional event that had the matriarch overcome with emotions in one slide. She broke down as she received the folded flag in honor of her late son.

Tearing up by her side was her family, including her ex-husband Kody and his only remaining wife, Robyn, at the end of the row.

Janelle Brown Slammed Critics With Grace

View this post on Instagram A post shared by janellebrown117 (@janellebrown117)

Because the event occurred earlier, pictures from the ceremony had been leaked online, and many took offense to the Brown family's sitting arrangement. As stated, Kody sat next to his only remaining wife instead of Janelle  a crime in the eyes of displeased fans.

These upset individuals aired their grievances on social media, something Janelle didn't enjoy. She slammed the critics with a classy retort, concluding her lengthy caption with the words that read:

"I am sharing some of the photos. Many of you have already seen a lot of these online, often with snarky comments accompanying them. But this was a beautiful moment for us."

The Grieving Mother Remains Grateful

View this post on Instagram A post shared by janellebrown117 (@janellebrown117)

Janelle captioned the emotional carousel with a lengthy message about gratitude, expressing her appreciation for those who sympathized with her loss. She began:

"It's been hard to get my brain to work properly again. I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and support I've received these last three weeks."

The grieving mother continued writing, "The support has been overwhelming. I am honored. So many of you shared stories of your loved ones. So many of you wrote of your thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Although she shared pictures from her late son's celebration of life ceremony over the weekend, Janelle noted the event occurred last Sunday. She added that Garrison "would have loved it" with the Brown family and the U.S. National Guard in attendance.

Fans Rally In Janelle's Corner

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The reality TV star's emotional post touched the hearts of her followers, who vehemently clapped back at every "snarky" commenter. One IG user didn't get the memo, writing, "Poor Kody. He looks utterly shattered. I'm so sorry. I hope you and the family will be ok."

The individual's comment sparked severe backlash, with one fan imploring them to "stfu" if they had nothing helpful to say. Part of the displeased user's message read:

"This IS the definition of snarky. Janelle is grieving the death of her son; she is in pieces, and yet some 'fans' choose to come to her comment section and bring this s up. It's beyond ridiculous and the absolute worst timing."

Another supporter declared: "For every snarky comment, there are many, MANY more people praying that your beautiful family finds peace." A third added:

"Whether you like them, watch them, don't like them, every single member of the family deserves respect. If you can't be kind, don't be directly mean!"

Janelle's Late Son Was Honored By An Animal Shelter

View this post on Instagram A post shared by High Country Humane | Flagstaff, AZ (@highcountryhumane)

Last month, an animal shelter in Garrison's hometown of Flagstaff announced their plans to honor Janelle's late son. Fans of "Sister Wives" may recall the deceased was a huge animal lover and an even bigger cat rescuer.

Because of his love for animals, Garrison's death sparked numerous donations to the animal shelters in his memory. One of the recipients of fans' goodwill was the High Country Humane, which received almost $13k in donations.

"Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Garrison, a friend and an extraordinary cat lover, whose kindness touched the lives of all who knew him, both two and four-legged," the animal shelter wrote on Instagram.

As for their homage to Janelle's late son, they planned to sponsor "all cat adoptions for the rest of the month of March, and naming our Cat Adoption Room in honor of Garrison and his 3 cats, Catthew, Patches, and Ms. Buttons."
JERUSALEM  It gives journalist Matti Friedman no satisfaction to know he was early to realize that a change had come to covering Israel, favoring fixed narratives and activist journalism over a tradition of fact-based reporting.

Friedman, a former reporter and editor at the Associated Press based in Jerusalem from 2006-2011, quit the global news agency after being censored by his editors, and realizing he would have to censor what he and his colleagues knew to be true about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And what was the case a decade ago is more true now, he told me.

The press has been gutted. The bureaus have shrunk, and into that vacuum have come ideological voices, he said. Now Human Rights Watch gives you a report, in English, and you write a story based on that report. And you end up serving as the media arm of the hard left, the world of NGOs.

report-from-israel

This mattered less when the conflict had fallen out of the headlines. But now that the heated war between Israel and Hamas has come to dominate the global news cycle, this shift has dramatic consequences on regional tension amid a frightening spike in anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment around the world.

Examples of this shift abound. A 7,000-word piece in The Intercept cast doubt on a New York Times investigation into the sexual assault and mutilation of Israel women by Hamas on Oct. 7; it was clearly aimed at undermining the credibility of the reporting. Early in the war the Times and others reported that Israel deliberately shelled al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, allegedly killing hundreds  based on information provided by the Hamas-run Health Ministry  and later learning that it was almost certainly an errant shell from a Gazan military group which killed a small fraction of that number. (Google this and you still cannot get any kind of straight answer.)

New York Times original front page headline on a strike at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza

Serial New York Times headlines on a strike at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza

An Israeli military operation at al-Shifa hospital in recent days that captured a reported 500 Hamas and other fighters and killed nearly 200 (a stunning fact that suggests the hospital isnt just a hospital) has received only sporadic attention in The New York Times, with headlines focused on civilian casualties for well over a week before the headline on March 28: Fighting Rages Around Two Gaza Hospitals as Pressure on Israel Rises. Previous coverage seemed skeptical that it even was a military raid, noting in the sub headline of a March 21 article: The military said it had killed dozens of people it described as terrorists. The account couldnt be verified. A second story on March 24 focused on civilian fears at the hospital that relegated the military raid to the 20th paragraph.

The Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha responded: In this case of the [al-Ahli] hospital headline, we published a thorough editors note to explain the lapse. She disputed that the recent Shifa hospital raid was not covered as such. Your question appears to ignore a larger body of coverage of this raid and mischaracterizes the stories referenced  all of which make Israels position, that it is targeting Hamas in a military operation, clear. (I havent found that other coverage, and searched again. There are no images reflecting Hamass presence in the hospital, and though Israel has released names and titles of senior officials captured or killed, they are not included in Times coverage.)

In the midst of this is a full-on vacuum of information about who Hamas is, their rule over 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza and any sense of accountability for their actions in the current conflict.

***

It wasnt that way when I started my career as a foreign correspondent in Jerusalem, working for Reuters during the first Palestinian intifada in the late 1980s. (Yes, dear reader, you read correctly.) At the time, every major American and European newspaper had a correspondent based in Jerusalem. Most of us spent our time on the ground, in the then-occupied territories and Israel proper, covering the lives of Palestinians and Israelis and writing about their complicated and painful realities as well as the political dynamics that surrounded them. We all used both Israeli and Palestinian freelancers to support our work, but they did not replace going into the field to see for ourselves what was happening.

It is very different now. A combination of the decline in newspaper resources for foreign reporting, the rise of an activist strain of progressive journalism and the inability of journalists to report independently from Gaza itself has led to a skewed and often confusing narrative, with a tendency to lean into a simplistic portrait of Israel as an aggressor in this conflict  despite the fact that the country was attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7  and Palestinians as the victims.

Its not that Palestinians are not suffering. They are, hugely, and one cannot diminish the reality of the fate of Palestinian civilians during this conflict. The crushing loss of life, the deprivation of critical resources  from food instability to lacking medical care to the constant stress of living in a war zone  is horrific. No one can ignore or be unmoved by the images and stories that have emerged from Gaza. But reporting on this is more complicated than it appears.

Journalist Matti Friedman (Photo by Sharon Waxman)

I met Friedman, Canadian-born and a longtime citizen of Israel, on a balmy Friday morning at a cafe in Baka, the old part of Jerusalem not far from the Old City. The cafe is on an old street called Bethlehem Road, which in fact points toward Bethlehem. Its a short drive and a distant galaxy from here to the border with the West Bank.

This stuff has been brewing for a while, Friedman said. Its erupted now, but the pieces have been in place. There are activists, and those who are cowed by activists, remnants of the Boomers in the system. Those are the old school journalists, but whats left is a system run by activists.

As Friedman observed, the coverage of Gaza is not coverage of a war, and he wonders why there is so little interest in how Hamas operates in Gaza today to accompany the understandable focus on the suffering of the Palestinian population. If you consume Western media coverage, its not a war, he said. Its a campaign against Palestinian civilians.

Independent journalists cannot enter the strip today, and Gazas side of the conflict is covered by locals  as it was with Gaza before the war. Palestinian stringers are either intimidated by Hamas, or they are Hamas, he said. You can only operate in Gaza if you cooperate with the regime.

This is not evident to many readers who see the coverage. (I got into an extended exchange on X with a pro-Palestinian reader who found this quite impossible to believe.)

The press has been gutted. The bureaus have shrunk, and into that vacuum have come ideological voices Journalist Matti Friedman

The AP has a bureau in Gaza, he noted. Hamas built 750 kilometers of tunnels under Gaza and that was never once worth writing about? The question was rhetorical, as Friedman knew why  a government the U.S. deemed terrorist was in charge. We couldnt cover Gaza properly once Hamas was in control. If you wanted to understand events here you couldnt do it in the mainstream press.

A recent heart-rending piece on the front page of the Times about Palestinian civilians buried beneath the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli air raids in Gaza had four bylines and one contributor credit. None of them was in Gaza, nor did the story point that out.

Said the Times spokeswoman: We report from Gaza when permitted, and continue to work with local journalists in Gaza. To my question about why the Times is not transparent about its inability to report from the ground, she pointed to a one-time note published in December 2023 that explained this in detail. It would be useful to have a link to this note added to stories about Gaza, for those of us who missed it.

Beyond that, an ideological shift in newsrooms has become part of the dynamic affecting reporting on the war. Back in 2014 Friedman wrote an essay in Tablet magazine explaining how his work at the AP was being dictated from above.

During the 2008-2009 Gaza fighting I personally erased a key detail  that Hamas fighters were dressed as civilians and being counted as civilians in the death toll  because of a threat to our reporter in Gaza.

He noted that the policy then and now was not to inform readers that the story was censored unless the censorship was Israeli. The APs Jerusalem news editor reported and submitted a story on Hamas intimidation, he wrote, only to find the story back-burnered and never published.

AP chief of communications Lauren Easton responded that Friedman left the news organization long ago but she did not address the question of censorship. Similarly, in the companys response to his criticism at the time, it noted only: The AP does not report many interactions with militias, armies, thugs or governments. These incidents are part of the challenge of getting out the news  and generally not themselves news.

In response to the question of shrinking coverage and activism seeping into newsrooms, Easton said: This is a completely inaccurate reflection of the work AP carries out in the region every day, and ignores the vast array of coverage AP journalists have produced  coverage that shows the importance of on-the-ground reporting. Our journalists in both Gaza and Israel have covered this story at great personal risk.

The personal risk is undeniable. Reporting on foreign conflict has never been more dangerous. But this other, ideological aspect also bears discussion.

The pushback experienced by Friedman reflects a much broader shift in newsrooms that has been coming for years, and created a generational split among those who favor old school reporting (like me) and younger reporters who believe their values should inform who gets to report on what topics.

Increasingly, institutions are bending to these demands. The firing of New York Times op-ed editor James Bennet over his publishing a column by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, expressing right-wing views that some at the paper found objectionable, is one example. The signing of a manifesto by reporters condemning Israel for genocide is something unimaginable for the previous generation. (In fact The New York Times does not allow such advocacy, and the L.A. Times editor Kevin Merida clashed with his boss, owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, over benching newsroom staff who did so.)

Friedman also pointed out the cancellation of Jihad Rehab filmmaker Meg Smaker, who was inexplicably deemed an Islamophobe for her Sundance documentary about former Islamic radicals in a rehab center in Saudi Arabia. The film was disinvited from every film festival where it was scheduled to go, including SXSW, after that.

From there its a short leap to actual censorship: in recent weeks an essay about the fallout from the war by an Israeli writer and peace activist in the arts magazine Guernica, was unpublished, complete with an apology (yes!) for the mistake of allowing such a creature to be heard.

The media and arts world is clearly in the thrall of a certain ideology, Friedman said. The world is very grey. But the arts world is no longer willing to put up with grey. People want to be in the business of fighting for justice. So instead of covering the circus, they want to be part of the circus.

This black-and-white construction is most nakedly evident on elite American university campuses where the Palestinian cause is just, no matter the atrocities committed by Hamas, and the Israeli response genocidal. The media has begun to reflect aspects of this binary world view.

I asked Friedman what he thought was the biggest misconception Americans have about the Israeli-Hamas conflict. He did not hesitate. Americans think this is a story about inequality, he said. And about their own inequality. They graft their politics onto this conflict. In fact, Friedman said, its about something else entirely: This is a story about the rise of radical Islam  in Iraq. In Syria. Yemen. Algeria. Afghanistan. Parts of Africa.

There are six million Jews here trying to hack it. Making good decisions. Bad decisions. It has nothing to do with whats happening in America. Americans are self-involved.

His comical example is the time Israel rescued two hostages in Gaza on Super Bowl Sunday, and U.S. commenters suggested Israel had used the event as a diversion. Most people in Israel have never heard of the Super Bowl, Friedman said. Its a silly example of a real problem. American think that everything is about them.

Its unclear what the solution is, if there is one. Friedman has become a freelance writer, contributing to The Atlantic magazine and Bari Weisss Free Press publication, which has a strong bent against the media politics of the far left. He prefers staying away from mainstream publications. But he is willing to speak up about what he has seen, as few others are.

Can we fix it?

He shrugged. The tectonic plates are shifting, he said. Its a time to say what we really think.

The post The Tectonic Shift in Media That Changed Perceptions of Israel: Whats Left Is a System Run by Activists appeared first on TheWrap.
Chad Daybell, the husband of Lori Vallow, is set to go on trial in Idaho in the murders of his wife's two children, nearly a year after she was convicted of the same crime in a so-called doomsday plot.

His triple-murder trial is scheduled to start on Monday in Ada County with jury selection. It is expected to last around nine weeks, court records show.

MORE: Lori Vallow Daybell found guilty in murder of her 2 children

Daybell and Vallow were both charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for the 2019 deaths of her children, Joshua "J.J." Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16. Their remains were found on an Idaho property belonging to Daybell in June 2020 following a monthslong search, police said.

The complaint alleges that Daybell, 55, "did endorse and espouse religious beliefs for the purpose of encouraging and/or justifying" the homicides of the two children.

PHOTO: In this Aug. 4, 2020, file photo, Chad Daybell appears during a court hearing in St. Anthony, Idaho. (John Roark/The Idaho Post-Register via AP, FILE)

Vallow and Daybell were both charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Chad Daybell's former wife, Tamara Daybell, who died Oct. 19, 2019, less than a month before Lori and Chad married in Hawaii. Vallow was found guilty of all charges in her trial.

Daybell was also charged with his former wife's murder and with two counts of insurance fraud related to life insurance policies he had on her for which he was the beneficiary, prosecutors said.

Daybell pleaded not guilty to his charges. He faces the death sentence if convicted of murder.

"At this point, we're ready to go forward and he wants to tell his story," Daybell's attorney, John Prior, told ABC Boise affiliate KIVI in an interview ahead of the trial.

"Ive had three years and 10 months to go through all the evidence, to sort of look at what I want to present to the jury, and I'm looking forward to my opportunity to do that," Prior told the station.

It is unclear if Vallow will testify at Daybell's trial. Neither testified in her trial, and her lawyers rested their case without calling any witnesses.

Prior told KIVI "it's always possible" that anyone who is connected to a case could be called, but stressed: "Im not telling you I am or the state or anybody is."

PHOTO: In this May 12, 2023, file photo, Lori Vallow Daybell stands and listens as the jury's verdict is read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho. (Kyle Green/AP, FILE)

Daybell's case will be presided over by the same judge in Vallow's trial, Judge Steve Boyce.

Boyce sentenced Vallow to life in prison without parole for the murders of the two children. The judge had granted the defense's motion to dismiss the death penalty in her case before her trial began.

In handing down the sentence in July 2023, Boyse said Vallow suffers from mental health issues, adding, "Something radically changed in you that led you to where you are today."

A mother killing her children is the most "unimaginable type of murder," he said.

The judge said he didn't think she's shown any remorse for the crimes or for those who searched for her children while they were missing.

MORE: Lori Vallow Daybell found guilty in murder of her 2 children

Vallow, 50, denied murdering her children, saying in court at her sentencing: "Jesus Christ knows the truth of what happened here.  No one was murdered in this case. Accidental deaths happen. Suicides happen. Fatal side effects from medications happen."

Her attorney filed a notice of appeal in the case last year.

PHOTO: In this booking photo released by the Ada County Sheriff's Office, Chad Daybell is shown. (Ada County Sheriff's Office)

Daybell, the author of many religious fiction books, is Vallow's fifth husband. The couple both reportedly adhered to a doomsday ideology, with Vallow at one point claiming she was "a god assigned to carry out the work of the 144,000 at Christ's second coming in July 2020" and didn't want anything to do with her family "because she had a more important mission to carry out," according to court documents obtained by ABC News.

Friends have said Vallow's 13-year marriage to her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, started to deteriorate after she became a fan of Daybell's books, and the two separated in 2019. Their blended family had included Tylee from her third marriage and Charles Vallow's nephew J.J., whom they adopted.

Charles Vallow was shot and killed by Vallow's brother, Alex Cox, in 2019 during a confrontation at her Arizona home. Her brother told police he shot his brother-in-law in self-defense. Police were investigating the claims when Cox himself died months later.

Vallow faces charges alleging she killed Charles Vallow and plotted to kill the ex-husband of her niece. She has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and first-degree premeditated murder.

Murder trial of Chad Daybell, husband of 'doomsday' mom Lori Vallow, set to begin originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
TechCrunch

Elon Musk unveiled a prototype of Tesla's Robovan on Thursday night during the company's We, Robot event in Los Angeles. The Robovan will be an electric, autonomous vehicle roughly the size of a bus, designed for transporting people around high density areas. "We're going to make this, and it's going to look like that," said Musk on Thursday night as the Robovan rolled towards center stage.
We live in an age of nostalgia. From reboots on TV to the resurgence of Y2K fashion, the past is having a moment, and the food world is not immune. Cottage cheese, Jell-O, and even Spam have been enjoying a revival in popularity, while fast food chains have been going back to their roots with retro packaging. You don't have to make special trips to fast food joints or the store to take part in the trend, either. There are plenty of recipes that will remind you of your childhood that you can make at home with the ingredients that are probably already on your pantry shelves.

In the fine dining world, however, innovation is everything, and it can be hard to find retro classics no matter how delicious they are. Luckily, some influential chefs have come forward to champion once-popular dishes that deserve to make a comeback. From a raw meat and egg dish approved by Alton Brown to a pasta dish favored by disco-goers in the '80s, here are some of the old-fashioned recipes that should be featured on fine dining menus again.

Read more: 41 Must Try Hot Sandwich Recipes

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington - L Nunes/Shutterstock

You can tell just by its classically British name that Beef Wellington is an old-fashioned dish. Named after the newly-appointed Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, in 1815, it was made to celebrate his victory over Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo. The dish is made by coating a beef filet or tenderloin in mustard, wrapping it in either foie gras or thinly chopped mushrooms with herbs (called mushroom duxelles), and encasing it in puff pastry. The result is a flaky golden cylinder with striking concentric circles of color bursting with salty, rich flavor.

The dish has been a classic of English cuisine for more than two centuries, but enjoyed its heyday in the U.S. in the mid-20th century when Julia Child popularized it on her cooking show "The French Chef." Richard Nixon was also a fan, insisting that it be served at state dinners. In the ensuing decades, however, Beef Wellington has become associated with this specific era in American history and has taken on an incontrovertibly retro status. And yet, it has its champions. Gordon Ramsay is known for his love of the dish, identifying it as one of his all-time favorite main courses and a dish that would definitely be on his last supper menu. So, the next time you're pondering which show-stopping recipe to produce for your next celebration, imagine Ramsay shouting in your ear about Beef Wellington, and you'll know exactly how to proceed.

Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska - Katheryn Moran/Shutterstock

Frozen desserts were all the rage in the 1800s, and none was as vaunted as the Baked Alaska. Comprised of a cake covered in ice cream encased in meringue, it was a symbol of decadence and cutting-edge refrigeration. Thomas Jefferson is said to have adored an early approximation that consisted of ice cream covered in a pastry shell, but the most popular origin story has to do with America's acquisition of its northernmost state. To celebrate the Alaska Purchase in 1867, the ritzy New York restaurant Delmonico's, presented the dessert to patrons, drawing on recipes like the one Jefferson favored.

The frozen dessert may no longer be as popular as it was in the late 1800s, but there is nothing inherently outdated about it. With a cold, creamy interior, a bed of sponge cake, and a visually arresting meringue shell, it is just as impressive and delicious as it was more than a century ago. Despite its flagging popularity, some chefs have made a point of featuring it on their menus. Daniel Boulud, the French chef and restaurateur with restaurants throughout the U.S., including the Michelin-starred Daniel in New York, has made Baked Alaska his signature dish. For the fifth anniversary of one of his restaurants, he even presented a 7-foot version, producing a blowtorch to perfectly flambe the meringue as onlookers gathered around to take photos.

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara - WS-Studio/Shutterstock

Pasta never goes out of style. Full of delicious carbs and plenty of cheese, it is the kind of dish that will delight just about anyone, from picky six-year-olds to snobby sixty-year-olds who delight in culinary elitism. With its creamy egg-based sauce, salty pieces of guanciale or bacon, and a generous portion of parmesan, pasta carbonara is a classic within a classic category, providing all the cheesy indulgence and saltiness you can wish for. Its origins may date back either to Naples in the 1800s or Rome in the 1940s when eggs and bacon were some of the few ingredients that cooks had at their disposal. Its popularity surged in the 1950s as Italian food became popular in the U.S., but its place on fine dining menus has all but evaporated.

Many pasta dishes deserve to grace the tables of the finest restaurants in the world, but carbonara should be at the top of the list. It may not be complicated to prepare or feature obscure, pricey ingredients, but when made well, it is flawless. Creamy, salty, and elegantly simple, it's no wonder it's one of Rachael Ray's signature dishes and the one her husband insists on having for his birthday every year.

Trifle

Trifle with berries - Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

Classic English trifles date all the back to the Renaissance when they consisted of sponge cake soaked in wine or spirits and served with custard and whipped cream. Eventually, they became a handy way to use up stale cake and usually included fruit as well. The dessert gained particular popularity in restaurants in the U.K. after World War II, becoming synonymous with the era. In the U.S., it was a Southern staple in the 1970s, when cloud-like desserts served in cut glass bowls like ambrosia salad and Watergate salad were considered the height of sophistication.

Not all chefs have relegated trifle to the cringe-worthy past, however. Jamie Oliver embraces the dessert's old-fashioned reputation, publishing his mom's retro trifle recipe and saying that it conjures memories of his childhood. One of the reasons Oliver is so effusive in his praise is that trifles are adaptable and accessible. You can buy all the ingredients ready-made, including custard, whipped cream, and jelly, or you can make the custard yourself, whip fresh cream, and concoct your own jam. Rich but somehow light and airy, this dessert tastes like summer and is one of the best ways to use up leftover cake.

Clams Casino

Clams casino - Robert F. Leahy/Shutterstock

Clams cooked in butter and topped with toasted bacon and breadcrumbs constitute the classic dish known as clams casino. It's delicious and indulgent (just as anything with bacon is) and has a tinge of classiness to it thanks to the clams. In New England, it's an integral part of the regional culinary scene, but outside this part of the U.S., it's nowhere near as popular as it once was. Named after the incongruously named Narragansett Pier Casino in Rhode Island, which was a hotel and resort rather than a gambling establishment, the dish was beloved in the early 1900s, but is now mostly relegated to coastal New England restaurants serving traditional fare.

Though it is not a mainstream dish around the country anymore, it doesn't take much digging to find passionate proponents of clams casino. Chef John Mitzewich (known as "Chef John" to his millions of YouTube subscribers), describes the dish as one of his all-time favorites and "pure food porn on the half shell." Meanwhile, "Chopped" judge Scott Conant has talked about making dozens of them every night during his first restaurant job and the fond memories they conjure (via YouTube).

Steak Tartare

Steak tartare - Da-kuk/Getty Images

At face value, a dish made of raw eggs and raw beef might sound like a recipe for disaster, but in practice, steak tartare is a French classic that chefs have been fawning over for more than a century. Created in the late 19th century in France using raw beef, raw egg yolk, mustard, capers, and other seasonings, it became popular in the U.S. in the 1950s, perhaps due to the surge in demand for French cuisine. Its star faded, possibly as a result of growing concerns over foodborne illnesses following various outbreaks including the 1993 undercooked Jack in the Box scandal that led to an overhaul of the U.S.D.A.'s food safety inspection system.

When made with carefully sourced ingredients, however, steak tartare is every inch the delicacy it was back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a subtle flavor and tender texture, it has a similar appeal to ceviche, but with even more nuance thanks to the lack of fishiness. Alton Brown calls it "hands down my favorite dish of all time," and assures skeptics that when handled and prepared correctly, the meat poses minimal risks (via AltonBrown.com).

Banana Cream Pie

Banana cream pie - Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

These days, it would be strange to walk into the produce section of a grocery store and find that there were no bananas. The fruit is so popular that Americans eat about 26 pounds per person a year (per Statista). But back at the turn of the 20th century, bananas were a novelty, a fruit that still had a tinge of the exotic about it and which chefs and home cooks were still learning how to incorporate into their meals. Banana cream pie emerged as one of the better options. Made with pastry cream and sliced bananas and topped with whipped cream, this classic concoction is rich, sweet, and full of banana flavor without going overboard. Its popularity may have peaked over a century ago, but the formula is just as delicious as ever.

One of the champions of the creamy dessert is Emeril Lagasse, whose larger-than-life onscreen presence, breadth of recipes, and enthusiasm for the culinary arts have been delighting audiences for decades. In all his many recipes, however, his banana cream pie stands above the rest. The chef has become famous for his rich, velvety take on the old-fashioned dessert, first publishing a recipe in his 1993 cookbook "New New Orleans Cooking" and continuing to adapt it ever since.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf - Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

If you were asked to think of the quintessential retro recipe, chances are you'd think of meatloaf. The recipe that we know (and maybe even love) today emerged in the early 20th century, and became a baked-in part of the country's culinary heritage during the Great Depression and World War II when meat scraps and crushed cereal were the best ingredients that many households could afford. Once the financial outlook of the country began to pick up, meatloaf was a beloved comfort food that home cooks and restaurants continued to produce despite the availability of more upmarket ingredients.

These days, the dish has been demoted to a culinary curiosity of yesteryear, the kind of recipe you might serve ironically or as a nostalgic meal that conjures memories of your grandparents. But some chefs are not afraid to tout the merits of this hopelessly old-fashioned dish. According to Jamie Oliver, meatloaf is comfort food at its very best, and a dish that he and his family love. Chef Jean-Pierre, who frequently shares his exuberance for cooking on "The Food Network" and "The Today Show," has a famous recipe that he served in his restaurant in Florida in the 1970s. It was so popular, he claims, that guests would line up outside before the restaurant opened to order their portion.

Cherries Jubilee

Cherries Jubilee - Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock

1897 marked the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria. To commemorate the event, known as the "Diamond Jubilee," renowned chef Auguste Escoffier created a dessert made with one of the Queen's favorite fruits. Cherries Jubilee is a simple concoction with an impressive flourish. All you have to do is stew fresh cherries with lemon juice and sugar until it thickens, add high-proof alcohol, light it on fire, and pour it over ice cream once the flame has subsided. It's the sort of dessert that would astonish even one of the most powerful monarchs in the world but is actually fairly easy to make.

In the 1950s and '60s, Cherries Jubilee was a staple of fine dining establishments, where chefs in white hats would wow their audiences with the open flame. It rarely appears on restaurant menus now, but it does have a few powerful proponents. Wolfgang Puck, for example, has his own take on the recipe in which he calls for sauteing the cherries in butter and caramelized sugar instead of stewing them. Chef and cookbook author Claire Saffitz has also championed the dish, advocating the use of bourbon in order to mimic the flavors of an Old Fashioned cocktail.

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad - Cheche22/Getty Images

Though it can be hard to uncover the precise origins of old-fashioned dishes, the origin of the Waldorf salad is easy. It made its debut on March 14th, 1893 at the Waldorf Hotel in New York, and was created by the hotel's chef Edouard Beauchamp and its celebrity maitre d'hotel Oscar Tschirky. In its original form, it was nothing more than apples and celery dressed in mayonnaise. Over time, however, it was adapted in countless ways. Some versions reimagined it as a purely sweet concoction made with mandarin oranges and marshmallows, while the Waldorf's own recipe morphed into something more sophisticated and savory, with a dressing made of mustard, olive oil, champagne vinegar, egg yolk, and white truffle oil. Even Jell-O jumped on the bandwagon, creating the so-called New Manhattan Salad made of apples, celery, and walnuts suspended in lemon Jell-O and flavored with vinegar. Yum. Out of all these variations, the main components that have stood the test of time are apples, grapes, walnuts, and celery tossed in a mayonnaise dressing.

The salad was a popular feature of fine dining restaurants and suburban kitchens throughout the first half of the 20th century, but lost its luster as chefs began to favor lighter, fresher ingredients. As Chef John from "Food Wishes" points out, it is "a triumph of taste and texture" that has earned its place as one of the few fruit salads that has its own name.

Penne Alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka - Liudmyla Chuhunova/Shutterstock

Many of the dishes that enjoyed a surge in popularity in the 20th century were the darlings of either mid-century housewives or upscale New York restaurants. For penne alla vodka, however, it was disco clubs that led to fame. The recipe might have been invented by a Bolognese chef, a Queens housewife, or a student at Columbia University, but it gained popularity as a nightclub meal in the 1980s. A simple combination of penne tossed in a velvety sauce of tomatoes, vodka, and cream, this dish is so heavenly that, according to Rachael Ray, her viewers used to send her letters claiming to have gotten engaged shortly after serving it to their boyfriends. As a result, she restyled her version of the dish "You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta."

Last time we checked, penne alla vodka is sadly no longer a common feature on nightclub menus, but it deserves to be brought back to restaurants of all levels of culinary excellence. On TikTok, Giada de Laurentiis calls the dish "heaven," and says she loves it because it's simple to make but "always feels so special and glamorous." So, if you can't find a restaurant that's serving this deliciously simple yet dazzling dish, you won't have to work very hard to make your own.

Steak Diane

Steak Diane with potatoes - AS Foodstudio/Shutterstock

In the 1930s, there was nothing quite as sophisticated as a chef standing tableside, igniting a plate of food in a burst of intentional flames. Flambeing was the ultimate sign of a classy establishment, and steak Diane was the classiest recipe for the job. Made with a tender filet mignon dressed in a decadent sauce of Cognac, cream, shallots, and pan drippings, it was popular throughout the '40s and '50s, and was often prepared in front of diners with the all-important fiery denouement.

The dish lost its luster by the end of the 20th century, but its formula remains flawless. A choice cut of beef covered in a creamy sauce that you get to set on fire? Sign us up. Chicago-based Michelin-starred chef and James Beard Award Semi-Finalist John Shields demonstrated just how sorely this dish deserves an upscale comeback when he added it to the menu of his restaurant The Loyalist in 2022, calling it "rich, indulgent[,] and deeply satisfying with every bite" (via InsideHook).

Fondue

Fondue - stockcreations/Shutterstock

If you attended a party or went to a restaurant in the 1970s, you certainly got to enjoy the delicacy of the era: fondue. Serving a vat of melted cheeses with cubes of skewered bread for dipping was practically mandatory around this time, but the recipe dates back much further. Homer's "Iliad" name-checks a recognizable version of the gooey creation made with goat or sheep cheese, wine, and flour. In more recent centuries, it was the almost exclusive purview of the Alps, where a hot mixture of aged cheese, wine, and flour was not only delicious and warming, but also practical during seasons when other food sources were scarce. When the Swiss introduced their national dish to Americans at the 1964 World's Fair, it was a sensation. Several decades later, however, it's gone the way of rotary phones and popcorn ceilings.

And yet, it's hard to ignore the appeal. Pretty much everyone loves cheese, especially when it's melted, and when you turn that into a collaborative experience akin to roasting marshmallows, it's a winning formula. Chefs like Andrew Zimmern aren't afraid to stick their necks out for the dish. "I happen to love fondue," the celebrity chef swooned in a 2021 tutorial on YouTube, explaining that like other products of the '70s, it's ready for a comeback. With the ever-expanding access to different varieties of cheese in the U.S., its potential is greater than ever.

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NEXT WEEK, ON April 8, 2024, a total eclipse will cross parts of North America. The astronomical spectacle is what happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth and completely blocks the sun, darkening the sky during daytime. According to NASA, the eclipse will start in South Pacific Ocean and will cross North America, passing over Mexico, United States, and Canada. Weather permitting, the phenomenon will be visible in Texas before traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, before exiting continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

But as enticing as it is to stare into the sky waiting for the eclipse, looking directly at the sun is never a good idea unless its completely blocked by the moonlike whatll happen this April. Otherwise, stick to proper eye protection in the form of solar eclipse glasses.

Regular sunglasses are not OK to watch the eclipse with, says Kelly Korreck, PhD, NASAs eclipse program manager in Washington, D.C. We are protecting our sight with these simple tools.

Luckily, it isnt too hard to tell which eclipse glasses are safethe International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 certification has set clear guidelines for glasses thatll keep your eyes protected. Korreck says, This is the beauty of a standardthe glasses that meet this standard all should work about the same and protect one of our most valuable toolsour sight.

If you dont want to make your eclipse viewer at homeor use one of Korrecks recommended indirect eclipse viewing methodswe found a slew of solar-viewing glasses that are certified for safety so you can look at the eclipse as it happens. These protect your retinas from permanent eye damage or even vision loss while providing a glimpse at annular eclipses and this years total eclipse, right before the phenomenon hits totality.

Trevor Raab

From bargain buys to sun-spotting binoculars, these are the best solar-viewing glasses and products for protecting your eyes from the suns harmful rays.

Update 3/11/24: In preparation for the total eclipse, the American Astronomical Society has issued a warning about counterfeit glasses. Weve vetted all of the products we recommend here to ensure theyre genuine.

Update 4/1/24: Several retailers and institutions are rolling out special promotions for the upcoming total eclipse, many of which are handing out free eclipse-viewing glasses. Weve outlined some of those below and will continue to update this list before the eclipse itself.

Boost Mobile: Over 160 participating Boost Mobile stores are giving out free pairs of solar eclipse glasses while supplies last. Find a store near you.

Sonic: The fast food chain is giving away free eclipse glasses with the purchase of its new Blackout Slush Float. Available while supplies lastfind your nearest Sonic here.

Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL): The nations most extensive single eclipse outreach program, SEAL, has distributed 5 million solar viewing glasses among 13,000 American libraries. Find your nearest participating library here.

Warby Parker: From April 1 through April 8, all Warby Parker stores are giving away free ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses, custom-designed for viewing the total solar eclipse safely, while supplies last. Find more details here.

The Best Solar Eclipse Glasses

What to Consider

Safety

Solar-viewing glasses, also called eclipse glasses, have specialized lenses that block harmful radiation from penetrating your eyes and protect them from vision issues or even blindness. It doesnt matter how dark or thick those glasses are; regular sunglasses are unsafe to use to look at the sun.

According to Richard Tresch Fienberg, PhD and Project Manager of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force at the American Astronomical Society: such filters are at least 1,000 times darker than the darkest ordinary sunglasses. They not only dim the suns visible light by a factor of 100,000 to several million, but also block potentially harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

The safest solar-viewing glasses carry the ISO compliance label on their packaging. Look for any solar-viewing glasses marked as being in line with the ISO 12312-2 (sometimes labeled as ISO 12312-2:2015) international safety standard. Although ISO sets the standards, a third-party lab tests products against the standardthe ISO does not approve or certify products itself. ISO-compliant sunglasses reduce sunlight to safe viewing levels and block solar UV and IR radiation.

Although the ISO is independent, both NASA and the American Astronomical Society recommend using its approved products. Alternatively, NASA says welding glasses with number 14 shadesconsidered the highest caliber of eye protection for welderscan also be used for viewing the sun.

At no time during an annular or partial solar eclipse is the entire disk of the sun covered, says Fienberg, and even the tiniest sliver of the suns brilliant face cannot safely be viewed directly. Looking at the sun without eye protection risks injury to the retina, the light-sensitive surface lining the inside back of the eye. Our instinct to turn away from intense light protects us from retinal injury.

Even when youre wearing eclipse glasses, dont look through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope as itll amplify solar rays and cause them to burn through the retina.

Extremely bright light causes photochemical reactions in the retinas rod and cone cells, damaging them so that they no longer respond properly, Fienberg says. If the exposure is brief, the injury will heal over time. But if the exposure is too long, the damage will be permanent, leaving you with blind spots.



If your lenses are scratched or torn, throw them awayyou need complete protection to keep those eyes from UV and IR harm. And make sure to wear your glasses before and after the event to reduce the risk of injury.

Style and Budget

Fienberg says that the most common and least expensive eclipse glasses have cardboard frames with lenses made from a thin, metal-coated polyethylene film or a thin black polymer resin, sometimes with a metal coating on one side.

Trevor Raab

Plastic frames with thicker, more durable lenses are slightly more expensive, while 3-by-5-inch handheld viewers made with the same materials as cardboard eclipse glasses are available as well.

Legitimacy

Ebay, Amazon, and other major retailers often see an uptick in counterfeit solar-viewing glasses from third-party sellers in the days leading up to an eclipse. You can find a list of reputable manufacturers at the American Astronomical Societys website. These have been tested by the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force and are guaranteed to protect your retinas from temporary or permanent damage.

While NASA recommends only using ISO-approved eclipse glasses, it doesnt officially endorse any pair. Products labeled NASA-approved or similar rely on marketing tactics to sell safety. Avoid them.

As for trusted brands, Fienberg only recommends U.S. companies that have been around for decades and are likely to be around long after the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses are behind us, specifically calling out products by American Paper Optics and Rainbow Symphony. They both use metal-coated black polymer film manufactured by Thousand Oaks Optical, and most of the resellers on our list get their glasses from either APO or RSincluding some big retail chains such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart.

Eclipse Glasses With Prescriptions

If you wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts, you may be worried about comfort during your eclipse spotting. Denise Hill, heliophysics communications and outreach lead at NASA, has good news for you: Solar-viewing glasses are constructed to work with existing frames. Eclipse glasses are meant to be worn over prescription glasses or contacts, Hill says. They are not for viewing, but rather, they act as a shield.

For those with eyeglasses, consider grabbing a larger pair of eclipse glasses or even solar binoculars to assist.

Counterfeits

The AAS released a statement on March 11, 2024, advising spectators to be mindful of bad actors making a fast buck off this phenomenon. The closer we get to the eclipse, the more questionable products will flood the market, even at retailers like Walmart and Amazon. We've cross-examined every pick below with the AAS's reputable manufacturers list to ensure legitimacy, but if you're buying a pair of eclipse glasses elsewhere, please do the same.

Note that some overseas manufacturers may print the name of a trusted American manufacturer on their viewers. Some may even open fake storefronts and share that brand name with Amazon or a third-party retailer. The best way to verify if your glasses are legit is to follow the guidance of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force.

How We Evaluated

To find the best solar eclipse glasses, we followed advice from authorities in astronomy and well guidance from NASAs eclipse safety webpage and Senior Advisor to the Executive Officer and Project Manager for the American Astronomical Society Richard Tresch Fienberg, PhD. Our list consists of glasses from reputable manufacturers according to the American Astronomical Society, plus two alternatives to traditional solar-viewing glasses: binoculars for strong magnification and a pair of welders glasses for a sturdier build.

Our initial guide to solar eclipse glasses awarded Rainbow Symphonys plastic Solar Eclipse Glasses our Best Overall distinction due to its frequent recommendation from space experts, critics, and the experts we spoke to. The glasses have since sold out. So, in our latest update, we gave American Paper Optics the top spot due to the acclaim above and its availability.

Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved - Made in the USA (2 Pack)

If you just need a simple two-pack of solar eclipse glasses, these ones from Soluna are excellent. Theyre an AAS-approved North American dealer and are ISO-compliant. Theyve also been inspected by Amazons authenticity program, which assures they arent a counterfeit pair sold at the retailer.

Shop Now Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved - Made in the USA (2 Pack) amazon.com $14.99

Plastic Eclipser HD Glasses

This plastic pair from American Paper Optics is our best overall choice due to its frequent recommendation from critics and experts we spoke with. Although relatively pricey, its sturdy build is scratch-resistant plastic, making it easy to carry like traditional sunglasses. It also includes a carry case.

The brand claims it blocks 100 percent of harmful ultra-violet, 100 percent of harmful infrared, and 99.99 percent of intense visible light. Several user reviews say they work well, with some even saying they can be comfortably worn over regular glasses.

Shop Now Plastic Eclipser HD Glasses eclipseglasses.com $29.00

Solar Eclipse Glasses with Photo Filter (10-Pack)

The American Astronomical Society lists Kesseph as a trusted North American importer. Unlike others on this list, it packages its solar eclipse glasses with a paper filter for smartphone photography. The filter is placed over your smartphone camera lens so as not to damage its lenses through magnification and capture that perfect shot.

The company sells its glasses in packs of 2, 4, 5, 50, 75, and 100, making them a great bulk buy as well. Many user reviews of packs purchased in the last few weeks have claimed theyve been tested for safety, too.

Shop Now Solar Eclipse Glasses with Photo Filter (10-Pack) amazon.com $9.98

Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses (4-Pack)

Given their materials, plastic solar-viewing glasses can get pricey. You can cut costs by going the cheapest route possible: paper. As effective at blocking harmful sun rays as their more robust counterparts, American Paper Opticss solar eclipse safety glasses are thin, compact, and easily fit into your pocket. You can grab a single pair for $1 and save even more by bundling up to 4, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1,000.

Of course, paper has its drawbacks. For one, it wont hold well in transport and can easily get creased and bent. Some folks also might throw them out after a single use. Still, these are the way to see an eclipse for the cheapest price possible.

Shop Now Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses (4-Pack) bhphotovideo.com $7.99

10x25 EclipSmart Solar Binoculars

Celestrons EclipSmart binoculars offer enough protection to safely view and magnify the eclipse without damaging your retinas. The binoculars are ISO 12312-2 compliant and have permanent glass solar filters, as theyre built specifically for viewing the sun. This makes them safe to peer at the sun through but also virtually unusable for any purpose other than watching sunspots.

If you seek something stronger than solar-viewing glasses, reach for a pair of these. As always, when purchasing a pair of binoculars, the first number represents magnification power while the second indicates the lens diameterthe higher the number, the clearer, though less stable, the image.

Shop Now 10x25 EclipSmart Solar Binoculars amazon.com $37.99

Welding Glasses with Black Frame and Shade 14 Lenses

If youre looking for a pair of glasses sturdy enough to survive years of use, reach for this pair of welding glasses from Phillips Safety. These are rated shade 14 for the highest level of eye protection. The AAS says that shade level 12 or higher is safe for viewing the eclipse. They also meet all ISO 12312-2:2015 standards for direct solar observation. They block 99 percent of UV light, 97 percent of IR radiation and only allow a transmission of roughly 0.0003 percent of visible light through them.

These are pricier than other eclipse glasses on our list, but theyre also sturdier than other plastic picks. Plus they offer some side shading, so they aid in protecting your peripheral vision as well.

Shop Now Welding Glasses with Black Frame and Shade 14 Lenses rx-safety.com $29.99

Fitover Solar Eclipse Glasses With Shade 14 Lenses

Although you can place a pair of paper solar eclipse glasses over your prescriptions, youll probably be uncomfortable. You dont have to fight the wind (or look goofy) by wearing glasses over glasses. Instead, reach for these goggles from Phillips Safety.

Like the above pair, these are rated shade 14 for the highest level of eye protection, which the AAS approves. They block over 99 percent of UV light and 97 percent of IR Radiation, plus they have a comfy nose pad, rubber temples, and side shields for a comfy, safe fit. Though pricey, theyll last for years.

Shop Now Fitover Solar Eclipse Glasses With Shade 14 Lenses rx-safety.com $49.99

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Jordan Brands summer slate of sneakers is expanding to include a brand-new colorway for the Air Jordan 5.

The Air Jordan 5 Sail features a tonal look made up of off-white shades. The namesake color forms the leather upper, while Coconut Milk and Light Orewood Brown accents include the signature midfoot netting, lace toggle and eyelets. Small hits of black include the branding, lining and the midsoles speckled shark teeth motif. Translucent, off-white rubber is used for portions of the outsole, and the tongue features exposed foam to cement a vintage aesthetic.

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Although this edition of the Air Jordan 5 is new, the model is no stranger to Sail treatments. An Off-White collaboration from 2020 made heavy use of the color along with more dramatic appeals to faux-aging and circular windows that designer Virgil Abloh encouraged wearers to cut out. DJ Khaled also featured the shade on his own Air Jordan 5 collaboration in 2022, while a similar look to this years release can also be found on the Craft Light Orewood Brown variant from 2023.

Sail is also the third version of the Air Jordan 5 to release this year, following Lucky Green in February and the first-ever reissue of the Olive pair from 2006 in March.

The Air Jordan 5 Sail will release April 13 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $210.

Air Jordan 5 Sail

Air Jordan 5 Sail

Air Jordan 5 Sail

Air Jordan 5 Sail

Air Jordan 5 Sail

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. Hes previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that ball is life and doesnt fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

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This Airline Wants to Set You Up With a Fellow Passenger

Just kidding.

Hordur Sveinsson/Courtesy of Icelandair

Romance is in the air  literally  thanks to Icelandairs newest plan to set passengers up on in-flight dates.

The airlines foray into dating app territory will match willing passengers and seat them together to see if sparks fly at 30,000 feet. Except the new feature may be just too good to be true since its actually an April Fools prank.

To pull off the joke, Icelandair set up the elaborate dating service through its app, the airline shared with Travel + Leisure, inviting travelers to opt-in to be matched for their next flight. Only when they do, the airline reveals the joke.

Courtesy of Icelandair

Sorry, we couldnt resist, a message on Icelandairs app reads. Today is April Fools' Day. Its a tradition to play pranks on this day. April Fools Day is a celebrated tradition in Iceland, and (too) many Icelanders are born pranksters. We felt the need to share this side of the spirit of Iceland with our passengers, and hope that this cheeky little prank made you smile.

While matchmaking isnt exactly in the cards, Icelandair is taking savings seriously by allowing anyone who was duped by their April 1 prank to spin a wheel for the chance to win up to 20,000 of the airlines Saga Points (for real this time). These points can be used to book flights or even make onboard purchases.

The inspiration behind the prank comes from Icelands long-standing tradition of April Fools jokes, the airline told T+L. In fact, the goal is to make people go to lengths just to fulfill the prank criteria, which the airline said we accomplished just that.

Icelandair flies between Europe and several major cities in the United States, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and beyond. The airline also offers a free stopover program, allowing travelers to spend a few days in Iceland at no extra cost before continuing to their final destination.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
A warm crock of French onion soup is a cozy, hearty dish that you can enjoy as an appetizer or as a meal in itself. In its simplest form, it's made with caramelized onions in a broth that's topped with baguette slices and cheese, but it's rooted in technique and contains plenty of ingredients that give the broth its signature taste. According to tradition, there's only one cheese for this soup that stands above the rest: Gruyere.

While other cheeses are sometimes substituted, Gruyere is earthy, mild, and slightly nutty, ultimately making it the perfect complement to the rich flavors in the broth. Gruyere hails from Switzerland, and it's beloved by well-known chefs and food connoisseurs alike  even Anthony Bourdain recommended it in this soup. Plus, it melts easily, so whether you're slicing it in a single layer or freshly shredding it, this cheese bubbles and browns to perfection the moment it's placed under the broiler.

Read more: 15 Tips For Making The Best Meatloaf

Gruyere Cheese Is Best For French Onion Soup

Blocks of Gruyere cheese - barmalini / Shutterstock

This cheese is named after the small town of Gruyeres, Switzerland, but it's popular in this particular dish due to the town's proximity to France. If you want the most traditional and authentic variety of this cheese, then you need to use the kind labeled Gruyere AOP. That name denotes a cheese made in the Swiss region of origin that follows all of the same preparation styles and techniques as traditional Gruyere.

To be even more specific, look for a fairly young Gruyere AOP for your soup, preferably one that has only aged about six months. That's because this cheese dries out as it ages, so to achieve the meltiest texture, look for one that's only a few months old. Avoid packaging with terms like reserve, surchoix, or vieux, all of which indicate that the cheese is at least 10 months old. If those are all you can find, though, they'll work  they'll just have deeper flavors and will be more difficult to melt (this is also why aged cheese isn't the best idea for your mac and cheese sauce).

Gruyere's History In French Onion Soup

Close-up of French onion soup - Toasted Pictures / Shutterstock

Of course, it's not mandatory that you use Gruyere cheese in your French onion soup  that's just the way it was originally made. According to legend, the smell of Gruyere helped conceal the scent of alcohol, so hundreds of years ago, those who had a little too much to drink would make soup topped with Gruyere in order to hide their night out. This soup-and-cheese pairing was also just convenient; since the soup originated in France, Gruyere was a perfect match, as it was produced just over the border in Switzerland.

Although Le Gruyere AOP is popular in French onion soup, there are actually two different types of Gruyere: Swiss and French. The latter differs from its Swiss cousin in that it has a slightly sweeter flavor. Visually, it also has small holes in it that aren't present in the Swiss. Different varieties of French Gruyere include Comte and Beaufort. Both would technically work in French onion soup, but the Swiss variety is more common.

Read the original article on Daily Meal
If you were to think of the stereotypical bourbon drinker, you'd probably imagine something like a rugged frontiersman or its modern equivalent. But bourbon isn't just for the boys and distilleries are starting to realize that as demand from women for bourbon grows. When we were at the Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Fest's Michter's tasting, hosted by The Dilly Club, we asked Michter's master distiller Dan McKee what he thought a common misconception was about bourbon that should be cleared up.

"[It's] a common misconception I feel has already been debunked, but American whiskey, bourbons and ryes, are for everybody," McKee said. "It's not just for guys, it's for everybody." For one reason or another, bourbon's harsh bite and complex notes of oak and caramel were thought to appeal only to men -- but these old-fashioned views are disappearing. And, in fact, increased market demand from women has grown alongside the rise of craft bourbons.

"And I speak from experience because even when I am doing events, it's not just all guys showing up," McKee continued, "It's a mixed crowd now, which I find the most enjoyable." Thankfully, long gone are the days when bars had a separate entrance for women. They have also moved on from being predominantly male spaces, and women are now welcomed everywhere, and the bourbon world is no different.

Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

For Women, By Women

woman drinking whiskey - Solstock/Getty Images

It isn't just that women are buying more bourbon these days, they're distilling it too. There's a substantial rise in woman-led spirits brands that include several whiskeys. For McKee, women in bourbon distilling isn't something new. "One of my early bosses, when I worked for a different distillery, one of my supervisors, she was a woman," McKee told us. "Then I trained and mentored under Pam Heilmann, who was the distillery manager at Jim Beam's largest distillery. And then when she joined Michter's, she eventually became the second master distiller where I worked under her. I learned a tremendous amount of the art of distilling, but so many other things, of course, go into this, so I owe a lot to that."

If anything, the trend of women in bourbon distilling is increasing as women begin pushing new boundaries with bourbon debuts that question traditional ideas about what a bourbon can be. McKee was excited about the many talented women he has worked with. "Now I work with Andrea Wilson, she's our COO and also Master of Maturation. She is a master chemical engineer. She was inducted in 2022 to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, which is a huge honor in Kentucky distilling, so she's amazing. And also she's a great teacher. Both Pam and Andrea are both great teachers, and we also have a lot of great team members coming up."

Read the original article on Tasting Table
The vast, varied landscapes of Brazil are home to creatures like the jaguar, the spider monkey, and the maned wolf. These three eco-lodges are leading preservation efforts to help the animals make a comeback.

Carmen Campos A bird's-eye view of the Cristalino River, in the southern Amazon.

Going up the Amazon River, it was easy to imagine the world was still brand new, untouched by progress or technology. Our little boat was like a time machine, the millennia falling away beneath the bow. This must be how things were at the beginning, I thought, before the arrival of mankind.

Birdsong rang from the jungle. A half-submerged caiman, the South American cousin of the alligator, watched us from the shadows of the bank, only its eyes visible. A giant river otter surfaced with a half-eaten fish. Spider monkeys, dancing through the trees, suddenly stopped to gaze down at us.

Amazonia, the famed 2.5 million-square-mile rainforest, is never just a destination. In the popular imagination, its an image of prelapsarian wilderness  and the manifestation of our environmental nightmares. According to satellite data, an estimated 110,000 square miles of rainforest in Brazil (an area the size of Nevada) have been lost this century so far, much of it to monoculture agribusiness. And the pace of deforestation, which had been slowing, spiked under the administration of the anti-conservation president Jair Bolsonaro, which lasted from 2019 to 2022.

Carmen Campos Taking in the Cristalino River, in the Amazon rainforest; webs woven by social spiders in the Cristalino Private National Heritage Reserve.

But I had come to Brazil to explore a more hopeful narrative, to learn how conscious travel can be a tool in the pursuit of habitat protection and wildlife conservation. I visited three eco-lodges that run preservation programs in the countrys most vulnerable habitats: the central Cerrado savanna, the southwestern Pantanal wetlands, and the sprawling Amazon rainforest. At each property, surrounded by natural beauty, visitors are encouraged to learn about and help protect these remote biosystems and the species that live there.

The Cerrado Grasslands  Pousada Trijuncao

The Cerrado is a vast, empty-seeming place  largely forgotten, even by Brazilians. A tropical savanna, it is the second largest habitat in Brazil after the Amazon and, depending on how its measured, accounts for roughly a fifth of the countrys landmass. Amid vast skies and limitless horizons, empty sand roads run mile after mile.

But there is nothing bleak about the wildlife in this remarkable environment. The World Wildlife Fund has named Brazils Cerrado the most biodiverse savanna in the world, with 11,000 plant and 200 mammal species, 20 of which are endemic. Yet for all its biological riches, the area is under threat, disappearing at twice the rate of the Amazon forest. Industrial farming, chiefly for soybeans, has seen exponential growth in the past 25 years, supported by the use of harmfully high levels of lime and phosphorous fertilizers. Only about a fifth of the Cerrados original area remains intact. Some experts fear the grasslands may disappear completely in the coming generations.

Carmen Campos The lounge at Pousada Trijuncao, in the Cerrado savanna; on an evening game drive, guides at Fazenda Trijuncao scan for maned wolf tracks.

One leader of the conservation efforts here is Fazenda Trijuncao. The fazenda  the word means ranch or farm in Portuguese  supports environmental projects that preserve the surrounding landscape and explore nondestructive agricultural practices, such as growing fruit trees and implementing sustainable grazing patterns. It also runs Pousada Trijuncao, a seven-room lodge that, in addition to providing employment for locals, is drawing travelers attention to the Cerrado and its wild inhabitants.







"The most iconic and elusive star of the Cerrado is the maned wolf. With its long legs and reddish fur, this remarkable creature looks more like a small deer than a canine. There are thought to be only 17,000 adults left in South America, a number thats diminishing all the time."







Pousada Trijuncaos clay airstrip can be reached by an hourlong flight directly from Brasilia. Stylishly constructed from sustainable materials, the lodge has the feeling of a sleepy outpost, a place of hammocks, home cooking, and the worlds best caipirinhas. The rooms are quirky  decorated with plants and art by local artisans  yet still feel luxurious. The propertys hot water is heated by solar energy. On languorous afternoons, I watched swallows dive over the surface of the swimming pool as guinea pigs scampered around the courtyard. In the early mornings, I climbed to the top of the sites observation tower with ornithologist Vinicius Vianna to scout fabulously colored birds: red and green macaws, peach-fronted parakeets, and toucans.

But the most iconic and elusive star of the Cerrado is the maned wolf. With its long legs and reddish fur, this remarkable creature looks more like a small deer than a canine. There are thought to be only 17,000 adults left in South America, a number thats diminishing all the time; 90 percent of those are in Brazil. The primary threat to their survival is shrinking habitat. The Cerrado remains one of their chief domains, though they are also found in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru. Few people have seen the maned wolf, but its smell may be familiar to many  the scent of their urine markings is commonly mistaken for cannabis.

Carmen Campos Enjoying a swim in Pousada Trijuncao's outdoor pool.

Tracking and recording the wolves behavior is the focus of a project run by Oncafari, a Brazilian conservation NGO that has partnered with Fazenda Trijuncao. At dusk, I set off in a jeep through low scrubland with two Oncafari guides, Barbara Couto and Isabela Meniz.

They are generally solitary creatures, Meniz said of the maned wolves. And when they mate, both sexes are monogamous. But Nhorinha, an alpha female in the area, refused to be tied down by the conventions of her species. She has taken at least three partners that we know of, Couto smiled. We like her.

Related: This Brazilian Beach Destination Is a Quieter, Laid-back Alternative to Rio de Janeiro



Couto and Meniz tracked Nhorinha by the signal of her radio collar. When they spotted a line of paw prints in the soft sand, we followed them deeper into the Cerrado, under a lowering sky that gave off a strange, pewter-tinged light. A pampas deer came into view, still as a statue in the long grass, before starting and bounding away. A stygian owl perched on a branch, waiting for dark.

Carmen Campos A guide at Fazenda Trijuncao preserve scans for birds in the Cerrado savanna.

The three of us continued for an hour while the dusk thickened until suddenly, as we came around a bend, there she was. Nhorinha trotted ahead of us: long-legged, elegant, slender, her tail a flash of white. In that gray, uncertain twilight, she might have been a ghost. She stopped in the track and turned to look over her shoulder. For a long moment, those haunting eyes looked straight at our vehicle, assessing us. And then she disappeared, the road suddenly empty.

Several months after my trip, I received tragic news from Couto and Meniz. Nhorinha was gone; she and two of her pups had drowned in a drainage ditch on neighboring farmland. The Oncafari team was devastated. But that same month, the researchers made a new discovery. On their usual rounds, they spotted Savana, Nhorinhas two-year-old daughter, with three new cubs. The wolves teach us to be resilient, Meniz said when I spoke to her on the telephone. And to never lose hope. Their work at Pousada Trijuncao feels more vital than ever.

The Pantanal Wetlands  Casa Caiman

Heading to another vulnerable region, I flew south in a small plane, landing on the edge of a lake deep in the Pantanal. The waters surface shone in the bright sunshine and trees threw intricate shadows on the ground. The day felt fresh and full of promise.

Carmen Campos Sundown at Caiman, an ecological reserve in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands.

Threaded by meandering rivers, the Pantanal is a wetland thats 16 times larger than the Florida Everglades. In the wet season, when the streams break their banks, much of the regions savanna and scrub floods, and many animals migrate to wooded islands marooned among the sheets of shallow water. The biodiversity is astonishing  the species list consists of more than 600 birds, around 100 mammals, and myriad reptiles and amphibians. unesco has declared it a Biosphere Reserve. But curiously, the Pantanal is also ranching country. For well over 200 years, herds of white cattle, weathered corrals, and cowboys on horseback have coexisted, a little uneasily, with teeming wildlife.

In the mid 1980s, conservationist Roberto Klabin inherited some of his familys ranchland, ultimately amassing the 131,000 acres in southern Pantanal that make up the Caiman ecological reserve. Part of the property has been fenced and set aside as a government-protected nature preserve, but most of it remains open, allowing cattle to continue living on the land.

At the south of the estate, the 18-suite Casa Caiman welcomes travelers with an aesthetic poised somewhere between western chic and Caribbean luxury. Sand-yellow walls and rust-red rooftops help the buildings blend naturally into the surrounding landscape. The bedrooms and living rooms are spacious and uncluttered; there are leather armchairs to sink into, sprawling sofas, piles of books about Brazilian wildlife, and decorative details from Andean textiles to contemporary art.

Carmen Campos Guests at Casa Caiman take a sunset canoe tour in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands.

Over a meal with my guide, Murilo Frasao, the conversation spanned a hyacinth macaw rescue program, the sex life of capybaras, and the sticky tongue of giant anteaters  two feet long and able to flick in and out 150 times per minute. He told me about jaguar lore, including the traditional Indigenous belief that the big cats carry the souls of deceased shamans. Then we gathered our binoculars and cameras and headed out.

As we drove north on a red dirt road in Caimans open jeep, Frasao explained that ranchers and jaguars have clashed violently for more than two hundred years: the jaguars killed cattle and the ranchers hunted jaguars. A 1967 ban on hunting initially did little more than convert hunters into poachers. But half a century on, jaguars are now seen as contributors to the local economy. Wildlife tourism has brought quality jobs, infrastructure improvements, and funds for education and health facilities. A compensation program run by Caiman helps mitigate livestock losses. At the same time, conservation efforts have helped increase the populations of the jaguars natural prey, alleviating their need to hunt cows. Some poachers in the Pantanal have opted for a career change: now, theyre sought-after guides.

Carmen Campos Scouting for wildlife in the early morning atop Cristalino Lodge's observation tower.

These efforts come at a much-needed time for the cats. Few people in South America have actually seen a jaguar in the wild  famously elusive, their numbers are in decline. As jaguar territories from northern Mexico to Argentina continue to shrink because of human activity, their population is thought to be down by 25 percent since the 1990s. But there are approximately 3,000 to 5,000 jaguars in the Pantanal  a relatively high concentration. That, plus the gradual introduction of radio tracking collars starting in 2011, now makes the Pantanal one of the best places in the world to see them.

As Frasao and I scanned a watery bank lined with broom sedge, we could see vultures turning slowly in the sky. We left the road and drove through yellow-green grass toward the birds, scanning the horizon with binoculars. Before us, pink clouds were rising like loaves in the late-afternoon heat. Four balletic rheas  South American cousins of the ostrich  passed, their feathers flouncing like tutus. A giant anteater appeared, heading for a termite mound, its long hair trailing like an elaborate Victorian gown. Then, through the vegetation, the silhouettes of jaguars appeared. We approached downwind, gradually bringing the vehicle closer. A mother and two cubs were feeding on the carcass of a cow, probably killed earlier that day. The guide knew them. The mother was Surya, born in 2018; her cubs, probably six months old, were Jeronimo and Juba.

Carmen Campos Surya, a female jaguar in the Caiman ecological reserve, wearing a GPS tracking collar.

When the three cats had eaten their fill, they retreated to lie in the grass, resting, snoozing, playing. The cubs tumbled over one another, and then tumbled over their mother, until they tired and fell asleep suddenly, like toddlers. After a rest, they returned to the feast, ready for the next course.

We left them in the failing light and went home on a dark road, listening to the nighttime chorus of droning insects and frogs. With the cooling air, aromas assailed us in the open vehicle: some sweet, unnamed blossom; animal dung; the rich smell of earth.

Related: Sao Paulo Has Become Brazil's Most Stylish City

Later we went to an evening churrasco, a barbecue organized by ranch hands. Sides of beef sizzled over an open fire, pitchers of rough red wine were produced, and a country band  guitars and an accordion  sang about love and loss. It struck me that these vaquieros, or cowboys, are as much a part of this landscape as the jaguars. Now, with a little help from conservationists and an income supported by conscious tourism, they are learning to share it.

The Amazon Rainforest  Cristalino Lodge

My final destination in Brazil was the Amazon  specifically, the Cristalino Private National Heritage Reserve. Created by the conservationist Vitoria Da Riva Carvalho, the sanctuary stretches across more than 28,000 acres and, together with the neighboring Cristalino State Park, is one of the most important areas of biodiversity in the entire rainforest. Between 2006 and 2008, a research program there logged 1,356 different plant species, including six that had never been recorded before.

Landing in the town of Alta Floresta following two short flights from Sao Paulo, I was met by a 4 x 4 that took me north on dirt roads, past logging camps and fields. Eventually the rickety ranch houses and agriculture fell away and trees began closing in on all sides. At the Teles Pires River, there was a small boat waiting. We headed upstream between thick banks of jungle; an hour later, I sat down to a sumptuous lunch in the open-sided dining hall of Cristalino Lodge.

Carmen Campos From left: Locally sourced acai bowls by chef Fabio Vieira at Cristalino Lodge; horseback riding at Caiman, an ecological reserve in western Brazil.

Spread out among flower beds and forest paths, the lodge is a collection of small bungalows, with hammocks strung on the porches. The furnishings are comfortable rather than stylish, perhaps because the point isnt to lounge inside  visitors are assigned their own naturalist guide for twice-daily forest treks and river trips.

In the predawn air at breakfast, I could hear howler monkeys whooping three miles away; their call is said to be one of the loudest sounds in nature. In the evenings, I listened to the call of the tiny Snethlages marmoset: so discreet, so delicate, it sounded like birdsong. On the hikes, everything I saw, from the rare tree frogs to the legions of ants and the butterflies the size of dinner plates, was part of an ecosystem of astonishing complexity.







"Going up the Amazon River, it was easy to imagine the world was still brand new, untouched by progress or technology. Our little boat was like a time machine, the millennia falling away beneath the bow. This must be how things were at the beginning, I thought, before the arrival of mankind. "







But it was the river I loved, the boat excursions upstream and down. People fall for rivers, and I had fallen for the Cristalino  the boat gliding over the surface, the trees trailing branches seductively in the current, the endless soundtrack of shrieks, croaks, and whistles. I loved the way the eddies and currents of the water were burnished with light at midday, and the way the mirrored surface of reflected cloud and blue sky made it feel as if we were in midair, flying.

Carmen Campos A walk amid ancient Brazil-nut trees in the Amazon rainforest; spider monkeys in the treetops at the Cristalino reserve.

On my last morning, I headed upriver with a guide. We passed capybaras standing belly-deep in the shallows. Through the leaf cover, I spotted a tapir, almost twice the size of a pig. By an island bank, we pulled the boat in to examine a massive anaconda, as thick as a mans thigh, coiled around itself. We spotted a river otter fishing, gliding through the water, then hauling itself out on a half-sunken log to eat his breakfast catch, so close we could hear the crunch of fish bones.

In the trees along the banks were families of white-cheeked spider monkeys. Endemic to Brazil, they are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A study in 2008 discovered that their numbers had decreased by 50 percent in the span of just three generations because of hunting and habitat loss from deforestation, road construction, and soybean production. The Cristalino reserve has become a lifeline for this species, allowing them to exist there unthreatened by further encroachment. The monkeys swung down through the branches like a circus act, their tails acting like a fifth limb. A tiny youngster gazed wide-eyed at us through the leaves, his brow knitted in an expression of puzzlement. We were almost certainly the first humans he had ever seen.

Related: Salvador's Afro-Brazilian Culinary Culture Is Thriving

We even spotted a hoatzin, a bizarre-looking crested bird that seems more at home in a Jurassic world of dinosaurs than the present day. Hoatzin hatchlings have claws on their wings, like the archaeopteryx, the feathered dinosaur  the claws enable the chicks to climb trees before they can fly.

No one can be sure how ancient this species is, how many generations of hoatzin have perched in these trees. What is clear is that their survival, like that of the spider monkeys, the jaguars, the maned wolves, and so many others, depends on us. Humans and habitat destruction are the chief threat to every animal I saw on this remarkable journey, but low-impact travel, with responsible lodges and operators, is one of the ways we can support them. Thoughtfully managed travel helps preserve animal habitats for future generations  theirs, and ours.

Carmen Campos Turquoise-fronted parrots soar above the Cerrado.

Where to Stay

Casa Caiman

This 18-suite lodge in the Pantanal wetlands is located in the Caiman ecological reserve, home to a robust jaguar population. The property has a swimming pool framed by palm trees, outdoor firepits, and even an impressively equipped gym. The six-bedroom villa, Baiazinha, is an option for those who want more space and privacy.

Cristalino Lodge

These eco-friendly bungalows in the Amazon rainforests Cristalino Private National Heritage Reserve were designed to promote natural ventilation and have solar water-heating systems. At the restaurant, splendid meals incorporate local ingredients like acai, banana leaves, and cassava. Wildlife abounds on the daytime excursions, from spider monkeys to river otters.

Pousada Trijuncao

Visitors stay at this lodge in the Fazenda Trijuncao preserve for game drives to spot maned wolves, kayaking excursions, and fat-bike tours in the surrounding Cerrado region. Under a terra-cotta roof, the seven jungle-chic rooms are decorated with rough-hewn wood paneling and art made from natural materials.

How to Book

Niarra Travel

The experts at this U.K.-based company can arrange conservation itineraries that include stops at Brazils best eco-lodges, park fees, daily guided excursions, and even a comfy hotel in Rio de Janeiro to bookend the trip.

A version of this story first appeared in the April 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Nature's Keepers."

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Flying from Los Angeles to Thailand (about a 19-hour flight!) is taxing for anybody. Especially for a kid! My kids get thrown off on Daylight Saving Time, so I can only imagine what this type of jet lag would do. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend recently brought their four young children to Thailand and revealed the one child who is actually delirious from the trip.

Chrissy Teigen shares a heartwarming video of her 1-year-old, Esti, taking steps in squeaky shoes. The shoes, which have nearly 12k rave reviews on Amazon, are a hit with parents for their fun and encouraging design. https://t.co/MsThcVtckO More from SheKnows  SheKnows (@SheKnows) March 29, 2024

Family of 6 made it to thailand to visit yai! the Chrissy and Dave Dine Out star wrote on Instagram on Sunday. She shared several pictures, including one of her holding 9-month-old Wren who looks so sleepy. She also shared a video of 14-month-old Esti wandering through a play area with hanging foam bats and blocks to get through. Wren looked like the happiest baby ever banging on a wooden toy in one picture and chewing on his fingers in another.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA  APRIL 14: In this handout photo provided by Disneyland Resort, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen and their children, Miles and Luna pose with Minnie Mouse while celebrating Lunas birthday at Disneyland on April 14, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images)

She also shared a video of her kids on a little mall ride, and pictures of 5-year-old Miles on his tablet in the plane and 7-year-old Luna smiling next to her mom on the plane. While the luxury of first-class travel and accommodations has probably made the trip easier, traveling with kids is hard no matter what. Good on them for being brave enough to do it!

In her caption, the Cravings author explained more about the trip and which kid was having the hardest time. Pearl the basset hound painting coming along swimmingly, babies did such a good job, miles is basically delirious and luna toons is thriving, Teigen wrote. Aww, poor guy! As a mom of a 5-year-old boy myself, this completely checks out. Hopefully hell adjust soon!

The family took their first trip as a family of 5 when Esti was a baby in April 2023. First trip with 3, heart racing with airplane apology syndrome, she wrote on Twitter, adding, I was the only one to cry! scary turbulence makes my heart stop .

A month after Wren was born, Teigen and Legend took all four kids on a tropical getaway. Our first vacation as a family of six. So far, so great! Legend wrote on Instagram in August 2023. He included several pictures of the family swimming and hanging out in the oasis.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA  MARCH 06: Chrissy Teigen attends the 2024 Green Carpet Fashion Awards at 1 Hotel West Hollywood on March 06, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage)

But this trip to Thailand has been a long time in the making. Back in 2017, Teigen told SheKnows that she couldnt wait to take daughter Luna (and any future kids) to this country where her mother is from.

I feel like there are a lot of places we want to go now that were just waiting for her to get a little bit older for, she told us. For instance, we want to go to Kenya on a safari [or] South Africa once she learns all her animals. I want to take her to Thailand because obviously my mothers from Thailand and I want her to visit her roots.

Before you go, check out Chrissy Teigens best quotes about being a mom.



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Felix Ngole is originally from Cameroon but was granted asylum in the UK

A devoutly Christian social worker denied a job because of his views on homosexuality has warned if he loses a legal challenge it will provide a green light to discriminate against religious employees.

Felix Ngole will this week launch proceedings against Leeds based Touchstone Support, after claiming he was denied his dream job as a mental health support worker when they discovered his strongly held Christian beliefs.

The 46-year-old father of three was initially offered the 25,000-a-year role in 2022 after performing well at interview.

But he claims the offer was rescinded weeks later when bosses at the organisation discovered he had previously been involved in a landmark legal case over his right to free speech.

In 2015 Mr Ngole, who had claimed asylum in Britain from Cameroon, was thrown off his social work course at Sheffield University after posting on social media about his views on homosexuality.

But in 2019 he won a legal challenge and was allowed to complete his training after the Court of Appeal ruled his personal views did not mean he would discriminate against someone.

Mr Ngole claims that when Touchstone became aware of his involvement in the case he was called to a second interview where he was interrogated about his religious beliefs.

He was allegedly told by Touchstone bosses that unless he could demonstrate how he would embrace and promote homosexual rights, the job offer would be withdrawn.

He was also allegedly told his beliefs did not align with Touchstones ethos as an inclusive employer and that he posed a risk to the organisations reputation.

Despite Mr Ngole seeking to assure Touchstone that he had never been accused of forcing his beliefs on anyone or discriminating against anybody, the job offer was eventually withdrawn.

Mr Ngole, whose legal challenge is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre, is now bringing claims of direct discrimination, harassment, and breaches of the Equality Act 2010.

As part of the legal case, lawyers for Touchstone are expected to argue that minority groups suffer stress stemming from experiences of stigma and discrimination.

They are expected to suggest that if one of their service users discovered Mr Ngoles Christian beliefs on homosexuality it would cause them distress, and therefore he could not be employed.

Mr Ngole, centre, surrounded by the legal team who helped him challenge his expulsion from his social work course, in 2017 - Richard Gittins/Champion News

But Mr Ngoles team will hit back, warning that if the courts accept this reasoning, it will send an alarming green light to other employers that they can discriminate against Bible-believing Christians in any situation where they might interact with people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, Mr Ngole said: I was told I was the best candidate for the job, then suddenly I found I was unemployable because they discovered that I am a Christian.

No one has ever told me that I have not treated them well in my professional experience. I have never been accused of forcing my beliefs on anyone. I have supported vulnerable individuals from all backgrounds, including LGBT.

He went on: It is untenable for employers to be allowed to discriminate against Christian beliefs in this way and to force individuals to promote an ideology that goes against their conscience in the workplace.

There was no mutual respect, and no tolerance and inclusion of me and my beliefs whatsoever. If we get to the point where if you dont celebrate and support LGBT you cant have a job, then every Christian out there doesnt have a future.

You can study as much as you like, but you will not have a chance. The UK is no longer the country I heard about all those years ago when fleeing Cameroon. The UK then was a bastion of free speech and expression.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: Telling an employee that they must embrace and promote the LGBT lifestyle as a condition of employment sets a dark and troubling precedent.

If left unchallenged it would see Christians who manifest their beliefs barred from working in the NHS and other institutions.

Arfam Hanif, CEO of Touchstone said: We are focusing our efforts on preparing for the Employment Tribunal. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further until it has been concluded.

The case is due to begin on Tuesday at Leeds Employment Tribunal, where Mr Ngole will seek compensation and a recommendation that Touchstone amends its recruitment procedures to align with its stated objective of being an inclusive employer so as not to exclude Christians from its workforce.

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In anticipation of warmer weather and the formal arrival of spring (at least here in the east coast, where cold weather continues to plague us), Ive been on the hunt for a foolproof recipe for homemade fried chicken. The best fried chicken Ive had to date was at Toast, a New Orleans-based brunch spot serving french toast, crepes and waffles galore. Their fried chicken with maple syrup & cayenne butter has been on my mind a lot this month, so in hopes of recreating their signature offering, Ive been scouring the internet for all the fried chicken tips and tricks I can get my hands on.

Recently, I stumbled upon Lilly Parnells glowing review of fried chicken served at chef Jennie Wert's restaurant Ellen's on Front, which blends Latin and Asian influences with traditional American fare. The fried chicken, Parnell described, was the perfect contradiction of flavors and textures: sweet and spicy, crispy and juicy. But what really wowed her was the chickens secret ingredient: sweet tea.

Indeed, Wert's special sauce for achieving delicious fried chicken is using a sweet-tea brine. As explained by Parnell, Wert marinates the chicken wings and thighs for 24-hours in a homemade sweet tea brine. She then uses a dry batter consisting of flour, cayenne, paprika and salt and pepper. To her wet batter, she adds soda water, which creates an airy consistency for an ultra-crispy chicken skin. She finally fries the chicken in oil before tossing them in hot sauce and honey butter and topping them with Thai basil leaves.

Similar to Parnell, my mind was also blown, mainly because Ive never considered utilizing sweet tea as a brine. My understanding of homemade brine is limited to the standard ratio of one cup kosher salt to one gallon of water. To spruce things up, Ill add a sweetener like honey or brown sugar and spices or use buttermilk instead. But sweet tea was a new alternative that completely took me by surprise.

Sweet tea, though an ambitious choice of ingredient, isnt all that uncommon in brine recipes. Chef John Fleer, hailed as the thinking mans chef, uses a sweet tea-based brine when making fried chicken. Fleers recipe, courtesy of John T. Edge, manages to pay tribute to the traditional South of days past and the multicultural South still on the horizon. Fleer makes his brine by simmering a quart of brewed tea (double strength) along with one lemon, a cup of sugar and a half cup of kosher salt. The chicken (Fleer uses thighs and drumsticks) brines in the ice-cold, salty-sweet tea mixture for 48 hours before its coated in an egg-buttermilk mixture, corn flour and crab boil seasoning.

When it comes to utilizing a brine in making fried chicken, some recipes call for it while others say its unnecessary. Brining for the most part is helpful, depending on the kind of meat youre working with. It adds flavor, allowing the meat to absorb that extra liquid and become juicier and more moist when cooked. The salt in brine tenderizes the meat, dissolving some of its muscle fibers which helps reduce its overall toughness. It also unfolds and unravels meat proteins, resulting in a more tender cooked meat.

Brining is great for lean meats that are inherently flavorless when cooked on their own, like chicken breasts, pork chops, seafood and Thanksgiving turkey. Red meats, like beef or lamb, are better off with a marinade.

Tea is such a natural addition to fried chicken because it adds a welcome touch of bitterness to the meat, which complements the juicy, rich, fatty, crispy bird, wrote Joe Sevier for Epicurious. Sweet tea, in particular, not only yields spicy and sweet, crunchy and succulent chicken, it also adds mellow fruity undertones that intensifies the flavor profile of your dish.

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In a recent interview with EatingWell, The Kitchen co-host Katie Lee Biegel touted her own fried chicken recipe, which calls for a brine made with Milos brand sweet tea. Biegels brine also includes onion, garlic and soy sauce for its salty depth of flavor, she said.

The tannins in the tea tenderize the chicken, and the sweetness from the tea and the soy sauce infuse into the chicken, Biegel added. This makes it so incredibly flavorful and almost impossible to overcook.

That being said, sweet tea-based brines arent just reserved for making fried chicken. The brine can be used when preparing an Easter Ham that's finished off with a lemon glaze, per this recipe from Southern Living. It can also be combined with molasses when making a sweet tea and molasses-brined spatchcock chicken, per this recipe from Epicurious. Whatever your choice recipe is, be sure to have fun with making your own sweet tea brine. I sure will be  speaking of which, Ive got fried chicken to make.
Plus, over 40,000 eggs will be transported from North Carolina for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The American Egg Board

With eggs from North Carolina and art from Nashville, the 2024 White House Easter Egg Rolla time-honored tradition held annually on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C.is truly a Southern affair.

Over 30,000 attendees are expected at this years event, held on Monday, April 1, for an Easter celebration going back to the days of Rutherford B. Hayes. Each year, Americas egg farmers donate more than 64,000 real eggs for a day of egg hunting, egg rolling, and egg-themed eating (think mini quiches, Easter egg cookies, and egg salad sandwiches!). More than half of these eggs (40,000, to be precise) come from Braswell Family Farms in North Carolina, who boiled and dyed thousands of eggs in orange, green, purple, pink, and blue to add some Easter color to the White House.

From egg decorating to the egg roll and egg hunt, there are so many traditions that make this day memorable, said Emily Metz, President and CEO of the American Egg Board. Guests can visit our interactive Hen-to-Home exhibit to learn more about the eggs journey from the farm to the plate or enjoy story time with a real egg farmer in the reading nook. This is a really special day families across D.C. and Americas egg farmers look forward to each year.

Alex Wong / Staff / Getty Images Kids participating in last year's White House Easter Egg Roll

A highlight of the egg-centric event is the presentation of the 47th Annual First Ladys Commemorative Egg. This year, with a theme of EGG-ucation in honor of First Lady Dr. Jill Bidens long teaching career and dedication to education, the Commemorative Egg comes from Master Egg Artist Carolyn Bickel in Nashville, Tennessee.

In her display, Bickel hand-painted a large chicken egg with a portrait of a young girl dreaming of her potential under a blooming cherry blossom tree. A second egg reveals a vibrant blue sky, symbolizing all that is achievable with a little imagination and the possibilities that come with the pursuit of knowledge, the American Egg Board shared. The two larger eggs are surrounded by smaller pullet eggs from young hens and hand-painted with imagery that depicts the tools a high-quality education provides in reaching those goals. (Bickel was also the artist behind the First Ladys 2023 Commemorative Egg and crafted a beautiful hinged jewel box that opened to reveal a smaller painted egg. Learn more about past eggs here.)

The American Egg Board

The tradition of a Commemorative Egg can be traced back to 1977 when the first egg, adorned with a hand-painted image of the White House, was gifted to First Daughter Amy Carter. Now, each year, the First Lady is honored with a Commemorative Egg that aligns with her work. According to the American Egg Board, these works of art are later exhibited at the Presidential Library.

Talk about an egg-cellent show of Southern artistry!

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Abortion rights are no longer protected in Florida.

The Florida Supreme Court, one of the most conservative in the country, issued a decision today upholding the states 15-week abortion ban and paving the way for a six-week ban to take affect.

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, many Southern states tightened their abortion laws, but Florida remained somewhat open, and many women from nearby states traveled there for their procedures. Now, however, the state is joining its Republican allies in cracking down on womens reproductive rights.

Barbara Alper - Getty Images

The abortion ban that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law last year will now take effect in 30 days, and will prohibit women from getting an abortion after more than six weeks of pregnancybefore most women even know theyre pregnant. The ban grants exceptions in case of rape, incest, and if the life of the mother is in danger due to pregnancy complications.

The law will be a devastating step in the wrong direction amid the rise in anti-abortion laws, pushed by the right wing, in the U.S.

This news comes nearly two years into a major lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and other abortion providers against the state of Florida. The suit asks for Floridas 15-week abortion ban to be thrown out, claiming it violates the states constitution.

Bettmann - Getty Images

In a separate move, also today, the Florida Supreme Court decided to allow a ballot initiative that would detail the state of abortion rights in the states Constitution. This means Florida voters will be able to weigh in on the future of abortion access via their ballots this November, and either support womens rights, or not.

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General Motors is now facing a second lawsuit related to the collection of customer driving data, and the subsequent sale of that data to third party companies, which led to individual insurance rate hikes for the automakers buyers.

According to the Detroit Free Press, this new lawsuit was filed on March 28 in the Southern Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, with Larry Reed of Michigan, and Darnell McCoy Sr. of California, listed as the initial plaintiffs in this case. The lawsuit, which is seeking class action status, alleges that GMs March decision to halt data collection and cut ties with brokers such as LexisNexis and Verisk suggests that GM knew it didnt have the legal consent required to continue the practice.

The complaint further alleges that GM and its subsidiary in OnStar used deceptive practices to invade the privacy of owners, ultimately collecting vehicle data and sharing it with brokers like LexisNexis and Verisk. This data was then used by insurance companies to justify insurance rate adjustments based on driver behaviors like speeding, as well as hard braking and acceleration incidents. The 246-page lawsuit states that some 8 million vehicles were included in GMs programs with LexisNexis and Verisk. The suit also states that customers didnt actually have a choice to opt out of the OnStar program, particularly in select 2022 MY and up products where a three-year subscription was mandatory. There are reportedly over 100 punitive class members available for a class action suit, with the plaintiffs seeking damages from GM and OnStar of more than $5 million.

Another lawsuit was filed against GM on March 13th in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, which accused both OnStar and LexisNexis of violating consumer protection and privacy laws. GM maintains that the sale of that data was meant to help its fellow businesses manage risk.

That's the same day that the New York Times dropped its landmark piece of reporting documenting exactly how GM's data collection had spun out of control, with a Bolt driver finding his data being used against him even though he had not signed up for any data-sharing program through GM, a Cadillac owner finding himself unable to buy insurance, and a Corvette driver claiming to be dinged for hard driving on a track day.

It is important to note that GMs decision to backtrack on the sale of this sort of data doesnt necessarily mean that the automaker is legally in the wrong. That said, you can expect a number of additional cases to arrive before this situation is fully settled. Either way, the automaker has hurt its standing with the public as a result.

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Italian sustainable shoe brand Womsh (Word of Mouth Shoes) has teamed with Renoon to turn its green claims into verifiable credentials.

The Amsterdam-based software company has embedded Digital Product Passportsa blockchain based end-to-end traceability toolinto the sneakers via a QR code attached to the shoes tongue. The DPPs are also accessible on e-commerce product pages.

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This partnership is not just a step forward for Womsh, but a leap in the right direction for the entire industry, Gianni Della Mora, CEO of Womsh, said. Together with Renoon, we are redefining fashion standards, even anticipating European laws with an innovative initiative: the digital product passport.

And DPPS, which are essentially digital twins of physical products, are more than a nice-to-have sustainability tool. Impending legislation, like the EUs Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles or the U.S. Digital Care Label, will soon make DPPs mandatory for compliance. As such, preparing for the Green Claims directive is increasingly essential to operate in the European Union, United Kingdom and United States.

Renoons widget and QR codes help Womsh substantiate green claims through a structured proof-points management system, which gives the ability to communicate with precision, the Triarchy partner said.

Renoon also created a product map; Womshs Kato leather sneaker product passport, for example, maps the entire journey of the shoe, from where the raw materials were sourced to where the final product was packaged in Portugal. The Katos raw leather materials came from several tanneries, including Faeda in Italy and Chevro in Spain while a small Italian artisan company produced lace for Womsh using recycled cotton and recycled polyester from water bottles. Joseli in Portugal manufactured the Kato while Emblematic Papel packaged it.

The product passport.

Consumers can also click through various product valueslike ethical origin or ecological packagingto validate that mapping. Going a step further, there are actual PDFs of those claims. The Katos leather comes from a secure supply chain, verified by a signed and audited certificate from the Leather Working Group. The manufacturing of the sneaker was audited by a third party to ensure the application of safety standards, given a stamp of approval from Sedex.

Womsh even identifies how many times the customer can expect to wear the sneaker (728 times for the Kato) and a true cost price breakdown based on that number ($0.26 cost for each time the Kato is worn). This is calculated by considering the brands average age range and product category, consistent with the 2015 Norwegian Study conducted by SIFO on product durability.

Womsh is committed to protecting the environment and ensuring respect for people throughout the production process, Della Mora said. For this reason, we have entered into a significant partnership with Renoon, one of the most authoritative platforms internationally for the traceability and disclosure of brand processes.
Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign is in full swing, and after many promises, Melania Trump is nowhere to be found. She made a recent appearance while voting in Floridas primary, and occasionally shows up at private Mar-a-Lago events, but shes MIA when it comes to the campaign trail.

Beyond mourning the death of her mother, Amalija Knavs, and taking care of her son, Barron, 18, in his last year of high school, an insider might have another reason why shes so press shy these days. It comes down to her time at the White House, it wasnt exactly a pleasant experience for her. When you look back, Melania was betrayed by her staff, a source told The Times. Melanias former chief of staff Stephanie Grishams book, Ill Take Your Questions Now, criticized the former first lady while her former BFF and adviser, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, wrote a more personally scathing view in Melania and Me  so, Melania felt burnt by her time in Washington, D.C.

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Donald Trump, Melania Trump.

The insider shared how her hurt feelings now dictate her public life. Nowadays she is less in view except under very controlled circumstances, they added. She has dinner at Mar-a-Lago but doesnt mingle and hobnob with people like he does. Its a safe zone for him. She doesnt view it as a safe zone. Melania doesnt feel like the political world rolled out the welcome mat for her as they did with other former first ladies. She tried but was attacked  everything, her shoes, her hair, the source noted. The microscope is so intense. The sunglasses she wears all the time are her shield.

Melanias shunning seemed to carry over to the fashion world and her exclusion from the cover of Vogue magazine which was something she desired while in the White House. She had previously been on the cover in 2005 in her wedding dress, but she wasnt thrilled that she was left out of an opportunity given to Jill Biden and Michelle Obama. Theyre biased and they have likes and dislikes, and its so obvious, she told Fox Nation in 2022. And I think American people, and everyone sees it. It was their decision, and I have much more important things to do  and I did in the White House  than being on the cover of Vogue.

So, Melania is probably going to appear in environments where she feels safe and protected. Maybe the Republican National Convention since Donald Trump is the presumptive GOP nominee? Otherwise, shes going to hang back and let her husband run the show  Melania likely wants to avoid any criticism that might await her.

Before you go, click here to see the best presidential love stories in U.S. history.

Barack Obama Michelle Obama Ronald Nancy Reagan Best Presidential Love Stories in U.S. History

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Go ahead and snack.

Azurita / Phillip Hamlin / Getty Images

In case you somehow were unaware, on April 8, a solar eclipse will traverse North America, entering through Mexico and exiting through Maine, crossing over 13 states along the way. Millions of people are expected to travel to see the eclipse in its totality and revel in all the fun. And that fun could include sharing the myths and superstitions around eclipses, including beliefs of monsters and beasts swallowing the sun, and romantic stories of lovers meeting up in the skies above, which are all fun tall tales to tell. However, there's one myth we  and the experts at NASA  would like to clear up: It is totally safe to eat food during an eclipse.

As NASA noted on its 2017 eclipse website, the myth that eclipses will poison "any food that is prepared during the event" is prolific enough to require debunking. However, NASA added, "If that were the case, the same radiation would harm the food in your pantry or crops in the field."

"The basic idea is that total solar eclipses are terrifying and their ghostly green coronae look frightening, so it is natural to want to make up fearful stories about them and look for coincidences among events around you. If someone is accidentally food-poisoned with potato salad during an eclipse, some might argue that the event was related to the eclipse itself even though hundreds of other people at the same location were not at all affected," the space agency explained.

Related: Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Where to Go, How to View It, and What to Eat

As Dr. Kelly Korreck, NASAs eclipse program manager, additionally told Food & Wine, the Suns light, or radiation, doesnt change in any way that is different from a normally sunny day during an eclipse. "The light is focused differently in the shadow of the Moon but doesnt change its basic properties," Korreck shares. And, quite definitely adds, "It is safe to eat snacks during the eclipse!"

As for what you should snack on, Korreck has plenty of suggestions.

"I would have fun with this! Think things that look like the Moon and the Sun," Korreck says. "In addition, eclipses in a specific place only happen between every 400 to 1,000 years. So like wine from a specific region, enjoy the 'terroir' of where you are experiencing the eclipse. For example, if you are in Texas, maybe some BBQ, in New York maybe a pizza."

Related: Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Where to Eat in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse

Korreck also pointed out that NASA has its own fun recipe for you to try  the Pineapple Solar Salsa, an ideal eclipse treat with chips.

The one thing Korreck will warn you about is ensuring to only look at the eclipse with solar viewing glasses. "During totality only, looking directly at the Sun is encouraged to see the solar corona," Korreck adds. And if you aren't in the path of totality that's ok. NASA is offering this live broadcast so you can watch  and snack  from anywhere.

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We've got the answers to all your questions about the aurora australis.

Skyimages/Getty Images

I first glimpsed the northern lights on a red-eye flight across the Atlantic. Just a few pale wisps in the night sky were enough to get me hooked on the celestial phenomenon, and my aurora chasing has since brought me to Greenland, Iceland, and Churchill, Canada. Now, my sights are set on their even more elusive counterpart: the southern lights, or aurora australis.

Heres everything you need to know about the southern lights, including when and where to see them.







Jonathan Belles is a meteorologist at The Weather Channel and weather.com.

Dr. Jason Steffen is an associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.







What are the southern lights?

The southern lights are the Southern Hemispheres version of the northern lights  that is, they're both the aurora. "The aurora is a visual representation of the Earths magnetic field protecting us from the suns disruptive bursts of energy," Jonathan Belles, meteorologist at The Weather Channel and Weather.com, tells Travel + Leisure. When energized particles from the sun slam into the Earth's magnetic field, they're redirected toward the poles, and the particles glow.

Future Publishing/Getty Images

Are the northern lights and southern lights different?

The only major difference between the northern and southern lights is the hemisphere in which they occur. Otherwise, they're the same phenomenon. They even tend to occur in sync. "Usually, both auroras will brighten when there is a lot of solar activity," Dr. Jason Steffen, associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, tells T+L. "The particles will be trapped by the magnetic field and will be concentrated simultaneously at both magnetic poles."

But there's always a chance for variation. "They can occur simultaneously when a solar storm occurs, but often their impacts will be asymmetric. In other words, aurora may be more prevalent in one hemisphere versus the other depending on how the burst of energy reaches the Earth and from what direction," says Belles.

When is the best time to see the southern lights?

As with the northern lights, the best time to see the southern lights is whenever the sky is dark. Because the aurora occurs at high latitudes  that is, close to the poles  you may not get much darkness, if any at all, during the summer. So the best time of year to see the southern lights is from roughly March through September, the Southern Hemispheres autumn through spring. (The Northern Hemispheres aurora season lasts from around September through March.)

On a larger time scale, this year is one of the best years to see the aurora. Were approaching solar maximum in the solar cycle, which could mean brighter and more frequent auroras. "Were currently in the most active part of an 11-year solar cycle, when bursts from the sun are most common," says Belles. But that's not to say the southern lights will be no-shows after that  the aurora can (and does) happen frequently, though the light show is often dimmer than the dazzling displays you might be picturing. For the breathtaking dancing ribbons, you might have to wait for strong solar storms. (In case you're wondering, it takes about three days for the sun's aurora-causing emissions to reach the Earth, so you'll have a tiny bit of a heads-up that a good show might be brewing.)

Cavan Images / Per-Andre Hoffmann/Getty Images

How can I increase my chances of seeing the southern lights?

There's one simple thing you can do to increase your chances of seeing the southern lights  spend as much time near the magnetic south pole as possible, particularly during the dark months. (Remember, Southern Hemisphere winter occurs in June, July, and August.) Of course, that's much easier said than done. "It is more difficult to see the southern lights only in that there is less land in the Southern Hemisphere to see it from," says Belles.

Can I see the southern lights on an Antarctica cruise?

It's not likely  I've cruised to Antarctica five times, and I've never seen the southern lights from my ships. There are two main reasons why.

First, the Antarctic cruise season runs through the austral summer, when Antarctica gets up to 24 hours of daylight. If the sky is bright, you won't be able to see the aurora. And second, most cruises visit the Antarctic Peninsula, where the aurora doesn't often appear overhead.

The "auroral oval," or the region of the Earth in which you're most likely to see the aurora, is farther south than most visited parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. "The magnetic field is tilted slightly, so the auroras align with the magnetic poles instead of the geographic poles," says Steffen. And the south magnetic pole is closer to the other side of the continent. So even if you're visiting Antarctica in November or March, when you do get some darkness each night, the southern lights might only appear faintly and far in the distance, not overhead.

Best Places to See the Southern Lights

Theyre not easy to spot, but these are three of the best places to see the southern lights.

Related: 10 Best Places to See the Northern Lights Around the World

South Island, New Zealand

The farther south you go in New Zealand, the better your chances of seeing the southern lights. An ideal location would have unobstructed views towards the south, since the southern lights will appear low on the horizon rather than overhead. For your best chances, I'd recommend taking the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island, which is off the southern tip of the South Island. But it is possible to see the southern lights from popular destinations like Dunedin and Queenstown, too  just make sure you get away from city lights to reduce light pollution.

Chasing Light/James Stone/Getty Images

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is another prime destination for southern lights viewing. As in New Zealand, the farther south you go, the better your odds. Some of the most popular viewpoints include Goat Bluff, Carlton Beach, and Tinderbox, all of which are fairly close to Hobart, though far enough from substantial light pollution. You could also try the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, but beware the glare of city lights. For more darkness, you'll want to head to more remote destinations, such as Southwest National Park, the state's largest expanse of wilderness.

Antarctica

I know, I know  I just told you that it's difficult to see the southern lights from an Antarctica cruise. And that's true. But there are some places in Antarctica that do see the southern lights frequently, and the most accessible to travelers is the Ross Sea. Some Antarctica cruises travel to this remote destination, and if you happen to be on one at the right time of year (when the skies get dark at night, from autumn to spring), you might be able to see the southern lights. Alternatively, you could try to get a job at McMurdo Station, the main base of the U.S. Antarctic Program. If you spend the winter there, you're almost guaranteed to see the southern lights.



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At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste Bendito dos Santos Freitas will separately visit China from April 2 to 5.

Beijing Daily: Can you share Chinas considerations on inviting the foreign ministers of Laos, Viet Nam and Timor-Leste to visit China? What are Chinas expectations for the visits?

Wang Wenbin: Southeast Asian countries are Chinas friendly neighbors connected by land and sea, and important partners for Belt and Road cooperation. These countries and China have taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind. Under the strategic guidance of heads-of-state diplomacy, the relations between China and Laos, Viet Nam and Timor-Leste have entered a new era with higher quality and at a higher level. China and Laos are making active effort to deliver on the new action plan on building a community with a shared future. China and Viet Nam are jointly building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. China and Timor-Leste are working to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

China hopes that through the visits, we will further work with the three countries to follow through the guidance of the important common understandings between General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and leaders of the three Southeast Asian countries, build the China-Laos and China-Viet Nam community with a shared future, achieve more deliverables under the new characterization of China-Timor-Leste relations, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and work for more practical results in the bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Southeast Asian countries and other neighbors to take the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence this year to enhance solidarity and cooperation, safeguard peace and tranquility and provide more positive energy and stability to the region and the wider world.

CCTV: The US Department of State released the Hong Kong Policy Act Report last week. The US Secretary of State issued a press statement and announced visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials. Whats Chinas comment?

Wang Wenbin: In the so-called report issued again this year, the US attacked and smeared the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Hong Kongs electoral system and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The US discredited Hong Kongs democracy, rule of law, human rights and exercise of freedoms and announced that it is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials which is simply unjustified. None of the accusations are based on truth. The report and the statement constitute serious interference in Hong Kong affairs and Chinas domestic affairs, and a grave violation of the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations. China deplores and opposes this, and has made strong demarches to the US.

Since the return of Hong Kong, the central government has fully, faithfully and firmly implemented the principles of One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy. The constitutional order in Hong Kong based on Chinas Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR has been stable and functioned well. The central government has exercised overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong. The high degree of autonomy has been practiced as it should. The Law on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR and Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have been adopted and entered into force. The electoral system has been revised and improved. Hong Kong is now equipped with strong safeguards for national security, which has helped ensure that Hong Kong is administered by patriots, provide solid underpinning for Hong Kongs prosperity and stability and protect Hong Kong residents various rights and freedoms that they are lawfully entitled to. Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive. We have every confidence in the steady and sustained implementation of One Country, Two Systems.

I want to stress that Hong Kong is Chinas Hong Kong and Hong Kongs affairs are purely Chinas internal affairs. The Chinese government has unwavering resolve in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, in implementing One Country, Two Systems and in opposing any external interference in Hong Kongs affairs. We urge the US to abide by the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations and accurately understand One Country, Two Systems in its entirety. The US needs to respect Chinas sovereignty and the rule of law in the HKSAR, and stop interfering in Hong Kongs affairs by any means. If the US does impose visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials, China will take firm countermeasures.

Reuters: Philippine President Marcos has ordered his government to strengthen its coordination on maritime security to confront what the country says a range of serious challenges to territorial integrity and peace. The order does not mention China, but does China have a response to this development given the tensions on maritime issues with the Philippines?

Wang Wenbin: Whatever policy the Philippines adopts, it should not affect Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

We hope the Philippines will honor its commitments, act on the understandings and consensus between the two sides, and observe the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea jointly signed by China and ASEAN countries. The Philippines needs to stop infringing on Chinas rights and making provocations, stop pulling forces outside the region into matters of the South China Sea, return to the right track of properly managing the situation through negotiation and consultation, and act responsibly for the peace and stability in the South China Sea.

NHK: According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, experts from Japan and China held consultation on March 30 in China over the release of the treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Japan explained the safety of the release by offering the scientific basis. Whats Chinas response?

Wang Wenbin: Focusing on the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima, Chinese and Japanese experts had a constructive technical dialogue on March 30 in Chinas Dalian, which is linked to the several rounds of institutionalized consultations between the director-generals of the departments of Asian affairs of the foreign ministries of China and Japan.

Dragon TV: Do you have any update on the handling of the aftermath of the terrorist attack against the Dasu hydropower project in Pakistan last Tuesday that killed five Chinese nationals?

Wang Wenbin: Today, the remains of the five Chinese victims who were killed in the terrorist attack on the Dasu hydropower project in Pakistan were brought back to China on a Pakistani military plane. Pakistani high-level official and the Chinese Foreign Ministry working group escorted the bodies on the plane.

On March 29, Chinas inter-agency working group to Pakistan and diplomats from the Embassy in Pakistan visited relevant hospital in Rawalpindi city, Punjab province in eastern Pakistan to mourn the five Chinese victims and convey sympathies and support from the Party and the Government to the staff of the Chinese companies present there.

China firmly supports Pakistan in looking into what happened with utmost resolve and effort, bringing the perpetrators and whoevers behind the attack to justice and doing everything possible to protect the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.

Shenzhen TV: Its reported that Mayor London Breed of San Francisco, California, the US, announced her upcoming visit to China. Whats Chinas comment?

Wang Wenbin: We welcome Mayor London Breeds visit to China. We wish her a fruitful visit and hope the visit will further increase San Franciscos cooperation with China and China-US subnational exchanges.

The hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in grassroots connections, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from subnational exchanges. China supports and encourages more mutual visits and exchanges between Chinese and American people from all sectors to expand common understanding and mutual trust, overcome distractions, deepen cooperation, and bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Global Times: The conflict in Gaza is still raging. We noted that the Palestinian new government was sworn in yesterday. The new Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa said that the first national priority was a ceasefire in Gaza and increasing humanitarian aid. Whats Chinas comment?

Wang Wenbin: China congratulates the new Palestinian government led by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa on taking oath and calls for international support for the Palestinian Authority in enhancing its authority, for all political factions in Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation through consultation and dialogue, and for the new Palestinian government in fulfilling its duty.

China will continue working with the international community to promote a ceasefire, protect civilians and contribute to deescalating the current tensions and bringing the Palestinian question back to the right track of two-State solution.

Reuters: A boat carrying Chinese migrants has capsized off south Mexico and about eight people have been reported dead. Could the Ministry provide the latest information on this incident?

Wang Wenbin: China is paying close attention to the incident. The Chinese Embassy in Mexico is in close touch with the Mexican side to further verify the information of the deceased and provide assistance to the surviving Chinese national. It has requested the Mexican side to speed up the investigation into the incident and sent a working group to the site of the incident.

CCTV: The Philippine Department of National Defense in a March 29 statement said that Chinas recent statements on the South China Sea show that the Chinese government only intimidates smaller countries. On March 30, the Philippine National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said that China is in for a rude surprise if it intimidates Filipinos with its increasingly aggressive behavior in Philippine waters. Whats your comment?

Wang Wenbin: Nansha Qundao, including Renai Jiao, has always been Chinas territory. The scope of Philippine territory is defined by several international treaties. Chinas Nansha Qundao lies beyond the limits of the Philippine territory. The Philippines tries to hide the fact that it has broken its promise to China, violated Chinas sovereignty and kept provoking China. This is the only viable explanation for the Philippines string of false accusations against China.

The truth on the Renai Jiao issue is that the Philippines went back on its words. It made a serious promise to tow away its illegally grounded warship, but 25 years on, the Philippine vessel is still there.

The Philippines breached the understanding between the two sides on properly handling the situation on Renai Jiao. The Philippines promised it will not reinforce the grounded warship and will inform China in advance of resupply plans. Out of humanitarian considerations, China made special provisional arrangements for Philippine vessels sending living necessities to the warship quite a few times. However, the Philippines refused to honor its promise and made attempts to send construction materials for large-scale repair and reinforcement of the warship in order to build permanent structures on Renai Jiao.

The Philippines violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) jointly signed by China and ASEAN countries. Article 5 of the DOC stipulates that the Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features. Renai Jiao is uninhabited. Parties should maintain its state of hosting zero personnel and facilities. Most recently, however, the Philippine military spokesperson openly vowed to build permanent structures on Renai Jiao. The Philippines has also repeatedly sent people to step on Chinas Tiexian Jiao and other uninhabited islands and reefs that belong to China in the South China Sea, which seriously contravenes the principles of the DOC.

The Philippines, backed by external forces, has been going back on its words and making provocations. This is the real cause of the current tensions at sea. Nothing will hide the truth, and no one should turn black into white. The Philippines needs to immediately stop violating Chinas sovereignty and its provocations, and return to observing the spirit of the DOC. China will not waver in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Can anyone catch Shein?

The Chinese-founded e-tail leviathan more than doubled its profits to hit a record-breaking $2 billion in 2023, according to the Financial Times, which cited four people close to the company.

More from Sourcing Journal

In terms of gross merchandise value, the ultra-fast fashion purveyor racked up some $45 billion in goods sold through its website. Thats a lot of $6 bodysuits, $12 minidresses and $16 slingback pumps.

If the numbers hold up, Shein is nowarguablythe worlds second-largest fashion company by revenue, outpacing previous incumbent H&M Group, which rang in far more modest profits of 8.75 billion Swedish kronor, or roughly $815 million, during its last fiscal year. Zara owner Inditex remains at the No. 1 spot with an annual net profit of 5.4 billion euros, or $5.8 billion.

But while Shein has been quickly expanding its already formidable fashion empire, capturing a one-third stake in Forever 21 parent Sparc Group in August before annexing Missguideds intellectual property from Frasers Group mere months later, its ambitions far exceed clothing. Besides opening its platform to global brands and third-party sellers, the juggernaut plans to offer its supply chain as a service to outside brands and designers, marking a shift in its business strategy that will swerve it further away from the oncoming headlights (not to mention lawsuits) of Temu, which supplanted Shein as the most downloaded shopping app in the United States in 2023 and has become its most bitter rival. China aside, TikToks buzziest brand has been making manufacturing inroads in Brazil and potentially Mexico.

Shein declined to comment.

More treacherous, however, has been the retail Goliaths path to what pundits anticipate as the largest initial public offering in recent memory. Regulatory approval has to come down from Beijingsoon, people familiar with the matter told the Financial Timesas well as from Washington for a New York listing. Its the latter piece that has proven tricky to obtain despite intensive lobbying to the tune of $2 million over nine months last year, according to public records.

Much like with TikTok, the companys ties to China have come under congressional klieg lights. In February, Florida senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chief Gary Gensler urging him to require extraordinary disclosures from Shein regarding its structure, interactions with the Chinese government and Chinese Communist Party and the risks of doing business in the PRC or protect U.S. investors by blocking the companys IPO.

Story continues

Two dozen House of Representatives members, led by Virginia congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, have called for the same, as have the attorneys general from 15 states.

Plan B? A listing in London, though Shein must tackle a couple of outstanding questions first, among them the identity of its human owner. Xu Yangtian, the 40-year-old founder who also goes by Sky Xu, holds 37 percent of its stock, per lobbying disclosures. As of March, however, Roadget Business Pte. Ltd., a Singapore company, was listed in Companies Houses register of U.K. businesses, as Sheins person with significant control, which is against the rules and could be deemed a criminal offense.

Future developments could similarly tarnish Sheins shine. De minimis reform in the United States, for instance, could see the company ponying up for the import tariffs, duties and fees its been skirting on shipments that fall under the $800 threshold. It may also be subject to stricter enforcement under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which considers products made wholly or in part in Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region the product of modern slavery and therefore verboten in the United States.

Shein was also name-checked last month after Frances lower house of parliament unanimously greenlit a bill seeking to penalize ultra-fast fashion products up to 10 euros ($11) per individual item by 2030, as well as ban any related advertising.

This evolution of the apparel sector towards ephemeral fashion, combining increased volumes and low prices, is influencing consumer buying habits by creating buying impulses and a constant need for renewal, which is not without environmental, social and economic consequences, said the bill, which now heads to the Senate for approval before it can become law.

Temu, despite reports that its hemorrhaging cash in its pursuit of market share, isnt doing too shabbily either. Its parent company, Chinese e-commerce group PDD recently touted revenues of 89 billion yuan ($12.3 billion) for the three months to December, a 123 percent boost from the same period in 2022. Temu could bring in as much as $16 billion in revenue this year, some analysts predict.

American lawmakers arent fans of Temu, either.

Temu is one of many Chinese companies exploiting a loophole to avoid tariffs and flood cheap-made goods into the United States, Rubio wrote on X in February. We have to close this loophole.
Snowbasin Resort, Utah, shared this morning that it had received 14 inches of fresh snow in the last 24 hours.

Snows not stopping and its no April Fools joke - 14 in the last 24 hours! pic.twitter.com/O51vrHM7lN  Snowbasin Resort (@SnowbasinResort) April 1, 2024

In a nod to the ongoing holiday, Snowbasin noted that it wasn't making an "April Fool's joke."

The new snow caps off a storm cycle that produced nearly three feet of fresh in the last week.

"We're stoked on the refresh to our base total which now sits at a healthy 150 inches," the resort's snow report reads. Snowbasin has picked up 380 inches of snow this winter.

Springy conditions are headed to the resort later this week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50sdid anyone say corn snow?

Like several ski areas throughout the West, Snowbasin has extended its operating season. Originally, the resort planned to close on April 14thnow, it'll remain open until April 28th, weather and conditions permitting.

On closing day, Snowbasin is hosting live music and an 80s-themed costume competition. Those dressed in the best throwback threads will receive "great prizes," according to the web page detailing the closing day shenanigans.

Be there or be square?

Related: Stowe Extends Season Thanks To 60+ Inches In March

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The hiking path covers 186 miles, visiting towns and locations rarely seen by travelers previously.

From left: iStockphoto/Getty Images; Courtesy of W15 Hanthana From left: The Nine Arch Bridge, in the central highlands of Sri Lanka; the loose-leaf selection at the W15 Hanthana Estate, in Kandy.

Heavy clouds rolled overhead, clearing out the days humidity in Sri Lankas central highlands. Below a forested hillside, tea pickers in colorful saris moved among rows of electric-green bushes, as if the scene were set to high contrast. In the distance, plumes of smoke carried the scent of roasting tea leaves.

I was walking the Pekoe Trail, a long-distance hiking path that opened in Sri Lanka last year. Largely made up of existing paths used to travel between tea fields and factories, it winds 186 miles through estates and national parks. The trail, which connects 80 hamlets and villages that see few foreign visitors, was designed to bolster Sri Lankas tourism industry in the aftermath of the terrorist bombings that took place in the capital, Colombo, on Easter Day 2019.

More a walking holiday than a backpacking expedition, the entire trail is designed to take a laid-back 22 days, with hikers covering an average of nine miles each day. For those who dont have three weeks to spare, its possible to link up separate sections with the help of a guide and driver, as I did on my five-day trip.

Courtesy of Thotalagala From left: One of the seven suites at Thotalagala, a resort in Haputale, Sri Lanka; tea with a view at Thotalagala,

After arriving in Colombo, I boarded a three-hour train to the ancient city of Kandy, where the trail starts. I spent my first night at the 10-suite W15 Hanthana, where a wraparound veranda overlooked misty mountains topped with stupas and temples. The next morning, after a late breakfast of string hoppers (rice noodles) and curry, I set out on the first segment on my route: 7.5 miles of easy dirt road that cut through colorful villages and the Hanthana mountain range, a popular hiking spot, before ending in the small town of Galaha.

I was accompanied by Miguel Cunat, the sustainable-tourism consultant who designed the trail. You know that saying To understand an islands soul, head to its interior? he asked me as we ate mangoes from a roadside stand during one of our breaks. I knew what he meant. Like many visitors to Sri Lanka, I had only spent time along the beautiful coastline, and it wasnt until this hike that I began to sense the islands true character.

On my second day, Cunat and I walked uphill through a steep pine forest and then followed a ridge that overlooked the Knuckles mountain range and the snaking Mahaweli River. Thick fog in the distance signaled the looming monsoons. Two hours later, the forest opened up to the Loolecondera, Sri Lankas first tea estate, which dates back to 1867.

Courtesy of W15 Hanthana The piano room and library at W15 Hanthana, near the start of the Pekoe Trail.

From there it was a 56-mile drive to Goatfell, a beautiful bungalow that overlooks Ceylon tea fields. I dipped my tired legs into the infinity pool, then read by the living-room fire as the rains rolled in.

The next morning, it was a quick drive to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque city that is a popular getaway for many Sri Lankans. We hiked six miles through a tableau that felt like the quintessential image of the countryside. Women moved through tea fields, gently plucking only the youngest buds and leaves from each branch to assure the highest quality of Ceylon black tea. Many of the tea pickers are descendants of the indentured South Indians brought over by the British colonists in the 19th century, and the work is still punishing. Under wages set by the government, they must pick about 40 pounds of tea each day to earn just over $3.

While Nuwara Eliya is the official end of the Pekoe Trail, hikers can follow the route in any order they like. So, after a tea break, we drove 60 minutes to Horton Plains National Park, where a windswept plain was circled by a cloud forest. We strolled under a troop of bear monkeys swinging from trees before the dense canopy opened up to a switchback called the Devils Staircase, which overlooks the lush Udaweriya Valley.

That night we slept at Thotalagala, a seven-suite retreat in Haputale where Thomas Lipton, the Scottish merchant, began his Lipton Tea empire in the late 19th century. The next morning, I took a tuk-tuk to a panoramic overlook called Liptons Seat, where Sir Thomas is said to have sipped tea and looked out over his estate. The view has not changed much.

Courtesy of The Pekoe Trail Hikers on the Pekoe Trail, which was designed to boost tourism.

For our final hike, we drove to a modest village, Makulella, then climbed through a eucalyptus forest to a ridge dotted with Buddhist temples and waterfalls until we reached the Nine Arch Bridge. The famous viaduct turned out to be just as dramatic in real life as it is in photos. While other tourists arrived in tuk-tuks, it was satisfying to approach the bridge on foot, alongside children in starched school uniforms.

The people behind the Tourism Resilience Project  which established the trail and is funded by the European Union and the U.S. Agency for International Development  hope it can empower villagers to make a living from the new route, perhaps by operating a juice bar or tea-tasting room for hikers. We want the people living and working there to feel like theyre a part of it, said Vishadini Fernando, a project manager. The vision includes giving visitors more chances to learn from locals.

It was just this kind of understanding that soothed me during the night I spent at Thotalagala. I arrived after dark and was led down a grand hallway that opened onto a manicured lawn. Beyond an infinity pool, a fire burned, engulfing trees along the hotels edge. But after having hiked the highlands for several days, where the sight of smoke rising from small patches of forest is a near constant, I had recalibrated my relationship to seeing fires in nature.

A tea farmer had taught me about controlled burning: always simmering, never boiling over. I took my tea, fell asleep, and by morning, a small patch of earth just beyond the estates periphery was scorched, but everything else  including the view of mist-shrouded tea hills spilling into a lush valley  remained beautifully intact.

A version of this story first appeared in the April 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "High Tea."

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A U.S.-bound United Airlines flight from Germany turned around after one of the Boeing 777s toilets started overflowing and a stench of human waste filled the aircraft, reports say.

The journey from Frankfurt to San Francisco on Friday was abandoned after guests reported that the contents of the toilet began flowing into the passenger cabin, according to Bild. The plane circled over the North Sea after the problem was initially detected, the tabloid reports, but technicians on the ground were unable to suggest a fix.

Passengers Sick After United Flight Diverts Due to Strong Winds

Not wanting to subject the passengers to the smelly ordeal, the decision was made to return to Frankfurt, according to the report.

On Friday, March 29, United Flight 59 returned to Frankfurt following a maintenance issue with one of the aircrafts lavatories, a United Airlines spokesperson told The Sun.

The spokesperson said the affected passengers were provided with overnight accommodation in Frankfurt and were booked on to another flight to San Francisco on Saturday.

The grim incident is the latest mishap involving the carrier in recent weeks.

On Friday, seven passengers were hospitalized after a United Airlines flight from Israel to New York was diverted due to high winds and turbulence, officials said. That incident came the day after another United flight diverted and made an emergency landing in Denver after the crew reported an engine problem. No one was injured and the aircraft landed safely.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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While a narrow strip of North America celebrates the arrival of a rare total solar eclipse April 8  when midday darkness will be cast on a sliver of states, including Texas, Illinois, Ohio and New York  there won't be any "totality" in Los Angeles.

Still, if the skies remain cloud-free, California will enjoy an impressive partial eclipse that will feature the moon taking a bite out of the late-morning sun.

In Los Angeles, about half of the sun will be visibly covered by the moon, and in San Francisco, one-third will be. The northernmost parts of the state will see the smallest amount of the eclipse, while cities to the south will experience more. In Crescent City, in coastal Del Norte County, about 25% of the sun will be eclipsed; in Holtville, near the Mexican border in Imperial County, up to 58% of the sun will be blocked.

It'll be the last partial solar eclipse for L.A. and San Francisco until 2029.

The event has generated considerable buzz, as it will be the last total solar eclipse seen from the contiguous United States until 2044. The last one was in 2017, and before that, in 1979. Last October's "ring of fire" solar eclipse was not total but "annular," in which the moon was a bit farther away from Earth and short of completely blotting out the sun, thus leaving a glowing ring around it.

Cities in a narrow, 115-mile "path of totality"  where the moon completely blocks the sun's visible surface  include Mazatlan, Mexico; Dallas; Indianapolis; Cleveland; Niagara Falls, N.Y.; and Sherbrooke, Canada. An estimated 31.5 million live in the path of totality, and about 200 million others are within a few hours' drive. Far more people live in or near the eclipse's path compared with those in 2017 and 1979.

What makes this solar eclipse particularly notable is that the entire contiguous U.S., as well as parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will be able to view at least a partial eclipse, allowing for a national experience.

But there's a risk of heartbreak for eclipse aficionados if clouds roll in. Overcast skies will still darken in the path of totality, but "it's obviously not as much fun as observing a solar eclipse in a cloud-free sky," said Jean-Luc Margot, a UCLA professor of planetary astronomy.

In Los Angeles, the partial solar eclipse will start at 10:06 a.m., and a substantial bite of the sun will be obvious by 10:39 a.m., peaking at 11:12 a.m. By 12:22 p.m., it will be over, according to the Griffith Observatory.

You will be able to see a small, little bite-sized chunk that the moon is taking out of the sun as it blocks some of its light.

Dakotah Tyler, UCLA astrophysics doctoral student

NASA offers an eclipse explorer map, at go.nasa.gov/EclipseExplorer, with data for U.S. cities.

"You will be able to see a small, little, bite-sized chunk that the moon is taking out of the sun as it blocks some of its light," said Dakotah Tyler, an astrophysics doctoral student at UCLA who also makes science videos on social media. "So that's still a really cool thing to see, even if you're not in the path of totality."

You should not look at the sun directly during any phase of a partial solar eclipse. And relying only on regular sunglasses, smoked glass or polarizing filters is also not safe.

"It is very dangerous to look at the partially eclipsed sun directly with your own eyes," said Ed Krupp, the longtime director of the Griffith Observatory. "You're tempted to do it, but it will burn the retinas permanently and cause permanent blindness."

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker uses eclipse glasses to look at the partial solar eclipse during team practice on Oct. 14, 2023. (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

In one documented case, a young woman who looked at the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without eye protection suffered permanent eye damage with no known treatment, according to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Within hours, her eyesight became blurry and she could see only the color black. Doctors found she had crescent-shaped retinal damage, which was the "shape of the visible portion of the sun during the partial solar eclipse in New York City," the facility said.

"You need eye protection. That's crucial," Margot said.

People should obtain eclipse glasses or handheld sun filters, but buy them from reputable retailers. NASA says safe solar viewers should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard, adopted in 2015. Those made with this standard can be used indefinitely as long as they aren't damaged, the American Astronomical Society says, so those left over from the 2017 eclipse are safe to use if they aren't torn, scratched or punctured, or the filters aren't coming loose from the cardboard of plastic frames.

Beware, though: Some eclipse glasses are labeled ISO-compliant but haven't been properly tested, the society said. "Don't pick up your eclipse glasses on some street corner. People make fake ones now, and it's quite problematic," Krupp said. The American Astronomical Society posts a list of North American manufacturers and importers whose products are safe if used properly.

Mike Guymon of Santa Monica brought a Solarama  a solar eclipse viewing filter to watch the annular solar eclipse in Bluff, Utah, in 2023. (Ash Ponders / Los Angeles Times)

Some experts also warn against staring at the eclipse for minutes on end, even with proper eye protection. Krupp suggests looking up for just a moment, to see the progress, and then waiting 10 minutes or so before seeing how it looks again.

"Just because you have a filter, or eclipse glasses, doesn't mean that it's safe ... to keep staring and staring. That's the last thing you want to do," Krupp said.

Another way to monitor the eclipse's progression is through a pinhole camera, which can be made by poking a hole in a piece of aluminum foil or paper with a safety pin, paper clip or pencil, and projecting the image of the sun onto the ground. Holding up a colander can also project the partial eclipse onto the ground, as can looking at sunlight dappling through a tree's leaves, or through your fingers aligned perpendicularly.

People using binoculars, camera lenses and telescopes need to mount proper solar filters on the outermost lenses receiving light, filtering the powerful rays before they enter the device. Otherwise, the sunlight will be concentrated, and instant, severe eye injury can occur, NASA warns.

For those interested in taking photos of the eclipse with their smartphone, Krupp suggested shooting wide-angle views. The sun will appear pretty small, "but you've got the landscape around there"  similar to how people take photographs of sunrises and sunsets.

There will be eclipse viewing parties across California, including at the California Science Center in South L.A., Caltech and Cal State L.A. (An event at the Mt. Wilson Observatory was canceled.) A number of public libraries across Los Angeles County also will hold viewing parties, and eclipse glasses will be available as long as supplies last.

One notable place that won't host an in-person watch party is Griffith Observatory. Instead, it will broadcast the total solar eclipse live from Belton, Texas. The Griffith Observatory Foundation is leading a viewing trip there as well as to Mazatlan, Mexico, where Krupp will be.

A big worry for eclipse chasers seeking to be in the path of totality is the weather. Unlike the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse, which was blessed with sunny skies for many, this April could be a different story.

"I'm calling this eclipse  April 8, 2024  the 'heartbreaker' because we know the saying: 'April showers bring May flowers.' So dodging the clouds is going to be anything but a trivial task for this particular eclipse," Jeremy Veldman, president of the Memphis Astronomical Society, said in a YouTube video that covered 45 years of weather satellite photos for previous April 8 dates, as compiled by the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies.

A detailed analysis of past climate conditions for April, between 2000 and 2020, posted on the website Eclipsophile, said the probability of cloudiness increases the farther north you go.

But climate averages are useful only if you're planning years in advance. There have been times on April 8, Veldman said, such as in 2019, where "no matter where you go, there's the likelihood you're gonna be dodging clouds," with the exception of southern Texas. But sometimes, like on April 8, 1994, southern Texas was cloudy but other areas farther north were largely clear, even New York.

The Eclipsophile analysis said that now is the time to start looking at long- and short-range forecasts.

The call about where to go is mixed. Some have well-laid plans and say they'll stay put, no matter what. Other die-hard eclipse chasers may have multiple contingencies "so that they can change based on the weather," NASA astrophysicist Kelly Korreck said at a briefing in January.

But deciding to move locations too late could leave you stuck in traffic. "Even interstates will come to a halt when the eclipse is imminent," the Eclipsophile analysis said.

For those lucky enough to experience totality and who are positioned along the eclipse's center line, it'll be a relatively long event, generally 3 to 4 minutes, depending on location. By contrast, the longest duration of the 2017 total solar eclipse, near Carbondale, Ill., was about 2 minutes, 40 seconds.

Veteran eclipse watchers say those in the path of totality can expect a transcendental experience. The last moment of sunlight that's blocked out by the moon "produces a bright, bright spot on the dark disk of the sun," Krupp said, referred to as a "diamond ring."

If skies are clear, you might notice a "distinct column of the shadow of the moon  this cylindrical shadow column  moving toward you," said Tim Thompson, the science director for Mt. Wilson Observatory. Once you're in the shadow, the temperature can drop; during his total solar eclipse experience in Idaho in 2017, the temperature dropped by 20 degrees.

Then, a moment later, the moon will completely block the sun's surface.

"It's like somebody threw a switch. The sun is completely blocked by the moon. The darkness of the eclipsed sun is darker than the sky around it," Krupp said. "It seems like the deepest black that you've ever seen, particularly in contrast with the rest of the sky  which has grown dark, but not nighttime dark."

Animals may react strangely, thinking it's nighttime, and it can feel like "you've got this wraparound sunrise-sunset," Krupp said. "You're looking out in every direction from where you are in the middle of the shadow."

Added Thompson: "It's that sunrise-sunset effect all along the horizon. You can't see that kind of thing, ever, except during a total eclipse."

For those in the zone of totality, that's the only time it's safe to take off eclipse glasses and watch with the naked eye, NASA says. People may be able to see the sun's corona, the outer solar atmosphere, that's superheated to millions of degrees  hotter than the surface of the sun, Tyler said.

"The corona is a very bright white, and very obvious. And you never see anything like that unless it's a total eclipse," Thompson said. "The contrast between that and the moon is so extreme  the moon becomes the blackest thing you've ever seen. ... It's just like a hole punched in the universe."

The total solar eclipse of 2017, in a photo taken from the Gulfstream III, a business jet operated by NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center. The sun's corona, the outer solar atmosphere, which is viewable as streams of white light, can be seen only during a total eclipse. (Carla Thomas / NASA)

Krupp described the corona as a "pearly whitish halo of light around the sun, but has streamers going in various directions." Another feature that can be seen are flame-like structures called prominences on the edge of the sun, showing up in contrast to the white light of the corona. They are coming out of the chromosphere, "which is shining with the red light of hydrogen at a particular temperature. And that looks sort of like a little arc of red, just depending on where you get it. It hugs the dark disk of the sun," Krupp said.

Thompson suggested those attending their first total solar eclipse not bother with special viewing equipment during totality. "If you've never done it before, then you don't want to be distracted by anything," Thompson said. "Don't take telescopes, don't try to photograph it. Maybe hold up your cellphone camera and take a click or something. ... But it's all about being there and being part of the experience."

Tatiana Kalish, 17, of El Segundo views a partial solar eclipse at the California Science Center in 2017. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

It's a marvel that solar eclipses happen in such perfect formation between Earth, the moon and the sun.

There's "this amazing cosmic coincidence that the size of the moon and the size of the sun  in an angular sense  are about the same," Margot said. "Even though the sun is 400 times larger than the moon ... it also happens to be 400 times further away."

Those in the path of totality should keep an eye on the time  perhaps using a timer or alarm  to know when to put their eclipse glasses back on.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A woman has revealed her male co-workers shocking response after announcing she was pregnant.

In a viral video posted to TikTok, user Martha Rosey (@martharoseyy) highlighted the difficulties of working as a woman in a male-dominated field when she described her co-workers reaction to her pregnancy. I told everybody at work today that Im pregnant and before I even found out I was pregnant, theres this - I work in a lab, so its just all men, Rosey began her video, which has since been viewed more than two million times.

This one guy in there, he was talking to me one day, the 24-year-old engineer continued. I work in a lab by myself. He comes into my lab one day and he goes, Did your parents pay for you to go to college? And I was like, No.

However, her co-worker pushed further and asked whether Roseys parents had established a 529 savings plan to help pay for college. When she once again clarified that her parents didnt fund her education, the male co-worker responded: Then how did you go to college?

Rosey explained to him that she was able to pay for college through scholarships and financial aid, though she is currently paying off student loans. The man still didnt seem to understand how she was able to get through college and suggested she open a Roth IRA savings account for retirement.

He goes on to say, Well, if you ever want to have kids you could just start one for them, Rosey recalled. Just to end the conversation I said something along the lines of, Im not having kids. Obviously its not true, I just wanted to end the conversation.

The TikTokers interaction with her male co-worker provided context for her followers, as she went on to describe their most recent conversation after announcing she was pregnant. Today I announced at our group meeting that Im pregnant and he walks by me as the meeting ends and he goes, Hmm, really sounds like you didnt want to have kids, Rosey shared.

In her caption, she also revealed that her male co-worker had told her she needed to go back to school to get a real job, despite already working as an engineer in a lab.

Thousands of viewers were shocked to learn how Roseys colleague responded to her pregnancy, and questioned how such a conversation could be allowed in a workplace setting. She clarified in the comments section that she was too shocked to say anything back to the man, as many people urged her to file a complaint with her human resources department.

The audacity he had to ask such questions in the first place is beyond me, one TikToker commented, to which Rosey replied: Same. And out of nowhere too.

Another user was confused why the man felt the need to question Rosey about her finances in the first place, asking: Either way, how is it any of his business how college was paid for?

Right. I have no idea what even prompted him to come ask me, Rosey wrote back.

A third person commented: Is he intentionally rude or just not emotionally intelligent? I worked alone in a lab too and came across both for sure lol.

Nevertheless, Roseys viral video gave fellow women the opportunity to open up about their negative experiences working in a male-dominated industry.

My old engineering boss referred to me being pregnant as my situation during my entire pregnancy. Being a woman in STEM is cool, one user sarcastically commented.

A male co-worker told me I was too young and irresponsible and should move in with my parents so they can raise my baby, another woman revealed.

When I was telling co-workers about my pregnancy one of my male co-workers asked me if it was on purpose, a third person said, while someone else simply wrote: As a fellow lab engineer girly, this is the most accurate thing Ive seen.

The Independent has contacted Rosey for comment.

Back in 2022, a Fox News host sparked backlash after he questioned why an employer would give a pregnant woman an important job. Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade made the comment on-air while discussing the creation of a new advisory board to the Department of Homeland Security. Nina Jankowicz, an author and communications advisor to the Ukrainian government, was appointed to lead the board while also eight months pregnant at the time.

Im not sure how you get a job and then you just, you cant do a job for three months, Kilmeade said during the broadcast. Im not faulting her, but I dont know why you would give someone a job that you think is so important.

In a previous broadcast, the Fox News host once again criticised Jankowiczs appointment to the advisory board by attacking her pregnancy. If youre going to take over a brand new bureau, shouldnt you not need maternity leave the first few weeks in? Kilmeade asked. Just saying.
Update, April 2, 3:55 p.m. Investigators said Tuesday that the registered owner of a 2016 black Dodge Ram wanted in the case has been found and a second suspect arrested.

DENVER (KDVR)  Westminster police have arrested a man they suspect was driving a vehicle and intentionally hit another man who later died.

Police responded to the area of Alcott and Zuni streets at about 10:18 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. There, they found a man who had been struck by a vehicle and transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived.

Previous coverage: Police: Deadly hit-and-run in Westminster may have been intentional, Medina Alert issued

Investigators learned there was a disturbance between people when the suspect intentionally struck the victim with his vehicle. The victim, a man, has not been identified by law enforcement, but his family identified him and spoke with FOX31.

Family identifies victim, remember his love for his family

The family of the man killed on Friday night told FOX31s Vicente Arenas the victim was Robby Valanzuela, 52, of Denver.

I got a phone call that said my husband was in an accident up the street. And he was literally up the street and I got there before the police and everything, and I see my husbands body laying lifeless, and it hurts, Valanzuelas wife, Yvette, said. It hurts. Its something you never expect to happen.

Yvette told Arenas that they were at a gathering on Friday night in Westminster, preparing for an Easter celebration, when he was killed.

Families members identified Robby Valanzuela as the victim of a deadly hit-and-run crash in Westminster on Saturday, March 30.

Families members identified Robby Valanzuela as the victim of a deadly hit-and-run crash in Westminster on Saturday, March 30.

We were gathering getting all the meat and all the food and dying Easter eggs, getting everything ready for our celebration for Sunday, she said. And just to know that someone took his life like that. Like how  take his life like that. Home is not home anymore.

Valanzuelas family remembers him as a father and grandfather who loved his family.

The second you open the door, Hi! Im here. Im alive. You know I exist. Walking in last night  silence, Valanzuelas daughter, Justine, said.

I want him to be remembered as Robby Valanzuela, the cheerful, loving, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle  he has lots of family, Yvette said.

A GoFundMe is collecting donations to benefit his family.

Westminster police say one suspect is in custody

Investigators said that on the night of March 31, officers arrested August Alonzo Romero, 40, on a count of first-degree murder by causing injury with a deadly weapon. He was to be held at the Adams County Detention Facility.

Police initially said they were searching for two vehicles, as one was believed to be associated to the suspect, but as of Monday, the agency is only searching for a pickup truck suspected of being involved.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation released this photo of a truck believed to be involved with a hit-in-run on March 30, 2024. (CBI)

Westminster Police released this photo of a truck believed to be involved with a hit-in-run on March 30, 2024. (Westminster Police)

The truck is described as a 2016 black Dodge Ram with Colorado license plate EEI-A89, according to the CBI. It has four doors, chrome wheels and while it was originally described as having a large circular sticker on the drivers side back window, that is now removed, the CBI said. The truck bed has a work box and may have a pole sticking up from it, according to police.

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Police said they identified the registered owner of the pickup truck; however, they are still looking for the truck.

Anyone with information about this case can remain anonymous by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. You can also call 911 or the Westminster Police Department at 303-658-4360.

The investigation is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Authorities are trying to track down a man wanted in connection with an Easter Sunday shooting in a Salemtown restaurant that left one person dead and sent seven others to the hospital.

According to officials, the shooting was reported just after 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 31 at Roasted Salemtown in the 600 block of Garfield Street, which is near Germantown.

(Source: Metro Nashville Police Department)

(Photo: WKRN)

(Photo: WKRN)

(Photo: WKRN)

(Photo: WKRN)

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, 33-year-old Allen Beachem was shot and killed; five other gunshot victims ended up with non-critical injuries; one person was brought to the hospital with a possible graze wound that was described as a scratch, which could have been sustained by brushing up against a piece of sharp furniture; and a pregnant woman had a panic attack and wanted to go to the hospital to be checked out, even though she was not wounded. In other words, a total of eight people were brought to at least three different hospitals following the shooting, including Beachem.

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Authorities said the gunman opened fire with a pistol during Sunday brunch at Roasted and then left the scene in a Mercedes GLS 450, as seen in the photographs shared by MNPD:

This was not a shootout, if you will, stated Don Aaron, a public information officer for MNPD. This was one person who decided to pull a gun based on an altercation occurring with another man, and then he fired multiple shots, resulting in the injuries Ive just described.

According to police, minutes after the suspect arrived at the coffee shop, he and another man  who is believed to be the man who died  got into an argument that significantly escalated within moments. However, there is no indication at this time that the two men knew each other.

One neighbor told News 2 she had just returned home from a hike and sat on her porch briefly, when she heard the sound of gunshots.

Within that five-minute span, I hear like 10, 20 shots, and then like 30 people come running out screaming, all different directions, Salemtown resident Carly Payne said. I tried to get back inside. As Im inside, Im looking out the window, I see the guy with the gun run around the corner. I assume he drove off or something, but [I] called the police.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Authorities said the gunman arrived at Roasted with a female, who left with him after the shooting.

While the motive for the shooting remains unknown, but it could be something as simple as one person invading another persons space, Aaron said.

MNPD Cmdr. Anthony McClain said the coffee shop changed ownership in the last year or so, but before this, law enforcement hasnt had any significant issues at Roasted. He added that he was surprised to see an incident like this in the Salemtown area, especially on Easter Sunday.

According to McClain, surveillance footage shows mass chaos following the shooting, with a lot of people panicking as they tried to get out of the shop and escape the gunfire while some people tried to resist the suspect.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Members of MNPDs Homicide Unit are leading the investigation, with assistance from detectives with the TITANS Unit of the Specialized Investigations Division  which specializes in finding individuals responsible for gunfire in neighborhoods  as they work to apprehend the gunman.

On Sunday night, MNPD announced 46-year-old Anton Rucker is wanted in connection with the homicide at Roasted. Not only does he have aggravated assault convictions in Nashville, but he was reportedly arrested in Murfreesboro for felony drug charges last Halloween, as well as assault and gun charges last August.

Anton Rucker (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Suspect vehicle from Roasted Salemtown shooting (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department)

If you see Rucker or the vehicle photographed above, you are asked to call MNPD at 615-862-8600.

Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell shared his thoughts about the shooting on X, formerly known as Twitter:

Tragically, Easter was disrupted by gun violence in my neighborhood at one of our wonderful small businesses. @MNPDNashville has the area secured, and @NashvilleFD EMS has taken care of victims. My heart goes out to those who had their holiday disrupted by gun violence. We must continue doing everything in our power at the local level to limit the likelihood and impact of gun violence. We are continuing to increase police capacity, invest in community safety, and working to ensure dispossession of those who should not legally possess firearms.

WATCH: Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin speaks with News 2 after deadly Salemtown shooting

Meanwhile, Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin said he would like to see safer gun storage, especially after so many firearms were stolen from vehicles last year: Just heartbreaking. I mean, its a holiday thats supposed to be about family and about peace and about taking care of each other, and here we are dealing with another situation of senseless gun violence.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
1 dead, several injured after violent weekend in the Bronx

1 dead, several injured after violent weekend in the Bronx

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  A violent Saturday in the Bronx left one man dead and several others injured, according to officials.

Nancy Tavarez is not celebrating Easter this Sunday. Instead, she is trying to wake up from what she calls a nightmare.

Around midnight, her world turned upside down. She never heard back from her son, who stepped out of the house on Saturday and was supposed to return because he had to work Sunday morning, Tavarez told PIX11 News in Spanish.

More Crime News

Police arrived at her home in the Bronx to let her know that 25-year-old Frankelis Tavarez had been killed.

In tears, Tavarez said she still cant process that her son is gone.

Authorities said Tavarez was shot in the chest around 8:50 p.m. on East 187th and Tiebout Ave.

A 23-year-old man had a gunshot wound to the stomach and buttocks, according to police.

Frankeliss brother said he wished he had played video games with him when he asked him last week.

The shooting happened steps away from the Bronx Baptist church and just four blocks from where a 2-year-old boy was shot in the hip by a stray bullet on Saturday while walking with his mother near East Fordham Road.

Wild Wild West is in here. They are shooting up all the kids, and hanging out in the corner over there is crazy, said Charlton Green.

More Bronx News

According to the NYPD, a 30-year-old man was taken to the hospital after getting shot in the leg when an argument turned violent at the deli on East Tremont Avenue around 4:40 a.m.

This is getting more crazy out here, said Denise Escribano.

No arrests have been made for these crimes, including Frankeliss murder.

Another death is due to gun violence. Leaving a mother not only with her heart ripped apart but also wondering why and who killed her son.

The NYPD confirmed that multiple men fled the scene after the shooting of Frankelis Tavarez.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Orlando is home to one of the best places to live in America, according to a new report by Niche.

Niche  which provides rankings and reviews on schools, colleges and neighborhoods  released its 10th Annual Best Places to Live in America Rankings on March 26 and had Orlandos Audubon Park neighborhood at No. 22.

A report card for the neighborhood on Orlandos northeast side gives it an A grade for its public schools, housing, nightlife, diversity and for being good for families.

Read: DeSantis suspends Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill from office, 4 days after her arrest

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




The World Nature Photography Awards highlight amazing photos of the natural world.

Winning photos were chosen in 14 categories including Underwater and Animal Portraits.

A photo of gannets fighting over a fish in the Shetland Islands won the contest's grand prize.

The World Nature Photography Awards announced the winners of its 2024 contest, highlighting majestic images of animals, landscapes, and scenes from the natural world.

Photographers from six continents submitted thousands of photos to the annual competition. A panel of judges then picked the winners across 14 categories including Underwater, People and Nature, Plants and Fungi, and Animal Portraits.

As part of their efforts to promote sustainability and raise awareness of the climate crisis and its impact on nature, the World Nature Photography Awards team plants a tree for every photo submission received. A tree is also planted for every print sold of a winning photo.

This year's winner, Tracy Lund, took home the $1,000 cash prize and the title of World Nature Photographer of the Year.

Here are 14 breathtaking images from this year's contest.

Nicolas Remy's photo of a black anglerfish, taken in Kurnell, Australia, won first place in the contest's Animal Portraits category.

Location: Kurnell, New South Wales, Australia. Nicolas Remy/World Nature Photography Awards

Celia Kujala captured a sea lion playing with a piece of trash in Mexico, winning first place in the Nature Photojournalism category.

Location: Coronado Islands, Baja California, Mexico Celia Kujala/World Nature Photography Awards

In first place in the Behavior  Mammals category, Alexander Brackx photographed a mother zebra and foal under attack from a cheetah in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Alexander Brackx/World Nature Photography Awards

Jon Seager won first place in the Behavior  Amphibians and Reptiles category with a snapshot of a lava lizard standing on a marine iguana's head in the Galapagos Islands.

Location: Galapagos Islands. John Seager/World Nature Photography Awards

Sally Lightfoot crabs battled waves on the Galapagos Islands in Bill Klipp's first-place photo in the Behavior  Invertebrates category.

Location: Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands. Bill Klipp/World Nature Photography Awards

Miki Spitzer won first place in the Nature Art category with a photo of Iceland's topography.

Location: Iceland. Miki Spitzer/World Nature Photography Awards

Iceland's stunning landscapes made another appearance in the Planet Earth's Landscapes and Environments category, which Ivan Pedretti won with a photo of Mount Vestrahorn.

Location: Stokksnes, Iceland. Ivan Pedretti/World Nature Photography Awards

The winning photo in the People and Nature category, taken by Ioannis Pavlos Evangelidis, shows stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka at sunset.

Location: Koggala, Sri Lanka. Ioannis Pavlos Evangelidis/World Nature Photography Awards

Chatree Lertsintanakorn won the Plants and Fungi category with an image of an owl-shaped organism called Thismia thaithongiana taken in Thailand.

Location: Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak Province, Thailand. Chatree Lertsintanakorn/World Nature Photography Awards

The best Underwater photo, taken by Andy Schmid, showed a female orca swimming through a school of herring in Norway.

Location: Skjervy, Norway. Andy Schmid/World Nature Photography Awards

Amit Eshel won first place in the Animals In Their Habitat category, capturing Nubian ibex battling at the edge of a cliff in Israel.

Location: Negev Desert, Israel. Amit Eshel/World Nature Photography Awards

In the Black and White category, Richard Li's photo of a leopard at the edge of a pond in Kenya won first place.

Location: East Rift Valley, Kenya. Richard Li/World Nature Photography Awards

A sunbird took up residence inside a broken dragon mobile in Israel in this winning Urban Wildlife photo by Roy Wiesner.

Location: Be'er Ora, Israel. Roy Wiesner/World Nature Photography Awards

Tracy Lund won the Behavior  Birds category, as well as the title of World Nature Photographer of the Year, with her photo of two gannets fighting over a fish in the Shetland Islands.

Two gannets under the water in the Shetland Islands. Tracey Lund/World Nature Photography Awards

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Dina Boluarte is discovering the risks of leading a country that jails ex-presidents so often that it built a special prison to hold them.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Just a year into Boluartes term as Perus president, about 80% of voters wanted her gone. That was before a scandal erupted over how exactly she came to own a collection of luxury goods, including a Rolex wristwatch she has sported at public events.

Now, as Boluarte battles allegations of corruption, her approval rating stands at 9%. But she has found a crucial pillar of support in an equally reviled institution: Congress.

An Ipsos poll last month showed the splintered parliament faces almost identical ratings  9% approval and 85% rejection by the public.

Congress now seems likely to back Boluarte as she faces a criminal investigation over illegal enrichment. Last week on Holy Friday  a public holiday in Catholic Peru  police raided her private residence, forcing their way through the door. They then searched the presidential palace for luxury items and evidence about how she came to acquire them.

Boluarte has denied any wrongdoing, but also hasnt publicly explained how she obtained her seemingly expensive possessions. She has acknowledged owning at least one Rolex watch and prosecutors found documentation tying Boluarte to a Datejust 36  prices of which start at $15,000 in Peru  during the raid.

Her jewelry collection even includes a Cartier bracelet worth $50,000, according to the newspaper La Republica. Boluarte hasnt denied that claim.

Before Boluarte gained the vice presidency in 2021 as part of the ticket in a Marxist-Leninist party, she was a public servant working for Perus agency in charge of identity records. She declared an annual income of about $18,000 in that role.

As vice president and minister, she declared a monthly income of about $8,000, according to her official sworn statements. Her monthly income as president is $4,300.

In a nationwide address on Saturday, Boluarte called the police raid arbitrary, disproportional and abusive, suggesting that criticism of her administration threatens the countrys democracy.

This situation is extremely serious and impacts the rights of my family, but mostly it affects the countrys governability, she said in the address, flanked by her cabinet.

Two cabinet members  interior minister Victor Torres and womens minister Nancy Tolentino  announced their resignations on Monday, although neither cited the Rolex scandal. In his role as interior minister, Torres oversaw the national police, a unit of which was responsible for raiding Boluartes residences on Friday.

The largest congressional bloc  Popular Force  has backed multiple impeachment motions since 2017 that have forced out three presidents. But over the weekend, it said impeaching Boluarte would create instability in the country.

Last year, Boluarte freed jailed former president Alberto Fujimori, the father of Keiko Fujimori, the head of Popular Force.

Boluartes top aide, Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, faces a confirmation vote in Congress later this week. And while a left-wing lawmaker has filed an impeachment motion against the president over the luxury items, she has already comfortably survived two ouster attempts since taking over.

In addition to the illegal-enrichment investigation, Boluarte faces a homicide probe over her role in the deaths of almost 50 protesters who were killed in anti-government demonstrations during the first few months of her presidency.

Boluarte, whose term is set to end in July 2026, cannot be arrested while in office. She cannot run for reelection.

The Rolex and other luxury items clash with the image Boluarte has sought to project as a politician. She was elected as vice president in 2021 as part of a party that went on to win overwhelming support among Perus poorest citizens while being rejected by its wealthiest citizens.

After her predecessor was impeached and arrested, Boluarte has insisted that she is a woman of humble origins, often speaking in the indigenous language Quechua in national addresses to differentiate herself from whiter elites in Lima.

The first female president in the 200 years of our countrys history does not give up, Boluarte said in her Saturday address. I came in with clean hands to the presidency and I will go out in the same way in 2026.

(Updates in 12th paragraph with news of two cabinet members resignations.)

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Leisa Richardson describes herself as a proud Midwesterner.

Since mid-February, she has been executive editor of The Greenville News, as well as the Spartanburg Herald-Journal and the Anderson Independent-Mail.

Richardson comes to Greenville from Springfield, Illinois, where she was the editor of the State Journal-Register, also owned by Gannett. She has more than three decades of experience in Gannett newsrooms and her work has received multiple awards.

More: Gannett names Leisa Richardson executive editor for Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald Journal

"People trust us to help them navigate where they live and beyond, understand complex issues, and enjoy all that makes the Upstate unique," she says. "This is our time to reaffirm and strengthen that trust with journalism that makes a difference."

An Indiana native, Richardson is a graduate of Ball State University and has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Danville, Ill., Cincinnati and Indianapolis as well as USA Today. She was named editor in Springfield in 2019.

Greenville News Excecutive Editor Leisa Richardson

She is a lifetime member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has served two terms on the organizations board of directors as well as other NABJ leadership roles.

She describes herself as a foodie and says shes looking forward to enjoying restaurants of all kinds here.

Her two adult sons and grandchildren live in Atlanta.

TALK GREENVILLE: Thank you for taking the time. What was it that attracted you to this area and this opportunity?

LR: Greenville has the reputation for being a growing and thriving community. The opportunity to lead a young and talented newsroom was most attractive. On the personal front, I have two sons and grandchildren in Atlanta, so coming to Greenville gets me a little closer to them. They're excited about the move! I am, too!

TG: What did you know about Greenville and the Upstate before you started looking into moving here?

LR: I had some friends who worked here, Romando Dixson (currently Illinois State editor for Gannett) and Katrice Hardy was the editor here and she's a good friend. I also had a reporter in Springfield who was recruited to come here. As far as the newsroom, I know a bit through the people I know. The community, I am coming in with fresh eyes.

TG: About the regional nature of this area. Spartanburg, Greenville and Anderson each have their own identities and issues, yet they also have a lot of commonalities. How do you balance that? Are there similarities to Springfield and Central Illinois in general?

LR: We have an Illinois network, where Springfield is the state capital, but we also have papers across the state, especially Peoria where Romando is the executive editor, a bunch of smaller papers, and Rockford up in the northwest corner of the state. We definitely talk and coordinate. It's mainly out of the state capital that we share with our colleagues, always looking for ways to share. In Greenville, because I have the purview of Spartanburg and Anderson, well obviously share content and resources where it makes sense.

TG: Youve seen a lot of changes in the news business  whats the best thing? What do you miss?

LR: One of the best things about change is the growth that comes along with it. With the digital tools we have, we can see in real time what content attracts our various audiences. So, while we continue our commitment to investigative and public service journalism, we also can update you immediately about impending weather or traffic snags, and react quickly to breaking news. Then there's video and audio capabilities that we just didn't have when print was our only way to share information. Our challenge remains how we stay on top of those evolving tastes and how we continue to deliver information.

TG: I noticed that you and your team in Springfield went through moving the newsroom to a new location -- a couple of times in the past couple of years. Now, youre facing the possibility of the same thing here. How do you navigate that and also focus on whats important?

LR: The Greenville team hasn't moved yet. I'll be in the downtown office daily. But if we do move, the good thing is we don't do it alone. We have a great corporate team that helps. In Springfield, I'm the person on the ground, able to check out things and know what the needs are. But the corporate team is really good at identifying places and working to get that done. Its like if you're relocating to another home -- you don't stop working. You do what's best for your family -- or in this case our team. We are lucky that we can multi-task.

TG: Whats the best advice youve ever gotten about journalism? About life?

LR: It came from an editor I had in Cincinnati -- he's since passed -- his name was Larry Beaupre. He told me that when you get to a certain point in your career and you have other opportunities, remember what we do. We're journalists and we do journalism. If your opportunity has nothing to do with journalism. It's probably not for you. That was the best advice that I got from anyone when it came to understanding what we do as journalists and what's important.

TG: Are great journalists made or are they born?

LR: There are some qualities youre born with, but journalism is something that you do and you learn. Empathy for the story is something that you grow up with, but the skills you have you acquire by learning and school and experience. I don't think that you are born with a label that says, you will be a journalist.

TG: OK, so what makes a great journalist?

LR: I think being curious, not accepting the status quo. Understanding that there are things underlying the obvious. We are storytellers. No matter if it is a story about, you know, wrongdoing in state government or if it's an uplifting story about somebody who's overcome something. It's recognizing the humanity no matter where it is.

TG: Youve been with Gannett a long time  and at some pretty storied papers -- Indianapolis and Cincinnati. What are some important things youve learned?

LR: Ive learned a lot from every place I've worked, but one of the best things is to stay true to our core mission which is to seek and tell the truth. It's that simple. Another important aspect of journalism is the camaraderie that happens in a newsroom. I have a network of people who started out as colleagues and became lifelong friends. Having a network of supportive people who know our industry is important, particularly in these last few years. People you can bounce ideas off with confidence that they're going to consider what you're saying and offer up their best advice.

TG: Unlike a lot of places, theres a competitive environment in the news business here  is it a luxury that Greenville has so many outlets vying for readers and viewers?

LR: I love it! I've always worked in competitive markets. Bring it on. Good credible information is what we are focused on, obviously. There's lots of information out there, but not all of it is good or credible. What we have been able to build over years -- decades -- as reliable news organizations is credibility. That's our foundation. People know that they can trust we've done the work to tell fair and accurate stories. If you don't have that trust you don't have anything.

TG: What does success look like for The Greenville News, and news in Spartanburg, Anderson?

LR: The mission is the same, big operation or small -- to do good journalism, to seek the truth, to be a watchdog, to speak for the people who don't have a voice or don't know that they have a voice. Our No. 1 goal is to develop our people and grow coverage, so our readers see themselves and issues they deem important. Not that it's not there already, but we have to continue that. Are the reporters, editors, photographers and everyone else who works in the newsroom fulfilled in what they're doing? It's not just one thing that looks like success for me.

TG: When youre not working, what do you like to do?

LR: Im a foodie, so restaurants. I shop -- I'm a retail therapist. I read a lot. A lot. Those are the main things. Obviously, I like to stay in contact with my family and so I travel a lot. Im a workout person. I go to the gym and lift weights. I do cardio, stretching, all of that. Five or six days a week for sure. TG: What are your go-tos  what kind of food do you enjoy most?

LR: I like it all. I try to check out a lot of different kinds of restaurants from the very upscale to the dive.

TG: Youve had a longtime involvement in NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists). Talk a little about why thats important.

Leisa Richardson with took part in a panel diiscussion with other top Black female newsroom leaders at the 2022 NABJ Convention. Other panelists were (left to right) Felecia Henderson of the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, Rana Cash of The Charlotte Observer, Maria Reeve of The Houston Chronicle, and Monica Richardson of the Miami Herald.

LR: Im a life member of NABJ. I think the mission diversifying newsrooms and advocating for journalists is so important, and not only NABJ, but also groups like NAHJ (National Association of Hispanic Journalists, AAJA (Asian-American Journalists Association), and NLGJA now called the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists. They are all important organizations to keep our industry diverse, to make sure that we are bringing people along to develop their skills to take our places in the newsroom. That has been one of the things that I have done throughout my career -- working with journalists to bring them along -- to be an ear when they need one. I came along in a time when I was the only person of color in the newsroom, you know. I've done that several times. Being that person shouldn't happen in this day and age. It's better now, but still, it's a constant thing that we have to intentionally work on. Really, how can you adequately tell the stories of a community if your newsroom doesn't reflect that community? Fortunately, making sure newsrooms are diverse is part of the Gannett, our parent company's, DNA.

TG: Youre coming here during South Carolinas once-every-four-years time in the spotlight of national politics. Was that a big draw for you?

LR: I've been a political editor. I've been a Statehouse bureau chief, so I am very much interested in politics and how elections operate. Its a really interesting time to be here and to come here.

TG: Did Romando Dixson or other colleagues give you some insights and perspective on the area?

LR: I asked where I should live and he said, based on what I know about where you live now, these are the neighborhoods you should look at. So, he gave me a list of neighborhoods to check out. Ive got a lot of open houses to go to.

TG: What are you most looking forward to getting to know about the area?

LR: I've never lived in the South. I'm a Midwesterner, so that'll be interesting to experience the similarities and differences between regions. As I've said, I'm excited!

TG: Thank you!

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: 15 Minutes With ... Executive Editor Leisa Richardson
GLOUCESTER, Va. (WAVY)  The killing of a Gloucester woman thats potentially connected to the Colonial Parkway Murders is still under investigation 36 years later.

Virginia State Police announced on Monday investigators continue to actively pursue information in the disappearance and homicide of Laurie Ann Powell, whose remains were found on April 2, 1988 in the James River near Ragged Island in Isle of Wight County.

State Police remain hopeful that this case will come to a successful resolution and continue to encourage the public to come forward with any information related to this investigation, said State Police spokesperson Matthew Demlein.

Though the release coincides with the anniversary of Powells remains being found and not because of newly discovered evidence in the case, Demlein said.

Investigation: Could these two cold cases be part of the Colonial Parkway murders?

Oxygens Lovers Lane Murders tells the story of the Colonial Parkway murders  and features WAVYs Andy Fox

Powell, who was 18 at the time, was found dead with multiple stab wounds almost a month after she was last seen alive around midnight on March 9 in Gloucester County. She had left her boyfriends car after an argument, and was last seen walking on Route 614 in Gloucester County toward Route 17.

Her boyfriend was investigated (and failed a lie detector test) but never charged. He later died in 2016.

He told WAVY at the time he didnt kill Powell and failed the lie detector test because every time I hear her name my blood boils.

In a follow-up story on Powells murder in 2021, State Police said the last DNA submission in the case was in 2007. They also received a tip with information on the case in 2016.

Powells case was never officially linked to the well-known Colonial Parkway Murders, four separate double homicides committed between 1986 through 1989 in the region. However, a Suffolk Police investigator told WAVY in 2021 that anything is possible.

That is a tight time frame for homicides in a close particular area, so Im not going to tell you its not connected,

Earlier this year, law enforcement announced they linked a man, a former Northern Neck resident named Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. to at least one of those Colonial Parkway cases (and a separate cold case in Hampton). He died alone in his home on Dec. 15, 2017 in Lancaster County.

Anyone with information in Powells case can contact the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Division at 757-424-6850 or by email at bci-chesapeake@vsp.virginia.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
2 dead after Easter Sunday shootings in Alexandria; 1 man arrested in Hill Street shooting

Police are investigating two homicides that happened on Easter Sunday in Alexandria.

The first happened around 3 a.m., when the Alexandria Police Department responded to a report of gunfire in the 4100 block of Pisciotta Street, which is in a neighborhood off 3rd Street.

Jessie Tatum III, 49, was found dead when officers arrived, reads a news release.

Then, around 12:45 p.m., police were sent to the 1800 block of Hill Street for a shooting. They found a 23-year-old man, Derrick Ford Jr. of Alexandria, wounded.

Louisiana State Police: Crash kills Marksville woman, injures 3 others Friday

Police: Toddler injured when hit by car Thursday evening in Alexandria

Ford was taken to a hospital, where he died, reads a separate news release.

Online Rapides Parish jail records show a 21-year-old male who resides in the 1800 block of Hill Street was booked late Sunday on a charge of second-degree murder.

Bail for Reginald Dwayne Pullins has been set at $1 million, and an early Monday news release states he turned himself in the Ford shooting case.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Man arrested in 1 of 2 fatal Alexandria Easter Sunday killings
Editors note: The story in the video player originally aired on Feb. 19, 2024.

NEW YORK (AP)  Authorities charged two men with providing the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed prominent New York City transgender activist Cecilia Gentili in February, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Text messages, cell site data, and other evidence showed that 52-year-old Antonio Venti of Long Island sold Gentili drugs on Feb. 5, and Brooklyn resident, Michael Kuilan, 44, supplied Venti with the deadly narcotics, federal prosecutors said.

Law enforcement officials searching Kuilans home also found hundreds of baggies of fentanyl, a handgun and ammunition, according to Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

Gentili was a former sex worker who became a leading advocate for other transgender people, as well as sex workers and people with HIV. She also acted in the FX television series Pose, about the underground ballroom dance scene in the 1980s and 1990s.

St. Patricks Cathedral claims it was tricked into holding funeral for transgender activist

Her well-attended funeral at St. Patricks Cathedral in Manhattan drew outrage in the Catholic community, including from the venerable churchs own pastor.

Gentili was found dead in her bedroom on Feb. 6. Prosecutors say the 52-year-old Brooklyn residents death was due to the combined effect of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine and cocaine.

Fentanyl, which is typically mixed with other drugs, has accounted for roughly 70% of drug related deaths nationwide, according to Frank Tarentino, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations New York office.

Todays indictment delivers a strong message to anyone who profits from poisoning our communities with illicit drugs, New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban said in a statement.

Lawyers for the two men, who are slated to be arraigned in Brooklyn federal court later Monday, didnt immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
2 women dead after police say they drove away from traffic stop, led them on chase in Fayette County

Two women are dead after police say they ran from an attempted traffic stop, according to the City of Fayetteville Public Safety.

Just before 4 p.m. Sunday, Fayetteville Police attempted to stop a car with a tag that belonged to another vehicle at the intersection of N. Glynn Street and E. Stonewall Ave.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, a woman drove away from the traffic stop and started a pursuit, according to police.

Police say they used the PIT maneuver to stop the chase before it reached the McDonough Road intersection and put others in danger.

The maneuver led to the car with the driver and her passenger to leave the roadway and crash.

TRENDING STORIES:

Both women were taken to the hospital where they died from their injuries, officials say.

No other drivers were hit by the womens vehicle during the chase.

Georgia State Patrol has been requested to investigate the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
2 women killed, 5 injured after gunmen opens fire from car Easter morning, GBI says

Two women died in a shooting in Laurens County early Sunday.

Just after 2 a.m., Dublin police were dispatched to the 500 block of West Avenue to reports of a shooting.

Police say a vehicle stopped near that address and the people inside the vehicle fired shots, striking seven people.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Two of the victims who were shot, Miyori Ellington, 23, of Dublin, and Sacred Brown, 24, of Dublin, died at the scene.

Five other shooting victims were treated at the hospital. Four of those victims are still hospitalized. Their conditions have not been released.

Police have not yet made any arrests in this shooting.

Dublin police requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate the murders.

Their investigation is ongoing and active.

TRENDING STORIES:

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or the Dublin Police Department at 478-275-0803.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-8477.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
On Friday, a federal appeals court in New York will consider a case with key implications for the 2024 election. At issue is whether it violates federal law to trick people on social media and elsewhere about when, where, or how to vote, and whether such a law is consistent with the First Amendment. A ruling favoring the government would go a long way toward protecting voters.

Back in 2016, a man named Douglass Mackey, tweeting under the name Ricky Vaughn, repeatedly directed messages to Black voters encouraging them to vote by text for Hillary Clinton. The intent was to trick these voters out of their franchise; of course, votes sent by text dont count. Thousands sent texts to vote. We dont know how many of them later did not attempt to vote in a permissible way.

Mackey was convicted by a jury of violating a Reconstruction-era law, 18 U.S.C.  241, that made it a crime for two or more persons [to] conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person  in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States. The federal governments theory was that Mackey conspired with others to deprive voters of their right to vote.

On expedited appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, Mackey concedes that, at worst, his tweets containing false information about how to vote were calculated to cause voters to send futile text messages and then stay home on election day. But, he argues, Section 241 does not apply to conduct such as his, he was not on fair notice that Section 241 applied to conduct like his, and even if it covered this conduct, Section 241 would apply to so much protected speech that it would violate the First Amendments protection for freedom of speech.

In an amicus brief supporting the federal government, Protect Democracy, the Yale Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic, and I take issue with Mackeys first and third arguments.

Regarding whether Section 241 covers his despicable conduct (which he now defends as satire), we explain that, under a Supreme Court case involving a closely related statute, courts must look to the common law of torts to determine what it means to injure someone in the enjoyment of their rights. There is case law dating back hundreds of years in England and the United States that treats it as a tort to willfully deprive someone else of the right to vote. Trickery is just one means of depriving someone of their right to vote; other means include violence and threats of violence. This reading, tying Section 241 to the commission of a common-law tort, will go a long way toward ensuring that federal prosecutors are limited in the kinds of election-related activities that could be charged as Section 241 violations, thus muting the overreach issues Mackey claims to be so concerned about.

Regarding whether the statute is unconstitutional, Mackeys First Amendment argument is weak so long as Section 241 is read to cover only conduct related to voting that would constitute a tortthat is, in the words of the Restatement (Second) of Torts, the use of tortious force, fraud or duress against either the other or a third person, bribery of a third person or the use of an official position to prevent the exercise of the right to vote. Indeed, in a 2018 case, Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky, the United States Supreme Court in a First Amendment case recognized, consistent with long-standing tort law, that a state may prohibit messages intended to mislead voters about voting requirements and procedures.

Mackey is not arguing that his conduct in tricking voters out of their franchise is itself protected by the First Amendment. Instead, hes making a special kind of argument that applies in First Amendment cases: He is trying to show that the law is substantially overbroad, meaning that applying Section 241 would violate speech rights most of the time. If he can show that, the law violates the Constitution, and hes off the hook.

Mackey cannot make this showing. After all, there are many tortious actions to disenfranchise that do not implicate speechbattering or falsely imprisoning someone to prevent them from entering a polling place would be covered by Section 241, for example. Applying Section 241 to these actions would not violate the First Amendment. Even when words are part of a tortious course of conductfor example by assaulting the plaintiff by saying If you enter the polling place, I will hit you or defrauding the plaintiff by falsely stating You may be arrested if you vote because it is illegal to vote unless youve paid the poll taxsuch applications of Section 241 to hold this conduct illegal would pose no First Amendment problem because fraud and true threats are not protected by the First Amendment.

Our brief does not weigh in on Mackeys argument that he lacked fair notice that he was violating Section 241 as properly understood. As Mackey points out, back in 2022, before I had looked into the issue in depth and well after the conduct in question, I opined in the New York Times that it was not clear if Section 241 covered Mackeys conduct. Having now studied the issue closely, I believe that his conduct does because he committed a common-law tort. If Mackey can prove lack of notice, though, he may get his conviction overturned.

For Mackey, of course, the most important question is whether he will have to serve his seven-month sentence. The far more important question for society, however, is whether courts will read Section 241 as covering new attempts to trick people out of their right to vote. This case can set a major precedent protecting voters.

If the 2nd Circuit agrees with our reading of Section 241, future Ricky Vaughns will be on notice that seeking to trick people out of their vote on social media is not only abhorrent. Its criminal.
The 2024 solar eclipse is next week! Here's everything you need to know.

[ Editor's note: Follow this link for an updated guide to the eclipse, including your weather forecast and where to buy last-minute glasses.]

We are exactly one week from the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse that'll cross a wide swath of the United States, with an expected 34 million Americans witnessing the celestial show.

The 2024 solar eclipse will last longer than the one viewed by more than 20 million people in August 2017, and according to NASA wont happen again for another 20 years. Fifteen total solar eclipses have been recorded in the U.S. in the last 150 years, with the next one expected in August 2044.

Even if you're not in the path of totality, like most of Michigan, you can still watch the spectacle. You will need special eclipse glasses to be able to take in the experience so you don't risk eye damage. Thankfully, there is still time to get your hands on a pair  or create your own eclipse viewer at home.

Here's everything to know about the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.

What a total eclipse looks like.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earths orbits, creating an eclipse of Earths view of the sun. The term "eclipse" traces its roots to the Latin eclipsis,drawn from the Greek ekleipsis.

The path of totality is the predicted path of the eclipse; in this case, from Mexico, through the U.S. across Texas and North America to the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. States in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

What is the 2024 solar eclipse path?

Use the map below to see NASA's prediction of the April 8 solar eclipse's path of totality. Keep in mind that this is a prediction, and predictions can vary, but they may only affect you if you're on the very edge of the path.

More: What is the meaning of the word 'eclipse'? Here is its origin ahead of April 8 event

When is the solar eclipse 2024? When does the solar eclipse start near me?

The 2024 solar eclipse is Monday, April 8, 2024. Its path of totality will cross the United States from approximately 2:27 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. Eastern time. That's when, if you're in the path, the sky will darken for several minutes and the air will get colder.

Use the ZIP code locator below to find out when the eclipse begins and ends in your area  and what it will look like. (Can't see it? Hit refresh.)

What time is the solar eclipse in Michigan?

Only one small sliver of Michigan is in the 2024 eclipse's path of totality, in southeastern Monroe County. That includes Luna Pier, which sits along Lake Erie, just north of Toledo. Its residents are getting excited, albeit a little concerned about potential traffic snarls.

Most of the rest of Michigan will see somewhere between 90-99% coverage of the sun, though it won't be visible to the naked eye; you'll need special glasses or a viewer (more on that later).

When is the solar eclipse in Detroit?

In Detroit, where there will be 99.4% coverage of the sun, the 2024 solar eclipse will begin at 1:58 p.m. and reach maximum totality, or coverage, around 3:14 p.m. It will conclude with a final partial eclipse at 4:27 p.m.

What is the April 8, 2024 weather forecast in Michigan?

Clear skies will be essential to viewing the eclipse, especially since most of Michigan doesn't fall in the path of totality.

As of Friday, the latest weather forecast for southeast Michigan shows potential cloud cover, but encouraging signs that it'll be clear enough to view the eclipse. AccuWeather predicts a high of 63 degrees in Detroit on April 8, with "variable cloudiness" and a chance of a shower in the morning. Weather.com also predicts partly cloudy skies and a high of 66 degrees.

If these predictions hold up, that would give eclipse viewers in southeast Michigan a chance to see the eclipse at least somewhere within the 2.5-hour window, as long as the clouds break at any point. (But remember, it's Michigan; the weather forecast changes fast. Stay tuned to Freep.com for the latest.)

Glasses for viewing the upcoming solar eclipse sit on a desk at Wayne State University department of physics and astronomy professor and chair Ed Cackett's office at the Detroit campus on Friday, March 22, 2024.

How to find 2024 solar eclipse glasses

First of all, make sure the eclipse glasses you're searching for are safe. According to NASA's eclipse safety website, the agency does not recommend specific eyewear for eclipse viewing but does recommend glasses that come with an IOS compliance label, or standard, of 12312-2, on the packaging. The eyewear may also be labeled IOS 12312-2:2015. According to NASA, torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged eyewear should be discarded.

While local hardware and big box retailers may have eclipse eyewear on their shelves, buyer beware, especially if they claim to be endorsed by NASA. NASA does not make specific recommendations.

Here's where to find eclipse glasses:

The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved solar-eclipse glasses suppliers here. You'll be able to find eclipse glasses on Amazon in bulk; just ensure they are approved before you buy them. Here are more ideas on where to find free eclipse glasses.

Warby Parker , the eyewear company, is giving away eclipse eyewear at its stores beginning Monday, but does not have details about the availability of the free glasses at its locations. According to its website, the chain has six stores in Michigan: Grand Rapids, Novi, Troy, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Birmingham.

Check your local library: You also may be able to find free eclipse glasses at your local public library in Michigan, along with special programs. Check your library nearest you for details.

Check these retailers: The American Astronomical Society says some locations of these retailers may sell eclipse glasses: Walmart, Lowe's, Menards, Kroger, Meijer and Staples.

Here's more information on how to safely view the eclipse. Also try the the American Astronomical Society's website or to NASA.

More: Michigan Science Center offers eclipse glasses for $2, plans viewing event at Ford House

Watch for eclipse glasses scams!

Please don't forget the scams. Consumers should exercise caution when buying eclipse-related experiences or goods, according to Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of BBB Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

So far, she said, the Michigan BBB has not received eclipse-related complaints or scam reports. Even so, you want to take extra care to avoid fake products, like counterfeit eclipse glasses, and rip-offs, like too good to be true deals for special tickets or deals on hotel rooms. Here's finance columnist Susan Tompor with more tips on avoiding eclipse glasses and hotel scams.

How to make your own eclipse viewer

An eclipse projector is an easy and safe way to view the eclipsed sun.

Want to watch the eclipse without glasses? You don't necessarily need special glasses or filters, but it takes a little creativity and a handful to household supplies to make your own pinhole box or pinhole projector, also known as a pinhole camera.

Here's what to know, including step-by-step instructions, about building your own eclipse viewer.

Will the eclipse affect my pets? Will it affect other animals?

There are four things likely to happen to animal behavior during the April 8, 2024 eclipse, according to Erica Cartmill, professor of anthropology, animal behavior and cognitive science at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana:

Animals won't do anything unusual.

Animals will do evening behaviors. For example, if a dog is used to a bedtime treat, he may go to the kitchen to wait for it.

Animals will display signs of increased anxiety such as scratching, yawning, circling and pacing or if they are animals that typically flock together, they will start grouping.

Animals display unexpected behavior.

Here's more on what to know from reporter Jamie LaReau.

When is the next solar eclipse after 2024?

Not for another 20 years. According to NASA, after the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044. Here's how we're able to predict eclipses so far ahead of time.

It'll be much longer before another solar eclipse's path of totality crosses Michigan. The next solar eclipse to cross the state will be Sept. 14, 2099, when the path of totality crosses the southwest Lower Peninsula.

The 2099 total solar eclipse's path of totality includes parts of southwest Michigan.

Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress).

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Solar eclipse 2024 is next week: Everything you need to know
2024 symposium for the North Landing River and Albemarle Sound Estuarine watershed

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia Beach Green Ribbon Committee is hosting a symposium for those interesting restoring and preserving the North Landing River and Albemarle Sound Estuarine watershed.

Register Here

Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles will give the keynote address, and breakout sessions will cover wetlands, living shorelines and the Supreme Court ruling on Sackett v. the Environmental Protection Agency. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., on Friday, April 26.

The $30 registration fee includes a boxed lunch. Attendees will also be eligible to earn continuing education credit for the following fields:

Landscape architecture

Engineering

Floodplain management

Environmental science

Planning

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
In parenting, youll frequently find yourself faced with situations in which your first thought is, Youve got to be kidding me. Luckily, on one day each year, there is indeed a real chance that your kids are trying to pull one over on you: April 1st.

Of course, parents sometimes want to get in on the fun as well. After all, what better way to create lasting family memories than with a dose of deceit?

Here, some of the funniest parents on X (formerly Twitter) comment on some of the ways their families have marked April Fools Day.

How much setup do you do for April Fools jokes? My kids have believed we were going to Disney World for spring break since Christmas lol.  Simon Holland (@simoncholland) April 1, 2024

The kids are busy planning an elaborate April fools day joke. The trouble is, that so far they seem to think it just involves throwing toys at me and shouting April fools!  Sam (@blueyebutterfly) April 1, 2024

I peaked with April Fool's the year I turned the WiFi off and told the kids there was an international WiFi shortage and I've never achieved the same pinnacle since.  Andrea (@dontmswithme) April 1, 2024

This year, as Easter and April Fools day are the same weekend, I've decided to combine the festivities .. Im sending out all the kids in the neighborhood to look for eggs I havent hidden ... !!  Mufasa007 (@Mufasa0062) March 30, 2024

Happy April Fool's! My kids didn't come up with any good "gotchas" this year. Their best trick is still this one from 2 years ago when they sabotaged my mouse and I was annoyed that it wasn't working. pic.twitter.com/YUgO30OXFh  Mandy (@techstartupmama) April 1, 2024

April Fools Day but its just me telling myself that the kids will have less screen time today  One Awkward Mom (@oneawkwardmom) April 1, 2022

There will never be a better April Fool's than in 2020 when the kids, then 8 & 10, promised sincerely not to prank me bc pranks scare me, then snuck into my bedroom in the morning to leave a post it at my eye level reading "prepare for pranks"



Reader



They did not prank me once  Fort Gayne Crime Erin  (@CriminalUnionFW) April 1, 2023

Combining Easter and April Fools to be more efficient.



Giving kids chocolate bunnies, but the inside of the bunny is made of brussel sprouts.  Hibernating Canadian (@sportsjunkie007) March 31, 2024

A good April Fools Day prank is to tell kids that the candy theyre eating was actually brought in by a large magical bunny who broke into their home while they slept.  Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) April 1, 2018

It's April Fool's Day, which means that my kids will sniff the Oreos to see if they smell "minty" because I played the toothpaste prank on them 1 time and I've lost all their trust.  KJ (@IDontSpeakWhine) April 1, 2023

My 11 yo nephew texts my sister, Im sick. Pick me up? She works from home. Took a break and went to get him. He walks into the school office smiling, uncertainly. It was an April Fools joke? She laughed, signed him out, said he gets to make that joke ~once. Kids are great.  Meg Conley (@_megconley) April 1, 2022

10: I forgot to tell you something yesterday



Me: What?



10: The principal wants to meet you today about something I did. Its pretty bad. Im sorry



Me: *Cheated? Punched someone? HES GETTING EXPELLED! His life is ruined!*



10: Psych! April Fool!



7: Her eyes twitching. RUN!  kids_kubed  (@Kids_kubed) April 1, 2021

It's 2021 and I finally have my shit together. All of it. My house is spotless. Kids well behaved....and I hope you have a wonderful April Fool's Day because I'm still a fucking hot mess. Got ya.  Scary Mommy (@ScaryMommy) April 1, 2021

My kids hid the espresso maker for April Fools and I CAN NOT HANDLE  Judy Trinh (@judyatrinh) April 1, 2020

My kid had a sleepover last night. Today is April Fools. I am regretting some life choices this morning.  Comrade Misty is Putins Buddy (@SarcasmStardust) April 1, 2021

Welp, no presents under my April Fools Day tree again. This day is a joke.  McDad (@mcdadstuff) April 1, 2022

My 6 yr old is outraged that they have to go to school when theres a holiday tomorrow.



(April Fools Day)  redyellowgreendance  (@RYGdance) March 31, 2022

Celebrate April fools day by saying in the school group chat dont forget, science project is due Monday  Vinod Chhaproo (@Chhapiness) April 1, 2023

Someone taught my 4 year old about April Fools Day and his idea of a trick was to dump a bowl of cornflakes on the floor and laugh at me  threetimedaddy (@threetimedaddy) April 1, 2021

Well, well, if it isn't the April Fool?



- How my kids look at me EVERY morning.  A Bearer Of Dad News (@HomeWithPeanut) April 1, 2019

7yo: Hey Mama, bad news. We're out of coffee!



Mama:



7yo: APRIL FOOL'S!!



We gave her away to a nice family at church, and wish her all the best.#AprilFool#momlife#parenting#dadlife  Richard Dean (@dad_on_my_feet) April 1, 2018

Told my daughter its against the law to play April Fools Day pranks on parents so everyone back me up on this  Katie D (@KatieDeal99) April 1, 2023

The best part about April Fools falling during spring break is that my kids have no idea what day it is.



*maniacal laughter*  Sara Says Stop (@PetrickSara) April 1, 2019

Our 6 y/o has been very excited about April Fools Day. She has been urgently reassuring her mother and I that we will definitely not get pranked, that theres no way she would put our keys in jello, and also did we have any jello.  Adam  (@YSylon) April 1, 2024

Babies hate hot sauce and other lessons I learned on April Fools Day.  Simon Holland (@simoncholland) April 2, 2021

4-year-old: When is April Fools Day?



Me: In April.



4: That doesnt sound right.  James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) October 25, 2014

Related...
COLDWATER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Three people are facing charges after a man from Ohio was stabbed during an argument on March 1 in Coldwater Township.

Around 8 p.m., troopers with the Michigan State Police were sent to Paradise Island Drive near Raymond Drive after receiving reports that someone had been stabbed.

Responding troopers learned that two men, a 28-year-old from Ohio and a 19-year-old from Battle Creek, were arguing, and the Ohio man had been stabbed multiple times. MSP said the victim tried to defend himself with a pistol, but a witness stepped in.

The Ohio man was taken to the hospital with serious internal injuries that required surgery, MSP said.

Trooper said that two Coldwater women, 19 and 24, helped the Battle Creek man escape.

Arrest warrants were later issued for the women. MSP said that they turned themselves in on Monday to the Branch County Jail. They are facing charges of felony accessory after the fact and felony obstruction.

The 19-year-old man was arrested on Monday and is being held in the Branch County Jail. MSP said he is facing charges of attempted murder.

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The stabbing remains under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Three people are facing charges after interfering and assaulting police officers who responded to an unruly party in Dorchester over the weekend.

Boston Police responded to the area of 4 Sumner Square just after 4 a.m. Sunday for reports of a loud party found multiple vehicles parked on the sidewalk on both sides of the street. Upon arrival, officers could hear loud music and observed a large group of about 70 people, who were advised to leave the area multiple times which they refused, police said.

Officers observed Luca Delguado Santos, 20, of Mattapan, enticing the crowd by playing music from a portable boombox. As officers approached Santos, they advised him to turn the speaker off, but he swung the speaker and struck the officer in the knee, according to officials.

Police then grabbed the speaker from Santos, and a large crowd formed around the officers. A second suspect, Stephanie Ilma, 24, of Mattapan, became extremely aggressive towards officers and refused orders to step back. Officers informed Ilma that she was being placed under arrest, and she began to be combative by punching multiple officers, police said.

A violent struggle ensued, and officers were safely able to place Ilma into handcuffs.

During the struggle, Santos jumped on top of the officers attempting to intervene in the arrest of Ilma and refused to obey officers orders to stop resisting. With the assistance of responding officers, Santos was placed into handcuffs.

At this time, Miguel Martinez, 20, of Boston, began to entice the crowd that was formed around the arresting officers. Officers advised Martinez to leave the area, which he refused and was subsequently placed under arrest, according to officials.

After a search incident to arrest, officers recovered a taser from Ilmas purse.

Ilma was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm (taser), assault and battery with a dangerous weapon to wit shod foot, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, interfering with a police officer, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.

Santos was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, interfering with a police officer, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.

Martinez was charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and interfering with a police officer.

All three suspects are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Thousands of protesters filled the streets outside the Knesset [the Israeli parliament] in Jerusalem on Sunday evening (31 March), kicking off a four-day protest demanding the government's resignation.

Source: The Times of Israel

Details: The protest organisers urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to resign, hold early elections in Israel, and for the country's leaders to agree to a deal to release 130 hostages held in Gaza since the 7 October Hamas attack.

The organisers claimed that over 100,000 people attended the rally, while media reports indicated tens of thousands.

100   .

 ,   .



:   pic.twitter.com/0GR4xNsDnm  yayafink ( ) (@yayafink) March 31, 2024

Many participants in the rally in Jerusalem expressed distrust that Netanyahu is still in power and that the country has not yet held elections six months after the Hamas terrorist attack.

Police reported that at least one protester had been detained.

As night fell on Sunday, protesters set up over 100 tents outside the Knesset.

Background:

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian terrorists with Hamas, as well as the release of all hostages, after the United States abstained from voting. The remaining 14 members of the Security Council voted in favour of the resolution proposed by 10 of its elected members.

In late March, Netanyahu cancelled a planned delegation trip to Washington, DC, which US President Joe Biden personally requested.

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COLDWATER, Mich. (WOOD)  Four teenagers were taken to the hospital following a Sunday evening crash in Coldwater.

Just before 10 p.m., officers with the Coldwater Police Department were sent to W. Chicago Street at Northshore Drive for a crash.

Responding officers learned from witnesses that a 2012 red Honda Accord had been heading westbound on W. Chicago Street. While attempting to make a U-turn, the Honda was hit by a gray Ford, which was behind the Honda. The Honda then crashed into a utility pole.

The four boys in the Honda, all between the ages of 16 and 17, were taken to the hospital, the police department said. Three of the four boys were released. The rear-seat passenger was last listed in stable condition. The extent of his injuries has not been released.

The driver of the Ford, an 18-year-old Coldwater man, declined to be treated at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Sarah Gunnerman at 517.278.4525 or sgunneman@coldwater.org.

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The crash remains under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Ecuadoran gangsters abducted, interrogated and killed five tourists, apparently thinking they were members of a rival drug gang, officials said this weekend, while a separate attack by gunmen killed nine people on the country's coast.

Around 20 attackers stormed a hotel Friday in the beach town of Ayampe in southern Ecuador and kidnapped six adults and a child, local police commander Richard Vaca said.

The abducted tourists, all Ecuadorans, were interrogated and hours later the bodies of five adults were found with gunshot wounds on a road, he said.

The assailants "apparently mistook them for adversaries" from a rival drug gang, said Vaca.

President Daniel Noboa said one person has been arrested so far in the case and the government is tracking down the rest of the attackers.

The killings "remind us that the battle continues," Noboa said on social media, along with a video of a man handcuffed and bent over, being led away forcefully by an armed police officer.

Cualquier ataque contra un ecuatoriano es un ataque al Ecuador.



Lo sucedido en Santa Elena y Manabi nos recuerda que la batalla continua. La Policia Nacional se encuentra desplegada y como resultado hemos capturado a uno de los secuestradores de Ayampe, no descansaremos hasta pic.twitter.com/2brJHWzmhB  Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk) March 30, 2024

"Narcoterrorism and its allies are looking for spaces to scare us, but they will not succeed," Noboa said.

Meanwhile, gunmen attacked a group of people in Ecuador's coastal city of Guayaquil, killing nine and injuring 10 others, police said Sunday.

The attack took place around 7 p.m. local time Saturday in the southern neighborhood of Guasmo. According to police, the armed group entered a pedestrian street in a grey Chevrolet Spark, where a group of people were practicing sports. The gunmen got out of the vehicle and proceeded to shoot people.

"So far, the result is nine people dead and 10 injured," police Col. Ramiro Arequipa told journalists around midday on Sunday.

A woman gestures while waiting for the body of one of the victims of a shooting at a cooperative, outside the Crime and Forensic Sciences Laboratory, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on March 31, 2024. / Credit: GERARDO MENOSCAL/AFP via Getty Images

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ecuador was once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, but in recent years has seen a surge in violent attacks.

Noboa declared a state of emergency in January, which provides for permanent operations by a security force made up of police and military. In addition, a five-hour curfew is in force in high-incidence areas such as Guayaquil.

That month, Noboa also gave orders to "neutralize" criminal gangs after gunmen stormed and opened fire in a TV studio and bandits threatened random executions of civilians and security forces.

Since then, the military has been deployed in the streets and taken control of the country's prisons, where a string of gang riots in recent years has left hundreds killed.

The violence has continued since the state of emergency.

Just last week, the 27-year-old mayor of a small town - also in the province of Manabi - was killed along with her collaborator. Brigitte Garcia and Jairo Loor were found inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.

One of Garcia's last posts on social media, where she touts herself as the nation's youngest mayor, was about a new project to bring water to her municipality.

"Together, we're building a brighter future for our community," she wrote.

On Thursday, a riot in a Guayaquil prison under military and police control left three inmates dead and four injured.

Ecuador surpassed a rate of 40 violent deaths per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of 2023, one of the highest in the region, according to police.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Havana Syndrome evidence suggests who may be responsible for mysterious brain injuries

Indian Relay horse race dubbed America's original extreme sport | 60 Minutes

5-year Havana Syndrome investigation finds new evidence of who might be responsible
An FBI official fell victim to mysterious symptoms associated with Havana Syndrome while investigating an alleged Russian spy inside the United States, according to a joint investigation by CBS News, Der Spiegel, and Russian-focused magazine The Insider.

The federal agent, identified only as Carrie, was hit by a crippling force while doing laundry at home in Florida in 2021, according to a 60 Minutes segment that aired Sunday.

It felt like I was stuck in this state of, like, disorientation, not able to function, she told the program. I am completely consumed by a piercing sound that I can only describe as when you listen to a movie and the main character is also consumed by the sound after a bomb goes off.

It just pierced my ears, came in my left side, felt like it came through the window, into my left ear. I immediately felt fullness in my head, and just a piercing headache. And when I realized that I needed to get out of the laundry room, I left the room, and went into our bedroom next door, and projectile vomited in our bathroom.

One of the cases she was on when she was felled by the mysterious condition concerned a man named Vitalii Kovalev, a Russian national arrested after a high-speed chase in Florida, which led police to discover a Russian passport, bank account notes, and a device able to erase his Mustangs computer data.

For the first time, theres evidence of who might be behind the mysterious neurological symptoms known as Havana Syndrome, which has been reported by many American officials. https://t.co/5gpaz2Toy7 pic.twitter.com/vWAc8cv0ef  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 31, 2024

Christo Grozev, an investigative journalist for The Insider, traced Kovalevs history and told 60 Minutes that he was once a Russian military electrical engineer with a top secret security clearance who later left his career in intelligence behind to become a chef in the United States.

After pleading guilty to evading police and reckless driving, Kovalev was sentenced to 30 months in prison. He later returned to Russia, with authorities there saying he died on the frontlines of the countrys war with Ukraine shortly after.

While he was behind bars, Carrie was hit by the mysterious attackand though she was later approved to return to work by a cardiologist, she complained of lingering symptoms.

I remember complaining to my colleagues for months after that, I felt like I had early Alzheimers, she told correspondent Scott Pelley. Short term memory, long term memory, confusing memories, multitasking. My baseline changed. I was not the same person.

60 Minutes spoke with a retired Army officer, lieutenant colonel Greg Edgreen, who until recently ran the Pentagons investigation into Havana Syndrome. He said that Russia appeared to be the common denominator across most cases concerning Havana Syndrome.

One of the things I started to notice was the caliber of our officer that was being impacted, he told the program. This wasnt happening to our worst or our middle-range officers. This was happening to our top 5 percent, 10 percent performing officers across the Defense Intelligence Agency. And consistently there was a Russia nexus. There was some angle where they had worked against Russia, focused on Russia, and done extremely well.

For the first time, Greg Edgreen, who ran the Pentagon's investigation into mysterious neurological symptoms suffered by American officials  known as Havana Syndrome  speaks out publicly. He says top officials are being neutralized. https://t.co/d9DkwQDck8 pic.twitter.com/qYGRrM8VG1  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 1, 2024

Grozev, the investigative journalist, also claims to have obtained an accounting document linked to a top-secret Russian intelligence unit called 29155, which outlines a bonus payment for an officer who worked on a project concerning potential capabilities of non-lethal acoustic weapons.

When I saw it, I literally had tears in my eyes, because it was spelling out what they had been doing, he said, adding that while it's not definitive proof of Havana Syndromes cause, Its the closest to a receipt you can have for this.

The broadcast, however, comes just days after a pair of National Institute of Health studies determined that dozens of U.S. government employees who had experienced the condition presented no consistent evidence of brain injury.

Instead, the report concluded that symptoms were likely caused by preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors, among other things.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the White House, and the FBI all reiterated to 60 Minutes in statements Sunday evening that investigating these incidents, which they refer to as anomalous health incidents (AHIs), remains a top priority for officials across the federal government.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A recent poll from a pair of University of Southern California researchers found broad agreement among Americans about the value of public education but partisan divides regarding what schools should teach and at what grade levels. Respondents also favor parental rights as a concept but dont appear to have considered the practical aspects of how schools should approach exempting individual students from particular lessons.

The top takeaways mirror what Anna Saavedra and Morgan Polikoff found in a 2022 survey that confirmed the ideological divide fueling the so-called culture wars  but also revealed widespread uncertainty about what students are exposed to in school. Wanting to better understand this seeming disconnect, in September and October 2023 the pair asked a nationally representative sample of 4,000 households to respond to dozens of hypothetical in-class scenarios involving race, LGBTQ topics and opt-out requests. They then correlated the answers with respondents more general beliefs about education.

Nearly 9 in 10 of those surveyed say teaching basic academics is a very important purpose of public education, with smaller pluralities agreeing that protecting democracy, teaching about government and civics, and providing a free education are priorities for schools. Three-fourths prefer spending to improve the quality of public education over paying for low-income children to attend private schools.

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From there, however, ideological gaps begin to appear. Teaching children the importance of embracing differences, for example, was very important to 74% of Democrats versus 35% of Republicans. And while 9 in 10 respondents want children taught to treat people equally regardless of skin color, just 14% of Republicans say it is all right to assign a lesson on U.S. policies benefiting white Americans, versus 46% of Democrats.

The biggest partisan differences involve LGBTQ topics. Most Democrats  80% to 86%, depending on the scenario presented  support instruction in high school, a rate that falls to 40% to 50% in lower grades. Republicans, by contrast, are comfortable with LGBTQ topics less than 40% of the time at the high school level and less than 10% in elementary school.

The bottom line, Polikoff said in a recent interview, is that in order to find a path forward, Americans need to have more detailed conversations about what children should learn, why and when.

This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Im curious why you started your report with information about peoples support for education.

We really felt peoples views on the purposes of education do shape their answers to all the more detailed and specific policy questions. For instance, we asked a first broad question about the purposes of education, gave people a bunch of options for answering and asked them to rank their top three.

Its obvious but not obvious. The top finding when you ask these kinds of questions is almost always something about the basics of teaching children reading, writing and math. Most people, when they think of school, that is what they think of first.

But by and large, we didnt see lots of partisan differences, except on one item of teaching children the importance of embracing differences. When we looked at the relationships between the purposes and peoples ratings on other items, we saw that that question was the most predictive.

You found fewer divides on market forces and choice in education than one might expect, with widespread preferences for spending public money on public schools, 4 in 10 saying competition makes public schools better and a slim majority agreeing that it pushes them to make better use of resources. Why is the partisan gap less stark on these issues?

The average voter doesnt know very much about education policy. For Republican politicians or people who are in the Republican ecosystem, school choice is their education issue. It has been for a long time, but it really is now. For the rank-and-file voter, its not all that salient.

On average, Republicans are somewhat more supportive of choice policies, but those gaps are not really that large because I think lots of Democrats support some of these principles, too. The idea that if your neighborhood public school is no good that you should be forced to stay there forever  its not a very appealing argument. And then there are lots of Republicans who like their local public schools and believe in public schools. It just doesnt cleave very neatly, the way, you know, feelings about trans people do.

Thats a tidy segue. You used scenarios to tee up detailed questions about what, specifically, should be taught about race and LGBTQ people. Why?

In 2022, when we asked questions about LGBTQ topics in the curriculum, we asked very general questions: Should schools teach about sexual orientation? Should they teach about gender identity? But the real question on the table is, what should children be taught and when?

This time, we tried to craft scenarios that range from very easy  meaning we think most people would be fine with them  to very difficult, meaning we think few people would be fine with them. And to cover a full range of ways in which LGBTQ topics might come up. We have stuff about sex, which is a thing Republicans like to fixate on. And then things we think might be more banal, like a teacher being gay or trans or having a pride sticker on the wall.

There are enormous partisan differences, compared to race and sex. Gaps in support between Republicans and Democrats on these items are sometimes as large as 50 points. Theres not a single one of the 24 scenarios we asked about that include LGBTQ issues where Republicans support even high schoolers having access. Republicans are so opposed to virtually all these scenarios that something like 20 of the questions have 10% support or less.

Democrats are pretty mixed about elementary school. They support family-related items, like the teacher having a picture of their same-sex spouse on their desk or the book about same-sex penguin adoption, And Tango Makes Three. But on a lot of items, majorities of Democrats arent in support in elementary grades, whereas at the high school level they are definitely in support of all items.

Trans-related items are the ones with the largest partisan gaps at the high school level, with Democrats still not over the moon  67% support  but Republicans very, very opposed.

Did you identify possibilities or opportunities for a path forward?

I would say we didnt. But we can draw some conclusions that could inform a path forward. Respondents really seem to have read the items in our survey and thought about them because you see a big range in terms of what they support and what they oppose. Thats important information. We really do need to have a discussion about whats age-appropriate, what parents want and kids need. And thats probably not going to be one conversation. Thats probably going to be 50 conversations, one in each state. Or maybe 13,000 conversations, one in each district.

You cant just say whats right is the Republican approach, the [Florida Gov.] Ron DeSantis approach, which is to ban this stuff altogether, dont talk about it at all, which is not really tenable. But the Democratic approach  which is not super clear but seems to be something like, Let teachers do what they want and if you have concerns, youre a bigot  that strategy doesnt seem to be particularly useful.

People need something to grab onto. We need some reasonable folks to propose different ways of including LGBTQ issues in the curriculum.

The other thing our results point to is this issue of how schools actually deal with parent concerns. We asked a series of questions about that, and the one-sentence takeaway is people havent really thought about this.

Related

Poll: Half of Americans Know Little About CRT, Whats Actually Taught in Schools

Parents right to opt their kids out is easy to support because of course parents should have that right. But the reality is, how are schools supposed to deal with the fact that, with very few exceptions, every classroom is a purple classroom, meaning it has Republican parents and Democratic parents? You could easily have people wanting to opt out on one side or people raising concerns on another and it quickly spirals into ridiculousness. How are schools supposed to deal with this?

Im comfortable with some reasonably constrained opt-out provisions for material that parents dont want their kids exposed to. I think thats not a crazy relief valve for these particularly hot-button issues. But we need to come up with policies that are actually implementable, that arent going to be incredibly onerous on teachers, arent going to have kids missing half the days of the school year, that are reasonably constrained in terms of what they allow and dont allow.

You tested two ways of asking about opting out. What did the results tell you?

We looked at the opt-out question a few ways. We asked people what they thought were reasonable responses from parents who disagree with the content of a lesson and gave, like, 10 different options. Pretty much everyone thinks its reasonable to talk about these issues, to voice your disagreement either to your child or the teacher or even at a school board meeting.

Theres much more of a mix in terms of whether you think its appropriate to ask the teacher to change the lesson. Relatively few people think that more extreme examples, like un-enrolling your child from the school or organizing a protest, are reasonable responses.

We asked a question about how people think schools should react when parents express concern. Again, we found that people dont really have a great answer, because once you start to get down to brass tacks about how youre going to handle these, it gets really complicated really fast.

Democrats are more likely to say the school should teach the lesson as planned if a parent objects, but not even a majority of Democrats  only 48%. We asked how, if multiple parents disagree, should the school make a decision? Again, we got a lot of mixed answers. Mostly, though, people say educators or school boards should be the final deciders on these issues.

Then we did this cool little experiment. We wanted to see whether we could affect peoples views about opt-out by giving them some information about what the potential impact could be. So we randomly split the sample and gave half of them a paragraph with a little scenario that said the teacher believes all students should participate because learning about content they might not otherwise hear helps them see a new perspective, learn to be a critical thinker or simply learn a new important fact. And it can be hard for a teacher to accommodate every parents wishes for every lesson for every child.

Related

New Study: Two-Thirds of Teachers Censor Themselves Even When They Dont Have To

And then we asked people who did and did not get that paragraph whether they supported opting out. We saw that exposure to an argument about the potential negative effects of opt-out actually pretty substantially reduced peoples support for opting out.

What I think this tells us is not about the specific language of that proposal, but that this is an issue where peoples minds arent 100% made up. Supposing a school had an opt-out policy and gave parents messages about why they think that, Yes, you can opt your kids out, but we dont think thats a great idea for XYZ reasons  that actually would affect peoples actions.

Peoples views on this are pretty malleable. And people havent really thought through the practical consequences. So there is potential to shape attitudes and actions.

It reminds me of the retrenchment that LGBTQ advocates did after losing in Maine, where in 2009 voters overturned a law allowing gays and lesbians to marry. To prepare for the 2012 vote that re-legalized same-sex marriage, social scientists figured out that framing the issue as one of rights did not move the needle. But asking a prospective voter, What does your marriage mean to you? actually changed the conversation.

Republicans are really good at message discipline and Democrats are not. These are not like sure-thing issues  especially on trans issues. A lot of people dont understand trans issues and are uncomfortable with them. A lot of people are uncomfortable with having to use different pronouns and things like that.

Im a real believer that there are ways that you can change peoples attitudes based on how you talk about things. I think the strategy of, if you dont do things perfectly then were going to ostracize you and call you a bigot  thats not a winning strategy. You need to change hearts and minds.

We did it with same-sex marriage for the most part, though you know lots of Republicans are still opposed to that. But we won the policy battle, at least for now. And I think that we can do that on some of these LGBT- and race-related issues in schools. But again, its not clear.

There are arguments you can make on some of these topics where its not clear theres a right answer. Another example would be schools getting information about a child and hiding that from the childs parents. Thats an issue where I certainly can understand why schools might feel the need to do that. At the same time, I can understand why parents will be very upset If they learned that that was happening. Theres just lots to unpack here.

But to get back to your question, yes, the messaging clearly matters. You need to figure out what messages are resonating with people, what arguments will work to persuade them. Im sure they exist.
8 South MS restaurants fail their health inspections during last two weeks, one twice

Violations for unclean surfaces and improper use of toxic substances were among the reasons eight South Mississippi restaurants failed their inspections with a C since March 16.

Restaurants and other food service establishments in Mississippi are rated A if they pass the health department inspection, B if all violations are corrected during the inspection and C if the violations are critical.

These restaurants and kitchens were cited:

Whistle Stop Cafe, 127 North Magnolia Drive, Wiggins, was inspected March 19 and had seven violations, four of them which were repeat offenses and three that were corrected during the inspection.

It was cited for:

 Improper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use (repeat)

 Inadequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible (repeat)

 Improper hot holding temperatures (repeat)

 Toxic substance not properly identified, stored and used (repeat)

Corrected during the inspection were:

 Food separated and protected

 Food contact surface cleaned and sanitized

 Food in good condition, safe and unadulterated

A follow-up inspection on March 28 resulted in another C when three of the violations were not corrected:

 Food contact surface cleaned and sanitized (repeat)

 Inadequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible (repeat)

 Improper hot holding temperatures (repeat)

The restaurant had no Cs from 2013 through 2020 and now has three since 2021.

Pedros Tacos and Tequila Bar, 3891 Promenade Pkwy. in DIberville had a scheduled inspection March 18. It was cited for:

 Time as public health control procedures records (repeat)

 Toxic substance improperly identified, stored or used (repeat)

Corrected during the inspection were:

 Food separated and protected

 Food contact surface cleaned and sanitized

 Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use

A follow-up inspection on March 28 showed the violations were corrected and the restaurant scored a B.

This is the second C in two years.

Clark, 4600 Telephone Road, Pascagoula, was inspected March 26 for a permit renewal. It was cited for: No certified manager. This is the fifth time since 2017 the kitchen was cited for not having the required certified manager.

Wendys, 9455 U.S. 49, Gulfport, was inspected March 25 for a permit renewal. It had five violations, three of which were corrected on site.

It was cited for:

 Food contact surface not clean and sanitized (repeat)

 Improper date marking and disposition (repeat)

Corrected during the inspection were:

 Food separated and protected

 Proper cold holding temperatures

 Toxic substance properly identified, stored and used

This is the second C dating back to 2017, with the previous one in 2022.

Waffle House, 1759 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, had a scheduled inspection March 26 and was cited for:

 Sewage waste water not properly disposed

Corrected during the inspection were:

 Adequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible

 Food separated and protected

 Time as public health control, procedures, records, which limits the time a food can be kept at room temperature before it is used or discarded

This is the first C since 2017 and the third dating back to 2010.

Burger King, 5400 West Aloha Blvd., Diamondhead, was inspected March 27 for a permit renewal. It was cited for:

 Food contact surface not clean and sanitized

 Last Inspection permit not posted

Corrected during the inspection was: Proper date marking and disposition

This was the first C dating back to 2017

Taco Bell Restaurant, 4403 East Aloha Drive, Diamondhead, was inspected March 27 for a permit renewal. It was cited for not having its last inspection grade posted. Corrected during the inspection was: Adequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible

This was the second inspection at the restaurant after the kitchen scored an A in 2023.

Keiths, 819 U.S. 90, Gautier, was inspected March 25 following a complaint. It was cited for: No certified manager.

This is the first C dating back to 2014.

Most restaurants, kitchens and food trucks inspected since March 16 in South Mississippi had no violations, with 141 kitchens scoring an A and 30 a B.
'Bad faith' Arizona election lawsuit will cost Abe Hamadeh ... in court, at least

A Maricopa County judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the results of Arizonas 2022 election.

If you think this is an April Fools stunt, think again.

This is Arizona where it may be April 1, but when it comes to elections, it is always Groundhog Day.

For the umpteenth time  really, can anybody keep count?  a judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the election held 1 year, 4 months and 24 days ago.

Hamadeh has lost 3 election challenges

This lawsuit came courtesy of Abe Hamadeh, who in late December filed his latest lawsuit demanding that the 2022 election results be tossed out and/or that he be named attorney general.

Its his third failed elections challenge, perhaps proving that Arizona voters got it right when they took a pass on making him the states top lawyer.

Hamadehs lawsuit was not only dismissed but this time the judge found he filed it in bad faith, having lost previous lawsuits making the same claims about the countys signature verification methods on early ballots.

The Legislature enacted A.R.S.  12-349 to discourage lawsuits for which there is no legitimate basis in fact or law, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Susanna Pineda wrote, in granting the state permission to seek sanctions.

Yet in election matters, Arizonas courts have emphasized that sanctions should be awarded only in rare cases, so as not to discourage legitimate challenges.

This is such a case.

He's now carpetbagging for Congress

Abe Hamadeh has lost his third bid to overturn the results of the 2022 election he lost.

Well, ouch. But ultimately, it wont much matter.

Despite his insistence that hes Arizonas rightful attorney general, Hamadeh has packed up his carpetbag and set his sights on a seat in Congress.

Though he lives in Scottsdale, hes running for the open seat in the northwest Valleys heavily Republican 8th Congressional District.

Two other people who dont live there, Donald Trump and Kari Lake, have declared him the best man for the job.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ben Toma, a conservative Republican who actually has a record of accomplishment and an address in the district, has the backing of people like retiring Rep. Debbie Lesko, former Sen. Jon Kyl and former Gov. Jan Brewer.

So naturally, given the state of the Republican Party, Hamadeh would have to be considered the odds-on favorite.

Assuming, that is, that he cant find a judge willing to crown him AG.

It's the same allegations, again, without proof

Hamadeh, who lost by 280 votes, has long contended that he really won the 2022 election, citing a variety of reasons thus far rejected by various judges. His latest spin was that thousands  if not hundreds of thousands  of illegal ballots were counted.

This, because Maricopa County elections workers compared their early ballot signatures to more recent signatures on file rather their original voter registration form.

Hamadeh, in his lawsuit, doesnt explain how he knows that those thousands  if not hundreds of thousands of supposedly illegal ballots were cast for his opponent, Kris Mayes, but  hey  details.

No birthright citizenship: But Lake still endorses Hamadeh?

Hamadeh asked Judge Pineda to toss Mayes out of office, and either order the county to reverify all 1.3 million early ballots, which isnt possible given that the ballots were long ago separated from the envelopes containing voter signatures 

Or to hold a new election, which isnt likely given that the election was held 1 year, 4 months and 24 days ago ...

Or heck, just give him the job.

Petitioner seeks the issuance of a writ of quo warranto to Respondent Kris Mayes, pursuant to A.R.S.  12-2043,3 directing that she cease functioning as Arizonas Attorney General and order the State Defendants to install Petitioner as the Attorney General, an office to which Petitioner is personally entitled, Hamadeh wrote in his lawsuit.

Sanctions may lose him money, but not votes

Instead, the judge threw out his lawsuit, noting that the time for challenging the countys signature verification process was before the election  not 13 months after the fact.

Then she made it clear that sanctions are headed Hamadehs way.

Petitioner Hamadeh had previously filed two other causes of action, she wrote. He was aware when he filed the instant matter that his claims were contesting the election signature verification procedures utilized by Maricopa County and he had lost the exact same issue 

The Court finds that this lawsuit was groundless and not brought in good faith.

Thats going to cost him some money.

Sadly, given the state of the GOP, its not likely to cost him any votes.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @LaurieRoberts or on Threads at laurierobertsaz.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona election lawsuit will cost Abe Hamadeh (in court, at least)
A woman holds a sign protesting the Republican members of the Supreme Court as a thousand Texans rally at the Federal Courthouse and later march to the Texas Capitol in Austin protesting the U.S. Supreme Court decision that eliminates the 50-year old constitutional protection to abortion rights. | Bob Daemmrich/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Texas woman charged with murder: Near the border, a Texas woman, Lizelle Gonzalez, faced a murder charge (and two nights in jail) for self-inducing an abortion in 2022. The charges were dropped. Now Gonzalez is suing the prosecutors in federal court, seeking $1 million in damages due to the harm she suffered from both the initial arrest and the media coverage of the matter.

"Under the abortion restrictions in Texas and other states, women who seek abortion are exempt from criminal charges," reports the Associated Press. The State Bar of Texas already disciplined the Starr County district attorney, Gocha Ramirez, who brought the charges in 2022, but "the fallout from Defendants' illegal and unconstitutional actions has forever changed the Plaintiff's life," argues the suit.

IVF restrictions? Conservative groups, including the Heritage Foundation, are reportedly not advocating an in vitro fertilization ban "but want new restrictions that would significantly curtail access to the procedure, such as imposing more regulations on fertility clinics, limiting the number of embryos that can be created or transferred to the uterus at one time, and banning pre-implantation genetic testing, which they argue allows parents to discriminate against their embryos on the basis of sex, disabilities like Down Syndrome or other factors."

Politico describes this as "re-run[ning] the Roe playbook" but notes that "IVF is broadly popular, according to public polling, in a way abortion never was."

It's the Roman Catholic church that has historically taken a strong anti-IVF stanceso not exactly staunch GOP voters per se, or particularly large in number and political power in the United States. Evangelicals tend to be less concerned about IVF. Among pro-lifers, roughly 80 percent support IVF (higher if you look at evangelical pro-lifers on their own). Polling in the wake of the Alabama Supreme Court's decision to extend greater legal protections to frozen embryos found that 86 percent of respondents were in favor of keeping IVF legal.

Between the Alabama Supreme Court decision and high-profile incidents like the Gonzalez caseplus the fact that abortion protections keep getting enshrined in law when they're put to a vote (remember Kansas? Ohio? Michigan?)it's not clear that pro-lifers have a great plan to create a post-Dobbs framework that's broadly acceptable to voters.

Scenes from New York: A group of activists thought Easter Vigil Mass would be a good time to make their "free Palestine" plea and display their banner in front of the St. Patrick's Cathedral altar in Midtown.

"At least some of the protesters were with Extinction Rebellion NYC's Palestinian Solidarity group and carried a flag with an olive tree and the words 'SILENCE = DEATH' written across it," reports The New York Post.

Extinction Rebellion is the group that carries out climate-related stunts at major art museums and blocks traffic frequently.

One of the activists "was arrested in September after disrupting the U.S. Open women's semifinal with activists who used glue to prevent security from ejecting them from Arthur Ashe Stadium after they held up a sign decrying fossil fuels," reports The New York Post. "Their stunt stalled the match for nearly 50 minutes."

QUICK HITS

California finally gets down with building more homes:

Caltrain deputy director built himself an apartment (with kitchen & shower) inside the Burlingame train station with $42k of public funds (each invoice <$3k), and it took 3 years for it to be discovered. I demand a short documentary about this! I haven't seen footage anywhere https://t.co/HpI0qkjr6p  Sheel Mohnot (@pitdesi) March 29, 2024

Turkey holds municipal elections:

A political earthquake is under way in Turkey. With 54% counted in local elections, Erdogan's party AKP is going down to national defeat for the first time ever. If results hold, his legitimacy will suffer. The future of AKP will be in doubt. (CHP: secular center-left) pic.twitter.com/YWkF47RaZD  Timur Kuran (@timurkuran) March 31, 2024

"New York regulators shut down a marijuana processor after she criticized the state's lax enforcement," reports Reason's C.J. Ciaramella.

"One in 4.4 couples in Japan has undergone tests or treatment for infertility, and the number of babies resulting from assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization stood at one in 11.6 in 2021," reports Bloomberg.

The Free Press's Rupa Subramanya investigates the growing movement of people who are choosing physician-assisted suicide due to mental health issues, not terminal illness.

"China's manufacturing activity expanded in March for the first time since September, a further sign that the world's second-largest economy is stabilizing," reports Bloomberg.

The New Yorker isn't sending their best fact-checkers:

IQ is 60-80% heritable. Among scientists who study intelligence, this is a completely unremarkable and uncontroversial finding. https://t.co/JoaFtH5p5V  Rob Henderson (@robkhenderson) March 29, 2024

The post Abortion Fallout appeared first on Reason.com.
ZANESVILLE  The way he sees it, his career changes add up to valuable experience.

Starting when I was 11 years old, I raced motocross and dreamed of becoming a racing professional, recalled Dale Mussard Jr. Unfortunately, I injured my left hand, ending the racing dream. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but not many young men have it figured out. Definitely, I never thought I would own a handyman business.

Today, Mussard is the owner/operator of Beeline Home Services.

When I was15 my family home was lost to a house fire, he said. My parents didnt want to leave the property, so we decided to rebuild ourselves. With the help of family and friends, we rebuilt my parents home in just over a year. I learned so much and enjoyed the process. My dad has a lot of building knowledge and is also willing to learn how to do things  he instilled that in me to learn from mistakes and take chances on yourself.

Dale Mussard Jr. of Beeline Home Services

Mussard grew up in Martins Ferry, a small town on the Ohio River, graduated from Martins Ferry High School in 2006, then went to Belmont College to study civil engineering. From there, he said, he did a lot of different things.

I worked for Martins Ferry as a garbage man, he explained. I left there to work in the oilfields in western Pennsylvania and Ohio valley area, becoming a lead crane operator. After getting married I moved to Cambridge to work as a crane operator, then a new crane job here in Zanesville. I was a night operations manager for (a home improvement store) before my son was born, then a department supervisor.

I changed careers again, he added, and became a service adviser for an auto dealership, then became their warranty administrator. I started the handyman business part-time nights and weekends and left June of 2023 to become Beeline Home Services full time.

Anthony Burton is a Beeline Home Services customer.

I've known Dale for about four years, said Burton, and when he started Beeline Home Services, I thought it was absolutely perfect for him. I knew his background and how he learned a myriad of construction skills. When I needed a bathroom tub to walk-in shower conversion, I didnt hesitate to call Beeline. I knew Dale would do a great job and be fair about the price. The work he did was awesome, and I could not be happier with my new shower. In a society where businesses dont even return a phone call, its refreshing to find someone dependable, who communicates with his customers.

I enjoy the daily change of tasks, Mussard responded.

I have no regrets on any of my career changes, he concluded. Theyve all allowed me new skills and knowledge to be where I am today  Gods plan in motion.

For more information about Beeline Home Services, log on www.beelinehomeservice.com.

Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs  whether theyre unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at trnews@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Years of experience make Dale Mussard Jr. a natural handyman
Chance Perdomo, an actor known for his roles in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Gen V, died in a motorcycle crash. He was 27.

On behalf of the family and his representatives, it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomos untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident, Perdomos publicist said in a statement to The Hill.

No one else was involved in the crash, the statement read, citing authorities. Further details were not immediately available.

His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest. We ask to please respect the familys wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother, the statement continued.

Perdomo starred as Andre Anderson on Gen V, a spinoff of the Amazon Prime series, The Boys. He also played Ambrose Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. His character was a pansexual, powerful warlock and was a cousin to Sabrina Spellman, The Associated Press reported.

Amazon MGM Studies and Sony Pictures Television issued a statement in tribute to Perdomo.

The entire Gen V family is devastated by the passing of Chance Perdomo. Amazon MGM Studies and Sony Pictures Television extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Chances family and all who loved him at this difficult time, they said in a statement Amazon Studios posted on social media.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Actor tipped as next James Bond in planning row over home rewilding

Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson met on the set of Nowhere Boy, the 2009 biopic in which he played John Lennon

The actor who is expected to be the next James Bond and his director wife are seeking retrospective planning permission for a lake they excavated on their country estate after work was shut down last year.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and his wife, Sam, upset villagers when they started work on rewilding the grounds of their home in the Mendip Hills in Somerset.

At the centre of the project is the huge lake, which has already been excavated.

But the Grade II-listed property is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Taylor-Johnsons should have first obtained planning permission.

When the local council found out about the work, officials visited the property, which used to be owned by the Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud, and shut down the operation.

That was more than a year ago and since then the circular muddy crater, which is one acre in size, has been left as a blot on the protected landscape.

At the centre of the project at the couple's home is the huge lake, which has already been excavated - BNPS

Last month, The Sun reported that Eon Productions, which has made most of the Bond films in the series adapted from Ian Flemings novels, has offered Aaron Taylor-Johnson the role of 007.

The newspaper said that he was likely to sign the contract and start filming this year at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

Some residents, who have been irked by the noise and mess caused by the work at the couples home, had speculated that the celebrity couple intended to use the lake for open water swimming.

Now Mrs Taylor-Johnson, 56, and her 33-year-old husband have submitted a retrospective planning application in the hope of obtaining permission to carry on with the work.

They claim that the lake is necessary to protect their 16th-century farmhouse from flooding.

The new wetland feature will also boost the biodiversity of wildlife in the area, including common toads, newts, water voles, otters, badgers and bats.

In their application, they say the amount of surface water that runs down onto their land leaves the five-bed house vulnerable to flooding as well as a studio, barn, guesthouse and piggery.

It is reported that the farmhouse has flooded every year since the pair bought it in 2011 and the housekeeper recalls the boot room previously flooding up to her knees.

Somerset council will decide on their application in the near future, with the couples planning expert urging them to grant approval so that works can be completed ahead of the 2024 winter storm events.

Many villagers are delighted at the prospect of an increase in wildlife that the scheme will bring.

Tom Kemp said: This project will bring desperately needed biodiversity and wildlife conservation improvements. In this regard, I cant think of a more important project within our parish to date.

I can see most of the site from my bedroom window, and wholeheartedly welcome the effect on my view.

Project will deliver biodiversity

Amy Fukuyama, a neighbour, said: I live to the west of the fields belonging to the farm and am overjoyed at the prospect of the increase to biodiversity in our area.

I can see the ponds from my house and very much welcome the change to the view and monoculture. Since the ponds have been constructed there has been a noticeable increase in bird activity.

Mrs Taylor-Johnson, who has directed the new Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black that is due to be released later this month, and her husband have commissioned a flood risk expert and a biodiversity specialist to help with their case.

A report submitted on their behalf by the Bath-based planning consultancy experts PlanningSphere stated: Flooding threatens the historic fabric of the listed farmhouse.

The owners are undertaking a project to create new wetland features to alleviate severe flooding to the house and to enhance biodiversity.

The wetland features are partially constructed, and the remaining elements include the installation of pollution prevention measures and swales.

The project will deliver biodiversity enhancements in an ecologically appropriate location. The long-term effects of the proposals will be to deliver locally significant biodiversity gains.

Proper permission was not sought

But Jamie Walker, a resident, believes that the village has already put up with enough and has called on the council to reject the application.

He said: I believe this planning application should be turned down in its entirety and the lakes filled in.

The noise from the work on these lakes directly affected me. I would hate to see the farmhouse lost, but I believe the work to date should not have been carried out without seeking the proper consent. I dont believe the local residents had any say in this development until the lakes had been dug, and no concern was shown to local residents around noise issues.

Proper permission was not sought  this, I feel, strengthens the argument to reject the application and fill the lakes in.

Hole has just got bigger and bigger

After the council put a stop to the ground works in February last year, one villager, Jackie Inch, complained about the eyesore view from her home, which overlooks the valley.

Mrs Inch, a retired counsellor, said at the time: When I open my bedroom curtains in the morning the first thing I see is that eyesore.

We had no idea they were going to do it, and I cant believe they went ahead without permission.

The hole has just got bigger and bigger.

Mrs Taylor-Johnson met her second husband on the set of Nowhere Boy, the 2009 biopic in which he played John Lennon.

Despite an age gap of 23 years, the couple married in 2012 at the Grade II-listed Babington House in Somerset, which is close to their rural home.

She went on to direct Fifty Shades of Grey, while her husband has starred in films including Godzilla, Christopher Nolans Tenet and Bullet Train.

The couple have two daughters together and are thought to spend most of their time living in California.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Construction on Central Terrace, Many Mansions' latest affordable housing complex, is nearly complete on the 200 block of East Sixth Street in Oxnard.

Many Mansions is accepting applications for its downtown Oxnard affordable housing complex dubbed Central Terrace.

The Thousand Oaks-based nonprofit will continue to take inquiries until April 15. Once the period closes, potential residents will be selected by a lottery on April 19. As of Wednesday afternoon, 50 people had applied. The application window opened on March 23.

Rick Schroeder, Many Mansions CEO, said he expects tenants to move into the $46 million project by the end of April. Their rent will be 30% of their salaries, he added.

Oxnard Councilman Bryan MacDonald represents District 4 where the project is located. He said the project would help residents who earn less then the area median income.

This is a need that we have to address and make sure our residents have quality housing, MacDonald said.

Central Terrace is five-story, 87-unit building located at 217-235 E. Sixth St. on about half an acre. There will be an office space, kitchenette and common area on the first floor. The residential units  which will all be one-bedroom apartments  will be located on the remaining floors.

Thirty-five units will be set aside for households earning 30% or less than the area median income. Twenty units will be provided at 50%, and 31 will be for households at or below 60% of the area median income. There will also be a two-bedroom apartment for an on-site manager.

The area median income in Ventura County for a family of four is $123,500, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. For one person, the figure is $86,450.

Additionally, 35 of the units will be set aside for homeless individuals and families.

Over 838 homeless people resided in Oxnard in 2023, according to the Ventura County Continuum of Care.

To submit an application, click on the housing tab at ManyMansions.org.

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: Affordable housing complex in Oxnard takes applications
In their first week back from spring recess, Springfield City Council is scheduled to take steps towards two proposed subdivisions and expanding bike share to the city. Lane County commissioners are scheduled to award grants from the county parks levy and loosen the county's floodway development code. Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners are scheduled to hear a report on their 2023 emissions.

Springfield City Council

To watch: Springfield's system requires registration to watch and to participate in meetings. Use the links for meetings to register and get information to attend.

To listen: Dial 1-971-247-1195 or 1-877-853-5247 and use the meeting ID.

To attend: Meetings are held in the City Council Meeting Room of Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield.

To comment: There are instructions during the regular session for how to provide testimony.

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5mky0sG4To-OOe6RpTTgPg

Meeting ID: 812 4891 1238

WORK SESSION

When: 6 p.m., Monday, April 1

What: Springfield city councilors are scheduled to discuss updating the city's ride-share regulation to match Eugene's and vote on vacating portions of the street for a planned Woodland Ridge subdivision north of Mt. Vernon Road.

REGULAR SESSION

When: 7 p.m., Monday, April 1

What: Springfield city councilors are scheduled to hold a public hearing on a proposed 7-acre annexation of undeveloped land southeast of S 71st Street for the planned Finley Heights subdivision and vote on a contract to expand the PeaceHealth bike share program to downtown Springfield and on authorizing payment to Cummings Tree Service for helping the city with post-ice storm tree cleanup.

Lane County Board of Commissioners

To attend: These meetings take place at the Harris Hall at 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene. Doors to Harris Hall open at 8:45 a.m.

To watch: County commission meetings stream at bit.ly/LaneCounty-meetings, Lane County's YouTube channel, Comcast channel 21 and the GovHub Media app.

To comment: In-person commenters can sign up at the door. Online commenters should register for the Zoom meeting. To submit written comments, email publiccomment@lanecountyor.gov by noon Monday with the subject line PUBLIC COMMENT FOR MEETING DATE 4/2/2024.

MORNING SESSION

When: 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 2

What: Commissioners are scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote for a supplemental budget, hear public comment and vote to award grants from the Lane County Parks levy to several groups with projects planned for those parks.

Next commissioners are scheduled to hear reports and discuss syphilis and flavored tobacco in Lane County and vote on a slate of health care-related contracts. Then staff from the county sheriff's department will present a report on the county's efforts to combat illegal cannabis farming.

AFTERNOON SESSION

When: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19

What: County commissioners are scheduled to vote on new development policies regulating erosion control and floodway development.

Eugene Water & Electric Board

To watch: Meetings stream online over Microsoft Teams at https://tinyurl.com/EWEB-Board-Meeting-04-02-24 and can be viewed afterward at https://www.eweb.org/about-us/board-of-commissioners/public-meetings

To attend: EWEB meetings are held in EWEBs Roosevelt Operations Center at 4200 Roosevelt Blvd., Eugene.

To comment: Fill out the form to provide testimony over the phone by 2. p.m. Tuesday, Feb 6., or complete a "request to speak" form in person.

REGULAR SESSION

When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6

What: EWEB commissioners are scheduled to hear public comment and a financial audit. Next, they will give General Manager Frank Lawson his annual performance review. Then commissioners are scheduled to hear an update on replacing the college hill reservoir, a report on EWEB's Climate Guidebook, which includes its 2023 greenhouse gas emissions, and an after-action report from the January ice storm,

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registergulard.com or on X @alanfryetorres.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: EWEB commissioners to hear report on 2023 greenhouse gas emissions
The News

Several people were reportedly killed after part of the Iranian consulate in Damascus was destroyed in an airstrike that Iranian and Syrian media have blamed on Israel. If confirmed, this would be the first time Israel has attacked an Iranian embassy, Axios reported.

Among those reported killed is Gen. Mohamad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in charge of Tehrans operations in Syria and Lebanon, Iranian state media said. Irans ambassador to Syria warned that Tehrans response would be harsh.

Israel has not officially commented on the attack, but four Israeli officials told The New York Times that Israel was behind the attack to kill Zahedi, but they did not confirm if he had died. While Israel rarely comments on specific strikes in Syria, the country has conducted hundreds of attacks against Iran-backed militias in the country over the last 10 years, The Times of Israel reported. We do not comment on reports in the foreign media, an Israeli military spokesperson told Reuters.

This is a serious escalation on Israels part, Nicole Grajewski, an Iran researcher at the Carnegie Endowment, wrote on X.

The alleged attack came just a few days after an Israeli airstrike in Aleppo killed dozens of people on Friday, including members of Hezbollah and Syrian soldiers, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Photo: X/Twitter

Heres a bizarre occurrence that no one had on their bingo card in 2024: Rev. Al Sharpton baptized New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Good Friday (March 29). Whats even weirder is that it occurred alongside a group of eleven male inmates at Rikers Island.

The jail complex is notorious for its putrid conditions and prisoner deaths, yet the highly scrutinized politician looked at it as an opportunity to change its narrative as well as his own.

I recommitted myself to my faith, to our city, and to our shared efforts to give all New Yorkers a chance to succeed. You know my journey. I went from being arrested to being elected mayor, Adams wrote on X/Twitter. I used that story to remind these young men that where they are is not who they are.

Good Friday is a day where we honor sacrifice and rebirth.



This morning, I joined a group of young men on Rikers Island to be re-baptized by @RevDaughtry and @TheRevAl Sharpton.



I recommitted myself to my faith, to our city, and to our shared efforts to give all New Yorkers a pic.twitter.com/ckhQugO3sf  Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 29, 2024

He continued: And that for the first time in their lives, they had a mayor who does not look down on them but rather sat side-by-side with them as we recommit ourselves to the right path.

Top to it off, the mayors offices provided photos from the baptism which seemingly show Adams holding hands with Sharpton, the reverend washing Adams feet and Adams being baptized.

Adams is infamously pro-law enforcement, was the center of a donor scandal (which led to the FBI seizing his phones) and has come under fire for his leadership. Just last week, criminal lawyer and activist Olayemi Olurin called out the mayor on The Breakfast Club for sensationalizing crime in New York City while stating its one of the safest places in the country.

In response to critiques of placing an extra 2,000 cops in the citys subway system, Adams offered a glib response. Now you may say, Eric, I dont want to see a visible presence of uniformed officers. And thats cool. Thats not what the overwhelming number of New Yorkers are saying, he said during the interview. His latest stunt is definitely garnering attentionbut maybe for all the wrong reasons.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
State representatives gather in the chamber of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 20, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Three of the Alabama Legislatures budget chairs said Friday that the states two budgets could start moving this week.

But Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, and Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, the chairs of their respective chambers General Fund committees, said in separate interviews that there were disagreements over that budget, which provides money for most noneducation programs in the state.

Reynolds said Friday that he and Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, had met the previous day and worked through some of the Houses priorities, though he declined to discuss specifics.

Until weve got some compromise there with both the House and Senate, itd be premature for me to put those out there, he said.

Reynolds said the chambers seemed to want to prioritize funding for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA); the Alabama Department of Corrections; the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles and the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

A man with his hands folded

Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, in the chamber of the Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Stew Milne/Alabama Reflector)

Albritton said the chambers have differing opinions on and lots of questions about funding for the Alabama Department of Mental Health; ALEA; district attorneys; courts; the Department of Corrections and Pardons and Paroles.

The senator said that he and Reynolds are talking at least weekly on (the budget) and have been for some time. He said they dont agree on everything but are trying to keep friction to a minimum and are making progress, which he said means theres a lot of hands in the pie and a lot of differing opinions.

At this stage, Im afraid anythings gonna be difficult to get out of the Senate, he said. Weve got so many things hovering about in the Senate that were running a little bit late on. Times running out, and so I think its gonna be an interesting final one-third (of the session).

Caution urged

The budgets for the 2025 fiscal year, which starts on Oct. 1, come after years of unprecedented growth, fueled in part by federal spending on COVID relief. State budget officials have projected reduced but healthy increases next year in the General Fund and the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget, which funds public K-12 and higher education programs in the state.



A man in a gray suit

Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, stands on the floor of the Alabama Senate on Feb. 8, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Gov. Kay Ivey proposed an 2025 ETF budget of $9.348 billion, a 6.25% increase over the current $8.8 billion budget, and a General Fund budget of $3.299 billion, an 8.16% increase over the current $3 billion budget. The Legislature has the final say over the shape and scope of state spending.

Officials with the Legislative Services Agency have urged caution with spending, and Reynolds said he was concerned that interest on state accounts, a major revenue source for the General Fund, could decline later this year.

I think thats why weve got to be frugal and just use those for one time funding. And theres some capital needs of our state agencies that we want to address, he said. And in going into the 2026 budget, it might be a different outlook.

Albritton said additional funding over the past two years has not necessarily solved problems for some agencies, and said that some departments are duplicating services.

The senator said he was not calling for cuts, but said the governor has priorities and that all the other legislators have ideas about spending.

Thats the minuet were trying to figure out, he said.

Albritton said he hoped to have the budget in committee this week but would not commit to when a Senate vote might take place.

ETF could debut this week

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, the chair of the House Ways and Mean Education Committee, said Friday he hopes to have two committee meetings on the ETF on Wednesday and Thursday, with a goal of a floor vote the week of April 8.

Garrett said they were looking at things that would move the needle for students, like the Literacy and Numeracy Act, which aim to increase scores in their respective subjects.

Weve got a lot of underperforming schools, weve got schools with high ESL [English as a second language] populations, weve got schools with significant capital needs, he said. Schools have technology challenges, teacher shortages. Were doing what we can to try to address all of those type things.

Messages were left for Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Chair Arthur Orr, R-Decatur on Friday. Garrett said he and Orr were in agreement on the budgets.

In her State of the State address on Feb. 6, Gov. Kay Ivey said she wanted to increase the starting pay for teachers.

A man in a suit

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, stands on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 29, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Garrett said that one of the changes to the budget this year was a secondary cap on the budget. He said last year was 6.5%, this year is 6.25% and they will eventually go to 5.75%.

So were limiting the amount of growth that can happen in the budget, and so thats the second year of that going on, he said.

He said legislators were also looking into releasing more advancement and technology funds.

With the passage of the CHOOSE Act, a voucher-like bill that allows households to claim up to $7,000 per student for non-public education expenses, including private school tuition, Garrett said that they are looking at the way they fund education.

And we may be taking some steps toward trying to move in the direction, but the main point is that we have to make sure that were spending the money where we think its going to improve outcomes, he said.

Last session, the Legislature created the new Educational Opportunities Reserve Fund in the Education Trust Fund. Garrett said they are not looking to use the funding this year, but they might use it if they change formula for how the state funds schools.



If we talk about addressing our funding formula, if we move in that direction, that fund can be helpful as we transition to something like that, he said. But, at this point, theres no really identified use for that. Its just something thats available and well continue to add that fund this year as well.

While the a vote on the General Fund is less clear, Reynolds said he thinks he and Albritton are on the same page with the budget.

I think so, he said. Its, I mean, its a two-house process, right? he said.

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The Alabama Public Charter School Commission Monday voted to revoke approval of a Dothan-area school, citing concerns over finances and governance. (Getty)

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission voted Monday to revoke the approval of a Dothan-area charter school, citing concerns over finance and governance.

The vote on the Barnabas School of Leadership came just over two months after the commission voted to begin the process of revocation, after commissioners concluded the school had not met pre-opening conditions.

In their application to the commission, Barnabas officials wrote that the school would aim to improve students learning, academic performance and ultimately life choices. Officials said that its curriculum aimed to focus on students strengths, rather than weaknesses.

Darryl Roberts, the founder and executive director of the school, said in a phone interview after the meeting concluded on Monday that he felt that the commission had already decided to revoke the charter before the meeting.

So my question they never answered when we were in the March 7 hearing, what does it benefit the commission to revoke the charter of a charter school? he said. That is trying to open in an area where its needed and to say, We hope you regroup and reapply, when they could have given us an extension to regroup and open?

The school would have opened this August.

Logan Searcy, the executive director of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission, told the commission in November that the school had not met pre-opening conditions. Roberts blamed technical issues for the delays in making submissions. Searcy said the school could have sent the necessary documents to her and allowed her to upload them directly to the site.

In a January presentation, Searcy cited several concerns with Barnabas, including a lack of meeting schedules; questions about the schools assets; questions of future funding and a lack of provided policies, including on special education.



The commission had voted in January to deny the school a new building after it could no longer operate in the building from their application.

Searcys presentation included that an accountants compilation said they did not audit or review financial statements of the school. Commissioner Ryan Kendall said that a statement from the CPA said the school did not provide financial statements.

Lane Knight, the boards attorney, said that they would work with the school on the closing protocol, which in the past has meant notifying enrolled students that they would need to find other options.

Thats probably the primary thing, he said.

The school can submit another application in the future, said Knight, and Commissioner Marla Green encouraged Roberts to try again.

Like you said, Dothan needs or would greatly benefit by a charter school, she said. So your efforts didnt go unnoticed.

Roberts told the commission at the end of the meeting that they would see them again.

We felt that we should have gotten an extension, but I pray that you voted out of your heart and not out of loyalty to something else, so you will see us again, he said. Thank you so much.

The school had previously received an extension, and another extension was denied at the Monday meeting.

The school is not the first to lose its charter before opening. Woodland Prep, which would have opened in south Alabama, lost its charter in 2020, according to al.com. The commission said the school did not meet pre-opening conditions; did not adhere to generally accepted financial practices and did not establish community support.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Yelp released a list of The 10 wildest and wackiest waffle wonders to celebrate International Waffle Day, and one Albuquerque spot made the list: XO Waffle.

The local shop serves Belgian waffles with a variety of signature sauces, toppings, and syrups. Offering both sweet and savory waffles, XO Waffles has thoughtfully crafted menu items as well as a build-your-own option.

Albuquerque spot makes Yelps Top 100 Ice Cream Shops 2023

Unique menu items include The 505 Waffle, which comes with an egg, bacon, green chile, and maple syrup, as well as The Waffle of My Life, which comes with an egg, ham, red or white XO sauce, cheese, and green onion. For those with a sweet tooth, XO Waffles has a Cookies & Cream option, a Churro Love waffle, and many others.

The 10 wildest and wackiest waffle wonders by Yelp

Aloha Waffle Bar  Jacksonville, Florida

Waffle on a Stick  Portland, Oregon

The New Schnitzel House  Miami, Florida

Bruges Belgian Bistro  Salt Lake City, Utah

YogurStory  Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Waffle  Albuquerque, New Mexico

Waffle Studio  El Monte, California

Croffle House  Flushing, New York

Taste of Belgium  Cincinnati, Ohio

Atypical Waffle  San Diego, California

To check out Yelps full list, created by Corynn Benoit, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
The ShotSpotter gunshot detection system could get another chance to stick around in Chicago as aldermen try to wrest control over the technologys future from Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Aldermen on Monday advanced a measure to give the City Council final say over violence prevention funding efforts removed by the mayor, such as ShotSpotter. The effort revives a contentious fight over the technology that is set to be canceled later this year after Johnson followed through on a campaign pledge to end the companys contract with the city.

The potential rebuke of the mayors power over the ShotSpotter deal moved forward with little criticism and a unanimous voice vote in the councils Police and Fire Committee. Johnson council allies like his hand-picked Finance Committee chair, Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, joined opponents in the push to gain the power to override his decision.

While detractors have criticized ShotSpotter as an instrument of over-policing, most aldermen Monday praised it as a tool that saves lives by getting first responders to shootings faster. They blasted Johnsons decision to end the technologys contract with the city as being made without input from communities plagued by violence.

Right now, it just seems like choices are being made without our authority. Its disheartening, Ald. Monique Scott, 24th, said. Everything we are trying to build in this community, everything is being torn down.

ShotSpotter, long in the crosshairs of activists, gained notoriety in 2021 after a gunshot alert from a street in Little Village sent responding police running after 13-year-old Adam Toledo. An officer fatally shot Toledo during the chase. The tool uses acoustic sensors mounted on light poles, mostly on the South and West sides, to quickly alert police about the location of suspected gunfire.

Johnson announced a final seven-month extension for ShotSpotter in February that allows the technology to operate through the summer, until late September. Amid speculation that the company behind the technology, SoundThinking, would reject the final extension Johnson had already made public, he days later announced an additional two-month transition period. The mayor suggested at the time the city will implement other emergency response tools, but has not yet shared information on replacement plans.

Aldermen representing many of the Chicago neighborhoods most affected by gun violence spoke Monday to voice their support for the measure giving them more control. The measures sponsor, Ald. David Moore, 17th, said he expects it to pass when it comes up for a full City Council vote, likely on April 17.

You got to listen to these aldermen, because they are listening to their constituents, Moore said. I live this thing. Im out in the most challenging communities: Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn.

Questions remain over whether the City Council can in fact compel the mayor to keep the city in a contract, as the ShotSpotter order would. Only the mayor, not the City Council, has the ability to enter into a contract on behalf of the city. Moore argued the move would be allowed.

He also praised the proposal for compelling the city to collect better data on the technology as it continues to operate. The measure requests data on how accurately ShotSpotter detects gunshots, how it affects first responder response times, how often it leads to responses to shootings for which no 911 calls were made, and how often it leads to arrests, evidence or recovered firearms.

Some aldermen flagged the need for the sort of data the proposal calls for as a police spokesperson struggled to answer questions about the technologys use and accuracy. The uncertainty prompted Ald. Jeanette Taylor, 20th, to say the meeting should be halted until there is clearer information.

While other aldermen shared stories of instances in which ShotSpotter saved lives by prompting quick police responses to gunshot victims, Taylor said it has also led to false alarms in her own ward. Police often accidentally respond to alerts seemingly prompted by car engines backfiring on the interstate near her Englewood office, she said.

I live in a ward who has benefited, but where ShotSpotter has also been problematic, she said. If were going to spend money on something, make sure its something that actually works.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
Aldi looking to open another Johnson County grocery store in this former retail space

International chain Aldi is looking to open another discount grocery store in Overland Park.

The company has filed an application to move into the former Buybuy Baby space at 12055 Metcalf Ave., in the Southglen shopping center.

While city offiicials said theyve received an application from Aldi for that address, the company did not respond to The Stars requests for comment Monday.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Before Aldi can move in, it must go through the citys approval process. The planning commission is scheduled to discuss it on May 13, according to the citys permitting system.

Aldi has close to two dozen locations in the Kansas City area, including one 3 miles away at 8640 W. 135th St.

Aldi is looking to take over the former Buybuy Baby location in the Southglen shopping center.

Last year, Buybuy Babys parent company  Bed Bath & Beyond  filed for bankruptcy and announced that it would close all Buybuy Baby stores.

In November, Buybuy Baby announced it would be reborn thanks to a trusted fourth-trimester partner, according to USA Today. The company hopes to reopen a handful of stores across the country.

Before Buybuy Baby moved into the space in 2011, the bookstore chain Borders operated there until it went out of business.

The prospective Aldi would be across the street from a Whole Foods that recently moved to 11900 Metcalf Ave.

In 1961, the Albrecht family opened their first discount grocery store in Germany. Sixteen years later, they opened their first American store in Iowa.
Where is Alex Murdaugh now? Former lawyer sentenced to 40 years in federal financial crimes case

Richard Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced South Carolina attorney convicted of killing his wife and youngest son, will be behind bars for the rest of his life.

Murdaugh, 55, is serving two consecutive life sentences for the fatal shootings of his wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, which his attorneys have appealed.

Authorities have said the double murder of his two family members set off a chain of events, including a botched murder-for-hire plot that Murdaugh, 54, intended for his surviving son, Buster, 26, to collect on his life insurance payout, and an investigation that led to dozens of state and federal charges alleging he committed financial crimes at his law firm.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty to the state and federal financial crimes charges last year, and is serving concurrent sentences of 27 years and 44 years, respectively.

Prosecutors said Murdaugh, who often represented poor and working-class people in court, deceived and stole more than 100 times in his ongoing scheme, totaling an alleged loss of $8.8 million, NBC News reported.

Murdaughs family law firm has since paid back the net amounts from settlements that were owed to victims, chief prosecutor Creighton Waters of the state attorney generals office said, though he added that there still may be other outstanding claims among various victims and parties.

Murdaugh's fall from grace as a third-generation lawyer from a family of powerful, esteemed attorneys in South Carolina's lowcountry region to a man behind bars captivated the nation, and led to the Netflix documentary, "Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal."

The series documented Murdaugh's stunning downfall since the deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh in 2021, and how several other deaths in the area, including their housekeeper Gloria Satterfield, were linked to the powerful family.

Here's what to know about Murdaugh, and where he is now.

Was Alex Murdaugh involved in the deaths of his wife and son, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh?

From left, Paul, Margaret and Alex Murdaugh. (via Facebook)

Murdaugh called 911 at 10:07 p.m. to report he found his wife Maggie and youngest son Paul Murdaugh shot dead near dog kennels on their family property about 65 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina.

I need the police and an ambulance immediately, Murdaugh told the 911 operator, per audio released by the South Carolinas State Law Enforcement Division and published by a Savannah, Georgia news station. My wife and son were just shot badly.

Prosecutor Creighton Waters revealed in his opening statement on Jan. 26 Paul Murdaugh, 22, was shot in the chest, shoulder and head with buckshot loads from a 12-gauge shotgun, causing devastating damage to his body.

Maggie Murdaugh, 52, was shot with a rifle and had gunshot wounds to her leg, abdomen and head, Waters said. He added the two did not have any defensive wounds, as if they didnt see a threat coming from their attacker.

Their killings went unsolved for more than a year until a grand jury indicted Murdaugh on two counts of murder and two counts of weapons possession charges on July 14, 2022, per NBC.

Murdaugh pleaded not guilty to the charges in July 2022, but jurors convicted him in March 2023.

How was Paul Murdaugh involved in a boat accident?

Paul Murdaugh, Alex Murdaughs youngest son who was found shot dead along with his mother in June 2021, had legal troubles of his own before his death, which became the subject of a 2022 Dateline episode.

On Feb. 23, 2019, Paul Murdaugh, 19, took his familys boat out for a night of partying on the Beaufort River, as shown in the first episode of Murdaugh Murders. The boat crashed and resulted in the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach, who was on the boat.

Paul Murdaugh was charged with three felony counts of boating under the influence, and had pleaded not guilty to the charges, NBC affiliate WSAV reported.

At the time of his death, Paul Murdaugh was out on bail  but he would never face trial for the charges, as he was killed on June 7, 2021.

The charges against him were dropped in August 2021 after the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office received his death certificate, NBC affiliate WSAV reported.

Beachs mother filed a legal claim against the estates of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh on Jan. 24, 2022 to get money they believe they are owed as a result of the accident, per NBC.

A settlement was reached between Beach's parents and other survivors of the crash and two of Murdaugh's family members in January 2023, per court documents published by WTOC.

Did Alex Murdaugh hire a man to murder him?

Murdaugh made headlines on Sept. 4, 2021, just months after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, when he was found with a gunshot wound to the head in Hampton County, South Carolina, per NBC.

Jim Griffin, one of Murdaughs attorneys, told news outlets Murdaugh had pulled over after his vehicle got a flat tire when a person inside a pickup truck passed by and opened fire.

Authorities described Murdaughs injury as a superficial head wound on Sept. 5 per NBC, and the following day Murdaugh announced his resignation from his familys law firm to seek treatment at a rehab facility.

By Sept. 14, authorities alleged Murdaugh arranged for his former client, Curtis Edward Smith, to kill him so that his surviving son, Buster Murdaugh, could collect on his $10 million life insurance policy, per NBC.

Smith was arrested on Sept. 14 on charges of assisted suicide, assault and battery of a high aggravated nature, pointing and presenting a firearm, insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, according to the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.

Smith has not entered a plea for the charges, South Carolina Attorney Generals Office Communications Director Robert Kittle told TODAY.com. Smith denied that he fired a shot at Murdaugh in Episode 3 of the second season of "Murdaugh Murders," alleging he wanted to scare some sense into (Murdaugh), and fired a shot into the air.

"I knew I hadnt shot him," Smith said, adding the injuries to Murdaughs head were due to him falling onto rocks nearby. "I knew there werent no blood on him, there was no blood on me. So I went home."

Murdaugh turned himself in to authorities on Sept. 16 after he was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and filing a false police report, per NBC, and was released on bond.

Murdaughs defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, agreed to the authorities allegations that Murdaugh had hired someone to execute him. His attorneys blamed Murdaughs addiction to opioids for his actions in a statement given to NBC.

He was in a dark, dark dark place and wanted to help his son, the remaining son, Buster, in any way he could, and he thought this was the only way he could leave him with anything, Murdaughs attorney, Dick Harpootlian, said on TODAY in September 2021.

The attorney for Curtis Smith said, during an appearance on TODAY in September 2021, that his client was being set up by Murdaugh. Smith denied shooting Murdaughon TODAY.

Was Alex Murdaugh involved in housekeeper Gloria Satterfield's fall?

South Carolina authorities announced a criminal investigation into the death of Gloria Satterfield, the Murdaugh familys housekeeper, on Sept. 15, 2021, per NBC.

Satterfield died in February 2018 at the Murdaugh familys home in what was described during a 911 call as a fall. Hampton County Coroner Angela Topper said the death was not reported to the coroner, and an autopsy was never performed, per WLTX.

Murdaugh agreed to a $4.3 million wrongful death settlement for Satterfields family, and admitted "liability to the (Satterfields) for the claims asserted against him" in a confession of judgement filed in June 2022, according to court documents obtained by NBC affiliate WCBD.

The decision to open the investigation came after questions arose regarding why her manner of death was ruled as natural on her death certificate, which a coroner has said was inconsistent with injuries sustained in an accident, per a letter written by Hampton County Coroner Angela Topper in September 2021.

Authorities arrested Murdaugh on Oct. 14, 2021 as he was leaving a rehab facility in Florida, NBC News reported, on two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses after millions of dollars from Satterfield's wrongful death settlement went missing, the South Carolina Attorney General's Office said.

Attorneys for the Satterfield family released documents, per NBC officiate WCBD, that claimed to prove Murdaugh had defrauded Sattferfields sons out of a wrongful death settlement.

Murdaugh admitted he owed the Satterfield family $4.3 million in June 2022, and asked the court to uphold a judgement ordering him to pay the amount in restitution, according to court documents reviewed by WCBD.

On June 3, 2022, South Carolina authorities said they had permission from Satterfield's family to exhume her body as part of the investigation into her death.

What are Murdaugh's financial crime charges?

The same day Murdaugh announced he was resigning from his law firm, the firm, Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth & Detrickhe, released its own statement alleging Murdaugh had misappropriated company funds.

South Carolina authorities opened their own investigation into the allegations, and announced on Nov. 19, 2021 multiple indictments against him totaling 27 counts including charges of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, obtaining signature or property by false pretenses, money laundering, computer crimes and forgery.

"Altogether, Murdaugh is charged with respect to alleged schemes to defraud victims and thereafter launder" nearly $4.9 million, the state attorney general's office said.

By June 28, 2022, the state attorney general's office had charged Murdaugh with more than 80 criminal counts, alleging he had stolen nearly $8.5 million over the course of about 11 years.

The South Carolina Supreme Court formally disbarred Murdaugh on July 13, 2022, one day before he was charged with the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, per NBC.

On Dec. 19, 2022, a grand jury indicted Murdaugh on nine counts of tax evasion, bringing his total financial-related charges to 99.

On Nov. 17, 2023, Murdaugh struck a deal and agreed to plead guilty to various financial crimes charges, including in a case in which he was accused of siphoning off insurance settlement funds in the wake of Gloria Satterfields death.

Circuit Judge Clifton Newman accepted Murdaughs plea on Nov. 28, 2023, and agreed to the 27-year prison sentence set by state prosecutors and Murdaughs defense team.

SKETCH: Murdaugh Federal Sentencing (Courtesy Robert Maniscalco)

Murdaugh was indicted on 22 federal counts of fraud and money laundering on May 24, 2023, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Murdaugh with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud and 14 counts of money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty to the nearly two dozen federal charges in September. As part of the plea deal, he agreed to pay restitution to each and every identifiable victim, and take a polygraph test.

U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Murdaugh to 40 years for the federal financial crimes on April 1. Gergel said will be served concurrently to his 27-year sentence for his state financial crimes.

Each of Murdaughs financial crimes carried a maximum sentence of at least 20 years in prison, according to the Justice Department.

Prosecutors asked Gergel to impose a 30-year sentence, but Gergel said he decided to impose a harsher sentence to hold Murdaugh accountable and bring justice to his victims.

This is a reprehensible crime that deserves the most serious of sanction, Gergel said.

Murdaugh became emotional as he addressed the court.

I literally am filled with sorrow and am filled with guilt over the things that I did, he said.

As part of Murdaughs plea deal for the federal charges, he agreed in September to take a polygraph test.

Prosecutors wrote in a court filing last week Murdaugh failed the polygraph, writing in the filing that he ranks as one of the most prolific fraudsters this state has ever seen.

Prosecutors also identified 11 additional financial victims and another $1.3 million in stolen money, according to the filing.

Where is Alex Murdaugh now?

Murdaugh faced the charges of killing his wife and youngest son on June 7, 2021 during a six-week trial that began on Jan. 25, 2023, and in a shocking twist, Murdaugh took the stand in his own defense on Feb. 23, telling jurors he did not kill Maggie or Paul Murdaugh.

"I did not shoot my wife or son, any time, ever," Murdaugh testified.

During his testimony, he admitted to lying to law enforcement about his whereabouts on the night of the shootings. Earlier in the trial, prosecutors introduced video evidence that appeared to show Murdaugh at the family property just before the time of the killings.

He apologized to his family for lying to investigators. "What a tangled web we weave, he said on the stand. Once I told a lie  then I told my family  I had to keep lying."

But Murdaugh insisted that he would never hurt his family.

"I would never intentionally do anything to hurt either one of them  ever," he told jurors.

Murdaugh's surviving son Buster Murdaugh, 26, also testified in his father's defense, telling jurors about the first time he saw his dad after the slayings.

"His demeanor was destroyed, he was heartbroken," Buster Murdaugh told jurors on Feb. 21. "I walked in the door and saw him and gave him a hug and just broke down."

The jury deliberated for about three hours on March 2 before convicting Murdaugh for the murders of his wife and youngest son. He was sentenced to life in prison on March 3.

Murdaugh's attorneys have appealed his sentence, and also filed a motion for a new trial in September, alleging they had uncovered evidence of jury tampering. Judge Newman, who oversaw that trial as well, asked to step down in any further proceedings related to the case as he could potentially be called as a witness, according to a court order. Newman said in the Nov. 28 sentencing hearing that he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Murdaugh is currently in custody in a maximum-security prison in South Carolina, corrections officials announced in March 2023. His cell is in an undisclosed location separate from the general prison population due to safety reasons, and includes a bed, toilet and sink.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Alex Murdaugh sentenced in federal court for financial crimes

Former South Carolina attorney and convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh was sentenced Monday to 40 years in prison on a series of financial crimes. It could be the last time he faced a judge.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty on 22 charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

PREVIOUS: Alex Murdaugh sentenced in SC court for financial crimes

He was originally charged with 101 crimes, but those were knocked down as part of the plea deal.

Murdaugh already received a 27-year sentence in state court on the 22 charges. He was scheduled for federal sentencing on Monday.

Murdaugh initially entered a plea agreement, but prosecutors say he breached it by lying to them during a polygraph test.

Right now, Murdaugh is serving a life sentence for the murders of his wife and son. A judge recently denied his request for new murder trial amid allegations of jury tampering.

He was sentenced to an additional 40 years in prison on Monday and ordered to pay $8,762,731.88 in restitution, WCIV reports.

READ MORE:

(WATCH BELOW: Settlement reached in deadly 2019 boat crash tied to Murdaugh family)
Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced former South Carolina attorney who murdered his wife and son, was sentenced to another 40 years in prison on Monday for bilking millions from his clients and former law firm.

But before handing down the federal prison sentence, District Court Judge Richard Gergel unleashed a searing rebuke of Murdaugh for methodical and devastating crimes reminiscent of those carried out by notorious Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff.

This sentence must speak the truth and the truth here is this is a reprehensible crime, Gergel said, the State reported.

The sentencing is the latest chapter in a serpentine saga centered on a family of prominent lawyers that encompassed drugs, suicide-by-hire, massive embezzlement, and a sensational trial.

I am filled with sorry and I am filled with guilt over the things that I did to these people that I care about, Murdaugh said in the Charleston courtroom on Monday. And I also spent a lot of time trying to think about how in the world I might ever make up for the things that I have done.

Murdaugh, 55, is serving two life sentences in state prison for the June 2021 double murderand was sentenced in November to 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to state fraud charges. (He is appealing the murder conviction.)

He pleaded guilty last September to federal charges, including money laundering and bank fraud, for stealing $11 million in personal injury settlement funds since 2005. As part of his deal, Murdaugh agreed to tell investigators about his other criminal activities, submit to a polygraph exam, and forfeit his assets to pay back his victims.

Disgraced Clerk Accused of Tampering With Murdaugh Jury Resigns

Federal prosecutors allege Murdaugh violated his agreement because he failed an October 2023 test on issues related to hidden assets and the involvement of another attorney in Murdaughs criminal conduct, a motion filed last week says.

Now prosecutors want to rescind their previous agreement to recommend Murdaughs federal sentence run concurrently with the state sentence. They asked to allow them to recommend a consecutive sentence of 17.5 to 22 years in prison.

Defense lawyers asked Gergel to adhere to the original plea agreement or delay his ruling until they see the polygraphs. In a sentencing memo last week, they claimed the polygraph examiner engaged in odd conduct to allegedly manipulate the results, including sharing his belief that Murdaugh is innocent of murder. The examiner also allegedly confided in Murdaugh that he had recently performed a polygraph on Joran van der Sloot, who confessed last year to the 2005 Aruba slaying of Natalee Holloway.

There are legitimate questions as to whether the Government intentionally manipulated the results to void the plea agreement and achieve the prosecutors stated desire to ensure that hes never a free man again, the defense memo says.

Gergel, however, ruled that Murdaugh's federal sentence would run concurrently with state charges. He also ordered Murdaugh to pay over $8 million in restitution.

The federal complaint says Murdaugh used three schemes to steal from more than 20 clients for over a decade: directing the settlement funds into his bank accounts; conspiring with a former bank teller to divert funds; and creating a bank account with a similar name as a legitimate insurance company to hide his fraud.

Murdaugh then used the money to pay off his loans, take out cash, and pay for his luxurious lifestyle in the Lowcountry. At his murder trial, Murdaugh admitted he took the money amid his decades-long battle with an opioid addiction.

I misled them. I did them wrong, and I stole their money, he said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Maryland officials spoke in depth about plans by the U.S. Coast Guard to create a temporary, alternate channel for commercially essential vessels near the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, among other recovery plans.

A piece of the collapsed bridge estimated to weigh about 200 tons was removed Sunday. Governor Wes Moore (D-Md.) said another 350-ton piece is scheduled later today pending lighting.

A temporary channel on the northeast side of the collapse opened earlier today and will help us to get more vessels in the water around the site of the collapse, Moore updated. He also said that a channel for larger vessels will open soon.

After announcing that President Joe Biden will visit the site of the bridge collapse on Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday, were going to do everything that we can to get the port open, as soon as possible, obviously, to build that bridge.

Though, when asked for a timeline, Jean-Pierre said, it is a complicated scenario, so I dont have a timeline on that.

The port handles more cars and farm equipment than any other U.S. facility. The Small Business Administration will help small businesses get loans to help them with losses caused by the disruption of the bridge collapse.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott focused on the people most affected by the bridge collapse.

No human will be left out, he said. We will think about the complete human toll for those families that lost individuals to these workers, the over 8000 who depend on this port, every single first responder.

Moore also announced a website that will provide the most up-to-date information and details on the different components of the response.

Plans for federal aid have yet to be announced, however Jean-Pierre told reporters that the White House is going to certainly continue to talk to Congress to get some assistance here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
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Everyone knows the United States has the most powerful military in the world. No one else comes close to Washington's ability to hunt down its enemies and quickly drop bombs on them from halfway across the world.

But what if America runs out of bombs?

The Ukrainian city of Avdiivka is a cautionary tale. On February 17, the city fell to a Russian assault because the defenders ran low on ammunition. Although Ukrainian authorities claimed they were overseeing an orderly withdrawal, the fighters faced a harrowing ordeal. One group of soldiers fled in a beat-up car, which limped to safety after a Russian rocket blew out a tire, French war correspondent Guillaume Ptak reported. Troops filmed themselves passing by an iconic landmark, a sign that reads "Avdiivka is Ukraine," with Russian bombs falling around them.

U.S. foreign policy debates often focus on questions of money and political willpower, whether the American taxpayer has the patience to keep supporting overseas adventures. Less often than they should, those debates focus on the moral and ethical limits on American engagement overseas. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, however, have strained the physical limits of American power. The factories simply can't make enough ammunition to keep up with all of Washington's commitments, no matter how much money is thrown at them.

Previous Pentagon planners had not anticipated "the sort of lengthy, heavy fighting we've seen in Ukraine," and the rate of fire has "well outstripped any sort of planning assumptions that [the U.S. Department of Defense] thought it would need for its own battles," Josh Paul, a former U.S. State Department official who oversaw weapons exports, tells Reason.

The 155 mm artillery shell, a basic weapon of modern warfare, symbolizes this problem. The United States produced 28,000 shells in October 2023, a rate that comes out to 336,000 shells per year. In November 2023, different European officials gave different estimates of Europe's combined production capacity, between 400,000 and 700,000 shells per year. Both regions have been increasing their production.

Yet the war in Ukraine is burning through 155 mm shells faster than everyone is making them. The United States sent more than 2 million rounds in a year and a half. The stockpiles that the United States may need to fight its own future wars are running dry. It would take about five years to replenish American 155 mm stockpiles to pre-2022 levels, according to a report published by the nonprofit Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in January 2023. Other weapons, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and Javelin anti-tank rockets, would take even longer to restock.

That was before the latest war in Gaza, which has eaten up gargantuan amounts of ammunition. The Biden administration, which has released specific lists of weapons being sent to Ukraine, has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of its munitions support for Israel. A list leaked to Bloomberg News shows, though, that the United States sent 57,000 artillery shells and hundreds of guided missiles to Israel in the first month of the war.

These proxy wars should be a wake-up call. Americans have gotten used to fighting in indefinite conflicts, "forever wars," sustained by financial borrowing and bipartisan consensus. Now the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are showing that all the money and political willpower in the world cannot overcome physical constraints. Even if the money doesn't run out, the bombs do.

"We are at a point with our munitions stockpile where everything regarding American foreign policy is an issue of 'can' and not 'should,'" says Dan Caldwell, an Iraq War veteran and public policy adviser for Defense Priorities who has been writing about munitions shortages for years. "This is not a reality that can be rapidly overcome by spending tens of billions of dollars on the defense industrial base."

Ukrainian Arms Shortages

Ukraine has faced arms shortages since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned reporters in November 2023 that "warehouses are empty" across Europe, and he mentioned the problem in his end-of-year speech the following month.

A few weeks later, Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov said during a video conference with foreign leaders the nation was facing a "very real and pressing" problem with ammunition. Around the same time, Ukrainian artillerymen gave a CNN news crew a tour of their dugout bunker near the front lines. The troops pointed to nearly empty shelves and claimed they were forced to fire smokescreen rounds in lieu of explosive shells.

Though the Ukrainians could have been playing up the shortages for dramatic effect, the numbers are harder to fudge. Ukraine went from firing 4,000 to 7,000 artillery shells per day in late 2023, according to European estimates cited by the Associated Press, to 2,000 rounds per day in January 2024, according to a letter from Umerov to his European counterparts.

Chet, an American volunteer fighting for the Ukrainian forces in Avdiivka, spoke about the issue on condition that his real name not be revealed. "Russia fires significantly more artillery, and this is felt on all areas of the front," he said a few weeks before Avdiivka's fall. Chet claimed that Russian forces were better able to launch attacks because of the artillery imbalance. Ukraine's shortages, Chet warns, "are continuing to get worse." After the fall of Avdiivka, he confirmed that ammunition shortages were a major reason for the Ukrainian retreat, as well as the Russian attackers' ample air support.

Officials have often framed the problem as a lack of political willpower for Ukraine's backers to spend money on the war. American funding for Ukraine ran dry at the end of 2023, and Congress spent months debating whether to send more. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander told reporters in January 2024 that Ukrainian "units do not have the stocks and stores of ammunition that they require" and the Pentagon wants Congress "to move forward on a decision to pass the supplemental" aid package. When Avdiivka fell, the White House again blamed "congressional inaction" for the ammunition shortages.

Most of the money in the supplemental aid package, however, "is going to go into munitions and arms contracts that will take years to fulfill," according to Caldwell.

Huge military budget numbers often feel divorced from reality. Especially with a Federal Reserve willing to constantly print more money, Americans have little frame of reference for understanding the difference between $10 billion and $20 billion, between $500 billion and $750 billion. But every dollar represents a demand on physical resources, some of which are more limited than others.

The military-industrial complex is not as competitive as it could be. While the government used to buy from smaller, more specialized firms, arms manufacturing in the United States is today dominated by larger conglomerates: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX (formerly known as Raytheon), Boeing, and General Dynamics.

"These massive defense companiesmake their money in great part from research and development, and from new systems. If you look at Lockheed that produces everything from artillery ammunition to F-35 [fighter jets], where are they making their money? It's on the F-35s," explains Paul, the former State Department official. "You used to have much smaller companies, and all they would make was artillery ammunition. It would have been much easier to ramp up production, because there would have been a much more direct incentive for companies to expand their production."

The most basic type of 155 mm round starts its life as a steel billet in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The billet is placed into a 2,000-degree furnace and shaped by robotic arms into a tube shape. The tube is cooled, heated again, and shaped into a bullet-shaped shell. It is then shipped to Ohio to be stuffed with explosives. Finally, on the front lines, artillerymen screw a fuse onto the nose of the shell and load it into the gun along with firing charges.

That process seems simple enough to scale up. To some extent, it has been. The U.S. Army doubled its production of 155 mm shells over the course of the war in Ukraine, from a rate of 14,000 shells per month in February 2022. Army officials are now aiming to produce 100,000 shells per month by October 2025. Ukraine itself has announced plans to build new ammunition factories on its soil with the help of American companies, although its minister of strategic industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, said in December 2023 that the production lines would take years to start running.

Competition for Munitions

Precision-guided munitions, anti-aircraft systems, and standoff munitions are a much trickier problem. ("Standoff munitions" are weapons that can be fired at a distance, including cruise missiles and glide bombs.) These weapons often require advanced electronic parts and highly skilled labor, including workers with security clearances.

"The greatest challenge facing the U.S. when it comes to the defense industrial production of more advanced munitions is that the skilled labor pool to produce these munitions is shrinking, and the contracting procedures to produce them are complicated," says Nicholas Heras, senior director for strategy at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, a Washington-based nonprofit.

Chet, the American volunteer in Ukraine, points to one consequence of running out of advanced munitions. Russia has been able to terrorize Ukrainian cities with cheap Iranian-made Shahed drones, forcing Ukraine to use up its modern, high-quality anti-aircraft ammunition. Older anti-aircraft missiles have sometimes malfunctioned and crashed. In November 2022, a Ukrainian missile accidentally killed two Polish farmers and caused a war scare in Poland. A year later, another errant air defense missile blew up a market in the Ukrainian city of Kupyansk, killing 17 civilians.

Chet claims that both types of incidentsRussian drone penetrations and Ukrainian air defense misfireshave happened more than the Ukrainian government is willing to admit. "Russia is still responsible for the core issue," he emphasizes. "Those defective [surface-to-air] missiles wouldn't have been launched if Russia didn't send stuff we need to shoot down."

Just as each type of weapon has different production needs, different conflicts have different needs, though many overlap. "The weapons Taiwan needs are not the exact same weapons Ukraine needs," says Paul. Taiwan is an island, so it needs more anti-ship weapons. Ukraine is trying to retake lands conquered by Russia, fighting limited naval skirmishes along the coast. Both countries do require Patriot missiles, used to shoot down enemy aircraft.

The competition between Ukraine and Israel for the limited supply of arms is much more direct, since both are fighting artillery-heavy ground wars. The United States stores large amounts of ammunition in the War Reserves Stock Allies-Israel, which, as the name suggests, is meant for use by the United States, Israel, or other allies. By early 2023, a large chunk of Ukraine's artillery ammunition came from the stockpile. But "for political reasons as much as defense-analytical ones, the U.S. has sent those [munitions] back to Israel," says Paul.

The October 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas killed hundreds of Israelis, often in gruesome ways. Americans felt a sense of urgency to help a friendly country that they no longer felt for the Ukrainian war effort. U.S. President Joe Biden and the Republican opposition, who sharply disagreed on Ukraine, both threw their weight behind Israel.

The growing pro-Israel war fervor led Paul, who strongly supported U.S. aid to Ukraine, to publicly resign from his post. He told The New Yorker that limiting Israel's access to weapons might force Israeli leaders to be more "selective" in their attacks, but the attitude inside the U.S. government was, "Let's give them weapons, it doesn't matter."

Paul's worst fears seem to have been realized. In his words, Israel has unleashed an "insane" quantity of weapons onto Gaza.

Ukrainian forces fire about 240,000 artillery shells per month, across hundreds of miles of front line that includes cities and the countryside. In October and November 2023, the first two months of the war in Gaza, the Israeli army fired 100,000 shells, which comes out to 50,000 per month, into a city that is 25 miles long. Israel, unlike Ukraine, has total air superiority, so it has also been dropping huge numbers of U.S.-made bombs from fighter jets.

By the end of 2023, around 70 percent of the homes in Gaza had been destroyed, a rate comparable to the most battle-torn cities of World War II. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, 1 percent of Gaza's prewar population, have been killed. Israeli spokespeople argue that this level of destruction is Hamas's fault for embedding itself in Palestinian society.

"Israel has its own deep stockpiles that it's free to use as it pleases, but we've also been accelerating deliveries to them to allow them to continue firing at that pace," Paul says.

Unprepared for Future Wars

Meanwhile, the war has expanded across the Middle East, as Iran and its Arab allies demand an end to the siege on Gaza. The Houthi movement, one of two rival governments in Yemen, began threatening Israeli shipping in the Red Sea and attacking ships of multiple nations. The United States and several of its allies sent a naval fleet to Yemen to protect ships passing through the region. The Houthis continued to defy American demands and attack foreign shipping, including non-Israeli ships. On January 12, the U.S. Navy and its partners attacked weapons caches and airports across Yemen. The bulk of the firepower came from American ships, which launched at least 80 Tomahawk missiles.

The U.S. Navy had blown through a year's supply of its missiles in just one night. American factories produce a few dozen Tomahawk missiles per year; the Navy had ordered 70 of them in FY 2022, and only 50 in FY 2023. (The U.S. military is believed to already have several thousand Tomahawk missiles in storage.) Biden signaled his willingness to drag out the conflict for a long time with no concrete endpoint. "Are [the airstrikes] stopping the Houthis? No," he told reporters on January 18. "Are they going to continue? Yes." The airstrikes have indeed continued since then, with the Navy launching another tranche of Tomahawk missiles at Yemen on February 4.

"The more advanced standoff munitions are necessary in theaters where naval warfare is decisive, which is why a protracted and potentially metastasizing conflict in the Red Sea threatens U.S. preparedness to respond in the Indo-Pacific," says Heras of the New Lines Institute.

Mike Black, a former U.S. Air Force maintenance officer known for his acerbic commentary, was more blunt about the profligacy of the anti-Houthi assaults on social media: "It'll take them until 2026 to replenish what was shot here. Hope blowing up some cobbled together radio shack drones and commercial radar sets was worth it." He added later in the thread that "the amount of stuff we would burn through in a dust up with Iran would take years to replace."

The military is not a retailer; it does not benefit from getting rid of its inventory quickly. A war with China would require far more firepower than a limited campaign against "radio shack drones and commercial radar sets" does, which raises questions about whether the current ammunition stockpile can meaningfully deter that nation from adventurism against Taiwan. When CSIS conducted a series of war games simulating a war over Taiwan, it concluded that the United States would have to launch "about 5,000 long-range precision missiles" within three or four weeks of combat.

The U.S. would use different types of missiles for striking different types of targets, including enemy ships and airfields, but bottlenecks can affect all of them at once. "A critical part of this is not just the finished weapon that's relevant. It's also the sub-components, for instance, turbofans for missiles," said Elbridge Colby, author of the Trump administration's National Defense Strategy, in a December 2023 interview with C-SPAN. A shortage of one type of turbofan engine could hold up the production of several different missile types.

The U.S. Navy is not the only relevant actor. Japan and South Korea would be key U.S. allies in any Pacific confrontation. Both countries have indirectly sent some of their own munitions to support the war in Ukraine. Although South Korean law bans supplying weapons to conflict zones, South Korea agreed in 2023 to "loan" the United States half a million 155 mm shells. Japan has similarly agreed to send Patriot missiles to the United States, in order to replenish U.S. stocks sent to Ukraine.

The Taiwanese military itself, of course, would be Taiwan's first line of defense. But there is a $19.17 billion backlog in American weapons that Taiwan has ordered and not yet received, according to a 2023 study by the Cato Institute. Perhaps because the possibility of a conflict seems so remote, Taiwan has had to wait longer than other U.S. customers for weapons deliveries, the authors found.

Competition for arms is piling up among U.S. allies. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have created what Paul calls a "bow wave" of demand, as nations near the conflict zones (like Poland) begin building up their own militaries. There is competition not only among the nations at war for American weapons, but also among the nations preparing for war.

Problems Money Can't Fix

Just as Paul would rather the U.S. aid Ukraine than Israel, Colby has been calling for the United States to ditch some of its commitments to focus on countering China. He also differs from Paul in believing that Israel is a more worthy recipient of American weapons than Ukraine is.

But even if they would set their priorities differently, the two former officials are making the same underlying point: The United States has made heavier military commitments than its factories can bear.

There is a "fundamental discordance between where we are and where we would like to be," Colby said during a debate hosted by the conservative Hoover Institution last year. "And the thing is, you can't solve that with defense spending."

That is not the impression that American leaders have given. Biden, in an October 2023 interview with 60 Minutes, brushed off a question about whether the U.S. can support Ukraine and Israel at the same time. "We're the United States of America for God's sake, the most powerful nation not in the world, in the history of the world," the president said.

Caldwell, the public policy adviser, says politicians are "lying to us about these constraints" and pretending that "the only thing holding back American foreign policy is a lack of willpower." He calls it "mathematically impossible" for the U.S. to continue supplying different war efforts at the rate it has been, even without new wars on the horizon.

"We have no choice but to deprioritize certain conflicts and avoid getting into new conflicts unless we want a serious military disaster," Caldwell concludes. "Stop pretending we don't have constraints, because you are doing a disservice to the American people, and you are risking our safety and our prosperity."

The post What if America Runs Out of Bombs? appeared first on Reason.com.
Ancient fortresses used for sacrifices discovered in Turkish mountains. See the temples

In the rural mountains of eastern Turkey, stone walls peek out from the formidable mountains.

Here, thousands of years of history has remained almost entirely untouched in the form of stone fortresses and temples, weathered only by time.

The castles were found in 2016 in the Dersim region of Tunceli, Serkan Erdogan, a researcher from Yozgat Bozok University, told McClatchy News in an email.

Part of the Iron Age and Hellenistic Age Tunceli Survey project, researchers have spent the past 8 years working through the rubble, and published their findings in the Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute on March 22.

The castles were build in difficult landscapes, making them hard to reach, researchers said.

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The Masuma-Pak Castle has never been recorded before in the archaeological record, according to the study, while the other, the Lower Doluca Castle, was only discovered recently, despitebeing constructed in the Middle Ages.

The castles were built in areas that were particularly hard to reach, the researchers said, and surrounded by difficult terrain.

Then, ongoing regional conflicts left the area desolate for the better part of three decades, Erdogan said.

The fortified stone walls were built directly into the landscape, making them one with the mountains, according to the study.

When researchers were allowed back into the region, a large, medieval-looking mortared city wall pointed them toward Masuma-Pak Castle, according to the study.

The wall is built into the hillside, the researchers said, and likely served as a bastion, a portion of wall surrounding a castle to protect the fortress from attack. It was accessible by a rock staircase carved into the mountain, according to the study.

Nearly 50 steps were identified and, along the stairs, two large cavities were cut into the rock, the study said.Researchers believe the holes once held a large gate that would have protected the staircase entrance to the castle.

A large staircase was carved into the rock as the entrance to the castle, researchers said.

Leading away from the castle on the southwestern slope, a rock platform was adorned with rectangular stones, according to the study. The stones likely served as altars for an open-air temple, researchers said.

Each stone altar had a groove that would have allowed liquid to flow from the stone down into basins, according to the study, including blood from animal (and sometimes human) sacrifices.

Sacrifice was a part of normal worship in the Ancient Near East, Erdogan said, and was part of a duty to the gods and a way to offer respect to them. In general, people would ask for help and protection and ask the gods to bring prosperity and fertility, Erdogan said.

Since the altars were made in accordance with local architecture, he believes animals would have been sacrificed here to honor local gods.

Stone altars found at the open-air temple were likely used for animal sacrifices for local gods, Erdogan said.

The second fortress, the Lower Doluca Castle, has many similar geographical features, and was also found atop a hillside.

The castle, which was discovered near an abandoned village, is called More Sur (Kirmizi Yilan), meaning red snake, in the local language, according to the researchers. The place is believed to have a healing effect on physical and spiritual ailments, according to the study, and is considered a sacred place to make sacrifices to this day.

Less remains from the second castle, which was likely hit by illegal excavations over the millennia, researchers said.

Similar steps were found carved into the stone, leading up to where the castle once stood, and down to another open-air temple, the researchers said.

They said the Doluca Castle bore a striking resemblance to Masuma-Pak, including the altars found carved into a large stone face.

A similar stone altar was found at the second castle, also with basins to collect the blood of those sacrificed, Erdogan said.

However, the second location has additional markings that set it apart, researchers said.

On some of the stones found in the ruins, Arabic inscriptions, Byzantine iconography and Maltese crosses were found carved into the rock, according to the study.

Maltese crosses were among the carvings found at the second castle, dating to multiple periods throughout history.

Some of the carvings date back to the Middle Ages, the researchers said, while the stone wall itself was likely constructed in the Iron Age.

The researchers believe some of the stones may have been moved and repurposed from the outside walls over time through illegal excavations of the castle, according to the study.

At both castle locations, the researchers also found shards of pottery that date from both the Iron and Middle Ages, Erdogan said. The pottery is handmade, and some indicate that the Doluca fortress may have an even earlier, prehistoric past, he said.

Shards of pottery were found at both locations, dating from the Iron and Middle Ages, according to the study.

Excavations of the sites will continue, Erdogan said.

Tunceli is in the eastern half of Turkey, about halfway between Syria and the Black Sea.

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Bravo host Andy Cohen is the latest star to apologise for joking about Kate Middletons whereabouts following the revelation of her cancer diagnosis.

In a video released on 22 March, the Princess of Wales revealed that she had been undergoing chemotherapy in the wake of major abdominal surgery in January. Following the operation, cancer cells were found in subsequent tests.

At the time, Kates condition was not disclosed to the public, and the release of a photoshopped image of the princess and her children exacerbated the spread of conspiracy theories speculating on the reason behind her low profile.

I just want to say, I am heartbroken by the news about Princess Kate, Cohen, 55, said on Mondays broadcast of his SiriusXM radio show, Andy Cohen Live.

I think someone on Sky News called me a numpty, and they were right. I wish I had kept my mouth shut.

We are all praying for Princess Kate and King Charles, he added, referring to the monarchs cancer diagnosis, which was revealed in early February.

The Watch What Happens Live host clarified that he hadnt apologised sooner because his show had been on hiatus and this was his first opportunity back in front of a live microphone.

When footage surfaced of Middleton appearing to visit a farm shop in March, Cohen had further flamed conspiracy theories by tweeting: That aint Kate

Andy Cohen and Kate Middleton (Getty Images)

Actor Blake Lively was one of the first to apologise for partaking in the frenzy, referring to a now-deleted post that seemingly poked fun at Kate posting an edited picture of her family for Mothers Day.

Posting on an Instagram Story on Friday (22 March), the Gossip Girl star wrote: Im sure no one cares today but I feel I have to acknowledge this.

I made a silly post around the photoshop fails frenzy and, oh, man, that post has me mortified today. Im sorry.

Meanwhile, fans have been calling on reality TV star Kim Kardashian to apologise for joining in the speculation about why Kate had been absent from public life.

On 17 March , the reality star posted a photo of herself posing in front of a luxury car, and captioned the post: On my way to go find Kate.

The 42-year-old princess said in her announcement video that she needed to recover from surgery before she could start preventative chemotherapy, as advised by her medical team.

This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family, she added.

Kate explained she had needed time to come to terms with the news and tell her children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, before informing the wider world.

She said: It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but Ive had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.

The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
Another messy, wintry system takes aim at the East Coast after soaking weekend

Another messy, wintry system takes aim at the East Coast after soaking weekend

Click here to view the video

Winter is like an annoying guest in your house at this time of year. It makes a mess, overstays its welcome, and cant seem to take a hint that were ready for some rest.

Theres no leaving winter behind for Atlantic Canada this week, unfortunately, as a coastal storm expected to develop by the end of the week threatens another widespread dose of wintry weather as we kick off April.

DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know for April's spectacular and rare solar eclipse

A developing low-pressure system is expected to move into southwestern Nova Scotia Thursday morning, dumping heavy, wet snow over the region before lifting north into the rest of the Maritimes later Thursday afternoon and evening.

Atlantic Canada precipitation forecast Thursday PM April 1 2024

This system will start off strong on Thursday with heavy snowfall and increasingly blustery winds. Gusts could reach 90+ km/h throughout southwestern Nova Scotia before easing on Friday.

Folks living in areas of higher elevation can expect to see the most snow from this, as well as folks in northern New Brunswick.

Atlantic Canada wind gust forecast April 1 2024

As the winds ease on Friday, a shifting storm track has the potential to let in some milder air and push some rain to Nova Scotia's south coast.

Snow falling overnight Thursday in the Maritimes will begin transitioning to rain on Friday, spreading throughout Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and southern New Brunswick.

Total snowfall accumulations are still very uncertain at this time, however, due to the shifting storm track and transition to rain on Friday. While the majority of models are remaining fairly conservative in their snow outlooks due to these factors, a 'boom' scenario -- where snow totals exceed expectations -- cannot be ruled out with this event.

Atlantic Canada snow forecast April 1 2024

Folks can anticipate wintry travel conditions with this system on Thursday. Gusty winds and heavy snow will reduce visibility when driving, as well as make for some slick roads.

Due to the heavy nature of wet snow, localized power outages are possible as the weight of the snow and high winds puts pressure on power lines.

Conditions will remain chilly and unsettled behind this system as we head into the first weekend of April, with much warmer temperatures likely by the second weekend of the month.

Forecasters will continue to monitor conditions ahead of the total solar eclipse thatll traverse the region on Monday, April 8.

Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Atlantic Canada.

WATCH: Early signs point to hope for eclipse watchers in Canada

Click here to view the video
By Shirin Faqiri, Devon M. Sayers and Isabel Rosales, CNN

Editor's note: Editors Note: If you are in the US and you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor. Outside the US, a worldwide directory of resources and international hotlines is provided by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and you can turn to Befrienders Worldwide.

Huntsville, Alabama (CNN)  Camika Shelby says 2019 was the worst year of her life.

Never in a million years did I think I would pull up at home and find my child lifeless, Shelby told CNN. Her only child, Nigel, died by suicide on April 18 that year. He was 15.

Nigel was gay, Shelby said, but she never knew the impact that had on his life at school. She didnt find out until the Huntsville City Board of Education opened an investigation into Nigels death  and what she learned prompted Shelby to sue the board and an administrator at Nigels school.

Nigel was continuously bullied by his classmates both online and in-person for being gay  in some instances, even in front of faculty members, according to the civil lawsuit, filed in 2021. Nigel and his friends had reported the harassment Nigel was experiencing multiple times, but he was treated as a joke and brushed off as just having an episode by the lead administrator for freshman, according to the lawsuit.

The districts lack of adequate policies and training significantly harmed Nigel and placed him at unreasonable risk of harm, the suit stated. And, now, Nigel is gone.

Its a worry for many that is growing: Now advancing throughout the Alabama legislature are a series of bills that would slowly chip away the rights of the LGBTQ community, including by limiting LGBTQ discussions in classrooms.

Shelby ultimately reached an $840,000 settlement with the board and administrator, under which the board agreed to update policies on anti-bullying and harassment toward the LGBTQ community as well as teaching faculty and students ways to prevent bullying and harassment towards LGBTQ people. The board and administrator denied violating any legal duty, rights or federal, state, or municipal constitution, law, order or regulation.

Its our job to make kids feel safe, Shelby said. As a parent, any parent, whether your child is LGBTQ or not, no parent wants to worry about their child going to school with something happening.

The proposed legislation comes as Alabama has already sparked contention over an anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) law that prohibits public schools and universities from maintaining or funding DEI programs, and a top court ruling that fertilized embryos are children, which effectively shuttered in-vitro fertilization in the state until lawmakers passed a bill protecting the procedure.

The anti-DEI law, which was enacted in late March, also requires public universities to designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex  which Alabama law defines as the physical condition of being male or female, as stated on the individuals original birth certificate  and not the gender that aligns with how a person identifies.

Solutions in search of a problem

HB130  dubbed a Dont Say Gay bill by critics  is one of the bills currently working through the state legislature. It intends to broaden a 2022 law that limits discussions about LGBTQ topics for public K-5 classrooms to K-12. The legislation bans classroom instruction for public school students related to gender identity or sexual orientation.

HB130 would also remove the current language that teaching LGBTQ topics in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards is okay for educators, which in turn expands the scope of what isnt allowed to be discussed in the classroom.

For Neil Rafferty, a husband, combat veteran and the only Alabama state lawmaker who identifies as gay, the changes could once again trigger unintended consequences for the state.

There becomes this ambiguity with it that then goes down to the school districts to try to figure out how to comply with this (possible new law), Rafferty, whose bookshelf has a Bible beside Alabama state code books, said. Even saying something like Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic could become problematic in classrooms, he said.

Rafferty questioned Republican lawmakers motivation for the bill. Essentially these are solutions in search of a problem, the Democrat told CNN.

The bill would also ban pride flags and LGBTQ insignias from being displayed in classrooms or on school grounds. Although it does not currently define any punishments for displaying LGBTQ insignias, the bill leaves it to the state board of education to dole out policing and punishment in these matters.

The bills author and sponsor, Republican Rep. Mack Butler, said the bills purpose is for schools to focus on reading, writing and arithmetic.

There is some indoctrination going on, Butler said at a state House Education Policy committee meeting earlier this month. We are destroying the family in teaching something of these things. Let it happen somewhere else other than our schools  all it is seeking (is) to purify the school a little bit. Butler later said he misspoke when talking about the need to purify but did not expand on his comments.

CNN reached out to the sponsors of HB130, who are all Republicans. None responded to CNNs questions about the bill or were available for an interview.

In an interview with AL.com, Butler said the restrictions are to protect childrens innocence. [Teachers] are infringing on the parents space by teaching about gender or sexual orientation, Butler told the outlet.

In addition to HB130, the legislature is considering HB111 and SB92: companion bills that would legally determine what gender is, that the only sexes are male and female, and the gender on your birth certificate must correlate wherever state law classifies individuals on the basis of sex if signed into law.

The legislature convenes again on Tuesday.

Alabamans broadly support some LGBTQ rights, data shows

Shelby questions how the bills will benefit Alabamans of all ages.

A majority of Alabamans support same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ people, according to 2022 data from the Public Religion Research Institute. That same research shows respondents are split when it comes to allowing businesses to refuse service for LGBTQ customers.

If these bills go into play, what was I actually fighting for? Shelby said. We all deserve protection. We all deserve to feel comfortable. We all deserve to feel love. So, my question is, who are these bills actually protecting? Because obviously its not parents of my situation. Its not kids of Nigels situation.

Adele Kimmel, Director of Public Justices Students Civil Rights Project, which represented Shelby, also expressed concerns about the way the bills are worded and how unconstitutionally vague they are.

Kimmel said she believes they could make students less likely to report any bullying or harassment, like what Nigel faced.

That would create a hostile learning environment for LGBTQ students and would likely cause significant trauma for them, since the bills target them and will make them feel unwelcome at school, Kimmel told CNN. And since the whole purpose of the Shelby settlement, and all of these terms about policies and training and procedures is to make sure that LGBTQ students feel safe and welcomed and included at school.

A similar Dont Say Gay bill that banned certain instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom was signed into law in Florida in 2022. Florida education officials and a group of LGBTQ advocates and families recently reached a legal settlement that clarifies the scope of the statute.

And Alabama and Florida are not alone in introducing such bills; according to the Human Rights Campaign, in 2023, state legislators introduced a record 520 anti-LGBTQ bills. Seventy were enacted  another record, the organization said.

Shelby grew up in Alabama and said she loves her state, just not the way people like her son are treated.

Its been nearly five years since her son died.

After his death, Shelby started The Nigel Shelby Foundation to help youth who may not have a support system, provide scholarships for students and help families with LGBTQ children. Shes working to get a business degree. She wrote a book about her son.

In a letter to his mother before his death, Nigel asked her to forgive him and keep living, Shelby said.

He said, Mama, please keep going, Shelby said. So, for me to just give up  it would feel like I was letting him down.

Hes no longer here, but theres still a million of (youth like) him that is here, and it does affect them, she said. I wouldnt wish this on anybody. So, if there is something that I can do to prevent this from happening to the next person, thats whats worth fighting for.

The-CNN-Wire

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President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks through video message during the 193rd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all to participate in this years annual general conference, which will take place on April 6 and 7.

This will be the 194th Annual General Conference, a global broadcast held every six months where the churchs leadership speaks to its members.

All are welcome and invited to hear messages about the hope, peace and eternal life made possible because of Jesus Christ, the church website states. General conference provides an opportunity to receive personal revelation as general church leaders give counsel and direction.

When is April 2024 general conference?

The conference consists of five sessions held over two days. Sessions will be held at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7.

Messages focus on a variety of spiritual topics. Speakers are expected to include President Russell M. Nelson, the prophet and leader of the church; his counselors in the First Presidency; members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and other general officers and leaders of the church. Music for each session is provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and other invited church choirs, and the congregation is occasionally asked to join in to sing hymns.

All five sessions of the 194th Annual General Conference are open to all individuals and families.

How to get tickets to general conference

The sessions are held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, and a limited number of tickets are available free of charge. Contact your local stake leaders to obtain tickets. Standby seating is currently unavailable due to ongoing renovations at Temple Square.

Translation devices are available at the Conference Center.

How to watch general conference online

The majority of viewers participate in general conference from afar. All sessions will be broadcast live online in more than 70 languages on the churchs live broadcasts page, the General Conference YouTube channel, BYUtv.org, the Gospel Stream app and the Gospel Library app.

Conference can also be broadcast through the Gospel Voice skill on Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices.

What TV and radio stations will broadcast general conference?

Bonneville Distribution broadcasts all sessions on Channel 9403 on Dish networks and Channel 374 and 68 (Utah) on DirecTV. See Bonneville Distributions general conference coverage map for a more complete list of radio, TV, cable TV and satellite TV stations, including BYUtv and KSL-TV on Channel 5.

KSL Radio will broadcast sessions on 1160AM and 102.7FM, and BYU Radio will be available on Channel 143 on Sirus XM Satellite Radio. Saints Channel Talk and Canal Mormon will stream sessions in English and Spanish, respectively, on TuneIn.

How to watch or listen to general conference later

For comprehensive coverage of conference announcements and talk summaries, visit Deseret News General Conference page and TheChurchNews.com.

Conference sessions and individual messages will be published for later studying on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Gospel Library app, the Gospel Stream app, the General Conference YouTube channel and in Church magazines.
Argentina and Colombia move to mend ties after Milei calls Petro a terrorist murderer in CNN interview

Argentina and Colombia say they have taken concrete steps to improve frayed relations between the two countries after far-right Argentine leader Javier Milei called his left-wing Colombian counterpart a terrorist murderer in a CNN interview.

In a joint statement Sunday, the two nations foreign ministries said they had held talks under orders from Milei and Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The respective governments have taken concrete steps to overcome any differences and strengthen this relationship, the joint statement said.

The measures include the return of both countries respective ambassadors after Colombia last week expelled all Argentine diplomats from Bogota following Mileis comments to CNN.

You cant expect much from someone who was a terrorist murderer, Milei said in the interview of Petro, a former guerilla who became Colombias first left-wing president in 2022.

Colombia recalled its ambassador to Argentina in January following similar comments from Milei, Reuters reported.

Milei, a former television pundit with a reputation for bombast, has clashed with regional leaders since assuming power last year on a promise of implementing shock economic reforms.

In his wide-ranging CNN interview, which aired Sunday, Milei also called Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ignorant.

Lopez Obrador, a left-wing populist, had previously criticized Mileis policies and compared him to a dictator. On Thursday, in a post on social media, Lopez Obrador hit back, wondering why Argentinians voted for someone who is not right, who despises the people.

Meanwhile, Argentina last week accused Venezuela of cutting the electricity supply to its embassy in Caracas after the diplomatic mission hosted a meeting with the countrys opposition leaders.

Tensions have been simmering between Buenos Aires and Caracas after Venezuelas socialist President Nicolas Maduro criticized Mileis election victory in November last year, claiming the neo-Nazi extreme right had won power in Argentina, CNN en Espanol previously reported.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ariat and Milton Menasco Debut an Equestrian-Inspired Collaboration for All the Horse Girls

Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

Lets face it: Western wear is having a major moment. Whether its Beyonces or Post Malones foray into country music, the long overdue appreciation for all things boots and fringe on high-fashion runways, or the trendy horse girl aesthetic thats gone viral on social media, its likely youre seeing a fair share of rodeo-inspired looks out there in the wild right now.

For all those in favor of this country-inspired fashion phenomenon, theres a collaboration you can shop starting today that serves both preppy equestrian and Western heritage vibes. Ariat has joined forces with equestrian-centric brand Milton Menasco to debut a new collection that pays homage to the companys love for horses.

The two brands actually share a unique connection through a very specific horse. Alli Addison, owner of Milton Menasco, named the company in honor of her great unclea famous American painter known for his equestrian art. Menasco was once commissioned to paint Triple Crown winner Secretariat, the famous racehorse from which Ariat actually derives its name. Honestly, were just thankful this sequence of events transpired to bring us this sure-to-sell-out collab.

Elizabeth Hay.

According to Shane Holman, Head of Global Merchandising for Ariat, the two companies approached the collaboration as a play between the English equestrian and Western cowboy lifestyles.

Milton Menasco has a great aesthetic on social media and blends the lines between the Western cowboy lifestyle and the English equestrian way of life. We love that the two can be combined, mixed, and matched, Holman told The Daily Beast. The juxtaposition of the two lifestyles comes together in a perfectly blended way. Because Ariat is authentic to both ways of life, Milton Menasco allowed us to bring both together to create a classic black and white collection with a playful, kitschy, tongue-and-cheek approach.

The limited-edition collection, which features a t-shirt, English ball cap, Chelsea boot, and a Hilo shoe, starts at $30. But if anythingor everythingfrom this collab catches your eye, you better snatch it before the limited-edition collection sells out for good.

Giddy up and shop our favorites from the Ariat x Milton Menasco collection below.

Hilo Milton Menasco

This slip-on sneaker isnt just your everyday shoe. The playful piece is not only crazy comfortable; its a cheeky shoe that will inspire compliments galore.

Buy Hilo Milton Menasco at Ariat, $69

Ariat x Milton Menasco Cap

This unisex, easy-to-style cap, which comes in black or cream, is a go-to preppy piece youll wear from the barn to brunch.

Buy Ariat x Milton Menasco Cap at Ariat, $30

Wexford Lug Milton Menasco Boot

This black and white Chelsea boot, which features some majorly gorgeous color-blocking, is an elevated piece well be wearing on repeat.

Buy Wexford Lug Milton Menasco Boot at Ariat, $189

MORE FROM SCOUTED:

Ariat's New Bench Made Boots Are a Rugged Masterpiece

These Jaw-Dropping Pink Suede Cowboy Boots Are Peak Barbiecore

The Best Western-inspired Brands for Women in 2023

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark.  The Arkansas State Police are investigating a weekend shooting in Jefferson County that left one person dead and another injured.

According to ASP officials, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office responded to the 9200 block of Highway 79 around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday to find two people who were shot inside a vehicle.

Conway PD: Shooting leaves 1 injured, 1 in custody

Police said one of the victims, identified as 31-year-old Kavon White, was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner. The other victim was taken to a local hospital and has since been released.

The JCSO then requested the ASPs Criminal Investigation Division to investigate the shooting.

Authorities said Whites body was taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab where the manner and cause of death will be determined.

Police investigating Saturday night North Little Rock officer-involved shooting, 1 injured

Anyone with information is asked to contact ASP investigators at 870-850-8630 or a local law enforcement agency.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
A deadly alliance of armed groups continued to tighten its grip on Haitis capital, launching a series of coordinated and simultaneous attacks Monday around Port-au-Prince, including near the National Palace.

At least four police officers were injured during one of the attacks not far from the capitals downtown, and were being treated at a local hospital, the Miami Herald confirmed. In a voice note circulating on the WhatsApp messaging platform, an unidentified policeman said five of them were in an armored vehicle when everyone except for him was shot. The vehicle, he said, had refused to start.

In a video on social media, an armed man wearing a ski mask could be seen commandeering the armored vehicle as he credits gang leader Izo 5 Segonn  Izo Five Seconds  for the attack. In another video, the armored car is shown going up in flames. A Haiti National Police spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Heavy gunfire was reported in Pernier, not far from the U.S. embassy in metropolitan Port-au-Prince, and in the capitals downtown. Late Monday, armed gunmen had not gained access to the palace, but there were reports that they were surrounding the area and the situation remained dangerous.

A Miami Herald video of the scene showed fearful Haitians running across the Champ-de-Mars as high-powered weapons were being fired. The sprawling public square is directly across the street from the presidential palace, a target of repeated attacks by gangs seeking to take it over.

Staring on Feb. 29 gangs have targeted police stations, schools, hospitals and key government sites, including the international and domestic airports and main seaport, after successfully orchestrating a massive break of the countrys two largest prisons.

While dozens of businesses and health facilities have been looted and burned, the airport and palace have remained under police protection.

The month-long siege has forced more than 15,000 people from their homes in recent weeks, leading to more than 362,000 becoming internally displaced.

The situation remains volatile, with Haitis political leaders still struggling to assemble a presidential council to form a new government and get the country ready for the arrival of a multinational security mission, led by Kenya. Though the names of the councils members were sent on Friday to outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Henry, members of his government and a coalition that supported him have raised issues over the legality of the panel, while members of the council themselves continue to discuss the details of a political agreement.

On Monday, as attacks were launched across Port-au-Prince, the spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed frustration over the delay in security assistance to Haiti. A U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support Mission, which was approved in October to help the Haiti National Police, remains on hold and underfunded. Estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, the force has only attracted $10.8 million into a U.N. Trust Fund.

Last month Kenya announced that it had decided to hold off on sending 1,000 of its police officers to Haiti, citing the resignation of Henry and lack of political clarity. Henry was returning home from finalizing an agreement in Kenya for the missions deployment, but chartered plane was not allowed to land in the Dominican Republic and he was then pressured to resign by the United States and Caribbean leaders just as the violence broke out.

Were frustrated with the amount of time that its taken. Were frustrated the lack of money thats in the trust fund, said Stephane Dujarric, Guterres spokesman. We know a number of countries have put themselves forward to do whatever they can to help the people of Haiti, but those countries need financial and technical support.

The longer it takes to deploy such a force, the more the people of Haiti are suffering, he added.

The violence has forced the closure of more than 1,000 schools across Haiti. Among forced to flee their homes over the last three years, 160,000 are in metropolitan Port-au-Prince where they are living in public spaces, school yards and other open-air shelters.

A Haiti Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, Dujarric said, continues to be severely underfunded. Only $45 million of the $674 million required have been received thats less than 7%, he told reporters in New York.

Despite the lack of funding and ongoing security challenges, U.N. partners are continuing to provide daily emergency assistance to those affected by the violence, he said. On Saturday, the World Food Program provided more than 28,000 meals to people who have been forced to flee their homes.

The program has delivered food assistance to some 480,000 men, women and children across the country since the beginning of March, said Dujarric. These efforts are possible thanks to our partners on the ground.... In Port-au-Prince, the agency has distributed more than 358,000 hot meals to more than 69,000 people in 48 displacement sites in the past month.

Humanitarian partners also have delivered more than 2.3 million liters of water to nearly 29 camp sites, which has benefited some 60,000 displaced people. Health partners have also delivered medicine and provided psycho-social support to traumatized people, including children.

As we have mentioned, Haitis health sector has been severely affected by the violence over the past month, with at least half of the health facilities in the capital either closed or functioning below their normal capacity, Dujarric said. The ongoing insecurity in Haiti has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation.
(FOX40.COM)  A man who was previously convicted of murder and accused of an armed robbery at a store in Sacramento County was arrested.

On March 26, the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) responded to a convenience store in the 6100 block of Greenback Lane. Police said an armed robbery suspect fled the scene in a vehicle before they arrived.

Modesto firefighter injured in fire at house used for marijuana grow operation

Using the information gathered at the scene, CHPD said the man was identified as a 40-year-old North Highlands resident who was on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for homicide.

Clearly this was a dangerous person who needed to be apprehended, CHPD said.

The man was arrested and booked into the Sacramento Main Jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.  The U.S. Armys Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office is standing up a joint team to execute the Pentagons vision for an air and missile defense architecture for Guam, its director told Defense News.

Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Bill LaPlante signed a memorandum establishing the Guam Defense Systems Joint Project Executive Office, which RCCTO will manage, Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, said in a March 27 interview at the Association of the U.S. Armys Global Force Symposium in Huntsville, Ala. It will consist of members from all of the services, he noted.

The office is already forming and fiscal 2024 money is being realigned to get it started, he said.

The Army last year was assigned to lead the acquisition and execution plan for the Guam architecture and the new office within RCCTO will focus on bringing the technology together to create a joint integrated air and missile defense fires capability to protect the strategic Pacific island.

As we start bringing to bear defense of Guam Army systems, Navy systems and MDA systems, that sensing layer is going to thicken, he explained. And we think we have a lot to learn on how to assimilate or fuse that information from air defense perspective and thats a really hard domain to get right. So if we can get it right there, [we] think that will scale very quickly to the other domains that dont quite have the same latency [or] time requirements on it for them to execute their mission.

Pentagon leaders, focused on China as a growing threat, say 2024 will be a key year for the Army to bolster defense around Guam. During this year, the service plans to have in place a foundational capability to help stave off a potential attack.

The Missile Defense Agency and the Army sought a combined $1.5 billion in FY24 budget to begin preparing the island by moving assets into place and integrating capabilities. The effort is a test for the Army, which decision-makers have at times overlooked amid the focus on air and naval power in the Indo-Pacific region.

Success in Guam could help cement the Armys air and missile defense role in the region. The first wave of defenses will include radars, launchers, interceptors, and a command-and-control system.

The Army requested $638 million for FY24 for three Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensors, multiple Patriot air defense systems, and an assortment of Mid-Range Capability missile launchers and Indirect Fire Protection Capability launchers. Additionally, the service plans to use the Northrop Grumman-made Integrated Battle Command System to connect the right sensors to the right shooters on the battlefield.

The Navy will provide technology and capability from its Aegis weapon system; the service holds jurisdiction over the sites where it will place the technology.

Additionally, FY24 funding requests are meant to cover the installation along the islands periphery of four high-end, solid-state, mobile AN/TPY-6 radars, which are new sensors that use technology from the Long Range Discrimination Radar in Clear Space Force Base, Alaska.

Its the synchronizing of all of that at one point in time, or to arrive at one point in time, on Guam so you actually have a capability  not just delivering a radar to a location where theres no power, theres no place to put it, or we dont have any maintenance setup for it, Rasch said. So a lot of our efforts, other than building this integrated layered capability, is making sure that all of the pieces and parts make a capability, not just a material thing.
ST. LOUIS  Prosecutors issued charges and a city judge handed down a warrant for a 25-year-old man accused of a weekend carjacking in Midtown.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the carjacking happened around 9:50 a.m. Sunday behind the 3000 block of Locust Street.

Police claim Dejuan M. Allen approached the victim as he got out of his vehicle. Allen took out a gun and demanded the victims keys and cellphone. The victim relinquished his phone and keys, and Allen drove off in the victims 2019 Toyota Rav4.

Results: April 2 Missouri Municipal Election

An officer located the Rav4 a short time later in the 800 block of Carr Street and attempted to stop Allen.

Allen sped off with police in tow, but he collided with a building in the 3100 block of North 11th Street. Allen was taken into custody after a brief foot chase and then brought to the hospital for a fit for confinement examination. No officers or civilians were injured during the chase.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Allen with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and resisting arrest. Hell be jailed without bond upon his release from the hospital.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Atlantic Beach council takes step toward handing election control to Horry County in wake of scandals, lawsuits

ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  After months of upheaval and even a petition to the states Supreme Court over a contested mayoral race last year, Atlantic Beach leaders on Monday could finalize their plan to hand election operations to Horry County.

The town council will meet in executive session at 4 p.m. to receive legal advice on pending election matters, with a second public vote slated as part of a 6 p.m. meeting to transfer control.

Atlantic Beach officials have overseen their own elections since 1966, according to Mayor Jake Evans.

The enclave of 367 people sandwiched in between North Myrtle Beach and Horry County has grappled with well-publicized upheaval over the past year, including a November decision to disband the towns election commission despite an undecided mayoral race.

That contest between John David and Josephine Isom remains unsettled as town leaders have yet to certify votes from the Nov. 7 contest.

Council members also dissolved the election commission, quickly reinstated it and fired its long-time chairman three days later.

David, whos currently on the town council, asked the state Supreme Court to void that Nov. 10 emergency meeting and secure all ballots and materials related to the Nov. 7 election.

Atlantic Beach attorneys say privileged information about election protest shared with candidate John David

Although the town is still without a mayor, leaders in December appointed a new member to the local election commission.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

* * *

Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook and Instagram. You can also read more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Patients hurl verbal abuse at Michelle Ravera every day in the emergency room. Physical violence is less common, she said, but has become a growing threat.

Ravera, an ER nurse at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, recalled an incident in which an agitated patient wanted to leave. Without any warning he just reached up, grabbed my glasses, and punched me in the face, said Ravera, 54. And then he was getting ready to attack another patient in the room. Ravera and hospital security guards subdued the patient so he couldnt hurt anyone else.

Violence against health care workers is on the rise, including in the ER, where tensions can run high as staff juggle multiple urgent tasks. COVID-19 only made things worse: With routine care harder to come by, many patients ended up in the ER with serious diseases  and brimming with frustrations.

In California, simple assault against workers inside an ER is considered the same as simple assault against almost anyone else, and carries a maximum punishment of a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. In contrast, simple assault against emergency medical workers in the field, such as an EMT responding to a 911 call, carries maximum penalties of a $2,000 fine and a year in jail. Simple assault does not involve the use of a deadly weapon or the intention to inflict serious bodily injury.

Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez, who worked as an EMT, has authored a bill to make the punishments consistent: a $2,000 fine and one year in jail for simple assault on any on-the-job emergency health care worker, whether in the field or an ER. The measure would also eliminate the discrepancy for simple battery.

Patients and family members are assaulting staff and doing things they shouldnt be doing to the people that are there to take care of your loved ones, said Rodriguez, a Democrat from Pomona. The bill passed the state Assembly unanimously in January and awaits consideration in the Senate.

Rodriguez has introduced similar measures twice before. Then-Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed one in 2015, saying he doubted a longer jail sentence would deter violence. We need to find more creative ways to protect the safety of these critical workers, he wrote in his veto message. The 2019 bill died in the state Senate.

Rodriguez said ERs have become more dangerous for health care workers since then and that there has to be accountability for violent behavior. Opponents fear stiffer penalties would be levied disproportionately on patients of color or those with developmental disabilities. They also point out that violent patients can already face penalties under existing assault and battery laws.

Data from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health shows that reported attacks on ER workers by patients, visitors, and strangers jumped about 25% from 2018 to 2023, from 2,587 to 3,238. The rate of attacks per 100,000 ER visits also increased.

Punching, kicking, pushing, and similar aggression accounted for most of the attacks. Only a small number included weapons.

These numbers are likely an undercount, said Alai Alvarez, an ER doctor and clinical associate professor at Stanford Universitys Department of Emergency Medicine. Many hospital staffers dont fill out workplace violence reports because they dont have time or feel nothing will come of it, he said.

Ravera remembers when her community rallied around health care workers at the start of the pandemic, acting respectfully and bringing food and extra N95 masks to workers.

Then something just switched, she said. The patients became angrier and more aggressive.

Emergency room nurse Michelle Raveras eyeglasses were broken by an agitated patient who punched her in the face. Ravera and hospital security guards at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento subdued the patient so he couldnt hurt anyone else. Michelle Ravera

Violence can contribute to burnout and drive workers to quit  or worse, said Alvarez, who has lost colleagues to suicide, and thinks burnout was a key factor. The cost of burnout is more than just loss of productivity, he said. Its loss of human beings that also had the potential to take care of many more people.

The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects California will experience an 18% shortage of all types of nurses in 2035, the third worst in the country.

Federal legislation called the Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees Act would set sentences of up to 10 years for assault against a health care worker, not limited to emergency workers, and up to 20 years in cases involving dangerous weapons or bodily injury. Though it was introduced in 2023, it has not yet had a committee hearing.

Opponents of the California bill, which include ACLU California Action, the California Public Defenders Association, and advocates for people with autism, argue it wouldnt deter attacks  and would unfairly target certain patients.

Theres no evidence to suggest that increased penalties are going to meaningfully address this conduct, said Eric Henderson, a legislative advocate for ACLU California Action. Most importantly, there are already laws on the books to address assaultive conduct.

Beth Burt, executive director of the Autism Society Inland Empire, said the measure doesnt take into account the special needs of people with autism and other developmental disorders.

The smells, lights, textures, and crowds in the ER can overstimulate a person with autism, she said. When that happens, they can struggle to articulate their feelings, which can result in a violent outburst, whether its a 9-year-old or a 29-year-old, Burt said.

She worries that hospital staff may misunderstand these reactions, and involve law enforcement when its not necessary. As a parent, it is still my worst fear that shell get a phone call to inform her that her adult son with autism has been arrested, she said.

Burt would rather the state prioritize de-escalation programs over penalties, such as the training programs for first responders she helped create through the Autism Society Inland Empire. After implementing the training, hospital administrators asked Burt to share some strategies with them, she said. Hospital security staffers who do not want to use physical restraints on autistic patients have also sought her advice, she said.

Supporters of the bill, including health care and law enforcement groups, counter that people with mental health conditions or autism who are charged with assault in an ER may be eligible for existing programs that provide mental health treatment in lieu of a criminal sentence.

Stephanie Jensen, an ER nurse and head of governmental affairs for the Emergency Nurses Association, California State Council, said her organization is simply arguing for equity. If you punch me in the hospital, its the same as if you punch me on the street, she said.

If lawmakers dont act, she warned, there wont be enough workers for the patients who need them.

Its hard to keep those human resources accessible when it just seems like youre showing up to get beat up every day, Jensen said. The emergency department is taking it on the chin, literally and figuratively.

KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News, is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
The instagram page of Japan's Imperial Household Agency is seen on a mobile phone Monday, April 1, 2024, in Tokyo. Japans Imperial Family made an Instagram debut on Monday, with images of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako capturing moments of their official duties, an effort to shake off their cloistered image and reach out to the younger generations.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

TOKYO (AP)  Japans imperial family made an Instagram debut with a barrage of posts on Monday, hoping to shake off their reclusive image and reach out to younger people on social media.

The Imperial Household Agency, a government agency in charge of the family's affairs, posted 60 photos and five videos showing Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's public appearances over the past three months.

The agency said they wanted the public to have a better understanding of the family's official duties and that Instagram was chosen because of its popularity among youth.

By Monday evening, their verified account Kunaicho_jp had more than 270,000 followers.

The first photo published was of the imperial couple sitting on a sofa with their 22-year-old daughter Princess Aiko, all smiling as they marked New Years Day. Other postings also included the Imperial couples meetings with foreign dignitaries, including Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah his wife.

A video of Naruhito addressing well-wishers during his Feb. 23 birthday celebrations garnered over 21,000 views in less than a day.

So far, the images are limited to the familys official duties and do not include private or candid moments. The agency said it was considering adding activities of other royal members.

It's nice we get to see a bit of their activities because we hardly know what they are doing, said Koki Yoneura, a 21-year-old student. It's good that they seem to be a bit closer to us.

Yukino Yoshiura, also a student, said she was excited to see more posts about Princess Aiko. Aiko-sama is close to our age and just graduated from university, so Im very happy to be able to see her images," she said, using a respectful honorific to refer to the princess.

However, both students said they didn't plan on following the royal family's Instagram account.

The Japanese imperial family's social media debut comes 15 years after Britains royal family joined X, formerly Twitter, in 2009.

I actually assumed they already had one. So I am surprised its just now that they are making one," said Daniela Kuthy, an American student. She said the content seemed very PR-clean, but that wasn't necessarily a negative thing.

Naruhitos father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito  who abdicated the throne in 2019  and his wife were popular during their reign. But the royal family's fans largely belong to older generations.

Palace officials had been considering using social media to get more people interested in the family and their activities. Last year, the agency set up a team of experts to study the effects of using social media on the imperial family.

The agency had become cautious after the Emperors niece Mako Komuro and her commoner husband faced a severe backlash on social media and in tabloids following concerns over her mother-in-law's financial situation, causing her marriage to be delayed. She also declined to receive a dowry as the public did not fully celebrate her union.

The former princess said, at the time, she suffered psychological trauma because of the media bashing, including those online.

Experts say social media could help bring the royal family closer to the people and give the agency the ability to control the narrative and respond to disinformation, but concerns over how the worlds oldest monarchy can be friendly without losing its nobility or avoid blowups remain.

The account doesn't follow anyone nor interact with the public. Users can't comment on posts and can only press the like button.

Those who want to send messages to the imperial family have to use the official website.

___

Associated Press journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report.
Attorneys for Lee Creely claim CorrectHealth nurse lied about her actions on day he died

A photo of Lee Michael Creely.

Attorneys for Lee Michael Creely claim that a CorrectHealth nurse working at the Chatham County Detention Center (CCDC) lied about her account of what happened on the day in September 2020 when Creely died in a Chatham County Detention Center cell, citing video surveillance and deposition testimony by a former jail worker.

CorrectHealth is the private contractor that provides healthcare to the CCDC.

The attorneys argue that the allegedly fictional account by the CorrectHealth nurse, Jackie Harned, go to CorrectHealths systemic failure to deliver adequate health care to people in the jail.

Plaintiffs allegations are that CorrectHealths policies and practices at their core are designed and implemented to deliver constitutionally deficient health care to incarcerated people, argued David Utter and Will Claiborne of the Claiborne Law Firm.

"CorrectHealth defends against Plaintiffs evidence that Ms. Harned lied and that her lies emanated from the top of CorrectHealths administration," the attorneys assert.

SMN has previously reported that an 18-page review by Dr. Kenneth A. Ray and Dr. Ronald Shansky, two court-appointed monitors, published on Sep. 30, 2020, revealed that CorrectHealth Policies and Procedures indicates that several relevant health care requirements were not followed.

SMN also reported that, "security checks [by CCDC jail workers] were not conducted properly, census check, general conduct, and medical protocol for an individual detoxing was not followed," according to Lt. Tanya Jacques, the Chatham County Jail internal affairs investigator tasked with investigating Creely's death.

More: Two internal investigations reveal Creely's death in Chatham County jail 'preventable'

More: Lee Michael Creely's last hours marked by withdrawal, medical indifference in Chatham County jail

More: Defendants argue that Lee Michael Creely 'caused his own demise' by overdosing on drugs in jail

The attorney for CorrectHealth, Carlton Joyce of Bouhan Falligant, said in a phone call that he wasn't allowed to speak about the case.

What are the arguments in the lawsuit?

This court filing is the latest update in the case, which was filed more than two years ago by Creelys longtime girlfriend, Jessica Hodges. The case was originally filed in Chatham County State Court on Feb. 2, 2022, but removed to federal court.

The case was originally filed against CorrectHealth, the owner of Correcthealth LLC Carlo Musso, seven CorrectHealth employees and seven CCDC employees. Three CorrectHealth employees and three CCDC employees have since been removed from the case.

A previous Savannah Morning News investigation found a series of missteps from the lack of drug treatment to probation bureaucracy, to lax administration of private healthcare within the jail to a lack of oversight from correctional officers caused Creely's death, which occurred on Sept. 6, 2020.

CorrectHealth has previously argued that Creely "caused his own demise," citing the autopsy report and body scans that showed that Creely died from fentanyl overdose and smuggled the drugs into the jail. Two autopsies - one by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and another by Dr. Charles Pugh, the physician who blew the whistle on Corizon, Chatham County's previous private healthcare provider - both concluded Creely died of a fentanyl overdose.

The Claiborne Law Firm, which represents Hodges in the lawsuit, has argued that how Creely died, whether of fentanyl withdrawal or overdose, is irrelevant.

More: Why is the Chatham County DA taking so long to deliberate inmate death investigations?

What do Creely's attorneys claim about the CorrectHealth Nurse?

To support their claim that Harned wasnt telling the truth, Utter and Claiborne cited video surveillance of Harned speaking with then-corrections officer Terrence Jackson.

Harned has testified that Jackson told her that Creely was discharged from the jail on Sept. 5, 2020. But, citing the same video surveillance and additional testimony evidence from Jackson, Utter and Claiborne argue, Harneds story is simply not true.

Jackson, meanwhile, has said that he remembers speaking to a nurse on Sept. 5, who checked his PPD, but the nurse was not Harned, Utter and Claiborne argued, again citing the video surveillance.

Utter and Claiborne also contend that Harned lied about seeing Creely on Sept. 4, 2020, and rendering medical care to him. Harneds proofa piece of scrap of paper with her alleged encounter with Creely written on itwas destroyed by her.

The attorneys cited Rays testimony on Nov. 16, 2023, saying Ray testified that even if Ms. Harneds story is true, she violated the standard of care for not checking on Mr. Creelys well-being after passing his cell for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time after being told he was discharged.

In response to an emailed request for the video from the U.S. Southern Georgia District Court, Clerk of Court John Triplett said, "We just received the materials from the lawyer and are reviewing the details surrounding it. Once a determination has been made on some procedural matters, I will reach out to you about the next steps, if any, that we can take to satisfy your request."

As part of the motion, Utter and Claiborne are also seeking staff meeting minutes and email correspondence to and from Musso, but havent received those yet.

Utter and Claiborne are comparing the Creely case to a case in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. In that case, the attorneys argue, a pre-trial detainee died in a Louisiana jail five days after being booked due to an inadequate medical response to seizures he experienced as a result of withdrawal from benzodiazepines. The nurse did not properly monitor him, he was not properly observed by medical or jail staff, and similar to here, the jails security footage revealed disparities between the employees account and when the detainee was actually monitored.

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

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: attorneys allege CorrectHealth nurse lied during deposition in Creely case
Russia has launched five 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles against Kyiv within the first three months of the year, the city's military administration reported on April 1.

The statement came a week after claims that Russian troops had used Zircon ballistic missiles in a March 25 attack on Kyiv, injuring at least two people. The researchers began to examine the debris to determine what type of missile was launched.

Ukrainian forces downed more than 180 missiles and drones targeted at Ukraine's capital in 2024, according to authorities. Apart from Zircon missiles, these include one Kalibr cruise missile, three Kh-69 cruise missiles, six Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 11 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, 48 Shahed-type drones, and 113 Kh-101 missiles.

Russia reportedly attacked Ukraine with a 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion on Feb. 7, killing at least five people and injuring over.

Illia Yevlash, an Air Force spokesperson, said that Ukraine could down Zircon missiles by using air defense systems like SAMP/T or Patriot. Kyiv urged Western allies to send more such weapons to defend the entire territory of the country.

Moscow earlier said the Zircon hypersonic missile entered the arsenal of the Russian military in early 2023, claiming that it has a range of 6001,500 kilometers, can travel at nine times the speed of sound, and has a warhead weighing about 300-400 kilograms.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine's Armed Forces shot down more than 2,000 cruise and ballistic Russian missiles, the Defense Ministry reported.

Read also: What we know about hypersonic Zircon missiles  Russias latest threat

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Grounded in central Illinois throughout its century-long history, heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has seemingly been smitten by corporate wanderlust of late, moving its headquarters from Peoria, Illinois, to Deerfield, Illinois, to Irving, Texas, over the past seven years.

But Caterpillar remains deeply rooted in the Peoria area with 12,000 employees, a major manufacturing operation and something few visitors have ever seen: a secluded 2,500-acre site where the company is carving a path to the future.

For more than 75 years, the Peoria Proving Ground has been the secret place where giant yellow earthmoving machines are tested, refined and readied to do the heavy lifting. Set back amid steep ravines, dense woods and winding roads in the nearby town of Washington, it is the companys muddy nexus of innovation, with a legacy of groundbreaking product development.

Were really proud of our history and the things that weve contributed to this company over the years, said Charlie Menke, director of machine development for Peoria Proving Ground. The high drive track-type tractor was developed at this facility. The first electric drive track-type tractor was developed at this facility. Were currently working on additional electric drive machines.

How new equipment plays in Peoria, a bustling and historic city along the Illinois River, can move mountains around the world.

From massive electric drive bulldozers to autonomous tractors, 400 employees put the cutting-edge machines through their paces, testing sound levels, top speeds and remote control operations that make plowing the earth akin to a video game.

Launched in 1948, the sprawling facility is part nature preserve, part perpetual construction site.

The grounds feature test tracks, steep climbs designed to see what happens when a tractor tumbles blade over backhoe, and excavation areas where machines move piles of dirt back and forth from one side to the other in a Sisyphean task.

Fun fact: A Cat motor grader can hit 32 mph on the Proving Grounds oval test track, Menke said.

The main compound includes a 50,000-square-foot repair shop, an industrial-strength car wash to spray gobs of mud off the field-tested equipment and a cavernous acoustic room that could serve as a recording studio, but instead measures a symphony of noises emanating from the giant machines.

We test for regulation purposes, for diagnostic purposes, said test engineer Colin Mitchell, firing up a 67,000-pound 980 XE wheel loader, its roar dampened by the sound tiles lining the walls. We can test individual components in the machine to figure out if they are making noises that they shouldnt.

In another building, engineers wire up sensors to a Cat D5 bulldozer to take transmitted readings as it operates in the field, a sort of tractor electrocardiogram. Nearby sits the pride of Peoria, a hulking D11XE, a prototype of the first electric drive mining tractor.

The D11 mining tractor, the largest bulldozer Caterpillar makes, is built exclusively at its East Peoria factory. Launched in 1986, the 230,000-pound behemoth is a mainstay in mining and large construction projects. In October, the 6,000th D11 rolled off the production line, bound for an Australian customer site.

Founded nearly a century ago in Peoria with the 1925 merger of the Holt and Best tractor companies, Caterpillar and its bright yellow machines became an international powerhouse, building roads, bridges and dams around the world.

Long one of the largest companies in Illinois, Caterpillar generated $67 billion in revenues last year, up 13% over 2022, according to its annual report. The company has more than 113,000 employees worldwide, including nearly 18,000 in Illinois. In addition to East Peoria, Caterpillar has a major factory in Decatur that builds its large mining trucks, among other products.

While Caterpillar equipment has been everywhere from Antarctica to the moon, the company has always been inextricably linked with its Peoria home. But in 2017, citing proximity to OHare International Airport and Chicago, Caterpillar relocated its corporate headquarters to north suburban Deerfield, taking over the vacated offices of premium spirits maker Beam Suntory, which moved to Chicago.

Caterpillar also opened a digital office in Chicago in 2016, now located in the West Loop, where a team of software developers, data analysts and computer engineers work on everything from e-commerce solutions to apps used for equipment maintenance and monitoring.

In 2022, as companies began downsizing offices and shedding massive campuses in the wake of the pandemic, Caterpillar moved its corporate headquarters again, consolidating operations at an existing office in Irving, Texas, near an electric power division it established the previous year.

At the time, Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby said the decision to relocate the C-suite and several hundred employees to Texas was in the best strategic interest of the company, but offered few reasons publicly to support it.

The company declined further comment on the corporate relocation for this story. But Peoria and the Proving Ground remain central to Caterpillars future.

Part of that future is housed in a trailer down twisting dirt roads, far from the main facility, where autonomous technology  operating tractors by remote control  is being refined, and beginning to gain traction among customers.

Caterpillar, which began experimenting with autonomous construction equipment nearly a decade ago, is one of several major companies developing it, along with Doosan in South Korea and Volvo Autonomous Solutions, which unveiled its new Swedish testing site in November. The potentially transformative technology is still in the early stages of commercialization.

At the Peoria Proving Grounds autonomous test site, a row of remote operating stations line a picture window overlooking a barren field, where a lone Cat D7 bulldozer sits waiting to receive internet instructions over an array of Wi-Fi access points.

The operating stations resemble an arcade game, featuring a chair with joysticks at either arm, a shifter, foot brakes and multiple video screens with a Cats-eye view of the field. The tractor can plow a preprogrammed course, be operated manually or both. When the tractor flashes a blue light and honks in response, a quick shift into drive, and its off.

Fixing on a screen, its easy to forget that the joysticks are piloting a 66,000-pound bulldozer digging up dirt and spinning on a dime in the field beyond. The technology can be used to operate tractors 1,500 feet or 1,500 miles or farther from the operating stations  anywhere an internet signal can be received.

Weve operated machines in Malaga (Spain) from here before, said Tim Pennington, a test operator.

The remote stations solve a number of problems, including navigating dangerous terrain without putting the operator at physical risk. In addition, they can compensate for a dearth of qualified operators, allowing one person to control multiple machines at a work site, Pennington said.

The technology has even helped lure some retired bulldozer operators back into the saddle, Pennington said.

The average dozer operator lasts until their mid-40s, and then their back is shot, Pennington said. With this, theyve come out of retirement.

While a Caterpillar spokesperson didnt disclose sales figures, Pennington said quite a few larger customers have adopted the remote control technology, despite the challenge of getting Wi-Fi signals into some places, such as underground mines.

The technology hit a dead spot in the testing field during a recent trial run, where after minutes of being stuck, a separate handheld radio signal reached and moved the tractor just before Pennington was set to trudge across the muddy field to retrieve it by hand.

Once back in range of the Wi-Fi signal, the blue light began flashing and the tractor nimbly responded to joystick commands.

While the autonomous tractor continues to be perfected at the Peoria Proving Ground, its technology is perhaps a fitting metaphor for the company itself. For 12,000 employees and the Peoria region, the heart of Caterpillars manufacturing operation remains in central Illinois, but the corporate levers are now being pulled 800 miles away in Texas.

Menke, a 34-year Caterpillar veteran who has spent the last 13 years at the Peoria Proving Ground, believes the value of the remote testing site is no secret.

Solving problems, Menke said. Thats what we do.
The U.S. Coast Guard is preparing to establish a temporary alternate channel for commercially essential vessels near the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, officials said Sunday.

This will mark an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore, Coast Guard Capt. David OConnell, the federal on-scene coordinator for the joint command response, said in a statement. By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore.

The channel will be part of a phased process to open the main channel to the Port of Baltimore, which has been closed since the bridges collapse Tuesday.

A cargo ship named Dali was on its way Sri Lanka at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday when it lost power and crashed into the bridge, causing it to crumble into the Patapsco River. The ship was able to issue a mayday call to allow police to stop traffic on the bridge, but eight construction workers who were working on the structure fell into the water during the collapse.

Two of the workers were rescued and survived, and two bodies were found by divers in a submerged truck. The four others are presumed dead. The search was temporarily paused until crews can remove the debris, concrete and superstructure that is creating dangerous conditions for divers.

Crews began removing the first piece of wreckage from the water over the weekend, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.

The auxiliary channel will be placed on the northeast side of the main channel and will be marked with lighted aids to navigation, the Coast Guard said. It will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, horizontal clearance of 264 feet and a vertical clearance of 96 feet.

OConnell, in an interview with CBS News, said the Coast Guard is also planning an auxiliary channel to run along the south side of the main channel that could accommodate boats up to 14 feet. Preexisting debris along the south side needs to be removed, a process that is expected to take place this week, he said.

These channels will primarily be for response vessels, commercially essential vehicles and individuals assisting in the salvage process, CBS News reported. There is currently a 2,000-yard safety zone around the bridge that no vessel or person is allowed to enter without permission from the captain of the port or a designated representative, according to the Coast Guard.

OConnell told the outlet a third channel with up to 25 feet of depth is being discussed, though debris around the Dali needs to be removed first.

I anticipate smaller draft commercial vessels, maybe some small tugs in the next few days, he said. Thats that 13-to-14-foot draft, but that  unfortunately, thats not a lot of vessels. But it certainly is a start on our way to phase three, which will hopefully get us to 20-to-25-foot draft and that would be a lot more commercial vessels.

State and federal officials have said the Port of Baltimores closure will not only impact Marylands local economy but will also have ripple effects on a national level. The port supports more than 15,000 direct jobs and more than 139,000 indirect jobs, equal to about $3.3 billion in personal income, Axios reported last week.

Officials said while they are trying to keep commerce flowing as much as possible, the salvage and rebuilding process will be extensive, and no definitive timeline has been determined for when the port could reopen.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden will visit the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Friday and will meet with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other state and local officials as efforts to clear a key maritime shipping artery continue, the White House has said.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at the daily press briefing on Monday that Mr Biden would use the visit to meet with state and local officials and get an on-the-ground look at federal response efforts.

Ms Jean-Pierre said Mr Biden is continuing to lead a whole of government approach to the collapse, including by working with Mr Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the Maryland congressional delegation and numerous state and local officials to reopen the port, rebuild the bridge and support the people of Baltimore through the unified command.

The US Coast Guard is coordinating a complex and highly coordinated effort to remove the wreckage with resources from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the state of Maryland and others. Crane barges are on the scene supporting the mission, she said before noting that the Chesapeake 1000  what she described as the largest heavy lift crane barge on the East Coast  has been on site since late Thursday, with the first major piece of wreckage having already been removed.

As the President said within hours of the collapse, this administration will be with the people of Baltimore every step of the way. We are with you, Baltimore, and we will be there until we get this done, she added.

The announcement of Mr Bidens impending trip comes just hours after officials opened a temporary shipping channel to allow some movement of cargo vessels around the wreckage of the bridge and the ship which struck it last week.

This marks an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore, Captain David OConnell, federal on-scene coordinator, said in a news release on Monday morning. By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore.

Officials called the temporary channel part of what they described as a phased approach to opening the port, The temporary channel has government-lighted navigation aids and has a controlling depth of 11 feet, providing a 264-foot clearance and a vertical clearance of 95 feet.

Ms Jean-Pierre also said the Biden administration is taking action to address the economic impacts of the disaster, including by launching two business recovery centres through the Small Business Administration which will support impacted business owners and aid them in completing applications for disaster loans.

In addition, she said the Department of Labour  is working with local and state officials to determine how to assist workers whove found themselves out of work because of the ports closure, adding later the Acting Labour Secretary Julie Su is in Baltimore on Monday to meet with stakeholders.
Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday, causing massive disruption and delays at the Port of Baltimore, questions abound concerning what that means for the state and the Port of Salisbury.

As the second-largest location of its kind in Maryland, the Salisbury site transports more than $200 million in goods annually, including grain, petroleum and building aggregates, according to city data. It has a 150-foot-wide channel and 14-foot-deep mean tide from the Chesapeake Bay to Salisbury. Maryland now grapples with the delays to various industries, including some on the Eastern Shore heavily dependent on Baltimore's cargo.

"The city is committed to the Port of Salisbury as a key part of our economic profile and is open to considering future development opportunities," said Shawn Yonker, a spokesperson for the city. "It's important to note we're not in a position to help a great deal with the regular traffic to the Port of Baltimore. The port in Salisbury is only set up for bulk unloading including grains and fuel, and cannot unload containers or vehicles like in Baltimore."

Initial story on bridge collapse: Gov. Moore: Ship traveling at high speed in Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore

In 2020, the city conducted a feasibility study to see what it would take to increase the Port of Salisbury's economic viability. The study found a multi-user port terminal on Marine Road that supports the movement of dry bulk cargo would require an upfront capital investment of about $22.8 million.

This investment would include improvements to the site, waterfront mooring area construction and improvements to Marine Road. In addition to this investment, an estimated $271,000 per year would be needed to support the work of a port administration to manage the property and conduct business development.

'Not sure' there will be additional business to Port of Salisbury

The Port of Salisbury Marina Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Salisbury, Maryland.

David Ryan, director of the Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development, echoed those sentiments in noting the difference between the two ports.

"The ports of Salisbury and Baltimore are vastly different. Salisbury is an inland, bulk product port, while Baltimore handles everything from automobiles to containers to bulk products on a much larger scale," Ryan said. "Without the infrastructure, water depth and market, I'm not sure Salisburys port will see additional business due to the tragic events in Baltimore though if we can help, wed like to do so."

Ryan also contended some existing users of Salisburys port will likely be impacted and may need to route their supply using alternate ports or different modes of transportation, at least temporarily.

More on families in the incident Francis Scott Key Bridge 'connected family, communities, jobs' in Baltimore

"Salisburys port plays a key role in our regional economy by allowing for the cost-efficient import of bulk products including petroleum, grain and aggregates. Over a million tons are shipped annually along the Wicomico River that supply key industries of agriculture and poultry, construction and energy," Ryan said.

Ryan also speculated that other users, like ship construction and repair companies, depend on a "viable and active" commercial waterway in Salisbury. In a statement to Delmarva Now, a spokesperson for Perdue Farms said they do not anticipate any issues in their supply chain and production.

"Because of the scale and flexibility of our supply chain, we are able to mitigate any potential impact on our business operations in and around the state," spokesperson Bill See said.

'Rerouting barges' and impacts on grain supplies

John Hickman, director of the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network based out of Salisbury University speculated the temporary slowdown at the Baltimore port will mean equally temporary means of delivering goods.

"From the container perspective, there's probably a limited and direct impact in Salisbury," Hickman said. "What's more likely is the rerouting of and unloading of barges delivering grains to other parts of the Chesapeake Bay. There may be some chance that activity will move to the Port of Salisbury"

Dr. Stephan L. Tubene, professor and acting chair of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource SciencesCenter of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore also contended a channel not open in Baltimore also impacts the estimated 140,000 jobs it supports.

The container ship Dali is shown amidst the wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Six people are missing after the Dali lost power and crashed into one of the bridge's support columns.

"In the long run, there might be impacts on some inventory for the Eastern Shore in terms of agriculture equipment and fertilizer. In the short run, the impact will be minimized. The Eastern Shore is a big location for poultry, but in order to do it, you need input (materials) and the region could see impacts on other areas of agriculture production," Tubene said.

The 2020 study said the city could expect to see opportunities through expansion for small near-term employment growth, increased land values and tax receipts from the opportunity to redevelop the North Prong, the report on the port stated if it was to be further developed.

More on lawmakers' efforts Maryland lawmakers launch effort to aid workers impacted by Baltimore bridge collapse

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Baltimore bridge collapse could have wide-ranging impact on Salisbury
The mayor of the city of Baltimore is calling on Congress to act as a united body in response to the devastation caused by the crash of a massive container ship into his citys iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge, which destroyed the crossing and has shut down one of the biggest ports on the East Coast.

Mayor Brandon Scott appeared on CBSs Face the Nation and told guest host Ed OKeefe that the disaster was more than just an issue for his state, citing the specific sectors likely to be impacted by the expected months-long closure of the port. The Port of Baltimore is the largest import site for foreign automobiles in the United States, and also services other sectors including agriculture.

This should not be something that has anything or any conversation around party, he told CBS. It matters to the global economy.

"This should not be something that has anything or any conversation around party," Baltimore's @MayorBMScott says about Congress potentially needing to approve more funds after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, citing the Port of Baltimore's importance to the economy. pic.twitter.com/gEr02FrI9Y  Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) March 31, 2024

The federal government is expected to pay the vast majority of the cost required to clear the wreckage from the Patapsco River, remove the trapped container ship and rebuild the bridge. Maryland officials have already begun receiving an initial transfer of $60m from federal emergency funds, and members of the states congressional delegation including Senator Ben Cardin have said that such funding is likely to cover about 90 per cent of the projected $2bn or thereabouts required for the repair process.

President Joe Biden pledged to support that bid this week, telling Marylanders in an address from the White House: Its my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect the Congress to support my effort.

This is going to take some time, but the people of Baltimore can count on us though to stick with them at every step of the way until the port is reopen and the bridge is rebuilt.

The president is expected to visit the state in the days ahead.

Maryland officials and their representatives on Capitol Hill are expected to push for the remainder to be funded through legislation. Already, a few Republicans have come out against that idea  none, however, are connected to leadership.

Rep Ralph Norman, a top Nikki Haley backer until her presidential campaign ended after Super Tuesday, blasted the idea in a statement to The Hill, calling it totally absurd.

Dan Meuser, from Marylands neighbour to the north, called the presidents pledge to support the push for further funding outrageous in a Fox Business interview.

It was kind of outrageous immediately for Biden to express in this tragedy the idea that hes going to use federal funds to pay for the entirety. You know, he doesnt refer to it as the American taxpayer dollars on anything. You know, the first reaction, in fact the only reaction, tends to be to spend. the Pennsylvania Republican said.

GOP Rep. Dan Meuser says "it's outrageous" for Biden to propose using federal funds to pay for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore pic.twitter.com/VLyFNksPAc  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 28, 2024
Banning phones in class isnt always popular, but some schools in NC say its working

When the students walk in, their smartphones are turned off at Rolesville Middle School.

Rolesville Middle is among a growing number of schools around North Carolina and nationally that limit student access to their phones when theyre in class. Its part of an effort, supporters say, to reduce classroom distractions and to curb social media addiction among students.

Its not a ban like were against cellphones, Angela Cooper, Rolesville Middles principal, said in an interview. Were just more for students being engaged and learning and lessening the impact that happens when kids are on phones on social media.

Theyre adolescents. Theyre not able to be responsible enough to be on social media without close supervision, and we cant closely supervise cellphones.

Barring cellphones in schools isnt popular, though, with some parents and students.

Focusing on harsh lockdowns and harsh policies isnt the way to do it, Zahara Mushinge, 17, a junior at Audrey Kell High School in Charlotte, said in an interview. It just creates a more harsh environment. Students arent afraid to protest.

97% of teens use phones in school

Schools have been debating whether to allow students to have phones for more than two decades.

In the 2021-22 school year, 76% of U.S. public schools prohibited non-academic use of phones during school hours, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The ban was highest in elementary and middle schools but dropped to 43% in high schools.

Lots of schools have phone policies, but many dont enforce them, according to Kim Whitman, a co-founder of the Phone-Free Schools Movement. Her group is urging schools around the nation to require students to have their phones turned off and placed the whole school day in a cell phone locker or secure pouch.

Concerns have escalated because of the rise in mental health issues and social media addiction among young people. A study released in 2023 by Common Sense Media found that 97% of teens used their phones during school hours.

Southern Alamance Middle School made national headlines earlier this year after it removed mirrors from bathrooms to deter students from going there to film TikTok videos.

With a lot of our kids, sometimes its like I need the phone as much as I need to breathe, Kyanna McCall, a seventh-grade teacher at Rolesville Middle, said in an interview. Like we are together, we are one.

Wake County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Durham are among the North Carolina school districts that have joined a federal class-action lawsuit accusing the owners of major social media apps of deliberately addicting young people. A similar class-action lawsuit has been filed by more than 40 states, including North Carolina, against the company that owns Facebook and Instagram.

Florida and Indiana have passed laws requiring public schools to have rules banning students from using cell phones in class. Now governors and legislators in at least a half-dozen other states are pushing their schools to follow suit  through persuasion or by law, according to Stateline.

Jamaal Wellman places his phone in a caddy at the start of a seventh-grade social studies class at Rolesville Middle School on March 27.

CMS cracks down on phones in class

A state Senate bill to study cell phone use in North Carolina public schools was filed last year but never got out of committee

In the absence of state action, its been up to individual school districts and schools to handle the issue.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced before the start of this school year it would ramp up enforcement of an existing policy that says students cant use their phones in class. CMS did not immediately respond to The News & Observers request for information on how the crackdown has gone.

A lot of students feel the phone rule is unnecessary, according to Joy Alabi, 18, a senior at West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. Alabi said banning cellphones in class wont automatically make students pay more attention.

Taking their phones away isnt going to make them engaged, Alabi, a vice president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council, said in an interview. They can either fall asleep, walk out of class or look at the teacher and not be engaged. You need to find curriculum and activities that will engage the students.

Persuading students to turn phones off

In Wake County, the decision about phone access for students is left up to principals.

Cooper instituted a rule that students have to turn off their phones while on campus when she became Rolesville Middles principal in 2022. The ban also covers lunch, a time when some other schools let students use their phones.

Cooper said that coming back from the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognized that many students had lost the ability to socialize with their peers.

That socialization is critical for our children, so no I dont want them on devices during lunch, Cooper said.

McCall, the seventh-grade teacher, said there was a lot of moaning and groaning from students when the new policy started. She said they had to persuade students that their phone was not an extension of you.

When you walk in the building, your phone is no longer a thing, McCall said. When you walk out of the building, you now are welcome back to the world of that kind of technology, where its back to our phones.

Phones sit in a caddy in Kyanna McCalls seventh-grade classroom at Rolesville Middle School on March 27.

Students less distracted now

Two years later, staff at Rolesville Middle say the climate has improved under the new phone rules.

Theyre much less distracted because theyre not trying to get on their phone and see who their Snapchat notification is from or who texted them, Lauren Miron, a Rolesville Middle eighth-grade teacher, said in an interview. Theyre able to focus and minimize distractions during class.

There are also fewer behavioral incidents now, according to Stacy Hayes, a counselor at Rolesville Middle. She said students can no longer use their phones in class to post unflattering photos and comments about classmates.

The phone ban has led to a more safe and orderly school, according to Cooper.

Every child wants to be in a building where they dont have to worry about somebody recording them or somebody sending them mean messages during the day, Cooper added.

Winning students over to phone ban

The phone rules have won over at least some students.

The reality of becoming trapped in technology or addicted to it is becoming more and more normal in this world, Carter-Reid West, 13, an eighth-grader at Rolesville Middle, said in an interview. I think not having your phone 24/7 in a learning environment not only helps you with focus but also helps you curb that addiction a little. It also just teaches you to just enjoy school in general.

Kissmelly Mendoza, 13, a seventh-grade student, regularly checks her social media apps on her phone. But its ingrained in her that she has to wait until after she leaves school before she goes online.

I have something to do, something to keep me occupied, Mendoza said in an interview. Im not like oh, when am I going to be on the phone?

Phone access during school shootings

One of the biggest obstacles to winning student and parent support for phone bans is the fear of possible school shootings.

Some schools allow students to keep their phones in their pockets or bookbags. Other schools require phones to be placed in lockers, lock boxes or secure pouches designed to keep students physically away from their devices.

Mushinge, the CMS student, said some of her friends couldnt get to their phones during Augusts shooting at UNC-Chapel Hill. She said her friends wanted to reach siblings who were on campus to see if they were safe.

There are incidents where students have to become the humans that they are, Mushigne said. There are situations which happen outside of school.

But Whitman of the Phone-Free Schools Movement said having a phone is an emotional safety blanket for parents that wont actually make students safer.

We know theres a loud few that want 24/7 access to their children, Whitman said in an interview. But what we try to do is show thats not best for the development of their children.

Really right now were in a place where society is putting convenience before the development needs of children.
Baucus: America and China need to get along  for the sake of the world

Max Baucus, former U.S. Senator from Montana and former Ambassador to China, speaks to the Billings Rotary Club on April 1, 2024

China isnt going anywhere. And neither is the United States.

That may not stop either country from believing it can get the upper hand on the world stage, but for Max Baucus, former ambassador to China and United States Senator from Montana, the Chinese question is often framed incorrectly.

Thats what he told a Billings Rotary club on Monday, speaking about politics and the international stage. He said that because both are the dominant world powers  the United States, as the leader of the developed superpowers, and China, as the leader of the developing countries  more emphasis should be placed on figuring out how to cooperate since both are likely to be leaders for the foreseeable future.

During the speech in which he reflected on his time as ambassador to China for the last three years of President Barack Obamas second term, Baucus spoke about what has changed and how to navigate the often tense and confusing relationship between the two countries.

He said much of Americas troubles when it comes to China is a lack of understanding about the nation. He also said that as America tries to export democracy as a form of government, that approach simply wont work with China, which itself is trying to export its brand of communism. Instead, both must realize that their economic fortunes are tied together, and use that shared interest to create policies that help strengthen both.

How well our kids and grandkids will get along will depend on how well we get this partnership right, Baucus said.

He said he and his wife travel to China at least five times a year and maintain a connection of friends there.

When I was there, we felt because of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, that if we kept engaging with them on that  that pretty soon, theyd be more like us and understand who we are, Baucus said. That was an invalid assumption.

They, at least, do not want to be us. And we do not want to be more like them.

He said that toward the end of his tenure, which ended in 2016, Baucus sensed the regime of Xi Jinping was tightening its grip on power.

You could just feel the repression starting, Baucus said. The question is, why? And thats because President Xi wants to be the leader to put China as a co-equal to the United States.

Baucus said that some of Americas struggle to comprehend China comes from not understanding its history, dating back several thousands of years. The last two to three centuries have been called by Chinese historians and leaders the centuries of humiliation, in which China saw its dominance shrink and world powers like Great Britain eclipsing it.

Now, they see it as coming back, Baucus said. China is coming back, and in some respects, with a vengeance.

He said because of the central Communist Party, once China decides to do something, theres no red tape or political debate, which can slow things in a democracy.

He said nowhere is that more evident in Chinas power and manufacturing. While China is often touted for its massive construction projects and reliance on older technology, like coal-fired power plants, its also a leader in green energy and manufacturing. For example, China builds two-thirds of the worlds batteries, and 80% of the worlds solar generating happens in China.

They know they have to get off coal, and theyre doing it quickly, Baucus said.

He said the Chinese are also exporting technology and goods to an entire world. While America and other European countries are concerned about the Chinese technology either spying or intellectual property being stolen, China is rapidly exporting and building other developing countries, especially in Africa and South America.

They can scale almost anything twice as fast, he said. They know how to do things fast. Theres not a lot of red tape or Congress or Senate members asking, Well, what are you going to do for my state?

Moreover, Baucus said that the Chinese prioritize and subsidize emerging business and innovation, and that America needs to invest more in its innovation.

Americans have to be more open-minded about China, because its not going anywhere. And were not going anywhere, Baucus said.

He compared the relationship to a planned marriage.

This isnt a marriage based on love. Theres no divorce because were not getting off the planet. It all depends on the goodwill of both parties, Baucus said.

And while he conceded that China is good at inserting  some may even say meddling  in other countries business, Baucus said China has less of a history of military aggression, which means that the battlefront will be economic.

The U.S. has to stand up constructively to China. Because in China, theres a little bit of a bully, and if you give them an inch, theyll take a mile, Baucus said.

On Taiwan

Baucus said Americas current stance on Taiwan is both conflicted and ambiguous. Thats by design. While the official position is that reunification between mainland China and Taiwan is necessary, he said that America has supported that only if Taiwan could keep its democratic-oriented self-governance.

We want reunification, but not by force, Baucus said.

Spies and trade

Baucus addressed the TikTok controversy briefly, saying that neither country wants to stop doing business with the other.

They steal from us, sure. But we steal. Countries steal each other, Baucus said. And while we should be worried about intellectual property, (intellectual property) is not as much of a threat as other things.

Baucus said that other economic issues like a denial of access to some markets, tariffs and export controls on technology are more problematic for Chinese-American business relations than social media platforms, like TikTok.

Part of the challenge in the relationship is with the unstable or, at least uncertain, political climate in America. While the Communist Party announces plans, often it is uncertain how Americas quick political cycles, sometimes as short as two years between Congressional elections, will affect plans for the future.

The Chinese are anxious, Baucus said. They want to know what the policies will be, and who are we going to put in place (as political leaders). We dont tend to be as strong or strategic as we need to be. We have no long-term policy.

Fentanyl

Several questions from the audience focused on fentanyl, the dangerous, powerful and addictive opioid that is often laced in other illicit drugs. Many of the precursor chemicals used to make the drugs come from China and head to countries like Mexico, where the illegal drugs are made.

Baucus recognized Chinas role in the precursor materials for several drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. He said the challenge is that China supplies the precursor chemicals to companies looking to legitimately manufacture opioids, as well as those that produce the drugs on the black market.

They talk a good game about being tough, Baucus said. But as you all know, theres a difference between word and deeds.

Finally, Baucus said that as America becomes more isolationist, including wanting to be self-sufficient in all areas, he said theres a danger that as the United States retreats, China will take its place.

We have to be present. We have to be there in the region. And we have to be there for our business interests, Baucus said.

The post Baucus: America and China need to get along  for the sake of the world appeared first on Daily Montanan.
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  As the weather warms up, bears might start venturing closer to the city and police in Roanoke are warning residents to be aware.

Police said during this time of the year, bears might be seen in neighborhoods searching for food. Even though seeing these large animals might be frightening, they are often afraid too.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) says bears are attracted to residential areas by the smell of foods people put out around their homes. This includes bird feeders, pet food, garbage, fruit trees, and more.

The DWR says the highest concentration of bears occurs in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains, and near the Great Dismal Swamp. However, bears can be seen anywhere in Virginia.

Data from recreational sightings and DWR says bears occur in at least 92 of Virginias counties and cities.

PETA recognizes Wythe County officials, firefighters for rescuing bear cub from wildfire

As a result, Roanoke police have shared the following tips to help keep bears away from neighborhoods while staying safe:

Give the bears plenty of space. If you leave them alone, they will most likely leave you alone. This includes supervising small animals and children while they are outdoors, and immediately leaving the area if you see a bear. Dont forget to look up and check for bears in trees! Giving them a clear path to escape will ensure that everyone stays safe.

Remove any and all food sources from your property. This includes bird feeders and food that you may have set outside for your pets or stray animals in the neighborhood. Pet food is a fun treat for bears, who will continue to return to your home for easily attainable snacks.

Secure or remove trash cans. Bears love your leftovers and table scraps  please invest in a locking trash can or keep your trash can inside until trash collection day

Animal wardens are not equipped to handle calls related to non-domestic animals. If a bear seems injured, trapped, or becomes a threat, Roanoke police are encouraging residents to call the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Wildlife Conflict Helpline at (855) 571-9003.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Semafor Signals

Insights from the Taipei Times, Zhenhaihui, and Formosa

The News

Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwans former president credited with normalizing relations between Taipei and Beijing in the early 21st century, arrived in China for a multi-day visit in what observers say is an attempt to quell cross-strait tensions ahead of next months presidential transition.

The 73-year-old, who remains an influential political leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, said his visit is a journey of peace after Lai Ching-te, a member of Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) who Beijing has labeled as a separatist, won the presidential election.

Beijing seems more receptive to Mas second visit to the mainland since the pandemic, and there is speculation he could be meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Mas pursuit of stronger Beijing ties has rankled party

Source: Taipei Times

Ma, a senior KMT leader, has placed himself at the forefront of stabilizing cross-strait relations, but his enthusiasm in securing closer ties with China has generated controversy and criticism, including from his own party. KMTs presidential candidate slammed Ma for saying that the Taiwanese people would accept reunification with China. A Taipei Times editorial also criticized Mas attitude as defeatist after he suggested that Taiwan would be unable to defend itself against China without U.S. or Japanese intervention.

CCP is more welcoming of Ma compared to last year

Sources: The Diplomat, Utopia, Zhenhaihui, The New York Times

Both Taiwan and China framed Mas previous visit to China as non-political to avoid controversy, China watcher Hemant Adlakha wrote for The Diplomat in 2023 . The best thing for China is to stay away from the KMT and Ma Ying-jeou, one commentator for Utopia, an ultra-nationalist mainland political forum, wrote at the time. This time around, however, Beijing has a more diplomatic approach to Mas visit, according to Hong Kong-based political scientist Peter Qiu. Chinas Taiwanese affairs ministry greeted Ma with an official reception in Shenzhen, and Ma is scheduled to make an appearance in Beijing, likely to meet with Xi Jinping  a privilege not granted last year. Xi may be more willing to meet Ma to show mainlanders that Taiwan is not slipping irretrievably beyond hope of unification, The New York Times wrote.

Taiwans president-elect should work with Ma, journalist says

Source: Formosa

Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te of the DPP should step out of his narrow path of pragmatic Taiwan independence, and instead take advantage of Ma opening a window with Beijing during this visit, journalist Chen Guoxiang wrote for Formosa, a pro-DPP newsletter that advocates for greater dialogue with Beijing. Lai will need to tone down his anti-Beijing stance to gain legislative support from the KMT which won the most seats in the parliamentary election, Chen argued, adding that cooperation between Lais DPP and the KMT could also de-escalate a potential military conflict with China.
Welcome to Whats being built there? This regular Tri-City Herald feature provides short answers to questions from readers about construction taking place across the Tri-Cities.

Send questions and suggestions for updates to news@tricityherald.com

Richland

Terraces at Queensgate Update

2155 Keene Road, at termination of Queensgate Drive

Earth moving equipment prepares the hillside above Queensgate Boulevard and Keene Road in south Richland for Terraces at Queensgate.

This future mixed-use development generates more inquiries to this column than any other project in the Tri-Cities because of its prominent location and size.

The initial phase of the 40-acre master plan for Queensgate will bring 19 single-family lots along the western border and an additional 89 townhomes toward the center.

Queensgate will eventually be extended past Keene Road, toward Shockley Road to the south.

Future phases will add commercial and other development. the developer is Columbia Valley Property Holdings LLC of Bellevue.

A 4.7-acre wedge-shaped parcel fronting the Queensgate/Keene intersection is being marketed for retail development by Stricker CR with an asking price of nearly $4.9 million.

The listing indicates the site will connect to a future roundabout at Queensgate drive and is suitable for banks, restaurants, grocery stores and other retail uses.

LivAway Suites Update

1289 Tapteal Drive

A $12 million, 126-room LivAway Suites is taking shape at 1829 Tapteal Drive, on the Richland side of the Richland-Kennewick border near Columbia Center.

The future utilitarian extended stay hotel off Tapteal Drive in Richland is fully framed, making it highly visible from its perch above Highway 240 near Columbia Center.

The $12 million, 126-room property is being constructed by Wasatch DC Builders NW on behalf of the Richland La Holdings LLC, which acquired the site in 2023 from a holding company associated with the heirs of the late Robert Young, a prominent Tri-Cities apartment developer.

LivAway is a newer hotel brand based in Salt Lake City catering to budget-minded travelers.

New Vintage Church expansion

2588 N. Columbia Center Drive

New Vintage Church is preparing to commence a $7+ million expansion to increase sanctuary capacity, quadruple the size of its lobby and add three classrooms to its quarters at the Richland Wye. G2 Commercial Construction Inc. is the contractor.

New Vintage Church, a young but growing church near the Richland Wye, is preparing to begin a $7+ million expansion to boost its sanctuary capacity to about 600, quadruple the size of its lobby and add three new classrooms.

The city of Richland valued the construction at about $5.2 million in a building permit issued in March. G2 Commercial Construction Inc. is the general contractor.

Kennewick

Vista Field Gateway

517 Crosswind Blvd.

The Port of Kennewick awarded a contract to Goodman & Mehlenbacher Enterprises (Game) Inc. to convert a pair of old airplane hangars into a public courtyard with bathrooms at the southern entrance to Vista Field, its 103-acre mixed-use redevelopment project at Crosswind Boulevard and West Deschutes Avenue.

The Port of Kennewick awarded a contract to Goodman & Mehlenbacher Enterprises (Game) Inc. to convert a pair of old airplane hangars into a public courtyard with bathrooms at the southern entrance to Vista Field.

Vista Field is the ports 103-acre mixed-use redevelopment project. The gateway is at Crosswind Boulevard and West Deschutes Avenue.

The project is financed by a $3.4 million award from the Benton County Rural Capital Fund. The city of Kennewick approved a monument sign for there project in March.

The Port of Kennewick awarded a contract to Goodman & Mehlenbacher Enterprises (Game) Inc. to convert a pair of old airplane hangars into a public courtyard with bathrooms at the southern entrance to Vista Field, its 103-acre mixed-use redevelopment project at Crosswind Boulevard and West Deschutes Avenue.

The port closed the former municipal airport at the end of 2013 and is converting it into a town center.

The initial lots are available for development after the port invested about $4 million to create streets, sidewalks and a water feature to serve the first 20 acre phase. The gateway project will be the first construction at the air field.

New office building

7034 W. Clearwater Ave.

Mendoza Investments LLC has initiated construction of a one-story, 11,600-square-foot office building on West Clearwater Avenue, east of Columbia Center Boulevard.

Kennewick building permits value the work at $1.16 million.

Pasco

Home 2 Suites by Hilton update

2101 W. Argent St.

A-1 Hospitality Group is preparing to build Home 2 Suites by Hilton, its second hotel near the entrance to the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco. Construction has not started, but the city of Pasco recently affirmed the project will not significantly affect the environment as long as standard mitigation measures are taken.

A-1 Hospitality, a Tri-Cities hotel operator and development firm led by V.J. Patel and his son, Taran Patel, is preparing to begin construction of a Home 2 Suites by Hilton, their second hotel near the entrance to the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco.

The company will build on three acres leased from the Port of Pasco next to the 99-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.

Construction has not started, but the project cleared a hurdle in March when the city of Pasco said it would not significantly affect the environment as long as standard mitigation measures are taken.

The four-story, 61,500-square-foot hotel will have 107 rooms, 156 parking spaces and six spots for semi-truck parking. It will be situated between the Courtyard and a Circle K fueling station and convenience stop to the west.

The port agreed to lease the 3-acre site to A-1 last fall.

The deal includes a 50-year initial term and a 25-year renewal option. As with the Courtyard lease, the port is slated to receive rent for the site as well as a share of the gross revenue the hotel generates. A-1 has previously said construction will take about 18 months.

Tierra Vida Apartments Phase III

725 S. Road 40 E

A friendly cat at the Tierra Vida apartments in east Pasco is unperturbed by earth moving equipment preparing land next door for Tierra Vida Phase III, 725 S. Road 30 E.

Jubilee Foundation has begun development of 120 new apartments in the third phase of its Tierra Vida complex in east Pasco, near a pair of Amazon distribution warehouses.

The city of Pasco valued construction at $24.3 million in a building permit issued in March.

The city previously authorized $300,000 of grading work for the six-acre property in January.

Jubilee Foundation has commenced construction of 120 apartments in Tierra Vida Apartments Phase 3, 725 S. Road 30 E., near a pair of Amazon warehouses in east Pasco.

Elite Construction + Development is the contractor. Tierra Vida complex, the Jubilee Foundations residential and recreation community serving more than 1,500 residents.

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Gov. Andy Beshear is starting to throw his political weight beyond the borders of the commonwealth.

And in a first round of endorsements unveiled last week, his In This Together political action committee targeted vulnerable Democrats in high-profile races across the country and one nonpartisan judge running for a seat on the Kentucky Supreme Court.

U.S. senators Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Jon Tester of Montana and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. The list of candidates Beshears PAC is supporting reads like a report highlighting the most vulnerable Democrats during a cycle where theyre expected to play defense. Later, the New York Times ranked all three among their 10 Senate races to watch.

Beshear is also supporting Democratic candidate for North Carolina governor Josh Stein, who he has backed since the inception of his political action committee. Stein is facing Mark Robinson, a Republican who has made national headlines for inflammatory and homophobic language.

But the only Kentucky endorsement  according to a release from the group, all endorsements will come with financial support of some kind  is Court of Appeals Justice Pamela Goodwine. It could raise some ethical questions given that governors, Beshear included, often have business before the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Beshear backs a justice

Beshears team appeared multiple times before the Kentucky Supreme Court in his first term, particularly in successfully defending executive action during the COVID-19 pandemic and unsuccessfully challenging laws later passed to limit those very powers.

In March, Beshear said the states highest court ought to test legal questions posed by the passage of multiple bills aimed at further limiting his power.

A spokesperson for Goodwine said she appreciated the voluntary endorsement of Governor Beshear, which is based upon her record of impartiality, fairness and justice.

However, if her impartiality was reasonably challenged in any case, she said she would consider the circumstances and if necessary, recuse myself to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.

Throughout my 25 years of service as a judge, I have earned a reputation for serving with the utmost honesty, integrity, ethics, impartiality, fairness and justice for all. I am committed to continuing to demonstrate these principles on the Kentucky Supreme Court and remaining unbiased in my decision making, Goodwine said in a statement.

In a response to a press inquiry, Beshear political consultant Eric Hyers, who led both of Beshears successful gubernatorial campaigns, said the governor supports judges who will rule in a nonpartisan manner.

The governor believes that judges should decide cases by the letter of the law and not by the letter of anyones party registration. Judge Goodwine is a fair and impartial judge who he believes will make a great justice, Hyers said.

Goodwine is running to replace outgoing Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter for the Central Kentucky-based 5th Kentucky Supreme Court District seat. Goodwine is up against Erin Izzo, a Lexington attorney at Landrum & Shouse.

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Republicans also have played in key nonpartisan judicial races. In 2022, the Herald-Leader reported Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, co-hosted a fundraiser for then-Franklin Circuit Court judge candidate Joe Bilby in his unsuccessful run against longtime judge Phillip Shepherd.

Bilby now works for House Republican leadership.

Also that year, several Republicans offered support to former state representative Joe Fischer, who sponsored both Kentuckys trigger ban on abortion and a proposed anti-abortion constitutional amendment.

Fischers campaign took on a particularly partisan bent, so much so that the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission initiated proceedings against him, a move that was later enjoined by the U.S. Sixth Circuit. Fischer lost to incumbent Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle Keller by nearly 10 points.

Cross-state political influence

In less than two months since its creation, In This Together has raised more than $129,000, according to reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission. It came from a variety of sources, including multiple Frankfort lobbyists and a $20,000 donation from BlueWave America, a super PAC founded by former Louisville Democratic congressman Mike Ward to help Democrats win in rural America.

In This Together gives Beshear a chance to help like-minded politicians and build a network with key Democrats around the country. With the governor vowing to serve out his full term until the end of 2027, its possible his gaze could shift to Washington in a few years.

Last month, political consultant James Carville said in a New York Times article that Beshear ranked as one of eight top Democratic talents right below the presidential level.

Al Cross, a longtime political commentator and journalist in Kentucky, called the creation of In This Together a way to run for president without running for president.

In a statement accompanying his endorsements, Beshear said he prioritized leaders who reject anger politics and divisiveness and are running in competitive, consequential elections.

We created In This Together because the anger politics increasingly dominating our country represent a threat to the health of our democracy. We need more leaders who reject divisiveness and who arent afraid to stick to the values of empathy, decency and compassion, Beshear said.

Ive had the opportunity to get to know and work with each of these candidates, and first and foremost, they are good people.

The group said more endorsements will come later this year, and endorsements for Kentucky legislative and other local candidates will come through the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Beyond the political action committee, Beshears nonprofit 501(c)(4) group Heckbent has been raising and spending money this legislative session. As a 501(c)(4) group, also known in politics as a dark money entity, Heckbent is not required to publicly disclose its donors, unlike political action committees akin to In This Together.

According to the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan group specializing in election and fundraising issues, such dark money groups are allowed to support election-related groups like political action committees but are barred from making that their primary activity.

Heckbent has been running several ads on Facebook, urging Kentuckians to tell their legislators to support increased education funding, a key plank of Beshears re-election platform.
In search of: new favorites.

Each restaurant I reviewed in March was a relative newcomer to the Sacramento-area dining scene, having opened within the past year.

One was an experimental Baja-inspired raw bar in Placer County; another, a beacon of South Asian spices and flavors amid a deluge of chains in a popular Sacramento shopping center. The midtown rebirth of a cherished vegetarian concept came with new ingenuity, while an up-and-coming sushi chef took over for a local legend in Carmichael.

All reviews were first published in my free weekly food and drink newsletter, which hits inboxes at noon each Wednesday. Visit https://bit.ly/bee_food_drink_newsletter to sign up.

Mother

Mothers oyster mushroom poboy has become an iconic Sacramento food.

Mother is back, and its better than ever.

Michael and Lisa Thiemann and Ryan Donohues acclaimed vegetarian restaurant reopened in September, a dozen blocks east on K Street from the downtown Sacramento location where it previously stood. Chef/co-owner Robb Venditti (formerly of Pangaea Bier Cafe and Mulvaneys B&L) has joined the crew as well.

Mothers new midtown space is brighter, more colorful and less rushed than its predecessor, which became a lunchtime favorite and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand before closing in January 2020. An expanded kitchen gives Venditti and Thiemann more room to stack the expanded, ever-changing menu with seasonal dishes as well as classics.

The oyster mushroom poboy sandwich ($18) that made Mother famous still stands out a decade after its creation. Fried mushrooms explode out of soft torpedo rolls, joined by crunchy iceberg lettuce, coriander pickles and an acidic remoulade, with a side of housemade potato chips.

There are small plates as well, including cozy Grass Valley grits ($9) from Early Bird Farm & Mill, topped with sweet molasses butter and served in a skillet. Marinated baby beets ($10) are another pleasant shareable, sitting in half-teardrops atop a pistachio crumb ricotta spread with lavender oil and watermelon radish slivers.

Thiemann wedding lasagna ($27) is a hit entree with a romantically practical backstory: Michael made it for his and Lisas reception, guests raved that it was the best they ever had and it landed on Mother 2.0s menu. Stuffed with spinach, green tomatoes, grilled crookneck squash and ricotta, it was surrounded by a tart tomato coulis and baked to a crispy top.

Address: 2319 K St., Suite B, Sacramento.

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.

Phone: None, theyre proud to say.

Website: https://www.mothersacramento.com/

Drinks: Local beer, wine and a cinnamon-housemade jamaica called the Jamichael as a tribute to Michael Thiemann.

Vegetarian options: Everything. Vegan and gluten-free items are marked on the menu, as are dishes made with tree nuts or seed oils.

Noise level: Medium-loud.

Chaat Bistro

Chaat Bistros fish pakora is well worth ordering when in Delta Shores South.

A promising new Indian restaurant hides among the big-box stores in Delta Shores Shopping Center, the sprawling retail complex along Interstate 5 by Sacramentos southern border.

Chaat Bistro sits across from Koshi Eats and Firehouse Crawfish in Delta Shores South, an enclave of local businesses in a sea of national chains. Opened by Barinder Kaur last April, its intriguing small plates and thoroughly-spiced main dishes  medium heat is still pretty darn fiery  make it a destination restaurant amid shopping trips.

If theres one dish you need to order, its the fish pakora ($12), brimming with cardamom pods and other aromatic spices that inspired me to take a long whiff before diving in. Freshly fried in an orange batter in the style of Amritsar, a 1.5-million person city in Punjab, it came out steaming hot with a slow, simmering kick.

The mango curry ($17 with chicken or fish, $19 with shrimp or lamb) was a table favorite as well. We opted for the same fluffy swai in this sweet-savory auburn curry served with basmati rice, rarely seen around Sacramento and a welcome deviation from hotter items.

Meatless options are stellar, from cumin-tossed potatoes called jeera aloo ($14) to samosa chaat ($19) smashed and topped with chole bhature (stewed chickpeas), yogurt and mint and tamarind chutneys. Dont forget an order of cherry naan ($5) stuffed with a sweet red paste, or dive fully into sugar land with kulfi falooda ($5) ice cream sundaes.

Address: 8128 Delta Shores Circle South, Suite 140, Sacramento.

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Phone: (916) 629-9347.

Website: https://chaatbistro.com/

Drinks: Beer and wine, including a couple Indian imports such as 22-ounce bottles of Flying Horse Royal Lager.

Vegetarian options: Many, and several are vegan.

Noise level: Medium.

Omakase Por Favor

Omakase Por Favor specializes in oysters, such as these ones broiled and served with marinated unagi.

Lincolns preeminent food club doesnt actually think much of the citys restaurants  theyre more likely to visit Roseville, Rocklin or Auburn for an ambitious dinner out. One Lincoln restaurant making waves in Placer Countys dining scene, though, is Omakase Por Favor.

Jeana Marie Pechas culinary journey began as a 14-year-old dishwasher at McCormick & Schmicks in Roseville and led to her cooking at high-end restaurants in Pasadena, Spokane and Napa County. But her time in Colima, a small state on Mexicos west coast, had arguably the most conceptual impact on Omakase Por Favor, her Cali-Mex raw bar with Japanese influences that opened in November.

Omakase Por Favor has a small kitchen, but considerable torching and tweezing happens inside the rectangular bar, so grab a seat there if possible. A six-course omakase dinner is available for $75 at the restaurant in Terra Cotta Village shopping center, or you can pick a la carte items as I did.

Oysters are one of the main draws, with my visit featuring Washington-based Hama Hama Oyster Co. bivalves. Though theyre available as a raw half-dozen, broiled with miso butter or in shooters with housemade ponzu, the oyster omakase set ($25) gives Pecha the most free reign, and she broiled four before serving with lemon and sweet marinated unagi.

The ceviche mixto bowl ($22) features market seafood, which meant striped bass and albacore on my visit. A blood-red chili sauce spilled out across the dish, tart and tangy next to a thick tostada. As with many Omakase Por Favor items, though, its portion size left something to be desired.

One of the regions more interesting caviar services ($125 for a one-ounce tin of Sterlings Royal Caviar, or $200 for Tsar Nicoulais Golden Reserve) may entice customers with a little extra jangle in their pockets. A platter of burrata, pickled onions, wax peppers and crema can all be piled on chicharronnes made from Tsar Nicoulai sturgeon skin, though for my money, caviars delicate flavor is often best enjoyed on its own.

Address: 640 Twelve Bridges Drive, Suite 100, Lincoln.

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. all days but Wednesday, when the restaurant is closed.

Phone: (916) 472-5503

Website: https://www.omakaseporfavor.com/

Drinks: Full bar.

Vegetarian options: Guacamole, seasonal smores roasted on tabletop grills or (possibly) the soup of the day.

Noise level: Medium-loud.

Hito Yatai

Hito Yatais katsuo tataki features sliced bonito with crunchy broccolini, tomatoes and a tangy chili crisp.

Cameron Ishizaki picked some big shoes to fill when opening Hito Yatai.

Ishizakis first restaurant opened last June in the Carmichael strip mall space formerly home to Shige Sushi, long synonymous with Sacramento sushi elder Shige Tokita. Another veteran chef, Aki Shirakura, now flanks Ishizaki (the two met while working at Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine) as they pay homage to traditional Japanese dishes while adding flecks of modern innovation.

Youll see two specials boards jammed with items at Hito Yatai, including the delightful saba shio koji ($12) on my visit. Curing mackerel in a rice vinegar before grilling left the fish with a rich, buttery flavor and less of the salty taste one might expect.

Katsuo tataki ($13) was another simple favorite. Six slices of deep-red seared bonito laid atop crunchy broccolini, tomatoes and a tangy chili crisp, all topped with a soy sauce dressing as an easy shareable for the table.

Rolls, nigiri and Shirakuras kitchen creations make up the main menu, with the thin, crispy pork loin tonkatsu ($17) a worthwhile order. For a more elevated experience, in-the-know customers belly up to Ishiyazkis eight-seat bar for Hito Yatais off-menu omakase service ($120 minimum per person).

Address: 5938 Madison Ave., Carmichael.

Hours: 4-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Phone: (916) 331-7300.

Website: https://www.hitoyatai.com/

Drinks: Beer, sake and umeshu (ume plum liqueur, served on the rocks).

Vegetarian options: Sunomono, agedashi tofu and sweet potato or fresh veggie tempura.

Noise level: Quiet.
Beyonce fans are up in arms over missing tracks on 'Cowboy Carter' vinyl and CD

Beyonce fans are up in arms over missing tracks on 'Cowboy Carter' vinyl and CD

In case you missed it (or you live under a rock), Beyonce released her much-hyped country album 'Cowboy Carter' on Friday  and the Internet went absolutely mad over it with a flood of think-pieces and reviews.

But for the die-hard fans who received their pre-ordered physical copies, something strange was afoot. Over the weekend, many started complaining that their vinyls and CDs of the album were missing tracks that were included on the digital release.

Fans took to social media to air their grievances, claiming there were four missing tracks on the CD and five missing tracks on the vinyl. According to their posts, the vinyls were missing the songs 'Spaghettii', 'Flamenco', 'The Linda Martell Show', 'Ya Ya', and 'Oh Louisiana'.

The CD version was missing the same tracks, except 'Flamenco', and did not include the additional track that was promised by Beyonces e-commerce store in advertisements for the album.

Some fans called the move dishonest and said they were complaining to the record label and Beyonces online store.

Those who did file complaints were told through an automated message that the e-commerce site was experiencing a higher volume of emails than usual and that their concerns would be addressed in three to four days.

The mysterious missing track saga has led to a flurry of speculation online that Beyonce made last-minute changes to her album, which were reflected in the digital release but couldnt make the deadline for the physical media.

CDs and vinyls are generally pressed months before an albums release, while artists are often known for tweaking their albums up until the very last minute.

Ye, formerly Kanye West, notoriously changed his 2016 album 'Life of Pablo' over and over again, even after its release. He was spared the drama by never releasing the album officially on vinyl.

Other artists whose vinyls have featured discrepancies include Nicki Minaj  her 2023 'Pink Friday 2' featured 10 tracks on vinyl, compared to 22 on the digital version. Ariana Grandes latest album 'Eternal Sunshine' featured an early version of 'Supernatural' on the vinyl that Grande added vocals to for the digital version.

Beyonce has also had to reprint vinyls with changes before  she changed the lyrics on the song 'Heated' after the release of 'Renaissance' to remove an ableist slur, amid complaints from disabled fans.

Fans speculate 'Cowboy Carter' was originally meant to feature fewer songs (which would explain the hefty 27 tracks it features now), and that the bonus song advertised on the CD version was actually 'Flamenco'.

They also suspect that the original title for the album wasnt 'Cowboy Carter' at all, since the CD and vinyl both read Act ii: Beyince on the spine, a reference to Beyonce's mum's maiden name.

But while there was a lot of disappointment online, some fans saw a silver lining in the whole situation  the original pressings would probably be valuable limited edition collectors items in the future. And they could also give precious insight into Beyonces creative process.

As X user @kahrazyinlove put it: "I know theres tracks missing but I think Beyonce allowing us to have the pressing of what act ii originally was is so special and dope. its literally an exclusive collectors item."
President Biden on Monday said Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was uninformed in his criticism of the White House for the Easter holiday falling on the same day as Transgender Day of Visibility.

Hes thoroughly uninformed, Biden said during Mondays Easter Egg Roll when asked about Johnsons criticism.

Uninformed how? a reporter asked.

I didnt do that, Biden responded.

Johnson joined a chorus of conservatives over the weekend who blasted the White House for rules preventing religious symbols from being used in its Easter egg art contest, as well as for the timing of Transgender Day of Visibility.

The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter  which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Johnson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Banning sacred truth and traditionwhile at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as Transgender Dayis outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note.

But the White House has pushed back hard on both criticisms, which officials have said are misleading.

Biden proclaimed Sunday as Transgender Day of Visibility because the day always falls on March 31. Easter, which can fall on any Sunday from late-March to mid-April, happened to fall on the same day this year. Transgender Day of Visibility was first recognized 15 years ago to celebrate transgender people and raise awareness around the discrimination they face.

At the same time, White House officials noted the rules barring religious symbols from being used in the egg contest are long-standing and have been the same for Republican administrations, including during the Trump presidency.

*Fyi on all the misleading swirl re White House and Easter: the American Egg Board flyers standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Adminsfor all WH Easter Egg Rolls incl previous Administrations, Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for first lady Jill Biden, wrote on X.

Updated at 1:44 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden quipped Monday that Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) was thoroughly uninformed when he spoke out against Bidens official acknowledgement of Transgender Day of Visibilitya decade-old holiday that falls on March 31 annually, which happened to fall on the same day as Easter this year.

Bidens quip came during the Easter Egg Roll at the White House, where he briefly spoke with reporters about the fiasco, whipped up by Republicans who it appeared initially thought Biden himself had created the dayincluding Johnson and Donald Trump.

When asked a follow-up question asking how Johnson was uninformed, Biden reportedly responded, I didnt do that.

Trump Piles on as Right-Wingers Go Nuts Over Trans Day of Visibility

The ordeal began Friday when Biden issued a statement proclaiming that his office recognizes the datea formality the White House observes for hundreds of other holidays throughout the year.

By Sunday, there was a full right-wing eruption as conservative pundits and Republican politicians learned that the pro-trans holiday happened to fall on Easter Sunday. The two wont fall on the same date again until 2086.

Johnson blasted the White House over its proclamationand for upholding rules that prevented religious symbols from being used in an Easter egg art contest.

The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easterwhich is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Johnson wrote on X. Banning sacred truth and traditionwhile at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as Transgender Dayis outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note.

He apparently hadnt bothered to check that events history, eitherwhich included rules that have been in place since 1978. The previous administration, helmed by Donald Trump, also upheld the ban on religious imagery in the contest.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White Houses press secretary, also addressed the outrage Monday, telling reporters she was surprised by the misinformation thats been out there.

For folks who understand the calendar and how it works, Easter falls on different Sundays every year and this year, it happened to coincide with Transgender Visibility Day, and so that is the simple fact, she said. This misinformation out there is justits just bad, and it is dividing us.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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President Biden hosted the annual Easter Egg Roll on Monday, calling Easter a time for forgiveness as he welcomed thousands of people to the White House lawn.

After the start of the roll was delayed because of thunder and lightning, Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and the Easter Bunny came outside on the White House balcony to greet people at the event.

Time for forgiveness and people getting together. And a little bit of love and no phoniness. Be straight with people, Biden told reporters when asked what Easter meant to him.

The Easter Egg Roll, which has been a White House tradition since 1878, had the theme EGGucation and featured educational activities on the South Lawn, like a reading nook, a physical EGGucation zone and a field trip to the farm area.

Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, sacrifice and resurrection, but mainly, love and grace toward one another, Biden said to the crowd from the White House balcony. Its time to pray for one another, to cherish the blessings and the possibilities that we have as Americans.

Were a great nation because were good people. Our values are solid and the rest of the world looks to us, and were determined to keep up that banner, he added.

Biden then exited the White House to greet some attendees and to blow the whistle for a group of young children rolling eggs across the White House lawn with wooden spoons.

While playing with the children, Biden bent down to speak to a child who was crying. Once she stopped crying, he walked along with her as she rolled an egg down the lawn.

The theme EGGucation has been used by the first lady the past two years. She read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to a group of children and told them after the reading to check out the dinosaurs on the lawn.

Six hot air balloon replicas floated near the White House with signs: science, engineering, technology, art, and math. A band played outside the White House as kids participated in the activities despite the on-again, off-again rain throughout the morning.

Some lawmakers were spotted in the crowd of attendees, including Reps. Colin Allred (D-Texas) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden will travel to Baltimore on Friday to visit the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, the White House announced Monday.

We are with you Baltimore, and we will be there to get this done, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when making the announcement.

Biden himself had vowed to visit Baltimore, saying on Friday he would visit alongside Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). Hours after the collapse early Tuesday morning, Biden said he planned to go to the site as quickly as he can.

Jean-Pierre said Biden is continuing to lead a whole of government approach to respond to the collapse, which killed six people and has temporality closed one of the countrys busiest ports. She said Biden has been working with Moore to get the port reopened and the bridge rebuilt.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, on Interstate 695, collapsed into the water after it was hit around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday by cargo ship Dali, which was headed to Sri Lanka.

Biden has vowed that the federal government will foot the bill to rebuild the bridge, but that has been met with backlash from conservative spending hawks. The Department of Transportation has released $16 million for the bridge, which Jean-Pierre called a down payment.

She said the White House will continue to talk to Congress about assistance, adding that the president has made a commitment to do everything we can to make sure that bridge gets back up.

Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su traveled to Baltimore on Monday for meetings with stakeholders, Jean-Pierre said. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg traveled to Baltimore on the day of the collapse.

There is no timeline for when the Port of Baltimore can reopen, and officials have said it will take some time for the bridge to be rebuilt.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge as efforts begin to reopen the Port of Baltimore

Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge as efforts begin to reopen the Port of Baltimore on March 31, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge fell into the Patapsco River after being struck by the Dali, a cargo ship leaving the port at around 1:30 a.m. The bodies of two men who were on the bridge at the time of the accident have been recovered from the water; four others are still missing and presumed dead; two others were rescued and treated for injuries shortly after the accident. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden will tour the Port of Baltimore and the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse Friday as long-term efforts to reopen the port continue, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

President Biden will travel to Baltimore on Friday to visit the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, meet with state and local officials and get (an) on-the-ground look at federal response efforts, Jean-Pierre said.

The U.S. Coast Guard is leading a coordinated effort to clear debris blocking shipping traffic to the port, Jean-Pierre said.

Cranes and barges contracted by the U.S. Navy had arrived in recent days to assist in that effort, according to a statement from the Navy. Among the ships was the Chesapeake 1000, the largest heavy-lift crane on the East Coast with the capacity to lift 1,000 tons, Jean-Pierre said.

Two other barges with a combined capacity of 350 tons have also arrived in Baltimore Harbor, with a fourth, 400-ton capacity barge scheduled to arrive next week, the Navy said. The barges will be used to remove submerged portions of the collapsed bridge, the Navy said.

The shutdown of the port, which approached its second week Monday after a massive ship struck and toppled the bridge March 26, is a major issue for the local economy, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last week. The port supports 8,000 direct jobs that pay roughly $2 million per day in wages, Buttigieg said.

Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su was in Baltimore on Monday to meet with local stakeholders, as the department works with state and local officials to determine how to assist workers out of work due to the closure of the port, Jean-Pierre said.

Biden was leading a whole-of-government approach to the collapse, and working with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the citys congressional delegation and local leaders, Jean-Pierre said.

The Biden administration will continue to talk with state and local leaders to understand the scope of the work needed to build a bridge to replace the Key Bridge and to reopen the busy Port of Baltimore to shipping traffic, she said.

No formal White House meetings with congressional leaders about the federal response had been scheduled Monday, but Jean-Pierre said White House staff was in regular contact with Congress and the Transportation Department.

She said she couldnt estimate a timeline for when the port would reopen, but stressed that the administration would do everything we can to reopen the port and construct a bridge.

It is a complicated scenario, so I dont have a timeline on that, she said. Were going to have conversations with congressional members. Were going to certainly talk to them on what else is needed  There is going to be additional funding needed to get this done.

Jean-Pierre said the White House was communicating with the state to get a sense of how much this is going to cost.

Biden has said that the federal government would cover the costs of rebuilding the bridge.

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Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge as efforts begin to reopen the Port of Baltimore on March 31, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge fell into the Patapsco River after being struck by the Dali, a cargo ship leaving the port at around 1:30am on Tuesday. The bodies of two men who were on the bridge at the time of the accident have been recovered from the water; four others are still missing and presumed dead; two others were rescued and treated for injuries shortly after the accident. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden will tour the Port of Baltimore and the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse Friday as long-term efforts to reopen the port continue, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

President Biden will travel to Baltimore on Friday to visit the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, meet with state and local officials and get (an) on-the-ground look at federal response efforts, Jean-Pierre said.

The U.S. Coast Guard is leading a coordinated effort to clear debris blocking shipping traffic to the port, Jean-Pierre said.

Cranes and barges contracted by the U.S. Navy had arrived in recent days to assist in that effort, according to a statement from the Navy. Among the ships was the Chesapeake 1000, the largest heavy-lift crane on the East Coast with the capacity to lift 1,000 tons, Jean-Pierre said.

Two other barges with a combined capacity of 350 tons have also arrived in Baltimore Harbor, with a fourth, 400-ton capacity barge scheduled to arrive next week, the Navy said. The barges will be used to remove submerged portions of the collapsed bridge, the Navy said.

The shutdown of the port, which approached its second week Monday after a massive ship struck and toppled the bridge March 26, is a major issue for the local economy, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last week. The port supports 8,000 direct jobs that pay roughly $2 million per day in wages, Buttigieg said.

Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su was in Baltimore Monday to meet with local stakeholders, as the department works with state and local officials to determine how to assist workers out of work due to the closure of the port, Jean-Pierre said.

Biden was leading a whole-of-government approach to the collapse, and working with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the citys congressional delegation and local leaders, Jean-Pierre said.

The Biden administration will continue to talk with state and local leaders to understand the scope of the work needed to build a bridge to replace the Key Bridge and to reopen the busy Port of Baltimore to shipping traffic, she said.

No formal White House meetings with congressional leaders about the federal response had been scheduled Monday, but Jean-Pierre said White House staff was in regular contact with Congress and the Transportation Department.

She said she couldnt estimate a timeline for when the port would reopen, but stressed that the administration would do everything we can to reopen the port and construct a bridge.

It is a complicated scenario, so I dont have a timeline on that, she said. Were going to have conversations with congressional members. Were going to certainly talk to them on what else is needed  There is going to be additional funding needed to get this done.

Jean-Pierre said the White House was communicating with the state to get a sense of how much this is going to cost.

Biden has said that the federal government would cover the costs of rebuilding the bridge.

The post Biden to visit Port of Baltimore Friday to review federal response on Key Bridge appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
April 1 (UPI) -- Some 40,000 people braved rainy weather in Washington, D.C., on Monday to take part in the 144th annual White House Easter Egg Roll as children of all ages participated in the time-honored tradition.

The South Lawn and Ellipse were transformed into a play and education venue for thousands of children who not only enjoyed the traditions of rolling and hunting eggs but also participated in learning opportunities under the "EGGucation" theme chosen by first lady Jill Biden.

The South Facade of the White House was festooned with balloons marked with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) school subjects as a reflection of the first lady's belief that "with EGGucation, all students can soar."

Biden and her husband, President Joe Biden, kicked off the festivities by introducing the Easter Bunny mascots during a joint appearance on the Truman Balcony of the White House.

"I'm a teacher, so I love any time when we can turn the White House into a classroom, and that's what we're doing today," Jill Biden said, noting features such as the School House Activity Area, Reading Nook, Field Trip to the Farm, Picture Day and the "Physical EGGucation Zone."

"Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, sacrifice and resurrection," the president added. "But mainly love and grace toward one another. It's time to pray for one another, to cherish the blessings and the possibilities that we have as Americans. That's what I see in our country."

This year's event, sponsored as usual by the American Egg Board, included thousands of military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors among the invited guests.

As part of the tradition, children are given colorful spoons and sent out to find hidden, multicolored Easter eggs, which they then must roll to the finish line as parents and other relatives cheer them on.

At 11:29 a.m., Biden blew the whistle to start egg roll game, and afterward the first couple walked onto the lawn to mingle with and greet the participants for about 15 minutes as the rain picked up.

The president's son, Hunter Biden, was present for the event, as were Reps. Colin Allred, D-Texas, and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and national security communications adviser John Kirby.

The Easter holiday, however, has not passed without the White House being targeted by Republican opponents. House Speaker Mike Johnson joined with other conservative lawmakers over the weekend in blasting Biden for marking Sunday as "Transgender Day of Visibility."

The day has been observed each year on March 31, which this year fell on Easter Sunday.

Johnson called the proclamation "outrageous" in a weekend social media post.

"Banning sacred truth and tradition -- while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day' -- is outrageous and abhorrent," Johnson wrote.

When asked about the speaker's comments at Monday's egg roll event, the president answered, "He's thoroughly uninformed."
Big Sur tourism 'on standstill' after its connecting roadway crumbles into the sea -- again

A break in the southbound lane of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Bridge in Big Sur. (Nic Coury / Associated Press)

Tourists and locals alike found themselves stranded overnight in Big Sur on Easter weekend after Caltrans shut down a portion of Highway 1 that was falling into the ocean.

It was merely the latest time that the outdoor tourist hot spot was nearly cut off from the outside world.

Officials discovered a slip-out on the southbound lane early Saturday evening and quickly closed the road to further vehicle travel to assess damage. With the 1.4-mile stretch shut down, there were no other exit roads and about 1,600 people were forced to seek accommodations for the night.

Day tripper Eric Adams, a hobbyist landscape photographer and resident of Monterey County, unexpectedly found himself having to sleep in his car.

"There were a few moments of people being a little distressed by the prospect of an extended stay without accommodation for food," Adams said. But the following Sunday morning, Caltrans deemed the northbound lane safe enough to travel and began escorting people out in caravans at the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

"In general everyone was very friendly and making the best of a bad situation," Adams said.

Read more: Part of Highway 1 near Big Sur crumbles as new landslide closes more of historic roadway

The storm that arrived on Saturday didnt bring especially strong downpours, said Diana Ballantyne, general manager of Big Surs Fernwood Resort.

But the afternoon closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Bridge  on a critical stretch connecting Big Sur with Carmel-by-the-Sea  caught visitors and businesses by surprise.

We had hundreds of people with no place to go on Saturday, said Ballantyne, who described selling supplies and blankets to some visitors who had driven down for the day and were forced to sleep in their cars overnight. The restaurant and grocery store were extremely busy.

On Sunday, motels like Fernwood were busy trying to manage the chaos, and when they got news that Caltrans was going to lead traffic across the bridge, there was a mass exodus.

Its pretty quiet today, said Ballantyne, who has been busy canceling reservations for this week, which because of spring break was especially busy.

Ive been living here for 30 years, she said, and every natural disaster is a new challenge. We make our decisions on the fly and try to find out the best way to survive the disaster.

Read more: Too much poop, trash and trampling of habitats shuts down Big Sur's only free camping site

Ballantyne is hoping the closure will be no more than two weeks.

Were optimistic about this one, she said. Theyre allowing caravans of locals and vendors with no weigh limit, which tells us that the northbound lane is stable. Were hoping theyre going to get stoplights up and one-way traffic open very soon.

Caltrans District 5 posted on social media that the southbound lane between Palo Colorado Road and Rocky Creek Bridge has been indefinitely closed to the public and only essential workers and residents are being allowed through.

California State Parks also announced that some parks would be closed to camping and day use for the coming week. Brent Marshall, the Monterey district superintendent of California State Parks, said officials would reassess day use and reservations after the expected rainy weather this weekend.

"People really love Big Sur and people travel from all over the world," Marshall said. Even with the limited highway access, he is hopeful that they might be able to reopen sooner than later. "We want to make it as available as possible as long as it's safe."

This weekend, officials are planning to install a 500-foot concrete barrier down the center line of the road to make an isolated channel for motorists, according to Kevin Drabinski, spokesperson for Caltrans District 5. "It's too early to have an estimate for a timeline [of repairs]," Drabinski said. "The first steps that we're taking will be to stabilize the edge of the roadway in order to facilitate this work."

But the isolation of Big Sur ended at noon Sunday when Caltrans opened the highway and the northbound lanes.

Sunday let off all the pressure, Drabinski said. Anyone caught unexpectedly on the wrong side of the slide was able to get where they needed to go.

Engineers assessing the slide have determined that at this point the movement of the earth under the road is static, said Drabinski, which means that the convoys  for locals and essential services  will continue.

But that will change, he added, if there is a forecast of rain.



Eventually one-way traffic, coordinated by traffic lights to the north and the south, will allow normal vehicle traffic to proceed on the northbound lanes and an adequate shoulder, Drabinski said.

The picturesque yet precarious roadway faced other challenges last month when heavy rains set off a huge landslide about four miles north of Lucia and the New Camaldoli Hermitage. Just over a month later, Caltrans has finalized a repair plan that still needs to undergo an approval process, which will take an additional 30 days.

In the meantime locals are left to manage with the disarray that has come with the latest road failure.

"This puts Big Sur tourism on standstill," said David Eaks, the front desk supervisor at the Big Sur Lodge. The day of the road closures, Eaks said, they were fully booked with more than 150 people staying in their rooms and taking shelter in their common areas. But now that only locals are allowed through, peak season for camping has come to an abrupt halt.

Deliveries, trash service and mail are still coming through at the moment. But Eaks isn't so eager to test the weakened roadway. "I'm not risking it," he said. "I'd rather be stranded on this side, where I live."

Drabinski said it's not easy managing a road that was first built in the 1930s. "It's a geologically active range of mountains, things are always moving around there," he said. It doesn't help, he said, that the "rain will make the ground heavier and lubricated" on steep slopes.

Though Adams was pleased overall with officials jumping into action, he thinks there needs to be a more long-term solution.

"There needs to be another access point," said Adams, who visits Big Sur at least once a week to take photos of the pristine wilderness. "You can't have thousands of people go into one high-risk area without a way out if something happens, because these landslides keep happening all the time."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Media Ministry Supports Yemen's Isolated Christians, Eyes Houthi Rebels

Militants attacking ships along vital trade routes need the Gospel, too says Middle East broadcaster SAT-7 USA

Faith-based media organization SAT-7 USA ( www.sat7usa.org ) is supporting isolated Christians in war-torn Yemen. As the nations Houthi rebels continue to attack vital shipping lanes, they need the Gospel, too, the broadcaster says.

NEWS PROVIDED BY

SAT-7 USA

April 1, 2024

BOONE, Iowa, April 1, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- A U.S. faith-based media organization is supporting isolated Christians in Yemen, as the nations Houthi rebels continue to launch attacks in one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes.

On March 6, three people were killed when a Houthi missile struck a merchant ship in the Gulf of Aden, a vital passageway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Broadcaster SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) is one of very few Christian broadcasters active in Yemen, a nation in turmoil after nearly a decade of civil war.

Houthis Need the Gospel

Our goal is to make Gods love visible to the entire region, and that includes the Houthis, said Rex Rogers, the organizations U.S.-based president. The Houthis need the Gospel, too.

From its Middle East studios, the networks satellite television and online streaming services broadcast Christian-based programs 24/7 in Arabic across the region and into Houthi-controlled territory.

SAT-7s mostly live programs are hosted by native-speaking Christian presenters and are free to watch.

One of our programs explores the surprising ancient Christian heritage of Yemen, dating back more than a thousand years with connections to the early church in Ethiopia, Rogers said. We aim to encourage and support isolated Yemeni believers and help them dialog with their non-Christian neighbors about faith.

Its estimated there are 40,000 Christians in Yemen, many living in fear of being discovered. Christians there suffer discrimination, beatings, rape, and even execution.

Persecution Worse Than Iran, Nigeria

Open Doors, a group that monitors hostility against Christians around the world, ranks Yemen fifth on its 2024 persecution watch list of nations, ahead of Iran, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

The ongoing civil war between the Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi-backed forces has plunged Yemen into a humanitarian crisis, with millions facing acute food shortages.

But SAT-7s Rogers says he sees hopeful signs as viewers in Yemen show interest in the radical Christian message of love and forgiveness  even for their enemies. The Gospel is the most powerful, transformative message in the world, and God promised his Word would accomplish its purpose.

Many viewers contact the broadcasters support team via social media apps to pray with them; others request Bibles.

Wherever there are people made in Gods image, even in desperate Yemen, there is the Spirit of God giving people hope, Rogers said.

Launched in 1996, SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org) -- with its international headquarters in Cyprus -- broadcasts Christian and educational satellite television and online programs in the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission is to make the gospel available to everyone, and support the church in its life, work and witness for Jesus Christ. SAT-7 broadcasts 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi (Persian), Dari, and Turkish, using multiple satellite channels and online services.

SOURCE SAT-7 USA

CONTACT: Palmer Holt, 704-662-2569, pholt@inchristcommunications.com
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts in the U.S., please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. If youre in India, please call 91-9820466726.

DEHLI, IndiaPranshu Yadav, 16, wanted to be a successful makeup artist and emulate their idol James Charles, an American social media influencer. The teenager from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh used to upload makeup tutorials on Instagram from their phone, and had amassed more than 16,000 followers.

But in Dec. 2023, that dream ended prematurely. Pranshu died by suicide after receiving a barrage of hateful comments and threats on an Instagram post in which Pranshu was wearing a sareean Indian traditional attire for women.

Even though months have passed since, Preeti Yadav, Pranshus mother, is still in shock and trying to piece together her life. The single mother who works as a sales professional told The Daily Beast that she had never imagined Pranshu would ever take such a drastic step, even though Pranshu had shared the daily abuse faced on social media with her.

I remember one day, Pranshu told me about the nasty comments [they] would get on social media, Preeti said. When I tried to find out more, Pranshu told me it doesnt affect them.

Pranshu Yadav, 16, wanted to be a successful makeup artist and emulate their idol James Charles, an American social media influencer. Courtesy of the Yadav family

While the police have opened an investigation into Pranshus death, Preeti isnt convinced there will be any justice done. The police questioned Pranshus friends and have also taken over Pranshus social media accounts. But thats all, she said. [Pranshus friends] havent said much to the police. They are also kids. They are scared.

In recent years, social media platforms have enabled both connectivity and chaos for Indias queer people. The consequences of online trolling have taken a sinister turn, as cyberbullying and hate speech proliferate, queer individuals are facing not only psychological torment but also real-life threats to their safety.

(Meta, Instagrams parent company, did not respond when reached for comment.)

Jeet, founder of queer advocacy group Yes We Exist, told The Daily Beast that there has been a steep rise in online bullying in India in recent times. Its not limited to just name calling; it includes death threats, posts promoting the extermination of all LGBTQ+ people, and dehumanizing language, Jeet explained.

Check out the comments on any viral Instagram reel by a queer person, most of the comments are abusive. Almost always the abusers on Instagram are teenage boys and young men, Jeet said. These are the future doctors, professors, law makers, tech leaders. Its scary to imagine the work environment for queer people knowing that many people in any workspace will have such men, who would cheer the death of queer people.

Pranshu died by suicide after receiving a barrage of hateful comments and threats on an Instagram post in which Pranshu was wearing a sareean Indian traditional attire for women. Courtesy of the Yadav family

A 2023 social media safety index by the American LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD found that all five major social media platformsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter continue to fail at enforcing the safeguarding of LGBTQ users from online hate speech. Even though there is no India specific surveys highlighting the extent of online harassment against LGBTQ+ users, interviews with queer activist and individuals highlights the trend

Daya Gayatri, a queer rights activist from south Indian state of Kerala, has filed a petition in the high court seeking a restraining order against derogatory remarks through social media accounts to harass queer people. She says online bullying has tragically led to suicides among her friends grappling with mental health challenges. She adds that while Pranshus death garnered attention forcing authorities to take action, many more such incidents go unnoticed.

In Pranshus case too, initial police reports and media reports did not mention anything about the online bullying. It was only after Yes, We Exist flagged the extreme bullying Pranshu experienced prior to their death that the police were then forced to register a case.

In the last five years, I personally know of more than 10 transgender and queer individuals in Kerala who fell victim to cyberbullying and subsequently took their own lives, Gayatri told The Daily Beast.

Last year, 26-year-old Praveen Nath, Keralas first trans man bodybuilder, ended his life after being subject to targeted online bullying. Praveen had married transwoman Rishana Aishu, who is a model and winner of the Miss Malabar beauty contest, on Valentines Day earlier in the year. Their union, initially celebrated, quickly became a lightning rod for controversy and condemnation.

Nath and Aishu found themselves thrust into the unforgiving spotlight of social media, where they endured a relentless barrage of hate comments, abusive calls, and online harassment. The vitriolic onslaught reached its crescendo with the couples public announcement of their separation.

WhatsApp groups were formed to harass both Praveen and Rishana, with threatening calls blaming their actions as societal shame for openly sharing details about their marriage, Gayatri said.

Gayatri has also been targeted. Eight months ago, I observed an influx of hate comments on our posts, including derogatory slurs aimed at transgender people, Gayatri said.

Recognizing the organized campaign against the queer community by these social media accounts and its impact, Gayatri began creating videos addressing gender sensitivity. But authorities have yet to take any action or implement preventive measures to curb hate comments targeting the LGBTQ+ community in India. The situation persists for others. Their aim is to eradicate every queer individual from the world, Gayatri said.

Daya Gayatri says online bullying has tragically led to suicides among her friends grappling with mental health challenges. Courtesy of Daya Gayatri

A Surge in Queer-phobia

Youth Enrichment Society Kerala, which goes by the acronym YES Kerala, is an online group that has been accused of spreading misinformation against queer people. The group has a substantial following on Instagram and also carries out what it calls awareness programs in colleges and schools.

We go to schools and colleges to talk to students about the cultural degradation that is happening in the name of LGBTQ, Fayaz Ahmad, secretary of YES Kerala, told The Daily Beast. He believes there is a disturbing trend taking place across the country, where certain queer organizations send representatives to colleges, encouraging students to consider gender reassignment surgery.

Once individuals are targeted, they are continuously pursued, coerced into attending certain gatherings where they are subjected to manipulation, ultimately leading to forced surgeries, Ahmad said, adding that they aim to prevent what they consider false information being spread by the queer community.

While he denies that his group has indulged in bullying queer users, the group refers to queerness as wokeism on its Instagram page. Certain social media posts of the group also refer to queer people as the rainbow mafia.

YES Kerala, isn't the only group out there spreading hate and misinformation against queer Indian people. There are other such groups like Toxic Mallu, Hytec Devam, Andre Human, and Toxic Patriarchy all of which have been accused of harassing queer people online.

How the InReach App Is Helping LGBTQ+ Families Flee Red States

Anagh, vice president of Dhisha, a non-profit group working to educate people about the LGBTQ+ community, asserts that all religious communities exhibit opposition to the queer community, characterized by a patriarchal stance. The surge in queer-phobia notably intensified following the increased visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community on social media, according to Anagh.

We have noticed that this queer-phobia is being disseminated through fake accounts, many of which, with substantial followings, target the queer community and accuse them of bringing shame to society, Anagh told The Daily Beast.

Anagh says social media companies need to bear a significant responsibility to ensure their platforms are safe and inclusive spaces for queer individuals. With the power to shape societal attitudes and behaviors, these companies must actively combat discrimination, harassment, and hate speech targeting LGBTQ+ communities, Anagh added.

Aarti Malhotra, an educator and mother who tragically lost her queer son to suicide in 2022, intimately understands the pain caused by online hate. Her 15-year-old son Arvey endured relentless harassment both at school and online, enduring a barrage of homophobic slurs until the trauma became unbearable.

In an effort to raise awareness about the challenges faced by queer individuals following Arveys death, she channels her grief into action by running the Arvey Aesthetics Foundation in honor of her son. The void left by Arveys absence is overwhelming, she said. Im determined to speak out about these issues to prevent others from enduring the same pain I did.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  A bill that would prevent local governments from enforcing plastic bans is heading to Kansas Governor Laura Kellys desk. The bill would, effectively, nullify Lawrences recently approved ban on plastic bags.

The Kansas Senate voted 24-16 to pass the bill on Wednesday, March 27 forwarding it to the Governor.

The City of Lawrence should be able to continue and other communities throughout the state be given the opportunity to regulate plastic and other containers designed for the consumption, transportation or protection of merchandise, food or beverages tailored to their solid waste programs and their needs, said Senator Marci Francisco, a Democrat from Lawrence.

The proposal would prevent cities and counties from regulating plastic and other containers designed for the consumption, transportation or protection of merchandise, food or beverages. A number of Democrats blasted the proposal, citing that it ignores Home Rule, a section of the state constitution enacted in the 1960s.

Eric Stafford, the Kansas Chambers vice president of Government Affairs, sent the following statement to Nexstars Kansas Capitol Bureau regarding Lawrences ban on plastic bags last month.

When one city or county in a state decides to ban something, or require something of businesses not required in other jurisdictions, it places burdens on employers and increases costs on consumers. The logic behind banning single-use plastic bags is so flawed. Supporters argue you can no longer use a single use plastic bag to carry your food wrapped in plastic. Instead you have to buy reusable plastic bags that contain three times as much plastic as a single use bag, all under the false impression you are doing something to protect the environment. STATEMENT FROM ERIC STAFFORD, KANSAS CHAMBERS VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

WATCH: Kobach condemns Biden student loan forgiveness plans

The Senate took it up for a vote this year, after the House voted 72-51 to pass the bill last year. If the Governor vetoes the proposal, the Senate will need 27 votes to override a veto, and the House will need 84.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Immigration issues on the Texas-Mexico border are hot during this election season with the Republican-dominated Tennessee General Assembly passing some bills dealing with what lawmakers perceive as solving the issues. The states two Republican U.S. senators haven't been as successful in Washington but are not giving up either.

First off, the funding bill passed by Congress earlier his month contains nearly $90 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes money to hire more Border Patrol agents, which Democrats and President Joe Biden say are needed.

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, a former U.S. ambassador to Japan and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, sought to amend the appropriations bill to bar the Biden administration from using taxpayer funds to fly people who have entered the country illegally  whom he calls illegal aliens  into the United States.

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty speaks during a press conference about his recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, at Chesapeake's restaurant in Knoxville Feb. 23.

Hagerty said in press releases that Senate Democrats (are) for siding with illegal aliens over American citizens by voting to count illegal aliens in the allocation of congressional seats and electoral votes to preserve their political power.

He appears often on conservative Fox News or Fox Business News to discuss his amendments to appropriations bills that the Democratic-controlled Senate wouldnt agree to. Some of his information comes from the Daily Mail, a British tabloid.

His proposed amendment targeted specifically a Biden program that allows 30,000 immigrants a month from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Columbia to come directly into airports in America without going through the border, so they are not counted as immigrants entering at the border.

The Biden administration, of course, won't say which airports, but I can only imagine it will be blue cities, Hagerty said.

His staff has determined a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit says Biden's border patrol program supported secretive flights that brought immigrants from foreign countries into at least 43 American airports from January through December 2023. The program was part of Biden's expansion of the CBP (Customs Border Protection) One app, which began at the start of last year.

Migrants were able to apply for asylum by using the app from their home countries. The Center for Immigration Studies says the transportation of these migrants directly to the U.S. is one of the lesser-known uses of the app.

Hagertys office also has been notified by some local officials in Middle Tennessee about receiving letters from the Department of Homeland Security on migrants resettling there. Hagerty said on X, formerly Twitter, that Americans deserve transparency about resettlement in their communities. The Biden administration has said announcements are not made in advance of the resettlements for security and safety reasons.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn stands on the U.S. border with Mexico during a visit to Eagle Pass on March 26.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, took another trip to the border last week as part of promoting two bills  the Container Act, which empowers border states to place temporary barriers on federal land to protect their communities, and the Clear Act, which reaffirms the authority of state and local governments to enforce federal laws by apprehending, detaining or transferring those entering the U.S. illegally to federal custody.

Blackburn went to Eagle Pass, Texas, where she met with Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven C. McCraw; National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd; and members of the Texas National Guard, a press release said.

After taking office, President Biden issued 94 executive actions in the first 100 days to open up the southern border, which resulted in over 9.2 million illegal border crossings, Blackburn said. She added that she saw how Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety have stepped up to secure our border which President Biden refuses to do. She said others told of humanitarian and national security impacts of the border crisis. The message is clear  instead of suing Texas to keep the border open, Biden needs to return to the successful policies of the Trump administration, she said.

She said she saw firsthand how Texas is using buoys, barbed wire, fencing and containers to secure the border, which she said has resulted in a decreased number of people entering the U.S. illegally. She said border officials have seen a surge in immigrants from China, which a CBS "60 Minutes" report described as the fastest-growing group crossing the border. She also reported she was told cartels and smugglers are using TikTok to recruit children.

The Senate has approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill that was developed by a bipartisan group of senators working with the Biden administration, but it has stalled in the House. Both Hagerty and Blackburn voted against the bill and said it wasnt tough enough. Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee again this year, also opposes the bill.

Blackburns office said nine other senators are sponsoring the proposed Container Act, as is U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C.

One bill that has passed the Tennessee legislation requires local law enforcement agencies to report to the federal government when they arrest a person who is in the U.S. without legal permission. Opponents said they worry it could lead to over-policing and discrimination against people of color.

 DEMOCRATS CHOOSING PRESIDENTIAL DELEGATES: With the Republicans choosing their delegates to the Republican National Convention in the March primary, now the Democrats are selecting theirs for the National Democratic Convention in August in Chicago.

Democrats are deciding on the delegates by county and congressional district conventions. The Knox County Democratic Partys convention was March 16, and 64turned out as selectors for choosing four delegates in the district convention on April 6, said Jack Vaughan, a campaign strategist and candidate to be a delegate.

He said Blount County will have 14 selectors and Loudon, six selectors, at the district convention. Other counties in the district will have smaller representation. Strong favorites for being selected as convention delegates are Knoxville City Councilwoman Debbie Helsley, lawyer Mark Siegel and Vaughan.

The convention will be held at the CWA Union Hall, 1415 Elm St. In addition to district delegates, eight party leader elected-official slots and 14 at-large slots will be selected by the state Democratic Executive Committee.

On the Republican side, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, former U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. and former Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison were top vote-getters in the 2nd Congressional District in the March 5 primary to attend the GOP national convention. They are pledged to former President Trump.

Elections Administrator Chris Davis helps fill out test ballots at the Downtown West early voting and training center on Jan. 31. The Knox County Election Commission was conducting a required voting machine test.

 WANT TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE? The Knox County Election Commission is offering Knox County Elections 101 to cut down on some of the noise out there, says Knox County Elections Administrator Chris Davis.

A seminar for potential candidates, citizens wanting to be poll workers, and voters will be held from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 20 at the Downtown West voting/training facility, 1645 Downtown West Blvd.

Davis said that with the county general elections and state primaries in August and the general election in November, more information is needed for candidates, workers and voters.

Elections and the preparation and details associated with conducting elections can be very confusing to the average voter. The purpose of the seminar is to cut through some of the noise out there and provide factual information that leads to more informed voters in Knox County. We are seeking community-minded people that will help share the message of voting and the ins and outs of elections to their friends and contacts in the community, Davis said in announcing the seminar.

The seminar is free, but attendees must preregister. The class will be limited to 40 individuals, with a preference given to those who are frequent voters. They must be registered to vote in Knox County. The deadline to apply is April 17. To register, visit knoxvotes.com.

Georgiana Vines is retired News Sentinel associate editor. She may be reached at gvpolitics@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Sens. Bill Hagerty, Marsha Blackburn focusing on immigration issues
For the fifth year in a row, Walmart is capturing more Charlotte-area shoppers grocery budget dollars despite heated competition from local grocers like Harris Teeter and Food Lion.

Its a lucrative market that saw record sales of $10.2 billion last year, a 7.4%increase from $9.5 billion in 2022, according to a new report by Chain Store Guide. The sales tracking firm gets its data directly from grocery stores.

Walmart also came out on top again with the most sales revenue of any grocer in the region, the report found. It grabbed 23% of the grocery market share last year, slightly down from 2022, but that still accounted for $2.3 billion in revenue.

They have everything all in stop and good prices, said Kelli Burke of Matthews, while shopping Wednesday at Walmart in The Arboretum shopping center. Its nice to not have to worry about if they have sales because the pricing always stays around the same.

Matthews-based grocer Harris Teeter, owned by The Kroger Co., was second for the fifth year with 16% of the market share in 2023, about the same as 2022. Salisbury-based Food Lion, owned by Ahold Delhaize, consistently ranked third. Food Lion took 14.9% of the market share last year, up from 13.8% in 2022.

The trio of chains continue to comprise more than half of all local grocery sales.

Walmart dominates the Charlotte market for two reasons: location and price, said Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert, who analyzes consumer behavior and market trends.

Walmarts buying power is just so much greater than any other chain that they can deliver better prices on consumer-packaged prices, Lempert said. Walmarts private label may not do as well as others, but for national brand prices, Walmart is going to be beat everybody else on prices.

And, Lempert said, since the pandemic with inflation, rising prices, and food and labor shortages, consumers have gone to Walmart (when they) have never gone to Walmart before to buy food.

While shopping at Walmart at The Arboretum in Charlotte on Wednesday, Kelli Burke of Matthews said she likes shopping there because of the pricing and convenience. That attitude is reflected in the company dominating the regions grocery market share for the fifth year in a row.

Trailing Walmart

After Walmart, Harris Teeter saw $1.6 billion in regional sales and Food Lion had $1.5 billion, according to the report.

Separately, Walmart Neighborhood Markets eight area stores gained $165.3 million in sales for 1.6% of the market share. The report counts those smaller store sales separately from the Walmart supercenters.

Walmart has 32 supercenter stores in the region, Harris Teeter has 60 stores and Food Lion has 103 regional stores.

In the report, the Charlotte region includes Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union counties as well as Chester, Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina.

Story continues

Walmart continues to be the top choice for shoppers, which is the No. 1 grocery store by market share, according to industry sales tracking firm Chain Store Guide. Shown is the Walmart at The Arboretum that reopened Wednesday, March 27, 2024, as a supercenter.

Other grocers in the Charlotte area

Rounding out the top 10 in market share after the top three were: Publix, 10.3%; Sams Club, 5.7%; Costco Wholesale, 4.3%; Super Target, 4.2%; Lidl, 2.8%; Dollar General, 2.3%. and Aldi 2.1%.

Target saw the biggest jump, up 2.1%, from 10th in 2022.

Dollar General also passed Aldi, which slid from No. 8 in 2022. Last year, Dollar General jumped into the top 10 for the first time since it tied with Aldi in 2018. Publix also saw increased revenue for the first time top $1 million.

After the top 10, heres how other stores ranked for capturing market share: Whole Foods Market, 1.6%; BJs Wholesale Club, 1.5%, Ingles,1.5%; Family Dollar, 1%; Trader Joes, 0.9%; Earth Fare, 0.8%; Dollar Tree, 0.8%; The Fresh Market, 0.6%; Lowes Foods, 0.5% and Compare Foods, 0.4%.

Another 96 stores made up 3.2% of the market share, down from 106 stores and 3% market share in 2022.

Walmart, which has dominated the Charlotte region by market share for five years, has been renovating some stores, including 3209 Pineville-Matthews Road. On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the store unveiled expanded groceries including fresh produce.

How Walmart is winning over shoppers

Walmart has dominated the Charlotte market share since 2019, knocking Harris Teeter from the No. 1 perch that year. Harris Teeter had held the top ranking from 2016 to 2018.

Walmart has been renovating stores with new layouts, checkout lane changes and new in-store digital features as part of the Arkansas-based retail giants $9 billion investment upgrading more than 1,400 store across the U.S.

Last week, the Walmart at 3209 Pineville-Matthews Road in The Arboretum reopened as a supercenter, adding fresh produce and meats, a bakery and more frozen and refrigerated food. Its one of the first 150 Walmart store developments or conversions in the country.

The store store previously had limited groceries, said Tyler Sigler, market manager for 10 stores in North Carolina from Charlotte to Pinehurst. We heard our customers loud and clear, Sigler said about the need for more groceries.

Although the 116,000-square-foot space remains the same after the remodel, new features include wider aisles and removal of drop ceilings for a roomier feel. The pharmacy has been expanded with more aisles, five drop-off and pickup bays and a private consultation room. The stores 22 registers have been reconfigured with over half self-checkout lanes now.

Each Walmart also has a front lobby wall mural showcasing the local community. The store has about 160 full- and part-time workers.

Balakrishna Tupakula, who was shopping with his wife Yamuna, during the stores reopening Wednesday, said he shops there because its budget-friendly. He said he can find anything from groceries to home goods, stationary and automotive products.

Before more groceries were added, Tupakula shopped at Patel Brothers and Costco. Now we can buy from here. I can find anything I want, he said. The quality is good.

Its convenience that brings Burke into Walmart, too. Along with groceries, she picked up medications and shorts for her son. Its nice to go into one place in the rain and not have to go to multiple stores, she said.

Balakrishna Tupakula of Charlotte talks about why he likes shopping at Walmart on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the 3209 Pineville-Matthews Road store.

Charlottes changing grocery store scene

Store expansions continue to shake-up where Charlotte supermarket customers shop.

There are 745 grocery stores in the Charlotte region, up from 722 in 2020, according to the report. This year, more grocery stores are expected to open, with several already planned in the Charlotte region.

 This past January, Winston-Salem based grocer Lowes Foods opened a store on the southwest corner of Providence Road and Prescott Glenn Parkway at The Shops at Prescot Village. Lowes Foods has three area locations in Mooresville, Harrisburg and Huntersville, and plans to open three more in Concord, Kannapolis and Indian Land, S.C. The Concord store is expected to open in the fall, followed by the other sites over the next two years.

 Last November, Phoenix-based specialty grocer Sprouts Farmers Market opened at 14124 Steele Creek Road in Steele Creek. Its the chains second store in the Charlotte area after opening at 15121 Ballancroft Parkway in Ballantyne six years ago.

 In February 2023, Publix opened a 48,387-square-foot store at North Creek Village in Huntersville. The Florida-based grocer, with 26 stores in the Charlotte market, is planning to open at least six more stores.

A 48,000-square-foot store at Harris Farms Shopping Center, on the northwest corner of Coddle Creek Highway and Kistler Farm Road, in Mooresville, is expected to open this year, Publix spokesman Jared Glover told the Observer Thursday.

A 55,000-square-foot store with a drive-thru and a proposed private drive at 11525 Carmel Commons should open early next year, Glover said.

Construction for The Arboretum store at Providence and Pineville-Matthews roads will start by the end of this year or early next year.

Publix stores also are planned at the 10 Tryon building on the corner of Tryon and Ninth streets in uptown; Clear Creek Crossings development on the corner of Albemarle and Rocky River Church roads; and The Colony on the corner of Sharon and Colony roads in SouthPark. No opening time frames have been set for any of those stores, Glover said.

 Also this year, The West Boulevard Coalition is planning to break for Charlottes first cooperative grocery store in an area thats been without a traditional supermarket for over 30 years. Three Sisters Market will be a full-service grocery store.

The grocery store expert is not surprised that Charlotte continues to experience steady growth in the number of stores it sees.

Charlotte is seeing an influx of younger people with higher income, who are more food involved, Lempert said, and they are willing to shop in two to four stores to find what theyre looking for.
Russia is planning to reduce diesel exports from its Black and Baltic Sea ports in April to the lowest level in five months due to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and the upcoming maintenance season, Bloomberg reported on April 1.

Fossil fuels are the primary drivers of the Russian economy and the main source of revenue for the Kremlin's war machine. Despite Western sanctions, Russia still provides oil and gas to other countries around the world, primarily India and China.

Over the last months, Ukraine has carried out increasingly regular attacks on Russian oil refineries with long-range drones.

An attack on March 17 targeted a dozen Russian oil refineries amounting to about 12% of Russia's oil-processing capacity, according to Bloomberg.

Industry data suggests diesel exports will fall to around 2.29 million metric tonnes in April, Bloomberg said, citing industry data.

"That equates to just over 569,000 barrels a day, down 21% compared with actual daily exports of about 724,000 barrels from the same ports in March," Bloomberg said.

These figures do not include "smaller volumes sent to export outlets by rail and outside of Transneft PJSC," Russia's state-controlled pipeline transport company.

In an interview with the Washington Post on March 29, President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that targeting Russian energy infrastructure is a legitimate military strategy.

The strikes serve as retaliation for Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and align with Ukraine's military objectives, Zelensky said.

The interview followed media reports that the U.S. had asked Ukraine to stop attacking the Russian oil industry.

Advisor to Ukraine's Presidential Office head Mykhailo Podolyak denied the reports, saying Kyiv did not receive such calls from Washington.

Read also: Ukrainian drones hit one Russian oil refinery after another

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

YES, YOUNG PEOPLE REALLY ARE MORE LIBERAL THAN OLD PEOPLE

A new report from the Public Policy Institute of California shows that younger Californians, defined as those between 18 and 34, skew more liberal than older residents.

All else being equal, the future of California may be somewhat more liberal and less polarized by party than the California of the present, the report said.

In the last 30 years, California has grown from a Republican-leaning state to one that is solidly Democratic. And its likely to stay that way in the coming years, if the PPICs findings are right.

Thats because younger Californians are more likely (58%) to identify as either Democrats or No Party Preference with Democratic leanings than are older Californians (52%), and are more likely to call themselves liberal, 42% to 30%.

They are less likely to identify as Republican: Just 22% of younger Californians do so, and just 23% call themselves conservative. Among those who do identify as Republican, they are much less likely to be polarized than older Californians.

Young Republicans were 17 percentage points more likely to approve of the job President Barack Obama did than were older Republicans, and were 15 percentage points less likely to approve of President Donald Trump. They are 8 percentage points more likely to approve of President Joe Biden.

ASSEMBLYMAN WANTS SCHOOL SAFETY ZONE FIXES

Via Lindsey Holden

A Bay Area assemblyman is pushing for improvements to school safety zones, including slower speed limits that are time frame-based.

Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, recently authored a bill that would lower speed limits to 20 mph near schools. It would also create time parameters around the lowered speed limits, rather than using the when children are present specification. The bill would require drivers to slow down from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with room for local flexibility.

A lot of folks dont realize that theyre in a school zone, Berman said during a Thursday press conference near Castlemont Elementary School in Campbell. They see the school zone sign. They see the when children are present, and then they take their eyes off the road and they start to scan the surrounding area. And by the time theyve slowed down, theyre already past the school and out of the school zone.

Berman said during the press conference he originally wanted to set the speed limit ceiling at 15 mph, but he increased it to 20 mph after conversations with the chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City. The assemblymans bill is scheduled for an April 15 hearing in that committee.

We started with 15, he said. After conversations with various stakeholders in the process weve increased it to 20 as the ceiling, as the highest you can go. But communities have the opportunity to lower it to 15 mph if they think thats whats best for their community, and theres a process they can go through to do that.

BILL AIMS TO HELP HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS RECOVER STOLEN PROPERTY

A Camille Pissaro painting hangs in a Spanish museum, but its provenance is murky. The painting once belonged to the Cassirers, a Jewish family living in Nazi Germany. After the Nazis looted the painting, it eventually ended up in a collection in Madrid, Spain, where it remains to this day after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the museum did not have to return it, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Now, California Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino, who co-chairs the Legislative Jewish Caucus, and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a former U.S. ambassador to Hungary, are teaming up to get legislation passed that would help families like the Cassirers recover their stolen property.

The bill, AB 2867, would hold that California law should take precedence over foreign laws when there is conflict in cases such as that of the Cassirers.

This bill will ensure that Holocaust survivors and other victims of persecution can secure justice through our legal system and recover property that rightfully belongs to them and their families, Gabriel said in a statement.

Kounalakis, a sponsor of the bill, served as ambassador to Hungary under Obama from 2010 to 2013.

My time spent in Budapest as US Ambassador, where nearly half a million Jews were mercilessly killed and their property stolen, was a lesson in Holocaust history, she said. The decades-long effort to return confiscated property to Jewish families is morally courageous.

David Cassirer, the only surviving member of his family, said that his father, Claude Cassirer, would have been terribly disappointed in the Ninth Circuit ruling, but that he would be so happy and grateful that the Legislature is taking steps to make sure looted art gets returned to its rightful owners.

The bill is currently before the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which will hear the bill later this spring.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Living wages and worker safety should be a priority for corporate fast-food companies. The vast majority of fast-food locations in California operate under the most profitable brands in the world. Those corporations need to pay their fair share and provide their operators with the resources they need to pay their workers a living wage without cutting jobs or passing the cost to consumers.

- SEIU Executive Vice President Joseph Bryant in a statement. Monday marks the beginning of the $20 an hour minimum wage for many fast food workers in the state.

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In 2022, BMW revealed an SUV with color-changing paint as a concept, and it created a lot of buzz. The German automaker took its knowledge of electronic ink and ramped it up a notch last month with the i5 Flow Nostokana , an art car wrapped in multicolored, electronically controlled panels.

Distinguished South African artist Esther Mahlangu inspired the i5 Flow Nostokana with her Ndbele designs, typically found in South African provinces Limpopo and Mpumalanga. More than three decades ago, Mahlangu painted her art directly on an all-white 525i, and BMW engineer Stella Clarke never forgot how it looked. It inspired Clarke to put together color-changing panels with Mahlangus art for one unforgettable vehicle.

The BMW 2024 art car with e-ink next to its hand-painted muse from 1991. Image: BMW

Cars that change color

Electronic ink offers more than just the whiz-bang of rippling color changes on a car. Sure, the possibility exists for drivers to choose the color of the cars exterior. However, it can also be used to display information on the exterior of the car (think tire pressure or battery levels, for example) or even as a location aid. Imagine, for instance, you cant find your car in a crowded parking lot. With an app, you could signal the car to flash so you can find it, a better option than flashing the headlamps alone, especially if youre not within range.

BMWs Stella Clarke played a critical role in bringing e-ink technology to the automaker, leading the application of e-ink panels to an all-electric iX crossover . About a year ago, Clarke attached some e-ink panels to the outside of a car to showcase the technology internally, and BMW executives were seriously excited, she says. There were challenges to overcome, including making the inflexible e-ink-carrying polyethylene terephthalate (PET, as in plastic bottles) sheets wrap around complex curves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bueAimZ4Qek\u0026ab_channel=BMWGroup

The result was a special project called iX Flow, which was unveiled at the massive Consumer Electronics Show in 2022. Shimmering in white and black, the iX Flow showed how the exterior could change with the touch of a button. Its easy to imagine the iX Flow in a sci-fi action movie, evading the bad guys by flipping the color.

1,349 e-ink panels, all with color-changing capabilities

The colors were inspired by South African artist Esther Mahlangu. Image: BMW

Clarke studied mechatronics at the University of New South Wales, then went to Pennsylvania State University on a scholarship. She followed with a research doctorate (Telecontrol of Robots with Haptic Input Devices) at the Technical University of Munich. As reported by Australian Financial Review magazine , Clarke pulled apart her Kindle e-reader one day, and started to wonder if the same technologye-inkcould be used in a cars interior.

She received a grant from BMW to find out.

The first thing she noticed was that e-readers (like a Kindle ) are rectangular, as are the e-ink panels. Adhering and shaping 1,349 sections of film to the curved surface of a car was challenging, Clarke says, requiring origami and laser cutting for a form fit. They dont stretch, and theyre not malleable.

It took us a long time to figure out how to get them flexible and [fastened] on the car, she remembers.

Taiwan-based company E Ink, which provides the technology for its ePaper film, brings together the chemistry, physics, and electronics together using a process called electrophoresis. Each piece of electrophoretic film contains several million microcapsules that are the diameter of a human hair. Each capsule contains differently charged white, black, or colored particles that become visible when an electric field is applied. Its like color-changing paper, Clarke says.

Each panel needs an electrical signal from a controller, which sends out the voltages that will lead to a certain color. The nice thing about the film panels is that they are bistable, Clarke explains; they require only about 20 watts, and dont need additional energy to hold a color once the voltage is applied.

BMW in-house makers

Currently, all of the controllers that send the signals to the e-ink panels are built in-house by BMW, all custom work.

We are a group of makers, Clarke says. Its a dream. Its such a cool project.

A BMW engineer affixes an e-ink panel to the roof. Images: BMW

The engineer can see color-changing cars going mainstream; the benefit of bistability is enough to warrant it going further, she says. And the team has learned a lot since the first e-ink project, which Clarke describes as very much prototype-y. Previously, they spent their time creating with less planning. For this 2024 project, Clarke estimates they allocated three full-time engineers who planned and discussed how to make it for about four months, and then spent two months putting it all together.

It has been a revelation for Clarke, who is an engineer at heart and saw the intersection of engineering and art to create something unique and beautiful. Getting a major automaker to buy into a project that would eat up the time of its engineers could have been a tough sell, but Clarke saw the potential.

Getting innovation through is not always easy, and its often met with skepticism, Clarke emphasized. Dont give up on your ideas.
(NEXSTAR)  Some airline passengers say theyre apprehensive about traveling in Boeing jetliners following a series of flight problems in the past three months. But should you be worried about flying?

Travelers have voiced their safety concerns in news interviews and on social media platforms like TikTok, with several users posting videos using the caption, If its Boeing, Im not going.

The American plane maker has been under intense pressure since early January, when a panel blew off a brand-new Alaska Airlines 737 Max midflight over Oregon.

This spotlighted a torrent of manufacturing issues that have piled up for Boeing over the years  including two devastating crashes that also involved Max jets (one in Indonesia in 2018 and the other in Ethiopia the following year).

As Boeing turbulence persists: A look at past crashes and safety issues involving the plane maker

Fliers like Leila Amineddoleh, a lawyer residing in New Jersey, claim theyve gone as far as re-booking flights to avoid Boeing aircraft.

I just cant step on that plane, Amineddoleh told NBC News, citing quality control incidents. Even if the chance of getting hurt on a Boeing flight, even with all these incidents, is slim.

Popular TikToker @gracietravels expressed the same frustration in a video thats been viewed more than 1.4 million times on the app.

I realized that my plane next week was on a Boeing 737-9 Max. So, I immediately  and I mean immediately  canceled this and changed it to another flight because I will make sure I will never fly on another Boeing again, she said in the March 15 video.

Not everyone agreed with taking this approach, however. Many called it an over reaction and fear mongering, while others pointed out that air travel is still safer than flying.

People dont know that if you drive to the airport, you already survived the most dangerous part of air travel, one user wrote.

How safe is flying?

The National Safety Council estimates that Americans have a 1-in-93 chance of dying in a motor-vehicle crash, while deaths on airplanes are too rare to calculate the odds. Figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation tell a similar story.

This is the safest form of transportation ever created, whereas every day on the nations roads about a 737 full of people dies, Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst and consultant, told The Associated Press.

While its been 15 years since the last deadly crash involving a U.S. airliner, concerns persist. A panel of experts reported in November that a shortage of air traffic controllers, outdated plane-tracking technology and other issues presented a growing threat to safety in the sky.

As for Boeing, a recent audit by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed multiple instances of the company and its key supplier failing to ensure manufacturing met quality standards.

When asked for comment about the audit, a Boeing spokesperson referred to a statement in which CEO David Calhoun, who plans to retire later this year, said the company now has a clear picture of what needs to be done and is totally committed to meeting this challenge.

Boeing CEO to step down in management shake-up as manufacturing issues plague storied plane maker

The U.S. Justice Department has also launched a criminal investigation into whether the panel blowout on the Alaska Airlines plane violated terms of a 2021 settlement, which allowed Boeing to avoid prosecution for allegedly misleading regulators during the certification of the 737 Max.

Regulators had grounded some 737 Max jets for about three weeks following the blowout, but many of the affected planes are back in service.

Its worth noting that Boeing isnt to blame for every single flight issue thats made headlines. Investigations into some of the incidents suggest maintenance lapses, and many near misses are attributed to errors by pilots or air traffic controllers.

For instance, a United Boeing 737 landing in Oregon earlier this month was found to have a piece of aluminum skin missing. Unlike the Alaska Airlines jet involved in the panel blowout, the United aircraft was 26 years old. Maintenance falls under the responsibility of the airline.

Aviation experts say the most concerning incidents involve issues with flight controls, engines and structural integrity. Other things such as cracked windshields and planes clipping each other at the airport rarely pose a safety threat.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Boston Police searching for suspect in Roxbury shooting that left one injured

Boston Police are investigating an Easter Sunday shooting that left one person injured in Roxbury, officials said.

Officers responding to a reported shooting on 70 Dewitt Drive around 7 p.m. found a victim suffering from non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

The victim was transported to an area hospital.

The shooter fled the scene. No arrests have been made.

This is an ongoing investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Spring is well underway, and Ontario will soon see that the season can be quite rocky and wintry at times.

Multiple systems passing through the province will see an influx of hazards, from heavy rain and a thunderstorm risk for some, to blustery winds and wet snow. Any plans to remove winter tires this week should be rescheduled.

DON'T MISS: Canada faces a fickle April as winter wanes and summer teases

As well, any travelling that needs to be done should be modified to avoid the worst of the impacts on Wednesday and Thursday. Multiple commutes will be affected.

Forecasters are confident in widespread disruptions, travel issues, and the possibility for power outages from gusty winds. Ensure your devices are charged. However, confidence is lower in the exact track of the storm, and therefore, the total precipitation amounts.

Tuesday: Rain pushes into southern Ontario, picks up as the afternoon progresses

Well see a Colorado low pushing into the lower Great Lakes on Tuesday morning. Showers that arrive over southern Ontario in the morning will evolve into steady rain by Tuesday afternoon, becoming heavier through the overnight hours.

There are may also be some rumbles of thunder, but the chance will be higher on Wednesday.

image25

Wind gusts will also pick up through the day on Tuesday, reaching 60-80 km/h by the evening hours. This could result in scattered power outages.

ECLIPSE FORECAST: Here's an early look at how weather may affect eclipse viewing

Wednesday: Rain changes to snow, gusty winds remain

The greatest impacts from this messy setup will likely be felt on Wednesday as our first storm continues and our second low-pressure system ramps up.

The rain will become quite heavy Wednesday morning, from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and north towards cottage country. Thunderstorms are also possible across southern and eastern Ontario, including the GTA.

image9

Rain will move into eastern Ontario in the later morning or early-afternoon hours as snow falls in the Algonquin Highlands. Some higher elevations on the escarpment, north of the city, will start to transition to snow in the afternoon.

Between 30-60 mm is forecast for the hardest-hit areas, which could result in some localized flooding. Wind gusts will also remain high for the GTA, central, eastern, and northeastern Ontario through Wednesday. They will gradually subside for southwestern areas.

image18

For some areas, this will be a long-duration snowfall thatll unfold through much of Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperatures will fall as the storm pulls in colder air from the north, and well see the rain transition to wet snow across higher terrain, with a heavy band of accumulating, wet snow across northeastern and eastern Ontario.

Periods of wet snow will fill in across GTA and the south through the overnight hours, with all of the south transitioning to wet snow by Thursday morning. However, it will slowly ease through the day.

image20

Cottage country and eastern Ontario appear to be facing the heaviest snow threat with this system, but where exactly the axis of heaviest snow develops will determine which areas see the greatest accumulations.

Inland areas that see the heaviest and most persistent wet snow could possibly exceed 20 cm by Thursday, with locations in eastern Ontario the most likely target.

image1

A coastal low over New England will force a renewed burst of heavy snow to spread over eastern Ontario and southern Quebec into Thursday, with treacherous travel likely across the impacted region. There is the potential for parts of eastern Ontario to overachieve with snowfall amounts due to this developing secondary system.

Expect blustery and chilly conditions for a couple days as the system slowly departs the region, then a warming trend into the weekend with temperatures climbing well above seasonal. Forecasters will continue to monitor conditions ahead of the total solar eclipse thatll traverse the region on Monday, April 8.

Check back frequently for the latest on this evolving forecast over Ontario.

WATCH: Early signs point to hope for eclipse watchers in Canada

Click here to view the video
Business owners in Eagle Rock are calling for even more police patrols after three small businesses were burglarized over the Easter weekend.

The three businesses targeted are all restaurants  Chateau Lemongrass, Pub 1954 and Cheebo  and are all located in the 1900 block of Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock.

Motorist killed fixing vehicle on Southern California freeway

A server at Chateau Lemongrass told KTLA that this is not the first time the restaurant was hit by thieves and that the restaurant had been burglarized within the last month and a half.

He said the thief or thieves were able to take the stores cash register and safe last month. Although the restaurant has since bolted them down, they were still able to get away with cash this time around.

Break-ins continue to plague L.A. neighborhood despite additional police funding

Its already hard enough to survive as a restaurant on your own, Chateau Lemongrass employee Nathaniel Kraft said. Having people break in overnight when youre not here and stealing your money doesnt help at all.

This weekends round of burglaries comes after Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de Leon designated $100,000 in discretionary funds to cover LAPD overtime costs for foot patrols, particularly along Colorado and Eagle Rock boulevards.

New California $20 minimum wage for fast food workers begins

[The funding] is about preserving the spirit of entrepreneurship and the fabric of our community, Councilman de Leon said at a press conference in January.

No description of a suspect or suspects in the holiday weekend burglaries has been released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Bremerton police were called to the 800 block of 6th Street just after 9 a.m. Sunday for a stabbing.

On scene was a 36-year-old Bremerton man with severe injuries. Medics were unable to save him, and he died at the scene.

The suspect, another 36-year-old Bremerton man, was found nearby and taken into custody. The suspect was checked out at a local hospital before being booked in the Kitsap County Jail for second degree murder.

Police say the men knew each other.

Police believe there was a verbal fight earlier in the morning. The suspects then met up a second time and that is when the fatal stabbing happened.
To call it a farce does not even come close. The Brexit saga has tipped into the realms of national tragedy. For some reason, it is taboo for Leavers such as myself to admit that the project has been a calamity. When it comes to The B Word, British politics has become gripped by a kind of violence of silence  with politicians and voters alike reluctant to confront the fallout from the countrys mangled, halfway situation. But after a trip to the Devon fishing town of Brixham, I am more compelled than ever to be blunt.

On the one hand, Brixham represents our country at its best. It exudes an understated dynamism and a keen sense of national identity. In the morning, trawlermen watch their catch being auctioned at Brixhams world-leading, state-of-the-art fish market. In the evening they pour into the Sprat and Mackerel where the landlord has been known to pour pints in his slippers and Wi-Fi is banned. (We Talk to Each Other read the signs.) In the restaurants visitors feast on the hake, gurnard and cuttlefish prolific in Channel waters (as opposed to mass-imported cod that has, in some twist of insanity, become our national dish).

Sadly, Brixham also captures everything that is wrong with this country. Tory Brexiteers promised that leaving the EU would allow Britain to take back control of its waters, and enable our fishermen to feast on a sea of opportunity. Instead, the fishermen of Brixham told me that they are at the mercy on a daily basis to whatever side of the bed French customs get up on and are drowning in red tape. They are in despair, as Defra  with a zeal reminiscent of Brussels bureaucrats  slaps questionable quotas on fish, from cuttlefish to pollack. As one skipper, Tom, who voted Leave, told me: To be honest it aint much better, because weve still got the same people in government who were there before, who have still got the EU ideology.

It is not just the fishing industry that is reeling from the botched Brexit. In recent weeks, Britains trade talks with Canada have gone over the cliff, and the wine industry has warned that the new Brexit alcohol duty regime is unworkable. Tory efforts to introduce border checks for goods of animal and plant origin are becoming a fiasco.

As Brexit trade chaos worsens, the deregulatory dreams of Tory Leavers fade. In January 2023, we were once again promised a bonfire of red tape. Within a few months, the pledge to scrap 4,000 EU laws had been completely watered down.

The question is why Brexit has spectacularly failed. Of course, the conventional Remainer wisdom is that it was doomed from the start. But this neglects the elephant in the room: as it turns out, Britain is terrified of freedom.

Much of this fear is harboured by the elites. Whitehall is terrified of allowing our fishing industry to thrive, lest trawlers decimate the ecosystem. Defra officials  working within a bureaucracy that incentivises error avoidance over public service  are afraid to use their common sense on fishing quotas.

Britain is equally terrified of free trade, lest it plunges us into a libertarian dystopia awash with cancerous meat and alcoholism. Canadian negotiators have walked away because the UK Government, beholden to this countrys protectionist farming lobby, refuses to allow Canadian farmers to sell hormone-treated beef here. Some 10kg of steroid-implanted cow has about as much extra oestrogen as a boiled egg. It is the chlorinated chicken hysteria all over again. The new Brexit alcohol duty regime that links rates to specific alcohol strength outdoes Brussels in its convoluted paternalism.

Most striking of all is that we are petrified of seizing on the biggest opportunity presented by Brexit and becoming an AI superpower. Parliament is growing sceptical that Britain can pursue a lighter regulatory approach to AI without degenerating into an America-style Wild Wild West. Hollywood fears that AI will exterminate humanity are starting to intermingle toxically with our Christian-socialist suspicion of tax dodging big tech egos. When it comes to leading the world on AI healthcare, privacy concerns are turning policymakers and voters queasy about leveraging our trump card  which is the NHSs possession of the worlds single biggest and most detailed collection of health records

At some point we need to be honest with ourselves. If, as a nation, we are unwilling to maximally benefit from Brexit by leveraging our freedom, then we should decisively minimise our losses and re-enter the security of the EU fold. If were not going to improve on the EU fishing quota system, then we might as well go back in, so that fishermen can at least smoothly export their fish across the Continent. If we dont actually want to strike free trade deals, then we should rejoin the EU protectionist racket, and let Brussels use its market heft to prop up our unproductive sectors. If we are unwilling to become a world leader in AI innovation, then we should throw our lot in with the EU as it aims to become the global leader in AI regulation.

If the ruling class is out of its depth using tax breaks and moonshot projects to seduce multinationals into building the super processors needed to train large AI models on UK soil, then we had better fall in with the EUs vaguely forming plan to build one giant pooled data bank, for machine learning firms to feast on.

Similarly, if we are not going to fight for freedom on the global stage by forging a new model for liberty in the 21st century, then we should at least do our bit for Western security by reclaiming our disproportionate sway over EU foreign policy  not least given its shifting stance towards Russia.

What we categorically should not do is go on pretending that the country can afford to live with a halfway Brexit. The soft-Remainer view that Keir Starmer might be able to negotiate a superior, closer deal with the EU, while remaining outside the single market, is deluded. Having outwitted British negotiators into signing an agreement almost entirely on Brussels terms, the EU has little incentive to reopen talks.

Equally, the view that the symbolic or theoretical regaining of British liberty makes it all worthwhile is based on a flawed idea of freedom. True liberty is not simply a principle of non interference, or freedom from. It is also the freedom to  the liberty to act, to build, to progress. Without the latter dimension, Brexit freedom is meaningless. And in this high stakes era, as we teeter on the brink of both an AI revolution and a geopolitical dark age, it is dangerous.

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Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight on Friday had a truly crappy experience thanks to a broken toilet.

United Airlines Flight 59 had just taken off from Frankfurt, Germany, and was headed for San Francisco when the contents of at least one of the planes toilets overflowed, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Those onboard were forced to endure the terrible odor of feces as the toilets waste entered the cabin.

Although pilots conferred with ground engineers for options to deal with the situation, they eventually decided to return the Boeing 777 aircraft to Frankfurt, presumably before the passengers raised an even bigger stink.

Travelers were given hotel rooms for the night before being booked on other, hopefully less smelly flights.

The toilet mishap comes when both United Airlines and Boeing are dealing with safety issues.

This year, United has had several potentially dangerous incidents, including having to make an early landing after a planes wing started coming apart midflight, another plane losing a tire during takeoff, and a nose wheel detaching during takeoff.

Meanwhile, Boeing has had its own problems, such as in January when a door panel blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 plane just after takeoff.

Related...
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A nonprofit is offering a paid apprenticeship program on the new Jobs NYC website to prepare asylum seekers in New York City to work in restaurants.

The two-part program offered by the nonprofit Emmas Torch in Brooklyn takes 11 weeks and includes up to 400 hours of culinary training, according to the programs website.

Part one is an introduction to a professional American kitchen. Participants learn basic knife skills and communication skills, as well as a high standard of sanitation and kitchen safety. Those in the program also prepare food for the Emmas Torch restaurant and cafe.

More Brooklyn News

In part two of the program, trainees learn skills set in one of the nonprofit cafes and work every station.

Graduates can also use the nonprofits network of employers to find a job.

The program also offers:

Weekly English classes focused on culinary vocabulary and interview preparation

Job readiness workshops, mock interviews, and mock trials with leading restaurants

Regular evaluations to track progress and prepare for a long-term career

Students are paid a full-time minimum wage and are offered professional knives and uniforms for free, according to Emmas Torch.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

Refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, or survivors of human trafficking who have arrived in the United States within the past five years

Ready to have full-time availability for the duration of the program

Over 18 years old on their first day of the program

Able to work in the United States

Making less than $10,000 annually and/or facing significant barriers to employment in the U.S.

Willing and able to stand for 8 hours and lift boxes up to 50 lbs

Able to communicate and follow instructions in English

Passionate about food

To learn more about the program and apply, click here.

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Bryce Harper returns to Phillies' lineup against the Reds after day off

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper falls into the dugout as he gives chase for a foul ball during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Phillies slugger Bryce Harper was back in the lineup, batting third and playing first base, for Monday nights game against the Cincinnati Reds after being off in Sundays 5-4 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Harpers absence on Sunday was a scheduled one and not because of any possible effects of his tumble into a photographers well in Saturdays 12-4 loss to Atlanta.

Manager Rob Thomson said before Mondays contest that Harper was good health-wise. In addition to the spill on Saturday, Harper was sidelined for more than a week during the latter part of spring training with lower back soreness.

Thomson said he didnt consider resting Harper for another day with cool, rainy weather in the forecast on Monday. But Thomson made no promises for Tuesday, when the weather is expected to be even wetter and colder.

I want to get him back out there tonight, and then well see about tomorrow, Thomson said. The weather is not supposed to be good tomorrow.

A two-time NL MVP, Harper is in his first full season playing first base after reconstructive elbow surgery forced him to move from right field.

The 31-year-old Harper was hitless in six at-bats this season and has walked twice with three strikeouts.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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Winter is like an annoying houseguest this time of year. It makes a mess, overstays its welcome, and cant seem to take a hint that were ready for some rest.

Theres no leaving winter behind for Atlantic Canada this week, unfortunately, as a coastal storm expected to develop by the middle of the week threatens another widespread dose of wintry weather as we head into the beginning of April.

Disruptions are likely across the Maritimes beginning Wednesday night and lasting into Thursday morning as wintry weather spreads over the region.

Its not going to be a long-lived dose of snow, thankfully, but snowfall totals of 10+ cm are possible in spots before precipitation transitions over to rain. Travel issues are likely for a time.

DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know for April's spectacular and rare solar eclipse

Atlantic Canada colorado low outlook

The skies over the eastern half of Canada are a complicated mess this week as several disturbances interact with one another.

Were on the lookout for a potent coastal low expected to develop over New England during the day Wednesday. A steady supply of tropical moisture streaming in from the south will allow this robust system to churn out lots of precipitation along its path.

Atlantic Canada precip Thu AM

Precipitation will begin pushing into the southern Maritimes late Wednesday evening as the low-pressure system slowly tracks north.

Cold air locked in place over the region will allow precipitation to begin as snow Wednesday night. Snow will gradually spread north through the overnight hours into Thursday morning.

Atlantic Canada snow outlook

Warm and gusty winds on the southern side of our coastal storm will allow temperatures to quickly rise above freezing, forcing snow to switch to rain from south to north through the day Thursday. This will limit accumulations and the duration of travel impacts.

Given that were still about four days away from the storms peak, its still too early for precise snowfall totals. Its likely that some areas could see 10+ cm of snow out of this system before the changeover to rain, especially across northern portions of the Maritimes.

Expect travel issues and a slow Thursday morning commute in areas with snow-slicked roads.

Conditions will remain chilly behind this system as we head into the first weekend of April, with much warmer temperatures likely by the second weekend of the month.

Forecasters will continue to monitor conditions ahead of the total solar eclipse thatll traverse the region on Monday, April 8.

Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Atlantic Canada.

WATCH: Early signs point to hope for eclipse watchers in Canada

Click here to view the video
A trailer fire in Middle Tennessee proved to be something much more disturbing, when deputies discovered someone had intentionally set fire to a load of Bibles on Easter morning, investigators say.

It happened around 6 a.m. Sunday, March 31, at the intersection of Old Lebanon Dirt Road and Chandler Road in Mt. Juliet, about a 20-mile drive northeast of Nashville.

The motive remains a mystery.

The trailer, containing bibles, had been dropped off in the middle of the intersection and then intentionally set on fire, the Wilson County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

To uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation, other specific details cannot be provided at this time.

Investigators have not linked the fire to anything or anyone located in the area.

However, Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church wrote in a Facebook post that cameras recorded a man dropping off a trailer to block the road to his church. The post has gotten over 15,000 reactions and comments as of early April 1.

He then got out and set fire to an entire trailer full of Bibles right in front of our church, Locke wrote.

There was a lady that had driven through the night to get to our church and she was in the parking lot and was able to get the police officers here quickly, but it was quite the scene to wake up to.

Easter services at the church were scheduled to begin just under five hours after the fire was discovered.

Teen wanted for murder found when he goes to church with gun in waistband, AL cops say

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Aydin Karimov has been appointed special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, the President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on this occasion, Trend reports.

"Guided by paragraph 32 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I hereby decree:

1. To appoint Aydin Karimov as Special Representative of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic in Shusha district.

2. To cancel the Decree of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic "On appointment of Special Representative of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic in Shusha district" dated January 27, 2021, number 2460 (Collection of Legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic, 2021, number 1, Article 76 (Volume I).

3. This Decree enters into force from the day of its signing," the decree reads.
Monday marks the first day of Spring Break for tens of thousands of students across the metro, and Six Flags Over Georgia is preparing for larger crowds.

Channel 2s Courtney Francisco spoke with park visitors and a business owner on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.

It means a lot of children coming, said Roy McCoughtry.

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McCoughtry just moved his ice cream and snow cone shop to the Epicenter outside of the park. This will be his first Spring Break season at that location.

Here, its excellent right by Six Flags, a wonderful opportunity for great business, said McCoughtry.

Six Flags is extending park hours this week from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitors should expect longer lines.

I think theyll be booming, said Robert Mayer.

Mayor was visiting with family Sunday and noticed police patrolling inside and outside the gates. So did another visitor, Jalesa Taylor.

Theres like cops at every corner. Theyre walking through the park, and everything is pretty safe, said Taylor.

TRENDING STORIES:

Earlier this month, Six Flags announced plans to enhance security after opening weekend included gunfire. Police said they had to push hundreds of teens out of the park for fighting inside.

In a parking lot near the park, investigators said a 15-year-old shot at police, and a Cobb County Police Officer shot back at him. The teen was hospitalized and no one else was hurt.

Park staff said it would add to its safety team by paying officers from multiple agencies to patrol the park this season.

While the disruption that took place on a road near Six Flags Over Georgia earlier this month was an isolated incident for us, this is an opportunity to remind everyone that we have a strict code of conduct and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior on Six Flags property. On that weekend, in addition to our own robust Public Safety department, Six Flags paid law enforcement details from multiple agencies were on property. Guests can expect to see that throughout the season as we continually review and enhance our security protocols, making adjustments where indicated, a Six Flags spokesperson wrote in a statement to Channel 2 Action News.

McCoughtry said neighboring businesses told him to expect a big turnout, so hes fully staffed.

Theyve said you better be ready because theyre coming like crazy, said McCaughtry. So, Im like okay! Lets do it!

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A prominent Fort Mill outdoors store, a Rock Hill hotel and plenty of large homes top the latest high-dollar sales list from across the region.

York, Lancaster and Chester county land records on Friday show almost two dozen March sales at $1 million or more. Most of those sales are homes, including a growing number in Rock Hill, compared to recent months.

Heres a look at the big sales listed:

 The Cabelas hunting, fishing and outdoors store in Fort Mill sold March 5 for $23.6 million. The more than 14-acre site parallel to and just off of Interstate 77 near Carowinds has almost 100,000 square feet of commercial space at 1000 Cabelas Dr.

A company affiliated with Fortress Investment Group out of Los Angeles bought the property. Attempts to reach Fortress for comment were unsuccessful.

The outdoors store built between Carowinds and the interstate in 2015 has restaurants and recent plans for hotels just around it. Cabelas redeveloped a former outlet mall and Plaza Fiesta market at the site just south of the state line and Charlotte.

The Cabelas store in Fort Mill, near Carowinds, recently sold for almost $24 million.

 A Rock Hill hotel sold on March 5 for $6.5 million. The five-story Holiday Inn at 503 Galleria Blvd., built in 2009, was sold to a company out of High Point, North Carolina. The hotel is just off Interstate 77 and Dave Lyle Boulevard, near the Galleria Mall.

 Charlotte company JDSI sold 116 acres of Chester County property off Lancaster Highway on March 7 for $4.6 million. A company called HC Stanton is the new owner. JDSI had owned several parcels at about 350 combined acres at Lancaster Highway and Wylies Mill Road.

 Knox Station Land Holdings bought two Chester County parcels on March 4 for almost $3 million. They combine for 180 acres along Lancaster Highway, just across from Knox Station Road and south of the county-owned Rodman Ballfield. The properties are listed for agricultural use.

 Seven vacant properties on Court House Avenue in York sold March 8 for $2.7 million. Homebuilder DR Horton bought the home lots as part of the new Fergus Crossing subdivision first phase. Online sales info from the builder shows homes in the $300,000 range and townhomes starting in the $270,000 range in the development off Alexander Love Highway.

 About 3 acres of commercial property at a busy Fort Mill intersection sold March 7 for $1.3 million. BB Land Trust at neighboring 2950 Old Nation Road bought 2948 and 2944 Old Nation Road. Combined, those properties at the intersection of Old Nation and U.S. 21 Bypass have had a variety of uses, from outdoor storage building to trailer to lawnmower sales.

Story continues

The intersection is a common way to get from downtown Fort Mill to the Carowinds area, or to Charlotte via Interstate 77. The sales includes a 2,500-square-foot office building and an almost 4,000-square-foot warehouse, both built in 1983.

 Property at 2250 Cherry Road in Rock Hill sold March 22 for $1.2 million. Express Oil Change bought the vacant site, at less than an acre, in front of a welding school and off the same driveway as a Publix grocery store.

 Charlotte-based Aric Lake Wylie bought three commercial properties along the Five Points intersection in Lake Wylie on March 1 for nearly $1.1 million. The 5979 Charlotte Hwy. address includes a 1,100-square-foot former home. The 5360 Hwy. 55 East parcel has a 1,000-square-foot office that, like the home, was built in the early 1980s. The third property is vacant.

 Homebuilder LGI Homes bought 18 Chester County lots for a new subdivision on March 6 for nearly $1.1 million. The Doran Ter properties are part of the Knights Bridge subdivision in Richburg. The builder is selling ranch and two-story homes there from the upper $200,000s.

 The three counties had 11 homes sell for $1 million or more. Three of them were in Rock Hill and two were in Clover. Rock Hill even had the highest sale at almost $1.7 million. High-end sales in recent months have largely been in Fort Mill, Indian Land or Lake Wylie.

Use the graphic below for more information on each of the $1 million or more sales. Blue icons are March sales. Black ones are prior sales in 2024.

This embedded content is not available in your region.
This map shows the stretch of Highway 16 that will get cable barriers installed in the road median, beginning April 1. The project is part of a statewide safety initiative that helps prevent vehicles from crossing through medians and crashing head-on with opposing traffic.

Highway 16 will get another round of cable barrier installations, part of a state safety initiative in an area where fatal head-on collisions occurred in the past decade in Waukesha County.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced the start of the $2.1 million improvement project, scheduled to begin Monday, April 1, and last until sometime this summer, that will complete an effort started in 2018 on portions of the state highway from Oconomowoc Lake to its junction with Interstate 94 in Pewaukee.

The work is not expected to result in any road closures or detours.

Where is the Highway 16 work taking place in Waukesha County?

Construction crews, under prime contractor Highway Landscapers Inc., will install new median cable barriers from just east of County Road C, about a mile west of Highway 83, in the village of Nashotah to Capitol Drive in the village of Pewaukee. That stretch of Highway 16 passes through Delafield and Hartland, as well.

How will the cable barrier project affect Highway 16 traffic?

State transportation officials said the work will result in shoulder closings throughout the project and single-lane closures during off-peak traffic hours. The work will also include new pavement markings and the removal of two maintenance crossovers to improve safety.

Because the road will remain open at all times, no detours will be needed, they said.

What is this safety-oriented project all about?

The state's summary of the current project didn't go into detail about the reason for the 2024 work, but state officials previously did during a similar project in 2018.

Essentially, the state decided to install more cable barriers  long stretches of thick cable attached to posts  in medians to prevent vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic when drivers lose control and cross over, sometimes resulting in head-on collisions.

Such work has been done statewide in areas where cable barriers are needed to prevent fatal head-on crashes.

Where and when did head-on collisions occur on Highway 16?

Two instances happened on Highway 16 in Waukesha County in recent years, making the road's safety a point of local concerns, with municipal officials in the county requesting state action. Officials acknowledged that cable barriers could have made a difference in both cases.

On Sept. 8, 2013, along the highway's route through Nashotah, an eastbound automobile driven by Glenda Skalecki, 51, of West Bend lost control and crossed the median. It resulted in a head-on with a vehicle driven by Nicholas Rindt of New Berlin. Skalecki and her passenger, Karen Gully, were pronounced dead at the scene. One of Rindt's two children, his 7-year-old daughter Amie, suffered serious permanent brain and spine injuries.

On Nov. 8, 2015, Kent Girmscheid, 24, of Pewaukee, was eastbound on Highway 16 near Nashotah when he lost control and crossed the median, colliding with a westbound minivan driven by Jon Elertson of Watertown. Girmscheid and Joann Elertson, 68, the minivan driver's wife who was a passenger, died in the crash. (Girmscheid's vehicle was also struck by another westbound vehicle as the accident unfolded, contributing to the injuries.)

Where and when were cable barriers previously installed?

In addition to the 2024 project, the state conducted two other projects in recent years involving safety barriers in the Lake Country area of Waukesha County.

On Highway 16, cable barriers were installed in two separate segments in 2018: from southbound Highway P near Oconomowoc Lake to 5,000 feet east of Highway C in Nashotah; and from Wisconsin Avenue in the village of Pewaukee to I-94 along the border of the cities of Pewaukee and Waukesha.

In 2019, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation also installed cable barriers along the median of Interstate 94 between highways 67 and SS in Waukesha County as part of the same safety initiative. That action was not directly related to the Highway 16 fatal crashes, however.

Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Median cable barrier project begins on Highway 16 in Lake Country
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Childrens Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas hosted a pinwheel ceremony at its office to ring in Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The ceremony, which lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., saw Concho Valley residents of all ages don blue clothing to stand up for children who have suffered abuse and neglect in their region. During the event, attendees placed pinwheels on the campus lawn in a display of unity and support.









Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed by the United States throughout April, with communities from all across the nation taking part to support and strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Awareness and education are paramount to preventing child abuse, The CAC said. The mission of the Childrens Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas is to ensure each child in our community has a safe and nurturing home.

Regional and local authorities for childrens advocacy often take part in the event by hosting several events throughout the month, and the Childrens Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas is no exception. Below is a list of activities, trainings and more that it plans to hold this April:

Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse Training April 3, 11:30 a.m.  1 p.m., Childrens Advocacy Center Child abuse prevention is everyones responsibility, so CAC wants to ensure you are equipped with the necessary tools to help a child in need. In this free training, you will learn how to recognize child abuse and learn the process of reporting it. To sign up, contact Michael Cuellar a mcuellar@cacgreaterwtx.org.

Child Sex Trafficking: Awareness & Prevention Training April 18, 11:30 a.m.  1 p.m., Childrens Advocacy Center In this free training, you will learn the current concerns presented in the State of Texas due to Human Trafficking/Child Sex Trafficking numbers and how educators and child welfare agencies can know what to look for, what to expect and what to report in the instance of discovering trafficking in a childs life. To sign up, contact Michael Cuellar a mcuellar@cacgreaterwtx.org.

Blue Fridays Every Friday during April Blue is the national color for child abuse awareness, so this April show your support by wearing blue! Snap a picture and post it on social media using the hashtag #CACBLUEFRIDAYS to be entered to win a prize each Friday in April!

Blue Sunday April 28 A day of prayer for local congregations to spread awareness for the prevention of child abuse in our community.











If you suspect that a child is being abused, call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or call 911 if you believe the child is in immediate danger. For more information about the CAC, Child Abuse Prevention Month, or how to get involved, visit the CACs website, call (325) 653-HOPE (4673) or email info@cacgreaterwtx.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Crews will soon begin to repair a portion of Cahokia Heights main sewer, called a trunkline, which collects the wastewater from all the other pipes in the system.

The project is expected to take about a year to complete, beginning this spring and wrapping up by spring 2025. It is part of the work planned to fix broken municipal infrastructure that has caused sewage to spill onto streets and into homes for decades.

Local leaders, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, and officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state and federal environmental protection agencies attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the project Monday morning where they emphasized the local, state and federal partnerships they said made the project possible.

The project is mostly funded by a $3.5 million grant that Durbin, D-Illinois, secured in President Joe Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Durbin said Monday that he sought the funding because the Army Corps of Engineers recommended prioritizing the project.

The city of Cahokia Heights is also using part of a $9.9 million grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to satisfy a $1.6 million matching funds requirement for the project.

Its a rare alignment of the stars that we get the community, the county, the state and the federal agencies all on the same sheet of music at the same time while funding is available, and we dont want to miss these opportunities, Colonel Andy Pannier, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, said at the ceremony.

This is the start of what we hope will continue to grow in momentum to help solve the problems of these communities that youve faced for decades.

Colonel Andy Pannier of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers addresses the crowd during a groundbreaking ceremony in Cahokia Heights, Ill. for a new sewer line project on April 1, 2024.

How the sewer project will affect residents

The entire trunkline is about 12 miles long, Jim Nold, senior project manager for Cahokia Heights engineering firm Hurst-Rosche, Inc., said at a recent town hall meeting. This project will repair three and a half miles of it.

The portion of the trunkline that will be repaired starts at the intersection of Jerome and Mousette lanes, runs down Jerome Lane and Range Lane, turns parallel to Illinois 157, turns parallel to the railroad tracks, and runs down East 5th Street, Illinois 3, Water Street and Levin Drive.

It is the deepest and largest section of the trunkline, according to Jacob Conway, the project leader for the Corps of Engineers, who also spoke at the town hall.

Nold said crews will clean the sewer, inspect it with a camera and insert an epoxy resin liner into the pipe to repair it without digging it up.

It makes a new pipe inside of a pipe, Nold said.

Crews will be accessing the sewer through manholes in the road, so there will be minor impacts on traffic, according to Conway.

Cahokia Heights residents will see crews directing traffic as the work begins, and they can expect to smell a resin odor when the work is underway.

Conway said some residents sewer service will be affected for very short durations when crews line parts of the sewer connected to their homes. The contractor will provide written notices to affected residents. Conway estimated the interruptions would be no more than eight hours.
California fast food minimum wage just jumped to $20 an hour. Who actually gets it?

Whether someone prepares burgers, blends smoothies or tosses pizza dough, what determines which California fast food workers will be paid $20 an hour?

Assembly Bill 1228 is in effect as of Monday, setting wages for California fast food workers $4 above than statewide minimum. It also creates a Fast Food Council to determine future minimum wage increases and to establish other employment standards at fast food restaurants, according to the Department of Industrial Relations.

We answer these questions about the new California fast food wage law:

Which fast food workers will benefit from the pay increase?

What happened with Panera and the bread-making exemption?

Which fast-food restaurants are exempt from the new law?

Which fast food workers will benefit from the pay increase?

Employees of a national fast food chain  with more than 60 establishments across the country offering limited-service  will receive the wage increase.

These establishments are characterized as those who use standardized options for decor, marketing, packaging, products, and services, the bill states. It covers fast food restaurant employees, regardless of whether they are employed by the national brand or a franchisee.

They typically serve food and drinks for immediate consumption either on-site or to-go, with limited or no table service. This includes McDonalds and Pizza Hut, which announced it anticipates laying off over 1,000 delivery drivers as a result of the new wages.

In an email statement, Joseph Bryant, executive vice president for the Service Employees International Union, said livable wages should be a priority for corporate fast-food companies.

Those who opposed the new minimum wage law have voiced concerns that Californians would have to pay more for these services.

In a financial analysis conducted by the Roosevelt Institute  a nonprofit organization focused on corporate and public power, labor, wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality  concluded that the fast food industrys profit margins provide sufficient room to absorb higher wage costs.

Bryant used the term scare tactics when addressing the threats of price increases and job cuts.

Corporations need to pay their fair share and provide their operators with the resources they need to pay their workers a living wage without cutting jobs or passing the cost to consumers, Bryant said.

The Los Angeles Times reported last week that Starbucks, McDonalds, Chipotle and other chains planned to raise prices due to the wage increase.

Panera in the Crossroads shopping center in Riverbank, Calif. pictured Sept. 3, 2019.

What to know about Panera and the bread-making exemption

A fast food restaurant that operates a bakery that produces for sale on the establishments premises bread, as of Sept. 15, 2023, will be exempt from the new wage law, according to the bill.

This exemption applies only where the establishment produces for sale bread as a stand-alone menu item, and does not apply if the bread is available for sale solely as part of another menu item, the bill states. In other words, it does not include eateries that sell bread as part of a burger, for example.

Producing bread includes making the dough (typically, flour, water, and yeast) and baking it, an 18-item FAQ from the department stated. Baking pre-made dough, i.e., dough that was mixed or prepared at another location, does not constitute producing bread at the establishment where the bread is sold.

In other words, franchises that make their own bread will not be required to pay their employees the new minimum wage starting April 1.

Though Bloomberg News, which first reported on the topic, suggested this specific exemption could apply to restaurants such as Panera, Paris Baguette and Great Harvest Bread Co., it remains unclear whether those companies, or any others with more than 60 establishments, produce bread entirely on-site.

After Bloomberg reported that Panera franchise owner Greg Flynn, a generous donor to Gov. Gavin Newsom, lobbied for the exemption,



many Republicans called the exemption a pay to play move by labor and the governor. and as it appeared suggested that Panera Bread would be one of the major national chains to benefit.

However, Newsoms team has since said Panera is not exempt. Flynn has also said that his 24 California Panera franchises will pay the new $20 minimum wage to employees.

A customer enters the Pizza Hut at 1100 Fulton Ave. in Arden Arcade on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. The owner of the Sacramento County franchise is laying off delivery drivers to avoid paying the $20 an hour rate required by a new state law for fast-food workers.

Other exemptions to new fast food wage law

Last Monday, Newsom signed Assembly Bill 610 into law, which will exempt fast food restaurants located within airports, hotels, event centers, theme parks, museums, and certain other locations, as prescribed from the new fast food wage law.

Fast food restaurants located within a grocery establishment are also exempt from the new law, according to the Department of Industrial Relations.

A grocery establishment in California is characterized as a retail store that is over 15,000 square feet, primarily sells food for off-site consumption and sells other household supplies or other products  secondary to the primary purpose of food sales.

The establishment must earn more than 50% of its gross income from the sale of food for offsite consumption and must employ the individuals working in the restaurant, the department says.

If a Starbucks is located within a Safeway bigger than 15,000 square feet and employs the individuals working the coffee stand, the employees would not get the new wages.

What about a fast food restaurant inside of another store that is not a grocery store?

Employers are not exempt from the new minimum wage law for fast food restaurants located inside stores that earn less than 50% of their gross income from food sales.

Youd be covered only for the hours you work in the fast food restaurant, not in other tasks like stocking merchandise shelves, according to the Department of Industrial Relations.

A customer orders food at Chick-fil-A on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, at 2101 Alta Arden Expressway.

The Bees Andrew Sheeler contributed to this story.

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.
Snow blankets the mountains in February near Owens Lake, where water from storms over the last year have refilled parts of the long-dry lake bed. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Californias mountains are covered with snow, reservoirs are mostly filled and hills across the state are sprouting green grass and wildflowers after the latest round of soaking storms.

The snowpack across the Sierra Nevada now stands at 105% of average for this time of year, and state officials will provide an update on conditions Tuesday when they conduct their April snow survey, which is typically when the snowpack reaches its peak.

The states major reservoirs are at 116% of average levels, and are set to rise further as snowmelt streams in.

After a second wet winter, the state is heading into spring and summer with boosted water supplies.

It puts us in very good shape, said Felicia Marcus, a water researcher at Stanford University. Any time you get to average, that's a great thing.

She said the ample snow and rain this year provide the state some breathing room, but shouldnt diminish the urgency of planning for the next severe drought and the effects of climate change.

Were on borrowed time, Marcus said. We need to save more water, even in the wet and the normal years, to get us through the increasingly frequent and drier dries that are inevitably going to come.

In the last decade, California endured two severe droughts, and then came the historic series of atmospheric rivers of 2023, which brought one of the biggest accumulations of snow on record and triggered damaging floods in parts of the state.

This winter began with unusually dry conditions, but initial fears of a  snow drought  faded as storms in February and March pushed the snowpack to average levels.

Read more: How the last 20 years of Sierra snowpack stack up, in one graphic

Precipitation has been slightly above average statewide so far this year. And no part of California is currently in drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor's data.

Water levels in the states largest reservoirs in Northern California are well above average levels for this time of year. Shasta Lake is now 92% full and continuing to rise with runoff from the latest rains, while Lake Oroville is at 88% of capacity.

In Southern California, Diamond Valley Lake is also nearly full .

Wetlands spread along the shoreline at Big Break in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta near Oakley. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Marcus, a former chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, said the reprieve this year buys the state a bit of time to advance conservation efforts in cities and farming areas, and to invest in projects to recycle wastewater, capture stormwater and recharge groundwater.

It doesn't mean we take our foot off the gas pedal, she said. Because every year could be the first year of a 10-year drought.

Even with the states reservoirs at healthy levels, California continues to face complex water management problems, such as struggling fish populations and the depletion of groundwater in many farming areas.

Chronic shortages of supplies from the Colorado River, a key source for Southern California, are also forcing water managers to make plans for scaling back water use .

For Southern Californias cities, however, this years storms and the substantial amounts of water stored in reservoirs are expected to keep supplies flowing reliably  a dramatic change from 2022 and early 2023, when shortages led to mandatory drought restrictions for millions of residents.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which delivers supplies to cities and local agencies that serve 19 million people, now has a record amount of water stored. That 3.4 million acre-feet of water, banked in various reservoirs and underground storage areas, equates to nearly three years worth of imported water, and a large portion of it accumulated thanks to conservation efforts, said Adel Hagekhalil, the MWDs general manager.

We in Southern California have done a great job in managing our water and reducing our water use, Hagekhalil said.

While two wet years are helping the regions water outlook for now, he said, the districts officials are continuing to focus on long-term plans to ensure supplies during more severe droughts supercharged by climate change.

We may be out of drought for the time being, but we're not out of drought for the future," Hagekhalil said. "This is the future climate, and we need to prepare for it."

Read more: Snowpack predicted to retreat in California's mountains due to climate change

Last month, California increased the water allocations that suppliers will be able to receive this year from the State Water Project to 30% of their full allotments . That level of water deliveries puts us in balance with current water demand, Hagekhalil said, enabling the MWD to not draw down its stored supplies this year, and instead keep those reserves for when theyre needed.

Hopefully, he said, the latest storms will bring another increase in the states water allocations.

That puts us in a place where we are storing water everywhere we can, Hagekhalil said.

Every drop that we can now store is a drop that we have available for the future, he said. This is the climate whiplash. We're going to see hotter and drier days, and probably a number of years of drought coming to us, so this is the time to capture the water and store it.

In the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the center of the states water system, a recent increase in the deaths of fish at pumping facilities has prompted criticism from environmental groups and led to limitations on pumping.

Overall, our pumping has been low throughout the year, said Lenny Grimaldo, environmental director for the State Water Project. We've seen a lot of protections triggered for species.

The powerful pumps at state and federal pumping facilities reverse the flow of water in parts of the south delta, and fish can be sucked into the pumps or eaten by predators. Some fish are regularly captured at the facilities and released.

State officials said the estimated losses of endangered winter-run Chinook salmon and threatened steelhead trout at the state and federal pumping facilities surpassed annual take limits on March 21, which prompted discussions among multiple government agencies about additional measures to protect fish.

As a result, Grimaldo said, state and federal officials have kept pumping to levels that they deemed are protective of minimizing additional losses of fish but also protective of water supply.

Read more: Mystery surrounds sudden increase in steelhead trout deaths near California water pumps

The pumps that supply the aqueducts of the State Water Project and the federally managed Central Valley Project have been operating at a little more than one-third of combined capacity.

The states water withdrawals have been reduced since February to protect migrating fish, and in the last week, pumping was slightly increased based on data suggesting that this level of pumping is not drawing additional steelhead into the zone of influence of the pumps, said Mary Fahey, a spokesperson for the state Department of Water Resources.

State officials believe protections for steelhead have been suitable for winter-run salmon as well, Fahey said. She said the uptick in pumping will be short-lived because rules to protect another fish species, longfin smelt, take effect this month.

Meanwhile, other debates over long-term water management are continuing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and his administration are supporting plans to build Sites Reservoir , the states first new large reservoir in decades, as well as the proposed Delta Conveyance Project , a 45-mile tunnel that would transport water beneath the delta.

Newsoms current plan for adapting to a hotter, drier climate predicts that California could lose 10% of its water supply by 2040 .

Bidwell Bar Bridge spans Lake Oroville in February. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

State water regulators are considering alternatives for new water quality standards that will determine how much water may be drawn from the delta.

In farming areas in the Central Valley, local water agencies are starting to plan for mandatory reductions in agricultural water use to comply with the states groundwater law , which calls for curbing overpumping by 2040.

And for urban areas, the state water board is considering new conservation rules that will require each city or local supplier to meet a locally tailored water-use budget. After an initial proposal encountered criticism from water agencies, the boards staff issued a revised proposal that includes less stringent water-saving standards and would reduce the number of suppliers that need to make large cutbacks.

The changes were supported by water agencies. But environmental groups and conservation advocates have objected to the weakened plan and urged the state to adopt strong water-efficiency standards to help the state prepare for more severe droughts and hotter temperatures.

Marcus said she agrees with the conservation camp and thinks its short-sighted to roll back the requirements to the extent state officials are proposing.

We're in a climate emergency and a water emergency that's decadal at minimum, Marcus said.

The red alert is on for this, and conservation is the most cost-effective in the long run for communities, she said. We've got to definitely do a much better job of cutting back on our water use in the most creative ways we can come up with.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. A protocol on the results of the 8th meeting of the Joint Commission on trade-economic relations and scientific-technical cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of Romania was signed in Baku, Trend reports.

The document was signed by the Commission's co-chairs, Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Sahil Babayev and Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Ioan Burduja.

Besides, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of veterinary and food safety was signed in Baku by the Azerbaijani Chairman of the Food Safety Agency, Goshgar Tahmazli, and the Chairman-State Secretary of the National Sanitary-Veterinary and Food Administration of Romania, Alexandru Nicolae Bociu.

As Sahil Babayev said in a press statement, the two countries have great opportunities to increase cooperation in the energy, transport sectors, agriculture and trade in agricultural products, healthcare, private sector development, science, education, and culture.

I'm confident that our cooperation has the potential for diversification, not being limited only to the energy sector, and will be aimed directly at the benefit of our peoples, the minister emphasized.

To note, the 8th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Romanian intergovernmental joint commission on trade-economic relations and scientific-technical cooperation was held in Baku today.

The topics of the meeting in Baku included cooperation in energy (key), transportation, investment, agriculture, social, educational, humanitarian, infrastructure, construction, and other spheres.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A car bomb has killed a Moscow-appointed official in the occupied Luhansk Oblast city of Starobilsk, occupation authorities said on April 1.

Valeriy Chaika died after a homemade explosive device was planted on his car, the head of the Starobilsk occupational administration, Vladimir Chernev, said in a post on Telegram.

Our comrade is dead, he added.

Russia's Investigative Committee posted a picture of a burned-out SUV on the street in Starobilsk and said an investigation had been launched into the terrorist act.

"The circumstances of the incident and the people involved in the commission of the crime are being established," it added.

Russian officials, their proxies, and collaborators have been routinely targeted in both occupied parts of Ukraine and in Russia. Kyiv does not typically comment on the attacks.

In November, a car belonging to a Russian policeman was blown up in occupied Mariupol.

Mikhail Filiponenko, a Russian proxy official and former military commander in occupied Luhansk, was killed by a car bomb on Nov. 8.

Earlier in October, Vladimir Malov, a member of Russia's ruling United Russia party, was killed in a car bomb explosion in the occupied city of Nova Kakhovka in Kherson Oblast.

The Washington Post released an article on Oct. 23 alleging that Ukrainian intelligence services were behind a number of high-profile assassinations of targets inside Russia.Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) refused to comment on the article, saying that it would only be possible to discuss details regarding its special operations after Ukraine's victory over Russia.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A car bomb in eastern Ukraine's partially occupied Luhansk region killed a Russian-backed official on Monday, local authorities said - @GTRKLUG

A car bomb in Russian-occupied Luhansk has killed a pro-Kremlin official, local authorities reported.

The deputy head of a state-run administrative agency was killed when an unidentified device detonated in a car on Monday afternoon, the local branch of Russias Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said.

The investigators posted a photo of a light-coloured SUV with its windows and doors blown out and wreckage strewn across the street in the town of Starobilsk, adding that an investigation into a terrorist act had been opened. The circumstances of the incident and the people involved in the commission of the crime are being established, it said.

Vladimir Chernev, a municipal head, named the victim as Valery Chaika, an official in Luhansk. Our comrade is dead, he wrote in a post on Telegram, calling on residents to be attentive and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Several Moscow-installed officials in eastern Ukraine have been killed in attacks orchestrated by pro-Kyiv forces since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

05:17 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thank you for tuning in to todays live blog. Well be back tomorrow to bring you all the latest from the war in Ukraine.

Key moments from today:

A massive fire has broken out at one of Russias largest heavy machinery factories in Yekaterinburg.

A group of anti-Kremlin hackers stole a database containing information on hundreds of thousands of Russian prisoners to avenge the death of Alexei Navalny, CNN reported

Recent Russian attacks have caused significant damage to the Ukrainian power system, but a total collapse is unlikely, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of Ukraines national grid company Ukrenergo, said on Monday.

Russia lost at least 20 armoured vehicles in a single failed attack in Ukraines western Donetsk region, Ukrainian troops have claimed.

More than 50 per cent of Russians believe that Ukraine is responsible for last months massacre at a concert venue outside Moscow that left at least 144 people dead, the Financial Times (FT) reported.

Border guards fended off an attack by Russian saboteurs in Sumy, Ukraines State Border Guard Service reported.

Moscow has destroyed almost all of Kharkivs critical energy infrastucture after it bombarded the citys power grid last week, the Mayor reported.

A railway line Russia is building through occupied Ukraine is almost complete and could pose a serious problem for Kyiv, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraines military intelligence chief, has warned.

Iran tipped off Russia about the possibility of a major terrorist operation on its soil ahead of the concert hall massacre near Moscow last month that killed at least 144 people, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

US Congress is to vote on a long-delayed bill to provide around $60 billion in aid to Ukraine after the House returns from Easter recess on April 9.

Ukraine could soon be forced to retreat  step by step if US military aid continues to remain stalled, Volodymyr Zelensky told the Washington Post, as he urged the West to provide long-range missiles.

05:09 PM BST

Massive fire engulfs major Russian factory

A massive fire has broken out at one of Russias largest heavy machinery factories in Yekaterinburg.

Images and footage of the incident posted on social media shows a large cloud of black smoke rising from the Uralmash facility.

Uralmash produces equipment for mining, metal works, the cement industry and energy facilities including nuclear power plants.

The cause of the blaze remains unclear, but eyewitness accounts described hearing a loud explosion at the plant, sparking a fire covering an area of 4,500sqm, Russian media reported.



The fire caused the roof to collapse of a 300sqm workshop, which contained 24 cylinders of flammable oxygen and propane gas, Russias Ministry of Emergency Situations posted on Telegram. Workers from the site were evacuated, and a team of 64 firefighters brought the blaze under control within an hour, the ministry said.

05:09 PM BST

Hackers stole Russian prisoner database to avenge death of Navalny

A group of anti-Kremlin hackers stole a database containing information on hundreds of thousands of Russian prisoners to avenge the death of Alexei Navalny, CNN reported.

Gaining access to a computer network linked to Russias prison system, the hackers reportedly posted a photo of Mr Navalny and his wife, Yulia, on the prison contractors website, along with a message that read: Long live Alexey Navalny!

In a remarkable security breach, the hackers stole data including phone numbers and email addresses of prisoners, and the relatives of those, detained in the Arctic penal colony where the Russian opposition leader died on February 16.

The hackers hope that the leak will mean somebody can contact them and help understand what happened to Navalny, one of those claiming to be involved in the breach told CNN.

In an additional twist, the hackers reportedly used their access to the Russian prison systems online commissary, where family members buy food for inmates, to change the prices of comestibles such noodles and canned beef to one ruble, which is roughly $0.01.

05:04 PM BST

Ukrainian orphan abducted by Russia tells of how he escaped Putins grasp

Bohdan Yermokhin has endured a harrowing existence since Russia invaded Ukraine over two years ago - EMRE CAYLAK/The Telegraph

Had he been older or less vulnerable, says Ukrainian teenager Bohdan Yermokhin, he would have set the Kremlin on fire.

Originally from the coastal city of Mariupol, he was forced to live in Moscow for almost one and a half years after he and 30 other Ukrainian orphans were rounded up by Russian forces and deported against their will.

Nicknamed the Mariupol 31, he and his friends had already lived through months of brutal siege, witnessing widespread death and destruction as Vladimir Putins forces turned their home city to rubble.

When the last pocket of the citys resistance fell in May 2022, the traumatised orphans were sent first to Donetsk and then on to Moscow.

Read Lizzs full report here.

04:54 PM BST

Russia extends detention of US-Russian journalist Kurmasheva

A Russian court has extended the pre-trial detention of Alsu Kurmasheva, a US-Russian journalist who faces 15 years in prison on charges of spreading false information, according to her employer.

A journalist at the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Ms Kurmasheva today had her detention period extended until June 5, having been arrested last October for failing to register as a foreign agent.

Ms Kurmasheva, who lives in Prague with her husband and two children, had her US and Russian passports confiscated last June after travelling to Russia for a family emergency. She was then arrested for failing to register as a foreign agent in October while awaiting the return of her passports.

RFE/RL called her imprisonment outrageous and said she had been locked up simply because she holds an American passport.

The charges against Alsu are baseless. Its not a legal process, its a political ploy, and Alsu and her family are unjustifiably paying a terrible price, Stephen Capus, the RFE/RL chief, said, adding: Russia must end this sham and immediately release Alsu without condition.

04:18 PM BST

Another Russian factory is on fire

A large has broken out at a factory outside Moscow, local media reported

Footage of the incident posted on social media shows black smoke billowing into the air as flames engulf the Elektroizolit plant, reports suggest.

The plant, located northwest of Moscow, reportedly produces electrical insulating material. The causes of the fire remain unknown.

It comes after a fire earlier in the day engulfed a Russian military plant in Yekaterinburg.

One more fire broke out in Russia, local media report - Elektroizolit plant in Moscow region.



It produces electrical insulating materials. Causes of fire unknown - Russian media. https://t.co/tBGelMfoD2 pic.twitter.com/gnrEyT3l2m  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 1, 2024

04:05 PM BST

Pictured: Zelensky pays his respects to the people of Bucha

Volodymyr Zelensky commemorates thr 2nd anniversary of liberation of Bucha from Russian forces - Getty Images

The Ukrainian president lays a commemorative offering for those who lost their lives in Bucha - Getty Images

03:32 PM BST

Ukraines energy system far from collapse despite weeks of Russian strikes

Recent Russian attacks have caused significant damage to the Ukrainian power system, but a total collapse is unlikely, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of Ukraines national grid company Ukrenergo, said on Monday.

We are definitely not one step away from collapse. A collapse is an uncontrolled shutdown of most or the entire power system. This has not happened and will not happen, this scenario we consider as unlikely, he said. Their [the Russians] goal is to impose blackouts in some major Ukrainian cities, and our goal is to prevent it.

Since March 22, Russian forces have been attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure on an almost daily basis, leading to blackouts in many regions of the country.

The countys largest private energy company, DTEK, has said the attacks damaged five of its six power plants, which lost 80 per cent of their capacity.

The biggest concern now is the state of electricity production, the part of it that balances the system - hydro and thermal generation. The scale of damage DTEK refers to is obviously a global [large-scale] level of damage, Mr Kudrytskyi said.

03:07 PM BST

Ukraine repels one of Russias biggest tank charges since the start of the war

Russia lost at least 20 armoured vehicles in a single failed attack in Ukraines western Donetsk region, Ukrainian troops have claimed.

Kyivs forces fended off a force of 36 tanks and 12 BPM infantry fighting vehicles as part of a large mechanised assault northwest of Avdiivka on March 30, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said, citing a Ukrainian serviceman.

The massive tank charge is believed to be one of Moscows biggest mechanised assaults since the start of the war.

Geolocated images of the site show a large number of damaged Russian vehicles along a road northwest of Tonenke, eight miles west of Avdiivka, with the anonymous serviceman reporting that 12 Russian tanks and eight armoured vehicles were destroyed during the assault.



The extent of the attack, carried out by Russias sixth Tank Regiment, indicates Russian command may be prioritising the Avdiivka region as the site of a spring offensive, the ISW said.

02:10 PM BST

More than half of Russians blame Ukraine for Moscow terror attack

More than 50 per cent of Russians believe that Ukraine is responsible for last months massacre at a concert venue outside Moscow that left at least 144 people dead, the Financial Times (FT) reported.

Polling carried out shortly after the attack found the majority of Russians blame Ukraines leadership, while only around 27 per cent pointed the finger at Islamic State, who claimed responsibility for the attack.

A further six per cent blamed the collective west, namely the US, UK, and Nato, according to the polling data collected by OpenMinds.

The survey, which questioned a total of 652 Russians, found more than three quarters of respondents considered Putin to be the most reliable or a completely reliable source of information about the attack.

Younger people aged 18 to 30 were more likely to blame ISIS for the attack, with those who oppose the war considerably more likely to do so. Meanwhile, those aged 31-50 were the group most likely to believe the theory that Kyiv was involved in the shooting, with 50 per cent agreeing, according to the poll.

Moscow has repeatedly blamed the attack - Russias worst in 20 years - on Kyiv, despite Western intelligence suggesting the militant group Islamic State was responsible.

01:40 PM BST

Ukrainian forces repel Russian saboteurs near border in Sumy

Border guards fended off an attack by Russian saboteurs in Sumy, Ukraines State Border Guard Service reported.

The border force posted on Telegram that a Russian reconnaissance group tried to break into Sumy territory and was detected by border guards, who immediately opened fire. A shooting battle ensured, including artillery fire, forcing the Russian unit to retreat.

The report comes as Russia targeted Sumy with 39 strikes yesterday, bombarding 11 communities in the region with artillery, mortar, grenade, drones, mines and missiles.

Russian attacks against the region, which borders Kursk and Belgorod, have become increasingly destructive in recent weeks, killing and injuring civilians.

01:09 PM BST

Watch: Russian battle tank enters service, but wont be deployed in Ukraine

 It's been confirmed that the Armata Main Battle Tank has entered service with the Russian Military but will not deploy to Ukraine.



This is highly likely due to the high costs and potential reputational damage of losing a 'prestige' vehicle in combat.



 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/8POLyXOI1i  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) April 1, 2024

12:43 PM BST

Pictured: Ukraine destroys Russian tanks

Ukrainian forces destroy Russian tanks on the frontlines in Ukraine - Newsflash/@68brigad

Footage released by the 68th Separate Hunting Brigade showing Ukraine targeting Moscow armoured vehicles - @68brigade/@68brigadeNewsflash

12:14 PM BST

Russia destroys almost all of Kharkivs power grid

Moscow has destroyed almost all of Kharkivs critical energy infrastucture after it bombarded the citys power grid last week, the Mayor reported.

Almost all of the critical energy infrastructure has been destroyed, and private infrastructure has also been destroyed, Ihor Terekhov told Liga.net, the Ukrainian independent news site, adding that more than 150,000 Kharkiv residents are left homeless.

Mr Terekhov said the cost of the damage was estimated to be in the region of 10 billion dollars.

Ukrainian energy company Centrenergo announced this weekend that the Zmiiv Thermal Power Plant, one of the largest in the northeastern Kharkiv region, was completely destroyed following Russian shelling last week.

Power outage schedules have remained in place for around 120,000 people in the region, where 700,000 had lost electricity after the plant was hit on March 22.

11:54 AM BST

Putins railway through occupied Ukraine almost complete, says Kyivs spy chief

Head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov attending the 18th meeting of the Yalta European Strategy - Victor Pinchuk/Getty Images

A railway line Russia is building through occupied Ukraine is almost complete and could pose a serious problem for Kyiv, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraines military intelligence chief, has warned.



Russia has actually been building a railway for over a year now to connect with our temporarily occupied southern territories. This process is almost complete, and it could pose a serious problem for us, Mr Budanov told Ukrainian national television.



Moscows railroad connects Russias port city Rostov-on-Don and Crimea - its key logistical hub in southern Ukraine - as an alternative to the Crimean Bridge, running via key occupied territories such as Donetsk, Mariupol and Berdyansk. Vladimir Putin announced at a rally after his sham election victory last month that construction of the railroad segment between Rostov-on-Don and Berdiansk was complete.



Andrii Yusov, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman, said last month that Moscow is trying to strengthen the railroad connection due to frequent Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean bridge, adding that it is Kyivs mission to prevent Russia from completing the railways construction.

Read the full report here.

10:49 AM BST

Iran alerted Russia to security threat before Moscow attack

Iran tipped off Russia about the possibility of a major terrorist operation on its soil ahead of the concert hall massacre near Moscow last month that killed at least 144 people, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran, said one source.

A second source, who also requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the information Tehran provided to Moscow about an impending attack had lacked specific details regarding timing and the exact target.

They (the members of ISIS-K) were instructed to prepare for a significant operation in Russia... One of the terrorists (arrested in Iran) said some members of the group had already travelled to Russia, the second source said.

A third source, a senior security official, said: As Iran has been a victim of terror attacks for years, Iranian authorities fulfilled their obligation to alert Moscow based on information acquired from those arrested terrorists.

It comes after Tehran arrested 35 people linked to a bombing in January that killed nearly 100 people in the city of Kerman. According to Iranian intelligence, one of those detained was a commanded for ISIS-K, the same group who has claimed responsibility for Moscows biggest terrorist attack in 20 years.

Read the full report here.

10:31 AM BST

US Congress to vote on Ukraine aid bill after April 9

US Congress is to vote on a long-delayed bill to provide around $60 billion in aid to Ukraine after the House returns from Easter recess on April 9.

The speaker has made very clear statements that when we get back, its the next top agenda, Mike Turner, the chairman of the intelligence select committee of the House of Representatives, told ABC News.

Mr Turner added that Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House, has made it clear to President Zelensky that he supports Ukraine.

His comments come after Mr Johnson yesterday announced that a US aid package will include some important innovations, including the possibility of extending a US loan.

The idea of a loan last month gained traction with US lawmakers as a way to back Ukraine in a way that might assuage conservative concerns about providing more aid.

Kyiv has suffered from acute shell hunger in recent months as it attempts to repel Moscows advances amid delays in US support.

10:03 AM BST

Ukrainian retreat looms without US long-range missiles, warns Zelensky

Ukraine could soon be forced to retreat  step by step if US military aid continues to remain stalled, Volodymyr Zelensky told the Washington Post, as he urged the West to provide long-range missiles.

If there is no U.S. support, it means that we have no air defense...It means we will go back, retreat, step by step, in small steps, he said.

The Ukrainian president added that delays in aid have allowed Moscow to get on the front foot. If you are not taking steps forward to prepare another counteroffensive, Russia will take them, he said. Thats what we learned in this war: If you dont do it, Russia will do it.

We are trying to find some way not to retreat, he said, adding that after the fall of Avdiivka, we have stabilized the situation because of smart steps by our military.

Mr Zelensky said the answer is ATACMS - long-range tactical missile systems, of which the US delivered a small number last year, with a limited range of 165km. Newer variations of ATACMS have a maximum range of around 300km and have so far not been provided to Ukraine.

When Russia knows we can destroy these jets, they will not attack from Crimea, Zelensky said.

09:47 AM BST

Inside the bodies corridor  where Russia and Ukraine meet to swap their dead

The convoy snaked through Ukraines north-eastern Sumy region on a bitter February morning.

A police car led the way, followed by a unit of forensic officials and a refrigerated van containing the corpses of dozens of Russian soldiers.

The delegation was travelling into Russian territory for one of the only functioning levels of diplomacy between Kyiv and Moscow: the exchange of dead bodies from either side.

As the cars moved through the villages approaching the border, traffic stopped to make way.

A young boy stood in the road and waved. This same route is used to collect Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russian territory, and locals line the streets to greet their returning fighters.

Read Isobels full report here.

09:45 AM BST

Prepare for Putin pivot to invade us, say Baltic states

Nato must be ready for Russia launching an existential war against the Baltic states masked by a blizzard of disinformation, ambassadors from the three countries have warned, writes Will Hazell

Writing exclusively for The Sunday Telegraph, the top diplomats to the UK from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that Russia could pivot quickly from Ukraine to invade the Baltic.

And they said that Vladimir Putins brutalisation of Ukraine is evoking the three countries darkest memories of occupation under Stalin.

The Estonian ambassador Viljar Lubi, the Latvian ambassador Ivita Burmistre, and Lithuanias charge daffaire Lina Zigmantaite, wrote the joint article to mark Fridays 20 year anniversary of their countries acceding to Nato.

Read the full report here.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Plans to build a new high school and make improvements to a middle school in Carlsbad are in motion after voters passed a $300 million general obligation issue for Carlsbad Municipal Schools (CMS).

March 29 the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners certified results from the mail-in election that concluded March 22.

Eddy County Clerk Cara Cooke said 19,000 ballots were mailed in February and had to be turned into her office by March 22.

More: Carlsbad school district makes last minute pitch to pass $300M GO bond

She said 1,871 voted for the bond issue and 1,481 voted against it.

Dr. Gerry Washburn, CMS superintendent, attended a special meeting of county commissioners and was thrilled that the bond issue passed.

He said $216 million of the bond money would be used to construct and renovate a new Carlsbad High School and the remaining $84 million would renovate Carlsbad Intermediate School PR Leyva Campus.

Washburn said the classrooms at Carlsbad High School, built more than 60 years ago, are not adequate for modern standards and electrical and plumbing fixes have been temporary.

He said PR Leyva was built nearly 90 years ago and needs 21st century modernizations.

Dr. Gerry Washburn, superintendent of the Carlsbad Municipal Schools, addresses the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners on March 29, 2024. Commissioners certified results from a school bond election.

Design and construction processes next

Now that the bond issue has been approved, Washburn said work would start soon with the design and planning phase of the process.

He said consultants would listen to the needs and concerns of CMS students and educators for both schools. After input is gathered, Washburn said the consultants would make sure all ideas match specifications outlined by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED).

More: $300M GO bond to build new Carlsbad high school goes to voters in mail-in election

Then theyll come back to us and say this is what were recommending then after that well issue a request for proposals (RFP) for an architect and then that architect will come up with that design, Washburn said.

He said the design phase should last nearly a year.

Best case would be starting construction at the high school in March of 2025, considering that is in the middle of the school year and close to graduation we probably wouldnt start until the summer of 25, Washburn said.

Trenton Cornum, District 5 CMS School Board member, said other members will offer input as well.

"It is important to note nothing has been decided yet in regards to tearing down or remodeling either property. Everything will have to go through the red tape process of deciding and utilizing the funds in the most responsible way," he said.

"It is important to the board to include the community in these decisions. We may have the final vote but it wont be without listening to all the information and opinions of the community," Cornum added.

Washburn said logistical issues need to be resolved at Carlsbad High School once construction starts.

CMS would PR Leyva students to move to temporary quarters

Washburn said construction for PR Leyva would differ from the high school as a new $73 million middle school south of Carlsbad is in the design phase.

PR is going to depend on how long it takes us to build the new middle school on the southside to replace (Carlsbad Intermediate School) Alta Vista (Campus), he said.

In 2023, CMS voters approved a $90 million bond issue to expand Sunset Elementary and retire Alta Vista Middle School.

Carlsbad Middle School PR Leyva Campus stands tall on March 29,2024. Improvements are coming to the nearly 90 year old building.

Washburn said Alta Vista was built more than 70 years ago and endured add ons through the decades.

He said once the new middle school is built PR Leyva students would be transferred to Alta Vista during the remodeling phase.

Well be able to move that building much faster, Washburn said.

Fossil fuel development pushes needs for new schools

Washburn said continued and forecasted growth in Eddy Countys oil and gas industry has increased Carlsbads overall and student population.

As of March 29, he said the enrollment at PR Leyva was 992 students.

We think well be pushing 1,000 next year and Alta Vista will push 800 next year, Washburn said.

Our lower classes are increasing in size. Both of these middle schools will be 1,000 kids by 2026, he said.

More: Carlsbad approves $90M school bond. Funds will be used to build and remodel schools

As of March 1, enrollment at CMS elementary schools was 3,577 students.

Washburn added enrollment at Carlsbad High School was 1,500 students as of March 29 and the number of students was projected to increase to 2,100 by 2026.

We continue to enjoy a robust economy and people are coming here bringing their kids. We believe this will be the case for the next 7 to 10 years, he said.

Cornum said with overall enrollment pushing 8,000 students new schools are needed to provide safe places for students to learn and grow.

"Our high school is severely outdated. With the new construction the community will be able to use and utilize our facilities," he said.

Unemployment in Eddy County was low for the first two months of 2024 compared with the statewide average, read data from the New Mexico Department Workforce Solutions (NMDWS).

Eddy Countys unemployment rate 2.6% in February and 2.8% in January, per NMDWS.

Across New Mexico unemployment was 4% in January and 3.9% in February, according to NMDWS.

NMDWS noted mining and construction jobs in New Mexico, including oil and gas development was up 3.1% in February.

Most of the gains in the industry came from construction, which grew by 1,900 jobs. Mining employment was up 400 jobs, read an NMDWS report.

Cornum said the oil and industry was "an absolute blessing" for CMS.

"(It) affords communities like ours to be able to have the option to receive a bond of this dollar amount and be able to pay it back so quickly," he said.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: $300M dollar bond issue means new high school in Carlsbad
Carnival Legend cruise passengers have shared their reactions to the trip being rerouted, after the collapse of the Francis Key Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.

Following a trip to the Bahamas, the cruise was set to end on 31 March, with the ship initially docking in Baltimore, Maryland. However, after the Key Bridge collapsed on 26 March, Carnival Legends ship was rerouted, before being docked in Norfolk, Virginia, on 31 March.

As noted on Carnival Legends official website, passengers were then provided with a complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. The cruises next seven day trip  set to begin on 31 March  will also leave from and return to Norfolk. The following trips will abide by this strategy, instead of being operated in Baltimore, and passengers have been made aware of the change.

We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, said in a statement. As those plans are finalised, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.

According to13 News Nows, about 2,6000 guests docked in Norfolk on 31 March, following their trip to the Bahamas. With the help of 70 different buses, passengers were then driven back to Baltimore.

Speaking to the publication, many cruise passengers reflected on how they felt when they first left Baltimore, before the bridge collapsed.

We had to go under that bridge right, said passenger Viktoriia Aldred. The bridge looked amazing and you go under the bridge and youre like: wow.

Passenger Dave Smiddy also recalled that when the cruise ship first left the city, he even stood on the deck to take pictures of the bridge. We were all on deck underneath it when we left, he explained.

Baltimore native and cruise passenger Michael Lukoski noted that while on the ship last week, he heard the heartbreaking news about the bridge collapse.

"When I got the news Tuesday morning, it was absolutely you couldnt believe it. You know what I mean? I was woken up saying there was a bridge collapse and it was like: no way, he said.

After acknowledging how surreal it would feel for him to return to Baltimore after the bridge collapse, Lukoski expressed his gratitude for the Carnival Legend cruise line for helping him get home.

I thank the good folks in Norfolk for getting us home, he said. Were Baltimore, were strong.

The senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Legend, John Heald, took to Facebook on 28 March to address how the cruises are going to be leaving and returning from Norfolk, instead of Baltimore.

In the comments of his video, many people said they were on the Carnival Legend ship that was rerouted to Norfolk on 31 March, and praised the company for how it handled the situation. Meanwhile, other people applauded Heald for being so vocal with upcoming cruise passengers about their itinerary changes going forward.

On the Legend now and the issue has been handled exceptionally well and quickly. Thank you to the leadership and the crew here on board, one wrote.

We appreciate the efficiency of all of the carnival and sincerely feel for Baltimore! This example is why we stay committed to only Carnival! another added.

A third commented: Carnival is doing a great job of keeping us posted on what is going on. They are very very helpful with all they do for their customers and workers. Thank you John.

Carnival Legend isnt the only cruise line thats changing its operations in light of the bridge collapse. On 28 March, Royal Caribbean announced that its Vision of the Seas ship will not be embarking from Baltimore on 4 April anymore. Instead, it will be embarking from Norfolk, Virginia, on 4 April, and returning to the city on 12 April.

Passengers that were set to embark in Baltimore on 12 April will now be embarking in Norfolk. The itinerary for that trip has also been revised, with passengers skipping their visit to Nassau and returning to Norfolk on 19 April, one day earlier than planned.

Baltimore officials have now opened a temporary shipping route around the wreckage of the Francis Key Scott Key Bridge, in a bid to get trade and movement of goods in and out of the city. Captain David OConnell described this as an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore.

The first section of the collapsed bridge was removed from the Patapsco River over the weekend, marking an important step towards removing the wreckage and getting the crucial port back up and running. After removing a 200-tonne segment, workers are now focusing on lifting a section of the bridge while leaving the crumpled part resting on the bow of the Dali container ship.

The Independent has contact Carnival Legend for comment.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Thousands of passengers got off and on the Carnival Legend cruise ship docked in Norfolk on Sunday, March 31.

Previous Coverage: Crews at Baltimore bridge collapse continue meticulous work of removing twisted steel and concrete

They were originally supposed to be in Baltimore, but were diverted about four hours away. The change was prompted by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last week.

10 On Your Side spoke to many of the passengers who got off the ship in the morning, including Matt Shagogue from Columbia, Maryland.

Shagogue thought back to the moment he found out they werent getting dropped off in their original destination.

Woke up to it, I guess, Tuesday, and it spread like wildfire on the ship of course, Shagogue said. And then it was like in a holding pattern. The captain said, Ill let you know when I know and then it turned into, this is what were going to do, were going to Norfolk.'

Shagogue also added he thought cruise staff did a great job of keeping everything under control.

It was pretty smooth, Shagogue said. Carnival did a great job kind of doing everything on the fly.

About 70 buses took the arriving passengers back up to Maryland, but not everyone chose that mode of transportation like Eddie Conroy from Ashburn, Virginia.

Instead of spending the seven hours we figured it would just be easier to rent a car go straight back for four hours and then will pick up our other car later in the week or next weekend, he said.

Some passengers who boarded the ship in the afternoon said the change of the pickup location was welcomed.

Were from Norfolk, so it helped us out, said passenger Ebony Freeman.

However, others called it a challenge, Spouses Jessica and Mathieu Roa said they had to make the long drive down to Baltimore to start their seven-day vacation.

I thought it was going to get canceled, Jessica said.

Thats not the last cruise ship Norfolk will see; the Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas cruise ship is set to dock in Norfolk next Thursday.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Case against brother of Zelensky's chief of staff closed, says anti-corruption agency

A corruption case against the brother of presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak has been closed, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) told the Kyiv Independent.

The case, which was investigated under the abuse of power article, was closed on Dec. 14, 2021 but the closure wasn't publicly announced and had not been reported earlier. The reasons for the closure were not indicated in the NABU's response to the Kyiv Independent.

In 2020, Geo Leros, who was then a lawmaker from President Volodymyr Zelenskys Servant of the People party, published videos that appeared to show Andriy Yermak's brother Denys Yermak considering candidates for government jobs and discussing receiving money from some of them.

The Yermak brothers did not deny the authenticity of the videos, but Denys Yermak claimed they were taken out of context. Denys Yermak and Andriy Yermak denied the accusations of wrongdoing. Zelensky backed his chief of staff, emphasizing that Andriy Yermak has his full trust.

The tapes triggered a major scandal in the media in 2020 but little has been reported about the case since then. Leros has accused law enforcement agencies of trying to bury the investigation due to Andriy Yermak's political influence.

Yermak and the President's Office did not respond to requests for comment.

Leros was reportedly allied with Zelensky's former chief of staff Andriy Bohdan, according to Ukrainian media. Bohdan fell out with the president after less than a year of service and was replaced by Yermak in 2020.

The MP has become known for his flamboyant speeches and extravagant behavior. He has repeatedly accused Yermak of corruption and gave the finger to Zelensky when he attended a parliament meeting in 2021.

Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesnt take on top presidential allies

The tapes

The video tapes were leaked by Serhiy Shumsky and Dmytro Shtanko, Denys Yermaks alleged partners in the graft schemes.

They told the Bihus.Info investigative journalism outlet in 2020 that the chief of staffs brother had allegedly received payments from candidates for state jobs. They claimed that the whole corruption scheme had been initiated by Andriy Yermak  an accusation that he denies.

In videos leaked to Bihus.Info, Yermak also discussed cracking down on the business of Danish logistics company MAERSK and Ukrainian logistics firm TIS.

The NABU opened a corruption case based on the videos, but anti-corruption prosecutors transferred the case to the police.

Later, then-Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova sent the case to the presidentially controlled Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), prompting Leros to accuse law enforcement agencies of burying the case. The SBU did not respond to a request for comment.

Later in 2020, a court ordered the NABU to open another graft case based on the Yermak videos, and the bureau complied.

Read also: Explainer: Is there any merit to Congresswoman Spartz accusations against Zelenskys chief of staff?

Alleged pressure

Leros, Shumsky and Shtanko have claimed that they were being pressured by the authorities in connection with the tapes.

Leros was expelled from the Servant of the People's parliamentary faction in 2020 and temporarily suspended from parliamentary work in 2023.

The State Investigation Bureau launched investigations against Leros in 2020, accusing him of divulging a state secret and interfering in the work of a state official, something that Leros sees as a political vendetta.

Meanwhile, a court upheld Denys Yermak's libel lawsuit against Leros in 2021.

In 2020, Shumsky and Shtanko told The Babel news site that unknown individuals burned Shtankos motorcycle and threw a hand grenade into Shumskys car during. Both men connected the incidents to their interview with Bihus.Info, where they accused both Yermak brothers of graft.

Shtanko was also arrested in a separate fraud case by the SBU in 2020.

In 2022, Shtanko was mobilized as a conscript during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was killed, according to the ensor.net news site.

Read also: Oleg Sukhov: US should sanction these 2 symbols of Ukraines corruption

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Its April Fools Day, so get ready for laughter and pranks. This year, some Utah pages  from the Salt Lake City International Airport to Arches National Park  joined in on the fun with a few jokes of their own.

Salt Lake City International Airport

(Courtesy Salt Lake City International Airport)

In an online post, the Salt Lake City International Airport posted a picture of the upcoming River Tunnel art Installation filled with an actual river, complete with a fisherman and the famous 9th and 9th Whale swimming through. They wrote that they plan to make the art piece more authentic by filling the tunnel with water to provide transportation between concourses A and B.

They added that moving walkways will be replaced by Disney-esque boats, and paddles and inflatable life vests will be provided for passengers. Not only that, but the post said there will be music playing overhead to match the theme, including Cry Me a River, River of Dreams and Moon River. The post ends with #AprilFools for the holiday.



The jokester post was met with plenty of reactions, including a comment that suggested adding Baby Shark to the playlist and another saying given the long walk at the airport, they wish it was true.



Although an actual river is not planned for the airport, the River Tunnel Art is not a joke. The installation is expected to open to the public on Oct. 22 this year.

Arches National Park

(Courtesy Arches National Park)

Arches National Park is also joining in on the prankster fun. On social media, they wrote

We have welcomed a new arch to our collection of over 2,000 arches- the National Park Services largest arch!

This new arch, they posted, is the Gateway Arch, referring to the iconic monument in St. Louis, Missouri. They wrote that it will surpass the Landscape Arch which is 306 ft wide and Double Arch which is 112 ft tall.



Gateway Arch, the post said, will now take the crown for the longest and tallest arch at the park at 630 ft wide and tall. Not only this, but it will be taking its space above another famous arch, the Delicate Arch, including a picture that perfectly demonstrates this.

We are excited to join forces with Gateway Arch National Park, the post said.

Afterward, they ended it by writing, In other news  today is April Fools Day.



Bureau of Land Management  Utah

(Courtesy Bureau of Land Management  Utah)

In perfect timing with the new Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire movie, the Bureau of Land Management in Utah shared some alarming news  a giant radiated lizard was sighted at Utahs Temple Mountain, with a picture to go alongside the joke.



Reports on April 1, 2024, describe a giant radiated lizard emerged from old uranium mines. This April Fools, remember Temple Mountains real legacy: uranium mining history and breathtaking views, the post said, ending with #AprilFools.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Steve Martin, Gene Wilder Documentaries | See It or Skip It

Springville Police Department

Neville Furbottom (Courtesy Springville Police Department)

Professor Rum Tum Tugger (Courtesy Springville Police Department)

The Springville Police Department was kitten around with a post depicting two new recruits  saying that their K9 program has been doing exceptionally well, and after much discussion, theyre starting the states first-ever feline program.



The two recruits are named Neville Furbottom and Professor Rum Tum Tugger the third. Neville Furbottom, they wrote, joins the department from Switzerland and has been assigned as a narcotics and apprehension feline, with Corporal Johnson set to be his handler.



Springville police said that Professor Rum Tum Tugger, who is depicted as being quite buff, was recently released from a lengthy prison sentence, and has been assigned to our new gang unit. Detective Wilding has been set to be his handler, and theyre excited to see what the two can achieve together.



The status ends with Please welcome these two new recruits with open yarns *cough* I mean arms. Bad boys beware! and #HappyApril.



The post was met with many laugh reactions, including some commentators wondering if their cats can also join the new squad.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
ALGONAC - Eighty years of ongoing valor, honor and community has made Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901 what it is today, and the post is ready to celebrate that history while looking forward to its future.

Algonac's Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901 is celebrating its 80th anniversary by holding a banquet on April 12. Post Quartermaster James Harris said the post was anticipating doing something special for its anniversaries. He said the post had a hard time with COVID and lost membership, so when the 80th anniversary started to come up, it felt like the right occasion to do something special.

"We were rebuilding our membership and then the 80th birthday came up, so we thought that we should do something special to the those who have supported us over the years," Harris said.

The celebration banquet is an invite-only event. Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901 is located at 1005 Pointe Tremble Road in Algonac.

Members of the Algonac Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901.

Harris said the banquet is a way to thank community members and organizations for their support of VFW Post 3901. This includes volunteers, city officials, the Algonac Fire Department, and Algonac Alive, Valor and a variety of Algonac businesses.

The property that houses Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901 was donated by the family of Fred Quandt, an Algonac soldier who served and died in Vietnam. The post was dedicated to his name. Harris said some family members will be attending the banquet.

Harris said the main objective for Post 3901 is to be a place for veterans to go to relax, have a sense of camaraderie and get information on veteran benefits.

"There's a common thread among veterans," Harris said. "It's easier to talk with other veterans because there is so much in common between them."

He said the future of Post 3901 will be to continue to provide a welcoming place for veterans.

Algonac VFW Post 3901 was established in 1944. The post was formed by World War I veterans and veterans coming back from World War II, which was still going on at the time. Today, Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901 has 178 members.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

Subscribe: Follow more stories in the Blue Water Area. Subscribe to the Port Huron Times Herald.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Algonac Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901 turns 80 years old
New Central Florida highway will wirelessly charge cars on the go

Daily commuting ranks among lifes tediums but one day Central Florida drivers will get a charge out of motoring on a new highway in south Lake and west Orange counties.

Based on technology used in armrests at Orlandos airport that power phones wirelessly and stoves that heat skillets without burners, the coming State Road 516 will be equipped to replenish batteries of electric cars and trucks as they zip along the toll expressway.

An initiative of the Central Florida Expressway Authority, S.R. 516 aims to bring the future of driving to the present.

This is the first brand new highway having the system from the beginning, said Sergio Perez of Enrx, a company in Norway specializing in wireless energy and hired by the expressway authority. It is a world premiere.

Other wireless, in-road charging projects are underway in Detroit, Indiana, California, Europe, Israel and elsewhere in the world but those are retrofitting existing roadways.

In all, S.R. 516 has been deemed a signature example of how to build roads that are easier on the environment and drivers.

It also will feature solar panels able to make the nearly 1 megawatt of electricity needed to operate the road.

The road will have an underpass 260 feet long, 18 feet wide and 8 feet high for wildlife migrating to and from the huge Green Swamp. There will be an adjoining recreational trail.

Landscaping will prioritize native plants favoring Florida climate, including fire bush, coontie and saw palmetto, and ground covers not needing much mowing.

With an east-west alignment, the highway will link the exploding suburbia along the north-south U.S. Highway 27 in Lake County with a section of Orlandos expressway beltway, the north-south State Road 429 in Orange County.

S.R. 516 will be less than 5 miles long, or a fraction of the expressway authoritys 125 miles of highway. But the future has to start somewhere and the roads environmentally considerate capabilities will be operational and not merely experimental.

The road will cost nearly $550 million, with nearly $14 million of that for the electric vehicle charging project. Early estimates show daily traffic counts of as many as 21,000 vehicles during the first year, climbing to as many 25,000 in year five. Construction will run from early April through late 2027.

The 516 has been talked about and been planned for a number of years to relieve that east-west traffic in our region, said Sean Parks, a Lake County commissioner and member of the expressway authority.

Its also been a part of our economic plan in south Lake County to put a jobs center on the map, Parks continued. Obviously, we have a lot of housing. This provides an opportunity for us to get us better connected to the region.

While S.R. 516 had percolated for years in the authoritys project list, the decision to showcase it for sustainability was made more recently.

In 2018, Parks and former authority head Laura Kelley visited The Ray, an 18-mile piece of Interstate 85 south of Atlanta devoted to testing environmental and technology ideas.

Later, Parks, Kelley and staff attended a conference at Purdue University, where they met representatives of ASPIRE Engineering Research Center at Utah State University.

ASPIRE is sponsored by the National Science Foundation to advance electrified roadways. The authority and ASPIRE are now collaborating over S.R. 516.

This is the first public freeway, multilane deployment that will happen in the U.S., which is a big, big deal, said Michael Masquelier, ASPIRES chief commercial officer.

The 516 project will be the first installation of wireless charging in concrete lanes and it will have variable power for small cars and the biggest trucks alike, he said.

Ultimately, its all about usage and usage is whats going to drive adoption, Masquelier said. To do that you have to span the full vehicle spectrum.

In-road charging involves embedded coils of wire in pavement that emit electromagnetic energy  a term for a wide spectrum that includes radio waves, light and x-rays  to just above the roads surface.

Vehicles must have receiver plates attached to their underbodies to tap into the electromagnetic field and transfer its energy as electricity to a vehicle battery.

Perez of Enrx said the system at S.R. 516 will be the most powerful in the world.

bbDrivers of electric cars understand that charging systems vary widely.

Basic household charging can funnel electricity into a car battery with a strength of less than 20 kilowatts.

Last summer, Orlando Utilities Commission opened a public, fast-charger hub on Robinson Street. It has six charging dispensers rated for 240 kilowatts and 15 rated for 120 kilowatts.

The S.R. 516 system, taking up a footprint of about three-quarters of a mile, will provide charging at strengths up to 200 kilowatts.

Perez said 200 kilowatts will be for heavy trucks. Cars will be fed less, perhaps 50 kilowatts.

As a vehicle passes over in-road charging, it will receive enough electricity for the drive along the system  which, to illustrate the point, could be 1 mile  and store enough electricity to drive another 2 miles.

Government agencies, vehicle manufacturers and road builders will have to get on the same page, which is what the Central Florida Expressway Authority hopes to achieve.

Innovation is in our core, said the authoritys chief of engineering, Glenn Pressimone. We were not into solutions that are looking for problems, so to speak. We are open to innovation and to pilot projects.

The authoritys leading example is its E-PASS transponders for paying tolls. That program rolled out in 1994, or five years before the state transportation department followed with SunPass transponders.

The E-PASS reference is apt. That program has built a mature customer interface for signing up drivers that  in the future  could be used for on-the-go charging.

Pressimone said the challenge for his agency goes beyond mastering technology. We have to get it into a low-bid environment, he said of how road agencies award jobs.

Part of what this pilot is, is to establish the standard of what goes into the road and the standard of what is built into cars, Pressimone said. This could definitely be a reality for us.
Smoke rises from distant stacks at Entergys power plant in Reserve, Louisiana, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. Entergy operates electric utility companies in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi that serve 3 million customers. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator file photo)

Forty-five million people live in the area managed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the organization that runs a massive portion of the North American electric grid running from Manitoba, Canada, to the Gulf of Mexico.

Inside that footprint are all or parts of 15 states, 75,000 miles of transmission lines and nearly 3,000 electric generating units: coal, nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar and hydroelectric plants.

But where the northern part of the system meets the southern end  a narrow corridor that traverses a corner of southeast Missouri and northeastern Arkansas  theres a bottleneck that can hurt electric customers and create major inefficiencies on both sides of the divide.

Its definitely a problem, said Dan Scripps, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission and former president of the Organization of MISO States, which represents utility regulators in MISO territory. The price separation you see between the regions is concerning.

The portion of the North American electric grid operated by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator includes 45 million people, all or parts of 15 states, 75,000 miles of transmission lines and nearly 3,000 electric generating units: coal, nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar and hydroelectric plants. (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

The limited ability to shift power between the regions has been a longstanding concern. But a paper published earlier this year by an energy economist says a major utility company in MISOs southern region, Entergy, has big financial incentives to resist better transmission connections, which the company has been repeatedly accused of doing.

The analysis by Catherine Hausman, an associate professor at the Gerald Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, says two Entergy subsidiaries, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Arkansas, would have seen profits lowered by $930 million in 2022 under market integration. The report was published in January by the National Bureau of Economic Research as a working paper, which is circulated prior to peer review. Though complaints about the north-south constraint have been longstanding, Hausmans paper for the first time quantifies potential losses to power plant revenue if it gets fixed.

In a statement to States Newsroom, Entergy said Hausmans paper presents a false and misleading narrative about Entergy and its approach to new transmission investment. The company added that, per the regulatory models it operates under, profits do not depend on how often its generators run.

A MISO spokesman said the organization had no comment on Hausmans paper. However, MISO does plan to upgrade the connection in the years to come as part of its long range transmission planning process.

An electric transmission line between Dell, Ark., and New Madrid, Mo., connects MISOs northern and southern regions. (MISO)

The beginnings of the bottleneck

The MISO chokepoint is a product of both the limited connectivity between MISOs northern regions and the southern part and a contractual agreement, the regional directional transfer limit, which throttles the amount of power that can flow between them because of the effects on neighboring systems. Those include Southwest Power Pool, the grid operator to MISOs west, and the Tennessee Valley Authority to the east. The north-to-south limit is 3,000 megawatts and the south-to-north limit is 2,500 megawatts, though those thresholds can be temporarily increased or decreased to avoid a system emergency, MISO says.

It is a contractual limitation designed frankly to protect SPP and TVA from Entergy free riding on their transmission lines to move power back to the north, said Simon Mahan, executive director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association, an industry group. Also, Mahan said, it protects Entergy from cheaper power flows into its service area.

The limits roots stem from Entergy being prodded into joining a regional transmission organization in 2012 as part of a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice, which was investigating the company over anti-competitive behavior in how it managed its transmission system.

Instead of joining SPP, which some observers thought made the most sense because of the number of transmission connections it had with Entergy, the company chose MISO, which put the utility effectively on an island with limited ability to move power back and forth, wrote Daniel Tait, a research and communications manager with the Energy and Policy Institute, a pro-renewable energy nonprofit focused on utilities.

After Entergys merger into MISO in 2013, MISO began sending power between the regions in excess of the 1,000 megawatt direct physical connection between the regions, creating significant incremental power flows onto SPPs system, per a complaint filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

MISO should not be permitted to be a free rider on the SPP system, Southwest Power Pool transmission owners wrote in the FERC filing. SPP transmission customers are paying for the SPP system, and will continue to pay for it, and should not be forced to subsidize MISOs transmission customers. A subsequent settlement agreement reached between the organizations in 2016 set the current constraints. The deal allows MISO to purchase additional system capacity in exchange for compensation, a MISO spokesman said.

Why it matters

So, more than a decade since integrating with MISO, Entergys territories remain on an island, and thats no accident, Tait and others say.

Why? Critics of the company point to load pockets, areas with high demand but limited ability to bring in electricity from elsewhere. A transmission line could be a potential fix, as could new power plants. And while Entergy says its profits arent affected by how often its power plants run, monopoly utilities like Entergy do make considerable money on building new ones, since the utility gets state-approved profit margins and is incentivized to build the most expensive project it can get regulators to go along with. (Its a move Entergy has employed in East Texas that has drawn considerable criticism and lots of litigation).

Entergy makes a lot more money by building a power plant under a state-regulated model compared to the lower return on equity from a federally regulated transmission project, Tait said.

Transmission lines that bring in cheaper power from elsewhere, like the wind-rich regions in northern MISO, can also make it harder to make the case for building new plants.

Entergy joined MISO, but has since been accused of stalling the MISO transmission process, again to protect its fossil plants, Hausmans paper says. The incentives to have power plants dispatched a large portion of the year to still appear used and useful are likely to still be large.

Rob Gramlich, a former FERC economic adviser and president of Grid Strategies, a consulting firm, said theres some generator protectionism going on in MISO South. He added that theres no good economic reason why upgrades to the north-south constraint to allow more power to flow cant happen quicker.

Its just politics and certain companies interest, he said.

Entergy, however, rejects the notion that it has fought new transmission to protect profits and says that revenues from operating Entergys plants are credited 100% to customers on their bills.

Simply put, there is no incentive, profit or otherwise, for Entergy to oppose new transmission that is beneficial to our customers, the company told States Newsroom.

Rather, Entergy pointed at renewable developers, who often build power generation far from areas of high electric demand and may need considerable transmission to get their power to market. (Per Hausmans analysis, wind generators in MISO North would have seen a gain of about $800 million in 2022 if transmission constraints were fixed.)

There is every profit incentive for renewable developers to pursue new transmission regardless of its merit or whether it reduces the delivered cost of electricity to utility customers, the company said. Unlike Entergy, such developers do benefit from increasing the dispatch of their generation, and the resulting costs are borne not by them but by utility customers.

Bringing in cheaper power only makes sense for utility customers when the savings are greater than the cost of the new transmission projects needed to provide it, the company said.

It is one thing to be able to import more wind generation, but if the cost of the transmission necessary to import that wind generation makes the total delivered cost of electricity more expensive, then it is not in our customers interests to pursue that project, Entergy said.

Bill Booth, an energy attorney who works for developers, utilities and state commissions in the MISO region, said several areas in MISO have transmission constraints, not just the North-South connection.

Two critical issues are cost allocation and the belief by a state commission that the facilities built are going to benefit the state, he said. You can drive on a two-lane highway or you can drive on a six-lane highway.  There would have to be a business case to justify the expense.

Making connections

Scripps, the Michigan utility regulator and the former president of the Organization of MISO States, says hes unsure why the limitations between MISOs regions persist but added that it causes real headaches. Among the biggest is the inability to move the cheapest power to customers in the region, which is one of the main reasons regional transmission organizations like MISO exist in the first place. It can likewise be a problem during severe weather, when moving electricity between the regions is crucial to compensate for plant outages or other emergencies.

The whole idea of these regional markets and interconnections is you can draw from a broader pool, you can drive down prices and you can increase reliability, Scripps said. We are clearly losing out on both the reliability benefit and the opportunity to lower prices by having the RDT continue to exist as a significant constraint on the MISO system.

The constraint also presented problems during a recent MISO capacity auction, Scripps said. Thats when utilities purchase excess electric capacity to ensure they can meet electric demand at all times. Prices were significantly higher in MISOs northern regions than in the south, Scripps noted. If that constraint didnt exist we would not have seen the price spike in the capacity market that we did, he said.

Mahan, with the Southern Renewable Energy Association, pointed out that during Winter Storm Elliott in 2022 the power flow along the north-south connection was reduced to alleviate strain on the grid. There were also blackouts in Entergy territory during Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

MISO South had rolling blackouts in part because we couldnt import enough power from the north, Mahan said. Being able to move power back and forth helps lower the cost of the system for everyone.

During Winter Storm Heather in January, wholesale electric prices exceeded $900 per megawatt hour in one part of MISO South while they were as low as $9 per megawatt hour in other parts of the system. As the storm moved on, the problem reversed to some degree, with prices in MISO North climbing.

The economics of the system flipped and now all of a sudden MISO South had way more generation than we needed, Mahan said.

As of now, MISO contemplates fixing the RDT constraint as part of the fourth phase (called Tranche 4) of its long range transmission planning process. The organization just laid out proposals for the second tranche, which involve additional transmission projects in MISO North. The third tranche envision fixes for MISO South. The MISO South grid is too weak to import lower-cost electricity, which is increasing consumers bills unnecessarily, said Lauren Azar, an energy attorney working for the Natural Resources Defense Council and former Wisconsin utility commissioner, at a MISO meeting in February.

But theres a battle under way over who should pay for what. That means an upgrade for the north-south constraint is likely still years away.

The vision for melding MISO North and South together on this rolling time frame has really lagged behind, said Beth Soholt, executive director of the Clean Grid Alliance, based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Its in the ratepayers best interest to find the political will to solve this.

The post In the central U.S., an electric grid bottleneck persists appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Baku and Bucharest, the respective capitals of Azerbaijan and Romania, are in talks regarding the initiation of direct flight routes, Trend reports following the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on trade-economic relations and scientific-technical cooperation in Baku.

"We are looking forward to the opening of direct flights between Azerbaijan and Romania," said Romanian Energy Minister and Romanian co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission Sebastian-Ioan Burduja.

In his perspective, this initiative will not only foster closer relations between the two nations but also facilitate the establishment of connections between investors and the private sector, thus ensuring the comprehensive development of cooperation.

To note, the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijani-Romanian intergovernmental joint commission on trade-economic relations and scientific-technical cooperation was held in Baku.

The topics of the meeting in Baku include cooperation in energy (key), transportation, investment, agriculture, social, educational, humanitarian, infrastructure, construction, and other spheres.

As a result of the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, protocols and memoranda were signed in the fields of veterinary medicine and food safety.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Melanie Gibb, the former friend of Lori Vallow, was served with a subpoena during a break in Chad Daybells triple murder trial in Boise, Idaho on Thursday.

Daybells defence attorney John Prior told her she had to accept to the papers. Ms Gibb was called by the prosecution to testify in the case a year after she testified at Vallows trial about the couples extreme religious beliefs.

Daybell, 55, is on trial for the murders of Vallows children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and JJ, seven, as well as his then-wife Tammy Daybell, who died suddenly in her sleep in October 2019. Weeks later, Daybell married Vallow.

Nine months after the children were last seen, they were found on Daybells property in Rexburg, Idaho.

Prosecutors say his desire for sex, power, and money led to their murders. Mr Prior, however, said his client was manipulated by Vallow.

Last year, Vallow was convicted in the three murders and sentenced to life in prison. Jurors heard how she, Mr Daybell and her late brother Alex Cox were fuelled, in part, by their bizarre cult beliefs.

If convicted, Mr Daybell faces either the death penalty or life in prison.

Key points

Who is Chad Daybell?

What are the charges against Chad Daybell

What is the bizarre doomsday cult at centre of murders

Uncle of Lori Vallow believes cult mom would love to testify for husband Chad Daybell

Defence begins opening statements

Wednesday 10 April 2024 17:36 , Andrea Cavallier

Chad Daybells attorney John Prior begins his opening by introducing himself.

Whats important are facts and evidence, he begins.

He tells the jury not to be distracted by speculation.

Chad Daybells mission

Wednesday 10 April 2024 17:40 , Andrea Cavallier

Prior talks about Daybells mission to talk to people about his religious beliefs.

When he returned home after six months, he and Tammy got married and had five children.

He talked about his clients beliefs and his faith. And about the books Daybell wrote based on his faith.

Some of the topics he covered in his books were dark, like death  but stories and theories he wrote were fiction, Prior said.

Defence says Lori Vallow pursued Chad Daybell

Wednesday 10 April 2024 17:46 , Andrea Cavallier

John Prior told the jury how his client met Lori Vallow at a conference and her growing interest in him.

She pursued him, he said, adding that she would help him sell books.

He talked about how Daybell was married to only Tammy at the time.

But Lori Vallow was a different story, he said, pointing out her many marriages.

Lori Vallow was someone who, right out of high school, married her first husband. That marriage was very short-lived  very short-lived.

Her third marriage to Joseph Ryan was tumultuous, he said.

Vallows brother Alex Cox would do anything to protect her'

Wednesday 10 April 2024 17:50 , Andrea Cavallier

The defence told the jury that Alex Cox was Lori Vallows protector and that he would do anything for her.

Cox approached her third husband Joseph Ryan in 2007 and shot him with a Taser  years before Vallow and Daybell knew each other.

It set the pattern for what we are dealing with with Alex Cox, he said. Whenever there was a problem with Lori Vallow, Alex Cox ran to the rescue.

Prior tells the jury that Daybell and Vallows relationship turned inappropriate while their spouses were still alive. He then says Alex Cox shot and killed her fourth husband Charles Vallow.

Chad Daybells children will testify at fathers trial

Wednesday 10 April 2024 17:52 , Andrea Cavallier

Prior confirmed in his opening statement to the jury that Daybells children will testify in defence of their father at the trial.

He said that at least three or four of the five children will take the stand.

Theyre going to talk about their mothers health struggle, he said. Theyre going to talk about their mothers use of various medical treatments she would use - oils she would put on her leg, medicine and different herbs she would take, and that their mother was suffering from a number of maladies and she would refuse to see a doctor.

Defece says jury will see Daybell had nothing to do with Charles Vallows murder or shooting of Brandon Boudreaux

Wednesday 10 April 2024 17:55 , Andrea Cavallier

Prior tells the jury they will see that Daybell had nothing to do with the execution of Charles Vallow or the shooting of Brandon Boudreaux.

Lori Vallow is accused of conspiring to kill her former husband Charles, who was shot and killed in July 2019 by Cox. In the months leading up to his death, Charles told local police he was concerned that Vallow may hurt him or their children.

Vallow and Cox are accused of trying to kill her nieces ex-husband, Mr Boudreaux, outside his home in Gilbert, Arizona, in October 2019. He survived the drive-by shooting.

A grand jury indicted Lori on the conspiracy charges for Charles death in 2021. However, she had to face charges in the deaths of her kids and Tammy Daybell in Idaho before she could face a judge in Arizona.

Defence says jury will see no DNA evidence from Daybell on children

Wednesday 10 April 2024 17:59 , Andrea Cavallier

Prior says the jury will hear from four experts including Dr. Greg Hampikian, who is a DNA expert.

Mr Hampikian got Amanda Knox exonerated in Italy because of DNA evidence, Prior says.

He is the guy. Hes going to talk a little bit about the DNA evidence that was found on the scene.

Prior says Hampikian will talk about several hairs found on the plastic wrapped around JJ Vallows body.

Hes also going to say there was no DNA evidence, no hair sample of Chad Daybell on Tylee Ryan or on JJ Vallow, Prior tells the jury.

Defence concludes opening statements

Wednesday 10 April 2024 18:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Prior has concluded his opening statement.

Testimony is now starting with the states first witness.

States first witness is Detective Ray Hermosillo

Wednesday 10 April 2024 18:02 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Ray Hermosillo with the Rexburg Police Department is the first witness for the state.

He testified during Lori Vallows trial as well.

VIDEO: Prosecutor says Chad Daybells 'desire for sex, power, and money led to triple murder

Wednesday 10 April 2024 18:12 , Andrea Cavallier

Rexburg detective testifies about welfare check on JJ Vallow

Wednesday 10 April 2024 18:32 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Ray Hermosillo told the court he was contacted about conducting a welfare check on JJ Vallow.

He says they received a few photos of JJ from Gilbert police and JJs grandmother, Kay Woodcock.

The photos were found on Lori Vallows iCloud account.

When he arrived at the house, he was greeted by Vallows brother, Alex Cox.

Hermosillo said he appeared shocked, frightened when he asked if JJ was home.

Cox and Daybell exchanged looks.

Cox finally stated that JJ was with his grandmother in Louisiana.

Daybell and Vallows brother exchanged looks when police asked about JJs whereabouts

Wednesday 10 April 2024 18:37 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Hermosillo said he informed Alex Cox that it was unlikely that JJ was with his grandmother because shes the one who called for the welfare check.

There was no response initially, he said.

Cox looked over at the defendant Daybell before responding, he said.

At that point, I asked Alex where I could find Lori Vallow, he added.

Cox gave police the address of an apartment in the same complex.

There was no answer.

The detective asked Cox for Vallows number, but he stated that he didnt have the number.

Knowing Cox was close to his sister, he told the court: when he did not not have his sisters cell phone number, I assumed he was lying to me.

No evidence of JJ found in apartment units

Wednesday 10 April 2024 18:57 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective testifies that there was no evidence of JJ in either apartment 174 or 107.

In apartment 175, everything seemed to be in place, except the lack of clothing on the hangers.

The thing that caught our attention was that there were no clothes  no clothes on the hangers.

Its like somebody just grabbed the clothes and left, he said.

Police found a child's Star Wars suitcase as well as an old prescription bottle for JJ.

They also found a storage unit rental agreement contract under the name of Lori Ryan.

JJ was nowhere to be found.

Court is on lunch break for one hour

Wednesday 10 April 2024 19:00 , Andrea Cavallier

State lays out timeline for jury using detective's testimony

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:15 , Andrea Cavallier

The prosecution is laying out a complex timeline for the jury using Detective Hermosillos testimony.

Chad Daybells defence attorney has challenged the witness multiple times.

Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow never contacted Rexburg police about the missing children

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:23 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Hermosillo said police tried to contact Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell on their cell phones but they were turned off.

Hermosillo says neither one of them contacted Rexburg police about the missing children.

Jury sees photo of JJ, Tylee and Alex Cox

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:30 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Hermosillo is describing an Instagram photo of JJ, Tylee and Alex Cox that was shown to the court.

Based on metadata, the detective says the photo was taken in September 2019 at Yellowstone National Park. Its believed the photo was taken days before the children were killed.

The detective said he never saw another photo of Tylee.

Hermosillo is also talking about the order that was issued for Lori Vallow to produce her missing children.

He says he flew to Hawaii in January 2020 to deliver the mandate. While there, two search warrants were executed. But there was no sign of children.

This photo of Tylee Ryan and her brother Joshua JJ Vallow with their uncle Alex Cox was taken days before they were killed (Handout)

Last known photo of JJ Vallow shown in court

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:34 , Andrea Cavallier

A photo of JJ sitting on a couch in red pyjamas that was taken from Vallows iCloud account was shown in court.

The photo was taken in September 2019, the detective said.

Its believed to be the last known photo of JJ before he was killed.

JJ Vallow on the day he was last seen alive (Ada County Court)

Chad Daybells children will take the stand in their fathers defence

Thursday 11 April 2024 01:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Chad Daybell told police his wife Tammy Daybell had died suddenly in her sleep after battling an illness, but an autopsy later revealed she died of asphyxiation and he was charged with her murder.

Now, five years later, his adult children will take the stand at his triple murder trial in his defence to testify about their mothers ongoing health issues, the home remedies she would try, and her refusal to see a doctor, defence attorney John Prior said during opening statements on Wednesday morning in Boise, Idaho.

The prosecution says Daybells desire for sex, money and power is what led to the disturbing murders of Tammy, and the two children of his second wife Lori Vallow, who was convicted last year.

Read more:

Chad Daybells children will take the stand in their fathers defence

RECAP: State says Daybell crafted an alternate reality so that he could fulfill his desire for sex, money and power

Thursday 11 April 2024 03:00 , Andrea Cavallier

During opening statements on Wednesday in Boise, Idaho, the prosecution said Daybell crafted an alternate reality so that he could fulfill his desire for sex, money and power.

That desire is what led to the murders of his wife Tammy Daybell, and Lori Vallows two children Tylee and JJ, prosecutor Rob Wood said.

Mr Wood said Daybell described both children as being possessed before they disappeared, and that he repeatedly predicted to friends that Tammy would soon die.

When he had a chance at what he considered his rightful destiny, he made sure no person and no law would stand in his way, he said.

The bodies of the children were eventually found buried in Daybells yard. Tylee Ryans remains had been dismembered and burned, and JJs remains were bound.

Prosecutors say the couple justified the three killings by creating a detailed and apocalyptic belief system, part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles to their relationship and to obtain money from survivor benefits and life insurance.

Mr Wood told jurors that the evidence in the case will show that Daybell and Vallow manipulated her brother Alex Cox into doing their bidding by promising him spiritual rewards.

RECAP: Defence says Daybell was manipulated by Lori Vallow

Thursday 11 April 2024 05:00 , Andrea Cavallier

In opening statements, Chad Daybells defence attorney John Prior said his client lived a normal, faith-focused life before he met Lori Vallow.

He described Vallow as a beautiful, vivacious person who drew Daybell into an extramarital relationship.

Whats important are facts and evidence, Mr Prior told the jury. Dont be distracted by speculation, dont be distracted by guesses or suspicions or hunches. It all comes down to facts and evidence.

Mr Prior also said he would present several experts in DNA, forensics and medicine who would testify that its impossible to determine what caused Tammys death and that none of Daybells DNA was found with the childrens bodies.

Judge extends length and scope of gag order in Chad Daybell case

Thursday 11 April 2024 09:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Judge Steven Boyce has extended the gag order he issued in the Chad Daybell case.

It has been issued to remain in effect until the trial is concluded.

The gag order prohibits any party to this case, including the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, and any attorney representing a witness, victim, or victims family from making writen or oral statements about the case until April 15 or after opening statements.

However, the prosecution  Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake and Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood asked the judge on Monday to extend the motion until the end of the trial.

Ddefence attorney John Prior agreed.

All the attorneys said a gag order would benefit the administration of a fair trial due to media coverage.

Investigators, law enforcement personnel, and agents for the prosecuting attorney or defense attorney, and essential court staff directly involved in the trial in this case, are prohibited from making extra judicial statements (written or oral) concerning this case between 28 March 28, 2024 and the conclusion of the trial in this case, Judge Boyce wrote.

Where are Chad Daybells children?

Thursday 11 April 2024 13:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Chad Daybells adult children have mostly stayed out of the spotlight in the wake of their fathers arrest in the death of their mother Tammy Daybell and Lori Vallows two children.

But almost all of them will testify in his death penalty case in his defence.

Daybells attorney John Prior says they will detail their mothers health struggle before her sudden death in 2019.

Daybell had told police his wife had died suddenly in her sleep after battling an illness, but an autopsy later revealed she died of asphyxiation.

Theyre going to talk about their mothers use of various medical treatments she would useoils she would put on her leg, medicine, and different herbs she would take, and that their mother was suffering from a number of maladies, and she would refuse to see a doctor,Mr Prior said during opening statements on Wednesday.

Trial continues today with first full day of testimony

Thursday 11 April 2024 14:00 , Andrea Cavallier

The first full day of testimony in Chad Daybells trial will be today as Detective Hermosillo is back on the stand.

When court ended on Tuesday, the detective was explaining how the excavation of Daybells property progressed, and how a small body wrapped in black plastic was uncovered.

A black, round object was retrieved from the site, that Det Hermosillo described as shaped like a human head. When an incision was made into the black plastic, it revealed brown human hair according to Det Hermosillo.

It was later revealed to be JJ.

Testimony continues today at 8.30amMT/10.30amET.

ICYMI: State says Chad Daybells desire for sex, money, power led to murders

Thursday 11 April 2024 15:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Day 2 of testimony in Chad Daybells trial

Thursday 11 April 2024 15:30 , Andrea Cavallier

Court will resume at 10.30 ET for the second day of testimony in Chad Daybells triple murder trial.

Detective Hermosillo will be back on the stand.

Watch live on Judge Steven Boyces YouTube channel:

Graphic evidence being shown to jurors

Thursday 11 April 2024 16:30 , Andrea Cavallier

Jurors are now seeing graphic evidence in the case.

Judge Boyce told the court that the photos will not be shown to the public in the courtroom or on the livestream.

The jury, however, will see all the exhibits entered into evidence.

Detective recounts finding childrens remains in Daybells backyard

Thursday 11 April 2024 16:40 , Andrea Cavallier

A photo is shown in court of a white piece of plastic with a little slit in the plastic that shows some brown hair.

Another photo shows the body of JJ wrapped in black plastic and duct tape, Detective Hermosillo tells the court.

"This is body composition. The body had begun to break down," the detective.

Det Hermosillo assisted the coroner in taking JJs body to the morgue before returning to Daybells house where he said they assisted in a second burial site.

We knew from talking to family members that the pet cemetery had a little black dog statue next to a post.

As the Evidence Recovery Team sifted through the dirt, Det Hermosillo says they could only work for a few minutes because the smell was so bad.

As they dug deeper, they found bone fragments and globs of burnt flesh starting to protrude through the dirt.

A green object was found and started to take a roundish shape and at that point we saw what appeared to be the shape of a green melted bucket that appeared to have the remains of what we assumed was Tylee charred and burned inside that bucket.

Tylees remains were collected and put into a body bag.

The smell was horrendous, the detective said.

Family of JJ Vallow, Tammy Daybell not in court for graphic evidence

Thursday 11 April 2024 16:46 , Andrea Cavallier

Kay Woodcock, the grandmother of slain JJ Vallow, and Vicki Hoban, the aunt of Tammy Daybell, were not at the Ada County Courthouse on Thursday, according to local reporters.

The family members have been in court all week and for much of Lori Vallows trial last year, but their absence at todays proceedings indicated that it was going to be a tough day.

Detective Hermosillo is currently recounting finding the childrens remains and graphic photos are being shown to the jurors, but not in court.

Who was Joshua JJ' Vallow?

Thursday 11 April 2024 17:13 , Andrea Cavallier

Joshua JJ Vallow was last seen on 23 September 2019. In the last known picture of him, he is wearing red pyjamas  the same ones he was wearing when his remains were found nine months later. He was seven years old.

Lori Vallow and her fourth husband Charles adopted JJ in 2014. JJ is also the biological grandson of Charles Vallows sister Kay Woodcock.

Ms Woodcock, who was the first witness in Vallows tria last year, told jurors that JJ was born with some disabilities and was diagnosed with autism.

After Charles Vallow died, Ms Woodcock said she feared Vallow no longer wanted the boy.

Larry and Kay Woodcock pushed the police to do a welfare check on JJ Vallow (Post Register no sales no mags)

JJ was attending Kennedy Elementary School in Rexburg, Idaho before Vallow informed them he would not be returning and that he would be homeschooled.

In November, Ms Woodcock requested a welfare check on the boy, which sparked a nationwide search.

During Vallows trial, Ms Woodcock and her husband Larry sobbed as graphic evidence was shown to the court.

The grandparents were regulars at the trial and as it neared the end, Mr Woodcock could be found playing The Partys Over while lined up outside the court before blaring We Will Rock You inside.

Both songs held a special personal meaning to him and his grandson JJ and they would often sing them together, he said.

Today is the day, he told journalists outside the court, dressed in a Worlds Greatest Papa t-shirt. Im not the worlds greatest papa but I hope I was the worlds greatest papa to JJ and Tylee.

Who was Tylee Ryan?

Thursday 11 April 2024 17:30 , Andrea Cavallier

Tylee Ryan, 16, was the daughter of Lori Vallow and her third husband, Joseph Ryan.

She was described by family members as loving, and constantly laughing, according to KPVI.

Tylee also loved spending time with her friends and watching The Office, but more than anything she loved hanging out with little brother JJ and older brother Colby Ryan, the outlet reported.

This photo of Tylee Ryan and her brother Joshua JJ Vallow with their uncle Alex Cox was taken days before they were killed (Handout)

Shes so witty  even for adults, like, she would have me laughing, Echo Itaaehau, a family friend, told KTVK. She could be sassy, but just super sweet and tender-hearted.

Tylee spent most of her life in Arizona, but a week before going missing, she had moved from Arizona with her family to Rexburg, Idaho.

She was last seen on 8 September 2019, on a trip to Yellowstone National Park with JJ, her mother and Cox. A photo of the children and Cox is now widely circulated.

Spectators say Daybell was shaking as graphic photos were shown

Thursday 11 April 2024 17:35 , Andrea Cavallier

During a court break, several spectators told local reporters that they noticed Chad Daybell shaking while graphic photos were being shown in court.

The jurors are being shown graphic evidence from when JJ and Tylees remains were found buried in Daybells backyard.

One woman told East Idaho News Nate Eaton that it looked like he had never seen the images before.

Court will resume shortly.

Defence to continue cross on detective when court resumes

Thursday 11 April 2024 20:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Court is on a lunch break, but will resume around 3.10pmET.

Just before court was dismissed for lunch, Chad Daybells defence attorney John Prior was cross examining Rexburg police detective Rey Hermosillo.

Mr Prior attempted to discredit the investigation while placing the blame on others, including Lori Vallow and Alex Cox.

Defence focuses on Alex Cox during cross of detective

Thursday 11 April 2024 20:40 , Andrea Cavallier

Prior asks Detective Hermosillo about the days following Tammy Daybells death.

Three days after Tammy Daybell dies, Alex Cox is still sharpening knives, he says, and Hermosillo says this is correct.

Cox is Lori Vallows late brother. He died of natural causes.

Prior then makes a point of saying the knives and guns were found at the home of Alex Cox, not with Vallow or Daybell.

Court dismissed until Monday

Thursday 11 April 2024 21:44 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Hermosillo is dismissed for now and court has ended for the day.

The next witness is not yet available, so there will be no court on Friday.

Court will resume on Monday with day three of testimony in Chad Daybells trial.

Will Lori Vallow testify? Heres what her uncle says

Thursday 11 April 2024 23:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Who will defend Chad Daybell? His children are expected to testify

Friday 12 April 2024 00:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Hes accused of killing their mother but Chad Daybells adult children will take the stand in their fathers defence at his triple murder trial.

Daybell told police his wife Tammy Daybell had died suddenly in her sleep after battling an illness, but an autopsy later revealed she died of asphyxiation and he was charged with her murder.

Defence attorney John Prior said during opening statements on Wednesday morning in Boise, Idaho the children will testify about their mothers ongoing health issues, the home remedies she would try, and her refusal to see a doctor.

Read more:

Chad Daybells children will take the stand in their fathers defence

RECAP: Graphic evidence about childrens remains first heard at Lori Vallows murder trial

Friday 12 April 2024 03:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Cult mom Lori Vallow was convicted of murdering her two youngest children in a case that shocked the nation with its bizarre doomsday cult ties and the tragic deaths of almost everyone close to the mother-of-three and her new husband Chad Daybell.

Shocked jurors were shown images of JJs body found in the shallow grave  still dressed in the red pyjamas.

Now Daybell is on trial and a different jury is hearing all the jarring evidence against the couple.

Read more:

Lori Vallow case summary: Key revelations from cult moms murder trial

ICYMI: Lawyers make opening remarks in Chad Daybell trial

Friday 12 April 2024 05:00 , Andrea Cavallier

What are the charges against Chad Daybell?

Friday 12 April 2024 09:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Murder of Tammy Daybell

Murder of Joshua JJ Vallow

Murder of Tylee Ryan

Conspiracy to commit murder of Tammy Daybell

Conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in the death of Joshua JJ Vallow

Conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in the death of Tylee Ryan

Chad Daybell visibly shakes while graphic photos of childrens remains are shown

Friday 12 April 2024 11:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Daybell was shaking at the defence table as graphic photos of Lori Vallows childrens remains were shown at his death penalty trial on Thursday.

Rexburg police detective Rey Hermosillo took the court through the horrific process of digging up the remains of Tylee, 16, and JJ, seven, who were found buried on Daybells property.

Spectators at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho noticed the doomsday cult author start to tremble as the gruesome pictures were shown to the jury.

During opening statements this week, prosecutors said Daybells desire for sex, power, and money led to the murders of his former wife Tammy Daybell and the children of his new wife Lori Vallow, and that he sought to eliminate obstacles in pursuit of a life with Vallow.

Daybells defence attorney John Prior, however, said his client was manipulated by Vallow.

VIDEO: Prosecutor says Chad Daybells 'desire for sex, power, and money led to triple murder

Friday 12 April 2024 13:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Reminder: No court today in Chad Daybells trial

Friday 12 April 2024 17:35 , Andrea Cavallier

There will be no court today in Chad Daybells triple murder trial.

Detective Hermosillo finished his testimony for the state on Thursday.

The next witness is not yet available, so court will be in recess until Monday.

RECAP: Detective describes gruesome discovery of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan

Friday 12 April 2024 19:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Rexburg Detective Ray Hermosillo testified on Thursday about finding Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallows remains buried on Chad Daybells property.

He said investigators took turns digging because the smell of decomposition was so bad.

Graphic photos of the remains were shown in court, but not on the livestream. Daybell reportedly began to tremble during the testimony, court spectators said.

JJ was found in a bag that was wrapped in dark plastic with duct tape around it. He was still in the red pyjamas he was last seen wearing with duct tape wrapped around his head, over his mouth, and around his wrists, arms and ankles. Det Hermosillo said there were scratch marks on his neck and bruises.

Rexburg Detective Ray Hermosillo testified on Thursday about finding Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallows remains buried on Chad Daybells property (AP)

After the boys body was taken to the morgue, Det Hermosillo returned to the site and said they uncovered globs of burnt flesh starting to protrude through the dirt that were later determined to be Tylee Ryans charred remains.

At that point, we saw what appeared to be the shape of a green melted bucket that appeared to have the remains of what we assumed was Tylee charred and burned inside that bucket, he said.

JJs grandmother Kay Woodcock and Tammy Daybells aunt Vicki Hoban were not in courtroom on Thursday for the testimony. However, JJs grandfather Larry Woodcock, was spotted in the gallery.

Joshua JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan were found buried on Chad Daybells property (AP)

Chad Daybells children will testify at his murder trial

Friday 12 April 2024 21:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Chad Daybells adult children have mostly stayed out of the spotlight in the wake of their fathers arrest in the death of their mother Tammy Daybell and Lori Vallows two children.

But almost all of them will testify in his death penalty case in his defence.

Daybells attorney John Prior said in opening statements that they will detail their mothers health struggle before her sudden death in 2019.

Daybell had told police his wife had died suddenly in her sleep after battling an illness, but an autopsy later revealed she died of asphyxiation.

Theyre going to talk about their mothers use of various medical treatments she would useoils she would put on her leg, medicine, and different herbs she would take, and that their mother was suffering from a number of maladies, and she would refuse to see a doctor,Mr Prior said said on Wednesday.

Read more:

Chad Daybells children will take the stand in their fathers defence

Juror from Lori Vallows trial shares his thoughts about Chad Daybell case

Friday 12 April 2024 23:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Who are Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow? Key players in the doomsday cult murder case

Saturday 13 April 2024 01:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Chad Daybell is now on trial for the murders of his wife Tammy Daybell and Lori Vallows children JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan  almost one year after Vallow was convicted in the slayings.

JJ, seven, and Tylee, 16, went missing back in 2019, their remains later found buried on the grounds of Mr Daybells Chad property in Idaho.

One month after the children were last seen, Mr Daybells first wife Tammy, 49, died suddenly and Vallow and Mr Daybell jetted off and got married on a beach in Hawaii.

Prosecutors said that the couple conspired with Vallows brother Alex Cox to kill JJ, Tylee and Tammy as part of their doomsday cult beliefs  but also so they could collect life insurance money and the kids social security and survivor benefits.

Read about the bizarre and tragic case here:

Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow: Who are the key players in doomsday cult murder case?

Lori Vallows sister says shes been delusional for years

Saturday 13 April 2024 03:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Lori Vallows sister Summer Shiflet said the cult mom has been delusional for years.

Her comments came after Vallows sentencing last summer.

At the sentencing, Vallow spoke out for the first time, claiming that Jesus Christ knows no one was murdered and that the children and Tammy were busy and happy in heaven.

I have known shes been in this delusion for a while. It took me a long time to accept that and understand what was going on, Ms Shiflet said.

I had never seen anybody with a delusion disorder before. I didnt know how to process that or what it looked like (but) thats about typical of most conversations with her. Its about her faith and theres never any acknowledgment of what actually happened. You cant ever really get any answers so it leads to frustrating situations.

Who is Lori Vallow and did a doomsday cult really drive her to murder her children?

Saturday 13 April 2024 05:00 , Andrea Cavallier

At Lori Vallows trial last year, prosecutors pinned her motive in the murders of her children on three pillars of a cult playbook: Power, money and sex.

But a survivor of one of Americas most notorious cults tells Rachel Sharp we may never know if a cult truly drove Vallow to kill.

Did a doomsday cult really drive Lori Vallow to murder her children?

Who is Chad Daybell? Gravedigger, doomsday author... now, killer?

Saturday 13 April 2024 09:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Chad Daybell dug graves while he was a student at Brigham Young University and worked as a cemetery sexton in Utah for almost 20 years.

He told the Deseret News in 1992 that he believed digging graves helped him through school.

Daybell later founded his own publishing company, Spring Creek Book Company.

He authored several fiction and nonfiction books  many of them doomsday books loosely based on the teachings centered around The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He married his first wife Tammy in 1990 and they founded Spring Creek Book Company together in Utah  the company which published his doomsday books.

The couple had five children together and moved to Salem, Idaho, in 2015.

Among his teachings, he claimed he could teleport, could see into the future, see dead people, and that he and Vallow were part of the chosen 144,000.

Chad Daybells booking photo from 9 June 2020 (Rexburg Police Department via AP)

Who was Tammy Daybell?

Saturday 13 April 2024 17:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Tammy was the former wife of Chad Daybell. On 19 October 2019, the healthy 49-year-old died suddenly in her sleep.

Despite the mysterious circumstances, her husband declined an autopsy and her death was ruled from natural causes.

Less than weeks later, he married Lori Vallow.

It was only after her two children were reported missing weeks later  and authorities began delving into Vallow and Daybell, their sudden remarriage and bizarre cult beliefs  that questions began being asked about her death.

Tammy and Chad Daybell were married in 1990. He is now accused of conspiring with Lori Vallow to kill her (Facebook)

Investigators exhumed her body for an autopsy in December 2020 and found that Tammy had died at the hands of another and died of asphyxiation.

In a shocking moment revealed at Vallows trial, Daybell had predicted his wife Tammy would soon be dead.

Daybell is charged with murder in relation to her death, as well as the murders of Vallows two children. Hes also charged with conspiracy to commit murder for all three deaths.

Just ahead of Daybells trial, Tammys family released a statement:

(Tammy Douglas Daybell Foundation)

Who was Tylee Ryan?

Saturday 13 April 2024 21:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Tylee Ryan, 16, was the daughter of Lori Vallow and her third husband, Joseph Ryan.

She was described by family members as loving, and constantly laughing, according to KPVI.

Tylee also loved spending time with her friends and watching The Office, but more than anything she loved hanging out with little brother JJ and older brother Colby Ryan, the outlet reported.

Shes so witty  even for adults, like, she would have me laughing, Echo Itaaehau, a family friend, told KTVK. She could be sassy, but just super sweet and tender-hearted.

Tylee spent most of her life in Arizona, but a week before going missing, she had moved from Arizona with her family to Rexburg, Idaho.

She was last seen on 8 September 2019, on a trip to Yellowstone National Park with JJ, her mother and Cox. A photo of the children and Cox is now widely circulated.

Tylee Ryan and Joshua JJ Vallow (Family handout)

Who was Joshua JJ' Vallow?

Sunday 14 April 2024 02:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Joshua JJ Vallow was last seen on 23 September 2019. In the last known picture of him, he is wearing red pyjamas  the same ones he was wearing when his remains were found nine months later. He was seven years old.

Lori Vallow and her fourth husband Charles adopted JJ in 2014. JJ is also the biological grandson of Charles Vallows sister Kay Woodcock.

Ms Woodcock, who was the first witness in Vallows tria last year, told jurors that JJ was born with some disabilities and was diagnosed with autism.

After Charles Vallow died, Ms Woodcock said she feared Vallow no longer wanted the boy.

JJ was attending Kennedy Elementary School in Rexburg, Idaho before Vallow informed them he would not be returning and that he would be homeschooled.

JJ Vallow on the day he was last seen alive (Ada County Court)

In November, Ms Woodcock requested a welfare check on the boy, which sparked a nationwide search.

During Vallows trial, Ms Woodcock and her husband Larry sobbed as graphic evidence was shown to the court.

The grandparents were regulars at the trial and as it neared the end, Mr Woodcock could be found playing The Partys Over while lined up outside the court before blaring We Will Rock You inside.

Both songs held a special personal meaning to him and his grandson JJ and they would often sing them together, he said.

Today is the day, he told journalists outside the court, dressed in a Worlds Greatest Papa t-shirt. Im not the worlds greatest papa but I hope I was the worlds greatest papa to JJ and Tylee.

ICYMI: Lawyers make opening remarks in Chad Daybell trial

Monday 15 April 2024 09:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Court resumes today in Chad Daybell trial

Monday 15 April 2024 11:00 , Andrea Cavallier

The trial of Chad Daybell resumes today with the states next witness.

It will begin at 8.30 MT / 10.30 ET.

The identity of this witness is not yet known.

Last week, Det Hermosillo was the states first witness. He was dismissed for the time being, but remained under subpoena to appear later in the proceedings.

RECAP: Detective describes horror of finding Tylee and JJs remains

Monday 15 April 2024 12:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Rexburg police detective Rey Hermosillo took the court through the horrific process of digging up the remains of Tylee, 16, and JJ, seven, who were found buried on Chad Daybells property.

Spectators at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho noticed the doomsday cult author start to tremble as the gruesome pictures were shown to the jury.

Det Hermosillo says they could only work for a few minutes because the smell was so bad.

Kids Killed Doomsday Plot Trial (Post Register no sales no mags)

As they dug deeper, they found bone fragments and globs of burnt flesh starting to protrude through the dirt.

A green object was found and started to take a roundish shape and at that point we saw what appeared to be the shape of a green melted bucket that appeared to have the remains of what we assumed was Tylee charred and burned inside that bucket.

Tylees remains were collected and put into a body bag.

The smell was horrendous, the detective said.

Tylee Ryan and Joshua JJ Vallow (Family handout)

The charges against Chad Daybell

Monday 15 April 2024 13:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Murder of Tammy Daybell

Murder of Joshua JJ Vallow

Murder of Tylee Ryan

Conspiracy to commit murder of Tammy Daybell

Conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in the death of Joshua JJ Vallow

Conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in the death of Tylee Ryan

Spectators line up outside courthouse for Chad Daybells trial

Monday 15 April 2024 15:03 , Andrea Cavallier

Day 3 of #ChadDaybell trial. There are two lines but several people are just here for court business. Doors open at 8 a.m. for us to go through security. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/EKsfEtzZpw  Garna Mejia (@GarnaMejiaKSL) April 15, 2024

Judge rules defence cannot reference Alex Cox and Joseph Ryan incidents

Monday 15 April 2024 15:34 , Andrea Cavallier

In a hearing held before the jury was brought in and before spectators were seated, Judge Steven Boyce ruled that Chad Daybells defence attorney John Prior cannot reference the incidents involving Joseph Ryan and Alex Cox.

Joseph Ryan was Lori Vallows third husband and the father of Tylee. He was found dead in April 2018 and his death was ruled a heart attack. However, his case was reopened after Vallows fourth husband Charles Vallow was killed. But no foul play was suspected.

Alex Cox is Lori Vallows late brother. In 2007, he reportedly used a taser on Joseph Ryan in the midst of a custody dispute. But the judge ruled that Mr Prior cannot bring up these incidents.

Watch live: Chad Daybells triple murder trial enters third week

Monday 15 April 2024 15:36 , Andrea Cavallier

The trial of Chad Daybell is entering its third week with more testimony.

It is being livestreamed on Judge Steven Boyces YouTube channel:

State calls former Fremont County deputy to testify

Monday 15 April 2024 15:48 , Andrea Cavallier

The prosecution has called Vincent Kaaiakamanu, Chief Deputy of Madison County Sheriffs office, to the stand on Monday.

He was with the Fremont County Sheriffs Office at the time of the murders.

Court hears jail phone calls between Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow

Monday 15 April 2024 16:05 , Andrea Cavallier

Deputy Kaaiakamanu explains he oversees the Telmate phone/video system that inmates use in the jail.

One of the calls is entered into evidence and its played in court.

Lori Vallow calls Chad Daybell and asks enthusiastically, Hey babe. Are you OK?

Theyre searching the property, he responds.

The house right now? she asks.

Yes. Yes, Daybell says. So Mark Means will be talking to you.

Mark Means is their former attorney.

Vallow asks if they are in the house. Daybell says no and says they are on the property.

When Vallows asks if they are seizing stuff again, he responds, Theyre searching.

Daybell says: Im glad you called. Well see what transpires.

K. What do you want me to do? Pray? she says.

Yeah, pray. And...yeah, he says and then tells her to call Mark.

She asks if she can call him later, and he says I dont know. I dont know. You can try. Ill answer if I can.

They exchange I love yous and the call ends.

Detective Eric Wheeler is now on the stand

Monday 15 April 2024 16:18 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Eric Wheeler is now testifying for the state.

He said he has worked for the Rexburg Police Department for 18 years.

He was a patrol officer in 2020 when the remains of the children were found on Chad Daybells property.

Det Wheelers role was to maintain safety and security while investigators conducted the search of Tylee and JJ.

Updated camera angle shows better view of Chad Daybell

Monday 15 April 2024 16:38 , Andrea Cavallier

After numerous complaints about the courts live stream feed over the past two weeks, it has been updated and improved for the third week of testimony.

Chad Daybells trial is being live streamed on Judge Boyces YouTube channel.

The camera angles previously showed the entire court, the judge and the witness on the stand.

Now there is a camera pointed directly at the defence table to show Daybell and his attorney John Prior.

Another angle is pointed at the courtroom and the state, while the others are at the witness and the judge.

(Judge Steven Boyce/YouTube)

(Judge Steven Boyce/YouTube)

Court sees video of Chad Daybell detained in cop car

Monday 15 April 2024 17:14 , Andrea Cavallier

During Det Wheelers testimony, the state plays a video from his patrol car that shows Daybell talking to his daughter Emma after hes been detained at his house.

He has not been formally arrested at this point.

Det Wheeler had testified just before he was put in the cop car, there were multiple times he saw Daybell looking awkwardly over his shoulder toward where the investigators were searching and cadaver dogs were working on the property.

Emma comes up to the side of the car and is crying as she says I love you so much and gives her dad a hug.

Daybell goes over finances with Emma and says she will be running his finances I suppose.

He tells her there is about $9,000 in a middle drawer in Marks room and also gives her the password to his bank account. He says his company business card is in the same drawer as the $9,000.

Chad Daybell tells his daughter Im not coming back

Monday 15 April 2024 17:25 , Andrea Cavallier

As Daybell discusses finances with his daughter, Emma, she promises to take care of things the best she can.

He tells her the house is essentially hers and that he will talk to John Prior about financial arrangements.

Im not coming back, he says.

Court hears that Daybells daughter was in contact with jailed Lori Vallow

Monday 15 April 2024 17:28 , Andrea Cavallier

As Chad Daybell instructs his daughter Emma to use Telmate to communicate with him, she tells him that she has an account because she has been talking with Lori Vallow, who had already been arrested.

In the police video, Emma asks if things can be sent from Amazon to the jail and Dyabell responds that Lori would know the Amazon account. He says he has around $265 in gift certificates in his Amazon account.

Daybell and daughter discuss location of remains

Monday 15 April 2024 17:32 , Andrea Cavallier

Emma tells her dad she asked the police where they found the human remains. At this point, only JJs remains had been found.

She said police told her the remains were found near the pond, under the tree and that there were boards over it. When Daybell responds, OK, Emma then says, I can see in your face that it surprises you.

Daybell also tells Emma that he talked to Lori for a few minutes just before he was being detained, and Emma asked if she was surprised.

She seemed bothered and disturbed, he says.

We are independent - Im not Colby, Daybells daughter says during his arrest

Monday 15 April 2024 17:43 , Andrea Cavallier

As Chad Daybell is being detained while investigators dig up the bodies of Lori Vallows children, he tells his daughter Emma that neighbors will be talking.

Court saw the new video footage from the patrol car on Monday.

She tells him the neighbors are already talking.

Were ok dad. Were ok. You raised us so we are independent now. Im not Colby, she said, apparently referring to Colby Ryan, Lori Vallows son.

Daybell tells her it will work out and she tells him shes going to miss him.

Detective says Daybell looked over in direction of fire pit where Tylees remains were. later found

Monday 15 April 2024 17:47 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Wheeler testified that while Chad Daybell was in the back of the patrol car, he had looked over in the direction of the fire pit where Tylees remains were later found.

At the time Daybell was being detained, only JJs body had been found.

Fremont County Lt. Joe Powell Joe is testifying

Monday 15 April 2024 18:54 , Andrea Cavallier

The next witness for the state is Fremont County Lt. Powell Joe.

On 31 October 2019, Lt Powell got a call from law enforcement in Arizona inquiring about Tammy Daybells death.

The investigators asked for a copy of the death report.

Lieutenant testifies about surveillance on Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow

Monday 15 April 2024 19:06 , Andrea Cavallier

Lt Joe Powell testified about the surveillance he was conducting on Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow.

He was at Vallows apartment on Pioneer Road when he saw Daybell leaving on the morning of 1 November 2019.

He followed Daybell to Mountain America Credit Union and then lost him so went back to the apartment. They then followed Vallow to the post office in Sugar City, then to Walgreens and then followed both Vallow and Daybell as they left the apartment, went to a credit union in Idaho Falls and then to Hobby Lobby and Cafe Rio.

A photo was shown in court of Daybell and Vallow holding hands as they walked into Hobby Lobby. Another photo was of the couple eating inside Cafe Rio.

Court on lunch break

Monday 15 April 2024 19:10 , Andrea Cavallier

Court is on lunch break for an hour.

Proceedings will resume at 3pm ET.

Lt Joe Powell is still under oath and will return to the stand following break.

Watch: New video shows Chad Daybell telling daughter Im not coming back

Monday 15 April 2024 19:20 , Andrea Cavallier

Tammy Daybells aunt wipes tears from eyes as autopsy photo is show in court

Monday 15 April 2024 20:45 , Andrea Cavallier

Vicki Hoban, the aunt of Tammy Daybell, is in the courtroom wiping her tears as an autopsy photo of Tammy is shown to the jury.

Larry and Kay Woodcock, the grandparents of slain 7-year-old JJ Vallow, are also in the courtroom today.

Lt Powell testifies that Tammy Daybell appeared to be healthy so he got a warrant for exhumation

Monday 15 April 2024 20:51 , Andrea Cavallier

Lt Powell testified that he ran Tammys name through a law enforcement prescription program to find out if she was on any medicine.

She was on Tramadol, which is for pain, and Fluoxetine, an antidepressant.

Lt Powell says when dealing with unattended death cases, its typical to get medical records. He says Tammys past medical history is pretty normal other than depression.

She appeared to be healthy so I got a warrant for exhumation, Lt Powell says.

Defence questions Lt Powell about digging Tammy out of the ground

Monday 15 April 2024 21:00 , Andrea Cavallier

In cross-examination, Daybells defence attorney John Prior shows the court Tammy Daybells death certificate and asks if Lt Powell had looked at it. He says he did not.

You went to a judge to have her dug out of the ground and you didnt even once look at the certificate of death!? Prior asks.

Lt Powell responds, Nope.

Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow were holding hands at Hobby Lobby 12 days after Tammy Daybell died

Monday 15 April 2024 21:15 , Andrea Cavallier

On redirect, Wixom asks Lt Powell if he was aware the kids were missing - which he replied yes. He then asks Lt Powell if he was aware Daybell and Vallow were together at the time of the exhumation. He said yes.

He was made aware of Tammy Daybells death on 19 October 2019.

Daybell and Vallow were spotted holding hands at Hobby Lobby 12 days later  on 1 November 2019.

Celebration of Life to be held for JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan

Monday 15 April 2024 21:30 , Andrea Cavallier

A Celebration of Life will be held on 27 April to honor Joshua JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan.

JJs grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock, will be hosting the memorial at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls, according to EastIdahoNews.com.

Its going to be a celebration of two children whose lives were taken way too early, Larry Woodcock told the outlet.

We have so many wonderful friends here  friends that well have for a lifetime  and we think its time to appreciate the lives of Tylee and JJ.

The bodies of Tylee and JJ were found on Chad Daybells property in June 2020. Their remains were released to family at the end of last year.

Visitation hours will be from 11am-1pm MT followed by a service from 1 to 2pm.

The memorial will be streamed on EastIdahoNews.com.

Tylee Ryan and Joshua JJ Vallow (Family handout)

Nicole Heideman - FBI Tactical Specialist - is next witness

Monday 15 April 2024 21:52 , Andrea Cavallier

Court is back in session following the afternoon break.

The prosecution calls Nicole Heideman, FBI Tactical Specialist, to the stand.

She also testified in Lori Vallows trial last year.

Ms Heideman will be the last witness of the day.

Video: Officer describes finding remains of Chad Daybells stepdaughter

Tuesday 16 April 2024 01:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Court sees video of Chad Daybell telling his daughter Im not coming back

Tuesday 16 April 2024 02:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Chad Daybell calmly talked to his adult daughter about handling finances and other family matters as he was detained on the day investigators found the remains of Lori Vallows two children buried in the backyard of his Idaho property.

Yeah, Im not coming back, Mr Daybell told his daughter Emma in never-before-seen video footage that was played for the jury in his triple murder trial on Monday.

Read more:

Who was Tammy Daybell?

Tuesday 16 April 2024 05:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Tammy was the former wife of Chad Daybell. On 19 October 2019, the healthy 49-year-old died suddenly in her sleep.

Despite the mysterious circumstances, her husband declined an autopsy and her death was ruled from natural causes.

Less than three weeks later, he married Lori Vallow.

It was only after her two children were reported missing weeks later  and authorities began delving into Vallow and Daybell, their sudden remarriage and bizarre cult beliefs  that questions began being asked about her death.

Chad and Tammy Daybell before her death in October 2019 (Facebook)

Investigators exhumed her body for an autopsy in December 2020 and found that Tammy had died at the hands of another and died of asphyxiation.

In a shocking moment revealed at Vallows trial, Daybell had predicted his wife Tammy would soon be dead.

Daybell is charged with murder in relation to her death, as well as the murders of Vallows two children. Hes also charged with conspiracy to commit murder for all three deaths.

Vallow was found guilty of conspiracy to kill Tammy, with prosecutors alleging that the couple conspired with Vallows brother, Alex Cox.

What charges does Chad Daybell face?

Tuesday 16 April 2024 07:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Murder of Tammy Daybell

Murder of Joshua JJ Vallow

Murder of Tylee Ryan

Conspiracy to commit murder of Tammy Daybell

Conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in the death of Joshua JJ Vallow

Conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in the death of Tylee Ryan

What we know about the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell cult murder case

Tuesday 16 April 2024 09:00 , Andrea Cavallier

With cult mom Lori Vallow jailed for life for the murders of her children and her spouses first wife and Chad Daybell now on trial, Rachel Sharp delves into the deeply disturbing tale of murders, unexplained deaths and apocalyptic cult beliefs.

What we know about the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell doomsday cult murder case

Celebration of Life to be held for JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan

Tuesday 16 April 2024 11:00 , Andrea Cavallier

A Celebration of Life will be held on 27 April to honor Joshua JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan.

JJs grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock, will be hosting the memorial at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls, according to EastIdahoNews.com.

Its going to be a celebration of two children whose lives were taken way too early, Larry Woodcock told the outlet.

We have so many wonderful friends here  friends that well have for a lifetime  and we think its time to appreciate the lives of Tylee and JJ.

The bodies of Tylee and JJ were found on Chad Daybells property in June 2020. Their remains were released to family at the end of last year.

Visitation hours will be from 11am-1pm MT followed by a service from 1 to 2pm.

The memorial will be streamed on EastIdahoNews.com.

Chad Daybell trial resumes today

Tuesday 16 April 2024 12:00 , Andrea Cavallier

The triple murder trial of Chad Daybell resumes today with more testimony.

Nicole Heideman, FBI Tactical Specialist, will return to the stand.

Court will begin at 10.30am ET.

RECAP: Chad Daybell tells his daughter Im not coming back

Tuesday 16 April 2024 13:00 , Andrea Cavallier

On Monday, prosecutors played video from the police cruiser that showed Chad Daybell in the back seat of a police car talking to his daughter Emma who tearfully told her dad, I love you so much.

Daybell was being detained after the bodies of Lori Vallows children were found buried on his property in June 2020.

Yeah, Im not coming back, he told his daughter in the never-before-seen video footage that was played for the jury in his triple murder trial.

Read more:

JJs grandfather rocks socks featuring slain boys favorite Queen song in court

Tuesday 16 April 2024 14:40 , Andrea Cavallier

In court on Monday, JJ Vallows grandfather, Larry Woodcock, was wearing socks that featured his slain grandsons favorite song by Queen.

The photo was posted on social media by the Pretty Lies And Alibis account, a podcast hosted by GiGi.

Last year, at Lori Vallows trial, Mr Woodcock regularly played JJs song We will rock you, before and after court and blasted it for all to hear outside the courthouse after Vallow was convicted in the murders.

Testimony resumes in Chad Daybells trial

Tuesday 16 April 2024 15:36 , Andrea Cavallier

Court is back in session as testimony resumes for a fourth day.

FBI Tactical Specialist Nicole Heideman, who began her testimony yesterday, will be back on the stand this morning.

Watch the proceedings on Judge Steven Boyces livestream:

Chad Daybell searched for malachite wedding bands for Lori Vallow months before death of his wife, FBI Specialist testified

Tuesday 16 April 2024 16:11 , Andrea Cavallier

FBI Tactical Specialist Nicole Heideman testified about her search of Daybell and Vallows online searches from October 2018 - 2020.

Heideman said that on 5 May 2019, Daybell searched for malachite ebay and malachite jewelry. She said Daybell and Vallows wedding bands were made of malachite. They were married less than three weeks after Tammy Daybell died.

At the point they were searching for malachite, Tammy was still alive.

Daybell searched for wind direction day before Tylee Ryan was burned, buried on his property

Tuesday 16 April 2024 16:18 , Andrea Cavallier

Heideman testified that Daybell searched for ssw wind and what is definition of ssw direction on 8 September 2019.

She said this was important to the investigation because investigators believe that Tylee Ryan, 16, was killed, and that her remains were burned and buried on Daybells property the next day.

Other searches included Ned Schiender which Heideman said was an entity name for Charles Vallow, Lori Vallows fourth husband who said she had referred to him as that name, according to police reports. The name also showed up on her gmail account.

Another search of Daybells account revealed the word hiplos which Heideman said is another entity name for Charles Vallow, replacing Ned Schiender.

Defence asks why searches dont include Melanie Gibb or David Warwick

Tuesday 16 April 2024 16:23 , Andrea Cavallier

Daybells defence attorney is cross examining Heideman about his clients google searches.

He asks why the searches dont include Melanie Gibb or David Warwick.

Gibb and Warick were around on the day JJ Vallow died, as was Vallows late brother Alex Cox.

Heideman said she doesnt write the search warrants.

Defence says Daybell texted wife about burning limbs day after checking wind conditions

Tuesday 16 April 2024 16:33 , Andrea Cavallier

Derfence attorney John Prior pointed out on cross with Heideman that Daybell sent text to his wife Tammy Daybell on 9 September, that he was going to burn some limbs in the yard.

This was a day after he searched the wind direction, Prior said.

Heideman had testified that Daybell searched for ssw wind and what is definition of ssw direction on 8 September 2019.

She said this was important to the investigation because investigators believe that Tylee Ryan, 16, was killed, and that her remains were burned and buried on Daybells property the next day.

No searches on killing children, defence claims

Tuesday 16 April 2024 16:39 , Andrea Cavallier

Prior is going through Daybells searches and points out there were no searches on life insurance for children - which was found in Lori Vallows searches as presented to court.

He asks Heideman:

Theres no email or search on lets kill two children is there?

Heideman responds there is not.

Next witness is Arizona detective who investigated Charles Vallows death

Tuesday 16 April 2024 16:53 , Andrea Cavallier

The next witness to take the stand is Detective Nathan Duncan.

He was the Chandler, Arizona officer who investigated the shooting death of Charles Vallow.

This investigation led to Lori Vallow to be indicted on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

Detective says amount of blood was not consistent with CPR claims

Tuesday 16 April 2024 17:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Duncan is describing what he saw when he arrived at the Chandler home in response to the shooting of Charles Vallow on 11 July 2019.

Lori Vallows brother Alex Cox made the 911 call. He said he shot Charles in self-defence after Charles struck him with a baseball bat.

It was claimed that Alex Cox had done CPR on Charles.

But the detective testified that he did not see a lot of blood, and he says he would expect more more blood if CPR had been done as claimed.

Detective said indentation on floor indicated Charles Vallow was shot while lying on the ground.

Tuesday 16 April 2024 17:08 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Duncan said indentation on floor indicated Charles Vallow was shot while lying on the ground.

Alex Cox told police he was standing in the southwest corner of the living room and that he and Charles Vallow were face to face with each other when he shot Charles twice while they were standing up.

However, Duncan testified says that as police were cleaning up the scene, he noticed an indentation in the floor that would have been consistent with Charles being shot while lying on the ground.

Charles Vallows phone was centre of argument with Lori day of shooting, detective says

Tuesday 16 April 2024 17:15 , Andrea Cavallier

Detective Duncan testified that he had determined that Charles Vallows phone was the catalyst of an argument that happened between him and Lori Vallow on the day he was shot by Alex Cox in Chandler, Arizona.

Lori Vallow left with his phone after the shooting and later returned it to police who did an extraction.

Court is now on morning break

Tuesday 16 April 2024 17:16 , Andrea Cavallier

Judge Steven Boyce dismissed the court for morning break.

Court will resume in 30 minutes.

Detective Duncan will return to the stand.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  Authorities in Champaign and at the University of Illinois are asking for the publics help through Crime Stoppers in solving a carjacking and a subsequent armed robbery near campus that they believe are related.

Officials said that around 11:43 p.m. on Jan. 20, approximately five people approached a BMW that was parked at Fifth and White Streets. One of the group members is said to have ordered the driver out of the car at knifepoint and the group drove away in the stolen car.

90 minutes later, at 1:12 a.m. on Jan. 21, officials said the stolen BMW approached someone at First and Chamers Streets. Two people armed with knives got out of the car and threatened the victim, demanding his belongings.

Decatur family displaced after weekend mobile home fire

The BMW then fled the scene and was recovered near Rantoul a few days later.

A person of interest was captured on video, and police are asking for help from the public in identifying them. The suspect on video, along with the others in the group, were wearing all-black clothing and black ski masks.

Anyone who has information regarding the identify of those involved in these crimes is asked to contact Champaign County Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477, visiting their website or using the P3 Tips mobile app. All tips submitted to Crime Stoppers are both anonymous and eligible for a cash reward if the information provided leads to an arrest.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
With dozens of televised specials available to stream at the press of a button, its hard to imagine a time when stand-up comedy was a new fad. But about 160 years ago, newspaper writer Charles Farrar Browne proved the genre had a bright future.

Browne is considered the pioneer of American stand-up comedy for his live performances as alter ego Artemus Ward, a character he introduced in 1858 while writing for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland. The popularity of the character inspired a best-selling book enjoyed by President Abraham Lincoln and helped inspire the writings and speeches of author Mark Twain.

To mark April Fools Day, learn about Brownes life and legacy as a funnyman.

Brownes Early Life and Career

Browne was born April 26, 1834, in Waterford, Maine, to parents Levi and Caroline Farrar BrownCharles added the e to his last name years later. He started his professional life as a printers apprentice before moving to Boston. There, he began writing for a humor magazine.

According to Ideastream Public Media in Cleveland, Browne moved to Ohio in 1854 and worked for newspapers in Toledo and Tiffin before joining The Plain-Dealer as a columnist in October 1857. At the newspaper, he introduced the Artemus Ward persona in a written letter on January 30, 1858, according to Case Western Reserve University.

Browne continued to write as Ward and began sending copies to Vanity Fair in New York, creating friction between him and The Plain-Dealer founder Joseph W. Gray. The founder wanted Browne to write exclusively for the newspaper but declined to increase his pay. Browne left the job on November 10, 1860, and moved to New York on his way to becoming editor of Vanity Fair.

Contemporaries described Browne in pleasant terms. According to the Portland Press Herald, humorist Charles Pfaff said Browne was thoroughly good-natured, incapable of malice toward anyone, with a capacity for gentleness and tenderness. He would often write with one leg draped over the arm of his chair and was prone to burst into laughter.

The Artemus Ward Character

Brown used the Ward characterthat of a Yankee circus showman loosely based on P.T. Barnum, according to the Mark Twain Projectto deliver social commentary.

Brownes writings as Artemus featured blatant misspellings, illustrating the characters lack of formal education. They also reflected the common attitudes of the time, which were marked by massive racial and sexual inequality. Because of this, much of Brownes material appears politically incorrector even downright racistby modern standards.

But the act proved popular, and in the early 1860s, Browne began traveling the United States and Canada to perform as Ward in a routine called The Babes in the Wood. On stage, Browne told outrageous stories with a straight face and deadpan delivery, selling the Ward identity to great effect.

Getty Images

Brownes success with the character led him to publish Artemus Ward: His Book in May 1862. President Lincoln enjoyed the book and actually read parts of it to his cabinet before presenting the Emancipation Proclamation, according to Lehigh University.



Influence on Twain and Death

The most notable part of Brownes legacy is his connection with Twain. The two met at a show in Virginia City, Nevada, in December 1863 and became friends, according to the Mark Twain Project.



Browne gave career advice to Twain and encouraged him to submit one of his short stories, Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog, for publication in November 1864. The story eventually debuted the next year and brought Twain instant recognition. The deadpan delivery Browne used on stage also influenced Twains persona during his public speaking tours.

In 1866, Browne traveled to London to perform The Babes in the Wood for a new audience. But he frequently went out to drink and meet with writers from Punch magazine, and he began struggling to even make it through his shows, according to Lehigh University. Within two months overseas, he contracted tuberculosis and grew increasingly ill.

Browne eventually died on March 6, 1867, at age 32 in Southampton, England. He was buried in London, but his remains were later moved to his hometown of Waterford.

During a November 1871 lecture highlighted in The Albany Evening Journal, Twain called Artemus Ward Americas greatest humorist, not manufactured or bogus, but a born humorist. So the next time youre laughing along to your favorite comedian on Netflix, dont forget Brownes foundational role in the evolution of American humor.

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A 15-second recording is all that's needed to clone real voices. However, the threats to society mean OpenAI's new voice-cloning software will not be available for public use for the time being. Hannes P. Albert/dpa

ChatGPT developer OpenAI is working on software to clone human voices, an innovation that could transform how films, shows and other content is consumed in foreign languages, but one that is also being seen as a threat to democracy.

"Voice Engine [...] uses text input and a single 15-second audio sample to generate natural-sounding speech that closely resembles the original speaker," the US company announced.

OpenAI says it has been developing software since 2022 designed to convert text into speech. However, it remains to be seen if and when Voice Engine will be available to the general public.

OpenAI admits that, especially in an election year, such an application brings considerable risks.

Due to the fear this software could be misused, the company is "taking a cautious and informed approach" to a broader release. OpenAI is seeking debate on the opportunities and risks of the technology and wants to carry out further tests.

In January, fake phone calls fuelled fears of manipulation using artificial intelligence in the race for the White House.

In automated calls, a voice that sounded very similar to that of US President Joe Biden called on Democrats in New Hampshire not to take part in the primaries. Such so-called robocalls are a common election campaign tool in the US.

Despite the clear risks OpenAI believes there are also opportunities offered by this kind of technology. Together with a partner, OpenAI has been researching how synthetic voices can support people learning to read. Voice Engine also has potential for translating films and podcasts with the voice of original actors or speakers.
The chief judge of the northern district of Texas, home to infamous Trump judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, has informed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) that the district will not change its case assigning practices, in repudiation of a new anti-judge shopping policy.

The district judges of the Northern District of Texas met on March 27, 2024, and discussed case assignment, Chief Judge David Godbey wrote to Schumer in a letter dated March 29. The consensus was not to make any change to our case assignment process at this time.

Its a brazen rejection of a recent policy change at the Judicial Conference, the policy-making body for the federal courts. Last month, the Conference announced that all cases seeking nationwide relief against a federal or state government action should go through a randomization process  necessary to stop right-wing litigants from planting anti-Biden administration cases with judges like Kacsmaryk, who gets virtually all of the cases filed in his division. His habitual granting of nationwide injunctions means that his rulings are not only nearly always a win for those litigants, but that they also block federal government action for the entire country.

Schumer wrote to the northern Texas chief soon after the Judicial Conference announced its policy change, posing a list of questions, including when the district would adopt the new policy.

In a Monday statement, the Senate majority leader called it unfortunate that Godbey wouldnt end the odious practice.

The Senate will consider legislative options that put an end to this misguided practice, he added, though such efforts have lost steam before, and would almost certainly die in the Republican House.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), with others on the right, condemned the policy change and urged judges to ignore it. This court manipulation has been wildly successful for Republicans by any measure, including helping propel legally dubious cases up to the Supreme Court.

Experts told TPM when the policy was announced that they were nervous it wouldnt have the teeth to force the worst offenders to comply; a couple of them are in the process of trying to get an anti-judge shopping measure into the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which would be somewhat more ironclad.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to release the first batch of new songs from the revised hymnbook

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to release the first batch of new songs from the revised hymnbook

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Monday that the first group of 12 songs from the revised hymnbook will be released in May.

After six years, the process of releasing the new hymnbook, titled Hymns for Home and Church, will begin in stages, as groups of hymns will be released every few months until 2026.

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The church said the first group of new hymns will be available online on May 30 in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. By 2030, the church plans to translate the new hymnbook into as many as 50 languages.

The church said some of the released music will be new to members and others will be familiar, such as Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

In 2018, the church requested submissions of original songs and feedback on current hymns to begin the process of updating the hymnbook, which has been around since 1985. The church said tens of thousands of people gave their feedback and 17,000 original songs were submitted.

The church says the new hymnbook aims to connect with church members across the globe by making them more globally relevant with styles that are more universally inclusive.

Were now more than ever a worldwide Church, said Mack Wilburg, music director for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. To be able to share hymns together from the worldwide Church, I think, is a really significant and an exciting thing.

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The new hymnbook will also include childrens songs, which historically have been separated from the other hymns.

More than 150 people from across the world helped review the current music and select additional songs. The church says they had criteria outlining what reviewers should look for in the music, including increasing faith, teaching core doctrine, inviting joyful singing, comforting the weary and unifying members.

We are just so excited about the opportunity that a new hymnbook will give us as a Church to become unified, to meet those sacred music goals, and to come closer to our Heavenly Father and worship not only at church but at home every day, said Steve Schank, chair of the new hymnbook committee.

The church reports more than 2 million church members live in Utah, which has a population of approximately 3.3 million, according to census data. A recent study claims the number of active members in the church comprises about 42% of the Utah population.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Monday that "after six years of work reviewing thousands of submissions and gathering hymns from across the world, 12 hymns of the new 'Hymns  for Home and Church' will be available on May 30, 2024."

The first batch of hymns in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints new hymnbook will be released May 30, 2024.

According to a Monday news release, 12 hymns from Hymns  for Home and Church will be rolled out in the Sacred Music and Gospel Library apps in addition to the online Music Library. Over the next two years, the Church of Jesus Christ will release more batches of hymns until its completed in 2026.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing is one of those selections, which will be published in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Were now more than ever a worldwide church, Mack Wilberg, music director for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, said in the release. To be able to share hymns together from the worldwide church, I think, is a really significant and an exciting thing.

The hymnbook creation originally started in 2018 when the Church of Jesus Christ issued an invitation for members to submit songs they wrote. The church received over 17,000 submissions.

Along with senior church leaders, the hymnbook committee curated the selection using five guiding principles, which included increasing faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, inviting joy, comforting the weary, unifying members and teaching core doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are just so excited about the opportunity that a new hymnbook will give us as a church to become unified, to meet those sacred music goals, and to come closer to our Heavenly Father and worship not only at church but at home every day, said Steve Schank, chair of the new hymnbook committee. These are the ultimate goals that we hope every Latter-day Saint achieves by using the sacred music of the church in this new collection.

The final version of the new hymnbook is expected to include 450 to 500 hymns and childrens songs. According to a previous release from the Church of Jesus Christ, the book will be available both digitally and in print.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  City Sandwich Co., which closed earlier this year, is planning to reopen this month under new ownership and with the blessing of the family that ran the popular lunchtime spot for decades on Mt. Vernon Avenue.

The opportunity for my family has lined up in such a way that it has felt like Gods intention, reads a March 28 post from new owners Tom and Kelly Edwards on The Original City Sandwich Company Facebook page.

The goal of the Edwards family is to bring back a welcoming refreshing family spot that we hope you can enjoy with yours, says the post, adding the same recipes will be used.

Annual Easter celebration held at Hart Park

In a reply, Jason Wikoff, whose family started the shop and who worked there for decades before moving to Tennessee in 2020, where he opened a City Sandwich in Tullahoma, wrote, Thank you Kelly and Tom for resurrecting a very special part of east Bakersfield! My Dad would be smiling!

The restaurant had a thriving business for years, with customers queuing up to order tangy potato salad and well-constructed sandwiches on soft rolls with choice of meat and vinegar, olive oil and shredded cabbage.

The most recent owner closed the shop Jan. 15 and opened a new restaurant, Honey Im Home, on Auburn Street.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The city of Tampa is taking new measures to discourage people from leaving eScooters and eBikes stranded on on the street.

According to a Monday release, the city said it was putting stricter rules that would require riders to park the e-vehicles in city-approved docking stations starting on April 1.

Woman hospitalized after SUV crashes into Lake Morton

The eScooters and eBikes will be fitting with new software that will alert riders where they can park the micro vehicles. If stranded, these riders would face an out-of-hub fee, which would vary up to $5.

Docking stations include clearly marked corrals, electronic virtual corrals, public bike racks, scooter racks and charging stations, the release said. Hundreds of these approved docking stations will be conveniently located in the public right-of-way all over the city so riders will have no trouble finding or parking their shared e-vehicles. Weve also set up an interactive website where residents can request locations where they feel corrals would be beneficial.

A map of approved corral stations (Provided by the city of Tampa)

Aside from the punishment, the city will also be giving riders who dock abandoned scooters and bikes in the stations a credit ranging from $.50 to $2.50.

Shared micro-mobility vehicles will not be allowed in the following areas: the Tampa Riverwalk, Bayshore Boulevard, 7th Ave. (Ybor City), Hyde Park Village, and Armature Works.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Civil Service group that likened gender-critical activists to KKK given 200,000 of taxpayers money

The training given by the network led to the bullying of staff who did not subscribe to all of the trans rights agenda - Zefrog / Alamy

Taxpayers have spent at least 200,000 on a Civil Service staff network that gave training comparing gender-critical activists with the Ku Klux Klan.

The Cabinet Office gave the Whitehall staff network for transgender civil servants, a:gender, 82,000 last year.

The Home Office gave the same group more than 110,000, with other departments spending unknown amounts.

The gender-critical group Sex Equality and Equity Network (Seen) said that the training provided by a:gender was creating a culture of fear across government that has led to the bullying of staff who do not subscribe to the entirety of the trans rights agenda.

Kemi Badenoch criticised a lot of equality, diversity and inclusion training as 'snake oil' last week - Carl Court/Getty Images

It comes a week after Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities, wrote in The Telegraph that the UKs diversity drive had been counterproductive and criticised much equality, diversity and inclusion [EDI] training as snake oil.

Seen wrote to Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, in October to complain about a:gender training courses and a presentation which compared gender-critical activists with the Ku Klux Klan.

The presentation said: Racism wont come into your workplace as hoods and burning crosses but as nationalism or patriotism.

Transphobia is the same: Im just protecting women and girls, This undermines womens hard-fought-for sex-based rights.

Switch your ears off

What rights do women have that men dont? None, because we have the Equality Act. There is no such thing as womens sex-based rights and even if there was, how would a man transitioning and getting that right stop women from having that right? So switch your ears off.

The letter said: Together these statements repeatedly degenerate and ridicule gender-critical views by presenting them as ignorant or the direct result of anti-Semitism.

They operate as an attempt to bully gender-critical people into silence by taking away the words we use to describe our protected belief.

It also creates a hostile working environment by painting our position as the moral equivalent of racism, even (perhaps especially) when presented as part of a civilised discourse. We consider that this constitutes a clear example of bullying and harassment.

The Whitehall group was given 82,000 by the Cabinet Office and 110,000 by the Home Office last year - georgeclerk/iStockphoto

Nick Fletcher, the Tory MP, asked the Cabinet Office how much it spent on the a:gender network, to which John Glen, the Paymaster General, replied that the figure in 2022-23 was 82,000.

Mr Glen added: A decision has been made since then that no further funding will be provided.

A Freedom of Information request revealed that in the same year, the Home Office spent 111,846.

On Sunday night, Mr Fletcher said: Members of the public would imagine that Civil Service EDI networks are purely there to provide connections for staff who might enjoy it. Monthly after-work drinks, for example.

Shut down funding for EDI networks

They would be appalled to hear that these networks now receive taxpayer funding  and paid staff positions.

We need to shut down all funding for EDI networks within the Civil Service. Lets get all of our civil servants back into the office to work, impartially. Then, if they so wish, they can network in our fabulous pubs and restaurants after work.

Maya Forstater, from the womens rights group Sex Matters, said: Unfortunately the Civil Service is using our taxes to pay its own staff to deliver unlawful and inaccurate training under the guise of inclusion workshops but what these workshops really do is encourage civil servants to bully and silence anyone who understands that sex is real and sometimes it matters.

They have promoted ideas such as sex is a spectrum consisting of 62 categories, most lesbians are intersex, transphobia comes cloaked in concern for womens rights, you cant define sex any more than you can define a sandwich, your gender can change throughout the day, Im going to talk to you today about my genitals and my line managers genitals.

Ideological indoctrination

The letter, from three co-chairmen of the Seen Network, accused a:gender of holding presentations that operate as an ideological indoctrination into gender identity theory.

It said: Ideas such as the belief everybody has a gender identity are presented not as a protected belief that many do not share, but as fact, and one which all employees have a moral imperative to adopt.

Another example of similar linguistic sleight of hand is the suggestion that gender theory enjoys an equivalent status to other scientific theories such as the theory of evolution.

It also states that sex is a spectrum and that it isnt possible to define male and female as meaningful categories.

Risk to the Civil Service

The letter says the presentation goes on to identify, demonise and invite the harassment of those who are gender-critical.

It concludes: We are approached regularly by our members with concerns regarding impartiality, bullying, harassment or simply the silencing of gender-critical voices in their workplaces and policy areas.

We consider that, to date, there has been a failure to understand the scale and depth of this problem as a legal and reputational risk to the Civil Service.

On Sunday night, a government source said: The current funding arrangements for a:gender will cease with effect from April 1 2024.

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By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A proposed change to U.S. federal prison rules that would punish inmates for using social media or directing others to do so on their behalf could infringe on the free speech rights of people who advocate for incarcerated people, activists say.

Civil liberties advocates are facing a Monday deadline to push the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to back away from the proposed change, included in a planned overhaul of its disciplinary rules for the more than 155,000 inmates in its custody.

Federal inmates are already banned from using cell phones and are restricted from accessing the Internet.

While a separate part of the BOP's plan would also make it an infraction to use social media to commit a crime, the bureau does not explain why it wants to punish inmates over the use of social media more broadly.

"This would not only restrict the First Amendment rights of people in prisons, but I think it really would also seem to be an overreach by restricting the First Amendment rights of people who are not even in BOP custody," said Shanna Rifkin, the deputy general counsel for the non-profit inmates rights advocacy group FAMM.

BOP spokeswoman Kristie Breshears said the measure is merely a proposal and no change is imminent. The final policy could change depending on public input, she added.

Ebony Underwood, whose nonprofit, We Got Us Now, works with the children of incarcerated parents called the social media proposal "archaic and so inhumane."

"Social media has been an avenue for so many young people in my community to be able to advocate for our parents," she added.

Black Americans have historically born the brunt of the nation's mass incarceration policies. Currently, almost 39% of the BOP's prison population is Black, even though Black people accounted for 15% of the U.S. population in 2022.

Advocacy organizations and family members often use social media to help inmates garner support for clemency or compassionate release.

"Storytelling and advocacy and social media have been key components to bringing people home," said Amy Ralston Povah, whose nonprofit CAN-DO Foundation helps inmates advocate for clemency.

Social media is also used to blow the whistle about poor living conditions, civil rights violations and abuse inside prisons.

The BOP uses a tiered system of discipline, with infractions ranked by severity level: Greatest, high, moderate and low.

As proposed, the use of social media would be categorized as "high," placing it on par with infractions such as extortion, fighting and damaging property.

Criminal justice advocates worry the proposal could scare people away from making any posts about an inmate for fear it could lead to a serious punishment such as solitary confinement or a lengthier prison term through the deduction of good time credits.

Charles Weisselberg, a law professor at the University of California Berkeley, said any information advocates or their loved ones might use online about inmates and their condition would already be sent through channels monitored by the BOP.

"I don't understand their interest in preventing the further dissemination of something they have already looked at," he said.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Andy Sullivan and Bill Berkrot)
CMPD officer had $900 of suspects money in his car when caught by sergeant, court records show

A court record provides new details in a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers criminal case, alleging he took nine $100 bills from a man under arrest and told a supervisor that he wasnt planning to steal the money, but still apologized.

Police Officer Henry Chapman, 49, was arrested by his own department March 15 on an embezzlement charge. He is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on Wednesday, according to court records.

What happened?

Police released few details about Chapmans arrest two weeks ago. But an affidavit filed in court provides information.

On March 14, police arrested a man on a federal warrant and gave him a speeding ticket. Chapman drove the man and $7,911 he was in possession of to CMPDs University City division office, according to the affidavit.

When another officer showed up to search the man and take him to jail, the suspect stated that Officer Chapman was stealing his money and that Chapman had it between his legs, the affidavit says.

A sergeant walked up to the group and Chapman was fidgeting around in his vehicle, got out and emptied his pockets in front of his fellow officers. Chapman said he didnt have any money, according to the affidavit.

But the suspect saw it in the drivers door of Chapmans car, and the sergeant then found nine $100 bills there, according to the court record. Chapman initially denied knowing the money was there but later approached the sergeant and admitted to taking the money but stated that he wasnt going to steal it.

Chapman later apologized to two sergeants, records say.

The Observer asked the police if the department is reviewing other cases Chapman worked on. CMPD would not comment.

Chapman remains on unpaid administrative leave pending an investigation by internal affairs, according to police.

Chapmans attorney is Michael Greene, according to court records. He couldnt be reached on Monday morning.

A call to a number listed as Chapmans was not returned.
(Bloomberg) -- Colombias power market operator is warning that low water reservoir levels are at risk of sparking power outages across the country during peak demand hours as the hydroelectric system suffers under the effects of a drought.

Most Read from Bloomberg

With about two-thirds of its installed capacity coming from hydropower, the Andean nations electrical system is vulnerable to the dry conditions that have come as a result of the El Nino weather phenomenon. It has also brought record temperatures and wildfires in recent months.

Read more: Colombia Declares National Disaster as Wildfires Destroy Forests

These conditions have sapped the hydroelectric power generation capacity, with reservoirs only containing about 32% of their total capacity, XM SA said in a letter addressed to the government dated March 30. Meanwhile, energy demand grew more than 8% in March compared to the same month a year ago.

The operator is asking the Colombian government to take action, including by cutting electricity exports to Ecuador which account for about 3% of the nations total electricity demand, to shore up supply. It is also asking that it make sure that gas-fired plants have enough of the fuel available.

Read also: Colombia Boosts LNG Imports Ahead of El Nino Dry Weather

Energy Minister Andres Camacho downplayed the urgency and said in a post on X that while average reservoir capacity is near record lows, its still almost 5 percentage points higher than what is considered critical levels. With some experts pointing to El Nino ending this month, Camacho added that the weather phenomenon is at its final phase and while the country cannot be completely relaxed, there is no risk of outages.

Now we enter a key phase, the recovery of the reservoirs, Camacho wrote.

(Adds ministers comments starting in fifth paragraph.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One of the animals in the Columbus Zoos North American region has died at the age of 11.

The Zoo announced that Guillotine, a wolverine that arrived to the Columbus Zoo in 2014 from France, has died after being diagnosed with Addisons disease. She was diagnosed with the rare adrenal disease a few weeks ago and after multiple treatments, the Zoo said the decision was made to humanely euthanize her. Guillotines birth in France marked the first wolverine birth in professional care in the countrys history.

Central Ohio forecast for the total solar eclipse: 1 week away

Gui leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate within the hearts of those who knew her, wrote the Zoo in the statement. Her care team says that Guis presence brought joy to all who crossed her path and that her zest for life was infectious, whether she was rolling in wood shavings or indulging in her favorite pastime of crawling down logs in her habitat with unmatched enthusiasm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Combining blood test with AI may mean more accurate sepsis diagnosis

Combining artificial intelligence (AI) with a simple blood test could help diagnose sepsis faster and single out patients at the highest risk of severe complications from the infection, a study has suggested. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Combining artificial intelligence (AI) with a simple blood test could help diagnose sepsis faster and single out patients at the highest risk of severe complications from the infection, a study has suggested.

The approach could save lives, according to Swedish researchers, who combined the unique molecular signature of sepsis with machine-learning to predict a persons risk of organ failure and death.

Sepsis is life-threatening and can be difficult to spot, accounting for about 11 million deaths each year - almost 20% of all global deaths.

Dr Lisa Mellhammar, of Lund University in Sweden, said: Its vital that patients with suspected sepsis are identified prior to the onset of organ failure.

Given the challenges associated with timely diagnosis and the fact that sepsis kills millions of people around the world every year, there is an urgent demand for an alternative approach.

She added that a blood test, combined with a personalised risk model, has the potential to save lives by providing more accurate sepsis diagnosis and determining who may go on to develop more severe clinical manifestations.

Researchers looked at 1,364 plasma samples of adults admitted to the emergency department at Skane University with suspected sepsis between September 2016 and March 2023.

Of the 1,073 patients with an infection, some 913 had sepsis.

The team then analysed proteins associated with the bodys immune response to sepsis to see if there was a pattern.

They created molecular signatures from their analysis, which was used to train an AI model to predict who was likely to go into septic shock.

Patients were classified as low, medium and high risk of developing septic shock, with the technology able to show how increasing risk was associated with a higher rate of death.

Dr Adam Linder, also of Lund University, said: Its difficult to predict who will get sepsis, who will recover, and who will have poor outcomes.

We urgently need better ways to understand sepsis at the molecular level so we can classify suspected sepsis patients according to the clinical manifestations of their illness and identify high-risk patients and develop more effective treatments.

Researchers also identified panels of proteins that predicted dysfunction in six different organ types, including the heart, liver and kidneys.

They then classified patients into five risk categories based on the probability of them having organ dysfunction and infection, and their risk of dying.

Dr Mellhammar added: A fast test that provides more accurate sepsis diagnosis and could also predict who is at greater risk of poorer outcomes now seems a genuine possibility.

Any research like this needs clinical validation and many hurdles must be cleared before these biomarkers are used in the clinic. But we envision this as a tool that could be deployed worldwide, as the future of early detection of sepsis.

The findings of the study will be presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Barcelona at the end of April.
He grew up near the beach.

Y.F. Lou has led most of his life in Delaware, he recalled from a Newark coffee shop last fall. The father of two described identity crises in childhood, having moved to Lewes alongside his family from China. Growing up, he hardly saw himself in most other classmates and residents, often treated foreign by default.

I always had a tendency to slip up by saying, Oh, them Americans, said Lou, now a Christina school board member, last October. I'm like, wait a minute. Why am I saying them Americans? I am American. Why do I still not completely feel that I am part of this country?

Asian American communities have grown in the First State, but the feeling persists. Out of that coffee shop, Lou approached a mic in Legislative Hall this past week alongside the next generation. Too nervous to speak, his son Austin let dad read his comment to a packed House Administration Committee.

"My name is Austin," Lou read, his son latched beside him. "And I am a kindergartener from Mrs. Soyer's class from West Park Place Elementary School. ... As an Asian American student, I am proud of my heritage, but sometimes I can feel invisible."

This, as well as hope that future Delawareans will feel this pride, fuels Lou's work with Make Us Visible Delaware. The group launched last fall, under the mission to push more Asian American history to infuse with K-12 curricula in Delaware, through community engagement and legislative action.

But today, leaders of that local chapter are backing a different bill hitting the floor in the Delaware General Assembly  a call to create a state commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage and Culture.

Y.F. Lou (left) and Devin Jiang speak at a Make Us Visible Delaware event  launching under the mission to push for more Asian American history to infuse with K-12 curricula in Delaware  in the Chinese American Community Center, of Hockessin, on Sept. 30, 2023.

This bill would create a nine-member commission, fit to provide the governor and lawmakers consistent recommendations "to promote the welfare and interests of all people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent" in the state. Painted with broad strokes, the commission would also be tasked with fostering ties between these Delaware communities, while providing platform to promote the culture, history and heritage among them.

By Wednesday afternoon, the legislation swiftly left committee without opposition.

Lou and Devin Jiang call it a framework.

"We're underrepresented in government," said Jiang, fellow Make Us Visible Delaware co-founder and student at University of Delaware. "There's little change... and we need to move the AAPI community forward, especially in Delaware."

Lou and Jiang see it as giving a much-needed voice to these Delaware populations  while building necessary scaffolding for any future policy aimed at supporting them.

Make Us Visible: One group aims to boost Asian American history in Delaware schools. Where does it start?

Looking to build an Asian heritage commission in Delaware

Devin Jiang speaks at a Make Us Visible Delaware event  launching under the mission to push for more Asian American history to infuse with K-12 curricula in Delaware  in the Chinese American Community Center, of Hockessin, on Sept. 30, 2023.

They hoped to go to the people.

After their outfit's initial launch in September 2023, Lou, Jiang and other Make Us Visible Delaware members looked to host community interest events. The education advocates wanted to talk representation, Asian American history, xenophobia post-pandemic and much more, in aims to gain traction on K-12 curricula updates.

Lou struggled in the grassroots.

"Mostly some of the challenges we see are that we're still very lacking in the information we have on the Asian community in the state of Delaware," he said this week. "So, when we were trying to identify the various AAPI communities in the state, we did absolutely struggle. A lot of the time there's a lack of data, a lack of resources and, quite honestly, the infrastructure is just not there to allow the communities to speak out."

Nationally, there are some 22 million Asian Americans  or about 6% of the national population  marking the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group among eligible voters, according to Pew Research Center, with nearly 50 ethnic groups and some 100 languages represented.

New Castle County is slightly above those statistics, at 6.3%, having seen a 44% increase in Asian population from 2010 to 2021, according to census data. In the same data, Lou's Christina School District showed roughly 7%.

Independent from ongoing Make Us Visible work, the team believes an Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage and Culture Commission could provide a new platform to allow more Asian American constituents to see and hear themselves in state government.

Lawmakers agreed.

"The Asian Pacific Islander community is a large and rapidly growing group in Delaware and are very important and integral part of our population," said Rep. William Bush, HB322's primary sponsor, met with similar supportive comments. "They are our leaders, our neighbors and have made significant contributions to our state. ... I truly believe this is something that's needed."

The Democrat also noted the commission reflects similar efforts, such as an Indian Heritage and Culture Commission, another such Irish commission, an African and Caribbean Affairs Committee and others.

Devin Jiang speaks at a Make Us Visible Delaware event  launching under the mission to push for more Asian American history to infuse with K-12 curricula in Delaware  in the Chinese American Community Center, of Hockessin, on Sept. 30, 2023.

The nine-member commission would likely be made up of community leaders of different Asian descents, appointed by the governor and lawmakers. The group would coalesce between five guiding prerogatives, per the draft legislation:

Provide the governor and state policymakers with recommendations to promote the welfare and interests of all people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Establish, maintain and develop cultural ties between Asian and Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. Foster a special and compelling interest in the historical and cultural backgrounds of these descents, as well as in the economic, political, social and artistic life of the nations and territories involved. Help study, establish and promote programs or events that will provide appropriate awareness of the culture, history, heritage and languages. Provide a platform for the promotion of cultural and historical heritage.

"It's really bringing people together," Jiang said, describing his hopes for the structure. "Putting faces of the AAPI community out there, being vocal about issues, making sure that they are heard. And once we bring people together, we start building relationships with each other, with other communities and with lawmakers."

The draft now heads to the full House floor.

Pop quiz: 20 facts to know ahead of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Got a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for Delaware Online and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Lawmakers consider commission to boost Delaware's Asian voices
Communities with a closed UW branch campus can get up to $2 million for redevelopment

A student enters the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh-Fond du Lac in October 2023 in Fond du Lac. The campus will close after the 2023-24 school year.

Communities with a University of Wisconsin System branch campus that closes can receive up to $2 million for redevelopment purposes.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has signed the GOP-authored bill into law. It will help cities and counties transition their former two-year campus sites for new purposes.

Which Wisconsin communities will get the money?

Altogether, $20 million is available. Four communities  Richland Center, Washington County, Fond du Lac and Marinette  will have first dibs. They each maintained a branch campus that has either already closed or will close by the end of this school year.

Waukesha could apply for a grant because UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha recently announced the campus will close after the spring 2025 semester.

What can money be used for?

Cities or counties can use the money for demolition or planning costs, such as hiring consultants or conducting site studies. The money must enhance the community's economy in some way, such as facilitating job creation, creating more housing, improving public infrastructure or contributing to workforce development.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will administer the grants.

How many UW branch campuses are left?

Eight branch campuses remain open: UW-Baraboo/Sauk County, UW-Whitewater Rock County, UW-Green Bay Sheboygan, UW-Green Bay Manitowoc, UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities, UW-Eau Claire Barron County, UW-Stevens Point Marshfield and UW-Stevens Point Wausau.

If, or when, more branch campuses close, the communities could apply for remaining grant money.

Evers vetoes other bills

In other exectuive action, Evers recently vetoed three additional higher education-related bills:

AB545, which would have required technical college district board members to be U.S. citizens. Evers said boards are capable of identifying the best people to serve "without the Legislatures unsolicited assistance."

AB610, which would have required public higher education institutions with vaccine mandates to waive the requirement if students object for health, religion or personal reasons. Evers said colleges can make public health decisions in consultation with experts without the Legislature's political interference.

AB1065, which would have banned UW campuses and technical colleges from requiring political loyalty pledges for admissions or employment. Evers said the bill was unnncessary because UW doesn't have loyalty pledges.

Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Communities losing UW branch campus may get $2 million to redevelop
Photo illustration by Getty Images.

Shelly Olsons mother, who has dementia, has lived at the Scandia Village nursing home in rural Sister Bay, Wisconsin, for almost five years. At first, Olson said, her mother received great care at the facility, then owned by a not-for-profit organization, the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society.

Then in 2019, Sanford Health  a not-for-profit, tax-exempt hospital system  acquired the nursing home. The COVID-19 pandemic struck soon after. From then on, the facility was regularly short of staff, and residents endured long wait times and other care problems, said Olson, a registered nurse who formerly worked at the facility.

Now Scandia Village has a new, for-profit owner, Continuum Healthcare. Olson said she was reassured when Continuum hired two locals as the facilitys new administrator and nursing director.

But Kathy Wagner, a former Scandia Village nursing director, is not optimistic.

The for-profit owner will face the same problems, said Wagner, who is now retired and serves on an informal task force that monitors the facilitys quality of care. No one has articulated what the for-profit owner will bring to the table to change the picture.

The sale of Scandia Village this year is part of a trend of for-profit companies, including private equity groups and real estate investment trusts, snapping up struggling not-for-profit nursing homes, many of which were operated for decades by Lutheran, Catholic, Jewish, and other faith-based organizations.

The pace of sales has ticked up, reaching a high last year, according to Ziegler Investment Banking. Since 2015, 900 not-for-profit nursing homes and senior living communities nationwide have changed hands, with more than half of them acquired by for-profit operators.

For-profit groups own about 72% of the roughly 15,000 nursing homes in the United States, which serve more than 1.3 million residents.

While overall for-profit ownership percentage hasnt notably increased in recent years, the type of for-profit companies that own these facilities has shifted toward private equity, real estate investment trusts, and complicated ownership structures, said David Grabowski, a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School.

Consumer advocates, researchers, and regulators are leery about this trend. They point to studies showing that nursing homes owned by for-profit companies  particularly investors in private equity and real estate  tend to have skimpier staffing, lower quality ratings, and more regulatory violations. Motivated by these concerns, the Biden administration issued a rule last fall that requires nursing homes to disclose more information about their owners and management firms.

Executives at not-for-profit organizations, as well as researchers who study nursing homes, wonder how for-profit companies can accomplish what the previous not-for-profit owners could not: reviving financially struggling nursing homes.

I dont know where these investor groups can see savings without cutting back on the level of quality, Grabowski said.

Part of the problem is that to boost profits, many for-profit operators set up a network of related companies to provide fee-based services such as management, physical therapy, and staffing. They also may sell a nursing homes real estate to a sister company, which then charges high rent. These payments cut into the available operating funds to provide adequate staffing and quality care.

Last year, New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the for-profit owners of four nursing homes for financial fraud and resident neglect, alleging that they used more than $83 million in public funds to enrich themselves through a complex network of related companies while providing horrendous care.

When nonprofits are sold, you start to see a precipitous decline in quality, said Sam Brooks, director of public policy for National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. Nonprofits generally staff well above for-profits. When churches and nonprofits divest these homes, for-profits move in, and the care gets really bad.

The leaders of not-for-profits that have sold facilities to for-profit operators cite a variety of reasons for exiting or downsizing. Those reasons include state Medicaid payment rates that are too low to cover operating costs and a shortage of nursing and other staffers that makes it hard to maintain quality care. In addition, they say their facilities have seen fewer admissions, at least partly because Medicare Advantage plans have tightened coverage policies for rehabilitation care in nursing homes.

Susan McCrary, chief executive of St. Ignatius Community Services in Philadelphia, said her organization sold its nursing home because it was losing money. She said low state Medicaid rates forced their hand, even after the state bolstered its Medicaid payments by 17.5% in January 2023.

McCrary said the St. Ignatius board worried the losses would jeopardize the organizations ability to continue its mission of serving low-income seniors, for whom it also operates three independent-living and assisted living buildings.

At the same time, our board definitely had concerns about selling to a for-profit because were aware of the research that shows the quality of care is not the same as with a nonprofit, McCrary said. But we knew we needed to move forward with this process to continue our services in West Philadelphia.

Nate Schema, CEO of the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, said his organization decided to sell some of its long-term care facilities to Continuum Healthcare, a New Jersey-based corporation, and a second company, Idaho-based Cascadia Healthcare, as part of its strategy to better serve its communities. Good Samaritan now operates in seven Midwestern states, down from 22 states. Consolidating markets better enables his organization to launch programs for nursing home residents in conjunction with Sanfords hospitals and clinics.

Weve been very intentional about finding quality partners to carry on our mission, Schema said. Unfortunately, we havent seen a lot of nonprofit providers coming to us.

Continuum, which took over Scandia Village nursing home in January, will address staffing shortages by improving wages, benefits, and career opportunities, said Tim Hodges, the corporations communications director. Continuum, which is owned by private investors and commercial lenders, owns eight nursing homes in four states.

Similarly, Steve LaForte, Cascadias executive vice president, said his company has revived the finances of the nine Good Samaritan nursing homes it took over in the Pacific Northwest partly by attracting more patient referrals and strengthening relationships with state policymakers, in the hope it leads to more realistic Medicaid rates. He said Cascadia has also focused on workplace culture  such as by not using workers from staffing agencies  and on empowering those who run the individual facilities to select vendors for pharmacy, rehabilitation, and other services.

Cascadia, he said, does not use tactics like contracting with sister vendors to boost its profits. That type of organization gives the whole industry a bad name, LaForte said.

The overall perception of for-profit corporations is unfair, said Zach Shamberg, CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, because all nursing homes are struggling under inadequate Medicaid rates and high labor costs due to a shortage in workers.

He said he hopes that Pennsylvanias Medicaid rate increase  plus a new minimum staffing requirement and a mandate that 70% of total costs be dedicated to resident care  will address the financial and quality issues. Nursing homes in Pennsylvania and across the country are also lobbying state lawmakers and the federal government to offer extra payments tied to quality outcomes for residents.

If there arent for-profit entities to buy these facilities, these facilities are closing, which would exacerbate the existing access to care crisis as the population gets older, Shamberg said.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

The post Concerns grow about quality of care as investor groups buy not-for-profit nursing homes appeared first on Daily Montanan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Escalation on Azerbaijani-Armenian border is in no one's interest, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing on April 1, Trend reports.

"We caution and will continue to caution against escalating rhetoric or hostilities along the border. We continue to encourage the creation of conditions for a just and dignified peace in the region, where the rights of all are respected. The only way to ensure a sustainable peace is at the negotiating table. We will continue to make clear to both Armenia and Azerbaijan that escalation is in no one's interest. I don't have any diplomatic conversations to preview," he added.

On March 31, 2024, the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry released official information on the recent concentration of units and combat vehicles of the Armenian armed forces in various directions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conditional border.

Today's statement by the ministry says that the concentration of troops by Armenia along the conditional border and the establishment of offensive strongholds, the setup of long-term firing points in various directions, and the construction of fortifications were detected through special technical means, available in the armament of the Azerbaijan Army Units, and under visual observation.

"Artillery systems, other assault weapons and heavy firepower of the Armenian armed forces are being deployed in newly built reinforced concrete fortifications. We once again declare that the Azerbaijan Army will resolutely suppress any possible provocation of Armenia, and the Armenian military-political leadership and its protectors will bear whole responsibility for the aggravation of the situation," said Azerbaijan's defense ministry.
PRINCETON, WV (WVNS)  A Connecticut man was sentenced to prison by a Mercer County Judge for a crime that involved a minor.

Man wanted for First-Degree Murder in Florida arrested in Mercer County

40-year-old Richard Felicioni, of North Grosvenordal, Connecticut, was sentenced to up to five years in prison or his conviction of Use of Obscene Matter with the Intent to Seduce a Minor.

Felicioni was sentenced on April 1, 2024 by Mercer County Circuit Court Judge William Sadler, who also stated that Felicioni must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, as well as 10 years of parole after being released from prison.

Felicioni was charged by the Mercer County Grand Jury in June 2023.

Woman arrested after stabbing in McDowell County

Based on the actions of the Defendant, Judge Sadler clearly did the right thing by sentencing him to the maximum amount of time in prison that he could give him. Brian K. Cochran | Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney

Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney Brian K. Cochran thanked the Bluefield Police Department for their quick and in-depth investigation, as well as the minors parents for reporting Felicionis actions to the police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is on a quest for a new home: why do they want to move?

What started outside at an inn in Putnam 25 years ago has grown to an institution in need of its own home.

While The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is expected to be at the Lebanon Fairgrounds this year, organizers hope to find a new, permanent home for the seven-weekend Faire for 2025.

The Faire announced its search earlier this month. It will stay in eastern Connecticut, to keep things convenient and to avoid self-competition with Robin Hoods Medieval Faire in Harwinton, Co-owner and Marketing Director Eric Tetreault said.

(Eastern Connecticut is) where weve built our base over all of these years, he said.

Robin Hoods Medieval Faire has a smaller attendance, and will stay at temporary sites for now, Tetreault said.

Adrianna Neff of Salem, Massachusetts, as Elizabeth Tudor, queen of England, and Josh Karam of Suffield as Sir Frances Walsingham lead a parade of people depicting a recreation of a 16th-century harvest festival at the 23rd annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire in Lebanon.

The beginning

Co-owner and General Manager Brian Harvard and Tetreault, childhood best friends, went to renaissance fairs as kids, but found there were none near them. The first Faire was in 1999, on an acre and a half of land behind the Kings Inn in Putnam, Harvard said.

Looking back on it now, it was kind of ridiculous, he said. But it was a lot of fun, and launched us to where we are today.

The Faire originally had two stages and a bunch of games and actors. Parking had flowed down both sides of the street that first weekend. The Faire already outgrew its first site in one weekend, Tetreault said.

The Faire became a tradition for families, which is why people return each year, Tetreault said.

People seek escapism, and the Faire provides it, Harvard said. People talk to me all the time and tell me they love this fair and it changed their lives. It really touches you.

After other venues, the Faire moved to the Lions Fairgrounds in Lebanon in 2017. While a typical year before then had up to 17,000 visitors over five weekends, the current location has seen as many as 50,000 patrons over seven weekends. This can make parking an issue, Tetreault said.

Storm Troopers from Star Wars join a parade of people dressed in a recreation of a 16th-century harvest festival at the 23rd annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire in Lebanon.

Weve been wanting a permanent home, he said. Its been on our agenda for a long time, and were already outgrowing the Lebanon site.

A new Faire site is a draw in and of itself, so Harvard isnt sure how many people to expect at that point, he said.

We sure hope its a lot, Harvard said.

The ideal property

The Faire wants at least 65 acres to ensure theres enough parking, space for performers, and room to grow. The Faire would like to buy the land as soon as possible, Tetreault said.

If anyone would like to sell land to the Faire, they can email havefun@ctfaire.com , Harvard said.

What a new site would mean

The Faire desires to create a theme park-like experience. Instead of a collection of tents, the new home will feature a Tudor village, with a medieval marketplace giving a festival in honor of the Faires nobility, Tetreault said.

We want you to step back when you walk through our gates, he said. While the show does that now, we can take it to the next level.

New off-season events are in development for the Faires new home. Ideas include a Christmas Carol-themed event and summertime music events, Tetreault said.

Connecticut Renaissance Faire at Lebanon County Fairgrounds

We have a lot of ideas, but our primary focus is making the Faire the best that it can be, he said.

Harvard believes the time for a permanent Faire site is here, he said.

If you build it, they will come, Harvard said, quoting Field of Dreams.

Queen Beatrice speaks

Cast member Kira Wayman, who currently plays Queen Beatrice is looking forward to the site. She was involved with renaissance fairs before she moved to Connecticut, and has been involved with the Faire since it first moved to Lebanon. Shes stayed with the Faire because it feels like home to her, she said.

Though Wayman lives close to the current site, shes happy to see her home grow, she said.

Its not just a job,  Wayman said. Its something I care about and I want to do everything I can to make it as successful as possible.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Renaissance Faire looking for new home in eastern CT
Judge David Godbey, the chief judge of the Northern Texas federal district court division, told Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on March 29 that his court would not follow new guidelines meant to curtail the practice of judge shopping, a strategy that conservatives have increasingly used to strike down the policies of President Joe Biden.

It is unfortunate that Chief Judge Godbey and the district judges of the Northern District of Texas have decided to continue to allow the odious practice of judge shopping, Schumer said in a statement on April 1. In doing so, they are allowing plaintiffs to choose their judge  a practice that the Judicial Conference has issued guidance to try to curtail.

The Northern Texas federal district courts have been a hotbed of judge shopping by conservative activists ever since Biden took office. Judge shopping is the practice of a plaintiff filing suit in a particular judicial division with the knowledge that the divisions cases are overseen by only one judge  a judge the plaintiff knows is favorable to their cause.

Conservative Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk is at the heart of the controversial issue of judge shopping, where plaintiffs can select the judge they want to hear their case. via Associated Press

The most notable example of this comes from the Amarillo, Texas, courtroom of federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, where conservatives have repeatedly filed suits with little geographic relationship to Northern Texas, but large national ambitions to block Biden administration policies. Kacsmaryk, who previously worked as a lawyer for religious right groups, played his part by issuing controversial decisions that put in place national injunctions to block Bidens policies from immigration to the approval of the abortion drug mifepristone.

After being criticized by national Democrats and even federal judges, the Judicial Conference, the 26-member oversight body that sets rules for the federal judiciary, issued new guidelines on March 12 meant to stem the increase in judge shopping. District courts were to randomly assign judges for cases seeking national injunctive relief, according to the new guidelines.

But after significant pushback from Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Judicial Conference clarified that the guidelines were voluntary. That left the decision about whether to abide by the new guidelines up to the chief judges of each regional district court. There are no penalties for courts that do not adopt the new guidelines.

As the head of the district court most favored for judge shopping, Godbey came in for special lobbying by partisans on both sides. First, McConnell wrote to Godbey on March 14 urging him to reject the guidelines and continue to allow conservatives to bring their special pleas to Kacsmaryks Amarillo court. Schumer responded on March 22 with his own plea for Godbey to abide by the guidelines.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote to Northern Texas District Court Chief Judge David Godbey to ask that he follow new judge-shopping guidelines. Tom Williams via Getty Images

In his March 29 letter to Schumer, Godbey sided with McConnell, noting that he met with all of his district court judges and decided against implementing the guidelines.

The district judges of the Northern District of Texas met on March 27, 2024, and discussed case assignment, Godbey wrote. The consensus was not to make any change to our case assignment process at this time.

In response, Schumer said that the Senate would now consider legislative options that put an end to this misguided practice.

Concerns about the results of judge shopping by conservatives are not confined to Democratic Party politicians. The direction of cases to single-judge districts, like the one headed by Kacsmaryk, has produced such poorly reasoned decisions that the conservative Supreme Court has repeatedly turned them back.

The high courts patience may be running thin, too. During arguments over the availability of the abortion drug mifepristone, a ruling that originated in Kacsmaryks courthouse, the justices seemed exasperated at how such a poorly structured case, with no clear claim that the anti-abortion plaintiffs had standing to sue, made it all the way to them. At one point, Justice Neil Gorsuch, a conservative Trump appointee, bemoaned the manner in which the case came before the court.

Weve had, one might call, a rash of universal injunctions or vacaturs, Gorsuch said, describing the type of cases sought by judge-shoppers. This case seems like a prime example of turning what could be a small lawsuit into a nationwide legislative assembly on an FDA rule or any other federal government action.

Godbey may be able to ignore Schumers entreaties for now, but continued irritation from the Supreme Courts conservatives could be more persuasive.
PlanB one-step is an emergency contraceptive. Proposed legislation in Louisiana that would protect access to contraception in state law is on hold for consideration. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Abortion-related bills continue to be introduced and debated in legislatures across the country, especially in states where the procedure is already banned. It can be hard to monitor them all, so States Newsrooms Reproductive Rights Today team tracks certain bills that could become law in their respective states in a biweekly legislative roundup. Depending on the partisan makeup of a states legislature and other state government officials, some bills have a higher chance of passing and becoming law than others.

Alabama

On the heels of a Democratic candidate winning the special election for a House seat on a campaign centered on reproductive rights and access to IVF services, a Republican Alabama legislator introduced a bill making it a crime to help a minor receive an abortion without the knowledge of a parent or guardian, according to Alabama Reflector. Alabama bans abortion at any stage of pregnancy with exceptions to save a pregnant patients life, preserve their health or for fatal fetal anomalies.

House Bill 378: The bill is similar to a so-called abortion trafficking law that was first passed by the Idaho Legislature in 2023. The Idaho law is currently blocked by a district court and that decision is under appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but other attempts at the same idea have popped up in Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Alabamas bill makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail for transporting or otherwise aiding a minor in obtaining an abortion or abortion medication. Critics say the bill is vague and will invite unnecessary litigation, since the bill also includes a civil component allowing parents to sue.

Status: Introduced and referred to House Judiciary committee

Sponsor: Republican Rep. Mark Gidley

Alaska

Abortion is a constitutional right in Alaska, and House lawmakers there just approved a bill to ease access to contraception.

House Bill 17: This bill increases the current 90 days of birth control allowable to be dispensed by state law to 12 months, and requires insurance companies to cover contraceptives without a co-payment, according to Alaska Beacon. It also requires retroactive coverage of prescriptions if a person signs up for insurance with an existing prescription. Emergency contraception, such as Plan B, is not covered in the bill as it was removed during amendments to the bill.

Status: Passed the House 29-11, awaiting consideration in the Senate where it is expected to pass

Sponsor: Democratic Rep. Ashley Carrick

Kansas

Republican legislators in Kansas continue to introduce bills related to abortion, despite Kansas voters overwhelming rejection of abortion bans in a referendum shortly after the Dobbs decision in 2022. Abortion is legal in Kansas, and six clinics provide in-clinic services.

House Bill 2749: Kansas Reflector reported this bill passed the Senate last week, meaning it now heads to Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys desk. The bill requires abortion providers to ask patients why they are terminating their pregnancies with questions related to age, marital status, domestic violence considerations and the method of abortion. The bill was requested by Kansans for Life, the main group that pushed the failed 2022 referendum to allow abortion bans in the state. It would also apply to minors.

Status: Passed by the Senate 27-13, awaiting governors consideration

Sponsor: Requested on behalf of Kansans for Life by Republican Rep. Ron Bryce

Louisiana

A bill to codify access to contraception is stalled in Louisiana while anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life decides whether it will support the measure, Louisiana Illuminator reports. Abortion is banned at any stage of pregnancy in Louisiana with exceptions to save a pregnant patients life, preserve their health or for fatal fetal anomalies.

House Bill 395: The bill, authored by a New Orleans Democrat, does not mandate insurance coverage for birth control but instead ensures a variety of birth control options can be prescribed and used in the state, including oral contraceptives, IUDs and emergency contraception, such as Plan B. Republicans have criticized the IUDs and emergency contraceptive components based on the erroneous belief that they are abortifacients.

Status: Awaiting consideration in House Health and Welfare committee

Sponsor: Democratic Rep. Delisha Boyd

House Bill 245: Legislators voted not to allow voters to decide if reproductive rights, including abortion, should be enshrined in the state constitution. By a vote of 10-2, lawmakers didnt let the proposal get any further than a House committee.

Status: Dead

Sponsor: Democratic Rep. Aimee Freeman

Maryland

Democrats in Maryland, where abortions are broadly legal, are attempting to secure funding for clinics that provide abortions before the end of the states legislative session, according to Maryland Matters.

Senate Bill 947 and Senate Bill 975: The first bill is an effort to establish a grant program to improve access to abortion care services with available federal funds, including helping those who dont have insurance. SB 975 would allow the state department of health to provide grants to help boost security measures at abortion clinics, including security cameras, alarms and panic buttons. The sponsoring Democrats hope the two bills will work in tandem to provide adequate funding.

Status: Scheduled to be discussed in the Senate on Tuesday, April 2

Sponsors: Democratic Sens. Ariana B. Kelly and Natalie R. Bilbrough

Let us know what you think...

Missouri

Nearly all abortions are banned in Missouri, but a bipartisan group of legislators is trying to expand access to contraception statewide through a health care bill sponsored by an anti-abortion Republican representative, Missouri Independent reports.

House Bill 2413: The bill contains several changes related to health care, including policies for specialty hospitals and blood tests for pregnant patients, and a new requirement that any health insurance plan in Missouri is required to cover up to one year of hormonal contraceptives starting in January 2025. Data shows more than 373,000 Missouri women live in areas of the state where it is difficult to access a range of contraceptive methods, and the legislation is meant to help alleviate that issue.

Status: The bill sponsor hopes it will receive a vote in the House in early April

Sponsor: Republican Rep. Tara Peters

House Bill 2634/Senate Bill 1168: This legislation prohibits the spending of any public funds on an abortion facility or its affiliates or associates, including Medicaid through the MO HealthNet program. Missouri Independent reports the bill is targeting Planned Parenthood clinics, which do not provide abortions in Missouri but may provide referrals to clinics in other states for abortion care. The clinics do provide contraceptives, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and cancer, and general wellness visits. The identical bills are advancing in their respective chambers.

Status: Passed the House, awaiting consideration in the Senate

Sponsor: Republican Rep. Cody Smith and Republican Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman

South Dakota

South Dakota bans abortion at any stage of pregnancy with an exception only to save a pregnant patients life.

House Bill 1224: Searchlight reported this bill mandates that the South Dakota Health Department create an informational video describing the states abortion law, including what actions do and do not qualify as an abortion, the most common medical conditions that can threaten a pregnant persons life, and standards of care around treatment of pregnant patients, among other provisions.

Status: Law after signature from Republican Gov. Kristi Noem on March 26

Sponsor: Republican Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, 27 other Republicans and one Democrat

House Bill 1244: This bill allows people to withdraw their signatures from petitions for ballot measures, referendums and constitutional amendment questions. South Dakota Searchlight reported the bill sponsor said people have been misled, or frankly, fraudulently induced into signing the petitions, and the bill gives them a choice.

Status: Law after signature from Republican Gov. Kristi Noem

Sponsor: Republican Rep. Jon Hansen

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The post Contraception access bills meet mixed support in states around the country appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
He Jiankui speaking during the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing at the University of Hong Kong in 2018. - Image: S.C. Leung/SOPA Images/LightRocket (Getty Images)

A Chinese scientist once jailed for helping to create the worlds first genome-edited babies seems to have not missed a beat. In a recent interview, He Jiankui revealed that he is once again working in the field of human genetic engineering. These newest experiments are reportedly in compliance with ethical standards and He Jiankui has pledged that he will not work to produce any further modified humans.

In November 2018, at an international scientific conference, He shocked the world when he announced that his team had modified the genes of several human embryos, then implanted them successfully in women volunteers. The modifications, purportedly made with the gene-editing technology CRISPR/Cas9, were intended to confer immunity to HIV infection. At the time of his announcement, one woman had already given birth to twin baby sisters Lulu and Nana, while a second pregnancy and third child arrived the following year.

Hes genome-editing of living humans explicitly flouted Chinese law. And government officials investigating the matter soon alleged that He had committed other ethical violations to ensure that his experiments would proceed as planned, such as forging blood test results so that his male HIV-positive volunteers could be used for assisted reproduction. Despite some early concerns that he could face the death penalty for his actions, the widely condemned scientist was ultimately sentenced to a three-year prison term in 2019, which ended in 2022.

On Monday, Japanese news outlet The Mainichi published an interview with He Jiankui. He appears to be as busy as ever, having reportedly resumed his research into human genome embryo editing at three labs since his release from prison. The scientist hopes that the research will one day lead to treatments for rare genetic disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and inherited Alzheimers disease. At the same time, He also promised that his work is now fully on the up-and-up.

We will use discarded human embryos and comply with both domestic and international rules, He told The Mainichi.

Though He did express some regrets about how he conducted his infamous experiments, claiming that the research was too hasty, the scientist has remained resolute about the safety and validity of his work. According to He, the children born from his experimentsnow around the age of fivehave shown no signs of illness or off-target genetic changes related to the editing.

Im proud to have helped families who wanted healthy children, He boasted.

And while He says that he will not try to create any other modified humans, he does believe that society will eventually accept this kind of genetic engineering in the future.

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A damaged section of Highway 1 can be seen Sunday south of Rocky Creek Bridge in Big Sur. (California Department of Transportation)

Monterey County officials on Sunday began organizing convoys to lead scores of stuck tourists and residents along a stretch of Highway 1 near Big Sur that crumbled into the sea in a landslide.

About 1,600 tourists and locals were reportedly stranded after the landslide Saturday damaged a portion of the southbound lane and forced authorities to shut down a roughly 1.4-mile stretch of the famed highway between Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea, according to the California Department of Transportation.

In a news release, Caltrans officials said that, after some early assessments, they determined that travel could resume along the northbound lane "under close supervision."

Two convoys took place Sunday. More are expected to follow over the next several days, at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

#Hwy1 remains closed on the #BigSur Coast due to a slip out of the road just south of the Rocky Creek Bridge. Convoys will lead essential travelers through closure area daily at 8 am and 4 pm. Engineers on site to observe conditions. Crews working to stabilize edge of roadway. pic.twitter.com/0AfyOcSIkB  Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) April 1, 2024

According to the Mercury News, about 300 cars were waiting for Sunday's first convoy, likely including Easter holiday visitors to Big Sur stuck after the highway's closure. A number of people slept in their cars while waiting to get home, according to the news outlet.

Officials asked nonessential travelers to stay away from the area. They took the further step of shutting down access to the five state parks in the area, according to a news release: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Limekiln State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Point Sur State Historic Park.

The parks will remain closed "as road conditions allow," the release said.

"All camping reservations will be canceled, and refunds will be processed," it said. "An exact timeline on when these parks will reopen depends on road repairs."

It's the latest setback for the beloved but volatile highway. The area is still struggling to recover from landslides triggered by last year's soaking wet winter, which forced the closure of a 12.1-mile section along the Big Sur coastline.

Caltrans announced in late March that it had finished its design plan for repairs at the landslide area known as Regents Slide, a massive pile of earth and muck blocking the road near milepost 27.8.

The design still needs to make its way through the approval process, which is expected to take about 30 days, Caltrans said in a statement . Once work begins, the agency said, it will take an estimated 100 days to complete the job and reopen the highway.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Days after Hector Martinez of Apollo Construction LLC saw the KFOR story about a man out $14,000 after a contractor ran off without doing work, he decided to help out.

Last November Kevin Hillhouse said he signed a contract with Paris Bilbro of AMG Construction. Hillhouses roof leaked and he wanted it fixed.

| READ PAST STORY ON THIS HERE > Contractor allegedly exploits the elderly and then takes off >

I had the receipt from the check, I had the contract, I checked his license, I even looked up reviews of his construction company and it all checked out, said Kevin Hillhouse.

But as soon as the payment was made Hillhouse said he didnt hear from Bilbro for months and he only heard from him after Hillhouse threatened legal action.

In March, an arrest warrant was filed in Oklahoma County court for Bilbro. The charge he is facing is elderly exploitation, but more charges could be added.

KFOR ran the story and put out the information about Bilbro. As of this week, there is still an arrest warrant for him.

Mugshot of Paris Bilbro from a past arrest. {Oklahoma Department of Corrections}

To steal from a good person, I know how hard times are. Thats just horrible, said Martinez of Apollo Construction LLC.

Martinez said that he happened to see the story and wanted to help, so a few days after the story ran he fixed Hillhouses roof for free.

There was something in my heart telling me I needed to do this, it was God telling me to help out, said Martinez.

While Hillhouse is still out thousands of dollars he said that just this fix helps a lot.

KFOR happened to meet up with the two men on a rainy day last week after the roof was repaired.

Just getting that off my shoulders helped a bunch, said Hillhouse.

| MORE LOCAL NEWS > Olive Asst. Fire Chief victim of hit-and-run, police search for suspect >

According to the Better Business Bureau website, there are several other examples of Bilbro of AMG Construction possibly exploiting other elderly customers.

This man took over $22000.00 from my 80+ year old inlaws. He has not performed work already paid for and has also not paid for the materials he purchased on credit therefore a $9555.00 Lien has been placed on their property. JEAN H., BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU REVIEW OF AMG CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Another complaint/review written on January 4 states:

***** who I am now finding out owns the *** Construction took all of my insurance money, told me she was going to fix my roof, gutters, under soffits wood, and fix my hail damaged ********** that was completed was the roof and gutters and I have tried numerous times to reaching or anyone from the company even the salesman **** who actually answered but advised me that he had quit because of his problems with ***** also. On top of all of this ***** showed up to my home weeks before the roof was started and left numerous roofing shingles and other roofing parts in my front and backyard he never came to get. Dont use him he is a smooth talker but trust me he is full of it. I have reported him to my insurance and so far its been a month and they have not replied so I assume I am out the money.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
I spent 27 years as a correctional officer and investigator in the Missouri Department of Corrections, including many years at Potosi Correctional Center. I consider myself to be a law-and-order conservative, and I support the death penalty. But I, along with more than 70 current and former Missouri correctional officers, cannot support the April 9 execution of Brian Dorsey.

Dorsey has been under a death sentence in Missouri for 17 years, and there is no dispute that he committed murder. I strongly support the rights of crime victims, and do not intend any disrespect to Dorseys victims here. Yet, far from being the worst of the worst, Dorsey exemplifies the growth, transformation and redemption that are possible when someone is committed to turning their life around after making a terrible mistake. I have witnessed Dorseys deep and sincere remorse for his crime. He also has not had a single conduct violation during his incarceration, a remarkable record of good behavior.

I saw Dorseys hardworking, humble personality up close  not just because he is housed in the honor dorm at Potosi, but because he has served as the prison barber for well over a decade. This position, in which he cuts the hair and trims the beards of prison staff  even of Wardens Troy Steele and Don Roper  reflects the trust and respect entrusted to him. For many of us, once he started cutting our hair, we wouldnt let anyone else do the job. Mr. Dorsey is an excellent barber and a kind and respectful man.

When I learned that Dorsey had been set to be executed, the news hit me hard. I then did something I have never done before and joined with more than 70 of my fellow current and retired Missouri correctional professionals to plead with Gov. Mike Parson to commute Dorseys death sentence to life in prison. As we wrote in our letter to the governor: There isnt a nicer guy than Brian.  We know that he was convicted of murder, but that is not the Brian Dorsey that we know.

The very concept of corrections implies that we want incarcerated people to change their ways. Executing Dorsey would dishonor the hard work he has done to fulfill that objective. At the same time, taking Dorseys life would be especially traumatizing for many current and former Potosi staff members, myself included, who have come to respect and care for this exemplary inmate. I am sure that many more correctional staff than even the dozens who signed our letter would be profoundly harmed by Mr. Dorseys execution.

From my perspective after decades in corrections, I do not hesitate to say that executing Brian Dorsey would be a pointless cruelty. He is a good man who deserves Gov. Parsons mercy. If granted clemency, I am confident that he will spend the rest of his life continuing to follow the path of transformation and redemption he has pursued faithfully for the past 17 years.

Tim Lancaster served as a correctional officer with the Missouri Department of Corrections from 1994 to 2008 and as an institutional investigator from 2008 to 2021.
Lets call her Barbara. She doesnt want to use her real name for reasons that will become clear.

She lives in Virginia, has voted for Donald Trump in the last two elections and until very recently was prepared to vote for him again. She is Baptist, has been married for 15 years to the same man who works for local government and they have an eight-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. She is a registered Republican and says she has voted in every election since she was 18. She has never crossed party lines to vote for a president but did so in a state race when Danica Roem ran for the state house for the first time. Roem is the first openly transgender woman to be elected to a state office in Virginia. She is now a state senator and Barbara told me that she has voted for Roem every time she has been on the ballot. It might seem odd that a devout Baptist would vote for Roem, but Barbara said it was something Roem spoke about in her first election campaign that changed her mind.

Her opponent was talking about what a danger she was to us, but she was the only one that was talking about the huge traffic problems we have near where I live. She was the only one who said shed try to fix them. I had to drive those roads. My husband drives them for work every day, Barbara explains. That was why she voted for Roem. I didnt tell my husband because I thought hed be mad. But when it came time to vote, I thought Id give her a chance. I havent regretted it once.

Roem recalls, That was the route 28 issue. She explains that. It meant a lot to people who live in the area. Constituent service means a lot.

As it turns out, Barbaras husband also voted for Roem for the same reason. We were both surprised. We actually had a laugh at that. But we havent told any of our friends, she revealed.

Now she is considering crossing party lines once again.

I havent made up my mind, she explains., This time she is talking with her husband, who might also change lanes. She admits shes been dissatisfied with Donald Trump. Ill never vote for him again, she vows, listing a variety of reasons that include his misogyny, angry rhetoric and divisiveness. I agree with his policies a lot. I want a border wall. I want to hold the Chinese accountable. I want more conservatives in government, she noted. But at the end of the day, she concluded, Trump is wearing me out.

She has former friends she never talks to anymore. We just dont get along because of politics and religion. We never used to talk about that stuff. Now, it seems like thats all we talk about.

She doesnt like Trumps hush money case with Stormy Daniels, his other court problems and the fact that lately, all he talks about is himself. I dont care if hes in debt. Hes supposed to be a billionaire? Honey, where I come from, if youre rich you dont talk about it.

At the end of the day, she said, Trumps efforts to sell gold sneakers drove her over the edge, and selling Trump Bibles sealed the deal. I aint voting for him. Thats the Golden Calf right there as golden sneakers.

You never know what will turn a voter off, or on. Isnt it amazing? Insurrection, fraud, racism, division, trying to kill the Affordable Care Act, bullying and hatred, for some people that wasnt enough to turn away from Trump, Roem remarked . It boils down to shoes.

But that doesnt guarantee Barbara will vote Democratic. She said she may not vote for president at all  and her husband told her the same. Theyll vote Republican up and down the ballot and leave the presidential slot blank  even if that helps Joe Biden. Well, we cant vote for a Kennedy, she explained as she talked about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s independent candidacy. You cant trust them. And while she says shes most likely not to vote in the presidential race, Im just so fed up with all of it, she explained, something that happened to her recently has opened her up to the possibility of voting  for Biden.

My cousin sent me a tape on Facebook, she said. It was Joe Biden talking about Snickers bars. I thought it was crazy at first, I mean, what the heck is a president talking about Snickers bars for? She asked. But my cousin pointed out he said something Ive said there arent enough Snickers in the Snickers bar anymore, and that hooked her. I hadnt even heard of shrinkflation. I didnt know that was a thing. I sure didnt know it was a topic a president would talk about. Yeah, that made me think. She said Biden finally put a face on an issue that has bothered her personally for a long time.

Now, she says shes open to listening to Biden. Shes ignored what he said for so long, because she figured, he was just an old man with Alzheimers. Now? Well, he got a bill passed on roads and bridges (the $1 trillion infrastructure bill) and I didnt know that. I just tuned him out to tell you the truth. So, Im listening now. Her own experience with Virginias Route 28 also helped her to re-think Biden as a viable candidate.

As for the age issue, Well everybody in the race is old. That dont mean nothing at this point. Who is going to actually do whats best for us? Thats the question. Barbara said. And while Trump is asking people if they are better off now than they were four years ago, He aint no Ronald Reagan, Barbara added. My mom and dad were Reagan fans and they aint never liked Trump  though they voted for him too. I dont know if they will again.

At the same time, Barbara admits she has no idea if any of the friends she talks to at church or the few friends that still talk to her outside of church feels the same way she does. I just dont know. We dont talk about it. You cant. Im sure most of them still will vote for Mr. Golden Sneakers, but I cant. I dont regret that I did the first two times, but if anyone has real problems, its Trump. I dont know if he has dementia, but all he talks about is himself.

But Barbaras story does beg the question  are there hard-core Trump supporters ready to ditch the Donald in favor of Biden  or will they just stay home? In several swing states, the answer to that question could hold the key to the outcome of the 2024 election.

Roem has some experience with that issue, and a few candid observations to offer.There is a narrative that politics is so partisan and so divisive, but in my district, a lot of voters have no problem splitting the ticket. Several precincts in swing states are similar to Prince William County in Virginia, where there are hardcore Republican enclaves.

As Roem describes it, Heritage Hunt, a mostly gated community with a country club and a home owners association in Gainesville, VA is one of those enclaves. It is almost 90 percent white, 55 and older. Not everyone is rich, but they got money, Roem said. Upper Middle Class. And even in off year elections more than two thirds of them vote.

The first time she ran for office in 2017, Roem lost by 16 points. Things were different when she ran there in 2023. The last time I won it by 35 votes, she explained. And they split the ticket for me and a few other Democrats, but voted mostly Republican up and down the ballot.She noticed a change in 2022 when Democrat U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton bested her Republican opponents there.

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I figured okay, lets make a play for Heritage Hunt, Roem explained. She began an aggressive door-knocking campaign in the heavily Republican area and was surprised at what she heard. These were hardcore Republicans and it was amazing the absolute revulsion they had over Donald Trump. I didnt bring him up. That wasnt part of my strategy. They brought him up, Roem explained. They hated his guts. It wasnt even a pitch. Danica, Ive been a lifelong Republican until Donald Trump. I heard that told to me over and over again. Thats not to say he wont have a ton of votes out of Heritage Hunt, Roem added.But the bottom line is that We are now at the place where Id be shocked that it goes for Donald Trump. Trump will win the election day voters, but if you count the early and mail-in votes, Biden will win. And I remind you, they vote straight down the Republican ticket for everything there. They are hard core Republican in Heritage Hunt, she said.

That portends well for Biden in a number of swing states for a very specific reason. It takes both campaign infrastructure to knock on doors, and constituent service to sway those voters fed up with Donald Trump.

Bidens campaign, flush with cash after record donations and a recent campaign stop in the New York area that drew Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, speaks to the infrastructure. Biden can go door to door as much as he wants, while Trump will have to sell more than 416,000 Bibles to match what Biden got in one stop in New York  and Trump would still languish behind Biden in fundraising  as he languishes behind him in campaign organization and infrastructure.

There are people who are willing to split the ticket  and they are angry with Donald Trump. They just may not talk about it openly  afraid to raise the ire of friends, neighbors and family  who may also be harboring the same concerns.

If hardcore Republicans in Heritage Hunt will vote for a transgender female for state senator, they might be willing to vote for an old heterosexual white man for president  after all it isnt that big of a stretch. According to Roem, it boils down to rock solid constituent service. Roem has focused on that as a state senator, and it has made all the difference. As it turned out, I became pretty well liked in Heritage Hunt.

Biden has that ability in all the swing states. He has the issues, he has the money and he can show solid constituent service  if he can cut through the foghorn bombast of Donald Trump.

In one case, it only took a Snickers bar to make a difference.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The Baku Network expert platform has aired the next issue of the analytical video project "Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov", Trend reports.

The program's guest was the People's Artist of Azerbaijan Mabud Maharramov.

He emphasized that certain outside forces are trying to slow the peace process between Baku and Yerevan.

"Azerbaijan and Armenia should reach an agreement without middlemen. We should find ways to communicate. However, there are many other forces that, depending on their interests and goals, are seeking in every way to slow down and modify the path of this process," Maharramov added.

The full edition of the program is presented to our readers:
New Council of Europe commissioner for human rights to pay his first visit in this office to Ukraine

Michael O'Flaherty, the new Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. Photo: Getty Images

Michael O'Flaherty, the new Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, has commenced his six-year mandate on 1 April with a promise to put human rights at the heart of the member states' agenda.

Source: press service of the Council of Europe (CoE), as reported by European Pravda

Details: O'Flaherty announced that his first visit as Commissioner will be to Ukraine.

"I can think of nothing more urgent than addressing the human rights consequences of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has caused terrible human suffering and destruction," O'Flaherty said.

He added that he intends to "inject a human rights perspective into the greatest challenges facing our societies".

The commissioner has also outlined other areas in which stronger human rights protection is urgently needed, including the climate crisis, the management of artificial intelligence, freedom of expression, migration and the rise of hate speech, including anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim violence.

A significant part of the commissioner's agenda will also be devoted to bringing the struggles of marginalised people and victims of discrimination to the forefront of human rights discussions. "In particular, Roma and Travellers face an intolerable situation that requires greater attention," the commissioner said.

In addition, the commissioner stressed his intention to focus on youth issues, social and economic rights and human rights defenders, as well as to use his mandate to promote the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights rulings.

"Human rights affect every aspect of our lives. At a time when they face multiple challenges, we must recommit ourselves to weaving them into the fabric of our societies. This will require a concerted effort and I intend to play my part to the best of my ability," said O'Flaherty.

Background:

At its meeting on 24 January, the Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE elected Michael O'Flaherty, the Irish representative and head of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, as the new Commissioner for Human Rights.

Former Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic visited Ukraine several times after Russia's full-scale invasion and advocated the creation of a mechanism for bringing back Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

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About three months into leading the first all-women city council in the history of St. Paul, Minnesota, Council President Mitra Jalali touted lawmakers efforts and responsibility to protect abortion and transgender rights.

Abortion is protected [in the state constitution], but we went ahead and passed legislation to codify that. One of the few abortion care-providing clinics in the Twin Cities is in my ward, and we play a role in just supporting the clinic, Jalali said in an interview with The Recount. I'm like Planned Parenthood's councilwoman in St. Paul.

The Democrat also told The Recount that the council has moved to protect trans rights as they are rolled back in other parts of the country:

We've taken steps for reproductive freedom and autonomy through becoming a trans refuge state. So, there's also so much demand for mental health, and gender reassignment, and other related services that are part of just trans health. And we have an ecosystem of organizations doing that work to literally raise those funds, expand those services.
The eclipse is just one week away and people across the Miami Valley are getting ready to view the natural phenomenon.

>>RELATED: WHIO-TV to give away total eclipse sunglasses; How do I get them?

Logan County is one of the best places to see the total solar eclipse, however, the damage left by the tornado is causing problems.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, Logan County residents and officials told our crews they arent thinking about the eclipse right now.

On March 14, an EF-3 tornado touched down in Logan County, destroying over 100 structures and damaging almost 800 more.

Some residents told News Center 7 that they are worried about the crowds but are still looking forward to the event.

Im always excited to see the eclipse, Lakeview resident Daniel Dennis said.

>>RELATED: Missing statue found after being damaged, blown into lake by EF-3 tornado in Logan Co.

Dennis has lived in Lakeview for 40 years, and since the tornado, hes been helping clean up the community.

You can look at it one of two ways, it can be seen as a new beginning, Dennis said.

Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President Amber Fagan said she expects there to be a lot of visitors.

We were expecting to double or triple our people, Fagan said.

The chance that a large amount of people may come to an area where the community is dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado is concerning for some.

I couldnt call and check on my family. So, it is very scary, Fagan said.

>>RELATED: All 3 victims killed in tornado in Logan County identified

Fagan said shes worried about the cell service and for first responders who may need to get out to an emergency.

I just I worry about peoples safety people need to know cell phone service is a problem and youre not going to want to pull off the road into a ditch, Fagan said.

Logan County will use funds from the eclipse to help with tornado recovery, specifically rebuilding.

We want people that live here to be able to come back here, Logan County Chamber of Commerce President Ben Vollrath said.

In the meantime, people like Daniels will continue their cleanup efforts.

No matter what happens this is all replaceable, but we are not, Dennis said.

People who live throughout Logan County are asking that those visiting for the eclipse be respectful of their situation as they work through recovery efforts.

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Malik Patterson/Staff

Photo from: Malik Patterson/Staff

Photo from: Malik Patterson/Staff

Photo from: Malik Patterson/Staff

Photo from: Malik Patterson/Staff
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A crash caused delays on the Howard Frankland bridge early Monday morning.

Cameras from the Florida Department of Transportation showed a massive backup on the lanes heading out of Tampa at about 7 a.m., although the delays seemed to have lessened.

At this time, the exact nature of the crash is not known. However, numerous first responder vehicles were spotted at the scene.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
National Transportation Safety Board investigators survey the cargo vessel Dali which struck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Md. Crews on Sunday began cutting into and removing parts of the wreckage in an effort to open up a channel and get more vessels into the water. Photo by Peter Knudson/NTSB/UPI

March 31 (UPI) -- Crews began cutting into portions of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Sunday, starting the complex and dangerous job of clearing the Patapsco River.

The Dali container ship that crashed into the bridge's support and caused it to collapse on Tuesday was still trapped under the rubble on Sunday while cranes began offloading and processing removed bridge pieces at a nearby industrial port.

Three dive teams, meanwhile were surveying submerged sections of the wreckage.

Clearing the wreckage will allow search teams to continue looking for the remaining victims of Tuesday's bridge collapse. Four of the eight workers who were on the bridge are still missing and presumed dead.

Federal and state officials on Sunday also stressed the importance that the now blocked Port of Baltimore has on the national economy.

"This port is one of the busiest most active ports inside of the country. This is going to impact the farmer in Kentucky, the auto dealer in Ohio, the restaurant owner in Tennessee," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

The waterway is expected to be closed off for over a month, but it is unclear how long it would take to remove the whole bridge and have it replaced.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday said the Army Corps of Engineers doesn't want to give an exact timeline until it assesses the damage to the underwater infrastructure and gets a clearer picture of the supply chain issues.

Buttigieg said the original bridge took about five years to construct, but that was not an indication of how long it would take to replace.

"This is going to be a very complex process," Buttigieg said. "There are, even now, forces acting on that steel, so it takes a lot to make sure that it can be dismantled safely, to make sure that the vessel stays where it is supposed to be and doesn't swing out into the channel."

White House Senior Adviser Tom Perez called the bridge removal a "Herculean undertaking" and vital to minimizing the economic impact of the collapse.

"The Port of Baltimore will be back," Perez told MSNBC's The Weekend. "The president has said this. We're going to move heaven and earth to make sure we rebuild the bridge, we clear out the debris as soon as possible, so that we can minimize these disruptions."

Perez said President Joe Biden plans to visit Baltimore, but the plan is yet to be finalized.

Buttigieg said Biden may have to turn to Congress to approve the federal funding that would cover up to 90% of the cost of recovery. Biden earlier this week approved Moore's request for $60 million in federal funds to pay for initial mobilization, operations and debris recovery.

Moore on Sunday called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse and full accountability.

The ship crashed into one of the bridge's supports shortly after operators sent a mayday call that they had lost power. The National Transportation Safety Board said its investigation will include information from the ship's black boxes.

"There needs to be an ongoing investigation as to what happened," Moore said on Fox News Sunday. "I want that investigation to be speedy. And for anyone who needs to be held accountable to be held accountable."

The 22 crew members of the Dali were still on board the ship Sunday to monitor engineering spaces and respond in the event of an emergency.

The ship was originally bound for Sri Lanka from Baltimore, so the crew has enough supplies to sustain them. The crew's living quarters also were undamaged.

"They're holding up well," Coast Guard Capt. David O'Connell told CNN. "They were in a, you know, a pretty horrific accident ... We can't lose sight of the tragedy, the human element of that."
Search in Puerto Rico for missing U.S. Marine from Worcester to turn passive, government says

The search in Puerto Rico for a missing U.S. Marine from Worcester will become a passive search, a government official in Puerto Rico said Monday.

Crews searched over the weekend in Puerto Rico waters for U.S. Marine Corporal Samuel Wanjiru, 26, who was last seen on Wednesday in the beach area of La Pared in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, according to Puerto Rican officials and the Coast Guard.

Wanjiru serves as a Motor Vehicle Operator with MWSS-472, according to the U.S. Marines. He was not in active-duty status or conducting military operations when he went missing in Puerto Rico.

The search for Wanjiru is ongoing as government officials reported two deaths and several incidents of people being rescued after being dragged by powerful sea currents on local beaches, according to the Bureau for Emergency Management and Disaster Administration in Puerto Rico.

The active search for Wanjiru extended to today, Bureau for Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Commissioner Nino Correa Filomeno said in a statement on Monday. From tomorrow onwards, the coastal municipalities nearby will be watching its coasts as part of a passive search.

Cpl Wanjiru Photo

In this search, all resources were used by water, air and from the coast with personnel of the NMEAD and the Ceiba area of the NMEAD, the Municipal Offices of Emergency Management of Luquillo, Ceiba, Juncos, Canovanas, Las Piedras, Arecibo and Vega Baja, FURA of the Police Bureau, Bureau of the Corps of Medical Emergencies, US Coast Guard, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental (DRNA) and volunteers from Luquillo Surf Rescue, as well as chaplains who supported the family. Thanks to all the staff who were looking to this young man, Correa Filomeno said.

Conditions at sea will remain dangerous until at least midweek, Correa Filomeno said, citing reports from the National Meteorological Service.

At the beginning of Holy Week, we warned that the beaches would not be suitable for bathers, since the National Weather Service predicted that a storm surge from the north would affect our coasts, specifically the beaches of the west, north and east of the island, including Culebra and Vieques. Today, we regret having to return to the topic of drownings due to several cases that occurred these days, Correa Filomeno said.

The Coast Guard earlier said the search for Wanjiru involved Watchstanders and an MH60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen. The Coast Guard said it is supporting local agencies in Puerto Rico with the search for Wanjiru.

Marine Search

Marine Search

Marine Search

Puerto Rico water search

Puerto Rico water search

Puerto Rico water search

Puerto Rico water search

Puerto Rico water search

Cpl Wanjiru Photo

High surf and life threatening rip currents continue in western, northern and eastern beaches of Puerto Rico, the Coast Guard said Saturday. Beachgoers should stay out of the water until conditions subside.

Correa Filomeno said that last Wednesday at noon, local authorities managed to remove three people who were swept away by currents in Montones beach, in Isabela. One of them was a 40-year-old man with no vital signs.

That same day, at around 3:47 p.m. in the afternoon, officials learned of Wanjirus disappearance on La Pared beach in Luquillo, he said.

An 82-year-old man died in the Dorado resort last Friday, but It was preliminarily reported that it was after suffering a health mishap, officials said.

In several other cases, people have been dragged by strong currents but could be rescued, Correa Filomeno said. They include a person at the Mosquito dock, in Vieques; one person was pulled to shore in Sandy Beach, in Rincon; and other people were rescued on La Ruina beach in Aguadilla.

Last Saturday, a person was rescued on Picuas beach in Rio Big, he said.

And we must remember that many times incidents occur that we do not find out (about) because the citizens themselves help or the bathers can go out on their own. account, Correa Filomeno said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Editors Note: The following arrest and incident reports were supplied by the Abilene Police Department. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law.

Incidents

2800 block of S 41st Street  Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information

An unknown suspect stole a pizza delivery drivers car while she was making a delivery.

3600 block of N 6th Street  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

A victim reported an unknown suspect used her card to make numerous unauthorized transactions.

4400 block of Buffalo Gap Road  Burglary of Vehicle

A victim reported tools worth $2,000 were stolen from his cargo trailer.

1700 block of E Hwy 80  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault family violence in north Abilene.

900 block of Lane Avenue  Harassment

A victim reported her ex-husband was threatening and harassing her over email and text.

3000 block of Ricsan Road  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

A victim reported an unknown suspect used her stolen credit card to make a transaction.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Assault Family Violence

A report was made for Assault Family Violence.

200 block of Arnold Boulevard  Assault Family Violence

A report for Assault Family Violence was taken.

1600 block of Belmont Boulevard  Warrant

A victim alleged she was threatened by her friend, who was arrested of public intoxication as well as a warrant.

1100 block of Estates Drive  Criminal Mischief

A report for criminal mischief was taken in south Abilene.

3200 block of Russell Avenue  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported she was assaulted by her boyfriend.

4100 block of Bob-o-Link Drive  Burglary of Vehicle

Tools worth nearly $1,000 were reported stolen.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

A victim reported an unknown suspect used his debit card without permission, taking more than $450.

1600 block of Hwy 351  Criminal Trespass

A suspect was arrested for criminal trespass in north Abilene.

2200 block of Oak Street  Theft of Motor Vehicle

A victim reported an unknown suspect stole his vehicle and damaged his fence.

3000 block of W Lake Road  Criminal Mischief

A victim claimed children in her apartment complex damaged her vehicle by shooting it with a BB gun.

1900 block of Pine Street  Criminal Trespass

A victim was arrested for criminal trespass in north Abilene.

3900 block of Ridgemont Drive  Theft of Property

A victim reported a known suspect stole $850 in cash from her at an Abilene hotel.

900 block of S Bowie Drive  Theft of Property

A cell phone worth $700 was reported stolen.

1700 block of Oak Street  Assault Family Violence

1200 block of  Houston Street  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported a suspect hit her in the face and threw her on the ground during an argument. She did not have visible injuries.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Assault

An assault was reported in south Abilene.

5300 block of Pueblo Drive  Assault Pregnant Person

A suspect was arrested for assault of pregnant person in south Abilene.

2000 block of S Clack Street  Assault Family Violence

A suspect was arrested for assault family violence in south Abilene.

00 block of Lakewood Drive  Burglary of Habitation

A victim reported a suspect stole tires, tools, a ladder, lawn mowers, and more from their yard during a burglary.

2400 block of Buffalo Gap Road  Criminal Trespass Habitation/Super Fund Site

A victim reported a known suspect violated a criminal trespass warning and damaged her property.

2400 block of Buffalo Gap Road  Assault Family Violence

A report for Assault Family Violence was taken in south Abilene.

3500 block of Curry Lane  Burglary of Habitation

A burglary of habitation report was taken in south Abilene.

1600 block of Hwy 351  Disorderly Conduct

A suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and more.

2800 block of S 41st Street  Assault Family Violence

A victim alleged he was assaulted by his girlfriend in south Abilene.

5200 block of Hartford Street  Aggravated Robbery

A report was taken for robbery at a south Abilene apartment complex.

1000 block of S Clack Street  Assault Family Violence

Police responded to an assault call at an Abilene hospital. A victim reported her ex assaulted her and strangled her, causing her to blackout.

4100 block of Russell Avenue  Criminal Mischief

A south Abilene residence was damaged overnight.

1900 block of S 13th Street  Unauthorized Use of Vehicle

A victim contacted police and reported her son used her vehicle without consent.

1600 block of Ambler Avenue  Theft of Property

A victim reported his wallet with more than $1,000 worth of cash inside was stolen.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Assault

A victim reported his roommate assaulted him.

2900 block of Old Anson Road  Criminal Mischief

An Abilene apartment complex reported an unknown suspect damaged their property.

2500 block of S Clack Street  Theft of Motor Vehicle

Unknown suspects are accused of taking a vehicle without permission.

1100 block of Albany Street  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

A victim reported fraudulent charges were made on her credit card.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Assault

Police responded to a disturbance in south Abilene where a victim reported a known suspect struck him in the head with a full fountain drink cup.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Assault

A victim reported he was assaulted by his fiances nephew in south Abilene.

3100 block of Bickley Street  Assault Pregnant Person

Police responded to a disturbance in south Abilene where a victim claimed she was assaulted by her boyfriend.

2100 block of Jameson Street  Discharge Firearm in Certain Municipalities

A discharge of firearm and criminal mischief report were taken in north Abilene.

1000 block of E Hwy 80  Robbery

Police responded to a robbery at a north Abilene convenience store where an unknown suspect had entered the store, demanded money, then fled the scene.

4600 block of N 2nd Street  Assault Family Violence

Officers responded to a disturbance in north Abilene where the calling party was found to have a warrant for her arrest.

4000 block of Redbud Circle  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported her significant other placed his hands on her forehead, causing her pain.

1500 block of Beech Street  Assault

A victim was assaulted at his residence in north Abilene.

Arrests

Ladale Harris  Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information, Evading Arrest, Theft of Property

Michael Branton  Warrant

Benjamin Ward  Possession of Controlled Substance

Bobby Long  Warrant, Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Carrying Weapon

Cherish Rocha  Warrant

Preston Foreman  Warrant

Brandon Garner  Reckless Driving

Michael Chaney  Warrant

Amber Phelps  Possession of Controlled Substance, Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information

Stacy Sands  Possession of Dangerous Drug

Robert Dugan  Driving While Intoxicated

Phillip Blagrove  Criminal Trespass

Darius Collier  Warrant, Evading Arrest Detention

Todd Lassiter  Public Intoxication

Sonya Caswell  Warrant

Jacqueline Thrift  Criminal Trespass

Jessy Abels  Possession of Controlled Substance

Roy Martinez  Warrant

Summer Lytle  Assault Family Violence

Juan Guiterrez  Minor in Possession of Tobacco

Harrison Field  Driving While Intoxicated

Aaron Gutierrez  Unlawful Carrying of Weapon, Driving While Intoxicated

Anton Covington  Assault Pregnant Person

Tyress Whitfield  Assault Family Violence

Jorge Jimenez  Driving While Intoxicated, Unlawful Carrying of Weapon

Juan Robledo-Navejas  Warrant

Mike Deleon  Evading Arrest Detention with Vehicle, Possession of Controlled Substance

San Juana Rodrigquez  Possession of Controlled Substance, Failure to Identify, Warrant

Reginald Speights  Assault Family Violence

Shavonda Black  Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction or Retaliation, Harassment, Resist Arrest Search or Transport

Steve Hernandez  Interfer with Public Duties

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(Bloomberg) -- Crime has surged to the forefront of Brazilians minds in recent months, supplanting economic issues as their top concern and sparking consternation inside President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas administration over how to respond.

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Roughly 60% of Brazilians now rank crime as the biggest issue facing the country, according to a March survey released by AtlasIntel, four times the share that said it was the economy. The worries have helped drive overall approval of the leftist Lula  whose winning 2022 campaign focused largely on rebuilding the economy and combating poverty in the wake of the pandemic  to the lowest levels of his term.

Brazil has long suffered from alarmingly high rates of violence, and rising concerns about security are hardly unique in Latin America. Crime has come to dominate the regions politics, driving many leaders to begin mimicking the hard-line approach of El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele.

What separates Brazil from many of its neighbors is that its overall number of homicides has been falling: The country experienced 47,398 murders in 2022, about 10,000 fewer than it had just four years prior, according to the most recent data available the Brazilian Forum of Public Security, a research organization.

Read More: Bukeles Brutal Crime Crackdown Gets Mimicked in Latin America

Other forms of crime, however, have become more common, experts say, while the end of the pandemic and the Brazilian economys better-than-expected performance last year have caused the public to return their focus to other hot-button issues.

The irony right now is that Brazil is actually doing better than it has in years on economic grounds and in terms of political stability, said Robert Muggah, co-founder of the Igarape Institute, a think tank in Rio de Janeiro. Yet, that gives space for people to be preoccupied with other issues, including public security.

While Brazil has avoided the sort of homicide explosion that Ecuador has seen, it has not solved lingering issues that helped Lulas right-wing predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, win the 2018 election on the back of campaign promises to take an iron-fisted approach to public security.

Organized criminal groups still exert control over swaths of major cities like Rio de Janeiro, and battle for control of drug and smuggling routes from jungle borders to urban ports.

The pandemic hit and we stopped talking about it, said Joana Monteiro, a professor of public policy at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Rio de Janeiro.

Headline-grabbing incidents related to those problems have helped return the focus to crime, including the torching of public buses by organized criminal groups in Rio last year and the escape of two inmates from a maximum security prison in northern Brazil in February. The fugitives, who took part in the countrys first prison-break of its kind, remain at large.

Read More: Rio Ratchets Up Crime Surveillance to Keep Streets Safe for G-20

Available data also suggests that criminals tactics are shifting. While Brazil saw a big reduction in robberies since the pandemic, embezzlement and phishing scams  known locally as golpes  have exploded.

Many of the crimes that most affect Brazilians perceptions of public security, meanwhile, are likely under-reported. A recent survey showed that nearly one of every three residents in Sao Paulo, Brazils largest city and business capital, have had their cell phone stolen  occurrences so common that many victims never report them to police.

Lula Concerned

In a nation as divided as Brazil, political leanings also have large effects on how citizens perceive the security situation, experts say. Leftist leaders who typically focus their messages on root causes like inequality  or avoid the subject altogether  often face backlash on public security, and polls show that Brazilians routinely rank Lulas government as weak on crime.

Bolsonaro and his allies in congress and key governorships have seized on the issue, continuing to advocate for more lethal responses to criminals, including by doing more to empower the police.

Privately, Lula has complained to cabinet members that his government is losing the narrative on public security to critics, according to a people familiar with the conversations who requested anonymity to discuss the matter.

Right or wrong, these messages resonate, especially to far-right supporters who are paranoid that the situation is deteriorating, said Muggah.

That is the case even in Latin American countries with far lower rates of insecurity. In Chile, the perception that President Gabriel Boric is weak on crime is one of the factors that have pushed his popularity below 30%, while Argentinas Javier Milei won a hard-fought election last year thanks in part to his law-and-order platform.

With municipal elections just months away and no major policy changes planned, Monteiro said the debate over crime in Brazil is only bound to get louder before the next presidential race in two years.

Its going to be a key topic not only this year but in 2026, she said.

--With assistance from Simone Iglesias, Beatriz Amat and Robert Jameson.

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A crowd gathered around Victorias bed.

When it was time for her to deliver her baby, the question posed to those gathered was simple.

Who wants to catch?

Lauren Brown, chief planning officer for strategic initiatives at CSU, stepped up, gloved up, and in less than two minutes, hoisted Victorias baby for all to see.

Its exhilarating actually, Brown said, my heart was pounding, it was so much fun.

Easy peasy, especially when Victoria is a mannequin, and the birth is one of many to come.

That scene inside Columbus State Universitys new mother-baby simulation will soon become common for Columbus State University nursing students thanks to the generosity of the Miracle Riders, a group of motorcyclists whose annual rides across the United States now raise money to benefit CSUs nursing program.

Scott Ressmeyer, co-owner of Countrys Barbecue and founder of the Miracle Ride, speaks Thursday afternoon during a celebration of the new mother-baby simulation lab at Columbus State Universitys School of Nursing. The simulation has been named in honor of Dr. Cecil F. Whitaker, M.D., seated. Whitaker is a retired OB-GYN. 03/28/2024

Columbus State University, the Miracle Riders and their leader Scott Ressmeyer led a Thursday afternoon celebration of the new mother-baby simulation lab, located inside Frank D. Brown Hall on CSUs RiverPark campus in downtown Columbus.

The lab is named in honor of Dr. Cecil F. Whitaker, a retired OB-GYN physician who delivered thousands of babies in the Chattahoochee Valley. In 1969, Dr. Whitaker became a partner in a Columbus practice that later became OB-GYN Associates of Columbus.

The lab gives CSU nursing students the opportunity to train on mother-baby simulation mannequins with lifelike movements, facial expressions, and responses. The lab is named in honor of Dr. Cecil F. Whitaker, M.D., a retired OB-GYN physician.

I have seen many young groups of students come into labor and delivery in my time and most of them are very panicked, afraid, Dr. Whitaker said. They are frightened because not of what they know, but of what they dont know, and they realize that.

The new mother-baby simulation lab at Columbus State Universitys School of Nursing is named in honor of Dr. Cecil F. Whitaker, a retired OB-GYN physician in Columbus. 03/28/2024

Whitaker hopes this unit can make those group of students more comfortable and competent as they come into labor and delivery.

The Miracle Riders announced prior to their 2023 cross-country ride they were hoping to raise $300,000 to supply the mother-baby simulation lab with equipment, technology and enhancements similar to those in CSUs adjacent pediatric simulation lab. In 2021, Ressmeyer and the Miracle Riders raised more than $225,000 to equip that lab.

Ressmeyer, a co-owner of Countrys Barbecue, said theyre about halfway to their goal of raising $1 million over time for CSUs nursing program.

When I first started doing this ride, it was all about raising money for the NICU It was about helping preemie babies, Ressmeyer said, adding that the mission grew into helping infants and toddlers and included labor and delivery.

Ressmeyer said the 2024 ride will take them to 19 other cities in the lower 48 United States named Columbus. He said theyll be raising funds to help nursing students prepare for one day working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

When we get home we want to raise enough money to give a state of the art NICU simulation lab here at Columbus State, Ressmeyer said.

He said CSU agreed to help facilitate that and teach that program, which will benefit Piedmont, which will benefit any of the preemie babies that are born in this community.

Scott Ressmeyer, co-owner of Countrys Barbecue and founder of the Miracle Ride, center, cuts the ribbon Thursday afternoon during a celebration of the new mother-baby simulation lab at Columbus State Universitys School of Nursing. The lab has been named in honor of Dr. Cecil F. Whitaker, M.D., to Ressmeyers immediate left. Whitaker is a retired OB-GYN. 03/28/2024

CSU nursing student Arika Carter said the new lab means a lot to her and the other students because it will help them before they get into a clinical setting.

It means a lot to be able to prepare your skills before going in, she said

Columbus State University nursing students gather around Victoria, the mannequin mom thats part of the new mother-baby simulation lab at CSUs School of Nursing. 03/28/2024
The final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm has been fairly low-key as far as big, flashy surprisesnot that Larry David seems like the kind of guy to make a to-do out of anything. But the penultimate episode, which aired Sunday on HBO, featured a cameo that stands as one of the biggest in the shows history. Bruce Springsteen appeared as himself in a storyline aboutwhat else?how crappy Larry is to everyone around him, including the Boss. And while his presence may be enough cause for celebration, the real takeaway here is that Springsteen should actually think about acting as an Act II for his career.

Springsteen played a surprisingly major part in the episode, as his brief lunch with Larry turns into a national scandal of the most absurd kind. As Larry approaches his court datehes due to stand trial in Atlanta for breaking its obnoxious, but not unique, law against offering water to people waiting in line to votehis lawyer insists that he make himself appear as likable as possible. This is simply impossible for someone like Larry David, as anyone whos watched 12 seasons of Curb knows. But Larrys generated some goodwill because of the water bottle stunt, which has made him seem like a person of the people. And now Springsteen, so moved by Larrys compassion (Larrys become a hero of mine, he says), is interested in meeting him for lunch.

HBO

Springsteen fits in well into this cartoon universe, adding to Curbs roster of great celebrity cameos. Hes very down to entertain Larrys maybe-not-so-ridiculous new hyperfixation, which is a local restaurant taking down its C-rating sign and putting it back up to an A. (If he said B, thats not so far from A, he says. Id eat at a B! Thats not so bad!) And he empathizes with Larry having to finish a horribly written manuscript from acquaintance Les McCrabb (a very funny Matt Berry), because he lied and said he loved it. Springsteen did a similar thing to a well-known musician, he sayswhich, after Larry coaxes him, he reveals was Don Henley. And now Springsteens got to avoid the guy.

From there, Springsteen helps instigate the episodes two other big subplots: Larry gives Springsteen Covid by insisting that the Boss glass is actually his, and Springsteens manager turns out to be a very blabby former hookup of Larrys, who gives away one of his worst tricks in the sex book. Ken (Ian Harvie) re-introduces himself to Larry, having known him pre-transition, back during Larrys Seinfeld days. And back then, Ken excitedly tells the group, Larry used to insist that they had sex on the floora scummy move that, Larry says, discourages all cuddling and even post-coital conversation, because who wants to hang out on the floor?

When Larry tries to argue that he was floor-fucking Kens pre-transition self, Springsteen states that, no, Ken is Ken is Ken. (For an episode airing on Trans Visibility Day, its nice to hear him say this.) And his line reading is great, a sort of matter-of-fact response, with no hint of judgment or annoyance; Springsteen has acclimated well to the absurdity of the Curb-verse already. Its a classic back-and-forth, where Larry gets increasingly flustered while the know-betters around him perfunctorily disagree.

Larry David and Richard Lewis Friendship Was the Heart of Curb Your Enthusiasm

But Springsteen is far more pissed off with Larry after he contracts Covid, which Larry finds out about from the local news. At lunch, Larry had insisted that Springsteens glass was actually his; Larry learned soon thereafter that he had Covid, and thus, Springsteen drank from a tainted cup. Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb later report on the aggravated grief felt by L.A. Springsteen fans, as the musician had to cancel his very last show due to his illness. And, worse: Bruce Springsteen is saying he got Covid from Seinfeld creator Larry David, Guthrie says, adding that the Boss had named and shamed Larry on social media. Kotb notes that getting the Boss sick is a pretty bad look for someone whos about to stand trial.

Its funny to think that Americas love for Springsteen could be the final straw in Larry Davids legal troubles, but it seems likely: Fans chase Larrys car down the street after he goes to visit Springsteens house, not to apologize, but to see if hell take a pic with his insulted masseuse. (A lot happens in this episode, as is often the case with this show.) Springsteen is perfectly happy to turn on his so-called hero over a bad case of CovidMr. Three-Card Monte, he calls him. And even a quick bonding sesh over the movie Springsteen is watching isnt enough to earn his forgiveness.

Springsteen is so good at playing the role of yet another person who Larrys burned a bridge with, completely buying into this world without ever acting above it. Its a subdued performance that betrays his megawatt fame, and its perfectly natural too. Of course, playing yourself is maybe the easiest role one can playunless you want to get existentialand this version of Springsteen doesnt seem particularly keyed up or out of character. But he does a great job of walking onto this set and not screaming famous superstar; instead, he willingly debases himself by sitting in front of the TV with a pile of snot-filled tissues next to him. Of course, the beauty of Curb is that its hard to come off as looking worse than Larry, but plenty of other guest stars have done just that in the past.

HBO

Better yet, Springsteen deftly handles a storyline that requires him to be just enough of an asshole that it feels like hes playing a character. Curb is light on the scripting, but hes a convincing enough screen presence that it feels like hes been doing this a lot more than he actually has. Based on his IMDb page, Springsteen has only appeared in one scripted show before: Netflixs Lilyhammer, which starred his bandmate Steve Van Zandt. He appeared in that shows final episode, way back in 2014. (He also made a quick cameo as himself in High Fidelity in 2000.) Perhaps thisll be the start of a new spate of guest-starring roles for the Boss, should he ever really want a break from touring.

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the creation and maintenance of the activities of the legal entity of public law "Service of Restoration, Construction, and Management in Khankendi City, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts", Trend reports.

Will be updated
Refugees stand in front of containers at the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Center for Applicants for International Protection in the municipality of Kofinou. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

The Cypriot coastguard rescued around 150 migrants from three boats east of the island on Monday, in the latest rescues that came a day after 272 people were picked up from unseaworthy boats.

Monday's rescue operation took place in the sea off Cape Greco, Phileleftheros newspaper reported, citing the authorities.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulidis called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council for Tuesday amid a greater number seeking to make the journey from Lebanon to Cyprus, according to the authorities.

It came after 272 people who had set sail from Lebanon were rescued on Sunday, who were rescued by the Cypriot coastguard and fishing boats as they travelled to the east coast of the island in five overcrowded boats.

Sunday brought the second-largest number of people this year, after March 11, when six boats carrying 458 Syrian migrants set sail for Cyprus.

So far this year, 2,675 migrants have reached Cyprus, an average of around 30 people per day, according to statistics issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Authorities in Cyprus are now on alert, the Cyprus Times newspaper reported earlier.

Not all migrants cross the sea. Some travel through the Turkish-occupied north of the island across the green buffer zone to the southern part, which is a member of the European Union.

The migrants rescued on Sunday were taken to reception centres west of the capital Nicosia. Four people who are believed to be smugglers were detained, the newspaper reported.

Cyprus has recorded by far the highest number of asylum applications per year compared to other EU states in terms of population size in recent years, according to EU statistics.
The Czech government announced on March 27 that it had uncovered a Moscow-financed propaganda network that sought to influence European politics and turn public opinion against aiding Ukraine.

Prague named Viktor Medvedchuk, a Kremlin-linked former Ukrainian oligarch, and Artem Marchevskyi, a media manager who used to work at one of Medvedchuk's TV channels, as the people behind the operation.

Their activities, carried out through the Voice of Europe website, reportedly centered around the promotion of pro-Russian narratives and paying Moscow-friendly politicians ahead of the European Parliament elections.

According to the Czech outlet Denik N and Germany's Spiegel, hundreds of thousands of euros went into the hands of politicians from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Hungary, partially in cash and partially in cryptocurrency.

The cash flow from Moscow to Europe was meant to amplify voices opposing arms to Ukraine, promoting it as the best way to quickly end the war, Denik N wrote.

The revelations sent ripples through the continent, hinting at the extent of the Kremlin's subversive operations in Europe.

Soon after Prague's announcement, other European leaders confirmed that members of the European and national parliaments were on the receiving side of the cash flow but stopped short of providing names.

"We again see the massive extent of lies and disinformation with which (Vladimir) Putin's regime wants to shake trust in our democracy, stir up anger, and manipulate public opinion," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a comment for Spiegel.

Faeser added that it was "important that this influence operation was uncovered before the European elections," calling the revelations a "blow against the Russian propaganda apparatus."

While its powers are relatively constrained in comparison to national parliaments, the European Parliament plays an important role in the EU's legislative and budgetary processes. The body also approves or rejects candidates for the president and other members of the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) can be exploited as agents of influence of third parties in several ways, says Matej Kandrik, the director of the Adapt Institute, a Slovak security think-tank.



"Individually, they can organize or support various events, such as European Parliament study visits, expert roundtables, or policy and advocacy briefings, to build influence networks, recruit new assets, or gather intelligence," Kandrik told the Kyiv Independent.

"They can also harness significant public outreach through traditional and social media for their political messaging," he added.

"In groups, they can act as effective spoilers disrupting procedures and debates within the parliament, which has the potential to cause further fragmentation and dysfunction," Kandrik said.

Read also: Belgian PM says MEPs, MPs paid by Russian propaganda network

Russian Voice of Europe

The key link in the scheme was the Prague-based news site Voice of Europe. The website has been offline as of last week, but its social media accounts are still accessible and reveal content full of anti-EU, anti-migration, and anti-Ukraine messaging.

Voice of Europe also featured interviews with known populist and far-right politicians, including figures from Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), France's National Rally, and Belgium's Vlaams Belang.

According to the Czech media, Voice of Europe began to operate in its current form in the spring of 2023. Around that time, it caught the interest of Czechia's counter-intelligence agency the Security Information Service, known as BIS, which allegedly led the case in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The eponymous legal entity under which Voice of Europe is registered lists Polish citizen Jacek Jakubczyk as its sole executive director since March 2023.

This is not where the Polish trace ends: Poland's internal security agency, the ABW, carried out searches in homes and businesses in Warsaw and Tychy on March 27 as part of its crackdown on the network, seizing 48,500 euros ($52,400) and $36,000 in cash, as well as computer data and mobile phones.

According to Spiegel, the addresses of the places targeted in the raids could be traced to the Polish citizen registered as the owner of Voice of Europe LLC. Presumably, this referred to Jakubczyk.

Czechia's counter-intelligence believes, however, that the website was actually run by Marchevskyi under instructions from Medvedchuk. Both men ended up on Prague's sanctions list, along with Voice of Europe.

Medvedchuk is a well-known name in Ukraine. A former politician, media magnate, and oligarch, he was widely regarded as Putin's point man in Ukraine before the ful-scale invasion. Medvedchuk was one of the co-founders of the now-banned pro-Russian party, Opposition Platform  For Life.

The oligarch was one of Ukraine's chief advocates for closer ties with the Kremlin and Putin, who was a godfather to Mevedchuk's daughter.

Read also: Who is Viktor Medvedchuk and why his arrest is a big deal

Medvedchuk's role in the Prague-based media and influence operations comes as little surprise given his experience with running a private media empire.

ZIK, NewsOne, and 112 Ukraine, three pro-Russian TV channels believed to have been owned by Medvedchuk, were blocked in February 2021. The man himself was charged with high treason in May 2021.

Medvedchuk attempted to flee at the outbreak of the full-scale invasion but was arrested in April 2022, only to be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war in September of that year.

In January 2023, Medvedchuk was stripped of his parliamentary seat and Ukrainian citizenship. He now lives in Russia, where he launched the "Second Ukraine" project centered around parroting Russian propaganda talking points.

Marchevskyi, the other name linked to the disinformation network, is a pro-Kremlin propagandist with Ukrainian and Israeli citizenship. He was the general producer at Medvedchuk's 112 Ukraine channel, as well as a member of the Opposition Platform  For Life party. According to Denik N, Marchevskyi resides in Prague.

The Czech government said that Marchevskyi "effectively runs the Voice of Europe LLC and facilitates financial cooperation with journalists and clandestine funding for select candidates in the European Parliament elections in several EU countries."

"Marchevskyi played a crucial role in taking over Voice of Europe LLC as a tool for influence operations and to spread disinformation and propaganda targeted against Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, sovereignty, stability, and security," the statement in the Czech sanctions list read.

The propagandist reportedly worked "on Medvedchuk's instructions." Prague said that Medvedchuk "remotely and covertly finances Voice of Europe LLC to publish media outputs on the Voice of Europe website and on its social media accounts."

Russia's parliaments

"Russia has approached (members of the European Parliament)" and paid them "to promote Russian propaganda here," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said in Brussels on March 28.

This also happened "in our country, in the highest levels of our democratic institutions," de Croo stressed, without revealing any names.

"It is a threat to our democracy, to our free elections, to our freedom of speech, to everything," said his Dutch counterpart, Mark Rutte, while remaining equally tightlipped about the culprits' identities.

A joint investigation by Denik N and Spiegel claimed that one of the politicians suspected by Western security services of being paid by Russia is German AfD lawmaker Petr Bystron. When confronted with the accusations by the journalists, the far-right politician answered evasively but eventually dismissed the claims made against him as "slander."

Bystron is known for his opposition to Berlin's support for Ukraine. He denounced Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision to supply Kyiv with modern Leopard 2 tanks, saying the decision had "thrown the fundamental principles of Germany's post-war foreign policy overboard."

Read also: Rise of Germanys AfD signals growing support for pro-Russian policies

An investigation by German Correctiv and Lithuanian LRT also uncovered that Bystron secretly visited Russia's ally Belarus in November 2022, at the time when the full-scale war was in full swing.

His colleague from AfD, MEP Maximilian Krah, visited Medvedchuk during his home arrest in 2021 and was interviewed by the Voice of Europe site.

Both Bystron and Krahl are AfD's candidates for the European Parliament elections.

AfD's spokesperson told Spiegel that the party's leadership would "seek conversation" with both Bystron and Krahl. At the same time, AfD is not coy about its amicable stances toward Russia and opposition to Ukraine aid.

The latest revelations are only the latest proof of Russia's creeping campaign to sway the results of the European June elections in its favor. Recent polls show that the Identity and Democracy parliamentary group, which unites far-right and oftentimes Moscow-friendly forces, competes for third place with the liberal Renew Europe.

In early March, Le Monde reported that French intelligence was investigating Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, who was a member of the European Parliament between 2014 and 2019 for the far-right National Rally, over links to pro-Moscow actors.

According to Le Monde's source, Schaffhauser's campaign was aided by pro-Russian far-right figures, such as former National Rally member Guillaume Pradoura.

"French intelligence believes that he (Pradoura) left a trace not only with Schaffhauser but also in the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and Germany," Le Monde wrote. Pradoura previously worked as an assistant to AfD's Krahl and now works for Dutch MEP Marcel de Graaff, a member of the far-right Forum for Democracy (FvD).

According to Denik N, French security services based their investigation on information from their Czech counterparts.

In a separate case, the independent Russian media outlet The Insider reported on Jan. 29 that Tatjana Zdanoka, a long-serving member of the European Parliament from Latvia, is allegedly an agent working with Russian intelligence services.

Politico wrote on March 5 that Russian intelligence services are also using a Serbian national named Novica Antic to infiltrate EU institutions and spread pro-Kremlin views. Antic, allegedly an "active agent of influence" of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), was said to have met with members of the European Parliament.

The European Parliament said it was "looking into" the accusations made by Czech counter-intelligence, while several politicians called for "severe punishments" for the perpetrators.

"As the Czech case showed, trust between intelligence services and their 'political masters' is a prerequisite for effective executive response to similar attempts of hybrid influencing and meddling with election integrity," Kandrik said.

"Otherwise, the work of intelligence services may easily end up never being used."

Read also: David Kirichenko: The continued menace of Russian disinformation

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SAYREVILLE, N.J. (PIX11)  A father is accused of killing his 9-year-old son after the child was found in a burning car near a New Jersey high school Thursday night, authorities said.

Manuel Rivera, 43, was charged with murder, aggravated arson, and desecration of human remains, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.

Rivera allegedly got into a domestic dispute with his sons mother at a home on Eisenhower Drive before leaving the house with the boy, prosecutors said.

Authorities later found Rivera with burns and a self-inflicted wound near the torched car on Washington Road near Sayreville High School at around 10:45 p.m., prosecutors said. Riveras son was found in the vehicle, which was doused with gasoline and engulfed in flames, officials said.

Im terrified something this bad can happen and people are capable of doing such things, a neighbor told PIX11 News on Friday. Its beyond evil.

The father works for Sayreville Public Schools and the son was a student at a town elementary school, according to a statement from Sayreville War Memorial High School.

It is with great shock and sorrow that I report to you that a Wilson School student was tragically killed last night in a car fire behind Sayreville War Memorial High School, the statement said. If you are a person of faith, please take the time to pray for our student and his family, including his extended family at the Wilson School. If you are not, please take a moment to send your positive thoughts to him and his family.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call Detective Michael Pirigyi of the Sayreville Police Department at 732-727-4444 or Detective Jose Rosario of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at 732-745-3289.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Derrick Lambert tried minding his own business. He went to an Arlington, Texas, Whataburger in a classic outfit  a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, starched jeans, and a pair of New Balance 574s.

When Lambert got his order to go, a group of random women recorded him on their social media and mocked him for his wardrobe. While the women didnt think his fit was fresh, the internet sure did.

In the short viral clip, Lambert is seen replying to the women, I aint fresh? And a meme was born. Lamberts response and outfit became a viral sensation, earning him a shopping spree with clothing brand LRG.

Unc is fresh why they hating  pic.twitter.com/WnqLRZVzj8  Champagne Sloshy (@JoshyBeSloshy) March 19, 2024

Who is Derrick Lambert?

According to Complex, Lambert is originally from Monticello, Arkansas, but has lived in Texas for the past three years. Lambert does not use social media, but a family member informed him that he became a social media trend.

Oh man, it was crazy, he told Complex. I don't have Twitter. I saw it on TikTok. My cousin sent me a message, so I called her and she was like, Yeah, you went viral. I said, Oh my gosh, man. I read the comments expecting them to be bashing me and they were defending me. Like every comment. So, I was heated that the video got posted, but I liked the reaction of people saying they were messed up and dont know what theyre talking about. That was crazy.

LRG takes Lambert on shopping spree

On March 26, LRG posted an ad on Instagram with Lambert in his crouched pose. The clothing brand took him on a shopping spree at Dillards in Dallas. On March 28, LRG and Lambert flew to New Orleans for a photo shoot on Bourbon Street. That same night, Lambert was sitting courtside at the Pelicans game.

'I aint fresh' TikTok trend

Several users on TikTok are using the I aint fresh tagline and either putting together their own fresh fits or creating their own skits with Lamberts voice from the original video.

Several users on X, formally known as Twitter, came to Lamberts defense of his clothing.

LRG pulled up and took bro on a shopping spree. Love that! #IAintFresh pic.twitter.com/RqHQyWipF8  A.T. The Dallas Nightlife Ambassador (@OhThatsAT) March 28, 2024

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 'I ain't fresh?' video of Derrick Lambert at Texas Whataburger goes viral
DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR)  Danville police say they arrested a suspect at the scene of a homicide Sunday.

Police responded to reports of a shooting inside a home on the 600 block of Fairhaven Circle around 1:30 p.m. on March 31. They say a 32-year-old man, Quayshawn Malik Witherspoon, was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Three pets killed in Astor Ct residential fire in Danville

Officers took 33-year-old Louis Sirach Garnett III into custody at the scene. Police say he and Witherspoon shared the home and they believe the shooting happened after an argument.

Police charged Garnett with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Hes being held at the Danville City Jail without bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Daphne Police search for Lillian mans killer in the Jubilee Citys first homicide of 2024

UPDATE (April 1, 4:30 PM):

DAPHNE, Ala. (WKRG)  Daphne Police identified the victim of the citys first homicide of the year as J Matthews Bonnell, Jr., 38, of Lillian. Efforts now are concentrated on finding his killer after shots rang out early Sunday morning at 10X Audubon Park Apartments.

3-year-old found with backpack containing 2 kilograms of cocaine, woman arrested: MCSO

The deceased victim was a friend of the resident of the apartment, said Daphne Police Chief Brian Gulsby at a Monday morning briefing. He arrived shortly before the shooting with the shooter and the female.

Joseph Kaynen Gurley is a suspect in the shooting death of J Matthews Bonnell, according to Daphne Police (Photos courtesy of Daphne PD)

Police say everyone knew each other and had planned to meet at the apartment and that Bonnell had not been there long when the shooting started.

We know that the deceased and the man that was injured have known each other for years; I think they went to school together. The female was the conduit between them and the shooting suspect, says Gulsby.

Motorcyclist killed in crash with Mobile Police patrol car identified

What sparked the gunfire, police arent saying, only that there was a dispute.

Their efforts are now focused on finding Joseph Kaynen Gurley, 23, who has a long criminal history, and they say should be considered armed and dangerous.

Four felony convictions out of Mobile County, two probation revocations, and he had two no contest felony pleas in Florida, and he was just released on a probation revocation on March 20th from the Escambia County Jail, added Gulsby.

The resident of the apartment who was shot and survived is not being identified by police. He remains hospitalized and was last listed in stable condition after surgery.

Gurley was last seen in a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The woman who left with him was dropped off in the Creola/Axis area of Mobile County and is not considered a suspect in the shooting.

PREVIOUS STORY:

DAPHNE, Ala. (WKRG)  The victim of a deadly Daphne shooting at 10X Audubon Park has been identified.

Bond set for Bay Minette stabbing suspect

38-year-old J Matthews Bonnell Jr. died after being shot Sunday, according to Daphne Police.

Police officers and Baldwin County Sheriffs deputies were called to the Audubon Park apartment complex around 2:45 a.m. Easter morning for a report of a shooting, according to the Daphne Police Department.

When officers arrived, they found a man dead in an apartment and another man with a gunshot wound nearby. He was flown to University Hospital for treatment, according to a DPD news release.

The second victim was allegedly a resident of the apartment and was going to find help.

Police later identified the suspect as 23-year-old Joseph Gurley. He is wanted on one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.

Deadly Citronelle car crash: Witness recalls incident  it was a bad scene

Police say Gurley is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DPD at 251-620-0100.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
ASHEVILLE  New data presented at a recent Juvenile Crime Prevention Council meeting shows that a disproportionate number of complaints against Buncombe Countys Black youths are filed into the criminal justice system than are filed against other youth populations.

Crime prevention and youth mentoring leaders say the statistics are concerning and highlight inequalities that need to be addressed.

The School Justice Partnership  an agreement started in 2020 among law enforcement and school, county, city and court officials  is attempting to mitigate whats termed the school-to-prison pipeline. But change is slow, and some school resource officers continue to petition the court to review cases of students for behaviors the partnership says should be handled within the schools or diverted somewhere other than the courtroom.

Whats concerning is the reality that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) kids are five times more likely to receive a complaint and petition than white kids, Jorge Redmond, chair of the JCPC, told the Citizen Times.

It reassures our notion that there is a pipeline to prison and theres inequality that we need to address within our community.

Black youths account for 9% of the total population of ages 6-17 in Buncombe County. Yet, they received 32% of delinquent and undisciplined complaints for fiscal year 2022-23, according to data from the N.C. Department of Juvenile Justice.

The percentage of Black youths jumps even higher when factoring how one juvenile may receive multiple complaints. A total of 695 complaints were brought against 385 individual juveniles, of whom 113  or 49%  were Black.

(The numbers) should surprise me, but they dont, said Keynon Lake, founder of My Daddy Taught Me That, a local, Black-led nonprofit that supports young men through advocacy, education and mentoring.

Keynon Lake, founder of My Daddy Taught Me That, works with a young student in this 2020 file photo.

School board adopts SB 49 policies: Asheville schools adopts SB 49 policies; Board chair calls law 'misguided and obtuse'

Why the gap?

Lake said he feels there's "a gambit of things" contributing to Black children receiving a disproportionate number of referrals to the juvenile justice system in the county, including poverty, not having the same amount of access to resources and, perhaps most importantly, the achievement gap that the area's Black students face.

In Buncombe County Schools, 21% of Black students grades three to eight were considered proficient in math in the 2021-22 school year, compared to 61% of white students who were considered proficient  making that a 40-percentage point difference. In reading, 21% of Black students in the same grades were considered proficient compared to 57% of white students.

A similar achievement gap is present at Asheville City Schools, where only 11% of Black students grades three to eight were considered proficient in math in the 2021-22 school year based on end-of-year standardized tests, compared to 66% of white students who were considered proficient. That's a 55-percentage point gap.

The same gap was present in reading scores, where 13% of Black students in the same grades were considered proficient, compared to 75% of white students, marking a 62-percentage point gap.

More: 'As a Black man, I'm appalled': Report shows gap between Black, white student achievement

"Kids don't want to be laughed at or targeted at their school, so if I'm not able to read on a grade level, if I'm two grade levels behind, I know what my peers are going to think of me," Lake said. "So, let me just do something that's going to get me kicked out of class."

Both Lake and Redmond highlighted the need for more diversity in teachers. "Probably 90-something percent of teachers in Buncombe County are probably white," Redmond said.

North Carolina Assistant District Attorney Jorge Redmond, seen here in 2022 in Buncombe County Court, serves as chair of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

"Its not necessarily the fact that you want to have someone of the same color teaching you, but I feel like there comes a time where theres empathy and understanding of what someone goes through based upon culture awareness and understanding what that looks like," Redmond said.

"And possible behaviors change when kids see themselves in other roles and see people in other roles that look like them."

Redmond also mentioned how socio-economic dynamics in Asheville may play a part, particularly with nutrition and patience.

"For example, a kid may come in hungry, and they continue to act out for whatever reason that may not be something thats related to school, it could be something at home," Redmond said.

Buncombe School Board lawsuit: Child sexual abuse lawsuit: Family sues Buncombe County Board of Education

Changing response to victimless crimes: a tiered approach

Lake asserted that if a child is participating in criminal behavior, there should be consequences for their actions. But he also highlighted the dire effects that accumulating a record for more minor behaviors while in school can have on youths, such as their ability to get into colleges and universities.

"Are we going to throw away the key because a kid got smart with a teacher or disobeyed the rules? We got to understand the differences and dynamics, and also what we're sacrificing."

The School Justice Partnership was signed in 2020 by seven district court judges, Mayor Esther Manheimer, Sheriff Quinten Miller, former Asheville police chief David Zack, District Attorney Todd Williams, Buncombe County Board of Education Superintendent Tony Baldwin and former Asheville City Schools Superintendent Bobbie Short, among others.

The partnership seeks to reduce the number of referrals into the justice system while preserving safety due to the negative impact it can have on students, according to a copy obtained by the Citizen Times.

What we tried to push back on is victimless crimes for the schools to handle for the most part, unless there seems a repetitive instance for the child, Redmond said, adding that this is the first year the county has more of a tier or table of certain offenses and how theyre going to address them through administration or through the courts.

In Buncombe County, all youths referred to the juvenile justice system for delinquent acts receive a screening from Juvenile Court Counselors using an assessment that measures risk, need and strength/protective factors. A summary report in December 2023 by JCPC analyzed data of 526 youth assessed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

Regarding school-based complaints, the data showed much higher numbers of complaints filed by schools than the state. Only 7% of youths assessed through counselor screenings experienced interventions by school administrators, down from 17% last year and trailing behind the statewide percentage of 12%.

A total of 49% of youths assessed had police reports filed by schools, which the report said is "significantly higher" than the state average of 27%.

Based on the data for fiscal year 2022-23 from the N.C. Department of Juvenile Justice, there were 340 total school-based complaints in Buncombe County, 118 or 35% of which were for Black students.

Crimes not reported to NC School Board: Asheville City Schools crimes: weapons, rapes not reported to NC School Board?

NC ACLU: 'The most expansive and concerning' laws

One of the things we looked at is disorderly conduct and how that may be something that needs to have a tiered response as opposed to immediately putting it into the court system, Redmond said. "(A charge of) disorderly conduct can vary very differently."

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina released a report in October 2023 on policing in schools, in part analyzing the use of disorderly conduct charges. The ACLU called the law pertaining to disorderly conduct in schools, N.C. Gen. Stat.  14-288.4(a)(6), "the most expansive and concerning criminal laws applicable to school-based conduct."

This law makes it a crime to disrupt, disturb, or interfere with teaching, or to disturb the peace, order or discipline at or around any school. Though the students conduct must amount to a substantial interference with school instruction in order to be criminal, it requires a judgment call from police officers on what behavior crosses the line into criminal.

The N.C. ACLU claims the law leaves a wide berth for biases or perceptions to interfere with that judgement call, implicit or otherwise. They cited state-wide data showing over the past six years that Black students were subject to over 55% of disorderly conduct referrals even though Black youths make up under 23% of the youth population in North Carolina.

Despite the push to shift away from petitioning the court for disorderly conduct behavior in schools, Redmond said, "there is an occasional instance where there are SROs in particular that are still pushing some of those through"  though they have seen a decline.

It becomes one of those things that they fall back into, although weve had several discussions with DJJ (Department of Juvenile Justice) and SROs about how were moving forward," Redmond said. "We knew it wouldnt be automatic where wed see this sort of shift. It would take time for that to occur and a little bit of pushback.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Buncombe County Black youth disproportionately sent to justice system
New data shifts 2024 solar eclipse's path of totality. How much of Oklahoma is still in?

Despite modern technology, the sun's radius is difficult to measure, and new data could adjust our current expectations for the 2024 total solar eclipse in Oklahoma.

A new eclipse map  based on an updated figure for the radius of the sun  was published recently by John Irwin, a master in eclipse computations, Forbes reports. These new calculations have slightly shifted the solar eclipse's path of totality to include less of Oklahoma  just a week before the event.

Several locations along the path of totality likely will be narrower than previously thought  by about 2,000 feet  which means some people who were previously expecting a quick look at the total eclipse will now miss totality altogether.

Though the shift is small in the grand scheme of things  barely visible on U.S. maps of the path  residents in a handful of Oklahoma cities may need to change their plans to see the full effect of the eclipse.

More: What time is the solar eclipse 2024? How long will it last in Oklahoma?

In the following images, the red line shows the original path of totality, while the orange line represents the updated path according to new data.

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse.

Here's what to know about specific locations moving outside the path of totality:

Kemp, Oklahoma

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse. Kemp, Oklahoma, was on the edge of the "classic" path of totality (the red line), but new data places the path of totality about 1,000 feet southeast of town (yellow line).

Kemp, Oklahoma, was on the edge of the "classic" path of totality (the red line), but in the new map, residents will need to travel about 1,000 feet southeast of town to actually stand in the eclipse's path.

Bennington, Oklahoma

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse.

In the newly released map, Bennington, Oklahoma, will be on the edge of the path of totality (yellow line). The classic map (red line) placed the path of totality about 1,000 feet northwest of town.

Moyers, Kosama, Oklahoma

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse.

Residents of Moyers and Kosoma, or visitors at the K River Campground may need to travel slightly farther south to stand in the eclipse's path of totality, according to the newly released map.

Tuskahoma, Oklahoma

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse.

Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, was on the edge of the "classic" path of totality (the red line), but in the new map, residents will need to travel about 1,000 feet southeast of town to actually stand in the eclipse's path.

Choctaw Nation Healthcare Center, Youth Center

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse. The Choctaw Nation Healthcare Center and the Choctaw Nation Youth Center both would no longer be in the path of totality in the new map.

The Choctaw Nation Healthcare Center and the Choctaw Nation Youth Center were both located within the path of totality in the classic map (red line), but on the new map, both would no longer be in the path of totality (yellow line).

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse.

Fort Smith, Arkansas is slightly north of the path of totality, but with the adjusted lines drawn in the new map, residents may plan to travel slightly further southeast.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Solar Eclipse 2024: New data changes path of totality in Oklahoma
The defendants in the Beer Hall Putsch trial pose for a photo in Munich, Germany, on the last day of the trial, April 1, 1924. From left are Heinz Pernet, Friedrich Weber, Wilhelm Frick, Hermann Kriebel, Erich Ludendorff, Adolf Hitler, Wilhelm Bruckner, Ernst Rohm and Robert Wagner.

April 1 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1826, Samuel Morey was granted a patent on the internal combustion engine.

In 1891, the Wrigley Company is founded in Chicago, Ill., by William Wrigley, Jr., originally selling goods such as soap and baking powder. A year later Wrigley would start packaging packets of gum with each tin of baking powder. The rest is history.

In 1918, toward the end of World War I, the British founded the Royal Air Force. Two months later it began bombing industrial targets in Germany from bases in France.

File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

People run away from an approaching tsunami in Hilo, Hawaii, on April 1, 1946. The tsunami was sparked by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands about 4 hours earlier. File Photo courtesy of the Pacific Tsunami Museum/Wikimedia

In 1924, Adolf Hitler was sent to prison for five years after failing to take over Germany by force in the unsuccessful "Beer Hall Putsch."

In 1945, U.S. forces swarmed ashore on the Japanese island of Okinawa to begin what would be one of the longest battles of World War II.

U.S. Marine reinforcements wade ashore to support the beachhead on Okinawa, Japan, on April 1, 1945. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense

In 1946, a massive earthquake near Alaska's Aleutian Islands created a tsunami that raced south across the Pacific Ocean, slamming into the Hawaiian Islands causing widespread destruction. The two events resulted in more than 165 casualties across three states.

In 1970, President Richard Nixon signed legislation calling for mandatory health warnings on tobacco product packaging and banning cigarette ads on TV and radio, effective January 1, 1971.

On April 1, 2003, U.S. Marines rescued Pfc. Jessica Lynch, 19, who had been held prisoner in Iraq since an ambush on March 23. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force

In 1976, Apple Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

UPI File Photo

Tennis pro sisters Serena Williams (L) and Venus Williams hold up replicas of Wrigley's Doublemint Chewing Gum prior to their March 22, 2001, announcement in Miami that they have signed a deal to promote the product. On April 1, 1891, the Wrigley Company is founded in Chicago, Ill., by William Wrigley, Jr., originally selling goods such as soap and baking powder. A year later Wrigley would start packaging packets of gum with each tin of baking powder. The rest is history. File Photo by Ron C. Angle/UPI

In 1979, the overthrow of the shah becomes official as Iran votes to become an Islamic republic.

In 1984, Marvin Gaye, whose rhythm and blues hits over nearly 25 years included "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" and "Sexual Healing," was shot and killed by his preacher father.

Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi receives her honorary degree along with seven other distinguished figures at the Encaenia ceremony held at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford on June 20, 2012. On April 1, 2012, Aung San Suu Kyi won a seat in Parliament less than two years after being freed from nearly two decades of house arrest. File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI

In 1992, U.S. President George H.W. Bush announced a $24 billion aid package for the former Soviet republics.

In 1996, an outbreak of "mad cow" disease forced Britain to plan the mass slaughter of cows.

In 1999, Canada created a new territory, Nunavut, as a means of providing autonomy for the Inuit people.

In 2003, U.S. Marines rescued Pfc. Jessica Lynch, 19, who had been held prisoner in Iraq since an ambush on March 23.

In 2012, Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel peace laureate and voice of the political opposition in Myanmar, won a seat in Parliament less than two years after being freed from nearly two decades of house arrest.

In 2019, Japan announced the name of its new imperial era would be "Reiwa," when Crown Prince Naruhito becomes emperor, which would happen one month later.

In 2021, a Hong Kong judge convicted seven pro-democracy protest leaders on charges of organizing and participating in an unlawful assembly during mass protests that rocked the former British colony in 2019.

File Photo by Jerome Favre/EPA-EFE
Dealing with teenage daughters is difficult. Raising mine in the Middle East made it even harder.

Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey and her husband were living as expats and raising their kid in the Middle East.

When her daughter became a teen and started drinking, she got nervous about getting into trouble in Dubai.

She left Dubai in order to give her daughter a "normal" teenage life.

My husband and I were sitting outside our house in Dubai, ignoring the noise coming from partying teenagers inside. They were shaking up cocktails with stealthily smuggled-in alcohol. We were making sure that none of them left our place in anything but a safe ride.

By that point, I had heard too many stories of teenagers in Dubai getting ratted out to the police and their parents getting into serious trouble. According to the United Arab Emirates government, the penalty for providing alcohol to anyone under 21 can include fines of up to 100,000 United Arab Emirates dirham, or $27,000, jail time, and deportation.

But teenagers will be teenagers.

It's in their nature to push the limits of what's possible and allowed  be it by parents or the law.

An international upbringing

We moved to the Middle East when our daughter Christina was four years old. We started in Doha, Qatar, then Muscat, Oman, and finally settled in Dubai, UAE. It was a charmed life, full of sunshine, daily pool sessions, a safe upbringing, and, as part of an international expat community, friends from all around the globe.

She learned about many cultural variations, religions, and global traditions, all of which, I am pleased to report, turned her into the open-minded young woman she is today.

But as with all expat life, you have to take the good with the somewhat challenging. Especially in Dubai, where we spent most of her teenage years. There, life was far from normal.

Daily life, but not as we know it

Dubai is known for its bling, its extravagance, and its riches. And should also be known for its utterly spoiled expat brats. Kids allowance is often the size of other people's salary back home. There, it's common for families to have drivers and maids. Weekend brunches in five-star hotels with free-flowing champagne are also attended regularly. It's not the kids' fault when they grow up thinking this sort of life is normal.

My husband and I indulged as well, this was, after all, why we moved abroad in the first place: Tax-free pay and a better lifestyle. But as Christina grew up, we became more aware that when she headed off to university, away from the Middle East, she would come down to earth with an enormous bump and few useful life skills.

With little viable local transport and a climate that made walking impossible for several months of the year, my daughter had never even taken a bus by herself. Instead, she was used to being brought back by car to our house after a sleepover at a friend's house. The mother would park her personalized Rolls Royce with its Burberry seat covers next to my dusty little Jeep. Another friend lived on the man-made Palm Island with her own private beach, while yet another regularly enjoyed weekends away in the family's private jet.

Parents and teenage daughter ballooning over the Yarra Valley in Australia. Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

Reality check Down Under

After six years we decided that Dubai had too many potential, and life-changing consequences for raising a teenager. We packed up and moved to Australia, in order to allow our daughter a sample of "normal life" as a teenager.

The normal life we envisioned included taking the tramway to school, and realizing that not every family can spend the equivalent of the GDP of a small country every weekend.

She hated us for taking her away from her friends, from the only life she had known, and would simply not appreciate that it was for her own good. But that's normal teenage behavior too.

It wasn't easy, but we weathered the storm, Dubai friends came to visit, we met koalas and kangaroos, she partied without consequences, got her learner driver's license, and finished high school in Melbourne, before heading to university in the UK. She even forgave us for the move. Eventually.

Got a personal essay about living abroad or parenting that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com .

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The composition of the Supervisory Board of the legal entity of public law Restoration, Construction, and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts" has been approved, Trend reports.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a relevant decree.

According to the decree, the following composition of the mentioned service's supervisory board has been approved:

Chairman of the Supervisory Board:

Elchin Yusubov - Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts.

Members of the Supervisory Board:

Elnur Aliyev - First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan

Sarvan Jafarov - Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan

Anar Karimov - Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan

Namig Hummtov - the first deputy chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan.
A bill headed to Delaware Gov. John Carneys desk would expand access to medical marijuana, empowering health care providers to decide who could benefit from the therapy and eliminating the need for those over 65 to see a doctor for medical marijuana certification.

House Bill 285 was passed out of the Senate on Thursday after receiving bipartisan support in the Delaware House of Representatives in January.

The bill allows health care providers to determine whether medical marijuana is beneficial to their patient and empowers Delawares seniors to self-certify their qualifications to obtain a certification, eliminating the need for those ages 65 and older to see a doctor to receive approval.

Marijuana plants are grown from seed at First State Compassion, Delaware's first licensed medical marijuana distribution center and largest cannabis growing facility. Marijuana is used in a new line of edibles.

The changes to Delawares medical marijuana program comes a year after state lawmakers legalized adult recreational marijuana and created a new legal cannabis industry in the First State.

The bill was first introduced by Rep. Ed Osienski, Sen. Kyra Hoffner and Sen. Trey Paradee in December, aiming to expand access to the program and cut through regulatory red tape to streamline the issuance of medical marijuana registry identification cards, according to a Senate news release Thursday.

RECREATIONAL CANNABIS: Marijuana is legal in Delaware. What does it mean for you?

These changes will allow healthcare providers to make sound decisions about which treatments best fit their patients, and make those treatments more readily accessible to people who need them the most, Hoffner said. I want to thank my colleagues in the General Assembly for continuing to support a responsible and reasoned approach to both recreational and medical marijuana in the First State.

What changes does the bill make?

If signed by Carney, the bill would make these changes:

Eliminate the existing requirement that patients must suffer from one of more than a dozen specific medical conditions to qualify for Delawares medical marijuana program.

Eliminate the CBD-rich and compassionate use programs that are used to treat conditions outside of the specific eligible diseases for medical marijuana therapy.

Allow the state Department of Health and Social Services to issue registry cards that are good for up to three years, and allow permanent cards be issued to patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

Permit someone with a medical marijuana card from another state or territory to access Delawares medical marijuana program.

Osienski said that after lawmakers passed legal recreational cannabis last year, theyve connected with medical marijuana patients and learned of numerous ways legislators could improve the current program.

Medical marijuana is displayed at Compassionate Care Research Institute, a new dispensary in Newark.

He said the bill recognizes the need to remove outdated restrictions and breaks down the barriers that hinder patients who could truly benefit from improved access to medical marijuana.

House Bill 355, which passed the state House on Thursday and now goes to the Senate for consideration, would provide state-level legal protections to banks, credit unions, armored car services and other business that provide financial and accounting services to Delawares legal marijuana industry.

RELATED: Beaches act first as Delaware towns consider marijuana regulations before stores arrive

The Senate expects to take up this bill later this year. The Delaware General Assembly is on spring recess now until April 16.

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 looks to expand medical marijuana access
Delta IV Heavy rocket launch in Florida set for day after 2024 solar eclipse: What we know

Are you ready? Not one, but two amazing events will happen within days of each other, and Florida's Space Coast will get some an amazing view of both.

The Great American Solar Eclipse also is Monday, April 8. Because Florida is not in the path of totality, in the Sunshine State it's referred to as a partial solar eclipse, which starts at 12:35 p.m. CDT through 4:20 p.m. EDT Monday, according to timeanddate.com. The much-anticipated Delta IV Heavy rocket will potentially launch from Cape Canaveral  for the very last time  on Tuesday, April 9, with the launch at 12:53 p.m. EDT, pending range approval.

When is United Launch Alliance's massive Delta IV Heavy rocket going to launch? As of Tuesday, April 2, the next attempt for its final liftoff ever is coming up, according to an FAA navigational advisory (see below). Here's what we know about the launch, where it can be seen beyond the Space Coast and the Great American Solar Eclipse.

Is there a rocket launch today? Here's the upcoming launch schedule for SpaceX, ULA, NASA in Florida (bookmark this link)

When is the Delta IV Heavy rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida?

After a March 28, 2024, scrub due to an issue with a ground pump on a gaseous nitrogen pipeline, a Federal Aviation Administration navigational advisory shows the next launch window will open on Tuesday, April 9, pending range approval. But that may change. Click here for FLORIDA TODAY's rocket launch calendar, which is updated frequently.

Mission: ULA's last Delta IV Heavy triple-core rocket will launch on the NROL-70 national security mission.

Launch window: 12:53 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 9

Trajectory: Due east

Location: Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Local sonic boom: No

Booster landing: None

Live coverage: Starts two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space with FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team.

What is Delta Heavy?

Delta Heavy refers to United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket. The ULA rocket made history for its transportation of the NASA Parker Solar Probe in 2018 and the first orbital test flight of the Orion crew capsule in 2014.

It was following the success of this flight that NASAs Orion crew capsule flew on NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, successfully demonstrating an uncrewed mission around the moon in 2022. ULA assisted in this flight as well, as the organization designed the upper stage of the SLS rocket.

The Orion spacecraft is set to take Artemis II astronauts around the Moon in late 2025.

How big is Delta IV Heavy rocket? Whats the size and power of ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket?

The Delta IV Heavy rocket has three Delta IV core stages together. According to the ULA website, each rocket engine produces up to 702,000 lbs. of thrust. With this performance, one can see why ULA dubbed it "the most metal." These engines are not small either. Just one engine weighs around 14,876 pounds and is 204 inches (17 feet) in length.

Powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, the Delta IV Heavy appears to "set itself on fire" just before liftoff as buoyant hydrogen gas, which is used to cool down the rocket before launch, ignites and burns off. The fiery start may look frightening, yet it's part of the process.

Where to watch Delta IV Heavy rocket launch live from areas close to the Space Coast of Florida

In Florida, we can best see this historic moment in person if you're anywhere on the Space Coast (Brevard County) or certain spots in the First Coast or Fun Coast (Volusia County) or the Treasure Coast (Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County). Pro tip: If you do watch it in person, get to your viewing destination early and prepare to stay later after the launch because of heavy traffic.

Who can see Delta IV Heavy rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida? Which cities can see Delta IV Heavy liftoff?

This visibility graphic provided by United Launch Alliance shows when spectators can expect to see the Delta IV Heavy rocket during the NROL-70 national security mission. NROL-70 will be the last launch for ULA's Delta IV Heavy triple-core rocket.

ULA provided a helpful graphic (see above) that shows Delta IV Heavy's intended flight path and its launch visibility:

Launch , Space Coast, Orlando, northern part of the Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Sebastian, Vero Beach, parts of northern part of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill

1: Launch + 30 seconds , Space Coast, Orlando, northern part of the Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Sebastian, Vero Beach, parts of northern part of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill

2: Launch + 60 seconds , Space Coast, northern part of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Treasure Coast, possibly Martin County, possibly St. Lucie County, parts of East-Central Florida like Orlando, near University of Central Florida, Bithlo

3: Launch + 90 seconds , visibility extends to Orlando, Sanford, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, other parts of Central Florida

4: Launch + 120 seconds , visibility extends to Port St. Lucie, Lakeland, Sebring, Winter Haven, Palatka, St. Augustine

About 130 seconds (Port/Starboard, booster jettison), visibility extends to include most of central and East Coast of Florida

5: Launch + 150 seconds , visibility extends to West Palm Beach, Ocala, the Village, Sebring, most of central and East Coast of Florida, Tampa, parts of West Coast of Florida

6: Launch + 180 seconds , Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa, Arcadia, North Port, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida

7: Launch + 210 seconds , visibility extends to Hollywood, Florida; the Everglades, Hialeah, Miami, most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida

8: Launch + 240 seconds (booster engine cutoff) ; visibility extends to Hollywood, Florida; the Everglades, Hialeah, Miami, most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida. It could include Homestead and possibly Key Largo

Beyond 240 seconds, Delta IV Heavy should see center booster separation and main engine start, according to the ULA graphic.

9: Launch + 270 seconds , most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida

10: Launch + 300 seconds , most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida

Beyond 300 seconds, the graphic shows Delta Heavy payload fairing jettison.

11: Launch + 330 seconds , most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida

Clearwater and St. Petersburg appear to be out of range. Interestingly, the Bahamas and Freeport are in the launch visibility zones.

The above guidelines are estimates based on the graphic provided by ULA.

When is solar eclipse 2024? Is Florida in the path of totality? Will Florida see a total eclipse?

For the Great American Eclipse on April 8, 2024, once again Florida is not in the path of totality, but some parts from northwest Florida (Crestview and Pensacola, for example) will have up to 80% visibility, according to a NASA eclipse map, vs. Homestead and Coral Gables, which will have about 45% visibility.

While the Sunshine State is not in the path of totality, Floridians will still get a view. For example, Florida was not in the path of annularity for the Great American Eclipse or "ring of fire" on Oct. 14, 2023  meaning Floridians did not see the "ring of fire" effect from the moon partially covering the sun leaving only a ring of bright yellow  however, residents and visitors here saw a partial solar eclipse, like a fat crescent shape.

What time can I see 2024 solar eclipse in Florida?

Though Florida is not in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse, the eclipse can still be seen via protective solar eclipse glasses, shadows on the ground or other creative (and safe) means.

In Florida, it's referred to as a partial solar eclipse, which starts at 12:35 p.m. CDT through 4:20 p.m. EDT Monday, April 8, 2024, according to timeanddate.com.

Can the Great American Eclipse, Total Solar Eclipse 2024 be seen in Florida?

Weather permitting, to see all phases of the total solar eclipse, you must be within the path of totality. According to a map on greatamericaneclipse.com, the U.S. path of totality for the Monday, April 8, 2024, eclipse covers parts of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The total eclipse will not be visible from Florida  unless you watch it virtually from a livestream.

In the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. ET on April 8, 2024. The state of Florida should have a 45% to 75% chance of "maximum partial eclipse," according to Great American Eclipse online. Expect to see a thin crescent shape to a thicker crescent shape.

Contributing: Yoonserk Pyun, USA TODAY Network, and Kim Luciani, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: When is Delta 4 Heavy launch from Cape Canaveral? When is solar eclipse?
When the votes are counted after Tuesdays election, one of the biggest shows of power for Wisconsins political parties will be who comes out on top in school board races.

Over 100 school board candidates across the state have been backed by a political party or political action committee, a Journal Sentinel review of finance reports found.

While school board positions are technically nonpartisan, candidates are increasingly aligning with political parties who can offer voter lists, canvassers, networking and glossy mailers. For the parties, school board elections are an opportunity to connect with voters on emotional local issues, drive voter turnout and nurture candidates who could eventually climb to higher political offices.

The state Democratic party invested about $230,000 in school board candidates this year, according to Joe Oslund, communications director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. The spending is detailed in campaign finance reports filed last week.

Finance reports for the state Republican party don't show any contributions to school board candidates. The party did send funds to its county parties, some of which supported local school board candidates, though not at the same scale as the Democrats.

The state Republican party has vastly trailed the Democrats in fundraising for all purposes this year, bringing in about $400,000 this year compared to the Democrats' nearly $5.4 million.

Republicans made bigger plays for school board seats in 2022, claiming victory in "flipping" school boards across the state to conservative majorities. This spring, Republicans may not be spending as much, but they are still stamping the party's approval on candidates statewide and promoting their campaigns. Officials with the Republican Party of Wisconsin didn't respond to interview requests from the Journal Sentinel about school board races.

Democrats spend most heavily in Kenosha and Green Bay

Finance reports show the Democratic Party of Wisconsin supported about 55 school board candidates across the state. It didn't send money directly to the candidates' committees but provided in-kind donations  for example, sending mailers supporting the candidates.

On the low end, some candidates reported about $18 each in support from the party. Oslund said that represented the party adding the candidates' names to the list of candidates that canvassers discussed with voters.

One of the Democratic party's biggest spends was over $34,000 to support four candidates for four seats on the Kenosha school board: incumbents Todd Price and Marry Modder and candidates Sabrina Landry and Robin Cullen. The county Republican party invested about $2,500 in three of their opponents: Jon Kim, Angela Kretchmer and Bob Tierney.

The district has been rocked by school closures and conflicts over banning books. MassResistance, a group designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-LGBTQ group, has sought the removal of books in Kenosha schools it calls "pornographic" and characterized the Democrat-backed candidates as supporting pornography in schools.

The Kenosha County Democratic Party said it was backing "pro-public education" candidates and opposing candidates who support book banning. One of the Republican-backed candidates, Kretchmer, has called for ridding the schools of "licentiousness" material.

"Take back our schools from the Marxist ideas of critical race theory; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and rid the schools of pornography, which is geared toward grooming our children," Kretchmer said in a clip captured by Kenosha News.

Democrats have invested about the same amount, about $34,000, in Green Bay, backing incumbent Andrew Becker and candidate Kou Lee for two seats. The other two candidates, Alex Mineau and Paul Boucher, are favored by the Republican Party of Brown County, though it didn't report any spending on their campaigns as of March 18.

Democrats outspend Republicans in Waukesha County, where Republicans hope to widen the majority on school boards

The Waukesha County Republican Party and its affiliated political action committee, WisRed, is already sitting comfortably across the county. This spring, WisRed hopes to widen its majority hold on school boards in the county.

In Menomonee Falls, WisRed is looking to take every seat.

When WisRed launched in 2021, Menomonee Falls school board member Jennifer Grant described the Falls school board as having "only one conservative." Three years later, Grant is one of six board members who got elected with the backing of WisRed. The only non WisRed member, Keri Duce, is stepping down this spring, saying she felt like she was on an island.

The Democrats have spent about $8,000 on mailers to support two candidates  Jessica Birkholz and John Witt  who are hoping to assume Duce's spot and unseat Grant, who is up for re-election. Grant and her WisRed associate, Travis Langer, each received about $1,483 from the county Republican party.

Another battleground: the board of the Waukesha School District, where three seats are up for election.

While WisRed Republicans are backing three candidates, the Democrats are backing only two. The Republican-backed candidates  Kelly Piacsek, Anthony Zenobia and Eric Brooks  each reported $517 from the county Republican party. The Democrats spent about $22,000 to support their candidates, Stephanie Fidlin and Angelique Byrne, primarily with mailers.

The Elmbrook School District is an outlier in Waukesha County, with WisRed-backed members holding just two seats. With two other seats on the ballot this April, WisRed has a chance to take a majority of the seven seats. The WisRed candidates, Nicole Hunker and Peter Machi, have each reported about $2,9000 from the county party. The other two candidates, Mary Wacker and incumbent Jean Lambert, haven't reported any financial aid from the Democrats.

Candidates say party endorsements have changed the races

In Waukesha, Byrne said she worked with parents for two years to "try and keep school board races nonpartisan, backing nonpartisan candidates," but she realized it was impossible to reach as many voters as partisan candidates.

"Unfortunately, in Waukesha, nonpartisan candidates couldnt raise enough money to send mailers on their own," Byrne said. "This is why I decided to take the in-kind donation from the Democratic Party for mailers."

More: Political divides, declining population are causing fewer people to run in rural local elections

For the Arrowhead School Board, there's a race between two candidates who call themselves conservative, but only one who is backed by WisRed: Anne Angeli, who has worn that endorsement proudly.

"I am proud to say I have been vetted by the Republican party of Waukesha countys WisRed initiative," Angeli said on "The Dan ODonnell Show." "My opponent, on the other hand, hopes that if he prints the word 'conservative' enough in big letters on mailers that he sends out to his constituents, and says the word enough, that we will all forget about his far left voting record.

While the Arrowhead board already consists mostly of WisRed-backed members, Angeli is hoping to grab another spot that has been held by Craig Thompson, who said in a Facebook post that he has held a "conservative viewpoint" for over 40 years, including the 19 he has served on the board, but was never endorsed by a political party. In a Facebook post, he called for keeping "politics out."

"Politics have no place on a public school board," Thompson wrote. "Harsh and unyielding political views cause divisiveness and breed lack of respect and trust rather than collaboration toward mutual goals. It is crucial that we as a community elect nonpartisan school board members who pledge to serve the entire school community with fairness and an open mind, not candidates beholden to a political agenda."

1776 Project PAC invests $60,000

In addition to the political parties, other political action committees have stepped into local races.

The 1776 Project PAC endorsed 24 candidates for Wisconsin school boards this year and has spent about $60,000 supporting them, according to Ryan Girdusky, a conservative consultant who founded the group in 2021. It's a smaller roster than last year, when the group backed about 50 candidates in 28 districts.

Girdusky launched the group to support candidates who vow to overturn any teaching of critical race theory or use of the 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine piece with curriculum by the Pulitzer Center about the history of slavery. The group also opposes social emotional learning and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).

The 1776 Project's largest identified funder is Restoration PAC, which is largely funded by GOP mega-donor Richard Uihlein. He and his wife, Elizabeth Uihlein, are co-owners of the Uline packaging company in Pleasant Prairie.

Girdusky said none of the candidates the group backed in Wisconsin asked for the endorsement but were "recommended by conservatives in the state."

Finance reports show the group spent about $49,000 on mailers for 24 school board candidates in the districts of Arrowhead, Elkhorn, Elmbrook, Hamilton, Hartland, La Crosse, Mukwonago, Neenah, Slinger, Waukesha and Whitnall. The online list of endorsement is missing two candidates who were supported with mailers: Kelly Piacsek and Anthony Zenobia, both in Waukesha.

Girdusky said his group spent an additional $10,000 on text messaging in support of the candidates.

More: Neenah school board candidates said they weren't contacted by 1776 Project

Teachers unions make smaller donations across state

Teachers unions have also invested in candidates across the state, with regional chapters of the Wisconsin Education Association Council putting up at least $10,000.

Giving donations ranging from $250 to $700 to each candidate, they have supported at least 26 candidates in 18 school districts: Appleton, Beloit, Chilton, Cudahy, De Pere, Evansville, Greenfield, Lodi, Menomonee Falls, Middleton-Cross Plains, Monona Grove, Neenah, Oshkosh, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Waukesha, Waunakee and Waupun.

Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @RoryLinnane.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Democrats, Republicans report spending in Wisconsin school board races
Denver weather: Rain, snow and colder temperatures to start the workweek

DENVER (KDVR)  Showers move into Denvers weather Sunday night into Monday, ahead of a warming as the workweek gets going.

Denver has yet to hit 70 degrees in 2024  its historically late

Weather tonight: Rain and snow showers

Sunday evening, clouds will thicken up ahead of overnight rain showers. These showers will start to mix with snow in the early hours of Monday morning as lows drop to the mid-30s.

Weather tomorrow: Showers, cooler

Scattered showers will stick around on Monday. Temperatures will be much cooler, only reaching a high in the mid-40s.

Looking ahead: Sunshine, warmer

Tuesday, sunshine returns to the forecast. Temperatures will be about 5 degrees cooler than normal, only reaching a high in the mid-50s.

This will be followed by more sunshine and warm temperatures.

Highs on Wednesday will climb to the mid to upper 60s, and then Denver is on track for the first 70 degrees day of the year by Thursday.

This pattern of sunshine and warm temperatures will continue for the Rockies home opener on Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio (WJW)  Agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating a shooting incident and crash that sent a Tuscarawas County sheriffs deputy to the hospital and claimed the life of another person.

A 911 caller just after 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, reported a vehicle had crashed into a house near the intersection of 8th Street Northeast and Fair Avenue, according to a news release from county Sheriff Orvis Campbell.

Independence police: Man dies after he fell down a cliff

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A deputy who arrived on scene saw a man jump into the passenger seat of a car, attempting to flee, according to the release.

A struggle ensued and shots were fired, reads the release.

The deputy was injured in the hand and leg and the suspect then fled in the sheriffs cruiser, according to the release.

The cruiser then crashed into a parked car near the intersection of Tell Street Southeast and East High Avenue, causing extensive damage to both cars and causing airbags to deploy, according to the release.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital and was later pronounced dead. Its currently unclear whether the mans death was caused by the crash or the shooting, Campbell wrote. More information on the suspects cause and manner of death is expected from the county coroner, according to the release.

This was an extremely confusing scene that encompassed three crime scenes: where the suspects vehicle crashed into the home; where the deputy encountered the suspect and the struggle ensued and where shots were fired; and where the suspect crashed the sheriff cruiser, Campbell wrote. Details are sketchy at this time.

Vehicles with dangerous defect still on the road

The injured deputys injuries are considered non-life-threatening, according to the release.

The injured deputy was transported to Aultman Hospital in Canton, the FOX 8 I-Team reported earlier Monday. He is in stable condition and is expected to be OK.

Campbell said he requested BCI to investigate the shooting since it involved a deputy.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
DeSantis lauds 'free state' of Florida. He should let parents decide kids' social media use.

A few years ago, I was at the airport with my then 10-year-old niece. Her excitement about traveling was palpable, and she eagerly took in everything around her.

Something she observed struck her as strange. Everyone is hypnotized by their phones! she exclaimed.

It was true. People throughout the airport seemed glued to their screens, oblivious to the real world around them.

Thats our reality now. Phones and apps are our most constant companions, and the age that attachment happens is getting younger and younger.

Its not a good trend, especially for children, who are learning about the world and how to form relationships. Kids are now lonelier, unhappier and more depressed than ever, and screen time is certainly a culprit.

In his latest book, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt says smartphones and social media have rewired kids brains  and not for the better.

There is a huge opportunity cost to children and adolescents when they start spending six, or eight, or perhaps even 16 hours each day interacting with their devices, he writes.

The problem is clear  the solution less so.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs on March 25, 2024, legislation prohibiting children under the age of 14 from becoming social media account holders. It also requires pornographic or sexually explicit websites to use age verification to prevent minors from accessing sites that are inappropriate for children.

Does DeSantis really think parents know best?

Florida last week inserted itself into this discussion with a law that limits childrens ability to use social media.

More on that soon, but a quick segue first: Gov. Ron DeSantis has been busy. When he left the Republican presidential primary earlier this year, DeSantis did not go home to Florida and pout.

Hes been getting things done. He recently signed a bill that prevents squatters from taking over a landlords property and a bill that prohibits homeless encampments on public spaces  two issues that have plagued blue states like New York and California.

And last week, DeSantis and state officials settled their ongoing legal battles with Disney  a huge win for DeSantis. Pretty much everyone on the left and in the media had called him a fool and predicted hed lose to Mickey Mouses "brass knuckles."

Theres a lot DeSantis gets right when it comes to making Florida an enviable place to live. He often touts Florida as the free state and how parents should be the ones to make decisions about their childrens upbringing.

TikTok ban is bad idea: Biden has shown us why government and social media shouldn't mix

Thats why I was surprised that he signed this law that prohibits children under the age of 14 from joining social media accounts. Those who are 14 and 15 will need a parents consent. The law also includes additional requirements to keep minors from accessing pornography sites.

Social media harms children in a variety of ways, DeSantis said in a statement. HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children.

Sure, social media is awful in a lot of ways (for adults, too), but should the government  and thanks to this law, social media companies  be the hall monitor?

Thats a job that seems to fall squarely on the shoulders of parents.

If Florida doesnt scrap law, courts will

The fact California is one of the handful of states that have tried similar social media interference should have given DeSantis pause.

After all, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is DeSantis arch nemesis.

The Florida model: In red vs. blue state debate, DeSantis offers best case for successful governing

In California, Arkansas and other states, these measures have quickly gotten struck down in the courts on First Amendment grounds. They simply go too far to limit the expression of young people.

And then there are the privacy concerns that could affect all social media users. To avoid hefty fines for violating the law, companies would need to implement more invasive techniques to access their sites.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

To his credit, DeSantis did earlier veto another version of this legislation  one that was even broader in scope. That bill faced increased likelihood of a legal challenge.

The truth is the new law will still end up in court, and Florida isnt likely to win.

Im all for governors like DeSantis who say they stand for freedom and parents rights. But they need to be consistent.

Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or on X, formerly Twitter: @Ingrid_Jacques.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DeSantis signs social media law, making Florida more of a nanny state
Despite FDA warnings, doctors still prescribing antibiotics that leaves some patients incapacitated

Despite FDA warnings, doctors still prescribing antibiotics that leaves some patients incapacitated

A woman says a popular antibiotic left her with a crippling condition.

The medication is still being prescribed even though the FDA first warned about it 16 years ago.

Now, she wants everyone to know about a condition called floxing.

In April 2021 a doctor prescribed Talia Smith cipro for a urinary tract infection.

She said she questioned whether she really needed an antibiotic that strong.

It was like a bomb went off in my body, literally, Smith said. (The doctor) actually told me, no, theres nothing you need to be aware of. "

Three days later, Smith said she ended up in the emergency room.

She described the pain in her body like an electrical shock. She couldnt eat. She couldnt walk.

The doctor said, were you taking Cipro? Smith said. Theres a black box warning label. It only took five months for me to end up on hospice.

Black box is the strongest warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has.

The label is restricted to medications that can lead to injury or death.

According to the FDA, cipro, Levaquin and similar antibiotics should be reserved for serious issues like anthrax exposure or severe infection.

For uncomplicated UTIs, the FDA advises prescribers to reserve CIPRO X-R for use in patients who have no alternative treatment options.

Channel 2 Action News analyzed federal prescribing data. More than 14 million people nationwide were prescribed these antibiotics in 2022.

For many patients, its an easy antibiotic to use. And as a result, its overused, Dr. Shira Doron, chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine in Massachusetts, said.

One of her roles is to monitor and educate prescribers.

TRENDING STORIES:

She said fluoroquinolones can cause tendon ruptures, central nervous system and heart damage, and there is no way to know in advance if someone might have an adverse reaction.

Now all of those things are relatively rare, but with the massive amounts of fluoroquinolones being used in this country, we tend to see a lot of those complications over time, particularly as use of this antibiotic has increased, Doron said.

The FDA warnings have curbed prescribing rates since 2016, but there hasnt been a significant drop since then.

In 2023, there were roughly 3,000 adverse reactions from Cipro alone. And thats just whats reported to the FDA.

I want to raise the alarm about this. I dont know that its common for people to have tendon ruptures, but this does happen to people every day, said Rachel Brummert.

She said she was floxxed by Levaquin 17 years ago. Shes now a patient safety advocate working for the FDA

Brummert wants to make it mandatory for prescribers to report when patients have negative side effects.

There needs to be more communication between doctors and the FDA and patients. The general population doesnt know that the FDA has seven black box warnings on fluoroquinolone antibiotics and that that is a big deal, Brummert said.

Smith has now become an advocate, sharing her story online as she fights to get insurance to pay for floxing treatments.

We lose everything, you know? I lost my independence. I lost my job, Smith said. This level of chronic illness  Its not living at all. Youre just surviving day to day.

There are about eight name-brand fluoroquinolones and dozens of generic options.

If the name of the drug ends with floxacin, its a fluoroquinolone and subject to that black box warning.

IN OTHER NEWS:
How did April Fools' Day start and what are some famous pranks?

Historians aren't pulling your leg when they say no one is quite sure about the origins of April Fools' Day.

April 1, the annual day of shenanigans, pranks, tricks and hoaxes, falls on Monday this year. While historians are unsure of the exact source of the tradition, they do know the custom goes back centuries, at least back to Renaissance Europe and possibly back to Roman times. Here's a look at what the experts say.

Theories, both real and false, tie April Fools' Day to Roman times

Some believe April Fools' Day dates back to Hilaria festivals celebrated during classical Roman times. The festival was held on March 25 which, in Roman terms, was called the "eighth of the Calends of April," according to the Library of Congress.

One theory tying the source of April Fools' Day to Roman times is a hoax. In 1983, an Associated Press reporter reached out to Joseph Boskin, a historian at Boston University, to discuss the origins of April Fools' Day. Boskin spun a tall tale to the reporter, assuming it would be fact-checked and revealed as fake.

It wasn't.

According to the story Boskin made up, a group of jesters convinced Emperor Constantine to make one of them king for a day. The appointed jester, named Kugel, declared it would be a day of levity.

"I got an immediate phone call from an editor there, who was furious, saying that I had ruined the career of a young reporter," Boskin said in a Boston University post. "He said I told a lie. 'A lie?' I asked, 'I was telling an April Fools' Day story.'"

Middle Ages

Some historians believe France is responsible for the humorous tradition, tying it to a calendar change in 1582, according to the History Channel. That year, France implemented the Gregorian calendar, shifting the start of the New Year from the spring equinox, which usually falls around April 1, to January 1.

After the change, people who wrongly celebrated the new year in late March and early April were called "April fools."

The first clear reference to April Fools' Day is a 1561 Flemish poem by Eduard De Dene, which tells the story of a servant being sent on "fool's errands" because it's April 1, according to the Library of Congress.

What are some famous April Fools' Day pranks?

In 1957, the BBC ran a broadcast on the Italian spaghetti harvest that pretended the pasta was being harvested from trees.

The BBC also ran an April Fools' report on flying penguins in 2008.

In Los Angeles, airline passengers were greeted with a banner saying "Welcome to Chicago" after landing on April 1, 1992, CBS Sunday Morning previously reported.

Taco Bell in 1996 advertised that it had bought the Liberty Bell and renamed it the "Taco Liberty Bell," according to the company.

As part of a 1997 April Fools' Day joke, Alex Trebek, host of "Jeopardy," swapped places with "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak, according to jeopardy.com.

On April 1, 2015, streaming giant Netflix shared faux public service announcements to remind viewers to "Binge Responsibly."

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Biden Administration Crushes Religious Freedom and the 1st Amendment by Banning Religious Symbols and Religious Themes at Annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House on Monday

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Christian Defense Coalition

April 1, 2024

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Today the Biden Administration crushed religious freedom and the 1st Amendment by banning religious symbols and religious themes at the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House.

Here is a link to the guidelines asking youth from National Guard families across the United States and all U.S. territories to submit artwork inspired by the theme Celebrating our Military Families.

Under the guidelines put forward by the White House, children would be prohibited from displaying artwork showing them praying for their National Guard family members, attending church with them, or praying over family meals.

In response to this blatant disrespect of religious freedom, the Christian Defense Coalition will display a 15 ft. cross in front of the White House and conduct a prayer gathering.

The Christian Defense Coalition will be displaying the cross on Wednesday, April 3 at 12:00 PM, on Pennsylvania Ave. NW in front of the White House.

The Christian Defense Coalition recently displayed the cross at the United States Capitol for a Good Friday service (see photo).

The White House should be a place where all Americans, especially children, should be afforded the right to come and peacefully express their First Amendment rights and celebrate religious freedom.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based Christian Defense Coalition, states;

The White House should be a place where all Americans, especially children, should be afforded the right to come and peacefully express their First Amendment rights and celebrate religious freedom. Sadly, the Biden Administration has trampled these rights by prohibiting religious symbols and themes at the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House. President Biden needs to understand the First Amendment promises freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion. This is especially true as millions of Christians in America are celebrating the resurrection of Christ at Easter. It is hard to imagine President Biden has banned childrens artwork depicting them praying over a meal or attending church at Easter with their families. It is quite troubling children are not allowed to publicly express their faith at the White House. We will be displaying this 15ft cross and praying in front of the White House to ensure public expressions of faith are protected and honored in America.

For more information or interviews call Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741

SOURCE Christian Defense Coalition

CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741


BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Azerbaijan plays a significant role in combating France's neo-colonialist policy, Marie-Line Sakilia, Deputy Chair of the Commission on Family and Women's Affairs of the Parliament of New Caledonia, told Trend in an exclusive interview.

"The impact of the Baku Initiative Group under Azerbaijan's presidency is making a major contribution to international awareness of France's desire to keep its colonies active. It is also helping to raise awareness of Europe's attempt to influence the commodities market, particularly the challenges facing the development of France's flagship industries, which are the six levers for the success of France's 2030 investment plan," she said.

According to Sakilia, France's fight against neo-colonialism in the Pacific is no different from its actions in the past, namely on the African continent in the 1960s, and it operates in the same way in New Caledonia.

"Declaring the sovereignty of a state, such as Kanaky, is also a preparation for cooperation agreements. It continues and would be in continuity with a set of bilateral agreements that France would carry out in the Pacific, with countries such as India and Australia. The cooperation pact is also a way of stabilizing the giants that are Europe via France and in the face of the US, which through the extent of the Commonwealth with several overseas territories in the Pacific (the US territories) also marks its presence. It has to be said that other means are being deployed by French climate diplomacy in the search for a balance between sustainable development and energy security, for example, the France 2030 investment plan, for which New Caledonia has adopted the Energy Transition Scheme (STENC). New Caledonia's electricity system, which is in deficit "thanks to the concept of greening our energy", is nationalized and run by a French subsidiary, EEC, a subsidiary of ENGIE, which is helping to unravel the local nickel industry," she explained.

Marie-Line Sakilia pointed out that New Caledonia's large stockpiles of nickel in slag would be an asset in attracting FDI investment from France, to the detriment of stainless steel manufacturing, which is considered to have far less potential.

"The Nickel crisis, which was declared at the same time as the recourse to the French government's guarantee for bank loans of several tens of billions of XPF taken out by the industrialists Prony Resources and Societe Le Nickel, aims to reduce the latter's reliance on the export of raw ore, to the detriment of local production, and thus sets the level of involvement of the administering power about the decarbonization challenges of "securing access to raw materials". New Caledonia began mining nickel in 1876 and has continued to do so ever since, with cumulative production (1876-2015) of 6.21 Mt Ni, or 10.2 percent of all the nickel mined in the world. Unfortunately, we are witnessing the French policy of "what is good for the security of France is good for the security of the local government, and vice versa". However, the policy of the pre-square is not necessarily good for our vital space Pacific, because we Oceanians have another vision of the world. Our Asia-Pacific culture gives the future state that we are, room for other national strategies and interests in terms of economic diplomacy, particularly in culinary matters, a market for the supply of raw materials whose exhaustion would be synonymous with the disappearance of the Asian species, which is inconceivable," she added.

Since 2020, France has multiple times tried to keep New Caledonia within the French Republic, Sakilia added. "This third and latest referendum was marked by a record abstention, with more than one in two voters boycotting the ballot".

"However, at the end of the successful governments, ministers Sebastien Lecornu and Gerald Darmanin response to the "situation thus created" decided to open discussions on the institutional future of New Caledonia, changing the format of the discussions by including civil society and local economic players, following the establishment of a Lepredour group made up of ten political figures, replacing the Committee of Signatories with a closed-door dialogue sequence the day after the second statutory referendum," she concluded.
Columbia police announced the arrest of a suspected arsonist last week, but the man they initially said they had charged with the crime had nothing to do with it.

Last Monday, a man was arrested near the Walmart on Garners Ferry Road after police say he intentionally set a fire inside the store, causing approximately $30,000 in damages but no injuries.

The same suspect was identified in video surveillance at another Walmart on Two Notch Road, where he allegedly set another fire on Sunday.

Columbia police identified the man in a news release on Tuesday, complete with the mans mugshot. But by Wednesday, police confirmed the man now being held in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center was not the person they originally identified.

Instead, by Thursday investigators had identified the suspect as Jarod Daniel Stacy through fingerprint and facial recognition, Columbia police announced on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. Stacy, 27, also admitted his identity to police, the department said. He now faces a charge of identity fraud as well as second-degree arson.

WIS TV spoke to the man who was originally identified as the suspect, a Mount Pleasant resident who told the TV station he lost his ID at a Greenville Walmart in January. He provided the TV station with a photo ID that matched the name of the arson suspect, but not the booking photo released by police.

The State has reached out to the man who was mistakenly identified as the suspect but has not heard back before publication.

Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly told The State that Stacy gave officers a false name at the time of his arrest but was not carrying an ID at the time. He was booked under that name and identified publicly before his identity could be confirmed.

Typically when we make an arrest, we will compare the ID against known fingerprints, but that hadnt been done before the information on the arrest was released, Kelly said.

The wrongly identified mans father contacted the police department after his son was named in the media as a suspected arsonist. Police spoke to the man, who does not live in Columbia, and determined he had nothing to do with the fires in two area Walmarts, Kelly said.

We compared the two, and they looked similar but not alike in terms of hair color and weight, Kelly said.

Stacy was ultimately identified from prior arrest records, Kelly said. He remained in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center as of Monday morning. Kelly said the police department remain in touch with the identity theft victim and his family, and anything else we can do with them, we will do that.
Did you fall for these Denver April Fools jokes?

DENVER (KDVR)  April 1 marks the biggest practical joke day of the year, and Colorado officials and the City of Denver are participating in the fun.

While these were April Fools Day jokes, they might have sparked some interesting ideas.

Denver weather: Rain and snow Monday with cooler temperatures

New line of Colorado-themed shoes

Gov. Jared Polis posted on X about a new Colorado sneaker line.

Many Coloradans know me for my signature blue sneakers or my Colorado-themed sneakers, they are an important part of my daily attire, especially as I travel across the state to visit with Coloradans. Now, Im thrilled to launch my own line of shoes so that every person can experience comfort without sacrificing style. This shoe line isnt about me, its an ode to the Colorado way of life. With an affordable shoe for every lifestyle, you can choose the style that works best for you while showcasing your love for Colorado. Polis tweet

If you fell for it, thats OK  the state of Colorado really went all out with the joke and even released pictures of the fake shoe line.

Gov. Jared Polis April Fools Day joke about a new sneaker line. (Courtesy of State of Colorado)

Gov. Jared Polis April Fools Day joke about a new sneaker line. (Courtesy of State of Colorado)

Gov. Jared Polis April Fools Day joke about a new sneaker line. (Courtesy of State of Colorado)

Gov. Jared Polis April Fools Day joke about a new sneaker line. (Courtesy of State of Colorado)

Gov. Jared Polis April Fools Day joke about a new sneaker line. (Courtesy of State of Colorado)

While the shoe line isnt real, some people on X still loved the idea.

dude some of these go hard; launch! commented one user.

Ah!! April Fools! Would be a great way to raise money for childrens programs, commented another.

Polis isnt the only one participating in the April 1 fun.

Denver: The 1.6-kilometer-high city

Mayor Mike Johnston released a 2-minute-long video on X reporting that the city is changing to the metric system.

He says there will be changes around the city, including the mile-high marker, which is changed to the 1.6-kilometers-high marker. The speed limit signs and the steps up are next.

Heres what it takes to become a Denver Nuggets mascot

While he doesnt directly say its an April Fools joke, the photoshopped speed limit signs and the unrealistic T-shirt and mug that said that Denver is the 1.6-kilometer city gave the mayor away.

Commerce Citys warrant forgiveness

The Commerce City Police Department also posted on X about a one-day-only deal. The department posted that for the first time ever, the police will wipe your record clean if you head to the police department.

Along with the deal, the police will also place you in handcuffs, take your picture and transport you to jail, which is all part of the celebration, the police tweeted.

Purgatory Resorts avalanche rescue cat

Purgatory Resort went as far as an entire photoshoot with this adorable kitty.

The press release calls the cat Scout, who is the newest addition to the ski patrol team helping out in avalanche rescues.

Scout, the avalanche rescue cat.

This is also an adorable April Fools joke.

Denver International Airports driveway to runway service

The Denver International Airport spent extra time on its April Fools joke, which comes with a link and website with more information about a new, made-up service called Screen&Ride.

The airport calls it Americas first driveway-to-runway service where airport screening can be done at a pick-up location and the ride will take you to the airline gate.

While many X users picked up on the joke, many didnt think this was a bad idea.

Too bad its not real. Id pay for that, commented one user.

Thats actually a great idea. They wont really do it, but its a great idea, commented another.

Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather

While these April Fools Day jokes arent real, the city of Denver and the state of Colorado might be on to something.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
In years past, pictures have quickly been put out of former President Donald Trump attending church.

On Easter Sunday, all was quiet on the church front from team Trump even as he promoted his $60 Trump-branded Bibles in a video on Truth Social.

All Americans need a Bible in their home and I have many. Its my favourite book, he claimed. Its a lot of peoples favourite book, Im proud to endorse and encourage you to get this Bible, we must make America pray again.

The group selling the Bibles has said it paid to license Mr Trumps name and image, allowing Mr Trump to make money off the sales. The former president has a long history of selling his name and image for various branded products.

In a lengthy Easter Sunday message, Mr Trump went after those he sees as his political and legal enemies.

Happy Easter to all, including crooked and corrupt prosecutors and judges that are doing everything possible to interfere with the presidential election of 2024, and put me in prison, including those many people that I completely and totally despise because they want to destroy America, he wrote in an all-caps message.

Promoting his Bibles in the video message shared on Truth Social, Mr Trump claimed that religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back.

Over the years, Mr Trump has been identified as a Presbyterian, but in a statement to the Religion News Service in 2020, Mr Trump said: Though I was confirmed at a Presbyterian church as a child, I now consider myself to be a non-denominational Christian.

He claimed at the time that his parents taught me the importance of faith and prayer from a young age.

Melania and I have gotten to visit some amazing churches and meet with great faith leaders from around the world. During the unprecedented Covid-19 outbreak, I tuned into several virtual church services and know that millions of Americans did the same, he added.

According to a survey from last year, Republicans see Mr Trump as more religious than both President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic who attends mass regularly, and his former Vice President Mike Pence, an evangelical Christian who often cites scripture and who named his book So Help Me God.

Mr Trump is also seen as more of a person of faith than Utah Senator Mitt Romney, who faced scrutiny for his Mormon faith when he was the 2012 Republican presidential nominee.

In 2022, People magazine reported that a member of Mr Trumps inner circle said: Hes no longer president, so he doesnt have to go to church.

He instead played golf and enjoyed the attention of adoring supporters, according to the magazine.

In 2020, Christianity Today noted: Trump was not a regular churchgoer before he was elected president. Four years earlier, a prominent evangelical backer referred to Mr Trump as a baby Christian.

Despite seemingly only going to church on at least a semi-regular basis while he was president, Mr Trump is once again using religion to push his message to the conservative right.

The Independent has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.

He has recently started to depart from the bombastic showman routine towards the end of his rallies, to adopt a quieter tone for about a quarter of an hour. Supporters bow their heads, and some close their eyes as Mr Trump takes on the role of their pastor.

This last part of the rallies, evokes an evangelical altar call, the emotional tradition that concludes some Christian services in which attendees come forward to commit to their saviour, The New York Times noted on Monday.

The great silent majority is rising like never before and under our leadership, Mr Trump usually says at the end of the rallies as he reads from a teleprompter. We will pray to God for our strength and for our liberty. We will pray for God and we will pray with God. We are one movement, one people, one family and one glorious nation under God.

Former First Lady Melania Trump confirmed in 2017 that shes a Catholic after meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Ms Trump is only the second Catholic first lady, the first was Jackie Kennedy. Mr Biden is only the second Catholic president  the first was President John F Kennedy.

Mr Trump claimed in February that the left wants to tear down crosses.

Speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Mr Trump said: Remember, every communist regime throughout history has tried to stamp out the churches, just like every fascist regime has tried to co-opt them and control them.

And, in America, the radical left is trying to do both, he claimed.

They want to tear down crosses where they can, and cover them up with social justice flags, Mr Trump added. But no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration, I swear to you.

Mr Trump has come to endorse and embrace Christian Nationalism  the belief among rightwing evangelicals that the founders of the US wanted it to be a Christian nation. Some think the Constitution was inspired by God and that the government should declare the US as a Christian nation, push Christian values and to cease enforcing the separation of church and state.

The left is trying to shame Christians, Mr Trump said at the time. Theyre trying to shame us. Im a very proud Christian.

Mr Trumps Muslim ban on travelling from a number of Muslim-majority countries drew widespread criticism early on in his administration. The then-president was also condemned for his posing in front of a church holding a bible near the White House shortly after the street had been cleared of racial justice protesters following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Donald Trump holds a Bible while visiting St. John's Church across from the White House after the area was cleared of people protesting the death of George Floyd June 1, 2020, in Washington, DC (AFP via Getty Images)

Many religious leaders are now firmly in Mr Trumps corner, especially after he handed them three conservative justices on the Supreme Court which led to the striking down of Roe v Wade. But some religious leaders were initially hesitant to support Mr Trump, who has been divorced several times, made hush money payments to stifle news of his affairs that is now haunting him in court, and bragged about sexually assaulting women in a 2005 tape from the programme Access Hollywood.

When he came onto the scene, people were sceptical, Troy Miller, the president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, said in February. But I think, as theyve learned more and listened to Donald Trump speak, the one thing I hear all the time from people  is that they really feel like Donald Trump understands them and thats the biggest connection that people make is, This is a guy in politics who gets us, who understands us, who doesnt talk like hes an elitist and talk down to us.

To some, Mr Trump revealed his lack of religiosity in January 2016 when speaking at Liberty University, a Christian college.

"Two Corinthians 3:17, thats the whole ballgame. ... Is that the one you like?" Mr Trump asked the crowd, according to NPR. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

The verse, etched on buildings all across the campus, comes from Second Corinthians, not Two, as many noted at the time.

Eight years later, Mr Trump is calling himself God, former MSNBC host Chris Matthews said on the network on Monday.

Donald Trump is saying I am the shepherd. Im him. Im God. Its astounding to me that he can talk like this. Its blasphemy, he said.

I dont know if the Democrats have really thought through this campaign and what theyre up against. This guys calling himself God. If he can get away with that, then it is truly a cult, he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Federal Judge Richard Gergel never once raised his voice in anger on Monday at the financial crimes sentencing hearing for Alex Murdaugh.

Gergel didnt have to. The judges clenched jaw and icy stare throughout the hearing at the convicted killer and admitted fraudster spoke volumes.

A no-nonsense Gergel interrupted Murdaughs lawyer Jim Griffin, finished sentences for him and in short order shot down nearly all Griffins arguments for a lighter sentence.

When the hour-plus long hearing was over in Charleston, Gergel gave Murdaugh, 55, what amounted to 40 years in federal prison, which means that the formerly respected lawyer likely wont be out until he is in his 90s.

In all, Murdaugh stole some $10 million from 27 victims over a 15-year period; $6 million is still missing, federal prosecutors charged.

It was, legal observers said, perhaps the stiffest sentence for a white collar criminal defendant ever handed down in a South Carolina court. With the sentence, Murdaugh joins a pantheon of American fraudsters, whose names were used as comparisons in court Monday: Ponzi scheme mastermind Bernie Madoff, Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos, crypto-scammer Sam Bankman-Fried and Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling.

In court, federal prosecutors only asked for a sentence of 30 years. In comparison, Bankman-Fried was sentenced last week to 25 years, Holmes received 11 years and Skilling ultimately served 12 years. Only Madoff received more time, having been sentenced to 150 years. He died in prison in 2021.

But for Murdaugh to get out of prison in 40 years, his lawyers  Griffin, Dick Harpootlian and Phil Barber  must be successful in their appeals to overturn the consecutive life sentences in state prison Murdaugh is currently serving for killing his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of killing Maggie and Paul execution style at their remote Colleton County estate in 2021.

While those appeals are pending, most assume that Murdaughs appearance Monday will be his last in public for the foreseeable future.

The crimes for which Gergel sentenced Murdaugh on Monday were money laundering, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and wire fraud affecting a financial institution.

What made Murdaugh unique, Gergel said, was that he had not preyed on investors looking to get rich, but individuals he had formed personal relationships with.

Murdaugh had stolen from his legal clients, who included societys most vulnerable, Gergel told the courtroom  motherless children, a widower and a paraplegic.

These victims came to Murdaughs office looking for assistance, Gergel said. Instead,they found rampant, uncontrolled dishonesty that brought them nothing but anguish.

Murdaugh was able to steal from them because he had gotten them big settlements in personal injury or wrongful death cases, money that came into his law firm in installments, according to evidence in his case. Once the money was in his law firm, Murdaugh was able to manipulate the funds into his own accounts.

The defendants conduct has brought disgrace and disrepute to himself, his law firm, the Hampton County bar, the South Carolina bar, if not the entire court system, Gergel said.

In a 13-minute address to the court, Murdaugh lifted his lanky 6-foot-4 frame, faced the judge and attempted once again to apologize for what he had done.

I left a lot of damage, a lot of wreckage, a lot of overall havoc in my wake. I know that, Murdaugh said. I acknowledge that I became that which I most despise, a hypocrite, and I know that I know that I hurt, humiliated and otherwise let down so many people.

Standing shackled in an orange state Department of Corrections jumpsuit, and wearing white Crocs-like footwear, with his face not visible to the press and other courtroom onlookers in the audience, Murdaugh attempted to cast his actions as both the product of a decade-long addiction to prescription opiates.

As I stand here today I am 937 days clean and I am very proud of that fact, Murdaugh told the court. I do believe that my addiction contributed to me doing some of the things that I did... with every cell of my existence, I hope, that I would not have done the things that I did had I not been addicted to opiates.

Gergel appeared unmoved by Murdaughs claim that drugs caused his crimes. And the judge made it clear that the dynamics behind the 40-year sentence were far more than just cold the black-letter of the law.

No truly impaired person could pull off these complex transactions, the judge said.

Murdaugh had been a groomer, using his charisma and charm to seduce his close friends, ex-banker Russell Laffitte and former lawyer Cory Fleming, into helping him steal millions, the judge noted. Laffitte and Fleming, once respectable, well-to-do citizens, were lured by the siren song of affluence and are now serving time in prison for aiding Murdaugh. Laffitte is serving seven years in federal prison; Fleming has a projected release date of December 2032 from his state prison financial crimes sentence.

Perhaps worst of all, Gergel indicated, was Murdaughs betrayal of the law, of his fellow lawyers and the duties that lawyers owe to protect clients. The stiff sentence is a warning to all lawyers, Gergel said, who should see their law license only as a license to do good.

Instead, Murdaugh plumbed the dark side of the law, Gergel said.

Emily Limehouse, the lead federal prosecutor, told Gergel that although Murdaugh says he spent all the money he stole on drugs, It doesnt add up; it doesnt make sense. Limehouse also said Murdaugh may have had other accomplices who have not yet been brought to justice.

Some $6 million in stolen money is still missing, she said. We dont believe the drug abuse is why he committed these schemes and we dont believe thats where he spent those six million dollars.

Two of Murdaughs victims spoke Monday.

Tony Satterfield, standing with his attorney, Eric Bland, told Murdaugh that he prays for Murdaugh regularly. His case represented Murdaughs biggest crime: a $4 million theft of insurance proceeds that should have gone to Satterfield and his brother. Murdaugh had hatched a scheme to steal the money in 2018 after Tonys mother, Gloria Satterfield, died of injuries in a fall at Murdaughs house.

Bland said Murdaugh polluted the legal profession in South Carolina.

Pamela Pinckney, with her attorney, state Rep. Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg, said that she had forgiven Murdaugh and told him, I love you with the love of Jesus Christ.

No members of Murdaughs family were in the courtroom Monday.

Instead, there was a whos who of South Carolina law enforcement: Mark Keel, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division chief; Steven Jensen, special agent in charge of the FBIs Columbia Field Office; U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Adai Boroughs and assorted FBI agents. Also present were federal prosecutors Limehouse, Katie Stoughton and Winston Holliday, who worked on Murdaughs case.

Representatives of Murdaughs old law firm, now called the Parker Law Group, were also present. They were Danny Henderson, Ronnie Crosby and Lee Cope, and the firms lawyer, Jim May. Also present was Jan Malinowski, president of Palmetto State Bank, the bank that ex-banker Laffitte used to help Murdaugh steal money from clients. With Malinowski was one of the banks attorneys, Greg Harris.

Attorney Mark Tinsley also was present. A lawsuit filed by the Allendale lawyer on behalf of the family of Mallory Beach, who died in 2019 when a boat allegedly piloted by Paul Murdaugh crashed, led to the exposure of Alex Murdaughs financial crimes. Tinsley also represents one of Murdaughs financial victims, Arthur Badger.

Gergel rebuffed some of Griffins arguments with zinger-like judgments. When Griffin at one point said that there was an irony to using Murdaughs state tax evasion guilty plea as a reason for an enhanced federal sentence, Gergel quipped, There are many ironies in this case.

Later, when Griffin attempted to soften the impact of Murdaughs crimes, telling Gergel that many of Murdaughs victims didnt know that he had stolen their money, Gergel snapped, Thats a distinction without a difference.

Griffin also said that a turf war between state and federal law enforcement agencies is the reason that Murdaugh is being prosecuted in federal court for the essentially the same financial crimes he has already been prosecuted and sentenced for in state court.

But Gergel said there were two sovereigns  state and federal  and each had justification for prosecuting the case.

Defending a sentence that will likely guarantee Murduagh dies in prison, Gergel also said that he saw little hope for reform from Murdaugh.

Based on his past I think that if he were released he would continue his criminal activity, Gergel said.
Members of the minority communities go to the schemes where are meant to benefit from it - SDI PRODUCTIONS/E+

Almost two-thirds of staff who undergo diversity training at work say they have had to conceal what they really thought for fear of losing their job, according to a survey by the Free Speech Union.

Nearly a quarter say they have been compelled to say things they dont believe after attending the courses.

Members of the minority communities, where the schemes are meant to benefit, were more likely to find the training conflicted with their views, the survey of 800 employees found.

One person surveyed, a white woman in her late 50s, said: I think everyone is too scared to speak about topics like this any more and certainly free speech doesnt exist in my company.

It comes after Kemi Badenoch told the Telegraph that Britains diversity push had been counterproductive and that many equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives are snake oil.

Cancel culture

The Free Speech Union was set up by journalist Toby Young to oppose cancel culture.

Tom Harris, Director of Data and Impact at the group, said: We knew already from our casework that EDI training has been suppressing free speech in the workplace, but even we were shocked to discover the extent of the self-censorship going on  62 per cent of the employees who go on the training have had to conceal what they really think.

Authoritarian EDI training has become a fiscal drag on the bottom lines of British business. While millions of pounds continue to be spent on these courses, our research demonstrates that the most ambitious employees are leaving companies because of it and, ironically, the training conflicts most with the values held by the minority groups it purports to benefit.

The employees spoken to by the pollsters attended courses on white privilege, microaggressions, decolonisation, pronoun declarations and gender identity.

The poll found that 45 per cent believed their EDI training conflicted with their personal, religious or political views.

The proportion was higher among ethnic minorities and religious groups, and men were more likely to say this than women.

More than a third (36 per cent) said they had witnessed staff being penalised in some way by their current employer because they challenged the training, including 12 per cent who witnessed staff being fired for doing so.

The media and communications sectors were the most likely to penalise their employees.

The survey found that 31 per cent had left a former employer because of their endorsement of woke ideology.

The proportion is much higher among minority groups: 43 per cent for black people, 46 per cent for Asian people and 46 for gay people.

Nine per cent said they had such a negative view of the training that they might have to leave the employer who has insisted on it.

Class disparity

More than half of employees who had gone through EDI training said their organisation was seeking accreditation from a charity, such as the Race at Work Charter or the Stonewall Diversity Champion.

A white man in his early 40s who was surveyed said: Its dead wrong, anti-human, racist and ignorant. Bring back meritocracy and get EDI in the bin, it makes it so much worse.

An Asian woman in her late 30s said: I think employers are largely reactive to social circumstances. George Floyd was a big instigator.

Employers also need to include class disparity as working-class white people are overlooked. There are various degrees of privilege; its not just black and white.

A black man in his early 40s said: I dont think employers should force views and different ways of thinking on people. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and who decides what is right and wrong?

The Free Speech Union conducted a survey of employees working either full-time or part-time in the UK in January. The sample was designed to be representative of the UK working population by age, industry, geography and employer size.

The 800 people who qualified for the survey had been through at least one type of EDI training with an existing or former employer.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Doctors can do more to help prevent gun violence, USF paper says

Doctors can do more to help prevent gun violence and offer counseling on firearms safety, according to a review by University of South Florida researchers, including a medical student who survived the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The review, published in February in the journal Advances in Pediatrics, noted that many doctors believe they should talk to patients about firearms, but often dont because of time constraints, a lack of training and discomfort with the topic.

In Florida, a law passed in 2011 limited what questions doctors could ask patients about guns. But a federal appeals court found the restrictions to be unconstitutional and struck them down six years later.

The law had a very chilling effect I think for a lot of providers, said Cameron Nereim, one of the reviews authors and an assistant professor of pediatrics at USF who focuses on patients ages 12 to 25 in Tampa.

The review noted that the American Medical Association calls gun violence a public health crisis and firearm-related injuries were the leading cause of death for U.S. children in 2020, surpassing motor vehicle crashes.

Doctors can ask patients about whether guns are kept at home and if they are locked, unloaded and separated from ammunition, according to the review.

USF medical student Nikhita Nookala, who survived the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and covered it as a reporter at The Eagle Eye, the schools student newspaper, contributed to the review.

The Tampa Bay Times spoke with Nereim and Nookala about their work, which was published with two other authors from North Carolina and Texas medical centers.

The interviews have been edited for clarity and length.

What are the major takeaways you hope physicians get from this paper?

Nookala: Its important to assess patients risks and to see if you can do some harm reduction in terms of encouraging safe storage or just telling kids to be careful around guns.

It doesnt have to be super political. Its just about childrens safety at the end of the day.

The paper noted some of the major barriers to physicians counseling on firearms safety are the lack of formal training, lack of confidence that patients will follow their recommendations and low perceived self-efficacy. Are there any ways to address that?

Nereim: I think there are. ... One of the things is how do we do a better job of incorporating this into our training, whether thats while youre going through your residency program, while youre going through your medical school, making sure these things are actually being plugged into our curricula.

Is there a particular stage of education where you think this would be best emphasized?

Nereim: I think medical school, before students have even differentiated in terms of what specialty or subspecialty theyll be choosing, thats a great opportunity to make sure were relaying this information.

In school so far, have people talked about gun violence as a public health issue?

Nookala: Everyone acknowledges that its become a problem and its getting worse. I think a lot of people feel very helpless because its something that is hard to bring up.

Youre not accusing someone of You dont store your gun safely, youre putting your child in danger. ... You want to (tread) the line of Oh, you have guns in the home, thats fine, are you storing them safely, are (you) using gun locks?

Its just small things that you can remind people, nicely, without discouraging them from coming back.

During routine visits, do you ask patients or patients parents whether there are guns in the home, if they are locked, securely unloaded (and) separated from ammunition?

Nereim: Yes, we do.

With the ongoing mental health crisis thats involving young people ... I think it becomes even more critical that we do our due diligence and we ask those questions about things like firearm ownership ... how ammunition is being stored, what level of training the family members or the kids themselves have in terms of actually using these objects.

How do those conversations normally go for you? Are they difficult?

Nereim: When youre able to successfully create that nonjudgemental space ... the vast majority of patients and families are really receptive to the questions were asking.

Do you ask patients more often than not? Or do you ask their parents?

Nereim: I tend to do both.

Do you ask firearm-related questions in every visit with a patient, or do you only ask them with someone who would be considered high risk?

Nereim: I wouldnt say we ask it at every visit. I think were getting better at making this more a universal thing that were screening for, in the same way that 15, 20 years ago we would make sure at every visit were asking Are you wearing your safety helmet if youre riding your bike? Are you buckling your seat belt if youre riding in a car? Were moving in that direction.

It happens a lot more consistently in these higher-risk situations, so if you have a patient whos experiencing mood symptoms, depression or maybe even anger, irritability, impulsive behaviors.

(The paper suggested) that physicians can link those at risk of gun violence to other programs that offer support in the community. Do you do that regularly? How common is that?

Nereim: Its extremely common. ... In the space where I work, probably anywhere from 50 to 70% of patients may have some significant social need. ... A lot of young people confide in me that theyre fearful just to be outside and to be walking in the place where they live because there have been times where theyve heard gunshots. Or they know there was a shooting that occurred in that same square, that same block.

As you can imagine, when you have these kinds of social needs that manifest over time, there can be pretty major health consequences.

Why is this research important to you?

Nookala: In the aftermath of the (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School) shooting, the focus was on Parkland, and Parkland became this beacon of gun violence prevention. But the reality is that outside of that one incident, which was horrible, gun violence doesnt really occur in cities like Parkland every day. It occurs in cities like Tampa every day in marginalized communities.  The focus needs to be shifted back to that.

Training to be a doctor, I wanted to know more about ways you could make changes on an interpersonal level with your patients without being involved in these really political movements that oftentimes (are) just kind of doing nothing or (do) a little something and it gets reversed a few years later. Its frustrating to watch that.

Nereim: Violence leads to more violence. The only really, truly effective way for us to move forward as a society is we just have to realize that prevention is incredibly important.  I just dont think we can ignore the role this is playing in the lives of our patients and their families.
Does Wichita mayors trip abroad fall under citys ethics policy? Heres what we found out

In our Reality Check stories, Wichita Eagle journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Story idea? tips@wichitaeagle.com.

Wichita Mayor Lily Wus trip to Switzerland  paid for by the Swiss government  falls in a gray area of a 2021 City Council ethics policy that sought to limit gifts to elected and appointed city officials.

The travel costs, which include flights, hotel stays and dinners, are expected to far exceed the $150 gift limit council members can accept from a single source during a calendar year.

But Wu says the all-expenses-paid trip isnt a gift.

A gift is defined as one given by a person or group, when those who are conferring the gift have an interest in the City or an interest that may be affected by the performance or non-performance of that official, Wu said in a statement, quoting the citys ethics policy.

Kathy Sexton, ethics officer for the Wichita Ethics Advisory Board, said the ethics policy does not provide a clear-cut answer. It is silent on accepting free trips abroad from foreign governments. And whether the trip is considered a gift largely depends on Switzerlands motives.

What it (the policy) talks about is defining gift as tangible or intangible goods or services, Sexton said. So the word service, in my view, would include travel. Thats obviously a service. But I think the bigger issue here is whos giving it and whether they have interest in this city.

A spokesperson for the Swiss embassy said the neutral European countrys motive for inviting Wu and other U.S. female mayors is to improve the perception of Switzerland and to exchange ideas about running a city.

The trip offers a unique opportunity to position Switzerlands highly innovative, sustainable and forward-looking approach to urban development and governance in Swiss cities to an audience of high-level political leaders from the United States, Marcellus Rolle, head of communications and public diplomacy for the Embassy of Switzerland in the United States, said in a statement to The Eagle.

The motivation of the trip is to highlight Switzerland as a diplomatic advocate for principles of equality and inclusive democratic processes, he said.

Wus seven-day trip will be filled with informational presentations on topics ranging from women and gender parity in Swiss politics to housing affordability, social cohesion and digital governance.

Rolle called inviting local government officials from the U.S. a public diplomacy tool.

Under the theme Shaping Urban Landscapes for a Sustainable Future, the program will allow for exchanges on infrastructure, economic resilience, public safety, and sustainability, among other topics, Rolle said. Inviting foreign delegations is an important public diplomacy tool and allows Switzerland to convey key themes and messages of its communication abroad in a targeted manner to opinion leaders from politics, administration, and industry.

Wus trip to Switzerland wont be the first time a Wichita mayor or city council member has traveled abroad. Former Mayor Carl Brewer traveled to Mexico, several African countries and China multiple times on what he considered foreign trade missions. Former Mayor Jeff Longwell went to France to visit Wichitas sister city Orleans and for an air show in Paris. And Wus predecessor, Brandon Whipple, visited France and England for air shows.

But its the first known instance of a foreign government footing the bill.

Wu and Rolle declined to disclose the cost of the trip.

The ethics policy, passed in 2021, limited gifts for elected city officials for the first time in Wichitas history.

The policy also directs city officials to avoid even the appearance of improper influence and refrain from ever receiving, soliciting or accepting gifts, gratuities, hospitality, favors or anything of value . . . valued over $150 from a specific donor over a one-year period ending on December 31, which is intended or has the appearance or effect of influencing the performance of the official duties of an official.

Wu said that section of the ethics policy doesnt apply to the weeklong Switzerland trip because it wont influence her duties as mayor.

Im honored to accept the invitation to attend the 2024 Delegation on of U.S. Women Mayors Shaping Urban Landscapes for a Sustainable Future program in Switzerland, which is not intended to nor will it influence my performance as mayor, Wu said. In the interest of full transparency, I disclosed this travel and asked for approval from the council, which passed 6-0 with 1 abstention (me) at Tuesdays public meeting.

Wu said the trip is educational in nature.

I do hope to learn how other mayors and governments are addressing common issues such as homelessness and transit, Wu said.

Housing and public transportation are vastly different in Wichita and the highly developed and densely populated cities Wu plans to visit  Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lausanne and Geneva.

Recent homeless population data suggests Wichita, with a population below half a million people, has nearly as many homeless people as Switzerland, total population around 9 million.

Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet home ownership is unobtainable for most people due to the high cost. Most people in Switzerland rent for life, according to a recent New York Times article that looked to Switzerland as a model for post-ownership society.

Likewise, most Swiss urbanites do not own cars or trucks, instead relying on bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds and a dense network of public transportation  including light rail, buses, cable-cars, and bike- and car-share programs.

Wus trip is scheduled to start April 20.

In the meantime, Sexton said the Ethics Advisory Board is working on changes to the ethics policy that she says will make it easier to interpret.

Were working on a re-write of this policy again, more for clarifying and making it easier to follow, Sexton said. The gift provision is one of those areas were working on rewriting. I think well be in front of the council with it in the next couple of months or so.

She said it might not be a bad idea to consider adding a section that prohibits city officials from accepting gifts or travel expenses from foreign adversaries.

Certainly a foreign country is not a foreign country is not a foreign country, Sexton said. I mean, there are some on the U.S. governments no-no list and some that are serious allies and others in the middle where we always think of Switzerland as being.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Armenia continues to deploy its troops along the conditional border with Azerbaijan and construct offensive bases, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

The concentration of troops by Armenia along the conditional border and the establishment of offensive strongholds, the setup of long-term firing points in various directions, and the construction of fortifications were detected through special technical means, available in the armament of the Azerbaijan Army Units, and under visual observation.

"Artillery systems, other assault weapons and heavy firepower of the Armenian armed forces are being deployed in newly built reinforced concrete fortifications.

We once again declare that the Azerbaijan Army will resolutely suppress any possible provocation of Armenia, and the Armenian military-political leadership and its protectors will bear whole responsibility for the aggravation of the situation," the statement reads.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
It is pointless to continue blaming farmers south of Lake Okeechobee for the recent discharges by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It has been repeatedly shown by state and federal agencies that more than 90% of the water and pollution enter Lake O from areas north of the lake. Regardless of power or politics, sugarcane farmers to the south cannot change the geography of the system or how its water flows.

The people of Florida have dedicated enormous taxpayer dollars at both the state and local level in record amounts (billions of dollars) to restore our Everglades and estuaries. At every turn, some so-called enviro group, activist or publicity-seeking hack goes to the media attacking Glades farmers. This may help them raise money or publicity but it does nothing to solve the real water issues. The proof is glaringly obvious in the current discharges that the East and West coast estuaries are enduring.

While everyone was blaming the sugarcane and vegetable farmers south of Lake Okeechobee and making them clean every last bit of water on the farms, nothing was being done at the real source of the problemnorth of Lake Okeechobee. In fact, every single time stopping the flow of water BEFORE it entered the lake, funding technology to store and clean the water north of Lake Okeechobee was mentioned, the environmental activists tried to shut it down. Again, and again.

In this photo from July of last year, docks and walkways on the north end of the Pahokee City Marina sit closed because cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, was found in the waters of Lake Okeechobee in Pahokee.

South Florida dealt with discharges and coastal algae issues, lost summers, and then hurricanes and Red Tide. The new Lake O schedule was endlessly discussed and debated. In the end, LOSOM (the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual) was basically hijacked to prioritize the St. Lucie Estuary over other project functions, including the health of the lake itself. Meanwhile the environmental community was totally onboard with giving the Corps unlimited flexibility while removing less harmful, earlier dry season releases to the East Coast from the toolbox. Thus, the heavier discharges were seeing now. Thats what is insane.

More on Lake Okeechobee Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir breaks ground in western Palm Beach County

More on Farming Issues Palm Beach County farmers exceed water quality requirements but activists say more can be done

Every time something goes wrong, even when activists get exactly theyve asked for, they just blame it on the farmers and hold out their fundraising hats. The facts are that this current round of discharges was driven by excessive rainfall and made worse by the drive to stop discharges to the estuaries that led to high lake levels. None of that has a thing to do with Glades farmers.

And, until there is significant storage north of the lake to handle some of the rainfall that is sure to come in that region, every part of the system connected to the lake will continue to sufferno matter who the finger is pointed toward. We all continue to lose. Except the people who use these water disasters as fundraising opportunities or to further their personal agendas.

Nyla Pipes is executive director of One Florida Foundation, a non-profit that provides education and proposes solutions regarding Floridas water resources.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Contaminated discharges from Florida lake not farmers' fault
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Multiple people were shot and injured in three separate incidents Portlands east side throughout the weekend. These included a drive-by shooting, a person shot in the foot and a shooting stemming from a fight, according to Portland police.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a report of a shooting in a vehicle with two children and two adults inside. Authorities say that one of the adults in the vehicle was shot and injured by someone in a passing car near Northeast 100th Avenue and East Burnside Street

Police say the injured adult is now in the hospital and expected to recover.

Multnomah County court is lagging behind neighbors

Officials say another shooting happened Saturday just before midnight when police were called to North Columbia Boulevard on a report that someone had been shot in the foot.

Police say shots came from outside of a nearby Goodyear.

Just before 11 a.m. Sunday, a fight between two people escalated when one shot the other, prompting police response near Southeast 84th Avenue and Southeast Foster Road.

7 people involved in rollover on WB I-84 in Portland

Police say after one person shot, they took off and the person who was shot does not have life-threatening injuries.

No arrests have been made in all three incidents, authorities say.

This is a developing story. Stay with KOIN 6 for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  West Metro Fire Rescue responded to a driver who crashed into a Lakewood business Sunday night.

Just before 11:30 p.m., West Metro Fire Rescue responded to a crash in the 1400 block of South Sheridan Boulevard in the Lasley neighborhood in Lakewood.

Photos from crews show a car that crashed into the Famouz Fadez barber shop.

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While technical rescue crews had to respond to the scene, the driver was taken to the hospital with only minor injuries.

A car crashed into a Lakewood business on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)

A car crashed into a Lakewood business on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)

A car crashed into a Lakewood business on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)

A car crashed into a Lakewood business on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)

However, firefighters said the building sustained significant damage. The car was removed from the building, and firefighters shored up the structure.

There has been no word on if the driver faces any charges in this crash.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Duke of Beaufort in row with villagers  and his ex-wife  over solar farm near Kings Highgrove estate

The Duke of Beaufort, with his wife, Georgia Beaufort, at their Badminton estate in Gloucestershire, where part of the farm will be housed - Adrian Sherratt/Times Media Ltd

A plan backed by the Duke of Beaufort to build a 2,000-acre solar farm near the Kings Highgrove estate has sparked a row with residents including his environmentalist ex-wife.

Protesters claim that the Lime Down Solar Park scheme, which is designed to generate 500 megawatts of clean energy will blight swaths of the countryside near the Fosse Way, a Roman road.

Part of the farm will be housed on the Dukes 52,000-acre Badminton estate in Gloucestershire  as well as on land in a triangle between the market towns of Malmesbury, Tetbury and Chippenham.

Nicknamed Bunter of Badminton, the Duke, 71, who is worth an estimated 300 million, is friends with the monarch, 75, whose private residence is nine miles down the road.

Tracy Ward, the Dukes ex-wife, is among those objecting to the scheme, which is currently in the consultation stage.

I totally oppose all large-scale solar parks, she said. Solar panels should be on roofs, along motorways, or industrial sites. Land should be for growing food, not profits for a few landowners, manufacturers and investors.

Claiming it will destroy the area for local walkers and riders, tourists and biodiversity, she added: Be careful what the climate change fear-mongering will lull us into accepting.

Lime Down Solar Park claims it would contribute towards government targets to reach net zero by 2050 and could provide enough clean affordable electricity to power around 115,000 homes.

Residents of the village of Sherston have been objecting to the proposals - John Lawrence for the Telegraph

The project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project because the capacity of the proposed development is over 50 megawatts.

This means permission for the scheme will need to come from Claire Coutinho, the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than Wiltshire council.

Alex Frost, the chief executive of the UK Tote Group, is among residents of the affected village of Sherston who have been objecting to the proposals.

He said: Theres absolutely not a Nimby [not in my back yard] element to this. People around here are actually very pro-renewables but the Governments own guidelines state that these sorts of developments should occupy brownfield sites, not greenfield.

This is all agricultural land, it borders the Fosse Way, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its an extraordinarily rich ecosystem, which we are trying to preserve. Its right next door to Highgrove.

Amid claims farmers have been offered in excess of 1,000 per acre per year to rent their land  five times the return that might be expected from farming  he added: We know solar farms are important but this should be a well thought out and proper process rather than just a situation where a bunch of farmers have been offered a load of cash  its an absolute shambles.

Protesters also fear that the development, comprising three and a half square miles of 14ft-high solar panels surrounded by security fencing and floodlights, will be turned into housing once the solar farm has served its purpose.

Protesters also fear that the development will be turned into housing once the solar farm has served its purpose

Lime Downs developer is a London-based company named Island Green Power, which is reported to have developed more than 1 gigawatt of renewable energy assets, predominantly in the UK and Spain.

It is chaired by Bertie Ahern, the taoiseach of Ireland from 1997 to 2008. Amber Rudd, the energy and climate change secretary under David Cameron, is its former director. She served as an Island Green Power consultant between September 2021 and June 2022, despite campaigning against proposals to install solar panels in her Hastings and Rye constituency in 2019. She argued at the time that solar expansion should not come at the expense of our natural environment.

Ms Rudd said she had not had any contact with Island Green since she left two years ago, shortly after it was announced that Macquarie Asset Management had reached an agreement to acquire a 50 per cent stake in the company.

James Gray, the local MP, who is against the scheme, has blamed Wall Street hooligans for inflicting it on his constituency and believes that a British company would deal with the local community more sensitively.

Natasha Worrall, the protect development manager, said that it would boost and enhance local wildlife by delivering a net gain in biodiversity.

She added: We are dedicated to responsible land use and believe that the development and delivery of utility-scale farms can coexist harmoniously with their environment.

We also believe those communities closest to the proposed development should benefit from it.

A spokesman for the Duke of Beaufort said: The estates decision is commercial and aligns with government guidance that the development of low-carbon infrastructure, such as solar farms, is a critical national priority.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The owner of a Kansas newspaper outlines a litany of violations in a 100-plus page federal lawsuit claiming a police raid at the newsroom was an intolerable violation of their constitutional rights.

Its the fourth legal action taken in the wake of the Aug. 11 raid at The Marion County Record, which drew condemnation from around the world.

Police also executed search warrants at the home of Joan Meyer and her son Eric Meyer, who own the newspaper, and former City Councilwoman Ruth Herbel.

The suit was brought to deter the next crazed cop from threatening democracy the way Chief (Gideon) Cody did when he hauled away the newspapers computers and its reporters cell phones in an ill-fated attempt to silence the press.

The Record had been investigating Codys previous tenure with the Kansas City Police Department. He resigned from the agency while under investigation for allegedly making sexist comments to a female officer.

Cody, the City of Marion, former Mayor David Mayfield, Acting Police Chief Zach Hudlin, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Marion, Sheriff Jeff Soyez and detective Aaron Christner are listed as defendants in the lawsuit.

They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The raids were carried out under the pretense that a reporter had illegally obtained information about the DUI conviction of local restaurateur Kari Newell. That information was later confirmed by the Kansas Department of Revenue to be open to the public.

According to Eric Meyer, the raid was also conducted to settle personal scores. The newspaper had a turbulent relationship with Cody as well as Mayfield and Soyez, he said.

In a statement Meyer said, the true plaintiff is American democracy.

The last thing we want is to bankrupt the city or county, but we have a duty to democracy and to countless news organizations and citizens nationwide to challenge such malicious and wanton violations of the First and Fourth Amendments and federal laws limiting newsroom searches.

The 127-page lawsuit was filed by attorney Bernie Rhodes, who has represented The Star in past litigation.

Rhodes said he expected additional claims, including wrongful death, to be added to the lawsuit.

During the raid, Joan Meyer told the police officers at her home, Whats going on is illegal as hell.

She also told them, Boy, are you going to be in trouble.

The 98 year old died the next day after suffering a heart attack.

My job is to make sure Joans promise is kept, Rhodes said.

The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in damages. Eric Meyer said any punitive damages will be donated to community projects and causes that support freedom.

A makeshift shrine is set up in front of the Marion County Record in Marion. The funeral for the newspapers co-owner Joan Meyer was in August in Marion, a week after she died following a police raid at her house and the paper.

Sham search

In early August, Eric Meyer notified police that he was concerned information reporter Phyllis Zorn had received from a source about Newells DUI conviction had been obtained illegally. He also wanted to know why authorities allowed Newell to drive even though she did not have a valid license.

Cody told Newell that a reporter had stolen her identity in order to access her drivers license record, the lawsuit said.

Police began investigating The Record.

Christner drafted the search warrant application for the newsroom and Cody submitted it to Judge Laura Viar. The documents contained false statements, the lawsuit said, about the Kansas Drivers License Status Check tool, which is a public website.

Had Chief Cody been truthful, the affidavits would have failed to state even arguable probable cause, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit also said Soyez reminded Cody that Eric Meyer worked from home and a search warrant for the residence was added.

During the raid, the lawsuit alleges Cody yanked a reporters cell phone from her hand, injuring her. The officers were also supposed to conduct a preview search on electronic devices to identify information related to the alleged identity theft.

A property receipt listing items seized in the newspaper raid carried out by the Marion Police Department was released.

But the lawsuit alleges officers conducted a sham search with overly broad keyword searches that turned up irrelevant hits, including information about a haunted hotel in Arkansas and a drive-in showing of the movie Finding Dory. Then the officers abandoned the preview searches because they were taking too long.

During the search, Cody called Soyez and is heard saying, Alright, well just take them all.

According to the lawsuit, police seized cell phones from reporters even though preview searches were not carried out.

Also during the search, Hudlin located a file in a reporters desk and alerted Cody.

On a body camera recording, Cody said, Hmm ... keeping a personal file on me.

Later, the lawsuit said, Cody could not recall the wording when he attempted to give Zorn her Miranda warning.

During the search at the Meyers home, Joan Meyers was visibly upset and told officers, If I have a heart attack and die, its going to be your fault.

Hudlin thought about arresting her for interference, but didnt.

The lawsuit also said Cody and Christner drafted probable cause affidavits to arrest Eric Meyer, Zorn and Herbel four days after the raid.

Eric Meyer, the editor and publisher of the Marion County Record, stands outside the newspapers office after police raided both the office and his home.

The search warrants were withdrawn the next day by the county attorney.

The lawsuit goes on to allege that Cody asked Newell to delete text messages with him.

If attorneys or kbi go digging and see I deleted the texts as you asked me to, will I get in trouble? the lawsuit said Newell asked Cody.

The lawsuit lists violations against the First and Fourth Amendments in addition to the Privacy Protection Act, which protects reporters materials from seizure; the Kansas Open Records Act; and alleges the city and county failed to train, supervise and have proper policies.

Cody resigned in October. Hudlin was then named interim police chief.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation. Documents showed that the KBI had knowledge of Codys investigation of The Record prior to the search warrants. The investigation was later handed over to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Two of The Records reporters and the papers office manager have also filed lawsuits.
What began as a typical Easter brunch turned into a horrific scene after a gunman opened fire inside a Nashville restaurant leaving one person dead and several injured.

As of Monday, police say the alleged gunman is still on the loose.



According to Metro Nashville police, officers responded to shots fired at a restaurant named Roasted, which is located in Salemtown. The police department spokesperson said two men got into an argument at the restaurant. Suddenly, that argument quickly escalated into a frightening scene after one of the men allegedly pulled out a firearm and fatally shot 33-year-old Allen Beachem.

Witnesses told the police the shooting caused a panic resulting in patrons rushing to duck for cover or flee the property. Up to seven people were believed to suffer injuries as a result of the incident, including one individual who suffered a bullet graze wound and a pregnant woman who was hospitalized after having a panic attack.

The gunshots were so loud, people who werent even in the restaurant dove for cover.

Read more of what happened from The Tennessean:

A group of mothers in a nearby playground said they were watching children when about eight gunshots rattled the neighborhood. Everyone was grabbing the children and running or dropping on the ground, said Dia Settle. I got waves of chills because I could tell someone was hurt, just from the sound and that many gunshots. Settle said patrons in the restaurant, dressed in Sunday Easter clothes, rushed into the street, crying and screaming. She heard one person shout breathe! to someone on the ground. A barrage of ambulances took away multiple victims, they said, including a pregnant woman. A neighbor, who asked not to be named, said he came outside after hearing the shots and saw a man walking away from the coffee shop with his young daughter. They were both crying and shaken.

Photo: Metro Nashville Police Department

Thanks to surveillance cameras and social media, the gunman was identified as 46-year-old Anton Rucker. Police say he arrived to the restaurant with a woman in a grey Mercedes SUV with license plate #GLS-450.

Rucker was previously convicted of aggravated assault and gun charges in October, according to the Metro Nashville police. Mayor Freddie OConnell said his office will work with local authorities and community leaders to figure out how to prevent tragedies like this from happening again. Meanwhile, the cops are on a manhunt for Mr. Rucker.

Anyone with information that can help police is asked to call the Metro Nashville Police Department 615-862-8600.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Easter marches for peace come to an end across Germany

A group of Easter marchers reaches the Roemerberg. The Easter marches in Hesse conclude on the Roemerberg in Frankfurt under the motto "Lay down your arms! Peaceable instead of warlike". Andreas Arnold/dpa

Germany's traditional Easter marches come to an end on Monday, with events in several cities.

According to the organizing Peace Co-operative Network, the largest marches will be in the cities of Frankfurt, Dresden and Hamburg.

The motto of this year's Easter marches is "Now more than ever - together for peace."

The central themes are demands for negotiations in Russia's war against Ukraine and the war in Gaza, nuclear disarmament and criticism of rising arms spending, the organizers said.

On Holy Saturday, traditionally the main day for the Easter marches, numerous participants took to the streets in 70 cities.

"I am satisfied," Kristian Golla from the Peace Co-operative Network told dpa on Sunday. The level was roughly the same as last year or slightly higher, he said.

However, it is not possible to give a reliable total figure for the whole of Germany.

A rally participant holds a poster showing Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, and Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor, demonstrating against the conflict in Gaza during the Easter marches in Hesse. Andreas Arnold/dpa

A rally participant holds a poster showing Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, and Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor, demonstrating against the conflict in Gaza during the Easter marches in Hesse. Andreas Arnold/dpa
As hundreds of Spanish-speaking worshippers packed the sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church to celebrate the Easter promise of new life, Baltimores Latino community also mourned six deaths.

Amid signs of joy at the Highlandtown church  flowers wrapped in gold around the altar and little girls clutching stuffed rabbits in the pews  a sense of communal grief was present at Baltimores largest congregation with Spanish services Sunday. Six Latino construction workers are believed to have died Tuesday in the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Ranging in age from their 20s to their late 40s, the members of the Brawner Builders crew had come from El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras seeking jobs and opportunities.

The loss of the six workers is felt acutely at this spiritual and cultural anchor for the Latino community, where many parishioners are fellow immigrants familiar with working hard in the United States for the benefit of future generations.

Authorities on Wednesday retrieved the bodies of 26-year-old Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera and 35-year-old Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes from a truck in the Patapsco River. They are still searching for Miguel Luna, 49, Maynor Yessir Suavo Sandoval, 38, Jose Mynor Lopez, 35, and another man news outlets have identified as Carlos Hernandez.

Father Ako Walker, Sacred Hearts pastor who spent time with the families of the victims last week, does not want their loss to be in vain.

They paid what we call the highest price, the ultimate, with their lives, while they were working on the bridge so that everyone could pass safely, he said in Spanish during Sundays Mass.

Walker said many people had asked him if the six workers attended his church. While they werent parishioners, Walker said, they were members of the Latino community.

Earlier this month, the same church hosted a funeral Mass for three relatives, two of them children, who died in a Baltimore Highlands fire. The Guatemalan familys rowhouse lacked a smoke detector and a valid rental license.

Despite their country of origin or immigration status, they were linked together by love.

The authorities should change the laws to protect these people. They can build a bridge again, but change the laws to guarantee the protection of immigrant workers, he said in his homily. No one should die like these dear brothers of ours.

Walker said at the end of the service that collections from Masses next weekend will benefit the families of the six victims. The Baltimore City Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs also is coordinating donations for the families. A prayer service and candlelight walk for the families will be held the evening of April 8 at Sacred Heart of Jesus.

When Walker asked whether anyone had known the fallen construction workers, only a handful of people responded.

One was Elba Yanez, a hairdresser at Les Barber Shop on Patapsco Avenue, who gave haircuts to Suavo Sandoval and Castillo Cabrera for years.

Suavo Sandoval was a good man, she said with tears in her eyes, as she switched between English and Spanish. They used to joke around about how she would pluck his eyebrows. Castillo Cabrera was sweet, too, she said.

Im feeling very upset, she said. Its very sad.

Melvin Ruiz of northeast Baltimore, who wore a red tie bearing the initials of the Knights of Columbus, also knew some of the workers: Mynor Lopez and Castillo Cabrera.

Castillo Cabrera, whose uncle works with Ruiz, was a kind friend who often volunteered to drive a friend without a car to the grocery store, Ruiz said.

Mynor Lopez was Ruizs co-worker at Marksman Construction, a Baltimore bridge repair and marine construction company until Mynor Lopez began working at Brawner about a year ago.

He was a very hard worker, a very kind man. He always took care of his kids, Ruiz said.

Ruiz also has worked on bridges, including the Key Bridge.

That day when I heard the news I was shaking because it could have been one of those crews, Ruiz said. Last week he fielded calls from people concerned that he too might have been on the bridge, which had always felt secure to him.

Other parishioners didnt know the six workers personally but still felt the reverberations of the tragedy.

Olga Cruz lives near Johns Hopkins Hospital but is originally from El Salvador. A friend of her godfather back home knew Suavo Sandoval and had posted about his death on Facebook. May they rest in peace, his post said in Spanish.

Another regular parishioner, Vilma Cruz, expressed sadness for the deaths of the workers she hadnt known. Parents like them sacrifice to support their families, she said in Spanish with her 3-year-old daughter, Kendra, at her side.

Latinos come looking for a future in this country, said Cruz, who is also from El Salvador. Many people lose their lives.

_____

(Baltimore Sun reporter Jonathan M. Pitts contributed to this article.)

_____
Easter miracle. Dog found shot in head and left to die in Utah is on path to healing

A dog is on the path to healing after a family found him left for dead in a roadside ditch in Utah.

The family had been riding around a ghost town in Carbon County, Utah, when Tanner Tamllos, who was looking out the window while her dad drove, spotted the dog in a ditch, she said on Facebook on Friday, March 29.

When they got close to the dog, they noticed wounds on his head and that he was in pretty terrible shape, Tamllos said in the post.





We figured he had been attacked by another animal, and he was so skinny and malnourished, she said. He had no energy but was still fighting.

The family wrapped the dog in a blanket and took him to a veterinary office  where x-rays revealed he had been shot in the head, right between the eyes, and one of the bullets was lodged in his throat, Tamllos said.

The vet told her the dog she had started calling BluJay had a 10% chance of living, she said. We are all outraged and shocked, she said.

Theres no excuse to just shoot this dog and leave it, Tamllos told KUTV. So, if that person is watching this  youre a horrible person.





Vets managed to remove one of the bullets, but BluJay was too weak for surgery to remove the rest. So the team gave him pain medication and an IV and waited to see if he would make it through the night, Tamllos said.

BluJay survived and vets removed one bullet from his throat and one from his left eye the next morning, she said.

He is not out of the woods yet but things are looking way better!!! He will have another surgery later to remove his whole left eye, she said, adding that while the dog has quite the recovery ahead of him, this boy is a FIGHTER!!

The next morning, BluJay was up and eating wet dog food. Tamllos called it an Easter miracle.

The family planned to pick him up and take him to a specialist in Salt Lake City Monday, April 1, Tamllos said. There, theyll figure out the best way to remove his left eye and possibly fix his sinuses as well.

Several local businesses saw the dogs story on the local news and donated gift cards to help the family afford BluJays vet bills, according to comments on the post and KSL.

Carbon County Sheriffs Office told the station it is investigating the incident. BluJay is not microchipped, the station reported.

Tamllos told the station she believes her family was meant to find BluJay.

It was almost like God put us there at the right time just to find him, she told the station.

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Easter shooting at Roasted leaves Salemtown residents with more questions than answers

Roasted, the eatery and gathering space in Nashvilles Salemtown neighborhood, is just around the corner from my house.

When news came out about the shooting Easter Sunday that left one person dead and several injured, I received several text messages from friends and colleagues asking about my safety.

At the time, my spouse and I were in another part of town enjoying brunch at our friends house.

When we returned to the neighborhood, we entered using an alley and alternative streets from our usual route because police vehicles and caution tape blocked the street.

We decided to walk our dogs like we normally do in the afternoon and ran into neighbors to ask them how they were doing.

We saw Mayor Freddie OConnell ahead walking with his family addressing some fellow neighbors concerns.

Earlier OConnell posted on X (formerly Twitter): Tragically, Easter was disrupted by gun violence in my neighborhood at one of our wonderful small businesses. @MNPDNashville has the area secured, and @NashvilleFD EMS has taken care of victims. My heart goes out to those who had their holiday disrupted by gun violence.

Tragically, Easter was disrupted by gun violence in my neighborhood at one of our wonderful small businesses.@MNPDNashville has the area secured, and @NashvilleFD EMS has taken care of victims.



My heart goes out to those who had their holiday disrupted by gun violence. https://t.co/FWGOZnj8XZ  Freddie OConnell (@freddieoconnell) March 31, 2024

This type of crime is not commonplace in the neighborhood these days, but it is a reminder that any community is susceptible to horrific violence  be it a private school like Covenant the year before or a locally-owned business like Roasted that has hosted long lines of patrons for their food every weekend.

After Covenant, Tennesseans wanted to protect kids from gun violence. That didn't happen.

Homicide is unusual in this North Nashville neighborhood

The day before the shooting, several neighbors from Salemtown, Buena Vista, Hope Gardens and Germantown attended a community meeting at Metro Nashville Police Departments North Precinct, which was organized by Council Member Jacob Kupin. At-Large Council Member Olivia Hill also attended.

A Metro Nashville Police Department officer walks past the Roasted, a Salemtown restaurant, where customers were shot at a mass casualty event on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.

MNPD Community Coordinator Sgt. James Freeman gave us community stats and answered questions about crime concerns.

At the time, the previous months stats showed zero homicides.

Riley Strain should've been home safe. Instead hes another casualty of Nashvilles party scene.

Many of the concerns involved delivery package thefts, but there were also worries about random acts of violence such as a woman being punched on the street.

Moreover, stolen vehicles and truck break-ins have become a persistent problem.

This year, MNPD launched Operation 72 to go after vehicle thefts.

A Metro Nashville Police Department officer walks past Roasted, a Salemtown restaurant, where customers were injured at a mass casualty shooting on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.

We were encouraged to report any crimes, keep our porch lights on at night and get to know our neighbors.

I think the biggest win was neighbors getting to hear each other and also know who to contact about a crime.

Roasted, a Black-owned business, has added to the diverse mix

Today, the Salemtown neighborhood has become more affluent. Property values have soared. There are 2,000 short-term rental units in the area, according to Sergeant Freeman.

Longtime neighbors in Salemtown have told us that gunshots and crime were commonplace 15 to 20 years before.

A mural created by artist Omari Booker and children from the Cheatam Place public housing community in North Nashville on the Local Distro building is unveiled Sunday, June 13, 2021.

When we arrived to Nashville 10 years ago, gunshots were rare in this urban neighborhood that has a mix of developments: historic one-story homes, tall-and-skinny attached units, subsidized barracks housing, the Nashville Rescue Missions womens shelter and the Cheatham Place public housing development across Rosa Parks Boulevard to the west.

When my family and I first moved to the area, Roasteds building was a laundromat and convenience store that went defunct after the 2015 mayoral election and was empty for years.

Roasted used to be called The Local Distro and co-owner Will Radford, a Salemtown neighbor and former neighborhood association president, created a welcoming space for the entire community that happens to be a Black-owned business serving a primarily Black clientele.

Brothers Will Radford, left, and Rha Radford, right, own The Local Distro in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020.

I have been there to eat, to attend a book launch and cover a 2023 Nashville local election event.

My heart goes out to Radford, the employees, the patrons, and the victims and their families, and I hope Roasted is able to reopen soon.

There are many questions about what happened and why, and those will be answered in time.

My hope for now is that our neighbors will rally together to comfort each other, protect each other, stay connected in both happy and tragic times, and do we what we can to keep the neighborhood safe.

We are not immune to violence anywhere, but kindness toward each can be an antidote to fear in the aftermath.

David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville shooting at Roasted shows Salemtown isn't immune to violence
Eclipse 2024: Where to watch the April 8 solar eclipse in, near Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  On Monday, April 8, people in some parts of the United States will be able to see a total solar eclipse.

A NASA webpage dedicated to the event said it will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada.

In Baton Rouge, a map shows that residents will be able to see a partial eclipse on that day. According to the map, the partial eclipse will start at 12:28:31 p.m. CT.

There are several local viewing party options if you want to watch with others.

Where can I get solar eclipse glasses?

For those who only experience a partial solar eclipse, the sky will appear slightly darker than it was before the eclipse, depending on how much the Moon blocks the Sun in their location, according to NASA.

Special glasses will be needed to watch the eclipse, total or partial. Without eye protection, a person risks severe eye injury, experts warn. NASA also recommends using skin protection like sunscreen, hats and protective clothing.

A Baton Rouge man is busy selling solar eclipse glasses through his business Cajun Eclipse Glasses, and has filled more than 2,000 orders.

Heres where to watch the partial solar eclipse in the Baton Rouge area.

Solar eclipse viewing events in, near Baton Rouge

Time : 1:27-2:27 p.m.

Where: 720 Terrace Ave., Baton Rouge.

Time : Noon to 2:30 p.m.

Where: 11300 Greenwell Springs Rd, Baton Rouge.

Time : Noon to 3:30 p.m.

Where: 6222 Jones Creek Road, Baton Rouge.

Will cell service work during the eclipse? Heres what 3 carriers expect

Time : 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Where: 13800 Highland Road, Baton Rouge.

Time : 12:20-3:10 p.m.

Where: 3999 Memorial Square, Zachary.

Time : Noon to 3 p.m.

Where: 100 S. River Road, Baton Rouge.

Time : 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: 830 N. Alexander Ave., Port Allen.

Latest News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.
Eclipse is a week away. How long it lasts, times and where to get glasses

The 2024 solar eclipse, set for April 8, is a week away, and with the next total solar eclipse taking place in 20 years, you won't want to miss it.

Even if you're not in the path of totality, like most of Kentucky, you can still watch the rare phenomenon. You'll need solar eclipse glasses to take in the experience, and there are plenty of local areas to travel to for the event. Luckily, there's still some time to make plans for the spectacle.

Free eclipse glasses near me: April 8 total solar eclipse will be here before you know it. Don't wait to get your glasses.

When is the solar eclipse 2024?

The solar eclipse is slated for Monday, April 8, across North America, passing over parts of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

What is a solar eclipse?

According to National Geographic, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, creating a shadow on our planet called an umbra.

There are also different kinds of eclipses. A total eclipse occurs when the moon blocks out the entire sun and a partial eclipse occurs when the moon only blocks part of the sun.

What is a total solar eclipse? What happens during a total solar eclipse?

According to the IU official website, a total eclipse takes place when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, placing the Earth in its shadow. The time it takes place, as well as the duration, are influenced by factors like the distances between the sun, moon and Earth, the moons phase and the axial tilt of the Earth and moon.

Does it get dark during a total solar eclipse?

Yes. The closer one's location is to totality, the greater the darkness and duration. During a total solar eclipse, the moon eventually lines up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, blocking out light.

Total solar eclipse 2024 path: Where to see it

According to NASA, Mexicos Pacific coast will first experience the eclipse around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse path will then enter the U.S. in Texas, traveling through the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Main. Some parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also experience the phenomenon.

From there, the eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, traveling through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton before exiting North America on the Atlantic coast around 5:16 p.m. NDT in Newfoundland, Canada.

To see the full path of totality, click here.

Best places to see eclipse 2024

While Louisville isnt on the path of totality, plenty of cities nearby and within driving distance are. To see the eclipse for longer durations, Indiana cities like Bloomington and Indianapolis are the place to be, with some of the longest periods of totality or darkness in the area.

Evansville

Unlike most of Indiana, Evansville is on Central time. In Evansville, the eclipse starts at 12:46 p.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m., according to National Eclipse. Totality is a little over three minutes from 2:02 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.

Bloomington

The eclipse begins at 1:49 p.m. and ends at 4:22 p.m., according to the City of Bloomington. Totality will last around four minutes, from 3:04 p.m. to 3:08 p.m.

Indianapolis

The eclipse begins at 1:50 p.m. and concludes at 4:23 p.m. Totality is expected to last three minutes and 49 seconds, from 3:06 p.m. to 3:09 p.m., according to the interactive map.

Fort Wayne

According to Visit Fort Wayne, the eclipse starts at 1:53 p.m. and ends at 4:24 p.m. The duration of the eclipse is about two minutes and 45 seconds, with maximum totality at 3:10 p.m.

See more Indiana cities below:

What time is the solar eclipse 2024 in Kentucky?

The times of the upcoming solar eclipse vary by location. In Kentucky, it spans over two hours, beginning before 2 p.m. and ending after 4 p.m. in most places.

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse in Louisville?

Click here to see solar eclipse times in Kentucky:

How long will the eclipse last 2024?

The partial phase of the eclipse lasts close to a few hours, with totality reaching over four minutes in some places.

2024 solar eclipse path Kentucky

According to a news release from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the total solar eclipse will be visible on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. At around 2 p.m. CDT, the eclipse will impact eight counties in the state and clip portions of four others.

The impacted eight counties include Fulton, Hickman, Ballard, McCracken, Livingston, Crittenden, Union and Henderson. The other four where the eclipse will be visible in some spots are Carlisle, Graves, Webster and Daviess.

In Kentucky, the total eclipse will last around one to three minutes, with Paducah as a popular spot. Major cities on the path of totality in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois will see the total eclipse for four or more minutes.

Paducah

According to the City of Paducah, the city will see around two minutes of totality, as Paducah sits on the edge of the path. The eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. with totality starting at 2 p.m. Totality will end at 2:02 p.m. and the eclipse will end at 3:18 p.m.

Weather April 8, 2024, in Louisville

The NWS office in Paducah created a climatology page to compare what weather conditions have looked like on April 8 in the afternoon over the last ten years.

Based on the report, historically, there is potential for cloud cover on the day of the eclipse, but it's important to remember there is plenty of time for the forecast to change.

Eclipse safety: How to stay safe during it

As reported by NASA, there are plenty of ways to stay safe while watching the eclipse. These include:

Use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer to view the sun during partial eclipse phases before and after totality.

During the totality period, when no part of the sun is visible through the eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer, individuals can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection.

Once the sun reappears, place eclipse glasses back on or use the handheld solar viewer to continue watching.

Avoid using glasses or handheld viewers with binoculars, telescopes or cameras unless they have the proper solar filters.

If planning to watch an entire eclipse, wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to avoid skin damage.

Child using solar eclipse glasses

Solar eclipse glasses near Louisville

Learn about the eclipse and get free glasses at the Louisville public library.

Why do you need eclipse glasses?

Eclipse glasses are necessary to protect one's eyes from the sun and to avoid vision damage. Looking at the sun without proper eyewear can result in severe eye damage.

Can you look at a total solar eclipse?

Eclipse glasses are needed at all times, except during the brief total phase of the total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright light.

How to photograph a solar eclipse

Solar eclipse glasses, along with a solar filter for the camera lens, are necessary for photographing the event. See more below.

Don't break your camera during the eclipse. Learn to shoot it right from the pros

NASA solar eclipse 2024

NASA will be broadcasting the eclipse on April 8, including at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.

What to wear for the total solar eclipse 2024

According to experts at Solar Eyeglasses, its best to wear shades of red and green and avoid neutral tones for the solar eclipse. Find out why below.

Here's which colors you should wear, avoid during the total solar eclipse this April

Is 'eclipse sickness' a real thing? Do celestial events cause heightened anxiety?

Is 'eclipse sickness' real? What to know about anxiety and how to manage it on April 8

National guard solar eclipse 2024

As posted on TikTok, the National Guard is being deployed to Texas for the April 8 solar eclipse. Cities along the path of totality are canceling classes and anticipating increased traffic.

According to a news release from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, authorities expect the solar eclipse to bring at least 150,000 visitors to Western Kentucky counties, with over one million expected to travel through the area to other viewing spots on the path of totality.

Will the eclipse affect my pets? Will it affect other animals?

The upcoming eclipse can increase anxiety for pets, more so dogs, and it's recommended to leave them at home. If they have to tag along, it's best to have a plan in place and avoid forcing them to look at the sun. Dogs don't have the instinct to look up at the sun and glasses aren't necessary.

Is the April 2024 eclipse safe for pets? Why experts want you to leave them at home.

Will the 2024 solar eclipse impact cell service?

Possibly. According to NASA, a solar eclipse impacts Earth's upper atmosphere, the ionosphere, due to the sudden reduction of solar radiation reaching the Earth's atmosphere. "Since the ionosphere contains charged particles (ions and electrons) and is responsible for reflecting and refracting radio waves, changes to the ionosphere can also affect radio communications and navigation systems."

"While solar eclipses can have noticeable effects on the ionosphere, they are generally temporary and localized to the region experiencing the eclipse. The ionosphere typically returns to its normal state after the eclipse event is over, and solar radiation levels return to normal," according to NASA.

Will I have cell service during 2024 solar eclipse? What to know about effects in Louisville.

When was the last solar eclipse?

The last partial solar eclipse took place on October 14, 2023. According to NASA, an annular solar eclipse created a ring of fire in the sky from Oregon to Texas

When was the last total solar eclipse?

The last time the U.S. had a total solar eclipse from coast to coast was Aug. 21, 2017.

2017 solar eclipse path

In 2017, the total solar eclipse began in the northern Pacific and crossed the U.S. from west to east through parts of the following states: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina.

Past total solar eclipse dates

There have been 15 total eclipses in the U.S. since 1867, according to Weather Underground. These were in 1869, 1878, 1889, 1900, 1918, 1923, 1925, 1930, 1932, 1945, 1954, 1959, 1963, 1970 and 1979. Of these, only one traversed the entire country coast to coast, the one in 1918.

When is the next total solar eclipse after 2024?

According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. following the April occurrence wont be until Aug. 23, 2044.

How often is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses take place pretty frequently, occurring two to five times per year, according to the Natural History Museum. However, a total solar eclipse typically takes place every 18 months, around a year and a half apart.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. The moon, farther away from Earth, appears smaller than the sun and doesn't completely cover it, according to NASA.

Lunar eclipse 2024: How often are they?

Lunar eclipses occur at the full moon phase and are only visible from half of Earth. When the Earth is positioned precisely between the moon and the sun, the Earths shadow falls upon the surface of the moon, dimming it and sometimes turning the lunar surface a striking red over a few hours.

The next lunar eclipse will be on Sept. 17, 2024, with a total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Solar eclipse 2024: How often is total solar eclipse?
Economic development is another way to say cheap labor

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey arrives at an event at the Alabama State Capitol on March 21, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. Lawmakers Thursday announced a legislative package called "Working for Alabama," aimed at increasing the state's workforce participation rate. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Theres a lot that can get an Alabama politician mad.

Black history lessons. Voting assistance. Acknowledging the danger of firearms.

But nothing, and I mean nothing, sets officials off like a worker who lacks an attitude of gratitude.

In his first term, former Gov. Robert Bentley touted the arrival of Golden Dragon Copper Plant in Wilcox County. He participated in the groundbreaking for the factory and featured it in his 2014 re-election campaign.

But when workers concerned about safety at the plant organized a union, Bentley intervened on the side of management. He sent a letter to Golden Dragon employees telling them that the company would respond and address your concerns in an open way when they arise. (The plant voted for the union.)

Or just look at the panic attack over the union drives at Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai plants in Vance and outside Montgomery.

A group of adults saw their paychecks eroding. They decided that they needed to advocate for their well-being and not trust the good will of their employers. And they concluded the best vehicle for that was a union.

Some of their colleagues may disagree. But you can see a union as a reasonable choice by rational people.

Or you can insist, as Gov. Kay Ivey has, that these Alabama workers are puppets of an out-of-state interest group that wants to take away hope and prosperity from our folks. (Remember: Unions with addresses in Michigan are out-of-state interest groups; foreign corporations that receive taxpayer money slated for schools and services are great Alabama employers.)

Or you can sponsor a bill that would effectively force an employer to prolong labor strife.

Or you can claim that a worker trying to make a decent wage on her own terms places our states main economic driver in the crosshairs, as Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair did.

This outrage makes a certain sense if you understand how Goat Hill views the economy.

The halls of our Statehouse are filled with people who see large businesses not as organizations trying to make money; not as companies focused on their stock price, but as magical creatures benevolently spreading employment wherever they go.

Hence, we must use public revenue to build elaborate fairy houses to attract them to Alabama.

Never mind that the jobs created by these incentives are a fraction of the overall employment in the state. Or that these incentives can put older businesses in the state at a disadvantage. If a worker has a clear-eyed view of a companys motives and starts talking about a union  well, thats like denying the power of magic.

And it imperils the only bait we have for these sprites of capitalism.

Cheap labor.

Why do you think Mercedes, Hyundai and Golden Dragon came here in the first place?

Our schools? The states constitutional refusal to let local communities provide adequate funding for education undermines our hardworking teachers. A big reason that were usually near the bottom of the National Assessment of Education Progress is a lack of resources caused by Jim Crow-era laws that prevent county governments from fairly taxing their assets.

Our infrastructure? Road resurfacing had to get on a 60-year cycle for lawmakers to approve a modest increase in the gasoline tax, which funds road work. There was griping about it for years afterward. Our efforts to expand broadband leave much to be desired.

Taxes? Well, yeah, if the state is telling a company they wont have to pay any. But their workers will soon learn Alabama charges a fee for feeding their families.

For all the talk about incentives, deferments and site preparation, corporations come to Alabama for one reason: to pay workers less than they make elsewhere. Auto workers in this state make less than workers nationwide and considerably less than unionized workers around Detroit.

Thats economic development in Alabama: helping huge companies shake as much as they can out of their workers at the lowest cost possible.

The autoworkers considering unions understand this dynamic better than our leaders do. Corporations dont come to Alabama to elevate the state. They want to take advantage of our poverty.

Theyre trying to get the best deal they possibly can.

And so are the people trying to come together in unions.

At a very basic level, unionizing is negotiating. Staking a position. Listening for a counteroffer. Coming to an agreement. It should be familiar to business people who pride themselves on dealmaking.

But Ivey and other officials will not even acknowledge the autoworkers concerns. The Business Council of Alabama tells them that trying to protect pay and benefits could cause strained relationships between labor and management.

They want a workforce thats meek and silent. A workforce that will take the first offer from employers more interested in stock prices than grocery bills. A workforce that wont cause trouble when jobs get cut and wages stagnate.

Because thats all our leaders can offer to an out-of-state business. When workers demand to be paid their worth, Alabamas economic model falls apart.

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The post Economic development is another way to say cheap labor appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Editorial: John Eastman tried to help Trump overturn the 2020 election. Of course he should be disbarred

John Eastman testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington in 2017. The State Bar Court of California on Wednesday recommended that Eastman be disbarred for his role in attempting to undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

When lawyers lose their licenses to practice law, its typically because they mistreated their clients. Perhaps they improperly spent the clients money to pay off personal bills, rather than to hire investigators or experts, or otherwise work on the case. Maybe they regularly failed to meet deadlines for filing court papers, or just werent sufficiently zealous in representing their clients' interests.

The State Bar of Californias case against attorney and legal scholar John C. Eastman was quite different.

Eastman was zealous, and then some, in crafting legal arguments and strategies that attempted to justify the disproven claims of his client  Donald Trump  that he was cheated out of reelection in 2020, and that Vice President Mike Pence had superpowers to accept or reject state election results involving Trumps candidacy, and his own.

Only rarely do licensing authorities discipline lawyers for going overboard on their clients behalf, and for good reason. Lawyers should have leeway to try a range of arguments and legal theories, and should not be sanctioned for being novel or even audacious in advocating for their clients. They should not be punished for arguing theories not currently in vogue. They are protected by the 1st Amendment.

Read more: Column: John Eastman's journey from respectable O.C. Republican to Batman villain

Up to a point.

A lawyers duty, crucially, extends beyond the client. Attorneys are officers of the court, and key figures in a system whose purpose is to determine the truth, apply the law and achieve justice. California lawyers take an oath to support the Constitution and to conduct themselves with integrity.

A State Bar Court judge on Wednesday ruled  appropriately and wisely  that in providing legal cover for Trumps dishonest bid to subvert the 2020 election, Eastman violated his oath, undermined the quest for truth and justice, and inflicted serious and perhaps lasting damage on the very institutions of democracy and law that are the foundation of his profession.

Read more: How John Eastmans role in Jan. 6 still haunts the California university where he taught

Notwithstanding Eastmans reputation as a legal scholar and former dean of Chapman Law School in Orange  and as a 2010 candidate for California attorney general  Judge Yvette Roland recommended that he be permanently disbarred.

The final decision is up to the state Supreme Court.

It would best serve California, the legal profession and election integrity for the court to follow Rolands recommendation. Eastmans conduct was egregious. As Trump was selling his election fraud fairy tale to the public, and after states' election officials certified slates of electors, state and federal courts rejected suits to overturn the certifications and state legislatures rejected challenges, Eastman wrote two memos mapping out plans for Pence to ignore all of those actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

Read more: Editorial: Jan. 6 insurrection was the result of a continuing war on truth

In the words of the State Bars trial counsel, Eastman demonstrated that he knew his role as Trump's lawyer was not to provide good faith advocacy, but to fabricate an illusion of legality to an illegal effort to delay the formal recognition of Trumps obvious defeat by any means possible.

He used his law license to provide cover for an illegal scheme. He counseled Pence to break the law. He made, or stood behind, statements that he almost certainly knew to be false, such as an argument by Texas officials in its lawsuit to undermine the election that the probability of Biden actually winning in four states  given Trumps lead in early election night counting  were less than one in a quadrillion to the fourth power. His legal arguments were specious.

Read more: Editorial: No immunity for Trump. Former presidents don't have a 'get-out-of-jail-free' card

Roland cited the example of Donald Segretti, a California lawyer who became infamous during the Watergate scandal amid President Nixons 1972 reelection campaign. Segrettis misconduct was child's play in comparison to Eastman's. He faked letters to stir chaos among Democratic candidates. His dirty tricks had nothing to do with his being a lawyer, yet he was suspended from law practice for two years for failing to uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.

Eastmans actions were infinitely worse and require much tougher sanctions. He didnt merely lie in an attempt to change voters minds. He actively tried to disenfranchise voters who had already cast their ballots, in what Roland called an egregious and unprecedented attack on our democracy.

Did Trump commit a crime when he relied on Eastmans legal arguments to subvert the 2020 presidential election? Did Eastman? That question may ultimately come before a Georgia jury. The question currently before the California Supreme Court is whether, given all of the former president's misconduct, his lawyer is fit to remain an officer of the court in this state.

The answer should be obvious.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The American Egg Board and the Biden administration dismissed anger over the White House Easter Egg Roll and decorating contest Monday after conservatives criticized a decades-old policy banning religious symbolism.

A flyer for the annual White House egg decorating contest says participants must not include any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements. The policy also bans any racist or bigoted symbolism.

Adding to GOP pushback to President Biden recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the policy appalling and insulting to Christians, accusing Biden, a devout Catholic, of leading a years-long assault on the Christian faith.

Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) was also among the politicians who aired concerns.

Christ is King, Collins wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a Fox News post about the policy, which falsely claimed that it was new for this year.

But the American Egg Board clarified Sunday that the policy is part of the groups standard requirements for public events and has been in place for decades.

The American Egg Board has been a supporter of the White House Easter Egg Roll for over 45 years and the guideline language referenced in recent news reports has consistently applied to the board since its founding, across administrations, CEO Emily Metz said in a statement.

The White House also shut down the criticism, with the first ladys communications director Elizabeth Alexander dubbing the controversy a misleading swirl.

The American Egg Board flyers standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Admins  for all WH Easter Egg Rolls  incl previous Administrations, Alexander wrote on X.

The Trump campaign and conservatives also dinged Biden for recognizing Trans Day of Visibility, with some accusing Biden of pushing aside religion. Trans Day of Visibility falls on March 31 every year, making this years confluence with Easter a coincidence.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates responded to that criticism from former President Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and others Saturday.

As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, Bates said in a statement.

Sadly, its unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Eight Chinese migrants have been found dead on the coast of southern Mexico, authorities said, after their boat capsized along a popular but perilous route for illegally entering the United States.

The bodies of the seven women and one man were discovered Friday on a beach in San Francisco del Mar, Oaxaca, the states prosecutors office said in a statement.

Treacherous boat rides up the coast of Mexico are often used by migrants hoping to cross into the US in an attempt to bypass checkpoints on closely monitored land routes.

The Oaxaca prosecutors office said the migrants had traveled on a boat operated by a Mexican man, which set off Thursday from Tapachula, Chiapas state, near the Guatemala border. One Chinese man survived the trip, the statement said. It did not explain what happened to the boats operator.

The prosecutors office said it was working with federal agencies to investigate the incident and the Chinese embassy in Mexico to identify the bodies.

CNN has reached out to the Chinese embassy in Mexico for comment.

The number of Chinese migrants illegally entering the US from Mexico has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2023, more than 37,000 Chinese citizens were picked up by law enforcement crossing illegally into the US from Mexico, US government data shows  compared with an average of roughly 1,500 per year over the preceding decade.

And though still dwarfed in number by migrants from regional neighbors like Mexico, Venezuela and Guatemala, Chinese people are on track to be the fastest growing group making those crossings, according to a CNN analysis earlier this year of law enforcement data.

A dangerous but popular route

A Chinese migrant who arrived in the US via the ocean route in late 2022 told CNN that her boat almost capsized at sea after departing from Tapachula under the cover of darkness.

Iris Wang, 35, said she chose to take the boat to reach Oaxaca instead of the bus to avoid running into police on the road, without fully anticipating the danger.

Those few hours were a nightmare that Ill never forget for the rest of my life. It was too terrifying, she said.

Wang said she and more than three dozen migrants were crammed into a boat roughly the size of two sedans. The vessel was so crowded that they had to sit with their legs crossed and couldnt move at all.

The boat departed after midnight and immediately ran into a fierce storm in the pitch-black ocean.

We were all shaken with fear. The waves were so high that we were repeatedly thrust into the air, all intertwined together, before falling to hit the bottom of the boat with a loud, painful bang. If it was a little higher, we would have been knocked out of the boat, she said.

I kept shaking and crying, and I silently chanted in my mind: I cant die like this.

Looking back at the journey, Wang said she felt incredibly lucky to have survived. I never want to see the sea at night again, she said.

The influx of Chinese migrants spotlights the urgency many now feel to leave their homeland, even amid what Chinese leader Xi Jinping has claimed is a national rejuvenation.

Many Chinese who left the country point to a struggle to survive.

Three years of Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions left people across China out of work  and disillusioned with the ruling Communist Partys increasingly tight grip on all aspects of life under Xi.

And hope that business would fully rebound once restrictions ended a year ago has vanished, with Chinas once envious economic growth stuttering.

Other migrants nod to restrictions on personal life in China, where Xi has overseen a sweeping crackdown on free speech, civil society and religion in the country of 1.4 billion.

CNNs Nectar Gan and Simone McCarthy contributed to this story.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Election 2024  Missouri Sewer District: What is Proposition W? What is Proposition S?

Election 2024  Missouri Sewer District: What is Proposition W? What is Proposition S?

ST. LOUIS  The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will present two key proposals for most voters in St. Louis City and St. Louis County during Tuesdays municipal elections.

The proposals come in the form of Proposition W and Proposition S.

Both propositions are important in how they may affect customers future bills. MSD services all of St. Louis City and around 90% of St. Louis County.

As Election Day draws closer, FOX 2 breaks down what you need to know about both proposals.

Whats on your ballot for the April 2 Missouri election?

Proposition W

WHAT DOES IT DO?

MSD says Proposition W is an ambitious effort to keep local waterways clean.

Through MSD Project Clear, the organization is almost halfway through a $7.2 billion program to upgrade sewers in the St. Louis area and bring them into full compliance with the Clean Water Act. MSD is planning on $1.6 billion worth of improvements over the next four years to reach that benchmark.

Bess McCoy, MSD Project Clear Manager of Public Affairs, says theres not really a feasible option to fund these improvements aside from changing customer rates.

We cant ask our customers, Do you want us to make these improvements?' said McCoy. But what we can ask is how would like to pay for them. Prop W is would prefer to pay for them in cash, in which case, your rates are going to go up quite a bit. Or would you like MSD to borrow some of the funds and spread out those costs over time.

WHAT DOES A YES VOTE MEAN?

A yes majority vote means that customers would like MSD Project Clear to borrow around $750,000 million worth of expenses that MSD would spread out. MSD estimates that monthly wastewater rates would go up roughly 7% over the next four years.

WHAT DOES A NO VOTE MEAN?

A no majority vote means that customers would prefer MSD to pay for future improvements through funds it directly receives from customers. MSD estimates that monthly wastewater rates could increase as much as 35% for an unspecified amount of time if customers opt against the proposal.

BALLOT QUESTION:

To comply with federal and state clean water requirements, shall The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) issue its sewer revenue bonds in the amount of Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($750,000,000) for the purpose of designing, constructing, improving, renovating, repairing, replacing and equipping new and existing MSD sewer and drainage facilities and systems, including sewage treatment and disposal plants, sanitary sewers, and acquisition of easements and real property related thereto, the cost of operation and maintenance of said facilities and systems and the principal of and interest on said revenue bonds to be payable solely from the revenues derived by MSD from the operation of its wastewater sewer system, including all future extensions and improvements thereto?

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Proposition S

WHAT DOES IT DO?

MSD says Proposition S would create the first regional stormwater improvement program in the St. Louis area.

Case studies have shown an unprecedented increase in flooding and erosion problems around the St. Louis region over the last several years. Experts say most flooding and erosion cases go beyond the financial and technical capabilties of homeowners.

This is our response to the growing problems were seeing with flooding and erosion, said McCoy. Were seeing these problems get worse. Right now, there is no regional entity addressing these problems like flooding and erosion.

MSD says improvements would begin as soon as 2025 if this proposal is approved.

WHAT DOES A YES VOTE MEAN?

A yes majority vote means that MSD would move forward with a regional stormwater improvement program. It would cost the average customer around $25 per year to support such an opportunity.

In areas where there needs to be a stormsewer, but one doesnt exist, we could put one in, said McCoy on MSD visions if Prop S is approved. In areas where homes are being threatened by severe erosion we can stabilize those creek banks and save those homes.

WHAT DOES A NO VOTE MEAN?

A no majority vote means that MSD would not move forward with a regional stormwater improvement program. Rejecting the proposal wouldnt impact customer bills in the near future, but it could raise more concerns when flooding and erosion hit and make solutions more costly over time.

Right now the region doesnt have any solution to this, said McCoy. This [Prop S] would at least be a start.

BALLOT QUESTION:

Shall the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), for the purpose of providing revenue to fund capital improvements for flooding and erosion control, impose (i) a property tax upon all residential taxable tangible property within the District at a rate of not more than Seven and 45/100 Cents ($0.0745) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of assessed valuation and (ii) a charge upon all non-residential customers, whether public or private, within the District based on the amount of impervious area (IA) on each such customers real property at a rate of $1.05 per month per 1,000 square feet of IA?

For years she thought her son died of an overdose. Police footage changed all that

More Information

Both Proposition W and Proposition S would pass with a simple majority vote between eligible St. Louis City and St. Louis County voting districts.

The St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners briefly addresses both proposal in an online summary document.

To learn more about MSD Project Clear, click here. Also search MSDProjectClear on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates on both proposals.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Emergency power outages cancelled all around Ukraine, rolling outages in place only in Kharkiv

As of the morning of 1 April, no emergency power outages have been applied. Hourly rolling power outages are in place in Kharkiv and grid restrictions on consumption for industry have been introduced in Kryvyi Rih district.

Source: press service of the Ministry of Energy

Details: "There is no shortage of electricity. Commercial imports are planned. Yesterday, a surplus was recorded in the system. Due to sunny weather and, accordingly, intensive electricity generation by solar power plants during the day, Ukrenergo reduced the load of renewable energy facilities by a total of 1739 MWh," the statement said.

The Ministry of Energy said that currently, the power system is operating in a stable and balanced manner.

At the same time, the Ministry of Energy clarified that UAV explosions were recorded at a high-voltage substation in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. There is damage to the equipment.

As a result of combat actions, a medium-pressure gas pipeline to a fire station building in Kharkiv district was damaged. Part of the settlement and a public utility facility were left without gas supply.

"Because of a technological malfunction, equipment at a substation in Odesa Oblast was disconnected, which resulted in power outages in Odesa. All consumers were supplied with electricity within three hours," the ministry said.

Background: After the short-term lifting of electricity supply restrictions, Kharkiv returned to rolling power outages on 31 March because of the unreliability of the electricity transmission system and the lack of local generation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. On April 1, 2024, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, an iftar was organized with the participation of ambassadors of Muslim countries accredited in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov spoke at the event. Jeyhun Bayramov conveyed sincere congratulations and wished prosperity to the entire Islamic world on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. Noting that the holy month of Ramadan, which represents mutual understanding and support, brings the Muslim world closer together, the minister said that these high values of Islam, in turn, are an integral part of our national heritage. It was also emphasized that in Azerbaijan, representatives of different religions live in peace and harmony.

A number of problems that the Islamic world faces during this holy month were also noted. It was also emphasized that the conflicts occurring in different regions of the world, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza, are of serious concern, and the importance of achieving an early ceasefire was noted. The importance of demonstrating unity and solidarity in jointly overcoming modern challenges and promoting the peaceful resolution of conflicts within the framework of international legal norms was also noted.

On the occasion of the month of Ramadan, Palestinian Ambassador Nasir Abdul Karim Abdul Rahim wished peace and progress to the entire Muslim world.

After the prayer was read by the representative of the Caucasus Muslim Office, Imam Gurban Aliyev, the participants of the ceremony took part in the iftar.
As Erie braces for large crowds, Erie County Courthouse will now close on day of eclipse

In a shift, the Erie County Courthouse will close on the day of the total solar eclipse.

After saying in February that it intended to keep the courthouse open on April 8, the administration of Erie County Executive Brenton Davis said on Monday that the courthouse and most county offices located elsewhere will shut down on that date.

Court sessions on April 8 were canceled in February via a court order from Erie County President Judge Joseph M. Walsh III.

But the courthouse and the non-court county offices inside, such as the Assessment Bureau and the Voter Registration Office, still would have operated had the courthouse stayed open.

The entire courthouse now will be closed on April 8, when officials expect as many as 200,000 visitors to arrive in Erie to view the total solar eclipse. Erie is a prized viewing destination because it is in the path of totality  the path in which the total solar eclipse will be visible for the longest period.

Shift of voter registration deadline influenced plan

Walsh and other court officials said they decided to cancel county court sessions on April 8 due to concerns that heavy traffic would prevent employees and visitors from readily getting to and leaving the building. The federal courthouse in Erie will also be closed on April 8. Most schools will be closed or have remote classes.

The need for the county courthouse to stay open was reduced once court sessions were canceled and after Erie County Council voted on March 12 to extend to April 9 the deadline for registering to vote for the April 23 primary. The last day to register to vote at the Voter Registration Office had been April 8.

The federal courthouse in Erie will also be closed for the solar eclipse on April 8.

With the courts and the Voter Registration Office taken care of, the Davis administration decided to close the courthouse altogether, said the administration's public information officer, Chris Carroll.

In announcing the closing on Monday, Davis urged residents to be careful on April 8.

"As we prepare for the upcoming eclipse event and anticipate a large influx of visitors into Erie County, I want to remind everyone to enjoy the eclipse safely," Davis said in a statement. "This is a unique opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon, but it is important to be mindful of the potential impact on our community. We encourage everyone to plan ahead, follow safety guidelines and be respectful of others as we all experience this event together."

Prison, other 'essential' operations will stay open

Davis said the following county operations will remain open with a normal schedule on April 8. He described them as "essential, public-facing operations."

The Erie County Prison

The county Department of Public Safety

The Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Center

The Raymond M. Blasco Memorial Library and the branches of the county library system

All other county offices, including those not located at the courthouse, at 140 W. Sixth St., will be closed, Davis said. They include the Public Defender's Office and the county Department of Health.

County employees at the courthouse and those who work at other county buildings that will be closed "are expected to either work from a remote location or use their own accrued vacation or personal time," the county said in a statement. "It is up to the department head to monitor remote work assignments."

Employees of the county court system will get paid as they normally would on April 8, Judge Walsh said in his court order in February.

City Hall, federal courthouse also closed on April 8

Across from the courthouse, Erie City Hall will be closed to the public on April 8, though the building will remain open for essential City Hall employees, such as police and fire command staff, Mayor Joe Schember said in February.

Next to City Hall, the federal courthouse in Erie will also be closed on April 8. That order came on March 26 from Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Hornak of the Pittsburgh-based U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, which includes the Erie Division.

Hornak ordered the federal courthouse in Erie closed "in the interest of public safety" due to Erie "being within the path of totality for the total solar eclipse" and due to "the expectation that there will be unprecedented crowds gathering in Erie to experience this eclipse," according to the order. Hornak said the court staff "will be required to telework or use leave."

On April 8, the big moment will begin at 3:16 p.m. in Erie. That's when the moon will start blocking the sun, and the sun's outermost atmosphere, or corona, will be visible in Erie. The total eclipse will end in Erie a little less than four minutes later.

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Solar eclipse: Erie County PA Courthouse plan changed, closed April 8
When things hit the fan and the monsters of life arise, who are you gonna call? Yes, it may still be the Ghostbusters, but nine times out of 10, it may also be someone you consider family.

The beloved Ghostbusters franchise is back for another installment. Forty years later, with five films under its belt, the OG cast has returned to showcase their love for chasing the scary guys and, of course, the bonds theyve developed with one another over the years.

I think Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is really as close to the first couple of movies as anything weve done, Ernie Hudson, who first portrayed Winston Zeddemore in the original Ghostbusters film in 1984 and has had a hand in every subsequent movie in the franchise, told Blavity.

The last movie, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, was sort of a re-awakening, just a rediscovery of Ghostbusters and the history, he continued. This movie is a full-out Ghostbusters. Were in New York City, the heart and center of the Ghostbusters. I think the people who love the original movies are gonna love this movie. Its funny. Its scary. Its all those things that we love about Ghostbusters.

While the film pays homage to its roots, it also continues the story of newcomers Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), Callie (Carrie Coon), Phoebe (McKenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), who fans met during the last film released in 2021.

It has like a real reverence for starting the business and being the underdogs, fighting against the city, Wolfhard noted. Its really important because the original film had that, and just having the original Ghostbusters around really helped add a sense to the sort of energy that was established in the first two movies.

As much as theyre back in action to fight monsters, the crew (both old and new) grapples with the idea of family and how it can look like so many different things.

Particularly for Graces character, Phoebe, fans will witness her go back and forth between isolating herself from her loved ones and realizing that they always have her best interest at heart.

I was thinking about the connection between her always having a fascination with the spiritual world and having such a connection to ghosts with her grandfather in the last film being a kind of guiding force, Grace said. The thing that helps her at the end of the film to now, in this film, is she has a connection with a ghost and kind of feels very isolated from her family. At the end of the film, getting to see the whole family come together is very important and special.

Coon revealed that the fact that her character isnt the perfect mother is what makes her feel so connected to playing her.

I love that what sets up in the dynamic is that Callie doesnt really love science and doesnt understand science. In some ways its hard for her to see Phoebe for who she is, Coon explained.

She continued, At the same time, Callie does understand how hard it is to be a person in the world. Shes struggling herself, and shes learned that she cant push too hard on Phoebe; she has to wait for Phoebe to come to her. I just love that the relationship isnt easy. I think that Callies not a great mom. Shes a good mom, and she makes mistakes, and she makes repairs. I appreciate that [writers] Jason [Reitman] and Gil [Kenan] have really continued to focus on the family story as the center of the universe. Ultimately, when your kid gets hurt, youll always be there.

Like his partner in the film, Rudd said his character is simply attempting to adjust to the new familial dynamic in Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire.

Hes kind of new to all of this, Rudd expressed. And he doesnt really know what his title is because were not married in the film, so its like, Well, OK, weve been dating now for a couple of years. I have moved across the country with the family; how do I get the kids to feel about this? I like the kids. I want to get along with the kids, but Im not their parent. So, I think, trying to figure out how to be is something that is always on Garys mind throughout this whole film.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is in theaters now.
Estonia's ruling Reform Party introduced legislation to strip the voting rights of non-citizens, the vast majority of whom are ethnic Russians, the Estonian media outlet ERR reported on April 1. The proposal would only impact local elections.

Tensions between Moscow and Tallinn have significantly sharpened since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine.

Estonia has been one of the leading military donors to Ukraine in terms of share of GDP since the beginning of the all-out war in 2022. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, a member of the Reform Party, and other Estonian politicians have also been particularly outspoken about the threat that Russia poses to Europe.

Around one-third of Estonia's population consists of ethnic Russians. Around 83,000 are Russian citizens, and according to various estimates, some 80,000 are stateless and have no citizenship. The bulk of non-citizens are also ethnic Russians.

Previous bills have been floated by the Estonian government, which has said the reasoning derives from a concern that the ability of Russian citizens to vote could be a national security threat.

There is frustration among some Estonian politicians that the government has still not dealt with the issue.

"This is a matter of security, and Tallinn simply throwing its hands up and refusing to address it is comical," said lawmaker Riina Solman.

"Estonian language and pro-Estonian sentiment are a priority for us, which we will use to remove Russian influence from Tallinn city management," Solman added.

Read also: Estonian PM: Our taxpayers shouldnt pay for damages caused by Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Will we ever see a third season of Euphoria? Despite HBOs insistence, its looking increasingly unlikely. The hit teen drama was originally set to begin filming some time in the spring, but the network announced this week that production had been pushed indefinitely. With Season 3 already delayed once and initially set to return in 2025and the show notoriously taking several months to film, due to writer-director Sam Levinsons chaotic filmmaking styleits hard to say whether itll make that target.

Levinson faces a series of challenges in starting things back up again. For one, its not like the cast has been sitting around since Season 2 wrapped in 2022, twiddling their thumbs. Zendaya has been walking red carpets around the world for two months straight; Jacob Elordi is working with Guillermo Del Toro; Hunter Schafer has a Yorgos Lanthimos film to promote; and Sydney Sweeney somehow gives us new reasons to talk about her on a weekly basis. Finding time to get the gang back together to pretend to be several years younger than they areeven with a proposed time jumpis looking harder and harder to do.

On top of that, Variety reported last week that the production has been all kinds of messy thus far. (Not shocking, if anyones been following anything Sam Levinson has done in the last five years.) So messy, in fact, that the entire season is being rewritten from the ground up. Part of that is due to some of the terrible ideas that Levinson and, frankly, Zendaya (sorry bae) have had thus farlike an older Rue working as a pregnancy surrogate (what) or gallivanting in the background as a private detective (well, okay, Im actually kinda into that one). Does anyone know what this show is supposed to be anymore? I dont even think the show does.

Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, and Barbie Ferreira HBO

That said, Id argue that those of us who have stuck with this eternally doomed, kind-of-terrible show can generate some better episode pitches than what the creatives have so far. Below, The Daily Beasts own begrudging and beleaguered Euphoria fans Laura Bradley, Coleman Spilde, and Allegra Frank pitch some of our own ideas for the shows already cursed third season.

Lexi (Maude Apatow) goes to the Yale School of Drama and immediately flunks out. Allegra Frank

Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) also forces her way into the Yale School of Drama to spite Lexi and, against all odds, becomes the star of the class.  Laura Bradley

Jules (Hunter Schafer) finds out that she has a twin (special guest, TikTok star and model Alex Consani, who is frequently mistaken for Schafer online), and the two of them pitch a remake of Sister, Sister that is greenlit by Hollywood execs looking for trans representation, but deservedly lambasted online for being a whitewashed reimagining. Coleman Spilde

Euphoria Actor Doubts Season 3 Will Ever Happen

Elliot (Dominic Fike) embarks upon a tour after his first album of blandly forgettable acoustic ballads gains some traction. But he only achieves fame after a video of him falling asleep onstage during one of his first shows instantly goes viral. Was he too high, or was he even bored by his own music? Who can say. AF

Maddy (Alexa Demie) discovers therapy and immediately rebrands as a crunchy mental health influencer. LB

Hunter Schafer and Zendaya HBO

Nate (Jacob Elordi) forgets to duck in front of a low door frame, bonks his head, and loses his memory, only to wake up and become the schools most congenial and beloved student. CS

In a crossover with Euphorias disastrous sister show, The Idol, Cassie becomes the PR rep for mega-pop star Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp). She accidentally creates major controversy after posting a candid of Jocelyn wearing a sweatshirt and knitting, killing her salacious image. AF

The Idol Season Finale Recap & Review: A Horrific False Rape Allegation and a Nasty Twist

Rue (Zendaya) gets sober, except for Adderall, which she uses to study for the SATs and turn her life around, only to become hyper-focused on building a TikTok storefront selling merch tackily emblazoned with each of the 12 recovery steps in an ugly serif font. CS

Kat reunites with Ethan (Austin Abrams) and finally gets a decent story arc after Barbie Ferreira sues Sam Levinson for doing her character so dirty for two seasons. LB

Maddy doesnt show up at school for days, only for her classmates to visit her at home and find out that she is binge-watching The Pioneer Woman. Theres something really calming about this bitch, she says, eating sour straws. CS

Zendaya and Nika King HBO

Sam Levinson takes ownership of his continuity error by introducing a third Jacobs brother, Tate Jacobs, who insists that hes been on the show friends with the rest of the group this entire time. AF

Billie Eilish joins the cast as Shane, a social-media prophet who dresses in all white and wears a lot of face jewelry. Jules meets her in Bushwick and is instantly enamored, joining her doomsday cult and helping her recruit more disciples until the entire thing gets shut down by a New York Post expose. LB

Euphoria Season 2 Crew and Background Actors Speak Out Against Sam Levinsons Toxic Production

Cal (Eric Dane) asks his son, Nate, to visit him in the big city, where he is finally living openly as a gay man. Nate quickly realizes that Cal unironically calls his new partner his husbear, and Nate flees into the night, taking Cals credit card with him for a spending spree at Hudson News. CS

Rues sister Gia (Storm Reid) gets her own show-within-a-show, a la Skins Generation 2, in which she and her friends have comparatively mundane dramalike having the wrong opinion on BookTok and still wearing skinny jeans. AF

Five years from now, Rue is Meechee. LB

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Europe is divided on nuclear power: Which countries are for and against it?

Europe is divided on nuclear power: Which countries are for and against it?

Though Europe remains divided in its approach to nuclear power, world leaders were united in Brussels in March for the first-ever Nuclear Energy Summit.

Delegations from more than 30 countries gathered for the event next to the iconic Atomium building  a monument itself designed to uphold the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

High-level attendees have a similarly pro-nuclear stance, gathering to highlight the role of nuclear energy in reducing the use of fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and boosting economic development. The summit follows an official call at COP28 in Dubai last December to accelerate nuclear energy alongside other low-carbon energy sources.

Without the support of nuclear power, we have no chance to reach our climate targets on time.

But with protests from environmental campaigners such as Greenpeace and key anti-nuclear European powers such as Germany notably absent from the event, the nuclear energy debate continues to divide the continent.

And, as a third of the EUs currently operating nuclear reactors approach the end of their lifecycle in 2025, the future of the energy source isn't so easily settled.

So, why is nuclear power such a divisive topic in Europe?

How much of Europes energy comes from nuclear power?

Around a quarter of the EUs energy is nuclear and more than half of that is produced in France. In total, there are more than 150 reactors operating across the 27 member states.

Across the bloc, there are a wide variety of different views on the use of nuclear power, however. Safety concerns following previous high-profile disasters have made nuclear a controversial topic. Each member state makes its own choice as to whether to include it in its energy mix.

This puts many governments in a position where they need to decide on the future of nuclear in their country.

Which European countries attended the Nuclear Energy Summit?

The summit was co-chaired by the Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo (alongside the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Mariano Grossi) and attended by officials such as European Council president Charles Michel and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden were among the signatories of a declaration which called on regulators to fully unlock the potential of nuclear and to enable financing conditions to support the lifetime extension of existing nuclear reactors.

EU leaders said that the energy crisis and the bloc's reliance on overseas fuel sources were major reasons to pursue nuclear power, alongside its potential to decarbonise energy systems and provide affordable electricity.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the renewed interest in nuclear came at a pivotal moment to reach the EUs climate goals, notably to safeguard energy security and competitiveness.

Where does summit host Belgium stand?

With Belgium's prime minister Alexander De Croo co-host of the inaugural nuclear summit, does that mean Belgium is pro-nuclear? The country's history of nuclear energy is more complicated than that.

Nuclear phase-out plans were introduced as far back as 1999, but dates and deadlines have been in constant flux since then. In 2009, the Belgian government decided to extend the lifetimes of its three oldest nuclear plants to 2025. But the energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine saw this date postponed by a further 10 years.

The prime minister noted in his opening remarks that the country had changed policy from closing plants to extending their lifetimes, saying that to meet net-zero goals, nuclear had to be part of the energy mix.

De Croo added that the EU should use nuclear energy to "complement" its ongoing investment in renewables.

Which countries are against nuclear power?

After the Three Mile Island incident in 1979 and then the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, public opinion about nuclear energy changed dramatically.

In Germany, fears about safety boosted the environmental movement and the countrys Green Party.

In 2002, Germanys centre-left government passed a law to stop any new nuclear power plants from being built. All existing reactors were also to close in the future.

This was part of a shift to energy sources like wind and solar that the country considered truly renewable. While nuclear is considered low-carbon as nuclear reactors dont produce direct CO2 emissions, it relies on uranium as fuel - the mining and refining of which is energy intensive.

Then in 2010, Angela Merkel announced that the life of Germanys nuclear plants would be extended to increase supplies of low-carbon energy.

Protestors demonstrate outside the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, 21 March 2024. - AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Just a year later, the incident at Fukushima power station in Japan raised concerns once again. There were months of massive anti-nuclear protests across the country causing Merkels government to announce that all nuclear power plants would be closed by 2022.

The threat of energy insecurity due to the war in Ukraine extended their life beyond this deadline, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz keeping three remaining plants open until April 2023 to prevent an energy shortage.

When these three reactors officially closed on 15 April 2023, Germany joined Italy and Lithuania as one of three countries to have completely phased out nuclear power for electricity generation after having operational reactors.

In Italy, nuclear is also a controversial topic. All of the country's plants were closed by 1990 following a referendum on nuclear power. Since then, the government has tried to propose a revival - most notably a plan in 2008 to build as many as 10 new reactors.

Once again, the 2011 nuclear accident in Japan swayed public opinion with 94 per cent of the electorate voting for a construction ban in a referendum shortly after.

Employees look up at the construction site of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset, England. - AP Photo/Kin Cheung

But with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in attendance at the 2024 Brussels summit, where Italy was one of 32 countries to sign a declaration stating, "[we] reaffirm our strong commitment to nuclear energy", Italy's nuclear future remains up for debate once again.

There are also barriers to developing nuclear in several other EU member states including Portugal, Denmark and Austria - another strong opposing voice, which in 2022 filed a legal challenge against the EU, claiming its categorisation of nuclear energy as green investment was 'greenwashing'.
From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch

Happy Monday, and happy Easter to our readers who celebrated on Sunday! We hope it was a blessed and joyful day.

Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories

The Challenge of Bringing Americans Home

An illustration of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on espionage charges in Russia, is displayed during the WSJ Tech Live conference in Laguna Beach, California, on October 16, 2023. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

On March 29, 2023, Evan Gershkovich arrived at a steakhouse in Yekaterinburga Russian city in the Ural Mountainsduring a reporting trip, ready to meet with a source. Gershkovich didnt know it would be the last thing he did as a free man: Russian security agents led him out of the restaurant. As of Friday, the Wall Street Journal reporter has been in detention at the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow for a year.

Gershkovichaccused of espionage by Russian authoritiesis one of dozens of Americans currently being detained wrongfully overseas, including several others held in Russia. The process of bringing people home often takes years, and when official channels stall, cases can hinge on the personal efforts of a handful of non-government actors working on behalf of the detainees loved ones.

Gershkovich has spent much of the past year in solitary confinement, with one hour each day spent outside in a small prison courtyard. The world has caught glimpses of him only in photos and videos from a dozen court appearances where his detention has been repeatedly extended. Evan is the first American journalist detained in Russia on espionage charges since 1968, but both the Journal and the U.S. government strongly deny the spying charges against him.

Every day is very hardevery day we feel that he is not here, Ella Milman, Evans mother, told the New York Times last week. We want him at home, and it has been a year. Its taken a toll. Evan keeps in touch with his family and friends through weekly letters. Anyone can write him a letter through a website his friends created, which translates the notes into Russiana prison requirementand sends them to Gershkovich.

I type up my letters via email and, weeks or months later, receive photographs of Evans handwritten responses, his Russian script sometimes hurried, his sign-offs upbeat and warm, Linda Kinstler, a friend of Gershkovichs, wrote last week. Hello from sunny Moscow! he wrote to me recently. He has always had a sense of humor.

The Wall Street Journal has been a relentless advocate for Gershkovichs release, coordinating support and public advocacy. The paper ran a blank front page on Fridaywhere Gershkovichs story should have beento mark the anniversary of his detention. We remain optimistic and we have to remain optimistic, Paul Beckett, an assistant editor at the Wall Street Journal helping lead the effort to free his colleague, said on Friday. We also believe that all of the attention that were bringing to this in the media with individuals all over the world rooting for Evans release does create the necessary environment for the government negotiations that will ultimately free him to take place.

The Biden administration has repeatedly said that its committed to bringing Gershkovich home. We will continue working every day to secure his release, President Joe Biden said in a statement on Friday. Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted a promise to bring Gershkovich home, as well as Paul Whelan, a former marine detained in Russia since 2018. The State Department has classified both Gershkovich and Whelan as wrongfully detained, an official designation outlined in the 2020 Levinson Act, named after former FBI agent and Iranian hostage Robert Levinson. That designation requires U.S. officials to examine criteria like credible information indicating an individuals innocence and whether its clear a person is being detained solely or substantially because he or she is a U.S. national, but a designation is ultimately left up to the State Department based on an assessment of the totality of the circumstances. Once the Secretary of State deems someone wrongfully detained, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs has a mandate to work to bring the individual home.

Advocates for bringing Americans held hostage abroad home heralded the passage of the Levinson Act, but also noted that gaps still remain in the designation process. That law was really, really effective and useful on so many levels, Mickey Bergman, a co-founder of Global Reach, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works on behalf of hostages families, told TMD. But Bergman argued the State Departments designations lacked transparency, often frustrating families whose loved ones arent on the listlike Marc Fogel, a 61-year-old schoolteacher who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession of a half ounce of medical marijuana. The designation created a fictional line in the sand that if an American is not designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department, then theres really nobody in the government who is in charge of trying to get them back home, Bergman added.

President Barack Obama established the position of Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs in 2015 after a review of the governments hostage policy. Diane Foleythe president of the James Foley Legacy Foundation, founded in honor of her son James Foley, an American freelance journalist captured and then murdered by the Islamic State in Syria in 2014participated in the 2015 policy review that led to the creation of the special envoy and the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, a multi-agency group housed at the FBI to unify government efforts to recover hostages. (Diane Foley also worked with lawmakers to pass the Levinson Act.)

The U.S. has brought dozens of Americans home in recent years under the new protocols, but not without tradeoffs. In December, 10 Americans held in Venezuela were released in a prisoner exchange. The Biden administration also brought home five Americans from Iran last September in exchange for unfreezing $6 billion in Iranian assets. Critics of the latter deal argued the payment was functionally a ransom that would only incentivize more hostage-taking.

In Russia, though, U.S. officials face a dilemma: More Americans are wrongfully detained in the country than there are prisoners in the U.S. for whom the Russian government is interested in negotiating. Highlighting this asymmetry, the U.S. was reportedly negotiating a deal to free Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Whelan, and Gershkovich in exchange for a Russian assassin imprisoned in Germany. The exchange fell through when Navalny died in a Siberian prison in February.

Bergman and Global Reach workoften successfullyto bring home Americans the NGO itself assesses to be wrongfully detained, independent of the State Department designation. Global Reach, founded a few months ago, continues the work of the late Bill Richardson, a former New Mexico governor, ambassador to the United Nations, and member of Congress. During and after his time in public office, Richardson conducted private missions on behalf of the families of American hostages, helping to free people held in Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Myanmar, Russia, and elsewhere.

Bergman worked alongside Richardson for more than 15 years as executive director of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. The pair helped with the prisoner exchange that freed Brittney Griner, the WNBA player held in Russia for almost a year, and assisted in the exchange that freed Trevor Reed, a former Marine detained in Russia for more than two years. Last January, the organization also secured the release of Taylor Dudley, a U.S. Navy veteran, who had been held captive for nine months after being arrested by Russian border police for crossing into Kaliningrad, Russia.

Organizations like Global Reach offer an element of independence from official channels that can sometimes make the difference in negotiations. We dont work for any government, Bergman told TMD. We dont receive funds from the U.S. government. Were purely working at the request of families and at no cost to them.

Its really, really hard for officials from the two governments to actually talk about only the prisoners without the rest of the issues coming into play, he added. Webecause we dont work for [a] government, we dont have any government authorityare able to stay focused on only the issue of the prisoners and therefore be able to experiment with some things, some ideas, and figure out the pathways for this.

In the case of Dudleywho was never designated wrongfully detained by the State DepartmentRichardsons team negotiated his release essentially on their own. When you have a case, one of the things that is key, at least in the way we work at Global Reach, is to  develop what we refer to as the theory of return, Bergman said, What are the terms or the way in which that person comes back home? For Dudley, Bergman added, the theory of return on him was actually dependent on him not being designated by the State Department, he said. The Russians basically told us, Hey, lets just solve it through legal means through us, and thats what we did. He ended up being deported from Kaliningrad, [Russia], and we picked him up and brought him back home.

But for every success story, theres another American detained far from home, often serving extreme sentences for minor crimes or on flimsy evidence. And in another bucket are Americans taken hostage arbitrarily, under no pretense of wrongdoing whatsoever. Five AmericansEdan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Keith Siegelare believed to still be alive and in Hamas captivity in Gaza after being captured by the terrorist organization last October.*

But among state actors, Russia is arguably the worst offender. Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was arrested last May while visiting Russia on a charge of failing to register her passportRussian officials are reportedly considering additional charges that could carry a 15-year prison sentence. The Russian security service arrested Russian-American Ksenia Khavana in February, claiming she was raising money for the Ukrainian militaryKhavana had reportedly donated $51 to a Ukrainian charity and was helping fundraise for disaster relief aid to Ukraine.

Russian authorities extended Gershkovichs detention by another three months on Tuesday, and its unclear whether theres a deal on the table that would secure his release. Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested in February in an interview with Tucker Carlson that hed consider a prisoner exchange for Gershkovichs release but didnt specify a timeline or detailsa week after the interview, Navalny died.

Americans detained in Russia have found themselves stuck at a low point in the post-Cold War U.S.-Russia relationship, which may make negotiating their release all the more difficult. We focus so much on national interest, and we absolutely neglect personal relationships, Bergman said. Its personal relationships, its informal conversations. And sometimes its just when you create enough of [an] emotional attachment and an emotional accountability with somebody, you can leverage that and get people home just because of that relationship that you have.

Worth Your Time

For National Review, Jack Butler meditated on running and Christianity. The Gospel of John contains an amusing detail about Jesuss Resurrection not found in the other gospels, he wrote. Informed by Mary Magdalene that His tomb was empty following His crucifixion, Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved (John himself) rushed to the scene. They both ran, John recounts, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first. Perhaps, like Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire, John believed that God made him for a purpose, but also made him fast, and wanted posterity to remember that. Regardless, neither he nor Peter could at first make sense of what they saw. For they did not understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead. Comprehension came later, when the resurrected Lord appeared to the disciples (sans Thomas).  Runners know well the strange mix of exhaustion and satisfaction that can come with a races end. Here it is not just a physical and emotional state but a spiritual one with an eternal reward. Christians spend our lives running toward that empty tombsome faster than others, perhaps. To be a Christian is to believe that the risen Lord is gone from the tomb, but He is not gone from us. Rather, He is with us always, until the end of the age. And He is running alongside uswhatever our difficulties may beevery step of the way.

Last year, New York City set up an artificial intelligence chatbotlike the well-known ChatGPTspecifically designed to offer New Yorkers advice on starting and running businesses in the city. The problem, Colin Lecher reported for The Markup and The City, is that the citys chatbot is telling businesses to break the law. Five months after launch, its clear that while the bot appears authoritative, the information it provides on housing policy, worker rights, and rules for entrepreneurs is often incomplete and in worst-case scenarios dangerously inaccurate, as one local housing policy expert told The Markup.  Its hard to know whether anyone has acted on the false information, and the bot doesnt return the same responses to queries every time. At one point, it told a Markup reporter that landlords did have to accept housing vouchers, but when ten separate Markup staffers asked the same question, the bot told all of them no, buildings did not have to accept housing vouchers.  New York Citys bot, according to the initial announcement, would let business owners access trusted information from more than 2,000 NYC Business web pages, and explicitly says the page will act as a resource on topics such as compliance with codes and regulations, available business incentives, and best practices to avoid violations and fines. Theres little reason for visitors to the chatbot page to distrust the service.  One small note on the page says that it may occasionally produce incorrect, harmful or biased content, but theres no way for an average user to know whether what theyre reading is false.

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Should private groups like Global Reach have a role in negotiating the release of Americans around the world?

Correction, April 1, 2024: This newsletter originally said six Americans are believed to still be alive in Hamas captivity. One of those six, Itay Chen, was confirmed dead in March.

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Ex-manager Stephen Wade filed $100M claim against Topeka. City won't say how it was handled

City of Topeka leaders have determined what they do with a $100 million claim made against the city isn't public information.

Former city manager Stephen Wade filed a $100 million claim in November against Topekas city government, saying he was fired because of a mental health disorder.

A city spokeswoman said the claim was false and the city would defend itself. Kansas law gave the city until March 14 to respond, or Wades claim would be considered denied.

When the deadline passed, city officials declined to comment on whether they responded or what their response may have been, saying that isn't public information.

If the city settled, it couldn't have given Wade more than $35,000. That's because city ordinance requires approval by the mayor and council  who can only take such official actions in a public meeting  for the city to pay out amounts more than that amount.

Stephen Wade shakes hands with city council members after they voted in September 2022 to name him city manager.

Conflict between manager and city

After working for 10 months as the city manager, Wade was fired in July of last year. The city council unanimously voted to fire him but didn't disclose the reasoning.

Wade, who was publisher of The Capital-Journal from 2018-2020, had been on a leave of absence since June 6, prior to the termination of his city contract.

In an interview with The Capital-Journal weeks after his termination, Wade disclosed his struggles with mental health. Wade disclosed he asked for a leave of absence after an attempted suicide, so he could receive mental health treatment.

When the request was approved, Wade was also informed by the city council about a pending investigation.

In Wade's legal claim, it states he was wrongfully fired because of his mental health issues and if the city didn't pay the $100 million, which is larger than the entire personnel budget for 2024, he may sue.

Former city spokesperson Gretchen Spiker then said Wade was fired because of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, which was a violation of his contract and city personnel policies.

The city denied open records request

The Capital-Journal requested the city's decision on whether they'd pay the $100 million to Wade after the deadline to respond had passed. The city declined and told the newspaper to submit a Kansas Open Records Request.

On March 14, The Capital-Journal submitted an open records request asking for any and all email communications involving Topeka city employees related to Wade's claim seeking $100 million.

The Kansas Open Records Act requires government agencies to respond within three business days to an open record request.

That same day, the city informed The Capital-Journal it received the request. On March 19, the city said it anticipated being able to provide The Capital-Journal the information by March 26.

On March 26, the city told The Capital-Journal the IT department would need more time. One day later, the city informed The Capital-Journal it couldn't provide any of the information under an exception to KORA for attorney-client confidentiality.

When The Capital-Journal asked if the city could provide redacted documents, the city said no.

The Capital-Journal reached out to Wade for comment. He declined, saying there were no updates to be given.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Deadline passes for Topeka to respond or deny $100M claim; city mum
Ex-radio host Will Dance faces charges in Texas for allegedly shooting at law enforcement

Handcuffs sit on a table at the Richmond County Sheriff's Office South Precinct on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021.

A former Tallahassee radio personality was arrested in Armstrong County, Texas, after police say he shot at multiple law enforcement officers.

Will Dance, 50, who formerly hosted The Will Dance Show on then Freedom 93.3, was arrested March 27 on two charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer, Armstrong County Sheriff Melissa Anderson said in a social media post. He is being held in the Carson County Jail.

Deputies arrived at a hotel in Armstrong County on Wednesday morning "in reference to a suicidal subject," Anderson said.

"Assistance was requested and received from the Donley County Sheriffs Office, DPS, and the Carson County Sheriffs Office," she said. "During the encounter, the subject discharged his weapon multiple times, and officers returned fire."

No one was injured in the exchange of gunfire.

Anderson said she turned the case over to the Texas Rangers because the incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Representatives from the Texas Rangers didn't respond to phone calls asking for further details about the shootout.

Dance, who most recently resided in Oklahoma according to public records, was well-known as a conservative and occasionally controversial radio personality in the area.

Originally from Fort Myers, he started his career as a detective at the Florida State University Police Department at the age of 20 and later as an investigator with the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office. He worked as an EMT in Fort Myers and then started the West African anti-piracy company Sea Guard LLC before going into talk radio on "The Morning Show with Preston Scott" in 2012 and moving on to host his own show in February 2014 at 93.3.

In 2015, the radio host filed to run for Wakulla County sheriff against incumbent Charlie Creel, hoping to use his first responder background and radio show to change the perception of law enforcement and make improvements in the department.

He dropped out before the election and resigned from his talk show gig citing personal reasons in 2016 and moved from the area.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Former Tallahassee radio host Will Dance charged in Texas shooting
By Parisa Hafezi

DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran tipped off Russia about the possibility of a major "terrorist operation" on its soil ahead of the concert hall massacre near Moscow last month, three sources familiar with the matter said.

In the deadliest attack inside Russia in 20 years, gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers on March 22 at the Crocus City Hall, killing at least 144 people in violence claimed by the Islamic State militant group.

The United States had also warned Russia in advance of a likely militant Islamist attack but Moscow, deeply distrustful of Washington's intentions, played down that intelligence.

It is harder, however, for Russia to dismiss intelligence from diplomatic ally Iran on the attack, which has also raised questions over the effectiveness of Russian security services. Moscow and Tehran, both under Western sanctions, have deepened military and other cooperation during the two-year Ukraine war.

"Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran," one of the sources told Reuters.

Iran arrested 35 people in January, including a commander of Islamic State's Afghanistan-based branch ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), who it said were linked to twin bombings on Jan. 3 in the city of Kerman that killed nearly 100 people.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Iran blasts, the bloodiest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. U.S. intelligence sources said ISIS-K had carried out both the Jan. 3 attacks in Iran and the March 22 shootings in Moscow.

Islamic State once occupied large swathes of Iraq and Syria, imposing a reign of terror and inspiring lone wolf attacks in Western countries, but was declared territorially defeated in 2017.

However ISIS-K, one of its most fearsome branches, has raised the group's profile again with large-scale bloodshed.

ISIS-K, named after an old term for a region that encompassed parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014 and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.

'SIGNIFICANT OPERATION'

A second source, who also requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the information Tehran provided to Moscow about an impending attack had lacked specific details regarding timing and the exact target.

"They (the members of ISIS-K) were instructed to prepare for a significant operation in Russia... One of the terrorists (arrested in Iran) said some members of the group had already travelled to Russia," the second source said.

A third source, a senior security official, said: "As Iran has been a victim of terror attacks for years, Iranian authorities fulfilled their obligation to alert Moscow based on information acquired from those arrested terrorists."

Asked about the Reuters report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday: "I do not know anything about this."

Iran's foreign ministry did not reply to a request for comment on this story. The White House had no comment on the matter.

A source familiar with the U.S. intelligence on an impending attack in Russia said it was based on interceptions of "chatter" among ISIS-K militants.

Challenging the U.S. assertions, Russia has said it believes Ukraine was linked to the attack, without providing evidence. Kyiv has strongly denied the assertion.

TAJIK NATIONALS

The attacks in Kerman and near Moscow both involved Tajik nationals. ISIS-K has aggressively recruited from the impoverished former Soviet republic of Tajikistan, security experts say.

Sources said Iran had discussed its security concerns with Tajikistan. A diplomatic source in Tajikistan confirmed that Tehran had recently discussed with Dushanbe the issue of increased involvement of ethnic Tajiks in militant activities.

Islamic State harbours a virulent hatred for Shi'ites -- Iran's dominant sect and also the target of its affiliate's attacks in Afghanistan. The hardline Sunni Muslim group views Shi'ites as apostates.

In 2022 Islamic State claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Shi'ite shrine in Iran that killed 13 people. Tehran identified the attacker as a Tajik national.

Earlier attacks claimed by Islamic State include twin bombings in 2017 that targeted Iran's parliament and the tomb of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

(Additional reporting by Nazarali Pirnazarov in Dushanbe, Steve Holland and Jonathan Landay in Washington Writing by Parisa Hafezi;Editing by Michael Georgy and Gareth Jones)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 2. Azerbaijan is commemorating the 8th anniversary of the countrys military success in 2016 April battles, Trend reports.

On April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions and settlements of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire by the Armenian Armed Forces. As a result of the shelling of Azerbaijans settlements located along the line of contact, six civilians were killed, including two children under the age of 16. Numerous public and private facilities, including civil infrastructure, were severely damaged as a result of the attack.

Azerbaijan responded with an armed offensive, which resulted in four days of fighting, as the country liberated several important strategic spots previously occupied by Armenian Armed Forces.

Among the liberated territories during the four-day fighting were heights around the village of Talish, as well as Seysulan settlement, and Leletepe hill located in the direction of Fuzuli district. As a result of the April battles, 30 Armenian tanks, up to 15 artillery installations and engineering fortifications were subjected to destruction, 320 Armenian soldiers were killed and over 500 enemy soldiers were wounded.

Military operations along the line of contact between the Azerbaijani and Armenian forces ceased on April 5, by agreement of the parties.

As a result of the successful counteroffensive, more than 2,000 hectares of territory were liberated from the Armenian occupation. The April battles, in general, demonstrated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev's special attention to the army, the high combat readiness of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces, their ability to liberate the occupied territories.

Azerbaijani armys victories in the April battles have laid the foundation for the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from the Armenian occupation during the 44-day war (from late Sept. through early Nov.2020).
An executive who worked on '3 Body Problem' was sentenced to death for fatally poisoning the Netflix show's producer

"3 Body Problem" debuted on Netflix on March 21, the day before executive Xu Yao was sentenced to death. Netflix

Lin Qi, who helped bring "3 Body Problem" to screens, died before the series aired.

He was poisoned in 2020 by Xu Yao, who headed up a subsidiary that oversaw adaptations of the book.

Now, more than three years later, Xu has been given the death sentence.

A former Yoozoo Games executive has been handed a death sentence for the murder of a producer on Netflix's sci-fi show "3 Body Problem."

The Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court found Xu Yao guilty of fatally poisoning Lin Qi, who was dubbed China's "billionaire millennial," The New York Times reported.

Yoozoo Games, which Lin founded in 2009, owns the rights for all adaptations of the sci-fi bestseller, including a stage adaptation, an animated series, and the Chinese-language series "Three-Body" which premiered last year.

Xu's sentence of capital punishment was handed to him on March 22, the day after the series, created by the "Game of Thrones" showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and Alexander Woo, debuted on Netflix.

Lin  who is posthumously credited as an executive producer on the series  died on Christmas Day 2020, at the age of 39, 10 days after he ingested a beverage that Xu had laced with poison, the court heard, as reported by CBS.

Lin Qi, the CEO of Yoozoo Games Co. Ltd, in 2018, two years before his death. Zhang Zhi/Red Star News/VCG via Getty Images

Four other people also fell ill as a result of Xu poisoning drinks in the Yoozoo offices between September and December 2020 but did not die, according to court documents cited by the Associated Press.

One of them was Xu's replacement as the head of the subsidiary that controlled business related to the sci-fi book series, per The New York Times.

As Business Insider previously reported, Xu, who was 39 at the time, was detained by Shangai police a few days after Lin entered a local hospital after experiencing symptoms of poisoning.

Xu is believed to have begun poisoning his colleagues three months after Yozoo brokered a deal with Netflix to adapt Liu Cixin's "Remembrance of Earth's Past" trilogy.

Wade, Jin Cheng, and Sophon in "3 Body problem." Ed Miller/Netflix

Per The Times, Lin dropped millions of dollars on the copyrights and licenses connected to the franchise in 2014, the year the first book in the trilogy was translated into English and gained a bevy of new fans, including former president Barack Obama.

He hired Xu, a former lawyer, in 2017, to head a subsidiary of Yoozoo called The Three-Body Universe that held the rights to Liu's novels.

However, Xu was demoted after less than three years in the role and had his pay slashed due to poor performance, The Times reported, citing Chinese media.

After debuting last month, the Netflix adaptation of "The 3 Body Problem" garnered 11 million viewers in its first four days, Deadline reported.

In her review of the series, BI's Palmer Haasch wrote: "While the show can feel like eight hours of setting up stakes for future battles, those eight hours contain truly great moments of visual spectacle, memorable performances, and ruminations on what it actually means to be human."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The UNs International Court of Justice, or ICJ, is currently hearing cases related to genocide in Ukraine as the country looks to seek justice for Russias ongoing crimes against it.

Experts interviewed by the Kyiv Independent are worried that the Hague-based court, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, might not be up to the job.

They point to the fact that the court ruled on Feb. 2 that it had jurisdiction to hear only a small part of Ukraines claims against Russia. ICJ judges rejected Kyiv's request to determine whether Moscow violated the Genocide Convention by using false claims about genocide as a justification for launching its all-out war against Ukraine in 2022.

However, they said they would rule on whether Ukraine committed genocide against Russian speakers in the Donbas, a region of eastern Ukraine that has been partly occupied by Russia since 2014.

Russia has used spurious claims that Kyiv has been committing genocide against its own people in Donbas to justify its continued aggression against Ukraine.

The Peace Palace building of the International Court of Justice in the Hague. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The rulings have sparked debate over the courts effectiveness in upholding international law, and the extent to which its decisions can meet current challenges.

Zakhar Tropin, an expert in international criminal and humanitarian law, told the Kyiv Independent that the ICJs decisions on the Ukraine case demonstrate that the court is very formalistic in its approach to interpreting international law.

The court will not take risks or make any revolutionary decisions or interpretations, Tropin said.

Kateryna Rashevska, an expert at the Kyiv-based Regional Center for Human Rights, went further, telling the Kyiv Independent that the ICJ has discredited itself.

The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide is one of the main treaties overseen by the ICJ. Adopted in 1948 in the wake of the horror of the Holocaust, the convention was meant to demonstrate the international communitys commitment to never again allow genocide.

It was the first legal instrument to codify genocide as a crime, defined as any of five "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group."

The ICJ is currently considering three claims under the genocide convention: Ukraines case against Russia, South Africa's against Israel, and Gambias versus Myanmar over possible genocide against the Rohingya Muslims.

Meanwhile, in another case not related to the genocide convention, the ICJ dismissed most of Ukraine's charges against Russia for financing terrorism in the Donbas and discrimination against Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians in Crimea since 2014.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins to read the decision on the objections raised by Russia regarding the 'jurisdiction' and 'admissibility' conditions of the 'genocide' case brought by Ukraine against Russia in The Hague, Netherlands on February 02, 2024. (Nikos Oikonomou/Anadolu via Getty Images)

That leaves Kyiv no further options to seek redress for these claims  the ICJ is the only international court that decides on general disputes between nations globally. Unlike the Hague-based International Criminal Court, it does not try crimes committed by individuals.

Established in 1945, the ICJ replaced a similar court that was largely bypassed due to heightened international tensions in the 1930s.

The ICJ panel is composed of 15 permanent judges who are elected by the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and serve nine-year terms. Each judge must be from a different country, but they do not represent their countries in the court.

Provisional measures ordered by the ICJ are mandatory for the parties, but the court has no means to enforce them.

Claim of genocide rejected

Launching the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address that Russia would "de-Nazify" Ukraine and "defend" victims of "genocide" in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts  a genocide he claimed had been going on there since 2014 when Kyiv launched its Anti-terrorist Operation against Russia-controlled forces.

Two days after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine initiated a case to dispute Putins claim that it had committed genocide against its own people, suggesting that Russia had violated its own obligations under the Genocide Convention.

Ukraines claim was supported by a record 32 states in the form of interventions, which is when countries do not become parties to a dispute but seek a legitimate interpretation and application of the convention from the court.

For Ukraine, the genocide case was a chance to prove that Russias full-scale invasion in 2022 was illegal, which hasnt been possible in the UN Security Council due to Russia wielding its veto. If Ukraine could prove its case, it could then file a claim for reparations based on the court ruling.

But that attempt failed when the court said it had no jurisdiction over the matter. Some experts had reckoned it had been a legal long shot anyway:

Read also: Explainer: What we know about Russias deportation of Ukrainian children

The Ukrainian (genocide) claim was, in fact, very bold and innovative, Dmytro Koval, a legal director at Truth Hounds, an NGO investigating and documenting Russian war crimes, told the Kyiv Independent.

If the court had upheld the notion that Russias invasion based on genocide claims violated the convention, it would have created a back door for other countries to file other cases on military aggression, Koval said.

He also said Kyiv was aware that it had been a risky move, with unclear chances of success.

The next part of the case, which could last another few years, holds more promise: In it, the court will rule on Russias claim that Ukraine itself committed genocide in the Donbas. Hearings should resume on the case's merits in a few months.

Fresh graves are seen at a cemetery in the city of Mariupol on June 2, 2022, amid Russia's full-scale invasion iof Ukraine. (Stringer/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Tropin, Russia will not be able to prove this fictitious genocide, and if the court ruled that there had been none, Russia would be deprived of even this vague legal excuse for launching its invasion.

"Therefore, the fact of (Russias) aggression (against Ukraine) will be obvious and basically proven," Tropin said.

Moreover, a decision that Ukraine did not commit genocide may help bring Russia as a state and its top officials to justice for the illegal aggression on other international platforms, including in the UN system, Rashevska said.

Ukraine is even in a very advantageous position now, because Russia has to prove that Ukraine committed genocide  which is impossible, she added.

High threshold of proof

Ukraine was hesitant to file a case directly accusing Russia of committing genocide  despite the many signs pointing to it, such as mass graves uncovered in Kyiv and Kharkiv oblasts, and the mass deportation to Russia of Ukrainian children.

Tropin said it had been the "right decision" due to the very strict criteria for proving genocidal intent. He doubted that the international community is ready to lower the standards of proof due to the potential of misuse by a claimant.

In fact, no state has ever been found responsible for genocide under the convention. When Bosnia and Herzegovina brought a case against Serbia, the court said in its 2007 judgment on the Srebrenica massacre, which itself was recognized as genocide, that Serbia was guilty only of failing to prevent genocide.

This decision on Bosnias claim has shown "how deficient international law is in holding states responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes, U.S. lawyer and diplomat David Scheffer wrote at the time.

"While its obvious that Russia is committing this (genocide), its very difficult to prove it (legally), Tropin added, referring to Ukraines case against it.

"Everyone knows about the cases of (mass killings of civilians in) Bucha and Izium (in Kyiv and Kharkiv oblasts), and others, but evidence still has be collected for at least one small claim where we will be absolutely sure that there is proof of genocidal intent," Tropin said.

He noted that although Russias abductions of Ukrainian children in the occupied territories could qualify as genocide, the International Criminal Court or ICC had ruled in March 2023 to open a war crimes case  not a case on possible genocide.

Ukraines co-agent in the genocide case against Russia, Oksana Zolotariova, explained in a September 2023 interview that to succeed, a potential claim accusing Russia of genocide would need Ukrainian and international law enforcement agencies to collect and present adequate evidence of genocide in their criminal proceedings, and issue arrest warrants.

We need the conclusions of either the ICC or the UN Fact Finding Commission, Zolotariova said. If they find signs of genocide, then we will be able to talk about filing a new lawsuit in the Hague.

However, Rashevska said that the ICJ had already hinted that Ukraine should not even try to prove that Russia was committing genocide, as the ICJ has "a very high threshold of proof.

In its final judgment on Jan. 31 in another Ukrainian case against Russia  related to terrorism financing and racial discrimination conventions  the court said that charges of exceptional gravity such as the crime of genocide, require proof at a high level of certainty.

Nevertheless, Tropin said he hoped the ICJ would develop a "more balanced" approach to both finding states responsible for genocide and preventing the misuse of international law. He said potential cooperation between the ICJ and ICC could help.

Too formalistic

While the judgment on Jan. 31 found that Russia had violated its obligations under the Terrorism Financing Convention and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the court rejected most of Ukraines claims in the case and did not demand that Russia pay reparations.

In the case, filed in 2017, Ukraine had tried to prove that Russia was financing its proxies in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and persecuting Crimean Tatars, as well as Ukrainians, in Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea.

But it failed on both counts.

In the terrorism part, the court only found Russia responsible for not investigating the possible financing of the proxies from Russian bank accounts. By 10 votes to five, the court rejected all other submissions made by Ukraine with respect to the convention, including on the downing of the MH17 flight in 2014, which killed 298 people.

It also rejected the claim that Russia had violated the convention by providing weapons and equipment to illegal armed groups. It argued that only funding with money violates the convention, even though the treaty mentions assets of every kind, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable. Still, Ukraine lacked evidence to prove there had been money transfers.

Regarding Crimea, the court only found Russia responsible for closing Ukrainian-language schools. It rejected all other claims by 10 votes to five, including the one that Russia had violated its obligations by banning the Mejlis, a representative body of the Crimean Tatars.

According to Dmytro Koval, the court "did not understand" some of Ukraines arguments. Some others possibly werent supported with enough evidence, or with reports and assessments by other international organizations.

The ICJ in particular decided that the "Mejlis was banned due to the political activities carried out by some of its leaders in opposition to the Russian Federation, rather than on grounds of their ethnic origin."

It also noted that the "Mejlis is neither the only nor the primary institution representing the Crimean Tatar community" because it is the executive body of the Qurultay, a national congress.

"The conclusion that there is a Qurultay and that it has not been banned is very superficial and without an understanding of how Crimean Tatar self-government and democracy work," Koval said. He pointed out that Qurultay is not an official organization, and thus cannot be banned.

He said another such issue was the restrictions on culturally significant gatherings by ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars. The court noted that Russias approach towards public gatherings is "generally restrictive." It said that it did not see enough evidence that the restrictions were ethnic-based.

Ukrainian activists rally in front of the Crimean parliament in Simferopol on Feb. 26, 2014. (Vasiliy Batanov /AFP via Getty Images)

"(But) the court is making very wrong comparisons," Koval argued. Instead of drawing a correlation between particular restrictions and the overall negative human rights situation in Russia, he said it should have analyzed, for instance, whether a festival in Crimea for Russian poet Alexander Pushkin would have been allowed, compared to events in honor of Taras Shevchenko, the famous Ukrainian poet of the 19th century.

Neither did the court see discrimination in the closure of Crimean Tatar media outlets.

"It took an overly formalistic approach to the issue, saying that the formal existence of other outlets labeled as Crimean Tatar may indicate that there is no discrimination, or that racial discrimination is not the primary reason for the closure," Koval said.

All the same, some of the judges appended their opinions to the ruling, expressing disagreement with the courts interpretations. They noted that the evidentiary threshold applied by the court "is unnecessarily stringent" and that some of its interpretations are "self-defeating" or "counter-intuitive," and complicate the application of the convention.

Court rulings to increase instability

While the court may have been overzealous in applying the letter of the law, this might weaken the case for the rules-based order itself by demonstrating how international law can be circumvented, Tropin warned.

"States will be even more manipulative, which will increase instability, he said.

In turn, Rashevska called for the ICJ to take a more human-centered and more understandable approach.

She mentioned the European Court of Human Rights, which also relies on a convention that entered into force in the mid-20th century.

An aerial view of crosses, floral tributes and photographs of the victims of the battles for Irpin and Bucha that mark the graves in Irpin cemetery on May 16, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

But it is possible to interpret it in such an evolutionary, lively, human-centered way that the norms of the convention do not become obsolete, even when analyzing artificial intelligence, Internet access, gender minority rights, and so on, she said.

But what do we see in the ICJ? The institution is simply stagnant. It has such a conservative approach that it simply negates the norms of the treaties that it interprets."

Rashevska warned this unwillingness to interpret international law rules and norms in a way that is consistent with events and in accordance with the human-centered approaches declared after the Second World War is leading to a deterioration of the situation and a deepening of conflicts.

And this is quite dangerous because now parties will be more inclined to resolve their disputes by means other than judicial ones. That is, for example, by force.

Read also: Danylo Mokryk: Say the word genocide

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Nyla Wallace has coped with vision challenges for most of her 16 years, but was only recently diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, which causes an individuals sight to deteriorate over time and has no cure.

Even more recently, she was given something that will  finally  give her some relief from her ailment.

On Thursday, the Mallard Creek High School sophomore received a $1,000 Ruby XL HD handheld device capable of magnifying materials up to 14 times and casting the image onto a five-inch screen, with options for tweaking the colors and the contrast in a way that will make words and details pop for her.

Her mother, Robyn Wallace, wishes they could have gotten their hands on such a thing years ago.

Its been a bit of a struggle with her, academically, she said of Nyla two days earlier, while they sat together in the living room of the familys home in north Charlotte. And I do feel like quite a bit of it is because of her struggles with seeing, and  I feel like maybe Nyla didnt know how to articulate that. Because we would just get onto her and say, Why didnt you turn this assignment in?, and she would say, I work really slow. She never did say, I cant see, or When Im reading, I lose my place and I have to start back over, so it just takes me a long time. She never said those things.

So, we had no idea.

But they do now, and on Thursday Nyla was among 15 blind or visually impaired school-age N.C. children who were trained on and given assistive equipment ranging from low-tech monoculars and dome magnifiers to high-tech portable desktop magnifiers  all of which provide a closer, clearer view of textbooks, food labels, clothing tags, medication stickers, restaurant menus, and more.

Training was led by staffers from Sight Savers America, an Alabama-based non-profit that works to identify and secure the eye-care needs of children and had set up shop for the day at First Presbyterian Church in Concord.

Funding for the equipment  some of which can cost upwards of $4,000 and isnt covered by insurance nor provided by schools for home use  was provided by The Cannon Foundation, The Mariam and Robert Hayes Charitable Trust, and Vispero. Gift were tailored to each childs specific needs per evaluations conducted by N.C.-based IFB Solutions Community Low Vision Centers.

And as Nyla and her mom were in an adjacent room in the church being trained on the Ruby XL HD on Thursday, Dawn DeCarlo, CEO of Sight Savers America and herself an optometrist, explained that the type of struggle Robyn had mentioned isnt unusual.

Think about it: If you were asked to read your homework, and all the print was the size of the print in a phone book, how fast would you fatigue and want to give up on your homework? Fast. You fatigue and you want to give up, you take a break. Then you come back to it, you fatigue, you give up, and you come back. So your homework now stretches through the whole night instead of sitting down and knocking it out and then you go and you play games with your siblings.

Nyla Wallace's new device can magnify anything she wants to look at up to 14 times its original size.

A few minutes later, mother and daughter emerge from their orientation session smiling.

Its an amazing device, Robyn Wallace says after thanking DeCarlo. It really is.

Yes, its so handy, DeCarlo says. I mean, when youre going through your laundry and youre like, Can I throw this in the dryer or not? You can read the tags with it. You can bake a cake without saying, Mom, how much vanilla do I need to put in here? All of these things that you might have asked somebody for help for in the past, now youre going to be like, I got this.

Nyla smiles again as she tugs at the strap of the carrying case for the Ruby, which is hanging from her shoulder.

Its 8:45 a.m. Shes off to school from here, and her fancy new magnifier is going with her.

Do you want to see something cool?

That afternoon, Juan Juarez Reyes, 9, and Selena Juarez Reyes, 13, enter the Sight Savers Americas makeshift orientation center with their mother, Andrea Reyes of Albemarle.

Both Juan and Selena are afflicted with a rare genetic eye disorder called Stargardt disease, another progressive and currently untreatable condition characterized by fatty material that builds up on the part of the retina needed for sharp eyesight. Both kids have colorblindness and hazy spots in the center of their vision.

Since their vision impairment is more severe than Nylas, theyre getting a full suite of equipment: a larger and more powerful version of the Ruby device (the 7 HD); two different portable video magnifiers; and two sets of monoculars.

Do you want to see something cool? Veronica Tafoya asks Juan.

The manager of the low vision program for Sight Savers America adjusts the camera mounted on a monitor in front of them, presses a button on a controller, and suddenly, Juans face fills the 22-inch screen.

Whoooa! the fourth-grader exclaims as he pops up out of his chair, his jaw dropping slightly and his eyes widening significantly.

Before Juan and Selena had arrived at First Presbyterian Thursday afternoon for their training on this $3,300 portable video magnifier, Tafoya had pretty much predicted this kind of response. Sometimes the kids, when they see their faces for the first time, they get excited, shed explained. Because normally, when kids with visual impairments stand in front of a mirror, they look like a blur. They really cant see the details.

Juan Juarez Reyes, foreground, and his older sister Selena Juarez Reyes try out a portable desktop magnifier.

In the next room, through an interpreter, Andrea explains in Spanish that her paternal grandmother never received a clinical diagnosis but was completely blind by 30 years old. Her eyes start to glisten as she explains that her biggest fear is that one or both of her children will eventually lose all of their sight, too.

Yet she also indicates that the help her family has been getting since Juan and Selenas diagnoses reaffirms her decision to immigrate from Mexico when she was 19.

In Mexico, Andrea explains, they dont try to evaluate kids for things like vision problems. There, she says, parents and teachers might blame eyesight issues on laziness, or might just throw up their hands and say, Who knows? So shes grateful that, in the U.S., there are organizations eager to provide resources to help kids and families who are struggling, like Sight Savers America, like IFB Solutions, like the organizations that paid for the devices her children are being trained on in the other room.

A few minutes later, Juan comes scurrying out into the foyer, pulling a rollaboard-style case that carries his new $3,300 toy and being trailed by Selena, who is clutching the box with their Ruby.

They are ready, announces their trainer, Veronica Tafoya, to use it all.

Someone asks the kids what they think of it, and Juan practically sings his answer: Its goooooooood!

Then they cart everything out to Andreas white minivan, load up, pile in, and head back to Albemarle with  at least for the foreseeable future  the promise of a clearer view of their world.
Facing eviction and need legal help? Advocates working to make sure help is available

Donnie Pompey, 32, found himself in Oklahoma County eviction court on March 11. He knew his rent was late; Pompey said he had a medical problem that caused him to fall a month behind.

Pompey showed up at the courthouse without a lawyer. In general, only about 10% of people facing eviction filings arm themselves with attorneys. Pompey was fortunate to find attorneys from Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, known as LASO, at the courthouse. The statewide nonprofit offers free access to attorneys for people facing eviction.

From the LASO attorney, Pompey learned that his eviction was unlawful; the landlord had posted a generic five-day notice to move out, and had tried to force him out by turning off his electricity and water, he said. On top of those blunders, the landlord misspelled his last name on the lawsuit.

Without the help of LASO, Pompey said, he wouldnt have known the filing was improperly served and the utility cuts were illegal.

He probably would have gotten away with it, who knows? Pompey said.

More: Legal aid help for renters facing eviction in Oklahoma City is working and being expanded

In addition to LASO, Housing Eviction Legal Program also provides free legal help in eviction cases. But in Oklahoma, there are no Right to Counsel laws, statutory guarantees of free legal representation for tenants in eviction cases.

A nationwide push toward ensuring tenants rights to access legal services is emerging. The Right to Counsel in eviction cases has been adopted in four states and 17 municipalities. Oklahoma advocates defend Right to Counsel by referring to the Fifth Amendment, which protects people from being deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Everyone has a right to counsel in eviction proceedings, said Robert Goldman, by nature of the court system. An Oklahoma City-based eviction attorney, Goldman has practiced housing law since 1977, and said 90% of his cases are for nonpayment of rent.

Nationally, the American Civil Liberties Union reported that one in five households is behind in its payments. A low minimum wage combined with affordable housing shortages in the state leaves many Oklahomans walking a thin line between housing stability and eviction.

New York, San Francisco, Denver and other places that have enacted Right to Counsel laws have reported favorable outcomes for tenants, with more tenants staying in their homes, cases being dismissed, and fewer evictions filed in the first place.

Research by Open Justice Oklahoma, a program of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, showed that when Tulsans have legal representation, they are 75% more likely to stay in their homes.

Pompey said he already has a new apartment lined up. The landlord will have to refile the eviction properly and meanwhile, allow Pompey access to his belongings. The landlord may not refile the eviction, knowing Pompey is planning to move out.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

A national crisis affects Oklahoma

To call evictions in America a crisis is an understatement, said attorney John Pollock, coordinator of National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, or NCCRC. More than 3.6 million evictions are filed in a typical year, according to The Eviction Lab. In America, someone is served eviction papers every four minutes.

In 2016, Eviction Lab named Oklahoma City the 20th worst in the nation for its high number of evictions. Tulsa ranked 11th worst. Since 2016, eviction filings have climbed by about 27%, Eviction Lab data showed.

In Oklahoma, landlords filed more than 48,200 eviction cases in 2023. More than 17,860 were in Oklahoma County alone, according to Shelterwell, an Oklahoma advocacy group focused on housing rights for low-income tenants. The group collects eviction data, offers training to landlords and tenants, and pre-filing mediation services.

People served with evictions have few options for their day in court. They can find free legal representation such as Legal Aid, pay an attorney, represent themselves, or skip the hearing entirely, resulting in a loss by default.

Goldman noted that not all eviction filings result in families displaced from their housing. In some cases, arrangements are made between landlord and tenant to settle.

However, not knowing where to find free or affordable legal representation, a large portion of people being evicted miss their hearings altogether, losing by default.

The fact is that roughly half of tenants, at least in most jurisdictions, dont even respond to the complaint or appear in court, because the system is so disempowering and confusing and overwhelming, Pollock said.

Balancing the courtroom

Dilks prefers the phrase Expanding Tenant Representation over Right to Counsel. She said people are often averse to changing laws that affect peoples rights.

Think about it as just investing in a service that ensures our playing field is leveled, that our legal system is fair and equitable and acceptable and understandable, Dilks said.

Goldman said he thinks eviction court is already level for tenants and landlords and that plenty of safeguards are built into the system protecting tenants.

When it comes down to nonpayment of rent, I dont see that theres a tremendous benefit of legal counsel to get in there, except for a possibility of making sure the cases are being filed properly, Goldman said.

However, Pompeys case shows attorneys are more likely than laypeople to find legal discrepancies in evictions that can include discrimination or other problems, that could favor tenants in court.

When you interject representation for the tenant, it changes the whole dynamic and (judges) have to pay attention to the tenant, said Michael Figgins, executive director at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.

Proactive jurisdictions see positive outcomes

NCCRC tracks eviction outcomes across the nation. In New York City, the first to enact a Right to Counsel law in 2017, about 84% of tenants experiencing eviction have been able to remain in their homes. Eviction judgments dropped 41%.

San Franciscos No Eviction without Representation Act of 2018 resulted in two-thirds of tenants with legal representation staying in their homes after eviction filings, NCCRC reported.

Maryland, South Carolina, Washington and Connecticut along with cities Newark, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boulder, Baltimore, Seattle, Louisville, Denver, Toledo, Minneapolis, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Detroit have enacted similar Right to Counsel laws.

The ACLU in 2022 issued No Eviction Without Representation, a report detailing the positive results for tenants in Right to Counsel jurisdictions. Clevelands Right to Counsel program helped 93% of unrepresented tenants in eviction cases avoid a judgment against them.

Tax-payer cost savings that could potentially result from Massachusetts Right to counsel laws amount to almost $37 million annually, for a return of about $2.40 for every dollar spent on Right to Counsel programs.

Expanding representation in Oklahoma

Tenants need proactive legislation to avoid the dangerous path toward homelessness that evictions can present, Dilks said.

LASO is working on a statewide pilot to expand Right to Counsel and their free assistance to tenants in areas in Tulsa and Oklahoma City where eviction rates are higher than average, Figgins said.

Figgins and the LASO team are focused on high-eviction zip codes 73111, 73120 and 73119; in Tulsa, 74136 and 74105.

Sometimes you find things that are really bad, Figgins said, referring to the unlawful cases LASO attorneys assist tenants with. I mean really bad examples of discrimination. Or tenants being forced to live in just uninhabitable situations.

Paying for expanded protections

In Cleveland, Ohio, United Way partners with other philanthropic organizations and the city to fund tenant representation.

Federal funding streams, development grants and HUD funds can also be allocated to stem Oklahomas growing problem of housing instability, Dilks said.

We have a really robust (network of) philanthropic donors that are really interested in these issues, and I think that we love public-private partnerships in Oklahoma, Dilks said.

She said prioritizing families with school-age children addresses the chronic absenteeism of children in eviction situations and helps stabilize students.

I think there are ways you can overlap that geographic prioritization and a certain client prioritization that would really dramatically start to shift the landscape, Dilks said.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Legal help available for those facing eviction in Oklahoma
Claim:

The asking price of a three-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot house in Whitefish, Montana, was genuinely listed as $1.1 million in 2024.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

The house was listed for $1.1 million in early 2024. However, it was taken off the market in March for the seller "to do upgrades," the listing agent told Snopes. The agent said they expect the house to go back on the market later in 2024. It was unknown if the listing price would change when that happens.

Described as an "ordinary house in rural Montana," the asking price of a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home in Whitefish has shocked some corners of the internet. Said to include a "trove of treasures" in the basement, the blue-and-white house in the northwestern town (which has a population of less than 9,000) was supposedly listed for sale at $1.1 million.

In February 2024, Whitefish real estate agent Kirk Rossiter posted a reel (archive) on Instagram describing the home, and that video quickly captured onlookers' attention. It had been viewed more than 7.4 million times at the time of this publication. Posts on other social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, also featured the house, and major news outlets, including Business Insider and The Daily Mail, wrote about it.

(Screengrab/Instagram)

Some incredulous Instagram users commented on what they perceived to be a high price tag for the home. "Click bait. Absolutely untrue. Is thus your strategy to get clicks?" wrote one.

Others appeared more accepting of the $1.1 million price tag, noting how housing prices in small, rural towns such as Whitefish increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. "I'm not even from Montana and I get why people who are actually from there hate transplants," wrote one user.

Despite some commenters' claim that the house's purported listing was a "scam," it was not. Its listing price was genuinely $1.1 million in 2024. For that reason, we rated this claim "True."

However, while the house was listed temporarily for $1.1 million, the listing agent told Snopes that it was taken off the market in March for the seller "to do upgrades." Further details about the updates were unknown  as well as if, or to what extent, they could affect the home's price.

According to the now-deleted listing, the $1.1 million price tag included "a trove of treasures that will seamlessly transfer to the new owner 2 weeks prior to closing." It was unknown what those "treasures" were, exactly. Heather Reddig, the listing agent, told Snopes the haul consisted of the seller's father's "sentimental items," though she didn't go into further details.

Reddig said the reason for the price was simple: "Location, location, location."

Zoning Is 'Intended for Higher-Density Residential Purposes'

Reddig posted a YouTube video tour of the house on Feb. 28, 2024 (archive). She described it as "boasting views" of the surrounding area and having a location that offers "endless adventure."

Flathead County property records (archive) said the house, built in 1955, was just over 1,800 square feet. Its picturesque Rocky Mountain location is tucked along the winding Whitefish River and a quick walk from both downtown and Whitefish Lake. Also, the house is just a 30-minute drive from Glacier National Park.

According to Reddig, the property is currently zoned as a district "intended for higher-density residential purposes."

In other words, a developer could buy the property, demolish the home, and build a multifamily housing unit, such as a duplex, on the site.

'Bit of an Extreme Example' of Housing Conditions

Housing availability and access in Whitefish, a ski town, is a contentious issue with out-of-state buyers and short-term vacation rentals saturating the market.

For example, Whitefish's Planning and Building Department reported (archive) before 2019, the median house price was $492,500. By 2022, that price increased to more than $1 million. In 2023, housing prices dropped to just under $900,000  still nearly double the median price just four years earlier.

(City of Whitefish)

To address current conditions, which some people describe as a housing-affordability crisis, the city requires short-term rentals (rental housing units that are used for stays 30 days or less) to operate only in certain areas of town. The property in question is not located (archive) in a zone that allows such rentals.

"Whitefish is the haven for short-term rentals, and that's actually one of the problems that people are upset about in the area," Rossiter said in a phone interview with Snopes. "Because so many people are moving to the area and converting houses to short-term rentals, there are few options on the market for people who can't afford a higher-priced property."

Rossiter said when he first saw the $1.1 million listing for the three-bedroom house, he thought it was a "bit of an extreme example of the Whitefish housing prices."

Sources:

ArcGIS Web Application. https://cityofwhitefish.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2efe5bdac0f64c6dba05d709256afd2e. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"City of Whitefish Looking for Solutions to Solve Housing Crisis." KPAX News, 4 Nov. 2023, https://www.kpax.com/news/local-news/flathead-county/city-of-whitefish-looking-for-solutions-to-solve-housing-crisis.

Glacier, Mailing Address: PO Box 128 West, and MT 59936 Phone: 406-888-7800 Contact Us. Fact Sheet - Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/news/fact-sheet.htm. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"Heather Reddig Realtor - Turning Dreams into Reality." Heather Reddig - Montana Real Estate Kalispell Whitefish, https://heatherreddig.com/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Frossiter_realty%2F&is_from_rle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

---. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3oLprxvoNW/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Layer: Whitefish Zoning Use (ID: 4). https://maps.flathead.mt.gov/server/rest/services/IMA/Zoning/MapServer/4. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Lloyd, Alcynna. "People Are Incredulous That an Ordinary House in Rural Montana Is on the Market for over $1 Million." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/whitefish-montana-house-listed-for-over-a-million-dollars-2024-3. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

PrintPropertyRecordCard. https://svc.mt.gov/msl/MTCadastral/PrintPropertyRecordCard/GetPropertyRecordCardData?Geocode=07429236233180000&year=2023. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Short-Term Rental | Whitefish, MT. https://www.cityofwhitefish.org/187/Short-Term-Rental. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

What Is Rural? | National Agricultural Library. https://www.nal.usda.gov/rural-development-communities/what-is-rural#:~:text=The%20Census%20Bureau%20defines%20rural,population%20of%2050%2C000%20or%20more. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Whitefish, Montana Home for Sale 428 O'Brien Ave. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b_zuBiK5gg. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Fact Check: King Charles III Was Allegedly Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, Given 2 Years To Live. We Looked for Verification

Claim:

King Charles III has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has two years to live, as of late March 2024.

Rating:

In late March 2024, weeks after Buckingham Palace announced King Charles is suffering from an unspecified form of cancer, celebrity gossip magazine In Touch Weekly published an article allegedly offering specifics on his diagnosis. Citing anonymous sources, the article claimed he has pancreatic cancer and only two years to live.

One source reportedly told In Touch Weekly some people close to the British monarch believe his cancer "is worse than they're making it out to be," while another allegedly told the publication Charles "is not only battling pancreatic cancer... but has a mere two years to live."

Less than two months after Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer, sources exclusively reveal to In Touch that the king is battling pancreatic cancer and has been given two years to live. https://t.co/B8UEhrLlZO  In Touch Weekly (@intouchweekly) March 22, 2024

Yahoo published a version of the article and numerous other news outlets covered the rumor. Examples of the claim also spread to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTok.

King Charles funeral plans unveiled as he allegedly has only two years to live amid cancer battle.



King Charles III funeral plans are already set amid his battle with pancreatic cancer.



Though he has only been Britains reigning monarch for 18 months, following his ascension pic.twitter.com/VN4wIqHVNV  Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) March 31, 2024

Many readers contacted Snopes asking whether the claim about Charles' specific cancer diagnosis and his purported ominous timeline were true.

We rated this claim "Unproven" because the alleged sources in the In Touch Weekly article were anonymous and, therefore, we were unable to track them down to independently verify their claims. Snopes contacted the publication asking for information on how it reported the story.

Searching the Royal Family's website and Google, there was no evidence of the Palace revealing Charles' specific form of cancer. No reputable news publications substantiated the rumor  which, if true, would be imminently newsworthy.

On Feb. 5, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced the monarch was diagnosed with cancer; however, the type was not revealed, as reported by the BBC, Reuters and The Associated Press.

Snopes contacted Buckingham Palace for its comment on the rumor, and we will update this article if, or when, we receive responses.

Sources:

'A statement from Buckingham Palace'. Royal.UK, 5 Feb. 2024, https://www.royal.uk/a-statement-from-buckingham-palace-5Feb24.

Holden, Michael, and Muvija M. 'King Charles Diagnosed with Cancer, Will Postpone Duties and Undergo Treatment'. Reuters, 6 Feb. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-king-charles-diagnosed-with-cancer-buckingham-palace-2024-02-05/.

'King Charles III Is Being Treated for Cancer and Will Temporarily Halt His Public Duties'. AP News, 5 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-cancer-britain-e0408a7c9bb86ad2af8754ce4b37d65e.

Marshall, Louisa. 'King Charles' Funeral Plans Unveiled Amid His Cancer Battle'. In Touch Weekly, 29 Mar. 2024, https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/king-charles-funeral-plans-unveiled-amid-his-cancer-battle/.

'What Do We Know about King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis?' BBC News, 5 Feb. 2024. www.bbc.co.uk, https://www.bbc.com/news/health-68203457.
Claim:

In March 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden proclaimed Easter Sunday as Transgender Day of Visibility.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

Context:

Biden issued a proclamation naming March 31, 2024, the Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). He issued the same proclamation on the same date, March 31, every year since 2021. In 2024, the date happened to coincide with Easter Sunday, a moveable holiday that shifts dates annually based on the spring equinox.

On March 29, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation declaring March 31, 2024, the Transgender Day of Visibility  that is, he formally recognized the day as one to dedicated to celebrating the transgender community. The day also happened to be Easter Sunday.

Numerous anti-Biden media outlets, internet commentators and pundits claimed Biden committed "blasphemy" by issuing the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation on Easter Sunday. For instance, former U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign said in a statement, "It is appalling and insulting that Joe Biden's White House [] formally proclaimed Easter Sunday as 'Trans Day of Visibility."

Donald Trump Jr. also tweeted: "They want people worshipping the trans flag instead of god."



(Screenshot via X)



(Screenshot via X)

The above statements were misleading. While they referenced a genuine document from the White House, people started recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility annually on March 31 since at least 2010  including Biden, who has been issuing such proclamations as president since 2021. The date for Easter Sunday, however, shifts each year. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the spring equinox, according to long-standing Christian tradition.

In addition to the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation, Biden is a devout Catholic and has frequently spoken publicly about his faith. On Easter Sunday 2024, he issued this statement: "Jill and I send our warmest wishes to Christians around the world celebrating Easter Sunday. Easter reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ's Resurrection."

The overlap of Easter and the Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) in 2024 was entirely coincidental. There was no evidence of a Biden-led effort to make sure Easter fell on the same day as TDOV so he could recognize the latter over the former. We reached out to the White House asking for its response to that claim, and we will update this report when, or if, it answers us.

Biden's official White House statement with the proclamation, released on March 29, 2024, said:

Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility. I call upon all Americans to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our Nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination based on gender identity.

The statement did not claim to replace Easter Sunday with TDOV, nor serve as a proclamation combining the two occasions to take place on the same date in the future.

According to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), a media-monitoring organization, Rachel Crandall, a trans activist, established the first International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2010 to celebrate the lives of transgender people when most media stories focused on violence against them.

Biden's March 29 announcement was not unusual. His administration acknowledged the same day in prior years, as seen in a March 30, 2023, White House document.

As for the date of Easter, the BBC noted, the day is designated based on the ecclesiastical (meaning "of the Church") full moon  that is, it's not calculated in the way astronomers would do it. When picking the date, the church considers the spring equinox always to occur on March 21, according to the BBC.

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Easter Sunday will be on April 20 in 2025.

Sources:

"A Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility." The White House, 30 March 2023, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/03/30/a-proclamation-on-transgender-day-of-visibility/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

"A Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility, 2024." The White House, 29 March 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/29/a-proclamation-on-transgender-day-of-visibility-2024/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

"A Proclamation on Transgender Day Of Visibility, 2021." The White House, 31 March 2021, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-transgender-day-of-visibility-2021/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

Knudsen, Hannah. "'Gross and Evil': Biden White House Disrespects Easter." Breitbart, 30 March 2024, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/03/30/gross-evil-biden-white-house-disrespects-easter/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

"Liturgical Calendar for the Dioceses of the United States of America 2025." United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, https://www.usccb.org/resources/2025cal.pdf. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

"Statement from President Joe Biden on Easter." The White House, 31 March 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/03/31/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-easter-2/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

Waldenberg, Samantha. "Republicans Slam Biden for Proclaiming Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter, Though It's Yearly Observed on March 31 | CNN Politics." CNN, 30 March 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/30/politics/easter-trans-day-visibility-trump-biden-johnson/index.html. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

Wang, Amy B. "Trump Falsely Attacks Biden over Easter Coinciding with Transgender Day of Visibility." Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/31/trump-biden-easter-transgender-day/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

"Why Does the Date of Easter Move Around?" BBC Bitesize, https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zn2njhv. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.


A tree fell on a 500-gallon propane tank behind a Garland Street residence, creating a propane leak in Glenmont, forcing the evacuation of residents early Monday morning.

Richland Township Fire Department was first on the scene around 1:45 a.m. and contacted EMA, according to according to Holmes County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Troyer.

Troyer arrive on the scene around 3:30 a.m. The tank was at 80 percent capacity at the time of the fire department response.

The fire department went door to door evacuating 17 residents to the former Glenmont School building, where fire department staff, Red Cross and EMA specialist Jordan Tschiegg were on hand to provide assistance.

Jason Troyer

"The Richland Fire Department did an excellent job of responding, doing an assessment of the situation, then evacuating the residents to the school," Troyer said. "They did a great job."

Troyer Gas Co. was brought in to the scene, but was unable to stop the leak because of extensive damage to the tank valves, according to Troyer, who said the tank was transported to a rural field to let it off load.

Once the tank was removed from the residential area, the fire department checked the evacuated basements and found no reading of propane in the residences.

The fire department flushed nearby sewer drains with water before allowing residents to return home.

Troyer reported the incident to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Spill Line, but OEPA said no further action was necessary. Propane is a clean gas and the amount that was leaked was no threat to the environment, Troyer said.

"Hats off to the Glenmont Fire Department (Richland Township)," Troyer added. "They did a very good job of identifying it, keeping their residents safe and communicating with the residents at the school."

Troyer said the scene was cleared at 6 a.m. Monday.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Tree damages propane tank in Glenmont; homes evacuated early Monday
Farm Credit Mid-America celebrated the grand opening of its new Mansfield office at 875 N. Lexington Springmill Road on March 21.

Officials say the new space reinforces Farm Credit Mid-America's commitment to remain involved in the community and to work with farmers and rural residents in Mansfield and surrounding areas.

Farm Credit Mid-America recently celebrated the opening of its new Mansfield area office at 875 N. Lexington-Springmill Road.

The event coincided with the cooperative's Patronage Week when it returned $255 million in net earnings to eligible customer-owners across its service territory, including $61 million to Ohio customers.

Farm Credit Mid-America provides credit and financial services to farmers, rural residents and agribusiness owners in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Farm Credit Mid-America marks grand opening of new Mansfield office
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Conscription for compulsory active military service has begun in Azerbaijan, a source in the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription for Military Service told Trend.

To note, on February 21, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the conscription of citizens of Azerbaijan for compulsory active military service from April 1 to April 30, 2024, and the dismissal of servicemen of compulsory active military service to the reserve.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Gunfire erupted Easter Sunday in a fatal midday shooting in a Riverside gated community, according to police. One man was killed, and a woman was wounded.

Police detained a man at the scene in connection with the double shooting, a Riverside Police Department spokesman said.

Officers were summoned just after noon to the 7600 block of Canberra Way after a shooting was reported in one of the homes, Riverside Police Officer Ryan Railsback said. When they arrived, they found a man who had been mortally wounded and a woman who also had been shot but survived. She was transported to a hospital, where she remained in critical condition as of about 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Railsback said. Neither of their ages were immediately known.

A male person of interest was detained at the scene and taken in for questioning, Railsback said. Police also recovered a handgun at the house, he said.

Read more: Sheriff's deputies fatally shoot man who they say drove van toward officers in East L.A.

With the investigation just beginning, details about the incident are slim, Railsback said. He said detectives were working to piece together the events that led up to the shooting and said the motive was not yet known.

Investigators were trying to establish the nature of the relationship between the person being questioned and the two people shot, he said. For now, police know only that the three knew one another.

"We believe that they all know each other," Railsback said. "I don't know who lives at the house, if they all live there."

Railsback also did not know whether officers had previously been called to the address.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fatal stabbing of Irish woman at Queens bar came after shed lived with suspect boyfriend a year: cops

The bartender fatally stabbed at a Queens pub on Saturday evening was attacked by her boyfriend holding knives in both hands, police said Monday. The couple had lived together in Glendale for about a year, said cops.

Sarah McNally, 41, had also been a bartender in her native Longford, Ireland, and worked as a civil employee for the Irish Prison Service, which is headquartered in the county, said Martin Monaghan, chairman of the municipal district in Longford Town.

Shes been in the States for about 10 years at the minute, he told the Daily News by phone on Monday.

Officers responded to a 911 call at Ceili House on Grand Ave. near 69th Lane in Maspeth around 6:35 p.m., according to police.

Inside, they discovered McNally with a stab wound to her neck and a 36-year-old man with a stab wound to his back and neck, cops said.

Medics rushed the pair to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where they were both initially in critical condition. The woman later died.

According to Irish broadcaster RTE, a parliament member serving Longford called her a wonderful young woman, bright, vivacious, witty and charismatic.

Joe Flaherty, the parliament member, said the murder was tragic and deeply upsetting news.

By all accounts, it was a very happy life and everything was going well for her in New York, which makes this news all the more harrowing and upsetting for people that know her, Flaherty said on RTE.

Flaherty also said McNallys mother was flying to New York.

I cannot imagine a worse call for a parent to get, he said. Its truly traumatic, and I understand her heartbroken mother is flying out to be with Sarah this morning, and thats a journey that no parent wants to have to undertake.

Mourners gathered outside Ceili House on Sunday couldnt make sense of the violence that had taken place the night before.

I cant even picture it, said bar patron Mike Green. I know them, and I still cant believe it.

The suspect is in custody as he recovers in the hospital and has not been charged, police sources said.
FBI Jacksonville has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the conviction of the suspects responsible for the shootings that occurred in Jacksonville Beach on March 17.

RELATED: Jacksonville Beach shootings: Police identify man killed, release description of suspects

To aid in the search for suspects, artwork made by the FBI featuring information about the shootings will be displayed on digital billboards across the Jacksonville area starting Monday, April 1, for approximately one week.

Individuals with any information, including videos or photos related to the shootings, are urged to report their information. They can do so online HERE or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The FBI, in collaboration with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, has received numerous digital files and tips regarding the incidents, many of which have proven helpful in the investigation. The reward offered underscores the FBIs commitment to ensuring community safety and urges the public to continue providing information to aid in the pursuit of justice.

While the FBI is actively involved in the investigation, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department remains the lead agency, and all ongoing updates will be provided by them.

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After federal cuts, Illinois rape crisis centers ask state for help: Its essential that services be there

The burnout that has hit so many in her line of work came for Phyllis Lubel last fall.

She had just finished a particularly grueling 16-month stretch in which she logged close to 300 hours inside Lake County emergency rooms, where she took on the arduous task of trying to help survivors in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault.

After nearly 26 years with the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee, first as a volunteer and then as an advocacy services specialist, the 58-year-old Skokie native had reached a breaking point.

I need to have a life, she thought. I cant keep this pace up.

Across Illinois, scores of direct service providers like Lubel who work at the states 31 rape crisis centers are struggling under the weight of crushing workloads, stagnant wages and unsteady job security. Those pressures have intensified in recent months, advocates say, after a key source of federal funding was essentially slashed in half, a loss of around $9.5 million.

Survivor advocates say the fallout from cuts to federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants has been severe: A little over half of the states crisis centers have reduced staffing or frozen hiring, according to the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Five crisis center satellite offices have closed. Fourteen hospitals in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs no longer receive round-the-clock emergency crisis center responses when survivors arrive in the ER. Wait lists for counseling appointments have grown longer at some centers while others have turned to community fundraising just to keep existing services intact.

All this has put the states crisis centers on pace to serve an estimated 1,400 fewer survivors or their families this fiscal year compared with the last, ICASA said.

With the potential for more federal funding shortfalls looming on the horizon and COVID-19 relief dollars expected to dry up soon, survivor advocates have turned to Illinois lawmakers for help. Last spring, their efforts helped persuade the states Department of Human Services to earmark about $5 million in federal grant money, separate from VOCA, for crisis centers.

Advocates say more is needed. Last week, crisis center staffers from around Illinois filled the Capitol rotunda in Springfield to rally support for a requested $12 million increase in state funding, money they say will blunt the impact of federal VOCA cuts, ease the burden on front-line workers and, ultimately, ensure the work of crisis centers can continue.

Its essential that services be there when survivors need them, said Carrie Ward, the coalitions CEO.

But with about two months left in the legislative session, squeezing money from an already tight state budget could be a challenge, as lawmakers face pressure to aid asylum-seekers arriving in the state and the ever-present push for more education dollars and more funding for local governments.

Still, crisis center leaders say the consequences of inaction will be devastating to survivors, their families and their communities.

The broad-reach impact of sexual violence permeates every aspect of our society, said Anne Pezzillo, vice president of clinical services at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. If a survivor at one of their most vulnerable moments cant get that support, and cant get supported from trauma therapists specifically trained to work exclusively with this population, that just sounds unimaginable to me.

Being there made a world of difference

Lubel can still remember the first time she went by herself to a hospital to help a survivor.

It was 1998. She was living in Gurnee and working as a special education teacher when, motivated by a desire to give back, she answered a newspaper ad seeking volunteers for the Zacharias Center (then called the Lake County Council Against Sexual Assault).

She sat through the training  then 60 hours, largely role-playing scenarios  and signed up to answer crisis line calls and medical calls from emergency rooms.

Three months later, she fielded her first three medical calls, all in the same 12-hour shift.

What I remember about that was the inequities in the hospitals, she said. This was the late 90s. Every hospital was a completely different experience for the survivor.

In one hospital ER, she spoke with a 16-year-old girl who, Lubel learned, said shed been given alcohol by someone older than her, and then assaulted. The nurse, Lubel remembered, told the girl a forensic medical exam was not necessary because the encounter appeared to be consensual.

Lubel stepped outside to call her supervisor to confirm what she suspected. Then she pulled the nurse aside. The guy was older, she told the nurse. He gave her alcohol. There was nothing consensual about what happened. If she wants the exam, do it.

Lubel stayed with the girl during the exam and helped calm her anxiety over talking to her parents, who were en route to the hospital.

Later that night, Lubel drove to a different hospital, where she met a woman in her early 20s who said she met a guy through a dating service who assaulted her at his house. The nurse there calmly explained the entire exam process to the young woman while Lubel sat by her side.

By around midnight, Lubel was home, and the reality of what shed just witnessed started to crystalize.

I felt like each call was a success in terms of supporting the survivor, she said. If I can make it just a little easier for somebody, then Ive done what I needed to do. The woman in her 20s was alone. Being there made a world of difference. Getting the (exam) done for that 16-year-old and helping her talk to her parents made a difference.

Over the years, there would be many more phone calls that required Lubel to put her life on hold and rush to the hospital, and she learned to absorb and process the trauma she saw and heard in those emergency rooms.

A perfect storm in many ways

Funding for rape crisis centers is not a new concern in Illinois. Back in 2008, centers braced for a possible $5.2 million hit to their budgets as part of larger state social services cuts proposed by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Reports at the time said the disgraced former governor reversed course when he learned that the centers, then numbering 33, were expected to lose about $1.4 million in federal funding.

A few years later, the state passed a so-called skin tax on strip clubs  $3 per customer or an amount based on gross receipts  to help pay for sexual assault survivor services. That tax has consistently fallen well below the projected $1 million it was expected to generate, state records show.

By 2015, the state became embroiled in what would become a two-year budget impasse that caused disruptions to social service programs across Illinois, including crisis centers.

With state Department of Human Services funding holding relatively flat at a little over $7.5 million a year for the last 20 years, crisis centers historically lean on federal dollars to help pay for their operations.

One of those key sources is VOCA. Money from fines, penalties, special assessments and bond forfeitures in federal criminal cases is deposited into a fund, and a cap is set on how much can be distributed to states to pay for victim assistance programs, including rape crisis centers.

That cap has dropped nearly every year since 2018, records show, from about $4.4 billion down to $1.9 billion in fiscal 2023. Advocates such as Terri Poore, policy director at the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, say the decline is the result of historically low deposits to the fund due, in part, to declining federal prosecutions.

Historically, there would be bigger white-collar federal criminal cases resulting in big deposits in the fund, she said. Obviously no one wants white collar crime to happen. But if it happens, its good that crime victims benefit.

All this has played out amid a recent uptick in the estimated number of people raped or sexually assaulted in the United States.

The VOCA funds distribution cap for the current fiscal year, which began in October, was proposed at $1.2 billion. Poore said that number has since climbed to around $1.3 billion. Still, thats a loss of $600 million.

Even before any of this happened, many of our programs had a waiting list for counseling services, she said. The infrastructure of sexual assault services in the country has not been where it needs to be, and yet there are these major cuts coming.

Poores organization conducted a national survey of survivor programs last year and found that more than half lost staffing, while a third reported sizable wait lists for services such as counseling and support groups.

All are bracing for the possibility of further VOCA reductions next year.

It really is a perfect storm in many ways, she said. With less support, with advocates really stretched and programs saying I might have to lose a satellite office or close our doors, that has a real emotional and economic impact on a community, in addition to individual people and their families.

Theres just no wiggle room

Early last year, the states sexual assault coalition learned that VOCA reductions would essentially slash crisis center funding in Illinois from nearly $19 million to about $9.5 million.

About 100 miles southwest of Chicago in Streator, VOCA cuts forced the crisis center Safe Journeys to lose a staff member who coordinated volunteers and managed cases for sexual violence survivors in LaSalle and Livingston counties.

Those case management duties have been spread among other staffers, said executive director Susan Bursztynsky, but at this point in time, we cant go out and advertise for volunteers or go to colleges and fairs seeking interns.

Down in Danville, Survivor Resource Center Executive Director Marcie Sheridan said her organization lost a counselor and closed a satellite office in Georgetown, about 10 miles south of its main location. The recently secured $5 million federal grant from the state DHS prevented deeper cuts to its counseling services and medical advocacy work, Sheridan said.

Right now, theres just no wiggle room, she said.

The states largest rape crisis center, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, lost a little over $1.8 million in VOCA funding this fiscal year, said Pezzillo, the agencys vice president of clinical services.

The resulting cuts were painful: Three case managers, three clinical team members and nine medical advocates were let go. The number of hospitals the agency could serve fell from 21 to nine.

The losses could have been worse, Pezzillo said, if not for the agencys efforts to find other grant dollars, including one awarded this month that she said should help YWCA build back some of its programs and staffing.

Its this almost constant search for new funding, which puts a strain on staff from a grant compliance perspective, she said. Its more quarterly and fiscal reports and client stories, which is ultimately helping us do the work we all want to do. But it gets to be exhausting to be constantly in search of more funding when were worried about when the next ax is going to fall.

Thats why survivor advocates, numbering well over 300, converged on Springfield last week. Their request: boost the state general fund budget for crisis centers to $20 million in the next fiscal year.

Its been much too long since weve received an increase in general revenue funding, and the time to change that is now, Ward, the ICASA leader, told the crowd, many dressed in teal and holding signs that read: Believe survivors, Sexual assault is everyones problem or Girls just wanna have fun-ding!

Among the lawmakers who spoke at the rally, state Sen. Robert Peters, a Chicago Democrat, said he was tired of people using sexual assault survivors and victims as talking points.

Im proud to say Im not here to use this as a talking point, but put my money where my mouth is, Peters said. You all do some of the hardest work. Youre pushed to the brink. You have to be presented or live through trauma over and over again. It is our job to have your back.

Were all being overworked

For Genesis Vasquez, that help cant come fast enough.

Two years ago, she took a job as a citizenship and immigrant resources supervisor at Mujeres Latinas en Accion, a nonprofit community service organization in Pilsen. A year later, she shifted to the organizations sexual assault survivor program.

At Vasquezs organization, two staff positions were cut as a result of VOCA reductions, and her list of responsibilities grew to include overseeing medical advocacy, training, prevention education, outreach and intakes.

Were all being overworked, she said. Were all doing multiple tasks. It makes it very hard because sometimes it feels like theres not enough work hours to do what youre supposed to finish.

Like many who work in the field, Vasquez, 25, is also a survivor. Every time someone reaches out needing help, she risks reliving her own trauma.

When youre a survivor, its even harder because it feels like everything around you is surrounded by this topic, she said. Its hard to get that break or ask for that help too.

Recently, she said shes found herself feeling irritable, depressed and burned out.

Im at a point where I really dont know where to go from here, she said. Im trying to work on self-care outside of work, not taking work home, not working through lunch, trying to have more clear boundaries. I feel like thats very difficult. In what Ive been through, Im not a person who does well with boundaries.

Over in Gurnee, Lubel has also struggled with that boundary. Shes tried to take time off after long stretches of work, but, she added, there arent staff for the job.

Volunteers have picked up more medical shifts, she said. Last month, of the nine calls Zacharias Center fielded about survivors at hospital emergency rooms, Lubel went to three.

On the wall next to her desk at the centers Gurnee office, theres a framed, handwritten letter. Nearly 20 years ago, Lubel was called to a hospital in Libertyville. An 18-year-old woman had been jogging on a bike path when she was raped by a convicted sex offender who then slashed her throat and left her for dead.

Even now, Lubel struggles to talk about what she saw in the emergency room that day. But she remembers being amazed by the familys resilience and that the young woman, lying in a hospital bed with stitches in her throat, thought to ask her mom to call the paramedics and thank them for saving her life.

I also remember coming home from that one and feeling awful, Lubel said. I didnt do anything.

About a month later, the womans parents sent Lubel the letter that hangs on her office wall.

Your gentle kindness and wise counsel helped us find a strength beyond our own that day, they wrote her. It is a wonderful gift that you offer in a fearful time.

____
Gregory Nolan is a former federal prosecutor and current white-collar defense attorney at Brown White & Osborn.

The headlines suggest prosecutors are kicking ass and taking names in the fight against white-collar crime.

In only the past few weeks, federal prosecutors indicted Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) on even more corruption charges, and the chief financial officer at former President Donald Trumps family real estate company pled guilty to lying about the value of its assets.

On March 28, a federal judge sentenced Sam Bankman-Fried to 25 years in prison for his $8 billion fraud as the head of FTX, and this month, we will see the sentencing of another disgraced former CEO of a crypto exchange company, Changpeng Zhao of Binance.

The Department of Justice wants you to think these notable cases translate to meaningful accountability for white-collar criminals more generally. In a self-congratulatory speech last month, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the DOJs second highest-ranking official, cited the FTX and Binance cases as proof that the department was executing its mission to identify the most serious wrongdoers  individual and corporate  and focus our full energy on holding them accountable.

Those who break the law pay the price, she said.

But they often dont. According to research from Syracuse University, there were fewer white-collar prosecutions in 2022 than any other year on record. And based on the data we have so far, 2023 will likely prove to have broken that record.

The lack of enforcement is inexplicable, given how much white-collar crime costs Americans. Defrauding federal COVID-relief programs alone amounted to $300 billion in losses, making the fraud the largest in history. According to one prominent law professors estimate, white-collar crime annually costs the country as much as $800 billion a year, or nearly half of last years federal budget deficit. Moreover, theres room for fraud to grow. Were only in the early days of generative AI, but fraudsters have already begun deploying it to convincing effect, including custom-generated phishing attempts and deepfake videos using public figures to lure victims to fake services. As AI gets better, so will the scams using it.

The staggering losses associated with white-collar crime are also unfairly shared. According to a 2017 DOJ study, women are likelier to be victimized than men, African Americans likelier than whites, and those of lower income likelier than those earning $50,000 to $100,000.

So what can the DOJ do? In the same speech discussed above, Deputy Attorney General Monaco outlined the departments plans to launch a new DOJ-run whistleblower rewards program to assist in corporate misconduct cases. The program would financially reward those who report fraud, but only if they are not guilty of it themselves.

Its a good idea, but if you really want to make a difference, you have to make a deal with the devil: Give white-collar criminals a get-out-of-jail-free card  with strings attached, of course.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan, followed quickly by those in San Francisco, recently launched such programs, allowing prosecutors to enter into non-prosecution agreements with whistleblowers who voluntarily disclose corporate or financial misconduct.

To be eligible, a person must identify criminal conduct that authorities do not know about, agree to cooperate fully with authorities, and not occupy a position of corporate or public leadership. Monaco, the deputy attorney general, highlighted these programs in her speech last month, but she unfortunately declined to expand them nationwide.

We look forward to evaluating the results of these pilots and determining whats to come later this year, she said. This potential foreshadowing is perplexing, though. A full evaluation of the pilots outcomes and impact could not be done in mere months, because white-collar cases usually take years to investigate and prosecute, especially the complex ones that the pilot programs appear geared toward. So if theres not going to be a full evaluation, why wait when we need action now?

No doubt there are legitimate fairness concerns about a program that is designed to benefit white-collar criminals, especially since they tend to come from more privileged backgrounds than other defendants. But heres the reality: Because white-collar crime is harder to detect, special incentives are needed to expose it. Fraud only works when the victim is oblivious to being victimized. This secret victimization makes fraud harder to identify than other crimes.

Contrast, for example, the secrecy of fraud with a drug conspiracy. An addict knows their dealer is committing drug crimes  thats the point of the relationship. An undercover cop will pay an addict for an intro to their dealer, buy drugs from him, and then arrest him. The dealer then flips against his supplier to get leniency, or even if he doesnt, a search warrant for his phone generally identifies the supplier. From there, the cop works his way up, perhaps getting a wire to identify all the conspiracys players.

White-collar crime has no equivalent to the street dealer  no easy target to pick off and build a larger case on.

White-collar crime is also more difficult to prove. A prosecutor must show not only what the defendant said was false, but that the defendant knew it was false. Theres no equivalent hurdle with other common crimes. Burglars obviously know they arent breaking into their own home, for instance.

Proving that someone knew they were lying gets harder as the financial crime gets bigger. Consider a CEO of a large retailer who lies about her companys sales to make it look more profitable and, in turn, inflate the stock. If the CEO claims to have relied on incorrect data  or even to have misinterpreted vague data  from subordinates, it will be hard to prove that the CEO knew she was lying, unless someone on the inside tells authorities what the CEO knew.

But how do you get that person to come forward? Criminals dont want to go to prison, so they tend to only discuss their criminal enterprise with those necessary for it to succeed. And the only people who need to know about a fraud are co-conspirators in the fraud. We need to give those people a reason to snitch.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan and San Francisco are doing that. To engage in crime is to sit beneath the sword of Damocles. For those who do not like living their life wondering if and when theyll be caught, the Manhattan and San Francisco programs offer a way out. Its time to take these programs national.

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Donald Trumps social network Truth Social lost a staggering $58 million in 2023, with SEC filings showing Monday that the website and app, which went public last week, lost momentum as the year went on.

Trump Media said it generated just $751,000 in advertising revenue in Q4, an over 25 percent decrease from the more than $1 million it pulled in the previous quarter. The filings list advertising revenue from Truth as Trump Medias only revenue stream.

They revealed that most of Truths expenses are tied to debt. The company sought a cash infusion by going public last week, calling on those with fat pockets to invest in the network thats dominated by Trumps daily, often all-caps rants. It listed its valuation last week as being more than $8 billion, of which Trump owns about $4.6 billion.

Experts have noted that an investment in Truth Social, which trades under its parent company Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), is essentially an in-kind donation to Trump himself. The share price of the company, which uses the stock ticker DJT for Trumps initials, plunged 15 percent after Monday mornings filinga dip that shaved off millions from the companys market value.

Seth Meyers Calls Bullshit on Trumps Sky-High Truth Social Valuation

In an SEC filing, TMTG issued warnings for potential investors. Notably, it listed Trumps growing legal troubles, including the $500 million hes on the hook for in a recent civil verdict.

It also noted his pending criminal cases, his history of running businesses into bankruptcy, and the fact that Trump could flee his own social network for another at any given momenta move thatd possibly kill off Truth Social entirely.

The death, incarceration, or incapacity of President Trump, or discontinuation or limitation of his relationship with TMTG, may negatively impact TMTGs business, the company wrote.

Trump launched Truth Social on Feb. 21, 2022, about a year after major social networks banned him from their platforms for his role in allegedly inciting the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

While Trump promised to put a significant dent in his competitors user base, it doesnt appear to have gained serious steam as a major social network. A change may need to happen fast if Truth is to survive, with the company writing in SEC filings itd need millions of users to sign up and regularly use the network for it to be successful.

Potential Trump VP Pick Once Slammed Self-Promoter Trump Online

The company behind Truth Social doesnt disclose its user numbers, but SimilarWeb estimates it had roughly 1 million active users in February.

By comparison, Twitter, now X, generated roughly $5.2 billion in the final year before Elon Musks takeover. Multiple outlets have reported X still has over 300 million active users.

The first day of Truth Socials public trading, on Tuesday, appears to have been its busiest day of traffic in March. SimilarWeb estimated it had 277,000 U.S. visitors on Tuesdaya far cry from the 32 million U.S. visitors who logged on that same day to Reddit, a competitor who recently went public and trades at a lower stock price than TMTG.

In SEC filings, TMTG noted that its user base is comprised almost entirely of Republicans, citing polls from 2022 about whod actually sign up and use the website. TMTG insinuated theres a risk that those using Truth Social could migrate back to X should Trump do the same or find himself behind bars, conceding that its majority-owner is the subject of numerous legal proceedings, the scope and scale of which are unprecedented for a former President of the United States.

Trump did not immediately address the latest filings on Monday morning.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A final chance for the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre: This is it

There are only two people alive who remember firsthand what the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was like.

One of them is 109-year-old Viola Ford Fletcher, otherwise known as Mother Fletcher.

She specifically remembers people getting killed, houses, property, schools, churches, and stores getting destroyed with fire, she told CNN. It just stays with me, you know, just the fear. I have lived in Tulsa since but I dont sleep all night living there.

Ill just never get over that, she added.

Its part of why shes at the center of whats been a yearslong court battle for reparations alongside fellow survivor 109-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle and the estate of Fletchers late brother Hughes Van Ellis, also a survivor, who died at 102.

If Fletcher and her family had not been forced to leave their home and community with essentially just the clothes on their backs, she told CNN, I wouldve gotten an education, to where I could get a better job, especially being a nurse.

The Tulsa Race Massacre

The events leading up to the massacre began on May 30, 1921, when Dick Rowland, a 19-year-old Black shoe shiner, ran from an elevator in a downtown building after the elevators teen operator let out a scream. Rumors of a rape then circulated, Rowland was arrested, and White Tulsans formed a lynch mob.

Black Tulsans arrived at the jail to defend Rowland, scuffles ensued, a gun went off, and as then-Sheriff William McCullough told Literary Digest, All hell broke loose.

The mob laid waste to about 35 blocks within 16 hours, arresting thousands of Black residents, while robbing, beating and killing others. Historic photos show entire blocks gutted by flame and Black people lying in the street.

Exacerbating matters were insurance companies that denied many claims for what today would be tens of millions of dollars in property damage, including the destruction of two Black hospitals and 1,256 residences, according to the Greenwood Cultural Center.

An African American man with a camera looking at mangled bed frames, which rise above the ashes of a burned-out block after the Tulsa Race Massacre, Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 1921. - Oklahoma Historical Society/Getty Images

Stuck in court

Since 2021, Fletcher and Randle have been locked in a court battle against the city and other groups and officials just to get to a trial over the opportunities taken from them when Greenwood burned to the ground.

They claim in part the city of Tulsa and other related departments were complicit and the effects of the massacre are still being felt today.

In August 2022, a Tulsa judge allowed the lawsuit to move forward. Theyve argued the damage inflicted during the massacre was a public nuisance from the start and are seeking relief from the nuisance as well as to recover for unjust enrichment others have gained from the exploitation of the massacre.

Generally, a public nuisance is when a person or entity unreasonably interferes with a right that the general public shares in common, according to the Legal Information Institute.

However, on Fletchers 109 birthday, May 10, 2023, she was back in court fighting a new motion to dismiss the case.

Fletcher told CNN, I didnt feel very nice about it.

Being there for so many hours, it was really unpleasant but Im willing to do that again you know, Fletcher added.

109-year-old Viola Ford Fletcher, otherwise known as "Mother Fletcher," sits with CNN for an interview. She is one of two living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. - Gregg Canes/CNN

She was soon tested on it because a few months later, a motion to dismiss the case was granted after the city of Tulsa in part argued simply being connected to a historical event does not provide a person with unlimited rights to seek compensation related to the event.

So the families appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, who took up the case in August 2023. On April 2, the state high court will hear oral arguments not on reparations but simply for the right to go to trial to argue for reparations.

As the legal team for the survivors filed their final brief, Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons said, There is no going to the United States Supreme Court. There is no going to the federal court system. This is it.

But its a chance nonetheless.

Hughes Van Ellis, otherwise known as "Uncle Redd," after his final interview with CNN in June 2023. At the time he was the third living survivor from the massacre and the younger brother of Viola Ford Fletcher. He died at 102 in October 2023. - Omar Jimenez/CNN

Hughes Van Ellis, otherwise known as Uncle Redd, died waiting on that chance in October 2023 at 102 years old, emphasizing the obvious. The time these survivors have left is limited and fleeting. He was also Mother Fletchers younger brother.

LaDonna Penny, the granddaughter and primary caretaker of 109-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle, told CNN as part of a family statement, Let us honor them while they are still with us. Uncle Redd waged this battle until his final breath. We must not allow the stories of the LAST TWO SURVIVORS to be buried alongside them. Justice for Mother Randle and Mother Fletcher is overdue!

Viola Fletcher, right, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa race massacre, waits with fellow survivors, her brother Hughes Van Ellis Sr., left, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, center, for a protest march Friday, May 28, 2021, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. - Sue Ogrocki/AP

We urge the court to grant us the chance to be heard, she wrote.

When Fletcher was asked by CNN why she kept showing up to court, she said, I think we should get justice.

I think the courts should feel the same way, she added.

The Mabel B. Little Heritage House, otherwise known as the Sam and Lucy Mackey house, is a replica representing the only home built in the 1920s still standing. The original home sat just a few blocks away and was the second home of Sam and Lucy Mackey, after their first home burned in the 1921 massacre. - Dominic Swann/CNN

The second death of Black Wall Street

In Tulsa, the Mabel B. Little Heritage House is a replica representing the only home built in the 1920s still standing. It was built in 1926 after the original owners, Sam and Lucy Mackey, had their first home burned down in the 1921 race massacre. But it represents what life was like for many living in the Greenwood community at the time and a vitality that was repeatedly attacked.

Many people only know that Black Wall Street was destroyed, not that by 27 we had hundreds of black owned businesses and more homes in the Greenwood district, said Michelle Burdex, Program Coordinator for the Greenwood Cultural Center, referring to the massive rebuilding efforts after 1921.

The final demise of the community happened in stages.

One was the end of segregation, she said, as it led to community members spending money outside the community.

They had the right to spend their money in white owned stores, to enter a white restaurant and be served. They wanted to experience that, not understanding the long-term consequences and complications that would cause for small business owners in the Greenwood District.

A highway built through the heart of the district as part of federal highway acts in the 1960s dealt the final blow.

Interstate 244, built as part of the federal highway acts of the 1960s, was constructed right through the heart of the Greenwood neighborhood. The program director for the Greenwood Cultural Center says that was the final blow to the community. - Yon Pomrenze/CNN

The highway represents the second destruction of Black Wall Street. The highway separated the business district from traffic flow, from access, and it led to its demise, said Burdex, who also gave President Biden a tour of the cultural center when he visited in 2021 to mark the 100th anniversary of the massacre, a particular word Burdex says holds meaning.

This was not a riot. Theres no perfect term for what occurred here in the Greenwood District, but this was much more of a massacre, Burdex told CNN.

Its all part of what the survivors are arguing in court contributed to the lasting effects of the massacre and part of what still haunts Mother Fletcher to this day.

Her grandson Ike Howard says she often doesnt sleep through the night.

Sometimes its a better night than others, sometimes its worse. It depends on what happens during the day, what she sees on the news. How she feels, he said.

She also doesnt see it as buried in the past, either.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church burns after being torched by white mobs during the 1921 Tulsa race riot. - Greenworld Cultural Center/Tulsa World/AP

When they had the insurrection at the Capitol, she felt like it was happening all over again. It happened then, she believes it can happen again. Because it happened then and it shouldnt have been able to happen when it happened, he told CNN.

She also serves as a living reminder of the impact on their familys chances to build generational wealth.

Instead of having a leg up for my father and my father having a leg up for me. All we had was setbacks. I had to spend 20 years in the military to break the curse, he said.

Its part of why he helped launch the Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation to bridge the gap between what happened over a century ago and the struggles many still face.

Fletcher told CNN, I think about what happened then, and how blessed we were to get out without getting harmed, as she reflected on a time where she never mentioned what happened to her and her family in 1921.

When it happened, right afterwards, they said leave, dont talk about it. Dont tell anyone why or anything. So we grew up like that, not talking about what happened.

Now, while she still rarely talks about it, she wants people to know what happened and not let it fade from memory. She recently wrote a book with the help of her grandson called Dont Let Them Bury My Story to drive home the point.

Its the very message she and the other survivors hope the Oklahoma Supreme Court reinforces as they make what may be their final pleas for justice.

CNNs Amir Vera, Ashley Killough and Leonel Mendez contributed to this report.

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A fire broke out on the territory of a heavy machine factory Uralmashzavod in Russia's Yekaterinburg, the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry reported on April 1.

Uralmashzavod, based in the major Russian city east of the Ural Mountains, produces equipment for the metallurgy, mining, and energy industries.

Historically, it has also been repurposed for military production.

The Russian ministry said it had received a report about the fire in the afternoon on April 1. Firefighters had arrived at the scene to contain the fire, which broke out on the roof of a workshop and covered an area of 4,500 square meters.

No casualties were reported. It remains unclear what was the cause of the fire.

Uralmashzavod claimed that while the affected building is located on the factory's territory, the workshop itself does not belong to the company and is located "far from the production facilities."

Another fire broke out at the Kazan Higher Tank Command School in Russia's Tatarstan on March 7 and at a heating station in the far-eastern Russian city of Shagonar north of the Mongolian border on March 6.

Read also: Moscow shooting aftermath: Repressions, racism, terror

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Fire breaks out at industrial plant in Russia's Yekaterinburg, eyewitnesses heard explosion first  photo, video

A fire covering an area of 4,000 sq. m broke out in a machinery room at the Uralmashzavod plant in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on 1 April. Eyewitnesses had heard an explosion just before.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlets RIA Novosti, Dozhd and E1.RU

Details: The Russian Emergencies Ministry reported that the roof of a workshop had caught fire on the territory of an industrial site in Yekaterinburg and that the fire covered an area of 4,000 sq. m.

Local media outlets reported that eyewitnesses heard something exploding first, after which smoke started pouring out.

The plant itself claimed that the building where the blaze occurred did not belong to them. "Its not our building thats on fire, it doesnt belong to us. It is located on the Uralmashzavod industrial site, but a long way away from our production facilities, and were not the owners of that building," they said.

The cause of the fire has not been established. No casualties were reported.

For reference: Uralmashzavod is a Russian machine-building company based in the city of Yekaterinburg that manufactures equipment for the metallurgy, mining and energy industries.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Azerbaijan and Romania have a strategic alliance, and there is numerous potential for further successful cooperation, Romanian Minister of Energy Sebastian Ioan Burduja and Azerbaijani co-chair of the commission, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Sahil Babayev said in a joint communique, Trend reports.

They made the remarks at the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, which was held in Baku.



Babayev stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Romania, the partnership has been steadily growing.



He emphasized that the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership has been in place since 2009, with the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Partnership being implemented since 2011.



According to him, more than 60 cooperation instruments have been signed between the countries, and trade turnover continues to rise, increasing by 29.3 percent last year.

Burduja pointed out that Romania attaches special importance to the constant expansion of cooperation with Azerbaijan and expressed hope that the current meeting would contribute to this direction.

Meanwhile, the topics of the meeting in Baku include cooperation in energy (key), transportation, investment, agriculture, social, educational, humanitarian, infrastructural, construction, and other spheres.

Earlier, the Romanian delegation visited the ASAN Center and considered the experience of such a structure's operation important.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A house fire occurred Sunday afternoon in central Abilene.

Crews are on the scene in the 200 block of Miller Street, attacking the flames. Please avoid the area at this time.

We have a reporter on the scene and will update you as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Latosha Stone-Keagy, a painter and graphic designer from Greenville, Ohio, draws inspiration from anime and surrealism to create her renowned artwork, showcasing cute yet fiercely empowering women while championing diversity within her artistic representations.

According to BlackNews.com, Stone-Keagy owns Proper Gnar, the first Black woman-owned skateboard company. She recently held her first solo exhibit at the Richmond Art Museum in Indiana, further solidifying her pioneering role in art. The exhibition celebrates womens empowerment with original skateboard deck designs, oil paintings, and digital art prints. She expressed her excitement at the opportunity to showcase her artwork in the museum alongside other talented artists, emphasizing the significance of skate culture and fine art.

Im thrilled and honored to have my first solo art show at the Richmond Art Museum, Stone-Keagy told BlackNews.com. Its a dream come true to see my artwork displayed alongside such talented artists. As a skateboarder and artist, this exhibition is a celebration of both passions, bridging the gap between skate culture and fine art. Im grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and inspire others to follow their creative pursuits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tosha Ann (@toshaisgnarly)

Art enthusiasts had a chance to experience Stone-Keagys impressive artwork at the museum from Feb. 10 through March 30, delving into her distinct artistic viewpoint with a fusion of art, culture and individuality.

Stone-Keagys journey into the art world began at a young age, sparked by the presence of her temporarily residing uncle, who painted landscapes. In school, she was the kid who always enjoyed sketching in the margins of her homework, which sparked her interest in creating celebrity portraits, according to the outlet.

It was during this time that I discovered the power of portraiture to convey emotions and connect with others on a deeper level, Stone-Keagy said in an interview with Canvas Rebel.

Stone-Keagys journey into skateboarding began in middle school, where she found herself among the few Black girls who enjoyed the sport. However, the lack of representation in fashion and skateboard art left her feeling overlooked and underserved. Stone-Keagy noticed the disparity in sponsorship opportunities between male and female skaters as she grew older, fueling her determination to change conventional norms.

Following an injury two years ago, Stone-Keagy disclosed that her skateboarding activity has significantly decreased. Alongside her role as a paint class instructor, she finds joy in incorporating her art onto skateboards. However, she believes this medium doesnt adequately capture her artistic vision. Consequently, she has shifted her focus toward fine art, working on canvases and wood, where she experiences a sense of happiness and emotional fulfillment.

Stone-Keagy operates under her brand, ToshaisGnarly, where she showcases her work on her website.

According to BlackNews.com, her skateboarding designs have been featured in the popular HBO television series Betty and Beyonces Black Parade website. She has partnered with brands such as Pop Tarts and DC Comics television show Naomi.

When asked what she finds most rewarding about being creative, Stone-Keagy said it is the connection she develops with others.

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the people I connect with. Through skateboarding, Ive got to meet so many women who were into the same stuff as me, had shared experiences, and inspired a new generation to get on board and skate! Its the same way with art, I recently did some art clinics and seeing the kids faces and stories was so magical. Another rewarding aspect is the feeling of accomplishment when you finish a piece. To me, art can be an emotional process from beginning to end, and is a form of therapy as well, she said, per Canvas Rebel.
A Texas dairy worker has tested positive for the avian flu, marking the first identified human case of an illness in the U.S. that has sickened cattle across several states over the past few weeks.

The infection, only the second human case of H5N1 ever recorded in the country, is worrying public health experts who for decades have cautioned that avian flu could pose a serious threat.

The case is the only one state and federal officials have identified, and there is no evidence that it is being spread among humans. The illness is mild and the worker is expected to recover, said two people familiar with the matter, who were granted anonymity because the information has not yet been made public. While there have been confirmed avian flu fatalities in other parts of the world, the U.S. has only ever recorded a handful of mild cases, according to the CDC.

The new human case follows recent cow infections in Texas, Idaho, Michigan and New Mexico that have raised alarm among public health experts who worry the virus spread to mammals could make it easier for the virus to infect humans.

Every single time is a little bit of Russian roulette, said veteran public health expert Ashish Jha, who led the Biden administrations Covid-19 response. You play that game long enough and one of these times it will become fit to spread among humans.

The CDC, FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture said the virus was found in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently received cows from herds in Texas. The USDAs National Veterinary Services Laboratories said the Michigan strain is very similar to the cow infections in Texas and Kansas, which appear to have come from wild birds.

Initial testing has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans, the CDC, FDA and USDA said in a press release. While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, this indicates that the current risk to the public remains low.

Still, senior White House officials are closely monitoring the evolving situation, with the Office of Pandemic Preparedness receiving regular updates from HHS and USDA. Jeff Zients, President Joe Biden's chief of staff, was briefed last week, said one person familiar with the matter, granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations.

The FDA's top vaccine regulator said Monday that the U.S. maintains a stockpile of vaccines targeting avian flu.

There are actually vaccines licensed in the United States for H5N1, and there are stockpiles where we believe that, if we needed to, they would be reasonably good matches," Dr. Peter Marks said at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington.

Whether the federal government would activate more production of those countermeasures depends on how the situation unfolds, Marks indicated."Just because of being on edge from Covid, there are a lot of people looking at whats going on here, and theres probably a pretty low threshold to pull the trigger here," he said. "This is one case were a little luckier because its a pathogen that we know. We know what this is and what we have in the freezer, so to speak. We have a little bit of a leg up on at least getting started.

But Dr. Luciana Borio, a former FDA official, questioned the vaccines' potency. The shots' two-dose regimen, which the FDA approved in 2007, produced antibody levels expected to reduce the risk of getting avian flu by 45 percent.

I'm not as confident as Dr. Marks," she said after his remarks.

There is also concern about potential cow-to-cow spread in Idaho. State veterinarian Scott Leibsle told POLITICO that cows from an Idaho dairy tested positive for avian influenza a few weeks after a shipment of Texas cattle arrived in early March from a facility with avian influenza cases.

The coincidence of timing is just too coincidental to say well, the shipment of cattle came up from an affected facility in Texas and then two weeks later we saw it in some other cattle, Leibsle said. That just doesnt make any sense.

The FDA said it is not aware of milk or food products from symptomatic cows entering interstate commerce. The three government agencies said there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply because of pasteurization  which heats milk to a temperature that would kill the virus.

But Rick Bright, who led the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and raised alarm about the Trump administrations early response to the Covid-19 pandemic, said he is not comforted by those assurances.

They would have to do a lot of testing before I would drink milk from one of these farms at this point, Bright said.

Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said it will be crucial to get a better understanding whether the virus is changing in a way that makes it more adaptable to spread among humans.

I don't necessarily suspect that to be the case because I don't think cows are particularly like humans in that way, said Rivers, who was a founding associate director of the CDCs Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics. But any time the epidemiology of a virus changes it makes me listen more closely.

Bright cautioned that highly pathogenic avian influenza does not always translate to the same level of disease in people and mammals as birds, though he and other experts warn the potential impact is far from certain.

The increasing prevalence of avian influenza in cows means that human surveillance in farmworkers and dairy workers should be bolstered, according to Association of Public Health Laboratories CEO Scott Becker.

The bigger picture is that this virus is not cooling off, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. We've been worrying about this virus for 20 years, more than 20 years. And in the last year, it has really been remarkable in how far across the globe it has been spreading, and how many species it's been affecting.

Stacey Schultz-Cherry, an expert in animal influenza at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, said the infections in cows are the first time avian influenza has been found in the animal.

There does seem to be more spillover into these different animal species that we've never really thought about before, especially with avian influenza viruses, Schultz-Cherry said.

Lauren Gardner contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story, relying on a mistaken press release from the USDA, misidentified a state where cows were infected.
First in the state? Hopkinton allows students initiated in Sikh faith to carry kirpans

HOPKINTON  Reflecting a changing student population, a school weapons policy now allows for blade-like objects to be worn for religious reasons.

The new weapons policy, adopted on March 21, allows for Hopkinton Public Schools students initiated in the Sikh faith to carry a kirpan  a small, dull blade that Sikhs carry as part of their religious identity.

According to district guidelines, students and their families will sign an agreement with the school district requiring that blades be no more than 3 inches long.

Sikhism is a distinct, independent religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia (comprising of what's now eastern Pakistan and northwestern India) in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak, who promoted the idea of a singular divine and a life of spiritual reflection and selfless service.

The three-inch kirpan owned by Sikh Coalition co-founder and Hopkinton resident Harpreet Singh. In Sikhism, the kirpan is an article of faith Sikhs maintain as part of a religious identity.

U.S. Census: Hopkinton's population surges nearly 26% from 2010 to 2020

The kirpan is one of the five articles of faith required as part of Sikh's religious uniform. These articles of faith  which also include the kesh (unshorn hair), kanga (small comb), kara (steel bracelet) and kachera (soldier-shorts)  distinguish someone who has formally committed to the values of Sikhism by accepting initiation.

Harpreet Singh, co-founder of the Sikh Coalition, a New York-based group that works to protect Sikhs who practice their faith, said the kirpan has symbolic meaning.

"It symbolizes a fight against injustice, a fight against oppression," Singh told the Daily News.

Superintendent says Hopkinton's kirpan policy may be first in state

Hopkinton Superintendent of Schools Carol Cavanaugh said the issue of kirpans was brought to her attention because of an overnight field trip. She said the policy allows for students to practice their religion, and that Hopkinton's policy could be the first in the state adopted by a school district.

"If we really think about the kirpan and carrying it, and maybe us being the first district in the state to have a policy on it, I think one thing that Hopkinton is really good at is thinking about the needs of all of the people who live here," Cavanaugh said. "Those needs are growing more and more diverse every day. I think we've tried to do a really good job here in the schools to make sure that we're meeting those needs  and when we're not, we hope people will tell us."

According to the policy, students carrying the kirpan must have a record of appropriate school behavior; the kirpan must be sheathed and secured, in line with religious requirements; and may be not be displayed openly and will be worn under clothing to ensure safety. The school district will review allowing a student to carry a kirpan before the start of each school year or before the student begins carrying the iteme.

In addition, the school district reserves the right to suspend carrying religious artifacts during specific events.

Small blade part of religious uniform worn by growing community

The new policy reflects MetroWest's growing population of Sikhs. In the decade between 2010-20, Hopkinton was among the Commonwealth's fastest-growing communities.

In the 2020 U.S. Census, Hopkinton  like the nation and state  saw the most growth in residents who identify as Asian. But it's a diverse category. In Hopkinton, the number of people who identify as Asian more than quintupled  up 411.8%. The towns total population increase was 3,833 people (up 26%), while those who identified as Asian accounted for 2,697 of that increase. Just under 18% of the total town population is Asian, as of the 2020 U.S. Census.

Singh, who lives in Hopkinton, said a number of Sikhs moved to MetroWest in recent years due to the Gurdwara Sahib, a Sikh place of worship, opening in Westborough. Singh moved to Hopkinton from Cambridge in 2016 because of this, as well as Hopkinton's high-achieving school district.

'Special right and privilege': Hopkinton considers letting noncitizens vote on town issues

Singh told the Daily News that school administrators met with the Sikh community to discuss the symbolic reasons Sikhs carry a kirpan as part of creating the policy.

"As more and more Sikhs are moving here, you'll see some of the schoolchildren wearing the kirpan," Singh said. "So the school district was concerned and they met with the Sikh community to better understand our beliefs and to frame a policy around the kirpan."

Students initiated as Sikhs interested in carrying a kirpan can find the form online on the Hopkinton Public School's webpage.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Hopkinton schools allow students initiated Sikh faith carry kirpans
At least five people, including three firefighters, were injured when flames broke out at a Brooklyn church where around 170 worshippers were gathered for Easter service Sunday, the FDNY said.

The five-alarm blaze was reported just before 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Rosary Pompeii Church in East Williamsburg, where about 44 fire companies rushed to put out the flames, Fire Department sources told The Post.

During the Mass, they noticed that black smoke was coming out [from behind the altar], and the faithful let me know, said church priest Father Romulo Marin. When I turned around and opened to the door [to the church office located behind the altar], it was already on fire, everything was on fire, the roof [in the office].

Five people were injured when a fire broke out at a Brooklyn church during Easter service. James Keivom

It is unclear what started the fire. James Keivom

The FDNY shared images of the blaze, with dark smoke seen billowing out of the windows of the church and flames reaching the rooftop.

Five people were treated for minor injuries, fire officials said on X. Three of those hurt were Bravest, authorities said.

Officials said firefighters did an amazing job putting down the flames  including one smoke eater who fell through the floor and managed to bounce back to continue battling the fire.

The blaze erupted in East Williamsburg. James Keivom

One of our firefighters fell from the second floor, through to the first floor while fighting the fire, Assistant Chief Michael Meyers.

This shows the strength, tenacity, and determination of our firefighters. They gave the mayday for him. He didnt realize that the mayday was for him and he bounced back up off the floor, came in and wanted to run back up the stairs to address the mayday issue, not realizing the mayday was for himself.

The priest  who said fire officials told him the fires cause was electrical  added that his biggest concern was not that the Easter service was ruined but that all the members of his congregation were safe and accounted for.

Everybody left in an ordinary fashion, slowly, they exited the church. For me, it was the big worry that everyone was safe, he said.

Over 40 fire companies responded to the five-alarm fire. James Keivom

As for the blaze breaking out on Easter Sunday, Marin said, Christ has risen. The church we can rebuild.

One of the worshippers, who identified herself as Blanca, mourned the loss of the house of worship.

Its very sad because we lost our church. This is the church that I go to every day, she said.

This is a developing story.
FL is a very dangerous place for those who speak their mind or support causes GOP officials oppose

About 20 FSU student activists gathered outside the universitys board of trustees meeting to demand divestment from Israel. Nov. 10, 2023. (Credit: Christian Casale)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

Last year, a survey by the Pew Research Center conducted before the 60th anniversary of the landmark March on Washington showed that 81% of American grown-ups believe that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King has had a positive impact on the country.

Of those polled, 47% considered Kings impact to be very positive, while a mere 3% regard his impact on the United States as being negative.

It wasnt always that way.

In the May 1963 Gallup survey, for example, 92% of Black Americans but only 35% of white Americans had a favorable opinion of the civil rights leader, Pew researchers said. As more white Americans learned who King was over the next three years, a higher share of them viewed him unfavorably. Around four-in-ten white adults (41%) had an unfavorable view of King in May 1963  a figure that rose to 69% by August 1966.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park Service.

King, a social justice activist and Civil Rights icon, first came to prominence as a 26-year-old pastor who in 1955 headed the Montgomery Improvement Association which organized a boycott of the citys bus system in an effort to end racial segregation. After seamstress Rosa L. Parks refused to move to the back of the bus, African Americans refused to ride buses for 381 days, breaking the backs of the bus company and the city. The bus boycott also established King as the leader of the modern Civil Rights movement.

The young King ultimately attracted and served as the leader of legions of children, teens and young adults to the crusade, all seeking to destroy Jim Crow and segregation, fight centuries of violence and push the country towards justice, equality and fairness for all Black people.

In retrospect, King  and his ground troops, allies and brain trust, including Stokely Carmichael, Lawrence Guyot, Dorie and Joyce Ladner, Diane Nash, Jim Bevel and Marion S. Barry  were ahead of their time. Young people impatient with the slow pace of change and pushing public officials, policymakers and institutions to accede to their demands.

A myth

In 2024, the generational divide; the collision between young and the old; friction caused by disparate ideas of what society owes us is wide and widening. There are stark disagreements about how the government spends our money; who has a voice; and most of all, who benefits.

America has long prided itself on being the only country in the world with the level of freedom, sovereignty and independence that its people enjoy. But a peek under the microscope makes it clear that the length and breadth of freedom that Americans supposedly enjoy is a myth.

Millennials and Gen Xers in Florida and across the country have been at the forefront of this generations civil rights struggle. In response, Gov. Ron DeSantis has introduced and made law a batch of barely-legal McCarthyite policies aimed at controlling young people while ruthlessly suppressing and crushing dissent.

Children at a public charter school in South Florida attend a bill signing, HB 7, with Gov. Ron DeSantis. CRT references Critical Race Theory. April 22, 2022. Credit: Diane Rado

That includes efforts forcing educators to teach a whitewashed curriculum on race and gender identity, and laws such as the Individual Freedom Act, also known as the Stop Woke Act, and the Parental Rights in Education Act, or Dont Say Gay.

Fortunately, the courts have been keeping DeSantis from running roughshod over Floridians he doesnt like or seeks to control. Recently, a court curbed the excesses of Dont Say Gay. And earlier in March, a federal court blocked the Stop Woke Act, which banned classes or instruction in schools or the workplace which dealt with racism, discrimination or white privilege.

DeSantis and his Republican cabal are undeterred, moving ahead with eliminating any semblance or shred of diversity, equity and inclusion in the states educational infrastructure as part of a crusade to kill off these programs that ensured parity, a place and a platform to treat underrepresented or marginalized communities fairly.

Florida has become a very dangerous place for those who speak their mind or support causes that Republican elected officials oppose. Case in point, the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Thousands of Hamas militants launched a brutal multi-pronged attack on sections of Israel closest to Gaza that left about 1,200 Israelis dead, thousands wounded and about 250 more taken hostage.

Israels response has been a ferocious, vicious and brutal response over the past 146 days. The results have been calamitous: more than 32,000 Palestinian men, women and children have been killed because of the air, land and sea offensive. Almost 74,000 Palestinians have been injured and analysts say 144,000 and 175,000 buildings  between 50 and 60%  across the whole Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed.

And satellite analysis by The Guardian newspaper shows that almost half of Gazas trees have been burned and a significant swathe of farms have been destroyed. The non-stop blitz had caused rising levels of water and air pollution, rendering Gazas ecosystems unlivable.

Vocal critics

Posters of some of those kidnapped by Hamas are displayed on a pole outside of New York University on Oct. 30, 2023, as tensions between supporters of Palestinians and Israel increase on college campuses across the nation. A U.S. House Committee Nov. 8, 2023 held a hearing looking at antisemitism on college campuses. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

College students and young people in Florida and across the U.S. have been the most vocal critics of the death toll of innocent Palestinians, who are facing starvation, a severe shortage of clean drinking water, the almost-total cessation of AID convoys, disease and unsanitary conditions. But American politicians  the majority of whom are stanch supporters of Israel and the Netanyahu government  have pushed back hard.

Im sick of hearing the media, Im sick of hearing other people blame Israel just for defending itself, one of those candidates, DeSantis, told an audience during the third GOP presidential debate in Miami in November.

DeSantis also bragged about banning a Palestinian student advocacy group from state universities. This justification and sidestepping of Israeli atrocities is common. (DeSantis has since suspended his GOP presidential campaign.)

There have been lawsuits from organizations on First Amendment grounds, but the issue hasnt yet been resolved. Despite the hostility from all corners of the political, social and educational universes, those calling for an unconditional ceasefire have been attacked, lambasted, sanctioned and fired from their jobs, all in an attempt to silence their voices.

Democrat Angie Nixon of Duval County speaks with reporters after the House overwhelmingly rejected her resolution advocating for de-escalation and a cease-fire in Israel and Gaza. (Credit: Jackie Llanos)

In November, state Rep. Angie Nixon of Duval County filed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. She was the lone lawmaker to mention Palestinian deaths, and she was called an anti-Semite and evil during a teary-eyed debate in the state House.

Arab and Muslim Americans, a segment of African Americans and legions of young people, have been outspoken in their criticism of the Biden administrations unconditional support of Israel militarily and diplomatically. During the recent Michigan primary in February, more than 100,000 residents voted uncommitted. If they decide to sit out the presidential election, Biden could conceivably lose one of the most consequential elections in this countrys history.

Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has been attacked and censured by her colleagues in Congress.

But neither she nor those supporting a humane U.S. policy towards Palestinians are backing down.

Whether they fail to mention Palestinians, question our death tolls, attack our students and protests, or censure the only Palestinian American representative in Congress, their attempts to silence us wont work, said Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USPCR). As much as they wish us to disappear, we are here and will be here, and they will be seeing much more of us moving forward.

In the future, I expect historians, political experts and others to view these social justice activists in the same way that The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is viewed.

Their positions are moral, principled and humane and they, by their actions, are pulling the U.S. towards the arc of justice.

The post FL is a very dangerous place for those who speak their mind or support causes GOP officials oppose appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Courthouse for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Credit: Michael Moline

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

A voting-rights organizer testified Monday that a 2023 law has made it more difficult for groups like his to register new voters, especially the Hispanics his organization mostly works with.

Jared Nordlund, Florida director for Unidos US, specifically cited provisions barring non-U.S. citizens from helping third-party organizations like his register people to vote and imposing $50,000 fines if they make any errors.

Jared Nordlund. Credit: Unidos

He conceded that people can register online and in government offices, including local supervisors of elections offices and government agencies like the DMV. But he added that many of his constituents lack familiarity with web-based services and suffer from a language barrier in communicating with officials.

Then theres the reality of the lives they lead, Nordlund added.

Most of our people are probably working nine-to-five hourly jobs and cant take off time to go to the elections office when theyre open to register them to vote, he said.

The testimony came on Day One of a trial over the law and as the state and local elections supervisors prepare for the November general election, in which Floridians will vote for president and an array of national, state, and local offices. U.S. Chief District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee enjoined some aspects of the law in July 2023, but the outcome will determine the long-term ability of third-party organizations like Unidos to help their constituents exercise their right to vote.

During Mondays proceedings, Abha Khanna, an attorney representing a variety of voter-registration organizations challenging the law, asked Nordlund, When your canvassers are out in the community, they meet voters where they are. Is that correct?

Correct, yes, Nordlund said.

Also critical is that his canvassers come from the communities in which they work.

You trust your neighbor more than a random person that you dont know, Nordlund said.

The trial over SB 7050 is set to run through Friday, and U.S. Chief District Judge Mark Walker announced plans to work through next weekend on admission of the voluminous number or proposed exhibits. Walker called it an evidence extravaganza.

Multi-year crackdown

The law specifies that third-party voter registration organizations cannot have employees or volunteers who are not citizens of the United States help people register to vote, even if they are legal residents. That same exclusion applies to convicted felons, making no allowance for people who have won restoration of their civil and voting rights.

The measure was among a multi-year crackdown by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature on access to the ballot that followed the 2020 presidential election and Donald Trumps efforts to discredit the integrity of that election.

Organizations would be subject to $50,000 fines for every such person who collects forms. The law also prohibits retention of information about people they sign up to vote.

Also challenging the law is the League of Women Voters of Florida, Florida State Conference of Branches and Youth units of the NAACP, Equal Ground Education Fund, Voters of Tomorrow Action, Disability Rights Florida, Alianza for Progress, and the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans.

Named plaintiffs include Secretary of State Cord Byrd and the county supervisors of elections.

According to Norlund, his organization takes pains to ensure the integrity of its process, using a third-party vendor to conduct background checks on canvassers, including for criminal checks and, using the E-Verify system, that they are eligible to work in the United States, although not all are U.S. citizens.

Its hard to get a citizen to serve as a canvasser given the difficulty of the job, which entails working outside in all weather conditions, Nordlund said.

Training

They go through a few days of training including role-playing to get comfortable with the real-life process, plus regular refresher training. Theyre paid $20 per hour (and not a fee based on forms completed), he said.

Each is given 20 forms each morning and is expected to return each at the end of every day, to make sure no filled-in forms get lost, Norlund said.

The organization scrutinizes registration forms for completeness, including that the voter has declared his or her county of residence, and ships them via the U.S. Postal Service to the Florida Division of Elections, usually twice per week, Norlund said. It retains a scanned copy of these forms to verify any communications from the division.

Unidos paid $2,000 in fines in 2023 after being cited for turning over two forms to a county other than the one the registrant lived in during 2022, Norlund conceded. He blamed clerical errors. The group processed more than 35,000 forms during that cycle.

A $400 fine came in 2019 after the group was late in delivering five applications during the 2018 cycle, Norlund said; they had gotten stuck in a lockbox the group used to store them before delivery to election authorities. He didnt know whether they were blocked from voting. The group processed 50,000 forms during that cycle, he said.

Josh Pratt, a private attorney representing Secretary of State Cord Byrd in the case, questioned the laws burden. For example, he asked Norlund whether he knew whether those applicants might have registered through another organization. Norland said that he did not. The state also questioned how much harder the law makes training of canvassers, given that Unidos provides training every time it hires canvassers. Nordland replied that the organization now must take greater pains in that area.

Nordlund put the total number of votes Unidos has registered since launching these efforts in 2008 at 400,000, including updates to existing registrations to reflect, say, changes of residence.

The group cooperates closely with the secretary of states office. Whatever they ask, we provide for them, Norlund said.

Without the Unidos effort, ultimately, there would be less Hispanic participation in the election, Nordlund said.

Noncitizen canvassers are no less trustworthy than citizens. They enjoy the job, they really want to work with us, they come back year after year, Nordlund said, becoming like family members.

The post FLs voter registration crackdown would mean less Hispanic participation, advocate testifies appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Floridians will be able to vote on abortion protections this fall, the states Supreme Court ruled Mondaya win celebrated by the states Democrats despite the court, in a separate case, also paving the way for a law to take effect that will ban all abortions after six weeks.

That six-week abortion ban, passed by Floridas Republican-majority legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year, will go into effect on May 1. That measure can be undone by voters come November, however.

The courts decision is expected to reverberate across Florida and the southeast. A privacy protection clause in the Florida constitution had allowed the Sunshine State to enjoy abortion access up to 15 weeks despite DeSantis being at the helmaccess that women relied upon in nearby states like Alabama and Mississippi, where abortion is outright banned, and in Georgia and South Carolina, which have laws similar to Floridas soon-to-be-active six-week ban.

The lawsuit that challenged the newly-passed bans were brought by Planned Parenthood, which argued the privacy clause explicitly protected a right to abortion in the state.

Marilyn Lands, Who Ran on IVF and Abortion Issue, Hopeful After Alabama Win

Lawyers for the state countered that the clause, which was adopted by a voter referendum in 1980, was never meant to cover abortion and made no mention of it on the ballot back then. They argued the clause was mainly meant to cover informational privacy such as personal recordsnot medical decisions.

Floridas Supreme Court, which had five of its seven justices appointed by DeSantis, ruled in favor of the state on Monday, 6-1. Now, Florida women will often be barred from having an abortion before many realize theyre even pregnant.

Voters will have a chance to change the ban come November, however, as the justices gave an OK for a proposed amendment to the states constitution to be on Florida ballots.

That amendment, if it received at least 60 percent of votes in favor of it, would significantly protect abortion access in Florida. Its text reads, in part, that no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. Viability is estimated to be around six months of pregnancy.

The Florida Supreme Court voted 4-3 in favor of approving the amendment to reach the ballota tight victory for abortion advocates like Planned Parenthood, which has championed the proposed amendment.

Florida is the latest battleground for abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, which had protected abortion access for decades at the federal level.

Abortion protections have made it on the ballot in seven other states, with pro-choice advocates coming away successful in each instance. That included a vote in Ohio where voters passed an amendment similar to what will soon be on Florida ballotsmaking abortion legal up until viability.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Ron DeSantis made a risky political bet by signing abortion bans into law in Florida. Now, its Donald Trump who could pay for it.

The state Supreme Court on Monday upheld a 15-week ban signed by DeSantis  a move that in 30 days will trigger a far more restrictive 6-week ban also backed by the governor, just months before the November election.

The justices also ruled that Floridians will be able to vote in the November election to reverse the ban and make abortion broadly legal in the state through a constitutional amendment. The proposed amendment will put the abortion question on the ballot below voters choices for president, Senate and other down-ballot races right as voters weigh the impact of the DeSantis-backed restrictions.

DeSantis, the states Republican governor who dropped out of the presidential race in January and still has more than 2 years left in his term, wont be on the ballot. But with abortion now front and center in Florida, Trump will face numerous political attacks on the issue from the Biden campaign and questions about what he thinks voters  including himself, a Florida resident  should do about the amendment.

The same is true for Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a Trump ally who is up for reelection and who, like Trump, has a frosty relationship with DeSantis.

Abortion is to Republicans what immigration is to Democrats, said former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.). If they're talking about it, they're losing.

Trump and Scott are still both favored to win Florida. Republicans far out-register Democrats in the state, and the Biden campaign hasnt prioritized Florida as a core battleground. But the existence of a restrictive abortion ban coupled with the abortion amendment in the nations third-most-populous state still presents an extra political obstacle for Republicans at a time when the national party has been twisting itself in knots trying to figure out a way to talk about abortion.

"In the era of Roe v. Wade, Republicans could accommodate the part of their base that was pro-life without actually having to do anything about it. It was a blessing for them, said former state Rep. Carlos Lacasa, a Republican who supports abortion rights. Now those days are over."

After the rulings, Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez issued a memo about Florida declaring that the president was "in a stronger position to win Florida this cycle than he was in 2020" and that the state was now "winnable" for Democrats.





Abortion rights advocates pushed to get the issue on the ballot after DeSantis curtailed abortion access. Once broadly available, Florida now has a 15-week ban that has no exceptions for rape and incest. The six-week ban is considered by opponents to be nearly an all-out ban given that most women don't know they're pregnant that early on. The ban will also affect patients who travel to Florida from across the Southeast, where abortion is similarly outlawed.

Trump has described DeSantis six-week ban as a terrible thing and a terrible mistake and has avoided getting into specifics publicly about which abortion restrictions he supports, though he has reportedly privately floated the idea of a national 16-week limit. During the GOP primary, DeSantis unsuccessfully tried to pin down Trump on the issue, even concluding that the former president  who appointed the deciding U.S. Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe  was not pro-life.

As for Scott, he said less than a year ago that he would have signed the six-week abortion ban into law if he was still Florida governor. Back then, he signed a 24-hour waiting period into law. As a senator, he once supported a 20-week federal limit but has since backed off, saying his position changed after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. He recently told POLITICO that states, not the federal government, should set abortion policy.

But his likely Democratic opponent, former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, said she plans to put Scott on the spot over Floridas abortion policies. You better bet that Rick Scott is going to have to answer for that, she said. I think that he's been trying to backpedal because he knows that it's an issue that he is not going to win when it comes to November.

She stressed too that, outside of Floridas current restrictions, Scott had his own record on abortion rights.

Floridians are not going to forget what he did when he was governor, she said. He can try and hide, we wont let him forget.

The Scott campaign didnt directly address POLITICOs questions but in a statement stressed the importance of making adoption more affordable and added that Floridians agree that there should be some reasonable limits placed on abortion."

The Republican Party of Florida has said it will urge voters to cast their ballots against the referendum in November, and DeSantis' office said he was opposed to the court putting the referendum on the ballot.

DeSantis, Republicans in the Legislature and Scott also argue that the language of the ballot is too permissive and extreme": It allows abortion until viability, generally understood to be at around 24 weeks of pregnancy, and provides undefined health exceptions for later abortions.

"President Trump supports preserving life but has also made clear that he supports states' rights because he supports the voters' right to make decisions for themselves," said Brian Hughes, senior adviser to the Trump campaign. "Where President Trump thinks voters should have the last word, Biden and many Democrats want to allow abortion up until the moment of birth and force taxpayers to pay for it."

Many Republicans insist the issue of abortion will be a far lower priority for Florida voters than concerns about undocumented immigration and anxiety about the economy.

They point to the wide margins the GOP won by in 2022, with DeSantis at the top of the ticket and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who supported a national 15-week ban, also winning by double digits. They predict that voters who are motivated by abortion rights would have voted for Democrats anyway, and that Democrats hopes about making inroads thanks to having abortion on the ballot arent based in reality.



There is no empirical data suggesting abortion will be a driving force considering that Joe Bidens failed agenda has continued harming everyday Floridians, said Miami Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, who was Trumps 2020 Florida director.

Alex Patton  a Florida-based consultant and pollster whose clients are Republicans, but who personally left the GOP to become a non-party affiliated voter  predicted the abortion issue would activate voters because they feel like [they're] losing rights." He predicted the way national Democrats view Florida could change if polling showed some races, especially the Senate race, might be within striking distance.

Then you might see the [Democratic National Committee] come in and spend some money on the issue as opposed to ignoring Florida, he said. We see what happens when the Democrats ignore Florida: they lose by 20 points.

DeSantis didnt sign the abortion ban to stick it to Trump or any other Republican in the 2024 elections. He was trying to polish his own conservative bona fides to run to the right of the former president, someone whose endorsement he desperately sought  and one that propelled him to a narrow win  when he first ran for governor in 2018.

He signed the six-week bill into law late at night surrounded by anti-abortion organizations, but did not invite the press or livestream the event, a significant contrast from the fanfare surrounding him signing the 15-week ban. He also initially struggled to talk about abortion during the early months of his presidential campaign.



DeSantis endorsed Trump in January when he dropped out of the presidential race, but then he quickly started picking apart Trumps general-election vulnerabilities. The two men have been sniping at each other again in recent weeks, with Trump taking to Truth Social to try to recruit candidates to run in Florida. The move is widely perceived as Trump trying to exert dominance in the state.

Democrats are eager to make the 2024 election about abortion, given that every ballot measure to secure abortion access since the demise of Roe has passed. While these amendments havent necessarily resulted in more Democrats getting elected, the party got an encouraging sign late last month by flipping an Alabama state House seat from Republicans, after the Democratic candidate made abortion-rights her primary message. A central Florida Democratic candidate also flipped a state House seat in January after heavily focusing his campaign on abortion.

I don't know how many more data points the GOP needs, Patton said, to understand that this is a dog issue for them.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The Azerbaijani government has welcomed Romanian investors to work in the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ), which will become the most profitable place to do business in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Board of the AFEZ Authority Valeh Alasgarov said, Trend reports.

He made the comment at the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economics, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.



Alasgarov described the installation of cargo terminals on AFEZ territory in the first half of 2026 as a new appealing component of AFEZ's operations.



According to the official, 500,000 tons of goods will be transported through these ports initially, with the volume increasing to around 1.5 million tons in the future.

We are ready to evaluate any proposal from Romania and will give preference to investors who will use innovative technologies and approaches, and who will be engaged in high value-added, export-oriented production, he added.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the establishment and organization of activity in the Alat Free Economic Zone on the territory of the Garadagh district of Baku on May 22, 2020.

The FEZ started its activity in July 2022, in accordance with the law "On Alat Free Economic Zone".

The establishment of AFEZ aims to boost both domestic and international investment in the country's non-oil sector. Legislation within the zone provides exemptions for foreign specialized personnel from income tax, social insurance payments, and other related taxes and fees. Additionally, companies operating within FEZ enjoy exemptions from customs duties and taxes, including VAT, on exports of products and services abroad.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Floridas red flag law was a tangible response to an overwhelming tragedy  the murders of 17 people, 14 of them students, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The law empowered the state to seize weapons from anyone who is reported to be at risk of using them to commit a crime. The report could come to law enforcement from a family member or friend, and state records show more than 12,000 people have temporarily lost access to their firearms in the five years since the law was passed.

Under the law, a judge can grant a temporary risk protection order enabling law enforcement to keep a gun owner from having access to their weapons. The guns can be placed in the care of a family member or trusted friend, as long as the person named in the order cant get their hands on it.

After 30 days, police can decide whether to seek a final order, which blocks the persons access to guns for at least a year, unless its renewed.

Karl Chludinsky had his guns returned to him in April 2023 after losing access to them for more than a year under the law. But the risk he posed wasnt over. On March 21, he died in a shootout with Fort Lauderdale police at the Holiday Inn Express on Southeast 17h Street. Chludinsky shot one officer, who survived.

Advocates say the preemptive nature of the law is critical.

The laws been used 12,000 times, said Fred Guttenberg, who became one of the states leading gun control advocates after his 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, was murdered at Stoneman Douglas. We know from law enforcement reports that there are many potential threats that were stopped before they could happen.

But when it comes to whether the law is having a lasting impact on crime in Florida, the answer is elusive, partly because its not the only factor to consider.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, gun deaths in Florida rose from 12.9 per 100,000 in 2018 to 14.1 in 2023.

Overall, incidents described as mass shootings have declined in Florida, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a private nonprofit that analyzes news reports and law enforcement statistics. The GVA defines mass shootings as incidents in which a minimum of four people are shot, whether or not they die from their injuries.

That is one way to look at it, Guttenberg said. Another way is to recognize that there are simply far more guns in Florida than there were five years ago.

Guttenberg is far from the laws only champion.

Theres no question that it has prevented harm. No doubt in my mind, said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who was chairman of the statewide Marjory Stoneman Douglas Safety Commission, which advocated for the law and other reforms since the shooting.

After touring the Stoneman Douglas shooting site last weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a push to expand red flag laws across the nation through a new National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center.

Gun rights advocates were initially cautious about criticizing the law immediately after it was implemented, but theyve been more open in their opposition as the years have passed.

Writing in The Federalist, a conservative online magazine, Crime Prevention Research Center President John Lott said the laws dont give wrongly accused gun owners enough power to protect their interests.

Congress never authorized the U.S. Department of Justice to create this resource center, Lott wrote with U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky. A judge acts solely on the basis of a written complaint. He never talks to the person who made the complaint or the person against whom it was made.

To illustrate their point, Lott and Massie cited use of the law last year against Andrew Pollack, another father of a slain Stoneman Douglas student, Meadow, 18. Pollack, who now lives in Oregon, had his guns returned after a judge determined he never made any threat that showed he was at risk of using them.

Pollack criticized the ability of police to seize weapons before the alleged threat is properly assessed. Is the guy threatening to kill people? Arrest him, Pollack said. But there has to be due process before the guns are taken away, not after. You cant just go take their guns away.

Fort Lauderdale lawyer David Brill, who represents Pollack locally said the fact that the law can be abused should not detract from its value. Theres always going to be someone whos going to abuse the intent and spirit of a given provision for his or her own benefit, he said. There is a lot of benefit that could accrue from this law. We just need to be careful that its not abused.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
Commuters who rely on Floridas plethora of toll roads are about to save some money.

The state is renewing a discount program that was in place last year, and expired at the beginning of 2024. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday its being renewed for another year, effective immediately.

The program applies across the state, the governor said at a news conference in Miami, but South Florida and Central Florida have the most, of course, and I think more people will save in those two regions than others.

Frequent commuters on Floridas Turnpike, the Sawgrass Expressway, and the Interstate 95 and Interstate 595 express lanes would benefit.

Anyone who has 35 toll transactions a month automatically gets a credit on their monthly toll statements. That threshold makes the program apply to people who commute to work almost every day, not those who regularly split their time between working from home and traveling to work.

You dont have to do anything. And youll see it on your May bill to show up if you reach that threshold where you, we know youre commuting, youre gonna get a 50% reduction, DeSantis said.

Mariana Marili Cancio, chair of the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, said there is another requirement for eligibility: Motorists must be users of SunPass or another transponder system.

The program wont work for people who use the toll-by-plate system for people who dont have SunPass or another transponder when passing by an electronic toll collection, Cancio said. With toll-by-plate, a picture is taken of a license plate and thats used to bill the driver.

Go and buy one of those SunPasses. Thats very important, she said.

Floridas state coffers are overflowing with cash from taxpayers in the state and across the nation. As a result, the state can afford to increase spending and provide money for things like the toll reduction program. The latest version lasts one year; renewal is contingent on action from the Legislature.

The state budget passed last month appropriates $450 million to pay for the toll benefits for frequent users. DeSantis hasnt signed the budget into law, but he said the program was going into effect Monday. It goes through March 2025.

The 2023 version cost $500 million with more than 1.2 million commuters receiving some benefit, the governors office said.

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Golden Glades

Also at the news conference Monday, DeSantis said a major reconstruction of the infamous Golden Glades interchange in northern Miami-Dade County would begin right away, faster than originally anticipated.

The Golden Glades  the bane of drivers in northeastern Miami-Dade County  is the confluence of I-95, the Palmetto Expressway, Floridas Turnpike, State Road 9, and NW Seventh Avenue.

Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said the project involves 32 new bridges and direct connection between the Palmetto Expressway and Interstate 95. It will take about seven years, he estimated.

To be able to get this traffic flowing better is going to be able to make a big difference, DeSantis said. You want to be home. You dont want to be sitting in traffic.
Florida supreme court allows six-week abortion ban but says voters will decide issue in November

Abortion rights will be on the ballot in Florida this November, the states Supreme Court said in a highly anticipated ruling on Monday.

Just hours before the 1 April deadline, the panel of seven justices  all appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis  said that a proposed constitutional amendment to protect abortion should be put to voters this November.

At the same time, however, the judges overturned more than three decades of precedent to uphold the ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which was signed into law by governor Ron DeSantis in 2022.

That will mean a more restrictive law signed last year, which bans nearly all abortions after six weeks, will now go into effect  until and unless voters choose to overturn it.

In addition to the abortion vote, Florida voters will also cast their ballot against or for removing criminal and civil penalties for those 21 years or older who use marijuana.

I applaud the Florida Supreme Courts decision today to allow a ballot initiative protecting abortion rights in the Sunshine State, said Florida congressman Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, on Monday.

Everyone deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions, and this referendum gives women the opportunity to voice that opinion.

His colleague Maxwell Frost, who represents most of Orlando, likewise said: Theres so much at stake, we cant stay home on 5 November.

I applaud the Florida Supreme Courts decision today to allow a ballot initiative protecting abortion rights in the Sunshine State. Everyone deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions, and this referendum gives women the opportunity to voice that opinion.  Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) April 1, 2024

There you have it Florida! Abortion rights and adult use marijuana are going to be on the ballot this November. Theres so much at stake, we cant stay home on Nov. 5th. https://t.co/SXXQCRAOtr  Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@MaxwellFrostFL) April 1, 2024

Anna Eskamani, a Democrat serving in the Florida state legislator, said the new six-week abortion ban would be devastating, but said she was confident that the tide will turn this November.

Conversely, Floridas Republican attorney general Ashley Moody praised the courts ruling on abortion rights while criticising it for allowing a vague and misleading constitutional amendment on the ballot.

We have argued from the beginning that these new constitutional initiatives will mislead voters. We maintain that it will be an uphill battle to educate them. However, we respect the courts decisions, Ms Moody said.

The proposed Amendment 4 would protect Floridians right to an abortion up until the point of viability  or the point at which a fetus could survive outside of the womb, largely considered to be around 24 weeks.

We appreciate the court revisiting its precedent on Floridas right to privacy and returning the meaning of that amendment to the voters' original intention.



That decision outlines the difficulties and divisiveness of allowing vague and misleading initiatives on the ballot. We  AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) April 1, 2024

Today the Florida Supreme Court issued three out of calendar opinions, including one that approves Florida's 15 week abortion ban.



This means that in 30 days Florida will see a 6 week abortion ban go into effect.



Here is Representative Eskamanis statement in response. pic.twitter.com/x8uiccc6VM  Rep. Anna V. Eskamani  (@AnnaForFlorida) April 1, 2024

The amendment received around 1.5 million signatures from Florida voters, which was more than enough to put both on the 2024 ballot, and must now win at least 60 per cent of the vote in order to become law.

Ms Moody had challenged the amendment by claiming that the language of viability was vague and deceptive.

The law, she argued, was designed to lay ticking time bombs that will enable abortion proponents later to argue that the amendment has a much broader meaning than voters would ever have thought.

Chief justice Carlos G Muniz appeared sceptical of that argument, saying in February: The people of Florida arent stupid  they can figure things out. People can see for themselves whether its too broad or vague.
Florida's Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for the state's voters to approve, or not, recreational use of marijuana.

The justices found that a proposed constitutional amendment to "legalize personal use of marijuana by adults under state law," known as Amendment 3, met the legal obligations.

"Our role is narrow  we assess only whether the amendment conforms to the constitutionally mandated single-subject requirement, whether the ballot summary meets the statutory standard for clarity, and whether the amendment is facially invalid under the federal constitution," the justices wrote. "In light of those limited considerations, we approve the proposed amendment for placement on the ballot."

The proposal will legalize the "non-medical personal use of marijuana products and marijuana accessories by an adult" 21 or older if approved by 60% or more of statewide voters. It would take effect six months after the election.

Five justices ruled favorably on the measure while two opposed it.

Products for sale at the medical marijuana doctors office and retail store, Miracle Leaf of Southern Boulevard, on Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

The amendment was the subject of a multi-million-dollar campaign, spearheaded by Smart & Safe Florida, a group that's collected more than $40,000,000 in recent years for the purpose.

Immediate reaction was split.

David Goubert, CEO of cannabis-provider Ayr Wellness, said in a statement he was "pleased by the Florida Supreme Courts historic decision to allow Florida voters the opportunity to decide on legalizing cannabis this November."

The medical marijuana doctors office and retail store has been flourishing in Florida since a constitutional amendment legalized the use of cannabis for health reasons.

Goubert added: "We consider any step towards increasing access to tested, regulated cannabis a positive one."

One of the state's leading business organizations, however, said it would seek to convince Florida voters to say no to legalized marijuana.

While we respectfully disagree with the courts decision, the Florida Chamber will continue fighting to protect our constitution from out of state and special interests trying to buy their way into Floridas Constitution. Recreational drugs, like pigs, dont belong in Floridas constitution. said Mark Wilson, president & CEO of Florida Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.

Florida attorney general opposes recreational pot

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody had argued against the ballot measure. She said it didn't overcome the threshold, accusing it of being misleading.

She also said it gave an unfair advantage to Trulieve, Florida's largest medical marijuana operator, which has contributed the vast majority of the funds for Smart & Safe Florida's campaign.

In a statement Monday afternoon, Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers applauded the decision, saying in an email, "We look forward to supporting this campaign as it heads to the ballot this Fall."

Medical marijuana came to Florida following a 2016 ballot measure that more than 71% of voters approved. Past polling has shown a wide swath of Floridians supporting the 2024 measure.

DeSantis had predicted the Supreme Court would OK the recreational marijuana measure but recently said he worried about the smell of the substance.

Ive gone to some of these cities that have had this everywhere, it smells, theres all these things, DeSantis said at a press conference in early March. I dont want to be able to go walk in front of shops and have this. I dont want every hotel to really smell.

DeSantis also said he was concerned that that the referendum, were it to pass, would prevent the state from placing restrictions on where and when marijuana can be consumed, even allowing it to be smoked near schools.

He said the amendment was written with "the broadest language I've ever seen."

Justice Meredith Sasso, a DeSantis appointee who was one of the dissenters, wrote that she believed the amendment misled voters. For example, she pointed to how the amendment said it "allows" recreational marijuana.

Moody had argued in court filings that it's incorrect for the petitioners to say the amendment is going to allow marijuana, even if it becomes legal in Florida, like it already is in more than 20 other states. Thats misleading, she says, since its unlawful federally.

But Grosshans wrote for the majority the "the summary is not misleading for failure to warn that theamendment only covers Florida law and not federal law," citing the court's previous medical marijuana rulings.

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Supreme Court allows voters to decide fate of legalized marijuana use
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  The Florida Supreme Court will not block a ballot initiative that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults in this years general election, giving a major boost to the effort to open up pot use in the third-most populous state in the country.

With the green light from Floridas conservative-leaning high court and more than 1 million signed and certified voter petitions in hand, Florida voters will have a chance to weigh in on an issue the states Republican-led Legislature has rejected for years.

The decision was in response to a request made by Florida Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody to reject the ballot language, arguing the measure fails to remind voters about a federal ban on marijuana.

Floridas Supreme Court in a 5-2 ruling determined that the ballot language proposed by the Smart & Safe Florida committee to go before voters in Novembers election fit the states single-subject rule for ballot initiatives.

Justice Jamie Grosshans wrote in the majority opinion that the ballot language was not too confusing for voters, and rejected an argument that the proposed amendment would require the Legislature to create new licenses to sell pot beyond the companies currently allowed to sell medical marijuana.

We do not believe the summary would confuse a voter into thinking that the Legislature is required to authorize additional licenses, the opinion states, later adding, It clearly states that the amendment legalizes adult personal possession and use of marijuana as a matter of Florida law.

Smart & Safe Floridas campaign was funded by more than $39 million from Trulieve, which is the largest medical marijuana company in Florida. The proposed amendment, if approved by 60 percent of voters in November, would allow Trulieve and the 24 other companies licensed by the state to sell and grow pot for recreational use to begin selling to anyone over the age of 21.

We are thankful that the Court has correctly ruled the ballot initiative and summary language meets the standards for single subject and clarity. We look forward to supporting this campaign as it heads to the ballot this Fall, Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers wrote in a statement, later adding that a coalition of companies has formed to aid in the campaign to November.

Trulieve operates 131 of the 618 medical marijuana dispensaries in Florida, and Moody used the Tallahassee-based companys market position to argue that the ballot language was not written within the best interest of voters.

Lawyers from Moodys office argued in briefs  filed before the court heard oral arguments in November  that the company was footing the bill for the initiative so it could lure consumers to willfully break federal law in the name of profit.

The justices all but dismissed Moodys arguments during oral arguments. The same court had previously rejected two legalization initiatives from recent election years, handing down decisions that identified several mistakes. Lawyers for Smart & Safe Florida argued that the proposed language sought to address the mistakes that were cited by the court in the previous decisions, and Moodys lawyers argued that the court should reconsider parts of the previous decisions.

In Mondays opinion Grosshans wrote the amendment does not violate the single subject rule by impacting the states medical pot industry.

Selling and possessing marijuana appear, for better or worse, directly connected, and we cannot say that an amendment addressing both components violates the single-subject requirement, the opinion states.

Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2019 was hailed a champion by medical marijuana businesses and patients just weeks after he first took office, after he called on the state Legislature to repeal a ban on the sale of smokable marijuana known as flower.

DeSantis has since signed legislation that tightened the states controls on medical marijuana marketing to further prevent advertising that attracts children and implied that products were for recreational use. And his annual state budget recommendations to the Legislature have included millions in funding to expand testing, safety and enforcement efforts at the Office of Medical Marijuana Use.

DeSantis has, however, called recreational pot use a real problem, even lamenting the plants stench. While campaigning for president last year, DeSantis told reporters that marijuana has become more potent over the past two decades and warned that it could be laced with fentanyl.

I think its a real, real problem, and I think its a lot different than stuff that people were using 30 or 40 years ago, DeSantis said. And I think when kids get on that, I think it causes a lot of problems.

Florida already has the largest medical marijuana program in the country, with more than 871,000 patients registered with the state Department of Health.

More than 71 percent of voters legalized pot for medical use in 2016 after a successful ballot initiative backed heavily by high-profile Orlando lawyer and self-proclaimed Pot Daddy John Morgan, who contributed close to $7 million in cash.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the language of the ballot initiative.
Florida Supreme Court clears the way for a 6-week abortion ban  and for a November ballot measure that could invalidate it

The Florida Supreme Court on Monday issued two key decisions on abortion, delivering a win for advocates on opposing sides of the issue.

In one ruling, the conservative-leaning court found that the state Constitutions privacy protections dont cover abortion, and that a 15-week ban on the procedure enacted in 2022 could stand. That decision also clears the way for a six-week abortion ban signed last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis to go into effect in 30 days. The six-week ban makes exceptions for rape, incest and for when the life of the mother is in danger.

In a separate decision, however, the court ruled that voters in Florida will also get to decide in November whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution. The measure would guarantee the right to abortion before viability, which is usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy. But in order to be added to the states constitution, it will need to be passed with a 60% supermajority.

How will the abortion ballot initiative be presented to voters?

The initiative will appear on the Florida ballot under the title Amendment to Limit Government Interference With Abortion. Below that, voters will be presented with the following summary of the amendment: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislatures constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.

A yes vote will indicate support for establishing a state constitutional right to abortion before a fetus is viable.

A no vote indicates opposition to establishing a state constitutional right to abortion before a fetus is viable.

The full text of the proposed amendment can be read here.

If passed, what would the amendment do?

The amendment would overturn Floridas abortion restrictions, including limits on how far along into a persons pregnancy they can have the procedure as well as other requirements like waiting periods and forced ultrasounds before the procedure. If the amendment is passed, it could also have the effect of expanding abortion access beyond Floridas borders. Neighboring states like Georgia and Alabama have enacted laws either banning abortion completely or after six weeks, which is before many women even know they are pregnant.

What other states could have abortion measures on the 2024 ballot?

Voters in New York and Maryland, in addition to Florida, will decide on constitutional amendments to enshrine reproductive health rights in their state constitutions.

Eight other states, including Arkansas and South Dakota, could also have abortion measures on the ballot this November.

Since 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which established abortion as a constitutional right and allowed states to decide on the issue, abortion rights supporters have focused on enshrining reproductive health rights in state constitutions through ballot initiatives.

Voters in seven states have sided with abortion rights supporters when the issue was put on the ballot, including in Republican-led states like Kansas and Kentucky. Passage of the measure under consideration in Florida would mark another win for abortion rights advocates, signaling that the Republican Partys victory in overturning Roe is being undone one state at a time.
Florida top court allows for near-total abortion ban; says voters can decide issue in November

By Brendan Pierson and Tom Hals

(Reuters) -Florida's top court on Monday cleared the way for a Republican-backed law banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy to take effect, but also approved an initiative to let voters decide whether to amend the state's constitution to establish a right to an abortion.

In a pair of rulings, the Florida Supreme Court upheld an existing law that banned abortion after 15 weeks, and by doing so, cleared the way for a six-week ban to take effect.

However, the court also dismissed an effort by the state's Republican attorney general to prevent an initiative from appearing on the November ballot, giving voters the chance to decide whether there should be a right to an abortion.

"We decline to encroach on the prerogative to amend their constitution that the people have reserved to themselves," the court said in one of the rulings.

Abortion is illegal after 15 weeks in Florida under a law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, two months before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized the procedure nationwide.

DeSantis in April 2023 signed an even stricter ban passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature starting at six weeks of pregnancy. That measure included "trigger" language that enacted the near-total ban one month after the state Supreme Court affirmed the earlier 15-month ban. At six weeks, many women do not yet know they are pregnant.

A group of Florida abortion providers including affiliates of Planned Parenthood had filed a lawsuit in 2022 challenging the 15-week ban, saying the measure violates the state's constitution.

Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, said in a statement her organization had seen the negative impact from abortion bans on patients in Florida. "Todays decision paves the way for Florida voters to stop these ridiculous abortion bans once and for all," she said.

ON THE NOV. 5 BALLOT

Abortion access is now almost non-existent in Southern U.S. states, with most having imposed sweeping Republican-backed restrictions.

That could change on Nov. 5, when the Florida voters will decide on the abortion ballot initiative alongside the presidential election between Democrat Joe Biden and his Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump.

Democrats have credited the abortion debate for driving supporters to the voting booths in 2022, when the party did better than expected in Congressional elections.

"This is our chance to engage in direct democracy to stop these unpopular and harmful policies," said Lauren Brenzel, the campaign director for Yes on 4, the umbrella group backing the ballot initiative.

Liberty Counsel, a conservative legal group that opposed the ballot initiative, posted on social media platform X that it was "incredibly disappointed" with the court's ruling. "We are hopeful Floridians will side with LIFE in November!"

The constitutional amendment proposal's backers in January secured the required number of signatures to put it on the ballot. It would ban laws that "prohibit, penalize, delay or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider."

On Monday, the Florida Supreme Court said it was departing from in a 1989 decision that found the state constitution's right to privacy included a right to abortion. At that time, a majority of the high court's justices had been appointed by Democratic governors. The court now is viewed as one of the most conservative in the United States.

All seven of its current justices were appointed by Republican governors, including five by DeSantis, an outspoken abortion opponent who mounted an unsuccessful run for the Republican presidential nomination.

Republican state Attorney General Ashley Moody sued Floridians Protecting Freedom, the abortion rights group sponsoring the ballot measure, and had argued that the proposal was impermissibly vague and misleading.

The Florida Supreme Court rejected Moody's arguments, writing that "the broad sweep of this proposed amendment is obvious in the language of the summary. Denying this requires a flight from reality."

Moody said in a statement she would respect the court's decision.

Abortion rights advocates have sought to put the matter directly to voters. Abortion rights measures have prevailed everywhere they have been on the ballot since the Supreme Court's decision.

Constitutional amendments in Florida must pass with at least 60% of the vote, a larger percentage of the vote than any statewide abortion measure has yet won.

Last November, voters approved by a margin of 57% to 43% a constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights in Ohio, a state that in the 2020 election voted for Trump by a margin of 8 percentage points over Democrat Joe Biden in the presidential election. In 2020, Trump topped Biden by 3 percentage points in Florida.

The Florida Supreme Court on Monday also rejected a bid by the attorney general to prevent a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use by adults.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson and Tom Hals; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Will Dunham and Bill Berkrot)
Rob Hernandez has been hired as Lakeland's new assistant city manager starting Monday. He previously served as city manager of Cape Coral, before being terminated under questionable conditions.

Former Cape Coral City Manager Rob Hernandez made good on his promise and begins his lawsuit against the city over claims of racism and anti-gay actions he claims the city council committed.

The complaint and demand for a jury trial were filed on March 19, claiming retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Florida Civil Rights Act.

He is represented by Benjamin Yormak, a Bonita Springs-based employment and disability law attorney.

Hernandez is seeking pay he would have received had he maintained his position with the city, reimbursement of all expenses and financial losses he incurred as a result of losing his role, compensatory damages to cover attorney fees, costs, and expenses, and any other relief the court deems appropriate.

He had previously stated in his original letter to the city council after his contract was not renewed that he could be entitled to as much as $1.16 million and wanted $500,000 to drop the lawsuit.

His lawsuit comes months after the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) granted a notice of right to sue on Dec. 20, 2023, to Hernandez's charge of discrimination against the city.

The notice is not a judgment on whether Hernandez's case against the city has merits.

When asked for a response to the former manager's lawsuit, Cape Coral Spokesperson Melissa Mickey in an email stated that it is the city's policy not to comment on pending litigation.

The former city manager is now Lakeland's assistant city manager.

Original discriminatory letter Former Cape Coral City Manager accuses the city of discrimination; wants $500K to drop claim

Hernandez fired Cape Coral fires city manager, two weeks after not renewing contract.

Cape Coral City Manager fired and claims explained

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter delivers a statement denying claims made by the former city manager. February 17, 2023.

After the council voted not to renew his contract, the former city manager sent a letter on Feb. 14, 2023, accusing several council members, including the mayor, of racist and anti-LGBTQ conduct against city employees and residents.

Many named in his letter voted against his renewal as city manager.

Hernandez, hired in August 2020, received an above-average rating of 3.8 out of five and an unanimously approved 6.25% raise just months prior.

In the complaint document, Hernandez allegedly faced constant scrutiny from councilmembers over his hiring of T. Sharon Woodberry, a Black woman, as the city's Economic and Business Development Officer. She accepted the role in late May 2022.

The scrutiny continued until Feb. 1, 2023, when a special meeting was held to discuss Hernandez's contract renewal. Hernandez did not attend the meeting because of a surgical procedure that day.

He was fired two weeks later and received almost $100,000 from the city, the amount equivalent to the remainder of his contract.

Hernandez claimed Mayor John Gunter, Councilmembers Dan Sheppard, Bill Steinke, and then Councilmember Patty Cummings actions against Woodberry and the level of inquiry into her qualifications, background, and job performance were unprecedented.

He also claims several council members wanted a less experienced white woman from the city to fill the position.

Hernandez also claimed there was a pattern of stereotypical and discriminatory behavior by some council members.

His claims include Mayor John Gunter wanting to remove a lesbian employee from having contact with the public; Sheppard demanding rules of decorum that would only apply to Cape Pride, an annual LGBTQ festival; with the latter objecting to correcting pay inequities for a member of the executive leadership team because of sexual orientation.

In May 2023, an outside investigator hired by the city found that many of Hernandez's claims were unsubstantiated.

However, Hernandez did not participate in the investigation with his lawyer doubting the investigation's validity.

Violations explained

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

Under Florida Civil Rights Act, employers cannot fire, exclude, segregate, or limit employees because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.

The EEOC enforces this law and others like it and protects individuals who file a complaint, participate in an investigation of an EEO complaint, or oppose an employment practice made illegal under any of the laws that the EEOC enforces from retaliation.

According to the complaint, Hernandez's objections to the alleged racial and sexual orientation discrimination made him a target for retaliation and thus is entitled to relief under Title VII.

"As a direct and proximate result of the violations of Title VII, as referenced and cited herein, Hernandez has lost all of the benefits and privileges of his employment and has been substantially and significantly injured in his career path," the complaint states.

In addition to his loss of employment and benefits, the complaint states that Hernandez suffered "humiliation, and non-economic damages for physical injuries, mental and emotional distress."

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at Lzambrano@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Former Cape Coral official alleges council guilty of discrimination
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Police are investigating after rare fossils were reported missing from the College of Charlestons Mace Brown Natural History Museum and a former employee is accused in their disappearance.

UPDATE: Researcher accused of stealing fossils has surrendered

Dr. Scott Persons called the College of Charlestons campus police to report missing property from the museum on Mar. 7, according to an incident report.

Persons told police a rare dolphin jaw and teeth fossil, a 3D printed whale skull, an extremely rare fish jaw, and a seal skeleton were all missing from the museum, and he believed Robert Boessenecker, a former researcher and professor at the College of Charleston, to be responsible.

Dr. Persons explained that Boessenecker had given the toothed dolphin skull and the paperwork for it back to the person who originally donated the skeleton to the museum.

Boessenecker reportedly bragged, saying his wife, Sarah Boessenecker, had pulled a few strings so that all official records of the fossil donation were gone. Sarah was previously the Mace Brown Museums museum collection manager.

In addition, Persons advised Boessenecker had told a witness that he stole fossils from the museum. Police spoke to the witness that Persons identified, and she verified that while she was helping Boessenecker move out of his office, he bragged to the witness about taking fossils from the museum and then asked her to store some of the boxes from his office for him because he didnt have room for them.

Charlotte neighbors hang hundreds of Easter eggs to remember beautiful human being

She also provided an audio recording of Boessenecker boasting about how the box the witness was holding, was actually a proto-seal from the Oregon coast that he took from the museum when he got s***-canned, the report said. Boessenecker and the College parted ways in August 2023, according to police reports, although the reason is unclear.

Regarding the missing fish jaw or Conosaurus Bowmani Jaw, Persons said the museum was asked to provide a specimen for examination. The jaw is one of the only known of this species in existence, the report states. When searching for the jaw, it could not be found, and all records of it were gone.

Boessenecker and his wife Sarah became early employees of the Charleston Center for Paleontology after their employment with the College of Charleston. Investigators reported seeing a picture of Robert and Sarah Boessenecker, and the missing 3D-printed whale skull on the centers website. Those pictures have since been removed from the centers website.

After reaching out to the center, Elizabeth Kane, board chair and founder, said the center could not comment on the investigation. Still, she did say the center is cooperating with police and the College of Charleston to ensure all specimens are returned to where they belong.

Investigators reached out to experts in the industry, and one from the South Carolina State Museum said that removing paperwork for the fossils was illegal. He also said he knew the Boesseneckers and that the couple knew how to handle fossil removal properly. The expert explained that records are always kept for specimens in case they are needed for later examination.

Another expert with the National Park Service reiterated that the way the fossils were removed was wrong and unethical. They, too, knew Robert and said he knew the proper removal methods.

Campus police obtained search warrants for three locations, including the couples home, the Charleston Center for Paleontology, and a storage container rented by Boessenecker in Summerville.

One displaced, two cats rescued from NE Charlotte house fire: CFD

Law enforcement discovered numerous documents and items belonging to the Mace Brown Museum, including multiple 3D-printed skulls, one of which was a whale skull, a box of dolphin skulls labeled #64 skulls, a container labeled LA County Museum that contained a fossil, a cardboard box containing a fossil labeled Bobby from the National Park Service, and several other boxes of fossils.

According to reports, all the items were placed in evidence. This case is under investigation. No update has been given on the Boesseneckers after police recovered all the items. Various posts on the couples social pages say they plan to move to San Diego in June 2024. Boessenecker said he received a research fellowship at the San Diego Natural History Museum on his blog.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Andreas Scheuer, member of the German Bundestag and former Germany's Transport Minister, arrives to cast his vote on the sidelines of a Bundestag session. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Former German transport minister Andreas Scheuer resigned his seat in Germany's lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, effective Monday - a year before his term is set to expire.

He thanked his supporters. "It has been an honour to work for our country and for my homeland," he said in comments made on Monday.

The Bundestag confirmed the move. Scheuer, a member of the Bavarian conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) party, said in January that he would not run again in the next general election.

The CSU politician is known for his failed attempt, as transport minister, at pushing through motorway tolls. He had served as minister from 2018-21 in former chancellor Angela Merkel's fourth Cabinet.

Scheuer was heavily criticized for the failed car toll, and many in the CSU viewed him as negatively affecting the party.

According to dpa information, there was scepticism in the CSU district association in Lower Bavaria about Scheuer running again.

Scheuer, 49, has been a member of the Bundestag since 2002 and represented the Passau constituency.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Georgia is interested in developing infrastructure projects along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) - the Middle Corridor, Zhou Qian, China's Ambassador to Georgia, said in an interview with local media, Trend reports.

"Chinese Railway Department is prepared to be actively involved in the investment, construction, and operation of the Georgian railway, ports, as well as energy and other projects, which would be connected to the Middle Corridor," he said.

The ambassador highlighted Georgia's participation in the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. He noted that Georgia was among the first to embrace and benefit from this initiative, tapping into China's vast market opportunities.

The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several regional countries. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe.

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia joined forces to create a joint venture called Middle Corridor Multimodal Limited. Based in Astana, this venture brings together the railway systems of the three countries. Its goals include setting uniform tariffs, coordinating equipment provision, and ensuring smooth services along the route within our nations.
A former Defense Department investigator told CBS Newss 60 Minutes that he believes Russia is behind the mysterious attacks on U.S. personnel across the world known as Havana syndrome.

Greg Edgreen, a retired Army colonel, told the network there was consistently a Russia nexus during his time running the investigation into Havana syndrome, including from a very early period of the investigation.

Edgreens claims contradict findings from intelligence officials who concluded last year with varying degrees of confidence that there was no evidence a foreign adversary was behind the mysterious attacks on U.S. personnel.

The National Institutes of Health also said last month there was no evidence of brain injuries or abnormalities in the brains of victims of the incidents.

Still, victims of the attacks, who range from diplomats to intelligence officials in the U.S. government, largely dispute the official claims and say the investigation is still shrouded in secrecy.

Proponents of an adversary being behind the incidents speculate the incidents could be the work of an ultrasonic weapon.

Initial intelligence community reports before the 2023 report said they could be the result of a directed energy weapon or microwave beam. The National Academies of Sciences also reached a similar conclusion, and a panel of experts who provided a report last year to the director of national intelligence concluded they may be the result of an electromagnetic weapon.

The mysterious attacks, now called anomalous health incidents (AHI), have affected more than 1,000 U.S. employees across the globe, who have reported everything from vertigo, insomnia, nausea and intense headaches.

The cases were first called Havana syndrome because the first known reports came from U.S. and Canadian embassy officials in the Cuban capital in 2016.

A Russian intelligence unit known as 29155 may be behind the attacks, according to the 60 Minutes report broadcast late Sunday, a joint investigation between the CBS News program, The Insider and Der Spiegel.

Christo Grozev, a journalist with The Insider, an investigative magazine run by Russian exiles, found a receipt for a Russian official in the unit to work on non-lethal acoustic weapons, and the unit was active in Tbilisi, Georgia, when U.S. officials were harmed there.

Mark Zaid, an attorney for some of the victims, said most if not all of his clients were doing something relating to Russia when they were attacked, and he suggested the U.S. intelligence community may be covering up the Russian links.

Now, some of that cover up is not necessarily that, oh, we found a weapon,' Zaid told CBS. What Ive seen more so is, we see lines of inquiry that would take us potentially to answers we dont want to have to deal with, so were not going to explore any of those avenues.'

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former school resource officer accused of having sexual relationship with student indicted

A Preble County Sheriffs deputy and former school resource officer accused of having a sexual relationship with a student has been indicted by a grand jury.

On Monday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that Mason Williams, 26, of Eaton, was charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of tampering with evidence.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: School resource officer accused of having relationship with student in Preble County arrested

Each count is a third-degree felony, according to Yosts office.

Williams has been accused of being in a consensual relationship with an 18-year-old student at National Trail High School outside of the school setting, according to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson.

According to a previous News Center 7 report, the sheriffs office requested the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office to handle a criminal and internal affairs investigation.

Montgomery County investigators presented their findings, to date, to the Preble County Prosecutors Office on Friday and were able to secure an arrest warrant for Williams.

>>RELATED: Unfair and unjust; Community furious after SRO arrested for alleged relationship with student

On March 19, Williams was arrested and booked into the Butler County Jail with no bond. As of April 1, he remains in custody.

He has been placed on administrative leave.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.




Former Taiwan president Ma leaves for China, likely to meet Xi

Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou speaks to the media at Taoyuan international airport after concluding his 12-day trip to China in Taoyuan

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou left on Monday for an 11-day trip to China where he is expected next week to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second time, amid simmering tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Ma, president from 2008 to 2016, last year became the first former Taiwanese leader to visit China. Since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists, no serving Taiwanese leader has visited China.

China considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory and has ramped up military and political pressure to reinforce that claim.

On Monday, Ma arrived in the southern Chinese technology hub of Shenzhen, where he met with China's Taiwan Affairs Office head Song Tao, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Both sides of the Taiwan Strait should "strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, especially among young people, to push forward the development of cross-Straits relations," Xinhua cited Ma as saying.

He also visited Shenzhen-based Chinese drone manufacturer DJI Technology Co and Tencent Holdings, the world's largest video game company and operator of China's WeChat messaging platform, according to Phoenix TV.

Ma met Xi in Singapore in late 2015 for a landmark summit shortly before the current Taiwan president, Tsai Ing-wen, won election.

Ma and China's government have not confirmed the meeting with Xi, which has been widely reported in Taiwanese media. Three sources familiar with Ma's trip, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the issue, told Reuters it was expected to take place in Beijing next Monday.

"This is a trip of peace as well as of friendship," Ma told reporters in brief remarks at the airport in Taiwan before flying to the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in Guangdong province.

Ma added that he hoped to convey a message that Taiwan's people love peace and hope to avoid war.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office, which calls him "Mr. Ma Ying-jeou" rather than former president given neither the Chinese nor Taiwanese government recognise each other, would only say last week when asked about a meeting with Xi that it wished Ma a smooth trip.

Ma's office said that while in Guangdong he will also visit Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD.

Ma remains a senior member of Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), which in January lost for the third time in a row the presidential election, but has no official party position.

The KMT advocates close ties with China and dialogue, but strongly denies being pro-Beijing.

Tsai and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party have repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed, as Beijing views them as dangerous separatists.

Tsai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Her government strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee; Editing by Michael Perry and Hugh Lawson)
FORT TOWSON, Okla. (KFOR)  Looking for a spot to view the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8? The Fort Towson Historic Site will be putting on an eclipse watch party from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the day of the solar eclipse.

The price at the gate for the event will cost $10 per person, cash only. If you are military personnel, an Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) member, or children under the age of six, there will be no charge to get into the event.

2024 Medieval Fair returns to Norman

Fort Towson is expected to see 3 minutes and 43 seconds of totality according to NASA. The time that it is expected to take place in the area is from 1:45 p.m. and 1:50 p.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to spend the day exploring the site and to learn about Fort Towsons history. A period encampment will be included with 1840s-era tents and historians dressed in uniform to give history demonstrations.

Fort Towson was established in 1824 during quell conflicts of Native American peoples and settlers. The historic site was also used as an important outpost during the Mexican- American War of 1846, for U.S. forces.

Myriad Gardens clears up confusion about Tulip Bulb Pull

Solar eclipse glasses will be available to purchase but will only be available while supplies last. Gates will open from 8 a.m. until noon time on April 8 and will be closed from noon until 2:30 p.m. to allow no interruption for those attending the event.

The site will be open everyday between Tuesday, April 2, and Saturday, April 13 in order to assist those that are traveling to the area for the event.

Fort Towson Historic Site is located at 896 N. 4375 Rd, in Fort Towson, Oklahoma. For more information, call 580-873-2634.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The Quad Cities Community Foundation has created a new position of director of corporate philanthropy, to be filled by Jean Moran  a longtime Community Foundation volunteer, board member, and advocate.

The position will lead the organizations ongoing efforts to expand corporate and business philanthropy in the QC region, according to a Monday release.

Jean Moran

Partnering with businesses and corporations has been essential to the Community Foundations mission for many years, said Sue Hafkemeyer, the Community Foundations president and CEO. Part of our strategic vision for the coming years is to build on those partnerships and leverage the generosity of local businesses as we continue to transform the region. This new position is critical to achieving that goal, and I can think of no one better suited for it than Jean.

Research shows that corporate philanthropy is important to both customers and employees, the Community Foundation said. Purpose-driven companies experience more loyalty, more growth, and more customer satisfaction. Increasingly, companies are choosing to operate private foundations, offer matching gift programs to employees, and find other ways to participate in philanthropy.

Sue Hafkemeyer started as new CEO of Quad Cities Community Foundation on June 1, 2022 (photo: QC Community Foundation).

All of these options come with questions and challenges. The Community Foundation provides expert advice and flexible giving options to companies of all sizes, the release said.

As new director of corporate philanthropy, Moran will introduce new corporate giving strategies, develop and build relationships with local companies, and maintain the high standard of consultive and customer service practices the Community Foundation has provided for years.

I know that corporations strongly want to be good neighbors and to be part of positive change in our region, Moran said in Mondays announcement. The Community Foundation is the place where business leaders can turn that desire into tangible practice. We have the knowledge and the relationships that will amplify the impact of corporate giving.

With a professional background in pharmaceutical and medical sales, Moran has been involved with the Community Foundation for more than 15 years. She first participated as a volunteer committee member before joining the board of directors in 2013. Her time on the board included two years as board chair.

I am honored to serve the Community Foundation in this new role, said Moran. Our organization is the go-to expert for corporations hoping to make a local impact through giving. Were going to expand what we can offer corporations as we grow existing partnerships and work with business leaders to make the Quad Cities a prosperous and vibrant place for everyone.

For more information on the foundation, click HERE.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Four pounds of cocaine found in 3-year-olds backpack, Alabama cops say. Reckless

A toddler found wearing a backpack filled with cocaine led to charges against an Alabama woman, authorities said.

The Mobile County Sheriffs Office said deputies received information that a 35-year-old woman had drugs at her home, according to AL.com.

When investigators arrived at her home, they found four children without adult supervision, ages 3, 8, 10 and 15, the outlet reported.

The 3-year-old was wearing a blue backpack containing 2 kilograms of cocaine, which equals roughly 4 pounds, investigators told WKRG.

Inside another backpack, authorities found guns and more cocaine, according to WKRG.

The discovery came after investigators saw the woman leaving her home and pulled her over to search her car, the outlet reported.

They found a handgun, marijuana and roughly 3 pounds of cocaine, WALA reported from Mobile authorities.

The woman was booked in Mobile County jail on March 30 and charged with marijuana possession, chemical endangerment of a child, tampering with physical evidence and cocaine trafficking, records show. Her attorney information is not available in jail records.

It is absurd how reckless this situation was, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said, according to WALA.

Mobile County is in southwest Alabama and lies along the Mississippi border.

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Trains stop at Denver's Union Station in 2017. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A panel of state and local officials will decide later this month whether its full steam ahead on a 2024 ballot measure that would ask voters to fund a new passenger rail service along the Front Range with a small sales tax hike  or to hit the brakes and wait until 2026.

The 17 voting members of the Front Range Passenger Rail District weighed the question at a series of meetings in March. Under the law that created the district three years ago, its board is authorized to refer a tax measure of its choosing for approval by voters across the district, which encompasses all or part of 13 counties along the Interstate 25 corridor.

Despite hopes that the board would settle on the size and timing of that tax measure last month, board members instead agreed on Friday on another round of consultation and polling before coming to a final decision in a matter of weeks.

I think where we are is, we have affirmatively decided that the answer is not no, said Chris Nevitt, a transportation manager for the City and County of Denver who serves as the FRPRs board chair. And we need to move with all haste, effort and resources to answer the remaining questions, to decide if the answer is yes.

Polling conducted on the districts behalf this year showed strong support for Front Range Passenger Rail among Colorado voters, with 73% of respondents saying they favored the project. Pollsters found that 61% of voters said they would back the proposal if it meant a sales tax increase, regardless of whether it was a 0.3% or 0.5% hike  in other words, three or five cents added to a ten-dollar purchase.

The former would raise about $325 million annually for the district, while the second would raise $600 million. The cost to build and operate the service depends heavily on factors like the selected route, frequency of service and other details, which are being finalized as part of the districts service development plan.

But according to a financial analysis presented to the board last month, even a smaller sales tax increase of less than 0.2%, if coupled with a $500 million federal grant by the end of 2026, would be enough to fund a phased approach that envisions a starter service of three trains per day between Denver and Fort Collins by 2029, expanding to six trains per day between Fort Collins and Pueblo by 2035.

A slide from a presentation to board members of the Front Range Passenger Rail District in March, showing polling results on a potential sales tax ballot measure. (FRPR)

Multiple board members at Fridays meeting spoke in favor of what Claire Levy, a Boulder County commissioner appointed to the board by Gov. Jared Polis, called a go big or go home approach. They want more information about how the service plan could be enhanced with the additional funding from the full 0.5% sales tax hike, such as by extending service to Cheyenne to the north, or to Trinidad or New Mexico to the south, or by building more double-tracked segments along the corridor to enable faster and more frequent service.

While we dont know exactly what we could do, we know we could do a hell of a lot more, Nevitt said.

We can get a very broad scenario sketched out for you, Andy Karsian, the districts general manager, told board members. Any number that we come up with, it will be illustrative, and it will help you all on a decision  but we need to take it with a lot of contingency and a lot of assumptions.

Polis and other state leaders have made a push in recent months to promote FRPR and other passenger rail projects as Colorado competes with other states around the country for a share of the $66 billion in rail funding allocated by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. Lawmakers at the Capitol are advancing a bill to raise $57 million a year in state funding for rail and other transit projects through a rental car fee, and believe FRPR could serve as a catalyst for the completion of another long-anticipated rail line, the Regional Transportation Districts commuter-rail B Line between Denver and Boulder.

Under a contract approved by board members Friday, the rail district will conduct additional polling to truth-test its findings at the request of the governors office, Nevitt said.

The governors office was really asking  Can we test in some additional ways or get some more detail on how open to the proposition the public is? he said. (The contract) is working with the governors office to get additional polling, to answer that question more to the satisfaction of the governor, who is a very important ally of this enterprise.

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The post A Front Range rail ballot measure in 2024? District board will decide this month. appeared first on Colorado Newsline.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is one of the main players in the Romanian natural gas market and in other energy sectors, Romanian Minister of Energy Sebastian Ioan Burduja said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.

The minister highlighted two of the most significant projects that will be thoroughly examined in Baku: the Back Sea Energy project, which will transport green energy from upcoming wind power plants in the Caspian Sea, and the delivery of liquefied natural gas from SOCAR's Kulevi terminal to the port of Constanta.

The sides will also talk about addressing pertinent infrastructure and legal concerns, as well as increasing Azerbaijani gas supplies to Romania.



Elshad Nasirov, vice president of SOCAR, stated during the conference that coordination of many issues with Romania's regulator is required for the implementation of new energy projects with Romania.

Nasirov told Trend that SOCAR is awaiting comprehensive proposals on the LNG and Black Sea Energy projects from the Romanian side.

To note, the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijani-Romanian intergovernmental joint commission on trade-economic relations and scientific-technical cooperation was held in Baku.

The topics of the meeting in Baku include cooperation in energy (key), transportation, investment, agriculture, social, educational, humanitarian, infrastructure, construction, and other spheres.

As a result of the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, protocols and memoranda were signed in the fields of veterinary medicine and food safety.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) on Monday endorsed Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks over fellow Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) in the closely watched Democratic Senate primary in Maryland.

Frost adds to the growing divide among House Democrats, who are split in their support for Alsobrooks and for Trone ahead of the May primary.

The Democratic nominee will face a tough general election fight against former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), the popular moderate whose late entry into the race has presented a curveball for Democrats.

Im supporting Angela for U.S. Senate because shes spent her career truly listening to people and coming up with innovative solutions to benefit the community. The people closest to the problem are often closest to the solution, Frost said in the endorsement announcement on Monday.

Angela and I share a similar passion for people and for a society thats safe and equal for all of us, Frost continued. When she gets to the Senate, she will join me in the fight to end gun violence, she will work to expand healthcare access so that those who are sick can get well without going broke, she will fight the climate crisis by working for a Green New Deal and she will fight for reproductive Justice. Im all in with Angela because shell be all in for us.

Frosts endorsement comes days after Alsobrooks secured a high-profile endorsement from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). Alsobrooks has also secured endorsements from former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) along with the rest of the House Maryland Democratic delegation except for Trone, himself, and Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

Alsobrooks also has the support of Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D).

Trone, on the other hand, has garnered support from a number of high-profile Democrats nationally. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) have endorsed Trone, as have Reps. Adam Schff (D-Calif.) and Colin Allred (D-Texas), the leading Democratic candidates for Senate in their respective states.

I am honored to have Congressman Frosts endorsement in this race because he represents the very best of our emerging national leaders, and hes passionate about ensuring this nation is looking out for all of us, not just those with means, Alsobrooks said in the announcement.

In the U.S. Senate, I will continue advocating for the voiceless, she continued. I will advocate for gun control so that all communities are safe regardless of neighborhood, that our schools are excellent regardless of zip code, and so our children and our families have access to clean air and drinking water regardless of their income.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FSB says it arrested 4 suspected accomplices of Moscow shooting in Dagestan, allegedly planning another attack

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that it had arrested four alleged accomplices of the terrorist attack outside of Moscow, the Russian state-run media RIA Novosti said on April 1.

The FSB claimed that the four suspects, who were arrested in the southern Russian republic of Dagestan, were plotting another attack in the Dagestani city of Kaspiysk.

Several gunmen opened fire at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, a suburb of Moscow, on the evening of March 22, killing at least 144 people. A branch of the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack shortly thereafter.

Russian authorities detained 11 people in the first 24 hours following the attack. A court in Moscow charged four of them, all of whom are citizens of Tajikistan, with committing an act of terrorism on March 24.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with other top Russian officials, sought to pin the blame on Ukraine without providing any evidence.

Ukraine and the U.S. rejected the Kremlin's allegations.

Dagestan, an ethnically diverse and majority-Muslim republic, saw repeated acts of terrorism in the aftermath of the Second Chechen War that formally ended in 2000. A violent but low-intensity insurgency against the government also went on for several years in the area.

The majority of the fighting was in neighboring Chechnya, but there was considerable spillover into Dagestan.

A significant number of people from Dagestan, perhaps as many as 5,000, went to fight for ISIS in Syria or Iraq.

Read also: Moscow shooting aftermath: Repressions, racism, terror

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
More than 50% of Russians believe that Ukrainian leadership is responsible for the shooting at the Crocus City Hall concert hall outside Moscow, the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing a survey by OpenMinds, an Anglo-Ukrainian online pollster.

Around 27% of respondents blamed the Islamic State (ISIS), while another 6% pointed to the so-called "collective West," namely the U.S., the U.K., and NATO.

Several gunmen opened fire at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow's suburb, on the evening of March 22, killing at least 144 people.

Though the Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack shortly thereafter, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, along with other top Russian officials, sought to pin the blame on Ukraine without providing any evidence.

On March 31, Russia's Foreign Ministry called for the arrest and extradition of the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Ukraine and the U.S. rejected the Kremlin's allegations.

OpenMinds' survey showed that younger people aged 18 to 30 are more likely to blame ISIS for the attack than Kyiv, according to FT. Among those who oppose the war, 50% blame ISIS, compared to 12% of those who support the war.

Russians aged 31 to 50 have the highest number of those who believe in Ukraine's involvement in the shooting  over 50%, according to the poll.

A total of 652 Russians took part in the survey.

Read also: Moscow shooting aftermath: Repressions, racism, terror

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
This article was originally published in Kentucky Lantern.

Long awaited financial help will be coming to kinship care Kentuckians who are raising a minor relative such as a grandchild or niece, thanks to a bill that received unanimous approval in the House Friday.

Senate Bill 151 now heads to Gov. Andy Beshears desk for a signature or veto. It passed the Senate in early February.

Norma Hatfield, president of the Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky, hailed the bills passage as a game changer for a lot of families in the future.

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The bill allows kinship caregivers to change their placement status from temporary custody to a child-specific foster home, a change that will come with financial assistance, as the Lantern previously reported.

It will also let children being removed from homes list their potential preferred caregivers, allowing them more say in their placements.

Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield, brought the Senate bill to the House floor. The bill, she said, is all about giving kinship care families in Kentucky more flexibility.

This flexibility will close the services, supports and resource gap that is currently plaguing many of the families, she said.

Hatfield, who has been raising two grandchildren for nearly a decade, is a longtime champion of kinship families and renewed her push for help from the legislature this year. She told the Lantern on Friday that the bills passage was hugely emotional. She said she cried in the House gallery as the bill was approved.

The fact that both chambers passed the measure unanimously says very clearly this needed to happen, she said. And its the right thing to do. I mean, theres just absolutely no doubt anywhere.

Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, said final passage of HB 151 means thousands of Kentuckys kinship and fictive kin families flat out won today.

Just as these caregivers step up at a moments notice to provide a safe space for their young loved ones to grow and heal, our General Assembly has stepped up once again to prioritize the well-being of these children who have experienced abuse or neglect, Brooks said.

Still, work remains, Hatfield said. Shes closely watching a House resolution that, if passed, would establish a Kinship Care task force. Members would study kinship in Kentucky and submit findings by Dec. 1, which Hatfield said could provide needed data revealing needs facing kinship caregivers.

Im hoping that the study will clearly identify those things, educate the legislators as well, educate the public, and then we can start working on the rest of the supports that are needed for these families that are kind of caught in a gap that dont have anything, she said. I have high hopes for that.

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com. Follow Kentucky Lantern on Facebook and Twitter.
Angela Alsobrooks is running in the Democratic primary against Rep. David Trone, creating intra-party tensions. The Washington Post via Getty Images

Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Florida progressive and the first Gen Z member of Congress, endorsed Angela Alsobrooks for Senate in Maryland, where she is running to become the states first Black female U.S. senator.

We need bold progressive fighters who are going to help make sure that we usher in an agenda of ending gun violence, of defeating the climate crisis and of centering vulnerable communities, Frost told HuffPost. When we talk about someone like Angela Alsobrooks, shes been doing the work time and time again.

Frosts endorsement is the latest escalation of the intra-party brawl brewing in Maryland, where theres a suddenly competitive race for an open seat that should be a shoo-in for Democrats.

Alsobrooks, the county executive for Prince Georges County, is pitted against Rep. David Trone in the May contest for the Democratic nomination. Both candidates have rolled out extensive slates of endorsements from different wings of the party, with Frost, a progressive, being the latest get for Alsobrooks, who also has the backing of members of the Congressional Black Caucus and a majority of Marylands congressional delegation. Trone, meanwhile, has a coalition of moderate congressional Democrats behind him, including Rep. Adam Schiff, who is well-positioned to become Californias next U.S. senator in November.

Frost, a former national organizing director for the youth-led anti-gun violence group March for Our Lives, was driven to run for office following the 2018 shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. In 2022, Frost, now 27, became the first member of Gen Z elected to Congress.

Alsobrooks, 53, told HuffPost she shares Frosts commitment to gun safety measures, including an assault weapons ban. I have spent now a good portion of my career working to keep families safe, Alsobrooks said, adding she and Frost share in common a philosophy, which is that you dont get to sit on the sidelines.

I also know that the congressman was spurred to action based on his concern for safety, and thats literally how I got into elective office in 2010. I was concerned about the world that my daughter was growing up in, she said. Gun violence in our country at this point is an epidemic, and I think in order to solve it, we need a broad coalition working on it.

Alsobrooks served two terms as the states attorney for Prince Georges County in suburban D.C. before becoming its county executive in 2018.

Trone, the founder and co-owner of Total Wine & More, won his first U.S. House race in 2018. Hes drawn millions from his personal fortune to fund his races, including more than $23 million in the primary against Alsobrooks. Trone argues he offers tested leadership and cant be bought by PACs and similar influence peddlers.

If elected, Alsobrooks would be the first Black woman to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate, which has only ever had two Black women as members. Maryland also has the sixth-largest Black population percentage-wise in the nation. Frost, who is multiracial, says Alsobrooks would give a necessary voice to the states diverse electorate.

Having her perspective there and having her fight there is going to directly benefit every person in Maryland, Frost said.

Marylands open Senate race to replace retiring Democrat Ben Cardin is suddenly competitive not only in the primary: Last month, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a popular Republican, made a surprise comeback, potentially scrambling the general election map for Democrats. The party is almost guaranteed to lose a seat this year with the retirement of Sen. Joe Manchin in West Virginia, and is defending vulnerable members in Ohio and Montana.

Hogan defied the conventional politics of deep-blue Maryland as its two-term GOP governor, making him the only formidable opponent for Democrats. Hes the heavy favorite to emerge from his own primary on May 14.

Im the person who is best equipped to defeat Larry Hogan in a general election and this is because of the support of people like Congressman Frost, Alsobrooks said. We are going to have to engage younger voters, engage women ... I think we need candidates who are inspirational and who are able to inspire people to come out and to participate.
Georgia is among the states with the highest number of shelter animals euthanized each year, but there are ways the public can help reduce the number.

Georgia had the fifth-most animal killings in shelters in the U.S. in 2023, according to data from Best Friends Animal Society. That year, the state euthanized more than 19,000 cats and dogs.

Tracey Weathers, the shelter manager at Bibb County Animal Services, said shelters euthanize animals for a variety of reasons, but the most common in municipal shelters are public safety concerns and a lack of space in the shelter.

Municipal shelters have to euthanize because they have a responsibility to the public, Weathers said. Theyre picking up sick, injured, aggressive animals, and then the ones that are good, they can only hold them for so long before they have to make room for more animals that need to come in.

In 2023, Bibb County Animal Services took in about 2,351 animals, according to their annual report. The shelter tries to reduce the number of animals euthanized by partnering with rescues to place animals in foster homes and find permanent families. However, while its been effective, it doesnt totally erase the problem. The shelter still had to euthanize 631 animals last year.

Weathers said that in her experience, shelters are more likely to have to euthanize dogs due to the safety threat they present if they become aggressive. Additionally, shelters tend to take in more dogs than cats.

With cats, theres more options than with dogs. If you have a cat thats feral, for instance  we can trap it, neuter it, release it back into the community, Weathers said. Whereas if dogs have behavior issues, we cant allow them back into the community.

Community members can take action to reduce the number of animals killed in Georgia shelters. Weathers said its important for people to keep animals on their property, and to make sure they have food, water and veterinarian care.

Additionally, the law in Bibb County requires that all animals over the age of six months be spayed or neutered, something Weathers said can go a long way in keeping people safe and animals out of shelters.

Just being a responsible pet owner with [spayed and neutered pets] would definitely help our euthanasia rate, Weathers said.

Groups like Best Friends Animal Society also advocate for more people to adopt and foster pets so theyre less likely to be killed at shelters.

Animal welfare groups also advise people to put tags on their pets. This allows them to be returned easily and reduces the number of animals shelters take in.
Threads run through a circular knitting head machine in the production hall of Mesh Pack. Plastic packaging is still ubiquitous in most supermarkets, and trying to reduce it should be a key priority, environmental activists say. A German firm has developed net packaging based on corn starch as a sustainable alternative. Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa

Step into a supermarket and you will likely see plenty of plastic net packaging, conveniently bagging together onions, oranges, limes or lemons.

That might not be ideal for the environment but it is good business for Thomas Hartung, managing director of Mesh Pack in the town of Kusey in Germany.

Mesh Pack produces all types of packaging nets from plastic granulate but it is also focusing increasingly on sustainable alternatives. A new net based on corn starch has won several awards.

Other makers of the plastic knitted packaging are also creating more environmentally friendly versions, with some using cotton or cellulose to make the bags.

In addition to customers in Germany, Mesh-Pack also supplies the netting to around 20 European countries, Hartung says. On top of that come exports to the US, South Africa and Australia, and this year to New Zealand.

Alongside making net bags for fruit and vegetables, the company also makes netting for Christmas trees, protective nets against pests and agricultural nets for silos or to keep bales of hay in shape.

All that means 600 to 700 tonnes of the goods are sent out from its factory annually.

Company boss Hartung is well aware of the environmental problems the nets create. "We produce just as much waste with them. The nets are intended for single use. So far, the only disposal option has been the residual waste bin."

That is something environmental activists want to avoid. "From our point of view, it is important that unnecessary packaging and products are avoided as a priority. Reusable systems are essential for this," says Jasmin Boe from the Plastics and Packaging department at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau-Rolau, Germany.

If packaging is necessary, then it is important to try and reuse the material as much as possible, while assessing other factors such as material consumption and recyclability.

Hartung is also driven by the idea of sustainability. By working with the Fraunhofer Institute in Halle, Germany, his company developed a new type of bionet and presented it at trade fairs for the first time in 2022.

The advantage of this first available "ribbon net" made from corn starch is that it is quickly and completely biodegradable. Plus, in terms of quality, it is in no way inferior to that of conventional nets.

The raw material for the net literally grows on the doorstep. Similar products are based on cellulose or sugar cane.

In Germany, the landscape for alternative forms of net packaging is gradually growing greener. In the Munsterland region, Naturnetz has been knitting nets for fruit and Christmas trees, using yarns made from cellulose based on beech wood.

They are produced in Austria, Naturnetz Managing Director Sylvia Segeler says. "The nets usually decompose within 12 weeks."

She said the challenge was to produce nets stable enough to hold together trees, which are compressed to a diameter of around 25 centimetres.

All year long, there is demand for fruit and vegetable nets from direct marketers and farm shops, she says. "They are slightly more expensive because it's a different product."

Segelerv did not provide exact figures but says she expects plastic to largely disappear from small packaging in the future. She says in this area, France is leading the way.

But the companies are winning prizes for their work and Hartung feels vindicated. He is still working on a truly sustainable product, because in his view, what he is making right now does not go far enough.

"In our view, biodegradable plastics offer no ecological advantages, as composting mainly produces CO2 and water and removes valuable materials from the cycle," says Boe. "At best, bio-based plastics with the same properties as recyclable plastics should be used to keep valuable resources in the cycle."

Mesh Pack is working with scientists at the Fraunhofer institute to develop more innovative products.

Hartung took over the company together with his brother Michael in September 2020. Both were already established in the town with a building technology company their father had taken over.

Hartung came to his business almost by accident. When its previous owner announced that he was pulling out of Mesh Pack and shutting down production, they stepped in to save the site. Looking back, it was a pretty impulsive decision, "more out of a beer mood," says Hartung.

Founded in 1997, the company now has 42 employees again, who produce nets in shifts. Might the new, more expensive product succeed? That remains to be seen. So far, it makes up 3% to 5% of turnover.

Hartung is confident, but says, "Ultimately, it's the consumer who will decide."

Thomas Hartung, managing director of Mesh Pack, stands in the warehouse between countless rolls of tubular nets. Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa

Thomas Hartung, managing director of Mesh Pack, tests a biodegradable net for bagging fruit or vegetables in the production hall. Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa
German consumers to pay more for gas heating as VAT returns to 19%

A woman turns a heating thermostat. German consumers are facing higher gas prices starting on Monday, as a temporary reduction in a key consumption tax expired on Sunday, energy experts said. Marcus Brandt/dpa

German consumers are facing higher gas prices starting on Monday, as a temporary reduction in a key consumption tax expired on Sunday, energy experts said.

The change "will suddenly increase the price of gas by 11%," said Thorsten Storck, energy expert at the comparison website Verivox.

Steffen Suttner, managing director for energy at the comparison website Check24, also said that the elimination of the reduction will significantly increase energy costs for consumers starting in April.

The government lowered the 19% value added tax (VAT) in October 2022 to 7% in order to cushion the effects of Russia's war on Ukraine and subsequent rise in gas prices, causing people's heating bills to increase.

"The state must not benefit from the fact that life is becoming more expensive for people," Finance Minister Christian Lindner said at the time.

The tax reduction was limited from the start and was set to expire on Sunday, but a law passed by the Bundestag called for it to expire at the end of February. The original deadline of March 31 was then agreed to again through a parliamentary mediation committee between Germany's two houses of parliament, the Bundestag and Bundesrat.

According to calculations from the consumer website Check24, a single person with a consumption of 5,000 kilowatt hours would have to pay 52 ($56) more now that the tax has returned to 19%.
Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner said he is against reintroducing compulsory military service to strengthen the nation's army, the Bundeswehr.

"The economic costs of compulsory military service would be very high in view of the labour shortage in an ageing society. I am also not convinced by drafting entire cohorts who are then not called up at all," Lindner told dpa.

He instead called for a stronger military reserve for the Bundeswehr.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is currently having models of compulsory military service examined and has taken a look at the practice in Scandinavian countries.

In Sweden, for example, entire cohorts are registered and contacted - then an initial selection is examined and tested for service, i.e. drafted. Only some of this group then serve in the military.

"The better alternative to compulsory military service, which is being discussed again, is a strengthened reserve. It should be possible for citizens to make a voluntary commitment to regularly serve in the Bundeswehr over a longer period of time alongside their civilian jobs," Lindner said.

This is also the way to involve otherwise difficult to recruit experts in areas such as cyber defence, he said.

"A strengthened reserve must be attractive enough through the acquisition of qualifications that employers also support a corresponding commitment," he said.

Compulsory military service was suspended in Germany in July 2011 after 55 years under the then Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.

However, it is still stipulated by law that compulsory military service for men will be revived in the event of civil unrest and national defence.
A German plastics parts manufacturer is letting go at least half of its employees at its eastern North Carolina plant as it shifts business strategies.

MORE: Layoffs hit Charlotte-based Duke Energy

Wirthwein filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice with the North Carolina Department of Commerce last week to indicate that it will begin layoffs in May at its facility at 901 Industrial Drive in New Bern.

Guido Broder, CEO Of Wirthwein US, wrote in the notice, We regret the business circumstances that have made this decision necessary. Broder told the Triangle Business Journal separately that the company has roughly 120 employees at the plant, and roughly 50 to 60 will remain after layoffs.

Keep reading on CBJs website here.

(WATCH BELOW: Concerning and alarming: CMS employees speak up after early budget talks point to layoffs)
Qabil Ashirov

Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov discussed with the representatives of Turkish companies Koc Holding and Aksoy Holding the possibilities of the implementation of investment projects in Azerbaijan and the prospects of cooperation, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by the Minister on his X account.

The post reads:

"The Azerbaijan-Turkiye union and the successful economic partnership platform are enriched with new contents as a result of joint initiatives. In our meeting with the representatives of the Turkish companies "Koc Holding" and "Aksoy Holding", we shared our views on the possibilities of implementing investment projects in our country and the prospects of cooperation."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan, co-chairman of the Azerbaijani-Romanian intergovernmental commission Sahil Babayev, has named priorities and indicators of cooperation between the two countries, Trend reports following the meeting of the commission.

According to Babayev, there are favorable opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the spheres of energy, transport, tourism, agriculture, health, and culture.

The minister further stated that in 2023, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Romania reached $670 million, with Azerbaijani exports to Romania totaling $605 million. Azerbaijan made investments of $90 million in Romania, while Romania invested $30 million during the same period. However, both sides recognize the potential for increased investment.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Crowds gathered in Germany overnight to celebrate the legalization of cannabis starting from Monday.

There was music and dancing at the Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin, where attendees waved placards and blew clouds of smoke into the air.

One person could be seen cycling through the crowd dragging an artwork of a giant cannabis leaf on a trailer behind their bike, while another ceremoniously rolled a joint in front of television cameras.

Adults can now cultivate up to three cannabis plants for private consumption. - Fabian Sommer/picture alliance/Getty Images

Last month, Germanys lower house of parliament voted to legalize cannabis for limited recreational use following a controversial national debate about the pros and cons of allowing easier access to the drug.

Health minister Karl Lauterbach hailed the move in a post on X on Monday.

Cannabis use already existed yesterday, but its increasing. Now its exiting the taboo zone, he wrote.

This is better for real addiction help, prevention for children and young people and for combating the black market, for which there will soon be an alternative.

The new rules mean adults can possess small amounts for personal use but the drug remains banned for under 18s.

Under the new legislation, put forward by Germanys ruling coalition party, adults can cultivate up to three plants for private consumption and be allowed to possess 50g at one time at home, and 25g in public, starting from April 1.

From July 1, cannabis will be available in licensed not-for-profit clubs with no more than 500 members  all of whom would have to be adults. Only club members would be allowed to consume their output.

The German government said that cannabis would remain illegal for minors and highly restricted for young adults, adding that consuming the drug near schools and playgrounds would be illegal.

The move makes Germany the third country in Europe  after Malta and Luxembourg  to legalize the drug for recreational use, removing cannabis from the official list of banned substances.

The Netherlands bans possession of drugs but some municipalities permit them to be sold in coffee shops under its so-called policy of toleration.

In other countries, like Australia and the US, rules vary in different localities.

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Semafor Signals

Insights from Der Spiegel, BBC, and The New York Times

The News

Germany on Monday partially legalized recreational cannabis, sparking widespread celebrations, with hundreds gathering by the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to light joints as the new law took effect at midnight.

Adults can now grow up to three marijuana plants for private consumption, and carry small amounts for personal use. The drug remains banned for those under 18 and restrictions are tighter for young adults aged 18-21.

Beginning July 1, Germans are also allowed to establish growers associations or cannabis social clubs with up to 500 members that can grow and distribute cannabis on a not-for-profit basis.

The bill followed decades of debate over whether to legalize the drug. The watered-down version that eventually passed contains many caveats and complexities that have left people on both sides unhappy, the BBC reported.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

New rule will help remove taboo around cannabis use and combat addiction

Sources: Karl Lauterbach, Der Spiegel

Cannabis use already existed yesterday, but its increasing. Now its exiting the taboo zone, German Health minister Karl Lauterbach  who formerly opposed legalization  said in a post on X. Amid rising consumption, bringing cannabis into the legal sphere could provide an alternative to the black market and help protect young people from contaminated or overly concentrated versions of the drug, he said.

One social services advocate told Der Spiegel that decriminalizing cannabis will also allow more people to get help with addiction. Cannabis consumption is brought out of the taboo zone and can be talked about, she said.

Police say it will strengthen black market, and enforcement is difficult

Sources: BBC, Der Spiegel, Deutsche Welle

German police have raised concerns about legal demand outstripping supply, warning that the black market for marijuana will actually be strengthened by the new law, the BBC reported.

Speaking to Germany weekly Der Spiegel, Alexander Poitz of the German Police Union noted the difficulty of enforcing complicated rules that prohibit smoking near children, schools or playgrounds, for example, and the fact that police do not carry precision scales to carry out checks.

Due to various ambiguities and the lack of legal definitions, there will be clearly noticeable dissatisfaction, uncertainties and errors among all parties involved, he said.

But German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said while the law change will initially make more work for the police, it will relieve both the police and the judiciary over time, allowing them to focus on even more relevant crime.

Change might be short-lived if center-right party wins back power next year

Sources: The New York Times, BBC, RND

Former Chancellor Angela Merkels government opposed legalization or decriminalization of cannabis for years, but Chancellor Olaf Scholzs socially liberal government quickly found consensus on the issue when it came into power in 2021. Merkels party, the Christian Democratic Union, has already pledged to reverse the law if it wins back power in 2025.

Armin Schuster, a member of Germanys center-right opposition bloc, warned that the law would unleash a complete loss of control.

How you can get the idea that you would relieve the police and other authorities is a mystery to me, another Christian Democrat told the German network RND.
Germany says Russia has intensified disinformation against Ukraine in Europe

Germany has reported a surge in Russian disinformation campaigns in Europe aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.

Source: Ralf Beste, Head of the Department of Culture and Communication at the German Foreign Office, told so the Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Beste noted that Russia's disinformation campaigns have grown more extensive, sophisticated and invisible.

"It is absolutely a threat we have to take seriously. Overall, [there] is an increase in sophistication and impact to what we have seen before," the German diplomat stressed.

The official indicated that Russia is combining greater sophistication and plausibility in its messages with automation to make its actions more effective and difficult to counter.

"There is probably a lot going on we cant even see. More and more conversations are happening in private . . . channels on Telegram and WhatsApp. It is very difficult to understand what is happening there," Beste said.

Within his department, there is a special unit that leads the German government's efforts to track and disrupt Russia's information operations abroad.

Beste stressed that the Russians are looking for "cracks of doubt or feelings of unease and trying to enlarge them".

This year, his department exposed one of the largest attempts to manipulate German public opinion on Twitter.

The network of over 50,000 fake accounts, which generated up to 200,000 posts daily, sought to convince Germans that government aid to Ukraine was undermining German prosperity and risking nuclear war.

The network tried to "launder" such claims by presenting them as if they had been posted as opinions in reputable news outlets such as Der Spiegel and Suddeutsche Zeitung. Additionally, there was an effort to reinforce pre-existing anti-Ukrainian sentiments and broaden their reach.

Beste noted that addressing such efforts poses a significant challenge. He added that it shows how far Russia has come since the days of the infamous "troll farms" that exploited real people to spread fake news in often clumsy and obvious ways.

Background:

Following the revelations of pro-Russian influence networks in Czechia and Poland, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that similar revelations should be expected in other countries.

Last week, some members of the European Parliament called for an urgent debate and investigation following allegations that Russia may have bribed individual MEPs to promote its interests.

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Glasgow Village man sentenced for role in three homicides

ST. LOUIS  A Glasgow Village man appeared in St. Louis Circuit Court on Monday and was sentenced for his role in three murders.

Dashaun Ewing pleaded guilty last week to three counts of second-degree murder. He was initially charged with first-degree murder, but prosecutors amended the murder charges and dismissed counts of armed criminal action and evidence tampering in exchange for his plea.

Arie Bagsby, 20, and Omar Harris, 21, were gunned down on July 13, 2020, near Lindell and North Grand boulevards in Midtown, just outside St. Francis Xavier College Church.

Kyle Falker, 15, was shot and killed on July 11, 2021, at the Preservation Square apartment complex in the 1300 block of North 14th Street in the Carr Square neighborhood.

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Ewing admitted in court that he drove others to and from each of the shootings.

As a result of the plea deal, Ewing received concurrent 20-year terms for the murders of Bagsby and Harris and a consecutive 10-year term for Falkers death.

A circuit court judge said these sentences will run concurrent with Ewings 78-month federal prison sentence, which he began serving in July 2023 for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

Ewings co-defendant in the Falker murder, Stanico Jordan, 19, was sentenced in December 2023 to 22 years in prison. Jordan, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was certified as an adult to stand trial. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in that case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Times are getting increasingly tough for many of California's wine grape growers.

Wine-souring smoke from wildfires, grape-shriveling drought and global warming have all been playing an increasingly detrimental role in state vineyards for at least the last decade.

But those aren't the only headaches. More recently, a tectonic shift in generational drinking habits has led to a global glut of wine.

Lodi's iconic arch was built in 1907 as a symbol of agricultural and commercial growth. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Now, struggling California growers have found themselves having to compete with bargain-basement wine prices from overseas growers eager to rid themselves of aging supplies.

Whats aggravating is that we have grapes that didnt get picked or sold while the biggest wineries in the state are bringing in cheap bulk wine from overseas, lamented Lodi Winegrape Commissioner Stuart Spencer.

Read more: Mystery among the vines: Why is the FBI probing some of Napa Valley's fanciest wineries?

Here in the heart of San Joaquin Countys prized wine country, thousands of tons of unpicked grapes cling to abandoned vines, and piles of gnarled wood and wire mark vast, uprooted vineyards.

Much of the reason for this, according to Spencer, is that giant California-based wineries have been increasing their purchases of cheap foreign bulk wine, then blending it with vintages produced on either side of Highway 99, about 35 miles south of Sacramento.

Under Federal Tax & Trade Bureau regulations, the resulting blend can be labeled "American wine" if it contains no more than 25% foreign wine.

While the blending of foreign wine with California wine is nothing new, few growers have wanted to complain publicly for fear of losing business from large winemakers. Now however, as the plight of vineyard owners grows, Spencer and others are speaking openly about it.

Fifth generation vineyard grower Greg Lauchland checks irrigation lines in the family's vineyard in Lodi. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

In March, Spencer shocked the industry by publishing a report entitled, Imported foreign bulk wine: the dirty secret no one in California wine is talking about.

I felt I had to say something about a disturbing aspect of our industry that has been left out of the conversation, Spencer said.

It is a searing criticism of the industry that has made Spencer, 54, something of a local hero at a time when many wine grape growers are grappling with the impacts of massive wildfires, unprecedented drought, rising labor and equipment costs, COVID-19 mandates and a brutal demographic disconnect around the world that has slowed the market for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Merlot.

Wine, once the height of boomer culture and conspicuous consumption, has lost its cool among young, more frugal and health-conscious potential customers, many of whom prefer cannabis over Cabernet, experts say. In France, the government is spending more than $200 million to destroy excess wine amid plummeting demand. In Australia, vineyards have been forced to stockpile two years' worth of production due to lack of buyers.

Now, growers in Lodi  the most diverse wine growing region in the U.S., with 125 varieties in production  and across much of the state are being urged by industry representatives to remove tens of thousands of acres of vineyards to balance supply with demand.

Compounding all the other anxieties is the increasing importation of cheap bulk wine from Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Canada by wineries including E&J Gallo, Constellation Brands, and Delicato Family Wines, according to Spencer.

Unpicked and shriveled grapes still on the vine are a common sight in Lodi. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

This spring, as green shoots are emerging from the vines, the 700 grape growers represented by Spencers commission have come to the uneasy realization that they have lost control of their fate due to global market forces and the increasingly harmful effects of global warming.

Weve been told that potentially 400,000 tons of grapes were left on the vine last harvest, Spencer wrote in his report. Growers have been told they need to remove thousands of vineyard acres to balance supply with demand.

But no one is mentioning that Californias largest grape buyers also imported the equivalent of 400,000 tons of grapes in 2022, Spencer wrote. This situation is exacerbated by a global oversupply of wine which allows wineries to source incredibly cheap foreign bulk wine to reduce their costs of goods sold.

Read more: As hungry bears awaken from hibernation, a California mountain village braces for invasion

After reading Spencers report, some local growers said they stood up from their kitchen tables and cheered. Others worried about what the consequences could be.

Hes saying things that could get us blacklisted, said Garret Schaefer, whose family has been growing grapes here since the late 1800s. And we cant afford to get blacklisted because we have too much wine to sell.

The report points out that the importation of foreign bulk wine began in the late 1990s when a rapidly growing wine market looked overseas to fill demand.

The trend slowed significantly in the early 2000s as California vineyard plantings exceeded demand, according to Spencer. However, it began to pick back up around 2006 and has grown steadily ever since.

Natalie Collins, director of the California Assn. of Grape Growers, an advocacy group, said, Importing foreign bulk wine isnt new.

Whats aggravating is that we have grapes that didnt get picked or sold while the biggest wineries in the state are bringing in cheap bulk wine from overseas.

Lodi Winegrape Commissioner Stuart Spencer

Greg Lauchland, right, and his father Robert work in the family's vineyard. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

But Stuart has done a great job of calling widespread attention to a worsening local dilemma: How can we compete when the big wineries can buy bulk wine from Canada, for example, for as low as a buck a gallon?

None of the wineries targeted in Spencers report responded to inquiries from The Times.

The big question now is whether the report will blossom into something lasting and beneficial at a time when each week it seems more growers have decided to pull out vines, put land up for sale, or risk a fresh start with an alternative crop such as almonds, walnuts or pistachios.

Removing vineyards has become an expensive proposition. Under new San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Regulations, growers with more than 100 to 250 acres can no longer burn their uprooted vineyards.

Contractor Donald Wortley has removed vines for growers in Lodi for 50 years. Now, he says, "I have so many incoming work orders I'll never get them done." (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Now, they must hire crews to first extract wires embedded in their vines, then use contractors with heavy machinery to pile them up. The waste is later dumped into a crop grinder or an air curtain burner  an insulated box equipped with a diesel-powered fan that produces less smoke and particulate matter than traditional open burning.

Not removing an untended vineyard in a timely fashion renders it vulnerable to pests and disease that can leapfrog onto vines owned by nearby farmers.

As a result, emergency requests for vineyard removals have exceeded the capacity of heavy equipment operators to complete them.

I have so many incoming work orders Ill never get them done, said Donald Wortley, 80, a general contractor who has removed vines for growers in Lodi for 50 years.

Read more: The Klamath River's dams are being removed. Inside the effort to restore a scarred watershed

The situation in Lodi wine country is tragic  almost every grape grower in the region is in trouble, he said. Every vineyard you see that was not harvested means that the owner worked that year for nothing.

I fear we will soon start seeing bankruptcies, he added.

Spencer claimed that every retailer and grocery he visited in the past few months had their shelves stocked with foreign-sourced bulk imports.

And all the while many retailers proudly proclaim their support for our local farms, Spencer said. In no world does it make sense to ship bulk wine from across the globe to sit on a shelf in Lodi while thousands of tons of California wine grapes go unharvested and local growers remove family vineyards and take out loans to pay their farming bills.

Robert Lauchland surveys his vineyard in Lodi, where his family has been growing grapes for 104 years. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Greg Lauchland, 30, whose family has been growing wine grapes in the Lodi region for 104 years, described the situation as a slap in the face.

It was a tough decision to make for longtime wine grape growers like us, but we planted 130 acres with almonds in October," he said.

In March, Sacramento-based Blue Diamond Growers, a cooperative of almond growers, eliminated 38 corporate jobs as part of an effort to remain cost efficient amid challenges including an oversupply of almonds and shifts in consumer shopping patterns.

Under the circumstances, Lauchlands father, Robert, 62, suggested, It would seem to be in the best interests of the big wineries to promote California wine  and instead of calling that other stuff American wine, how about calling it International wine. 

Rows and rows of shriveled, unpicked grapes hang from vines in Lodi. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Spencer could not agree more. Look closely at the labels of the wine that youre buying, he said, and make sure your purchase supports California-grown grapes.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The latest MonsterVerse blockbuster is getting a cinematic release in early April. "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" director Adam Wingard says his goal was to take things that are relatable and then scale them up - things like a pet cat. Courtesy Of Warner Bros. Picture/Warner Bros. Entertainment/dpa

Since making his MonsterVerse debut in 2017's "Kong: Skull Island," the title character has battled a sneaky squid, deadly lizard-like predators, the mighty Godzilla and even a high-tech mecha designed to take all these creatures out.

But in "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," the giant ape must face his most challenging foe yet: a toothache.

"These movies are always about taking things that are relatable and then scaling them up," says director Adam Wingard, 41. "You're looking for those things [that] would be fun to see on this wildly big scale that we've never seen"  like Kong scratching his butt while taking a shower in 2021's "Godzilla vs. Kong."

Kong's struggle with debilitating tooth pain was inspired by Wingard's own dental woes. While making his 2011 horror breakout "You're Next," the filmmaker was afflicted with a terrible pain that left dentists stumped for more than a year.

"I was looking for some catharsis of what I was dealing with," says Wingard. "Having a scene where Kong is getting some dental work done felt like closure to me."

The fifth film in Legendary's MonsterVerse franchise, "Godzilla x Kong" marks Wingard's second romp in this cinematic universe. The director, who cut his teeth making genre indies, had long dreamed of helming a big tentpole movie.

"There's nothing as a filmmaker that can prepare you for doing a movie with characters of 6-foot scale and 300-foot scale working together and all the insane mechanics that go along with making a kaiju movie," he says. "I knew that I wasn't done with the series because I knew there were untapped reservoirs of potential in terms of what could be done with monsters."

Drawing him back was not merely the opportunity to do bigger battles, but a chance to focus on what these monsters are doing between those bigger battles. ("Godzilla x Kong" has been teased as a team-up from the start, though audiences can be sure that it's not all smooth sailing between the former adversaries.)

"What I wanted to do with this film more than anything was to put you in the perspective of the monsters," says Wingard. "I wanted to do a film that was driven by nonverbal visual sequences."

It's also a bonus for Wingard that he finally gets to experience the fanfare that comes with releasing a big-budget behemoth. Wingard's initial "Godzilla vs. Kong" arrived in 2021 when most cinema chains had yet to reopen. Although the film bowed to record numbers for that time, there wasn't a traditional red-carpet premiere, much of the press tour was virtual and the film was released simultaneously on the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max, a circumstance less than ideal to Wingard.

"These characters are literally the biggest characters in cinema history," says the Tennessee-born director. "So the best way to experience them is going to be on the biggest screen possible."

Surrounded during our interview by MonsterVerse paraphernalia, concept art, posters for Showa-era Godzilla films like 1968's "Destroy All Monsters" and even album covers from bands like Judas Priest and Megadeth, Wingard appears to be savouring every moment. Gracious and engaging, he reveals that he was nearly robbed of all of it. In 2021, while in the early stages of production on the film, Wingard was hit by a car running a red light as he was crossing the street.

"It was really one of those eye-opening things where, for the first time ever, I really understood that I was mortal," says the director. "I really knew I might not get another chance to make another movie, period. So my approach to this movie, more than ever, [was] to go all out. I tried to make a mic-drop monster movie that encompassed all my influences, interests, down to the colour palettes and all those kinds of things."

The result is a movie that expands the mythos of the various kaiju creatures  called Titans in the MonsterVerse  and introduces a new, sinister villain. The visuals are impressive, as are the plentiful needle drops.

"Godzilla x Kong" arrives at a time when Godzilla is experiencing a bit of a renaissance. He's stomped his way onto television with the Apple TV+ series "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," while Japan's "Godzilla Minus One" earned the long-running franchise its first Academy Award last month.

"It's a great time to be a Godzilla fan, for sure," says Wingard.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of Godzilla's debut and Wingard is sensitive to that sociopolitical legacy born of real-world nuclear anxiety.

"You don't want to lose the roots of where these characters are created," says Wingard. "I love how [recent] Japanese films [like 'Shin Godzilla' and 'Minus One'] really focused on the reality of Godzilla  the metaphorical qualities of Godzilla and what he means to Japan."

Wingard's approach to the character has been to be true to what Godzilla meant to him as a kid  he was the good guy. And his inner 10-year-old was always in mind.

"In the MonsterVerse, Godzilla is very much like the white blood cell of planet Earth  he's here to protect it," says Wingard. "The aim for me is to inspire future filmmakers, the kids who are going to watch this and see these monsters as characters. They're going to understand what's going on and they're going to have their own interfacing of their imagination into it."

Loving Godzilla isn't always easy, though. Compared with the shaggy, likable Kong, who, with the ability to emote, is a character audiences have always empathized with, Godzilla is "a little bit more complicated to pull off," according to the filmmaker.

"A lot of my inspiration for his mannerisms comes from my cat, Mischief," says Wingard. He points to a photo of a black cat next to an illustration of a sleeping Godzilla on a wall and adds: "Her lying in her cat nest was the inspiration for Godzilla in the Colosseum."

There's "something about the mannerisms of cats," continues Wingard. "They have a personality, but they don't smile and frown. But you understand your cat without them emoting in a normal way and there's something about that that translates to Godzilla  that attitude that cats have."

Wingard isn't the only "Godzilla" director to take cues from a feline. He tells me that "Godzilla Minus One" filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, whom he'd met after a screening, was also inspired by his pet cat.

Now, after almost seven years of focusing on Godzilla and Kong, Wingard acknowledges that a part of him is interested in going back to his roots and developing a horror project. That said, he'd jump at the chance to make another MonsterVerse film if asked.

"I think that when you make two movies, there's always an inclination toward a trilogy," he says, the inner 10-year-old very much in evidence. "We'll just have to see."
Earlier this year, a number of colleges announced they were going back to using the SAT and the ACT. Here, Joseph Soares, a professor of sociology, expert on higher education and proponent of test-optional admissions, answers a few questions about the rationale behind the colleges decision to require applicants to submit scores from standardized college admissions tests.

Are SAT requirements making a comeback?

No. As of early 2024, just four schools announced the return of mandatory testing: Brown, Dartmouth, Yale and MIT.

Meanwhile, many other schools are sticking with test-optional admissions. These schools include Boston University, Columbia University, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, the University of Missouri system, the University of Utah, Vanderbilt University and William & Mary.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2019, there were approximately 1,050 test-optional schools out of approximately 2,300 bachelors degree-granting institutions, not counting the four-year for-profit schools.

Today, in 2024, there are over 1,900 test-optional or test-free schools. Nationally, test optional is still the norm.

Why are these schools going back to it?

The four schools that have gone back to standardized tests had initially dropped their requirement because of the pandemic. The College Board put its test administrations on pause during the pandemic because testing sites could not host them.

Now, administrators at Yale and Dartmouth say that some students from low-income families were harmed by not submitting test scores. Their argument is that by submitting test scores, it would have enabled colleges to find youths of promise from low-income families. The assumption is that students from an under-resourced high school, without an abundance of extracurricular opportunities or AP courses, will perhaps have a strong test score that will signal their potential.

Does their story check out?

I dont believe the facts support the claims being made by the four universities that decided to reinstate the SAT.

After going test optional, the Ivy League and MIT had more racial and economic diversity than ever before.

Taking 2018 as a pre-pandemic benchmark, when test requirements were more common, and 2022 as a year of test-optional admissions by these schools, we can see the largest increase in the Ivy Leagues history in underrepresented Black and Hispanic students came while being test optional. In 2018, there were 72,654 undergraduates in the Ivies plus MIT; in 2022, there were 74,258 undergraduates, an aggregate increase of 1,604 students.

Black and Hispanic students accounted for 79% of the total growth. The number of Black and Hispanic undergraduates went up at those nine schools by a total of 1,261, according to my analysis of figures from the U.S. Department of Educations Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

The number of Pell Grant students, who are widely treated as a proxy for students from low-income families, went up at six schools, remained the same at one and declined slightly at two, my unpublished analysis found. This suggests that the numbers of students from low-income families also increased overall, although not on the same scale as increases in Black and Hispanic students.

Furthermore, test-optional policies did not prevent students from submitting test scores. If a student believed their test score was a plus, they could have submitted it.

What research are the schools relying on?

Dartmouth has issued a study that explains why it decided to resurrect a test score requirement. It reported that being test optional produced a 35% increase in applications, and that 31% of all enrolled students at Dartmouth were admitted without a test score.

Of those applicants evaluated without reference to a test score, they afterward were able to get scores for 19% of them. They found higher admission rates for disadvantaged students whose unknown SAT scores were actually under 1400 than those with scores above 1400.

The school saw this as a bad policy because it believes that higher-scoring disadvantaged students will have higher GPAs and brighter careers than lower-scoring ones. It drew the conclusion that requiring all to submit a test score was better for quality admissions than allowing students to decide on their own whether to submit their scores.

What does all this mean for campus diversity?

When highly selective schools  some refer to these as highly rejective schools  went test optional, diversity went up on their campuses. My research suggests that the resumption of standardized tests will diminish the number of applications from Black and Hispanic students and from low-income families.

Black and Hispanic students face disparate headwinds in taking a test where race is the strongest single variable that predicts test scores. Students of color are more likely than others to not include test scores in their college applications.

The case for restoring test-optional admissions in the name of equity and diversity has been made by a coalition of Black, Hispanic and low-income students at Dartmouth. They pointed out that a test score requirement weights strongly against Black, Hispanic and students from low-income families. They called on college administrators to restore test-optional admissions.

An earlier version of this story contained some incorrect admit rates for students with scores above and below an SAT score of 1400.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Joseph Soares, Wake Forest University

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Joseph Soares 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 major overhaul to a key South Florida interchange is getting underway years ahead of schedule, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday.

Construction is set to begin on a sweeping project to expand and repave the Golden Glades Interchange  which connects I-95, the Florida Turnpike and the Palmetto Expressway in north Miami-Dade County  on Monday, DeSantis said, thanks to a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative approved by state lawmakers last year.

The initiative  dubbed Moving Florida Forward  sets aside $4 billion in state funds for projects to improve major interstates and roadways throughout Florida. DeSantis said that the funding has moved up the timeline of some of the states biggest infrastructure projects by seven to 10 years.

Todays really a milestone day here, DeSantis said during an appearance at the Greater Miami Expressway Agency. Were able to say that because of Moving Florida Forward, the Golden Glades Interchange Improvement Project is commencing construction today. Now, this was not even supposed to start until next decade, but with Moving Florida Forward, weve been able to accelerate.

The Golden Glades Interchange is a major connection point between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, and is also prone to serious traffic congestion.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis points to highways included in a toll relief program for people who travel over 35 times per month on toll roads during press conference on Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Greater Miami Expressway Agency in Miami.

The improvement project aims to make a series of changes, including adding and widening lanes from the Turnpike onto southbound I-95 and creating a more direct route from the Palmetto Expressway to I-95. The project is expected to cost about $908 million, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

This is obviously a very sensitive part of this region and so to be able to get this traffic flowing better is going to make a big difference, DeSantis said.

During his visit to Miami, DeSantis also touted state lawmakers plan to extend a multi-million-dollar toll relief program that gives Florida drivers with Sunpasses a 50% discount on toll roads so long as they make 35 toll road trips each month.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The Azerbaijani government has welcomed Romanian investors to work in the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ), which will become the most profitable place to do business in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Board of AFEZ Authority Valeh Alasgarov said, Trend reports.

He made the comment at the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economics, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.



Alasgarov described the installation of cargo terminals on AFEZ territory in the first half of 2026 as a new appealing component of AFEZ's operations.



According to the official, 500,000 tons of goods will be transported through these ports initially, with the volume increasing to around 1.5 million tons in the future.

We are ready to evaluate any proposal from Romania and will give preference to investors who will use innovative technologies and approaches, and who will be engaged in high value-added, export-oriented production, he added.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the establishment and organization of activity of the Alat Free Economic Zone on the territory of the Garadagh district of Baku on May 22, 2020.

The FEZ started its activity in July 2022, in accordance with the law "On Alat Free Economic Zone".

The establishment of AFEZ aims to boost both domestic and international investment in the country's non-oil sector. Legislation within the zone provides exemptions for foreign specialized personnel from income tax, social insurance payments, and other related taxes and fees. Additionally, companies operating within FEZ enjoy exemptions from customs duties and taxes, including VAT, on exports of products and services abroad.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Three Dog Bakery is headed to Kansas Citys Power & Light District.

The locally based company, founded in 1989 and often cited as one of the worlds first bakeries for dogs, will move into the space at 1360 Main St. later this year.

Three Dog Bakery is one of the most beloved brands headquartered in Kansas City, John Moncke, president of the Kansas City Power & Light District, said in a release. We have so many pets that live throughout our residential buildings, including the Three Dog Bakery owners pets themselves, making this location in the heart of downtown a perfect fit.

The new bakery will be Three Dogs fifth in the Kansas City area and considered the companys flagship shop. In addition to its fresh-baked dog treats (pancakes, cookies, brownies) and daily dog food and supplies, the Power & Light location will offer full-service grooming and a self-service dog-washing station.

We have been helping pet parents celebrate birthdays, gotcha days and key milestones in their pets lives for over 30 years, said Joe Dent, president of franchising and corporate bakeries at Three Dog Bakery. We look forward to meeting all the downtown dogs and their parents when we open later this year.

Founded by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff, Three Dog Bakery was acquired by a private investment group in 2014. Last year, the company sold its consumer products division, which supplied treats to stores like Target and Walmart, to a New York-based private equity firm. It is now focused on retail bakery operations, of which there are roughly 50 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Google has agreed to destroy billions of data records collected during private browsing sessions to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the tech giant of improperly tracking people who thought they were browsing the internet privately.

The company also agreed to rewrite the disclosure that appears at the beginning of every incognito mode session to inform users that it collects data from private browsing sessions, according to court documents filed Monday.

Google must also allow incognito mode users to block third-party cookies for the next five years as part of the settlement.

This settlement is an historic step in requiring dominant technology companies to be honest in their representations to users about how the companies collect and employ user data, and to delete and remediate data collected, the filing, submitted by the plaintiffs attorneys, reads.

Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda also touted the settlement, emphasizing that it does not require the company to make any payments. However, individuals still retain the right to sue for damages under the settlement.

We are pleased to settle this lawsuit, which we always believed was meritless, Castaneda said in a statement. The plaintiffs originally wanted $5 billion and are receiving zero.

We never associate data with users when they use Incognito mode, he continued. We are happy to delete old technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never used for any form of personalization.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - The Google building is seen in New York, Feb. 26, 2024. Google has agreed to purge billions of records containing personal information collected from more than 136 million people in the U.S. surfing the internet through its Chrome web browser as part of settlement in a lawsuit accusing it of illegal surveillance. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Google has agreed to purge billions of records containing personal information collected from more than 136 million people in the U.S. surfing the internet through its Chrome web browser.

The massive housecleaning comes as part of a settlement in a lawsuit accusing the search giant of illegal surveillance.

The details of the deal emerged in a court filing Monday, more than three months after Google and the attorneys handling the class-action case disclosed they had resolved a June 2020 lawsuit targeting Chrome's privacy controls.

Among other allegations, the lawsuit accused Google of tracking Chrome users' internet activity even when they had switched the browser to the Incognito setting that is supposed to shield them from being shadowed by the Mountain View, California, company.

Google vigorously fought the lawsuit until U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected a request to dismiss the case last August, setting up a potential trial. The settlement was negotiated during the next four months, culminating in Monday's disclosure of the terms, which Rogers still must approve during a hearing scheduled for July 30 in Oakland, California, federal court.

The settlement requires Google to expunge billions of personal records stored in its data centers and make more prominent privacy disclosures about Chrome's Incognito option when it is activated. It also imposes other controls designed to limit Google's collection of personal information.

Consumers represented in the class-action lawsuit won't receive any damages or any other payments in the settlement, a point that Google emphasized in a Monday statement about the deal.

We are pleased to settle this lawsuit, which we always believed was meritless," Google said. The company asserted it is only being required to delete old personal technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never used for any form of personalization.

In court papers, the attorneys representing Chrome users painted a much different picture, depicting the settlement as a major victory for personal privacy in an age of ever-increasing digital surveillance.

The lawyers valued the settlement at $4.75 billion to $7.8 billion, relying on calculations based primarily on the potential ad sales that the personal information collected through Chrome could have generated in the past and future without the new restrictions.

The settlement also doesn't shield Google from more lawsuits revolving around the same issues covered in the class-action case. That means individual consumers can still pursue damages against the company by filing their own civil complaints in state courts around the U.S.

Investors apparently aren't too worried about the settlement terms affecting the digital ad sales that account for the bulk of the more than $300 billion in annual revenue pouring into Google's corporate parent, Alphabet Inc. Shares in Alphabet rose 3% to close Monday at $155.49, giving the company a market value of $1.9 trillion.

Austin Chambers, a lawyer specializing in data privacy issues at the firm Dorsey & Whitney, described the settlement terms in the Chrome case as a welcome development that could affect the way personal information is collected online in the future.

This prevents companies from profiting off of that data, and also requires them to undertake complex and costly data deletion efforts, Chambers said. In some cases, this could have a dramatic impact on products built around those datasets.

Google is still facing legal threats on the regulatory frontier that could have a far bigger impact on its business, depending on the outcomes.

After the U.S. Justice Department outlined its allegations that the company is abusing the dominance of its search engine to thwart competition and innovation during a trial last fall, a federal judge is scheduled to hear closing arguments in the case May 1 before issuing a ruling anticipated in the autumn.

Google is also facing potential changes to its app store for smartphones powered by its Android software that could undercut its revenue from commissions after a federal jury last year concluded the company was running an illegal monopoly. A hearing examining possible revisions that Google may have to make to its Play Store is scheduled for late May.
The first details emerged Monday from Googles settlement of a class-action lawsuit over Chromes tracking of Incognito users. Filed in 2020, the suit could have required the company to pay $5 billion in damages. Instead, The Wall Street Journal reports that Google will destroy billions of data points it improperly collected, update its data collection disclosures and maintain a setting that blocks Chromes third-party cookies by default for the next five years.

The lawsuit accused Google of misleading Chrome users about how private Incognito browsing truly is. It claimed the company told customers their info was private  even as it monitored their activity. Google defended its practices by claiming it warned Chrome users that Incognito mode does not mean invisible and that sites could still see their activity. The settlement was first reported in December.

The suit initially asked for $5,000 in damages per user for alleged offenses related to federal wiretapping and California privacy laws. Google tried and failed to have the legal action dismissed, with Judge Lucy Koh determining in 2021 that the company did not notify users it was still collecting data while Incognito mode was active.

Engadget emailed Google for comment about the settlement details. Well update this article if we hear back.

The suits discovery included emails that, in late 2022, revealed publicly some of the companys concerns about Incognitos false privacy. In 2019, Google Chief Marketing Officer Lorraine Twohill suggested to CEO Sundar Pichai that private was the wrong term for Incognito mode because it risked exacerbating known misconceptions. In a later email exchange, Twohill wrote, We are limited in how strongly we can market Incognito because its not truly private, thus requiring really fuzzy, hedging language that is almost more damaging.

The court didnt approve a class of plaintiffs for financial damages, so users would have to sue Google as individuals to try to collect compensation. Some didnt waste any time: A group of 50 people already filed a separate suit in California state court on Thursday over the privacy violations.

The lawsuits trial was initially scheduled for February. The settlement still needs final approval from Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the Northern District of California before its official.

This settlement is an historic step in requiring honesty and accountability from dominant technology companies, Attorney David Boies, who represents the plaintiffs, said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal.

One piece of the settlement, the requirement that Google turn off third-party tracking cookies by default for the next five years, could already be a moot point. The companys Privacy Sandbox initiative was already scheduled to disable all third-party cookies for Chrome users by the end of the year. It will replace them with the Topics API, a system that avoids cookies by categorizing browsing activity into locally stored topics. The new system lets advertisers target ads toward users without having direct access to their browsing data.

Its also questionable how effective the destruction of the improperly collected data will be. Considering that the suit covers information stretching back to 2016, its reasonable to assume the company sold much of the data to third parties long ago or incorporated it into separate products not covered by the settlement.

Google will also have to rewrite its privacy disclosures over its data collection practices in Incognito mode. It told The WSJ its already begun applying the change.
Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (N.Y.) on Sunday said families should always be off-limits after former President Trump lashed out at the daughter of the Manhattan judge overseeing his hush money trial.

When asked on CNNs State of the Union if Trumps recent attacks against the judge, the judges daughter and President Biden crossed a line, Lawler said, Look, I think, obviously, the former president has every right to defend himself in court. He has every right to defend himself as  through the proper legal channels.

I think everyone needs to tone down the rhetoric, the language. And, obviously, social media has become a vehicle by which to bludgeon people, he added. I just think, at the end of the day, the former president, current president, and on down, all of us have a responsibility to check our language, to watch what were saying, and to focus on the issues at hand.

Trump came under fire last week, when he attacked Judge Juan Merchan, who recently imposed a gag order against the former president in the hush money case. Trump also targeted Merchans daughter, Loren, who is a Democratic political consultant.

Loren Merchan was an executive at progressive political consulting firm Authentic Campaigns, which worked on campaigns for various Democrat leaders including Vice President Harris, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Biden  Trumps main 2024 opponent.

The former president on Truth Social posted a lengthy rant last week reacting to an account on X, formerly Twitter, that initially appeared to belong to the judges daughter and had a photo illustration of an imprisoned Trump as its profile picture.

The New York state Office of Court Administration (OCA) said last week the account was no longer associated with Loren Merchan, adding that she deleted the account about one year ago.

State of the Union co-anchor Dana Bash on Sunday also pointed to a video Trump posted to his Truth Social account last week of a truck displaying a printed photo of Biden lying sideways and tied up.

Lawler continued to discuss what he believes to be the priorities of the American people before Bash interjected and said she asked him about this specific issue, and if he denounces the attacks.

Families should always be off-limits, Lawler responded. Obviously, the former president has every right to defend himself in court. But I think the focus of this campaign and this election should be on the American people and the issues facing the American people.

Lawler later said he is not focused right now on the presidential race when asked if he would support Trumps reelection bid. At some point, Im sure I will have a comment with respect to the presidential race, but, right now, Im focused on my district.

Trump faces 34 counts in New York accusing him of illegally falsifying business records when reimbursing his ex-fixer, Michael Cohen, for making a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to conceal an affair ahead of the 2016 election. He pleaded not guilty, and Merchan has set a trial date of April 15 in the case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed a bill that will once again make it a crime to be caught with small amounts of illicit drugs in the state.

House Bill 4002 effectively reverses Measure 110, which has received mixed feedback since it was approved by voters in 2020.

Boeing 737 mistakenly deploys evacuation slide after landing at Salem airport

In a previous statement, Gov. Kotek said she intended to sign the bill within 30 days of its passage in the Oregon Senate in early March.

I intend to sign House Bill 4002 and the related prevention and treatment investments within the next 30 days. As Governor, my focus is on implementation. My office will work closely with each implementing authority to set expectations, specifically in response to the Criminal Justice Centers Racial Equity Impact Statement, which projected disproportionate impacts to communities of color and the accompanying concerns raised by advocates. House Bill 4002 will require persistent action and commitment from state and local government to uphold the intent that the legislature put forward: to balance treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and accountability.

Pedestrian hospitalized after serious North Portland crash

HB 4002 will give people the choice between being charged and treatment when they are caught carrying drugs like fentanyl and meth. Treatment includes completing a behavioral health screening and participating in a deflection program in order to sidestep fines.

Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, who worked directly on crafting the legislation, said she believes Portland will see a difference on the streets in the coming weeks.

However, criminalization will not go into effect until September 2024.

However, many local advocates have expressed concerns over potential racial disparities with recriminalization as well as the impact on an already-burdened public defender shortage statewide.

DOJ seizes $5.7M in OR property allegedly tied to multi-state weed trafficking

The executive director of the Health Justice Recovery Alliance, Tera Hurst, previously called HB 4002 a costly step in the wrong direction.

We do have plenty of data that the criminalization of addiction doesnt work, Hurst said. When it becomes a crime again, people go back into the shadows and  especially with fentanyl  when they go back to the shadows, they die.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Gov. Ron DeSantis formally suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill Monday, minutes before she was expected to participate in an afternoon city council meeting.

Hill had appeared earlier at a brief agenda review session at 1 p.m., saying little, but her colleagues greeted her with friendly smiles as she passed by.

DeSantis move was expected  the state constitution explicitly grants the governor authority to suspend an indicted municipal official  but sets off a scramble to fill Hills suddenly vacant seat.

As a city, our focus is ensuring that the residents of District 5 are appropriately served and represented, Mayor Buddy Dyer said to open the council meeting.

Dyer said a special city council meeting has been scheduled for April 8 to set a special election in Hills downtown and West Orlando district. Officials are targeting May 21 for the vote, although that date is not final.

In a statement issued Monday evening, Hill said that the staff in the District 5 office are available to provide constituent services and other typical duties  even without a commissioner steering the ship  and that she looks forward to a chance to prove her innocence.

My confidence in the integrity of the legal process and faith in God is unwavering, and Im deeply moved by the support from our community, Hill wrote. This support is a constant reminder of the strength and resilience that defines District 5, and it fuels my continued dedication to serving and uplifting every community member through these trying times. I will wait for my day in court when Ill be able to prove my innocence and that I always acted in good faith.

The city charter says Dyer has 10 days from a suspension to call an election, and up to 45 days is allotted from that point for the vote to take place. Because of those charter provisions, DeSantis did not have the power to appoint Hills replacement.

After the meeting, Dyer publicly addressed the allegations against Hill for the first time, saying they are stunning.

It makes me sad, he said. It doesnt seem like Commissioner Hill to me. Shes been a caregiver, shes been a nurse. She fights hard for her district.

If theyre true, theyre awful allegations. Im just really shocked over the course of the last week to learn about this.

Hills future on the city council was thrust into doubt last month when she was hit with an injunction over allegations that shed taken control of an elderly constituents finances and had drained the womans account of more than $100,000 for personal expenses like a hotel room in Miami, a rental car, a facelift, expensive perfumes and clothing. Hill also bought a home with the woman as a co-signer.

On Wednesday, she was indicted on seven felonies for elder abuse and fraud in connection with those allegations. Hill faces a maximum of 180 years in prison if convicted on all accounts.

However, if the case is resolved in her favor before her current term is up, she could return to office.

Read the order: Regina Hill suspended by Gov. DeSantis

Hill has maintained her innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday. She also released a statement to Spectrum News 13 following the indictment saying she cared for the woman as a member of her own family.

City officials hold no power to discipline, impeach or remove each other from office. That responsibility solely lies with the governor.

For his part, DeSantis told reporters at a press conference in Miami that Hills future ultimately will be determined by the courts.

If shes convicted, then shes out for good, DeSantis said. If shes exonerated, then she can come back and potentially [serve again]. I think theres been a lot of buzz in that community  a lot of problems and a lot of concerning things with this conduct and this behavior. But thats for the courts to settle.

Although it left an empty chair on the dais and just six votes on the council, the matter of Hills suspension didnt affect the rest of Mondays council meeting, where officials extended a moratorium on new nightclubs for six more months and broadened the citys southeastern border by bringing in 6,273 acres, which includes Tavistocks planned Sunbridge development.

But Michael McCreight, an advocate for the disability community, told commissioners during public comment he was devastated by the allegations against Hill.

This is not fair to the disability community that one of our very own commissioners who we look up towould even do something like this, McCreight said. This breaks my heart.

Hill could not be reached for comment following the suspension. She faces a hearing regarding the injunction later this week.

rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com
Its not as if we werent warned. During the 2019 general election campaign, many predicted that a victory by the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party would see an unprecedented war on wealth. The innate hostility with which Labour members viewed high earners would manifest itself in various spiteful policies. So thank goodness the Conservatives prevailed, no? Well, not quite.

When any party is beaten as decisively as Labour was, the victors have a right to believe that the philosophical mindset that has just been defeated can be ignored for the duration of the next parliament. It is certainly not to be expected that, having won a massive majority  having banished Corbyns style of red-blooded socialism to the political margins where it belongs  the Government should spend the next few years echoing exactly the same kind of narrow-minded politics of envy.

Yet thats exactly what has happened. The latest example of this blue-rinse socialism is Michael Goves decision to give local authorities the power to double council-tax rates on second homes. Thatll show those rich people! Thatll teach them not to do what they like with their own money; to earn enough to make life more comfortable for them and their families!

The aim of this policy appears to be twofold.

The first is to force second home owners to sell up or rent out their property and allow local families to live there instead. The problem with this notion is that, if those who have invested in a second home really are as filthy rich as claimed, this will simply not happen; millionaires can afford a modest rise in their annual outgoings. But many second home-owners are not among the super-wealthy. They are stretched middle-class workers seeking to make an investment for the long-term for their families, and penalising them is not only ethically questionable  it is politically self-harming.

The second aim of the policy, of course, is to seek to gain some credit for this Governments born-again conversion to wealth distribution. It goes hand in hand with those other great Tory policies of raising personal taxation and hiking up corporation tax.

The war on second homes will not impact in any meaningful way the dire shortage of homes in this country, but it will satisfy the desire of a certain political elite to treat with disdain the wealth of some of our citizens. Only a massive house-building programme will sort out the housing shortage  even to write those words is to cringe at the obvious truth of that statement, as if it ever needed to be written down for it to be true.

But having failed to reform planning guidance and processes to allow such a building programme to get underway, the Government is settling for a deflection strategy, hoping that tinkering with council tax rates and making scapegoats of the middle class will give beleaguered ministers something to say when challenged about the housing crisis.

Meanwhile, the Left is rubbing its hands, watching as this Government follows some of Labours worst instincts. But as tribute acts go, the Conservatives are doing a pretty dismal job of imitating the real thing.

After all, Labour actually believes wholeheartedly in punishing the rich for the sin of being rich. When Michael Gove does it, he looks like one of those chimpanzees that used to advertise teabags: amusing but unconvincing.

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The stabbing of an Iranian emigre journalist near his home in Wimbledon, south-west London, bears the hallmarks of an attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Groups (IRGC). The culprits are unidentified but the victim Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for a London-based Iranian TV news channel, is a critic of the regime in Tehran.

Police say they are keeping an open mind about the motives for the attack on Mr Zeraati, who was stabbed in the leg and is stable in hospital.

But counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation, an indication that they suspect this was politically motivated. The Met said there has been a number of threats directed towards this group of journalists. In 2022, two British-Iranian broadcasters were warned of a possible risk to their lives and armed police were stationed outside the channels studios.

More than a dozen plots have been foiled to kidnap or kill UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the Iranian regime.

Why are we putting up with this proxy terror war on our soil? In January, Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, announced a set of sanctions against several IRGC commanders after they were exposed in a TV investigation into an assassination plot.

Yet the Government inexplicably continues to resist calls to proscribe the IRGC even though the Home Office wanted it added to a list of banned terrorist groups. What further evidence is needed to show that it poses a threat to the security of this country and to exiled critics of the Tehran regime?

Videos have emerged of anti-Semitic speeches by IRGC generals given to students in London. One speaker has since boasted of his role in training Hamas before the October 7 attacks in Israel.

Alicia Kearns MP, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee, said Iran continues to hunt down those brave enough to speak out.

I remain unconvinced that we and our allies have clear strategies to protect people in our countries from them and to protect our interests abroad, she added. She is not alone in her scepticism. The Government needs to take a far more robust line against the IRGC.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Romania intends to step up efforts in a promising project to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Azerbaijan, potentially sourcing it from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) terminal in the Georgian port of Kulevi and transporting it in its liquefied form to the Romanian port of Constanza city, said Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Trend reports.

He made the statement during the 8th meeting of the Joint Commission on economic-trade relations and scientific-technical cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and Romania in Baku.

"Romania intends to develop LNG terminal projects in Constanza, and Azerbaijan is considering establishing an LNG terminal in the Black Sea region. Given Romania's importance as the conduit for Azerbaijani gas to Europe, this possible agreement might benefit both nations and the EU," he said.

Burduja also highlighted Romania's gas production and sales, recognizing the importance of energy resources in economic development.



According to an informed source, Romania intends to launch a feasibility study for transporting Azerbaijani gas via the Baku-Kulevi-Constanza route in 2023, as described in an agreement agreed in October 2022 in Bucharest by SOCAR and Romania's Romgaz.

"The project may entail establishing an LNG plant (in Kulevi), a regasification facility (in Constanza), and other essential infrastructure for transporting gas from the Caspian Sea to Romania. In essence, the discussion revolved around establishing two terminalsone on the eastern and one on the western shores of the Black Seawhich, according to the Romanian perspective, will contribute to diversifying gas supplies to Europe," the source emphasized.

According to him, the feasibility study may be ready in 2024.

"Romania aims to establish itself as a gas hub and is currently in negotiations with various gas-producing countries, Azerbaijan included. However, our stance will be better defined once we have reviewed the feasibility study," the source added.

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Government is waiting for us to die, says Windrush scandal Army veteran

Conroy Downie, who came to the UK as a teenager, feels failed by the Home Office - Jamie Lau/Age UK

An Army veteran who faced deportation in the Windrush scandal has said that he fears the Government is waiting for us to die off.

Conroy Downie, 67, has helped advise thousands of people on compensation, alongside his daughter Katie Wilson-Downie.

The great-grandfather repeated calls made by others for the scheme  launched five years ago this week  to be removed from the Home Office and run independently, saying the people affected do not trust the government department.

Mr Downie, who was born in Jamaica and came to the UK as a teenager before joining the British Army, said the system failed us as he spoke about his homelessness and having twice faced deportation because of not having documentation on his immigration status.

With the help of his daughter and after a three-year wait, he received compensation.

Mr Downie, who lives in north-west London, said that his claim has since been reopened because he was underpaid for the years he was homeless, which he said was caused by not having the documentation needed to get council help for housing.

He estimates that he and his daughter have met thousands of people across the country in the years since the scheme opened, to raise awareness about it and help people with their applications.

He said that victims of the scandal dont trust the Home Office.

He added: How can I investigate myself? If Im guilty and the fault is mine dont you think Im going to try and cover it up  if its an embarrassing thing and there is a big scandal?

They need to take the compensation scheme off the Home Office and give it to an independent body.

Theyre not very good at what theyre doing right now. Its a failure, its disgusting. I think they are waiting for us to die off.

The Empire Windrush, a ship which famously brought Caribbean migrants to the UK - Alamy

Mr Downie also said that his son was threatened with deportation, having been born in the British military hospital in Berlin while his father served in the Army.

He added: When I joined the British Army to contribute my part to the Crown and country, in my minds eye I thought that, for my children, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, I hoped that society would give them a fair crack of the whip.

Ms Wilson-Downie, a social worker, said she had begun supporting family to apply but then realised when she asked in the wider community that nobody seemed to know about the compensation scheme.

Of the 1,345 claims still being processed, 185 (14 per cent) have been in the system for at least 12 months, including 83 for more than 18 months, figures show.

The Home Office reiterated its commitment to righting the wrongs of the Windrush scandal and making sure those affected receive the compensation they rightly deserve.

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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said antisemitic vandalism has no place in Pennsylvania after a synagogue was spray-painted with a red swastika Saturday night.

This is the second message Ive written like this in as many days. Its two too many. Antisemitism and the vandalism of a house of worship of any kind have no place in this Commonwealth, Shapiro said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

In a Facebook post, the synagogues leadership said the incident was the second incident of vandalism to take place in just more than a week.

Last Friday night, a sign that said Our Community Stands With Israel was spray-painted with red paint. The police got involved, and the sign was replaced. On Saturday night, the new sign was spray-painted with a red swastika.

A swastika is not a commentary on the policies of the State of Israel, nor is it a sign of solidarity with Palestinians. It is a symbol of hatred and division, the synagogue wrote in the statement.

The synagogues statement further pledged not to be deferred by efforts to intimidate.

We do not know who did this. We do know that they wanted us to be afraid, the statement read.

We, the leadership of the synagogue, want everyone to know that we will not give in to either fear or division. We are blessed to live in a society in which hate speech is not tolerated by the police, who are working with us to keep us safe. We are blessed to live in a society where our neighbors of other faiths have already reached out to offer support, they added.

Shapiro said he has spoken to the rabbi of the congregation at Temple Beth Hillel/Beth El and told him we stand with his wonderful congregation and against hate.

Shapiro said Pennsylvania State Police is coordinating with law enforcement as they search for the person responsible.

These acts of hate will never change the fact that no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you do and dont pray to, you belong here in Pennsylvania, Shapiro said.

The vandalism comes amid a spike in antisemitic incidents, particularly since the war between Hamas and Israel began after the Oct. 7 attack.

In the two months following that attack, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded a record-high number of antisemitic incidents since the group began tracking in 1979. There were more than 2,000 reported antisemitic incidents, a 337 percent spike from the same period the year before.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(NEXSTAR)  For the most part, TV audiences today couldnt be convinced that spaghetti grows on trees. But in 1957, plenty of viewers were eating it up.

Described as the most successful April Fools Day prank of all time by one Swiss outlet, the so-called spaghetti-tree hoax of 1957 was an attempt by the producers of a BBC news program to convince viewers that spaghetti  a food not widely eaten in the U.K. at the time  was harvested from spaghetti trees in Italy and Switzerland.

The last two weeks in March are an anxious time for the spaghetti farmer, the narrator of the segment, which aired on the BBC program Panorama, told viewers. Theres always the chance of a late frost which, while not entirely ruining the crop, generally impairs the flavor, and makes it difficult for him to obtain top prices in world markets.

Why people thought Gmails announcement in 2004 was an April Fools joke.

The narration, performed by respected journalist Richard Dimbleby, accompanied video footage purporting to show a Swiss family plucking strands of spaghetti from trees. These farmers had just harvested an exceptionally heavy crop of spaghetti, Dimbleby said, before adding that recent growing conditions were especially favorable thanks to the virtual disappearance of the spaghetti weevil.

The authenticity of the hoax relied heavily on Dimbleby, a distinguished presenter who had hosted Panorama for years. He was also well-known as the BBCs first-ever war correspondent.

He knew perfectly well we were using his authority to make the joke work, Michael Peacock, the shows editor at the time, later recalled to BBC News. He loved the idea.

Children from a school the U.K. recreate the iconic Panorama spaghetti-tree hoax during a field trip in London, England, in 2014. (Photo by Tesco via Getty Images)

When the broadcast ended, Dimbleby signed off with a winking acknowledgement that the preceding segment was merely a joke (Peacock indicated that Dimbleby tapped his finger to the side of his nose), but many of the folks watching at home didnt get the message.

Hundreds of viewers reportedly called the BBC to inquire about the segment, the Associated Press reported. Some were even so intrigued they wanted to find out where they could purchase their very own spaghetti bush, according to the BBC.

The BBCs response? Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best, according to The Telegraph, which ranked the hoax as one of the greatest April Fools stories of all time in a 2011 article.

The following day there was quite a to-do because there were lots of people who went to work and said to their colleagues, Did you see that extraordinary thing on Panorama? I never knew that about spaghetti, producer David Wheeler later told the BBC.

They got laughed out of court and were very cross indeed that they had been taken in and made to look foolish.

Trader Joes raises price of a single banana for 1st time in store history

Not everyone was duped, of course. A number of angry viewers called the BBC to criticize the producers for knowingly airing a fake documentary segment, according to Peacock.

Some couldnt understand what was going on. Others loved it, others hated it for misleading the nation. This is why it worked so well, Peacock said.

We all felt very pleased with ourselves.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
FILE - Tourists enjoy the beach and the sea in Lindos, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece, on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Officials on the Greek island of Rhodes opened a new vacation visa terminal for Turkish visitors Monday, April 1, 2024 as part of a diplomatic effort to ease long-standing tensions between the two countries. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File)

ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Officials on the Greek island of Rhodes opened a new vacation visa terminal for Turkish visitors Monday as part of a diplomatic effort to ease long-standing tensions between the two countries.

The limited-access visa will allow Turks to visit 10 Greek islands for up to a week without having to apply for full access to the European Unions passport-free travel zone, known as the Schengen area.

NATO members Greece and Turkey launched several initiatives last year to try and sidestep decades-old disputes  mostly over sea boundaries and mineral rights in the Aegean Sea to focus on trade.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in December to sign a series of bilateral cooperation agreements in Athens. Mitsotakis will visit Turkey next month. The express visa can be issued not only in summer, but all year round. The measure is designed to boost tourism in areas and at times of the year when there is not a lot of traffic, so it will help the local economies, Mitsotakis wrote in a weekly online post Sunday.

Granted at participating Greek ports, the new visa will cost 60 euros and will include a passport check and fingerprint recording, while visitors will not be allowed to travel onto other EU member states, Greek officials said.

The new system is ready and there is a lot of demand from Turkish visitors. But there were no boats scheduled to arrive today. We will have arrivals later this week, Vassilis Vayiannakis, head of the Rhodes Port Fund, told the AP.

The islands in the vacation visa program all lie near the Turkish coastline and also include Lesbos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi and Kastellorizo, with the smaller islands due to join in June.

Turkey has long sought more relaxed travel rules for its citizens visiting the EU in exchange for its cooperation with member states of the bloc that include efforts to curb illegal immigration. Tourism is a vital industry for the Greek economy. The country welcomed 32.7 million visitors last year, raising 20.5 billion euros, according to central bank data.
Grisly discovery in Westchester park could hold clues to old shooting

Police said skeletal remains found at Rumbrook Park in Greenburgh could be linked to a broad-daylight Connecticut

The grisly discovery of skeletal remains at a Westchester County park could help answer lingering questions about a shooting in Connecticut last year, according to a report.

Greenburgh police found the remains inside Rumbrook Park on March 21 near a car tied to a June 15 broad-daylight shooting in New Haven, Conn., that left one man in critical condition, lohud.com reported.

Police said skeletal remains found at Rumbrook Park in Greenburgh could be linked to a 2023 Connecticut shooting.

A gun also was found near the skeleton, although it is unclear if it is tied to either the persons death or the 2023 shooting, according to the outlet.

But the car matches the description of the suspects vehicle from the 2023 shooting.

According to the New Haven Register, the shooting happened on Young Street in New Havens Beaver Hills neighborhood shortly before 11:30 a.m., leaving the victim in critical but stable condition.

The victim later recovered from his wounds.

New Haven, Conn., police said a car found near the skeletal remains appears to be tied to a 2023 shooting. Facebook/New Haven Police Department

Last week, Christian Bruckhart, a spokesman for the New Haven Police Department, told lohud.com that the vehicle found along a path at the Greenburgh park is believed to be related to the shooting.

Police are waiting for the remains to be positively identified.
A school board candidate for Tulsa Public Schools is receiving support from a political organization her husband formed.

The group Support Tulsa OK Kids Education was formed on March 16 by retired Tulsa attorney Ken Malloy, who is school board candidate Maria Seidlers husband, Oklahoma Ethics Commission records show. The Frontier obtained a mailer the group paid for that advocate for the defeat of Seidlers opponent Sarah Smith. The same mailer also opposed board candidates John Croisant and Calvin Moniz.

Tulsa OK Kids Education is registered with the Ethics Commission as an unlimited committee. Such groups are sometimes referred to as Super PACs. The groups cannot donate directly to candidates but can raise and spend unlimited funds independently advocating for or against candidates. Super PACs, whether at the federal or local level, are also not allowed to coordinate political activities with candidates they support, and can result in criminal charges against candidates and those running the groups.

Both husband and wife denied coordination between her campaign and his Super PAC. The connection between Malloys efforts and his wifes candidacy was first reported by The Tulsa World.

Super PACs have played increasing role in Oklahoma elections since Citizens United Supreme Court decision

Super PACs and nonprofit dark money groups are often used to hide the true source of their funding from voters and have played an increasingly prominent role in Oklahomas and the countrys elections since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized those types of groups and campaign spending in the 2010 Citizens United decision.

Asked whether she knew who was behind Tulsa OK Kids Education, Seidler said she only knew what was on the mailer the group sent out. She told The Frontier to reach out to her husband.

Weve been very, very careful. All I know is hes in the group because weve been very careful not to have communications, Seidler said. We barely talk about any of this.

The Frontier is a nonprofit newsroom that produces fearless journalism with impact in Oklahoma. Read more at www.readfrontier.org.

Support Tulsa OK Kids Education didnt report paying for the mailers to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission or the Tulsa Public Schools board clerk, which collects campaign finance reports for school board races. State ethics rules require that independent expenditures made within two weeks of an election be reported within one business day.

Malloy said he wanted to be as transparent as possible about the group and its aims. He chose to list his own contact information on mailers, despite being advised to make the group more opaque to public scrutiny,

We are not dark money. We are not trying to hide anything, Malloy said.

Asked why he felt the need to form a Super PAC rather than sending donations to the candidates themselves, Malloy said most candidates dont want to be associated with negative ads, so Super PACs do that for them. The Support Tulsa OK Kids Education mailer featured a picture of a pair of hands in handcuffs and warned about the impact of poor education on crime and the economy.

All three candidates wanted positive messages, and we thought we needed a message that helped people understand that it isnt just people who have kids in the public school, Malloy said, we needed people to understand that the crime rate is affected by the public schools, property taxes are affected, business development is affected.

Other nonprofits that have helped parents sue or make complaints against Oklahoma school districts

Seidler and Malloy have taken an active role in Tulsa educational issues over the past few years.

Incorporation records show Malloy, Seider and her daughter Jessica Bailey formed a nonprofit corporation called Legal Overwatch for Parents School Rights Inc in July 2022, though the organization has not yet been granted tax-exempt status by the IRS, records show.

Legal Overwatch has represented numerous parents pro bono who have sued or made complaints against Oklahoma school districts, including Tulsa Public Schools, on a variety of issues, such as demanding that certain books be removed from school library shelves, suing over alleged religious discrimination at school board meetings. It has also sued on behalf of parents banned from school property.

A second education-focused nonprofit Malloy co-founded in August 2023, Northstar Project, Inc., performed school board candidate surveys and issued a whitepaper about Tulsa Public Schools standing compared to other districts. Malloy said he and the other Northstar founders saw an opportunity to shake-up the Tulsa school board when three of the seven board seats came up for election this year.

Malloy said he also helped form another education-focused group named TPS Rescue Coalition, which bills itself as a school reform organization and sent out mailers requesting people volunteer to run for the open seats. The group also issued an Independence Scorecard for the candidates in the three upcoming Tulsa Public Schools board races. The group, which is run by Seidlers daughter, rated Seidler as Verified Independent while giving her opponent Smith a rating of Likely Beholden to Special Interests.

TPS Rescue Coalition lists former state Attorney General John OConnor, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, former legislators Mike Mazzei and Pam Peterson and Grand River Dam Authority board chairman Charles Sublett as members of its board of reference. But the group is not an actual registered corporation or a corporate trade name, Oklahoma Secretary of State records show.

Malloy confirmed to The Frontier that the group is not an actual corporate entity.

We havent felt the need to do that yet, he said. The only mailer that TPS Rescue Coalition has been involved with is a mailer that let all three districts know that there was a need for candidates in an upcoming election. We sent out about 5000 mailers, and said, if youre interested in running for school board, we would encourage you to do that.

TPS Rescue Coalitions website features a donation page, but donations are directed to Women Working for Oklahoma, a state-registered political action committee.

That group also helped raise funds for the Support Tulsa OK Kids Education Super PAC, Malloy said. Malloy said the group has raised about $6,000, all from Oklahoma donors.

Malloy said most of the candidates opposed Support Tulsa OK Kids Education have impressive campaign war chests compared to their opponents, and institutional backing from education contractors and teachers unions.

When Northstar sent out requests for volunteers to run for the school board seats, no acceptable candidates from district 6 volunteered to run. So Seidler decided at the last minute to run for the seat, Malloy said.

That created a problem for us because we had to create a separation between any work that I did with Northstar, with TPS Rescue Coalition or any funding mechanism we were going to use for candidates, Malloy said. I dont get involved in her campaign and she doesnt get involved in anything related to Northstar.

Malloy said he doesnt worry if the arrangement draws scrutiny from the Ethics Commission or other officials because he hasnt done anything wrong.

Wed be happy if regulators looked at it, because Im very familiar with the coordination rules, and we have been scrupulous in making sure we didnt violate them, Malloy said.

The Frontier is a nonprofit newsroom that produces fearless journalism with impact in Oklahoma. Read more at www.readfrontier.org.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tulsa school board candidate Maria Seidler denies working with husband's PAC
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit against the Guilford County Board of Education regarding a now-convicted sex offender who worked at Dudley High School, according to Rhine Law Firm.

Two plaintiffs, listed as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, and the Board of Education agreed to the $3 million settlement on Jan. 24. The plaintiffs are releasing their claims against the Board of Education as a part of the agreement.

Monroe spa workers charged for prostitution: Police

Those claims were regarding the actions of now-convicted sex offender Christopher Arnell Holland. Holland was formerly a teaching assistant at Dudley High School.

In August 2019, the Greensboro Police Department got a report about a person who had an inappropriate sexual relationship with Holland when they were a juvenile student.

An investigation was launched and Holland was charged with several child sex crimes.

In the Spring of 2023, Holland was convicted on three counts of sex acts with a student, two counts of statutory rape of a child 15 years or younger and two counts of statutory sex offense of a child 15 years or younger.

Holland, who was 40 years old at the time of his conviction, was given a virtual life sentence of a minimum of 77 years in prison and a maximum of 113 years.

The plaintiffs individual claims against Holland were not dismissed as a part of the settlement agreement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Gunman opens fire on Easter brunch crowd, killing one and injuring five, TN cops say

An Easter brunch turned deadly when a gunman opened fire in a crowded restaurant, killing one and wounding five others, Nashville police said.

Authorities are searching for 46-year-old Anton Rucker, ho they say is the suspect in the Sunday, March 31, shooting.

Rucker has previously been convicted of aggravated assault in Nashville, police said.

BREAKING: Detectives are working to determine the motive for this gunman opening fire during Sunday brunch at Roasted on Garfield St. 1 man killed, several others hurt, non-critically. Shooting occurred at 3 p.m. Gunman fled in this Mercedes GLS 450. Know him? 615-862-8600. pic.twitter.com/bwJrCjwmhf  Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 31, 2024

At around 3 p.m., Rucker was involved in an altercation with another man eating at Roasted Salemtown, a popular brunch spot in Nashville, according to Don Aaron, a spokesperson for the police department.

Rucker had only arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before the shooting and began arguing with 33-year-old Allen Beachem, police said in a news conference broadcast by The National Desk.

The argument escalated, then Rucker pulled out a gun and started shooting, according to police.

Rucker killed Beachem and shot five more people before fleeing in a Mercedes with a woman who came with him, according to police. The gunshot victims were all hospitalized with non-critical injuries, Aaron said.

It was kind of a panic, Cmdr. Anthony McClain said. Obviously from the video everyone is trying to get out and trying to escape the gunfire. Some people did try to resist the gunman. It was just mass chaos, its the best way I could describe it.

Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell expressed sympathy for those affected by the shooting.

We must continue doing everything in our power at the local level to limit the likelihood and impact of gun violence, he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. We are continuing to increase police capacity, invest in community safety and working to ensure dispossession of those who should not legally possess firearms.

Investigators said they found the Mercedes overnight but are still searching for Rucker. Theyre asking anyone with information to call 615-862-8600.

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H-E-B to break ground on latest location in North Texas this week. Heres where

H-E-B is breaking ground on its latest North Texas store this week.

The Texas grocery chain is breaking ground on a store in Prosper at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Prosper site will be located in the southeast corner of Frontier Parkway and Dallas North Tollway.

Prosper is the latest North Texas city to land an H-E-B.

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The first H-E-B in Fort Worth will open at Alliance (3451 Heritage Trace Parkway) on April 10. Another location is in the works for Mansfield, which broke ground over a year ago.

H-E-B has other Metroplex locations in Frisco, Allen, Plano, McKinney, Hudson Oaks and Burleson.

The grocery chain began in 1905 with small family-owned store in Kerrville, Texas. Today, H-E-B has over 400 stores in Texas and Mexico with annual sales of $34 billion.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) and Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) have discussed the expansion of long-term cooperation, Trend reports via AERA.

AERA hosted a meeting with George-Sergiu Niculescu, President of the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority, who visited Azerbaijan for the 8th Meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade-Economic Relations and Scientific-Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Romania, held in Baku on April 1, 2024.

Rovshan Ismayilov, Deputy Chairman of the AERA Board, talked about the existing cooperative relations between the two regulatory bodies.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged opinions on mutual interests and discussed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two bodies to expand long-term cooperative relations.

AERA and ANRE have enjoyed cooperative relations since 2018.

Baku hosted the 8th meeting of the Joint Commission on trade-economic relations and scientific-technical cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Romania. Co-chairs Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population, and Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Romania's Minister of Energy, convened for discussions on bilateral cooperation progress and the agenda of the meeting.

Highlighting the continuous expansion of relations since the inception of diplomatic ties, Minister Sahil Babayev stressed the steady growth in bilateral cooperation. Last year alone, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Romania surged by 29.3 percent.

Minister Sebastian-Ioan Burduja reiterated his country's commitment to strengthening ties with Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of friendly relations. He expressed confidence that the ongoing meeting would further fortify these bonds.

The discussions encompassed various sectors, including energy, transport, investment, agriculture, social affairs, education, humanitarian initiatives, infrastructure, and construction, reflecting the broad scope of future cooperation between the two nations.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
The Russian flag flies at the embassy's compound in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2021. Credit - Mandel NganAFP via Getty Images

A mysterious illness known as Havana syndrome that has caused U.S. diplomats to suffer from symptoms consistent with head trauma may be linked to possible sonic attacks by a Russian intelligence unit, according to a new media investigation.

Havana syndrome was first reported by U.S. embassy officials in the Cuban capital of Havana in 2016, when they began experiencing extreme headaches and hearing piercing sounds at night. Since that incident, there have been more than 1,000 reported cases affecting U.S. government employees across the world. The cause of such health incidents has confounded U.S. officials and perplexed medical experts due to its elusive nature and the wide range of symptoms, which also include nausea, bloody noses and memory loss.

But a joint investigation by media outlets The Insider, 60 Minutes and der Spiegel released on March 31 found that U.S. officials were being targeted by Russian sonic weaponry. The investigation found that members of Russias Unit 29155, a highly secretive military group under the direct control of President Vladimir Putin, had been placed at the scene of reported health incidents involving U.S. personnel, and that senior members of the unit received awards and promotions for work related to the development of "non-lethal acoustic weapons."

On April 1, The Kremlin dismissed the report. This topic has been talked up in the press for many years already. And from the very beginning most often its linked to the Russian side, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a news conference. But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation.

Heres what you need to know about Havana syndrome and the investigation.

What exactly is Havana syndrome?

While the exact cause of Havana syndrome remains unknown, the Insider investigation suggests that it may be linked to possible sonic weaponry from Russia.

A U.S. intelligence investigation released last year found that it was "very unlikely" a foreign adversary was responsible for the ailment, but officials also acknowledged at the time the possibility that those affected by the mysterious illness may have been hit by directed energy or microwaves fired from hidden devices.

The condition is characterized by unexplained symptoms that include migraines, fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, dizziness, memory lapses and cognitive impairment. An FBI agent who suffered from the syndrome told 60 Minutes that it felt like a dentist drilling into her ear times 10. Some victims required long-term care because of the illness.

When was Havana syndrome first documented?

The first known cases of Havana syndrome were reported in Cuba in late 2016, when CIA officers stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Havana reported feeling intense fatigue, nausea and pressure in their heads.

Brain scans later showed tissue damage and volume loss similar to those found in persistent concussion syndrome. Most of the embassy staff were evacuated as the U.S. probed the incident for answers (the U.S. immigration office in Havana reopened in August 2023).

However, the Insider investigation suggests the first cases of Havana syndrome may have occurred in Germany two years earlier than the cases reported in Havana. There were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a U.S. government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam, the report said.

What does the U.S. believe is the cause?

While the U.S. is still investigating the matter, five intelligence agencies determined in 2023 it was very unlikely that a foreign adversary such as Russia is behind Havana syndrome, even as a byproduct of other suspected activities.

But concerns within the intelligence community remain. Greg Edgreen, a former Defense Department investigator who ran part of the investigation, told 60 Minutes on Sunday that the common link between victims of Havana syndrome was what he called a Russia nexus.

There are no barriers on what Moscow will do, on who they will attack, he said, and that if we don't face this head on, the problem is going to get worse.

The U.S. government has not officially recognized a cause for the syndrome.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
What happens when a rehab program that is supposed to cure addictions becomes addictive itself?

Thats the story of Synanon, an organization that went from providing revolutionary therapy to becoming a kooky cult, as TIME put it in 1977. The HBO docu-series The Synanon Fix, out April 1 and streaming on Max, traces the rise and fall of the organization in the 1960s and 1970s through interviews former members, as well as some of the children who lived in its housing. The filmmakers also obtained footage from residents who were amateur filmmakers and photographers from their time with Synanon.

Charles Dederich, a former alcoholic who had gotten sober through Alcoholics Anonymous, started Synanon in 1958, during a heroin epidemic in the U.S. Dederich had felt that people didnt open up enough in AA and aimed to take it further with Synanon. The cornerstone of Synanons approach was a kind of confrontational group therapy called the Synanon game, in which participants would scream what they really thought of one anotherand then hug it out afterwards. Donald Cressey, University of California at Los Angeles sociologist, described Synanon to TIME in 1961 as "the most significant attempt to keep addicts off drugs that has ever been made."

Even after people got sober, they stuck around. Some had burned too many bridges back home, and stories of people relapsing also made some afraid to leave. By the 1960s, Synanon had become not only a treatment facility, but a communal living experiment, taking over a three-story building in Santa Monica. Mass weddings were performed. Members were encouraged to start families and took turns watching over each others kids. Most of the residents hung out in communal spaces, but could reserve a private room with candles for sex by putting their names down on a sign-up sheet. Many shaved their heads.

Over four episodes, The Synanon Fix explores what happened at the organization and how it affected the residents. The former members who share their experiences in the docu-series all emphasize how lonely they were when they joined the organization, something director Rory Kennedy (Bobby Kennedy's daughter) hopes audiences will see as a kind of warning.

When there's a feeling of living through unsettled times, there's an attraction to alternative lifestyles, Kennedy says. Given where we are with social media and AI and the threats of climate change, many people are anxious, and they want to tether themselves to something that is grounding.

How Synanon attracted members

During the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s, Synanon began to attract people who were lonely and desperate for a community at a time when trust in government plummeted after the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. The organization welcomed people of all races in the early 1960s, which was progressive for the time period.

I really saw the organization as a vital approach to civil rights, Rod Mullen, who was a member of Synanon for more than a decade, says in The Synanon Fix. Elena Broslovsky, who spent two decades with the group, says that she joined because she was in despair about our country after the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the 1968 assassinations of his brother Attorney General Bobby Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Synanons alternative living model also fit right in with the free love counterculture movement and communal living experiments that cropped up during this period.

Terry Hurst, whose husband was a board member at Synanon, described electric dance parties without any smoking or alcohol or drugs. Top musicians who sought out Synanon for help included Art Pepper and Joe Pass. We had our own Synanon dance called the hoopla, Hurst explains in the docu-series. To dance "the hoopla," residents would wave their arms and legs wildly, in any directions they wanted to, to represent how they could be totally uninhibited in the program.

The kids of residents described looking out after themselves because their parents were preoccupied with the Synanon game. In the docu-series, Bill Goodson, who started living in Synanon with his mother at age 3, said he bonded immediately with the other residents' kids, and they played together on the beach all day. But it wasnt all fun and games. They were also put to work, emptying puke buckets, and getting cold rags for the addicts lying on couches in communal areas. Synanon was an experiment," he argues in the series, "and the thought of children was the last thing on [Dederich's] mind.

Charles Dederich (front, left) founder of Synanon, and wife Betty (his right) lead a wedding parade at the Synanon Wedding Festival, August 6, 1972. Greg Peterson/San Francisco ChronicleGetty Images

The decline of Synanon

But as Synanons eccentric leader Dederich started to decline, so did the organization. He began drinking again after his wife died in 1977 and remarried soon after. Then, he decided everyone in Synanon would also benefit from remarrying, and called for wife-swapping. Suddenly, men and women who were married to one another at Synanon were divorcing and marrying different people affiliated with the organization.

After encouraging people to raise families at Synanon, he called for residents to be childless. Men started to get vasectomies, like Mike Gimbel, who credits Synanon for getting him clean and worked for the organization in the 1970s. He says in the series that he was in love with his wife, but they decided to separate when Dederich called for wife-swapping. When she got pregnant, she got an abortion because they were afraid of running afoul of Dederich. As he puts it in the final episode, Synanon saved my life, but screwed it up too.

Negative press and lawsuits also fueled the demise of the group. In October 1978, Paul Morantz, a lawyer who won class-action suits for ex-Synanon members, was pulling his mail from the mailbox when a rattlesnake bit him. He survived, and two Synanon memberswho called themselves part of the Imperial Marineswere arrested and convicted for trying to kill him. Dederich was sentenced to five years probation in the case. Synanon even went after TIME magazine, suing Time Inc for more than $76 million over the Dec. 26, 1977, article that called it a kooky cult. Synanon organized demonstrations by TIMEs headquarters in midtown Manhattan, parading around with signs and urging passersby to boycott the publication. The suit was dropped, but Synanon could not regain public favor, closing down after the IRS revoked the groups tax-exempt status in 1982.

Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.
Before she was an award-winning poet and educator, Caridad Moro-Gronlier was a little girl in a Miami-Dade County public library who loved to read and read and read and read.

When her parents, Cuban immigrants, bought her books for Christmas, she read them over and over into tatters, like well-loved teddy bears. Maybe one day, she thought to herself, her words could impact someone else the way Judy Blumes did for her.

Moro-Gronlier, whose writings on self-discovery and community have touched readers in South Florida and beyond, was named Miami-Dade Countys new poet laureate Monday, the start of National Poetry Month. She is the second artist to receive the title following acclaimed poet Richard Blanco. Moro-Gronlier said she was humbled and moved to tears when she heard the news.

I say I carry a little girl inside of me, the girl I was, and she was very excited and very proud, Moro-Gronlier said. Its the culmination of a lifes dream from that first book I checked out from the library, that first poem that I read and I thought, Wow, I want to do that.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement that it was an honor to appoint Moro-Gronlier to the role. As a teacher and community-driven poet, I know she will serve Miami-Dade well by helping to increase access to poetry and educational resources for all residents, she said.

Nicole Tallman, the Miami-Dade County poetry ambassador and county mayors director of legislative affairs, recalled a conversation with Blanco on who would be best suited to become the next poet laureate. Caridads name came out of our mouths at practically the same time, she said.

This is a role that requires a deep connection to the community, compassion, a love and gift for writing poetry, and the ability to connect people through the power of words, Tallman said. I am really excited to see where Caridad takes us next, and look forward to working alongside her to further elevate and celebrate poets and poetry in Miami-Dade County.

Known for being active in the community, Moro-Gronlier has collaborated with many South Florida organizations and institutions, including but not limited to, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, The Wolfsonian Museum, Perez Art Museum Miami, Miami Book Fair and O, Miami.

Moro-Gronlier serves as The Betsys Writers Room Poetry-Curator-At- Large and the Associate Editor for SWWIM Every Day, an online daily poetry journal for women identifying poets. She has received a Julia Peterkin Literary Award, two Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs artist grants and an Elizabeth George Foundation Grant. She lives in Westchester with her son and wife and teaches poetry for dual-enrollment high school students at Miami Dade College.

Born in Los Angeles, Moro-Gronliers family moved to Miami in 1977 when she was 8. Creativity defined her childhood, she said. Music was her first love. As a child, she sang classic Cuban songs, rich with storytelling, drama and folklore. She kept diaries in the 7th grade. She wrote bad, tortured love poems in college algebra classes. But it wasnt until the early 2000s after her son was born in that she really took her writing seriously.

When he was 6-months-old, she enrolled in a poetry class at Miami Dade Colleges writers institute, kicking off her non-official MFA. She did workshops, read voraciously and studied great poets. In 2009, she published Visionware, a chapbook of poems on family and separation.

In 2021, she published Tortillera: Poems, a semi-autobiographical poetry book that won the TRP Southern Poetry Breakthrough Prize. The poetry was largely inspired by Moro-Gronliers life growing up in Miami as a queer, Cuban-American woman. In Tortillera, she tackles her divorce from her husband, her lesbian identity, Cuban culture and societys expectations of women. She tackled homophobia head-on with the books title by reclaiming the Spanish slur for lesbian.

Moro-Gronlier has seen the power of poetry firsthand. At a Tortillera reading event, Moro-Gronlier recalled, a woman said that she loved reading the book but hated the title. The woman, who was Cuban, a lesbian and of an older generation, asked why should would name the book that.

Thats exactly why I titled the book that. I wanted to get to this conversation, Moro-Gronlier said. A word can shackle someones life. I refuse to be shackled in that way.

At the same reading, one of Moro-Gronliers former students approached her. He confided in her that he suffered with depression as a student but always looked forward to her class because the literature spoke to him. Fifteen years later, he was dealing with a depressive episode when he saw that she was having a book reading for her poems. He took it as a sign.

Its a moment that shows you that we go through life planting seeds, she said. What those seeds will sprout is dependent on a lot of things, but in that moment, I saw that the seeds that Ive planted, sprouted this beautiful human being who felt safe enough to be vulnerable and to share something intimate and true and beautiful. I felt really, really, really lucky. That was all because of the poetry.

Moro-Gronlier believes everyone has a poem inside them, whether they know it or not. As poet laureate, Moro-Gronlier is excited to engage with the community to help them find that poem.

She wants to reach people with poetic projects throughout Miami-Dade County, especially children to get them to love poetry before they decide they hate it. Theres always a revelation when people commune with words, she said.

We live in such tension-filled times that I think everyone has a need to set something down, she said. And Id love to be the help, the hand, the bridge that helps them find the words that they want to share.

This story was produced with financial support from individuals and Berkowitz Contemporary Arts in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
Hospitals must obtain informed consent from patients before allowing physicians to conduct sensitive and invasive examinations, such as pelvic and prostate, particularly if the patients are under anesthesia, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Monday.

In new guidance and in a letter sent to teaching hospitals, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and other officials said they were acting based on increasing concerns about the absence of informed patient consent in educational settings.

The Department is aware of media reports as well as medical and scientific literature highlighting instances where, as part of medical students courses of study and training, patients have been subjected to sensitive and intimate examinations, HHS said in the letter.

It is critically important that hospitals set clear guidelines to ensure providers and trainees performing these examinations first obtain and document informed consent from patients before performing sensitive examinations in all circumstances, the agency said.

A New York Times investigation in 2020 found that hospitals and physicians, including medical students in training, arent required to obtain explicit consent from patients before conducting pelvic exams. In some cases, the investigation found the exams were only done for teaching purposes and werent medically necessary.

HHS in the guidance specified that informed consent includes the right to refuse consent for sensitive examinations conducted for teaching purposes and the right to refuse to consent to any previously unagreed examinations to treatment while under anesthesia.

Privacy laws give individuals the right to restrict who has access to their protected health information, including in scenarios where they may be unconscious during a medical procedure, HHS said.

While we recognize that medical training on patients is an important aspect of medical education, this guidance aligns with the standard of care of many major medical organizations, as well as state laws that have enacted explicit protections as well, the department said. Informed consent is the law and essential to maintaining trust in the patient-provider relationship and respecting patients autonomy.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Three men accused of breaking into dozens of UPS warehouses across the U.S. in search of expensive electronics have pleaded guilty to the burglary scheme that lasted more than two years, federal prosecutors said.

Sekou Fofanah, Shamaire Brown and Quamaire Brown were involved in stealing packages with high-value items worth more than $1.6 million from 55 UPS facilities, including in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Rhode Island, according to prosecutors.

When a warehouse was broken into, packages with lithium-ion battery warnings were raided  as the men knew these markings likely meant electronics were inside, prosecutors said.

Fofanah, 20, Shamaire Brown 19, and Quamaire Brown, 19, all from Philadelphia, each pleaded guilty to informations charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit cargo theft, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey said in a March 28 news release.

Aboudramane Karamoko also took part in the burglary spree that went on from January 2021 to April 2023, prosecutors said. The case against him is pending.

Stephen Natoli, Shamaire Browns court-appointed defense attorney, told McClatchy News in an emailed statement on April 1 that going forward, his client is focused on his family and personal growth.

McClatchy News contacted attorneys appointed to represent Fofanah, Quamaire Brown and Karamoko for comment April 1 and didnt receive immediate responses.

The men, and others accused of taking part in the scheme, typically targeted UPS warehouses on Saturday nights into Sunday morning, prosecutors said in a previous news release. Other potential suspects have not been publicly identified.

The loading bay doors of the facilities were the primary entry point, according to prosecutors.

The men would either smash the windows of these doors or pry them open so a smaller person could squeeze through, prosecutors said, McClatchy News previously reported.

They carried out the burglaries dressed in all black while wearing balaclavas or other garments to hide their faces, according to a criminal complaint, which says the men operated in teams of four to six.

According to the informations charging Shamaire Brown and Quamaire Brown in the case, they were involved in stealing packages with nearly $85,000 worth of electronics and other items from a UPS facility in Monroe, New Jersey, in June 2022.

A week later, theyre accused of stealing packages with $40,100 worth of merchandise from a UPS warehouse in Bridgewater, New Jersey, the court filings say.

According to the information for Fofanah, he was involved in stealing packages with $27,707 worth of products inside from a UPS warehouse in Lawnside, New Jersey, in June 2021.

A week later, he was involved in burglarizing a UPS facility in Vineland, New Jersey, where packages with electronics worth $87,741 were stolen, the information says.

Fofanah, Shamaire Brown and Quamaire Brown are facing up to five years in prison, according to prosecutors.

The three men could also face up to a $250,000 fine or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater, prosecutors said.

We appreciate law enforcements diligence in this investigation, UPS previously told McClatchy News on Nov. 20.

Woman steals Amazon delivery van to get back home, California police say

USPS worker got $500K in disability for injuries  but vacationed and exercised, feds say

Postal worker sells USPS key, then hundreds of pieces of mail are stolen, feds say

Men break into UPS warehouses, steal $1.6 million worth of high-value items, feds say
Hope is alive in neighborhood struggling to recover from legacy of two blighted schools

An Oklahoma City neighborhood saddled with two abandoned and blighted former schools is hoping for a better future with developers looking at converting both properties into housing.

For the past seven years, the Metro Park neighborhood dealt with the abandoned former Roosevelt school along its eastern boundary at 900 N Klein Ave., and the abandoned Whittier school along the northern boundary at 1900 NW 10.

Metro Park resident Joe Slack is accustomed to hearing the sirens of firefighters responding to blazes at both properties.

Both properties have been repeatedly vandalized and set on fire. The Whittier school, abandoned for the past dozen years, has caught fire 13 times since it was purchased in 2019 by an unidentified buyer who used a mailbox store for an address. Fire department records show 11 of those fires were in the last three months.

Even worse, the school was the scene of a fatal double shooting in January. The Oklahoman was unable to contact the owner, who owed $66,423 in back taxes, fines and penalties assessed by code inspectors.

Its not helped the morale of the neighborhood, Slack said. We get some headway and then something like that (the shootings) happens and it can be discouraging.

What are the plans for the former Whittier and Roosevelt schools?

Some hope is in sight with both buildings.

The Oklahoma City Council recently declared the Whittier school abandoned and dilapidated and was preparing to tear it down when it was recently sold at auction to the former owners lender, Peak Asset Lending.

Broker Tripp Cunningham, who represented the lender, said the company is in talks with a developer who is interested in renovating the building into affordable housing. In the meantime, Cunningham said the lender is preparing to quickly secure the building.

The Oklahoma City Public Schools district last year teamed up with the Urban Renewal Authority to find possible developers for the Roosevelt school. Three groups submitted bids on March 7. All three groups propose converting it into housing.

More: Can another use for Capitol Hill High School building be found before new school is built?

Slack is cautiously optimistic about both of the former schools.

Im excited and very hopeful, Slack said. But I dont want to get too excited when were not 100% down the road. You never know whats going to happen.

Slacks hopes were dashed previously when the school district teamed up with the Urban Renewal Authority in 2019 to find a developer for the Roosevelt school. The school district pulled out of the deal without explaining why after Urban Renewal chose a group led by Tulsa restaurateur and developer Elliott Nelson.

Georgie Rasco, director of Neighborhood Alliance, shares Slacks concerns about whether the school district might again pull out of a sale and development deal for Roosevelt.

The old Roosevelt school at 900 N Klein Ave., last home to the Oklahoma City Public Schools headquarters, was set to be redeveloped in 2019. That deal collapsed when the district withdrew from the agreement with the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority to find a developer.

They (Urban Renewal) got great feedback, and the school district pulled it back, Rasco said. We would have already seen something happen or it already being in use if not for the school district. That's heartbreaking. It could have sent the neighborhood on a trajectory of progress if the schools administration hadnt reneged on the deal.

Rasco believes both former schools will pose additional costs and challenges after years of neglect. But preservationist Marva Ellard, who joined former Urban Renewal Director Cathy OConnor in bidding to redevelop Roosevelt, said she believes both properties can still be saved and turned into neighborhood assets.

More: OKC council approves TIF committee focused on Classen Corridor revitalization

The former Whittier School, 1900 NW 10, stands abandoned and blighted surrounded by the Metro Park neighborhood and just south of the Classen-10-Penn neighborhood.

'Even Whittier can be saved'

Both Whittier, built in 1910, and Roosevelt, built in 1924, are widely considered historic landmarks and were designed by renowned architect Andrew Solomon Layton.

I think we can save all of them though I havent been in all of them, Ellard said. But even Whittier can be saved. I know its not owned by the school district anymore. But I feel confident it can be repurposed.

Ellard also submitted a redevelopment proposal for Roosevelt in 2019. The school district sat on the property for three years after pulling out of the first sale agreement and then in 2022 chose to spend $764,540 to tear down the landmark.

Metro Park neighborhood protests prompted the school district to put the demolition of Roosevelt on hold and ultimately team up again with Urban Renewal to seek new proposals with a caveat that any agreement would include a $2 million purchase price.

I'm not worried about Roosevelt being intact, Ellard said. It's a mess. But I dont think there is any reason for alarm. Its a very significant building. Its an Andrew Solomon Layton Building, and we have several in our school district.

The Oklahoma City Council recently declared former Whittier School, 1900 NW 10, dilapidated and abandoned.

The school district pledged to change its approach to closed schools after an investigation by The Oklahoman in 2016 and agreed to work with the city to find developers committed to restoring closed schools. The 2019 reversal of the pending sale of Roosevelt was seen as a return to prioritizing money over neighborhood safety and appearance.

Meg McElhaney, whose school district includes Metro Park, declined to comment on the schools real estate policies. The change in ownership at Whittier, meanwhile, may spare the city having to spend thousands on demolition.

The school district initially sold Whittier to Cross & Crown Mission in 2011, which then sold it to the most recent owner in 2019.

More: Can another use for Capitol Hill High School building be found before new school is built?

Chad Davidson, the citys code enforcement superintendent, said the condition of Whittier and the danger it posed to Metro Park worsened over the past four years under the control of the unidentified former owner.

Prior to that, if we got a note, if someone dumped something out there, or if the grass was high, they (Cross & Crown Mission) took care of it, Davidson said.

The city was preparing to spend at least $100,000 on demolition, which exceeds the citys annual budget for dealing with dilapidated buildings.

New signage is shown throughout the Metro Park neighborhood as part of efforts to improve quality in the community.

A resurgence in Metro Park

Despite the blighted schools, Metro Park is seeing a resurgence and is being assisted by the city as part of the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative.

The program, started in 2013, focuses city resources on struggling neighborhoods by focusing on quality of life, engaged neighbors, improved property values and market stabilization, reduction of vacant properties, greater connectivity to jobs, education and services, and increased homeownership and private investment.

Records from the Oklahoma County assessor show that in 2021 Metro Park was home to 699 residences, 44% owner-occupied and 56% non-owner occupied. The citys planning department reports the median household income is $36,147.

A sign at Linwood Boulevard and N Western Avenue welcomes people into the Metro Park neighborhood. The area is part of Oklahoma City's Strong Neighborhood Initiative.

Since being named an SNI neighborhood in 2020, the city has invested in public art, new sidewalks and signage, removal of 34 hazardous trees, the planting of 12 new trees and rehabilitation of six homes. The city is continuing to add sidewalks, signage and is responding to requests to clean up individual properties.

The program also provided residents with a mobile pet vaccination clinic, after school and summer programs, and an array of workshops on personal and neighborhood safety, estate planning, landscaping, housing and legal assistance.

Average home sales price were up from $61,210 in 2020 to $157,217 in 2023. Crime incidents were down to 377 in 2023 from 416 in 2020.

Blighted conditions of the former Whittier School, 1900 NW 10.

Rasco believes redevelopment of the schools is key to unlocking the full potential of Metro Park as a safe and affordable neighborhood.

It should be a success story, Rasco said. It backs up to Pennsylvania Avenue and Classen Boulevard, and its located along public transit routes. It has great access to jobs at St. Anthony Hospital, and it has great housing for first-time homebuyers. It has all the amenities people look for.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Redevelopment may be in sight for two blighted former OKC schools
Former Donald Trump adviser and White House Communications Director Hope Hicks will reportedly testify in the New York criminal hush money trial of her ex-employer.

According to MSNBC, Hicks has been tapped to testify in the trial, which is slated to begin April 15. Last March, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged the former president with 34 separate felony counts of falsifying business records. The case revolves around allegations that a 2016 hush-money payment made at Trumps direction to adult film actress Stormy Daniels violated campaign finance laws.

The ex-Trump adviser has kept a low profile since departing the White House alongside the former president in 2021. Hicks was interviewed by New York prosecutors in March of last year, providing hours of unreleased testimony just weeks before a New York grand jury voted to indict the former president.

The question is, does Hope Hicks have testimony to provide about the extent to which Donald Trump was signing off, specifically on those payments? NBCs Vaughn Hillyard said on Monday. Hicks was reportedly involved in early conversations regarding the Trump campaigns response to the possibility that Daniels would go public with her claims of an affair with Trump. FBI records pertaining to the Justice Departments case against former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen  who coordinated the hush money payments to Daniels  suggest Hicks may have been privy to conversation about the matter.

The former president himself is already gearing up for an ugly court battle. Trump spent much of last week attacking the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case. Last week, Merchan granted prosecutors a request for a gag order barring Trump from commenting on witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and jurors involved in the case. Prosecutors believe the order also applies to Merchans daughter. Trump clearly doesnt care.

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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Horry Countys top prosecutor on Wednesday will host an informational session about South Carolinas new open carry law.

The session runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Coastal Carolina Universitys Atheneum Hall.

The law allows any adult who can legally own a gun to carry the weapon openly and without a permit or training.

It also establishes a free gun training program that will be put on twice monthly by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Gov. Henry McMaster said getting an open carry law on the books was a good step forward not only for law abiding gun owners, but for criminals.

Thats because the measure includes enhanced penalties for illegal gun possession, a provision that McMaster said was crucial to his support.

Open carry is deeply tied to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and is also a necessary step forward to send a message to criminals and would-be criminals  and particularly those who got accustomed to the revolving door in South Carolina  that door is now closed, McMaster said at a March 19 Statehouse news conference for a ceremonial bill signing.

Jackie Swindler, director of the states Criminal Justice Academy, told News13 last month that officers will have be more vigilant with the new law in place.

When theyre in a crowd or dealing with certain heightened calls or situations to try and see if you can notice whos armed, those dynamics certainly changed things when youre on calls and theres multiple people who are armed, he said. Certainly, stopping cars and stopping cars at night and you can see guns right at peoples fingertips.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The Radio and TV Broadcasting and Satellite Communications Production Association (Teleradio PA), under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, is preparing to expand the radio broadcasting network, Trend reports.

The association noted that all radio and television stations in the country will be outfitted with the required information technology equipment for this purpose.

To note, Teleradio PA, founded on the Radio and Television Center and the Radio Center, offers terrestrial radio and television broadcasting, radio communications (operation of a network of radio relay lines), satellite radio and television broadcasting, and other services.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Hospice care for those with dementia falls far short of meeting peoples needs at the end of life

Jimmy Carter, who chose to forgo aggressive medical care for complications of cancer and frailty in February 2023, recently reached his one-year anniversary since enrolling in hospice care. During this time, he celebrated his 99th birthday, received tributes far and wide and stood by the side of his beloved wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023.

In contrast to the former president, his wife, who had dementia, lived only nine days under hospice care.

Palliative care physicians like myself who treat both conditions are not surprised at all by this disparity.

Hospice brings a multidisciplinary team of providers to wherever a patient lives, be it their own home or a nursing home, to maintain their physical and psychological comfort so that they can avoid the hospital as they approach the end of life.

Hospice is not the same as palliative care, which is a multidisciplinary team that sees seriously ill patients in a clinic or hospital to help them and their families with symptoms, distress and advance care planning.

Strikingly, only 12% of Americans with dementia ever enroll in hospice. Among those who do, one-third are near death. This is in stark contrast to the cancer population: Patients over 60 with cancer enroll in hospice 70% of the time.

In my experience caring for dementia patients, the underuse of hospice by dementia patients has more to do with how hospice is structured and paid for in the U.S. than it does patient preference or differences between cancer and dementia.

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter campaign for the presidency in 1976. Bettmann via Getty Images

The role of Medicare

In the U.S., most hospice stays are paid for by Medicare, which dictates what hospices look like, who qualifies for hospice and what services hospices provide. Medicares rules and regulations make it hard for dementia patients to qualify for hospice when they and their families need support the most  long before death.

In Canada, where hospice is structured entirely differently, 39% of dementia patients receive hospice care in the last year of life.

The benefits of hospice

The first hospice opened in the U.S. in 1974.

Medicare began assessing the potential benefits of covering hospice care during Carters administration. The service gained popularity after Congress formalized a payment structure to reimburse hospice providers through Medicare in 1985.

At the time, lawmakers were responding to the realization that the cost of care at the end of life was the fastest-growing segment of Medicares budget. Most of those expenses covered costs for hospitalized patients with advanced incurable illnesses who died in the hospital after spending time in intensive care units.

Congress believed hospice would not only give seriously ill Americans an alternative to a medicalized death but would also help control costs. So it required hospices to provide holistic care to entice people to enroll in this new option.

The new Medicare coverage allowed hospice care to follow the patient wherever they lived, at home or in a nursing home. It would support families as well as patients.

These remain among hospices core values to this day.

Impossible trade-off

In exchange, people enrolling in hospice would have to forgo other kinds of care, such as seeing specialists or being admitted to a hospital.

But letting go of specialists is a nonstarter for many patients.

Researchers have found that people with life-limiting illnesses like dementia are half as likely to enroll in hospice when they want to continue treatments they cannot receive in hospice.

Psychiatrists and geriatricians who treat dementia, and the psychologists, nurses, social workers and others who support them, are invaluable to families struggling to manage a dementia patients disruptive and sometimes violent behavior. They adjust and rotate medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-epileptics or sedatives to help their loved one experience less anxiety, agitation or depression as their memory fades.

These adjustments are the norm for many patients with dementia who are particularly prone to side effects such as agitation or drowsiness. Specialized dementia teams are difficult to give up in exchange for hospice clinicians who are generalists following a protocol and adhering to a short list of approved medications.

But that is what Medicare currently asks these families to do.

The best of both

Hospice advocates and palliative care providers like myself believe dementia patients should have access to both specialists to provide expert guidance and hospice providers to support the care at home.

So-called concurrent care is the standard of care for children facing life-ending illness, as well as for patients in the Veterans Health Administration. There is evidence that the concurrent care approach helps patients and, ironically, saves money.

For around a decade, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has been studying alternative models for hospice that include concurrent care for Americans covered by Medicare. The agency is proposing to study the issue a bit longer. However, more studies will not bring relief any time soon to the 7 million Americans with dementia and their families.

Criteria for hospice

Even when dementia patients and their families are willing to forgo specialists and hospitalization, they are unlikely to meet Medicares stringent criteria for hospice, which were designed to limit hospice to patients who are expected to die within six months.

Its so difficult to qualify for hospice under a dementia diagnosis that one of my colleagues is known for saying, If you want to get a dementia patient into hospice, find a cancer.

Medicares criteria require that people with dementia not only depend upon others for help with toileting, transferring, bathing, walking and personal hygiene but also that they be bedridden, incontinent, minimally verbal and have a terminal complication of dementia such as aspiration pneumonia, recurrent urinary tract infections, significant weight loss, or bed sores.

These complications typically occur only in the most advanced stages of dementia and are less likely when people receive quality care at home.

More importantly, Medicares hospice benefits do not provide patients with dementia and their families the support they need most  hands-on care.

Most people are shocked to hear that, aside from providing a bath aide a couple of times a week and a home health aide for brief periods to give a family caregiver a break, hospice does not provide the hands-on care that dementia patients  and, frankly, anyone who is in hospice  requires.

Monitoring, toileting, hand-feeding, repositioning, ambulating, medication administration and wound care are left up to family caregivers.

Families of people with dementia must either sacrifice their personal well-being and livelihoods to care for a loved one at home, hire a professional home health aide, which costs from US$30 to $50 an hour, or place the loved one in a nursing home. The latter is paid out of pocket unless patients qualify for Medicaid. And hospice care, as currently structured, does nothing to help with that.

My heart breaks for people like the patient with early dementia I met recently. His daughter-in-law  his sole caregiver  requested he be enrolled in home hospice, only to find out that not only did he not qualify for hospice, but that hospice would not provide the hands-on support they needed.

So, unless we can afford to pay for an aide or place him in memory care, Im all the hands-on help hes got?, she asked. Im afraid so, I answered.

Given this impossible choice, its no surprise that Rosalynn Carter only entered hospice near the end of her life.

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: Maria J Silveira, University of Michigan.

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Maria J Silveira 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced federal disaster assistance is coming to California flood survivors from the late January 2024 severe storm.

President Biden previously issued a major disaster declaration for Jan. 22 flood victims in San Diego County, clearing the way for HUD to offer disaster assistance.

Biden approves disaster declaration to help flood impacted San Diegans

Jan. 22 flood victims now have a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers under the Indian Home Loan Guarantee program.

Homeowners impacted by the late January flooding are advised to contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance. HUD noted conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for additional relief through their mortgage holder.

In addition to HUDs moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages, there is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.

The moratorium and extension are effective as of the Presidents disaster declaration date.

IRS postponing tax filing deadline for San Diegans impacted by January flooding

San Diego residents and business owners impacted by the Jan. 22 flooding can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.

The IRS has also postponed the tax filing deadline until June 17, 2024 for California residents impacted by the late January atmospheric river storm and flooding.

When homes are destroyed or damaged, a HUD program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies have counselors available to assist those impacted by natural disasters to determine assistance needs and available resources. Find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online or by calling 800-569-4287.

For more information, homeowners can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320. To learn more about disaster relief options for FHA homeowners, visit the FHA Disaster Relief site. Learn more about HUD Disaster Resources here.

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Even as Naples Airport Authority studies the possibility of moving the airport in 20 or so years, it is working on improving flight patterns, how high planes fly over Naples, shared airspace with Marco Island Executive Airport and safety.

Texas-based Hughes Aerospace is in the middle of a feasibility study to develop conceptual designs for plane departures, approaches, missed approach waiting areas and shared airspace. Company executives gave the airport authority board of commissioners an interim report in March that had members hopeful of higher takeoffs, quieter approaches, more efficiency and less noise overall  a big complaint among area residents.

Marco Island Executive Airport is located about 12 miles south of downtown Naples off Mainsail Drive just north of Marco Island's Jolley Bridge and Isles of Capri. It is operated by Collier County.

Hiring Hughes Aerospace in December came after a $2 million 2019 Airport Noise Compatibility study referred to as a Part 150 study and the noise abatement measures that came out of it and were submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"They have developed conceptual designs for new arrival procedures for every runway and all four runway ends that would increase the altitude of aircraft 2(00) to 400 feet over the community compared to what exists today," Naples Airport Authority Executive Director Chris Rozansky told the board on March 21. Hughes Aerospace also developed conceptual designs for arrivals to runway 23 and for arrivals on runway 14-42, he said.

Naples Airport layout shown with runways.

Hughs Aerospace also developed some concepts for Collier County's Marco Island Executive Airport that will require Naples Airport Authority to work with Collier to implement the concepts "that are going to help deconflict the airspaces," Rozansky said. That could lead to an increase in the 2,000-foot hold altitude, he said. Currently, all aircraft must hold at 2,000 feet after taking off before gaining altitude following permission from air traffic control.

Marco Island Executive Airport was completed in 1976. The newest terminal opened in March 2021

"You want to take and integrate all of the airspace around the Southwest Florida area," said Alyce Shingler, head of Hughes Aerospace day-to-day operations. "So we want to include the Marco Island and RSW and try to make a holistic approach to fixing the problems. In order to do that, you have to work closely with air traffic, the surrounding airports and the community."

Additionally, Shingler said, "we also want to reduce the noise impacts of Marco Island."

Marco Island Executive Airport is located just north of the island off Mainsail Drive, about 12 miles south of downtown Naples. The Florida Department of Transportation estimates that the Marco Island Executive Airport has a local total annual economic impact of $258 Million. By comparison, FDOT estimates the Naples Airport has a $781 million annual economic impact.

Keep planes over the water longer

Planes land at the Naples Airport on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Hughes Aerospace in its interim conceptual report recommends keeping planes over the water longer so they can cross the shoreline higher, "hopefully mitigating the noise impact," Shingler said.

"The concept is that we're going to push all the aircraft on the same trajectory at a higher angle so they're going to cross the shoreline at a higher altitude and if they go missed approach they're going to go back offshore," said Hughes Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Chris Baur.

For Marco Island, Bauer wants the airport's planes to go out over the water on missed approaches instead of over Naples, just like Hughes' plan for Naples Airport planes.

Opening up the crowded southwest Florida airspace is "a linchpin for increasing that 2,000-foot hold," Rozansky said.

Airports, communities, FAA, air traffic control to have say

Collier and Marco Island airport officials would have a say in any plans presented to the FAA, as will any community affected, Baur said.

"Anything that we would design would be a collaborative effort between the community, air traffic control, the airport, pilots," Baur said. But no meetings will be scheduled until air traffic control representatives are consulted, he said.

Hughes officials will be meeting with air traffic controllers in mid-April, Baur said.

Naples Airport started operations in 1943, first as a military airfield. In 1948, the U.S. Government returned the airport to Naples and Collier County. In 1958, the Naples City Council bought Collier County's interest. Naples Airport Authority was created in 1969.

Earlier: Naples Airport seeking FAA approval for several noise abatement measures: What to know

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples Airport Authority hears update on Hughes Aerospace study
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer looks on during an operation in Escondido, Calif., on July 8, 2019. Immigration enforcement arrests in the interior of the U.S. fell over the past year as the Biden administration shifted its enforcement focus to people in the country without legal status who have committed serious crimes. | Gregory Bull

Gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman has focused recent campaign messaging on Utahs disputed status as a sanctuary state.

The state lawmaker, who is running in the Republican primary against Gov. Spencer Cox, argued Utah is effectively a sanctuary state because U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are unable to hold migrants who break the law after entering the country illegally in county jails for extended periods of time.

Its a well deserved indictment because Utah is being complicit with the federal government standards, Lyman told the Deseret News. Rather than arresting people and detaining people in Utah who break Utah laws, were letting them go because we cant detain them under the federal standards.

This claim was first widely reported in October when a leaked memo from ICEs Salt Lake City Field Office took the unusual step of designating Utah as a sanctuary state. The memo cited the release of 67% of ICE detainees back into Utah communities during Fiscal Year 2023 because of county sheriffs non-detention policies.

Riverton Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Trent Staggs received criticism for promoting the memo which was quickly retracted after state law enforcement and elected officials pointed out its claims were misleading and obscured ICEs responsibility to find holding centers for detained immigrants.

Gov. Spencer Cox has categorically rejected the label.

Utah is not a sanctuary state, it has never been a sanctuary state, it will never be a sanctuary state, Cox said during a virtual town hall in March. And anyone who tells you otherwise ... is lying to you because they want to use fear and divisiveness to try to gain power.

Is Utah a sanctuary state?

Utah continues to be classified as a sanctuary state by the Center for Immigration Studies. The pro-immigrant, low-immigration think tank cites the absence of ICE detention centers in the state and Utahs immigrant-friendly policies, like driving privilege cards, child medical insurance, in-state college tuition and occupational licensing for undocumented migrants, as justification for the designation.

But being a sanctuary state or sanctuary city has traditionally meant having an official policy of limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement, especially in relation to the criminal justice system, said University of Nevada Las Vegas professor Michael Kagan, one of the nations leading scholars on immigration law.

Utah would never be thought of as a sanctuary state, Kagan said.

Utah code explicitly requires state law enforcement to work with ICE officers when apprehending migrants who break the law after entering the country illegally.

The now-retracted ICE memo describes an operational problem that ICE is having in Utah which does not meet the qualifications of a sanctuary state, Kagan said. He called the move a bizarre attempt by ICE to redefine what that label means.

The memo, written on May 31 by Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke, came after multiple Utah counties terminated contracts with the federal government that allowed ICE to pay for detainees to be held in county jails that met ICE standards.

Utah County Sheriff and president of the Utah Sheriffs Association Mike Smith said it became impossible for county sheriff departments to comply with new Biden administration policies that required totally different, and often ridiculous, treatment of civil ICE detainees compared to regular criminal inmates.

Salt Lake City police and ICE agents arrest drug dealers and work to process any who may be in the country illegally on Nov. 8, 2007. | Scott G. Winterton

The 700-page-long list of ICE standards included having separate entrances, as well as a specific type of hair cut and hand lotion, that must be used for ICE detainees, Smith said. If ICE-contracted jails failed to comply with these standards, they were made vulnerable to lawsuits from national watchdog groups, something that happened to Utah County law enforcement on at least one occasion, Smith said.

No county in Utah currently has an agreement with ICE to hold detainees for this reason, Smith said. But this does not mean violent criminals who are noncitizens can be let loose by ICE.

Migrants in the country illegally who are arrested for criminal charges are held in Utah jails and processed through the Utah justice system like any other offender, Smith said.

I have people in my jail right now, who are illegal immigrants who have broken state laws that are in jail on those violations, he said. Those criminal charges go through our state courts just like they would for anybody.

Following their time in the criminal justice system, migrants who have broken the law are usually turned over to, or arrested by, ICE, Smith and Kagan explained, and then should be kept in ICE detention facilities for civil proceedings including deportation.

Even if there are no ICE detention facilities in the state, that doesnt mean ICE is forced to release detainees, they said.

ICE has an extremely large budget that was just actually increased to basically pay for detention space all over the country, Kagan said. Once someone is in ICE custody, ICE can move them across state boundaries, they do that all the time, thats perfectly regular.

There are three ICE detention facilities in southern Nevada that frequently house migrants transported by ICE from Utah, Kagan said. So, the reasoning behind ICEs memo in Utah is a mystery to him. As it is for Smith.

Should Utah do more about migrants in the country illegally?

Weve hit a brick wall with ICE, Smith said. Theyre trying to shift the blame to say, Its the sheriffs fault. And it never has been our job. We dont have any statutory obligation to do their work for them, yet they write this erroneous and inflammatory memo stating that we do.

On multiple occasions, Utah law enforcement officers have met with ICE to try and fix their detention-space problem, Smith said. Utah sheriffs have even proposed that ICE rent portions of a Weber County facility and a vacant Daggett County facility for ICE detentions.

Weve told them that multiple times and it falls on deaf ears, Smith said.

Lyman recognizes that federal government policies have made it difficult to rely on ICE to enforce immigration law. But Utah leaders shouldnt use bureaucratic dysfunction as an excuse not to address the problem, Lyman said.

Salt Lake City police and ICE agents arrest drug dealers and work to process any who may be in the country illegally on Nov. 8, 2007. | Scott G. Winterton

Its an executive decision about policy, he said.

Lyman said Utah should take a more active stance toward immigration law enforcement, detaining and deporting migrants independently of ICE like Texas is attempting to do.

But the new Texas law that permits local police to charge  and state judges to deport  migrants suspected of illegally crossing the border is currently being held up in federal court, Kagan explained.

If the Supreme Court does not change the law, then that kind of effort by Utah would be unconstitutional because immigration enforcement is an exclusively federal domain, Kagan said. So states cant step in under current Supreme Court case law to start arresting and deporting people.
Idaho removed 185,000 people from Medicaid. Over a fifth have re-enrolled.

More than a fifth of Idahoans removed from Medicaid have since-re-enrolled, new data shows. (Getty Images)

Medicaid helped Randi La Salle avoid difficult decisions.

Should she pay for health care for her and her four children? Or their food or school supplies?

La Salle, who worked three jobs, and her family were among roughly 185,000 Idahoans who over the past year lost health insurance coverage on Medicaid, which largely insures people who are low-income or have disabilities.

Starting April 2023, states were allowed to start removing people from Medicaid, after a three-year federal pause on removals  due to the COVID-19 pandemic  ended.

Idaho pursued a fast timeline for resuming Medicaid eligibility reviews, known as Medicaid unwinding. So far, more than a fifth  22%  of Idahoans removed from Medicaid have since-re-enrolled, new data shows. Thats over 40,000 people, according to data shared by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

The numbers are really startling, Ivy Smith, health policy specialist at Idaho Voices for Children, said in response to Idahos Medicaid re-enrollment data. And they demonstrate a clear picture of what we knew was going to be a problem from the start. Idahos Medicaid unwinding plan was very aggressive in terms of their timeline.

Idaho officials defend Idahos Medicaid unwinding process as a success.

State officials went above and beyond to reach out to Medicaid enrollees, said Shane Leach, administrator of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfares Division of Self-Reliance.

Health officials also met a legislative request to wrap up Medicaid unwinding in six months and prioritize people that health officials hadnt heard from in recent years, Leach said.

You will see all these numbers start to average out in the long term. And so what you see from Idaho is just an indicator of what I think will be present for a lot of other states across the country, Leach said. But again, thats going to take time for other states to get caught up. And even then  other states have different rules and requirements for how they do Medicaid. So even that makes it even harder to compare.

Idahoans eligible for Medicaid can re-enroll anytime

Idaho health officials have stressed anyone can re-enroll for Medicaid at any time, which also offers retroactive coverage that extends back 90 days.

There really should be no gap in coverage, Leach said.

La Salles oldest son re-enrolled in Medicaid last fall.

But not her and the rest of her family, who she said health officials found ineligible because she earned $75 over the monthly income cap.

Her oldest son got back on Medicaid, La Salle said, because officials counted income from her ex-husband.

Months later, La Salle enrolled in private insurance for $800 a month.

Because of that $75, I had to choose  once I put my kids on my insurance  between them eating or them having insurance, she said. Or me eating. Or them eating.

About 17,500 Idahoans, or 44% of those who regained Medicaid, re-enrolled within 30 days, Leach said.

Smith said some Idahoans first found out they lost Medicaid coverage when they went to the pharmacy. That put some in a financial bind, she said.

The systems just not easy to navigate, La Salle said. And there are some people who are just gonna give up and then they have no access to any kind of Medicaid or insurance at all.

Randi La Salle and her oldest son Alex Santos, 17, pose for a photo while shopping for school clothes. (Courtesy photo)

Idaho finished Medicaid unwinding in six months. But there are still accounts left to review.

Idaho is the first state to drop below Medicaid enrollment levels last seen before the pandemic, said Jennifer Tolbert, deputy director for KFFs Program on Medicaid and Uninsured.

Idahos Medicaid population declined at the third sharpest rate of all states, falling by 31% during Medicaid unwinding, KFF data shows.

For Medicaid unwinding, some states also initially targeted which Medicaid accounts to review first. But Idaho is the only state that tried to do it in six months, said Meredith Wheeler, senior campaigns manager for Medicaid at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Idaho Medicaid has gone from insuring about 450,000 Idahoans to around 350,000 since Medicaid unwinding started, Leach said.

Idaho officials didnt confirm everyone they removed from Medicaid was ineligible. About 73% of Idahoans lost Medicaid for not replying to the states requests for information, according to KFF.

Roughly 138,000 Idahoans lost Medicaid that way, Leach said, which health officials call procedural removals.

Out of all Medicaid renewals Idaho completed, 40% of people lost coverage for procedural reasons, KFFs data showed. Thats the fifth highest rate in the nation so far. Idaho officials found 15% of Medicaid accounts reviewed were ineligible, while 45% retained coverage, KFFs data shows.

But Leach said it isnt good practice to compare Medicaid unwinding results from different states, which adopted different approaches. Some states have held off on processing procedural removals, he said.

Federal regulators have talked about extending Medicaid unwinding past the initially planned 12 months because states arent finished, Leach said.

Its also difficult to compare metrics on Medicaid churn  a term health experts use to describe people who lost Medicaid coverage, and later regained it.

Idahos 22% Medicaid churn rate counts the 40,000 Idahoans who regained Medicaid coverage, out of 185,000 Idahoans who state officials ended coverage for, Leach said.

That would show higher churn rates than if officials counted churn relative to the entire Medicaid population, rather than just people removed, said Brad Corallo, senior policy analyst with KFFs Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured.

It will be hard to find much comparable data to Idahos churn data, Corallo said. Its just a pretty unique timeframe that they are reporting.

Idaho officials in September finished reviewing the eligibility of 153,000 Idahoans that officials flagged as likely ineligible, either for not replying to the states outreach or for information suggesting that they were no longer eligible for Medicaid.

When Idaho concluded that groups reviews, officials said Idahos Medicaid unwinding was complete. Idaho removed 121,000 people in that group.

But Idaho was still working through reviewing the eligibility of all the roughly 450,000 Idahoans on Medicaid by the time federal protections ended.

Almost all Idaho Medicaid accounts have now been reviewed, with only about 3% or more than 14,000 accounts left to review by August, Leach said on March 11.

Idaho officials went above and beyond on Medicaid unwinding outreach, official says

Idaho officials started sending letters to people more than two months in advance, Leach said. State officials also sent text messages to people and a final notice about their Medicaid coverage ending, he said.

The Idaho health department went above and beyond and met all federal requirements, Leach said.

But the health departments plan was not nearly sufficient to meet Idahos fast-tracked unwinding timeline, Smith said.

For instance, Idahos renewal notices were only sent out in English and Spanish, Smith said. People who needed translations needed to call the health department, whose wait times have been high throughout Medicaid unwinding, Smith said.

Leach stressed anyone eligible for Medicaid can apply any time.

Because of wait times, Do people struggle on some different areas? Possibly, Leach said. But, he said, anybody can come back and reapply at any point in time for Medicaid. And if theyre eligible, they would be reinstated.

The results from Idahos Medicaid unwinding process shows that while some people lost coverage for being ineligible, the majority on Idaho Medicaid were eligible, Smith said.

Almost half of Idahoans removed from Medicaid were children; Idaho had the third highest child Medicaid removal rate in the nation, according to KFF.

By December, Idaho had removed the ninth highest number of children from Medicaid and CHIP, and tied for the highest rate of child removals, according to federal data.

That worried federal regulators for Medicaid  a program largely paid by the federal government  who urged Idaho officials to ensure kids eligible for Medicaid wouldnt lose coverage. Idaho officials said they were following federal law in administering their federally approved plan to unwind Medicaid.

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The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) services recently looked into how Idaho handled childrens eligibility during unwinding, Leach said. Federal regulators found a minor error in one case, he said.

The Idaho health department hasnt received the full report, Leach said. A CMS spokesperson declined to comment on pending audits.

Medicaid to return to routine eligibility reviews

People who are eligible for Medicaid can re-enroll at any time. That means Idahos Medicaid churn rate could change over time.

KFF research in 2023 found about 41% of people who lost Medicaid re-enrolled in a year.

But we dont have churn rates for people re-enrolling for shorter periods of time, like 90 days or 6 months, Corallo said. That churn rate would likely be lower, he said.

people receive free dental, medical and vision care at a mobile clinic in Grundy, Virginia,

The percentage of Americans with health insurance reached an all-time high of 92% in 2022, in part because of the coverage for Medicaid patients required during the pandemic. But millions of Americans continue to lack insurance. Earlier this year, more than a thousand people came to get free dental, medical and vision care at a mobile clinic in Grundy, Virginia, staffed by students and volunteer medical teams. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Given that we arent even a full year into the unwinding, that can complicate comparisons to state-reported unwinding data, he said.

About 31% of Idahoans removed from Medicaid got health insurance on Your Health Idaho, the states insurance exchange that offers tax credits based on income.

More people are likely uninsured following Medicaid unwinding, Wheeler said, but official numbers arent out yet.

Now that its been nearly a year since Idahos Medicaid unwinding started, Idahoans on Medicaid will go through the usual annual eligibility reviews, Smith said.

La Salles oldest sons review is coming up.

La Salle said she called the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare about his Medicaid account in mid-March.

More than a week later, in a March 24 interview, she said she hadnt heard back.

I have called them three times since then. I have no notifications on my account, and Ive not been called back once, La Salle said. We get an automated system every time. It just seems like its getting more and more difficult to get ahold of somebody.

A week later, she said that hed been re-enrolled. But not her other kids.

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The post Idaho removed 185,000 people from Medicaid. Over a fifth have re-enrolled. appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun.
Palestinians inspect the damage outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after Israeli troops withdrew from it Monday following a two-week operation. Photo by Mohamed Hajjar/EPA-EFE

April 1 (UPI) -- Israel Defense Forces said it pulled out of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after a two-week operation that killed 200 "terrorists," but left most of the medical complex destroyed.

The IDF said it found weapons and intelligence "throughout the hospital" while they took hundreds more people into custody during their raid of the hospital.

The Gaza health ministry said "dozens of bodies" were left on the ground to decompose inside and outside the hospital. They said the complex is completely non-functional as a hospital in its current state.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, said 21 patients died in the Israeli siege of the hospital, a number the IDF denied.

The IDF said in November that Hamas had created a command and control center inside the hospital and underneath in tunnels. Hamas called the reports "lies and cheap propaganda." The IDF said its operation prevented "harm to civilians, patients and medical teams."

The hospital is the largest medical facility in Gaza and Palestinian officials said its destruction leaves the region without a healthcare complex capable of caring for residents, especially during wartime.

The IDF has blamed Hamas for using the medical facility as a shield and putting civilians in danger while attacking Israeli military structure.
Immigrants are not 'invading' Arizona. Politicians just want you to think they are

Extremist Arizona politicians are at it again.

The statehouse is awash in anti-immigrant bills that demonize and dehumanize immigrants and asylum-seekers, and put communities of color and their advocates in peril.

We have seen this self-serving, xenophobic playbook before, and we know that it is dangerous and costly for our state.

Arizona gained international infamy in 2010 when then-Gov. Jan Brewer signed the anti-immigrant Senate Bill 1070 into law.

Using the language of attrition through enforcement, the law targeted immigrants and communities of color more broadly, subjecting them to a raft of inhumane and unconstitutional provisions designed to create fear and uncertainty  and ultimately, attrition from the state we all call home.

Did Arizona learn nothing from SB 1070?

Jaxinta Shaffer, a social worker at Carl Hayden High talks to Sen. Anthony Kern of District 27 as Aliento, a leading voice for undocumented youth, DACA, and mixed immigration status families hosts its annual Education Day ("E-Day") at the Arizona state Capitol.

After a mountain of costly legal challenges brought by the ACLU of Arizona and others, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately found the majority of SB 1070 unconstitutional, but not before the law had devastating impacts on our state.

Families were torn apart, jobs and businesses were lost, communities of color were vilified, and the state economy was battered by boycotts. The public backlash on Arizonas national and international reputation put a stain on our state that we are still trying to rinse off.

This is why the national discourse about the U.S.-Mexico border and border security is so alarming.

Calls to further criminalize immigration and militarize the border give cover to cynical state politicians seeking to capitalize on challenges at the border to advance anti-immigrant laws.

Legislation is on shaky legal ground

In Arizona, lawmakers have proposed bills  including Senate Bill 1231, which Gov. Katie Hobbs has already vetoed, plus House Bills 2821 and 2748  authorizing state judges to enforce federal immigration laws and creating a new class of state crimes.

Perhaps most dangerously, they provide immunity to law enforcement when acting under these bills.

HB 2478 would potentially allow legal protections to police departments already plagued with problems and federal investigations for unconstitutional policing practices if they target immigrants in Arizona.

This type of legislation was vetoed by Governor Hobbs, but lawmakers unhappy with not getting their way are now threatening to place these bills directly on the ballot.

Many of these pieces of legislation are built on shaky legal ground and would surely invite lawsuits that challenge their constitutionality.

Not to mention that Arizona voters rejected extremism on the ballot in 2022, and they can reject it again in 2024.

We're not being 'invaded' by immigrants

Still, it is clear that lawmakers will stop at nothing to advance their extreme political agenda.

These proposals are rationalized by a cruel and dishonest narrative: that Arizona is being invaded by immigrants and that extreme action by the state is necessary.

If there is a crisis at the border, they reason, then Arizona is entitled to defend itself against these invading armies.

But immigrants are not invaders. They are our families, neighbors and an integral part of our communities.

The conflation of people migrating to our border with the criminalization of immigration is toxic to our state and national discourse.

This demonization is doing real harm

This is the same politics of demonization and lawlessness that Arizona has seen before, and that Texas is now battling the Biden administration over.

Morally, these proposed bills are repugnant. Rhetorically and symbolically, they contribute to the vilification of immigrants and advance an anti-immigrant agenda that seeks to deprive communities of color of their rights and dignity.

Even if these bills fail to become law, damage is being done.

Border Patrol keeps growing: Yet immigration remains broken

People who contribute to our communities in numerous, often hidden ways, are further marginalized and reminded of how tenuous and fragile their lives here are.

Our hope is that Arizonas leadership will remember the damage caused to our state and our immigrant neighbors the last time and prevent history from repeating itself by rejecting these attempts to dehumanize immigrants.

Stop the false narrative about the border

Racist false rhetoric about an invasion must not be allowed to give cover to grandstanding politicians seeking to advance an anti-immigrant narrative that has nothing to do with humanitarian needs at the border or the safety of our communities.

These bills are not real solutions.

If lawmakers really want to protect Arizona, they should block these bills that put our immigrant community in harms way and damage the reputation of our state.

Arizona is not being invaded  but it is being poisoned by anti-immigrant extremism.

Were hopeful our lawmakers will protect all Arizonans and the state by stopping these bills from moving any further.

Victoria Lopez is director of program and strategy at the ACLU of Arizona. Reach her at vlopez@acluaz.org; on X, formerly Twitter: @vlotree.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Immigrants are not 'invading' Arizona. Stop this false narrative
Independence man sentenced to 30 years after 2023 crash that killed two people

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  An Independence man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after a deadly motorcycle crash in 2023.

27-year-old Melvin T. Brown pleaded guilty and received 10 years each for two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter, four years for resisting arrest, three years for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and three years for tampering with a motor vehicle.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

According to the probable cause statement, an Independence Police Officer tried to stop a suspected stolen Jeep the night of the incident.

Brown didnt stop for police and drove the Jeep at speeds up to 90 mph, trying to evade the police.

He then hit a motorcycle at Scott Avenue and Winner Road, killing victims Jake Jackson Monteer and Jessica Marie Fields.

Court documents said Brown of drove away from the crash and at one point, started driving the wrong way on I-70 as police pursued him.

An officer stopped the Jeep near 42nd Street and Lees Summit Road. Brown lost control of the Jeep.

As Brown continued to try to escape police, one of the officers pushed the stolen Jeep into an Independence Police car, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to the cruiser.

Dallas police searching for Chiefs WR Rashee Rice after major accident: Report

Brown suffered two broken arms and went to a hospital.

A preliminary blood report shows Brown tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine and cannabinoids, according to the probable cause statement.

Officers also found what was suspected to be fentanyl in Browns pockets.

All counts will run consecutively and concurrently.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
(Bloomberg) -- India forecast hotter-than-usual temperatures over the coming months, raising the risk of water shortages, crop damages and higher coal use to avoid power blackouts in the planets most populous nation.

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Heat waves are expected for 10 to 20 days in different areas during the three-month period ending June 30, against a normal of four to eight days, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of the India Meteorological Department, said at a briefing in New Delhi on Monday. Above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country, he said.

The prediction comes at a time when the worlds biggest democracy is preparing to hold general elections between mid-April and early June  a period when the mercury often crosses 45C (113F). There could be a greater threat to human lives as heat strokes, which kill dozens of people every year in the South Asian nation, could hit participants at political rallies.

Climate change is making India vulnerable to extreme weather events, with the country of 1.4 billion people facing increased occurrences of floods, cyclones, droughts and heat waves. The scorching sun will not only reduce the availability of drinking water but also drain moisture from the soil, a potential threat for some summer crops such as pulses and oilseeds. The city of Bengaluru, home to the $194 billion IT services industry, is already struggling with water shortages.

However, the impact on winter-sown wheat crops is likely to be limited as the plants have matured and harvesting has started in many states. A bumper output, as the government predicts, could prompt authorities to ease export restrictions that have been in place since 2022.

The weather outlook will put more pressure on energy companies. The peak electricity demand, which is estimated to surge to a record 250 gigawatts this summer, may rise further if heat waves prolong. The power ministry has asked plants to continue importing coal to make up for any shortfall in local supplies.

Reserves of coal, which accounts for about three-fourths of electricity generation, at power plants have jumped 38% over the past year and can last for 18 days on average, power ministry data show. Still, inventories are below the mandated levels.

More From the Briefing:

Above-average maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in April

Heat wave days are expected to be more than normal during the April-June season in many areas of central and eastern India, northwestern plains and the southern peninsula

Average rainfall is seen normal this month, with precipitation forecast to be 88% to 112% of the long-period average

The strength of El Nino weather pattern has been weakening since the start of the year. Moderate conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific at present

Models also indicate the development of La Nina during the June-September rainy season

--With assistance from Abhay Singh.

(Updates to add bullets at the bottom.)

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Narendra Modi is accused of 'match fixing' the upcoming national elections following the arrest of opposition leaders - ANUSHREE FADNAVIS/REUTERS

A court has extended the arrest of one of Indias top opposition leaders as Narendra Modis government faces accusations of match fixing in the upcoming national elections.

Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and the top elected official in the city of New Delhi was arrested on March 21 in connection with corruption charges, which he denies.

A Delhi court on Monday extended his detention for two weeks, meaning he will have to stay behind bars until April 15.

The case has dominated headlines ahead of national parliamentary elections on April 19, in which Mr Modi will be seeking a third term in power.

The federal enforcement directorate, the agency which arrested Mr Kejriwal, has accused him of being the kingpin and key conspirator in a corruption scheme that it alleges saw his party and ministers accept one billion rupees ($12 million) in bribes from liquor contractors nearly two years ago.

Mr Kejriwal has denied the allegations and accused the directorate of manipulating investigative agencies for political motives.

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Admi Party, was arrested on March 21 in connection with corruption charges, which he denies - Dinesh Joshi/AP

The Aam Aadmi Party also denied the charges against it and said Kejriwal will remain as New Delhis chief minister as it fights the case in court.

The same agency arrested another prominent opposition leader, Hemant Soren, of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party, on Jan 31 in connection with a money laundering investigation. He denies the charges.

JMM and AAP are both members of a broad coalition called India which has emerged as the main challenger to Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

Rahul Ghandi, an MP from the Congress Party, another member of the India Alliance, on Sunday accused Mr Modi of indulging in match fixing at an India rally protesting the arrests on Sunday.

You want an opposition that is unable to fight elections and this is why you have placed your own people inside the Election Commission, put two Chief Ministers in jail, frozen the bank accounts of the Congress party, and put pressure on the judiciary, he told a crowd at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

Mr Modis party denies using law enforcement agencies to target the opposition and says the agencies act independently.

The BJP on Monday called on Indias election commission to take action against Mr Ghandi for the remarks.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Austrian companies can play a key role in supporting the Kazakh energy sector towards a greener future, a source at Advantage Austria, the trade promotion organization of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, told Trend.

"Austria has a strong green energy sector with outstanding firms that possess a plethora of expertise and cutting-edge technologies. Deepening partnership in this sector will help Kazakhstan achieve its 2060 energy transition goals. Austrian enterprises with a solid basis in renewable energy solutions, including hydroelectric power, wind energy, and solar power, might play a vital role in aiding the Kazakh energy sector towards a greener future," the source said.

Concerning Austrian companies' participation in traditional energy projects, the source stated that there is only one globally engaged energy company in Austria - OMV - and that Advantage Austria has no knowledge regarding its involvement in Kazakhstan projects.



Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's renewable energy installations generated 6.675 billion kWh of electricity by the end of 2023. This volume accounts for 5.92 percent of total electrical energy production in 2023.

The country currently has 147 renewable energy facilities (over 100 kW) with an installed capacity of 2,903.54 MW: 59 wind power plants with a capacity of 1,409.55 MW; 46 solar power plant facilities with a capacity of 1,222.61 MW; 39 hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of 269.605 MW; and three biogas power plant facilities with a capacity of 1.77 MW.



Furthermore, by the end of 2023, 16 renewable energy facilities with a total installed capacity of 495.57 MW had been operational: 12 wind farms with a total capacity of 437.1 MW in the Akmola and Zhetysu regions, 2 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 3.7 MW in the Almaty and Turkestan regions, and two solar power plants with a capacity of 54.77 MW in the Turkestan region.

By 2027, it is planned to commission 25 renewable energy projects with a capacity of 599.85 MW.
Update: On April 5, 2024 IMPD identified the officers in this case as 4-year veteran officer Maverick Bowen and 8-year veteran officer Dustin Bland and 10-year veteran officer Vincent Marshall.

INDIANAPOLIS  A man is dead after a standoff and shootout on the city's west side.

The situation started with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responding to a call shortly before 7:30 p.m. Sunday about a man firing shots into the air near West 33rd Street and Georgetown Road.

Witnesses gave officers a description of the man  identified by the Marion County Coroner's Office as 31-year-old Luis Duran-Ruano  and the car he was driving. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, leading to a short pursuit.

The pursuit ended outside a home in the 3200 block of Winton Avenue, where Duran-Ruano exited the car. Officers saw him hold the firearm to his head.

Indianapolis police shot and killed a man after a standoff and shootout that began unfolding about 7:30 p.m. March 31, 2024 in the 3200 block of Winton Avenue. Police said they found a firearm next to the man.

Officers requested Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and a sergeant began communicating with Duran-Ruano, trying to de-escalate, build rapport, and get him to put the gun down, a police news release stated.

"After about an hour, the man left the porch and began walking southbound. At that point, SWAT officers utilized less lethal launchers. The suspect then fired shots and three officers returned fire," police said.

SWAT medics rendered aid to Duran-Ruano who died at Eskenazi Hospital.

No officers were hurt.

The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated, police said. A drone also was deployed, giving officers an additional view of the scene.

Indianapolis police shot and killed a man after a standoff and shootout that began unfolding about 7:30 p.m. March 31, 2024 in the 3200 block of Winton Avenue. Police said they found a firearm next to the man.

An investigation into the police officers' actions is underway by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, the IMPD Critical Incident Response Team, IMPD Internal Affairs and the civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board. The officers who fired their guns have been placed on administrative leave as is standard procedure.

The shooting capped a violent weekend for Indianapolis, which saw seven minors between ages 12 and 17 shot downtown near the intersection of Illinois and Maryland streets.

"It's been an extremely difficult weekend for our community and our police department and I want to acknowledge that right up front," said Chief Christopher Bailey during a news briefing from the scene on Winton Avenue. "Another family is left mourning and officers are dealing with having to use (deadly) force, when no officer leaves their house wanting to do that."

Bailey praised his officers who fielded violent calls throughout the weekend and pushed for solutions.

"We have a long way to go as a community. The only way we are going to get to the point where we don't see this violence on  what seems like  an every night basis is if we work together to find solutions that steer people away from conflict, especially conflict that ends with the use of a gun and taking of a life, which is unnecessary," Bailey said.

This is the third shooting involving an Indianapolis police officer since the start of 2024.

On March 24 two off-duty officers were involved in a shooting while working security at a nightclub at 11:11 Bar & Grille, 9439 E. Washington St. State alcohol regulators shut down an east side bar days after the shooting that injured six people, including an officer.

On Jan. 24 police were attempting to take Raphael Nafees Dekemper, 48, into custody on a warrant for charges of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, criminal recklessness, pointing a firearm and invasion of privacy during a "high-risk traffic stop." Officers found Dekemper getting into the passenger side of a vehicle in the 2600 block of Brookside Parkway North Drive and say he fired at them while they tried taking him into custody.

In 2023 police were involved in 17 shootings that killed or injured someone.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Sgt. Brian Lambert at the homicide office at 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police shoot, kill man after SWAT standoff, shootout
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's half-century-old decision to end a territorial dispute with Sri Lanka over a tiny island has become a hot-button election issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party accusing the rival Congress of compromising fishermen's rights.

A 1976 agreement barred Indian fishermen from waters around the 285-acre (115-hectare) island in the Palk Strait that divides the neighbours, two years after a pact on maritime boundaries gave Colombo rights over it.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said Sri Lanka had detained more than 6,000 Indian fishermen and 1,175 fishing vessels over the last 20 years, following the 1976 deal on the island, located 33 km (21 miles) off India's coast.

His comments come a day after Modi accused the Congress of having "callously" given away the island, called Katchatheevu.

"Weakening Indias unity, integrity and interests has been Congress way of working for 75 years and counting," Modi said on social media platform X.

In response, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said the 1974 agreement had been "based on a friendly gesture" and suggested that Modi's comments came with an eye to general elections set to start on April 19, at which he will seek a rare third term.

Kharge said Modi raised the sensitive issue on the eve of the elections, though his government's attorney general had told the Supreme Court in 2014 that India would "have to go to war" if it wanted to recover the island from Sri Lanka.

The office of Sri Lanka's president and its foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Discontent over the curtailed fishing rights has grown in the southern coastal state of Tamil Nadu neighbouring Sri Lanka, leading to two legal challenges to the agreements during the last two decades that are still pending in the Supreme Court.

Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 19, the first phase of seven rounds of voting set to end on June 1.

Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to make inroads in the state, where it won none of the state's 39 seats in India's 545-member parliament during the last election.

Jaishankar did not comment if the government would seek to alter the status of the island, as the matter was in the Supreme Court.

(Reporting by Krishn Kaushik; Additional reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe in Colombo; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
India's opposition Congress gets breather from $420 million tax payment until after elections

FILE PHOTO: Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of India's main opposition Congress party, during his 66-day long "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra", in Jhalod town

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's Income Tax department will not pursue a 35-billion rupee ($420 million) payment from the main opposition Congress party until after the completion of general elections in June, the department told the country's top court on Monday.

The tax department's decision is seen as a breather for the Congress, which has been served multiple income tax notices over the past month and authorities have recovered 1.35 billion rupees in penalties from its bank accounts weeks before voting begins on April 19.

The party has called the action against it as politically motivated and an attempt to financially cripple it as it has hurt its election campaign expenses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party has denied the allegations saying the tax department is only following rules that govern tax law violations.

Tushar Mehta, India's solicitor-general, told the Supreme Court that the Income Tax department will not initiate any "coercive action" until after the elections. The seven-phase elections are set to be held from April 19 to June 1 and votes counted on June 4.

The court set July 24 for the next hearing on the tax matter.

($1 = 83.3810 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by YP Rajesh and Michael Perry)
BEIJING (Reuters) -Indonesia's president-elect Prabowo Subianto visited Beijing on Monday on his first foreign trip since his election, and was quoted by Chinese state media as telling President Xi Jinping he aimed to continue the close ties under predecessor Joko Widodo.

Prabowo "fully supports the development of closer Indonesia-China relations and wishes to continue President Joko's policy of friendship with China," China's CCTV quoted Prabowo as saying.

The new Indonesian government will promote the alignment of development strategies between the two countries and push for more results in cooperation in fields such as the economy, trade and poverty alleviation, he said.

Prabowo, now Indonesia's defence minister, also said that he viewed China as a key partner.

"Regarding defence cooperation, I view China as one of the key partners in ensuring regional peace and stability," he said in a statement, adding that he sought to boost defence cooperations with China.

"I also commit to fulfil the needs of Indonesia's military hardware, boost cooperation in the defence industry and establish productive dialogues," he added.

Xi described Prabowo as an "old friend of the Chinese people" and said China views its relations with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, standing ready to deepen all-round strategic cooperation.

Prabowo, 72, was elected in February but will not be sworn in until October. A long-time rival of the outgoing leader popularly known as Jokowi, he is now widely seen as enjoying his predecessor's strong support, winning his decisive victory with Jokowi's son as his vice presidential running-mate.

"The key to the valuable achievements of China-Indonesia relations lies in adherence to strategic autonomy, mutual trust and mutual assistance," CCTV quoted Xi as saying in the meeting.

Prabowo's decision to visit China ahead of Indonesia's neighbours in the region underlines the close partnership built up in the past decade under Jokowi, when China became Indonesia's top trading partner, supplying natural resources including nickel and coal.

Jokowi's first visit after his inauguration was to China, for an annual summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders in 2014. That was followed by six more visits.

China has also ploughed billions into Indonesian infrastructure and industrial projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway.

It remains to be seen how Prabowo, now Indonesia's defence minister, will navigate issues including the jostling for influence between China and the United States in Southeast Asia.

Prabowo has previously said Indonesia was committed to its policy of non-alignment and would keep good ties with both China and the United States.

China's expansive claims in the South China Sea may present a test for his leadership, although the two countries' overlapping claims there have not become a vociferous dispute as has unfolded in recent months between China and the Philippines.

Indonesia says the southern end of the South China Sea is part of its exclusive economic zone. China says the area is within its own territorial claim, marked by a U-shaped "nine-dash line" rejected by other regional states.

China is willing to continue to deepen maritime cooperation with Indonesia, Xi told Prabowo on Monday.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo, Liz Lee and Ethan Wang; Additional reporting by Gayatri Suroyo and Ananda Teresia in Jakarta; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Peter Graff)
Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo will visit Japan on April 2-3, Japan says

Indonesia's front-runner presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto gives a speech after the announcement of the presidential election result, in Jakarta

TOKYO (Reuters) - Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto will visit Japan on April 2-3, where he is set to meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other officials, Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Monday.

Prabowo's Tokyo trip will follow his visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, the president-elect's first foreign tour less than two months after winning the race to succeed incumbent leader Joko Widodo.

Japan and Indonesia are comprehensive strategic partners sharing fundamental principles and values, and it is hoped Prabowo's visit will bolster close bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, Hayashi told a regular press conference.

Prabowo, a former special forces commander and the current defence minister, also plans to meet Japan's defence minister Minoru Kihara, Japan's Jiji news agency reported.

In 2021, Prabowo and Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi signed a deal to facilitate defence equipment transfers in a meeting with their Japanese counterparts, as Japan seeks to expand military and economic cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to counter China.

Japan and Indonesia in December reached another deal to remove more trade barriers.

(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Prosecutor Barron Slack last week told jurors in a Lamb County Court that a 41-year-old man knew right from wrong when he beat, strangled and shot his mother to death four years ago as he was stealing her purse in her home in Levelland.

Jeremey Neil Atchison, who has been held at the Hockley County Jail since his Aug. 31, 2019 arrest, last Monday pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to a capital murder charge in the slaying of his mother, Jill Atchison, a beloved Levelland dance teacher.

Atchison entered his plea after a jury of nine women and three men with two alternate jurors were selected to hear the case. The trial continues this week in Lamb County Court.

According to the indictment read in court last Monday by prosecutors, Atchison is accused of killing his mother in the course of an aggravated robbery.

The case is being tried in Lamb County after 286th District Court Judge Pat Phelan granted in November an agreed motion to change venue.

An insanity defense requires defendants to admit they committed the crime but were under the grips of a severe mental illness or defect and didn't know their actions at the time were wrong.

Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty in the case so a guilty verdict would automatically result in a sentence of life in prison without parole.

However, if jurors find he was insane when he killed his mother, Atchison will likely remain under the court's jurisdiction and be committed to a mental health facility to be released when he is deemed, after yearly evaluations, not to be threat to himself or others.

Slack told jurors in his opening statement that they will hear evidence that family members had growing concerns about Atchison's mental health issues in the decades before the crime.

However, he said he believed the evidence will show that his actions on the night he killed his mother were fueled by his desperation for money -- coupled with his resentment against his mother for his lot in life -- and not his declining mental health.

He told jurors that the defendant's behavior immediately after he killed his mother showed he knew what he did was wrong.

"This was a fight , this was about money," he said. " It's a capital murder, not an insanity murder."

He told jurors to expect to hear Atchison's confession to a Texas Ranger, describing how he grabbed his mother's purse, chased her through her home, until he caught up to her, strangled her and bashed her head onto the floor.

Atchison would tell the Ranger that he "felt godlike after it was over," Slack said

However, as his mother lay on the floor, Atchison would allegedly tell the Ranger that he took her money, went to his truck where he retrieved a handgun, returned to the house, placed the weapon against her temple and fired.

"'To make sure she was dead.' Those were his words," Slack told the jury.

He told jurors that nothing Atchison said during the interview would suggest he didn't know killing his mother was wrong. However, what he doesn't show during the interview, Slack said, was remorse.

Despite retracting his confession the next day, Slack said Atchison's statements would be corroborated by the evidence.

"That crime scene will match what he relays to (the investigator)," he said.

Slack said there was no evidence that in the years Atchison life spiraled that he ever became violent or broke the law.

He said testimony will show that for years Atchison took Adderall for an Attention Deficit Disorder diagnosis and testosterone treatments.

"No arrests, no violence, no loss of control in that way or any indication that he had a mental illness that would prevent him from knowing right from wrong," he said.

Atchison's defense attorneys, Isaias Solorzano and Jesse Mendez, reserved their opening statements until after prosecutors rest their case.

Slack, a former prosecutor in Lubbock County hired as a special prosecutor in the case, told jurors that he expected defense attorneys to call on a Dr. Tim Nyberg, a clinical psychologist who evaluated Atchison, who will testify that, in his opinion, Atchison was insane at the time he killed his mother.

Court records show prosecutors also have a forensic psychologist as a potential expert witness in the case.

Slack told jurors that he believed Nyber's opinion will be loaded with disclaimers based on what Atchison told him at the time of the evaluation.

"His opinion is the best he can do now (and is) subject to change," he said. "It's not proof."

Investigating a murder

Atchison's charge stems from an investigation by the Texas Rangers and Levelland Police Department that began with a 10:20 p.m. check welfare call from Atchison's sister, Meagan Stanley, who lived in Tennessee.

Stanley told jurors that she requested the welfare check after speaking to her mother earlier in the day and learning about a fight between her mother and brother.

Jurors heard Stanley's 911 call and heard her tell a dispatcher that she hadn't heard from her mother, who had an argument with Atchison, describing him as "out of his mind."

Responding officers arrived at Jill Atchison's home in the 400 block of East Jackson Street and encountered a man, later identified as Atchison, leaving the residence.

When officers attempted to contact the man, later identified as Jeremy Atchison, he fled in a vehicle, prompting a short high-speed chase that ended in the driveway of Atchison's father's house in the 300 block of Pecan Street.

He was initially arrested on a charge of evading with a vehicle and was later charged with capital murder, when officers eventually discovered Jill Atchison's body in her home later that night.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Insanity defense raised in Hockley County capital murder case
An investment in rural libraries: Story City begins work on $3.1 million library addition

Story City's Bertha Bartlett Public Library recently broke ground on a $3.1 million expansion project that will add more than 5,000-square-feet to the existing downtown facility. This rendering shows the exterior of the building once work is complete.

Story City has broken ground on its much-anticipated library expansion.

Bertha Bartlett Public Library, which turned 100 years old in 2022, will grow its facility with an enclosed courtyard on the southwest corner and an addition on the east side. Construction on the $3.1 million project started Wednesday, March 27.

Story City Library Director Tara Turner said the library wanted to expand to meet its programming needs.

"Our numbers have grown to the point that we cannot hold large programming events at the library, because there's not a room big enough to accommodate the number of patrons we have," Turner said.

More: Step back in time: Civil War reenactor will performs Thursday Zearing Heritage Hall

Bertha Bartlett Public Library in Story City, Iowa. The Picture taken on Tuesday, March 20, 2024.

A $1 million donation helped fuel fundraising campaign

The library spent the last two years fundraising, generating $2.3 million in donations from private businesses and local residents. The remaining funds were secured through private donations and grants the library and library director received.

Turner has been impressed with the generosity of Story City residents since she took over as library director in the fall.

"That is a pretty amazing feat for that amount of money," Turner said.

Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne's estate donated $1.6 million to the expansion project. Kinne was the daughter of Bertha Bartlett, the towns first full-time librarian and library namesake.

"She was a great patron to the library with her generosity through the years in addition to this final donation," Turner said.

Kinne also gifted the library with her custom-made Steinway piano, which was another motivator for library expansion. Additional space was needed to accommodate the piano and future recitals and other performances.

The library's special collections will be moved to a small room that will double as a meeting space.

More: What to know about Story County's Easter egg hunts, including one for adults

The Bertha Bartlett Public Library in Story City is expanding its children's area as part of a $3.1 million project that began last month. The construction will add 5,000-sqaure-feet to the existing downtown facility.

Expansion scaled back from initial plan

The Story City library originally hoped to build a two-story addition, adding another 10,000 square feet to its current 8,200 facility. But, the project hit a barrier when bids came in at roughly $3.3 million last July  higher than the initial $3.1 million estimate.

"Our construction costs came in after COVID and those went up drastically," Turner said. "The plan needed to be scaled back in order to meet the budget."

The library eventually exceeded its fundraising goal after reducing the expansion to a single-level addition. The project was rebid last October and awarded to Kingland Construction Services in December.

The project is now centered around a 5,000-square-foot addition that will be built in the adjacent former Tekippe Photography studio, which the library purchased in 2019.

The childrens area will be expanded while two new rooms will be built for storage.

Bertha Bartlett Public Library in Story City, Iowa. The Picture taken on Tuesday, March 20, 2024.

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Story City begins work on $3.1 million library expansion
Food prices continue to rise but farmers arent receiving a larger cut of the profits. Whos making all that money? An Iowa author spoke with Our Quad Cites News via Zoom to explain.

Austin Frerick, author of the new book, Barons: Money, Power and the Corruption of Americas Food Industry, says that barons, a term usually given to oil company bosses in the 19th century, have manipulated laws and policies for their benefit. They rose to power after the deregulation of the American food industry, which consolidated wealth into the hands of a very few.

I have seven different barons in my book; I have hog, I have grain, I have grocery, coffee, berry, slaughtering and dairy, said Frerick, a native of Cedar Rapids. I picked each baron to tell a bigger (story) about the food system. My grain chapter is really about the farm bill.

His coffee chapter doesnt discuss plantations being bought up by a corporation, but instead, companies that sell coffee. That chapter is about the story of the secret German family that entered the U.S. coffee market in 2012 and bought a little company called Petes. Within 10 years, they bought tons of coffee companies and now they sell more coffee than Starbucks. Youve never heard of them, but youve heard of their brands like Panera, Krispy Kremes, the little Keurig cups, Caribou Coffee. That whole chapter is really about the changes in antimonopoly laws in America. You could not have done this just a few decades ago.

Frerick traces the changes in antitrust laws to a failed nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. I focus on Robert Bork; hes most famously known for being President Reagans failed Supreme Court nominee. He spent his academic career basically dismantling antimonopoly laws in this country and ushering in this pro monopoly framework where companies can buy each other so long as they say prices are lower for consumers. You can find any economist to give you those numbers.

The book was born from a conversation in a dive bar back in 2018, when Fred Hubbell and Kim Reynolds were vying for the governors seat in Iowa. I didnt know this at the time, but Iowa doesnt have campaign contribution limits. This political person was telling me that the largest donor in Iowa was this hog farmer who had given the (now) governor over $300,000.

While consolidating companies may sound good on paper, thats not the reality, says Frerick. Its a balance, its a scale, you do get efficiencies, but keep in mind the goal of a corporation is monopoly, thats where profits are.

He says Americans may be surprised to see how much more theyre paying for food than people in Europe. Dollar for dollar, most Western democracies spend less on food than we do. Especially in the meat area, were really being gouged. Its not just what you pay at the store, its the farmers. What youre paying in beef is going up and up every year, but what that cattle rancher is getting flat. Frerick says a Brazilian family empire is gouging cattle ranchers. To me, were just at another Gilded Age moment where we just need old fashioned trust busting, like we did a century ago.

During his research, Frerick discovered what it means to be a baron. You become a baron because youre willing to cross ethical lines other people arent willing to cross, he said. Most farmers werent willing to stuff their animals into a metal shed. Most corporate businesspeople werent willing to bribe politicians. He said the Brazilian company admitted to bribing over 1800 Brazilian politicians.

When a large company buys another one, quality declines, Frerick says. Youre paying more and more, and the quality goes down. A lot of Americans think the food quality is not what it used to be. In his chapter on berries, he mentions Driscolls and offshoring produce. It used to be your apple came from somewhere in the county. Now its being picked by, in a lot of instances, children and not in the most environmentally safe conditions. When that apple travels halfway around the world, its not that good tasting.

Frerick says lawmakers can take action but havent. In Iowa, for example, we have a rule on the book as a state called the Packer Ban. You cannot own the animal you slaughter. If I were to enforce it, you would essentially break up most of the meat companies.

Many may be surprised to learn that the largest pork company in the U.S. and Asias largest meat processing company are owned by the same company, the WH Group. Theyre also the largest owner of hogs in America, so if Brenna Bird, Iowas attorney general, wanted to enforce that rule to essentially break that company up, we could do that at a national level. When you learned about monopolies in school, you learned about Teddy Roosevelt, you learned about meat monopolies. This isnt rocket science, its just a matter of political courage.

Food monopolies sound depressing, but there are ways consumers can fight back. Its easy to focus on the bad, but theres a lot of people doing the right thing. Its really just a few greedy people holding us back. Frerick says buying from local sources makes a big difference, both residential and commercial. Get that farmer whos doing grass fed dairy, get them that contract with your local university, with your local school. Its good politics; who doesnt want the beef served to the local school district coming from Iowa and Illinois beef farmers instead of the Brazilian rainforest? Youre keeping your money local, its better tasting, better for the climate. He advises grocery shoppers to vote with their wallets by visiting farmers markets.

Frerick will deliver a presentation on Barons: Money, Power and the Corruption of Americas Food Industry at Augustana Colleges Hanson Hall of Science, 738 35th Street in Rock Island on Tuesday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. The event is free.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Iran accuses Israel of killing Iranian military commanders and others in airstrike on consulate in Syria

Top Iranian military commanders were among the seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) officials killed in an airstrike on the countrys consulate building in Damascus, Syria, according to Iranian officials and state-affiliated media, which blamed Israel for the attack.

Irans Foreign Ministry said that senior IRGC commander Mohammed Reza Zahedi was killed in the attack. Haji Rahimi was named as the second commander killed in the attack, according to the IRGC statement shared by state news agency IRNA later on Monday.

The IRGC statement named five other officials who were killed: Hossein Aman Elahi, Mehdi Jalalati, Mohsen Sedaghat, Ali Aghababaee, and Ali Salehi Roozbahani.

People gathered around the flattened building in Syrias capital, according to photographs of the scene. Footage of the aftermath of the blast, published by Iranian state media Press TV, showed extensive damage, fire and smoke at the scene.

Speaking on camera to reporters in Damascus, Iranian ambassador Hossein Akbari alleged that the consulate building, located next to the Iranian embassy, was targeted with six missiles from Israeli F-35 warplanes.

Iranian embassy staff and military advisers were among the dead, he added . It is unclear if any of the IRCG officials were diplomatic staff and CNN cannot independently verify the claims or casualty figures.

In a separate interview, Akbari added that two Syrian policemen were also among the injured in the attack, which he said is perhaps the first time that the Zionist regime allows itself to attack an official building of the Islamic Republic of Iran embassy, which had the flag of the Islamic Republic raised on top of it.

Asked for comment on the incident by CNN, the Israel Defense Forces said it does not comment on foreign reports. However, a military spokesperson told CNN that Israel believes the Iranian building hit in the attack is a military building of Quds forces and not a consulate.

Iran accuses Israel of killing Iranian military commander Mohammed Reza Zahedi and others in airstrike on consulate in Syria - Mehr News Agency

According to our intelligence, this is no consulate and this is no embassy. I repeat, this is no consulate and this is no embassy. This is a military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building in Damascus, Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told CNNs Jim Sciutto. CNN cannot verify the claim.

When asked if Israel was involved in the attack, Hagari said, Im not going to comment on that strike but I want to tell you that in the last six months, Iran is making this region escalate. Shes the main actor.

[Iran] is the main actor that makes atrocities in this region using the proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Hagari said.

Even this morning, an Iranian UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] has hit an Israeli base in Eilat, Hagari claimed. Iran is an actor that brings escalation.

Four unnamed Israeli officials acknowledged that Israel carried out the attack in Damascus, the New York Times reported.

Warnings of reciprocal measures

Irans foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, warned of possible reciprocal measures, following the incident.

Iran preserves the right to take reciprocal measures and will decide the type of response and punishment against the aggressor, Kanaani said, according to IRGC-affiliated Fars News.

The foreign ministers of Iran and Syria also accused Israel of authoring the attack, with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian calling it a violation of all international obligations and conventions and demanding a serious response from the international community.

Emergency personnel extinguish a fire at the site of strikes, which hit a building next to the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital Damascus, on April 1, 2024. - Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty Images

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad described the strike as a gross violation of international regulations, especially the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, according to a readout of his call with Amir-Abdollahian.

Zahedi, the slain commander, was previously the commander of IRGCs ground forces, the commander of IRGCs air force, and the deputy commander of the IRGCs operations.

Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah group issued a statement on Tuesday local time, accusing Israel of the strike, and warned that Israel would pay, vowing revenge.

United States State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US did not have confirmation either of the target or the responsible party at a briefing on Monday.

Before we have gathered information about what exactly this was, I dont want to speak to it specifically, Miller added. But of course, were always concerned about anything that would be escalatory or cause an increase in conflict in the region.

The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack in a statement published on its website on Monday, saying any attacks on diplomatic and consular facilities to be categorically unacceptable.

It also called on the Israeli leadership to abandon the practice of provocative military actions in Syria and other neighboring countries, which can lead to the extremely dangerous consequences throughout the region.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 1. Representatives of the Chinese business community showed high interest in the implementation of joint promising projects in Kazakhstan, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

This was stated during a meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu with the leadership of major Chinese companies.

"Representatives of the Chinese business community showed high interest in the implementation of joint promising projects and expressed hope for successful cooperation with Kazakh partners," MFA said.

It was noted that during the meeting with representatives of the Chinese state public investment company Shandong Hi-Speed Group, the parties discussed plans for the construction of a Kazakh-Chinese dual commercial and industrial park. The Kazakh side expressed its readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in the implementation of the project.

At the same time, the issues of the export of livestock products from Kazakhstan were discussed with the leadership of the Chinese Meat Association, the largest national association for the production and distribution of meat in China, with about 1300 members.

In addition, Chairman of the Board of Directors of East Hope Group Liu Yongxing became familiar with the companys plans for the implementation of a number of projects in Kazakhstan. This Chinese company is one of the ten largest producers of electrolytic aluminum and alumina in the world.

Notably, China became Kazakhstan's major commercial partner in 2023. In 2023, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with China was $31.4 billion. The volume of trade turnover increased by 30 percent from the same period in 2022 ($24.2 billion).

At the same time, in terms of trade turnover, exports to China during the aforementioned period totaled $14.7 billion, 14.7 percent greater than from January to December 2022 ($13 billion).

In addition, imports from China surged by 50.5 percent from January to December 2023, totaling $16.7 billion. In 2022, imports totaled $11.1 billion.
A top commander in Irans Revolutionary Guard was killed Monday in an airstrike near the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, Iranian authorities and state media announced. They blamed Israel for the attack.

Mohammed Reza Zahedi, commander of the Iranian Quds Force, was said to be among a group of at least five Iranians killed in the blast, according to Irans Tasnim news agency. Israeli officials have not publicly addressed the strike.

The residence of the Iranian ambassador to Syria was flattened in the blast, Reuters reported, citing journalists at the scene. The Iranian ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, was not injured, but told reporters Monday that his countrymen were targeted with six missiles from Israeli F-35 warplanes and that Irans response would be harsh.

Between five and seven people were killed in the attack, said Akbari. I was in my office in the embassy at the time and witnessed the destruction myself.

The Syrian Arab News Agency, the state news agency of Syria, also claimed the strike was an Israeli act of aggression that caused massive destruction.

CNN reported that the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called the attack a violation of all international obligations and conventions, and demanded a serious response by the international community.

The escalation came after Israeli officials claimed Monday that a missile strikeallegedly launched by an Iran-backed militia in Iraqstruck an Israeli Navy base in its southernmost city of Eilat, causing damage.

The State Department said it doesnt have information about the target or the responsible party in the incident.

The Biden administration is gathering more information with partners still, Matthew Miller, the State Department Spokesperson, told reporters on Monday.

We are always concerned about anything that would be escalatory or cause an increase in conflict in the region, Miller added.

A Brookings Institution event that sought to prevent a broad Middle East warone which was set to host a top adviser to U.S. President Joe Bidenwas canceled after the blast in Syria.

U.S. Angers Israel by Refusing to Veto U.N. Ceasefire Demand

The airstrike in Damascus came just hours after Israeli troops departed the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Monday, concluding a two-week siege by its special forces that reportedly left behind a wasteland of bodies and destroyed buildings.

The Israeli military said it arrested or killed hundreds of suspected Hamas militants during the siege, which was its second raid on the hospital since war broke out on Oct. 7.

Like much of the war in Gaza, Palestinian and Israeli authorities have offered conflicting versions of the events surrounding the raid. Gaza officials characterized it as a war crime, claiming Israeli forces targeted innocent doctors and patients. Israeli officials, however, claimed its assault was a targeted strike against a Hamas stronghold, and proved to be a necessary incursion given the fact that militants had barricaded themselves in the facility in order to use civilians as human shields.

The Washington Post and Reuters reported they were among multiple media outlets permitted to enter what was left of the hospital on Monday. They described a bleak scene inside, with the Post noting the compound smelled of bodies and rot, with nearly each part of the buildings broken, smashed, twisted.

Prior to the raid, Israeli officials said there were 6,000 people sheltering on the grounds. That number included patients, medical staff, and displaced families, as it was one of the only buildings in Gazas north that still had some access to water and power. By Monday, IDF officials said just 140 Palestinians remained at the campus. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza media office, said that Israeli forces had killed 400 Palestinians in and around the hospital in the two-week span.

They bulldozed the courtyards, burying dozens of bodies of martyrs in the rubble, turning the place into a mass graveyard, he told Reuters. This is a crime against humanity.

31 Premature Babies Moved From Gazas Death Zone Hospital

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, posted to X on Sunday that 21 patients died inside the hospital since it came under siege. The IDF claimed those deaths were not the direct result of their raid, claiming that any civilian casualties inside the hospital were due to natural causes.

The hospital, once Gazas largest, now appears to be unusable for medical treatment, with its emergency room and maternity ward both turned to rubble.

Few hospitals remain in operation in northern Gaza, which has seen the most significant fighting of the war and has seen the highest number of civilian deaths.

A Israeli military official who remained anonymous spoke to the Post on Monday from the hospital. He justified the siege by claiming that Hamas, after being ejected from the building following a November raid, had streamed back into the complex and had been using it as a headquarters again in recent weeks.

The Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari also said the hospital was a major operating center for Hamas, Reuters reported. A Hamas official, Basem Naim, countered those claims, telling the Post it was merely propaganda to justify the attack on our people.

Even if some Hamas members were present in the hospital as refugees, he told the paper, does this justify destroying hospitals?

Ghassan abu Sitta, a British-Palestinian doctor who has worked at Al-Shifa, posted to Instagram on Monday morning that his friend, Dr. Ahmad Maqadmeh, had died in the hospital siege.

A beautiful soul and a great surgeon, he said. We worked together in the Great Marches of Return and the 2021 war and then this recent war. His dedication was unlike anything I have ever seen.

Sitta said Maqadmeh refused to leave Gazas north because people needed to be cared for there. He leaves behind a wife and child, he added.

The raids conclusion comes amid an international push for Israel to initiate at least a temporary ceasefire. The calls have included pleas from President Biden and other U.S. officials for Israel to reach a deal with Gaza officials.

Tensions between Tel Aviv and Washington have become strained in recent weeks, particularly after the U.S. refused to veto a U.N. resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire last month.

Israel has shown no signs of slowing its operation in Gaza or elsewhere. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu re-upped his attempts to have the Qatar-based Al Jazeera banned throughout Israela call heeded by the countrys parliament, which passed a measure to grant government officials the power to shut down foreign media outlets shortly after.

In Egypt, where a potential ceasefire deal has been discussed, a Palestinian official told Reuters that there has been no sign of a breakthrough.

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Iran warned Russia of a possible major terrorist attack on its soil before the Crocus City Hall massacre near Moscow last month, it has been reported.

The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the March 22 atrocity, in which 144 people were killed.

Russia, which has arrested at least eight suspects, including the four suspected gunmen, has accused Ukraine, the US and Britain of orchestrating the attack.

Three sources said Iran tipped off Russia in advance with intelligence obtained from IS suspects, Reuters reported on Monday.

One said: Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran.

Iran arrested 35 people in January, including a commander of ISs Afghanistan-based branch Isis-Khorasan, or Isis-K, who it said were linked to twin bombings in the city of Kerman on Jan 3, in which almost 100 people were killed.

A second source, who also requested anonymity, said the information Tehran provided to Moscow about an impending attack had lacked specific details regarding timing and the exact target.

They [the members of Isis-K] were instructed to prepare for a significant operation in Russia... One of the terrorists [arrested in Iran] said some members of the group had already travelled to Russia, said the source.

A third source, a senior security official, said: As Iran has been a victim of terror attacks for years, Iranian authorities fulfilled their obligation to alert Moscow based on information acquired from those arrested terrorists.

The warning echoed a similar one from the US, which publicly warned of a possible terrorist attack in Moscow two weeks beforehand and said it had shared its intelligence with Russia.

IS claimed responsibility for the Crocus City massacre via its official Amaq news agency. The US has also attributed the attack to Isis.

Vladimir Putin and his top security advisers have acknowledged radical Islamists were involved, but have also claimed that Ukraine and the West organised it.

Asked about the Reuters report, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said on Monday: I do not know anything about this.

Russias Federal Security Service said on Monday it had arrested four more people in the Dagestan region who were directly involved in the financing and supply of terrorist means to the perpetrators of the attack.

The four, all foreign citizens, were arrested in Makhachkala and the nearby town of Kaspiysk on Sunday. A video released by Russian security agency the FSB showed one of the detained men saying: I took weapons to them, these guys who attacked Crocus City Hall. I took them weapons from Makhachkala.

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Iran warned Russia about the possibility of a major "terrorist operation" on its territory ahead of the mass killing at the suburban Crocus City Hall.

Source: Reuters, citing sources

Quote from one source: "Days before the attack in Russia, Tehran shared information with Moscow about a possible big terrorist attack inside Russia that was acquired during interrogations of those arrested in connection with deadly bombings in Iran."

Details: In January, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrest of 35 suspects linked to the explosions in the southeastern city of Kerman on 3 January, which resulted in the death of approximately 100 people. On 19 January, the ministry stated that it had arrested a commander of Islamic State's Afghanistan-based branch ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).

A second source, which also preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue, reported that the information provided by Tehran to Moscow about the impending attack lacked details regarding the time and exact target.

"They (the members of ISIS-K) were instructed to prepare for a significant operation in Russia... One of the terrorists (arrested in Iran) said some members of the group had already travelled to Russia," the second source said.

Quote from a third source, a high-ranking security service official: "As Iran has been a victim of terror attacks for years, Iranian authorities fulfilled their obligation to alert Moscow based on information acquired from those arrested terrorists."

The source, familiar with US intelligence about the upcoming attack in Russia, reported that they were based on intercepted conversations between ISIS-K militants.

Reuters notes that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kremlin did not respond to requests for comment on this story. The White House also did not provide any comments.

Background:

A shooting incident occurred prior to a concert by the band Piknik at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast, on the evening of 22 March. A group of individuals opened fire on concert attendees, resulting in the death of at least 144 people.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the shooting. However, Russia stubbornly continues to accuse Ukraine of the attack, providing no evidence. Kyiv strongly denies these accusations.

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JERUSALEM  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday vowed to shut down Al Jazeeras operations in Israel, calling it a terror channel that spreads incitement, after Parliament passed a law clearing the way for the closure.

Netanyahus pledge escalated Israels long-running feud against Al Jazeera but also threatened to heighten tensions with Qatar, which owns the channel, at a time when the Doha government is playing a key role in mediation efforts to halt the war in Gaza. Neither Qatar nor the broadcaster immediately commented.

Israel has long had a rocky relationship with Al Jazeera, accusing it of unfair bias against Israel. Relations took a major downturn nearly two years ago when Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh was killed during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian-American journalist was well-known across the Arab world for her critical coverage of Israel, and the channel accused Israel of intentionally killing her. Israel denied the charge, saying she was likely killed by Israeli fire in what appeared to be an accidental shooting.



Those relations further deteriorated following the outbreak of Israels war against Hamas on Oct. 7, when the militant group carried out a cross-border attack in southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.

In December, an Israeli strike killed an Al Jazeera cameraman as he reported on the war in southern Gaza. The channels bureau chief in Gaza, Wael Dahdouh, was injured in the same attack.

The network also blamed Israel for killing Dahdouhs son in a strike in January. Hamza Dahdouh was working for Al Jazeera when the strike hit a car he was traveling, it reported. The army later said that Hamza Dahdouh was a member of Islamic Jihad, a militant group that joined the Oct. 7 attack with Hamas.

Wael Dahdouhs wife, daughter and another son were killed along with his grandson in another Israeli strike last October. The channel broadcast images of Dahdouh entering the hospital and giving way to grief as he peered over the body of his dead son. Israel has not said who the target of that strike was.

Al Jazeera is one of the few international media outlets to remain in Gaza throughout the war, broadcasting bloody scenes of airstrikes and overcrowded hospitals and accusing Israel of massacres. Israel accuses Al Jazeera of collaborating with Hamas.

Al Jazeera harmed Israels security, actively participated in the Oct. 7 massacre, and incited against Israeli soldiers. It is time to remove the bullhorn of Hamas from our country, Netanyahu said on X, formerly Twitter.

He said he planned on acting immediately under the authorities of the newly passed law. The terror channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel, he said.

Al Jazeera has been closed or blocked by other Mideast governments, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Egypt has banned Al Jazeera since 2013. It launched the crackdown after the 2013 military overthrow of an elected but divisive government dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood group. Egypt considers the Brotherhood a terrorist group and accused both Qatar and Al Jazeera of supporting it.

In Washington, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the U.S. does not always agree with Al Jazeeras coverage, but respects its work.

We support the independent free press anywhere in the world, he said. And much of what we know about what has happened in Gaza is because of reporters who are there doing their jobs, including reporters from Al Jazeera.

Israel has in the past threatened to shutter Al Jazeera but never did so. Mondays law did not immediately close the station but it authorizes officials to do so after consultations and approval from legal and security officials. Any order would be valid only through July 31 or the end of the war in Gaza.

Israels communications minister, Shlomo Karhi, said he intended to move forward with the closure. He said Al Jazeera has been acting as a propaganda arm of Hamas by encouraging armed struggle against Israel.



It is impossible to tolerate a media outlet, with press credentials from the Government Press Office and offices in Israel, would act from within against us, certainly during wartime, he said.

His office said the order would seek to block the channels broadcasts in Israel and prevent it from operating in the country. The order would not apply to the West Bank or Gaza.

Al Jazeeras local bureau chief, Walid Al-Omari, said late Monday that the station had not heard from Israeli authorities. But its clear its a question of time and they will take the decision within days, he told The Associated Press.

But punishing the channel could be risky. Qatar has been acting as a chief mediator between Israel and Hamas. It helped broker and sponsor a weeklong cease-fire in November, and has been hosting weeks of on-and-off talks aimed at brokering another pause in fighting.

By targeting Al Jazeera, Israel could be trying to push Qatar to put additional pressure on Hamas to make concessions. Netanyahu has in the past accused Qatar of not doing enough. But it also risks alienating Qatar, a wealthy energy-rich Gulf state that is one of the few countries with influence over Hamas.

Israel has come under heavy criticism from press-freedom groups during the war. The Committee to Protect Journalists says 90 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the war, in addition to two Israeli journalists. Israel also has barred international journalists from entering Gaza independently to cover the war. The army has allowed small groups of journalists to enter Gaza on brief, highly controlled visits under military escort.

Hagar Shechter, an attorney with the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said the law violates the right for free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of occupation, and undermines separation of powers. She added that the group plans to file a petition with Israels Supreme Court against the law.

Oren Persico, a staff writer at the Seventh Eye, an independent media watchdog website in Israel, said the law was a watered-down version of legislation sought by the countrys far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, due to pushback from legal experts.

The closure needs an expert opinion from a top security official deeming the network harming Israels security. The order would then need Cabinet or parliamentary approval, and further approval from the courts.

Persico said most worrying was that other media, including Israeli outlets, could also be in the line of fire.

Whats important here isnt Al Jazeera, its about the authority that the government has to shut down media, its a slippery slope, he said.
Israels legislature passed a law Monday paving the way to shut down the Qatar-based Al Jazeera news network, under legislation allowing for the temporary ban of foreign news networks that the government deems a threat to national security.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would act immediately to implement the law against Al Jazeera, accusing the Qatari-funded news outlet of supporting Hamass Oct. 7 attack against Israel and serving as a mouthpiece for the U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel. I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channels activity, Netanyahu posted in Hebrew on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The law passed Israels Knesset 71-10 in its second and third reading in the Knesset plenum, the Times of Israel reported. Orders to shut down foreign news outlets deemed a national security threat can only be carried out for 45 days but can be renewed for further 45-day periods. The law is set to expire July 31.

Both Israel and the U.S. are critical of Al Jazeeras coverage of Israel broadly, and of its coverage of Israels war against Hamas since the Oct. 7 attack. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for the Qatari government to tone down anti-Israel incitement in Al Jazeeras coverage of the aftermath of the October attack.

But the Biden administration said it was concerned over the Israeli passage of the law.

Weve seen the reports and certainly Im going to refer to Israel for what they may or may not be considering. But if it is true, a move like this is concerning. We believe in the freedom of the press. It is critical. It is critically important, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

But Israeli lawmakers have gone farther in their accusations of Al Jazeeras ties to Hamas. The office of Israels Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said in October that there was proof that [Al Jazeera] is assisting the enemy, broadcasting propaganda in the service of Hamas, in Arabic and English, to viewers around the world, and even passing sensitive information to the enemy.

The Israeli military has accused Al Jazeera journalist Ismail Abu Omar of being a Hamas operative. Abu Omar was wounded in February during an Israeli airstrike near Gazas Rafah crossing with Egypt and flown to Doha for treatment, the Times of Israel reported.

The Committee To Protect Journalists said at the time it was deeply alarmed that the Israeli airstrike had injured both Abu Omar and freelance cameraman Ahmed Matar.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem over the weekend in the largest protests Israel has seen since the start of the war against Hamas, a significant challenge to the increasingly embattled leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Demonstrators are angry at Netanyahu and his government for not having secured the release of all the hostages taken captive during the October 7 terror attack. While 105 people were released during a temporary truce last year, another 130 that were kidnapped are either dead or still being held by Hamas and other militant groups.

Banners at the protests called on the Prime Minister to resign and for Israel to hold new elections.

Youve failed, one poster read. Impeachment now, read another.

Thousands gathered in Jerusalem on Sunday to call for Netanyahu to step down. - Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters

Police said Sunday's demonstrations in Jerusalem were dispersed by force. - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

Netanyahu has said that the goals of the current war against Hamas are to bring back the hostages, destroy Hamas and remake Gaza so that no militant group can ever carry out the type of attack that Israel suffered last year, in which about 1,200 people were killed. But the families of the hostages and demonstrators that came out over the weekend believe the Israeli government should be more focused on hostage retrieval than any military or security objectives.

Aviva Siegel, one of 17 hostages released by Hamas on the third night of the temporary truce in November, called on Israeli authorities to take responsibility and put more effort into releasing her husband, who remains in Gaza, and other hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups in the strip.

We are dying inside here, Siegel, 62, said at a Saturday rally in Tel Aviv.

Speaking to crowds in Jerusalem on Sunday, former Israeli prime minister and current opposition leader Yair Lapid said the government was ignoring the existence of the families of hostages.

They stood outside the Kirya (the Israel Defense Forces headquarters in Tel Aviv), screamed their souls out, and nobody heard. They waved signs and no one saw, Lapid said.

Sundays demonstration outside the Knesset, Israels parliament, in Jerusalem was dispersed by force, but protesters appear to be readying themselves for more protests. Dozens of people were camped at tents outside the Knesset on Monday, and some vowed to stay there until Wednesday, when lawmakers head home for spring recess.

The protests appear have brought back to the fore deep societal divisions in Israel papered over by the initial reaction to the events of October 7. The months before the attack saw hundreds of thousands of Israelis participate in repeated demonstrations against reforms proposed by Netanyahus government that critics said weakened the countrys judiciary and eroded its systems of checks and balances.

Israelis of all political stripes, however, united in horror when details emerged of a terror attack in which young people attending a music festival and families living on kibbutzim were slaughtered or dragged to Gaza against their will.

Reservists from diverse backgrounds reported for duty as the military embarked on an unprecedented mobilization of 300,000 troops ahead of the incursion into Gaza, while Netanyahus government, the most right-wing in Israels history, put aside its disagreements with opposition politicians such as Benny Gantz to form a united war cabinet.

After nearly six months of war, however, that unity has worn thin. Netanyahu, who on Sunday underwent a hernia operation, faces pressure both from the left for not doing enough to bring home the hostages and a possible rebellion on his right flank over exemptions from mandatory military service enjoyed by Israels ultra-Orthodox community, a longtime flashpoint in Israeli politics. The Israeli Supreme Court last week ordered the government to stop subsidizing Jewish religious seminaries whose students defied service orders.

And then theres international pressure and outrage over the way Israel has pursued a war that has seen upwards of 32,000 dead, more than a million people displaced and a manmade famine looming over Gaza.

Israel says it is abiding by international law and accused Hamas of treating Gazans like human shields, accusing the group of using facilities such as the Al-Shifa hospital complex to, in the words of the IDF, conduct and promote terrorist activity. Hamas has denied those claims.

But the staggering casualty figures and scenes of devastation across Gaza have unsettled even Israels most ardent supporters, including the United States. Washington has in recent weeks been attempting to get Israel to call off a ground incursion into Rafah, a city on Gazas border with Egypt where more than 1.3 million people  more than half of the enclaves population  are seeking refuge from the fighting.

The US and Israel are set to hold a virtual meeting on Rafah today, a US official told CNN. The two sides working toward holding an in-person meeting at a later date, the official said.

CNNs Xiaofei Xu, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Gul Tuysuz and Arlette Saenz contributed to this report

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Palestinians inspect the damages done at Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli soldiers withdrew from the hospital and the surrounding region after a two-week military operation. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The Israeli army withdrew from al-Shifa hospital in the city of Gaza during the night, some two weeks after the start of its military operation there, according to Palestinian reports from Monday morning.

Local media reported that the operation had caused severe destruction to the buildings of the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip.

Around 300 bodies were found in and around the hospital, according to the Palestinian civil defence force, which is controlled by the militant organization Hamas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 21 patients have died since the start of the siege on March 18.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation at al-Shifa hospital on Sunday evening as a great success. He spoke of a "precise and surgical" military operation. More than 200 terrorists had been killed and hundreds had surrendered, Netanyahu said.

According to Israel, Hamas had once again set up fighting and command positions in the extensive area, after the Israeli military had already stormed the hospital in November. Israel accuses Hamas of systematically misusing medical facilities for military purposes. Hamas denies this.

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said a week ago that Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters had barricaded themselves in various departments of the hospital.

Hamas was firing at Israeli troops from the emergency room and the maternity ward, he said, adding that they had fired mortar shells and caused serious damage and fires in the hospital complex.

Hamas' military wing has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli troops in the area of al-Shifa hospital in recent days.

Meanwhile, Israeli police say they have detained the relative of a senior member of Hamas for suspected security offences.

According to Israeli media reports, the woman in question is a sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who lives in Qatar.

The 57-year-old woman detained in Tel Sheva in southern Israel is suspected of having "maintained contact with Hamas activists," according to the police statement. She identifies with a terrorist organization and is accused of incitement and supporting terrorist attacks in Israel.

She is to be brought before a judge on Monday.

According to a media report, representatives of Israel and the Unite States are to meet online on Monday for talks on Israel's planned ground offensive against the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.

The meeting will take place as a videoconference via a secure connection, the news portal Axios reported late Sunday, citing four Israeli and US officials. The White House and Netanyahu's office have not yet commented on the possible meeting.

The Israeli army said a building has been damaged in a drone attack on the southern Israeli coastal town of Eilat.

The projectile was fired from the east towards Israel, the military announced on Telegram in the early hours of Monday. Only minor damage was caused and no people were injured in the incident.

Israel's army had previously reported an air-raid alert in the Red Sea resort.

A general view of damages done at Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli soldiers withdrew from the hospital and the surrounding region after a two-week military operation. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians inspect the damages done at Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli soldiers withdrew from the hospital and the surrounding region after a two-week military operation. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians inspect the bodies of victims who were killed in Israeli bombardment as they lie outside Al-Shifa hospital, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Mohammad Abu Elsebah/dpa
A general view of damages done at Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli soldiers withdrew from the hospital and the surrounding region after a two-week military operation. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The Israeli army withdrew from al-Shifa hospital in the city of Gaza during the night, some two weeks after the start of its military operation there, according to Palestinian reports from Monday morning.

Local media reported that the operation had caused severe destruction to the buildings of the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip.

Around 300 bodies were found in and around the hospital, according to the Palestinian civil defence force, which is controlled by the militant organization Hamas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 21 patients have died since the start of the siege on March 18.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation at al-Shifa hospital on Sunday evening as a great success. He spoke of a "precise and surgical" military operation. More than 200 terrorists had been killed and hundreds had surrendered, Netanyahu said.

According to Israel, Hamas had once again set up fighting and command positions in the extensive area, after the Israeli military had already stormed the hospital in November. Israel accuses Hamas of systematically misusing medical facilities for military purposes. Hamas denies this.

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said a week ago that Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters had barricaded themselves in various departments of the hospital.

Hamas was firing at Israeli troops from the emergency room and the maternity ward, he said, adding that they had fired mortar shells and caused serious damage and fires in the hospital complex.

Hamas' military wing has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli troops in the area of al-Shifa hospital in recent days.

The hospital was destroyed in the operation as concerns grow about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

With famine looming in the coastal strip, three ships carrying hundreds of tonnes of aid for Gaza have almost reached their destination after two days at sea.

The Open Arms vessel from the aid organization of the same name was only around three nautical miles off the coast of the coastal strip on Monday, Freighter Jennifer and tugboat Ledra Dynamic were some 15 nautical miles away, according to Marinetraffic shipping site.

The convoy left Cyprus on Saturday and its cargo was expected to be unloaded on Monday, as Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis said on the sidelines of a press conference.

Hpwever, unloading the cargo is one of the biggest challenges for aid brought by ship given the lack of a suitable port in Gaza, and the shallow waters of the coast.

Nonetheless, Christodoulidis said further deliveries would follow and a pier is to be operational by mid-April to make unloading aid easier.

The war was triggered by attacks on Israel in October by Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas and other extremists which killed some 1,200 people in southern Israel.

Israel seeks to eliminate Hamas but faces growing criticism at home and abroad given the soaring number of civilian casualties and desparate situation in Gaza.

More than 32,782 people have been killed and at least 75,298 injured in Gaza according to the health authority in the Strip.

As talks continue under mediation to bring about a ceasefire, a high-ranking Israeli delegation left Cairo on Monday afternoon, according to informed sources at Cairo airport.

They had held nearly two days of talks about a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of further hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, according to the sources.

Qatari television channel Al-Jazeera reported earlier that the indirect negotiations did not lead to significant progress in discussions aiming to bring about a pause in the fighting.

Later on Monday, representatives of Israel and the United States are to meet online for talks on Israel's planned ground offensive against the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.

The meeting will take place as a videoconference via a secure connection. Washington opposes a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah because of the prospect fo mass civilian casualties, as at least 1 million people have fled there from fighting elsewhere in the strip.

Meanwhile critics of Israeli government policy have set up more than 100 protest tents in front of the parliament in Jerusalem.

The tents are part of a four-day protest action in the city, Israeli media reported on Monday.

Protests against Netanyahu and the Gaza war are currently attracting crowds, after tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Israel for the second day in a row on Sunday.

Participants near the parliament building demanded the resignation of the government, a new election and a swift deal to release the hostages held in Gaza.

In what some feared could lead to further escalation abroad, a general from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was killed in what Iran said was an Israeli strike on its consulate building in damascus

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed the killing of a leader of the Quds Force, one of five branches of the IRGC. It said two Iranian advisors and five IRGC members were also killed in the attack, according to preliminary information.

Palestinians inspect the damages done at Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli soldiers withdrew from the hospital and the surrounding region after a two-week military operation. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians inspect the damages done at Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli soldiers withdrew from the hospital and the surrounding region after a two-week military operation. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A general view of damages done at Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli soldiers withdrew from the hospital and the surrounding region after a two-week military operation. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Israeli forces withdrew from Gazas largest hospital Monday following a two-week raid and massive anti-government protests calling for Israeli leaders to reach a cease-fire deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The Israeli military said about 200 militants were killed in the raid of Shifa Hospital and about 900 other suspected militants were detained, describing it as one of the most successful campaigns in the more than five-month war, The Associated Press reported Monday. Forces also seized more than $3 million in different currencies and weapons, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.

Israel launched what was called a high precision operation in limited areas of Shifa Hospital two weeks ago, claiming Hamas militants regrouped there and were using the facility to command attacks against Israel after an initial raid in November.

Twenty-one patients died in the two-week siege on the hospital, while about 107 patients remain in the building without adequate health support, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement Sunday. The remaining patients were moved on numerous occasions during the raid and many now have infected wounds and contagious diseases, he added.

Since yesterday only one bottle of water remains for every 15 people. Contagious diseases are spreading due to extremely unsanitary conditions, and a lack of water, Ghebreyesus wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Food is extremely limited  this is potentially life-threatening for diabetic patients whose condition is worsening.

He called for Israel to facilitate access and a humanitarian corridor to allow aid groups to transfer patients and reiterated his push for a cease-fire in fighting.

Hagari, however, pushed back on claims civilians were harmed by Israeli troops during the raid and maintained the army evacuated more than 200 of the estimated 300 to 350 patients and brought food, water and medical supplies to the others.

The war between Israel and Hamas has raged on for nearly six months since the militant groups surprise assault on Israel left more than 1,100 people dead. About 240 people were taken hostage, about 100 of whom are believed to still be alive in Gaza.

Israel has embarked on a military campaign to destroy Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The Israeli bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 32,700 people since early October, the AP noted.

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Israelis protested in central Jerusalem, calling for the government to secure a cease-fire deal to free the hostages in Gaza and hold early elections, the news service reported Sunday.

Protesters took aim at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin, accusing him of working only in his private interests and damaging relations with the United States, a key ally for Israel.

In a press conference Sunday night, the prime minister reiterated his vow to destroy Hamas and move forward with a threatened ground invasion in Rafah, a city in Gaza that shares a border with Egypt. Millions of people seeking refuge are being housed in the region after being evacuated from other parts of the enclave since the start of the war in early October.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 1. The former Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov has been appointed General Director of KAZENERGY Association, the country's Oil and Gas Council said, Trend reports.

Alibek Kuantyrov has been appointed General Director of KAZENERGY. Previously, Alibek Kuantyrov was the Minister of National Economy, the council added.

Previously, Kenzhebek Ibrashev left the post of General Director of KAZENERGY.

To note, the KAZENERGY Association was established on November 2, 2005, with the aim of supporting the development of entrepreneurship in the oil and gas sector. The Association has united 59 companies operating in the oil and gas industry, as well as in the electric power and nuclear industries.

The goal of KAZENERGY Association is to promote the sustainable and balanced development of the energy industry in Kazakhstan (oil and gas, electric power) in the context of changing priorities in energy and environmental policy globally and in the country.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Israeli troops have withdrawn from Gazas largest hospital after a 19-day raid, leaving parts of it completely destroyed, with reports of dozens of dead bodies at the scene.

Following eyewitness reports early on Monday of IDF troops leaving the compound in Gaza City, the Israeli army confirmed that the raid, which began on March 18, had concluded.

In a statement, it said: The troops killed terrorists in close quarters encounters, located numerous weapons and intelligence documents throughout the hospital, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams.

Out of some 900 people detained in the raid, over 500 were identified as operatives of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, according to the Israeli army.

Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, told reporters on Monday there were very important Hamas officials among those arrested at Al-Shifa. Israel would not immediately reveal their identity, he said, adding that it could jeopardise further intelligence-gathering.

Mr Hagari also cited the testimony of unnamed fighters who reportedly said they chose Al-Shifa as the place to regroup in the north of Gaza because of its special protected status as a hospital as well as their prior knowledge of the place.

The first images from Al-Shifa showed devastation. The building of the surgical department stood charred, pockmarked with shrapnel and heavily damaged. The yard in front of it, once full of tents housing displaced people, was apparently bulldozed over.

Al-Shifa Hospital is now pockmarked with shrapnel and heavily damaged - AFP

Palestinians gather around the ruined Al-Shifa Hospital after Israeli forces withdrew - Osama Rabii/Anadolu

Rescue workers and journalists who arrived at the scene on Monday morning reported multiple bodies strewn across the sprawling compound.

The scale of the destruction inside the complex and the buildings around it is very large, Gazas Hamas-controlled health ministry said in a statement. Dozens of bodies, some of them decomposed, have been recovered from in and around the Al-Shifa medical complex.

Aerial footage of the hospital showed widespread devastation. Graphic photos from the bulldozed areas showed bodies and body parts apparently crushed by withdrawing vehicles.

Residents who arrived at Al-Shifa to inspect the damage spoke of total destruction. The situation is indescribable, Yahia Abu Auf told the Associated Press at the scene. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here.

A representative of the Palestinian Red Crescent said on Monday some hospital buildings were set on fire by the Israeli forces.

The situation is dire. The medical staff, some of them were killed, others tortured, others detained and above all, they have been besieged for two weeks without any medical supplies or even food or water, Raed Al-Nims told the Al Jazeera TV channel.

A Palestinian woman sits amidst the rubble of Al-Shifa after the IDF withdrawal - AFP

Mr Hagari said on Monday that Israeli forces had done their best to prevent civilian casualties, including the hospitals patients.

While some patients were evacuated to two other hospitals, dozens of others are believed to have remained inside the compound.

At least 21 patients have died at Al-Shifa since the IDF began its operation there, according to the World Health Organisation.

On Monday, the death at the hospital of Ahmad Maqadmeh, a prominent surgeon, was announced. Ghassan Abu Sitta, another surgeon at Al-Shifa, credited him for his dedication to his work, saying it was unlike anything I have ever seen.

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By Dan Williams and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli forces left Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Monday after a two-week operation by special forces who detained hundreds of suspected Palestinian militants and left a wasteland of destroyed buildings.

With access to Gaza's biggest hospital severely restricted, the Israeli and Palestinian versions differed sharply.

Palestinian officials called the raid on a hospital treating severely wounded patients a war crime, while Israeli officials said special forces units conducted a targeted strike against a Hamas stronghold deliberately located among vulnerable civilians.

Thousands of Palestinians - 6,200 according to the Israeli military - had been sheltering in the complex, one of few locations in the north of Gaza with some access to electricity and water.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza media office, said Israeli forces had killed 400 Palestinians in and around the hospital including a woman doctor and her son, also a doctor, and put the facility out of action.

"They bulldozed the courtyards, burying dozens of bodies of martyrs in the rubble, turning the place into a mass graveyard," he said. "This is a crime against humanity."

Hamas and medics deny any armed presence in hospitals but Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the site had been turned into a major operating centre by the Palestinian armed groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

He said emergency patients had been evacuated from the hospital before the operation and said no Palestinian civilians, patients or medical personnel had been harmed by Israeli forces.

He said three of the main buildings in the complex had been destroyed in the fighting - the main emergency room, the maternity ward and an annexe known as the Qatari Building - after Hamas fighters refused calls to surrender.

"They're using those places, they know it's a safe haven, they know that they use it intentionally as their command and control centre," he told reporters on Monday.

He said 200 militants and two Israeli servicemen had been killed during the operation and more than 900 suspected militants detained, of whom some 500 were identified as Hamas or Islamic Jihad, including senior commanders and officials.

He said documents recovered by Israeli forces showed the hospital was used as a base to control the northern section of the Gaza Strip, which has largely been destroyed since the start of the ground invasion in October.

As well as weapons and computers equipment, cash worth more than $3 million was also recovered, he said.

"It was a significant operation in terms of the blow that Hamas and Islamic Jihad suffered," Hagari said.

'THE PLACE IS DESTROYED'

Hamas said Israel detained 350 people from inside Shifa, including patients and displaced people and dozens of others from districts nearby.

Footage on social media, unverified by Reuters, showed corpses, some covered in dirty blankets, scattered around the charred hulk of the hospital, many of whose outer walls were missing. It showed ground heavily ploughed up, and numerous buildings outside the facility flattened or burned down.

"I haven't stopped crying since I arrived here, horrible massacres were committed by the occupation here," said Samir Basel, 43, speaking to Reuters via a chat app as he toured Al Shifa.

"The place is destroyed, buildings have been burnt and destroyed. This place needs to be rebuilt - there is no Shifa hospital anymore."

One video obtained by Reuters showed some Palestinians returning to the area to retrieve mattresses and other belongings from under rubble where they had previously been sheltering.

"We evacuated hoping to come back and find my belongings. I have nothing left. My house was bombed and everything has gone. I have nothing left," one woman told Reuters.

"I sought shelter at schools but they told me there was no space for me. Where do I go?"

It was the second major Israeli incursion into Al Shifa Hospital after an earlier operation in November.

Israel's military has also stepped up preparations for an assault on Rafah, the southern city where more than 1 million people displaced by the fighting have been sheltering, many in improvised encampments.

In Rafah, an Israeli airstrike killed six people, Palestinian health officials said.

More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 63 in the past 24 hours, in Israel's military offensive in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health authorities.

In the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The military has published the names of 257 soldiers killed in Gaza combat.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, mediators held talks with Israeli officials in a bid to bridge gaps between the positions of Hamas and Israel over reaching a ceasefire.

But a Palestinian official close to the mediation effort told Reuters: "There has been no sign of a breakthrough."

(Writing by Dan Williams and Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Andrew Cawthorne)
ISW: Russia may focus its potential offensive only in one operational direction

Russia may focus its potential late spring or summer offensive against Ukraine in the western part of Donetsk Oblast, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote in their April 1 report.

The Russian military command may consider the area near Avdiivka, a key front-line city in Donetsk Oblast captured by Russia in February, as a priority, the ISW said. Russia's willingness to commit a battalion of tanks to an attack in the area is one of the indications of such plans, the report said.

Referring to an unnamed Ukrainian service member, the ISW said that on March 30, Ukraine's Armed Forces appeared to repel the first Russia's battalion-sized mechanized assault since Moscow began a new campaign to seize Avdiivka in late October 2023.

Russian troops may have used 36 tanks and 12 infantry fighting vehicles near the village of Tonenke, which the ISW and the U.K. Defense Ministry consider likely to have been captured by Russian troops.

The Ukrainian military did not confirm this claim.

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The ISW suggested that Ukrainian troops had to expend a "significant amount of material" to repel this assault, but the "ability to skillfully defend against a large-scale Russian assault in a particularly critical part of the front despite challenges suggests that Ukrainian forces can achieve significant battlefield effects if they are properly equipped."

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said that a Russian attack on Kharkiv, which saw an escalation in strikes in recent weeks, cannot be ruled out.

The contact line near another hotspot, the village of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, was "in flux," but the situation was "not critical" despite Russian troops' assaults in the area, according to the Ukrainian military.

The ISW said that despite warnings about the accumulation of Russian forces in other parts of the front, Russia may focus on one sector.

"ISW continues to assess that Russian forces will likely only be able to launch a concerted large-scale offensive operation in one operational direction at a time due to Russia's own manpower and planning limitations," the report said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in late March that the situation on the battlefield has been stabilized compared to earlier months, but he did not rule out that a major Russian offensive may come at the end of May or in June.

Read also: Portrait of the Invader: 2 years of Russian soldiering in Ukraine

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CHICAGO (AP)  Jack Flaherty pitched six effective innings in his Detroit debut and Andy Ibanez snapped a tie with a pinch-hit single in the ninth, sending the Tigers to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

Kerry Carpenter and Jake Rogers homered for the Tigers, who are 3-0 for the first time since 2016. Each of their wins in their season-opening series at Chicago was decided by one run.

Paul DeJong and Korey Lee went deep for the White Sox.

Tyler Holton (1-0) got the win by striking out four in 1 1/3 innings. Jason Foley got Andrew Vaughn and Braden Shewmake to ground out to earn his second save.

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch sent Ibanez up to hit for Parker Meadows with runners on first and second and two out. He responded with a single to left against left-hander Tim Hill, driving in pinch-runner Matt Vierling for a 3-2 lead.

Steven Wilson (0-1) was tagged with the loss after he allowed a hit and a walk while recording two outs.

The White Sox are 0-3 to start a season for the first time since 2015.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headline

Flaherty gave up a run and four hits while striking out seven. The right-hander signed a $14 million, one-year contract with the Tigers in free agency.

Lee homered on Flahertys first pitch in the third. DeJong tied it at 2 when he went deep on the first pitch from Andrew Chafin in the seventh.

Carpenter connected in the fourth and Rogers added another solo shot off Erick Fedde in the fifth.

Mark Canha was thrown out at home in the sixth, bumping into catcher Lee. They briefly exchanged words before both teams headed to their dugouts.

Canha had tried to score on shortstop DeJongs errant throw into right field on a grounder.

Fedde struck out seven and allowed five hits in 4 2/3 innings in his Chicago debut. The right-hander signed a $15 million, two-year contract in December after pitching in South Korea last season.

TRAINERS ROOM

White Sox: DH Eloy Jimenez (left adductor soreness) exited after grounding out in the sixth.

UP NEXT

Tigers: RHP Reese Olson will start Monday at New York, and LHP Sean Manaea will make his Mets debut. Olson went 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA as a rookie last season. Manaea finalized a $28 million, two-year deal in January.

White Sox: RHP Chris Flexen will face Atlanta and RHP Charlie Morton on Monday. Flexen signed with Chicago in free agency.

___

AP MLB: apnews.com/hub/mlb

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Attendees speak with BlueOval Recruiters during the Dept. of Corrections Job Fair at the TDOC Communty Resource Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Providing employment opportunities to individuals involved in the justice system, the Tennessee Department of Corrections held a job and resource fair on Thursday morning at its Community Resource Center in Jackson.

Dubbed the "One-Stop Reentry Shop" more than two dozen state and local participating agencies set up booths offering employment opportunities, legal services and mental health support.

Commonly referred to as recidivism, CRC Clinical Director Dr. Ben Sinclair says that stable employment is instrumental in reducing a formerly incarcerated individual's likelihood of being involved with the justice system again.

"One of the main things for recidivism is being employed," he said. "It takes away the idle time and it gives you goals."

More: Inmates become first class to receive bachelor's degree from HBCU, Lane College

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More: Graduates walk the stage, completing drug rehabilitation program

Though many attendees will come from the TDOC Probation and Parole office in Jackson, the event was open to anyone in the community on probation, parole, or formerly incarcerated.

The CRC is responsible for the case management of the above individuals, providing direction with things like insurance, employment, and medical needs.

An attendees speaks with TCAT reps during the Dept. of Corrections Job Fair at the TDOC Communty Resource Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, March 28, 2024. in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

At the event, Student Services Counselor Summer McClain represented the Jackson campus of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT).

All of TCAT's technical programs take between 12 and 20 months to complete and most students qualify for financial assistance.

"They need to be able to be trained and get in the workforce and have a new start, a fresh start for themselves and we hope to be able to offer that," McClain said.

Along with employment and training opportunities, entities like the Salvation Army were there as a resource to help attendees reach their respective goals through faith-based guidance and financial assistance.

"You have to meet people where they are," Case Management Specialist with the Salvation Army Lachesha Hendrix said.

"If you meet them where they are, you can help them achieve where they want to go."

The job and resource fairs are typically held two times per year and this year's participating agencies included representatives from Blue Oval SK, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Eagles Nest Family Services, West Tennessee Legal Services, the Salvation Army, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.

"We have just an incredible network," Sinclair said. "They need employees and our people need to be employed."

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson job fair aims to reduces individuals returning to prison
Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem, at left, joins Mayor Donna Deegan on March 29, 2024 at City Hall while she signs legislation sponsored by City Council member Rory Diamond, at right, extending to 90 days the time the city will pay employees deployed for military service.

The city of Jacksonville just became one of the most supportive city governments in the nation for employees called into military service by committing to pay their city salaries for up to 90 days.

Jacksonville had been paying salaries for 30 days to its workers on military deployments. But after City Council member Rory Diamond returned from an eight-month Army tour in Saudi Arabia, he won support for longer coverage when he told council members about how others in his unit struggled to make ends meet.

The legislation, signed into law by Mayor Donna Deegan on Friday, also gives city employees eight hours of flex time per month they can use when their spouses are deployed.

"Jacksonville is a proud military town," Deegan said at the signing ceremony. "We can't say it enough."

Here's how the new benefit program will work.

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Does the city require private businesses to pay deployed employees?

No. The legislation to doesn't require private companies to provide continued paychecks while an employee is away from the job on military service. State and federal law doesn't put that requirement on private employers, either. Diamond, who is a captain in the U.S. Army and the Florida Army National Guard, said he hopes Jacksonville's model will spread to other cities and to businesses.

Diamond said when he was serving overseas, he heard others in their early 20s talking to their families and it became clear they were under financial strain. He said when he told them he would do something about it when he got back to Jacksonville, the response was along the lines of "oh yeah, there's a politician next to me in the tent" saying he would make some changes.

"We need to challenge every mayor in America to do the same," Diamond said at the bill-signing ceremony. "We need to challenge every big employer here in Jacksonville to do the same."

How much will it cost the city for salaries to deployed employees?

The cost will vary depending on how many employees are deployed at any given time, which in turn hinges on the extent of military missions taking place. If the extended period for salaries had been in place in 2023, the annual additional cost would have totaled about $400,000, according to the City Council Auditor's Office.

"So for a relatively small amount, we get a super-high impact, which is to retain employees who are in service and national guardsmen and women, but at the same time send a very strong message to the military community here that we care about them," Diamond told council members when his bill went through committees.

Why does the city use 90 days as the time for continued pay?

Diamond said the hardest time period financially is during the first three months of a deployment.

"That's critical because that's the time when you have the most expense for dealing with having families in different places," he said.

What type of deployment triggers the longer pay period?

City and JEA employees who take a military leave of absence for active, full-time duty of at least 30 days will continue to get their paychecks for 30 to 90 days, depending how long the leave of absence lasts. Employees who take other kinds of military leave will remain on the active payroll for up to 30 days after their departures.

How would spouses of deployed military members benefit?

City and JEA employees who have a dependent child or a disabled adult dependent child will get up to 40 hours of paid special leave each year if their spouses are ordered into military service for at least 30 days. The spouses would be able to use that flex-time to care for their families because they no longer would be able to split those responsibilities.

"We're trying to take some of that burden off them," Diamond said.

They will have eight hours of flex time each month, allowing them to take off work in one-hour increments to take care of their families. Diamond said that provision is the "first of its kind anywhere in any city in America."

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville extends pay for city workers on military deployment
Japan provides Ukraine with $118 million grant for healthcare, reconstruction

Japan provided Ukraine with $118 million in aid as part of two World Bank projects, Ukraine's Finance Ministry reported on April 1.

According to the Finance Ministry, Japan was the third-largest financial aid donor to Ukraine in 2023, providing $3.7 billion in support to Ukraine's state budget.

The aid included a $70 million grant for the World Bank's "Health Enhancement And Lifesaving" (HEAL Ukraine) project, which aims to improve access to essential health care and restore medical institutions, such as hospitals.

Another $48.2 million is earmarked for the World Bank's "Housing Repair to Restore People's Rights and Opportunities" (HOPE) project.

The project assists Ukraine in compensating homeowners whose apartments or houses have been damaged by the Russian invasion. The compensation covers small to medium-sized repairs, such as replacing broken windows or fixing damaged roofs.

"I am convinced that Japan's experience in the implementation of reconstruction projects, as well as the World Bank's flexibility and adaptability to emergency conditions, will help to quickly initiate and implement socially important projects to help Ukraine," Deputy Minister Finance Minister Olha Zykova said.

Japan hosted the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction in Tokyo in February, attended by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Read also: Shmyhal: Japan to allocate $1.3 billion to support Japanese investors in Ukraine

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Japan provides Ukraine with almost US$120 million for healthcare and recovery

Ukraine's state budget has received US$118 million in non-refundable loans from the Japanese government. The funds have been provided under two World Bank projects, HEAL Ukraine and HOPE.

Source: press service of Ukraine's Finance Ministry

Details: A total of US$70 million under the World Bank's HEAL Ukraine project will be directed to support the state budget through reimbursement of expenses incurred under the medical guarantee programme.

US$48.2 million under the World Bank's Housing Repair for People's Empowerment Project (HOPE) project. The project funds are allocated to reimburse state budget expenditures used to make compensation payments to homeowners for repairs in apartment buildings and private homes that need minor and medium repairs.

Background: Ukraine has received a US$1.5 billion Growth Foundations Development Policy Loan (DPL) from Japan and the United Kingdom through the World Bank.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 1. The National Security Committee (NSC) of Kazakhstan, in coordination with the General Prosecutor's Office, has prevented a terrorist attack in Aktau city, Trend reports via the press service of the NSC.

"On April 1, 2024, in Aktau city, the National Security Committee, in coordination with the General Prosecutor's Office, apprehended a local resident suspected of plotting a terrorist act. Upon searching his residence, authorities confiscated materials for constructing an explosive device containing destructive components, along with other incriminating evidence. The individual is known to adhere to radical religious beliefs and has a prior conviction for murder," the statement reads.

It is emphasized that a pre-trial investigation concerning the individual is being carried out under Article 255, Part 1, of the Criminal Code.

"Further details, as per Article 201, Part 1, of the Criminal Procedure Code, are not subject to disclosure," said the committee.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
(Bloomberg) -- Nippon Steel Corp.s acquisition of United States Steel Corp. would strengthen economic security ties between the US and Japan and help counter Chinas dominance in steel-making, according to a senior Japanese ruling party lawmaker.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The $14.1 billion deal would clearly be a win-win for both companies and both economies, said Akira Amari, a former minister known for his industrial policy expertise. He was speaking two weeks after President Joe Biden came out against the merger.

This deal would be a symbol of Japan-US cooperation as allies because we would be able to confront Chinas rising technological capability, Amari said in an interview in Tokyo on Friday. This would be better for our economic security.

Nippon Steel has vowed to press ahead with plans for the acquisition, even as it gets caught in the political crossfire of the US presidential election. The problem complicates the run-up to a planned April 10 summit between Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington meant to demonstrate the strength of the alliance.

The influential United Steelworkers union, members of Congress from both parties as well as former President Donald Trump have all spoken against the merger.

Read more: US Steel Plunges for Second Day as Biden Comes Out Against Deal

Nippon Steel would provide technology, investment and job security to the beleaguered US company, Amari said. That should enable it to expand market share in high-end products like advanced steel sheets for automobiles and press ahead with lower carbon technology like electric furnaces.

Without the merger, the US and Japan could lose out to China, which tries to dominate the global market by dumping, driving out competitors with excessive volume and low prices, Amari added.

Biden said in March the iconic US company should stay under American ownership, in an apparent bid to woo voters in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Trump has rejected the deal outright.

Its important to look calmly at whats beneficial for the two companies, the US, its economy and its national security, Amari said, blaming the rhetoric from the US on the election.

Read more: Trump Says He Would Absolutely Block Nippon-US Steel Deal

Amari said Nippon Steel hadnt contacted him on the matter and he emphasized his stance isnt that of the Kishida administration, which has avoided substantive comment on the deal.

Japan wont make this a political issue and the Japanese government wont comment on it, Amari said. Japan has no intention of interfering with the US presidential election, even indirectly.

In March, Biden stopped short of explicitly pledging to block the deal, which is under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS. Amari said the best outcome would be to let Nippon Steel and the union resolve any misunderstandings and allow the two companies to agree on terms themselves.

The deal would fit into wider bilateral efforts to overhaul the supply chain of products key to economic security at a time when nations weaponize them as tools for economic coercion, Amari said.

Read More: Japan Bets $67 Billion to Become a Global Chip Powerhouse Once Again

He has spearheaded Japans efforts to revitalize semiconductor manufacturing at home, with Tokyo pouring huge subsidies into American chipmakers facilities in Japan. Micron Technology Inc.s Hiroshima factory is among the beneficiaries, while Rapidus Corp. is trying to mass produce advanced logic chips in Hokkaido with help from IBM Corp.

As someone in charge of the Liberal Democratic Partys industrial policy and economic security policy I feel chips and steel form the templates of how we want to team up with the US, Amari said.

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A luxury real estate venture backed by Jared Kushner in Serbia has stoked fierce opposition from public officials and civilians who have accused Kushner of cultural insensitivity over the project.

The proposal from Kushners Affinity Group investment firm is aimed at building a high-rise hotel and ritzy apartment building on the site of the bombed-out former Serbian army headquarters in Belgrade.

A local opposition group, the Kreni-Promeni or Make Changes movement, recently launched a petition against it that garnered some 10,000 signatures in a matter of hours. As of Friday, more than 25,000 people had signed the petition.

Serbian officials who spoke with The Daily Beast described the project as inappropriate for several reasonsincluding its impact on the cultural heritage of Belgrade.

Its one of the pearls of pre-war architecture, Serbian politician and opposition leader Borko Stefanovic told The Daily Beast. There is the emotional aspect: This site was bombed by NATO in 1999. Most Serbs believe this site should not be desecrated in any way.

Stefanovic is the deputy president of the Party of Freedom and Justice in Serbias parliament, and his center-left coalition fear that the Serbian government might use the deal to curry favor with Kushnerand ultimately, Donald Trump, his father-in-law and the presumptive Republican nominee for U.S. president.

There is absolutely no transparency, the government is not willing to present to the public any aspect of this possible deal, Stefanovic said. Mr. Vucic and his regime are counting desperately that Mr. Trump will win in the United States.

Ex-Trump Spy Chief Cozies Up to Serbias Pro-Moscow Strongman

Savo Manojlovic, the leader of the Kreni-Promeni opposition movement, told The Daily Beast that he also believes the deal is part of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucics efforts to cozy up to Trump in advance of a potential election win this fall.

Trump was previously interested in developing the same site. In 2013, he was in conversation with the Serbian government about sites for a luxury hotel, according to then-Prime Minister Ivica Dacic. Although Trump associates pursued the idea, it never happened.

Ric Grenell, Trumps former envoy to the Balkanswho would like to become Secretary of State if Trump is elected president, according to the New York Timeshas also been working with Kushner on the plan, fueling suspicion among Stefanovics coalition that the deal is about sidling up to a potential Trump administration.

Jared Kushner Leigh Vogel/Getty Images

Murky waters

The investment could create some problems for Kushner, said Robert Weissman, the president of Public Citizen, which has spent years tracking potential conflicts of interest tied to Donald Trump.

What [Kushner] should be thinking about is: I was in the White House, my father-in-law is running for president, I shouldnt enter into deals that may give the appearance of [a foreign government] trying to gain advantage with the potential next president of the United States, Weissman said.

A Presidents Alarming Social Media Post Stirs Mystery in Europe

Concern about Kushners deals have echoed through the halls of Congress as well. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) called for Congress to investigate Kushners alleged influence-peddling abroad.

Grenells role in the deal could also put him in hot water down the line, Weissman warned.

If our diplomats are conducting themselves as diplomats with an eye towards what business deals they can conduct when they leave the foreign service, rather than how to advance the interests of the American people, were in a really bad way, Weissman warned.

The Daily Beast sent comment requests to Kushner, Affinity Group, the Trump campaign, and Grenell, but did not receive responses.

A tram passes the bomb-damaged building of the former federal military headquarters in Belgrade, which could be reborn as a luxury hotel financed by the Trump family. Andrej Isakovic/Getty Images

Behind the curtains

The Vucic government has kept details of the deal quiet, according to Stefanovic, who said that he and his colleagues received a memorandum of understanding about the deal but nothing else. His coalition has raised the issue in parliament, but was shut down by Vucic and his cronies, he added.

Their response in the parliament when we started to speak on this was fierce. They attacked us personallyit was on the verge of physical violence, Stefanovic said.

Opposition officials have previously accused the Serbian president of being behind a violent attack against Stefanovic. After hooded men attacked Stefanovic in 2018 with brass knuckles, knocking him unconscious and bloodying his clothes, protesters flooded the streets of Belgrade to demand an end to political violence in Serbia.

In an effort to gain some insight into the plan, a member of Stefanovics coalition sent Kushners team a letter requesting they publicly release the details of the project, Stefanovic said. Although they received a response that Kushners team would respond, they have yet to receive anything, he said.

More transparency around the project is unlikely to end the staunch opposition to it. Manojlovics opposition group believes the government should not allow the real estate proposal to move forward, in part because they believe the site is legally protected.

By law, the army headquarters sitewhich had been destroyed in the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations 1999 bombing in Serbiacan only sustain construction for the purpose of returning it to its original structure and purpose.

But for over 25,000 Serbs, the new luxury construction plan from Kushners private equity firm doesnt pass the smell test, and is in fact insulting to Serbian history. The demolition of this complex represents the destruction of dignity, the groups petition states.

Stefanovic suggested that any reconstruction at the site must pay tribute to the war. Some proposals have suggested creating a history museum at the bombed out site, something Stefanovic said would be preferable to luxury developments for Kushners group or for Vucics political games.

Aerial View of Park Manjez and Yugoslav Drama Theatre at Cold Winter Afternoon City Life. Courtesy of Brian Vargo

But the group hasnt signed a deal yet, a person familiar with the proposal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Daily Beast.

Affinity Partners previously told the New York Times the plan would include a museum and memorial.

The Kreni-Promeni group is planning other ways to pressure the government to cancel any planning with the Kushner-backed project, including through demonstrations, Manojlovic said.

Petition, protest, and public pressurewe will do everything to protect our state, citizens, and national and constitutional pride, to not give our government a chance to do this illegal act of giving land to the Kushner family, Manojlovic told The Daily Beast, describing the venture as very problematic.

His message for Kushner and his team is simple: Stay out of Serbian affairs

Serbia is not for sale, Manojlovic said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Any thought that JK Rowling would sit back quietly and wait to be threatened with jail and arrested under the SNPs latest legislative foul-up, known as the Hate Crime (Scotland) Act, was too daft for words.

And so it proved. Faced with the possibility of prosecution under an Act that carries a maximum seven-year jail sentence, the best-selling author didnt act cautiously. Instead, she sailed straight into a calculated attack against Humza Yousafs determination to bring in a raft of new offences which threaten to end freedom of expression over the trans issue but which fail to protect women

The resolute defence of her right to speak out about the dangers posed by the new legislation may now spark a campaign to repeal the Act as soon as possible, even before it gains a foothold in public opinion.

There seems little doubt that with her wealth and popularity Rowling will not be intimidated by a government whose poll ratings have slumped and by activists who do not speak for most voters.

Support for a repeal campaign is coming already from Jim Sillars, a former Labour MP whos also a one-time deputy leader of the SNP. He said that there was no legislation that could make men become women or vice versa, or convert them into a third variety. He urged Scots to campaign for its repeal and continue to speak out on any subject they wish.

As for the possibility that his comments might lead to his prosecution, he said: Ive deliberately put my views out there. Lets see what happens.

Carefully calculated onslaught

Rowlings carefully calculated onslaught began almost before a hapless junior Nat minister had got the words out of her mouth  threatening her with possible prosecution.

Siobhian Brown, whose responsibilities are victims and community safety  havent heard of her? Neither have I  was the best that the First Minister could put up to try and explain to the rest of Britain on the Today programme what his controversial measure was all about. She tried her best, but faced with relentless and detailed questioning from Justin Webb, she got nowhere.

The Harry Potter author has faced numerous threats of prosecution over so-called misgendering  her refusal to back down from her view that trans women remained males  and when asked about whether Rowling would be prosecuted the minister said: It could be reported and it could be investigated. Whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland for that.

In the face of this veiled threat, Rowling set social media on fire with a bold Come and get me response to the SNP government.

She said: If what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new Act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.

With her defiance of both the trans lobby and whats now the law of the country, where shes made her home, taking on a new dimension she posted pictures of 10 high profile trans people on Twitter and mocked their claims to be women.

These included Isla Bryson, convicted of two rapes and initially sent to a womens prison and Borders butcher, Amy George, who abducted an 11-year-girl while dressed as a woman.

The author insisted that the new legislation is wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence all those who have been speaking out about the dangers it posed to single-sex spaces for women and girls.

Whats clear is that Rowling is ready to tackle Mr Yousaf head-on over his bid to silence her. And just as she defeated his mentor, Nicola Sturgeon, over similar legislation on the trans issue, which was vetoed by the UK Government there will be many hoping the author chalks up another signal triumph.

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Johnson says Ukraine aid will come up right after recess and will include some innovations

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Sunday that he expects to move a package including aid for Ukraine with some important innovations when the House returns from recess.

In an interview on Sunday Night in America With Trey Gowdy, Johnson stressed the difficult position hes in, with a historically narrow House majority, but said he was working throughout the current work period to come up with a package and plans to put it on the floor when the House gavels back into session.

Look, what we have to do in an era of divided government  historically, as we are  you got to build consensus. If we want to move a partisan measure, I got to have every single member, literally, Johnson said. And some things need to be bipartisan.

But when it comes to the supplemental, weve been working to build that consensus. Weve been talking to all the members, especially now over the district work period. When we return after this work period, well be moving a product, but its going to, I think, have some important innovations, Johnson said.

Johnson floated as examples the possibilities of extending a loan to Ukraine  an idea that gained some traction earlier this month as a way to back Ukraine while assuaging conservative concerns about providing more aid as the country fights against Russian aggression.

Johnson also mentioned the REPO for Ukrainians Act, which would authorize the president to seize Russian sovereign assets frozen in the U.S. and give them to Ukraine to use against Russia.

The REPO Act, you know  if we can use the seized assets of Russian oligarchs to allow the Ukrainians to fight them, thats just pure poetry, Johnson said. Even President Trump has talked about the loan concept, where  were not just giving foreign aid, were setting it up in a relationship where they can provide it back to us when the time is right.

Johnson added that, in an effort to unleash American energy, he wants to have natural gas exports that will help unfund Vladimir Putins war effort there, you know, he said, adding, Theres a lot of things that we should do that  make more sense and that I think well have consensus around.

Were putting that product together and well be moving it right after the district work period, Johnson said.

The interview comes as Johnson has signaled that he intends to push through legislation that would provide funding for Ukraine, but he has yet to spell out exactly what that would look like.

House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said earlier Sunday that he was confident that support for Ukraine would have overwhelming support when Congress returns, underscoring Johnsons pledge to make Ukraine funding a priority upon their return.

The Speaker has made very clear statements that when we get back, its the next top agenda, after having just passed all the bills that fund the federal government, Turner said. I believe this is going to have overwhelming support in Congress, and well put a bill on the presidents desk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Johnson says vote on Ukraine aid will be held 'right after' Easter recess

House Speaker Mike Johnson said on March 31 that the U.S. Congress will hold a vote on aid for Ukraine after months of deadlock following the end of the Easter holiday on April 7.

U.S. aid to Ukraine has been delayed since fall 2023 amid infighting in Congress. In February, a $95 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan passed in the Senate with bipartisan support, but Johnson has so far stalled on bringing it to a vote in the Republican-led House.

Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, the head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also said on March 24 that he anticipated Johnson would bring the aid to a vote after Easter, despite signs that support for Johnson to keep his position was shrinking within his own party.

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a one-on-one phone call with Johnson on March 28, in another indication that the aid was moving forward.

In an interview with Republican former Congressman Trey Gowdy, who currently hosts a talk show on Fox News, Johnson said that he expected the bill to be voted on shortly but added that it would contain "some important innovations."

Johnson did not clarify what he was referring to.

Facing signs of dissent from House Republicans like Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, Johnson acknowledged he would likely need to build bipartisan consensus in order to move the bill past the finish line.

Greene filed a motion to oust Johnson from his position in late March, the same procedure that cost former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy his job in October 2023.

Republican Congressman Don Bacon said on March 31 that a vote to remove Johnson would be "very likely" if he allowed Ukraine aid to be brought to the floor, and that it was possible the move could be successful.

Johnson's ouster would likely again plunge Congress into chaos and be a sign of the power held by the minority of Republicans strongly opposed to aid for Ukraine.

Read also: Tusk urges House speaker Johnson to take decision on stalled Ukraine aid after Russian attack on Odesa

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Mayor Brandon Johnson debuted his pick for Chicagos first chief homelessness officer during a Monday news conference that also saw him stand firm against the real estate lobby and other political adversaries over his progressive agenda.

Sendy Soto, a former senior director at the Chicago Community Trust and ex-managing deputy commissioner at the citys Department of Housing, will helm the post starting next week, the mayors office announced. Sotos chief task will be to develop a five-year plan on addressing the citys homelessness crisis.

In introducing Soto at the grand opening of the Lawson Houses newly renovated affordable housing units in the Gold Coast, the mayor first pushed back on characterizations of his reaction to the Bring Chicago Home referendums loss as defiant.

The mayor earlier last month brushed aside a looming defeat of the proposed tax hike to fund homelessness services by blaming its cowardly opponents and declaring, Im still here, still standing. And I will be punching back.

If my advocacy is defiant, what does that say about the systems who wish to keep people without dignity and unhoused? I call it wicked, Johnson said Monday. And so thats why we are demonstrating in the first 10 months of my administration that we are committed to ending homelessness.  I had an older brother who had untreated trauma and died addicted and unhoused. So pardon me for wanting to be a bridge.

Then Johnson turned to Soto and quipped, Shes smiling now but Im about to read her job description. See how she feels after.

In her first public comments since being appointed, Soto sought to underline the importance of collaboration in her new role, kicking off her remarks with, Now you have to clap for yourselves, because were gonna do this together.

As a lifelong Chicagoan who has experienced housing insecurity, I understand firsthand the challenges zero-to-low income individuals face in overcoming systemic barriers, Soto said. Furthermore, as someone who has sought stable housing at the age of 18 to escape violence, I also know that housing needs are complex.

The new homelessness czar said her priorities will include addressing the harms of systemic racism as well as working with the state of Illinois to establish a coordinated Crisis Response System for housing instability. On the topic of her five-year plan, Soto stressed that tackling the root causes of homelessness will take the forefront.

My ask to each of you is simple: Share your ideas and hold me accountable, Soto said. It is an immense honor to undertake this vital role on your behalf, and gaining and keeping your trust are important to me.

However, Johnson Monday declined to opine about a recent statement from the City Councils Progressive Caucus that current distrust in city government was what killed the Bring Chicago Home measure and its promised $100 million revenue fund to tackle homelessness.

Following the referendums defeat, the aldermanic bloc chaired by Johnson ally Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, had released a statement saying, Voters who opposed the referendum told us their vote represented their current distrust, frustration, and disappointment with city government. The progressives continued, Collectively, city leaders can and must do better to earn and maintain our constituents trust.

Well, I dont know if its worth speculating why voters decided to vote the way they did, Johnson said when asked about that assessment. Look, Ill leave that to pundits. What I said is that voter turnout was extremely low and its incumbent upon all of us to engage the electorate on a variety of issues.  As Ive said repeatedly, Im interested in working with anyone and everyone who is committed to preventing and ending homelessness. Anything short of that, then I dont know what purpose they may have.

The program at the Lawson House focused on the historic 24-story buildings transformation from 583 single-room occupancy units into 406 apartment units with private kitchens and bathrooms, 322 of which will have rental subsidies.

In defending his vision to combat homelessness, the mayor again touted his $1.25 billion bond plan to fund affordable housing and economic development. Then he reminded reporters of the historical political background that precipitated the Bring Chicago Home referendum.

In the mid-1990s, Cook County Board President John Stroger had sought and failed to raise the countys real estate transfer tax. The backlash from the real estate industry prompted the Republican-controlled state government to pass a law in 1997 prohibiting home-rule municipal governments from increasing the real estate transfer tax without voter approval by referendum.

That was why ahead of the 2024 election, Bring Chicago Home had to decide between either trying to change state law or placing the question on the ballot.

Let me just name it, OK. I am not the first Black man executive to push for revenue to address this crisis, Johnson said. The attempt was to destroy board President John Stroger in 1996. And those same forces do not want to see us address this issue in 2024. So if anybody is defiant, its them.

ayin@chicagotribune.com
A Maricopa County judge will allow election officials to seek sanctions against former attorney general and current U.S. House candidate Abe Hamadeh after tossing out a lawsuit seeking to challenge the results of the 2022 election.

Judge Susanna Pineda's Monday ruling consolidated two lawsuits that questioned the signature comparison methods used to verify mail-in votes cast in Maricopa County in 2022.

The cases both argued election officials should only compare signed early ballot affidavits against voters' signatures on their voter registration forms. Maricopa County officials compared signatures on early ballots to those in a wider range of election-related documents submitted by voters, as allowed by the state's Elections Procedures Manual.

Abe Hamadeh

Hamadeh, a Republican, lost the attorney general's race by 280 votes. His suit asked the court to order Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes to step down from her role, order county officials to "decertify" the race, and order county officials to redo signature verification for 2022 mail-in ballots.

The other suit, filed by Cochise County Supervisor Tom Crosby and Valley resident David Mast, sought to force Maricopa County to recount all 2022 mail-in ballots or conduct another election for governor, attorney general and two statewide propositions. Crosby, a Republican, joined the case in his personal capacity.

Pineda rejected all of those requests. Her ruling asserted Hamadeh's claims were "untimely" and that his case asked the court to "overturn the will of the people."

"Challenges concerning alleged procedural violations of the election process must be brought prior to the actual election," Pineda said.

She said Crosby and Mast "lack standing" to bring their claims because they failed to show "a distinct and palpable injury."

"To the extent they allege that the election procedures in question denied them equal protection due to their votes, as well as the votes of every other Arizona voter, being 'diluted,' their claim is general and insufficient to confer standing to bring suit," Pineda said, adding that their votes were counted.

Pineda said she will allow Maricopa County to seek sanctions against Crosby and Mast. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Mayes may seek sanctions against Hamadeh and his lawyer, Ryan Heath.

Heath did not immediately comment on the case, but told The Arizona Republic that he planned to release a statement later Monday.

Other cases still ongoing

A judge has yet to rule in a similar case in Yavapai County.

That suit was filed by the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections. It hinges on the definition of a voter's "registration record," which determines what signature samples election officials can use while verifying signed early ballot affidavits.

The state's new Elections Procedures Manual defines that as any signature in any election-related document available to election officials. The lawsuit argues that definition should be narrowed to only include signed voter registration forms.

Meanwhile, Crosby and Cochise County Supervisor Peggy Judd are in hot water in Maricopa County Superior Court. They are accused of interfering with the 2022 election and are each charged with felony counts of conspiracy and interference with an election officer.

Crosby and Judd both pleaded not guilty to those charges in December.

Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Do you have a tip to share on elections or voting? Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona judge OKs sanctions against Abe Hamadeh in election lawsuit
It has been more than five years since Houston police officers killed Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas, a middle-aged couple falsely implicated in drug dealing, after breaking into their home on Harding Street. That raid was based on a fraudulent search warrant affidavit in which veteran narcotics officer Gerald Goines described a heroin purchase that he later admitted never happened. Efforts to hold Goines accountable for his lethal dishonesty hit another roadblock last week when a Harris County judge dismissed two felony murder charges against him.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office charged Goines with two counts of felony murder in August 2019, seven months after the Harding Street raid. According to its complaint, Goines committed "the felony offense of Tampering with a Government Record, and while in the course of and [in] furtherance of the commission of said offense did commit an act clearly dangerous to human life"i.e., "making forcible entry into a residence by armed peace officers through the use of a 'no knock' search warrant based on false information provided knowingly by the defendant," thereby causing the deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas.

A grand jury backed those charges in an indictment issued on January 15, 2020, and District Court Judge Frank Aguilar declined to dismiss them. But District Court Judge Veronica Nelson, who took over the case this year after Aguilar was suspended because of a domestic violence arrest, was persuaded by Goines' claim that the charges did not adequately specify the underlying felony.

Prosecutors cited Section 37.10 of the Texas Penal Code, which makes it a third-degree felony to tamper with a government record in any of six ways. Because the indictment did not say exactly how Goines had violated that statute, his lawyers argued, it impaired his ability to mount a defense. "It doesn't give us adequate notice of what it is specifically that we have to defend against," said Mac Secrest, one of Goines' attorneys.

"The Harris County District Attorney's office is shocked and tremendously disappointed that a judge would choose to revisit this issue, knowing that her predecessor had already ruled the defendant's position meritless," the office said in response to Nelson's ruling. "The office is considering all its options, including amending the indictment, with an eye towards trying this case as soon as possible to ensure justice for the victims of these crimes."

The state case against Goines had been scheduled for trial in June. Nelson's decision could delay the trial by a year or more, depending on how long it takes to appeal the ruling and/or seek a new indictment. Goines also faces federal civil rights charges in connection with the Harding Street raid, but there has been no apparent movement in that case since the indictment was announced in November 2019.

Two other defendants in the federal case have pleaded guilty. Patricia Ann Garcia, a neighbor whose phony tip prompted Goines' investigation of Tuttle and Nicholas, pleaded guilty to making false reports in March 2021 and was sentenced to 40 months in prison. In June 2021, former Houston narcotics officer Steven Bryant, who had backed up Goines' fictional account of arranging for a confidential informant to buy heroin from Tuttle, pleaded guilty to falsifying records and obstructing the resulting federal investigation. He has not been sentenced yet.

Goines and Bryant are also defendants in two federal lawsuits filed by relatives of Tuttle and Nicholas in January 2021. Those lawsuits, one of which also names former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo as a defendant, are scheduled for trial in September.

"Justice in the HPD Harding Street killings remains a far-off prospect, at least in the hands of the US Attorney and District Attorney offices," Mike Doyle, an attorney who represents the Nicholas family, said in an emailed statement. "The family of Rhogena Nicholas remains disappointed that local, state, and federal authorities have either ignored this injustice or helped delay the Goines murder prosecution. The legal explanations aside, we're now in a sixth year of a taxpayer-funded coverup of these murders. The Nicholas family still will not give up its ongoing fight to reveal the truth of what happened before, during and after the killing of Rhogena."

Update, April 4: On Wednesday, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office, a grand jury approved new felony murder indictments against Goines. One of his attorneys, Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube, said she had not seen the new documents yet and therefore did not know exactly how the language had been changed.

The post Judge Quashes Felony Murder Charges Against Former Houston Cop Whose Lies Led to a Deadly 2019 Drug Raid appeared first on Reason.com.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 1. The 19th meeting of the secretaries of the Security Councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states will be held in the Kazakh capital Astana, the spokesperson for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry Aibek Smadiyarov said during the briefing, Trend reports.

"The 19th meeting of the secretaries of the Security Councils of the SCO member states will be held in Astana on April 2-3, 2024. The upcoming event will be chaired by Kazakhstan. For the first time, Iran will attend as a full-fledged SCO member state. The SCO observer states Mongolia and Belarus are invited as guests," Smadiyarov said.

According to him, within the framework of this meeting, it is planned to exchange views on topical international issues of the SCO area of responsibility, including joint counteraction to the "forces of three evils" (terrorism, separatism, and extremism), illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, transnational organized crime, and cooperation on international information security, as well as further cooperation within such multilateral organizations as the UN, CICA, and CSTO.

"Following the event, it is planned to sign the Protocol of the Meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils of the SCO member states, which will reflect the common approaches of the member states to the further development of multilateral partnership on regional and international security issues," Smadiyarov noted.

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WORCESTER  A lawyer for Colby Turner, the city police officer facing charges he stole nearly $50,000 in detail pay, faced pointed questioning from a judge Friday regarding extensive requests to subpoena city documents for his defense.

Do you have any facts to support that? Worcester Superior Court Judge Karin Bell asked at one point during a hearing in which Turners lawyer suggested the departments detail process is basically full of nepotism.

Turners lawyer, Hank Brennan, argued that grand jury minutes and other materials he has received related to the investigation suggest the city had an archaic paper-based system of assigning and tracking detail pay that made understanding the process impossible.

Brennan, whose client has argued hes innocent and suggested he may have been framed, argued he cant properly defend himself without a better understanding of the overtime system and its potential accountability pitfalls.

Its confusing, maybe on purpose, said Brennan, who particularly focused on a private details system in which some police officers who acted as liaisons to certain businesses assigned details themselves rather than going through the departments detail office.

Lawyer wants more paperwork

Brennan argued the charges against Turner cant be fully understood without additional documents from the city and he requested Bell approve subpoenas for broad swaths of documentation including essentially all documentation on details for all officers during the 2021 to 2022 period for which Turner is charged.

Brennan also sought to subpoena, among other things, all documents relating to prior overtime issues in the department including a 2008 scandal that led to an attorney general probe but no criminal charges, and a more recent audit that preceded policy changes.

Brennan said he does not believe others accused of impropriety were immediately criminally charged  instead facing internal affairs probes  and suggested that could be evidence of discrimination against Turner, who is Black.

Graham Van Epps, a special prosecutor from the Middlesex District Attorneys office handling the case, argued to Bell that Turner has not met the legal standard required to obtain subpoenas under court rules.

Van Epps, in court and in his filings, noted Turner has not filed any sworn affidavit regarding any of his claims and said his motions for subpoenas appear to be the kind of fishing expedition barred by court rules..

Van Epps said that, contrary to Turners claims, the evidence against him is quite specific. A lengthy investigative report, as well as grand jury minutes filed with the court under seal, he said, clearly support the charges against him.

According to Van Epps, Turner, from Oct. 2021 to July 2022, submitted more than 150 off-duty assignment slips fraudulently claiming to have worked details in the city.

Van Epps said the investigation showed Turner inserted false names and signatures of employees who were supposed to sign off at the business and in four instances totaling about $1,200, stole overtime pay by forging his supervisors signature.

Accused of stealing $53K

Turner stole about $53,000 in total, Van Epps wrote in court documents. He said police officers who ran the private detail assignments confirmed Turner hadnt been asked to cover the shifts for which he collected  testimony he said was corroborated in some instances by video surveillance, and that Turners fingerprints were on many of the fraudulent billing slips.

Van Epps also noted that Turner deposited the checks  which listed the details for which he was being paid  in his bank account.

I dont really believe this is quite as murky as Mr. Brennan is making it out to be, Van Epps told Bell, adding he believes the defenses theory of the case to be fanciful.

Bell, while taking the requests for subpoenas under advisement and pledging to review the impounded grand jury minutes, signaled skepticism at Turners request from the beginning.

Bell said throughout her questioning of Brennan that it did not appear Turner had met the bar needed to obtain subpoenas and agreed at times that the requests appeared to be fishing for information that would help the defenses case.

The subpoena process Turner is seeking to use  called Rule 17  is a separate process from the routine discovery process in which defendants are entitled to receive information from the government about its investigation.

The two sides also have disagreements on the scope of that process and are slated to continue to argue motions on it this spring.

Bell had not yet entered a ruling on the subpoena requests as of Monday morning.

Turner, who was placed on unpaid leave following his Aug. 2022 arrest, remains on unpaid leave, police confirmed Monday.

His certification as a police officer in Massachusetts was revoked by the state last year.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester: Judge skeptical of subpoenas sought in police-detail theft case
NEW CITY  The family of Tina Davis is appealing a state judge's dismissal of a lawsuit claiming negligence by the Spring Valley police caused her death in January 2020.

Supreme Court Justice Sherri Eisenpress found that officers acted within department policy in administering medical aid to Davis and were not negligent in trying to help Davis pending the arrival of medical professionals.

The judge also accepted the Rockland medical examiner's findings that Davis didn't die directly from her confrontation with the police, but from "cardiac arrest due to acute cocaine and alcohol intoxication with seizure activity, agitated behavior, and police restraint."

Tina Davis, 53, of Spring Valley died Jan. 4, 2020 during confrontation with police

"As plaintiff (Davis's son) has failed to demonstrate a triable issue of fact that would defeat the police officers' qualified immunity defense, the complaint requires dismissal," Eisenpress concluded in her 13-page decision released March 25.

Davis, a Spring Valley resident with a history of mental illness, died on Jan. 5, 2020, a day after police responded to a 911 call at 5:12 a.m. saying that Davis broke car windows and chased another person on Bethune Boulevard and Fred Hecht Drive in Spring Valley.

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Wrongful death lawsuit claimed police negligence

The wrongful death lawsuit, filed in December 2021 by Davis' son Derrick McMullin II, claimed that Davis' death was caused by police negligence and insufficient training in dealing with a person with mental health issues.

The lawsuit stated police were slow to dispatch emergency medical personnel and administer treatment at the scene. The lawsuit claimed the use of a Taser to subdue Davis was an unnecessary use of force.

The family's attorney, Michael Sussman of Orange County, said Eisenpress did not consider evidence most favorable to the plaintiff, as required. He said the police's "delay in attending to Ms. Davis was both unexplained and unconscionable."

The decision marked Eisenpress's second dismissal in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit claimed police used excessive force, knew Davis suffered from mental illness and needed to send personnel experienced in dealing with people with mental health issues, and acted negligently in arresting her.

In August 2022, Eisenpress dismissed those claims. But she allowed arguments on whether the police delay in calling for medical personnel was a triable cause of Davis's death. The lawsuit claimed dispatchers didn't provide enough information to patrol officers and delayed calling medical responders, and that emergency care didn't arrive at the scene until 15 minutes after Davis became unconscious.

Sussman has appealed her 2022 ruling. He said he would consolidate the appeal of Eisenpress's first ruling with her dismissal of the lawsuit on March 25.

AG's investigation cleared police of wrongdoing

A 16-page report by the New York State Attorney General's Office issued in 2021  which included autopsy results, medical records, interviews, and video  cleared the police officers of any criminal acts. But it suggested village officers undergo better training for dealing with people with mental health issues. The report also suggested the village invest in body cameras and ensure better response times from paramedics and ambulance crews.

The medical examiner's autopsy report found Davis suffered a seizure while fighting three officers. Police used a Taser to subdue her.

Medical Examiner Dr. Laura Carbone's report listed the manner of death as "could not be determined." Carbone noted various external injuries consistent with Davis' agitated behavior on video footage and found no external injuries related to the police interaction with Davis.

Davis, 53, who had two children, had a history of mental illness and drug abuse  known to many village police officers. She also had a pre-existing heart condition, according to the ME's report.

Activists with the Rockland People's Panel on Policing said at the time that they were "outraged that no one is being held criminally responsible for Tina Davis dying after being tasered while handcuffed. We are outraged that police officers are responding to people in mental health crisis without mental health professionals present."

The village of Spring Valley urged Eisenpress to dismiss the lawsuit through attorney Brian Sokoloff of Sokoloff Stern on Long Island. The village's legal papers argued that the officers provided medical care based on their mandatory in-service training.

"Furthermore, defendant contends that the negligence claim also falters under the "proximate cause" element as there is no evidence that any actions by responding officers proximately caused Davis's drug and alcohol-induced cardiac arrest and subsequent death," Eisenpress wrote,

Sussman's legal papers argued that a "reasonable jury could conclude that Ms. Davis became unresponsive at 5:21 a.m. and that she was surrounded by four Spring Valley Police Officers that did not intervene for at least twelve minutes."

Eisenpress' decision noted Sussman defined "intervention as meaning the use of CPR, Narcan/Naxolone, or the available defibrillator which he asserts, should have been used immediately upon her unresponsiveness."Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal

Read more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Lawsuit dismissed against Spring Valley NY police in Tina Davis' death
CHARLOTTE  A jury needed only about two hours of deliberation to convict a woman in the bludgeoning death of her husband nearly 22 years ago in the basement of their Charlotte home.

Beverly McCallum, now 63, was found guilty of second-degree murder and disinterment and mutilation of a body. The charges stemmed from the murder of Roberto Caraballo, whose burned remains were discovered partially inside and outside a metal footlocker near an Ottawa County blueberry field on May 8, 2002.

"Its like a made-for-TV movie, is what it seemed like, especially as she took the stand and tried to give an explanation that didnt make any sense at all," Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd said shortly after the jury returned its verdicts, referring to McCallum.

"There's always been the question about who was in charge. I think the defendant taking the stand ... kind of proved who was the leader of this bunch. You have a 21-year-old and a 25-year old, and then all of sudden, you have the 42-year-old mom. She was in charge. She knew what was going on."

Lloyd was referring to McCallum's oldest daugher, Dineane Ducharme, and Ducharme's friend, Christopher McMillan, who had already been convicted on murder charges in Caraballo's death. McMillan testified for the prosecution and said the killing was planned days before the actual murder.

The verdict was announced shortly after 3 p.m. Monday following a six-day trial. Eaton County Circuit Judge Janice Cunningham set a May 23 sentencing date for McCallum. She faces up to life in prison.

During his closing argument on Monday morning, Lloyd said the evidence showed McCallum conspired with her oldest daughter and a friend of the daughter to murder Roberto Caraballo, the father of another one of her daughters, in early 2002.

A bailiff with the Eaton County Sheriff's Dept. wheels Beverly McCallum, 63, from the stand following her testimony in Judge Janice Cunningham's Eaton County courtroom in Charlotte, Friday, March 29, 2024.

"The boss of that plan was the defendant," and Ducharme and McMillan helped carry out the plan, Lloyd argued.

The motive for the killing was unclear, at least up until the trial, when Lloyd said the picture became clearer.

"I think the motive came out in this trial," he said after the verdicts, adding that "structure wasn't really a thing" until Caraballo got out of federal prison and moved in with the family. "I think that kind of got in the way of her doing the things she wanted to do."

During closing arguments, Lloyd noted that McCallum moved to Jamaica about six weeks after the murder to be with what at least one witness described as the love of her life, a man she would eventually marry and have another child with.

"Robert being around was cramping her lifestyle," Lloyd argued.

Eaton County Public Defender Timothy Havis argued that the only people who had a motive to kill Caraballo were Ducharme and McMillan. McCallum testified that Caraballo didn't like McMillan and wanted to kick Ducharme and him out of the house.

Havis argued that McCallum didn't participate in the killing but was drawn in by the other two to help dispose of the body.

McCallum was arrested in Italy in 2020 and extradited to Michigan in 2022.

McMillan and Ducharme have already been convicted in connection with the murder of Caraballo.

McMillan was the prosecution's star witness and testified that he, Ducharme and McCallum conspired to kill Caraballo before the two women bludgeoned him with a hammer in the basement. Caraballo's body was put into a metal footlocker and driven to Ottawa County, where his remains were set afire, he said.

Police were unable to identify the remains until after Ducharme, who was living in Texas, contacted police in 2015 and implicated her mother. The investigation eventually led police to another of McCallum's daughters and then to McMillan, who was living in the Grand Rapids area, as well as a house on Horatio Street in Charlotte, where investigators found remnants of Caraballo's blood in the basement.

McMillan pleaded guilty to second-degee murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 2019 and was sentenced to 15 to 40 years in prison. His plea deal required him to testify truthfully against the other defendants.

McCallum took the witness stand in her own defense on Friday, saying she had no hand in Caraballo's murder. She admitted riding to Ottawa County with McMillan and Ducharme when the remains were disposed of but said she didn't get out of the van.

On Monday, Lloyd called the daughter of McCallum and Caraballo as a rebuttal witness in an effort to refute some of McCallum's assertions.

Sicily Caraballo, who was 9 at the time of the killing and remembered being placed in Roberto Caraballo's van when the adults drove across the state to dispose of his body, testified last week that her mother had explained his sudden disappearance by saying he had left the family to return to his former life in Canada.

On the stand, Sicily Caraballo described confronting her mother about her father's whereabouts around 2015 and learning he was dead. Her mother described a scenario in which she struck her husband with a crowbar before Ducharme and her friends went into the basement to finish killing her father, Silicy said.

That story was similar to what McCallum testified to on Friday, saying she swung some kind of a tool when someone grabbed her ankle on the basement stairs, striking Caraballo in the face. But she suggested the injuries to Caraballo were superficial and indicated Ducharme and McMillan were responsible for killing her husband. McCallum said she went back upstairs and didn't learn Caraballo was dead until Ducharme later came upstairs and told her.

Testifying over a video link on Monday, Sicily Caraballo refuted some of things her mother had claimed on the stand, including that she didn't know what a crowbar was and that the injuries she inflicted on her husband were minor.

The case was investigated by the Ottawa County and Eaton County sheriff's departments. Lloyd lauded the work of detectives Robert Donker, of Ottawa County. and Jim Maltby, of Eaton County, both of whom are retired. The last detective to have the case was Eaton County Sgt. Josh Ivey.

All three defendants were initially charged with first-degree murder, but McCallum was extradited to Michigan on a second-degree murder warrant because European authorities said they would not extradite her on a first-degree murder warrant, Lloyd said.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on X @KBPalm_lsj.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Jury reaches quick verdict for Beverly McCallum, woman accused in brutal Charlotte killing
Just Askin': Cincinnati's smallest park is easy to miss. Just how tiny is it?

Located at Gracely Drive and Thornton Avenue in Sayler Park, Thornton Triangle is Cincinnati's smallest park.

The Enquirer's Just Askin' series aims to answer the questions that no one seems to have an answer for, not even Google.

It's not even a stone's throw from one side of Cincinnati's smallest park to the other.

Thornton Triangle is the smallest park maintained by the Cincinnati Parks system. Known as a pocket park, the slice of greenspace sits at Gracely Drive and Thornton Avenue in the city's Sayler Park neighborhood.

Just how tiny is this park?

Just how small is Cincinnati's smallest park, Thornton Triangle?

If you start Downtown, it's a 13-mile riverside drive on U.S. 50 until you arrive at Thornton Triangle, tucked away in a residential area in Sayler Park.

You might be surprised to find the park is about the size of a two-car garage. Thornton Triangle clocks in at a mere .01 acres  about 435 square feet.

A close-up of the Thornton Triangle Tecumseh.

A sidewalk cuts off a corner of the triangle, providing a view of a Tecumseh statue. Dedicated by Eliza Thornton to the memory of her late husband, J. Fitzhugh Thornton, the park board sold the statue in the 1940s for $10 to an antique dealer in Indiana after it was hit by a car.

Outraged locals vowed to find and return the statue of the Shawnee chief to his pedestal, according to Cincinnati Parks. After several months, they succeeded, and the statue still sits there today.

Do you have a question for Just Askin'? Send it to us at cinlocalnews@enquirer.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Just how small is the smallest park in Cincinnati? Hint: It's tiny
Justin Heap wont say if Arizonas elections were fair, but hes voted like an election denier

Rep. Justin Heap on March 2, 2023. Photo by Gage Skidmore (modified) | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Justin Heap pals around with and panders to election deniers, whether or not hell admit to being one himself.

The Republican state representative from Mesa is now running for Maricopa County recorder, a position that would put him in charge of a portion of election administration in the fourth-most populous county in the United States. Last week, Heap posted to social media that hed collected enough signatures to make it onto the primary ballot in just 30 days.

When Heap announced his run for county recorder at a Feb. 28 press conference, he refused to answer questions from reporters about whether he believes the 2022 election for Arizona governor was stolen from Republican Kari Lake or if the 2020 election was stolen from her mentor, former President Donald Trump.

Im an attorney, Heap told members of the media. I will only make statements that I feel I can prove.

But Heaps voting record in the House, his comments during the chambers Municipal Oversight and Elections Committee meetings, his campaign events and endorsements, and his statements on social media show that he is, at a minimum, sympathetic to election deniers  if not a believer in election conspiracies himself.

Like several of his colleagues on the House and Senate elections committees, Heap is a member of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus, whose membership is stacked with fully avowed election deniers like Rep. Rachel Jones, of Tucson and Sen. Wendy Rogers, of Flagstaff. Freedom Caucus leader Sen. Jake Hoffman, one of the fake electors in the plot to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Arizona, has said that he recruited Heap to run for recorder.

In his bid to become recorder, Heap first must defeat the Republican incumbent, Stephen Richer, who was elected to the post in 2020. Richer has spent his time in office fending off attacks from election deniers in his own party, some of whom believe hes played a part in rigging elections.

Maricopa County elections are a laughing stock, Heap posted on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, on Feb. 28. Voter confidence is at an all-time low. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Im running for Recorder to restore honesty, transparency & integrity in our elections.

When the Arizona Mirror asked Heap to comment on this story, he responded, I know your angle for this story. No comment.

Richer told the Arizona Mirror during a phone interview that he doesnt understand how Heap can accuse the Recorders Office of a lack of transparency when it comes to voting. Maricopa County has been a national model for opening up its elections spaces and giving tours to the media and political candidates, he said, as well as answering questions about various aspects of the voting process on the county website as well as during live social media events.

Heap has received endorsements from many of the candidates who are regular critics of Richer, including Lake and conservative political operative Merissa Hamilton.

While he has walked a fine line without flat-out admitting he thinks Maricopa County elections are rigged, Heap has voted in favor of bills that would ban electronic tabulation of ballots and force hand counts, that would eliminate the option to vote early for most Arizonans and that would bar the use of voting centers to be replaced by precincts capped at 1,000 registered voters each.

Those are all ideas that are inspired by election fraud conspiracy theories. All have been opposed by Arizona counties and election officials have widely panned the proposals as completely unworkable.

Richer told the Mirror that anyone who proposes capping precincts at 1,000 voters has obviously never had to seek out polling locations or hire temporary workers.

Good luck finding that many ADA-compliant, sufficiently spaced locations with accessible parking  and not having to pay for them, Richer said.

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer in 2023. Photo by Gage Skidmore (modified) | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

He added that, if the county planned to staff those locations with only three workers apiece, it would be a critical problem if some of them dont show up, which is common with temporary workers. The impact of no-show workers is much less with the larger voting centers that the county currently uses, since it typically hires 12 or so people to staff them, Richer said.

I understand some of the politics of this, and I understand there are lots of reasons to vote for a bill, but I think thats indicative that the person has never tried to recruit, and never dealt with a large number of temporary workers, he said.

Tammy Patrick, an employee of longtime Republican Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell for 11 years, and the current CEO for programs at Election Center, explained that the concept of hand counting just wasnt reliable.

When she worked for Maricopa County, Patrick participated in state-mandated hand count audits that serve as a check on machine counts.

Every single one we did, in every single table, I would go and find where they had not counted the ballots accurately, Patrick said.

The workers would sort and count the ballots in groups of 10, counting each stack of 10 three times, and still Patrick would often find stacks of 9 or 11.

Repetitious functions are not the strength of the human race, Patrick said. I want my ballot to be counted by machines. Anyone whos proposing (full hand counts) doesnt understand elections.

During a Feb. 14 meeting of the House Municipal Oversight and Elections Committee, Heap shared the thought process behind the ballot-chain-of-custody bill he sponsored this year, House Bill 2851.

Im concerned, after multiple election cycles, every time after the elections theres stories that appear everywhere, pictures of concern from voters that ballots are being injected in, that vans are pulling up moving those ballots, Heap said. And I think the best solution to that is just a simple chain of custody.

But the actions of both the Senate and House elections committees over the past year have done nothing to increase voter confidence. They have invited speakers on multiple occasions to spout conspiracy theories during presentations, with one of them last year falsely accusing multiple members of the legislature and the governor of being involved in a fake housing deed scam along with Mexican drug cartels.

Studies show that, when the candidate that a voter backs loses, the voters confidence in the election system diminishes generally, but when their candidate wins, they think its legitimate, Patrick said.

But when a losing candidate fails to concede, it can have a continuing impact on how the candidates followers view elections.

It doesnt allow the American voter to move forward and get past that election, Patrick said.

The court cases

Heap has publicly indicated that he believes that Lake could have won her court challenge to the results of the 2022 election that she lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs if a judge had given her more time to examine the evidence in the case.

During a Jan. 22 House Elections and Municipal Oversight Committee meeting, Heap backed House Bill 2472, which would also allow the person or group that files an election challenge to physically examine all ballots, ballot images and early ballot envelopes in that race, as well as voter registration records.

In addition, the bill would give all parties in the suit the right to full discovery of evidence, something that is currently limited in election challenge cases, because of time constraints.

Our courts are not very good at handling election challenges, Heap said.

In election challenges, courts move quickly, because there are firm deadlines for certifying elections and allowing winners to assume elected office. Heap said that his bill is ultimately about slowing down that process and extending the time that those challenging the results of an election have to review evidence.

If its limited to this short timeline, the case cant be made  not because its invalid, but because they dont have time, Heap said.

Richer called that argument stupid, adding that, in Lakes election challenge case, which she lost twice each in the trial court, the appeals court and the Arizona Supreme Court, there were multiple evidentiary hearings.

During a Feb. 1, 2023 House Elections Committee meeting, Heap said that it doesnt matter if lawmakers believe its all a conspiracy theory or if they think the elections are fixed. The only thing that matters, he said, is that Republicans and Democrats dont have faith in our election system.

And the reason for that is the system is opaque and, often, the counties dont follow the law that they are required to follow, Heap said. As the legislature, if a large percentage of our population does not have confidence in our elections, that alone is a concern that our legislature needs to address and needs to take steps on.

In a tweet shortly before Lakes second election challenge trial, Heap said he was sure that her challenge would be dismissed, because the court intentionally set the bar so high that it would be impossible for her to win.

This is further evidence why our Courts are not equipped to handle real election challenges, Heap posted on X. As a trial attorney this appears, in my opinion, to be Court-imposed elevated standards of proof intended to guarantee dismissal, while preserving the appearance of impartiality. Republicans will again be disappointed, feeling that justice was not done while substantial evidence of malfeasance was ignored. Democrats will declare the dismissal as proof that our elections are safe & secure and any concern about obvious election insecurity is delusional.

The high bar of proof that Heap referenced was that no signature verification took place in Maricopa County on the 2022 general election ballots. But the judge didnt set that bar himself: Lakes lawyers did when they argued that she deserved another trial.

Sympathy for Jan. 6 rioters

Heaps social media posts seem to indicate that he sympathizes with those convicted of crimes for storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to keep then-President Donald Trump in office.

It seems we dont actually have an issue with activists storming a capitol building as long as theyre on the left, Heap wrote in a post on X on Feb. 7, 2023. Where is the FBI and a February 6th Commission to hunt down these dangerous insurgents trying to overthrow our democracy?

The post was referring to a group of transgender activists protesting at the Oklahoma Capitol building in an effort to stop Republican lawmakers from passing anti-trans bills.

But those activists in Oklahoma werent attempting to overthrow an election, no law enforcement officers were hurt, and no one in the crowd died that day, unlike what happened at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Local news organizations reported that law enforcement allowed the protestors inside the Oklahoma Capitol building and the communications director for the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus countered the insurrection narrative pushed by the likes of then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson, saying none of the protestors had broken the law.

A line he wont cross

While Heap votes alongside his Freedom Caucus colleagues the majority of the time, there is a line that he refused to cross: flagrantly throwing out the votes of all Arizonans in the next presidential election.

When discussing fellow Freedom Caucus member Jones House Concurrent Resolution 2055, Heap balked at the premise of giving the legislature the power to disregard the will of the voters and instead pick electors that would give Arizonas electoral votes to Donald Trump, no matter what the voters decide.

Josh Barnett, a local Republican businessman and perennial candidate, who was advocating for the resolution, asked Heap: Do you not believe that 2020 was illegally run? Im confused here.

Heap refused to answer.

Patrick pointed out that its actually hard to know whether some candidates truly believe that election fraud is rampant, or if theyre simply pandering to those who might vote for them in a primary or donate to their campaign.

The challenge we have in this moment is not just individuals, but whether they bring their fellow citizens and neighbors along with them, Patrick said. The real challenge is very often they know its not true. They know it was a legitimate election, but there are too many incentives to continue the narrative.

What could go wrong?

Many Arizona counties have already seen an exodus of experienced elections officials.

A 2023 report by Issue One, a nonpartisan political reform nonprofit, found that 12 of Arizonas 15 counties would have new election officials this cycle, many of whom are less experienced than their predecessors. An estimated 98% of Arizonas expected 2024 voters live in those counties.

Cochise County has already lost a well-respected election official, Lisa Marra, to pressure from the county supervisors related to election conspiracy theories.

Marra, who ran elections in the county for five years, resigned in January 2023 after refusing to release the ballots from the 2022 election to the supervisors for a hand count that she repeatedly told them was illegal; the courts agreed with her.

The two Republican supervisors who had insisted on expanding the small hand-count audit mandated by state law into a full hand count are now facing felony charges for refusing to certify that same election by the date mandated in state law.

The Arizona Secretary of States Office hired Marra as the assistant elections director shortly after her resignation from Cochise County last spring, and she was recently promoted to state elections director.

Elections experts, including Richer, worry that if an election denier is elected recorder, many of the offices qualified and experienced staff might leave.

You could name pretty much on one hand the number of longstanding election professionals who have bought into the lie that the 2020 election was stolen, and thats because anyone whos a real professional or has lots of experience just knows thousands of reasons why none of this makes sense, Richer told the Arizona Mirror. Those are the type of people, because of their experience and because of their knowledge of the system, that you want in an office.

Richer said he doubts that someone who believes that the elections in 2020 and 2022 were stolen would be able to keep all of those knowledgeable people on staff, saying that his office and the Secretary of States Office have served as havens for elections professionals who felt forced out of other counties.

I think that personnel would be very different, Richer said of what he believes would happen if an election denier ran the county recorders office. I think you would be hard pressed to recruit and retain any true election professionals if you were consistently voicing crazy theories about election administration.

And I also dont know how they would feel that theyre supported if youre simultaneously indulging some of the theories that suggest that theyre all criminals.

When counties lose experienced election officials, a lot can go wrong.

In Maricopa County, where more than half of the registered voters in the state live, the recorder is in charge of early voting, while the Board of Supervisors oversees voting on Election Day.

The voter registration database is probably the biggest thing that the county recorder does in the election context on a day-to-day basis, Richer said. If something was done procedurally improperly, there are many public interest groups that might sue. But that does require the vigilance of third parties.

He added that the secretary of state could also step in, but that both of those possible resolutions would cost the county money.

Patrick added that, if a new recorder comes into Maricopa County and changes the culture, or operates counter to strict codes of conduct for elections officials, there could be significant consequences.

There are a million moving parts to voter registration, recording and elections, Richer said. If you dont have people with a long professional career in the office, potentially the wheels would come off.

Whats happened around the country?

I think its important for the general voter to understand that there are checks and balances in our election system, Patrick said.

Those checks and balances  including requirements for poll workers from both parties to be present during certain activities and election observers at polling and tabulating locations  that dont allow any single person to decide the outcome of an election.

But if someone who believes that elections are being stolen is elected to a place of power within the election system, they could attempt to have an outsized influence on elections.

You dont have to have too much of an imagination to think of what could be done, Richer said. There are a few instances where people have put a wrench in the system.

He pointed to Tina Peters, the former clerk in a small Colorado county and an election denier whose efforts to uncover evidence of election fraud on her offices election equipment have resulted in criminal charges against her.

Peters faces three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, two counts of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, one count of criminal impersonation and one count of identity theft. Peters is alleged to have participated in a scheme to breach secure equipment in her own elections office in 2021 in an attempt to find evidence that Colorados voting system was rigged.

No evidence of fraud was ever uncovered.

A long list of Colorado Republicans have denounced calls to support Peters through her criminal trial.

But Peters isnt the only election denier elected to a position of power when it comes to election administration.

After election denier Sandra Merchant was elected as Clerk and Recorder of Cascade County, Montana in November 2022, elections in the county were plagued by problems.

Merchant reportedly hired election deniers to work in her office and to help run elections in 2023.

Issues during various elections that year included a polling place opening an hour late, misfolded ballots being sent to voters that wouldnt fit in their return envelopes, people being sent two ballots or registered voters receiving no ballot. Then Merchant couldnt get the tabulator to work.

After the county missed a state-mandated deadline for the canvass due to problems lining up the vote totals in the November municipal election, the County Commissioners finally voted to take election duties away from Merchant and pass them to a nonpartisan elections director that they would appoint.

Its impossible to say what any politician would do, if elected to office, but Heap has made it clear that he intends to make changes at the Recorders Office, if given the chance.

Im sick & tired of our voters being disrespected & our elections being mismanaged, Heap posted on X. Help me fix our elections!

But it is clear that Heaps got the backing of Arizonas most prominent election denier, who continues to claim that Richer rigged the 2022 election even after conceding in court to defaming him by spreading lies about his involvement in stealing the election from her.

We must return integrity to our elections in Arizona, Lake wrote in her endorsement of Heap. To do that, we need to restore integrity to the office that counts 63% of our states votes. Justin Heap isnt interested in TV appearances, Twitter feuds, and putting his foot on the scales of individual races. He wants to rebuild voter trust and do the job. Im proud to endorse Justin Heap to be our next Maricopa County Recorder.

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The post Justin Heap wont say if Arizonas elections were fair, but hes voted like an election denier appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
Kansas newspaper that was raided by Marion police sues officials for attack on free press

Marion County Record publisher and editor Eric Meyer talks to reporters during an Aug. 16, 2023, news conference at the newspaper office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

TOPEKA  The Marion County Record has filed a federal First Amendment lawsuit against local authorities who planned and carried out the raid last year of the newspaper office and publishers home, accusing the co-conspirators of seeking revenge for unfavorable news coverage through falsified and invalid search warrants.

According to a 127-page complaint filed Monday, former Mayor David Mayfield ordered the takedown of the newspaper and a political rival after identifying journalists as the real villains in America.

The lawsuit claims defendants violated the First Amendment freedom of the press, the Fourth Amendment prohibition on warrantless searches, and federal and state laws that protect journalists  and their sources  from police raids. The lawsuit doesnt specify the damages being sought for those claims.

The last thing we want is to bankrupt the city or county, but we have a duty to democracy and to countless news organizations and citizens nationwide to challenge such malicious and wanton violations of the First and Fourth Amendments and federal laws limiting newsroom searches, said Marion County Record publisher and editor Eric Meyer. If we prevail, we anticipate donating any punitive damages to community projects and causes supporting cherished traditions of freedom.

Marion, a south-central Kansas town with a population of 1,900, is so small it doesnt have a single traffic light.

Mayfield, former Marion police Chief Gideon Cody, acting police Chief Zach Hudlin, Marion County Sheriff Jeff Soyez and sheriffs Detective Aaron Christner are defendants in the lawsuit, personally and in their official capacity. The city council and county commission also are defendants.

Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, was defiant as police Chief Gideon Cody, seen the background, and other officers raided her home. She died the following day. (Police video screen capture from federal court filing)

The newspaper provided notice in federal court documents that it intends to add claims to the lawsuit, including one for the wrongful death of Erics 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, who died 24 hours after police raided her home. The additional claims would seek damages in excess of $5 million for Eric Meyer, his mothers estate, and the newspaper.

The federal lawsuit says Eric Meyer seeks justice to deter the next crazed cop from threatening democracy the way Chief Cody did when he hauled away the newspapers computers and its reporters cell phones in an ill-fated attempt to silence the press.

Mayfield, a former Kansas Highway Patrol trooper and Marion police chief who works part-time for the sheriff, wanted to punish Eric Meyer and Councilwoman Ruth Herbel for their criticism of his actions as mayor, according to the lawsuit. In editorials, Eric Meyer referred to Mayfield as a dictator, bully and liar. Mayfield had tried and failed to remove Herbel from the city council through a recall petition in January 2023.

Jami Mayfield, the mayors wife, wrote on her personal Facebook page that the recall petition was part of an effort to silence the newspaper for publishing way more information than was necessary about the mayor.

On July 25, just 17 days before the raid, David Mayfield wrote on his personal Facebook page: The real villains in America arent Black people. They arent white people. They arent Asians. They arent Latinos. They arent women. They arent gays.

They are the radical journalists, teachers & professors who do nothing but sow division between the American people, David Mayfield wrote.

In August, Herbel and newspaper reporter Phyllis Zorn received a tip that Kari Newell, who owns a coffee shop and upscale restaurant in Marion, had been driving for years on a suspended license because of a drunk-driving citation. Based on the information, Herbel questioned Newells request for a liquor license.

Zorn verified the information, which is a public record, through the Kansas Department of Revenues online drivers license status check tool.

Eric Meyer decided not to publish a story about Newell, but he notified the police chief and sheriff that he was investigating a claim that local law enforcement had allowed Newell to drive without a license.

Mayfield, the lawsuit says, ordered Cody to investigate Herbel and the newspapers handling of Newells driving records. Cody met with Soyez, the sheriff, who agreed to join their illicit plan to take down the Marion County Record, the lawsuit says.

Cody produced search warrant applications that included false statements about the public website Zorn had used, including a bogus claim that the search tool requires users to affirm they have authority to access confidential information. He also omitted facts about how a driving record is public and legal to obtain, and that he knew the newspaper was investigating his failure to stop Newell from driving.

If Cody had been truthful, the lawsuit says, he would have lacked probable cause to conduct a search.

Magistrate Judge Laura Viar reviewed the search warrant applications and authorized raids on the newsroom, the Meyer residence and Herbels residence to look for evidence of identity theft. But she invalidated the search warrants, the lawsuit argues, when she crossed out the designation for a notary and signed a statement that said Cody had sworn the applications before me. The lawsuit says Cody never appeared before her.

On Aug. 11, Cody led the raids on the newsroom and Meyer residence. The search warrants allowed for a preview search, using a program called osTriage, to determine whether a computer had been used in the supposed crime. Police started with Zorns computer, where the time-consuming search produced false positives.

A search for Kansas, for instance, produced an article about the Haunted Hotel of Arkansas, while a search for DOR produced an advertisement for a drive-in showing of the movie Finding Dory.

After an officer complained about how long the search was taking, Cody called Soyez and can be heard on police video saying: Alright, well just take them all. Cody then turned to officers and said: Lets get the f*** out of here.

They ignored the requirement in the search warrant to exclude devices not used in the so-called identity theft, seizing every computer in the newsroom, along with the file server and reporters personal smartphones.

Codys video that day captured him using the restroom at a gas station. But he turned it off in the newsroom while he looked through the contents of a file from reporter Deb Gruvers desk that revealed confidential sources and their warnings about Codys behavior at his last job, with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.

Joan Meyer lashed out at the officers who entered the home where she lived with her son.

Im not dumb, she told them. I may be ninety-some years old, but I know whats going on. And whats going on is illegal as hell.

Joan Meyer, who co-owned the newspaper with her son, repeatedly told officers the stress of ransacking her home was going to kill her, and thats going to be murder. She was so traumatized by the raid she wouldnt eat, drink or sleep. She died the next day from cardiac arrest.

With the same spirit she showed in standing up to the seven bullies who spent hours raiding her home, we must now continue her fight for the most cherished of American traditions  freedom of expression and freedom from abuse by those acting under the color of law, Eric Meyer said.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the raid, has not yet cleared the journalists of wrongdoing. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation turned the case over after Kansas Reflector reported that KBI agents had been involved in investigating the journalists and knew police were planning to raid the newspaper office.

Reporters Zorn and Gruver, as well as office manager Cheri Bentz, have filed separate lawsuits over the raid.

This story was published earlier by the Kansas Reflector, an affiliate of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which includes the Florida Phoenix.

The post Kansas newspaper that was raided by Marion police sues officials for attack on free press appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Backed by a Republican majority, Kansas lawmakers approved legislation Monday making it illegal to coerce a woman into getting an abortion.

GOP legislators sidestepped efforts from Democrats to criminalize all forms of reproductive coercion arguing the language would reinforce Kansas existing protections for abortion rights.

The bill, which the Kansas House approved with a near-veto-proof majority Monday roughly along party lines, now heads to Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys desk. The Kansas Senate passed the measure last week.

It would be a felony to coerce a pregnant person into undergoing an abortion under the measure. It defines coercion as making physical or financial threats to a pregnant persons wellbeing, the withholding of legal documents such as passports, controlling access to medication, or legal threats.

Proponents argued the legislation is essential to protecting women who may be forced into a decision they didnt want.

The bill is very carefully crafted, very narrowly tailored to address these situations where these women who may be victims of sex abuse or human trafficking are being compelled to have an abortion, Jeanne Gawdun, a lobbyist for Kansans for Life, said. It gives them some legal backing for their protection, also it gives tools to prosecutors to be able to seek justice.

Rep. Susan Estes, a Wichita Republican, said the bill would successfully protect our young people.

However, Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a Lenexa Democrat, argued the bill was too vague and did not clearly establish what would and would not be considered coercion.

This is not ready for prime time, she said. This is not ready to be put on the books. But there is bipartisan support to keep this moving.

Though abortion is generally an intensely partisan issue in Kansas the proposal had enjoyed rare bipartisan support when it was first introduced. Much of that support disintegrated after Republican lawmakers accepted, and then quickly rejected, an effort to broaden the bill to criminalize other forms of reproductive coercion  including abusive control of a womans contraceptives.

The amendment had gained bipartisan support in a House committee. But lawmakers instead moved forward with a Senate version of the bill that was limited to abortion.

Rep. Stephanie Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat, said the efforts to include all forms of reproductive coercion failed because anti-abortion groups in Kansas seek to normalize reproductive coercion for women.

A darker aspect of the groups that stripped this off is that perhaps they dont want there to be a crime of reproductive coercion, Clayton said. Perhaps they want the state to be able to do that to Kansas women. I certainly hope that wouldnt be the case, but if not, then why work so hard to strip that off?

Republicans said any broader language on reproductive coercion was overly vague. Gawdun, with Kansans for Life, said a broader bill would have distracted from the effort to protect those who may be coerced into an abortion.

Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, an Ottawa Republican who has spoken publicly about a doctor attempting to coerce her into an abortion she was young, argued the bill should remain limited to avoid codifying the 2019 state Supreme Court decision that established rights to abortion in Kansas.

If the 2019 decision were to fall or public opinion on abortion were to shift, she said, the language of the amendment from Democrats would tie the Legislatures hands.

We were not comfortable with having further future conversations and what would happen if public opinion changed, Schmoe said. We dont want to get ourselves into a situation where were having to repeal laws in order to cater to special interests.

She pledged to return to the issue next year and look at how Kansas domestic violence statutes could be strengthened.

I have been in an abusive relationship and I understand the pressure that can come in situations like that and I would never want to put a woman into a position where shes being trapped in a situation due to threat of violence if she doesnt move forward, she said. Its a really delicate tight rope and Im all for having conversations.

Hoye also pledged to bring back legislation prohibiting reproductive coercion next year.

Now that this issue is on my radar due to this bill, I know there is a way to incorporate this issue into what we have now, she said. If this bill does end up making it to the governors desk and she decides she cant support it, I will work to get a reproductive coercion bill together.
Kansas Republicans reject changing laws that say marriage is between a man and a woman

Kansas Republicans on Monday rejected an attempt by Democrats to change state laws that require marriage to be between a man and a woman.

While the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that states must recognize same-sex marriages, the Kansas Constitution and state statutes refer to marriage as between opposite sexes.

House Bill 2177 would have removed from statute the term "who are of the opposite sex" when defining the parties to a marriage contract and replace the term "take each other as husband and wife" with "desire to be married." It would also would have cut the phrase, "It is the strong public policy of this state only to recognize as valid marriages from other states that are between a man and a woman."

The bill was introduced in 2023 by three openly LGBTQ members of the Kansas House. But the bill never got a hearing.

Ahead of the last regular week of session, Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, made a motion to withdraw the bill from committee. House rules allow such motions if a committee hasn't acted on a bill within 10 work days.

Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, made a motion to pull a bill out of committee that would have changed state laws that don't recognize same-sex marriages.

Woodard made the motion on Wednesday "for the reason that no hearing has taken place since the bill was introduced Jan. 25, 2023  427 days ago  and that an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States wants to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges."

In a concurring opinion on the 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas said the high court should "reconsider" and "correct the error" in three other cases, including two that established rights to engage in gay sex and for same-sex couples to marry.

More: SCOTUS overturning Roe v. Wade renews pressure on Kansas same-sex marriage ban, sodomy law

On Monday, Woodard's motion failed 43-61, with a handful of Republicans joining Democrats. It needed 70 votes, which is seven more than a simple majority in the chamber of 125 representatives.

There was no debate over the motion.

A rainbow flag with a peace sign is waved by an LGBTQ rights supporter during a pride march in Topeka's NOTO district last summer.

How did Topeka representatives vote?

Yeas: Reps. John Alcala (D), Jesse Borjon (R), Kirk Haskins (D), Vic Miller (D), Tobias Schlingensiepen (D) and Virgil Weigel (D).

Nays: Reps. Ken Corbet (R) and Kyle McNorton (R).

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Republicans reject changing Kansas laws against same-sex marriage
KANSAS (KSNT)  Kansas has one of the highest rates of teachers leaving the profession in the nation with many leaving due to stress and burnout.

In 2021 and 2022, teachers in the USA were twice as likely to experience stress and difficulties coping than the general population, according to the RAND Corporation. A study found one in four teachers were considering leaving their job in 2021.

Stress and disappointment of the job, salary, and number of working hours were the top reasons teachers intended to leave, the report stated.

Main reason is burnout due to the stress of the profession, former agriculture teacher Ron Smith said. Taught in four different communities during my years and dealt with all types of situations, administrators, school boards, parents both good and bad! Never truly felt valued as an asset that teachers truly are in their communities. It is very difficult to associate in small communities where you didnt grow up and for teachers to put down roots in one place is rare due to the pressures put on.

Kansas second in nation for teachers leaving the job

My mental health was severely impacted by my experiences there, former Washburn Tech teacher Pam Manning said. She retired in 2022. While I can only speak for myself, I observed many of my colleagues struggling with their mental health, too.

Kansas had the second-highest estimated percentage of teachers leaving the profession at 12.2%; falling behind Vermont which had 17.4%, according to the NCES study. Data from the Kansas State Department of Education indicated an increase in teachers leaving from 8.5% in 2020 to 10.9% in 2021.

KSNT News spoke to the Dean of the School of Education at the Univerity of Kansas Rick Ginsberg and Associate Professor of Education at Kansas State University Tuan Nguyen on why teachers are leaving the job.

Stress has increased partially due to salary and how education is portrayed in many parts of the country. In Florida for example, teachers are being told what they can and cant teach. Some of those topics could include things like racism and US history, according to Nguyen.

Ginsberg says its a variety of things that have caused the situation. He said working conditions, pay and demands placed on teachers including mental health challenges are contributing factors.

The highest and lowest-paying school districts in Kansas

Certain subjects are more likely to see shortages such as math and science. Ginsberg says Kansas is now seeing shortages in broader areas with some districts having trouble finding teachers in areas like elementary schooling which have historically had a broad hiring pool.

Elephant in the room is salary, Ginsberg said. [If you] want to attract more people; double or triple the salary.

Kansas ranks in the bottom third for teacher salaries nationwide and average pay by district ranges from $41,318 to $74,989, according to government records.

Stress has increased in part due to salary and how education is portrayed in many parts of the country, Nguyen said.

Nguyen says when teachers are stressed out theyre more likely to leave their school to work for another school. But when teachers are burnt out theyre more likely to leave the profession altogether.

Overall were seeing teachers are feeling more stressed and more burnt out from their work, Nguyen said. Thats partly why were seeing an uptick in teachers leaving.

A report from the Kansas Teacher Retention Initiative from 2023 found two-thirds of school districts are experiencing teacher shortages, teacher vacancies increased 62% from 2020 to 2021, teacher enrollment was down one-third from 2010 to 2017 and now a majority of parents discourage their children from becoming teachers.

I dont think people go into teaching to get rich, Ginsberg said. But another part of it is salary, its terrible.

Ginsberg worked with the Kansas Board of Regents on its Educator Workforce Task Force last year. The task force recommended addressing teacher salaries. While there were no projected costs in the report, it said tens of millions of dollars would be needed to boost salaries for teachers in Kansas.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Get the latest in weather alerts by downloading our Storm Track Weather App.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Jacobs Meat Market pranked its sausage-loving public when it announced it'd be selling its beloved meat market to "yet another apartment building (complex compound) going up in the city of Appleton." Management decided to further the prank with new signage.

April Fools' Day seems designed to be a gullible person's least favorite day of the year  and this year's no exception.

While some of us are walking through the day as though it were lined with tripwire, the tricksters among us are rubbing their palms in giddy anticipation. It's enough to make us question if any big news announcement is even real. (Yes, so far as we know, the National Weather Service is forecasting several inches of snow across the state Tuesday.)

Wisconsin's chicanery truly has range, from a meat purveyor's well-crafted press release to a police department's cutting edge new water unit to a sasquatch sighting on a wetland reserve. PR teams busted out their Photoshop skills and clever wordsmithing, making sure to get in a few jokes at their own expense for good measure.

Here's a look at the silliest April Fools' Day pranks from some unexpected social media accounts, in no particular order.

Neenah police and the Implement of Husbandry vehicle

Neenah Police Department fleeced the public Monday morning when it announced a new fleet of law enforcement vehicles called implement of husbandry enforcement vehicles. The gag included a photoshop of a John Deere tractor with Neenah's insignia over the tractor's trademark green and yellow.

Normally, explaining the joke detracts from the humor, but Neenah Police Department did take the time to explain what an implement of husbandry vehicle even does  which, in its own way, also served as an educational campaign for people who actually utilize implements of husbandry.

"With planting season right around the corner, keep an eye out for implements of husbandry (IoH), especially on the more rural roadways to the west and south of the city. This new NPD IoH will be able to get through areas that police cars cannot easily traverse, and also be able to push obstacles out of the way in the event of an emergency," the Facebook post read.

Wausau police's add kayak unit?

Other law enforcement agencies were also thinking about fresh new ways to traverse. Wausau Police Department made a splash this morning when it announced its new kayak unit. Everybody knows the best way to catch an assailant by water is by paddle.

And whoever designed the kayak unit pulled out all the stops. In what may otherwise be a serene kayak trip on one of Wausau's iconic lakes, the Wausau Police Department depicted an officer brandishing its "W" logo along with two red and blue sirens on the kayak's stern.

"In an effort to keep our waterways safe this summer, the Wausau Police Department is proud to announce our new Kayak Speed Detection Unit. This team of highly skilled officers and will be patrolling our waterways to detect kayaks and canoes which are paddling in excess of the speed limit. Any paddle craft found in excess of 55 mph will be fined $401.24," the Facebook post read.

Fox Crossing police join the fun

And, not to be outdone, Fox Crossing Police Department took April 1 to announce its very first emotional support animal to the force: Mick the Alligator. The soft, fluffy scales and nurturing reptilian eyes can lull anybody into a state of calm, and that's especially so as the baby crocodile reaches its mature size of 10 feet and 500 pounds.

The relaxing reptile was allegedly a community donation from J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue.

Based on the comments and hundreds of shares, people seemed eager for this little gator to join the force.

"The benefits of having a dedicated support animal trained to provide emotional comfort have been proven over and over again in police departments across the country. After many months of rigorous training, Mick is ready to be deployed full time and give us some much needed snuggles to melt away the stress of a hectic career in law enforcement! He'll continue to undergo instruction and certifications to become an undoubtedly elite emotional support animal and the pride of FCPD," the Facebook post read.

A merger for Howard-Suamico?

Howard-Suamico goes together like peanut butter and jelly. Sure, you've had one or the other before, but it's got a much better ring together. And so it should come as no surprise that the two villages made the important non-decision of announcing their merging as one village.

Howard-Suamico School District contains nine schools and 5,879 students. So the historic merger will finally relieve the confusion, and potentially the identity crisis, of so many local businesses and residents in Suamico and Howard.

Department leaders from both villages will have no choice but to go "head-for-head in a game of pickleball to see who gets to retain their title." And, since Election Day is already upon us and far too late for declarations of candidacy, "elected officials from both villages will remain and form one giant 16-member body. Tie votes will be broken by a polka dance-off."

"Village of Suamico Administrator had this to say about the merger: 'Honestly, its about time. Municipalities around the state should be considering similar mergers to save time and money. Theres no reason we need to have two logos, for example. They are practically the same bird,'" the Facebook post read.

(Readers, they are not the same bird.)

Village of Suamico Administrator had this to say about the merger, honestly, its about time. Municipalities around the state should be considering similar mergers to save time and money. Theres no reason we need to have two logos, for example. They are practically the same bird.

Gone Sasquatchin' with Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

As the saying goes, a simple sasquatch sighting goes a long way. And Heckrodt Wetland Reserve certainly kept it simple when it joked about a wandering wood ape lumbering on one of its boardwalk.

Conservation and nature pages have been dominating social media pages for a few years now. One of our intrepid reporters even scored an interview with the biggest, quippiest Lake Superior. Heckrodt Wetland Reserve's mission is to "enhance, restore, and preserve the Reserve and educate all people on the importance of conserving our natural resources."

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, located in Menasha, has done such a good job at preservation, it's no wonder Bigfoot came out of the woodwork to enjoy a morning lark.

Jacobs Meat Market trades sausage-making for chic minimalist apartments

In Wisconsin, it makes sense that a much adored meat market would contribute to the prank-filled day with really focused humor. Jacobs Meat Market duped everyone when it announced it was selling its nearly 80-year-old meat market to White Knight Development LLC for a "multi-story, mixed-use apartment building compound."

The press release offered many, many details about its plans to rebrand away from German-style sausage to something closer to a J.G. Ballard-style science fiction nightmare. Offering some good old fashioned gentrification humor, the press release noted it would be reserving 10 studio apartments "for the exclusive use of White Knight Development LLC, as part of their AirBnB portfolio."

Among the accoutrements, Jacobs Meat Market joked that the building would have "smart" apartments, with "affordable" options  bedrooms designed with neither bathrooms nor kitchens, but unisex locker-room style restrooms on either side of the second floor.

But the true piece de resistance is the penthouse apartment, replete with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private elevator and, obviously, a heliport. The press release said it won't be available for 20 years, but will eventually be the Appleton mayor's official home.

Luke Jacobs, Jacobs Meat Market owner, is quoted in the press release, slurring through his seventh Bloody Mary that he couldn't resist the heliport. When USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reached out to Jacobs, he understandably had to rest after a busy morning of Bloodies. But employee Eric Orozco responded soberly to the request.

"We could think of nothing better for the believable/unbelievable category than yet another apartment building (complex compound) going up in the city of Appleton," Orozco said. "With that premise, things snowballed easily to include the very upsetting (and hilarious) details as found in the press release."

Asked whether Jacobs would still insist on a heliport for his business, Orozco offered a professional take on the situation: "As for heliport plans, we'd love to paint a large circle with an H in it on the roof, but we fear some pilot might use it to disastrous results," Orozco said. "They're difficult to find, but we do have limits."

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Northeast Wisconsin businesses, agencies have fun on April Fools' Day
Ulviyya Shahin

The number of Romanian tourists visiting Azerbaijan in the first months of 2024 increased by 29%, Jalil Malikov, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Tourism Agency, Head of the International Relations Department, said at the 8th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, which was held in Baku, Azernews reports.

According to him, although the low number of tourists from Romania is due to the impact of the pandemic, an increase in this direction is expected in the coming years.

Malikov also gave information about the tourism potential of Garabagh.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 1. Kyrgyzstan plans to develop nuclear energy to produce electricity, said Deputy Minister of Energy Taalaibek Baigaziev during the ATOMEXPO-2024 forum in Sochi (Russia), Trend reports.

"Kyrgyzstan is heading towards the development of nuclear power. Naturally, this cannot be done or built in one year. However, we are now exploring everything based on our network infrastructure," he said.

Along with this, in 2023, Kyrgyzstan imported 3.4 billion kWh of electricity. Electricity was imported from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

According to the Deputy Minister, importing electricity puts a strain on transportation networks in the winter.

"We have set a course for increasing internal capacities using renewable energy sources, building base generation of 100300 MW," he said.

As Baigaziev noted, the country also intends to develop wind energy.

Meanwhile, in 2022, Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Energy signed a memorandum of cooperation with Rosatom for the construction of a small nuclear power plant using the RITM-200 reactor in Kyrgyzstan. Later, it was announced that this involves the construction of one or several small nuclear power stations, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts.

Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan plans to put into operation 17 hydroelectric power stations (HPS) by 2026. The Kyrgyz government intends to commission at least 50 MW of new capacity in 2024 and 62 MW in 2026, including both big and minor hydroelectric power facilities.

The country also plans to introduce an additional capacity of 6,450 MW of solar and wind power stations between 2024 and 2026. Approximately 13 stations are expected to become operational during this period.
Keep your thermostat at this setting when youre not home in the summer to save money

As the calendar turns to the warmer months, now is the time for Kansas City residents to think about preparing their homes for the spring and summer.

Area temperatures reached as high as 80 in the past week and will warm up again this weekend. When the temps rise, we turn to our air conditioner for relief but that typically results in higher electric bills.

Heres what you should set your thermostat to inside your home as the temperatures rise outside.

What temperature should I set my thermostat?

During the spring and summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when youre not home, which could save you up to 10% on your energy bill, according to the Kansas Corporation Commission.

While that may seem warm, keeping your HVAC on a cooler setting for a long period of time can overwork it, leading to a higher energy bill.

If you can, set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you are sleeping or not at home. This will help you save money.

The Missouri Public Service Commission advises against repeatedly adjusting the temperature during the day because it wastes money and energy.

How can I stay cool inside when its warm outside?

Here are a few tips from the Kansas Corporation Commission and the Missouri Public Service Commission on how to stay cool inside while saving money on your energy bill.

Make sure to seal all leaks that could be letting cool air out of your home. According to the Kansas Corporation Commission, one small leak is the same as having a 3-foot by 3-foot window open.

Use ceiling fans to cool. Running fans counterclockwise will produce a wind chill effect, according to the commission.

Unplug all electronics youre not using. If something is plugged in, it can cause heat, even if the device is turned off.

Turn off lights that are not being used.

Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day to keep passive solar energy from heating up your home. Make sure your drapes or shades are not blocking vents, as that can restrict air circulation.

You can visit the Missouri Public Service Commission for more tips on how to save energy and money during the summer.
Watch this weeks full episode of Kern County In Depth in the video player above.

For months now, 17 News has reported on an issue that has impacted so many families in our community.

There has been an increase of people being arrested for trying to contact young children for sex. One of the latest examples happened less than a week ago, when a shocking arrest took place at a motel in north Bakersfield.

The suspect? Former Delano police chief, Mark DeRosia.

DeRosia was arrested March 26 on suspicion of contacting a minor with the intent to commit sexual acts and arranging to meet a minor with the intent to commit sexual acts. Hes out on $100,000 bail.

Kern County In Depth: March 24, 2024

The District Attorneys Office said once they receive the case, they will decide whether to file charges.

DeRosia was dismissed by the Delano Police Department in 2017 for reasons unknown.

17 News went to the department in person, but was told no comment.

In a statement to 17 News, Delano Mayor Joe Alindajao said, in part, Mr. DeRosias conduct as a private citizen and former employee does not reflect upon the honorable men and women of the Delano Police Department nor any of the citys employees.

And, two weeks ago, there was another disturbing example  a local girl was found in Utah with a man she had met online.

The Kern County Sheriffs Office confirmed the 11-year-old girl, who was reported missing two weeks ago and later found a few hours later in Utah, had an online relationship with the adult man who took her. Court documents reveal it all began on the social media platform Snapchat.

KCSO said the man traveled from Colorado to Bakersfield, where he picked the girl up, and started his return trip home with her. The man was identified as 29-year-old Joshua Michael Stehle of Thornton, Colorado.

Kern County In Depth: March 17, 2024

Court documents also showed Stehle gave the girl a promise ring, told her he was going to marry her when she was 18 years old and insisted they were in a relationship after inappropriately touching her in his vehicle.

Kern deputies alerted officers along the route and the man was stopped on Interstate 70 in Salina, Utah  nine hours and 600 miles from Bakersfield.

Stehle was arrested, a gun was seized and the girl was rescued. Deputies flew her back to Bakersfield.

Sgt. Eric Celedon with the Bakersfield Police Department and Titania Jordan with Bark Technologies joined Kern County In Depth to talk more about how to stay vigilant among reports of child predators.

This episode of Kern County In Depth aired on March 31, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Neither the authorities nor the military currently deem evacuation from Kharkiv necessary despite the continuous Russian attacks.

Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov in an interview with LIGA.net

Quote from Terekhov: "Evacuation is underway from the oblast where fighting is ongoing, and these people are heading towards Kharkiv. Currently, the city has a population of 1.3 million residents. So far, neither we nor the military see any grounds for evacuating from Kharkiv. This is part of Russian psychological operations to intimidate and unsettle the residents."

Details: He added that Russia is currently using new weaponry against Kharkiv, including projectiles with a larger impact radius. However, the Russians themselves have not advanced closer to the city.

Mostly, the Russians are attacking Kharkiv from Russias Belgorod and its surrounding region. The S-300 missile system is most frequently employed. Terekhov said that this weaponry reaches Kharkiv in 40 seconds. Additionally, the Russians are using Shahed drones.

Quote from Terekhov: "I don't know what the enemy's plan is. Almost all critical energy infrastructure, including individual infrastructure, has been practically destroyed. Russia wants to intimidate us, but it's impossible. Over the past two years, we've seen various threats, starting with sabotage operations in Kharkiv. There were times when only 300,000 people remained in the city of almost two million. The situation for the energy sector is very challenging."

Details: Terekhov emphasised that "no one is giving up."

"We have invincibility centres working around the clock. After the recent blackout following the shelling, 28,000 Kharkiv residents came there. People are being fed for free in schools. Over the past year, 10 million servings of food have been distributed. We have experienced even tougher times  we will survive these as well," emphasised the mayor of Kharkiv [invincibility centres are heated premises stocked with food and power banks to assist residents facing hardships due to power cuts; a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.].

He also said that currently, it is not important what the Russians are preparing, but how the Ukrainians will respond.

"The Russians will not succeed in exhausting Kharkiv. There is no panic in the city. Russia's attempts to intimidate are futile  people are united. Kharkiv is an outpost of Ukraine. And we understand this perfectly well," summed up Terekhov.

Background:

Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza reported that Russian "political elites" are not ruling out that Russia and its ruler Vladimir Putin might try to capture Kharkiv and gradually end the so-called "special military operation" [as the Russians call the war in Ukraine  ed.] or that he is ready to "go to the end - even to Kyiv".

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that the military is carrying out large-scale work on the fortification of territories where the Russians may launch an offensive. He has also expressed the opinion that a possible attack on Kharkiv would be a fatal mistake for Russia.

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Kharkiv needs over US$10 billion for reconstruction; mayor explains how city deals with power issues

More than US$10 billion is needed to reconstruct everything that Russia has damaged in Kharkiv.

Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov in an interview with liga.net

Details: Terekhov said that Kharkiv has several priorities in its budget, and one of them is recovery. Terekhov stressed that no city budget in the world can withstand the burden of US$10 billion, so the city is engaging international partners.

"Russia is lying when it says it only hits military targets. With each strike, we have more and more evidence that this is a real genocide," Terekhov stressed.

Regarding the destruction caused by Russia in the last ten days of March, Terekhov said that the Russians destroyed all transformer substations and damaged the local thermal power plant. There was a power outage in Kharkiv.

"It is impossible to restore these facilities quickly. They are working, but not fully restored. Together with the power engineers, we managed to perform a miracle. The next evening, the power went back on in residential buildings. Unfortunately, there is not enough voltage. We had to end the heating season early to save money," he added.

The city introduced rolling power outage schedules and decided not to light the streets.

"I cannot promise that we will restore all the capacity within a specific timeframe," Terekhov stated.

Terekhov also said that this heating season the city was partially prepared for attacks on energy facilities.

"This heating season we have been working partly due to the fact that we have built modular boiler rooms in residential neighbourhoods. Despite the power outage in the city, 40,000 consumers did not even feel it because we had installed alternative heating in preparation for the winter. The boiler rooms were operating and switched to generators," he added.

In addition, differentiation of the heating network will be a priority in preparing for the new heating season to reduce the load on stationary large thermal power plants.

There were also interruptions in the city's water supply, which is directly dependent on energy. Kharkiv residents were asked to stock up on water.

"We are considering several alternatives. One of them is drilling wells, for example. In times of war, differentiation is needed in all areas.

This is a good resolution of problems with water supply, heating and electricity. It's time to move away from large-scale centralisation as much as possible," Terekhov summed up.

Background:

The day before, it was reported that there were no power outages in Kharkiv, for the first time since 22 March, when the city's energy infrastructure was heavily damaged by Russian attacks.

As a result of the Russian attack on 22 March, Zmiivka thermal power plant, which is the largest power plant in Kharkiv Oblast and one of the largest in Ukraine, was destroyed.

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What to know about "beachcombing"  Jace Tunnell highlights strange beach finds

Before the sun rises, marine biologist Jace Tunnell regularly sets off from his home to trek down the beach, snapping photos of shells and beach organisms, messages in a bottle, capsized boats, creepy doll heads and anything else that he finds washed up on the shoreline.

On a Tuesday earlier this month, Tunnell drove about 16 miles down South Beach at the Padre Island National Seashore, weaving his way around the massive tree trunks that littered the beach that day, turning back before the rising high tide reached the sand dunes and cut off his path home.

Sometimes he makes it as far as the Mansfield Channel, 60 miles down the beach. Other times, he travels to Matagorda Island or other Texas beaches. When it isnt rainy or windy like it was March 19, Tunnell conducts his beach surveys by electric bike.

Jace Tunnell, a marine biologist and community engagement director with Harte Research Institute, searches the beach at Padre Island National Seashore for items and animals that washed ashore on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Tunnell joined Texas A&M University-Corpus Christis Harte Research Institute for Gulf Mexico Studies in August, filling the institutes social media channels with photos of his finds and weekly videos. He also recently started contributing a weekly radio segment on KEDT. Tunnell also does about 75 community and school presentations each year.

Its all community engagement and trying to get the community to know whats going on in the Gulf of Mexico and to get them interested, Tunnell said. We think that ultimately leads to conservation and the protection of the Gulf of Mexico.

Jace Tunnell drives a university truck along the beach searching for items and animals to create a video on for his beach combing series with Texas A&M  Corpus Christi on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Tunnells beachcombing reputation online goes back years, including his time at the University of Texas Marine Science Insitute in Port Aransas.

Tunnell has been interviewed by media outlets from across the country. Last year, John Olivers Last Week Tonight Show featured Tunnell and the many dolls and doll parts he has found on the beach.

The show bought some of the doll heads with a donation to sea turtle and bird rehabilitation.

If I find a doll head, thats usually going to be the first photo I put up because were always trying to reach new audiences and bringing in a doll head brings in a new audience that we dont normally get to talk to about science, Tunnell said.

Terns take flight at Padre Island National Seashore on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Tunnell, who grew up in the Coastal Bend and recalls helping his scientist father with beach surveys during his childhood, began his current beachcombing habitats while working at the UT Marine Science Institute.

For decades, Marine Science Institute researcher Tony Amos conducted near-daily detailed beach surveys. When Amos died in 2017, he was several years into a 10-year grant supporting his surveys.

He would count everything, Tunnell said. He would count people, helicopters, shrimp boats, cars, the amounts and types of plastic. He did the width of the beach and water quality.

Tunnell and others at the institute continued the surveys, though they slowed to once a week, looking out for sea turtles and birds. Tunnell saw the weekly surveys as a chance to educate people about the Gulf and began taking photos.

During the pandemic, Tunnell began making videos. He planned on making about 30 videos with the institute staff, but by the time he left the institute in 2023, theyd made about 160 videos.

Jace Tunnell, a marine biologist and community engagement director with Harte Research Institute, picks up a shoe while looking through a pile of debris and driftwood at Padre Island National Seashore on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Already, Tunnell has collected enough content to put out videos for the Harte Research Institute through October. Several times a week, he gets messages from beach visitors asking about things theyve found.

Its almost endless, what we could talk about on the beach, Tunnell said.

What is there to find on the beach?

Tunnell delights in finding evidence of sea life. Recently, he spotted blue dragons on the beach. On March 19, he stopped to photograph Portuguese man o wars and blue buttons.

People hate these things but they are so pretty, Tunnell said, crouching to take a photo of a man o war.

While combing the beach, Jace Tunnell, a marine biologist with Harte Research Institute, stops to photograph a buoy that washed ashore at Padre Island National Seashore on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The beach was also covered in plant matter and driftwood in the form of giant tree trunks.

A lot of this vegetation thats been washed up is actually freshwater plants, Tunnell said. Thats where a lot of these sticks are coming from too  we think theyre coming from the Mississippi River. A month ago, they had real heavy rains.

Texas beaches are known for the large amounts of debris that wash up.

We get ten times the amount of debris on our shorelines of any other state in the Gulf of Mexico, including Mexico, Tunnell said.

Many of the rivers in Texas feed into bay systems, with barrier islands like North Padre Island separating the bays from the Gulf of Mexico.

Waters flow through passes between the islands  most of the trash and debris that washes onto the beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico doesnt come from Texas. It comes from everywhere else.

Tunnell has found West African fishing gear, items from Cuba and trash that flowed down the Mississippi River into the Gulf. He's found bowling balls and buoys.

Tunnell often must research new things that hes found.

Thats what keeps me going, Tunnell said. Its never-ending that theres something new washing up.

Beach visitors can also see the ways in which people have made little bits of nature their own, reacting to the debris in strange or surprising ways. Those who visit Padre Island National Seashore and make the drive down the beach will likely remember beach art like the post covered in hard hats. A similar post, covered in flip flops and sandals, exists south of Bob Hall Peer.

Thats what makes life interesting I guess, Tunnell said.

Jace Tunnell, a marine biologist and community engagement director with Harte Research Institute, looks at a buoy stranded on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Tunnell said the buoy was likely a channel marker.

On March 19, there was evidence of an extinguished campfire under a rusty channel marker buoy that washed up long ago. Graffiti marks its sides.

After fishing competitions, pineapples thrown in the sea for luck drift to the beach.

Tunnell has found over 30 messages in bottles.

I always look at the bottles, Tunnell said.

Hes found a few messages in plastic bottles, but most are in glass bottles. In 2021, he found a bottle dropped by an 11-year-old French girl who was traveling the world with her family in a catamaran. The message included a drawing of the world showing the familys adventures.

Tunnell made a video about the bottle and mailed a letter to the family. Another time, he found a message dropped by a honeymooning couple. He was able to correspond with this family as well.

The proper message in a bottle etiquette, Tunnell said, is to include your address and money for postage in the bottle so that someone can write back if they find the bottle.

These finds are fun, but Tunnell added that dropping numerous plastic bottles in the ocean, something he has come across before, is not good for the environment or wildlife.

Sometimes, beach visitors might come across stranger or sadder sights.

Somewhere, sometime ago, someone cut up large plastic barrels and nailed them together with wooden boards, creating a crude float.

Jace Tunnell, a marine biologist and community engagement director with Harte Research Institute, talks about a stranded makeshift raft he discovered at Padre Island National Seashore for an episode of his beach combing series for the university on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

It could have come from anywhere, but when Tunnell came across the boat March 18, he was reminded of other boats that have washed up on the coast, including rafts made by Cuban migrants and illegal fishing boats.

The U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted thousands of migrants from the Carribean, traveling often in homemade vessels in recent years. Between Oct. 1, 2023 and Feb. 22, the coast guard repatriated 308 migrants to Cuba. Between Oct. 1, 2023 and March 12, it repatriated 131 migrants to Haiti.

How can the public help protect beaches and the oceans?

In January and February, low tides can result in beaches covered in seashells. Taking home too many of the seashells that serve as homes for crabs can be harmful, Tunnell said, because the animals can be vulnerable to predators if they dont have a shell.

Hermit crabs need something to live in, Tunnell said.

Tunnell hopes that by raising awareness, others will be inspired to help protect the environment.

Maybe its just, Oh, I can pick up trash in my city because everything leads to the ocean, Tunnell said.

Decision-makers could also decide to devote more money to protecting habitats and wildlife, Tunnell said.

Beachcombers can see the negative impact people can have on the environment through abundance of trash and items discarded, forgotten or lost by humans across the globe that end up on the beach, just a fraction of what exists in the oceans.

Something positive visitors might see on the beach is sea foam. Foam is formed when organic matter is dissolved in the ocean. Its a sign of life.

Organic matter and plant matter is also normal on the beach, Tunnell said.

Its what we like to see, he said.

Tunnell leaves most everything he finds on the beach, unless its something that might endanger sea creatures or a particularly interesting item.

Items made of plastic are sometimes found riddled in holes. These holes can be sea turtle bites.

Jace Tunnell, a marine biologist and community engagement director with Harte Research Institute, explains holes in a plastic oil container at Padre Island National Seashore on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Young sea turtles mistake plastic objects for food and take angular bites, Tunnell explained.

Rope and netting can ensnare sea creatures. Tunnell has found dead sea turtles before.

When I give presentations, people ask, What can we do in our lives to help change things? Tunnell said. It can be as simple as picking something up off the ground.

In February, 2,000 volunteers removed 28 tons of trash from the Padre Island National Seashore during the annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup.

The Texas General Land Offices Adopt-A-Beach program is holding a coastwide clean-up April 20.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Social media posts bring attention to Texas beach finds
(Bloomberg) -- South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol said he wont back down on a plan to increase the number of medical school seats, while leaving room for talks in a weekslong dispute that has prompted the walkout of almost all the nations trainee doctors.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In an hour-long speech to the nation, Yoon said Monday the governments plan to add 2,000 more slots at medical schools a year was a minimum requirement to address the countrys doctor shortage, largely sticking to his policy on the need to boost the numbers.

Still, the government is willing to discuss the plan if doctors come up with a reasonable alternative proposal, he said, keeping the door open to negotiations.

If the medical sector wants to claim that the size of increase should be reduced, they should make a unified proposal based on concrete, scientific evidence, not through collective action, Yoon said. If they come up with more valid, reasonable solution, we can discuss it for sure.

Yoons remarks come with almost all of South Koreas 13,000 trainee doctors still refusing to work in protest over the plan after more than a month. The trainees play key roles in emergency care and surgeries.

While voters appeared to back Yoons stance on the doctors at first, the speech may have been aimed at shoring up support for the governments position ahead of a parliamentary election and avoiding the appearance of a lack of communication on the issue.

It looks like the presidential office has come to the conclusion they will lose even more votes if they back-track from here, said Lee Ju-yul, a professor at the Department of Health Administration at Namseoul University. They appear to be trying to stick with the current plan while leaving the door open for talks after the election.

Read More: South Korean Doctors Seek to Avoid Same Fate as Lawyers

The government has said the increase in university slots from the current 3,058 is the first in nearly three decades and needed to elevate the quality of medical services for the countrys rapidly aging population. The doctors contend the plan wont fix fundamental problems such as a shortage of physicians in fields seen as lower paying and a concentration of doctors in urban areas.

The government cant help but respond according to law and principle if they stage illegal group acts, holding peoples lives as hostage, Yoon said. Please return to your medical posts where patients are waiting for you.

The Korean Medical Association, which represents about 15,000 doctors, said Yoons address was disappointing.

Some observers have said the ongoing walkout is more about protecting the earning power of physicians rather than improving the quality of health care. Doctors in South Korea have some of the highest pay in the developed world compared to average wages, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The message seems to be that Yoon wont compromise on the number, said Jeong Hyoung-sun, a professor at the Department of Health Administration at Yonsei University. Yoon is telling doctors to come up with scientific grounds to revise the number, but the government has been saying all along that their 2,000 number is based on thorough research and calculation.

Yoon said the quota increase wont lead to a decrease in doctors income, citing rising demand for medical services.

If the reason for opposing the quota increase is concerns over a drop in the expected income, that will never be the case, Yoon said. Overall income for doctors wont decrease compared to now.

South Korea is preparing for a parliamentary election on April 10, a crucial vote for the president as his conservative party seeks to push forward its pro-business policies and maintain a tough line on organized labor.

The latest poll shows Yoons People Power Party leading in support ahead of the vote, but the margin may not be large enough to wrest control of parliament from the progressive bloc dominating the body.

Polling shows support for Yoons plan but the numbers have slipped in recent weeks among voters who want to see an end to the labor action.

The public is generally in support of the increase, but their anxiety has been growing. Its the question of What if I get hurt or sick right now? Voters with those concerns cant favor the government, said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University.

--With assistance from Jon Herskovitz.

(Updates with reaction from Korean Medical Association in paragraph 10.)

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Plasma Trappers

South Korean scientists have set a new world record using the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device, an "artificial Sun" nuclear fusion reactor, in what they say is a major step forward for the tech.

The team was able to generate plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius  seven times as hot as the Sun's core  for 48 seconds, indicating we're finding new ways to confine the stuff and potentially turn it into a viable source of power for longer periods. The facility's previous record, set in 2021, was just 30 seconds.

In theory, fusion energy is simple. By fusing atoms together inside a reactor, scientists are hoping to generate a net positive amount of safe and pollution-free energy  the same way that stars such as our solar system's Sun work. However, despite the latest breakthrough and many decades of research, we're still nowhere near a place where fusion reactors could replace conventional nuclear power reactors at scale.

But teams at the Korean Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) are nonetheless optimistic.

The latest record "will be of great help to secure the predicted performance in ITER operation in time and to advance the commercialization of fusion energy," KFE director Si-Woo Yoon told CNN, referring to the world's largest nuclear reactor that's currently being built in southern France.

Tokamak Toke

By confining blistering hot plasma inside a donut-shaped fusion reactor called a "tokamak," researchers are hoping to gain a net positive amount of energy out of the reaction by heating water, and turning the resulting steam into electricity using turbines and generators.

According to Yoon, the goal is to eventually sustain temperatures of over 100 million degrees Celsius for 300 seconds by 2026, at which point researchers could find new ways to scale up operations.

Other tokamak reactors around the world have also achieved breakthroughs over the last couple of years. Last year, Chinese scientists managed to confine plasma for 403 seconds inside the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak.

Using the Joint European Torus in the UK, researchers set a new fusion energy world record earlier this year, producing 69 megajoules  enough to power around 12,000 homes, per New Scientist  though only for five seconds.

Scientists have also claimed they've gotten twice the amount of energy they had to put into the National Ignition Facility's laser-based reactor  which differs greatly from conventional tokamak designs  at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US.

But whether all this research will ever add up to a fusion energy revolution that could replace nuclear fission reactors once and for all remains to be seen.

The ITER facility in France is set to be completed sometime next year, at which point we could finally get closer to some much-needed answers.

More on fusion energy: Fusion Facility Generates Twice the Power Put Into It
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 1. Kyrgyzstan is expecting a state visit from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the country's President Sadyr Zhaparov, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the Kyrgyz president, this statement was made during phone talks with the president of Turkiye following the municipal elections held in that country. However, the visit's date and other particulars are not made public.

The heads of state exchanged views on current issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and discussed the progress of the implementation of previously reached agreements. Zhaparov emphasized his readiness to continue the dialogue on relevant directions of bilateral interaction.

During the conversation, Zhaparov congratulated Erdogan on the successful conduct of municipal elections. The elections were held on March 31. Voting took place from 8:00 to 17:00 local time.

According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the country's trade turnover with Turkiye amounted to $37.217 million in January 2024, which is 20.7 percent less than in the same month of 2023.
The Kremlin is demanding that Ukraine arrest its security chief and send him to Russia

The Kremlin is demanding that Ukraine arrest its security chief and send him to Russia

Russia is demanding that Ukraine arrest its own security chief and extradite him to Moscow.

The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Vasyl Malyuk of being involved in terrorist acts.

Malyuk said in July 2023 that his agency had destroyed a bridge in Crimea in October 2022.

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded on Sunday evening that Ukraine arrest the head of its own security services and extradite him to Russia.

The ministry issued a statement blaming Vasyl Malyuk, the chief of the Security Service of Ukraine, for an explosion at a bridge in Crimea that Russia said killed five people in October 2022.

The statement called the explosion one of several "barbaric bomb attacks," mentioning them alongside the devastating Moscow concert hall attack in March 2022 that killed at least 140 people.

Russia has accused Kyiv of facilitating the concert hall attack, with leader Vladimir Putin saying that Ukraine's authorities allowed the gunmen to pass through its borders. No evidence was presented to support this accusation, and the terrorist group ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for the killings.

As for the bridge explosion in Crimea, Malyuk said publicly in July 2023 that his agency was behind the attack.

"It is one of our actions, namely the destruction of the Crimean bridge on October 8 last year," he told Ukrainian TV, per The Associated Press.

Before this admission, Ukraine was already widely regarded as responsible for the bridge's destruction.

Russia's foreign ministry described the bridge attack as a terrorist act, and said it told Kyiv to "immediately arrest and extradite every person implicated."

Moscow and Kyiv have been engaged in open war since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Ukraine's security service told local media that Russia's claims of Kyiv-sanctioned terrorism were "especially cynical on the anniversary of the liberation of the town of Bucha and the atrocities committed by the Russians there."

"So any words by the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry are worthless," it said in a statement, per Ukrainska Pravda.

The security service added that Putin himself is subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, over accusations of his forces carrying out war crimes against children in Ukraine.

The press team for the Security Service of Ukraine did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Russian Embassy, as President Biden announces new sanctions on Russia, in Washington

MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin on Monday dismissed a report that Russian military intelligence may be behind the mysterious "Havana syndrome" ailment that has afflicted U.S. diplomats and spies globally.

Insider, a Russia-focused investigative media group based in Riga, Latvia reported that members of a Russian military intelligence (GRU) unit known as 29155 had been placed at the scene of reported health incidents involving U.S. personnel.

The year-long Insider investigation in collaboration with 60 Minutes and Germany's Der Spiegel also reported that senior members of Unit 29155 received awards and promotions for work related to the development of "non-lethal acoustic weapons".

"This is not a new topic at all; for many years the topic of the so-called 'Havana Syndrome' has been exaggerated in the press, and from the very beginning it was linked to accusations against the Russian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about the report.

"But no one has ever published or expressed any convincing evidence of these unfounded accusations anywhere," Peskov said. "Therefore, all this is nothing more than baseless, unfounded accusations by the media."

In Washington, the Pentagon confirmed that a senior Pentagon official experienced symptoms similar to those associated with the "Havana syndrome" during the NATO summit in Vilnius last year.

Symptoms of the ailment have included migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said that official was not a part of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's delegation and referred questions to the intelligence community on the broader issue.

The Office of the Director for National Intelligence pointed to the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment that said the U.S. intelligence community continues "to closely examine" so-called Anomalous Health Incidents but noted that most agencies concluded that it "is very unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible."

U.S. intelligence agencies assessed that symptoms, first reported by U.S. embassy officials in the Cuban capital Havana in 2016, probably were the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary.

The Insider report said the first incident of "Havana Syndrome" symptoms may have happened earlier than 2016.

It said "there were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a U.S. government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam".

U.S. Congress passed the Havana Act in 2021 authorising the State Department, CIA and other U.S. government agencies to provide payments to staff and their families affected by the ailment during assignment.

(Writing by Guy Faulconbridge. Additional reporting by Idrees Ali and Jonathan Landay in Washington;Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Alexandra Hudson)
Ky senator had a solution for at-risk youths in custody. Then the money vanished

Kentuckys next two-year state budget does not include $112 million needed to build a proposed 16-bed mental health treatment facility for the Department of Juvenile Justice and two 24-bed girls detention centers that state officials requested to keep girls apart from boys following a rape during a 2022 riot.

Disappointed doesnt even begin to describe how I feel about that, said Sen. Danny Carroll, who promoted the construction of the facilities during the legislative session thats nearing its end.

The Department of Juvenile Justice long has struggled with the abuse and neglect of youths in its custody, failing to provide them with the protection they need, Carroll, a Benton Republican, noted.

This has been a crisis, said Carroll, chairman of the Senate Committee on Families and Children. Everyone is agreed that this is a crisis that needs to be addressed immediately.

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Gov. Andy Beshear included most of the projects money in his own budget recommendation earlier this year. His cabinet officials endorsed the projects in testimony to legislative committees, calling them necessary to improve services for teenagers held at the Department of Juvenile Justice.

This is incredibly disappointing as it hinders Kentuckys at-risk youth from receiving the care they need to grow and develop into healthy functioning adults and violates Senate Bill 162 as passed by the General Assembly, Justice and Public Safety Secretary Keith Jackson said on Friday.

Jackson was referring to a law enacted last year requiring mental health services for teens held in the juvenile justice system.

We strongly advocate to the General Assembly to do the right thing and include the funding as it has been proposed, Jackson said.

Carroll, working with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Kentucky Hospital Association and others, crafted a plan in his Senate Bill 242 to build three facilities.

Kentucky especially needs a professionally run treatment facility to help high acuity youths in the juvenile justice system who are considered potentially dangerous to themselves or others due to dealing with severe mental illness and childhood trauma, Carroll said.

The Herald-Leader has reported in recent years that Kentuckys juvenile detention centers typically lack adequate mental health services.

Youths suffering from mental health problems have been locked in isolation cells for days or even weeks, including one girl reportedly left naked in her own filth over the summer of 2022. Several girls reportedly held in such stark conditions have filed civil-rights lawsuits against the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Carrolls bill is ready for passage by the House of Representatives when lawmakers return from their veto break on April 12.

But even if the bill is sent to Gov. Andy Beshear, it will go without the $22 million for the mental health treatment facility and the $90 million for the two girls detention centers, Carroll said Friday.

The only budgetary reference to the projects is a paragraph buried deep in House Bill 6, the executive branch spending plan, that instructs the Department of Juvenile Justice to send a report to lawmakers by Dec. 1 on how a mental health treatment facility would work and what it might cost.

Dustin Isaacs, a spokesman for the Senate Republican Majority Caucus, said senators determined that more study would be helpful before they commit to the mental health treatment facility.

There was interest expressed in looking deeper into that specific proposal to ensure there is a good understanding of the costs associated with the project, how it will be operate and the size of the facility, and to provide due diligence by looking at alternative options that may exist, Isaacs said Friday.

Under Carrolls proposal, the mental health facility would be opened by Feb. 1, 2026, on the grounds of Central State Hospital, a state-run psychiatric hospital in Louisville. There would be room to expand beyond the original 16 beds.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services would provide clinical staff at the facility by entering into a contract with one of the states public teaching universities.

The girls detention centers would be built in Central Kentucky, likely in Fayette County, and in Western Kentucky, according to the governors budget recommendation.

Carroll said he hopes his colleagues will reconsider the projects next year, even though the 2025 General Assembly wont be a budget-writing session. There are more than enough state funds available in Kentuckys $2.7 billion state spending plan to cover these juvenile justice projects, he said.

Look at some of the things that that money (in the state budget) went towards, Carroll said.

Not that those werent important things, but I could go through in five minutes and find $22 million for that mental health facility that would not have had a significant impact, a negative impact, on the locations that we would take that money from, he said.

Fiscally, theres no reason we shouldnt have funded that center.

Mentally ill teens have struggled in KY juvenile jails. A senator has a solution

Audit shows cruel isolation policies, high levels of force prevalent in KYs juvenile jails
A Culver City man who was arrested two years ago for being an alleged peeping Tom has been taken into custody again, this time for a fatal stabbing on a Portland train.

Shondel Larkin, now 51, allegedly stabbed another man to death on Friday, as reported by KTLA sister station KOIN. He faces charges of murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

In court records, police say the attack occurred without provocation, adding that Larkin stabbed the man multiple times in the shoulder, chest and back.

Larkin, who was found by officers alone inside the train with blood stained clothing, may have been motivated by mental illness, police said.

[Larkin told police he] possessed a large butcher style kitchen knife, and voices he heard made him believe the victim was going to kill him, and/or assist law enforcement with providing information related to his past, the documents say.

That past includes a 2022 arrest for allegedly being a peeping Tom in Culver City, at which point he was already a sex offender on parole.

At that time, Larkin was being tracked with a GPS ankle monitor. The events resulting in his travels to Portland are unclear.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Michael Gove used Parliamentary privilege to identify three groups as he announced the Government's new definition of extremism - Maria Unger/UK Parliament

Labour has cut ties with a Muslim organisation, identified by Michael Gove as Islamist, which is to be investigated for extremism.

The party told The Telegraph it had adopted a policy to not engage with Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend). Labour MPs have previously attended events organised by the group. Mend has warned that Labours stance risks alienating Muslim voters.

Researchers into extremism have identified at least half a dozen Labour politicians who have attended Mend events.

The group is one of three described last month by Mr Gove, the Communities Secretary, as giving rise to concern because of their Islamist orientation and views. He said all would be investigated for extremism.

Labour MP Richard Burgon has praised Mends work as vital in holding people to account for Islamophobia.

Barry Sheerman, a fellow Labour MP, said he had attended a Mend event but was disturbed to subsequently discover that it allegedly hosted people with deeply objectionable views. He said he had not since had any engagement with it.

Richard Burgon has praised Mend's work as 'vital' in holding people to account for Islamophobia - Guy Bell/Alamy

Told of the non-engagement policy, Mend said it was unaware of any such official Labour position but warned such a move would harm the Labour Party, which is already haemorrhaging the Muslim vote.

Mr Gove used Parliamentary privilege to name the three groups when he announced a new definition of extremism, which will be used to identify organisations that will be barred from contact with the Government or its agencies.

The other two were the Muslim Association of Britain and Cage, which was formed to campaign on the plight of Guantanamo Bay detainees. A full list of organisations is to be published by Mr Goves Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities within weeks.

A Labour source said: The partys policy is to not engage with Mend. The Government has not proscribed or classified this group as extremist. It has only thus far suggested  under parliamentary privilege  that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities may consider them under the new guidance announced.

The source said the policy had been in place since Sir Keir Starmer took over from Jeremy Corbyn as leader in April 2020.

Mr Burgon, the MP for Leeds East, who was sacked as shadow justice secretary by Sir Keir that month, was filmed at a meeting run by Mend at Leeds Grand Mosque in December 2021.

He said at the meeting: It is absolutely vital organisations like Mend work with the community to call out Islamophobia and hold people to account for it.

I think it is wonderful the way Mend has previously set out a way that people can make complaints about the coverage of the Muslim community on the BBC or other press organisations.

Mr Burgon has been contacted for comment.

Barry Sheerman said he had 'never had any association with the group or its views' - UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/PA

Mr Sheerman, a former shadow minister, said that in December 2020 he had agreed to an interview with Mend about Islamophobia, but added: Following the interview, concerns were raised to me about Mend and I was disturbed to learn that there were allegations that it had hosted people with deeply objectionable views.

Since learning of these allegations, I have not had any further engagement with the group. I have never had any association with the group or its views.

Other MPs who have spoken at Mend events include Naz Shah, the Labour MP for Bradford West, and Alison Thewliss, the SNP MP for Glasgow Central.

Kaya Comer-Schwartz, the Labour Islington council leader, also attended a Mend event. A spokesman for Ms Comer-Schwartz said Mend aimed to highlight the impact of Islamophobia on peoples lives, and that the event had been organised by the council and community partners.

A spokesman for Mend  which has challenged Mr Gove to repeat his accusations outside Parliament  said: We would urge [Labour] to both reject the definition and the process proposed to apply it in practice, given that it is a blatant attack on free speech and seeks to deligitimise lawful dissent, both cornerstones of a healthy democracy.

The party should also note that this definition has been rejected by all of the Muslim communitys institutions, including the Muslim Council of Britain.

Research by experts on extremism also found that Labour-run Lewisham council had praised the work of the Lewisham Islamic Centre, headed by Shakeel Begg, the chief imam who unsuccessfully sued the BBC only to be identified as an extremist by the judge in the case.

A Labour spokesman said: Labour have long warned about the need for concerted action on Islamist and far-Right extremism, and ministers are right to revisit the definition. We will scrutinise whether the counter-extremism centre works in practice, and the Government should share the evidence behind the definition.

But the Tories are distracting from the real steps that need to be taken. The priority needs to be addressing online extremism, and a new counter-extremism strategy  it is now nine years out of date.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY)  Louisiana State Police reported a Lake Charles woman was killed in a single-vehicle crash.

LSP said they responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of La. Highway 3020 and Mitchell Drive in Calcasieu Parish around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The crash claimed the life of 47-year-old Tony Rebecca Hoyt of Lake Charles.

An initial investigation revealed Hoyt was traveling west on La. 3020 in a Jeep SUV, when she lost control of the vehicle and traveled off the right edge of the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle struck a mailbox and then a culvert.

Hoyt was unrestrained and received serious injuries in the crash. She was taken to a local hospital where she later died, according to authorities.

A toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

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LITITZ, Pa. (WHTM)  When tens of thousands of people descend on Pennsylvania Avenue for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, theyll be using eggs from a Lancaster County farm.

American Egg Board says Sauders Eggs of Lititz is one of two farms providing more than 64,000 eggs for activities including the egg roll, egg hunting, decoration, and food served to attendees.

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Sauders Eggs began in the 1930s when Frank Sauder started selling produce to Philadelphia residents. The company now sells approximately 1.5 billion eggs annually.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, a teacher for more than 30 years, is transforming an annual tradition first held in 1878 into an EGG-ucational experience. Various stations on the South Lawn and Ellipse will help children learn about farming, healthier eating, exercise and more, the White House announced Thursday.

Theyll still get to coax hard-boiled eggs across the lawn to a finish line.

A large schoolhouse set up on the South Lawn will offer kids activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, such as making circuit-breakers or simulating a fossil dig. The kids will also have the opportunity to write notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization.

Its no yolk: PETA urges White House to swap eggs for potatoes at Easter Egg Roll

Guests include thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors. Members of the general public claimed tickets through an online lottery. They will be admitted in nine waves, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mondays egg-stravaganza will be the third Easter egg roll hosted by President Joe Biden and the first lady, who still teaches English and writing at a northern Virginia community college. They did not host the event in 2021, Bidens first year in office, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

More than 40,000 people were expected to attend Mondays event.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The Villager Apartments in Anaheim, an Arnel Management Apartment community, on May 3, 2016. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Arnel Management Co. has agreed to settle allegations it illegally withheld security deposits, the California attorney general announced Friday.

The move came nearly eight years after a Times story detailed reports from tenants who alleged that the major Orange County landlord deducted hundreds of dollars for unneeded cleaning and repairs even when residents left their units spotless.

For many renters, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, affording a security deposit entails a great deal of sacrifice," Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said in a statement. "We are holding Arnel accountable.

Read more: O.C. landlord once again battling allegations it unfairly kept security deposits

Arnel has 19 apartment complexes in Southern California, with all but one in Orange County. The other is in Los Angeles County.

In 2016, the company  then owned by billionaire political power broker George Argyros  was the fifth-largest landlord in Orange County.

It's unclear what Argyros' current role is with Arnel. The company and its attorney did not return messages seeking comment.

Under California law, landlords cannot withhold a deposit to clean an apartment left in the same condition as when a tenant moved in, or to pay for fixing ordinary wear and tear.

According to the attorney general, Arnel charged for unneeded cleaning and repairs and treated part of its tenant's security deposit as nonrefundable no matter the condition of the apartment.

The announcement Friday wasn't the first time Arnel has faced similar allegations. In addition to tenants The Times spoke with in 2016, Arnel settled allegations it illegally withheld security deposits in 2001.

Read more: Renter Alleges Top Landlord Systematically Cheats Clients

The state office took over that case after Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas  who had accepted campaign cash from Arnel  was widely criticized for taking a personal role in his offices investigation.

That settlement paved the way for Argyros to become ambassador to Spain, an appointment that had stalled amid the controversy.

As part of the new settlement, Arnel must pay $1.15 million, with $650,000 going to legal aid organizations in Orange and Los Angeles counties. The attorney general's office also said Arnel would be "subject to more stringent injunctive terms to deter future misconduct."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LANSING  The lack of a single homicide in the first three months of this year is evidence Lansing and the rest of Ingham County are bringing under control gun violence that peaked during the COVID pandemic, Ingham Countys prosecutor said Monday.

I believe we are turning the corner on gun violence and gun-related crime, Prosecutor John Dewane said in a statement. "In the first three months of this year, we can report this level of progress: We had zero homicides in Ingham County in the first quarter of 2024.

Dewane said there were seven homicides during the first three months of 2021, and four in the same period in 2022. He noted that in the vast majority of those cases, the deceased were teenagers or young adults.

"This is unacceptable. Our community must come together to combat the gun violence," Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane says Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, as Lansing Police Chief Elery Sosebee looks on during a press conference addressing the recent rash of gun violence in the Greater Lansing area. "I assure you I will do whatever I can under the law to hold both youthful and adult offenders accountable for gun violence and murder."

Last year in the three-county area of Greater Lansing, where 24 people died from gunfire, stabbing or other violent means, only Clinton County was untouched by homicide. Three of those deaths were from the mass shooting at Michigan State University, and 15 occurred in the city of Lansing  slightly above the city's modern historical average but lower than in any year since 2019, according to State Journal records.

For comparison, the highest number of homicides came in 2021 when there were 36, including 26 in the city of Lansing. There were 17 in the city in 2022. Over the past three decades, the city has typically seen around a dozen homicides a year.

Shootings remain a concern

Shootings, however, were not down last year. As of Dec. 28, there had been 62 non-fatal shootings in the city, four more than in 2022, and shooting-related crimes were up slightly overall from the year before, police said.

Assistant Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus told the State Journal the increase was concerning.

Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new public safety campus on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Lansing. The new facilities will include the Lansing Police Department's headquarters and the city's lockup, a relocated fire station and the 54A District Court.

Non-fatal shootings are on the same pace as last year; the city of Lansing had 13 such shootings in the first three months of 2023, and has had 13 so far this year, Lansing Police Department spokeswoman Jordan Gulkis said.

Dewane, who took office by appointment on Dec. 31, 2022, said working with police and other community groups has helped reduce homicides.

MORE: 15-year-old accused in stabbing of two adults in Lansing on Easter

As Ingham County Prosecutor, Ive worked with police, victim advocates, and community-based crime prevention groups to bring about real change in our public safety and address the issue of gun violence in greater Lansing, he said.

I believe we are turning the corner on gun violence and gun-related crime. There is more work to do and we must continue this effort to make Lansing and Ingham County a stronger, safer place to live and build the future. There are still too many illegal guns on the street, although Michigans new laws give us more tools to address this issue.

He has taken a tougher position on gun crime than his former boss, Carol Siemon. He reinstituted the use of two criminal charges targeting gun crime, felony firearm and habitual offender statutes. Siemon had been reluctant to use both because of how they disproportionately impacted Black residents.

Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee told the State Journal he believes Siemon's policy "100% emboldened the criminals in the city," but cautioned that policy changes will take time to have an impact on shootings and homicides.

Efforts with community groups continue

Lansing specifically has worked with community groups to reduce violence.

"They need to know you love them - that someone actually cares," Aaron Blankenburg, 47, of Advance Peace said Friday, July 14, 2023, during an interview at Wainright Park in the Churchill Downs neighborhood in Lansing where he grew up. Blankenburg is a mentor and liaison working to mitigate disputes and gun violence amongst youth.

Advance Peace, a nonprofit that has been partnering with the city for more than a year, is a group that is using grassroots efforts to curb retaliatory gun violence.

Lansing last year gave the group $300,000 for its efforts, and Mayor Andy Schor included another $300,000 in his budget proposal that will go before the City Council later this spring.

Mark Totten, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, whose jurisdiction covers Lansing, is also targeting violent crime. He told the State Journal in December he will "repeat and strengthen" an initiative used to target guns used in repeat crimes.

The "Safe Summer 2023" initiative ran through the end of September as a cooperative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The idea was for law enforcement in Michigan to work more closely on cases in which a firearm was used in multiple shootings.

Totten's office agreed to help local law enforcement analyze firearms seized during criminal cases and as well as to prosecute cases in which firearms were connected to a previous shooting.

Focusing on such cases is the best way to stop the shootings that drive the gun violence in communities throughout the state and country, Totten told the State Journal.

A group of Lansing churches are sponsoring a gun violence symposium in Lansing from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 13. Sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, Okemos Presbyterian Church and the Lansing Historically Black Churches, the event will include a prayer meeting and discussion of initiatives to reduce gun violence. It will be held at the Reachout Christian Center at 5628 Wise Road in Lansing

State Journal reporters Ken Palmer and Matt Mencarini contributed.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing hasn't had a homicide this year. Ingham County's prosecutor cites 'progress'
Seattle Fire had a large response on Monday morning to a fire inside a Georgetown storage facility for rental bikes and scooters.

The fire was reported as a lithium battery fire around 6:15 a.m. at a warehouse in the 500 block of S River Street in Seattles Georgetown neighborhood.

The building is a storage facility for Lime Bikes. Firefighters found batteries on fire inside the building and extinguished them, taking the additional step of removing the batteries from the building to ensure the fire would not reignite or spread.

Seattle Fire officials say that workers were charging multiple batteries at the time of the fire, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Seattle Fires David Cuerpo cautions that those who own and charge their electric bikes and scooters at home should not charge your bike or scooter near an entry/exit from your home or business. Thats because any fire that might occur on your machine would block your exit from the building.

The building was evacuated, and no one was hurt.













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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 1. Kyrgyzstan is planning to host the Green Waste EXPO Forum 2024, aimed at consolidating the waste management market amidst global climate change, on April 20, Trend reports.

According to one of the event organizers, the JIA Business Association, the objectives include fostering discussions on policies, best practices, and future scenarios in the municipal solid waste (MSW) sector.

Additionally, the forum seeks to forge new partnerships and promote close cooperation among government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector for the sustainable development of waste management.

Azzambek Jeenbai uulu, Executive Director of the JIA Business Association, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in the collection, sorting, storage, transport, and disposal of waste, as well as the sale and export of waste products.

The Green Waste EXPO Forum 2024, the first of its kind in Kyrgyzstan, is expected to be a pivotal event in Kyrgyzstan's waste management landscape, making a significant contribution to the country's pursuit of sustainable development.

The waste management market is facing unprecedented challenges amidst global climate change, with rising temperatures exacerbating waste-related environmental concerns. As nations strive to mitigate their carbon footprints, innovative solutions and collaborative efforts are crucial for fostering sustainable waste management practices worldwide.
In just two days the largest number of sea turtles in Georgias history will be released back into the waters off the coast, in Jekyll Island.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Organizers at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center said more than 30 turtles from Turtles Fly Too (transporting the little guys and girls), NOAA, Mystic Aquarium, New York Rescue Center, and the New England Aquarium will all be released back into the ocean.

Most of the turtles were cold-stunned when they were rescued, but have recovered and are now ready to be released.

Expect video and/or photos to be published once the event has taken place.

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The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is asking for the publics help to locate a missing at-risk man.

Authorities say 24-year-old William Austin Studeman hasnt been in contact with his family since March 26.

Studeman is described as 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. The 24-year-old has a full beard, and a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, tan cargo pants, and brown boots.

Studeman is known to drive a 2008 silver 4-door Chrysler 300, with California license plate number 8GDE151.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is asking for the publics help to locate missing 24-year-old William Austin Studeman on March 31, 2024. (LASD)

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is asking for the publics help to locate missing 24-year-old William Austin Studeman on March 31, 2024. (LASD)

Authorities say Studeman suffers from a mental disorder and his family is extremely concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500.



If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-8477

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The sole survivor serving aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor has died.

Lou Conter, one of the last living ties to that date of infamy, passed away this morning at his home in Grass, Valley, California, Pacific Historic Parks confirmed. He was 102.

Born in Ojibwa, Wisconsin, Conter enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1939 at the age of 18. Two years later, he would bear witness to the attack that finally drew the United States into the Second World War.

Starting his shift as quartermaster at 7:45 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, Conter had barely rubbed the sleep from his eyes when the Japanese assault began a mere three minutes later.

At exactly 8:09 a.m., the hull of the USS Arizona was struck by a 1,760-pound Japanese armor-piercing bomb.

Japanese horizontal bombers swirling overhead continued to cause damage, striking the Arizonas midship areas. The massive explosion that soon followed has never been explained, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command, since the bomb did not pierce Arizonas armored deck. It is believed, however, that the bomb that penetrated her forward turrets struck nearly one million pounds of gunpowder, causing the turrets, conning tower and much of the superstructure to be obliterated.

The ship continued to burn for more than 48 hours after the attack.

Minute it happened, we sounded general quarters and they were in there and we blew up in about eight minutes, nine minutes, Conter told CBS13 in 2022.

Knocked over from the blast, Conter landed on the deck which was rapidly filling with water.

Despite the conflagration spreading throughout the badly listing ship, Conter remained composed, spending nearly 35 minutes attempting to secure the quarterdeck and saving nearly 20 sailors.

Of the 2,403 American sailors, soldiers and civilians killed that day, 1,177 came from Arizonas crew. Conter was just one of 335 aboard the battleship to survive.

But his duty to Arizonas crew did not cease on December 7. Conter joined numerous rescue operations to recover the bodies of his shipmates in the chaotic days that followed the attack.

However, after five days of diligently searching, it was apparent that no one remained alive, and the risk of the operation became too high to continue, according to a Veterans Affairs release.

Although most of the fuel aboard the ship fed the explosion, 500,000 gallons slowly seeped from the wreckage, the release said. Nearly 80 years after the attack, the USS Arizona continues to spill up to 9 quarts of oil per day into the harbor. This is often referred to as the tears of the Arizona.

Nearly 900 sailors still lie entombed in the USS Arizona.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Conter entered flight school, serving as a pilot with the Navy Squadron dubbed the Black Cats due to black paint adorning the night-flying PBY Catalinas, according to VA News.

Conter survived the war, despite being shot down twice over the Pacific, and went on to serve in Korea as an air intelligence officer. Upon returning home, he worked to establish the Navys first SERE  Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape  program and served as a military adviser to Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Conter retired from the Navy as a lieutenant commander after 28 years of military service.

Today, fewer than two dozen survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor attack remain alive.

Our prayers go out to his close-knit family and friends that made up what became known as the Conterage, Aileen Utterdyke, president and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks, wrote in a Facebook post.

This is a heartbreaking loss. Lou Conter epitomized what it meant to be a member of the Greatest Generation, Americans whose collective courage, accomplishments and sacrifices saved our country from tyranny. He had an exemplary career in the Navy and was steadfast in imploring the schools, parents and everyday Americans to always remember Pearl Harbor.
The last time Rochester was in the solar eclipse path of totality, clouds got in the way

Rochesterians are good hosts. They always are.

So, its no surprise the public here is geared up to welcome a total eclipse of the sun on April 8, Rochester finding itself in the so-called path of totality for the first time in 99 years.

Set your calendars: The moon will begin to cross the sun at 2:07 p.m. Beginning at 3:20 p.m. the moon and the sun will be aligned for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. Day will be night. The sun will be blocked, save for an outer ring. The moon will then keep going, and the sun will gradually reappear. At 4:33 p.m., the eclipse will end here.

This once-in-a-generation event will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to our community and will generate economic impact for the community and our partners in the tourism and hospitality industry," Don Jeffries, the president and CEO of Visit Rochester, told the Democrat & Chronicles Victoria Freile.

Rochester rolled out the red carpet 99 years ago, as well, and on the morning of Jan. 24, 1925, everyone was ready for the big reveal, the first since 1806.

Local eclipse Jan 25k 1925

Alas, clouds got in the way.

Veiled Eclipse Thrills City, Disappoints Scientists, headlined the Democrat and Chronicle.

Clouds had hung over the city for nearly all of the time the solar eclipse passed on a cold winter morning. (Zero degrees at 6 a.m., a little warmer around 9 a.m. at the period of totality.)

Rochester being Rochester, it could be cloudy again during this Aprils eclipse

Historically weve only got about a 20 percent chance of a sunny day on April 8, says Scott Hetsko, meteorologist at 13WHAM ABC. That doesnt mean we wont get some clearing, but the chances are much higher for mostly cloudy or overcast conditions.

That said, Hetsko, who had a heart transplant in 2015, is looking forward to the event, whether its sunny or not.

Either way its going to be awesome and fascinating, he says, and Im glad Im alive to see it.

Are you prepared for the solar eclipse? The countdown to rare celestial spectacle is on

A curtain call

Clouds may obscure Jan 24 1925

In 1925, the eclipse began to unfold at 8 a.m. It ended at 10:26 a.m. Nearly all of this activity was hidden by clouds, save for a few seconds.

The unnamed writer for the Democrat and Chronicle seized that moment and used a theatrical metaphor to describe what onlookers then saw.

For one brief fraction of time, the sun partly came through a rift in a cloud as if to reluctantly take a curtain call, and then disappeared again into the mysteries, the Democrat and Chronicle reported.

The curtain call came when the eclipse was about three-fifths on, according to the paper.

That was that.

A kindly darkness

Nonetheless, during the eclipse, watchers were treated to a light show, as the suns rays were filtered through the clouds.

There were purple grays, evening reds and their tints and combinations, shades of color that would have delighted J.M.W. Turner, the British landscape artist, the paper noted.

Watching from the rooftop of the Hotel Seneca in downtown Rochester the reporter followed the shadow of night, as the eclipse swept through the area. Lights flickered on, buildings, once visible, became invisible.

It was a soft, kindly darkness, and not the bleak somberness of midnight, wrote the reporter.

The light then came back, prompting the reporter to think of the dawn of the world, when the earth, the sun and the moon came out of chaos.

So, at least from the top of the Hotel Seneca, the eclipse was Biblical and well worth the wait.

Solar eclipse in Rochester, NY

On Cobbs Hill

The people who had gathered not that far away were not so sure.

Half-frozen Crowds on Cobbs Hill Get Little Thrill from Eclipse, headlined a secondary story that lacked the poetry of the main story.

One shivering man wondered why he had come out in the cold, a sentiment reportedly shared by many in the crowd of 1,200 to 1,500 people.

A small boy did take advantage of the situation, selling bits of smoked glass for five or 10 cents apiece. Thus, people could hold the glass to their eyes to watch the eclipse safely.

Alas, the paper reported, in the moment when the eclipse was visible some viewers turned the smoked side to their faces. Result: Smudged noses, black eyes and weird streaks on faces.

The moon blocks the sun in totality as seen from Deep Creek, Bryson City, North Carolina on August 21, 2017.

Sad science

The curtained clouds undid the plans to photograph the eclipse as it passed over Rochester.

There had been telescopes and observers ready for the moment at three spots in the city, but the eclipse was visible for too short a period. Scientists Fail to Get Picture of Phenomenon, headlined a story.

In Geneva, Ontario County, an effort to witness the eclipse from a hot-air balloon also bore no fruit.

Scientists from the University of Michigan and Hobart College had collaborated on an effort to ascend above the clouds and photograph the eclipse.

The expedition failed utterly, the Democrat and Chronicle reported.

A high wind whipped the balloon as it was about to ascend, causing Professor William J. Hussey, chair of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Michigan, to fall from the basket. (He was not hurt.)

The Geneva Daily Times, now the Finger Lakes Times, did not mention Husseys fall in its same day account of the doomed mission.

Regardless, both accounts reported that students from Hobart restrained the balloon from ascending, but the wind whipped it into a freight car. The contact tore the balloon, causing it to deflate.

The scientists then rushed to the Smith Observatory in Geneva in hopes of viewing the eclipse from there.

At the observatory, they met their second setback, the Democrat reported. Heavy black clouds hid the eclipse long before it reached totality, and a sudden snow flurry made any observation or measurement practically impossible.

The world went on

All in all, the scientists and non-scientists in Rochester might have gotten a better view of the eclipse if they had been somewhere else, perhaps farther away from the cloud-creating engine of Lake Ontario.

On the day of the eclipse, The Lockport Sun and Journal carried the Associated Press report on viewing along the path of totality.

Clouds blocked views in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, though there was a brief rift in the heavens above Niagara Falls at the period of totality.

The skies were cloudless to Rochesters south, with Olean, Hornell, Ithaca, and Binghamton all getting clear views of the eclipse.

It was the same in New York City, which had an unobstructed encounter with totality.

Deer in the open at the Bronx zoo tumbled over each other in terror during the darkness of the eclipse, the AP reported. The great Arctic owl hooted and flew about. The heavyweight alligator bellowed as at night.

Wherever people were, the Democrat and Chronicle noted that the eclipse didnt bring the end of the world, as folklore suggested it might.

No, Rochester survived, as it should on April 8 when the total eclipse passes through here again.

As Scott Hetsko suggests, it could be cloudy, but, hey, it could be clear.

Either way, millions will look up as the moon photobombs the sun and a soft kindly darkness arrives, just as it did nearly 100 years ago.

Eclipse trackers

If youve already chased total eclipses, of if you have special plans to view the April eclipse, let us know. Email Jim Memmott at jim.memmott@democratandchronicle.com. Be sure to leave contact information.

From his home in Geneseo, Livingston County, retired senior editor Jim Memmott, writes the Remarkable Rochester column, noting who we were, who we are. He can be reached at jmemmott@gannett.com or write Box 274, Geneseo, NY 14454

Victorias Countdown to eclipse: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2024/02/08/solar-eclipse-rochester-ny-best-viewing-spots-time-path-glasses-events-festivals-school-closings/72254662007/

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Solar eclipse in Rochester was cloudy during path of totality in 1925
Four years ago, on March 12, 2020, Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio took the extraordinary step of closing all schools in the state in light of the then nascent coronavirus pandemic. In less than a week, the rest of the nation made that extraordinary step ordinary, and Americas public schools would remain closed until the end of the school year.

The school closures and remote schooling that followed are now years behind us. Nonetheless, just as some individuals still suffer from long COVID months after being infected, schools are still suffering from a long COVID of their own.

Having cataloged how the nations schools responded to the pandemic for the past four years, I see two main challenges facing schools today. The first is learning loss, which at its height in 2022 saw students more than half a year behind in math and more than a third of a year behind in reading.

The second is less well-known but arguably more important: chronic absenteeism. Typically measured as the percentage of enrolled students who are absent for at least 10 percent of the year, chronic absenteeism includes both excused and unexcused absences, because missing a lot of school for any reason is bad. Its bad for absent studentswith strong links to academic performance, high school completion, and future college-goingand its bad for schools, adding to teacher workloads and disrupting routines and learning for consistently attending classmates. Chronic absenteeism may prove the harder problem to fix, as it reflects a cultural shift that stems from habits lost and priorities that changed during the pandemic.

Chronic absenteeism was a major problem before the pandemic, affecting 15 percent of K-12 students, or more than 1 in 7, nationwide. By the second full pandemic school year, chronic absenteeism rates had nearly doubled, reaching 28 percent. We saw large increases across the board, in every state and for all kinds of students. Chronic absenteeism declined 2 percentage points in public schools in 2023, but that still left more than 1 in 4 students missing roughly a month or more of school. That slow rate of declineif it holds steadywould bring schools back to pre-pandemic levels in 2030, dragging down students and their academic recovery.

While it is obvious that the pandemic caused learning loss and chronic absenteeism, the specific drivers of these changes are murky. Extended closures did affect parents enrollment decisions, students test scores, and, to a lesser degree, chronic absenteeism rates.

Nonetheless, closures are only part of the story: Districts that were the first to reopen also saw unprecedented lost learning and increased absenteeism, though somewhat less than those with longer closures. To understand the source of these long COVID challenges for schools, we need to take a careful look at how schools responded to the pandemic and pay special attention to how these responses affected students, parents, and teachers relationships to school.

The First Pandemic Spring

What we remember about that first pandemic spring is brief total shutdowns that eventually turned into a few months of Zoom school. Such memories, however, are far rosier than what students actually experienced. Data my team at AEI collected in six nationally representative surveys that spring showed that most school districts did not offer Zoom schooling or an equivalent synchronous learning option. Instead, most districts assigned students work through instructional packets, delivered either on paper or through web platforms. Even by June, fewer than half of districts offered live instruction. For most students, that spring was more correspondence school than Zoom school.

Even where live instruction was available, many students did not show up for it. After the Los Angeles Unified School District set up remote-learning programs, as many as 4 in 10 students did not participate. In Clark County, Nevada, teachers had still not made contact with a third of the districts studentsmore than 100,000 pupilsby mid-April. Chicago Public Schools reported that 15 percent of students had no contact with their school by May 11. National surveys echoed these big-district struggles: 18 percent of teachers reported being out of contact with at least half of their students throughout the spring, and Education Week surveys found 21 to 25 percent of students were essentially truant for remote instruction. At the pandemics outset, districts missed about eight instructional days before setting up some kind of remote instruction, but on average more instructional time that spring was lost to students just not showing up.

Little was expected of those who did show up. Students experienced lax attendance requirements and lenient grading policies. Spring 2020s remote learning was a weak replacement for in-person schooling. Thats understandable, but we can also understand that closures resulted not only in lost learning but alsoand perhaps more importantlylost habits.

Quality schooling depends on habits, rhythms, and expectationsfor example, showing up to school every day and putting in effortthat students learn from a young age and that are reinforced on a daily basis by parents, teachers, and the day-to-day routines of school. These habits, rhythms, and expectations fell by the wayside during the pandemic.

The First Full Pandemic School Year

In early summer 2020, it looked as though we might be headed toward a widespread return to school in the fall. But when cases began to rise in mid-summer, then-President Donald Trump tweeted that SCHOOLS MUST OPEN IN THE FALL!!! He insisted that school closures were causing death and threatenedwithout the authority to do soto strip federal funding from schools that didnt reopen. Unsurprisingly, school reopenings became politically polarized, with the left ardently COVID cautious and the right confidently COVID assertive. Each side became committed to its common sense approach to the COVID threat, even as local case numbers surged and waned.

These polarized reopening approaches held throughout much of the year, and political leanings proved more predictive of weekly school closures than local COVID case rates did. At that years pandemic record high in December 2020when vaccines were still not availablefewer than one-fifth of districts Trump won took the precaution of temporary closures, and until mid-March 2021, less than one-fifth of Biden districts were fully open for students.

Politics was not the only in-person learning predictor. Districts with more minority students, urban districts, and historically low-achieving districts were all closed longer than average. Those extended closures, abetted but not solely driven by teachers unions, certainly had negative consequences for eroding the rhythms of schooling, but they were not the only sources of struggle.

Through March 2021, the most common arrangement for districts was part-time in-person instruction. Districts with such an arrangement, as well as districts that were fully open, had to deal with sizable portions of students opting for remote instruction, grapple with social distancing in school, and face rampant quarantines that kept studentsand teachershome unscheduled for weeks at a time. Teachers faced myriad challenges dealing with permanently and temporarily remote students, as well as high rates of absence stemming from the clear public health message: If you are the least bit sick, stay home.

Adulterated schooling that first full pandemic year took a greater toll on students in school districts that stayed remote longer, but it hardly left students in reopened districts unscathed. Optional remote learning, hybrid instruction, quarantines, social distancing, masking, and staffing challenges made schooling that first full pandemic year anything but routine. Fortunately, by years end, the period of school closures had passed. Unfortunately, however, the pandemic had not.

The Delta and Omicron School Year

Schools reopened across the board in the second full pandemic school year, a partial vindication of the previous years early reopeners, even as the Delta variant surged. Nonetheless, the new school year would see the same political dynamics play out again, with the debate this time hinging on masking policies.

The CDC tightened its masking guidance, issuing a blanket 100-percent masking recommendation that not all districts followed. In Biden districts that September, nearly 8 in 10 students were under a CDC-aligned mask mandate, while in Trump districts just over 4 in 10 were. From then until January, as COVID fell by half and then rose tenfold with the Omicron surge, fewer than 1 in 6 students saw their districts mask requirements change.

In February 2022, with COVID cases plummeting, several blue states announced the end of their mask mandates, prompting the CDC to replace its blanket guidance with new recommendations based on local COVID case rates and hospitalizations. Over the next six weeks, the percentage of students under mask mandates plummeted from 55 to 5 percent.

In retrospect, school mask mandates might seem inconsequentialhow much did masking really affect learning?but they were hardly trivial. They reflected districts urgency or lack thereofto get schools back on track, and sent the message to many teachers, parents and students: Out of an abundance of caution, getting schools back to normal will have to wait.

And, for most of the second pandemic school year, schools, by their own admission, werent back to normal: Nearly 4 in 10 schools reported higher absenteeism among students, and even more reported rises in teacher absenteeism and substitute teachers shortagesnot just compared to pre-pandemic, but compared to the first pandemic school year; 8 in 10 schools reported increased student behavior and socioemotional issues; and in 45 percent of schools, COVID-19 mitigation strategies posed moderate or large challenges for teachers classroom management. These challenges were likely greater in the mostly blue districts with extended mask mandates.

The Post-Pandemic School Years

As substantive pandemic policies in schools ended in the 202223 school year, the pandemics toll on students and schools started to come into focus.

Spring 2022 tests showed students were more than half a year behind in math and, mercifully, slightly less in reading. Closures took their toll: Lost progress in math was 35 percent larger in the most remote districts compared to the most in-person ones, and the difference in reading scores was even larger. Those are large differences, and are too often downplayed by researchers and policymakers who want to turn the page on pandemic schooling fights and focus on recovery. Still, they are also a relatively modest part of the pandemic toll.

In terms of our nations future and lost long-term opportunity for todays students, learning loss is not insignificant. Economists have pegged students lost earnings from learning loss at between $900 billion and $1.3 trillion, and total economic fallout at $31 trillion.

On this front there is some good news: In 2023, students recovered about one-third of their losses in math and about one-quarter in reading in districts with both longer and shorter closures during the first pandemic school year. In other words, that estimated $900 billion in lost earnings should be down by at least a couple hundred billionnot bad for a single school year.

Learning an extra two months of math in a single school year, which is what schools and students did last year, is worth celebrating. But the celebration should be tempered by two cold realities. Such progress would be needed again next year and the year after for students to catch up in math (we would need another year to catch up in reading). Plus, lower-performing students, minority students, and poor students started off with greater losses and are catching up more slowly. Even if schools followed 2023 test score gains with an improbable three- or four-year run, Americas disadvantaged students would still be farther behind the pack than they were in March 2020.

Pandemic learning loss is typically considered the most important post-pandemic challenge for schools. It is not. While academic recovery is crucial, learning loss stemmed from exceptional pandemic policies that are now over. The crisis of chronic absenteeism, however, is an ongoing threat to the future productivity of American schools, one that will hamper continued academic recovery, and learning more generally. Quite simply, if chronic absenteeism rates dont return to pre-pandemic levels, future students will learn less and graduate at lower rates for some time to come.

Data on chronic absenteeism in public schools, which I have collected from across the nation, show that rates nearly doubled during the pandemic, increasing from 15 percent in 2019 to over 28 percent in 2022. Increases are particularly troubling for the same districts and students that had the greatest learning losses. In 2022, 36 percent of K-12 students were chronically absent in the lowest achieving third of districts, compared to 20 percent in the highest achieving third of districts. Likewise, 36 percent of Hispanic students and 39 percent of black students were chronically absent, compared to 24 percent of white students.

While absenteeism is higher for disadvantaged groups, its a mistake to think of it as a problem just for disadvantaged schools. The proportional increase in absenteeism is consistent across different types of students and districts, almost doubling for the poor and non-poor, and for black and white students alike. The duration of school closures during the 202021 school year made a significant difference in post-pandemic chronic absenteeism growth, but all schools saw large increases. The major headwinds coming out of the pandemic are hitting all kinds of schools.

Even more concerning is that these absenteeism rates fell only 2 percentage points from 2021-22the year of the Delta and Omicron surgesto 2022-23, when COVID rates fell dramatically. Chronic absenteeisms comparably small decline suggests that it isnt a temporary pandemic phenomenon, but a durable change to post-pandemic student behaviors.

Chronic absenteeism is so troubling because it is a sign that even the most basic rhythms of schooling, such as showing up regularly, have not been restored. Indeed, absenteeism at these rates has already been linked to learning loss, and its stubborn persistence threatens the productivity of American schooling.

Why are we seeing these particular long COVID challenges in schools? The politicized reopening debates and masking fights have dominated our discourse on this matter. However, their link to learning loss and chronic absenteeism is limited. This suggests that learning loss and chronic absenteeism are not simply a matter of lost instructional time or poor pandemic policy but of lower quality schooling and disrupted norms. All schools took a big hit that first COVID spring, and the hits just kept coming over the next two years. Schools didnt just return to normal when students returned to school. They still havent.

After four years of collecting data on the pandemics impact on schools, I have come to believe that our long COVID school problems are cultural problemsfrom within and from without. For years, schooling was not the No. 1 priority, safety was. School closures, lowered expectations, and absences were tolerable if they made us safer. There were strong messages that schools could be dangerous and that schooling could take a back seat to pandemic precautions.

Of course, to some extent that logic was justifiedsafety is important. But justified or not, pandemic exceptionalism changed behaviors and has been left to linger. Education needs to be prioritized again, not in theory, but in action. Government and school leaders from the president to principals need to say that students need to get back to the work of schooling in earnest.

Changing culture is no small task and will require a concerted and coordinated effort. It will require teachers, who know students best, to use their relationships to communicate the importance of attendance to students and parents. It will require school districts to make students return to consistent attendanceand real consequences for those who dont. And it will take many parents to change their practices and fulfill their moral and legal obligation to get their students to school regularly.

The alternative is American schools that are weaker, less productive, less connective, and more unequal than they were before the pandemic.

Read more at The Dispatch

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In Reality Check stories, BND journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? newsroom@bnd.com.

Its been over three months since U.S. lawmakers for southwestern Illinois requested a federal public health assessment in Cahokia Heights because of residents repeated exposure to sewage from broken municipal infrastructure. But government efforts to understand the possible health effects have not yet begun.

Residents say a health assessment is long overdue because their exposure to sewage started decades ago.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski said Monday during a visit to Cahokia Heights they havent gotten a commitment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that it will conduct the assessment. The lawmakers said they continue to follow up to make sure it happens.

I think theyre intent on doing the right thing, but theyre very slow, Durbin told the BND.

Durbin, Budzinski and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth sent a letter requesting the assessment to the CDCs Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry on Dec. 11.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry is a federal public health agency that protects communities from harmful health effects related to exposure to natural and man-made hazardous substances, according to its website.

The full process for it to conduct a public health assessment typically takes five years on average, but the lawmakers are pushing for a faster timeline for Cahokia Heights, according to Congresswoman Budzinskis office.

Since receiving the request for a health assessment, the agency has been meeting with the lawmakers staffs to determine appropriate and effective next steps, according to the CDCs office of communication.

This conversation is ongoing, and ATSDR will continue to assist with finding a resolution, the office stated in response to BND questions about the status of the lawmakers request.

Durbin also met privately with CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen in January to discuss public health issues, including the ways Congress can work with the CDC to ensure Cahokia Heights residents get the answers they deserve, according to the senators office.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, met privately with CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen on Jan. 25, 2024. Health concerns in Cahokia Heights were among the topics they discussed.

Longtime resident Yvette Lyles said last week she cant understand the delay, especially when an independent study of the bacteria and parasites present in Cahokia Heights found more than 40% of adults out of an initial sample of 42 had the same stomach infection from the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori.

It is believed to spread through contact with feces or contaminated food or water.

Lyles, 64, has been infected with H. pylori twice.

It should be done a lot faster, Lyles said of a government health assessment.

Cahokia Heights resident Yvette Lyles has health problems she believes were caused by the sewage and flood water entering her home for decades because of infrastructure and drainage issues in the city.

Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Colorado have been conducting their study in Cahokia Heights since 2022. The researchers were interested in studying the community because of its frequent sewage backups.

In a March meeting with the universities research team, about a dozen residents said diseases are their top concerns related to the infrastructure issues.

Residents attended the meeting to sign on to help the researchers study include their experiences with sewer backups and flooding that causes sewers to overflow onto streets and spill into homes. During the meeting, they brainstormed the concerns that residents will try to illustrate in photographs in their neighborhoods to eventually be published with a scientific journal article about the study  including the health, emotional and economic effects on their lives.

The lawmakers call for action came about a month after the BND published Hazardous Homes, a special report that revealed local and state health agencies failed to provide essential health services after residents homes repeatedly flooded with sewage.

The East Side Health District and Illinois Department of Public Health havent investigated the possible health effects of chronic exposure to sewage and havent fully informed citizens of the risks they face, according to BND reporting.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE)  A new civil lawsuit has been filed against the Catholic Diocese of El Paso and the St. Joseph Parish in Lordsburg alleging the organizations knew that Father Lawrence Gaynor had a proclivity to sexually abuse children and that Gaynor groomed and abused an unnamed child in Lordsburg.

The lawsuit, filed in New Mexicos Third Judicial District Court, claims the abuse happened in the late 1960s and says the unnamed victim has been suffering in silence for over fifty years.

New Mexico laws going into effect in spring

The official facing allegations passed away decades ago, but attorneys representing the victim say the church has an ongoing duty to keep parishioners safe.

The bottom line is this, the Catholic Church had and continues to have a duty to hire, supervise and retain priests who will not molest, abuse and harm vulnerable parishioners, Ben Davis, principal at Davis Kelin Law Firm, LLC., said in a press release. This is about more than the pursuit of compensation. It extends to the important work of increasing transparency, increasing child safety and increasing checks and balances on the Catholic Church as an incredibly important institution in our society.

In response to the allegations, the Diocese of El Paso released the following statement:

The Diocese of El Paso (Diocese) has been made aware of the aforementioned lawsuit involving one claimant for alleged child sexual abuse occurring in the 1960s. The Diocese takes all claims of alleged sexual abuse seriously and will work diligently to cooperate with all parties involved in the lawsuit and ensure that justice is served in the lawsuit. Historically, the Diocese has worked diligently to implement and train clergy, employees, and volunteers on safe environment practices to ensure the protection of children at parishes and youth programs in the Diocese. All who work in any ministry involving children in the Diocese must attend and be certified in safe environment training as part of the Dioceses child protection protocols. We encourage individuals with any knowledge of any crime or misconduct committed by any member of the clergy, employee, or volunteer participating in any ministry within the Diocese to come forward to law enforcement. They can also reach out to the Dioceses Office of Victims Assistance by calling 915-872-8465 for assistance. Catholic Diocese of El Paso

Lawyers in New Mexico diocese abuse lawsuit launch website

This isnt the first time members of the Catholic church in New Mexico have faced allegations of sexual abuse. In 2017 and 2018, the church turned over lists of names of priests who had been credibly accused of sexual abuse in New Mexico. Those names were turned over to the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General, which was later renamed to the New Mexico Department of Justice.

While we do not have any current referrals into sexual abuse by a priest in New Mexico, its crucial to acknowledge that vulnerable victims may still be suffering in silence, the attorney generals office said in a statement. We always encourage the community to reach out to their local police department if they are a victim of any crime. The New Mexico Department of Justice continues to stand ready to assist with investigations and prosecute those who put our communities in harms way, particularly those who prey on vulnerable victims.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
This is the third part in an occasional series looking at the lawsuits faced by the City of Jackson.

In 2017, local law enforcement was involved in a high-speed chase, which ultimately led to the suspect crashing into another car, killing three innocent people.

According to a civil lawsuit filed in the Hinds County Circuit Court, Tony Harper was fleeing from officers "at a fast rate of speed" traveling west on Robinson Road in northwest Jackson on Jan. 13, 2017. Harper was being pursued by deputies in the Hinds County Sheriff's Department and officers in the Jackson Police Department.

At the same time, the lawsuit states, Virgil Kyles was driving south on Glen Oaks Drive with two passengers, Rose Coleman and Carolyn Sims.

"Virgil Kyles was operating his vehicle making a left turn onto Robinson Road from Glen Oaks Drive (Royal Oaks Drive)," the lawsuit states. "While still being pursued at a high rate of speed by the Hinds County Sheriff's Deputy and the City of Jackson Police Officer, Harper's vehicle collided with Virgil Kyles' vehicle. Both Harper's and Kyles' vehicle came to rest in the grass area of Black (sic) Chapel Church."

Kyles, Coleman and Sims all died as a result of the crash. Harper lived.

A Jackson Police Department vehicle is shown at an intersection in this February 2024 photo.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the sons of Coleman and Sims, Kenneth Eley and Christopher Sims on Feb. 20, 2018. Carolyn Sims is listed in past media coverage as Carolyn Conerly. Both of the complainants are seeking damages and are suing Harper, Hinds County and the City of Jackson for negligence, saying they are liable for not following proper police pursuit procedures and putting the public in danger, among other reasons.

This is just one of approximately 135 lawsuits the City of Jackson is currently facing. After submitting a Freedom of Information Act request, The Clarion Ledger is reviewing thousands of pages of documents as part of an investigation into the city's lawsuits. As of Friday afternoon, the police pursuit lawsuit filed by Sims and Coleman had not been settled.

Trial is scheduled for July 15, 2024, said Jacksons City Attorney Drew Martin.

Martin said the citys investigation indicates that a Jackson Police officer responded to the scene after the accident had already occurred.

JPD was not involved in the checkpoint or the pursuit, Martin said. The city is actively defending this matter and does not believe that JPD was in any way involved in causing these tragic deaths.

The case highlights a controversial subject in the Jackson metro area over the last several years: when is it acceptable for officers to be involved in a high-speed chase?

Part 1 of lawsuit series: Jackson MS unsafe roads led to 13 lawsuits, including 2 wrongful death lawsuits

What is Jackson Police Department's current pursuit policy?

According to the policy received by the Clarion Ledger after submitting a public records request, JPD officers can pursue a vehicle "only when the related offense is a violent felony and when the benefit of apprehension outweighs the risk of injury or death."

"In all incidents that involve high speed driving, the safety of officers and the public must be the primary consideration. In primarily urban and suburban areas such as the City of Jackson, the need to apprehend the offender does not usually outweigh the inherent risks of a pursuit in such a congested environment," the policy further states, which has an issued date of June 1, 2004, but was revised on June 9, 2011.

Sims and Coleman's wrongful death lawsuit does not state what Harper was fleeing from. But a past Clarion Ledger report states Harper was "attempting to elude a roadblock being conducted by Hinds County deputies." It also states that only a Hinds County Sheriff's vehicle was involved in the chase, not JPD. The lawsuit states otherwise.

Part 2 of lawsuit series: City employees sued for car crashes account for 17% of Jackson's lawsuits. See details

If the lawsuit is correct and JPD was involved in the chase, the officers were in violation of the department's policy for police pursuits.

In an interview last week, Joseph Wade, JPD's Chief of Police, said the pursuit policy is in the middle of being revised again due to the department receiving new technology. Wade confirmed JPD officers are only allowed to pursue a vehicle if the suspect committed "a violent, felony crime."

"Technology called StarChase. When we deploy it, it's like a yellow gun ... it's going to deploy a device and attach to your vehicle," Wade said. "Then we can track that vehicle, so we don't have to chase you at a very dangerous or reckless pursuit. So we're in the process of still changing that policy, but the pursuit policy has not been revised yet."

Wade said JPD is starting to train officers on how to use StarChase.

It is unknown what the Hinds County Sheriff's Departments policy is for police pursuits, but past statements from the department say they do have a policy. The Clarion Ledger has submitted a public records request to find out the policy but has not received it.

Jackson's only engineer resigns: Jackson MS City Engineer Robert Lee resigns from his position. City has no engineers left

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba agrees that police pursuits should only be acceptable if the suspect committed a violent crime, said City Spokesperson Melissa Payne.

"We are anti-pursuit for minor violations which often spillover into tragic consequences for our community. With the advent of new technology, such as a growing camera surveillance network and tag readers, we can apprehend suspects without endangering the public," Lumumba said in 2022 after a police chase that started in Pearl ended in Jackson and resulted in the death of U.S. postal worker.

Other cities have refused to release police pursuit policy

That U.S. postal worker was Brad Pennington, 32, who was killed in July of 2022 after the mail truck he was driving in Jackson was struck by a suspect fleeing Pearl police. A few weeks later in August 2022, a separate incident occurred. Steven Pearson, 47, was struck and killed on his motorcycle after Pearl police chased a suspect into the neighboring City of Flowood.

Curious MS: Curious Mississippi: How safe are Mississippi roads? Compare the studies here

After both incidents, the Clarion Ledger submitted a public records request to the City of Pearl's police department asking for any city or police department policies regarding car chases and crossing jurisdictional lines when in pursuit of suspects and any correspondence, written or digital, between members of the city council or mayor's office and the police department regarding those policies, between the dates of July 21 and the time of receiving this request.

The request was denied in a written statement by the Pearl Police Department, stating the policies are exempt as investigative reports under the Public Records Act. The department also denied that there was any correspondence between city council members or the mayors office and the police department regarding the policies.

The Clarion Ledger appealed the denial to the Mississippi Ethics Commission. More than a year later, the commission filed a dismissal order on Sept. 8 saying the City of Pearl was acting within the bounds of Mississippi's Open Records law and were allowed to withhold the department's police pursuit policies.

"The Policy requested is a written procedure to be followed by officers when performing their jobs and disclosure would endanger the life or safety of a public official or law enforcement personnel as well as the public more generally. Put simply, public disclosure of law enforcement response policies would allow criminals the opportunity to pre-plan criminal activity in a manner that seeks to avoid capture," the Ethics Commission's stated in a written response.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Police chases: Lawsuit against Jackson MS police pursuit policy
New leadership for Richland County? Heres who voters will see on upcoming local ballots

Richland County voters could choose up to four new faces to join County Council this election cycle, and the countys popular, longtime sheriff will face a challenger.

Candidates had to file by noon Monday to run for elected offices in Richland County and elsewhere in South Carolina. The vast majority of candidates running for Richland County Council are Democrats, meaning the June 11 primary election will largely decide who sits on Richland County Council come January.

The statewide Democratic and Republican primaries will be held June 11, with any needed runoffs scheduled for June 25. The general election is Nov. 5.

County Council

Three Richland County Council members will have competition to keep their seats this election cycle. One council member, District 3s Yvonne McBride, did not file to run again.

That means up to four new faces could join Richland County Council in January.

District 7s Gretchen Barron will face a challenge from Taneshia Horne. Both are Democrats.

District 8s Overture Walker, who formerly chaired the council, will face a challenge from James Andreen, who is running as a third-party candidate.

And District 10s Cheryl English will face a challenge from DeAnta Reese. They are both Democrats.

Walker, a Democrat is also running for State Senate District 22, facing off in a primary against fellow Democrats state Rep. Ivory Thigpen and Richland 2 school board member Monica Elkins. Walker did not immediately respond to a request for more information about his dual candidacy.

District 3s McBride did not file to run for reelection. But two others, Tyra Little and Christa Williams, have filed to run for that seat. Both are Democrats. Williams has previously run for Columbia City Council in two recent elections.

District 2s Derrek Pugh and District 9s Jesica Mackey are both running for reelection with no challengers, according to campaign information filed with the state of South Carolina.

The following seats are not up for reelection this year: District 1, Jason Branham; District 4, Paul Livingston; District 5, Allison Terracio; District 6, Don Weaver; District 11, Chakisse Newton.

Richland County Sheriff

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott will face a challenger in November, with Republican Jimie Walker filing to run for the seat. Lott, running for his eighth term, is a Democrat.

Other Richland County races

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford and Clerk of Court Jeanette McBride are both running unopposed for reelection.

When voters go to select their Richland County representatives in November, they may also be asked to support a new 1-percent transportation tax, which Richland County Council is currently debating putting on the ballot this fall.

Council members have not yet officially decided to put the question to voters in November, but if they do they could be asking for $2 billion to support myriad road projects as well as the COMET bus system.

Heres everyone whos filed to run for the S.C. House of Representatives.

Heres everyone whos filed to run for the S.C. Senate.

Heres everyone whos filed to run for S.C. Congressional seats.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 1. Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Zhaparov has appointed a new plenipotentiary representative in the commission on economic issues at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Economic Council, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the Kyrgyz president, Ulukbek Karmyshakov has been appointed by presidential decree, replacing Aigul Ryskulova in the role.

Ulukbek Karmyshakov, aged 61, previously served as the Director of the Center for Standardization and Metrology at the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Kyrgyzstan.

To note, the CIS Economic Council serves as the primary executive body facilitating cooperation among member states of the CIS countries in economic and social spheres, addressing issues of mutual interest.
The director of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lees Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives owned and, while working in state government, remained involved in a now-defunct tech startup that at one point flirted with bankruptcy. The company dissolved in January.

Lance Villio, who Lee tapped in 2022 to lead his faith-based initiatives office, started Think Native LLC in 2019 after abruptly leaving a job at a national Christian multimedia ministry the year before. Villio did not have a technology background but started the company to provide software solutions around building community through online groups and other services.

But multiple investors say the company never found its footing.

Everything invested is gone," one investor told The Tennessean last year, speaking on condition of anonymity as investors sought to extricate themselves from the startup. "Its lost.

According to documents reviewed by The Tennessean, Villio at one point tried unsuccessfully to sell the company, and more recently considered filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The company ceased business activity in October, after The Tennessean's inquiries began. A Nashville attorney who specializes in bankruptcy filed dissolution paperwork with the Tennessee Secretary of State on Jan. 26. Last month, the company sent letters to investors inviting claims for outstanding funds owed.

Multiple investors have told The Tennessean that Villio refused at length to respond to basic questions from investors about the companys finances prior to its dissolution.

It is unclear whether Villio ever received a salary from his tech startup in addition to his annual salary of $165,000, plus a $1,000 monthly car allowance leading the governor's faith-based Initiatives office and managing its taxpayer-funded budget of $1.2 million. But he remained the companys registered agent more than a year after taking the full-time role with the state, according to the companys latest annual report.

Gov. Bill Lee talks about the importance of the ELVIS Act to prevent unauthorized uses of artists voices and likenesses from AI technology at Robert's Western World in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 21, 2024.

It is not clear whether the governor was aware of Villios history at the tech startup when he hired Villio to lead the office. The governor's office told The Tennessean that it followed its usual process for vetting appointees when selecting Villio.

"Lance's experience and credentials qualify him to lead as the initiative serves Tennesseans in need," Lee spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson told The Tennessean in an email.

Lee has stood by his choice of Villio to lead the office, and defended the offices record of accomplishments "making life better for all Tennesseans." He is the right person to lead the office, a Lee spokesperson said, pointing to efforts by Villio to connect the Department of Children's Services to a church in Shelby County as part of an effort to find housing for kids in DCS care.

"When considering candidates for the role, Gov. Lee reviewed Lance's prior experience and is confident in his ability to lead as Faith Based Executive Director," Johnson told The Tennessean last fall. "Gov. Lee is pleased with the progress being made."

Johnson did not respond to questions from The Tennessean about whether Lee was aware of Villio's record with Think Native LLC before appointing him for the job, or his continued role there after joining the faith-based office full time.

Villio denied investors' allegations about his startup through a faith-based office spokesperson, and later in an interview with The Tennessean.

"These allegations are false and would not be supported by the vast majority of the investor group," Erik Lokkesmoe, a senior adviser on strategy and communications at the faith-based office said in an email. "Lance will continue to lead in facilitating partnerships with non-profit and faith-based organizations to effectively serve Tennesseans who need it most."

Despite multiple requests, Lokkesmoe declined to connect The Tennessean with investors who he said support Villio's work with the startup.

Lokkesmoe also said Villio "had no operational involvement in the company" once he started his new role in the faith-based office.

But documents reviewed by The Tennessean show Villio sent business emails from Think Native, including about potential sale of the company, months after taking the faith-based director role  and even during state business hours.

When reached for an interview for this story, Villio did not respond to questions about the company's finances, and declined five times to confirm whether the company ever considered bankruptcy.

Less than three weeks after The Tennessean spoke with Villio, the company dissolved.

Think Native LLC

Lee launched the Tennessee Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in 2019 with the goal of leveraging the nonprofit community to "help us unleash the potential of all Tennesseans to get involved to not only make lives better for their fellow citizens but to reduce the responsibilities and ultimately the size of government."

By state law, the office is run by an appointee of the governor, who works in tandem with a separate nonprofit entity governed by a board of directors, also appointed by Lee. Until last year, the office relied entirely on private money to operate. But for the first time, the legislature at the request of Villio and the governor gave the office $1.2 million in direct taxpayer support. A nonprofit board oversees how the money is spent.

Initially, the office was led by Dave Worland, who left in 2022. Lee then tapped Villio in September 2022 as his replacement to lead the faith-based office.

Villio's background is largely in religious advocacy. He graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a degree in religious studies in 2008. His career began at an anti-human trafficking nonprofit in New York City, then in corporate operations at Ralph Lauren before landing as director of Gabe and Rebekah Lyons' Christian culture summit, Q Ideas. He later led I Am Second, a national Christian multimedia ministry  a position from which he suddenly departed in late 2018.

After his stint at the ministry, Villio filed paperwork to establish the tech startup, Think Native LLC, in March 2019, according to state business records. The company facilitated software designed to help build community through online groups, private messaging, and video meeting hosting.

"Think Native was started because my wife was diagnosed with cancer and while we had great medical treatment at Vanderbilt, she had never met anyone that had been through that type of cancer," Villio told The Tennessean in an interview. "That's what the technology did  think eHarmony but for diagnosis, and so that was really meaningful."

In July, a few months after filing to establish the company, Villio posted photos on Instagram of himself with several investors he was courting at the time on a fishing trip in Montana.

According to multiple investors who spoke to The Tennessean, Villio told potential backers that the nationally known Susan G. Komen Foundation was a client of Think Native to help bolster the company.

But the national foundation was never a client. A spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen Foundation confirmed to The Tennessean the foundation was never a client of Think Native LLC.

There is a connection, though: Villios sister was previously employed by the Tulsa affiliate of Susan G. Komen, the national foundation confirmed. The Tulsa affiliate is a separate entity that dissolved in 2021.

Exciting possibilities ahead for @thinknative, Villio posted to Instagram on January 28, 2020, with a photo of the Tennessee state Capitol. Its unclear why Villio would have any reason to interact with the state government regarding his private startup business at that time. The Department of General Services confirmed that Think Native LLC has not won any state contracts.

The money is gone.

After a failed attempt at a sale, the investors say, Villios startup was administratively dissolved by the state after inactivity in August 2022, according to state records. But business records show that Villio filed to reinstate the company in December 2022  at the same time he was leading the governor's faith-based office.

Some of Villios investors have long been ready to wash their hands of the ordeal.

All investors know that the money is gone, one investor told The Tennessean.

Prior to the company's dissolution, a handful of Villios investors asked questions about who the company owed money and any outstanding payments  in an effort to shutter the company completely and be done with it.

But, they say, Villio did not respond to questions or requests in writing from investors for documentation about the companys spending, accounts receivable, bank statements, credit cards and other financial documentation.

Transparency is not a word that he understands, the investor said. The more questions I ask, the more resistance.

The company borrowed nearly $117,000 from the SBA through the federal Paycheck Protection Program between 2020 and 2021, all of which has been forgiven, according to SBA records. The company also borrowed more than $100,000 in an SBA economic injury disaster loan, which is not forgivable.

As of last year, Think Native also has several outstanding loans and accounts payable, including to lawyers, according to documents reviewed by The Tennessean and one investor.

In way over my head

Villio started Think Native a few months after a sudden departure from a top post at the nationally known media ministry.

Villio joined e3 Partners  the multimedia nonprofit behind the I Am Second movement, which produces film content to inspire people to put Jesus Christ first in their lives  in May 2017.

As president of I Am Second, Villio was the highest compensated employee in the $15 million organization. He earned a salary of $126,000 per year, plus nearly $20,000 in other compensation, according to the nonprofit's tax filings.

Gov. Bill Lee gives parting words to STAR Center employees after his visit as part of the Tennessee Serves Project in Jackson, Tennessee on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

E3 Partners and I Am Second did not respond to email or telephone requests for comment about Villio's departure. But Villios social media posts confirm that leaving the company was not his choice.

A little over a year ago, I was unexpectedly let go of a job that I was extremely passionate about, Villio wrote on Instagram in July 2020. According to LinkedIn, his job at I Am Second ended in December 2018.

After several honest conversations with God, and seeking guidance from my heroes, I decided to start a software business to continue what was being stirred up while at my last gig, he added. Not being a software guy, I knew I was in way over my head, but that has always been the case for me.

The right person to lead

The governors office did not disclose how many other candidates were considered for the position to lead the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, when asked by The Tennessean.

Governor Lee met with multiple qualified candidates, and based on Lances background and character, the Governor determined he was the right person to lead Faith Based & Community Initiatives for the administration, Johnson, Lee's spokesperson, told The Tennessean in an email.

Gov. Bill Lee speaks before agriculture day at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

As with any recruitment process, it is standard practice to review resumes and call references, and the Governor's Office followed that process, Johnson told The Tennessean in an email last year.

The governors office also declined to disclose what references or previous employers the governor's staff contacted to determine Villios qualifications for the job.

If other applicants were considered, the governor's office did not maintain a record of it. In response to a public records request, the governor's records counsel indicated to The Tennessean the office does not possess a copy of Villios resume, cover letter, recommendation letters or any other application materials associated with Villios appointment to lead the office. Nor does the governors office possess any record of any other candidates considered for the position.

Tennessee Department of Human Resources also does not have an employee personnel record for Villio with any documentation regarding Villios previous employment, compensation, or other details.

A view of the Tennessee Tower at the end of Deaderick Street in Nashville, Tenn. on June 13, 2023.

Villios office is in the Tennessee Tower, a state office building, and he and staff use official state email addresses. But they are not employed by the state: their paychecks come from the separate faith-based nonprofit.

As you know, the statue specifically allows for the foundation to partner with the Office, which is why this set-up is permissible, Johnson said, citing the Governors Books From Birth program as a similar model.

For more than a year after Villio took over, the office also had trouble with its website and social media. For months, the website URL linked on the office's social media redirected to a Malaysian Lottery website.

Only in October did the office launch a new website at faithandcommunity.org, which details the office's mission and highlights the story about DCS and the beds for children in Shelby County. Since December, an Instagram account for the office has been active.

Recently, the office has begun hiring for positions funded by the $1.2 million allocated by the legislature. But onboarding issues continue to plague new staff: according to his emails to The Tennessean through Villio's email account and his own, it took the office three full weeks after Lokkesmoe was hired as communications strategist for the office to provide him with access to an email account.

In the past, the office has functioned with six staff members supported entirely by private funding, according to annual reports.

Vivian Jones covers state government for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X at @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Faith-based director led tech startup that once considered bankruptcy
Legal experts are sounding the alarm over a violent image Donald Trump shared on social media last Friday. The life-sized decal, seen on the back of a Long Island pickup truck decorated with blue-line flags in a clip Trump posted on Truth Social, depicted President Joe Biden kidnapped and tied up, creating an illusion that the president was trapped in the truck bed.

In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, Sunday, New York University historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, whose research spans authoritarianism, fascism and propaganda, warned of the dangers of Trump's recirculation of the image, emphasizing its size.

"Being life-size, this image is allowing Americans to imagine a fate that Biden would have if he were removed in a violent way," Ben-Ghiat said in the clip. "And so it's continuing the coup of January 6."

Ben-Ghiat went on to explain that coups result in "some kind of harm" coming to the overthrown leader, with that person either "being killed" or imprisoned. The image of Biden as a hostage or kidnapping victim is showing "not a democratic transition of power, but a violent one," she said arguing the image needs to be taken "high seriously." She previously flagged the image on X Friday as "an emergency," urging followers to "wake up."

Thank you to the more than 1.5 million people who took the time to read this message. I am not leaving this alone.



I write about coups. This life-size image of Biden imagines the sitting president of the United States as a victim of an authoritarian takeover. https://t.co/raVxjnFkkD pic.twitter.com/DG00EMj9KK  Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) March 31, 2024

George Washington University Constitutional law professor Catherine Ross also noted that the violent image Trump shared came in the "background" of his online attacks of the daughter of New York Judge Juan Merchan, who's overseeing his upcoming hush-money trial, which is set to start April 15.

After being hit last week with a gag order in the case that bars him from commenting on jurors, witnesses, court staff, the prosecution team and their families but does not protect the judge or the Manhattan district attorney, Trump has vaulted a handful of social media attacks against presiding Judge Juan Merchan's daughter, whose career as a political consultant for Democratic politicians Trump claims presents a conflict for the judge.

The district attorney's office last week urged the judge to "clarify or confirm" the scope of the gag order in light of Trump's attacks, arguing it's provision for court's staff and their families should cover Merchan's daughter.

"What he posted about Biden is so over the top, we don't have words for it," Ross told Salon Monday, noting that Biden's image in the decal appeared to have a "laser spot" on his forehead. "This level of attack on a public figure  if I were Judge Merchan, I would be putting that in the pot in thinking about how to control this now," she added.
ASHEVILLE  After spotting smoke billowing up from a mountain in Leicester, firefighters battled a 70-acre wildfire March 31, the source of which is still under investigation.

Firefighters with the Leicester Volunteer Fire Department saw the smoke from the station before any 911 calls came in, and they went out to investigate around 1 p.m., according to Interim Deputy Fire Chief Roger Banks.

The Leicester Vol. Fire Department responded to a wildfire off South Turkey Creek Road March 31.

About 70 crew members from the volunteer department, in addition to firefighters from nine other departments in Buncombe and Haywood counties, helped suppress the fire. Though it reached full containment sometime between 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 31, Banks said crews stayed on site to monitor the area.

"The (North Carolina) Forest Service and some of our crews stayed up there all night until early this morning," Banks said. "They did have a couple of spot fires break out where trees would fall over the containment lines."

More: Asheville, other forest advocates sue U.S. Forest Service over timber target analysis

More: US Forest Service proposes to conserve old-growth forests, including Pisgah, Nantahala

Banks said the fire started on private land and jumped to a couple of different properties, but no structures were damaged.

"We know about where it started, but we don't know what started it," Banks said.

The interim deputy said they don't usually investigate wildfires, but the N.C. Forest Service is looking into the cause of the wildfire.

A fire broke out in Leicester off South Turkey Creek Road March 31.

Wildfires in Jackson and Macon counties

A couple of smaller wildfires broke out in Western North Carolina over the weekend, including near the peak of Cowee Mountain in Jackson County, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Fire crews with the National Forests in North Carolina responded to the Cowee Mountain fire, called Sugar Fork Fire, the night of March 30. They worked through the night with a bulldozer establishing a containment line around the approximately 12-acre fire. Crews remained in the area to monitor the control lines March 31.

A 15-acre fire burned in Macon County over the weekend, with crews responding from USDA Forest Service, the N.C. Forest Service and local fire crews. Called the Wheatfield Fire, the wildfire started the afternoon of March 30 near Tessentee Road.

More: NC had 2nd-largest increase in wildfire acreage burned in US from 2022-2023, study shows

"Gusty winds created a few spot fires upslope of the main fire, which crews worked to contain with the assistance of water drops from a state helicopter and Single Engine Air Tankers," a social media post from the U.S. Forest Service said.

Crews worked overnight March 30 to establish a containment line around the active fire area and remained on-scene March 31.

A Type-3 helicopter, requested by the National Forests in North Carolina, was on standby March 31 to assist with any new wildfires in the area.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Fire crews tackle 3 wildfires in Western NC over the weekend
Let Florida voters decide if recreational marijuana should be legal, state Supreme Court rules

Voters in November will be able to determine if Florida will become the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana, the states Supreme Court ruled Monday.

The proposed constitutional amendment, which would allow adults 21 and older to possess, purchase, or use up to 3 ounces of marijuana products, will appear on Novembers ballot and must be approved by 60% of the states voters in order to pass.

Smart & Safe Florida, funded by medical-marijuana company Trulieve, the states largest medical marijuana producer, provided the push to get the legalization referendum on the ballot. The company put about $40 million toward the campaign.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state, however, oppose the initiative, and state Attorney General Ashley Moody had tried to stop the amendment from reaching the ballot, arguing that the proposed wording doesnt make clear that marijuana is illegal under federal law.

Two years ago, the court ruled a similar measure was misleading and struck it from the 2022 ballot.

The court on Monday also ruled on a proposed amendment to allow abortion-access, saying voters would be able to determine its future in Florida.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
What You Need to Know for the 2024 U.S. Solar Eclipse



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Only seven years after its last solar eclipse (a pretty short time cosmically speaking), America will glimpse another total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. One of the solar systems great (and temporary) sights, it will be a chance to recognize humanitys place in the universe and grab some pretty amazing stellar photography in the process.

With the main event only days away, heres everything you need to know about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

Well update this post as more information becomes available and as the date approaches.

Where Does the Eclipse Go? And When?

Eclipse-Chasers.com

The eclipse will first become noticeable in Mexico, running through the states of Sinaloa and Coahuila before crossing the border mid-day and hitting Texas, passing through cities like Dallas, Waco, Forth Worth, and San Antonio, the ninth-most populous city in the country. While these cities wont be directly under the eclipse, theyll still experience a very noticeable darkness.

From there, the eclipse will continue its movement in a northeastern direction. A number of cities will be directly affected by the eclipse. To name a few, it will pass over Little Rock, Jonesboro, Cape Girardeau, Indianapolis, Dayton, Cleveland, Buffalo and finally Caribou, Maine, before it crosses into Canada.

On a state level, the eclipse will be passing through Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Time and Date has a detailed map showing the full route, and Astronomy.com has compiled a list of eclipse times for major metropolitan areas in the path of totality. Be sure to consult the list to find and when and where you need to be.

What Will Be Happening, Exactly?

Michael Stillwell

Lets use Indianapolis, Indiana as an example. Its been a long time since Indy has had a total solar eclipse819 years, according to Butler University. Indianapolis will be very close to the center of whats known as the path of totality. That path will be around 115 miles wide, with the direct center casting a shadow around 20 miles south of Indianapolis in Franklin, Indiana.

The Moon, moving around the Earth, will begin to block the Suns light starting at 1:50 PM. Solar eclipses occur when the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are lined up. During the eclipse, the Moon is passing directly between the star and the Earth. All sunlight is temporarily blocked.

It wont be very noticeable at 1:50 p.m., but the intersection between all three will grow over the course of an hour, and if it is a clear spring day, it will soon be unmissable. A darkness will fall over Indianapolis at 3:06 p.m., when the Sun will become totally eclipsed. The Moon will continue to move, getting closest to the Suns center a minute later at 3:07 p.m., reaching what astronomers call "totality." For three minutes, darkness will prevail with a glow of sunlight in the distance.

And then, at 3:09, it will be over. The total eclipse will hit its centers for a short period, nothing longer than five minutes. The Moon will continue to move, and by 4:23 p.m. the partial eclipse will have ended as well.

What Gear Do I Need?

DEA / A. DAGLI ORTI - Getty Images

First things firstyoure going to need to protect your eyes.

The first way to view the eclipse is indirectly using pinhole projection, and the website Time and Date has a step-by-step guide on how to make your own simple projector at home. You can also see the effects of the eclipse simply by looking at how light creates crescent shapes through the leaves of a tree or even through your own fingers.

Of course the most popular method is watching the eclipse directly, but youll definitely need eyewear that filters out the parts of the Suns spectrum that could damage your vision (these are some good options). This is no joke as damage to your eyes can take months or even a year to heal, and according to a new report by the The New York Times, some 2017 eclipse viewers are still suffering from visual impairment. So whatever you do, dont skip this step.

If you want to fully document your eclipse experience, youll probably want to take some photos as the Moon traverses across the Sun. However, similar to the human eye, cameras shouldnt be pointed toward the Sun for an extended period. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through the filters, techniques, and protections you need to take to capture every moment of the eclipse.

The video below, made in preparation for the 2017 eclipse, also walks through the finer points of snapping shots before, during, and after totality, and before the big day, take a few test shots of the Sun to make sure your setup is working properly.

How Can I Watch?

With the right gear in hand, you need to find the perfect place to watch this amazing solar display in all its glory.

Luckily theres still time to make preparations, but finding a hotel room (especially one thats reasonably priced) will be close to impossible. The New York Post reports that hotels in the path of totality are already charging 10 times the normal nightly rate. But because totality occurs in the afternoon for most parts of the U.S., its relatively easy to get to where you need to go from areas outside totality.

While the eclipse is swinging across a vast number of states and cities, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where to see the celestial display. The New York Times and the National Weather Service have historical cloud cover maps that shows the likelihood of a cloudy day during totality (hint: the farther south you go, the better your chances). As April 8th enters 10-day forecasts and beyond, be sure to consult local weather reports.

If having fun is higher on your list than a crystal clear day, Sky & Telescope has a detailed rundown of the many events occurring across the path of totality. And for a completely different kind of viewing experience, some airlines are offering eclipse-viewing flights so passengers can experience the entire stellar drama at 30,000 feet.

Of course, going in person can be a bit too cumbersome for the many millions who dont live a comfortable driving distance from the totality zone. So similar to the 2017 eclipse, NASA will be putting on a livestream from 1pm to 4pm EDT as the Moon cuts a shadow across northern Mexico and makes its way toward Canadas Atlantic coast. The broadcast will be chock full of Sun-blotting visuals as well as expert commentary and live demos.

But even when it comes to livestreams, youve got some options. The website Time and Date, for example, will be offering up its own livestream, and various research institutions will also be streaming the eclipse from the stratosphere via weather balloons as part of the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project.

What If I Miss This One?

Missing the Great American Eclipse of 2017 is one thing, considering the next one was just seven years away. But missing the 2024 eclipse will be an entirely different matter.

The next eclipse after this one to shade American soil will be twenty years later on August 23, 2044, and that will fall on Montana and North Dakota as it mainly blocks out the Sun in Canada. So if youre going to catch an eclipse in the U.S., the 2024 eclipse is your last opportunity for quite awhile.

Of course, if youre not opposed to some world-traveling, then youve got lots of options.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  The New York City housing lottery is competitive, as many residents continue to search for affordable apartments. Three apartments on NYC Housing Connect will expire on Monday.

Free summer program helping NYC students start music career

There are a total of 184 units advertised in three separate buildings in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

You can apply to any of the lotteries here. For information on how to improve your chances of winning one of the housing lotteries, click here.

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced former lawyer convicted of murdering his wife and son in a bid to hide more than a decade of thefts, is being sentenced today for his federal financial crimes.

The sentencing is taking place in front of U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel at federal court in Charleston.

Murdaughs sentencing follows a plea agreement signed last September with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for South Carolina. Murdaugh, a fourth generation descendant of a powerful legal and political dynasty in South Carolinas Lowcountry, pleaded guilty to 22 charges, among them wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering.

Federal prosecutors allege that Murdaugh abused his position of power to use the courts and South Carolinas banking system to steal almost $11 million from more than 20 victims since 2005. Murdaugh is serving two consecutive life sentences after being found guilty of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. Last November, he was also sentenced to 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to state financial crime charges.

11:11 A.M.  Judge sentences Murdaugh

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel has sentenced Murdaugh to 480 months. That is 40 years. This is to run concurrent to his state charges.

This is ten years more than the 30 year sentence requested by federal prosecutor, Emily Limehouse, representing the U.S. Attorneys Office for South Carolina.

In the weeks leading up to the sentencing and throughout the mornings proceedings, Gergel indicated that he was considering an upwards variance in his sentencing.

At one point, he mused whether the sentence should serve as a warning to future lawyers, who abuse their license to do good, as Gergel said he describes it.

This verdict we make today we make for the United States, we make for this court, we make in thee interests of justice, Gergel said.

10:40 A.M.  Alex Murdaugh addresses the court

Facing the judge, Alex Murdaugh said that he took responsibility for his crimes, described his heavy opiate use and claimed addiction was a key factor in his thefts. He pledged to try to make his victims whole.

I want you to know and I want the victims to know, I am filled with sorrow, I am filled with remorse, I am filled with guilt, Murdaugh said. I am very committed to trying to be a better person.

At times hesitant and appearing to choke on his words, the former attorney renowned for his quicky thinking and ability to speak to anyone, Judge, I know theres not enough time and I dont possess sufficient vocabulary to express to you in words the magnitude of what I feel about what I did  as you pointed out for a long period of time.... I literally am filled with sorrow and I am filled with guilt.

Murdaugh placed his addiciton to painkillers at the heart of his thefts. Now 937 days sober, Murdaugh said of his opioid usage, One of the reasons that my addiction grew to the extremes that it did is that I was using opiates to hide from the things I was doing to people that I cared about... I hope, I hope  with every cell of my existence  I hope that I would not have done the things that I did had I not been addicted to opiates.

But in an interjection following Murdaughs speech, Judge Gergel appeared unmoved. No truly impaired person could pull off these complex transactions, Gergel said. Instead, Murdaugh used his charm and charisma to seduce a web of conspirators by the siren song of affluence to assist him in his thefts.

10:28 A.M.  Agreement reached to save plea deal

Murdaughs attorneys have reached a deal with federal prosecutors to continue with todays sentencing. Federal prosecutors have said they are no longer offering a recommendation for his sentence, while Murdaughs attorneys have withdrawn their motion for polygraph data.

Sentencing is now proceeding before U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel. Before sentencing proceeds, Gergel said that he approves of the findings of the pre-sentence report.

The court has also determined that Murdaugh owes $8,762,731.88 in restitution.

9:48 A.M.  Alex Murdaugh arrives in federal court

Alex Murdaugh was led into the courtroom surrounded by U.S. Marshals, shackled and wearing an orange South Carolina Department of Corrections jumpsuit

Sentencings are often an emotional affair, with testimony from victims and attorneys about the impact of the crimes. During Murdaughs last sentencing on state financial crimes, many, some of whom considered Murdaugh a close friend, described the pain of discovering that this trusted attorney and friend from a prominent family had callously stolen from them.

But todays sentencing has an added layer of drama, as federal prosecutors last week attempted to back out of the plea deal, which called for Murdaughs federal sentence to be served concurrently with the state financial sentence.

In filings, they claimed Murdaugh was not truthful during a polygraph exam when asked about the location of $6 million in missing money. In response, Murdaughs attorneys  Jim Griffin, Dick Harpootlian, Phil Barber and Maggie Fox  have filed motions asking for summaries of the interviews to be released and for prosecutors to turn over data from the polygraph exams.
Before and after: The glass-fronted Station House was once an office for Santander, but is now a home for hundreds of people

In the newly fitted-out Station House apartment block, resident Sania Mushtaq has everything close at hand. Theres a 24-hour gym and shared workspace downstairs, free-of-charge for tenants. Metres away is an Aldi supermarket in a retail park. Directly below the apartments is Milton Keynes railway station, putting Mushtaq half an hour from the centre of London.

I live one second from the station, says the 23-year-old medical student. I have quite a nice one-bed with everything I need. Im a city girl, so for me just having everything around, all the shopping malls, is nice.

Unlike some developments, this new housing is not cut off from amenities. Nor has it involved that unpopular practice of concreting over the countryside.

Theres a reason for this: although Mushtaq didnt realise it when she moved in, until recently Station House was an office block, with tenants including Santander bank and the Canal & River Trust.

Would you guess its recent history, to look at it now? From the outside, probably yes. Its 1980s modernist exterior, with a stark facade of mirrored glass, still looks the same; which is to say, like offices. But the problem with offices in 2024 is that fewer people work in them. Meanwhile, we have a national housing shortage: around 340,000 new homes are needed in England each year, according to one estimate. A seemingly neat solution  increasingly adopted by developers  is to convert underused offices into flats.

Permitted Development Rights (PDR) introduced in 2013 have made this change of use much easier. Under PDR, the normal planning application process can be bypassed, provided the buildings exterior isnt altered.

Initially, not everyone thought transforming Station House into homes was a wise idea. These poky flats would be sited above an exceptionally busy and noisy railway station, objected Pete Marland, the Labour council leader.

Mushtaq prefers the word cosy to describe her lodgings. And inside the 200 airy and well-insulated new flats, it is in fact surprisingly quiet. Although the windows overlook the busy concourse outside the station on one side, and the railway lines on the other, you wouldnt know it from the sound. Cars, buses and trains glide around beneath like so many toy vehicles, small and noiseless.

The interiors are modern but homely, with gleaming bathrooms and kitchens, shining tiles and white walls. The deliberately unfinished concrete pillars and ceiling beams give the flats a semi-industrial vibe, hinting that the space might have had another use earlier in life; the equivalent, perhaps, of those exposed brick walls in stylish warehouse conversions.

Family homes with outdoor space for children these are not (though there are a few families living in the two-beds). But for childless singletons and couples, there are clearly worse places to rent. Mushtaq pays 1,175 a month for her flat, while friends in London pay almost twice as much.

One of the bedrooms in the new developments. The flats are modern, cosy and  crucially  affordable - John Lawrence for The Telegraph

A planning application for the conversion was first submitted in 2018 and rejected. When the developer appealed, under PDR, the project was given the green light. Work began in 2020 and was completed last year. Most of the flats are now occupied.

When we [first] went there, it looked like a dated office building with an office plan and columns, and we thought: what do we do with it? says Sebastiano Scapolan, whose architecture firm Scapolan Burney carried out the conversion. We took the client around and explained to him that the building already had all the ingredients to be unique, there was no need to add, just to work with what you have from the start because you have elements here that will not be achievable on any new-build residential scheme in the country.

Hence the enduring presence of those concrete columns, which the architects suggested the design should celebrate. Arguably, there is plenty more to celebrate about these kinds of conversions. The carbon cost of turning an existing commercial building into homes is appreciably smaller than razing it to the ground and building from scratch.

Any sort of demolition is a big no-no [carbon-wise], says Robin Callister, a senior architect at Urbanist Architecture, which has dealt with a number of clients seeking to do such conversions.

The price tag is also smaller. The approximate cost of the Station House conversion was 16.6 million. Rebuilding from scratch would have cost at least double that, Scapolan estimates.

Preserving architectural heritage is a third bonus, when exteriors are left intact. And avoiding encroaching on green belt land is a given with such projects.

It solves two problems, says Callister. What do you do with empty office spaces when everyone works from a laptop, not an office now  and [it] ticks the box for the housing shortage, because a lot of these buildings are quite well-suited to flatted developments.

Its also a faster way to create new homes. The decision process with PDR is normally eight weeks, says Scapolan. A full planning application usually requires an extensive pre-application process and once submitted, despite a 12-week target for the decision, it usually takes several months, and in many cases can be years if the site is in a sensitive location. This doesnt benefit anyone and simply pushes prices up.

The time to complete the project is shorter too; and, unlike when building from scratch, the timetable is not affected by weather or time of year, says Callister. That makes a big difference.

Infrastructure-wise, office locations will often already be well provided for by transport connections (though not necessarily by doctors surgeries).

Station House is literally above the train station - John Lawrence for The Telegraph

Not every commercial building will be suitable for residential use. Creating new homes in former commercial spaces using PDR can have pitfalls, planners and architects warn. Last year, the Town and Country Planning Association published a photobook of bleak-looking former commercial properties called These are Homes, to capture some of the realities of homes created through Permitted Development Rights.

Many lacked adequate space, security and fire safety, proper ventilation, natural light, access to green space and amenities. One block sat on the edge of the North Circular, a busy, exhaust-choked carriageway in London. Another was sited on an industrial estate in north London, surrounded on all sides by car parks and immediately facing a large warehouse and logistics hub. The book highlighted the adverse effects such poor housing can have on health and wellbeing.

Converting offices into homes could be great  an effective way of using under-utilised office space and creating more homes, says Dr Daniel Slade, policy manager at the Royal Town Planning Institute. The key problem is that doing it under permitted development removes a lot of important safeguards and checks that result in good quality homes.

A normal planning application is assessed by a planning committee that takes into account a range of considerations. For instance, are the proposed homes in the middle of an industrial estate? With permitted development, there isnt an effective mechanism for doing that, says Dr Slade. Thats resulted in thousands of new homes in the middle of industrial estates.

Only in 2020 did it become a requirement for all homes created under PDR to have natural light in all habitable rooms. In 2021, new minimum space standards were introduced. The idea of both new rules was to prevent the nightmare of windowless shoeboxes being rented or sold as residential.

But when done right, might the conversion of underused office space breathe new life into hollowed-out city centres? For Dr Slade, this is possible as long as planners have weighed up the appropriateness of the development. He agrees we should be aiming for mixed-use urban centres. The question is how its done.

Problems occur when you dont take a place-making approach, he says. And when there are no jobs for the people [who will be living in] those homes. The key thing is there being a sensible decision made by people who have all the data in front of them, rather than this happening in a really ad hoc way.

One upside for developers may also be a downside for others: under PDR, they have no Section 106 obligations  also known as developer contributions  to mitigate the impact of the development on the local community. These may include financial contributions to infrastructure and services.

Likewise, there is no requirement for a portion of the homes to be affordable when converting offices like this. The Local Government Association warned in 2022 that more than 18,000 affordable houses had been lost as a result.

Others might argue that some homes are better than no homes, and that with so many plans for new-build developments coming up against nimbyism, converting existing buildings sidesteps a range of obstacles and objections. Its also true that in a small country, where space is at a premium, we can ill afford to walk away from buildings that have served their purpose.

The idea that we should find fresh uses for them isnt new. In the late 20th century, warehouses from our industrial past were refashioned into modern homes, with the London Docklands Development Corporation leading the way in the early 1980s. Now, the commercial real estate that crept across our landscape in the 20th century is following a similar trajectory. When its done well, it undoubtedly has its benefits.

When theres a housing shortage, says Callister, the last thing you want is empty buildings.

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Logo for Ravenna's 225th anniversary unveiled; first city celebration will be June 8th

Ravenna will use this logo for its 225th anniversary celebration this summer. The logo was designed by Chelsea Gregor, who is president of the board for Main Street Ravenna and clerk of Ravenna City Council.

The logo for Ravenna's 225th anniversary celebration has been chosen, and a series of events to celebrate the anniversary are being finalized.

Chelsea Gregor, clerk of Ravenna City Council and president of the Main Street Ravenna board of directors, won the logo design contest for the city's 225th celebration. The logo will be used for anniversary-related advertising and materials.

How was the winner chosen?

Wayne Enders, historian with the Portage County Historical Society, said Ravenna was founded in 1799, four years before Ohio became a state. The city is working on multiple celebrations to mark the occasion this summer, an effort Gregor is spearheading.

Service Director Tim Contant said he and Mayor Frank Seman chose the top five finalists and asked Main Street Ravenna and the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce to select a winner. Because Gregor had submitted a design, she removed herself from the selection process when a winner was chosen.

Gregor said she's "no graphic artist" and relied on an app to help her come up with the winning red, white and blue design.

"I was actually surprised myself," she said.

First celebration is June 8

Gregor said the first in a series of anniversary celebrations will take place June 8 during Art on Main. The festival takes place just days before June 11, the anniversary of Ravenna's founding.

In addition to proclamations from the mayor and other government officials, there will be a sheet cake and mini cupcakes donated by Sunshine Cupcakes. Giant Eagle will also be donating 300 hot dogs.

The flower beds for Ravenna's Adopt-A-Spot program are being refreshed, and trash cans and electrical boxes are being repainted to match the city's colors. There is talk of a time capsule being buried to mark the anniversary as well.

Gregor said citizens are being encouraged to incorporate anniversary commemorations into other festivals throughout the summer, such as the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair Sept. 19-22.

"We're encouraging everybody to have their own celebration so we can maintain the celebration throughout the summer," she said.

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ravenna officials unveil 225th anniversary logo, celebration plans
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Lollipop man, 89, may not volunteer as council says insurance too costly

An 89-year-old lollipop man was made redundant and prohibited from working for free after a local council claimed insuring him was too expensive.

Alfred Tollon has spent the past 24 years helping pupils cross the road. He has spoken out of his sadness at being made redundant due to council cuts.

Mr Tollon said that he told bosses that he would work for free at Harrow Lodge Primary School in Romford but was told that the cost to insure him was prohibitive.

On his last day in the role on Thursday before the Easter Bank Holiday weekend the school ensured that that octogenarian was made the guest of honour at their Easter parade, as pupils presented him with homemade cards.

The Daily Mail reported that Mr Tollon was informed by letter that his contract with the council was terminated and that he was given 12 weeks notice.

The council said it was facing unprecedented fiscal challenges and that less than 15 per cent of schools in the same borough now had crossing patrol officers because crossings had been installed.

Some local parents remain concerned about safety. Paula Leahy said that Mr Tollon keeps everything flowing very smoothly.

She told the newspaper: I am genuinely really concerned because its a crossroad junction, its inevitable an accident will happen.

It gets me up in the morning

Mr Tollon, who is widowed, said he planned to retire on his 90th birthday but was devastated to be forced to give up his job earlier.

He added he would miss seeing the schoolchildren grow up, telling the newspaper: I would do it for nothing. It gets me up in the morning. I feel fit, whereas if I wasnt doing anything Id just fall apart.

His granddaughter Bethany, 26, added: Its going to mentally impact him because hes stuck at home.

She said that he was determined to find something else to do to stay active and was considering charity work.

He doesnt want to sit there and be elderly. Hes out more than I am.

Havering council was contacted for comment.

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America is gearing up for the April 8 total solar eclipse, and in less than a week many will be scrambling to find the best location to watch within the path of totality. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the latest models, and while it won't be until a few days prior to the event that the national forecast will be fully cooked, historical data suggests those hoping to view the corona and see a fully darkened midday sky may find themselves dodging clouds due to April weather patterns.

The last time a total solar eclipse traversed an elongated path across the continental U.S.  on Aug. 21, 2017  Americans could be caught gazing at the midday dark from Oregon all the way to South Carolina. Most spots along the path of totality enjoyed reasonably clear, summer skies.

Those living or visiting along the path of totality next week may not end up so fortunate, as historical weather maps show the odds of experiencing a cloud-free sky at this time of year are somewhat less than ideal. In fact, finding a totally clear view at any given time is closer to the exception than the rule.

"According to NASA, at any given time, 70% of the earth is covered in clouds," said Mike Augustyniak, CBS Minnesota director of meteorology.

Not only is North America in the middle of the volatility of changing seasons during this year's solar event, but meteorologists note that we're also currently in an El Nino pattern, albeit one that's proven quieter than usual.

"An El Nino pattern tends to increase the chances of cloudy, rainy weather in those areas. Interestingly, though, that is not how this winter and spring have played out," said Augustyniak. "Since the start of 2024, Texas Hill Country and western Texas areas have been markedly drier than average; if that trend holds for the next few weeks, that would be good news for eclipse watchers."

The path of totality is only about 150 miles wide, and in America stretches roughly 2,500 miles from the Texas border to the last few towns in northeastern Maine. That leaves only so many places where you can seek the full show, though the path's width will be significantly wider than it was in 2017, according to NASA, as the moon will to be closer to Earth on this pass than it was then.

So will April showers bring spectator flowers? Here's a breakdown of which places along the path of totality are most likely to give eclipse chasers the best odds.

United States map showing the percent of cloud cover in various regions of the eclipse path on April 8. The lakeshore region will be primarily affected.

Viewing the eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

Augustyniak said at this transitional time of year, the further south you can go, the more likely you are to experience clear skies during eclipse totality.

"Of the areas where the total eclipse will be visible on April 8, that includes the Hill Country of Texas, and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Durango," Augustyniak said.

Of course, the further south you get, the more you increase your chances of running into not only clouds, but rain.

"Spring is our storm season of course," said Jeff Ray, chief meteorologist for CBS Texas.

Ray said that you can almost bet on needing to do a little bit of reverse storm-chasing  in other words, doing some last-minute navigation to dart away from the oncoming clouds, rather than toward them  on or around the eclipse in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"There will be storms around the day of April 8. I say that because we rarely get through a week in spring without a couple of rounds coming through the area during this time of the year. Will they arrive a day before and be gone? Not start up until later that day? Maybe two days later? We are looking at our long-range model the GFS for the date and it looks like storms on the eighth," Ray said, with a caveat. "Long-range models are notoriously inaccurate for a specific day. But there is a good chance the storms the model sees will materialize, give or take a 36-hour period."

Ray said that Texas sees, on average, a sunny or mostly sunny April day only about 28% of the time. Conversely, the region gets April days with mostly cloudy or fully overcast conditions about 36% of the time.

"High clouds can arrive several days before the storm system, they are overhead in April around 22% of the time. A sky with some kind of cloud cover is likely," said Ray. "A typical April day would have near overcast skies in the morning, then the heating of the day makes for more sunshine. So an afternoon even has better odds of a good view of the eclipse."

NASA's map shows the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 eclipse. / Credit: NASA

The eclipse will reach totality in Texas from about 1:30 p.m. CT near Elm Creek until wrapping up near the Oklahoma border a few minutes before 2 p.m. Some of the most populous areas along the path of totality will be during this leg, from San Antonio and Austin to Dallas-Fort Worth.

One final factor to consider if you're heading to the area  tornadoes. Ray said that the National Weather Office in Fort Worth has tallied all the confirmed tornadoes since 1880, and in April and May, north Texas has seen more than 1,100 twisters, compared with the nearly 900 seen in all other months.

"So more tornadoes in the 61-day window than all of the other days of the year combined," Ray said, "but the tornado count varies greatly from year to year."

Ultimately, Ray said that April is traditionally the third-stormiest month of the year in Texas.

"In short, April is not the best, nor the worst, time of the year to hope for clear or mostly clear skies. The best would be July or August. The worst would be January or February," he said. "We get a decent idea of the expected weather about seven days out. Four days out we get more comfortable talking about the timing of a rain or storm event. But it's the weather, we are trying to throw a lasso around chaos. It is not rare we forecasters look like fools."

Viewing the eclipse in Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana

While many are likely to head as far south as possible, some of the biggest cities in the Midwest are likely to fuel day-of migration to spots in Missouri and Illinois, many of them likely seeing a total eclipse for the second time in a decade. A small zone centered around Carbondale, Illinois, was along the path of totality in 2017, and will be once again this month.

While those in the St. Louis area seeking areas to watch in southeastern Missouri will find historical odds for cloud-free viewing roughly comparable to Arkansas, and those in the Chicago metro area should find their best bet is to head toward the southern part of Illinois.

"If you're unable to travel (to Texas or Arkansas), then Southern Illinois and Indiana present your best opportunity for a clearer sky, supported by the 43-year average and, of course, weather permitting," said Albert Ramon, chief meteorologist for CBS Chicago.

/ Credit: CBS News

There will likely be some who decide that 90% or 95% totality is enough for them. But Ramon warns that those in the Chicago metro area could be at a higher risk to find their view obscured by clouds.

"Based on a comprehensive 43-year average, April 8 typically brings cloud cover chances ranging from 60 to 80% across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with similar patterns observed in Indianapolis, where cloud cover hovers between 60 to 70%," Ramon said.

Viewing the eclipse near the Great Lakes and Pennsylvania

Ramon said another factor that could make viewing along the path of totality something of a challenge in the Midwest is the lingering influence of an El Nino weather pattern.

"Its presence elevates the chances of clouds across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions," Ramon said. "This year may even be a bit more cloudier than the normal."

The Great Lakes portion of totality's path includes large sections of Ohio, including Cleveland, along with the area of Ontario south of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Erie, Pennsylvania. CBS Pittsburgh meteorologist Ray Petelin said many of these areas are subject to the wildcard that is the Great Lakes.

"They are known for lake-effect snow, but it is the lake-effect clouds that could hide the eclipse. Erie, which is in the path of totality, averages only six clear days during the month of April. Pittsburgh, which has the potential to see around 97% of totality, only averages four clear days in April," Petelin said.

NASA total eclipse animation / Credit: NASA

Petelin says that a southerly breeze and warmer-than-average temperatures would go a long way toward helping the Great Lakes region out on April 8.

"While the historical data suggests the chances for a clear day are low, this winter and early spring have been exceptionally bright and warmer than usual. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we can get that perfect weather for when it matters most," Petelin said.

As it stands, the areas near the shores of the Great Lakes historically show a higher probability for clearer skies than areas inland.

Viewing the eclipse in New England

The eclipse will wrap up its march across the U.S. when the path of totality cuts across state lines from New York to Vermont just before 3:30 p.m. ET. By this point in the event, the duration of totality along the central line will have already fallen off from its peak  about 4 minutes, 30 seconds near Nazas, Mexico  to just over 3 minutes, 30 seconds, according to NASA.

/ Credit: CBS News

"The southern edge of the totality line passes right through the towns of Middlebury, Northfield and Barre. You will need to get just north of these areas. Some suggested 'larger' towns include Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Newport and Burlington," said Terry Eliasen, executive weather producer for CBS Boston.

In New Hampshire, the southern edge of totality will pass just north of the White Mountains. And in Maine, you'll need to get north of major cities like Portland, Augusta and Bangor. Eliasen said the entirety of Baxter State Park will be in the totality path, including Mount Katahdin.

The bad news: Eliasen said that those in the New England area face possibly the stiffest odds in the country for catching clear skies next Monday, based on historical patterns. The data says you're more likely to be negatively impacted by clouds pretty much anywhere in these three states than not.

"Frankly, northern New England is probably the worst place (historically speaking) in the path of totality as far as cloud cover goes," said Eliasen. "Of course, we could get lucky."

No luck? There's always the 2045 total solar eclipse

As a last-ditch hope for those who opt to stay put no matter where they're located, there's one last meteorological ace-in-the-hole that could offer reprieve, one fueled by the astronomical event itself.

"It's worth noting that, as totality approaches and sunlight is reduced, temperatures are likely to fall noticeably. Cooler temperatures can stabilize the atmosphere  like when the sun sets after a hot summer day  leading to a decrease in cloud cover," said Augustyniak. "Still, your best plan is to find an area that has no clouds to begin with."

And if the clouds end up sullying the view for some this month, another chance comes around in August 2045, when a line of totality will stretch from northern California all the way to Miami Beach. Which, of course, will fall during the height of hurricane season.

United states map showing the path of the 2045 solar eclipse.

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Louisiana locks down abortion ban in both law and state Constitution

Louisiana lawmakers have locked in one of the nation's most rigid abortion bans for at least another year and the likely foreseeable future.

Legislators in a House committee last week overwhelmingly rejected a bill from Democratic New Orleans Rep. Aimee Freeman that would have allowed voters to consider an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution to legalize abortion.

Other bills that would add exceptions like rape or incest to Louisiana's near total abortion ban are still scheduled for debate, but they will almost certainly meet the same fate in the House Criminal Justice Committee, where members voted 10-2 to kill Freeman's proposed amendment House Bill 245.

And new Republican Gov. Jeff Landry has said he supports the current law as it stands, leaving no room for advancing legislation to alter the curent ban.

Freeman argued her amendment was needed because Louisiana's law that criminalizes doctors who perform illegal abortions has made some providers hesitant to provide legal procedures like terminating a pregnancy to save the life of the mother.

What Im worried about is our decline in care for even our healthy pregnancies that are out there, she said during the hearing. For people to forgo and not have treatment because doctors are afraid to how to treat them is very worrisome.

Freeman cited a report from Lift Louisiana, Physicians for Human Rights, Reproductive Health Impact and the Center for Reproductive Rights illustrating those concerns.

But others, including some doctors, testified that the law isn't confusing and shouldn't strike fear in providers.

Opponents of Freeman's amendment said Louisiana voters have already spoken on the issue in the state Constitution.

In Louisiana, abortion is illegal in both state law and in the state Constitution.

Ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2020, voters approved an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution that said no provision within it protects the right to abortion or public funding for abortion.

Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, D-Monroe, speaks at an anti-abortion rally on May 10, 2022.

State Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, a Democrat from Monroe, authored both the constitutional language and the law making abortion illegal.

"Louisiana and my district have traditionally and consistently been pro-life," Jackson-Andrews told USA Today Network. "I don't think that core belief has changed."

Jackson-Andrews' 2020 amendment passed with 62% with a 70% voter turnout, almost twice the turnout percentage (36%) of last fall's governor's race.

But a 2023 LSU survey conducted by the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs following the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling found 52% of respondents said abortion should be legal in at least most cases, while 44% said it should be illegal in all or most cases.

Benjamin Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life, said Freeman's proposed amendment was "extreme."

"If it had passed, the amendment would have legalized abortion until birth and forced Louisiana citizens to pay for abortion with their tax-dollars," he said in a statement. "It would even prevent parents from consenting to their minor daughters abortion. This amendment was too extreme for Louisiana."

More: Shreveport senator files legislation after sister's husband tried to secretly abort baby

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana lawmakers lock in near total abortion ban
One of the greatest destabilizers of democracy that almost nobody knows about is a little tax-exempt group called RAGA, which stands for the Republican Attorneys General Association. It represents more than half the states chief legal officers, and its members are on the front lines of pretty much every single important legal movement in the country. Its moves and funding are directed, of course, by everyones favorite little Monopoly Man Money Guy, Leonard Leo. Yet the group receives almost no sustained public attention or accountability. Recently, Heidi Przybyla at Politico reported on how RAGA tried to run a D.C. official who had dared investigate Leo out of office. And once you actually train your focus on RAGA, they tend to pop up everywhere, over and over again. The group was behind amicus briefs in the outrageous social media case Murthy v. Missouri. They are driving the efforts to get around federal emergency treatment laws for abortion in the forthcoming EMTALA cases. Theyre pushing for Texas-style S.B. 4 legislation in several states. And that doesnt even get you to the whole raft of RAGA interventions when it came to trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

On this weeks Amicus podcast, Dahlia Lithwick spoke with Lisa Graves, founder and executive director of True North Research, to try to shine a light on an obscure group that works hand in glove with Leo and dark-money interests to stymie democracy and roll back environmental protections, civil rights, reproductive rights, and other freedoms for the very citizens they are elected to serve. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

To listen to the full episode of Amicus, join Slate Plus.

Dahlia Lithwick: Attorneys general were once kind of nonpartisan. They were apt to work across political lines, for the interests of the residents of the state.

Lisa Graves: All state attorneys general once belonged to the National Association of Attorneys General, NAAG, and it was a bipartisan group, a group of all the state attorneys general conferring about the practices in their state and cases that transcend jurisdiction.

There was a significant set of lawsuits in the 1990s around tobacco because there had been a long-standing effort by the tobacco industry to deny the carcinogenic effects of smoking, despite the fact that the tobacco companies knew full well that their products did cause cancer. In fact, one of the things that had a fundamentally disruptive effect on U.S. law and policy in the past 50 years is that a thentobacco lawyer named Lewis Powell wrote something called the Powell Memo to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, circa 1971. This was in response to a decade of environmental regulation to protect against rivers that were on fire, and smoke stacks, and pollution, in addition to efforts to try to regulate smoking. And so the tobacco lawyer, Lewis Powell, wrote a memo basically saying businesses need to get more involved in policy, and lobbying, and universities in order to change our laws to benefit corporations. He was rewarded shortly after with an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, and so thats 1971.

Fast forward to 1991. Finally, there is concerted effort by attorneys general across the country to hold the tobacco industry liable for the consequences to peoples lives, but also to our health care system. As that was ongoing, the Republican attorneys general decided to create their own attorney general association to pursue their own agenda and actually raise money from industries that they were supposed to regulate in order to fund this operation, which was designed to fuel their campaigns. The history is deeply embedded in antipathy to public regulation, government regulation of industries that have literally killed thousands, if not millions, of Americans in the form of the tobacco industry, for example.

Theres the Leonard Leo piece in the middle of this, which is also just incredibly familiar, and this is your job, follow the money. So help us understand whos paying to play and who are they paying?

Leonard Leos network is the largest funder of RAGA. There are corporations that have funded RAGA, Koch Industries, tobacco companies, energy companies. And some of my research about Leonard Leo showed that theres this group called the Judicial Education Projectand it is now known as the 85 Fund because these names are all disposable names for them. But back then it was called the Judicial Education Project, and wed been looking into it in part because its the group that Leonard Leo used to pay Ginni Thomas secretly through Kellyanne Conways firm from a secret donor. That was after Harlan Crow staked Ginni Thomas with $500,000 to fund her group, Liberty Central, while the Citizens United decision was pending.

And what you see is this group that was deployed to basically pay Ginni Thomas secretly, starts filing amicus briefs, and it notes in its filing that its paying particular attention to the potential of the state of West Virginia to have a new attorney general, who became the attorney general who was basically deployed to attack the Clean Power Plan: Patrick Morrisey. So, heres a group that is intimately tied to Leonard Leos operation. Its the group he trusts to get the money into the hands of Ginni Thomas, the wife of a sitting Supreme Court justice. Its a group focusing on the election of a particular attorney general investigating what the powers of the attorney general of West Virginia might be. And then Morrisey gets elected and he becomes the tip of the spear in attacking the effort by the Obama administration to write reasonable rules about power plants.

Fast forward eight years, and suddenly in 2022, just as the court is destroying Roe that same term, its saying you can regulate basically womens bodies, but you cant regulate corporations to force utilities to at least put some of their money into renewable energy under the Clean Power Plan.

It is really full circle. It is a sort of surround sound in terms of their intention and their focus. It does show how long this plan is in place before its major victories.

We sometimes think that Leonard Leo to the Supreme Court is a one-way vector. But it is in fact a triangle, right? Because the third vector is to the state AGs who are bringing these cases, who are as much a part of this deregulatory agenda and this anti-choice agenda, and the anti-LGBTQ+ agenda as the court itself. The other thing is this is a move so disaggregated from state welfare and state politics. Were now doing just straight up partisan Republican Party politics, and that turn is really evident in terms of RAGAs participation in the events of Jan. 6.

So RAGA had an arm called the Rule of Law Defense Fund, deployed to do robocalls, to urge people to go to the Jan. 6 events that Trump said would be wild, to go there on the day that Congress was supposed to be certifying the election, as he was mounting this intimidation campaign against [Vice President Mike] Pence, unleashing his followers to assail him. And this is in the context of weeks of efforts by Trump and his lawyers and advisers. trying to help him execute a coup. You had the state attorneys general actively involved in some of this litigation to try to stop other states from certifying the election. The group itself through this Rule of Law Defense Fund was actively involved in peddling the big lucrative lie about the election to push people to go to the mall on Jan. 6. There was sort of shock and horror that a group of state attorneys general would be involved in trying to aid the precursor events to the violent insurrection at the Capitol. And big companies said they werent going to fund RAGA. And so for a moment there, there was a bright light shining on RAGA and on the events around the capital and these AGs.

But then months later, some of those companies came back to fund RAGA. The accountability light was on and then off for the companies that were funding RAGA in 2020. In addition to Leonard Leos network, Koch Industries, Comcast, Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, TikTok, 1-800-CONTACTS, Chevron, the National Rifle Association, Monsanto, Facebook, Fox, Uber, Coca-Cola, Exxon, and Google were some of the main funders of it.

Of course it didnt last. Leonard Leo continues to be the biggest subsidizer of RAGA through the money that is coming through his network, but its also the case that theyre facing no consequences, basically allowing them to just get away with it. Theres been no consequence for them, and the Rule of Law Defense Fund still exists. RAGA still exists, and many of these attorneys general have been actively involved in other efforts that make it harder for Americans to vote, and they may well be involved this fall in a repeat of 2020 in terms of their efforts to protect Trump at any cost.

Texas AG Ken Paxton, the mayor of RAGA Town, brings this emergency motion to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 trying to set aside the vote in four other states Biden had won. We had 17 Republican attorneys general sign on to that brief. This is an election that the actual United States attorney general, Bill Barr, had repeatedly said theres no fraud there. These guys knew better and got in on the action of pressuring the court. Fast forward, these same RAGA actors are somehow neck deep in the Trump immunity suit at the Supreme Court now.

They have continued to attack our democracy in a variety of ways. This notion that Trump has some sort of unlimited immunity, or this very broad conception of immunity, and it goes back to this notion that they claim to be adherents to the rule of law, and yet the immunity case reveals the lie of that. If the rule of law means anything, it means a president is not above the law.

Clearly all those puff pieces from the winter about the great distance between Leos agenda and Donald Trumps and how there was one time when they wouldnt make eye contact at Mar-a-Lago  These are Leonard Leos foot soldiers who are presumably all in for MAGA, for Project 2025, for whatever the Heritage Foundation is doing. Theres no distance to be found between Leonard Leos project and RAGAs project and Donald Trumps project should he win in 2024?

There is no distance on the real policy, this agenda to use the Supreme Court to strip us of our rights, to use the court to make it harder for us to deal with climate change, to use the court to roll back reproductive rights, gay marriage, and more. These are all part and parcel of Leos agenda and these attorneys general are on that agenda. And Trump, hes the author of that by basically deferring to Leo in who gets on the Supreme Court. One of the things that was happening in the past decade was that we know that Barry Seid, whos the Chicago billionaire who ultimately gave Leo control of a $1.6 billion trust fund to deploy at his will, was also secretly funding briefs by RAGA.

We helped document that in 2020 during the Amy Coney Barrett hearings, the Bradley Foundation was funneling some of that money toward briefs, not just by Republican attorneys general, but by Republican senators sitting on the judiciary committee and ultimately in 2020, after Leo gets somehow dramatically richer. So you have Leo himself and the people around Leo getting a lot of money from people who were interested in what they were doing to the courts. Leonard Leo doesnt need to be friendly with Donald Trump anymore. Hes got what he wanted. He has a court that has six Republican appointees on it with a reliable vote, in essence, for his long-term agenda and that court could remain in power for 20 to 30 years. He has captured the U.S. Supreme Court. He doesnt need to be buddies with Donald Trump.

Last week the court heard the mifepristone case. EMTALA is the other abortion case thats coming next month at the court. RAGAs sticky little fingers are all over EMTALA too.

Some of these state attorneys general are involved in amicus briefs in this case, and you have a person who is now the attorney general for Idaho, who has spearheaded that effort. His name is Raul Labrador. He was formally part of the Freedom Caucus when he was in Congress. He was picked to take over the state AG role in Idaho over a Republican who maybe was not playing enough ball with the powers that be. He decided after Dobbs that he was going to be imposing his personal views against abortion as a matter of law, as the attorney general. So the attorney general of Idaho, who is a lawyer who has lawyers who work for the state of Idaho, decided he was going to use Idaho taxpayer dollars to hire the Alliance Defending Freedom to defend the state of Idaho in its efforts to not comply with the federal regulations under EMTALA, which tells hospitals not to turn people away who need care. In this instance, this regulation has been extended by the Biden administration in response to Dobbs to make sure that pregnant people who present themselves in an ER have a right to have their health protected.

And Idaho has a law on the books that bars abortion except if someones life is in danger, and that has been sort of interpreted to be at the brink of death. EMTALA says you dont have to wait to the brink of death to give someone an abortion. But Idaho doesnt want to apply that law and has sought out, with the help of Erin Hawley and Alliance Defending Freedom, to take that case to the U.S. Supreme Court. It really pierces through the rhetoric that these people care about the health of women. Because these people like Raul Labrador believe that their personal view on abortion as embodied in the law of Idaho should only allow someone to get an abortion if theyre at the brink of death.
The author of this report is anonymous for their safety.

RAFAHEven if youve scraped together enough money to bribe your way out of war-torn Gaza before an expected final ground invasion by Israel, your problems arent over.

An acute cash shortage across the enclave means people cannot access the money in their own accounts to pay soaring prices for food and fuel, or to hand over large sums to secure their passage through the Rafah crossing and into the safe haven of Egypt.

Heba Ahmed, a 25-year-old resident of Gaza city, currently displaced in Rafah, found herself embroiled in a frustrating battle to get her hands on the cash she had saved to facilitate her evacuation from the Gaza Strip. After three days spent scouring exchange shops in Rafah, she managed to cobble together $8,100 in cash, a process that should have been swift and simple but turned into a grueling ordeal as all of Rafah awaits a feared invasion by Israeli ground forces.

I received the money from friends outside Gaza through bank transfer but I have to pay it in cash to the coordination agent so he can process coordination with Egyptian authorities for my leave. It is a high cost, but it is the fastest, as it will take one week to leave, she told The Daily Beast.

Meanwhile, Majdi Adham, a 45-year-old employee of an international humanitarian NGO, faced his own ordeal in accessing his hard-earned salary. Despite his efforts to withdraw his wage from the only ATM in central Rafah without incurring additional fees, he was thwarted, compelling him to resort to black-market channels where he was charged a hefty 10 percent fee just to access his own money.

I have to send the money from my bank account to this shop owners account, so they discount 10 percent of the amount and give me the rest. Im forced to seek this way to get the cash since two ATMs are operating in the whole of Rafah for only a few hours. That cant be enough for the crowds of people to get their salaries, Adham told The Daily Beast.

It may be forbidden to accrue such interest under Islamic law, but I believe all war traders are exploiting this situation for their own gain. They are driven by greed.

Adham explained that the percentage taken by black-market cash traders started at 2 percent but over the last two months has increased dramatically to reach 12 percent in some shops due to the liquidity shortage.

The plight of Ahmed and Adham is emblematic of a broader cash crisis gripping Gaza.

The Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA), which takes the place of a the central bank in managing monetary affairs as Palestinians use the Israeli currency, has been hampered in its efforts to alleviate the crisis. Since the onset of the war, restrictions have prevented the PMA from sending new cash in shekels, dollars or Jordanian dinars into the Gaza Strip, further compounding the scarcity of funds.

A source at the PMA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, identified several factors contributing to this crisis, including the substantial outflow of dollars facilitated by travelers passing through the Rafah crossing or via transfer agents, which has drained liquidity from banks. Gaza City is also grappling with a disconnection between markets and customers due to movement restrictions imposed during the conflict, further exacerbating the scarcity of cash. The situation is compounded by the influx of displaced people from Gaza City, putting immense strain on already limited resources.

According to Palestinians inside Gaza City, none of the ATMs are operational, while only a handful operate in the south of Gaza, leaving residents with few viable options to access their funds. Employees of the Palestinian Authority, other international organizations, NGOs, traders, and ordinary citizens all find themselves caught in the same struggle for liquidity in an environment marked by uncertainty and scarcity.

Abdallah Solaiman, 31, a shop owner, says he is furious at the beleaguered authorities for their failure to take control over major traders who are manipulating exchange rates, food prices, and other commodities.

Theres little oversight over the large traders who wield control over the prices, he told The Daily Beast. They belong to influential families acting like a mafia in Rafah, dictating exorbitant prices that only select consumers can afford. At times, weve even witnessed violence erupting as people scramble to purchase essentials like chicken that enter rarely through the Rafah crossing.

Until recently, the Hamas police maintained some semblance of order in the Rafah market through their plainclothes officers. Following the assassination of the head of the Hamas emergency office in the north and east of Rafah, however, their presence has dwindled, allowing traders to once again monopolize prices and exclude the less affluent from accessing basic food items such as sugar, meat, and oil.

Last week The Daily Beast observed a massive demonstration in the Kherbet Al'das neighborhood in eastern Rafah triggered by the increased prices. On the same day, a family dispute closed the main sea road for few hours due to shooting and burning tires. Chaos is escalating in Gaza as local committees come under fire from the Israeli army as well.

In the past week, numerous Mukhtarstraditional clan leaderswere targeted and killed in Rafah, Nussierat, and Gaza City, supposedly for their involvement in the local committees organized by Hamas police to coordinate aid distribution.

Hassan Al-Mughni, head of the Supreme Tribal Committee in the Gaza Strip, told The Daily Beast that local leaders and heads of families cannot take full control of the entire enclave. All Palestinian tribes refuse to serve as a substitute for the government. Tribes cannot govern a country or replace established government structures and laws. Our mission is to foster social reconciliation, preserve social cohesion, and bolster governmental efforts.

As law enforcement and local government collapse after nearly six months of bombardment from Israel, there is no one left to monitor price gouging cartels or maintain law and order amid the rubble.

The tribal committee model ruling Gaza is not viable, as many big families under this system are aligned with or supportive of various Palestinian factions, Al-Mughni said. The aid distribution isnt fair and not satisfying the people needs. We cant control the distribution or arrest those who sell the aid. Then, we find ourselves caught in the crossfire, facing Israeli attacks.

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A burning trailer full of Bibles was left outside an evangelical church in Tennessee on Easter morning, according to local police, with the churchs far-right pastor denouncing it as a 100 percent deliberate act.

Around 6 a.m. on Sunday, police and firefighters responded to a trailer fire at an intersection outside the Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, a city around 20 miles east of Nashville, according to the Wilson County Sheriffs Office. Firefighters promptly extinguished the blaze, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The trailer, containing bibles, had been dropped off in the middle of the intersection and then intentionally set on fire, it said. No further details were immediately disclosed, with the sheriffs office citing the need to uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Pastor Greg Locke, Global Visions founder and a self-professed social media firebrand, took to Facebook and Instagram to share photos of a charred utility trailer holding dozens of burned Bibles. In a caption, he said that the churchs security cameras had caught a man parking the trailer right in front of our church.

Addressing his congregation at a live-streamed Easter service, Locke said that the culprit would be getting in quite a deal of trouble soon. He said he hadnt personally viewed the security footage yet, but went on to describe it. Hes got his hazard lights on at 5:58 in the morning, the pastor said. Im like, Wow, heres the most polite crook Ive ever met in my whole life. Ive never met, you know, polite Satanists.

And so he unhooks the trailer and douses it with gasoline, with fuel, and thenthere were probably 200 Bibles, Locke continued. I dont know where he got them.

The pastor said he had wanted to start passing out the scorched Bible pages, but that authorities had confiscated them as evidence. He claimed that the incident was being investigated as a hate crime, and that the FBI was involved.

The Daily Beast has reached out to Locke for more information. A spokesperson for the Wilson County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday. NewsChannel 5 Nashville reported that Sheriff Robert Bryan had said he had no doubt the Bibles were burned intentionally.

Pastor Demolishes a Barbie House With Baseball Bat for Some Ungodly Reason

Weve had people do things to our building, weve been vandalized a number of times, hence why we have to have security, but never 200 Bibles being burned, Locke told local station WKRN. Thats a pretty rebellious statement towards the church.

An outspoken fan of Donald Trump who peppers his sermons with denunciations of President Joe Biden, the news media, and crack-smoking, demon-possessed leftists, Locke is a controversial figure, having drawn national headlines for his vaccine skepticism, anti-LGBTQ+ stunts, and book burnings. He has also locked horns with both neighbors and county authorities in the past over the noise from his rowdy late-night services and construction projects.

Global Vision has faced a number of vandalism incidents in recent years. In 2020, ahead of a scheduled appearance by Trump loyalist Roger Stone, the church was tagged with the phrases repent and Locke + Stone will burn in hell. The letters FU were sprayed on the pastors pulpit.

The next year, Locke said his cameras had caught more vandals attacking the churchpainting FU again on the pulpit and your lies cost lives on a wall.

MAGA Pastors Unholy Racket Is Driving Neighbors Nuts

It was not immediately clear if any arrests were ever made for the alleged acts of vandalism.

During his Sunday sermon, Locke framed the burning trailer as another warning shot. The average church would be like, Oh, my goodness, theyre coming against us. And Im like, thank God they are. Thank God they are, he told his audience, who cheered back at him.

If you think that Christianity is not under attack more than ever before in the United States of America, you have not been paying attention.

You need to get your head out of the sand, he admonished. Quit being lukewarmquit being so passive aggressive and mamby-pamby and spiritually sissified.

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FILE PHOTO: Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of two military coups and new interim president, speaks during his inauguration ceremony in Bamako

FILE PHOTO: Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of two military coups and new interim president, speaks during his inauguration ceremony in Bamako

By Fadima Kontao

BAMAKO (Reuters) - Political parties in Mali have requested a time frame for presidential elections after the ruling junta failed to organise polls within a promised 24-month transition back to democracy.

Mali has been under military rule since August 2020, the first of eight coups in West and Central Africa over four years, including in its neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger.

Regional blocs have been trying to negotiate transitions but the interim governments are dragging their feet.

Mali's current junta seized power in a second 2021 coup and later promised to take 24 months from March 2022 to restore civilian rule, with a start date of March 26, 2024 and elections in February.

It passed a new electoral law in June 2022, but said in September last year that it would postpone February elections for technical reasons, sparking outrage among political groups.

Many reacted again after last month's transition deadline lapsed without a vote.

In a joint statement late on Sunday, some of Mali's main political parties and civil society groups called on authorities to set up an institutional framework for polls as soon as possible.

"We will use all legal and legitimate avenues for the return of normal constitutional order in our country," they said in the statement, which has over 20 signatories, including a major opposition coalition and the toppled ex-president's party.

The junta has not reacted.

Mali's military rulers already failed on a first promise to hold elections in February 2022, prompting stiff sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

That damaged relations with former colonial power France, which withdrew forces in 2022 that had been fighting a spiralling 12-year-old Islamist insurgency in the region.

ECOWAS, West Africa's main political and economic body, eventually lifted Mali's sanctions after the new electoral law was published.

Junta-led Chad is meanwhile scheduled to hold the first round of a presidential election next month in what would be the first of the region's military governments to restore constitutional rule.

(Reporting by Fadima Kontao; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
A Pakistani man who allegedly filmed his brother strangling their sister to death has been arrested as part of the latest "honor" killing that has outraged the country, police said Sunday.

Maria Bibi, 22, was killed overnight on March 17, allegedly by her brother Muhammad Faisal and in the presence of her father Abdul Sattar, near Toba Tek Singh town in the central-eastern province of Punjab.

A video filmed by the woman's other brother Shehbaz, and which has gone viral, appears to show Faisal strangling the girl on a bed in the family home while their father sat nearby.

At one point, the video appears to show Shehbaz saying "father, tell him to let go," but is rebuffed as his brother continues to strangle the motionless body for more than two minutes.

When Faisal is done, his father offers him water to drink.

"The police found out on March 24 that the girl had not died of natural causes. We registered a case, becoming the complainants ourselves," Ata Ullah, a police official in Toba Tek Singh told AFP by phone.

Sattar and Faisal were immediately arrested, while Shehbaz was arrested on Saturday evening to determine the extent of his involvement, the officer said.

The murder had all the hallmarks of an "honor" killing, he added. Shehbaz's wife, who also appears in the video, has also been arrested.

Much of Pakistani society operates under a strict code of "honor," with women beholden to their male relatives over choices around education, employment and who they can marry.

Pakistani human rights activists hold placards during a protest in Islamabad on May 29, 2014 against the killing of a pregnant woman who was beaten to death with bricks by members of her own family for marrying a man of her own choice in Lahore. / Credit: AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images

Hundreds of women are killed by men in Pakistan every year for allegedly breaching this code.

There were 384 "honor killings" reported in 2022 alone, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

But many cases go unreported, as families tend to protect the murderers - often male relatives.

The motive for Maria Bibi's murder has not yet been established.

Police said that Faisal, the killer, allegedly caught his sister talking on a video call with an unknown man on several occasions.

The chief minister of Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz, has designated the matter as "high-profile," a term used for cases of public interest, although the legal system still allows for men to murder women with impunity.

In December, authorities arrested four people who allegedly killed an 18-year-old woman in the purported name of "honor" after a picture of her sitting with a boyfriend went viral on social media, police said Thursday. Police said the photo had been doctored and posted on fake social media accounts.

In 2022, the BBC reported the brother of a social media star was acquitted of murdering her. He had been sentenced to life in prison after confessing to the 2016 killing, saying it was because the star had brought shame on the family.

Also in 2022, a Pakistani man was arrested after being accused of killing his 18-year-old daughter in Italy after she reportedly refused an arranged marriage.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 1. Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan discussed ways to actively deepen cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, Trend reports.

According to the official source, these issues were discussed during the meeting of the Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Astana, Batyr Rejepov, with the head of the parliamentary group on inter-parliamentary cooperation with Turkmenistan, Baktykozha Izmukhambetov.

The agenda included plans for joint events this year, including the next meeting of the inter-parliamentary friendship group and participation in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Furthermore, during the meeting, an agreement was reached to promote cross-border cooperation between the border regions of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in such areas as trade, economy, fuel and energy complex, transport, logistics, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the parties stressed their desire to maintain regular contacts on issues of mutual interest to strengthen the Turkmen-Kazakh partnership.

Meanwhile, cooperation between the parliaments of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan continues to develop actively, covering various areas such as legislation, politics, economics, and culture.

This process contributes to the deepening of mutual understanding and trust between the two countries, as well as to joint efforts in solving regional and global problems.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A Michigan man has been charged after allegedly threatening to hang a local election official for treason during a vote recount last December, prosecutors said Monday.

Andrew Fred Hess, 37, was charged with a false report or threat of terrorism for the alleged remark during a vote recount for the November 2023 local elections. The Oakland County Prosecutors Office said that while challenges in the ballot recount were being filed, Hess allegedly walked outside of the room and stated, hang Joe for treason, about Director of Elections Joe Rozell.

We need dedicated, ethical public servants to conduct that process, and to do it transparentlywe should invite public scrutiny, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a press release announcing the charges. But there are individuals who seek to undermine the integrity of the election process by threatening and intimidating election workers and supervisors. Those threats dont just impact our election workers, they put our democracy at risk, and they will not be tolerated.

Rozell declined to comment, telling The Daily Beast that he had not read the details of the charge.

Hess faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $20,000 for the felony.

This is a political prosecution designed to chill the free speech rights of private citizens who complain about government officials and who criticize the conduct of elections, Hess lawyer, Robert Muise, said in a statement to The Daily Beast. This prosecution is a true threat to the First Amendment.

Ohio Man Jailed for Death Threats to Arizonas Top Election Official

The charges against Hess mark the latest example of outrage aimed at election officials. After the 2020 presidential election, supporters of Donald Trump insisted the former presidents loss was the result of widespread voter fraud in battleground states, like Michigan.

Since then, nearly two dozen people have been arrested as part of the Justice Departments Election Threats Task Forcewhich was launched in 2021 in the face of a significant increase in the threat of violence against Americans who administer free and fair elections, according to a January 2021 memo.

In a January investigation concerning the alleged Dec. 15 threat against Rozell, the Detroit News spoke with Hess about his possible involvement. The alleged remark occurred during a Royal Oak ballot proposal recount that would allow voters to rank candidates for a given office instead of just choosing one option. Hess lawyer told the outlet he was allegedly concerned about broken seals on the ballot containers.

I very regularly tell people the penalty for treason is hanging by the neck," Hess told the outlet. If we're not willing to stand up to fight against people stealing our elections, we don't have a country anymore.

In a Jan. 16 letter to prosecutors, Muise also argued that Hess alleged remark is protected under his First Amendment rights because claiming that an election official who cheats on elections should be prosecuted for treason and punished accordingly is protected speech and not an actionable threat, the Detroit News reported.

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Man injured in stabbing near Belleville on Easter, sheriffs department says

A 37-year-old man was stabbed during a fight on Easter Sunday near Belleville, the St. Clair County Sheriffs Department said.

The victim was taken to a hospital ,and deputies are looking for a suspect as the stabbing remains under investigation, according to Chief Investigator Gary Brewer.

Charges have not been filed and the name of the suspect has not been released.

The stabbing was reported at 2:30 p.m. on Freedom Drive in unincorporated St. Clair County off North Belt West near Belleville.

Brewer said Monday he didnt have the latest condition report on the victim and that he couldnt release any information about the cause of the fight.
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man stabbed a woman to death and cut himself during a domestic dispute in a Queens bar Saturday night, police said.

Authorities found Sarah McNally, 41, with stab wounds to the neck in Ceili House at 69-56 Grand Ave. in Maspeth at around 6:35 p.m., according to the NYPD. Police said the man, 36, stabbed McNally and himself in the back and neck during a fight.

Both were rushed to the hospital in critical condition before McNally was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD.

Charges were pending, as of Monday, police said. The relationship between the victim and the man was unclear.

Domestic and family health violence are common problems estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States every year. Anyone looking for help can find resources here.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The man who orchestrated the Brooklyn Park home invasion and killing of Zaria McKeever by a pair of teenage brothers pleaded guilty to murder Monday as jury selection in his trial was set to begin, while two co-defendants admitted in court to their role in the deadly scheme.

Erick Haynes entered the plea to one count of first-degree intentional murder while committing a felony and will be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years, said his defense attorney Robert Paule, who declined to comment further. Sentencing was scheduled for April 12 after Hennepin County District Judge William Koch conditionally accepted Haynes' plea.

A panel of 65 potential jurors showed up for selection Monday morning. But throughout the day as each plea took place, the judge sent them home. In the end, there would be no trial in the high-profile case after all five defendants charged in McKeever's killing have now pled guilty.

Haynes, 23, was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and charged with two counts of aiding and abetting second-degree murder in the killing of McKeever, his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child. The remaining murder counts will be dismissed at sentencing.

His trial was to be held jointly with his sister and his sister's husband, who are also charged with felony aiding an offender after the fact. Koch conditionally accepted guilty pleas from Eriana and Tavion James, both 24, in the hours following Haynes' guilty plea.

After prosecutors filed charges against the Jameses, they married about two weeks later, according to records. Their attorneys objected to a joint trial with Haynes, who remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail. The Jameses are out of custody before their June 5 sentencing.

The three guilty pleas come a week after the teenage shooter admitted to killing McKeever on Nov. 8, 2022.

Foday Kevin Kamara, 17, of Brooklyn Park, pleaded guilty March 22 to aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder. He admitted to killing McKeever alongside his older brother, John Kamara, then 17, at the behest of Haynes, who armed the teens and drove them in his sister's car to the apartment of McKeever's new boyfriend. Foday unleashed a flurry of gunfire after the brothers broke the door down and confronted McKeever, though they were looking for the boyfriend.

John Kamara accepted a plea deal offer from Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty last March before Attorney General Keith Ellison took over prosecution. After mounting pressure from McKeever's family over Moriarty's plea deal offers that would spare the teens prison time and were decried as too lenient, Gov. Tim Walz reassigned the case to Ellison at his request.

In a statement, Ellison said that Monday was "another important step toward justice for Zaria and her family."

"We all  her family and her child most of all  continue to suffer her loss. I thank and honor the McKeever family for their steadfast pursuit of justice for Zaria. We must all as a community surround them with the love and support they need on their journey toward healing."

On May 8, Foday Kamara will be sentenced to 10 years in adult prison. Meanwhile, John Kamara is serving a two-year sentence at the juvenile correctional site in Red Wing and will be on probation until his 21st birthday.

Assistant Attorneys General Erin Eldridge and Leah Erickson didn't allege any of the adults shot McKeever, but that they all conspired before, during or immediately after the murder.

Tavion James pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree assault and faces up to 3 years in prison. Eriana James pleaded guilty to an amended charge of aiding first-degree assault and faces up to fours years in prison.

They both admitted to their roles in the aftermath of the murder and to what they knew when they talked to police. They ultimately lied about what happened.

The Jameses, who were living in a Brooklyn Center hotel because they were homeless, said that Haynes and Foday Kamara woke them up by frantically banging on their door. They were told John Kamara had been shot in the leg and was out in the car, so the Jameses drove the wounded teen to the hospital.

In court, Tavion James said even though he knew Foday accidentally shot John during the home invasion, he didn't tell police. Eriana James said even though she got a phone call on the way to the hospital from a friend who said McKeever had been shot, she also didn't tell police. Both said they lied to protect the young brothers and Haynes, and came up with a fake story to help Haynes and Foday Kamara elude police.

The last-minute pleas did not come as a surprise to McKeever's relatives, who have long fought for tougher penalties against Haynes and his co-defendants.

"They don't want to face the outcome of a trial," McKeever's sister, Tiffynnie Epps, told the Star Tribune following the plea hearings Monday.

Epps hopes that, given what the judge heard Monday, their sentences might be longer.

Star Tribune staff writer Liz Sawyer contributed to this report.
Man serving life sentence charged with murder of inmate in Nashville prison

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A prisoner serving a life sentence now faces an additional charge after he is believed to have been connected to the death of a fellow inmate at a Nashville prison, officials said.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), special agents began investigating the death of Justin Michael Walters in April of 2022.

PREVIOUS | TBI investigating homicide at maximum-security prison in Nashville

Walters was an inmate at Riverbend Maximum Security Institute and was reportedly found dead in his cell by correctional officers.

Authorities reported Walters had been incarcerated for just over five years and was serving a 15-year sentence prior to his death.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

Nearly two years after his death, the TBI determined another inmate  identified as 48-year-old Carlos Derrick Green  was the individual responsible for the death of Walters.

On March 13, 2024, the Davidson County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Green with one count of second-degree murder.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Green was served the warrant on Monday, March 21 and booked into the Davidson County Jail without bond, before being returned to Riverbend.

Green is currently serving a life sentence on an unrelated charge out of Shelby County.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Man shot and killed at Easter gathering in Meriwether County, police say

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations was on the scene of a homicide in a town in Meriwether County this weekend.

Woodbury Police confirmed a person was shot and killed around 9 p.m. on Easter Sunday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers were called out to 10441 block of Millarden Road, which is the location of a liquor store to reports of shots fired.

When they arrived at the scene, they found a 23-year-old man who had been shot in the chest.

Police said the shooting happened at a gathering that police believe was Easter-related.

There were a couple hundred people at the scene, according to police.

TRENDING STORIES:

A police officer administered CPR until EMS arrived.

The victim was taken to Upson Regional Medical Center where he later died.

At this time, no one is in custody and police have not said what led to the shooting.

The GBI is assisting the Woodbury Police with the investigation.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Man steals car with 3-year-old inside, abandons boy at hotel in another state, cops say

A man stole a car with a 3-year-old boy in the backseat while the vehicle was parked and running outside of a Massachusetts home, state police said.

Vadim Vorobyov, a 52-year-old Springfield resident, is accused of getting in the car and driving off with the boy around 8:40 a.m. in Chicopee on March 29, according to a Massachusetts State Police news release.

An Amber alert was issued that morning as authorities believed the car the boy was in was traveling south to Connecticut, according to a Massachusetts State Police post shared to X, formerly known as Twitter.

AMBER Alert has been activated for missing boy LIAM DAVID PAGAN, 3, who was inside a red 2021 Toyota Camry that was stolen in #Chicopee this morning at 8:50. Believed headed toward #Connecticut. Here is Liams photo and photo of the actual car. Please call 911 w/any info. pic.twitter.com/P9wBInVe2H  Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) March 29, 2024

The car belonged to the boys mother, who reported him missing, officials said, according to Masslive.

About two hours later, authorities located the stolen car at a shopping plaza in Connecticut, but the boy was nowhere to be found  until a call came in from a nearby hotel, police said.

The boy is found

Authorities learned Vorobyov had abandoned the boy in the parking lot of the Rodeway Inn & Suites in East Windsor before driving away, according to police. The hotel is about a 15 mile drive south from where hes accused of stealing the car in Massachusetts.

Information regarding Vorobyovs legal representation wasnt immediately available.

Sudhir Shrestha, the hotels manager, told McClatchy News on April 1 that one of his customers found the boy alone while he was walking his dog.

The customer notified the front desk, then Shrestha had the boy brought inside and immediately called police, he said.

Officers and state troopers rushed to the hotel shortly after 10:30 am and found the child safe and unharmed, police said.

When Shrestha reviewed the hotels security footage with the police, he said he was shocked to see a car had dropped the boy off on the hotels property before the customer found him.

He said he didnt know about the Amber Alert until the police responded to the hotel.

Meanwhile, Vorobyov was found inside of a business at the shopping plaza where the stolen car was located, according to Connecticut State Police.

He was arrested on charges of second-degree kidnapping, risk of injury, first-degree reckless endangerment and first-degree larceny, a criminal information summary says.

Shrestha said he feels Vorobyov needs to get a big punishment.

Vorobyov was held on a $2 million cash/surety bond and due to appear in Hartford Superior Court April 1, according to the criminal information summary.

In Massachusetts, hes expected to be charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and motor vehicle larceny, state police said.

It is unknown if Vorobyov knew the boy was inside the car when he stole it, Chicopee Officer Travis Odiorne said at a March 29 news briefing, Masslive reported.

Camera technology in Chicopee played a pivotal role in gathering information and tracking down Vorobyov, Odiorne said, according to the outlet.

Preachers wife and her friend vanish as their vehicle is found abandoned, OK cops say

4-year-old disappears from apartment and body is found day later, Washington cops say

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Local parent joins search for missing 11-year-old  then sees flash of pink in woods
(KRON)  A man stole a vacuum and a rolling toolbox carrier from Sherwin-Williams after attempting to steal money last month, according to the Daly City Police Department.

Daly City police officers were dispatched to Sherwin-Williams on the 7200 block of Mission Street in response to a glass break alarm at 11:08 p.m. on March 21.

Man stabbed near a San Francisco Whole Foods

The manager of Sherwin-Williams watched a man force open the stores front door, police said. Subsequently, the suspect checked the registers. The registers were open, however they were empty. The suspect grabbed a rolling toolbox carrier and a vacuum before fleeing the store.

The stolen items were estimated to be valued at $600, according to police.

The suspect was described as a white man wearing glasses, a black ski mask, a black hooded sweatshirt, blue latex gloves, black pants, black shoes, and a blue jacket tied around his waist with a multi-colored shopping bag, according to police.

This is an active and ongoing investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 1. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is interested in geological exploration in Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

Uzbekistans Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources has reported that Minister Bobir Islamov held a meeting with the CNNC delegation led by the companys VP Shen Yanfen.

The sides reviewed the possibility of cooperation and investment opportunities in geological exploration, joint fieldwork in promising areas, and drilling technical wells.

Meanwhile, in November last year, Uzbekistans Navoiuran state enterprise and CNNC signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic cooperation in the uranium industry.

At the same time, Uzbekistan plans to double the volume of uranium production by 2030, bringing it from 3,600 in 2022 to 7,000 by the end the designated period.
Man wanted for domestic-related shooting in Albemarle turns himself in

A man wanted for a domestic-related shooting in Albemarle has turned himself in to police.

Officers were called around 9:30 p.m. Sunday to a home on Arey Avenue where they found someone who had been shot. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, where he remains in stable condition.

ALSO READ: 2 of 3 shot at Gastonia apartments are minors, police say

Investigators identified 40-year-old Larry Jamaar Pemberton as the suspect in the case. Police said Pemberton turned himself in around 3:40 p.m. Monday at the magistrates office.

Pemberton was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and discharging a firearm inside city limits.

No further information was released.

(WATCH BELOW: Albemarle police arrest man in connection with deadly shooting)
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Court hearings will get underway this week on congestion pricing.

The tolls are expected to go into effect in June, but six lawsuits could cause delays.

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine is on PIX11 Morning News to discuss tolls, public safety and more.

Watch the video player for more on this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs (D) office on Monday condemned former President Trumps recent attacks against his hush money judges daughter, re-upping a demand that the judge expand or clarify Trumps gag order to protect her.

Defendants dangerous, violent, and reprehensible rhetoric fundamentally threatens the integrity of these proceedings and is intended to intimidate witnesses and trial participants alike including this Court, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo wrote in court papers filed Monday.

Judge Juan Merchan imposed a gag order against Trump last week that limits his attacks against court staff, line prosecutors, jurors and witnesses as his April 15 trial in the hush money case  his first criminal trial  approaches.

Trump has continued to post about Merchans daughter since the judge refused to delay the trial, leaving the parties sparring over the bounds of Trumps restrictions and whether they apply to her.

Bragg has argued the judge should clarify or expand the existing language so it prevents Trump from attacking both the judges and Braggs families. Trumps team pushed back in their own filing Monday, insisting such a change to the gag order would only further violate the presumptive Republican nominees First Amendment rights.

President Trump has not violated the gag order, and expanding the gag order would exacerbate the existing and ongoing constitutional violations that the order is inflicting, Trump attorney Todd Blanche wrote.

Prosecutors cited more than a half-dozen of the former presidents Truth Social posts over the past week, including ones in which he attacks the judges daughter over her employment at a progressive digital agency that has worked with the Biden-Harris campaign.

This issue is not complicated. Family members of trial participants must be strictly off- limits, Colangelo wrote on Monday.

Defendants insistence to the contrary bespeaks a dangerous sense of entitlement to instigate fear and even physical harm to the loved ones of those he sees in the courtroom, he continued.

This Court should immediately make clear that defendant is prohibited from making or directing others to make public statements about family members of the Court, the District Attorney, and all other individuals mentioned in the Order.

After receiving guidance from a state ethics advisory committee, the judge last year declined Trumps demand for recusal because of his daughters employment.

Trumps lawyers on Monday signaled they would seek to file a new recusal motion based on changed circumstances and newly discovered evidence.

Prosecutors also requested the judge formally warn Trump that continued harassing or disruptive conduct will cause him to lose access to the names of his trial jurors. Under the judges current orders, Trump will have access to their names and only his attorneys will have access to their addresses.

Trump is charged in the case with 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with covering up a hush money payment in advance of the 2016 presidential election to a porn star who alleged an extramarital affair with Trump. Trump, who denies the affair, pleaded not guilty.

Updated 5:06 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Navy responded to a regular stream of engagements with Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Middle East over the last month, including the first fatal strike on a commercial ship by the Yemen-based group.

Go here for Navy Times up-to-date tracker of incidents between the U.S. Navy and the Houthis.

All the Houthi-US Navy incidents in the Middle East (that we know of)

Compared to the month prior, the Navy reportedly engaged this month with a larger number of anti-ship ballistic missiles and air drones, but fewer surface drones and no reported land attack cruise missiles.

On Wednesday and Thursday, an unidentified Navy warship took out four Houthi air attack drones each day that had the American vessels in their sights, according to U.S. Central Command.

Navy leaders have noted how the Red Sea battles are the first time that anti-ship ballistic missiles have been used in conflict.

As of the end of March, U.S. and coalition forces destroyed, or tracked the firing, or the intent to launch, of at least 30 anti-ship ballistic missiles, six anti-ship cruise missiles, 10 surface drones, 72 air drones, one underwater drone, six weapon storage containers and 41 other surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, according to a tally of incidents announced by CENTCOM, as well as reporting by Military Times and The Associated Press.

These were ordnance that the Houthis launched or were prepared to fire.

This past month also saw the first fatal strike by the Houthis in their campaign of assaults, which they have tied to the ongoing conflict occurring in Gaza despite many of the targeted ships possessing no connection to Israel or the United States. On March 6, the Iran-backed group launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from Yemen at a Liberian-owned bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden, killing three of its crew members and injuring several others.

These reckless attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis have not only disrupted global trade and commerce but also taken the lives of international seafarers simply doing their jobs, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a briefing.

Sinking of Motor VesselRubymar Risks EnvironmentalDamage



On Mar. 2 at approximately 2:15 a.m., MV Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier, sank in the Red Sea after being struck by an Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist anti-ship ballistic missile on Feb. 18.



The ship pic.twitter.com/fRUM4ll4cY  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 3, 2024

March also saw the first Houthi attack on a Chinese oil tanker, in which CENTCOM said a ballistic missile fired toward the ship caused it to suffer damage.

I cant say that they knew or didnt know that that was a Chinese ship or flagged. What I can say is that we saw very publicly that theyve said that they were not going to attack PRC or Russian ships and yet, they did, Department of Defense deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said during a Pentagon briefing earlier this month.

At all hours, @TheCVN69 is ready to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.



RED SEA - The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts flight operations in response to increased Iranian-backed Houthi malign behavior in the Red Sea, March 22. pic.twitter.com/5QtIaVEGtT  U.S. Fleet Forces (@USFleetForces) March 26, 2024

As the U.S. attempts to deter further Houthi aggression, clashes also continue at home over President Joe Bidens authority to continue the military campaign against the Houthis without more say from Congress, The Associated Press reported.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Treasury recently announced sanctions against a Houthi financial facilitator.
Martin Short is set to take office as mayor of Funner, California and this isnt an April Fools Day joke.

The Only Murders in the Building actor is the latest big name to take office in the tiny Southern California town. His two-year stint as mayor follows big names like Jane Lynch, David Hasselhoff and Rob Riggle.

Bette Midler wants to join this Bravo reality show

Before you assume the funnyman will start weighing in on policymaking, the position is a promotional one for Harrahs Resort Southern California.

As the mayor-elect of Funner, I promise to be more than just a spokesperson dressed in purple from head-to-toe, but instead, the best mayor in the whole darn state, he said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Its my goal to make every part of the already fun Harrahs Resort SoCal even Funner, and I cant wait to share my plans with all of my constituents in just six short weeks.

Yes, Funner is a real place.

Its located in North San Diego County and was officially renamed in 2016 by the Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians as Harrahs was looking for a way to differentiate this location from other Indian casinos in the area.

Unreleased Marvin Gaye music uncovered in Belgium, could lead to legal battle

Short will take office on May 13 where hell take an oath of office and be given the key to the city.

Part of the oath consists of protecting fun, good times, laughing out loud and positive vibes from the negative influences determined to turn a smile upside down.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Marvel Star Chases Down Alleged Attacker After Being Hit With Rock in NYC

Actor Michael Stuhlbarg was allegedly assaulted while out jogging in New York City over the weekend, reports say.

Police sources told Page Six that a homeless man, 27-year-old Xavier Israel, hit the Doctor Strange star in the back of the neck with a rock on Sunday night. The actor, 55, was left with an abrasion, the sources added, and he chased after Israel in the wake of the alleged attack.

Is Michael Stuhlbarg the Most Underrated Actor Alive?

The Boardwalk Empire star pursued Israel on foot to the front of the Russian Consulate, according to Page Six, where police officers arrested Israel without incident. Authorities confirmed that Israel has been charged in the assault, while Stuhlbarg declined medical attention.

Its not clear what, if anything, had provoked the alleged attack.

Israel has three prior arrests all from January 2022two related to misdemeanors and one for theft, according to WABC-TV. The station said the attack took place in Central Park.

Stuhlbarg won two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his portrayal of gangster Arnold Rothstein in Boardwalk Empire. He more recently picked up an Emmy nomination for playing Purdue Pharma billionaire Richard Sackler in Dopesick, and is set to play Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky when Peter Morgans play Patriots opens on Broadway this month.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) dismissed talk from Republicans who have blamed the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Moore, in a CNN interview Sunday, reacted to conservatives who have used DEI to criticize Black officials such as Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Maryland port commissioner Karenthia A. Barber after the collapse killed two construction workers while four others remain missing and are presumed dead.

My response is I have no time for foolishness, Moore told CNNs Dana Bash when asked about the attacks on State of the Union.

Workers have started removing parts of the downed bridge as salvage operations are underway at the site of the collapse.

There is no timeline for the recovery of the four missing people due to how complex this operation is, the governor told NPR on Sunday.

Bash pointed to Scotts remarks that critics used the term DEI because they dont have the courage to say the N-word before asking Moore if the attacks are racist.

My focus is on making sure these families are getting the comfort and the closure that they need, Moore replied.

He continued, Making sure that our first responders are getting the supports that they need. Making sure we can get these channels open and making sure that we can get this Key Bridge rebuilt. I frankly do not have time to be able to deal with anything else. Im locked in and Im focused on what matters right now.

Moore is expected to join Joe Biden on the presidents visit to Baltimore this week.

Related...
SAYVILLE, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man was shot twice by thieves who broke into a Sayville home Sunday night during a small gathering, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Two men in masks broke into the Greenbrier Lane home through an unlocked side door around 11:40 p.m. and snatched phones, jewelry and money from people gathered in the house, according to police. As the robbers left, they shot a man who was entering the house, police said.

Man hits man with car, drags woman during fight in the Bronx: NYPD

The man was rushed to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as the robbers fled, police said. No arrests had been made Monday morning, but police believed the house had been specifically targeted.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8542 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Semafor Signals

The News

Tens of thousands of Israelis called for new elections over the weekend in the countrys largest anti-government protest since the war in Gaza began. Protesters packed the streets around the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, and police used water cannons to break up demonstrations.

The collective calls for Netanyahus ouster mirrored the protests that swept Israel last year over the governments proposed judicial reforms. This time, the outcry was prompted by growing frustration over Netanyahus handling of the war. About 130 Israelis are still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza; Netanyahu has insisted on achieving total victory over the militant group, overseeing a military operation that has reportedly killed at least 30,000 Palestinians.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

War boosts anti-Bibi protests

Sources: Haaretz, BBC

Last years judicial reform protests died down after Hamas Oct. 7 attack, but the lack of a hostage deal and disagreements over calls to conscript ultra-Orthodox Haredi men  who are usually exempt from serving in the Israel Defense Forces  have renewed the publics frustration with Netanyahu. The anti-government movement is now planning its first significant action since the war began, and is setting up a tent city outside the Knesset for the next four days, Haaretz wrote. The message will be broad, but the bottom line is a call to oust the government. Netanyahu has rejected those calls, saying Hamas would celebrate at the prospect of new elections.

Hostages families join anti-government protests

Sources: The Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Israel Democracy Institute

The father of an Israeli hostage said captives family members will no longer hold separate rallies and will instead take to the streets with those calling for a leadership change, effectively merging the two camps. Though a recent poll showed that most Israelis believe Netanyahu is doing a poor job, a Jerusalem Post columnist argued that the hostages families do their cause no favor by being identified with one side of the political map, and could alienate those who want the hostages returned without bringing down the government.

Protests come at tense time for US-Israel relations

Source: Axios

U.S. and Israel delegations are set to hold virtual talks Monday about Israels planned invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah; Netanyahu canceled the in-person visit after the U.S. decided not to veto a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, instead abstaining. Washington has warned against the invasion of a town where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering, and has proposed alternatives. For Netanyahu, the virtual meeting is a way to save face by still talking with the White House without sending a full delegation, senior Israeli officials told Axios Barak Ravid.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 1. Russian Pobeda Airlines will launch regular flights from Moscow to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

According to Uzbekistan Airports, Moscow-Tashkent regular passenger flights are set to begin on April 3 this year.

The flights will be operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Uzbekistan and Russia's aviation authorities agreed earlier this year to significantly boost the number of flights. According to Russian Ministry of Transport data, a number of routes are likely to see an increase, including the Tashkent - Moscow - Tashkent route, which will see a weekly increase from 39 to 50 flights.



Tashkent and Moscow signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of tourism in November 2023, which calls for an increase in the number of tourists in both directions to 1 million, the organization of tourist and cultural festivals, and media coverage of national tourist routes and destinations.
BOSTON  Massachusetts lawmakers Monday launched the process of reconciling separate supplemental budget proposals filed last month, with the House proposing $245 million to fund the emergency shelter system through the end of June and the Senate proposing $825 million to fund the system through the middle of next year.

The heads of their respective Ways and Means committees, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, D-Boston, and Sens. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, and Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, are three of six legislators assigned Monday to find common ground on proposals for funding the state's emergency shelter system and placing a bill on the governor's desk for her signature.

Both proposals would limit the amount of time families are allowed to stay in the shelters to nine months, with extensions under certain circumstances.

The House proposal would also extend certain pandemic-era provisions, such as allowing bars and restaurants to continue selling "to-go" cocktails and streamlining the application process for seasonal outdoor dining. While the Senate included changes to outdoor dining applications, the provision allowing the continued sale of cocktails "to-go" was missing from its version.

The attempt to find common ground is playing out against a backdrop of budget cuts announced in January by Gov. Maura T. Healey, soft tax revenue collections throughout the fiscal year that started July 1, and increasing dissatisfaction among the electorate with the financial burdens caused by the influx of migrants into Massachusetts.

Healey's office estimates the state will spend more than $900 million this fiscal year to fund the shelters  $2.5 million per day.

In October, Healey capped the system's capacity, saying the state lacked the space and the service providers to accommodate more than 7,500 families at one time. Healey created a wait list that averages around 700 families at any given time. Of the families housed in the shelters, close to half are new arrivals to the state.

Lawmakers have identified the state's transitional escrow fund, now at $863 million, as the source of the funding to pay for the shelter system. The escrow fund is not the same account as the state's rainy-day fund, which now contains $8 billion.

While the House budget only proposes funding the shelter system for the next three months, the Senate proposal would allocate money to the system through June 30, 2025. It would set funding at $75 million a month through June, $65 million a month through October, $55 million through December, $45 million through March 2025 and $35 million through June 2025.

Both supplemental budget proposals would limit the amount of time families can remain in the shelter system to nine months with certain exceptions.

The House would allow families of children with disabilities, pregnant and newly postpartum women and veterans, and people fleeing domestic violence to request a one-time, 90-day extension. The Senate would not limit the number of times those families could request to extend the length of their stays.

The Senate proposal also includes an amendment offered by Sen. Michael O. Moore, D-Millbury, to create a special commission that would review the safety practices and procedures at emergency shelters, including hotels and motels contracted by the state.

Lawmakers funded the emergency shelter system at $325 million in the initial budget for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. They added $250 million in the fall and $245 million more for a total of $820 million. Healey's office predicts the system will cost Massachusetts $932 million by July 1.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. lawmakers in talks on supplemental budget to shore up shelters
Russian attacks destroyed "almost all" of critical energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said in an interview with Liga.net media outlet published on April 1.

Kharkiv has been at the forefront of Russian attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion and saw an escalation in strikes in recent weeks.

The attacks destroyed a thermal power plant and all the electrical substations in Ukraine's second-biggest city, Terekhov said earlier.

When asked about the reasons for the intensified strikes, the mayor answered he did not know what Russia's plan was.

"The private (energy infrastructure) is also destroyed. Russia wants to intimidate us, but this is impossible," Terekhov said.

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The current situation for the energy industry in the city is "very difficult," according to the mayor. The humanitarian assistance centers, also known as "Points of Invincibility," work in Kharkiv around the clock.

"We have been through more rough times, and we will survive these times too," Terekhov said.

On March 29, the state-owned energy company Centrenergo reported that Russian troops had destroyed the Zmiiv thermal power plant in Kharkiv Oblast during a recent large-scale attack.

Other recent attacks in Kharkiv include a March 30 attack, in which a glided projectile injured one person, and an attack on March 27, in which a glide munition killed a civilian and injured at least 19 others, including four children.

Read also: Russia intensifies attacks on Kharkiv, draining Ukraines air defense and civilian morale

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Meck County nonprofit exec arrested on felony tax charges

The executive director of a nonprofit in Mecklenburg County has been arrested for felony tax charges, state investigators said.

The North Carolina Department of Revenue charged 66-year-old Terri Lynette Howard with two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. Shes the executive director at A Place for Heroes.

ALSO READ: Boone police looking for 3 men in bank account fraud case

Howard, from Lancaster, is accused of fraudulently getting a sales tax refund of $217,817.44 from the Department of Revenue by filing false forms. She claimed the nonprofit paid that much money in sales tax when it did not, investigators said.

Howard was given a $50,000 bond by a magistrate in Stanly County. Shes scheduled to be in court on April 8.

Channel 9 has reached out to the A Place for Heroes for comment.

(WATCH BELOW: Alex Murdaugh sentenced in federal court for financial crimes)
Investigative journalists have revealed new evidence of how over a hundred American officials have mysteriously developed serious health problems  the so-called Havana Syndrome may have been caused by Russian military intelligence (GRU).

Source: The Insider investigative project, in cooperation with the German newspaper Der Spiegel and the American news programme 60 Minutes on the CBS channel, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Among other things, journalists rely on statements from victims, Russian government documents and data on movements and whereabouts.

Investigators state that GRU Unit 29155 experimented with special weapons. They claim that unit leaders were rewarded for developing "non-lethal acoustic weapons." These devices emit sound and radio frequencies that can be used against people.

Victims, their lawyers and a retired US Army colonel also claim that the American intelligence community covered up Russia's involvement.

Just over two weeks ago, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), which conducted a comprehensive study of Havana Syndrome, failed to find a clinical explanation for it.

Victims suffered from a range of mysterious health problems, including hearing loss, insomnia, memory loss, balance disturbances and an inability to concentrate.

Symptoms lasting for months were accompanied by victims' complaints of ear pain and a feeling of intense pressure in the head.

The phenomenon was named Havana Syndrome after US Embassy staff in Cuba began complaining of this illness in 2016.

In 2017, the US State Department decided to radically reduce staff at the American Embassy in Cuba following a series of mysterious acoustic attacks on American diplomats.

However, according to the investigation, the first cases of illness date back to 2014, when four Americans stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, reported symptoms. Later that same year, similar complaints came from Central Intelligence Agency personnel in Ukraine.

Over 100 Americans  both in the US and abroad  suffered from what was officially classified as anomalous health incidents.

Olivia Troye, who served as an adviser on homeland security and counterterrorism to Vice President Mike Pence, became one of the victims of the attack in Washington.

"It was like this piercing feeling on the side of my head, it was like, I remember it was on the right side of my head and I got vertigo," she told 60 Minutes in an interview.

Another victim, working in Tbilisi, described hearing a piercing sound. She recounts experiencing such an acoustic attack in 2021.

Journalists say that the investigation results contradict the previous conclusions of American intelligence agencies. They deemed that officials fell ill due to a foreign state highly unlikely. According to the CIA, most cases are explained by stress, previously undiagnosed illnesses, or environmental factors.

"What this long-term investigation has shown is that either the intelligence community is incapable of carrying out its most basic function, or it has worked to cover up the facts and gaslight injured employees and the public," says the first victim of the syndrome, cited by the Insider.

However, theories about Russia's involvement in the acoustic attack on US diplomats in Cuba have been voiced before. Scientist Allen Frey, who has long served as a consultant to several federal government agencies and whose name is associated with the effect of sound in the head caused by microwave radiation, suggested that microwave attacks on US diplomats in Cuba were organised with the involvement of Russia. He said that Moscow was interested in undermining Cuban-American relations, which had recently been improving.

Background: In 2021, cases of Havana Syndrome among US diplomats were also reported in Austria.

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Jenna Bush Hager gushes about her husband Henry taking their girls to a women's soccer game

Three cheers for dads who are enthusiastic about womens sports!

On TODAY With Hoda & Jenna, Jenna Bush Hager said her husband, Henry Chase Hager, took their two daughters, Poppy, 8, and Mila, 11, to see a Washington Spirit soccer match in New Jersey.

On the show, Jenna shared a video of her daughters huddling with the team.

I love this so much, she said while watching the video.

You cant see, but one of the players hands was around Poppy, she added.

Jenna said that shes happy that shes married to Hager because he shares her love of womens sports.

Theyre an incredible team, she said of the Washington Spirit. Theyre winning.

On Instagram, Jenna shared a photo and a video of her girls at the game. She captioned it, I love womens sports. I love my husband who loves my girls and womens soccer! I love @washingtonspirit who are showing my girls what determination and team work look like! I cant wait to get to a game soon! .

Jenna and Hager share Mila and Poppy and their 4-year-old son, Hal.

The TODAY co-host met Henry in 2004 when he was working for her dad, former President George W. Bush. The couple tied the knot four years later at Jennas parents Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas.

The mother of three has said that Mila, Poppy and Hal are her and Henrys biggest priority. While chatting with People in 2019, Jenna said one of the highlights of maternity leave was getting to take her daughters to school every morning. But Jenna has learned to let go of working mom guilt.

I try to focus on what I can do and what I do bring because I think if we beat ourselves up for everything we miss, then were to a happy of a parent as we can be, she explained.

Read on to learn more about Jennas three children:

Margaret Laura Mila Hager

Al Roker predicted Jennas first child would be a girl  and he was correct!

Im totally crazy about her, Jenna gushed to her TODAY family, days after Mila was born. I dont even really like the color pink, and theres pink all over my apartment.. I likethings to be really neat, and theres bottles and things all over, and were just as happy as can be.

Mila arrived on April 13, 2013, three weeks ahead of her due date, and weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces.

Jenna often shares stories about Mila on TODAY. In July 2023, she reflected on a thoughtful note Mila sent to her sister, Poppy, about going to sleepaway camp.

Jenna Bush Hager and Mila (Nathan Congleton / TODAY)

She wrote Poppy this letter, which made Henry and I weep. (It) was like, Youre going to feel homesick. But the difference is, I got you. I got you, Im there for you and you can come into my cabin.

Mila is both sweet and outspoken. Earlier this year, Jenna recalled being shamed by Mila for throwing out her art project.

According to Jenna, Mila reported the crime to Poppy, who doesnt appreciate it either.

While visiting the set of Hoda & Jenna in 2022, Mila dropped what Jenna referred to as truth bombs. It all started when Hoda told Mila that she loves when Jenna is laughing so hard she cant catch her breath.

Yeah, one time she was laughing in our living room and she peed her pants! Mila replied. She then turned to Jenna and said, You changed your pajamas.

Later, Mila divulged that Jenna never wears underwear.

She is not wearing it right now! Mila announced. I saw her change!

Jenna has described both Mila and Poppy as drama kids. In 2022, Mila starred as Seymour in her school production of Little Shop Of Horrors.

Jenna Bush Hager daughters (TODAY)

Milas solos were completely out of her comfort zone, a proud Jenna declared on TODAY.

Unlike her mother, she really doesnt like attention, Jenna said. She never was like, Im the star. If anything, she downplayed it.

Poppy Louise Hager

The name Poppy is a tribute to Jennas grandfather, the late George H.W. Bush.

Welcome to the WORLD Poppy Louise Hager  named after my darling Gamps who went by Poppy during his childhood. We are in LOVE, Jenna captioned an Instagram post announcing Poppys birth on August 13, 2015.

Jenna Bush Hager, Poppy (Nathan Congleton / TODAY)

Jenna often speaks about the love Poppy has for Mila. In 2022, she posted on Instagram a note from Poppy that read, My superhero is Mila because she is kind and nice. She gives me hugs. She gives me love.

The little girl also adores her grandfather, former president George W. Bush. In 2022, Jenna recalled how the former commander-in-chief spoke to Poppys class in school.

Poppy was just sitting up by the computer so proud that her grandpa would Zoom in, Jenna told the New York Post. At the end of the Q&A session, Poppy took it upon herself to invite all of her classmates for a ride on Air Force One.

Thats when I had to explain to her that thats not how it works, Jenna said. Shell never get to ride on Air Force One unless she becomes the president."

Henry Harold Hal Hager

Hal inherited his name from his father and his middle name from Jennas grandfather, Harold Welch  father of former first lady Laura Bush.

We werent exactly sure about the name, Jenna said when she called into TODAY to share her happy news that her son was born on August 2, 2019. Then his big sisters called him Hal pal, and we thought, This is just perfect.

Jenna Bush Hager and Hal (@jennabhager via Instagram)

Hals birth was a family affair. Jenna said that her twin sister, Barbara Bush Coyne, came to the hospital with a box of donuts.

"I dont think youre supposed to eat right after a C-section, but I went for it. And then Mila and Poppy came and picked him out in the nursery, and theyre just crazy about him. ... The girls are so thrilled that they have a little baby brother all of their own.

Hal, now 4, is a social butterfly just like his mama. In 2022, Jenna raved about how Hal was completely at ease at a big Memorial Day barbecue.

I went to go sit next to him to feed him, and he looked at me and he goes, You having a good time, Mama? Jenna recalled on TODAY. And I said, Yes, Im having fun. And he goes, Me, too! I just got into the hot tub.

Jenna Bush Hager Family (@jennbhager via Instagram)

Hal recently learned to swim, and while it makes Jenna nervous, she is proud of her little boy for being so brave. Hes even comfortable in the ocean!

Letting your child do scary things, supervised, is the hardest thing as a grown-up, Hoda said.

I actually just closed my eyes and let him handle it because I dont want to be like a backseat parent, Jenna replied.

As for another baby?

Jenna revealed on TODAY in August 2023 that she had babies on her brain. But how does her husband feel?

While chatting with her TODAY co-host Sheinelle Jones, Jenna said that shes pondered expanding her family.

Id like to have another  but no, Jenna said, noting that Henry put his foot down. Later in the show, however, Jenna teased that Hal could be promoted to big brother regardless.

Well, I do feel like women usually have the advantage in that area, she joked to Sheinelle at the time.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
In a letter to Judge Sidney Stein, an attorney for Sen. Bob Menendez said the senator will not appeal the courts decision to deny his effort to dismiss the federal corruption and bribery charges he faces.

Menendez is set to face trial with several co-defendants on multiple federal charges in the Southern District Court of New York in May. The letter says his decision not to appeal is principally motivated by his desire to proceed to trial and establish his innocence without further delay.

The letter, which is signed by Menendezs attorney Adam Fee, adds that Menendez is not waiving any rights by opting not to appeal at this time, and that he may seek appellate review of any and all appealable orders, including the order referenced above, should it be necessary after the conclusion of trial.

Nadine Menendez keeps lawyers though they could be witnesses

Nadine Arslanian Menendez, the senator's wife and a co-defendant, opted to keep her attorneys despite a chance the government may call three of them as witnesses against her and her co-defendants in the federal corruption and bribery case.

Prosecutors believe that lawyer David Schertler "participated in ... relevant conversations" with Nadine Menendez and counsel for the senator and Wael Hana, another co-defendant, court documents say.

During a hearing on March 21, Nadine Menendez said she will keep Schertler, Danny Onorato and Paola Pinto as her attorneys despite the chance of their being called as witnesses.

The court finds that Nadine Menendez understands the potential conflict, court documents said. Nadine Menendez waives her right to conflict free representation, on the condition that her counsel and the government's counsel agree to a stipulation on or before April 4, 2024.

Daibes updates motion to dismiss

Lawyers for North Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes, another co-defendant in the case, updated his motion to dismiss the charges based on the fourth superseding indictment and new charges on March 25.

Hanas attorney also filed a 38-page moving brief and reply to dismiss counts 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 and 15 of the superseding indictment.

Like its predecessors, and despite expanding on the eve of trial from 4 counts to 16, the new indictment fails to include charges that pass legal, and in some regards, constitutional muster, Hanas attorney argued in the brief.

He called the conspiracy charges "duplicitous" and argues that they "certainly do not demonstrate the required quid pro quo that the law, as refined over the last century by the United States Supreme Court, requires.

Manhattan, NY  October 18, 2023 -- Wael Hana, involved in the bribery case involving Senator Robert Menendez enters the Federal Courthouse in lower Manhattan for a hearing on corruption charges.

Nadine Menendez also filed to join Daibes' and Hanas motion to dismiss and renewed her request to sever the trial from her husband's.

Defendants face more than a dozen counts

Senator Menendez, Nadine Menendez, Hana and Daibes face more than a dozen counts in the indictments brought by federal prosecutors.

The charges say the defendants  as well as businessman Jose Uribe, who has since entered a guilty plea and agreed to cooperate with authorities  were part of a bribery scheme in which Menendez and his wife allegedly received, among other things, cash, gold bars and a luxury car in exchange for the senator's using his political influence.

The latest version of the indictment released this month added further charges including conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice, amid allegations that Menendez was working to benefit Qatar in addition to Egypt.

The indictment alleges that between 2018 and 2022, Menendez and his wife "engaged in a corrupt relationship with Hana, Uribe and Daibes" to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for having Menendez use his "power and influence to protect, to enrich those businessmen and to benefit the government of Egypt" even as he sat as chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The states senior senator announced in a video posted to social media last week that he will not seek the Democratic nomination to retain his seat this spring but may still run this fall as an independent. Menendez said he hopes to exonerate himself and pursue his candidacy.

Rep. Andy Kim is the likely Democratic nominee for the seat after first lady Tammy Murphy suspended her campaign last weekend.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Menendez won't appeal on failed bid to get charges dismissed
I met a man on a business trip and left my marriage to be with him. I have no regrets.

Nicole Fallon-Peek met her now-husband Sean during a business trip to Boston in 2017.

After leaving her previous marriage, Fallon-Peek and Sean began a long-distance relationship.

Once he moved to be with her, they quit their jobs and started their own business together.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nicole Fallon-Peek, the co-CEO of Lighting Media Partners. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I met my now-husband, Sean, in 2017 while we were working for the same digital publishing company.

I worked out of the New York office as a managing editor, and Sean worked out of the Ogden, Utah, office as an assistant managing editor. I was on the same level as his boss, but we didn't work directly with or for each other.

There was an instant spark when we met

Fallon-Peek and Sean. Courtesy of Nicole Fallon-Peek

We met on a business trip to our Boston office. It was my first business trip, and I was excited to connect with new people. I had no idea that one of those people would later become my husband.

I knew of Sean because we'd been on virtual meetings before, but I'd never spoken to him. When we met in the office that morning, we both knew there was a connection. I joke that it was love at first handshake.

He was one of the nicest, most charming people I'd ever met. He was very polite, but he wasn't afraid of a little self-deprecating humor.

We went to the hotel bar every night with colleagues and flirted with each other the entire time. We're big foodies, so when we'd go out to team dinners, I'd ask him if I could try something from his plate.

I was married to someone else then, but I didn't feel guilty because it felt so natural to be talking and laughing with Sean  like we'd known each other forever despite having just met.

Our goodbye on that trip was awkward. When I came down to the hotel lobby to check out, I saw him sitting there waiting for his Uber to the airport. We met each other's eyes and smiled, but we didn't get a chance to say goodbye because he was already gone by the time I'd checked out.

We found ways to spend more time together virtually during the workday

Sean and I emailed to trade phone numbers after the trip because we felt silly asking each other in person. We tried to be professional and draw a line. If we were talking about work things, we would communicate on work platforms, but I would text Sean sometimes during work to talk about personal stuff.

We found an excuse to schedule a one-on-one call to discuss a project one of our mutual colleagues was working on. We talked about the actual business purpose of the call and then went on for another 30 minutes talking about personal stuff.

That call was it for me. I thought, "This could definitely be something real."

Meeting Sean was the confirmation I needed to leave my marriage

Before I met Sean, I was already one foot out the door of my previous marriage, but meeting him was the catalyst to finally leave.

It took less than two weeks for me to realize I was head over heels in love with Sean. He told me he didn't want to be the sole reason I ended my marriage, but I ended it because I wasn't happy.

My ex-spouse sensed my unhappiness and wasn't surprised when I shared those feelings, but they were definitely shocked and hurt that I'd realized it because I met someone else.

I do feel bad about the emotional pain I caused them, but we both said to each other and to family and friends that we're better off for having split up. It would've happened at some point regardless of whether Sean was in the picture.

I was nervous to tell my coworkers I left my marriage for someone at the company

I was a little nervous to share that I had left my marriage and was dating someone who worked in our Utah office. Sean and I also didn't know the policy as we'd never had a reason to look  neither of us thought we'd meet our soulmate at work.

We kept talking after the business trip and decided to make things official. Two months later, we told our bosses. We didn't want people at work to find out from the company rumor mill.

I sat my boss down and said, "Hey, I just want to tell you that we've been long-distance dating. I hope that's not a problem. We don't report to each other, so we figured maybe it'll be OK."

My boss was super happy for me. She said, "I knew it! You guys are great. This is not a problem. Do your thing. It's all good." Everyone else at the office was happy that I was happy. They knew I struggled in my previous relationship.

My boss helped Sean transfer to New York

My boss helped Sean get an opportunity on another team in the New York office a few months later. I was also looking for a place to live at that time so I told him that even though it was kind of soon, our relationship was on a good track and I wanted to move in together. He agreed.

We found a place, started commuting into the office together, and spent as much time as we could to make up for not being able to see each other every day during those four months of our long-distance relationship.

We decided to start our own venture

We eventually both felt stuck in our jobs and didn't see opportunities for growth. We had similar skills and knew we could work together  and we had already talked about marriage and starting a family  so we decided to start our own business. We quit together in 2018.

Our decision to start Lighting Media Partners has paid off. We had some business friction early on  I'm a "jump first, ask questions later" person and Sean is the opposite, but we've worked through it.

Fallon-Peek and her family. Courtesy of Nicole Fallon-Peek

We got married in November 2019 and now have a 10-month-old daughter.

If you meet your soulmate at work, go for it

If you meet your soulmate at work and are both committed to the relationship, just go for it. Jobs come and go. If you have to choose between a career and the love of your life, go for love.

That's the hopeless romantic in me, but I don't regret a single decision I made once I met Sean. My career and personal life are both better for it.

Read the original article on Business Insider
DENVER (KDVR)  Mexicos secretary of culture has called out a Louisville art gallery for selling pieces that belong to Mexicos heritage, but the gallery says it has done nothing illegal.

Mexico: Local gallery is selling pieces belonging to country

On March 26, the official X account of Mexicos secretary of culture, Alejandra Frausto, tweeted and tagged Artemis Gallery. She asked them to stop the sale of pieces that belong to the cultures of Mexico.

There is nothing more immoral than put [sic] a price on the heritage of a nation, said Frausto in the tweet.

The tweet also featured several images of art being auctioned at Artemis Gallery with the hashtag My Heritage Is Not For Sale.

Beatriz Gutierrez Muller, the wife of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, also tweeted at Artemis Gallery about the sale of what she called illegally stolen pieces.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

On the Government of Mexicos website, as translated to English, the secretary of culture claims Artemis Gallery has scheduled the sale of 20 assets belonging to Mexican heritage. The pieces include Mayan, Teotihuacan and other ceramic styles typical of the north, west and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the government.

Mexicos Ministry of Culture and the National Institute of Anthropology and History said they initiated a judicial and diplomatic process with national and international authorities to have the pieces be repatriated to Mexican territory.

The Government of Mexico also said the Ministry of Culture sent a letter to the gallery asking the directors to stop the sale of these pieces.

Gallery claims they have not broken laws when selling art

FOX31 reached out to Artemis Gallery, located at 686 S Taylor Ave. in Louisville. Founder and executive director Bob Dodge said this is not the first time Mexico has attempted to intimidate the gallery.

According to Dodge, Mexico has sent consulate employees to their gallery on five different occasions. However, Dodge said the correct way to dispute the ownership of a cultural property is through the U.S. Department of State and not directly through the gallery.

The State Department says it works with other countries to provide a framework for international collaboration and impose restrictions that prevent stolen objects from entering the U.S.

Statewide e-bike tax credit will save Coloradans $450

Dodge told FOX31 that, Artemis Gallery makes every attempt to follow those laws. However, he did acknowledge that they cannot always know if an item has been stolen or misrepresented.

The owners and staff at Artemis abhor the very concept of looting and do not work with or done the sale of illegally obtained artifacts in any form. We have worked with ICE and the FBI in identifying foreigners and U.S. citizens who were trying to smuggle objects into the U.S., said Dodge in an email to FOX31.

Dodge said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has investigated Mexicos claims of ownership on several occasions and found a lack of evidence of illegal activity taking place at Artemis Gallery.

It is my humble opinion that art is meant to be enjoyed and not stored in a warehouse never to be seen again. Man has been collecting and enjoying art for 10,000 years. I do not think that will ever change, said Dodge.

The auction took place on March 28, and according to Artemis Gallerys website, two pieces were sold.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
As Miami Beach officials celebrate the end of a successful spring break season that featured smaller, calmer crowds and none of the gruesome shootings seen in recent years, the city is facing a lawsuit from a tourist who was shot by police during a chaotic spring break four years ago.

Johnathan Halls life changed in an instant the night of Saturday, March 14, 2020, when Miami Beach police officers shot him with a barrage of bullets inside the Barbizon hotel on Ocean Drive.

Hall, who was 22 years old at the time, was visiting South Beach during the spring break season with friends from Albany State University in Georgia.

Now, Hall is suing the city of Miami Beach and the three officers who shot him after failing to reach a settlement agreement with the city. He filed a lawsuit in federal court in the Southern District of Florida on March 13 and filed an amended complaint on Thursday.

Halls attorney, Roderick D. Vereen, told the Miami Herald in a brief interview that Hall was shot 15 times and needed to have more than half of one of his feet amputated. This past November, Vereen said, Hall had another surgery to have a bullet removed from his groin area.

They thought he was going to die, Vereen said of the immediate aftermath of the shooting, when Hall was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Now, he has bullet holes riddled all over his body.

A spokesperson for Miami Beach police, Christopher Bess, declined to comment on the lawsuit.

READ MORE: Police shoot man on Ocean Drive amid tensions with spring breakers in South Beach

Body cameras werent activated before shooting

The 2020 incident began when a manager at the Barbizon hotel bar told police that Hall appeared to be intoxicated and had a gun in his waistband. When officers arrived minutes later, Hall had left the bar and gone up to his hotel room. When he came back downstairs, several officers who had cleared a hallway of civilians near the hotel security desk saw Hall standing in the hallway.

Moments later, two or three officers shot Hall multiple times, according to an investigation by the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office that concluded in April 2021 and resulted in no discipline for the officers. About 30 seconds later, officers were heard on a body-worn camera saying, Let me see your hands, and, Hes still reaching for it, before one of the officers fired another shot.

A total of 19 bullet casings, all from police officers guns, were recovered from the scene.

Exactly what happened in the moments before police opened fire remains unclear. The three officers who fired, Daniel Gonzalez, Alvaro Leon and Victor Silot, did not activate their body-worn cameras before they fired the shots, according to the State Attorneys Office. Two of them, Leon and Silot, activated their cameras after the initial shooting, showing the immediate aftermath.

All three officers declined to provide sworn statements in the State Attorneys Office probe. Hall also declined to provide a sworn statement. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed the officers firing the initial shots, but Hall cant be seen in the video, the report said.

Because of the lack of evidence, investigators said they couldnt conclude that the shooting was legally justified, nor could they conclude that any of the three officers committed a crime by shooting Hall.

Bess, the police spokesperson, said the officers were given a verbal warning for violating the departments body-worn camera policy.

Hall was never arrested or charged with a crime.

The sound of the officers gunshots triggered a stampede on Ocean Drive as spring breakers ran away from the area. Tensions were running high between police and crowds in South Beach in March 2020, and several violent police interactions with Black tourists were labeled as racist by the Miami-Dade chapter of the NAACP.

One day after Hall was shot by police, Miami Beach officials announced an 11 p.m. curfew and public beach closures in South Beach to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A fraction of a second

Shortly after 8 p.m. on March 14, 2020, a bartender at Jalapeno Mexican Kitchen inside the Barbizon hotel told his manager he had concerns about a young Black man who was asking for water at the bar, appeared to be severely intoxicated, and had a gun in his waistband, according to the State Attorneys Office investigation.

The manager approached a police officer at the corner of Fifth Street and Ocean Drive to report the concern around 8:23 p.m. The officer, Richard Lonergan, called a dispatcher. According to the investigative report, the dispatcher asked twice whether the man at the bar  later identified as Hall  was threatening anyone.

Before Lonergan could respond, another officer, Capt. Daniel Morgalo, told the dispatcher to report the incident under the code for an aggravated assault, the investigative report said. Lonergan subsequently told the dispatcher that witnesses had not claimed Hall was threatening anyone, but the dispatcher still transmitted a priority alert tone and called all units available to respond to an aggravated assault.

Police officers entered the hotel lobby at 8:25 p.m. and were directed by hotel management to a hallway area next to the front desk, according to the report. Police cleared several people out of the area, then encountered Hall at the end of the hallway. One minute later, at 8:26 p.m., the three officers reported shots had been fired and called for medical help for Hall.

A fourth officer who didnt fire his gun, Leon Azicri, was the first officer to enter the hallway and later told investigators he saw Hall down the hallway, behind a corner. He said he ordered Hall to show himself and that Hall stepped into view and was shirtless with a bathing suit bottom and a black firearm in his waistband.

He ordered the subject to show his hands, at which point his hands were near his midsection, and within a fraction of a second, Azicri heard a firearm discharge behind or next to him, the investigative report said. Azicri described the shooting event as happening quick, and stated that he gave the order for hands and the next thing he recalled was gunshots.

Shortly after the shooting, the Miami Beach police union president at the time, Kevin Millan, claimed Hall had not complied with officers commands and took an overt act that led them to open fire, though he did not elaborate.

The bottom line is that if you come out here and you have a gun and you dont comply with officers commands, they are going to be forced to take action to safeguard themselves and the public, Millan said at the time.

Hall disputes that narrative. In the amended complaint filed last week, he said the officers opened fire without any provocation.

He also disputes investigators finding that body-cam footage from after the shooting showed police recovering a gun from inside his shorts. In the lawsuit, Hall said he had already placed his firearm inside of his backpack when the officers confronted him.

That gun, a semi-automatic pistol, belonged to a friend of Hall who was with him in Miami Beach. The friend told investigators that Hall was carrying the friends backpack and that he had warned Hall to keep the gun inside the bag and stay near him.

Halls amended complaint frames the shooting as part of a history of alleged misconduct by Miami Beach police, citing incidents over the past 15 years including the fatal shooting of Raymond Herisse on Memorial Day in 2011 and the 2021 beating of a Maryland man in a hotel lobby that led to the arrest of five officers and, last month, the filing of a federal lawsuit by victim Dalonta Crudup.

The city knew or should have known that there existed a widespread pattern of incidents where officers abused the civil rights of the citizenry, violated laws, and disobeyed departmental orders and policies, Halls lawsuit says. Nonetheless, the city remained indifferent, refusing to take adequate measures to remediate the culture of lawlessness.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 1. Uzbekistan and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) discussed new socially significant international public-private partnership (PPP) projects on the modernization of drinking water supply and sewerage infrastructure, Trend reports.

The issue was reviewed at a meeting between Uzbek Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Bobur Khodjaev and representatives of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Both parties also considered the prospects of attracting investments from Japanese companies in various sectors of the economy.

Following the meeting, Uzbekistan and JBIC reached an agreement to intensify mutual cooperation in order to further develop new areas of cooperation.

Meanwhile, Japan's NUWA Robotics will open an office in Uzbekistan.

According to Uzbekistan's IT Park, within the framework of "Offshore Outsourcing Tour 2024," a memorandum of understanding was signed between IT Park and NUWA Robotics.

The agreement envisages cooperation in the development of information technologies, robotics, and outsourcing in Uzbekistan, opening a branch office of the company in the country, and obtaining the status of a resident of IT Park.
(NewsNation)  Boardwalk Empire actor Michael Stuhlbarg was attacked Sunday evening near Central Park in New York, multiple news outlets confirmed Monday.

The New York Police Department, in a statement shared with NewsNation, said officers responded to a 911 call of an assault in the vicinity of 90th Street and East Drive. The victim, identified only as a 55-year-old man, had been in the head by a rock, investigators later determined.

The New York Times and People identified the victim as Stuhlbarg. When asked specifically about the victims identity, the NYPD also provided NewsNation with a statement concerning the same incident described above.

Michael Stuhlbarg attends a production of Hamlet during the opening night of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in NYC on June 28, 2023. Multiple news outlets have confirmed that Stuhlbarg was the victim of an attack near Central Park on Sunday evening. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Immediately after the alleged assault, police said the victim chased the suspect toward the Russian Consulate where officers took the suspect into custody.

The victim suffered an abrasion to the back of the head but refused medical attention, police said.

Xavier Israel, 27, was arrested and charged with assault in connection with the incident.

Women on TikTok detail random punching attacks in NYC; suspect arrested

Stuhlbargs film credits include Call Me By Your Name and The Shape of Water. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in A Serious Man, and earned two Primetime Emmy nods for his work in The Looming Tower and Dopesick.

Stuhlbarg is also starring in the new Broadway play Patriots, which begins previews Monday. A representative for the production told The New York Times that the actor would be taking the stage for the debut performance of the play, about Vladimir Putin and Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Sean Mag Uidhir (circled) was at Michelle O'Neill's side as she, with Mary Lou McDonald and Gerry Adams behind her, carried Martin McGuinness's coffin in 2017 - ALAN LEWIS/PHOTOPRESSBELFAST

A top adviser to Northern Irelands new First Minister has been accused of being part of the IRA death squad linked to the notorious double agent Stakeknife.

Sean Mag Uidhir, Michelle ONeills Sinn Fein spin doctor, was interviewed under caution by the investigation into Stakeknife, the British Armys top spy within the Provisional IRA.

Mag Uidhir, 66, who changed his name to the Gaelic form of Maguire several years ago, is widely known to have been a senior member of the IRA in the Ardoyne district of Belfast during The Troubles.

At one time, he was allegedly part of the terror groups internal security unit, which tortured and murdered alleged informers and was known as the Nutting Squad because of its method of killing victims with a shot to the head.

Also a member of the unit was Stakeknife, who is widely believed to have been Freddie Scappaticci, a bricklayer from west Belfast who died last year. While carrying out killings for the IRA, he was passing intelligence to the British Armys shadowy Force Research Unit.

Stakeknife was the subject of Operation Kenova, a 40 million investigation that lasted for seven years.

Mag Uidhir has been accused of acting for the Nutting Squad at an infamous abduction linked to Stakeknife in 1990, and was interviewed by Operation Kenova in November 2018.

The unit has been linked to at least 101 murders and abductions, while Kenovas interim report, published in March, found Stakeknife cost more lives than he saved through intelligence. It linked him to 14 murders and 15 abductions.

Northern Irish politicians have accused Ms ONeill of hypocrisy over her links to Mag Uidhir. Sammy Wilson, a Democratic Unionist Party MP, told The Telegraph: For someone who has said she wants to be inclusive, she wants to try and reach across the divide, she wants to be a First Minister for all, she is bound to know that having somebody like that as a communications officer is going to be provocative.

Even among the nationalist community there is great anger about the way in which people from Republican nationalist backgrounds were treated by the Nutting Squad and the misery that brought to the community too.

Michelle ONeill must stop being a hypocrite in this way by saying on the one hand she wants to reach out and be the First Minister for everybody while at the same time employing people who she knows are provocative.

Mag Uidhir watched his boss, Ms ONeill, give a press conference with Mary Lou McDonald as the Northern Irish Assembly was restored in February.

Mag Uidhir accompanied Michelle O'Neill at a press conference when the Northern Irish Assembly was restored in February - ALAN LEWIS/PHOTOPRESS BELFAST

Ms ONeill became the first nationalist politician to become First Minister of Northern Ireland in the historic power-sharing agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party.

Mag Uidhir is said to be hugely protective of ONeill and has played a key role in her election campaigns.

Born in 1957, he grew up in Belfast, attending St Malachys College from 1968 to 1975, according to his social media profiles.

A year after leaving school, in 1976, he was convicted of conspiracy to murder two policemen and given a 16-year sentence, of which he served eight.

According to court documents, he also has a conviction for possession of firearms and ammunition and was arrested in 1986 after information indicated he was a member of the Provisional IRA and involved in certain specific terrorist crimes in the North Belfast area.

He was said to be second in command of an IRA unit involved in the abduction of Sandy Lynch, a terrorist turned informant to the British security forces, who was targeted for his apparent treachery in 1990.

Sean Mac Uidhir was at Ms O'Neill's press conference at Stormont following the return of power sharing - ALAN LEWIS/PHOTOPRESSBELFAST

During the 1991 trial of the republicans accused of the kidnapping, the court was told that Mag Uidhir was number two to Kevin Mulgrew, another IRA member, according to reports from the time.

The Crown said that Lynch would say he worked under the command of Kevin Mulgrew [an IRA member] and the second-in-command was Sean Maguire.

John Creaney, QC, prosecuting, said Lynch had been involved for quite some time in a provisional IRA intelligence gathering unit and had served time for terrorist offences.

Lynch was also informing for the Royal Ulster Constabulary, both on his activities and those of the IRA he was privy to, the prosecutor said.

As part of his court deposition, Lynch, who was allegedly lured by Mag Uidhir to the house where he was kidnapped, said that he was taunted for hours by his interrogators. He made detailed references to Scappaticci, who he said led the interrogation and threatened to skin me alive.

Freddie Scappaticci, widely named as double agent Stakeknife, in west Belfast in 2018 - PACEMAKER

Gerard Hodgins, a former IRA member, was present but had his conviction for the abduction quashed amid questions over the involvement of security forces.

He told The Telegraph that Mag Uidhir had signalled the informant would be killed. He made a pistol gesture to his head and nodded back to the room where Sandy was being held, indicating to me, I think, that he believed Sandy deserved to be nutted, he said.

He said he told Operation Kenova about Mag Uidhirs involvement because he believed the former IRA member was himself an informer. Mag Uidhir furiously denied this claim when it was first made in press reports in 2003.

Hodgins said Mag Uidhirs presence at the abduction was proof of how senior he was within the unit.

His actual title didnt affect our thinking, we just knew from gossip he was head of this, or second in command of that, he said. On the ground, we just knew who was who and how senior they were, almost with it not needing to be said.

He added: Everyone knows he was there, his name is right throughout the court papers. Sandys testimony from the box puts him there and says thats how he got to the house, Sean drove him. Sean was there as part of the ISU, he was interrogating Sandy.

Mag Uidhir, who is father to several children, left for the Republic of Ireland following the Lynch kidnap but later returned.

Sinn Fein highly secretive

After the peace process and Good Friday Agreement, he went on to become the editor of the North Belfast News before joining the Sinn Fein media team.

The party is highly secretive and does not publish full details of its officials but he is listed as an author on the Sinn Fein website.

He has been described by the Sinn Fein-run newspaper An Phoblacht as the partys media chief and has frequently been seen arranging press conferences for Ms ONeill at Stormont.

Mag Uidhir was photographed at the funeral of Martin McGuinness in 2017 as his coffin was carried by the new First Minister, along with Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Fein in Ireland, and Gerry Adams.

He also accompanied Ms ONeill when she visited Manchester in 2017 and signed a book of condolence for the victims of the Arena terror attack.

Jon Boutcher, the author of the Operation Kenova report and now the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said in his interim report that the activities of the Provisional IRA he examined were the most shameful and evil I have encountered.

Police chief denounced shameful and evil activities

He said that while there were failings by British security forces over Stakeknife, it was the Provisional IRAs leadership that commissioned and sanctioned the activities that its ISU carried out.

Mr Boutcher said the ISU was responsible for torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and murder, including of children, vulnerable adults, those with learning difficulties and those who were entirely innocent of the claims made against them.

Mr Wilson, the DUP MP, said: I dont think anyone with that kind of record should be in a public position and she [Ms ONeill] really has to explain how this is moving away from the past if she is employing people who have a known terrorist background.

If it was the other way round and the deputy First Minister had employed a known loyalist terrorist, Sinn Fein would have screamed and howled at it.

It also shows that there still is that connection between Sinn Fein and people who formerly were involved in overt terrorist activity. Its not the image any devolved administration needs.

Baroness Hoey, the Northern Irish politician and former Labour MP, said: This shows the dark secrets of some now working for Sinn Fein. This must be looked into and Sinn Fein need to be transparent about who they are employing if Michelle ONeill is serious about being a First Minister for all.

Mag Uidhir declined the opportunity to apologise for his actions as an IRA terrorist, and denied taking part in the abduction of Lynch.

In a statement, his solicitor said: My client, Sean Mag Uidhir, has always rejected any allegation that he was involved in the unlawful imprisonment and conspiracy to murder Alexander [Sandy] Lynch in 1990 and has never been charged with any offence in relation to this.

Mr Mag Uidhir has worked as a journalist and newspaper editor, is now employed as a Sinn Fein press officer and has been a vocal and consistent advocate of reconciliation and the peace process.

Sinn Fein and the Northern Ireland Executive did not respond to requests for comment.

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Microsoft will begin selling its Teams video conferencing app separate from its Office software globally after making the change in Europe in August, the company announced Monday.

Microsoft 365 and Office 365 will offer suites that do not include Teams and a stand-alone version of Teams to customers globally, the company said in a blog post.

Customers already subscribed to any of the suites will have options to renew, use or upgrade their plans as usual, or switch to one of the new versions that unbundles the features.

The changes first made in Europe came a month after the European Commission announced an investigation into anticompetitive practices by Microsoft over the bundling of the features.

To ensure clarity for our customers, we are extending the steps we took last year to unbundle Teams from M365 and O365 in the European Economic Area and Switzerland to customers globally. Doing so also addresses feedback from the European Commission by providing multinational companies more flexibility when they want to standardize their purchasing across geographies, a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.

The change is separate from those dominant tech firms are making in response to other regulations put in place by Europe under the Digital Markets Act, which aims to add more competition to the tech industry.

Although the rules are only in place in Europe, experts have said the changes could lead to global impacts for users if the companies choose to add some of the regulations more broadly, as Microsoft did with the unbundling of Teams and Office suites in response to the unrelated pressure.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Microsoft will separate its messaging app Teams from its Office products globally, the company said, six months after it unbundled the services in Europe.

In a statement sent to Euronews Next, a Microsoft spokesperson said that extending the measure globally would "ensure clarity for our customers".

"Doing so also addresses feedback from the European Commission by providing multinational companies more flexibility when they want to standardise their purchasing across geographies," the statement continued.

The global extension of the measure was first reported by Reuters on Monday.

The change came after the European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into the company last July.

The Commission said it was "concerned that Microsoft may grant Teams a distribution advantage" by not letting customers choose whether to include Teams when they subscribe to Microsoft 365.

Microsoft "may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings," the Commission added.

The antitrust investigation was related to a complaint from the communication platform Slack, now owned by Salesforce, filed in 2020 that alleged Teams was illegally bundled with Microsoft's productivity suites.

A month after the Commission announced the antitrust investigation, Microsoft said they would sell Microsoft 365 at a lower price without Teams included in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Microsoft also said it would create new resources and enhance "existing resources on interoperability" to help third-party companies.

This story has been updated to include a statement from Microsoft.
Migrants in Iowa wonder whether to leave over a bill that could see some arrested and deported

Audience members listen to community organizer Maria Acosta speak during an Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice informational meeting, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. A bill in Iowa that would allow the state to arrest and deport some migrants is stoking anxiety among immigrant communities about how it would be interpreted and enforced. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  A bill in Iowa that would allow the state to arrest and deport some migrants is stoking anxiety among immigrant communities, leaving some to wonder: Should I leave Iowa?

The legislation, which is expected to be signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, would make it a state crime for a person to be in Iowa if previously denied admission to or removed from the United States. It mirrors part of a Texas law that is currently blocked i n court.

Across Iowa, Latino and immigrant community groups are organizing informational meetings and materials to try to answer people's questions. Theyre also asking local and county law enforcement agencies for official statements, as well as face-to-face meetings.

As 80 people gathered in a Des Moines public library community room last week, community organizer Fabiola Schirrmeister pulled written questions out of a tin can. In Spanish, one asked: Is it safe to call the police? Another asked: Can Iowa police ask me about my immigration status? And: What happens if Im racially profiled?

Erica Johnson, executive director of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, the organization hosting the meeting, sighed when one person asked: Should I leave Iowa?

Entiendo el sentido, she said. I understand the sentiment.

Schirrmeister, who hosts a local Spanish-language radio show, explained how long organizers have worked to build a bridge with law enforcement.

Its sad how its going to hurt the trust between local enforcement, pro-immigrant organizations and the immigrant communities," she said.

Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert told The Associated Press in an email that immigration status does not factor into the department's work to keep the community safe, and he said it would be disingenuous and contradictory to incorporate it at the same time law enforcement has been working to eliminate such bias.

Im not interested, nor are we equipped, funded or staffed to take on additional responsibilities that historically have never been a function of local law enforcement, he added.

In Iowa and across the country, Republican leaders have rallied around the refrain that every state is a border state" as they accuse President Joe Biden of neglecting his responsibilities to enforce federal immigration law. Thats led Republican governors to send troops to support Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star, and legislatures to propose a variety of state-level strategies.

Iowas lawmakers advanced the measure to address what one lawmaker called a clear and present danger posed to Iowans by some migrants crossing the southern border. Republican Rep. Steve Holt acknowledged questions of constitutionality around the bill but ultimately argued that Iowa has the right, the duty and the moral obligation to act to protect our citizens and our sovereignty.

If we end up in a court battle with the federal government, should this pass, bring it on, Holt said during a subcommittee meeting in February. I think it

The Texas law is stalled in court, after a challenge from the U.S. Department of Justice, which says it conflicts with the federal governments immigration authority. The department did not immediately comment on the Iowa bill.

The Iowa legislation, like the Texas law, could mean criminal charges for people who have outstanding deportation orders or who have previously been removed from or denied admission to the U.S. Once in custody, migrants could either agree to a judges order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted.

The judges order must identify the transportation method for leaving the U.S. and a law enforcement officer or Iowa agency to monitor migrants' departures. Those who dont leave could face rearrest under more serious charges.

The bill in Iowa faces the same questions of implementation and enforcement as the Texas law, since deportation is a complicated, expensive and often dangerous federal process, said immigration law expert Huyen Pham of Texas A&M School of Law.

How are Iowa law enforcement agencies going to determine if someone has entered Iowa in violation of an immigration order? Pham asked. She said questions remain about which country a detained person would be sent back to, how they would get there and how agencies would communicate with those countries.

Deportations are a binational process, she said, meaning the federal government negotiates with the governments of other countries. Disjointed immigration policy state-by-state could threaten those international relationships, Pham said.

Mexico has already said that it would reject any state or local government enforcement of immigration laws.

The Iowa State Patrol, as well as representatives of multiple police departments and county sheriffs offices across the state, declined to comment on the bill before it is signed into law.

Shawn Ireland, president of the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association and a deputy sheriff in Linn County, said in an email that law enforcement officials would consult with county attorneys for guidance if the bill becomes law.

But Ireland added that community-police relations are a priority, and law enforcements focus is not on looking for people who came to this country illegally and are not committing crimes."

Manny Galvez, leader of the Escucha Mi Voz (Hear My Voice) community group based in the rural city of West Liberty, said the bill has galvanized immigrant communities, including some that are in harder-to-reach areas of Iowa, to send the message that immigration is a human issue and that the states economy relies on immigrant labor for jobs such as those in meatpacking plants and construction.

Lawmakers advancing a bill like this one are disconnected from that reality, Galvez said.

Criminalizing the immigrant community is not the answer, he said. We tell people: Dont be afraid. No tengan miedo. We are going to keep fighting this."

___

This story has been edited to correct that Ireland is a deputy sheriff, not a sheriff.
DENVER (KDVR)  A special initiative aimed at inspiring youth to explore careers in aviation and STEM-related fields is taking flight.

Sponsored by the Denver Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Mile High Flight Program works to increase youth understanding of aviation and aerospace industries while sharing the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots.

Roman Wilkerson, along with dozens of other students from across the state, gathered at Metropolitan State University of Denvers Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science to learn how to develop a flight plan and fly a single-engine simulator.

List: Free days at Denver museums, zoo and more in 2024

Being in the program has really gotten me to push myself beyond my limits, Wilkerson said. My overall goal is to become a pilot, join an airline and really get to see more of the world.

Eric Mosley, a United Airlines captain and son of late Tuskegee airman John Mosley, is one of the founding coordinators of the program.

The focus and the foundation of the program is aviation, but its much more than that. We visit a lot of places where students get to learn about STEM and aerospace opportunities, Mosley said. At the end of the day, we want our students to understand that through hard work and a good flight plan, theres really nothing that they cant succeed in if they really put their minds to it.

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Former students like Thomas Fortson, now a United Airlines pilot instructor, said this program gave him his start in aviation.

Its like a time capsule a little bit, Fortson said. Just walking down the halls, I can still hear the laughter and just the good times I had with the friends I made here.

A labor of love, Mosley said they have pilots from every demographic that can connect with each student in the program.

Seeing the successes that our students have had over the years, that pays off in ways that are almost impossible to describe, Mosley said.

Mosleys work, along with countless others, is now serving as an inspiration for the next generation of aviation students.

Study hard, work hard, Wilkerson said. It may be tiring, and you may have to write four essays on the same day, but in the end it will all be worth it.

MSU Denver has been working with the Mile High Flight Program for 28 years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Millington Police are looking for a suspect wanted for aggravated assault.

Police officers responded to a shoplifting incident on Monday at the Walmart on Highway 51.

Police say a man fled the store after running into an employee and knocking her to the ground.

The employee sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital by an ambulance.

Police earlier called the situation an active incident in a Facebook post.

If anyone has any information about the identity of the suspect, officers ask that you contact the Millington Police Department at 901-872-3333.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Millions in federal funding given to Cheatham, Old Hickory dams in Middle Tennessee

Water is released at the Old Hickory Dam in Hendersonville on Feb. 24, 2019.

Nearly $35 million has been set aside for Cheatham and Sumner County dams as part of more than $7.2 billion in federal funding in the upcoming 2025 budget.

Of the $7.2 billion given to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works program, over $152 million was set aside for Nashville District Operations and Maintenance projects, including nine multipurpose dams with hydropower and flood control and 19 navigation locks, a press release said.

Among the nations top natural and human-constructed resources, these locks  with 1,175 miles of commercially navigable channels in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama  and dams provide a multibillion-dollar economic impact to a multi-state region, the release said.

$13,336,000 has been allocated towards the repair of navigation lock filling and emptying valves at Cheatham Lock and Dam in Ashland City.

Another $21,590,000 has been directed to Old Hickory Lock and Dam in Hendersonville.

More than $75 million in other routine operations and maintenance projects outlined in the USACE Nashville District FY25 budget is expected for Center Hill Lake, Cordell Hull Dam and Reservoir, Dale Hollow Lake, J. Percy Priest Dam and Reservoir and the Tennessee River.

Several more routine operations, maintenance and other funding projects are set for locks and dams in Kentucky.

Projects not funded through the budget may be funded through the FY24 or FY25 Workplan and Infrastructure Investments and Job Act, the release said.

Funding amounts are set to be announced in early summer 2024 and summer 2025.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why Middle Tennessee locks, dams are getting $110M in federal funds
The aftermath of attacks on Belgorod on 1 April. Photo: local Telegram channels

On the evening of 1 April, the authorities of Russias Belgorod Oblast reported that air defence was operational in Belgorod and the surrounding region. The attack damaged civilian infrastructure and injured several people.

Source: Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Belgorod Oblast on Telegram; Russian Ministry of Defence; local Telegram channels

Details: The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that the attack was carried out from a RM-70 Vampire multiple-launch missile system. The air defence allegedly shot down 17 missiles.

       .



    pic.twitter.com/kOYId69yLr     (@ukrpravda_news) April 1, 2024

According to preliminary information from Gladkov, nine people have been injured.

The aftermath of attacks on Belgorod on 1 April.

Photo: local Telegram channels

The aftermath of attacks on Belgorod on 1 April.

Photo: local Telegram channels

In Belgorod, 13 apartments from 8 apartment buildings and 3 private houses had their windows damaged.

The aftermath of attacks on Belgorod on 1 April.

Photo: local Telegram channels

The aftermath of attacks on Belgorod on 1 April.

Photo: local Telegram channels

A school has also suffered damage. Two houses in the village of Dubovo and the village of Tavrovo were damaged as well.

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Mississippi will remain one of three states without in-person early voting

Mississippi will remain one of only three states that does not have in-person early voting after a House committee chairman killed legislation.

House Elections Chairman Noah Sanford said in a committee meeting on Thursday that he will not bring up Senate Bill 2580. The bill would have allowed 15 days of no-excuse early voting before election day. Sanford said he received concerns over the plan from some county circuit clerks, the local officials who administer elections.

Some circuit clerks around the state had concerns that they might have to hire an additional deputy clerk to administer early voting, Sanford said.

Instead, Sanford, a Republican from Collins, said he would like to conduct some hearings in the summer or fall to examine the issue further and allow circuit clerks and others to present information. He said that after the hearings he would be more open to passing early voting legislation.

Mississippi currently allows in-person absentee voting before elections, but voters must meet criteria, such as being over 65 or disabled, or provide one of a handful of valid excuses, such as being out of town for work on election day and follow a long list of rules and procedures.

Voting stickers at a polling location at DIberville Civic Center in DIberville during the Mississippi Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Hannah Ruhoff/Sun Herald

But Mississippi does not have no-excuse absentee voting or any type of early voting. The Senate measure would have no-excuse voting for all registered voters and eliminate in-person absentee voting. It also would have required voters to present a valid photo ID to vote early.

Senate Elections Chairman Jeremy England, the author of the bill, said he was disappointed the measure did not advance in the House, given it overwhelmingly passed the Senate along bipartisan lines.

Well see it again, though, said England, a Republican from Vancleave. This is something Im definitely interested in and something voters across the political spectrum are interested in.

House Speaker Jason White, a Republican from West who appointed Sanford to lead the Elections Committee, previously told Mississippi Today he was not opposed to early voting, but the policy was not a major priority for him.

Even though Sanford did not bring the measure up for a vote, its possible lawmakers could amend related legislation to include early voting.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 1. Uzbekistan and China discussed potential and opportunities for fruitful inter-agency cooperation in the law enforcement sphere, Trend reports.

According to the Uzbek president's office, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation from China headed by State Council member, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong.

Wang Xiaohong arrived in Uzbekistan to follow up on the agreements of the January summit.

The sides considered matters of further expansion of practical cooperation and coordination of joint efforts in combating modern challenges and threats to security.

The President of Uzbekistan noted the current high level of Uzbek-Chinese relations and strategic partnership.

Both parties highlighted the exchange of experience and joint activities in the main areas of public security, the introduction of modern information technologies and innovative methods of work, the fight against cybercrime, the training of qualified specialists, and others as priority areas.

They also exchanged views on issues of regional cooperation.

Meanwhile, China took the leading position among Uzbekistan's foreign trade partners from January through February 2024. The trade turnover volume between Uzbekistan and China amounted to $2.1 billion during this period. The exports reached $349.4 million, while the imports amounted to $1.7 billion.
Modesto company recalls popular ice cream bars due to salmonella. Where were they sold?

A Modesto-based company has recalled more than 5,000 boxes of ice cream bars because some have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Testing at Tropicale Foods discovered salmonella  which can lead to severe and sometimes deadly infections in children, elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems  in the mango-flavored bars of the companys Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

A total of 5,224 boxes of ice cream bars labeled with the best-by date of Oct. 11, 2025 were recalled, the Food and Drug Administration said.

No illnesses have been reported to date, the FDA wrote in the announcement Saturday.

On Monday morning, Tropicale Foods corporate office in Ontario said it was not able to give a statement on the recall.

Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack

Where were recalled ice cream bars sold?

According to the administration, the potentially contaminated products were distributed to retail locations in the following states and districts:

Iowa

Indiana

Kentucky

Massachusetts

Maryland

Maine

Michigan

North Carolina

New Hampshire

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

Wisconsin

West Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Some locations in Europe were also affected by the recall.

It has not been confirmed whether affected products were distributed in California.

The company is conducting an investigation as to what caused the problem and will take effective action to prevent any future issue, the FDA said.

What should you do next?

Anyone with questions about the recall should contact Tropicale Foods at 909-563-3090, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What are the symptoms of salmonella?

According to the FDA, common symptoms of salmonella include:

Fever

Diarrhea (may be bloody)

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Rare symptoms include:

Arterial infection

Endocarditis

Arthritis

What other foods made in California have been recalled?

The ice cream recall is one of four recent food recalls involving products made in California.

Earlier this year, Rizo-Lopez Foods recalled all its cheeses and dairy products made in its Modesto facility due to potential contamination to listeria.

Trader Joes has also recalled two popular products manufactured by California companies.

The grocery store chain recalled its 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews, supplied by Wenders LLC of Dublin, after discovering that they were potentially contaminated with salmonella.

Trader Joes has also recalled 61,839 pounds of chicken soup dumplings.

According to the USDAs Food Safety Inspection Service alert, Beaumont-based CJ Foods Manufacturing issued the recall after getting complaints from consumers reporting they found hard plastic in Trader Joes Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings.

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.
Moldovan, Romanian, and American troops are holding joint exercises JCET-2024 (Joint Combined Exchange Training) in Moldova between April 1 and 19, the Moldovan military said.

The purpose of the drills, which will be held at the Moldovan military's facilities, is to exchange experience and increase interoperability between the three militaries.

Moldova has been increasingly turning to the West to counter the threat posed by Russia.

Relations between Chisinau and Moscow have soured since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Moldovan authorities repeatedly accusing the Kremlin of destabilization attempts. Russia has also occupied the Moldovan territory of Transnistria since the early 1990s.

During the JCET drills, soldiers will perform parachute jumps, advanced combat fire, and practice specific tasks in the field.

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A Moldovan special forces unit  the Fulger Battalion  and the State Protection and Guard Service will take part in the exercises. Moldova has participated in the U.S. JCET special forces program since 2009.

The threat posed by Moscow to Chisinau entails not only reported destabilization attempts and occupation of Transnistria but also Russian strikes against Ukrainian territory near the Moldovan border.

Monitoring Telegram channels claimed that a Russian missile allegedly entered Moldovan airspace during a mass attack on March 29. Ukraine and Moldova have not confirmed this claim. Previously, Chisinau reported cases of Russian attack drones crashing on Moldovan soil.

Read also: Moldova disputes claim of drone strike in Transnistria, says it is attempt at provocation

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Courtney Lawrence has spent her career being a teacher in different ways.

As owner of her own interior design business (Courtney Lawrence Studio), she is using her passion to teach others how to create the home of their dreams.

Moline High alum Courtney Lawrence got her bachelors degree in elementary education in 2012 from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

The married Moline mom of three juggles three little ones (ages 5, 3 and 1) and works with people on creating beautiful, cost-effective home renovation projects. Shes had her business four years, but recently started offering interior design workshops, with just the second one scheduled for April 19 at 5:30 p.m., at Old Oaks Winery, 10814 1st St. West, Milan. It will include:

Courtneys Interior Design Instruction  a deep dive into home design styles. Learn about a variety of styles and identify your personal home style to help you shop and decorate your home.

Design Work  Courtney will guide you through her process to create/craft a physical mood board for your home or a space in your home.

Ask The Designer  Courtney will feature several rooms from your submissions and talk about what can be done to make the space more beautiful and functional.

Q & A  Ask questions and receive decorating advice about your home.

Each admission includes one glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice, and food will be available for purchase from Old Oaks Winery. She chose Old Oaks in part because she went to high school (Moline) with the owner.

Some people sent me photos of their rooms and I would show them on the screen and I said quickly, heres what I would do, she said of the first workshop she did about a month ago. They really liked that, hearing my opinions and advice.

Lawrence presents an interior design workbook for some clients.

Everyone has their own favorite home style, and the next workshop will include assembling a mood board, which features colors and design elements people want to include.

A mood board, I would call that inspiration for the space  youre talking different images, elements, colors, and putting them together to create a feeling, a theme, a color palette, to then create, Lawrence said.

They will also discuss each rooms furniture, colors, design elements, and lighting. The mood board is a way of putting together a space without the designer doing it.

A Courtney Lawrence example of an office mood board.

Lawrence also makes recommendations for local contractors to use for painting, lighting and flooring, for example.

Usually customers will tell her their estimated budget, what stores they shop at and where they want to spend more money (such as furniture versus art).

Lawrence hopes to offer workshops every quarter. Most of her projects have been for living rooms and bedrooms, as well as home offices and kids rooms.

She started her workshops a month ago, to see if people would be interested.

The first one was early March (at the Moline library), was great and well-attended. I feel like it was me getting back to teaching, but something that I love, interior design, she said.

Designing a career

Lawrence earned a bachelors in elementary education from Southern Illinois University  Edwardsville, and taught 6th grade in Geneseo from 2012-2015. In 2015, she earned her masters in instructional design and technology from Western Illinois University, when she joined Modern Woodmen of America, based in Rock Island.

My main reason for doing that, I wasnt for sure going to be in school districts forever and I knew structural and graphic design could take me to a corporate job, she said.

A design she did for a nursery, with the actual finished product below.

Lawrence learned how to teach and was with Modern Woodmen in training and education from 2015 to 2019. She trained managers on how to train their employees. Following that, after a year with American Rental Association, she decided to pursue her passion, which is interior design.

In 2020, Lawrence opened her own home-based studio and is still teaching people.

Its kind of a nice mix of everything, she said. When she was a kid, she played the Sims computer game for years, designing her own houses and neighborhoods.

That just carried me through college, when I was interested in decor and stuff, and really did my own research on interior design and decorating, Lawrence said.

When she and her husband Bryn got married in 2015, they renovated their entire house in Moline. They moved into their current house in Moline two years ago and continue to work on it.

After COVID hit, her husband recommended she start her own studio, after she had her second child. He works for Deeres corporate headquarters in data analytics. Hes the total opposite brain from me  Im very much the creative type, Lawrence said.

A customers bedroom before Lawrences renovation and the remodeled room is below.

Its a balance of, waking of early, working during their nap times, balancing the kids and my work, she said, noting she uses part-time child care and doesnt devote interior design as a full-time job. Its been a really nice thing for me.

Lawrnce doesnt follow what other interior designers in the area are doing, noting many Iowa-side businesses deal more with high-dollar clients with their own storefronts.

I dont do that and my business model is a little different, she said of not having a storefront. I believe that interior design can be for anyone. You dont have to have a million dollars, Lawrence said. I have services that range from coming to my workshop for $45, to a design plan (starting at $250 for partial room and $400 for full room). I think thats what sets me apart.

I can work with anybody and I feel like its a different aspect  Im not a corporate environment, she said. Im a real mom.

Avoiding trends

She sees many people get caught up in hot trends and communicates that even if its a trend, you dont have to do it. You should do what you like, Lawrence said.

A lot of times people ask me, grays a really a popular color now, should I paint my living room gray? she recalled. I think its navigating that, just because its trendy doesnt mean you have to do it.

In a kitchen, white subway tile is a timeless choice that will work with many designs, over many decades, Lawrence said. I try to stick with timeless choices, she said.

A completed nursery room Lawrence designed.

She recommends people also paint small sections in their home before deciding on a whole wall or room, to see how it looks first. Paint colors are hard  a color ill look totally different in my house versus your house, Lawrence said.

With paint colors, thats one reason to work with designers, because usually designers know the undertones of the color, what else will go with the color, she said. What does your furniture look like? All of those things play into what the color will actually look like.

Instead of actually painting a part of the wall, she also advised just painting a big piece of white paper and then taping it on the wall. One of Lawrences favorite home colors is dark olive, which she has on her home office wall.

Lawrence loves dark olive, which is on her home office wall.

I think its a timeless color that can be carried through; I highly recommend that color, she said.

Her husband does woodworking, and has built pretty much everything in their home. Theyve been working in their living room since they moved in.

Im a strong believer in, when you really enjoy a space, it affects you. It affects your mood, Lawrence said. Your home and how you feel in your home matters.

A home office before (above) and the transformation after Lawrence redecorated is below.

Often, she meets with clients after work hours (nights and weekends), at their home. One of the nice things about owning her own business is her flexible schedule.

I only take on the number of clients I can handle, Lawrence said.

I really try to give people a real representation of myself, what I value and things that I do, she said. That way, they know what theyre getting when they work with me.

Typically, the project timetable is based on the client and budget, she said. A living room can cost several thousand dollars, and it varies for everyone.

Lawrence has also served on the Lead(h)er board of directors from 2020 to 2023. Shes had a mentor (LuAnn Haydon) since the beginning of the program.

Tickets for the April 19 workshop are $45 (plus an option for specific individualized consultation for $15), and are available HERE.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Mom convicted of trying to kill daughters abuser

DECATUR, Georgia (WJW)  A mother has been convicted of killing a teenager in what prosecutors are calling a case of someone trying to take the law into her own hands.

A jury returned in a verdict in the case nearly 4 years after the case began.

Deputy injured, 1 dead in shooting and crash: I-Team

According to a press release, Danyale Harris, 42, discovered a video of her 12-year-old daughter involved in a sexual act with a 22-year-old man.

Harris reported the incident to police on April 1, 2020.

However, police say hours after filing the report, Harris drove to an apartment to confront the man in the video.

Harris and three armed men opened fire at the mans apartment, according to a press release.

The man suspected in the video was shot, as was a teenager who arrived at the apartment with Harris.

The teen was killed.

13-year-old Pa. girl arrested in mothers death

Harris was found guilty on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault.

According to a press release, Antonio Harley, 22, was charged with statutory rape, child molestation and sexual exploitation of children.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The Monday After: Plowing through decades of the past

The great-great-great-grandson of farm implement manufacturer Joshua Gibbs  attorney Richard Gibbs  might not be a farmer, but he still is a plow guy.

The heart of Gibbs, who practices in North Canton, remains with his ancestor, Joshua Gibbs, a partner in Bucher & Gibbs Plow Company and one of the handful of manufacturers who made Canton a center of the production of farm equipment in the 1800s. Joshua Gibbs is buried in Westlawn Cemetery, adjacent to McKinley National Memorial and near McKinley Presidential Library, where Gibbs notes a restored B&G plow is preserved.

Canton plow saved: Pennsylvanian preserves remnant of Bucher & Gibbs Plow Co.

Not far away in downtown Canton is Stark County Courthouse, built in 1870, which Gibbs said has two important 19th century Stark County industries represented in its clock tower.

"One of which is the manufacturing of plows depicted in the left angle of the tower," he noted.

The aged Bucher & Gibbs Plow Co. walk-behind horse-drawn "flip plow" Ken Recker found last fall in Everett, Pennsylvania, now sits in his garage. Its wooden handles had rotted away over decades, but its historical significance remains intact.

So, Gibbs read with interest a column in this space a few weeks ago about the finding of a B&G plow in Pennsylvania. He reached out to congratulate the men who found and moved that plow, which was overgrown in weeds and forgotten.

"I passed (the article) along to my family," he wrote in an email. "All enjoyed and were very interested."

Recalling finding the plow

Pennsylvania resident Ken Recker found the decades-old horse-drawn plow, the embossed "B&G Plow Co." still visible on its corroded metal. The farm implement  manufactured by Bucher & Gibbs Plow Co. in Canton  was discovered near Everett, Pennsylvania, in Bedford County.

"I saw it in some brush," Recker said. He was cleaning up a neighbor's property for sale. "I didn't know if it was valuable. I didn't know if it was worth anything to anyone. I didn't know if a museum would want it."

Reckert asked his neighbor if she wanted to keep the ancient farm implement, and she said, "No, just take it."

So, Reckert, who "didn't want an antique to go to the scrap heap," moved the plow to a corner of his garage where it could be more easily inspected.

The origin of a walk-behind, horse-drawn plow found in Pennsylvania last year bears the "B&G" of Bucher & Gibbs Plow Co. of Canton, Ohio.

"We dragged it out, me and my wife," he said, "and when we got it to our garage, we cleaned it up, brushed off the dirt from around the 'B&G.'"

Recker showed the plow to a friend, Allen Boyd, who is knowledgeable about and restores farm equipment, to gain insight into its origin and use.

"I just thought it was very interesting. I knew it was old and I wanted to know the history of it."

The plow carried sentimental value, as well, Recker noted. The man who previously owned the property, Walter Weyent, who died five years ago, had used the plow for farming.

"He worked his father's farm with it," said Recker. "After World War II, he came home and his father had health issues, so he stayed and helped out and he used this plow."

Since the discovery of the plow, new owners of the property continued to clean up weeds where the plow was discovered. They found more smaller pieces of farm equipment.

"I went over to tell (the new owner) about the plow, and he said 'Funny you should say that; I found some more things. I was going to take them to the scrap heap, but if you want them, just take them.'"

So, those new parts, cleaned up and examined, joined the B&G plow in Recker's garage.

"I have no idea if they were part of the original plow," Recker said. "They look to be of the same period. One of the pieces looks to be from a seed planter."

Another plow valued and displayed

Meanwhile, the existence of another plow  this one more prominently placed in Stark County  has surfaced in Louisville.

Kraig Ossler of Louisville keeps it as a part of the landscaping at his home.

This plow was a lawn decoration in the yard of Kraig Ossler of Louisville when he purchased his house late in the 1990s. He replaced the handles, repainted it red, and allowed it to serve as a part of his landscaping in a flower bed.

"It just happened to be here when we moved into the house in 1999," Ossler explained after reading the previous B&G plow article and contacting The Canton Repository. "It's sitting out in the flower bed as an ornament. A water pump was with it, but we moved that to another flower bed."

The plow, with the only marking appearing to be a serial number, looks "similar to" the Pennsylvania plow, said Ossler. But, it has no "B&G" embossed on it.

"I'm hoping somebody can identify it. I'm interested in knowing where it came from and what kind it is," he said. "The people who might have knowledge of such things aren't going to be around much longer."

As of now, the red plow serves simply as a decoration in Ossler's yard.

"I replaced the handles and painted it," Ossler said. "We put a scarecrow on it in the fall and we put some Christmas ornaments on it at the holidays."

Although the plow in the yard of Kraig Ossler of Louisville is not marked "B&G" as is a horse-drawn plow discovered in Pennsylvania several months ago, it appears to be similar. The Ohio plow carries what might be a serial number.

What might be the future for the B&G plow in Pennsylvania?

Boyd has expressed some interest in restoring the piece, said Recker. And, man from a museum in Olmsted Falls contacted Recker about the plow's restoration and display.

"I'm not a restorer, and I don't have an interest in displaying it in my yard. I just don't want it to be lost," said Recker. "If a museum came along that restores that kind of thing and could put it on display, I would be happy to donate it to the cause.

"I just think it's too valuable historically to let it rust away outside."

Reach Gary at gary.brown.rep@gmail.com. On Twitter: @gbrownREP.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Unearthed Canton plow set for preservation in Pa.
Santa Barbara County is cracking down on Montecito homeowners who have placed boulders, shrubs and other landscaping along the road in an effort to stop visitors who want to park and hike a popular trail.

The county on March 18 posted letters at the properties of 11 homeowners on East Mountain Drive and Riven Rock Road, demanding that they move the obstructions within 10 days.

The letters state that the residents must remove the problematic items in the public right-of-way, then apply for an encroachment permit.

If the items are not removed, according to the letter, the homeowners face a fine of $350 a day, an additional $500 fine, and liability for all the countys expenses and any damages caused by the encroachments.

The notices were one of the last acts of Scott McGolpin, the countys longtime public works director, who retired this week.

We are just re-initiating the process that we started to get the right-of-way cleared of obstructions, McGolpin told Noozhawk. The county has authority to use the public right-of-way.

A debate has existed for more than two years after the county sent letters to three property owners, ordering them to remove any unpermitted obstructions in front of their homes in the right-of-way on East Mountain Drive, threatening them with fines if they didnt comply.

The county contended that homeowners were deliberately placing things in the roadway to stop people from parking and walking to the Hot Springs Trail. About eight parking spaces currently exist at the start of the trail.

The popularity of the trail erupted after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. TikTok and other social posts turned the once-local trail into a destination for tourists looking to get outside during the pandemic.

The parking lot in front of the Hot Springs Trail in Montecito is packed with cars at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Joshua Molina/Noozhawk photo

The homeowners sued the county, and Judge Thomas Anderle ruled that the county must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act and perform an environmental review before trying to create more parking in the area.

But the California Court of Appeals, Second Appellate District, reversed the decision in July. McGolpin said the notices were unrelated to his retirement, and that the timing was just how long it took for the issue to work through the court system.

David Cousineau, an attorney with the Santa Barbara law firm Cappello & Noel LLP, declined to comment about the countys letters.

Chris Sneddon, the new public works director as of April 1, said he is optimistic that we are going to be able to work it out.

We sent out letters to owners and are working with them to permit what can stay and have them remove what needs to be removed, Sneddon said. Were in the process of meeting with owners and reviewing their submittals.

Montecito residents Christopher Anderson, Ross Bagdasarian, Peter Barker and James Moreley in April of 2022 filed a petition to stop the county from pursuing its Hot Springs Trailhead Parking Design & Construction Project, citing environmental and evacuation concerns with the increased traffic.

McGolpin and county officials at the time said they were looking to add parking spaces by removing the obstructions. It is unclear how many, although the Montecito residents believed that the county wanted to add as many as 62.

The goal, McGolpin said, was to remove the obstructions to pick up 12 to 15 potential spots.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Teaching the new generation the importance of friendship and mental health awareness, Montwood High School, along with The Lead4Change Project, will present a $3,000 grant to the OShea Keleher Whole Child Academy on Tuesday, April 2, according to a press release by the Socorro Independent School District (SISD).

A group of high schoolers called the Montwood Mentors worked closely with children from the Keleher Academy on how important mental health is and the significance of friendship, according to the press release by SISD.

The Lead4Change Project is a grant program that displays students and their ideas on how they can impact their communities, according to SISD.

With the grant money, the Montwood students are planning field trips to continue to explore friendship, camaraderie, and mental health awareness.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Laman Ismayilova





Lutfali Abdullayev has left his mark in the history of Azerbaijani culture. The actor became famous for his work both in theatre and cinema.

He starred in such Azerbaijani films that became legendary, such as "The Cloth Peddler", "Star", "Where is Ahmad?" and many others.

The 110th anniversary of the birth of an outstanding actor, People's Artist Lutfali Abdullayev (1914  1973) has been celebrated in Baku, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre delighted the audience with Uzeyir Hajibayli's musical comedy "If Not That One, Then This One", where Lutfali Abdullayev used to embody the image of Mashadi Ibad.

"If Not That One,Then This One" is a 1910 operetta in four acts that reflects social and everyday life relations in pre-revolutionary Azerbaijan. It is the composer's second work written in this genre.

Through this comedy, Uzeyir Hajibayli reveals the social and everyday prejudices widespread in society at the beginning of the 20th century and uses laughter and satire for this. He chose such an original path to put forward his ideas in those years. And the psychotypes of characters were so skillfully described that the comedy is relevant at all times, as it reveals human vices-greed, hypocrisy, lies, cowardice, etc.

Hajibayli used the Azerbaijani mugham in some of the music and incorporated extracts from Fuzuli's ghazals in the libretto.

The musical comedy has been shown for many years by various directors, not only in Azerbaijan but also in many theatres around the world.

Honoured Artist Akbar Alizade was first invited to the stage. In his speech, Akbar Alizade hailed Lutfali Abdullayev's contribution to Azerbaijani theatre and cinema.

It was brought to the attention that theatre experts divide Lutfali Abdullayev's work into three stages: roles in classical operettas, stage images in translated works, and colourful characters in comedies by modern composers.

Furthermore, Honoured Artists Shovgi Huseynov, Nahida Orujova, Alakbar Aliyev, Azizaga Azizov, Akbar Alizadeh, Nadir Khasiyev, and actors Moyle Mirzaliyev, Alimammad Novruzov, Huseyn Alili, Shaban Jafarov, Aydan Hasanova, Elmaddin Dadashov, Tarana Aliyeva, and others thrilled the audience with their performances.

The play is directed by People's Artist Jannat Salimova, music director and conductor-Honored Artist Nazim Hajialibayov, production designer - Honored Artist Ismayil Mammadov, choirmaster - Honored Artist Vagif Mastanov, conductor - Honored Artist Fakhraddin Atayev, choreographers - Honored Artists Zakir and Elena Aghayev, accompanist - Fidan Mammadov, assistant director  Sevinj Mammadov and Elmaddin Dadashov.
Theres more demand than money for NC private school vouchers. Will lawmakers add more?

State lawmakers could add more private school voucher funding this year in response to record demand for the Opportunity Scholarship program.

The N.C. State Education Assistance Authority notified families of the 72,000 new Opportunity Scholarship applicants on Friday that theres not enough money to offer most of them vouchers. Most of the new scholarships for this fall will go to families whose incomes are low enough to qualify for federally subsidized school meals.

Now theres lobbying to encourage the Republican legislative supermajority to add additional voucher funding during this years short session that begins April 24. Lawmakers provided $293.5 million for vouchers for the 2024-25 school year  62% more than was available this school year.

The surge in Opportunity Scholarship applications is the latest sign that North Carolina families value having choice in education, Lauren Horsch, a spokesperson for Senate leader Phil Berger, said in an email Monday. Just like any other budget item, legislators will discuss potential funding changes as they make budget revisions during the short session.

Lowest-income applicants will get new vouchers

State lawmakers changed the Opportunity Scholarship program so that any family regardless of their income could apply for a private school voucher. The eligibility changes led to a more than 500% increase in applications over the 11,617 applications received last year.

The applicants were grouped into four tiers based on their family income. The NCSEAA says only applicants in the two tiers with the lowest incomes will currently get any new scholarships this year.

New vouchers for the maximum amount of $7,468 per child were awarded Friday to 13,511 applicants from Tier 1. Those families have until April 19 to let the NCSEAA know if theyre accepting the scholarship.

If every Tier 1 family accepts, that would lead to a more than 41% increase in the 32,511 voucher students this school year.

A Tier 1 family, if it attended a public school, would meet federal income guidelines for a free or reduced price school meal. For a family of four, that works out to a maximum household income of $57,720 a year.

Tier 1 accounted for 19% of the applicants this year.

Only some Tier 2 applicants will get vouchers

Only some Tier 2 families who accounted for 26% of the applicants  will get a voucher when the next round of scholarships are awarded in May.

A Tier 2 family has a maximum annual income of $115,440 for a family of four. Theyre eligible for $6,722 per child.

The number of Tier 2 offers available will not be known until Tier 1 families have accepted or declined their award offers, the NCSEAA said in a news release sent on Saturday. There are not sufficient funds available to offer students in Tiers 3 and 4 an award.

If additional funds become available, NCSEAA will notify families as soon as possible.

No vouchers for millionaires this year

Families in Tier 3 and Tier 4 accounted for 55% of the applicants this year.

A Tier 3 family of four makes a maximum annual income of $259,740. Theyd have been eligible for $4,480 per child.

A Tier 4 family, which could include millionaires, could get $3,360 per child.

Families in Tier 3 and Tier 4 could get vouchers in future years as state funding expands. Lawmakers plan to spend $4.7 billion on vouchers over the next decade.

Last week, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper used a Union County church whose pastor said women invite rape through their clothing choices as an example of what happens when private schools receive public funding with little accountability, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Cooper reiterated his call for a moratorium on expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship program until he said public schools get enough funding

Our public schools are at risk because the legislature is trying to dismantle them, Cooper said in a video released last week. They plan to spend $4 billion of your taxpayer money on private school tuition with no income limit.

That means even millionaires can pick up a government check for their kids who are already in private school.
Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of four suspects on Sunday accused of providing arms and funding for the deadly shooting attack on a Moscow concert hall that left at least 140 people dead.

The detained men were directly involved in the financing and supply of terrorist means to the perpetrators of the terrorist act carried out on 22 March in the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, the FSB said.

The arrests coincide with a flurry of criticism against Russian authorities for failing to stop the massacre. Reports that emerged in the days after the shooting indicate that American and British authorities had warned Russia that extremists were plotting an imminent attack on large gatherings weeks before the shootingwarnings that Moscow brushed off.

ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the attack. Russian authorities have also arrested 12 other men allegedly connected to the attack, including four gunmen, who are reportedly citizens of Tajikistan.

Russian authorities are now taking measures to prevent other attacks, according to Meduza. Footage purportedly showing Russian authorities torturing suspects has circulated in recent days, and state media employees told the independent Russian outlet Verstka that they were instructed to share the clips as a public warning to deter further attacks.

Moscow Terror Suspects Plotted Other Massacres in Europe

Burned balls and a cut-off ear  thats just the beginning. Next will be fingers getting cut off, one by one. Its a prevention measure, one agent reportedly said.

Russian authorities have cracked down on migrant communities throughout the country in the aftermath of the attack. Hundreds of central Asians in Russia have been arrested or deported so far, according to Agentsvo. Much of this seems to be part of the Kremlins effort to look like it is thwarting terrorism, Valentina Chupik, a human rights activist told CNN.

The police are trying to pretend that they are actively fighting ethnic crime and preventing terrorist attacks, Chupik said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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TOLEDO, Ohio  The sound of his teacher smacking his desk jolted Marquan into consciousness, and his head jerked up. Wake up, his teacher said.

Marquan hadnt slept much the night before, and the words came out before he was fully coherent. Watch out before you make me mad, he said.

His teacher turned and asked if that was a threat. The 16-year-old said no, he was just startled, but it was too late  he was sent out of the classroom and given a two-day suspension.

What the teacher heard as a threat was, for Marquan, an instinctive reaction, and he had failed to code-switch in that groggy moment.

I wasnt threatening him; it was just loud and all of a sudden, said Marquan, now 17 and a sophomore at Jesup W. Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio. (His last name is being withheld to protect his privacy.) That was the most unfair thing.

In Ohio, Black students like Marquan are suspended for incidents like this far more frequently than their white peers. In the past six years, Ohio has issued close to 885,000 suspensions and expulsions for comments and misbehaviors tagged as disobedience or disruption. Nearly half of those dismissals have been for Black students, even though they make up only 17% of the public school population. Black students in Ohio are, on average, kicked out of classes for these offenses at four and half times the rate of white students.

A Hechinger Report analysis across 20 states found that in many of them  including Indiana, Maryland and Rhode Island  Black students are suspended more often for infractions that can include dress code violations, talking back to teachers and being too noisy in class.

Subjective terms lead to selective punishment

States use different terms to describe the offenses  disrespect, insubordination, defiance  depending on their discipline code. But what they all have in common is the subjective nature of an educators decision; experts say thats what leads to racial disparities. What seems disrespectful and threatening in one classroom can be entirely acceptable in another, depending on whos listening and whos speaking. Thats when racial and cultural differences between educators and students can come into play. Bias also plays a role.

Researchers say that racial disparities inside schools tend to reflect whats happening in society as a whole and that income level does not explain the discrepancies.

Teachers are no more biased than other people, but also no less biased, said Russell Skiba, a professor in the school psychology program at Indiana University and director of its Equity Project. Race is the much more important predictor of whether a kid gets suspended rather than poverty.

The Indiana Department of Education said school discipline policies were set at the local level. Rhode Island said it helps school districts in setting discipline policies that "are conducive to a safe and nurturing environment that promotes academic success." Marylands state education agency said only that it makes annual data available for school districts to analyze.

In Ohio, a spokesperson from the Department of Education and Workforce, Lacey Snoke, didnt respond directly to questions about the states racial disparities. Snoke, the chief communications officer, said the department supports schools and districts as they address non-academic barriers to learning.

Snoke also noted that the state requires schools to use a student support system known as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS. When implementing PBIS with fidelity, schools and districts see a reduction in out-of-school suspension and exclusionary discipline, she said.

Like many of Americas school districts, Toledo Public Schools has struggled with keeping discipline racially equitable for years. In 2020, following a federal civil rights investigation, the district agreed to a settlement with the federal Department of Justice to address and prevent discriminatory discipline of students based on race or disability. Last spring, the government extended its monitoring for an additional year after finding that the district was not in full compliance with the settlement terms.

Root cause for disparities unclear

Part of the problem in Toledo Public Schools, the fifth-largest school district in Ohio with more than 21,000 students, is that teachers and administrators havent figured out whats at the root of the disparity, according to a federal monitoring report sent to the district last May. The document was obtained by The Hechinger Report as part of its investigation into the widespread use of suspension for things like defiance and disruption around the country.

Speculative answers about the reasons for why disciplinary referrals would be greater for Black students when compared to white students ranged from blaming the students underperformance in math and English language arts to blaming parents who dont take pride or are otherwise uninvolved in their childrens lives, according to the report. Educators at one school opined that they are not using strategies that engage kids of color; those at another school said they needed to develop activities for students to feel more of a sense of belonging.

Last year, there were more than 12,000 suspensions in Toledo public schools for defiance or disruption and more than 7,700 were given to Black students, up from 7,000 the year before. Black students received 65% of defiance and disruption suspensions last year, even though they make up about 46% of the student population in Toledo.

The reason for the high numbers is multifaceted, and the solutions need to be as well, said Amerah Archer, acting executive director for the Department of Equity Diversity and Inclusion in the Toledo Public Schools.

We understand there's sometimes a cultural mismatch between teachers and students and their backgrounds, Archer said. So we offer culturally responsive training, to help our teachers understand how to build relationships and students across cultures.

The district has also brought in outside mental health providers. In all 57 of its schools, the district has set up social-emotional wellness teams to examine discipline data and look for trends, including racial disparities within schools and classrooms. Educators receive training on how to respond to students who have endured trauma and may be acting out as a result, with responses that can lead to alternatives to suspensions.

He just scares me

Sheena Barnes, who was president of the Toledo Public Schools board until January, points to a culture that views some children as more dangerous than others. Shes also concerned about educators who have trouble appropriately interpreting a childs behavior.

Barnes, who is Black, got a call last year to come to her childs school immediately. Her son, who is on the autism spectrum and was in third grade at the time, had been trying to mix paints to make a specific color. The teacher accidentally took one of the colors away, frustrating the boy, who threw his paintbrush and splattered some paint. After Barnes arrived and helped de-escalate the situation, she said the teacher asked her if they could talk.

'He just scares me, she said the teacher confessed to her.

So I asked her, What did he do? Did he bite you, kick you, did he throw something at you, cuss at you? Im going through all the list of things that could make you scared of a 9-year old, my baby. And she says, Its the way he looks at me.

And I just crumble, Barnes recalled. If you're scared of him in third grade, what the hell are you gonna do to him in ninth grade?

Moments like these  when adults see children as threatening  can influence decisions made in a heated classroom situation. The Department of Justice report on the Toledo Public Schools district last spring concluded that subjective infractions that are prone to bias, such as Disruptive Behavior and Failure to Follow Directions play a role in racial discrepancies when it comes to discipline.

Misbehaviors tagged as disobedience affect Black students disproportionately.

Toledo school officials noted that the report said the district had made significant progress in some areas and that the COVID-19 pandemic had hampered and delayed the districts ability to execute certain provisions in a timely manner.

Barnes, who remains on the school board, said she welcomed the continued monitoring by the government, because, she said, we still have work to do.

Theres not a bad child  theres a child reacting to a bad situation, she said, noting the many serious issues faced by young people, such as gun violence and food insecurity.

Maybe I can't read. So, I'm gonna disrupt the class because I don't want to get embarrassed, said Barnes. Or if you ask me where my homework is, I'm gonna make some silly jokes and get kicked out, because I don't want people to know that I didn't have a home to sleep in last night, or I couldn't do my homework because we didn't have power.

Teacher experience, training key to prevention

Sometimes disruptive behavior starts with a small incident  like a student calling out in class. If a teacher has trouble redirecting the child, it can escalate, and the classroom can become chaotic. Teachers sometimes conclude that removing the child who is being loud is in the best interest of the whole class.

Experience and training can provide teachers with tools to address student conduct without suspensions.

One study of California schools published last year found that it was often the least experienced teachers who relied on removing disruptive students from the classroom, and that even three years of teaching experience led to a substantial drop in the number of students referred for discipline.

Sometimes disruptive behavior in school starts with a small incident  like a student calling out in class.

The same study found that among teachers who removed students from class and sent them to the principals office for disciplinary action, the top 5% did this so often that they accounted for most of the racial gaps in these referrals  effectively doubling those gaps.

Those gaps are largely driven by incidents that require a more subjective call, such as for defiance, rather than more objective categories like drug use or skipping class, according to Jing Liu, an assistant professor of education at the University of Maryland and one of the studys authors.

Other researchers say stressful environments can bolster racial inequities.

When people are stressed out, when they are under pressure, when they dont have the time to think through a response, they are more likely to rely on racial biases, said Juan Del Toro, a professor in the psychology department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, who has studied the impact of discipline policies on Black students.

Del Toro argues that more support for teachers could bring down the number of suspensions for low-level offenses, which in turn could help more students perform well academically. His research showed that when students committed minor infractions, those who were suspended experienced significant negative academic consequences, compared with students who were just written up for the same kind of offense.

In Toledo, Jamarion, a 10th grader at E. L. Bowsher High School, was serving an in-school suspension in December for getting into an argument with another student when he was assigned an additional three days for talking in the suspension room.

We were just talking about the way we were feeling, bored and all that. Youre just sitting there all day staring at the wall or doing your homework, said Jamarion, who is 15. (His last name is being withheld to protect his privacy.) You should at least get a warning or something.

Its not fair, he said. I was mad, upset. And he said he was concerned about missing more math classes and falling behind.

Educators say banning suspensions isnt the solution

Educators and administrators emphasize that simply banning suspensions for low-level offenses would not change school culture or help educators find alternatives. It could fix the data, said Jennifer Myree, a former principal and assistant principal in Cincinnati for seven years, but it might not fix whats going on in the building.

Some districts in Ohio, such as Cleveland Municipal, reduced the number of disobedience suspensions of Black children over the past year, but the number in the state overall climbed to more than 78,400 in 2022-23, up 16% from the previous year.

Izetta Thomas spent 18 years as an educator in Columbus public schools in Ohio and is now the education justice organizer for the Columbus Education Association, the union that represents educators in Columbus City Schools.

She says individual teachers have a responsibility for their actions, but teacher-prep programs and the school system itself could do more to curb the overuse of suspensions.

Its hard for educators because a lot of us might feel like this [discipline decisions] is not what I signed up to do, this is not what I learned in my college classroom, said Thomas. But why isnt it a part of teacher training in colleges? Why isnt understanding of our own biases and lenses and those that are different from ours, why arent we taught early on what that is?

Everybody needs Band-Aids," she added, but Band-Aids only last so long.

Contributing: Fazil Khan, The Hechinger Report

Note: The Hechinger Report's Fazil Khan had nearly completed the data analysis and reporting for this project when he died in a fire in his apartment building. USA TODAY Senior Data Editor Doug Caruso completed data visualizations for this project based on Khans work.

This story about racial disparities in school discipline was produced by USA TODAY publishing partner The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Subjective suspensions disproportionate for Black, Latino students
A Georgia mother who set out to protect her child was just convicted of murder for a revenge plot gone wrong. According to a March 29 press release issued by the Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney, a jury found 42-year-old Danyale Harris guilty on charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony after she and a group attempted to confront the man she believed sexually abused her daughter.

Heres what happened: Back in March 2020, Harris allegedly found a video of her 12-year-old daughter being sexually abused by 22-year-old Antonio Harley. Ms. Harris reported the incident to the DeKalb County Police Department, who told her they would be in touch and warned her not to let her anger get the best of her, according to the release.

But Harris wasnt satisfied with the response she received from the police and decided to take matters into her own hands. According to prosecutors, she showed up at Harleys apartment complex with a group of people  three of whom were armed.

After her daughter identified Harleys apartment, Harris and her group knocked on the door. When Harley came out from the side of the apartment building, the group chased him until he went back into his apartment through another door. Prosecutors said someone in Harris group then shot through Harleys door and hit him in the chest. Harleys brother fired back from inside the apartment.

Juan Newkirk, a 19-year-old who came with Harris group, was shot and killed during the confrontation.

After the verdict was read, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson sentenced Harris to life in prison, with the possibility of parole, plus five years, according to the press release. Harley, whose case is pending, faces charges of statutory rape, child molestation, and sexual exploitation of children.

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MountainView is dedicated to providing the best care for patients in southern New Mexico

MountainView Regional Medical Center is proud to be your community healthcare provider. We believe in the power of people to create an exceptional healthcare experience. We are a place of healing, caring, and connection for patients and families in the community we call home. Our 2023 Community Benefit Report demonstrates the impact we continue to have in southern New Mexico.

Last year, our MountainView team played a vital role in more than 496,000 patient visits, where we helped people get well and live healthier. Around the clock, every day of the year, regardless of holidays, weather, or other disruptions  we are here for our community. The skills, talents, and energy of our employees and physicians power all we do. I am grateful for their steady focus on delivering safe, quality care and a compassionate patient experience.

Matthew Conrad is the Chief Executive Officer of MountainView Regional Medical Center.

We care deeply about all the patients we serve. Life-saving, medically necessary care is provided for all patients in our emergency room, regardless of their ability to pay. Members of our community who cannot fully afford their medical care are provided deep discounts or even charity care. We have resources to help them secure medications and medical support devices. Last year, we provided over $34.6 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community's most vulnerable.

The needs in our community are many, and we are proud to support the work of Casa de Peregrinos Emergency Food Program, Jardin de los Ninos, and Amador Health Center, among others, as they address social determinants of health. We have also spearheaded important charitable initiatives, such as our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, during which we collected 2,200 jars of peanut butter to help fight hunger in the community. This year, we hope to increase that total by partnering with the local Walmarts, Las Cruces Public Schools, and the City of Las Cruces.

MountainView Regional Medical Center continues to grow and evolve, and we are applying our resources toward the services, facilities, and technologies that are important to our patients.

Our comprehensive cardiac care program expanded with the addition of a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, two board-certified interventional cardiologists, and a board-certified nurse practitioner. Now, members of our community no longer have to travel far for the treatment they need. Our clinicians can detect and treat cardiovascular disease through minimally invasive treatments and advanced procedures, and surgery, if needed. Most importantly, our team will be here to help you recover and return to your daily routine.

In 2023, MountainView grew our Orthopedic Care and Surgery team to include ten highly specialized orthopedic surgeons and providers.Our surgeons utilize robotic-arm-assisted technology and a multi-disciplinary approach to orthopedic care, enabling patients to recover quicker with less pain. MountainView is certified in knee replacement by The Joint Commission.

Were also nurturing and developing the next generation of healthcare providers through our work with high school and college student nursing programs. MountainView is the sponsoring institution for medical residency programs in internal medicine, osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine, and transitional year. After receiving their specialized training, some new physicians have chosen to stay in the Las Cruces community, expanding care.

Moreover, our impact extends beyond our campus, including the more than $13.5 million in taxes we pay that support critical infrastructure, such as first responders, schools, and roads. Additionally, the payroll of more than $118 million ripples through the local economy as employees buy goods and services.

MountainView Regional Medical Center is essential to our community, and we can perform our vital role through the commitment and compassion of every team member. We are honored to serve and extremely proud of our hospital's $200 million community impact in 2023. To view the full Community Benefit Report, visit www.mountainviewregional.com/community-benefits.

Matthew Conrad is the CEO of MountainView Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: MountainView dedicated to providing the best care for southern NM
I moved to Spain from California and bought 2 properties for less than $370,000. The process was shockingly easy compared to owning a home in Oakland.

May Leong and her husband moved to Valencia, Spain, after she semi-retired and he fully retired.

They purchased an apartment and condo within one year and said the process was surprisingly quick.

Leong said they love living in Valencia and plan to sell her family's home in Oakland.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with May Leong, a 62-year-old semi-retired career coach, business consultant, and nonprofit fundraiser who moved from Oakland to Valencia, Spain. It's been edited for length and clarity.

My husband is originally from Limerick, Ireland, but we spent the first 35 years together in the US. Since we spent all that time in the US, it was only fair to spend our later years in Europe and explore the many countries there. In January 2023, we moved from Oakland, California, to Valencia, Spain.

Leong and her husband moved to Valencia, Spain, in 2023. Courtesy of May Leong

We wanted to retire in a warm location in a city by the water, so we considered Lisbon, but because it's so hilly, we looked elsewhere in Europe. Valencia, Spain, showed up as a low-cost place to live and within a year, we purchased two properties there  all cash. We paid $170,000 for one property and $200,000 for the other. We also paid taxes on the properties not included in the sales price.

We have a $3,000 monthly mortgage payment back in the US but are considering living in Valencia permanently. We're living the American dream in Spain  owning our home free and clear.

We'll probably sell our US property

Leong standing in her Oakland home during the construction. Courtesy of May Leong

We're renting out our US property, but we'll probably sell it because it'll take decades to pay for it. My husband is a retired sailboat captain, and I'm semi-retired. When we purchased our California home in 2016, there was a bidding war for every property we were interested in. We didn't want to participate, so we bought a new development in Oakland for $700,000 with a $520,000 mortgage  it was the only place we could afford.

Our US property is a 1,475-square-foot house with 2.5 baths and two bedrooms. We were lucky to get a place there, but it was a longer process because it was a new development. It took about nine months from the down payment to closing.

Buying a home in Spain was easier than purchasing one in the US

The living room of Leong and her husband's first Valencia apartment. Courtesy of May Leong

After we decided to move, in June 2022, we visited Spain to check out neighborhoods. Within a week, we found a condo we loved. The homebuying process in Spain is different. You have an inspection in the US, but we skipped an inspection in Spain, and our lawyer did almost everything for us. We weren't even present for much of the process.

The real-estate agent recommended our lawyer and we signed off power of attorney to them for our first Spanish property. Then, we returned to the States and owned the property within a month. We're lucky to have found a great lawyer, which is necessary for due diligence.

I was surprised to purchase two properties so quickly

That first property was an almost 800-square-foot condo with two bedrooms and one bathroom in a fantastic and convenient location close to the center of town. Condos and homes in Europe tend to be much smaller than in the States.

We purchased the second property for $200,000 almost a year after arriving. We weren't planning to buy another home, but our real-estate agent showed us this gorgeous loft-style condo with high ceilings and exposed concrete beans  everything we love. It's just over 1,000 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a cute inner courtyard. We moved into this second one, and we're working on renting out the first one.

Leong and her husband moved into their second Valencia apartment. Courtesy of May Leong

Although any American is allowed to buy a home in Spain, you may need to apply for a visa if you plan to live there. I got residency through my husband because he's an Irish EU citizen. Although our neighborhood is filled mostly with local Spaniards, various ex-pats of different nationalities (Dutch, Ukrainian, Italian, French, Americans, and British) live in surrounding neighborhoods.

As more Americans purchase properties in Spain, gentrification has become an issue, raising housing prices. I believe in buying property to live here and contribute to the community instead of simply purchasing property as an ex-pat as an investment.

When purchasing property in Spain, you must be careful

Leong taking tea into her terrace area. Courtesy of May Leong

One tricky part of the homebuying process in Spain is that it can be murky and confusing. Sometimes, when we spoke to one person in a city office, we'd get different answers when talking to a different person.

Luckily, the real estate agents we worked with were highly reputable. Purchasing a property is a considerable investment, and it's not uncommon to get scammed when buying in a different country. We found great local expat Facebook groups to learn about the local community and to get advice.

When purchasing property in Spain, you must be careful. You might find a great home, but when you look closely at the paperwork, it's not coded or approved as a residence. We were warned about this from various sources: Facebook groups, our real estate agency, and our lawyer.

Overall, we prefer Valencia to Oakland for several reasons

Leong and her husband pose in front of an outdoor Christmas tree in Valencia. Courtesy of May Leong

Valencia has a lower cost of living, great weather, less crime, and great food and drinks. We can walk almost everywhere and anywhere in the city day and night and aren't worried about being mugged or assaulted. We miss having friends and family and access to great Chinese food in Oakland and the Bay Area. Most of the Chinese restaurants in Valencia haven't been great, but we still prefer living here.

Valencia is also Spain's third-largest city  it's very urban. The attraction of moving to Valencia was being in the middle of the city. Just outside our door are cafes and restaurants that close at 2 a.m. We love our lives here.

Correction: April 1, 2024  An earlier version of this story misstated the Oakland house cost. The house cost around $700,000 overall and was purchased with a $520,000 mortgage, it did not cost $520,000.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MSNBC host Nicole Wallace threw her script in the air during a live broadcast Friday while she railed against Donald Trump for calling out a judges daughter.

Wallace said it was time to do something different when she went off script to discuss a scathing social media post from the former president targeting the Democratic-connected daughter of the judge overseeing a hush money case against Trump.

Like, were not going to have this conversation again! Wallace said. I have come on the air with breaking news about requests for gag orders because of threats for judges and their kids more times than I could count today before I got ready.

Donald Trump brazenly and repeatedly attacks not just judges. Judges dont have Secret Service protecting them, she continued. What are we going to do differently, because Donald Trump sure as hell isnt changing.

Nicolle Wallace threw her script off to the side live on air out of frustration at the threats from Trump and his supporters faced by judges and their families. Screenshot/MSNBC

One of her guests, former federal Judge Michael Luttig, said Trumps goal was to delegitimize courts so if a negative ruling came his way, his fans would dismiss it.

We all have to understand that from the first time that the former president began his attacks  vicious attacks  on the federal courts and the state courts and their judges, his objective was to delegitimize those courts so that when and if they ruled against him in the various matters that hes been charged with, then at least his followers, if not a good part of the nation, would dismiss those rulings against him as having been politically inspired and motivated, he said.

A judge was asked by Manhattan prosecutors to clarify a gag order that was placed on the former president earlier this week following his posts about New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Mechans daughter, political consultant Loren.

Trump wrote Thursday: Judge Juan Merchan is totally compromised, and should be removed from this TRUMP Non-Case immediately. His Daughter, Loren, is a Rabid Trump Hater, who has admitted to having conversations with her father about me, and yet he gagged me.

Merchan imposed the gag order on the presidential candidate in his hush-money case due to the fact that Trump had prior extrajudicial statements and saying that he posed a a sufficient risk to the administration of justice.

Trump suggested that New York Judge Juan Merchan was compromised as a judge because of his daughter. MSNBC

The judge ordered Trump or others to make direct or public statements about witnesses, such as his former fixer Michael Cohen and the porn star at the center of the case, Stormy Daniels. Trump is accused of doctoring financial records related to hush money payments to Daniels and Karen McDougal.

However, Trump suggested Merchans daughters interests as a Democratic political consultant has worked against him, aiding President Joe Biden and other Democrats.

He accused Loren of having an obvious goal to see him jailed.

He has also accused Merchan of hating him.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 35 felony counts of falsifying business records in the case and has denied having an affair with Daniels.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad reported two bomb threat incidents in Antrim County, near Traverse City, on Sunday.

Officials say the Sheriffs Department responded first to the report of a possible explosive that washed up on the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay that looked like a pipe bomb.

Michigan State Police report bomb threats in Antrim County (Michigan State Police Department)

Following the first report, the MSP Bomb Squad shortly responded to a trooper from the Michigan State Police Gaylord Post about a possible explosive on a drivers dashboard.

Michigan State Police report bomb threats in Antrim County (Michigan State Police Department)

The driver was pulled over for a traffic stop on US-131 near Wetzel Lake Road when the trooper noticed the possible explosive.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The MSP Bomb Squad disposed of both possible explosives.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. In a week (April 8), Iran will host a presentation of new achievements in the nuclear sphere, Iranian Vice President and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami said, Trend reports.

According to him, work in this direction is currently underway. The National Day of Nuclear Technology will be observed in a week.

The Iranian vice president provided no additional details regarding the achievement presentation.

Eslami went on to say that in the last Iranian year (March 21, 2023 through March 19, 2024), significant progress was made in the country's nuclear sector and uranium mines. The country will make moves in this manner this year as well (March 20, 2024March 20, 2025).

Since 2006, Iran has celebrated April 8 as National Nuclear Technology Day.

Iran uses its nuclear program in agriculture, health, electricity, and other fields, and for this purpose, it has taken steps to discover uranium, mine uranium stones, produce yellowcake, and so on.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran.

According to the Iranian parliament's vote, Iran halted implementing extra safeguards and protocols specified in the nuclear deal on February 23. As a result, the International Atomic Energy Agency's monitoring system was cut by 20-30 percent.

Based on Article 26 of the nuclear accord, if one party fails to meet its responsibilities, the other party may suspend all or part of them, and if Iran considers that the P5+1 has failed to fulfill its commitments under the accord, it may raise the problem with the joint commission.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
EXETER  Construction on MVSBs newest full-service banking office at 2 Meeting Place Drive in Exeter is on track with a tentative completion date of July 2024.

The branch will be the banks third in the Seacoast area, joining locations in Portsmouth and Rochester, and the 14th location across the Greater Lakes and Seacoast regions of New Hampshire.

Construction on MVSBs newest full-service banking office at 2 Meeting Place Drive in Exeter is on track with a tentative completion date of July 2024.

Like Exeter, MVSB has deep roots in New Hampshire, said Marcus Weeks, MVSB president. The bank has grown and advanced while honoring that history  artfully marrying the latest banking tools and services with the highest quality human touch that has been our hallmark. The Exeter community has already been so welcoming to us, and we look forward to furthering our involvement and opening our doors to serve you.

Construction of the branch is managed by Conneston Construction, Inc. The building was designed by Warrenstreet Architects, Inc. with a similar style to the banks Rochester and Portsmouth locations  featuring stone and cedar cladding.

Jim Carrigan, MVSB regional vice president, was selected to oversee the new office and will work closely with the branch team to build on existing relationships and develop new opportunities in the community. He currently oversees the banks Portsmouth, Rochester, Alton, Gilford and Laconia locations.

Deborah Miller, MVSB mortgage loan officer, will continue to support clients in Exeter and the surrounding communities with their mortgage lending needs. Julie Clement, vice president of business development & small business lender, and Angela Salb, vice president commercial loan officer, have also begun assisting businesses with their banking and financing needs.

The bank looks forward to adding local staff at the new office as construction continues. Interested applicants can visit mvsb.com/careers. MVSB is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful work environment for all employees.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: MVSB opening new full-service bank in Exeter: Heres the details
Myths around solar eclipses are as historic as they are fascinating. Which is very.

Eclipse watchers are preparing to gather on April 8 for a total eclipse of the sun, visible from a large swath of the Midwest and even the southernmost corner of Michigan. It's a festive event, a chance to witness a once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon.

Or ... it's the sky wolves Skoll and Hati swallowing the sun, kicking off the apocalyptic last battle known as Ragnarok.

That's how medieval Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson explained eclipses, and there's a real appeal to this story: The sky wolves Skoll and Hati chase the sun and moon across the sky. Sometimes, the wolves catch up. Someday, the sun and the moon won't come back.

It's got drama. It's got action. It's got dire consequences  and you can help save the world (more on that later). It's basically a medieval Jason Statham movie, one that also explains a phenomenon ancient people were eager to understand.

"Almost without exception, people in antiquity thought eclipses were trouble, big trouble," said E.C. Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Ancient people kept track of the passage of time and the seasons by the movement of the sun and the moon. Months are based on the lunar cycle. "Eclipses created panic, sometimes terror. It's a fundamental breakdown of the basic order of the world. If the cycle of day and night goes awry, it's not just the sun that's in trouble, everything's in trouble."

The sun begins to peek from behind the moon at the end of the total eclipse in 2017.

A giant frog, a celestial dog and star demons

Like the Vikings, most ancient humans believed eclipses were caused by some regionally appropriate animal eating the sun or the moon.

It's not quite as crazy as it sounds, Krupp said, "because thats what it looks like. A little nibble when the eclipse starts, then more and more like a crescent in the sky. ... You've got some kind of creature, hostile and carnivorous, going after essential elements of the environment."

Watch out! What happens if you look at the solar eclipse? It's as eye-damaging as it is eye-catching.

In ancient China, the sun-devouring animal was said to be a heavenly dog, Krupp said, adding that the celestial dragon often mentioned in Chinese eclipse folklore is a more modern invention. In Southeast Asian countries like Laos and Vietnam, the culprit was a giant frog.

In the Dresden Codex, one of four surviving Mayan bark-paper books, Krupp said, the sun and the moon are repeatedly depicted falling into the open jaws of a serpent. In central Mexico, ancient carvings show a jaguar swallowing the sun; in the Andes, it's a mountain lion.

In Iranian and Central Asian eclipse lore, "a dragon or dragon-like creature was identified as causing all the trouble," Krupp said.

One of Krupp's favorite stories comes from the Hindu Mahabharata: A creation myth involves churning an ocean of milk, creating a variety of gods, goddesses and gems, a powerful poison and the elixir of immortality. Before the god Vishnu could secure the elixir, the demon Rahu stole a sip, but the sun and the moon were watching and Rahu's transgression was exposed. Vishnu sliced off Rahu's head, but Rahu had drunk that elixir. His head had become immortal, and it continues to chase after the sun and the moon in retribution, sometimes catching up and taking a bite.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

Aztec lore included star demons called Tzitzimitl, skeletal female figures with sharp claws. Surviving Aztec books explain that the Tzitzimitl stars attack the sun, causing it to disappear and descend to earth to possess humans.

Inuit folklore, said Todd Young, director of the Fred G. Dale Planetarium at Wayne State College in Nebraska, had a more benign explanation: The sun and the moon were a warring brother and sister. Sometimes, they briefly reconciled, and showed their affection in an embrace.

But science existed

Here's the kicker: Some ancient people understood rudimentary astronomy, Krupp said  the ancient Greeks by the 5th century B.C., and in China, during the Han Dynasty, after the 3rd century B.C.

Greek historian Herodotus claimed 6th century Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus had been the first to accurately predict an eclipse.

Roman natural historian Pliny the Elder, killed at Herculaneum when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in a.d. 79, recorded an eclipse in a.d. 59 (or 71, historical records can be wobbly) that still pops up in modern eclipse conversations.

"So they know whats going on with an eclipse, but that doesnt make them any less troublesome, because predicting eclipses is not that easy, and people are going to associate bad news with eclipses even up till the 19th century," Krupp said.

Beyonce called out country music at CMAs. With 'Act II,' she's doing it again.

In the 12th century, an eclipse was believed to have caused or at least predicted the death of King Henry I of England, despite that the eclipse of Aug. 2, 1133, happened two years before Henry's death in 1135.

"Even in the 16th and 17th centuries you'll see these broadsides where eclipses are blamed for bad things, and associated with national priorities," Krupp said. "I would suggest that (eclipse superstition) hasn't really disappeared."

Every time an eclipse is predicted, he said, the Griffith Observatory gets calls asking if the event will harm a pregnant woman or a newborn.

However, he noted, caution around an eclipse isn't unwarranted.

"There's so much cautionary commentary about looking at the sun during a solar eclipse, and that's quite reasonable, but in the broad way people consume information, they took it as a blanket prohibition," Krupp said. "We dont know if people didnt let other people go outside because there was a demon about, or if theyd been told it was dangerous  because it was."

Thanks, Newton

Humanity's relationship to eclipses really started to change with Newtonian physics, Krupp said, because it became possible to predict with high accuracy when an eclipse would occur.

By the 1950s, astronomers were organizing scientific expeditions to observe eclipses, but our modern infatuation with eclipse-watching didn't really start until the 1970s.

"Clearly there are millions of people going to a lot of trouble and spending a lot of money to go see this eclipse, and this happens at every solar eclipse. These are real destinations for people," he said. For most of human history, "an eclipse was the last thing you wanted to see."

Dr. E.C. Krupp celebrates the total lunar eclipse of January 2000 in full wizard regalia, along with Patrick So, Nancy Mazzie, and others.

How you can save the world

Some folklore explains the return of the sun, Wayne State's Young said: It's way too hot to eat, so the frog or wolf or snake spits it out.

But ancient people weren't always content to wait. When a giant animal was assaulting the sun and the moon, they saw it as an opportunity to act.

"They started to make a lot of noise," Young said. "They would yell, clap their hands, smash pans together, anything to provoke whatever animal or demon was biting the sun. They thought by making a lot of noise, they could get it over sooner."

It's a tradition Krupp has continued at the Griffith Observatory: During solar and lunar eclipses, the director puts on a wizard hat and robe, and leads a group of Angelenos in clanging pots and pans together.

It's all in good fun. "Griffith Observatory is a public observatory, and that means we try to bring the universe to everybody," he said. "This place exists to put eyeballs to the universe, and nothing does that better than an actual celestial event."

Nancy Kaffer

Nancy Kaffer is editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press, where this column originally published. She kinda believes that thing about sky wolves.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: April 8 solar eclipse is your chance to learn fascinating folklore
The Portage County NAACP hosted a "Know Your Rights" presentation that included Iris Meltzer of the League of Women Voters of Kent; Jason Mack, counselor; Myia Sanders of King Kennedy Community Center; Steve Michniak of the Portage County Prosecutor's Office; and Renee Romine and Kathy Kerns of Portage County NAACP.

Iris Meltzer of the League of Women Voters of Kent was among the speakers at the Portage County NAACP and League of Women Voters' Know Your Rights program in Ravenna. Meltzer spoke to Portage County residents about the group's latest effort to end gerrymandering in Ohio. The March 21 event's featured speaker, Steve Michniak of the Portage County Prosecutors Office, focused on two issues that have generated a lot of confusion in the community  the new adult cannabis law and individual gun rights. The program was held at the King Kennedy Community Center in Ravenna.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: NAACP 'Know Your Rights' event focuses on cannabis, gun rights
Representative Nancy Mace is still defending Donald Trumpbut wont parse out her reasoning in the wake of the GOP presidential picks judgment in his E. Jean Carroll trial saga.

Instead, the South Carolina Republican took to Fox News on Sunday to defend a viral interview she gave last month with ABCs This Week, which went south when anchor George Stephanopoulos prompted her to explain a contradiction: How could she, a rape victim, support the presidency of someone who had been found liable for sexual abuse?

Explaining to Fox News host Howard Kurtz, Mace branded the line of questioning as 10 minutes of rape-shaming and accused the network of flagrantly bringing up the issue while her underage daughter was with her.

Except Stephanopolouss question was based on Maces own account, which she brought up during an abortion debate while serving as a lawmaker in South Carolinas legislature in 2021. Mace said that the video clip This Week played of her own story had sabotaged her.

But at the same time, it really exposed the left because if you dont succumb to their ideology or prescribe to the way that they think, if you dont think the way they want you to, they will bully you, Mace said. They will shame you. Theyll shame you over being raped.

As a man, George Stephanopoulos tried to mansplain rape to me, she continued. I dont need some man telling me how I should feel about rape. I dont need some man telling me as a rape victim that I cant vote Republican and vote for the man I believe that can save our country.

Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against ABC last month to prove that he was just a sexual abusernot a rapist, as Stephanopoulos had said during the viral interview. Mace also insisted Sunday that Trump never was found guilty of rape.

Its unclear how Trumps verbiage suit will play out in court, though his unexpected specificity flies in the face of another precedent set by the court. In July, Judge Lewis Kaplan clarified that although New York penal law has a far narrower definition of rape, the jury still found Trump to have raped Carroll in the modern sense of the word.
NASA said Friday the April 8 solar eclipse will be visible in most of North America. Along the depicted "line of totality" millions of people from Texas to Maine will see a total eclipse of the Sun. Image courtesy of NASA

April 1 (UPI) -- NASA said Friday that when the moon passes in front of the Sun April 8, most of North America will be able to see it in some degree.

Millions living along the path of totality stretching from Texas to Maine will be able to see a total eclipse. Outside of that band, people in the United States will have a chance to see a partial solar eclipse.

To help the public witness and learn more about this event, NASA is inviting the public to participate with in-person events, opportunities to experience NASA science, and even multiple ways to see it streaming online.

NASA's three-hour coverage will include live views of the eclipse from multiple points across North America, appearances by NASA experts, astronauts aboard the International Space Station, and an inside look at NASA's eclipse science experiments. There also will be watch parties throughout the country, NASA said.

Agency officials said a live broadcast also will come from the agency's only center in the path of totality -- NASA's Glenn Research Center in Ohio.

The agency also is planning to present a "no-commentary, telescope-only feed" of the event on NASA Television's media channel and YouTube, starting at 1 p.m.

The telescope feed will incorporate views from locations including Cleveland, Dallas, Niagara Falls and more. One telescope feed will come from Mazatlan, Mexico.

NASA's broadcast will stream on NASA+, on NASA TV, and at the agency's website.

NASA warned that it's not safe to view the eclipse through a camera lens, telescope or binoculars unless a special-purpose solar filter is attached. Looking at it without that filter will "instantly cause severe eye injury," according to NASA.

In order to safely view a partial eclipse you have to have safe solar viewing glasses sometimes called "eclipse glasses." NASA warns these are NOT regular sunglasses.

Safe solar viewers are a thousand times darker and should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.

"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer - the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury," Nasa said.

If people don't have eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer they use an indirect method that does not look directly at the Sun.

" One way is to use a pinhole projector, which has a small opening (for example, a hole punched in an index card) and projects an image of the Sun onto a nearby surface. With the Sun at your back, you can then safely view the projected image.,," NASA said. "Do NOT look at the Sun through the pinhole!"

NASA will have live coverage of the eclipse beginning at 1 p.m. EDT streaming on NASA+, NASA TV and the agency's website.

It will feature live views of the eclipse across America, views from the space station and special appearances by NASA experts.
National Transgender Day of Visibility: Were here and weve always been here

National Transgender Day of Visibility: Were here and weve always been here

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11)  President Joe Biden and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proclaimed March 31 National and New York State Transgender Day of Visibility.

Some critics were not happy that this day fell on the same day as Easter this year. However, many transgender activists were happy to share the spotlight.

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At the Major Owens Health and Wellness Center, it was a day of acceptance and inclusion at the eighth annual wig and clothing drive sponsored by the Brooklyn Ghost Project, a Black trans nonprofit supporting transgender and non-binary people of color in New York City.

This is the 15th annual Transgender Day of Visibility. Its always held on March 31, and this year, it coincides with Easter.

Thats why God made it happen on the same date because of all the haters, Kylexus White, co-director of Brooklyn Ghost Project, told PIX11 News. Thats why God made it fall on Easter, so they can see us.

More than 150 people attended this wig and clothing drive, where everything was free.

At least 700 pieces of clothing, shoes, and accessories were donated by Out My Closet.

There were also more than a hundred wigs and cosmetic accessories.

We wanted to create an experience where trans folk have a safe opportunity to shop and dont feel targeted, Michael Narain, founder of Out My Closet, told PIX11 News.

To many attending this wig and clothing drive, it was a day of celebration, getting gifts when they otherwise often feel marginalized.

I want the world to understand were here, and weve always been here, Aoki-Lee Terrell, a volunteer with the Brooklyn Ghost Project, told PIX11 News.

Being a transgender woman myself, this means a lot to me, Tynisha Harris, happily browsing, told PIX11 News. Just for the community. Im just happy to be here with my sisters, my brothers, and my family, basically.

Many people at the clothing and wig drive stay with the uptick and legislative attacks on transgender rights.

This National Transgender Day of Visibility seems more necessary than ever.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
State Senate leader Phil Berger is usually on the receiving end of lobbying pressure, but in a puzzling local zoning case, hes the one pressing elected officials.

The case involves the Guilford County town of Summerfield, a Greensboro suburb with a population of 11,000. David Couch, a major North Carolina developer who, according to a 2023 report in The Assembly, has given Berger maximum political donations in recent years, has proposed building a mixed-use development on nearly 1,000 acres he owns in the center of Summerfield.

At first, town leaders balked at the density of the development. The towns lack of a municipal water and sewer system means most housing relies on wells and septic systems.

Berger entered the dispute last year by threatening to pass legislation that would de-annex Couchs land unless the Town Council agreed to approve the housing density sought by the developer. In response, the council gave a green light to more density and agreed to support Couchs effort to get water and sewer service from Greensboro or another local system.

But Couch is not satisfied with the concessions. Now the push is on to take the project, known as Villages of Summerfield Farms, out of the towns control by having the legislature approve a de-annexation. Couchs land could then be taken in by Greensboro or another local government that might provide access to the utilities the project would need.

The state Senate leaders intervention irritated Summerfield residents, many of whom wanted to vote against Berger, whose Senate district included the town. But district maps redrawn by the legislature removed the town from Bergers district.

Bergers office did not respond about whether he intends to pursue a Summerfield de-annexation during the short session that opens in April. But in a recent conversation with Summerfield residents, he said, My intention would be to vote for the de-annexation. Whether it comes up in the short session or not I dont know for sure, but I think it probably will.

Berger was open about why hes still raising the prospect of carving nearly 1,000 acres out of the towns center despite the councils attempts to compromise with Couch.

I know that theyve changed the town ordinance under threat of de-annexation. They never would have done it, in my opinion, but for the threat of de-annexation, he said. It appears to me that the current council is only going to move forward in a positive way as long as there is a threat of de-annexation.

This is a curious bit of brinkmanship. Why is the Republican Senate leader still pressuring a town no longer in his district on behalf of a developer?

Berger told the towns residents his position is a matter of principle. At what point does your ownership of your property extend to telling someone else what they can do with their property? he asked. Thats where the rub is. Its my belief that the town council of Summerfield has exceeded what is reasonable in terms of regulating the use of Mr. Couchs property.

When one resident observed that Republicans usually defer to the authority of local governments, Berger said this case is different.

I dont believe any governments authority should be unfettered, he said. I do believe there is tension between local government control and the rights of individuals to do with their property what they want. And its my belief that the town of Summerfield has overstepped.

The case took a turn in February with pressure from another direction. The Greensboro NAACP filed a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission saying the towns lack of lower-priced housing violates North Carolinas Fair Housing Act.

This story will take more turns. Summerfield residents are urging state lawmakers to oppose a de-annexation bill. The NAACP complaint is still being explored.

But one element in this convoluted dispute is clear: Berger is using his legislative clout on a local zoning issue. Why remains a mystery.

Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com
Nearly a dozen rescued from rip currents on Florida beaches over Easter weekend

Nearly a dozen rescued from rip currents on Florida beaches over Easter weekend

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  More than a dozen people were rescued from rip currents in Volusia County over Easter weekend, NBC affiliate WESH reported Monday.

Volusia County Beach Safety said 19 people were involved in water related incidents, 10 of which were caught in rip currents.

Allergy season arrived early in US. Heres how to keep pollen from ruining your spring

That makes for 144 total rescues for the whole month, Cpt. Stephen Canfield told WESH. When they look at the beach and it looks a little bit more calm, but underneath is still that rip current the could absolutely pull you out to sea. We have a lot of rip currents that are open right now in every zone.

Were probably just going to stay closer to the shore, Tristian Perez, a beachgoer, told the station.

WESH reported that the red flags warning people the water is not safe will likely remain for the next few days.

Anyone caught in a rip current is advised to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until youre out of the current.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. There is no chance for the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (the US, France, the UK, Russia, China, and Germany), former head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament, former MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh said, Trend reports.

According to Falahatpisheh, with the election of Joseph Biden as President of the United States and Ibrahim Raisi as President of Iran, both parties had an opportunity to reestablish the JCPOA. However, these opportunities were wasted for various reasons.



Falahatpisheh further stated that the JCPOA has been withdrawn from the agenda. If the debate over Iran's nuclear program persists, negotiations can be resumed in a different framework, as several clauses of the JCPOA have expired and the nature of Iran's nuclear program has changed.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020.

The Iranian parliament established a strategic strategy to oppose the sanctions in late 2020, citing the failure to meet the Joint Comprehensive Strategy of Action (JCPOA) signed by Iran and six other nations, as well as the imposition of sanctions against Iran.

According to the Iranian parliament's vote, Iran halted implementing extra safeguards and protocols specified in the nuclear deal on February 23. As a result, the International Atomic Energy Agency's monitoring system was cut by 20-30 percent.

Based on Article 26 of the nuclear accord, if one party fails to meet its responsibilities, the other party may suspend all or part of them.

Following Article 36 of the nuclear deal, if Iran believes that the P5+1 has failed to fulfill its obligations under the nuclear agreement, it can raise the issue with the joint commission.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Netanyahu seeks to use 'Al Jazeera' law to shut down broadcaster

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to shut down local operations of a Qatar-based news channel after Israel's parliament approved what is known as the "Al-Jazeera law" which allows broadcasters from abroad to be shut down if they are deemed to pose a risk to state security.

Israeli lawmakers voted in favour of the legislation on Monday in the second and third readings.

Under the law, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi can order the closure of a television broadcaster, the confiscation of broadcasting equipment, the removal of the broadcaster from cable and satellite television providers' programmes and the blocking of its website, ynet news site reported.

"Al-Jazeera damaged Israels security, actively participated in the massacre on October 7th and incited Israeli soldiers," Netanyahu wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Al-Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel. I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channel's activity," he continued.

Netanyahu had said before the vote that he would immediately campaign for the local closure of Al-Jazeera once the law had been approved, the Times of Israel reported, although similar efforts have failed in the past.

Israel accuses the broadcaster of biased reporting. Al-Jazeera's programmes and reports represent "incitement against Israel," Communications Minister Karhi said last year after the massacre by Palestinian Islamist in the Israeli border region.

The reporting helps terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Karhi asserted at the time.

The United States reacted cautiously to news of the passage of the law. "If it is true, it is concerning to us," the White House said in a statement on Monday.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war, Al-Jazeera has reported extensively on the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip and shown images of death and destruction rarely shown on Israeli television.

The channel also regularly shows videos of the military arm of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, often of attacks on Israeli soldiers.

The logo of the Arabic news broadcaster Al Jazeera is seen at its headquarters in Doha, Qatar. Israel approves 'Al Jazeera' law to allow closure of foreign channels. picture alliance / dpa
When The New York Times revealed the name of one of the biggest investors behind Donald Trumps social media venture last weekend, his name leapt off the page: Republican megadonorand Never Trump billionaireJeffrey Yass.

The revelation that a GOP donor like Yass, the wealthiest person in Pennsylvania, had money in a Trump business was particularly newsworthy, given the context of this particular investmenta merger that could extend a financial lifeline to the cash-strapped former president, to the tune of potentially billions of dollars, at a critical time for him both personally and politically.

The story caught fire among Trump critics, particularly because of the conspicuous timing. The news of the potential merger was just days after Trump made an abrupt policy reversal that favored another Yass investment, TikTok. Almost immediately, the prospect of Yassknown for his refusal to support Trump even though hes a prolific GOP donorat long last entering the MAGA tent seemed very real.

Seth Meyers Calls Bullshit on Trumps Sky-High Truth Social Valuation

And the March 11 Times report lent credence to that possibility. The story cited an anonymous Trump campaign source claiming that, in the wake of the TikTok reversal, Trumps team expected something in returnYass, the Times reported, was planning to make a significant donation to a political committee backing the former president.

If true, that would be a major development for the presidential race. Yass, an influential player in right-wing politics, has given nearly $50 million to federal candidates and committees this election cycle alone, according to Federal Election Commission filings. But while many of his preferred candidates publicly style themselves as allies of the former president, Yass himself has yet to give a single dollar to any Trump-aligned group. If that personal policy changes, it would offer some relief to Trump, whose political operation needs all the financial support it can get.

Other outlets ran with the news, but something curious soon happened: the reporting vanished. The Times had quietly removed those claims from the article in the version that remains online.

In a statement, a Times spokesperson told The Daily Beast, We regularly update developing news stories as reporting on them continues. The March 11 story was condensed and updated for print with a focus on Congressional activity. The detail about a potential donation appeared in reporting on March 16 and again on March 24. We stand behind all of this reporting.

But a spokesperson for SIG told The Daily Beast that Yass has never given money to Trump and has no plans to do so, though the statement did not address whether Yass has ruled out giving to groups supporting the former president indirectlysuch as super PACs or dark money political nonprofits that could cover Yass tracks entirely.

A second person familiar with the situation confirmed to The Daily Beast last week that Yass has not donated to any Trump-aligned groups, including since the Times report was published, saying there is no reason to expect that will change anytime soon.

That information would certainly disappoint Trump, if not also the critics who saw a quid pro quo playing out just as the legally and politically besieged candidate appeared to be at his most vulnerable.

But the Yass-Trump connection itself is actually far more nuanced and tenuous than is broadly assumed. And that has a lot to do with who Jeffrey Yass is.

A former professional gambler, Yass made a fortune through his quantitative trading firm, Susquehanna International Group. SIG is one of the largest investment enterprises in the country, controlling assets worth an estimated market value of half a trillion dollarsincluding its roughly $22 million share in Trumps social media venture.

Over his lifetime, Yass has poured at least $150 million into political causes at the federal level, according to The Daily Beasts analysis of publicly available campaign finance data. That number is almost certainly higher, however, because Yass has also injected tens of millions of dollars into state and local elections and issues across the country. Additionally, like many sophisticated megadonors, Yass has also funneled influence through outside dark money groups that make it difficult to trace the true source of the funds.

They Backed New Yorks Enemies. Theyre Betting $1M on Wannabe Mayor Andrew Yang.

According to OpenSecrets, Yass and his wife, Janine, are this election cycles top donors to outside groups, for either party, contributing nearly $50 million since last yearall of it to conservative candidates and organizations. The former poker player and racetrack bettor doesnt hedge his political bets like many corporate donors, with only a handful of contributions over the last three decades flowing to Democratic candidates. (His most recent Democratic donation, a $1,500 gift in July 2022 to cryptocurrency advocate Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), came weeks after Yass made a $1.9 million contribution, in Bitcoin, to the right-wing Crypto Freedom super PAC.)

His largesse is also notable among conservative megadonors precisely because Yass has never graced any of Trumps political committees, ever. Last year, Yasswho as recently as 2022 billed himself as a self-described never-Trumperactually poured millions of dollars into Trumps Republican primary opponents, clocking major donations to challengers from the MAGAfied Vivek Ramaswamy to the never-Trump Chris Christie.

A review of Yass donor history affirms hes far from a MAGA die-hard. Many of his biggest checks have gone to organizations tied to the Club for Growth, an anti-tax group that fundraised against Trump in the 2024 primary, though the group has recently been patching up its relationship with the former president, in part through Yass efforts. That targeted support includes more than $20 million to the CFG-affiliated School Freedom Fund super PACYass is highly motivated by school choicewith more than $62 million going to other associated groups.

Yass also steered clear of Trump in 2016, instead using his money to promote libertarian values through state libertarian parties and Gary Johnsons presidential campaign. Hes also given millions to support his favorite politician, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), a Trump-aligned conservative with a wide libertarian streakincluding $3 million to a pro-Paul super PAC that backed Kentucky GOP attorney general Daniel Camerons failed gubernatorial bid last year. (Yass had ground-floor investments in an experimental psychedelic opioid treatment that Camerons office was promoting at the time, The Daily Beast reported.)

Yass has also pumped tens of millions of dollars into elections and advocacy in his home state of Pennsylvania. In addition to school choice, Yass has sought to influence the judiciary, accounting for about one of every three dollars spent in Pennsylvanias statewide judicial elections last year.

A veteran Republican operative in Pennsylvania told The Daily Beast that, despite Yass seeming ubiquity in the state, he was tough to pin down.

I never could figure out what his agenda was, this person said. He was all about school choice, but what was driving him to that? Of all the issues I could think of, I dont know why this one specifically has been so constantly at the front of his mind.

The source also said that the size of Yass massive political bets are proportionately a rounding error for the investor, considering his multibillion-dollar net worth, and that they have often failed.

Hes lost money in a bunch of Pennsylvania elections, the most stunning example being in the 2022 gubernatorial campaign, where Jeff put something like $16 million behind Bill McSwain, through this group called Commonwealth Partners, this person said. McSwain turned out to be a terrible candidateawful on the stump, mired in the pollsand [Yass] withdrew the endorsement something like a week before the primary, throwing in with another candidate. Who also lost, by the way.

In 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported that Yass wanted to discourage a second Trump presidential bid, complaining that Trump was not loyal to his donors.

The only thing you can appeal to is, Youre gonna lose and be humiliated, Yass told the outlet.

Trumps PAC Burned $230,000 a Day on Legal Bills in February

He threw his early support behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, contributing $2.5 million to DeSantis state political committee last year, an account later tapped for seed money for both DeSantis presidential campaign and an affiliated super PAC.

But Yass did not give to DeSantis again, instead donating almost $5 million to a super PAC supporting biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, along with hundreds of thousands to groups backing South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Yass also cut a $10 million check to the Club for Growth in June, which helped fund a parade of anti-Trump ads ahead of the primaries.

Three sources close to the Trump campaign told The Daily Beast that, implausible as it may seem, before the recent stories about TikTok and Truth Social, officials had been largely unaware of Yass chummy relations with Club For Growth and his seven-figure support for DeSantis.

One Trump operative noted that they arent aware of any Jeff Yass stans in the former presidents orbit. But they noted there were no major critics, either. Two Trump staffers said theyve heard nobody object to the Truth Social cash influx over any perceived disloyalty.

Its not clear exactly what kind of cash influx Yass investment will provide, if any at all. Asked about the Truth Social arrangement, an SIG spokesperson provided a statement saying that SIG is evenly hedged and has no real stake in the companys success.

Susquehanna is a market maker and has zero economic interest in Trump Media, the statement said. The firms long position is offset by short positions of the same size.

While its not true that SIG has zero economic interest in the company, Securities and Exchange Commission data reflects the firms hedged positions. And given SIGs market maker business modelessentially profiting from the trading, as opposed to the value of the shares themselvesit makes sense that SIG would want to invest in Trump Media, regardless of the political ties to Trump.

Trump Media is not widely viewed as a serious or stable long-term investment. Rather, its more of a so-called meme stock, with heavy trading expected among both Trump fans and critics who are not professional investors. Whenever trading volume is high, market makers can take a big cut of that action. (Another GOP megadonor, Ken Griffin, also runs a leading market maker, Citadel Securities. A separate Griffin firm, Citadel Advisors, is also a hedged investor in the Trump Media merger.)

Ben Edwards, securities law expert at the University of Las Vegas Nevadas William S. Boyd School of Law, told The Daily Beast that the SIG arrangement was fairly common and didnt raise any immediate red flags.

If they werent doing it, someone else would, Edwards said, explaining that market makers facilitate trades, loosely analogous to companies that operate power cables or provide internet service. This is perfectly normal business activity.

In Edwards view, the hubbub about SIG being Truth Medias largest outside institutional investorassuming the stakes havent since changedmay also be overblown. He noted that its shares only comprise 2 percent of the totaltranslating to a reported total value of $22 million. Thats quite small in the scheme of things, according to Edwards. And that fact, Edwards said, indicates that serious institutional investors are jittery about the stocks prospects.

Truth Social Stock Spikes on First Day of Trading

If that is the largest institutional shareholder, and its the market maker, it tells you other institutional shareholders are staying away, Edwards said. Just think about itif you bought a major stake in this company, and it goes down, its going to be really easy to second-guess your judgment, because Ive lost count on how many indictments Mr. Trump is facing at this point.

Nonetheless, the initial public offering of Trump Medias stock following the merger helped boost Trumps net worth by billions of dollars. Of course, Trumps agreement prevents him from cashing in on that value for several months, leaving plenty of time for the stock to crash in the meantimeor surge.

But when it comes to Yass specifically, Trump still appears hopeful to land this white whale.

Earlier this month, just before the TikTok news broke, Politico reported that Trump, Club for Growth, and Yass were burying the midterm hatchet. CFG recently featured Trump as the keynote speaker at a Palm Beach fundraiser, where the former president told donors that he was back in love with the organizations president, according to Politico. The report carved out a place for Yass in those discussions, saying that the megadonorwhom Trump allegedly called fantastichad personally invited Trump to speak.

Yass still hasnt put his name on a Trump check, however, though its possible his influence will flow to Trump through Club For Growth, should the group jump feet-first into the presidential fray. After all, Trump and Yass share common transactional qualities that, if the stakes are right, could override any differences, even if only toward a short-term goal.

The veteran Pennsylvania operative said that if the two men do strike an alliance, it would if anything be a marriage of convenience.

Jeffs too mercurial, hard to understand, this source said. They want his money, they dont want him.

Jake Lahut contributed to this report.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A federal judge has denied the request made by a group of New Jersey county clerks to hold off on enforcing the order he issued last week that would change the ballot design for the Democratic primary on June 4.

The order, issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi, required that ballots in the Democratic primary use the format commonly referred to as the block style as opposed to the county line style, which has long been used in 19 counties.

Quraishi on Monday denied the emergency motion, filed Saturday, that called for the order to wait until the appeal process was finished.

Elko County, NV 2018 Democratic primary ballot, left, and Sussex County, DE 2018 Democratic primary ballot, right, are examples of a block design and how it would look if Rep. Andy Kim prevails in his lawsuit.

He said the clerks have not demonstrated that a stay pending appeal is warranted.

Specifically, defendants do not raise any new facts or law suggesting their appeal is likely to succeed on the merits, Quraishi wrote. The court declines to retread the same ground a second time.

Block design will be used by Democrats only

The actions were part of a lawsuit filed in February by Rep. Andy Kim that challenged the constitutionality of the county line ballot design.

The order instructed that ballots in the June primary must use the block design employed in the 49 other states  and Salem and Sussex counties. Quraishi clarified that this is only in respect to the Democratic primary ballots, as that was what Kim addressed in his lawsuit. New Jersey Republicans will use ballots with the line in their primary. Running for the GOP's nomination for U.S. Senate are South Jersey businessman Curtis Bashaw and Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner.

The deadline for candidates to join New Jersey's June 4 primary passed last week, and ballots are scheduled to be mailed to voters at the end of April.

More: Does the end of NJ's party line on primary ballots mean anything for Republicans?

Lawsuit filed before Tammy Murphy quit race for Senate nomination

The line  a quirk of New Jersey politics  is the preferred ballot position given to candidates who are backed by county political organizations, and it has long been targeted for reform.

Kim filed the suit while he was in a primary battle with first lady Tammy Murphy for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. The seat is currently held by Sen. Bob Menendez. Murphy has since dropped out of the race.

An example of Mercer County, 2020 traditional county line.

In his preliminary opinion, Quraishi said he recognizes the magnitude of the decision and that the integrity of the democratic process for a primary election is at stake.

Kim told reporters Friday afternoon that the line lawsuit was bigger than his race and that others have been fighting this fight since before he got involved.

The sheer scrutiny and press attention and national attention on this did show how the line can be used in unfair ways, Kim said. It made for a very clear story that helped crystallize this for a lot of people.

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ ballot design: County clerks' appeal won't halt order for redesign
No, in-person absentee voting can't take place on Monday before Election Day in Wisconsin

In-person absentee voting, also known as early voting, takes place at the Capitol Drive Voting Center, 6001 W. Capitol Dr. in Milwaukee.

In a change of tune from previous elections, Republicans have encouraged voters to bank their votes by casting their votes early at in-person absentee sites.

That includes Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who represents western Wisconsin in Congress. On April 1, 2024, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

Get out and vote in-person-absentee TODAY at your clerks office! (Or) in-person tomorrow at your designated polling station! Van Orden said.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden speaks at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds on Aug. 5, 2022.

But for Wisconsins presidential primary election  held April 2  early voting was only offered through March 31.

Lets clear up the dates for early voting in Wisconsin, and why that wasnt an option at the time Van Orden made the claim.

For presidential primary, clerks could offer early voting between March 19 and 31

Van Ordens office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the Wisconsin Elections Commission has a list of dates for the presidential primary, including the deadline for early voting.

That list explains that early voting started on March 19, and can run through March 31. March 31 was Easter and marked the Sunday before Election Day.

Communities can choose which dates in that range to have early voting, along with hours and locations. While it can take place at a clerks office, it can also be held at community centers and libraries, for example.

For example, the City of Milwaukee offered early voting through March 30 and included locations like UW-Milwaukee's Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts.

State law lays out time range, early voting can run through Sunday before Election Day

The restriction on conducting early voting on Monday isnt just for this election. Its part of state law.

If application is made in person, the application shall be made no earlier than 14 days preceding the election and no later than the Sunday preceding the election, state law says.

Translation: In-person absentee can only happen between 14 days out from the election and the Sunday before Election Day (which is always a Tuesday).

So that means early voting is not possible on Monday, which is when Van Orden made his tweet encouraging people to do so.

And one more interesting point: Wisconsin does not allow for voter registration on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday before Election Day.

So, early voting toward the end of that time range is not possible if you need to register or re-register. If that applies to you, registering at the polls is still an option.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 2. That second part of Van Ordens claim is right: You can vote in-person at the polls tomorrow.

False

Our ruling

The day before Wisconsins presidential primary, U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden encouraged people to get out and vote in-person-absentee TODAY at your clerks office!

But state law only allows for early voting through the Sunday before an Election Day. Early voting was not offered on the Monday before the election, when Van Orden made his claim.

One more reminder for good measure: You can still go to your polling place on April 2, and register to vote there if you need to.

But Van Orden gave voters the impression they could vote in-person absentee on April 1, when in fact that opportunity ended on March 31.

We rate his claim False.

Sources

X, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, April 1, 2024.

Wisconsin Elections Commission, Absentee Voting Deadlines for the April 2, 2024 Spring Election, April 1, 2024.

Wisconsin Statutes, 6.86(1)(b), April 1, 2024.

Wisconsin Elections Commission, Voter Registration, April 1, 2024.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: No, early voting can't happen on Monday before election in Wisconsin
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  North Las Vegas police want to help with your spring cleaning. The department is hosting a shredding day.

On Tuesday, April 9, North Las Vegas police will host the event at the Northwest Command Center at 3755 W. Washburn Road near Allen Lane from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

You can drive up and hand over your unwanted documents which will then be shredded. There is a limit. There can only be two boxes per vehicle.







For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Suella Braverman meets Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the Supernova festival massacre, on her four-day visit to Israel - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Suella Braverman breaks down in tears amid the ruins of burnt-out houses in Kfar Aza as she surveys the carnage wrought by Hamas on Oct 7.

Amir Zini is telling the former home secretary how his son Nirel died as he attempted to flee with his girlfriend through the window of their safe room but was gunned down. His corpse was badly burned. His head was missing, presumed to have been taken back to Gaza as a macabre trophy.

How does a parent begin to grieve for the loss of a child killed with such brutality? asks Mrs Braverman.

This is the first day of her four-day tour of Israel, undertaken to better understand what has been happening here over the past six months and as a platform to give her backing to its citizens.

The first leg is a trip to the Gaza envelope, the part of southern Israel that surrounds the Gaza Strip and suffered at the hands of Hamas terrorists. The background rumble of Israeli artillery is a near constant.

Mrs Braverman is perhaps the toughest of the current Right-wing Conservatives, not known for her compassionate side. She once declared that her dream was to see a Telegraph front page with a plane taking off to Rwanda. But the horrors of Oct 7 make her cry.

Suella Braverman has become one of Israel's staunchest defenders - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

She tells Nira Shpak, a 57-year-old grandmother who spent 22 hours in Kfar Aza hiding from marauding gunmen: You have friends, you have allies around the world, and we will not forget you.

Another kibbutz house, bullet-riddled, has been turned into a shrine for a dead son by his grieving parents. An unspeakable tragedy, Mrs Braverman writes in the visitors book at its entrance. A heart-breaking waste of life. We will never forget the pain you have endured, and we work to support Israel and the Jewish peoples around the world. With prayers, love and solidarity.

In the aftermath of the attack, Mrs Shpak, a reservist colonel in the Israel Defense Forces, went house to house identifying the dead.

A few doors from where Nirel Zinis burnt corpse was discovered, she found the headless body of Aviad Edri. His head was found 300 yards away, in a field and with a knife next to it, dropped before it could be taken to Gaza. Six of the 64 people murdered in the kibbutz were decapitated.

Mrs Braverman has become one of Israels staunchest defenders. After she arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday night, a British citizen approached her and thanked her for her support.

And on Monday, at the site of the Supernova massacre, another Briton shakes her hand, thanking her for the stand she took against pro-Palestinian marches in London. Its great we have people like yourself standing with us, says Jonny Daniels, 38, asking for a selfie with the politician he calls the next prime minister.

At the Supernova site, Mrs Braverman comforts Mazal Tazazo, a 34-year-old Israeli of Ethiopian descent who shows her a board of photos of those murdered there, including two of her closest friends.

Ms Tazazo was hit across the head, blood soaking her body. A Hamas fighter tied ropes around her ankles and began to drag her away, but she played dead and he gave up. She later found cover in the undergrowth and in a car, her survival a near miracle.

Suella Braverman at a bomb shelter in which 14 people died on Oct 7. The shelter has become a shrine - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

On a road nearby, Mrs Braverman visits a bomb shelter used to protect Israelis from rocket attacks launched from Gaza, less than a couple of miles away. Fourteen people were killed as they sheltered inside it, and a further five died just outside.

Hamas militants threw in hand grenades on seven occasions, each one thrown back by Aner Shapira, one of the heroes of Oct 7. The eighth blew up in his face, killing him along with those he was protecting. The shelter has become a shrine.

Up the road in Sderot, the Israeli town whose police station was overrun during Israels 9/11, Ms Braverman breaks down in tears as she watches a video of a a father being shot in his car by Hamas gunmen. Two children, aged four and six  not far off the ages of her own children  were orphaned.

Being here meeting survivors, meeting heroes, has been very powerful for me. It has reinforced in my mind that this is not about Arabs versus Jews or Palestinians versus Israelis, she says. This is about right versus wrong. This is about Western civilisation fighting terrorism in the form of Hamas.

She has, she says, been struck by the survivors doughty resolve. The stories are inspiring. Mrs Braverman, like Israel itself, will keep on fighting.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
One of the earliest realizations I had when I started working as a full-time faculty member in higher education, after a 10-year career in corporate marketing, was that higher education operates differently than it appears.

Job descriptions for administrative roles, especially at senior or management levels, almost always explicitly require experience in higher education.

However, as the Tennessee State University board was vacated on March 28, with a replacement list immediately available  indicating that the Governor's oce had been sourcing and reaching out to potential members weeks, if not months, in advance  the future of TSU feels more uncertain than ever, and the state's intentions more questionable.

The role of a college board is distinct from that of a private corporation or a nonprot organization. A college board provides oversight through a president, who acts more as an employee than a CEO. (HBCU Presidents) Colleges face multiple operational requirements and oversight, and today, with activist legislatures increasingly interfering in curricula, the situation is more complex.

Additionally, alumni are critical and inuential stakeholders, unlike in private boards where former shareholders do not inuence governance.

Another view: Tennessee State University student leaders plead for lawmakers to invest in their success

New TSU board faces a hostile legislature

I must disclose that I do not know or have any relationships with any of the newly appointed board members, nor do I have any direct relationship with TSU beyond wishing to see the HBCU survive and thrive in an environment that currently seems unsupportive.

Rep. Harold Love Jr. speaks with House Speaker Cameron Sexton, during a house session while discussing a bill concerning the TSU board at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 28, 2024.

While the newly appointed board is more geographically diverse than its predecessor and members are highly accomplished in their elds, they seem to lack the crucial experience necessary for successfully guiding TSU out of a crisis that has resulted in the disbanding of the previous board.

It is vital for everyone to understand, both the new board and the public, whether or not one believes the assessment of TSU was fair, or that the school was owed funds, the TSU situation was deemed so severe that vacating the entire board was the only solution. New board members, you are stepping into a highly challenging situation.

Furthermore, you as a board will face a legislature that is not supportive; and it should be noted that you were contacted prior to the nal vote, during which time negotiations were purportedly ongoing between the parties and houses. This was clearly not the case, as the governor had already prepared a list.

Rely on national resources to help find new footing

Regarding nancial expertise, having a banker on the board is benecial, but such skills are only peripherally related to college nance and accounting. The realities of restricted funds and the challenges of the new national FAFSA system demand an experienced expert to collaborate with the CFO. In matters of accreditation and failure, nances, nancial reporting, and nancial controls are the primary concerns.

Moreover, the absence of a communications expert on the team is concerning. Entering a tumultuous situation, especially working with a new, inexperienced president, necessitates setting your own narrative and managing expectations to avoid being deemed a failure.

Recognizing and accepting the subtleties of this situation is crucial. Governor Lee's explicit statement that each board member is an alum implies a racial consideration, reecting on the composition of the previous board and the current societal climate. It would not be surprising if, after some time, the Governor's oce concludes that TSU cannot govern itself. This is reminiscent of the Achievement School District situation in Memphis.

A last piece of advice is to seek knowledge beyond your personal experience. A common challenge in HBCU governance is the overestimation of personal expertise. Merely attending an institution does not equate to understanding how to manage it. The Association of Governing Boards (AGB), though I have no direct aliation with it aside from participating in some of their training, is a valuable resource.

Adrienne Hinds

Tennessee State University is a member organization, providing access to these resources. Do not rely solely on state-provided training. Many retired HBCU presidents are available as consultants or for guidance to help the board collaborate effectively and provide the necessary direction to support Tennessee State University and its new president.

Adrienne Hinds is founder of Policy Comms Company. She served as program director for business and economics at Columbia State and the former data governance consulting with the TN Department of Education.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State University board shake-up signals stormy times ahead
Number of RAF children seeking mental health help is on the rise, study shows

Regular and prolonged separation between a child and their serving parent due to military operations is another challenge young people face - Moment RF

The number of RAF children seeking help for mental health problems caused by moving house repeatedly is on the rise, a new study has shown.

According to research conducted by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAFs leading welfare charity, the main worries of children within RAF families are frequent home moves, having to leave friends behind and the disruption to their education.

Regular and prolonged separation between a child and their serving parent due to military operations. as well as regularly moving school were considered the unique challenges faced by military children.

The most recent figures showed a 131 per cent increase in children and young people receiving support for depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation between 2020 and last year.

The charity said 64 children accessed its listening and counselling service in 2020, however, by 2023 this had increased to 148.

There was also a 93 per cent increase in the Funds family counselling programme, which uses trained counsellors to work on strengthening relationships and communication between family members.

The charity released the figures to mark Month of the Military Child this April - iStockphoto

It found that 27 families accessed the programme in 2023 compared with 14 in 2020. It also identified a rise in financial assistance for RAF families in 2023 compared to 2022, with a 70 per cent rise in support provided for childcare and childrens needs.

The cost of living crisis was cited as being a big factor for last year, meaning more RAF and veteran households turned to the fund for support with day-to-day items.

The charity released the figures to mark the Month of the Military Child this April, to demonstrate the increasing welfare demands and emotional wellbeing of children in the RAF.

There are more than 100,000 children who have a parent actively serving in the British Armed Forces, 34,000 of whom have a parent actively serving in the RAF.

Air Commodore Simon Harper, director of grants, services and programmes at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: The Month of the Military Child is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the challenges, strength, and achievements of RAF children who, like their parents, sacrifice so much.

He said they provided bespoke support for RAF children and their families, offering a safe and supportive space for young people.

Over the last 20 years, the Fund has invested over 40 million in supporting children and young people in the RAF Family.

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New York state budget talks will drag on in Albany this week as lawmakers remain optimistic despite signals that theres little agreement on major issues such as housing.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking a major package of legislation meant to develop more housing in the Empire State but the measure looks more and more questionable as questions swirl over details  and officials blow past the budgets April 1 deadline.

Last week, several building trades groups released a statement saying side-negotiations had effectively stalled with the powerful Real Estate Board of New York.

Labor and REBNY are negotiating labor standards, including a base wage for workers, as part of a renewal and replacement of an expired tax-incentive structure to encourage developers to ramp up affordable housing.

Both sides must compromise, and we have offered significant concessions, so have housing advocates. All REBNY has offered us is scraps, the joint statement reads in-part.

A group of building trades unions declined an offer with REBNY last week, drawing doubt that Albany pols could strike a deal on an affordable housing package. Newsday via Getty Images

Pols are, for now, staying out of negotiations between REBNY and the building trades over labor protections for an affordable housing incentive program. Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

REBNY responded with a statement calling for continued negotiations.

The labor negotiations are critical to a housing deal because the end-game benefit of a tax incentive for developers depends on how much they ultimately have to pay workers as part of that deal.

For now, Albany is staying on the sidelines.

It would be premature, as far as Im concerned, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Westchester) said dismissing the idea of stepping in to broker a deal with REBNY and the building trades.

I wont be overreacting to this, she continued. I think were all going to keep our head down and try to get everybody at the table to come to something that will benefit our grand desires for building and supporting housing.

I actually think if this is going to be a government program, government should be at the table, state Sen. Li Krueger said. Hulton Archive

But even Stewart-Cousins lead budget deputy, state Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), said as recently as Thursday that its time for Albany to step in.

Yes, I actually think if this is going to be a government program, government should be at the table, Krueger told reporters in a Capitol hallway Thursday while flanked fellow Manhattan Sen. Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan).

Kavanagh, who chairs the state Senates housing committee, appeared more willing to let REBNY and the trades talk amongst themselves.

State Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), said as recently as Thursday that its time for Albany to step in. AP

Were going to spend a great deal of public resources and in exchange that we expect public goods and one of them is affordability and the other is good jobs, but the scope of that deal has to be worked out between the trade unions, Kavanagh said.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) said he wanted a wage deal to be struck before signing off on a housing deal.

The labor negotiations are just one complex aspect, and arguably not even the most contentious, of a litany of items that have to be mended before striking any substantive package.

Last week, several building trades groups released a statement saying side-negotiations had effectively stalled with the powerful Real Estate Board of New York effectively. Corbis via Getty Images

One of the most fierce debates is likely to come down to the inclusion of tenant protections in a final deal. Housing activists have been swarming the Capitol to pressure lawmakers not to back down from their prized proposalGood Cause Eviction. The plan is fiercely opposed by landlords big and small who argue it would unfairly place restrictions on renewing leases and raising rent.

Vague assurances of tenant protections from state leadership will not be enough: Good Cause Eviction must be passed in the budget  and it must be statewide and robust, Cea Weaver, coalition director for Housing Justice for All, wrote in a statement last week.

Aside from housing, negotiators remain at odds with Hochuls proposals to change funding formulas for K-12 schools and to rein in out-of-control spending in some Medicaid programs.

Meanwhile, several other pervasive issues remain up for debate in the Capitol, including measures to combat retail theft and illegal pot shops, an attempt to revise the states wrongful death statutes and environmental activists efforts to curb expansion of natural gas infrastructure.

Albany passed emergency budget extenders last week to keep the state government running through Thursday.

Blowing past the deadline didnt come as much of a surprise to anyone in Albany, but the question now turns to just how long negotiators are willing to let talks drag on without a deal.

The bulk of last years budget was delayed until May 2, requiring six of budget extenders.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The US is gathering information about the incident involving the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

"Here we are in conversations with partners in the region, gathering more information, but at this point, don't have confirmation either of the target or the responsible party. I don't have anything beyond that to offer," said the US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing on April 1, Trend reports.

He refused to comment on whether this incident might affect the hostage talks.

"Before we have gathered information about what exactly this was, I don't want to speak to it specifically, but of course, we're always concerned about anything that would be escalatory or cause an increase in conflict in the region. It has been one of the goals of this administration since October 7, to keep the conflict from spreading, recognizing that Israel has the right to defend itself from adversaries that are sworn to its destruction," added Miller.

Today at about 17:00 local time, at least 7 people were killed as a result of an Israeli Air Force missile attack on the Mezze area in the west of the Syrian capital Damascus, where the Iranian embassy and consulate are located. The Iranian consulate was completely destroyed in the attack. A senior general of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (SEPAH), the commander of the corps in Syria and Lebanon, Mohammed Reza Zahedi, and his deputy, Muhammad Haji Rahimi, were killed.
The City Council unveiled Monday a $113 billion budget proposal that would revive Sunday public library service and reverse other cuts implemented by Mayor Adams.

The left-leaning Councils plan comes in response to Adams $109 billion blueprint, introduced in January. His plan backed off from some feared budgetary cuts  and came with a larger price tag than the $107 billion budget the city adopted last June  but would keep libraries shuttered on Sundays and maintain other cost-saving measures.

Council leaders have held that the city can spend more aggressively. In implementing controversial cuts, the mayor has highlighted financial stresses posed by the migrant crisis and the loss of COVID-era stimulus money.

But City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, a Queens Democrat, said Monday that the Councils economists project more revenue than the mayors office does. She said budget cuts made by the mayor have been far too broad and have hurt New Yorkers.

The Council said it identified an additional $6 billion in revenues over two years.

The city faces a June 30 deadline to authorize a budget for the next fiscal year. The mayor and the Council engage annually in a push-and-pull over spending as part of the budget process, which now enters a new phase. The mayors office has several weeks to analyze the Councils request before issuing its next proposal, the Executive Budget.

The restoration of funds for library services has been among the Councils top priorities.

After the mayor introduced his proposal in January, Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), the powerful chairman of the Finance Committee, said reversing cuts to libraries was first and foremost among his goals. The Council released a blueprint Monday that would allocate an additional $58 million to libraries.

The Council has made it clear that our priority is to protect essential services that New Yorkers rely on, Speaker Adams said at a news conference at City Hall.

A mayoral spokeswoman, Amaris Cockfield, said in a Monday statement that the administration has balanced the budget without major service disruptions, layoffs or tax hikes despite fiscal challenges. We look forward to working with the City Council to negotiate a budget that reflects our shared priorities, said the statement.

In a 62-page response to the mayor, the Council also proposed lifting spending on the citys crumbling Housing Authority complexes by $584 million, and putting an additional $60 million toward the citys parks.

The lawmakers plan would inject an additional $225 million into mental health services. And it would lift early childhood education program funding by $170 million, in a bid to ensure universal access to preschool for 3-year-olds.

One Council proposal would broaden the share of New Yorkers who are eligible for the Fair Fares discount for subway and bus rides. Another would expand a program that allows undocumented New Yorkers to receive city-issued ID cards.

Additionally, the lawmakers blueprint would provide for so-called Community Justice Centers, neighborhood-level community courts, in the Bronx and on Staten Island. The two boroughs are the only ones in the city without Community Justice Centers, according to the Council.

Much of the focus going into the budget announcement had been fixed on youth services.

The mayors administration has yet to publicly share plans to save most education programs funded by stimulus dollars. In January, the mayor announced new city funding for an abridged summer program that proved popular during the pandemic.

About $1 billion in federal stimulus is still propping up public schools this year, including for some preschool programs and shelter-based education staff.

The Council proposed replacing expiring federal funding for preschool special education with long-term city funding. Even at current funding levels, 600 young children with disabilities are currently languishing without appropriate programs and could require more costly services later on.

In total, schools have received more than $7 billion in temporary funding since the pandemic began. As local education officials ask the state for help plugging the gap, Gov. Hochul has proposed changes to the state aid formula that would shortchange city schools by $130 million in expected funding, according to officials.

The Councils plan to restore preschool programs comes after Mayor Adams cut the programs budgets in November and January.

Under the Councils proposal, the city would invest in outreach teams and extended hours to help fill 23,000 vacant preschool seats and to align with working families schedules. The lawmakers plan also called for an expansion of child-care vouchers for undocumented children.

Speaker Adams said the Council plan is not a wish list  but rather a vision for the citys budget that fulfills our citys obligation to New Yorkers.

It is a road map to strengthen our city government, she said, while preparing for the challenges ahead.

With Graham Rayman
NYC couple are sued by squatters who allegedly took over their $930K investment home and wont leave: Its absolutely absurd

A pair of alleged squatters accused of unlawfully moving into a Queens duplex are suing its rightful owners after refusing to vacate the $930,000 home.

Its the latest logic-defying chapter in the ongoing squatter saga in the borough, which in recent weeks has seen multiple homes occupied by unwelcome invaders who claim rights to the properties under New York Citys permissive laws.

Its absolutely absurd, said the owner of the latest targeted home, Juliya Fulman  who so far has racked up more than $4,000 in legal bills fighting the suit  to The Post on Sunday.

These people literally broke into my house. Its not fair to us as homeowners that we are not protected by the city, said the Jamaica property owner.

Juliya Fulman and Denis Kurlyand are caught up in a court battle with a pair of alleged squatters who sued them after being removed from the couples Queens investment home. @julie_julz4/Instagram

Within the five boroughs, squatters need only occupy a property for 30 days before a wide range of legal protections kick in that make it difficult for the owner to evict them.

You cant really even blame them in a way because its handed to them on a silver platter, Juliyas husband, Denis Kurlyand, said in a phone call with The Post, calling the squatters opportunists.

Something needs to be done because the issue is getting worse. People are taking advantage of these laws, manipulating the laws, and our hands are tied, he said.

What did we do? Nothing. We put up a property for rent, and thats it, now were dealing with a nightmare.

The couple spent $530,000 renovating the Lakeside Avenue investment property and secured tenants for both rental units when their real estate broker, Ejona Bardhi, discovered March 5 that the locks on the property had been changed.

After determining the lock change was not authorized, Bardhi returned to the home and saw through the window a silhouette of a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and holding a drill, the broker told the Daily Mail.

Fulman and Kurlyand spent more than half a million dollars renovating their investment home in Jamaica, only to have squatters take it over and then sue them. Gregory P. Mango

As Bardhi went to her car to call police, several men emerged from the residence and encircled her car parked in front of the home, she said.

They were trying to intimidate me, she said.

When cops arrived, the two alleged squatters, identified by the outlet as Lance Hunt and Rondie L. Francis, claimed they had been living there since January but were unable to provide proof.

The men left the home without incident, and Bardhi and the homeowners stated their intention to change the locks. But cops told them they would be arrested if they did.

It wasnt an empty threat. Just two weeks later, another Queens homeowner, Adele Andaloro, 47, was arrested for changing the locks on her $1 million house in Flushing in an attempt to rid the property of squatters.

The squatters were removed when the couple provided proof to the police that they were the homes rightful owners, but the court battle over the property isnt over. Gregory P. Mango

Hunt and Francis returned to the property a day later, brandishing what they claimed was a lease agreement signed by Bardhi. But Fulman and Kurlyand were prepared, presenting officers with ownership documents and timestamped videos showing the house had been vacant, the homeowners told The Post.

Police then escorted the men from the property, and the owners changed the locks. Upon entering, the couple found their freshly renovated home marred by the trespassers utter disregard for their ill-gotten digs, including scuffed-up wood floors, scratches on walls and the smell of marijuana permeating the residence.

What should have been the end of their ordeal was only the beginning, when 10 days later, Bardhi was served with court documents notifying her that the men were suing her, the couple and the real estate company handling the site, Top Nest Properties.

The squatters were granted an emergency lockout hearing March 22 in Queens Civil Court, during which the couples lawyer, Rizpah Morrow, asked Judge Vijay Kitson for a trial, arguing that the men had perpetrated a fraud.

Kurlyand said Hunt and Francis showed up to court with forged documents cobbled together from public records and hastily Photoshopped.

They found whatever they could and threw it all together. The lease they presented is ridiculous  signed on Jan. 1 and starting Jan. 1, he said.

The court system is not favorable to landlords, Kurlyand said. @julie_julz4/Instagram

Fulman added, I dont know how they had the audacity to show up in court.

The squatters lawyer, David Harris, told the outlet that his clients had shown him enough for me to believe they were living there, which included a rental application, a lease and text messages.

The next scheduled court date is April 5. When the couple asked Kitson if in the meantime they could proceed with letting their tenants move in, he said that doing so before the matter is adjourned could complicate things further.

The court system is not favorable to landlords, Kurlyand said. It could take years to evict someone who illegally broke into your house? Wheres the law in that? Why work hard to pay rent or mortgages when you can break into somebodys house every couple of years and have luxury living?

Despite making some progress toward resolving the matter, Kurlyand said it is still scary to have the ultimate decision out of his hands.

The couple found the home in disrepair when they were able to gain access. Gregory P. Mango

As in any courtroom, you never know which way its gonna go. Its scary  if the judge decides for whatever reason to rule against us that day, even if we have evidence, theres nothing we can do at the end of the day  we still have to fight in court, he said.

Somebody broke into my house, and Im in court getting sued by them. How can we be here? How is this possible? There have to be safety precautions in place, he said.
The murder of Maksim Kuzminov, a Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine, is similar to previous attacks in Europe linked to Moscow, but no evidence of direct Kremlin involvement has emerged so far, the New York Times (NYT) reported on March 31, citing unnamed senior police officials.

Kuzminov's death in Spain was first reported and confirmed by Ukraine's military intelligence on Feb. 19.

The pilot was shot six times in a parking garage in the city of Villajoyosa on Feb. 13, according to the NYT. At the crime scene, law enforcement officers found shell casings from 9 mm Makarov rounds, a weapon widely used in former Soviet countries, the newspaper reported.

Two men waited for Kuzminov in a car under the apartment building for several hours and ran over his body after shooting him, police officials said. They called the killers "clearly professionals," who quickly disappeared. The car was reportedly found burned miles away from the attack site.

"It was a clear message. I will find you, I will kill you, I will run you over and humiliate you," a senior official from the Spanish police force overseeing the investigation into the killing told the NYT.

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Kuzminov's murder raised fears that Russian spy networks in Europe continued to operate, targeting "enemies of the Kremlin" despite efforts to destroy them after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the newspaper wrote.

The killing bore similarities to earlier murders linked to Russian intelligence services, including the murder of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, in Berlin in 2019 and the poisoning of ex-GRU officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yuliia Skripal in the U.K. in 2018, senior police officials told the NYT.

Unnamed Ukrainian senior officials told the NYT about concerns that Kuzminov's murder could discourage other Russians from following his example.

Kuzminov made headlines in August 2023 after he landed a fully intact Mi-8 helicopter in Ukraine and gave himself up to authorities. Andrii Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence, later said that Kuzminov would receive the hryvnia equivalent of $500,000 (approximately Hr 19.6 million) as a reward for defecting with the helicopter.

Read also: Spanish media confirms identity of murdered Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Oddly shaped stone on sea floor off Sicily was actually ancient battle gear. See it

Scientific divers off the coast of Sicily were scouring the rocky sea floor when a large, rounded object stood out from the other stones.

A ridge crossed the top of the rock  and they realized it wasnt a rock at all.

The stony object was actually a piece of ancient battle gear, the Soprintendenza del Mare announced in a March 28 Facebook post.

Scientific divers and researchers identified the oddly shaped rock as a medieval helmet. Screengrab from Soprintendenza del Mare's Facebook post

Uncover more archaeological finds

What are we learning about the past? Here are three of our most eye-catching archaeology stories from the past week.

 Roman helmet looked like a 'rusty bucket' when it was found in UK. Now, it's restored

Elaborate 600-year-old castle  complete with moat  unearthed in France. Take a look

 Mysterious wooden train car  almost 100 years old  unearthed in Belgium, photos show

Matteo Azzaro, an inspector of underwater cultural heritage, found the medieval object during a scientific dive with researchers from the University of Naples, the Soprintendenza del Mare said.

The find was identified as a cabasset, in Spanish, or capacete, in Portuguese, meaning helmet, and dated to the late 15th century to the 17th century, according to the soprintendenza.

The helmet has a semispherical or oval shape with a ridge that follows along the edge of the bottom and a crest across the top, the soprintendenza said.

The helmet looked like a rounded stone, but was actually medieval battle gear. Screengrab of Soprintendenza del Mare's Facebook post

The researchers said it was commonly used by infantrymen during that period, the late Middle Ages to the Early Renaissance, and may have been used by troops on a ship.

The helmet was found on the ocean floor, the researchers said, so its not clear if it was part of a larger shipwreck or if it went overboard on its own.

The soprintendenza said more excavations and underwater dives would be needed to investigate the area for the presence of other late medieval or modern relics.

Sicily became part of the Kingdom of Aragon, then ruled by the Spanish in 1487, the Times of Sicily reported, and was ruled by the Spanish for hundreds of years.

The helmet was found off Vendicari, on the southeast coast of Sicily.

Roman helmet looked like a rusty bucket when it was found in UK. Now, its restored

Ancient fortresses used for sacrifices discovered in Turkish mountains. See the temples

Shell collector finds rare marble depicting twins in Greek stream. See it on display

Medieval ship sank 500 years ago off Portugal coast. Now valuable cargo is revealed
The Uhrichsville Bureau of Motor Vehicles will remain open for at least a year. It was scheduled to close in April 27.

UHRICHSVILLE  The Uhrichsville office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, operated by the Twin City Chamber of Commerce, will remain open for at least one more year.

The chamber, along with Uhrichsville Mayor Jim Zucal and Dennison Mayor Greg DiDonato, announced the office will stay open until June 30, 2025. At that time, the state will reevaluate usage of the office.

The office, 206 E. Third St., had been scheduled to close April 27.

More on office: Uhrichsville, Dennison mayors say their will work to keep BMV office open

Lindsey Bohrer, assistant communications director at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said the chamber had told the BMV that declining revenue and other factors hampered the chamber's ability to continue to operate the agency. So, the BMV decided to close the office.

In a press release from the chamber of commerce, the agency thanked state Sen. Al Landis, R-Dover, and state Rep. Brett Hillyer, R-Uhrichsville, for their efforts in helping to save the office.

Petitions sent to the state

"Over 1,800 signatures in both online and in-person petitions that were obtained were sent to the state," the chamber said in a press release. "Many rural areas and surrounding small communities have limited access to internet, and an aged population whose ability to travel very far is limited were some of the reasons cited to keep the keep the facility open.

"The original decision to close the Uhrichsville bureau was due to the decrease in transactions with only 33,000 taking place in 2023. It is felt that the number could continue to decline due to the lengthier license times and mail-in/online options. While those opportunities are easier and more convenient, if the Uhrichsville BMV continues to decline in transactions, they will be forced the close the facility with no chance to reverse the decision. So, citizens should use the Uhrichsville BMV or lose it."

The Twin City Chamber of Commerce has operated the license bureau since 1992. A previous license bureau in Uhrichsville was closed in 1989 as part of a state cutback, but it was brought back after lobbying by area leaders, including DiDonato, who was then a state representative.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: BMV office in Uhrichsville will remain open until June 30, 2025
Parking enforcement officer Renee Hill uses a phone app to issue a ticket for a vehicle parked at an expired meter on East Gay Street in downtown Columbus. State lawmakers want to require cash and credit cards as payment for parking.

Should you be allowed to pay for parking with cash or a credit card instead of a mobile payment? At least two state lawmakers think so.

State Reps. Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, and Elgin Rogers, D-Toledo, introduced House Bill 442, which would require municipalities to accept cash and credit card payments in addition to mobile payments from apps, QR codes and other electronic methods.

"In a free market, we should be able to pay for things in multiple ways," said Lorenz, adding that these options are particularly important for older Ohioans or those without a smartphone.

Ohio Mayors Alliance Executive Director Keary McCarthy said the idea is well-intentioned, but it once again takes power from local leaders to address residents' concerns and substitutes a heavy-handed state solution. The problems would be better addressed at city hall than the Statehouse, McCarthy said.

Ohio lawmakers have blocked cities from enforcing their own gun laws, tobacco restrictions, plastic bag restrictions, regulating towing companies and more. "There just needs to be a better way for state and local leaders to navigate the complexities of home rule," McCarthy said.

Several cities offer coin or credit card options  but not at every meter.

For example, Columbus uses the ParkColumbus app, but drivers can also scan a code on the parking sign, call the number on the sign or text "park" to that number. In addition, parking kiosks allow individuals to pay via credit or debit card or with coins (but not dollar bills," according to the city's Department of Parking Services.

In Cincinnati, parking meters can accept credit cards or coins in addition to the mobile payment options, CincyEZPark and PayByPhone. The majority of parking transactions are now digital, according to the City of Cincinnatis Department of Community & Economic Development, Parking Division.

"In all our efforts to expand mobile payment options, weve ensured residents retain access to physical multi-space meters that accept alternative forms of payment  including coin and/or credit card  within the vicinity of the parking area, as a reflection of Cincinnatis values of accessibility and convenience," according to a parking division statement.

Akron's meters accept credit cards, coins and payments through the Flowbird app. However, dollar bills are not accepted.

Lorenz said every meter wouldn't need to accept every payment, as long as an alternative to mobile payments is accessible and reasonably close. "I'm just trying to put something in place that's fair and equitable to everybody."

Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio lawmakers want parking meters to accept cash, credit cards
Oklahoma, Choctaw Nation sign latest tribal compact: What to know about the deal

The Choctaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma have signed on to a 10-year deal to share tax revenue generated from tobacco products sold on tribal land.

Oklahomas second-largest tribe has worked out a tobacco tax-sharing agreement with the state.

The 10-year compact became public Monday after Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt both signed on. The deal mirrors recent agreements between the governors office and other tribal nations, with the state and tribe agreeing to equally divide the tax money generated from tobacco products sold on tribal lands.

Compacts  and the power to negotiate them  have been at the center of a yearlong controversy involving the governor, the Legislature and tribal nations. Stitt has made some progress in negotiations with tribal leaders since the start of the year. Hes now signed tobacco tax-sharing agreements with nine tribal nations, about one-quarter of the federally recognized tribes based in Oklahoma.

Before signing on to any deals, the governor had insisted on limiting the agreements to specific types of tribal land, not entire tribal reservations recognized as a result of a landmark 2020 Supreme Court ruling. The new compacts all make the land distinction clear.

More: Why the future of Oklahoma's car tag compact with the Cherokee Nation is in dispute

On the flip side, the top priority for many tribal leaders was long-term stability, which they also gained through the new compact. The states agreement with the Choctaw Nation, for instance, will last through 2034 and could extend even longer if neither party wants to drop out.

Equitable, mutually beneficial agreements such as this compact are good for our tribal members, our communities and all Oklahomans, Batton wrote in a statement. This compact provides long-term stability and valuable revenue for both the state and for the Choctaw Nation.

A spokesperson for Stitt did not immediately respond to questions about the new compact.

A history of tension, legal battles over Oklahoma tribal compacts

Batton noted in his statement that the deal demonstrates how much good can be accomplished when parties come together in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.

His remarks are an apparent reference to the friction that usually exists between the governors office and tribal nations, stemming from disagreements over everything from gaming to hunting.

State lawmakers waded into the dispute over compacts last year after Batton and other tribal leaders said Stitt seemed unwilling to negotiate. The Legislature voted to renew all tobacco tax and car tag compacts for an extra year, through 2024, to give the governor and tribal leaders more time to work out agreements.

More: Oklahoma task force looks to resolve tribal reservation safety issues without tribal nations

Stitt sued to stop the renewal laws from taking effect, but that case is still pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

The Choctaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma also have a car tag compact that needs to be renewed or it will expire at the end of the year. Under that deal, Choctaw citizens can obtain Choctaw license plates through their local tag offices, and Service Oklahoma maintains drivers plate and registration data.

Stitt agreed to reup a similar agreement with the Chickasaw Nation in January. The only other tribal nation that has a car tag compact with the state is the Cherokee Nation. It operates its own tag offices.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. has said hes trying to renew the tribes license plate deal with the state as-is. Stitt hasnt yet agreed to do so.

Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma governor, Choctaw Nation renew tobacco tax compact
BEAVER, Okla. (KFOR)  The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation arrested a man on March 27 for allegedly sending lewd and sexually explicit messages to a minor.

Timothy Loomis. Image courtesy Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

According to the OSBI, the Beaver Police Department requested the bureaus help on February 27 with the investigation.

LOCAL NEWS: One in custody after police pursuit in SW Oklahoma City

During the investigation, officials say it was discovered that the child received the messages from 54-year-old Timothy Loomis.

He was located and arrested by OSBI special agents on Wednesday, March 27 and booked into the Beaver County Jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
One airlifted after crash in east Shelby County

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Shelby County Fire Department is responding to a crash in east Shelby County that left one person severely injured on Sunday.

Reports say a pickup truck crashed into a tree in the area of Highway 64 and Airline Road at 3:50 p.m. A man was airlifted in critical condition to Regional One Hospital.

Stolen car causes multi-vehicle crash in Horn Lake

The Shelby County Sheriffs Office says the crash is still under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. At least 7 people were killed in an Israeli air force missile attack on the Mezze area in the west of the Syrian capital Damascus, where the Iranian embassy and consulate are located, Iranian media said, Trend reports.

The fact was confirmed by the Iranian Ambassador to Syria.

It is reported that one of the rockets fell on a mansion, which was used for meetings with representatives of Lebanese and Palestinian organizations. The Iranian ambassador was at the scene but was not injured.

The Iranian consulate was completely destroyed in the attack. A senior general of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (SEPAH), the commander of the corps in Syria and Lebanon, Mohammed Reza Zahedi, and his deputy, Muhammad Haji Rahimi, were killed.

Near the Iranian diplomatic mission complex there are houses where military advisers to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (elite units of the Iranian armed forces) live.

On January 20, under the same circumstances, the commander of the intelligence service of the Al-Quds special forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Yusuf Omid Zadeh, was killed in Damascus. Then 3 planes joined the attack, and the four-story house in which the advisers lived was completely destroyed.
Rent prices out of reach, housing not available for 1/4 of Columbus residents who need it

Tamika Blue hugs her 4-year-old son, Jauvez Roberts, outside the YWCA Family Center, where they are now living. She has searched for months for a home for her and four of her children, but struggled to find one that was big enough, affordable and would accept her federal Section 8 housing choice voucher.

Ohio has a shortage of 267,382 rental units for people who need affordable housing, with only about a fourth of extremely low income families or individuals able to get housing in Columbus, according to a new national report.

And the gap between need and availability is worse in Columbus than Ohio's other major cities and the state overall, according to the report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO).

Cincinnati and Cleveland have more available apartments for people whose income is at or below the federal poverty guideline, which is about $26,800 for a family of three in Columbus.

Tamika Blue, 45, knows the frustration of trying to find a place to live all too well.

The mother of five needs a four- or five-bedroom unit to accommodate her family  something that she called a "unicorn" in Columbus because of the lack of affordable housing.

"It's very frustrating," she said of her search. "It's discouraging. You feel overwhelmed. You don't even want to try because you know you're not going to succeed. You lose hope."

She and her family had to move out of their last apartment on the East Side in November because of a variety of small repairs that her landlord refused to do that were necessary for her to use her Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher there, Blue said. She and her children have been living at the YWCA's Family Center shelter in Columbus since early December.

Now, after months of searching, she's hoping to move into a new apartment on the West side in the coming weeks.

"It's a waiting game, and sometimes it's a very long wait," Blue said.

Fewer affordable rental units needed in Ohio than last year, though need is still great

Despite the need for affordable housing remaining high, the report shows promise in Ohio compared to years past, according to COHHIO.

The shortage of affordable units this year is a little less than the 270,399 needed in 2023, which was 6% worse than the year before, the report found.

"Affordable" housing is generally defined as units where the cost of rent and utilities doesn't exceed 30% of renters' income.

For a family whose income is at or below the federal poverty line at $26,800 annually, rent and utilities would have to cost just $670 to qualify as "affordable."

Its great to see that access to affordable housing finally started moving in the right direction," said Amy Riegel, executive director of COHHIO. "Were hopeful we can continue this positive momentum.

Still, there are 444,768 extremely low-income households in Ohio, according to COHHIO.

And rent increases have been both steep and unprecedented, with Columbus' median rent at $1,298 in December, up 3.8% from the year before. That's the third highest jump in rent prices in the nation, behind New York City and northern New Jersey, according to Yardi Matrix, a real estate service.

Those kinds of prices make Columbus out of reach and unaffordable for many Columbus residents, housing experts say.

How does Columbus compare to Cincinnati, Cleveland?

Each of Ohio's three largest cities need an additional 50,000 affordable units, according to the study, with Columbus needing 52,694; Cleveland, 56,560 and Cincinnati, 49,510.

But the ratio of affordable units to extremely low-income renters in Columbus was 26 to 100 over the past year  lower than Cincinnati's ratio of 41 units to 100 renters and Cleveland's 38 to 100 renters.

Rent hikes: Why Columbus apartment rents rank among the fastest-rising in the nation

The ratio statewide remained the same as last year at 40 affordable units per 100 extremely low-income renters.

There aren't any markets in the United States that have enough housing for extremely low-income renters, according to the report.

Ohio's lowest income renters are considered "severely housing cost burdened," with 70% spending more than half their income on rent  the highest percentage since 2016, the study found.

Meanwhile, only 2% of middle-income renters spend more than half their income on rent.

This is no time to rest on our laurels," Riegel said. "Evictions and homelessness are still increasing in Ohio."

Advocates: state and federal lawmakers need to act

As evictions and homelessness increases in Ohio, Riegel called on Congress and the Ohio General Assembly to address affordability for vulnerable residents. So did National Low Income Housing Coalition President and CEO Diane Yentel.

We know what works to end housing insecurity and homelessness  what we lack is the political will to invest in these solutions at the scale needed, Yentel said in a statement.

Passing the "Eviction Crisis Act." would help, she said.

The act  introduced in 2021 by Ohio's U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) as well as Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) and Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana)  would create a permanent emergency rental assistance program to reduce evictions.

Yentel also suggested expanding the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which had a waiting list of 34,000 Franklin County residents in February. The vouchers help low-income renters find housing on the private market by paying the difference between what theyre able to afford and what landlords charge for rent.

In need of housing help: In Columbus, thousands in need of Section 8 housing could wait years. What's going on?

But even with a voucher, finding a suitable home is difficult, Blue said.

Many older homes are being renovated and landlords are then increasing the rents, putting them outside her price range she said. And there are not enough landlords who accept the vouchers in nicer areas of the city.

In nearly all of America's biggest cities, low-income families using Section 8 vouchers are clustered together in minority, impoverished neighborhoods with less opportunity, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

"If I found a unit, it wouldn't be very desirable," Blue said. "What's left is what no one wants."

As it is, Blue said she is moving to "the Bottoms" on the West Side, an area with a higher crime rate than some other parts of the city.

"I think why I was able to find it is because it's the last place people were going to look," she said.

Still, she's grateful to have found something and hopes to stay about a year  enough time, she said, to find a better place.

dking@dispatch.com

@DanaeKing

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus has less affordable housing than Cleveland, Cincinnati
ChatGPT maker OpenAI shared a preview of a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool Friday that can generate natural-sounding speech and mimic human voices.

The tool, called Voice Engine, requires only a single 15-second audio sample to generate natural-sounding speech that closely resembles the original speaker, OpenAI said in a blog post.

The AI startup highlighted that Voice Engine can provide reading assistance, translate content and offer a voice to those who are nonverbal or suffer from a speech condition. However, OpenAI acknowledged that the tool could bring serious risks, which are especially top of mind in an election year.

The company first developed Voice Engine in late 2022 and began privately testing it with a small group of trusted partners late last year.

OpenAI emphasized that these partners have agreed to its usage policies, which require explicit and informed consent from the original speaker and prohibit the impersonation of individuals without their consent.

The partners also must disclose that the voices are AI-generated, and any audio generated by Voice Engine features watermarking to help trace its origin, the company noted.

OpenAI said it believes the widespread deployment of any such tool should feature voice authentication to verify that the original speaker is knowingly adding their voice to the service, as well as a no-go voice list to prevent the creation of voices similar to prominent figures.

The company also recommended that institutions phase out the use of voice-based authentication to access bank accounts and other sensitive information.

And it still appeared somewhat uncertain about whether it would ultimately release the tool more widely.

We hope to start a dialogue on the responsible deployment of synthetic voices, and how society can adapt to these new capabilities, OpenAI said in the blog post. Based on these conversations and the results of these small scale tests, we will make a more informed decision about whether and how to deploy this technology at scale.

The new voice technology comes amid growing concerns about the potential for AI-generated deepfakes to spread election-related misinformation.

Earlier this year, a message imitating President Biden went out to voters in New Hampshire ahead of the January primary election, urging them not to head to the polls.

Steve Kramer, a veteran Democratic operative, later admitted to creating the fake robocalls and said he did so to draw attention to the dangers of AI in politics.

A local Arizona newsletter similarly released an AI-generated deepfake video of Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake last month in order to warn readers just how good this technology is getting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editors Note: Steve Vladeck is a CNN legal analyst and a professor at the University of Texas School of Law. He is the author of the One First Supreme Court newsletter. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN.

It would be understandable if the Supreme Court justices were experiencing a strange sense of deja vu during last Tuesdays oral argument in a case seeking to block nationwide access to mifepristone  one of the two drugs used in the most common (and safest) way to abort early-stage pregnancies.

For the second time in an eight-day period, the justices were hearing a case smack dab in the middle of the culture wars  and one for which it wasnt at all clear why the suit shouldve been allowed to proceed in the first place.

Stephen I. Vladeck - Courtesy of University of Texas School of Law

Just as in Murthy v. Missouri, a challenge heard by the court on March 18 filed by two red states and three anti-vaccine activists to Biden administration efforts to combat Covid 19 disinformation and misinformation on social media platforms, the justices spent much of the argument in the mifepristone case on Tuesday asking whether the plaintiffs have the standing required to proceed with their suit  that is, whether they could show any connection between the federal government conduct they were challenging and harms theyve allegedly suffered.

The similarities dont stop there. Both cases were filed in federal district courts in which the plaintiffs could literally hand-pick the specific federal judge who would be assigned to hear the dispute.

The social media case was filed in the Monroe Division of the US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, where it had a 100% chance of being assigned to Judge Terry Doughty, who was appointed by President Donald Trump; the mifepristone case was filed in the Amarillo Division of the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, where it had a 100% chance of being assigned to Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, also a Trump appointee. In both cases, the judges were the only ones handling cases in those districts.

Both district courts held that these plaintiffs did have standing, and issued nationwide relief against the challenged federal actions  revoking the FDAs approvals of mifepristone, and barring a wide array of federal officials from communicating with social media companies. And in both cases, the same court of appeals  the New Orleans-based US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit  affirmed significant parts of those rulings.

Now, in both cases, Supreme Court justices from across the ideological spectrum are expressing puzzlement over the lower courts conclusions that these plaintiffs have standing  puzzlement that might better be directed at the judges who allowed these cases to make it this far.

Although the social media and mifepristone cases are especially visible examples of this phenomenon, they are hardly alone: Right-wing litigants have regularly taken advantage of their ability to handpick ideologically sympathetic judges by filing a disproportionate percentage of lawsuits challenging the Biden administration in geographically remote district courts within the Fifth Circuit.

By itself, the state of Texas has filed 37 such suits  none of which have been filed where the seat of Texas government is actually located, i.e., Austin, presumably because one of the two federal district judges who hears cases filed there is a Democratic appointee. And the Supreme Courts docket has increasingly skewed toward this part of the country.

This term alone, the justices are set to hear 11 cases just from the Fifth Circuit. Only the Ninth Circuit, which covers the entire West Coast and hears almost twice as many cases as the Fifth, is responsible for more of the justices work  and only two more cases, at that.

Among those 11 cases are Fifth Circuit rulings: invalidating how Congress appropriates funds for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (and, by its logic, a host of other agencies); striking down the federal statute that bans those subject to domestic violence-related restraining orders from possessing firearms; and kneecapping the Securities and Exchange Commissions ability to enforce securities laws through administrative proceedings.

More than that, these ideologically charged cases from the Fifth Circuit are also putting increasing pressure on the justices even before they hear the appeals  with whoever is on the short side (usually, the Biden administration) regularly asking the justices for emergency relief to put lower-court rulings on hold while they are challenged on appeal. Indeed, the Supreme Court granted emergency relief in both the social media and mifepristone cases.

Of the six times the court has granted emergency relief during its current term, four have come in cases from the Fifth Circuit, including one case in which the court of appeals had blocked the federal government from removing razor wire that Texas had placed along the border only after applying the wrong standard of review. If we go back a full calendar year, seven of the courts 12 grants of emergency relief have come from this one part of the country.

The result has been to pull the Supreme Courts docket even further to the right  a remarkable development given how conservative the current court already is. And although there are lots of signs that the justices are pushing back (last term, for instance, the Fifth Circuit had the highest reversal rate of any court in the country), the bigger problem is that the justices are being forced to take up these inherently partisan disputes in the first place.

The answer is obvious enough: It should be harder for litigants to steer challenges to nationwide policies to ideologically sympathetic judges in geographically remote parts of the country. Even the Judicial Conference of the United States  26 judges who represent the policymaking arm of the judiciary  now agrees.

Last month, it rolled out a new policy for preferring random assignment of any lawsuit seeking to block state or federal government conduct. But that announcement provoked revealing backlash from Republican senators and a handful of lower-court judges. Just last week, the chief judge of the Northern District of Texas announced that his court would not be changing its case assignment rules. The Judicial Conference, at least, cant force them to.

But the Supreme Court is another matter. The justices can interpret the federal venue statute to limit the circumstances in which lawsuits seeking changes that would apply across the nation can be brought in places like Monroe or Amarillo. They can formally approve amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to the same end. And they can recommend legislation to Congress to rethink, more holistically, how and where all of these cases are brought.

If nothing else, these recent arguments reveal a court that is getting tired of history repeating. Even Justice Neil Gorsuch, no friend of the Biden administration, complained during the mifepristone argument about a rash of these kinds of nationwide suits in contexts that would not historically have succeeded. And this case seems like a prime example of turning what could be a small lawsuit into a nationwide legislative assembly on  an FDA rule or any other federal government action.

Gorsuch is right to be frustrated. For once, the Supreme Court is the victim of right-wing litigation behavior, not the culprit. But the longer the court goes without pushing back against it, the more it can expect its docket to be filled with these kinds of cases going forward.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(FOX40.COM)  Around 5,500 marijuana plants and six guns were recently seized by the Turlock Police Department after discovering a sophisticated illegal black market marijuana cultivation operation that involved multiple Stanislaus County homes and led to the arrests of four Turlock residents.

Police said four people ranging from 29 to 62 years old were arrested and charged with multiple health and safety code violations related to marijuana cultivation. The agency added that additional charges and suspects will likely come forward soon.

Video Above: Will TSA stop you for marijuana?

Police seize over $10k, arrest 8 in crackdown on illegal marijuana, tobacco sales in Modesto

According to police, an investigation into the illegal marijuana operation began in February and revealed multiple addresses affiliated with the target location, which initially included three homes in Stanislaus County, two in Turlock, and one in Ceres.

On Tuesday, around 8:30 a.m., Turlock S.W.A.T and allied agencies served search warrants to the following locations:

6400 block of West Main Street (Turlock)

700 block of North Faith Home Road (Turlock)

4900 block of South Prairie Flower Road (Turlock)

200 block of South Orange Street (Turock)

1300 block of Hackett Road (Ceres)

These warrants resulted in well over 5,500 marijuana plants being seized, along with six (6) firearms recovered, one being stolen, the Turlock Police Department said on Facebook.

Northern California deputies take down illegal marijuana operation; seize nearly 1,000 plants

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office, Merced County Sheriffs Office, Ceres Police Department, Modesto Police Department, the Bureau of Cannabis Control, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for their assistance and commitment to keeping our communities safe, the agency added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Michelle Hodges was having a meltdown.

For years, she ran a real estate business with a partner in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and served in leadership positions on community boards. She relished staying home with her new baby girl after the business sold and moving permanently to Ocean Springs, a town that she and her husband had grown to love.

Two years later, she wasnt sorry. But her 3-year-old was social and thriving. Hodges missed talking to adults, she told her husband, crying; she missed all the projects she had been involved in. They prayed together.

Three days later, it happened. She pulled up a new listing on a real estate application that she frequently checked. This wasnt just any listing, though. It was for a house that she had noticed a year earlier. At the time, she wished it was for sale instead of the one she was looking at across the street as a possible rental.

Langs Seven-Gabled Cottage in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Michelle Hodges bought the house in 2023 and plans to renovate it while preserving the homes historic architecture.

She called a real estate agent immediately. The house hadnt even appeared yet on the Multiple Listing Service. Hodges was one of nine or so potential buyers who put in an offer. She wound up with the house.

These days, Hodges is pretty excited. She found her passion project.

And shes involving the community because the house is one so many people know and love. Historically, it was called the Lang-Madsen Cottage or Langs Seven-Gabled Cottage. The two-story, Queen Anne-style house is one of 21 properties listed as pivotal in the nomination form for the Old Ocean Springs Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

While Hodges is relatively new to Ocean Springs, she has lived in the city long enough to know how passionate residents are about preservation of historic homes. Wanting to reassure everyone that she will take care of the property, Hodges created a Facebook page to share progress.

An original window in the entryway at the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Moving from Foley, AL, to Ocean Springs

Hodges grew up the youngest of four siblings in Foley, Alabama, as she says by way of introduction on the Seven Gables Downtown Ocean Springs Facebook page. Her familys home was built in 1918, so she has an affinity for old houses.

After she and her husband Reed Hawkins moved to Ocean Springs with daughter Stevie, they settled down in a home close by that she loves and is not at all sure she wants to leave.

Michelle Hodges describes renovation plans as she stands in the living room at the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Shes not sure what she will do with Seven Gables, as she calls the house, when it is completed. Right now, shes focused on returning as much of the home to its original features as she can and adding on so that it will be livable for a family. She wants the original house to stand out from the addition because it is such a recognizable part of the city.

People had all sorts of fears about what might happen to the house when she bought it. Seven Gables has only 1,275 square feet of interior space. It sits on an acre of land at the corner of Dewey Avenue and Calhoun Street, just east of the Little Childrens Park and a short walk from downtown shops.

Residents worried the high-profile property would be subdivided, but Hodges has no intention of doing that. In fact, shes going to have a landscape architect draw up plans for the land.

The upstairs hallway at the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Home contributes to National Historic Register listing

But first, the house. It was built around 1890, according to the Mississippi Department of Archives & History. While historical records credit New Orleans resident Emile J. Lang with building the house, it might have already been erected when he bought the property and moved there in 1894, according to MDAH records. Local historian Ray Bellande details what is known of the homes history on his website.

Lang sold the house in 1899 to Margaret L. Madsen, the MDAH history says. The home remained with her heirs until Hodges bought it in 2023.

The downstairs bathroom at the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

The home has a multi-gabled roof and porch gable that features a unique chevron pattern. The house has been altered multiple times over the years, most notably with stacked bathrooms added where porches used to be and an interior staircase that a mountain goat might have a hard time climbing.

It has one bedroom downstairs and two upstairs, with a bathroom on each floor. The living room is tiny and the house doesnt feature a dining area, laundry room or pantry. Hodges is working with Henry Furr of H.H. Furr Architecture & Development in Ocean Springs on renovation and expansion plans. Plans for the house have been approved by the city and Furr is now concentrating on detailed drawings, Hodges said.

A second floor bedroom at the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Plans for home renovation, addition

She will return as much of the house as possible to its original appearance, which will mean demolishing the stacked bathrooms, back porch and a garage. The bathrooms will be returned to porches. And windows cut down on the first floor will be returned to their original height. The windows were shortened along with the first-floor ceiling so that central air conditioning could be added at some point.

A porch on the back of the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Hodges plans to remove the porch, which was not part of the original house.

But the air conditioning no longer works. The interior will be gutted to the studs, with new electrical, plumbing and HVAC planned.

The addition will be one story at the rear of the home so that the original architectural features will continue to define the property. A new kitchen will bridge the old house with the 1,750 square-foot addition, which will also include a primary bed and bath, along with a dining room, laundry, pantry and garage.

The finished home will have two bedrooms downstairs and retain two upstairs bedrooms.

I want it to be functional for a family, Hodges said.

She expects the project to take about two years. When she starts selecting finishes for the interior, shes thinking of posting options on the Seven Gables Facebook page so that people can give her ideas on what might work best. She just hopes nobody gets mad if her selections dont match theirs.

The kitchen at the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

The finished home will have lots of windows with beautiful views, Hodges said. Shes hoping the community will join her on her adventure. Hodges has never renovated an old house, but is looking forward to the partnerships she will form and the people she will meet through the project in her new hometown.

She wrote on her Facebook page: So many people from the community have memories of this home while they were growing up or visiting the area. The meaning it holds for so many, including the sellers who still reside in the area, makes my heart warm and is a reminder on how important it is for me to proceed with renovations in a manner that will honor this homes past while pulling in the modern elements of todays family homesteads.

Michelle Hodges describes an addition she plans as she looks out a second floor window of the Seven Gables house in Ocean Springs on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Hodges wants to make the historic home livable for a modern family but says the one-story addition to the rear will keep the emphasis on the original architecture.
A court in Pakistan on Monday suspended the conviction of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife on one of the several graft charges, his spokesman said, but the pair was unlikely to walk free due to other charges.

The Islamabad High Court said Khans trial in the lower tribunal that led to a 14-year jail term in January didnt meet the legal requirements, his spokesman Ahmed Janjua said.

Khan, who was removed by the countrys parliament in April 2022 through a vote of no confidence, was convicted for stealing expensive gifts he had received as prime minister.

Pakistans laws require state officials to deposit gifts from other countries to the national kitty.

The high court would resume the hearing of Khans appeal later this month to examine if the conviction could be overturned, Janjua said.

Khan, who rose to power on the back of support by the countrys powerful military in 2018, was removed after he had fallen out of favour with generals on the appointment of the spy chief.

The military has ruled Pakistan for almost half of its existence and wields huge influence over politics.

Khans party won more seats in the national parliament than other groups, but could not form a government as his opponents formed a coalition.

The former sports-star cannot run for re-election due to his conviction on several financial and moral crimes.

Khans predecessor, Nawaz Sharif, is a frontrunner to become the prime minister now. He was convicted weeks ahead of elections in 2018 on similar charges.
Palestinians carry the body of a person following an Israeli airstrike, into the Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, April 1, 2024. Gaza medical officials say an apparent Israeli airstrike killed four international aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity and their Palestinian driver after they helped deliver food and other supplies to northern Gaza that had arrived hours early by ship. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  An apparent Israeli airstrike killed four international aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity and their Palestinian driver late Monday, hours after the group brought in a new shipload of food to northern Gaza, which has been isolated and pushed to the brink of famine by Israels offensive.

Footage showed the bodies of the five dead at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah. Several of them wore protective gear with the charitys logo. Staff showed the passports of three of the dead  British, Australian and Polish. The nationality of the fourth aid worker was not immediately known.

The Israeli military said it was conducting a review to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.

World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said it was aware of the reports and would share more information when we have gathered all the facts.

This is a tragedy. Humanitarian aid workers and civilians should NEVER be a target. EVER, WCK spokeswoman Linda Roth said in a statement.

Mahmoud Thabet, a Palestinian Red Crescent paramedic who was on the team that brought the bodies to the hospital, told The Associated Press the workers were in a three-car convoy that was crossing out of northern Gaza when an Israeli missile hit. Thabet said he was told by WCK staff the team had been in the north coordinating distribution of the newly arrived aid and were heading back to Rafah in the south.

The source of fire could not be independently confirmed.

Three aid ships from Cyprus arrived earlier Monday carrying some 400 tons of food and supplies organized by the charity and the United Arab Emirates  the group's second shipment after a pilot run last month. The Israeli military was involved in coordinating both deliveries.

The U.S. has touted the sea route as a new way to deliver desperately needed aid to northern Gaza, where the U.N. has said much of the population is on the brink of starvation, largely cut off from the rest of the territory by Israeli forces. Israel has barred UNRWA, the main U.N. agency in Gaza, from making deliveries to the north, and other aid groups say sending truck convoys north has been too dangerous because of the military's failure to ensure safe passage.

The UNRWA said in its latest report that 173 of its colleagues have been killed in Gaza in the violence. The figure does not include workers for other aid organizations.

World Central Kitchen board member Robert Egger and the media reported that the Australian killed in Monday night's strike was 44-year-old Zomi Frankcom from Melbourne.

Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was urgently seeking to confirm reports of an Australian death. The department said in a statement: We have been clear on the need for civilian lives to be protected in this conflict."

The strike came hours after Israeli troops ended a two-week raid on Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest, leaving the facility largely gutted and a swath of destruction in the surrounding neighborhoods. Footage showed Shifa's main buildings had been reduced to burned-out husks.

Israel said it launched the raid on Shifa because senior Hamas operatives had regrouped there and were planning attacks. The military said its troops killed 200 militants in the operation, though the claim that they were all militants could not be confirmed, and Palestinians coming to the site after the troops withdrew found bodies of civilians.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS MONDAY:

Syrian officials and state media said an Israeli airstrike destroyed the Irans consulate in Syria, killing two Iranian generals and five officers. The strike appears to signify an escalation of Israels targeting of Iranian military officials and their allies in Syria. The targeting has intensified since Hamas militants  who are supported by Iran  attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment. Irans ambassador, Hossein Akbari, vowed revenge for the attack at the same magnitude and harshness.

Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would shut down satellite broadcaster Al Jazeera immediately after parliament passed a law Monday clearing the way for the country to halt the Qatari-owned channel from broadcasting from Israel.

Netanyahu called the network the terror channel and accused it of harming Israeli security, participating in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and inciting violence against Israel.

Al Jazeera condemned his remarks, calling them a dangerous and ridiculous lie and saying they were Netanyahus justification for the ongoing assault on the media network and press freedom. In a statement, the network vowed to persist in its reporting with boldness and professionalism.

RAID LEAVES SHIFA IN RUINS

The Shifa raid gutted a facility that had once been the heart of Gazas health care system but which doctors and staff had struggled to get even partially operating again after a previous Israeli assault in November.

The latest assault triggered days of heavy fighting for blocks around Shifa, with witnesses reporting airstrikes, the shelling of homes and troops going house to house to force residents to leave. Israeli authorities identified six officials from Hamas military wing they said were killed inside the hospital during the raid. Israel also said it seized weapons and valuable intelligence.

After the troops withdrew, hundreds of Palestinians returned to search for lost loved ones or examine the damage.

Among the dead were Ahmed Maqadma and his mother  both doctors at Shifa  and his cousin, said Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, a Palestinian-British doctor who volunteered at Shifa and other hospitals during the first months of the war before returning to Britain.

The fate of the three had been unknown since their phone suddenly went dead as they tried to leave Shifa nearly a week ago. On Monday, relatives found their bodies with gunshot wounds about a block from the hospital, said Abu Sitta, who is in touch with the family.

Mohammed Mahdi, who was among those who returned to the area, described a scene of total destruction. He said several buildings had been burned down and that he counted six bodies in the area, including two in the hospital courtyard.

At least 21 patients died during the raid, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted late Sunday on X, formerly Twitter.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes and has raided many hospitals across the territory. Critics accuse the army of recklessly endangering civilians and of decimating a health sector already overwhelmed with wounded.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesman, said Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group established their main northern headquarters inside the hospital. He described days of close-quarters fighting and blamed Hamas for the destruction, saying some fighters barricaded themselves inside hospital wards while others launched mortar rounds at the compound.

Hagari said the troops arrested some 900 suspected militants during the raid, including more than 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, and seized over $3 million in different currencies, as well as weapons. He said the army evacuated more than 200 of the estimated 300 to 350 patients. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the raid, the military said.

The war began on Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israel's offensive since has killed at least 32,845 Palestinians, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. The Israeli military blames the civilian toll on Palestinian militants because they fight in dense residential areas.

The war has displaced most of the territorys population and driven a third of its residents to the brink of famine.

Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed. He says Israel will soon expand ground operations to the southern city of Rafah, where some 1.4 million people  more than half of Gazas population  have sought refuge.

But he faces mounting pressure from Israelis who blame him for the security failures of Oct. 7 and from some families of the hostages who blame him for the failure to reach a deal despite several weeks of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Tens of thousands protested Sunday, demanding Netanyahu do more to bring home the hostages in the largest anti-government demonstration since the start of the war.

Hamas and other militants are still believed to be holding some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest during a cease-fire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel.

___

Find more of APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
A rendering of a proposed shooting range in Meade County. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is leading development on the project.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks wanted to use federal funding to help offset the cost of a $20 million shooting range outside Rapid City.

That is, until the department learned more time was needed to analyze the sites significance to Native Americans. Artifacts had been found, according to the state Tribal Historic Preservation Office familiar with the site.

At that point, the department pulled its application for federal funding.

The project has secured some funding already, just not from the federal government. The department said it has thus far received $5.1 million in pledges and donations. It broke ground in early December 2023.

The federal Advisory Council of Historic Preservation sent a letter to the state parks department on Feb. 5, 2024, criticizing it for skirting federal funding when it learned of the need for a more complete historical analysis of a site.

These actions appear to indicate a pattern of behavior in which the SDGFP changes course for its proposed projects after learning about historic properties located in the projects area of potential effects and the federal requirement to take into account the effects of the undertaking on those historic properties, wrote Christopher Koeppel, assistant director of the federal Advisory Council of Historic Preservation.

The department withdrew its federal funding application in January.

The proposed shooting complex would be located on Elk Vale Road in Meade County. The complex is expected to host around 180 shooters at a time, offering free public use while potentially bringing national competitions to the area. The design includes a south-end range for the general public and a north range for more experienced shooters, with action bays for tactical shooting practice.

Until January, funding plans included $2.5 million in federal money. The Pittman Robertson funds came from a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. Money from the tax is funneled into wildlife conservation, restoration and hunter education programs across the U.S. To use the funds, states must submit project plans for federal approval.

GFP Communications Manager Nick Harrington answered questions for this story over email. He said the department staff spent hours conducting an environmental assessment and a cultural resources survey.

GFP was issued a Finding of No Significant Impact and ultimately awarded a Pittman Robinson grant from the USFWS early in 2022, he said in an email, referring to the $2.5 million planned for the project.

But in November 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) flagged the proposed project, saying its location could affect nearby historical locations. The determination brought the project under the National Historic Preservation Act, which mandates a thorough review of any federally funded projects on historical sites.

A separate survey conducted by the states Tribal Historic Preservation Office identified seven sites near the proposed range that the office believes are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

That resulted in a need for more thorough investigation, according to the federal letter. Harrington said that because the federal government changed the survey requirements after giving the project a greenlight, the department chose not to pursue the $2.5 million.

GFP decided to forego the Pittman Robinson funding and move ahead with the complex project without any further delays, Harrington said.

Garrie Kills A Hundred, the tribal historic preservation officer who helped with the site survey, said the issue began with the USFWS, which did not consult with tribes when conducting its initial site assessment.

That is where things first started to go south, he said.

Kills A Hundred said he was later informed the state had begun developing the location, resulting in the bulldozing of the sites we located. He worries all of the historical sites and artifacts within them that were identified have been destroyed.

The shooting range proposal has elicited mixed reactions from nearby residents. Concerns have been raised regarding potential noise pollution, increased traffic, impacts on wildlife and the environment, and the disruption of residents rural way of life.

Additionally, some lawmakers have expressed concern with the inflated price tag to complete the project. The $20 million price for the 400-acre shooting range is a significant increase from 2020 estimates of $11 million.

The shooting complex is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Harrington said funding to construct the complex will be a combination of private and public dollars. He and the Governors Office did not answer questions regarding where the public dollars would come from, given the federal funding hiccup.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Parks department skips federal funding for shooting range
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Israel has proposed to the UN to abolish the Near East Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and transfer its powers to another agency, Trend reports.

According to information, the Israeli initiative involves the transfer of UNRWA staff to one of the other UN agencies, for example, the World Food Program.

UN aid workers are reported to be convinced that only UNRWA has the resources and authority to deliver food to the Gaza Strip, and that any attempt to abolish the agency for political reasons would be disastrous.
The Parler app made headlines in 2021 for its alleged role in helping organize the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

As state governments try to restrict childrens access to social media and various courts debate what free speech looks like in the digital era, one social media platform is attempting its second rebrand. The Parler app, which was shut down in April 2023 after being sold to new ownership, has had a rocky history since launching in 2018. Before its shutdown, the app was initially banned from app stores in 2021 for its alleged role in helping organize the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Now, ahead of the 2024 election, the Parler app, which was sold again at the end of 2023, has been reinstated on Apples App Store as part of an invite-only rollout. Though it is not yet available to the general public, the timing of the apps attempted rebrand raises questions for some extremism experts.

Jon Lewis, a research fellow at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, spoke to Yahoo News about whether Parler can separate itself from its past now that its attempting to rebrand itself. Lewis said he doesnt see a future in which Parlers reputation won't precede it, likely making it difficult for the app to attract a new user base.

My liberal Facebook parents are not dying to get onto Parler when they see it's available in the App Store again, Lewis said. [Parlers] core membership will still remain the people who think that there will be election interference and an election will be stolen this year.

Parler has always marketed itself as a social media platform that stands out from mainstream alternatives like X and Facebook, especially when it comes to content moderation  or lack thereof. But Parlers content policies, which are what drew audiences in the first place, were ultimately its undoing after it was allegedly used to plan the storming of the Capitol. With this new rebrand, can the app escape its problematic past?

Parlers goal is to provide a platform where users can freely express themselves without fear of censorship or discrimination, a Parler spokesperson told Yahoo News. Parler 3.0 is focused on fostering constructive conversations and positive engagement among users.

The Parler spokesperson did not give Yahoo News an exact date for when the app will be available to the public. The app is not back on the Google Play storefront yet. Neither Apple nor Google responded to Yahoo News request for comment.

Lets go back to the beginning. What was the goal of launching Parler in 2018?

Parler was first launched in 2018 and promoted as a free speech social media platform where posts wouldnt be moderated. Its promise of zero moderation attracted users who had been banned from other platforms, such as X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook.

Conservative figureheads such as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul promoted Parler as a platform [that] gets what free speech is all about.

Im proud to join @parler_app -- a platform gets what free speech is all about -- and Im excited to be a part of it. Lets speak. Lets speak freely. And lets end the Silicon Valley censorship. Follow me there @tedcruz! pic.twitter.com/pzUFvhipBZ  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 25, 2020

Rebekah Mercer, an early investor in the app and daughter of hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer, who was a major donor to former President Donald Trump and Breitbart News, said she joined original Parler CEO John Matze in his mission to provide a neutral platform for free speech away from the ever-increasing tyranny and hubris of our tech overlords.

The app exploded in popularity in 2019 and 2020 as Republicans accused social media platforms like Facebook of disproportionately suppress[ing] and censor[ing] conservative views online.

A Wall Street Journal article reported that Parlers user base had more than doubled to 10 million users in less than a week in 2020. Allegedly, one supportive tweet from conservative activist Candace Owens single-handedly encouraged 40,000 new users to sign up.

Why did Parler originally get banned from app stores?

In January 2021, days after the Capitol insurrection and after President Donald Trump was banned from multiple social media platforms, Parler was reportedly the most downloaded app from Apples App Store in the U.S.

On Jan. 9, 2021, Amazon, which hosted Parler on its Amazon Web Services, told the app it would be suspending services after receiving reports of a steady increase in this violent content across the platform.

Amazon was referring to the allegations that Parler had been used to help coordinate the insurrection at the Capitol building. In the wake of the attack, the app was now overrun with death threats, celebrations of violence and other posts that encouraged patriots to bring weapons to Washington, D.C. the day before President Joe Bidens inauguration.

CNN reported at the time that the app was dominated by accounts with swastikas as their profile pictures and disgusting racist posts. ProPublica found more than 500 videos that were uploaded to Parler during the attack, some even from inside the Capitol building.

While the second iteration of the Parler app was reinstated on the Google Play app store and Apples App Store in September 2022, the app has been offline since April 2023, after it was purchased from the original owners by the marketing firm Starboard for an undisclosed amount. Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, was also in talks to buy the company in late 2022.

Despite its similarities to Truth Social  Trumps answer to being banned from Facebook and X following Jan. 6  Starboard shut down Parler after buying it, with one representative saying, No reasonable person believes that a Twitter clone just for conservatives is a viable business anymore.

Instead, Starboard said it would leverage Parlers assets, like its user base, to help its other existing businesses.

How will things be different this time around?

Today, the Parler app is owned by former Parler executive Elise Pierotti as well as Ryan Rhodes and Jaco Booyens, who bought the app for an undisclosed sum in December.

While the goal is to uphold its values of free speech and open dialogue, a Parler spokesperson told Yahoo News that there will now be measures for reasonable content moderation and community guidelines to prevent misuse of the platform.

Certain types of content are strictly prohibited on our platform, including illegal activity, violence, harassment and threats, the spokesperson told Yahoo News. Any violations of these guidelines will be promptly addressed through appropriate moderation measures.

Pierotti told NBC News in December that Parler would have its own servers in the U.S. to avoid relying on Amazon Web Services again.

Pierotti also noted that X, now owned by Elon Musk, is still available in app stores despite that platforms own loosening of speech rules and moderation. In November 2023, multiple advertisers expressed concern over their ads appearing next to pro-Nazi content and hate speech on X.

Im one of the people who believe that hate speech is different for different people, Pierotti told NBC. Im not an arbiter of truth.

In response to Pierottis statement to NBC, Lewis, the extremism expert, told Yahoo News, This right-wing ecosystem has no idea what free speech actually means.

They think that free speech means they have an unfettered, unmitigated right to post whatever they want on any platform and they cannot suffer consequences from it because we have the First Amendment, Lewis said. None of these platforms have any obligation to allow their spaces to be used to threaten, to dehumanize, to spread conspiracies. Many of them still are because most of these platforms either dont care or want to do the bare minimum.

Is there a place for Parler in the current social media landscape?

Certainly the big question from my perspective is, do you even need Parler when you have X now? Lewis asked. I think the complete collapse of Twitter as a moderated social media platform has certainly allowed it to scoop up most of the disaffected, disenchanted Parler members who were looking for a new cesspool in which to swim.

Lewis argues that the circumstances under which Parler was able to become popular in 2020 have changed dramatically.

[Parler] is certainly going to try and return to this kind of former glory, Lewis explained, elaborating that the former glory is about being the go-to platform for right-wing-leaning conspiracy theorists. [But] today, [conspiracy theorists] see Twitter as the easiest and most mainstream place that will get them the most eyes and most reach.

Theres also 4chan, an anonymous message board platform with an infamous politically incorrect section that counts Tucker Carlson as a fan, as well as former President Donald Trumps Truth Social.

How the public holds social media platforms accountable has changed since 2020, too. On March 19, a New York judge made the historic decision that families of victims of the 2022 Buffalo, N.Y., mass shooting should be allowed to prove how social media sites can be held responsible.

The Parler representative told Yahoo News it has a number of new features that will be rolled out to differentiate us from other platforms in the coming year. If and how the new Parler plans to prevent its users from promoting hateful or violent content, however, remains to be seen.
PASSAIC  The city has approved two new affordable housing measures: one to allow for accessory dwelling units and the other to require affordable units in new construction of residential dwellings of five units or more.

Through the resolutions proposed by Mayor Hector Lora and approved by the City Council last week, the city joins others that allow for accessory dwelling units, including Princeton, Montclair and Maplewood. Passaic has gone further by adding an extra affordable housing requirement it calls set-asides.

Passaic's accessory dwelling units

Accessory dwelling units are housing units added to an existing home, such as a basement apartment, a tiny house in the backyard or an apartment over the garage.

The Albert Lawson VFW Memorial Post 10117 was condemned in 2019. Paterson Habitat for Humanity built the new mixed-use facility in the same location. From left, Passaic Deputy Mayor for Veterans Affairs Minnie Hiller-Cousins and Passaic Mayor Hector Lora are shown at the soft-opening on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Lora said he has received approval from Housing and Urban Development to create a pilot program to use block grants to help homeowners who want to add accessory units to get as much as $40,000 to offset the costs.

Adding an accessory apartment to a home can increase a property owner's revenue stream, Lora said, while expanding the city's affordable housing stock. The hope is to help property owners pay off their mortgages, pay property taxes and remain in the community.

"Why should seniors have to move away from their families?" he asked.

It will also provide affordable living space for young families, who can save money by staying close to their families while maintaining a private space. This approach is meant to provide incentives rather than mandate compliance, Lora said.

Passaic's pilot program mirrors the governor's incentive housing program's $10 million proposal, in which 10 or more municipalities would be awarded up to $1 million through a competitive grant process to build accessory dwelling units.

The state is proposing that municipalities that partner with nonprofits can provide up to $100,000 in forgivable capital loans and construction financing to homeowners looking to build or redevelop accessory dwelling units.

In return, homeowners who receive the assistance would have to have a minimum 10-year deed restriction to reserve the unit for renters or buyers who make under 80% of the area's median income. Passaic's ADU program goes further by requiring a 20-year deed restriction.

Our budget will increase funding for the construction of new affordable housing units all across New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said in his budget address. We need to keep building. Because New Jersey is popular  and the demand for housing continues to outpace supply.

While New Jersey's grants are expected to be competitive, the mayor said, it is meant to be an incentive for suburban municipalities to add affordable units.

These measures, besides creating more affordable places to live, also build wealth, Lora said. For many people, their home, which they have spent 30 years paying off, is their biggest asset.

Passaic's housing set-asides

Passaic also passed a 20% set-aside for affordable units in new construction of five units or more. This, too, is meant to provide additional affordable housing in the city.

Lora said it is meant to give opportunities to people who want to live in certain areas of the city, such as near a train station, high school or downtown. It will provide additional opportunities, especially since the city has approved multi-level mixed-use buildings with multiple housing units combined with businesses along Main Avenue.

Views of Main Avenue looking north from the area of Pennington Avenue in Passaic in 2012.

"It is never a good idea to have a concentration of low-income people in one area," Lora said.

City Councilman Terrence Love agreed with Lora that more affordable housing is sorely needed in the city.

"We have a number of really brilliant people who are coming out of college that need to pay off their student loans," he said.

Love added that the city's approach provides additional opportunities for people to stay in their hometown and strengthens the community as a whole.

Home improvement moratorium

A third measure Lora is pushing for would encourage home improvements. Homeownership is often a family's most important investment, but rising taxes and other expenses can keep property owners from upgrading their properties.

If a homeowner plans to make home improvements without adding square footage, Lora said, he wants to make sure the city does not automatically reevaluate the property assessment. Though he would like to see this happen statewide, he said he will start with a city ordinance.

All of the measures, the mayor said, are part of what he calls a holistic approach to help middle-class homeowners and local businesses. Increased value helps people gain wealth, and affordable housing helps the youngest generations and immigrants. Keeping families together strengthens the community, and people with more disposable income strengthen local businesses, he said.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic OKs resolutions that will add to its affordable housing stock
'New' path of totality map shows more parts of Texas will get to see the solar eclipse

Despite modern technology, the sun's radius is difficult to measure. New data shows that the sun is a tad bigger than previously thought.

These new calculations have slightly shifted the solar eclipse's path of totality  just a week before the event.

People are also reading: Texas weather odds don't look good for solar eclipse as early forecasts show chance of rain

Expert John Irwin has recently published a new map with updated lines for the April 8 solar eclipse, Forbes reports.

The red line shows the original path of totality, while the orange line represents the path updated with the new data.

A red arrow indicates a loss in the path of totality, and a green arrow shows a gain.

Here's what you need to know:

More: Still not sure where to see the solar eclipse in Texas? Here's a list of parks, watch parties

Updated total solar eclipse path of totality

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Path of totality extends to McKinney Falls State Park in Austin

Though Austin-Bergstrom International Airport still remains outside the path of totality, McKinney Falls State Park is now included.

More of Austin's southeast region is now in the path of totality, including McKinney Falls State Park.

San Antonio's metro area to see more total darkness

The path of totality has widened to include slightly more of San Antonio's metropolitan area.

The path of totality has widened slightly in San Antonio.

Denton loses part of the path of totality

Residents of Denton were originally advised to travel southeast to the southern half of Lewisville Lake, but now they might need to go farther to be within the path of totality.

Denton has lost a portion of the path of totality, but the eclipse will remain visible farther southwest.

Solar eclipse map: Path of totality in Texas

The map below is based on data from NASA, NOAA and the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies to show eclipse times, peak sun coverage and likely levels of cloudiness during the solar eclipse April 8.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Solar Eclipse 2024: New data changes path of totality map in Texas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Officials with the Arkansas State Police announced Monday that a man from Pearcy has been arrested after an investigation into possession of child sexual abuse materials.

Agents with the ASPs Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant last week in the 100 block of Avalon Drive.

Arkansas State Police investigating deadly Sunday shooting in Jefferson County

During the investigation, officials said they arrested 32-year-old Riley Robert Stanley.

Troopers said that after a joint undercover investigation between the ICACs Task Force and the Arkansas Attorney Generals office, they discovered that numerous files of child sexual abuse materials were being shared from a laptop belonging to Stanley.

Cabot man accused of assaulting officers during arrest tied to child pornography investigation

ASP officials said that Stanley was arrested Friday, March 29 and is facing charges of distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child.

Stanley is being held in the Garland County Detention Center, and his bond has been set at $500,000. He is scheduled to be in court in early May.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
The U.S. Department of Defense has established a dedicated cyber policy office, a move one official said underlines the significance of digital warfare.

The department announced the creation of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy on March 29, a little more than a week after it actually opened its doors. The organization was mandated by the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

In standing up this office, the department is giving cyber the focus and attention that Congress intended, acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker said in a statement.

President Joe Biden last month tapped Michael Sulmeyer to be the inaugural assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy. Sulmeyer currently serves as the U.S. Armys principal cyber adviser. His nomination was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 21.

Ashley Manning will lead the office until Sulmeyer is confirmed by lawmakers, according to the Defense Department.

Responsibilities include developing and overseeing implementation of cyber policy and strategy; certifying the cyberspace operations budget and coordinating with Cyber Command; and crafting guidance for private-sector outreach.

The Defense Department requested $14.5 billion in cyber spending for FY25. The figure is about $1 billion more than the Biden administrations previous ask. It is also up from FY23, when it sought $11.2 billion.
Pentagon official feels symptoms of Havana syndrome at NATO summit

A Pentagon representative who participated in last years NATO summit in Vilnius has symptoms similar to those reported by American officials who experienced the so-called Havana syndrome.

Source: Sabrina Singh, spokesperson of the Pentagon, cited by AP, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Singh stated that the unnamed official was not part of the official delegation of US Defence Minister Lloyd Austin but was there "separately, attending meetings that were part of the NATO summit".

"I can confirm that a senior [Department of Defense] official experienced symptoms similar to those reported in anomalous health incidents," Singh stated.

She did not disclose whether the official sought medical help, was forced to retire or ceased performing their duties due to health problems.

Asked about the possibility of Russias involvement, Singh recommended turning to the US intelligence community which is still investigating this case.

Earlier, investigative journalists reported new evidence that serious health problems  the so-called Havana syndrome a number of American officials have experienced  could have been caused by Russian military intelligence (GRU).

The phenomenon was named Havana Syndrome after US Embassy staff in Cuba began complaining about suspicious symptoms in 2016.

Victims suffered from a range of mysterious health problems, including hearing loss, insomnia, memory loss, balance disturbances and an inability to concentrate.

Symptoms lasting for months were accompanied by victims' complaints of ringing in the ears and a feeling of intense pressure in the head.

In 2017, the US State Department decided to radically reduce staff at the American Embassy in Cuba following a series of mysterious acoustic attacks on American diplomats.

In 2021, cases of Havana Syndrome among US diplomats were also reported in Austria.

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Children take part in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on on Monday in Washington. In addition to the traditional egg roll and egg hunt, first lady Jill Biden continues last year's theme of EGGucation with educational activities and special performances on the South Lawn.

WASHINGTON  A little rain Monday morning couldn't stop the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

An estimated 40,000 people visited the White House South Lawn, enduring occasional rainfall for one of the White House's oldest traditions that dates back to 1878.

Kids rolled and hunted for eggs in what officials said was the largest White House Egg Roll ever. Other children listened to first lady Jill Biden read them a story. Big band jazz from the Marines and Navy bands livened the spirits amid the dark clouds.

"This is the people's house," President Joe Biden, wearing a necktie featuring colorful eggs, told Al Roker on the NBC "Today Show." "We just like opening up the place and let people see. This is their place."

Kids lined up with colorful spoons for their chance to roll the multicolored eggs to the finish line as eager parents, aunts and uncles waited with cameras at the finish line capturing the kids brave attempts to roll the sometimes defiant stuck-in-the-grass eggs.

Violet Olivia Watkins, 11, was at the event with her siblings Gabriel, 10, and Victoria, 7. The siblings from Chicago were visiting the White House for the first time. It was cool to see the president, said Victoria. The first lady looked so nice.

Gabriel enjoyed some of the activities that were set up on the South Lawn. I loved shooting baskets, he said. That was fun, but the weather was not so great.

But he did approve of the U.S. Marine band in the background. They were very good, he said.

The celebration included an assortment of educational opportunities for children. Dubbed the EGGucation Roll  a theme pushed by the first lady  the South Lawn featured a school house activity area, a reading nook, a "field trip to the farm," a physical education zone and a "snack time tent."

President Joe Biden speaks during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Monday.

Colorful miniature hot-air balloons decorated the south facade of the White House, each marking the school subjects that make up "STEAM" education  science, technology, engineering, art and math.

"Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, sacrifice and resurrection, Biden said, addressing the crowd from the White House South Portico standing next to an Easter bunny mascot. But mainly love and grace toward one another. It's time to pray for one another, to cherish the blessings and the possibilities that we have as Americans. Thats what I see in our country.

Tickets for the event were distributed to the public through an online lottery.

A person in an Easter Bunny costume attends the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on on Monday in Washington. In addition to the traditional egg roll and egg hunt, first lady Jill Biden continues last year's theme of EGGucation with educational activities and special performances on the South Lawn.

The White House Easter Egg Roll started when President Rutherford B. Hayes invited children to egg roll on the White House lawn on the Monday after Easter. Hayes was replacing an egg roll that had previously taken place on the west grounds of the U.S. Capitol but was restricted by 1876 because of concern about landscape damage, according to the White House Historical Association.

For the 45th year, the American Egg Board, representing the nation's egg farms, partnered with the White House to put on Monday's event. More than 64,000 eggs were brought in for the event.

Children take part in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on on Monday in Washington. In addition to the traditional egg roll and egg hunt, first lady Jill Biden continues last year's theme of EGGucation with educational activities and special performances on the South Lawn.

Biden told Roker that he celebrated Easter Sunday with his family at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. Biden was also asked about the 2024 election against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

I think the country is ready to come together. I mean that sincerely," Biden said. I just think people are so tired of the negativity that is propagated, that they just want to get engaged. They want to change things. I am optimistic.

Children take part in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on on April 1, 2024 in Washington. In addition to the traditional egg roll and egg hunt, first lady Jill Biden continues last year's theme of EGGucation with educational activities and special performances on the South Lawn.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White House Easter Egg Roll draws record 40,000 despite rain
History continues to be made in Denver and to highlight the end of Women's History Month over the weekend CBS Colorado highlighted women paving the way for the next generation.

Denver is one of the few cities across the country where women outnumber the men in areas of the legal profession. According to the American Bar Association as of 2023, women make up 39% of all lawyers. That's up from 29% at the turn of the century. In Denver, the first-female elected district attorney, Beth McCann, now leads an office that has 62 female prosecutors and 58 male prosecutors. Under McCann, the number of female prosecutors exceeded the number of male prosecutors in 2019. She says this wasn't by design, it just happened as she looks for the best candidates regardless of gender.

Still, with big power, comes big responsibility.



It's a mission Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, assistant DA Maggie Conboy and Chief Deputy Jane Walsh understand.



"One of the things that I think does make a difference when you have a woman running the office is that I think we are sensitive to the work-life balance," said McCann.

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann / Credit: CBS



They are three women who balance the pressures of working in the justice system while also finding family time and exploring Colorado's outdoors.



"I ran for this job previously in 2004 and didn't win and that was a real blow, as you might imagine, took me a while to recover from that," said McCann.



Perseverance is a big part of how McCann landed this historic role.



"I said okay, I'm going to try this one more time, and see if I can pull it off," said McCann, "You know, that was a big accomplishment for me personally and professionally."



When she finally decided to run for the position again, she knew she had to be confident, but it wasn't easy.



"You have to be willing to really spend a lot of time and energy marketing yourself, if you will," said McCann. "That's not always a comfortable place for women."

/ Credit: CBS

With that in mind-she has vowed to try make it a comfortable place for women just like her.



A big difference she has made in the role since taking office was adding paid maternity and paternity leave, something that was not offered before.



McCann has also created various new units and expanded on others to bring victims justice, including the Human Trafficking unit and the Elder and At-Risk Adult Abuse Unit, which Jane Walsh leads.



"I think it's encouraging that we have a large public office here that is being managed and run by a woman," said Walsh. "I found a lot of mentors, a lot of role models in Colorado and people have also been extremely kind of generous with their time, their knowledge and their support."



Support has come from women like Maggie Conboy, who, even with a busy workload, understands the importance of reaching out to other team members.



"I will say I've been lucky enough that there were women 5,10, 20 years in front of me who broke through a lot of the glass ceiling," said Conboy, "I think women my age know some stories about times when perhaps, we were not treated as fairly being women, but I think nowadays it's a lot better than it has been."



The office also started a peer support group five years ago with the intention to help staff cope with any trauma they may encounter while on the job.



"Our folks here, not just the attorneys, but the staff as well are exposed to a lot of trauma. I mean, horrible trauma, they see pictures, they read documents, you know, they read descriptions about just horrible things that you can't really even imagine," said McCann.



Six people in the office went through a 40-hour training to become peer supporters. They are now available to staff if they feel the need for it.



"We do have a psychologist who will who sort of help us if someone really needs more intensive kinds of treatment," added McCann.



It is through these additions she hopes to help with the overall work environment.



"I think those kinds of things are things that you know, having more women in leadership positions contributes to helping us deal a little more equitably with work-life balance," said McCann.

Largest dam removal project in U.S. history aims to help revive Americas salmon population

James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of the Oxford High School shooter, are sentenced

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs calls for repeal of near-total abortion ban
FILE - John Nkengasong, head of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, poses for a portrait on Aug. 29, 2023, in Washington. Nkengasong spoke to The Associated Press about his experience, at a period when challenges by anti-abortion groups and House Republican have made the future of PEPFAR uncertain. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Through his office window at what was then one of Africa's few modern clinics dealing with HIV and AIDS, the man who now oversees the United States' threatened global AIDS effort used to hear the sound of taxis pulling up throughout the day.

If he turned his head to look out the window, Dr. John Nkengasong said, he knew what he would see: another desperate family carrying a dying loved one  a man or woman already lapsing into a coma, a stick-thin child  and hoping to find help.

It was before the Bush administration started the U.S. President's Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, in 2004. There was almost no affordable effective treatment anywhere between South Africa and the Sahara, no rapid HIV tests or high-quality government labs, and few beds for AIDS patients.

Nkengasong has spent decades working in Africa on HIV and AIDS, a career intertwined with the U.S. program that since its introduction 20 years ago has transformed care in some of the hardest-hit countries and saved an estimated 25 million lives. He spoke to The Associated Press during a battle over funding in Congress that imperils the AIDS program's future.

Opponents say the HIV/AIDS funding could be indirectly supporting abortion abroad, although the Biden administration and PEPFARs defenders say there is no evidence that it does. After a handful of conservative lawmakers threatened for months to block the funding unless restrictions were attached, a compromise was struck in late March that extends the funding for a year.

But advocates of the program warn that without the full five-year renewal, its future remains in doubt as the political debate over abortion and reproductive rights only becomes more combative.

Before PEPFAR, in most cases, Nkengasong's infectious disease clinic in Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast, could offer the families no care. In their loved ones' last hours, the families who came there often were left to crouch outside, in the parking lot.

They would surround a skeleton of a human being, with a tinge of flesh over their bodies," Nkengasong recalled. "They held their loved ones, giving them the best comfort they could.

Soon enough, the sound of wailing would rise through his windows. The cries signaled another death to HIV/AIDS, one of millions in Africa by the mid-2000s.

The scene would be repeated nearly hour by hour, Nkengasong said. Sometimes he would get up and close the curtains, blocking out the misery of an epidemic he could not then stem.

Two decades later, Nkengasong says, his trips to the region from his offices in Washington bring joyous meetings with men, women and children whose lives were saved through PEPFAR, credited as the biggest government effort ever against a single disease.

In all, the U.S. program has spent more than $110 billion on HIV care and treatment, local medical systems and social programs aimed at stemming infection. The U.S. says it has saved 25 million lives in sub-Saharan Africa and other vulnerable regions, including those of 5.5 million children.

'A THRIVING INDUSTRY OF COFFINS'

Nkengasong, who was born in Cameroon and did his graduate studies in Belgium, worked in Africa in the 1990s, when the AIDS epidemic was raging all but unchecked.

It made for a thriving industry of coffins," he said. Visiting cities in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and elsewhere for his work on infectious diseases, he would travel streets lined by handmade coffins of all sizes.

Beds of infectious-disease clinics were full of "adults lying there looking like babies, because of what HIV had done. That ugly face," Nkengasong recalled.

With early retroviral medication averaging $10,000 per patient per year, only 50,000 HIV-infected people in sub-Saharan Africa were estimated to be receiving effective treatment in the mid-to-late 1990s. That was out of what the World Health Organization said was 10 million people there living with HIV and AIDS.

THE AHA MOMENT

One day in spring 2002, as he was in his lab conducting tests, a large American delegation suddenly arrived at the clinic in Abidjan.

Health Secretary Tommy Thompson and other leading U.S. health officials crowded into the facility, along with representatives of businesses and members of faith-based organizations.

I remember opening the door and the first person who walked through was Dr. Fauci, Nkengasong recounted. Anthony Fauci, a leading HIV researcher, was then a top official at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and a leader in Nkengasong's field of HIV and AIDS work. And he said, John, good to see you again. And I was so excited."

Unbeknownst to Nkengasong and his colleagues, national security adviser Condoleeza Rice and other officials privately had been making the case to President George W. Bush that the global HIV epidemic was where the U.S. could make a huge difference.

For the Bush administration, the epidemic presented an opportunity to do good at a time when the U.S. was waging war in Afghanistan and later Iraq as well after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Nine months after the Americans showed up in his lab, we're watching news on CNN, it was the State of the Union address," Nkengasong recalled. And President Bush announced the start of PEPFAR.

That night, the president pledged an initial $15 billion over the next five years to tackle the AIDS epidemic around the world.

Nkengasong called it the aha moment" for himself and others fighting AIDS in the most vulnerable region of the world.

Two decades later, AIDS deaths globally have fallen nearly 70% from their peak in 2004. Sub-Saharan Africa is still the most vulnerable region and home to two-thirds of the people living with HIV. But the PEPFAR program and others have strengthened health care systems to deal with infectious diseases, made treatment available to millions, and expanded support for the most at-risk populations, including women.

On a trip back to Abidjan, Nkengasong met a healthy 17-year-old girl, one of millions spared from infection at birth thanks to medical treatment that prevented HIV transmission from their infected mothers.

This past summer, he visited a clinic in Namibia where HIV-infected mothers had delivered super healthy babies thanks to treatment that saved them from infection.

I grabbed some of the babies and looked at them, he said. Holding them, he wondered what would have happened to them without proper care.

And they just give you that smile," he said.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The Point Loma Farmers Market hosted its Easter Sunday Eggstravaganza at Point Loma High School complete with a free egg hunt for kids.

Breighanna Martinez brought her whole family out for the occasion. It was great for today especially before the rain, especially with yesterday we didnt get to get out and do an egg hunt with the kids, so it was good that they had the experience today, said the mother of two.

Easter Sunday rainbow gleams over Scripps Pier

The 10-month-old market had an array of vendors, activities and food, but market owner Brady Farmer said many more vendors were expected.

So sadly, Manivela Coffee, our cherished beloved coffee, couldnt show up because the rain hit them so hard yesterday it blew out their generator or something like that, explained Farmer. A lot of vendors were just drenched in the rain yesterday in Little Italy, they all shut down early and sadly a lot of them could not make.

What stores, restaurants are open for Easter 2024?

The Farmers Market is also a fundraiser for the Devoted to Youth Foundation, a nonprofit that works to help youths and families in need.

I came from a very poor family, didnt have much and had to start working very young, so I created it out of a necessity to help train moms and dads and train people how to get into the workforce or do something for themselves, to thrive on their own, said Farmer.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. The Israeli military killed more than 200 terrorists during an operation at the Al-Shifa medical center in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference, Trend reports.

We have killed more than 200 terrorists in al-Shifa, Netanyahu said.

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.
NEW BRUNSWICK  A Middlesex County Superior Court judge has ordered the police bodycam footage of an April 2022 meeting between Spotswood Mayor Jackie Palmer and seven members of the borough police department to be turned over to the attorneys in a legal battle over whether the recording should be destroyed or released to the public.

Palmer has gone to gone to court to prevent disclosure of the footage, now in the possession of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, that a police officer in a lawsuit against the borough says has a recording of the mayor making "inappropriate comments" about a Black resident at Borough Hall.

Gannett, the parent company of the Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com, has filed as an intervenor in the court proceedings after submitting an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request for the footage. Spotswood resident Steven Wronko has also filed as an intervenor in the case and has filed an OPRA request for the footage.

In a Thursday morning hearing, Judge Michael Toto said redacted footage given to the attorneys in the case would clear up issues in their legal arguments and "inconsistencies" in the facts.

"You can't have good law unless you get good facts," Toto said. "And we don't have that yet."

The attorneys have not yet seen the footage.

"I think you all need to see it," the judge said, adding "we're in a bit of a gray area."

Toto, who said he has seen the recording, also said there are "some factual inconsistencies that need to be fleshed out before we get to the next step."

At the heart of the legal case is a reconciliation among the state's OPRA law on public access to government records, the state bodycam law and state rules on internal affairs investigations.

Matt Moench, Palmer's attorney, argued that the footage should be destroyed because Palmer was not told she was being recorded and the bodycams were "intentionally turned on improperly."

But that depends on the determination of whether the officers' meeting with the mayor was part of a continuing investigation of two incidents involving the Black man at Borough Hall and his arrest.

CJ Griffin, counsel to Gannett and MyCentralJersey.com, argued that because Palmer was a witness to the incidents, she could be recorded on the bodycams. Griffin also said that the police officers were in the official course of their duties during the meeting with the mayor.

Griffin added that the litigation brought by the mayor is "costing the borough a significant amount of money."

Walter Luers, Wronko's attorney, told the judge that he found it "incredible" that one branch of government is asking another branch of government to destroy a government document.

Toto ordered the Prosecutor's Office to remove from the footage identifying information of private citizens, information about police procedures and attorney-client information. The Prosecutor's Office has an April 5 deadline to provide a redacted copy of the footage to the judge.

The footage must be provided to the attorneys in the case by April 12. The judge ruled the footage will be for "Attorney's Eyes Only," meaning it cannot be shared, disseminated or released to anyone, including the parties in the case, without permission of the judge.

The attorneys will then have until April 26 to submit supplemental briefs on the case to the judge.

The controversy

Griffin, a government transparency attorney, has argued in court papers that "all the public will learn from disclosure of this video is whether Mayor Palmer said the highly inflammatory and problematic things" that Borough Police Officer Richard Sasso alleged in his lawsuit.

"The video is a neutral account of what Mayor Palmer said and the public deserves to see it," Griffin stated in court papers.

Griffin maintained "the need to know about the misconduct or bad behavior of public employees or elected officials is just as important as the right to monitor the police."

State law requires the officers to keep their bodycams activated when they respond to a call for service and Palmer made a call for service when the Black man was in Borough Hall, Griffin contended, and the cameras should remain activated until the event is "fully concluded."

What the case boils down to, Griffin wrote, is that "Mayor Palmer obviously prefers that the public not see the video and enough taxpayer money has been wasted trying to keep this video from the public."

Spotswood Mayor Jackie Palmer

The controversy over the bodycam footage accelerated when Sasso, president of the Spotswood PBA, filed a Superior Court lawsuit on Jan. 15 against Palmer and the borough, alleging violations of the state's Whistleblower Law and other allegations.

Sasso's lawsuit is one of many that police officers have filed against the borough and even each other.

In the 45-page lawsuit, Sasso alleges Palmer repeatedly interfered in the police department and retaliated against him.

In one part of the lawsuit, Sasso details "racially-charged" April 2022 incidents when a Black resident came to the municipal building and was allegedly confronted by Palmer and a meeting between Palmer and police officers.

More: Spotswood mayor suspends top cops; lawyer says it's 'an outrageous abuse of power'

Sasso alleges that in surveillance he reviewed, he saw Palmer "being extremely antagonistic" and telling the resident he had to listen to her because she "is the mayor."

The surveillance also shows Palmer ignoring a police captain's advice to stay in her office rather than approach the man, Sasso alleges.

When the resident returned to the municipal building six days later, police were dispatched to the building because unnamed municipal employees felt unsafe because the resident was there, the suit contends, and they asked for police escorts to their offices.

But, during that time, the suit says, Palmer went on a "verbal tirade" because the man was not removed from the building.

The mayor allegedly said, "everyone is going to get an (expletive) chewing because if I (expletive) call downstairs and say get this (expletive) guy out of here," according to the lawsuit.

"I don't give a (expletive) if (expletive) Spotswood is on fire, there's got to be someone downstairs that can two foot this (expletive) stairs to find out what's happening," the lawsuit quotes the mayor.

After police called the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office to confirm the resident could not be ejected from the building because it would a violation of his civil rights if he were not committing a criminal act, Palmer was told of that directive from the authority that oversees all police departments in the county, the suit says.

But Palmer became "immediately hostile" and made "inappropriate comments," Sasso alleges, including "we need to control the perception of what's happening" and "I don't need BLM and the KKK fighting on our front steps over this."

The suit alleges that Palmer had the municipal administration initiate an Internal Affairs investigation into the police officers who were present because their bodycams recorded Palmer's comments.

That was done, Sasso said, as a legal strategy to block any potential OPRA requests for video footage of the meeting. One of the officers has since left the department.

Details of the Internal Affairs investigation that followed have been redacted from court papers.

Palmer maintains because it is "uncontroverted" that the footage was recorded in violation of state law. And because it was illegal, "no explanation has been offered for why it was not destroyed."

"It was improper for the videos to be turned on at all," Moench wrote in papers to Toto, adding there is no "remotely applicable" criteria to support keeping the cameras activated.

The mayor also argues that the police officers failed to notify her that the bodycams were recording as required by state law and a state Office of Attorney General directive.

"If there is no penalty or impact for not notifying someone they are being recorded, why would officers be concerned about complying?" Moench argued.

"Notification is an essential part of the overall scheme to balance public privacy concerns with law enforcement needs," Moench wrote. "It is not an afterthought or a pesky administrative issue."

Because the footage was "illegally obtained," Moench said "there is no question the video should have been destroyed."

Moench also contended there are "substantial policy interests weighing against disclosure" of the footage.

Palmer has a "reasonable expectation" that when she is having a meeting in her office that "she is not being secretly recorded and that such recordings would be subject to disclosure."

"If elected officials need to be concerned that every conversation they have in their office with staff is going to be recorded and subject to OPRA and common law right of access, it will stifle meaningful debate and impinge officials' ability to conduct business," said Moench, who has twice been elected mayor of Bridgewater.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Spotswood NJ police bodycam footage of mayor turned over to lawyers
Police officers injured on Jan. 6, 2021, harshly criticized former President Donald Trump forlionizing rioters convicted of attacking the Capitol that day.

Appearing at a news conference Monday hosted by President Joe Bidens re-election campaign, former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell and D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges questioned Trumps focus on law and order given his vow to pardon people convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol, some of whom assaulted police officers.

He cant claim to support law and order and at the same time support those who tried to upend our democracy, Gonell said at the event, which was held at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington. He cant claim to support law and order and stand at attention saluting the American flag while they play a modified national anthem written by a convicted felon who attacked my co-workers. Thats not leadership; thats betrayal.

Hodges called Trumps salute of a song recorded by Jan. 6 convicts absolutely mind-blowing, adding that you cant claim to be on our side and then promise pardons for violent insurrectionists who assaulted me and my colleagues.

Over the weekend, Trump, the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee, posted a video on social media that contained the image of a hog-tied Biden painted on the tailgate of a pickup truck. The Biden campaign slammed Trump over the video, saying he had suggested physical harm to the president.

Its not the first time and sadly it will not be the last time that Donald Trump chooses to traffic in violence, Biden campaign spokesman Michael Tyler said at the news conference. Political violence has been and continues to be central to Donald Trumps brand of politics.

Mondays news conference reflected the Biden campaigns broader strategy of highlighting Trumps authoritarian tendencies and his unapologetic embrace of Jan. 6 rioters, whom Trump has praised as unbelievable patriots.

Gonell and Hodges have been outspoken critics of Trump for his role on Jan. 6 and of Republicans for whitewashing the days events, as Gonell has said.

As a police officer defending the Capitol, I fought off the mob of Trump supporters in what resembled a medieval battle, Gonell wrote in January, saying he wound up needing surgery for injuries that led to his retirement in 2022. Its infuriating to still hear some of the people I protected spewing conspiracy theories.

He also holds Trump responsible for the injuries he suffered during the riot.

Our own president set us up, Gonnell told HuffPost in 2022.

Trumps affinity for violent rhetoric and his verbal attacks against a federal judge overseeing his criminal case in New York, including against the judges daughter, have also raised alarms in Congress and in the judiciary. Last week, another sitting federal judge from Washington harshly criticized Trumps attacks against his New York colleague in a live cable news interview, something that active members of the judiciary rarely do.

Its very disconcerting to have someone making comments about a judge, and its particularly problematic when those comments are in the form of a threat, especially if theyre directed at ones family, U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton told CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

We do these jobs because were committed to the rule of law and we believe in the rule of law, and the rule of law can only function effectively when we have judges who are prepared to carry out their duties without the threat of potential physical harm, he added.

Related...
Police: Man took control of car to escape kidnappers

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Akron police officers are investigating a kidnapping in which the victim said he took control of the suspects car.

Officers on Sunday morning went to a Fairlawn home to speak with a man who said he had been kidnapped at knifepoint late Saturday night, following a dispute at a bar along South Arlington Street in Akron, according to a news release.

Child, teen killed in multi-vehicle crash on I-90: EMS

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The mans captors drove him out of Summit County. But while traveling along state Route 21 in Wayne County, a struggle ensued, reads the release. The cars driver was struck by a single gunshot  considered to be a non-life-threatening injury  and fled the vehicle.

The kidnapping victim then took control of the car and drove off, according to the release.

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers later responded to a scene along the same stretch of road where a person  believed to be the second suspect in the kidnapping  was struck by a car and killed.

Akron police on Monday confirmed that person was inside the car during the struggle, and hit when the victim took control of the car.

Charges have not yet been filed, as the exact events surrounding the incident are still under investigation, the release reads.

The identities of those involved in the incident are being withheld.

Deputy injured, 1 dead in shooting and crash: I-Team

Anyone who can offer information on the investigation is urged to call Akron detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP (330-375-2847).

Anonymous tips can also be provided by:

Calling Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS (330-434-2677)

Texting TIPSCO with your tip to 274637

Downloading the Akron Police Department app and texting Tips411 or visiting the police departments website

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
We must crack down on people displaying swastikas at protests, says Lammy

David Lammy said it was 'outrageous' that Jewish people felt unsafe on the streets of London - Lucy North/PA

The swastika is a symbol of vile anti-Semitism and the police should bear down hard on those who use it during protests, David Lammy has said.

The shadow foreign secretary made the comments after a row erupted at the weekend when a Metropolitan Police officer was filmed telling a Jewish woman that a swastika in and of itself was not necessarily illegal and needed to be taken in context.

Mr Lammy dismissed the idea that context was needed, saying: Its a hate symbol, and its got to be treated as such. He said it was outrageous that Jewish people felt unsafe on the streets of London amid ongoing pro-Palestinian marches.

Speaking on LBC Radio, Mr Lammy said: All of us know that the swastika is a vile, terrible Nazi image that led to the attempted destruction of the Jewish people and certainly the loss of life of millions and millions of people.

Not just Jewish people, actually  black people were killed, disabled people were killed, gay men and women were murdered by the Nazis.

And the idea that a swastika is something where you need context, when clearly it is aimed at Jewish people particularly given what is happening in Israel-Gaza now, is horrendous. It doesnt need context. Its an outrageous symbol to use on a protest, and weve got to bear down hard on those that have used it.

Of course the man should have been arrested, but it does seem to me that the officer should have known this isnt about context. Its about vile anti-Semitism on the streets of London making people feel unsafe. Its a hate symbol and its got to be treated as such.

The woman at the centre of the exchange with the officer has condemned Scotland Yards approach to the policing of the protests.

Jocelin Weiss, who was filmed arguing with a police officer during the most recent pro-Palestinian march, said British Jews should not have to accept feeling unsafe in their own country.

She told Jonathan Sacerdoti, the broadcaster, in an interview online: Everyone is seeing this, everyone all around the world. People in Israel are seeing this, Jews in New York are seeing this, in California, all over the world they are watching London specifically and the lack of policing and really that is kind of the difference.

I dont think that London is necessarily a more anti-Semitic environment than anywhere else, it is just the lack of policing that makes it so much worse.

British Jews do not have to accept this  no one has to accept this. Swastikas are bad, OK? They dont need context.

Ms Weiss clashed with the officer on Saturday after complaining that pro-Palestinian marchers were carrying placards with swastikas and should be arrested.

During a lengthy exchange, the officer was heard telling her that swastikas needed to be taken in context. The comments have drawn criticism from Jewish groups.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: This clip is a short excerpt of what was a 10-minute conversation with an officer. During the full conversation, the officer establishes that the person the woman was concerned about had already been arrested for a public order offence in relation to a placard.

The officer then offered to arrange for other officers to attend and accompany the woman to identify any other persons she was concerned about amongst the protesters, but after turning to speak to his supervisor, she had unfortunately left.

Ms Weiss has denied leaving the area, insisting she was there for 20 minutes after the exchange with the officer.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Two local schools, as well as multiple others in the region, were targets of what law enforcement called "swatting" incidents on April Fools Day.

Greg Shull, spokesperson for Cleveland County Schools, said swatting is when someone calls in a threat - such as an active shooter on campus - that is false.

On Monday morning, calls were made to law enforcement claiming an active shooter was at both Crest High and Kings Mountain High schools. The call to Kings Mountain High was made around 9 a.m., and a second was made to Crest High at 11:28 a.m., according to Sheriff Alan Norman.

Kings Mountain Police held a press conference at 11 a.m.

During the conference, Chief Gerald Childress said there were similar incidents of swatting that happened at Apex and Lincoln County schools.

"This morning, about 9:01 a.m., we received a call about a potential shooter at the school," Childress said. "All our SROs were working the road because there they're out of school."

He said the call was made to the police administrative number, and there was a woman on the line who said there was a shooter at the school. He said there was the sound of gunshots in the background.

"It heightened our response," he said.

Childress said police still responded quickly and in force, taking around four minutes to get to Kings Mountain High. Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and North Carolina Highway Patrol were also called for assistance, and there were around 50 law enforcement officers on the scene.

He said when they accessed the school, they didn't find anyone on campus. There were no shell casings or any other sign that a shooting had taken place.

Childress said officers are trained in swatting incidents.

"We want to treat them as true calls," he said.

Childress said police are attempting to track down who made the calls and are doing their due diligence in finding the culprits and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.

"Something of this magnitude is very, very wrong," Childress said. "It's a shame someone would take the opportunity to do this."

He said it caused community concern, drained resources and tied up officers.

Norman said a similar call was made regarding Crest High School around 11:30 a.m. He said the call was made to Shelby Police, and the police department transferred the call to the Sheriff's Office. Norman said officers responded immediately but found no evidence of a shooting.

The city of Kings Mountain posted about the incident on its Facebook page stating the city had several calls asking about what was going on.

"First, rest assured that everything is under control," the post said. "There was a call came in of a potential active shooter at the high school. There are no students at the school today but officers have made a sweep of the school to clear it, where they found nobody. There will be a secondary sweep to follow protocol."

Kings Mountain Police Chief Gerald Childress talks to the media about an incident at Kings Mountain High School Monday morning, April 1, 2024.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Police respond to active shooting call at local high schools
Police searching for missing Jonesboro girl with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder last seen Sunday

A Matties Call Alert has been issued for a 16-year-old Jonesboro girl diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia last seen on Sunday.

Clayton County police officers responded to Stormy Lane Sunday afternoon in response to a call about a missing teen.

Officers met with Lawanda Harris, who told them that her daughter, Chelsey Lorraine Blackshear, 16, left home at about 3:30 p.m. on foot without permission.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

She doesnt know which direction her daughter walked.

Chelsey was described by her mother as standing 5 feet and 2 inches tall, weighing about 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a blue jacket, black tights, and black house shoes.

Harris said her daughter was taking medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Blackshear was entered into the Georgia Crime Information Center as a missing person and a Matties Call Alert Bulletin form was completed for her.

If you see her, please call the Clayton County Police Department at 770-477-3648 or call 911.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities say a vehicle reported stolen in 2014 was discovered by a fisherman Friday afternoon submerged near a boat launch in Wisconsin.

According to a release from the Wisconsin Dells Police Department, at 3:45 p.m., a fisherman in Crandall Bay reported that they had found a vehicle submerged in the water after using their sonar near the public boat launch on River Road.

Police say the vehicle was about 65 feet away from the boat landing and, with the help of the Columbia County Dive Team, they were able to pull the vehicle out of the water.

One person dead following crash in Winnebago County

Officials report that the vehicle did not have anyone inside of it, however, a check of its registration revealed that it was reported stolen from the City of Wisconsin Dells back in 2014.

At that time in 2014, police say a suspect was arrested on various theft and vehicle entry charges that are believed to be related to this newly found vehicle.

At this time, no other details about the vehicle and its ties to the 2014 arrest have been released.

The Wisconsin Dells Police Department was assisted on the scene by the Columbia County Dive Team, the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Platts Garage.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Raskin endorses Angela Alsobrooks for U.S. Senate

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-8th., became the latest Maryland representative to back Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in her bid to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.

Last year, Raskin was considering his own candidacy for the role. In a video announcement Monday, Raskin stood next to Alsobrooks, whos running against Raskins congressional colleague, U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, in the Democratic primary.

Im supporting Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate because shes going to deliver for the people of Maryland every day while defending democracy, Raskin said.

Maryland U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-8th, speaks at a rally in Rockville, Maryland on August 25, 2022.

Raskin joins U.S. Reps. John Sarbanes, D-3rd, Glenn Ivey, D-4th, Steny Hoyer, D-5th, and Kweisi Mfume, D-7th, in backing Alsobrooks. I am thankful to Congressman Raskin for his support and for his tremendous leadership, Alsobrooks said in the video announcement.

More: PG County Executive aims to expand work statewide as Maryland's next U.S. senator

Several state lawmakers endorse Trone for U.S. Senate

Several state lawmakers representing Prince Georges County, the home county of U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, backed U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, whos running with Alsobrooks for the Democratic nomination in the May 14 primary.

Trone, like Alsobrooks a Prince Georges County native, received endorsements from state delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Deni Taveras, Ashanti Martinez and Mary Lehman, all Democrats whose districts represent portions of the county that Alsobrooks currently leads as county executive.

Hes the only elected official Ive met other than me who knows what its like to grow up using an outhouse, Pena-Melnyk said in a Trone release, referencing Trone's upbringing on a Pennsylvania farm. Im all in for David.

Maryland Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk, D-Anne Arundel/Prince Georges, chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee, leads a bill hearing on March 14, 2024 in Annapolis.

Pena-Melnyk chairs the House Health and Government Operations Committee in the Maryland General Assembly. Lehman, who represents the same district in the countys northern section, along with Taveras and Martinez, who represent adjacent districts to Lehmans, backed Trone, while other state legislators in those three districts have endorsed Alsobrooks.

Im deeply honored to receive the support of these incredible elected officials, said Trone, in the release.

 Dwight A. Weingarten

More: From House seat, Trone aims for U.S. Senate in Maryland

Human Rights Campaign endorses Joe Vogel for Congress

The Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization has endorsed Del. Joe Vogel, D-Montgomery, in the race for Congress in the 6th District. The district includes all of Washington County.

Political notebook

Joe has made an immeasurable impact in the Maryland State House, creating community-focused change and bringing essential resources to Marylanders, said Reg Calcagno, Human Rights Campaign director for national campaigns. As a young changemaker and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Joe will also serve as an essential voice in the U.S. House for what we expect will be a return to a pro-equality majority after the November election. Were thrilled to endorse one of the next generations leaders and look forward to engaging Maryland voters and helping elect Joe Vogel to Congress.

Six weeks to go to the Maryland primaries

Primary Election Day is May 14, and early voting begins May 2 and runs to 8 p.m. May 9.

Primaries are "closed" in Maryland, which means only voters affiliated with a particular party may vote for their party's nominees for the General Election in November. But in Washington County, voters of all parties or with no affiliation may vote in the nonpartisan election for four open seats on the Washington County Board of Education. Residents of Hagerstown may also vote in the nonpartisan races for mayor and city council.

For candidate listings, sample ballots or registration information, visit the Washington County Board of Elections website at washco-mdelections.org or the Maryland State Board of Elections website at elections.maryland.gov.

 Tamela Baker

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Political notebook: Endorsements pile up as primaries approach
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are speaking out about the Biden administrations handling of the Israel- Hamas war.

Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen says the Biden administration needs to be tougher on Israel.

We have a situation where Netanyahu continues to essentially, you know, give the finger. So, the president and were sending more bombs that dont make sense, said Van Hollen.

Van Hollen says its time the Biden administration uses its leverage to get them to change course in Gaza.

My view is that a partnership needs to be a two-way street. Not a one-way blank check with the American taxpayer dollars, said Van Hollen.

The White House is trying to convince Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to find an alternative method for the planned ground invasion into Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza.

Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott disagrees and says they must do whatever it takes to defeat Hamas.

They have to destroy Hamas. They need Americas support, said Scott.

Scott accuses President Biden of not standing with Israel.

I mean, this is disgusting with the Biden administration supporting Israel, they have got to kill Hamas, said Scott.

Scotts comments come as the White House is still working to meet with Israeli military officials.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. Israeli army soldiers leave the Al-Shifa Medical Center after a military operation in the Palestinian Gaza Strip, Trend reports.

According to the report, after a military operation that lasted almost two weeks, Israeli soldiers are "completely withdrawing from the Al-Shifa complex and its surroundings."

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.
The politics of religion as Trump sells Bibles and Biden is criticized over Easter eggs

A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

Former President Donald Trump is literally selling religion to his followers in the form of commemorative Bibles, while President Joe Biden is being criticized by Republicans for allegedly disrespecting the Easter holiday.

Biden is the more overtly religious of the two, a lifelong practicing Catholic who has publicly struggled to reconcile his own feelings about issues like abortion with his partys focus on protecting the rights of American women.

Trump, meanwhile, is flirting with Christian nationalism in his promises to Make America Pray Again if elected and his incorporation of terms like persecution into his public complaints about his many legal problems.

CNNs AJ Willingham wrote about the echoes of Christian nationalism in Trumps licensing of his name to the God Bless the USA Bible, which the former president encourages his followers to buy for $59.99. The version of the Bible Trump is selling also includes the US Constitution and other founding documents. Fusing Christianity and patriotism in this way is problematic, the historian Jemar Tisby told Willingham.

Whats so pernicious about this is it plays on peoples devotion to God and their love of country, either of which by themselves could be innocuous or even good, Tisby said.

But in this effort, it is blending the two. And with Trump as the spokesperson, is conveying a very clear message about what kind of Christianity and what kind of love of nation (he is) promoting. Read Willinghams full report.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, the Georgia Democrat who is also the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, told CNNs Dana Bash on Sunday that the Bibles are in line with other products that have borne Trumps name: steaks, sneakers and now Scriptures.

But the larger fusing of public policy and religion is something different than selling golden sneakers.

While the country was built around the principle of separating church and state, Warnock argued, today religion is being used again, as one more proxy, as a tool in the culture wars.

Biden, meanwhile, was criticized on Sunday on Face the Nation by the archbishop of Washington, Wilton Cardinal Gregory, for picking and choosing elements of Catholicism.

While Gregory said Biden is sincere in his faith, on life issues, for instance, Biden is not explicit enough with his personal views.

There is a phrase that we have used in the past: a cafeteria Catholic, you choose that which is attractive and dismiss that which is challenging, Gregory said.

Harsher criticism came from Bidens political rivals, who seized on the fact that the president carried on the recent tradition of declaring March 31 as the Transgender Day of Visibility. It also happened to be Easter Sunday, meaning the two days coincided this year by chance.

The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easterwhich is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Banning sacred truth and traditionwhile at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as Transgender Dayis outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note, Johnson added.

During the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday, Biden told reporters that Johnson was uninformed. Conservative critics, in a similar vein as the so-called annual war on Christmas, also tried to attack Biden over the Easter Egg Roll, accusing him of banning religious-themed designs at White House Easter events, although it turns out that long-standing policy was also in place when Trump was president, according to White House aides.

These mini-dramas over religious signaling  Easter eggs as an avenue of freedom of religious expression?  can feel silly, but there are larger issues and changes in the religious makeup of the country.

While most Americans support the idea of separating church and state and few want to see the US declared a Christian nation, according to a Pew Research Center survey released in March, there is a divide over what role the Bible should play in public life.

Nearly half the country, 49%, said the Bible should have a great deal or some influence on US laws compared with 51% who say the Bible should have not much or no influence at all. There is, not surprisingly, a partisan split here. About two-thirds of Republicans say the Bible should influence US laws compared with one-third of Democrats.

A March survey from PRRI confirms the general move of Americans away from organized religion. The only major religious denomination currently growing in the US is unaffiliated.

Separately, PRRI research from February marks the importance of Christian nationalism in Trumps political base.

More than 30% of Americans might qualify as sympathetic to Christian nationalism when it is defined within the idea that America was meant by God to be a Christian nation. There are some blue states like Massachusetts and Oregon in which fewer than 20% of residents are sympathetic to this idea, and red states, like North Dakota and Mississippi, where half of residents are sympathetic, according to PRRI. People sympathetic to Christian nationalism are also more likely to condone the idea that political violence may be justified.

This survey illustrates how strongly this dangerous political theology is driving support for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement and how thoroughly it has established itself as an ideological keystone in todays Republican Party, said PRRI president and founder Robert Jones in releasing the study.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(The Hill)  Pope Francis made a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and the prompt release of all Israel hostages during his traditional Easter message to the city and the world on Sunday.

The address came after Francis presided over Mass in the morning and made several loops around the piazza, greeting some of the tens of thousands of people that the Vatican estimated to be in attendance.

Francis appeared in good form, The Associated Press reported, after battling respiratory problems all winter. It was a reassuring sign after Francis skipped the traditional Good Friday procession and skipped the Palm Sunday Mass last week, leaving an open question as to whether he would be fully participating in the Easter celebrations.

Full service on F, M subway lines resumes after months of construction

From the central balcony of the St. Peters Basilica, Francis delivered the traditional annual address, expressing his sympathies for those suffering throughout the world and calling for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, all for the sake of all!

Francis called for humanitarian aid to be ensured to Gaza, for the prompt release of all Israeli hostages taken on Oct. 7, and for an immediately cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Woman, 75, stabbed in the head in Fordham apartment elevator: NYPD

Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children. How much suffering we see in the eyes of the children: the children in those lands at war have forgotten how to smile! he added. With those eyes, they ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity; war is always a defeat!

Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming. Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts.

Francis said, let us not forget Syria, noting the immense suffering from a long and devastating war. He also expressed grief for the suffering of the Haitians and the Rohingya.

Francis appealed to all who have political responsibilities to spare no efforts in combatting the scourge of human trafficking, by working tirelessly to dismantle the networks of exploitation and to bring freedom to those who are their victims.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Will Pornhub block Kentucky? Legislature to force sites to ID for access to adult content

Lawmakers in Kentucky want kids to stop watching pornography. But a bill that's moved through the General Assembly to Gov. Andy Beshear's desk would have an impact on adults, as well.

House Bill 278, approved unanimously last week in the state House and Senate, would require websites that include a significant amount of content "harmful to minors" and "with the objective of earning a profit" to require verifying the age of users, or potentially face civil lawsuits.

The bill was initially put forward in January by Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville, with the intent to criminalize possession of child sex dolls (a separate bill outlawing them, House Bill 207, has since been signed by Beshear).

However, last week Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, filed an amendment before a vote in the Senate to take aim at pornographic websites. Lockett has said he agrees with the changes to the legislation, which was subsequently approved in that chamber and the House.

State Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, is behind a bill that would require porn websites in Kentucky to verify users' ages before they are allowed access.

The bill requires individuals who want to access websites with 33% of content considered harmful to minors to provide documentation that proves their age, such as a driver's license or other ID issued by the government. It isn't as easy as answering a quick prompt about a user's age.

Kentucky isn't the first state to consider such legislation, and many states that have passed similar bills have seen an immediate impact.

In Texas, Pornhub suspended access to internet users in early March after the state's legislature passed a bill last year requiring age verification  the law was initially blocked by a U.S. District Court judge, but that ruling was reversed last month by an appeals court.

Pornhub, a Canada-based website with a reported 42 billion total visits in 2019, is currently suing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over its enforcement.

The website had previously pulled its business out of Mississippi, Utah and Virginia over similar legislation. A video that plays for users who try to access Pornhub in those states features a clothed adult film actress telling viewers age-verification laws "put children and your privacy at risk" and draw internet users to sites with fewer safety measures in place, arguing "device-based verification solutions" are a better answer.

Williams told the Lexington Herald-Leader he believes the site would likely leave Kentucky as well if HB 278 is passed.

The Free Speech Coalition, a nonprofit trade association for the adult film industry, has also spoken out against age-verification legislation, calling laws "ineffective, unconstitutional and dangerous."

The bill has some support locally, though. The Kentucky Baptist Convention and the Family Foundation of Kentucky, support it, according to Kentucky Today, as they believe it would protect children from sexual abuse and online harassment.

More from Frankfort: Kentucky legislature pauses for veto period: 5 takeaways from a busy legislative session

Other provisions in HB 278 include increasing penalties for second-degree rape when the defendant is in a position of authority over the victim and harshening sentences for those convicted of human trafficking.

With approval in the House and Senate, the next step is action (or inaction) by Beshear. The Democratic governor who won reelection last year can sign it into law, veto it  with a heavy Republican majority in both chambers, the legislature could override his veto  or leave it unsigned, where it would become law without his signature.

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky legislature passes age-verification bill for porn websites
The top contenders to be Trump's vice-presidential nominee in 2024

Donald Trump is in the final stretch of determining his running mate.

The former president is facing competing pressures to find his new vice presidential nominee.

Trump has a lot of choices, from old rivals or MAGA allies.

Former President Donald Trump will have a new running mate in less than a week.

Ultimately, no one but Trump knows how this ends. He is famously mercurial. According to multiple reports, his final shortlist is likely down to North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio.

"I haven't made a final decision, but I have some idea of where we're going," Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity during an interview on Monday night.

Trump added that President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance "might make a difference" in who he chooses depending on how Biden moves forward amid calls from some Democrats to drop out of the race.

Trump is facing a deadline with the Republican National Convention set to kick off in Milwaukee next week.

Each one of the trio would offer something different to a ticket.

Rubio, 53, has focused on foreign policy since his 2016 primary run. He is the top Republican on the powerful Senate Intelligence Committee and would be the first person of color on a GOP ticket in nearly a century.

Vance, 39, has fashioned himself in Trump's populist mold. As a New York Times best-selling author, the Ohioian is not new to the national stage. Having cut his teeth in venture capital, Vance has key relationships with influential players in the tech world.

Burgum, 67, is a billionaire who only got into politics after establishing himself in the private sector, a similarity he shares with Trump. He leads one of the nation's smallest states but is familiar with issues that resonate with the former president's base. Most importantly, Burgum has the backing of some powerful names, including The Wall Street Journal's editorial board.

Here's a look at the shortlist and those who may have just missed the cut :

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida

Former President Donald Trump campaigned for Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, a former 2016 GOP arrival, ahead of the 2022 midterms. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Rubio once viewed as the GOP's future, is reportedly gaining attention as a possible pick.

Rubio, like DeSantis, endured significant taunting and attacks when he opposed Trump during the 2016 primaries. But the pair have moved beyond the "Liddle Marco" jabs.

The Florida senator was a key ally during Trump's presidency, though Rubio did not support overturning the 2020 election results. After the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, Rubio delivered an impassioned speech on the Senate floor, arguing that it was "a terrible idea" to continue to raise objections to the results.

Like many on this list, Rubio has given combative answers on whether he would accept the 2024 results.

"'No matter what happens?' No, if it's an unfair election, I think it's going to be contested by each side," Rubio told "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker in late May.

Now a third-term senator, Rubio would also have more experience in federal office than Vice President Kamala Harris did when Biden tapped her to be his running mate.

Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota

Former President Donald Trump has hinted that North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum would be in his next administration. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was virtually unknown nationally before his brief GOP primary run. It's not even clear if his campaign changed that status. Arguably, one of the biggest news days of his campaign was whether he would attend a primary debate after he injured his leg.

But since ending his campaign, Burgum has maintained a ubiquitous presence as a top-level surrogate all over TV. He's now a serious contender to be Trump's running mate.

If he doesn't get picked, Trump has already suggested including Burgum in his potential cabinet.

Burgum also shares the former president's background of parlaying business success into a political career. He sold his software company to Microsoft for $1.1 billion.

In late June, The Wall Street Journal editorial board, often considered the voice for establishment Republicans, endorsed Burgum out of the potential final three of Burgum, Rubio, and Vance.

"Mr. Burgum would be loyal to Mr. Trump, while also unafraid to offer hard advice or speak an unhappy truth when the moment demands it," the editorial board wrote.

Sen. JD Vance of Ohio

Vance at the Capitol on November 14, 2023. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Despite having just been elected to the US Senate last year, Vance has repeatedly been floated as a vice-presidential candidate for Trump.

And he's not saying no. In fact now, he's admitting that he would be disappointed if it doesn't work out.

"I'm human, right?" Vance recently told Fox News. "So when you know this thing is a possibility, if it doesn't happen, there is certainly going to be a little bit of disappointment."

A former venture capitalist and the author of the bestselling book "Hillbilly Elegy," Vance was once a "NeverTrumper" and a fierce critic of the former president. But he has since morphed into one of his staunchest acolytes in the Senate, and he's at the vanguard of a movement that seeks to reorient the party more towards the working class.

Vance and some other top VP contenders made it a point to attend Trump's Manhattan criminal trial. Trump later became the first former president to be convicted of a felony.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina

Scott on stage with Trump in Laconia, New Hampshire on January 22, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The 58-year-old three-term senator endorsed Trump shortly before the New Hampshire primary. The South Carolinian also largely avoided criticizing Trump in a way that may have foreclosed him being on the ticket.

According to Politico, Scott talks with Trump or texts with the former president nearly every week.

Scott previously stoked speculation that he could be picked by telling the Wall Street Journal that he found his and Trump's contrasting styles "to be very complementary."

It's worth noting that while the former president has a growing list of congressional allies, the Senate has repeatedly been an issue for him.

Scott's fellow South Carolinian, Sen. Lindsey Graham, has continued to pitch his potential even as reports center on other hopefuls.

"[I]f I were president Trump, I would make sure I pick somebody that could add value in 2024," Graham said on "Face the Nation" in early July.

Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida

Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, shakes former Donald President Donald Trump's hand Michael M Santiago/Getty Images

Donalds, currently in just his second term, has risen rapidly in Congress. Conservatives opposed to Kevin McCarthy's leadership put the Florida Republican forth as an alternative to the then-longtime House GOP leader. Donalds was later added to the powerful House Steering Committee after he switched his support to McCarthy and McCarthy went on to become speaker.

That wasn't his only major flip. Donalds, who had previously been DeSantis' close ally, endorsed Trump last April, part of a string of Florida Republicans that snubbed their governor to back the former president. Donalds has also been floated as a potential successor to DeSantis, who cannot run for reelection in 2026 due to consecutive term limits.

Donalds was also among the six potential names Ingraham suggested to the former president. Trump responded by saying, "They're all good, they're all solid."

Like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Donalds would also have to deal with potential concerns of sharing the same home state as Trump.

Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York

Stefanik at the Capitol on September 13, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The chairwoman of the House GOP Conference, Stefanik is the highest-ranking official who is seen as a potential Trump pick.

The New York congresswoman, who ascended to her leadership position on the heels of Liz Cheney's ouster, has notably undergone a sharp shift when it comes to Trump, beginning with the 2019 impeachment hearings.

Trump has reportedly described Stefanik as a "killer" and a potential pick in private, and the congresswoman recently said she "would be honored to serve in any capacity in a Trump administration."

Stefanik has raised her national profile by grilling college presidents over their handling of students who have protested the Israel-Hamas war. The New Yorker has drilled into administrators whom she has accused of being too weak in their response to antisemitism.

Former HUD Secretary Ben Carson

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson has stayed in Trump's orbit Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson has remained in Trump's good graces. It likely helps that he's one of the few Trump Cabinet veterans to endorse the former president wholeheartedly.

Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney told Sky News Australia in early June that Carson will likely get tapped.

"The one element I think Ben Carson has that none of the other six people on the list have is I don't think Ben Carson wants to be president; I don't think he wants to run for president," Mulvaney said.

Carson is much more conservative than Trump on a key issue: abortion. Carson has previously said he supports a nationwide abortion ban, a position that Trump has strenuously tried to avoid.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida

DeSantis in Derry, New Hampshire on January 17, 2024. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trump and his allies spent over a year ruthlessly attacking DeSantis. It was only toward the end of his disappointing primary that the 45-year-old began to return fire.

DeSantis did endorse Trump immediately after dropping out before New Hampshire, but the question remains if either side would want to repair their political alliance.

There appeared to be a brief peace, but that was thrown into after a top Trump campaign official tore into DeSantis. The public attack was in response to a report that DeSantis privately expressed concern that Trump might resort to "identity politics" when selecting his vice president.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy

Ramaswamy at an event in Des Moines, Iowa on January 15, 2024. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Like some other candidates on this list, Ramaswamy is unlikely to be chosen as Trump's next VP. But that doesn't mean there aren't people out there who would like to see it.

Ramaswamy was perhaps the only candidate in the race who never dared to issue substantive criticisms of Trump, choosing instead to run as a staunch supporter of the former president who would carry that mantle forward.

He dropped out immediately after coming in 4th in Iowa, endorsing Trump and likely securing himself some sort of future position in MAGA world, if not Trump's actual cabinet.

But while Ramaswamy would be popular with some of Trump's most devoted followers, his penchant for conspiracy theorizing would likely be a liability in a general election.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia

Greene at the Capitol on January 11, 2024. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Greene, the fire-breathing conspiracy-minded congresswoman from Georgia, wouldn't exactly be a tent-expanding choice for the former president.

But that hasn't stopped her from talking up her own prospects.

"It's talked about frequently and I know my name is on a list," Greene told The Guardian in August. "But really my biggest focus right now is serving the district that elected me."

A second-term legislator with no major policy accomplishments, Greene wouldn't bring much to the equation when it comes to policy chops or broadening Trump's appeal. In fact, it could damage the ticket, given her extremely poor polling .

Greene has also alienated top party leaders over her push to oust Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump has repeatedly praised Johnson as he tried to navigate Greene's challenge.

Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama

Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Britt quickly built her profile before delivering the Republican Party's official response to Biden's State of the Union address.

Britt's response was widely panned, including by some Republicans. NBC's "Saturday Night Live" enlisted Scarlett Johansson to impersonate the freshman senator.

At just 42, Britt could become one of the youngest vice presidents in recent memory. Only Dan Quayle, then a US senator from Indiana, would have been slightly younger. Quayle was 41 when he began his vice presidency under President George H.W. Bush.

Britt has made her age and the fact she is a mother of school-age children a key selling point in her political career.

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley

Haley in Hampton, New Hampshire on January 23, 2024. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Haley offered a limited endorsement of Trump in late May, ending speculation about who she would vote for in November.

"I will be voting for Trump," Haley said at an event after listing off her disagreements with Biden. She added, "Trump would be smart to reach out to the millions of people who voted for me and continue to support me and not assume that they're just going to be with him. And I genuinely hope he does that."

Trump, who previously shot down an earlier report that he was considering Haley to be vice president, said Haley is "going to be on our team in some form."

Toward the end of her primary challenge, Haley repeatedly said she's not interested in being anyone's vice president. She praised Trump when she served as his UN ambassador, but was highly critical of him during the GOP primary.

Biden has also shown greater interest in bringing Haley's voters than Trump.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas

Sanders delivers the GOP response to the State of the Union address on February 7, 2023. Al Drago/Getty Images

No one on this list knows Trump like Sanders. As his second White House press secretary, Sanders turned her turn at the podium into a governorship. As Arkansas governor, she's pursued an array of conservative policies.

She has endorsed Trump's campaign, but she has hinted that she wouldn't be interested in returning to the White House as vice president.

"Look, I absolutely love the job I have. I think it's one of the best jobs I could ever ask for, and I am honored to serve as governor, and I hope I get to do it for the next seven years," Sanders previously told CBS News.

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was once the most surprising name under Trump's consideration. The former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate may now have her eyes set on a different Cabinet post.

In early June, Gabbard said during an interview that serving as either Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense would be one of the ways she could best serve the country under a possible second Trump administration.

Her politics have changed drastically since then. In 2022, she announced that she was formerly leaving the Democratic Party. Over time, the four-term former congresswoman became a fixture on Fox News and at political events. According to The Washington Post, Gabbard has also advised the former president and his team about defense policy.

She was also among the six names Ingraham asked Trump about in terms of potential running mates.

Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota

Noem at a rally in Rapid City, South Dakota on September 8, 2023. Scott Olson/Getty Images

The second-term South Dakota governor was once, perhaps best known nationally for flouting COVID restrictions during the pandemic. That was until Noem decided to include a story in a forthcoming book about her decision to kill the family's 14-month-old dog after she claimed it proved to be untrainable and overly aggressive.

Since then, the consensus is that Noem has greatly damaged her prospects of becoming Trump's running mate.

Before the dog episode, Noem faced concerns after she posted a bizarre infomercial-esque video touting a dental procedure she received in Texas.

Noem may have even confirmed that her chance is over after she admitted that she had not received any vetting paperwork that others on this list did.

"I've had conversations with the president, and I know that he is the only one who will be making the decisions on who will be his vice president," she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Powerful unions have joined forces with former Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner to call for state intervention to stop what they allege is the misuse of voter-approved funding to expand arts education in California.

In a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state officials, Beutner and the unions claim that some school districts are taking funding, approved by voters in November 2022 to expand arts education, and are using it for other purposes. This year that funding totals $938 million.

The unions that signed the letter are California Teachers Assn., the largest state teachers union, and CFT, the other major statewide teachers union. Also signing the letter are the largest unions in the L.A. Unified School District: Local 99 of Service Employees International Union, which represents the greatest number of non-teaching school employees, and United Teachers Los Angeles, the second-largest teachers union local in the nation. Other unions include Teamsters Local 572, which also represents L.A. school district workers, and the teachers union for Oakland Unified.

"Some school districts in California are willfully violating the law by using the new funds provided by Prop. 28 to replace existing spending for arts education at schools," the letter states.

Under the new law, the money must be used by schools to increase arts programs and each school can decide how best to add on to their programs. The arts windfall is drawn from the state's general fund  at an amount equal to 1% of all money spent on schools serving students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Thus the money is ongoing and will generally increase each year.

Read more: California voters approve Proposition 28 for music and arts education funding

The letter lists no specific examples and does not name districts that are suspected by unions of being in violation of the law. Beutner said there is concern that whistleblowers could become targets for retaliation.

The unions and Beutner are calling on the state to require that districts certify within 30 days "that Prop. 28 funds have not been used to supplant any existing spending for arts education at any school." In addition, the signatories want the state to require school districts to list "additional arts and music teachers" employed by each school district in the current school year and "how that compares" to the prior year.

"We say more means more," said UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz. "That means every student at every school in the entire state, and that also has to translate to more educators and classified workers in every school."

Beutner authored Proposition 28 after he left L.A. Unified in June 2021 and voters subsequently approved the ballot measure by a nearly two-thirds margin. Students were to benefit starting in the current school year.

The text of Proposition 28, points to research that the overwhelming majority of public schools "fail to provide a high-quality course of study across arts disciplines" and that "access to arts education is worse for high-poverty schools," adding that "the cause of the steady decline in arts and music education is directly linked to inadequate and unstable funding of such programs."

If misuse of the Proposition 28 funding is or becomes widespread, "instead of hiring about 15,000 additional teachers [statewide] and aides, the funds would instead be used to pay for existing programs," the letter states. "This means millions of children will miss out on the arts education voters promised them."

The letter was sent to the governor late Friday, according to its authors. Neither the governor's office nor the California Department of Education, which also received the letter, had provided a response to The Times by early this week.

Although the letter does not name a school district, Myart-Cruz singled out L.A. Unified as one transgressor, probably one among many.

"LAUSD is supplanting Prop. 28," Myart-Cruz said. "And I can only bet that districts across the state are doing the same thing."

She said the union is trying to gather documentation but that the school system has been slow to provide requested information.

In two recent school board meetings, David Hart, the district's chief business officer, said the district is abiding by legal requirements.

"I feel very confident that we are not, in any way, stepping afoul of the intended supplement versus supplant," Hart told board members in response to a question on Feb. 20. "I will acknowledge that there is school-by-school variance."

The budget at one L.A. school, Dixie Canyon Elementary in Sherman Oaks, has been cited by Proposition 28 advocates as an example of alleged misuse of the funding.

At that school, the issue was raised by Audrey Lieberstein, a parent leader in the PTA and the school's governing councils, who provided school budget documents and copies of correspondence with L.A. Unified to The Times.

In her emails to district officials, Lieberstein noted that last year's school budget set aside $48,766 for a two-day-a-week arts teacher. There was no such provision in this year's budget, according to the budget documents. An additional budget document she said she obtained from the principal shows the arts position being paid for by Proposition 28 funds.

Lieberstein sees this situation as a violation. The Proposition 28 money, she said, should have been in addition to what the school spent in the prior year.

Dixie Canyon had 610 students last year and a poverty rate of about 25%. Per the state funding formula, that would add up to a Proposition 28 budget of about $78,000  in addition, presumably, to the $48,766 already provided for a teacher at the school part time as well as other previous funds used for materials.

In responses to Lieberstein and to The Times, L.A. Unified officials have insisted that overall arts funding has increased district-wide  even more than required by Proposition 28. In addition to Proposition 28, they point to increased arts spending in the separately funded Cultural Arts Passport program, which has paid for many field trips and could, they said, potentially be used for arts instruction.

The critics, however, say that field trips  that may or may not be arts-related  should not be conflated with the new requirements for arts instruction.

The letter to the state takes issue with L.A. Unified's interpretation, without citing a specific school or district:

"At least one school district claims that it is not supplanting funds for arts education because the total amount being spent by the district has increased. Again, this is not a correct understanding of the law. The law clearly states that every public school will receive increased funds for arts and music education. Prop. 28 allocates a certain amount of funding to each and every school to make this possible."

Beutner reviewed the Dixie Canyon correspondence at the request of The Times and said that, based on his preliminary review, the district appears to be violating the law at that school.

Beutner also noted examples of school districts that appear to be using the new arts money properly, including the systems in Santa Monica, Compton and Bakersfield.

Decoding the potential misuse of funds could prove complicated. For one, under the law, schools don't have to spend the money this year. Valid reasons for not spending the money could include the inability to hire a teacher, or the need to purchase equipment or provide training. Schools have three years to spend the money but aren't supposed to sit on it just for the sake of doing so, Beutner said.

Read more: A school bus, donated dresses, Alicia Keys' hairstylist: Two LAUSD students go to Oscars

Per state requirements, school districts already must certify annually that their spending has been appropriate and report additional information. Schools also must create a spending plan. But the state has not posted specific deadlines in its guidance.

A Times review of state materials provided to school districts shows they lack clarity and consistency, potentially allowing for different interpretations of what is legal to do. L.A. Unified points to a portion of the state audit manual that talks only about documenting district-wide arts spending. But other state guidelines note that school districts are "required to allocate funds to eligible school sites in the amounts calculated by the California Dept. of Education" under Proposition 28.

The critics' letter, in essence, is seeking to tighten up and expedite the state's accountability system.

Beutner said it was important not to wait, because it will be hard to claw back for students money that has already been misspent.

Lieberstein told school officials she wants students to benefit fully from the arts infusion.

"Im simply trying to understand the law and how its being carried out for all of our kids," Lieberstein wrote in a Feb. 17 email to the district. "If there was a mistake in allocation or interpretation, then perhaps the schools have a chance at getting back their original source of arts funding and having Prop. 28 in addition as the law intended! This would be a big win for our public schools and help instill faith in the district."

If you have concerns about how your school or school district is using Proposition 28 funds or related news tips or documents, please contact howard.blume@latimes.com.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) is investigating a shooting that happened in the overnight hours of Sunday, March 31 that injured a minor.

According to PPD, on Sunday, a little before 2 a.m. officers were called to a home on the south side of Pueblo about reports of a shooting. Officers learned the shooting happened near the intersection of Lancaster Drive and Hollywood Drive in the Highland Park area.

The victim was revealed to be a boy, who was taken to the hospital by a private vehicle before officers arrived. Police met with the victim at the hospital and confirmed he suffered a gunshot wound. Other officers found the shooting location and expanded their investigation into the area.

PPD said currently no suspects have been identified, and further details are yet to be determined.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Preachers wife and her friend vanish as their vehicle is found abandoned, OK cops say

Two women have been reported missing after the vehicle they were traveling in was discovered abandoned, authorities say.

The Texas County Sheriffs Office in Oklahoma requested help Saturday, March 30, following the disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation deemed their vanishings suspicious.

The two women left Hugoton, Kansas, on Saturday but they never arrived to their intended destination, KWCH reported.

The two women were traveling together to pick up children, according to the sheriffs office. Their car was later found abandoned on the side of the road south of Elkhart, Kansas, which is near the state line with Oklahoma, authorities said.

Butler and Kelleys whereabouts are unknown as of April 1.

Butler is described as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall, with red hair and green eyes, according to the sheriffs office. She was last seen wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and denim shorts.

Kelley, who has brown hair and blue eyes, was last seen wearing white-washed blue jeans with a long-sleeved shirt, authorities said.

Willow Christian Church in Indianola, Nebraska, said Kelley is the wife of their new minister, Heath Kelley. He was appointed as the churchs new minister in November, but had not yet began his position.

Church members gathered Sunday, March 31, to pray for the missing women.

Hugoton First Christian Church, Pastor Heath Kelleys current church, also opened its doors Sunday for continuous prayers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-522-8017.

Missing mothers body found in garbage truck in Virginia, police say

Missing 27-year-old California woman found dead, Arizona officials say

Woman vanishes on hike with only snacks for day, California cops say. Now search is on
Astronomy nerds and eclipse enthusiasts (and of course, the general public) will be eagerly awaiting Monday, April 8 to witness a once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon  a solar eclipse.

Or is something else going on? Maybe an extremely large, mischievous black squirrel chewing on the sun or the infamous Norse god, Loki, attempting to steal the fiery star for revenge.

Okay, maybe it's not either of those but you should definitely warn everyone you know about upcoming bad events happening due to the eclipse, right? Maybe not that either.

With any natural phenomenon on our planet, many myths and folklore have been associated with eclipses since the dawn of time. Below is a roundup of the top ones about solar eclipses, along with explanations. Perfect for easing your own worries about the event or having a conversation starter for the upcoming week.

When is the total solar eclipse in April 2024?

The total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. The total eclipse will darken the coast of Mexico on April 8, about 11:07 a.m. PDT and leave the continental North America at 5:16 NDT.

The partial eclipse will begin first as the edge of the moon becomes visible, and then about an hour and 20 minutes later the totality will begin and last for three or four minutes before the sun begins to appear again.

How much of the eclipse will be visible in Florida?

This map shows the path of the 2017 total solar eclipse, crossing from Oregon to South Carolina, and the 2024 total solar eclipse, crossing from Mexico into Texas, up to Maine and exiting over Canada.

Florida is not in the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse, so residents won't see the moon completely block the sun.

Residents will see a partial eclipse, though. Anywhere from 54 percent of 82 percent of the sun will be covered during the eclipse, depending on where you are in Florida, with those in the northwest corner of the Panhandle will see the most coverage (think Pensacola).

MYTH: If you are pregnant, you shouldn't watch an eclipse because it can harm your baby

According to NASA, an age-old myth warns women who are pregnant should not watch an eclipse because it can harm their baby. It stems from the false idea that harmful radiations are emitted during a total solar eclipse.

Many ancient people worried an eclipse caused pregnancy issues such as blindness, cleft lips, and birthmarks, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

"Even today, pregnant women are sometimes warned to stay inside, not eat, not carry sharp objects, and not eat cooked food from prior to the eclipse," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

"This is an entirely harmless effect and would not harm you, or if you are pregnant, the developing fetus," according to NASA.

MYTH: An eclipse will poison any food prepared during the event

Betty Tumbleson of Green Bay sits on the CityDeck while looking at the solar eclipse with special glasses on Aug. 21, 2017, during a viewing party hosted by the city of Green Bay and Downtown Green Bay Inc.

This myth is also related to the fear of radiation: the claim that during a total eclipse the corona emits emits electromagnetic radiation that can cause blindness, according to NASA.

So the thinking is radiation will harm food. If that were the case, all food in your pantry and crops yet to be harvested would be affected.

While the ghostly green corona may look frightening, don't look for coincidences, NASA warned.

MYTH: Eclipses are omens and predict something very bad is about to happen

Have any relatives or friends started getting agitated by the upcoming celestial event or even expressed fear?

While many get excited to experience the beautiful, natural phenomenon, solar eclipses can also evoke fear for others. Many people see eclipses as omens that can predict something bad can happen  death, destruction and disasters.

Luckily, NASA has an explanation for why, writing: "A classic case of what psychologists call 'Confirmation Bias' is that we tend to remember all the occasions when two things happened together, but forget all of the other times when they did not.

"This gives us a biased view of causes and effects that we remember easily, because the human brain is predisposed to looking for, and remembering, patterns that can be used as survival rules-of-thumb. Total solar eclipses are not often recorded in the historical record, but they do tend to be recorded when they coincide with other historical events.

MYTH: Solar eclipses foretell major life changes and events about to happen

On the more positive end, some willingly look towards the eclipse for a glimpse into the future. Its no secret that celestial events are tied to astrology and predictions of the future, with phrases like when the stars align or once in a blue moon."

Solar eclipses dont actually have a foreshadowing ability, but it is common in astrological forecasts, which are based on coincidences and non-scientific beliefs in how celestial events control human behavior, NASA states.

Confirmation bias is present here, too, according to the NASA post about solar eclipses and myths: A common qualification is that if the eclipse doesnt foretell a change in your life it may foretell a change in that of your friends. This is a logically flawed used of confirmation bias in which you prove a cause-and-effect relationship by ignoring failures and only consider successful forecasts. There is nothing other than human psychology that connects eclipses with future events in your life," NASA states.

MYTH: Solar eclipses 6 months after your birthday, or on your birthday, are a sign of impending bad health

"There is no physical relationship between a total solar eclipse and your health, any more than there is a relationship between your health and a new moon.

"Among a random sample of people, you may find such correlations from time to time but they are outnumbered by all the other occasions during which your health was excellent," NASA said.

Don't believe it? Check back on Oct. 8.

MYTH: The moon turns black during a total solar eclipse

Jack Slipe of Bushkill, who with his wife Maureen watched the total solar eclipse in 2017 from Tennessee, snapped this picture of totality. Clouds broke just in time, while a few miles away, hopeful eclipse watchers were left with overcast skies.

The moon turning black during a total solar eclipse is actually a trick of the eyes  sort of.

According to NASA: "As viewed from the moon, Earth is very bright in the sky and its weak light is enough to turn the lunar surface a pale milky white. This is called earthshine, and the same thing applies during a total solar eclipse. Most of Earths surface is actually in broad daylight off the path of totality, and from the moon it would be in full phase, shining down on the lunar surface at its brightest. So, during a total solar eclipse, the lunar surface will be dimly seen due to earthshine, surrounded by the much more brilliant corona of the sun.

FOLKLORE: See how other cultures responded during an eclipse

The Old Farmer's Almanac shared folklore associated with an eclipse:

Fear led Chippewa people to shoot flaming arrows into the sky to try to rekindle the sun. Tribes in Peru did the same for a different reason; they hoped to scare off a beast attacking the sun.

In Indonesia and Polynesia, Rahu consumes the sun  but burns his tongue and spits it out.

In Transylvanian folklore, an eclipse stems from the angry sun turning away and covering herself with darkness, in response to mens bad behavior.

In India, many believe an eclipse happens when a dragon is trying to seize the sun and moon. People immerse themselves in rivers up to their neck, imploring the sun and moon to defend them against the dragon.

In Tahitian myth, the sun and moon are lovers who join up  providing an eclipse  but get lost in the moment and created stars to light their return to normalcy.

In Bohemia, miners believe an eclipse means good luck in finding gold.

Another myth shared by KidsEclipse said that in Japan, people once believed poison dropped from the sky during an eclipse. To prevent the poison from dropping into their drinking water, they covered all the wells during an eclipse.

In Norse culture, the evil enchanter Loki is chained by the gods. He gets revenge by creating wolflike giants, one of which swallows the Sun. Another of the giant wolves chases the moon, trying to eat it.

FOLKLORE: Legends depict the sun being eaten

Many legends explain an eclipse as the sun being eaten and what people did to have it return to normal.

Exploratorium gathered these legends from around the world:

In Vietnam, legend has it that a giant frog swallows the sun. Its master, the lord of Hahn, convinces the frog to spit it out.

In Javanese mythology, the god of darkness, Batara Kala, swallows the sun. Javanese villagers try to make Batara Kala release the sun by offering sacrifices and beating drums.

In Andean mythology, a puma devours the sun. To prevent the suns death, the puma must be frightened away by the screams of children and the cries of animals.

According to Choctaw legend, a mischievous black squirrel gnaws on the sun.

In the U.S. Northwest, the Pomo peoples name for a solar eclipse is Sun got bit by a bear. They tell a story about a bear who goes out for a stroll along the Milky Way. The bear meets up with the sun, and the two begin to argue about who will move out of the others path. The argument turns into a fight, which is the eclipse.

In ancient China, it was commonly held that a celestial dragon attacked and devoured the sun. To frighten away the dragon and save the Sun, people would bang drums and make loud noises.

Emperors, kings, and rulers throughout history have been nervous about eclipses, with court astrologers interpreting them that the monarchs power was in danger. In ancient Babylon, there was the practice of hiring stand-in kings to sit on the throne during an eclipse, so any harm would come to them instead of the real king, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Eclipse solar 2024: Myths, folklore, facts surrounding why
The personal information of more than 73 million people was exposed on the dark web after a massive cybersecurity breach of cellphone provider AT&T.

The company released a statement on Saturday revealing an unknown source posted the personal information  including social security numbers  of 65.4m former customers and 7.6m current users to the dark web. The data set appears to be from 2019 or earlier, according to their statement on Saturday.

The company is still assessing potential sources of the data, they said.

Currently, AT&T does not have evidence of unauthorized access to its systems resulting in exfiltration of the data set, the statement reads. The company is communicating proactively with those impacted and will be offering credit monitoring at our expense where applicable.

Those impacted should closely monitor their account activity and credit reports, the company also said. However, a preliminary investigation shows that the breach did not include customers personal financial information or call history.

This breach isnt the first time AT&T has made headlines this year. Last month, the company saw a widespread service outage impacting thousands of customers. The outages were due to the application and execution of an incorrect process during network expansion, rather than a cyberattack, the company said in a statement at the time. The Federal Communications Commission is also investigating the attack.

Similarly, in December 2023 telecommunications company Xfinity reported that hackers exploited a vulnerability in their software and likely acquired customers usernames and passwords. The breach affected some 35.9m people. For some customers, the hackers may have also identified the last four digits of social security numbers, account security questions, birthdates and contact information.
On March 31, leading members of the British royal family attended Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle. Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Sarah Ferguson chose to wear different shades of green for their outings. It is reported that this is a symbol of "new beginnings" that the royal family hopes for at a time when both King Charles III and the future Queen Kate Middleton are undergoing cancer treatment.

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It is worth noting that neither Kate Middleton nor her husband Prince William attended the service. Together with their three children, they will spend the Easter holidays at Amner Hall, their country house, where they will be able to "close themselves off from the world and move on." Now OBOZ.UA offers to talk about the elegant and eloquent outfits of those who did attend the traditional festive service in Windsor.

Thus, 76-year-old Queen Camilla this time opted for an exquisite racing green dress with a somewhat extravagant matching hat. The look was complemented by black suede knee-high boots and a stylish CHANEL handbag, also in black.

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Camilla also wore a black cropped cape with a brooch, and her hands were wearing black leather gloves.

The Queen consort smiled broadly at the well-wishers who had gathered as she arrived alongside her sovereign husband at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.

Meanwhile, Princess Anne, 73, also chose green, but a much lighter shade of it, wearing a herringbone coat and a herringbone hat with matching feather embellishments.

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The pale green shade formed a harmonious duet with the light brown boots of the daughter of the late Elizabeth II. The ensemble was made even more complete with a brown handbag and leather gloves.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, chose a bolder and more "juicy" version of the green shade, wearing a booklet dress with a pair of black heels.

The ex-wife of Prince Andrew complemented the look with a pair of black gloves, a black floral headband with precious stones and gold jewelry. The golden belt with a pearl on the Duchess's waist looked especially elegant.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh stood out from this general composition. 59-year-old Sophie chose an outfit in rich purple for the Easter service. She appeared in front of the public in a bright coat that successfully emphasized the slim silhouette of Prince Edward's wife.

The purple piece featured chunky gold buttons that added elegance to her look. The mother of two paired it with an amethyst clutch with a crocodile print.

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Undoubtedly, the highlight of the look was a stylish, exquisite light milk-colored beret hat. It was harmoniously combined with the main accent color of the outfit.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Collaborator Valerii Chaika's car has been blown up in occupied Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast. He was killed instantly.

Source: Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti

Details: According to reports, Chaika was the "Deputy Head of the Centre for Servicing Educational Organisations of the Luhansk Peoples Republic".

Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Chaika served as a member of the Starobilsk District Administration. When the Russian invasion began in February 2022, he voluntarily sided with the Russians. He was appointed "advisor to the head of the administration of the Starobilsk district of the so-called 'LPR' [the Russian-backed 'Luhansk People's Republic' terrorist organisation]".

Chaika was involved in setting up new occupying agencies. He helped to organise the opening of a Russian-controlled "customs post" and a local unit of the "LPR Ministry of Internal Affairs" in Starobilsk.

He was served with a notice of suspicion of collaboration by Ukraine's Security Service in 2023.

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The effort to meet the needs of the Waynesboro area well into the future with an emergency services complex got a $1.1 million-plus shot in the arm when the federal Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 was signed into law Saturday, March 23.

The Borough of Waynesboro and WellSpan Health agreed to a feasibility study for the proposed 60,000-square foot-emergency services complex in July 2022.

Steps taken in 2022: WellSpan Health, Waynesboro to look at feasibility of combined EMS center

Hopes are to have the study finished in six to nine months to see if both parties can work together to construct the facility, Jason Stains, borough manager, said.

The complex would allow for a consolidated campus housing police, fire, WellSpan EMS and complementary WellSpan Health services, according to a news release from the borough.

The proposed location is 5.27 acres directly across East Main Street from WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital. The property is owned by WellSpan.

What does the federal funding mean?

Bob Casey, a Democrat who represents Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate, championed the project, becoming an advocate for it last year as Congress deliberated the fiscal year 2024 budget.

The $1,114,000 federal grant will go toward construction if the project moves forward.

The Waynesboro Police Department is currently located in borough hall. The Borough of Waynesboro and WellSpan Health are studying the feasibility of a medical services complex for the borough police and fire departments, as WellSpan EMS and complementary WellSpan Health services.

I delivered this funding to invest in Waynesboros first responders and to improve health care for the Pennsylvanians who call it home, according to Casey. This federal funding will bring all of Waynesboros public first responders under one roof, better enabling coordination and collaboration, and streamline residents access to critical health services whenever they need it.

This is a significant award for the community, as the borough has outgrown its current facilities for our police and fire departments. We are grateful to Sen. Casey for his support of the project and recognizing the boroughs need for a new facility, Stains said.

The borough also has $2 million in the bank earmarked for the complex and is seeking other grants, according to Stains.

A large portion depends on the state and federal funding we receive, Stains said. The process is not to the point where cost estimates or a timeline for breaking ground, construction and completion are available.

Whats proposed?

Were trying to plan for the future  for a building for the next century, Stains said.

The Waynesboro Police Department currently is housed in borough hall on East Main Street and the Waynesboro Fire Department is based on South Potomac Street. Both need more space for existing and potential future police officer and firefighter/EMT positions.

The current plan includes a new police station with retaining walls and a privacy barrier to accommodate 20-person police force and a new fire station with five, double-deep apparatus bays and bunk rooms for firefighters and EMS, as well as 7,000 square feet for medical offices.

Health news: Robotic surgery arrives at Waynesboro Hospital, making major procedures less invasive

"WellSpan's commitment to improving access to care for patients in Franklin County extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals. We're excited to be able to make this emergency services facility a reality and we're thankful for Sen. Casey's support," said Niki Hinckle, senior vice president of WellSpans west region. "As a trusted partner in the Waynesboro community we know the strategic value that this location brings and how it will benefit so many of our friends and neighbors."

The proposed design has gone through four or five variations to make sure this is the right thing to do at the right site, Stains said.

The process has included visits to similar complexes, including ones Lower Allen and Derry townships.

Advice from people in those municipalities has been, Stains said, Plan for the future and build larger than you think you will need because you will run out of space quickly.

Location, location, location

The ability to station first responders in a complex with medical personnel will greatly enhance the level of emergency response coordination in southern Franklin County, the news release said.

On Main Street: Somethings brewing in downtown Waynesboro. Demo begins for revitalization project

The release pointed out the East Main Street location is within walking distance to downtown retail and service businesses and will support revitalization efforts along Main Street and foster further development in the borough.

It also is near three Waynesboro Area School District schools  the high school, the middle school and Summitview Elementary.

This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Waynesboro, WellSpan get grant for possible emergency services complex
TUSCARAWAS COUNTY  Will the impending change to marijuana laws in Ohio affect the K9 division of the Tuscarawas County Sheriffs Office or other local law enforcement agencies in Tuscarawas County?

Sheriff Orvis Campbell says it is complicated and that there is not a definitive answer just yet. The sheriffs office currently has one K-9, Rocky, handled by Deputy Chris Edwards. Rocky is a dual-purpose dog that will sniff drugs, track people and objects, and bite a dangerous perpetrator, Campbell said.

New Philadelphia Police Officer Brad Geist has been partnered with Cooper, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, for two years. Cooper is a multipurpose dog, and was not trained to detect marijuana.

No one knows how the new marijuana law will change how the courts look at this. Marijuana will still remain illegal for people under 21 and above certain amounts. Prosecutors themselves disagree on this so it will likely need more clarification later by legislators and the courts. I dont want to speak for Prosecutor (Ryan) Styer but, as of now after a discussion with him we believe we can still use the dog trained on marijuana, Campbell said.

The primary concern is that dogs trained to detect for marijuana would threaten the admissibility of drug alerts when the cases go to court.

New Philadelphia Police Chief Tessa Pohovey indicated that neither of her department's K-9s are trained to detect marijuana, so the issue isn't relevant as it pertains to continued operations with those dogs.

There are seven K-9s currently in use in Tuscarawas County: two in New Philadelphia, one in Dover, one in Uhrichsville, one in Dennison, one in Sugarcreek and one with by the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office. Only Rocky with the sheriff's office and the K-9 in Sugarcreek are trained to detect marijuana.

Sugarcreek Police Department Chief Kevin Kaser said the village will be retiring its current K-9 and has recently acquired a new one. That dog is a multipurpose dog and will not be trained to sniff for marijuana. She is not yet named by the handler, but is a 9-month-old Belgian Malinois. Kaser said that he would apply for funds if HB 396 is approved.

Unintended consequences

Is it possible for a K-9 officer to be retrained to not detect marijuana? Experts say no.

Dover Patrolman Jordan Doughty worked with Argo, from the Salem Police Department, during a training session run and hosted by Canton police officer Chris Heslop, of the Police K-9 Association, in this 2022 file photo. Argo will be retired this fall, according to Doughty.

As a direct result of the passage of Issue 2 last fall, nearly 400 police dogs in Ohio trained to detect marijuana could be retired because retraining is just not possible due to the unintended consequence of decriminalization of marijuana possession and consumption.

As a result, state Reps. Sean P. Brennan, a Democrat from Parma, and Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania, have co-sponsored House Bill 396, which would pay law enforcement departments up to $20,000 to offset the cost of acquiring, training, and equipping new dogs that will not alert to the smell of marijuana.

Issue 2 legalized and provided for the regulation of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and above, including cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, and home growth. Under the initiative, adults are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. Additionally, individuals are allowed to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at home, while households can cultivate up to 12 plants collectively.

T-R staff photographer Andrew Dolph can be reached by phone at, 330-289-6072, or by email at adolph3@gannett.com. You can also find him on Instagram @dolphphoto.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Ohio bill would help law enforcement replace K-9s who detect marijuana
Crews work to set up work stations May 20, 2020, in the Diversion Hub building, at 220 NW 10 in Oklahoma City. The Diversion Hub acts as a multi-agency network to provide needed services for those navigating the criminal justice system.

With the surmounting challenges facing our criminal justice system, we need effective public-private partnerships to change trajectories in Oklahoma County. As one of Boeing Global Engagements newest partners, Diversion Hub continues to expand its reach, prevent incarceration and provide the wraparound services necessary to help more residents thrive.

When Marcy heard from a cellmate about a place that could help get her life together, she didnt believe it. She was used to people telling her no.

She walked out of the Oklahoma County jail to find a green-logoed shuttle waiting to take her to Diversion Hub on NW 10 and Robinson Avenue. Fifteen minutes later, she sat in a private appointment room, eating a hot meal and talking to a case manager about the shape of her future.

More: A court diversion program saved his life. Now he guides others through the program

That case manager is Dale Edwards, a 30-year veteran social worker and Oklahoma City native whose joy comes from helping clients find their own happiness. Selflessness runs in Dales genes; his mother had a successful career in social work, as well.

Dale took Marcy to the clothing closet in a back room at Diversion Hub to pick out an outfit and hygiene products. All she owned was what she wore coming out of jail. He introduced her to on-site community partners offering services at Diversion Hub so she could get identification, enroll in food and health benefits, and find housing. She made an appointment with Red Rock for mental health treatment. Dale connected her to a justice navigator, who talked her through the court process. At the end of the meeting, Dale explained that theyd work with another community partner to find her sustainable employment. She left with a bed in a sober living facility, a phone and a plan that gave her hope things would get better.

Dale is able to help Marcy and others like her with the support of a Boeing Global Engagement grant. As Diversion Hub grows, partners like Boeing help us interrupt the cycle of incarceration. At the heart of this work is economic mobility, a trajectory enabled by the dedication of frontline social workers.

Economic mobility starts when a case manager like Dale welcomes a client without judgment. Dale helps vulnerable Oklahomans gain the momentum they need for change. This momentum is profoundly difficult to achieve without help. A person lacking a stable income or identification documents, entangled in criminal legal trouble and bombarded by sanctions, is set up to fail. Now, and again, and again.

Diversion Hub serves over 2,000 clients annually, many of whom, like Marcy, need long-term help to overcome chronic problems. Some of these problems are intergenerational poverty and systemic racism, which trap people in a cycle of incarceration and degrade economic mobility.

The path to economic mobility starts with meeting a persons basic needs. It starts with a warm welcome and a conversation. When punishment is a systems sole response to need, the people caught in that system become used to hearing no. Its hard to trust when someone finally says yes.

Diversion Hub says yes. Were proud to partner with others to help our clients transform their lives.

Meagan Taylor

Meagan Taylor, a lifelong advocate for criminal justice reform, serves as executive director of the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Public-private partnerships help Diversion Hub break incarceration cycle
Putin army hit by 'loss' of 12 tanks and 8 infantry vehicles as major assault fails in Ukraine's east

Putin army hit by 'loss' of 12 tanks and 8 infantry vehicles as major assault fails in Ukraine's east

Vladimir Putins army reportedly lost 12 tanks and eight infantry fighting vehicles in a major attack on the Ukrainian frontline, say military experts.

The Institute for The Study of War stressed that Russian military chiefs had unleashed a battalion-sized mechanized assault near Avdiivka, in the eastern Donetsk province.

The Washington-based think tank emphasised that the size of the force showed it was a priority effort by Russias army.

But Putins troops were said to have suffered heavy losses and only made a limited advance.

Ukrainian forces appear to have repelled a Russian battalion-sized mechanized assault near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast (province), on March 30  the first battalion-sized mechanized assault since Russian forces began the campaign to seize Avdiivka in late October 2023, said the ISW.

Russian forces, including parts of the Russian 6th Tank Regiment (The 90th Tank Division), were reported to have committed 36 tanks and 12 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the large-mechanized assault near the village of Tonenke.

Geolocated imagery published on March 31 shows a large number of destroyed and damaged Russian armoured vehicles and tanks along a road northwest of Tonenke (west of Avdiivka), the ISW added.

Ukrainian forces destroyed 12 Russian tanks and eight IFVs, according to one Ukranian soldier, who also stressed that the frontal assault failed to break through the frontline line defences.

The reports could not be independently confirmed.

But the ISW added: Geolocated imagery published on March 31 indicates that Russian forces recently marginally advanced northwest of Tonenke (west of Avdiivka) in a mechanized assault that Ukrainian forces defeated.

This appears to be the first report of any elements of the 90th Tank Division participating in assaults following the Russian seizure of Avdiivka.

The scale of the Russian mechanized assault on March 30 is significant, and the Russian military commands willingness to commit a battalions worth of tanks to an attack near Avdiivka indicates that this assault was a priority effort.

Ukrainian forces are suffering munitions shortages, partly due to a huge aid package from the US being blocked by Republicans.

However, the ISW stressed that the defeat of the Russian advance on Tonenke is a positive indicator for Ukraines ability to defend against future large-scale Russian assaults and the expected summer 2024 Russian offensive operation.

Russia has used five of its new hypersonic Zircon missiles to attack Kyiv since the start of the year, the citys military administration said on Monday.

The attacks are among more than 180 Russian missile and drone attacks launched against the Ukrainian capital in the first three months of the year, the administration said.

The sea-based Zircon missiles have a range of 625 miles and travel at nine times the speed of sound, Russia says.

Military analysts have said the missiles hypersonic speed could mean greatly reduced reaction time for air defences and a capability to attack large, deep and hardened targets.

Putin confirmed in his annual state-of-the-nation address on February 29 that Russia had used Zircon missiles in battle, without saying what sites had been targeted. He has described the Zircon as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems.

The Kyiv administration said the city had also been struck since the start of 2024 by six other types of missiles, including the Kh-101, an air-launched cruise missile of which 113 had so far been fired.

Russia also fired 11 Kinzhal missiles, another hypersonic weapon which travels at several times the speed of sound, at the Ukrainian capital this year, it said.

Russia has escalated its long-range bombardment of power and gas infrastructure across Ukraine, causing significant damage and blackouts in several large cities.

It has also sought to hit political, military and manufacturing targets in Kyiv throughout the two years of its full-scale war against Ukraine

Recent Russian attacks have caused significant damage to the Ukrainian power system, but a total collapse is unlikely, the head of Ukraines national grid company Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytskyi said on Monday.

Since March 22, the Russian forces have been attacking Ukrainian thermal and hydropower stations as well as main networks on an almost daily basis, which has led to blackouts in many regions of the country.

Their (the Russians) goal is to impose blackouts in some major Ukrainian cities, and our goal is to prevent it, Mr Kudrytskyi said.

The countys largest private energy company, DTEK, has said the attacks damaged five of its six power plants, which lost 80 per cent of their capacity.

DTEK, which meets about a quarter of the countrys needs, has seen its thermal power stations and other facilities repeatedly hit by Russian missiles, drones and artillery in more than two years of war.

The missile attacks have also significantly damaged the largest Ukrainian hydropower station in Zaporizhzhia, as well as the Kaniv and Dnister stations.
Kyrylo Budanov told Ukrainian state television that the rail line 'could pose a serious problem for us' - AFP

A 450-mile railway line Russia is building through occupied Ukraine is almost complete, Kyivs military intelligence chief has warned.

Russia has actually been building a railway for over a year now to connect with our temporarily occupied southern territories. This process is almost complete, and it could pose a serious problem for us, Kyrylo Budanov told Ukrainian state television.

The intelligence chief added that he assumes Ukraine will be able to cope with the issue, but did not provide any further details.

I hope that we will somehow manage the land section of the railway, he said. Everyone has experience in this, and this is much easier than the Crimean bridge issue.

Moscows planned railroad is meant to connect Russias port city of Rostov-on-Don and Crimea  its key logistical hub in southern Ukraine  as an alternative to the Kerch Bridge, which has come under frequent attack from Kyivs drones.

The track runs through key territories in occupied Ukraine including Donetsk, Mariupol and Berdyansk.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, announced at a rally after his victory in last months sham elections that a crucial segment of the railway was complete.

I have just been informed that the railway from [Russian] Rostov-on-Don to Donetsk, Mariupol and Berdyansk has been rebuilt, he said. We will continue this work, and soon trains will ride all the way to Crimea, and this will be another alternative route, in addition to the Crimean bridge.

The track in Russia's port city of Rostov-on-Don - Vyacheslav Argenberg/Moment RF

Russia seized tracts of southern and eastern Ukraine in the first months of the 2022 invasion, creating a land bridge to Crimea.

Ukraine has attacked and severely damaged the Kerch bridge twice since the invasion, with road and rail traffic across the bridge frequently disrupted by the threat of further strikes.

Vladimir Putin visits the Kerch Bridge - SPUTNIK/via REUTERS

The Kerch Bridge has come under frequent attack from Kyiv's drones - AFP

Andriy Yusov, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman, said last month that Moscow is trying to strengthen the railroad connection because of frequent Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean bridge, adding that it is Kyivs mission to prevent Russia from completing the railways construction.

[Russians] are not satisfied with what is happening with the Crimean bridge, Mr Yusov said. Therefore, they are trying to strengthen the railroad connection.

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Puzzled about what to do on Franklin Street? UNC student business offers fun escape.

Jane Doe is missing on the UNC campus, and its your job to find her, said Riley Harper with Chapel Thrill Escapes.

The Lost Tar Heel, a nonprofit escape room, opened in February at 128 E. Franklin St., next to Johnny T-Shirt. Its the first escape room in the country designed and built by college students, said Harper, the companys chief executive officer and a UNC junior.

The students spent six to eight months designing the room, he said. An established escape room on campus, Rameses Lost in Wonderland, took about a year. They plan to change the themes every year, he said.

Typically, when you see an escape room, they buy a package or some pre-made puzzle bundle, Harper said. So from state to state, you can actually see the exact same escape room run by two different companies. ... Once youve solved it, youve solved the puzzle. Its not going to be as exciting a second time.

What is inside the room?

Players enter through a crime-scene-tape-covered door to find a typical dorm room with posters on the wall and a desk with a specially built computer. The room was inspired by the Michael Jordan dorm room at The Graduate hotel, Harper said.

Inside, players look for clues and work together to solve the puzzles before the time runs out. Players who finish all nine Lost Tar Heel puzzles with time to spare get a crack at the bonus room, behind a specially designed wardrobe.

You want it to be hard, because no one wants an easy puzzle, because youre paying for it, and an easy puzzle isnt so fun, Harper said. But you dont want it to be so hard that its unsolvable, because something thats unsolvable ... frustrates you rather than excites you.

Chapel Thrill Escapes is located at 128 E. Franklin St., in the former Salon 135, which moved to Rams Plaza. Riley Harper, CEO of Chapel Thrill Escapes, said the nonprofits goal is to provide alcohol-free fun and support other student entrepreneurs.

What makes Chapel Thrill Escapes a nonprofit?

Chapel Thrill Escapes was started by four UNC students in 2019 with private funding and money from the Morehead-Cain scholarship program. The original room was about the size of a closet, Harper said, but laid all the foundation to get us to where we are now.

The team also partners with Allan Blattner, the executive director of Carolina Housing who is on the teams advisory board, and the UNC startup lab Venture 1789, which is one of our biggest funders and biggest supporters, Harper said.

Profits are reinvested in student opportunities, so they can interact with a real-world entrepreneurship, rather than just writing things on a chalkboard, he said. They also want students to have a fun option that doesnt involve alcohol, he said.

The Franklin Street lease is for 18 months, Harper said, but beyond that depends on whether the landlords  UNC, the state and Chapel Hill Foundation Real Estate Holdings Inc., a not-for-profit corporation founded by the UNC-Chapel Hill Foundation  move ahead with the Porthole Alley redevelopment plan.

How do escape rooms work?

 A gamemaster lays out the rules and introduces teams to the mystery. Inside the room, players work together to find clues and solve puzzles, including specially designed Rube Goldberg machines and other interactive features.

 Players get 60 minutes to finish The Lost Tar Heel game.

 Rameses in Wonderland, in Cobb Residence Hall at 110 Country Club Road, takes about 75 minutes.

 Online players can also try out the Bell Tower Room.

What are the hours and the cost?





 The Lost Tar Heel: 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

 Rameses Lost in Wonderland: 3:45-10:15 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

 Tickets: Adults are $26 per person and UNC students, faculty and children can get discounted tickets  priced at $14 to $20. Players under age 15 should be accompanied by an adult.

 Senior Week: Reservations made April 14-20 are $7 each for on-campus graduating seniors and their friends. Off-campus seniors and their friends can play for $14 each.

What else to know?

 The Lost Tar Heel is designed for 3-10 players. Rameses in Wonderland is designed for 3-8 players.

 Rooms can accommodate wheelchairs and players with sensory issues, according to the website.

 Make reservations 48 hours in advance at chapelthrillescapes.com. No refunds for cancellations.

Moshi Moshi will reopen its salon at 416 W. Franklin St. on April 3, 2024. The salon closed in July when an accidental fire gutted the Mediterranean Deli restaurant next door, causing smoke and water damage to adjacent businesses.

Other local business news

 Moshi Moshi will reopen at 416 W. Franklin St. on Wednesday. The store closed after a July 22 fire gutted the Mediterranean Deli restaurant next door and caused $60,000 in damages to the Moshi Moshi hair salon. m.

Mediterranean Deli owner Jamil Kadoura hopes to reopen his restaurant by the end of the year. The interior has been stripped to the support beams and is ready for utilities to be re-installed, he said.

Med Deli continues to provide online ordering for takeout and delivery at 410 W. Franklin St. and is now open for catered events at The Story Venue, 450 W. Franklin St., which has three floors, including a rooftop space overlooking Franklin Street.

 Michelin star Chef Brandon Sharpe is planning a new Spanish tapas and wine spot at 173 E. Franklin St., which has been vacant since Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe closed in 2020. Proximo was inspired by trips to Spain that Sharp took with his wife, Chapel Hill Town Council member Elizabeth Sharp. They also own Hawthorne & Wood at East 54 and Bluebird in Meadowmont.

 A popular downtown cafe is celebrating 30 years in business. Restaurant owner Antoni Sustaita opened Bandidos Mexican Cafe in 1994 at 159 1/2 E Franklin St. and has expanded the business to include event hosting, catering and deliveries to three UNC dining halls.

 Capriottis Sandwich Shop is officially closed, according to a worker removing equipment from the shop at 127 E. Franklin St. last week. No word yet on what could replace the shop, which opened in May 2023.
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) hit House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) with a lesson in faith after Johnson called it outrageous and abhorrent for President Joe Biden to proclaim that Easter Sunday was Transgender Day of Visibility.

Johnson joined a number of critics, including former President Donald Trump and Caitlyn Jenner, who knocked Biden over the proclamation despite International Transgender Day of Visibility  which has been held annually on March 31 since 2009  coincidentally falling on Easter Sunday this year.

Warnock, who is senior pastor of Atlantas Ebenezer Baptist Church, took to CNN to check Johnson over his claim that the Biden White House betrayed the central tenet of Easter with the move.

Apparently, the speaker finds trans people abhorrent, and I think he ought to think about that, Warnock told Dana Bash on CNNs State of the Union.

He continued: This is just one more instance of folks who do not know how to lead us trying to divide us. And this is the opposite of the Christian faith. Jesus centered the marginalized. He centered the poor. And in a moment like this, we need voices, particularly voices of faith, who would use our faith not as a weapon to beat other people down but as a bridge to bring all of us together.

Warnock on Speaker Johnson getting mad over Biden declaring today Transgender Day of Visibility: "Apparently the speaker finds trans people abhorrent. I think he ought to think about that ... this is the opposite of the Christian faith. Jesus centered the marginalized." pic.twitter.com/7R18RjmvUm  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 31, 2024

Related...
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Resending to correct typo in the year that Richard Gaskill became a truck driver in Texas from 1988 to 1998.

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PALMER, Tex. - Perched in the cab of a 35,000-pound semi-truck lumbering south on Interstate 45, AJ Jenkins watched the road while the big rigs steering wheel slid through his hands. Jenkins was in the drivers seat, but he wasnt driving. The gigantic 18-wheeler was guiding itself.

Over several miles on the popular trucking route between Dallas and Houston, the truck navigated tire debris, maneuvered around a raggedy-looking flatbed and slowed for an emergency vehicle. Exiting the highway, it came to an abrupt stop as a pickup jumped its turn at a four-way intersection.

You need to be ready for anything, said Jenkins, 64, a former FedEx driver whose job is to take control if anything goes wrong. People do some crazy stuff around trucks.

Operated by Aurora Innovation, the truck is part of a new class of autonomous big rigs plying the nations highways. By the end of this year, the trucks will for the first time start traveling alone, without human minders like Jenkins, as two major companies - Aurora and Kodiak Robotics - launch fully autonomous trucks in Texas.

The advent of robot trucks could have a massive impact on Americas supply chain, dramatically reducing the time it takes to transport goods from place to place and unbinding the trucking industry from the costs and physical limitations of human labor. But the technologys advancement has sparked concerns about highway safety, job loss, a lack of federal regulation and a patchwork of state laws regarding where and how autonomous trucks can operate.

By default, driverless passenger vehicles and trucks can ride anywhere in the United States, unless a state explicitly says they cant. That means companies can test and operate their vehicles across most of the country. Two dozen states, including Texas, Florida, Arizona and Nevada, specifically allow driverless operations, according to data compiled by Aurora, while another 16 states have no regulations specific to autonomous vehicles. The remaining 10 - including California, Massachusetts and New York - place limits on autonomous vehicles within their borders.

Alarmed by the slow pace of federal regulation, labor and safety advocates are pushing legislation in several states to ban driverless trucks outright. So far, the effort has been unsuccessful. The California legislature approved a measure last year that would have required human operators in all autonomous trucks, but Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed it, calling it unnecessary in light of state regulations that already ban autonomous vehicles over 10,000 pounds.

Transportation experts have been frustrated at how slowly the federal government has moved on the issue, given its potential to disrupt a massive part of the American economy.

Steve Viscelli, a sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania who studies the trucking industry, said autonomous trucking could change the geography of our economy in the way that railroads and shipping did.

There are real concerns that drivers have of the impacts of this, Viscelli said, and we need to take them seriously.

Driverless passenger cars have caused chaos in cities like San Francisco, including one horrific accident last year when a robotaxi hit a jaywalking pedestrian and dragged her about 20 feet. The potential for catastrophe is even greater with massive autonomous trucks, critics say.

Even with these small vehicles, it has been a disaster, said Peter Finn, a vice president of the Teamsters Local Union 856, which represents truck drivers. The notion that there is going to be no human being in large trucks barreling down the highways absolutely frightens me.

- - -

Major expansion

Today, Auroras long-haul trucks are transporting packages and produce - about 100 deliveries a week - for FedEx, Uber Freight and others. Founded in 2017 by former executives at Uber, Googles self-driving project and Tesla, the company has been training its driverless trucks in Texas since 2020.

By the end of this year, Aurora says it plans to have about 20 fully autonomous trucks working the 240-mile stretch between Dallas and Houston. Eventually, it plans to operate thousands of trucks all across America.

Kodiak Robotics, which was founded by a former employee of Uber and Alphabets Waymo, similarly plans to launch a fleet of trucks by the end of the year in Texas. A third company, Daimler Trucks - a subsidiary of German-owned Daimler that has partnered with Torc Robotics - is a few years behind, with plans to launch a driverless fleet in America by 2027.

Nat Beuse, Auroras chief safety officer, said the self-driving truck industry has been methodical in deploying its technology, adopting strict safety standards, including how the trucks respond to various system failures. Beuse said the company has learned from the mistakes of other autonomous vehicle companies, including General Motors-owned Cruise, which recalled its entire driverless fleet after the San Francisco crash.

The federal government has been clear in that unless a state says you cant deploy, you can. But that doesnt mean as a company we dont have responsibilities, Beuse said. This is not a science experiment.

Marc Williams, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation, said Texas has a good relationship with the companies testing on its roads. The state has been at the forefront of supporting the industry, he said, and it is critical for its economic growth as demand grows for moving freight around the state.

If were going to meet that challenge, it requires us to be successful in these partnership and collaborations with trucking and autonomous trucking industry, Williams said at a February panel with Partners for Automated Vehicle Education, a coalition of industry advocates.

The average driver would find it tough to spot one of Auroras trucks, which bear only a small rear-facing sign that reads AUTONOMOUS TEST VEHICLE.

The view from inside the cab looks very different, however. On a recent day in February, two computer screens animated a flurry of potential hazards: Tire debris dotting the shoulder. Impatient SUVs and sedans eager to pass. An SUV merging without a turn signal.

Stephen Tune, a vehicle operations specialist, sat in the passenger seat, monitoring the screens. He narrated the trucks every movement for Jenkins: Moving to the right to avoid tire debris, Tune saidas the turn signal began to blink. Moving to the left as a courtesy to the car behind us.

On this drive, the truck followed all the rules of the road and even demonstrated an uncommon courtesy to other drivers. But its the unexpected scenarios - from errors by human drivers to sudden mechanical issues - that worry veteran truck drivers like Lewie Pugh.

I know my computer and cellphone make mistakes. Machines can have bad days, too, said Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, a national organization representing professional truck drivers.

While Texas has been the center of autonomous truck testing, companies also have been running vehicles in Oklahoma and New Mexico, among other places. Since 2021, trucks operated by all three major companies have been involved in a handful of traffic incidents, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

None have been fatal or caused serious injuries, but the incident logs provide a window into the range of obstacles the trucks have faced.

In July 2022, a Daimler truck rolled over an object on a New Mexico highway that punctured its fuel tank, causing oil to spill onto the highway. In December 2023, a deer stumbled onto the path of a Daimler truck testing in Texas. The test driver took over, but the truck still hit the deer.

Earlier that month, a pickup truck trying to overtake an Aurora vehicle hydroplaned and hit the Auroras trailer. The Aurora detected the pickup but was unable to avoid contact.

The companies will be attempting to succeed in an industry that has faced setbacks. Waymo, the self-driving company owned by Alphabet, said in July that it would push back the timeline of its trucking efforts so it could instead focus on ride-hailing. Chinese autonomous trucking company TuSimple Holdings wound down its U.S. operations in 2023, a year after one of its automated trucks was involved in a crash while testing.

Still, autonomous trucks will make highways safer, those working on the technology say. According to the latest federal data, 5,788 people were killed in crashes involving a large truck in 2021, representing 13 percent of traffic deaths that year.

- - -

Tech moving faster than regulation

As profit-driven companies race toward deployment, the federal government has been slow to grapple with the implications of the new technology. The U.S. Transportation Department has largely allowed the companies to test their products on public roads, as long as companies comply with the same safety standards that apply to traditional human-driven trucks.

Within the Transportation Department, NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have been working for more than five years on a proposal to create basic safety guardrails for autonomous trucks, including requirements for remote assistants to monitor the driverless vehicles, inspections and vehicle maintenance. The proposed rule, which was submitted to the White Houses Office of Management and Budget in December, would be the Biden administrations most significant action on autonomous trucking.

Transportation Department spokesperson Sean Manning was unable to say when the rule might be finalized, as it still has to go through several more bureaucratic steps. Until then, Manning said existing laws prohibit any vehicle, including those equipped with automated technology, from posing an unreasonable risk to safety. Meanwhile, NHTSA will continue its vigorous enforcement using its defect and oversight authorities, Manning said - including investigations or recalls - if it finds evidence of risk.

Aurora and Kodiak both support the idea of federal regulation, which would give them more certainty about standards as they expand nationally.

Having a federal framework gives confidence to regulators and the public that the federal government is watching this closely, said Daniel Goff, the head of policy at Kodiak.

- - -

Anxious truck drivers

Richard Gaskill, a truck driver in Texas since 1998, said he spots an autonomous test vehicle every now and then as he carries loads along I45.

Its too new for me to trust, Gaskill, 50, said of the technology. I dont like the idea of these being out there taking our jobs.

Gaskills anxiety is shared by union and trade groups like the Teamsters. But a 2021 study from the Transportation Department suggests concerns about widespread job loss may be misplaced: Autonomous trucking could at most lead to 11,000 layoffs in the next five years, the study says - less than 2 percent of the long-haul driver workforce.

Meanwhile, the study notes that the technology could create new job opportunities for maintenance technicians, dispatchers and fuelers while helping to relieve the drudgery that sometimes comes with being a long-haul trucker. And the autonomous truck companies say their technology can help transport goods around the country faster, as robot trucks can drive longer hours than human drivers.

Gaskill doesnt buy it. He says he cant fathom how a robot could navigate the nations chaotic highways better than he can. But as companies like Aurora expand, he is resigned to the fact that autonomous trucks are part of the future.

Its just a matter of time, he said.

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After the release of the iPhone 15, users had many complaints about the dull shine of the iPhone 15 Pro's stronger brushed titanium frame. Rumors are circulating online that Apple will start using a method that improves titanium pretreatment and color treatment for the next-generation iPhone 16 Pro.

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The new iPhone 16 could retain the strength of the new titanium frame while restoring the old, glossy look of the iPhone. The details were revealed by the Daily Mail.

This insider information was first published by an anonymous blogger with the nickname "yeux1122", who collects news and rumors on the blog platform of the South Korean social media company Naver.

After the iPhone 15 Pro was unveiled last September, users shared photos of their new smartphones on social media, telling of the significant discoloration of the titanium side strips.

The titanium frame was chosen for its ultra-strong and ultra-lightweight properties. Through a process called anodizing, the surface of titanium reacts with air to form very thin layers of oxides that scatter light and give the metal its incredible color.

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But, according to Associate Professor Walter Navarrini of the Polytechnic University of Milan, one of the main drawbacks of using titanium is that it can also lead to "chromatic changes that cause greasy traces of oily substances on the surface."

In other words, when titanium comes into contact with sebum, fingerprints or cheek prints remain on the surface of the smartphone.

Tech site 9to5Google and its sister site 9to5Mac speculated what the rumored "polished titanium" frame on the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro might look like, showing a photo of the 2017 Google Essential Phone that used the same metal in a polished look.

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The blogger also suggested that the iPhone 16 Pro Max could debut with the longest battery life and that the iPhone 16 Pro models could have an additional 2 TB of storage.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Brandon Urban, stands in front of his home The Corners on Stones River that he owns with his wife, Heather Smith, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in the Readyville community in Tennessee, nearly a year after their home was severely damaged by a tornado. Urban talks about how so many people from all over came together to help rebuild the community.

Folks in rural Readyville feel blessed with community support a year after surviving a tornado that destroyed historic properties.

A good example is Ken and Martha Cruikshank providing the one-bedroom apartment above their garage without asking for rent from Brandon Urban, his wife Heather Smith, and their three children while the family of five rebuilds their neighboring home.

"I'm just paying it forward," Ken says after speaking to Brandon in front of the Urban family's historic home, The Corners on Stones River that was established in 1829 by Charles Ready Sr. Ready also built the original Readyville Mill and dam in 1812. The tornado destroyed the rebuilt Readyville Mill.

Natural disasters sometimes mean grieving, including the 2009 Good Friday tornado in Murfreesboro that killed mother Kori Bryant and her 9-week-old baby. People come together to help each other after damaging storms, such as the folks in Readyville who survived the tornado that hit their community April 1, 2023. Their idyllic rural community is on the far eastside of Rutherford County and far westside of Cannon County.

'People just helping people': Volunteers respond to Readyville tornado

Brandon said he and his wife and children hope to be back in their rebuilt home by Christmas.

They are among others sharing their tornado survival and rebuilding stories. They are grateful for the support they've seen from church groups, including Mennonites, the American Red Cross, emergency responders from Rutherford and Cannon counties, Middle Tennessee Electric utility crews and many neighbors and other volunteers helping each other.

Survivors recount the day the tornado hit

Other Readyville tornado survivors share the same views about the extended community efforts to help others.

There's James and Sonia Pitts, who managed to step out of their destroyed RV before an uninjured Sonia helped a neighbor trapped in rubble.

Then there's Peggy Flitcraft and her 30-year-old autistic son, Robby, who were able to climb out of the rubble of their destroyed house with the help of emergency rescuers.

Those who responded to the 2023 tornado were able to gather for planning and donated supplies at New Hope Church of Christ in Readyville. Minister Ralph Richardson recalled giving an Easter sermon a year ago about how he "saw Jesus in the people."

Ralph said Thursday he prepared this year's Easter sermon with plans to include the tornado that hit a scenic Readyville community with vast fields, grazing cattle and views of tall hills and trees and flourishing wildlife.

"This is God's country," Ralph says. "It's amazing nobody lost their life. The people are resilient."

Ralph is pleased that his congregation donated to a Benevolent Fund to help tornado victims in Clarksville where there were three fatalities and over 60 injuries. He recalled people in Clarksville the year before donating funds to help in the tornado recovery in Readyville.

'Never seen nothing like this': Middle TN communities devastated after tornado, storms

Family plans to rebuild historic home built in 1829

Brandon Urban was on a "dad's vacation" with his buddies in a cabin in Colorado a year ago when he learned the tornado hit Readyville. He recalled the difficulty in calling his wife to make sure she and their three children were safe.

"I was frantic," said Brandon, a stay-at-home father while his wife operates her photography producing business, Smith+ Union, for entertainment and advertising. "I'm never allowed to go anywhere again from now on. From now on, it's just family vacations."

Brandon and Heather have two daughters, 8-year-old Charlee and 3-year-old Jolene; and a son, 6-year-old Wylder.

When the tornado hit, Heather gathered her three children to go outside to the cellar.

Heather also attempted to get their three pet dogs to join them in the cellar, but they declined to seek shelter there and went into the kitchen to take cover from the storm and were unscathed, Brandon said.

The stump of the hackberry tree where James and Sonia PittsO RV came to a rest after being destroyed in a tornado in Readyville, Tenn. almost a year ago. The home that they were building at the time can be seen in the background on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Readyville, Tenn.

The family has two 80-pound Chesapeake Bay retrievers, named, Ryder and Mayville. The third dog is a small Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier mix, called, Girlie.

The pet cat, Kittie, was missing for two days, but Brandon thought she was still around when he noticed dead mice. The family soon had to call her, Mama Kittie, when she gave birth to a litter of five. Brandon said his family found homes for three kittens and kept two, Shadow and Bandit.

The family also has four Highland cows and five sheep.

What impressed the family was the people showing up to help, including about 60 people from Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro where Brandon and Heather's three children attend. There were people from the family's Experience Church who helped from both congregations in Murfreesboro and Woodbury.

"Everybody came in droves," Brandon said. "It's been mind blowing to me how much people have helped out."

The Mennonite volunteers also arrived to help clear knocked down trees, and recover fencing and other debris.

"Every dude around here had a chainsaw," Brandon says. "I've never seen a more well-oiled machine."

What was lost included a pecan tree that Brandon estimates was 150- to 200-years-old, and it fell to the back of the house.

The Urban family had been living in the San Diego area when they were looking to move from California. They wanted 5 acres and a home on water, and The Corners on Stones River provided that. They also wanted to downsize from their previous house of about 3,000 square feet but decided the 6,000-square-foot historic Readyville home provided what they wanted when the family moved to Tennessee December 2020.

The Urban's rebuilding plans include adding about 1,000 square feet with a kitchen; three-car garage and pool. The project also includes rebuilding the entire all-brick back of the house and a new front porch.

The family background includes Brandon being from Michigan and Heather from Maryland. They feel like they've found the home they've wanted after seeing the support from the community.

"Everybody's fantastic," Brandon says.

Owner of destroyed Readyville Mill plans to build general store

The area on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in the Readyville community in Tennessee near where the Readyville Mill once stood. The mill was destroyed when a tornado hit the community in the early morning hours of April, 1 2023.

While the Urban family is pursing plans to restore The Corners on the Stones River, Matt Bratton has been demolishing and salvaging what he can from the destroyed Readyville Mill buildings for the past seven months.

Bratton's goal is to build a general store by Spring 2025 on the old Mill property he purchased after the tornado hit. The plans include using shelves and other salvaged materials from the mill property to give the store an "old school feel."

The general store will include a porch and picnic tables, and offer some kind of food but without being considered a restaurant, Bratton said.

One of the former buildings at the Readyville Mill property had provided restaurant space for Goodness Gracious, which now operates at the Fountains at Gateway off Medical Center Boulevard in Murfreesboro.

The Readyville Mills is the home of Goodness Gracious at the Mill. Photo taken on Thursday Jan. 29, 2015. The Mill is still used to grind both corn and wheat.

The old mill land sits next to property that used to be the location of Russell's Market, a place where Russell and Mary offered a business known for its deli with bologna sandwiches long before the building was blown away by the tornado. The only remnants of the Russell's Market are what's left of the concrete where the gas pumps were located.

Mother and son climb out of crawl space of destroyed home

Prior to the tornado arriving, Peggy Flitcraft had thought when she heard the severe weather alert go off on her phone a few hours before sunrise that another straight-line wind was coming. A straight-line wind three years before knocked down trees and tore a hole in the side of her house. So Peggy a year ago grabbed her dog Belle when the tornado hit, while she attempted to enter a closet of her 120-year-old home.

"It leveled the house completely," said Peggy, who recalled being hit in the face by dirt and wind while holding Belle and dropping to her knees. "The floor gave way, and we dropped down to the crawl space."

Peggy Flitcraft and her dog, Belle, who both survived a tornado that leveled her home in the Readyville community in Rutherford County, Tennessee, nearly a year ago, sit in Paul Vaughn's Studio and home where Flitcraft works, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Readyville. Flitcraft, Belle and her 30-year-old autistic son, Robby, were trapped under their destroyed 120-year-old historic home until all three crawled out with help of rescuers.

The mother next remembers asking if her 30-year-old son, Robby, was there, and he said yes. Robby was buried in debris up to his shoulders and had his head sticking out. Peggy next recalled losing visibility when "it went black."

"I started yelling," Peggy said, and a neighbor responded by asking if she was OK. "I said I was."

Rescue crews arrived and dug out enough of the debris to clear a path for Peggy, her dog and Robby.

"We had to snake our way," Peggy said. "We climbed our way through a hole to the top."

Peggy Flitcraft and her son Brendon Cox try to salvage items from Flitcraft's home and try to find her pet cat from her home that was destroyed from an early-morning tornado along Readyville street as clean-up begins on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Rutherford County's part of the Readyville community. Flitcraft's cat Salem was later found alive and well in the rubble.

When given instructions to get on a stretcher, Peggy said she asked for a sheet because all she had on was a nightgown.

Like other Readyville residents, Peggy appreciates all the people who came to help the tornado victims, including her other son, Brendon Cox.

Among those who helped Peggy is her coworker Milton Harrell at Paul Vaughn Photography Studio on Readyville Street in Rutherford County, where she's managed the business for 12 years.

Milton found Peggy's cat, Salem, in the crawl space of her destroyed home. Milton also recovered some of Peggy's antiques, including a porcelain clock from the early 1800s, a Victorian-era bust, a water pitcher and bowl, and several quilts wrapped around trees.

Milton recalled the quilts being tied in knots.

"We had to pull," Milton said.

Milton also recovered a ring that Vaughn gave Peggy, his 12-year partner, she said.

Vaughn's studio home that dates back to the early 1900s also had damage, including the chimney being torn off the house, Peggy said. She stayed at Vaughn's studio until crews built her a new home that's also on the Rutherford County side of Readyville Street.

Peggy has filled her new home she shares with her sons with both the recovered antiques and other antiques that she's added to provide a Victorian-styled decor.

"It's like walking back in time," said Peggy, who appreciates being part of the Readyville community for 12 years. "God put us here."

Couple survives after tornado destroys RV

James and Sonia Pitts recall the tornado lifting up their RV and crashing their 32-foot trailer into a tree.

"She had to crawl out from under me to get loose," James recalled.

James Pitts stands in front of his property, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in the Cannon County side of the Readyville community where he and his wife, Sonia, were in their RV when a tornado hit almost a year ago, as they were in the process of building their home on the site. The storm flipped the RV that was knocked into a tree, which could have prevented it from rolling down the hill.

The couple had their two dogs, Pooh Bear and Winnie, with them when the tornado destroyed their RV. The trailer was set up where James has been building a 1,200-square-foot home on a half acre. The future home with scenic views above vast Readyville fields and distant hills had minimal damage thanks to those screws holding the metal roof and walls and columns in place, "and the Lord's protection," James said.

Prior to the tornado, James was still recovering from a 2021 injury that included a broken neck, three rotator cuff tears and an upper bicep with a torn ligament and muscle while working on the future home. James had a construction career that dated back to 1988 and is getting help on building the home from his brother Dan Pitts.

James and Sonia have been able to live in a modular home his sister Kathy Gannon provided where she lived in Rutherford County's rural Kittrell community about 4 miles west. Kathy died March 12.

After the tornado hit, James was not recovered enough to join his wife in rescuing a neighbor, Ms. Bobby Hayes, who was trapped under debris in a hallway of her home.

Sonia recalled being soaking wet in her pink robe and slippers while using her phone to provide light to get by downed power lines and uprooted trees in order to reach Ms. Bobby.

Antiques were everywhere.

"There were all kinds of stuff on top of her," said Sonia, who teamed with neighbor Joey Stafford, who was strong enough to lift Ms. Bobby and put her in a chair. "We had to move it all off of her. I told her we are going to have stop meeting this way."

Ms. Bobby's pacemaker stopped working, so she went to the hospital to spend several days in recovery, Sonia and James said.

James recalled he and his wife remaining calm through all of what happened.

"We had prayed the neighborhood would get cleaned up," James said.

James grew up in Readyville on a 140-acre farm on Locke Creek Road. He looks forward to completing his home in the same community after living in Murfreesboro and Bedford County.

Once the home is ready, James and Sonia will live in the community that has survived a tornado with the help of MTE utility crews, the Red Cross and many volunteers, he said. Those offering their support came from many places, including Nashville, Lebanon, Nolensville, Woodbury Lions Club, the Experience Church in Woodbury and New Hope Church of Christ.

"It brought me close to a lot of good and loving people I didn't even know," James said. "It was a God event."

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Readyville tornado survivors a year later appreciate community support
By Jake Spring, Mircely Guanipa and Maria Ramirez

SAO PAULO/MARACAY, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuela is battling a record number of wildfires, according to data released on Monday, as a climate change-driven drought plagues the Amazon rainforest region.

Satellites registered more than 30,200 fire points in Venezuela from January to March, the highest level for that period since records started in 1999, according to Brazil's Inpe research agency, which monitors all of South America.

That includes fires in the Amazon, as well as the country's other forests and grasslands.

Man-made fires that are often set to clear land for agriculture are spreading out of control thanks to high temperatures and low rainfall in northern South America, as well as a lack of prevention planning, researchers say. Scientists blame the drought on climate change and El Nino, a natural warming in the eastern Pacific that roils global weather patterns.

While the rainy season has brought relief in recent months further south in Brazil's Amazon, the fires in Venezuela could be a worrying sign for what's ahead once the dry season arrives there, said Manoela Machado, a fire researcher at University of Oxford.

"Everything is indicating we're going to see other events of catastrophic fires - megafires that are huge in size and height," Machado said.

The region's most intense fires typically occur in Brazil in August and September along the southeast edge of the Amazon, where deforestation for agriculture is most aggressive.

In Venezuela, roughly 400 firefighters fought a major blaze over the Easter holiday weekend that is threatening the lush Henri Pittier National Park, a beachfront preserve with rare cloud forests, according to the national park service.

"I am shocked, if not to say alarmed, by this fire," said Carlos Carruido Perez, who lives nearby. "I had never seen a fire of this magnitude and this damage to the environment."

Venezuela's environment ministry said last month it had launched a coordinated effort with helicopters and additional equipment to fight the fires in Henri Pittier.

The ministry said last week it was mounting further firefighting efforts along a highway that cuts through the park.

In Venezuela's Amazon region further south, there are 5,690 active fires as of late March, according to NASA data. That accounts for more than half of all the blazes burning in the entire Amazon across nine countries.

The fires are blanketing with smoke Guayana City, Venezuela's largest urban center in the Amazon, according to a Reuters witness.

In the nearby town of Uverito, authorities evacuated 315 families from their homes due to the threat of fire, local media reported. Some 360 square kilometers have burned in Uverito, an area six times the size of Manhattan, according to Jose Rafael Lozada, a forestry engineer and retired professor at Universidad de Los Andes in Merida, Venezuela.

REGIONAL RESPONSE LACKING

The same hotter, drier weather helping to feed fires in Venezuela is driving fires across the border in Brazil's Roraima state, which are threatening indigenous reserves there.

Venezuela and Roraima have seen only 10% to 25% of their normal rainfall levels in the last 30 to 90 days, said Michael Coe, director of the tropics program at the U.S.-based Woodwell Climate Research Center.

The region is in a vicious cycle in which climate change contributes to dry and hot conditions that worsen fires, with those fires in turn releasing greenhouse gases that further drive climate change, Lozada said.

Fires generally do not occur naturally in the wet rainforest. Humans set the vast majority of fires to clear forest for farms and ranches, a long-held practice, he said.

"People burn the same, but the drought is more extreme. The vegetation is drier, the rains are scarce and we see the consequences: a small burn turns into a fire of great magnitude," Lozada added.

The Amazon drought has upended life in the world's largest rainforest since last year as it pushed river levels to record lows, killed endangered dolphins and disrupted boats carrying food and medicine to dozens of cities.

Despite a wealth of information tracking fires and flagging the climate risks that lie ahead, governments throughout the region are still failing to mount a robust response to prevent and combat the fires, Oxford's Machado said.

Governments should ban setting fires during dry periods, mount faster targeted response to stop fires before they get out of control and hire firefighters year-round instead of temporarily, she said.

In Venezuela, Lozada, firefighters and other experts said the government response was lacking.

Venezuela's information ministry and parks service did not respond to requests for comment.

"The forest is unprotected due to a lack of equipment to fight forest fires," said William Lopez, a union leader with the state-owned forestry company Maderas del Orinoco.

"Firefighters have to work miracles to be able to fight fires without equipment."

(Reporting by Jake Spring in Sao Paulo, Mircely Guanipa in Maracay, Venezuela, Maria Ramirez in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, and Tibisay Romero in Valencia, Venezuela; Additional reporting by Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas in Caracas; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
More than 5,000 people arrived on small boats from January to March, a new record for the first quarter of a year - TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Lord Blunkett has urged Sir Keir Starmer to bring back ID cards to tackle the small boats crisis, a suggestion that risks reigniting a Labour split on the policy.

The Labour peer floated the idea of compulsory identity documents in 2001, during his time as home secretary, in response to the 9/11 terror attacks. He also hoped the scheme could combat benefit fraud and illegal immigration.

But the introduction of ID cards was delayed by several years of political infighting  only becoming compulsory for foreign nationals in 2008 and voluntary for British people in 2009  before the coalition government scrapped the cards altogether the following year.

On Monday, Lord Blunkett waded into Labours internal debate about how best to stop the boats by suggesting the identity card system was worthy of fresh consideration by Sir Keir.

He told The Times: I would reintroduce the idea of ID cards, because what will happen with the Rwanda scheme is [that] organised criminals will tell migrants not to claim asylum.

Theyll say, Well get you across to the UK, then ring this number, well get you a job and accommodation, and then theyll disappear into the sub-economy.

Thats the worst of all worlds and theyll be exposed to mass exploitation, and then thatll affect other people by undercutting genuine workers and also involve modern slavery. You can only solve that if you have a proper identity scheme.

Lord Blunkett first mooted the idea of compulsory ID documents in 2001 - LORNE CAMPBELL/GUZELIAN

On Monday night, Labour appeared to reject the suggestion put forward by its former home secretary.

A party spokesman told The Telegraph: There are already ID requirements for foreign citizens living or working in the UK. But the problem is there are no proper checks or enforcement to prevent illegal working and exploitation.

Labour will set up a new Returns and Enforcement Unit as part of a workable plan to get a grip of the asylum system, improve enforcement and restore order to the border once again.

Lord Blunketts comments came a day after small boat arrivals passed 5,000 by the end of March for the first time ever.

Labour found itself in turmoil over the issue of ID cards at the end of 2022 after Stephen Kinnock, a shadow immigration minister, claimed an identity scheme was being looked at very, very carefully by party chiefs as part of its hopes of stopping the boats.

While Mr Kinnock said the idea should be on the table, Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, rejected it just minutes later and said her party would instead bring in stronger enforcement measures around illegal work and people-smuggling gangs.

A dystopian disaster

At the time, party sources pointed to Ms Coopers remarks on the issue, suggesting it had no plans to revive the ID card framework.

Downing Street has also ruled out introducing ID cards to tackle the migrant crisis, despite some support for the idea on the Right, including a paper by the Centre for Policy Studies think tank that had a foreword by Suella Braverman, during her time as home secretary.

A spokesman for Rishi Sunak said at the time he had made clear that there are no plans to bring in ID cards  that hasnt changed.

Sir Keirs critics on the Left of the party have been vehemently opposed to the scheme on the grounds of civil liberties, with Clive Lewis, the MP for Norwich South, branding the concept an utter dystopian disaster.

While Lord Blunketts remarks centred on the Rwanda plan, Labour has repeatedly committed to scrapping the deportation scheme if it wins power, instead signalling it would prioritise closer cooperation with France.

The scheme is one of the Prime Ministers flagship policies, but it has been beset by a series of legal challenges and will not return to Parliament until next week, following seven defeats in the House of Lords before Easter.

Downing Street continues to hope the first flight will have taken off by the end of spring, which it insists would have a deterrent effect on Channel crossings, but another round of ping-pong is expected with the Rwanda Bill passing between the Commons and the Lords.

Rising tide

The total number of small boat arrivals in 2024 is currently up by just over one-third on this time last year.

Some 349 people crossed the Channel on Saturday, taking the total for the year up to 4,993, while 442 further arrivals on Easter Sunday pushed the figure above 5,000.

The Home Office has said the unacceptable number of crossings shows the need to get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible, while both Labour and Reform UK have insisted the Rwanda plan is unfit for purpose.

Labour has been contacted for comment.

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The long drives Amanda Bosarge kept making to Alabama, just so her daughter could attend cheer squad practice, are over.

She has stopped homeschooling, because her children are no longer excluded from Mississippis schools.

It was this huge relief, Bosarge said.

Her solace came because the 34-year-old mother from Hurley sued Mississippi to make exceptions for families like hers, who believe vaccines threaten their health and defy Gods will.

She won. And now, nearly 600 children in the six coastal counties are exempt from vaccines on the basis of religion, according to the state Department of Health.

Her case made headlines last year as distrust and rejection of vaccines began reaching its most fevered pitch in Mississippi and across the country after the coronavirus pandemic. Her victory became a point of pride for parents who oppose vaccines and a nerve-wracking reality for pediatricians, who now say if the number of exemptions climbs too high, Mississippis children will grow sick from once-eradicated diseases most doctors have never had to recognize or treat.

Nobody worries about their children dying of whooping cough anymore, said Daniel Edney, the state health officer who Bosarge and other religious parents sued in federal court in Gulfport. But unvaccinated babies certainly can  and will.

Most children on the Coast are vaccinated. The regions highest number of religious exemptions is in Harrison County, where 193 children are excused from vaccines because of their families faith in God. Jackson County has 177 children religiously exempt, Pearl River County has 81, George County has 69, Stone County has 40 and Hancock County has 32, according to the Health Department.

Some of the children are still homeschooled. But 2,600 across the state have earned religious exemptions since the Health Department began offering them in July. About 500 more children are exempt because of medical conditions, the Health Department said.

The Coast, Edney said, is a pocket of the state where parents most often ask to be excused from vaccination because of religious convictions.

That worries local pediatricians, who say they see more and more parents who are skeptical or misinformed about vaccines. They are also nervous because measles  a vaccine-preventable disease not seen in Mississippi for three decades  appeared in Florida, then New Orleans this year.

An exterior view of Manatee Bay Elementary School on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Weston, Fla. The Florida Department of Health is investigating a measles outbreak at the school.

We worry, said David Reeves, a pediatrician for Memorial Health System in Long Beach. If somebody came into your office with measles, would you even recognize it?

To the lawsuits plaintiffs and supporters, the issue is about faith and freedom.

MaryJo Perry, a mother who founded a group called Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights, said she stopped vaccinating her children after her youngest son had seizures after a routine vaccination. Doctors say seizures after vaccination are rare. But Perry said Mississippi would not grant her a medical exemption, so she stopped vaccination and homeschooled her kids.

What happens to the mother who cant afford to stay home? she said. The thought of that just made me so angry.

She was not part of the lawsuit. But Bosarge and other parents on the Coast belong to Perrys group, which connected them to New York lawyers and a national vaccine rights foundation called the Informed Consent Action Network. That group was founded by Del Bigtree  an anti-vaccine activist who produced a documentary in 2016 with Andrew Wakefield, a discredited doctor who introduced the false theory that vaccines cause autism.

A 9-year-old rolls up her sleeve for a vaccination at a clinic in Portland, Oregon, on Feb. 16, 2019. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but scattered outbreaks have occurred in recent years, including a recent case in Broward.

All of which frustrates doctors in a state that for years had boasted some of the highest childhood vaccination rates in the country.

It is one thing to not immunize a child, Reeves said, but then you put your child in public school where you expose everybody elses children to possibly this disease.

What about the rights of those children? he said. Thats just been thrown out the window.

With vaccination, not only are we protecting the kiddos, said Denise Powell, an Ochsner pediatrician in Bay St. Louis, but were also protecting more vulnerable people.

No major religions officially object to vaccines. But in a statement of religious beliefs filed in her case, Bosarge said she gets up early to pray. She attends church, reads her Bible and believes when the government tells her to get a vaccine, it is forcing her to trust medicine instead of God.

She also said she objects to the use of aborted fetal cells in vaccine development. Vaccines for chickenpox and rubella, among other diseases, were developed with cells from fetuses aborted in the 1960s. Scientists use those same cells to make vaccines today.

When she won her case, she said she cried.

The Mississippi Coasts highest number of religious exemptions is in Harrison County, where 193 children are excused from vaccines because of their families faith in God.

I have the freedom, Bosarge recalled thinking. It was like a door opened in my mind that I had been shut for so long.

Now, Bosarge has three children in school, all with religious exemptions. She scheduled an appointment with the Health Department, filled out some paperwork, watched an educational video and had the exemptions the next week, she said.

Nearly a year after the ruling, Perry said several families in Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights have moved back to the Coast from Alabama, where their unvaccinated children had been attending school.

Edney fears their return could repeat history.

Once, Mississippi allowed religious exemptions. But the state Supreme Court ended the policy in 1979 because they decided protecting against polio, smallpox and other infectious diseases was more important than religion. Children got vaccinated. The ailments became memories.

And now, Edney said, few remember the days when disease could kill and cripple kids.

Were a victim, he said, of our own success.
WASHINGTON  Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said Sunday it is possible Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., could lose his speakership if he moves to put a Ukraine aid bill on the floor.

Its possible. Im not going to deny it, said Bacon on NBCs Meet the Press with Kristen Welker. We have one or two people that are not team - theyre not team players. Theyd rather enjoy the limelight, the social media.

Bacons remarks come after Johnson had indicated in a news conference this month that he will address Ukraine aid once the House returns in April, according to Reuters. Some House Democrats told the outlet they could protect Johnson from being ousted if he moves a stalled $95 billion Senate bill to aid Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.

But some conservative hardliners, such as Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have opposed such efforts over Ukraine aid. Greene already filed a motion to vacate against Johnson for working with Democrats to fund the government. After she filed the motion, she told reporters that he should not bring funding for Ukraine.

Bacon, whos been supportive of Ukraine aid, told Welker that he hopes Johnson prevails.

Hes doing the right thing, said Bacon. Its in our national security interest that Ukraine remain independent.

House Republicans are already hanging on by a loose threat after Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., announced he was departing Congress, cutting House Republicans already razor-thin majority to a one-vote margin.

Its a very narrow majority. And one or two people can make us a minority, said Bacon. And I got the view, you work with a team. I dont have to get 100%. 80% as the Ronald Reagan rule, butwe have some people that if they dont get 100% they want to bring the House down, and it makes us dysfunctional.

Contributing: Ken Tran, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bacon warns it's 'possible' Johnson to lose speakership over Ukraine
Refugees stand in front of containers at the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Center for Applicants for International Protection in the municipality of Kofinou. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

The Cypriot coastguard and fishing boats have rescued more than 270 migrants travelling to the east coast of the island in five overcrowded boats, the highest number rescued in months, according to a report in the Cyprus Times on Monday.

Authorities in Cyprus are now on alert, the report said.

Since the beginning of the year 2,675 migrants have arrived in Cyprus - an average of 30 per day - according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Not all migrants cross the sea. Some travel through the Turkish-occupied north of the island across the green buffer zone to the southern part, which is a member of the European Union.

On Sunday, the coastguard initially reported 120 migrants in two boats off the east coast, but said during the day three more boats were found, one of which had 179 people on board.

The migrants were taken to reception centres west of the capital Nicosia. Four people who are believed to be smugglers were detained, the newspaper reported.

Cyprus has recorded by far the highest number of asylum applications per year compared to other EU states in terms of population size in recent years, according to EU statistics.
Republican congressman responds to criticism after calling for Gaza to be like Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Republican Michigan Representative Tim Walberg has clarified his comments after saying that Gaza should be like Hiroshima and Nagasaki in comments many interpreted as endorsing the use of nuclear weapons on an area where more than 30,000 people have already been killed.

Mr Walberg made the comments while speaking to constituents last week, prompting a video of the event to go viral.

Walberg spokesperson Mike Rorke shared a transcript of the interaction with The Independent.

Why are we spending our money to build a port for them? Mr Walberg was asked.

Its Joe Biden, the reason, we need to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, the Republican said. I dont think we should. I dont think any of our aid that goes to Israel to support our greatest ally, arguably in the world, to defeat Hamas, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and China helping Hamas.

We shouldnt be spending a dime on humanitarian aid. It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima, he added. Get it over quick. The same should be in Ukraine. Defeat Putin quick. Instead [of] 80 per cent in Ukraine being used for humanitarian purposes, it should be 80-100 per cent to wipe out Russia, if thats what we want to do.

As a child who grew up in the Cold War era, the last thing Id advocate for would be the use of nuclear weapons, Mr Walberg said in a clarifying statement on Sunday. In a shortened clip, I used a metaphor to convey the need for both Israel and Ukraine to win their wars as swiftly as possible, without putting American troops in harms way.

My reasoning was the exact opposite of what is being reported: The quicker these wars end, the fewer innocent lives will be caught in the crossfire. The sooner Hamas and Russia surrender, the easier it will be to move forward, he added. The use of this metaphor, along with the removal of context, distorted my message, but I fully stand by our allies.

The video emerged from an event on 25 March in Dundee, Michigan.

A Democratic member of the Michigan State Senate, Darrin Camilleri, called for Mr Walbergs resignation, calling him an absolute disgrace.

Michigan Republican Congressman @RepWalberg is caught on video endorsing and calling for a complete genocide in Gaza. Hes an absolute disgrace and needs to resign. https://t.co/AZiJSGTHxn  Darrin Camilleri (@darrincamilleri) March 30, 2024

Former Republican US House Michigan representative Justin Amash, who left the party in 2019, wrote on X that Mr Walbergs comments evince an utter indifference to human suffering.

The people of Gaza are our fellow human beings  many of them children trapped in horrific circumstances beyond their individual control, he added. For him to suggest that hundreds of thousands of innocent Palestinians should be obliterated, including my own relatives sheltering at an Orthodox Christian church, is reprehensible and indefensible.

The war in Gaza began after the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas in which an estimated 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 were taken hostage.

Mr Rorke told The Detroit News on Saturday: Congressman Walberg vehemently disagrees with putting our troops in harms way. He has great empathy for the innocent people in Gaza who have been thrust into this situation due to the attack carried out by Hamas leaving 1,163 innocent civilians dead.

To this day, Hamas still is holding hostages, including Americans. Hamas should surrender and return the hostages, he added. During his community gathering, he clearly uses a metaphor to support Israels swift elimination of Hamas, which is the best chance to save lives long-term and the only hope at achieving a permanent peace in the region.
Semafor Signals

Insights from Financial Times, The Economist, Mother Jones

The News

Republican-led U.S. states are looking to ban lab-grown chicken, pork and other proteins cultivated from animal cells, branding it part of a woke agenda that threatens traditional farming.

Lawmakers in states including Alabama, Arizona, Florida and Tennessee have moved to target cell-cultivated meat products  even though they are still barely on the market in the United States.

Cultivated chicken last year became the first such product to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, with a multiyear review concluding that lab-grown meat made by two companies was safe for sale, but it is still only available at a handful of restaurants.

Those that attempt to sell lab-grown meat in Alabama or Arizona could soon face jail time or hefty fines as Republicans attempt to block what some have called a war on our ranching. More than a dozen states have regulated the use of the word meat on the products.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has said that lab-grown meat is part of a whole ideological agenda, that blames agriculture workers for global warming, saying: Were not going to do that fake meat. That doesnt work.

Meanwhile, Democrat legislators in Arizona have argued that these bills go too far in restricting consumer choice and that the decision to buy cultivated meat should be up to consumers.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Advocates of lab-grown meat say its safer, but researchers say health impact still unknown

Sources: Frontiers in Nutrition, Mother Jones, Financial Times

Researchers into lab-grown meat  which is made by taking animal stem cells and growing them in bioreactors  say the impact on human health is still unknown, even as the FDA has said it is safe to eat. But advocates say safety concerns are unfounded and that lab-grown meat is actually healthier, being far more likely to be free of disease or contamination from other pathogens.

This bill would treat cultivated meat differently than traditional meat without any actual basis in the science and any actual basis in health and safety regulations, a representative of the Good Food Institute, a think tank, told Mother Jones, speaking about the Alabama bill. A chief legal officer of a cultivated meat company told the Financial Times that the motivation behind the proposed bans was clearly to protect a conventional industry that is important to the state.

European countries also look to ban lab-grown meat over impact on farming

Sources: The Economist, BBC, Politico, The Conversation

While the sale and distribution of lab-grown meat is not yet legal in Europe, Italian, French, and Austrian delegations to the European Unions agricultural and fisheries council have claimed it threatens the very heart of the European farming model. Italy has imposed a ban with a fine of 60,000 for violations, with legislators arguing that the ban [safeguards] our food, our system of nutrition, by maintaining the relationship between food, land and human labor that we have enjoyed for millennia.

Politico reported that the recent farmer protests across Europe have pushed the EU to scrap diversified protein intake as part of its key climate proposals to reduce emissions by 2040. Reducing the environmental impact of beef production and upscaling lab-grown meat technology will require a lot of political will, which is in short supply, The Conversation noted.

Lab-grown meat production has taken off in China

Sources: TIME, Reuters, Financial Times

China, meanwhile, has embraced technologically created animal products, releasing a five-year agricultural plan that included future foods such as lab-grown meat and plant-based eggs. One food-technology CEO described the plan to TIME as one of  if not the most  important policy actions in the history of alternative proteins that will fuel a broader consumer acceptance of these products, Lab-grown meat is often too expensive to be competitive, but companies such as Shanghai-based CellX have pledged to construct new commercial production facilities which could reduce the price to a tenth of the current $100 per pound.

The chief executive of Better Meat, an alternative proteins company in California, suggested the United States may fall behind: People in the national security field are now starting to wonder, are we going to allow Asia to win the future of food technology? he said.
By Azernews

Elnur Enveroglu

The Armenian media, which has become professional in preparing lies and disinformation, and the diaspora organizations that finance it thanks to certain resources, are experts in presenting criminals to the public as heroes and legends. Armenian vandalism, which first usurped Azerbaijani culture and distorted some historical monuments during the 30-year occupation period, and destroyed others, today talks about the "restoration" of historical monuments and religious buildings in liberated Garabagh and other Azerbaijani territories freed from occupation.

We wonder what the mentioned restoration works are about?

It is a very ridiculous fact that a group of Armenian revanchists and separatist elements who still are trying to forcefully keep the so-called "artsakh" topic on the agenda, claim that Ruben Vardanyan, who defended separatism in Garabagh and was imprisoned in Baku, is supposedly a "protector" of historical monuments in Azerbaijan's Garabagh. The fact that a Russian businessman suddenly parachuted into Garabagh and became a "guardian" of historical monuments can be considered one of the next Armenian fictions.

Vardanyan, who appeared in Garabagh in 2020 after Azerbaijan's glorious victory in the Patriotic War, makes an instant transfer from the world of business to the realm of politics. His half blooming in politics was similar to the episodic roles organized in theater scenes. Rubik could not survive on the political scene for a long time. In 2022, Vardanyan, who was found guilty of arms trafficking against Ukraine and blacklisted by the US State Department, had to renounce his Russian citizenship, and his next mission was to continue his separatist activities in Garabagh under the umbrella of the Russian peacekeeping units. Vardanyan, who has millions of wealth, but failed in politics, for some reason, soon faced the wrath of Yerevan.

This was due to his mistakenly targeting the Pashinyan government and his desire to gain influence in Yerevan by making certain maneuvers. However, Pashinyan's administration understands the intentions of the businessman, who was wedged into Garabagh by order of Moscow, and paralyzes his career in the very short period of time.

Today, the Armenian diaspora, unable to accept his deserved punishment, tries to present the former separatist leader not as a hero, but rather as a guardian of history and monuments. It seems that the Armenian propanda machine has left Vardanya's unsuccessful heroic story incomplete, and is now trying to justify him as a new hero in front of the world community. This cannot be considered a solution for the ex-separatist leader's release from Baku prison.

(Photo: Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque with half-destroyed minarets in Shusha during Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan. 17 June 2014. Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons)

As for the fake information spread about him, it is said that Rubik once had a "tremendous role" on the "restoration" of the Lower and Upper Govharaga mosques in Shusha. When Shusha was liberated from the Armenian occupation in November 2020, the minarets of both Ashaghi and Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosques, built by the architect Karbalayi Safikhan and opened in 1875 - 1885, was not only in a dilapidated condition, but also in a deplorable condition from the interior point of view. This means that the mosque was completely unused during the occupation, and the destruction of the mosque from time to time and erasing it from history was part of the plan of the Armenian occupiers.

If those who try to present Vardanyan as a philanthropist convey these lies to the public as true, then why didn't Vardanyan help in the restoration of mosques belonging to Azerbaijan in Yerevan?

In addition, naming the mosque built by Panahali Khan's son Ibrahim Khalil Khan in the name of the Persian authorities is an open slander against the history of Azerbaijan. Shusha is a cultural city built by the most powerful and prominent historical figures of Azerbaijan. As for the separatist elements like Ruben Vardanyan, who are stuck between the trap of business and politics, Shusha and the historical monuments on it cannot be affiliated the initial letter of their names.
Russian direct suppliers are refusing to deliver food to the areas bordering Ukraine. This is due to the increasingly difficult security situation in these regions.

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Some stores in the Belgorod region may experience a significant shortage of perishable goods in the short term. This is reported by the Russian media.

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X5 Group assures that there is no shortage, they have increased orders from manufacturers, and have also introduced a surcharge for drivers on flights to Belgorod and strengthened security measures.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Liberals lately have been imagining, with some trepidation, what a second Donald Trump administration might look like. The Atlantic devoted its January/February issue to the subject. The New York Times editorial board warned in January thatRe-electing Mr. Trump would present serious dangers to our Republic and to the world. In this magazine, Alexander Nazaryan took a lighter approach, inviting readers to chuckle at the possibility of Michael Flynn as defense secretary, Kid Rock as interior secretary, and Elise Stefanik as vice presidentthen brought the laughter to a halt by reporting these are all very real possibilities in a second Trump term.

In a well-ordered universe, liberals wouldnt be the only ones scared out of their wits that Trump may return to power. Conservatives would be too. I dont mean MAGA conservatives, whom I dont count as real conservatives because, really, theyre just Trump cultists. I mean the respectable right, as represented by, say, National Review. In a January 2016 editorial the magazine denounced Trump as a philosophically unmoored political opportunist who would take the work of generations and trample it underfoot in behalf of a populism as heedless and crude as the Donald himself. Of the Trump-encouraged MAGA insurrection on January 6, 2021, a National Review editorial said, one year later, Trumps recklessness disgraced the office of the presidency.

Throughout Trumps presidency, National Review continued to criticize Trump here and there, but more often it defended himoften directly, but at least as often indirectly, by attacking his critics. Even so, the magazine cant have been sorry to see Trump go, because he wasnt just disgracing the presidency, he was disgracing a Republican Party that the magazine has worked nearly 70 years to rebuild. Now that Trump is back as presumptive nominee, National Review is entertaining, on the cover of its May issue (Four More Years?), the same ghastly possibility that The Atlantic, the Times editorial board, and TNR lately considered. What National Review sees tells you a lot about the diminished state these days of conservative thought.

The good news is that the author of the piece, senior writer Michael Brendan Dougherty, acknowledges danger. The bad news is that the danger resides almost entirely in the prospect of a thuggish and antidemocratic rebellion by, you guessed it, liberals.

The old National Review line on Trump was that he was a menace and a disgrace. The new line is that, although hell continue to degrade public discourse and the image of republican governance, Trump is, as Margaret Thatcher said of Mikhail Gorbachev on the eve of his ascent to general secretary, a man one could do business with.

Dougherty outlines four possible scenarios.

Scenario One (A Replay of the Limited Trump), is that Trump, as he was during his first term, will be hemmed in by Congress, the courts, and his own short attention span. Trump, Dougherty notes, did not strongly deviate from standard Republican views on economics. People like me think thats terrible; people like Dougherty think thats good. Where Trump did deviate, writes Dougherty, either from Republican orthodoxy or Washington consensus, he tended to lose. For example, Trump didnt achieve all that much on trade. A second Trump term will be more of the same.

In Scenario Two (The Full Trump), the president has learned a few things from his first term and will find staff members who execute his decisions. This is the Trump II that most liberals anticipate and fear. Dougherty sees Scenario Two as much less likely than Scenario One, and maybe it is. But I see little practical difference in the outcome becauseapart from eviscerating the civil service, punishing his enemies, and building that stupid border wallTrump is short on concrete ideas for a second term. Really, all Trump wants to do is beat Joe Biden; if he could do that and immediately retire to Mar-a-Lago, hed be very happy.

Trumps lack of an agenda means that whatever he achieves will, as in Scenario One, mostly reflect Republican orthodoxy or Washington consensus. Knowing this, the Heritage Foundation has furnished a long list of policy proposals that political reporters describe as Trumps agenda merely because there isnt any competing set of proposals. There are some conservativesDougherty appears to be onewhose only real ambition for a second Trump term is an even more reactionary Supreme Court. In a second term, Dougherty writes, Trump would almost surely end up naming successors to Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, and possibly also to John Roberts and Democrat Sonia Sotomayor (who, Dougherty notes hopefully, has health challenges, a reference to her type 1 diabetes). Naming four additional justices to the Supreme Court would allow Trump to impose a historic stamp on the high court, Dougherty writes, comparable only to FDRs.

Its the third and fourth scenarios that give Dougherty the willies. Scenario Three (A Four-Year Siege) refers not to newly pardoned January 6 insurrectionists laying waste to democratic institutions, but rather to a Resistance whose legal, moral, and political brinksmanship presents as many threats to American institutions as, or even more than, Trump himself. Huh? Dougherty doesnt try very hard to support this outrageous statement beyond hinting at unhappy memories of Black Lives Matter protests. For the record, its well documentedgoing back decadesthat political violence has always been much more prevalent on the right.

What, specifically, does Dougherty fear? That a Democratic House will find every chance to investigate Trump. True, but thats mostly because Trump (unlike Joe Biden) furnishes Democrats so many reasons to investigate him. Or the Democratic House might refuse to invite Trump to deliver a State of the Union address. Thats unlikely, but so what if they did? Its not something to lie awake nights about. One impressively rococo anxiety Dougherty harbors is that the left will take as a given that Trump authentically represents America, and that the entire American tradition is a tree that produces bad fruit. Well, yes, I suppose some might go there. But if Dougherty truly fears that, then whyinstead of rationalizing a second term for this bad appledoesnt he dedicate every waking moment to reelecting Joe Biden, whos far less likely to inspire such nihilism?

Scenario Four is Trump Aborted. Dougherty doesnt mean somebody will fly a time machine back to October 1945 and slip Mary Anne Trump a mifepristone tablet. He means that the Left would foment widespread violence in the cities to punish nonviolent voters and will thereby prevent Trump from becoming president. Dougherty writes that Ronald Brownstein, Franklin Foer, and Russell Berman have all predicted something along these lines in the Atlantic.

Now, the Atlantic does have some penchant for Doom Porn, one that Ive criticized in the past. In the Atlantic, the sky is pretty much always about to fall. But none of the three Atlantic writers Dougherty cites has ever predicted that Democrats will commit acts of violence if Trump is reelected, nor have they suggested even indirectly that they would condone violence if Democrats committed it. Dougherty himself introduces the Trump Aborted scenario as remote and concludes that public opinion and the desire for continuing constitutional government would restrain Democrats tempted by such a gamble, sounding a little like Emily Litella on Saturday Night Live, who always ended her furious commentaries with the words, Oh. Never mind.

If only Dougherty could predict Trump Republicans will show comparable restraint if their man loses. Clearly Dougherty grasps that the prospect of violence and another attempted insurrection is much greater in the event of a Biden victory. That is not, of course, a reason to vote Trump back in. But I cant help wondering whether Dougherty thinks it is. The respectable rights principal emotion about Trump, after all, has always been abject fear of the man. He took away their party, and he wont give it back. The last thing they want to do is to make Trump, or his MAGA followers, mad.
ISIS-K, the Central Asian offshoot of the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group that carried out the deadly Moscow concert hall attack last month, badly wants to target the United States, two former U.S. Central Command leaders are warning.

Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, former CENTCOM head, said Sunday that the group has a strong desire to attack the U.S. and Biden administration officials should believe them when they say that.

I think the threat is growing, McKenzie told ABC Newss This Week, noting that it began to grow after U.S. forces left Afghanistan in August 2021, which took pressure off ISIS-K.

He also pointed to the March 22 attack on Crocus City Hall theater in Moscow, where at least 143 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured by four gunmen, as an indication we should expect further attempts of this nature against the United States as well as our partners and other nations abroad. I think this is inevitable.

And retired Army Maj. Gen. Mark Quantock, who oversaw intelligence operations for CENTCOM, told USA Today that the U.S. remains target No. 1 for ISIS-K.

They clearly would like to strike the homeland, but their challenge is penetrating our security, which has proven to be quite resilient in recent years, Quantock said.

Created in 2014, ISIS-K seeks to form a caliphate across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and is known for its extreme brutality.

Following the Moscow attack, experts have warned that ISIS-K, whose plots were once largely confined to Afghanistan, has been picking up speed in the size and scope of its attacks.

The current U.S. Central Command leader, Gen. Michael Kurilla, last March warned Congress that ISIS-K was rapidly building up its ability to conduct external operations in Europe and Asia and could even be able to hit U.S. and Western interests outside Afghanistan in as little as six months and with little to no warning.

McKenzie, who was head of CENTCOM during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has long argued that the U.S. should have kept a small troop presence in Afghanistan, and without one Washington has almost no ability to see into that country and almost no ability to strike into that country.

If you can keep pressure on them  in their homeland and their base, it makes it hard for them to conduct these types of attacks, he said, referring to ISIS-K. Unfortunately, we no longer place that pressure on them, so theyre free to gain strength, theyre free to plan, theyre free to coordinate.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former California Superior Court Judge LaDoris Hazzard Cordell declared that there has to be an immediate consequence should former President Donald Trump defy a court order.

When he steps across that gag order line  and I do hope it will be expanded  there should be only one response: bring your toothbrush, Donald Trump, because youre going to sit in a jail cell for a while, Cordell told CNNs Omar Jimenez on Sunday.

Acting New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing Trumps upcoming criminal trial regarding hush money payments made ahead of the 2016 presidential election, imposed a gag order Tuesday that bars the former president from making public statements about witnesses, prosecutors, jurors and court staff in the trial.

The former president has since attacked Merchan and Merchans daughter on his Truth Social platform, leading the Manhattan district attorneys office to suggest that Trump violated the gag order.

Cordell called on Merchan to immediately expand the gag order to include himself, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and their family members.

You cannot have a court system that is subjected to these kinds of threats and intimidation, she said.

She said judges have done things appropriately by issuing warnings and fines, adding that the gag order is next in line.

Cordell argued that its starting to sink in for judges that their lives and family members lives are at stake.

So there is nothing left for them to do other than to go the next step, Cordell said.

She continued, And I dont know what the mystique is or magic is about not putting Donald Trump in a jail cell so that he understands there are immediate consequences for not behaving as a normal adult in the courtroom. So, I dont know, I think now may be the time.

"I've presided over thousands of hearings and trials during my nearly 20 years as a trial judge and never did any defendants in my courtroom show such disrespect for the court system as what's shown by Donald Trump," says former judge LaDoris Cordell on Trump's recent attacks. pic.twitter.com/B78Q0ShqMC  Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) April 1, 2024

Former Superior Court Judge: I don't know what the mystique is or magic is about not putting Donald Trump in a jail cell so that he understands there are immediate consequences for not behaving as a normal adult in the courtroom pic.twitter.com/JcsVhfG1gP  Acyn (@Acyn) March 31, 2024

Related...
Iran warned Russia of the possibility of a major "terrorist operation" on Russian territory ahead of the shooting outside Moscow last month, Reuters reported on April 1, citing three unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

Several gunmen opened fire at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow's suburb, on the evening of March 22, killing at least 144 people. A branch of the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack shortly thereafter.

The U.S. Embassy in Russia, as well as a number of other countries, issued a warning on March 7 that "extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow" and urged American citizens to stay away from crowded areas and venues over the next 48 hours.

Alexander Bortnikov, the head of the FSB, claimed that U.S. warnings were only "general."

A few days before the attack, Tehran also shared data with Moscow obtained during interrogations of those arrested in connection with the January deadly bombings in the Iranian city of Kerman, one of the sources told Reuters.

Read also: FT: Over 50% of Russians blame Ukraine for Moscow terrorist attack, survey shows

There were no details on the exact time and purpose of the attack outside Russia's capital, another source said. Both attacks in Kerman and near Moscow involved Tajik citizens, Reuters wrote.

Tehran has recently discussed with Dushanbe the issue of increased involvement of ethnic Tajiks in militant activities, the news agency reported, citing a diplomatic source in Tajikistan.

Russian authorities detained 11 people in the first 24 hours following the attack. A court in Moscow charged four of them, all of whom are citizens of Tajikistan, with committing an act of terrorism on March 24.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, along with other top Russian officials, sought to pin the blame on Ukraine without providing any evidence.

On March 31, Russia's Foreign Ministry called for the arrest and extradition of the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Ukraine and the U.S. rejected the Kremlin's allegations.

Read also: Moscow shooting aftermath: Repressions, racism, terror

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Revelers strut their stuff at NYCs famed Easter Parade: Go big or go home

It was go big or go home for many New Yorkers strutting their stuff up Fifth Avenue for Manhattans famed Easter Parade on Sunday.

But for longtime reveler Wayne Barr, 75, he kept his schtick simple.

Barr, who has enjoyed the parade every year since 1991, said he likes to just put on an old hat of his sons  and smoke a Cohiba cigar painted orange like a carrot.

[Before the cigar], I would just go as a normal guy, mingle with people, and now [with the cigar], people come to me, said the Merrick, LI, resident, who works in publishing, to The Post. I dont have to seek them out. I just stand here.

This hat my son used to wear, but then he turned 10, and he figured he was beyond that. So I kept the tradition and added the carrot [cigar, about 15 years ago]. It takes other people hours to create their costumes, but I just do a cigar, he said.

Wayne Barr likes to keep it simple at Manhattans Easter Parade on Sunday with a cigar painted orange like a carrot. N.Y.Post/ Khristina Narrizhnaya

Other parade revelers make the event a celebration of spring  under the watchful eye of NYPD cops. G.N.Miller/NYPost

Revelers wear everything from elegant gowns to bunny ears to get in the spirit. Matthew McDermott

Parade-goers are known for their outlandish outfits. Matthew McDermott

Barr attended Sundays festivities without his son, who he took to the bonnet festival until 2004, when the boy lost interest in the parade, but said he still has so much joy participating in the annual event.

You dont see joy on Fifth Avenue all that often, Barr said. People are coming in and out, boutiques, stores, and they dont have time for other people. Here you can see people from all over the world, South Korea, Italy, UK.

Barr was among throngs who dressed up for the event, strolling and posing for pictures on Fifth between 49th and 57th Streets, showing off their bonnets and costumes made from plastic Easter eggs, plastic grass, flowers, felt, recyclables and even yellow cleaning gloves  carrying on a tradition that began in the 1870s.

Every year, Easter is my favorite time of the year, I just love it, said Kolu Baysah, who wore a black headdress over a green and purple striped gown. From a kid, I always loved to get dressed up.

It took me a couple of minutes to do my head wrap with fake beads, and the dress took me a couple of days, Baysah of their outfit. I just create whatever I come up to.

A reveler smiles brightly in their colorful outfit outside of St. Patricks Cathedral. Matthew McDermott

Another parade-goer wears a hat full of flowers to match a pink dress. Matthew McDermott

A man eats an ice cream while wearing his fun hat. Matthew McDermott

A crafty attendee uses plastic cups to create an outfit. Matthew McDermott

Jill Hertz, a stylist from Westchester County, created costumes for herself, her sister Lori Hertz and their friend Keith Lapinsky. They wore plastic grass adorned with Easter eggs draped over white shirts and pants and hats.

We had something else in mind, but I went, and I found a square of grass, and I just went for it, Hertz said.

Were supposed to be the Easter lawn where you go for like an egg hunt. And my hat, its like the whole shoboom shabang. Go big or go home, she said.

One woman was carrying a bright parasol while wearing a hat and toting a bag of bright fake flowers that matched her peach-colored coat and pearls.

A teacher was seen wearing a large hat filled with fake flowers with a golden egg hidden within and a faucet that looked like running water was flowing into the plants.

The Easter event brings out zany creativity. Matthew McDermott

So cool! NYC Fifth Avenue Easter Parade. And thats real water running down @NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/hlttkj3KWV  andrew dallos (@adallos) March 31, 2024

Like I tell my students at school, its magic, she said in a video posted to X.

A man used plenty of plastic cups to create his outfit, while a woman wore a golden headpiece and a sparkly suit.

Others donned elaborate gowns and suits reminiscent of the early years of the parade, which were often known as fashion promenades when wealthy residents would walk along Fifth Avenue wearing their best after attending religious services on their way to brunch, according to the Museum of the City of New York.

In the parades early years, department stores would later recreate some of the outfits seen on the men and women strolling up Fifth Avenue on Easter.

The bonnet tradition started in the 1870s and has taken a more creative turn. Matthew McDermott

A large crowd gathers in Midtown for the beloved annual event. Matthew McDermott

Even pets got into the festivities Sunday.

Anthony Rupio, a pet clothing designer, was out with his two chihuahuas, Bogie and Kimba, who wore top hats with bunny ears and shirts with ruffles and flowers:

I do couture for dogs, and of course for Easter Sunday, I wanted to match their ears with their coats, Rupio said. Everything is handmade, custom-made for them to their measurements, with some jewels and pearls, so a very festive look. Very happy with it. I made my hat last night, it took about 24 hours, because each thing is sewn on. The dogs took a few days.

Pets get into the festivities with fun little hats, including some that feature eggs and fuzzy twists. Matthew McDermott

Participants wear fun sunglasses and flowered hats Sunday to celebrate. Matthew McDermott

Mayor Eric Adams wished New Yorkers a joyful holiday and said he prayed for a new beginning where city-goers rise up in the spirit of faith and renewal to make a difference in someone elses life.

Lets work together to make our city a city of faith, love, and hope on this Easter Resurrection Sunday, he said in a video message.

His message came just a day after a funeral for slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot during a traffic stop last week.

Adams also wished the transgender community a happy Trans Day of Visibility, as it fell on the Easter holiday.

I want our #transgender and non-binary community to know that your city sees you, stands with you, and will protect you. Always, he wrote on X.

In the early years of the parade, dressmakers and department stores would watch the outfits seen on wealthy residents and recreate them for general sale weeks later. Getty Images

Fancy bonnets were a part of the festival in older times. Getty Images

A woman in 1940 wore a hat showing a bird popping out of a broken egg. Getty Images

Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged state residents in a video message to recommit ourselves to being good to one another and spreading the enduring messages of hope, kindness, and compassion that marks this season.

She also acknowledged Trans Day of Visibility in a separate post, saying: New York will always be a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming home for all.

President Biden wished Americans a happy Easter, too.

He also recognized transgender visibility in a longer post, writing to the bravest people I know.

Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect, he wrote on X.
AUGUSTA (WJBF)  The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is requesting the publics help to locate an Armed Robbery suspect.

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 31st, on the 2100 block of Gordon Hwy.

The subject should be considered Armed and Dangerous.

ALSO ON WJBF: Richmond Co. Sheriffs Office searching for Deans Bridge Rd. Armed Robbery suspect

If you have any information on the identity of the subject, please contact the Richmond County Sheriffs Office at (706) 821-1454 or (706) 821-1080.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2018 file photo, Rio de Janeiro Councilwoman Marielle Franco smiles for a photo in Cinelandia square. Brazils federal police arrested on Sunday, March 24, 2024 the men suspected of ordering Franco's killing in 2018, a long-awaited step after years of society clamoring for justice. (AP Photo/Ellis Rua, File)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Two days after Rio de Janeiro city councilwoman Marielle Franco's 2018 assassination, her widow sat down with the chief of the state's civil police, Rivaldo Barbosa, who pledged to do everything in his power to hold the guilty parties to account.

In fact, the man Brazilian media once exalted as Rios Sherlock had the exact opposite intent, according to newly revealed allegations. Federal Police arrested Barbosa on March 24  over six years later  for allegedly helping orchestrate Francos killing and taking money to obstruct the very investigation he would oversee.

Hours after my wifes murder, I was in front of a man who knew exactly what had happened and, more than that, who was part of ordering it, Monica Benicio told TV Brasil through tears after his arrest.

The explosive revelations in the nearly 500-page Federal Police report offer an unprecedented glimpse into how organized crime has undermined Rio's institutions and reveal the extent of corruption in a city where militias allegedly pay police to look away. The death of Franco, a rising political star who resisted militias' expansion and fought for the poor, has driven home the consequences of allowing organized crime to run roughshod over Rios sprawling landscape.

The Marielle case is quite emblematic, said Jacqueline Muniz, a professor of public security at the Federal Fluminense University and ex-director of Rios public security secretariat that oversees police. In Rio, we govern with crime  not against it.

Barbosa's arrest came only after federal authorities started investigating once leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office in 2023. Federal Police made a plea deal with former police officer Ronnie Lessa, who told them that two politician brothers hired him to kill Franco and informed him Barbosa had signed off beforehand. Police say they ordered her dead because she was an obstacle to militias' interests.

Barbosas attorneys told The Associated Press that he denies any wrongdoing or having ever met the accused politicians, and said the allegations are conjecture based on a criminals words.

Upon his promotion to police chief, Barbosa delivered a defiant speech to a packed auditorium, demanding the fight against one of the greatest evils that destroy the state: corruption!

The very next day, Franco was killed.

The masterminds anticipated the assassination would be a blip  a bit of noise feeding a news cycle and just another death in a city where death is commonplace. But they underestimated how many people had placed their hopes in Franco, who hailed from one of the working-class communities known as favelas. The 38-year-old stood out as a Black, bisexual women in politics and her abrupt end shook Brazil with mass protests that echoed around the world.

Weeks later, with no signs of outrage abating, Lessa was getting nervous. He met the politicians to vent. They assured him Barbosa had been paid to turn the cannon in the other direction.

Federal Police say Barbosa tapped an officer to lead the capitals homicide division whom he trusted to slow-walk and obstruct the investigation, while another accomplice induced a witness to give false testimony implicating a suspect they knew to be innocent.

As time passed, Who killed Marielle? became the mantra of those clamoring for justice.

In 2019, the Federal Police told Rio prosecutors they should investigate Barbosa, sharing a cellphone recording of a militia member one of their operations targeted, local media reported at the time. In that conversation, reproduced in the new report, the militia member said Barbosa had received 400,000 reais to not clear Franco's case.

It stretched credulity that he would be one of the chief architects and directly involved in preventing the investigation into this extraordinarily well-publicized murder, recalled Robert Muggah, co-founder of Igarape Institute, a security-focused think tank. Over the course of the investigation, we became more skeptical, not necessarily of him, but of the civil polices level of commitment.

The police report alleges Barbosa laundered bribe money through front companies ostensibly owned by his wife, whose personal earnings skyrocketed the year he assumed control of the homicide division. Financial records show abundant profits for the enterprises and massive cash withdrawals.

Luisa Ferreira, a criminal law professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said plea bargain testimony should be viewed with a grain of salt but noted the financial data corroborates Lessas account.

We dont need full proof at this point (for Barbosas arrest); we need some corroboration of what was said by the cooperating defendant, and the report does this. Starting now, the bar for evidence will be higher, Ferreira said.

Barbosas lawyers, who also represent his wife, said she denies participating in any illicit activities and questions about her income will be clarified.

The arrested politicians allegedly started planning Franco's assassination after she voted against a bill to bypass authorities and bestow legal title to land and buildings in militia territory.

The militias, which formed in the late 1980s to stop drug traffickers' expansion, moved into land-grabbing and real estate more recently and control over half the territory in Rios metro region, according to a 2022 study from the Federal Fluminense University and the Fogo Cruzado Institute.

This is happening because of the public security choices Rio has made over the last 30 to 40 years, said Rafael Soares, author of Milicianos, a book about Rios militias. No Rio administration has addressed corruption, instead appeasing public opinion through bloody confrontations, particularly in poor neighborhoods, that infamously produce collateral damage, Soares said.

Robson Rodrigues, who once led Rios military police in the Mare favela where Marielle grew up, said police overhaul must look beyond street-level officers to the corps entire hierarchy. He noted that some politicians fear civil police, who are rumored to keep blackmail dossiers to discourage pushing for deep reform.

Everybody is scared. There is reluctance, because of the power that the police force has, especially civil police. Its not just about political will; its about having the courage to do it, said Rodrigues, who researches public security at the State University of Rio de Janeiro.

The police report leading to the arrests provided detailed accounts of corruption. One militia member testified in a separate investigation that the homicide division gets a monthly allowance of about 70,000 reais ($14,000). Specific cover-ups require more; in one case, the unit received 300,000 reais, he said, claiming Barbosa was among those benefiting.

Homicide detective Brenno Carnevale testified in a 2019 case that seized material went missing and lead investigators were suddenly swapped, especially in cases related to militias. A victim's daughter testified that Carnevale couldnt conceal his exasperation when she came seeking information: All the records had vanished.

These machinations are the reason why major homicides were never solved, the police's report said. This whole dynamic would not be possible if the main body responsible for repressing the actions of these groups was not complicit in the scheme.

Rio authorities solved 23% of homicides in 2021, half the rate of neighboring Sao Paulo state and among the countrys lowest, according to a 2023 report from nonprofit Instituto Sou da Paz.

The brother of Franco's political mentor was murdered in 2006, and 14 years elapsed before Rios police indicted three former officers associated with militias. Prosecutors didn't press charges. In November, a decorated officer investigating corruption within her ranks was gunned down by camouflaged men. An officer who previously worked with her in the internal affairs division was arrested; local media reported he was on a militia's payroll.

And newspaper O Globo reported that lawyers are already pushing to reopen at least six cases from when Barbosa was a homicide detective, head of the unit or police chief.

Francos case has revealed how, at present, only societal outrage and federal involvement yield advances, security experts told the AP. The alleged masterminds behind Francos killing were arrested, but that doesnt mean justice will be done. For now, it remains one more killing in a city where life is cheap and impunity reigns. ___

Pessoa reported from Sao Paulo.
Christina Bobb used her perch at One America News Network to spread bogus claims of election fraud.

Christina Bobb used her perch at One America News Network to spread bogus claims of election fraud. Photograph: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As Donald Trumps presidential campaign has cemented its hold on the Republican National Committee (RNC), alarms are being raised about the organisations tapping of the fervent election denialist Christina Bobb to run an election integrity unit.

Bobb is a former Trump lawyer and ex-reporter for the far-right One America News Network, who gained prominence after Trumps 2020 loss for promoting bogus fraud charges in Arizona, Wisconsin and elsewhere, and was part of Trump-backed efforts to substitute fake electors for ones that Joe Biden won in some states.

Related: RNC asks job applicants if they believe 2020 election was stolen in litmus test

Bobb helped spread phoney voting fraud claims with Trumps former lawyer Rudy Giuliani and the former campaign operative Mike Roman, both of whom along with Trump and others face charges in Fulton county, Georgia, of conspiring to overturn Bidens win there; Bobb was not charged.

Last year Bobb wrote Stealing Your Vote: The Inside Story of the 2020 Election and What It Means for 2024, a book that was chock full of baseless charges about 2020 election fraud.

Former judges, ex-Republican congressmen and election watchdogs voice strong concerns about Bobbs mission and the potential dangers posed by her flood of erroneous charges of voting fraud.

By designating Bobb to the RNC post, theyre beginning to promulgate the same false narrative of widespread election fraud that we saw in 2020 and 2021 but way earlier, said John Jones, a former federal judge in Pennsylvania and now president of Dickinson College.

Theres a concept known as illusory truth, he added. If you keep saying these same falsehoods over and over, people begin to believe theyre true, and it has the potential to morph into violence. That puts judges, prosecutors and others at risk.

The RNC has not only become an arm of the Trump campaign, but an outlet for the most extreme elements of the election denial movement Charlie Dent

The RNCs hiring of Bobb comes as Trump keeps falsely claiming that the 2020 election was rigged and talks up new efforts this year to guard the vote to ferret out potential fraud. Experts have conclusively said fraud was not a factor in Trumps loss by over 7 million votes, and stressed that historically voting fraud has been minimal.

Bobbs election integrity post at the RNC is expected to involve teams of poll workers, poll watchers and other efforts in swing states and she has begun talking with key Maga allies with similar missions. Bobb last month told the far-right reporter Breanna Morello that her top goal is empowering the grassroots.

Bobb was on at least one conference call in March with a half-dozen Trump-allied groups including ones that echo her false claims about 2020 election fraud, according to a person on the call, who said: Were all going to coordinate.

Among the groups on the call, he added, was Arizona-based Turning Point Action, which has a track record of promoting falsehoods about 2020 election fraud.

Many experts raise red flags about Bobbs new RNC post.

The former Republican congressman Charlie Dent said the RNCs hiring of Bobb is a further indication of how the RNC has not only become an arm of the Trump campaign, but an outlet for the most extreme elements of the election denial movement.

Likewise, the ex-Republican congressman Dave Trott predicted: Bobb will be leading the charge and saying the election was rigged if Trump loses.

Some key Democrats are also alarmed by what Bobbs RNC role may presage.

Putting Christina Bobb in charge of election integrity is like putting Donald Trump in charge of integrity, the Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin said. Theyre designing a platform for lies to wage the next insurrection.

Although Bobbs election integrity slot is new and a work in progress, the RNCs new leadership seems to be banking on her.

Related: Headache for campaign team as Trump gets the band back together

Lara Trump, the new RNC vice-chair and Trumps daughter-in-law, told Fox News Sean Hannity on 12 March: We have the first-ever election integrity division at the [RNC]. That means massive resources going to this one thing.

Lara Trump added: We will have trained poll watchers, poll observers, poll workers, people in tabulation centers all across this country, and signaled that volunteers for these slots and lawyers are needed.

Bobb, whose official RNC title is senior counsel for election integrity, wrote on X: Im honored to be a part of the new team at the RNC.

Besides Bobb, the RNC in March tapped Charlie Spies, who had previously served as its election law counsel, to be its chief counsel.

Further, the RNC also named William McGinley, a veteran election lawyer who worked in the Trump administration, as outside counsel for election integrity, a move that could presage more litigation.

But Bobbs litany of baseless fraud claims as she worked with key Trump allies to overturn the 2020 election results, shadow her new RNC role.

For instance, Bobb used her perch at One America News Network (OAN) to spread bogus claims of fraud that led to a defamation lawsuit against her and OAN by the voting technology firm Dominion; Bobb and OAN have both denied any wrongdoing.

Separately Bobb signed a letter falsely certifying to the justice department on Trumps behalf in 2022 that after a diligent search he had returned all the classified documents the special counsel Jack Smith later charged the former president with illegally taking to Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House.

A subsequent FBI raid found about 100 classified documents; Bobb, who reportedly was interviewed by the FBI, indicated that another lawyer drafted the letter she signed.

Given that Bobb was only tapped for her RNC post this month, it is unclear whether she has begun recruiting staff or taken other steps to develop the RNCs election integrity program.

But a source close to the Trump campaign stressed that the key to election observing is redundancy, meaning that it would involve multiple coordinated efforts, which suggests that the RNC program will be done in tandem with similar poll-watching and poll worker drives by Trump allied groups.

The need for redundancy and Bobbs early conference call with several outside groups are emerging as key strategies for Bobb, as she revealed in an interview on 15 March with Morello, a conservative journalist who used to be with Fox News.

A dangerous sign of how entrenched the election denial movement has become on the right Chioma Chukwu

Bobb told Morello that her top goal at the RNC is empowering the grassroots. This has to be a grassroots approach  We have to empower people in their communities.

The RNC press office did not reply to a request for comment.

The RNCs election integrity drive this year comes after a few decades when a moratorium was imposed on RNC poll-watching operations due to aggressive tactics it employed in 1981 that went beyond permissible programs.

At some polling places in New Jersey in 1981, the GOP used off-duty police officers and provided rewards to some people who claimed they had evidence of voting fraud. After those incidents, the party agreed to halt poll-watching efforts until 2018, when the moratorium terminated.

Still, some lawyers and election veterans are troubled by the RNCs hiring of Bobb given her history of election denialism and Trumps obsession with debunked claims of fraud in 2020.

I dont think its a good thing when a major party hires fringe characters who dont understand how elections work, said David Becker, the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research.

Other lawyers express similar worries about Bobbs background.

Related: South Carolina Republicans can use discriminatory map for 2024, court rules

Its unclear whether the RNC wants those who are not already loyalists to take its commitment to election integrity seriously, said the former federal prosecutor and Columbia law professor Daniel Richman.

But if it does, picking someone who, according to the Florida indictment against Trump, was the vehicle for certifying his false statements about returning all the classified documents in his possession, is an odd choice.

Looking ahead, Chioma Chukwu, the deputy executive director of the watchdog group American Oversight, called Bobbs hiring by the RNC a dangerous sign of how entrenched the election denial movement has become on the right.

Elevating Bobb  who continues to push baseless lies about voter fraud  to a top post focused on election integrity serves no purpose other than to sow chaos and confusion in November, allowing partisan actors to cry foul if their preferred candidate loses.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  One person was reported to be injured after a crash in southwest Topeka.

At 7:32 a.m., first responders received a call for a rollover crash at I-470 and Southwest Fairlawn Avenue. According to the Topeka Police watch commander, the crash only involved one vehicle.

The watch commander said one lane of the westbound lane of I-470 had been closed. He said one person was suspected to have minor injuries.

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Homeless camp controversy in Capitol City

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Romania has not yet allocated funds for Ukrainian refugees in 2024

The Romanian government has not allocated any financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees in 2024 so far.

Source: Euractiv, citing the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Ukrainian refugees seeking shelter in Romania received some financial support in February, but these were overdue payments from the end of 2023, according to IGSU.

Regarding January and February 2024 expenditures, IGSU reported that "steps have been taken with higher-ranking structures to allocate necessary funds upon receiving requests from local public administration authorities."

However, IGSU stated that it cannot estimate when it will receive the necessary amounts.

Assistance to Ukrainian refugees was also delayed last year due to budget deficits, leading to protests by several dozen Ukrainian refugees in front of the Ministry of Finance in November 2023.

Until April 2023, assistance was provided under the "50/20" programme, which allocated 50 lei (10) for accommodation and 20 lei for daily meals. This money was not given directly to refugees but transferred to Romanian host parties.

From May 2023, the government reduced assistance to 750 lei (150) per month for individuals and 2,000 lei (402) per month for families, with an additional 600 lei (120) per person for food expenses. Adults were required to be registered with county employment agencies, the municipality of Bucharest, or have a job in Romania, and children were required to attend school to qualify for assistance.

According to the latest data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as of February 2024, over 78,000 Ukrainians were in Romania. At the EU level, Romania ranks eighth in terms of the number of Ukrainian refugees.

Background:

In Germany, dozens of Romanian citizens were exposed who, under the guise of Ukrainian refugees, received money and housing.

In Norway, a scandal erupted over the decision of the city council of the country's fifth-largest city, Drammen, to only admit refugees from Ukraine.

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Polish farmers continue to block truck traffic at two border crossing points, allowing several trucks to pass through per hour or restricting traffic altogether. On April 2, they plan to resume the blockade in the direction of the Uhryniv-Dolhobyczow checkpoint, where they temporarily suspended their actions on Thursday for the Easter holidays.

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Currently, traffic is free in both directions. This was stated in a comment to Ukrinform by the spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, Andriy Demchenko.

"As of today, blocking is carried out in the direction of the Yahodyn and Rava-Ruska checkpoints. Polish protesters do not allow trucks to cross into Poland at all through Yahodyn and Rava-Ruska. In these directions, zero rates of border crossing by trucks leaving Ukraine have been recorded recently," said Demchenko.

He clarified that an extremely small number of trucks are allowed to leave Poland through Yahodyn, 70 trucks per day. As of this morning, a total of 500 trucks are queuing in the two blocked directions in Poland, 250 in front of each of them. Cars and buses are crossing the border freely everywhere, and there are no restrictions on traffic on the other side of the border for this category of vehicles.

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The spokesperson reminded that earlier Polish farmers stopped blocking truck traffic at the Krakivets, Shehyni, and Ustyluh checkpoints, and there is now heavy traffic both leaving and entering Ukraine. Queues in Poland remain at Krakivets  950 trucks, Shehyni  600. However, with the current traffic intensity, drivers do not have to stand in lines for weeks.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Ukraine and Poland held talks at the level of prime ministers. The topics included the blocking of the border by Polish farmers and trade in the agricultural sector. Among the results is an agreement that Poland will issue licenses to Ukraine for the import of four types of agricultural crops into its territory.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A Romanian man suspected of entering the United States illegally was sentenced to more than six years in prison on Friday for leading a group that used illegal skimmers on ATMs to steal data and benefits from low-income families in Southern California.

According to a release from the United States Attorneys Office for the Central District of California, 38-year-old Marius Oprea used the illegal devices to harvest data and create counterfeit debit cards using the stolen account holders information.

These restaurants are exempt from Californias fast food minimum wage law

The cloned cards were then used to make cash withdrawals from the accounts of low-income individuals, the DOJ said.

The individuals whose accounts are looted most frequently are those who depend on government payments to survive, an FBI agent who worked the case stated.

Under an alias, Oprea had sophisticated skimming devices shipped to a short-term residence he was renting, authorities said. He maintained a master list of stolen account information, according to a sentencing memorandum filed by prosecutors, who described the scheme as unusually professional.

The skimming ring focused on Bank of America accounts[the bank] provides debit cards for California anti-poverty programs, including those providing benefits for unemployed and disabled individuals, the DOJs release stated.

Debris-covered burglar spotted returning to site of break-in, deputies say

Oprea, who according to authorities last resided at a short-term rental property in Port Hueneme, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud in June 2023. He was also ordered by United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong to pay $28,974 in restitution.

Oprea illegally entered our country for one purpose  to take advantage of the weaker ATM security here, which does not require cards containing computer chips, the sentencing memorandum said. He pursued fraud like a full-time job, netting thousands of victims accounts.

The case was part of an investigation by the Vulnerable Communities Task Force, which focuses on prosecuting individuals and entities that prey on communities that typically are less likely to report crimes to law enforcement and historically have had less legal recourse to address the offenders targeting them, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN)  When your home is on fire or youre involved in a car crash, the first thing you want to see is the big red truck that says, Round Rock Fire Department on it. Its equipped with all the necessary resources and manpower needed to respond to emergencies.

But for Annie Burwell, an employee of the fire department, its not her choice of vehicle when she is working.

Its a little too big for me, Burwell said with a smile. She is the program manager of the citys Crisis Response Unit, a 13-member team full of medical professionals and behavioral specialists that respond to mental health crises.

The CRU is better equipped than police officers and firefighters to handle these situations. It has more time to work with individuals and get them the help they need while freeing up police and fire to respond to other emergencies.

Keeping people out of emergency departments if they dont need to go. Keeping people out of jail, Burwell explained.

The team was created in 2022 because of a need for one in Round Rock. According to data shared by Burwell, the CRU responded to 1,617 health crisis calls in 2023.

Instead of the big fire truck, Burwell responds to a crisis in her red SUV. In the back of the car are resources like leave-behind Narcan kits, and hygiene kits. A behavioral specialist would drive Burwells car and would meet up with a medic, who drives their own SUV with their own equipment.

The medic and behavioral specialist will work together at a scene to determine what the best action is for the person or families they are responding to. Is the issue a medical one, or is it a behavioral health one? Does the person need to go to a hospital or mental health facility? Can we provide help here at the scene and avoid taking them anywhere? These are the types of questions that go through CRU team.

Our team can arrive at someones home and we can spend as long as we need to there, said Melanie Jones, a senior medical specialist with the CRU.

The team also has case workers that follow up with patients days, weeks, and even months after an emergency to ensure they are still receiving the help they need.

Helping someone in psychosis

A unique technique this team can utilize is the use of antipsychotic drugs. The drug is nothing new, but the ability to administer the drug in the field to someone who is experiencing psychosis is a new technique.

The CRU works with the Williamson County EMS medical director when administering those drugs. In order to give someone an antipsychotic, the patient must first give consent and understand what drug they are about to take, according to Jones.

It helped the CRU in a recent call they responded to with a patient experiencing psychosis.

It kind of mitigated their symptoms enough for them to be able to engage in some follow up care for us to create a safety plan and work with them long-term, Jones said.

City requests for grant money

In March, the city of Round Rock submitted a request for $235,000 from the states Crisis Intervention Grant Program. Burwell says that money would be used to take a deep dive into data from dispatch calls to make sure the CRU team is properly being utilized.

In order for the CRU to respond to a scene, it first starts with the dispatcher recognizing situations where the CRU team is needed.

Burwell added the money would also be used for funding a nurse practitioner and funding to provide housing to people who have a great potential for stabilization.

A spokesperson for the city of Round Rock said it wont know if it won the grant money until this summer. That money wouldnt start until October.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Roundup: Verdict returned in stalking case against Simi man, more news

Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:

This is the emblem of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

Simi Valley man convicted in stalking case

A Simi Valley man has been convicted of stalking and extorting his former girlfriend, the Ventura County District Attorneys Office announced last week.

Jason Anthony Arnold, 52, was found guilty Thursday by a jury of two felonies: stalking and extortion by threatening letter. He also was found guilty of three misdemeanor counts of distributing private intimate photos.

Prosecutors said that Arnold began to stalk and threaten the woman for several months between November 2019 and March 2020 following a break-up in 2019.

Jason Anthony Arnold

He allegedly demanded about $54,000 from the victim and distributed nude photographs of her when she did not pay. Authorities said the photographs were sent to the woman's mother, brother and her new boyfriend, and were posted around her business and her new boyfriends apartment complex.

Prosecutors said a sex advertisement accompanied the photos along with the victim's home address, business address and personal mobile number. She obtained a domestic violence restraining order, but the defendant continued to contact her via texts and emails, prosecutors said.

Arnold is scheduled to be sentenced at 9 a.m. April 25 in courtroom 27 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He faces a maximum prison sentence of three years and eight months.

After the verdict, Arnold was remanded into custody at the main jail in Ventura.

2 rescued after car crashes into garage

A car crashed into a home in the central part of Ventura late last week, trapping two people inside the vehicle, the citys fire department reported.

Firefighters said they found a vehicle that had broken through a garage wall Thursday morning at the residence in the 300 block of Teloma Drive in a neighborhood located west of Victoria Avenue.

The crash also broke the homes electrical panel, exposing live wires.

Firefighters arrived at the home six minutes after being dispatched to the scene and extricated both victims from the vehicle within 15 minutes of arrival, officials said.

One person was treated and released at the scene. The other person was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries for further evaluation.

These items may be updated.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Roundup: Jury convicts Simi man for stalking, extortion, more news
Who is Ruben Gallego? What to know about the Democrat in Arizona's US Senate race

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

Rep. Ruben Gallego, a retired U.S. Marine and longtime U.S. representative in the House, is the front-runner to win Arizona's U.S. Senate seat and become the state's first Latino senator.

Gallego, D-Ariz., is running against Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake, a former news anchor turned political candidate, for the seat held by the retiring U.S. Sen. Krysten Sinema, I-Ariz., who is not seeking reelection.

Who is ahead in AZ's US Senate race Polls, bettors point in one direction

Where was Ruben Gallego born?

Gallego, 44, grew up in Chicago to immigrant parents from Colombia and Mexico. He and his three sisters were raised by his single mother, Elisa Gallego.

Where did Ruben Gallego go to college?

He graduated from Evergreen Park Community High School in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and then traveled to Boston to study at Harvard University. Gallego graduated from Harvard with a degree in international relations.

Was Ruben Gallego a US Marine?

After graduating from Harvard, Gallego joined the Marines and was deployed to Iraq with the Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. Gallego's company lost 23 men, which was one of the highest casualties of any Marine unit in Iraq.

Gallego has written about his time in the Marines in a 2021 book about the Lima Company called "They Called Us 'Lucky': The Life and Afterlife of the Iraq War's Hardest Hit Unit."

Gallego's book generated some controversy after publication because it inaccurately characterized a then-Washington Post reporter's story about the company's casualties. The book criticized a 2005 Post story by Ellen Knickmeyer, now at the Associated Press, as wrongly saying the entire company had been killed, causing emotional pain for loved ones back home. But Knickmeyer's story was correct, only reporting casualties in one squad, not the whole platoon.

The publisher, HarperCollins imprint William Morrow Books, acknowledged and corrected the error.

Gallego also shared the story of the "Lucky" Lima Company in his first campaign TV ad for the 2024 U.S. Senate race in Arizona.

How did Ruben Gallego get into politics?

After returning from combat, Gallego got involved with Arizona's politics to support combat veterans, among others. In 2009, he served as the chief of staff for Phoenix City Councilmember Michael Nowakowski and was elected as the vice chair of the Arizona Democratic party.

In 2010, Gallego was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in a district that covers much of south Phoenix. His time as a state legislator ended in March 2014 after his announcement that he would be running for Arizona's 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., held the seat until he retired after the 2014 elections.

After winning the election to succeed Pastor, Gallego went on to serve the district in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2023 before redistricting put him in a similar district, which he serves today.

In early 2023, Gallego announced that he was running for the 2024 U.S. Senate seat in Arizona held by Sinema, a Democrat who changed to independent in 2022. Sinema ultimately decided not to run again.

Who is Ruben Gallego's family?

While at Harvard, Gallego met future Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who was also a student there. The couple moved to Phoenix in 2004 after Kate Gallego got a job on John Kerrys 2004 presidential campaign in Arizona, and Ruben Gallego joined her after finishing his deployment in Iraq. They married in 2010.

In 2016, the couple divorced shortly before the birth of their son, Michael. The couple remains friendly, with Kate Gallego endorsing Ruben Gallego in his Senate race in December.

In 2021, Ruben Gallego married Sydney Barron, now Sydney Gallego. The couple has a daughter together, Isla, who was born in July 2023.

Sydney Gallego was a lobbyist for the National Association of Realtors and previously worked for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

Where does Ruben Gallego stand on immigration and other top issues?

Gallego supported a bipartisan border security bill that Sinema helped broker. That measure failed when Republicans voted against it at the request of former President Donald Trump, who didn't want the GOP to hand Biden a legislative victory.

The border security bill is part of a rhetorical shift for Gallego less focused on immigration reforms and more toward securing the border and ports of entry, and increasing resources for border communities. During his tenure in Congress, he's been outspoken about providing a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants.

Gallego previously took more liberal positions on immigration and border security. In 2017, he wrote an op-ed for The Arizona Republic titled "Why we should not build Trump's border wall (ever)." In his article, Gallego wrote that the wall was never about border security, it would be a giant waste of money and former President Donald Trump was using the wall to play up Americans fears and anxiety surrounding immigration.

Receiving endorsements from Reproductive Freedom for All, formally known as NARAL Pro-Choice, and Planned Parenthood, Gallego supports abortion rights in line with what existed before the 2022 Dobbs decision erased federal protections.

If elected to the Senate, Gallego had said he would set aside the legislative filibuster to codify the 1973 Roe v. Wade protections.

What are Ruben Gallego's controversies?

In addition to coming under fire for the inaccuracies in his 2021 book, Gallego has faced criticism for his profanity on social media and lack of outreach to the Black community in Phoenix.

He was once a member a of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a marker of a desired shift to the political middle in Arizona.

In May 2022, after the death of 19 students and two teachers in a shooting at Uvalde Elementary School, Gallego hurled profanity at Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz over his comments.

"F--- you @tedcruz you care about a fetus but will let our children get slaughtered. Just get your ass to Cancun. You are useless," Gallego wrote on his personal Twitter account in reference to Cruz's trip to the city amid statewide blackouts and a winter storm in Texas.

Gallego made the comments following Cruz's claims on CNN about how Democratic legislators would use the deaths to call for gun reform.

Besides that instance, Gallego frequently has used a range of profanity on social media. Those comments have ranged from criticizing colleagues to disagreeing with policy actions and decisions.

In 2022, he responded to a tweet by Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, now the Republican vice-presidential nominee, who said the father of a junior Marine officer told him his son got the COVID-19 vaccine "against his wishes."

"Sounds like the officer should shut the f--- up. Now you know how it is to be enlisted we had to lots of s--- that we didnt like. Its called being a Marine suck it up and deal with it," Gallego wrote.

In 2021, Gallego was criticized by a former aide for his lack of support and outreach to the Black community in his district. Ne'Lexia Galloway ripped Gallego on Twitter, now known as X, for not speaking out against the Phoenix Police Department's actions related to Phoenix's Black Lives Matter protests, which led to an ongoing investigation on Phoenix police by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"I, in good conscience, can no longer remain silent about Congressman Gallego's silence and absence from the Black community," Galloway said in her statement.

Reach reporter Morgan Fischer at morgan.fischer@gannett.com or on X, formally known as Twitter, @morgfisch.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Who is Ruben Gallego? Arizona Democrat running for Senate
The Russians are actively employing reconnaissance drones to compensate for the absence of A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft.

Source: Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the Joint press centre of the Defence Forces of Ukraine's south, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The Russians actively utilise drones, both for reconnaissance and strike purposes. If we observed over 200 reconnaissance drones yesterday in our area of responsibility, spanning from Odesa to Zaporizhzhia, today there were slightly fewer. However, the enemy continues reconnaissance, and there is obviously a need to compensate for the absence of A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft in the air in this way."

Details: Humeniuk said that the Russians were gathering information for future targeted missile strikes as well as mass attacks.

"Obviously, drone attacks will not cease because the enemy has stockpiled resources. Recently, we observed the transit of a cargo plane from Tehran to Moscow, indicating that both ready-made products like Shahed type and components are actively in use," Humeniuk added.

Humeniuk also mentioned that kamikaze drone wreckage, which fell during the recent attacks, indicates that the Russians are increasing the volume of their production, as they are marked with specific letters from the Russian alphabet.

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Russian forces attacked the Sumy Oblast border 39 times on March 31, targeting 11 communities in the area, the regional military administration reported.

The Russian military assailed the border throughout the day with artillery, mortar, grenade launchers, drones, mines, and unguided aerial missiles. The community of Seredyna-Buda suffered the most intense bombardments, recording 37 explosions in 24 hours.

The communities of Khotin, Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Shalyhyne, Esman, Hlukhiv, and Svesa also came under fire.

No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure was reported.

Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive in recent weeks, prompting new waves of civilian evacuations. Attacks are a daily occurrence for the residents near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian retreat looms without US support, ATACMS are the answer, says Zelensky

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia is behind Havana Syndrome, attacks on U.S., former lead Pentagon investigator says

The former head of the Pentagons investigation into the mysterious health incidents known as Havana Syndrome told the CBS investigation show 60 Minutes he believes Russia was behind them and was attacking U.S. officials abroad and at home.

In partnership with The Insider, a Russian exile media outlet, and German magazine Der Spiegel, 60 Minutes reported Sunday night on new evidence connecting a possible domestic incident of Havana Syndrome to Russia and identified a Russian military intelligence unit, identified as 29155, as the possible culprit of some of the suspected attacks, the latest turn in a case that has confounded U.S. spy agencies.

Havana Syndrome got its name from the city where U.S. and Canadian diplomats and intelligence officials first reported in 2016 experiencing strange noises and sensations of pressure, and later developed debilitating symptoms like vertigo, migraines and hearing and cognitive problems. The incidents were later reported around the world, which led to suspicions that a foreign adversary, possibly Russia, was attacking U.S. diplomats and spies with some type of directed energy weapon.

As the Herald previously reported, 60 Minutes also said that a 2014 incident in Frankfurt affecting American officials might be an earlier instance of Havana Syndrome.

Though U.S. intelligence officials initially suspected Russias military intelligence, known by the initials GRU, U.S. intelligence agencies said in March that they hadnt found hard evidence pointing to those responsible and that it was unlikely that a foreign adversary has been attacking American officers around the world.

But the incidents have not stopped.

According to 60 Minutes, a previously unreported anomalous health incident  the government term for the Havana Syndrome  at the NATO summit in Lithuania last year attended by President Joe Biden left a senior Pentagon official seeking medical care.

Greg Edgreen, who ran the investigation into Havana Syndrome for the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2021-23, said that as a result of the incidents, U.S. officers abroad have been neutralized.

When asked by the shows host, journalist Scott Pelley, if he thought the United States is being attacked, he answered, My personal opinion, yes. By whom? Pelley asked.

By Russia, Edgreen said.

Edgreen warned that there are no barriers on what Moscow will do, but he said that in both the Trump and Biden administrations, the bar to attribute these incidents to Russia was too high because we did not, as a country, and a government, want to face some very hard truths, in particular what to do after such a conclusion.

Another suspected attack that happened in Florida also points to a Russian link, 60 Minutes reported.

An active unnamed FBI agent told the show she experienced one of these incidents in Florida in 2021 and a year later in California.

According to 60 Minutes the agent, identified on the show only as Carrie, had been investigating a suspected Russian spy who had come to the United States as a chef, Vitalii Kovalev. He was arrested for speeding at 110 mph in the Florida Keys in June 2020. A video of the arrest obtained by CBS shows that the police found notes about several bank accounts, his Russian passport, and a device that can erase the cars computer, including its GPS record.

The two incidents severely affecting the FBI agents health happened when Kovalev was in prison.

The chef turned out to be a Russian military electrical engineer with a top security clearance, Christo Grozev, a journalist with The Insider found. Previously, as the top investigative journalist for Bellingcat, the open-source investigation outlet, Grozev uncovered the identities of the Russian operatives who attempted to poison the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

CBS 60 Minutes shared new information potentially linking Russia to the Havana Syndrome.

Kovalev traveled back to Russia after serving a 30-month sentence in the U.S. for evading police and reckless driving, and is believed to have died fighting in Ukraine.

Grozev also found a piece of accounting linking the top secret GRU unit 29155 to the use of non-lethal acoustic weapons and more evidence placing members of the unit in Tbilisi, Georgia, when Americans reported incidents there in 2021.

U.S. intelligence agencies previously said Havana Syndrome could be explained away by environmental factors, previous conditions or stress. But the CIA and other federal agencies are also paying compensation to those officers injured around the world after government doctors certified that they did suffer brain injuries that have no known explanation.

The Defense Department is still investigating the anomalous health incidents, which they treat as counterintelligence incidents, and its doctors have developed protocols to treat Havana Syndrome victims. After gathering testimonies from the victims, the House Intelligence Committee has also launched a formal investigation into how U.S. intelligence agencies handled the Havana Syndrome Investigation.

Mark Zaid, a lawyer for a dozen Havana Syndrome victims, told 60 Minutes that there is evidence of a government cover-up.

Sources told the Herald that many of the officers injured were involved in work related to Russia or were stationed in places where Russian spies could work with ease, like Cuba, China, Vietnam and most of Europe. Some incidents in Hanoi, Bogota, London and India happened ahead of or during the visits by senior U.S. officials.

Cuba, a close Russian military partner, has denied it has any involvement in these incidents and Cuban diplomats and scientists have insisted that injuries are psychosomatic, a case of mass hysteria or can be explained by pre-existing conditions.

After the Miami Herald reported on the cases of CIA agents receiving compensation for brain injuries linked to Havana Syndrome cases, Cubas Vice Foreign Affairs Minister wrote on X: Without any shame, pundits & main media outlets continue to recycle the fabulous legend of attacks against US diplomats. No evidence has surfaced, the scientific community has descarted it (sic), yet there is money to be made & political slander against #Cuba to be pushed.
As of July 2023, Russia had imported at least 3,600 luxury cars since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, even though the G7 countries imposed restrictions on exporting such goods to the Russian Federation in early March 2022.

Source: analysis of Import Genius data; Ukrainska Pravdas investigation

Ukrainska Pravdas investigation has shown that Russian billionaires are overpaying for "logistical inconveniences". However, Kremlin oligarchs can still afford it despite sanctions and restrictions.

The largest number of imported cars was Mercedes, with 764 imported, of which 49 were Mercedes Maybachs.

Cars imported since 24 February, 2022

With a small margin, BMWs are in second place with 718 cars imported, most notably the latest models of 2023, for example, X5 and X7.

More than 300 Range Rovers and 119 Land Cruisers also entered Russia from 24 February 2022 to 31 July 2023. Lamborghini, Bentley, Cadillac, Porsche and Ferrari cars were imported to Russia in smaller volumes.

Luxury Western-produced cars were imported to Russia from Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Estonia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Korea, and others.

Notably, a significant part of customs declarations does not contain data on the vehicle's VIN codes, and in some places, even the model or brand of the car is not indicated.

The analysis considered Russia's import of such cars:

1) a car with an internal combustion engine with compression ignition (diesel) with a cylinder capacity of more than 2,500 cubic centimetres;

2) cars with spark ignition with a cylinder capacity of more than 3,000 cubic centimetres (gasoline).

The supply of these cars from March 2022 is prohibited by the sanctions of the G7 countries, in particular the USA and the EU. At first, luxury cars were interpreted as those that cost more than US$50,000. Later, the classification was carried out by measuring the volume of cylinders. Thus, import of cars with internal combustion engines with a cylinder capacity of more than 1,900 cubic centimetres has been prohibited under sanctions. This means the list of illegal luxury cars that were imported into the Russian Federation is much larger.

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A massive death of dolphins is taking place in the temporarily occupied Crimea, but Russian environmental authorities claim there is no reason to worry. In March alone, more than fifty dolphin strandings were recorded, but the peak is expected in April and May.

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One of the Crimean eco-activists, whose identity remains unknown for security reasons, told Krym.Realii. The activist received a response on this issue from the Russian environmental authority.

The Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences claims that the population of all three species of dolphins in the Black Sea is in a "stable" state. According to Russian scientists, the deaths of dolphins are mostly due to "natural causes" and no independent mass strandings have "ever been recorded."

"Maybe this has never happened before, but now there is a full-scale war with all the negative consequences, including for dolphins. In the last week of March alone, more than 20 dead dolphins were found in Crimea. While Crimeans are sounding the alarm in social networks, the authorities do not react to what is happening, maybe because they know the real reason?" the activist said.

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Russia plans to reduce daily diesel exports from key western ports to a five-month low as Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries and seasonal maintenance have sharply reduced oil refining rates.

Source: Bloomberg

Details: Industry data provided to Bloomberg indicates that diesel fuel loading from the country's three main ports on the Black and Baltic Seas, including some volumes from Belarus, is likely to fall to around 2.29 million tonnes this month.

Based on estimates by intelligence firm Kpler, this equates to just over 569,000 barrels per day, down 21% from the actual daily exports of around 724,000 barrels from the same ports in March.

Russia has cut marine diesel supplies after weekly oil refining rates fell to a 10-month low due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Seasonal maintenance, which will last until summer and temporarily reduce oil refining at some Russian refineries, is also weighing on the country's diesel flows.

The April diesel export plan provided by Bloomberg shows only flows coming to three key inland ports by pipeline. It does not include smaller volumes sent to export terminals by rail and outside the Transneft pipeline system for oil products. Actual flows may vary depending on weather and demand from foreign customers.

Background:

Exports of diesel fuel and gasoil from Russian ports on the week of 18-24 March fell by 25% to 703,000 tonnes.

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New reports claim to have found a potential origin for the mysterious "Havana Syndrome" that's said to have affected American and Canadian agents  but questions remain about whether the US government agrees.

In a five-year investigation conducted with the help of Germany's Der Spiegel and the independent Russian exile outfit The Insider, CBS' 60 Minutes reports that the strange neurological symptoms associated with Havana Syndrome seem to be linked to a secretive Russian "assassination unit."

Named for the first reported instances in 2016 occurring near the US embassy in Havana, Cuba, these "anomalous health incidents," as the American military calls them, have been said to affect personnel in China, Germany, Austria, and Vietnam, as Axios helpfully rounded up.

As reports indicate, spies and diplomats from the US and Canada have reported a constellation of bizarre symptoms, ranging from ear-ringing and hearing loss to vertigo and cognitive dysfunction, with little in common about the sufferers save for their top-secret government jobs.

Since then, there have been all kinds of potential explanations for the symptoms, with the prevailing theory being that it was some sort of directed microwave or acoustic attack. Those theories have been complicated by the government's own repeated denials that the syndrome was caused by foreign attacks.

This new reporting, which comes just two weeks after a pair of studies by government scientists that found Havana Syndrome had no long-lasting effects in the brains of sufferers, suggests that attacks may have occurred even earlier than previously reported  though details about the who and why are still murky.

Indeed, as the trifecta of outlets report, a similar set of symptoms happened to at least four Americans in Frankfurt in 2014 and also to three agents who'd been stationed in Ukraine  but the "hits," as the reports call them, only occurred after they'd left that country.

As The Insider detailed in its own report about the investigation, an American named Mark Lenzi claimed that he and his family had all suffered similar attacks, which that outlet describes as "something akin to a strong energy beam." That man and his whole family, who'd previously been in Guangzhou, China, all failed brain injury tests and were compensated "more than a million dollars because of our diagnosed traumatic brain injuries," he told the outlet.

What's more, the outlet claims that as recently as July 2023, a Department of Defence official was said to be hit with a similar energy attack during a NATO summit in Lithuania that was also attended by President Joe Biden.

Although The Insider is said to have identified officials associated with "Unit 29155," the alleged assassination unit that's said to be part of Russia's GRU state intelligence agency, the outlet explains these links primarily with call logs, car rentals, arrests, and hearsay. While there certainly are patterns demonstrated by the exile outlet, the evidence it provides is tenuous enough to provide ample plausible deniability  which is exactly what the Kremlin did when asserting that it has nothing to do with Havana syndrome.

"This is not a new topic at all; for many years the topic of the so-called 'Havana syndrome' has been exaggerated in the press," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the press in the wake of the new reporting, "and from the very beginning it was linked to accusations against the Russian side."

Although an ex-Pentagon official did tell The Insider that he believed Russia was behind these attacks, the US government itself has not responded to the latest reports. We've reached out to the DOD, but thus far the official silence only serves to further complicate the already-complex debacle of Havana syndrome.

More on Russia: Russia Warns of Potential Military Strike on SpaceX Satellites
A key Ukrainian defensive line on the eastern front appears to have partially fallen to Russian forces in the past week, according to a British defense intelligence statement and military bloggers quoting sources on the ground.

The United Kingdoms defense intelligence agency on Saturday released an unusually negative assessment of Kyivs fortunes near the city of Avdiivka, which fell to Russian forces in mid-February. The UK statement, which was shared on X, said: Russian forces have maintained a gradual advance West of Avdiivka. In late March 2024, they almost certainly took control of two villages  Tonenke and Orlivka  and are continuing to contest others in the area.

The agency added that Russia had significantly more personnel and munitions in the area than Ukraine and was able to replenish their forces by 30,000 troops a month.

While the villages are not in themselves of strategic significance and struggled to hold a few hundred residents before the war, they formed part of the defensive line that Kyiv has fought bitterly to hold after their forced withdrawal from Avdiivka. Their apparent fall in just over a month after a prolonged and brutal Russian assault is indicative not only of Russian momentum, but also the fragility of Ukraines defensive lines.

The road into Avdiivka is seen on February 14. Ukraine retreated from the city after a fierce battle. - Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images

The UK statement marks a particularly dire analysis of Ukraines fortunes, at a time when Kyivs prospects in the conflict are looking increasingly bleak.

The Ukrainian military is desperate for weapons and money, as some $60 billion worth of military aide has been held up in Washington by isolationist Republicans aligned with former US President and current frontrunner for the GOP nomination Donald Trump.

President Zelensky told the Washington Post on Friday that no US aid means we will go back, retreat, step by step, in small steps.

Kyivs soldiers on the front lines are in pressing need of ammunition to fend off Russias latest salvos. While the European Union has attempted to fill the void created by partisan bickering in Congress, the bloc must overcome its own internal disagreements on military aid to Kyiv.

Ukraines General Staff has not directly commented on the British assessment, but their Monday update discussed fighting for the village of Umanske, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to the west into Ukrainian territory from Tonenke.

Ukraines military declined to comment on who is currently in control of Tonenke in response to a question from CNN.

Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov posted on social media what he said was footage from a battle to the west of Tonenke.

In a subsequent phone conversation on Monday, Butusov told CNN that Russian forces had held Tonenke for a while now, adding, I cannot say the frontline in the area has been broken but it is being pushed and is gradually moving back where the Russians succeed.

Ukraines General Staff also said their forces had repelled attacks in the areas of Berdychi, Semenivka, Pervomaiske and Nevelske, a list of villages across that frontline, marking a series of Russian attempts to perforate Ukrainian defenses. Troops CNN spoke to in frontline areas expressed concerns about the lack of Ukrainian defensive positions, personnel and munitions.

Soldiers on are seen on an armored vehicle outside Avdiivka on February 14. - Vlada Liberova/Libkos/Getty Images

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US think tank, reported Sunday that Russian forces had conducted a large-mechanized assault near Tonenke on Saturday, committing 36 tanks and 12 armoured personnel carriers. The ISW said the Ukrainian forces appeared to have repelled the Russian mechanized assault, an apparent reference to the Umanske attack.

Further indications of Ukraines worsening position came when both Ukrainian and Russian bloggers said Russian forces made significant progress towards Chasiv Yar, the main Ukrainian stronghold outside the city of Bakhmut, which Russia captured after a months-long and grueling battle in May last year.

Multiple Ukrainian military bloggers wrote Sunday about the tough fight for Chasiv Yar, with one, named Chameleon, warning the distance to the enemy positions is about 650 meters (2,000 feet). The same distance between forces was reported by pro-Russian blogger Operation Z.

CNNs Victoria Butenko, Svitlana Vlasova and Yulia Kesaieva contributed to this report

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Russia launched an attack against the town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast on April 1, injuring a 27-year-old woman, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

Russian forces carried out the attack at 1:20 p.m. local time, targeting residential buildings, according to the governor.

The injured woman was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds.

Vovchansk, a town with a pre-war population of 17,500 located in the Chuhuiv district, lies only a few kilometers south of the border with Russia's Belgorod Oblast. It is regularly targeted by Russian cross-border strikes.

Russia fired at 15 settlements of Kharkiv Oblast over the past day, Syniehubov said in his morning report on April 1.

The regional center, Kharkiv, came under particularly heavy attacks recently, which resulted in the destruction of almost its entire energy infrastructure.

Read also: Russia intensifies attacks on Kharkiv, draining Ukraines air defense and civilian morale

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In March 2024, the Ukrainian Defense Forces managed to strike five warships of the Russian aggressor country. One of them sank, and four were damaged.

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The infographic was published by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on Twitter(X) on the last day of the month. "March turned out to be a bad month for the Russian Black Sea Fleet," the ministry joked.

On the 5th, Magura V5 surface drones attacked the enemy patrol ship Sergey Kotov. The ship's stern, port, and starboard sides were damaged.

On the 24th, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully attacked the large landing ships Yamal, Azov, Konstantin Olshansky, and the reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol (Crimea).

"The Russian Black Sea Fleet continues to suffer. Excellent work of Ukrainian soldiers," the Defense Ministry emphasized.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

 British intelligence believes that the command of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has found a way to protect its facilities from attacks by Ukrainian naval drones. The invaders are trying to increase the chances of Russian ships to "survive" by blocking the passages to ports with barges.

 Earlier, UK intelligence noted that Russia has decided to create a new "Dnipro river flotilla" to hinder the operations of the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the left bank of the Kherson region. However, the Russian ships will be vulnerable to naval drones, the ministry noted.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Russian attacks over past day kill 1, injure at least 6

Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day killed at least one person and injured at least six others, regional authorities said on April 1.

Russian forces attacked Kherson Oblast, killing one person and injuring two others, said Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

In Donetsk Oblast, four people were injured after at least nine Russian attacks throughout the oblast, said Governor Vadym Filashkin.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 54-year-old man was injured by Russian attacks in the Polohy district, Governor Ivan Fedorov said.

Russian forces also attacked Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv oblasts, causing damage but no casualties.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian retreat looms without US support, ATACMS are the answer, says Zelensky

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Russian forces will be able to launch large-scale offensive in one operational area  ISW

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have suggested that Russia may concentrate a large-scale offensive in the western part of Donetsk Oblast in late spring or summer, adding that Russian troops will be able to launch an offensive in only one operational area.

Source: ISW

Details: Russian commanders will likely focus their projected offensive on the western part of Donetsk Oblast in late spring or summer 2024, hoping to exploit steady but small advances by Russian forces in the area.

Ukrainian officials have recently cautioned that Russia is building up forces along the Kharkiv-Luhansk axis, near the war-torn towns of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, and in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. However, ISW believes that Russian forces are likely to be able to launch a concerted large-scale offensive in only one operational area due to limited manpower and planning.

In addition, ISW noted that Ukrainian forces appear to have repelled a Russian battalion-sized mechanised attack near Avdiivka on 30 March  the first battalion-sized mechanised attack since Russian forces launched their campaign to capture Avdiivka in late October 2023.

Russian forces, including units of the Russian 6th Tank Regiment (90th Tank Division, Central Military District [MD]), reportedly engaged 36 tanks and 12 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in a large-scale mechanised assault near the village of Tonenke on 30 March.

At the same time, Ukrainian forces destroyed 12 Russian tanks and eight IFVs during the assault, and the Russian frontal assault failed to break through the Ukrainian lines.

Analysts believe that Ukraine's ability to repel the 30 March offensive, especially near Avdiivka, where Ukrainian forces had to quickly retreat to new defensive positions after losing the town, is a positive indicator of Ukraine's ability to defend itself against future large-scale Russian attacks and Russia's expected offensive in the summer of 2024.

At the same time, the willingness of the Russian military command to deploy a battalion of tanks to the offensive near Avdiivka indicates that this offensive is a priority for the Russians.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 1 April:

The Kremlin-controlled Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (ROC MP) reportedly directed all its clergy to change their liturgy to include pro-war prayers in support of Russias war of conquest against Ukraine and is likely threatening to defrock ROC MP clergy who do not support the war.

The ROC MP leadership has intensified internal scrutiny against ROC MP clergy and has reportedly defrocked several clergy members who refused to promote Kremlin-introduced prayers supporting Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russia conducted another series of missile and drone strikes largely targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure on the night of 30 to 31 March as delays in US security assistance continue to degrade Ukraines air defence umbrella and enable Russia to significantly damage Ukraines energy grid.

Ukrainian forces appear to have repelled a Russian battalion-sized mechanised assault near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, on 30 March  the first battalion-sized mechanised assault since Russian forces began the campaign to seize Avdiivka in late October 2023.

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on 31 March that France will provide an unspecified number of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles and "hundreds" of armoured vehicles and other equipment to Ukraine.

Russian President [leader  ed.] Vladimir Putin signed on 31 March the scheduled decree authorising Russias semi-annual spring military conscription, which will conscript 150,000 Russians between 1 April and 15 July.

The Russian military command reportedly appointed Chief of Staff of the Russian Ground Forces Colonel General Alexander Lapin as commander of the newly formed Leningrad Military District (LMD).

The Kremlin continues efforts to enforce Russian federal laws in post-Soviet countries where Russia has no legal jurisdiction.

Russian authorities conducted a counterterrorism operation and detained suspected terrorists in the Republic of Dagestan on 31 March.

Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Avdiivka and southwest of Donetsk City on 31 March.

The Russian government continues to fail to properly compensate volunteer and irregular forces fighting in Ukraine, despite recently passing new legislation that simplifies the access to veteran statuses for these servicemen and their families.

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A collaborative investigation by The Insider uncovered evidence linking the mysterious health condition known as the Havana Syndrome to members of Russia's military intelligence agency. GRU Unit 29155 reportedly used directed energy weapons to target overseas U.S. government personnel.

The Havana Syndrome first came to public attention in 2017 after more than 20 U.S. officials posted to Cuba suffered strange medical ailments in Havana.

Since then, over 100 cases have been cited in places such as Guangzhou, China, and even Washington, DC. Victims include American diplomats, spies, military officers, contractors, and, in some instances, their spouses, children, and even household pets. The report found that the first of these attacks actually took place in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2014.

The attacks are carried out by what The Insider calls "directed energy weapons" generated through years of scientific research dating back to Soviet-era military intelligence programming. The medical consequences of these weapons can be permanent and, in some instances, severely debilitating.

Symptoms resulting from an attack range from chronic headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, insomnia, nausea, lasting psychophysiological impairment, and even blindness or hearing loss. Many victims have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, forcing them to medically retire from government service.

One victim, a nurse and the wife of an American Embassy official formally based in Tbilisi, referred to in the report as Joy, suffered an attack outside her home in 2021. According to The Insider, Joy has experienced headaches every day for the past three years. She has already undergone two surgeries and will need a third surgery to address "the rapid deterioration of her temporal bone, a condition she says her neurosurgeon cannot explain."

The Insider, together with Der Spiegel and 60 Minutes, was able to geolocate operatives associated with Unit 29155 to places around the world just before or at the time of reported anomalous health incidents, or AHIs. Unlike other teams within Russias intelligence agencies, Unit 29155 was not created to spy on people or gather information and focuses entirely on violent military operations.

Further evidence reveals that senior members of this unit received awards and promotions for their work in developing "non-lethal acoustic weapons," a term used by Russian intelligence and military literature to describe sound and radiofrequency-based directed energy devices.

A former CIA official told investigators that the mission of Unit 29155 is "to find, fix, and finish, all in support of Vladimir Putins imperial dreams.

Remarkably, many of the victims of these attacks had subject-matter expertise or operational experience in Georgia, Ukraine, or Russia. Both Georgia and Ukraine have experienced "color revolutions" in the past two decades, which Russian President Vladimir Putin attributes to CIA influence.

According to the report, Putin would "have a reasonable interest in neutralizing U.S. intelligence officials he deemed responsible for his loss of the former satellites or constituent pieces of the former Soviet empire."

Several U.S. officials associated with the CIA's work in Ukraine experienced AHIs across the world, particularly after 2014 and the annexation of Crimea.

The investigation revealed that "the cluster of Havana Syndrome cases that emerged from veterans of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv was so worrisome to one of its number that he opted to resign from the CIA altogether rather than risk becoming a fourth victim."

The report raises serious questions about how the U.S. has responded to these attacks. American intelligence agencies have adapted what the investigation calls a "nothing-to-see-here assessment." In Mar. 2023, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) issued a redacted report stating that it was very unlikely that a foreign adversary caused AHIs. Victims of the attacks were reportedly shocked by the outcome of this report, and many of them reportedly feel betrayed by their government.

"What this investigation has shown is that either the intelligence community is incapable of carrying out its most basic function, or it has worked to cover up the facts and gaslight injured employees and the public," one victim told The Insider.

In 2021, the Biden Administration passed the Havana Act, which provides significant compensation for confirmed victims of AHIs.

Two theories currently exist on why the U.S. government may be shielding the truth about the nature of these attacks. Firstly, releasing the full intelligence about these attacks may convince the American public that Moscow has committed an act of war. The second theory is that acknowledging that the Havana Syndrome is caused by a foreign adversary could undermine recruitment to the CIA or State Department.

If the Kremlin is found responsible for these attacks, the report reads, the disabling of America's regional intelligence experts through AHIs could become "one of Vladimir Putins greatest strategic victories against the United States."

Read also: Media: Russian agents pose as activists, filmmakers to reportedly spy on domestic civil society organizations

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Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov, who flew a helicopter to Ukraine, was shot dead in Spain with six bullets fired from a Soviet Makarov pistol.

Source: The New York Times, citing sources in the Spanish investigative authorities

Details: According to the NYT, Kuzminov's killers "wanted to send a message".

"This was obvious to investigators in Spain even before they discovered who he was. Not only did the killers shoot him six times in a parking garage in southern Spain, they ran over his body with their car. They also left an important clue to their identity, according to investigators: shell casings from 9-mm Makarov rounds, a standard ammunition of the former Communist bloc," the article says.

Quote from a senior Spanish Guardia Civil official: "It was a clear message. I will find you, I will kill you, I will run you over and humiliate you".

More details: The NYT describes the circumstances of the murder. On the morning of 13 February, a white Hyundai Tucson drove into the garage under Kuzminov's apartment building and parked in an empty spot between the lifts used by the residents and a ramp leading to the street. According to a senior Civil Guard officer, the two men waited there for several hours.

At around 16:20, Kuzminov drove into the garage, parked and started walking towards the lifts. As he passed in front of a white Hyundai, the two assailants emerged, called out to him and opened fire. Despite being hit by six bullets, most of which hit him in the torso, Kuzminov managed to run a short distance before falling onto the ramp.

The two killers returned to the car and drove over Kuzminov's body before driving away. The burnt car was found several miles from the crime scene. It took a week for experts to identify the make and model of the car and establish that it had been stolen two days before the murder in the city of Murcia, located about an hour away.

A special unit of the Civil Guard is investigating in strict secrecy. The authorities have not publicly confirmed that Kuzminov was murdered.

A senior Civil Guard official said that Kuzminov had led an "indiscreet life" in Spain, visiting bars popular with Russians and Ukrainians, spending the money he had received from the Ukrainian state. He drove around the city of Villajoyosa in a black Mercedes S-Class.

Senior police officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the killing bore the hallmarks of similar attacks linked to the Kremlin, including the assassination of a former Chechen rebel commander in Berlin in 2019 and the poisoning of former Russian military spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in 2018.

"It is not common here in Spain for someone to be shot with a lot of ammunition. These are indications that point to organized crime, to a criminal organization, to professionals," said Chief Pepe Alvarez of the Villajoyosa Police Department.

According to the outlet, Kuzminov's murder has raised fears that Russia's European spy networks are still active and targeting the Kremlin's enemies, despite concerted efforts to dismantle them after Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The NYT notes that Ukrainian officials fear that Kuzminov's killing could scare others away from following suit.

"Who will cooperate with us after this? Russia will intensively spread propaganda  theyre already doing it  that they will find all traitors. This is a hidden message to other citizens of Russia, especially military personnel, that we will find you if you betray us," one senior official said.

Background:

It was reported on 23 August 2023 that a Russian Mi-8 helicopter had ended up in Ukraine as a result of a long-running special operation. The pilot of the Mi-8 was Maxim Kuzminov, 28. He received a reward of US$500,000 in hryvnias.

On 19 February 2024, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine confirmed that Maxim Kuzminov had been found dead in Spain.

Director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin stated that Kuzminov was already "morally dead when he was planning his dirty and terrible crime".

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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on April 1 that Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan had been charged in absentia with promoting genocide and other crimes against Ukraine.

Simonyan is the head of RT, formerly known as Russia Today, a Russian state-owned media outlet seen as one of the key outlets of Russian propaganda worldwide.

On public television appearances since the full-scale invasion, Simonyan has made countless inflammatory statements about the need for an escalation of Russia's war, including into an international nuclear exchange.

The SBU also said that Simonyan publicly called for the murder of Ukrainian children in December 2023, among other comments with genocidal intent.

As a result, Simonyan was charged with promoting genocide, spreading war propaganda, justifying Russia's full-scale war, and encouraging the unlawful violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity. She was previously charged in March 2023 for the latter offense.

As Simonyan lives in Russia, she was charged in absentia. It is unlikely that she will be brought to justice in Ukraine under the current regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Russian security agency says suspects detained in the Caucasus are linked to Moscow attack

A group of ambassadors of foreign diplomatic missions attend a laying ceremony at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall on the western outskirts of Moscow, Russia, Saturday, March 30, 2024. (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool Photo via AP)

MOSCOW (AP)  Russia's top security agency said Monday it has broken up what it called a "terrorist cell" in southern Russia whose members had provided weapons and cash to suspected attackers of the Moscow concert hall.

The Federal Security Service, or FSB, said that on Sunday it detained four suspected members of the cell in the Russian province of Dagestan in the North Caucasus.

The agency alleged that the suspects detained in Dagestan were involved in channeling funds and providing weapons to the gunmen who attacked the concert hall on Moscow's western edge on March 22, killing 144 people in the deadliest attack on Russian soil in two decades.

The detained militants directly participated in financing the perpetrators of the March 22 terror attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow and providing them with terror means, the FSB said in a statement.

It said one of the suspects detained in Dagestan had confessed to personally bringing weapons to the Moscow attackers.

The FSB released a video showing one of the suspects saying that they also planned an attack in the city of Kaspiysk in Dagestan. It wasnt clear whether the two confessions came from the same person.

The agency said the suspects are foreign nationals, without specifying their nationality. The suspected attackers of the Moscow concert hall arrested hours after the March 22 raid are citizens of the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan.

The detention of four suspects in Dagestan follows the arrest of the four suspected gunmen and seven others who were accused of involvement in the attack.

An affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that radical Islamists conducted the raid, but alleged  without providing evidence  that Ukraine and the West were involved, despite Kyiv's vehement denials.

Also on Monday, a Moscow court ordered a suspected accomplice of the attackers to two months in pretrial detention. Suspect Yakubjoni Yusufzoda, a Tajikistan citizen, allegedly provided money for accommodation for the gunmen, Russian news reports said.

He was detained four days after the attack and jailed for failure to obey police, but now is charged with committing fatal terrorism, the reports said. He is the 10th person charged in the case.
A total of 61 combat clashes occurred in the combat zone in Ukraine within the last 24 hours. In total, the Russians launched 7 missile attacks and 61 airstrikes, as well as 89 attacks with multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of the Ukrainian forces and populated areas.

Source: evening report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from 1 April

Quote: "Over the past day, the aircraft of the Defence Forces of Ukraine struck a control point and seven areas where the enemys manpower, armament and military equipment were concentrated.

Ukrainian missile units struck a UAV control station, an air defence system, two radio-electronic warfare stations, an ammunition storage point and a cluster of manpower of the Russians."

Details: On the Kupiansk front the Russians did not conduct offensive (assault) actions.

On the Lyman front the Defence Forces of Ukraine repelled eight attacks of the Russians near the settlement of Terny in Donetsk Oblast where the Russians tried to breach the defence of the Ukrainian forces.

On the Bakhmut front the Ukrainian forces repelled 14 attacks near the settlements of Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast; Spirne, Ivano-Darivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast where the Russians supported by aircraft tried to dislodge the Ukrainian units from their positions.

On the Avdiivka front the Defence Forces repelled six attacks near the settlements of Berdychi and Pervomaiske in Donetsk Oblast where the Russians tried to dislodge the Ukrainian units from the positions.

On the Novopavlivka front the Defence Forces continue to deter the Russians near the settlements of Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, Velyka Novosilka and Urozhaine in Donetsk Oblast where the Russians supported by aircraft attempted to breach the Ukrainian defence 18 times.

On the Orikhiv front the Russians supported by aircraft launched two attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian forces near the settlement of Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast and to the northwest of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

On the Kherson front the Russians launched an attack on the positions of the Ukrainian forces near the settlement of Krynky in Kherson Oblast.

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Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson has announced "important innovations" in the package of support for Ukraine. In particular, it may include providing aid on credit, ostensibly to ease Republican concerns.

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According to The Hill, in an interview with the program "Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy," Johnson emphasized the difficult position he is in, having a historically small majority in the House of Representatives. At the same time, he said that he has been working on the package all along and plans to bring it to the floor after the Easter recess on April 9, when the House resumes its session.

"Listen, what we need to do in an era of divided government  historically, as we are  you have to reach a consensus. If we want to take a bipartisan measure, I have to get every member involved, literally. And some things have to be bipartisan," Johnson said.

He added that work is underway "to build that consensus" and that the aid package "will have some important innovations."

Johnson cited the possibility of extending a loan to Ukraine, an idea that gained some support earlier this month, which the House speaker said could ease Republican concerns about providing additional aid.

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He also mentioned the REPO for Ukrainians Act, which would allow the US president to seize Russian assets and transfer them to Ukraine.

"If we can use the confiscated assets of Russian oligarchs to allow Ukrainians to fight them, it's just pure poetry. Even President Trump has talked about the concept of a loan, whereby... we don't just provide foreign aid. We're building a relationship where they can pay it back to us when the time comes," Johnson said.

As a reminder, the approval of more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine by the US Congress is being blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives. The White House has repeatedly warned that this would significantly harm Kyiv's military efforts on the battlefield.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the day before, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner said that Johnson had promised to put up a package of aid to Ukraine for a vote after the Easter recess on April 9, and he also told the NATO Secretary General about it with words of support for Ukraine.

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On March 28, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Mike Johnson, describing the situation at the front and emphasizing that the rapid adoption of an aid package for Ukraine was critical.

In late March, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published an audit report on the aid given to Ukraine, recommending that the U.S. government introduce a process to better track funding.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Shoppers inside Moscow's central Evropeysky shopping mall. To help halt the war in Ukraine, the West has been trying to hit Russia in its economy. About two years into myriad sanctions, hardly anything can be felt in everyday life. Various Western companies are even continuing to make money in Russia. Ulf Mauder/dpa

Big Western brands like Starbucks, Chanel and VW all withdrew from Russia after the Kremlin launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine.

But the gaps in the market they left behind have long been filled by local firms.

In Moscow's central Evropeysky shopping mall - whose name translates as "European" - most vacancies seen briefly after the West began imposing sanctions over the Ukraine war are occupied again.

Retailers are selling fashion from Turkey, appliances from German manufacturer Miele and tech by Apple, all things that shouldn't be here but somehow manage to get across the border after being imported from other countries without sanctions.

More than two years into the war, Moscovites like to emphasize that they are lacking nothing.

Since the all-out invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, the war economy is running at full speed, fuelling consumption.

Reports on state television abound where presenters say that the EU sanctions imposed on Russia are doing far more harm to the people in the bloc than the Russian population. Besides plenty of oil and gas, Russia also has everything else needed to thrive, they say.

A number of Western companies, among them many familiar brands like McDonalds, Lego, Uber and Ikea, have withdrawn from the Russian market and sold their businesses in the country - usually at massive discounts.

But the majority of smaller firms continues to operate in Russia, saying they are unable to simply write off the billions invested over the years.

Corporate responsibilities

German whole-sale retailer Metro is among those continuing to operate in Russia, and argues that it carries a "responsibility for approximately 9,000 local employees" working in 98 shops across Russia.

"[We] supply many of our small and medium-sized customers - ie. restaurants and retailers - with food," said a spokesman. Metro says it has not made any growth investments in Russia since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine.

"We condemn the war in the strongest possible terms," said Metro chief executive Steffen Greubel at the annual general meeting at the beginning of February.

At the same time, foreign companies that wanted to leave Russia were "forcibly expropriated," he said, adding that was not in the company's own interests to leave the business to Russian oligarchs allied with the government.

But the scars left by the war are clearly visible in Metro's business, with turnover in the 2022/2023 financial year declining significantly by 7.9% in local currency. Reported sales fell even more sharply by 13.6% due to negative exchange rate effects.

Metro says it expects the negative trend to continue.

Overall trade with Russia has witness an unprecedented slump with various Western countries, and the raw materials superpower, once a crucial gas and oil supplier for Germany and other major European economies, fell to 38th place among trading partners behind Slovenia, after being ranked 14th in 2022.

German trade with Russia shrank by three quarters to 12.6 billion ($13.7 billion) in 2023 as a result of the war sanctions. "Imports, which used to be dominated by energy sources, fell by 90% to just 3.7 billion after the start of the oil embargo at the beginning of 2023," the committee said.

However, hundreds of German companies are still represented in Russia - especially in sectors where Western sanctions do not apply in order to avoid harming the ordinary people of the world's largest country by surface area. Examples include the food, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. But overall, the situation is considered extremely unstable.

The fear of being expropriated

And yet, hundreds of German companies remain active in Russia - especially in sectors untouched by Western sanctions in order to protect the population in the world's largest country. Examples include the food, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. But overall, the situation is considered extremely unstable.

Fears that companies could be expropriated on Putin's orders have been running high ever since Russia seized the businesses of French multinational food company Danone and Danish brewing group Carlsberg last year.

But even companies not affected by the sanctions are mulling whether it is ethical to continue operating in the country amid the suffering in Ukraine, where Western companies still active in Russia are often publicly labelled as "sponsors of the war."

One major chocolate maker, Germany's Ritter Sport, was initially slammed for continuing to deliver its trademark square bars to Russia. It later decided to halt investments into the market including advertisements and began donating profits from Russian business to humanitarian organizations, a significant change-of-direction considering Russia was still the company's second largest sales market in 2023 - albeit with a slight decline in turnover.

Many Russians value Western products. "But everything has become very expensive," complains a senior citizen in the Perekrjostok supermarket at Kiev railway station in Moscow.

Even with her comparatively good Moscow pension of around 300, she can't afford to buy everything, she says, carrying kefir, milk and cheese from a Western dairy.

For younger Muscovites with higher incomes and other needs, however, the sanctions sometimes create hurdles. "Computer programmes, for example, cannot simply be used as they were before the sanctions," says the young graphic designer Andrej. Besides having to use a VPN to bypass Russian restrictions, paying for software subscriptions has also become more complicated, he says.

Visa and Mastercard have shut down their systems in Russia and many banks have been cut off from the international payment system SWIFT as part of the sanctions, meaning processing payments has become more difficult.

To solve the problem, Andrej has opened an account in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan allowing him to buy and pay for his software online using a Visa card.

For rich Russians, however, who can afford long holidays in Dubai, Thailand and elsewhere, the sky remains the limit, regardless of how many sanctions the West hands out.

The wealthy can continue to order any model they like in Moscow's car dealerships and also shop in luxury department stores and high-end boutiques of international designers. They always find ways to circumvent sanctions. As Putin once said, despite the punitive measures, you can still buy anything you want in Russia. It's just a question of how much money you can spend.

Bars from German chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport lie on the shelves of a supermarket chain in Moscow. The company was initially slammed for continuing to deliver its trademark square bars to Russia. It later decided to halt investments into the market including advertisements and began donating profits from Russian business to humanitarian organizations Ulf Mauder/dpa
The Russians attacked the city of Kharkiv with guided bombs late in the evening on 31 March, damaging an educational institution, a student accommodation building and a residential building, as well as burning buses, a lorry and a car.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast State Administration

Quote: "Two buses, a lorry and a car were burning in Kharkiv as a result of a guided bomb attack at 22:28 on 31 March. The educational institution building was partially destroyed and the roof of the student accommodation building and a residential building were damaged. There were no casualties."

Details: Artillery and mortar fire hit approximately 15 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, including Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka and others. Airstrikes targeted the settlements of Kozacha Lopan, Ohirtseve, Kharkiv, Borshchova, Vovchansk, Petropavlivka, Kotliarivka, Cherneshchyna and Pershotravneve.

A Russian guided bomb damaged the monument to the Warriors of the Second World War, the facade of a public institution and a car in the village of Borova in the Izium district. There were no casualties.

The Russians used a Shahed drone to attack the city of Chuhuiv on the night of 31 March - 1 April. No casualties were reported.

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Rwanda Bill will not stop crossings, says lecturer who spoke to Calais migrants

Migrants are more determined than ever to leave Calais for the UK - Nick Edwards

Rwanda deportation flights will not stop migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, an academic who spent four weeks interviewing asylum seekers living in the camps in northern France has said.

In a 5,000-word account of her experience, Dr Sophie Watt, a lecturer at The University of Sheffield, said the violent tactics of the French police in regularly clearing the camps were backfiring by further motivating people to leave France and cross to the UK.

She said the living conditions in the camps were reminiscent of the infamous Calais jungle shut down in 2016, but people now faced the added threat of violence at night and rivalries between the heavily-armed mafia traffickers that could result in shoot-outs.

But nobody I spoke to would be deterred [from attempting the crossings]: not by the brutal camp evacuations; the fear of smuggling gangs, the terror of the crossings; or even the promise of a flight to Rwanda once landing in the UK, she wrote in an essay for The Conversation.

If anything, the violence and lack of hospitality at the French border which represent unprecedented breaches of fundamental rights of refugees further motivates people to cross.

As one Egyptian asylum seeker told her: I could not live in the jungle any longer, I was determined to come to the UK. I had to try.

Her research comes as the Home Office on Monday confirmed nearly 800 migrants crossed the Channel this weekend, bringing the total so far this year to 5,435.

This is a record high for the first three months of the year, and 30 per above the number at the same point last year.

The record early surge this year comes despite a three-year, 480 million Anglo-French deal, agreed by Rishi Sunak last year, to pay for a doubling in officers patrolling French beaches to 800, a joint command centre, and a detention centre to prevent migrants from leaving France.

The Governments Rwanda Bill  a key plank of Mr Sunaks pledge to stop the boats  has been delayed until after the Easter recess after a series of heavy defeats inflicted on the Government by the Lords.

It has raised fears that efforts to get the first deportation flights to Rwanda are likely to be delayed from May until June, when people smugglers ramp up operations to take advantage of the calmer, better weather.

Dr Watt focused on Loon Plage camp, which she described as wild and like a jungle.

The notorious jungle camp in Calais, which was broken up by French police - PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP

Access to water which was originally intended for use by the fire service has been blocked by police because she said the refugees used it to wash.

In Calais, it is not uncommon to see 1,000-litre water tanks distributed by charities like Calais Food Collective being stabbed by the police forces or disappearing overnight, she said.

Police have adopted a zero-fixation point policy whereby asylum seekers are prevented from settling anywhere, with camps dismantled as often as every two days and at least every two weeks.

Loon Plage was run by Iraqi-Kurdish smugglers, who have also infiltrated the town of Grande Synthe and have a monopoly on boat crossings on this part of the Pas de Calais coast.

They employ little hands as their mafia workforce who recruit refugees or organise the convoys of migrants taken to the boats on the beaches.

There is little freedom in the camp and each refugee is attached to a recruiter, who works for one or two smugglers, said Dr Watt.

Once the refugees have paid their passage, the smuggler allocates them a convoy team which often waits in the woods near the beach for several days before attempting to cross.

Dr Watt said the network of people traffickers could only exist because there was no safe passage agreement between the UK and France.

Each refugee talked about the violence at night and the fact that the Kurdish mafia is heavily armed. While on the camp I heard gunshots several times and was told they were just shooting rats, said Dr Watt.

Different nationalities pay different rates based on their ability to pay: sub-Saharan Africans pay between 800 (685) and 1,200, while Vietnamese and Albanians pay up to 4,500.

Poorer migrants are tempted to act as pilots with free passage plus a payment even though the UK has increased the penalty to life imprisonment.

Despite the relentless hardships and suffering, one thing appeared to unite them: they wanted to seek sanctuary in the UK, said Dr Watt.

And headline-grabbing policies about floating prisons and flights to Rwanda were not going to stop them. They had come this far and they were determined to finish their journey.

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State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters announced the creation of an Office of School Choice within the Oklahoma State Department of Education during the monthly state Board of Education meeting held Thursday.

During the meeting, Walters didnt provide details of who will work in the office or how it might operate, and departing from his usual custom after a board meeting, he chose not to speak with reporters after the meeting about the new office or numerous other issues now swirling around the agency he heads.

Those issues include the departure in March of multiple executive-level employees, including the chief of staff and executive director of accreditation  as well as all of the departments in-house lawyers. They also include reports the agency spent $30,000 to hire an out-of-state public relations firm charged with boosting his national media profile.

In his brief description of the new school-choice division of the education department  which has a primary charge to serve public schools in Oklahoma  Walters described it as a one-stop shop for all matters related to school choice, including private and charter schools, vouchers and tax credits, homeschools and open enrollment/transfer, among other subjects.

He said Oklahoma will be only one of a few states to have such a division within its state education department.

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters arrives for the March meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting at the Oliver Hodge Building in Oklahoma City.

Whatever the educational option parents choose, I want to make sure they have one place to go where they can navigate their options for their child, Walters said. I am proud that OSDE will be among the very first state departments in the nation to have created this resource. Oklahoma will continue to lead on school choice now and into the future, and we will be here to assist parents every step of the way.

One lawmaker reacted negatively to Walters' announcement. On Twitter, state Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, said of the idea: "I feel its more about Ryan Walters growing (government) to pander to a certain small but loud minority of folks who support vouchers."

The board meeting came after officials from either the education department or the Oklahoma Highway Patrol  which provides security for buildings within the State Capitol Complex  unexpectedly escalated security measures on Wednesday. An employee from one of the agencies tied already locked doors with a cable resembling an extension cord shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday and posted an announcement that a curfew would be in place between 11 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday. Spokespersons for both agencies didnt answer questions about who asked for the increased security measures.

Thirteen people waited by the front entrance of the Oliver Hodge Building overnight, hoping to snag one of the few seats available to the public in the small board meeting room. They told reporters Thursday morning no one from law enforcement approached them during the alleged curfew hours, which have not been enforced in previous months, when people also have waited overnight by the building entrance before board meetings. The cable barrier also was removed about 8 a.m., those who waited overnight said.

Two KFOR journalists denied ability to question Ryan Walters after meeting

In addition to Walters declining to speak with about a dozen reporters who waited about 15 minutes after the meetings end to ask him questions, Walters spokesman, Dan Isett, also refused to allow two journalists from Oklahoma City television station KFOR into the board meeting room, instead escorting them to an auxiliary viewing room.

Isett has claimed on X (formerly known as Twitter) the station posted an untrue story this week alleging the agency was being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education. The federal agency has said there is no investigation. Isett and KFOR journalists have exchanged social-media posts about the subject as well as open-records requests to which Isett and the agency havent responded.

The reporters who had waited for Walters, before being told by Isett the superintendent wouldnt speak to them, also werent able to ask Isett about his treatment of KFOR reporters. Isett said in an X post directed toward KFOR on Wednesday that KFOR published a knowingly false story claiming there is a federal investigation into OSDE yesterday. Your organization will receive no further response from our agency until that story is retracted. KFOR journalists defended their work.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters to open school choice office within OSDE
The Sacramento Bee held an event to celebrate this local chef. Heres how to stay in the loop

Inside Look is a Sacramento Bee series where we take readers behind the scenes at restaurants, new businesses, local landmarks and news stories.

You may have seen that The Sacramento Bee held an event titled News & Nosh with chef Billy Ngo and writer Benjy Egel.

The exclusive event featured a discussion between Ngo, founder of Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, Kodaiko Ramen & Bar and Fish Face Poke Bar, and Egel, who in 2023 published Sacramento Eats: Recipes from the Capital Regions Favorite Restaurants. Ngo contributed two recipes to Sacramento Eats  Krus warm mushroom salad, a menu staple since the restaurants days in midtown, and a spicy-sweet Japanese curry that Kodaiko chef/partner Takumi Abe makes at home.

Sacramento Eats cookbook author and Bee food writer Benjy Egel, signs books for West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero during The Sacramento Bees News & Nosh event on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

The sold-out event featured bites from Ngos three Sacramento-based restaurants and guests, including renowned chef, food writer and editor Ruth Reichl, who was in town for her talk the following evening with the Sacramento Speakers Series.

American chef and food writer/critic Ruth Reichl gets some food samples at the Bees News & Nosh: An evening with chef Billy Ngo and food writer Benjy Egel on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

For those who attended and want more, and for those who wish they had attended, The Bee plans to host more events to celebrate the local food and drink scene. We are likely to feature other chefs who contributed to the 60 recipes that comprise Sacramento Eats.

There is much to celebrate about our local food and drink scene. For one, Ngo has been listed as Sacramentos lone semifinalist for Best Chef  California this year. Finalists will be announced on Wednesday.

Chef Billy Ngo, left, signs Sacramento Eats books for local blogger Maddy Edmunds following the Sacramento Bees News & Nosh: An evening with chef Billy Ngo and food writer Benjy Egel on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

Want to stay informed about future News & Nosh events? Sign up for The Bees Food & Drink newsletter here.

And if you want to order a copy of Egels cookbook, its available on Amazon as well, or through Pediment Publishings website (bit.ly/SacramentoEats).
Beset by hundreds of abuse lawsuits, the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in federal court Monday, a move designed to allow the diocese to provide settlements to plaintiffs.

The diocese, which previously announced its plans for the filing, said the move came as it faces more than 250 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other employees reaching back to the 1950s.

This wave of new claims followed a 2019 law allowing victim-survivors to file lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred, the diocese said in an announcement Monday. The likely cost of the lawsuits far outstrips the dioceses funds available for litigation or settlement.

Bishop Jaime Soto said in a statement that the bankruptcy filing will allow for the court to oversee how assets are distributed to plaintiffs.

There are many victim-survivors who have long suffered from the reprehensible sins committed against them, Soto said. This reorganization process will allow me to respond to them as equitably as possible.

Court documents state that the diocese has between 200 and 999 creditors, with an estimated $100 million to $500 million in assets and the same amount in liabilities.

Sacramentos diocese joins several others in California and nationwide that have turned to bankruptcy court for protection, and representatives of victims of clergy abuse have denounced the move, including the Survivors of those Abuse by Priests, or SNAP.

In a bankruptcy, those who have filed lawsuits become creditors, SNAP said in a statement last month. The court will allow a certain period of time for other creditors  victims  to come forward.

However, once the bankruptcy proceeds to its conclusion, anyone abused before the filing date who did not come forward is barred from ever filing a lawsuit. This would include those who do not remember their abuse, those who do not understand the impact it has had on their life, those who are not yet ready to speak out, and  most disturbingly - those children who are too young to understand that they needed to file a claim before the bar date.

In his statement, Soto said that the financial abyss the diocese is facing stems from church officials who committed the abuse or failed to address allegations of such actions.

It is the sickening sin of sexual abuse  and the failure of church leadership to address it appropriately - that brought us to this place, Soto said. I must atone for these sins.

The diocese has set up a webpage at scd.org/chapter-11-bankruptcy with additional information.
(FOX40.COM)  As the capital city of one of the largest states in the country (California is 1st by population and 3rd by area), Sacramento is no stranger to presidential or even vice-presidential visits.

In fact, the citys first presidential visit was around 150 years ago in 1879 when President Ulysses S. Grant visited Sacramento after returning to the United States from his post-presidential world tour, according to the Center for Sacramento History (CSH).

On October 22, 1879, former President Ulysses S. Grant visited Sacramento and was greeted with a parade in his honor, the Center for Sacramento History said on Facebook.

Hiram Johnson, the only governor of California who was born in Sacramento

It continued, Departing Philadelphia on May 16, 1877, for England, the former president and his wife, Julia, toured the capitals of Europe and Asia before returning to the United States by way of San Francisco on September 20, 1879.

The image shared by the Center for Sacramento History shows what appears to be the streets of Old Sacramento filled with paradegoers and soldiers less than 15 years after the end of the Civil War, which came in 1865.

The CSH adds that President Grants visit was a two-day visit, which is accompanied by a photo that is said to have been taken at the corner of 4th and J Streets during his visit.

The photo shows a group of men known as the Union Boy Squad, who were supposedly responsible for operating a Union Boy cannon intended for Union salutes and other special events during and after the war. The cannon used for these events can also be seen in the photo.

The Union Boy was purchased and brought to the city by William M. Siddons of Sacramento during the Civil War, the Center for Sacramento History said. Siddons formed a company with other men to operate the cannon, calling themselves the Union Boy Squad.

30 years of presidential visits to California

That isnt Grants only connection to Sacramento, however. According to professor of history Joan Waugh, Grant, who was a great supporter of transcontinental railroads, oversaw the completion of one that ran from Sacramento to Omaha in 1869, his first year as president.

According to Britannica, the railroad, named the Central Pacific Railroad, was built by thousands of Chinese workers recruited from farms in Canton. The workers laid the track of the Central Pacific that crossed the Sierra Nevada, which required blasting nine tunnels.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
A San Antonio grandmother used guaranteed basic income to afford groceries and rent a house: 'It's changed my station in life'

San Antonio is one of several cities in the US piloting guaranteed basic-income programs. SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

Ingrid Sullivan, 48, was able to afford rent and groceries with San Antonio's basic-income program.

Guaranteed basic-income gives low-income families cash payments to spend as they choose.

Many cities across the US are piloting basic income as a poverty solution.

Guaranteed basic income brought Ingrid Sullivan peace.

The 48-year-old  a single mother of four and grandmother of four  received her first no-strings payment of nearly $2,000 in 2020 through San Antonio's GBI program. For two years after that, she got $400 payments each quarter.

Sullivan used the money to pay her bills for basic necessities: electricity, food, rent, and water.

"My life was always just a couple hundred dollars short," she told Business Insider. "For the first time, I can breathe."

San Antonio is one of several US cities that have piloted guaranteed basic-income programs in recent years. In Denver, Houston, Boston, Minneapolis, Austin, Harris County, Texas, and Durham, North Carolina, low-income participants are given no-strings cash payments for a set period of time. They can use the money how they choose, and many have reported using GBI to afford rent, buy groceries, and pay off debt.

Sullivan's story aligns with others BI has heard. For her, basic income meant overcoming housing and food insecurity for herself and her family.

"It wasn't like, 'Oh, this is extra money,'" she said. "This was money that filled a hole that wasn't there."

Ingrid Sullivan (third from right) is a participant in San Antonio's guaranteed-basic income program. Ingrid Sullivan

Basic income helped Sullivan afford groceries and start renting a house

The poverty solutions nonprofit Uptogether leads the basic-income effort in San Antonio, using funds from the city, foundations, and private funders. The program first invested $5,108 in each of the 1,000 individuals participating over a 25-month period. Participants received an initial $1,908 payment in December 2020, followed by eight quarterly payments of $400 between April 2021 and January 2023.

All participants had household incomes that fell below 150% of the federal poverty line  which is $36,580 for a family of five  and many were facing financial challenges because of the pandemic.

UpTogether is running an additional income pilot that will end in December 2024, giving 25 UpTogether participants $500 a month for 18 months.

Sullivan has been part of both programs, and they've given her the safety net she needed.

She recently got remarried, but she was a single mother for many years and still gives financial support to her children, who are between the ages of 14 and 26.

She works as a program manager for low-income housing in the San Antonio area. A few years ago, she said she received a raise and promotion at her job. It was rewarding to be recognized for her hard work, she said, but her slight change in income also meant she no longer qualified for food benefits or Medicaid.

"Becoming self sufficient is the goal," Sullivan said. "But it still doesn't mean that you're not living poor."

Sullivan said she suddenly had to come up with the additional funds to pay for food and health insurance. It left her asking her children's school for a food pantry box because she didn't have enough money for groceries, she said.

With basic income, Sullivan said she has been able to pay for food, buy gas for her car, and achieve her goal of renting a house. The GBI money was the help she needed to afford a deposit and first and last month's rent.

Sullivan said she appreciates that GBI allowed her to spend money in a way that filled the financial gaps where her family needed it most. She added that the element of choice is what made basic income more helpful for her than other support programs.

"It's changed my station in life," she said.

With basic income, Sullivan is more confident about her financial future

The payments Sullivan has received from UpTogether have also set up her financial future, she said. Along with using the basic income money to pay bills, she has been able to balance her bank accounts, work toward paying off student loans and credit card debts, and build her credit score.

She now feels more financially stable for the future  even though she said it can be difficult to build savings and she often "doesn't have any extra."

In Arizona, South Dakota, Iowa, and parts of Texas, many Republicans are working to ban GBI programs. Some lawmakers have called basic income socialist and raised concerns that it makes people too reliant on the government.

Sullivan said she wishes more people understood the realities for families living paycheck-to-paycheck.

"They associate poverty with irresponsibility," she said. "Many people are in poverty due to life."

Going forward, Sullivan said she is committed to helping other families like San Antonio basic income helped her. She works with UpTogether on policy issues and helps individuals who are facing homelessness and housing insecurity. She said it's given her a sense of purpose.

"I've really taken this to heart," Sullivan added.

Have you benefited from a guaranteed basic-income program? Share your story with this reporter at allisonkelly@insider.com .

Read the original article on Business Insider
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The San Ysidro School District held a ribbon cutting Monday to unveil brand new playgrounds at two of its elementary schools.

The school district was able to renovate the playgrounds at La Mirada Elementary School and Smythe Elementary School after San Ysidro voters approved general obligation bond measures T and U.

Its like youre in essential oil heaven: California lilacs paint local park purple

The brand new playgrounds were unveiled Monday and will be open to students after spring break on April 1, according to the school district.

The assistant superintendent of administrative support for the school district, Jose Iniguez, teased this is only their first project and that they are just getting started. He told reporter Kasey McKinnon Monday morning that they have a lot more updates planned, one of those is modernizing San Ysidro Middle School (SYMS).

Allie Wagner contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) cyber specialists exposed a kindergarten employee who was allegedly adjusting Russia's missile and drone strikes on the city of Kharkiv, the SBU reported on April 1.

Kharkiv has been at the forefront of Russian attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion and saw an escalation in strikes in recent weeks.

The attacks destroyed almost all critical energy infrastructure, including a thermal power plant and all the electrical substations in Ukraine's second-biggest city, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

According to the SBU, the detainee monitored the positions of Ukraine's Armed Forces to learn the approximate number of personnel and military equipment after receiving geolocations of potential targets from Russia.

Ukraine's security service published photos purporting to show the suspect's messages with a "Russian handler" to whom she sent messages with the targets' coordinates on Google Maps, the SBU said.

The SBU reported that the detainee was remotely recruited by Russian intelligence in the autumn of 2023. Moscow contacted her through her friend from the city of Kupiansk, who fled to Russia during its occupation and joined Russia's forces.

A kindergarten employee was detained at her home "at the initial stage of her intelligence activity," the statement read. She is expected to be formally charged. If convicted, the suspect faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Read also: Russia intensifies attacks on Kharkiv, draining Ukraines air defense and civilian morale

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
On March 30, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled a large-scale mechanized attack by the occupiers, numbering a battalion, near Avdiivka, Donetsk region. Russian forces, including units of the 6th Regiment of the 90th Tank Division of the Central Military District, sent 36 tanks and 12 armored personnel carriers to assault the village of Tonenke but were met with a powerful rebuff by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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This is the first such large-scale attack by the Russian Armed Forces since they launched the operation to capture Avdiivka in late October 2023. This was pointed out by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), who explained what the enemy's goal might be.

For example, geolocated images published on March 31 by the unofficial Telegram channel of the 25th Separate Airborne Sicheslav Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine show a large number of destroyed and damaged Russian armored vehicles and tanks along the road northwest of Tonenke (west of Avdiivka).

A Ukrainian serviceman said that the Defense Forces destroyed 12 Russian tanks and eight infantry fighting vehicles during the battle. He emphasized that the occupiers' frontal attack failed to break through the Ukrainian defense line.

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According to analysts, this is the first report that any units of the 90th Tank Division of the Russian Armed Forces took part in the attacks after the capture of Avdiivka. ISW has previously assessed that elements of this division, along with other Russian units and formations, likely represent a significant unused operational reserve, and that the Russian army command may commit to continuing and intensifying efforts to advance west of Avdiivka.

"However, the units of the 6th Tank Regiment failed in the attack on March 30 near Tonenke. And this suggests that elements of Russia's unused operational reserve near Avdiivka may be too degraded or otherwise unable to lead a further Russian offensive to the west soon," the Institute for War Studies believes.

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At the same time, they emphasized that the scale of the Russian mechanized offensive on March 30 was significant. Russian troops have not conducted such a large-scale mechanized attack since the start of a localized offensive to capture Avdiivka on October 19-20, 2023, when the Armed Forces destroyed almost 50 Russian tanks and more than 100 armored vehicles.

Experts say that Ukraine's ability to defend itself against the enemy attack on March 30, especially in the area of Avdiivka, where they were forced to retreat to new defensive positions after losing the city, is a positive indicator of the country's ability to defend itself against future large-scale Russian attacks.

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"Ukrainian officials are justified in continuing to warn about Ukraine's ability to defend itself against an expected Russian offensive this summer in the face of ammunition shortages, manpower constraints, and delayed Western aid," ISW emphasized.

It is possible that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had to expend a significant amount of equipment to defend against the Russian attack near Tonenke. This also points to Russia's ability to conduct attacks that force Ukraine to spend an excessive amount of its already limited material and human resources on defense.

"However, the ability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to skillfully defend themselves against a large-scale Russian attack in a particularly critical section of the front, despite the above problems, suggests that Ukrainian forces can achieve significant results on the battlefield if they are properly equipped," military experts are convinced.

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In their opinion, the willingness of the Russian command to send a battalion of tanks to attack near Avdiivka indicates that this attack was a priority. It has been suggested that the Russian Armed Forces may focus their projected spring/summer 2024 offensive in the west of the Donetsk region in the hope of consolidating steady but small gains in that area. Ukrainian officials have recently warned that Russian forces are already amassing personnel along the Kharkiv-Luhansk axis, near Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and in the west of Zaporizhzhia region.

"However, we continue to believe that the occupiers are likely to be able to launch only a coordinated large-scale offensive in only one operational area due to the limited nature of their forces and Russia's planning," ISW concluded.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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A Ukrainian man who allegedly supplied Russia with building materials used for anti-tank dragons teeth defenses has been detained in Kyiv, Ukraines Security Service (SBU) said on April 1.

The man is said to have sent sand, crushed stone and cement to Russian companies which they then turned into the pyramid-shaped dragons teeth fortifications used by both sides to obstruct the progress of armored vehicles on the front lines.

In a post on Telegram, the SBU said he was the owner of several businesses in Berdiansk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and began cooperating with the Russian forces after they occupied it in the opening days of the full-scale invasion.

He later moved to Kyiv, allegedly leaving his management team there and running the businesses remotely according to Russian legislation.

After that, they began to regularly replenish the budget of the aggressor country in the form of paying taxes to it, the SBU said, adding documents to support the allegations were found during a search of his home.

He has been charged with conducting economic activities in cooperation with the aggressor state."

The SBU regularly detains Ukrainians accused of working on behalf of Russia  last week two men were accused of helping Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) plan missile strikes on military installations and communications infrastructure including the Kyiv TV tower.

In February, five individuals including former and current officials of Ukraine's intelligence services, were accused of working for the FSB in various regions of Ukraine.

The suspects were allegedly tasked with passing intelligence about Ukraine's military and strategically important energy facilities to the FSB.

They were managed by an FSB handler based in Russian-occupied Crimea, the SBU said.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  The welcome home for returning Navy Sailors comes with more than a big hug. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is issuing a warning that thieves are preying on Sailors near some of their preferred lending institutions.

Heres the trap: a service member is in the parking lot when one or more scammers approach with a tall tale that goes something like this: Hey Buddy Im locked out of my account at the credit union; can I use your phone to get back into my account? My mom needs money for rent. Heres a twenty for your help. You turn over your phone and with a few clicks the scammers have drained your account.

The scam gets worse. The Navy says most financial institutions will not reimburse for funds that were stolen in phone use scams.

NCIS has these tips:

Never give your phone to another person.

Never offer financial transaction assistance to persons approaching in a parking lot.

Never unlock your phone or financial accounts in the presence of unfamiliar persons

Navy officials say If you feel pressured or threatened by the scammers, dial 911.

If you believe you have been targeted or if you fall victim to this scam, immediately contact your local police department to file a report, contact NCIS and your command, and notify your bank.

You can also notify NCIS via the NCIS Tips mobile app, or online, at this link.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) knew he would be taking a big political risk when he called for new elections in Israel  but weeks later has avoided serious political blowback for his landmark statement and instead given divided Democrats something to rally behind.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political allies, including Republicans in Congress, denounced Schumers speech, which referred to Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace and went further than any prominent Democrats in Congress had been willing to go.

But it was applauded by President Biden, Democratic colleagues and many Jewish Americans who have struggled with how to process the war in Gaza.

This is what leadership is, giving the rest of the party and the country a set of thoughts and principles to move forward in a very difficult situation like this. I think thats what he wanted to do in that speech, said Israel Izzy Klein, a former Schumer aide and political committee chair of the Jewish Democratic Council of America.

I didnt look at it  and I dont think he did, either  in a political way. Of course, hes a politician so everything gets seen through that lens, he added.

Klein said there was a misinterpreting by some critics that Schumer was calling for Netanyahus ouster, but the Senate leader was careful to spell out that was not his intention.

Schumer said he wants to make sure the Israeli people have a chance to voice their preferences for how they are governed after the paradigm shift of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, which left more than 1,100 Israeli civilians and soldiers dead.

Jim Kessler, who worked for Schumer for eight years and is now executive vice president for policy at the centrist Democratic think tank Third Way, said his former boss got the speech right.

I dont think he went too far, he said. I was surprised when I saw his floor speech, having worked for him for eight years.

He is perhaps the most staunchly pro-Israel person Ive ever met. Im Jewish, by way of background, he said. I thought his speech was excellent and suitably nuanced and was also an indication of the problems that Israel is facing with public opinion in this country.

A New York Times/Siena College national survey published in December showed former President Trump leading Biden among young voters for the first time  49 percent to 43 percent  and an overwhelming majority of voters under the age of 30 are opposed to the conflict in Gaza.

Schumer later told The New York Times he had to speak out on the future of Israels leadership because he feared it becoming a pariah otherwise.

Bibi could prevent any election until 2026, he told the Times. I worry under his leadership, Israel would become such a pariah in the world and even in the United States, because I look at the numbers and theyre rapidly decreasing. I had to speak out before it erodes.

Republicans immediately attacked Schumer for the speech, accusing him of interfering in the domestic politics of a close ally during a time of war.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) said the Democratic Party has an anti-Israel problem and his office shot out a press released blaring: Schumer bows to the anti-Israel radicals in the Democratic Party.

Some media pundits also interpreted Schumers speech as an effort to placate liberals in his party who have voiced strong disapproval of the Biden administrations handling of the war and what for months had been its reluctance to rein in the Israeli militarys tactics.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), an outspoken critic of the Netanyahu regime who has highlighted the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, acknowledged the war is creating a rift with young and progressive voters, but he didnt view Schumers landmark speech on the floor as a move to assuage his partys left flank.

Hes accepting the burden of responsibility that goes with being Senate majority leader. Hes not just passively navigating, Welch told The Hill. Hes stating what we call know is true: We dont have a partner in Netanyahu, we dont have a partner in [Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas.

Hes marking a path forward that requires us to be much more forceful about our policies, and hes saying it as a person who deeply cares about Israels future as a Jewish and democratic state, he said. Its finally going to start changing the nature of the debate so its more on the level and more realistic.

On the other end of the spectrum of views within the conference, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), one of Israels staunchest supporters in the Democratic conference, said he agreed with Schumer, though he carefully worded his answers to sidestep Schumers own forceful language.

He put all the pieces together, he said. I really hope people read his whole speech. He laid it all out.

It was excellent, he added. Oct. 7 changed everything. Israelis need to speak through their political system, so I think it would be very helpful to have a clear direction. Before Oct. 7, I had serious problems about this [Israeli] coalition government.

Sam Berkman, the national director of communal relations for J Street, a group that describes itself as pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy, said Schumer gave voice to the many people who care about Israel but have concerns about the direction the Netanyahu government is taking the country.

Schumer is speaking out critically, Berkman said, and we should take pause to reflect on why that is.

Trump seized on Schumers speech to accuse the Democratic Party of hating Israel and wildly declared: Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which counts more than 3 million pro-Israel Americans in its membership, signaled its disapproval with Schumers speech but did not attack him directly.

It posted on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, that Israel is an independent democracy that decides for itself when elections are held and chooses its own leaders.

And it warned that America must continue to stand with our ally Israel and ensure it has the time and resources it needs to win the war.

AIPAC did not respond to a request for further comment from The Hill.

Schumer got some blowback from the CEO and chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, who expressed distress that an American official would tell a sovereign, democratic ally when to conduct its electoral process.

But that critical statement got pushback from the groups own members, who said it was unduly harsh and didnt speak for the entire conference.

Netanyahu, during an appearance on CNNs State of the Union, called Schumers call for elections totally inappropriate.

Schumer immediately punched back by condemning Trumps statement as utterly disgusting and a textbook example of the kinds of antisemitism facing Jews because it pushed the trope of dual loyalty.

He also posted on X that he had not called for Netanyahu to step down  only for Israelis to have a chance to weigh in through a special election before the next scheduled election in 2026.

The U.S. cannot dictate the outcome of an election. That is for the Israeli public to decide. As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders, he wrote in a post that a Senate aide insisted was not a clarification or attempt at damage control.

He held a virtual meeting with an executives of major American Jewish organizations a few days after his speech to answer any criticisms and take their questions head on.

Some of the executives had expected Schumer to backpedal, but he stood his ground firmly, reflecting his conviction he had made the right call.

Schumer got a shot of affirmation last week when a large coalition of Jewish leaders sent a letter to him and Biden stating their gratitude for their leadership in safeguarding a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

The letter was signed by Alan Solow, the former chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Karen Adler, past president of the Jewish Communal Fund, as well as by rabbis from prominent congregations around the country.

Sen. Schumer, we commend you for your unwavering support for Israel and the American Jewish community. You have spoken out on the challenges Israel confronts and how to best address them, they wrote. As the senator accurately stated, now is the time for courageous leadership.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Scientist Who Gene-Edited Human Babies Back in the Lab Again After Prison Release

Chinese scientist He Jiankui shocked the world in 2018, when news emerged that he had used the powerful gene-editing technique CRISPR to tinker with the genetic code of several human embryos that were later born as babies.

The experiments led to a massive uproar, with scientists, ethicists, and regulators balking at the "egregious scientific and ethical lapses."

In 2019, He was sentenced to three years in prison for violating medical regulations.

Now, roughly a year and a half after being released from prison, the scientist has resumed his research on human embryo gene editing  and only has a few regrets about his past work.

In a new interview with Japanese newspaper the Mainichi Shimbun, He reflected on his belief that we'll soon be facing a demand for "designer babies."

"We will use discarded human embryos and comply with both domestic and international rules," he said, shutting down rumors that he was working on a follow-up to the twin sisters, who were born back in 2018 after modifying their genes before birth in a bid to make them immune to HIV.

However, He said that he's working on ways to treat genetic diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and familial Alzheimer's disease with gene-editing techniques in human embryos.

Since being released from prison, the researcher has kept busy, making in-person appearances last year in Cambridge, Massachusetts to discuss his motivations and actions.

The topic of his research, however, has remained controversial. In March 2023, He was set to speak at Oxford University, but mysteriously canceled the appearance, tweeting that "I feel that I am not ready to talk about my experience in past three years."

During a virtual and in-person bioethics event last year, He also refused to answer any questions, a decision that was later criticized by other experts in his field as a "publicity stunt."

Given his latest interview with the Mainichi Shimbun, He is now starting to open up. His comments, however, aren't exactly giving away anything particularly new, and his research remains shrouded in mystery.

The scientist told the Japanese newspaper that the twin girls, as well as a third child that was born in 2019, are all "perfectly healthy and have no problems with their growth."

He claimed that the results of the experiments were looking promising and that an analysis had shown that "there were no modifications to the genes other than for the medical objective, providing evidence that genome editing was safe."

"I'm proud to have helped families who wanted healthy children," he added.

When asked about the criticism that was triggered by his research, He appeared largely unshaken.

"I regret that it was too hasty," he told the Mainichi Shimbun, refusing to elaborate further.

More on He Jiankui: Scientist Who Gene Edited Human Babies Had Plan to Transform Humankind
Goodboy Picture Company via Getty Images

Did you know that feeling awe can not only change the way you see the world, it can actually improve your health?

Thats what Dacher Keltner determined after spending over 20 years studying the emotion.

The professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center recently chatted with us  Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, hosts of HuffPosts Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast  about how he became one of the worlds foremost awe researchers and what hes learned while examining its effects on our minds, bodies and outlooks.

Listen to our full chat with Keltner here:

Awe is particularly hard to describe with language, Keltner told us. In fact, a lot of people are like, its ineffable. Its beyond words. You cant put rational, symbolic thought to it. And I disagree.

The psychologist, who served as the scientific adviser on the Pixar film Inside Out, defines the emotion as the feeling we have when we encounter vast mysteries.

The core meaning of awe as youre feeling it come over you, is being connected to something larger than yourself, Keltner said. You go to a concert, youre with a big, throbbing, massive people and youre dancing and sweating and then the music makes you suddenly feel awestruck and youre like, God, Im part of this  whatever this is in this moment of musical reverence that is bigger than me. How important that is for human beings to be connected to things larger than ourselves.

Music is one of the eight wonders of life that Keltner identified while studying awe around the world.

We got these stories of awe from 26 different countries, in peoples own words  Mexico, India, Brazil, Poland, really different countries, he said. And it took us a long time to figure out like, where do I find awe? What we found  and this aligns with a lot of philosophical literatures  is what I call the eight wonders, which are moral beauty  other peoples kindness and courage; collective movement  youre in a yoga class together, youre dancing, youre at musical or sporting event; nature; then music; visual design; spirituality. And then the interesting ones are the less intuitive ones, one of which is big ideas. People feel awe about big ideas. Like, God, when I first read Karl Marxs Economic Theory of Consciousness, I was just like, I cant believe it. This guy can explain thought patterns and class struggles. So I was awestruck by that. And then life and death  the life cycle makes us feel awe ... it propels us to try to understand this great mystery of life.

According to Keltners research, moral beauty and nature appear to be two of the most powerful of the wonders.

Taking in the kindness and courage and strength and [the] overcoming that people are capable of just knocks people out and its everywhere, right? he told us. And then nature ... its so profound what nature does to your mind and body.

In fact, Keltners studies show that experiencing awe via any of the eight wonders can improve our health.

One region of the brain is deactivated [when we experience awe]  the default mode network. That is where all the self-representational processes take place: Im thinking about myself, my time, my goals, my strivings, my checklist. That quiets down during awe, he explained.

Then our vagus nerve  the big bundle of nerves starting in the top of your spinal cord that helps you look at people and vocalize  is activated, which, slows our heart rate, helps with digestion and opens up our bodies to things bigger than us.

Keltner also discovered that experiencing awe lowered inflammation, helped alleviate anxiety and pain, and triggered the release of oxytocin, the love hormone that promotes trust and bonding.

A lot of scientists are really starting to... they took the awe science and they said, Oh, my God, its good for you. [It causes] elevated vagal tone, less inflammation, less depression, less anxiety  these are all findings replicated in [peer reviewed studies].

So if we want more awe in our lives  and all of the health benefits it can bring  what should we do?

Give yourself a few minutes a day or every other day, slow down your schedule, put away your devices, start breathing deeply, and open your mind to something larger than yourself, Keltner advised.

Asking those questions about what are you related to thats larger than you and how do you serve it  that will get you to awe really fast, he added. Suddenly youll be like, I gotta listen to that piece of music that blew my mind when I was 12. And you listen to it and youre like, Im thinking of my friend and my childhood and what my parents were trying to teach me. Next thing you know, youre having a moment of awe. So I think its a mindset of the self in relation to whats vast.

We also chatted with Keltner about the tragic experience that made him want to explore awe in the first place, what taking an awe walk can do for us and much more.

After youve had a listen to the full episode above or wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe to Am I Doing It Wrong? so you dont miss a single episode, including our investigations of the ins and outs of tipping, how to score the best deals on airline tickets, how to apologize or vanquish your credit card debt, how to find love online or overcome anxiety, tips for online shopping, taking care of your teeth and pooping like a pro, secrets to booking and staying in a hotel, how to deal with an angry person, cooking tips from celebrity chef Jet Tila, shocking laundry secrets and more.

For more from Dacher Keltner, visit his website and check out his latest book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.

Need some help with something youve been doing wrong? Email us at AmIDoingItWrong@HuffPost.com, and we might investigate the topic in an upcoming episode.

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Scotland's government says a new law will tackle hate crime. Critics say it could hurt free speech

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during First Minster's Questions (FMQ's) at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh, Scotland, Thursday March 28, 2024. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP)  A new law against hate speech came into force in Scotland on Monday, praised by some but criticized by others who say its sweeping provisions could criminalize religious views or tasteless jokes.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior on the basis of characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. Racial hatred was already banned under a law dating from 1986.

The maximum sentence is seven years in prison.

The legislation does not specifically ban hatred against women. The Scottish government says that will be tackled by a separate forthcoming law against misogyny.

Scottish Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said the new law would help build safer communities that live free from hatred and prejudice.

We know that the impact on those on the receiving end of physical, verbal or online attacks can be traumatic and life-changing, she said. This legislation is an essential element of our wider approach to tackling that harm.

Critics argue that the law will have a chilling effect on free speech, making people afraid to express their views. The legislation was passed by the Scottish Parliament almost three years ago but has been delayed by wrangling over its implementation.

Veteran human rights activist Peter Tatchell said the law was well-intended but vague, relying on subjective interpretation of what constitutes abuse and allowing people to report alleged offenses anonymously.

The Scottish National Party-led government in Edinburgh says the legislation includes free speech protections, including a specific guarantee that people can still ridicule or insult religion.

The threshold of criminality in terms of the new offenses is very, very high indeed, First Minister Humza Yousaf said. Your behavior has to be threatening or abusive and intended to stir up hatred.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who has called the law ludicrous, is among critics who say it could be used to silence what are known as gender-critical feminists, who argue that rights for trans women should not come at the expense of those who are born biologically female.

In a series of posts on X, Rowling referred to several prominent trans women as men. Misgendering could be an offense under the new law in some circumstances.

Im currently out of the country, but if what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment, Rowling wrote.

Scottish National Party lawmaker Joanna Cherry, another critic of the law, said that if you are a woman, you have every right to be concerned.

Biological sex is not included as a protected characteristic in the act, despite women being one of the most abused cohorts in our society, she wrote in The National newspaper.

Meanwhile, police organizations are concerned the law will trigger a flood of reports over online abuse.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said the law could cause havoc with trust in police. And the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents wrote to lawmakers to express worry that the law could be weaponized by an activist fringe.

The law is the latest case of Scotland's semi-autonomous government, which is led by the pro-independence SNP, diverging from the Conservative U.K. administration in London. In 2022, the Scottish Parliament passed a law allowing people to change their legally recognized gender through self-declaration, without the need for medical certification.

The gender-recognition legislation was vetoed by the British government, which said it conflicted with U.K.-wide equalities legislation that, among other things, guarantees women and girls access to single-sex spaces such as changing rooms and shelters.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Authorities are searching for a man who nearly hit struck a deputy head-on with a motorcycle on March 28, according to the Coos County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies said the man, Sebastian Blaney, was going 100 mph when he just missed the patrol officer and another car on Highway 42 near North Bank Lane.

After the actions of the motorcycle operator put the sergeant and public in harms way the sergeant attempted to conduct a traffic stop at which point the motorcycle fled, the sheriffs office said.

Pedestrian hospitalized after serious North Portland crash

Deputies followed the black and red motorcycle so Blaney could be arrested if he came to a stop or tried to run on foot, but officials said he got away. Another deputy trying to chase him lost control of his vehicle and crashed. That officer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

7 people involved in rollover on WB I-84 in Portland

Anyone with information about Blaney or his bike are encouraged to contact Coos County deputies.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Authorities are investigating the disappearance of two women in western Oklahoma, who were last seen together in a vehicle later found abandoned in a rural area near the highway. Law enforcement initially said 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley went missing under "suspicious" circumstances. As an investigation progressed, they revealed that evidence suggests there was foul play.

"Based on the information obtained from the victim's vehicle, our investigators believe there was evidence to indicate foul play," the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation wrote in a social media post on Wednesday afternoon. No arrests have been made since they vanished over the weekend.

The state investigative bureau on Sunday announced it would open a probe into the women's disappearance, at the request of the Texas County Sheriff's Department, whose jurisdiction includes the isolated part of the Oklahoma panhandle where the women's car was discovered.

UPDATE- Based on the information obtained from the victims vehicle, our investigators believe there was evidence to indicate foul play.



We are still searching for these victims and there are no arrests at this time. We ask that anyone with additional information to contact us. https://t.co/OOtgoy5CUt  OSBI (@OSBI_OK) April 3, 2024

Oklahoma Highway Patrol issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for Butler and Kelley, on behalf of the sheriff's department, on Saturday. That alert deemed both women "at-risk," although few details have been shared publicly about the events leading up to their disappearance.

Butler and Kelley were "traveling to pick up children" before they vanished, according to the missing persons alert, which noted that neither "made it to the pick up location." Their car was found abandoned along the side of the road near Oklahoma State Highway 95, which is just south of Elkhart, Kansas, right over the border with Oklahoma.

Highway Patrol released images of Butler and Kelley along with written descriptions of the women. Butler is 5 feet 4 inches tall with red hair and green eyes, and she wore a blue short-sleeved shirt, denim shorts and shoes by the brand Hey Dude when she disappeared, according to the alert. She also has several tattoos, includes a Chinese symbol on her left forearm and a sunflower on her left shoulder.

Kelley has brown hair and blue eyes, and she was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, white-washed blue jeans and tan or beige-colored shoes when she went missing. Kelley has a butterfly tattoo on her left forearm.

State investigators said they are working with local law enforcement agencies to find Butler and Kelley. They have asked anyone with information about the women's whereabouts to contact the bureau.

CBS News contacted the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation for more information about the women's disappearance and the missing persons case but did not receive an immediate reply.

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Jose Andres says slain World Central Kitchen workers were targeted "systematically, car by car"
In Donetsk, activists of the Yellow Ribbon movement placed symbols of resistance to the Russians near the Donbas Arena. Ukrainians who are under occupation and waiting for the Ukrainian Armed Forces have decorated the road to the stadium with yellow ribbons.

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This was reported on the movement's Telegram channel. The patriots emphasized that they will continue to resist and demonstrate to the occupiers that they are not welcome on our land.

"Activists of the Yellow Ribbon movement have decorated the road to the stadium with yellow ribbons, a symbol of the resistance of our Ukrainians, who show the racists every day that the struggle continues.

After the de-occupation, we will meet at the match of our favorite Ukrainian team at the Donbas Arena, but for now, we are resisting the enemy and waiting for the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the activists write.

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Earlier it was reported that in the temporarily occupied Henichesk, Kherson region, the occupiers are increasingly afraid of retaliation from Ukrainian partisans. They are trying to walk around the city without chevrons.

Earlier, Atesh found out how many X-32 cruise missiles Russia plans to produce in 2024. The movement's agents infiltrated the Dubno Machine-Building Plant and obtained secret documents. According to the information obtained, Moscow demands that the plant produce 224 X-32 cruise missiles by the end of the year. It also became known that the plant failed to fulfill the plan for 2022.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!

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The Washington State Department of Ecology has revised their estimate of the amount of fuel that has spilled into Seattles Lake Union after a houseboat sank on Lake Union Saturday afternoon. According to WSDOE, their original estimate that 30-50 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled in the lake has been changed to over 100 gallons.

There was no one in the home at the time of the incident.

To contain the spill at a marina near Gasworks Park, the City of Seattle, WSDOE and a salvage company put booms around the vessel.

WSDOE says Global Diving and Salvage is handling the recovery of the vessel. Contractors have removed 400 gallons of fuel from tanks on the houseboat.

Birds may have been affected by this spill, If you see an oily bird, you can report it by calling 1-800 22-BIRDS.

Clean up and salvage efforts continue, with the US Coast Guard and salvage crews working on the clean up.




Second Michigan man accused of leading officers on multi-state chase pleads not guilty

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A second Michigan man who police say led them on a multi-state chase pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in Washington County on March 29, according to court documents.

Corey Robert Mercier, 21, pleaded not guilty on Friday to criminal possession of explosives and fleeing charges.

He and Trenton Johnson, 21, were arrested on Feb. 7 after Tontitown police say the two men led officers on a chase through Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.

According to a press release from Tontitown police, multiple officers assisted outside agencies with a high-speed pursuit as it neared Tontitown.

A Tontitown officer, later identified as Chief Corey Jenison, performed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI), which ended the chase.

Michigan man accused leading officers on multi-state chase pleads not guilty

Speeds during the pursuit exceeded 120 mph, according to TPD.

Officers found firearms and improvised flammable devices, commonly called Molotov cocktails, inside the allegedly stolen U-Haul van following the chase, according to the release.

Mercier and Johnson were arrested and taken to the Benton County Jail. Trenton Johnson pleaded not guilty on March 18 in Washington County Court.

Mercier has a trial date scheduled for November 20. Johnsons trial date is set for November 4.

To read the full story on the pursuit, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
The entrance gate with the inscription "Arbeit macht frei" can be seen at the Dachau concentration camp memorial. The secret diary of Edgar Kupfer-Koberwitz from his imprisonment in the Dachau concentration camp has been published in the form of a graphic novel, YouTube film and online text. Sven Hoppe/dpa

The secret diary of Edgar Kupfer-Koberwitz from his imprisonment in the Dachau concentration camp has been published in the form of a graphic novel, YouTube film and online text.

Kupfer-Koberwitz was a political prisoner in the Nazi camp from November 1940 until liberation on April 29, 1945.

The German-language project, titled "Ein Uberleben lang", tells the story of his experiences with harrowing texts and haunting images, without pathos and based on facts.

Original quotes from the Wroclaw-born author, who died in Stuttgart in 1991, are embedded in a fictional plot: In May 1945, he describes his experiences to US soldiers, from his arrest on vague grounds in exile in Italy in 1940 to his liberation.

The film and the online book make clear the horror of the camp, which was the first concentration camp to go into operation a few weeks after Adolf Hitler seized power in March 1933.

"There was something relentless, something terrible, something ice-cold hanging over everything," Kupfer-Koberwitz is quoted as saying.

"Never before in my life have I felt an environment so unconditionally dangerous and hostile. It was as if the air was full of frozen screams of despair."

"Graphic novels can be used to tell complex stories that have an immediate effect and are emotionally moving, but still allow the necessary distance and abstraction through the graphic realization," explains project manager Kerstin Schwenke, who heads the education department at the Dachau Memorial.

Young people in particular feel addressed by the comic medium and are more willing to engage with complex content, she said.
The Texas Legislature last year banned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices and initiatives at public universities and colleges; now the Senate Committee on Education is calling to the carpet the administrators of the institutions of higher education to prove how the schools are complying with Senate Bill 17.

Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who wrote the anti-DEI law, warned university system chancellors and regents in a March 26 letter that lawmakers can take legal action and even freeze state funding if they do not comply with the law.

While I am encouraged with the progress I have seen from many institutions of higher education in implementing SB 17, I am deeply concerned with the possibility that many institutions may choose to merely rename their offices or employee titles, he wrote. This letter should serve as notice that this practice is unacceptable.

More: Higher education in Texas: What lawmakers hope to tackle in the 89th legislative session

The Senate Education Committee is holding a hearing in May for university system chancellors and general counsels to lay out how their institutions are ensuring that there are no DEI offices or training, no diversity statements in hiring and only merit-based employment offers with no considerations for race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

Creighton's letter was sent to the University of North Texas System, Texas Womans University System, Texas A&M University System, University of Texas System, University of Houston System, Texas Tech University System and Texas State University System.

Creighton told the American-Statesman that he sent the letter to give university administrators advance notice of the hearing, and he said that what the committee learns from the discussions will help guide any actions.

"These institutions have had sufficient time to implement this new law, and I expect that the committee will hear from university leadership on their successes and any obstacles they've encountered," he said in a written answer to the Statesman. "By providing them clear directives, the committee can work efficiently to determine whether more needs to be done next session."

SB 17, which went into effect Jan. 1, resulted in the quiet and hurried closing of DEI programs at all Texas public colleges and universities. The office and program shutterings at UT in Austin included the Multicultural Engagement Center and Monarch, a program to help undocumented students. UT-sponsored student multicultural organizations lost school funding. The Gender and Sexuality Center was replaced with the Women's Community Center, and the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement was replaced with the Division of Campus and Community Engagement.

More: What UT lost with SB 17: American-Statesman's guide to changes due to Texas' anti-DEI law

SB 17 does not apply to academic course instruction, research, registered student groups, guest speakers, data collection, recruitment, guest speakers or policies implemented to support students without regard to race, sex, color or ethnicity.

'Everythings on the table'

Some students, professors and lawyers have complained that the universities are overcomplying with SB 17 and creating a chilling effect on campuses by removing protections against the historical exclusion of students of color and those who are LGBTQ+.

DEI offices are not and have never been an instrument to promote one race or gender or sexual orientation above another, Courtney Avant, legislative counsel for the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ rights nonprofit, told the Statesman in January. "They have been a critical tool to address inequality and discrimination."

Those against DEI policies, however, say the law doesn't go far enough.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, held its annual policy summit in Austin the week before Creighton sent his letter to university system administrators. The summit had multiple panels about higher education, including one in which Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said that "everything's on the table" next legislative session to keep Texas a leader in the fight against "woke" ideologies  or identity politics  on college campuses. He said the Legislature is not satisfied with SB 17 alone, and that more needs to be done.

"We're going to ask some very tough questions to make sure that it's actually being enacted in the way that the bill intended," Bettencourt, who serves on the Senate Education Committee, said at the panel about SB 17.

More: 'Exhausted', 'confused,' 'unprecedented': Texas professors, students reflect on DEI ban

The Chronicle of Higher Education is tracking 82 bills targeting DEI across 28 states since 2023. So far, 12 have become law. Creighton said SB 17 is the strongest yet.

"Recognized as the most robust DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) prohibition in the nation, this bill mandates a fundamental shift in the operation of our higher education institutions," Creighton said in his March 26 letter. "The Texas State Legislature, along with the people of Texas, anticipate that each institution will undertake sincere efforts to align with the bill's provisions, ensuring a merit-based environment where every student, faculty, and staff member can strive for and achieve personal excellence."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Senate panel sets SB 17 hearing, warns universities to comply
The Senate battlefield is increasingly locked in as Republicans turn their attention from the primaries to the November contests in a bid to turn the chamber red.

Much has changed in the four months since The Hill last updated this space, including retirements, surprise candidacies and primary wins.

Republicans have settled on nominees in key states as they look to retake the upper chamber, while Democrats are looking at their crop of battle-tested incumbents to carry the year for them. And both sides are laser-focused on Ohio and Montana as the two most competitive contests.

At the same time, there are warning signs flashing at the top of the ticket, as President Biden has been unable to reverse his polling drop, giving Republicans a shot in the arm more than seven months out from Election Day.

Both sides readily admit West Virginia will fall into the GOP column in November, with Democratic Sen. Joe Manchins retirement from the deep red state. That means Republicans only need to flip one other state to control the upper chamber.

Here are the five other Senate seats most likely to flip.

Montana

Republicans are breathing easier after Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) ended his Senate campaign, handing the primary to businessman Tim Sheehy and giving the GOP a clearer shot at defeating Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

Tester is a top target of Republicans, who are hopeful they can flip the deeply red state in November. And Sheehy was a top recruit of Senate Republican leaders.

Both campaigns have been on the air for months, with Tester holding a slight edge according to the latest public polling. An Emerson College/The Hill survey released in early March showed Tester with a 2-point advantage over Sheehy, who is steadily building name ID.

Tester also leads by 10 points among independents, while 14 percent of Trump supporters report that they back the three-term Democrat.

But whether he can overcome the impact of Trump in the state remains a real question.

The former president won the state by more than 15 points four years ago, with that margin potentially increasing as President Bidens standing in the polls has dipped nationwide.

Its going to be tough, one Democratic operative conceded. But Montana has that ability to zag when people zig.

Ohio

Republicans got the last piece of the GOP candidate jigsaw puzzle when businessman Bernie Moreno prevailed in a three-way contest for the right to take on Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who is looking to overcome the states increasingly red hue to secure a fourth term in office.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

The final weeks saw the race narrow between Moreno and state Sen. Matt Dolan (R), but Trump world and undecided Republicans powered him to a 17-point victory.

For some national Democrats, Moreno, who was endorsed by Trump, is the perfect candidate for Brown to take on this fall  the Senate Majority PAC believed it to the tune of a $2.7 million ad campaign to boost Moreno ahead of the primary.

I think Democrats were right to want [Moreno]. If it was Dolan, theres zero chance Brown returns, one GOP operative said. I think Moreno is the favorite today, but its not a lock by any stretch.

Ohio has trended rightward for years, but Republicans arent casting doubt on Brown, who has proven to be a difficult opponent for years and is in a strong spot financially.

I would never underestimate Sherrod Brown, former Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) said. Hes the best retail politician in Ohio.

The GOP operative specifically cited Browns recent ad featuring law enforcement officers touting Browns work on the fentanyl crisis.

I would run that in a GOP primary, the operative said.

Arizona

Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas (I-Ariz.) decision not to seek a second term has removed a lot of the intrigue from the Grand Canyon State, clearing the path for what is expected to be a close race between Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Republican Kari Lake.

Sinemas exit from the race initially boosted Lakes chances, because the sitting senator was pulling GOP support at roughly double the rate of Democratic voters.

It also pushed a number of Senate Republicans, who had stayed on the sidelines out of deference to Sinemas track record of bipartisan work, to back Lake. And it encouraged Republican operatives who are hopeful Sinemas decision will open up some wallets in the business community.

Still, recent chatter hasnt been as good for Lake, who was defeated in the 2022 gubernatorial election, as Republicans have grown increasingly bearish about her chances against Gallego.

An Emerson College poll conducted in mid-March showed Gallego receiving 44 percent support and Lake pulling in 40 percent.

Lakes decision last week not to defend her past statements about an Arizona election official who is suing her for defamation added a layer of doubt.

I dont think we can ever be confident in Lake, the GOP operative said.

Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake

Republicans are also dismayed that Gallego is already up on the airwaves in an effort to define himself, and he is doing so unopposed. For a candidate largely considered progressive and not in the mold of Democrats who have won statewide in Arizona, Democrats believe he is doing everything he needs to.

Theres a reason why they elected Sinema and [Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)] is so popular, the Democratic operative said, noting that Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) did not run a top-notch campaign against Lake last cycle, and still she pulled off a squeaker.

She ran a meandering race, she didnt handle the debate question well. There was a lot of angst pre-election, the operative continued. And she ended up winning.

Pennsylvania

The air wars in the Keystone State started in earnest this week as Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Republican David McCormick both went up with their first batch of television ads.

McCormick faces an uphill climb to oust the three-term incumbent despite his financial might, but national and state Republicans are pleased with the former Bridgewater Associates CEOs campaign thus far.

Still, their fears that toppling Casey might be too tall of a task havent been fully assuaged.

The GOP operative contrasted McCormicks route to victory for McCormick to Lakes in Arizona. For Lake, the hope is to run as close to Trump as possible and pull off a narrow win in a state where margins of victory on either side are slim.

McCormicks path is much different and would likely mirror what former Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) pulled off in 2016, when Trump outran him in deep red and rural counties, but he ran strong in the Philadelphia collar counties and earned a 1.5-percentage point win.

To do that, McCormick has to either give Biden supporters a reason to back him, or rely on an unforced error by Casey, who isnt known for them.

He needs to get Biden/McCormick voters, and to do so you need an issue in which Casey has done something drastically wrong, the operative said, noting that Toomey messaged heavily on the Iran nuclear deal that cycle to great success in southeastern Pennsylvania. What is that thing to peel off Biden voters? Because theres just drop-off from Trump voters to Dave, and theres nothing they can do to fix that.

[McCormicks campaign] is not doing it wrong. I just fear they can be perfect and still not be able to win, the operative continued.

According to the latest survey conducted by Emerson/The Hill, Casey leads McCormick by 4 percentage points. The incumbent Democrat holds that advantage despite Trump topping Biden by the same margin.

Wisconsin

The entrance of Eric Hovde, a wealthy businessman, into the Wisconsin Senate race is giving the GOP something it hasnt had since Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) first won her seat 12 years ago: a real chance at defeating her.

According to the latest Emerson/The Hill survey, Baldwin holds a 3-point advantage over Hovde, who is expected to spend in the neighborhood of $20 million of his own money on the contest. Hovde went on the air almost immediately after he announced his campaign and has been running television ads since.

Republicans are also heartened by some key numbers early on, including that Baldwin is short of 50 percent support in polls and that only 42 percent approve of her work, according to the latest Marquette Law School poll, taken in January.

Democrats, though, remain confident that Baldwins winning ways will continue and that she is doing everything she needs to.

They also constantly point to their ongoing attempt to define Hovde as an out-of-touch carpetbagger who is trying to nab the seat and isnt one of us.

The contrast there is great, said a Democratic strategist with experience working on Senate races, pointing to Baldwins recent Dairyland tour and emphasis on rural areas. Tammy talking about rural priorities and going to places Dems dont always go in Wisconsin compared to a guy who flew in from California to try to buy a Senate seat.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senior Iranian commander killed after alleged Israeli strike on embassy in Syria

Senior Iranian commander killed after alleged Israeli strike on embassy in Syria

A senior commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was killed on Monday in an alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian Embassy in Syrias capital city of Damascus.

Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the IRGCs Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon, was among those killed in the strike, according to Reuters and Iranian media.

Iranian media reported Monday that an Israeli missile strike flattened the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing a handful of people.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported seven Iranian officers were killed in addition to Zahedi.

Tehran is vowing a harsh military response to the attack, according to Iranian media channels.

A statement from Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hussein Akbar said the embassy was attacked by F-35 fighter jets and six missiles.

Akbar accused Israel of violating international laws and said it does everything contrary to humanity, according to the statement shared by a pro-Iranian telegram channel.

The Hill has reached out to the Israeli military for comment. Israel rarely acknowledges strikes inside of Syria, but it has frequently conducted them for years amid a shadow war with Iran.

Syrias Ministry of Defense also reported a strike around 5 p.m. local time in Damascus, which it said completely destroyed the embassy, Iranian channels reported.

Israel has repeatedly struck senior Iranian officials in Syria since the war broke out in Gaza, where Israeli troops are fighting the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas.

A late December strike killed a high-ranking Iranian officer in Syria, and another in January killed five other Iranians in the country.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Iranian media said there was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus - REUTERS

A suspected Israeli air strike destroyed Irans consulate in Damascus and killed a top Iranian general in a sharp escalation following months of clashes between Israel and Tehrans proxies.

Iran vowed a decisive response to the killing of Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) believed to be in charge of Irans operations in Syria and Lebanon.

State TV on Monday evening announced his death in an attack by Zionist regime fighters.

The airstrike, which Israel has not claimed responsibility for, hit the consulate on Monday afternoon, killing at least five people, according to Irans Tasnim news agency.

Syrian state television confirmed on Monday evening that the airstrike killed or wounded everyone who was inside at the time.

Gen Mohammad Reza Zahed was a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)

The consulate building, which stood between the Iranian embassy and the Canadian embassy in the Mezzeh district of Damascus, was completely flattened.

Footage from the scene showed smoke rising from the rubble and emergency vehicles parked outside.

Hossein Akbari, the Iranian ambassador to Syria, was not harmed in the airstrike, which appears to be the fifth Israeli strike on targets in Syria in five days.

He told Iranian state TV the strike was carried out by six missiles fired from F35 fighter jets and vowed revenge at the same magnitude and harshness.

Hossein Amirabdollahian, Irans foreign minister, blamed Israel for the attack and described it as a breach of all international conventions.

He called for an international response.

Faisal Mekdad, Syrias foreign minister, condemned the assassination of the Iranian general as a terrorist attack that killed a number of innocent lives.

He also insisted that Israels attack on Syrian soil would not make it turn its back on Iran.

Faisal Mekdad, Syria's foreign minister, condemned the assassination of the Iranian general as a 'terrorist attack' - REUTERS

Mohammad Reza Zahedi commanded the IRGCs Quds Force in Lebanon and was sanctioned by the United States and Britain.

The US Treasury sanctions designation says he acted as a liaison to Hezbollah and Syrian intelligence services and was reportedly charged with guaranteeing weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Israel has stepped up a campaign against Iranian proxies in Syria and Lebanon in recent weeks in response to near daily Hezbollah rocket attacks over its northern border.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.

A series of pinpointed Israeli strikes on Syria and Lebanon last weekend killed a Syrian colonel, a senior Hezbollah commander and several fighters.

Though it rarely acknowledges its actions in Syria, Israel has said it targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups, such as Lebanons Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assads forces.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from northern Israel and the Israeli government has come under increasing pressure from residents to either reach a deal guaranteeing a cease-fire with Hezbollah or invade Lebanon to stave off attacks.

In an apparent response to that criticism, Israels defence minister on Friday vowed to expand operations against Hezbollah in Beirut, Damascus or in more distant places.

Hezbollah has insisted that it will keep shelling the north of Israel as long as the IDF continues to operate in Gaza.

Analysts say it has avoided actions that could escalate the tit-for-tat cycle of attacks to a full-scale war, however.

Top Iranian officials made it clear that they would not support Hezbollah should it decide to wage a full-on war against Israel.

The Israeli military said on Monday it had stopped advanced weapons, including shrapnel charges and anti-tank mines, from being smuggled into the West Bank from Iran.

It said the weapons were uncovered during an operation against a Lebanese-based operative of Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, who it said was recruiting agents to smuggle weapons and carry out attacks in the West Bank.

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On a recent weekday, short but mighty flames began consuming an expanse of tallgrass in Illinois' Nachusa Grasslands, their advance marked with crackles and pops.

Satisfied with the blaze, a group of eight conservation workers split in two, walking the perimeter of a 124-acre square expanse of land. They used liquid fuel, drop by drop, to create a ring of fire and rubber tools to put out unruly sparks.

Everything was under control.

The neon orange fire charred most of what it encountered: native plants such as Canada wild rye, big bluestem and Indiangrass; and invasive species like bush honeysuckle and bush clover. It barely grazed a handful of scattered oaks and a willow grove at the center of the open meadow, all leafless but tall, alive and full of water  immune to the fire.

If were doing things right, weve tried to set ourselves up so that the fire is largely managing itself, and were giving light touches to keep it where it needs to be, said Elizabeth Bach, a research scientist at The Nature Conservancy, which manages the nature preserve 100 miles west of Chicago. The idea is  that the fire wont get pushed outside of the boundaries. Its like, once you got your lines, you just color inside. Then everything kind of comes together at the end.

As spring gets underway, conservationists are purposely setting Illinois tallgrass prairies on fire to protect native species and revitalize one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Prairies dont immediately come to mind when people think about threatened landscapes, and public attention is often focused on rainforests. But there are far fewer prairies.

More tropical rainforest gets cut down every year than there is tallgrass prairie that still exists, Bach said. Were all about setting up plants and animals to thrive today and into an uncertain future  with the ecological factors that support them, and prescribed fire is a pivotal one.

The National Park Service estimates that only 6.8 million acres of tallgrass prairies remain in North America, less than 4% of the 170 million acres that originally covered the region. In just 2021, 1.6 million acres of Great Plains grasslands were plowed primarily to expand row crops, according to a World Wildlife Fund report.

At Nachusa, more than 4,000 acres of grassland are protected. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Wilmington, which the U.S. Forest Service manages, covers another 20,000 acres. About 3,000 acres there are actively undergoing restoration or enhancement. Efforts to preserve these endangered Illinois ecosystems involve numerous organizations and institutions.

As you may know, Illinois is the Prairie State, but less than 0.01% of its original tallgrass prairie remains due to agriculture and land development, said Emily Reusswig, vice president of conservation and policy at Openlands, an environmental nonprofit contributing to conservation work at Midewin.

Dependent on disturbances

The roads leading up to The Nature Conservancys headquarters at Nachusa are lined with black and gray plots of land in various stages of postfire recovery. Heavy in the air is the smell of burned grass. The nature preserve and its grasslands are home to 180 birds, over 700 native plants and a herd of 100 bison.

Meant to benefit these organisms and restore the health of their habitat, the carefully planned and controlled fires can only be executed by experts under specific wind, temperature and humidity conditions. These often occur from mid-March to May even though a layer of snow often coats the ground this time of year. But the unusually dry and warm winter had fire experts scrambling to start in February.

Four hours into the recent controlled burn at Nachusa, the small crew finally regrouped opposite where they started. They watched as the initial fire, pushing against the southeasterly winds, met the newer, taller flames quickly blowing in. In a moment, the blaze put itself out. All that was left was scorched earth.

These fires mainly target invasive species such as bush honeysuckle, yellow sweet clover, white sweet clover, Siberian elm, birds-foot trefoil and bush clover.

In the 8,000 to 10,000 years since prairies took root in North America, their flora and fauna have become resilient and even dependent on disturbances such as fire. Indigenous people, for instance, have long relied on it as a tool to manage land. But nonnative plant and animal species introduced in the last several decades did not evolve to withstand fire.

The suite of plants and animals that you see in tallgrass prairie are all there because they can tolerate fire every few years, Bach said. In fact, some of them thrive with fire every few years. And that fire helps suppress things such as trees and shrubby brush that would move in if that wasnt coming through the system.

Fire also clears out dead stems and leaves without killing the roots of prairie plants, allowing them to grow back; its like deciduous trees shedding their leaves in the fall. The ash also returns nutrients to the soil, according to the Forest Service.

Teeming with life

Reaching over 5 feet, tallgrass thrives in the Midwests rich soil. But that fertility also makes these kinds of prairies well-suited to row crops such as soybean and corn.

When settlers reached the Great Plains, they brought cattle to graze on the bisons vast pasture and plowed the grasslands.

We removed fire as a factor, and we introduced things like buckthorn and honeysuckle, and we planted cornfields and cleared areas for homes, Bach said. And that was very different from how our Indigenous neighbors have and continue to manage land and consider their relationship with land.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in 1820 the state had 22 million acres of prairies, most of which were gone by the beginning of the 20th century. By 1978, less than 2,300 acres of high-quality original prairie remained.

You do, sometimes, kind of run into the mentality that land is a resource that should be productive with this kind of direct human output, Bach said. It is true that the soils of Illinois can grow a lot of grains, a lot of calories. And thats an important thing. We need that, our world needs food. We all need to eat.

She said productive agricultural land and human development can  and should coexist with nature.

I think its an and, its not an either-or,' she said. How do we think about our ecosystems a little more holistically? Not just what they can produce for us, but also, what we can do for them?

Grasslands are teeming with life that conservationists are trying to protect and restore.

The monarch butterfly is perhaps one of the best-known prairie insects. Other prairie pollinators, essential in sustaining plant life, include the endangered rusty patched bumblebee.

Grassland birds, such as the bobolink, greater prairie-chicken, and Henslows sparrow, are some of the most imperiled species in the country, with populations declining by over 40% since 1966, according to the National Audubon Society.

Yet the organizations Great Lakes regional office says populations of bobolinks and Henslows sparrows have remained steady or increased in the Chicago Wilderness region, which includes Midewin, due to land management practices such as prescribed burning.

In late 2023, Openlands received a $1.5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to bring back a dozen bird species through the restoration of over 1,300 acres of prairie, savanna and floodplain wetland habitats at Midewins Grant Creek watershed.

After the recent prescribed fire at Nachusa, Bach pointed to a group of 50 bison quietly munching on grass that was burned in early March. The imposing animals are equipped to survive winter from fat reserves in their bodies, but theyll still eat what they can find, especially in scattered patches of grass where there wasnt enough dry material to burn.

If its green and they can eat it, theyll eat it, Bach said. In restoring this big area, that grazing factor was missing. We had the fire, we had the landscape, we had the native plants and animals  So, after a lot of careful thought and planning, the bison came back.

The last recorded sighting of a wild bison or American buffalo in Illinois happened in 1870. The animal was ultimately forced out of the state by hunting, agriculture and development. Just as grasslands co-evolved with fire, they grew to be dependent on the grazing patterns of bison, which diversified native vegetation, maintained habitats for birds and cleared out invasive species.

In 2015, Nachusa Grasslands welcomed the first baby bison born in Illinois in nearly two centuries. It became the newest member of the first herd to have been officially reintroduced east of the Mississippi River for conservation purposes in 2014. Midewins herd of bison was introduced in 2015.

Bach said she didnt anticipate how visitors would connect with the bison, which has become a conduit for more Illinoisans to understand the uniqueness of tallgrass prairies that are literally in our backyards.

Lessons in climate resilience

Grassland animals have evolved to respond to fires and predators by burrowing, running, flying or camouflaging at a moments notice.

Still, about 75% of prairie life occurs almost entirely underground.

Most of the biomass  the bulk of organisms  in a prairie is found in its roots. They are great at absorbing water and storing nutrients, which allows the grass and the whole ecosystem to bounce back from disruptions.

These deep, dense roots also allow the soil to serve as a safe, long-term repository for the carbon dioxide the plants capture from the atmosphere. Remnant prairies, which have remained for millennia, have roots that go as far down as 15 to 20 feet.

Restoring our ecosystems is really a powerful way to not only store carbon but also help us adapt to our changing climate, Reusswig said. Because these prairie plants, they clean our water, they soak up carbon, they help reestablish our aquifers  They just have a ton of ecosystem services or natural capital when it comes to helping us thrive both today and in the future.

While forests can store more carbon than grasslands due to their larger biomass, they are also more vulnerable to changing weather patterns and unexpected disasters such as drought and wildfires. And when trees die and decompose, they rerelease the carbon stored in their trunks, branches, leaves and roots.

Its not about one system (being) better than another system, Bach said. Because the systems have evolved where they thrive. The grasslands are going to be a really good system in Illinois for locking up carbon. A rainforest is going to be a really good system in Brazil for locking up carbon. That doesnt mean we need rainforests in Illinois.

Into the future

Prairie restoration work can be tedious, like collecting more than a thousand pounds of seeds by hand every year to regrow hundreds of native plant species.

Reseeding is essential to restoration. Prescribed burns are done on land that has often already been repopulated with native plants, in hopes that native species come back and eventually reestablish their co-dependence with fire. For instance, the 124-acre parcel that was recently torched had been planted in 2017.

Once we got that all planted, Bach said, we kind of let it do its thing. Weve come in, weve now burned it a couple of times since then. And its now in a situation where we burn it every few years. We check it for invasive species that might be a concern, but theres not a lot of other intervention we have to do. Its pretty set to go.

Restoration does not entail re-creating prairies exactly as they were hundreds of years, even decades, ago.

Ecosystems arent static. Theyre evolving, changing and responding to weather and climate and all kinds of impacts, Bach said. Our goal here is to set up communities of native plants and animals for success (in) the future. And that includes these regular disturbance regimes and ecological factors. Its not a static thing that youll walk away from.
At least four people were killed after tornadoes and severe storms tore through several states this week.

Widespread thunderstorms rolled across the central and eastern US on Tuesday bringing tennis ball-sized hail, pounding rain and dangerous winds to at least 75 million people.

After lashing parts of Texas, Illinois and Oklahoma, the weather system moved from the northern parts of Indiana and Ohio and western Pennsylvania on its track east, with tornadoes touching down in Georgia, Ohio and Tennessee.

On Wednesday, two people were killed in Pennsylvania when the storm caused trees to fall on their cars, WPVI reported.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least one victim was killed in the state  as the weather caused a car accident.

After two days of heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes, the east-ward moving storm system has now hit the US east coast, with severe weather hammering Florida up through New England and the northern border states.

As of Thursday morning, 137,000 homes in Maine were without power after a powerful Noreaster hammered the state.

Key Points

Gorilla hail pounds cars on highways in Texas

Level 4 warning for storms

Storm forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday

WATCH: Storms to roll through Central US over next two days

Welcome to The Independents live blog

Monday 1 April 2024 15:19 , Rachel Sharp

Follow updates as multiple US states face severe weather events

50 million Americans under storm threats

Monday 1 April 2024 15:21 , Rachel Sharp

More than 50 million Americans are currently facing the threat of severe storms on Easter Monday, with risks of tornadoes, flooding and snowstorms sweeping central and eastern US.

Thunderstorms are forecast to develop across the Fort Worth area of Texas on Monday afternoon through Monday night  some of which may be severe, according to the National Weather Service.

Initial storms in western North Texas late this afternoon could be capable of very large hail and have slightly increased potential for tornadoes. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats, the agency said.

The storms are expected to shift east on Tuesday, heading for the likes of Memphis, Tennessee, Washington DC and Baltimore.

Fort Worth faces risks of thunderstorms on Monday

Monday 1 April 2024 15:30 , Rachel Sharp

Thunderstorm chances return Monday afternoon through Monday night, a few of which may be severe. Remember to have a means of keeping up with severe weather warnings & forecasts for your area (smart phone, weather radio, tv, radio, computer, etc.)#texomawx #dfwwx #ctxwx pic.twitter.com/4nD8RRwpT4  NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) March 31, 2024

Scattered, severe storms expected across Fort Worth, Texas

Monday 1 April 2024 15:45 , Graig Graziosi

Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected late this afternoon and evening. This threat will be greatest near and north of I-20, but isolated severe storms could develop anywhere in North and Central Texas. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats. #dfwwx #ctxwx pic.twitter.com/vn0NpJJRv4  NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) April 1, 2024

Storms with 40mph winds expected in Indiana

Monday 1 April 2024 16:29 , Graig Graziosi

South and Central Indiana may experience severe storms on Monday afternoon and evening.

The inclement weather is part of a broader system sweeping across the eastern portion of the country.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has predicted that lightning, large hail, and potentially damaging wind gusts are possible during the weather event. Isolated tornadoes, heavy rain, and subsequent flooding are also expected across substantial swaths of the state.

The NWS predicts that the storms are likely to start this afternoon in Indiana, with 40mph (63kmh) winds blowing in from the west.

Strong storms, up to an inch of rain expected in Arkansas-Red Basin River area as storms roll across the eastern US

Monday 1 April 2024 17:03 , Graig Graziosi

A strong storm system will bring severe weather and brief heavy rainfall to parts of the ABRFC over the next 24 hours. Up to an inch of rain could fall with the stronger storms across portions of the eastern ABRFC. No river flooding is expected. pic.twitter.com/Qq14Ovq4bh  NWSABRFC (@NWSABRFC) April 1, 2024

WATCH: Storms to roll through Central US over next two days

Monday 1 April 2024 17:33 , Graig Graziosi

Tornadoes, Tennis ball-sized hail possible in Oklahoma

Monday 1 April 2024 18:11 , Graig Graziosi

Severe weather covering the eastern US may bring strong tornadoes and tennis ball-sized hail to Oklahoma, according to local forecasts.

By Monday afternoon, KOCO 5 meteorologists determined there was an increased threat of tornado formation largely in east and northeastern portions of the state.

KOCO 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Conder said he believed the storms would hit in full around 6pm, and noted that he would not want his family driving around in storms of that severity.

Heavy, wet snow forecast for most of New Hampshire on Wednesday

Monday 1 April 2024 18:52 , Graig Graziosi

A storm system blowing across the eastern portion of the US will likely blanket New Hampshire with wet, heavy snow later this week, according to local meteorologists.

While the state will likely see clear weather today, clouds are expected to thicken on Tuesday before dumping snow on Wednesday and early Thursday. The remainder of Thursday is expected to bring a mix of rain and snow to the southern portions of the state.

WMUR metorologists said it was too early to predict how much snow might fall, but they did warn that gusty winds were likely and power outages would be possible as a result.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible flooding and hail in Central Ohio

Monday 1 April 2024 19:46 , Graig Graziosi

A storm system moving across the eastern portion of the US may bring rain, flooding, hail and thunderstorms to Central Ohio this week.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to begin in the region today and into Tuesday morning. There will be a short dry period before more storms roll in later on Tuesday evening.

Flooding, lightining, and gusty winds with hail may begin to affect the region as early as Monday, according to NBC4 meteorologists. There will also be a low, but not zero, chance of tornadoes.

WATCH: Chicago weather: Rain, possible severe storms on the way

Monday 1 April 2024 20:23 , Graig Graziosi

WATCH: Severe weather to roar from Texas to Maryland

Monday 1 April 2024 20:53 , Graig Graziosi

Tornado watches issued for parts of Oklahoma

Monday 1 April 2024 21:30 , Graig Graziosi

A stormfront moving across the eastern US may spin up tornadoes in parts of Oklahoma, according to the National Weather Service in Tulsa.

The NWS issued tornado watches for Nowata, Osage, Washington, Crai, Rogers, Tulsa, Mayes, and Pawnee beginning at 3:13pm and lasting until 10:13pm tonight, local time.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Nowata, OK, Osage, OK, Washington, OK, Craig, OK, Rogers, OK, Tulsa, OK, Mayes, OK, and Pawnee, OK beginning at 3:13 pm and ending at 10:13 pm ()  WJON IP Radio (@WJONIP) April 1, 2024

Thunderstorms, possibly tornadoes forecast for northwest Arkansas

Monday 1 April 2024 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service is forecasting severe thunderstorms with the potential for tornadoes in northwest Arkansas for Monday evening as a large storm system moves across the eastern US.

There is currently a 90 per cent change of severe thunderstorms beginning this evening for the region, with rain expected to continue until 10pm local time, according to the NWS.

Storms are expected to kickoff around 7pm local time and may bring hail and the potential for tornadoes. Most of the severe weather will subside by approximately 1am local time on Tuesday, the NWS reports.

50 million Americans under storm threats

Monday 1 April 2024 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

More than 50 million Americans are currently facing the threat of severe storms on Easter Monday, with risks of tornadoes, flooding and snowstorms sweeping central and eastern US.

Thunderstorms are forecast to develop across the Fort Worth area of Texas on Monday afternoon through Monday night  some of which may be severe, according to the National Weather Service.

Initial storms in western North Texas late this afternoon could be capable of very large hail and have slightly increased potential for tornadoes. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats, the agency said.

The storms are expected to shift east on Tuesday, heading for the likes of Memphis, Tennessee, Washington DC and Baltimore.

Scattered, severe storms expected across Fort Worth, Texas

Tuesday 2 April 2024 00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected late this afternoon and evening. This threat will be greatest near and north of I-20, but isolated severe storms could develop anywhere in North and Central Texas. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats. #dfwwx #ctxwx pic.twitter.com/vn0NpJJRv4  NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) April 1, 2024

WATCH: Storms to roll through Central US over next two days

Tuesday 2 April 2024 01:00 , Graig Graziosi

Tornadoes, Tennis ball-sized hail possible in Oklahoma

Tuesday 2 April 2024 02:00 , Graig Graziosi

Severe weather covering the eastern US may bring strong tornadoes and tennis ball-sized hail to Oklahoma, according to local forecasts.

By Monday afternoon, KOCO 5 meteorologists determined there was an increased threat of tornado formation largely in east and northeastern portions of the state.

KOCO 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Conder said he believed the storms would hit in full around 6pm, and noted that he would not want his family driving around in storms of that severity.

Heavy, wet snow forecast for most of New Hampshire on Wednesday

Tuesday 2 April 2024 03:00 , Graig Graziosi

A storm system blowing across the eastern portion of the US will likely blanket New Hampshire with wet, heavy snow later this week, according to local meteorologists.

While the state will likely see clear weather today, clouds are expected to thicken on Tuesday before dumping snow on Wednesday and early Thursday. The remainder of Thursday is expected to bring a mix of rain and snow to the southern portions of the state.

WMUR metorologists said it was too early to predict how much snow might fall, but they did warn that gusty winds were likely and power outages would be possible as a result.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible flooding and hail in Central Ohio

Tuesday 2 April 2024 04:00 , Graig Graziosi

A storm system moving across the eastern portion of the US may bring rain, flooding, hail and thunderstorms to Central Ohio this week.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms began in the region today and will continue into Tuesday morning. There will be a short dry period before more storms roll in later on Tuesday evening.

Flooding, lightining, and gusty winds with hail may begin to affect the region as early as Monday, according to NBC4 meteorologists. There will also be a low, but not zero, chance of tornadoes.

WATCH: Chicago weather: Rain, possible severe storms on the way

Tuesday 2 April 2024 04:59 , Graig Graziosi

Multiple people hurt in Texas crash amid severe storms

Tuesday 2 April 2024 05:30 , Stuti Mishra

Multiple people were hurt on Monday in a pileup involving as many as 30 vehicles at an intersection south of Midland, Texas, as high winds blew dust that was making visibility difficult, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

Texas Highway Patrol Troopers and Upton County Emergency personnel responded to the crash along State Highway 349 around 4:50pm.

The National Weather Service had issued warnings about blowing dust and damaging winds for Monday afternoon in the area.

Motorists were urged to use caution when traveling in West Texas.

WATCH: Severe weather to roar from Texas to Maryland

Tuesday 2 April 2024 06:00 , Graig Graziosi

Watch: Satellite imagery shows atmospheric river moving into California

Tuesday 2 April 2024 06:30 , Stuti Mishra

A late-season atmospheric river that brought heavy rain to California can be seen entering the country over the weekend in this satellite footage shared by Cooperative Institute for Research in Atmosphere (CIRA).

The moisture from the river has moved inland and enhancing the severe weather threat over central US.

Throughout the weekend, southern California was impacted by a late season atmospheric river that brought heavy rain to the region.



The system has moved inland, and the moisture it carried is going to enhance the severe weather threat over the Central US. pic.twitter.com/xkmyQtyLHH  CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) April 1, 2024

Strong tornadoes, large hail likely, thunderstorms expected across central Tennessee on Tuesday

Tuesday 2 April 2024 07:00 , Stuti Mishra

Severe storms are likely Tuesday! Damaging winds, large hail, & tornadoes are all possible! A strong tornado or two is not out of the question, so have a way to get the warnings and a safety plan ready! The timing is 10am-10pm! https://t.co/3fEsWsl2HE pic.twitter.com/iOvbGfFO3E  Danielle Breezy (@DanielleBreezy) April 1, 2024

Three tornadoes in Oklahoma

Tuesday 2 April 2024 07:30 , Stuti Mishra

At least three tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma on Monday evening, according to AccuWeather.

More than eight million people in the Central United States were under tornado watches as a line of storms moved across the state.

Tornado warnings had been in effect for parts of Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, and expired Monday night. Several warnings expired at midnight.

Severe storms likely Tuesday across much of the eastern US

Tuesday 2 April 2024 08:00 , Stuti Mishra

Severe thunderstorms will move across much of the eastern US on Tuesday, from the Gulf Coast through the Ohio Valley, according to National Weather Service forecasts.

In the midwest and Ohio Vallye Tuesday morning thunderstorms are likely but are expected to taper off early before giving way to more severe storms in the afternoon and evening.

Severe storms including tornadoes are likely Tuesday in much of Ohio as well as parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana. Large, destructive hail and strong winds are also possible in the region, according to the NWS.

Storm damage in Tulsa

Tuesday 2 April 2024 08:30 , Stuti Mishra

Authorities reported storm damage northwest of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the town of Barnsdall.

Houses, trees and power lines were damaged after a possible tornado hit the area, Osage County sheriff Eddie Virden told KOTV-TV in Tulsa.

Storm forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday 2 April 2024 09:00 , Stuti Mishra

The severe weather threat is intensifying from Tuesday and will extend into Wednesday, unleashing powerful tornadoes, damaging winds and hail as large as golf balls in some areas, forecasters say.

The weather system will extend from the northern parts of Indiana and Ohio and western Pennsylvania and move southward.

The risk for tornadoes extends from southeast Indiana across Ohio and over portions of Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, the Storm Prediction Centre forecasts.

It will impact the central Gulf coast and eastward to the Chesapeake Bay region and part of the Delmarva Peninsula. Storms in this broad zone will pack strong wind gusts, hail and localised flash flooding.

Some hailstones could exceed 2 inches in diameter and destructive winds could reach speeds of up to 75mph, the centre said.

Storms are likely to reach their peak strength on Tuesday afternoon and evening but could persist overnight in some areas.

On Wednesday, it appears the primary threat for severe thunderstorms will be for strong wind gusts, and that will be centred on a large portion of the mid-Atlantic coast, AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny said.

Level 4 warning for storms

Tuesday 2 April 2024 09:36 , Stuti Mishra

Tuesdays risk for severe storms was upgraded to Level 4 of 5 in much of Ohio and parts of Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia, where a substantial severe weather outbreak is possible, according to the Storm Prediction Centre.

Chart showing five levels of thunderstorm alerts by Noaa (Noaa)

Gorilla hail pounds cars on highways in Texas

Tuesday 2 April 2024 10:50 , Stuti Mishra

Video posted by meteorologist Reed Timmer shows large hail making driving conditions risky in Texas.

Gorilla hail northwest of DFW with supercell causing chaos on the highways near Justin, TX! he wrote.

Gorilla hail northwest of DFW with supercell causing chaos on the highways near Justin, TX! @accuweather pic.twitter.com/WmEfHMqOUu  Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerUSA) April 2, 2024

Photo: Texas sees hail size of golf balls

Tuesday 2 April 2024 11:50 , Stuti Mishra

Large hail fell in North Texas overnight with some stones as large as a golf ball or bigger, photos and videos show.

The National Weather Service had earlier warned that some hailstones could exceed 2 inches in diameter and destructive winds could reach speeds of up to 75 mph.

Large hail falls in parts of North Texas (Fox4)

WATCH: Atlanta weather: Severe storm threat Tuesday

Tuesday 2 April 2024 12:30 , Stuti Mishra

Watch: Palm size hail in Texas

Tuesday 2 April 2024 13:00 , Graig Graziosi

Video shared by journalist Tiffany Liou shows hail the size of a palm falling in Texas.

My initial photo of pea-sized hail lasted all of a minute before we started seeing these massive spiky chunks.@wfaa @wfaaweather @JesseWFAA #wfaaweather pic.twitter.com/leXTXuYjNE  Tiffany Liou (@tliou) April 2, 2024

It started a pea size, Ms Liou said in a video. Then we got bigger ones, golf ball size.This one is huge, she said, comparing with a coin.

My last hour in Rhome, TX.



Hope everyone is safe from this massive hail storm!  @wfaa @wfaaweather #wfaaweather pic.twitter.com/OEYu9YmoqT  Tiffany Liou (@tliou) April 2, 2024

50 million Americans under storm threats

Tuesday 2 April 2024 14:00 , Graig Graziosi

More than 50 million Americans are currently facing the threat of severe storms this week, with risks of tornadoes, flooding and snowstorms sweeping central and eastern US.

Thunderstorms and possible tornadoes were forecast to develop across much of the eastern US on Tuesday, from the Gulf Coast to the Ohio Valley according to the National Weather Service.

The storms, which began on Monday, are expected to shift east on Tuesday, heading for the likes of Memphis, Tennessee, Washington DC and Baltimore, as well as the midwest and Gulf region.

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for parts of Kentucky, including Lexington

Tuesday 2 April 2024 14:36 , Graig Graziosi

Lexington, Richmond, and Nicholasville, Kentucky, are all under a severe thunderstorm warning until 10:15am this morning.

The storms are part of a broader weather system that began dumping rain  and in some places sizable hail  across much of the eastern half of the US.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lexington, KY, Richmond, KY, and Nicholasville, KY, until 10:15 AM EDT. pic.twitter.com/VbETxfU8gE  LexingtonKY EM (@LexKYEM) April 2, 2024

WATCH: Rotating storms swirl over Missouri

Tuesday 2 April 2024 15:05 , Graig Graziosi

Storm footage shows severe thunderstorm with frequent lightning this morning in Indiana

Tuesday 2 April 2024 15:39 , Graig Graziosi

The storm system that began on Monday is moving across much of the eastern US today, bringing severe weather from the Gulf Coast to the midwest and the Ohio Valley.

Footage shared by WeatherNation on Twitter shows Bloomington, Indiana, as it was doused with rain during a thunderstorm earlier this morning. The constant crackling of thunder and rapid-fire flashes of lightning illustrate the severity of the storm.

Millions of Americans are under severe weather watches until later this evening as the storms continue to press across the nation.

Strong storms have been slamming the Midwest this morning, with multiple tornado warnings, heavy rain and damaging winds.



Another round of storms arrives this afternoon - don't let your guard down! pic.twitter.com/q4roA6afdG  WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) April 2, 2024

WATCH: Severe storms arrive late to Oklahoma

Tuesday 2 April 2024 16:32 , Graig Graziosi

More than 14,000 customers without power in Memphis

Tuesday 2 April 2024 16:56 , Graig Graziosi

Severe storms moving across the US today have left 14,000 Memphis Light, Gas, and Water customers without power, according to the company.

The bulk of the power outages began around 9am local time, when high winds cut off power for 38,000 customers. Crews worked through the morning to restore power, but thousands are still awaiting reconnection.

The company did not provide an estimate for when power will be restored, but told local broadcaster WREG that it was working to reconnect customers as soon as possible.

New study shows tornados are increasing in southern US states

Tuesday 2 April 2024 17:28 , Graig Graziosi

A new study comparing tornado formation between 1984 and 2003 with tornado formation between 2004 and 2023 found that tornadoes are becoming more frequent. The study was conducted by Captain Experiences and drew on NOAA data.

Six of the top ten states to see tornado increases in the last 20 years  Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee  were southern states.

Its not bad news everywhere though; Nashville has reported a decrease in storms over the last 20 years.

Confirmed EF-1 tornado hits Kentucky

Tuesday 2 April 2024 17:47 , Graig Graziosi

An EF-1 tornado hit Kentucky earlier today, leaving some damaged buildings in its wake but thankfully no know injuries.

Joel Schipper, a local reporter with WDRB, shared images from Chaplin, Kentucky, where the tornado was spotted.

HAPPENING NOW: confirmed EF-1 hit Chaplin, Kentucky just before 9am along Hahn Ridge Road. @WDRBNews No injuries. pic.twitter.com/00LyFBvhy2  Joel Schipper (@JSchipperWDRB) April 2, 2024

More than 75 million face severe weather threat

Tuesday 2 April 2024 18:07 , Graig Graziosi

More than 75 million people from the Gulf Coast to Great Lakes may experience extreme weather over the next 24 hours, according to CNNs Weather Centre.

Thunderstorms, baseball-sized hail, 60-80mph winds, and tornadoes have either already hit or are predicted to hit much of the eastern US over the next 24 hours.

In addition to th 75 million Americans who may experience severe thunderstorms, another 17 million from Illinois to Maryland face possible flood threats.

An EF-1 tornado already touched down in Chaplin, Kentucky, where it damaged buildings. Thankfully no one was injured by the storm.

WATCH: Multi-day severe storm threat kicks off April

Tuesday 2 April 2024 18:36 , Graig Graziosi

Lexington, Kentucky mayor urges residents to be cautious as more storms likely to form

Tuesday 2 April 2024 18:56 , Graig Graziosi

The mayor of Lexington, Kentucky warned residents to keep their eye on the weather after the region was slammed by severe storms early Tuesday morning, causing significant damage. He noted that forecasts called for more storms later in the day.

We suffered significant damage this morning, with trees down, roads blocked, and traffic signals out after a first wave of storms with high winds moved through our city, Mayor Linda Gorton said, according to WKYT. According to our forecasters, even more significant storms are possible this afternoon. Residents need to remain vigilant and stay indoors if possible.

The mayor said damage reports were coming into the city all morning and at least one person had been injured in the early morning storms.

Approximately 9,500 power customers in the Lexington area were without power this morning due to the severe weather.

Warm front sets the stage for even more storms in Ohio, NWS says

Tuesday 2 April 2024 19:35 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service in Cleveland said a warm front moving into northern Ohio will create conditions that may cause more storm development in the region.

The agency said there was an ehanced risk in place in the Cleveland area, with high winds, hail, and tornadoes a possibility.

Update: Warm front moving into northern Ohio will set the stage for more storm development. Although, the Moderate Risk is now just south of our area, an Enhanced Risk (3/5) remains in place with a wind/hail/tornado risk. High water could be an issue as well. #ohwx #pawx pic.twitter.com/FyTsJmwIy1  NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) April 2, 2024

Tornado watches in effect in five states

Tuesday 2 April 2024 19:56 , Graig Graziosi

Tornado watches have been issued for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee, according to the National Weather Service.

An EF-1 tornado touched down in Chaplin, Kentucky early on Tuesday and caused damage to buildings. Severe weather in Lexington left nearly 10,000 power customers in the dark and injured at least one person, according to the citys mayor.

A Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee as a dangerous severe weather outbreak unfolds, with the threat expected to intensify in the coming hours.



Our @TWCAlexWilson has the latest: pic.twitter.com/QzmkBBgKT4  The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) April 2, 2024

WATCH: Severe thunderstorms sweep across US Midwest in satellite imagery

Tuesday 2 April 2024 20:16 , Graig Graziosi

Severe storms forecast for central Florida, Tallahassee on Wednesday

Tuesday 2 April 2024 20:36 , Graig Graziosi

A storm system moving across the eastern half of the US may bring severe weather to central Florida on Wednesday, according to local meteorologists.

Some of the storms could produce small hail, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado risk, according to WFTV out of Orlando.

Tallahassee is also expected to see severe weather, including isolated rainstorms and potentially strong tornadoes, overnight as the system continues east.

All threats are possible, so we could have damaging wind gusts, large hail, tornadoes  and some of the tornadoes could be strong, Molly Merrifield, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee told the Tallahassee Democrat. It actually looks like the storms could be strengthening as they push eastward through the area.

Four tornadoes reported across Oklahoma, one person reported dead

Tuesday 2 April 2024 20:56 , Graig Graziosi

At least four tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma on Tuesday as severe weather swept across the eastern portion of the US.

A tornado warning was issued in the town of Okarche after a funnel was spotted by local authorities. High winds also damaged buildings and powerlines in Osage County.

At least three of the reported tornadoes were spotted in northeastern portions of the state.

At least one death was attributed to the storm; a 46-year-old unhoused woman was reported dead in Tulsa after she took shelter from the weather in a drainage pipe, according to Mercury News.

Firefighters in Ohio rescue two trapped under a bridge as river waters rose during sever storms

Tuesday 2 April 2024 21:21 , Graig Graziosi

Two people trapped under a bridge as river waters rose due to severe storms were rescued by firefighters on Tuesday.

Early on Tuesday morning two people were sleeping under a bridge when heavy rain in Columbus caused the Scioto Rivers waters to rise, according to the Columbus Fire Department.

The flooding prevented the pair from returning to the shore, which prompted rescuers to rescue them using a boat.

The National Weather Service issued flood warnings on Tuesday, noting that the river is likely to flood by Wednesday morning as storms continue to batter the region.

Severe storms, which are continuing to move across the eastern US, may bring tornadoes and more flooding throughout Tuesday and into early Wednesday.

Photo: Texas sees hail size of golf balls

Tuesday 2 April 2024 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

Large hail fell in North Texas overnight with some stones as large as a golf ball or bigger, photos and videos show.

The National Weather Service had earlier warned that some hailstones could exceed 2 inches in diameter and destructive winds could reach speeds of up to 75 mph.

(Fox4)

Severe storms predicted for Outer Banks on Wednesday

Tuesday 2 April 2024 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Outer Banks are expected to see showers and severe thunderstorms as a storm front moves in on Wednesday.

Several of the predicted storms could become severe, according to the NOAA.

The National Weather Services said the storms were most likely to occur in the late morning through the late afternoon, with the worst weather likely subsiding by 6pm.

Isolated large hail will be possible as will high winds.

WATCH: Rotating storms swirl over Missouri on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Storm footage shows severe thunderstorm with frequent lightning in Indiana on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 01:00 , Graig Graziosi

The storm system that began on Monday swept across much of the eastern US on Tuesday, bringing severe weather from the Gulf Coast to the midwest and the Ohio Valley.

Footage shared by WeatherNation on Twitter shows Bloomington, Indiana, as it was doused with rain during a thunderstorm earlier this morning. The constant crackling of thunder and rapid-fire flashes of lightning illustrate the severity of the storm.

Millions of Americans are under severe weather watches until later this evening as the storms continue to press across the nation.

Strong storms have been slamming the Midwest this morning, with multiple tornado warnings, heavy rain and damaging winds.



Another round of storms arrives this afternoon - don't let your guard down! pic.twitter.com/q4roA6afdG  WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) April 2, 2024

WATCH: Severe storms arrive late to Oklahoma on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 02:00 , Graig Graziosi

New study shows tornados are increasing in southern US states

Wednesday 3 April 2024 03:00 , Graig Graziosi

A new study comparing tornado formation between 1984 and 2003 with tornado formation between 2004 and 2023 found that tornadoes are becoming more frequent. The study was conducted by Captain Experiences and drew on NOAA data.

Six of the top ten states to see tornado increases in the last 20 years  Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee  were southern states.

Its not bad news everywhere though; Nashville has reported a decrease in storms over the last 20 years.

WATCH: Tornado Touches Down In Central Oklahoma Amid Severe Weather on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 04:00 , Graig Graziosi

More than 14,000 customers were without power in Memphis on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 04:59 , Graig Graziosi

Severe storms moving across the US on Tuesday left 14,000 Memphis Light, Gas, and Water customers without power, according to the company.

The bulk of the power outages began around 9am local time on Tuesday, when high winds cut off power for 38,000 customers. Crews worked through the morning to restore power, but thousands are still awaiting reconnection.

Power crews worked throughout the day to restore power to the region.

Confirmed EF-1 tornado hits Kentucky on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 06:00 , Graig Graziosi

An EF-1 tornado hit Kentucky early on Tuesday, leaving some damaged buildings in its wake but thankfully no know injuries.

Joel Schipper, a local reporter with WDRB, shared images from Chaplin, Kentucky, where the tornado was spotted.

HAPPENING NOW: confirmed EF-1 hit Chaplin, Kentucky just before 9am along Hahn Ridge Road. @WDRBNews No injuries. pic.twitter.com/00LyFBvhy2  Joel Schipper (@JSchipperWDRB) April 2, 2024

Lexington, Kentucky mayor warned residents to be cautious as storms swept across the state

Wednesday 3 April 2024 08:00 , Graig Graziosi

The mayor of Lexington, Kentucky warned residents to keep their eye on the weather after the region was slammed by severe storms early Tuesday morning, causing significant damage. He noted that forecasts called for more storms later in the day.

We suffered significant damage this morning, with trees down, roads blocked, and traffic signals out after a first wave of storms with high winds moved through our city, Mayor Linda Gorton said, according to WKYT. According to our forecasters, even more significant storms are possible this afternoon. Residents need to remain vigilant and stay indoors if possible.

The mayor said damage reports were coming into the city all morning and at least one person had been injured in the early morning storms.

Approximately 9,500 power customers in the Lexington area were without power this morning due to the severe weather.

WATCH: Severe thunderstorms sweep across US Midwest on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 10:00 , Graig Graziosi

Thousands without power in Ohio Valley as severe weather sweeps through

Wednesday 3 April 2024 11:53 , Rachel Sharp

Severe weather has left thousands of Americans without power in the Ohio Valley while millions in Georgia are now bracing for potential tornadoes.

Widespread thunderstorms rolled across the central and eastern US on Tuesday bringing tennis ball-sized hail, pounding rain and dangerous winds to at least 75 million people. Residents shared videos of cracked windshields and hail the size of a persons palm.

After lashing parts of Texas, Illinois and Oklahoma, the weather system moved from the northern parts of Indiana and Ohio and western Pennsylvania on its track east.

On Tuesday night, tornadoes were then reported in Georgia, Ohio and Tennessee, according to the National Weather Service, while Tulsa police said that there had been one storm-related death.

In West Virginia, a state of emergency was declared for the counties of Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln and Nicholas, with officials warning of downed trees, flooding and power outages.

Early on Wednesday morning, more than 100,000 homes were without power in West Virginia, while another 150,000 were also plunged into darkness across Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Georgia, according to Poweroutage.us.

Warm front sets the stage for even more storms in Ohio, NWS says

Wednesday 3 April 2024 12:00 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service in Cleveland said a warm front moving into northern Ohio will create conditions that may cause more storm development in the region which will likely begin to taper off on Wednesday.

The agency said there was an ehanced risk in place in the Cleveland area, with high winds, hail, and tornadoes a possibility.

Update: Warm front moving into northern Ohio will set the stage for more storm development. Although, the Moderate Risk is now just south of our area, an Enhanced Risk (3/5) remains in place with a wind/hail/tornado risk. High water could be an issue as well. #ohwx #pawx pic.twitter.com/FyTsJmwIy1  NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) April 2, 2024

Four tornadoes reported across Oklahoma, one person reported dead

Wednesday 3 April 2024 13:00 , Graig Graziosi

At least four tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma on Tuesday as severe weather swept across the eastern portion of the US.

A tornado warning was issued in the town of Okarche after a funnel was spotted by local authorities. High winds also damaged buildings and powerlines in Osage County.

At least three of the reported tornadoes were spotted in northeastern portions of the state.

At least one death was attributed to the storm; a 46-year-old unhoused woman was reported dead in Tulsa after she took shelter from the weather in a drainage pipe, according to Mercury News.

Severe storms predicted for Outer Banks on Wednesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 14:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Outer Banks are expected to see showers and severe thunderstorms as a storm front moves in on Wednesday.

Several of the predicted storms could become severe, according to the NOAA.

The National Weather Services said the storms were most likely to occur in the late morning through the late afternoon, with the worst weather likely subsiding by 6pm.

Isolated large hail will be possible as will high winds.

WATCH: Orlando weather forecast: strong storms possible Wednesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 14:30 , Graig Graziosi

Tornado likely tore through Georgia city

Wednesday 3 April 2024 14:30 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service said tornado likely tore through Conyers, a small city outside Atlanta where extreme winds damaged buildings and left residents without power overnight.

Trees and powerlines were toppled and high winds damaged homes in the city. Approximately 4,000 power customers were still without service as of 5am this morning.

There are no reports of injuries resulting from the tornado.

First look at damage from a likely tornado west of Conyers near Turner Rd and McDaniel Mill Rd. This area is expected to be surveyed tomorrow. #gawx https://t.co/c66oYeKIdv  NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) April 3, 2024

Georgia teen found in crushed car with toppled tree on his lap after likely tornado

Wednesday 3 April 2024 15:00 , Graig Graziosi

A teen in Georgia was found inside a crushed car in Conyers, Georgia  a city just outside Atlanta  after a likely tornado tore through the city.

Police told local broadcaster 11Alive that a teen boy was in his car when strong winds toppled a tree, which they said smashed through the car and essentially landed in the boys lap.

The teen thankfully was not injured and was rescued by police.

WATCH: Severe Storms Lash Atlanta Metro And Northern Georgia

Wednesday 3 April 2024 15:20 , Graig Graziosi

Buffalo under flood watch

Wednesday 3 April 2024 15:40 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Buffalo until Thursday afternoon.

One to 1.5 inches of rain are likley, and flooding may occur in areas with poor drainage, according to the NWS. Severe weather in northern New York is expected to clear up on Thursday afternoon.

Rains will continue, however, and may turn to snow, just in time to make roads slick for travelers visiting the city to see the solar eclipse on Monday.

Widespread rain [Wednesday] will change to wet snow tonight, first across higher terrain and last across lower elevations. Periods of wet snow will then continue through Saturday morning. The greatest accumulations are expected across higher terrain, with much of the snow coming Thursday night through Friday morning. There may be enough accumulation to result in slippery travel, the NWS reported.

WATCH: Crews cleaning up after storms in Rockdale County

Wednesday 3 April 2024 16:00 , Graig Graziosi

An image from a possible tornado in Tennessee

Wednesday 3 April 2024 16:20 , Graig Graziosi

A building in Sunbright, Tennessee was damaged after what was likely a tornado ripped through the area on Tuesday.

The severe storm currently dumping rain and spinning up tornadoes on the east coast brought the same to the midwest and the Gulf region on Tuesday.

Emergency vehicle lights illuminate a building damaged due to a possible tornado touching down in Sunbright, Tennessee, U.S., April 2, 2024 (via REUTERS)

WATCH: Severe Storms Leave Damage In Nicholasville, KY, USA 2

Wednesday 3 April 2024 16:45 , Graig Graziosi

Winter storm alerts  including a blizzard warning  for Great Lakes region

Wednesday 3 April 2024 17:21 , Graig Graziosi

While thunderstorms and potential tornadoes hammer the southeast, winter storm alerts have been issued for states in the northeast, according to the Weather Channel.

The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories from the western and northern Great Lakes across upstate New York and into New England. Parts of Michigans Upper Penninsula were even placed under a blizzard warning on Wednesday.

Snow has already blanketed as far west as South Dakota. Last night in Wisconsin, more than 8 inches fell near La Crosse.

Severe storms produced hurricane-force winds in Missouri on Monday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 17:51 , Graig Graziosi

The severe storms moving across the US reportedly produced hurricane-force winds near Carthage, Missouri, on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS storm survey found straight line winds causing roof damage to businesses in downtown Carthage. Power poles were also broken and trees were snapped. Peak winds were estimated to be 100mph, the agency said in an X/Twitter post.

The extreme winds damaged buildings in the citys central square on Monday.

Here are the latest damage survey results from Carthage this morning:



NWS storm survey found straight line winds causing roof damage to businesses in downtown Carthage. Power poles were also broken and trees were snapped. Peak winds were estimated to be 100 mph. #mowx pic.twitter.com/AAF5xSfAyg  NWS Springfield (@NWSSpringfield) April 2, 2024

WATCH: Severe Storms Leave Damage In Kentucky

Wednesday 3 April 2024 18:36 , Graig Graziosi

10 people injured in Indiana town during severe storms on Tuesday

Wednesday 3 April 2024 19:23 , Graig Graziosi

Severe storms injured at least 10 people in Jeffersonville, Indiana on Tuesday.

High winds tore the roof off homes and tossed debris around the town, which is just north of Louisville, according to WLKY.

At least one person, a 46-year-old homeless woman in Oklahoma, was killed by severe weather on Tuesday after the storm drain where she was seeking shelter flooded.

High winds topple tree, crush a car in New York City

Wednesday 3 April 2024 20:10 , Graig Graziosi

Severe storms producing high winds toppled a tree in New York City, which fell and crushed a car.

The incident happened on 102nd Street in Manhattans Upper West Side.

No one was injured, according to police.

The National Weather Service in New York warned residents that a major storm would blow in with potentially damaging winds and possible flooding on Wednesday.

The Rockaway route of the NYC ferry closed on Wednesday due to the storms.

Heavy snow and high winds are forecast for the region on Thursday when a noreaster hits the area.

In addition to heavy snow, a strengthening nor'easter will create strong winds in northern New England and upstate New York. https://t.co/MU91qRtPFH pic.twitter.com/YRFXVi0aVL  AccuWeather (@accuweather) April 3, 2024

WATCH: First look at damage in Conyers, Georgia after tornado rips through region

Wednesday 3 April 2024 20:38 , Graig Graziosi

Tornado warning, possible water spouts in parts of Maryland and Chesapeake Bay

Wednesday 3 April 2024 21:19 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Scotland, Maryland until 4:45pm.

Tornado Warning including Scotland MD until 4:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/Qy821g7M0F  NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 3, 2024

A Special Marine Warning including the Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA and Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth Island has also been issued and will last until 5:30 PM. Hail, strong winds, and possible water spouts are possible in the affected portions of the bay.

Special Marine Warning including the Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA and Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth Island until 5:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/WEoO9P43yc  NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 3, 2024

WATCH: Snow hits northern Chicago suburbs hard

Wednesday 3 April 2024 22:02 , Graig Graziosi

Tornado likely tore through Georgia city

Wednesday 3 April 2024 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service said tornado likely tore through Conyers, a small city outside Atlanta where extreme winds damaged buildings and left residents without power overnight.

Trees and powerlines were toppled and high winds damaged homes in the city. Approximately 4,000 power customers were still without service as of 5am this morning.

There are no reports of injuries resulting from the tornado.

First look at damage from a likely tornado west of Conyers near Turner Rd and McDaniel Mill Rd. This area is expected to be surveyed tomorrow. #gawx https://t.co/c66oYeKIdv  NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) April 3, 2024

Georgia teen found in crushed car with toppled tree on his lap after likely tornado

Thursday 4 April 2024 00:00 , Graig Graziosi

A teen in Georgia was found inside a crushed car in Conyers, Georgia  a city just outside Atlanta  after a likely tornado tore through the city.

Police told local broadcaster 11Alive that a teen boy was in his car when strong winds toppled a tree, which they said smashed through the car and essentially landed in the boys lap.

The teen thankfully was not injured and was rescued by police.

WATCH: Severe Storms Lash Atlanta Metro And Northern Georgia

01:00 , Graig Graziosi

Buffalo under flood watch

02:00 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Buffalo until Thursday afternoon.

One to 1.5 inches of rain are likley, and flooding may occur in areas with poor drainage, according to the NWS. Severe weather in northern New York is expected to clear up on Thursday afternoon.

Rains will continue, however, and may turn to snow, just in time to make roads slick for travelers visiting the city to see the solar eclipse on Monday.

Widespread rain [Wednesday] will change to wet snow tonight, first across higher terrain and last across lower elevations. Periods of wet snow will then continue through Saturday morning. The greatest accumulations are expected across higher terrain, with much of the snow coming Thursday night through Friday morning. There may be enough accumulation to result in slippery travel, the NWS reported.

WATCH: Crews cleaning up after storms in Rockdale County

03:00 , Graig Graziosi

Images following a possible tornado in Tennessee

04:00 , Graig Graziosi

A building in Sunbright, Tennessee was damaged after what was likely a tornado ripped through the area on Tuesday.

The severe storm currently dumping rain and spinning up tornadoes on the east coast brought the same to the midwest and the Gulf region on Tuesday.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

WATCH: Severe Storms Leave Damage In Nicholasville, KY, USA

04:59 , Graig Graziosi

Winter storm alerts  including a blizzard warning  for Great Lakes region

06:00 , Graig Graziosi

While thunderstorms and potential tornadoes hammer the southeast, winter storm alerts have been issued for states in the northeast, according to the Weather Channel.

The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories from the western and northern Great Lakes across upstate New York and into New England. Parts of Michigans Upper Penninsula were even placed under a blizzard warning on Wednesday.

Snow has already blanketed as far west as South Dakota. Last night in Wisconsin, more than 8 inches fell near La Crosse.

Severe storms produced hurricane-force winds in Missouri on Monday

08:00 , Graig Graziosi

The severe storms moving across the US reportedly produced hurricane-force winds near Carthage, Missouri, on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS storm survey found straight line winds causing roof damage to businesses in downtown Carthage. Power poles were also broken and trees were snapped. Peak winds were estimated to be 100mph, the agency said in an X/Twitter post.

The extreme winds damaged buildings in the citys central square on Monday.

Here are the latest damage survey results from Carthage this morning:



NWS storm survey found straight line winds causing roof damage to businesses in downtown Carthage. Power poles were also broken and trees were snapped. Peak winds were estimated to be 100 mph. #mowx pic.twitter.com/AAF5xSfAyg  NWS Springfield (@NWSSpringfield) April 2, 2024

WATCH: Severe Storms Leave Damage In Kentucky

10:00 , Graig Graziosi

At least three killed in storms

11:47 , Rachel Sharp

At least three people were killed as tornadoes and severe storms tore through several states this week.

On Wednesday, two people were killed in Pennsylvania when the storm caused trees to fall on their cars, WPVI reported.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least one victim was killed in the state  as the weather caused a car accident.

10 people injured in Indiana town during severe storms on Tuesday

12:00 , Graig Graziosi

Severe storms injured at least 10 people in Jeffersonville, Indiana on Tuesday.

High winds tore the roof off homes and tossed debris around the town, which is just north of Louisville, according to WLKY.

At least one person, a 46-year-old homeless woman in Oklahoma, was killed by severe weather on Tuesday after the storm drain where she was seeking shelter flooded.

High winds topple tree, crush a car in New York City

14:00 , Graig Graziosi

Severe storms producing high winds toppled a tree in New York City, which fell and crushed a car.

The incident happened on 102nd Street in Manhattans Upper West Side.

No one was injured, according to police.

The National Weather Service in New York warned residents that a major storm would blow in with potentially damaging winds and possible flooding on Wednesday.

The Rockaway route of the NYC ferry closed on Wednesday due to the storms.

Heavy snow and high winds are forecast for the region on Thursday when a noreaster hits the area.

In addition to heavy snow, a strengthening nor'easter will create strong winds in northern New England and upstate New York. https://t.co/MU91qRtPFH pic.twitter.com/YRFXVi0aVL  AccuWeather (@accuweather) April 3, 2024

WATCH: Footage of damage in Conyers, Georgia after tornado rips through region

14:30 , Graig Graziosi

WATCH: Snow hits northern Chicago suburbs hard

15:00 , Graig Graziosi

New England town sees more than a foot of snow

15:29 , Graig Graziosi

The town of Porter, Maine, received 12.2 inches of snow after a noreaster blew in over the northeast and New England.

Locals woke up to the blanketing after the storm raged overnight.

Madison, New Hampshire, received 11.3 inches of snow.

Winter storms are expected to continue in the region on Thursday. Between six and 12 inches of snow  on top of the snow that fell overnight  is expected in the area.

WATCH: Northeast US drenched by rain and snow

16:02 , Graig Graziosi

More than 500,000 still without power in New England

16:43 , Graig Graziosi

More than 500,000 power customers in New England are still waiting to have their lights turned back on after a powerful noreaster dropped inches of snow on the region overnight.

The wet, heavy snow and 60+mph winds disrupted power infrastructure primarily in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, though lesser outages were reported Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Maine was hit the hardest, with just over 300,000 customers still in the dark. New Hampshire and Boston followed, with approximately 175,000 and 22,000 customers without power, respectively.

Another six to 12 inches of snow are forecast for parts of New England for Thursday, making it likely more outages are on the way.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said antisemitic vandalism has no place in Pennsylvania after a synagogue was spray-painted with a red swastika Saturday night.

This is the second message Ive written like this in as many days. Its two too many. Antisemitism and the vandalism of a house of worship of any kind have no place in this Commonwealth, Shapiro said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

In a Facebook post, the synagogues leadership said the incident was the second incident of vandalism to take place in just more than a week.

Last Friday night, a sign that said Our Community Stands With Israel was spray-painted with red paint. The police got involved, and the sign was replaced. On Saturday night, the new sign was spray-painted with a red swastika.

A swastika is not a commentary on the policies of the State of Israel, nor is it a sign of solidarity with Palestinians. It is a symbol of hatred and division, the synagogue wrote in the statement.

The synagogues statement further pledged not to be deferred by efforts to intimidate.

We do not know who did this. We do know that they wanted us to be afraid, the statement read.

We, the leadership of the synagogue, want everyone to know that we will not give in to either fear or division. We are blessed to live in a society in which hate speech is not tolerated by the police, who are working with us to keep us safe. We are blessed to live in a society where our neighbors of other faiths have already reached out to offer support, they added.

Shapiro said he has spoken to the rabbi of the congregation at Temple Beth Hillel/Beth El and told him we stand with his wonderful congregation and against hate.

Shapiro said Pennsylvania State Police is coordinating with law enforcement as they search for the person responsible.

These acts of hate will never change the fact that no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you do and dont pray to, you belong here in Pennsylvania, Shapiro said.

The vandalism comes amid a spike in antisemitic incidents, particularly since the war between Hamas and Israel began after the Oct. 7 attack.

In the two months following that attack, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded a record-high number of antisemitic incidents since the group began tracking in 1979. There were more than 2,000 reported antisemitic incidents, a 337 percent spike from the same period the year before.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Over the last day, 53 combat engagements took place in the frontline, with the largest number of hostile attacks repelled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Novopavlivka sector. No less intense fighting is taking place near Avdiivka, where the occupants, supported by aviation, tried to drive our units from their positions.

ADVERTISIMENT

The defenders inflicted losses on the invaders by striking at their bases, drone control centers and military equipment. The news from the front was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a morning summary on April 1.

It is noted that the day before, Russian troops carried out 22 missile and 79 air strikes, fired 97 missile attacks from multiple launch rocket systems at the positions of our troops and settlements. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, civilians were killed and injured, and a number of high-rise buildings and other infrastructure facilities were destroyed and damaged.

Over the past 24 hours, Russian airstrikes hit Oleksandrivka in Sumy region; Kozacha Lopan, Ogirtseve, Kharkiv, Borshchova, Vovchansk, Petropavlivka, Kotlyarivka, Cherneshchyna, Pershotravneve in Kharkiv region; Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region; Terny, Yampolivka, Chasiv Yar, Rozdolivka, Umanske, Novobakhmutivka, Ocheretyno, Berdychi, Orlivka, Novomykhailivka, Pobeda, Urozhayne, Staromayorske in the Donetsk region; Gulyaypole, Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region. More than 110 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kherson and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire. In addition, at night, the occupiers attacked Ukraine again, using three Shahed UAVs. Two drones were destroyed by air defense forces and means.

ADVERTISIMENT

The operational situation in the Volyn and Polissya sectors remains unchanged. In the Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi sectors, the enemy maintains a military presence in the border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the deployment of our troops to threatened areas, and increases the density of minefields along the border.

In the Kupyansk sector, the occupants did not conduct offensive (assault) actions, and in the Lyman sector, they tried to break through the defense of our troops in the area of Terny three times with the support of aviation, but were repelled.

In the Bakhmut sector, the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled eight enemy attacks near Bilohorivka in Luhansk region, Verkhnekamianske, Ivanivka, Klishchiyivka and Andriivka in Donetsk region, where the aggressor tried to improve its tactical position with the support of air power.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Avdiivka sector, our defenders stopped 13 occupants' attacks in the areas of Berdychiv, Semenivka, Uman, Pervomaiske and Nevelske in Donetsk region, where the enemy, supported by air power, tried to drive our units out of their positions.

In the Novopavlivka sector, the Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russian Armed Forces in the areas of Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka and east of Vodyane in Donetsk Oblast, where the invaders, supported by air power, tried to break through our defense 22 times.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Orikhiv sector, the occupants made two attacks on the positions of our defenders near Staromayorske, Donetsk region, and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region. In the Kherson sector, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River twice.

Over the past day, the aviation of the Defense Forces struck 11 areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment and three anti-aircraft missile systems of the Russian army. Missile troops struck three UAV control centers, an air defense facility, an electronic warfare station, and an enemy artillery unit.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on March 30, the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled a large-scale attack by the Russian Armed Forces near Avdiivka. Russian forces sent 36 tanks and 12 armored personnel carriers to assault the village of Tonenke, of which Ukrainian defenders destroyed 20 units.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Sharp Memorial Hospital among first in the world to use new robot for surgeries

Sharp Memorial Hospital among first in the world to use new robot for surgeries

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Sharp Memorial Hospital has become one of the first hospitals in the world and the first in San Diego County to receive and use a new state-of-the-art surgical robot, according to a release Monday.

The hospital said doctors performed surgeries using the new da Vinci 5 robot last Friday.

California could become first state to give workers a right to disconnect

The da Vinci 5 was designed by Intuitive Surgical, the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgeries and a medical device manufacturer. It is the fifth generation of its kind, with more than 150 enhancements since the previous model.

We are thrilled to be one of the first hospitals in California  and one of only 14 health systems in the world  that have early access to the new da Vinci 5 robot before its wide release, said Christopher Walker, the chief operating officer at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

According to the hospital, using robots during surgical procedures can lead to shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, less infection and scarring, and a faster recovery time.

The way you fill out race and ethnicity categories on federal forms is changing

On Friday, the robot was utilized by Dr. Pamela Lee, chair of the Department of Surgery, and Dr. Afshin Bahador, a gynecological oncologist.

We utilized the da Vinci 5 on a colon surgery on Friday, and the experience was better than I had hoped, Dr. Lee said. The ability to feel the tissue and control more aspects of the operation from the console was revolutionary.

Dr. Bahador added, As a surgeon, I am very excited to have this new surgical tool to perform higher quality and more efficient surgery on our patients with complex gynecologic and gynecologic oncology conditions.

Sharp Memorial said the da Vinci 5 is its 14th surgical robot on campus.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A Shawnee County District Court judge rejected a request Monday that he dismiss the case against a capital murder defendant because 30 body camera videos taken by police regarding the case were accidentally deleted.

Judge Bill Ossmann denied a motion filed last December by attorneys representing Yanez Sanford, 41, who is charged in the 2016 killings of three people in southwest Topeka.

Sanford's attorneys contended the destruction of the videos left him unable to get a fair trial. Ossmann disagreed.

Sanfords trial is set to start April 30.

Defense attorneys Emily Barclay, left, and Peter Conley consult in January at a motion hearing for their client, Yanez Sanford, who sits between them and faces a capital murder charge. Barclay and Conley shared arguments regarding that motion at a hearing Monday in Shawnee County District Court, where a judge rejected it.

What are the facts of the case?

Sanford faces charges that include capital murder linked to the 2016 killing of a man, a woman and an unborn child at Fairlawn Greens Apartments, immediately south of Topeka West High School at 5235 S.W. 20th Terrace.

Prosecutors say Sanford fatally shot Dominique Ray, 23; Camrah Trotter, 20, who was in her third trimester; and Trotters unborn daughter, who was to have been named Ariyah Trotter.

Camrah Trotter had also been raped, said District Attorney Mike Kagay.

When new evidence emerged after four years of investigation, Sanford was charged in September 2020 with crimes that included capital murder, court records say.

Capital cases require prosecutors to file a notice of intent if they plan to seek the death penalty, which hasn't been done in the case against Sanford.

Why did Sanford's attorneys ask the judge to dismiss the case?

Sanford's attorneys sought Dec. 13 to have all charges dismissed, saying Sanford could no longer get a fair trial because of the destruction of 30 Axon police body camera videos taken in 2016 as part of the investigation.

The body camera video and other evidence were ordered preserved in February 2021.

But police were then taken by surprise when the videos were destroyed later that year at the end of a planned five-year retention period, Deputy Topeka Police Chief Jamey Haltom testified at a January motion hearing in the case.

He indicated no one from the department contacted Axon or evidence.com to ask that the videos not be deleted because no one realized they were going to be deleted.

What legal precedents did the judge take into account?

Dan Dunbar  a retired Shawnee County chief deputy district attorney working as a special prosecutor on the case  wrote in a court document filed at 12:08 a.m. Saturday that for the charges against Sanford to be dismissed, his attorneys would need to meet standards set out by past U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

Dunbar wrote that the high court's ruling in the 1984 case of California v. Trombetta requires the defense to prove the missing body camera videos have potential exculpatory value; that exculpatory value to have been apparent before they were destroyed; and no comparable evidence to be available. Exculpatory evidence favors the defendant.

Under questioning from Ossmann, Emily Barclay, senior assistant capital defender with the state's Death Penalty Defense Unit, said Monday that two of the 30 videos were potentially exculpatory. She said the officers who wore those cameras interacted at the scene with a girl about 4 years old who said the killer was "white." Sanford is Black.

Dunbar wrote that the deleted videos from those two officers consisted primarily of interactions with that girl and an adult named Jamonetz Fulton.

"Both (the girl) and Fulton were subsequently safetalked and interviewed, all of which were recorded and provided to the defendant through the discovery process," Dunbar wrote. "The fact the recording officers have testified, are available to testify, have prepared narrative reports, and that (the girl) and Fulton have provided recorded statements taken by endorsed witnesses who are also available to testify, all constitute 'comparable evidence by other reasonably available means.'"

Regarding whether any exculpatory value of the videos may have been known before deletion, such value "would be prospective and speculative and therefore not apparent before deletion," Dunbar wrote.

What other legalities were considered?

In seeking to have charges against Sanford dismissed, Barclay also described all 30 deleted police videos as being "potentially useful."

In such situations, the Supreme Court's ruling in the 1988 case of "Arizona v. Youngblood" calls for judges to look at whether police had the videos destroyed "in bad faith" while knowing their potential exculpatory value, said the document Dunbar filed Saturday,

"Based on the testimony provided at the January 2024 motion hearing, what is clear is, none of the officers who were the recording officers had any knowledge the recordings were destroyed or even subject to destruction," he wrote. "Furthermore, since the purging occurred as the result of default setting and not at the hand of any person, how could one argue the deleting party knew of the potential usefulness of the recordings prior to the destruction."

What happens next?

Ossmann scheduled an April 17 preliminary hearing to take place in the case against Sanford.

Sanford's trial is expected to last about two weeks, attorneys for the two sides said Monday.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Judge refuses to drop charges against Shawnee County murder defendant
A woman is going to prison after shooting two people before they managed to escape into a quiet Richland neighborhood.

Lara Garcia, 30, opened fire inside a home on the 1900 block of McMurray Avenue on Jan. 26, 2023, where she left a man and woman injured.

She pleaded guilty to second-degree and third-degree assault in Benton County Superior Court last week. She also admitted to using a gun in one of the crimes, which added three years to her sentence.

Garcia, who will serve four years in prison, apologized for her behavior saying it was fueled by drug use and a toxic relationship.

These actions do not define me, she said. I hope to become a productive member of society.

The two assaults were the first felonies that Garcia had been convicted of, and Deputy Prosecutor Julie Long said Garcia would have faced a much longer sentence if there werent challenges in proving the case.

Long explained one of the victims, Thomascine McEachern, refused to name Garcia as the person who shot her.

The other victim, Dustin Nelson, gave one of two accounts of what happened in the house, but it was challenged by the homeowners son, who said he was attacked.

This would have been a whole different (outcome) if the victim had been more cooperative, Long said.

Since Garcia didnt have any history of committing felonies, she faced between 3 1/2 and 4 years in prison. Long said Garcia and her then boyfriend Michael Reep were involved in drug trafficking at the house and asked for the maximum sentence.

Garcias attorney, Dennis Hanson, said the decision to plead guilty came after federal prosecutor declined to seek an indictment for Garcia.

Reep, who is believed to have shot and killed Jarrod Yockey, 51, inside of the McMurray Avenue home, has never been charged in connection with the shooting.

He has pleaded guilty to two counts of illegally possessing a gun and one count of having methamphetamine with the intent to deliver. He hasnt been sentenced.

Deadly Shooting

Court documents have detailed two versions of what happened at the home on the day of the shooting. In one account, Nelson, Yockey and McEachern went to the home to get some items they claim had been stolen.

Yockey ended up fighting with the homeowners son and then Garcia allegedly opened fire, grazing Nelsons arm, and then shooting him in the back as he tried to open the front door. She also allegedly wounded the other woman.

Nelson said he didnt see who shot Yockey.

However, the homeowners son claims the men came to the door and asked for a phone charger. His roommate Reep talked with them through the window but didnt want them inside. But the homeowners son let them in when they pounded on a door.

He claims Yockey attacked him and that Nelson and the other woman started taking things from the garage. He said he saw Reep with a gun but did not see who shot Yockey in the face.

Police were called after Nelson and McEachern ran out of the house and into traffic. They stopped passing cars to get help.
Special counsel Jack Smith is likely to appeal U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannons order after she asked both sides to submit a set of jury instructions that may favor former President Donald Trumps legally dubious defense in the classified documents case.

Cannon last month ordered Smith and Trump to submit proposed jury instructions around competing interpretations of the Presidential Records Act. The PRA requires a president to turn over all documents to the National Archives at the end of the administration but Trump has argued it actually gives him the right to deem government materials as personal.

Former New York Assistant Attorney General Adam Pollock predicted that Smith would submit the proposed jury instructions as required and wait to her Cannons determination.

Then hell have an appealable order, Pollock told MSNBC on Sunday, adding that Smith may appeal before Cannon sets a trial date.

"This is completely putting the cart before the horse," he said. "The judge is signaling, as she has signaled from the get-go, that she doesn't believe in this case, that she doesn't believe the case is warranted, and she's stacking the deck in favor of the defendant."

Pollock noted that an appellate court previously reversed Cannons rulings in the case on multiple occasions.

"I would expect that if there is an order on these jury instructions, as she's already signaling she is likely to order, that he'll go right back to the appellate court, he said.
As she turns 103, this retired Iowa teacher has happy memories, but no goals left

An Iowa woman is turning 103, and though her birthday lands on April Fools Day, its far from a joke.

Leota Broyles was born in 1921, the same year as the Tulsa Race Massacre, Charlie Chaplin released his first full-length feature and Albert Einstein lectured in New York on the theory of relativity.

Broyles grew up in New Virginia, a town south of Des Moines with nearly 500 people as of the 2020 census.

Now, she lives in Altoona at Edencrest at the Tuscany, a senior living facility. It's a city that from 2018 to 2022, had less than 300 people 85 years old and over, according to the State Data Center and U.S. Census Bureau data.

Broyles spoke to the Register ahead of her birthday.

Several fellow residents and friends gathered around to listen to her as she recalled growing up in Iowa, being an educator  including teaching the person who holds the highest office in the state of Iowa  and what life is like now.

What was life like for Leota Broyles in New Virginia?

Leota Broyles turns 103 years old on April 1, 2024. She spoke to the Register on March 27 from her senior living facility in Altoona.

Broyles grew up with seven siblings  there would have been a total of nine children, but one sibling died early.

She grew up in a two-room house. New Virginia, as she recalled it, was a little village where everyone knew each other, where residents could walk up to each others homes, open the door and greet each other.

I could just hug those people today, Broyles said.

Thats what I like, where you can reach out to people and talk, she added.

When Broyles was a resident of New Virginia, people helped each other. But thats the kind of friends people make in a small village, she said.

Her father, a mechanic, lived in Missouri as a young man, Broyles recalled.

She had a wonderful childhood, though the family never had a penny to our name.

Which Iowa politician did Leota Broyles teach?

Broyles, who had three children, spent her career as a teacher in Iowa, including from 1939 to 1949 at the Rural Schools of Warren County, according to the Indianola Record-Herald archives.

She also taught at the Interstate 35 Community School District from 1961 until 1983 for third and fourth grade and junior high English, said Jen Baughman with the school district in an email.

One of her students was Gov. Kim Reynolds, as KCCI first reported earlier in March.

She wasnt Kim Reynolds when I taught her, Broyles said, describing a then Kim Strawn as a very good student.

Reynolds told the Register in a statement that she enjoyed a relationship with Broyles that extended outside of school, saying she showed her family "kindness and friendship" over the years.

"The lessons I learned from Mrs. Broyles extended far beyond traditional schoolwork, Reynolds said. She taught us to be accountable for our work, respect people in our community, and to find the fun in our lives."

Reynolds, and her husband Kevin, extended best wishes to Broyles and said they "hope she has a wonderful time celebrating with loved ones.

What advice would a 103-year-old Iowan and former teacher offer to young people?

Broyles recalled the kinds of conversations she used to have with students. They'd chat with her about the farm animals their families had or their problems.

For a recent previous birthday, a former student wrote to Broyles, telling her about how she helped him.

Her advice to young people?

To get involved with your kids, she said.

I liked teaching, she said. Then, she added, I couldnt have been born into a better family.

What is it like turning 103 years old?

Leota Broyles spent her career teaching in rural Iowa. She turns 103 years old in April 1, 2024 and now lives at Edencrest at the Tuscany in Altoona.

How does Broyles feel about turning 103?

She responded with a question.

What was it like when you started school?

Exciting, like a rite of passage, a Register reporter responded.

So, you had a goal, Broyles asked.

Broyles doesnt have one.

Thats the problem she faces now in this stage of her life.

Now, she's taking it a step at a time.

Its just doing what you can do best at the time, Broyles said. She added later, Because you dont know what youll face tomorrow.

You didnt know you were going to have to face me today, she said, laughing.

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Altoona woman turns 103 in April, recalls teaching Gov. Kim Reynolds
How Sheboygan Area School District will use a $400K grant to extend mental health and suicide prevention services to more students

The Sheboygan Area School District Administrative building as seen, Wednesday, November 16, 2022, in Sheboygan, Wis.

SHEBOYGAN  Sheboygan Area School District will hire a part-time therapist and increase mental health service opportunities for students next fall after being awarded a $400,000 grant.

The SASD proposal for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: Stronger Communities Grant, from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, prioritizes student emotional well-being and supporting students through collaboration with community partners, according to a news release about the awarded grant.

While all students will benefit from universal approaches featured by our project, it was designed to increase equitable access to services, resources and supports for our most under-resourced students, including those living with the stressors of poverty, household dysregulation and trauma, students experiencing poor mental health, and the roughly 300 students having significant difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors, said Jason Ledermann, director of special education and pupil services, in the release.

Support local GoFundMe: How to help a Sheboygan man as he battles ALS and Parkinson's disease

About 200 SASD students currently utilize the Providing Access To Healing program. PATH is an in-school mental health therapy partnership with United Way of Sheboygan County.

Currently, there are 125 students on the programs waiting list, according to the release.

The grant will go toward expanding the PATH program to help families support students and develop emotional strength through the hiring of a part-time therapist.

Partnering with The Production Farm is another goal for the grant money. The Production Farm aligns student interest and nontraditional therapy  like fishing, cooking and music  for mental and behavioral health care, the release said.

More about The Production Farm: Theres a need everywhere: The Production Farm brings mental, behavioral health services to Sheboygan Falls

Three service levels will be provided through the partnership: off-site one-on-one more intensive support, small group off-site sessions and on-site classroom-based learning and skill-building.

Lastly, implementing Sources of Strength, a sixth- through 12th-grade suicide prevention program, will be a grant priority. The program works to prevent suicide through shaping positive student culture, building resiliency and increasing student sense of belonging.

SASD will begin implementing the two-year grant in fall 2024.

Have a story tip or public interest concern? Contact Sam Bailey at sgbailey@gannett.com or 573-256-9937. To stay up to date on her stories and other news, follow her on X (Twitter) @SamarahBailey.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan schools will use grant for mental health, suicide prevention
Shocked that its come up again. Critics say MO bill could undo new boarding school law

Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

A proposal gaining traction in the Missouri Legislature could wipe out, critics say, a 2021 law meant to protect kids by placing regulations on Christian boarding schools.

And, those critics contend, the bill would create a shield protecting unlicensed schools  several of which have been closed in recent years amid abuse allegations  from state scrutiny.

Sponsored by a St. Charles County lawmaker, the measure would no longer require unlicensed schools to directly answer to the Department of Social Services. Instead, those facilities would be overseen by a new board, with more than half of its members representing Christian schools.

This bill raises a lot of serious concerns, said Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville, a co-sponsor of the 2021 legislation. It basically looks like an attempt to undo a lot of what we did three years ago. They cant take away the powers we have (in Missouri) and then try to self-regulate.

Thats what theyre trying to do.

The Children and Families Committee in the House is scheduled to consider the measure Tuesday. If passed out of committee, it will go to the full House for possible debate. Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, has introduced a similar bill in the Senate, but it has sat idle in the Health and Welfare Committee.

Under House Bill 2307, sponsored by Rep. Adam Schnelting, an organization seeking to provide care for children can register with a qualified association instead of obtaining a child care license. The qualified association, which must have been operating for at least 20 years, will develop standards for the member organizations.

(The bill) allows child agencies and organizations that practice their Christian faith to continue practicing by self-regulation, Schnelting, a St. Charles Republican, told fellow lawmakers in a February hearing, by doing what theyve always done, which is operate under their own set of standards.

In response to questions from The Star, Schnelting said his bill does not negate the 2021 bill.

On the contrary, the legislation adds an additional layer of protection for children and flexibility for placement, he said in an email.

It also creates a Child Protection Board within DSS that it says will provide oversight of the organizations. The non-partisan board is to be made up of 10 members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Members shall be appointed based upon recommendations from faith-based child care agencies, foster care and mental health boards, and similar entities, the bill says.

Two of those members must be foster parents; one must be a member in a leadership position of the Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Agencies, Inc.; five must be members of faith-based child care agencies with priority given to the Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Agencies; one a nutrition expert; and one a certified educator.

The Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Agencies, serves as a state fellowship of Christian childcare programs that voluntarily choose to be accredited by their Christian peers, its website says.

The three who founded that association in 1998 ran two unlicensed boarding schools in Missouri that have since been closed amid abuse allegations. One of the men, the late James Clemensen, opened Agape Boarding School in 1996. The Star has spoken to dozens of former Agape students who say they suffered years of abuse but no one would listen to their pleas for help. Five Agape staffers were charged with physically abusing students in 2021.

Chad Puckett, the current president of the Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Agencies, is a key proponent of the bill. He has been on that associations board since 2003, and sat on it with Clemensen, his son, Bryan, and other Agape Boarding School leaders over the years. He also is the director of Show-Me Christian Youth Home in La Monte, which is a member of the Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Agencies.

The new proposal says if the bill passes, the Child Protection Board will review any Childrens Division decision in which an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect is aggrieved by that decision and shall make recommendations to the Department. The board also may deny, suspend, or revoke a facility or organizations registration if it fails to comply with the standards established by the qualified association.

Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lees Summit Democrat who co-sponsored the 2021 law with Veit, said shes really confused why they think (HB 2307) is necessary.

And why they would think that we need to create a governing body thats outside of government oversight, that would make them essentially exempt from government oversight, she said.

Neither private institutions in the state nor contracted agencies conduct investigations into child abuse and neglect, Ingle said.

Thats all done through the state of Missouri, she said. And so theyre trying to create their own investigative body to investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect. And I have grave concerns with that.

Operating in darkness

Child advocates and some lawmakers say they dont understand how Schneltings bill got new life. After a hearing Feb. 13, many thought the proposal wouldnt go anywhere. And that it shouldnt, they said.

Then last week, the bill resurfaced in the Children and Families Committee, despite child advocates speaking out against it in February.

Basically, this is nullifying the (2021 law) that we worked so hard on, testified Emily van Schenkhof, executive director of the Childrens Trust Fund, Missouris foundation for child abuse prevention. That bill...was a bipartisan effort to make our state safer to guard against some of the very scary things that had happened at Christian boarding schools in the state of Missouri and the complete lack of oversight that was occurring in them.

The reality unfortunately is that when we decrease accountability, risk of sexual abuse and the abuse of children goes up.

Late last week, she told The Star that its really very frustrating and confusing that were having a discussion about this right now.

Advocates and lawmakers worked on a historic compromise in 2021, said Jessica Seitz, executive director of the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse, formerly known as Missouri KidsFirst.

Im just so shocked that its come up again, Seitz said. We thought we solved it.

Schnelting said that after the February hearing he took several weeks to address any concerns by tweaking the language of the initial bill.

No one indicated it would not be brought up again, he said, but rather that my office would make any necessary tweaks to ensure the best possible outcome for kids.

Rep. Veit said lawmakers just received a substitute version of the bill last week that was to have addressed some of their concerns.

And while there were some attempts to maybe clarify the original language, there are still many issues with it, he said. I think its taking away from the fundamental obligation of the state to protect our children. There may be some good intentions in the bill, but its way too complicated to pass as is.

Before the new law three years ago, there wasnt any centralized way to collect in-house information about these facilities, Seitz said.

They were allowed to operate in darkness, Seitz said. So it was our position that we should be able to know where these places in Missouri are that have full care, custody and control of kids.

The proposed law, she said, would add an unnecessary layer between the schools and state when it comes to finding out things about these schools.

It would empower them to provide that oversight of the safety (of children) and that accountability rather than the state having that information themselves, Seitz said. The state would have to take their registration confirmation as is.

What we know, from decades before 557 (the 2021 law) and since the religious exemptions passed in the 80s, is when institutions are allowed to operate in complete darkness, kids get hurt.

Alternative to state licensing?

The controversy over the new bill comes at a time when a boarding school in southeast Missouri closed last month after allegations of abuse. Larry and Carmen Musgrave, 57 and 64, were charged with kidnapping and a third staffer, Caleb Sandoval, 23, has been charged with abuse of a child.

Lighthouse Christian Academy, operated by ABM Ministries, officially closed March 6. Parents from across the country picked up their sons.

That school drew scrutiny earlier this year after five boys ran away from the facility in less than a month. The Wayne County Sheriff continues an investigation and said he expects more charges to be filed.

The Star began investigating Missouris Christian boarding schools, including Agape and Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Cedar County, in September 2020, finding that the state had become a safe harbor for unlicensed facilities that often settle in rural and secluded areas where they could fly under the radar.

Lawmakers initially proposed the 2021 law to address the issue and give the state some oversight over those schools. Several former students traveled to Jefferson City to testify about the abuse they said they suffered for years at the facilities. For more than two decades, they said, the state did nothing to stop it.

Their testimony moved some lawmakers to tears.

The legislation passed overwhelmingly and required Missouris unlicensed boarding schools to register with the state, submit to health and safety inspections and conduct background checks on all employees.

But the schools still dont have to be licensed by the state because of a 1982 law that allows religious organizations to claim an exemption from Missouris licensing requirement. Attempts to remove that exemption over the years have been met with strong opposition from critics who say it would interfere with religious freedom.

Puckett explained to lawmakers in February the reason he and others are pushing for HB 2307.

The threat to remove our religious exemption refuses to go away, Puckett said. This legislation would offer an alternative to state licensing that we could live with, should that exemption go away.

Another reason proponents are pushing the bill, Schnelting told The Star in his email response, is to provide relief to the state when it comes to housing children. The substitute bill, which is scheduled for a vote Tuesday, would in some instances allow DSS to place children in these boarding schools.

Currently, the state does not place children in unlicensed schools., the bills supporters say.

Missouri is facing a foster care crisis on such a large scale that children are sleeping in hospital rooms and in offices due to our inability to place them, Schnelting said. The purpose of my legislation is to help alleviate the foster care crisis and ensure that DSS can place children in some of these reputable homes while also ensuring a higher standard of oversight of them through the Child Protection Board.
Shopping trolleys come in many sleek designs nowadays, such as these products by Sholley and Rad Union, a far cry from their 'fuddy' perception of old

Shopping trolleys have seen a resurgence in popularity as Generation Z shuns shouldering bags on the long walk home from the supermarket.

Traditionally the preserve of older women, so-called granny trolleys are now being used by younger shoppers, with sales up 78 per cent over the past six months compared with the year before, according to the retailer John Lewis.

Shoppers said that putting their shopping in the bags on wheels reduced the pressure on their backs and shoulders and made carrying large amounts of shopping home easier.

Roshni Chauhan, a buyer for John Lewis, said: While once considered old-fashioned, the humble trolley is seeing a huge resurgence.

Our designs have five-star customer ratings and it is not just for their convenience and capacity. Customers are increasingly calling out the sleek and stylish designs which are helping shake the fuddy image, she said.

Some of the most popular brands include Rolser, which is stocked at John Lewis for 54.95 for a plain black version. A black and white striped Jet Marina trolley costs 59.95.

Rolser shopping trolleys are marketed to a young audience

One online reviewer said she had bought the bag for her university-aged daughter, who used it for her weekly shop. Others said they used theirs for visiting stately homes and walking in the country.

But those looking for an upmarket bag can expect to pay in excess of 170 for a top-of-the-market design, such as those from Sholley, which offers Britains most glamorous shopping trolleys.

For 195 customers can purchase the Victoria Sholley, a lightweight trolley made out of pink moc-crock water-resistant fabric that even comes with a matching cape for dogs.

Rad Union offers a range of shopping trolleys created at its studio in Leeds. The different colourful prints featured on the various trolleys have been designed by up and coming artists. The company prides itself on using ethically sourced materials, from the rubber wheels to steel frames, with prices quoted at 130 per item.

I am looking out for my back

Many of the trolleys on the market are waterproof, and new designs mean that the cloth bag can be removed and easily washed. Designs often include an inside pocket for holding purses or mobile phones.

Jay Rayner, the writer, said in The Guardian last year that using a shopping trolley bag had changed his life after a hip replacement.

One TikTok user said she had bought one after moving from the United States to London as she no longer drove.

She said: You will typically see older people rolling back and forth from the grocery store, but I have absolutely no shame. I am looking out for my back.

Walking 10 to 15 minutes home lugging heavy groceries is just not ideal, so this is perfect.

Younger people more evidence-driven

Matthew Murray-Downing, a physiotherapist who works with British Gymnastics, said that his younger patients were more aware of the impact of carrying bags on their backs and shoulders.

My generation were perhaps more fashion over function, but were definitely seeing that [younger people] are more evidence-driven, wanting to understand more deeply why we are doing things, he said.

My general rule of thumb with bags is go for what you like first and foremost, but if it starts to raise problems or it is starting to become uncomfortable, trying an alternative solution can be a good starting point.

Fashion brands have long sought to rid shopping trolleys of their grandma image.

The Spanish clothing retailer Zara launched a 59.95 quilted polyester shopping caddy in grey and khaki in October 2020.

The brand said that the trolleys, which had zip pockets at the front and back and a snap-button flap for extra security, sold out in Spain within 24 hours of being launched.

In 2015, Chanel launched a quilted patent leather trolley for its 2014-15 fall/winter collection. The black design, which cost 6,025, came after the fashion giant Louis Vuitton launched its own trolley, designed by Christian Louboutin for a special collection.

The 2014 design featured the fashion houses iconic monogram combined with Louboutins trademark red, alongside golden-brass trunk corners and leather ribbons. The trolley is available from second-hand retailers for 20,000.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Shoutout To My DEIs: Black Twitter Redefines The Term DEI After White Conservatives Try To Make It Racist Slur

Shoutout To My DEIs: Black Twitter Redefines The Term DEI After White Conservatives Try To Make It Racist Slur | Photo: Getty Images

The term DEI, which refers to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, was recently trending on X (formerly known as Twitter) but not for typical reasons. Since its inception in the 1960s, DEI has been intended to describe initiatives and programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity  usually in employment and organizations. During the Black Lives Matter movement, companies pledged to amplify Black employees and create positions focused on inclusive culture.

Now, as theres an increase to erase remnants of Black history from books, curriculums and monuments, many trolls are attempting to do the same with acronyms. DEI was recently trending on X after it was twisted to mean Didnt Earn It  alluding to the thought that minority people who may have benefited from DEI programs and initiatives didnt earn it.

Naturally, Black folks called out their disrespect and decided to find the humor in it all. Black Twitter began using DEIs as a tongue-in-cheek way to turn the term back into a pro-Black statement.

One user called out the shady use of the acronym after it was used to describe Baltimores Mayor Brandon Scott.

DEI the new N word I guess  Candidly Tiff (@tify330) March 26, 2024

This X-user said the term was off-limits since they wanted to make it about race.

Reminder that I can say my DEIs, but you cannot.  pic.twitter.com/aYuK02jP9U  Isis  (@IsisJai) March 27, 2024

Another said lets put a little rhythm behind it.

Now all my CRTs

And DEIs And Dutiful Darkies Get on the floor

GET ON THA FLO

LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT TA DEEEEWWWWWW pic.twitter.com/FlkeMYlfPL  Foxy Thee DEI Auntie (@FoxyJazzabelle) March 27, 2024

And this one loved that Black people once again overshadowed hate by taking over the trending spot.

We cant take yall DEIs no where!  pic.twitter.com/6Xz6x50Osn  Booker G. Washington (@TendentiousG) March 27, 2024

Mayor Scott would later appear on MSNBC to address the negative use of DEI. He spoke with host Joy Reid and expressed how young Black men are often demonized in todays society.

Black men and young Black men, in particular, have been the boogie man for those who are racist and think that only straight, wealthy white men should have a say in anything, he said.

He went on to once again reclaim the meaning of DEI but noted the intent behind its malicious use.

What they mean by DEI, in my opinion, is duly elected incumbent. We know what they wanna say, but they dont have the courage to say the N-word, he said.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott responds to being called the citys DEI mayor What they mean by DEI, in my opinion, is duly elected incumbent.pic.twitter.com/wnrxjNicW1  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 28, 2024
A potent weather setup will bring the risk for all modes of severe weather to the two Virginias Tuesday, including the risk for tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, large hail and flooding.

This is all taking place due to a strong low pressure system moving into the Great Lakes  the system is strengthening as it does so. In addition, very warm air is colliding with a very cold air mass  well likely have snow showers around by Wednesday! The differences in these vastly different airmasses will help create the setup necessary for severe thunderstorms to thrive.

A strong cold front races toward our region by the evening hours.

Overall Severe Weather Threat

Significant threat for severe weather late Tuesday afternoon through the evening hours.

All types of severe weather are possible in our region, including tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, large hail, and flooding.

Severe weather threat will wrap up around midnight Wednesday morning  temperatures will then crash and well see rain and snow showers Wednesday into Thursday!

The BEST chance for severe weather will be in our western counties, west of I-77 in southern West Virginia/Virginia, though EVERYONE could see severe weather.

The western half of our region is under a level 3 out of 5 for severe weather  an enhanced risk. This means that multiple strong to severe thunderstorms are expected.

Tornado Threat

The tornado threat for our region is elevated at a 5% chance of any point on the map shaded in brown within 25 miles of a town. Typically we see 2% or less any given day of the year so 5% is high enough to put it on our radars for a threat we face. Any strong to severe thunderstorm this evening could produce a quick spin up tornado as our atmosphere is ripe for this development.

Damaging Wind Gusts Threat

The threat for damaging wind gusts will be highest in our western counties  where the threat for damaging wind gusts is forecast to be at 30% within 25 miles of a town. This means that, for example, Pineville has a 30% risk of seeing damaging wind gusts within 25 miles of town. The risk drops a bit farther east, where severe weather is expected to be less numerous in coverage. But still  a 15% risk is not something we see every day in our area.

30% Risk: Beckley, Oak Hill, Fayetteville, Summersville, Pineville, Welch, Gauley Bridge, and other areas shaded in the red shade above.

15% Risk: Princeton, Union, Hinton, Bluefield, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Rainelle, Richwood, Marlinton, Pearisburg, Richlands, Bland and other areas in the yellow shade above.

Large Hail Threat

The threat for large hail is forecast to be very similar to damaging hail and will be highest in our western counties  where the threat for damaging wind gusts is forecast to be at 30% within 25 miles of a town. This means that, for example, Oak Hill has a 30% risk of seeing damaging wind gusts within 25 miles of town. The risk drops a bit farther east, where severe weather is expected to be less numerous in coverage. But still  a 15% risk is once again not something we see every day in our area.

30% Risk: Beckley, Oak Hill, Fayetteville, Summersville, Pineville, Welch, Gauley Bridge, and other areas shaded in the red shade above.

15% Risk: Princeton, Union, Hinton, Bluefield, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Rainelle, Richwood, Marlinton, Pearisburg, Richlands, Bland and other areas in the yellow shade above.

Flooding Threat

Pocahontas and Nicholas counties are currently under a Flood Watch until 11 PM Wednesday. Most of our area is under a level 2 out of 4 (Slight Risk) for flooding, with our southeastern locations at a level 1 out of 4 (Marginal Risk) for flooding. Though our flood threat is not zero, thankfully we did not see a lot of rain in most towns this past weekend, which should help that threat a little, at least.

Storms will be capable of dropping brief but locally heavy rainfall as they pass, which could create issues on some area streams and creeks.

Predictor

Here is a look at Predictor for the near-term, which will automatically update each hour with the latest on what is expected to come our way!

The StormTracker 59 team has you covered to help keep you and your family safe when the threat for severe weather is possible! There are multiple ways of staying up to date with us on the latest warnings for our region that would indicate this potential threat:

On air on WVNS-TV 59 on CBS at 5 AM, 6 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM and 11 PM Monday through Friday and 6 PM and 11 PM on the weekends.

On air on WVNS-TV 59 on Fox at 7 AM Monday  Friday and 10 PM Monday through Sunday.

Online on our website here, where you can see the latest watches, warnings, forecast discussions, videos, current data and so much more!

The StormTracker 59 mobile app, free on the Apple and Google Play.

The StormTracker 59 Facebook page and Twitter page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A couple who died in a plane crash during a snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada have been identified. The victims, Liron and Naomi Petrushka, were well-known entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, according to UpWest, a venture capital firm that the couple invested in.

Liron, 57, was an angel investor for UpWest, a firm based in Palo Alto that invests in Israeli-led startup companies. Our hearts are with the Petrushka family and their sons David, Scott, and Jordan, the firm wrote.

The plane crashed near Tahoe Truckee Airport at 6:38 p.m. during Saturdays snowy weather.

A single engine TBM aircraft N960LP crashed near Glenshire Dr, Truckee, CA while attempting to land at Truckee Tahoe Airport. There are two known fatalities, airport officials stated.

Truckee police, Nevada County Sheriff, National Transportation Safety Board, and FAA are investigating.

A piece of the wreckage is seen along train tracks on March 31, 2024, in Truckee. (FOX40 Photo)

Liron and Naomi were a significant force in the building and success of UpWest from its inception. They brought their entrepreneurial spirit and generosity. Liron Petrushka, a successful repeat entrepreneur and iconic Angel investor, joined UpWest in 2012 as a Partner. Liron was a mentor, friend and pillar of wisdom who loved life, sports, and a good laugh, UpWest wrote in a Facebook post with Lirons photograph.

Omer Gottlieb, co-founder of AI startup Salespeak, described Liron as a humble and extraordinary person. Our numerous conversations over the last few months were incredibly enriching; I learned something new in each and every one of them, Gottlieb wrote on X.

(FOX40 Photo)

Liron was piloting the plane from Denver to California when it flew into stormy weather, the Sacramento Bee reported. The pilot talked about weather concerns while attempting to navigate and land at Truckees airport with help from radar controllers in Oakland, the Bee reported.

A man who lives one block away from the crash site said he heard the engine as the plane went down. Kind of surreal  a plane going over my house like that. There was weather. The visibility was bad.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
DeKalb police say six people were injured Saturday evening after they were involved in an accident that left one vehicle on its side.

The accident occurred Saturday evening, just before 11 p.m. on Covington Highway and Young Road. Police say they responded after receiving a call in reference to a traffic collision involving a sedan and truck.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When police arrived on scene, they found six neighbors with serious injuries, but did not consider them to be life-threatening.

The victims, ranging in ages from eight years old to 51 years old, were taken to local hospitals for treatment for their injuries.

TRENDING STORIES:

Police say the cause for the accident is unknown and their investigation is ongoing.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
There has been a 62 per cent increase in April flight searches from Canada to Bodrum over the last month

Canadians are flocking to Bodrum, Turkey, in April, according to Skyscanner, a destination to keep your eye on for summer travel.

Information provided to Yahoo Canada by Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 62 per cent increase in flight searches from Canada to Bodrum over the last month.

Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner

Why is Bodrum, Turkey a popular destination for Canadian travellers?

Turkey is among the most beautiful and affordable places to travel, with a phenomenal food scene as well.

"Situated along the coast, Bodrum is the perfect destination for Canadians who want to eat delicious food, enjoy the warm weather and walk around beautiful beaches. Bodrum is full of culture, nightlife, history and picture-perfect views," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanners travel trends and destinations expert explained. "Its a destination you wont want to miss."

While foodies wont want to shy away from the amazing street food while theyre visiting, theyll be happy to hear the Michelin Guide has recently recognized 19 new restaurants in Bodrum to the Michelin Guide with two restaurants, Kitchen and Macakz, earning a Michelin Star. Amongst the list are affordable options like Bagaras, Ksmet Lokantas and Kurul Bitez."

Narrow street with flower pot and Aegean sea in the background, Bodrum, Turkey

How much does it cost to go to Bodrum, Turkey in April from Canadian cities?

Using Skyscanner search data for flights to Bodrum, from Canadian airports, roundtrip flights from Toronto are as low as $1,146 with two stops, from April 17 to April 24, or closer to $2,000 with just one stopover.

Travelling from Vancouver to Bodrum, roundtrip flights are $1,300, with two stops, and from Montreal, a two-stop flight will cost $1,332, or $1,500 with just one stop, from April 16 to April 23.

Don't forget to check the Skyscanner site for live pricing.

Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner

3 expert tips on what to do in Bodrum, Turkey

Travellers to Bodrum shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to visit Bodrum Castle, particularly if you love taking photos on vacation.

"As picturesque as it gets, Bodrum Castle is located on a small peninsula set between two sheltered bays in Bodrum and has stood as a monument since the 15th century," Lindsay advised.

Seafood lovers need to eat in Gumusluk, a seaside village that's a great choice for lunch after a swim, or dinner with a beautiful view.

For a little exploring, take the opportunity in Turkey to go on a gulet trip, a traditional Turkish, wooden sailing vessel.

"Explore the regions rugged peninsula with its rocky coves, crystal-clear turquoise waters and uninhabited islands," Lindsay stated.

Where to stay in Bodrum, Turkey

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum is a five-star resort on Barbaros Bay, overlooking the Aegean Sea, with an infinity pool, the Barbaros Spa, and a private beach.

Swissotel Resort Bodrum Beach is on the waterfront in Turgutreis, 20 kilometres from the centre of Bodrum, with 70 rooms and suites. There are four restaurants and two bars, and the Purovel Spa & Sport for body treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, and a Turkish bath.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
Lawmakers listen to Gov. Kristi Noem deliver the state of the state address on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 at South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.

Republicans are poised for plenty of guaranteed state legislative victories in the 2024 general election. But most of the candidates in South Dakotas dominant political party who want a seat in Pierre will first need to face off in the June 4 primary.

As of Friday evening, the Secretary of States website listed 44 contested GOP primary contests.

The same candidate list shows that Republicans are guaranteed to win 17 seats in the 35-member Senate and 37 seats in the 70-member House of Representatives because no alternative candidates are running in those districts. Each district has two seats in the House and one in the Senate.

The filing deadline for state Democratic and Republican legislative candidates passed this week, but Rachel Soulek, director of the offices Division of Elections, said candidate information can still change over the next few days. Mail sent before the deadline containing candidate petitions could still come in, she said, and it will take time to validate signatures. While no Independent legislative candidates have filed, they have until April 30 to so.

Already, the Republican primary election is shaping up to have several contested legislative races, showing GOP competition for 27 House and 17 Senate seats.

A wave of fringe populist candidates are trying to rebuild the states established Republican party in their image, according to Pat Powers, a longtime Republican activist and blogger.

This is shaping up to be a more competitive year, Powers said. Thats for sure.

Powers has written about Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree of Madison being challenged in the primary by Rick Weible, who has made a name for himself criticizing the security of the states elections and quarreling with Republican leadership during the legislative session.

That dynamic offers an opening for Democrats, according to Pete Stavrianos, whose career in Democratic politics spanned 1962 to 2004, in roles including chief of staff and campaign manager for prominent Democrats including U.S. Senators Jim Abourezk and Tom Daschle. He said the Republican partys complete control of the state and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movements influence on Republicans should worry South Dakotans.

If Democrats campaign hard against this kind of one-party boss rule that commands South Dakotans to live a MAGA lifestyle or else, 2024 could well sprout the first seeds of a return to healthy two-party competition in our state, Stavrianos said.

Longtime Republican leader Sen. Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown, is not running in 2024. Despite his retirement, he has been offering good, hardworking Republican candidates advice for beating hard-right primary challengers: keep the focus on local issues, and spend a lot of time engaging with constituents and community leaders.

You must be a proven person of your community, he said.

Six Republican Senate candidates have uncontested primary and general election races. Seats are assured for GOP incumbents Michael Rohl of Aberdeen, Steve Kolbeck of Sioux Falls, Ernie Otten of Tea, Kyle Schoenfish of Scotland, Jim Mehlhaff of Pierre, and Helene Duhamel of Rapid City.

In the House, four Republicans have uncontested primary and general elections: incumbents Will Mortenson and Mike Weisgram of Pierre, and Phil Jensen and Curt Massie of Rapid City.

On the Democratic side, Sioux Falls Senate incumbent Liz Larson is the sole candidate vying for a District 10 seat in the 35-member chamber.

The ballot picture is similar for the Democrats in the House of Representatives, with guaranteed Democratic seats for two of the bodys 70 members. They include District 10 incumbents Erin Healy and Cameron Nelson, who will face one Republican on the general election ballot. Both candidates could best the GOP challenger in the general election contest and retain their seats. The other could be in District 27, where either Democrat Elsie Meek or incumbent Peri Pourier is guaranteed to be one of the two representing the district.

Democrats did not put forth 105 candidates  which would be a full slate for contests in both chambers. The party put together a slate of 19 Senate and 33 House candidates.

However, Powers said Democrats did place higher caliber candidates on the ballot this year.

There are not a lot of placeholder candidates, he said. These arent interns they could convince to run for office.

Part of the credit goes to the Democratic Partys current Executive Director, Dan Ahlers, Powers said. Ahlers has an extensive background serving in the legislature and working with the state Democratic Party.

Ahlers said recruiting experienced candidates with name recognition in their communities was a top priority.

We have more candidates than we did in the previous two election cycles, he said. You dont change these things overnight.

Ahlers said his party has to work to convince qualified candidates to run in what he called a hostile environment. Thats bad for everyone, he said, because quality candidates result in quality government.

We get what we put into our representative democracy, he said.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Republicans to battle through dozens of contested primary elections in 2024
By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Monday his government is open to talks with doctors who oppose his plan to increase medical school admissions, while accusing critics of offering no reasonable alternative to ease a doctor shortage.

In a 50-minute address to the country, Yoon signalled his willingness for the first time to seek a compromise on his medical reform proposals after the government called for dialogue with striking doctors.

Yoon apologised for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing strike by trainee doctors but accused the medical sector of putting their own interests ahead of public health.

"If you come up with a more proper and reasonable solution, we can discuss it as much as you want," he said. "If you present better opinions and rational grounds, government policy can change for the better."

More than 90% of the country's 13,000 trainee doctors have been staging walkouts since Feb. 20 in protest against the government's plan to boost medical school admissions by 2,000 starting in 2025 from 3,000 now.

South Korea's population of 52 million had 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people in 2022, far below the average of 3.7 for countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Previous governments have devised measures to tackle deepening shortages of doctors in essential services including paediatrics and emergency units, as well as clinics outside the greater Seoul area, but their efforts fell apart amid strong opposition from the medical sector.

Some medical professionals have said the Yoon administration had failed to consult in advance, and its plan would do little to fix the current situation including low pay for trainee doctors.

Yoon refuted several claims by doctors' groups and highlighted why medical reform is imperative.

"After keeping a deafening silence over the government's request to provide specific numbers for medical school quotas, the medical community is now throwing numbers like 350, 500 and 1,000 without any grounds," he said.

"If they want to argue that the scale of the increase should be reduced, they should propose a unified idea with solid scientific evidence, rather than taking collective action."

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, has said that the US aid package for Ukraine will include "some important innovations", including the possibility of extending a US loan to Ukraine.

Source: The Hill, as reported by European Pravda

Details: In an interview on Sunday, Johnson said he was in a difficult position, given his historically narrow House majority, but said that he was working throughout the current work period to come up with a package and is planning to put it to vote when the House is back in session.

Quote from Johnson: "But when it comes to the supplemental, weve been working to build that consensus. Weve been talking to all the members especially now over the district work period. When we return after this work period, well be moving a product, but its going to, I think, have some important innovations."

Details: Johnson said, for example, that the US might extend a loan to Ukraine. The Hill reported that this idea "gained some traction earlier this month, as a way to back Ukraine in a way that might assuage conservative concerns about providing more aid".

Johnson also mentioned the REPO for Ukrainians Act, which would authorise the US president to seize Russian sovereign assets frozen in the US and give them to Ukraine to use against Russia.

"Even President Trump has talked about the loan concept, where were not just giving foreign aid. Were setting it up in a relationship where they can provide it back to us when the time is right," Johnson said.

The Hill stressed that Johnson made these statements after signalling that he intends to push through legislation that would provide funding for Ukraine, although without saying exactly what that would look like.

Background:

Mike Turner, chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee, said that Johnson has promised to put the issue of providing assistance to Ukraine to a vote after Congress returns from the Easter recess.

The US Congress approval of over US$60 billion in aid to Ukraine is currently being blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives. The White House has repeatedly cautioned that this would significantly harm Ukraines military efforts on the battlefield.

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Spring allergy season is off to an even earlier start this year

After a particularly mild winter in most of the United States, which followed a record warm summer for the planet, seasonal allergy season is kicking into high gear. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 80 million Americans suffer from sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Climate change is making allergy season worse

A 2021 study found that spring allergy season is beginning about 20 days earlier in North America due to human-caused climate change. Pollen concentrations have risen roughly 20 percent across the country since 1990, with the Midwest and Texas seeing the largest increases. A combination of warmer temperatures, higher concentrations of carbon dioxide, and more precipitation can all contribute to plants producing more pollen longer .

This year, the pollen count started particularly early, according to allergist and director of the Loyola Medicine Allergy Count Dr. Rachna Shah. She typically looks at pollen counts in Chicago in April, but saw that tree pollen was already at a moderate level in the middle of February.

[Related: Climate change is pumping more pollen into allergy season .]

This season has been so nuts, Shah told the Associated Press. Granted, it was a pretty mild winter, but I didnt expect it to be so early.

Shah also believes that this season will be longer than other years, if the weather remains unseasonably warm.

What are some triggers for seasonal allergies?

Pollen from growing trees and other plants is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. In the early spring, tree pollen tends to be the biggest allergy trigger, with grass and weed pollen following.

Ragweed, goldenrod, dust, and mold can also trigger allergies for some.

Is it a cold or allergies?

Since allergies typically come with sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and sore throat, it can be hard to tell them apart from the common cold. According to Dr. Rita Kachru , chief of clinical allergy and immunology at UCLA Health, muscle pain, joint aches, fatigue, and fever is a sure sign that these symptoms are from a cold and not allergies.

Symptoms flaring up around the same time every year and having a family history of seasonal allergies are also helpful in determining whats causing the symptoms.

How to manage symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic , one of the first things to do is reduce exposure. This can mean avoiding going outside on windy days when pollen is blowing around, changing clothes and showering after coming inside, and even rinsing out your nasal passages. The best time to go outside is after a good rainfall , when some pollen has been washed away. You can also monitor pollen counts in your area online or during weather forecasts.

[Related: Its time you really understood what allergies mean .]

There are also several over-the-counter remedies available in both oral and nasal spray form that can help with symptoms when taken correctly . These include fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Some common steroid nasal sprays include budesonide (Benacort), fluticasone (Flonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort) and mometasone (Nasonex).

Medical professionals do caution against using products that have pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed, for more than a day or two. These medications can increase heart rate and blood pressure. A task force of physicians also issued guidelines in 2020 that did not recommend using Benadryl to treat allergies. The medication can have sedative effects and cause confusion in some patients.

If symptoms are severe and last for several months, it is important to speak with a medical professional and potentially get tested to see exactly what the body is reacting to. There are also long term allergy shots avaialbe that can help with more severe reactions.
(WFRV)  After two weeks of NCAA March Madness, the Wisconsin local teams have wrapped up their seasons. Marquette advanced to their first Sweet 16 since 2013, but Shaka Smarts squad came up short against NC State. Meanwhile, the Badgers mens team and Green Bay Phoenix women were eliminated in the first round of the tournament.

In the WNIT, the Wisconsin women will host their Great 8 matchup on Monday.

Lauren Helmbrecht joined Burke Griffin to break down the madness of March and recap the local Wisconsin teams season.

Click the video above for the full summary.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
"Stand where he tells you to stand": Why the GOP is doubling down on misogyny in 2024

"Stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear, and do what he tells you to do."

This is the wedding night advice offered to brides by Josh Howerton, a senior pastor at Lakepointe Church in Dallas, Texas. Lakepointe, according to the Dallas Morning News, is one of the biggest megachurches in Texas, with over 13,000 people a week attending its main location. The church itself cites a number over 40,000 a week, between its six campuses and online services. Howerton opened Sunday morning services on February 25 with this paean to sexual coercion.

SBC Megachurch pastor Josh Howerton's advice to women about the wedding night:



"Stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear, and do what he tells you to do."@_jaystringer and I unpack this on Episode 230 of Bare Marriage!https://t.co/DC7wFxdD1T pic.twitter.com/ECwRD1GTKn  Sheila Gregoire--She Deserves Better is here! (@sheilagregoire) March 28, 2024

Claiming that the bride has "been planning this day her whole life," and so the groom should indulge her: "Stand where she tells you to stand, wear what she tells you to wear, and do what she tells you to do. You'll make her the happiest woman in the world."

Then he hits folks with this counterpoint: In exchange, the bride should take a submissive role in what he pointedly calls "his wedding night," to "make him the happiest man in the world." (Howerton did not respond to a Salon request for comment.)

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only.

In the era of robust online debate between conservative Christians and those in the faith deconstruction movement, this clip unsurprisingly generated a lot of discussion. Sheila Wray Gregoire, a Christian critic of purity culture, responded on her Bare Marriage podcast with an episode titled, "Why Evangelical Honeymoons Often Go So Badly." Howerton responded with two beloved defenses of bigoted rhetoric on the right: that it's out of context and just a joke.

the type of people who post these things will not care (watch how they respond to this comment - no one will acknowledge oh wow, thats new info), but this is a lie.



The person who originally posted this took an old preacher joke about marriage, edited out the comment  Josh Howerton (@howertonjosh) March 29, 2024

Gregoire responded in a thread arguing the context "makes this worse" because the "joke" assumes men "don't have to take on ANY of the mental load, emotional involvement, or work of the wedding," and also that "at the wedding night, you get to act like a porn director and direct her every move so you get exactly what you want."

She concludes: "In both the wedding, and the wedding night, she does all the work for him." It's an apt rebuttal to those who claim these rigid gender roles are "fair" because they're "balanced." In reality, it's just more of the same sexist assumption that the work of marriage belongs only to women.

All critical discourse, but my first thought upon watching this clip, I must confess: This is why the GOP is doomed in its "outreach" to claw back female voters they've lost in the Donald Trump era.

It's not just the assault on abortion rights, which they can't seem to hold back from, despite the resounding unpopularity of the anti-choice stance. It's that the MAGA base is getting ever more vitriolic with its misogyny. Part of that is due to the more secular dirtbags of the Joe Rogan/Elon Musk variety, who have become such a loud part of the Republican coalition under Trump. But this escalation of boldly misogynist rhetoric is also coming from the evangelicals. Republicans can't win without keeping those people happy, since the Christian right is where the GOP's organizing power still mainly resides.

In her recent New York Times article about the "coarsening" of the religious right, Ruth Graham alluded to this, writing about the trend of evangelical leaders using "vulgarities." But it's not just a matter of using curse words. The vulgarities in question mostly center around an over-the-top performance of toxic masculinity: throwing around sexist terms like "sl*t" and "wh*re," homophobic slurs, and using phrases like "grow a pair." It's definitely got an overcompensation vibe to it. But along with the increasingly violent queerphobia, this means evangelical sexism is getting more overtly nasty. A lot of the faux-chivalrous condescension is being replaced with blunt malevolence and sexual objectification.

The Republican gubernatorial nominee, Mark Robinson, is a good example. He loudly proclaims himself an evangelical Christian and occasionally is invited to preach at conservative churches. He also prefers a shock jock vibe when attacking women being sexual or demanding equality. He declared that women are to be "led by men" and, "I absolutely want to go back to the America where women couldnt vote." Last week, resurfaced comments showed he's consumed by hatred for Beyonce, who he called a "skank" who teaches "our young women to be hyper-sexual wh*res."

Robinson's ascendance shows there's a major appetite for grossly misogynist talk among Republican voters, including those who clutch their Bibles while claiming they're doing it all for Jesus. A likelier explanation, of course, is that religion is just an increasingly thin pretext for resentment of women for getting education and jobs and more independence from men. That's why, even though it's hurting Republicans at the polls, Christian conservatives keep pushing for ever more draconian restrictions on abortion and contraception. It's even turning into a growing chorus of Christian leaders attacking no-fault divorce, which makes it easier for women to end bad or even abusive marriages.

It's not just Christian right loudmouth pundits like Matt Walsh or Steven Crowder complaining about no-fault divorce. As Kimberly Wehle of the Atlantic wrote in September, there's an increasingly effective religious pressure campaign on the GOP to claw back a woman's right to leave her husband. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, recently decried divorce, even to escape domestic violence. The Texas Republican platform, additionally, calls for the state legislature to "rescind unilateral no-fault divorce laws and support covenant marriage." A "covenant marriage," which makes it extremely difficult to file for divorce, happens to be what Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., has with his baby-voiced wife.

Kelly Johnson's unnaturally high-pitched and cloying voice caught some attention when he rose to speaker late last year, but public discourse around what is called the "fundie baby voice" soared last month, after Sen. Katie Britt gave her unsettling response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union. Britt, who typically speaks in normal voice, threatened to get squeaky at times during her televised speech. Liberal activist Jess Piper from Missouri went viral with an essay explaining the message Britt was sending with the weird voice: "Be sweet. Obey. Prove it by speaking in muted tones."

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only.

What's wild is Britt's syrupy presentation was initially framed as Republican outreach to women. I guess the thinking was female voters can relate to being trapped in their kitchens and hiding their ambitions from men by talking like toddlers. But it ended up feeling like more of the same pandering to the worst sort of men, the kind of men who call Beyonce a "skank" and respond to being asked to wash the dishes by lobbying for an end to no-fault divorce.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., recently shrugged off the GOP's loss of female voters by saying, "for every Karen we lose, there is a Julio and a Jamal ready to sign up for the MAGA movement." The statement wasn't just racist because of his trolling word choice. It was also an effort to shove responsibility for the increasingly noxious sexism of the GOP onto the shoulders of men of color. But, really, the loudmouthed misogyny is less about expanding the Republican coalition and more about base maintenance.

It's happening for a lot of reasons: Trump creates a permission structure. Social media incentivizes getting attention by being the biggest jerk on the internet. Fury over the #MeToo movement plays a role. All this has come together to create this crotch-grabbing zeitgeist on the right, even in the Christian spaces that used to pretend at a higher calling. Whatever is fueling it, however, Republican politicians know they have to tend to this burbling cesspool of toxic masculinity, which is going to get in the way of their already weak efforts to appeal to female voters.
Attorney General Andrea Campbell speaks at Law Day at Quincy District Court, which celebrated the 100th birthday of former Massachusetts Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti, the courthouse's namesake, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

MILTON  The town is challenging the requirements set by state officials for compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and its authority to enforce them in a response to a lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

It also challenged the fact that the suit was brought in the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County, which is a single justice of the state's highest court. The town's 53-page response, which was filed Wednesday, said the suit should have been brought in Norfolk Superior Court or the state's Land Court.

The case is being watched closely by municipal officials in eastern and central Massachusetts who also have to come up with compliance plans of their own, many by the end of the year.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the select board said there are legal questions surrounding the implementation of the legislation which need to be resolved.

"Our response (Wednesday) addresses questions that we have and that we have heard from many residents," the board said in the statement.

Oral arguments to start in October

It added the court is expected to hear oral arguments in the case in October, with a decision sometime after that.

The select board said it agrees with the need for action on housing issues, and notes that it has permitted hundreds of new housing units in recent years.

"We remain willing to work with the state to come up with a plan that works for Milton so that, together, we can make progress on housing in Massachusetts," the statement read.

The board will ask the state to restore a $144,800 grant for the design of seawall repairs at Milton Landing that was withdrawn shortly after the vote. It asks the state not to impose any further penalties until the case is decided.

Suit came quickly after town meeting vote

Campbell brought the suit after the town's voters on Feb. 14 overturned a town meeting vote in December to adopt zoning changes that would allow the development of 2,461 units of multi-family housing in town. The law requires the zoning to be in place but does not require its construction. Campbell filed the suit 13 days after the vote.

In the complaint, Campbell asks the court to affirm that compliance with the law is mandatory and that Milton has failed to do so. It seeks an injunction to compel the town to comply within three months. If not, Campbell asks the court to appoint a special master to come up with a plan.

In their response, attorneys for the town argue that the requirements set by the state under the law go far beyond what the state Legislature intended when it was adopted. They say the requirements were done improperly. They go on to say the only penalties the that can be imposed are spelled out in the law, and do not allow Campbell to ask for a special master to make zoning decisions.

"The Legislature did none of these things. It selected precisely the degree of pressure it wanted to apply on municipal governments to themselves amend their bylaws," the response stated. "Respect for local government decision-making, especially with respect to an issue related so closely to community character, would be ample reason for the Legislature to tread carefully in this area."

Milton filing challenges definition of Mattapan line as a subway

It also says the Mattapan line does not meet the definition of a subway, since none of the route is underground. The response cites definitions of subway from several dictionaries to support its position.

Due to the presence of the trolley line, Milton was designated by the state as one of 12 "rapid transit" communities required to zone for more multi-family units than commuter rail or adjacent communities. Milton was the only one of the 12 communities not to submit a plan to the state by Dec. 31.

The response was filed by Town Counsel Peter Mello and three lawyers from Goodwin Procter, the law firm hired by the select board on March 15 to serve as special counsel in the case.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Milton responds to state's MBTA Communities lawsuit
On Sunday, March 31, 2024 the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was called to two separate incidents in Antrim County. One involved military ordnance that had washed up on shore.

ANTRIM COUNTY  On Sunday, March 31, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was called to two separate incidents in Antrim County.

According to a state police press release, the first incident was a call to assist the Antrim County Sheriffs Office with the disposal of military ordnance that had washed up on shore. A homeowner in Kewadin found the ordnance on the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay. The Antrim County Sheriffs Office responded and notified the bomb squad.

The bomb squad took possession of the ordnance, a Mark-25 Marine Marker military flare, and properly disposed of the item.

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Later that day, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was called to assist a trooper from the Gaylord Post on a traffic stop in Antrim County. The trooper had stopped a vehicle on U.S. 131 near Wetzel Lake Road in Mancelona. The trooper saw an explosive device on the vehicles dashboard. The bomb squad responded and disposed of the device, an M-150.

In 2023, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad responded to 120 calls in the 7th District to assist and dispose of explosive devices. The state police want to remind everyone to call 911 if they see or find items they believe may be explosive or hazardous. Never attempt to pick up or move a suspicious item. The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad is trained on how to safely remove, transport and dispose of these items.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: State police bomb squad responds to two incidents in Antrim County on Sunday
State police: Teen arrested on murder charge more than a year after deadly Brockton shooting

State police: Teen arrested on murder charge more than a year after deadly Brockton shooting

A teenager has been arrested on a murder charge in connection with a shooting in Brockton that left a man dead last year, authorities said.

Kahmari Price, 17, who had been wanted in the February 2023 death of 33-year-old Mark A. Boyd, was arrested Monday morning at an address on West Boylston Street in Worcester by members of the MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, according to Massachusetts State Police.

An investigation into the shooting by the State Police Detective Unit for Plymouth County and the Brockton Police Department Detective Bureau ultimately identified Price as the shooter, and troopers obtained an arrest warrant in Brockton District Court.

On Feb. 26, 2023, Brockton police received multiple reports of a shooting on North Main Street. Responding officers found an unresponsive male, later identified as Boyd, suffering from a gunshot wound to his head, state police said. Boyd later died.

Price was actively attempting to avoid capture since the shooting, according to state police. He was added to the departments list of most wanted fugitives on Oct. 11, 2023.

Price is due to appear in court on Monday afternoon.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  WorkForce West Virginia announced the date of their next Statewide Virtual Job Fair.

The job fair will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, and both job seekers and employers are welcome to attend. Registration for the event is necessary for employers and job seekers.

BSU to receive $7.145 million for healthcare training facility

We invite West Virginia job seekers looking to take the next step in their careers, or explore new job opportunities, to register now for the April 3 Statewide Virtual Job Fair. This is a great opportunity for job seekers to virtually apply, live chat, video chat and interview with participating companies all across West Virginia. Scott Adkins | Acting Commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia

More than 11,000 job seekers in West Virginia and more than 2,200 employers registered to be involved in the Statewide Virtual Job Fairs, accumulating more than 105,000 booth visits, since they started in 2022. A list of participating employers, channels where attendees can log in and register, and a Job Seeker Training video are included in the Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal.

These Statewide Virtual Job Fairs are a fantastic opportunity for West Virginia employers to connect with a diverse pool of talent from across the state. James Bailey | Secretary of the WV Department of Commerce

West Virginia State Math Field Day to be hosted by Concord University

Professional attire and a calm and clutter-free background is recommended for job seekers who attend the event due to the possibility of employers requesting a video interview.

Once employers register for the event for the first time, they can contact those who are looking for jobs by creating a Virtual Booth, the booth will then be available at following job fairs.

Additional information about WorkForce West Virginia can be found here or by emailing wfwvvjf@wv.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
After successes and skirmishes in multiple CT towns, Vessel Technologies looks to new town for apartments

With nearly 250 new apartments across Connecticut either under construction or approved, Vessel Technologies is looking to Avon as the site for a 64-unit complex near Route 44.

The proposal for attainably priced apartments  61 one-bedroom units and three two-bedrooms  in one of the Farmington Valleys wealthiest suburbs is still in the earliest stages, so details are scarce.

But the project would follow the formula the New Jersey-based developer has employed in the nearly three years after emerging in the Connecticut market. Vessel is already in Rocky Hill, Simsbury, New London and Cheshire, and is seeking to build in Granby, Manchester, Glastonbury and at least four or five other towns, too.

The company is on track to lease 250 units over the next year, with at least 200 more on the books and extensive plans beyond that.

In its short time in Connecticut, Vessel has become one of the states most controversial developers. Proponents see the company as future-thinking and innovative, with a sustainable and environmentally sensible answer to Connecticuts housing shortage. Critics balk that it brings lower-priced apartments and cookie-cutter modernistic buildings into quaint, historic villages.

Not surprisingly, Vessel has gotten a range of welcomes from Connecticut communities: Cheshire and New London embraced it rapidly, Simsbury and Rocky Hill agreed to compromise deal only after lawsuits, and Glastonbury remains in court trying to defend its decision to keep the company out.

But theres no sign of Vessel pulling back.

We feel very invested in the state, said Josh Levy, Vessels executive vice president, as he visited the Cheshire construction site this week.

Theres been renewed interest in Connecticut from young people, theres renewed interest from business in (creating) jobs, the governor has made a very clear mandate that he knows the state needs housing and wants to make it easier to produce, Levy said.

In many ways, Vessels formula appears to be a solid match for the housing needs of The Land of Steady Habits.

Subdivisions with single-family houses were the chief source of fresh housing in the second half of the 20th century, but land is now scarce and construction prices high  so the few new homes being built are mostly aimed at the upscale and luxury markets.

Apartment construction has flourished in the past three years, but not nearly fast enough to keep pace with demand. And new projects mostly fall into two camps: Higher-end, amenity-rich market rate units, or subsidized housing for low- and low-moderate-income people.

Vessel says with smaller but ultra-modern apartments, it can offer attractive housing to people who fall between those extremes: Medical assistants, bank clerks, car mechanics, entry-level teachers, highway department workers and others.

The company produces nearly identical modular buildings that have an unmistakably modernistic look, and advertises a heavy infusion of smart-home technology and space efficiency. Its one- and two-bedroom units are notably smaller than most new construction, but are priced below market rates and designed to minimize or eliminate utility bills.

Solar panels, heat pumps, LED lighting and low-flow water fixtures are part of its projects, and theres focus on some smaller details. Landscaping uses exclusively native plants, for instance, so theres less need for irrigation and pest control treatments, Levy said.

A massive cost saving is in design and construction. Where stick-built apartment buildings take 18 to 24 months, Levy said, Vessels contractors can assemble the prefabricated panels in six to eight months. The savings from putting together essentially the same building components in the same way at site after site will chop expenses enormously, he predicted.

Theres this notion that every building should be a snowflake. Im a lover of architecture and design, but utility also has to have a place. Were creating something thats viable for other needs in a community, he said.

When someone goes in and designs a new building in each community with new architects, a new civil engineer, a new general contractor, a new site contractor  all of the knowledge from one project to another is gone, Levy said.

Every time we do something, were looking at business project improvement: How can we make it faster, better, more cost-effective in the same way that iPhones got better over time, our cars and flat-screen televisions got better over time, he said. We want to apply that same idea to housing. Thats been missing forever from the industry.

Vessels approach runs counter to the thinking behind recent market-rate apartments complexes across the state, where dog parks, barbecue pits, pools, gyms and large community rooms are part of the package. Vessel is tight with space and doesnt offer that, arguing that such amenities serve only a small percentage of tenants  but add to the monthly rent of all of them.

Instead, it focuses on in-unit amenities: large windows for natural light, 9-foot ceilings, dishwashers along with washers and dryers, Brilliant smart-home technology, stainless-steel appliances and continuous air filtration.

At the five-story, 30-unit New London building, the 525-square-foot one-bedroom units are advertised at $1,625 a month.

In New London, all 30 apartments will be leased at attainable prices, essentially a discount to market rates.

In Rocky Hill, Cheshire and several other wealthier communities, however, Vessel is setting aside 30% of its apartments as affordable housing, with rents limited to figures that could be paid by people earning only 80 or even 60% of the areas median income.

With those projects, Vessel is backed by the states 8-30g affordable housing statute, which sharply limits the grounds that communities can cite when rejecting affordable housing.

Simsburys zoning commission, for instance, last spring concluded Vessels proposal for a four-story, 64-unit building on a small lot at 446 Hopmeadow St. would be a health and safety risk because of limited parking and traffic impact.

Vessel put out a statement decrying the sad but enduring power of the NIMBYism movement in Connecticuts bedroom communities, and then sued under the 8-30g law. Last month, the town signed off on an out-of-court compromise that allows Vessel to build a three-story, 48-unit project.

In Avon, the company this winter gave a preliminary presentation to the water pollution control board, saying it wants to build 64 apartments at 25 and 41 Avonwood Road. The two vacant lots are roughly across from the Reggio Magnet School and just off Route 10, about a block south of Route 44.

Vessel hasnt filed formal zoning applications in Avon, Manchester or Granby yet, but Levy said those projects will be advancing. Of the approved projects, vertical construction on the five-story, 70-unit building on Cheshires Realty Drive should commence this month and be completed in the fall, he said.

Two buildings with a total of 96 units will be built on a vacant 6-acre parcel on Henkel Way in Rocky Hill, with site work starting in May and tenants moving in early in 2025, according to Vessel.

Vessel had initially sued Rocky Hill after it was rejected for a 30-unit building at a high-profile location on Route 99. It dropped the suit after the town agreed to the much larger version on Henkel Way, a more secluded property between woodlands and an office park.

Vessels application to build 48 units at 51 Kreiger Lane in Glastonbury is the subject of an 8-30g lawsuit in which Vessel contends the town illegally rejected its plan.

In numerous towns, hearings on Vessel proposals have been met with residents emphatic and sometimes heated complaints about encroachment on their neighborhoods, increased traffic, potential wetlands damage and more. Vessel so far has amended most of its original proposals to accommodate at least some of those concerns, but Levy said he doesnt accept overall unwillingness to host attainable or affordable housing.

Most objections to Vessels New London project were from preservationists unhappy about a multi-story modern building arising among Bank Streets historic buildings. But Mayor Michael Passero had nothing but praise for the company, which filled in a long-blighted gap between buildings.

We had this tiny parcel downtown where the building burnt down in the 1980s and the parcel sat vacant. It just looked bad for 40 years, we called it the missing tooth on Bank Street, Passero said.

Then along comes Vessel, and they built on it. It was everything they billed it as, Passero said.

New London usually requires the ground floor of buildings in the historic district to be commercial, but granted Vessel an exception so it could build only apartments.

Some people thought it was sacrilege to put in a historic district, we got criticism that they dont like the looks. Other people like it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think its very attractive, Passero said.

At a recent conference of mayors, Passero met Mayor Reed Gusciora of Trenton, N.J., whose city has the first leased-out Vessel building.

He loves Vessel, he said hes looking for another opportunity there for them, Passero said.

In New London, the new project adds to the stock of quality apartments at a time when high-paying jobs at General Dynamics are abundant, according to Passero.

My administration supported them from the get-go. Theyre building in a different way, putting technology in things when its appropriate, Passero said.
Suella Braverman at the site of a former police station in Israel destroyed by Hamas during the Oct 7 attacks - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Suella Braverman has hit out at the Government for backsliding on its support for Israel and criticised the Foreign Office for allowing a pro-Palestine prevailing view to take hold.

On a tour of sites attacked by Hamas on Oct 7, Mrs Braverman insisted this was not the time for Britain to walk away from Israel.

In a sideswipe at Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, who is reportedly threatening to cut off arms supplies, the former home secretary said she had received reassurances that Israel was not in breach of international law and was allowing aid into Gaza.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Telegraph, Mrs Braverman also said she was ashamed by the levels of anti-Semitism she said had gripped the UK in the wake of the Hamas massacre.

She accused the BBC of bias, warned against anti-Jewish attacks in the workplace and on university campuses and said that, if she had remained home secretary, she would have passed legislation to prevent hate marches taking place on a weekly basis.

Mrs Braverman criticised the UK for its support in passing last week the first UN Security Council resolution, which called for a ceasefire in the near six-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. The US abstained, allowing the resolution to pass.

Suella Braverman said it was not the time for Britain to 'walk away' from Israel - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

She said: I am angry when I see the backsliding by countries like the US and UK. This is not a time for walking away.

Describing Hamas as a death cult, she added: This is a time for strengthening our support for Israel... [Hamas] said themselves Oct 7 was only a rehearsal and they will stop at nothing to destroy Israel.

Hamas must be eliminated. They must be totally degraded. If we dont destroy these evil forces of terrorism, which are not just here but presenting themselves in many forms around the world, then Western civilisation faces a real threat itself.

Lord Cameron has faced a backlash from some Tory MPs over his support for the UN resolution, but Mrs Bravermans intervention will be likely to cause further rifts at a time when the Foreign Office and Downing Street are reportedly at odds over how to deal with the crisis.

Mrs Braverman said: I want peace, and any civilian death is a tragedy. But we cannot have any form of ceasefire unless the hostages are released and unless and until Hamas releases itself from controlling Gaza.

Anything else is pie in the sky, and so I was disappointed about the UK stance regarding the resolution at the UN Security Council last week.

There are over 100 innocent Israelis who are still held captive by Hamas. And for the West to somehow appease Hamas, and to facilitate Israels surrender will be totally unjustifiable.

She praised Lord Cameron for bringing a lot of experience to the role of Foreign Secretary but said: What I am very concerned about is a Foreign Office establishment view taking hold of our foreign policy. And by that I mean an anti-Israel sentiment, a pro-Palestine approach to this conflict, and I think that that is very concerning.

She said there was a tendency inside the Foreign Office establishment to attribute an equivalence between Israeli defensive measures and the terrorism of Hamas.

She said the Oct 7 attacks and the Israeli response cannot be compared and insisted Israel was using military action in legitimate self-defence.

Mrs Braverman, who also served as attorney general, said Israel was using sophisticated technology to minimise civilian casualties and had enabled the receipt and distribution of aid into the Gaza Strip.

She added: To suggest that Israel is somehow impeding the operation of international law, obstructing the distribution of aid or is behaving in a way that is unlawful, does a great disservice to the battle that we are witnessing.

Mrs Braverman suggested that, had she not been sacked by Rishi Sunak following a row over anti-Israel marches on Armistice day, she would have passed legislation that would have given ministers the power to ban protests regularly taking place in London.

I actually think that, had there been a more robust approach in the early days of those marches, we would not be seeing this phenomenon of mass extremism out on our streets, unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism on our streets, the routine harassment and racism, she said.

Mrs Braverman, whose husband is Jewish, said the UK was now seeing unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism, which made her feel ashamed.

She said: I feel heartbroken when I meet Jewish people in the UK who feel scared to go into London on the weekend, to feel that they cant show their Star of David, demonstrate symbols of their faith when they are being harassed on campus, when they are being harassed in the workplace, when they see misreporting, bias within the BBC.

Mrs Bravermans trip has been funded by the National Jewish Assembly, a subscription body set up to support Israel and fight anti-Semitism.

Gary Mond, the chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, described Mrs Braverman as a true friend of Israel and of the UK Jewish community, adding: This visit will enable her to bear witness to the atrocities of Oct 7 and convey the UKs support for Israels mission to eradicate Hamas and bring the hostages home.

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JK Rowling has dared Scottish police to arrest her for her comments about transgender people - Samir Hussein/WireImage

Rishi Sunak has backed JK Rowling after she challenged Scottish police to use the SNPs new hate crime laws to arrest her for her views on transgender issues.

The Harry Potter author had said she was looking forward to being arrested after describing a series of transgender women as men on the day the new law came into force.

An SNP minister had earlier admitted that Rowling could be investigated under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act  which creates a new offence of stirring up of hatred for misgendering trans people.

However, the Prime Minister gave his support to Rowling saying that the Conservatives would alway protect free speech.

He said: People should not be criminalised for stating simple facts on biology. We believe in free speech in this country, and Conservatives will always protect it.

Rishi Sunak has shown support for JK Rowling - Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street

On Monday, Rowling had posted pictures of 10 high-profile trans people and ridiculed their claims to be women.

They included the double rapist Isla Bryson, whom she mockingly referred to as a lovely Scottish lass, and the TV personality India Willoughby.

At the end of the list, Rowling tweeted: April Fools! Only kidding. Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets arent women at all, but men, every last one of them.

She said: Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.

Im currently out of the country, but if what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment. She used the hashtag #arrestme.

Recommended

JK Rowling dares police to arrest her over SNP's new hate crime law

Read Rowling's tweets in full

After posting the list of trans women, Rowling said that the MSPs who voted for the new hate crime laws had placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their idea of femaleness, however misogynistically or opportunistically, than on the rights and freedoms of actual women and girls.

She said: The new legislation is wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence those of us speaking out about the dangers of eliminating womens and girls single-sex spaces, the nonsense made of crime data if violent and sexual assaults committed by men are recorded as female crimes, the grotesque unfairness of allowing males to compete in female sports, the injustice of womens jobs, honours and opportunities being taken by trans-identified men, and the reality and immutability of biological sex.

Police trained on Hate Crime Act for two hours

Humza Yousaf, the First Minister, oversaw the passage of the hate crime legislation at Holyrood in 2021, when he was justice secretary in Nicola Sturgeons government.

The Act was supported by almost all SNP and Labour MSPs. However, it did not come into force until Monday, as Police Scotland said it needed time for training. A third of officers have still not completed the two-hour training course.

The Act creates a criminal offence of stirring up of hatred, expanding on a similar offence based on racist abuse that has been on the statute book for decades.

The legislation extends this to other grounds on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity. Someone convicted of stirring up hate could face a fine and a prison term of up to seven years.

An amendment to add sex to the list of protected characteristics was voted down, despite cross-party MSPs raising concerns about why women were excluded.

Concerns have also been expressed that the legislations definition of a hate crime is too ambiguous, potentially leading to a chilling effect on freedom of speech and a torrent of vexatious complaints being made to police. In particular, Rowlings allies have suggested that trans activists have her in their sights.

Rowling said Scottish women had been pressured by the SNP Government and the police to deny the evidence of their eyes and ears, repudiate biological facts and embrace a neo-religious concept of gender that is unprovable and untestable.

The policy of self-identification had serious consequences for womens rights and safe spaces, she said, with the strongest impact being felt by female prisoners and rape survivors.

It is impossible to accurately describe or tackle the reality of violence and sexual violence committed against women and girls, or address the current assault on womens and girls rights, unless we are allowed to call a man a man, she said.

Alister Jack, the Scottish Secretary, added: It is a truly awful piece of legislation. It will place unnecessary pressure on our already overstretched police force and it will have a chilling effect on freedom of speech.

Scotland is famous for an irreverent sense of humour and a love of robust debate. I fear these great traits of ours will be crushed by this authoritarian Nationalist administration.

Siobhian Brown, the SNPs community safety minister, initially stated that misgendering would not at all fall foul of the legislation but then admitted it would be for the police to decide.

She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: It could be reported and it could be investigated. Whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland for that.

Siobhian Brown, the minister for victims and community safety, has said it would be up to police to decide if views on gender issues are criminal - sst/alamy live news

However, she said there was a very high threshold of criminality in the legislation of being threatening and abusive, and people would not be prosecuted for expressing a challenging or offensive opinion.

Justin Webb, who conducted the interview with Ms Brown, was found in February to have broken impartiality rules by calling trans women males on air.

The BBC upheld a complaint against the Today presenter after he said trans women, in other words, males on the Radio 4 programme last August.

A listener complained that the comment amounted to Mr Webb giving his personal view on a controversial matter in breach of the BBCs requirements on impartiality.

On Monday, protesters gathered outside the Scottish Parliament to demonstrate against the Acts introduction, but Mr Yousaf claimed it was needed thanks to a rising tide of hatred against the people because of their protected characteristics.

Protesters have come out in force against the SNP's Hate Crime Act - Lesley Martin/PA

Unless your behaviour is threatening or abusive and intends to stir up hatred, then you have nothing to worry about in terms of the new offence that has been created, he told Sky News.

Pressed on Rowlings views, he said the police would investigate if a crime had been committed and the Crown Office would decide if there is a sufficiency of evidence to charge.

Jim Sillars, the SNPs former deputy leader, has launched a campaign to resist the Hate Crime Act and campaign for its repeal. He said: Humza Yousafs Hate Crime Act inflicts a deep wound on the face of Scottish society.

Police Scotland did not reveal how many reports of crime it had received on the first day the act came into force.

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Commentary: Rowling's 'come and get me' retort to Hate Crime Act is direct challenge to Yousaf

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WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the appeal of a Minnesota woman who said she was wrongly denied unemployment benefits after being fired for refusing to be vaccinated for COVID-19 because of her religious beliefs.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development determined she wasnt eligible for benefits because her reasons for refusing the vaccine were based less on religion and more on a lack of trust that the vaccine was effective.

The case shows that the vaccine debate continues to smolder after the pandemic and after the Supreme Court in 2022 halted enforcement of a Biden administration vaccine-or-testing mandate for large employers but declined to hear a challenge to the administrations COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care facilities that receive federal funding.

Still pending is an appeal from military chaplains who challenged the militarys vaccination requirement. Although that requirement was later rescinded at the direction of Congress, the chaplains argue they lost out on training opportunities and promotions because they requested religious exemptions.

'Cancel culture' Supreme Court rejects case on dust-up between Catholic student and Native American

Minnesota said the unemployment benefit appeal denied Monday wasnt worth the Supreme Courts time because benefits have been given to others who were found to have a sincerely held religious objection to the vaccine, so theres no overarching question to address.

Lawyers for the Upper Midwest Law Center, which represented Tina Goede, had argued she was treated differently by the Minnesota courts than others who successfully appealed their denial of benefits.

Refusing to get vaccinated, fired from a pharmaceutical company

After refusing to get vaccinated, Goede was fired in 2022 from her job as an account sales manager for the pharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca. Her position had required her to meet with customers in hospitals and clinics, some of which required proof of vaccination.

A pharmacist gives a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot during an event hosted by the Chicago Department of Public Health at the Southwest Senior Center on September 09, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

She told the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development her religious beliefs prohibit injecting foreign substances into her body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

A Catholic opposed to abortion, Goede also objected to the COVID-19 vaccine because she believed it was manufactured using or tested on an aborted fetal-cell line. (A cell line from an abortion decades ago was used to create Johnson & Johnsons coronavirus vaccine. Fetal cells were used in the early testing, though not in the production, of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.)

But Goede told the unemployment law judge she wouldnt receive the vaccine no matter how it was made because it doesnt work.

The judge said Goede was declining to take some vaccines, but not others, because she does not trust them, not because of a religious belief.

2024 elections How the Supreme Court case on the abortion drug mifepristone could affect presidential contest

Goedes attorneys said the judge had interrogated her religious beliefs with unfair `gotcha questioning."

He couched his denial of benefits in Ms. Goedes credibility and then discounted her religious beliefs by determining that her secular beliefs outweighed them, the lawyers told the Supreme Court.

At the same time the Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld that decision last year, it reached the opposite conclusion for two others who had been denied benefits after asserting religious objections.

Goedes lawyers said her case presented a question that will reoccur: how to analyze a religious objection to an employer policy when those objections coincide with secular beliefs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court denies appeal COVID vaccine religious beliefs appeal
Floridas Supreme Court issued two rulings on abortion on Monday, upholding the states 15-week ban  and thus allowing a six-week ban to go into effect  while also saying Floridians can vote in November on an abortion-access amendment.

The states highest court said the wording in the proposed Amendment 4 is clear and unambiguous enough that Florida voters can decide on abortion access.

In upholding the states current 15-week ban on abortion, the court stated that the right to privacy included in Floridas constitution does not include abortion. The result: In 30 days, a six-week ban on abortion, known as the Heartbeat Protection Act, will go into effect and remain unless Florida voters approve Amendment 4.

Amendment 4 would protect access to the procedure until viability, which is estimated to be about 24 weeks of pregnancy. The initiative must receive support from 60% of Florida voters to be approved. If it passes, it would go into effect on Jan. 7, 2025.

The six-week ban, approved by Florida lawmakers in 2023 and on hold pending a decision on the 15-week challenge, will go into effect on May 1. It will be one of the most restrictive in the United States, requiring two doctors visits 24 hours apart.

The Florida Supreme Courts decision on abortion restrictions consciously rejects precedents under which it once held that the privacy clause guaranteed the right to receive an abortion through the end of the second trimester. The ruling redefines privacy in legal terms that exclude an expectant mothers decision to continue or terminate a pregnancy.

The ruling also cited the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision that found the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a federal right to an abortion. Because the Florida high courts previous rulings on medical privacy relied on the federal Roe v. Wade decision, and Roe v. Wade was overturned by Dobbs, Florida is now free to interpret its privacy clause on its own merits.

The court rulings on Monday triggered statements from politicans, doctors and activists on both sides of the abortion debate.

Advocates for reproductive freedom said they will now begin to make voters aware of whats at stake.

The attitude and will of Floridian is clear by the signatures collected  people want this choice on the 2024 ballot, said Emma Collum, founder of the Reproductive Freedom Collective of Broward County. Any other decision would have been overreach and against the will of the people.

Collum said she will now work with the many volunteers on both sides of the aisle to educate local voters about the amendment.

Many individuals still dont realize Roe v. Wade was overturned, let alone whats happening with abortion rights in Florida, she said.

Read the Florida Supreme Courts decision to allow voters to decide on abortion access

Along with the rulings on abortion, the Florida Supreme Court on Monday also issued an opinion in favor of allowing an amendment on the November 2024 ballot to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 or older.

Following the Monday rulings, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, held a news briefing to warn Florida voters about both amendments.

Voters need to be cautious because these amendments go farther than they appear on first glance, he said.I believe both will be voted down. These are activist-driven amendments and should be rejected by voters.

Anti-abortion advocates released a statement saying the courts upholding of restrictions is the direction Florida voters want. Todays victory for unborn children who have a heartbeat and can feel pain is in line with the views of the majority of Floridians who want to protect babies and serve mothers and families, said SBA Pro-Life America State Policy Director Katie Daniel of Tampa.

With a six-week ban now set to take effect on May 1, South Miami gynecologist Dr. Cecelia Grande referred to it during a news briefing as basically a complete ban.

This represents a big problem, she said. More than half of my patients do not have clue they are pregnant by six weeks. She added that the six-week ban will be concerning for doctors who will now have to provide further documentation when medical problems arise, and be particularly detrimental for women who are underinsured or uninsured.

Lauren Brenzel, campaign director of Floridians Protecting Freedom, said while her organization pushes forward to get Amendment 4 approved, the group also will work to help Florida women who want abortions after May 1 travel to other states to get them. North Carolina will be the closest southern state with less restrictive abortion access with its 12-week cutoff.

Floridas abortion access history

Abortion access fell to individual states to determine after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion.

Floridians Protecting Freedom had gathered and verified enough petition signatures to meet the requirements to get Amendment 4 on the November ballot. The committee announced the abortion-rights initiative in May after the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a law that prevents abortions in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy.

After the signature threshold is met for a proposed amendment, the Florida Supreme Court must decide whether the wording of ballot titles and summaries  the parts that voters see when they make a decision  meet legal tests.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody contended that justices should keep Amendment 4 off the ballot.

Supreme Court justices heard arguments from both sides last month, with proponents arguing Florida voters would know what they are agreeing to and that abortion access should be decided by the people of Florida rather than lawmakers. Moodys office argued the wording is too sweeping, ambiguous, and has implications voters would not realize.

The court stated it is obligated to uphold the proposal unless it is clearly and conclusively defective.'

Organizers of the ballot initiative say they are confident in the outcome now that abortion access will be determined by voters.

Most initiative campaigns never make it this far. The ones that do usually spend far more or take much longer to qualify, which is why were so confident that voters will approve our amendment once theyre given a chance to vote, said Brenzel, director of the campaign to put abortion access on the 2024 ballot in Florida.

An abortion ban tempered only by the right to vote on it | Editorial

If approved, Amendment 4 would nullify Floridas current 15-week abortion ban that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in 2022, and block the six-week ban that legislators passed last year and will go into effect May 1.

The Florida Supreme Court decisions today are causing severe whiplash for millions of women in Florida and the south, said Florida Congresswoman Lois Frankel. On the one hand, the Court is allowing a devastating, dangerous law to go into effect in 30 days, banning abortions before most women even know that they are pregnant. At the same time, the court will allow Floridians to overrule this treacherous law in the November election.

Frankel echoed the sentiment of abortion-rights advocates on Thursday who issued statements saying women in Florida must have the freedom to make their own decisions rather than letting politicians make health decisions for them.

There has been a major push across the country to put abortion-access questions to voters since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 4, 2022, and removed the nationwide right to abortion. If approved by voters, Florida would become the eighth state to guarantee women the right to abortion in its constitution. So far, out of seven states that have voted on abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned, all seven have approved it, including conservative states like Kansas, Kentucky, and most recently Ohio. Referendums to guarantee abortion rights are set for Maryland and New York.

Any change in abortion access in Florida would be felt out of state as well because the Sunshine State traditionally has been a haven for women in the southeastern U.S. seeking abortions. Nearby Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy. Georgia and South Carolina prohibit terminating pregnancies once a heartbeat can be detected.

Staff writer Rafael Olmeda contributed to this report.

Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.

Heres how the justices voted on the abortion issues:

Justices voted 6-1 to uphold the constitutionality of the 15-week abortion law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 with only Justice Jorge Labarga issuing a dissenting opinion. The ruling redefines privacy in legal terms that exclude an expectant mothers decision to continue or terminate a pregnancy. It veered away from precedent set in the 1980s that said the states right to privacy protected the a decision to terminate a pregnancy.

Justices voted 4-3 to allow Amendment 4 on the ballot. The justices concluded the amendment does not violate the single-subject criteria, meets the word count requirement, and fairly informs the voter of the chief purpose of the amendment. In its conclusion, the justices said no rehearing will be permitted.
To sign an agreement, there are important points on which there must be consensus.

he Foreign Minister of the Armenian Republic, Ararat Mirzoyan, said in an interview with Argentina's Todos Noticias TV channel

In particular, we are talking about the need for mutual recognition of borders and delimitation according to the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1991, the FM added.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A suspect accused of a carjacking and a gas station robbery in Abilene has been arrested.

Keenan Robertson, 18, of Sweetwater was taken into custody on charges for Aggravated Robbery and Evading Arrest following an incident at an apartment complex on the 5200 block of Hartford Street Sunday.

A police report states Robertson is accused of holding a victim at gunpoint at the apartment complex, stealing his cell phone and vehicle before fleeing the scene.

The vehicle was recovered a short time later, according to the report, which states investigators then contacted Robertson and learned he had also been involved in a convenience store robbery earlier in the week.

No further information has been released, but additional charges against Robertson are pending.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Authorities say a man was arrested Monday after he attempted to storm the FBI office in Atlanta, ramming his vehicle into the buildings gates.

The man, who was not affiliated with the FBI and has not been identified, allegedly drove to the facility tailing an employee, attempting to bypass security gates just after noon Monday. When security barriers were raised, he rammed into them. Nearby FBI agents quickly apprehended the man, the agency said.

The FBI said his motive is unknown and the agency is working with local law enforcement on criminal charges. As a precaution, a bomb team cleared the vehicle, the agency said.

The agency added that the man was taken to a local hospital for a medical and mental evaluation.

Developing...

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Suspect in highway killing first came to U.S. as a child

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The native of Mexico who confessed to killing his girlfriend along US-131 in Grand Rapids initially entered the United States illegally as a child but was allowed to stay as a so-called Dreamer, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said on Monday.

ICE officials wouldnt say when 25-year-old Brandon Ortiz-Vite first entered the U.S. illegally as a child or when he was approved to stay under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, more commonly known as DACA.

Man admitted to shooting woman, leaving body beside freeway, records show

A former classmate told Target 8 she went to middle school with him in the city of Wyoming.

An undated image of Ruby Garcia. (March 25, 2024)

Ortiz-Vite is in the Kent County jail, facing five charges, including felony murder and carjacking in the March 22 death of 25-year-old Ruby Garcia. Prosecutors have said they were in a relationship.

Family: Woman found dead on highway loved to make people laugh

DACA was created in 2012 by an executive order signed by then-President Barack Obama. It allowed so-called Dreamers brought to the U.S. illegally as children to get work permits and remain in the country as long as they are living constructive lives. They were allowed to seek renewals every two years.

ICE told Target 8 that Ortiz-Vites DACA status expired in May 2019. By that time, he had already served 30 days in jail after a property crime conviction in the city of Wyoming in 2018. Its not clear why he wasnt deported then.

More than a year later, the day after his August 2020 arrest in Grand Rapids for impaired driving and driving without a valid license, he was arrested by immigration officers. An immigration judge ordered him deported and he was sent back to Mexico that September.

Immigration officials say its not clear when he returned to the U.S. illegally.

A ruling by a federal court in Texas in 2021 blocked ICE from granting new DACA requests, though it continues to consider renewals for people already in the country. An estimated 600,000 people are living in the U.S. under the program.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A suspect in a string of burglaries in Southwest Portland was arrested early Monday morning, authorities said.

According to Portland police, at around 5 a.m. Monday officers served a warrant at the apartment of Virginia M. Kellison, 38, on Southwest Barbur Boulevard.

Gov. Kotek signs bill to reverse Measure 110, recriminalizing small-quantity drug possession

Kellison is suspected to be behind numerous burglaries that totaled to more than $50,000 worth of stolen goods.

Ron Connell has been the owner of Other Worlds Games and Comics for nearly 20 years, but between November and January, he was burglarized four times.

Surveillance video shows the burglar break through the glass door to get into the store, stealing Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering cards worth roughly $30,000.

Why would you do this when you know its going to hurt people? Why do you want to hurt us and see us fail? Connel said. Because thats whats ultimately going to happen to all the small businesses that youve hit.

Portland police search the apartment of suspected serial burglar Virginia Kellison after her arrest, April 1, 2024 (PPB)

Portland police search the apartment of suspected serial burglar Virginia Kellison after her arrest, April 1, 2024 (PPB)

Portland police search the apartment of suspected serial burglar Virginia Kellison after her arrest, April 1, 2024 (PPB)

Portland police search the apartment of suspected serial burglar Virginia Kellison after her arrest, April 1, 2024 (PPB)



Police said that Kellison is also suspected of being behind other burglaries in Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Sherwood, Salem, McMinnville, and Southwest Washington.

Kellison was booked on charges including four counts of second-degree burglary, four counts of first-degree theft, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief.

Authorities ask anyone with information about Kellison to contact police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The Swedish government has allocated approximately SEK 40 million (US$3.7 million) for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Source: The Ministry for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, citing the Swedish government, as reported by European Pravda.

Stockholm is providing this support through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

In December 2023, Sweden allocated SEK 1.4 billion to Ukraine, which included support for the country's population during the winter months.

Last week, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson confirmed that Sweden was not ruling out the possibility of supplying its Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine after the country finally joins the North Atlantic Alliance.

Separately, Jonson emphasised that Europe should strengthen its military support to Ukraine and "compensate for the decreasing part of this support," referring to the United States.

Background:

The provision of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine was discussed during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Sweden in August 2023.

In the autumn, the media reported that the Swedish government was cautiously carrying out the groundwork for the potential delivery of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

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In March 2024, Sweden became NATOs 32nd member state after a lengthy application process triggered by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Joining the alliance comes at arguably the most turbulent time in European security since the end of the Cold War, with Russia scaling up its military industrial complex as it continues to advance in Ukraine, and European leaders starting to openly discuss the threat of war.

Despite not yet being a member state, Stockholm has regularly contributed top-of-the line military equipment to Ukraine, including the Archer self-propelled howitzer and CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, both regarded as some of the most advanced products in their class in the world.

Sweden, through the factory of Norwegian defense company Nammo, is also home to one of the largest producers in Europe of 155mm artillery shells.

The plant is now working on a 24/7 schedule to increase production, but questions remain as to whether the company is able to do more.

On Feb. 20, Stockholm announced its largest ever single aid package, worth $682 million, including air defense, anti-tank weapons, boats, and more.

One much-awaited announcement is still yet to come though: Swedish-built Gripen fighter jets, which military analysts have argued would better suit Ukraines air force than the already-pledged F-16s.

The Kyiv Independent spoke to Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson on March 28 in Stockholm.

The Kyiv Independent: Firstly, congratulations on joining NATO. Can you tell us about how it feels and what it means for Sweden's trajectory going forward in history?



Pal Jonson: It means that Sweden is going to be safer, and NATO is going to be stronger with us inside the alliance. We are now covered by Article 5 and NATO's common defense planning; it's going to bring stability and security to the whole northern flank. Our armed forces have a high degree of interoperability, we've been exercising before, and we've been taking part in NATO's crisis amendments operations. Now we're also covered by the regional plans, and that's good for our security. It's a big juncture with our past because were coming from 200 years of military non-alignment. But due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it became evident for the Swedish population, but also for the political parties, that we needed NATO full-fledged membership.

The Kyiv Independent: We last spoke in Munich just a month ago, and there was a very gloomy atmosphere. How is it on your end behind the scenes a month after Munich? Do you feel things are moving in a more positive direction? What kind of action is being taken in the European community?

Pal Jonson: We presented our 15th support package to Ukraine, which was the biggest so far. It was important for us to do that in order to compensate; now that some of the support (around the world) has been going down, then we have to step up. Whats happened after that, of course, is that we've been receiving funding from the EU to ramp up production of 155mm caliber ammunition, which is necessary both for replenishing our own stocks and providing more ammunition to Ukraine.



We have also joined the Czech initiative to provide artillery ammunition from third countries as well. Things are mixed right now; I know that its been very hard in Ukraine. Of course, it's very encouraging what you (Ukraine) have been doing to be able to push away the Russian Black Sea Navy.

Read also: Our reserves will run out: Ukrainian artillery sounds alarm on Western shell shortage

The Kyiv Independent: I was going to mention the initiative from Czech President Pavel to fund these shells. Many people were surprised how quickly countries came together to work on this. Why do you think that's happened now, and how involved is Sweden in the actual process of delivering them?

Pal Jonson: It was a very good initiative at the previous meeting with President Pavel when I was in Munich. He came and presented this initiative; it's good for several reasons. One thing is, of course, it's good that we're ramping up production inside Europe, but that's going to take time. That's going to take until next year or the year after. Then we're going to be able to triple (production), but here you can provide ammunition quickly, and we think that is very commendable, and we can do that without taking too much of our own stock. So we very much applaud the initiative by the Czech Republic in this regard. We've tasked our procurement agency FMV to establish a contract with their Czech counterparts. We can already provide the funding, and we could get things going within a few months. And I think that's absolutely crucial because Ukrainian soldiers need ammunition, particularly 155mm and 152mm.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Swedish counterpart Pal Jonson sign a memorandum of understanding on March 5, 2024, at Karlberg Castle in Stockholm, Sweden. (Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: Speaking of 155mm. We also know that Stockholm is working directly with Nammo to increase the production of shells here in Sweden. We've read that they are working around the clock, they're increasing the shifts. But can you tell us if there are plans to actually build new production facilities and assembly lines for these shells? Because if it just shifts, then there's an upper limit.

Pal Jonson: First, I understand Nammo has more than doubled its production. They're working five shifts at the level they haven't been working for decades. Aside from that, we're going to provide funding from the EU and the Swedish state to invest straight into the production facilities so they can ramp up production. They estimate that they can triple the production within a few years. We're doing this on a Swedish basis, but similar measures have also been taking place in Norway and Finland. I know they're all also opening a new ammunition plant in Denmark. So, things are progressing quite quickly.

Sweden is also leading an initiative called NORDEFCO++, which is five Nordics plus the Baltic countries, the Netherlands, the U.S., and the U.K., seeing how we can coordinate procurement. Then we can do joint procurement together, we can place bigger orders, which is good for the industry because then we can be prioritized, we can push the price a little bit, which means we get more ammunition, and they can ramp up production. So, several initiatives are taking place on a Nordic-Baltic basis as well.

Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson addresses a press conference as a new support package for Ukraine is presented on Feb. 20, 2024, at the Berga Naval Base, part of the Swedish Armed Forces, located south of Stockholm. (Jonathan Nackstrand /AFP via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: After your meeting last month with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine, the press release said there were discussions about future joint production and weapon production initiatives between Sweden and Ukraine. Can you give us details about how advanced those plans might be and what area they'll focus on? More artillery, drones, or vehicles?



Pal Jonson: I think we stand open for any kind of collaboration.



I think it's good we're in the drone coalition together. We're learning a lot from the Ukrainian side. You're also now part of the ninth family member of the CV90s, from which we get reports continuously, which makes us able to refit the CV90s according to the experiences from the battlefield in Ukraine. In addition, I know the CEO of SAAB and BAE SYSTEMS, BAE Systems Hagglunds, BAE Systems Bofors, and also the head of the Swedish procurement agency were in Kyiv a few weeks ago to discuss these matters further, such as how we can ramp up production and what kind of joint production we could have as well.

(LtoR) Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, his Norwegian counterpart Bjorn Arild Gram, and their Swedish counterpart Pal Jonson pose and shake hands ahead of a demonstration of border crossing by Swedish and Finnish troops as part of the NATO Nordic Response 24 military exercise on March 9, 2024, on the Finnish side of the Kivilompolo border crossing between Finland and Norway, located above the Arctic Circle. (Jonathan Nackstrand /AFP via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: There was this article about a week ago in the Financial Times about Washington potentially discouraging Kyiv from long-range strikes with their own drones at oil refineries in Russia. What is Sweden's position on this?

Pal Jonson: Our position is that Ukraine has the right to defend itself; it's being exposed to an illegal and unprovoked invasion. And as far as I understand, that, according to international law, provides you with the rights you need to protect yourself.

Read also: Ukrainian drones hit one Russian oil refinery after another

The Kyiv Independent: Finally, you mentioned the Gripen fighter jet training program earlier. Now, there's more and more noise in the Swedish parliament that this should be moved forward, and of course, Sweden has now joined NATO. Is there a specific reason at the moment getting in the way of a political announcement, or is there work being done to move this forward behind the scenes?



Pal Jonson: As we said, one of the conditions was, of course, for us to be covered by Article 5, and then it is NATO common defense planning until such a decision could be made. We've also been saying, within the fighter jet coalitions, there are deliberations about how we best could support the work that's going on right now to provide you (Ukraine) with the F-16, but I don't exclude the possibility of providing you with Gripen or other platforms as well. But deliberations are ongoing, and they take place within the fighter jet coalition.

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Francis Farrell, cheers for reading this article. We are in new phase of the war, which could potentially be stranger, tougher, and more uncertain than it has ever been so far. In a time when instability around the world is growing, and attention is fading when it is needed the most, please consider supporting our reporting.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ski resorts across Switzerland offered the free lift passes to politicians for many years - SINENKIY/ISTOCKPHOTO

Switzerlands top seven federal ministers are to lost their free access to the countrys ski resorts after criticism the perk was inappropriate when many taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet.

For years, Switzerlands ski lift operators handed out free lift passes to the federal councillors, who serve as the countrys collective head of state, and their families. The perk was also extended to retired ministers and numerous officials in Swiss cantons.

When the existence of the perk was revealed by national broadcaster RTS and criminal proceedings began over a potential conflict of interest, the government simply passed on the bill  some 4,234 Swiss francs (3,721) per person  to the taxpayer by having it covered by the state budget.

Asked why he should keep it, Christophe Darbellay, a minister in the canton of Valais, sparked mockery by insisting free lift passes were a long-standing custom, totally transparent.

He added: Its a working tool, and I have a great many meetings with company directors and mayors on the slopes.

Christophe Darbellay defended the principle of the free lift passes - FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Now the Federal Council has ruled that starting next year, the free lift passes will be scrapped, along with another perk granting councillors free access to a special box in Bernes municipal theatre.

Critics had pointed out that the federal councillors should have no difficulty paying for their own passes given their vast annual salaries of more than 400,000 francs.

Thomas Blasi, a national councillor, said: In a period of opulence, it is understandable that there should be some advantages at the head of the state.

But in the current situation, I would consider it normal for our politicians, who are particularly well paid, to make an effort; theres no need to spend taxes on that.

The controversy had deepened in the wake of last months referendum in which Swiss voters overwhelmingly backed a proposal to increase pensions by adding a 13th month each year starting from 2026 to help the aged deal with the rising cost of living  against the wishes of the Right-wing coalition government.

Referendum interventions angered voters

The pension boost will cost the state up to five billion francs extra per year.

During the referendum campaign, Right-wing parties and employers spared no effort in seeking to dissuade their fellow citizens from voting for such French-style statism.

They wheeled out five former ministers, two of whom were in their eighties and had long since retired from the affairs of state, to warn of the risk of an impending collapse of the system.

But their strategy provoked anger from the electorate at being lectured by retired officials who enjoy an annual pension of 230,000 francs for life and often supplement this with seats on the boards of some of the countrys most powerful companies. These retired federal councillors also enjoyed free access to ski lifts.

Despite the loss of the free ski lifts, ministers and their partners and predecessors will continue to enjoy free first class train travel around Switzerland for life.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Taser policies to change as part of $150K settlement in 'Black man walking at night' case

The Cincinnati Police Department will change its policies surrounding repeated Taser use as part of a $150,000 settlement with an autistic man, who according to his attorneys, was unjustifiably attacked by two officers in 2019 while simply walking home.

Brandon Davis

The policy changes and settlement were finalized when Brandon Davis' federal lawsuit was formally dismissed Monday in federal court in Cincinnati.

The civil rights lawsuit was filed in 2021 and alleged false arrest, unreasonable seizure and malicious prosecution. Davis, who is Black, initially faced charges including resisting arrest and jaywalking, but was acquitted of all charges at trial.

Attorneys for Davis said the two officers pursued "false charges" against him to justify their actions.

His attorneys said he lives with and depends on his mother for basic needs, had no criminal record and did not engage in any behavior that justified arrest or use of force. The lawsuit said he was targeted "for no reason other than he happened to be a Black man walking at night."

How the incident unfolded

The incident happened after 11 p.m. on Feb. 4, 2019. Davis, then 32, was walking from a friend's apartment to the home in Millvale he shared with his mother when the two officers approached him.

Davis was walking a predetermined route home, as part of a safety routine he had established with his mother, according to his attorneys. That route went along, but not through, a park. The police union said at the time that the officers saw him leaving the park, which the union described as a high crime area.

Image from body camera video showing the February 2019 arrest of Brandon Davis.

After Davis was asked what he was doing and replied that he hadn't done anything wrong, the officers rapidly approached him, shoved him into a chain-link fence, and one of the officers used a Taser on him. Davis was then shoved to the ground. One officer held Davis down with a knee in Davis' back while the second officer again shocked him with the Taser.

Davis was shocked seven times in two minutes and 14 seconds, according to his attorneys. The officers, they said, gave him competing commands.

More: Body camera video showing the arrest of autistic man

The Citizen Complaint Authority ultimately found that Officers Emily Heine and Weston Voss used excessive force but they were never disciplined, according to Davis' attorneys.

A spokeswoman for the city declined to comment. A police spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Davis: 'I'm still scared today'

In a statement, Davis said he hopes that the policy changes resulting from his lawsuit "will help protect other people from police abuse and violence."

"I shouldn't have had to go through that. I was just walking home," he said. "I'm still scared today because of what they did to me. I don't want it to happen to anybody else."

An attorney for Davis, Jacqueline Greene, said the settlement marks the city's commitment to change the way its officers use Tasers.

Before this case, Greene said, there were no written rules controlling the repeated use of Tasers by officers.

"In Brandon's case, that led to repeated, terrifying and tortuous Taser use for over two minutes, without allowing Brandon the chance to comply and without acknowledging that the Taser use itself caused him to be unable to do what Heine and Voss were ordering him to do while they continued to tase him," she said.

Greene said police now must allow anyone the opportunity to comply with orders before officers use their Tasers.

"Officers will be forced to assess whether their Taser use itself has affected a person's ability to comply before an officer can pull the trigger again," she said. "We also hope for a day when all Cincinnati police officers cease targeting young Black men for simply walking down the street."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police to change Taser policies as part of $150K settlement
The idea got tossed out during an offhand Instagram chat:

Is Taylor Swift, the billionaire pop superstar, the champion of womens empowerment, the cultural dynamo creeping into every corner of American consciousness, actually a government tool for mind control?

True or ludicrous, it made Chris Musina chuckle.

And as a Chapel Hill artist with a knack for making T-shirts with logos that grab attention like a finger to the eyeball, he whipped up a quick design.

In it, the winner of 14 Grammys glowers over her shoulder, eyes glowing read. Taylor Swift is a CIA PsyOp, reads the caption.

I added CIA, Musina said. Mostly, its funny.

His jokey creation turned popular, selling well at punk-rock flea markets. The funny thing: Musinas gag took off months before the real Taylor Swift conspiracy theories started circulating, long before anyone on the political right suggested Swift was a plant designed to hypnotize the nation into voting for President Biden and embracing woke-ness.

You never know how seeds get planted

Back in Chapel Hill, where he teaches painting and drawing classes at UNC-Chapel Hill, Musina half-wonders if he accidentally started the whole thing.

You never know how seeds get planted, he said. Shes a billionaire. I dont think shes a plant. I wouldnt doubt that her people and people in the government, Bidens people, have talked. That seems a no-brainer. ... Im sure Trumps people are talking to Kid Rocks.

But then last week, Musina got a call from a TV crew for Enquete Exclusive  a sort-of French version of 60 Minutes. Having seen his shirts, they wanted to interview him for an upcoming segment on American conspiracies, and it wasnt entirely clear from the call if they took the PsyOp stuff seriously or assumed that he did.

I think theres a bit of trying to get into peoples heads, he said. Theyve talked to Swifties, theyve talked to former Trump officials ....

Regardless, Musina put out a casting-call on Instagram: Want to be part of a French documentary about Taylor Swift being a PsyOp? ... Msg if you have any conspiracy theories plz!

A few people came for the filming, and they made for a pleasant chat  more about the nature of conspiracy than the makeup of Taylor Swift.

Ridiculous conspiracies vs. the truth

The more ridiculous the premise, the more inviting the conspiracy. The truth is never as enticing.

It was much more fun theorizing that Deep Throat was President Nixon himself, rather than the dull truth that the secret Watergate source was just a high-ranking FBI guy nobody had ever heard of.

It was much more fun imagining that Princess Kate had gotten lost in a Willy Wonka theme park or jetted off to Brazil for cosmetic surgery rather than the sad truth that shed been diagnosed with cancer.

And really, the reason a Taylor Swift conspiracy theory is so delicious to entertain is its utter lack of believability. As Musina noted, the idea is funny because, on its face, its preposterous.

Taylor Swift is almost not doing anything, he said, because she has this giant platform and the only thing she offers is, Support the LGBTQ community, which most of her fans already do. Shes not doing anything risky. Shes not Madonna. Shes not Michael Moore at the Oscars. She says a little thing, and she does it, and it goes away, and it probably goes through a committee. On our side of it, the PsyOp is kind of placating people.

People like the shirt, Musina said, because its a conversation-starter  in this case, an international conversation. Here I am, 600 words later, still talking about whats essentially a casual joke.

Unless it isnt.

Unless Im not really typing this.

Unless Ive cryptically encoded the lyrics to Shake It Off inside every paragraph. Its so catchy, isnt it?
Teenage driver killed in crash that leaves two others hospitalized, SC officials say

A teenage girl was killed in a Sunday crash that left two other people hospitalized, South Carolina officials said.

Grace I. Segovia, a 17-year-old Moncks Corner resident, died in the accident, Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell said Monday in a news release.

The two-vehicle collision happened in Berkeley County, according to Lance Cpl. Brittany Glover of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

At about 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Segovia was driving 2020 Chevrolet Traverse east on Treeland Drive in Ladson, Glover said. Near the intersection with College Park Road, the Chevy attempted to pass a 2017 BMW SUV that was also heading east on Treeland Drive, according to Glover.

The SUVs collided and ran off the right side of the road where they crashed into a tree, Glover said.

Segovia died at the scene, the coroners office said.

Glover said there were two people in the BMW, and both were hurt and taken to an area hospital. Further information on their conditions was not available.

No other injuries were reported.

There was no word if any of the people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts.

The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office, Berkeley County EMS, and Caromi Fire Department responded to the crash, which continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol and coroners office.

Through Wednesday, 193 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 999 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least seven people have died in Berkeley County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 60 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS reported.
On Sunday, March 24, Brazil woke up to the news of the arrest of two veteran politicians and a former Civil Police commissioner from Rio de Janeiro, implicated in the 2019 murder of city councilor Marielle Franco. The arrest of the politicians was expected, but the commissioners arrest was not. Police believe these arrests will be crucial in finally solving the puzzle of this high-profile political assassination. The confession by triggerman Ronnie Lessa, a military cop turned hitman, spilled all the details about the murder plot and execution, and subsequent efforts to obstruct the investigation.

The motive

The murder motive was brewed from Rios noxious concoction of criminal real estate interests, political turmoil and corruption. Leftist city councilor Marielle Franco had gone after two corrupt politicians and brothers  Joao Francisco Brazao (a national congressman) and Domingos Brazao (an advisor to the Court of Auditors of the State of Rio de Janeiro). The brothers from Jacarepagua (a sprawling Rio suburb) decide to retaliate against Franco for opposing their 2018 bill to legalize illegal construction projects.

The plot

The Brazao brothers hired Ronnie Lessa, a retired military police officer known for his sharpshooting skills, now working as a hitman. They also enlisted Rival Barbosa, then homicide chief of the Civil Police, to help plan the crime and coverup. Domingos Brazao emerged as a suspect early in the investigation. When Lessa decided to confess after five years in prison, he revealed that the Brazaos ordered him not to commit the crime near City Hall, as the political implications would involve the Federal Police. Everyone wanted the case to remain under Commissioner Barbosas local jurisdiction.

Mural of Marielle Franco in Sao Paulo. Isaac Fontana (EFE)

Lessa, who had lost a leg in a revenge attack, went to a remote ravine to test the submachine gun he would use to murder Franco. As payment, the Brazaos offered him some rezoned plots of land.

Its no great shock that politicians and police in Rio de Janeiro are involved in illicit activities. The first samba ever recorded, Pelo telefone (By Telephone, in English), sang about this type of corruption in 1916 (available for listening in Brazils National Library).

The infiltration

The Brazaos hired a militiaman to infiltrate Francos political party and monitor her closely as they worked on their plan. In Brazil, a militiaman is a security forces agent who switches sides and joins a paramilitary force. Some retire from official duty first, while others work both jobs at the same time. They get government pay to protect the public while extorting and killing for organized crime groups.

Franco stood out in a city government dominated by white men. A Black woman raised in Mare, one of Rios large favelas (slums), she was the bisexual mother of a teenager, warrior against police abuse, and defender of LGBTQ+ rights. Her fellow councilors included Joao Francisco Brazao and Carlos Bolsonaro, son of the far-right ex-president, Jair Bolsonaro.

The assassination

On the night of March 14, 2018, Franco had just left a debate and was in a car driven by Anderson Torres. Sitting in the back with Franco was her press secretary. Torres navigates through traffic in downtown Rio, while Lessa follows in another car with his military police buddy, Elcio Queiroz. As they approach a curve, Queiroz pulls up next to Francos car. Lessa fires 13 bullets from the back seat. Four bullets hit Franco, killing her instantly. Torres is also killed but the press secretary miraculously survives.

A Salgueiro samba team pays tribute to Marielle Franco at Carnaval in 2019. Silvia Izquierdo

From the outset, it was obvious that this wasnt a typical murder, but a professional hit. The coverup and sabotage of the investigation geared up immediately. The surveillance cameras pervasive on Brazils streets werent working. And the day before the crime, Commissioner Barbosa was promoted from homicides to chief of Rios Civil Police.

The day after

Marielle Franco was a left-wing politician and a relative unknown beyond Rio. As the extreme right gained ground and corrupt police gangs strengthened their grip on Rio, the assassination garnered national media attention.

The day after the assassination, the new police commissioner received Francos shocked and grieving inner circle, offering false sympathy and promises. He told my husband and me that solving the murder was a matter of honor, Francos mother said earlier this week. At that meeting with Barbosa were Anielle Franco, Marielles sister and current Minister of Racial Equality; Marielles partner, Monica Benicio, an architect who later became a city councilor, and Marielles political mentor. They all took Barbosa at his word, placing their trust in him.

The news of Barbosas arrest hit Francos family and friends like a nuclear bomb. No one should die like that. Having the audacity to plan it, give the green light, then casually sit with my mom for coffee and promise to crack the case? What kind of world are we living in? asked Anielle. The picture of the commissioner, sitting on a couch with Francos parents, has been widely circulated since the arrest.

Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco holds an illustration memorializing her sister, Marielle. Matheus Alves

Red herrings

The Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro has the jurisdiction, ability and credibility to provide the necessary response to this crime, Barbosa solemnly proclaimed. Many people naturally doubted his words, and with good reason  Barbosa is now the fourth head of Rios police force to go to prison in recent years. The state has one of the lowest crime solving rates in the country. Barbosa began to feed an investigator some false suspicions that were noted in a confidential report. Then the case went cold for weeks.

A month after the murder, Barbosa planted a false witness  another military police officer  who implicated a city councilor and a militiaman in his testimony. A few media outlets reported the story, but an internal affairs investigation discredited this testimony and the witness later admitted to lying out of revenge. Evidence and suspects phones go missing from policy custody.

Tourists experiencing Rio de Janeiros vibrant Copacabana beaches and lively Carnaval celebrations rarely see the citys dark underbelly. Behind the scenes lie entrenched mafia clans, an illicit lottery known as jogo do bicho, clashes between drug cartels and corrupt police factions, and much more. The resulting violence stemming from these turf wars and illegal enterprises is a grim everyday reality.

One year later

Franco becomes a rallying cry of unity for Brazils left after Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right, retired military officer from Rio, becomes president. Two days before the anniversary of the murder, Lessa and his driver were arrested following an anonymous tip.

The case then began to take a series of twists and turns. One prosecutor after another was assigned to the case, and two finally obtained a conviction of the perpetrators. In 2021, both resigned citing external interference. The case became a political hot potato.

A protester with Marielle written on her arm in reference to the murdered Marielle Franco Marcelo Sayao (EFE)

Small fry

Over the past six years, the police have arrested additional suspects linked to the murder. A fire department sergeant was jailed for providing the getaway car, concealing weapons, and aiding in their disposal. The owner of the workshop where the getaway car was dismantled was also jailed.

A new president

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva beats Bolsonaro and becomes president. Lula appoints the Francos sister to his cabinet, and his new Minister of Justice, a former judge, immediately vows to get the Federal Police involved in the case. The new government promises results by the sixth anniversary of the murder, but the date comes and goes with no progress. The big break comes 10 days later.

Big fish

The hitmans confession to the Federal Police reveals the masterminds behind Francos death. To prevent leaks, the Federal Police decide to arrest the trio on a Sunday morning. Shortly after dawn, the two shady politicians and trusted former commissioner are arrested in their homes.

For 2,002 days, many people have been wondering: Who killed Marielle? Who wanted her dead? And why? Now, some of them feel a sense of relief.

Powerful bosses

A look at the fine print of this murder reveals the considerable influence wielded by political figures in Brazil, no matter how tarnished their reputations. Domingos Brazao is serving a six-year suspension from his role at the Rio Audit Court due to a corruption scandal. Despite this, he continues to draw a hefty monthly salary from the court of almost $8,000, and recently won a legal battle entitling him to compensation for 420 unused vacation days, worth an additional $115,000.

In Brasilia, Congress continues to discuss the fate of Joao Francisco Brazaos seat as both brothers are now in maximum security prisons. The president of the Chamber of Deputies lamely said, Its a difficult, sensitive case for all of us, clearly showing that the distinguished legislators are terrified of setting a precedent. Every member of Congress has received a copy of the 479-page police report.

A woman and several children walk in front of a mural by Marielle Franco in Rio de Janeiro. Leonardo Carrato

Joao Francisco Brazao, who was expelled from his party, joined a video call from prison in late March where his colleagues were debating what to do about his vacated seat. Brazao told them he had a positive relationship with Marielle Franco when both served on the Rio City Council, and that their disagreements were minor matters. He asked for his statement to be included in the official meeting minutes.

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BALTIMORE  A temporary shipping channel opened Monday in the Port of Baltimore to clear a path for responders trying to salvage the Francis Scott Key Bridge as well as the ship that struck it.

The Dali, a Singapore-flagged vessel, has been aground in the Patapsco River since March 26, when it struck one of the bridges support columns and toppled the bridge. Workers removed on Sunday the first part of the bridge from the ships bow, which is weighed down by parts of the downed structure. Officials also conducted a grounding survey to determine the hardness of the ground around the vessel.

On Monday, Coast Guard Petty Officer Kimberly Reaves said officials planned to open a channel in the Patapsco River solely for emergency response vessels. The channel opened later Monday morning, according to the Coast Guard. It is 11 feet deep, 264 feet wide, and have a vertical clearance of 96 feet.

This is not large in regards to the size of most vessels, Reaves said of the channel measurements in an email.

The channel will only for be commercially essential vehicles, or emergency response vessels, and will be closed off to all other public vessels, she said.

Officials anticipate keeping it open until the full channel is open, Reaves said. Emergency responders include police and fire officials in addition to unified command officials with the Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Dalis owner and shipper.

The main channel into the Port of Baltimore has been blocked since the Dali struck the bridge shortly before 1:30 a.m. on March 26. The main channel is 50 feet deep, requiring any ship carrying cargo to have a draft lower than that to clear it, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Draft refers to the amount of feet that a ship is under water.

Gov. Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, both Democrats, said Sunday that their main priority was to reopen the port as soon as possible and support the families of six men who lost their lives when the bridge collapsed. Some 15,000 workers have been idled since the port closed, prompting Maryland lawmakers to draft legislation providing temporary relief.

The city, state, and Baltimore County are also working with the Small Business Administration to extend relief loans to businesses impacted by the closure. SBA administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman said Sunday the agency will operate a business recovery center at Dundalk Renaissance in Dundalk starting Monday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be closed on Sunday.

The federal government also approved on Thursday an initial $60 million to cover the ongoing salvaging operation.

______
SACRAMENTO, California  California could become home to the nations most sweeping assisted dying policies with a new bill that would allow dementia patients and out-of-state residents to end their lives here.

First, the proposal will have to overcome opposition from the states influential religious and disability rights groups. It could also face pushback from doctors and hospitals that have historically been hesitant to loosen rules around the process.

Introduced in March by a first-term lawmaker  an attorney with a background in estate planning the proposal would enable people without a specific terminal prognosis to request life-ending drugs, a lower threshold than any of the other 10 states that currently allow some form of aid-in-dying.

Its about personal autonomy and making decisions about your own exit from your one precious life on your own terms, San Diego-area state Senator Catherine Blakespear said in an interview.

Blakespear is motivated in part by her experience as an attorney working with clients planning end-of-life care who are forced to leave the ultimate decisions of their passing in the hands of others through advanced directives.

Her proposal faces strong opposition, including from some who support current state law that allows adults in California to request lethal medication as long as they are able to make their own decisions, swallow the drug themselves and are expected to die within six months from a terminal disease.

California has allowed limited use of self-administered lethal medication after intense debate, fueled by concerns that patients  especially those with disabilities  would be too quick to end their own lives or would do so under pressure from others. Opponents also believe the practice is wrong for religious or moral reasons. Since the law was enacted eight years ago, around 3,350 people have officially used medication to end their lives.

As California promotes choice in reproductive health, Blakespear is hoping the state is well poised to make assisted end-of-life more widely available under those same ideals. But the oppositions concerns have lingered, even as the practice becomes more widely accepted, and more in demand by an aging population.

Certainly our perspective is that we dont want the End of Life Options Act at all, I think weve made that very clear, said Kathleen Domingo, the executive director of the California Catholic Conference said about the 2016 law. And this is a really far, far reaching expansion.



The six-month timeline is arbitrary to Blakespear, who wants options available to people before theyre that close to death. Suffering until youre in hospice care is too long to wait for relief, she said.

Her proposal, Senate Bill 1196, eases the restrictions on eligibility and the timeline around when patients can request a prescription for life-ending medication. Instead of a terminal illness with six months left, Blakespear wants a scenario where it is available to people with grievous and irremediable medical conditions, a change that means people who are declining or suffering without relief can be eligible if theyre reasonably expected to die from the disease, even if the timeline is unclear.

Patients would no longer need to be residents of California, opening the practice up to out-of-state people. It also allows patients to opt for self-administered intravenous drugs, instead of just pills.

Perhaps the most controversial part of an already explosive proposal is allowing early and mid-stage dementia patients to request the medication while they still have the faculties to do so. Because of the cognitive decline with Alzheimer's and dementia, people with those conditions are basically disqualified from using this option, Blakespear said. Instead, families often have to wait until the very end and provide comfort care where they stop giving nutrition and let a person pass naturally, essentially dying of starvation. Thats a horror to Blakespear.

Including dementia patients is a bridge too far for critics, including those who generally advocate letting people end their lives with medication. That provision has caused Compassion & Choices, the main group that lobbies for end of life options around the country, to come out against the bill.

Though we recognize the proposed amendments intend to provide more options for people living with dementia, it's imperative to approach this issue carefully and with compassion, the group said in a statement. However, expanding medical aid in dying is not a suitable solution.

Instead, they advocate for more dementia-specific advanced care planning.

Keeping dementia patients out of this discussion is the rare occasion the California Catholic Conference and the pro-aid in dying group are on the same page. Domingo said that people are often pushed to end their lives because they dont have access to quality health care that could relieve their suffering. With hospitals closing and a shortage of mental health professionals, its vulnerable and underprivileged people who may feel like theyre out of options, Domingo said, when in reality theyve just gotten substandard care.

California is not ready for this, because we have not put the infrastructure in place yet to be able to say that all of our elderly, all of our disabled, all of our folks with dementia are receiving the best quality care, Domingo said. Until then, creating the End of Life Options Act is giving up, its saying well never get to that point. Lets fight for that.

Compassion & Choices also doesnt agree with expanding eligibility outside of the six-month prognosis. Its not a coincidence that the timing lines up with when people usually enter hospice. Those safeguards make sure that people arent being coerced into ending their lives early because they cant get better medical care, the statement said.

California has had aid in dying available since 2016, but the law was amended in 2021 to ease some restrictions. Last year, disability rights advocates sued the state, saying the updates remove important safeguards. Patients must make two oral requests for lethal medication, and the 2021 updates shortened the length of time between those requests from 15 days to 48 hours.

Blakespear isnt interested in waiting for the results of that ongoing litigation, she wants people to have more options sooner.

Theres a lot of indignity at the end of life, and not everyone wants to go all the way through that, Blakespear said. Personally, I would like to have the option. I may or may not use it, but I'd like to have that option.
Do I have cancer? I asked the nurse who had phoned asking to see me the next morning, recalls Edward Solly, a 35-year-old wedding photographer from Kent. There was a long pause before she confirmed my worst fears, then I hung up and cried.

Solly had just turned 25, and after a lacrosse injury left one of his testicles swollen to the size of an apple, hed summoned up the courage to visit his GP who discovered the tumour. You cant get more awkward than trying to avoid eye contact with a doctor while he examines your package, but it saved my life.

Each year in the UK, around 2,400 men like Solly are diagnosed with testicular cancer. Thats roughly six cases every day. It is the most common cancer affecting men aged 15-49, with 28 being the average age of diagnosis, according to Testicular Cancer UK. Since the Seventies, the number of testicular cancer cases diagnosed in the UK each year has doubled, for reasons that are unproven by experts but are sometimes linked to hormone-disrupting chemicals in the environment. Mortality rates, however, have decreased by more than 82 per cent and, if caught early, it is one of the most treatable types of cancer.

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What are the survival rates for testicular cancer?

Almost all men (99 per cent) survive for a year or more after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, and 98 per cent survive for five years or more after diagnosis. Seven months after his diagnosis, Solly was told he was cancer-free. He went on to have a daughter, now eight, via IVF thanks to pre-treatment sperm banking.

I had no idea I should be checking myself at 25, and I now go into schools to educate teenage boys. If I can stop one person going through what I did then Ill be really happy.

Self-examination and awareness of the signs of testicular cancer are crucial, and yet over a quarter of UK men have never checked their testicles, while a third do not know the warning signs of testicular cancer.

What are the warning signs of testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer often presents as a painless lump in the testicles, the size of a pea or larger, so knowing whats normal for you is important. The vast majority of people [with testicular cancer] feel a hard, irregular lump in the testis that is usually painless, and occasionally people might experience discomfort or dragging sensations in the testis, explains Robert Huddart, professor of urological cancer at the Institute of Cancer Research and consultant oncologist at The Royal Marsden.

Other symptoms include an increase in firmness of the testis, a difference of appearance to the other testicle, a feeling of heaviness and, very rarely, the testicles may shrink. These signs, however, arent always cancer. The majority of things that people worry about are actually to do with the epididymis [a tube at the back of the testicles] which can become swollen and painful if infected, but is usually benign [generally a harmless cyst or epididymitis, commonly caused by a UTI or STI and treated with antibiotics]. But any change in size or shape should be checked out by a doctor, adds Huddart.

Can you have testicular cancer without knowing it?

Yes, most people have cancer for a period of time without knowing about it until a symptom arises. Fortunately for most men, noticing a change in the testes means you can pick up the cancer earlier if you are vigilant. Macmillan Cancer Support advises regularly checking, sometimes called testicular self-examination, from puberty onwards to learn what feels normal for you.

A normal testicle should feel smooth and firm but not hard, and it can be easier to check during or right after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Macmillans guidelines are to hold the scrotum in the palm of your hand and use your fingers and thumb to examine each testicle for lumps, swellings, differences between testicles and anything unusual. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly different in size or to hang lower than the other. Feel for changes in texture or a hard irregular lump in the body of the testis that might be suspicious, adds Huddart.

Testicular cancer is much easier to detect if youre in the habit of examining your testicles once a week or fortnightly after a shower, explains Vinod Nargund, consultant urological surgeon at the Princess Grace Hospital. But you can have testicular cancer without knowing it, depending on the size and location of the tumour. There is also carcinoma in situ of the testis (CIS), which is the precursor of testicular germ-cell tumours. Most cancers tend to have precursor cancer cells that can become invasive but this is diagnosed by suspicion and only confirmed by microscopic examination, so it wont be obvious.

Can you have testicular cancer without a lump?

You can have testicular cancer without a lump because of carcinoma in situ but this would be very early-stage, almost undetectable cancer. But Huddart adds: Its pretty rare to have testicular cancer without a lump, apart from those cases where you have a primary site [where the cancer started] somewhere else in the body and, like any cancer, it has spread, in this case to the testis.

Best practice ... men who have concerns about testicular cancer should speak to their GP - Korrawin/iStockphoto

What types of testicular cancer are there?

There are two main types of testicular cancer that develop from abnormal cells  seminoma, which is a slow-growing cancer and accounts for 55-60 per cent of testicular cancers, and non-seminoma, which is more rapid and tends to affect people in their late teens, 20s and early 30s. Seminoma means it is the sperm cells that become cancerous, and for non-seminoma it can develop from other stem cells such as teratoma or choriocarcinoma, or a combination of cells. You can also get a hormone tumour which secretes testosterone or oestrogen, says Nargund.

Other, rarer types of testicular cancer that dont develop from abnormal cells include prepubertal cancers, which usually develop in younger children and are less aggressive than those that develop after puberty. Another type is spermatocytic tumours, usually diagnosed in older men, which are less aggressive than seminomas and non-seminomas, and less likely to spread or require treatment. Biopsy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry are required for diagnosis.

What are the signs of testicular cancer spreading to lymph nodes?

Testicular cancer primarily starts in one testis, but sometimes cancer cells spread from the testicles to nearby lymph nodes, which are part of the lymphatic system, such as at the back of the abdomen (the retroperitoneal lymph nodes). This is known as secondary or metastatic spread.

Testicular cancer is most commonly a germ cell tumour, but you can get germ cell tumours at other sites in the body, such as the abdominal lymph nodes and in your chest, explains Huddart. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen, that can cause lower back pain, but testicular cancer is very rarely the cause of back pain and most incidents are attributed to mechanical or muscular back issues. A few people present with breathing difficulties or coughing up blood, and you can occasionally get breast enlargement, which could be signs it has spread to the chest, but again its very rare.

According to Huddart, testicular cancer has to be relatively late-stage to cause back pain: For most people whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes youre actually asymptomatic. So, after a primary diagnosis, youd have a CT scan to find the lymph nodes and detect any spread.

How to test for testicular cancer

I would expect a doctor to examine the testes themselves, and if they have any question marks they may suggest an ultrasound, which is a very simple and accurate way to diagnose a tumour, advises Huddart.

Beyond an examination, those with suspected testicular cancer would be referred to a specialist to confirm the diagnosis and stage of the cancer. The first thing is to check the stage of the disease by doing an ultrasound, which is like a mirror to tell you exactly what is in the testis and the diagnosis is 95 per cent accurate, says Nargund.

The best way to screen and detect testicular cancer

An ultrasound will show you exactly what is happening in the testis. If there is any doubt, you can follow up with a repeat ultrasound, explains Nargund. You then have blood tests to look for testicular cancer markers  certain tumours secrete substances that you can track in the blood. After this you would have a CT scan to see if the cancer has spread.

What are the most common causes of testicular cancer?

We dont know exactly what causes testicular cancer but it is believed that it happens in the womb, says Nargund. Abnormal cells get caught and are inversed by raging hormones after puberty and then become tumorous. Thats why it is common in younger people. Those with testicular damage or undescended testicles are more prone to testicular cancer because whenever the testis is exposed to higher temperatures [its warmer up in the abdomen than in the scrotum], it can become cancerous.

Huddart also cites the link to other testicular abnormalities in infancy. Some boys testes dont descend into the scrotum properly, and if thats the case, or if youve had a hernia, youre more likely to develop testicular cancer. Its also associated with men with a shrunken testis, and if youre infertile youre more likely to get testicular cancer.

Infertility and testicular cancer

Infertility and testicular cancer go hand in hand, according to Nargund. Testosterone protects the testes against cancer, so people with low testosterone and low sperm counts are more prone. Equally, testicular cancer is a disrupting process that destroys the testicular cells and the testes are unable to function properly, leading to infertility and lower sperm count. Incidentally, it is very rare for black men to have testicular cancer because they generally have higher testosterone levels.

Another theory is that an increase in hormonal disruptors in the environment has led to increases in testicular cancer, but this hasnt been proven.

A common theory is that it could be because we have a higher body mass, which means higher levels of oestrogen, which might disrupt hormonal function, says Huddart. Nargund, however, cites industrialisation: Every day we use detergents that get into the water supply and they are similar to oestrogens and cause infertility. Again, this is an observation but we know that detergents are highly oestrogenic.

Can HPV cause testicular cancer?

As far as I know, HPV [human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted infection] does not cause testicular cancer, says Nargund. There is a study on this that says HPV can cause infertility, and infertility can in turn lead to testicular cancer, so the study connects both but with something [infertility] in between. In conclusion, this study says that patients of testicular cancer have altered sperm parameters and higher prevalence of HPV, so its observational rather than scientific.

Can smoking cause testicular cancer?

The same can also be said for any links between smoking and testicular cancer, in that they are theoretical only. Some studies claim that smoking may modify sex hormones such as testosterone but, as Huddart says, There is no evidence that testicular cancer is linked to HPV or smoking. There is a strong familial background, however, so if you have testicular cancer in your family youre more likely to get it than the average man. In 2015, a study showed that nearly half of testicular cancer risk comes from inherited genetic faults.

Can injury cause testicular cancer?

This is unlikely, and generally men like Edward Solly who see a doctor after injury already have undetected cancer. For most men who see a doctor due to injury and swelling, its not the injury that caused the tumour. If theres a tumour already there, the injury will cause bleeding inside the tumour, and thats when symptoms and tumours are spotted. Its not the injury that has caused it, more an incident that brings it to your attention, says Nargund

Can testicular cancer kill you?

There are more than 2,000 cases of testicular cancer a year in the UK and about 70 deaths, so yes, you can die of testicular cancer. But most people who die of it have advanced disease, and for most men who present early, the cure rate is about 99 per cent, says Huddart. Even men with advanced disease have a pretty good chance of being cured, but the quicker you act, the better the prognosis. In the UK we have one of the highest survival rates of testicular cancer anywhere in the world. We have very good structures and a good specialist network for management of this type of cancer. We have a rapid pathway and a clearly defined two-week wait and referral period, so most patients are seen promptly and get the cancer managed quickly when they see a doctor.

Stages of testicular cancer

There are different types of classifications of testicular cancer, but you can grade it using the TNM system, which is tumour, node, metastasis with a numbering system within those bands, or the numbering system, which is stage 1, 2 and 3. Think about it as stage 0 being carcinoma in situ and you have normal-looking testicles, says Nargund. Then you have stage 1, the earliest cancer confined to the testis, and stage 1a or 1b will classify the size of the tumour. Then you have stage 2, where the tumour has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen, and stage 3 is when it has spread to other organs such as the liver. Stage 4 is when it has spread everywhere.

Survival rates: how long can you live with testicular cancer?

When diagnosed early, almost all men survive testicular cancer. If youre cured, youd expect to have a near-normal life expectancy, says Huddart. If you have chemotherapy treatment or radiotherapy for your cancer, theres a small increased risk of getting heart disease and other cancers in the future, but that might be the only thing that limits your chance of long-term survival.

Is testicular cancer curable?

As Nargund adds: Testicular cancer is one of the success stories, and even in stage 4 it has very high rates of remission, so it has an excellent prognosis as long as you get it diagnosed early  you may even save the testis. Most people are cured by removing the testis surgically, and when youre scanned and theres no signs of recurrence in any follow-ups, often people dont need any further treatment.

For anything beyond stage 1, the treatment is the same  chemotherapy in varying amounts, depending on the size of the tumour and the stage of the testicular cancer.

What are the treatments for testicular cancer?

For Solly, treatment involved the removal of his left testicle containing the tumour, followed by a blood test and CT scan that revealed inflammation on the lymph nodes, meaning the cancer had spread to his abdomen.

The next step was undergoing three rounds of BEP [bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin] chemotherapy over the course of two months. I was a young, fit guy who went to the gym and ran around a pitch for hours, but some days I couldnt make it to my bedroom, he says. The nausea was off the chart, and I struggled to eat because of mouth ulcers and a metallic taste in my mouth. The treatment shrank the abdomen tumour, but I needed a follow-up RPLND [retroperitoneal lymph node dissection] operation to remove the cancerous lymph nodes.

Testicular cancer surgery

If the tumour is confined to the testis, an operation called an orchidectomy or orchiectomy is performed to remove the testis. Often removing the testis and tumour is enough and a full recovery is expected. The procedure is not carried out via the scrotum but by making a small cut in the groin, through which the testicle is removed, along with any tubes and blood vessels attached to it. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic and often patients are discharged quickly, possibly even on the same day.

Non-surgical treatments

For patients whose cancer has spread, the commonest treatment is chemotherapy. The most common type of chemotherapy is a treatment called BEP, a combination of three drugs, bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, via a drip. Each cycle will last three weeks (21 days) and there is usually a total of three cycles.

Chemotherapy can make you feel very tired and sick. It has the risk of causing lung inflammation, which can be dangerous and needs to be monitored carefully, says Huddart. It can affect fertility, so most men who have chemotherapy will become temporarily infertile but will recover, and within a year their fertility returns back to normal. If a man wishes to have children, before chemotherapy he is encouraged to use sperm banking [like Edward Solly] to save some sperm for future use. However, very few men need to use it  only 5 per cent  but its worth noting that some men who have treatment for testicular cancer are already infertile.

What happens if you dont treat testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer can spread much faster than any other cancer, explains Nargund. The reason it spreads quickly is that the testis is a very delicate organ thats easily injured and doesnt have any support. If you damage that architecture, you expose the tumour cells to blood vessels that suck those tumour cells straight into the bloodstream and go to the lungs, liver, etc.

The good news though is that testicular cancer is treated successfully in 95 per cent of cases, and the cure rate rises to 98 per cent if treated early, so stay vigilant, check regularly and see your GP if you have any concerns.

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By Blake Brittain

(Reuters) -Teva Pharmaceutical and Viatris convinced a U.S. appeals court on Monday to revive their challenges to a patent covering a blockbuster Johnson & Johnson schizophrenia drug, giving them a new chance to clear a path to launch cheaper generic versions of the medicine.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said that the last remaining J&J patent covering its Invega Sustenna may be invalid, sending the case back for a New Jersey federal court to reconsider.

A J&J spokesperson said the company will "continue defending the intellectual property of Invega Sustenna."

A Teva spokesperson said the company was pleased with the decision and looks forward to "providing this important low-cost medication to patients as soon as possible."

Representatives for Viatris did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision.

J&J sold more than $4.1 billion worth of Invega Sustenna and related drugs worldwide last year, with nearly $2.9 billion in U.S. sales, according to a company report. It sued Teva and Mylan, which is now part of Viatris, for patent infringement over their proposed generic versions of the drug in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

U.S. District Judge Claire Cecchi determined in Teva's case in 2021 that it failed to prove that J&J's patent, covering a dosing regimen for Invega Sustenna, was invalid. Viatris agreed to be bound by Cecchi's decision in its case.

A three-judge Federal Circuit panel threw out Cecchi's decision on Monday and sent the case back to the New Jersey court. The appeals court said Teva may be able to prove that the patent was invalid because the dosing regimen would have been obvious to an ordinary person in the field.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot)
How Texas cash bail system and under-resourced jails can wreak havoc on women who are poor

Angela Collier in the home she shares with her father on March 18, 2024 in Midway. Two misdemeanor drug charges kept Collier struggling to keep up with court and bail bonds fees for years. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Long before Angela Collier knew why her moods seesawed or her thoughts raced, she knew one thing: Xanax and marijuana seemed to calm her like nothing else.

She had both on her when Huntsville police pulled over her friend for running a red light in March 2020. Officers found the small amount of marijuana Collier had while searching the car. After arresting her for that, they found the Xanax pills while searching her pockets as she was being booked into Walker County jail.

Collier knew it was against the law to have the marijuana and Xanax. But she also knows why she took them.

To feel better during certain times in my life when Ive really been stressed and struggling, or going through something and its overwhelming for me, Collier said.

The amounts Collier had on her resulted in misdemeanor charges. And while police initially charged her with a felony for having a controlled substance inside of a police station, Walker County prosecutors later declined to pursue that charge.

But the misdemeanor charges were enough to send Colliers life into a four-year tailspin that shes still recovering from  economically, physically and emotionally. Those long term ripple effects are largely because Collier is poor in Texas, a state where people with money have an easier time avoiding long stretches in county jails while they are legally presumed innocent, before their cases are resolved.

Like most states, Texas uses a cash bail system that lets defendants pay to get released from jail while they wait for adjudication. But the price of bail is often an insurmountable hurdle.

Civil rights groups and inmates have unsuccessfully challenged Texas use of a cash bail system for years. Lawsuits targeting Dallas and Harris county jails alleged the practice was unconstitutional because it discriminates against poorer defendants. A federal appeals court ruled against the Dallas plaintiffs and the Supreme Court declined to take the case. The Harris suit was tossed.

In 2021, Texas lawmakers changed the states bail system, but didnt forbid a cash bail system. Instead, they required all defendants accused of violent crimes to pay cash for release from jail before their trials. Critics said requiring cash to get out of jail would continue to penalize low-income people and benefit the bail bonds industry.

About three in every four Texans in county jails are awaiting the resolution of their cases, according to data from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, the state agency that oversees local jails. That number has surpassed pre-pandemic levels and is 14% higher than in January 2017.

For women, the wait can be harder than for men. County jails, meant for short stays, commonly lack resources women need  like pregnancy care and mental health treatment. Women in county jails are also more likely to have mental health needs. And many are mothers separated from their children.

Collier previously worked at Buc-ees, but in 2014 became a stay-at-home mom for several years before breaking up with her childs father. At the time of her 2020 arrest, Collier was living with her father while she was a full-time student pursuing an online psychology degree from Houston Christian University.

Following her arrest, Colliers combined bond for the two misdemeanor charges was set at $8,000. When she couldnt afford that, a friend loaned her over $700 to pay a bonds company so she could get out of jail. But two years later, while still awaiting her trial, she missed a required court hearing because she was receiving emergency care for pregnancy complications. A warrant was issued for her arrest in Walker County.

In June 2022, officers from Madison County were sent to her home in Midway for a welfare check because someone reported she was having a miscarriage. When Collier came outside, she told police she was OK, but that she may go to the doctor the next day, according to video obtained by KFF Health News. Because of the Walker County warrants, police arrested her.

Collier said she could not afford to pay thousands of dollars to bail out. Stuck in Walker County jail again, she says she experienced a miscarriage and received little medical attention while she waited a day for another friend to loan her money to pay a bonds company for her release.

Collier later filed a formal complaint with The Texas Commission on Jail Standards about her miscarriage. In a September 2022 letter, the agency told Collier that Walker County Jail had not violated minimum jail standards. According to the commission, records from Walker County Jail show that Collier only submitted one medical request and did not advise jail staff of any other medical issues. Collier claims she asked for help multiple times.

We havent yet gone far enough to meet the needs of women who are in jail at the county level, said Alycia Welch, associate director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at The University of Texas at Austin, a research center dedicated to incarceration in Texas.

Texas law requires the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to collect and report data on incarcerated women. But the Commission cannot provide the total number of women behind bars and waiting for their cases to be resolved in Texas county jails right now  or any time in the last two years.

Walker County Jail on in Midway. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Thats because the agency is transitioning to a new system that will house data collected from all county jails, a project that began in 2022, according to commission Executive Director Brandon Wood. While the agency knows how many total people are waiting for their cases to be resolved in county jails, Wood said the current system, created in the 1990s, cant break down how many of those people are women charged with misdemeanors  like Collier.

That makes it impossible to fully keep count of women in jails, sentenced or awaiting the resolution of their cases. The Commission said they expect a new system to be operating by mid-May.

April Towery, a formerly incarcerated woman and advocate at Lioness: Justice Impacted Womens Alliance, said that incomplete data leaves her nonprofit that supports incarcerated people fighting to help a group they cant see.

I would say thats unacceptable, because how do we know where the needs are and how we can help and serve these women if we dont have any information on them? Towery said.

After being released from jail a second time, Colliers misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession was dropped and she was sentenced to probation for possession of the Xanax. But Collier owed hundreds of dollars in probation fees and money to the bond company. After she violated probation conditions  including leaving the county and failing to make probation payments  she was arrested for a third time in September 2023 on the same misdemeanor charge for having Xanax two years earlier.

As she awaited a hearing on whether her probation should be revoked, the bond to get out of jail was again set at thousands of dollars. Only this time, Collier was out of friends with money to spare.

I felt like a nobody, Collier said. People around me are getting bonded out for more bond, and Im like, Im poor, so Im going to lose all of this. Im important, too. I should be able to get out, too.

A devastating miscarriage

In Texas, bail is a form of leverage, meant to ensure defendants show up to their court hearings. Those who do are refunded their full bail amount, which is set by judges and can vary greatly depending on several factors.

In some situations, judges can set a cashless bail. But Texas in 2021 limited the use of that type of bond, meaning most defendants have to pay for their release. While judges are supposed to consider someones ability to pay when they set bail, lawsuits  like the unsuccessful one in Dallas County  claim that doesnt always happen.

If they can afford it, defendants can pay their full bail in cash to get released. Otherwise, they can use a bail bondsman. These companies cover the price of bail for defendants so they can get out of jail  but charge them a smaller fee that they have to pay off.

Release before trial comes with conditions from the court and bail bondsman. These include showing up at court hearings, calling the bondsman regularly and making payments on time. If a defendant fails to meet requirements, their bond is revoked  and they can be arrested.

Between 2014 and 2017, Collier had been arrested and charged with public intoxication and possessing a small amount of methamphetamines. In 2016, she served 97 days for the meth possession charge, a state jail felony.

While some misdemeanor crimes have pre-set bail amounts, Welch said those vary by county and judges can adjust them based on a number of factors. Those include the defendants perceived risk to the public, the likelihood of them appearing at hearings, and their criminal history.

After Colliers second arrest on the 2020 charges, she struggled to manage the grief of her miscarriage, keep up with schoolwork and find money for bond and probation payments. Shed felt anxious before  but panic attacks became a new constant. Even leaving the house felt impossible.

Angela Collier plays a piano that was recently given to her at her home in Midway. Collier was forced to sell her previous piano to help pay off some of her legal debts. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

For the first time in her life, Collier sought help. She started talk therapy and received multiple new diagnoses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder  which Xanax, one of the drugs she was arrested for having, is often prescribed to treat.

She was also prescribed medication like Zoloft, a drug with similar effects to Xanax. And she started to make progress  the medications lessened the panic attacks. They eliminated her desire to take other drugs completely.

I didnt know that there were medications, or exactly what may have been wrong with me, Collier said. Id never went and talked to someone before. It was really out of desperation that I sought help there.

By the time of her third arrest  this time for probation violations, including missing multiple payments  she said she was thousands of dollars behind, tired and stressed.

[It felt like I was] running on a treadmill and falling backwards at the same time, she said.

Her bond was set at $5,000, and no one in her life could front the money. The running was over  she began the long wait behind bars for a court hearing on whether her probation should be revoked.

Its belittling, Collier said. Theres people that come in there multiple times and bond right out  the same people. And meanwhile, us people that didnt have money to bail out are all still sitting there. Its like were a different class of people.

Living in limbo behind bars

During her first few weeks in Walker County Jail last year, Collier didnt have the daily medications she needed due to what she said are long wait times to see a doctor. She also couldnt attend therapy.

Collier said nearly all of the other women in jail were waiting for medications they needed.

According to Welch, with the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab, incarcerated women have higher rates of past trauma experiences than men. That creates a large demand for mental health services in jails, including therapy and medication. And its one reason why nonviolent drug and property offenses are the most common crimes women commit.

Stepping back from it, those are all survival crimes, Welch said. They need to make money, they need to cope with an unidentified and unaddressed mental illness, they need to cope with trauma when there's no other resource or access to services for people to find healthier means of doing so.

The state does not keep track of mental health needs in county jails, according to Wood, head of the Commission on Jail Standards. But nearly half of all women in Texas prisons received some form of treatment for their mental health in 2023, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported.

Local jails  which are smaller than state prisons and commonly lack the same treatment options  often struggle to meet those needs for women held before their cases are resolved.

You dont have a choice but to wait [for your medication], just like everybody else, Collier said. Its so frustrating. It makes you feel irrelevant, like nobody cares about you or your wellbeing.

Walker County Jail officials did not respond to requests for comment.

In jail, Collier only looked forward to Wednesdays, when the book cart occasionally rolled around. She read everything she could: the Bible, which every woman got a copy of; Steve Thayers The Weatherman; Tom Clancys The Hunt for Red October.

But she had to pace herself. If she finished a book before the cart came again, she just sat, stuck in a room right next to the one shed previously miscarried in. Sometimes she watched television.

If she had her school textbooks and weekly therapy sessions, she thought, maybe she could work on herself. Maybe she could get ahead.

I felt like every day I was falling behind, she said.

I felt like a nobody, Collier said. People around me are getting bonded out for more bond, and Im like, Im poor, so Im going to lose all of this." Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Finding a path forward

The ways in which defendants underlying issues like poverty, mental illness and trauma are addressed in jail can depend on where theyre locked up.

Some urban counties are spending more on programs and facilities aimed at either keeping people out of jail or reducing the impact of incarceration on their lives. Travis County, for instance, is about to launch a new $23 million mental health diversion program to keep people in crisis out of jail. Harris County last year opened the Womens Center Jail, which provides mental health care, substance abuse support and job training solely to incarcerated women.

Wood, the Commission on Jail Standards director, said incarcerated women have different needs without a doubt than men. But he also acknowledged that jails in less populated counties may not have the resources to address those needs.

Its probably just going to be whats available to all pretrial inmates, Wood said.

After her third arrest on the probation violation for the Xanax charge, Collier waited 42 days in Walker County jail for a hearing on whether her probation should be revoked. It was and she was sentenced to 120 days in jail.

With time shed already served, that meant she had to remain in the county lockup for two additional months. She was released in January.

Shes tried to regain some of what she lost. She restarted therapy, and hopes to restart school.

Im going to be OK, she said. But it set me back mentally in a lot of ways.

Since her release, Collier has become dedicated to advocacy. Shes now involved with Lioness: Justice Impacted Womens Alliance, the nonprofit led by formerly and currently incarcerated women that advocates for others in the system.

Mentally, its a whole realization of how important money is, and how I dont have enough of it, and that in so many different ways, the system is messed up, Collier said.

Disclosure: University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

We cant wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.
A federal trial court in Texas commonly targeted by litigants as a way to guarantee a conservative judge will hear their case is rebuffing the push by US judiciarys policy-making body to rein in the tactic, known as judge-shopping.

The US District Court of the Northern District of Texas has decided not to adopt a proposal that would change how cases with statewide or nationwide implications are assigned, Chief Judge David Godbey told Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, in a recent letter.

Judge-shopping is the practice of strategically filing cases in courthouses where the lawsuits are almost guaranteed to be heard by judges perceived to be sympathetic to the litigants. It has been on the rise in recent years, particularly in Texas, where there are several individual courthouses  known as divisions  where just one or two judges hear all the cases that are filed there.

The US District Court in Northern Texas currently assigns cases in a way that any case filed in its Amarillo Division is automatically assigned to Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Donald Trump who has become a go-to judge for parties filing lawsuits challenging President Joe Bidens policies.

Kacsmaryk issued the ruling that would have suspended the FDAs approval of medication abortion drugs and has also blocked other Biden administration initiatives.

The March 29 letter from Godbey, an appointee of George W. Bush, is a response to a request by Schumer that his court implement a new case assignment proposal recommended by the Judicial Conference, the federal judiciarys policy-making body. The conference recommended last month that any lawsuit seeking a nationwide or statewide order be randomly assigned among a district-wide pool of judges, even if it was filed in a single-judge division.

The trial judges in his district had met last week to discuss case assignments, and, Godbey wrote, The consensus was not to make any change to our case assignment process at this time.

Godbeys letter to Schumer was first reported by Law360.

Schumer said in a statement Monday that it was unfortunate that the judges in Texas northern district have decided to continue to allow the odious practice of judge shopping.

The Senate will consider legislative options that put an end to this misguided practice, Schumer said.

Texas has other US district courts with single-judge divisions, in addition to Amarillo, where challenges to the Biden administration agenda are frequently funneled through.

Chief judges of those districts have not responded to inquiries CNN has submitted to their chambers about any changes to their case assignment policies, though some of those courts had previously made changes to case assignment protocols for patent disputes after judge-shopping tactics in those cases attracted scrutiny.

The Judicial Conference announced after an early March meeting that it was seeking to curb the practice of judge-shopping with the new case assignment policy. The announcement prompted blowback from Republican senators, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who argued that any mandated policy would run afoul of a statute passed by Congress that gives each district court the discretion to design its case assignment protocols.

When the Judicial Conference released the formal guidance days later, it indicated that the districtwide assignment policy was recommended, but optional.

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Texas man who changed name to Literally Anybody Else running for president

Voting signs at West Valley City Hall in West Valley on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. A man from Texas is running for president after changing his name to Literally Anybody Else.

A man from Texas is running for president after changing his name to Literally Anybody Else.

And no, its not an April Fools joke.

Else, formerly Dustin Ebey, is an Army veteran and seventh-grade math teacher, according to Fox News.

Else, 35, has a Texas drivers license to prove his name change and said his dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as candidates for president prompted his move, the Guardian reported.

In a landscape marred by the shadows of corruption and partisan gridlock, its time to break free from familiar shackles and demand something different. I believe that humans are not only rational but also moral beings, driven by a deep-seated sense of fairness and justice, Else wrote on his campaigns website.

It may be a long-shot bid, but Else said it isnt even about him; its an idea, according to The Hill.

I dont care as much about winning the Oval Office, but it is important that the message gets through to the powers that be, who decide who ends up on the ballot, Else told The Hill. Ultimately, thats what Im fighting against. Literally anybody else should not be as popular as it is.

The Hill reported that Else would need 113,151 signatures from registered voters who didnt vote in the presidential primary of either party in Texas to end up on the ballot in the state as in independent. That daunting task means Else is asking voters to list him as a write-in candidate instead.

Elses bid comes as enthusiasm from Americans over voting for Biden or Trump this fall is lukewarm, according to Business Insider. A January Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 70% of respondents felt Biden shouldnt seek a second term, while 56% didnt think Trump deserved to be elected either.

The campaign priorities Else lists on his website include affordable housing, improving education standards and providing healthcare for all Americans.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1), also known as bird flu, has been confirmed in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported Monday

The person had direct contact with dairy cattle presumed to be infected with avian influenza, the department said. Their only reported symptom was eye inflammation, and theyre now being treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir (commonly known by the brand name Tamiflu).

DSHS did not specify where the person lives or where they contracted the virus, however, officials last week confirmed an illness that impacted dairies in the Texas Panhandle was bird flu.

Related: Dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas test positive for bird flu

Its the second known case of someone sickened by this strain of the virus in the U.S. The other occurred back in 2022 with a person in Colorado who worked with poultry, the Washington Post reported. The Texas case is the first linked to an exposure to cattle.

Texas DSHS has issued a health alert asking health care providers around affected dairies to be vigilant for more possible human cases.

DSHS said the case does not change the risk for the general public, which remains low.

Federal and state health officials are investigating both human and animal cases of avian influenza to understand how the virus is spreading.

According to the CDC, bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. The CDCs website says bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.

Texas officials confirm dairy outbreak poses no threat to consumer supply or public health

Illnesses in people with H5N1 flu infections have ranged from mild (such as eye infection and upper respiratory symptoms) to severe (such as pneumonia and death), according to the DSHS release.

DSHS maintains that the cattle infections do not present concern for commercial milk supply, and said dairies are required to destroy or divert milk from any sick cows, and pasteurization kills avian flu viruses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
In August 2019, The Outlaw Ocean Project team inspects a Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of West Africa. Credit - Fabio Nascimento for The Outlaw Ocean Project

The past half year has seen a steady stream of disturbing reports about serious human rights abuses tied to industrial fishing. First came a long expose about forced labor at sea tied to hundreds of Chinese fishing ships that supply many of the biggest restaurant and grocery store chains in the U.S. and Europe. Then the investigations moved on land, exposing the widespread use by Chinese processing plants of state-sponsored forced laborspecifically North Korean and Uyghur workers, both of which are strictly banned from being tied to any products imported into the U.S.

Then recently this spotlight shifted to India. A whistleblower, named Joshua Farinella, leaked thousands of pages of internal documents, invoices, emails, recorded zoom calls, security footage, whats app exchanges tied to a shrimp processing plant where he was the manager. The story, which was published by Outlaw Ocean Project which I founded, was important for Americans since a third of the shrimp they eat comes from India. The documents seem to back up the whistleblowers statements and raise a variety of serious concerns about human rights abuses tied to workers at the Indian plant as well as food safety issues relating to shrimp possibly having been shipped to the US that tested positive for antibiotics.

The whistleblower is an American and a longtime seafood industry executive, and he showed unusual bravery in leaking the documents since he likely just threw his entire career away in doing so. Aside from talking to reporters, he followed other proper channels, by filing federal whistleblower complaints to law enforcement officials at the State Department, Customs and Border Patrol, the Labor Department and the FDA, who have already spoken with him and begun investigating.

Congress formally wrote the whistleblower to request the documents as they too intend to investigate the plant. That is often a precursor to hearings. For the risks taken and bravery shown in leaking the documents, podcasters have dubbed the whistleblower, the Snowden of Seafood, and he has also been hailed publicly as a superhero by a variety of advocates and others, including the Hulk. (The actor Mark Ruffalo posted a message saying the whistleblower was a real-life superhero for his actions). The company at the center of the disclosures takes a different view and has categorically denied that it did anything illegal or unethical.

The story about conditions at the shrimp plant in India come against a broader backdrop. The same week that the whistleblower documents were published, the Corporate Accountability Lab, which is an advocacy group of lawyers and researchers, released a report detailing severe cases of captive and forced labor as well as environmental concerns often tied to wastewater at a variety of other shrimp plants in India.

Its worth remembering the history here. Labor abuses tied to seafood is not a new problem. The New York Times and the Associated Press covered the issue extensively a decade ago, especially tied to Thailand. Even before that, a human rights NGO called the Environmental Justice Foundation revealed in 2013 widespread problems with forced and child labor in Thai shrimp. The EJF report and subsequent news coverage spurred a series of sweeping reforms by the Thai government to better protect workers from such abuses. But these reforms came with a price, leading to escalating labor costs in Thailand right when nearly half of the countrys shrimp production was wiped out by a disease. India emerged to fill the void, with help from its government which bolstered subsidies and loosened laws restricting foreign investment. By 2021, India was exporting more than $5 billion of shrimp globally, and was responsible for nearly a quarter of the worlds shrimp exports. And yet, here we are again: the seafood problems previously highlighted in Thailand are now being widely revealed in China and India.

Part of the problem with global seafood is that companies and governments barely know where these ships are working, much less how they are behaving. A new study published in the journal Nature in January 2024 revealed that 75 percent of the worlds industrial fishing fleet are not publicly tracked. The study, using machine learning and satellite imagery, detected vessel activity at sea that was previously dark in marine protected areas and in countries' waters that previously showed significantly less of a fishing footprint. If we dont know where the ships are, we surely dont know if the workers on them are trafficked.

Even on land, companies and governments are minimally informed about what is happening at the fish farms and processing plants partly because the audits that are meant to verify ethical and legal conditions tied to worker treatment, food safety, and ocean sustainability are deeply flawed.

Labor researchers, unions, academics and industry consultants have warned that these concerns will keep popping up until major buyersin particular the restaurant and supermarket companiesdecide to fix their supply chains so that they know what is happening at every step along the way, from bait to plate. These experts also say companies need to stop relying on auditing firms that claim to be checking for things in places (like India and China) where they actually have limited capacity to do so effectively.

Until then, the rotten smell inside this industry is likely going to get worse.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Cuban migrants gathered at the embassy to demand immigration regularization in Uruguay in March. CUBANOSLIBRESUY

In June 2023, Milagros Rodriguez left Cuba for Uruguay with the aim of beginning a new life in Montevideo. To reach the South American country, she had to make the crossing, as her compatriots call the journey by air and land that starts in Havana, passes through Guyana, continues through Brazil and arrives at the border with Uruguay. This journey is a lottery, says Rodriguez: anyone can become a victim of human trafficking or get lucky and arrive safely, while always having to pay whatever those who manage the route decide. Six days into the journey, she reached the border with Uruguay and succeeded in entering the country as a refugee applicant.

Everything is difficult in Havana, says 36-year-old Rodriguez, in a conversation with EL PAIS. When she decided to reunite with her partner, who has been living in Uruguay since 2019 and is also Cuban, she attempted to do so with her three children, aged 9, 15 and 16. However, the journey involving the four of them proved impossible, she adds, because they did not meet the requirements (particularly financial solvency) demanded by the Uruguayan embassy in Cuba to be granted visas. She decided to run the risk and make the crossing via Guyana, a country that does not require a visa for Cubans. She hoped to be able to pay for her three childrens trip after settling in Uruguay. In Montevideo, she works as a cleaner and holds a provisional identity card. But things didnt turn out the way I thought they would, says Rodriguez.

At the end of 2023, Uruguay had 24,193 accumulated refugee applications pending resolution, according to a report published by the local newspaper El Observador. The system collapsed, reads the text based on data from the Refugee Commission, according to which the average waiting time for an interview with the applicant is two years. In 2023 alone, according to the report, 9,129 people sought refuge in Uruguay, of which 7,293 were Cubans. Until their cases are resolved, the country issues them a provisional document for two years. This allows them to work and access health and education services, but it does not entitle them to family reunification, which Rodriguez and many of her compatriots are striving to achieve. Faced with this situation, many choose to renounce their refugee status and seek permanent residency.

A very high number of refugee applications are being rejected (...) because many people come for economic reasons, especially from Cuba, they apply for refugee status for political reasons [as required by law] and this is not the appropriate way to grant it, said the Uruguayan minister of foreign affairs, Omar Paganini, a few days ago. On Uruguays Canal 12, Paganini described it as a delicate situation, which the government is looking to solve as soon as possible. We are working to find a solution for those who are not entitled to refugee status, but are living among us and must undergo a residency process. The legal conditions today are not clear and they are left in a situation of limbo, he explained.

As is the case with any foreigner, Cubans in Uruguay can apply for and obtain this type of residency provided they meet the requirements. In their case, they need to present the documentation with the corresponding consular visa, because Cubans need a visa to enter Uruguay, just as Uruguayans need one to enter Cuba. Previously, to obtain this visa, Cuban asylum seekers would travel to a Uruguayan consulate in Brazil, even if they had been living in Uruguayan territory for more than one year. In this way, as Kafkaesque as it may have been, they obtained the visa and proceeded with the residency process. Nevertheless, the possibility of obtaining the Uruguayan visa in Brazil became more complex as of January 2023.

Since then, Uruguay resolved to restrict it by requiring an entry and exit stamp in the Cuban passport, according to Madelyn del Rio, a member of the Manos Cubanas collective. And this passage stamp, says del Rio, is not usually issued by the Brazilian authorities at the migration posts at the land border. In December 2023, the path was further restricted when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed its consulates that people residing in Uruguay as asylum seekers could not apply for the visa in question.

As a result of this situation, the organizations that bring together Cubans in Uruguay claim that at least 5,000 people of Cuban nationality are in a situation of migratory limbo: they do not enjoy refugee status in the country, and they cannot renounce their refugee application to apply for permanent residency that would allow them to reunite with their families. This is the case of Milagros Rodriguez, who together with her compatriots is calling on the Uruguayan government to waive visa requirements for those who have been living in Uruguay for a considerable time, as occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. A visa waiver or another definitive solution, explains Rodriguez.

If the necessary legal change is brought about, if our immigration status is resolved, it would ease the worries of thousands of Cubans. Thousands of Cubans who are now employed by many companies, thousands of Cubans who have opened their own companies and have created more employment, states a petition published this month on the Change.org platform addressed to the government of Luis Lacalle Pou and to parliamentarians in general. We are already in Uruguay, we are already working for Uruguay, they add, why do you have to be special to reside legally in a country that has already welcomed us?

According to preliminary data from the 2023 census, approximately 62,000 foreign-born individuals live in Uruguay, of which 12,000 are Cuban (Cuban organizations estimate that this figure has doubled recently). This migratory movement caused Uruguays population (3.4 million) to grow by a modest 1% in 10 years and prevented it from shrinking. Lets hope that we have entered a new wave of immigration, Isaac Alfie, president of the National Census Commission, said at the time. But is Uruguay really a country with open doors for all migrants? This is a question that social organizations are pondering, given the situation of these thousands of Cubans.

It is very contradictory when the state presents a National Integration Plan [for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees (2023-24)] and at the same time these obstacles are imposed, Rinche Roodenburg, member of the Migrant Support Network and volunteer of the Jesuit Migrant Service, told EL PAIS. If we are so worried because Uruguays population is not growing and it is believed that immigration is saving those numbers, he continues, we would have to lay down a red carpet so that people can come and live happily. According to Roodenburg, for Cuban immigrants the most serious issue is that family reunification is not allowed under the current conditions.

This situation affects me greatly because I am still separated from my children, and they are missing out on all the possibilities that this wonderful country has to offer. I would like to bring them here through family reunification, because Im terrified of the idea of putting them in the hands of human trafficking [on the Guyana-Brazil route], bemoans Milagros Rodriguez.

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Thousands of Scottish police still not trained on new hate crime law

More than a third of Scotland's police officers have not received training on new hate crime law - Andrew Milligan/PA

More than a third of Scotlands police officers have not received training on Humza Yousafs confusing new hate crime law, it has emerged amid warnings of a deluge of cases.

The Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said they had been allocated only a cheap two-hour training course that was not sufficient.

David Kennedy, its general secretary, said 6,000 of Police Scotlands 16,000 officers had not even completed that yet and admitted he had not either.

Mr Kennedy warned the legislation will mean a huge increase in workload for the force, with families, neighbours and work colleagues being drawn into a criminal law environment.

He argued the SNP-Green government at Holyrood had failed to provide the force with the funding it required to train officers properly if it wanted to pass such legislation.

A person commits an offence if they communicate material, or behave in a manner that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening or abusive, with the intention of stirring up hatred based on the protected characteristics.

But concerns have been expressed that the legislations definition of a hate crime is too ambiguous, leading to a torrent of vexatious complaints being made to police.

Lack of face-to-face training

Asked whether officers were ready for the Act being enforced, Mr Kennedy told BBC Radio Scotland: Some officers might feel prepared but weve raised concerns because its only been a two-hour online package that officers have been given.

Theres been various other webinars that Police Scotland have put on but they are not mandatory and we now know I think approximately 6,000 officers are still to go through the online training.

And weve been complaining for several years now about the online training and the lack of face-to-face training thats required.

He said officers received two days of face-to-face training after the Stephen Lawrence inquiry but they havent had anything like this for this new law.

Attacking SNP ministers, he said: Government have to, if they are going to pass these new laws, they have to provide the finances for the police officers to be trained properly so they can enact these new laws and they havent done that.

Mr Kennedy said the Scottish Government had provided no extra money or officers for the police to enforce the Act, accusing them of having not done any of the things that we actually require to make it a success.

Fraught with difficulty

Its going to bring difficult situations where members of the same family, neighbours, work colleagues, politicians, journalists, anyone you can think of is going to be drawn into a criminal law environment, he said.

And that would never have confronted us before. The role of the police is we have to apply the law, and its going to be an extremely difficult time. I think its going to be confusing and fraught with difficulty.

Asked if the legislation could be weaponised by political activists, he said: Absolutely, you only need to go on X [formerly Twitter] to see. I think therell be certain groups lined up waiting to make complaints about certain individuals.

Pressed by whether the new law risked angering both sides in controversial debates, he told the Today programme: That will cause havoc with trust in police in Scotland, it certainly will reduce that.

He contrasted Police Scotlands pledge to investigate every hate crime complaint with a recent announcement that some minor offences will no longer be fully investigated.

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Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservatives justice spokesman, said: Front line officers and Police Scotland will pay the price for Humza Yousafs hate crime law while he arrogantly thinks he knows best.

They will be forced to consider every complaint, no matter how petty or groundless, while telling people they dont have the resources to investigate real crimes.

The SNP, with Labour backing, passed this law three years ago, so its staggering that thousands of officers have still not been trained.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: We have worked with partners, including Police Scotland, to ensure effective implementation of the legislation and the timetable for commencement has allowed for the delivery of a robust package of training and guidance for police officers.

Training of police officers is an operational matter to Police Scotland, with whom we will continue to work closely and the chief constable has said police officers are being trained to apply the law in a measured way, using their discretion and their common sense.

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Former President Donald Trumps Truth Social post depicting President Joe Biden tied up in the back of a pickup truck may violate his bail conditions, according to former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann.

A standard condition of being out on bail applies in New York and in the D.C. federal case and in the Georgia state case: that you not commit a crime while you are out on bail, Weissmann told MSNBC on Sunday.

Threatening the president of the United States is a crime, so the question would be the legal and factual question whether what he has engaged in with respect to posting the image of Joe Biden bound and gagged with what appears to be a bullet hole in his head constitutes that kind of threat, said Weissmann, a law professor at New York University.

If it is determined that the post constitutes a threat, bail could be repealed and Trump could be remanded into custody, he explained.

Longtime Harvard legal scholar Laurence Tribe stressed that under existing law its unclear whether posting on Truth Social a picture of POTUS tied up and shot in the head in a moving truck under the present circumstances amounts to a true threat under Sec. 871.

But no question it warrants an FBI visit and a warning, he added.

In all seriousness, under existing law its unclear whether posting on Truth Social a picture of POTUS tied up and shot in the head in a moving truck under the present circumstances amounts to a true threat under Sec. 871. But no question it warrants an FBI visit and a warning. https://t.co/h06hnzfS8J  Laurence Tribe   (@tribelaw) April 1, 2024
Tiger was believed extinct  until expert found a single hair. Now the hunt is on

The forests of Java, an island in Indonesia, were once heavily populated by the eponymous Java tiger, a subspecies of Sumatran tiger.

But, as a result of hunting and habitat loss, the cats began to disappear throughout the previous century and were officially declared extinct in 2008.

Recently, however, new evidence suggests the tigers may still be surviving in the wild, according to a study published by Cambridge University Press on March 21.

Discover more new species

Thousands of new species are found each year. Here are three of our most eye-catching stories from the past week.

Deep-sea creature  with yellowy tentacles and over 80 feet  is new species

Reddish sea creature  with over 70 feet  found by a submarine

Spiky 'dwarf'-like creature found at abandoned building in India

During the summer of 2019, a conservationist reported seeing one of the tigers on a plantation on the western side of the island.

In addition to claw marks and footprints, he said he found a single hair attached to a fence near where the animal had been seen.

Researchers collected the hair sample and conducted DNA analyses on it. They then compared the results to the DNA from a Java tiger museum specimen from 1930.

Their results revealed that the specimens were a close genetic match.

We conclude that the hair sample, researchers said, belongs to the Javan tiger, and that it falls in the same group as the Javan tiger museum specimen collected in 1930.

The finding has led to speculation that the extinct tiger  with a last confirmed sighting in 1976  remains alive in the wild, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, an Indonesian conservation official, told Reuters.

But, to determine whether the Javan tiger is indeed living in the wild, further research, including field studies, needs to be conducted.

We have prepared and will prepare efforts to respond  Pudyatmoko told Reuters.

In addition to the 2019 sighting, a handful of other encounters have been reported throughout the island in recent years, though they have not been substantiated, researchers said.

These reports have included purported sightings, large footprints and killings of livestock attributed to the tigers.

The newfound evidence comes as over a dozen wild cat species worldwide are considered vulnerable, near threatened or endangered, according to the International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada.

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What time is the April 8 total solar eclipse in our area? Find out here with your ZIP code

The entire country will be able to see the eclipse as the path of totality will move across Texas, then cover portions of the Midwest, East Coast and touch southeast Canada before it moves out to sea.

Get ready for a spectacular show: A total solar eclipse will occur above the U.S. on the afternoon of April 8. Most Americans will be able to see it in some form, but the distance between your location and the path of totality will determine how much of the sun will be covered by the moon. Many places in the U.S., including Akron and Cleveland in Ohio, will see a total eclipse, in which the sun is completely obscured.

Columbus proper will see a partial eclipse, though areas north and northeast of the city, including Dublin, Delaware, Marion, Bucyrus, Ashland and Mansfield, will experience total darkness.

If you're in the dark (wink-wink) about whether you'll be plunged into total darkness during the April 8 solar eclipse, we've got you covered. Search for your ZIP code below or select a major city to reveal the time, duration, peak and percentage of the eclipse in your area.

What time is the eclipse in Columbus? How long will it last? What will the solar eclipse look like?

Can't see our graphics? Click here to reload the page.

When is the eclipse?

On April 8 the moon will travel along the path of totality in North America starting in northern Mexico. The shadow of the moon will pass into Texas a little before 1:30 p.m. local time.

The total darkness of the eclipse will reach Ohio around 3:08 p.m. ET, starting in the southwest portion of the state.

Dublin, Delaware, Marion, Bucyrus and Mansfield will experience the full effect of the eclipse a few minutes later, around 3:11 p.m.

The eclipse will exit the state about eight minutes later after covering Akron, Cleveland, Mentor, Conneaut and other cities in the northeast part of Ohio, according to NASA.

Learn more: What is the path of totality for the total solar eclipse? Follow as it crosses the US.

Lea en Espanol: Cual es la trayectoria de totalidad del eclipse solar total? Siga mientras cruza Mexico y los EE. UU.

Are free eclipse glasses safe? Where can I get eclipse glasses? How can I view the eclipse safely without them?

If you buy or are given eclipse glasses, be sure they are made by companies the American Astronomical Society and NASA have certified as safe. Eclipse glasses should all have the "ISO" (International Organization for Standardization) icon. The glasses also must have the ISO reference number 12312-2.

2024 solar eclipse: You need a special pair of glasses to watch the solar eclipse: How to get them in Columbus

If you cannot find certified glasses, there are other ways to view the eclipse, including with a shadow box you can make yourself.

Whatever you do, don't look at the sun without proper protection.

Learn more: What happens if you look at a solar eclipse? A viewing guide for this year's sky show.

Lea en Espanol: Que pasa si miras un eclipse solar? Una guia para ver el espectaculo celeste de este ano.

Why does an eclipse happen and how does it work? How often do eclipses occur? Where can I learn more about the science?

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," when observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, confuses animals  nocturnal creatures stir, and bird and insects fall silent.

Learn more: A total solar eclipse will cross the US in April: Here's where and when to see it

Lea en Espanol: El eclipse solar total cruzara EE. UU. en Abril: donde y cuando verl

Contributing: Janet Loehrke, Javier Zarracina and Shawn J. Sullivan

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is the solar eclipse in our area? Search our interactive ZIP code map
Floridas state Supreme Court ruled on Monday that the state constitution does not protect abortion care  declaring the states current 15-week ban constitutional and giving the go-ahead for a six-week ban to take effect in 30 days.

The high court ruled that a privacy clause in the state constitution does not protect abortion care.

The parties have presented thoughtful arguments as to the scope of this provision, which has traditionally been referred to as the Privacy Clause. Those legal arguments on the Privacy Clauses meaning are, in our view, distinct from the serious moral, ethical, and policy issues that are implicated in the subject matter of this case, the ruling reads.

Our analysis focuses on the Privacy Clauses text, its context, and the historical evidence surrounding its adoption, the ruling continues. After considering each of these sources and consistent with longstanding principles of judicial deference to legislative enactments, we conclude there is no basis under the Privacy Clause to invalidate the statute.

Pro-choice groups and abortion providers filed suit against the state in 2022 after Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed the 15-week ban into effect. The state Supreme Court, which DeSantis has stacked with conservative judges in recent years, agreed to hear arguments in the case last year but allowed the 15-week ban to stay in effect during that time.

Dr. Cecilia Grande, a Florida OB-GYN, told reporters on Monday afternoon that a six-week abortion ban will be very detrimental for birthing people in Florida.

This represents, pretty much, a total ban, Grande said. We anticipate that patients are going to have a delay in care, and thats not good for the doctors and thats not good for patients ... Its a very bad deal for the women of Florida to have a six-week ban.

Also on Monday, the Florida Supreme Court approved a pro-choice amendment to appear on the states ballot in November. The amendment seeks to protect abortion up until fetal viability, usually at around 24 weeks.

Oral arguments in the lawsuit, brought by Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and other parties, were heard in September.

Abortion has been a recognized right in Florida for decades, Whitney White, an ACLU staff attorney, said during oral arguments. Theres no basis in the text to exclude a decision so personal and so private as whether to continue a pregnancy.

Last year, the state legislature passed a six-week abortion ban that includes exceptions for rape, incest or human trafficking, but only through the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. In order to get an abortion, the survivor must provide a copy of a restraining order, police report, medical record, or other court order or documentation to prove she was a victim of rape or incest, according to the bill.

The six-week ban also includes an exception for the life of the pregnant person if two physicians certify in writing that the woman will die if she continues the pregnancy. Several Democrats have criticized the two-physician requirement, however, citing a lack of doctors in rural areas that could hinder women from receiving lifesaving care.

The six-week abortion ban is now set totake effect a month from April 1. The legislation, which DeSantis signed in a closed ceremony in the dark of night, not only bans abortion after six weeks  a point at which most people dont even realize theyre pregnant  but also prohibits telehealth for abortion care and allots $25 million annually to support deceptive anti-abortion pregnancy centers.

Plaintiffs in the suit argued that the privacy clause in Floridas constitution provides broad protections for privacy rights, including the right to get an abortion. But the state argued that the clause, which was adopted in 1980 via voter referendum, was not explicitly meant to protect abortion care, but rather to cover information privacy in such matters as personal records.

This is a 50-year reflection by our society, by our state, that peoples elected representatives believe that theres a compelling interest in protecting human life. Why should we as a court not defer to that? Chief Justice Carlos Muniz asked White during oral arguments, implying that the protection to abortion care was not explicitly included in the privacy clause.

This is the largest single loss of care that we've seen since the overturn of Roe v. Wade.Lauren Brenzel, campaign director, Floridians Protecting Freedom

The 15-week abortion ban, which has stayed in effect during legal battles, includes no exceptions for rape or incest, and only allows exceptions if the pregnant person is at risk of serious injury or death when the fetus has a fatal abnormality. But as HuffPosts Sara Boboltz has reported, lifesaving exceptions in abortion bans often dont work in practice. And there have been multiple instances where Floridian womens lives were put at risk because they were denied care.

A six-week abortion ban will likely devastate access not only for Floridians but for people seeking care across the Southeast. Florida became a safe haven for abortion care after the U.S. Supreme Court repealed federal abortion protections in 2022, leading nearly a dozen states, mostly in the Southeast, to enact near-total abortion bans. People in that part of the country who have the resources to travel have largely gone to Florida or North Carolina to get abortion care.

North Carolina enacted a 12-week abortion ban last year, and South Carolina a six-week ban. The last abortion safe haven in the region is now Virginia. Abortion bans like the ones in the Southeast disproportionately affect low-income people, women of color, people who live in rural areas, women with disabilities, and trans and gender-nonconforming people.

This is about to create an unprecedented public health crisis in the state of Florida, Lauren Brenzel, the campaign director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, the group behind the pro-choice amendment, said Monday during a press conference.

This is the largest single loss of care that weve seen since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Brenzel said, referring to the six-week abortion ban. What we know is that Florida is a state that is mostly surrounded by water, and where its not surrounded by water, its surrounded by states that already have total or near-total bans  meaning that even for patients who need to access medically necessary abortion, the road to do so will be hard.

Voters have protected abortion in every state where its been on the ballot since 2022, including in red and purple states like Kentucky and Ohio.

Floridians deserve the freedom to decide when and how to grow their families. They deserve the freedom to decide whats best for their bodies and for their lives, Dr. Robyn Schickler, an OB-GYN in central Florida and the chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Southwest, said during a press conference after oral arguments in early September.

Even if our courts fail us, Floridians have the opportunity to protect that freedom, she said. If approved by voters, a constitutional amendment ballot initiative would establish firm protections from government interference in our reproductive health decisions. As a physician and a Floridian, this amendment and the fire Floridians have brought to getting it on the ballot give me hope  hope for my patients, for our communities and our futures.

Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website.

Related...
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Building a business takes commitment and passion, but it also takes brick and mortar.

Jones Advisory Group (JAG) broke ground Monday, April 1 on its future home. The new office will be nearly triple the size of the business current space in southwest Topeka.

JAG works with individuals and families to help achieve their financial and retirement goals. While they currently have 20 staff members, Co-Founder and President, Megan Jones, tells 27 News theyre looking to expand.

We have continued to grow our staff, because more families need our help, Jones said. And so, we want to keep up that good level of service to them. And we need more space to do it, so nows the opportunity.

626 SW Governor Place

Topeka grocery store gives away free compost this April

They are hoping to have the new office done by 2025. JAG has an office here in Topeka, as well as Kansas City.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
A tornado watch has been issued for western Missouri, including the Kansas City area, as strong to severe storms begin to fire up Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

In the Kansas City area, the watch includes Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties in Kansas and Clay, Jackson and Platte counties in Missouri.

Seven counties in northeast Kansas and 31 counties in western, northwestern, and central Missouri are included in the Kansas City watch, which is in effect until 11 p.m. Monday.

The primary threat includes the likelihood of a few tornadoes, scattered hail up to tennis balls in size, and wind gusts up to 80 mph.

Local Radar Image

With the threat of severe weather, its important to remember the difference between watches and warnings. A watch basically means to be prepared for severe weather. A warning means to take action because severe weather has either been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.

About a half hour before the watch was issued, the National Weather Services Storm Prediction Center stated that storms capable of all severe hazards, including large to very large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, were expected to move into far eastern Kansas and western Missouri during the afternoon.

Storms have initiated in far northeast Kansas and have moved into northwest Missouri, the Storm Prediction Center said. Additional storms are likely to move into western Missouri from north-central Oklahoma/southeast Kansas over the next few hours.

The severe risk for eastern Kansas and western Missouri is expected to increase into the evening.

Weather watches and warnings

A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri.

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There's a lot of jargon and terminology surrounding the April 8 total solar eclipse.

So, to help you sound like a seasoned umbraphile, here's a guide to demystify the words and phrases used to describe aspects of this spectacular astronomical event.

Partial Eclipse

Everyone in Canada will have a chance to see at least a partial eclipse during this event.

A partial eclipse is any time when only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon.

The farthest northwestern reaches of the country will only see a small sliver of the Sun covered by the Moon. Meanwhile, those areas just outside of the path of totality will experience an almost total eclipse, with over 99.9 per cent of the Sun covered by the Moon.

Partial Eclipse Magnitudes - Canada - April 8, 2024

The above graphic includes the maximum partial eclipse viewable from ten different locations across Canada. Due to the path of this eclipse, the last three examples (Ottawa, Windsor, Toronto) also apply to many communities farther east  townships in eastern Ontario, Ottawa and Gatineau, northern Montreal, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City, Edmundston, Moncton, Saint John, Charlottetown, Halifax, Sydney, and St. John's.

Even observers that have a chance to witness the Moon completely block the Sun will still experience a partial eclipse for over 99 per cent of the event.

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8 2024 - 90pc Totality - Canada

Remarkably, even a partial eclipse of up to 90 per cent isn't really enough to noticeably dim the Sun's brightness in our sky. Thus, anyone outside the gray-shaded part of the above map will probably not even notice that anything unusual is occurring on that day. From there, anyone with access to solar eclipse glasses or an indirect method of viewing will see the partial eclipse, but for everyone else, it may seem like just another Monday.

The partial eclipse is often discussed in 'magnitude', which is expressed as a fraction of the diameter of the Sun that is covered at any time.

DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know for April's spectacular and rare solar eclipse

Totality

Totality is the period of time during a total solar eclipse when the Moon completely blocks the Sun.

This is also the only time when it is safe for eclipse watchers to remove their eye protection.

In fact, those that experience totality are very much encouraged to remove their solar viewing glasses at that time. That way, they can see the solar corona surrounding the Moon.

Total-Solar-Eclipse-August21-2017-SilverPointTN-TWN

Be very careful to know exactly when totality ends for your location, though, so you can look away or put your eye protection back on before the Sun reappears from behind the Moon.

The maximum duration for totality for this solar eclipse is 4 minutes and 28 seconds, when viewed from northern Mexico. The farther you are from that location, the shorter totality will be.

In Canada, the longest totality will be seen from Fort Erie, ON, with a duration of 3 minutes and 46 seconds. In Bonavista, Nfld, at the far end of the path of totality, the Moon will completely block the Sun for 2 minutes and 54 seconds.

Path of Totality

The path of totality is the narrow corridor that the deepest part of the Moon's shadow follows as it crosses the face of the Earth.

HubPage - Solar Eclipse - Path

It is only from within this path that viewers will experience the awe-inspiring sight of the total solar eclipse.

Within this roughly 200-km-wide corridor, the longest durations for totality will be along the centre line of the path.

April-8-Total-Eclipse-Niagara-Peninsula

As shown in the map above, the farther away a viewer is from that centre line, the shorter totality will be. While Fort Erie has a totality duration of 3 minutes and 46 seconds, St Catharines will see it for 3 minutes and 15 seconds, while Hamilton will only experience totality for just shy of 2 minutes.

Umbra & Penumbra

The umbra and penumbra are the two parts of the Moon's shadow that are cast upon Earth's surface during a total solar eclipse.

The umbra is the dark core of the shadow, while the penumbra is the more diffuse part of the shadow that surrounds the umbra.

Umbra Penumbra Aug 2017 TSE - DSCOVR

The Moon's dark umbra and diffuse penumbra are labelled on this image captured by the Deep Space Climate Observatory on August 21, 2017. Credit: NASA/NOAA/Scott Sutherland

Anyone who is viewing the partial solar eclipse (indirectly or while wearing eye protection, of course) will be in the penumbra at that time.

Those who can look up and see the Moon completely blocking the Sun, at 100 per cent totality, will be in the dark umbra. The sky will turn a bizarre shade of blue at that time, possibly unlike anything you've ever seen before, winds will calm, birds will go quiet, and the temperature will drop noticeably. Also, there will be a wispy white glow surrounding the Moon, as the solar corona becomes visible.

By the way, an umbraphile is a person who will do everything they can, and go anywhere that is possible, to experience totality during a total solar eclipse.

READ MORE: How to use a cereal box to safely view the solar eclipse

Contact (First, Second, Third, Fourth)

Throughout the eclipse, if you are set up somewhere along the path of totality, you may hear someone call out phrases like "First Contact", "Second Contact", "Third Contact", and "Fourth Contact."

These terms refer to points of the eclipse when the leading and trailing edges of the Moon's disk make "contact" with parts of the Sun.

Total Solar Eclipse Contacts - Stellarium

This graphic shows the four 'contacts' during a total solar eclipse. Since the Moon completely obstructs the Sun at Second and Third Contacts, the position of the Sun is indicated in those frames to better illustrate these points of the eclipse. Credit: Stellarium/Scott Sutherland

First contact is when the eastern limb of the Moon (the side leading the advance across the disk of the Sun) first touches the western limb of the Sun, and the partial eclipse begins.

Second contact is when the eastern limb of the Moon touches the eastern limb of the Sun, indicating the beginning of totality for that location. Right at this point is when it becomes safe to remove your eclipse glasses.

Third contact is when the western limb of the Moon (the trailing edge) meets with the western limb of the Sun, coinciding with the end of totality. Eclipse glasses go back on before this occurs!

Fourth contact is when the western limb of the Moon meets the eastern limb of the Sun, signalling the end of the eclipse.

Viewers outside the path of totality will only experience First Contact and Fourth Contact, skipping Second and Third. Those inside the path of totality will observe all four in sequence.

Shadow Bands

Just before and just after totality, when there is only a tiny sliver of the Sun still visible from behind the Moon, observers may witness something strange going on with shadows around them. This odd phenomenon is known as shadow bands.

According to NASA: "Shadow bands are thin wavy lines of alternating light and dark that can be seen moving and undulating in parallel on plain-coloured surfaces immediately before and after a total solar eclipse."

Watch below: Shadow bands seen before and after the November 2012 total solar eclipse across northern Australia

Unfortunately, shadow bands are not observed from all locations during an eclipse and not even during every eclipse. Also, their origin still remains something of a mystery, even today, but it is believed that they likely result from the same upper atmospheric turbulence that causes stars to twinkle.

Baily's Beads

About a minute and a half before totality begins, almost the entire disk of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, but several bright points of light will be visible just along the limb of the Moon.

These points of light are called Baily's beads, and are named for astronomer Francis Baily, who first described them.

Bailys Beads - NASA Aubrey Gemignani

Baily's Beads, as seen during the August 2017 eclipse. Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Baily's beads occur because the edge of the Moon is not a perfect circle. There are crater rims, mountains, hills, and valleys all along it. When over 99.9 per cent of the Sun is covered up by the Moon, the only parts of the star we can still see are those that peek through the valleys.

Separated by areas of higher elevation, it appears as though there is a string of bright beads along the limb of the Moon. This phenomenon will also appear for over a minute after totality ends.

Although only visible for up to 90 seconds from within the path of totality, some observers positioned just outside the path may see them for even longer.

Diamond ring

In the seconds just before totality, with only one Baily's bead remaining and the white glow of the corona becoming visible around the Moon, we will see the Diamond Ring.

Diamond ring - Total Solar Eclipse - NASA Carla Thomas

The diamond ring visible just before totality during the August 2017 total solar eclipse. Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas

This phenomenon is also visible just after Third Contact, when the first point of light from the Sun peaks through on the other side of the Moon.

The reason the diamond ring in the image above looks so much brighter than the Baily's beads in the previous picture is due to the photographer removing the solar filter from their camera just before totality.

The brightness of the 'diamond' in the 'ring' is an excellent indicator for why it is important to leave your eclipse glasses on until the Sun is completely covered by the Moon.

Although it lasts for only a second, with your eyes adapted to the dark (pupils wide open to bring in as much light as possible) this bright point can leave a spot before your vision.

RELATED: Strange things may happen during the eclipse, and NASA wants you to document it

Corona

During totality, observers can look up without eye protection to see the corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere, shining as a wispy white glow around the Moon.

Total Solar Eclipse - Aug 21 2017 - NASA Nat Gopalswamy

The solar corona is visible in this image taken during the 2017 total solar eclipse. Credit: NASA/Nat Gopalswamy

Viewing the corona is always awe-inspiring, but this year we may be in for an even better treat.

In August 2017, the solar eclipse occurred when the Sun was just a few years from the lowest point in its 11-year cycle of activity.

Now, we are just months away from the Sun being at the peak of its cycle. As such, we are seeing a lot more solar activity  sunspots, solar flares, and the like. Thus, the corona may be even brighter than it was in the last eclipse, and we could even see some added bonuses when the Moon completely covers the Sun.

Prominence

When the Sun is very active, we often see immense arcs of solar material extend out from the Sun's surface. These are often referred to as coronal loops, and they occasionally get launched away from the Sun during a solar flare.

Solar Prominence Eruption Earth Scale - NASA

This massive solar prominence erupted from the Sun in 2012. Credit: NASA

However, we can also spot these along the limb of the Moon during a total solar eclipse.

In that case, we call them prominences.

Eclipse Prominence - Silver Point TN August 2017

These seem to be a common sight during total solar eclipses, but we may see more of them, and more impressive examples of them, during this eclipse.

Coronal Mass Ejection

When a solar flare goes off on the surface of the Sun, there is a chance that any coronal loop (aka prominence) in its vicinity may erupt into space. This is known as a coronal mass ejection or CME.

Accelerated away from the Sun by the energy of the flare, a CME becomes an expanding cloud of charged solar particles that can cause magnetic disturbances and auroras if it sweeps past Earth.

LASCO C3-halo-CME-1130z-Apr22-2021-NASA-ESA-SOHO

This view of a CME was captured by the coronagraph on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory on April 22, 2021. Credit: NASA

Space weather scientists observe CMEs by using a camera, known as a coronagraph, which captures the dimmer activity around the Sun by blocking direct sunlight using a solid metal disk in front of the lens.

During a total solar eclipse, we have the Moon acting as a coronagraph for those of us viewing totality. If a CME were to erupt right at that time, we may catch a glimpse of it.

The cloud of expanding plasma might not be easily spotted with the naked eye (simply due to the size of the Sun in the sky), but cameras would be able to record the event.

Duration

For any solar eclipse, there is a length of time for the entire event, and then there is the duration.

For this solar eclipse, the time from First Contact to Fourth Contact varies based on your location  from a little over 2 hours and 20 minutes when viewed from around Niagara Falls, ON, to around 2 hours and 9 minutes from Gander, NL.

SolarEclipse Timetable1

However, the duration of the eclipse is the length of totality from any location, thus the period of time between Second Contact and Third Contact.

The longest duration of the eclipse for Canada is 3 minutes and 46 seconds, as seen from Fort Erie, ON. In Gander, NL, it will be 2 minutes and 13 seconds, but areas closer to the edge of the path of totality will probably see totality for at least 90 seconds or so.

Watch below: The role clouds will play during the eclipse

Click here to view the video
This is a locator map for Afghanistan with its capital, Kabul. (AP Photo)

ISLAMABAD (AP)  A highway crash in southern Afghanistan left at least 21 people dead and 38 others injured, according to a provincial traffic department.

The crash occurred on Sunday morning in Gerashk district of Helmand province on the main highway between southern Kandahar and western Herat provinces, the Helmand traffic office said.

A motorbike crashed into a passenger bus, which then hit a fuel tanker on the opposite side of the road, said Qadratullah, a traffic official in Helmand. An investigation into the accident was underway, he added.

Eleven of the 38 injured people were transferred to hospitals with serious injuries, said Hzatullah Haqqani, a spokesman for the Helmand police chief.

Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, mainly due to poor road conditions and driver carelessness.
Israel seems to be shooting higher and higher and farther and farther. On Monday, one of the most prominent Iranian military commanders in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi, died in an aerial bombing of the ambassadors residence in Damascus. The attack killed at least eight people, seven of them from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, including Zahedi and two other senior military officers. Both Syria and Iran blame Israel, which has attacked the country hundreds of times since the Syrian war began in 2011, although it is usually silent about its involvement, as on this occasion. Last Friday, another aerial bombing attributed to Israel was the deadliest one in Syria since 2021. It caused some 40 deaths near the capitals airport and was targeting Hezbollah, the Tehran-allied Lebanese militia fighting on the side of forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian blamed Israel for the attacks consequences. The two actions, which closely followed each other, increase the risk of further inflaming the Middle East.

Reza Zahedi was a brigadier general in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, created by Ayatollah Khomeini after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. With some 125,000 men, the Pasdaran (as they are often called) spearhead Irans policy in the region.

Ambassador Hossein Akbari, who was unhurt in the attack, has said that F-35 fighter-bombers (which the U.S. supplies to Israel) launched up to six missiles at the building, which appears completely destroyed in images. His office is next door. Akbari, who vowed that his country will respond harshly, put the number of dead at between five and seven. We cannot give an exact figure until the rubble is lifted, he said on Iranian state television. Shortly afterward, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an NGO with numerous partners on the ground, claimed that the bombing killed five members of the Revolutionary Guard and two Iranian advisors.

This is the first attack on the Embassy compound, which is located in the protected Mezzeh district, where Pashtun and Palestinian militia leaders close to Iran (mostly Islamic Jihad) and other countries usually reside and visit, and other countries have their diplomatic delegations.

The head of the octopus

Israel is targeting its archenemy Iran as the mastermind and financer of the October 7 Hamas attack and has made it clear that its retaliation will not be limited to Hamas alone. Who says we are not attacking Iran, we are attacking Iran is the head of the octopus and you see its tentacles all around from the Houthis [in Yemen] to Hezbollah to Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference in January.

The Israeli army has been escalating its attacks outside Gaza for weeks and stepped up so-called targeted assassinations. Last week it launched its deadliest attack inside Lebanon, killing 16 people. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced then that it will expand the campaign and increase the rate of attacks against Hezbollah because Israel is turning from defending to pursuing Hezbollah, we will reach wherever the organization operates, in Beirut, Damascus and in more distant places.

The military affairs correspondent for Israeli TV Channel 13, Or Heller, linked the attack to the negotiations of a second cease-fire, which have been taking place in Qatar for weeks (including Monday, although without the participation of delegates from Israel and Hamas). Heller asserts that Tehran is urging Hamas to stand firm in its demands and that an assassination in broad daylight inside the compound of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus is a clear message.

Destruction and dead bodies in Al Shifa

The attack in Syria came hours after the Israeli withdrawal from Gazas largest hospital, Al Shifa, after a two-week invasion. The troops departure has allowed for the first images: charred buildings, corpses on the ground and piles of rubble.

The soldiers withdrew in the early hours of Monday morning, ending an operation in which Israel claims to have killed 200 terrorists and detained some 500 more. The army blames Palestinian militias for using hospitals to launch attacks, a claim Hamas denies. No hospital in the world looks like this. This is what a house of terrorists looks like, Netanyahu said on Sunday. The Hamas-controlled government in Gaza puts the death toll at around 400, noting that these figures include civilians, patients, medical personnel and displaced persons.

After the troops withdrawal, hundreds of Gazans came to see the state of the hospital. Health authorities speak of entire units destroyed. Videos on social media show fire-blackened buildings with signs of gunfire and shelling on the walls. Raed al-Nims, a representative of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, claims that the Israeli military set numerous apartments on fire and that there are many corpses on the ground.

According to Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmud Busal, some bodies show signs of execution, are in an advanced state of decomposition or have been buried because military vehicles pulled up the streets. The Ministry of Health reports very serious damage, while Israel speaks of a precise operation in which it protected displaced persons, patients and personnel while fighting hand-to-hand against militiamen.

The extent of the destruction in Al Shifa adds yet another problem to Gazas healthcare system, which is barely surviving, according to last Fridays report from the United Nations humanitarian affairs office. Ten of the 36 hospitals in Gaza before the war, which also house tens of thousands of displaced persons, are still functioning, but only partially. As a result, on Monday the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health asked the population to reserve hospitals only for the sick and wounded.

Israel will prevent the terrorist channel Al Jazeera from broadcasting The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel. I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channels activity, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday. His comments came after the Israeli Parliament passed a law that allows a temporary ban on the broadcasting of foreign media that harm Israels security. It is called the Al Jazeera Law and will be in effect until July or until the end of the war in Gaza.



In a surprise vote, the law received 71 votes in favor and 10 against. In an atmosphere of hostility toward the major satellite channel, the measure had already passed its first reading in February. In the months following the October 7 attack, some Israelis have approached the press to ask if they were from Al Jazeera and harassed some of its journalists.



The law gives the communications minister the power to order content providers to stop broadcasting from the country, shut down offices, confiscate equipment and block web servers. The current minister, Shlomo Karhi, has already made it clear that the channel will close in the coming days because the propaganda arm of Hamas does not deserve freedom of expression. The decision will apply for 45 days  which can be renewed  and requires prior review by a district court.



The Qatar-based chain has been in Israels crosshairs for years, but in the past decade the emirate was seen as helping Gazas stability with its millions of dollars and the rebuilding of entire neighborhoods. After the October 7 attack, with Netanyahu calling on the U.S. to start pressuring Doha to secure concessions from Hamas in the cease-fire negotiations, the discourse has changed. Al Jazeera harmed Israels security, actively participated in the Oct. 7 massacre, and incited against Israeli soldiers. It is time to remove the bullhorn of Hamas from our country, Netanyahu has said.

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UPDATE: Traffic has been reopened, and the tractor-trailer was moved.

LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  A disabled tractor-trailer is blocking traffic in Longview on Monday morning.

Man flown to hospital after Payne Springs 2-vehicle crash

According to Longview PD, officers are on the scene in the 2000 block of West Loop 281, as of 9:50 a.m., where all three westbound lanes are blocked by a disabled vehicle.

Authorities are asking travelers to seek an alternate route around this area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
2 dead, including suspect, after chase ends in crash, shuts down I-75, police say

Interstate 75 northbound shut down for hours after a deadly crash Monday morning near the Bartow County-Gordon County line.

NewsChopper 2 flew over the scene where the crash occurred at mile marker 304 by the Ga. 140 and Folsom Road exit.

According to the Calhoun Police Department, officers responded to reports of a suspicious person driving a possible stolen vehicle at the RaceTrac gas station at around 5:45 a.m. in Calhoun.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When officers tried to stop the vehicle, they said the driver sped away and traveled east on Highway 53 to the Calhoun bypass, then turned right to head back west toward I-75.

The suspect drove onto I-75 at speeds exceeding 90 mph.

Police say that during the pursuit, the suspect swerved into an officers patrol car, causing the suspect to lose control of their vehicle.

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The driver was ejected from their vehicle and died at the scene. During the crash, the suspects vehicle struck an oncoming vehicle and caused one serious injury.

That injured person was life-flighted to a hospital.

Another two crashes happened during the incident. Another person died during one of those additional crashes.

IN OTHER NEWS
NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. (WFXR)  Imagine the sights and scents of the Mediterranean region, and more specifically the south of France, without ever leaving Virginia.

Virginia Gold Orchard hopes to make that vision a reality.

The famous postcard that people see is of the Abbey at Senanque, said Virginia Gold Orchard owner Thomas Vandiver. Its in the south of France; that beautiful church in the background with all the nice tight rows. we want to recreate that exact view here.

Virginia Gold Orchard is one of many growing operations in Virginia expanding agritourism to increase cash flow against razor-thin margins, and as a hedge against adverse factors like weather or disease. Planting fields of lavender is part of that plan.

Roanoke Logperch king of darters no longer at risk of extinction

Virginia Golds primary crop is Asian pears. The owners also own Ramulose Ridge Vineyards in Moneta, and they have a Ramulose Ridge tasting room at the orchard. Last year Virginia Gold planted and sold cut flowers to offset pear crop loss due to a late freeze. This year, lavender has been added to the mix.

Its going to allow us to create a really beautiful environment in this area, said Vandiver motioning to an area that had been cleared and plowed. In just a couple of months its going to be filled with crushed gravel and raised beds. that way when you walk you get that beautiful feel truly like youve gone to the south of France.

Tiny juvenile lavender plants at Virginia Gold Orchard near Natural Bridge, Virginia (Photo: George Noleff)

Recreating the lavender fields of the south of France means Virginia Gold will have to recreate the growing conditions of the south of France. While the climate, warm and humid is a good match, the soil composition is not. Because of that, Vandiver will actually plant his fields in raised pots. That way he can control soil content and chemistry.

It thrives on adversity, Vandiver said. If you give lavender too much water, too much fertilizer, if you give it that beautiful potting soil we pay top dollar for, youll kill it.

What lavender prefers is rocky, dry soil. Vandiver has purchased a mix that Virginia Gold will use for its lavender crop. The plants are tiny, right now, and will be planted in the next month.

Early blooms indicate strong fruit year if frost, freeze can be avoided

These are our little babies thatll be going out into the field soon, said Vandiver as he walked through a greenhouse at the orchard. They will eventually become a perennial crop once theyre established.

While growing and farming are still the primary focus, providing a unique experience is also key to profitability. Vandiver says good memories are among the crops Virginia Gold wants to cultivate.

We want our customers to enjoy that country lifestyle; be able to take in the views, take in the smells, and really just relax.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Concertina wire at the border is one of many efforts by Texas officials to curb illegal immigration. Senate Bill 4, which would empower judges who conduct magistration to give deportation orders, is another.

Shortly after immigration advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas argued that Senate Bill 4  which would allow state and local police to arrest migrants and empower judges who conduct magistration to give deportation orders  highlights the urgent need for counsel at first appearance, Travis County officials have announced plans to provide lawyers at bail hearings.

The possibility that SB 4 will go into effect galvanized advocates for counsel at first appearance in Travis County, who said that the need for legal representation immediately after an arrest will be particularly urgent for migrants under the new state law. SB 4 would empower judges, during magistration, to give migrants a choice between deportation and being charged under the law.

SB 4 has been temporarily blocked by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals while it considers the law's legality. Before it was placed on hold, SB 4 went into effect for about nine hours March 19.

After years of uncertainty, Travis County will again try to implement counsel at first appearance and will begin providing lawyers for bail hearings during two test shifts in late April. County Judge Andy Brown said that the sped-up timeline was due to concerns raised by immigration activists at a recent Commissioners Court meeting and a letter sent by a collection of advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Texas.

In Travis County, people who are arrested do not currently get legal representation during magistration, the hearing in which a judge sets bail and release conditions. Local officials and Austin defense attorneys have long been concerned about the lack of legal representation during magistration, which they say could amount to a constitutional violation. Advocates have pointed out that, in jurisdictions in which it's in place, counsel at first appearance lowers the likelihood of pretrial detention and the use of cash bail.

Advocates say that the absence of counsel at these hearings would particularly jeopardize people who are undocumented. Immigration advocates have repeatedly highlighted the debilitating effects of deportation.

Think about it as a mental health crisis, an economic crisis, a familial one, said Carmen Zuvieta, who saw her husband deported from the U.S. in 2013. She spoke to the American-Statesman in Spanish. For us this is highly urgent, necessary.

The stakes at hand

Texas lawmakers in November passed SB 4 to codify a series of new penalties for anyone suspected of crossing into the U.S. in Texas other than through an international port of entry. The penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony.

If SB 4 goes into effect, a person arrested under the law could agree, during magistration, to a deportation order in lieu of being prosecuted for illegally entering the country. Without counsel at first appearance, those arrested could make that decision without consulting a defense attorney.

"People have a right to speak with a defense attorney who can advise them about the immigration consequences of any pleas," said Savannah Kumar, an attorney at the ACLU of Texas. In the absence of counsel at first appearance, Kumar said, this right would be denied to people subject to deportation under SB 4.

In late February, Travis County Chief Public Defender Adeola Ogunkeyede wrote a letter to the municipal judges who conduct magistration in the county, urging them "not to exercise their discretionary power to order people to leave the United States under this new law."

Even if SB 4 does not go into effect, immigration advocates said that a lack of representation at magistration can place someone's immigration status in jeopardy.

Someone is left vulnerable, who may speak up, answer questions that are not in their interest and position themselves for deportation, said Robert Lilly, a criminal justice organizer for Grassroots Leadership.

What is the status of CAFA in Travis County?

Recent advocacy for counsel at first appearance sped up Travis County's plan to provide legal counsel at bail hearings, which had languished since a short-lived 2022 pilot program was canceled due to a staffing shortage at the sheriff's office.

Brown, the county judge, told the Statesman that he and the Travis County Commissioners Court have been committed to ensuring "access to justice for everyone that comes through the court system." He said that the two-day test of counsel at first appearance, tentatively scheduled for April 23 and 25, will be followed by widespread implementation.

Brown said that the Commissioners Court has made efforts since 2022 to fund recruitment and retention at the sheriff's office. In December, Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez told the Commissioners Court that vacancy rates had improved.

During a March 21 Commissioners Court meeting, advocates from the Austin Sanctuary Network argued that counsel at first appearance was of particular concern for migrants. Some argued that Hernandez stood in the way of its implementation. In a statement, Hernandez categorically denied that claim.

On March 20, almost 40 advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Texas, wrote a public letter to county stakeholders, criticizing the lack of a concrete plan to provide legal counsel during magistration to everyone arrested. The letter pointed out that lawyers are provided at bail hearings in Bexar and Harris counties.

In 2018, the ACLU of Texas filed a class action lawsuit against Galveston County, and in 2019, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction, ordering that the county provide lawyers at bail hearings.

Bradley Hargis, director of the Capital Area Private Defender Service, said Travis County's new plan "provides both a path forward and a concrete step towards making CAFA a reality."

Statesman Capitol reporter Hogan Gore contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: SB4 Texas: A push for lawyers at bail hearings leads to pilot program
UPDATE  A jury of eight women and six men will hear the case against Dr. Raynaldo Ortiz. That includes twelve jurors and two alternates. Ortiz walked into the courtroom wearing a navy suit and sporting long white hair. At times he wore a face mask.

During opening statements, each side laid out the case they will present to jurors.

Federal prosecutor John De La Garza told the panel while doctors take an oath to do no harm, "this case is about a different kind of doctor." According to De La Garza, Dr. Ortiz committed his crimes in plain sight, calling his behavior around the IV bag warming cabinet "highly, highly unusual."

Defense attorneys took issue with that characterization, promising to show the jury several videos of other doctors and medical staff doing the same things Ortiz was seen on camera doing.

John Nicholson, a public defender, called the government's case an example of "confirmation bias," telling jurors, "They just see what they want to see," and that Ortiz was a "convenient person to blame."

Nicholson also pointed to fingerprint test results that he said helped exonerate Ortiz  evidence Nicholson said was not disclosed by the prosecution.

The judge released jurors after opening statements. Testimony begins Tuesday at 9 a.m.

DALLAS  A federal criminal trial is starting Monday morning for a North Texas doctor whom prosecutors have called a "medical terrorist." Raynaldo Ortiz is accused of putting patients at risk by poisoning their IV bags. It started in August 2022 when the Baylor Scott & White Surgicare Center in North Dallas was suddenly forced to close its doors.

The move came at the end of a string of unexplained emergencies; Throughout that summer, 10 patients were rushed to nearby emergency rooms after problems during their procedures.

At the time, attorney Bruce Steckler told CBS News Texas he represented one of the patients, an 18-year-old man who underwent sinus surgery. "That's what makes this so unique, is when you have healthy patients having routine procedures having to be rushed out of there, intubated and ventilated."

All of the patients survived, but a doctor who worked at the facility did not.

Dr. Melane Kaspar was an anesthesiologist who was sick in June 2022. Her husband says she brought an IV bag home to rehydrate. Minutes after inserting the needle, Kaspar suffered a fatal heart attack.

Test results showed both Kaspar and the 18-year-old patient were poisoned with the nerve blocker Bupivacaine. Investigators say they linked the tainted bags to another anesthesiologist at the facility: Raynaldo Ortiz.

Ortiz was already under investigation by the facility for a problem in one of his surgeries. Investigators say Ortiz was angry over the potential loss of his job, which they say would have been "financially devastating." That was in May 2022; the mysterious cardiac emergencies started a few days later.

Surveillance videos showed Dr. Ortiz putting single IV bags into storage cabinets on multiple occasions, according to prosecutors. Medical workers told investigators that was a job typically handled by nurses, not doctors, and not one bag at a time. Prosecutors say those instances coincided with the patient emergencies, but none of them happened during Ortiz's procedures.

In one case, a nurse told investigators when she retrieved an IV bag for Ortiz, "he vehemently refused the bag and said he would get his own bag."

John Helms is a former federal prosecutor who read the complaint against Ortiz. "I don't know that at the end of the day, if there's really going to be an issue that the bags were contaminated," Helms told CBS News Texas. "I think it's going to be, can they prove it was Dr. Ortiz who did it?"

According to court documents, seven doctors and four patients could be called to testify.

Ortiz is facing 10 federal charges related to the tampering of IV bags, which carry a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted. He has been in pretrial custody since his arrest, and his medical license was suspended.

Ortiz has pleaded not guilty and denied all of the allegations. His attorneys say the evidence against him is made up of "suspicious coincidences."

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Judges and prosecutors seem so afraid of violating Donald Trumps First Amendment rights that they are undermining the integrity of the criminal justice system by seeking and issuing fundamentally flawed gag orders that fail to prohibit attacks on the presiding judges and main prosecutors.

For example, in the election interference case brought against Trump by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Judge Juan Merchan issued a gag order preventing Trump from making statementsor directing others to make statementsabout witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and their relatives if he intends to interfere with their work on the case as well as any comments about jurors.

The order failed to prohibit any comments about D.A. Bragg or Judge Merchan, and Trump immediately exploited this loophole by naming and criticizing Merchans adult daughter on Trumps social media platform Truth Social. Braggs office has now sent a letter to the judge asking him to either clarify that his order does encompass his own family and D.A. Braggs family, or expand it to cover their families.

Trump Just Wont Stop Attacking Hush-Money Judges Daughter

Merchans order is not unique in exempting judges and main prosecutors, as it closely tracked Judge Tanya Chutkans order in the case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smithas well as Judge Arthur Engorons order in the civil fraud trial brought by New York State Attorney General Letitia James after Trump made various false public claims about the judges law clerk.

There is no reason gag orders should engender such fear. As Professor Tonja Jacobi has written: A gag order (or non-dissemination order) may seem like a core interference with the First Amendment right to free speech, and an especially worrisome one because the First Amendment is most protective against prior restraintbanning speech in advance rather than punishing it subsequently. But every right in the Constitution must be balanced against others.

Gag orders are often justified by the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial process, which includes the right to be judged by an impartial jury. A fair trial could be undermined by revelation of information, especially in high-profile cases such as the four criminal indictments and multiple civil suits against the ex-president.

Admittedly, the courts and prosecutors are in unfamiliar territory with Trump, since gag orders usually are imposed to protect a defendant against excessive pre-trial publicity which might prejudice the right to a fair trial by tainting the jury pool. Trump, however, wants as much pre-trial publicity as possible as he is using the criminal trials to fundraise as well as to support his Presidential campaign.

Most defendants dont insult and smear prosecutors and judges since there is little to gain by pissing off the people bringing charges against you and the person who may sentence you. Trump is not worried about that though, because he is using the criminal charges to buttress his presidential campaign.

Donald Trump listens as his lawyer Todd Blanche (not seen) argues with Judge Juan Merchan (not seen) during a court hearing in New York, U.S., February 15, 2024 in this courtroom sketch. Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

One can query whether this is a truly a novel political strategy, or one just born out of necessity since no presidential candidate has ever had to campaign while facing 91 felony charges brought by both federal and state prosecutors. So, rather than the usual tight-lipped response of we look forward to our day in court while the loyal spouse stands by his side, Trump rants and raves alone without the presence of a spouse by his side (perhaps his standing sans Melania Trump is a choice also borne out of necessity).

Gag orders also are not typically used to ensure the safety of trial participants much less that of judges and prosecutors. Defendants do not explicitly publicly threaten witnesses, jurors, judges, prosecutors because that would lead to them being prosecuted with new charges.

Trump also does not make explicit threats of harm. Rather, the dangerousness of his remarks arise from the proven track record of his remarks inciting violence: January 6, the Walmart mass shooter whose manifesto invoked Trump, the threats received by all the judges in his cases, the swatting of Special Counsel Jack Smith on Christmas, the white powder mailed to Braggthe list goes on. These incidents reflect deeper problems than just Trump mouthing off, but in the context of court cases gag orders are a tool to lessen danger if only judges will apply it without hesitation or favor.

The courts get the obvious safety problem posed by Trumps remarks for those lacking personal security details. Thats why they imposed orders banning Trump from talking about court staff like Judge Engorons law clerk, witnesses and their families, jurors and their families. But there is harmgrave harmin allowing Trump to attack judges and prosecutors, as well as their families, through his speech. These obviously pose safety issues for the families, and D.A. Braggs office is trying to address this by asking Merchan to clarify or expand his order.

Trumps lawyers counter with the argument that any gag order on Trump violates the First Amendment, arguing that basically anything Trump says falls into the class of political speech since he is running for office.

Thats too much deference to the First Amendment. Its not absolute. Threatening to kill someone is not protected speech. Nor is handing a note to a bank teller that says give me the money. Moreover, even if a gag order turns out to have violated the First Amendment there is zero effect upon the integrity of a criminal case.

This isnt like a Fourth Amendment violation where illegally seized evidence will be suppressed, a Fifth Amendment violation where a coerced confession will be thrown out, or a Sixth Amendment violation of the right to counsel that could result in a conviction being overturned. The remedy for a gag order violating the First Amendment would simply be to limit the scope of the orderas the D.C. Circuit did with Judge Chutkans original orderor simply dissolve it altogether with no effect on the outcome of the criminal case.

Judges themselves and the main prosecutors should not be free game for Trump. Sure, they have security and may justifiably feel that as public officials its part of the job to be criticized. But there is a no-brainer difference between criticism of a public official, and Trump criticizing the officials tasked with prosecuting, judging, and potentially sentencing him. That undermines the casesit taints jury pools and intimidates witnesses, who justifiably might fear that that if Trump is free to target judges and prosecutors then they as ordinary citizens will be at grave risk of being threatened as election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss experienced after being falsely accused by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani of election fraud.

This machismo of letting Trump attack them serves no good purpose. It doesnt protect the First Amendment. It doesnt protect the trials. It doesnt protect our country. Judges and prosecutors might have security details to protect them, but the only protection the rest of us haveand the only protection our democracy hasis the courage of public officials to do their jobs. And that means gagging Donald Trump. Completely.

Shan Wu is a former federal prosecutor who served as counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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You may have noticed over the weekend that Donald Trump posted to social media a video of a MAGA pickup truck barreling down what looked to be the Southern State Parkway in Long Island (google Howells Road, exit 41). The truck was tricked out in fascist regalia, but what naturally drew peoples attention was the image on the trucks tailgate: Joe Biden, lying prostrate, with his arms and legs bound in rope. In other words, the driver is fantasizing about hog-tying and kidnapping the president of the United States.



The Biden campaign issued a denunciation, and Trump spokesman Steven Cheung, always handy with hall-of-mirrors projection, snapped back: Democrats and crazed lunatics have not only called for despicable violence against President Trump and his family, they are actually weaponizing the justice system against him.

Take note of two points. First, the way Cheung equates Democrats and crazed lunatics with Trump; that is, if its OK for crazed lunatics to post irresponsible things about Trump, then its fine for Trump himselfthe standard-bearer of the Republican Party to hold the most powerful office in the worldto post irresponsible things about Biden.

This is a long-standing right-wing sleight of handto take things said by random angry liberals on social media and prattle on as if the Democrat Party said them. When Barack Obama was president, we endured years of Republicansin Congress and state legislatures, along with numerous state party officialsmaking watermelon jokes and being slippery about whether Obama was born in America. It happened incessantly. And then, every so often, a few online liberals would get some nasty and perhaps tasteless meme about Mitch McConnell trending, which would give Republicans the excuse to say, Aha, see? Both sides do it!

Republicans have gotten away with this for ages. The mainstream media has come to expect and tolerate this state of affairs for two reasons. Its simple human nature: If a parent has a well-behaved kid and an unruly kid, the parent naturally over time expects more of the former and lowers the bar for the latter. And once something has happened a thousand times, it isnt really news anymore.

The result has been this: House Republicans utter outlandish lies about Obama or Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden or whomever, and it gets reported, but we hardly bat an eye. Thats what we expect of them. Then, once in a while, a Democrat says something that crosses the normal lines of discoursefor example, Rashida Tlaibs statement when the Democrats retook the House in 2019 that they were going to impeach the motherfucker (Trump)and a massive hubbub ensues, leaving the casual viewer with the impression that both sides are equally guilty of extreme rhetoric, or indeed that the Democrats are worse.

When it comes to Trumpwell, he has so thoroughly corrupted our standards of discourse that nothing he says is shocking anymore. So of course he posted a video of a hog-tied Joe Biden. What else is new? The news stories on Sunday reporting the event were brief and kind of ho-hum.

Whereas, if Biden posted a video of a hog-tied Trump  you can just imagine the faux outrage on the right. And high-ranking Democrats, who would be genuinely kind of offended to see their standard-bearer for the presidency behave in such a tawdry way, would indeed rebuke Biden for having done so.

This dynamic plays out well beyond the level of discourse and rhetoric. The double standard infests the legal system as well, and the way Trump is treated there.

A lot of people were tweeting Saturday night and Sunday morning that Attorney General Merrick Garland should bring charges against Trump for posting that video. Doing so potentially violates some kind of law that prohibits inciting violence against the president.

That may well be true, on the merits. But of course, Garland will never bring any such charge. Garland has striven so hard to make his department nonpolitical that hes actually made it political in a way thats ended up helping Trump. He moved so slowly to pursue prosecutions of Trump and to name Jack Smith to lead the January 6 insurrection prosecution that he may well have ensured that nothing will happen before the election, and Trump will have the opportunity to win the election and pardon himself.

Trump likes to say hes the most persecuted politician in American history, but as usual, the opposite is the truth. Against anyone else who did all the things Trump has done, or stands accused of having done, the wheels of justice, legal and political, would have moved more swiftly. He should have been impeached and convicted when he fired James Comey four months into his first year in office because Comey affirmed the FBI was investigating Trumps 2016 campaign, and Trump admitted on national TV that that was the reason he was firing Comey. The firing was a blatant high crime. I have no doubt Mitch McConnell knows it.

And anyone else who incited an insurrection against the temple of our democracy and wanted his own vice president hanged would have been drummed out of politics the next week. Instead, Kevin McCarthy went down to Mar-a-Lago to lick his boots. And that man might be president again.

This is the advantage to the debaser of debasing standards of behavior. He is eventually held to no standard in the media, which just rolls its collective eyes. I would like to think, though, that voters, or at least enough of them, still have standards. Trump will do things between now and November to make this Biden video look mild, and the voters will finally say enough.
Trumps immigration rhetoric makes inroads with some Democrats. That could be a concern for Biden

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric appears to be making inroads even among some Democrats, a worrying sign for President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The video shared by Donald Trump features horror movie music and footage of migrants purportedly entering the U.S. from countries including Cameroon, Afghanistan and China. Shots of men with tattoos and videos of violent crime are set against close-ups of people waving and wrapping themselves in American flags.

Theyre coming by the thousands, Trump says in the video, posted on his social media site. We will secure our borders. And we will restore sovereignty.

In his speeches and online posts, Trump has ramped up anti-immigrant rhetoric, casting migrants as dangerous criminals poisoning the blood of America. His messaging often relies on falsehoods about migration, but it has proved attractive to many core supporters going back a decade, to when build the wall rang out at his campaign rallies.

President Joe Biden and his allies portray the situation as a policy dispute that Congress can fix and hits Republicans in Washington for backing away from a border security deal after facing criticism from Trump.

But in a potentially worrying sign for the Democrat, Trump's message appears to be resonating with key elements of the coalition that Biden will need to win over in November.

Roughly two-thirds of Americans now disapprove of how Biden is handling border security, including about 4 in 10 Democrats, 55% of Black adults and 73% of Hispanic adults, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in March.

A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 45% of Americans described the situation as a crisis, while another 32% said it was a major problem.

Vetress Boyce, a Chicago-based racial justice activist, was among those who expressed frustration with Bidens immigration policies and the citys approach as it tries to shelter newly arriving migrants. She argued that Democrats should focus on economic investment in Black communities, not newcomers.

Theyre sending us people who are starving, the same way Blacks are starving in this country. Theyre sending us people who want to escape the conditions and come here for a better lifestyle when the ones here are suffering and have been suffering for over 100 years, Boyce said. That recipe is a mixture for disaster. Its a disaster just waiting to happen.

Gracie Martinez is a 52-year-old Hispanic small business owner from Eagle Pass, Texas, the border town that Trump visited in February when he and Biden made same-day trips to the state. Martinez said she once voted for former President Barack Obama and is still a Democrat, but now backs Trump  mainly because of the border.

Its horrible, she said. Its tons and tons of people and theyre giving them medical and money, phones, she said, complaining those who went through the legal immigration system are treated worse.

Priscilla Hesles, 55, a teacher who lives in Eagle Pass, described the current situation as almost an overtaking" that had changed the town.

We dont know where theyre hiding. We dont know where theyve infiltrated into and where are they going to come out of, said Hesles, who said she used to take an evening walk to a local church, but stopped after she was shaken by an encounter with a group of men she alleged were migrants.

The presidents reelection campaign recently launched a $30 million ad campaign targeting Latino audiences in key swing states that includes a digital ad in English and Spanish highlighting Trumps past description of Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists.

The White House has mulled a series of executive actions that could drastically tighten immigration restrictions, effectively going around Congress after it failed to pass the bipartisan deal Biden endorsed.

Trump will campaign Tuesday in Wisconsin and Michigan this week, where he is expected to criticize Biden on immigration.

The former president calls recent record-high arrests for southwest border crossings an invasion orchestrated by Democrats to transform America. Trump accuses Biden of allowing criminals and potential terrorists to enter the country unchecked.

Trump says migrants  many of them women and children escaping poverty and violence  are  poisoning the blood  of America with drugs and disease and claims some migrants are not people. Experts who study extremism warn against using dehumanizing language in describing migrants.

There is no evidence that foreign governments are emptying their jails or mental asylums as Trump says. And while conservative news coverage has been dominated by several high-profile and heinous crimes allegedly committed by people in the country illegally, the latest FBI statistics show overall violent crime in the U.S. dropped again last year, continuing a downward trend after a pandemic-era spike.

Studies have also found that people living in the country illegally are far less likely than native-born Americans to have been arrested for violent, drug and property crimes.

Part of what has made the border such a salient issue is that its impact is being felt far from the border.

Trump allies, most notably Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, have used state-funded buses to send more than 100,000 migrants to Democratic-led cities like New York, Denver and Chicago, where Democrats will hold this summer's convention. The influx has strained city budgets and left local leaders scrambling to provide emergency housing and medical care for new groups of migrants.

Local news coverage has often been negative. Viewers have seen migrants blamed for everything from a string of gang-related New Jersey robberies to burglary rings targeting retail stores in suburban Philadelphia to measles cases in parts of Arizona and Illinois.

To Rudy Menchaca, an Eagle Pass bar owner who also works for a company that imports Corona beer from Mexico, the problems at the border are hurting business.

Menchaca is the kind of Hispanic voter Biden is counting on to back his reelection bid. The 27-year-old said he was never a fan of Trump's rhetoric and how he portrayed Hispanics and Mexicans. But he also said he was warming to the idea of backing Trump.

I need those soldiers to be around if I have my business, Menchaca said of Texas forces dispatched to the border. "The bad ones that come in could break in.

___

Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writers David Klepper in Washington and Matt Brown in Chicago contributed to this report.
New times, same divisions. Almost six months ago, the Jewish majority in Israel experienced the Hamas attack as a shared tragedy. With nearly 1,200 dead and more than 240 hostages, of which less than half have returned home, on October 7, 2023, the country put aside the decades-old divisions that came to the fore in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus judicial reform, which triggered mass demonstrations.

Since then, however, that unity  promoted via the slogan Together we will win, which appears from illuminated road signs to notices on the number of free spaces in a parking lot  has been cracking. Israel is seeing growing protests, with sometimes intersecting demands. This was the case for last weeks demonstrations calling for Netanyahus resignation, early elections and an agreement for the release of the hostages. On Sunday, tens of thousands of citizens rallied in Jerusalem to protest against the prime minister, one of the largest mobilizations since the Gaza war began.

One of the issues that most divides the 80% of the Israeli population that is Jewish is the fact that since the countrys creation in 1948, ultra-Orthodox Israelis have been exempted from mandatory military service. The authorities of Israel  a country built largely by secularists  agreed to the military exemption when the ultra-Orthodox community numbered just 40,000 people (5% of the population). Seventy-five years later, the matter has acquired a new dimension: ultra-Orthodox Jews now represent 13% of Israelis and  given each family has an average of nearly seven children  they will account for 32% in 2065, according to projections by the Central Statistics Office.

Enlisting ultra-Orthodox Israelis was already an issue for the Zionist center-left and part of the more secular right, which argues that all the countrys Jews should share the military and fiscal burden. But the invasion of Gaza has put the debate center stage and is stirring even more emotions. On the one hand, because half a thousand soldiers have died between the October 7 attacks and the war in Gaza (and tens of thousands more have left jobs and families behind), while ultra-Orthodox Israelis have stayed at home and barely a thousand have enlisted voluntarily. And on the other hand, because the Gaza war  the likes of which has not been seen in half a century  has once again shown that, despite technological advances, armies still need troops on the ground. The dilemma was summed up Friday by leading political commentator Nahum Barnea: The generalized exemption for the ultra-Orthodox creates a manpower problem for the army, a political problem for Netanyahu and an ideological problem for Jewish society, she wrote in the newspaper Yediot Aharonot.

Withdrawal of funds

It is a deep-running issue that rose to the surface last week. On Thursday, Netanyahu announced that he had failed to reach an agreement to renew the draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Israelis. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara asked for a temporary adjustment period and, surprisingly, the Supreme Court went further, ordering the state to end subsidies to yeshivot (Jewish religious seminaries) that have students who should be in the army  an estimated 56,000 people aged 18 to 24,

According to Yitzchak Goldknopf, Minister of Housing and leader of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, the Supreme Court sentence bears the mark of Cain. Without the Torah, we have no right to exist. We will fight in any way for the right of any Jew to study the Torah, and we will not make concessions, he added.

The decision threatens the stability of the national unity government. After winning the 2022 election, Netanyahu joined forces with the ultranationalist right and ultra-Orthodox parties. But, after October 7, he added parties with secular support in order to have a broad political consensus in the face of war. These groups, however, oppose the military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Israelis.

Both sides have views on the subject that are difficult to reconcile. If Netanyahu pushes for an agreement that significantly increases military service, he will likely lose the support of the ultra-Orthodox groups (18 of the 64 deputies of the original coalition). In the opposite scenario, he will be left without two respected secular former chiefs of staff and even his Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, who rejected the proposal presented by Netanyahu, despite the fact that they both belong to the Likud party. He would lose retired general Benny Gantz, who, according to polls, would be the clear winner of an early election. Surveys show that Gantz would win 33 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, while Likud would win 19.

I think the problem can be solved, Netanyahu said on Sunday in a press conference before undergoing surgery for a hernia detected in a routine check-up. The Supreme Court has given the executive 30 days to present a plan and until June 30 to approve it. Netanyahu was optimistic on Sunday about the possibilities of reaching an agreement that is not total, but broad in the next 30 days.

For now, ultra-Orthodox groups remain in his coalition, waiting for his next move. And public funds  about 400 million shekels (around $108 million) annually  barely account for 7.5% of the budget of religious schools, which can compensate the shortfall with emergency donations.

The new Palestinian government of technocrats sets out without a horizon of return to Gaza Mohamed Mustafa is sworn in this Sunday in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Mohammed Torokman (REUTERS) The new Cabinet of the Palestinian Authority (PA) was sworn in on Sunday in Ramallah, in the West Bank. The move marks a step forward in its uncertain path towards returning to govern Gaza. The new Cabinet, made up of 23 ministers, is full of new faces. Only Interior Minister Ziad Hab al-Reeh has held on to his position. Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa will also lead the Foreign Ministry. An economist trained in the United States with experience at the World Bank, Mustafa is Washington's trump card to reform the PA, so that it can regain control of Gaza, which it lost in the 2007 elections. The president, Mahmoud Abbas, 89, will continue to wield most of the power. In a statement Thursday, Mustafa said the government's first priority is reaching an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that involves a complete Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. The new Cabinet includes eight ministers from the Gaza Strip and has created a Relief portfolio, with a view to reconstruction.

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Donald Trump doesnt seem to have much success at keeping his mouth shut. A gag order issued last week by Judge Juan Merchan in the former presidents hush-money trial couldnt stop Trump from attacking the judges daughter on Truth Social, not once but at least twice.

Now Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg wants to make that gag order even stronger. In a court filing Monday, Bragg said that Trumps dangerous, violent, and reprehensible rhetoric fundamentally threatens the integrity of these proceedings. He urged Merchan to reiterate that attacks on the family of court staff, as well that of the district attorney, are prohibited.

There is no constitutional right to target the family of this Court, let alone on the blatant falsehoods that have served as the flimsiest pretexts for Trumps attacks, Bragg stated in the filing.

Trumps initial gag order last week was only the latest in a stream of judicial reprimands on his speech. In October, Judge Arthur Engoron issued a gag order in Trumps bank fraud trial after he attacked the judges principal law clerk in the case. Trump was later fined $15,000 for violating the order.

Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over Trumps D.C. trial for election interference, slapped him with a gag order in March after Trump attacked her family.

Right-wing activists and lawmakers have targeted Merchans daughter since last year, after Trumps initial indictment in the hush-money case. Several far-right personalities, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, took issue with the fact that Merchans daughter worked at one time for Kamala Harriss presidential campaign, claiming it was proof that Trumps arrest and indictment were a political witch hunt.
Donald Trump is ramping up his online attacks of the daughter of the judge overseeing his New York hush-money case  and the Manhattan district attorney's office wants the former president held accountable.

On Saturday, Trump vaulted another social media attack of Judge Juan Merchan's daughter. Trump claims her past work as a political consultant presents a conflict of interest for the judge, sharing a link to a New York Post article about her on Truth Social. This is a disgrace to our Legal System. Judge Merchan should be immediately sanctioned and recused, and this fake case, only kept alive by the Highly Conflicted Judge, should be completely dismissed right away, Trump wrote in a post that included images of Merchan's daughter, Loren Merchan.

Trump's weekend post of the article, which he reshared on Sunday, marks "an escalation in terms of potential threats" to Loren Merchan, Catherine Ross, a George Washington University constitutional law professor, told Salon. The "rapidity and repetition" of Trump's attacks are also "striking" in revealing "where his focus and his energy" are, especially on Easter Sunday, she noted.

The former president's weekend social media rant followed a spate of other attacks targeting Loren Merchan, whom Trump assailed on social media at least three other times throughout the week.

Just hours after one instance last Tuesday, the judge imposed a gag order in response to the Manhattan district attorney's prior request, barring Trump from publicly commenting on or instructing others to publicly comment on witnesses and jurors, while prohibiting statements meant to harass court staff, the prosecution team and their families. Legal experts noted, however, that last week's gag order did not insulate Judge Merchan or his family, nor did it protect District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

To an extent, Trump's repeated comments about the judge and his family could be construed, as Trump argues, as "protected" First Amendment speech, David Schultz, a Hamline University legal studies and political science professor, told Salon. But his remarks "may be starting to get closer to trying to intimidate the court," Schultz said, emphasizing that "no party in court" has "any right" to "obstruct or or intimidate" a proceeding.

In a Thursday letter, Bragg's office asked the judge to "clarify or confirm" the gag order's scope and direct the presumptive Republican nominee to immediately desist from attacks on family members," suggesting that Trump may have violated the order by deriding Loren Merchan and pushing a false claim about her, according to HuffPost.

The letter argued that the gag order's ban on making harassing or interfering statements about the court's staff or their families protects the judge's daughter from Trump's invective. The former president should be punished for further violations, prosecutors added.

Trump's lawyers countered that the DA's office is misinterpreting the order and requesting its expansion instead, arguing that it does not bar the former president from making comments about Loren Merchan, a political consultant whose Democratic campaign consultancy firm worked on campaigns for President Joe Biden and other top Democrats.

Though how Judge Merchan will react to Trump's attacks of his daughter is unclear, Schultz speculated that the judge could "warily" conclude that Trump is attempting to intimidate him through his online remarks.

"If the court reaches that conclusion that this has crossed the line from protected free speech over to the line of some kind of either true threats or real effort to try to bully or intimidate the court, I can see the judge changing  at this point  the order and saying, at the very least, 'You can't go after my daughter, who's not at all a party to this whatsoever,'" Schultz explained.

Merchan's next step, Schultz predicted, would be to "clarify" what the gag order covers and what its "bounds are," further establishing "who can be a target," what the parties can and can not say, and "how far Trump can go." From there, Merchan will see "what Trump does next."

Violating a gag order could result in Trump being held in contempt of court, fined or  on the extreme end  even jailed, HuffPost notes. Trump was subject to a $15,000 fine in his civil fraud trial last fall after twice violating the gag order the judge imposed prohibiting Trump from speaking about court staff.

If Trump's attacks on Merchan's daughter persist, Schultz predicted, the court, which he believes has given Trump an "incredible amount of slack" thus far, will "crackdown" should Trump violate any additional gag order.

The Manhattan DA's Thursday letter is "helpful" because it offers Judge Merchan "a pathway to rely on the district attorney's request and arguments" in favor of expanding the gag order and determine it's "necessary for the administration of justice" rather than taking full responsibility for it should he choose to do so, Ross added.

She also reiterated the hope she previously told Salon she has that the judge will "impose conditions" on Trump's release for a set period with any violations yielding penalties up to confinement, and "be prepared to enforce his orders."

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"That's because I believe that everyone should be equal in front of the law, and there is no question that any other criminal defendant would have suffered serious repercussions by now for the same behavior," she said Monday, adding that it's "extremely troubling" that Trump is being treated differently.

She conceded that Merchan may be "reluctant" to act harshly against Trump because the former president is likely trying to "create grounds for a mistrial," an interlocutory appeal and pursue additional avenues to further postpone his trial start date, which is slated for April 15.

The former president may be attempting "to cow the judge so that he is bending over backwards to show how fair he is to Trump in ruling on motions and objections during the trial," Ross explained, adding that "no judge wants to be the first one to revoke the former president's bail, or to impose much more draconian conditions like house arrest, or a bracelet."

But what penalties or punishments will work to corral Trump's comments is the "half-billion dollar question," Ross said.

Trump is trying to create the "impression" that the judge is biased against him "because he is not litigating in the courtroom," Ross said. "He's litigating in public opinion and trying to undermine the perception that the legal system will be fair to him. That is his whole strategy: to rile up his supporters, [claim] that he's a victim [and] there's no justice for him. And the more he can muddy the waters and dominate the headlines, he thinks he's better off."
TULSA, Okla. (KFOR)  The last two survivors of the 1921 Race Massacre are set to make a appearance at the State Capitol.

FILE - Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Viola Ford Fletcher, left, is joined by her younger brother, Hughes Van Ellis, during an interview with The Associated Press, June 16, 2023, in New York. Van Ellis, who was the youngest known survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre and who spent his latter years pursuing justice for his family and other descendants of the attack on Black Wall Street, died on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. He was 102. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma Supreme Court grants oral argument in Tulsa Race Massacre case

Mother Lessie Benningfield Randle and Mother Viola Ford Fletchers, both age 109, are set to attend the final court battle in their quest for relief after the Greenwood District was mobbed and left many black families displaced and wounded.

Both survivors are looking to petition the courts for reparations at the State Capitol April 2. Previously, an Oklahoma judge has dismissed eight plaintiffs and two entities from a lawsuit seeking reparations for survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The order, signed by Tulsa County District Judge Caroline Wall, allows the three known massacre survivors, Randle, Fletchers and 101 year old Hughes Van Ellis, Sr., to continue seeking reparations under the state nuisance laws

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
(Bloomberg) -- Construction firms fell sharply in Istanbul on Monday after Turkeys ruling party suffered an unprecedented defeat in municipal elections, making it less likely for government-backed mega projects to materialize.

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State-run REIT Emlak Konut GYO AS fell as much as 9.8% to 8.99 liras, its biggest decline in a year. The firm, formerly headed by governing AK Partys Istanbul mayor candidate Murat Kurum, pulled the 48-member Borsa Istanbul REITs index down as much as 4.5%.

Kurums election promises included building 650,000 new housing units but instead opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu extended his mandate for another five years with an 11 percentage point margin.

Read more: Erdogan Suffers Historic Loss in Turkey Municipal Elections

The election outcome also weighed on cement makers with Istanbul-based Bogazici Beton Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS falling as much as 10%. Akcansa Cimento AS, another major cement-maker in Turkeys largest city, dropped more than 6%.

Such moves are rather short-term and psychological, likely driven by retail investors, said Haydar Acun, managing partner at Istanbul-based portfolio manager Marmara Capital. There probably was some expectation that a positive outcome for the ruling party would support a construction drive, he said.

Turkeys benchmark Borsa Istanbul 100 index was down by 1.7% as of 1:07 p.m. local time, with 84 of the shares falling and 16 rising.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has had a conversation with Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, about, among other things, Turkiye's expectations for the new NATO secretary general.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the Turkish President's Office

Details: Turkiye is one of the few countries that could become an obstacle to Rutte's appointment as the successor to the current NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

During the conversation, Erdogan told Rutte about Turkiye's expectations of the new secretary general.

In particular, the Turkish president said that the new secretary general should "best serve" the security and interests of Allies in the fight against terrorism and other challenges, strengthen Alliance unity and give priority to NATO's primary role, commit to the core values and established practices of the Alliance, and "take into account the specificities of non-EU allies".

Quote: "Erdogan said that in the light of these principles, Turkiye will make its decision on this issue (election of the new secretary general  ed.) in the context of strategic wisdom and justice," Turkish President's Office said in a statement.

Recently, a number of capitals have signalled their support for Rutte's candidacy for the post of NATO secretary general. These include such key powers as the United States, the UK, France and Germany. However, Hungary, which has already publicly expressed its opposition to Rutte's appointment, as well as Turkiye, may become an obstacle to his appointment.

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NEW YORK  Two men have been charged with distributing the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed transgender advocate, author and actor Cecilia Gentili two months ago, officials said Monday.

Cops arrested Michael Kuilan, 44, of Brooklyn and Antonio Venti, 52, of West Babylon, L.I., on Monday, identifying the pair as dealers who allegedly sold Gentili the deadly drug cocktail.

Gentili, a prominent activist and leader of New Yorks transgender community whose funeral service in New Yorks St. Patricks Cathedral angered Catholic worshipers, was found dead on Feb. 6 by cops responding to a 911 call at her Brooklyn home. Authorities said she died from the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine and cocaine.

According to an indictment, text messages, cell site data, and other evidence revealed that Venti sold the fentanyl and heroin mixture to Gentili on Feb. 5, and Kuilan supplied Venti with the lethal narcotics.

Cecilia Gentili, a prominent activist and leader of the New York transgender community was tragically poisoned in her Brooklyn home from fentanyl-laced heroin, said U.S.Attorney Breon Peace in a statement. [Monday], the alleged perpetrators who sold the deadly dose of drugs to Gentili have been arrested.

Fentanyl is a public health crisis. Peace said. Our office will spare no effort in the pursuit of justice for the many New Yorkers who have lost loved ones due to this lethal drug.

Gentilis life  and death  were steeped in controversy.

Her Feb. 15 funeral was held at Manhattans venerable St. Patricks Cathedral, much to the chagrin of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who denounced the ceremony and requested a rare Mass of Reparation to pray for forgiveness for the funeral.

The Catholic Church has long condemned queer and transgender people, but in October the Vatican announced trans people would be allowed to be baptized and serve as godparents in certain situations.

After Gentilis funeral, though, outraged Catholics took to social media to decry what they believed to be scantily clad mourners and people cursing at the podium while eulogizing Gentili.

They didnt know the background of this woman who had died, the cardinal said at the time. All they know is somebody called and said, Our dear friend died. Wed love to have the funeral at St. Patricks Cathedral.

A close friend of Gentili, Ceyenne Doroshow, said news of Gentilis overdose just added insult to injury.

Doroshow said she tried to get law enforcement to seal the record on how her friend died to protect her family and loved ones.

I did try to have it sealed, to protect her husband, to protect her family, to protect everyone, Doroshow said.  I feel its nobodys personal business, how she died. I didnt want her to be tarnished by any of this. Were all human. Im more concerned that her legacy gets protected. I could care less about what they found out. I care more about my girlfriend and her struggle.

Between the post-funeral drama and the overdose information, Doroshow said she hasnt had any real time to mourn her friend.

We need to find a way to protect people now before we lose more people in this world. she said. We cant really tell people what to do or what not to do.
Two-county chase ends in crash at 7-Eleven, troopers say, with driver throwing cash

A two-county police chase ended when troopers arrested a Cape Coral driver at a Fort Myers gas station where he crashed Sunday and threw money at witnesses in attempt to silence them, troopers said.

The troopers responded to watch for a black BMW near Lake Trafford Road and Summer Glen in Collier County. A news release from Florida Highway Patrol said a driver of the car had recklessly fled from troopers and other agencies during the past few months.

As Floriday Highway Patrol troopers pursued a BMW on Sunday, March 31, 2024, it crashed into a pickup in the 7-Eleven gas station, at State Road 82 and Blackstone, near the Interstate 75 exit. Troopers said the driver, BiJuan Edwards, 24, of Cape Coral, threw cash at the pickup passengers he crashed into, asking for their silence. The cash litters the ground.

More: Cape Coral man who stole food from Walmart, followed by canal chase, changes plea

More: Fort Myers police shooting: 3 months on, cops won't confirm if Christopher Jordan was armed

Troopers tracked the BMW near the Collier and Lee counties line and attempted to stop it. However, the driver in the BMW fled.

As troopers pursued the BMW, it crashed into a pickup in the 7-Eleven gas station, at State Road 82 and Blackstone, near the Interstate 75 exit.

The driver of the BMW, which troopers identified as BiJaun Wayne Edwards, 24, of Cape Coral, exited the BMW, entered the pickup that he had just crashed into, and threw money at the occupants, telling them not to say anything.

As Florida Highway Patrol troopers pursued a BMW on Sunday, March 31, 2024, it crashed into a pickup in the 7-Eleven gas station, at State Road 82 and Blackstone, near the Interstate 75 exit. Troopers said they found pounds of marijuana and 40 Oxycodone pills and arrested the driver, BiJuan Edwards, 24, of Cape Coral.

The troopers said they found approximately 40 Oxycodone pills, several pounds of marijuana, a firearm, and thousands of dollars in cash.

Edwards was placed under arrest for aggravated fleeing, reckless driving, hit and run with property damage, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, probation violation, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting without violence and booked into the Lee County Jail.

The Lee County Jail did not have Edwards information at 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

Stacey Henson is the Southwest Florida Breaking News and Visuals Editor for the Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News-Press. You may reach her at shenson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida troopers say Cape Coral man showered witnesses with cash
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two people were found dead as the result of a murder-suicide in a northwest Las Vegas home Monday morning, police said.

According to a release from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, reports of two people who were dead inside a home near the 4700 block of Torrey Pines Drive in northwest Las Vegas were received by dispatchers around 9:25 a.m. Officers were sent to the scene, where they found the two people, a man and a woman, described by police officials as elderly.

Investigators believe that the man shot the woman before turning the gun on himself. Police did not specify the ages of the individuals involved.

Officers from LVMPD and homicide detectives were on the scene Monday afternoon, completing their investigation. According to the release, the cause and manner of the peoples deaths, as well as their identities, would be released by the Clark County Coroners Office.

Investigators ask anyone with information on the shooting to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521 or via email at homicide@lvmpd.com. Additionally, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or via the organizations website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Russia is using several tools in its hybrid war in Europe: espionage, disinformation and propaganda campaigns, and influence operations to interfere and destabilize. A little more than two months before crucial European Parliament elections, the European Union has warned in several internal reports, to which EL PAIS has had access, that the Kremlin is redoubling its efforts. Now, the latest coordinated operation by several European secret services against a Kremlin influence network has set alarm bells ringing. Under investigation is whether MEPs from far-right parties received payments for their collaborations with an article-publishing platform promoting Russian propaganda. Investigators believe that politicians from the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands and Hungary may be involved, but have not ruled out that the network has also been active with lawmakers from other EU member states.

The use of coordinated networks and influential individuals to artificially disseminate and amplify misleading EU-related narratives, support for Ukraine, and other elements on social networks is being amplified, says one of the internal documents seen by this newspaper. At the same time, Russia is trying to rebuild its espionage network in NATO-allied countries, which suffered a heavy blow following the expulsions ordered throughout the EU after Moscows invasion of Ukraine, EU sources have warned. The use of media, social networks and agents of influence is at the heart of the latest investigation that has rocked the European Parliament over the Easter vacation.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced Thursday the dismantling of a Russian influence operation working through an article platform called Voice of Europe, based in Prague, a city traditionally used by Russia as one of its hubs to conduct espionage across the European Union. The now-shut-down website disseminated interviews, analysis, and news-like articles with a clear far-right bias and riddled with disinformation and populist elements, according to its digital trail. According to an intelligence source, Prague believes that Kremlin networks used that platform as a vehicle to pay thousands of euros to European politicians, in cash or cryptocurrencies

Czech investigators claim that behind Voice of Europe are two oligarchs linked to the Kremlin: Viktor Medvedchuk, of Ukrainian origin, who has been involved in other disinformation campaigns in the invaded country and who is considered close to President Vladimir Putin, who is godfather to his daughter, and Artem Martzhevsky, as reported by Czech daily Denik N. Prague on Thursday included both men and Voice of Europe on its sanctions list for infringing on national sovereignty.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has also spoken about the case. It came for example to light that Russia has approached MEPs, but also paid [them], to promote Russian propaganda here, he told the Belgian Parliament Thursday. Neither De Croo nor the Czech secret services, which led the operation, have revealed the names of the MEPs under investigation. Voice of Europe has organized debates and conferences and published interviews and articles by deputies, MEPs and aspiring European legislators in the upcoming elections from the far-right parties Alternative for Germany (AfD), Marine Le Pens National Rally, the Fidesz party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the Italian League, among others.

The European Parliament is in contact with the national authorities investigating the matter and with the rest of the blocs institutions, said its spokesman, Jaume Duch. We have been observing anti-European Union campaigns from Russia for quite some time. It is not unknown that a part of the ultra-right (and ultra-left) represented in the European Parliament have contacts with Russia and tend to defend their positions. Polls on the upcoming elections show that the far-right parties will increase their power in the next legislature.

The Kremlins contacts or those of its satellites and affiliates  from oligarchs to media personalities  with far-right parties have been documented on several occasions. For some years now, Russia has been trying to present itself one of the bastions of what is considered the traditional family  formed by a man and a woman  and has also become one of the major disseminators of rhetoric against sexual and reproductive rights, elements that it uses to influence and forge ties with other European ultra-conservative leaders. Additionally, through some of its associates such as the oligarch Konstantin Malofeev, it has financed or supported anti-rights organizations around the world, including in Europe, says writer and activist Klementyna Suchanow, who has thoroughly investigated these Russian-infiltrated networks in analyses, books and articles. Her latest work is dedicated to Agency Europe, an influence group with related entities in 15 countries.

Undermining EU credibility

A few weeks ago, the European Parliament opened an investigation into the Latvian MEP Tatiana Zdanoka, who is also under investigation by Riga and has been cited in several articles over her contacts with the Russian secret services and suspicions she is an agent of influence for Moscow. The institution has also demanded a thorough investigation into Russian interference. The new scandal comes almost a year and a half after Qatargate, a scheme involving alleged bribes paid to members of the Brussels assembly to improve the public image of Qatar. Once again, the latest revelations could prove a blow to the credibility of the institution 11 weeks before elections that will be key to the construction of the future of Europe, of several of its large member states, and for the EUs continued support for Ukraine.

These operations, explains a European intelligence source, can work on a double track for the Russian narrative: they are useful to the Kremlin while they remain in the shadows but also when they are uncovered, as then Moscow can then use them to further spread its message that democracy does not work and institutions are corrupt. Russia is fishing in a river where there are already divisive, controversial, and disturbing issues and exploits them. It is not inventing anything new; it is using a breeding ground that already exists, concludes the source, who has been studying the tools of Russian interference for years.

In addition, as the study of hundreds of intelligence reports by Professor Geir Hagen of the Norwegian Defense University shows, there are other keys to this hybrid warfare, involving tools to which the Kremlin lends more importance in the current scenario of isolation from the West and in which it has fewer and fewer traditional levers of pressure  for years it used cheap gas, for example. These include the media, social networks, management of territorial conflicts, information services, cyber operations and attacks, business, or corruption. Internal EU reports warn, moreover, that Russia is increasing its use of artificial intelligence to produce and expand such propaganda and disinformation material.

Political disseminators

With its main information propaganda organs blocked in Europe by sanctions due to the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin is using other methods, according to a European report. Some are news blogs or websites that take the form of a local news platform, but the dynamics are the same. In February alone, Viginum, the French agency that analyses foreign digital interference, identified 193 websites that aimed to disseminate information from Russia-friendly sources and Russian media and institutions.

In addition, the intelligence official notes, the Kremlin or its affiliates are reactivating their agents of influence, who are not only professional politicians at different levels but sometimes take the form of political disseminators or relevant commentators, who generally try to sell themselves as the critical voice of the real issues in the face of EU bureaucracy and the mainstream media: agents of influence who not only disseminate the Russia-friendly narrative, but also sometimes discourse that feeds conspiracy theories.

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U.S. House Minority leader Jeffries to appear at congressional hearing on abortion rights in FL

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, speaks with reporters about the speaker election on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

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U.S. House Democrats intend to make abortion a major issue in Florida later this week, regardless of which way the Florida Supreme Court rules on a proposed constitutional amendment regarding abortion rights getting on the November ballot. The high court in Tallahassee is expected to rule on Monday at 4 p.m.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries will be in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday to co-lead a congressional field hearing to discuss issues of reproductive freedom, according to a press release issued Monday from the office of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. She will be co-leading the hearing with Jeffries.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra also will be among those to testify at the hearing convened by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Two other members of that committee  Californias Barbara Lee and Michigans Dan Kildee, are also scheduled to appear Tuesday.

Officials at the hearing are expected to discuss Floridas current reproductive laws.

Florida lawmakers passed legislation two years ago restricting a womans right to an abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest. They went further in 2023, passing a six-week ban, with exceptions for rape, incest and human trafficking up until 6 weeks. The 15-week ban has been legally challenged but remains the current law. If the Florida Supreme Court affirms the 15-week law, the law would change to six weeks shortly afterwards.

The hearing provides members of Congress a chance to engage with women denied necessary health care and community leaders in this fight to hear from them directly on what more must be done to protect reproductive freedom, according to the press release.

Field hearings are congressional hearings held outside Washington D.C., according to the Congressional Research Service. They are designed to gather information for use by the committee in its activities.

The Florida Supreme Court has the responsibility of determining whether the language that will be on the ballot is clear and limited to a single subject.

Florida Democrats are hoping that the addition of that measure on the ballot may help boost turnout and energize their base in the fall elections. If the ballot language is rejected by the high court, they will likely make the argument that the voices of Floridians are being ignored by the Florida Supreme Court, the majority of whom were appointed to the bench by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

We are waiting for 4:00 PM today to hear from the Florida Supreme Court  and whether or not the voices of 1.4 million Republicans, Democrats, and Independents will be heard, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a newsletter sent to Democrats on Monday morning.

Hakeem Jeffries was unanimously elected the House Democratic Leader by his colleagues in November 2022, succeeding Nancy Pelosi.

Tuesdays congressional field hearing will take place at the Broward County Government Center.

The post U.S. House Minority leader Jeffries to appear at congressional hearing on abortion rights in FL appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
U.S. Sen. John Thune speaks during a U.S Global Leadership Coalition event on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Sanford Event Barn in Sioux Falls.

U.S. Sen. John Thune spent March criticizing the Biden Administration trade policies and touting the importance of free trade to South Dakota and the nations trade economy.

In a recent letter, for example, Thune and other senators lambasted the administration for not committing to a new free trade agreement since Biden took office in 2021. The letter argues that lack of action is, in part, causing the national agricultural trade deficit to skyrocket in recent years, he claimed.

The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is projected to reach a record $30.5 billion in 2024. South Dakota, as an agricultural state, largely depends on international trade.

But Thunes interest in free trade and critical eye to the policies around it extend beyond the current administration.

U.S. Sen. John Thune speaks during a U.S Global Leadership Coalition event on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Sanford Event Barn in Sioux Falls.

Former President Donald Trumps administration only approved one trade agreement, reconfiguring the North American Free Trade Agreement into the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement in early 2020. Trade deficits with Canada and Mexico continue to climb despite the agreement, according to reporting from POLITICO.

Shortly after his inauguration in 2017, Trump withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was a proposed trade agreement between 12 Pacific Rim economies, including Mexico, Canada, Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia.

With both administrations historically pivoting away from an embrace of free trade policies, that leaves an uphill battle for Thunes agenda no matter who is sworn into the White House next January.

There is certainly a sentiment in the U.S. right now in certain quarters that America doesnt need to be engaged in the world. I would disagree with it, Thune told South Dakota Searchlight.

Thunes comments came after a Wednesday panel discussion in Sioux Falls to celebrate the creation of the South Dakota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, which encourages America to stay involved in international affairs.

About 114,000 jobs in South Dakota  about 20% of jobs in the state  depend on trade. South Dakota exported $6.7 billion globally in 2021, about $5 billion of which was from agricultural products.

That makes international affairs all the more important to land-locked South Dakota, said DaNita Murray, executive director of South Dakota Corn.

I dont think one has to be an economist to understand that demand, regardless of where it comes from, is important for the price on the big board of corn. And that certainly has a relationship to what happens in South Dakota, Murray said.

Corn prices halved from over $8 to more than $4 a bushel in 2022. Meanwhile, operating costs have increased, tightening profit margins for producers.

I dont know when were going to see $5 for corn again, Murray added.

Thune is carrying a bill with Delaware Democrat Sen. Chris Coons to launch free trade negotiations with the United Kingdom. Thune called it a no brainer after Wednesdays panel discussion. But hes still hoping to one day return to the Pacific.

The 11 other countries that were originally part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership formed a new free trade agreement without the United States called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The partnership initially launched in 2018, and was intended to open up trade among the same group of partners.

From a national security standpoint, I just think there are countries in that region of the world, many of whom are in what would have been TPP and are now CPTPP, who are in Chinas geographical orbit right now, but are more naturally aligned with the U.S., Thune told Searchlight. I think they would much rather be doing business with America, but because were not there they end up just gravitationally getting sucked into Chinas orbit.

In regards to the current US-Mexico-Canada agreement, Thune said he doesnt believe Mexico has been playing fair and honoring that agreement, and that Chinas continued practice of trans-shipping, which is shipping through other countries to avoid tariffs, is undermining U.S. producers.

U.S. Sen. John Thune speaks during a U.S Global Leadership Coalition event on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Sanford Event Barn in Sioux Falls.

That has an impact on the national trade deficit. The strength of the U.S. dollar, he added, is also making it more expensive for international markets to buy U.S. goods.

Andrea Thompson, the CEO of Dakota State University Applied Research, warned attendees of the Sioux Falls luncheon that China is already heavily involved in emerging markets in countries across the African continent.

Youve got to stay present, youve got to stay forward both economically, diplomatically and militarily, Thompson said.

Murray, with South Dakota Corn, said shed like to look beyond the United Kingdom and other established countries and see partnerships in emerging markets.

Those are incredibly important for demand growth, Murray said, because agreements with African or East Asian nations can influence an emerging economys stance on imports, bio-technology and other trade-related policies.

Its not just about demand and import tariffs and giving U.S. grain a competitive advantage or keeping the playing field, but also about very obscure topics at times that impact the ability for that grain to flow freely, Murray said.

That will require continuing conversations about free trade with policy makers. Thune hopes for a receptive White House administration, regardless of which party is in charge.

If youre running trade deficits, if youre not selling abroad, youre not creating that demand, Thune said.  I think we have the most efficient producers and I think we can win in the global marketplace, but weve got to have access to it.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Thune pushes for free trade agreements as ag trade deficit rises
Hertz is ending a popular car-rental program that had given scores of Uber and Lyft drivers across the Twin Cities a lifeline to continue driving for a living when their own vehicles broke down.

"Since we are ending rideshare operations in the Twin Cities, Hertz is terminating their program and has reached out to drivers to ask them to start returning vehicles," said Uber spokesman Josh Gold in an email Monday.

Uber said it is pulling out of the Twin Cities, and Lyft said it is pulling out of Minneapolis, on May 1 when a new Minneapolis ordinance goes into effect requiring a minimum wage for drivers. The rideshare companies say the wage is too high for them to operate.

Twin Cities drivers who rented their ride share vehicles are now receiving emails from Hertz say they need to return the cars to Hertz's car rental lots in St. Paul and Brooklyn Center by a certain date.

"Hertz has elected to close down the Lyft Express Drive operation in the Twin Cities as a result of the ordinance," Lyft said in a statement.

Lyft said drivers' return date will depend upon the individual but would be no later than April 24.

Several ride-share drivers reached Monday said they were not aware the Hertz rental program was ending.

Uber driver Mauricio Castanedadidn't find out until Monday morning when he took his rented 2021 Chevy Monte Carlo into Hertz in St. Paul for an unrelated vehicle inspection.

"It's frustrating. It is going to be a problem," said Castaneda. "I am going to have to find another job."

Castaneda and other drivers complained the rental car terminations are premature since Uber and Lyft are not scheduled to leave the Twin Cities marketplace until May 1.

The drivers, who rent on a week-to-week basis, are wondering what they are going to do if they can't rent the cars for the remaining few weeks of Uber and Lyft service. They said they received mixed signals from Hertz, or call center operators said they did not know the answer.

Vehicles are rented for $335 a week. The rental service, which Hertz started with Uber and Lyft in 2017, has been popular with drivers who say they found it helpful after maintenance costs on their personal cars jumped significantly.

In February and early March, it was common for 15 to drivers to be seated awaiting their turn to rent vehicles at Hertz shop in St. Paul.

"I think the rental program is great in certain circumstances like mine, when your car is in the shop and you need to continue working," said Dan Fragolawho drives 12 hours and 400 miles a day for Lyft. He put 67,000 miles on his car in 10 months and shelled out $3,000 in tires and other maintenance costs.

That's what what landed him at the Hertz Uber office in St. Paul a few weeks ago. It was the first time the Cottage Grove resident rented a car for business.

Going forward, Fragola said he is not sure how he will be affected when Lyft pulls out of Minneapolis. He hopes to still serve suburban passengers who don't need to go into downtown Minneapolis.

Castaneda said he is in a race to figure things out. He and members of a group called Minnesota Uber Lyft Drivers Association (MULDA) are trying to start a driver-owned rideshare co-op that could fill the void left by Uber and Lyft in the Twin Cities market.

The chances that the co-op could be up and running anytime soon is long shot. "They need to recruit at least 1,000 drivers to start," Castaneda said. As of Friday, more than 200 drivers had signed on, including him.

The co-op is one of several options being investigated. Other app-based, rideshare companies under consideration include existing firms already operating in New York, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Talks between MULDA officials here and officials and recruiters in those firms are already underway.

"There is nothing else we can do," Castaneda said. "If they take away the operations here, we have to find another way to work."
UK Defence Intelligence has explained how sanctions are affecting the supply of critical components for the Russian defence industry.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 1 April, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The UK intelligence noted that Russia's isolation limits the number of countries with which it can trade directly, thus increasing the time and cost to obtain goods that it could previously purchase freely.

The review said a study by the Bank of Finland Institute for Emerging Economies found that third countries charge price premiums of over 60% for exports of certain sanctioned goods to Russia.

"While Russia has increased production of key munitions most heavily used in Ukraine, such as artillery shells, the impact of sanctions is highly likely greatest on Russia's more advanced and complex weapon systems. These systems in production and development almost certainly have an increased reliance on foreign components and technology," analysts noted.

UK Defence Intelligence stressed that sanctions are likely to further hamper both the supply and demand for Russian arms and significantly obstruct payment mechanisms to Russia.

"This has almost certainly contributed to a significant decline in Russias arms exports and increased delivery delays, including to some of its most important remaining arms customers," the UK intelligence added.

UK Defence Intelligence cites data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, indicating that Russia's share of the global arms market fell to 11% between 2019 and 2023, down from 21% between 2013 and 2018.

Background:

On 31 March, UK intelligence noted that Russia is trying to protect its facilities in the port of Novorossiysk from Ukrainian attacks.

On 30 March, UK Defence Intelligence reported that Russia had made little progress on the front in recent weeks but maintained a quantitative advantage and was able to absorb losses.

On 29 March, UK Defence Intelligence analysed the consequences of an attack carried out by Ukraine's Air Force on the city of Sevastopol, Russian-occupied Crimea, on 24 March 2024, which targeted the communications centre of Russia's Black Sea Fleet (BSF).

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As Ukraine's civil society and the country's Western partners call on the authorities to fight corruption amid Russia's full-scale invasion, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is showing mixed results.

A year has passed since Semen Kryvonos became the head of the NABU in March 2023, replacing the bureaus first chief Artem Sytnyk after his seven-year tenure ran out.

Under Kryvonos, the NABU has won praise from anti-corruption activists for taking on lawmakers from President Volodymyr Zelensky's party and on some of Ukraine's most influential people, including ex-Supreme Court hairman Vsevolod Knyazev and oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky.

However, critics question the NABU's ability and willingness to investigate top-level graft as there are no charges against some of the president's top allies facing accusations of corruption and other wrongdoing.

"There are both upsides and downsides in the NABU's performance under Kryvonos," Vadym Valko, a lawyer at the Anti-Corruption Action Center, told the Kyiv Independent, adding that some key cases are either stalled or are about to collapse.

The NABU was set up in 2015 to fight top-level corruption. It was supposed to be independent from the old discredited law enforcement system.

Semen Kryvonos, director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, reports at a press conference on the results of the bureau's work for the first half of 2023 on August 16, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Nine years in, the bureau is still among the most trusted crime-fighting agencies in the country, praised by anti-corruption activists as a more independent and effective body than the rest of the pack.

With the trust, however, the bureau holds a heavy burden, since it is viewed as a benchmark for law enforcement reforms. If the NABU fails to deliver or is revealed not to be independent, it would be considered a crucial indicator that Ukraines effort to finally eliminate corruption has been botched.

Kryvonos wasnt available for an interview, but he and the NABU gave written answers to the Kyiv Independents questions.

The NABU denied the accusations that it is influenced by top officials and argued that it is free to investigate anyone.

"I am not under any influence by any official in this state," Kryvonos told the Kyiv Independent in a written response.

Read also: Case against brother of Zelenskys chief of staff closed, says anti-corruption agency

Case against Supreme Court chairman

One of the landmark NABU cases under Kryvonos is the corruption investigation into former Supreme Court Chairman Vsevolod Knyazev.

In May, the NABU charged him with taking a $2.7 million bribe. Knyazev denied the accusations.

"Knyazev is a landmark figure," Valko said. "It's a strong case."

Kateryna Butko, head of anti-corruption watchdog AutoMaidan, told the Kyiv Independent that "five years ago, nobody would have believed that a Supreme Court chairman would be arrested."

Although the Knyazev case is seen as a major example of top-level corruption, critics argue that Kryvonos felt safe when going after the judge because he was not seen as a Zelensky loyalist. The NABU denied the accusations, saying it is free from political influence.

Knyazev has had a public conflict with Andriy Smyrnov, who until recently served as Zelensky's deputy chief of staff. In February 2023, he accused Smyrnov of undermining society's trust in judicial reform after Smyrnov criticized how the reform was going.

Smyrnov, in his turn, has been a subject of an illicit enrichment investigation by the NABU. Zelensky dismissed Smyrnov on March 26.

Knyazev was released from detention after paying Hr 18 million bail ($450,000) in January. The case was sent to trial in March.

The NABU said in May 2023 that several other Supreme Court judges had also taken bribes. The numbers and series of the banknotes owned by these judges coincided with those received by Knyaziev as a bribe.

However, other judges were eventually not charged, prompting speculation that law enforcement agencies were covering up for them.

If there is evidence (against the judges) and it has been hidden, then its a big problem, Valko told the Kyiv Independent.

Law enforcement sources told the Kyiv Independent that the investigators did not have enough evidence against the judges to bring charges.

But Vitaly Tytych, ex-head of civic watchdog Public Integrity Council, said that the NABU had all the resources at its disposal to prove the judges' alleged guilt through wiretapping and collecting other evidence. Tytych is a criminal defense attorney who has been involved in efforts to investigate crimes against protesters during the 2013-2014 EuroMaidan Revolution.

"If they're unable to do it, their competence can be questioned," he said.

Read also: Constitutional Court reform: Will Ukraine implement key condition for EU membership?

Controversial plea deals

The Knyazev case involves a controversial practice that has faced harsh criticism  plea bargains on lenient terms.

In October, a court approved a plea bargain that the NABU and anti-corruption prosecutors had concluded with Oleh Horetsky, an intermediary in the Knyazev bribery case. He got a 5-year suspended sentence in exchange for testifying and donating Hr 29 million ($770,000) to the Armed Forces.

Law enforcement sources told the Kyiv Independent that Horetsky gave valuable testimony on Knyazev.

Another plea deal  with ex-President Viktor Yanukovych's former Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Mykola Zlochevsky  is even more controversial.

In 2020, Zlochevsky was charged with bribery after attempting to give the NABU a $6 million bribe in exchange for closing an embezzlement case against him.

In July 2023, Zlochevsky signed a plea bargain with anti-corruption prosecutors and got away without a real or suspended prison term. According to the deal, he paid a Hr 68,000 ($1,796) fine and donated Hr 661 million ($17 million) to the Armed Forces.

The details of the plea bargain were made secret for unknown reasons. Its text was leaked online by Ukrainska Pravda in October.

Several of Zlochevsky's accomplices also concluded plea deals, paying money and getting suspended terms.

Ukrainian oil and natural gas businessman and former Ecology Minister Mykola Zlochevsky during a media conference in an undated photo. Zlochevsky is the founder of Burisma, energy eploration and production company. (Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The plea bargains were lambasted by several experts, including legal scholar Volodymyr Petrakovsky and Sergii Gorbatuk, a former top investigator at the Prosecutor General's Office.

Gorbatuk and a top law enforcement source familiar with the investigation, agreeing to provide information on conditions of anonymity, characterized the plea deals as unjust and a way of avoiding punishment.

Gorbatuk said such deals should stipulate shorter prison terms in exchange for substantial testimony. But if the suspects get no jail time at all, such deals effectively encourage further crimes, he added.

Law enforcement sources told the Kyiv Independent that it would have been difficult to convict Zlochevsky without a plea deal because he is abroad, and it would have been "impossible" to extradite him due to his Cypriot citizenship. The sources also said that the evidence would not be sufficient to convict him without a plea bargain.

They said that some of the plea bargains were made secret to avoid harming the interests of the investigation.

Read also: Officials accused of using war as pretext for hiding ill-gotten wealth

Case against oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky

Another achievement of the NABU under Kryvonos is the charges against one of Ukraine's most influential oligarchs, Ihor Kolomoisky.

Zelenskys company produced shows for Kolomoiskys media conglomerate for years. The oligarchs TV channel, one of the biggest in Ukraine, helped Zelenskys presidential campaign in 2019. However, since then they have fallen out, and Zelensky stripped Kolomoisky of his Ukrainian citizenship in 2022.

In September, Kolomoisky and his alleged accomplices were charged with embezzling $250 million from PrivatBank, the country's largest bank, which was owned by the oligarch before 2016.

"The fact that they issued charges for the most influential oligarch is an upside," Butko said.

Ukrainian billionaire businessman Ihor Kolomoisky speaks with his lawyer during his appeal hearing in Kyiv Court of Appeal on Sept. 25, 2023Kolomoisky was accused by Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdog of embezzling funds from a bank he co-founded. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Tytych argued that the charges themselves are not an achievement and that the case can only be properly assessed when there is a court verdict.

Moreover, the Kolomoisky case may be closed soon, according to Valko.

The High Anti-Corruption Court's appeal chamber ruled in November that the NABU had missed the deadline for completing the investigation in the Kolomoisky case. The court also rejected motions to freeze the suspects' assets and to impose bail and travel restrictions on the suspects.

Kolomoisky is now awaiting trial in custody.

Ukrainian business tycoon and one of Ukraine's most famous billionaires, Ihor Kolomoisky, at a court hearing in Kyiv on Sept. 2, 2023. Kolomoisky was arrested on fraud charges, with his bail set at Hr 500 million. He chose to remain in jail. (Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Defense corruption

Yet, not all cases have reached their logical conclusion  charges and trials.

The NABU said in January 2023 that it had begun investigating possible corruption in the Defense Ministry before journalists revealed large-scale theft in the ministry's food procurement.

According to an investigation by the ZN news outlet, the ministry sought to buy food at prices two to three times higher than it would cost to buy the same products in Kyiv's grocery stores.

Following a second similar story, alleging corruption in a different procurement deal, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov resigned in September.

However, no charges have been brought so far.

"Publicly, there is no progress in the Defense Ministry case," Valko said. "During war, such high-profile cases must be given a priority. Nine months could be a bit too much."

But Yury Nikolov, the investigative journalist behind both stories that revealed corruption in the Defense Ministry, told the Kyiv Independent that he did not expect the investigation to move forward quickly because it was a complicated case of white-collar crime.

Law enforcement sources told the Kyiv Independent that forensic assessments in the Defense Ministry case would take much time.

Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov holds up an army winter jacket at a press conference on Aug. 28, 2023, in Kyiv. Reznikov claims soldiers had no complaints about the quality of this uniform contrary to the allegations that jackets were of poor quality and bought at inflated prices. (Oleksandr Magula/Suspilne.Media)

Cases against Zelenskys allies  and absence thereof

Both Valko and Butko praised the NABU for charging members of parliament from Zelensky's Servant of the People party in corruption cases during Kryvonos' tenure.

These include lawmakers Liudmyla Marchenko, Anatoly Hunko, and Andriy Odarchenko.

However, one of the indicators of the NABUs success is its ability and willingness to investigate alleged corruption among top presidential allies, in contrast with low-ranking MPs.

One of the problems is that the NABU lacks jurisdiction in some cases involving the Presidents Office but critics say it may also be due to the bureaus lack of political will, since the jurisdiction limitations can be worked around sometimes.

A group of independent foreign experts said in their assessment of the NABU in October 2023 that "there were few cases against Category A officials, ministers, deputy ministers, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials." They also said that "there were no charges against top officials of the President's Office."

Before Kryvonos took the reins, there had been charges against top presidential allies such as Zelensky's deputy chief of staff, Oleh Tatarov, as well as ex-President Petro Poroshenko's top associates, including Roman Nasirov, Oleh Hladkovsky, and Mykola Martynenko. The cases are currently being considered by Ukrainian courts.

Mark Savchuk, head of the NABU's civic oversight council, and Nikolov, an investigative journalist focusing on top-level corruption, said that alleged corruption at the President's Office is not being properly investigated.

"I don't have the impression that they are going out of their way to investigate corruption at the President's Office," Nikolov said.

Oleksandr Lemenov, head of anti-corruption watchdog StateWatch, said he "doesn't see a systematic struggle against top-level corruption," in contrast with petty corruption.

Kryvonos denied the accusations that the NABU is turning a blind eye to Zelensky's top allies.

"It doesn't matter for our institution to whose entourage a specific person belongs, nor does their political affiliation or social status, Kryvonos told the Kyiv Independent in a written statement. In its activities, the NABU is completely apolitical and is not used in the interests of any party, group or person."

The issue has come to the forefront because there have been both journalist investigations and criminal cases involving top officials of the President's Office.

Meanwhile, some of public asset declarations, filed by top officials and members of the Presidents Office, have raised eyebrows, with large amounts of money both in cash and in bank accounts being disclosed. The declarations were brought back recently after being on halt for two years, under the pretext of security risks due to the war.

Analysts see the NABU's ability to investigate the President's Office as a key indicator of independence, due to the power that the office holds.

"The president and the President's Office have accumulated in their hands immense power and control over the parliament and the government," the foreign experts said in their 2023 assessment of the NABUs work.

Nikolov, who has been writing about corruption in Ukraine for more than a decade, agreed with this opinion.

"Now the government and parliament are nobodies, and all major decisions are made in the President's Office," he said.

Alleged evidence of wrongdoing

Savchuk told the Kyiv Independent that it is hard to investigate the President's Office itself due to legislative hurdles and secrecy. However, he said that alleged middlemen of the office have been investigated in several corruption cases.

Nikolov said that one of these alleged middlemen for the President's Office is Yuriy Holyk, who denied the accusations of wrongdoing.

Holyk has overseen an alleged corruption scheme in the government's major construction projects, and his firm has obtained huge revenue from them, according to an investigation by the Bihus.info investigative journalism project published in October.

He regularly visited the President's Office in August, Bihus.info reported.

The NABU has investigated Holyk, but no charges have been brought so far. Holyk denied the accusations of wrongdoing.

Another Zelensky ally, his deputy chief of staff Rostyslav Shurma, is also under scrutiny.

Rostyslav Shurma, deputy head of the President's Office of Ukraine, speaks at a press briefing. Shurma was the CEO of the Zaporizhstal plant from 2012 to 2019. (President's Office)

In September, Shurma confirmed that his brother's company had received money from the Ukrainian government for solar plants in Russian-occupied territories as part of renewable energy subsidies during the full-scale invasion. He denied the accusations of wrongdoing.

In the same month, the NABU opened an embezzlement case into the scheme in the wake of an investigation by Bihus.info about the solar plants. However, no charges have been brought so far.

In March 2023, the NABU also opened an illicit enrichment case against Zelensky's deputy chief of staff, Andriy Smyrnov, after Ukrainska Pravda published an investigation on the issue.

According to the publication, Smyrnov's brother had acquired considerable assets at below-market prices during the invasion, which he seemingly couldnt afford with his known income.

No charges have been filed in the case, so far. Smyrnov denied the accusations of wrongdoing.

Another presidential staffer, Zelensky's deputy chief of staff Oleh Tatarov, was charged in 2020 with giving a bribe to an official before he joined the Presidents Office. The Prosecutor General's Office and courts obstructed the case, and it was eventually closed in 2022.

"I was shocked by the unprecedented pressure in the Tatarov case," a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told the Kyiv Independent.

Gorbatuk, a former top investigator at the Prosecutor General's Office, believes the NABU failed to take all necessary measures to counter the destruction of the Tatarov case. The case was closed under Kryvonos predecessor Artem Sytnyk and the bureau hasnt tried to revive it.

Gorbatuk argued that the closure of the case must have been appealed, and the NABU and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office must have filed reports on illegal interference in the case. Gorbatuk himself filed such reports on alleged illegal interference by former Prosecutor General Yury Lutsenko in 2016-2019.

Obstacles for investigating big fish

One of the problems is that officials from the President's Office are not within the NABU's jurisdiction and must be investigated by the State Investigation Bureau under Ukrainian law.

There are still legal loopholes allowing the NABU to investigate officials of the President's Office  for example, when the amount of a bribe or losses exceeds Hr 3.6 million ($95,000). The bureau can also investigate presidential staffers if a case in which they are implicated involves other top officials within the NABU's jurisdiction.

Another problem is that the NABU cannot independently wiretap the phones of presidential staffers and has to ask the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to wiretap them.

According to anti-corruption activists, the SBU, being controlled by the Presidents Office, can obstruct such wiretapping or leak information. The head of the SBU is appointed by parliament at the president's request.

The only legal loophole is that the NABU can install covert listening devices independently, although their purchases must also be approved by the SBU.

"It's very convenient for them because (the President's Office) enjoys de facto immunity," Savchuk said. "Even if an investigation begins, the system is able to bury any case. (The President's Office) has created a fortress and built a moat around it."

The employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) are seen during work in an undated photograph. The protective vests they wear display the Ukrainian acronym "NABU." (facebook.com/nabu.gov.ua)

The foreign experts who carried out the 2023 assessment of the NABU called for removing legal restrictions on the NABU's ability to investigate officials of the President's Office.

Two law enforcement sources and Savchuk told the Kyiv Independent that there are currently leaks from the NABU that jeopardize corruption cases since suspects are tipped off.

The NABU denied the existence of frequent leaks but admitted that a lack of independent wiretapping powers and an independent forensic expert institution creates the risk of leaks.

Another challenge: staffing

Another challenge for the bureau is that many NABU employees have quit the bureau since Kryvonos was appointed.

The NABU told the Kyiv Independent that 65 NABU employees, including 23 detectives, had resigned or been fired from May through December 2023. The reasons for the resignations and dismissals included retirement, employees' initiative, appointment to other agencies, and disciplinary violations.

The NABU currently has around 700 employees, including more than 200 detectives, and the number of employees is expected to increase to 1,000 under a law passed in 2023.

A law enforcement source told the Kyiv Independent that the exit of NABU employees during Kryvonos' tenure had been the biggest in the bureau's history. The source argued that the main reason for their resignations was a lack of motivation.

The NABU denied this allegation in a comment for the Kyiv Independent.

Another law enforcement source told the Kyiv Independent that the psychological atmosphere at the NABU was bad in early 2023 due to worries about the bureau's new leadership and internal probes against several employees.

The probes were completed, and Kryvonos did not punish any of the employees. The corporate atmosphere improved in the second half of 2023, the source said.

Children walk past the offices of NABU, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, on Oct. 1, 2019 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

In September, Andriy Kaluzhynsky, head of the NABU's main investigative department, left the NABU and was mobilized as a conscript, although he was not formally dismissed.

A law enforcement source told the Kyiv Independent that Kryvonos told NABU employees that he did not wish to see Kaluzhynsky on his team after several conflicts over work issues.

Olena Krolovetska, head of the detectives unit, resigned in May 2023.

Law enforcement sources told the Kyiv Independent that Krolovetska quit due to "personal reasons," and Kryvonos asked her to stay.

One of the sources said that Krolovetska wanted to launch a career in another sphere.

Valko and Butko said the resignations were worrying and might negatively impact the NABU's institutional capacity. Despite even the best intentions, experts say that the NABU may not have enough detectives to carry out the desperately needed investigations.

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Ukraine has attack drones with range of over 1,000 kilometers, says Fedorov

Ukraine has domestically-produced attack drones capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers, Digital Transformation Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, said in an interview with Welt on April 1.

Kyiv has intensified its efforts to ramp up domestic production of drones, a critical tool on the battlefield, aiming to manufacture 1 million drones this year.

A series of attacks in recent months have targeted oil refineries deep inside Russia. Multiple refineries reportedly lost capacity after the attacks and Russia is planning to reduce diesel exports from its Black and Baltic Sea ports in April to the lowest level in five months.

"Most of the drones that attacked Russian oil refineries have a range of 700 to 1,000 kilometers, but now there are models that can fly over 1000 km," Fedorov said.

In February, he acknowledged Ukraine had drones with a range of up to 1,000 and said up to 10 companies were involved in their production and advancement.

Fedorov also said in the April 1 interview that the outcome of the war will likely depend on drone technology but at present it is impossible to say if Russian or Ukraine has the upper hand.

Fedorov also said prototype drones with AI technology could appear on the battlefield by the end of 2024.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree in February to create a new branch of Ukraine's Armed Forces specifically dedicated to drones.

The Unmanned Systems Forces will reportedly focus specifically on improving Ukraine's work with drones, creating special drone-specific units, ramping up training, systemizing their use, increasing production, and pushing innovation.Zelensky said in January that one of the main goals for 2024 was outpacing Russia in the production of drones.

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Ukraine considering following suit if US bans TikTok

Ukraine would consider banning TikTok if the U.S. does it first, lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine released on April 1.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill in March 2024 requiring Chinese TikTok's parent company ByteDance to sell its stakes in the company within six months or lose access to U.S. markets. The bill has yet to be passed in the Senate, and the app is still freely available in the U.S.

When asked if Ukraine would also ban TikTok, Yurchyshyn said that a decision by the U.S. could provide a basis for Ukraine to follow suit.

Yurchyshyn acknowledged that actually banning the app would be difficult and said that we "are still monitoring the process."

Lawmakers in the U.S. opposed to TikTok have often pointed to its Chinese connections, even though TikTok has said it would not approve of Chinese government requests to access the data of users in the U.S.

TikTok has also been widely used to spread disinformation, including about the war in Ukraine.

Bloomberg reported in February 2023 that TikTok had uncovered a massive network of pro-Russian disinformation spread on the app.

TikTok reportedly had more than 13 million users in Ukraine as of the beginning of 2023, the site Data Reportal wrote, citing data from ByteDance.

Read also: Odesa resident under investigation over pro-Russian propaganda on TikTok

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In 1952, 22-year-old Stanley Miller proposed to his boss one of the simplest and most ambitious experiments in history: to imitate the conditions of the primitive Earth in a glass container and see if something resembling life would emerge from nothing in his laboratory at the University of Chicago. They injected ammonia, methane, hydrogen and water vapor to simulate the atmosphere, applied electrical discharges as if they were storms and Eureka!: soon amino acids, the building blocks of life, appeared. The team of Spanish geologist Juan Manuel Garcia Ruiz repeated the experiment in 2021 in a Teflon container and surprised the world: nothing appeared. The key was the silica in the glass! exclaims the researcher, who has just received 10 million ($10.8 million) from the EU to study the role of silica (a mineral made up of silicon and oxygen) in the origin of life on Earth.

Garcia Ruiz, 70, constantly talks about the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, even to explain his own studies. The geologist has lived more than 30 years in Granada  the birthplace of Lorca  where he works as a researcher at the Andalusian Institute of Earth Sciences. The scientist recites from memory verses from Poet in New York, the 1929 collection of poems in which Lorca denounced the dehumanization of the great industrial city: Heaven-murdered / Among the snakes forms / and forms that search for crystal, / I will let grow my hair.

Garcia Ruiz even refers to Lorca to explain how his own ideas about the origin of life were rejected four decades ago. Around 1979, when the geologist was a student in his twenties at the Complutense University of Madrid, he accidentally discovered amazing microscopic mineral structures, with strange curves and spirals, like Lorcas sinuous snakes before the imposing straightness of the glass skyscrapers. Those unusual shapes looked like living beings, but they were simply self-assembled precipitates of silica and carbonate in laboratory containers. Nothing like it had ever been seen before.

The geologist recalls that, in a June 1980 issue of EL PAIS, he saw a historic story: the team of the American biologist William Schopf had announced the discovery of bacteria fossils in an Australian desert region, which would prove that there was life on Earth 3.5 billion years ago. Garcia Ruiz was stunned when he saw the lead photograph: the supposed remains of the first living creatures looked like the mineral structures that had been formed in his laboratory.

Self-assembled mineral structures, called biomorphs. Juan Manuel Garcia Ruiz/CSIC

Years later, he attended an international conference in Prague on the origin of life to present his discovery. I was very young, and it was the first time I used a laser pointer. I held the laser at my mouth to speak and pointed with the microphone, he recalls, laughing. At the end, a guy told me: Thank you very much, but everything you are saying is completely false.

Garcia Ruiz ended up calling those curvilinear mineral microstructures  which looked like living beings, but were not  biomorphs. The young geologist encountered international skepticism. I said that what are considered the first fossils could simply be self-assembled structures. It took me years to publish. They told me that I was doing the experiments wrong, that there was biological contamination, that it was impossible for something inorganic to have those morphologies, he recalls. The disbelief, according to the geologist, was due to the deep-rooted belief in two separate worlds: the straight geometry of crystal and the exuberant curvature of life. Like Lorcas hair in New York.

On August 7, 1996, then U.S. president, Bill Clinton, presented to the world a meteorite of Martian origin. It speaks of the possibility of life. If this discovery is confirmed, it will surely be one of the most stunning insights into our universe that science has ever uncovered, Clinton said. NASA scientists argued that the filaments found in the extraterrestrial rock were an indicator of fossilized microbes. Garcia Ruiz, from Spains National Research Council (CSIC), insisted that was not the case.

Geologist Juan Manuel Garcia Ruiz and Maasai guide Lucas Sossoika on an expedition to Lake Magadi, Kenya. Javier Trueba

The Spanish scientist claimed victory in 2003, finally publishing his results in the prestigious journal Science. His team had synthesized filamentous and curved microstructures, which looked practically identical to the supposed fossilized bacteria found in formations of the Warrawoona Group, in Western Australia. There was the idea that the inorganic world cannot take on the complex and curved shapes of microfossils. We prove that it can. Morphology cannot be an unequivocal criterion for identifying life, he says, during a walk through the exhibition on the British evolutionist Alfred Wallace at the National Museum of Natural Sciences, in Madrid.

Garcia Ruizs discoveries cast doubt on the solemn announcement that relics of living beings from 3.5 billion years ago were found in Australia, but the geologist does not question the history of life. His hypothesis is that 4.4 billion years ago  after another planet collided with the Earth and the ejecta formed the moon  there were already large masses of water, with a superficial cap, where the curves of the silica biomorphs facilitated interactions between the first building blocks of life, like the glass container in Millers experiment. There are thousands of religions in the world, with thousands of contradictory stories about the appearance of living beings, but Garcia Ruiz believes that none of these incompatible gods are needed to explain the phenomenon. I am an atheist, he says.

Starting in May, the Spanish geologist will coordinate the PROTOS project, funded by the European Research Council with almost 10 million. He will leave Lorcas Granada behind to join the Donostia International Physics Center in Spains Basque Country. Garcia Ruizs team, together with colleagues from France and Germany, will run countless experiments to understand  even at a scale of millionths of a millimeter  how fluids interacted with rocks on the early Earth, and changed it from a lifeless mineral planet to a world with poets like Lorca. We are going to reinterpret Millers experiment, because he forgot about silica, says Garcia Ruiz.

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Ukraine serves notice of suspicion on Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan over calls for genocide of Ukrainians

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has documented further crimes committed by Margarita Simonyan, a Russian propagandist and editor-in-chief of the Kremlin-aligned TV channel Russia Today who has been accused of calling for the genocide of Ukrainians.

Source: SSU; Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office

Details: Simonyan has been charged with encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, the propaganda of war, the justification, recognition of the legitimacy, and denial of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, the glorification of its participants, and public calls for genocide.

Investigators found that she was one of the first to support Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the war crimes committed by Russian forces.

During a speech on one of her shows on 23 December 2023, she publicly called for the physical extermination of patriotic Ukrainians, especially residents of Ukraine's western oblasts.

The propagandist has repeatedly campaigned for Russias missile and bomb attacks on Ukraines civilian infrastructure to continue.

She regularly disseminates Kremlin narratives via her Telegram channel and on Russian TV, first and foremost during her appearances on a television programme hosted by another Russian propagandist, Vladimir Solovyov.

Background: Simonyan has already been served with a notice of suspicion for encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine  in March 2023.

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Ukraine war latest: Russia destroys 'almost all' energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, mayor says

Key developments on April 1:

Mayor: Russia destroys 'almost all' energy infrastructure in Kharkiv

Authorities: Russia uses 5 Zircon hypersonic missiles against Kyiv in 2024

ISW: Russia may focus its potential offensive only in one operational direction

Poll: Most Ukrainians say they understand motivation of draft evaders.

Russian attacks destroyed "almost all" of energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said in an interview with Liga media outlet published on April 1.

Kharkiv has been at the forefront of Russian attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion and saw an escalation in strikes in recent weeks.

The attacks destroyed a thermal power plant and all the electrical substations in Ukraine's second-biggest city, Terekhov said earlier.

When asked about the reasons for the intensified strikes, the mayor answered he did not know what Russia's plan was.

"The private (energy infrastructure) is also destroyed. Russia wants to intimidate us, but this is impossible," Terekhov said.

The current situation for the energy industry in the city is "very difficult," according to the mayor. The humanitarian assistance centers, also known as "Points of Invincibility," work in Kharkiv around the clock.

"We have been through more rough times, and we will survive these times too," Terekhov said.

On March 29, the state-owned energy company Centrenergo reported that Russian troops had destroyed the Zmiiv thermal power plant in Kharkiv Oblast during a recent large-scale attack.

In March, Russian attacks damaged or completely destroyed 80% of the thermal generating capacity of Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK, the company's Executive Director Dmytro Sakharuk said on March 30.

Among Moscow's targets in March were Kaniv Hydroelectric Power Plant in Cherkasy Oblast, Dnister Hydroelectric Power Plant in Chernivtsi Oblast and Zaporizhzhia's Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant.

The Hydroelectric Power Station-2 (HPS-2), one of the two stations of the latter, is in critical condition following the attack. The dam itself suffered damage as well, but officials said that there was no risk of a breach.

Authorities: Russia uses 5 Zircon hypersonic missiles against Kyiv in 2024

Russia has launched five 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles against Kyiv within the first three months of the year, the city's military administration reported on April 1.

The statement came a week after claims that Russian troops had used Zircon ballistic missiles in a March 25 attack on Kyiv, injuring at least two people. The researchers began to examine the debris to determine what type of missile was launched.

Ukrainian forces downed more than 180 missiles and drones targeted at Ukraine's capital in 2024, according to authorities. Apart from Zircon missiles, these include one Kalibr cruise missile, three Kh-69 cruise missiles, six Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 11 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, 48 Shahed-type drones, and 113 Kh-101 missiles.

Russia reportedly attacked Ukraine with a 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion on Feb. 7, killing at least five people and injuring over 50.

Illia Yevlash, an Air Force spokesperson, said that Ukraine could down Zircon missiles by using air defense systems like SAMP/T or Patriot. Kyiv urged Western allies to send more such weapons to defend the entire territory of the country.

Moscow earlier said the Zircon hypersonic missile entered the arsenal of the Russian military in early 2023, claiming that it has a range of 6001,500 kilometers, can travel at nine times the speed of sound, and has a warhead weighing about 300-400 kilograms.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine's Armed Forces shot down more than 2,000 cruise and ballistic Russian missiles, the Defense Ministry reported.

Read also: What we know about hypersonic Zircon missiles  Russias latest threat

ISW: Russia may focus its potential offensive only in one operational direction

Russia may focus its potential late spring or summer offensive against Ukraine in the western part of Donetsk Oblast, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote in their April 1 report.

The Russian military command may consider the area near Avdiivka, a key front-line city in Donetsk Oblast captured by Russia in February, as a priority, the ISW said. Russia's willingness to commit a battalion of tanks to an attack in the area is one of the indications of such plans, the report said.

Referring to an unnamed Ukrainian service member, the ISW said that on March 30, Ukraine's Armed Forces appeared to repel the first Russia's battalion-sized mechanized assault since Moscow began a new campaign to seize Avdiivka in late October 2023.

Russian troops may have used 36 tanks and 12 infantry fighting vehicles near the village of Tonenke, which the ISW and the U.K. Defense Ministry consider likely to have been captured by Russian troops.

The Ukrainian military did not confirm ISW's claim.

The ISW suggested that Ukrainian troops had to expend a "significant amount of material" to repel this assault, but the "ability to skillfully defend against a large-scale Russian assault in a particularly critical part of the front despite challenges suggests that Ukrainian forces can achieve significant battlefield effects if they are properly equipped."

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said that a Russian attack on Kharkiv, which saw an escalation in strikes in recent weeks, cannot be ruled out.

The contact line near another hotspot, the village of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, was "in flux," but the situation was "not critical" despite Russian troops' assaults in the area, according to the Ukrainian military.

The ISW said that despite warnings about the accumulation of Russian forces in other parts of the front, Russia may focus on one sector.

"ISW continues to assess that Russian forces will likely only be able to launch a concerted large-scale offensive operation in one operational direction at a time due to Russia's own manpower and planning limitations," the report said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in late March that the situation on the battlefield has been stabilized compared to earlier months, but he did not rule out that a major Russian offensive may come at the end of May or in June.

Poll: Most Ukrainians say they understand motivation of draft evaders

Most Ukrainians say they understand the motivation of those who try to avoid mobilization, according to a poll by Ukraine's Institute of Social and Political Psychology published on April 1.

Ukraine aims to ramp up mobilization in 2024 and a draft law on mobilization, which is currently being discussed and amended in parliament, proposes to lower the enlistment age and introduce basic military training for adults.

The poll showed that 53.9% of respondents agreed with the statement that "those who avoid mobilization can be understood  no one wants to die."

Another 17% disagreed, while 29% of respondents said it was difficult to answer. Among respondents in central regions of Ukraine, the number of those who said they could not answer rose to 35.5%.

The highest figure of those who disagreed with the statement was among respondents in the west of Ukraine, at 22.6%.

At the same time, almost 43% of respondents said they were ashamed of men who evade mobilization.

This number rose to 50% among respondents living in the south of Ukraine, where much of the front line is located. This region also had the highest number of respondents who said they understand the motivations of those who want to evade mobilization, at 70.9%.

The survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews between March 1 and March 15, and had 2,000 respondents, who were adults living across Ukraine, other than in areas under Russian occupation.

President Volodymyr Zelensky initially said in December 2023 that the army required the mobilization of 450,000-500,000 additional conscripts, but Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 29 that this number has been "significantly reduced."

Read also: Ukraine struggles to ramp up mobilization as Russias war enters 3rd year

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Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners destroyed a Russian attack and reconnaissance Forpost drone in the Black Sea, which is analogous to the Turkish Bayraktar UAV and costs USD 7 million.

Source: Air Command Pivden (South) on Facebook

Quote: "Over the day, on 1 April 2024, the soldiers of the Odesa anti-aircraft missile brigade destroyed a Russian Forpost attack and reconnaissance UAV in the Black Sea."

"Aerial targets destroyed as of 18:00 on 1 April 2024: 1 Forpost UAV".

Photo: Air Command Pivden (South)

Updated: The Forpost drone is one of the most expensive drones in the world, said Illia Yevlash, the spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He noted that this drone is quite large, "it resembles a Bayraktar analogue, can conduct reconnaissance and carry an additional combat load in the form of two missiles or other weapons to hit ground targets.

Quote: "The Air Force downed a pretty good target today, we don't shoot down targets like that very often, but we managed to hit one of the most expensive attack drones of the Forpost type. This is a Russian UAV, worth about seven million dollars. It was shot down by the Odesa anti-aircraft missile brigade over the Black Sea."

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Border guards repelled an attack by Russian saboteurs in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on April 1.

Sumy Oblast borders Russia's Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts. Russian attacks against the region have become increasingly destructive in recent weeks, killing and injuring civilians.

Ukrainian border guards reportedly fired on the Russian reconnaissance group as it was attempting to break into Sumy Oblast.

The border guards were joined by soldiers of the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including artillery crews. After a gunfight, Russian saboteurs retreated, according to the report.

Over the past day, Russian forces attacked the Sumy Oblast border 39 times, targeting 11 communities in the area, the local authorities reported.

Read also: Why is Russia intensifying attacks on Ukraines Sumy Oblast?

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will pay a visit to the Hague on Tuesday, 2 April, where he will hold a number of meetings and take part in a conference on ensuring Russia is held responsible for the crimes committed in the war against Ukraine.

Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; European Pravda

During his visit to the Hague, Kuleba will hold a number of bilateral talks, in particular with his Dutch counterpart Hanke Bruins Slot.

He will also take part in the Restoring Justice for Ukraine Conference, where foreign and justice ministers will discuss the results of documenting and investigating crimes committed by the Russian occupiers on the territory of Ukraine.

"Special attention will also be focused on further steps towards the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine," the Foreign Ministry said.

The conference will be attended by Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, as well as the president of Eurojust and representatives of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (RD4U) and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), joined by others.

As announced previously, the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation will start accepting the first applications since 2 April. The priority category was identified as Ukrainians whose housing has been destroyed or seriously damaged.

Earlier, in an interview with the European Parliament, Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the RD4U, explained how they will seek funds from Russia to compensate Ukrainians.

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Bohdan Yermokhin has endured a harrowing existence since Russia invaded Ukraine over two years ago - Emre Caylak for The Telegraph

Had he been older or less vulnerable, says Ukrainian teenager Bohdan Yermokhin, he would have set the Kremlin on fire.

Originally from the coastal city of Mariupol, he was forced to live in Moscow for almost one and a half years after he and 30 other Ukrainian orphans were rounded up by Russian forces and deported against their will.

Nicknamed the Mariupol 31, he and his friends had already lived through months of brutal siege, witnessing widespread death and destruction as Vladimir Putins forces turned their home city to rubble.

When the last pocket of the citys resistance fell in May 2022, the traumatised orphans were sent first to Donetsk and then on to Moscow.

There, they were adopted or fostered by government workers, forced to become Russian citizens and threatened with conscription  potentially to be sent to fight their own countrymen.

Mr Yermokhin was just 16. He had lost both his parents just before the outbreak of war.

They treated us like sacks of potatoes, moving us around without asking for our consent or showing any care, Mr Yermokhin, now 18, told The Telegraph. The first months were a blur. I understood only that I would need to get out.

There was so much death and lots of dead bodies

Currently back in Ukraine after escaping Russia late last year, Mr Yermokhin is recovering in Kyiv. The psychological toll of surviving deportation, an act described as a war crime by the UN, will stay with him forever.

From the moment Russia invaded in February 2022, Mariupol  a highly strategic port city on Ukraines southern coast  was a key target for the Russian president.

It would soon become the site of the wars biggest battle to date, as Russia executed a brutal siege and months of heavy fighting and aerial bombardment.

At least 8,000 people were killed, according to a Human Rights Watch report last month  some estimates put the figure as high as 100,000.

Mr Yermokhin spent most of the siege in the basement of a school dormitory close to the citys Azovstal steelworks  the site of a siege-within-a-siege and Ukraines last stand in Mariupol. He would hear from others about big attacks, such as the one on the drama theatre, while out searching for food or water.

There was so much death and lots of dead bodies, he said.

The siege-within-a-siege of the Azovstal steelworks was Ukraine's last stand in Mariupol - Reuters/Pavel Klimov

Tragedy was everywhere, both in the abstract and the personal  a close friend, who had looked out for Mr Yermokhin after his parents died, was killed by shrapnel after covering him from an explosion. The teenager still has a long, thin scar just above his left knuckles from the incident.

In another painful episode that Mr Yermokhin finds difficult to speak about, he cradled a 10-year-old girl in his arms as she died from a chest wound. The girl had just lost her mother to shelling.

He claims that a woman who while pregnant appeared in widely shared images of the aftermath of a deadly attack on the citys maternity hospital  and the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Days in Mariupol  is a distant cousin.

By the time Russian forces took over, I had the feeling that I was already dead, he said. I have learned that you have to cherish the moments and people you have because they wont be there forever.

Almost all of Mariupols buildings were damaged or destroyed during Russias three-month siege, and the city remains under occupation.

After Russian forces gained full control of the city they swept through to clear the land, as Mr Yermokhin put it, checking for remaining Ukrainian fighters. They made a list of the orphans who had been left behind, before later taking them from their shelters and sending them to Donetsk, one of two self-proclaimed Russia-aligned republics.

There, they stayed in a local hospital for a month. Mr Yermokhin believes it was to add an air of legitimacy to the transfer, so that Russia could claim it was administering medical care to the children. However, he was neither sick nor hurt and received no treatment, he said.

He did not want to comment on the details of his journeys into Donetsk or Russia owing to an ongoing investigation. However, he did say the children were not told why they were being moved or what would happen next.

Local media previously reported that he was transferred to Russia via bus and plane.

Put up first in a summer camp, most of the children were then adopted or fostered by state workers  Mr Yermokhin was taken in by Irina Rudnitska, an assistant to the countrys former human rights ombudsman, Tatyana Moskalkova.

While an investigation is ongoing, he is limited in what he can say about his stay in Russia. His foster family treated him well, although they were heavily influenced by the Russian narrative, and the children were put into the local education system and issued citizenship  they were not asked for their permission.

The moment I saw him I realised hes mine

Mr Yermokhin said the Russians tried to gain his trust, treating him nicely at first, but things deteriorated over time when he retained his positivity towards Ukraine  he would regularly argue with those around him and it was a constant psychological strain.

The Mariupol 31 were quickly turned into a propaganda tool for Moscow to prove they had saved the city.

Mr Yermokhins best friend, Pylyp Holovnya, became a poster boy for Russias so-called rescue missions when he was adopted by Maria Lvova-Belova, the ombudsman for childrens rights.

A half-hour documentary called This Is My Child broadcast on a nationalist TV channel last year told the story of Mr Holovnyas removal from Mariupol, with Mrs Lvova-Belova declaring: The moment I spoke to him I realised hes mine: this is my child.

A few months before, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Mrs Lvova-Belova, as well as Putin, over the unlawful removal of Ukraines children.

Mr Holovnyas friends and relatives have said they believe he was taken to Russia against his will. Mr Yermokhin described Lvova-Belova as a two-faced person who plays up to Russian TV cameras but is not so nice when they leave.

She is a terrorist and a liar like Putin, said Mr Yermokhin. When asked one time why civilians had to die in Ukraine, she answered: Its Gods will.

Maria Lvova-Belova, seen here with Pylyp Holovnya, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for the 'unlawful deportation of children'  a war crime

Others in the Mariupol 31 were wheeled out at a pro-war rally to mark the first anniversary of the war in Moscow, thanking their invaders publicly in scenes that made headlines around the world.

The star of the show was Anna Naumenko, a 15-year-old with black hair whose mother is believed to have been killed in Mariupol. Addressing a soldier nicknamed Yuri Gagarin, she said: Thank you Uncle Yura for saving me, my sister and hundreds of thousands of children in Mariupol.

Mr Yermokhin said the children are either often too scared to rebel, or coerced into complying with propaganda and bribes. Ms Naumenko, for example, was given a new iPad in exchange for the speech, he claimed.

Mr Yermokhin was offered a Moscow apartment in exchange for his cooperation. He, however, wasnt swayed: I prefer to live in a free democratic country than live as a slave.

Almost 20,000 child deportations

Towards the end of last year, fears began to grow for Mr Yermokhins safety as he approached adulthood  set to turn 18 in November, he received a letter, seen by The Telegraph, ordering him to attend an enlistment office within one month. Russian officials have claimed the summons was for record-keeping purposes.

His plight became public knowledge when lawyer Kateryna Bobrovskaya appealed to Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, to help. Just over a week later he returned to Ukraine, arriving on his 18th birthday, owing to an agreement that was reportedly mediated by Qatar and Unicef.

I wrapped myself in a Ukrainian flag and jumped for joy for 10 minutes, Mr Yermokhin said.

He had tried to return home on his own earlier in the year, according to both Ukrainian and Russian media, with Mrs Lvova-Belova saying in April that Mr Yermokhin had been stopped near the border with Belarus on his way to Ukraine.

He and Ms Bobrovskaya did not want to discuss the precise details of his escape to protect continued efforts to rescue other children. In January, another child, a close friend of Mr Yermokhins referred to only as Oleksandr, was returned to Ukraine. Another close friend, Roman, was returned last year.

Bohdan Yermokhin has large Ukrainian coat of arms tattooed on his forearm - Emre Caylak for the Telegraph

The Mariupol 31 are just a handful of the almost 20,000 cases of child deportations documented by Ukrainian authorities since Russia launched a full-scale war two years ago.

Authorities believe the real figure could be far higher and have called the practice an act of genocide.

Moscow claims it has welcomed 744,000 Ukrainian children, accompanied or unaccompanied, for their own safety.

Iryna Vereshchuk, deputy prime minister and minister for reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, told The Telegraph last month that Russia is changing the identity of these children and we have little power to stop them.

We dont have the resources to return these children back to Ukraine  We dont know what will happen to them, she said.

In Kyiv, Mr Yermokhin is now focused on using his experience to help others. He was learning to be a welder before the war, but now wants to study international law.

He and Ms Bobrovskaya have also set up a foundation, Rescued Future of Ukraine, to help other children who were deported to Russia with housing, medical, financial, psychological and other support when they return home.

Music has been a sort of therapy for Mr Yermokhin, helping him cope with the darkest periods and the deep psychological scars. Later this year, he plans to release an album of his music, written in the Ukrainian language rather than Russian, which was widely spoken in Mariupol. The proceeds will go to the foundation.

He has already raised over 30,000 hryvnia (6,000) through concerts, and now has a large Ukrainian coat of arms tattooed on his forearm.

No one hates Russia more than the orphans, he said. I want to show those who are still there that we will find a way to bring them back.

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A total of nine arrests were made in the operation - Westend61

Spanish police have broken up a drug trafficking ring that used elite Ukrainian helicopter pilots to fly drugs across the Strait of Gibraltar in daring low-level night flights.

Guardia Civil officers arrested two Ukrainians as they attempted to escape after they landed a helicopter in a field near Chiclana de la Frontera in southern Spain.

The operation took place in January but details of the arrests and the drug trafficking rings tactics have only just emerged.

One pilot has been identified as Vitor Blaha, a former Ukrainian police colonel, who is accused of piloting the helicopter, which was carrying just under 800 kilograms of cannabis resin.

A third man, a Moroccan national resident in Spain, died near the location where the helicopter landed after crashing his car as he attempted to flee.

One pilot has been identified as Vitor Blaha, a former Ukrainian police colonel, who is accused of piloting the helicopter - iStock Editorial

A total of nine arrests were made in the operation, including two men the Guardia Civil described as expert pilots. As well as the helicopter containing drugs, a French-made Alouette III, a similar aircraft was also seized in a nearby location.

Among those arrested are believed to be mechanics who maintain the helicopters using parts brought in from former Soviet Union countries.

The gangs smuggling route involved flying across the Strait to northern Morocco, where the drugs were loaded.

The pilots would then return to Spain at night, travelling at a height of no more than 30 metres above sea level without using the helicopters lights and with navigation systems turned off to avoid electronic detection.

According to investigators, a helicopter such as the one Mr Blaha was piloting that night is virtually undetectable because it flies so low that the mountains cause the waves received by Spanish radars to be lost.

Those on board during these flights are taking a great risk, the investigators added.

The fee charged by a pilot such as Mr Blaha is believed to be around 150,000 per flight.

The gang's smuggling route involved flying across the Strait to northern Morocco, where the drugs were loaded - Moment RF

The operation started when the Guardia Civil became aware of a helicopter leaving an unspecified location in Cadiz province to fly south. The officers coordinated with Moroccan police to track the aircraft and as it returned northward into Spanish airspace, where a Guardia Civil helicopter took up pursuit and coordinated with officers on the ground to intercept the suspects once they had landed.

Around 30 bundles of hashish were stored in a space behind the pilot where the rear seats had been removed.

A cargo of 800 kilograms of hashish could have a street value in Spain of around 4 million. The Guardia Civil said in a statement that the cost of buying a helicopter such as those used by the gang is around 900,000.

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'Uncommitted' Democrats may dump Biden over the war in Gaza. They say it's not their fault if Trump wins.

The Uncommitted movement is withholding support for Biden until he changes course on Israel.

They know who Trump is  but they're tired of being asked to vote for the lesser of two evils.

"It's time for Biden to move," said Abbas Alawieh, one of the movement's leaders.

Is it entirely the responsibility of a political candidate to win voters, or is it the responsibility of voters to choose the "lesser of two evils?"

That's the question shaping much of the conversation about the "uncommitted" movement, an ongoing campaign of Democratic voters who are  at least for now  refusing to vote for President Joe Biden this November in protest of his support for Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.

I posed this question to Lexis Zeidan, a 31-year-old Palestinian American activist and one of the leaders of the "Uncommitted National Movement," when I met her at a coffee shop in downtown Detroit last month. Her eyes lit up as she reached for her phone, where she pulled up an Instagram post she had seen earlier that day. "I think it'll answer your question," she said.

"'I will not be gaslit into voting for a man who I just watched proudly fund the murder of 30,000+ people. If this system requires us to choose between two genocide supporters, then humanity requires us to dismantle them both,'" said Zeidan, reading off of her phone. "'It's genocide. Do not tell me I am to blame because I didn't vote for your preferred war criminal. It's genocide. Genocide is as bad as it gets.'"

It had been just over two weeks since more than 101,000 Democratic voters cast "uncommitted" ballots in the state's Democratic primary on February 28, demonstrating that they could cost Biden the election in at least one state. That result was driven in large part by the work of organizers, including Zeidan, Layla Elabed, and Abbas Alawieh, who launched the "Listen to Michigan" campaign just weeks before the primary. Since then, tens of thousands of voters have cast uncommitted ballots in other states, the movement has begun coalescing under the banner of the "Uncommitted National Movement," and the burgeoning political bloc is set to be represented by at least two dozen delegates at this summer's Democratic National Convention.

The group has simple, albeit steep demands: a permanent, unconditional cease-fire in Gaza, an end to US military aid to Israel, and the reinstatement of humanitarian aid and funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Biden has yet to make substantial policy moves on Israel, and much of the response from more partisan Democrats has boiled down to the same rejoinder: What about Donald Trump?

After all, the former president catered to the country's hard-right government's interests for more than Biden has, and Arabs and Muslims  a leading constituency within the uncommitted movement  have long been a scapegoat for Trump's brand of politics. The former president has even made vague pledges to expand upon the so-called "Muslim ban" that he enacted during his first term. To that point, Biden campaign co-chair Mitch Landrieu exhorted uncommitted voters to "think about the choices and what the consequences are about electing somebody who wants to have a Muslim ban" in an interview the day after the Michigan primary.

For the leading voices in the uncommitted movement, that's missing the point  and it's insulting.

"We are very aware of who Trump is," said Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, whose majority Arab-American city houses the largest Muslim population in the United States. "This idea of a 'lesser of two evils' is extremely difficult to swallow."

"I get these messages kind of constantly in my DMs, telling me 'Oh, now you're gonna get deported,'" said Elabed. "These are people that I'm supposed to share the same values with as a progressive Democrat?"

Uncommitted voters are not a monolith, and some of them  particularly those who take their cues from the more hardline "Abandon Biden" campaign  may indeed never vote for Biden this November, no matter what. But Uncommitted National Movement organizers say it's best to view their efforts as a kind of negotiation. If Biden moves toward their position, he may be able to win back their support.

"President Biden, time and again, demonstrates that he moves when the party moves on issue after issue," said Alawieh. "The center of the party has moved here. We registered that fact at the ballot box. Now it's time for Biden to move."

'Electoralizing' discontent toward Biden

It has long been clear that Israel's war in Gaza, launched after Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis in an attack on October 7, is not popular with Biden's base.

Since November, polling has shown most Democrats disapproving of Israel's conduct in the war, which has claimed the lives of at least 30,000 Palestinians so far. Polling has also shown that roughly half of Biden's 2020 supporters believe that the war amounts to a genocide. Yet that sentiment had yet to show up in any ballot box.

That changed with the Michigan primary. The "Listen to Michigan" campaign was originally conceived in a memo drafted by Waleed Shahid, a progressive strategist and former spokesman for the left-wing group Justice Democrats. That document envisioned the original uncommitted campaign in Michigan as a way to "electoralize discontent over Biden's support for Israel's brutal war in Gaza" and make Biden "afraid of losing Michigan in the general election."

From left: Abbas Alawieh, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, and Layla Elabed at a press conference in Dearborn in February. Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Elabed, the younger sister of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, served as the group's campaign manager, while Zeidan and Alawieh  a former senior staffer to both Tlaib and Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri  served as spokespeople for the group. Michigan proved to be particularly fertile ground, given the large Arab American and Muslim-American majorities in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Hamtramck. To hear organizers describe it, it was an exhilarating and energizing experience in an otherwise dark time.

"We gave people who are experiencing great pain  whether they are directly impacted themselves, or whether they are livestreaming a genocide on their phones and horrified by the idea that our US taxpayer funds are paying for it  something to vote for in a moment when President Biden is failing to do that," said Alawieh.

Voting "uncommitted" in an uncontested primary isn't a binding decision, which organizers and progressives who sympathize with the effort have been eager to point out. Elabed described the campaign as a "gift" to Biden and the Democratic Party, in the sense that it crystallized the nature of the problem for them.

Showing up and being counted was, on some level, the easy and straightforward part. Now, the movement is in a more vague place, with lingering uncertainties around how Biden will handle the matter in the coming months and what uncommitted voters will accept in exchange for their votes.

'A genocide outweighs all of this'

Most of the people I spoke with say they still don't know how they'll vote in November  and they're tired of being asked. The election is still seven months away, and they argue that the ball is firmly within Biden's court. Until he shifts, they remain uncommitted.

So how could someone leave their ballot blank in November, even if it means risking a second Trump term and all that entails? The answers varied, but each drove at a central point: The scope of what's happening in Gaza every day makes the normal lesser-of-two-evils calculations of a presidential election feel almost beside the point.

Mayor Hammoud, for example, is no disaffected lefty. He has described Biden as a "transformative" president on domestic policy, and he ticked off several of Biden's accomplishments that he believed had changed the country for the better as I spoke with him. But again, that's now beside the point for him.

"A genocide outweighs all of this. Aiding, abetting, defending, and supporting a genocide outweighs all that transformative legislation," said Hammoud. He went on to note that one Dearborn resident came forward at a November city council meeting and told officials that he had lost 80 relatives in Gaza since the war began.

"To that individual, there is no way they would ever walk into the ballot box come November and cast their vote for Biden. I think that understanding should be there," Hammoud said. "What is the value of the life of 80 of your family members? There is no dollar amount to that. There's no economic impact to that. There's no multiplier that gets added to that. That is something that can never come back."

Even for those whose families and friends haven't been directly affected, there's a deep sense of alienation, particularly within the Arab American community, many of whom strongly identify with the Palestinians who are now facing treacherous conditions in Gaza.

"I've just never felt more un-American than I do right now," said Zeidan. "It's just a really weird place to be."

James Zogby, the president of the Arab American Institute and a Democratic National Committeeman, has long counseled his progressive allies to support their party's presidential nominee, even if that person falls short of the ideal. But he says he can't bring himself to do it this year, particularly in front of Arab American audiences.

"It's not that I don't believe that Joe Biden is  as we used to say  on a bad day, better than Donald Trump on a good day," said Zogby. "It's that I have spent 50 years of my life organizing for Palestinian rights. I've spent 50 years of my life organizing to get the Arab American community to be respected. We're being dumped on, and Palestinians are suffering genocide. I can't go before a community in Dearborn, or in Chicago, or in Paterson, or anywhere else, and literally trash everything I've done with my life."

'Give us something to work with'

As Alawieh and Elabed sat before me in a coffee shop on Dearborn's Michigan Avenue last month, I asked what might happen if Biden doesn't fulfill all of the group's demands. The room was largely empty, owing to the daytime slumber that befalls the city during the month of Ramadan, but Alawieh was animated as he responded.

"There is an entire menu of things that President Biden could do to move in the direction of discontinuing the funding of the killing," he said. "There's plenty of things that he could do to move in the direction of conditioning military funding, of stopping the transfer of offensive weapons. There's so much you could do."

In recent weeks, Biden has made some shifts, though they are primarily rhetorical. He has described Israel's campaign in Gaza as being "over the top." He announced the establishment of a temporary port on the Gaza coast during the State of the Union. He has made clear that he opposes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to invade the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled. Last week, the US abstained from voting on a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, though the administration quickly sought to downplay the vote's significance. The administration has also been pushing for a six-week cease-fire, conditioned upon Hamas agreeing to release the remaining Israeli hostages.

All of that still does not amount to what uncommitted organizers describe as their "bare minimum" demand: calling for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza, regardless of what Hamas may do.

Biden has also continued to authorize new weapons transfers to Israel, and he recently signed government funding legislation that includes a one-year ban on US funding to UNRWA after employees of the organization were accused of participating in the October 7 attack.

Supporters of the "Listen to Michigan" campaign embrace at a February watch party. Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Several people who I spoke with floated ideas for Biden that fall short of the uncommitted movement's state demands, but that might turn things around.

Alawieh suggested halting ongoing weapons transfers to Israel, or at least enforcing existing human rights laws that govern such transfers. Former Rep. Andy Levin, a progressive Jewish Democrat who served in Congress from 2019 to 2023, said Biden has been "so small and unimaginative" amid the war and floated the idea of a "historic summit" with Israelis, Palestinians, and neighboring countries to demonstrate a commitment toward resolving the conflict. Zogby said Biden should try to be "at least as good" as Ronald Reagan, who called Israel Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1982 to demand a halt to Israel's shelling of Beirut.

"I've been pleading with them: 'Give us something to work with," said Zogby. "Give us a change in policy, enough that makes us able to make the case."

What uncommitted voters are ultimately looking for is a sense of seriousness and clarity that they feel has been lacking from Biden. In one infamous instance in February, Biden casually told reporters that a ceasefire could be coming while standing beside comedian Seth Meyers in a New York ice cream shop.

"We're happy to have all the discussions about what happens in November," said Alawieh. "But first, we need you to put your ice-cream cone down and get serious about a cease-fire."

Uncommitted movement organizers do not seem to be taking glee in embarrassing Biden. But given that his administration and campaign have done little outreach to them since the primary, there's a fear that their concerns are simply being ignored.

"My greatest fear is that in November, he's not going to be remembered as the president who saved American democracy in 2020 and passed these transformative pieces of legislation," said Hammoud. "But rather sacrificed American democracy for Benjamin Netanyahu and looking the other way when it came to a genocide."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A United Airlines flight had to turn around after one of the toilets started leaking into the cabin, report says

A United Airlines flight had to turn around after one of the toilets started leaking into the cabin, report says

A United Airlines flight turned around after a bathroom malfunction.

Passengers reportedly said the toilets' contents overflowed into the cabin.

United is facing increasing scrutiny from the FAA following a spate of malfunctions.

A transatlantic United Airlines flight was forced to turn around on Friday after one of its toilets malfunctioned and began leaking into the cabin, the German outlet RTL first reported.

The Boeing 777 was about an hour into the journey from Frankfurt, Germany, to San Francisco when it began circling over the North Sea, according to data from the flight tracker Flightradar24.

After doing a couple of loops over a stretch of water between the UK and the Netherlands, the United flight ended back where it started.

A United spokesperson told Business Insider that Flight UA59 had to make the U-turn due to "a maintenance issue with one of the aircraft's lavatories."

Passengers said the contents of the toilet overflowed into the cabin, RTL reported.

"We arranged for another plane to take customers to San Francisco the next day and provided them with hotel accommodations overnight in Frankfurt," the United spokesperson also told BI.

A flight on the same plane the following day was canceled, presumably as it had to undergo maintenance. The 777 returned to service on Sunday, Flightradar24 data shows.

This isn't the first time a transatlantic flight has had to turn around due to plumbing issues.

In February, a KLM Boeing 787 Dreamliner diverted after eight of its nine bathrooms stopped working, as Business Insider previously reported.

United has experienced a number of mechanical problems in recent weeks.

Last month, a Boeing 777 lost a tire shortly after taking off from San Francisco  crushing a car in the parking lot, CBS News Bay Area reported.

A week before this latest incident, the carrier's vice president of corporate safety told employees that regulators were increasing scrutiny of United.

Bloomberg reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was blocking United from approving or promoting pilots to different plane models and that more drastic actions, such as preventing it from adding new flight routes, were also under consideration.

Read the original article on Business Insider
KYODO NEWS - Apr 1, 2024 - 22:21 | All, Japan

The Liberal Democratic Party said Monday it will pursue punishment for 39 members over a political funds scandal that has rattled the ruling party since late last year, notably excluding Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and party heavyweight Toshihiro Nikai who has decided not to seek reelection as a lawmaker.

The LDP has come under intense scrutiny since some of its factions, including the largest one formerly led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, were found to have neglected to report portions of fundraising party revenue for years, with hundreds of millions of yen passed back to members.

LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday requested a meeting of the party's ethics committee to officially decide on the punishment of the 39 incumbent and former lawmakers, including those who failed to book at least 5 million yen ($33,000) in the political funds report during five years through 2022.

Three House of Representatives members of the Abe faction -- Ryu Shionoya, its de facto leader since Abe's assassination, former LDP policy chief Hakubun Shimomura and former trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura -- are expected to be punished even though their unreported funds did not exceed 5 million yen.

The three lower house members, along with Hiroshige Seko, another Abe faction member and former secretary general of the party in the House of Councillors, the upper house, are blamed for their failure to stop the inappropriate fundraising practice.

Such funds have been raised by lawmakers for selling tickets for faction events beyond their assigned quotas. The excess funds were allegedly not reported while being distributed to lawmakers.

Some or all of the four members of the Abe faction may face the punishment of being advised to leave the party -- the second-severest in its eight levels of penalties following expulsion.

The ethics committee will be convened possibly on Thursday.

Kishida, meanwhile, who doubles as LDP president, said earlier that he himself would not be subject to penalties given that his faction, unlike the Abe and Nikai groups, did not pass back money to members.

Nikai, a longtime secretary general whose off-the-book funds were the largest excluding lawmakers indicted over the scandal, was not in the list of those to be disciplined.

Motegi said the decision was made taking into consideration that the veteran lower house member has said he will not run in the next general election to take responsibility for his faction's involvement in the scandal.

About 40 other members who also had not properly reported their political funds will not be examined by the ethics committee but will be issued "a warning" not to repeat such acts, Motegi said.

In a probe conducted by the LDP, 85 members, including three heads of electoral district branches, were found to have failed to declare around 580 million yen as revenue in their political funds reports for the five-year period through 2022.

The Kishida, Abe and Nikai factions have decided to disband in the wake of the scandal.

Related coverage:

LDP questions ex-PM Mori behind scenes over political funds scandal

Kishida indicates LDP may question ex-PM Mori about funds scandal

Scandal-hit LDP heavyweight Nikai not to run in next general election
United offering time off to pilots, pointing to delays in Boeing deliveries

United Airlines is offering its pilots time off for the month of May, pointing to recent delays in Boeing deliveries.

We can confirm that due to the recent delays in Boeing deliveries, our forecasted block hours for 2024 have been reduced and we are offering our pilots voluntary programs for the month of May to reduce excess staffing, a United Airlines spokesperson told The Hill.

While the spokesperson said the time off would be voluntary, they did not immediately confirm CNBC reporting that the time would be unpaid.

In January, United CEO Scott Kirby expressed his frustration with consistent manufacturing challenges at Boeing.

Kirby said at the time that Boeing needed real action to restore its reputation, adding that he had spoken to Boeings chief executive, Dave Calhoun, to air his frustration. Calhoun has since announced he would step down from his post.

Well, look, you know, were Boeings biggest customer in the world. Theyre our biggest partner in the world, Kirby told CNBC. We need Boeing to succeed  but theyve been having these consistent manufacturing challenges, and they need to take action together.

Kirbys comments came after U.S. regulators temporarily grounded most Boeing 737 Max 9 jets after a panel, or a door plug, blew off an Alaska Airlines jetliner 16,000 feet above Oregon on Jan. 5, meaning United could not use its 79 Max 9s.

United also has a standing order for larger Max 10 jets, but The Associated Press noted that model is years behind schedule for Federal Aviation Administration certification.

Boeing declined to comment on the latest development, and Uniteds chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) did not respond to a request for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  This April, an advocacy center at the University of New Mexico is joining organizations nationwide to spread education about sexual assault awareness month.

The LoboRESPECT is hosting four unique events to promote awareness, highlight the importance of consent, and provide a safe space for survivors.

Creating space for the campus community to have increased engagement with us about these issues has been the theme of this years events, and we hope folks will take advantage of that, participate when they can, and learn some things, stated LoboRESPECT Director Lisa Lindquist.

Best scenic drives in New Mexico, according to Tripadvisor

Events:

Tuesday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Day of Action Consent Fair

Tuesday, April 9, at 11 a.m.  Sole Survivor Art Installation

Tuesday, April 16, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Jewelry Jam

Tuesday, April 23, starting at 7 p.m.  Sex Signals Program

There are so many people in the UNM Community who may have experienced sexual assault in their lives whether they are students, alumni, faculty or staff and its critical to show UNM and the broader community that UNM recognizes those people and is working diligently to be a campus that doesnt tolerate gender-based violence, Julia Egger, campus advocate with LoboRESPECT, said.

The program aims to start conversations about consent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
UPS will become the primary air cargo provider for the United States Postal Service (USPS) after signing an expansive new contract, UPS announced Monday.

The carrier will move the majority of USPS air cargo in the United States following a transition period.

Together UPS and USPS have developed an innovative solution that is mutually beneficial and complements our unique, reliable and efficient integrated network, UPS CEO Carol Tome said in a press release.

The details of the contract were not disclosed.

News of the contract comes after USPS negotiations with FedEx ended March 29, after both parties were unable to reach agreement on mutually beneficial terms to extend the contract, according to the FedEx SEC filing.

FedEx will provide domestic transportation services by air, and including Puerto Rico, for USPS through Sept. 29, when its contract expires.

In a statement, USPS said the new contract comes after our requirements were reevaluated in light of the dramatic changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace that have taken place in the last few years.

A core strategy of the Postal Services Delivering for America plan is to optimize and improve the efficiency of both national and local transportation, the USPS statement read.

USPS said it aims to reduce transportation costs by $3 billion in the next two years, including the $1 billion in airfreight costs.

Finalizing this agreement is a key step toward achieving our operational and financial sustainability goals, the statement read.

In the SEC filing, FedEx said the USPSs plan for strategic changes to its operations to reduce its reliance on the [FedEx] air network would have adverse effects on the companys operations and financial condition.

Updated at 4:11 pm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States and Britain on Monday announced a new partnership on the science of artificial intelligence safety, amid growing concerns about upcoming next-generation versions.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and British Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington to jointly develop advanced AI model testing, following commitments announced at an AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park in November.

"We all know AI is the defining technology of our generation," Raimondo said. "This partnership will accelerate both of our institutes work across the full spectrum to address the risks of our national security concerns and the concerns of our broader society."

Britain and the United States are among countries establishing government-led AI safety institutes.

Britain said in October its institute would examine and test new types of AI, while the United States said in November it was launching its own safety institute to evaluate risks from so-called frontier AI models and is now working with 200 companies and entites.

Under the formal partnership, Britain and the United States plan to perform at least one joint testing exercise on a publicly accessible model and are considering exploring personnel exchanges between the institutes. Both are working to develop similar partnerships with other countries to promote AI safety.

"This is the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world," Donelan said. "AI is already an extraordinary force for good in our society, and has vast potential to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, but only if we are able to grip those risks."

Generative AI - which can create text, photos and videos in response to open-ended prompts - has spurred excitement as well as fears it could make some jobs obsolete, upend elections and potentially overpower humans and catastrophic effects.

In a joint interview with Reuters Monday, Raimondo and Donelan urgent joint action was needed to address AI risks.

"Time is of the essence because the next set of models are about to be released, which will be much, much more capable," Donelan said. "We have a focus one the areas that we are dividing and conquering and really specializing."

Raimondo said she would raise AI issues at a meeting of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council in Belgium Thursday.

The Biden administration plans to soon announce additions to its AI team, Raimondo said. "We are pulling in the full resources of the U.S. government."

Both countries plan to share key information on capabilities and risks associated with AI models and systems and technical research on AI safety and security.

In October, Biden signed an executive order that aims to reduce the risks of AI. In January, the Commerce Department said it was proposing to require U.S. cloud companies to determine whether foreign entities are accessing U.S. data centers to train AI models.

Britain said in February it would spend more than 100 million pounds ($125.5 million) to launch nine new research hubs and AI train regulators about the technology.

Raimondo said she was especially concerned about the threat of AI applied to bioterrorism or a nuclear war simulation.

"Those are the things where the consequences could be catastrophic and so we really have to have zero tolerance for some of these models being used for that capability," she said.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Richard Chang and Stephen Coates)
Mike Turner, chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee, has stated that Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, has promised to put the issue of providing assistance to Ukraine to a vote after Congress returns from the Easter recess.

Source: CBS News citing Turner

Quote: "The speaker has made it clear that he supports Ukraine both directly to Zelenskyy.

Publicly, he's made these statements and to the Secretary General of NATO.

The speaker has made very clear statements that when we get back, it's the next top agenda.

After having just passed all the bills that fund the federal government, I believe this is going to have overwhelming support in Congress, and we'll put a bill on the President's desk."

"...I think overall, we're going to get a package that is going to be negotiated with the Senate and the White House, so that we have a bill that the President can sign."

"...it's certainly my hope. As President Zelenskyy has made clear to Speaker Johnson, we are at a critical point.

The CIA director and the Secretary of Defense everybody has made it clear that we are at a critical juncture on the ground that is beginning to be able to impact not only morale of the Ukrainians that are fighting, but also their ability to fight.

Putin knows this. This is obviously an area where we cannot allow Putin to win. Our European allies are saying that Putin's goal is a war beyond Ukraine with Europe. We need to stop him in Ukraine."

Details: The US House of Representatives will return from Easter recess on 9 April.

Turner expressed hope that the US Congress could approve assistance to Ukraine before the House of Representatives goes on recess again on 22 April.

Background:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has once again urged the US Congress to approve additional funding for military aid for Ukraine as soon as possible, explaining that Ukraines capabilities in the combat zone depend on it.

The US Congress approval of over US$60 billion in aid to Ukraine is currently being blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives. The White House has repeatedly cautioned that this would significantly harm Kyiv's military efforts on the battlefield.

Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, had previously agreed to unblock the decision to help Ukraine, but with significant changes requiring that it be a House project and that it be in the form of a loan or a land-lease.

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US defense official had 'Havana syndrome' symptoms during a 2023 NATO summit, the Pentagon confirms

FILE - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, speaks with United States President Joe Biden during a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council during a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, July 12, 2023. The Pentagon confirms that a senior Defense Department official who attended last years NATO summit in Lithuania had symptoms similar to those reported by U.S. officials who have experienced Havana syndrome." (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  A senior Defense Department official who attended last year's NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, had symptoms similar to those reported by U.S. officials who have experienced Havana syndrome," the Pentagon confirmed Monday.

Havana syndrome is still under investigation but includes a string of health problems dating back to 2016, when officials working at the U.S. Embassy in Havana reported sudden unexplained head pressure, head or ear pain, or dizziness.

The injuries to U.S. government personnel or their families were part of a 60 Minutes report Sunday that suggested Russia is behind the incidents, one of which took place during the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius.

I can confirm that a senior DOD official experienced symptoms similar to those reported in anomalous health incidents, deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday. Singh referred questions on whether Russia had a role to the intelligence community, which is still investigating.

The official, who was not identified, was not part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's official traveling delegation to Vilnius, Singh said, but was there separately, attending meetings that were part of the NATO summit."

Singh did not say whether the affected defense official had to seek further medical care, retire or cease performing duties, citing medical privacy.

In February the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in its 2024 threat assessment found that it was unlikely that a foreign adversary was responsible for causing the mysterious ailments but noted that U.S. intelligence agencies had varying levels of confidence in that assessment.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday the department has confidence in that assessment.

It has been the broad conclusion of the intelligence community since March 2023 that is unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible for these anomalous health incidents, Miller said. "Its something that the intelligence community has investigated extensively and continues to look at. We will look at new information as it comes in and make assessments inside the State Department and with our intelligence community.

The foremost Cuba-based researcher of the incidents, Mitchell Valdes-Sosa, told The Associated Press that the 60 Minutes report had failed to provide any scientific basis to substantiate the existence of the Havana syndrome. Valdes-Sosa, director of Cubas Center for Neuroscience, is the de facto spokesperson on the issue for the Cuban health ministry, which arranged the interview.

I think that this journalistic investigation does not provide serious elements, especially that there is a new illness caused by a mysterious energy, he said. The symptoms are very varied: balance problems, sleep problems, dizziness, difficulties concentrating, and many diseases can cause them.

In the past, Valdes-Sosa hasnt disputed that diplomats become ill, but suggested that many of the cases consisted of ordinary illnesses that were erroneously blamed on the supposed phenomenon due to the high degree of public attention.

The Pentagon's health care system has established a registry for employees or dependents to report such incidents. In March, however, a five-year study by the National Institutes of Health found no brain injuries or degeneration among U.S. diplomats and other government employees who had Havana syndrome symptoms.

-

Andrea Rodriguez contributed from Havana and AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed from Washington.
US hands over 100 more generators to Ukraine amid Russian attacks on energy infrastructure

The United States has donated more than a 100 more generators and 13 pieces of equipment for emergency services to a number of Ukrainian oblasts.

Source: US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, European Pravda reports

Quote: "As Russia continues its brutal attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure, USAID is providing 109 generators, 19 heat and power cogeneration units, and 13 emergency vehicles to keep services online."

Details: The aid is being delivered to the cities of Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Cherkasy and Chernivtsi.

In February, USAID warned of a threat to its operations in Ukraine because Congress continues to delay the allocation of additional funding to help Kyiv.

Last week, Germany announced a new batch of military aid to Ukraine, including artillery and tank ammunition, drones, and demining vehicles.

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US House Speaker Johnson works on aid for Ukraine as threat of his removal looms  CNN

US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson is working on securing financial aid for Ukraine while the threat of his removal by far-right Republican Trump loyalists looms.

Source: CNN, as reported by European Pravda

Details: CNN reported that during the two-week Easter recess, Johnson has worked privately with key political players to figure out his Ukraine strategy.

According to CNN, Democrats have made it clear that they will save the speaker from resignation if he pushes through a bill on Ukraine that they can support.

However, CNN also reported that if Johnson proposes a bill that fails to meet the Democrats demands or includes new restrictions at the US-Mexico border, Johnson risks alienating both Democrats and far-right Republicans who oppose new aid to Ukraine.

But key members of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, including those who supported the ouster of his predecessor as speaker, Kevin McCarthy, are not showing the same appetite for Johnsons removal, CNN said.

Some fear that the chaos caused by another fight for the speakership could lead to a coalition with the Democrats, which would result in House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of the Democrats becoming speaker.

Background:

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a member of the US House of Representatives and a Trump ally, has initiated the resignation of a fellow party member, House Speaker Mike Johnson. She accused him of having given "too much" to President Joe Biden and Democrats during talks on financing the US government. It remains unclear whether she can garner enough votes to support her initiative.

Mike Turner, chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee, said that Johnson has promised to put the issue of providing assistance to Ukraine to a vote after Congress returns from the Easter recess.

The US Congress approval of over US$60 billion in aid to Ukraine is currently being blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives. The White House has repeatedly cautioned that this would significantly harm Kyiv's military efforts on the battlefield.

Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, had previously agreed to unblock the decision to help Ukraine, but with significant changes requiring that it be a House project and that it be in the form of a loan or a land-lease.

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U.S. and Israeli officials will meet virtually Monday to discuss Israels plans for a military operation in Rafah as part of its ongoing war against Hamas, a U.S. official confirmed in a statement.

The scheduled meeting comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled last weeks plan for an Israeli delegation to visit with top Biden administration officials in Washington.

I can confirm that U.S. and Israeli officials are set to meet virtually today to continue discussions on Rafah, a U.S. official said in a statement to The Hill, confirming reporting by Axios.

We anticipate follow up meetings in person following additional work by expert teams, the official added.

Netanyahu canceled the delegation last week after the U.S. abstained from a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza cease-fire during Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable cease-fire. The resolution also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

National security communications adviser John Kirby responded by saying the White House was perplexed by the Israeli prime ministers decision to cancel the delegation. The White House said its moves were not a shift in policy.

A couple of points that need to be stated and in fact, restated. No. 1, its a nonbinding resolution. So, theres no impact at all on Israel and Israels ability to continue to go after Hamas, Kirby said. No. 2  it does not represent a change at all in our policy. Its very consistent with everything that weve been saying we want to get done here. And, we get to decide what our policy is.

The prime ministers office seems to be indicating through public statements that we somehow changed here. We havent, and we get to decide what our policy is. It seems like the prime ministers office is choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they dont need to do that, he added.

The White House subsequently said Netanyahus office agreed to reschedule the meeting and they were working to find a convenient date that works for both sides.

Axios reported that, after the White House made Netanyahus request public, Netanyahu denied that he would be sending a delegation to the White House.

The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Israel ahead of a planned Israeli offensive into Gazas southernmost city of Rafah. American officials have warned against the military operation because of the dense Palestinian civilian population at risk.

The initial meeting was aimed at hashing out Israels plans for Rafah. White House officials have said that a ground invasion of the city without an accepted plan would create a humanitarian disaster.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach

FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach

By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge overseeing the criminal case that accuses Donald Trump of mishandling classified documents has signaled an openness to the former U.S. presidents defense claims, in a sign that prosecutors might face a difficult road ahead.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, has asked Trump and prosecutors to propose jury instructions based on two legal scenarios that favor a claim from Trump that national security lawyers said have little relevance to the charges.

Trump and Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the case, face a Tuesday deadline to respond to the judges order.

The dispute is another instance of Cannon lending credence to Trump's legal arguments about highly sensitive records taken to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida when he left the White House in 2021.

While Trump has clashed with judges in many of his legal cases, Cannon has been receptive to his defense in ways that could alter the course of the documents case.

You have a court who is more favorable to the views of one party versus the other, and youre seeing orders and decisions that are reflective of that, said Brandon Van Grack, a former Justice Department national security official.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of knowingly retaining secret records related to the U.S. national defense and obstructing efforts by the U.S. government to retrieve them.

The prosecution is one of four facing Trump as he seeks to unseat Democrat Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 presidential election. Trump has cast the cases as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his campaign.

At issue in Cannons recent order is Trumps claim that he treated the documents as personal under a 1978 law that allows former presidents to keep records that have no connection to their official responsibilities.

Trumps lawyers argue his decision to keep the records shows that he deemed them to be his personal property.

Prosecutors have said the documents could not be construed as personal because they relate to U.S. intelligence and military matters. The records law could not authorize Trump to keep classified papers, they said.

Cannon expressed skepticism at a March 14 court hearing that Trumps claim requires the charges to be tossed out, but said it may prove forceful at a future trial.

She later ordered dueling sets of proposed jury instructions, assuming either that the government would have to prove the records belong to the government, or that neither the judge nor the jury could question Trumps stance that they are personal.

Both of them are completely irrelevant, Kel McClanahan, a national security lawyer who has represented members of the U.S. intelligence community, said of the competing scenarios. And both actually favor the defendant.

Mark Zaid, a defense lawyer who has worked on cases involving classified information, said he is unaware of an instance when a document produced by a federal agency was declared a personal record by a president.

Allowing a jury to consider those claims would give Trump a fighting chance in a jury trial that would never likely exist in another case, Zaid said.

A trial date remains uncertain. Cannon has not yet ruled on competing proposals from Trump and prosecutors to delay the currently scheduled May 20 trial until later this summer.

Cannon has escaped the ire Trump has directed at judges overseeing his other legal cases, who he has frequently accused of bias and criticized in personal terms.

Cannon ruled in Trumps favor in a legal challenge to the investigation filed before charges were brought, which was later reversed by a federal appeals court.

She has signaled support for some of Trumps other arguments, including his request for more records from the Biden administration to attempt to build a case that the investigation was politically motivated.

In a setback for Trumps defense, Cannon last month rejected an attempt to invalidate the central charge against him  willfully retaining classified information. Cannon said Trumps lawyers could raise the issue later, noting it raised arguments warranting serious consideration.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Andy Sullivan)
KYODO NEWS - Apr 1, 2024 - 17:00 | All, Japan

Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, began her first day of work on Monday at the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The princess joined as a contracted employee and is working at a department focused on training volunteers while also continuing to fulfill her official duties, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

"I feel joyful, but also humbled to be taking my first step as a working member of society," she told reporters at the Red Cross headquarters in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

The princess was one of eight new employees to start their jobs at the headquarters on Monday. She graduated last month from Gakushuin University where she studied Japanese literature.

"While my days as a working member of society have just begun, I will endeavor to adjust quickly to the workplace and be of assistance," she said, adding that her parents had wished her luck.

The Red Cross society has close ties with the imperial family, with empresses serving as honorary presidents.

The Imperial Family the same day made their debut on social media by opening an official Instagram account, in a bid to increase public understanding of the household.

The account, set up under the agency's name, posted more than a dozen photographs and videos of the imperial couple and the princess, taken between the New Year and March. It garnered around 200,000 followers as of late Monday afternoon, although comments on the posts have been disabled.

The move comes after the agency set up a formal public relations office last April to consider how to better disclose information about the family to the public, having struggled with critical reactions online to former princess Mako's engagement and 2021 marriage to her university sweetheart, Kei Komuro.

The agency has suggested that a more proactive approach to providing updates on the family will help counter some of the criticism it has faced, potentially expanding the use of social media to communicate with the public over time.

Related coverage:

Princess Aiko to work at Japanese Red Cross Society from April

Japan imperial family to make Instagram debut in April

Emperor worried about weak ties to British royals before 1998 visit
The U.S. government is considering major new weapons sales to Israel of fighter jets, air-to-air missiles and guidance kits, as calls grow for the U.S. to withhold arms if Israel wont do more to limit civilian casualties in Gaza.

The Biden administration is weighing selling Israel up to 50 new F-15 fighter jets, 30 AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and a number of Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, which turn dumb bombs into precision-guided weapons, according to a congressional aide and a person familiar with the discussions. The people were granted anonymity to speak ahead of an announcement.

While the sale is still pending U.S. government approval  and it will be years before the weapons arrive in Israel  the administration has already informally notified the relevant congressional committees, according to the congressional aide. That step typically means the administration is ready to move forward with the sale.

The F-15 sale alone is valued at up to $18 billion and was notified to the committees in February, according to the congressional aide.

A Defense Department spokesperson referred questions to the State Department. A State Department spokesperson said the department does not comment on potential future sales.

News of the potentially pending agreements comes as critics inside and outside the U.S. government say President Joe Biden has a responsibility to limit weapons sales to Israel as the death toll rises in Gaza. Even members of Bidens party have recently criticized Israel harshly for its operations in the enclave. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S. government and historically a strong ally of Israel, last month called for new Israeli elections, prompting outrage from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

It also comes amid a rift among Democrats about whether Biden should leverage arms sales in his efforts to pressure Netanyahu not to launch a large-scale invasion of the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million civilians are sheltering from fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the north.

Hamas still holds over 100 Israeli hostages  the majority of them civilians  after snatching them during its Oct. 7 assault on Israeli towns, and officials are negotiating swapping hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has said that blocking sales of offensive weapons, something Biden has been reluctant to do, should be under consideration.

Josh Paul, who resigned from the State Department in protest over America's continued lethal assistance to Israel, said the consummation of the deal would be further proof that the administration is unwilling to take a tough tack with Netanyahu.

I think for all the presidents talk of wanting to restrain Israel's operations in Rafah, this is continuing evidence that in practice, the administration continues to move on transfers for Israel, regardless of the situation on the ground in Gaza and the political context in the U.S., Paul said. It is committed to its support for Israel, and this is proof of that.

An Israeli airstrike Monday destroyed the consular section of Irans embassy in Syria, killing a senior Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officer and several other people, according to Syrian state media. The IRGC funnels weapons and conducts training for militant groups across the region.

Biden administration officials were expected to meet virtually with Israeli officials on Monday to discuss Israels plans for an operation in Rafah to root out the remnants of Hamas. U.S. officials have urged their Israeli counterparts in recent weeks not to mount a full-on ground offensive in the city, because more than 1 million civilians are sheltering there. Most of the Israeli hostages are also believed to be somewhere in the city.

U.S. officials have said publicly that they believe going into Rafah without a plan to protect those civilians would be a mistake.

The news that the Biden administration is weighing new weapons sales comes days after the Washington Post reported that the Biden administration was moving forward with a yearsold arms package for Israel, including more than 1,800 MK-84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK-82 500-pound bombs. Congress had been informed of parts of that package as long ago as 2008.

Like the F-15s and new munitions being weighed, those bombs wont arrive in Israel for several years.
The U.S. was the worlds largest exporter of liquified natural gas (LNG) in 2023, according to federal data released Monday.

U.S. exports of the fossil fuel last year surpassed those of major exporters Qatar and Australia, and it amounted to 12 percent more American gas shipped than in 2022, the independent Energy Information Administration said.

The increase comes as Europe, the primary customer for U.S. gas exports, is looking to move away from another major supplier, Russia, in the wake of Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

It also comes as the Biden administration is facing increasing political pressure  particularly from climate activists  over its natural gas exports.

In response to objections to the nations growing gas exports, the administration paused approvals for some new natural gas export projects earlier this year  though that pause does not impact existing exports or projects that are already under construction.

Experts have also debated the environmental impacts of U.S. natural gas exports, given that the fuel does contribute to climate change, but displaces even-dirtier coal in some nations.

High oil and gas production numbers have presented a political tightrope for the administration  as it seeks to show progressive and mainstream Democrats that it is taking climate action, while also combatting right-wing attacks over not being friendly-enough to fossil fuels.

The U.S. energy statistics agency said that the increase in U.S. exports came in response to strong European demand and high international prices. The return of Texass Freeport LNG plant in 2023 after a 2022 fire also bolstered the nations export numbers.

U.S. LNG export levels set records in November and December.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editors note: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, resources are available to help. Please see the information at the end of this story.

The University of South Florida plans to launch a three-year degree program in the fall to help address a national shortage of school psychologists.

The program will be based in USFs College of Education, which for decades has trained school psychologists in its Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Learning. The subject was offered as an area of concentration, but graduates sometimes faced questions from employers about their credentials and applicants faced various obstacles to admissions, said Evan Dart, an education professor and school psychologist who designed the proposal for a separate degree.

We feel compelled to address the shortage because the benefits that school psychologists can provide in terms of students academic, mental and behavioral health are just kind of unparalleled, he said. Were required to wear a lot of different hats and be experts on a lot of different subjects.

The National Association of School Psychologists ideal ratio of school psychologists to students is 1 to 500, but across the country its about 1 to 1,127. Florida has one school psychologist for every 1,856 students, according to a recent presentation before USFs board of trustees.

Dart said the job of a school psychologist goes beyond what school counselors or school social workers do. While traditionally theyve been viewed as professionals who assess students for special education needs, USF takes a more proactive and progressive view of the role, he said.

The university sees school psychologists as change agents at the school district or even state level to improve student functioning in the areas of academics, behavior, mental health, Dart said. We do a lot of family-school collaboration. We do a lot of crisis prevention and school safety work.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2022 that 69% of public schools saw an increase in the percentage of students seeking mental health services at school since the start of the pandemic. Seventy-six percent of schools saw an increase in staff who were concerned about students exhibiting symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, the center said.

A survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 42% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021  up from 28% in 2011. The survey also reported increases in the percentage of students who considered, attempted or made a plan to commit suicide.

Youth with poor mental health may struggle with school and grades, decision making, and their health, the agency said, adding that it helps when schools and parents create protective relationships with students.

Dart said the school psychologist shortage is multifaceted.

I think we see a bottleneck at the point of training, he said. Theres an issue of training programs not being able to produce really high-quality school psychologists at the level they would be needed to fully address the shortage. But then on the other side, its school districts possibly not having the resources to hire as many school psychologists as they would like.

Locally, he said, USF has worked well with school districts in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, where students often earn their practicum.

Jonathan Chasin, Pasco Countys supervisor for school psychology services, said the district welcomes USF students.

The need is great, he said. COVID was eye-opening for a lot of reasons. We have a lot of students with a lot of needs.

College of Education Dean Anthony Rolle told members of USFs board of trustees that those in the role can expect to earn between $75,000 and $90,000 a year, with an average of $86,000 a year. Dart said graduates can expect to move anywhere in the country and be able to find a job.

Were excited about the thing that were doing, he said. We think its progressive, and really producing trainees who are going to be the next generation of school psychologists.

Divya Kumar covers higher education for the Tampa Bay Times, working in partnership with Open Campus.

Need help?

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by dialing 2-1-1.
Should the alleged rape of a civilian mariner in her cabin aboard a military sealift ship be covered by workers compensation claims?

Thats the argument being put forth by the U.S. government defense in an ongoing lawsuit filed by a woman mariner, Elsie Dominguez, who alleges she was raped in her bed aboard the expeditionary fast transport Carson City by its civilian captain in December 2021.

In a February filing in the U.S. District Court of the District of New Jersey, the government cited a decades-old court ruling to argue that workers comp claims were how cases like Dominguezs have been handled in the past, and that the mariners case should be handled as such.

The governments February motion to delay Dominguez case argues that the matter falls under the Department of Labor through the Federal Employees Compensation Act, or FECA. This motion follows a previous decision by the Navy, to whom Dominguez initially made an administrative claim last June.

The governments argument is based on a 1952 legal decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court held that FECA, which provides monetary benefits for job-related injuries and illnesses, was the only remedy available to civilian mariners aboard government ships.

Attorneys for Dominguez, an assistant engineer who says she was sexually assaulted, call the suggestion astonishing and offensive in court filings.

Lawsuit alleges sexual assault by former USNS Carson City skipper

It is inconceivable that the laws of the United States consider rape by a superior a natural, incidental, or anticipated risk of employment on a ship, they wrote in a March 4 filing objecting to the governments motion.

Dominguez and her attorneys told Military Times they believe the details of her allegations will prompt the court to reexamine a 72-year-old case law that, they say, should not apply to victims of sexual assault.

Dominguez alleges that her rapist, who is not named in the lawsuit and whose advances Dominguez said she had previously rejected, accessed her room with a Military Sealift Command-issued master code and began assaulting her while she lay unconscious.

According to her lawsuit, the trauma continued for more than a year, as the two mariners remained aboard the Carson City. Dominguez alleges she was told by an MSC civilian advocate that she could not make a restricted, or anonymous, sexual assault report, and that she would be immediately removed from her job if she made an unrestricted report.

Unable to obtain a deadbolt on her door for months as a work order remained unfilled, Dominguez began sleeping with a chair wedged against her door, the lawsuit states.

Dominguez made a formal rape report in June 2023 to the Navys Office of the Judge Advocate General, MSCs Office of Counsel, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service.

This triggered NCIS and CGIS investigations; the captain was placed on administrative leave and returned to the U.S. for questioning. Both he and Dominguez remain employees of MSC.

In a statement to Navy Times, NCIS spokesman Darwin Lam said the service does not comment on, confirm details relating to, or confirm the existence of ongoing investigations that involve allegations of criminal sexual misconduct.

In a memo filed March 4 objecting to the motion to stay, Dominguezs attorneys argue that the alleged rape had nothing to do with the job, and that a platonic relationship between Dominguez and her boss predated their time on the ship by seven years.

The government responded in a March 11 memo, saying that while being a victim of sexual assault is absolutely and unequivocally not part of a mariners job duties aboard a U.S. Navy ship, similar cases, including those involving sexual assault, had been previously found to fall under workers comp.

In their filings, the government attorneys cited cases where workers comp was found to apply when a government employee was allegedly assaulted in her hotel room at a work conference and when a Customs and Border Patrol agent was tied to a chair with green U.S. customs tape and subjected to an assault involving simulated sex.

Dominguez lawyers contend that no case the government cites directly parallels Dominguezs account, in which she claims she was raped off-duty, in her own quarters, by someone shed known prior to her employment on the ship. In addition, they argue that rape should never fall into the category of workplace injury.

Christine Dunn, an attorney with Sanford Heisler Sharp representing Dominguez, told Military Times that the 1952 Supreme Court Case, Johanson vs. United States, was bad law that was ripe for reexamination.

Thats a big part of why I do what I do is to help aid systemic change, she said. And I think thats part of why Elsie is doing this: so that this wont happen to other people.

The court has yet to rule on the latest filings.
Cody Smith, the mayor of Uvalde, Texas, announced his resignation on Monday, citing recent and unspecified medical issues.

I want to thank members of the Uvalde community for their thoughts and prayers during my ongoing recovery from unexpected medical issues I have experienced in recent weeks, he said in a statement. After much consultation and prayer, I have decided to resign as Mayor of the City of Uvalde to focus on my health.

It has been a great honor to serve the city and community I love, and I have great confidence that Mayor Pro-Tem Everardo Zamora will serve with honor until the next mayor is elected on November 5, 2024.

His resignation came the day before a City Council meeting, according to Texas news station KSAT, which reported that last weeks meeting had been postponed over Smiths health.

Last month also saw the departure of Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez, a law enforcement veteran who announced his own resignation days after an independent investigation cleared his department of wrongdoing in its response to the May 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. Rodriguez resignation will go into effect on Friday.

Born and raised in Uvalde, Smith served as the citys mayor from 2008 to 2012. Last summer, he announced he would run to reclaim his old seat in the communitys first mayoral race since the shooting. The special election had been called after the then-mayor, Don McLaughlin, announced his resignation to run for the Texas House. At the time, Smith was working in the private sector as a senior vice president at First State Bank of Uvalde.

BREAKING: #Uvalde Mayor Cody Smith has resigned effective immediately.



In a news release, he said hes resigning to focus on (his) health.



Smith was elected mayor in November. pic.twitter.com/y0m9LAXiWY  Sergio Martinez-Beltran (@SergioMarBel) April 1, 2024

I want to see Uvalde continue to grow and prosper, he said in his campaign announcement.

Smiths campaign focused on his long civic track recordhe was first elected to the City Council in 1994, and served on it for 13 yearsand the need to bring the community together. In November, he was elected with 65 percent of the vote, scoring a landslide victory over Kimberly Mata-Rubio, a gun control advocate and the mother of one of the 19 students killed at Robb Elementary.

Im just looking forward to representing this entire community, he told Texas Public Radio after his win.

Smiths term had been set to end this year, with another election for a full four-term set to be held.

After her defeat, Mata-Rubio said that she would consider running again, according to TPR. Ill never stop fighting for you, Lexi, she tweeted at the time. I meant it when I said this was only the beginning. After all, Im not a regular mom. Im Lexis mom.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Vacant buildings owners in New Philadelphia must register them within 90 days or pay fine

A condemned home at 229 St. Clair Avenue SW is one of many on a list of properties the city will address.

NEW PHILADELPHIA  The owners of vacant properties in New Philadelphia are now required to register them with the city.

The Vacant Property Registry, which went into effect on March 25, applies to any vacant building  residential, commercial or industrial.

"The purpose of this is it's a tool," Josh Mathias, New Philadelphia's zoning and building code administrator, told council members at their most recent meeting. "We're using this tool to identify and keep track of vacant buildings and structures within the city which will help preserve our residential and commercial districts, hopefully help keep them from being blighted.

More on registry: Proposed New Philadelphia ordinance requires vacant building owners to register with city

"The end goal, obviously, is to get these places occupied. We've got a lot of people, I keep hearing, want to move into this town, and we've got dozens of houses sitting empty. So, hopefully, this is a nudge to get those property owners to do something with them. The same with commercial spots. We want to get those with active businesses in there."

How the registry works

Owners are required to register buildings within 90 days after they become vacant. The owners also are required to pay an annual fee to cover the costs of the city monitoring the vacant buildings.

Residential owners pay $150 the first year the building was vacant. The fee doubles each year until it reaches a maximum of $2,400 in year five. The owners of commercial buildings pay a fee of $300 the first year the building is vacant. Like the fee for residential buildings, this one doubles every year until it reaches a maximum of $4,800.

Buildings with multiple units are required to be registered if more than half of the available units or more than half of the building's available space is unoccupied.

Buildings are required to be registered every Jan. 1. The deadline to register is in March, and a late fee will be charged to owners who miss that deadline.

"Inspections are required with this registry, exterior only, and that's to ensure that adequate property maintenance is being kept only. That's part of the whole reason for this registry," Mathias said.

Information from the registry will be shared with the city's police and fire departments, as well as the water billing department, he said.

Some buildings are exempt from the registry

Buildings under active construction/renovation.

Buildings that have suffered fire damage or damage caused by extreme weather conditions, as long as active ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the property are being made.

Buildings for sale and listed with a licensed Ohio realtor shall be exempt for a period of six months for residential properties and 12 months for commercial or industrial properties.

"This is going to be great for the city," said Councilman Dan Lanzer. "I think it's going to be able to clean up some of those properties."

Information about the registry can be found on the city's website, www.newphilaoh.com, or the city's Facebook page. Registration forms are available at the service director's office on the top floor of City Hall. For additional information, call the service director's office at 330-364-4491 extension 1275.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Owners of vacant buildings in New Philadelphia must register with city
Valerie Bertinelli is opening up in a big way with a very exciting announcement.

Back in 2022, after finalizing her divorce from her husband of 10 years, Tom Vitale, Bertinelli admitted the end of her relationship wasnt pleasant and that she didnt think she would ever be in a relationship again.

However, as Bertinelli is revealing now, shes getting another chance at love.

A chance that has come out of left field.

While talking with USA TODAY, Bertinelli revealed she met someone, adding, and Im incredibly grateful for him.

As it happened so many times before, Bertinelli admitted to the outlet that her new beau was not on my radar. The celebrity chef said she was going to die with my six cats and my dog and be incredibly happy doing it. So this came out of left field, and Im grateful it did. Hes very special.

Now, Bertinelli hopes other women and men take something away from her story and her struggles.

I really want women and men to take away that its the work that you do [on yourself] that can lead you to meeting someone like Ive been lucky enough to meet right now, she told USA Today. This would not have happened three years ago, four years ago, last year  it wouldnt have. And I feel incredibly lucky to have met him and made a connection with him.

And now Bertinelli is opening up even more about her new man, telling People shes in love.

My belly is flip-flopping, she said. This was not supposed to happen.

Its a seesaw of emotions because I was adamant I was never falling in love again, the chef said, reiterating that she was very happily [ready to] live the rest of my years alone  Im good alone.

But while Bertinelli is happy again, and keeping her new man to herself at least for a little bit longer, she said it took work to get here from where she was in 2022 when her divorce finalized.

I want to be clear that this process has taken a long time. I got more intentional about my healing, she told People. That meant a lot of walks with [my dog] Luna, a lot of therapy sessions, a lot of learning that I deserve to feel good.

In May 2022, Bertinelli officially ended her 10-year marriage with Tom Vitale. In the petition she filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, the celebrity chef cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, according to Page Six.

Vitale and Bertinelli were have been separated since December 2019, according to divorce papers obtained by People. Bertinelli first met the financial planner and entrepreneur in 2004.

They got engaged six years later in March 2010 before marrying in January 2011.
VAT, what VAT?  Private school billboard pledges not to add tax to fees under Labour

The billboard advert by Adcote School has been criticised by rivals

A private school has paid for a motorway billboard saying VAT? What VAT to advertise its decision not to add the tax to fees under Labour.

Adcote School, a day and boarding school for girls in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has been criticised by rivals for the advert, which shows a photo of a pupil alongside the text.

Labour has said that if it wins the next general election, it will add the 20 per cent levy to independent school fees and remove the relief they receive on business rates.

If schools pass on the tax to parents, tens of thousands of pupils are expected to be forced to move to the state sector.

Adcote School, which charges fees of up to 35,100 a year for UK pupils and 45,000 for international pupils, is only the second to say it would absorb VAT under a Labour government.

In January, Ampleforth College in York said it would not pass on VAT to parents.

But a Censuswide survey of 350 private schools for The Telegraph found that 95 per cent expect to increase fees as a result of the policy.

Of schools surveyed who said they will increase fees, 76 per cent said their fees would have to rise by more than 10 per cent.

Adcote School charges fees of up to 35,100 a year for UK pupils and 45,000 for international pupils

Announcing the schools plans to absorb VAT on LinkedIn, Victoria Taylor, the head of Adcote School, also said that parents would be guaranteed a price freeze for three years from September.

She said: At Adcote School, we know the impact VAT could have on our wonderful community. For our new students joining us in September 2024 and paying our headline fees, we are going to absorb the cost of VAT.

Our families will have a price freeze for three years in order to lessen this burden. Our families are normal working families who work hard to give their daughters an independent education  we support our community. Did we put this on a billboard to make our position clear erm yes.

Replying to the post, Susan Beck, the director of external affairs at Royal Grammar School Newcastle, which charges fees of up to 16,521 a year, said: This is heartbreaking for those of us still working tirelessly to highlight that the proposed policy is an own goal for social mobility, and that most independent schools cant simply absorb/shoulder the costs of VAT.

Weve already been making tough choices to keep fees accessible, so there is no magic 20 per cent fat available. If there was, we would have been spending it on bursaries, partnerships and broadening opportunity.

Ben Prior, a schools enterprise consultant, said: If only it was possible for all schools to do this. Its a bit naive to think that schools can absorb 20 per cent and offer the same high standards that parents are paying for. Drop the standards and then parents will decide its not worth the expense even at the lower price.

Responding to the criticism, Ms Taylor said: We cannot afford to do this eitherThe alternative is to face closure. Where is the choice?

She said the school wont be dropping standards and its product is well worth the cost, citing its 2023 A-level results, with 84 per cent of girls achieving at least one A* or A grade.

Ms Taylor added: I do appreciate that not every school can afford to do this, however, I would rather lose 20 per cent than 100 [per cent].

Annual boarding fees at Winchester College, Rishi Sunak's alma mater, will increase from 49,152 to 51,855 - iStockphoto

Private schools are expected to announce average fee increases of 5 per cent for September, with some schools passing the 50,000 annual fee threshold for the first time.

At Winchester College in Hampshire, Rishi Sunaks alma mater, annual boarding fees will increase from 49,152 to 51,855.

Whitgift School in Croydon has announced an increase in boarders fees from 47,991 to 51,120.

More than half a million children currently attend private schools in the UK.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think tank, estimates that Labours VAT raid will push up to 40,000 children out of private schools and into state schools.

Consultancy Baines Cutler believes an overall reduction of 25 per cent is reasonably likely, the equivalent of about 135,000 children.

Labour claims the policy will bring in around 1.6 billion to invest in more teachers and mental health counselling in schools.

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VBFD: Crews respond to fire on Rising Sun Arch

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to a one-story residential fire in the 1800 block of Rising Sun Arch, on Saturday, March 30.

The call came in on March 30 around 11:45 p.m. The fire was marked out around 12:40 a.m. on March 31.

Courtesy: VBFD

Courtesy: VBFD

Courtesy: VBFD

Courtesy: VBFD

Courtesy: VBFD

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke from the front of the home and heavy flames from the attic.

No civilians or pets were injured. Red Cross is assisting residents who were displaced.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 1, 2024 - 23:42 | All, Japan, World

Tan Tan, the oldest giant panda in Japan, has died at age 28 at a Kobe zoo after contributing to friendly ties with China and cheering up locals in the aftermath of a major earthquake that hit western Japan in 1995, the zoo said Monday.

The panda, who was between 80 and 100 years old in human years, came to Oji Zoo from China in 2000 for breeding purposes.

She had been scheduled to be sent back to her home country in July 2020 upon the expiration of her lease agreement, but it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and later because she was undergoing treatment for cardiac disease.

The zoo reported that Tan Tan suffered cardiac arrest late on Sunday, with attempts to resuscitate her proving unsuccessful. It is believed that her death was the result of complications from heart disease, which had left her in a weakened state.

Tan Tan had been on medication since her diagnosis of age-related cardiac disease in 2021. She stayed in Japan after discussions between the zoo and Chinese officials, considering the necessity for medical treatment and the increased transportation risks given her advanced age.

The zoo praised Tan Tan for encouraging locals during recovery efforts following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which struck Kobe and its vicinity.

The zoo had refrained from showcasing Tan Tan to the general public since spring 2022 due to her health condition. Since the fall of last year, she had been less active and sleeping longer.

Administering medication became difficult after her condition deteriorated from around the middle of last month, and she started refusing to consume liquid nutrition, the zoo said.

The zoo plans to set up a flower stand for Tan Tan on its premises starting Tuesday, with a farewell event also being considered.

Related coverage:

Japan's Kobe zoo postpones return of aging panda to China for 1 year

Head of Japan's Komeito party meets senior China official, seeks end of seafood ban

Japanese among fans overjoyed to see Tokyo-born panda in China
It was very emotional; 60-year-old statute found after being damaged, blown into lake by tornado

It was very emotional; 60-year-old statute found after being damaged, blown into lake by tornado

It was a symbol of hope, many people thought it was lost and destroyed.

Over the weekend, the Lady Fatima statue in Logan County was found.

News Center 7s Malik Patterson spoke to the company that owns the historic statue.

It was very emotional. We knew she was in the lake somewhere, Bill Quatman, President of the American Society of Ephesus said.

He has family ties to this 60-year-old Fatima statue.

>> PHOTOS: Missing statue found after being damaged, blown into lake by EF-3 tornado in Logan Co.

My grandfather built that 60 years ago, Quatman said.

So finding the statue in the lake held even more importance.

The longer it went on where she was in the water, we felt like we needed to get her out just to preserve the integrity of that statute, he said.

Quatman said that after pieces of the statue were pulled out of the water, it was sent to a secured storage facility.

We want to have a design phase. A fabrication phase to work on the fabrication work and pedestal itself. Then have a construction phase, he said.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Missing statue found after being damaged, blown into lake by EF-3 tornado in Logan Co.

Since it was found during the Easter holiday weekend some suggested it was perfect timing.

Its so nice to have pieces of her back. This was her 60th anniversary of being here at Indian Lake, Amber Fagan, president of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce said.

Now there is concern about smaller pieces of this statute remaining in the lake.

The statue itself was picked up in the wind and shattered in the lake, Fagan said.

Quatman said they will use stronger material to rebuild and give it a whole look.

The new Lady Fatima statute should be returned to its foundation by next August for its 61st anniversary. At the latest, it will be for its 62nd anniversary.








The Florida Supreme Court issued rulings Monday allowing the states voters to decide whether to protect abortion rights and legalize recreational use of marijuana, rejecting the state attorney generals arguments that the measures should be kept off the November ballot.

Abortion rights

The proposed amendment would protect the right to an abortion after the state in back-to-back years passed tougher restrictions currently being challenged in court. Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody argued that the proposed amendment is deceptive and that voters wont realize just how far it will expand access to the procedure.

The ruling could give Democrats a boost in the polls in a state that used to be a toss-up in presidential elections. While many voters arent enthusiastic about a rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, it could inspire more abortion rights advocates to cast a ballot. Trump won Florida four years ago.

The proposed amendment says no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. It provides for one exception that is already in the state constitution: Parents must be notified before their minor children can get an abortion.

Proponents of the measure argued the language of the ballot summary and the proposed amendment are concise and that Moody was playing politics instead of letting voters decide the issue.

Florida is one of several states where voters could have a direct say on abortion questions this year.

There has been a major push across the country to put abortion rights questions to voters since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and removed the nationwide right to abortion. Referendums to guarantee abortion rights are set for Maryland and New York, and activists on both sides of the issue in at least seven other states are working to get measures on 2024 ballots.

Recreational marijuana

Voters will decide whether to allow companies that grow and sell medical marijuana to sell it to adults over 21 for any reason. The ballot measure also would make possession of marijuana for personal use legal.

Moody also argued this proposal is deceptive, in part, because federal law still doesnt allow use of marijuana for recreational or medical use of marijuana. She argued that the court previously erred when it approved the language for the medical marijuana ballot initiative voters passed in 2016.

This, too, could be an issue that motivates more Democrats to vote.

The courts review of the ballot language was limited to whether voters could understand it and that it contained a single issue, not on the merits of the proposal itself. The measures need 60% approval from voters to pass.

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Voters will face two referendum questions regarding outside funding of election administration. How to understand these questions

MADISON  Wisconsin voters will see two referendum questions related to election administration on their April 2 ballots  and in the days leading up to the election, they may also see messaging seeking to steer their vote.

Republicans and conservative groups are encouraging voters to support the measures with a "yes" vote, while Democrats and liberal groups are advocating for "no." The two questions, which all Wisconsin voters will see on their ballots, are written as follows:

QUESTION 1: "Use of private funds in election administration. Shall section 7 (1) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that private donations and grants may not be applied for, accepted, expended, or used in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum?"

QUESTION 2: "Election officials. Shall section 7 (2) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums?"

Voting "yes" on the first question means private grants and donations would be banned in election administration going forward, while a "no" vote would continue to allow them. A "yes" vote on the second question would add to the state Constitution that only election officials can perform tasks, while a "no" vote would not add that.

The proposals are rooted in Republicans' longstanding scrutiny of millions of dollars in private grants, which they often call "Zuckerbucks." The bulk of the money provided by the Center for Tech and Civic Life, which at the time received funding from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, went to the state's five largest cities to help them run elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clerks who received grants during the 2020 election said it helped them meet the unexpected costs of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as extra supplies to meet an influx of absentee voting, and have said accepting grants due to inadequate state, federal or local funding would not jeopardize their ability to administer elections fairly.

More: Wisconsin spring election live updates today: Presidential primary, referendums, polling places, ballot, registration info and more

More: Wisconsin's April 2 referendum questions and the 'Zuckerbucks' debate, explained

Here's a look at the messaging surrounding the referendum.

In-person absentee voting, also known as early voting, takes place Monday at the Capitol Drive Voting Center, 6001 W. Capitol Dr. in Milwaukee. The spring election ballot includes two referendum questions on elections.

Conservatives encourage 'yes' votes

Republicans and conservative groups have supported voting "yes" on the questions based on concerns that outside groups could influence how elections are run. In one case, the Republican Party of Wisconsin brought in an Ohio congressman to make that point.

"Secure elections require proper election administration. That's why I'm encouraging everyone in Wisconsin to vote 'yes' on constitutional amendments 1 and 2," U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan said in a video Wednesday. He appeared alongside U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, who represents southeastern Wisconsin.

Republican former President Donald Trump's campaign is also backing the proposals with social media posts urging Wisconsin voters to "ban Zuckerbucks."

One conservative group is taking a slightly different tack. MacIver Impact, Inc.  the newly-created 501(c)4 arm of the John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy  launched a digital advertising campaign in support of the ballot measures earlier this month. Although MacIver itself is a conservative organization, several ads prompt voters to "stop the NRA from buying elections" and "stop right-wing billionaires like Elon Musk from buying elections." Others, however, urge Wisconsinites to "keep Obama & Soros out of Wisconsin elections" and "ban Zuckerbucks." The ads are running on Facebook and Instagram.

"What happened during the 2020 election should never be allowed to happen again in Wisconsin. That means permanently ending organizations with outside interests from having a role in the administration of our elections, said MacIver Impact CEO Annette Olson in a statement. These common sense amendments would ban dark money from playing a role in administering elections, and MacIver Impact is proud to lead statewide efforts to encourage citizens to vote yes.'"

Liberals advocate against proposals

Democrats and liberal groups have pushed for a "no" vote, arguing the proposed amendments are confusing and could impede the administration of elections barring the allocation of additional state funding.

An analysis from the Legislature's nonpartisan attorneys said the impact of adding the language to the state Constitution is unclear. State law already says that only appointed election officials can conduct elections, but doesn't say what activities count as conducting an election. The referendum doesn't specify that, either.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin weighed in on the amendments on March 19, endorsing a "no" vote on both questions. In a statement, party chairman Ben Wikler said Republicans were pushing the amendment to "satisfy Donald Trump."

Other liberal-leaning groups have also encouraged voters to reject the questions. The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin said the language is too vague and could prevent clerks from using non-public locations or equipment for polls, such as a church or chairs and tables owned by the church. The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin also opposes the measures, arguing local clerks don't receive sufficient funding from the state and federal governments.

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign has also supported voting "no" and told voters not to get "duped." The group noted Republicans are putting forward the constitutional amendments  which do not need Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' approval  during a primary election with typically lower turnout.

In-person absentee voting, also known as early voting, takes place Monday at the Capitol Drive Voting Center, 6001 W. Capitol Dr. in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin voters generally vote in favor of referendum questions

While political and advocacy groups are messaging on the initiatives, Rob Yablon, University of Wisconsin Law School professor and co-director of the State Democracy Research Initiative, said there doesn't appear to be a significant organized effort on either side of the issue.

"I am not aware of any huge expenditures of funds on either side," Yablon said. "That's not atypical, compared to other recent proposed amendments in Wisconsin  if you look back at the ones that we've had in recent years, most of them have been a little bit below the radar."

Wisconsin voters typically approve referendums. Out of the 200 times lawmakers have proposed changes to the state Constitution since 1854, voters have only rejected the changes about 50 times, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau.

Since 2000, nine of 10 proposed constitutional amendments have succeeded  the exception being an effort to eliminate the state treasurer's office.

The most recent constitutional amendments approved by Wisconsin voters include two questions last year that expanded the criteria for setting cash bail. Another amendment approved in 2020, often called Marsy's Law, brought a flood of television, radio and social media ads.

That high success rate is likely attributable in part to the fact that the Legislature has broad authority to select the wording of ballot initiatives, as well as when they appear on the ballot, Yablon said.

The questions on the April 2 ballot are two of five scheduled to go before voters this year. That's the most Wisconsin voters have seen in one year since 1982, Yablon said.

"It seems to be a function in part of divided government," he said, noting that Evers had previously vetoed legislative efforts to accomplish the same results.

"There does seem to be a little bit of a trend on the part of the Legislature to seek change through constitutional amendments, maybe in part because they can't get it through legislation right now."

More: Wisconsin statewide election results

More: Local election results

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Voters to face two referendum questions about election administration
VP Harris is set to visit Charlotte on Thursday to discuss climate crisis

VP Harris is set to visit Charlotte on Thursday to discuss climate crisis

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Vice President Kamala Harris is returning to Charlotte this week to pay a visit to discuss investments in climate action.

This will be her fourth visit to the state this year. She is expected to be joined by EPA Administrator Michael Ragan.

With this being an election year, Harris and President Joe Biden are highlighting several issues. Earlier this year Harris was in Charlotte at an elementary school to discuss child mental health. Last week in Raleigh, both paid a visit to the state to address healthcare. They also visited an area known as Black Wall Street in Durham to discuss the support of small businesses.

Details surrounding Thursdays visit to the Queen City have not yet been released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
VP Kamala Harris headed back to Charlotte Thursday. What you need to know

For the second week in a row, Vice President Kamala Harris is headed back to North Carolina.

Harris will be in Charlotte Thursday to open a field office there, one of 10 the campaign said its launching across the state in an effort to elect Democrats in 2024. The campaign has not provided details of the trip as of Sunday afternoon.

Harris visit will mark the fourth time this year the state has played host to the vice president  and her second trip to Charlotte  as the contest between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump heats up. Just last week, Biden and Harris stumped together in Raleigh to tout the administrations efforts on affordable health care and attend a private fundraiser.

The frequency of their trips isnt likely to slow down.

With North Carolina poised as a key battleground state in the Biden-Trump rematch, political insiders expect to see a lot of both candidates in the coming months. Despite losing the general election to Biden in 2020, Trump won the Tar Heel State by a 1.4-point margin  far more narrowly than his nearly 3.7-point lead over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Theres hardly a week thats gonna go by that youre not going to have either a Democratic principal in state or Republican principal in state. I think thats because North Carolina is going to be incredibly competitive, Democratic strategist Morgan Jackson told The News & Observer last month.

In her visit last week at John Chavis Memorial Park in Raleigh, Harris decried the countrys high maternal mortality rate, praising the Biden administrations efforts to expand Medicaid to cover more postpartum care, The N&O reported.

In previous visits to North Carolina, Harris has stopped in Durham to announce millions in federal funding for women- and minority-led businesses in the state. Her January trip to Charlotte, where she spoke and met with students at Eastway Middle School, focused on violence prevention and mental health.

For his part, Trump rallied supporters in Greensboro ahead of the North Carolina primary, when he easily defeated fellow Republican and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
'We all are vulnerable': Why UT students are launching a tenants union in West Campus

Windowless rooms are features of some West Campus student housing. Students' advocacy resulted in the City Council passing a resolution calling for an amendment to require access to natural light for bedrooms in new buildings.

University of Texas students have launched the UT Tenants Union to advocate for student renters' needs and improved housing conditions in West Campus.

Isabel Webb Carey, a UT senior and the union's co-founder, said she's had "a pretty terrible time" with housing in West Campus, and she found herself being housing insecure for six months, which affected her mental, physical and academic wellness. Now she's made it her mission to educate students on housing and tenants' rights, and she helped launch the union in March.

I realized how little transparency and information there was about housing in West Campus, and not just housing, (but also) tenants' rights, she said. There is a huge power imbalance between the students and the leasing companies.

After Webb Careys experience, she started a social media account called @UTforhousingtransparency, to educate about tenants rights and advocating about windowless housing in the city. The group became the foundation for the union, she said.

It kind of turned into a movement, she said. It's not just one or two people who have isolated incidences. We all are vulnerable; we all often are or could be exploited.

Three weeks after the union's launch event, 170 people have signed union cards, Webb Carey said.

Why start a tenants union at UT?

Tenant advocacy groups and unions have previously been formed at Georgetown University, with its launch in 2013, and at the University of Michigan, where the union is now being revived by community activists after being dormant for about 20 years, according to the Michigan Daily.

Full-time students often lack the experience to navigate renting challenges, Webb Carey said, and they dont have full-time jobs that can cover hefty rental fees. Student renters are also transient, often staying in housing only for four years of school.

Instead of having a new wave of activism every four years as students shift in and out of school, the union will allow the group to sustain and build on its advocacy, said Namratha Thrikutam, an architecture student, union co-founder and intern at Texas Housers, a nonprofit that supports low-income Texans with housing issues.

We've all been waiting for this, Thrikutam said. Weve all been waiting for a space to open up where we can advocate for ourselves and make these changes.

Since it is a tenants union, the group will not seek certification from the National Labor Review Board as a labor union would, said Kayla Quilantang, a union co-founder. Now that it has obtained its member base, the union is looking for legal representation and determining its next initiatives.

Any renter who lives in the West Campus neighborhood is welcome to join, including online students and those at other Austin-area universities, said Grant Gilker, a UT junior and union co-founder.

With whom will the UT Tenants Union partner?

The group hopes to advocate for policy changes at the city and university levels.

To start, its goals include addressing property-level concerns, establishing legal aid resources that students can turn to when they face problems and advocating for the university to create an emergency rental fund for students who are forced to seek temporary accommodations, students said.

The university did not respond to Statesman requests for comment.

Quilantang, a fourth-year UT student in the architecture program, helped write a letter last August to the Austin City Council to advocate against windowless bedrooms  a feature of some West Campus student housing options. The letter, sent Sept. 1, had more than 800 signatures in support, Quilantang said.

The students' advocacy resulted in the City Council passing a resolution in September calling for the elected city leaders to initiate an amendment to require access to natural light for bedrooms in new buildings.

It represents a strategy of cross-disciplinary collaboration at both the university and citywide level, Quilantang said. We really want to use connections that we made from that single initiative.

The council could take action as soon as this month, an expedited timeline, said Zo Qadri, a council member who worked with students to address windowless housing and on the University Neighborhood Overlay, the planning district for West Campus.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the partnership we've formed with the UT Tenants Union, from the student listening sessions they organized to their input on UNO updates," Qadri said. "We look forward to continuing to give students a voice and working toward solutions together."

Mayor Kirk Watson said he looks forward to the students' policy ideas, adding that students have helped advocate for housing issues on which the City Council has acted, such as occupancy limits.

"Austin is Austin in part because weve always had a fountain of youth thats been fed by the smart and interesting and innovative students that flock to UT and our other great colleges and universities," Watson said. "Student voices are essential to our community conversation around housing and affordability, and Im happy theyre organizing through the UT Tenants Union to amplify those voices."

What's the UT Tenants Union's long-term goal for West Campus?

The UT Tenants Union hopes to create a 10-year plan to help pass effective policy changes at the university, system and city levels to protect renters in West Campus, said Gilker, who also serves on the board of College Houses Texas, an affordable housing student community.

I want to live in a better neighborhood, I want to live better with my neighbors, and I want them to have happier lives, too, Gilker said. Ultimately, there's very little advocacy happening, and very little pride taken in where we live, and there's so much pride taken in what we do. That crossover can happen, and Im excited to see it.

The group hopes the union encourages students and opens an avenue for them to get involved in conversations about the neighborhood.

We want this UT Tenants Union to be an example of how much power student voices hold to shape their neighborhood the way they see is best, Quilantang said. We have the right to be an active part of this conversation.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: University of Texas-Austin students launch West Campus tenants union
A Royal Navy nuclear submarine having emerged through the Arctic ice as part of a previous ICEX. The US, UK and their allies are engaged in a tense confrontation with Russia in the High North, with submarine activity rising to Cold War highs as the adversaries jockey for advantage - PO Arron Hoare/PA Wire

Early last month, the US Navy nuclear hunter-killer submarine USS Indiana muscled her way up through the Arctic ice to the snowy surface. The sub was there as part of ICE CAMP 2024, a regular exercise in which the US and its allies establish a temporary presence on the surface of the Arctic ice, pushing back against Russian encroachment.

To find ice thin enough to rupture, the submarines planesman will have held the boat creeping along with a gap of just 15-20ft between the ice and the top of its conning tower  usually dubbed the fin by submariners.

Once a suitable spot was found, the boat will have held still in the water before the ballast tanks were blown to lift it upwards.

Its always a tense evolution: rise too quickly and firmly and youre in danger of compressing and damaging the fin.

Sailors from Australia, Canada and France were on board the Virginia-class submarine for the exercise, as was the UK Naval Attache to Washington, Commodore Roger Readwin.

The US carries out an ICE CAMP, formerly known as an ICEX, about every two years in response to Putins claims to the Arctic and its natural resources, confident in the knowledge that the Russian Northern Fleet will have its beady eyes on the evolution throughout. Apart from the participation of a submarine, ICE CAMP 2024 was supported by ski planes from Canada. It involved the creation of a temporary 60-person village on the floating ice of the Beaufort Sea.

ICE CAMP is only one of the contributions made by the navies and air arms of the West as the new Cold War, which got back into gear again well over a decade ago, secretly rages beneath the waves.

While civilians enjoy their Easter break at home, tense underwater skirmishes are being played out even around our own shores, as well as in the further Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

The last Cold War, as is now well known, saw these underwater confrontations intensify to the verge of hot warfare on many occasions.

The tempo of the present Cold War is now at a similar level, with UK Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin speaking of a phenomenal increase in Russian submarine and underwater activity when he took office in 2021.

Russias Northern Fleet submarines sail from bases in the Barents Sea, round the North Cape and down into the Atlantic through pinch-points between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom, dubbed the GIUK gap.

The Russian boats dont tend to head down through the North Sea, as this would require them to transit the Dover Straits on the surface and reveal themselves. They usually prefer the wider waters of the Atlantic. Finding and tracking them is, once again, an important activity for the navies of Nato - led by those of the US and UK.

The Royal Navy is still a world premier league force in Anti-Submarine Warfare, despite this capability now having to be carried out by ageing Type-23 frigates, which have required expensive refits to remain seaworthy. However their towed array sonar and specialist Merlin ASW helicopters make them a welcome addition even to a USN task force if it faces a submarine threat.

Nonetheless the Royal Navy has suffered in recent times from a lack of funding. This lack of investment dates back to the height of OP HERRICK in Afghanistan when, despite the continuing strategic conflict with Russia, pitching sonar programmes to MOD investment appraisal boards left one naval officer feel like he was being patted down for my lunch money in the playground by the bigger kids.

British Astute Class attack submarines are highly capable, but our hunter-killer flotilla currently numbers a mere six boats and includes HMS Triumph of the previous Trafalgar class, still in service 32 years after she was commissioned into the fleet.

The US Navy, meanwhile, packs a much heftier punch underwater.

The US fleet has no less than 50 nuclear powered hunter killers. There are the Seawolf-class, high end but so expensive that just three were built; 25 older but still powerful Los Angeles-class; and now 22 modern Virginia-class boats.

The more recent Virginias have had many enhancements over the original design and it is fair to say they have a capability edge, not merely an advantage of numbers, over the Royal Navy. But more of comparing the two submarine nations later.

One openly-available way of measuring the US Navys increased Cold War commitment in recent years is the frequency with which its submarines are seen visiting HMNB Clyde at Faslane, Scotland.

A Los Angeles class boat, said to be USS Albany, visited between February 19 and March 2. A Virginia class submarine came alongside last November, while the Ohio-class SSGN boat USS Florida visited in both August and October.

Submariners heartily dislike their activities being known, much in the same way that vampires loathe sunshine, but each visit does still message US intent to Russia.

More importantly, given these boats are operating 3,500 miles from their home naval bases on Americas east coast, Faslane, with its X-berths for nuclear submarines, presents welcome respite where sailors may take on stores and enjoy time alongside.

Atlantic Anti-Submarine Warfare is a complex web of capabilities involving frigates, Merlin helicopters and long ranging shore-based Maritime Patrol Aircraft, though submariners still insist that the best way to find a boat is with another one  despite this sort of comment bringing your average frigate captain out in an itchy rash of irritation.

In response to the Northern Fleet ramping up its submarine activity, the Americans also reopened Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, in 2016, after a decades closure, so that Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft can scour the North Atlantic from there.

The air base is a shore terminal for another important US capability, the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System. An upgraded version of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) developed after World War Two, IUSS, as it was renamed in 1985, uses passive sonar arrays on the ocean floor to track movements.

Its staggeringly accurate, as was shown by the information garnered when the Titan submersible was lost last summer.

War in Ukraine is having several repercussions on the new Cold War.

Keen to keep the pressure up on Nato, Putins admirals have ensured that the pace of sub-Atlantic activity has been maintained. Submariners on both sides sparring in the oceans depths must also remain hyper-vigilant so as not to make an unforced error which might trigger an escalation. The stakes are impossibly high.

A Russian Tu-142 "Bear-F" maritime patrol aircraft, intercepted by an RAF Typhoon fighter near UK airspace over the northern Atlantic in 2022. Russia's increasing northern submarine activity means no Tu-142s can be spared for the war in the Black Sea - RAF

Ideally, the Russians would like to bolster their maritime patrol capability in the Black Sea with powerful Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol planes but only a limited number of these big aircraft are serviceable and levels of activity in the Atlantic are such that none can be spared. This has probably been a major factor in Russian naval defeats in the Black Sea.

In the meantime, the secret struggle in the frozen waters of the North continues as we enjoy the Easter weekend.

When thinking about the Cold Wars and the submarine struggles in the northern seas, its also perhaps worth recalling thriller writer Tom Clancys take on submarines.

Prior to the publication of his famous novel The Hunt For Red October, later an unforgettable blockbuster movie, he undertook in-depth research for which he was given extraordinary levels of access to both the US and Royal navies.

One of his conclusions sparked discomfort.

Clancy wrote in his non-fiction book Submarine that it is the commanding officers of British boats who are the worlds most feared. He theorised that this was because a British captain has spent his entire career dedicated to manoeuvring and combat. The British captain and his executive officer have also managed to pass the tough Perisher sub command course, a cruel winnowing conducted after an officer is already well experienced in the Trade as a submariner, which ends many Royal Navy officers submarine careers before they ever get the chance to hold one of the top two positions aboard a boat.

An American captain, by contrast, will have spent much of his career in engineering-focused appointments. It was Clancys assessment that as a result, on average, Royal Navy submarine commanders have an edge over their US counterparts: though as we have seen, this is likely to be more than compensated for by better boats and more of them.

Whats for certain is that in todays dangerous waters, both navies are playing an increasingly important part in keeping us all safe  even if we usually know nothing of their efforts on our behalf.

We should salute them for that, and we shouldnt grudge them the expense of the tools they need to do that vital job.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Washburn University Department of Music and Theatre is hosting free musical performances to the public through the month of April.

The university announced in a press release it will be hosting 21 different musical performances throughout the month that the public is invited to attend. The performances will feature music students and faculty of the university with a variety of musical instruments throughout the campus and around the city.

Kansas Chocolate Festival venue changes to West Ridge Mall

White Concert Hall

Washburn University Band Concert 7:30 p.m. | Monday, April 1

Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival and Concert 4:30 p.m. | Friday, April 5

Washburn Piano and Organ Society Gala 7:30 p.m. | Friday, April 12

Zsolt Eder and Lucy Tan Duo 3 p.m. | Saturday, April 13

Debora Silva Junior Violin Concert 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, April 13

Washburn Wind Ensemble 3 p.m. | Sunday, April 14

Caroline Shipley Senior Cello Recital 7:30 p.m. | Monday, April 15

Washburn String Orchestra 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, April 16

Washburn Faculty Jazz Quintet Recital 7:30 p.m. | Thursday, April 18

Mia Stricklin Senior Flute Recital 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, April 20

Zachary Byrd Senior Cello Recital 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, April 21

Cameron Arnold Junior Percussion Recital 7:30 p.m. | Monday, April 22

Washburn Faculty Woodwind Quartet and Trio 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, April 28

Washburn Cello Performance 7:30 p.m. | Monday, April 29

Washburn Jazz Ensemble 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, April 30



Carole Chapel

Washburn Honors Chamber Concert 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, April 7

Washburn Faculty Brass Quintet Recital 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, April 9

Washburn Trombone Studio Concert 7:30 p.m. | Monday, April 15

Washburn Saxophone Quartet 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, April 23



Astronomer shares eclipse watching tips in Topeka

Other locations

Percussion Picnic 3 p.m. | Sunday, April 21 Outside between Memorial Union and Mulvane Art Museum

Washburn Vox Aura Concert 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, April 23 Grace Cathedral (701 SW Eighth Avenue)



For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Weekend closures announced for this busy Los Angeles Co. freeway

Caltrans on Monday announced a 55-hour closure of lanes and ramps on a busy Los Angeles County freeway this weekend.

Transportation officials said the extended closure will take place on a portion of the eastbound 134 Freeway in Glendale between 11 p.m. Friday, April 5, and 5 a.m. Monday, April 8.

The closure will allow crews to install a new drainage system under the freeway, Caltrans stated in a news release.

A portion of the 134 Freeway will be closed through Glendale April 5-8. (KTLA)

Up to three lanes of the eastbound 134 will be closed between Glendale Avenue and Verdugo Road with the Glendale Avenue ramps also being closed.

At least two lanes and the carpool lane will be open to traffic.

All motorists, including single occupants, will be able to access the HOV lane in the area, Caltrans said.

Motorist killed fixing vehicle on Southern California freeway

The Department strongly recommended motorists avoid the area during the closure.

Current traffic closures can be viewed on the Caltrans Quickmap.

The work on SR-134 is part of a $50.5 million repavement project. The project is funded by the State Highway Operation and Protection Program and is expected to be complete in summer 2024, according to Caltrans.

Residents and businesses were advised to anticipate noise, vibrations and dust due to construction activities.

The schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, Caltrans said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
FILE - A gray whale dives near Whidbey Island as seen from a Pacific Whale Watch Association vessel, May 4, 2022, in Washington state. Federal researchers indicate the gray whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery five years after hundreds washed up dead on West Coast beaches, from Alaska to Mexico. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

SEATTLE (AP)  Federal researchers indicate the gray whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery five years after hundreds washed up dead on beaches from Alaska to Mexico.

The increase in population numbers comes after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association determined in November that the unusual mortality event that began in 2019 has ended.

Its nice to be able to report some good news the last couple of years, Aimee Lang, a research biologist with NOAAs Southwest Fisheries Science Center, told The Seattle Times.

The agency has estimated the total number of eastern north Pacific Gray whales to be between 17,400 to 21,300, an increase from an estimated 13,200 to 15,960 whales last year.

The population began to decline after numbering about 27,000 whales in 2016. The mortality event hits its peak between Dec. 17, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2020, the agency said. It involved 690 dead gray whales that washed ashore from Alaska to Mexico. Of those, 347 were in the U.S., 316 in Mexico and 27 in Canada.

In an average year, about 35 whales washed up dead in the U.S. Five years ago, those whales washed up on coastlines in California, Oregon, Washington state and Alaska.

Every year in late September, whales migrate 10,000 miles (16,093 km) from feeding grounds in the Arctic to birth their calves along Mexicos Baja Peninsula.

NOAA researchers said the mortality event was due to ecosystem changes in the northern Bering and Chukchi seas off northern Alaska, which changed access to and quality of prey.

These changes contributed to the poor nutritional condition observed in live whales in the wintering areas of Mexico and dead stranded gray whales in all three countries, NOAA said. This malnutrition led to increased mortality during the whales annual northward migration (from Mexico to Alaska) and decreased production of calves. This resulted in an overall decline in population abundance.

The eastern North Pacific gray whales were removed from the endangered species list in 1994, after recovering from the whaling era.
Ulviyya Shahin

Today, the 8th session of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation is being held in Baku, Azernews reports.

In connection with this, a delegation led by Romania's Minister of Energy, Sebastian Ioan Burduja, is visiting Azerbaijan.

During a bilateral meeting between Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, and S.I. Burduja, the progress of bilateral cooperation in the development of mutual efforts in the past period was discussed, along with the agenda of the 8th session of the commission.

During the session attended by the delegations, Sahil Babayev noted that diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Romania have been constantly expanding over the past period. It was emphasised that the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2009, the Joint Action Plan for the Implementation of Strategic Partnership signed in 2011, and more than 60 cooperation documents signed between the two countries in general have created opportunities for the development of relations between the countries, elevating these relations to the level of strategic partnership.

Continuing the dynamics of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Romania, it was noted that the trade turnover between the two countries has been steadily increasing, with a 29.3% increase last year.

In his turn, Romania's Minister of Energy, Sebastian Ioan Burduja, stated that they attach special importance to the continuous expansion of cooperation relations based on friendly relations with Azerbaijan and expressed hope that the current session would contribute to this direction.

Discussions were held during the session on future directions of cooperation in the fields of energy, transportation, investment, agriculture, social, education, humanitarian, infrastructure, construction, etc.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 1, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

----------

Driver overtime cap introduced as worker shortage worsens

TOKYO - An overtime limit of around 18 hours per week for drivers of trucks, taxis and buses took effect on Monday, as Japan looks to improve standard work conditions in an industry struggling with an acute labor shortage.

While the move seeks to address the widespread practice of driver overwork, the change has raised concerns about a drop in transport delivery capacity. The logistics shortfall, brought about by the new overtime restriction, is known in the industry as the "2024 problem."

----------

Japan big makers' sentiment worsens for 1st time in 4 quarters: BOJ

TOKYO - Business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers worsened for the first time in four quarters, falling to 11 in March from 13 three months earlier, after a sharp drop in the auto sector caused by production cuts, the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed Monday.

But large nonmanufacturers, including the service sector, benefited from a revival of inbound tourism and the passing of higher costs on to consumers. The index improved for the eighth straight quarter to hit its highest level since 1991, rising to 34 from 32 in the previous survey in December.

----------

Japan names 16 airports, seaports to upgrade for possible defense use

TOKYO - Japan designated on Monday five airports and 11 seaports to be upgraded for possible use by its Self-Defense Forces and coast guard in case of a military conflict, amid concerns over China's assertive posturing near Japan's southwestern islands and Taiwan.

The scheme was approved by related government ministers and starts in the current fiscal year through next March, with a 37 billion yen ($240 million) budget earmarked for the first year, according to the Cabinet Secretariat.

----------

80% of dietary supplement victims saw doctor in January or later: study

TOKYO - Around 80 percent of patients who developed health issues after consuming Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. red yeast rice dietary supplements went to the hospital in January or later, a study by the Japanese Society of Nephrology showed Monday.

The online survey analyzed 47 cases reported by the society's member doctors between Wednesday and Sunday, following recent revelations of five deaths and over 100 hospitalizations among those who consumed the Osaka-based drugmaker's supplements containing "beni-koji" red yeast rice.

----------

Indonesian President-elect Prabowo to visit Japan from Tue.

JAKARTA - Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, currently his country's defense minister, will visit Japan from Tuesday and meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, a spokesman of Indonesia's Defense Ministry said Monday.

Prabowo won the presidential election in February. He will travel to Japan in the role of defense chief following a visit to China that started Sunday, Brig. Gen. Edwin Adrian Sumantha told Kyodo News.

----------

Rakuten to reorganize financial units amid mounting mobile losses

TOKYO - Rakuten Group Inc. said Monday it plans to reorganize its financial units by consolidating its banking, brokerage, credit card and insurance operations as it grapples with mounting losses in its mobile business.

Under its restructuring plan, Rakuten Bank Ltd., Rakuten Securities Holdings Inc., Rakuten Card Co., and Rakuten Insurance Holdings Co. will be integrated into one group by October, the Japanese online retail giant said in a statement. The bank will play the leading role among the units to be streamlined.

----------

Princess Aiko begins 1st day of work at Japanese Red Cross Society

TOKYO - Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, began her first day of work on Monday at the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The princess joined as a contracted employee and is working at a department focused on training volunteers while also continuing to fulfill her official duties, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

----------

Tan Tan, oldest panda in Japan, dies after postponed return to China

KOBE - Tan Tan, the oldest giant panda in Japan, has died at age 28 at a Kobe zoo after her planned return to China was delayed for medical treatment several years ago, the zoo in the western city said Monday.

The panda, whose age was equivalent to being in her 80s in human years, came to Oji Zoo from China in 2000 for breeding purposes.

Video: Water outage problems remain 3 months after Noto quake
Where to cast your ballot in NY for the presidential primary 2024

Where to cast your ballot in NY for the presidential primary 2024

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Voters in New York and Connecticut are heading to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in the presidential primary election.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have secured enough delegates to clinch their partys nominations.

More Manhattan News

The Early Voting Period ran from March 23-30. Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will be open until 6 p.m. New York City residents can search for their polling place on the Board of Elections website.

Upon entering your residential information, the Board of Elections will provide information about the closest poll site, district information, and a sample ballot.

Voters outside New York City can find poll sites on the NY State Board of Elections website. To use this resource, residents must be a registered voter in New York State.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Where people in California are moving to most

Fewer Americans moved in 2022, according to the latest Census data, but of those who did, 1 in 5 moved to a different state.

Population growth has returned to pre-pandemic norms; Southern states continued to record influxes in population, while the Northeast saw the biggest drops, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania. These trends largely continued into last year, according to United Van Lines annual movers study. States with the most outbound moves in 2023 were New Jersey, Illinois, and North Dakota, which moved up 15 spots from the year before.

Stacker compiled a list of states people from California are moving to the most using data from the Census Bureau. States are ranked by the number of people who moved from California to a different state in 2022.

Which CA fast food workers qualify for $20 hour minimum wage?

Keep reading to find out where people from California are moving.

#25. Alabama

 8,012 people from California moved to Alabama in 2022, making up 0.98% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #5 most common origin for people moving to Alabama

#24. New Mexico

 8,897 people from California moved to New Mexico in 2022, making up 1.09% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to New Mexico

#23. Hawaii

 10,562 people from California moved to Hawaii in 2022, making up 1.29% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Hawaii

#22. Ohio

 11,924 people from California moved to Ohio in 2022, making up 1.46% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #5 most common origin for people moving to Ohio

#21. Missouri

 12,107 people from California moved to Missouri in 2022, making up 1.48% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #3 most common origin for people moving to Missouri

#20. Michigan

 13,939 people from California moved to Michigan in 2022, making up 1.70% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to Michigan

#19. South Carolina

 15,035 people from California moved to South Carolina in 2022, making up 1.84% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #4 most common origin for people moving to South Carolina

#18. Oklahoma

 15,200 people from California moved to Oklahoma in 2022, making up 1.86% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to Oklahoma

#17. Pennsylvania

 16,336 people from California moved to Pennsylvania in 2022, making up 2.00% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #4 most common origin for people moving to Pennsylvania

#16. Massachusetts

 18,543 people from California moved to Massachusetts in 2022, making up 2.27% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to Massachusetts

#15. Utah

 18,669 people from California moved to Utah in 2022, making up 2.28% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Utah

#14. Virginia

 19,036 people from California moved to Virginia in 2022, making up 2.33% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #4 most common origin for people moving to Virginia

#13. Illinois

 20,573 people from California moved to Illinois in 2022, making up 2.52% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Illinois

#12. Tennessee

 22,565 people from California moved to Tennessee in 2022, making up 2.76% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to Tennessee

#11. North Carolina

 22,891 people from California moved to North Carolina in 2022, making up 2.80% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #5 most common origin for people moving to North Carolina

#10. Georgia

 25,960 people from California moved to Georgia in 2022, making up 3.17% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to Georgia

#9. Idaho

 26,887 people from California moved to Idaho in 2022, making up 3.29% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Idaho

#8. Colorado

 33,213 people from California moved to Colorado in 2022, making up 4.06% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Colorado

#7. New York

 34,681 people from California moved to New York in 2022, making up 4.24% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to New York

#6. Oregon

 36,429 people from California moved to Oregon in 2022, making up 4.46% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Oregon

#5. Nevada

 48,836 people from California moved to Nevada in 2022, making up 5.97% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Nevada

#4. Washington

 49,968 people from California moved to Washington in 2022, making up 6.11% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Washington

#3. Florida

 50,701 people from California moved to Florida in 2022, making up 6.20% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #2 most common origin for people moving to Florida

#2. Arizona

 74,157 people from California moved to Arizona in 2022, making up 9.07% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Arizona

#1. Texas

 102,442 people from California moved to Texas in 2022, making up 12.53% of new residents that moved to another state

 Residents of California were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Texas

This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Where were you during the last solar eclipse? Look back at what it was like in Centre County

The 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8 is shaping up to be one of the countys most viewed astronomical events of the decade, with many in Centre County finalizing their viewing plans.

This total eclipse is the first since Aug. 21, 2017 and the next one after this isnt expected until August 2044.

With schools announcing early dismissals, businesses selling protective solar eyewear and SolarFest at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park set to draw crowds from all over the county, this eclipse is garnering a lot of attention, and drawing comparisons to the eclipse of seven years ago.

In 2017, an eclipse hadnt occurred in the United States in 26 years and Centre County was just outside the path of totality, resulting in about 80% of the sun being blocked.

The Arboretum at Penn State was a main gathering point for many area residents, with over 1,000 people congregating to get a look at the eclipse.

There was a communal feeling to the event, the CDT reported at the time, as spectators shared the special viewing glasses that were in short supply due to a national shortage.

Other, more inventive means of eye protection were spotted at the event as well  from cereal boxes fitted with protective lenses to other cardboard lens creations.

Shannon Campbell looks at the eclipse through a cereal box Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

How will this years eclipse be different?

In 2017, the eclipses path of totality did not cross through Pennsylvania. But this year the path will travel across the northwestern area of the state, near Erie. Those near State College and central Pennsylvania should see obscuration of roughly 95%, while the Philadelphia areas obscuration lowers to about 90%.

According to NASA, this eclipse will also offer a wider path of totality, allowing for more people to see the event. This years path will be nearly twice as wide as 2017s, as the moon will be closer to Earth.

NASA also says that this years eclipse can be viewed for a longer duration of time than the most recent one, with the eclipse on April 8 estimated to last for about four minutes and 28 seconds in north-central Mexico, which is an increase from the two minutes and 42 seconds of maximum totality recorded near Carbondale, Ill., during 2017s eclipse.

In addition to the changes in viewing time and the wider path, this years has also been project to show an increased amount in solar activity, according to NASA. Because the sun will be near its magnetic fields solar maximum, an increased amount of phenomena such as streamers and prominences could be seen.

With luck, a coronal mass ejection  or a large eruption of solar material  could be seen as well.

Scenes from the 2017 eclipse

Alex Zerphy looks at the solar eclipse through a telescope on Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Chip Clark looks at the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

A line of people await to view the eclipse through a telescope as Amber Wingate takes her turn Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

The shadow of the eclipse can be seen Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at the Arboretum at Penn State.

Trinity Carson looks at the on Aug. 21, 2017 solar eclipse at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Fanta Conde looks at the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

The shadow of the eclipse can be seen Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Robert Baillie adjusts the binoculars hes using to project the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Alex Zerphy changes the eyepiece on a telescope Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Jessica Brunbaugh takes a picture of the eclipse with her phone through her glasses Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

The Aug. 21, 2017 solar eclipse is reflected through multiple holes on a sheet of metal and projected onto a piece of paper at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Cindy Li looks at the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Sampurna Sattar looks at the eclipse through a telescope Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

A Coronado telescope is used to view the solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Pam Ishler looks at the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

Mickey Sweeney looks at the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at The Arboretum at Penn State.

A sunspotter 2 is used to view the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at the Arboretum at Penn State.
White House hits out at Republicans cruel and hateful rhetoric in dishonest argument over trans day of visibility

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed Republicans for falsely claiming that President Biden was purposefully disrespecting Christians by issuing a proclamation marking the annual Transgender Day of Visibility on 31 March, calling out GOP figures for dishonest arguments.

Over the weekend, prominent Republicans accused Mr Biden of purposefully issuing the annual proclamation to mock Christian beliefs because the annual celebration of transgender Americans  which takes place on the last day of March each year  coincided this year with Easter Sunday.

They also claimed  without evidence  that the Biden administration is showing contempt for Americans faith by prohibiting participants in an annual Easter egg decorating contest from submitting entries with religious imagery even though the sponsor of the contest  the American Egg Board  has promulgated the same rules for the annual event for nearly five decades.

Asked about the transgender day controversy, Ms Jean-Pierre on Monday said there has been a lot of misinformation put out about the day on purpose and noted that Mr Biden, as a Christian, who celebrates Easter with family, ... stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.

It is actually unsurprising that politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. It is dishonest, what we have heard the past 24 hours. It is untrue, she said.

Transgender day of visibility is on March 31. This year, March 31 just so happens to be also Easter, the date of which changes every year, she added.

Ms Jean-Pierres comments came just hours after Mr Biden himself responded to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who over the weekend said it was outrageous for Mr Biden to have issued the annual proclamation because the last day of March coincided with Easter Sunday.

Asked to respond to the House Speaker while attending the annual White House Easter Egg roll, the president told reporters: Hes thoroughly uninformed.
Recorded earlier

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will brief reporters and answer their questions Monday.

The briefing comes as President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have seen increasing calls for a Gaza cease-fire in recent days, even as their positions have in some ways diverged.

The Biden administration has urged the Israeli leadership not to begin a controversial assault on Rafah, which has seen its population swell with displaced Gazans. Netanyahus government plans to proceed with an operation against Hamas in the southern Gaza community, though the Israeli forces reportedly will work to move civilians out of harms way.

U.S. and Israeli officials are expected to meet virtually Monday.

Mondays White House news briefing is scheduled to begin at noon EDT.

Watch the live video above.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Why is Bartlett leaving the Memphis library system? What both sides say about the split

Bartlett Public Library will exit the Memphis Public Libraries system this summer.

Memphis Public Libraries said the system will stop managing the Bartlett library on July 1, after the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen decided to explore other service models for the library.

The suburb's Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted in January to sign a three-year contract with Avenu Insights & Analytics to provide library service. The board voted 4-2 to leave the library system with Aldermen Kevin Quinn and Robert Griffin voting against the split.

A look inside Bartlett Public Library on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The library, at 5884 Stage Road in Bartlett, will exit the Memphis Public Libraries system this summer.

Under the current deal, Memphis Public Libraries supports all areas of Bartlett library operations, including staffing, training, administrative support, programming events and activities for all ages, and collection development. Memphis Public Libraries started managing the Bartlett library in 2004.

Griffin, who now is in favor of the split, said Bartlett is the last of the suburbs in Shelby County to leave the Memphis Public Libraries system.

We had stayed with them all this time, and we had enjoyed a good relationship with the Memphis library system, he said.

Why is Bartlett leaving the Memphis library system?

Memphis Public Libraries officials said in an email that there were several factors that contributed to the City of Bartlett severing its library ties with Memphis, including a backlog in ordering and delivering materials to Bartlett as well as post-pandemic challenges with book vendors contracts and low stock.

Griffin said the board asked Memphis Public Libraries for an audit of the services provided to Bartlett, as well as of the money Bartlett was spending with the library system. Griffin said Bartlett pays $1.3 million a year to Memphis Public Libraries in a management agreement. In addition, Bartlett pays $94,000 to the library system, which goes toward books, magazines and other types of new materials that are supposed to be purchased each year by Memphis Public Libraries for the Bartlett library.

We wanted to see what we were getting for the monies that we were spending with them, Griffin said. They came back and had lost about $36,000 that was unaccounted for. We asked for an audit of that last May and could not receive an audit of that information. We asked for it repeatedly. We were trying to set up meetings with the MPL library director over the course of a couple months over last summer to discuss what was going on and where did the money go and each time our calls werent returned.

Bartlett Public Library is located at 5884 Stage Road in Bartlett, Tenn.

According to Griffin, it was ultimately revealed that $36,000 was missing and Memphis Public Libraries couldn't explain where it had gone. In addition to the missing money, the library system's inability to show Bartlett's financial reports in a timely manner also contributed to Bartlett opting out of the system.

They had no idea where the money went, Griffin said. We didnt know whether they had actually purchased the books and we didnt receive them or whether they didnt purchase the books and where the money went, we had no idea."

At the Jan. 9 Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, Memphis Public Libraries acknowledged the delay in purchasing materials and said it would investigate the situation. The information has been provided to Bartlett, according to the library system.

Memphis Public Libraries told The Commercial Appeal that no money was missing, but there was a delay in acquiring books and materials. Library system officials noted the system has continued to order materials owed to Bartlett. When the contract with Bartlett expires, the library system will fully reimburse Bartlett any money that has yet to be spent, officials said.

The two sides disagree on the matter of a three-year audit.

Griffin said the Bartlett of Mayor and Aldermen requested a three-year audit from the library system. The library system promised to deliver that in 30 days, but it took almost 90 days, according to Griffin. However, Memphis Public Libraries said Bartlett did not formally request a three-year audit.

"These are our tax dollars that we try to be very conscientious of spending in appropriate ways, and we werent getting the assurance from the Memphis Public Library system they were being spent correctly," Griffin said.

BARTLETT NEWS: Memphis couple transforms a Malco theater into a pickleball complex. Here's why.

Why one alderman is not on board with Bartlett leaving Memphis Public Libraries

While Griffin has come around to Avenu managing the Bartlett Library, Quinn has not. He said he was never aware of any issues with Memphis Public Libraries and never heard one complaint from a Bartlett resident about the library system. Quinn said during Bartlett's 20-year contract with Memphis Public Libraries that the contract never stated that the library system owed Bartlett any type of audit.

According to Quinn, the Bartlett administration heard some complaints from residents that there weren't enough new books on the shelves, which prompted officials to start asking about the $94,000 a year given to Memphis Public Libraries to buy new books and other materials. It led to Bartlett requesting an audit.

"It turned out that MPL doesn't really keep the money separate like that, but they have always given us our money's worth," Quinn said. "In fact, MPL gives us more than our money's worth because we have been the beneficiary of the Memphis public library system because they get grants and donations that Bartlett would never qualify for. I realize that and I don't have a problem because I know they always give the money back into the library somehow."

A woman peruses the books at Bartlett Public Library on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The library, at 5884 Stage Road in Bartlett, will exit the Memphis Public Libraries system this summer.

However, Quinn said Memphis Public Libraries didn't do itself any favors in a January meeting when trying to explain where the $36,000 was going. He made a motion to give the library more time to conduct the audit, but the board didn't support that.

Quinn said he didn't think the board made the right decision giving management duties to Avenu, but he wants what is going to be best for Bartlett residents.

"I definitely want Bartlett citizens to have a great library experience regardless of who is running it," Quinn said.

What changes will people see at Bartlett Public Library?

From the agreement with Avenu, Griffin said Bartlett is expected to save $200,000 a year and will have more power in how the library is run. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen plan to appoint an advisory board to work with Avenu on different library matters.

We will have more say and control over what happens in our library, than what we did in the Memphis library system because we actually will have citizen input that we didn't have previously," Griffin said.

According to a news release, new books and materials are being selected, ordered and many will arrive in early July once Avenu takes over management. Dana Braccia, lead librarian and transition coordinator for Avenu, said the firm will be focusing on bringing in new local content to Bartlett Library. This will include local author workshops, educational presentations, local history presentations, as well as family and teen programming.

The library will also offer free programming and plans to partner with Bartlett City Schools to host summer reading programs and school reading events. A special kickoff event to celebrate the start of the next school year is being planned for Aug. 3.

A look at the childrens books area inside Bartlett Public Library on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The library, at 5884 Stage Road in Bartlett, will exit the Memphis Public Libraries system this summer.

"We are working closely with the City of Bartlett to provide a smooth and seamless transition process," Braccia said. "It is an honor to have this opportunity to serve the city and we are committed to delivering exceptional library services that enhance the quality of life and foster a culture of learning and discovery."

The Memphis Public Libraries' collection spans 18 library locations. With Bartlett set to no longer be affiliated with the system, Bartlett Public Library will no longer have access to the system's catalog of hard copy books. However, Griffin said from a digital standpoint, Avenu uses the Libby library app that Memphis Public Libraries uses.

Memphis has a digital catalog of about 62,000 titles on the Libby app, while Avenu has access to the state of Tennessee catalog and over 125,000 titles, he said. It is more than twice the digital catalog than what the Memphis public library system offers. But there's no question we do not have access to the actual hard copy catalog that we have with the Memphis library system."

BARTLETT BUSINESSES: Is Hy-Vee coming to the Memphis area? What we know about grocery store's possible plans

What happens to current employees at Bartlett Public Library?

"One Piece" manga fills a shelf at Bartlett Public Library on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The library, at 5884 Stage Road in Bartlett, will exit the Memphis Public Libraries system this summer.

Avenu has operated the Germantown Community Library since 2021. Griffin said several aldermen went to the Germantown Community Library on multiple occasions to talk with employees and patrons and got an overwhelmingly positive report on the operations of the library managed by Avenu.

But the switch could mean changes for Bartlett library workers. Griffin said current employees will have the choice of interviewing with Avenu to stay at the Bartlett library or remaining with Memphis Public Libraries and moving to a different branch. According to Braccia, Avenu will open up recruiting for team positions in early April. She noted all current staff as well as those in the community with an interest in working in the library are encouraged to apply.

In Germantown, Griffin said 21 of the 23 employees who were with that library before Avenu took over are still employed at the Germantown library.

That spoke well and made us feel better because we are big fans of our library employees and 97% of them live in Bartlett, Griffin said. They are our citizens and not just our branch employees. We would love for them to stay and that was encouraging to know that the Germantown library employees stayed on when Avenu took over management of that branch. Were hopeful that the employees of the Bartlett branch will continue to stay on there once Avenu take over management.

Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Bartlett is leaving Memphis library system: Here's why and what's next
WASHINGTON  The keel of the stricken commercial vessel Dali rests in sediment at the bottom of Baltimore Harbor, weighed down by a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that it toppled last week, complicating efforts to clear the channel, according to a senior U.S. official.

Damage to the submerged steel and concrete is far more extensive and deeply buried than previously thought, the official, who was not authorized to comment, said Tuesday afternoon. Efforts continue to stablize the Dal and keep it from shifting in current.

Another official described the submerged steel and concrete wreckage as a spaghetti mess more tangled than the debris visible above the water.

The Dali lost power in the early morning hours of March 26 and drifted into a support column on the bridge, toppling steel and concrete into the harbor and killing six construction workers. At least 4,000 tons of the bridge lays atop the Dali, weighing it down and keeping it stuck in the channel floor, the official said.

Another factor complicating cleanup: a high-pressure natural gas line runs beneath the channel. Authorities reduced pressure in the line, and said late Monday that it is not in danger of rupturing, according to the command center public affairs office. A buffer zone of 100 feet has been set up around the pipeline, the official said.

Potential severe weather, predicted for the mid-Atlantic region Tuesday and Wednesday, could make securing the ship even more challenging, the official said.

The 300-yard-long cargo ship will be stabilized with anchors and tug boats, according to the official.

Meanwhile, Corps engineers continue to analyze the massive steel truss structure that fell across the Dali and into the shipping channel. Crews began to cut up portions of the bridge on Saturday.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MARCH 30: Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge as efforts begin to reopen the Port of Baltimore on March 30, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge, which was used by roughly 30,000 vehicles each day, fell into the Patapsco River after being struck by the Dali, a cargo ship leaving the port at around 1:30am on Tuesday morning. The bodies of two men who were on the bridge at the time of the accident have been recovered from the water; four others are still missing and presumed dead; two others were rescued and treated for injuries shortly after the accident. The Port of Baltimore is one of the largest and busiest ports on the East Coast of the U.S. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

More: Photos, video show collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after cargo ship collision

Refloating the Dali

Heavy lift cranes, including one capable of lifting 1,000 tons, will be positioned to help lift a 4,000-ton section that currently rests across the Dali. Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, the commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, told USA TODAY last week that the span will be cut up into sections before removing it. Crews began cutting the bridge apart on Saturday.

Recovery efforts are further complicated by a natural gas line running under the ship and the bridge wreckage.

More: How Francis Scott Key Bridge was lost: A minute-by-minute visual analysis of the collapse

Cargo aboard the Dali will be assessed, and some of it possibly removed. Then the ship will be refloated from a hard grounding and moved away from the scene of the collision. The crew are still trapped on board.

No room for error

Removing the wreckage is a massive task. Much of the steel is twisted, some of it on the floor of the channel, 50 feet below the surface. Engineers must determine which portions are under tension before cutting it into pieces. Divers have to navigate currents, limited visibility, cold water and lethally sharp debris.

More: Baltimore's Key Bridge is not the first: A look at other bridge collapse events in US history

The bottom of the channel must be completely cleared of debris because huge ships like the Dali clear the bottom by no more than two feet when they're fully loaded, Spellmon said.

The Corps has also been tasked with creating a smaller, shallower channel to handle barge traffic and allow some commercial traffic to move again.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore cargo ship, Dali, still in danger under tons of steel
Why does Bradenton keep spilling sewage into the Manatee River? Heres what we found

Reality Check is a Bradenton Herald series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at metro@bradenton.com.

City officials pointed to a filter blockage when Bradenton spilled 1.2 million gallons of partially treated sewage into the Manatee River in February, but detailed reports reveal another issue at the treatment plant.

City staff said the spill is a symptom of old infrastructure that leaders have promised to upgrade as a result of a lawsuit in 2022. The work is expected to be completed by 2032.

But the Bradenton Heralds review of key documents found that old pipes and sewer drains and an outdated wastewater plant are not the only problems.

Staffing and training issues at the wastewater facility are also to blame for this and other recent spills, according to several reports that city staff made to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Now city leaders say they have a new plan to address staffing and other problems at the plant with some temporary help from a private consulting firm.

We have some improvements we need to make, City Administrator Rob Perry said. Both the infrastructure improvements and the proficiency development of staff and management. But we have gotten very good support from our city council, and well continue to tackle issues that we have.

A clarifier, which separates solids from the water, at the Bradenton Water Reclamation facility on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.

Bradenton staffing issues cause spills, reports say

Reports filed by Bradentons waste managers say that the citys sewer plant is understaffed and lacks experienced employees.

The underlying and ongoing issue at the (Wastewater Reclamation Facility) is the lack of licensed operators and properly trained trainees, a report filed five days after Februarys spill says.

A search of spill reports to FDEP over the last six months shows several more incidents caused by staffing issues:

An 800-gallon spill of raw sewage within the plant on Feb. 18 happened after a single operator on duty failed to notify the chief plant operator about an equipment malfunction on Feb. 17.

A 10,000-gallon spill on Jan. 1 was attributed to staffing issues. According to the report, a mechanical filter overflowed because a lone plant operator did not have time to complete routine hourly checks. Raw sewage spilled onto the grounds of the wastewater plant and into a storm drain leading to the Manatee River. There was not adequate staff on duty to clean up the spill until the second shift of the following day.

A 300-gallon spill of raw sewage onto the grounds of the plant on Oct. 23 was attributed to a mistake by a trainee.

A 2,000-gallon spill of raw sewage onto the grounds of the plant on Oct. 12 was due to staff not following procedure, a report said.

The de-nitrification system, one of the last steps in treating wastewater, at the Bradenton Water Reclamation facility on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.

Jobs unfilled at wastewater plant

Bradentons wastewater plant is supposed to have a staff of 16 licensed operators and operator trainees, according to the citys most recent budget.

As of Wednesday, at least a quarter of those jobs are unfilled. The City of Bradenton has three job listings for full-time licensed wastewater plant operators posted on its website, as well as one full-time trainee position.

Maximum pay for the licensed operator positions ranges from $24.39 to $29.33 an hour, while the trainee position offers up to $19.67 an hour.

By comparison, a wastewater trainee job currently listed by Manatee County offers a pay scale of $17.06 to $31.61 an hour. The county does not have any licensed operator jobs currently listed.

Average hourly pay for wastewater treatment plant operators in Florida was $25.90 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national average was $26.78.

Through a chain-link fence, the sign for the City of Bradentons Water Reclamation Facility on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.

Whats being done to fix staffing issues?

Previous reports indicate that the citys wastewater managers have been asking the city to hire more licensed wastewater operators for months.

A report by wastewater management staff following a spill on Oct. 23 said: Requesting again, that HR find licensed operators to hire.

The report outlined how minimally the plant was staffed at the time, noting that a typical weekday crew consisted of two trainees with minimal experience, one licensed operator, a chief operator and the superintendent.

After several recent spills, reports said issues would be addressed by retraining plant staff.

But after Februarys 1.2 million gallon spill, the city says it will take a new approach.

Jacobs Solutions Inc., an engineering and consulting firm, will be contracted to provide additional staff, training and services for the plant.

Its kind of like a rent-an-expert program, City Administrator Rob Perry said.

Jacobs has provided similar services in cities across the U.S.

In addition to temporarily filling the staffing shortage, Perry said that the firm will improve long-term operations of the plant, including maintenance, solids management and data management.

A service agreement has yet to be completed, but Perry estimates the services will have an annual cost of up to $1.5 million.

City utilities generate about $32 million a year, Perry said.

The Bradenton Water Reclamation facility on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.

Is 2032 soon enough for a fix?

Over 160 million gallons of wastewater discharges from the Bradenton plant into the Manatee River were documented between 2017 and 2021, prompting Suncoast Waterkeeper and other local groups to file a federal suit against the city for violating the Clean Water Act.

In a 2022 settlement, the city agreed to update its aging infrastructure and pay extra fines for future violations that go towards water quality improvement efforts.

Since then, there have been fewer large spills. But the wastewater plant has continued to violate state pollution rules by not removing enough nutrients from treated wastewater.

Theyre out of whack, particularly when it comes to nutrients, said Suncoast Waterkeeper founder and board member Justin Bloom.

When nutrient-laden wastewater is discharged into the water bodies, it can contribute to harmful algal blooms and a host of other issues.

Bradentons treated wastewater is discharged into the Manatee River, which is currently on the states list of impaired waters due to high levels of nutrients and fecal bacteria.

But Bloom also said Bradenton is making great strides. He said Bradentons problems are typical for cities that are trying to bring problematic wastewater systems into compliance.

The beginning is difficult, and it gets better and better with each year, Bloom said. Theyre in this period of transition, and they will need to rebuild their staff. Its going to take time and money, and they have shown the commitment to find the money.

Perry said the city hopes to stop using the Manatee River for discharging treated water sooner than 2032. Instead, treated wastewater will be discharged through an underground injection well.

We hope to be out of the river a great deal earlier, Perry said. We want to do everything we can do to eliminate and minimize any environmental impacts.

Other fixes could come sooner as well.

With the help of the Jacobs firm, the city hopes to add in-house laboratory testing that should allow for better control over removing nutrients from wastewater.

And the 2024-25 state budget, although not approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis yet, has $2.2 million slated for Bradenton wastewater improvements.

A fourth clarifier, which separates solids from water, is under construction at the Bradenton Water Reclamation facility on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.

Bradenton City Manager Rob Perry during a tour of the Bradenton Water Reclamation facility on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.

Construction equipment and piles of dirt can be seen from US 301 at the City of Bradentons Water Reclamation Facility on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.

The entrance of the City of Bradentons Water Reclamation Facility on 17th Avenue West on March 26, 2024. Records say that a lack of staff and experience at the City of Bradentons wastewater treatment plant has led to numerous sewage spills in recent months, including a 1.2. million-gallon spill in February that polluted the Manatee River.
People under the age of 60 don't have a chance to get hired in one of Italy's oldest dairies, known for its mozzarella and Grana Padano cheese. Owner Roberto Brazzale swears by the enthusiasm of the elderly. But there's a serious problem with the idea. Robert Messer/dpa

Roberto Brazzale can't help but put on a big smile when he speaks of his latest hires.

The Italian, who together with his two brothers runs one of the oldest dairy plants in the country known for mozzarella and parmesan cheese, has recently made headlines by taking what some would consider some unusual HR decisions.

When launching a new project to market more specialized gourmet butter products, Brazzale was looking to set up a dedicated team. But the handful of 30-somethings who came for a trial period all turned out to lack drive and energy, he says.

So he ended up giving the jobs to a couple of friends - all of whom are over 60 years old, creating a new team that he now describes as a gold mine.

"To me, they are all young in a way, because age counts for nothing compared to the energy and enthusiasm you can still have when you're over 60," he tells dpa.

The plant in the municipality of Zane in the northern Italian region of Veneto is renowned for its mozzarella, Grana Padano or Scamorza cheese as well as other traditional dairy products. But when launching the new product line, Brazzale felt it was only natural to dare something different with the team as well.

And he says he never regretted the decision. On the contrary, his new employees bring everything a boss could hope for, he says, namely lots of energy, enthusiasm and above all experience.

"They have a completely different level of experience compared to the young people," Brazzale says. "They have understood how important the work is. When you're young, you don't understand that - you only understand that later," says the dairy boss, himself in his early 60s.

His new hires are mostly old acquaintances and friends. Most of them know each other from their school days or - as you would expect in a rural Italian community of 6,000 - from hanging out on Zane's central piazza.

After high school, everyone went their own separate ways. Sandro, for example, worked as a gold dealer, Brazzale says, while Sonia and her husband ran a restaurant for a long time.

"We are all friends and know each other well," he stresses. "That's why the team spirit is much stronger."

Today, his team of oldies but goldies at the main site in Zane is responsible for marketing speciality butters. Ugo drives a food truck, while Sonia, who like Brazzale once liked to skip school, takes care of the administration.

What might sound like a lucky - and slightly nepotistic - solution to one Italian entrepreneur's problem signals a wider serious issue plaguing Italian society.

Just like many western European countries, the homeland of pizza and pasta is struggling with an ageing population and declining birth rates.

The latest data from the statistics authority Istat shows that the number of births has fallen below the 400,000 mark for the first time since records began in the 19th century, at just under 393,000 in 2022.

Even Pope Francis has sounded alarm bells over the declining birth rates in Italy and Europe as a whole. When a woman asked him to bless her dog which she affectionately presented as her "baby," he complained that today's culture favours pets over children.

According to Istat, the latest births-to-deaths ratio stands at 7 births for every 12 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants, leading the general population to steadily decline since 2014 to below 60 million.

Italy's right-wing government led by Giorgia Meloni appointed a "birth minister" more than a year ago to tackle the trend which is expected to burden the economy in the long term.

With the effects perhaps most visible in schools and nurseries, the education minister recently warned that the number of pupils is set to decline by 1 million over the next decade.

Dairy entrepreneur Brazzale is well aware of these developments and the problems that they create for employers. But at the same time, he says, the way the older generation perceives itself has changed.

"Some believe that you have nothing more to say at 60. Or even that you just want to retire at this age. That's not true." Today's 60s are the new 40s, he says.

Brazzale can't stop raving about his new senior staff and never tires of praising their efforts which are unmatched by most young teams, he says.

He is not yet sure what he will do when his employees over 60 decide to retire after all. But for now, business is going well and the team is doing "bravissimi."

Several wheels of Gran Moravia cheese lie in a Brazzale warehouse. Dairy entrepreneur Roberto Brazzale only employs people over 60 for a special branch of his dairy business. Brazzale AG/dpa
Why Levittown beheading suspect Justin Mohn will not be in court this week on murder charges

A preliminary hearing set for Tuesday has been canceled for the Levittown man accused of killing his father, decapitating him and calling for the violent overthrow of the federal government in a YouTube video.

Justin Mohn was scheduled to appear at the Bucks County Justice Center on the long list of charges against him in the Jan. 30 murder of his 68-year-old father, Michael Mohn, in their Levittown home.

Here is what we know about the hearing delay and the case against the 32-year-old Middletown man.

Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn, left, speaks to the media alongside Chief Deputy District Attorney - Chief of Child Abuse Prosecution, Matthew S. Lannetti, center, and other law enforcement partners while showing the mugshot of Justin Mohn in the background at the press conference about the Mohn murder case at the Bucks County Justice Center in Doylestown on Friday, Feb.2, 2024. Daniella Heminghaus | Bucks County Courier Times

More on Justin Mohn case Do beheading murder suspect Justin Mohn's lawsuits, writings show path to radicalization?

Why was the hearing for Justin Mohn delayed?

The defense team for Mohn requested a continuance, which was granted, according to Bucks County District Attorneys Office spokesman Manuel Gamiz. No reason was given for the delay, which is not unusual. The hearing will be rescheduled, but there is not a new date yet, according to the DA's office.

Where is Justin Mohn now?

Mohn remains incarcerated without bail in the Bucks County Corrections Center in Doylestown, according to VineLink.

What crimes is Justin Mohn charged with

First-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, two counts of possession of an instrument of crime, three counts of felony terrorism, robbery, firearms not to be carried without a license, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, defiant trespassing.

Who is Justin Mohn Who is Justin Mohn? Levittown man in YouTube beheading video sued government, made music

What authorities allege happened on Jan. 30, 2024 in Levittown

Mohn is accused of shooting, killing then decapitating his father in the familys Upper Orchard Drive home before recording a 14-minute video he posted on YouTube where he displayed his fathers severed head.

In the video, Mohn identified himself ascommander of America's national network of militias and called for the killing of all federal workers and ordered his followers to seize control of all federal law enforcement offices and federal courthouses.

After allegedly murdering his father, Mohn stole his fathers car and drove to the Army National Guard Training Center in Fort Indiantown Gap where he was apprehended.

Authorities said Mohn claimed he went to the military base in an effort to mobilize the Pennsylvania National Guard to raise arms against the federal government and convince Gov. Josh Shapiro to join forces with him.

Authorities allege Mohn had a flash drive containing photos of federal buildings and instructions that appear to show how to make explosive devices. He also had a loaded 9 mm handgun that he purchased the day before, police said.

Mohn allegedly shot his father before decapitating him.

Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Hearing for Levittown beheading suspect Justin Mohn delayed
A farewell ceremony for the Chinese nationals killed in a terrorist attack was held on March 31 at Nur Khan airbase here in Pakistan. #XinhuaNews
Why would you not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? Political division has made problems worse

In public schools across the country, students are not required to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. (Private schools are different.) Courts have ruled that students in public schools may exercise their right to silent speech.

Teachers across Oklahoma are not allowed to force, persuade or recommend students to participate in the pledge, the national anthem and certainly not prayer (allegedly per administrators) for fears of lawsuits.

More: 'Awakenings' can provide forward thinking, build more inclusive world

I was fortunate to have the trust of my students, such that I could ask them to share their viewpoints. So, I asked why they didnt stand for the pledge. The top two answers made up 80% of the answers:

 No one else stands, so why should I?

 Its not that important to our generation.

There was a third answer, which shook me to the core.

One of the sweetest and smartest girls said this  They hate me. I should tell you that she was of color.

Later, I had a private discussion with that student and asked if she would elaborate on her answer. She shared that she believed that the country was run by an establishment that simply hated her.

What do you say when someone says something so poignantly painful? The last thing I was in the position to do was to question, deny or debate how she felt. All I could tell her was that I didnt hate her, and that if anyone did indeed hate her, then they were either bad people or idiots.

More: Guest: Adults with 21st-century pitchforks who ban books can learn a lot from young people

I believe most of society, especially in Oklahoma, is made up of good people. However, we have made love and empathy two sides of the same coin. We are capable of love, but we seem to struggle with empathy. Sadly, it seems that todays political division has made problems worse.

Love is a two-way street. Why we dont exemplify to our future leaders the simple truth that an Americans greatest ally will always be another American is a shame because that is how America will stay great!

My parents immigrated to the United States in 1960. One of the best days of my late fathers life was when he, my mother and older brother became citizens of the country that we love. When his grandson (my nephew) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Dad was in tears.

If I hadnt stood for the pledge, my father would have done something about it.

This leads me to my universal conclusion. Parents, you hold the keys! Not only are you responsible for providing love, security, shelter and nutrition, but you are in the best position (legally and morally) to instill the virtues of education, patriotism, hard work and family onto our kids. Only you can enforce homework, bedtime, use of technology and other disciplines that will make your kids the people you hope them to be.

Retired Col. Greg Barrack, shown with his ROTC students, died recently. Barrack oversaw a Junior ROTC program in Tulsa.

Finally, I want to honor retired Col. Greg Barrack, who passed away recently. Col. Barrack oversaw the Junior ROTC program at my school. His classroom was a sanctuary where teachers and students could freely discuss the importance of patriotism. Why administrators would not allow that privilege to all corners of the school is debatable, because Im pretty sure that no jury in the state of Oklahoma would ever give financial rewards to kids for the pain and suffering of standing at attention for our country.

K. John Lee is a rookie teacher at Tulsa Memorial High School.

K. John Lee worked last year as a teacher in Tulsa Public Schools.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma parents in best position to instill patriotism, hard work
Update, April 2: The City Council delayed a vote on the proposed charter ordinance until June 4 to allow district advisory boards to review the proposal. The June 4 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. inside the council chambers at City Hall.

Original story:

City Halls own website, Wichita.gov would be recognized as the official city newspaper under a proposed charter ordinance the City Council will vote on Tuesday.

Doing so would allow the city to terminate its contract for publishing copies of new ordinances and notices of other official actions in The Eagle, including notices about imposing taxes, creating benefit districts and amending the zoning code.

The publication of legal notices in a designated newspaper is required by state law.

In supporting documents, the city cites a July 2023 nonbinding legal opinion by Attorney General Kris Kobach declaring that second-class cities  those with between 2,000 and 15,000 residents  can circumvent the third-party publication requirement.

City staff asserts that the same should hold true for any city that invokes home rule on the issue.

The opinion finds that a city may designate its website as the official newspaper for publication of certain documents and notices. The Attorney Generals analysis would be applicable to the Citys ability to charter out from the provisions of K.S.A 64-101, the agenda report states.

Staff prepared a document listing 13 Kansas cities that have switched to online-only self-publication, ranging in size from Lake Quivira (population 1,008) to Salina (population 46,481). The list includes Augusta twice and one entry  Pra?  that appears to refer to Pratt.

Staff documents acknowledge that because of the way certain state statutes are worded, some notices, including public hearings for the annual budget, city land acquisition and eminent domain hearings, must be published in a newspaper of general circulation and that publication on City website [is] not sufficient.

The contract with the Wichita Eagle will be utilized for these publications until August of 2024, when the contract will be rebid, the agenda report states.

Adopting a charter ordinance requires five of seven council members to vote in favor of the proposal. The vote was 5-2 earlier this month when the council directed staff to prepare an option to extract the city from its roughly $150,000 annual contract with McClatchy, The Eagles parent company.

No citizen is reading a legal notice in the newspaper anyway. Ive never done that. I can guarantee you most citizens arent doing that anyway, council member Dalton Glasscock said at the March 19 meeting.

Mayor Lily Wu questioned whether publishing with The Eagle in print and online is a redundancy, given that the city already posts legal notices on its website.

Council member Becky Tuttle said if the goal is to promote transparency and restore trust in city government, ceasing publication of notices in the newspaper would be a counterproductive step.

I think redundancy in communication to the community is just fine because everybody gets their message in a little bit different way, so the more we can do, the better, Tuttle said. Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard was the only other member to vote against reviewing the citys contract with McClatchy.

Press advocates have raised concerns about government transparency associated with the move away from print publication, including how citizens can know for sure that official language is not altered after the fact.

The clerk, by affidavit, verifies the ordinances and resolutions published online is verbatim of the notice provided or the action taken by the city council, city spokesperson Megan Lovely said in an email statement. The chance of error is diminished under the proposed system, vastly improving on the current protocol of emailing Word doc-formatted notices to a third party for print publication. With the online system, there is no need to retype or reformat a notice/item by a third party which can lead to errors or omissions.
A 28-year-old Wichita man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to transporting 100,000 fentanyl-laced pills with the intent to sell them, federal prosecutors said.

Devonte Smith had been charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Kansas.

Smith and two other people flew from Wichita to Arizona on April 3, 2023 to purchase the fentanyl-laced pills and bring them back to Kansas, court documents show.

Smith arrived back in Wichita the next day. The two other people involved, Jomarion Nelson and Dornayjah Acon, drove back with the pills in Acons car. They were stopped on April 7 by police in Pratt, Kansas with over 100,000 fentanyl-laced pills, according to a plea agreement.

Criminal charges against Nelson and Acon are pending within the court system, the release said.

The FBI, Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office among others investigated the case.
Gov. Tony Evers speaks at a press conference before signing the biennial budget in July. On Friday, he vetoed a bill that would have created a revolving loan program for child care providers for renovations.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed a Republican bill that would have created a revolving loan program for child care providers for renovations.

In his veto message, Evers said the bill fails to address the looming child care industry fiscal cliff.

The state must make the meaningful, sustainable investments necessary to stabilize the crucial child care industry and prevent its collapse, he wrote.

Evers and other Democrats have long advocated that the state invest in making the Child Care Counts program permanent. The program makes monthly stabilization payments to child care providers. Originally set up using federal pandemic relief funds, the program was set to end in 2024. But in October 2023, Evers announced plans to use emergency funding, most of which was unspent pandemic-relief funds originally allocated elsewhere, to continue the program through June 2025.

Republicans have presented different plans to address the states child care issues. The bill Evers vetoed Friday was part of a child care package Republicans introduced in September. Of the six bills in the package, it was the only one to make it to the governors desk.

The bill would have required the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to create a revolving loan program for renovations to regulated child care businesses, as well as those that planned to become regulated within a year of receiving the loan.

When child care providers repaid their loans, that money would then go back into the loan fund so it could be borrowed by other providers, hence the loans revolving nature.

The bill stipulated that WEDC should award 60% of loans to home-based child care providers and 40% to providers that are not home based, such as child care centers. It also specified maximum dollar amounts that each classification of child care program could receive, and requirements for programs to continue the loan agreement.

Some child care providers previously voiced reservations about taking on a loan, given the present financial hardships the industry faces  a point Evers cited as a reason for vetoing the bill.

More: A Republican plan to ease the child care crisis got a hearing. Here is what providers and others had to say

Related: A new law expands a Wisconsin tax credit for child care expenses. Here's what this means for your family.

Partisan disagreement over loans versus grants

When crafting the 2023-25 biennial budget, state lawmakers created the opportunity for $15 million of the states general purpose revenue to be used by the WEDC to create the revolving loan fund for child care providers. But to access the funds, WEDC would need permission from the state's Joint Committee on Finance.

The bill Evers vetoed Friday specified how this program would have operated.

When Evers partially vetoed the budget passed by the Assembly and Senate, he removed references to revolving loans, opening the possibility that WEDC could use the money for grants to child care providers.

While the recently vetoed Republican bill specified the money be used for loans, a group of Assembly Democrats offered an amendment that aimed to replace the child care renovations revolving loan program with grants. The amendment was tabled.

With Friday's veto, the door is still technically open for the appropriation to be used for grants. However, to access the funds, WEDC would need approval from the Republican-controlled Joint Committee on Finance.

Madison Lammert covers child care and early education across Wisconsin as a Report for America corps member based at The Appleton Post-Crescent. To contact her, email mlammert@gannett.com or call 920-993-7108. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to Report for America by visiting postcrescent.com/RFA.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoes Republican child care bill
Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump will land in Green Bay on a day Wisconsin voters head to the polls for the state's presidential primary  and, this year, with markedly low enthusiasm.

The race for president solidified between Trump and President Joe Biden arguably months before Tuesday's presidential primary election  a departure from past presidential cycles that compounds voters' already low enthusiasm for a 2020 rematch.

Low approval for both of the major parties' candidates coincides with a stark drop in the number of voters who consider themselves "very enthusiastic" to cast ballots this year, according to recent polling by the Marquette University Law School.

More: In the ground game to engage Black Milwaukee voters, signs of waning enthusiasm for 2020 rematch

Days before Tuesday's primary election, in which Biden and Trump are expected to easily win their respective party contests, that universal distaste could be found in interviews with mall shoppers in the purple Milwaukee suburb of Brookfield. Each groaned, sighed and winced when asked about their choices for president this year.

"I just think they both stink," Heather Leasure, 39, of Walworth County, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I don't think we've had a good candidate since (former Arizona U.S. Sen. John) McCain and Barack Obama were in."

More: Voters will face two referendum questions regarding outside funding of election administration. How to understand these questions

Mindy Gutzmann of Milwaukee said she wasn't sure if she would even cast a ballot in the presidential race Tuesday.

"I don't really feel like there is a good candidate," Gutzmann said. "I'm hoping that as time goes on, someone will pop out that is more middle of the pendulum instead of being extreme on either side."

"I don't know that Biden has the mental capacity for another four years. And I don't think Trump has the moral capacity for the next four years. So I'm at a loss."

More: Milwaukee could get up to five inches of snow Tuesday for Brewers' home opener, Election Day.

Steve and Burdie Alles of Wauwatosa, both in their 70s, said, for them, Trump is the "lesser of two evils."

"How would I say this? I'm not thrilled with either candidate," Burdie Alles told the Journal Sentinel. "But I'm definitely not in favor of Joe Biden having another four years."

Steve Alles said he believes Trump "is a little healthier"  a sentiment most voters echoed  "but still, neither one of them should be in there running."

And Dewayne Bell of Milwaukee said he will probably vote Tuesday but doesn't like either candidate.

"Neither one of them should be the president," Bell said.

"Joe Biden, I feel like he don't do enough. And then I feel like Donald Trump, he tries too hard to get people on his side, when I don't feel like he's doing the right stuff either."

The Brookfield shoppers are not alone.

In January 2020, three months ahead of that year's presidential primary, 68% of voters told the Marquette University Law School pollsters they were "very enthusiastic" about voting in the upcoming presidential election. In January of this year, that percentage dropped nearly 20 percentage points to 49%.

Charles Franklin, Marquette University Law School poll director, said the drop in enthusiasm was driven by Democratic voters' concerns and has marginally improved since Biden's State of the Union address in early March.

"On a variety of issues, and on overall job performance, Biden is weak, and Democrats have worried a lot about that this year," Franklin said.

"Then you add to that those who are very concerned about the Palestinians and the situation in Israel ... (and) there's an additional faction within the party that now has a substantive policy disagreement with Biden as well," he said. "So you get both policy disagreement and malaise about how his campaign was looking and how he was looking as president."

President Joe Biden speaks at the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce December 20, 2023 in Milwaukee.

Trump is not as popular among Republicans in the January poll as he was in January 2020, Franklin said, but has gained approval back within his party over the last year, according to Franklin. Meanwhile, Biden has slipped in support among Democrats within the last year.

"On enthusiasm, Trump supporters are way more enthusiastic than Biden supporters," he said.

So far, Biden's campaign and official travel behavior have reflected the headwinds he faces in his reelection bid  with seven visits from Biden or a top administration official since January.

More: 'No Labels' party says it has enough signatures for ballot access in Wisconsin

Meanwhile, Trump's visit to Green Bay on Tuesday is the first stop the former president has made in Wisconsin since the launch of his 2024 campaign.

In an interview Monday with conservative radio host Dan O'Donnell, Trump suggested his rally and the message in Wisconsin would focus on immigration and his continued campaign to falsely claim he won Wisconsin in 2020.

"The second time we actually did much better than the first time," Trump said in the interview on WISN-AM, referring to the 2016 election and the 2020 election. Unlike 2016, Trump did not win the 2020 election, however.

Franklin said on the issues of immigration and the economy, which are typically rated as the most pressing matters, Trump fares better in polling. On abortion, Biden is ahead. But when voters are asked how they view the candidates as people, Biden is leading Trump.

"If you just added up the advantages across issues, you would think Trump should be winning this hands down," Franklin said. "But on personal characteristics, it's more of a mixed bag. Biden is certainly seen as much more too old than Trump is, but Trump is seen as more corrupt and doesn't have the right temperament to be president."

About 17% of Wisconsin residents polled by Franklin say they view both candidates negatively, like the voters in Brookfield. Franklin said that's a higher percentage than pollsters saw in 2020 but lower than in 2016.

He said high numbers of voters who don't like either candidate is a recipe for third-party candidates to gather enough votes to be consequential in a race, as was the case in 2016 when Wisconsin was the tipping point of the election and Trump defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by less than one percentage point.

Former President Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd as he walks on stage during a campaign rally for Republican candidate for governor Tim Michels at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds in Waukesha August 5, 2022.

Daphne Chen and Madeline Heim of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin presidential primary comes with voter enthusiasm dropping
Wisconsin Set to Offer Free Driver Education to Students in Need

This article was originally published in Wisconsin Watch.

As the director of Pathways High in Milwaukee, Franz Meyer has students asking him about drivers education opportunities almost daily.

He said students want to learn to drive, but options are limited and often unaffordable.

Id tell them you can go to this place, but they only have so many slots, or you can go here, but it costs $350, Meyer said. But it clearly wasnt enough. Some young people just take the risk and drive anyway.

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He said the cost of drivers education courses range from $100 to $400.

Help may soon be available. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, or WisDOT, is expected to roll out a free program that would provide drivers education for Wisconsin high school students in need.

Wisconsin Act 86, which was signed by Gov. Tony Evers in early December, makes $6 million available for drivers education.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Administrations fiscal estimate, from 10,000 to 13,300 students will be eligible to receive drivers education grants under the program.

Common Ground launches campaign

The grants are a result of Common Grounds three-year campaign, which started after a listening session the group held in 2021.

Common Ground is a nonpartisan organization that allows residents to identify problems in the community and then find solutions.

Jennifer OHear, the lead organizer and executive director of Common Ground, said funds are expected to be available by July.

Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation declined to comment on when the funds will be available and how students and their families can access them for drivers education. They said the program is in the development stage.

Listening to community concerns

OHear said Common Ground heard 982 people say reckless driving was their No. 1 concern.

Weve had many incidents around this area (Milwaukees Sherman Park) where young people are getting in cars not knowing how to drive and causing accidents, said Frank Finch, a Common Ground leader involved in the campaign.

As the conversation evolved from hearing residents concerns to creating solutions, Common Ground leaders pointed to drivers education as a tool to address reckless driving.

According to OHear, Wisconsin funded drivers education from 1961 until 2004.

However, the state still requires youths under 18 to enroll in a school or commercial driving program in order to get a learners permit and probationary license.

We learned that there is a whole generation of kids out there that dont know how to drive because they never had access to drivers education, Finch said.

Pathways Highs Meyer, who has been in his position for six years, participated in the campaign along with several of his students.

One of his students, Shankayla Caldwell, said the cost of drivers ed created challenges for her.

I have been struggling to find access to drivers ed, and its been kind of hard because of the prices, she said. Like I really, really wanted to drive, and I know I cant go without my license, so its been just a lot of waiting.

According to a 2016 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Employment and Training Institute study, the most recent data available, only 30% of 18-year-olds in Milwaukee have a drivers license compared to 66% of 18-year-olds statewide.

Additionally, only 30% of African American and Hispanic 18-year-olds hold a drivers license compared to 75% of white 18-year-olds.

Through the community listening sessions, Common Ground leaders identified the need for long-term funding for drivers education for students as a way to combat reckless driving.

OHear and Finch said the campaign got rolling when they met Andy Franken, the president of the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance. The group, which represents the property and casualty insurance industry, advocates and advances policy for those groups.

Once I saw the specific stories and studies about Milwaukee and statewide, I knew this was a cause worth being involved in, Franken said.

This article first appeared on Wisconsin Watch and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Woman, 75, stabbed multiple times in head by parolee who followed her into Bronx elevator

An elderly woman was stabbed multiple times in the head on Sunday after an attacker followed her into an elevator at a residential building in the Bronx, sources said.

The unidentified 75-year-old woman was stabbed in the face and head inside 2066 Morris Avenue at 11:30 a.m. in the Tremont neighborhood, according to law enforcement sources.

Edwin Rios, 38, allegedly stabbed her numerous times. Police later apprehended the suspect on charges of attempted murder, sources said.

The victim was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital to be treated for her injuries. Her condition and relation to her attacker are unknown. It was unclear if she lived in the building.

The 75-year-old woman, whose identity hasnt been released publicly, was stabbed in the face and head multiple times inside 2066 Morris Avenue at 11:30 a.m. in the Tremont neighborhood.

Rios was on parole from a similar crime that took place in October 2012, where he followed a 22-year-old woman off a bus in Queens and stabbed her in the back two times, sources said.

He was also arrested in 2013, according to sources.

Overall crime is down in the Big Apple 2.3%, according to the NYPD. However, felony assault is up 3% and robbery is up 4.1%.

The NYPD does not publicly track stabbing incidents.

A 38-year-old suspect followed the woman into the elevator, where he stabbed her numerous times, sources said. Michael Nagle

Recently, a bunch of women have reported being randomly punched in Downtown Manhattan

Skiboky Stora, 40, of East New York, was charged with assault Wednesday in connection with a random Monday attack on Halley Kate, the NYPD said.

Kates viral TikTok garnered 41 million and several other women came forward to share they had also been sucker punched while walking.

Police did not say if Stora was a suspect in any of the other incidents.
A Texas woman is suing after she said she was wrongfully arrested for giving herself an abortion.

On Jan. 7, 2022, the Starr County woman went to a hospital after ingesting Cytotec, also known as misoprostol, to induce an abortion, according to a federal lawsuit.

After medical professionals treated the woman and found a positive fetal heart rate, she was discharged, the lawsuit said. However, about 30 minutes later, she returned to the hospital with abdominal pain and bleeding.

This time, hospital staff found no fetal heart rate and incomplete spontaneous abortion, the lawsuit said. A Cesarean section was then done on the woman and she delivered a stillborn baby, according to court documents.

Sometime between Jan. 7 and March 30, 2022, hospital staff reported the self-induced abortion to authorities, the lawsuit said. Then, the Starr County District Attorneys Office investigated.

District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez and Assistant District Attorney Alexandria Lynn Barrera, who are listed as defendants in the lawsuit, presented the case to a grand jury and the woman was indicted on charges of murder, according to the lawsuit.

McClatchy News reached out to Ramirez and Barrera for comment on April 1 but did not immediately hear back.

The lawsuit says that under Texas law an unborn child is exempt from the statute pertaining to murder if the conduct charged is: (1) conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child.

Therefore, the woman was falsely arrested, the lawsuit said.

She spent three days in jail before she was released and charges against her were dismissed, according to the lawsuit.

Beginning March 1, 2023, an investigatory hearing for Ramirez was held by the State Bar of Texas. It found that Ramirez practiced professional misconduct and knowingly made a false statement of material fact.

Ramirez was suspended from practicing law for one year beginning April 1, 2024.

The lawsuit is asking for at least $1 million in damages, saying the womans life was forever changed after being charged and arrested.

Man accused of drugging pregnant wife to cause abortion gets 180-day sentence in Texas

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Photo taken on April 1, 2024 shows destroyed buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

GAZA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said.

The security sources told Xinhua that most of the hospital buildings were destroyed, burned, and attacked by the Israeli army, which turned the hospital out of service.

Medical and Civil defense crews pulled out dozens of decomposing bodies, including children, women, and medical staff, from the courtyards of the hospital, the security sources said.

"It is impossible to resume the work soon inside the hospital as the Israeli army deliberately destroyed all medical equipment in the complex, including operating rooms, intensive care, all specialized departments, and refrigerators for the dead," medical sources told Xinhua.

On March 18, the Israeli army carried out a sudden large-scale military operation on the Shifa hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, under the pretext that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) used the hospital for military operations against Israel.

Israeli Army Spokesman Avichai Adraee said in a press statement that the army finished its military operation in the Shifa (...) the army killed and arrested dozens, including leaders of Hamas and the PIJ.

"The army found rifles, pistols, explosive materials, and dozens of mortar shells in the maternity ward, some of which were inside beds and pillows," Adraee added.

Al-Shifa Complex was established in 1946, subject to Israel in 1967, and to the Palestinian Authority after the Oslo Accords in 1994.

As a government entity affiliated with the Gaza-based Health Ministry, Al-Shifa Complex is the most significant health institution providing medical services in the Gaza Strip, which includes three specialized hospitals and employs 25 percent of the Gaza Strip's hospital workers.

The Hamas-run media office said in a press statement that "the Israeli army killed at least 400 Palestinians and arrested over 900 others during its military operation in the Shifa hospital."

It held Israel and the United States responsible for the Israeli "crimes" against the Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave.

Overall, at least 32,845 Palestinians have been killed and 75,392 wounded since Israel launched its retaliatory attack against Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. The Israeli death toll from Hamas's surprise attack stands at 1,139, with about 100 still held hostage in Gaza. 

People transfer bodies from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

Photo taken on April 1, 2024 shows destroyed buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People are seen near destroyed buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People are seen on the rubble near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People are seen on a street with damaged buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People gather at the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People prepare to transfer bodies from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People collect items from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People are seen among the rubble near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People transfer an injured man from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

Photo taken on April 1, 2024 shows destroyed buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People are seen on a street with damaged buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People search among the rubble near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People collect items from destroyed buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People are seen in a destroyed building near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

Photo taken on April 1, 2024 shows destroyed buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli army on Monday withdrew from the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after two weeks of military operation, leaving dozens of deaths and massive destruction, Palestinian security medical sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)
Woman injured in Russian attack on Vovchansk

The entrance to the town of Vovchansk: Photo: Oleksandra Novosel, Suspilne Kharkiv, a Kharkiv-related branch of Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Russian troops struck the town of Vovchansk in Chuhuiv district (Kharkiv Oblast) on Monday afternoon (1 April), injuring a woman, 27.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: The official stated that the attack took place at 13:20 on 1 April.

The Russians struck residential buildings in the town.

A woman suffered shrapnel injuries. She was hospitalised.

Background:

On 31 March, Russian forces also targeted Vovchansk. They carried out airstrikes on the town.

In addition, Russian mortars and artillery bombarded Vovchansk.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A woman killed in a south Abilene motorcycle crash has been identified.

Shanna Bowman, 35, of Abilene, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on S Leggett Street just after midnight Saturday, according to a press release from the Abilene Police Department.

The press release states Bowman was a passenger on a motorcycle that left the roadway while traveling at a high rate of speed. She was ejected upon impact, and the driver was hospitalized with unknown injuries.

Investigators do believe both speed and alcohol contributed to this fatal crash, according to the press release.

No further information has been released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Visible Men Academy announced plans on Monday to share a campus with another Bradenton school.

A few months ago, leaders of the tuition-free, all-male charter school sounded the alarm about their situation. Visible Men Academy missed the deadline to build a new campus on property acquired from Manatee County Government.

After the school year ends in June, Visible Men Academy will move to the existing Just For Girls campus, 1011 21st St. E., Bradenton. In exchange for rent-free use of the campus, Visible Men Academy will take over bus routes for both student populations.

Just For Girls, a local alternative school, will continue to operate at the school alongside Visible Men Academy. Girls and boys will attend classes in separate buildings.

We are thrilled to receive this level of trust and acknowledgment from our community, said principal Dr. Janjay Gehndyu, who will help lead both schools. On top of the financial and administrative relief for our school leadership, these new solutions take away stress and distractions from our faculty and teachers, who can continue to devote their whole focus to our students.

Visible Men Academys new campus announcement comes after the Bradenton Herald reported on the schools dire situation. Becky Canesse, executive director of Just For Girls, said she learned about the situation because of the Heralds coverage and decided to lend a hand.

Bradenton charter schools to share campus

...I knew we had the resources to help. This is a wonderful partnership that benefits both of our programs in very tangible ways, Canesse said. And the collaboration and inspiration we can generate together is boundless.

According to school leaders, the agreement with Just For Girls will save Visible Men Academy about $200,000 in operational costs. Right now, the school leases space from the Beth Messiah Messianic Synagogue, 1003 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton.

The Manatee County School Board also recently granted a five-year charter extension for Visible Men Academy.

Just For Girls Elementary School in Bradenton will be the new home of Visible Men Academy thanks to a partnership between the two schools.

In December, Visible Men Academy lost a deal with Manatee County to build a school campus on 4 acres along 63rd Avenue East. The school, which did not show the county a site or funding plan, missed one construction deadline in September 2020 and a second in September 2023.

After county officials decided not to extend the agreement again, they began the process of taking back the land in December.

Gehndyu said Visible Men Academy missed the deadline because school leaders turned their attention to the schools failing grade and the COVID-19 pandemic. The schools grade dropped from a B in 2019 to an F in 2022, according to the Florida Department of Education.

According to state officials, the school was one of 37 Florida charter schools in 2022 that were forced to implement a school improvement plan due to low test scores.

Since then, school leaders have worked to boost the schools grade and enrollment numbers. Gehndyu said the schools grade climbed to a C in 2023. He remains committed to achieving an A, he said.

Gehndyu added that the schools enrollment numbers climbed from 46 to 70 since 2021. The schools next goal is to have 100 students when school resumes in August.

As school leaders look to the future, they hope to attract more families to the shared campus.

This was a blessing in disguise, Gehndyu said. Its going to allow us to grow.

Principal Janjay Gehndyu at Visible Men Academy on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Young Sheldon stars Montana Jordan and Emily Osment have addressed the change in filming style for their upcoming spin-off.

Last month, it was confirmed that The Big Bang Theory spin-off would be getting a spin-off of its own, focusing on Sheldon Cooper's older brother Georgie (Jordan) and his fiancee Mandy (Osment).

Speaking to TVLine about their spin-off, the actors spoke about the switch from single camera filming, used in Young Sheldon, to working on a multi-camera sitcom shot in front of a studio audience  with Osment revealing the new filming style was one of her favourites.

"It's just a completely different experience, just a completely different form of comedy," she explained.

CBS

Related: Young Sheldon makes major change to Big Bang Theory storyline



"My favourite part of that is the live audience and feeling like you're doing a new play every week."



Comparing the two, the actress added: "There's something different about actually performing in front of people who are there to actually watch you perform."

Jordan then revealed the change in format was something he would need to get used to as it was "something I've never done before".

The pair also recalled the moment they were told about plans for the spin-off, which had been revealed on the same day the cast of Young Sheldon learnt that season seven would be their last.

Pamela Littky - CBS

Related: Big Bang Theory stars to reprise roles for Young Sheldon finale

"It was a lot for one day," Osment said of the day. "It was a a very bittersweet feeling."

The new spin-off is expected to follow on from Young Sheldon's final season, with upcoming episodes set to see Georgie and Mandy get married before heading off on their own adventure alongside their daughter CeeCee.

Further details about cast and storylines are yet to be revealed. However Raegan Revord has already ruled herself out, claiming on Instagram that she "wasn't invited" to join the spin-off.

Young Sheldon airs on CBS in the US and E4 in the UK.

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Zara to reopen three stores in Kyiv on Wednesday

Inditex (owner of Zara, Pull&Bear, Bershka and Massimo Dutti) will gradually resume its commercial operations in Ukraine, first opening its online network on Tuesday and, starting on Wednesday, about 20 stores of its brands, including three Zara stores, in Kyiv.

Source: Spanish news agency EFE

Details: This marks the textile giant's re-entry into the Ukrainian market over two years after closing its stores and cancelling e-commerce operations due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Zara Home brands will be back on sale for Ukrainian consumers this week.

Background:

On 8 March, it was reported that the mentioned brands belonging to Inditex are coming back to Ukraine.

On Wednesday, shares of Spanish clothing company Inditex, which owns the Zara brand, rose to a historic high after the company reported record revenue growth in 2023.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky held a three-hour meeting on April 1 to discuss drone production and electronic warfare systems with senior members of the military and government.

Drones have been a vital tool in Ukraine's defense against Russia, and Zelensky said in January that surpassing Russia in drone operations is one of the top priorities for 2024.

Electronic warfare (EW) is crucial in defending against enemy drones, and involves jamming or overloading the drone's receiver with false frequencies, meaning they cannot reach their target.

Zelensky said the meeting's agenda included discussing the production plans for 2024 for "all types of drones," including bomber drones, scout drones, and "long-range drones for special missions."



The participants also "discussed how to ensure the flexibility of our defense industry," as "the needs of the front are constantly changing," Zelensky said.

The meeting resulted in decisions "regarding the simplification of the procurement procedure, the import of equipment, the increase in the production of shells for drones, and the training of operators."

Ukraine is also "building a complex control system for EW means to protect our soldiers and equipment from Russian drones," and is already being tested at the front. The military plans "to scale the project to the entire front," Zelensky said.

Participants of the meeting included Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov, and Security Service Chief Vasyl Maliuk.

Zelensky signed a decree in February creating a separate branch of Ukraine's Armed Forces dedicated to drones. In March, Fedorov announced that seven Ukrainian vocational schools plan to start drone operation programs.

The same month, Syrskyi said the development and use of drones was his priority, describing the technology as being "the key" to Ukraine's advantage over Russia.

Read also: The Invisible War: Inside the electronic warfare arms race that could shape course of war in Ukraine

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has gathered key international relations and defence officials to discuss cooperation goals with NATO this year.

Source: European Pravda; Zelenskyys address

Zelenskyy noted that the special meeting concerned the "compatibility and prospects for this year" in relations with NATO. The meeting was attended by officials responsible for international relations, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov and the international team of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

"This year raises several fundamental questions about the relations between Ukraine and NATO. In particular, this applies to the summit in Washington and many other aspects of cooperation. Only with Ukraine in the Alliance can we count on real security in Europe," the President said.

Background:

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, noted that Ukraine has "no illusions" in expectations from the NATO summit in Washington. Still, Kyiv will call on its allies to make a legally binding decision to invite Ukraine to membership.

Stefanishyna also hinted that Kyiv does not discuss hypothetical options for "hybrid" accession of Ukraine in NATO and that so far, the allies, in general, are not ready to discuss the issue of any guarantees for Ukraine on the Alliance's platform.

At the same time, the ambassadors of the Baltic states to the UK urged the Alliance to give Ukraine a clear prospect of NATO membership in a joint article where they called on NATO to be more decisive in responding to the challenges posed by Russia.

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Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attends an exchange event with Thai youth in Thailand, March 31, 2024. Liu Jianchao led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

BANGKOK, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday.

During the visit, Liu met and exchanged views with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party President Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and other leaders of political parties in the ruling coalition.

Liu also attended an exchange event with Thai youth and met with Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group.

The two sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, take the opportunity of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on experience in governance, advance practical cooperation in various fields, enhance mutual understanding between the people, promote the development of China-ASEAN relations, and work together to build a China-Thailand community with a shared future. 

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party President Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Thailand, March 31, 2024. Liu Jianchao led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara in Thailand, March 31, 2024. Liu Jianchao led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul in Thailand, March 30, 2024. Liu Jianchao led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in Thailand, March 31, 2024. Liu Jianchao led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)
Weather Update, April 8, 11:45 AM ET: The weather forecast in the story below still largely holds, but things are more unsettled in the southern US, with forecasts now calling for thunderstorms from Dallas up to Indianapolis. So, keep that potential danger in mind (and keep an eye on forecasts) when making eclipse plans.

Elsewhere, the best chance of good viewing along the path of totality is still in northeastern parts of the US (Buffalo, NY, Burlington, VT), along with southeast Canada (Niagara Falls and Montreal), according to Accuweather. However, as of this morning, Apple's weather app is indicating cloudy skies for many parts of the area, including Syracuse, NY and Jersey City, NJ. In the Midwest (Cleveland), there's a higher chance of rain than before (58 percent), but no storms currently predicted.

Original story continues below

On April 8, a solar eclipse will darken the skies. This is a rare astronomical event: The last North American total solar eclipse was on August 21, 2017, and there won't be another on visible on the continent until 2044. The path of totality  where the sun will be fully blocked by the moon  covers over 30 million people in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Those lucky folks may see the suns corona and a diamond ring  both dramatic sights. Other regions will experience partial eclipses, with the level depending on how close you are to totality. Watching the moon eat into the sun, even a bit, is still a spectacular sight.

So, which cities and regions will experience totality, and when? Whats the weather forecast in those areas? And if you do have a clear view, how can you safely watch and record the event?

Where in the US will you experience the solar eclipse totality, and when?

How to watch (and record) the solar eclipse

The good news is that many major centers are in the 100-mile-wide band of totality, so millions of people will be able to see a full solar eclipse. It follows a northeast path, so Mexicos Pacific coast will get the first views in Mazatlan starting at around 10:57 AM PDT (total eclipse starting at 12:07 PDT), followed by the city of Torreon (all times local).

The total eclipse moves into the United states at 12:10 PM CDT (Eagle Pass, Texas), then hits Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas  three out of five of the most populous Texas cities. From there, it moves into Little Rock, Arkansas, followed by select parts of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana (including Indianapolis).

How to watch (and record) the solar eclipse (NASA)

Ohio cities Dayton, Toledo and Cleveland get the full show, followed by Erie, Pennsylvania, then Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse in New York along with Maine. Canada is in on the fun too, with parts of southern Ontario (Hamilton, Niagara Falls) and Quebec (Montreal) getting the totality, along with New Brunswick, PEI and finally, Bonavista, Labrador at 4:03 PM NDT (Newfoundland Time).

If youre elsewhere on the continent and cant travel, know that the closer you are to the band of totality, the more the sun will be obscured by the moon (this map shows how much of the eclipse youll get depending where you are on the continent).

An impressive list of major centers are within 200 miles of totality, so theyll get a 90 percent or better eclipse (Houston, St. Louis, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Toronto, New York, Boston).

Anyone in the US south, midwest and northeast should get a decent spectacle, as will folks in Canadas southeast and Atlantic coast. Even if youre not in those regions, you might still see (and can capture) a mini eclipse.

How long will the 2024 solar eclipse last?

From the beginning when the moon first starts to cover the sun (partial eclipse) until the end when the two bodies part ways is a good long time  up to two hours and forty minutes in Dallas, and 2:18 in Caribou, Maine.

However, totality itself is brief, with the duration dependent on how close you are to the center of the totality band and the time of day. Its at just under four minutes in Dallas, less than three minutes in Presque Island, Maine and a mere minute and 12 seconds in Montreal. As such, youll need to be ready and hope that the skies are clear during that brief window.

Whats the weather forecast in my area?

Its still early for an accurate forecast, but a week is enough to get a general idea by region. Suffice to say, April isnt the ideal month for clear skies. That said, an eclipse can still be visible through light cloud cover, and even if its thick, the sky will grow dramatically dark.

Unfortunately, the odds of precipitation are indeed above average across most of the band of the eclipse. Forecasts predict that the chances for clear skies are better the farther northeast you live, the opposite of historical trends.

To wit, Dallas has showers forecast throughout the day (58 percent), which would mean continuous cloud cover and no clear view if that holds. That improves a bit when you get to Indianapolis (partly cloudy, 24 percent chance of rain), with things better still in Buffalo, New York (partly cloudy, 11 percent).

Things are looking good right now in Montreal, though, with mostly sunny skies and only a 9 percent chance of rain, and the same goes for Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Niagara Falls also figures to have decent weather during the eclipse (mostly sunny, 18 percent) and is in the path of totality, which has led to the city declaring a state of emergency out of caution. Officials estimate that a million people could pour into the area, creating potentially dangerous crowds.

How can I watch the solar eclipse at home?

Staring at the sun is obviously dangerous for your vision, and doing so during an eclipse can be just as harmful. Even though you may not feel discomfort immediately, you may damage your eyes via an affliction called solar retinopathy. That can lead to serious consequences like eye pain, blind spots, blurred vision and more.

How to watch (and record) the solar eclipse (American Astronomical Society)

To view it safely, you must purchase a pair of approved solar eclipse glasses based on an international safety standard called ISO 12312-2 (regular sunglasses wont do). That dictates the maximum luminous transmittance, along with the range of permissible wavelength transmittance (UVA, UVB and infrared).

Theres certainly still time to grab a pair if you dont have them already. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has many recommendations for manufacturers and vendors, both online and at retail chains.

Warby Parker, for one, is offering free glasses (limit two per person while supplies last). You can also find them at Staples, Lowes and Walmart, or online at B&H and multiple science and astronomy stores.

The AAS advises against searching for the lowest price on Amazon or eBay, however, in case you get a bad knock off. Before you buy a solar viewer or filter online, we recommend that you make sure that (1) the seller is identified on the site and (2) the seller is listed on this page, it says on its Solar Eclipse Across America site.

How to watch the solar eclipse safely without glasses

How to watch (and record) the solar eclipse (Canadian Space Agency)

Its possible to view an eclipse without glasses via indirect means, as well. The simplest way is by punching a small round hole in a piece of thick paper or cardboard, then positioning it so the sun shines through the hole onto the ground or a flat surface (you can also attach a piece of foil with a hole, as NASA shows here). That will project an image of the Sun's disc, letting you see the eclipse in real time.

The same pinhole principle would let you use anything with perforated holes, like a colander, projecting dozens of tiny eclipses on a surface. Trees can do the same thing, casting weird leaf shadows with little solar eclipse chunks out of them.

How to watch (and record) the solar eclipse (Benjamin Seigh/Wikimedia)

For a bit better experience, you can build a crude box projector. With that, the sun shines through a hole in tin foil onto a white card, and you can look through a larger hole at the card, with the sun behind you. The Canadian Space Agency explains exactly how to make that.

Never, ever view an eclipse directly through a pair of binoculars or a telescope, as thats a guaranteed way to damage your eyes. That said, you can use a pair of binoculars or a telescope to project the sun onto a piece of paper, as shown in this video.

How to take photos or video of the solar eclipse

Unfortunately, you cant just point your smartphone or camera at the sun to record the eclipse, as the brightness will overwhelm the sensor and ruin the image (and possibly damage the sensor). Luckily, you can shield your camera just as you do your eyes.

The cheapest way to do that is to buy an extra set of eclipse glasses, then cut out an eyepiece from one and tape it over the smartphone (or other camera) lens. That will reduce the light levels enough to see detail in the sun throughout the partial eclipse and totality.

You can also purchase dedicated smartphone solar filters like the VisiSolar Photo Filter, which are designed for cameras and not direct viewing. Another choice is the Solar Snap Eclipse App Kit, which also offers an app that aids in photographing the eclipsed sun. Its advisable to also wear solar glasses when setting up your smartphone or camera to protect your eyes.

If youre shooting the eclipse with a dedicated mirrorless or DSLR camera, youll need either a mylar, 16-stop ND (neutral density) or hydrogen alpha solar filter. Again, do not look directly into a DSLRs optical viewfinder at the sun if the lens doesnt have one of those filters attached (the electronic viewfinder on a mirrorless camera is safe).

To photograph the eclipse with a smartphone, turn the flash off and put the camera into ultrawide or wide mode so it stays in frame. Do NOT look directly at the sun to line up your camera if youre not wearing solar eclipse glasses.

Dont use the digital zoom to try to make the eclipse bigger, as youll lose resolution (you can zoom in later in your photo editing app). Once focus is set on the sun, use your smartphones focus lock feature so that it doesnt hunt for focus and blur the eclipse.

During totality, the diamond ring effect only lasts a split second, so use the burst mode of your camera or youll likely miss the shot. And try to capture RAW (rather than JPEG) images to keep the maximum detail possible for later editing. Some iPhone and Android smartphones have RAW capability built-in, if not, you can use a third-party app.

If you decide to capture video, youll need a filter as well, of course. But you should also use a tripod, as shooting handheld will induce blur and result in a shaky video. Even a cheap tripod will do the trick, along with a simple smartphone holder. Capture the highest resolution you can (4K or even 8K) at the highest quality possible. Youll also capture any cheering, shouting, etc.  a precious souvenir you can look back on again and again.

More resources

There are plenty of government and private sites with more information about the eclipse, starting with the AASs eclipse site, detailing things like eye safety, imaging, resources and even a totality app  an interactive map that shows what youll see at any location in North America for the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024.

NASA also offers a dedicated site for the North American Eclipse, as does the National Weather Service and National Solar Observatory. A private site called Great American Eclipse is largely commercial, but does have a very useful map showing the band of totality and how much of the eclipse youll see depending on location, along with a comprehensive list of eclipse times and durations by city.

Update, April 5, 12:30PM ET: This story was updated after publishing to include more details about the total solar eclipse's path of totality.
The technology used to harvest clean, renewable energy from the sun and wind is rapidly advancing, and that means scientists need to figure out how to store that energy efficiently so that it can be doled out when needed.

In Finland, a team of scientists has figured out how to do just that at a relatively low cost  by building a giant battery made of sand, as detailed by Euronews Green.

Polar Night Energy, the company behind the innovation, deployed its first sand battery in 2022 in the town of Kankaanpaa. Now, the company is building another sand battery that is 10 times larger than the first. It will be capable of storing 100 megawatt-hours of thermal energy and will help the residents of Pornainen, Finland, heat their homes while cutting planet overheating pollution by nearly 70%, as Euronews Green reported.

Though the most common method of storing green energy is in lithium batteries (which are found in the vast majority of electric vehicles, for example), these batteries come with a few drawbacks. Lithium has to be mined  with environmentally destructive consequences  making it expensive. It is also a non-renewable resource, and lithium batteries are much better at storing energy over short durations than long periods of time.

Sand, on the other hand, is not rare at all, meaning that sand batteries can be built with minimal expense and environmental impact.

Polar Night Energy has even found a supplier that happens to have a lot of sand lying around as a byproduct of its fireplace manufacturing business. That means that if sand-battery usage becomes widespread, it could result in cheaper, cleaner energy for everybody.

"There's really nothing fancy there," Markku Ylonen, one of the co-founders of Polar Night Energy, told Euronews Green. "The complex part happens on the computer; we need to know how the energy, or heat, moves inside the storage, so that we know all the time how much is available and at what rate we can discharge and charge."

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By Yuvraj Malik and Priyanka G

(Reuters) -Shares of Donald Trump's social media company plunged 21% on Monday, wiping out the gains from its debut last week, after disclosing millions in losses and saying it would struggle to meet its financial liabilities going forward.

Trump Media & Technology Group lost more than $58 million in 2023, it said in a filing, sending shares reeling less than a week after the Truth Social parent went public through a high-profile blank-check merger.

The stock surged in its March 26 debut to close at nearly $58 a share on retail buyer enthusiasm, including supporters of Trump, the likely Republican nominee in 2024's presidential election. But Monday's disclosure reversed that trend, sending shares down $13.30, or 21%, to $48.66.

"Truth Social was overvalued and that reality is dragging down the stock. Because the service does have not have a clear path to profitability and its revenues are meager, its high debut was unsustainable," said Ross Benes, analyst at Insider Intelligence.

Trump owns 78.75 million shares, which could result in a big windfall for the former president, depending on their value. At the stock's peak last week, his stake would have been more than $6 billion, but after the selloff it would be valued at about $3.8 billion. Trump is not allowed to sell or borrow against any of his shares for six months - and any move by him to try to alter that agreement would likely trigger more selling.

Even with the stock's decline, it still has a market value of more than $6 billion, compared with social media platform Reddit's market capitalization of $8 billion.

"TMTG enjoyed a huge run-up on hype and enthusiasm, but it is a long way off from becoming a true scaled social media challenger to X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and other platforms," said Michael Ashley Schulman, analyst at Running Point Capital.

SHORT SELLERS RECOUP LOSSES

Short sellers targeting both Trump Media and its predecessor Digital World Acquisition recouped a sizeable chunk of their year-to-date losses on Monday. The selloff yielded a $65 million gain on paper for short sellers, cutting year-to-date losses to $126 million, according to financial technology and analytics firm S3 Partners.

"Demand is sky-high to short DJT, but any borrow supply is very scarce and extremely hard to locate," said Matthew Unterman, director at S3.

Truth Social's revenue was $4.13 million last year, up from $1.47 million in 2022, it said. By comparison, Reddit brought in revenue of $800 million in 2023.

The latter has 73 million active users, whereas Truth Social only discloses its total number of sign-ups, which come to 8.9 million. In its filing on Monday, TMTG said it has no plans to disclose key metrics generally used by similar companies.

"As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, management has substantial doubt that TMTG will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due, including liabilities related to promissory notes previously issued by TMTG," the company said.

Trump Media is also embroiled in a legal battle with co-founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky. On Monday, a Delaware judge said he wanted the parties to set a hearing date this month to determine if the two should receive the 8.6% stake in the company they claim they are owed.

Trump Media and the pair have sued each other in Delaware and Florida state courts. The co-founders accused Trump Media of trying to improperly dilute their stake, while the company said they had failed to earn their shares and that it wants to strip them of their ownership.

(Reporting by Yuvraj Malik and Priyanka G in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware and Saqib Ahmed in New York; Editing by David Gaffen, Arun Koyyur, Anil D'Silva and Krishna Chandra Eluri)
KABUL, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Nine children lost their lives after an unexploded ordnance left over from past wars went off in east Afghanistan's Ghazni province, state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported Monday.

The incident occurred in the Zadran area, Geero district of the province, after the children aged between four and 10 found the device on Sunday afternoon and began playing with it, but the device exploded suddenly, killing the nine kids on the spot, Bakhtar quoted Mullah Hamidullah Nisar, director of the information and culture department of Ghazni, as saying.

Similarly, following the blast of an unexploded device, three children were killed and two others sustained injuries in the southern Helmand province on March 22.

The war-torn Afghanistan reportedly is one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world as the unexploded devices and mines have been left over from the past more than four decades of wars and civil strife. 
COLOMBO, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government donated 1 million U.S. dollars to assist children affected by the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the President's Media Division (PMD) said in a press release on Monday.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented the donation in the form of a cheque to Zuhair M.H. Zaid, the Palestinian ambassador in Sri Lanka, the PMD said.

Meanwhile, the Children of Gaza Fund, initiated by Wickremesinghe in February 2024 to provide aid to children in the Gaza Strip, has received over 20 million rupees (about 66,000 U.S. dollars) donated by Sri Lankans, the PMD said.

These funds are scheduled to be formally transferred to the Palestinian government in the coming days, the PMD said. 
Xiaomi, the Chinese electronics maker, has launched its latest offering in the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the SU7 electric sedan. Notably, it is the first EV by Xiaomi. The company is now advising potential buyers that they could face a waiting period of up to 7 months due to the overwhelming demand. This surge in interest is evident from the fact that pre-orders for the SU7 surpassed 88,898 within the first 24 hours of availability.

Delivery Timelines

The SU7 electric sedan, priced starting at $29,870, has captured the attention of consumers seeking eco-friendly mobility solutions. Xiaomi's app indicates that delivery timelines for the standard SU7 model and the SU7 Pro model are estimated at 18-21 weeks, while the top-tier model, priced at 299,900 yuan, commands a waiting period of 27-30 weeks. This extended waiting time underscores the popularity of Xiaomi's new electric offering.

High Demand

To further drive sales, Xiaomi introduced special editions of the SU7 known as the "Founders Edition," which offer complimentary gifts such as refrigerators. The initial batch of 5,000 Founders Edition cars sold out rapidly upon their availability for pre-order. According to a Weibo post, Xiaomi's co-founder and CEO Lei Jun has announced a second round of sales for the Founders Edition in response to the high demand.

During the ordering process, Xiaomi took measures to prevent abnormal orders and curb scalping activities, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring a fair and transparent purchasing experience for customers.

Xiaomi established a Beijing factory capable of producing 200,000 cars annually, even before obtaining regulatory approval to commence manufacturing in China. Collaborating with state-owned automaker BAIC Group, the company disclosed plans for BAIC Group to manufacture its cars at the Xiaomi plant.
New Delhi: Upon its release in 2010, Love Sex Aur Dhokha became a sensation that is a cult now. It narrated the story of love and its other sides, and the film was set in the era of hidden cameras. After fourteen years of release, the makers are now coming with 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2' tapping onto yet another intriguing subject of love in the times of the internet. After keeping the audience hooked with its immensely captivating posters, the makers are finally here with the Phela Dose of LSD 2 and it indeed takes us into its thrilling world and has also shocked us.

Being true to its theme and concept, the makers have dropped the boldest yet very gripping teaser of Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2, which captures the essence and theme of the sequel perfectly.

The highly-awaited teaser takes the audiences into a glimpse of three parallel stories that are set in the modern internet era. The teaser shows the film's location in the world of digital and the consequences of love and betrayal in today's world. The makers have wrapped up a very interesting subject in today's world, and it guarantees to leave everyone impatient to watch the film.

Moreover, the producer Ektaa R Kapoor and director Dibakar Banerjee had come with a disclaimer for the audience yesterday that Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 will be arriving a shocking content that should be watched with a personal concern. Looking at the teaser, it seems like this indeed needed a disclaimer. Now, the makers are coming up with the 2nd installment and it's surely going to be bolder than the previous one. This indeed shows how our lives have changed over the time of 14 years.

Love, Sex, and Dhokha 2 explores the complexities of relationships and unveils the hidden facets of modern-day love in the era of the Internet. Through a gripping narrative and compelling performances, the film promises to delve deeper into the themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of our technologically driven world.



Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms and Cult Movies Present a Dibakar Banerjee Production, Love Sex aur Dhokha 2, produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. The film is directed by Dibakar Banerjee. The film will be released on April 19, 2024.
New Delhi: Spring is in the air and this April get on to a time travelling capsule treat yourself to a slice of history or brandish your sword in fighting aliens. Here are 5 K-dramas that should be on your binge list this April.

Lovely Runner

Kim Hye-yoon is Im Sol, whose dreams of becoming a filmmaker come crashing down after an nn accident that leaves her paralysed. She seeks refuge in the music of the idol Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok). But tragedy strikes, when her favourite musician dies after an accident. However, one morning, when Sol wakes up in a classroom, the clock it seems has gone back 15 years. As she returns to her high school days, this could be the chance to change her and Sun Jaes destiny.

Where To Watch: Viki

Parasyte: The Grey

Train To Busan director Yeon Sang-Ho readapts the popular Japanese manga, Parasyte on screens. As Parasite aliens rain down from the skies, this time their sights are set on Korea and to take control of the humans. Jeon So Nee plays a cashier who is only partly infected and teams up with a gangster, played by Koo Kyo Hwan, to escape both the human-eating aliens and the governments Team Grey, which has the mandate to wipe them out.

Where To Watch: Netflix

Missing Crown Prince

A spin-off of Bossam: Steal The Fate one of the most highly viewed dramas, Missing Crown Prince stars EXOs Suho as Crown Prince Lee Geon. Lee Geons life is turned upside down when hes suddenly kidnapped by Choi Myung Yoon ( Hong Ye Jin) the daughter of the royal physician Choi Sang Rok. Kim Min Kyu plays Lee Geons younger half-brother Prince Dosung, who finds himself in a twisted situation after his brother disappears.

Where To Watch: Viki

Blood Free

Another dystopian sci-fi fare, Blood Free tells the story of a biotechnological firm thats developed a new product BF. Which is genetically engineered meat and is dominating the thriving meat-eating market. The brain behind is Yoon Ja Yu ( Han Hyo Joo) who runs the company. However, the arrival of BF divides many on ideological and moral grounds. The show also stars Kingdoms Ju Ji Hoon.

Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar

Chief Detective 1958

Lee Je Hoon is back, this time as Detective Park Young Han in this prequel to the popular Chief Detective series, which ran between the 1970s and 80s. Detective Park Young-han and his three colleagues do a good job of nabbing criminals. But Young-han also goes up against corruption and becomes thedetective of the people.

Where To Watch Disney+Hotstar
New Delhi: In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls where the BJP is seeking a third-straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi while the Congress-led opposition bloc INDIA is looking to make a comeback to power, the political parties have intensified their campaign pitch. Eyeing to increase BJP's vote bank, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going address the people of Uttarakhand and Rajasthan during his next campaign trail on Tuesday.

As a part of the campaign, Modi is also planning to conduct an election tour in Uttar Pradesh tomorrow. Additionally, to promote his campaign, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public meeting in Saharanpur on April 6 and hold a roadshow in Ghaziabad on the same evening. PM Modi will also address a huge public meeting in Pilibhit on April 9 from where the BJP has replaced sitting MP Varun Gandhi by fielding Jitin Prasada. PM Modi is likely to hold a public meeting in UP's Moradabad on April 16.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is all set to celebrate the party's foundation day on April 6 with the slogan '400 Paar'. The party has themed this foundation day celebration as 'Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar'.

The party has issued an official circulate from its central leaders to booth-level teams which mentioned the details of various programs that are going to be conducted on foundation day. These programs include meetings with beneficiaries, door-to-door interactions, Padyatras, bike rallies, and felicitations of senior workers, to be organised across the Nation.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections for 543 seats will be held in seven phases, which are going to start on April 19 and the result will be declared on June 4.
The Supreme Court of India today refused to stop worship in Vyas Ka Tehkhana of Gyanvapi mosque. However, the apex court asked both parties to maintain the status quo so that both parties could perform their prayers in their respective areas. The court issued notice to trial court petitioner Shailendra Vyas on the mosque side's plea against worship in the basement. The next hearing will take place in the third week of July.

A bench consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra has directed both Hindu and Muslim factions to uphold the existing conditions at the Gyanvapi premises, facilitating both communities to conduct 'puja' and 'namaz'. The bench emphasized that any changes to the status quo require approval from the highest court. Additionally, the bench acknowledged the distinction between the areas designated for 'puja' and Muslim prayers within the Tehkhana.

The top court said that Hindus would enter from the South and pray in Tehkhana and Muslims would enter from the Northern side for prayer. "At this stage, bearing in mind the fact that namaz is being offered by Muslim communities unhindered after the district court and High Court orders and that prayers in Tehkhana are limited to the Hindu priests, it is important to maintain the status quo, so that both communities can perform religious worship in above terms," the bench stated in its order.

Furthermore, it served notice to the Hindu plaintiffs regarding an appeal from the mosque committee contesting a ruling by the Allahabad High Court regarding the 'puja' of deities within the 'Vyas Tehkhana'. The apex court has now scheduled the case for a hearing in July. The mosque committee lodged the appeal against the High Court's decision, arguing that the authorities were acting hastily following a directive from the Varanasi Court to conduct the 'Puja' at night.

On January 31, the Varanasi district court granted permission to the Hindu party to conduct prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque. The court instructed the Varanasi district magistrate to make necessary arrangements within seven days for the 'puja' to be performed by the Hindu party and a designated priest nominated by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust.
Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, meets with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Shenzhen of south China's Guangdong Province, April 1, 2024. Ma, who is leading a youth delegation to visit the mainland, arrived in Shenzhen on Monday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

SHENZHEN, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Shenzhen of south China's Guangdong Province.

Ma, who is leading a youth delegation to visit the mainland, arrived in Shenzhen on Monday.

Song extended greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to Ma.

Song said compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese, and they should uphold the 1992 Consensus and firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

He called on people from across the Strait to actively promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly promote the Chinese culture, enhance kinship and wellbeing of the compatriots on both sides of the Strait, boost peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations and strive for national reunification and rejuvenation.

Ma thanked Xi for his greetings. Saying that compatriots on the two sides of the Strait are closely bound by blood, he called for boosting cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, particularly among young people, on the political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence." 

Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, who is leading a youth delegation to visit the mainland, arrives in south China's Guangdong Province, April 1, 2024. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with Ma in Shenzhen of south China's Guangdong Province on Monday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, who is leading a youth delegation to visit the mainland, arrives in south China's Guangdong Province, April 1, 2024. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with Ma in Shenzhen of south China's Guangdong Province on Monday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)
New Delhi: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren withdrew his plea from the Supreme Court for his demand to attend the budget session of the state assembly. Soren withdrew the plea as it had become pointless because the state assembly budget session had ended. Earlier, the former CM challenged the same plea to the High Court which refused him to attend the budget session and later he filed a plea to the Supreme Court.

The court has allowed Hemant Soren to withdraw his plea challenging the state HC order for allowing him to attend assembly sessions. On February 28, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed his petition, so later he approached the Supreme Court against the high court order.

The former Chief Minister was arrested on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Soren was arrested in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

Hemant Soren resigned from his position as Chief Minister before his arrest and nominated Champai Soren as his successor. Soren is currently leading the JMM-Congress government in Jharkhand.
New Delhi: Congress lambasted Prime Minster Narendra Modi following his remarks on the electoral bonds where he claimed that due to the electoral bond system put in by his government the sources of funding and its beneficiaries could be found out.

In his interview to Tamil television channel, PM Modi said, "Tell me what have we done that I should see it as a setback? I firmly believe that those dancing over it (bond details) and taking pride in it are going to repent."

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh lauched a scathing attack on PM Modi over his remarks and wrote on X, "Every single day the prime minister scales new heights of hypocrisy and plumbs new depths of dishonesty".

Putting forward the "relevant facts," Ramesha said, "The prime minister has fully lied to the nation in his latest interview with a Tamil television channel. He claims that 'where funds have come from, how they are being used' is only known due to the Electoral Bond Scheme instituted by him."

                     



                         "    ,    pic.twitter.com/JZ5ZvX6R9Z April 1, 2024

"The Electoral Bond Scheme was designed to be fully anonymous. In other words, Modi wanted to hide from the public the details of 'where funds have come from (to political parties), and how they are being used," he alleged.

For six years, between 2018 and 2024, not a single detail of which party got funds from which donor was revealed to the public, Ramesh said in a post on X.

In 2024, the Supreme Court intervened to reject the electoral bond scheme as unconstitutional. Up until the last day in court, the Modi government tried to defend the anonymity of the scheme, the Congress leader said.

Finally, the Supreme Court demanded that the SBI publish the details of who donated to which party, he noted.

"Still, the remote-controlled SBI lied to the court, saying it did not collect this information. Then, it requested three months' time to collate the data, conveniently seeking an extension until after the election. It was only the Supreme Court's strong intervention that forced the SBI to release the data publicly within days," Ramesh said.

He alleged that the SBI was lying in the Supreme Court when it demanded a three-month extension to match donor data with the political parties.

"It took our team five lines of Python code and less than fifteen seconds to match each donor with the political party they donated to," he said.

"As for the PM's question of 'what have I done that I should face a setback (due to Electoral Bonds)?' Mr. Modi, the data has revealed your party and Government's monumental corruption," Ramesh alleged.

He claimed that "Rs. 4 lakh crores worth of contracts, projects, and environmental clearances can be linked to thousands of crores in electoral bond donations made by corporate donors to your party. The Government of India has been reduced to a supermarket - 'Chanda Do, Dhanda Lo'."

"At least 40 ED/IT/CBI raids on firms have been followed by hefty electoral bond donations by these firms to the BJP. The prime minister and his cronies have been engaged in a systematic 'hafta vasuli'," Ramesh alleged.

"The corruption of the Modi Sarkar has been known for a while now; the setback is that there are now hard numbers to prove it. Unfortunately, we can expect the prime minister to continue his full-time job of lying to the Indian people to cover it up," the Congress leader said.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday dismissed the notion that the electoral bond controversy dealt a blow to his party and administration. He pointed out that every system has flaws that can be addressed. He further warned that those "dancing" over the matter will regret it later. The PM attributed the ability to trace funding sources and beneficiaries to his government's implementation of the electoral bond system. He questioned whether any agency could provide such information regarding pre-2014 elections, implying that the bond system established the transparency.

No system is perfect, PM Modi On Electoral Bonds

"Tell me what have we done that I should see it as a setback? I am confident that those celebrating and boasting about the disclosure of bond details will regret their actions, The Prime Minister was speaking in an interview with Thanthi TV, that was aired on Sunday. "No system is perfect. There may be areas of shortcoming that can be enhanced.," he said.

Opposition parties have referenced the disclosures prompted by the Supreme Court's order, which made all electoral bond-related information public, while condemning the anonymous funding practice as unconstitutional, to criticise the government. Numerous companies under criminal investigation have been identified as major purchasers of these bonds.

Ramlala Is Beyond Words: PM

Regarding the Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha, PM Modi expressed the deep emotional significance of the topic. He stated, "The philosophy of Ramlala is beyond words, and I cannot fully articulate it."

Dont See Everything As Politics: PM

"Merely being a politician doesn't imply that my sole objective is winning elections. Tamil Nadu possesses immense potential that should be utilised effectively." PM said.

During the interview, PM Modi said that his actions should not be politicised, stating that he is committed to serving the nation and views Tamil Nadu as a crucial asset. He also asserted that his visits and schemes for the development of the state is not solely based electoral gain.

If votes were his main concern, then he would not have done so much for the northeast states, the prime minister said, adding that his government ministers have made over 150 visits to the region, and he himself has visited more frequently than all previous prime ministers combined.

Viksit Bharat' Comprises All Corners Of India Not Just Delhi: PM

The Prime Minister remarked that the holistic development of the country is important, Viksit Bharat does not mean that only Delhi is in focus, rather his concentration is on each corner and every citizen of the country.

Modi expressed disappointment over the politicisation of the Tamil language, indirectly referencing opposition parties that frequently accuse the BJP of neglecting regional languages. He suggested that just as Tamil cuisine like Dosa and Idli has gained global recognition, efforts should be made to similarly promote its dialect.
SURAT: Taking a jibe at China over its claims on the state of Arunachal Pradesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that changing names won't have any effect and the northeastern state was, is and will always be India's part. Jaishankar was speaking at the Corporate Summit 2024, presented by the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Monday.

"If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effect," he said. "Our army is deployed at the Line of Actual Control...," EAM added.

Recently, China again came up with its claim over the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Terming the Indian State as "Zangan--an inherent part of China's territory," the Chinese Defence Ministry said that Beijing "never acknowledges and firmly opposes" the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India."

Following this, India once again rejected the "absurd claims" and "baseless arguments" while asserting that the northeastern state is an "integral and inalienable part of India."

The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official statement, noted that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will "continue to benefit" from India's development programmes and infrastructure projects. "We have noted the comments made by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry advancing absurd claims over the territory of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity," said the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal.

"Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects," the statement added. China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders' visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area 'Zangnan'.
New Delhi: The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) supporters in the US showcased their fervent backing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The Sikh-American BJP followers held a car rally in Atlanta on Sunday. The event, which drew participation from around 150 adorned vehicles, featured a striking display of BJP and Indian flags alongside placards bearing slogans such as 'Abki baar 400 par' (This time, over 400 seats), 'Main hoon Modi Parivaar' (I am part of the Modi family) and 'Teesri baar Modi Sarkar' (Third time, Modi government). The general elections in India is scheduled to happen in seven phases, commencing with the initiation of voting on April 19 and concluding on June 1.

#WATCH | US: Sikh Americans in Maryland conducted a car rally on March 31, in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



They decked up their vehicles with BJP flags and the Flag of the United States and displayed placards on their vehicles reading 'Abki baar 400 par, 'Teesri baar pic.twitter.com/Tu0JyX47eA April 1, 2024

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) announced the schedule for elections across various constituencies. In the first phase, voting will occur in 102 constituencies, followed by 89 in the second phase, 94 in the third phase, 96 in the fourth phase, 49 in the fifth phase, 57 in the sixth phase, and 57 in the seventh phase. The counting of votes followed by results will take place on June 4.

PM Modi vs. Ajay Rai Round Three

PM Narendra Modi is contesting the Lok Sabha from the Varanasi constituency in Uttar Pradesh again. Notably, this constituency has been represented twice by PM Modi. The Congress party has once again opted to field Ajay Rai as its candidate against PM Modi. Despite having previously contested against Prime Minister Modi twice in Varanasi and facing defeat, the Congress has opted to maintain Rai as its candidate, rather than exploring fresh narratives or strategies to challenge Modi's dominance in this pivotal constituency. The BJP's electoral support in Varanasi has notably surged in recent elections, diminishing the Congress's prospects.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to condict the survey at the contested sites of Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Masjid in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Responding to a plea against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's directive instructing the ASI to conduct a survey in these disputed areas, the Supreme Court has issued a notice.

The apex court, in an interim order, has specified that no actions should be carried out based on the survey's findings without its explicit permission. The court said that no physical excavations should be conducted at the disputed sites, ensuring that their character remains unchanged during the survey process.

This decision by the Supreme Court comes amidst ongoing legal battles surrounding the ownership and status of these historically significant locations. The ASI's survey, once completed, is anticipated to provide crucial insights into the historical and archaeological significance of Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Masjid. However, until further directives from the apex court, any actions related to these sites must adhere to the stipulated conditions set forth by the judiciary.
New Delhi: An island located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka has emerged as a contentious topic in Indian political discourse. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the issue on Monday and criticized the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for their stance, suggesting they are treating the matter irresponsibly.

"Now, every political party in Tamil Nadu has taken a position on this. Two parties, the Congress and the DMK, have approached this matter as though they have no responsibility for it. As though the situation is for today's central government to resolve, there is no history to this, this has just happened, they are the people who are taking up the cause; that is the way they would like to project it," stated the External Affairs Minister during a press briefing.

The EAM said that over the past two decades, Sri Lanka has detained 6184 Indian fishermen and seized, detained, or apprehended 1175 Indian fishing vessels...Over the last five years, the matters concerning Katchatheevu and the Fisherman's issue have been consistently brought up in Parliament through questions, debates, and discussions within the consultative committee, he added.

The then CM of Tamil Nadu has written to me numerous times. And my record shows that to the current CM, I have replied 21 times on this issue...It is an issue which has been very much debated in parliament and in the Tamil Nadu circles. It has been the subject of correspondence between the union government and the state government, said Jaishankar indicating that this issue is not new. It has been ongoing and actively discussed both in Parliament and among Tamil Nadu circles, he said.

Jaishankar further slammed the then government of not caring much about the issue. He said, " We are talking about 1958 and 1960... The main people in the case wanted to make sure that at least we should get the fishing rights... The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were given away in 1976... One, the most basic recurring (aspect) is the indifference shown by the then central government and the PMs about the territory of India..." he added.

Historically, the island situated between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka has been utilised by fishermen from both countries. In 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recognized Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory through the "Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement." The 1974 Agreement concerning historic waters in the Palk Strait and the Palk Bay between Sri Lanka and India officially affirmed Sri Lanka's sovereignty over the island.
Mukhtar Ansari has been cremated amid the political allegations that he was given poison in prison and his death is not natural despite the autopsy confirming cardiac arrest as the reason behind the gangster's death. However, the Uttar Pradesh police faced an embarrassing situation after a constable openly hailed Ansari on social media platforms while alleging that his death was scripted.

Reacting to his post, DCP Abhijit R Shankar said that action has been initiated against Constable Fayaz Khan. He said that Khan's social media post was a violation of the Uttar Pradesh Police Social Media policy and Police Officers (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1991.

Khan was posted at Bakshi ka Talab police station in Lucknow. He has been issued marching orders. The DCP further said that since the Model Code of Conduct is in place, the police department has written to the Election Commission of India seeking approval for suspending Khan. The DCP confirmed that the constable had shared the photo on his personal WhatsApp account in solidarity with the deceased mafia don.

The final ceremonies for Mukhtar Ansari, the gangster-turned-politician, were peacefully concluded on Saturday, as reported by his brother Afzal Ansari. Ansari was laid to rest in Mohammadabad, located in the Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh, amidst stringent security measures. "Everything proceeded peacefully," Ansari informed reporters following his participation in the last rites. "A large crowd had gathered to pay their respects. However, there were some issues due to overcrowding," he added. Ansari's body was transported to his residence in Ghazipur on Friday night under heavy police presence following a postmortem examination.
New Dehi: The Income Tax department on Monday assured the Supreme Court that it will not take any coercive action against the Congress party to recover 3500 crores amid the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

The apex court recorded the department's stance as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Income Tax department, assured the Supreme Court that no coercive actions would be pursued against the Congress party during the elections and urged the SC to postpone the matter for hearing until June.

"Till the matter is heard, we will not take recovery/coercive steps as elections are going on," Mehta told a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih.

Mehta said the IT department does not want to create problems for any party during elections.

The bench recording the undertaking of the Solicitor General, in it's order stated, "The issues that arise in these appeals are yet to be adjudicated upon but having regard to the situation now, the (Income Tax) Department does not wish to precipitate the matter inasmuch as no coercive steps will be taken with regard to (the tax demand of) Rs 3,500 crores approximately till the next date of hearing. List the matter in the second week of July."

Addressing the development, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said he welcomes the Supreme Court's decision however he alleged that there's conspiracy against Congress to freeze its financial assets to make it difficult for the party to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"We are welcoming the Supreme Court's decision on that. But it is clearly a conspiracy to stop the financial sources of the Congress party to deny the level planning field for the Congress party to fight elections," said Venugopal

#WATCH | Congress general secretary KC Venugopal says, "We are welcoming the Supreme Court's decision on that. But it is clearly a conspiracy to stop the financial sources of the Congress party to deny the level planning field for the Congress party to fight elections...Supreme https://t.co/NbYX7l2Ywd pic.twitter.com/9TYXRU4aBi  ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024

"Supreme Court had already given a stay till the elections. But actually, they have already seized our accounts. I don't know what is the status of that thing. They have taken our money from our account. They have to give it back to the Congress party. Then only we can fight the election," he added.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Congress party in 2018 against a 2016 judgment of the Delhi High Court. In the appeal, the party moved an interim application seeking the recent demand notices issued by the IT department in March.

The Delhi High Court on March 28 rejected the Congress's plea challenging the initiation of tax reassessment proceedings against it for assessment years 2017 to 2021 by tax authorities.

The High Court had said the pleas were dismissed in terms of its earlier decision refusing to interfere with the opening of reassessment for another period.

On March 22, the High Court rejected the Congress's plea challenging the initiation of reassessment proceedings pertaining to assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17.
Jaipur 12 February 2024 - In the realm of Information Technology, few stories are as compelling and multifaceted as that of Chandan Saxena, a Non-Resident Indian whose career spans over 17 years. Saxena's journey is a blend of dedication, innovation, and problem-solving skills, particularly in the FinTech sector, making him a figure of unparalleled expertise in IT and a respected independent researcher.

Currently, Saxena is making significant strides at Shazam Inc., a firm specializing in debit payment processing, where he leverages his vast experience and knowledge. However, what sets Saxena apart is not just his IT acumen but his deep-rooted connection to music. Raised in a musical family, Saxena began teaching Guitar and Keyboard at the tender age of 12. Even as he pursued a career in IT, he continued teaching music in Pune, impacting over 2000 students, including IT professionals, before 2010. Today, his father and sister continue the musical legacy through Swarodgam Music Classes and Sangeet Vatika in Kota, while Saxena has focused his energies on the IT sector, playing a leading and critical role since 2011.

After earning his engineering degree in 2006, Saxena embarked on his IT journey with multinational companies, working across India, Singapore, and the United States since 2014. His career is distinguished by involvement in several research and development projects within Information Technologies, showcasing his expertise in Cards and Payment, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Cloud technologies. Saxena's commitment to the IT sector is further demonstrated through his research, publications in internationally acclaimed journals, and patent filings in India.

Saxena's professional journey has seen him contribute to prestigious organizations such as Mphasis, HSBC Software, Atos Origin, and Wipro Ltd, gaining exposure and experience with clients like Citibank, CapitalOne, and Discover in the United States. He has been instrumental in solving complex interoperability issues with EMV Chip Cards, Point of Sales, Acquirer, Issuer, and Payment Network, proving his mettle as a problem solver in high-stress scenarios. His development of tools and processes for identifying payment fraud, suspicious transactions, and vulnerabilities in payment processing underscores his technical prowess and innovative thinking.
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition jointly held by the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles, focusing on the exchanges between China and France in the 17th and 18th centuries, kicked off on Monday in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The exhibition, themed "The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles," is a key project in the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism in 2024, which marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.

The second half of the 17th century and the 18th century are regarded as a golden age for exchanges between the Chinese and French courts and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The exhibition features about 200 works from the collections of the two museums and other institutions to illustrate the political and cultural relationship between China and France during the period.

The exhibition is open to the public until June 30.

During the opening ceremony, the Palace Museum signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Palace of Versailles and the Paris-based Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts. 
Let us recognize the pivotal role of Gen Z in reshaping workplace culture. Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1995 and 2010. Many feel that they are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering work environment. Read on to understand what sets apart the Gen Z crowd, and how their involvement can make our workplace culture better. Smita Shetty Kapoor, CEO & Co-Founder of Kelp, shares insights on how we can look up to Gen Z to inspire inclusion in workplaces.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Gen Z is championing diversity and inclusion like never before. Only recently have workplaces begun to acknowledge gender beyond the binary, and Gen Z champions this enhanced understanding. Gen Z individuals seek to join organizations that are equal opportunity employers, that have equitable policies, and are inclusive in their practices. This womens day, take a leaf out of the Gen Z playbook and demand the diversity and inclusion you seek from your employer. If you are not getting it, take another leaf from the playbook, and dont be afraid to look elsewhere.

Flexible Work Arrangements

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, and Gen Z is at the forefront of embracing flexible work arrangements. A report released by Deloitte found that 74% of women employees prefer remote or hybrid work models, due to reasons of work-life balance and having to juggle multiple responsibilities outside of work, but only half have access to it. Interestingly, a survey by PwC revealed that 75% of the Gen Z workforce would prefer to work remotely at least part-time. By championing and advocating for flexible work options, Gen Z is challenging traditional notions of productivity and helping everyone, especially women, normalize a new way of working, which puts more power in the employees hands.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being

A Deloitte study of millennial and Gen Z mental health and the workplace revealed that Gen Z places a high value on mental health and well-being, where a large percentage of Gen Z employees believe employers should address mental health in the workplace. They also were more likely to avail workplace workplace-sponsored mental health support services. This focus on mental well-being and the normalizing of therapy and counseling can change the entrenched perspectives for women across generations. Women have historically been more vulnerable to discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace which can cause greater incidences of stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Advocating for Gender Equality

Claudia Godins work on the gender pay gap got her the Nobel Prize in Economics last year. So the world has acknowledged that the problem exists. But to bring lasting change from the new understanding, we look to our younger generation to pave the way. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 69% of Gen Z individuals believe that addressing gender inequality should be a top priority. From demanding equal pay to challenging discriminatory practices, Gen Z is driving conversations and initiatives aimed at achieving gender parity in the workplace.

Embracing Technology and Innovation

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up in a fully digital age, and they bring a deep understanding of technology and innovation to the workplace. This digital fluency is reshaping how work is done, and creating several new possibilities to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation. How is this relevant to women? For example, in Indonesia, it was found that women-owned e-commerce businesses contributed to 35% of total e-commerce revenue (compared to 15% from offline commerce). This shows that there are still biases and obstacles in the brick-and-mortar world that can be challenged and broken down by embracing technology, its powers, and possibilities. Gen Z is shaping a more dynamic and connected workplace culture that empowers women to thrive in diverse roles and industries.
New Delhi: India's largest public sector lender, State Bank of India (SBI) has informed that its customers that Internet Banking, Yono Lite, CINB, Yono Business Web & Mobile App, YONO, UPI will not be available today for a specific time period.

SBI has also announced that due to Annual Closing activity, RTGS and NEFT transactions may get delayed on 01st April 2024.

"Due to Annual Closing activity, the services of Internet Banking, Yono Lite, CINB, Yono Business Web & Mobile App, YONO, UPI will not be available tentatively between 12:20 Hrs IST and 15:30 Hrs IST on 1st April 2024. During this period, services of UPI Lite and ATM will be available," SBI has announced.

As of December 2023, the State Bank of India has a deposit base of over Rs. 47.62 lakh crore with CASA ratio of 41.18% and advances of more than Rs. 35.84 lakh crore. SBI commands a market share of 26.5% and 19.5% in home loans and auto loans respectively.

SBI has network of 22,400+ branches and 65,000+ ATMs / ADWMs in India with 81,000+ BC outlets. The number of customers using internet banking and mobile banking stand at 125 million and 133 million respectively.

SBI said that the bank witnessed 59% of new savings accounts being opened through the integrated digital and lifestyle platform YONO in Q3FY24. YONO, which has more than 7.05 crore registered users, witnessed 33.1 lakh new YONO registrations in Q3 FY24. In terms of digital lending, the bank disbursed pre-approved personal loans worth Rs. 8, 428 crores through YONO in the same period, SBI had said.
You must have watched the movie Lagaan, which was based on the truth of arbitrary land taxes imposed by the British during the colonial era in India. You must have also heard about the East India Company, infamous for plundering and exploiting Indians. You might be wondering why we are discussing all this. Well, now we are going to reveal in today's DNA that even in independent India, a private company is collecting 'Lagaan' from people. After knowing about it, the ground beneath your feet will shake. Because today, we are going to expose the East India Company of independent India.

Watch Full DNA Expose Here

It has become a real estate company in the Thane district of Maharashtra, near Mumbai, specifically in the Mira Bhayandar area. Not only has it illegally seized land in Mira Bhayandar, but it has also established a system of land extortion throughout the entire area. Moreover, whenever a building is constructed in the Mira Bhayandar area, one must first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from this private company. In exchange for NOC, this private company extorts lakhs of rupees. You would be surprised to know that this private company owns all the land in the Mira Bhayandar area. And the government has given this right to the company. This is the biggest land fraud in independent India. Today, we are going to expose it with solid evidence and witnesses.

India is in the golden era of its independence. We have been free from British slavery for more than 75 years. But if we tell you that even today there are places in our country where the laws of the British are in force. 75 years after independence, people are still being forced to put a lien on their land.

How did a private company get a license to acquire land in Mirabhyandar? And on what basis is this extortion being carried out? We have contacted local social workers and leaders working in the Mira Bhayandar area who are fighting a legal battle against The Estate Investment Company's land extortion.
New Delhi: Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus has launched a mid-range OnePlus Nord CE4 5G smartphone in India. The new Nord series smartphone comes as a successor to last year's OnePlus Nord CE 3 smartphone. It runs OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android 14 out-of-the-box.

Storage And Colour Options:

It comes with two storage options: 8GB RAM + 128GB and 8GB RAM + 256GB. The smartphone comes in Dark Chrome with a glossy finish and Celadon Marble colour options. The smartphone will get two major Android software updates and three years of security updates.

Have you tuned in to Nord Another Keynote for the launch of the #OnePlusNordCE4? Stay glued to your screens when the stream commences at 6:30PM and answer the following questions before 12AM today to stand a chance to win an all new #OnePlusNordCE4.

Stay tuned to this thread pic.twitter.com/Hg4wAIR9Rk  OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) April 1, 2024

The first sale for the OnePlus Nord CE4 5G smartphone will begin on April 4 at 12 PM via Amazon India and OnePlus Indias online store.

Price And Bank Offers:

For the base 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, the price of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 smartphone at Rs 24,999. The 8GB RAM + 256GB storage model carries a price tag of Rs 26,999. Consumers who can purchase the OnePlus Nord CE4 5G smartphone on April 4 can get the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r worth Rs 2,199 at no additional cost. (Also Read: boAt Launches First 'India-Made' Headphones With Head-Tracking 3D Audio At Rs 3,999; Check Features)

Consumers can enjoy an immediate bank discount of Rs 1,500 using ICICI Bank credit cards/EMIs and OneCard from April 5-30. Similarly, HDFC Bank customers can enjoy discounts of Rs 1,500 on debit card transactions and Rs 1,250 on credit card EMIs within the same timeframe.

Now that you know everything there is to know about the #OnePlusNordCE4, get in line to get one for yourself. No pushing!

Get yours on 4th April and get a Nord Buds 2r at no additional cost. pic.twitter.com/O2BRy3BYSE  OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) April 1, 2024

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Specifications:

Display:

The smartphone offers a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. It includes a 240Hz touch sampling rate and innovative PWM dimming technology.

Processor:

The handset is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. The OnePlus Nord CE4 5G is loaded with a 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging and Battery Health Engine tech for long-term battery durability.

What #OnePlusNordCE4 feature was inspired by the idea of being able to work right by a swimming pool?



Tune in now to #NordAnotherKyenote to find the answer: https://t.co/mfiPTlKQMR  OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) April 1, 2024

AI:

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 uses AI to learn your usage pattern and regulate the charging speed.

Camera:

In the camera setup, it features a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP front camera for quality selfies.

Connectivity:

For connectivity, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 smartphone includes 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, dual-band Wi-Fi, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS, and a USB Type-C port.
New Delhi: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has apprehended over 10 terrorists suspected of being involved in last week's attack on Chinese engineers, Geo News reported on Monday. As per the news outlet citing a source, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-affiliated outfit is suspected to be involved in the March 26 deadly attack in Shangla's Bisham city

According to Geo News, five Chinese citizens, including a woman, and a Pakistani driver were killed when a suicide bomber crashed his explosive-laden vehicle into the car carrying them.

On this tragic incident, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir condemned the heinous act and promised to hold the perpetrators accountable.

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place at Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase to honour the victims with 30-second silence who were killed in last week's attack, according to Geo News. The country's President, Prime Minister, the army chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza laid floral wreaths in tribute.

Following the attack, Chinese companies overseeing operations at the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha Dams, now temporarily suspended their civil work at both sites owing to security concerns. Officials involved in the projects informed the publication that almost 991 Chinese engineers were involved in working at both sites.

After the attack, the Chinese investigative team arrived in Pakistan last week to probe the incident. China's military expressed readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in bolstering their collective capacity to address security threats.
New Delhi: In a big relief for former Pakistan Prime Minister and chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, the Islamabad High Court suspended their 14-year imprisonment in connection with the Toshakana case. According to reports, Islamabad High Court Judge Aamir Farooq heard the case and informed that the appeal against the punishment would be fixed after the Eid holiday hearing. The High Court accepted the appeals of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi against their convection in the Toshakhana cases in February, as reported by Dawn.

Days before a general election, the Accountability Court (AC) in Pakistan sentenced Imran Khan and his spouse to 14 years of Jail in connection with the Toshakhana case. The court has imposed imprisonment and also disqualified the former PM from holding any public office for the coming 10 years. The Khan and his was also fined PKR 1.573 billion as part of the judgement.

As per the Dawn report, Imran's wife Bushra Bibi in her appeal contended that the "power corridors" were behind her conviction. She further added that the conviction was based on the "false statement" of Syed Inamullah Shah who was a former comptroller in the Prime Minister's Office.

Bushra Bibi's wife requested the court to set aside the conviction and suspend her sentence till a decision on her appeal is made, According to Dawn.

The Toshakhana case became a significant issue in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI leader Imran Khan for making "false statements and incorrect declarations" last year, ARY News reported.
In the Indian subcontinent, it appears that portraying New Delhi as a villain has become a trend to gain power. In Maldives, the current President Mohamed Muizzu gained power by running an 'India Out' campaign. In Pakistan, the political parties often rake up India and Kashmir issues to gain votes. Now, the Bangladeshi opposition party is looking to play the same card to gain voters' trust. Recently, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina retained power in Bangladesh by defeating the main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Sitting out of power since 2009, the BNP has failed to make its space among the people of the country. Now, it's looking to fuel enmity in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people against India to win the polls.

Why 'India Out' Campaign By BNP?

The BNP seems to have drawn inspiration from the tactics of the ruling party in the Maldives, which initiated the "India-Out" campaign during the previous Presidential elections. It is alleged that the "India Out" campaign of Maldives President Md Muizzu received support from China. BNP's social media activists, many of whom are based in Western capitals, are endeavouring to construct a narrative suggesting that the legitimacy of the January parliamentary elections was solely due to India's influence.

The objective is to sow discord and discredit the Hasina government. According to one of the experts mentioned, this campaign is spearheaded by Tareque Rehman, who resides in London and is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. BNP had previously boycotted the last parliamentary elections that resulted in Hasina being elected for a fourth consecutive term. This campaign aims to undermine the Bangladeshi economy and consequently weaken the Hasina government, reminiscent of the artificial crisis created in the early 1970s to destabilize the government of Sheikh Mujib at the time.

                       ,                             pic.twitter.com/i8p5VH8xtq  Zee Business (@ZeeBusiness) April 1, 2024

What Sheikh Hasina Said

Slamming the BNP for 'India Out' campaign, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has responded firmly to a faction of opposition leaders. Prime Minister Hasina criticized the BNP opposition for launching the 'India Out' campaign, stating that opposition leaders should first dispose of the Indian sarees present in their own homes. She pointed out that a significant portion of the household items used by the people of Bangladesh are sourced from India. It's worth noting that Sheikh Hasina has referred to India as Bangladesh's closest ally on numerous occasions. Hasina said that even most kitchen items in Bangladesh are bought from India.
Ukraine's accession to the European Union: 100 days without negotiations. 100 days before the start of negotiations?

 depositphotos/vova130555@gmail.com Author Kostiantyn Yelisieiev Head of the NGO "Centre for New Solutions"

The other day, Ukraine crossed the symbolic 100 days since the historic decision of the European Council on December 14, 2023 to start accession negotiations with the European Union.

During this period, the Ukrainian authorities were expected to complete the proper implementation of the four recommendations identified in the European Commission's 2023 Ukraine Progress Report. While the European Commission, for its part, will prepare and submit to the Council of the European Union for approval a draft negotiation framework that will determine the form, content and algorithm of the introductory negotiations.

Milestones on the way to the opening of negotiations were to be March 12  the approval of the draft negotiation framework by the European Commission, March 19  the meeting of the Council of the European Union on general issues, which accompanies all decisions regarding the European Union's enlargement policy, and March 21  the meeting of the European Council. At which the leaders of the member states of the European Union were to bless the official start of negotiations at the highest level. It was on these dates that the European Union side should, under an optimistic scenario, make all the decisions necessary for the actual launch of negotiations and create conditions for the convening of the inaugural Ukraine-European Union Intergovernmental Conference.

What went wrong?

Perhaps, the first reason for the postponement of the actual start of negotiations was, strangely enough, overestimated expectations in Ukraine itself. Signals of extraordinary positivity and success in the issue of advancement through rapprochement with the European Union was constantly raised by Kyiv political figures. The work on the diligent implementation of the conditions of the European Union was replaced by the Ukrainian authorities with public populist statements about the estimated dates for the completion of the negotiations and accession to the European Union, which is about to happen. It is only necessary to listen to the unsubstantiated statement of government officials that "Ukraine will be ready for membership in the European Union in two years" to understand what is being said!

The decision of the European Union dated December 14, 2023 predicted the prospects of starting accession negotiations with Ukraine in the near future. In addition, it also referred to a proposal to the Council of the European Union to adopt the negotiating framework already after the relevant conditions outlined in the recommendations of the European Commission have been met. It is about the widely known seven recommendations of the European Commission for Ukraine, which were defined and brought to the attention of the political leaders of Kyiv in June 2022. As the European partners frankly admit, they were formulated in such a way that Kyiv could deal with them as quickly and without difficulty as possible. However, unfortunately, precious time was lost. Instead of the two months promised by the authorities, these recommendations were carried out for more than a year and a half.

As a result, Ukraine did not take advantage of the window of opportunity to start negotiations in 2023. Unfortunately, this window closed in the first half of 2024 due to the start of preparations in Brussels for the June general European elections, the results of which will determine the political distribution of forces in the European Union for the next five years.

Therefore, the leaders of the European Union faced a dilemma: the continuation of the unique "turbo regime" in the process of Ukraine's acquisition of membership in the European Union, on the one hand, did not ensure a "historic breakthrough" on the Ukrainian track, and on the other hand, it increased the electoral irritation of the citizens of the European Union from the artificial geopolitically motivated acceleration and threatened to weaken the positions of "healthy" European political forces in the elections.

This pragmatic choice was embodied in the unexpected for many in Ukraine and the lobbyist countries of our state in the European Union, the position of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the approval of the negotiating framework and the start of the opening negotiations not in March, but in June 2024. This symbolized the formation of a consensus among key European leaders regarding the further algorithm of Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Guided by these considerations, the European Commission prepared a draft of the negotiation framework, which remained without meaningful consideration by the Council of the European Union on general issues, and the European Council welcomed Ukraine's progress in promoting reforms on the way to the European Union and invited the Council of the European Union to approve the negotiation framework as soon as possible. Instead, the proposal of the countries  lawyers of Ukraine to determine the specific time frame of such a decision, in particular "until the end of June 2024", was left unanswered.

Another powerful factor that slowed down the rapid Ukrainian integration was the unresolved issue of the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In many European capitals, in particular Vienna, Zagreb, Athens, Budapest, etc., a certain irritation was formed due to the imbalance of attention of the European Union in the context of the expansion between the "Balkan" and "Eastern" tracks. Therefore, the decision of the March meeting of the European Council to give the "green light" to the opening of negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding their accession was the result of a complex political compromise between ardent advocates of the "Balkan track"  Croatia, Austria, and Hungary  and lobbyists of Ukraine and Moldova  the Baltic states, Poland.

In the highest political circles of the European Union, there is a general understanding that the two tracks  the Balkan and the Eastern  should not interfere with each other, but rather go in parallel, if possible. So, there are reasons to believe that Ukraine's future path to membership in the European Union will be largely related to the dynamics of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balkan lobbyists will make maximum use of the "Ukrainian card" to artificially accelerate the membership of this important state for many European countries.

It should also not be forgotten that despite the recognition of the enlargement policy as the most successful policy of the European Union, this process has never been simple. The experience of previous waves gradually added new recommendations and requirements from the European Union. It is not for nothing that Brussels constantly emphasizes that the process of joining the European Union, as before, is based on established criteria and conditions. Yes, it allows any country in the process to move forward on its own merits. Each country is able to determine the speed of its entry. However, this does not mean that the necessary criteria on the way to membership can be abolished, namely the requirements  softened, and the movement - accelerated. Over the years, the "filter of European integration" has become very strict indeed, and it is unlikely to miss the approaches and measures of the candidate country that are incompatible with the standards of the European Union, especially in terms of fundamental principles.

What's next?

The next procedural step on the way to Ukraine's membership in the European Union is the approval by the Council of the European Union on general issues of the negotiating framework and the convening of the inaugural session of the Intergovernmental Conference  the main mechanism for conducting high-level introductory negotiations.

By itself, the negotiating framework, the project of which was developed by the European Commission, is not a unique document, besides, it was not developed specifically for the "Ukrainian integration breakthrough". This document is a standard negotiation model in terms of form and content.

The most important of the provisions of this framework is that of all the negotiating chapters on approximation to European legislation and the fulfillment of the membership criteria, the chapters called "Principles" are of key importance, namely: justice, freedom and security, financial control, public procurement and statistics, as well as public administration and democratic institutions. These sections are opened first and closed last. And they will be the subject of discussions at the inaugural meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference. In addition, the Ukrainian side, in cooperation with the European Commission, should develop three "road maps" in the areas of justice, justice, freedom and security, public administration and democratic institutions, which will contain criteria and indicators of the success of the relevant reforms. In this context, the Plan within the framework of the Ukraine Support Mechanism for 2024-2027, handed over to the side of the European Union at the meeting of the Ukraine-EU Association Council on March 20, 2024, should play an auxiliary positive role for Ukraine.

In addition, the state of implementation or non-implementation of the "Principles" by Ukraine will determine both the speed of the opening negotiations and the perspective of their dynamics in general. After all, if Ukraine violates the fundamental principles or does not properly observe them, there is a threat of freezing the opening negotiations. This is clearly provided for in the mentioned negotiating framework.

Today, there are two options for the further development of events:

optimistic  approval by the Council of the European Union of the negotiating framework immediately after the pan-European elections to the European Parliament in June (this is now being actively discussed by the leadership of the European Union institutions and the authorities of Ukraine);

pessimistic  postponement of the decision to December 2024 and its adoption by the Council of the European Union on the basis of the regular report of the European Commission on the progress of enlargement for 2024.

The pessimistic option contains political uncertainties and threats, as it will depend on the results of the elections to the European Parliament, the prospective composition of the new European Commission and the leadership of the European Union institutions, as well as on the further development of the security situation in Ukraine.

Ukraine's pace of European integration will also be affected by the process of reforming the European Union itself, which should increase the ability to "absorb new member states." In view of this, the communication presented by the European Commission in March on the expansion of the European Union and the necessary internal reforms of the European Union deserves attention. In particular, it contains a recommendation on the gradual integration of new members into the community even before their entry by providing them with certain advantages and obligations associated with membership in the European Union. In addition, a proposal is made to abandon the principle of unanimity when making decisions in certain areas of foreign and security policy and to switch to qualified majority voting.

Although the European Council plans to discuss and present a roadmap for reforming the European Union in connection with the enlargement in the summer of 2024, several conclusions can already be drawn.

First, the initiative does not mean accelerating Ukraine's accession to the European Union, but offers a model of gradual integration, namely the opportunity for Ukraine, the economy, and citizens to enjoy certain advantages of membership even before the entry into force of the Treaty on Ukraine's Accession to the European Union.

Secondly, the idea is not new for Ukraine. It is on this philosophy that the entire Association Agreement was built, including the deep and comprehensive free trade zone, in which Ukraine gradually gained access to the internal market of the European Union in sectors where the criteria were fully met and the policies and legislation of the European Union were harmonized. We will remind you about integration into the energy space of the European Union, initiatives of 2017 regarding the digital market, the sphere of justice and internal affairs, customs integration, etc.

Thirdly, a fundamentally important element is that gradual integration is not a guaranteed development of events, but an exclusively and rigidly determined process. To implement these initiatives, Ukraine must fully fulfill its part of the work  and it is not only about the adoption of this or that law or regulatory act, but first of all about their effective implementation.

Who is to blame and what to do?

Recently, the Ukrainian authorities have been trying to shift all the responsibility for delaying the accession negotiations to the leadership of Hungary and the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi.

At the same time, it should be recognized that official Kyiv has neither managed to ensure effective diplomatic pressure on the leadership of institutions and member states of the European Union, nor to ensure full implementation of the European Commission's recommendations to speed up the accession process.

The diplomacy of political figures on Bankova Street and on the Hungarian track did not work. Let's not forget that Hungary will preside over the European Union in the second half of 2024. However, it has not yet been possible to organize contact along the Zelenskyy-Orban line. Contacts along the Yermak-Szijjarto and Stefanyshyna-Oliver Varhelyi lines have not yet been able to give a constructive result for Ukraine. "Green" parliamentary diplomacy does not work with Budapest either. There are signs of erosion of support for Ukraine from Austria and Slovakia. Instead, all initiatives of patriotic pro-European political forces to help work with the so-called inconvenient countries are exposed to sabotage and furious resistance from political figures on Bankova Street. Only the draft law on "life imprisonment for usurping state functions" initiated by the pro-presidential party in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is worth a lot! According to information from our own sources, this provocation greatly inspired some capitals of skeptical countries.

It is worth remembering that, regardless of the personality and nationality of the commissioner in this or the next European Commission, democratic principles are the "alpha and omega" of trust in the Ukrainian authorities, the pace of accession negotiations with the European Union and the criteria for providing financial assistance to Ukraine within the framework of the Ukraine Support Mechanism for 50 billion euros for 2024-2027.

And if the first tranche of assistance within the framework of the Ukraine Facility (Ukraine Facility) in the amount of 4.5 billion euros with the prospect of an additional 1.5 billion euros being allocated in April was transferred to Ukraine without strict binding to the fulfillment of conditions, then subsequent payments will be subject to careful evaluation by the European Union.

Therefore, it is politically important to unite efforts to ensure the proper implementation of all the recommendations of the European Commission by June, to resolve acute domestic political issues related to the state of democracy, the rule of law, political and parliamentary pluralism. In addition, it is also important to resolve the issue of respecting the rights of the opposition and ensuring the rights of national minorities in Ukraine, which, among other things, were reflected not only in the reports of the European Commission, but also in the resolutions of the European Parliament.

The next 100 days are important and will determine the fate of Ukraine's European integration progress in the years to come.

Read this article in Ukrainian and russian.

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This screenshot captured from a video shows a scene of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on April 1, 2024. Israel's army announced on Monday it withdrew its forces from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, concluding a two-week-long raid on the enclave's largest medical center. (Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's army announced on Monday it withdrew its forces from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, concluding a two-week-long raid on the enclave's largest medical center.

The medical complex, located in the hunger-stricken northern Gaza, became a refuge for thousands of patients and displaced Palestinians, and was targeted by Israeli tanks and airstrikes. It was the second major Israeli raid on the hospital since the beginning of Israel's almost six-month-long onslaught in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces released a statement saying that during the raid, the troops killed militants "in close-quarters encounters, located numerous weapons and intelligence documents throughout the hospital."

According to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at least 21 patients have been killed in Al-Shifa since the beginning of the raid.

"Hostilities continue around the hospital," he wrote on social media platform X. At least 107 patients, including four children and 28 critical patients, were stranded inside the medical complex, lacking necessary means of care. "Many have infected wounds and are dehydrated," said Tedros.

Video footage and photographs from the hospital showed extensive damage, including burned buildings. 

This screenshot captured from a video shows a scene of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on April 1, 2024. Israel's army announced on Monday it withdrew its forces from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, concluding a two-week-long raid on the enclave's largest medical center. (Xinhua)

People gather at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on April 1, 2024. Israel's army announced on Monday it withdrew its forces from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, concluding a two-week-long raid on the enclave's largest medical center. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

People inspect the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on April 1, 2024. Israel's army announced on Monday it withdrew its forces from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, concluding a two-week-long raid on the enclave's largest medical center. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)
ADELAIDE, Australia, April 1 (Xinhua) -- When Kym Teusner loaded the first shipment of Teusner Wines to Beijing in 2006 to tap the Chinese market, he did not think that his brands would become highly sought after among wine critics who were looking for small production but very high-quality Barossa producers in one of Australia's oldest wine regions in Adelaide.

Teusner has been producing wines under the Teusner brand for 20 years in the Barossa Valley, one of the world's great wine-producing areas in South Australia, since 2002.

Emerging from a very small winery 22 years ago to focus heavily on old wine fruits from vineyards that were up to 130 years of age, Teusner Wines grew rapidly over the past decade, with the annual production capacity of about 3,000 tons and a very strong global reputation, Teusner told Xinhua.

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Thursday that the country would lift anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian wine from Friday.

Australia's wine exports to China were worth 1.1 billion Australian dollars (some 713 million U.S. dollars) in 2019. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in the wine region of Hunter Valley in the north of Sydney on Thursday that the resumption of trade will see an even higher amount.

The wine industry employs hundreds of thousands of people if tourism and other industries were considered, Albanese said, adding, "Trade is about Australian jobs."

"We already have purchase orders in the system from our past customers, so we are very confident that people quickly want to have our wine back into China," said Teusner who has about 200 hectors of vineyards now.

"I'm pretty excited about the next few years," he said, adding the Barossa Valley is a very diverse place that allows winemaking to suit different parts of China, as the Chinese market is diverse too.

Teusner said the Barossa Valley is much warmer, and has a much more stable climate, so the grapes are much riper, which means wines are much richer, much more concentrated, and much more flavorsome.

Fiona Yao, sales manager of Teusner Wines export, was one of the first Chinese people to enter the Australian wine industry in Barossa Valley 15 years ago.

Yao said the aroma, taste and character of Australian red wines have gained increasing popularity in the Chinese market in recent years.

"Most wineries are very eager to return to the Chinese market," she said. 
The European Mission operating in Armenian territory near the border with Azerbaijan has not observed any unusual movement, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by Toivo Klaar, the Designated European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, and the Crisis in Georgia, in his X social account.

The post reads that the mission patrolled along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border all day long and has not observed any unusual movements. Everything was calm and quiet.
This photo taken with a mobile phone on April 1, 2024 shows a destroyed building within the compound of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. A suspected Israeli missile strike targeted a building within the compound of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday afternoon, according to Xinhua reporters on the scene.

Syria's state news agency, SANA, has reported that the Israeli attack resulted in significant destruction to the Iranian consulate building and neighboring structures. (Photo by Hummam Sheikh Ali/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A suspected Israeli missile strike targeted a building within the compound of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday afternoon, according to Xinhua reporters on the scene.

Reporters saw thick plumes of smoke rising from the embassy building located on the Mazzeh Highway to the west of Damascus.

Ambulances rushed to the scene while military vehicles swiftly cordoned off the embassy's perimeter.

The demolished structure is believed to be the consular section, with an Iranian flag resting amidst the wreckage. As of now, there is no official information available regarding casualties.

Syria's state news agency, SANA, has reported that the Israeli attack resulted in significant destruction to the Iranian consulate building and neighboring structures. 

This photo taken with a mobile phone on April 1, 2024 shows a destroyed building within the compound of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. A suspected Israeli missile strike targeted a building within the compound of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday afternoon, according to Xinhua reporters on the scene.

Syria's state news agency, SANA, has reported that the Israeli attack resulted in significant destruction to the Iranian consulate building and neighboring structures. (Photo by Hummam Sheikh Ali/Xinhua)
NANCHANG, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed after severe convective weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, hit Nanchang, the capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, early Sunday morning, according to local authorities.

The city has faced days of intense convective weather that has toppled many trees along its roads. 
DAMASCUS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Explosions were heard west of the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, according to eyewitnesses.

A building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Damascus was destroyed, with smoke rising from the western Mazzeh neighborhood, according to eyewitnesses and a Xinhua reporter at the scene.

Meanwhile, Syria's state news agency SANA reported that the Israeli aggression targeted a building in the Mazzeh neighborhood, while the country's air defenses intercepted a foreign attack in the vicinity of Damascus, giving no further details yet. 
TEHRAN, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling for practical measures to enhance bilateral ties and address the Gaza crisis.

During their talks, Raisi said it was necessary for the two sides to further strengthen political, economic and cultural relations, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian President's Office.

He also expressed Iran's willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation with Turkiye in the energy sector, hoping that Tehran-Ankara cooperation would help safeguard the interests of both nations and promote unity and solidarity in the Muslim world.

As regards the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, Raisi said that Israel violated international law by continuing its military operations in Gaza, despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the coastal enclave during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Iranian president called for greater synergy, cooperation and unity among Muslim countries within the frameworks of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as well as other regional and international organizations to help Gazans and send humanitarian aid to the Strip.

For his part, the Turkish president reaffirmed his government's commitment to following up on and implementing the agreements signed between the two sides during the Raisi's visit to Ankara in late January. 
SEOUL, April 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol urged doctors Monday to discuss together medical school admissions, the number of which the government planned to increase by 2,000 starting next year.

Yoon told a televised address to the nation that the government-set medical school quota hike would be a minimum to tackle the rapidly aging population and provide necessary medical staff in essential specialties and rural areas.

Yoon urged the medical community to offer a unified proposal to the government built on solid and scientific basis, stressing that the government will discuss it anytime if the medical community suggests a more proper and rational option.

About 12,000 medical interns and residents have stayed off the job since Feb. 20, while medical professors submitted resignations en masse to protest against the government's plan.

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) speaking for the majority of local doctors said it agreed to the government's overall policy direction, but it emphasized that the increased medical school admissions would not be a fundamental solution but end up with the degraded quality of medical education and services.

The Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA), a major group representing junior doctors, said that the figure 2,000 was both scientifically groundless and politically motivated to garner votes in the upcoming parliamentary election on April 10. 
GENEVA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-one patients have died since Israeli Defense Forces raided Al-Shifa, the largest hospital in Gaza, for a second time on March 18, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday.

"Hostilities continue around the hospital," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X, formerly Twitter, citing a health worker inside Al-Shifa.

Over 100 patients, including four children and 28 critical patients, were stranded inside the hospital, lacking necessary means of care. "Many have infected wounds and are dehydrated," said Tedros.

Israeli troops, which launched the latest raid on the hospital in mid-March, said in a statement that they were continuing precise operations in the Al-Shifa hospital to thwart terrorism.

The WHO chief expressed concern over the worsening condition at the hospital, saying contagious diseases were spreading due to extremely poor sanitation and a lack of water.

"Food is extremely limited -- this is potentially life-threatening for diabetic patients whose condition is worsening," he warned.

The UN health agency urged Israel to facilitate access and a humanitarian corridor, so it can carry out lifesaving transfer of patients. 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Stephane Sejourne, French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Stephane Sejourne, French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, in Beijing on Monday to discuss closer bilateral ties.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and France are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major independent countries, and that they share an extraordinary history of exchange and shoulder the important missions of the times.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties between China and France, Wang said China is willing to work with France to solidify and add dynamism to the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, guided by the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state. He said China is ready to lead the sound, steady development of China-EU relations and inject more stability into a world beset by frequent upheaval.

He said China is actively cultivating new quality productive forces and continuously promoting high-quality development and high-level opening-up. These actions will bring more opportunities to France and the rest of the world, and inject new vitality into China-France relations.

It is hoped that the French side will attach importance to addressing China's legitimate and reasonable concerns, and provide a fair, non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, he added.

Activities related to the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism are running smoothly, Wang said. China hopes the French side will provide more convenience for Chinese citizens looking to visit France, and competent authorities on both sides should step up their coordination to increase numbers of direct flights, he added.

"Strategic communication and multilateral coordination are highlights of China-France cooperation," Wang said, and the two sides should work together to speak out on issues concerning world peace and stability, and on issues related to the future of humanity. They should also support each other's multilateral initiatives.

Sejourne said that France attaches great importance to its relations with China and upholds the one-China policy firmly. The French side looks forward to working with China to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, push for the greater development of bilateral relations, and enhance cooperation in fields such as the economy, trade, agriculture, green development and artificial intelligence.

France stands for openness and cooperation, opposes a decoupling, and is committed to handling differences properly through consultation, Sejourne added.

The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern, including the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Stephane Sejourne, French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)
JERUSALEM, March 31 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli delegation of security officials departed for Egypt's Cairo on Sunday for talks to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal.

The delegation includes representatives of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, Shin Bet internal security agency, and the military, an Israeli government official confirmed to Xinhua.

On Friday, Netanyahu's office said in a statement that he has spoken with the heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet and "approved the next round of talks, in the coming days, in Doha and Cairo." The delegation was given a mandate "for moving forward in the negotiations," the office said.

The main sticking points between the two sides in previous rounds of indirect talks were that Hamas demanded a full stop of war, while Israel only agreed to a temporary ceasefire, and the country also refused Hamas's request to allow displaced civilians to return to their homes.

Qatar, Egypt and the United States have been pushing for a captive swap deal and a ceasefire in Gaza, as the first pause lasted only a week in late November last year. 
JERUSALEM, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel's military was preparing to launch an attack on Rafah, as truce negotiations resumed in Egypt.

Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, has become a refuge for over one million displaced Palestinians seeking shelter from bombardments. United Nations experts and several countries have warned that any ground operation in the city would lead to catastrophic consequences for civilians.

In a press conference, Netanyahu said that following his approval of the military's plan for a ground attack in Rafah earlier in March, the army is now preparing to evacuate the population before attacking the city.

"It will take time, but it will be done," he said. "We will get into Rafah and kill Hamas battalions there. There is no victory without entering Rafah and eliminating Hamas battalions there."

In northern Gaza, where the UN said famine was imminent, Israeli forces continued the raid on the Al-Shifa Hospital, the enclave's largest medical center before the conflict. According to Netanyahu, at least 200 militants have been killed in the medical complex. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, dozens of people were killed at the hospital, where about 3,000 patients and refugees were seeking shelter.

In the afternoon, an Israeli delegation of security officials departed for a new round of talks with negotiators in Cairo.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued to carry out heavy strikes in the Palestinian enclave. The military said that its warplanes targeted an operational Islamic Jihad command center and militants in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in the central Gaza Strip. The statement did not mention the names of the militants.

The Hamas-run media office in Gaza said in a statement that the airstrikes hit a tent housing journalists and displaced people within the hospital compound. Palestinian medical sources said the attack killed four people and injured 17 others with varying injuries, including two journalists.

Over the past day, Israeli attacks killed at least 77 Palestinians and wounded 108 others, the Health Ministry in Gaza said in a press statement. Overall, at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed and 75,298 wounded since Israel launched its retaliatory attack against Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. The Israeli death toll from Hamas's surprise attack stands at 1,139, with about 100 still held hostage in Gaza. 
People watch dragon and lion dances during the 2024 Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival in Livingstone, Zambia, March 30, 2024. The event was held here from March 28 to 30. (Photo by Wang Chunyan/Xinhua)

People watch waist drum dance performed by overseas Chinese during the 2024 Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival in Livingstone, Zambia, March 30, 2024. The event was held here from March 28 to 30. (Photo by Wang Chunyan/Xinhua)

People watch a dragon dance during the 2024 Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival in Livingstone, Zambia, March 30, 2024. The event was held here from March 28 to 30. (Photo by Wang Chunyan/Xinhua)

People watch dragon and lion dances during the 2024 Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival in Livingstone, Zambia, March 30, 2024. The event was held here from March 28 to 30. (Photo by Wang Chunyan/Xinhua)
By Alimat Aliyeva

Qatar Energy has chartered 19 gas carriers under four agreements from ship operators in Asia to prepare for an increase in gas production in Qatar, Azernews reports, citing the company's press service.

Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi noted that Chinese companies CMES and Shandong MarineGroup will provide six vessels each. The Malaysian MISC, in turn, will supply three vessels, and the joint venture of South Korea's Hyundai Glovis and Japan's Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha will supply four gas carriers. The capacity of each vessel is 174 thousand cubic meters.

Bloomberg reports that Qatar needs more gas carriers because the country intends to increase the annual production capacity of the Northern field from the current 77 million tons to 142 million tons of LNG by 2030 in order to regain leadership in the global market for this resource.

The country plans to increase the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 85% by 2030.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa (front) takes oath in the West Bank City of Ramallah, on March 31, 2024. The Palestinian new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was sworn in here in the West Bank on Sunday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was sworn in here in the West Bank on Sunday.

The new government consists of 23 ministerial portfolios, including at least six ministers from the Gaza Strip. Mustafa will also take over the position of foreign minister from veteran diplomat Riyad Al-Maliki.

During the swearing-in ceremony in front of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Mustafa pledged that his new government would serve all Palestinians, stressing the government's political references are the Palestine Liberation Organization and its political program and international commitments, as mandated by the letter of assignment outlined by Abbas.

At a meeting with the new government after the ceremony, Abbas reaffirmed that work is underway in coordination with Arab and international parties to stop the conflict in Gaza.

"Our political goal is to achieve freedom, independence and liberation from the (Israeli) occupation, and we are working with concerned Arab and international parties to obtain full membership in the United Nations," said the president, according to the official news agency WAFA.

On March 14, Abbas tasked Mustafa, the head of the Palestine Investment Fund and his longtime economic advisor, to form the 19th government, according to WAFA.

His appointment came after the former government resigned in light of challenging circumstances amid the developments in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, as well as mounting pressure on Abbas to reform the Palestinian Authority and establish a political framework capable of governing a future Palestinian state in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict. 

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa takes oath in the West Bank City of Ramallah, on March 31, 2024. The Palestinian new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was sworn in here in the West Bank on Sunday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (2nd R, front) poses for a picture with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa (3rd L, front) and other members of the new government in the West Bank City of Ramallah, on March 31, 2024. The Palestinian new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was sworn in here in the West Bank on Sunday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa attends the swearing-in ceremony in the West Bank City of Ramallah, on March 31, 2024. The Palestinian new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was sworn in here in the West Bank on Sunday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L, front) and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa (R, front) attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in the West Bank City of Ramallah, on March 31, 2024. The Palestinian new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was sworn in here in the West Bank on Sunday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) shakes hands with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in the West Bank City of Ramallah, on March 31, 2024. The Palestinian new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was sworn in here in the West Bank on Sunday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia and Great Indonesia Movement Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto, who is on a visit to China, in Beijing on Monday.

Xi congratulated Prabowo on winning the election and asked Prabowo to relay sincere greetings and best wishes to President Joko Widodo.

Recalling the rapidly developing and fruitful bilateral ties over the past decade under the guidance of the two heads of state, Xi said both sides have made Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway an exemplar of high-quality bilateral cooperation and entered a new stage of building a community with a shared future.

China views its relations with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia, Xi said.

He said China will work with Indonesia to build a China-Indonesia community with a shared future that has regional and global influence, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

Prabowo conveyed President Joko Widodo's sincere greetings to Xi, and said he is delighted to make China the first country he visits after being elected.

Prabowo said he supports the development of a closer relationship with China and will continue the country's friendly policy toward China. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
TOKYO, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency on Monday said sudden downpours, lightning, gusts and hailstorms are expected in Tokyo and the rest of the Kanto region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said unstable atmospheric conditions brought rain to some parts of the Kanto and Koshin regions on Monday morning.

Weather officials urged people to be on the alert as the weather may abruptly change even if the sun is shining.

Through Monday night, thunderclouds are expected to develop in some areas of Kanto, as the conditions become more unstable, the JMA said.

The weather agency advised people to take shelter in sturdy buildings if the sky suddenly turns dark, a sign of possible thunderheads approaching. 
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) Monday said the Myanmar police repatriated 352 Chinese nationals suspected of telecom fraud to China on March 31.

In the first joint law enforcement operation between Chinese and Myanmar police in the region of Muse, northern Myanmar, a total of 807 suspects engaged in cross-border telecom fraud were arrested.

Among those, 352 were Chinese nationals, while 455 were Myanmar citizens who were handled by the Myanmar police.

Among the individuals of Chinese nationality apprehended, 21 were identified as key members of telecom scam gangs, and 51 were fugitive suspects. Additionally, a significant quantity of crime-related tools, including computers, mobile phones, and scam scripts, were confiscated during the operation.

Since 2023, 48,000 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud have been repatriated from Myanmar to China.

In a statement, the MPS vowed to deepen border law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries and regions, as well as sustain intense crackdowns on cross-border telecom fraud, thereby safeguarding people's lives and property firmly.

Furthermore, the MPS urged individuals involved in telecom scams to voluntarily surrender to Chinese authorities promptly in order to receive leniency in the handling of their cases. 
Thanks to great restoration efforts, the saline-alkali land in China has become a potential resource, boosting agricultural productivity and improving farmers' incomes.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
NEW DELHI, April 1 (Xinhua) -- India's defense exports reached an all-time high of 2.63 billion U.S. dollars during the financial year 2023-24 running from April 2023 to the end of March 2024, announced the federal government on Monday.

The figure registered a 32.5 percent growth over the last financial year, it said.

The data indicated that the defense exports have grown by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to the financial year 2013-14, said a statement issued by the ministry of defense. 




BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Focusing on the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima, Chinese and Japanese experts had a constructive technical dialogue on March 30 in China's Dalian, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, experts from Japan and China held consultation on March 30 in China over the release of the "treated water" from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Japan explained the safety of the release by offering the scientific basis.

In response to a related query, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily news briefing that Chinese and Japanese experts had a constructive technical dialogue on March 30 in China's Dalian, which is linked to the several rounds of institutionalized consultations between the director-generals of the departments of Asian affairs of the foreign ministries of China and Japan. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia and Great Indonesia Movement Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto, who is on a visit to China, in Beijing on Monday.

Xi congratulated Prabowo on winning the election and asked Prabowo to relay sincere greetings and best wishes to President Joko Widodo.

Recalling the rapidly developing and fruitful bilateral ties over the past decade under the guidance of the two heads of state, Xi said both sides have made the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway an exemplar of high-quality bilateral cooperation and entered a new stage of building a community with a shared future.

China views its relations with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia, Xi said.

He said China will work with Indonesia to build a China-Indonesia community with a shared future that has regional and global influence, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

Xi said the key to successful China-Indonesia relations is to adhere to strategic independence, mutual trust and mutual assistance, win-win cooperation, and fairness and justice.

Xi said China and Indonesia are both representatives of major developing countries and emerging markets. In the past, the two countries have always supported each other in the cause of national independence and development, he said, while in the future, the two countries should also unite in good faith to set an example of win-win cooperation and shared development, and become a pacesetter for South-South cooperation.

The two sides should firmly follow the development path suited to their own national conditions, firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests, and understand and support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, according to Xi.

Xi said China is willing to maintain close exchanges with Indonesia, share experience on governance, strengthen synergy of development strategies, further promote the construction of the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor, and continue to deepen maritime cooperation.

He added that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia on poverty reduction and eradication, and provide support in this regard.

Noting that at present, momentous changes not seen in a century are accelerating across the world, Xi said the two sides should actively practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, vigorously promote the Bandung spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, strengthen multilateral coordination, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Xi said China is ready to work with Indonesia to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality, maintain an open and inclusive regional architecture, and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Prabowo conveyed President Joko Widodo's sincere greetings to Xi, and said he is delighted to make China the first country he visits after being elected.

China is a major influential country, and the two countries always respect each other and treat each other as equals, he added.

He expressed admiration for the great achievements made by the Chinese people under the leadership of President Xi. He said he is willing to learn from the experience of the Communist Party of China and deepen exchanges on governance.

Prabowo noted that China is a strong partner of Indonesia, and Chinese enterprises have participated in-depth in Indonesia's economic growth and contributed to Indonesia's national development in recent years.

He said that he supports the development of a closer relationship with China and will continue the country's friendly policy toward China, adhere to independence and stick to the one-China policy that is always pursued by the Indonesian government.

Prabowo added that Indonesia and China will firmly support each other's core interests, promote the comprehensive and high-quality development of bilateral relations, and implement the important consensus of building a community of shared future between the two countries.

The new Indonesian government is willing to actively strengthen the alignment of the development strategies of the two countries and push for more cooperation results in various fields such as economy, trade and poverty alleviation to further benefit the two peoples, Prabowo said.

He said he appreciated that China has always upheld fairness and justice in international affairs, especially on the Palestinian question, adding that Indonesia is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on international and regional affairs, and make a greater contribution to South-South cooperation. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
BEIRUT, March 31 (Xinhua) -- A Hezbollah member was killed on Sunday in an Israeli raid that targeted his car in the center of Kunin, a municipality located in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a drone fired two air-to-surface missiles at the car, causing it to burn and resulting in the death of its driver, Ismail Ali Al-Zein.

Hezbollah has not yet commented on the incident.

The military sources said that Israel carried out 15 air strikes on eight towns and villages in the border area in southern Lebanon, destroying 12 homes and damaging about 45 others, and fired artillery toward nine towns and villages.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 396 people on the Lebanese side, including 255 Hezbollah members and 73 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. 
Qabil Ashirov

Baku hosts the 8th session of the Azerbaijan-Romania Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Relations and Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which covers the topics cooperation in energy (key), transportation, investment, agriculture, social, educational, humanitarian, infrastructure, construction, and other spheres.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the delegation led by Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Ioan Burduja. Besides, several Azerbaijani governmental bodies, including ministries, held meetings with the delegation and several documents were signed.

Also, a group made up of Romanian investors paid a visit to the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) and got acquainted with the conditions and terms in the AFEZ. The head of AFEZ gave detailed information and invited the investor to invest.

It is worth noting that Romania is one of Azerbaijans important strategic partners in Eastern Europe. It is expected that the partnership will deepen after the 2030s, when Azerbaijan's green energy project is realised.

Speaking to Azernews on the issue, economist Eyyub Karimli noted that Azerbaijan has been in strategic cooperation with Romania for a long time, and declarations on strategic partnership have been signed in this regard. Currently, the meeting of the eighth intergovernmental commission between Romania and Azerbaijan is taking place, and very important issues in terms of economic relations are being discussed here.

Thus, in comparison with last year, positive dynamics can be observed in the economic and commercial relations between Azerbaijan and Romania. Also, an increase of 29.3 percent was observed in the trade turnover between the two countries. Today, the trade turnover between our countries has exceeded 700 million dollars, and as we know, Azerbaijan and Romania make a great contribution to ensuring the energy security of Central and Eastern Europe. They work together to implement that security, Eyyub Karimli said.

He pointed out that, as we know, an agreement on the supply of 1 million cubic metres of natural gas to Romania from April 1, 2023, was signed, and the agreement is already being implemented. Also, work is underway on a project related to the transfer of green energy from Azerbaijan to Romania through the Black Sea through Georgia.

As I mentioned, energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania is at a high level and will continue at a high pace. As we know, in the future, Azerbaijan, through its cooperation with Romania, will also export green energy to several European countries via the country, which is very important here. As for the visit of Romanian investors to the Alat Free Economic Zone, the economist emphasised that it will play an important role in the development of AFEZ and attracting investors here. Also, the interest of Romanian investors in this zone is related to the development of the transport corridor that will operate in the east-west direction in the future, the development of logistics, and the further expansion of the transport infrastructure, for which, as we know, Romanians also have a very important experience and interest in this field. They want to contribute by investing in the corridor that will extend from China to Europe in the future, economist Eyyub Karimli concluded.
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Two new high-performance small UAVs have been introduced at the Badaling Great Wall Scenic Spot, hovering between the south and north towers, providing real-time services for cultural relic protection, security inspection and scenic spot management.

The UAVs reflect Beijing's efforts to accelerate the development of a demonstration zone for unmanned aerial vehicles in Yanqing District, with the recent release of two related policy documents.

In October 2020, the Civil Aviation Administration of China included Yanqing into the first batch of "civil unmanned aviation test zones" in the country. The airspace has a true height of 1,098 meters and covers 374 square kilometers, with Badaling Airport as the center, and is open to enterprises free of charge.

After more than three years of development, it has gathered more than 90 upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain, which has significantly enhanced the innovation capability of drones, and accelerated the opening of low-altitude application scenarios.

Soon, visitors atop the Badaling Great Wall will have cups of coffee delivered by drone, said Chen Xin, deputy director of Yanqing's scientific and technological commission. 
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 9,235 suggestions made by national lawmakers have been distributed to 213 organizations to be processed, according to a meeting on the handling of these suggestions held in Beijing on Monday.

The suggestions were submitted by deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, during the second session of the 14th NPC held in March. Among all the suggestions, 20 were identified as priorities. 
JERUSALEM, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A drone hit a building in Israel's Red Sea resort of Eilat early Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

No injuries have been reported, but light damage was caused to a building.

The Israeli news site Ynet reported that Iraqi militias claimed responsibility for launching the aircraft, which entered the Israeli airspace from Jordan. Israeli security sources confirmed to Ynet that the aircraft was launched from Iraq. 
TEHRAN, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry on Sunday evening exchanged views over the phone on bilateral relations and the latest developments in Gaza.

During the phone call, the two ministers reviewed the positive trend with regard to bilateral relations over the past few months, and discussed ways to develop the Tehran-Cairo ties based on the will of the two sides' political leaders, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Amir-Abdollahian and Shoukry agreed that bilateral contacts and meetings should continue in a bid to expand and improve the Tehran-Cairo relations.

The Iranian and Egyptian ministers reviewed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, and voiced great concern over the continuation of the killing of Palestinian civilians, including women and children.

They also stressed the necessity to immediately stop the Israeli attacks on Gaza, implement a resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire in the coastal enclave during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and send large-scale international humanitarian aid to Gazans.

The two sides voiced opposition to any plan by Israel aiming to forcefully displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, calling on relevant international organizations to take effective measures to prevent Israel's attack on Gaza's southernmost Rafah city.

Iran and Egypt severed diplomatic relations in 1980. In recent months, both countries have expressed a willingness to mend bilateral ties by settling differences on certain issues. 
TEHRAN, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Sunday condemned a deadly Israeli bombing earlier in the day on tents inside a hospital in the Gaza Strip, which killed four Palestinians and wounded 17 others.

Kanaani said on social media platform X that Israel's aggression in the Gaza Strip is continuing before the world peoples' eyes, noting that the bombing was Israel's "newest crime that has derided all international laws and regulations."

Palestinian eyewitnesses and sources told Xinhua that a drone fired at least one missile at tents housing displaced persons and journalists in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in the city of Deir al-Balah.

The Israel Defense Forces said on its official X account that an IAF (Israeli Air Force) aircraft struck an operational Islamic Jihad command center positioned in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital, adding that the hospital building was not damaged, and its function was not affected.

A total of 32,782 Palestinians have been killed and over 75,298 others injured in the Gaza Strip since Israel began its offensive in the Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry. 
BAGHDAD, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Oil Ministry on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the German Siemens and the U.S. Schlumberger companies on the utilization of associated gas in the Iraqi oil fields.

During the signing ceremony, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said that the MoU is consistent with the ministry's plan to utilize associated gas for electricity production, according to a ministry statement.

"Through this memorandum and the attached contracts, the ministry aims to implement its plan to benefit from associated gas by taking advantage of the technology of these companies," the statement quoted the minister as saying.

With 132 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, Iraq is committed to harnessing its gas resources to address critical needs, particularly in electricity generation. 
NEW DELHI, April 1 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and over 100 others injured after a tornado hit India's eastern state of West Bengal, officials said Monday.

The tornado hit several parts of Jalpaiguri district on Sunday. It damaged many houses and uprooted trees in Jalpaiguri town and many areas of the neighboring Mainaguri.

"The sudden tornado on Sunday destroyed large parts of Jalpaiguri town, Mainaguri and Dhupaguri block. The violent storm left five people dead and over 100 others injured," an official said.

According to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, district administration, police, disaster management officials and quick response teams have swung into action to undertake rescue efforts and provide relief. She said affected people were being shifted to safer places.

Reports pouring in from Jalpaiguri said the hailstorm coupled with the storm damaged 800 houses and uprooted trees and electric poles.

The storm's impact was also felt in Jalpaiguri's neighboring districts -- Coochbehar and Alipurduar.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a tornado occurred at Jalpaiguri district around 03:30 p.m. (local time) on Sunday and lasted for about 10 minutes.

Local media reports quoting eyewitnesses said it started from the bottom of the Teesta River and turned into a massive loud sound that uprooted multiple trees and damaged houses.

The severe weather conditions have also taken a toll on Assam where a child was killed and two people were reported missing after a boat capsized in the Brahmaputra river in South Salmara-Mankachar district, amid heavy rain and hailstorm across the state.

In the adjacent Manipur state strong winds, heavy rains and lightning lashed the southeastern part on Sunday, causing widespread damage to houses, standing crops, and livestock shelters. 
LOS ANGELES, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Lou Conter, the final survivor of the USS Arizona, the battleship that was sunk during the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, died on Monday at the age of 102.

Conter died at his home Monday morning in Grass Valley in U.S. state of California, said Pacific Historic Parks, a leading non-profit organization that supports the USS Arizona Memorial and other Pacific historic locations, in a statement.

Conter's daughter Louann Daley said the World War II veteran was surrounded by family and passed peacefully, the statement added.

Conter was a 20-year-old quartermaster who helped rescue fellow crewmen during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the morning of Dec. 7, 1941. A total of 1,177 fellow Arizona crew members were killed that day, most of them still entombed on the ship with their names etched on the USS Arizona Memorial, according to the statement.

The veteran was among the 335 Arizona crew members to survive the Pearl Harbor attack, and he outlived all of them, said the statement.

Conter's military service continued after the Pearl Harbor attack, and he went on to become a VP-11 Black Cat pilot. He survived two shoot-downs in World War II, including one off the coast of New Guinea in which the crew was surrounded by sharks.

Aileen Utterdyke, president and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks, noted in the statement that "This is a heartbreaking loss."

Utterdyke pointed out that Conter had an exemplary career in the U.S. Navy and was steadfast in imploring the schools, parents and everyday Americans to always remember Pearl Harbor. 
SANAA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A warplane of the U.S.-British coalition launched airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen's port city of Hodeidah on the Red Sea on Monday, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The TV channel said the strikes hit the al-Taif area in the southern Durayhimi district, without providing more details.

The coalition has been striking Houthi targets since Jan. 12, saying it aimed to degrade Houthi military capabilities and deter the group from launching missile attacks against shipping vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis, however, responded by launching more attacks against ships, vowing further escalation.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthis seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces out of the capital Sanaa.

After the 2018 UN-sponsored Stockholm agreement, supported by the United States and Britain, the Houthis consolidated their control over the strategic port city of Hodeidah, thwarting attempts by the internationally-recognized Yemeni government forces to retake the city. 
DAMASCUS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli missile strike hit the consulate building in the compound of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Monday afternoon, leveling the building to the ground and leaving an unknown number of casualties, according to Xinhua reporters on the scene.

Reporters saw thick plumes of smoke rising from the building located on the Mazzeh Highway to the west of Damascus after the attack, which triggered a big boom sound as the Syrian air defenses attempted to intercept the missiles.

The demolished structure is the consular section of the Iranian embassy, with an Iranian flag resting amidst the wreckage.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus.

Syria's air defense intercepted some of the missiles, it noted, adding the attack resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who arrived at the scene following the missile strike, condemned the attack. He said the Israeli attack would not affect the Syrian-Iranian relations.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said efforts were underway to retrieve the bodies of the victims, provide medical assistance to the wounded, and remove the rubble.

Ambulances rushed to the scene while military vehicles swiftly cordoned off the embassy's perimeter. 
Dubai Holding, a leading investment company with operations in 13 countries, has announced that it has partnered with leading global lifestyle and leisure hospitality company Ennismore to introduce its Delano brand in the UAE.

Opening later this year at the waterfront destination Bluewaters, Delano Dubai will be a luxurious destination marked by attention to detail, craftsmanship and personalised experiences.

It will feature 251 guestrooms, including 84 suites, some with private pools, exceptional culinary and mixology experiences, an ocean-front swimming pool, and ultimate discretion on a secluded corner of this island retreat.

The launch of Delano Dubai forms part of a landmark agreement signed between Dubai Holding and Ennismore last year to introduce a unique luxury lifestyle experience in Dubai, and follows the opening of Banyan Tree Dubai at Bluewaters Dubai late last year.

Dubai Holding Group CEO Amit Kaushal said this launch underscores its commitment to setting new standards of excellence in luxury hospitality and strengthening Dubais position as a leading international tourism hub.

"Together with the recent opening of Banyan Tree Dubai, we are proud to mark another milestone in the evolution of Bluewaters Dubai as a luxury lifestyle destination," stated Kaushal.

"Our collaboration with market leaders like Ennismore and Banyan Group will continue to focus on welcoming new brands to Dubai and further enrich the city's vibrant hospitality landscape," he added.

Sharan Pasricha, Founder & Co-CEO, and, Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO of Ennismore, said: "When Delano launched in Miami in 1995, it traded traditional, gilded luxury for something far more modern and understated, but equally grand. Delano pioneered the concept of lifestyle hospitality as we know it today, and we are thrilled to be bringing the iconic Delano to the forefront of global hospitality again, with a new home in Dubai  marking a major milestone in the brands journey."

"From its origins in Miami, a bustling social hub, to the new global hub of extraordinary experiences, Dubai, Delano is set to introduce a new level of luxury, discernment and vibrant energy to the city as our debut property in the region. We look forward to sharing more exciting details about Delano Dubai over the coming months," he added.

In 2024, Ennismore entered into a long-term partnership with Cain International to drive forward the global expansion of the iconic Delano brand and reopen Delano Miami Beach.-TradeArabia News Service
A woman kisses the body of her relative in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

GAZA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 63 Palestinians and wounded 94 others, the ministry said in a press statement.

This brings the total death toll to 32,845 and injuries to 75,392 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, the ministry called on international institutions to support the reopening of the Nasser Medical Complex in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, and to provide assistance to health facilities.

The ministry said in a separate statement on Monday that the shortage of services at the Nasser Medical Complex is "a severe blow to the health services and deprives patients of access to therapeutic services, especially after the loss of the bulk of services in the northern Gaza Strip."

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. 

People mourn the death of victims at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

A boy mourns over the body of his relative in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

People mourn the death of victims at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

A boy mourns over the body of his relative in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

A boy grieves over the death of his relative at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

People mourn the death of victims at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)
by Xinhua writers Sun Ding, Zheng Kaijun

SHANGHAI, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A constructive relationship between the United States and China will not only benefit the two countries but also make the world better, Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee of U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR), told Xinhua in a recent interview in Shanghai.

"I love China because I love the United States," Orlins said, "What happened over the years is I began to understand that U.S.-China relations would fundamentally affect the American people. If it was good, it would mean a better life for the American people. If it was bad, it would mean a worse life for the American people."

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with representatives from American business, strategic, and academic communities. Xi welcomed the U.S. guests, including Orlins, to China in the blooming spring.

"It was an outstanding meeting, very relaxed," Orlins said. He also shared his take on the meeting with Xi on social media X, saying that President Xi "made a compelling case for why the U.S. and China must cooperate" and that "we were all deeply impressed and recommitted to building a cooperative U.S.-China relationship that benefits the peoples of both countries."

From 1976 to 1979, Orlins served in the Office of the Legal Advisor of the United States Department of State and was a member of the legal team that helped establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

Since 2005, he has been president of the NCUSCR, a non-profit organization that promotes understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

"Over time, I came to China, helped to establish diplomatic relations, came to China and then as a result of that fell in love with China, too," he added.

While "there are so many challenges and there are so many opportunities" for U.S.-China relations, Orlins called upon both sides to "focus on what we can do together on the cooperation more than the competition," believing that "a peaceful, productive, and constructive U.S.-China relationship is going to make this world a better place."

"We can cooperate on climate change. We can cooperate on AI (Artificial Intelligence). We can cooperate on counterterrorism. We can cooperate on investment," he said. "There are so many things which, when we cooperate, we make the lives of the people of the United States and the people of China better."

Orlins agrees that the foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in the people. Looking back at history, he noted that the famous Ping-Pong Diplomacy, which paved the way for diplomatic and political breakthroughs between the two countries, also "created the beginnings of the people-to-people relationship" because "it changed the views of the Chinese about America and Americans about China."

"When you have a close people-to-people relationship, the government, the policies follow," Orlins pointed out. "What we need to be doing now is having more people-to-people exchanges." (Xinhua reporters You Zhixin and Sun Qing also contributed to this report.) 
Rescuers work at the destroyed building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS/TEHRAN, April 1 (Xinhua) -- At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus.

Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari, speaking to reporters in front of the Iranian embassy in Damascus after the attack, said five to seven people were killed in the attack.

He added that Israel's F-35 fighter jets had launched six missiles from the occupied Golan Heights in a "criminal," targeted offense on the Iranian consulate's building.

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, Mohammad-Reza Zahedi, a commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and his deputy, Mohammad-Hadi Haji Rahimi, were killed in the attack.

Twelve others have been injured in the attack, the report added.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes resulted in the death of eight people, including a high-ranking commander of the Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon, as well as two Iranian advisors and five members from the IRGC.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who arrived at the scene following the missile strike, condemned the attack and stressed that the move would not affect Syrian-Iranian relations.

Later, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Mekdad condemned in strongest terms Israel's "criminal" attacks and called them "a flagrant violation" of international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries.

Amir-Abdollahian, for his part, said the attack violated all international obligations and conventions, stressing that Israel would be responsible for the consequences of the action.

In a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry after the attack, ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani was quoted as saying that Iran, while reserving its right to take countermeasures, would consider its response to the attack and determine the appropriate punishment for the "aggressor."

The Syrian Defense Ministry said efforts were underway to retrieve the bodies of the victims, provide medical assistance to the wounded, and remove the rubble.

Ambulances rushed to the scene while military vehicles swiftly cordoned off the embassy's perimeter.

On Monday evening, a Xinhua reporter close to the scene saw works were ongoing to assess the extent of the damage and recover the bodies.

Earlier in the day, thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the building located on the Mazzeh Highway to the west of Damascus after the attack, which triggered a big boom sound as the Syrian air defenses attempted to intercept the missiles.

The incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, as it's the first hit on the Iranian embassy in Syria since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011. 

Rescuers work at the destroyed building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the destroyed building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Rescuers work near the destroyed building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Rescuers work near the destroyed building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Smoke rises after an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. At least five people, including a senior Iranian commander, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the building of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, according to the Iranian ambassador to Syria and other sources.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
DAMASCUS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari has promised that Iran will respond to Israel's attack on the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus earlier on Monday with equal force.

Following the Israeli missile strike on the consulate building of the Iranian embassy, Akbari told reporters that five of his colleagues lost their lives in the attack, while two Iranian embassy guards were injured.

Israel "has clearly violated international laws. When will international organizations, which are meant to enforce these laws, take action?" Akbari said.

The Iranian ambassador issued a warning that Iran will not let Israel's actions go unanswered and will retaliate with equal force.

Israel "will face consequences for their actions, and we will respond with the same intensity," Akbari stated.

Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who arrived at the scene following the missile strike, condemned the incident as unjustified.

"We offer our condolences for the loss of lives and condemn these attacks on diplomatic missions," Mekdad said.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the missile attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian embassy.

The incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran. 
DAMASCUS/TEHRAN, April 1 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli missile strike hit the consulate building within the compound of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Monday afternoon, leveling the building and leaving an unknown number of casualties, according to Xinhua reporters on the scene.

Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that five people, including a commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and his deputy, were killed in the attack. No official figure has been released on the airstrikes' casualties and damage.

Tasnim identified the slain commander and his deputy as Mohammad-Reza Zahedi, 64, and Haj Rahimi, respectively, saying Zahedi was a commander of the IRGC's Quds Force.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), when Israel launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus.

Syria's air defense intercepted some of the missiles, it noted, adding the attack resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Xinhua Reporters saw thick plumes of smoke rising from the building located on the Mazzeh Highway to the west of Damascus after the attack, which triggered a big boom sound as the Syrian air defenses attempted to intercept the missiles.

Ambulances rushed to the scene while military vehicles swiftly cordoned off the embassy's perimeter.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who arrived at the scene following the missile strike, condemned the attack. He said the Israeli attack would not affect the Syrian-Iranian relations.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said efforts were underway to retrieve the bodies of the victims, provide medical assistance to the wounded, and remove the rubble. 
GAZA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Rahaf al-Halabi, a 62-year-old Palestinian woman in Gaza, breathed a sigh of relief after the Israeli army withdrew from the Al-Shifa Hospital on Monday following a 14-day siege.

"You can smell death everywhere. The Israeli army has turned the hospital into a hell that has no feature of life," she said with teary eyes. "The army killed dozens of young people before our eyes."

"My family and I spent days of darkness and horror under the Israeli siege and attacks on the hospital. Many times, we thought that we would be killed by the Israeli army," she said.

Earlier in the day, Avichai Adraee, the spokesman of the Israeli army, said in a press statement that the army finished its military operations in Al-Shifa, the largest hospital in Gaza, and killed and arrested dozens of militants and terrorists, including leaders of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

"The army found rifles, pistols, explosive materials, and dozens of mortar shells in the maternity ward, some of which were inside beds and pillows," Adraee added.

Mahmoud Haboush has spent several hours searching through the rubble in hopes of finding the bodies of his two brothers. Until now, the 28-year-old Palestinian has been unsuccessful in locating the bodies of his brothers. He expressed profound sadness at the realization that his brothers may have already been killed by the Israeli army, and he may never be able to bury them.

"The last time I heard the voice of my brother, Mohammed, was on March 28 when he called and told me that the Israeli army executed our brother, Ahmed, and he would be killed too," he said.

"I heard gunfire in the place. My brother was afraid. I cannot imagine how he was killed, and whether he died quickly or did he suffer before he died."

On March 18, the Israeli army carried out a sudden large-scale military operation at the Al-Shifa Hospital, saying that Hamas and the PIJ used the hospital for military operations against Israel.

The Hamas-run media office said in a press statement that the Israeli army "killed at least 400 Palestinians and arrested over 900 others during its military operations at Al-Shifa hospital."

Medical and civil defense crews have pulled out dozens of decomposing bodies, including those of children, women, and medical staff, from the courtyards of the hospital, said Palestinian security sources who required anonymity.

The security sources said that the hospital had gone out of service as most parts of its buildings were destroyed, burned, or attacked by the Israeli army.

"It is impossible to resume the work soon inside the hospital as the Israeli army deliberately destroyed all medical equipment in the complex, including operating rooms, intensive care units, specialized departments, and mortuary refrigeration facilities," said a Palestinian medical source who requires anonymity.

In a press statement, Hamas described the Israeli raids on the Al-Shifa Hospital as "a horrific crime against civilians and the civilian structure in the Gaza Strip, with the full and unlimited support of the U.S. administration."

Hamas held the U.S. "fully responsible for the crimes, massacres, and systematic destruction of civilian life in Gaza, especially within the health sector, which was carried out with American weapons and all forms of military and political support."

Hamas urged the international community and the United Nations to "condemn this terrible crime against the Al-Shifa Medical Complex and its vicinity." 
WASHINGTON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli and U.S. officials met virtually Monday to discuss a possible alternative for a potential ground operation in Rafah by the Israeli military, the White House confirmed.

The virtual meeting was arranged as a substitute for an in-person discussion in Washington featuring the visit by a high-level Israeli delegation, which was scrapped by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week in protest of the United States greenlighting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

"I can confirm that there is a virtual meeting happening today with both U.S. officials, Israeli officials to discuss the situation in Rafah and, obviously, the next steps that we have been hearing that the Israeli government wants to take," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a regular press briefing.

She said it was on Friday that both sides settled with the schedule for the virtual meeting, noting that the United States "wanted to move very quickly on" scheduling such a discussion with Israel.

Reiterating Washington's concern about the devastation an Israeli military operation in Rafah will bring to the over 1 million Palestinian civilians now residing there, Jean-Pierre said that even in the event that Israel sticks with their plan of a ground operation, Israeli officials "have to have this conversation" with their U.S. counterparts and explain "how they're going to move forward."

For its part, Israel is still bent on advancing into Rafah. Netanyahu told a press conference at his office Sunday evening that he had approved an operational plan by the Israeli Defense Force for Rafah.

"We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there," Netanyahu said.

At the White House briefing, Jean-Pierre dodged a follow-up question on whether an in-person meeting between officials of the two countries is possible in the remaining days of the week. "We will have more to share on the next steps," she said. 
YAOUNDE, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A seven-day conflict between farmers and herders in Chad has resulted in the deaths of 23 people, a senior official said Monday.

The killing of a man from an Arab community sparked the violence, which took place from March 21 to 27 in three villages in the Moyen-Chari province in southern Chad, Minister of Communication Abdraman Koulamallah told reporters.

Local media reported that more than 100 homes were set ablaze and about 100 herds of livestock were killed during the clashes.

Koulamallah said that 21 people had been arrested in connection with the violence.

Conflicts between farmers and herders over land disputes are common in southern and eastern Chad. Last month, 42 people were killed in armed clashes between rival communities in the country's eastern region. 
TUNIS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday ended the duties of Tunisian Minister of Education Mohamed Ali Boughdiri, according to a statement by the presidency.

The statement did not specify the reason for the dismissal.

Saied has appointed Salwa Abbassi, previously the general inspector of secondary education, as the new Minister of Education.

Boughdiri was appointed as the Minister of Education on Jan. 30 last year in the government of Najla Bouden Romdhane who was removed from her post as prime minister on Aug. 1, 2023.

In recent months, the president has ordered the dismissal of several ministers, including the transport minister and the culture minister. 
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security Monday said the Myanmar police repatriated 352 Chinese nationals suspected of telecom fraud to China on March 31.

In the first joint law enforcement operation between Chinese and Myanmar police in the region of Muse, northern Myanmar, a total of 807 suspects engaged in cross-border telecom fraud were arrested.

Among those, 352 were Chinese nationals, while 455 were Myanmar citizens who were handled by the Myanmar police. 
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has signed an agreement with UAE-based Positive Zero, a decentralised decarbonisation infrastructure business, to drive the development of sustainable energy solutions.

This collaborative effort aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies and propel the transition towards a net-zero future in the region.

As part of the agreement, Schneider Electric and Positive Zero will collaborate on various initiatives to advance decarbonisation-as-service programmes across the UAE and Sultanate of Oman.

This includes exploring synergies across distributed microgrid projects, clean mobility solutions, energy efficiency, and sustainability, it stated.

On the key partnership, David Auriau, CEO and Co-founder of Positive Zero, said that both the companies are positioned to address a new energy landscape, which is decentralized, flexible and connected.

"This collaboration represents a strategic alignment of our shared vision for decarbonization and sustainability. Positive Zero is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable world, and our cooperation will accelerate this movement in the commercial and industrial sectors," he noted.

A leading energy transition partner for the commercial, industrial, and public sectors, Positive Zero helps businesses achieve energy savings as high as 50% by removing upfront investments and operational complexities from the onset.

In December last year, BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, had announced its commitment to invest $400 million in Positive Zero through a diversified infrastructure fund.

Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Countries at Schneider Electric, said: "We are looking forward to the outcomes of this collaboration with Positive Zero. It underscores another important step for Schneider Electrics journey and commitment towards accelerating the energy transition in the region and empowering organizations and communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions."

The opportunity for advancing comprehensive corporate sustainability programmes in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region is significant.

According to the World Economic Forums (WEF) October 2023 insight report, 'Closing the Climate Action Gap,' only 12% of businesses in Mena have committed to net-zero targets and just 6% have published clear road maps to achieve those goals.

The report asserts that the GCC countries have more resources and lower costs to reduce carbon emissions using energy efficiency and solar power solutions, giving the region significant advantages over comparable countries in North America and the European Union, it stated.

Meanwhile, a January 2024 report by SkyQuest Technology has revealed that the global Energy-as-a-Service market will exceed $112 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 9.1% between 2023-2030.

This includes the adoption of distributed energy resources like off-grid solar power and mobile battery storage, microgrid technologies, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for predictive energy analytics, and other green and sustainable solutions, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
TOKYO, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government on Monday designated five airports and 11 seaports to be upgraded for possible use by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the Japan Coast Guard, local media reported.

The plan was approved by related government ministers and starts in the current fiscal year through next March, with a 37 billion yen (244 million U.S. dollars) budget earmarked for the first year, Kyodo News reported, citing the Cabinet Secretariat.

Under the scheme, the designated airports will have runways extended and aprons widened to make them more suitable for fighter jets and SDF transport aircraft, while deeper and well-equipped docks will be constructed in ports so that they can host destroyers and other large ships, the report said.

Local governments that manage these facilities are expected to sign documents with the central government to specify that the SDF and the Japan Coast Guard will utilize them in daily operations and emergencies, it added.

The government said the private sector will remain the main user of the facilities, according to Kyodo News.

The five airports are in the three southwestern Kyushu prefectures of Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Miyazaki, as well as in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, home to the bulk of U.S. Forces Japan hosts.

Among the 11 seaports, five are in Hokkaido, the northern main island, while four are in Kagawa and Kochi prefectures on the western main island of Shikoku, with one each in Fukuoka and Okinawa prefectures. 
MANILA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it has approved a grant of 2.8 million U.S. dollars to support Mongolia's relief efforts to deal with dzud, an extreme wintry weather condition.

Dzud refers to a climate-related disaster wherein a summer drought is followed by heavy winter snow with plummeting temperatures that inhibit access to winter pasture and cause heavy loss of livestock.

The ADB said in a press release that the grant will help fund the provision of cash and the immediate purchase of food supplies, fuel, medical and emergency kits, as well as communication and rescue equipment for affected herder households.

"About 70 percent of all herder families in the country have been severely affected by dzud, with the disaster impacting 55 percent of all soums (subprovinces) across all 21 provinces and four districts of the capital city," said ADB Country Director for Mongolia Shannon Cowlin. "Pastoral households, especially those with smaller herd sizes, face the prospect of losing their livelihoods, and the disaster is also putting human health and lives at risk."

According to the United Nations dzud dashboard, an extended period of extreme cold weather in Mongolia, with persistent temperatures below minus 40 degrees Celsius from mid-December 2023, has led to the loss of more than 4.7 million livestock animals, or around 7 percent of the country's total.

The severe impacts of harsh winter conditions could continue until June 2024 when pastures start regenerating, risking substantial additional livestock mortality.

Other impacts of dzud include the threats to health and human lives due to sustained extreme temperatures and psychological trauma caused by extreme stress, including on children. The heavy snowfall has also blocked access to roads and passes around the country, hindering herder households from accessing essential health and education services. 
DHAKA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- A Bangladeshi minister on Sunday said that the country would temporarily suspend services Facebook and YouTube if they don't obey government instructions to control "disinformation."

The country's Liberation War Affairs Minister and Chairman of Cabinet Committee on Law and Order AKM Mozammel Haque told media after a meeting of the committee, the national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.

Highlighting the decisions of the meeting, he said that the social media platforms are not sincere about the government's recommendations on various issues.

As their head offices are not in Bangladesh, it has become difficult for the government to check rumors and control cybercrimes in the platforms, he added.

The minister said the platforms will be informed about their noncompliance and then, if they don't comply, the government might resort to advertising in the newspaper mentioning their noncompliance before taking any action.

He said the public notices will be served to the media giants so that they can't complain about curbing their rights and thus, the government won't be held responsible. 
SOFIA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian authorities conducted searches on Monday related to the construction of Zheleznitsa tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Bulgaria, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) said on its website.

The searches took place at six companies and four private houses in two Bulgarian districts, at the request of the EPPO's Office in Sofia, it said.

The searches were intended "to gather evidence in a suspected case of embezzlement, misuse of EU funds and money laundering" linked to the construction of the Zheleznitsa tunnel, which was recently opened for traffic, the EPPO said.

The construction of the Zheleznitsa tunnel, which is part of the Struma motorway, was led by the Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency. Bulgarian authorities contracted a consortium of three companies to implement the project, which was co-financed by the European Cohesion Fund, under the Operational Programme "Transport and transport infrastructure" (2014-2020), the EPPO said.

The contractor received approximately 185 million BGN (102 million U.S. dollars), 85 percent of which was financed by European Union (EU) funds, it said.

"After a signal received by Bulgaria's State Agency for National Security, the EPPO in Sofia opened an investigation, which uncovered that one of the companies that is part of the consortium is suspected of several criminal offenses, including embezzlement, misuse of EU funds and money laundering," the EPPO said in the statement.

"The company under investigation allegedly made, in a very short time, several fictitious money transfers amounting to more than 11 million BGN to a chain of hollow companies, which led to a withdrawal of high amounts of cash by individuals with criminal records," the EPPO said. "These companies and individuals are also appearing in another ongoing EPPO investigation concerning infrastructure projects in the railway sector."

An investigation is underway to ascertain the nature and extent of the suspected criminal activities, the EPPO said, adding that the searches on Monday were conducted by Bulgaria's General Directorate of the National Police and the State Agency for National Security.

The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the EU, responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU. 
Hong Kong: Chairman Xi Jinping, in a clear show of assertiveness towards the Philippines, seems to have directed agencies like the China Coast Guard (CCG), under his command, to increase their presence and activity in the South China Sea.

The Second Thomas Shoal has become a significant point of contention in the South China Sea, located 194km west of the Philippine island of Palawan. It's where the old landing ship BRP Sierra Madre was grounded in 1999 to strengthen Manila's territorial claim, now just 32km from China's Mischief Reef military base.

China's aggressive actions towards Philippine resupply missions to the Sierra Madre's garrison have intensified recently. Last year, incidents included a swarm of 38 Chinese vessels disrupting a resupply mission in November and the deliberate ramming of a Philippine vessel in December.

During resupply missions this year, the CCG has consistently used water cannon against Philippine civilian vessels, causing damage and injuries to crew members.

In response to the latest incident in late March, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela criticized China's actions, stating, "Their barbaric act of using water cannon to attack the resupply boat that endangered the lives of the Filipino troops is a clear violation of international law."

China's tactics in the South China Sea involve aggressive maneuvers by the CCG and People's Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM), often supported by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). For instance, a PLA helicopter was observed hovering low over Philippine scientists on Sandy Cay, just 3km from Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, in an attempt to force them away.

The Philippines occupies several features in the Spratly Island chain, with Thitu Island being the largest. However, China's extensive land reclamation efforts in the area have significantly expanded its territory.

The recent administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a more proactive approach in defending Philippine sovereignty compared to his predecessor. Despite efforts to resolve differences peacefully, China's aggressive actions persist.

Amid China's aggressive posture, the Philippines has shifted its strategy, highlighting China's unlawful actions in the West Philippine Sea. Manila emphasizes that escalating tensions are solely caused by China's actions, not by any external factors.

Diplomatic tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated, with Manila lodging numerous protests against China's actions in the South China Sea. The recent increase in military cooperation between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan signifies growing international support for Manila.

China's refusal to abide by international law, particularly regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea, has drawn criticism from various nations. The Philippines continues to assert its rights based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

As tensions escalate, Manila must maintain strong resolve with the support of its allies to safeguard its territorial integrity in the South China Sea.

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Nove, Italy (Kristen Thoennes)

We have all heard about Polish pottery, but what about other pottery shopping in Europe? While stationed in Stuttgart, I was introduced to Nove, Italy. Aside from my spouse club friends, not many people talk about this seemingly sleepy town not far from Aviano and Vicenza.

Pottery shopping

If youre like me, Polish pottery just isnt your style (I knowgasp!), then Italian pottery in Nove might be just the thing for you, too. There, you will find a variety of shops selling beautiful pieces from salt and pepper shakers to large serving platters and everything in between. I am not a big shopper, but on both of my visits to Nove, I was able to find pieces that bring me joy.

Nove, Italy (Kristen Thoennes)

Pewter shopping

On my last visit, one member of my carpool group suggested we visit the pewter store. My first thought was, Pewter is for old people. Nonetheless, I went along because you never know what youll discover. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the pewter store! You can tell right away that its a popular store for military units in the area. You can find a variety of gifts like decanters, ornaments and more. I found the most adorable teeny-tiny greyhound and a Merano glass ornament.

Antiques

A big reason why my group visited was to shop until we dropped at the Mercatino delle Cose dAltri Tempi. Before my first visit, my group tried to warn me about how large the market is, but nothing can properly prepare you for the sheer magnitude of the shopping potential! You can really make out with a large haul. There are a variety of food vendors, too, so you can shop all day without skipping a beat.

Nove, Italy (Kristen Thoennes)

Eat well

Being in Italy, its no surprise that you will eat well while visiting Nove. I am still dreaming about the wine and pizza tasting at La Dolce Vigna in Trambacche di Veggiano. The owners were so delightful and welcoming. Its another popular spot for those stationed at Aviano and Vicenza and I could taste why.

Another recommendation for our wine lovers out there is, a visit to Riva Grand. If you enjoy a sweet, white wine their bottle of Loara will be your new favorite!

Lodging

I recommend Le Nove Hotel. Its conveniently located near all the pottery shops, has a nice breakfast spread and has A/C. When visiting last August, the A/C was a must!

Nearby must-see spots

Bassano del Grappa: grappa tasting and an Instagram-worthy photo spot on the covered bridge

Marostica: life-size chessboard

Le Vie Angarano is a woman-owned winery for wine tasting and delicious olive oil
While Ferrari secured a surprise 1-2 in the Australian GP, race winner Carlos Sainz warns that the Scuderia will need wait until its first major upgrade for a chance to consistently challenge Red Bull.

Sainz was comprehensively outpaced by Max Verstappen in Saturdays qualifying shootout at Albert Park, while a right rear brake failure on the Dutchmans Red Bull in the early laps of the race opened the door to the Spaniards third career win in F1.

It was a dominant display by Sainz, who crossed the finishing line two seconds ahead of Leclerc, with McLarens Lando Norris nearly six seconds adrift.

Ferraris progress relative to Red Bull - especially on race day - is undeniable. But until the Italian outfit introduces its first proper upgrade, Sainz reckons his team will struggle to keep up with the reigning world champions.

But a significant update for its SF-24 scheduled for next months Emilia Romagna GP could prove a game-changer. Ferrari might also slightly benefit from a minor aero tweak scheduled to be implemented at Suzuka later this week.

Read also:

"Our car worked really well this weekend," the Spaniard said in melbourne. "But it's going to be tough to keep it up there in every track until we bring an upgrade to close that gap that we saw in Bahrain and Jeddah.

"But around Australia, from lap one, it felt like a race-winning car. And even if Red Bull were also quick and were on pole, that [1min15.915sec pole lap time] in quali wasn't out of reach for us.

"There will be tracks where we are strong like we saw last year. And this year it seems like our race pace is better even on those tracks that we are stronger. And together with a good development programme, I hope that we can challenge Red Bull more often."

After the Australian GP, Red Bulls Sergio Perez believed that Ferrari was a step ahead of the bulls around Albert Park, suggesting that a Scuderia win was on the cards even without Verstappen retirement.

Sainz was perhaps less confident of such an outcome but the 29-year-old nevertheless felt that he could have  at the very least  given Verstappen a solid run for his money.

"I felt like I could keep up with him on the first lap and try and take DRS, just to make sure that DRS around here is super powerful," he added, having completed lap 1 with a nine-tenth gap to the leader.

"Then he lost the car into Turn 3 and there was my chance to get close and attempt an overtake. And then as soon as he was behind, I think he started struggling with the brakes and that was it for him.

"A pity because we would have had, I think, a very good fight for P1 today. But, you know, I'm happy to take the win. He's had plenty of them."

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Its but a gut feeling but ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan is convinced that Carlos Sainz will join Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin next season to form an all-Spanish line-up.

Despite being the only driver to have defeated the mighty Red Bull squad since 2022  and he even did it twice, in Singapore last season and recently in Melbourne  Sainz was given his notice of dismissal by Ferrari last month.

The Scuderia has contracted with Lewis Hamilton to race alongside Charles Leclerc in 2025, leaving Sainz as the odd man out seeking a new home for next year.

Mercedes and Hamiltons vacant seat obviously comes to mind as the most obvious choice for both the Brackley squad and Sainz, although events of late at Red Bull, should they lead to Max Verstappens departure, would also provide an interesting opportunity for the Spaniard.

However, Jordan is skeptical of such a partnership ever coming to fruition. But the Irishman, speaking with co-host David Coulthard on their latest Formula for Success podcast, does have a solid conviction of where Sainz will head next.

Read also:

At the moment, please remember, he started off in Toro Rosso, commented Jordan. If Red Bull were to lose somebody like Max [Verstappen] or want to replace [Sergio] Perez, you have to say that Carlos would be one of the key people.

However, do not be surprised if you see an all-Spanish Aston Martin team next year.

I am telling you I believe that if there is not a place in Red Bull for him, he will join Fernando in Aston Martin - thats what I believe.

I have no real hardcore evidence but its a gut feeling and very often my gut feel is a bit different to other people. It does sound nice, its very romantic isnt it?

Like many, Jordan was bewildered by Sainzs dominant display in Australia, doubting the 29-year-old would perform at the top of his game just two weeks after undergoing a appendectomy.

This is actually a legendary story where the guy gets out of hospital [and] has a major operation he said.

Most doctors would tell you what happened is impossible but to go through a gruelling I did see him get out of the car and yes, he was very careful how he got out of the car.

For sure, he was in pain during that race. I think the determination inside the head and what his father would have said to him when he went through that moment to get into the race.

I thought [Oliver] Bearman was going to be doing another race - I am absolutely sure about that. He didnt even though he didn't despite the unbelievable job he did in the previous grand prix.

Sainz for me, he livened up my day. I loved watching the grand prix. I loved the fact he could control it. He moved ahead from Leclerc.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Global real estate advisor CBRE has been appointed by Bahrain National Holding (BNH) to exclusively manage and lease the BNH Tower located in Seef District, and a commercial building located in Sanad which also accommodates a branch of its subsidiary bni.

Situated in the heart of Seef Districts commercial zone, BNH Tower offers modern commercial office space with a total lettable area of 5,000 sq m and a typical floor plate of 530 sq m. The 10-storey building provides 115 parking spaces on the ground floor and first floor for occupiers and visitors.

Located in Sanad, just off Estiqlal Highway, the commercial building is built over six storeys, with 2,980 sq m of commercial office space and a typical floor plate of 460 sq m.

BNH Group CEO Raed Fakhri said: "We are pleased with our new partnership with CBRE. We believe CBRE will bring value to our real estate assets, and support us in achieving our strategic investments objectives."

"Our properties are in premium locations in the Kingdom of Bahrain and they can now benefit from CBREs network and expertise," he stated.

Richard Botham, Senior Director & General Manager at CBRE Bahrain, said: "We are very pleased to have been appointed to manage these two key assets for BNH. The properties are well situated - with BNH Tower in the CBD and a commercial building in a logistically well-placed out-of-town location."

"We look forward to working with our client as property managers and leasing strategists to support and advise on providing best practice in the operation of the property and offering the best level of service available to tenants," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
This article takes a look at the 12 best places to retire in New Hampshire. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on preparing for an aging population, you may go to 5 Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire.

Preparing for an Aging Population

According to Citizens Count, New Hampshire has the second-oldest population in the United States. One out of every five residents in the state is 60 years or older. The Office of Energy & Planning states that this demographic group is expected to increase by 129%, while it is projected that the increase in population age 85+ will be an estimated 243% by 2040. Even though the population in the state is aging drastically, it is being reported that the state isnt quite ready to take care of the burgeoning population. According to NH News, the population in New England is graying, but homes are less age ready than other places in the US.

A report by the US Census Bureau confirms this, stating that only an estimated 20% of homes in New England meet the basic standards for seniors. And what seems to be the basic standard of an age-ready home? A step-free entry way, a bedroom, and a bathroom on the entry level. The 2023 New Hampshire Statewide Housing Needs Assessment further reveals that the state is currently short of 24,000 housing units. Moreover, this shortage will increase to 90,000 units within the next two decades.

There's a mismatch on a number of levels between the existing housing stock and the needs of the population. -Rob Dapice, executive director of New Hampshire Housing.

According to NHPR, this means that seniors have limited options as to where they should be living.

Some seniors don't have a choice between their single family home with no services and a more sort of facility environment like a nursing home. There's a lot of alternatives in the middle of that that I think more aligns with people's needs and is more cost effective, but we just unfortunately don't have that built yet. - Katy Easterly Martey, executive director of New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.

Evidently, the real estate market is demonstrating some impacts as well. According to Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ:RDFN), the median price of a home in New Hampshire is $447,400, which is higher than the national median. These prices have increased 12.5% since last year. Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ:RDFN) also notes that nationwide, 24% of home buyers searched to move to a different metro area between Dec '23 - Feb '24. Also, February 2024, there were 3,179 homes for sale in the state of New-Hampshire. This demonstrates an increase of 4.3% year over year. The number of newly listed homes was 1,144, going up 23.0% year over year. Moreover, the average months of supply is 2 months, down year over year.

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The state of home-supplies aside, New Hampshire is quite a retirement friendly destination. Ranked as one of the states that dont tax retirement income, retirees who choose to live here get to enjoy their retirement income tax-free. The state currently does tax interests and dividends, and will be repealed for taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2024. The cost of living is 14.1% higher than the national average, but the upside is that the state doesnt have a sales tax. For those who wish to retire to this state, its essential to know what the best places this state has to offer.

12 Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire

Methodology

To compile the list of best places to retire in New Hampshire, we we used several prominent sources as well as forums like Reddit and Quora. We also conducted our own cost of living analysis for different cities and towns within the state to come up with an exhaustive list of places that can be ideal to live for retirees. Subsequently, we assessed them based on their cost of living index, median home price, and livability scores. Each location was assigned scores for these factors, which were then combined to generate a distinctive Insider Monkey score. Then, places were ranked on the final Insider Monkey score in ascending order.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

Here are the best places to retire in the state:

12. Rye

Insider Monkey Score: 6

Cost of Living Index: 118.9

Median Home Price: $1,200,000

Livability Score: 70

Nestled along the magnificent New Hampshire seacoast, Rye is our 12th pick for the best places to retire in New Hampshire. This charming town in New Hampshire is appreciated by retirees for its coastal charm, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. From picturesque beaches and scenic vistas to historical landmarks across town, this town is packed with action. Ryes proximity to the ocean is a plus for seniors who get to enjoy a myriad of activities such as swimming, sunset strolls, and beach-combing. For those who wish to indulge in some retail therapy, this town is brimming with antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries as well. All in all, Rye is the perfect place for seniors to enjoy natural beauty, history, and the outdoors. The housing market is quite competitive here, making Rye a good option for those who have fat nest eggs to lean back on.

11. Portsmouth

Insider Monkey Score: 12

Cost of Living Index: 118.9

Median Home Price: $900,000

Livability Score: 85

Similar to Rye, Portsmouth is a bit on the expensive end but well worth every penny. This port city on the Piscataqua River is a hub of all shopping, dining, and cultural activities. Blend it in with its coastal beauty and historic charm, and you have the ideal destination to spend your golden years. There are numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters to explore here as well, a historic downtown that is brimming with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and a coast that allows seniors to relax and unwind in their golden years. Houses are expensive to own here, but seniors who wish to spend their life here can rent instead.

10. Amherst

Insider Monkey Score: 12

Cost of Living Index: 110.7

Median Home Price: $607,000

Livability Score: 74

Most cities and towns in New Hampshire have a cost of living that is higher than the national average. However, the state doesnt tax most of retirement income, and comes with a number of other perks that still makes it a favorable retirement state. One city that has landed on our list of best places to retire in New Hampshire is Amherst. This historic village town is brimming with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and locally owned shops. The cultural attractions are abundant here as well, and the charming downtown area adds further to Amhersts appeal. Amherst may be a small town, but it is fully equipped with all the amenities a senior might need to live comfortably, including healthcare. Reliable hospitals can be found in close proximity to Amherst as well.

9. Peterborough

Insider Monkey Score: 14

Cost of Living Index: 110.7

Median Home Price: $410,000

Livability Score: 69

Peterborough is a town situated in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. This idyllic retirement destination seeks to offer the best balance between cultural richness, natural beauty, and a tranquil small-town vibe. It is ideally tucked in the western part of New Hampshire, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Retirees will find everything here to their liking, enjoying its vibrant cultural scene, historic downtown area, and even the nearby lakes and rivers. There are quality healthcare facilities available as well. The cost of living in Peterborough is an estimated 11% higher than the national average.

8. Wolfeboro

Insider Monkey Score: 14

Cost of Living Index: 105.4

Median Home Price: $506,000

Livability Score: 65

Wolfeboro is one of the many best places to retire in New Hampshire that stands out because of its unparalleled scenic beauty and small-town new England character. Nestled along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is the epitome of beauty, history, and cultural vibrancy. Seniors get to enjoy the towns scenic waterfront, engage in lakeside strolls, and even hike and bike in the surrounding mountains and forests. The best thing about Wolfeboro is probably its charming downtown area, buzzing with quaint shops, historic buildings, and vibrant cafes. The cost of living is a tad higher than the national average. Overall, seniors can enjoy a good quality of life here.

7. Exeter

Insider Monkey Score: 16

Cost of Living Index: 118.9

Median Home Price: $519,900

Livability Score: 88

The picturesque town of Exeter is one the most senior-friendly places on our list. This charming retirement destination is a keeper because of its historical charm, small-town vibe, and cultural richness. According to Smart Asset, there are 0.43 retirement communities per 1,000 residents, and 1.63 recreation centers per 1,000 residents. The downtown is brimming with local eateries, boutiques, quaint shops, and art galleries.

6. Manchester

Insider Monkey Score: 20

Cost of Living Index: 110.7

Median Home Price: $400,000

Livability Score: 79

One of the most populous cities in New Hampshire, Manchester is next on our list of best places to retire in New Hampshire. Featuring scenic surroundings, urban amenities, and lots of culture, this city is another happening destination to retire to. The cost of living isnt the most affordable our list, standing 10.7% higher than the national average. Situated in proximity to the Merrimack River, seniors get to enjoy abundant recreational activities here as well. Finally, there are various clubs, organizations, and community events to be a part of.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire.

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Disclosure: none. 12 Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire is originally published on Insider Monkey.
This article takes a look at the 17 cheapest places to retire abroad on $1,000 per month. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you may go to 5 Cheapest Places to Retire Abroad on $1,000 per Month.

Navigating Financial Challenges in the USA and Exploring Overseas Options

Retiring in the United States of America is no longer the dream it once used to be. As of today, the US ranks amongst one of the most expensive countries to live in 2024, implying how financially challenging it can be for the average retiree to live in the country. This is particularly true for those on fixed incomes. Figures from the Social Security Administration highlight that as of January 2024, the average Social Security payment stood at just $1,909 per month. This amount falls significantly short of the $4,345 that the average retiree typically spends, as revealed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although the 3.2% COLA adjustment may imply some measure of relief, regrettably, it has had minimal impact on alleviating the skyrocketing expenses associated with items like healthcare for retirees. Factor in the shattering retirement confidence that recent reports from BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) have revealed, and the retirement landscape in the US doesnt seem as promising as it once used to be.

According to BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) reports, respondents believe that retirement is not the time to live it up. Rather, it is the time to feel financially secure. Having conducted this research jointly with the Employee Benefit Research Institute, BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) reveals that across all wealth levels on average, most current retirees still had 80% of their pre-retirement savings even after almost two decades of being retired. One-third were found having grown their assets instead. Even though these statistics may seem like good news, the reality may paint a stark contrast. The truth is, many retirees may not be spending down their assets due to the uncertain retirement landscape that the country paints. Many may even believe on hoarding on these very assets in an attempt to enjoy the same lifestyle they did so before retirement.

Coming back to how the United States is increasingly becoming expensive to live in, a recent Consumer Expenditure Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that average monthly expenses for American households have risen to $6,081, amounting to $72,967 annually. This figure represents a notable increase from the $5,557 monthly expenditure recorded in 2022. In particular, expenses for seniors aged 65 and above amount to $57,818 annually. Out of this average annual expenditure, food and housing are the biggest expenses of retirees. Housing takes up an estimated 35% of average annual expenditures, while food accounts for an estimated average annual spending of $7,306. When considering additional expenses like transportation, healthcare, and maintenance, the list of financial obligations can seem never-ending. This is particularly daunting when juxtaposed with the average Social Security amount, which we have discussed early on.

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These figures also highlight the ongoing struggle presented by high costs of living, which greatly affects the financial situation of residents nationwide, particularly those with fixed incomes. Talking specifically about retirees, the median retirement savings for boomers stand at $202,000, as noted by TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies. Moreover, a recent survey by The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) reveals that Americans now believe they need an estimated $1.8 million to retire anyway. Comparing the median savings to this figure, it is safe to say that retirees with minimal savings are in for quite a difficult time in retirement. Their retirement savings may not be sufficient to cover expenses for retirees.

Further compounding the challenges of retirement planning is the healthcare landscape of the country. Factors like soaring healthcare costs and disparities in coverage are increasingly provoking retirees to question whether retirement in the USA is still a wise decision. The private healthcare insurance sector, as seen to be dominated by companies like UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV), and The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), are seen to report substantial profits, while customers bear the brunt of industry's prioritization of profits over patient well-being.

In 2023, internal documents from STAT showed that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) used some secret rules that helped them restrict access to rehabilitation care that was requested from them by specific groups of patients that were seriously ill. This restriction included those who lived in nursing homes or suffered from cognitive impairment. In another instance, internal records from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) that were scrutinized by ProPublica and The Capitol Forum revealed that the company had been accruing substantial savings by denying claims based on medical reasons. Allegedly, The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) doctors are neglecting to review patient files, as outlined in the report. Due to factors such as these, corporations like UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) and The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) thrive, even as seniors suffer the consequences.

Retiring abroad, in contrast, is increasingly painting a compelling picture for retirees. Furthermore, data from sources like the Social Security Administration indicate a significant rise in the number of Americans receiving their benefits from overseas, reflecting the growing trend of retirees exploring international retirement options for reasons that extend beyond finances. For those whose average check is a mere $1,909 a month, or even lower considering this is only the average amount, it pays to know affordable retirement communities outside the country. There are many cheapest countries for retirement that will offer retirees such communities to explore, with many boasting a cost of living that is even lower than $1,000 on average. Living in these places doesnt only prove cost-effective, but also a breeze considering that many of them are some of the easiest countries to retire to.

17 Cheapest Places to Retire Abroad on $1000 per Month

Stefano Ember/Shutterstock.com

Methodology

To compile the list of cheapest places to retire abroad on $1,000 per month, we sifted through our lists of places to retire on $1,000 a month, cheapest warm places to retire around the world, best places to retire around the world for US Citizens, cheapest places to retire in Europe, best places to retire in the world on Social Security, and awesome places to retire on $3,000 or less, to name a few. After compiling a list, we filtered out those who had a cost of living of less than $1,000 a month. Next, we scores them on factors such as climate, healthcare, and amenities to come up with a unique Insider Monkey score. Places were then ranked in an ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

With that said, lets check out some of the cheapest places to retire abroad on $1,000 a month.

17. Amed, Indonesia

Insider Monkey Score: 13

Amed, Indonesia is appreciated for its stunning coastal scenery, marine biodiversity, and Balinese culture. It is also home to many yoga and wellness retreats, an ideal place for those who prefer leading active and healthy lifestyles.

16. Tanjung Bungah, Malaysia

Insider Monkey Score: 15

Many expats choose Tanjung Bungah as their retirement destination because of its culture, history, and amazing street food. Situated along the coastline of Penang Island, retirees in the town enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports, and lush greenery. There is an active expat community, and well-developed healthcare as well.

15. Medellin, Colombia

Insider Monkey Score: 17

Definitely one of the stars on our list, Medellin is one of the best places to retire in Colombia offering good healthcare. Despite offering a good quality of life and top-quality healthcare, it is quite possible for an individual retiree to retire on $1,000 a month. This city is hailed as a City of Eternal Spring because of its pleasant climate and proximity to nature. There is much to do to keep busy here. Retirees can take scenic walks along the Medellin river, explore historic sites such as the Plaza Botero, and even participate in day trips to places such as Guatape, known for its colorful zocalos (decorative tiles) and the iconic El Penol Rock.

14. Granada, Nicaragua

Insider Monkey Score: 19

Hailed by Insider Monkey as one of the best places to retire in the world for US Citizens, Granada in Nicaragua is often chosen by retirees who wish to stretch their dollar incomes further and enjoy a better quality of life. There are several private clinics and hospitals in the area, with expats usually opting for the private ones since they offer a better standard of care, better facilities, and specialized care.

13. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Insider Monkey Score: 21

This beauty made it to our list of 40 awesome places to retire on $3,000 a month or less. Retirees get to live here for a whole $2,000 less, thanks to its low cost of living. Retirees love Las Terrenas for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and slow pace of life. There is a thriving expat community, a diverse culinary scene, and good healthcare facilities available.

12. Ipoh, Malaysia

Insider Monkey Score: 25

Next up on our list of cheapest places to retire abroad on $1,000 per month is Ipoh, Malaysia. The charming city of Ipoh is a retiree-favorite because of its affordable cost of living, beautiful scenery, and thriving culture. Retirees will love to explore the many temples, night market, flea market, malls, and even the expat grocery stores. Many retirees already know that healthcare in Malaysia is one of the best in the world. According to Pacific Prime, the cheapest healthcare insurance that an expat can get costs around $40 monthly, while other plans can cost $50 and above.

11. Corozal, Belize

Insider Monkey Score: 27

Corozal in Belize is one of the cheapest warm places to retire in the world. This tropical paradise is nestled along the shores of the Caribbean Sea, offering retirees the best climate, scenic surroundings, and laid-back environment. An individual retiree can rent a one-bedroom in between $200-$500, and the rest is sufficient to cover other basic expenses. The local community is quite friendly, a plus for those who wish to retire here. Relax on pristine beaches, explore the towns historical sites, or simply indulge in the many outdoor activities here.

10. Timisoara, Romania

Insider Monkey Score: 29

Timisoara is the right place to retire to for those who wish to enjoy the best balance between affordability and good quality of life. Notably, it is one of the cheapest places to retire in the world. A one bedroom apartment can be rented out on average $400 per month, leaving $600 for other expenses. Housing options are quite extensive, ranging from historic city center apartments to modern condominiums. The City of Roses also offers good healthcare facilities, with expats using private healthcare options.

9. Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus

Insider Monkey Score: 31

Known for its Mediterranean charm, natural beauty, and deep history; Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus is another once of the cheapest places to retire on $1,000 per month. Kyrenia specifically boasts a large expatriate population as well as good quality healthcare, a plus for retirees looking to move here. While many sources claim that living here comfortably requires $1,500; a frugal lifestyle under $1,000 a month is also quite possible.

8. Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Insider Monkey Score: 33

One of the cheapest places to retire in Europe, Murska Sobota is the perfect rural retreat for the retiree who wishes to escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. This idyllic retirement destination has good healthcare facilities, modern amenities, and a lower cost of living than other European destinations.

7. Antofagasta, Chile

Insider Monkey Score: 35

Notably one of the best places to retire in Chile, Antofagasta is the ideal place to retire on $1,000 a month. Retirees love this place for its pleasant climate, traditional Chilean cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene.

6. Cuenca, Ecuador

Insider Monkey Score: 36

Another retiree favorite, Cuenca appeals to seniors because of its colonial architecture, rich history, and good quality of life. The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene, boasts abundant natural beauty, as well as good-quality healthcare facilities that contribute towards a well-rounded retirement experience.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Cheapest Places to Retire Abroad on $1000 per Month.

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Disclosure: none. 17 Cheapest Places to Retire Abroad on $1000 per Month is originally published on Insider Monkey.
In this article, we take a look at the 20 most educated countries in Asia. If you would like to skip our detailed analysis of Asian education, you can directly go to the 5 Most Educated Countries in Asia.

The South Asian Education Crisis

Education disparity is an issue evident across Asia, especially in the divide between nations. According to the World Bank data on literacy rates, there are Asian countries such as Uzbekistan that possess a rate of 100%, but there is also Afghanistan on the other end of the spectrum, holding a literacy rate of merely 37%. The situation is especially worse in the South Asian region, as reported by UNICEF. More than 50% of the regions children live in learning poverty, which refers to children who are unable to comprehend a simple text by the age of 10. Furthermore, 12.5 million children are out of school at the primary level, whereas the number increases to 16.5 million at the lower secondary level. Around 30% of South Asias youth population is not engaged in any kind of education, employment, or training, which is the highest ratio in the world.

According to UNICEF, the regions educational crisis is perpetrated by issues such as teacher-centered classrooms, rote-based learning, corporal punishment, and gender discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the situation in Asia. Approximately 434 million learners have been affected by South Asian school closures since March 2020. On top of that, an additional 22 million children have missed out on early childhood or pre-school education as early education facilities closed down. Almost 22.8 million children are out of school in Pakistan alone, whereas 3.7 million are out of school in Afghanistan, approximately 60% of whom are girls. You can also take a look at 25 Countries with Education Problems.

The Situation in Asia-Pacific

The dire crisis continues in the Asia-Pacific region as well. According to reports by UNICEF, several of these countries struggled with education even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Almost 35 million children were out of school in the East Asia and Pacific region, whereas a total of 20% lived in learning poverty. However, the pandemic worsened the pre-existing issues, widening the disparities more than ever.

UNICEF estimates that the education of at least 325 million children and adolescents across East Asia and the Pacific was disrupted due to the effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns. At least 80 million of these children were unable to continue their education remotely, which set back their learning even further as other students progressed due to access to remote learning tools such as Zoom by Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) and Teams by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).

However, despite the critical situation in certain parts of the region, East Asia is also an exemplary case for good education. The World Bank considers East Asia to be home to seven of the worlds top ten education systems. One of the fundamental changes that the World Bank noted amongst the most educated East Asian countries was a shift towards shorter curriculums. 30% of the formal curriculum was cut down in Japan, whereas 33.33% was reduced in Singapore. Another similarity across these nations was the proposal for an alternative system of examination that emphasized critical thinking instead of rote learning, a policy that Japan and South Korea prioritized.

East Asian countries have also come on top in PISA and TIMSS, two internationally recognized cross-country assessments. PISA 2022 results were published by the OECD in December 2023. East Asian countries occupied the top five scores in mathematics and science, and four out of the five top scores in reading. The TIMSS 2019 results were published by the IEA in December 2020. The top five scores in grade 4 and grade 8 mathematics belonged to East Asian countries. The top five scores for grade 4 science and the top four for grade 8 science also belonged to East Asian states. This showcased that the countries have managed to perform well despite the broader education crisis currently ongoing in Asia.

Where Does Technology Come In?

One of the factors that helped the education system stay afloat despite the pandemic was technology. Companies like Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) had a considerable role in providing access to education even as schools closed down. On December 4, 2020, Vox reported that before the pandemic, Zoom had around 10 million daily meeting participants, a number which jumped to 350 million after the pandemic and made Zoom the most downloaded iPhone and iPad app of the year. However, soon, questions arose about whether the company would continue holding its ground even as vaccines rolled out and lockdown restrictions lifted.

However, as several educational institutes and businesses continue with a hybrid model, Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) is managing to stay relevant. On February 26, 2024, the company announced its Q4 2023 results. The companys quarterly revenue was $1.15 billion, beating estimates by $15.48 million. The company also showcased a 3.5% year-over-year increase in its enterprise customers and a 9.8% year-over-year increase in customers who had contributed more than $100,000 over the past year. Heres what Eric Yuan, the companys CEO, had to say about its progress during the Q4 earnings call:

As Zoom becomes a full workplace solution, we are seeing customers migrate from other chat products onto Zoom Team Chat, very excited. Over the past year, Zoom Team Chat usage has increased 130% across our paid accounts. And our migration tool, designed to simplify the transition, has seen a 4x increase in downloads in the last six months. Customers across industries are moving to Zoom Team Chat, including a global supply chain leader, who has migrated over 1,200 users, a major law firm, who has migrated 1,500 users, and a financial payments leader, who has moved over 2,000 users. Customers appreciate the improved user experiences and enhanced collaboration driven by our Zoom Team Chat product as well as the cost efficiencies realized by consolidating their communications and collaboration solutions onto Zoom.

Teams by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is another video conferencing and messaging app that has aided the education system over the past few years. In February 2024, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced that it would be improving the copilot feature in Teams, which would offer personalized information to users regarding their meetings, colleagues, or files. Furthermore, users can now explore a library of prompts through the copilot app and also look through their copilot chat history.

As apps like these continue driving the education industry, countries are also making several other efforts of their own to enhance their overall educational attainment. With this context, let's take a look at the 20 most educated Asian countries. You can also check out 20 Countries that Spend the Most on Education or 25 Countries with the Best Education System in the World.

20 Most Educated Countries in Asia

20 Most Educated Countries in Asia

Our Methodology

To curate this list of the most educated countries in Asia, we consulted the World Bank datasets for literacy rates and enrollments at the tertiary level. Countries that ranked within the top 30 on both metrics were shortlisted and sorted according to the average of their two ranks. The final countries are listed in descending order of their average ranks, with the most educated country ranking first. In order to tiebreak, we utilized the mean years of schooling from the 2023 Human Development Report by the UNDP. Our hypothesis is that highly educated populations would have high literacy rates, high tertiary enrollment, and a high value of average years of schooling. We have also added information from UNICEF and the TIMSS and PISA results for further context.

The literacy rate includes the percentage of the literate population above the age of fifteen. The tertiary enrollment metric refers to the percentage of secondary-educated individuals who are enrolled in a tertiary education program. Some countries may have a value above 100% in this metric, which could be due to the inclusion of factors such as international students, part-time students, or non-standard-age students. Lastly, the metric for mean years of schooling is calculated for people aged 25 or above.

Please note that our list is not exhaustive and depends on datasets by the World Bank and the UN, which may have missing values. This might lead to the exclusion of some countries with a highly educated population.

We have not considered Russia for the purpose of this list as the majority of the countrys population resides in Europe, making it a primarily European nation. Based on this methodology, here are the 20 most educated countries in Asia:

20 Most Educated Countries in Asia

20. Maldives

Literacy Rate (2021): 98%

Tertiary Enrollment (2019): 36%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 7.8

Average Rank: 22

With a literacy rate of 98% and a tertiary enrollment rate of 36%, Maldives is one of the most educated Asian countries. The UNICEF reports that only 1.6% of the children are out of school at the lower secondary level, and more than 90% of all adolescents are literate in English.

19. Oman

Literacy Rate (2022): 97%

Tertiary Enrollment (2021): 44%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 11.9

Average Rank: 22

In 2022, UNICEF reported that Oman had already achieved universal primary education and had increased its secondary enrollment to 99.6%, making it one of the most educated countries in Asia.

18. Lebanon

Literacy Rate (2019): 95%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 62%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 8.6

Average Rank: 21.5

Lebanon has a literacy rate of 95%, meaning 95% of its population above the age of 15 can read and write adequately. On the other hand, 62% of its population that completes secondary school also goes on to enroll in a tertiary program.

17. Jordan

Literacy Rate (2021): 98%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 36%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 10.4

Average Rank: 21.5

During the pandemic, Jordan launched a blended learning program called Learning Bridges that provided education access to almost 500,000 children during a difficult period. According to a UNICEF report on the programs impact, it improved teacher skills and the use of technology for education.

16. West Bank and Gaza

Literacy Rate (2019): 97%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 45%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 9.9

Average Rank: 21

Despite facing educational disruptions due to an ongoing conflict in the region, the Palestinian territory continues to be one of the most educated regions in Asia, with a literacy rate of 97% and a tertiary enrollment rate of 45%.

15. Kuwait

Literacy Rate (2020): 96%

Tertiary Enrollment (2021): 62%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 7.4

Average Rank: 20

Kuwait is one of the most educated countries in Asia and has also played a role in helping other states in this regard. In 2023, the state donated $2.761 million to UNICEF to address childrens humanitarian needs in Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Education was one of the domains in which UNICEF planned to utilize this money for crisis-affected children.

14. United Arab Emirates

Literacy Rate (2022): 98%

Tertiary Enrollment (2020): 53%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 12.8

Average Rank: 17

On October 12, 2023, the Arab News reported that the Emirati Education Ministry had joined hands with UNICEF to release a climate education initiative for children. Under this program, the partnership rolled out three projects: Educators Training, Net Zero Heroes, and Childrens Art Competition.

13. Azerbaijan

Literacy Rate (2019): 100%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 42%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 10.6

Average Rank: 15.5

In 2019, the European Union and UNICEF launched a three-year joint program to aid vulnerable children in Azerbaijan. Under this program, the organizations partnered with non-governmental organizations to open eight early learning centers for children who belonged to underprivileged communities.

12. China

Literacy Rate (2020): 97%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 72%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 8.1

Average Rank: 15

In 2020, UNICEF reported that China had achieved universal access to its nine-year compulsory education program. By 2019, the country had increased gross annulment in its senior secondary education level to 89.5%. Achievements like these make China one of the most educated countries in Asia.

11. Saudi Arabia

Literacy Rate (2020): 98%

Tertiary Enrollment (2017): 70%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 11.3

Average Rank: 14

In March 2022, UNICEF announced that Saudia Arabia had donated $7 million to the organization in order to fund UNICEF's educational programs in Yemen. Saudi Arabia is also one of the most educated Asian countries.

10. Singapore

Literacy Rate (2020): 97%

Tertiary Enrollment (2021): 97%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 11.9

Average Rank: 13.5

In PISA 2022, Singapore scored the highest average in all three dimensions, scoring 575 in mathematics, 543 in reading, and 561 in science. The country also scored number one in TIMSS 2019 for mathematics and science for both grade 4 and grade 8. Approximately 54% of its students, the highest in the world, reached the advanced benchmark in TIMSS, which was set at 625.

9. Kyrgyz Republic

Literacy Rate (2019): 100%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 56%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 12.0

Average Rank: 13

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most educated countries in Asia, with 100% of its population above the age of 15 knowing how to read and write. Despite facing certain challenges, the tertiary education sector has still managed to enroll more than 56% of the countrys secondary-educated population.

8. Macao SAR, China

Literacy Rate (2021): 97%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 115%

Mean Years of Schooling: N/A

Average Rank: 12.5

In PISA 2022, Macao ranked second in the mathematics category, with an average country score of 552, seventh in the reading category, with a score of 510, and third in the science category, with a score of 543. It is one of Asias most educated regions.

7. Turkiye

Literacy Rate (2019): 97%

Tertiary Enrollment (2021): 126%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 8.8

Average Rank: 12.5

Turkiye has the highest tertiary enrollment rate in Asia and the second-highest worldwide. With a 97% literacy, the country ranks 7th on our list of most educated countries in Asia.

6. Mongolia

Literacy Rate (2020): 99%

Tertiary Enrollment (2022): 64%

Mean Years of Schooling (2022): 9.4

Average Rank: 11.5

Mongolia ranks sixth on our list of most educated countries in Asia, with 99% of its population aged 15 and above being able to read and write adequately. The country has a mean schooling rate of 9.4, which means its population aged 25 and above has completed 9.4 years of school on average.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Educated Countries in Asia.

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Disclaimer: None. 20 Most Educated Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey.
In this article, we take a look at the 20 most refugee-producing countries in the world. If you would like to skip our detailed analysis of the refugee crisis, you can directly go to the 5 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World.

Refugee Situation Around the Globe

The UNHCR defines a refugee as someone forced to flee their country of origin as a result of persecution due to armed conflict, violence, or their identity, beliefs, and religion. The 2022 UNHCR Global Trends Report revealed that at the end of the year, there were 35.3 million refugees around the globe, 29.4 million of whom had a mandate of protection from the UNHCR. Another 5.9 million are cared for by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, an organization set up particularly for Palestinian refugees. The total number of refugees at the end of 2021 had been 27.1 million, and hence, the growth till the end of 2022 was the largest yearly increase ever, according to the UNHCR database. In 2022, 339,300 refugees managed to return to their country of origin, and 114,300 were resettled.

52% of the worlds entire refugee population comes only from three countries: the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. 70% of all refugees are hosted in countries neighboring the country of origin, which makes them some of the most refugee-hosting countries in the world. Low and middle-income countries host 76% of the worlds total displaced population. Turkiye is one of the worlds largest refugee hosts, home to almost 10% of the displaced population. Germany hosts 6%, whereas Europe as a whole hosts 36% of all the refugees currently displaced around the globe. Within the refugee population, 41% are children, 48% of whom remain out of school. Refugee children are 30% less likely than non-refugee children to complete primary school and 50% less likely to complete lower-secondary school. Only 68% of refugee children enroll in primary school, 37% in secondary school, and 6% in higher education or university.

Employment Conditions

The process of becoming a refugee carries a tremendous economic burden. Displaced individuals can often spend up to thousands of dollars in order to reach their country of refuge, which leaves them stranded without money for other essential needs. The UNHCR reports that two-thirds of refugees live in poverty. Thus, in this scenario, the provision of adequate employment opportunities becomes indispensable for refugee communities.

In 2016, the European Commission reported that refugees had an average employment rate of 56%, and it could take them up to two decades to achieve an employment rate similar to native-born individuals. The Commission also reports that almost 60% of all tertiary-educated employed refugees in the EU are overqualified for their positions, perhaps due to a lack of better opportunities.

The UNHCR further reports that 62% of refugees live in countries with restricted employment access, and 56% live in countries that do not recognize UNHCR or government-issued ID as a valid legal document for opening a bank account. Within Turkiye alone, 1 million Syrians are employed in the informal sector, and 75% earn less than the minimum wage. Furthermore, 59% of refugees live in countries with restricted access to registering and opening a business. This severe lack of opportunities is further worsened by issues such as language barriers and disproportionate discrimination against refugee populations. You can also take a look at the 15 Countries with the Most Climate Refugees in the World.

The Solution

The UNHCR runs several programs, such as cash-based interventions and microfinancing programs, that enable refugees to find employment and fend for themselves, but businesses also play a crucial role in this regard. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced on June 19, 2023, that it planned to employ 5,000 refugees in Europe within the next three years. This news came less than a year after Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) had announced hiring 5,000 refugees within the US by the end of 2024. This was an excellent opportunity for countries with the most refugees in the US, as the program also provides access to other opportunities such as skills training and legal advice. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is also working to provide training to almost 10,000 Ukrainians within its ITSkills4U program, a free opportunity for Ukrainians to advance their careers in IT.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is another company providing opportunities to refugees. On June 19, 2023, the Tent Partnership for Refugees announced that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) had been one of the 40 companies to pledge refugee support at the Tent European Business Summit. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) pledged that over the next three years, it would train around 5,000 refugees in essential IT skills, such as coding and cybersecurity, while also helping them gain a better understanding of the European job market. The company also provides entrepreneurial training to refugees so that they may be equipped with the tools required to set up ones own business.

While the general focus continues to be on the idea that refugee populations can cause economic burdens for host countries, a 2019 report by the American Immigration Council revealed their contributions as well. According to the report, in 2019, refugees in the US had contributed $25 billion in taxes and generated $5.1 billion in business income. Refugee populations across 17 states were showcased to have a combined spending power of $1 billion. Hosting refugees poses a critical situation, but the examples of companies such as Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) prove that refugee populations can be empowered to deliver economic benefits to themselves and the host country. With this context, here are the 20 most refugee-producing countries in the world whose displaced populations require continuous actions by businesses and host governments alike.

20 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World

20 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World

Our Methodology

In order to compile this list of the 20 most refugee-producing countries, we consulted the World Bank dataset on refugees by country of origin. The countries are listed in ascending order from least refugees to most, based on the total number of refugees the country had in 2022. Any refugee outflows during 2023 have not been accounted for in this dataset. Further insights have been added from recent UNHCR reports on refugees. Based on this methodology, here are the 20 most refugee-producing countries in the world:

20 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World

20. Cameroon

Number of Refugees: 147,359

In 2022, the UNHCR reported that while 30,800 Cameroonian refugees had managed to return to the country from Chad, 147,359 were still displaced. Most refugees are from the northwest and southwest regions of the country, where theres an active conflict between the government and activist groups. Most Cameroonian refugees are hosted in Nigeria.

19. Sri Lanka

Number of Refugees: 148,082

Most Sri Lankan refugees reside in India after having fled from their country due to economic turmoils. With almost 150,000 refugees by 2022, Sri Lanka is one of the worlds most refugee-producing countries.

18. Ethiopia

Number of Refugees: 149,245

Millions of Ethiopian refugees have been forced to flee the country in the past few decades due to ongoing ethnic violence. The country itself is home to thousands of refugees from the surrounding countries of Eritrea, South Sudan, and Somalia, which puts the region in the middle of a complex refugee situation.

17. China

Number of Refugees: 161,234

Most of the displacement in China happened due to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and tropical storms. Economic sustainability is another reason thousands of people are fleeing the country to seek a better lifestyle. This is why China is one of the most refugee-producing countries in the world.

16. Mali

Number of Refugees: 226,720

The UNHCR reports that in 2022, 28,500 Malian refugees, mainly in Mauritania and Burkina Faso, were recognized as refugees on a group basis. Violence and threats by armed groups are one of the main reasons why the Malian population has a considerable number of refugees.

15. Venezuela

Number of Refugees: 234,376

Of all the new asylum applications received in 2022, more than 2 in 5 were made by individuals from Latin America and the Caribbean, which included a high proportion of Venezuelans. Political turmoil and socio-economic instability are two of the main reasons why people are fleeing Venezuela.

14. Rwanda

Number of Refugees: 249,685

The ethnic hostility that has been going on in Rwanda for decades is why it is still one of the most refugee-producing countries in the world, with a refugee population of 249,685 in 2022. Most Rwandan refugees remain scattered in neighboring countries, and only a small percentage has been able to return home.

13. Iraq

Number of Refugees: 288,261

At least 36,000 Iraqi nationals filed asylum applications in 2022, which was the second-highest number in the Middle East and North Africa region after the Syrian Arab Republic. During the year, 2,600 Iraqis also received resettlement in Canada, which was one of the biggest resettler countries of the year.

12. Burundi

Number of Refugees: 320,536

In 2022, 10,100 Burundian refugees had managed to return home from Uganda, but another 320,000 are still in refugee status. The contested elections and violence of 2015 are some of the main reasons why people have fled Burundi, making it one of the most refugee-producing countries in the world.

11. Nigeria

Number of Refugees: 391,074

In 2022, 26,400 Nigerians applied for new asylum applications, with the country having produced a total of 391,074 refugees. Furthermore, 27,200 Nigerians, mainly hosted in Cameroon and Niger, received refugee recognition on a group basis. 10,700 Nigerian refugees also managed to return to the country from Niger.

10. Eritrea

Number of Refugees: 508,291

In 2022, Eritrean refugees showcased a 27% increase in asylum applications, with applications being filed by 38,000 individuals. 6,100 Eritreans also received resettlement in Canada, whereas 4,700 received permanent residence or citizenship in their host countries. Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan are among some of the top countries hosting Eritrean refugees.

9. Central African Republic

Number of Refugees: 748,327

Conflict and violence in various regions of the country are the reasons behind the huge refugee population from the Central African Republic. In 2022, 404,600 internally displaced people within the country managed to secure their return.

8. Somalia

Number of Refugees: 790,513

The ongoing conflict, floods, and droughts are forcing Somalians to flee their country, even in 2023 and 2024. Climate change is one of the biggest reasons countries in the Horn of Africa continue to become hotter and drier, pushing more and more individuals into a state of insecurity.

7. Sudan

Number of Refugees: 836,756

The conflict between armed groups in Sudan has placed the region in a state of dire insecurity. The country has millions of internally displaced individuals and thousands of its own refugees while also hosting refugees from other conflict-ridden countries in the region, such as South Sudan. This is why Sudan is one of the most refugee-producing countries in the world.

6. Democratic Republic of Congo

Number of Refugees: 931,903

As insurgencies and conflict escalated in the North and South Kivu and Ituri provinces, millions of Congolese individuals had to be displaced inside and outside the country. This is why the Democratic Republic of Congo ranks sixth on our list of the worlds most refugee-producing countries.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World.

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Disclaimer: None. 20 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Artificial intelligence  especially generative AI  is a buzzy term these days, and retailers and e-commerce providers have jumped at the chance to innovate with the technology. But it hasnt always worked out.

With grocers facing tight profit margins and seeking out ways to improve efficiencies to drive down costs, AI solutions have been particularly attractive for tasks like estimating the freshness of produce for food waste prevention to bolstering retail media.

Amid this ongoing evolution and trialing of new solutions, Grocery Dive is here with a reminder that learning from others can be vital to sidestep mistakes.

Here are some recent examples of companies AI usage that havent gone well.

Instacarts unappetizing food images

The grocery technology company came under fire on Reddit for using AI-generated pictures of food that include quirks like a hot dog slice that resembles a tomato and an abnormally shaped chicken, Insider reported in January. Instacart confirmed to Insider that it was, in fact, using AI-generated visuals along with AI-generated recipes.

The media buzz soon followed with headlines like, Please dont make me eat this terrifying AI-generated food and Instacart Got Caught Using Gross AI Images In Place Of Real Food.

A few days later, Insider said that Instacart had quietly taken down the weird images  but seemingly missed some.

While those images were a fail, perhaps Instacart was onto something: Findings from a recent study from the University of Oxford suggest that consumers think AI-generated food images look tastier than real photos.

Instacart is using AI art for some of its food pics. The results are pretty gross. https://t.co/K1DEGiRK16  Jake Swearingen (@JakeSwearingen) January 28, 2024

Rite Aids use of facial recognition

The retailer is in the hot seat for tapping facial recognition technology in a manner the Federal Trade Commission called reckless.

Rite Aid used third-party AI-powered facial recognition technology from 2012 to 2020 to identify potential shoplifters and other problematic behavior, but failed to enact reasonable measures to prevent harm to consumers, the FTC claimed.

The technology led to workers erroneously accusing people of wrongdoing because the facial recognition technology falsely flagged them as matching previously identified shoplifters or other troublemakers, the agency said in its complaint.

Story continues

In a recent settlement over the FTCs charges against Rite Aid, the retailer agreed to a five-year ban on using facial recognition technology for surveillance.

A New Zealand grocers recipe for disaster

Supermarket chain Pak n Saves use of AI on its app to create meal plans for its customers using ingredients they had on hand backfired when the technology served up a recipe that would create chlorine gas, The Guardian reported last summer.

But thats not all: The technology also offered up poison bread sandwiches and mosquito-repellent roast potatoes  suggestions that definitely did not meet the supermarkets stated intention of helping customers think of ways to save money by creatively using leftovers, the paper reported.

A Pak n Save spokesperson told The Guardian that the supermarket would keep fine tuning our controls of the bot to make it safe and useful to its adult users. Pak n Save has an appended warning notice on the meal planner saying that the recipes are not reviewed by a human being and that the company does not guarantee complete or balanced meals that are suitable for consumption, according to Fox News.

This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter.
3M will start paying out its $12.5 billion "forever chemicals" settlement with public water systems later this year after a federal judge gave final approval to the deal last week.

The settlement, announced last summer, will pay drinking water providers around the country for PFAS remediation over the next 12 years.

3M pioneered the use of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances 70 years ago, but is now reckoning with their environmental and health costs.

CEO Mike Roman, using an oft-repeated phrase, said the settlement will "reduce risk and uncertainty" when announcing the court's approval on Monday.

"This is yet another important step forward for 3M as we continue to deliver on our priorities," Roman said in a statement.

3M is also discontinuing its PFAS production and sales by the end of 2025. The water systems settlement does not end all pending PFAS litigation against the company, and analysts have floated billions more in potential payouts in the coming years.

Payments are expected to begin this fall and will continue through 2036. The bulk of the payments will be made by 2028, according to 3M.
The stock market has gotten off to a roaring start in 2024. The S&P 500 ended the first quarter up 10%, its average return over an entire year. That surge has driven down its dividend yield to 1.3%. It's approaching a historically low level.

However, while the dividend yield on most stocks has fallen as share prices have risen, some enticing opportunities remain available. Here are four top dividend stocks yielding at least 4% that you can buy for income this April.

An oil-fueled income stream

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) entered April with a dividend yield of about 4.1%. The oil and gas giant has an exceptional track record of paying dividends. This year was its 37th consecutive year of increasing its dividend, one of the longest streaks in the oil patch. Chevron gave its investors an 8% raise. Its five-year dividend growth rate is higher than the S&P 500's and more than double the pace of its closest peer.

The oil company should have ample fuel to continue increasing its high-yielding dividend. Its high-return capital program has it on track to grow its free cash flow by more than 10% annually through 2027, assuming oil averages $60 a barrel. That will supply it with enough cash to fund its capital program, pay a growing dividend, and repurchase shares at the low end of its $10 billion-$20 billion annual target range. Meanwhile, it could produce an even bigger gusher of free cash flow if oil remains at its current level in the $80s and it closes its needle-moving acquisition of Hess. For example, closing the Hess deal would give it the fuel to more than double its free cash flow by 2027 at $70 oil. With strong growth at lower oil prices and ample upside catalysts, Chevron's dividend should keep heading higher.

Passive income from real estate

Camden Property Trust (NYSE: CPT) currently yields 4.2%. The real estate investment trust (REIT) has done a solid job increasing its dividend over the years. While it hasn't boosted its payout every year, it has steadily raised it since resetting the dividend level in the aftermath of the financial crisis. The payout has grown by a third since 2018.

The residential REIT is in a strong position to continue growing its dividend. It's benefiting from strong demand for rental housing, which is enabling it to steadily raise rents and expand its portfolio. It currently has five new communities under development, including its first two single-family rental communities. Meanwhile, it has nine more communities under development that it hopes to start construction on in the future. It also has the financial flexibility to make acquisitions as opportunities arise. These growth catalysts should enable Camden to continue increasing its dividend.

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Megatrend driven growth

Brookfield Infrastructure (NYSE: BIPC)(NYSE: BIP) yields around 4.5% these days. The global infrastructure operator has an excellent record of paying dividends. It has increased its payout every year since it came public a decade and a half ago. It has grown the dividend at a 10% annual rate since 2009, including by 6% earlier this year.

The company aims to grow its payout by 5% to 9% annually in the future. It should have no problem delivering on that target, given its expectations that its funds from operations (FFO) per share will continue growing at a double-digit annual rate. It's benefiting from strong growth drivers as it focuses on capitalizing on three global megatrends: decarbonization, digitalization, and deglobalization. It's investing heavily to capitalize on those opportunities by funding high-return expansion projects like data centers and semiconductor manufacturing plants and making accretive acquisitions. It closed $2 billion in deals last year (a global container leasing company and three data center platforms), giving it a lot of momentum for 2024 and beyond.

Gas-driven growth

Williams (NYSE: WMB) yields around 4.9%. The natural gas pipeline giant has paid dividends to its investors for 50 straight years. It has grown its payout at a 6% compound annual rate since 2018, including by 6.1% earlier this year.

The company has lots of fuel to continue increasing its dividend. It's investing heavily in building additional natural gas infrastructure to support growing demand. Williams' current slate of secured capital projects will provide an uplift to its earnings through at least 2027. They help drive its view that it can grow its earnings by 5% to 7% annually over the long term. Meanwhile, its strong financial profile gives it the flexibility to make acquisitions as attractive opportunities arise. It recently spent $2 billion on a major natural gas storage portfolio. These drivers should give Williams the fuel to continue increasing its dividend.

Rock solid income stocks

Surging stock prices have many companies offering rather unappealing dividend yields these days. However, there are some attractive opportunities, with Chevron, Camden Property, Brookfield Infrastructure, and Williams all offering yields above 4%. Furthermore, this quartet has steadily increased their payouts over the years, which seems likely to continue. Those features make them attractive opportunities for income-seeking investors this April.

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Matt DiLallo has positions in Brookfield Infrastructure, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Camden Property Trust, and Chevron. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Camden Property Trust and Chevron. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

4 Top Dividend Stocks Yielding 4% to Buy in April was originally published by The Motley Fool
PINHAO, Portugal, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, March 28, surrounded by beautiful green, hilly vineyards in Pinhao, Portugal, Avalon Waterways christened its 15th Suite Ship in Europe. Acting as the ship's godmother, Cheri Oteri  widely known for the rise of female entertainers on Saturday Night Live  led the christening ceremony on the Douro River.

"Today, I name this goddess of Portugal's Douro River, the Avalon Alegria! Not only is she the newest, happiest ship in Portugal, she is one of the most sustainable vessels in Europe," said Cheri Oteri, during her blessing. "May her sunny disposition carry this ship, her captain, crew and guests, far as they set sail responsibly, together, through scenic landscapes, sloping vineyards and sleepy villages. Shine brightly on the 'river of gold,' Avalon Alegria!"

After reciting her blessing, Cheri Oteri cut a rope tethered to locally produced Cuvee  Marques de Marialva Cuvee Primitivo  causing the bottle to smash against the newly named ship's bow. President of Avalon Waterways Pam Hoffee, Captain Alberto Moreira and the ship's crew of 33  as well as approximately 65 invited guests that included journalists, travel advisors, the ship's builder and local dignitaries  cheered the ship's christening. KC and the Sunshine Band's 1975 hit, "Boogie Shoes," played over event speakers to add even more "happy" to the occasion. The song was a special request from the Alegria's godmother, Cheri Oteri.

"In our search for the best godmother for the Avalon Alegria  our first ship in Portugal with a name that means "happiness"  we knew Cheri Oteri would be the perfect choice," said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. "As a difference-making entertainer  and one of the ground-breaking women who inspired modern comedy in America  Cheri has brought so much inspiration and joy into our lives. We are thrilled she chose to travel to Portugal to honor us the godmother of our newest, 'happiest' ship in Europe. It's a joy to celebrate Cheri and her accomplishments as part of the Alegria's christening."

The new, 262-foot, 102-passenger Avalon Alegria  with 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, built exclusively to sail the Douro River  is the first Suite Ship from Avalon Waterways to set sail in Portugal.

The ship welcomes travelers aboard with a warm mix of light and dark woods, accented by rich copper and taupe hues, vibrant tones of green mixed with cool blues in public spaces and touches of muted yellow throughout the new, Suite Ship's Panorama Suites and Deluxe Staterooms. The color palate onboard was inspired by Douro Valley landscapes, brought to life by Dutch interior designer Liane van Leeuwen. Original works of art in Alegria's public areas were created by Dutch artist Sofia Fisher while four, specially lit artistic showcases celebrating the tradition of Portuguese Azulejos, were made in Porto by Gazete.

"Today, the Avalon Alegria joins an entire fleet of Suite Ships in Europe and Southeast Asia," said Hoffee. "Each features our boutique-hotel inspired Panorama Suites, the industry's only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery. Glass balcony panels on the Avalon Alegria provide an extra, exciting cruising outlook with completely unobstructed views, as does our first Sky Deck pool, inviting guests to enjoy panoramic views, soaking-in the vineyard-lined vistas of Portugal. Even seasoned travelers have never seen  or experienced  the world like this."

Offering guests the perfect blend of elegance and ease, there's a reason Avalon's Suite Ships are the critics' darlings. Creating the widest waterfront view of the world, Avalon Waterways' Open-Air Balconies were designed with views in mind. A Panorama Suite highlight on all of the Suite Ships of Avalon, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open 11-feet wide in Europe and 14-feet wide in Southeast Asia  Wider than any other balconies in the industry.

"We've waited a long time for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust vacation portfolio and that day has finally arrived," said Hoffee. "Inviting our guests to sail the Douro for the first time, we're bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to Southwestern Europe. We're thrilled to officially set sail on the Douro!"

The Avalon Alegria will invite her first, official guests on board to cruise Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro on April 3, 2024.

"For those lucky enough to join our new ship and crew her inaugural year, hillside vineyards and historic villages await them on an eight-day cruise the begins and ends in Porto," said Hoffee. "Like our cruises across Europe, this itinerary is filled with included "Classic," "Active" and "Discovery" excursion choices that promise guests countless ways to enjoy the sheer splendor and cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley."

For the full image gallery, click HERE.

ABOUT CHERI OTERI

Cheri Oteri was born in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia and later moved to LA where she worked in promotions for A&M Records. She joined the Groundlings, and in 1995 the producers of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE saw one of her monologues, which led to an audition and eventually being hired as a cast member where she starred for five seasons. Since then, Cheri has starred in multiple iconic comedies such as SCARY MOVIE, INSPECTOR GADGET, LIAR LIAR, DUMB AND DUMBERER, SHREK THE THIRD, and GROWN UPS 2 opposite Adam Sandler. More recently, she was last seen in the indie feature, LOVE VIRTUALLY opposite Paul F. Tompkins and Stephen Tobolowsky, as well as the film LAST CALL opposite Bruce Dern.

In TV, Cheri has made multiple special guest appearance on hits such as MAYANS MC on FX, The CW's CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, TruTV's THOSE WHO CAN'T, NBC's JUST SHOOT ME! (in which she was nominated for an Emmy), HOT IN CLEVELAND, and as an emotionally unstable nanny on the Golden Globe and Emmy award winning series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM.

She also has a very exciting career in the VO space. Cheri has lent her voice to such hits as INSIDE JOB on Netflix, BIG CITY GREENS on Disney Channel, FAIRFAX on Amazon, and CLOSE ENOUGH on HBO Max.

ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS

Cruising Elevated. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you'll see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

Cision

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SOURCE Avalon Waterways
Gulf Scientific Corporation (GSC), a prominent provider of laboratory solutions, has signed an agreement with R-Biopharm, a leading German biotechnology firm to deliver analytical solutions in Saudi Arabia.

This partnership, marks a significant step in expanding GSCs portfolio in the fields of health, and quality of life through advanced biotechnological analysis.

R-Biopharm, known for its dedication to consumer and patient health, aligns perfectly with GSC's ethos. This collaboration aims to bring these high-value solutions to Saudi Arabia.

Cutting-edge laboratory solutions

With a robust presence in major cities across the Gulf region, GSC, along with its subsidiaries: Sama Masa, Dar Al-Aalmiyah, ATP Kuwait, JSC, and Atrium, continues to provide cutting-edge laboratory solutions. This new venture with R-Biopharm will further bolster GSC's position as a leader in analytical and material sciences within the GCC.

Manaf Afyouni, Managing Director at GSC, commented: This partnership will enable us to offer comprehensive analytical solutions through Sama Masa, and Dar Al-Aalmiyah in Saudi Arabia, enhancing our portfolio and furthering our goal to contribute significantly to the scientific advancement and quality of life.--TradeArabia News Service
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the Company or Algernon) (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW0) (OTCQB: AGNPF), a Canadian clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, is pleased to announce that it plans to move forward with its intravenous formulation of its AP-188 (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine or DMT) stroke research program as its lead asset, after having sold its Ifenprodil research program for USD $2M cash and a 20% common share equity position in Seyltx, a U.S based private drug development company, on March 27, 2024. Seyltx plans to initiate an Ifenprodil multi-center Phase 2b placebo-controlled chronic cough study in CY2024.



Algernon established Algernon NeuroScience (AGN Neuro), a wholly owned subsidiary, to advance the research and development of the DMT stroke program in 2023.

AGN Neuro has completed a feasibility study and has finalized its clinical trial design for a 40 patient Phase 2a DMT Stroke study. AGN Neuro is the worlds first company to investigate DMT for the treatment of stroke and its ability to promote neuroplasticity in the healing of brain injuries. The Phase 2a human stroke trial will study an intravenous sub-psychedelic dose of DMT in patients who are hospitalized after having suffered an acute ischemic stroke.

Investigating neuroplasticity in a clinical setting, as a potential new treatment approach for ischemic stroke patients, is a new and promising area of research, said Christopher J. Moreau CEO of Algernon. Algernon is a global leader in this important area of research, and we look forward to further advancing the stroke program through our planned Phase 2a DMT Stroke study.

Phase 2a Stroke Study Design

Subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke will be randomized in blinded fashion to receive either DMT or placebo. The primary outcome measure of the study will be safety, and information will be gained on measures of efficacy including preservation of brain tissue, motor recovery, depression and numerous biomarkers linked to the pathophysiology of stroke.

The decision to advance into a Phase 2 study was based on positive data from the Companys Phase 1 trial conducted at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) in Leiden, Netherlands. This study showed that plasma levels of DMT associated with neuroplasticity in preclinical studies could be achieved with a prolonged, 6-hour infusion of DMT at a dose which did not cause a psychedelic experience. The amount given exceeded the human equivalent of the dose used in preclinical studies in rats which demonstrated neuroprotective effects.

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About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Algernon Pharmaceuticals is a Canadian clinical stage drug development company investigating multiple drugs for unmet global medical needs. Algernon Pharmaceuticals is the parent company of a private subsidiary called Algernon NeuroScience, that is advancing a psychedelic program investigating a proprietary form of DMT for stroke and traumatic brain injury and has an active research program for chronic kidney disease.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Christopher J. Moreau

CEO

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

604.398.4175 ext 701

info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com

investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com

www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipate, expects and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.




Astounds Partnership Will Support Habitat for Humanitys Annual Home is the Key Campaign

PRINCETON, N.J., April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Astound Broadband (Astound), an award-winning provider of Internet, Mobile and TV services, today announced a broad partnership with Habitat for Humanity to support affordable homeownership in communities within Astounds service footprint and beyond. Astound is committed to combining financial support, in-kind support and employee volunteerism, as well as providing opportunities for customers and others to participate. Astound is donating more than $670,000 to Habitat for Humanity that will support building homes and hosting over 40 employee volunteer events in the communities in which Astound serves. Astounds collaboration will involve employee volunteers in every market in its footprint including Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

April is Fair Housing Month and commemorates the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination on the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, religion or nationality. As part of its partnership with Habitat, Astound will support the organizations annual Home is the Key national campaign to help increase equitable access to homeownership and build inclusive communities across the U.S. Astounds support of Home is the Key will include two home build events which will occur on April 26th at 1435 Philip Street in Bethlehem, PA and at 7200 S University Ave in Chicago, IL. At these events, Astounds employee volunteers will work side-by-side with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates and future homeowners to help build their new homes.

"As Fair Housing Month gets underway, Astounds partnership with Habitat for Humanity and its efforts to help break down barriers to homeownership and to help address racial equity and the wealth gap is a critical step in doing our part to make a positive difference," said Jim Holanda, Astound CEO. "Astound employees will roll up their sleeves and get to work to help build new affordable homes alongside families in our local communities. Our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity continues our longtime commitment to the communities we serve."

"We are excited to have Astound Broadband as a Home is the Key sponsor this year," said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president, corporate and cause marketing partnerships, Habitat for Humanity International. "Habitat has seen firsthand how safe, affordable homes change lives and communities. Having the support of partners like Astound will further our efforts to make communities and access to homeownership more equitable and inclusive to all."

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This partnership is one of many where Astound has delivered on the companys commitment to serving its communities through volunteerism, philanthropy and financial support through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Over the past several years, Astound has supported both local and national nonprofit organizations that have made significant impacts in Astound communities. In 2022, Astound distributed $1 million in separate grants to 30 local nonprofits in its service areas. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Astound and its customers donated $210,000 to Feeding America, supporting local food banks. In 2021, Astound helped to build the first-in-the-nation high school fiber optic program at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School in Peabody MA, where Astound donated all the equipment and labor. Through that partnership, Astound continues to provide paid internships to Peabody high school students seeking training in the fiber-optic industry.

About Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning services, fiber-powered internet, TV, mobile, landline phone and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240329574691/en/

Contacts

Ann Murphy

astound@sevenletter.com

617-646-1031
Warm weather and iced drinks often go hand in hand, but one new Pueblo eatery taking that pairing to the next level by offering a Strawberry Pueblo Pepper Lemonade in a cool nod to Pueblo's favorite fiery homegrown green chile.

TrailGlazers is Pueblo's newest bakery and coffee shop bringing sweets and other treats to the Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union. Owners Harry and Chelsea Rutz are stirring up a fan favorite strawberry lemonade "with a little bit of Pueblo pepper heat in it," and the drink is a hit, Chelsea Rutz said.

The couple launched the popular drink last summer when they started their culinary journey in Pueblo with a doughnut-themed TrailGlazers food truck at LaBella Union Plaza. In an effort to find a warmer home for the winter months, the couple opted to move TrailGlazers just a block away and take up residence in the food hall.

Owners Chelsea Rutz and her husband Harry stand in front of TrailGlazers inside the Fuel &Iron Food Hall on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

The business' opening day was March 27, and the bakery display case was chock full of treats like cookies, brownies, muffins and cinnamon rolls. The couple is adapting from having a fryer and a flat top to an all-electric kitchen, so their "really popular" doughnuts are not on the menu, but Chelsea Rutz said she has been baking delightful goodies "since I was a kid."

"To start with, we are going to have baked goods, soft serve ice cream, coffee, tea, lemonades and charcuterie boards," including vegan options, Chelsea Rutz said. "In a few weeks we will be having our beef stew, baked bread sandwiches and salads."

"There will be always new and exciting things in the bake case and we will always have a savory item in the morning. We also make homemade ice cream sandwiches," she said.

TrailGlazers offers coffee, tea, lemonade, homemade ice cream sandwiches, charcuterie options and baked goods like the ham and cheddar quiche, left, and dark chocolate pistachio cinnamon rolls, right, among others.

A journey that began in Chicago

Chelsea Rutz went to culinary school in Chicago in her early 20s.

"I started working in the industry right away and my first pastry job was for 'Girl and a Goat' owner Stephanie Izard, who won Top Chef. I probably learned more from her than I did in culinary school," she explained.

Izard was Bravo's first female chef to win the Top Chef title during Season 4 of the television show in 2008. Rutz went on to work at other Chicago restaurants before she and her husband moved to Pueblo.

"We were looking for a place to retire and read an AARP article about great places to retire back in 2017. We were looking for somewhere to go when my husband retired from the fire department," she said.

Hours at TrailGlazers are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. For the latest updates on offerings, visit the TrailGlazers Facebook or Instagram pages.

TrailGlazers owner Chelsea Rutz prepares a Sweet and Spicy Sundae which includes strawberry Pueblo chile jam, spicy peanuts, sliced strawberries and ice cream.

More Fuel & Iron news: 'A bridge' to food entrepreneurship: Pueblo's Fuel & Iron opens commissary kitchen

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Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: What to know about the new bakery in Pueblo's Fuel & Iron Food Hall
- The campaign aims to engage with over 65,000 road users at selected PLUS R&R, reminding them to stay alert and energised when on the road

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BRAND'S Essence of Chicken (BRAND'S) has once again partnered with PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) to launch its road safety campaign "Kekal Cergas and Selamat" for Ramadan and Raya 2024. Through this partnership, BRAND'S and PLUS will continue to champion the cause of road safety and urge travellers to embrace regular breaks, boost their alertness, and remember to re-energise to ensure a safer journey home amidst the festive hustle.

BRAND'S Essence of Chicken and PLUS Malaysia Berhad partners again to drive road safety awareness with the 2024 Kekal Cergas & Selamat campaign

The Raya Aidilfitri festive period in 2023 saw a swell in traffic on the PLUS highway, with the number of vehicles during the peak of Aidilfitri hitting the estimated over two million mark. According to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), in 2023, road accidents increased by 9.6% during the Raya Aildilfitri period compared to the previous year. Speeding, fatigue and distraction were the main causes of these accidents. These concerning statistics were why BRAND'S is once again partnering with PLUS on a safety initiative, reminding road users of the importance of maintaining alertness and energy for safe driving.

Taking a Break to Improve Your Alertness and Recharge Your Energy

As part of the campaign, BRAND'S will give away more than 50,000 bottles of BRAND'S Essence of Chicken to PLUS highway customers at selected R&R stops between April 4th and 17th, 2024. There will also be interactive activities at these stops to help road users exercise their minds and re-energise during breaks.

Eunice Kow, Head of Marketing Health Enrichment, Suntory Beverage and Food Malaysia shared, "We are thrilled to join forces with PLUS once again for this meaningful campaign as in 2023, we managed to reach out to over 50,000 travellers. Our goal remains the same - to instil a sense of responsibility and awareness among drivers for their safety and passengers' safety through this 'Kekal Cergas and Selamat' campaign. We believe that every journey is not just a journey back home but a safe return to loved ones. BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is a natural health supplement scientifically proven to enhance mental concentration, reduce mental fatigue and re-energise road users, making it an ideal companion for long-distance drivers to break their fast or have their sahur before continuing their journey."

BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is made of an all-natural extract of fine-quality premium chicken hygienically processed under high temperatures and carefully pressured, preserving its rich natural nutrients with an improved taste that appeals to Malaysians from all walks of life. It is also Halal certified by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM). With its smoother taste and benefits, road users can enjoy its nutritional benefits to stay alert and energised.

The BRAND's and PLUS 'Kekal Cergas and Selamat' campaign on-ground activations will take place as follows:

1. April 4th to 7th at R&R Tapah Northbound

2. April 8th and 9th at R&R Seremban Northbound

3. April 14th and 15th at R&R Ayer Keroh Southbound

4. April 16th and 17th at R&R Sungai Buloh Northbound

During the Raya Aidilfitri festive celebration, PLUS and BRAND'S encourage travellers to check the PLUS Malaysia Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/PLUSMalaysiaBerhad/ ) and BRAND'S Essence of Chicken Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/BrandsMalaysia ) for updates on the festive season Travel Time Advisory (TTA) and traffic.

This partnership is part of BRAND's ongoing efforts to impact the community positively and provide road users with helpful tips and resources on staying alert, safe, and secure while travelling. With this initiative, BRAND's hopes to make a meaningful difference in people's lives by creating a safer travel experience as a family.

## ENDS ##

About BRAND'S Essence of Chicken

BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is a natural food supplement. It is an easily digestible chicken extract containing readily absorbed amino acids and peptides. Our unique double-boiled process at a high temperature makes our essence more concentrated. It is airtight-sealed to maintain its freshness and sterilised at more than 100C. BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is free of fat and cholesterol, high in protein, and has no added flavouring substance.

With over 50 published scientific papers, BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is the only clinically proven Essence of Chicken for a healthy body and sharp mind. It has been shown to increase metabolism by reducing tiredness and increasing oxygen flow to the brain for improved concentration.

About PLUS Malaysia Berhad

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) is the largest highway operator in Peninsular Malaysia and one of the largest expressway operators in Southeast Asia responsible for managing as well as ensuring the safety and comfort of 1.7 million daily customers along the 1,130km (91% interstate highways) in the country. As the 'heart of the nation', PLUS has been instrumental in enhancing Malaysia's socioeconomic status for three decades, as the catalyst for the tourism industry, establishment of duty-free zones, new ports and the expansion of housing areas.

Driven by the aspiration to generate prosperity and sustainability in the lives of the community, PLUS' eco-system has also created business and employment opportunities by benefiting the various communities around 30 kilometres of our highways, starting with those closest to us. For the latest information, please visit www.plus.com.my or get updates via our Facebook, Instagram, Linkedln and PLUS YouTube Channels.

Cision

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SOURCE BRAND'S Essence of Chicken; PLUS Malaysia Berhad
QIONGHAI, China, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sub-forum on Religious Harmony and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations took place at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024 by March 29. Nine religious representatives from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka engaged in a roundtable discussion centered on the theme Flow of Dharma to the East and Thousands of Miles of Fellowship - Confronting Challenges and Achieving Mutual Growth Through the Wisdom and Compassion of Buddha. The Minister of Religious Affairs of Cambodia, Chay Borin, attended the event as a special guest.

With a collective aspiration to strengthen the "Golden Bond" of Buddhism connecting China, South Korea, and Japan

The Sub-forum on Religious Harmony and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations took place at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024 by March 29. Nine religious representatives from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka engaged in a roundtable discussion centered on the theme Flow of Dharma to the East and Thousands of Miles of Fellowship - Confronting Challenges and Achieving Mutual Growth Through the Wisdom and Compassion of Buddha. (PRNewsfoto/The Buddhist Association of China)

The forum kicked off with an engaging introduction by YIN SHUN, Head of the Youth Division of the China Committee on Religion and Peace (CCRP), Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, and President of the Buddhist Association of Hainan Province.

On behalf of the Chinese Buddhist community, YAN JUE, Vice President of the China Committee on Religion and Peace (CCRP), Co-chair of Religions for Peace, and President of the Buddhist Association of China, gracefully extended an invitation to the esteemed guests of honor. He invoked the spirit of compassion and peace, expressing his heartfelt wish that Buddhist communities across the globe uphold the traditional Dharma fellowship and collaborate to create a peaceful, beautiful, and dignified Pure Land on Earth.

KOBAYAKAWA KODAI, Abbot of the Myoujiyama Daichoin Temple and Permanent Researcher at the Comprehensive Research Centre of the Soto Zen School, delved into the rich history of Soto Zen's development in Japan. He expressed his gratitude to the religious forum for providing such a valuable platform and conveyed his aspiration that representatives of all faiths seize the opportunity to reflect on the history of friendly Buddhist exchanges worldwide, fostering friendships, pooling strengths, sharing wisdom, and mutually enriching each other's practices.

MU AE, Chairman of the Acharya Review Committee at the Education Institute of Jogye Order and esteemed Member of the Sangha Examination Council of Jogye Order, explored the 1,700-year tapestry of friendship and cultural exchanges between South Korean and Chinese Buddhism. He eagerly anticipated the opportunity to further enhance the amicable interactions among the people of China, South Korea, and Japan through the sub-forum, serving as a vehicle to share future Asian values and fostering a platform for harmony and coexistence.

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Embrace the values of the three traditions of Buddhism, fostering their consummate interfusion in our quest for worldwide peace

THICH DUC THIEN, Vice President, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, Head of the Department of International Buddhist Affairs and Member of the National Assembly of Vietnam, looked forward to enhancing the wide-ranging co-operation with practitioners of Chinese Buddhism in the realms of Buddhist education, academic exchanges, scripture translation, meditation practices, and the preservation of Buddhist cultural heritage, with the aim of fostering the spread and growth of Buddhism not only throughout the region but globally.

BOUR KRY, the Great Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayutta Order of the Kingdom of Cambodia, outlined the progress made in three Sino-Cambodian Buddhist exchange and co-operation initiatives, including the translation of Buddhist scriptures, the compilation of historical records, and the overseas study programs for Buddhist monks. He highlighted the broadening of the scope of exchanges and collaborations between the Buddhist communities of China and Cambodia, transcending the initial focus on Buddhist culture to encompass Buddhist education, youth empowerment, public service and philanthropy, medical and healthcare services, as well as ecological and environmental protection.

KIRINDE ASSAJI, Rajakeeya Panditha, Deputy Chief High Prelate of Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, said, "Today, we reunite in Boao, committed to fostering dialogues and consensus on cooperation, bearing witness to fresh perspectives, endeavors, and friendships that transcend cultural divides, and, by doing so, enriching our cherished Buddhist cultural heritage. Let us remain steadfast in promoting harmonious development and cooperation between the East and the West as we move forward."

LHARKYAL LAMA, Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and Chief Abbot of the Palyul Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, acknowledged the deep resonance of the sub-forum's advocacy for religious harmony and mutual understanding of civilizations with Lumbini's essence of compassion, peace, and tolerance. He expressed his confidence that Nepal and China would continue to serve as a bridge for Buddhist exchanges, elevating humanistic interactions between the two countries to unprecedented heights.

Chen Ruifeng attended the event and delivered the closing remarks. He highlighted the positive impact of Buddhist principles such as compassion, peace, the Middle Way, and consummate interfusion in addressing the shared challenges humanity faces today.

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SOURCE The Buddhist Association of China
Buy These Top Industrial REITs for Their Yields and Track Records of Dividend Growth

Industrial real estate investment trusts (REITs) own and manage income-generating industrial properties, such as warehouses, distribution centers, logistics facilities, and manufacturing plants. Industrial REITs generate income by leasing the properties.

Investors in industrial REITs can benefit from the demand for space in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The growth of e-commerce and the need for efficient supply chain management have contributed to the growth of the space in recent years. Similar to other REITs, industrial REITs are required to distribute a significant portion of their income to shareholders in the form of dividends.

If you're interested in investing in industrial REITs, here are two you could buy today.

Rexford Industrial Realty

Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE:REXR) is one of the largest pure-play industrial REITs. Its portfolio currently consists of 422 properties containing approximately 49.1 million square feet.

Rexford currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.4175 per share, equating to an annualized dividend of $1.67 per share and giving its stock a yield of about 3.85% at the time of this writing.

In addition to having a high yield, Rexford is a dividend-growth star. It has raised its annual dividend payment for 10 consecutive years, and its 10% hike in February has it on track for 2024 to mark the 11th consecutive year with an increase.

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Prologis

Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD) is one of the world's largest owners, developers, and managers of industrial properties, including distribution facilities, logistics centers, and warehouses, with ownership interests in approximately 1.2 billion square feet across the globe. Its largest clients include industry giants like Amazon, FedEx, Home Depot, and UPS.

Prologis currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.96 per share, equating to an annualized dividend of $3.84 per share and giving its stock a yield of about 3.7% at the time of this writing.

Like Rexford, Prologis is a dividend-growth star. It has raised its annual dividend for 10 consecutive years, and its 10% hike in February has it on pace for 2024 to mark the 11th consecutive year with an increase.

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 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
By Sophie Yu and Brenda Goh

BEIJING (Reuters) -China Southern Airlines on Monday launched its first flight between Beijing and Macau and said it plans to add 17 international routes, in a sign it expects a pick-up in international travel this year.

The airline said at an event in Beijing the routes would be launched in the coming months before Oct. 26. The new routes would include Amsterdam, London, Doha, Riyadh and Tehran, executives from the airline said.

Macau, a special administrative region of China, is a popular tourist spot and the world's biggest gambling hub.

China's international airline industry has recovered only slowly following the lifting of pandemic restrictions in early 2023, struggling to match gains in domestic travel as consumers remain price-sensitive in a sluggish economy.

China Southern's international route network has to date recovered to 80% of 2019 levels, and the airline hopes the new routes will help take it to 85% by the end of this year, Chen Ling, a deputy manager in China Southern's north China marketing department, told reporters.

China Southern, one of China's three state carriers, last Wednesday reported an annual loss of 4.1 billion yuan, which it attributed to weak consumer spending power, jet fuel costs, supply chain problems and the depreciation of the yuan.

Hopes are high however that international travel out of China can turn a corner this year.

China's aviation regulator said in January it expected the number of international flights to and from the country to reach 6,000 per week by the end of this year, or about 80% of pre-COVID levels.

(Reporting by Sophie Yu and Brenda Goh; Editing by Tom Hogue and Sonali Paul)
The 2024 Wayne County 4-H Legacy Dinner was held March 21 with more than 120 guests enjoying the evening with fellow local businesses and 4-H alumni.

Tom Stocksdale, a 4-H alumnus who has been serving on our Wayne County Agricultural Society since 1988, was the guest speaker. He spoke on the importance of living out the 4-H pledge and the FFA Creed, and learning what it means to serve your community with your head, heart, hands and health by being active and supporting the younger generations coming up.

Bringing this evening together were our generous Emerald Clover sponsor of $2,500 given by Northeast Ohio Pork Producers, followed by our Gold and Silver Sponsors that combined donated $5,000 to our Wayne County 4-H program. Thank you to those sponsors, which are Farmers National Bank, Chad and Stephanie Bailey, The Apple Creek Banking Company, Cataldale Dairy, Jackwood Law Offices and Wayne Savings Community Bank.

Seven people made up the Legacy Dinner committee, working extremely hard at putting it together in support of the Wayne County 4-H program. They are Tom Stocksdale, Jocelyn White, Jennifer Norman, Jenna Barbour, Joyce Varns, Marium Zech and Priscilla Sprang, along with others who helped with videos or setting up the day of. I am very thankful for all of those who helped coordinate all the details in putting this dinner together.

Tom Stocksdale, a 4-H alumnus, was the speaker at Wayne County 4-H Legacy Dinner. He spoke on the importance of living out the 4-H Pledge and the FFA Creed.

Cocktails, dinner and auction

The evening at at the Shisler Conference Center on The Ohio State University Wooster Campus, started off with a cocktail reception sponsored by Troutman Vineyards with appetizers served by Exclusively Yours Catering. There was a silent auction of 13 baskets donated by businesses, families and Wayne County 4-H clubs.

Thank you to the Smithie Whiz Kids, Horses R Us, Canaan Hoof N Hide, Dalton Equestrians & More, Dalton Kidron Big 4, Milton Shamrocks, Blachleyville 4-H Club, Country Strong, Jefferson Pioneers, Sarchione Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, The Tedrow Family and Farmers National Bank.

Dinner was a beef entree sponsored by Certified Angus Beef and a chicken entree sponsored by Gerber Poultry. Exclusively Yours Catering did a phenomenal job at presenting the meal. The tables were decorated with beautiful flowers that were designed and arranged by Country Daisy Floral and the Norwayne FFA Floriculture Team.

Our auctioneer for the night, Jed Acker, auctioned six live auction items. Item 1 was four club level tickets to a Cleveland Guardians game donated by Farmers National Bank. Item 2 was a case of wines along with a wine barrel donated by Troutman Vineyards. Canaan Meats donated auction items 3 and 4 of half a hog and half a beef custom processed.

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Live auction No. 5 sponsored by our Wayne County Agricultural Society was a package of four admission along with four tickets to any event at the Wayne County Fair coming up this year Sept. 7-12. Lastly, auction No. 6 was a three-day, two-night getaway package from Hocking Hills in the Aquaris Cabin.

Camp scholarships rounded up the event.

We want to thank each and every one of those businesses and families that supported our program. The silent auction raised $1,120 and the live auction items raised $3,470, so our camp scholarships totaled $3,270. We again are so blessed to live in a county where our kids are supported.

Diane Johnson is program assistant, 4-H Youth Development, for Wayne County Extension. She can be reached at johnson.9505@osu.edu or 330-264-8722.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Wayne County 4-H Legacy dinner auctions support local youth




Image source: Getty Images

Costco offers two different membership tiers. There's the Gold Star membership, which costs $60 annually, and the Executive membership, which costs $120.

If you are joining the warehouse club, you may be tempted to spring for the upgraded membership because it comes with some perks that the Gold Star membership doesn't offer. But, would doing so be a waste of the hard-earned money in your bank account, or would it be the right choice?

Here's how you can decide.

How much money do you spend at Costco?

There's one big question you need to ask yourself first that will help you to decide whether paying an extra $60 for the Executive membership makes sense. You need to ask yourself how much money you actually intend to spend at Costco over the course of the year.

The reason this is important is because the Costco Executive membership offers an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases. Once a year, you get a reward equal to 2% of all that you spent at Costco throughout the year -- up to a maximum reward of $1,000.

Now, if you do some quick math, you can see that if you are spending $3,000 per year at Costco, you will end up earning $60 back because of it. So, if you break out the credit cards often enough that you spend this much or more, the Executive membership is worth it for you. The cash back you earn will cover the added cost of the membership upgrade.

If you spend more than $3,000, your membership would more than pay for itself. Say, for example, you spent $6,000 over the course of the year at Costco. You'd get $120 back and Costco would have paid you $60 for choosing the upgrade.

If you spend less than $3,000, though, then you'd be better off with the Gold Star membership unless you take advantage of the other exclusive perks the Executive membership offers.

Will you take advantage of other Executive membership perks?

While the 2% annual reward is the biggest draw for most people, there are other benefits to Executive membership.

These advantages include bigger discounts on other services offered through Costco's partnerships, including lower cost checks from its check-printing service or discounts on auto insurance. Free roadside assistance is also available for those who are covered through Costco's auto insurance program.

If you'll spend less than $3,000 per year at Costco, you'll want to read up on the Executive membership perks carefully. If you aren't going to use its other services, like home, auto, or pet insurance or printing services, then you'd most likely be better off going with the Gold Star membership tier.

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For many people, the big draw is Costco gas and their warehouse club purchases, not these extra services -- so the additional savings from them may not be a reason to pay the upgraded membership fee. But it all depends on what your goals are for joining the warehouse club and what your shopping patterns happen to be.

The important thing is, by taking the time to understand the value of these added benefits, you can make the choice that's right for you.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Is the Costco Executive Membership a Waste of Money for You? was originally published by The Motley Fool
NEW YORK, April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Credit Agricole CIB today announced the appointment of Giliane Coeurderoy as Senior Country Officer for Brazil.

Giliane Coeurderoy will be based in Sao Paulo and will join the Americas Management Committee. She will also serve on the banks Brazil Executive Committee. She will report to Stephane Ducroizet, Senior Regional Officer for the Americas

"We are very pleased to have someone of Gilianes stature within Credit Agricole, who brings her extensive experience in Brazil, join as our Senior Country Officer to steer our operations there. Brazil is a key market for many of our business lines active in Latin America and we look forward to continuing to grow them in partnership with Giliane," Stephane Ducroizet said.

Giliane Coeurderoy joined Credit Agricole CIB in 2010, serving most recently as Deputy CEO of Credit Agricole Italia, in charge of Risk and Compliance. Prior to that, she was Deputy CEO of Creval following the Italian lenders acquisition by Credit Agricole, overseeing the integration of Creval within Credit Agricole Italia Group. Before that, she was Chief Risk Officer at Credit Agricole Italia Group.

Starting in 2013, Giliane Coeurderoy served as Chief Risk Officer for Credit Agricole CIB Brazil. Previously, she was with Credit Agricole CIB's Risk Department as Country Risk Manager, in charge of Eastern European territories.

Before joining Credit Agricole CIB, Giliane Coeurderoy was Administrative and Financial Director in the International Retail Banking group in Congo and spent 15 years in various commercial and managerial positions in the corporate market of Caisse Regionale Charente-Maritime Deux-Sevres. Giliane started her career with HSBC.

About Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Credit Agricole CIB)

Credit Agricole CIB is the corporate and investment banking arm of Credit Agricole Group, the 10th largest banking group worldwide in terms of balance sheet size (The Banker, July 2023). More than 9,400 employees across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa support the Bank's clients, meeting their financial needs throughout the world. Credit Agricole CIB offers its large corporate and institutional clients a range of products and services in capital markets activities, investment banking, structured finance, commercial banking and international trade. The Bank is a pioneer in the area of climate finance, and is currently a market leader in this segment with a complete offer for all its clients.

For more information, please visit www.ca-cib.com.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401673704/en/

Contacts

Credit Agricole CIB



Jenna Lee - Head of Communications for the Americas

CACIB Americas

@ jenna.lee@ca-cib.com

Tel: + 1 212 261 7328
ZainTECH, the integrated digital solution provider of Zain Group, has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Redington, an international technology solutions provider, to acquire its Consulting and Transformation Services arm, Citrus Consulting.

Citrus Consulting is a regional Amazon Web Services (AWS) Advanced Consulting Partner, with the acquisition marking a significant development, underscoring ZainTECHs commitment to supporting customers in the region maximise their return on investment from cloud technologies and accelerating time-to-value from AWS investments.

With a strong operational footprint across the GCC, Citrus Consulting contributes nearly 30 AWS-certified engineers and a robust portfolio of clients to ZainTECHs cloud operations, which will further enhance ZainTECHs ability to offer organisations in the region, and in Saudi Arabia in particular, an opportunity to harness the full potential of AWS cloud solutions.

All the while ensuring adherence to the Kingdoms regulatory and data residency requirements.

Commenting on the acquisition agreement, Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH, said: By welcoming Citrus Consulting into the ZainTECH ecosystem, we are enriching our ability to deliver comprehensive cloud-based digital solutions that ensure quick and tangible benefits for our clients.

This deal is a strategic step towards reinforcing our position as a leader in the cloud services domain, directly aligned with our mission to accelerate the digital transformation journey for businesses across the region.

Citrus Consulting will integrate into ZainTECHs Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE) for AWS. This move will further strengthen ZainTECHs AWS service offerings across a broad spectrum of activities, including advisory, infrastructure and security managed services, application modernization and transformation, as well as data & AI foundations and FinOps.

Viswanath Pallasena, Chief Executive Officer, Redington MEA, said: Together with ZainTECHs capabilities, Citrus Consulting will be stronger in delivering innovative services that cater to the evolving needs of regional customers and better amplify their cloud transformation journeys.

This deepens our relationship with ZainTECH and marks a significant milestone for Citrus, offering exciting opportunities for all our stakeholders. We are thrilled about the positive impact this will have on the overall market.

The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and fulfilment of conditions precedent in the SPA.  TradeArabia News Service
It is a pleasure to report that the Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (KLSE:DLADY) is up 32% in the last quarter. But if you look at the last five years the returns have not been good. In fact, the share price is down 52%, which falls well short of the return you could get by buying an index fund.

While the last five years has been tough for Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad shareholders, this past week has shown signs of promise. So let's look at the longer term fundamentals and see if they've been the driver of the negative returns.

See our latest analysis for Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

During the five years over which the share price declined, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad's earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 11% each year. Readers should note that the share price has fallen faster than the EPS, at a rate of 14% per year, over the period. So it seems the market was too confident about the business, in the past.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

We know that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? If you're interested, you could check this free report showing consensus revenue forecasts.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad's TSR for the last 5 years was -48%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 18% over the last year. Of course, that includes the dividend. Notably the five-year annualised TSR loss of 8% per year compares very unfavourably with the recent share price performance. We generally put more weight on the long term performance over the short term, but the recent improvement could hint at a (positive) inflection point within the business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here.

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Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Edisun Power Europe (VTX:ESUN) Full Year 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: CHF37.7m (up 100% from FY 2022).

Net income: CHF23.4m (up 128% from FY 2022).

Profit margin: 62% (up from 54% in FY 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue.

EPS: CHF22.55 (up from CHF9.87 in FY 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Edisun Power Europe Earnings Insights

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 42% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 5.9% growth forecast for the Renewable Energy industry in Europe.

Performance of the market in Switzerland.

The company's shares are down 1.4% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

It's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Edisun Power Europe, and understanding this should be part of your investment process.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
HANOI, Vietnam, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elovi, a group company of Morinaga Milk Industry (Japan), announces a significant transformation. In a strategic move to further enhance its mission and align with global standards of excellence, Elovi is proud to unveil its new identity as Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam (MNFV), commencing March 25th 2024.

Elovi to MNFV: Transformative Journey Advancing National Wellness

In a pivotal move to further solidify its commitment, Elovi became a member of Morinaga Milk Group, one of the leading company in the dairy and nutrition industry in Japan with a legacy spanning over a century. With this acquisition, Elovi now joins Morinaga Milk's esteemed network of subsidiaries globally, further strengthening its position as a key player in the industry. Now operating under the banner of Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam (MNFV), the company remains dedicated to developing business through products catering to customers of various ages with the overarching goal of enhancing wellness and happiness.

Morinaga Milk Group has been exporting formula milk to Vietnam since 2010, and the addition of MNFV, a local manufacturer of beverages and yogurt, to its group represents its commitment to contribute more to the Vietnamese market. Leveraging Morinaga's extensive experience, leading technology, and proven track record of delivering high-quality products in Japan, MNFV is poised to make a substantial impact on the Vietnamese market and pioneer innovations.

Chihaya Takashi, General Director of Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam, emphasized the company's commitment, stating, "We are excited to embark on this transformative journey. Our mission is clear, to contribute to "Wellness" through offering both "nutrition & deliciousness" by utilizing the advanced technology cultivated in Japan for over 100 years. Together, we aim to illuminate even brighter smiles and wellness across Vietnam."

Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam: Pioneering Health Solutions

MNFV's commitment to customers well-being extends beyond its product range. Through dedicated research, MNFV's R&D team analyzes the nutritional needs and health concerns of different age groups, aiming to tailor a nutritional health map to suit diverse consumer preferences based on age, habits, and cultural nuances. As Vietnam's population ages and childhood obesity rates rise, MNFV is committed to contributing to the nation's health by offering a diverse range of high-quality nutritional products. In 2022, MNFV established a Healthcare business team to distribute Morinaga Milk Industry Group's healthcare products from Japan, broadening access to a wider range of high-quality Japanese products for Vietnamese consumers. MNFV's sustainability initiatives aim to address emerging health challenges while ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all Vietnamese consumers. Aligned with this vision, MNFV has adopted the slogan "For Better Wellness," emphasizing not just physical health but also well-being of people.

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"Through the rebranding, we aim to deepen connections in the Vietnamese market. Our slogan embodies our aspiration to represent an extension of Morinaga Milk philosophy, fostering abundant smiles in Vietnamese daily life. This transformation also strengthens our employees' commitment to and execution of the mission, fostering a shared vision for a brighter future," concludes Chihaya.

For more information about Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam, visit: https:// morinaga-nf.com.vn

Cision

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SOURCE Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam
MarketsandMarkets Research Pvt. Ltd.

Mulch Film Market Booms to $10.6 Billion! Struggling with weeds? Mulch films are your secret weapon! This booming market is expected to reach a whopping $10.6 billion by 2028.

Chicago, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global mulch films market is expected to grow significantly, reaching a value of USD 10.6 billion by 2028, up from USD 7.8 billion in 2023, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period. Mulch films, which are thin sheets typically made of plastic or other materials, serve various purposes in agriculture and horticulture, including weed suppression, moisture retention, and enhancing crop yields.

These films come in different colors, thicknesses, and materials, offering versatility in their applications. They can be crafted from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and even biodegradable substances such as paper and cornstarch. The primary function of mulch films is to create a protective barrier between the soil and the external environment. By blocking sunlight, they prevent weed seeds from germinating and growing, thus reducing the need for manual weeding.

Moreover, mulch films help in conserving soil moisture by preventing evaporation, potentially lowering irrigation requirements. Additionally, they aid in regulating soil temperature by trapping heat from sunlight, which can be advantageous for crops needing warmer conditions to thrive. With these benefits, mulch films play a crucial role in modern agricultural practices, contributing to improved crop quality and yield.

Download PDF brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=220908278

Key Players

Berry Global Inc. (US)

BASF SE (Germany)

Dow (US)

Kuraray (Japan)

Exxon Mobil Corporation (US)

Plastika Kritis S.A. (Greece)

RKW Group (Germany)

Achilles Corporation (Japan)

Armando Alvarez Group (Spain)

Novamont S.p.A (Italy)

Mulch Films Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Greenhouse Applications: The mulch film market is witnessing a surge in demand driven by the increasing adoption of greenhouse applications in agriculture. Greenhouses offer controlled environments for year-round cultivation, protecting crops from adverse weather, pests, and diseases.

Growing Environmental Concerns: The heightened environmental concerns globally are contributing to the popularity of greenhouse farming. With a focus on sustainable agriculture and reducing the ecological footprint, there's a rising interest in eco-friendly farming practices.

Need for Increased Food Production: The need to feed a growing global population is pushing for enhanced food production. Greenhouses provide a means to achieve higher yields efficiently, thereby addressing food security concerns.

Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture: Mulch films play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices by aiding in weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. This aligns with broader efforts to minimize environmental impact and ensure the long-term viability of agricultural production.

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EVA Segment Growth:

The EVA segment within the elements segment is anticipated to register the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable farming practices, particularly in the agricultural and horticultural sectors. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) has emerged as a preferred material for manufacturing mulch films due to its exceptional properties. These films offer various benefits such as moisture retention, weed suppression, temperature regulation, and soil protection, ultimately leading to higher crop yields and improved quality.

Horticulture Segment Driving Force:

In 2022, the horticulture segment emerged as a significant driving force in the mulch films market. This growth is propelled by the emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. Mulch films play a crucial role in conserving water, reducing the dependency on chemical herbicides and pesticides , and aligning with the broader goals of environmentally conscious agriculture. With consumers increasingly demanding organically grown and chemical-free produce, mulch films enable growers to meet these expectations, thereby fostering growth in the horticultural application.

Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=220908278

Benefits and Adaptability in Horticulture:

Mulch films contribute to reducing water consumption and labor costs while extending the growing season by maintaining optimal soil temperature. Their adaptability to various climatic conditions further solidifies their position in the horticulture segment. Particularly effective in regions with unpredictable weather patterns, mulch films provide protection against extreme temperatures, heavy rain, and frost, ensuring a more reliable and consistent harvest.

Mulch Films Market Regional Analysis

India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing market for mulch films in the Asia Pacific region. This surge in demand is attributed to various factors. Firstly, there is a heightened awareness among farmers regarding the advantages of mulch films, including improved crop yields, reduced water consumption, and effective weed suppression. Additionally, the increasing cultivation of high-value crops like fruits and vegetables, which are commonly mulched, is driving the demand further. Moreover, the Indian government's support through subsidies and incentives is encouraging the adoption of mulch films.

Several government agencies play a crucial role in promoting the use of mulch films. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, serving as the nodal agency for agriculture development, offers comprehensive information on mulch films and related government schemes on its website. Similarly, the National Horticulture Board (NHB), operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, focuses on horticulture promotion and provides valuable insights into the benefits of mulch films for horticultural crops.

Despite the increasing adoption of mulch films, challenges persist. The cost of mulch films remains a significant hurdle, particularly for small-scale farmers. Additionally, the availability of mulch films in rural areas is often limited, posing logistical challenges. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to further stimulate growth in the mulch films market in India.

CONTACT: About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of Americas best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com




OTTAWA, ON, April 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Traditional territories of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg With growing concerns over inflation and increased living costs, EY professionals anticipate that this year's 2024 federal budget will focus on managing substantial deficit spending and servicing escalating debt, exacerbated by rising interest rates and borrowing costs.

EY Logo - Building a Better Working World Logo (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))

The EY Tax Alert outlines topics for discussion, which may include key themes such as:

The environment and climate change: Movement on items such as the clean energy tax credits that were announced in the previous budget, the Carbon Tax and interim relief for light fuel oil exclusively used in qualifying heating activities.

Cost of living pressures: A response to cost-of-living pressures Canadians are experiencing, with additional measures directed specifically at food and housing costs. One of the drivers of excess housing demand is a historically high level of immigration, particularly foreign students and temporary foreign workers. The government may include measures in the budget that address these sources of excess demand.

Tax Incentives: While increases in personal and business tax rates are not anticipated, the government could elaborate further on its international tax initiatives. This may include things like the rollout dates for the proposed Digital Services Tax (BEPS Pillar One) and further specifics about the Global Minimum Tax (BEPS Pillar Two), under the scope of the OECD/G20's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS 2.0) initiatives. Additionally, there may be updates on the government's examination of the current transfer pricing rules as well as potentially contain proposals resulting from an evaluation of the current Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive program, announced in the 2023 budget.

Fred O'Riordan, National Tax Policy Leader, EY Canada and Stephane Leblanc, Tax Partner, EY Private will be attending the budget lock up on Tuesday, April 16 and are able to provide direct insights on the federal budget and its impact on Canadian citizens and businesses. They will also be hosting a webcast that evening at 6:30 pm EDT to share insights into what was covered. Register for the event here.

Additionally, EY business subject matter experts are available to provide insights.

Clean energy, environment and climate change Dr. Lance Mortlock , Managing Partner, Energy EY Canada Terry McKay  Oil and Gas Leader, EY Canada

Canadian economic growth, innovation and cost of living pressures Mauricio Zelaya, National Economics Leader at EY Canada

Review of the existing SR&ED program and how to take advantage of tax incentives Dharmesh Gandhi, Partner, SR&ED, Incentives and Capital Investments, EY Canada

Legislation changes around open banking, financial services and cryptocurrency Abhishek Sinha, National Banking Technology Leader at EY Canada



To learn more about the Canadian federal, provincial and territorial budgets or explore EY's Tax Alerts, click here.

About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. Follow us on X @EYCanada.

SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2024/01/c4228.html
FIGS Releases 2023 Impact Report (Graphic: Business Wire)

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FIGS, Inc. (NYSE: FIGS), the global leading healthcare apparel brand dedicated to improving the lives of healthcare professionals, today released its 2023 Impact Report. The full FIGS 2023 Impact Report is available at wearfigs.com/impactreport and provides a comprehensive view into FIGS efforts to positively impact healthcare professionals.

"Since day one, FIGS has been on a mission to improve the lives of healthcare workers globally," said Trina Spear, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. "With every year that passes, our commitment to making tangible change deepens. 2023 was an incredible year during which many ideas, years in the making, came to fruition. From opening our Operating Theatre in Kenya to our progress on Advocacy, 2023 was a year in which we saw the impact that hard work can yield  and we cant wait for more. Creating impact for our Awesome Humans, along with all of our stakeholders, is why we started FIGS and its what still drives us today."

Highlights of the FIGS 2023 Impact Report include:

Giving Back FIGS donated almost $600,000 to 17 organizations. This included: The final installment of our $500,000 donation to complete the FIGS Operating Theatre, which is now open in rural Kenya and is improving healthcare for 500,000 people in the surrounding area; $100,000 to the SparkReach Leadership Institute, which we have partnered with to provide mentoring and wellbeing leadership programs for healthcare workers; $50,000 in honor of Black History Month to the Student National Medical Association, the leading national non-profit supporting minority and underrepresented medical students; $50,000 to F*ck Cancer, a non-profit focused on prevention, early detection, and other support for those impacted by cancer; $40,000 to support healthcare workers in Israel and Gaza; and $25,000 to the Maui Health Foundations Employee Assistance Fund to directly assist the healthcare workers whose lives were impacted by the fires. Additionally, FIGS donated 282,371 units of FIGS to 24 organizations in about 30 countries to provide scrubs and other products to those in need.



Advocacy FIGS significantly enhanced its Awesome Humans Bill platform and continued to lobby for the policies that embody it; FIGS created a first-of-its-kind Advocacy Hub to build one of the largest bases of grassroots support for the policies it is advocating for; and FIGS, in partnership with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, has been going state by state aiming to change nursing licensure and credentialing questions that stigmatize or penalize those who seek mental health support.



Fostering a Culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Approximately 69% of the FIGS team identifies as female, non-binary, or agender, and approximately 60% identifies as members of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. Approximately 58% of the FIGS executive team are female, including FIGS CEO.



Commitment to Sustainability and Supply Chain All FIGS Tier I suppliers must be certified through the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production program to help ensure high quality, ethical and sustainable practices, and all Tier II suppliers are held to substantially the same standards, with regular auditing performed. FIGS is targeting to: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030; Have at least 75% of its scrub fabric be comprised of recycled and upcycled materials by 2030; Have 100% of its apparel compliant with OEKO-TEX 100 by 2026; Reduce virgin plastic used in its products by 50% by 2030; and Reduce the amount of water used in fabric production by 30% by 2030.



Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and the FIGS 2023 Impact Report (the "Report") contain various forward-looking statements about FIGS, Inc. (the "Company") within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are based on current management expectations, and which involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. All statements contained in this press release and the Report that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "anticipate", "believe", "contemplate", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "future", "intend", "may", "might", "opportunity", "outlook", "plan", "possible", "potential", "predict", "project," "should", "strategy", "strive", "target", "will", or "would", the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements address various matters, including future goals, targets, commitments, programs, and initiatives, including those related to ESG and the Companys advocacy efforts, as well as business performance and strategies, all of which reflect the Companys expectations based upon currently available information and data. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: the Companys ability to maintain its historical growth; the Companys ability to maintain profitability; the Companys ability to maintain the value and reputation of its brand; the Companys ability to attract new customers, retain existing customers, and to maintain or increase sales to those customers; the success of the Companys marketing efforts; the Companys ability to maintain a strong community of engaged customers and Ambassadors; negative publicity related to the Companys marketing efforts or use of social media; the Companys ability to successfully develop and introduce new, innovative and updated products; the competitiveness of the market for healthcare apparel; the Companys ability to maintain its key employees; the Companys ability to attract and retain highly skilled team members; risks associated with expansion into, and conducting business in, international markets; changes in, or disruptions to, the Companys shipping arrangements; the successful operation of the Companys distribution and warehouse management systems; the Companys ability to accurately forecast customer demand, manage its inventory, and plan for future expenses; the impact of changes in consumer confidence, shopping behavior and consumer spending on demand for the Companys products; the impact of macroeconomic trends on the Companys operations; the Companys reliance on a limited number of third-party suppliers; the fluctuating costs of raw materials; the Companys failure to protect proprietary, confidential or sensitive or personal customer data or risks of cyberattacks; the Companys failure to protect its intellectual property rights; the fact that the operations of many of the Companys suppliers and vendors are subject to additional risks that are beyond its control; and other risks, uncertainties, and factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in the Companys other periodic filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements in this press release and Report speak only as of the time made and the Company does not undertake to update or revise them to reflect future events or circumstances.

About FIGS

FIGS is a founder-led, direct-to-consumer healthcare apparel and lifestyle brand that seeks to celebrate, empower, and serve current and future generations of healthcare professionals. We create technically advanced apparel and products that feature an unmatched combination of comfort, durability, function, and style. We share stories about healthcare professionals experiences in ways that inspire them. We create meaningful connections within the healthcare community that we created. Above all, we seek to make an impact for our community, including by advocating for them and always having their backs.

We serve healthcare professionals in numerous countries in North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East. We also serve healthcare institutions through our TEAMS platform.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401113316/en/

Contacts

Investors:

Jean Fontana

IR@wearfigs.com



Media:

Todd Maron

press@wearfigs.com
Hey, folks, welcome to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunchs newsletter recapping the notable happenings in tech over the past few days.

This week, TC's auto reporter Sean O'Kane revealed how EV startup Fisker temporarily lost track of millions of dollars in customer payments as it scaled up deliveries, leading to an internal audit that started in December and took months to complete.

Elsewhere, Lorenzo reported how Facebook snooped on users' Snapchat traffic in a secret project known internally at Meta as "Project Ghostbusters." According to court documents, the goal was to intercept and decrypt the network traffic between people using Snapchats app and its servers.

And Manish wrote about the resignation of Stability AI founder and CEO Emad Mostaque late last week. Mostaques departure from Stability AI -- the startup known for its popular image generation tool Stable Diffusion -- comes amid an ongoing struggle for stability (pun intended) at the company, which was reportedly spending ~$8 million a month as of October 2023 with little revenue to show for it.

Lots else happened. We recap it all in this edition of WiR  but first, a reminder to sign up to receive the WiR newsletter in your inbox every Saturday.

News

Fisker suspended: Fisker's bad week continued with a halt in the startup's stock trading. The New York Stock Exchange moved to take Fisker off the exchange, citing its "abnormally low" stock levels.

AI-powered itineraries: In an upgrade to its Search Generative Experience, Google has added the ability for users to ask Google Search to plan a travel itinerary. Using AI, Search will draw on ideas from websites around the web along with reviews, photos and other details.

Robinhood's new card: Nine months after acquiring credit card startup X1 for $95 million, Robinhood on Wednesday announced the launch of its new Gold Card, powered by X1's technology, with a list of features that could make Apple Card users envious.

At AT&T, mum's the word: The personal information of some 73 million AT&T customers spilled online this week. But AT&T won't say how -- despite the hack responsible having happened over three years ago.

Funding

Booming Copilot: Copilot, the budgeting app, has raised $6 million in a Series A round led by Nico Wittenborns Adjacent. The app is benefiting partly from the death of Mint, Intuit's financial management product.

Liquid assets: In a piece looking at the wider VC-backed beverage industry, Rebecca and Christine note canned water startup Liquid Death's recent $67 million fundraise, which brought the company's total raised to more than $267 million. Talk about liquidity.

Story continues

HVAC venture: Dan Laufer, a former Nextdoor exec, has raised $25 million from Canvas Ventures and others for PipeDreams, a startup that acquires mom-and-pop HVAC and plumbing companies and scales them using its software that helps with scheduling and marketing.

Analysis

Is Nvidia the next AWS?: Ron writes about how there's lots of parallels in Nvidia's and AWS' growth trajectories.

Podcasts

This week on Equity, the crew dug into Robinhood's new credit card, Fisker's latest woes and even Databricks' new AI model that it spent $10 million to spin up. They also spotlit two companies building startups focused around kids, and, to wrap up, looked at a new $100 million fund that seeks to back innovative climate tech.

Meanwhile, on Found, Allison Wolff, the co-founder and CEO of Vibrant Planet, a cloud-based planning and monitoring tool for adaptive land management, discussed why the wildfires were seeing today are hotter and spreading more quickly than we can contain and how proper land management can help foster lower, slower-burning fires.

And on Chain Reaction, Jacquelyn interviewed Scott Dykstra, CTO and co-founder of Space and Time. Space and Time aims to be a verifiable compute layer for web3 that scales zero-knowledge proofs, a cryptographic action used to prove something about a piece of data without revealing the origin data itself.

Bonus round

Spotify tests online learning: In its ongoing efforts to get its 600 million+ users to spend more time and money on its platform, Spotify is spinning up a new line of content: e-learning. Beginning with a rollout in the U.K., the (traditionally audio) streaming platform is testing the waters for an online education offering of freemium video courses.
Once considered a lucrative investment strategy, home flipping has seen a significant decline in viability, plummeting at its fastest pace in 15 years.

Factors such as rising property prices, increased competition and a tightening housing market have contributed to this decline. What was once a popular way to generate quick profits in real estate is now more challenging, requiring more capital, expertise and patience to turn a profit.

Real estate data provider ATTOM's 2023 U.S. Home Flipping report shows that 308,922 single-family homes and condos in the United States were flipped in 2023. That was down 29.3% from 436,807 in 2022  the largest annual decline since 2008.

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Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100.

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As the number of homes investors flipped dropped, so did flips as a portion of all home sales. They dropped from 8.6% of all sales in 2022 to 89.1% last year, according to the report.

"In 2023, the landscape for home flipping across the U.S. became increasingly challenging," ATTOM CEO Rob Barber said. "Whether the overall market has soared or seen just modest gains in recent years, investors have missed out on the action."

In 2023, gross profits from typical home flips nationwide declined to $66,000, representing the difference between the median sales price and the initial investment made by investors. This marked a decrease from $70,100 in 2022, resulting in a 27.5% return on investment (ROI) compared to the original acquisition price. The latest nationwide ROI, before factoring in mortgage interest, property taxes, renovation expenses and other holding costs, reached its lowest level since 2007, dropping from 28.1% in 2022 and 35.7% in 2021.

Home flips as a portion of all house sales dropped in 53% of the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) ATTOM analyzed, with the biggest declines occurring in the South and the West. Gainesville, Georgia, saw the biggest decline, dropping from 15.1% in 2022 to 9.9% last year. It was followed by Phoenix, down from 16.3% to 11.9% in the same period; Prescott, Arizona, down from 9.8% to 6%; Charlotte, North Carolina, down from 14.2% to 10.6%; and Provo, Utah, down from 10.9% to 7.5%.

Metro areas that saw an increase in home flipping rates were Macon, Georgia; Gulfport, Mississippi; Jackson, Mississippi; Columbus, Georgia; and Dayton, Ohio.

Story continues

"The sharp decline in the number of home flips likely reflected a combination of a tight supply of homes for sale as well as dwindling returns," Barber said. "Either way, it will take some significant reworking of the financials for home flipping fortunes to turn back around."

Read Next:

Elon Musk has reportedly bought 6,000 acres of land just outside of Austin. Heres how to invest in the citys growth before he floods it with new tech workers.

Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new real estate fund backed by Jeff Bezos gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started.

"ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now!

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This article From Flip To Flop: Home Flipping Takes a Dive, Marking Fastest Decline In 15 Years originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
(Photo: Business Wire)

HANOI, Vietnam, April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global leading IT company FPT recently announced the appointment of Christophe Schwanengel as the Chief Executive Officer of FPT France. The newly appointed CEO is entrusted with the mission of strengthening FPT Frances expansion and diversifying its multi-industry clientele. With further enhanced business growth and reputation in France, as well as other French-speaking countries and territories, the move ultimately aims to realize the companys ambition to become France's top 50 IT company by 2028.

According to Dang Tran Phuong, FPT Softwares Senior Executive Vice President for Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East: "We always strive to promote a multicultural work environment. With the appointment of a French industry veteran as CEO, we are optimistic that his deep knowledge of the European IT landscape, together with FPT's existing expertise will deliver high-quality services to our customers, particularly in data services and product engineering". Phuong emphasized his confidence in FPT Frances breakthroughs in the aviation industry, also driven by the recent acquisition of French IT consulting firm AOSIS to fortify its delivery competencies.

Christophe Schewanegel has over 20 years of experience working in various senior positions. Before joining FPT, he held the position of Vice President of Sales at HCL, where he successfully guided its French division in securing multiple high-profile contracts in the healthcare, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing industries, cumulatively worth over 500 million USD. Prior to that, he was the Business Development Director at CSC, playing a pivotal role in penetrating the European market, facilitating its growth with several million-dollar deals.

Christophe said: "As the new CEO of FPT France, I am committed to building upon FPT Software's established market footprint and reaching new heights in digital transformation for the company and our clients. My primary goal is to drive growth by harnessing our organization's collective strength and global reputation."

Since entering France in 2008, FPT has affirmed its market position and expertise by partnering with world-leading clients, including Airbus, where the two companies have joined forces in various initiatives to support major aviation players in achieving digital transformation goals since 2017. In 2023, the French subsidiary entered France's top 100 ICT Companies. During the same year, the company also acquired 80% stake in the French IT consulting firm AOSIS, aiming to enhance its capabilities in SAP, Data, Cloud, and smart solutions for aerospace, aviation, and transportation sectors. FPT France plans to expand its presence to other major cities in France with an ambitious goal of covering the entire European region. The company aims to develop a team of over 500 experts, providing timely support for its partners in the country.

Story continues

About FPT Corporation

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology company headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. During over three decades of development, FPT has constantly provided practical and effective products to millions of people and tens of thousands of business and non-business organizations worldwide, establishing Vietnams position on the global tech map. Keeping up with the latest market trends and emerging technologies, FPT has developed the Made-by-FPT ecosystem of services, products, solutions, and platforms, which enables sustainable growth for organizations and businesses and offers distinctive experiences to customers. In 2023, FPT recorded a total revenue of US$2.17 billion and 70,000+ employees. For more information, please visit https://fpt.com.vn/en.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401898748/en/

Contacts

Media

Mai Duong (Ms.)

FPT Software

PR Manager

MCP.PR@fpt.com
The board of Gas Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:GASMSIA) has announced that it will pay a dividend of MYR0.0862 per share on the 13th of June. This payment means that the dividend yield will be 4.1%, which is around the industry average.

See our latest analysis for Gas Malaysia Berhad

Gas Malaysia Berhad's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions

Solid dividend yields are great, but they only really help us if the payment is sustainable. The last payment made up 76% of earnings, but cash flows were much higher. In general, cash flows are more important than earnings, so we are comfortable that the dividend will be sustainable going forward, especially with so much cash left over for reinvestment.

The next year is set to see EPS grow by 8.7%. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 75%, which would make us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend, despite the levels currently being quite high.

Dividend Volatility

Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. Since 2014, the annual payment back then was MYR0.154, compared to the most recent full-year payment of MYR0.143. Dividend payments have shrunk at a rate of less than 1% per annum over this time frame. A company that decreases its dividend over time generally isn't what we are looking for.

Gas Malaysia Berhad's Dividend Might Lack Growth

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share is growing. Gas Malaysia Berhad has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 16% per annum. The payout ratio is very much on the higher end, which could mean that the growth rate will slow down in the future, and that could flow through to the dividend as well.

In Summary

Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. In the past, the payments have been unstable, but over the short term the dividend could be reliable, with the company generating enough cash to cover it. We would probably look elsewhere for an income investment.

Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Gas Malaysia Berhad that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Tata Daewoo, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Gunsan, South Korea, has announced plans to build its production unit in the kingdom for tthe manufacture of trucks.

In this connection, Tata Daewoo signed a MoU with its local distributor Saudi Diesel Equipment Company (SDEC) and local manufacturer Perfect Arabia Factory (PAF).

As per the deal, Tata Daewoo will provide technology support locally, while SDEC and PAF will join forces to assemble Daewoo trucks in the kingdom.

Last year, the Korean truck maker had exported 670 large trucks to the kingdom, achieving sales of 48 billion won ($35.6 million).-TradeArabia News Service
Under the agreement, tourists to Mongolia will be able to pay seamlessly at 200,000 QPay merchants across the country, using the digital wallets in the GLN network.

In addition, Mongolian travelers can pay at GLN affiliate merchants in 11 countries, using 12 banking apps and 7 digital wallets in the QPay network.

GLN's payment network now includes 12 countries and regions: South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Guam & Saipan, Taiwan region, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines and Mongolia.

SEOUL, South Korea, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At the grand signing ceremony held at Shangri-la Hotel in Mongolia, GLN, SendMn, and QPay have forged a strategic partnership agreement to enable cross-border QR payments between Mongolia and the countries, regions connected in the GLN global payment network.

Top officials from the Central Bank of Mongolia, and the Financial Regulators Commission witnessed the MOA signing by Kenneth Kim CEO of GLN, Turbold B. CEO of SendMn, and Erdenemunkh G. CEO of QPay.

After launching the service in June, the customers of e-wallets in the GLN network can make QR payments seamlessly at over 200,000 QPay stores throughout Mongolia. The service is expected to create convenience and reduce the cost of payment, applying the real-time, inexpensive currency conversion and transparent fees.

In addition, the users of 12 partner bank apps and 7 e-wallets in the QPay network will be able to make QR payments in 11 countries and regions connected in the GLN's global payment network, including Korea, Japan, Taiwan region, and Thailand, among others.

Notably, this partnership not only propels the development of the local tourism industry in Mongolia but also signifies a significant step forward in the cross-border payment industry.

At the signing ceremony, GLN's CEO, Kim Kyung-ho, stated: "I am confident that through our partnership with SendMn and QPay, we will make an attractive payment service via competitive real-time exchange rates and the extensive merchant network, providing secure, seamless, cross-border QR payment services." He further remarked, " Being at the forefront of cross-border mobile payment services, connecting Mongolia to GLN's payment network is a significant milestone. We eagerly anticipate delving into diversification of the products operated with our partners in the future."

SendMn's CEO, Turbold B. also expressed his delight, stating, "With Korea emerging as a popular destination for Mongolian travelers, the imminent opening of a new electronic payments promises to revolutionize the way citizens of both our nations conduct transactions. As we formalize our alliance with Korea's GLN, we witness the fruition of our collective vision."

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QPay's CEO, Erdenemunkh Gombodorj has proudly announced the partnership and emphasized that the service will enhance the pleasant travel experience for Mongolians abroad and the tourists in Mongolia. In his closing remarks, he stated his welcome of all GLN users and wished an unforgettable trip in Mongolia.

The joint efforts of GLN, SendMn, and QPay promise to bring more convenience, security, and efficiency in the journey of travelers to and from Mongolia, also other regions connected in the GLN payment network. Moreover, it will drive advancement and proliferation of QR payment technology across the Asian region, ushering in a new era of digital payments.

Cision

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SOURCE GLN International
Company Logo

Global Fiber Optic Preform Market

Global Fiber Optic Preform Market

Dublin, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Fiber Optic Preform Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Process (OVD, VAD, PCVD, MCVD), Product Type (Single-Mode, Multi-Mode, Plastic Optical Fiber), End-user, Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Market Growth Driven by Diversity of Application

The global fiber optic preform market is set for significant expansion, with expectations to reach a remarkable USD 24.44 billion value by the year 2030, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.6% from 2023. The industry's robust growth is largely attributed to the heightened demand for optical communication across a broad range of sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, defense, aerospace, and the energy sector. Innovations in fiber optics technology are unlocking new possibilities, fostering growth in traditional and emerging markets alike.





Addressing Market Challenges



The unprecedented global demand for optical fibers has given rise to a potential shortage in fiber optic preformthe vital raw material for fiber manufacturing. This shortage has led to an increase in the price of telecom fiber, surging by approximately 10% to 20% in 2017. Manufacturers are responding proactively, executing capacity expansion plans to bridge the gap in supply. The expansion efforts by industry giants are expected to provide a significant boost to the available preform capacity, supporting extensive new kilometers of fiber capacity.



Regional Market Dynamics



China, currently leading as the world's most prominent fiber optic preform consumer, accounts for over half of global production. In a strategic move to support local manufacturers, the Chinese government extended anti-dumping duties on imports from the U.S. and Japan, advocating a five-year period. This regulatory stance encourages Chinese businesses to intensify research and development efforts and expand production within the domestic market.



Innovation at the Forefront



In the face of a rapidly growing market and evolving industry requirements, manufacturers remain committed to advancing technological frontiers. Noteworthy research and development projects focus on augmenting production processes and effectiveness, ensuring that the industry can meet the increasing demands for quality and quantity in fiber optic preform.



This market's trajectory heralds a promising future for the application of fiber optics across various industries, driving significant economic growth at both a global and regional level. The continuous focus on expanding production capabilities and advancing technological innovations ensures that the fiber optic preform market is poised for continued success in the forthcoming years.



Key Attributes

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Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 100 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $4.88 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $24.44 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 22.6% Regions Covered Global

Companies Profiled

Corning Incorporated.

Optical Cable Corporation

Sterlite Technologies Limited

OFS Fitel, LLC

Prysmian Group

AFL

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd

Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company

HENGTONG GROUP CO., LTD

Fujikura Ltd

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd

Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co., Ltd.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qvp270

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




Supporting the Next Generation of Design Talent at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

SINGAPORE, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- H.A.M. Creations Pte Ltd, a leader in designing and building innovative retail and event experiences, is proud to announce the establishment of the "H.A.M. Creations Aspiring Designers Bursary" at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. This initiative, set to run for the next four years, aims to support aspiring designers from low- income families, reinforcing the company's commitment to nurturing future industry leaders.

Photo credit: NTU Singapore. Bursary Signing at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore on 22 March 2024; From Left to Right: Ms See EJin - Chief Development Officer (University Advancement Office), NTU Singapore, Mr Wilfred Soo - Creative Director, H.A.M. Creations Pte Ltd, Mr Shigekawa Hidekatu - Finance & HR Director, H.A.M. Creations Pte Ltd

H.A.M. Creations Pte Ltd, in its continuous effort to foster talent in the design sector, has established a bursary at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, for students with a passion for design. Starting this year, at least one deserving student annually will receive the Aspiring Designer Bursary, aiding them in their journey to become influential figures in the design industry.

This bursary is designed to alleviate financial burdens and empower students from less privileged backgrounds to pursue their dreams without financial constraints. Over the next four years, this initiative will change the lives of aspiring designers, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Mr. Shigekawa Hidekatu, Finance & HR Director at H.A.M. Creations, expressed his enthusiasm about the bursary: "We are thrilled to launch this bursary at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Our goal is to remove financial barriers for talented individuals who are the future of design. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passion and excel in their chosen field."

Mr. Wilfred Soo, Creative Director, also commented on the initiative, "Creativity knows no bounds, and financial limitations should not hinder the next generation of designers. This bursary is a testament to our commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the industry's growth."

About H.A.M. Creations Pte Ltd:

H.A.M. Creations Pte Ltd is at the forefront of designing and building unique and engaging experiences for retail and special events. With a focus on innovation and quality, H.A.M. Creations transforms spaces and creates memorable interactions, driving the industry forward through creative excellence.

Cision

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SOURCE H.A.M. Creations Pte Ltd
Second Largest Cannabis Retailer in North America by Store Count Well Positioned to Enter German Market Once Regional Pilot Programs Commence

CALGARY, AB, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - High Tide Inc. ("High Tide" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: HITI) (TSXV: HITI) (FSE: 2LYA), the high-impact, retail-forward enterprise built to deliver real-world value across every component of cannabis, welcomes the start of cannabis legalization in Germany.

High Tide Inc. April 1, 2024 (CNW Group/High Tide Inc.)

Effective today, German adults will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants for personal use. Then, beginning July 1, German adults will be able to join not for profit social clubs where they will be able to purchase up to 25 grams of cannabis, with a cap of 50 grams per month. That cap is 30 grams for members under 21 years old. These reforms represent the first pillar of Germany's cannabis legalization strategy. The German government has made it clear that it also intends to move forward with the second pillar of its plan, that would establish pilot programs for commercial sales through cannabis specialty shops in cities throughout the country. That legislation is expected to be unveiled after it is submitted to the European Commission for review later this year.

High Tide has been closely following legislative developments in Germany for some time and in January 2023, signed a non-binding letter of intent (the LOI) with the Berlin-based health and life science company, Sanity Group. The LOI is designed to leverage synergies between both complementary companies and position each to take advantage of German legalization within their respective supply chain verticals.

"Today marks a historic moment as Germany becomes the second G7, and largest European country to legalize cannabis. Although this is just the first pillar of Germany's cannabis reform strategy, we applaud the government's commitment to move forward with the second pillar which will enable commercial sales through cannabis specialty shops in select cities and regions pending EU approval. Later this month I will join our Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer in Berlin, as we look to expand relationships with an eye to facilitating our entry into this lucrative market as soon as possible," said Raj Grover, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of High Tide.

"Our experience as the second largest cannabis retailer in North America, combined with our strategic relationship with Berlin based Sanity Group, positions High Tide well to bring our first of its kind cannabis discount club model, powered by the Cabana Club, which now exceeds 1.33 million Canadians, to German consumers as soon as legislation allows," added Mr. Grover.

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ABOUT HIGH TIDE

High Tide, Inc. is the leading community-grown, retail-forward cannabis enterprise engineered to unleash the full value of the world's most powerful plant and is the second-largest cannabis retailer in North America by store count[1]. High Tide (HITI) is uniquely-built around the cannabis consumer, with wholly-diversified and fully-integrated operations across all components of cannabis, including:

Bricks & Mortar Retail: Canna Cabana is the largest non-franchised cannabis retail chain in Canada, with 167 current locations spanning British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario and growing. In 2021, Canna Cabana became the first cannabis discount club retailer in North America.

Retail Innovation: Fastendr is a unique and fully automated technology that integrates retail kiosks and smart lockers to facilitate a better buying experience through browsing, ordering and pickup.

E-commerce Platforms: High Tide operates a suite of leading accessory sites across the world, including Grasscity.com, Smokecartel.com, Dailyhighclub.com, and Dankstop.com.

CBD: High Tide continues to cultivate the possibilities of consumer CBD through Nuleafnaturals.com, FABCBD.com, blessedcbd.de and blessedcbd.co.uk.

Wholesale Distribution: High Tide keeps that cannabis category stocked with wholesale solutions via Valiant.

Licensing: High Tide continues to push cannabis culture forward through fresh partnerships and license agreements under the Famous Brandz name.

High Tide consistently moves ahead of the currents, having been named one of Canada's Top Growing Companies in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by the Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine, and was named as one of the top 10 performing diversified industries stocks in both the 2022 and 2024 TSX Venture 50. High Tide was also ranked number one in the retail category on the Financial Times list of Americas' Fastest Growing Companies for 2023. To discover the full impact of High Tide, visit www.hightideinc.com. For investment performance, don't miss the High Tide profile pages on SEDAR+ and EDGAR.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. 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 belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. The forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing of the second pillar of Germany's cannabis legalization strategy, and the ability of the Company to enter the German market. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable, such statements are based on expectations, factors, and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control, including but not limited to the risk factors discussed under the heading "Non-Exhaustive List of Risk Factors" in Schedule A to our current annual information form, and elsewhere in this press release, as such factors may be further updated from time to time in our periodic filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Media Inquiries

Omar Khan

Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer

High Tide Inc.

omar@hightideinc.com

403-770-3080

Investor Inquiries

Vahan Ajamian

Capital Markets Advisor

High Tide Inc.

vahan@hightideinc.com

_________________________ 1 As reported by ATB Capital Markets based on store counts as of February 8, 2024

Cision

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SOURCE High Tide Inc.
Trian Fund Management, L.P.

CalPERS and Neuberger Berman Vote For Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, Citing the Need for Fresh Eyes and More Independence in Disneys Boardroom



Follows Support from Other Independent Third Parties, Including Yacktman Asset Management and Proxy Advisory Firms Institutional Shareholder Services and Egan-Jones

NEW YORK, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Trian Group,1 which beneficially owns over $3.5 billion of common stock in The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that two respected institutional investors, the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), the countrys largest public pension fund, and Neuberger Berman, a global asset manager, have expressed their support for both of Trians nominees, Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, in connection with Disneys annual meeting, which is scheduled to be held this Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

Both CalPERS and Neuberger Berman recognize Disneys poor track record of corporate governance  which includes a persistent and significant lack of alignment between pay and performance2 and a failure to appropriately manage CEO succession  noting that the Disney Board would benefit from a fresh perspective3 and [t]wo new directors who are qualified and capable of leading needed change. . . .4

In supporting the election of Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, CalPERS noted the following:

"CalPERS believes Walt Disney Co will benefit from fresh eyes on its board of directors and voted its company shares in favor of candidates Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo. 5





[CalPERS] established voting guidelines focus on the need for independent corporate boards, a say in setting executive pay, and increased transparency. Two new directors who are qualified and capable of leading needed change in corporate governance will serve the Disney board well."6



Similarly, Neuberger Berman wrote that:

We believe there is opportunity to strengthen relevant policies and practices and that the board may benefit from the addition of a fresh perspective and more independence. For these reasons, we intend to support the election of dissident Trian nominees Nelson Peltz and James Rasulo to the board. 7





[W]e believe [Trians] nominees are very strong candidates given Peltzs large ownership of the company and extensive board experience and Rasulos long-term experience while working as an executive at Disney. 8





[W]e do not believe short-term TSR performance alone is an adequate indicator of the quality of governance at a company. Despite recent improvements, in our opinion, the deficiencies of the board that ultimately led to the failed 2020 succession endeavor and related consequences remain. As such, we are unconvinced of the current boards ability to uphold good governance practices and fulfill one of its core responsibilities in finding a CEO successor. 9





[W]e have concerns regarding the Disney boards multi-year efforts to name a successor to CEO Bob Iger. . . . The board has admitted to not adhering to and executing the process it had in place for Disneys 2020 succession plan and that Chapeks appointment was a strategic misstep. . . . [W]e believe these succession planning challenges have impacted business continuity and distracted from business performance.10



Other investors and independent proxy advisory firms have also indicated their support for Nelson Peltz and Trian.

Yacktman Asset Management, a value-focused investment firm, wrote:

Nelson Peltz has been a director, and Trian has been a significant shareholder, of several companies in our investment portfolio. As a director, Nelson has brought tremendous energy and focus to his work, successfully collaborating with management teams and his fellow directors to improve the companies for the benefit of all stakeholders.11



ISS, the largest and most influential proxy advisory firm, concluded that:

[I]ncremental change is needed at the company due to multi-year underperformance [relative to] the companys peers and chosen benchmark, operational challenges, and most critically, a repeated failure on the part of the board to oversee the cultivation of a successor to Iger.





[T]he key decision points that led to the companys challenges over the past five years, not to mention multiple activist campaigns, can be traced to the board.





. . . Peltz, as a significant shareholder, could be additive to the succession process, providing assurance to other investors that the board is properly engaged this time around. He could also help evaluate future capital allocation decisions.



Egan-Jones, another independent proxy advisory firm, also recommended that shareholders vote for change in the composition of Disneys Board. Egan-Jones concluded: We see very little downside and a lot of upsides in putting the Trian Nominees on the Board,12 citing an apparent lack of a . . . long-term succession plan13 and mediocre financial performance and the resultant lower valuation14 as reasons for shareholders to vote For both of Trians nominees, Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, and Withhold on Maria Elena Lagomasino and Michael B.G. Froman.

Trian commented on the votes and recommendations from these influential investors and research firms:

While Disney has touted the endorsements15 of its service providers16 and advisors,17 we are pleased to have earned the support of independent, respected institutional investors and proxy advisory firms.

Like CalPERS, Neuberger Berman, Yacktman, ISS, Egan-Jones, and others, we believe that change is needed at Disney and that the election of our nominees will help improve the focus, alignment and accountability of the Board.

We are confident that Nelson and Jay will be far more effective in refocusing the board on CEO succession planning18 and aligning the board with shareholder interests19 than the directors we are seeking to replace, Maria Elena Lagomasino and Michael B.G. Froman. These long-serving incumbent directors have overseen Disneys protracted succession planning failures, persistent underperformance20 and questionable strategic and capital allocation decisions.

By Disneys own admission, Ms. Lagomasino and Mr. Froman  one an advisor to wealthy families and the other with experience in foreign affairs  possess just one skill central to the Companys strategy,21 a skill possessed by every other incumbent director and by Nelson and Jay. Neither Ms. Lagomasino nor Mr. Froman is well aligned with shareholders, unlike Nelson and Jay, because neither owns meaningful amounts of Disney stock.22

Critically, Ms. Lagomasino has failed shareholders as the Chair (and previously as a member) of the Compensation Committee.23 Disneys executives have been paid more than $1 billion in the last decade, even as the stock significantly underperformed the S&P 500.24 Disneys shareholders have long expressed displeasure with Disneys compensation program25 and yet Ms. Lagomasino remains in her role. Her failure to help align pay and performance is evident not just at Disney, but also at the other companies on whose compensation committee she serves or served, Coca-Cola and Avon Products, over many years.26

As we have said from the beginning, this election contest is not about Disneys CEO, it is about improving the focus, alignment and accountability of Disneys Board so that the Company can return to delighting its consumers and delivering value for its owners. In that context, we do not believe Ms. Lagomasino or Mr. Froman deserves shareholder support. Change is needed.

Our nominees, Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, bring relevant experience and pledge to work constructively and collaboratively with the Board, as they have done with other boards many times before. Nelson and Jay will bring a much-needed shareholder perspective to the boardroom and will ask tough questions, encourage open discussion and debate and set demanding goals for the business.

To help ensure a better future for this great company, we urge shareholders to vote For Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo and to withhold support from Ms. Lagomasino and Mr. Froman today. Together, we can Restore the Magic at Disney.

To ensure the election of Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, it is essential that shareholders vote FOR Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, and WITHHOLD on Maria Elena Lagomasino, Michael B.G. Froman, and all three Blackwells Nominees.

Vote now. The deadline for shareholders to vote by telephone or electronically is Tuesday, April 2 at 11:59 PM ET. If you previously voted, you can change that vote by voting again now.

For more information, including voting instructions, visit our website: www.RestoreTheMagic.com.

About Trian Fund Management, L.P.

Founded in 2005, Trian Fund Management, L.P. (Trian) is a multi-billion dollar investment management firm. Trian is a highly engaged shareowner that combines concentrated public equity ownership with operational expertise. Leveraging the 40+ years operating experience of our Founding Partners, Nelson Peltz and Peter May, Trian seeks to invest in high quality but undervalued and underperforming public companies and to work collaboratively with management teams and boards to help companies execute operational and strategic initiatives designed to drive long-term sustainable earnings growth for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Media Contacts:

Anne A. Tarbell

(212) 451-3030

atarbell@trianpartners.com

Paul Caminiti / Pamela Greene / Jacqueline Zuhse

Reevemark

(212) 433-4600

Trian@reevemark.com

Investor Contacts:

Matthew Peltz

(212) 451-3060

mpeltz@trianpartners.com

Ryan Bunch

(212) 451-3176

rbunch@trianpartners.com

Bruce Goldfarb / Pat McHugh

Okapi Partners LLC

(212) 297-0720

(877) 629-6357

info@okapipartners.com

Edward McCarthy / Richard Grubaugh / Thomas Germinario

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

(212) 229-2634

Disney@dfking.com

Disclaimer

Except as otherwise set forth in this press release, the views expressed in this press release reflect the opinions of Trian Fund Management, L.P. and its affiliates (Trian), and are based on publicly available information with respect to The Walt Disney Company (Disney or the Company). Trian recognizes that there may be confidential information in the possession of the Company that could lead it or others to disagree with Trians conclusions. Trian reserves the right to change any of its opinions expressed herein at any time as it deems appropriate and disclaims any obligation to notify the market or any other party of any such change, except as required by law. Trian disclaims any obligation to update the information or opinions contained in this press release, except as required by law. For the avoidance of doubt, this press release is not affiliated with or endorsed by Disney.

This press release is provided merely as information and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security nor as a recommendation to purchase or sell any security. Funds, investment vehicles, and accounts managed by Trian currently beneficially own shares of the Company. These funds, investment vehicles, and accounts are in the business of trading  buying and selling  securities and intend to continue trading in the securities of the Company. You should assume such funds may from time to time sell all or a portion of their holdings of the Company in open market transactions or otherwise, buy additional shares (in open market or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise), or trade in options, puts, calls, swaps or other derivative instruments relating to such shares.

Some of the materials in this press release contain forward-looking statements. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward-looking, and the words anticipate, believe, expect, potential, could, opportunity, estimate, plan, once again, achieve, and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. The projected results and statements contained herein that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, speak only as of the date of these materials and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performances or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such projected results and statements. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of Trian.

The estimates, projections and potential impact of the opportunities identified by Trian herein are based on assumptions that Trian believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release, but there can be no assurance or guarantee (i) that any of the proposed actions set forth in this press release will be completed, (ii) that the actual results or performance of the Company will not differ, and such differences may be material, or (iii) that any of the assumptions provided in this press release are accurate.

Trian has neither sought nor obtained the consent from any third party to use any statements or information contained herein that have been obtained or derived from statements made or published by such third parties, nor has it paid for any such statements. Any such statements or information should not be viewed as indicating the support of such third parties for the views expressed herein. Trian does not endorse third-party estimates or research which are used herein solely for illustrative purposes.

Important Information

Trian Fund Management, L.P., together with Nelson Peltz, Peter W. May, Josh Frank, Matthew Peltz, Isaac Perlmutter, James A. Rasulo, Trian Fund Management GP, LLC, Trian Partners, L.P., Trian Partners Parallel Fund I, L.P., Trian Partners Master Fund, L.P., Trian Partners Co-Investment Opportunities Fund, Ltd., Trian Partners Fund (Sub)-G, L.P., Trian Partners Strategic Investment Fund-N, L.P., Trian Partners Strategic Fund-G II, L.P., Trian Partners Strategic Fund-K, L.P., The Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Foundation Inc., Object Trading Corp., Isaac Perlmutter T.A., and Zib Inc. (collectively, the Participants) filed a definitive proxy statement and accompanying form of blue proxy card (as supplemented and amended on February 12, 2024, the Definitive Proxy Statement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on February 1, 2024 to be used in connection with the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders of the Company.

THE PARTICIPANTS STRONGLY ADVISE ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SECS WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV AND TRIANS WEBSITE, HTTPS://RESTORETHEMAGIC.COM. THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD WILL BE FURNISHED TO SOME OR ALL OF THE COMPANYS SHAREHOLDERS. SHAREHOLDERS MAY ALSO DIRECT A REQUEST TO EITHER OF TRIANS PROXY SOLICITORS, OKAPI PARTNERS LLC, 1212 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY 10036 (SHAREHOLDERS CAN E-MAIL INFO@OKAPIPARTNERS.COM OR CALL TOLL-FREE: (877) 629-6357), OR D.F. KING & CO., INC., 48 WALL STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10005 (SHAREHOLDERS CAN E-MAIL DISNEY@DFKING.COM OR CALL TOLL-FREE: (800) 207-3158).

Information about the Participants and a description of their direct or indirect interests by security holdings or otherwise can be found in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

1 Source: Please refer to the definitive proxy statement, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission by Trian Fund Management L.P. and certain of its affiliates and other persons (as supplemented and amended, the Definitive Proxy Statement) for information regarding the members of the Trian Group. Nelson Peltz beneficially owns Disney shares worth approximately $3.5 billion and Jay Rasulo owns Disney shares worth approximately $800,000, in each case, as further detailed in the Definitive Proxy Statement. Note that ownership position values are based on Disneys share price at the close of business on 3/29/2024.

2 Since Ms. Lagomasino became Chair of Disneys Compensation Committee, Disneys say-on-pay votes have averaged just 73%, which ranks in the bottom 10% of all S&P 500 companies and Disneys say-on-pay approval percentages have been below the S&P 500 median every year. Say-on-pay has also been below the average of all of the S&P 500 companies since 2018, which is when Mr. Froman joined the Board. Source: SEC filings, FactSet.

3 NB Votes, available at: https://www.nb.com/en/global/esg/nb-votes.

4 Source: Svea Herbst-Bayliss, Reuters, US pension fund CalPERS backs Peltz, Rasulo in Disney board battle, published on 03/29/24.

5 Source: Svea Herbst-Bayliss, Reuters, US pension fund CalPERS backs Peltz, Rasulo in Disney board battle, published on 03/29/24.

6 Id.

7 NB Votes, available at: https://www.nb.com/en/global/esg/nb-votes.

8 Id.

9 Id.

10 Id.

11 Source: restorethemagic.com.

12 Egan-Jones Proxy Research Report, published on 03/26/24.

13 Id.

14 Id.

15 See Disney Investor Presentations and Letters to Shareholders filed on 02/12/24, 03/04/24, 03/11/24, 03/12/24 and 03/25/24, which referenced endorsements from ValueAct Capital Management and J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon.

16 Blackwells Capital Investor Presentation, 03/11/24 (estimating that ValueAct has earned more than $90 million in fees from managing assets for Disneys pension funds).

17 Source: Anna Nicolaou, James Fontanella-Khan and Joshua Franklin, Financial Times, Jamie Dimon Backs Disneys Bob Iger in Proxy Fight with Nelson Peltz, published on 03/13/24.

18 NB Votes, available at: https://www.nb.com/en/global/esg/nb-votes.

19 Id.

20 Disney has underperformed its Media Industry Peers and the S&P 500 over one, two, three, four and five years and during the tenures of each of the incumbent directors. Source: FactSet. Note: Disney performance measures total shareholder return (TSR) through 03/29/24, defined as the total return an investor would have received if they purchased one share of stock on the first day of the measured period, inclusive of share price appreciation and dividends paid. Media Industry Peers represents the simple average and consists of Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Comcast, Meta, Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery. We highlight the S&P 500 here only as a widely recognized index; however, for various reasons, the performance of the index and that of the securities mentioned above may not be comparable. One cannot invest directly in an index. Note: James Gorman and D. Jeremy Darroch excluded due to less than one year of tenure on the Board.

21 Per Disneys 2024 Proxy Statement, Mr. Froman and Ms. Lagomasino possess just one skill that Disney defines as Central to Disneys Strategy: 360 Degree Brand Activation, which is a skill that is also possessed by every other director on Disneys Board.

22 Mr. Froman and Ms. Lagomasino beneficially own Disney shares worth approximately $5 million. By comparison, the Trian Group beneficially owns over $3.5 billion in Disney shares. Note that ownership position values are based on Disneys share price at the close of business on 3/29/2024.

23 Ms. Lagomasino has served as Chair of the Compensation Committee since 2019 and a member of the Committee since 2016.

24 Source: SEC filings, FactSet. TSR measured from Disneys fiscal year 2013 ended 09/28/13 through 09/30/23.

25 Since Ms. Lagomasino became Chair of Disneys Compensation Committee, Disneys say-on-pay votes have averaged just 73%, which ranks in the bottom 10% of all S&P 500 companies, and Disneys say-on-pay approval percentages have been below the S&P 500 median every year. Say-on-pay has also been below the average of all of the S&P 500 companies since 2018, which is when Mr. Froman joined the Board. Source: SEC filings, FactSet.

26 Coca-Cola received just 50% support for its say-on-pay proposal in 2022, while Avon Products received 56%, 56% and 71% support in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, earning an F Pay-for-Performance Grade from Glass Lewis in each such year.




Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies TIME dotCom Berhad's stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

51% of the business is held by the top 4 shareholders

Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business

A look at the shareholders of TIME dotCom Berhad (KLSE:TIMECOM) can tell us which group is most powerful. With 41% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about TIME dotCom Berhad.

Check out our latest analysis for TIME dotCom Berhad

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About TIME dotCom Berhad?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in TIME dotCom Berhad. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at TIME dotCom Berhad's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in TIME dotCom Berhad. Our data shows that Pulau Kapas Venture Sdn. Bhd. is the largest shareholder with 25% of shares outstanding. Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia is the second largest shareholder owning 11% of common stock, and Khazanah Nasional Berhad holds about 8.4% of the company stock. Furthermore, CEO Afzal Abdul Rahim is the owner of 0.8% of the company's shares.

Our research also brought to light the fact that roughly 51% of the company is controlled by the top 4 shareholders suggesting that these owners wield significant influence on the business.

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While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of TIME dotCom Berhad

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our information suggests that TIME dotCom Berhad insiders own under 1% of the company. However, it's possible that insiders might have an indirect interest through a more complex structure. Keep in mind that it's a big company, and the insiders own RM78m worth of shares. The absolute value might be more important than the proportional share. Arguably, recent buying and selling is just as important to consider. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 24% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders.

Private Company Ownership

Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 26%, of the company's shares. It's hard to draw any conclusions from this fact alone, so its worth looking into who owns those private companies. Sometimes insiders or other related parties have an interest in shares in a public company through a separate private company.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand TIME dotCom Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with TIME dotCom Berhad , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
In order to justify the effort of selecting individual stocks, it's worth striving to beat the returns from a market index fund. But every investor is virtually certain to have both over-performing and under-performing stocks. So we wouldn't blame long term China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Ltd. (SGX:QES) shareholders for doubting their decision to hold, with the stock down 31% over a half decade.

It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that.

Check out our latest analysis for China Sunsine Chemical Holdings

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During the five years over which the share price declined, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings' earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 9.8% each year. This fall in the EPS is worse than the 7% compound annual share price fall. So the market may previously have expected a drop, or else it expects the situation will improve.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

This free interactive report on China Sunsine Chemical Holdings' earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings' TSR for the last 5 years was -15%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

A Different Perspective

China Sunsine Chemical Holdings shareholders are down 11% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 0.1%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 3% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for China Sunsine Chemical Holdings that you should be aware of before investing here.

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If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Kingfisher (LON:KGF) Full Year 2024 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: UK13.0b (flat on FY 2023).

Net income: UK345.0m (down 27% from FY 2023).

Profit margin: 2.7% (down from 3.6% in FY 2023).

EPS: UK0.18 (down from UK0.24 in FY 2023).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Kingfisher EPS Misses Expectations

Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 17%.

The primary driver behind last 12 months revenue was the UK & Ireland segment contributing a total revenue of UK6.39b (49% of total revenue). Notably, cost of sales worth UK8.20b amounted to 63% of total revenue thereby underscoring the impact on earnings. The largest operating expense was Sales & Marketing costs, amounting to UK3.14b (71% of total expenses). Explore how KGF's revenue and expenses shape its earnings.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 1.7% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 2.7% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in the United Kingdom.

Performance of the British Specialty Retail industry.

The company's shares are up 6.8% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

We don't want to rain on the parade too much, but we did also find 1 warning sign for Kingfisher that you need to be mindful of.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Shoppers will delight in an exploration of a thoughtfully curated selection of cannabis products amidst a backdrop of saltwater aquariums, a range of technological education tools, soothing fragrances, and music

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- High Seas , a premier cannabis boutique located at 1921 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa, is thrilled to announce its grand opening today. The concept boutique offers an upscale shopping experience that seeks to remove barriers for Southern California cannabis shopperslack of knowledge, intimidation, or murky languagethat prevent them from enjoying cannabis to enrich and achieve their lifestyle and wellness goals.

Upon entering the Orange County cannabis boutique, shoppers will be transported on a sensory journey that engages touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell. The spacious 1200-square-foot lobby is gently lit, and guests are offered complimentary kombucha, water, and coffee to enjoy during their visit. A virtual staff member welcomes and invites you to explore the boutique, starting with a showcase of several cannabis brands. Guests are welcomed into the boutique by their host and budtender, who invites shoppers to follow their wonder and curiosity with easily displayed products designed to be smelled and touched so consumers can preview the product experience. The 2500-square-foot shopping lounge showcases eye-catching marine life in aquariums and over 120 curated craft cannabis brands with varying types of products. Soothing fragrances and music add to the quiet luxury ambiance of the boutique.

Michael Moussalli, co-founder of High Seas, said, "Many shoppers in the Orange County and Costa Mesa communities are curious about the wellness and lifestyle benefits of cannabis. We have gone above and beyond to create a new standard for exploring and experiencing cannabis shopping in SoCal."

Rachel Xin, co-founder of High Seas, added, "The entire boutique is designed to welcome guests by engaging their senses and their imaginations. It's a dispensary that consumers must come and see. We're focused on offering bespoke recommendations and education based on lifestyle and experience, from micro-dosing edibles to uplifting cannabis beverages or the ritual of premium flower; we have considered the guest's every need with the experience and product lineup."

All High Seas budtenders have completed a detailed training program to understand the variety of cannabinoids, cannabis formats, and strains, as well as the effects and benefits of each, so they can provide information and advice to new and experienced consumers alike. At High Seas, finding the right product is easy and clear.

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With consumer education at the center of its mission, High Seas will host a series of educational pop-up events in collaboration with brands in the coming months. These events will provide invaluable opportunities for consumers to deepen their understanding of cannabis and related products. High Seas also remains dedicated to serving Costa Mesa and its surrounding communities by continuing its successful beach clean-up events initiated last summer. These initiatives underscore the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

High Seas originally planned to open in September 2023, but their commitment was tested over the last several months. Their journey to opening was fraught with unnecessary permit delays and contending with allegations of illegal activity motivated by a systemic, self-appointed morality campaign by municipal operators who have a well-documented "anti-vice" agenda. The operators also have a history of targeting legally operating businesses such as lingerie stores and day spas with unfounded accusations of illegal activity in Costa Mesa and other California municipalities. Fortunately, the allegations against High Seas were proven false, allowing the multi-million-dollar boutique to open. Through determination and perseverance, the co-founders have emerged victorious and are eager to provide the community with a premium cannabis retail experience.

Xin added, "We weathered the storm, and now we're finally ready to enjoy the boutique alongside Southern California's most discerning cannabis seekers. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to offering the best dispensary experience in Orange County."

For more information on their legal battle with the city, read the LA Times or SF Gate.

About High Seas

High Seas is a premier cannabis boutique dispensary located in Costa Mesa, CA, dedicated to offering high-quality cannabis products to adults ages 21 and older. Committed to responsible and compliant operations, High Seas prioritizes safety, security, and community engagement while contributing to the local economy. For more information, visit www.shophighseas.com or follow them on Instagram. High Seas is open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 10 PM. To download photos of High Seas, click here.

Media Contact

Avaans Media

Gretchen Giles

gretchen@avaansmedia.com

707.570.7887

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SOURCE High Seas
The original "Magnificent Seven" is a group of tech stocks that have generally delivered market-beating returns in the past decade. Creating a similarly prominent group in another sector like healthcare isn't an exact science. So, some might not agree with the list below. That said, though, all seven healthcare stocks in my "Magnificent Seven" of the industry share the following characteristics. First, they are all leaders in their respective niches.

Second, they have soundly outperformed the market over the past decade. Third, they all have solid long-term prospects. With that said, here is my Magnificent Seven of healthcare stocks: Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX), AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA), and UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH).

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk

It makes sense to group these two pharmaceutical giants. Both are leaders in the diabetes and obesity care markets, where they have been competing for decades. Eli Lilly earned approval last year for Zepbound, an anti-obesity treatment that should go on to generate billions in revenue. Novo Nordisk's competitor in this area, Wegovy, is still growing its sales at an incredible pace. Further, both drugmakers have incredibly deep pipelines.

Novo Nordisk is still looking to innovate in the obesity market. It recently reported positive results from a phase 1 study for a promising candidate. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly earned approval for several new products last year. It is awaiting word from U.S. regulators for donanemab, a potential Alzheimer's disease therapy. Eli Lilly also delivered promising phase 1 results for a gene therapy that could treat hearing loss.

Both companies should continue delivering excellent financial results and stock market performances. Expect both to be trillion-dollar stocks within a decade.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has been riding the wave of its dominance in the market for therapies that treat a rare disease called cystic fibrosis (CF). Though highly innovative in this area, in which it continues to make headway, the biotech is now looking for diversification. Reducing its exposure to its core therapeutic area isn't a bad idea. Vertex Pharmaceuticals recently earned approval for a gene-editing treatment called Casgevy.

It developed this therapy in collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics. Casgevy is a one-time curative therapy for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, two rare blood diseases that have been incredibly difficult to treat or manage. This milestone was a significant breakthrough for Vertex, but more are coming. The drugmaker is inching closer to launching yet another CF medicine and a brand-new therapy for acute pain.

Vertex has several key products in its pipeline as well. The biotech looks set to maintain its momentum for a long time.

AbbVie

AbbVie became a stand-alone company in January 2013 when it split from Abbott Laboratories. Since then, the drugmaker has been a market-beater, largely thanks to its superstar immunology drug, Humira. The rheumatoid arthritis medicine ran out of patent exclusivity last year, but AbbVie is managing what is one of the most important patent cliffs in the history of the industry (Humira is the best-selling drug ever) pretty well.

Though sales have been declining since last year, management expects that to change by 2025. AbbVie's Skyrizi and Rinvoq are Humira's heirs. Finding a duo of medicines that can replace $21.2 billion in annual peak sales is difficult, but Skyrizi and Rinvoq will exceed that total. Management expects them to rack up combined sales of $27 billion by 2027.

That speaks volumes about AbbVie's innovative potential, especially in immunology. The company has other promising products and pipeline candidates, and it is a Dividend King. Investors, including income-seekers, can't go wrong with this stock.

Intuitive Surgical

Intuitive Surgical is the company behind the da Vinci system, a robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) device. The healthcare leader has pioneered the use of RAS machines, which allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries. Unlike with open surgeries, doctors don't need to make large incisions to access and get a full view of the organs they are operating on. The da Vinci system is equipped with tiny instruments that boast incredible maneuverability.

Intuitive Surgical had 8,606 of its da Vinci systems installed as of the end of 2023. As long as demand for these machines grows and the volume of procedures performed with them increases, Intuitive Surgical's revenue and earnings should continue to move in the right direction. Given the aging population and the fact that only 5% of surgeries that could be performed robotically currently are, it looks like Intuitive Surgical has a long runway for growth.

UnitedHealth Group and HCA Healthcare

UnitedHealth Group and HCA Healthcare are two important players in the U.S. healthcare system. The former is one of the largest health insurers in the country and offers pharmacy management solutions and data and analytics services to other insurers through its subsidiary Optum. HCA Healthcare is one of the largest hospital chains in the country, with facilities that span much of the U.S., although it is particularly concentrated in Florida and Texas. Though both companies saw their businesses disrupted during the worst of the pandemic and suffered somewhat due to economic issues that followed, their operations are resilient.

Pandemic-related troubles have mostly subsided. UnitedHealth Group and HCA Healthcare continue to march forward, and both should also benefit from the aging population. UnitedHealth Group's Optum will see a rise in demand for the services it offers as insurance claims rise, while HCA Healthcare's occupancy rates and volume of medical care services will also move in the right direction. In short, both stocks have plenty of growth fuel left in their tanks.

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Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Intuitive Surgical and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Abbott Laboratories, CRISPR Therapeutics, HCA Healthcare, Intuitive Surgical, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk and UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Meet The "Magnificent Seven" of Healthcare Stocks was originally published by The Motley Fool
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company  Masdar has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 50% stake in Terra-Gen Power Holdings II from Energy Capital Partners (ECP).

ECP, a leading investor across energy transition, electrification and decarbonisation infrastructure assets, will fully exit its position in Terra-Gen in connection with the transaction. Igneo Infrastructure Partners, a global infrastructure investment manager, will retain its existing 50% stake in the company. Igneo made its initial investment in Terra-Gen in December 2020.

Established in 2007, Terra-Gen is a leading independent provider of end-to-end renewable project development, financing and operating capabilities. Terra-Gen has a proven track record of developing, owning and operating assets across a large and diverse set of renewable technologies in the most attractive markets for renewables and storage in the US Terra-Gen currently operates approximately 2.4 GW of wind and solar, and 5.1 GWh of energy storage facilities across 32 renewable power sites throughout the US, predominantly in California and Texas.

Long-term success

This transaction will position Terra-Gen to continue building on the significant growth and transformation realised under ECPs ownership and achieve accelerated long-term success as part of Masdars and Igneos portfolios.

Masdars 18-year history of funding, developing, owning and operating clean energy projects around the world will support Terra-Gens ambitions to grow its renewable capacity and portfolio in the US One of the worlds fastest-growing clean energy companies, UAE-based Masdar first invested in the US energy market in 2019.

Its US portfolio of utility scale wind, solar and storage assets has a generating capacity of more than 1.4 GW. The US market will play an important role as Masdar executes its plan to build a global renewable energy portfolio of at least 100 GW capacity by 2030, and this proposed transaction represents another significant milestone towards that goal.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: Our investment in Terra-Gens impressive energy portfolio expands our existing US footprint and reinforces Masdars long-term commitment across our US portfolio. This transaction unites one of the largest independent renewable energy producers in the US with Masdar  one of the fastest growing clean energy companies in the world.

We look forward to working alongside Igneo as our valued partner to accelerate Terra-Gen's growth and deliver world-class innovation at utility scale in support of the global energy transition.

Scalable platform

Philip Haddad, President and CEO of Masdar Americas, said: Weve been impressed by Terra-Gens record, scalable platform of operating assets and realisable project pipeline underpinning its growth trajectory. Upon closing, we look forward to actively partnering with Igneo and working closely with Terra-Gens experienced management team to support Terra-Gens operations, facilitate its development of new capacity renewable energy projects and expand its presence in and beyond its key markets.

Jim Pagano, CEO of Terra-Gen, said: Terra-Gen is committed to developing responsible energy projects that benefit local communities and future generations. We have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with ECP, which allowed us to build a strong and resilient business positioned for long-term growth.

As we look to build on our tangible pipeline of projects, we are excited to work with Masdar, a like-minded partner with a track record of commitment to decarbonisation and clean energy projects in the US and around the world.

Terra-Gen's growth

Terra-Gen was originally acquired by ECP in 2015, and under its ownership, Terra-Gen more than tripled its portfolio of operating renewable assets. Under Igneo and ECP, since 2020, Terra-Gen has added over 1 GW of generating capacity and 5 GWh of storage, expanded its pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects and enjoyed sustained growth.

Schuyler Coppedge, Partner at ECP, said: It has been a privilege to work with Terra-Gen and its talented team for almost a decade. They have created a strong company by seizing growth opportunities and successfully executing across market cycles. We are proud of Terra-Gens achievements during ECPs ownership and are confident that the company will have another successful chapter with Masdar and Igneo.

John DiMarco, Managing Director at Igneo, said: Igneo is excited to partner with Masdar on Terra-Gens next phase of growth. Igneo, Masdar and Terra-Gen share a common long-term vision for the company, and Igneo remains steadfastly committed to the continued buildout of Terra-Gen as a premier independent North American renewable power company.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory and other customary approvals.

Lazard and Guggenheim Securities are serving as financial advisors and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to Terra-Gen. BMO Capital Markets and JP Morgan are serving as financial advisors and White & Case LLP and Covington & Burling LLP are serving as legal advisors to Masdar. Mayer Brown is serving as legal advisor to Igneo.--TradeArabia News Service
Fast Facts

Microsoft announced Monday that it will sell Teams separately from Microsoft Office globally.

The move comes six months after the company did the same thing in Europe amid an antitrust investigation.

Microsoft on Monday said that starting April 1 it will sell Teams, its chat and video communications app, separately from Microsoft Office to customers worldwide, according to Reuters.

The move comes six months after Microsoft (MSFT) unbundled Teams from Office in the European Union. That split came several months into an antitrust investigation of the products by the European Commission.

The commission opened its investigation into Microsoft's bundling of Teams and Office last year, following a 2020 complaint by Salesforce-owned (CRM) Slack that the bundle was illegal.

Related: Microsoft CEO hedges OpenAI bet, launches new AI organization

The Commission said its specific point of concern involves a potential "distribution advantage" given to Teams by virtue of being bundled with the widely used Office platform  "by not giving customers the choice on whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites and may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings."

A Microsoft spokesperson told Reuters: "To ensure clarity for our customers, we are extending the steps we took last year to unbundle Teams from M365 and O365 in the European Economic Area and Switzerland to customers globally.

"Doing so also addresses feedback from the European Commission by providing multinational companies more flexibility when they want to standardize their purchasing across geographies."

In place of the bundle, Microsoft is selling a series of Office suites without Teams, in addition to stand-alone Teams subscriptions.

The Office suites (sans Teams) will now range in price from $7.75 to $54.75 for new commercial customers, depending on region. The standalone Teams offering will cost $5.25.

The Commission has not yet published the result of its investigation. If it finds Microsoft in violation of antitrust regulations despite the unbundling, Microsoft might have to pay a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Related: The startup wars: Anthropic for Google, Inflection for Microsoft

Microsoft and antitrust

Microsoft has been hit with $2.4 billion in EU fines over the past decade for unfairly bundling products together, Reuters reported. The Redmond, Wash., software giant is also under investigation by the European Commission for its relationship with artificial intelligence startup OpenAI.

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Microsoft has invested more than $10 billion in the company, and according to a report last week by The Information, it's planning to finance a supercomputer for the company that could cost around $100 billion.

The company has also made somewhat similar arrangements with other AI startups including Inflection and Mistral.

Contact Ian with tips and AI stories via email, ian.krietzberg@thearenagroup.net, or Signal 732-804-1223.

Related: Apple, Google and Meta are under investigation ... again
Boost Your Budget Week spotlights programs that help pay for food, medicine, and more

ARLINGTON, Va., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With poverty rising among older Americans and the cost-of-living still a challenge for those living on a fixed income, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is raising awareness this month about the $30 billion in benefits that eligible older adults leave unused each year because they don't know about these assistance programs or how to apply.

National Council on Aging logo (PRNewsfoto/National Council on Aging)

Boost Your Budget Week , April 15-19, focuses on connecting eligible older adults to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) , and Medicare Part D Extra Help all of which can make it easier for low-income older adults to afford daily expenses.

"Today in America, we have over 8 million older adults living in poverty, 2 million more than the year before," said Josh Hodges , NCOA's Chief Customer Officer. "Clearly, Social Security and Medicare are not enough to ensure every older American can make ends meet. During Boost Your Budget Week, we're spreading the message that there are programs to help."

Local organizations that serve diverse communities, including Black, Hispanic, Asian, Tribal Communities, and LGBTQ+ older adults with limited incomes, will be screening and helping individuals apply for programs. These partners operate under NCOA's national network of Benefits Enrollment Centers , supported by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL).

Throughout the month, NCOA also will be promoting its free and confidential online tool BenefitsCheckUp.org , which allows older adults to enter basic information and receive a personalized report about which programs they may be eligible for and how to apply. BenefitsCheckUp is also available in Spanish, at BuscaBeneficios.org , and it offers a toll-free helpline at 1-800-794-6559 for in-person benefits assistance Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

About NCOA:

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person's right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging .

This project is supported, in part, by grant #90MINC0002 from the U.S. Administration on Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

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SOURCE National Council on Aging
(Bloomberg) -- OpenAI plans to open an office in Tokyo in April, according to a person familiar with the matter, as the artificial intelligence pioneer begins to build out its international operations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Japan office will be its first in Asia, the person said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. It will be the third international location after opening offices in London and Dublin last year.

OpenAI set off a frenzy of interest in artificial intelligence after unveiling ChatGPT in November 2022. The San Francisco startup has been in talks to raise funding at a valuation of at least $100 billion, Bloomberg reported in December.

Read more: OpenAI CEO Plans Japan Expansion After Prime Minister Meeting

AI adoption is spreading among Japanese companies, with corporations including SoftBank Corp. and Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. racing to roll out services for Japanese speakers.

After meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last April, Sam Altman, co-founder and chief executive officer of OpenAI, said the organization is looking at opening a Japan office. It plans to expand its own Japanese language services and work with the government on mitigating risks and implementing regulations.

Read more: SoftBanks Mobile Unit Joins Race to Create ChatGPT Clone

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If you buy and hold a stock for many years, you'd hope to be making a profit. Furthermore, you'd generally like to see the share price rise faster than the market. But PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG) has fallen short of that second goal, with a share price rise of 27% over five years, which is below the market return. The last year hasn't been great either, with the stock up just 3.5%.

Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

Check out our latest analysis for PPG Industries

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

PPG Industries' earnings per share are down 0.1% per year, despite strong share price performance over five years.

Since EPS is down a bit, and the share price is up, it's probably that the market previously had some concerns about the company, but the reality has been better than feared. Having said that, if the EPS falls continue we'd be surprised to see a sustained increase in share price.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

We know that PPG Industries has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? If you're interested, you could check this free report showing consensus revenue forecasts.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. We note that for PPG Industries the TSR over the last 5 years was 38%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

PPG Industries shareholders gained a total return of 5.4% during the year. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. If we look back over five years, the returns are even better, coming in at 7% per year for five years. Maybe the share price is just taking a breather while the business executes on its growth strategy. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand PPG Industries better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for PPG Industries you should know about.

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Of course PPG Industries may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
A container ship proudly sailing down the Red Sea, in better days. (Photo: Mr_Karesuando/Shutterstock)

Russian warships entered the Red Sea last Thursday, for what the Russian Pacific Fleets press service has stated was the performance of assigned tasks within the framework of the long-range sea campaign. This intentional vagueness has invited no small amount of speculation as to the ships true objectives.

Theories range from retaliatory pressure on Israel, which decided in late February to co-sponsor a United Nations resolution condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine, to supporting beleaguered ally Syrias military objectives in the region.

Then again, the warships might simply be in the Red Sea to guard against attacks from Yemen-backed Houthi rebels.

Not to be trusted

In late March, Bloomberg reported that the Houthis had promised safe passage to Russian and Chinese vessels in the Red Sea and nearby Gulf of Aden. In exchange, the two countries allegedly agreed to leverage their position as members of the U.N. Security Council to support the Houthis.





Two days after this report, however, Houthi militants fired five missiles at a Chinese-owned oil tanker, causing a fire but minimal damage and no injuries.

Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime and industry analyst, wrote in a post on LinkedIn that the Houthis might have attacked by mistake, believing the ship to be British-owned: It would for now appear that Houthies [sic] have acted on outdated information and in the process clearly demonstrated that even if there was potentially a deal to grant safe passage, such a deal is not to be trusted.

If China and Russia find the Houthi problem as intractable as the U.S. and its allies have, it would all but halt what little maritime traffic remains in the region.

Danish shipping giant Maersk, in a late-March update, reaffirmed its commitment to avoiding the Red Sea for the foreseeable future. Maersk cited attacks on the True Confidence  which claimed three lives and marked the Houthis first fatalities caused on a commercial vessel  and the Rubymar, the first vessel lost to a Houthi assault.





Scarce motion in the ocean

Despite the unexpected length of the Red Sea crisis, it is not likely to hold spot rates captive for a similar amount of time. Shipping lines have more than enough capacity to accommodate reroutes along Africas Cape of Good Hope, having hit shipbuilders with a tsunami of orders during the COVID boom.

The greatest evidence for geopolitical risks limited ability to translate to higher spot rates is seen in lanes from China to the Mediterranean. After the Chinese oil tanker was struck in late March, rates along these lanes unsurprisingly spiked and have held at a plateau since.

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Moreover, transit times from China to Spain  host to some of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean  have increased by three days since the start of the year, while vessels face average delays of 12.6 days at both origin and destination. As recently as December, such delays averaged less than a single day.

SONAR: Freightos Baltic Daily Index, global composite (blue) and from China to Mediterranean (green)

Yet these rates highs are unable to match those of early-to-mid-February, when China was preparing to shut down operations in advance of its Lunar New Year celebrations. And while rates might hold at their current level for a few days or weeks, there is little cause for them to rise further. Rather, rates will likely trend downward as they had for most of March.

SONAR: Drewry World Container Index, global composite (blue) and Freightos Baltic Daily Index, global composite (yellow)

Such is an examination of lanes most impacted by the Houthis recent attacks, which proved to be little more than a drop in the bucket for rates on a global scale. The global composite of the Freightos Baltic Daily Index, which tracks spot container freight rates across 13 lanes, is actually down 17.2% since the start of March. Similarly, Drewrys World Container Index  which tracks both spot and short-term contract freight rates  has fallen 16.2% over the past four weeks.

SONAR: Freightos Baltic Daily Index, China to U.S. West Coast (blue) and China to U.S. East Coast (orange); Drewry World Container Index, Shanghai to New York City (purple) and Shanghai to Los Angeles (mint green)

Of course, there is also the domestic matter of the Port of Baltimore, now closed indefinitely after the collapse of the nearby Francis Scott Key Bridge. While this closure is estimated to have a limited impact on the regions intermodal market, it will rattle the supply chain of automobiles.

Markets were still quick to react, however, as spot rates from China to the U.S. East Coast jumped 6.7% from where they were a week prior to the incident.





The post Red Sea crisis nears boiling point, unable to heat up spot rates appeared first on FreightWaves.
ST. LOUIS, April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA), a leading global life and health reinsurer, today announced the appointment of Alison Rand to its Board of Directors. Ms. Rand begins her service on April 1, 2024.

"Throughout Alisons tenure as an executive leader, she has been a driving force behind achieving financial excellence and fostering investor trust," said Tony Cheng, President and CEO, RGA. "Her expertise as a former chief financial officer, combined with her background in corporate finance and risk management, will be pivotal as we execute on our enterprise strategy and continue our trajectory of growth and success."

"Alisons comprehensive knowledge, spanning investor relations, strategic planning, and risk management, complements her proficiency in cultivating organizational resilience and strong board relations," said Stephen OHearn, Chair of the Board of Directors, RGA. "Her decades of experience in leadership in the North American insurance market will strengthen our Board, and we are thrilled Alison will be joining us."

Ms. Rand is the retired Chief Financial Officer for Primerica, an insurance, investment, and financial services distribution firm with more than 140,000 independent agents in the U.S. and Canada. Ms. Rand joined Primerica in 1995 and was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2000. Notably, Ms. Rand led Primericas IPO in 2010, which was recognized as one of the first and most successful IPOs after the 2008 financial crisis.

Ms. Rand is an Independent Director of Regions Financial Corporation and a member of the Boards Audit and Technology Committees. She graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in accounting and is a certified public accountant. She is a member of the universitys National Foundation Board and formerly served as the Audit Committee Chair. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Deans Advisory Council at the University of Florida Warrington College of Business.

About RGA

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA) is a global industry leader specializing in life and health reinsurance and financial solutions that help clients effectively manage risk and optimize capital. Founded in 1973, RGA is today one of the worlds largest and most respected reinsurers and remains guided by a powerful purpose: to make financial protection accessible to all. As a global capabilities and solutions leader, RGA empowers partners through bold innovation, relentless execution, and dedicated client focus  all directed toward creating sustainable long-term value. RGA has approximately $3.7 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $97.6 billion as of Dec. 31, 2023. To learn more about RGA and its businesses, please visit rgare.com or follow RGA on LinkedIn and Facebook. Investors can learn more at investor.rgare.com.

Story continues

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401689265/en/

Contacts

Lynn Phillips

Vice President, Corporate Communications

636-736-2351

lphillips@rgare.com

Lizzie Curry

Executive Director, Public Relations

636-736-8521

lizzie.curry@rgare.com

Jeff Hopson

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

636-736-2068

jhopson@rgare.com
Investors who take an interest in Goodwin PLC (LON:GDWN) should definitely note that insider Richard Goodwin recently paid UK54.35 per share to buy UK290k worth of the stock. That certainly has us anticipating the best, especially since they thusly increased their own holding by 57%, potentially signalling some real optimism.

Check out our latest analysis for Goodwin

Goodwin Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Notably, that recent purchase by insider Richard Goodwin was not the only time they bought Goodwin shares this year. They previously made an even bigger purchase of UK633k worth of shares at a price of UK46.15 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of UK54.00. Because it occurred at a lower valuation, it doesn't tell us much about whether insiders might find today's price attractive.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid UK2.4m for 51.24k shares. But they sold 14.24k shares for UK744k. In total, Goodwin insiders bought more than they sold over the last year. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Goodwin is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership Of Goodwin

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 11% of Goodwin shares, worth about UK43m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

So What Do The Goodwin Insider Transactions Indicate?

It is good to see recent purchasing. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. Insiders likely see value in Goodwin shares, given these transactions (along with notable insider ownership of the company). I like to dive deeper into how a company has performed in the past. You can access this interactive graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow for free.

Of course Goodwin may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
A developer plans to build a 47-story apartment tower in the 500 block of West Avenue downtown that would replace restaurants Irene's and Taquero Mucho. The site is flanked by the Austin City Lofts and Sammie's Italian Restaurant, which replaced the longtime Hut's Hamburgers.

More change could be destined for Austin's evolving skyline, with a local developer's plans to build a 47-story apartment tower amid ongoing demand for downtown living.

Manifold, an Austin-based investment and development group, plans to build the high-rise in the 500 block of West Avenue between West Sixth and West Fifth streets, east of Whole Foods Market's flagship store. With 359 units, the tower will join downtown Austin's building boom, which has seen wave after wave of high-rise residential and commercial development over the past two decades.

If built, the tower would replace restaurants Irene's and Taquero Mucho. The site is flanked by the Austin City Lofts on one side, and on the other by Sammie's Italian Restaurant, which replaced longtime favorite Hut's Hamburgers, which closed in 2019.

In two nearby condominium towers, Fifth & West and the Austin City Lofts, some residents have raised concerns about increased flooding risks, traffic and safety if Manifold's proposed tower is built with the additional height and square footage the developer is seeking beyond what current zoning would allow.

The planned apartment tower would have 359 units.

"While density and height are naturally encouraged in the downtown area, the proposed development is wholly within Austins 25-year floodplain and is located mid-block with access only to West Avenue," Ian Inglis, board president of the Austin City Lofts homeowners' association, wrote in a letter last year to the city. "To our knowledge, there is no tower as dense and as tall as the one being proposed for 506 and 508 West Avenue located mid-block on a two-lane two-way short block with stop lights on either end (West Fifth and West Sixth) anywhere downtown, much less within the 25-year floodplain."

In his letter, Inglis also took issue with an above-ground parking garage that would have 11 stories and 430 parking spaces.

"At a time when City Council is focused on regulations that reduce the overall number of new parking spaces builtwithin downtown Austin to meet parking needs more efficiently and creating a more walkable, pedestrian-oriented built environment with fewer large above-ground parking structures, this would seem to be incongruous," Inglis wrote.

A rendering shows the proposed facade of the new tower.

Richard Suttle Jr., a prominent Austin lawyer and lobbyist who represents many developers in their zoning cases, said the proposed project "extends the success of people who want to live downtown."

"Despite accommodating our high-rise neighbor (Austin City Lofts) and their unfounded complaints, we think that a tall building next to a tall building is appropriate," Suttle said.

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In Manifold's proposed tower, the developer will be paying $1.78 million into the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and an equal amount to the Shoal Creek Conservancy, Suttle said.

"The density bonus program is set up so the offered community benefits benefit the community," Suttle said. "The whole community. The neighborhood shares the position that affordable housing and the Shoal Creek improvements are both important community benefits that deserve attention. The delicate balance garnered the neighborhood's support of the project.

That neighborhood is the Old Austin Neighborhood Association, or OANA.

"Although our high-rise neighbor (Austin City Lofts) can't seem to be satisfied, our neighborhood is," Suttle said.

The proposed building is drawing criticism from the Austin City Lofts homeowners' association.

Ted Siff, who heads the Old Austin Neighborhood Association, said the group "supports this proposed development because it will provide more downtown residences, donate almost $2 million to affordable housing, and meets all the city's legal requirements."

Manifold's project wouldn't be the tallest downtown.

Currently, the tallest building on the skyline is the 66-story Sixth and Guadalupe tower, named after its location. The tallest building currently under construction is Waterline, a 74-story tower being built in the Rainey Street District on downtown's southeastern side that is slated to become the tallest tower in all of Texas.

For Manifold's tower, the Shoal Creek Conservancy said it is excited about the proposed $1.8 million to support the improvements of the Shoal Creek Trail, hike-and-bike bridge and rail trestle.

"The (conservancy) supports the city receiving the downtown density bonus fees directly and holding them in a restricted account specifically for these projects," said Ivey Kaiser, director of the Shoal Creek Conservancy.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Downtown Austin to see new high-rise development from Manifold
QatarEnergy has signed time-charter party (TCP) agreements with Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) for the operation of 25 conventional-size LNG vessels. This is part of the second ship-owner tender under QatarEnergys historic LNG Fleet Expansion Programme.

The agreements were signed Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy and Abdullah Al Sulaiti, the CEO of Nakilat, in a special ceremony held at QatarEnergys headquarters in Doha, and attended by senior executives from QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, and Nakilat.

Seventeen of the 25 LNG vessels are being constructed at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyards in South Korea, while the remaining eight are being constructed at Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) also in South Korea.

World-class capabilities

Al-Kaabi said: These agreements firm up last months selection of Nakilat as the owner and operator of up to 25 conventional-size LNG carriers, underscoring our continued confidence in Qatars flagship LNG shipping and maritime company. This is a testament to Nakilats world-class capabilities as well as to the significant contributions of Qatari listed companies to our countrys national economy.

Al-Kaabi added: The agreements we signed play an important role in implementing QatarEnergys historic LNG shipping programme, which will cater for our future requirements, as we move forward with the expansion of our LNG production capacity to 142 million tonnes per annum by 2030, ensuring additional cleaner and reliable energy supplies to the world.

Each of the 25 vessels will have a capacity of 174,000 cubic metres and will be chartered out by Nakilat to affiliates of QatarEnergy pursuant to the 15-year TCP agreements.--TradeArabia News Service
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas president vowed Monday not to back down in the face of vehement protests by doctors seeking to derail his plan to drastically increase medical school admissions, as he called their walkouts an illegal collective action that poses "a grave threat to our society.

About 12,000 medical interns and residents in South Korea have been on strike for six weeks, causing hundreds of cancelled surgeries and other treatments at university hospitals. In support of their action, many senior doctors at their teaching schools have also submitted resignations though they havent stopped treating patients.

Officials say they want to raise the yearly medical school cap by 2,000 from the current 3,058 to create more doctors to deal with the countrys rapidly aging population. Doctors counter that schools cant handle such an abrupt increase in students and that it would eventually hurt the countrys medical services. But critics say doctors, one of the best-paid professions in South Korea, are simply worried that the supply of more doctors would result in lower future incomes.

Public surveys show that a majority of ordinary South Koreans support the government plan. But observers say many people are increasingly fed up with the protracted confrontation between the government and doctors, threatening to deal a blow to governing party candidates ahead of next weeks parliamentary elections.

In a nationally televised address, President Yoon Suk Yeol said adding 2,000 medical students is the minimum increase needed to address a shortage of physicians in rural areas, the military and essential but low-paying professions like pediatrics and emergency departments. Yoon said South Korea's doctor-to-patient ratio  2.1 physicians per 1,000 people  is far below the average of 3.7 in the developed world.

Increasing the number of doctors is a state project that we can't further delay, Yoon said.

Yoon urged the striking doctors to return to work, saying they have a responsibility to protect people's lives in line with the local medical law. He also said the government remains open to talks if doctors come up with a unified proposal that adequately explains their calls for a much smaller increase in the medical school enrollment quota.

I can't tolerate an attempt to carry through their thoughts by force without due logic and grounds, Yoon said. The illegal collective action by some doctors has become a grave threat to our society.

Yoon said the recruitment plan won't lead to lower earnings for doctors, citing what he called expected increases in national income and demand for medical services in the fast-aging society. He said the average income of South Korean doctors is the highest in the developed world.

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Later Monday, the Korean Medical Association, which represents doctors in South Korea, criticized Yoon for repeating what his government has already argued to support the recruitment plan.

"It was an address that brought us greater disappointment because we had high hopes for some changes in the government's position, Kim Sung-geun, a spokesperson for KMAs emergency committee, told reporters.

Yoon said the government is taking final administrative steps to suspend the licenses of the strikers but added he doesn't want to punish the young doctors. This implies that his government is willing to soften punitive measures on the strikers if they return to work soon.

Yoon recently ordered officials to pursue a flexible measure to resolve the dispute and seek constructive consultations with doctors at the request of ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon.

It's unclear if the government and doctors can find a breakthrough to settle their standoff anytime soon. Last week, KMA elected Lim Hyun-taek, a hardliner who has called for a decrease in the medical school admission cap, as its new chief.

After his election Tuesday, Lim said that doctors can sit down for talks with the government if Yoon apologizes and dismisses top health officials involved in the recruitment plan. Lim also threatened to launch an all-out fight if any doctors receive punitive steps over their recent protests.

The striking junior doctors represent a fraction of the total doctors in South Korea  estimated at 115,000 by Yoon and 140,000 by a doctors' association. But in some major hospitals, they account for about 30% to 40% of doctors, assisting qualified doctors and department chiefs during surgeries and other treatments while training.

Doctors say the government enrollment plan lacks measures to resolve key medical issues such as how to increase the number of physicians in some key but unpopular professions. They say newly recruited students would also try to work in the capital region and in high-paying fields like plastic surgery and dermatology. They say the government plan would also likely result in doctors performing unnecessary treatments due to increased competition.
(Bloomberg) -- AT&T Inc. said that personal data from about 73 million current and former customers was leaked onto the dark web, prompting it to reset 7.6 million account passcodes.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The data, which included 65.4 million former customers, spilled onto the dark web about two weeks ago. Information divulged may have included customers full name, email and postal address, phone number, Social Security number, date of birth, AT&T account number and passcode, the company said in an email to consumers. It apparently does not contain personal financial information or call history.

The data appears to be from 2019 or earlier, AT&T said Saturday in a statement. The source of the data is still being investigated, according to AT&T, and its not known whether it came from the company or a vendor.

Shares closed little changed at $17.50 after dropping nearly 3% Monday morning.

Read more: AT&T Outage Triggered by Company Work on Network Expansion

AT&T said it doesnt have evidence of unauthorized access to its systems, and that the leak hasnt had a material effect on its operations as of Saturday.

The company is communicating proactively with those impacted and will be offering credit monitoring at our expense where applicable, according to the statement.

AT&T was sued over the data breach, with a class action lawsuit filed March 30 in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas saying the company recklessly maintained customers personally identifiable information and failed to take measures to secure its system.

The recent data leak comes about three years after a hacker known as ShinyHunters claimed to have stolen the personal information of about 70 million AT&T customers, according to reports from BleepingComputer at the time. AT&T denied then that it was the victim of a data breach, saying the stolen information didnt come from its own systems.

The hacker posted only a small sample of records in 2021, which it was selling for a starting price of $30,000, according to media reports at the time. ShinyHunters had previously taken credit for breaches against other US companies, only to post databases of stolen data after apparently failing to convince other dark web users to pay for it.

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TechCrunch earlier reported on the recent leak after a data seller published the full 73 million alleged AT&T records on a cybercrime forum. TechCrunch said it informed AT&T about the leak last week and held publication of its article until the company could begin resetting the passcodes.

AT&T is the third-largest US retail wireless carrier, behind Verizon Communications Inc. and T-Mobile US Inc., according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company in February experienced a widespread outage that took hours to resolve, prompting an investigation by the federal government.

T-Mobile agreed in 2022 to pay $350 million to settle a class-action lawsuit after records of more than 50 million customers were leaked. The following year it revealed another major breach of customer information on about 37 million subscribers.

(Updates with information on data leaked in second paragraph and lawsuit in sixth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Understanding Telefonica Brasil SA's Upcoming Dividend

Telefonica Brasil SA (NYSE:VIV) recently announced a dividend of $0.18 per share, payable on a date yet to be determined, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-04-09. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Telefonica Brasil SA's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Telefonica Brasil SA Do?

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with VIV.

High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio

This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years

How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock?

Telefonica Brasil, known as Vivo, is the largest wireless carrier in Brazil with 99 million customers, which is equal to about 40% market share. The firm is strongest in the postpaid business, where it has 62 million customers, or about 42% share of this market. Wireless services and equipment contribute about 70% of total revenue. Vivo is the incumbent fixed-line telephone operator in Sao Paulo state and, following the acquisition of GVT, the owner of an extensive fiber network across the country. The firm provides internet access to 6.6 million households on this network. The firm also sells pay-tv and phone services to its fixed-line customers. Finally, corporate data and IT services, including cloud computing support, contribute about 8% of total revenue.

Telefonica Brasil SA's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Telefonica Brasil SA's Dividend History

Telefonica Brasil SA has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2000. Dividends are currently distributed on a monthly basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Breaking Down Telefonica Brasil SA's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Telefonica Brasil SA currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.62% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 3.98%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months.

Over the past three years, Telefonica Brasil SA's annual dividend growth rate was -5.90%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate decreased to -12.00% per year. And over the past decade, Telefonica Brasil SA's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at -3.40%.

Based on Telefonica Brasil SA's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Telefonica Brasil SA stock as of today is approximately 1.91%.

Telefonica Brasil SA's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-12-31, Telefonica Brasil SA's dividend payout ratio is 0.36.

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Telefonica Brasil SA's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Telefonica Brasil SA's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2023-12-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Telefonica Brasil SA's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors.

Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Telefonica Brasil SA's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Telefonica Brasil SA's revenue has increased by approximately 7.10% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 63.11% of global competitors.

The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Telefonica Brasil SA's earnings increased by approximately 10.80% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 56.73% of global competitors.

Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 0.30%, which outperforms approximately 30.48% of global competitors.

Next Steps

In conclusion, Telefonica Brasil SA's consistent dividend payments, combined with a manageable payout ratio and solid profitability, position it as an attractive option for income-focused investors. However, the declining dividend growth rate may raise concerns about long-term dividend sustainability. Nonetheless, the company's good growth metrics may provide some reassurance. Investors should continue to monitor these aspects to ensure that the dividends remain a viable component of their investment strategy. For those seeking to expand their income-generating portfolio, GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


DALLAS, April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) today announced that it has completed the sale of six hospitals and related operations in California consistent with previously disclosed terms.

Tenet completed the sale of its four Orange County and Los Angeles County hospitals and related operations to UCI Health  consistent with the approval of the University of California Board of Regents. The completed transaction includes Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Los Alamitos Medical Center, Placentia-Linda Hospital, and related operations.

Tenet completed the sale of its two San Luis Obispo hospitals and related operations to Adventist Health. The completed transaction includes Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, Twin Cities Community Hospital, and related operations.

About Tenet Healthcare

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a diversified healthcare services company headquartered in Dallas. Our care delivery network includes United Surgical Partners International, the largest ambulatory platform in the country, which operates ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals. We also operate a national portfolio of acute care and specialty hospitals, other outpatient facilities, a network of leading employed physicians and a global business center in Manila, Philippines. Our Conifer Health Solutions subsidiary provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers, and other clients. Across the Tenet enterprise, we are united by our mission to deliver quality, compassionate care in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.tenethealth.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401607922/en/

Contacts

Investor Contact

Will McDowell

469-893-2387

William.McDowell@tenethealth.com

Media Contact

Robert Dyer

469-893-2640

mediarelations@tenethealth.com
By Yuvraj Malik and Priyanka G

(Reuters) -Shares of Donald Trump's social media company plunged 21% on Monday, wiping out the gains from its debut last week, after disclosing millions in losses and saying it would struggle to meet its financial liabilities going forward.

Trump Media & Technology Group lost more than $58 million in 2023, it said in a filing, sending shares reeling less than a week after the Truth Social parent went public through a high-profile blank-check merger.

The stock surged in its March 26 debut to close at nearly $58 a share on retail buyer enthusiasm, including supporters of Trump, the likely Republican nominee in 2024's presidential election. But Monday's disclosure reversed that trend, sending shares down $13.30, or 21%, to $48.66.

"Truth Social was overvalued and that reality is dragging down the stock. Because the service does have not have a clear path to profitability and its revenues are meager, its high debut was unsustainable," said Ross Benes, analyst at Insider Intelligence.

Trump owns 78.75 million shares, which could result in a big windfall for the former president, depending on their value. At the stock's peak last week, his stake would have been more than $6 billion, but after the selloff it would be valued at about $3.8 billion. Trump is not allowed to sell or borrow against any of his shares for six months - and any move by him to try to alter that agreement would likely trigger more selling.

Even with the stock's decline, it still has a market value of more than $6 billion, compared with social media platform Reddit's market capitalization of $8 billion.

"TMTG enjoyed a huge run-up on hype and enthusiasm, but it is a long way off from becoming a true scaled social media challenger to X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and other platforms," said Michael Ashley Schulman, analyst at Running Point Capital.

SHORT SELLERS RECOUP LOSSES

Short sellers targeting both Trump Media and its predecessor Digital World Acquisition recouped a sizeable chunk of their year-to-date losses on Monday. The selloff yielded a $65 million gain on paper for short sellers, cutting year-to-date losses to $126 million, according to financial technology and analytics firm S3 Partners.

"Demand is sky-high to short DJT, but any borrow supply is very scarce and extremely hard to locate," said Matthew Unterman, director at S3.

Truth Social's revenue was $4.13 million last year, up from $1.47 million in 2022, it said. By comparison, Reddit brought in revenue of $800 million in 2023.

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The latter has 73 million active users, whereas Truth Social only discloses its total number of sign-ups, which come to 8.9 million. In its filing on Monday, TMTG said it has no plans to disclose key metrics generally used by similar companies.

"As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, management has substantial doubt that TMTG will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due, including liabilities related to promissory notes previously issued by TMTG," the company said.

Trump Media is also embroiled in a legal battle with co-founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky. On Monday, a Delaware judge said he wanted the parties to set a hearing date this month to determine if the two should receive the 8.6% stake in the company they claim they are owed.

Trump Media and the pair have sued each other in Delaware and Florida state courts. The co-founders accused Trump Media of trying to improperly dilute their stake, while the company said they had failed to earn their shares and that it wants to strip them of their ownership.

(Reporting by Yuvraj Malik and Priyanka G in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware and Saqib Ahmed in New York; Editing by David Gaffen, Arun Koyyur, Anil D'Silva and Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Visitors who pour by the thousands into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have long been able to take for granted that fleets of rideshare drivers will be ready to pick them up at the flick of a smartphone and ferry them around the Twin Cities.

In a month's time, that option could disappear. It's got local tourism industry leaders more than a little nervous.

"It's just crazy to think about," said Angie Whitcomb, CEO of Hospitality Minnesota, a nonprofit group that represents restaurants, lodging and resorts throughout the state.

Minneapolis hospitality and tourism agencies are anxiously contemplating a future without rideshare services, even as they remain hopeful for a resolution to the dispute between the Minneapolis City Council and two rideshare giants over driver pay that has Uber and Lyft vowing a May 1 departure from Minneapolis.

That would leave a big hole in the local transportation system and inflict even more harm on an already struggling hospitality industry, especially hotels, said Adam Duininck, president and CEO of the Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District.

"We need to build up businesses and not lose more businesses," he said. "We need to look for more ways to move people around downtown, not less."

In 2023, there were nearly 1.9 million stays at Minneapolis hotels, an increase of 15% over the year prior, according to Meet Minneapolis. This year is off to a busy start for travel, with 49,190 people passing through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints on March 21  the second-busiest day at MSP since the start of the pandemic. The busiest day in that period was during MEA week last fall.

The hospitality industry itself is supported by many workers who rely on rideshare access to get to and from work after late shifts. "Our businesses operate on extended hours and at 2 in the morning you can't be guaranteed there's going to be public transportation at the front door of your place of business to get you safely home," Whitcomb said.

Many of Lyft's top pickup and drop-off locations are hospitality and tourism locations like Hilton Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Convention Center, Hyatt Regency-Minneapolis, and the Hewing Hotel, according to data shared by the rideshare company. While Lyft says it intends to only depart the Minneapolis market, Uber says it will pull out of the Twin Cities entirely.

Duininck decried the Minneapolis City Council's decision without a plan in place if Uber and Lyft follow through on the promises to leave.

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"That is like if the airport shut down Delta and said we can find you rides on American or Spirit," he said. "It's irresponsible and it will affect our city, events and tourism."

Large-scale events rely on ridesharing options for attendees. Ensuring seamless transportation is essential to enhance participants' overall experience and make Minnesota a premier travel destination, Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, said in a statement.

"Ensuring a diverse range of transportation choices is paramount for Minnesota to remain competitive, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Minneapolis," she said.

A lack of options could potentially jeopardize the millions of dollars the state has invested in the revitalization of downtown Minneapolis post-pandemic and post-George Floyd's murder, just as some momentum is building toward recovery, Whitcomb said.

"We're finally having meeting planners from across the country really look at Minneapolis for their events and conventions, but they're looking at the cost from a holistic perspective," Whitcomb said. "And if rideshare's going to be hard to get, or it's going to be the most expensive in the country ... that's going to impact their decision to come here."

Hope for statewide rideshare plan

Still, industry leaders are holding out hope for fair wages and assurances that travelers and industry workers will have transportation options that meet their needs.

"We are hopeful that a solution can be found so that any impact to rideshare users  including out-of-town visitors, convention attendees and tourism and hospitality workers  is negligible," Kathy McCarthy, a Meet Minneapolis spokesperson, said in a statement.

The hospitality industry will never be on the wrong side of wanting people to have the ability to make a living wage and take care of their families, Whitcomb said: "It's just unfathomable to imagine that we're solving a problem we think we're solving and OK with causing so many other problems."

Whitcomb and Duininck said they are hopeful the Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz can solve the dilemma and keep Uber and Lyft running. Duininck said it's a truly open question how people, and especially visitors with little knowledge of local routes and regions, will get around efficiently.

"We need to solve this issue," Duininck said. "It is not good for our city."
Lack of major funding places future of prestigious post-graduate program on island of Ireland in question

ARLINGTON, Va., April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The US-Ireland Alliance today announced its decision to pause the selection of future classes of George J. Mitchell Scholars as it considers the long-term sustainability of the prestigious post-graduate program that sends future American leaders to the island of Ireland.

The decision by the Alliance means a Mitchell Scholarship class of 2026 will not be selected. The class of 2025 has already been selected and will proceed as planned with study in Ireland and Northern Ireland this fall. The other activities of the Alliance, including the annual Oscar Wilde Awards, will continue as usual.

According to Alliance Founder and President Trina Y. Vargo, the Mitchell Scholarship Program is in no immediate financial difficulty. Yet operating on a comparatively small budget and on an annual basis is very different from having the stable, permanent funding necessary that comes with an endowment, Vargo said.

The Alliance estimates the minimum endowment needed to sustain the Mitchell Scholarship for the long-term is $40 million. The Irish government has committed to match any funds that are raised for this purpose up to 20 million.

"It is time to pause to determine if there is sufficient interest in retaining the most prestigious scholarship that uniquely sends young Americans to the island of Ireland," said Vargo.

Vargo created the US-Ireland Alliance and the Mitchell Scholarship 25 years ago, following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, which was shepherded by then U.S Senator George J. Mitchell and ended 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland.

The Mitchell quickly rose to a status equal to that of the Rhodes and other post-graduate awards which operate with multi-million-dollar endowments established by their founders. Yet despite achieving a high level of prestige and graduating nearly three hundred national and global leaders over the past quarter century, no major funders have emerged for the Mitchell.

"The support weve enjoyed for the last 25 years is very much appreciated and necessary, but unfortunately, its not sufficient," said Vargo. "Hence the need for a bridge to the future, which an endowment will provide."

To learn more, visit https://us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship/announcement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401769783/en/

Contacts

Trina Vargo, vargo@us-irelandalliance.org
HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam is seeking to learn from China to develop its first high-speed railway network, according to its government, with plans in the works for a rail line running the length of the country.

Vietnam is planning to build a 1,545 km (960 miles) high-speed system with a price tag that could be as much as $72 billion, or 17% of its gross domestic product, according to state media.

"China's railway industry is the world's most developed, and Vietnam, therefore, wants to learn from its experiences, especially in terms of technology, financial mobilisation and management expertise," a government statement at the weekend said.

It was released as Vietnam's Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung visited to China, where he talked with Chinese trade and transport officials and railway executives.

Vietnam and China signed dozens of cooperation agreements, including on railways, during a visit to Hanoi by Chinese President Xi Jinping in December.

Last year, Vietnam's government said it had asked Japan for support in building the high-speed railway.

Southeast Asia has so far been slow to adopt high-speed rail, despite plans in place for years by Vietnam, Thailand and others.

Only Laos, Vietnam's less developed neighbour, has a high-speed system, which was funded by Chinese loans, against the advice of economists who warned the country could be saddled with debt for years.

No timeframe has been announced for the high-speed system in Vietnam and the plan would be submitted to parliament for approval later this year, according to the government.

(Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has made defence a centrepiece of her campaign for a second term in office.

But her strategy must overcome significant political, financial and legal hurdles  and is likely to major on boosting its long-neglected industry, rather than sending EU troops into battle, Euronews was told.

The world is as dangerous as it has been for generations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, previously Germanys defence minister, told lawmakers in a February speech that cited turbulence in Europe and the Middle East. Europe has to wake up.

A week later, as she accepted the nomination of her centre-right EPP party for a further five-year stint leading the EU executive, she pledged a European Defence Union, with a designated commissioner responsible.

That would represent a significant departure  and it wont be easy.

The EU has long been seen as a peace project mainly concerned with regulating markets: economic leviathan, military minnow.

Many believe that needs to change, given Russias aggression against Ukraine.

There is awareness that there is an existential issue for the continent, for the EU, MEP Sven Mikser (Estonia/Socialists and Democrats) told Euronews, adding: We have been collectively taking out the peace dividend for far too long.

US bedrock

US support has long been a bedrock of European security  but Mikser believes presidential candidate Donald Trump and his increasingly inward-looking Republican party may now see NATO less as a guarantor of US security, and more as a fee-based service.

There is a realistic chance that we see the US taking less interest, Mikser, who was previously Estonias foreign minister, said in an interview. Europe will have to be ready to do even more.

Both EU governments and their electorates seem to recognise the need to strengthen the military.

In 2024, 18 NATO members, including many from the EU, are expected to spend at least 2% of their economy on defence, according to the alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. In 2014, just three met that target.

A recent bloc-wide poll for Euronews shows nearly half of voters see EU defence as a political priority  all the more so in countries that border Russia.

An EU army?

The EU has made little progress establishing an operational military presence.

Von der Leyen herself cites Aspides, an EU defensive mission that sent four frigates to the Red Sea to protect trade ships from Houthi attacks.

But EU joint exercises have so far been modest by NATO standards, and, though theres talk of deploying them in specialised situations such as evacuations, its still not clear when and how that might happen.

The EPP manifesto for European Parliament elections due in June looks ahead to integrated European forces in air, land and sea, but Mikser dismissses the idea of an EU army as far-fetched.

This will not happen in the foreseeable future, Mikser said, as the military is a major attribute of national sovereignty. NATO is obviously going to remain the organisation of choice when it comes to military operations.

As such, EU action is likely to focus on a more traditional economic role for the EU: stimulating the domestic defence industry.

The Commission says the sector has a turnover of 70bn, and employs half a million people.

An EU military exercise in Spain, 2023 - Jorge Guerrero Ordonez/EU

But in practice, of military purchases made by EU states since the Russian invasion, nearly four fifths are from providers outside the bloc, chiefly the US.

Shortcomings in production capacity were laid bare when the EU failed to achieve a target to send Ukraine a million shells, and are now lawmakers focus.

Our priority should be on the coordinated procurement and production of weapons and munition, in order to create an effective single European defence market, David McAllister (Germany/European Peoples Party) told Euronews in a written interview.

As such EU defence policy  at least in the medium term  seems likely to build on existing projects, including EDIRPA, boosting demand by common procurement, and ASAP, stimulating ammunition supply.

But even more modest market-focused policies still face a host of major challenges, not least a massive funding gap.

The EUs normal approach would be legislation to govern and consolidate the market  but that wont be enough, Sophia Besch told Euronews.

Regulation and harmonisation weve been trying for 30 years, and it hasnt worked, as EU treaty exemptions let countries circumvent EU defence laws, said Besch, a fellow in the Europe Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Instead, she said, the EU needs to offer funding  and a lot more than the meagre 1.5bn it recently proposed.

EU commissioner Thierry Breton has himself talked of the need for a 100bn fund, and theres been a range of proposals to close that gap.

They include extending the reach of the European Investment Bank, carving out military spending from constraints on budget deficits, and even European defence bonds  an innovative form of finance thats likely to provoke scepticism among frugal members wary of pooling debt.

The cost of Russian victory

However big the price tag, von der Leyen argues the cost of a Russian victory would be greater still.

But, when funding the EU budget, member states go into these negotiations with their own parochial interests, Besch said.

Those intergovernmental dynamics can be still worse in the field of defence  as Ireland remains steadfastly neutral, Hungary deploys its veto, and EU treaties restrict the commissions ability to buy arms directly.

Last time the EU agreed its seven-year budget plans, defence spending was slashed in favour of more traditional areas such as farm subsidies.

Those hurdles have meant slow progress, even in an area Brussels paints as urgent.

The EU recently agreed its 5bn European Peace Facility (EPF) after significant debate, but the end result is administratively burdensome and democratically untransparent, Dylan Macchiarini Crosson, a researcher at Brussels-based think tank the Centre for European Policy Studies, told Euronews.

A new commissioner?

Von der Leyens promises of institutional change could help, Crosson argues: a new defence commissioner could potentially wring some powers back from the more nationally-controlled EU external action service, such as the ability to set regulatory standards.

But equally, the EUs track record isnt great, and the rightward shift predicted in the next European Parliament could bring national sensitivities even more to the foreground, he believes.

The fact that the Czech government recently moved to coordinate national military procurements  exactly what the Commission hoped to do via EDIRPA and the EPF  is an indictment of whats been done thus far by the EU, Crosson said.

Transatlantic views

Whatever the EU does in this area, policymakers across the Atlantic are watching closely  and perhaps more supportively than before.

Historically, Washington has been sceptical of European defence projects, said James Batchik, associate director at the Atlantic Councils Europe Center, citing previous concerns from former Secretary of State Madeleine Allbright that the EU might duplicate or delink from NATO structures. Thats generally changed: America welcomes a more active Europe.

Meanwhile US presidential elections, taking place just days after a new Commission is sworn in, could represent its first major challenge.

Theres a clear contrast between the candidates: both Besch and Batchik describe incumbent Joe Biden as an instinctive transatlanticist, while Trump has said hed encourage Russia to invade supposed European allies.

But the imperative for Europe to protect itself shouldnt depend on whos in the White House, Batchik told Euronews.

EU states missed the boat in understanding geopolitical threats over the last three decades, he said  and US election results wont change the long term necessity of this defence transformation in Europe.
Nabors, a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry, was recently awarded a four-rig contract by Sonatrach Division Forage in Algeria and has started operations in the first quarter of 2024.

This agreement not only strengthens the collaboration between the two entities but also signifies a strategic move towards restoring Nabors presence in the region, the company said.

Nabors and Sonatrach had a decades long history of working together before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. With the restart of the Algerian operation, Nabors has been able to support local businesses, provide job opportunities and deliver training and know-how to the Algerian workforce, it said.

Nabors PACE class rigs are some of the most advanced rigs in the world. Sonatrach will use Nabors PACE- F rigs, equipped with advanced drilling technologies and equipment such as the Canrig Automated Catwalk, Canrig 500-ton AC Top Drive and REVit automation platform, all designed to optimise operational efficiency and deliver responsible operations.

John Mabry, Algeria Area Manager, said: Sonatrach has a great track record with Nabors, so we are excited to be working with them again. With the technologies provided on our rigs, I believe we will be able to help Sonatrach meet their drilling targets and achieve their operational goals.

Sonatrach, a national state-owned company of Algeria, is the largest oil and gas company in Algeria and Africa. The company operates in exploration, production, pipeline transportation and marketing of hydrocarbons and by-products. Sonatrach bases its work on strong work values and policies and over the years of success activities, it has established a reliable reputation in the oil and gas market. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service
Carnival Corp. (NYSE: CCL) is no longer a meme stock. It's up 65% over the past year, and its business is back to booming. Now that it's rebounded, should investors move on the next big thing? Not so fast. Carnival has a powerful leadership position as the largest cruise operator in the world, and it might deserve a spot in your portfolio. Let's see where it could be five years from now and whether or not you should buy it.

Demand for cruises is still hot

Carnival demonstrated an incredible recovery last year, as expected. Now it's keeping up its solid performance as it fields high demand, with record revenue and improving profitability.

The 2024 fiscal first-quarter (ended Feb. 29) results surpassed expectations across several metrics. Revenue was a record $5.4 billion, 23% higher than last year. It had record first-quarter deposits of $7 billion, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) net loss improved from $693 million last year to $214 million this year.

Management had previously said that it was coming into 2024 in its best booked position ever, and it's already in a better position for 2025 than it was for 2024 at this time last year. It has limited inventory for the rest of the year, pushing out bookings from strong demand into a longer curve at higher ticket prices, setting itself up for a strong start to 2025.

Carnival is still experiencing high demand as a pushback from lockdown, and that's not going to last forever. The current increased demand illustrates consumer confidence in Carnival as well as high overall interest in its product, indicating an enduring business model that can withstand short-term challenges and bounce back. Five years from now, demand is likely to be completely normalized, but still strong. In other words, it should be similar to its pre-pandemic performance.

Problems persist, but there's a path toward profits

The main risk with buying Carnival stock is that it took on a heavy debt burden to keep its doors open when ships weren't running. It's been paying off that debt, but it will take several years to fully get rid of it. Until it does, it's vulnerable to anything new that could rock its boat, so to speak.

For example, Carnival has already been impacted by the bridge collapse in Baltimore last week, and it had to reroute a returning cruise ship to Norfolk, Virginia. It anticipated a $10 million headwind to profits for the 2024 full year based on the incident.

Carnival paid off another $1 billion in high-interest debt in the 2024 first quarter, which it takes from cash from operations and free cash flow. It generated $1.8 billion in cash from operations, up from roughly $400 million last year, and roughly $1.4 billion in adjusted free cash flow, up from $144 million, in the quarter.

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It still needs to balance debt payoffs with keeping enough money to maintain and grow its business. It took delivery on two new ships using a new credit facility even as it paid down other debt, and it ordered its first new ships in five years for delivery in 2027 and 2028. It expects these investments to yield higher revenue down the line.

In five years, it might still have some of this debt outstanding, but it should be in a much better financial position, with more leeway for hiccups along the road.

Carnival can be a market-beating stock

Carnival stock gained 130% last year, soundly beating the S&P 500, but it's down 12% year to date, trailing the market.

Historically, Carnival has been a market-beating stock. It's still stabilizing after years of volatility and carrying a high debt load. In five years, it should be stable, with a steady and growing business, and it's likely to be back to its market-bearing performance. As such, it could be an excellent value candidate for a diversified portfolio.

Should you invest $1,000 in Carnival Corp. right now?

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Jennifer Saibil has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Carnival Corp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Where Will Carnival Stock Be in 5 Years? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Starting off the new month on a positively energetic note, Cameco (NYSE: CCJ) stock is shooting higher today. While both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average are in the red, investors are clicking the buy button on the uranium producer's stock after learning of some favorable attention that the stock is receiving from Wall Street.

As of 11:15 a.m. ET, shares of Cameco are up 5.5%, retreating from their earlier rise of 7.4%.

Goldman Sachs gives Cameco stock a green light

Initiating coverage on Cameco, Goldman Sachs assigned a $55 price target and buy rating on the stock. According to The Fly, Neil Mehta, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, predicated the auspicious outlook on the company's commanding market position and the belief that demand for uranium will soon rise, leading to higher prices -- all of which will benefit Cameco.

Based on Cameco's closing price of $43.32 on Friday, the $55 price target implies upside of 27%.

Cameco heads into 2024 with momentum

Cameco is coming off a strong performance in 2023. Besides growing revenue 39% on a year-over-year basis, the company reported net earnings growth over 300% and operational cash flow more than doubled compared to 2022. Plus, the company's optimistic about 2024, projecting revenue of $2.85 billion to $3 billion. Should it achieve the midpoint of this range, it will represent top-line growth of more than 13%.

Global interest in nuclear power is growing. Several weeks ago, leaders from the United States, China, France, Saudi Arabia, and 30 other countries vowed to foster the growth of the renewable energy source. This won't immediately benefit Cameco, but it's an encouraging sign for the uranium producer's long-term prospects.

For those looking to gain nuclear energy exposure, Cameco is an industry leader that's worthy of investors' consideration.

Should you invest $1,000 in Cameco right now?

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The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Cameco wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

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Why Shares of Cameco Are Powering Higher Today was originally published by The Motley Fool
By Yelin Mo and Brenda Goh

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Xiaomi is advising potential buyers of its SU7 electric sedan that they could face waits of four to seven months, in a sign of strong demand for its first-ever vehicle.

The maker of smartphones and other consumer electronics began taking orders on Thursday and said pre-orders hit 88,898 in the first 24 hours.

Deliveries for the standard SU7 model, priced at 215,900 yuan ($29,870), may take 18-21 weeks, according to checks by Reuters on Xiaomi's car app.

Deliveries for the SU7 Pro model could take 18-21 weeks, while the most expensive model, priced at 299,900 yuan, could take 27-30 weeks.

The SU7, whose design has drawn comparisons with Porsche's Taycan and Panamera sports car models, has been launched amid a cut-throat price war in the world's largest auto market where more than 40 brands vie for consumer attention.

On Monday, Huawei-backed Aito offered discounts of up to 20,000 yuan on its new M7 SUVs until the end of end-April while Xpeng also offered subsidies of up to 20,000 yuan on its flagship electric SUV G9 for a limited time.

In addition, Chery announced it would offer tax breaks, trade-in subsidies and cash discounts on some of its best-selling gasoline-engine vehicles.

While the market is challenging for newcomers, analysts have noted that Xiaomi has deeper pockets than many EV startups and that its expertise in smartphones gives the company an edge in smart dashboards - a feature that Chinese consumers prize.

As part of the campaign to kick off sales, Xiaomi also released two special versions of the car called "Founder's Edition" that come with complimentary gifts, such as refrigerators. The first 5,000 of those cars sold out immediately.

A second round of Founder's Edition sales has been opened but it was not immediately clear how many would be sold.

(Reporting by Yelin Mo and Brenda Goh; Additional reporting by Qiaoyi Li; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Edwina Gibbs)
He calls it Cogens Farm and David Cogen delights in explaining how he already has selected the corn variety he will plant this spring after careful research and discussion with an agronomist.

Yet on a warm day in early March, Cogen is already fretting, sounding every bit like a seasoned farmer. Maybe he should plant earlier than he had originally planned. The weather has been awfully warm, after all.

Discussion of hybrid seed choices and planting dates is the kind of conversation that plays out in diners, coffee shops, implement dealerships and hardware stores across Iowa in springtime.

New York-based technology infuencer David Cogen will try his hand at farming this season on a 20-acre tract near Bondurant.

But Cogens Farm is a little different. Its just 20 acres near Bondurant, a mere fraction of what the U.S. Department of Agriculture says is the average-size Iowa farm: 359 acres.

And Cogen also isnt your typical farmer. Hes from Brooklyn  not the one located between Des Moines and Iowa City on Interstate 80, but the one in New York famous for Coney Island and a bridge bearing its name.

With an assist from friends at John Deere, Cogen will try his hand at farming for the first time, attempting to profitably raise a crop and bring it to market all while sharing the experience on his social media accounts as he progresses through the growing season.

Cogens real job is being an tech influencer on social media, bringing his know-how under the name of TheUnlockr to his 768,000 subscribers on YouTube and 38,700 followers on Instagram. Over about 15 years, he's garnered millions of views for his videos, including a particularly famous one titled "How to Make the Apple Logo on Your iPhone Light Up Like a Macbook."

In announcing his farming venture earlier this spring, Cogen wrote: This small 20-acre piece of land just outside of Des Moines, Iowa is where, for the next six months or so, I will attempt to till, plant, spray, harvest and sell corn This is a project Ive been wanting to do for years honestly.

More: Earnings forecast down, Deere announces layoffs in Waterloo. How many will lose jobs?

My hope is to show others what farming actually entails. Its complex, hard, and not what most people envision. Oh, and dont worry there will be tech (and it is some of the most impressive out there honestly), Cogen wrote.

Deere wants people to see farmers aren't just 'pitchforks and overalls'

Commuting from Brooklyn, he will start with field work and planting in April, make a return trip to do some spraying this summer and then harvest his crop in the fall. Expenses such as farm and equipment rental and seed and chemical costs will be figured in. Deere will bankroll the project, but keep tabs on costs, and Cogen knows he needs a solid yield to make a profit.

Story continues

He told the Des Moines Register he developed his interest in trying to farm from watching British celebrity Jeremy Clarksons documentary series "Clarksons Farm," where the TV presenter decides to try his hand at running a farm he owns in the Cotswolds.

For Deere, it is an opportunity to have a well-known technology influencer highlight its oh-wow innovations for monitoring, controlling and automating agricultural processes to achieve maximum efficiency and yields.

More: Iowa losing mid-size farms as smallest, largest ones increase, new U.S. ag census shows

I think a lot of people who don't live in Iowa and around rural agriculture think of farmers as, you know, pitchforks and overalls. Farmers are very, very sophisticated businessmen and marketers and technologists, so it just seems that technologies is the common link to help people understand how their food is grown, said Franklin Peitz, technology and innovation PR manager at John Deere.

Peitz said it is the interest of younger people in technology that provides an avenue to educate them on agriculture and how their food is grown.

Autonomous cars or self-driving cars still haven't really hit the market. However, we've had self-driving tractors for almost a quarter of a century now," he said. "Just the adoption of technology in agriculture is tremendous and we've got a really great story to share and we're just trying to shed a light on it.

The ultimate goal of the project, he said, is to educate people on how complex and difficult farming can be and how many different decisions growers have to make.

'I want to just, like, make something off of the land'

It was Deere that first reached out in 2021, offering Cogen and some other technology influencers an opportunity to come to Iowa, where it has several plants, and Illinois, where Deere is based in the Quad Cities, to try out some of the technology.

Cogen drove a huge Deere combine and was hooked. When the company offered the opportunity, he jumped at the chance to try his hand at farming.

More: Farmer's free-ranging cattle wreak havoc in northeast Iowa community, neighbors say

I think your average person does not know what it takes to farm. They have an idea in their head of what that is and it's just not true. I think I would like to just show literally what everyone goes through in farming and the business side of things. I would love to be able to show people because I think that's also fascinating to me and how hard it is and how small the margins actually are, he said.

Cogen describes himself as a competitive person.

I would be super, super stoked if I could turn a profit, any profit," he said. "That's what I want to do. I want to just, like, make something off of the land and get a good yield and not end up just losing money,

Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at kbaskins@registermedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Deere funds test: Can NYC tech influencer make a profit farming in Iowa?
The journalism world lost a legend on Wednesday.

Louis "Lou" Kilzer passed away at the age of 73. He died in his Colorado Springs home under hospice care surrounded by family.

The two-time Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist carved a staggering resume throughout his over-41-year career, writing five books, winning multiple awards and bringing various public safety issues to the spotlight through his investigative reporting.

Kilzer died due to various ongoing illnesses, according to his wife, Elizabeth Kovacs.

He was born in Cody, Wyoming in 1951. Following graduation from Yale University, he joined the Rocky Mountain News in Denver in 1977, covering public safety throughout the city.

His illustrious career continued metro Denver wide. He became an investigative reporter at the Denver Post, where he eventually won a Pulitzer Prize in 1986, along with two other reporters, for Public Service.

The writer moved on to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune in the late 80s and eventually won another Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in 1990 with Chris Ison.

The reporter duo exposed the Saint Paul Fire Department for profiting off of fires.

Kilzer returned to the Denver Post as an investigative reporter and eventually moved back to the Rocky Mountain News. After a few years, Kizler became the editor-in-chief for the JoongAng Daily in Seoul, South Korea, then went back to investigative work at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

He went on to win the William Brewster Styles Award, given by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, for his reporting on money laundering for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in 2012.

He authored two World War II books and two mystery novels before retiring in Costa Rica, then later Colorado Springs.

A thunderous pen

His picture hangs on the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame wall.

"Lou was a denizen of the club, and his is honored with a caricatures that hangs in our back room, along with dozens of others who have made significant contributions to the Denver Press Club," said Marianne Goodland, club president and legislative reporter for Colorado Politics.

Caricature aside, Kilzer was a "full-blown newsroom character" in real life, according to his former coworker at the Rocky Mountain News, Kevin Vaughan  now an investigative reporter for 9News.

"He'd say, well hello, Kevin, with a conspiratorial tone in his voice, always in is trademark khakis, rumpled Oxford shirt and tweed sport jacket," Vaughan said of his time working with Kilzer. "I was sorry to hear last week that he wasnt well  and Im sad that hes left us.

"Lou was the consummate professional and friend to almost everyone he met, one of the first you thought about among the truly all-time great journalists and authors in Colorado," Mark Stutz, spokesperson for the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, said. "He had a natural curiosity, and a dogged but friendly approach to finding out about whatever story he was pursuing that day or book he was writing, and the ability to put it all into terms his readers could understand."

Stutz shared stories of his time working with Kilzer. Stutz had been a public relations specialist with Xcel Energy during Kilzer's Denver reporting days.

His favorite story involved working with Kilzer during the Y2K problem  or lack thereof  in 2000.

"As it turned out, it was much to do about nothing, but I promised that I would call [Kilzer] immediately after midnight to let him know about power issues for his story," Stutz said of the less-than-historic event. "He only told me only to be ready with lots of information if it was bad, but to otherwise come up with some pithy and interesting quote if nothing happened."

Tough competitor

The pouring in of stories following the news of his death didn't stop there.

Denver City Councilman Kevin Flynn spent decades as a reporter before he ran for elected office.

Kilzer was one of his writing partners at the Rocky Mountain News.

He was a great partner and fierce competitor, Flynn said.

Flynn recalled working with Kilzer on stories following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. They developed a phone call database from all the phone records in the case, the phones used by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. They created a database with times, locations, the place that was called, where the call originated from. They used that whenever they got a tip  such as conspiracy theories about where McVeigh was in the leadup to the bombing.

We were able to disprove as well as prove tips and leads, Flynn said.

Flynn and Kilzer wound up as competitors when Kilzer went to the Denver Post. They were on opposite teams when KOAs Alan Berg was murdered by members of the white supremacist group The Order.

It was just fun going back and forth. He would break a story. Then Gary Gerhardt and I would break a story. We hated picking up the other paper in the driveway each morning, if we got beaten.

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When Kilzer returned to the Rocky Mountain News  like coming back to the womb, Flynn quipped  he and Flynn teamed up again on a story with major impact in Denver.

Denver SWAT executed a no-knock warrant at the wrong address in 1999, based on a bad tip about a drug dealer given to a Denver police officer from a confidential informant.

They stormed upstairs, burst into the bedroom, where Ismael Mena was holding a gun. The officers shot and killed Mena.

Flynn and Kilzer got into the habit of going every Friday to the clerks office at the Denver city/county building and look through search warrant affidavits filed in the previous week. The two looked through two years of these search warrants, and wrote a series about the results of those no-knock warrants.

We found out that the use of no-knock warrants, one of the riskiest law enforcement tactics, resulted almost universally in poorer outcomes.

Our series led the Denver Police Department to severely restrict the future use of no-knock warrants. That's probably the story I'm most proud of working with Lou.

Sense of humor

Flynn also told a story about some of the pranks he and Kilzer played in the press room at City Hall in the early 1980s. There was one reporter from the Post who Flynn said would eavesdrop on conversations. They took the microphone out of his phone so no one could hear him when he was on the phone.

Another time, same reporter, there was an investigation around a police officer fixing parking tickets.

Knowing the Post reporter was eavesdropping through a closed door, Flynn pretended to get on the phone with the public information officer from the police department, and Lou would say ask about the gun, ask about the gun, loud enough for the Post reporter to hear.

Okay, Flynn said, pretending to have a conversation with the PIO about this officer who was fixing tickets.

You just got back from Philly, right? Flynn said. Hey, did you bring me that cheese steak?

I guess you know why Im calling. You cant? Why not? Heres what we know; you found the body up in OFallon Park (in Bear Creek Canyon). We know that. Hikers came across, we know that.

Lou again, ask about the gun, ask about the gun.

Flynn: Did you find the gun? You did? And then came the kicker: Does his wife know?

After that, okay, talk to you later, then Flynn hung up, they counted to three and walked out of the room.

Flynn recalled they set the whole thing up to catch this Post reporter.

It was worth the five minutes it took to set that up.

Flynn also hung out with Kilzer at the Denver Press Club, where Kilzer was a lifetime member who kept up his membership even during his time in Minneapolis.

He was very serious about the craft, very thorough and professional. But we had our devilish sides, Flynn said.

Accountability journalism

And that devilish side, along with a hard-nosed knack for finding the truth, led to the accountability-driven journalism that won him so many accolades.

"I worked with Lou at The Denver Post on investigative projects, and I remember him referring to his method of accountability journalism as "rolling thunder,'" Vince Bzdek, editor of the (Colorado Springs) Gazette and Denver Gazette, said. "He'd hit wrongdoers with a big story exposing their dirty deeds, then he'd follow up again and again with more stories until something was finally done to right the wrong. The man had thunder in his pen."

The legacy lives on through his amalgamation of investigative work, admiring colleagues and loving family.

"We're feeling a great loss. It's difficult to watch someone passing away in their home" Kovacs said. "One thing he said was, 'I've succeeded in everything that I tried to do, but now I can't get out of bed,'" she laughed.

Just an example of the award-winning character that all of his peers have praised.

His daughter remembers her dad's stories well.

"When I was young, I cant remember exactly, maybe 5th or 6th grade, I went with my dad for 'take your daughter to work day'," said Xanthe Kilzer. "He showed me the newsroom: a vast layout of desks, corded phones, coffee mugs and papers spilling out all over the place. I could feel the energy.

"Later he took me on the court beat. We ended up at a gang-related murder trial and I heard testimony of a gruesome fight. I will never forget it. This was a day in the life of my dad  always seeking the lead to an exciting story. He had no qualms about sharing his findings with his young family and I was riveted by his stories."

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kovacs; loving children, Alex and Xanthe Kilzer; brother-in-law, Joe Gogain; nephew Joe Gogain Jr.; niece, Amber Jandreau; grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A memorial for Kilzer will be planned for a later date. The family requests any remembrances or pictures of Kilzer to be sent to loukilzermemorial@gmail.com.
The UAE secured 44.1%, namely 31.3 million barrels, of Japan's crude oil needs in February 2024, according to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy in Tokyo, a report said.

The agency, part of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, stated that the amount of crude that Japan imported during that month amounted to around 71 million barrels, of which, 68.74 million barrels -96.7% - originated from five Arab countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.
The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) hosted an international Ramadan majlis at the Fairmont Ajman Hotel that was aimed at strengthening economic ties with other countries and promoting the emirate as an attractive destination for investment and business, a report said.

Ambassadors, consuls, and other foreign dignitaries attended the gathering, alongside local government officials and Ajman businessmen, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

Among the attendees from ACCI were Maher Tarish Al Alili, Board Member; Mohamed Ali Al Janahi, Acting Director General; and Ali Rashid Al Kaitoob, Executive Director of the Studies and Investment Development Sector.

Al Kaitoob stressed that the Ajman Chamber is keen to organise the international Ramadan majlis to consolidate its relations and build a sustainable partnership base with countries of the world.

It also seeks to promote investment opportunities in the emirate, attract foreign investments, and discuss opportunities to diversify foreign markets for the emirates products and increase the volume of intra-trade between Ajman and the world countries and the qualitative components of Ajman.

He pointed out that the majlis has a special role in promoting investment opportunities in Ajman and highlighting the level of great and successive developments and the distinguished economic recovery in the Emirate of Ajman across all sectors industrial, commercial, tourism, educational, health, service, real estate, and other sectors.

Fatima Yaqoob Al Awadhi, Acting Head of the Investment Attraction Section at Ajman Chamber, said the majlis is an opportunity to explore the most prominent international economic exhibitions and events and discuss ways to participate in them among the attendees to include them in the plans of the Promotion Section.
Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart has been awarded Chinese-Friendly Hotel of the Year 2023 by Trip.com, in recognition of its tailored and extensive offering to Chinese business and leisure travellers to Dubai.

Trip.com is one of the world's largest Chinese-owned online travel agencies, with over 400 million users worldwide.

According to data from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai welcomed more tourists than ever before in 2023, attracting 17.15 million international overnight visitors over the course of the year.

China ranks as the fifth-largest source market for Dubai, with 450,000 tourists arriving between January and September 2023.

In 2023, Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart welcomed a total of 157,000 guests with an impressive 39%  no fewer than 61,500 guests  originating from China. The hotels strategic location at International City directly opposite Dragon Mart, the biggest Chinese market in the UAE, caters to a large Chinese community working or residing in the area.

The award acknowledges Dubai Dragon Marts commitment to serving its Chinese guests, including the recently introduced Chinese menu at Nuevo restaurant, tailored Chinese in-house communications and sign instructions, team members capable of engaging in basic Mandarin conversations aided by language apps and interpreters, a specially curated Chinese breakfast, and an impressive customer satisfaction rating of 86%.

Eric Masalawala, General Manager, Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart, said: The accolade from Trip.com is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all team members at Dubai Dragon Mart.

Our aim is to ensure our Chinese visitors feel at home. Their appreciation for the hotels prime location, just a few footsteps away from the vibrant Dragon Mart in the heart of International City, alongside the positive response to our new Chinese menu and the personalised service in Mandarin, is clearly reflected in the Trip.com award. We are fully committed to enhancing and expanding our offering for the Chinese market.

Simon Leigh, Managing Director, Premier Inn Middle East, said: China has been one of our key markets with Dubai Dragon Market increasingly serving as destination of choice for Chinese travellers.

The Trip.com recognition will further drive Chinese visitor traffic to our hotels, complementing the initiatives of the authorities to welcome more Chinese travellers and entrepreneurs to Dubai.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi-based Riyadh Air and Artefact, a leading global consultancy in data and AI transformation services, have signed a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionising the aviation industry through AI applications.

Utilising cutting edge cloud and AI technologies, the partnership will focus on building Riyadh Airs data analytics platform and developing AI solutions across its main business and corporate functions.

Through these AI solutions, Riyadh Air will be able to hyper-personalise its guest experience and elevate its guest service through intelligent channels, optimise its flight and ground operations through real-time data insights and predictions, and launch fit-for-purpose offerings of Air and non-Air products through highly efficient and targeted sales channels.

Abe Dev, Vice President Digital & Innovation at Riyadh Air, said: "Our partnership with Artefact signifies Riyadh Air's dedication to leveraging cutting edge technologies to enhance guest experiences at every stage and every moment of their journey.

This partnership with Artefact builds upon our recent collaborations with leaders in the aviation industry. Through AI integration, we aim to redefine travel standards, offering personalised, seamless digital-first experience to our guests ahead of our maiden flight in 2025."

Rahul Arya, CEO and Managing Partner of Artefact MENA, said: "Our partnership with Riyadh Air marks a significant milestone in our commitment to pioneering AI solutions tailored to the unique needs of the aviation industry.

By combining Riyadh Air's forward-thinking approach with Artefact's expertise in data and AI solutions, we're poised to set new standards for innovation in the airline sector."

Riyadh Air, set to make its maiden flight in 2025, is poised to revolutionise the future of air travel and exceed guests' expectations of their travel experience.

Riyadh Air aims to set new standards in the industry, connecting the kingdom to over 100 destinations worldwide. This initiative, the airline said, supports the ambitions of both the National Aviation Strategy and National Tourism Strategy, which aim to bring 330 million annual visitors to the kingdom by 2030.  TradeArabia News Service
Jon Hardister was once a fast-rising young star among North Carolina Republicans.

Now hes about to make a fast exit.

Having unexpectedly lost in the March 5 GOP primary for labor commissioner, Hardister announced last week that he was resigning his seat in the state House, where has served six terms and became the youngest and longest-serving House majority whip in state history.

Hardister will step down on April 8, well before his term expires at the end of the year.

This will allow me to rededicate myself to family and working in the private sector, Hardister said in a news release.

Though Hardister didnt broach the phrase creative differences, his statement sounded suspiciously like the kind of verbiage often used in the wake of uneasy, undesired or unexpected exits.

Yes, Hardister was going to be stepping down anyway. When he mounted his campaign for labor commissioner, he had planned to give up his House seat all along. What he didnt plan on was losing the primary.

Hardister placed second in a four-candidate field to the winner, first-time candidate Luke Farley of Raleigh, who opposes vaccine requirements and who has pledged to Make Elevators Great Again, a nod both to Donald Trump and to one of the labor commissioners responsibilities: elevator inspections.

Hardisters defeat follows the demise of other, more traditional, establishment Republicans.

For instance, theres State Treasurer Dale Folwell of Winston-Salem, who is deeply experienced and well-qualified, but never stood a chance against the Trumpier, grumpier, fire-breathing ideologue Mark Robinson..

Theres incumbent Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt , who lost in the primary to Michele Morrow, a homeschool mom who has advocated on social media for the execution of Barack Obama, among others.

And theres Mark Walker of Greensboro, a former congressman who kept searching for, and never found, a path back to office. So he gave up and took a job with the Trump campaign.

Heres the thing: None of these losing candidates are closet liberals. For instance, Hardister was a staunch supporter of North Carolinas infamous bathroom bill, HB 2. He also was a Medicaid expansion skeptic.

But working with Democrats, at least occasionally, wasnt, to him, consorting with the enemy.

And though sometimes Hardisters veneer of reasonableness was just that  a veneer  compromise wasnt always a four-letter word.

As for the culture warriors lined up to run this fall? Its not even in their vocabulary.

In case youve forgotten, the GOP nominee for state attorney general, Dan Bishop, was the sponsor of HB 2 when he was a state senator. That bill not only involved bathroom access, but it also nullified anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people.

Small wonder the NC Chamber is concerned. In a recent statement, the Chamber, which advocates for businesses, expressed disappointment in Hardisters loss and trepidation about Farley and Morrow.

Both candidates move into the general (election) with a strong chance of holding public office and will likely further politicize two offices that are, by design, nonpartisan, the Chamber said.

The Chamber also plainly stated its concern for whats happening more generally, describing the primary results as a startling warning of the looming threats to North Carolinas business climate.

The Chamber added: While we celebrate the victories of Chamber-backed candidates, many of the races we were watching turned for candidates that do not share our vision for North Carolina. Particularly in Republican races, populist candidates enjoyed great success. In many instances, previously unknown candidates defeated sitting legislators and elected officials with stronger qualifications, pristine voting records, and significantly more funding.

Just so you know, The Chamber has never, ever, been mistaken for a liberal enclave.

So, what to do if youre a Republican who mourns what is happening to your party?

First, you should realize youre not powerless.

You can vote as we all should: for the candidate and not the party.

No law compels you to support a straight ticket.

Where you see the need, its your right: You can do the unthinkable. And vote for a Democrat.
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Etitors note: The U.S. territory of Guam is comprised of 19 villages, many with their own distinct character, history and points of interest. Stripes Guam and Guampedia have joined forces to present this weekly feature on each of them in the hopes that it will help our readers get out  and get to know  our gracious hosts. To learn more about Guams people, history, culture and places, visit: guampedia.com

Chalan Pago is a Chamorro word that means Pago Road. Chalan Pago referred to the area traveled through to get from Hagatna to Pago, which may lend to the naming of the area, which is covered with Pago trees (hibiscus tiliaceus).

Pago was one of the reduccion villages established by Father Diego Luis de San Vitores, who established the Catholic mission in the Marianas in the 1670s. Chamorros from throughout the Mariana Islands archipelago were resettled and concentrated into villages on Guam to enhance missionaries efforts.

Ordot village seems to have originated in the nineteenth century. The village name is derived from the Chamorro word otdot, which means ant. Some residents believe that the name was given to the area because the type of soil there is attractive to certain types of ants.

Village history Pago is an ancient settlement in Pago Bay along the southeastern coast of Guam. In the 1670s, Pago was resettled as a Catholic village, established when Chamorros were forced to leave their homes throughout the Mariana Islands during the Spanish reduccion. In the 1700s, Jesuit missionaries established an agricultural station at Tachogna which encompassed much of the present-day village of Ordot.

Other ancient settlements in the area included Fagtu, Tagun, Pumud, Tinaka, Pohund and Aguan. A typhoon and an epidemic struck the island in the 1850s which caused massive population loss as well as the abandonment of the village of Pago. Survivors were absorbed into other villages. The area remained a popular ranching area, however, because of its fertile soil and proximity to peoples homes in Hagatna. Corn was the most popular crop although some rice, taro and yams were grown in the wetlands. Gaddo and dago (types of yams) were also plentiful in the region. It was not until after World War II that people again began to build permanent houses for use as their primary residences. Initially, the villages were considered suburbs of Sinajana but in 1956, Ordot and Chalan Pago combined to become its own municipality.

In 3 August 2010, the We are Guam, We are Ordot-Chalan Pago village mural was unveiled. The mural is part of the Guam Visitors Bureaus branding program, We Are Guam. It is located along Route 10 across from Song Market and is the 11th of 19 village murals. Artists Gregorio C. Sablan and Tina Flores, teachers from John F. Kennedy High School and George Washington High School, designed and led the community of volunteers to its completion.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Recreation

Frank Perez Park (Pago Bay) Although a very small park, the Frank Perez Park is the only area within Pago Bay that provides easy public access to the shoreline of Pago Bay. Fishermen can often be found launching their small boats to fish or wading the waters of the bay with their talaya nets or fishing poles. Just south of the Frank Perez Park are Japanese bunkers that can be seen along the shoreline; the bunkers were built during World War II as part of the Japanese defenses within Pago Bay.

Chalan Pago-Ordot Village Mural The We are Guam, We are Chalan Pago-Ordot village mural is located along Route 10. It is part of the Guam Visitors Bureau branding project We Are Guam. The mural is filled with imagery and icons of the village history and community. The artists of the mural were Greg Sablan, Jr. and Tina Flores.

Institutions

Agueda Iglesias Johnston Middle School Agueda I. Johnston Middle School is located behind the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ordot. In 1974, this middle school, known as the George Washington Junior High School, was renamed after the educator and civic leader Agueda Iglesias Johnston.

Apostolic Bible Fellowship Incorporated in August 1999, the Apostolic Bible Fellowship obtained its Kongga Road property in February 2000, and constructed the church building in 2006. The church is affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International, and is the result of the early 1980s missionary work of Rev. & Mrs. Roy Bettis. Situated away from the busy island streets, the church is surrounded by century-old Monkeypod trees, and enjoys a peaceful island atmosphere.

Bahai Assembly The Bahai Faith has been a part of the island community for over fifty years. There are seventeen localities in the Mariana Islands. Members of the Bahai Faith Assembly of Chalan Pago-Ordot share the task of hosting gatherings. The Assembly may not have a building or office but can be contacted through the main branch located in Hagatna.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam The administration office for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam (BBBS) is located in Ordot. They are an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nations premier mentoring organization. BBBS provides one-to-one mentoring for children ages 8-16.

Dominican Child Development Center The Dominican Child Development Center of Ordot is located across the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church. The Center was built in 1980 by Sisters Loreto Almira and Remedios Ignacio from the order of Dominican Sisters who arrived on Guam to assist in establishing Catholic schools, day cares and homes for senior citizens.

Evangelical Christian Academy The Evangelical Christian Academy (ECA) is located along Route 4 of Chalan Pago and has been operating for 30 years. ECAs enrollment includes grades kindergarten up to 12th. The school is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. The Academy specializes in an individualized or customized approach to education. Each student is tested and a curriculum is designed specifically for them.

Faith Presbyterian Reformed Church The Faith Presbyterian Reformed Church is located near the Father Duenas Memorial High School in Tai. The church was dedicated in 2003 with the guidance of Pastor Neil Culbertson.

Father Duenas Memorial High School Better known as FD, Father Duenas Memorial High School is Guams only all-male Catholic high school. In 1948, Guam Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner opened this Catholic minor seminary and high school at Tai which was named in honor of Father Jesus B. Duenas. It is near this site that Father Duenas was murdered by Japanese soldiers near the end of World War II.

Infant of Prague Nursery & Kindergarten Infant of Prague is located between Father Duenas Memorial School and the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Tai. In 1951, the Nursery was built by the Sisters of Mercy of Guam and led by Sr. Mary Redempta Thomas.

Ordot-Chalan Pago Elementary School Ordot-Chalan Pago Elementary is located down the street from San Juan Bautista Catholic Church and St. Thomas Aquinas High School on Judge Sablan Street. The school was built in 1997 and is known as the Home of the Ants, the schools mascot.

Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey Church This Chalan Pago Catholic church was dedicated on December 25, 1959. It was constructed with the assistance of Naval Chaplain Father Richard Thomas Peeters and the Navy Seabees. The village fiesta is celebrated on the third week of January.

San Juan Bautista Church Ordots Catholic church was a mission chapel of Sinajana until 1974. The Capuchin Order of Guam members, Frs. Kieran Hickey, Robert Phelps and Randolph Nowak and DePaul Guerrero helped improve the present structure of the church. Currently the church is under the order of the Archdiocese of Guam.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School St. Thomas Aquinas High School is located next to the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ordot. Chartered in 2008, St. Thomas Aquinas is an Archdiocesan Catholic co-educational college preparatory high school. The school is named after Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of chastity, learning, students, theologians, Catholic academies, schools and universities.

Sanctuary, Inc. Sanctuary is a non-profit organization established more than thirty years ago to help the islands troubled youth. Since its founding, Sanctuary has expanded its mission, facility and programs, providing invaluable assistance for youth and their families throughout the Island community.

Island Community Church The Island Community Church is located on Chalan Peskadot in Tai, across Route 10 from Father Duenas Memorial High School. The church was founded in May 2004.

The young maidens that saved Guam

The narrowness of central Guam is part of local folklore. Legend has it that a giant fish once tried to eat the island of Guam and began chomping the land away at Pago Bay and Hagatna Bay. To stop the fish, young women used their long hair to weave a magical net to catch the fish.

Village fiestas: Ordot celebrates San Juan Bautistas feast day on June 24. Chalan Pago celebrates two fiestas: Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey takes place on the third week of January while the Sacred Heart of Mary takes place on the second Friday of June.

Regions and traditional place names: Ordot = Tachogna; Chalan Pago = Chilenko, Maimai, Pago, Santa Cruz, Asinan.

This village at a glance

Population: According to the U.S. Census in 2000, there were 5,923 residents in Chalan Pago-Ordot.

Village officials: Pedro I. Borja, Mayor, 2005-2008; Vicente I. Aguon, Mayor, 2001-2005; Roseanna San Miguel, Mayor, 1997-2001; Vicente S. San Nicolas, Commissioner/Mayor, 1975-1997; Francisco C. Carbullido, Commissioner, 1969-1975; Thomas B. Anderson, Commissioner, 1964-1969; Francisco L.G. Valenzuela, Commissioner, 1956-1964; Francisco L.G. Valenzuela, Assistant Commissioner (under Sinajana), 1952-1956 (Courtesy of Konsehelon Mahot Guahan/the Mayors Council of Guam.)

Village description: The municipality of Chalan Pago-Ordot stretches across the narrow waist of the island of Guam. Housing areas are built mostly along Route 4. These villages are on the dividing line between the mostly volcanic southern half of the island and the mostly limestone northern half of the island. The result is a diverse and rugged topography characterized by low hills, small valleys, wetland areas and streams that seem to disappear into the ground. The area is covered with lush green vegetation and homes are built on flat areas of land at times next to small valleys. Some residences have also been built at the foothills of nearby mountains.

The area had long been a center of ranching for people from Hagatna but since World War II, it has become home to two tight knit village communities as well as several new housing subdivisions. Chalan Pago also leads to Pago Bay where homeowners have a view of the ocean on Guams eastern coast. A few people have also taken advantage of mountain properties, building residences overlooking the bay.

Ordot is also the site of the islands landfill. In March 2008, U.S. District Court of Guam Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood placed the dump under federal receivership after the local government failed to close it and build a sanitary landfill in another location as ordered by a federal mandate. An off-island solid waste management consulting firm has been given full authority to take over the closure of the dump.

Over the years village residents held protests for the dumps closure as several homeowners living in Chalan Pago-Ordot endured decades of hardship living in close proximity to the landfill; families have been forced to evacuate their homes for periods of time when subterranean fires surfaced; after particularly heavy rains, the stench emanating from the mountainous pile of trash (the dump was originally built in a valley) would magnify; the nearby Lonfit River  which used to be a favorite swimming spot  has been heavily contaminated by run-off from the landfill; and large flies populate in the area, proving to be a particular nuisance to village residents as well as a sanitary concern for nearby schools.
DECATUR  A Decatur woman accused of beating a chair-bound 74-year-old cancer patient after begging him for money to buy drugs looks ready to do a plea deal with prosecutors.

Shaquina D. Anderson has so far pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated battery, robbery and theft.

But the 38-year-old defendants case is earmarked for a disposition hearing on May 16 in Macon County Circuit Court. Disposition hearings usually imply the end of the court process other than a trial, typically with a guilty plea to a lesser offense or in return for certain charges being dropped.

A sworn affidavit filed by Decatur Police Officer Alex Amaya said the offenses date back to the morning of June 23 at the male victims home.

Amaya said the man told police he knows Anderson and sometimes lets her stay with him, although he insisted they were not in a romantic relationship. He said Anderson had stayed four nights after breaking up with her boyfriend and the man had called police after she had been repeatedly begging him for money so she could buy dope, according to Amaya.

He quotes the man as saying she became furious with him when she found he had called police and began beating him with her fists.

(He) stated Shaquina punched him five to six times in the upper back, said Amaya. He advised Shaquina hit him two or three times with his crutch in the same area  he said Shaquina hit him in the head with a glass, coffee cup or something  he stated he has a urinal next to his chair that Shaquina dumped over him.

Amaya said the man told him he can't get out of the chair and his only defense was to hunch over and cover his head as the blows rained down. He said the beating finally stopped because Shaquina must have got tired.

Amaya said the defendant then fled, taking the mans phone and various medicines including a cancer medication the man said was valued at $20,000.

Police found and arrested Anderson Feb. 28 and she appeared in court for a preliminary hearing March 20. She remains free on pretrial release.

2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park
EMORY, Va.  A local author, musician, and health care professional has created a YouTube channel to help families raise healthy babies and children.

After working as a pediatric physical therapist for more than 40 years, Ann Ledgerwood decided it was time for her to share some of what shes learned over the years, providing children with the tools to function confidently and comfortably in their lives.

At no charge, families can access a playlist of videos including music for children and families, infant and child development tips, favorite childrens books read aloud-some of which include her own self-published books Oatmeal & Lavender series-pediatric therapy topics and two-minute talks.

Various folks who work with kids, such as teachers, therapists, doctors and mental health professionals, will be asked to spend one to two minutes talking to children and families about important topics they want families to know, said Ledgerwood, who works as a physical therapist for Smyth County public schools.

Ledgerwood also serves the birth-to-age-3 populations through early intervention in Washington and Smyth counties.

Ledgerwood named the multi-faceted online resource Many Stones Childrens Channel, inspired by a 1950s folk song named Step by Step.

The song name is very meaningful to me as a pediatric physical therapist, said Ledgerwood, repeating the lyrics many stones can form an arch, singly none.

An arch is a very strong architectural design; its made of many stones that are carefully placed together. Its the same with our families. It takes all of us-parents, neighbors, teachers, pastors-  to have positive impacts on one another, she said.

In all honesty, Many Stones Childrens Channel is part Mr. Rogers mixed all together with the pediatric therapy world and more, she laughed. I am very blessed to work with amazing, knowledgeable and talented colleagues. There is a wealth of knowledge in our community. My goal is to share that on the channel.

Ledgerwood explained one purpose of her channel is to present accurate and well-researched information that oftentimes cannot be found with online resources.

Often, problems I see with infants are preventable, but families dont always have the right information to help them, she said.

Ledgerwood said she sees problems she never used to deal with, some of which are created by todays culture in society.

Take, for example, products like car seats, bouncy seats, jumpers, and floor seats. Ledgerwood said they are safe spots to put babies, but overuse can have negative effects.

Have you seen babies who wear helmets? she asked. Because infants sometimes get shuffled from one container to another throughout the day, their heads can become misshapen. Babies often develop a flat spot on the back of their heads and are then prescribed a helmet to reshape it.

Its not always been a problem that parents have faced.

Back when my kids were babies, I never saw this because my babies slept on their tummies a lot. Now we know that sleeping on the tummy is not considered safe for infants, she said.

However, because many families are afraid to put babies on their stomachs, we are not only contributing to babies having misshapen heads, we are raising weak infants, she said. Babies who spend most of their time in containers are often physically weak. Muscles must be used to get strong.

One of Ledgerwoods solutions is to let infants practice what she calls tummy time.

Tummy time is supervised time where babies are allowed to lie on their stomachs on a safe, lightly-padded surface. It is known to reduce tightness of neck muscles and strengthen all muscles as babies practice lifting and turning their heads and bearing weight through their arms.

Ledgerwood suggested placing babies on their stomachs for five minutes a few times a day. Babies should always be supervised during tummy time, she said. I recommend five minutes of tummy time after every diaper change.

Kaitlyn Bentley and her six-month-old son Maddox have appeared on the YouTube channel, demonstrating some of the techniques Ledgerwood uses.

Ann has showed me some phenomenal tricks and ideas on how to get Maddox stronger, said the mother.

Rice bags are placed under infants to offer a boost of support for keeping heads held high. The rice bags are also used to help him sit up. We learned how to use a yoga ball to offer more support for strength building, she said.

Ive absolutely noticed a big difference in him. Its helped Maddox get stronger. Ive seen daily improvements. Its a good bonding experience for you and your baby, too. It gives the baby confidence.

During the first 20 years of Ledgerwoods practice, she seldom saw these problems.

Babies need to be allowed to move. After birth, they learn how to stretch out, bear weight, and lift their heads against gravity. You cant wave a magic wand and all of the sudden your child walks. They have to learn how to lie on their tummies, pick up their heads, roll, sit and crawl. All these things are very important building blocks.

Another facet of Ledgerwoods YouTube channel is a focus on the importance of music in the lives of children.

Ledgerwood, who along with her husband David, performs music as an acoustic duo and also in the Ledgerwood Blues Band, often sings the Ha Ha song to infants during physical therapy treatments.

So many parents have asked me about this song. Ive been singing it since my first job in the early 1980s. The song goes like ha, ha this a way, ha ha that a way.

Its a song parents can sing as they interact with their infants. Rocking them side to side helps children to gain strength by shifting their weight and beginning to reach out to the side to support themselves. A video on the channel teaches parents how to sing the song.

Ledgerwood also uses her love for books to teach parents about engaging with their children. Time spent reading with your child is never wasted, she says.

I want to instill a love for reading in children. Too much screen time on phones and iPads has robbed them from reading and exploration. I think its harming our childrens ability to use their imaginations. Plus screen time has replaced time to play outside. I see more de-conditioned older children than ever before.

On her YouTube channel, Ledgerwood reads aloud in 30 minute segments from her first three childrens books she wrote and dedicated to her granddaughter, Riley.

The stories gently discuss foster care, adoption, kindness, friendship and acceptance of others.

Her first book Oatmeal & Lavender was written for her granddaughter Rileys 13th birthday in 2017. Ledgerwoods second book is Coral Musick, a book that continues the story of best friends Annie Beth and Riley. The girls share adventures, laughter, family times, and a love of singing.

Just as in the other books, her third book, Oatmeal from the Other Side is set in the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia in 1969. In this story, readers view the first two stories from the perspective of the birds that live on the Other Side.

Ledgerwoods fourth book, titled Strawberry Heaven, is a middle reader novel. It gently discusses cerebral palsy, domestic violence, and alcoholism through the eyes of a child. The foreword for this book was written by Kathi Roark, director of the Childrens Advocacy Center in Bristol, Virginia.

The channel has only been active for about a month. There will be many more videos coming as there is so much to talk about, Ledgerwood said. Thank you to all of the many people who have been encouraging me to do this and have come alongside to help make the videos.

New content on the YouTube channel will be frequently added, providing families up-to-date access to helpful information and advice. Log on to www.YouTube.com and search for Many Stone Childrens Channel. If you would like to ask a question or recommend a topic to be addressed on the channel, you can email her at annledgerwoodpt@gmail.com.

Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at citydesk@bristolnews.com.
A Scott County, Virginia, firefighter died over the weekend while battling a wildfire.

At 5 p.m. on March 30, a Virginia Department of Forestry part-time firefighter died while fighting a three-acre wildfire on Garland Drive in Scott County.

The area is near East Carters Valley Road and the state line with Tennessee. Firefighter James C. Ward collapsed working with a hand crew, according to VDOF.

Ward was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, where he did not recover. A resident of Scott County, Ward had worked with the agency since 1998.

The cause of the fire, which has been contained, remains under investigation.

It is with a heavy heart that we share such sad news on this Easter afternoon, said State Forester Rob Farrell. Please keep James loved ones and his firefighter family in your thoughts and prayers. And remember, everything you do to prevent wildfires helps protect our brave first responders.
Lot 63 has extended its hours and is serving beer, a month after its soft opening.

The combination bar and coffee shop is at 614 S. Main St. in Old Salem, in the former Moravian Book & Gift Shop.

The shop is a partnership between Chelsi Wilkerson, the president of Wilkerson Bakery; Ned Erickson, a co-director of Winston Salem Fellows and the director of community impact for Piedmont Federal; and Andrew Craver, the pastor of Rural Hall Moravian Church.

The shop serves a full line of coffee drinks as well as beer and other beverages. It also has baked goods from Wilkerson Bakery.

The shop had a soft opening Feb. 17 but didnt have its ABC permit to sell beer. The permit came through a month later, and the shop is open in the evenings and selling beer.

The idea for the business grew out of a gathering of Moravians and talk about their love of Old Salem.

I really believe that Old Salem is the most beautiful part of our city, the heart of our city. But there arent many opportunities for residents to visit Old Salem, Erickson said. Our vision is to develop a community space where people can study, work and build relationships.

Lot 63 is managed by Trent Hancock. It is getting its coffee from FosterHobbs Coffee Roasters in High Point and has all the usual espresso drinks, as well as cold-brew nitro on tap. It also has the signature Latte 63: Spice Blend  sold hot or cold ($6)that incorporates Moravian-cookie spices and comes with a cookie. We took the spices that we use in our Moravian cookies and used them to make a syrup, Wilkerson said. So, its pretty unique.

The shop also sells Chads Chai chai and loose-leaf teas, as well as hot chocolate.

Wilkerson Bakery provides all of the food in the shop. On the sweet side, that includes Moravian sugar cakeavailable for $4 a slice  plus cookies, hot cross buns and lovefeast buns. There also are cheese straws and soft pretzels.

The cake, buns and pretzels can be heated and served warm.

Customers can get drip coffee with either a lovefeast bun, slice of sugar cake, or some cookies or cheese straws for $5.50.

The shop has eight taps  one for the cold-brew nitro and seven for beer.

Lot 63 Address: 614 N. Main St. (Old Salem), Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (803) 404-8928 Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday Website: lot63ws.com Instagram: @lot63ws

Current draft beer includes two German imports, Sion Kolsch and Radeberger Zwikelbier ($6 each). There also are three beers from Radar Brewing in Winston-Salem and one from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte ($7 each). The shop also carries Michelob Ultra.

The shop has a patio space in back that it shares with Muddy Creek Space. Craver said they plan to offer live music at some point.

Craver, Erickson and Wilkerson said that the shop pays homage to Winston-Salems roots as a Moravian community. Craver said that when he first started talking about this idea with friends two years ago, plans even included a Moravian brewery. They arent pursuing that now, they said, but they havent given up the idea either.

The concept morphed over time. But really the heart is its a group of people who really care about the history of our city and have a deep desire to see this (Moravian) part of our history revitalized, Erickson said. For this part of North Carolina, this used to be the hub for community.

They are already seeing a community of sorts develop in the shop. Customers are a mix of Salem Academy and College students, tourists, people who live in Old Salem and residents from around the city.

There are all these groups in Salem, but they have no place to gather together, Craver said.

What is community in the 21st century? Its really coffee and beer, Erickson said with a laugh.

That was 100% our dream: to create a little melting pot for our city, a place of welcome.

And, Wilkerson said, to encourage locals to spend more time in this beautiful area of our city.

PHOTOS: Lot 63 Coffeehouse and Taproom in Old Salem
The Piedmont Triad Regional Workforce Development Board has received a $250,000 grant from the N.C. Commerce Department to form a new local re-entry council in Alamance County.

It is one of three such local re-entry councils receiving grant money, counting Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board for Wayne County, and Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board for Warren County.

A local reentry council is an organized network of individuals and agencies that provide supervision and coordination of innovative responses to the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals at the local level. Such a council helps bring together stakeholders who can offer assistance and resources to help justice-involved people become productive citizens.

North Carolina currently has 17 local reentry councils, each covering one or more counties.

Local reentry councils help people exiting incarceration get back on their feet and keep our communities safer, Gov. Roy Cooper said. As employers move to North Carolina in record numbers, they are looking for new and skilled workers while many formerly incarcerated people are eager to change their lives, get a job and join their communities."

Commerce officials selected these areas after receiving recommendations from the Department of Adult Correction.
Eileen Collins, former NASA astronaut and the first woman to pilot a space shuttle, attended the Women in Space event at University of Nevada, Reno on March 21 and took a few minutes to discuss the inner workings of aerospace missions with Lydia Snow of the Elko Daily Free Press.

In her journey to become an astronaut, Collins was the second woman to attend the United States Air Force Test Pilot School, also teaching math at the United States Air Force Academy from 1986 to 1989.

Collins piloted the space shuttle Discovery for NASAs 1995 mission STS-63. The mission performed a rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir.

With the STS-144 mission in 2005, Collins became the first astronaut to perform a 360-degree pitch maneuver with Space Shuttle Orbiter, which allowed the ISS to photograph the underside of the shuttle.

LS: What was your experience teaching math at the Air Force Academy in Colorado? Are there any experiences that stick with you?

EC: I taught calculus and differential integral multivariate calculus. I also taught linear algebra in aero engineering. The one thing that sticks out in my mind is when the cadets would ask me, Ma'am, why do I need to know this? And at first, they stumped me with the question, but as I thought about it, the reason they need to know math and the reason everyone needs to know math, is it teaches you how to solve problems. Everyone has problems in their life every day. And what math teaches you is to define a problem. Its very objective. You define a problem, you look at "what are the tools that are available? What order do you put them in?"

Then, you solve the problem. And I find that translates to everyday life in the things that we do, because we'll find whether it's an engineering problem or a personal problem, we use the same technique: define what is the problem and then what are the tools available to solve it. So I think math is important for everyone to take. Everyone should take math through their senior year in high school.

LS: How did you feel being the second woman pilot to attend United States Air Force test pilot school? What barriers were in the way? How did you overcome them and how did it shape you as a person?

EC: There were actually several women engineers that went through the school before and then the first woman was Jackie Parker. She went through in 1988. I came in 1989.

I think for the most part, people were happy to have the women there. I didn't see any negativity  they didn't want to wash us out because we were women. I think the leadership at the school really wanted the women to succeed. But the biggest challenge for me was not really being a woman. I was the senior ranking officer, so I was made the class leader. That was a much bigger challenge, being the class leader, having that extra responsibility of taking care of the class, in addition to just studying and flying and getting through the school curriculum.

LS: How did your time in the Air Force prepare you for your time at NASA?

EC: It was great preparation. I think the military is a great training ground to give a young person confidence, to teach a person to be a team player, to teach a person leadership, to teach a person to really formulate the concept of mission. Why are we here? What is our job? What is the purpose of everything that we're doing? That is your mission statement. And my time in the Air Force helped me maintain that mindset of always staying focused on the mission. Not worrying about my own personal distractions but yet focusing on being part of a team  that mental mindset was very important to take into the space program.

LS: In preparation for the Discovery mission, you flew over 500 approaches and landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft. What was this process like and how did all the practice prepare you for the mission?

EC: The Shuttle Training Aircraft was a Gulfstream II aircraft. We had four of them and they were all modified. The left seat was modified for the astronauts to sit there and fly it like a space shuttle. The controls and the displays all looked exactly like the space shuttle. The right seat belonged to the instructor. But that side was still a Gulfstream II. And we also modified the outside of the Gulfstream II to add drag devices like flaps, slats, to put the landing gear down early and speed brakes to make the Gulfstream II descend in the high descent rate that the shuttle had. So it was a true in-flight simulator that was a great preparation to actually do the landing. You mentioned 500 approaches to be a pilot. To be a shuttle commander, you need 1,000 approaches. So I spent a lot of time in that Gulfstream II.

LS: How would you break down the process of what it's like to pilot a space shuttle for the average person?

EC: I was a pilot of the space shuttle, and it really is all about hand-eye coordination. But being a pilot, you begin with, "Where am I and where do I want to go and how do I get there?" And in our case, we had the space shuttle which was really three things. It was a rocket on launch, it was a satellite in orbit, and it was an airplane coming home. And in all of those phases, we had to train to hand-fly, stick-and-rudder-type flying. The launch was done on autopilot, with the computers and the flight control system. We had to train to fly it manually in case the computer failed. And then in space, you could use autopilot when you're a satellite but we also hand-flew it  like when we did a random move with the space station, it was all flown by the commander.

LS: Describe what a 360-degree pitch maneuver, the sort you flew on the shuttle orbiter, is and how it works.

EC: My crew was the first to fly that. That was back in 2005. So, the space station is up there at 200 to 220 or 230 miles, roughly. And when the space shuttle rendezvoused and docked we came from below. When we hit 600 feet away from the space station, we stopped and we pitched the shuttle around. The nose went up into a full 360-degree pitch. And the reason we did that  we actually hand-flew to that point  we started the maneuver, we would put it on autopilot during the maneuver and then at the end we would take over manually and fly the rest of the rendezvous. But the whole reason for pausing and doing that flip around was so the astronauts on the space station could photograph the bottom of the shuttle. They were looking for any damage to the tiles, the heat shield. And those digital pictures they took were downloaded to Mission Control. The engineers in Mission Control would survey those pictures to see if there was damage. We were the first ones to fly it but that maneuver was flown on every shuttle mission to the end of the program.
KENOSHA  Carthage College will offer a major in healthcare administration beginning this fall.

The undergraduate program combines coursework and practical experience, and is designed to equip students with a well-rounded skill set to manage healthcare facilities, shape healthcare policy or direct innovative healthcare projects.

We consistently hear about the need for frontline medical staff, so its easy to forget that the healthcare system also relies heavily on employees with business acumen, said Carthage management and marketing professor Joseph Tenuta, who developed the program. This is a great alternative for students who are more comfortable working with balance sheets than bodily fluids.

All healthcare administration majors will complete a yearlong, paid rotation at a local hospital where there will be guided by experienced professionals, and observe and participate in different hospital departments, including operations, human resources, quality improvement and patient services.

Partnerships are already in place with Advocate Aurora Health and Froedtert South.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nearly 12,000 medical and health services managers are already employed in the Chicago metropolitan area  which includes Illinois North Shore and Kenosha  and the demand keeps escalating.

Across the country, BLS projects 28% job growth for the occupation through 2032.

The healthcare administration includes courses in accounting, allied health science, business management, economics, marketing, nursing and social work.

The curriculum also will delve deeply into patient rights, health care disparities, and ethical leadership.

Tenuta said that graduates should be able to find employment with hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms and public health agencies.

For more information, visit www.carthage.edu/healthcare-administration.
A fisherman discovered a vehicle linked to an auto theft case from 2014 submerged in the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Dells on Friday afternoon.

Wisconsin Dells police reported that a fisherman in Crandalls Bay reported the vehicle after spotting it with a sonar near the boat launch off of River Road on the city's north side. It was recovered by the department and the Columbia County Dive Team roughly 65 feet from the launch.

No occupants were in the vehicle and its registration showed it had been stolen from the city 10 years ago.

A suspect was taken into custody on vehicle theft and entry charges in 2014, the Wisconsin Dells police said.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Dells-based Platt's Garage assisted on the scene as well.
Modern medicine proceeds from the position that there is nothing superfluous or accidental in the human body, so organs or parts of organs should be removed only as a last resort. But this was not always the case. For example, in the USSR, people had their tonsils (also called glands) removed on a massive scale.

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The operation was often performed even without anesthesia, causing a person deep moral trauma. OBOZ.UA figured out where this practice came from and why it has now been abandoned and is rarely performed for very clear indications.

How tonsils were removed in the USSR

Tonsils are small glandular formations in the throat. If they become inflamed, a condition called tonsillitis occurs. It often becomes chronic and creates a constant source of inflammation in the throat. The patient experiences severe discomfort, pain, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.

In the USSR, in order not to waste time and money, it was preferred to simply remove this organ. It was considered unimportant, and the slightest inflammation was considered a direct indication of surgery.

They saved not only in treating tonsillitis but also in removing the tonsils. The patient was not even given local anesthesia. The pain that occurred during the operation was considered tolerable, and the person was forced to endure the procedure without unnecessary medications. While adults could still cope with it, children had to be tied to a special chair. Parents were kicked out of the room so as not to interfere. The operation was performed right in the kindergarten or school using the conveyor method. In any case, the child was left alone with the doctors, in pain and fear, and often suffered severe psychological trauma that turned him or her away from medicine for life. Tonsillectomy operations were performed by the hundreds of thousands a year.

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Why tonsils were removed so massively

A significant leap in the development of medicine in the first half of the twentieth century made doctors believe that they knew everything about the human body. This was not the case at all  scientists have not yet solved all the mysteries of the body. But at the time, this led to the fact that some organs, the importance of which doctors did not fully understand, were considered superfluous. This happened, in particular, with the tonsils and appendix.

And since the USSR considered itself a progressive state, the relevant "advanced" practices were introduced in medicine. Therefore, people had their "unnecessary" organs removed as a preventive measure. In addition, this made it possible to avoid giving an employee unnecessary sick leave if he or she had an exacerbation of tonsilitis or appendicitis.

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It should be noted that this approach was also practiced in the West. But they quickly abandoned it, realizing that such procedures do less good than harm. But in the Soviet Union, mass tonsil removal was practiced almost until its collapse.

Are tonsils so useless?

Modern medicine considers this organ to be the first barrier to infection in the body. And swelling is just a symptom. In fact, during inflammation, the tonsils begin to release large amounts of leukocytes, the cells responsible for the immune response. On the one hand, the body does experience some discomfort, and the throat becomes red and sore, on the other hand, at the same time, the body is intensively fighting the infection. The tonsils are trying to prevent bacteria or viruses from going down and getting into the lungs.

According to statistics, people with tonsils removed are much more likely to suffer from colds and have a higher risk of developing pneumonia. That is, the corresponding operation does not reduce, but significantly increases the incidence.

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In the modern world, tonsil removal surgery still exists. However, it is prescribed in case of complex purulent inflammation or other conditions that seriously threaten human health.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
The melody of John Denvers Take Me Home, Country Roads plays as Robert Babra cruises the Mississippi on his pontoon boat, decorated with decals of American flags and Mississippi River fish.

Upon boarding, passengers get their pick from a jar of Tootsie Rolls with a blue sticker that reads The Lansing Water Taxi.

The Lansing Water Taxi was once used for scenic riverboat tours along the Mississippi. Now, it serves as an essential ferry service used by hundreds of residents to go about their daily lives.

Babra owns Maiden Voyage Tours, based in Marquette, Iowa. He was hired by the city to provide the ferry service after the Black Hawk Bridge connecting the communities was closed due to structural problems. Despite the challenges, he said hes happy for the extra work in his offseason and the chance to help out.

The biggest thing has been providing a service thats really needed. Like the nursing home is down some staff, and you cant just replace those workers, Babra said.

The closure of the Black Hawk Bridge turned a short trip from Wisconsin to Iowa across the Mississippi River into a commute of over an hour for many. In response, the Iowa Department of Transportation offered a free water taxi service for those traveling to and from the intertwined communities of De Soto and Lansing, Iowa.

Passengers of all types

The ferry made its maiden voyage within weeks of the closure and has since become a routine for many residents. Among the regular passengers are bank tellers, teachers, school children  as well as those hoping to visit the hardware store or a favorite restaurant. Some were wrapped up in blankets, despite the sunny weather.

Rachel Hammel is a bartender at The Swedes Swing Inn in Ferryville. She had to commute over an hour and a half both ways for two weeks before the ferry service started.

Its helping save me the drive. Its getting better now that its getting warmer out, Hammel said as she rode the water taxi across the river.

2,200 cars a day

The Black Hawk Bridge is almost a century old, and work on a replacement bridge has begun. That bridge is expected to open in 2027.

The Iowa DOT said construction work likely was to blame for shifts in two piers on the old bridge discovered at the end of February. The discovery led to the closure of the bridge. Crews are working on repairs needed to reopen the old bridge.

Its a dramatic impact for anyone who needs that bridge on a daily basis, said Andrew Boddicker, the executive director of Main Street Lansing. Lansing has the only grocery store for the residents across the river for like 25 miles, so its very important that we have this. We have about 2,200 cars a day crossing that bridge.

As of March 18, the Iowa DOT began fully funding the water taxi service, which is available for anyone at no charge. The service also offers parking and shuttle services at Lansing City Hall and Middle/Kee High School in Lansing and De Soto Community Center on the Wisconsin side. Parking is not allowed at Big Slough Landing, so travelers must make use of the shuttle services offered.

Youve got to plan ahead a little bit there to catch the shuttle service, Boddicker said. They say plan for half an hour for the whole journey across from parking lot to parking lot, but its about a 20-minute ride.

The water taxi operates seven days a week from 7 to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. The water taxi departs from the Iowa side on the hour, and from the Wisconsin side on the half hour.

There is some frustration about the schedule, but we only have one captain and one boat  we cant work this guy to the bone, Boddicker said. Its never been proposed as a solution to all the problems.  This is the best we can do, given the sudden nature of the closure.

The bridge is expected to reopen at the end of April, but in the meantime, Boddicker encourages people to make the extra effort to help support the struggling economy as a result of the shutdown.

Make an extra effort to go to these places to eat and shop because its making a big impact economically, Boddicker said. Its having a huge impact on both sides of the river economically for our businesses  they are anywhere from 50 to 70% down on sales year-on-year.

Tour boat company becomes Lansing's lifeline during bridge closure
The Philippines and the Czech Republic reached a mutual understanding to improve bilateral trade and widen technology transfers between the two countries, particularly in livestock and dairy production and water management.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recently met with a delegation from the Czech Republic led by Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny in Manila, a follow-up to their meeting during the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in March 2024.

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Tiu Laurel said the Philippines should learn from the Czech Republics success in dairy industry, water and irrigation management, livestock production and from its online platform that provides information and comprehensive solutions on agriculture, technology, machinery and direct communications with machinery producers.

The Philippines also offered to purchase bull sperm for artificial insemination to improve the quality of local herd as the Czech Republic is known as one of the top dairy producing countries in Europe and one of the major suppliers of beef.

The Philippines imports almost all its dairy requirements and sources from overseas parent stocks for cattle and other livestock.

The DA is keen on expanding the market of Philippine agricultural products within the European Union.

We have some products ready for export so market access is also very important to us, especially the European Union which is one of the best markets in the world for our products, said Tiu Laurel.

Vyborny said his government acknowledges the needs of Philippine agriculture sector and expressed readiness to provide assistance through trade negotiations.

Were definitely ready to offer cooperation. Your aims and ambitions are very similar to what we have in the Czech Republic, where our agricultural sector is also undergoing dynamic changes towards modern technologies, innovations, science and research and the application of their outcomes, Vyborny said.

The European country also offered training for Filipinos on farming, livestock production and irrigation and water management.

He said the Czech Republic needs more Filipino workers to further develop the countrys agricultural sector and increase food output.
Geneva, Switzerland  An Israeli air strike on a Gaza hospital Sunday killed four people and wounded 17, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The strike at Al-Aqsa hospital was witnessed by a World Health Organization team sent there to assess needs and to collect incubators for the north of Gaza, Tedros said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

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Israels military denied that the hospital was damaged.

A WHO team was on a humanitarian mission at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza, when a tent camp inside the hospital compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike today, the WHO chief wrote.

He gave no details of the victims, but added: WHO staff are all accounted for.

The Israeli army said on X that one of its planes struck an operational Islamic Jihad command center and terrorists positioned in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in the area of Deir al Balah.

Following the precise strike, the Al-Aqsa hospital building was not damaged and its function was not affected, it added.

Tedros said in a later post that 21 patients had died at Al-Shifa hospital in the northern Gaza City since March 18.

The hospital, which was Gazas largest before the war broke out, has only one bottle of water available for every 15 people, he said.

Tedros renewed his appeal for patients, health professionals and aid workers to be protected during the conflict, and for attacks on hospitals to stop.

We again call for protection of patients, health personnel and humanitarian missions, he added.

The ongoing attacks and militarisation of hospitals must stop. International humanitarian law must be respected.

Tedros urged all parties to the conflict to comply with the UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.

Since an unprecedented October 7 attack Hamas launched out of the Gaza Strip, Israel has said it will destroy the movement and has relentlessly bombed the Palestinian territory.

There are 10 hospitals in the Gaza Strip still functioning at a minimum level, compared to 36 before the start of the war, according to the WHO.

As well as air strikes there has also been fierce ground fighting in and around hospitals in the territory, where many Gazans fleeing the violence have taken shelter.

Hamass October 7 attack resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israels retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,782 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
TAIPEI  Taiwans former president Ma Ying-jeou headed to China on Monday for what he called a journey of peace aimed at cooling cross-strait tensions.

China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

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Ma, of the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang party, oversaw an improvement in cross-strait ties during his 2008-2016 stint in office, culminating in a summit between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore in 2015.

But China has intensified pressure on Taipei ever since Ma was succeeded in 2016 by Tsai Ing-wen, who rejects Beijings claim to the island.

Tensions have further risen since January, when Tsais deputy Lai Ching-te  whom Beijing regards as a dangerous separatist  was elected to succeed her.

Speaking to reporters at the airport before his departure, Ma described his trip to China as a journey of peace and a journey of friendship.

I hope that when the situation across the Taiwan Strait is tense, we can convey the sentiments of the Taiwanese people that they love peace, hope for cross-strait exchanges and hope to avoid war, he said.

Ma added that he aimed to promote youth exchanges and to reduce hostility and accumulate goodwill.

Outside the airport, a handful of demonstrators protested against the visit, urging Ma not to sell out Taiwan.

Last year, Ma made the first visit to China by a current or former Taiwanese leader in more than seven decades in a bid to improve the cross-strait atmosphere.

On Monday, he said that trip proved that this method is feasible and we can resolve cross-strait confrontation through building friendship between young people on both sides.

Ma is leading a delegation of 20 Taiwanese students, and will visit tech companies, universities and historical sites in Guangdong and Shaanxi provinces before arriving in Beijing on Sunday.

Asked to comment on Taiwanese media reports that Ma might meet with Xi again during the visit, the former leaders spokesman said it remained to be seen.

Since we have the opportunity to go to Beijing, former president Ma also hopes to meet old friends. But everything depends on the mainland sides arrangements since we are guests, Hsiao Hsu-tsen told reporters.
PALESTINIAN Territories  The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said Monday the Israeli military had withdrawn tanks and vehicles from the complex housing the besieged territorys main hospital, Al-Shifa, days after the launch of a major operation on the site.

The ministry said dozens of bodies had been found at the complex, where an AFP journalist and eyewitnesses saw tanks and vehicles pulling out.

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The Israeli military did not immediately confirm any pullout.

Eyewitnesses said dozens of air strikes and shells had hit the area around the complex.

The Hamas government media office said the Israeli air strikes had provided cover for the withdrawing vehicles.

The army launched its operation on March 18 and has described it as a precise one targeting Hamas militants it accused of operating from the complex.

It has previously said 200 militants had been killed in fighting in and around Al-Shifa.

The army has also released footage it claimed showed weapons and money seized from the hospital that had been used by Hamas and another militant group, Islamic Jihad.

Hamas has denied operating from Al-Shifa and other health facilities.

Dozens of bodies, some of them decomposed, have been recovered from in and around the Al-Shifa medical complex, the health ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli military withdrew from the Al-Shifa medical complex after burning down the complex buildings and putting it completely out of service, it said.

The scale of the destruction inside the complex and the buildings around it is very large.

An AFP journalist on the scene said several buildings inside the complex had been damaged, with some areas showing damage from fire.

A doctor told AFP more than 20 bodies had been recovered and that some had been crushed by withdrawing vehicles.

With hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced by the war, hundreds had sought refuge at the Al-Shifa complex prior to the operation.

Israeli troops first raided Al-Shifa in November, but said militants had since returned.

Deadly air strikes pounded other areas of the Gaza Strip early Monday, while fighting raged in several flashpoints located across the territory.

At least 60 people died in Gaza during the night, the health ministry said Monday.

The war erupted when Hamas carried out its unprecedented attacks on Israel, which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israels retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,782 people, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry.

The Israeli military on Monday announced 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the start of the war.

During the Oct. 7 attacks, Palestinian militants also seized around 250 Israeli and foreign hostages.

Israel believes about 130 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead.

The Israel-Hamas war has devastated much of Gaza, including several health facilities, and sparked warnings of famine among the civilian population.

A UN Security Council resolution on March 25 demanded an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by militants, but the binding resolution has failed to curb the fighting, including in or around hospitals.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on social media platform X that an Israeli air strike on Sunday hit a tent camp inside the Al-Aqsa hospital compound in central Gaza, killing four people and wounding 17.

Israels military denied that the hospital was damaged, saying on X that one of its planes had struck an operational Islamic Jihad command center and terrorists positioned in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in the area of Deir al Balah.

Tensions have risen between Israel and its chief backer the United States over the spiralling civilian death toll, and especially over Israeli threats to send ground forces into Gazas crowded far-southern city of Rafah.

Around 1.4 million people who fled their homes elsewhere in Gaza have sought shelter in Rafah, the only part of the territory Israeli troops have yet to enter.

Washington has nonetheless approved billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets for Israel in recent days, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful hernia surgery, his office said Monday.

Doctors had discovered the hernia on Saturday during a routine checkup, with Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin standing in for Netanyahu during the operation.

Netanyahu, who has repeatedly vowed to crush Hamas and bring all the hostages home, has faced growing pressure from Israelis demanding the release of those taken by militants on October 7.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Jerusalem for a second consecutive night on Sunday, calling for greater efforts to free the hostages held in Gaza and the ousting of Netanyahu.

Demonstrators blocked a main city highway after earlier rallying in front of the Israeli parliament, lighting fires and waving Israeli flags.

Meanwhile, in a bid to help alleviate the suffering of Gazas 2.4 million people, an aid ship was sailing from the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus to bring 400 tonnes of food, as part of a small flotilla.

Foreign powers have ramped up aid airdrops, although United Nations agencies and charities warn this falls far short of the dire need and say trucks are the most efficient way of delivering aid.
Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday filed a resolution strongly condemning Chinas unprovoked acts of aggression, continued harassment, and illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea.

In Senate Resolution No. 980, Villanueva said Chinas actions violate the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating its nine-dash-line massive claim over the South China Sea and threaten Filipinos, the Philippine national security, and marine resources.

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The foregoing acts of aggression and the Chinese governments response display a pattern that has been consistently employed by China, notwithstanding the PCA award and the provisions of the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). As in previous incidents, the Peoples Republic of China has continued to ignore the PCA Award and deny the harassment and intimidation claims of the Philippines, he said.

The resolution also urged the executive branch to exert all legal and diplomatic countermeasures against China.

Senator Imee Marcos, for his part, said the country should engage in proper talks with China and other claimants in the WPS through prevalence of reason and not emotion.

Let us be strong in the midst of this challenge, but calm thinking and speech, and calculated decisions, should prevail, the senator said.

She said if an emotional approach continues to prevail, this could lead the country to a dangerous path that will cost us more than just Filipino pride.

The President earlier said the Philippines would not be cowed into silence amid Chinas aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield, Mr. Marcos said.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, for his part, said the government will exhaust all diplomatic means and not just military response to prevent conflict in the WPS.

The proportionate, deliberate and reasonable response that the President was talking about covered not only the aspect of strengthening our military or our defense capabilities together with other allies, partners and friends but it also talks about exhausting diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue, Malaya said in a press briefing.

Malaya said war is not in the interest of the Philippines or any of the countrys allies and partners.

So given that, we will have to find a diplomatic solution for these problems as part of the package of counter measures and responses that the President spoke about, he said.

China, for its part, declined to comment on the possibility that the Philippines will file another arbitral case for the destruction of the marine environment in the West Philippine Sea.

No comment now, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said on Monday when asked to comment about the Philippines plan.

However, the embassy said the basic principle of state consent in international law must be abided.

Former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio earlier revealed that the Department of Justice is already preparing to file charges against China.

Carpio said the new arbitral case will be different from the first one, which can hardly be enforced by the Philippines.

The new complaint will now seek monetary damages from China for its activities that have damaged the natural habitat of the countrys seabed, he said.

President Marcos last week reorganized the central inter-agency body tasked to provide a strategic approach in addressing territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea in a bid to strengthen maritime security and domain awareness.

The President, through Executive Order No. 57, reorganized the National Coast Watch Council into the National Maritime Council.

Despite efforts to promote stability and security in our maritime domain, the Philippines continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the countrys territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos, including their fundamental right to live in peace and freedom, free from fear of violence and threat, Mr. Marcos said in EO 57.

The EO was released days after the latest string of dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attack by China against Philippine vessels.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sent an unequivocal message to the countrys giant northern neighbor China when the 66-year-old leader said the Philippines will not be bullied into silence.

In his statement the other day, President Marcos said We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield.

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His statement came after the China Coast Guard again blocked and fired water cannons at a Filipino supply vessel last weekend, damaging the vessel and injuring three soldiers.

We understand from the President the government will implement a response and counter-measure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese maritime militia.

The President has been in constant communication with international allies and partners who offered to help the Philippines in protecting and securing its sovereign rights and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Manila has given its allies its requirements and has been assured these requirements will be addressed before too long.

At the same time, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III once again reaffirmed Washingtons ironclad commitment to Manila in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

It is incredulous that China has the undisguised conceit when it blamed the Philippines for provocations as the cause of rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, which is within the Philippines 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

A Chinese defense ministry statement said China will not allow the Philippines to do whatever it wants, and has responded in a reasonable and forceful manner.

We are behind the Philippines Department of National Defense when it said the Chinese defense ministry statement clearly reflects their isolation from the rest of the world on their illegal and uncivilized activities in the West Philippine Sea.

It is true that such statement demonstrated Chinas inability, in the words of the DND, to conduct open, transparent and legal negotiations (and) their repertoire consists only of patronizing and, failing that, intimidating smaller countries.

We do not yield. We are Filipinos.

The National Defense College Alumni Association also denounced the China Coast Guards use of water cannons against Philippine vessels.

Clearly, its rogue actions that spring from its might is right doctrine have become a menace to regional peace and amity, the group said.

We support as well the group, which said it was standing by the governments resolve not to yield to Chinas unprovoked attack inside Philippine territory, was correct in saying Intimidation and uncivilized acts are now part of Chinas global brand, with its Coast Guard as its leading endorser.

We know our allies are watching developments in the area which has been described as a flashpoint in the region.
Ford Philippines celebrated the first launch anniversary of the Next-Generation Ford Territory with an experiential drive around Metro Manilas heritage sites and cultural destinations.

Your City Reimagined: Territory Experiential Drive was a curated city drive experience that took participants on an educational tour through the Presidential Car Museum at the Quezon City Memorial Circle complex which houses a collection of vehicles used by former Philippine Presidents, the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila which exhibits the evolution of human civilization in the Philippines, and culminated at the renowned heritage site Las Casas

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Spearheaded and maintained by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Presidential Car Museum showcases not only the changing styles of our state leaders automobiles, but also reflects the varying personalities and socio-economic priorities of each former president. The oldest vehicle on display goes way back to former President Emilio Aguinaldos car of choice from the 1920s.

Anthropology

National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology features artifacts chronicling life in the Philippines all the way to pre-historic times. It includes the Palayok Gallery which showcases our countrys rich ceramic tradition, the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery which spotlights traditional textiles created and worn across the Philippines by various indigenous and cultural communities, and the Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall which pays homage to our National Living Treasures, to name a few.

The plaza in front of St. Joseph Chapel illuminated brightly at night

The plaza in front of St. Joseph Chapel illuminated brightly at night

In an effort to make the famed Spanish-Filipino Houses more accessible, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar opened the doors to its Quezon City location in 2018 and lets visitors witness and experience the majesty of 18 th century Philippine architecture up close. Here, guests can tour the premises to appreciate the intricate brick and woodworks of St. Joseph Chapel and dine like an ilustrado of yore or even experience staying the night with your family in your own Spanish stone house at the 2-storey replica of Casa Monroy.

The Ford Territory: A practical and reliable SUV Through the day-long event, participants got a taste of the ease and practicality of driving the Ford Territory. From one heritage site to another, the drivers experienced its suite of driver- assist technologies including the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert which made changing and merging lanes smoother, as well as its reliable 360-degree camera which helped them navigate narrow roads while better seeing blind spots.

The drive experience was made safer with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go which helped drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front when driving on the freeway.

The Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning were also extensively used, as the Territory is equipped to apply a slight force to the steering wheel to prevent it from drifting out of its lane.

Participants also witnessed first-hand the convenience of the Territorys Enhanced Active Park Assist feature through a parking activity course. With the push of a button and guided steering instructions, drivers saw how the Territory can park itself with ease.

Event attendees drove and rode in style and comfort with the 12-inch touchscreen display with Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability, rotary e-Shifter, Wireless Charging, and spacious interior and legroom.

Under the hood of the Territory is an EcoBoost 1.5L engine that is capable of up to 248Nm of torque and power of up to 160PS. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Fords wet- type Dual Clutch engagement system, drivers found it easy to quickly accelerate on open expressways with improved fuel efficiency. The Territory also has an auto-start stop function, which helps keep more in its tank during stop-and-go traffic.

With a high ground clearance of 190mm, the Territory maneuvered easily through pothole-filled roads. Its four selectable drive modes  Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain allowed participants to customize their driving experience across various road conditions  whether driving in stop and go traffic, across the open highway, or on hilly terrain.

We are proud to celebrate the first launch anniversary of the Next-Generation Territory with this unique drive experience that showcased its practical features that make it the perfect daily driver, shares EJ Francisco, communications director, Ford Philippines and Asia Pacific

Distributor Markets. In this road trip, we were able to explore some of the cities most iconic landmarks, experiences, and cultural gems that made us appreciate what they have to offer as tourism hotspots. It was a great day of learning and re-learning about what makes part of our rich history and legacy as a Filipino nation, as well as appreciating what the Ford Territory can offer as a safe, smart and reliable SUV for Filipino customers.

Added Peace of Mind

Customers purchasing the Territory will receive a complimentary Peace of Mind service package that includes free inspection which can be availed within 2 months or 2,000 kms, whichever comes first and two (2) free labor on periodic maintenance schedule (PMS) services.

This is on top of the 5-year warrantyensuring more adventures and a worry-free ownership experience.

Customers can also visit any Ford dealership to get more information on the available 5-year scheduled service plan (SSP) and 5-year emergency roadside assistance with a Territory purchase.

Find out more about the Ford Territory by visiting a Ford dealer near you or logging on at www.ford.com.ph.
Celebrate 14 years of Xiaomi with the best deals on Xiaomi productsXiaomi recently announced its 2024 annual Xiaomi Fan Festival (XFF).

Held on the companys founding anniversary of April 6 each year, this event is a shared celebration between Xiaomi and its fans from around the globe, with exclusive promotions and activities in appreciation for their support.

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On the 14th anniversary of the companys founding, this years festival will be held under the theme Our iconic moment, encouraging fans to reminisce on shared moments spent together, while anticipating new ones to come.

The best deals at the Xiaomi Fan Festival Sale

Xiaomi is kicking off its 14th anniversary in an iconic way with the Xiaomi Fan Festival Sale from April 1 to 30, 2024. Fans can shop from a wide range of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones at discounted prices, and get a chance to take home exciting freebies.It will feature fan-favorite devices from Xiaomi and Redmi that boast of advanced tech for the best value.

The Xiaomi Fan Festival Sale will include deals for the Redmi Note 13 Series, Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 12 Series, Xiaomi 13 Series, and more. Xiaomi fans get a free Xiaomi Fan Festival Knapsack when they buy devices from the Xiaomi 13T Series, Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Series, and Redmi Pad. Meanwhile, a free Xiaomi Fan Festival Coffee Cup when they buy a Redmi 12 or Redmi 12C.

They will also get a free 3-month Viu Premium subscription on all Xiaomi smartphones and tablets. They can stream their favorite K-dramas and movies anytime and anywhere.

Redmi Note 13 Series Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G: P23,999 (12GB+512GB)Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G12GB+512GB: P18,9998GB+256GB: P16,999Redmi Note 13 Pro12GB+512GB: P15,9998GB+256GB: P13,999Redmi Note 138GB+256GB: P9,9998GB+128GB: P8,999 Redmi Note 12 Series Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G: P19,999 for 8GB+256GB (from P21,999)Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G8GB+256GB: P15,999 (from P17,999) 8GB+128GB: P14,999 (from P16,999)Redmi Note 12S: P10,999 for 8GB+256GB (from P12,999)Redmi Note 12: P8,999 for 8GB+256GB (from P10,999) Xiaomi 14 12GB+512GB: P47,99912GB+256GB: P45,999 Xiaomi 13T Series Xiaomi 13T Pro: P35,999 for 12GB+512GB (from P37,999)Xiaomi 13T: P26,999 for 12GB+256GB

A special device for a special occasion

Commemorating this years XFF, Xiaomi introduces the Xiaomi Fan Festival Special Edition of Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G to join its Redmi Note 13 Series lineup. This exclusive device is distinguished by its Mystic Silver rear finish, adorned with the Xiaomi Fan Festival logo. Created through an intricate design process, the rear CMF includes a silver film base, covered with glass. Upon this, the device features a super logo meticulously crafted using nanolithography. The result is a refractive effect, making the logo come alive with a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.

Its equipped with an ultra-clear 200MP camera with OIS that makes every shot iconic, and 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED curved display for an immersive viewing experience. Its also powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra processor to ensure optimal performance thats powerful and highly responsive.

Encased in an exclusive box with silver embossing and logo, Xiaomi Fan Festival Special Edition comes with an exclusive wallpaper that complements the devices metallic back, in addition to a variety of Xiaomi Fan Festival-themed stickers, letting users create their own unique logo pattern. This collection not only celebrates the technological prowess of Xiaomi but also offers fans a tangible way to connect with the brand, making the special edition device a cherished memento of the Xiaomi Fan Festival.

The Xiaomi Fan Festival Special Edition Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G will be available in the Philippines on April 2, 2024, and will be sold during the month-long Xiaomi Fan Festival Sale.

History of Xiaomi Fan Festival

First held in 2012 on the second anniversary of the companys founding, Xiaomi Fan Festival (XFF) has become an annual celebration on April 6 to express appreciation for Xiaomi Fans.

XFF began in Mainland China, before being introduced to India and Indonesia in 2015, and finally entering European markets in 2018. It now extends to over 40 countries and regions worldwide, including the Philippines month-long celebration.

These products are available via the Xiaomi Fan Festival microsite, and authorized Xiaomi stores. For more information, visit Xiaomi Philippines website and Facebook page.
Leading global provider of smart devices HONOR Philippines just dropped its biggest 4.4 Summer deals on Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONOR_Shop44Sale_PR), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONOR_Laz44Sale_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONOR_TikTok44Sale_PR)!

Up to 60% discount on select HONOR devices await HONOR fans from April 1 to 8, 2024!

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This is the chance for all our HONOR fans to treat themselves. A whopping 60% discount on top of vouchers is up for grabs! Start the summer season right with your dream device on your hand, said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

HONOR Devices that have the biggest Price Drop

HONOR X6 will be priced for only Php 3,000 from its original Php 6,990 price tag. Enjoy 50MP Triple Camera and a 5000 mAh battery that can last you for days without charging!

The iconic and viral HONOR X9a 5G is getting a Php 3,000 price drop. During HONOR 4.4 Summer Sale, you can get it for just Php 13,990 from its Php 16,990 SRP! Same goes with HONOR 90 Lite 5G  from Php 12,990 down to just Php 9,990! And the cherry on top? If you buy either HONOR X9a 5G or HONOR 90 Lite 5G, you will also be getting a FREE HONOR Bluetooth Speaker!

Checkout the wide array of products HONOR Philippines is offering and its corresponding exciting deals! From the viral X Series smartphones, irresistible tablets and laptops to the high-end HONOR Magic5 Pro 5G!

All these and more when you shop from April 4 to 8, 2024 on Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONOR_Shop44Sale_PR) and Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONOR_Laz44Sale_PR), and April 1 to 8 on TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONOR_TikTok44Sale_PR)!

For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONORs social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONORs complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
Senegals Constitutional Council recently confirmed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the president-elect, clearing the path for him to become the countrys fifth president with his inauguration anticipated on April 2.

Faye, known for his anti-establishment stance and as an ally to prominent opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, captured more than 54 percent of the vote in the presidential election. This victory was notable against his main rival, Amadou Ba, the candidate from the ruling coalition, who received about 35 percent of the vote.

Fayes election marks a significant shift in Senegals political landscape, representing a move away from the established order and reflecting a widespread desire for change among the electorate. At 44, he will be the youngest president in Africa, a fact that has garnered attention and praise, highlighting a generational shift in political leadership. His win has been universally accepted, with the African Union and international figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron, extending congratulations and expressing hopes for continued and deepened partnerships.

Fayes remarkable rise to the presidency, especially after being imprisoned just 10 days before his electoral victory for a critical social media post, underscores a dramatic turn in his political fortune. His commitment to breaking with the current political system has resonated with many, especially against a backdrop of political unrest and anti-government demonstrations in recent years. Fayes victory is seen not just as a win for him and his supporters but as a beacon of hope for significant political and social change in Senegal.
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:

John Nkengasong, head of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, poses for a portrait on Aug. 29, 2023, in Washington. Nkengasong spoke to The Associated Press about his experience, at a period when challenges by anti-abortion groups and House Republican have made the future of PEPFAR uncertain. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File

Through his office window at what was then one of Africa's few modern clinics dealing with HIV and AIDS, the man who now oversees the United States' threatened global AIDS effort used to hear the sound of taxis pulling up throughout the day.

If he turned his head to look out the window, Dr. John Nkengasong said, he knew what he would see: another desperate family carrying a dying loved onea man or woman already lapsing into a coma, a stick-thin childand hoping to find help.

It was before the Bush administration started the U.S. President's Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, in 2004. There was almost no affordable effective treatment anywhere between South Africa and the Sahara, no rapid HIV tests or high-quality government labs, and few beds for AIDS patients.

Nkengasong has spent decades working in Africa on HIV and AIDS, a career intertwined with the U.S. program that since its introduction 20 years ago has transformed care in some of the hardest-hit countries and saved an estimated 25 million lives. He spoke to The Associated Press during a battle over funding in Congress that imperils the AIDS program's future.

Opponents say the HIV/AIDS funding could be indirectly supporting abortion abroad, although the Biden administration and PEPFAR's defenders say there is no evidence that it does. After a handful of conservative lawmakers threatened for months to block the funding unless restrictions were attached, a compromise was struck in late March that extends the funding for a year.

But advocates of the program warn that without the full five-year renewal, its future remains in doubt as the political debate over abortion and reproductive rights only becomes more combative.

Before PEPFAR, in most cases, Nkengasong's infectious disease clinic in Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast, could offer the families no care. In their loved ones' last hours, the families who came there often were left to crouch outside, in the parking lot.

They would surround "a skeleton of a human being, with a tinge of flesh over their bodies," Nkengasong recalled. "They held their loved ones, giving them the best comfort they could."

Soon enough, the sound of wailing would rise through his windows. The cries signaled another death to HIV/AIDS, one of millions in Africa by the mid-2000s.

The scene would be repeated "nearly hour by hour," Nkengasong said. Sometimes he would get up and close the curtains, blocking out the misery of an epidemic he could not then stem.

John Nkengasong, head of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), speaks during an interview on Aug. 29, 2023, in Washington. Nkengasong spoke to The Associated Press about his experience, at a period when challenges by anti-abortion groups and House Republican have made the future of PEPFAR uncertain. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File

Two decades later, Nkengasong says, his trips to the region from his offices in Washington bring joyous meetings with men, women and children whose lives were saved through PEPFAR, credited as the biggest government effort ever against a single disease.

In all, the U.S. program has spent more than $110 billion on HIV care and treatment, local medical systems and social programs aimed at stemming infection. The U.S. says it has saved 25 million lives in sub-Saharan Africa and other vulnerable regions, including those of 5.5 million children.

'A THRIVING INDUSTRY OF COFFINS'

Nkengasong, who was born in Cameroon and did his graduate studies in Belgium, worked in Africa in the 1990s, when the AIDS epidemic was raging all but unchecked.

It made for a "thriving industry of coffins," he said. Visiting cities in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and elsewhere for his work on infectious diseases, he would travel streets lined by handmade coffins of all sizes.

Beds of infectious-disease clinics were full of "adults lying there looking like babies, because of what HIV had done. That ugly face," Nkengasong recalled.

With early retroviral medication averaging $10,000 per patient per year, only 50,000 HIV-infected people in sub-Saharan Africa were estimated to be receiving effective treatment in the mid-to-late 1990s. That was out of what the World Health Organization said was 10 million people there living with HIV and AIDS.

THE 'AHA' MOMENT

One day in spring 2002, as he was in his lab conducting tests, a large American delegation suddenly arrived at the clinic in Abidjan.

Health Secretary Tommy Thompson and other leading U.S. health officials crowded into the facility, along with representatives of businesses and members of faith-based organizations.

Ambassador-at-Large John Nkengasong, new head of the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the State Department, speaks during the launch of the new bureau, Aug. 1, 2023, at the State Department in Washington. Nkengasong spoke to The Associated Press about his experience, at a period when challenges by anti-abortion groups and House Republican have made the future of PEPFAR, the U.S. President's Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief, uncertain. Credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File

"I remember opening the door and the first person who walked through was Dr. Fauci," Nkengasong recounted. Anthony Fauci, a leading HIV researcher, was then a top official at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and a leader in Nkengasong's field of HIV and AIDS work. "And he said, 'John, good to see you again.' And I was so excited."

Unbeknownst to Nkengasong and his colleagues, national security adviser Condoleeza Rice and other officials privately had been making the case to President George W. Bush that the global HIV epidemic was where the U.S. could make a huge difference.

For the Bush administration, the epidemic presented an opportunity to do good at a time when the U.S. was waging war in Afghanistan and later Iraq as well after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Nine months after the Americans showed up in his lab, "we're watching news on CNN, it was the State of the Union address," Nkengasong recalled. "And President Bush announced the start of PEPFAR."

That night, the president pledged an initial $15 billion over the next five years to tackle the AIDS epidemic around the world.

Nkengasong called it the "aha moment" for himself and others fighting AIDS in the most vulnerable region of the world.

Two decades later, AIDS deaths globally have fallen nearly 70% from their peak in 2004. Sub-Saharan Africa is still the most vulnerable region and home to two-thirds of the people living with HIV. But the PEPFAR program and others have strengthened health care systems to deal with infectious diseases, made treatment available to millions, and expanded support for the most at-risk populations, including women.

On a trip back to Abidjan, Nkengasong met a healthy 17-year-old girl, one of millions spared from infection at birth thanks to medical treatment that prevented HIV transmission from their infected mothers.

This past summer, he visited a clinic in Namibia where HIV-infected mothers had delivered "super healthy" babies thanks to treatment that saved them from infection.

"I grabbed some of the babies and looked at them," he said. Holding them, he wondered what would have happened to them without proper care.

"And they just give you that smile," he said.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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In the small Appalachian city of Bristol, Virginia, City Council member Neal Osborne left a meeting on the morning of Jan. 3 and rushed himself to the hospital.

Osborne, 36, has type 1 diabetes. His insulin pump had malfunctioned, and without a steady supply of this essential hormone, Osborne's blood sugar skyrocketed and his body was shutting down.

Osborne went to the nearest hospital, Bristol Regional Medical Center. He said he settled into a wheelchair in the emergency room waiting area, where over the next few hours he drifted in and out of consciousness and retched up vomit, then bile, then blood. After 12 hours in the waiting room, Osborne said, he was moved to an ER bed, where he stayed until he was sent to the intensive care unit the next day. In total, the council member was in the ER for about 30 hours, he said.

Osborne said his ordeal echoes stories he's heard from constituents for years. In his next crisis, Osborne said, he plans to leave Bristol for an ER about two hours away.

"I want to go to Knoxville or I want to go to Roanoke, because I do not want to further risk my life and die at a Ballad hospital," he said. "The wait times just to get in and see a doctor in the ER have grown exponentially."

Ballad Health, a 20-hospital system in the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee and Virginia, benefits from the largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly in the United States. In the six years since lawmakers in both states waived anti-monopoly laws and Ballad was formed, ER visits for patients sick enough to be hospitalized grew more than three times as long and now far exceed the criteria set by state officials, according to Ballad reports released by the Tennessee Department of Health.

Tennessee and Virginia have so far announced no steps to reduce time spent in Ballad ERs. The Tennessee health department, which has a more direct role in regulating Ballad, has each year issued a report saying the agreement that gave Ballad a monopoly "continues to provide a Public Advantage." Department officials have twice declined to comment to KFF Health News on Ballad's performance.

According to Ballad's latest annual report, which was released this month and spans from July 2022 to June 2023, the median time that patients spend in Ballad ERs before being admitted to the hospital is nearly 11 hours. This statistic includes both time spent waiting and time being treated in the ER and excludes patients who weren't admitted or left the ER without receiving care.

The federal government once tracked ER speed the same way. When compared against the latest corresponding federal data from 2019, which includes more than 4,000 hospitals but predates the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballad ranks among the 100 hospitals with the slowest ERs. More current federal data is not available because the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services retired this statistic in 2020 in favor of other measurements.

Newer data tells a similar story. The Joint Commission, a nonprofit that accredits health care organizations, collected this same measurement for 2022 from about 250 hospitals that volunteered the data, finding a median ER speed of five hours and 41 minutesor about five hours faster than Ballad's latest annual report.

Ballad Health spokesperson Molly Luton said in an email statement that, by holding patients in the ER, where they are observed while waiting for a bed, Ballad avoids "overwhelming" its staff. Luton said ER delays are also caused by two nationwide crises: a nursing shortage and fewer admissions at nursing homes and similar facilities, which can create a backlog of patients awaiting discharge from the hospital.

Luton added that Ballad's ER time for admitted patients has dropped to about 7 hours in the months since the company's latest annual report.

"On those issues Ballad Health can directly control, our performance has rebounded from 2022, and is now among the best in the nation," Luton said.

Luton also noted that Ballad performs better than or close to the national average on several other measurements of ER performance, including having fewer patients who leave without being treated. CMS data shows the national average is about 3%. Ballad reported 1.4% in its latest annual report.

Osborne, the Bristol council member, attributed this statistic to Ballad's monopoly.

"Just because they aren't leaving the ER doesn't mean they are happy where they are," he said. "It just means they don't have anywhere else they could be."

Ballad's big monopoly

Ballad Health was formed in 2018 after state officials approved the nation's biggest hospital merger based on a so-called Certificate of Public Advantage, or COPA, agreement. COPAs have been used in about 10 hospital mergers over the past three decades, but none has involved as many hospitals as Ballad's.

State lawmakers in Tennessee and Virginia waived federal anti-monopoly laws so rival hospital systemsMountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health Systemcould merge into a single company with no competition. Ballad is now the only option for hospital care for most of about 1.1 million residents in a 29-county region at the nexus of Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that hospital monopolies lead to increased prices and decreased quality of care. To offset the perils of Ballad's monopoly, officials required the new company to commit to a long list of special conditions, including dozens of quality-care metrics spelled out with specific benchmarks.

In its latest annual report, Ballad improved on many quality-of-care metrics over the prior year, including several that the company prioritized, but still fell short on 56 of 75 benchmarks.

ER time for admitted patients is one of those. The benchmark was set at three hours and 47 minutes in the original COPA agreement. Ballad met or nearly met this goal for three years, according to its annual reports. Then the ERs slowed.

In 2022, Ballad reported a median ER time for admitted patients of about six hours.

In 2023, it reported the same statistic at seven hours and 40 minutes.

In the latest report, ER time for admitted patients had reached 10 hours and 45 minutes.

CMS, which grades thousands of hospitals nationwide, warns on its website that timely ER care is "essential for good patient outcomes," and that more time spent in the ER has been linked to higher complication rates and delays in patients getting pain medication and antibiotics.

Ben Harder, chief of health analysis for U.S. News & World Report, said extensive ER times can be a symptom of slowdowns throughout a hospital, including in the operating room.

"A long delay in getting patients admitted is both a risk in itself, in that a test may not get conducted as promptly," Harder said. "But it's also an indication that the hospital is backed up, and that there are problems getting patients moved from one unit to another."

Bill Christian, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Health, said Ballad's rising ER times had been "noted" but did not say if the agency had taken or was considering any action. Christian directed questions about Ballad's latest stats to the company itself.

'A nightmare for community members'

Ballad has also fallen shortby about $191 million over the past five yearsof its obligation to Tennessee to provide charity care, which is free or discounted care for low-income patients, according to health department documents and Ballad's latest report. The health department waived this obligation in each of the past four fiscal years. Ballad has said it would ask for another this year.

In a two-hour interview last year, Ballad CEO Alan Levine defended his company and said that because the Tri-Cities region could not support two competing hospital companies, the COPA merger had likely prevented at least three hospital closures. Levine attributed Ballad's failure to meet quality benchmarks to the pressure of the COVID pandemic and said charity care shortfalls were partly caused by Medicaid changes beyond Ballad's control.

"Our critics say, 'No Ballad. We don't want Ballad.' Well, then what?" Levine said. "Because the hospitals were on their way to being closed."

Some residents see Ballad as a savior. John King, who runs a physical therapy clinic in the core of Ballad's region, said at a public hearing last June that in multiple visits to Ballad ERs, including one for a stroke, he found their care to be quick and compassionate.

"If it weren't for Ballad Health, I literally would not be here today," King said, according to a hearing transcript.

Ballad's failures to live up to the terms of the COPA agreement were detailed in a KFF Health News investigation last September, and the company faced a new wave of criticism in the months that followed.

Local leaders in Carter County, Tennessee, in October debated but did not pass a resolution calling for Ballad to be better regulated or broken up. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, a Republican, said in an interview with the Tennessee Lookout published in November that Ballad must be constantly monitored in light of community complaints. Earlier this month, Tennessee state Rep. David Hawk (R-Greeneville), who represents a region within Ballad's monopoly, called for Levine's resignation, according to wjhl.com.

In response, Ballad Health said in a statement it has "strong relationships with the majority of elected officials" in Carter County and welcomed scrutiny from the Tennessee attorney general. Ballad said Hawk's "opinion certainly does not reflect our broader relationships" within the area. Tennessee lawmakers are also considering legislation to forbid future COPA mergers in the state, which Ballad said "risks putting more hospitals at risk for closure."

The bill was introduced by state Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) and state Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville), who is running for the U.S. Senate. Johnson said the bill would end Ballad's protection from antitrust laws.

"It's just been a nightmare for community members out there," Johnson said. "And they have no other option."

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Scientists have been searching for the optimal coronavirus vaccine since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The mRNA vaccines developed through the federal government's "Operation Warp Speed" program were a massive innovation; however, annually updating those boosters for specific SARS-CoV-2 variants is inefficient for scientists and patients.

SARS-CoV-2 is just one member of the Sarbecovirus (SARS Betacoronavirus) subfamily (others include SARS-CoV-1, which caused the 2002 SARS outbreak, as well as other viruses circulating in bats that could cause future pandemics).

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new vaccine that offers broad protection against not only SARS-CoV-2 variants, but also other bat sarbecoviruses. The groundbreaking trivalent vaccine has shown complete protection with no trace of virus in the lungs, marking a significant step toward a universal vaccine for coronaviruses.

"We had been working on strategies to make a broadly protective vaccine for a while," said Ravi Kane, professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. "This vaccine may protect not just against the current strain circulating that year, but also future variants."

The team presented their findings in research titled "Broad protection against clade 1 sarbecoviruses after a single immunization with cocktail spike-protein-nanoparticle vaccine," published in Nature Communications.

Kane and his research group have been working on the technologies to develop more widely protective vaccines for viruses since he joined Georgia Tech in 2015. Although the team didn't specifically foresee COVID-19 arising when it did, pandemics have regularly occurred throughout human history. While the team pivoted their vaccine research to address coronaviruses, they were surprised by how rapidly each new variant arose, making their broader vaccine even more necessary.

Once they realized the challenge inherent in how fast SARS-CoV-2 mutates, they had two options for how to build a vaccine: design one to be widely preventative against the virus, or use the influenza vaccine, which updates annually for the anticipated prevalent variant, as a model.

Making a broad vaccine is more appealing because it enables patients to get one shot and be protected for years. To create their general vaccine, Kane's team capitalized on the key to the original mRNA vaccinesthe spike protein, which binds the virus to healthy cells. Their vaccine uses three prominent spike proteins, or a trivalent vaccine, to elicit a broad enough antibody response to make the vaccine effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other sarbecoviruses that have been identified as having pandemic potential.

"If you know which variant is circulating, you can immunize with the spike protein of that variant," Ph.D. student and co-author Kathryn Loeffler said. "But a broad vaccine is more difficult to develop because you're protecting against many different antigens versus just one."

Collaborators in the Kawaoka group at the University of Wisconsin tested their vaccine in hamsters, which they had previously identified as an appropriate animal model to evaluate vaccines and immunotherapies against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine was able to neutralize all SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants tested, as well as non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses circulating in bats. Even better, the vaccine provided complete protection with no detectable virus in the lungs.

Kane hopes that the vaccine strategy his team identified can be applied to other virusesother coronavirus subfamilies as well as other viruses such as influenza viruses. They also expect that some of the specific antigens they describe in this paper can be moved toward preclinical trials. Someday, a trivalent vaccine could comprise a routine part of people's medical treatment.

More information: Peter J. Halfmann et al, Broad protection against clade 1 sarbecoviruses after a single immunization with cocktail spike-protein-nanoparticle vaccine, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45495-6 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Loss of happy life expectancy for carcinogenic chemicals and psychological distress. PM 2.5 represents the value in 2020. Credit: Environmental Research (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118637

If improving your outlook on life really was as simple as "don't worry, be happy," then keeping your spirits up would be a piece of cake. Unfortunately, it's not so simple, as a multitude of factors beyond our control can affect our mood.

In a study published in March in Environmental Research, researchers from Osaka University have revealed that contaminants in the environment can have an effect on our emotional well-being lifespan.

A recently developed risk assessment tool defined happy life expectancy as the lifespan during which a person experiences subjective emotional well-being, while loss of happy life expectancy (LHpLE) was defined as a decrease in the length of positive emotional experiences in an individual's life. LHpLE is calculated by combining both the reduction in happiness and the increase in mortality associated with risk exposure.

"We previously used the LHpLE indicator to evaluate psychological distress and cancer risk associated with radiation exposure after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, among other situations," says lead author of the study Michio Murakami. "However, this tool has not been used to assess the effects of cancer or exposure to environmental carcinogens on happiness."

To address this, the researchers surveyed Japanese people to determine their average happiness by age and sex, and evaluate whether cancer reduces emotional happiness. Then, LHpLE was calculated for exposure to common environmental cancer-causing agents in Japan, as well as psychological distress, allowing comparison of the different types of risk exposure.

"The results were intriguing," explains Shuhei Nomura, one of the study's authors. "We found that emotional happiness did not decrease significantly in those with cancer, nor was there any significant association between emotional happiness and cancer type, history, or stage."

Overall, exposure to environmental carcinogens decreased the emotional happiness lifespan by 0.0064 years for radon, 0.0026 years for arsenic, and 0.00086 years for fine particulate matter in the air, due to their mortality. The decrease in emotional happiness was even more pronounced for psychological distress, which resulted in an LHpLE of 0.97 years.

"Our findings suggest that exposure to carcinogens and psychological distress significantly decrease lifetime happiness," says Murakami.

Given the clear decrease in emotional happiness lifespan associated with carcinogens, the findings from this study suggest that environmental policies should focus on reducing exposure to these chemicals. Applying this understanding to public health policies could help people live longer, happier lives.

More information: Michio Murakami et al, Comparing the risks of environmental carcinogenic chemicals in Japan using the loss of happy life expectancy indicator, Environmental Research (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118637 Journal information: Environmental Research
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Hematopoietic LOY in human DCM scRNA-Seq datasets. Credit: Nature Cardiovascular Research (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00441-z

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have discovered a gene on the Y chromosome that contributes to the greater incidence of heart failure in men. The work is published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research.

Y chromosome loss in men occurs progressively throughout life and can be detected in approximately 40% of 70-year-old men. UVA's Kenneth Walsh, Ph.D., discovered in 2022 that this loss can contribute to heart muscle scarring and lead to deadly heart failure. That finding was the first to directly link Y chromosome loss to a specific harm to men's health; Y chromosome loss is increasingly thought to play a role in diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to cancer.

In an important follow-up finding, Walsh and his team have discovered how Y chromosome loss triggers changes in heart immune cells that make the cells more likely to cause scarring and heart failure.

Further, the researchers found they could reverse the harmful heart changes by giving lab mice a drug that targets the process of fibrosis that leads to the heart scarring, which could lead to a similar treatment for men.

"Our previous work identified that it was loss of the entire Y chromosome that contributed to heart disease in men," said Walsh, the director of UVA's Hematovascular Biology Center. "This new work identified a single gene on the Y chromosome that can account for the disease-promoting effects of Y chromosome loss."

About Y chromosome loss

Unlike women, who have two X chromosomes, men have an X and a Y. For a long time, the genes found on the Y chromosome were not thought to play important roles in disease. Sex hormones, scientists thought, explained the differences in certain diseases in men and women. But Walsh's groundbreaking work has helped change that perception.

It also suggested an explanation for why heart failure is more common in men than women. Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart failure, is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Y chromosome loss occurs in only a small percentage of affected men's cells. This results in what is called "mosaicism," where genetically different cells occur within one individual. Researchers aren't entirely sure why this partial Y chromosome loss occurs, but predominantly it strikes elderly men and men who smoke compared to those who don't.

To better understand the effects of Y chromosome loss, Walsh and his team examined genes found on the Y chromosome to determine which might be important to heart scarring. One gene they looked at, Uty, helps control the operating instructions for immune cells called macrophages and monocytes, the scientists determined.

When the Uty gene was disrupted, either individually or through Y chromosome loss, that triggered changes in the immune cells in lab mice. Suddenly, the macrophages were much more "pro-fibrotic," or prone to scarring. This accelerated heart failure as well, the scientists found.

"The identification of a single gene on the Y chromosome provides information about a new druggable target to treat fibrotic diseases," said Walsh, of UVA's Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center.

Walsh and his team were able to prevent the harmful changes in the mice's macrophages by giving them a specially designed monoclonal antibody. This halted the harmful changes in the heart, suggesting the approach might, with further research, lead to a way to treat or avoid heart failure and other fibrotic diseases in men with Y chromosome loss.

"Currently, we are working with our clinician colleagues in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at UVA to assess whether loss of the Y chromosome in men is associated with greater scarring in the heart," Walsh said. "This research will provide new avenues for understanding the causes of heart disease."

Based on their findings, Walsh and his team believe that a small group of genes found on the Y chromosome may have big effects on a wide array of diseases. Their new work identifies mechanisms that may lead to this, and they are hopeful that further research will provide a much better understanding of unknown causes of sickness and death in men.

"This research further documents the utility of studying the genetics of mutations that are acquired after conception and accumulate throughout life," Walsh said. "These mutations appear to be as important to health and lifespan as the mutations that are inherited from one's parents. The study of these age-acquired mutations represents a new field of human genetics."

More information: Keita Horitani et al, Disruption of the Uty epigenetic regulator locus in hematopoietic cells phenocopies the profibrotic attributes of Y chromosome loss in heart failure, Nature Cardiovascular Research (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00441-z Journal information: Nature Cardiovascular Research
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In a Pittsburgh hospital in the early 1980s, Charles Rinaldo saw a young, previously healthy gay man critically ill with a virus usually only seen in weakened immune systems.

Around the same time, Jeffrey Toth was hearing terms like "the gay cancer" and "gay related immune deficiency"and watching players in his gay softball league get mysteriously ill.

"People were dying and we didn't know why," said Marc C. E. Wagner. "I knew it was a devastating condition, even early on."

Through gay bars and picnics, word began to spread about a study at the University of Pittsburgh investigating the disease, and on April 1, 1984, the study officially began recruiting its first participants.

Forty years later, the Pitt Men's Study is one of the longest-running studies on HIV and AIDS in the country. About 2,000 men have participated since the beginning, coming every six months to give blood samples and answer questionnaires, building a scientific goldmine in the process.

"It's the greatest living experiment," said Wagner, an AIDS researcher at Pitt and one of the original study participants. "As one of my mentors, who is no longer with us, once told me, "You start in ignorance and you grow in knowledge, and that's the basis of science.'"

Overall, 1,811 people have participated in the Pitt Men's Study over the last 40 years, with 438 still-active participants201 of those who joined in 1985 or before. Of those who have ever participated in the study, 539 have died from AIDS or other causes.

In 1978, Rinaldo came to Pittsburgh, fresh from completing postdoctoral studies at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His focus was an "opportunistic virus" called cytomegalovirus that attacked people with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients. Pittsburgh was growing as a transplant center by 1981, boosted by the arrival of transplant pioneer Thomas Starzl.

That same year, Rinaldo remembers seeing a "perplexing case" of a critically ill gay man in his mid-20s with CMV and Pneumocystis pneumonia, another opportunistic virus. Unlike most of the patients that Rinaldo saw with CMV, he had no previous health problems and had not received an organ transplant. Though the disease didn't have a name yet, the man is now recognized as Pittsburgh's first known AIDS patient, and later died of the disease.

Shortly afterward, Rinaldo met David Lyter, a Pitt medical student who had recently come out as gay. Lyter had seen the new disease affecting the gay community and approached Rinaldo about putting together a study to investigate it. With no official funding, and with Lyter doing most of the recruiting, they put together a pilot study of about 70 gay men.

At the same time, the country was starting to recognize the virus as well. In June of 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported on a cluster of five cases in Los Angelesall gay men with no known contact with each other, sick with Pneumocystis pneumonia and CMV infections. In September 1982, the CDC used the term AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for the first time. A few months later, the National Institutes of Health put out a request for research proposals for a large study of the new disease.

The study was looking to include one research site in a city that didn't have as high of an incidence of AIDS as major population centers such as L.A. or New York City. "They thought maybe there was a different cause," said Rinaldo. "That was one of the hypotheses at the time."

Rinaldo was decades younger than most of the academic heavyweights vying for funding. But with the support of leaders at the university, he applied.

In the summer of 1983, he received a grant for $4.2 millionwhich equates to more than $13 million in 2024over four years. The study, called the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, also included sites in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Baltimore and Chicago, and all except San Francisco are still involved today.

"We were to define the natural history of what was just then being called AIDS," said Rinaldo. "We did not know the virus that was the cause of this. Part of our intent was to help discover what was causing this mysterious disease."

But first, Rinaldo needed to find more than 1,000 gay men to come to Pittsburgh to participate in the studyat a time of great fear of the virus and stigma toward homosexuality.

Building the study

"I'm a straight male scientist, never having dealt with the LGBTQ community," he said. "This is Pittsburgh; it wasn't San Francisco. That community was not as prominent and accepted as it was in some of the larger cities at the time."

With Lyter's help, he enlisted the Tavern Guilda group of gay bar and bathhouse ownersto spread the word. They recruited at gay bars, putting up posters and handing out napkins with the study's name and address. Sometimes they took blood specimens right in the bars, using an office or coat check room. Many bars at the time had switched to using plastic utensils, unsure how the virus could spread.

The study also hired Tony Silvestre, a prominent gay leader from Philadelphia, to lead recruiting. An instrumental part of the history of the Pitt Men's Study, Silvestre died in 2022.

The recruitment was effective, in part because some viewed it as their chance to do something positive about a terrible situation.

Toth heard about the study from a former boss. "HIV was affecting the communitynobody knew what it was, but it was quite scary back then," he said. "We were younger back then, and we saw some older people just getting very sick. We thought, 'Oh, we have to do something. It may affect us eventually.' And it did."

Because of the fear at the time, the study took immense precautions on secrecy. The clinic was in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, not in a university building. Participants were identified only by an ID number; information about their names was kept in a different office in a different building.

Even outside of the building, employees of the study practiced strict confidentiality.

"If you were walking down the street and saw someone and you knew they were part of the study, you just walked right past them," said Bill Buchanan, who worked for the study from 1988 until he retired in 2022. "Unless you talked to me first, it would be like I never saw you in my life. You have to play that game."

Even the door to the clinic didn't fully identify what was going on. "There were no signs on the door that said Pitt Men's Study. It just said PMS Clinic," said Buchanan. "Once in a blue moon, you'd get a woman that came in. When she found out that wasn't what PMS meant, she'd get a little upset."

At first, visits to the clinic would involve taking all sorts of specimensblood, saliva, feces, semenand questionnaires about sexual practices.

"Back then, we took everything," said Rinaldo. "We didn't know what we were looking for."

Evolving testing

In 1985, the FDA approved a test to determine whether antibodies for the virus that caused AIDS were present in a blood test.

All these men who had submitted blood samples could now find outif they chose towhether or not they had the virus now known as HIV.

The researchers carefully developed a protocol for how they would let the participants know: They would tell them in person, whether they were positive or negative.

Wagner remembers going in for his session. Though he had no symptoms, he was told that his blood did have the antibodies. Sometime in between his first and second visit to the study, he contracted HIV.

"It was devastating," he said. "Back then, there were literally no medications. All you were hearing was that it was a death sentencethat in some course of time that you didn't know yet, you would die."

In Pittsburgh, about 22% of the participants had antibodies indicating HIV. In some of the other sites in the study, that figure was closer to 50%.

Testing for HIV and AIDS improved further with viral load testing, which not only showed antibodies but also the presence of the virus itself.

One of the Pitt Men's Study's most important findings was research on viral loads in the mid-1990s, showing that people who had higher levels of the virus in their blood were much more likely to develop AIDS than people who had lower levels.

"Common sense would dictate it, but we were the first to actually prove it," said Rinaldo. "To this day, it's one of the most cited papers in the field."

Forging community

With so many gay menboth with AIDS and withoutregularly visiting the Pitt Men's Study office, it started to become a de facto clearinghouse of information. Pittsburgh's gay infrastructure wasn't as developed as in cities with larger populations, such as San Francisco, and people weren't sure where else to turn.

"Ultimately, people would turn to the study for all kinds of helpmedical help, legal help, I've been evicted from my apartment," said Buchanan. "We were a study, we didn't have those kinds of resources, and that was the impetus behind creating the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force."

The study frequently referred those with AIDS to Jerry Rabinowitz, who was killed in the Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting in 2018. Rabinowitz was one of the first doctors in Pittsburgh willing to treat AIDS patients.

Contributing to the study's legacy are the larger AIDS services that developed from it. Education programs that stemmed from the study likely prevented many more AIDS cases, said Buchanan.

The study also created a community advisory board that continues to this day, and for years the study led the way locally in commemorating World AIDS Day in Pittsburgh.

Growing understandingand options

As the AIDS epidemic continued, understanding of the virus grew, as did treatments. In 1987, the FDA approved the first AIDS drug, called AZT. The drug prolonged the lives of some AIDS patients but had serious side effects for some, such as nausea, liver problems and headaches.

For Wagner, the side effects of AZT were unbearable. In what he believed was a choice between quality of life and quantity of life, he stopped taking it.

By 1993, HIV was the leading cause of death among Americans aged 25 to 44. But new and better drugs were on the way. In the mid-1990s, the FDA approved combination therapies that were more effective, but required taking many pills per day. By the late 1990s, those medications were further improved and consolidated into fewer pills.

With medication, Wagner's viral load is now so low that it is considered undetectable. "I've outlived so many of my relatives. If you would have told me at the beginning of this journey that I would still be here and they would be gone, I never would have believed this to be possible. The study gave back to me so much understanding of my own body, peace of mind of knowing what's going on."

In some ways, the study has transformed into research on aging with HIV and AIDS, and the effect that the virus has on the body.

With such a large bank of dataand 40 years of specimens in freezersthere are unlimited opportunities for research. Rinaldo is involved in one study that has taken modern understanding of microbiomes and applied it to decades-old stool samples of HIV-positive men, showing differences in the bacteria of those who developed AIDS. Other studies are looking at how HIV affects men who become infected today versus in the early 1980s.

"Forty years later, the specimens that the men gave us are extremely relevant," said Rinaldo. "I tell my students and postdocs, every time you go into the freezer and take out these specimens, just remember how we got these. Even with all the fancy technology we use now, there's no way at all we could do all this without these men."

And to those involved, the study has meant more than just science. For 40 years, they have come to a nondescript building, sharing not just their blood but also friendship, sorrow and camaraderie.

"It's one of the most dedicated groups of people that I've ever seen. Some of the best people in the world walk through that door," said Buchanan. "I came to love them as friends. Even though I'm retired, there's a number of them who said, 'I need your home number, I need to stay in touch.' Some of them showed up at my mother's funeral last month."

Part of the close kinship, of course, comes from tragedy. Toth, one of the original participants and a current data manager for the study, still has a photo from his gay softball team in the early 1980s. "The majority of the team is gone," he said, "and most of them, sadly, is because of AIDS."

Later this year, the study will hold events to honor the participants and mark 40 years.

"I don't call this a celebration: I call this a commemoration," said Rinaldo. "We won't be celebrating until we don't have to do this anymoreuntil we cure this infection or have a vaccine. We want to keep this going until the study is no longer needed."

2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Russian intelligence has been linked to mysterious so-called Havana Syndrome symptoms experienced by US diplomats, a media investigation said Monday, but the State Department stood by its assessment that no foreign actor was responsible.

Havana Syndrome was first publicly reported in 2016 when US diplomats in Cuba's capital reported falling ill and hearing piercing sounds at night, sparking speculation of an attack by a foreign entity using an unspecified sonar weapon.

Other symptoms including bloody noses, headaches and vision problems were later reported by embassy staff in China, Europe and the US capital Washington.

The diplomats may have been targeted by Russian sonic weaponry, according to the joint report by The Insider, Der Spiegel and CBS's "60 Minutes" news program.

The year-long investigation "uncovered evidence suggesting that unexplained anomalous health incidents, also known as Havana Syndrome, may have their origin in the use of directed energy weapons wielded by members of (the Russian GRU) Unit 29155," the report said.

Russia's Unit 29155 is responsible for foreign operations and has been blamed for several international incidents, including the attempted poisoning of defector Sergei Skripal in Britain in 2018.

The United States in 2017 withdrew non-essential employees from its recently reopened embassy in Havana and expelled Cuban diplomats over the illnesses, speculating that microwave or other electronic warfare was responsible.

But US intelligence later concluded that the symptoms were more likely the result of preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses and environmental factors.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, asked about the new report, said there had been no change in that assessment.

"It has been the broad conclusion of the intelligence community since March 2023 that it is unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible for these anomalous health incidents," Miller told reporters.

Moscow dismissed the new allegations as "groundless."

"This topic has been talked up in the press for many years already. And from the very beginning, most often it's linked to the Russian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference.

"But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation," he said.

The joint investigation suggests the first cases of Havana Syndrome may have occurred in Germany two years earlier than the cases reported in Havana in 2016 that gave the syndrome its name.

"There were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a US government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam," the report said.

The New Yorker reported in July 2021 that about two dozen US intelligence officers, diplomats and other government officials in Austria had reported problems similar to the Havana Syndrome since President Joe Biden took office earlier that year.

The United States deployed medical and scientific experts to study the alleged attacks, and those affected have been extensively examined to try to understand their afflictions.

A study last month by the National Institutes of Health said that it found no tangible evidence of brain injuries in people with Havana Syndrome, even if they reported real symptoms such as migraines, chronic dizziness and depression.

In a sign of easing concerns and also a sign of policy priorities, the Biden administration last year reopened the US immigration office in Havana that had been shuttered during the scare.

 2024 AFP
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Methodology flowchart. A Transcriptomic (T) data processing workflow. B PGMRA analysis on T data and T- biclusters generation. C Functional annotation of PGMRA T-biclusters. D Collection of gene sets from the three Genomic-Environmental networks (GE) of human personality from Zwir et al. 2021. E Mapping of the T-biclusters and GE gene sets to brain regions, specifying GET gene subsets. F GET biological interaction analysis with three types of interaction networks (protein-protein, transcription factors-genes and gene-miRNA) *. G Integration of interactions networks for each GET *. *Node colors distinguish transcriptomic genes (blue), genomic-environmental genes (green), and newly introduced genes by the type of bioinformatic network analysis (red). Node shape indicates the molecular subtype for the new genes from network analysis: triangle (protein), star (TF), and circle (miRNA). Credit: Molecular Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02484-x

An international study led by the UGR using artificial intelligence has shown that our personalities alter the expression of our genes. The findings shed new light on the long-standing mystery of how the mind and body interact.

The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, examines how an individual's personality and underlying outlook on life regulate their gene expression, and thus affect their health and well-being. It is the first study to measure the transcription of the entire genome in relation to human personality.

Researchers led the multi- and interdisciplinary study from the Andalusian Interuniversity Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (DaSCI), the UGR's Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs. GRANADA).

It was carried out in collaboration with Professor Robert Cloninger (Washington University in St. Louis), researchers from Baylor College of Medicine (Texas, U.S.), and the Young Finns Study (Finland).

The international research team (made up of specialists in genetics, medicine, psychology, and computer science) used data from the Young Finns Study, an extensive study conducted in the general population of Finland over four decades during which relevant information was collected on participants' health, physical condition and lifestyle.

In addition, participants were subjected to extensive personality assessments that addressed both temperament (habits and emotional reactivity) and character (conscious goals and values). The results showed that certain outlooks on life are conducive to a healthy, fulfilling, and long life, while others lead to a stressful, unhealthy, and short life.

The study analyzed the regulation of gene expression in these individuals, taking into account three levels of self-awareness that were measured through their combined temperament and character profiles.

These levels were designated "unregulated"individuals dominated by irrational emotions and habits associated with their traditions and obedience to authority; "organized"self-sufficient individuals capable of intentionally regulating their habits and cooperating with others for mutual benefit; and lastly, "creative"self-transcendent individuals who adapt their habits to live in harmony with others, with nature or with the universe, even if this requires occasional personal sacrifices.

Two key findings

As UGR researcher and co-lead author of the study, Coral del Val explains, "In our research, we made two key discoveries about the expression and organization of genes according to the personality profiles of these individuals. First, we discovered a network of 4,000 genes that clustered into multiple modules that were expressed in specific regions of the brain. Some of these genes had already been linked in previous studies to the inheritance of human personality."

"Second, we discovered that the modules formed a functional interaction network capable of orchestrating changes in gene expression in order to adapt to varying internal and external conditions. The modules turned on and off in a flexible manner, facilitating adaptation to the everyday challenges we all face and choreographing our development".

The researchers showed that the two sub-networks orchestrated the changes in the patterns of interaction between these modules in the patterns of interactions between these modules were orchestrated by two sub-networks. One network regulated emotional reactivity (anxiety, fear, etc.), while the other regulated what a person perceives as meaningful (e.g., production of concepts and language).

"What's most remarkable is the fact that the networks for emotion and meaning are coordinated by a control center made up of six genes," notes Elisa Diaz de la Guardia-Bolivar, the other co-lead author of the study. "It is particularly interesting that we found that the six genes of the control hub are highly preserved throughout evolution, from single-celled organisms to modern humans. This finding confirms their beneficial role in regulating the functioning of all forms of life on Earth," she adds.

Identifying these gene networks and the control hub regulating gene expression in humans has practical value because it shows how people can improve the quality of their health, happiness, and overall quality of daily life despite the challenges and stresses we all face.

The UGR's Igor Zwir explains, "In previous research, we found significant differences in well-being between people in the three personality groups, depending on their level of self-awareness. Specifically, those with greater self-awareness (the creative group) reported greater well-being compared to the organized and unregulated groups."

"We have now shown that these levels of self-awareness are also strongly associated with the regulation of gene expression in the same order (creative > organized > unregulated). This suggests that a person can improve their health and well-being by cultivating a more self-transcendent and creative outlook on life."

However, he cautions that it remains to be confirmed whether the regulation of gene expression through interventions that enhance self-awareness is the mediating factor in the association between self-awareness and well-being.

Nevertheless, treatments that promote greater self-transcendence and mindfulness have also been shown to contribute to improvements in all aspects of health, including physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. It is, therefore, plausible that the regulation of gene expression is the real mediator in this association.

As the researchers predicted, certain types of genes, such as transcription factors, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs, showed extensive enrichment in the 4000-gene integrated molecular network. However, the most significant enrichment was observed in a group of RNAs that are thought to have played a crucial role in the origin of cellular life.

These RNAs have the ability to form membrane-less compartments and carry out chemical reactions, allowing them to adapt rapidly to stress. This process, known as liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), creates a comprehensive bioreactor in which the chemicals that are essential for life can be synthesized.

"We are delighted to discover the important roles of different types of genes in health and personality. It is amazing to see that evolution has preserved genes that are thought to have been important in the origin of life, allowing for the increasing plasticity, complexity, and consciousness that we observe in humans."

"The innovative computational methods used in this project enable us to study complex biological systems in humans in an ethical, non-intrusive, and beneficial way, with the aim of understanding how to live healthily," says Professor Cloninger.

He adds, "These findings clearly demonstrate that a person's mind and body are deeply interconnected. Each influences the other, so they are not separate. It is important to recognize that our past or present conditions do not entirely determine our future well-being; rather, we can cultivate our own well-being in a creative process full of open-ended possibilities."

More information: Coral del Val et al, Gene expression networks regulated by human personality, Molecular Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02484-x Journal information: Molecular Psychiatry
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Jason George began noticing in September that Medicaid payments had stalled for some of his assisted living facility residents, people who need help with daily living.

Guardian Group Montana, which owns three small facilities in rural Montana, relies on the government health insurance to cover its care of low-income residents. George, who manages the facilities, said residents' Medicaid delays have lasted from a few weeks to more than six months and that at one point the total amounted to roughly $150,000.

George said the company didn't have enough money to pay its employees. When he called state health and public assistance officials for help, he said, they told him they were swamped processing a high load of Medicaid cases, and that his residents would have to wait their turn.

"I've mentioned to some of them, 'Well what do we do if we're not being paid for four or five months? Do we have to evict the resident?'" he asked.

Instead, the company took out bank loans at 8% interest, George said.

Montana officials finished their initial checks of who qualifies for Medicaid in January, less than a year after the federal government lifted a freeze on disenrollments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 127,200 people in Montana lost Medicaid with tens of thousands of cases still processing, according to the latest state data, from mid-February.

Providers who take Medicaid have said their state payments have been disrupted, leaving them financially struggling amid the unwinding. They're providing care without pay, and sometimes going into debt. It's affecting small long-term care facilities, substance use disorder clinics, and federally funded health centers that rely on Medicaid to offer treatment based on need, not what people can pay.

State health officials have defended their Medicaid redetermination process and said they have worked to address public assistance backlogs.

Financial pinches were expected as people who legitimately no longer qualify were removed from coverage. But the businesses have said an overburdened state workforce is creating a different set of problems. In some cases, it has taken months for people to reapply for Medicaid after getting dropped, or to access the coverage for the first time. Part of the problem, providers said, are long waits on hold for the state's call center and limited in-person help.

The problem is ongoing: George said two Guardian residents were booted from Medicaid in mid-March, with the state citing a lack of information as the cause.

"I have proof we submitted the needed information weeks ago," he said.

Providers said they've also experienced cases of inconsistent Medicaid payments for people who haven't lost coverage. It can be hard to disentangle why payments suddenly stop. Patients and providers are working within the same overstretched system.

Jon Forte is the head of the Yellowstone County health department in Billings, which runs health centers that provide care regardless of patients' ability to pay. He said that at one point some of the clinics' routine Medicaid claims went unpaid for up to six months. Their doctors are struggling to refer patients out for specialty care as some providers scale back on clientele, he said.

"Some have honestly had to stop seeing Medicaid patients so that they can meet their needs and keep the lights on," Forte said. "It is just adding to the access crisis we have in the state."

Payment shortfalls especially hurt clinics that base fees on patient income.

David Mark, a doctor and the CEO of One Health, which has rural clinics dotted across eastern Montana and Wyoming, said the company anticipated making about $500,000 in profit through its budget year so far. Instead, it's $1.5 million in the red.

In Yellowstone County, Forte said, the health department, known as RiverStone Health, is down $2.2 million from its anticipated Medicaid revenue. Forte said that while state officials have nearly caught up on RiverStone Health's direct Medicaid payments, smaller providers are still seeing delays, which contributes to problems referring patients for care.

Jon Ebelt, a spokesperson for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, said Medicaid can retroactively pay for services for people who have lost coverage but are then found eligible within 90 days. He said the state's average redetermination processing time is 34 days, the average processing time for applications is 48 days, and, when processing times are longer, it's often due to ongoing communication with a client.

Ebelt didn't acknowledge broader Medicaid payment delays, but instead said a provider may be submitting claims for Medicaid enrollees who aren't eligible. He rejected the idea that individual examples of disruptions amount to a systemic problem.

"We would caution you against using broad brush strokes to paint a picture of our overall eligibility system and processes based on a handful of anecdotal stories," Ebelt said in an emailed response to a KFF Health News query.

Ebelt didn't directly answer questions about continued long waits for people seeking help but instead said continued coverage depends on individual beneficiaries submitting information on time.

Federal data shows Montana's average call center wait time is 30 minutesputting it among states with the highest average wait times. Mike White, co-owner of Caslen Living Centers, which has six small assisted living facilities across central and southwestern Montana, said some family members allowed the company to manage residents' Medicaid accounts to help avoid missing deadlines or paperwork. Even so, he said, the company is waiting for about $30,000 in Medicaid payments, and it's hard to reach the state when problems arise.

When they do get through to the state's call center, the person on the other end can't always resolve their issue or will answer questions for only one case at a time.

"You don't know how long it's going to takeit could be two months, it could be six monthsand there's nobody to talk to," White said.

Ebelt said long-term care facilities were provided information on how to prepare for the unwinding process. He said new Medicaid cases for long-term care facilities are complicated and can take time.

Stan Klaumann lives in Ennis and has power of attorney for his 94-year-old mom, who resides in one of Guardian's assisted living homes. Klaumann said that while she never lost coverage, the state didn't make Medicaid payments toward her long-term care for more than four months and he still doesn't know why.

He said that since last fall the state hasn't consistently mailed him routine paperwork he needs to fill out and return in exchange for Medicaid payments to continue. He tried the state's call center, he said, but each time he waited on hold for more than two hours. He made four two-hour round trips to his closest office of public assistance to try to get answers.

Sometimes the workers told him that there was a state error, he said, and other times that he was missing paperwork he'd already submitted, such as where money from selling his mom's car went.

"Each time I went, they gave me a different answer as to why my mother's bills weren't being paid," Klaumann said.

Across the nation, people have reported system errors and outdated contact information that led states to drop people who qualify. At least 28 states paused procedural disenrollments to boost outreach to people who qualify, according to federal data. Montana stuck to its original time frame and has a higher procedural disenrollment rate than most other states, according to KFF.

Stephen Ferguson, executive director of Crosswinds Recovery in Missoula, said the substance use disorder program doesn't have a full-time person focused on billing and sometimes doesn't realize clients lost Medicaid coverage until the state rejects thousands of dollars in services that Crosswinds submits for reimbursement. After that, it can take months for clients to either get reenrolled or learn they truly no longer qualify.

Ferguson said he's writing grant proposals to continue to treat people despite their inability to pay.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Travel nurses take short-term contracts that can require long commutes or temporarily living away from home. Time and again, they have to get used to new co-workers, new protocols and new workplaces.

So why would staff nurses quit their stable jobs to become travel nurses?

Well, for one, they get bigger paychecks. But U.S. nurses have other rationales besides making more money, according to a study I conducted.

To do this research, I interviewed 27 registered nurses based in different places.

Many of the people I interviewed disclosed that they left permanent positions to combat burnout. Although they welcomed the bump in pay, travel nursing also gave them the autonomy to decide when and where to work. That autonomy allowed them to pursue personal and professional interests that were meaningful to them, and it made some of the other hassles, such as long commutes, worth it.

On top of earning more money, travel nursing "gives you an opportunity to explore different areas," said a nurse I'll call Cynthia, because research rules require anonymity. "When you actually live there for three months, it gives you a chance to really immerse yourself in the area and really get to know not just the touristy stuff, but really hang out with the locals and really be exposed to that area."

Other study participants said they enjoyed the novelty and educational opportunities.

"You don't get bored or stuck in a routine," Michelle said. "You're always trying to learn new policies at the new hospital that you're in, learning about the new doctors, nursing staff, new ways of doing things, where things are located. That helps keep me from feeling burned out so quickly."

Said Patricia: "I want to see how other operating rooms across the country do things and how they do things differently. I do learn a lot of things going from place to place."

Why it matters

A growing number of U.S. nurses were obtaining temporary assignments before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

But travel nursing became much more widespread in 2020, when hospitals were scrambling to keep their staffing levels high enough as millions of Americans were becoming infected with the coronavirus, straining capacity in many communities.

While compensation varies widely, the median pay of registered nurses in 2022 was US$81,220, about 35% less than the $110,000 that registered nurses who traveled earned.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel nurses could earn an even bigger premium. Many were paid twice as much as staff nurses.

Once the number of Americans with severe symptoms fell, that premium declined too. But there are still over 1.7 million travel nurses in the U.S. Hiring them is one of the main ways that hospitals cope with a long-term shortage of nurses.

But nurses with permanent jobs can get aggravated by this arrangement when they learn how much more travel nurses earn for doing the same work, as I found through another research project.

What other research is being done

Research supports a widely reported trend: More Americans have temporary jobs and freelance employment than in the past.

While travel nurses can help hospitals, nursing homes and doctors' offices meet staffing needs, there are signs that patients don't always fare as well with their care.

And a Canadian study found that when hospitals let staff nurses work part time and offer other alternative arrangements, their retention rates may rise.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Parents voice strong concerns about social media sharing of images of children undergoing craniofacial surgery, reports a survey study in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"Pediatric plastic surgeons must understand that consent and assent are necessary before posting patient images online," comments senior author Kenneth L. Fan, MD, of Georgetown University Hospital. "Based on our findings, we recommend seeking consent from not only the parents but also the children themselves, at ages as young as nine years."

The study was performed in partnership with researchers from Georgetown and University of Michigan.

Study explores parental perceptions of posting children's photos online

Social media use has become widespread in plastic surgery, raising potential ethical and professional concerns. Sharing patient images can play a valuable role in information and education for plastic surgeons and other health care professionals, as well as patients and families.

Posting images of children with craniofacial deformities poses unique ethical challenges because they show the head and face, by definition they make the child potentially identifiable. While patients always have the right to revoke permission to share images or other personal information, images posted on social media leave a "permanent online footprint."

The researchers designed an online survey exploring parents' perceptions of social media use by pediatric plastic surgeons. The anonymous survey included examples of full-face pictures of children, ranging from infants to preteens, who underwent craniofacial surgery. All images had been publicly posted by surgeons on popular social media platforms.

Survey questions highlighted the consent/assent process and professional issues raised by social media posting. Of 656 responding parents, 6% had a child who had been operated on by a plastic surgeon. Parents overwhelmingly believed that surgeons need to obtain consent before posting pictures of children on social media. About 90% of respondents indicated that surgeons must obtain consent from parents before sharing images, regardless of the child's age.

Social media sharing should 'focus on the vulnerability of the patient'

Respondents also believed that surgeons should seek consent from the children themselves before sharing images. The average age at which parents thought surgeons needed to obtain the child's consent was 9.65 years. Nearly half of parents felt that surgeons need to document assent for younger children and even for infants"even if only to say the child is not old enough for proper assent," the researchers write.

Parents who followed plastic surgeons on social media were more likely to believe that surgeons need to document assent from all pediatric patients. Forty percent of parents felt that children portrayed in pictures on social media were being exploited, regardless of age. This view was more common among parents with higher levels of education.

"Our study suggests that a strong majority of parents believe that surgeons should obtain written consent from parents before posting pictures of pediatric patients on social media," Dr. Fan and colleagues write. They note that this finding is consistent with the ASPS Code of Ethics social media policy, which can be found here.

Dr. Fan and co-authors conclude, "The use of social media by craniofacial plastic surgeons has the promise to positively affect the field, but it must be done professionally and ethically with an intentional focus on the vulnerability of the patient."

More information: Samuel S. Huffman et al, Parents' Perceptions of Social Media Use by Pediatric Plastic Surgeons, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (2023). DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010589 Journal information: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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Mental health issues during pregnancy or the first year of parenthood have a much greater chance of getting detected and treated now than just over a decade ago, a trio of new studies suggests.

But the rise in diagnosis and care hasn't happened equally across different groups and states, leaving some pregnant or postpartum individuals more likely to suffer through treatable symptoms that can put themselves and their newborn at risk.

In general, the studies show rises in diagnoses of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth in Americans with private insurance from 2008 to 2020. Treatmentboth with psychotherapy and medicationsalso rose in this population.

The findings, published in three papers in the April issue of the journal Health Affairs, come from a team at the University of Michigan who study mental health in the perinatal period.

Their analysis groups multiple conditions diagnosed during this period under the label PMAD, short for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In general, PMAD includes depressive and anxiety disorders that occur any time during pregnancy and the postpartum year.

Key findings from 2008 to 2020 in privately insured people age 15 to 44:

The rate of perinatal PTSD diagnosis quadrupled, to nearly 2% of all those pregnant or postpartum in 2020. Most of the rise was among those also diagnosed with PMAD; PTSD is considered an anxiety disorder in reaction to trauma.

The rate of PMAD diagnoses nearly doubled, with the greatest increases seen since 2015. By 2020, 28% of those pregnant or postpartum received a PMAD diagnosis.

The rate of suicidal thoughts or acts among pregnant and recently delivered people more than doubled overall, based on information reported to insurance companies. But the rate dropped among all those who had received a PMAD diagnosis.

The rate at which patients who were pregnant or postpartum received psychotherapyany form of talk therapy paid for by their private insurancemore than doubled. The rate of psychotherapy among those diagnosed with a PMAD condition increased 16% across the entire study period, with a clear increase after 2014.

The rate of antidepressant medication prescriptions during pregnancy and the postpartum period rose overall, but the rate rose fastest among those diagnosed with a PMAD during pregnancy. The rate of antidepressant prescribing rose especially sharply after multiple guidelines for clinicians treating PMAD came out in 2015 and 2016. By 2020, just under half of those diagnosed with a PMAD received a prescription for an antidepressant.

"Taken together, these studies show a lot of movement in maternal mental health," said Stephanie Hall, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at the U-M Medical School Department of Psychiatry. "The landscape is different, at least as far as our health care system's ability to pick up on conditions and help people get treatment for them."

Hall is first author of the new papers on PTSD diagnosis and antidepressant prescribing in the perinatal period, and a co-author on the paper on PMAD diagnosis.

"If anything, the rates we're documenting for diagnosis and treatment are a floor, not a ceiling, based on what other studies have suggested about who is experiencing these symptoms," said Kara Zivin, Ph.D., a professor in the Medical School and School of Public Health who also holds positions with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and Mathematica. "It's important that those who are struggling get help, because not getting care has consequences."

Zivin has spoken and written publicly about her own experience with a mental health crisis during pregnancy, including in Health Affairs.

Impacts of policy and guideline changes

The researchers say their findings suggest that many of the changes in diagnosis and care happened after increased insurance coverage through mental health parity laws and the Affordable Care Act, and after updated guidelines for clinicians emphasized increased use of screening, psychotherapy and medication.

Relevant guidelines include those issued by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

But they also note that increased societal awareness and acceptance of mental health conditions and care likely contributed to the trends seen in the new findings.

Another factor that could explain changes in diagnosis and treatment: the rise of collaborative care models, under which psychiatrists can offer expert consultations and resources to primary care teams caring for people of all ages with mental health conditions.

Since 2013, for instance, clinicians caring for pregnant and recently delivered individuals anywhere in Michigan can get assistance from the MC3 program run by Michigan Medicine, U-M's academic medical center.

The studies used data from private insurance companies, so they do not include people with low incomes covered by Medicaid, which covers about 40% of all births in the United States each year.

The data source also does not include those with other forms of government-funded insurance, those without insurance, and those with coverage by private insurance for less than two years.

So, the study findings mainly apply to those who have insurance through an employer (their own or that of another person who can cover them), and to those who bought private insurance individually, including after the launch of federal and state marketplaces under the ACA. The first marketplace plans offered coverage starting in 2014.

The studies include data for the first nine months of the pandemic, and the researchers hope to include more recent data in future studies.

Disparities in diagnosis and care

All of the studies show differences between groups of individuals in rates of diagnosis and treatment.

For instance, white individuals with PMAD were much more likely to receive antidepressant prescriptions during pregnancy than those of Black, Hispanic or Asian heritage. They were also more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD during the entire perinatal period, even though other research has shown that actual incidence of PTSD during the perinatal period is higher in people of color.

On the other hand, Black individuals as a group had the largest increase in PMAD diagnosis in the study period.

Of all age groups, people in the youngest group (15 to 24) had the largest increases in both PMAD diagnoses and antidepressant prescriptions during the study period. Those aged 15 to 26 were more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than members of older age groups.

The PMAD diagnosis study also shows wide variation between states in the rate of individuals diagnosed with PMAD after the Affordable Care Act, compared with before.

The team plans to continue their state-level analysis, with new funding that will fuel studies of data from mental health surveys of individuals during the perinatal period. Their new research will look at changes over time in states where policies regarding reproductive care have gone into effect in recent years, including changes in abortion-related policies since the Supreme Court case that overturned the Roe vs. Wade decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case in June 2022.

The researchers also plan to study the potential impact of other policy and clinical guideline changes.

The impact of telehealth-based perinatal mental health care since 2020, especially for those living in areas with shortages of mental health providers, also represents another important area to study, they say.

"Perinatal mental health has broad implications for babies and families," said Zivin. "The changes we've documented in these studies will have ripple effects for years to come."
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A simple screening tool integrated into the admissions process for critically ill patients can streamline requests for palliative care consultations, according to a study published in Critical Care Nurse (CCN).

Support for palliative care screening for patients in critical care and intensive care units (ICUs) has been building throughout health care, but there remains no standardized method to assess which patients may benefit from consultations with a palliative care specialist.

An initiative in the mixed surgical and medical ICU at Bon Secours Mercy Health Anderson, a 230-bed community hospital in Cincinnati, has sought to improve the process of requesting palliative care consultations.

"Integrating Palliative Care Screening in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project" demonstrates the potential impact of adding a simple screening tool at the point of admission to initiate automatic referrals for palliative care consultations.

Co-author Traci Phillips, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, is a board-certified adult acute care nurse practitioner and member of pulmonary and critical care services at the hospital. The project was conducted during her doctoral work at University of Cincinnati College of Nursing.

"Delayed access to palliative care can result in untreated symptoms, lack of understanding of a patient's care preferences and preventable admissions," she said. "We designed our screening tool to automatically trigger requests for palliative care consultations for patients whose scores meet the defined criteria."

The hospital has one full-time palliative care nurse and uses the traditional model in place at many facilities in which referrals for palliative care consults are guided by the discretion of the attending provider.

The project team used clinical indicators as the foundation of the screening tool, based on work from the Improving Palliative Care in the ICU Project of the Center to Advance Palliative Care. It was designed as a flow sheet in the electronic health record to be completed by the nurse within 24 hours of admission.

The tool includes 12 comorbidities and seven contributing factors that receive one point for every yes. In addition, previous ICU admission within three months or any hospital readmission within 30 days receives two points each. A total score of four or greater indicates referral to palliative care and triggers an automatic request for a consult.

The screening tool was applied retroactively for all patients admitted to the medical intensive care service between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2019.

Of the 267 patients admitted during the project period, 31 received referrals for palliative care consultations using the traditional process. The mean time from admission until referral was six days, with a consultation occurring within two days after referral.

Further analysis indicated that the patients who received referrals using the traditional process also would have received positive results if the screening tool had been in place when they were admitted.

Applying the screening tool to the documented data available on the day of admission in each patient's electronic health record resulted in 59 patients with positive scores that would have triggered a consultation request earlier in their hospital stays.

Additional analysis looked at discharge disposition, especially for 35 patients who were discharged to skilled nursing facilities. Among these patients, only six had received referrals for palliative care consults during their hospital stays, although 17 would have received one as a result of their scores with the screening tool.

Five of the six patients who met with a palliative care specialist during their hospital stays revised their code status prior to discharge to a skilled nursing facility, demonstrating the effectiveness of the discussion. Of the 11 patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities who did not receive palliative care consults during their hospital stays but whose scores indicated they would have received referrals, nine had poor outcomes. (Four died within six months, and five were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days.)

The analysis also revealed an opportunity for the hospital to increase advance care planning discussions for all patients being discharged to skilled nursing facilities. These voluntary face-to-face conversations help determine goals of care and document the patient's health care preferences while the patient can be involved in the decision-making process.

More information: Traci N. Phillips et al, Integrating Palliative Care Screening in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Critical Care Nurse (2024). DOI: 10.4037/ccn2024652

Provided by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
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Former US surgeon general Jerome Adams was stuck with an eye-watering medical bill of nearly $5,000 after being treated for a simple case of dehydration following an overnight stay at an Arizona hospital last January.

Now he's calling for reforms to the country's market-based health care system, including greater transparency around costs and an independent arbitration processwhile using his bully pulpit to speak out for the 100 million Americans saddled with medical debt.

Although the rate of uninsured Americans has been declining in recent years, The Commonwealth Fund estimates that 43 percent of working-age adults are "underinsured," which limits their access to care and leaves many just one major catastrophe away from financial ruin.

"I was out at the Society of Critical Care Medicine meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, and like literally thousands of tourists visiting that area, I decided that I would go and hike up Camelback Mountain," the 49-year-old told AFP.

He took along a bottle of water, more than enough, he thought, for a 60 degree Fahrenheit (16 degree Celsius) day.

But by the time he was heading out for dinner he started feeling dizzy and lightheadedand his fellow doctors advised him it was best to get it checked out, especially as a middle-aged Black man at higher risk of cardiovascular complications.

"We called an ambulance because I was out of town. I got IV fluids on the way. And by the time I got there, it was pretty clear that it was dehydration," he said in an interview in Indiana, where he now works at Purdue University.

He took medics' advice and stayed overnight, and two months later received a bill for $4,800. Threats of being sent to collections agencies soon followed.

Adams said he was well aware his situation was all too common in a country where nearly 66 percent of all bankruptcies are directly tied to medical expenses.

But as a Black physician who walked a tightrope to advocate for racial justice in health careboth as Donald Trump's surgeon general, and before that as head of Indiana's health department under Mike PenceAdams said he could be a champion for others.

"My complaint isn't about me personally, because I will be okaybut I do have a voice," he insisted. Since the incident, he has kept busy posting to his nearly 90,000 X followers about other cases, such as a mother of premature quadruplets handed a bill of $4 million.

Market reforms

While progressives like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders have proposed eliminating private health insurance altogether, Adams says that's not realistic given that too many players profit from the status quo.

Rather, he advocates for a set of reforms that work to regulate the free market, just as the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, did in the 2010s.

First, more transparency: "You can't have a market without transparency and without accountabilityand right now, if I went to a car dealer, they would have to tell me how much the car costs."

Second, he says, there needs to be an arbitration process where the hospital that provided the carethe Mayo Clinic in his particular casearen't given full reign and patients have no recourse to contest their mega bills. Mayo did not provide a requested comment to AFP.

Finally, while Obamacare helped bring coverage to tens of millions of Americans, it partly did so by incentivizing employers to provide workers with plans that cost them lessbut also pay out much less, said Adams.

People in these planswhich includes Adams himselfcan make contributions to tax-free spending accounts in order to offset some of their risk. But if a health incident occurs early on in the year, they may not have enough stashed awayand in such cases, legislation should be passed requiring insurers foot a larger portion, he said.

For Adams, who grew up with severe asthma and saw repeated trips to the hospital as a child because his parents couldn't afford his medications, the policies he's advocated for during his career have always been personal too.

"There's a lot of trade-offs that we have here," he said of American health care. "But we've got to ask ourselves, at what point even in a capitalistic system is enough, enough?"

 2024 AFP
A 25-year-old man died after the pickup truck he was driving rolled into a small river in southwest Iowa, according to the Page County Sheriff's Office.

Chay David Potts, 25, of rural Braddyville, Iowa, was pronounced dead at the scene east of Shambaugh shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday.

According to Chief Deputy Charles McCalla from the Sheriffs Office, the crash happened when Potts, who was driving a 2005 Subaru Baja Sport pickup truck, left the road on Teak Avenue and went into a deep ditch. The pickup went into the East Nodaway River. Deputies and other emergency personnel found the pickup upside down in the river.

McCalla said Potts body has been sent for an autopsy. He added that investigators do not know the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Clarinda EMS, the Clarinda Fire Department, the Braddyville Fire Department, New Market Fire and Rescue, the Midwest Regional Dive Team and the Page County Emergency Management Agency also responded to the crash.
Over 200 pieces or sets of cultural relics from Luxembourg are being exhibited in Henan Museum in central China.

The exhibition, named "Small but beautiful, treasures of cultural heritage from Luxembourg," kicked off on Wednesday in Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan Province. The exhibition features cultural relics including stoneware, pottery, bronzeware and oil paintings.

The exhibition is being held in accordance with cooperation agreements reached between the Henan Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage and the National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art of Luxembourg since 2017. In 2018, 145 pieces or sets of artifacts unearthed in Henan were exhibited in Luxembourg.

Ma Xiaolin, curator of Henan Museum, expressed hope that the exhibition will offer Chinese visitors a glimpse into Luxembourg's history, culture and social life, while also boosting the friendship between the two peoples, so as to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

The exhibition will run until August 2024.
Renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's new Oscar-winning animated feature, "The Boy and the Heron," premiered in Shanghai on March 28, with his longtime collaborator and friend, Toshio Suzuki, sharing emotional insights behind the production and reflecting on their illustrious past.



Studio Ghibli executive and producer Toshio Suzuki speaks at the Chinese premiere of "The Boy and the Heron" in Shanghai, March 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Dark Horse]

"When finishing this film, Miyazaki said to himself, 'This really is my final film,'" recalled Suzuki, 75, a Studio Ghibli executive and producer who traveled to Shanghai to support the film's release in China, scheduled for April 3. Believing they were creating Miyazaki's last film, they spared neither time nor expense, taking seven years to complete "The Boy and the Heron."

This effort, encapsulating the experiences and reflections of Miyazaki's life and regarded as the "movie of his lifetime," won another Oscar for the 83-year-old animator at the 96th Academy Awards earlier this year. It was his first win since "Spirited Away" in 2003.

While "The Boy and the Heron" has had little to no promotion in Japan and many other markets, the situation is different in China. Motivated by a fondness for the country and that Alibaba Pictures signed a cooperation deal with Studio Ghibli in January to collaborate on various projects, Suzuki chose China for the film's first promotion activities. Due to his age and health concerns, it's inconvenient for Miyazaki to travel. Nevertheless, he recorded a video with Suzuki to greet Chinese audiences, reflect on his previous visit to China, and announce Suzuki's attendance at the premiere. The two visited China four decades ago, alongside their late friend and collaborator Isao Takahata, who passed away in 2018.

Suzuki recounted that during their visit to the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, he and Miyazaki were impressed by animated shorts like "Baby Tadpoles Look for Their Mother" and "Buffalo Boy and the Flute." The refined and meticulous production of these Chinese animations made a profound impression on them, prompting Miyazaki to remark, "Reaching this level of craftsmanship is truly difficult."

"The Boy and the Heron" tells a story in which, following his mother's death and his father's remarriage, a headstrong boy named Mahito Maki ventures into a dreamlike world shared by both the living and the dead. After years of hiatus, Miyazaki "prepared himself for the possibility of dying during the making of this film" and projected his own personal experiences onto the protagonist, Mahito, reconciling with past regrets.

Studio Ghibli executive and producer Toshio Suzuki poses with actors Liu Haoran, Da Peng, and Zhu Yawen, who are part of the voice cast for "The Boy and the Heron," and with the audience, for a photo at the film's premiere in Shanghai, March 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Dark Horse]

In the film, Suzuki inspires the character of The Grey Heron, as shared at the premiere. Other friends and collaborators of Miyazaki are also hidden within, including Isao Takahata as the Granduncle. Takahata's long collaboration and inspirational influence on Miyazaki were significant, and his passing during production was a huge blow to Miyazaki. A pivotal scene involves the protagonist's handling of the Granduncle's legacy, a difficult decision for Miyazaki, symbolizing his final farewell to Takahata in this film.

Miyazaki's animations have captivated generations of Chinese audiences. In recent years, several beloved classics by Miyazaki have successfully reached Chinese screens, including "My Neighbor Totoro," "Porco Rosso," "Laputa: Castle in the Sky," and "Ponyo." The Academy Award-winning "Spirited Away" was particularly successful, grossing 488 million yuan ($69 million) in the Chinese market. On April 30, "Howl's Moving Castle" will also hit China's big screens. Additionally, a Studio Ghibli-endorsed immersive exhibition in Shanghai will open on April 12 and run until Oct. 31.

An IMAX poster for "The Boy and the Heron." [Image courtesy of IMAX China]

"Wow, I have worked with Hayao Miyazaki for 46 years, and we are so close," Suzuki said of his partnership and friendship with the animation maestro after viewing retro video footage at the premiere. "But I would rather look forward than back. I will continue to walk with him down the road, as always, until one of us dies."




SIUs Paul Simon Institute seeks Illinois college students to revitalize democracy

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is accepting project proposals from Illinois college and university students for the Paul Simon Democracy Prize.

Three $5,000 prizes will be awarded this spring to current Illinois college or university students for exceptional proposals to revitalize democracy in their communities. Proposals could involve hosting public discussions or debates, registering voters, funding school newspapers to cover local issues, creating a speaker series on community matters, developing a program to recruit and train poll watchers, or other ideas to expand and revitalize democracy.

The Paul Simon Democracy Prize, which honors the institutes founder, the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, was inaugurated in 2023.

Paul Simon was passionately committed to the enduring challenge to renew and revitalize our democracy, John Shaw, institute director, said. We created this prize to encourage and inspire students to think about, design and implement concrete programs to improve our democracy.

To be considered for the Paul Simon Democracy Prize, students must submit a video proposal to the institute by May 1, 2024. Prizes will be announced by May 15.

The institute is looking for persuasive, imaginative and optimistic proposals that can be implemented within six months. Videos should be between 3 and 5 minutes long. The quality of the proposal, not the video itself, will be assessed.

The three winning videos will be posted on the institutes website and YouTube channel. Prize recipients will be invited to a celebratory reception at the institute in the fall of 2024 and asked to describe how their proposals are being implemented.

Complete details of the Paul Simon Democracy Prize are available on the institutes website.

Simon was a two-term senator from Illinois. After leaving public office in 1997, he returned to his Southern Illinois roots and established the then-Public Policy Institute at SIU Carbondale. The institute was renamed to honor Simons legacy after his death in December 2003.

Simon also served in the Illinois House and state Senate and served four years as Illinois lieutenant governor. In 1974, Simon was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 10 years before winning election to the U.S. Senate. In 1987-88, he sought the Democratic nomination for president.

The institute now has three programs that underscore Simons commitment to better government and smarter politics: the Paul Simon Democracy Prize, the Renewing Illinois Summit for college and university students in the state, and the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award honoring officials in Illinois state and local government.

These three programs embody Paul Simons most aspirational and inspiring values, Shaw said.

The institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank promoting better politics and smarter government and preparing young people for careers in public service.
In response to widespread misinformation circulating on various social media platforms, the Ministry of Finance issued a clarification regarding the applicability of the new tax regime versus the existing one. The statement, posted on X, addressed misconceptions surrounding changes purportedly taking effect from April 1, 2024. Ministry of Finance posted, "Ministry of Finance posted on X, "It has come to notice that misleading information related to new tax regime is being spread on some social media platforms. It is therefore clarified that: There is no new change which is coming in from 01.04.2024....." https://twitter.com/finminindia/status/1774504330499879372?s=48&t=CSE0glwGSDCXRHUtG7cLjw The Ministry categorically stated that there are no new alterations slated for implementation on April 1, 2024. Instead, it underscored that the new tax regime under section 115BAC(1A) was introduced in the Finance Act 2023. This regime, as compared to the existing one, presents different tax brackets and provisions. The new tax regime, denoted under section 115BAC(1A), is applicable for individuals other than companies and firms. It serves as the default regime starting from the financial year 2023-24, with the corresponding assessment year being AY 2024-25. Under the new tax regime, tax rates are notably lower than those in the existing regime. However, it's important to note that various exemptions and deductions, excluding the standard deduction of Rs. 50,000 from salary and Rs. 15,000 from family pension, are not available. Taxpayers retain the autonomy to select the tax regime they deem most advantageous to their financial situation. They can opt for either the old or new tax regime. This flexibility allows individuals to make informed decisions based on their specific circumstances. Importantly, individuals have the option to opt out from the new tax regime until the filing of returns for the assessment year 2024-25. Furthermore, eligible persons without any business income can choose the regime for each financial year, alternating between the new and old regimes as per their discretion. The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and provide clarity to taxpayers regarding the prevailing tax regulations. The Ministry of Finance emphasized the importance of accurate information dissemination, particularly in matters concerning taxation policies that directly impact citizens' financial affairs. The Ministry urges individuals to rely on official announcements and sources for accurate information regarding tax reforms and regulatory changes. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accessibility in matters concerning fiscal policies, thereby fostering informed decision-making among taxpayers. (ANI)
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], April 1: IIHM Institute of Hospitality Skills (IIHS), India's largest training centre affiliated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Udaipur today. The centre aims to provide comprehensive courses on hospitality skills, catering to professionals seeking to upskill and enhance their career prospects. With a prime focus on vocational training, IIHS aims to bridge the skill gap and empower individuals in the thriving hospitality industry. The establishment of IIHS was triggered by IIHM's recent recognition as the recipient of the Training Partner Award for Highest Training Centre Affiliation. This accolade further solidified IIHM's commitment to the Skill India and THSC initiatives, paving the way for the creation of IIHS. IIHS Udaipur is a Joint Venture of IIHM with Inventree Hotel and Resorts. The guiding principle of Itravel (Infallible Travel Concepts), the parent company of the brand "Inventree Hotels and Resorts," is beautifully encapsulated in the Sanskrit phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "The World is one Family." This profound philosophy underscores the importance of prioritizing collective well-being over individual interests. It's a reminder that their interconnectedness transcends borders and boundaries. At the heart of Itravel's ethos lie core values such as resource stewardship and a commitment to empowering people. By equipping individuals with employable skills, the company not only uplifts lives but also contributes to the greater good. Indeed, our Mission, Vision, and Values place "Passionate Human Capital" at the very center of operations. Without people, hotels are mere words and structures--a truth that resonates deeply. Moreover, through its collaboration with IIHM, a leading Hotel Management School, Inventree extends the gift of quality education to those in need. By enhancing their employability. Inventree creates a ripple effect of positive change. As the brand continues to flourish, it sets ambitious goals: doubling its inventory within the next two years and ascending to the ranks of the fastest-growing hotel brands. In this journey, it's the people- their dreams, aspirations, and hard work - that propel Inventree forward. Together, they weave a tapestry of hospitality, where every thread matters. On the occasion, Dr Suborno Bose, Founder of IIHS, said, "Udaipur being one of the most iconic tourist destinations of the country, we had to open a centre here, to facilitate skill training for the students in and around and make them ready for the hospitality industry. In this process, the children of Udaipur will be now getting hospitality courses affiliated to the Government of India's Skill India mission. We are collaborating with Skill India and THSC to train hundreds of skilled hospitality workers in the entire country." IIHS offers a wide range of courses catering to the diverse needs of aspiring hospitality professionals. These courses include: - Diploma Course in Luxury Hospitality Operations (LHO) - 1 year, with placement opportunities (For 12th pass-outs only)- Diploma Course in Kitchen Operations - 9 months + 3 months- Diploma Course in Bar & Beverage - 3 months + 3 months- Other course options - 6 months + 3 months The eligibility criteria for these courses require individuals to be Class 10 or 12 pass-outs. In addition to the core courses, IIHS also offers short-term skill-based programs focusing on various aspects of hotel operations. These programs cover areas such as service staff ethics, the art of cooking, baking, concierge services, front-office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage services, bar and beverage management, kitchen assistance, bell desk services, and more. Furthermore, the courses also incorporate knowledge on essential topics like FSSAI regulations, safety training, and overall management skills. IIHS promotes the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) to recognize and build upon existing knowledge and experience. IIHS certifications are recognized by Government organizations including the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Skill India. These certifications can provide students with an edge in the job market and validate their skills and expertise. IIHS aims to open 100 centres across the country within the next two years, with a mission to educate 100,000 young unemployed professionals and help them join the hospitality industry. Apart from the Udaipur centre, the courses are also being offered at Siliguri, Jalpaigudi, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Goa, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Guwahati The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has already been leading the way in hospitality education, offering world-class programs that prepare students for careers in the dynamic hospitality industry. With a focus on practical experience and hands-on learning, IIHM graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry. The institute's emphasis on technology, sustainability, and wellness trends ensures that students are prepared for the future of hospitality. With IIHS, this forward-looking hospitality education methodology is being taken directly to vast numbers of aspiring students. IIHS's vision is to be a leader in hospitality skills training and development, and providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the contemporary hospitality industry. IIHS is committed to creating a culture of innovation and excellence, focusing on the needs of students and the ever-evolving needs of the hospitality industry. The mission of IIHS is to empower young people by providing them with the hospitality and social skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in the hospitality industry. IIHS aims to cultivate ethical and socially responsible leaders who are equipped with the latest industry trends and best practices. About IIHMIIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is one of the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across eleven National and International cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Worlds biggest Culinary Olympiad Young Chef Olympiad, with participation of over 50 countries, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world. It has MoU's with over 50 countries for student and faculty exchange bringing the best of education for its students from around the World. The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times consecutively in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was also featured in Forbes Magazine as Great Indian Institute and Great Place to Study consecutively in the year 2018 - 2019 and 2019 - 2020. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World's Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA - Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by Assocham from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon'ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India.Please visit for more information: www.iihm.ac.in Contact: Abdullah AhmedCOO, IIHM Hotel School GroupT: +91-(0)11-43204700E: Abdullah.ahmed@iihm.ac.in Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2375486/IIHM_Udaipur.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256068/4520417/IIHM_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)
VMPL Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 1: Chennai North Constituency, under the administration of Greater Chennai Corporation, has made history by setting a remarkable world record for the most pledges received to vote in an election within 12 hours, across multiple locations. The unprecedented achievement, certified by both Elite World Records and India Records Academy, saw an astounding total of 410,988 pledges received on March 29, 2024. Archana Rajesh, adjudicator from Elite World Records, and Jeganthan Palanisamy, senior records manager from India Records Academy, presented the prestigious citation to the Greater Chennai Corporation in recognition of this extraordinary accomplishment. Dr J.Radhakrishnan I.A.S.,(Commissioner), R. Lalitha I.A.S., (Additional Commissioner), and Katta Ravi Teja I.A.S., (Regional Deputy Commissioner) of Greater Chennai Corporation received the citation. Dr.J. Radhakrishnan, Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation, pointed out that this extraordinary feat underscores the unwavering commitment of the citizens of Chennai North Constituency towards active civic participation and democratic engagement. By mobilizing such a significant number of pledges within a condensed timeframe, the constituency has demonstrated a resolute dedication to shaping the future through the power of the ballot. The record-breaking initiative reflects not only the enthusiasm but also the sense of responsibility ingrained within the community, emphasizing the importance of exercising the fundamental right to vote. Such participation serves as a testament to the vibrant democracy of India and the invaluable role played by its citizens in the electoral process. Dr.Radhakrishnan congratulated Katta Ravi Teja, the Returning Officer of Chennai North Constituency, for his able leadership and efforts in making this SVEEP Activity successful, and also appreciated the entire team for their hard work on this initiative. He expressed confidence that such awareness activities would significantly increase the voting percentage in the constituency in the forthcoming election. R.Lalitha, Additional Commissioner, stated that the Chennai North Constituency's accomplishment stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging individuals worldwide to embrace their civic duties and actively contribute to the democratic process. As we celebrate this momentous achievement, let it serve as a reminder of the transformative impact that collective action and civic engagement can have on shaping a better tomorrow, she further added. Katta Ravi Teja, the Returning Officer of Chennai North Constituency, detailed that the motto of this voter awareness pledge drive, as part of the SVEEP activity, is to emphasize the importance of casting the vote among the voters of the territory. A total of 1456 Booth Level Officers, 565 district level administrative staff members, and 2509 volunteers from four different colleges were educated and trained for the purpose of this activity. Additionally, NGOs like EcoGreen Foundation and donors supported this massive awareness campaign as part of their social responsibility. The Booth Level Officers, along with the assisting volunteers, went door-to-door, meeting people and asking them to read the pledge, receiving commitment from the voters that they would cast their vote in the forthcoming elections without fail. I am pleased that this activity provided an opportunity for young, mostly first-time voters, who volunteered alongside booth-level officers, to engage with senior voters in the constituency. They gained a deeper understanding of the pivotal role elections play in shaping our country's future. Ravi Teja expressed confidence that this SVEEP activity has had a significant impact among the public regarding the importance of voting and would result in an increase in the polling percentage. Archana Rajesh, Adjudicator at Elite World Records, declared, "I declare that Chennai North Constituency, Tamil Nadu, India, has set a historical Elite World Record for 'Most Pledges Received to Vote in an Election within 12 Hours (Multiple Locations).' This achievement exemplifies democratic principles, reflecting collective commitment to civic engagement. Each pledge signifies a promise to uphold democracy's essence, advocating for societal betterment. This record-breaking effort, beyond numbers, embodies individuals' voices shaping their community's future. Congratulations to Chennai North Constituency and the Greater Chennai Corporation for their exemplary dedication. May this achievement inspire global civic duty, fostering inclusive societies where every voice matters, she further stated. P. Jeganathan, Senior Records Manager at India Records Academy, stated, "As the adjudicating team, we meticulously scrutinized the attempt 'Maximum pledges for voting in an election within 12 hours'. We ensured adherence to set norms during field inspections and verified all signed acknowledgments, received by 9 pm on March 29, 2024. Adopting random sampling for document verification, we found a minor error of about 4.41% and 410,988 pledges were deemed eligible for the record out of 429955 pledges received. I commend all stakeholders for this timely endeavour, crucial for our democracy's advancement. This initiative is poised to positively impact forthcoming elections, increasing polling percentages, he further added. G. Sagayam, Founder of Eco Green Foundation, expresses his gratitude to the Corporation Commissioner and Returning Officer of the Chennai North Constituency for providing their NGO with the opportunity to serve the country in this democratic venture. Chennai North Constituency's record-breaking voter pledge initiative showcases civic engagement's power, inspiring voters participation. It underscores democracy's essence and fosters inclusive societies, shaping a brighter future for all. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 1: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Bengaluru is thrilled to announce the Open House, a dynamic event that displays the wide range of academic programs, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the vibrant campus life offered at MAHE Bengaluru. The event is aimed at fostering academic excellence through intellectual competition while giving prospective students and parents the chance to experience first-hand, the unique offerings and holistic learning environment provided by MAHE Bengaluru. The event is scheduled for April 6, 2024, starting at 9:30 AM at the MAHE Bengaluru campus.

The event will feature interactive workshops, engaging quizzes, and career-focused career assessment test, and more, offering a day packed with rich, meaningful interactions and exciting activities.

A welcome presentation and Q&A session by Mr. Gaurav Yadav, Deputy Director of Admissions at MAHE Bengaluru will begin at 1:30 PM, followed by a talk hosted by Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at MAHE Bengaluru. The day will end with a set performed by stand-up comedian Kenny Sebastian.

Excited about the upcoming event, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro VC of MAHE Bengaluru said, "We are thrilled to welcome students, parents, and enthusiasts to MAHE Bengaluru Open House. This event is an excellent opportunity for aspiring minds to explore our world-class facilities, innovative programs, and vibrant campus culture. Join us as we open our doors to a journey of learning, discovery, and endless possibilities."

Register and secure a seat for an opportunity to discover, learn, and be part of this one-of-a-kind event.

Registration is taking place on apply.manipal.edu/lp/maheblr/open-house.html.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to announce that the country's defence exports have soared to unprecedented levels, crossing the milestone of Rs 21,000 crore for the first time in the history of Independent India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on x," Delighted to inform everyone that the Indian Defence Exports have scaled to unprecedented heights and crossed Rs 21000 crore mark for the first time in the history of Independent India! India's defence exports have recahed to the level of Rs.21,083 Crore in the financial year 2023-24 which is a spectacular growth of 32.5 per cent over the previous fiscal." According to the statement posted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India's defence exports surged to a staggering Rs 21,083 crore in the financial year 2023-24, marking a remarkable growth rate of 32.5 per cent over the previous fiscal year. India's defence exports span across 84 countries and regions worldwide. This phenomenal growth reflects the concerted efforts and strategic initiatives undertaken by the Defence Ministry, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to bolster India's defence manufacturing capabilities and promote indigenous defence production. The Defence Ministry has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at catalysing India's defence manufacturing sector. These initiatives have not only facilitated technological advancements but have also created a conducive environment for both public and private sectors to actively participate and contribute to the nation's defence exports. The success story of India's defence exports owes much to the collective efforts of about 50 Indian companies, spanning both the public and private sectors, who have played a pivotal role in achieving this feat. These companies have demonstrated commendable innovation, efficiency, and quality standards, thereby enhancing India's reputation as a reliable supplier of defence equipment and technology. India's defence exports have diversified geographically, with exports reaching countries such as Italy, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, UAE, Poland, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Chile, among others. This global outreach underscores the growing demand for Indian defence products and the increasing recognition of India's capabilities in meeting the evolving security needs of nations worldwide. Among the major defence items being exported, Personal Protective Items, Offshore Patrol Vehicles, ALH Helicopters, SU Avionics, Coastal Surveillance Systems, Light Engineering Mechanical Parts, Kavach MoD, among others, have emerged as key contributors to India's defence export portfolio. These cutting-edge defence technologies and equipment have garnered significant interest from international buyers, further enhancing India's position as a leading exporter of defence hardware. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the opening ceremony of RBI@90 in Mumbai, today, in the commemoration of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) 90 years of service. According to a release from the PM's office, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a commemorative coin and applauded the pivotal role of the RBI in shaping India's economic landscape. Deeming the present RBI staff as fortunate, the Prime Minister said, "The policies drafted today will shape the next decade of RBI." Highlighting the significance of the next decade in India's journey towards a developed nation, Prime Minister Modi stressed the RBI's commitment to fast-paced growth, trust, and stability. PM noted, "the next 10 years will take RBI to its centenary year". "The next decade is extremely important for the resolutions of a Viksit Bharat", PM Modi said, highlighting the RBI's priority towards fast-paced growth and focus on trust and stability. The Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes for the fulfilment of its goals and resolutions. He emphasized the need for clarity of policy, intentions, and decisions, asserting that the government's strategy of recognition, resolution, and recapitalization has yielded transformative results. "Where intentions are right, results too are correct", said the Prime Minister. Speaking on the comprehensive nature of reforms, the Prime Minister stated, "The government worked on the strategy of recognition, resolution and recapitalization. A capital infusion of 3.5 lakh crore was undertaken for the helping public sector banks along with many governance-related reforms." Drawing attention to the comprehensive reforms undertaken by the government, Prime Minister Modi noted the significant capital infusion into public sector banks and governance-related reforms, including the successful implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. He highlighted the substantial reduction in gross NPAs of banks, indicating a marked improvement in the banking sector's health. PM Modi said, "More than 27,000 applications involving underlying defaults of more than Rs 9 lakh crore were resolved even before admission under IBC. Gross NPAs of banks that stood at 11.25 percent in 2018 came down to below 3 percent by September 2023." He said, "The problem of twin balance sheets is a problem of the past." Prime Minister Modi underscored the profound impact of the RBI's initiatives on the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly in terms of financial inclusion. He cited examples such as the Jan Dhan Yojana and PM Kisan Credit Cards, which have empowered millions of Indians in rural areas, thereby catalyzing economic growth. PM said, "55 percent of the 52 crore Jan Dhan accounts in the country belong to women. The impact of financial inclusion in the agriculture and fisheries sector where more than 7 crore farmers, fishermen and cattle owners have access to PM Kisan Credit Cards providing a significant push to the rural economy." Referring to the boost for the cooperative sector in the past 10 years, the Prime Minister shed light on the importance of regulations of the Reserve Bank of India regarding cooperative banks. He mentioned, "More than 1200 crore monthly transactions via UPI making it a globally recognized platform." The Prime Minister also touched upon the work being done on Central Bank Digital Currency and said, "The transformations of the past 10 years have enabled the creation of a new banking system, economy and currency experience." Emphasizing the importance of India's economic self-reliance, Prime Minister Modi noted India's increasing contribution to global GDP growth, positioning the nation as an engine of global growth. "Today, India is becoming the engine of global growth with 15 percent share in global GDP growth", PM Modi said. He called for efforts to enhance the accessibility and acceptability of the Indian Rupee on the global stage, while also cautioning against the rising trends of excessive economic expansion and increasing debt levels. "Debt levels of many countries are also creating a negative impact on the world", PM Modi said. The Prime Minister suggested RBI conduct a study on this keeping in mind the prospects and potential of India's growth. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the critical role of a strong banking industry in funding the nation's developmental projects and emphasized the need for adaptation to technological innovations such as AI and blockchain. He stressed the importance of cybersecurity in the digital banking ecosystem and advocated for a holistic approach towards the banking vision of a developed India. PM Modi said, "Meeting the credit needs of global champions to street vendors, of the cutting edge sectors to traditional ones is critical for Viksit Bharat and RBI is the appropriate body for the holistic appreciation of the banking vision of Viksit Bharat." The event saw the presence of dignitaries including the Governor of Maharashtra, Ramesh Bains, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, among others. (ANI)
ATK New Delhi [India], April 1: Bikes are a preferred mode of transportation today as they help people to maneuver easily through traffic. You must however be extra cautious when riding a bike as it involves great risk. This is because bikes, in comparison to four-wheelers, are, in fact, more prone to road accidents. Owing to this and the legal requirement, a bike insurance policy is a must-have for all bike owners. If you want to know whether bike insurance covers hit-and-runs or not, continue reading and learn more. What is Bike Insurance Policy? A bike insurance policy like any other insurance plan is a legal contract between the policyholder and the insurance company which provides financial protection if the bike is stolen, lost, or damaged under any circumstances. It also provides coverage for third-party liabilities. Moreover, whether you are buying online insurance for bike or choosing the offline route, you must be aware of the different types of bike insurance policy. There are mainly three types of bike insurance Third-party, Comprehensive, and Own-damage bike insurance. While the third-party bike insurance is compulsory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, the other types can be bought depending on the coverage needs of the policyholder. Is Hit and Run Covered in Bike Insurance Policy? A hit and run accident is a situation when the accused flees from the place of accident without providing any contact details. There are many reasons why the accused flees away to avoid being caught and penalised or not paying for the damages incurred to the injured party. Now, to answer whether hit and run cases are covered under your bike insurance policy, the answer is yes. Just remember, that to claim under your insurance policy, it should be active and in case its expiry is near, go for bike insurance renewal instantly to avoid claim rejections. So, let's understand all about how to claim coverage in such a situation as well as what to do immediately after a hit and run case. What Should You Do During Hit and Run? If any third-party hits your bike and flees away without providing necessary contact details, here's what you need to do: * Find Offender's Details: First and foremost, you should try to find the details of the accused without getting panicked. It is always a better idea to take a picture of the offender's vehicle which states the registration number. Once you have the registration number details, you will be able to track the owner details from the Vahan app. * Look for Witness: Next, you should see if there is any witness of the accident. This will help in police investigation and filing an FIR. A copy of FIR is also important at the time of raising bike insurance claim. * Report the Incident to the Police: You also need to report the incident to the police so that they can initiate the investigation process. * Take Pictures of the Accident Area: Then, you should also take pictures of the accident spot as well as the damaged bike. * Inform Your Insurer: You also need to inform the insurer about the incident. This will initiate the claim process instantly. How to Raise Bike Insurance Claim After Hit and Run? To raise bike insurance claim after hit and run, you first need to inform your insurance provider. The insurance company is bound to accept the claim request, if you are victim in case of Hit and Run. Once the claim is raised, a surveryor will be sent to assess the damage, after which the damaged bike will sent for repairs. During the process, you will also have to submit some documents like FIR copy, pictures of the accident area, and others. Conclusion Hit and run accidents can distress you, but make sure to take advantage of your bike insurance policy in such a case. Buy a comprehensive bike insurance plan to get complete financial coverage for any financial damage to your bike. (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)
Photo taken on Oct. 3, 2022 shows the view of skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD) at dusk in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

China has made significant strides in high-quality economic and social development, especially in five major areas, namely people's wellbeing, consumption, manufacturing, infrastructure and services, according to a report released on Sunday.

The report, jointly released by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China and cooperative think tanks from the United States, Russia, Canada and India, highlights the "compounding interest" in China's development.

The continuous accumulation of Chinese modernization can bring compounding-interest-like development to the country, serving as a driving force for sustained economic growth and prosperity for China. The "compounding interest" of China is characterized by stability of returns, long-term accumulation and sustainability, according to the report.

The momentum of China's modernization, characterized by the development of "compounding interest," focuses on taking innovation-driven initiatives, deepening reforms, expanding opening-up and promoting green development, read the report.

At the symposium held after the release, experts and scholars from China, the United States, Russia, Britain, Canada, Brazil and other countries discussed the potential and prospects of China's economic development.

China's high-quality development, fueled by compounding interest, innovation, reforms, openness and sustainability, demonstrates its commitment to building a prosperous and harmonious society, said Mohammed Saqib, secretary general of India China Economic and Cultural Council. "China is setting a remarkable example for other nations and paving the way for a brighter future for humankind."
ATK New Delhi [India], April 1: The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 has made it compulsory to have at least a third-party bike insurance. In addition to Third-party Bike Insurance, you can also buy Comprehensive and Standalone Own-damage Bike Insurance. An online insurance policy for bike or two-wheeler insurance provides financial compensation if your two-wheeler is lost, stolen, or damaged due to an unforeseen event. However, many a time, it so happens that even when you have bike insurance coverage, the claim may get rejected. So, in the section below, let's take you through the reasons for bike insurance claim rejection and some of the tips to avoid it. Reasons for Bike Insurance Claim Rejection Wondering why do bike insurance claim gets rejected? If so, listed below are some of these reasons: * Expired Bike Insurance Policy: It is important to go for bike insurance renewal online before its expiry. In case you raise a claim and the insurance company finds out that the policy has expired, then the request will straightaway get rejected. So, it is important to renew your policy before it expires. * Providing Wrong Information: The chances of claim rejection is also high when you provide incorrect information to the insurance company. For instance, when you raise a claim request for a false accident, then it will get rejected. Moreover, it is also important that you provide the right details related to accident such as it is best that you click photographs of the accident area to justify your claim. * Informing About the Claim Very Late: It is very important that you raise the claim request immediately after the accident. Failure to do so will simply result in claim rejection. Nowadays, you can also raise claim request online instead of going through the tedious offline process. So, raise claim request on time and get away with claim rejections. * Riding Without a Valid Driving License: It is illegal to drive without a valid driving license in India. So, if you are found raising a claim in a situation when you were riding without a valid license, then in such a case the claim request will be rejected. * Riding Under the Influence of Alcohol: If the rider is found riding under the influence of alcohol and getting involved in an accident, then no claim request will be accepted in such a scenario. Moreover, if you do rash riding and hurt a third-party, then in such a case also, the claim will get rejected. * Using Bike for Commercial Purpose: If you are using the insured bike for a commercial purpose and get involved in an accident, then the insurance company is not liable to assist you financially. So, avoid using your bike for commercial purposes. * Unnecessary Bike Modifications: If you have made any kind of unnecessary modifications to your bike and have not informed the insurer about the same, then the claim request will be rejected. Thus, even if you modify your bike, make sure to keep the insurer informed about the same. Tips to Avoid Bike Insurance Claim Rejection To avoid any chance of rejection of bike insurance claim, here is what you need to do: * Renew your bike insurance policy before its expiry * Click pictures of the accident area and gather details from witness to support your claim request * Intimate the insurance company about the claim request on time * Drive with a valid driving license, vehicle registration certificate, bike insurance copy, etc * Do not get involved in rash driving * Do not provide wrong details about the incident or raise a false claim Take Away So, keep the above-mentioned points in mind to reduce the chances of claim rejection. Moreover, to raise a claim, make sure that you have all the documents such as bike registration certificate, driving license, FIR report, etc. (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)
India's defence exports have touched a record Rs 21,083 crore (approximately USD 2.63 billion) in the financial year 2023-24, with a growth of 32.5 per cent over the last fiscal when the figure was Rs 15,920 crore, a Ministry of Defence release said. The recent figures indicate that the defence exports have grown by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to 2013-14. The defence industry, including the private sector and defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), has made tremendous efforts in achieving the highest-ever defence exports. The private sector and the DPSUs have contributed about 60 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. In addition, there has been a rise in the number of export authorisations issued to the defence exporters during 2023-24. From 1,414 export authorisations in 2022-23, the number jumped to 1,507 in 2023-24, the ministry said A comparative data of two decades -- the period from 2004-05 to 2013-14 and 2014-15 to 2023-24 reveals that there has been a growth of 21 times in the defence exports. Total defence exports during 2004-05 to 2013-14 were Rs 4,312 crore, which has gone up to Rs 88,319 crore in the period from 2014-15 to 2023-24. The remarkable growth has been achieved due to the policy reforms and 'Ease of Doing Business' initiatives brought in by the government, in addition to the end-to-end digital solution provided to the Indian industries for promoting defence exports. This growth is a reflection of global acceptability of Indian defence products and technologies. Through a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated all stakeholders on crossing the new milestone in defence exports. "Our defence industries including the Private Sector & DPSUs have registered a commendable performance in the recent years. Congratulations to all stakeholders on crossing the new milestone in defence exports," his 'X' post read. (ANI)
"Mujhe ek Hindustan UK mein banana hai," veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani's words efficiently sum up his dream of leaving a global footprint of the illustrious Indian cinema with his film studio in the UK. Touted as a "one-stop-shop", Bhagnani's Pooja Studios has emerged as one of the most film-friendly shooting hubs lately. Built over three years ago in the UK, the studio is spread over a large area in the UK's Luton. It is just "36 miles from London." The studio has enabled the shoot for Akshay Kumar-starrers 'Bellbottom' and 'Mission Raniganj', Rakul Preet Singh's 'Cuttputlli' and Ajay Devgn's latest 'Shaitaan' so far. Speaking to ANI, Bhagnani opened up about his studio in detail. " I am a dreamer. At the age of 57, I decided that I would go to London and set up a studio there. Not many people know that I have a studio in the UK. Movies like Bellbottom, Mission Raniganj were filmed at my studio. All coal mine scenes in Raniganj were shot at Pooja Studios. In fact, the scenes portrayed as Dubai and Pakistan in Bellbottom were actually shot at our studio in UK. Almost 80 per cent of Shaitaan was shot there...the big farmhouse which you saw in Shaitaan was created at my studio only," he shared. " Over 400 people from India travelled to UK for the shoot of 'Ganapath' and 'Raniganj'. Also, one of my main reasons for establishing this studio was to create jobs for my Indian people and make them explore the world... It's my dream to be a good developer as well," he added. Bhagnani also explained what made him establish the film studio abroad. " In India, we sometimes face security issues as people come in large numbers on sets ... so it becomes difficult for us to shoot," he said, emphasising he is a true blue Indian and is aiming to make Indian cinema reach different parts of the world. "I would be lying if I say I am not getting monetary benefits from this studio but my utmost priority is to help my fellow colleagues in the Indian film industry by providing them with a studio which has all the facilities. From best equipment to spacious area and food, the studio has everything. I have put my heart and soul in establishing this studio. It is like a one-stop shop. Come inside you will get everything...1947 se phle Britishers humare yaha aaye the aur ab mujhe unke yaha is studio ke zariye ek Hindustan UK mein banana hai," Bhagnani said. However, it was not easy for the 'Coolie No. 1' producer to create his studio on the foreign soil. "Filmmaking is not an easy business. We all have to take risks...From trucks, bikes to little-little equipment, we transported everything from India to there...It's a pain but we did it. I am working in the UK but for India only," Bhagnani added. Bhagnani's passion for cinema knows no bounds. His studio is relatively new but has managed to find a strong foothold in the filmmaking business. In the coming months, Shahid Kapoor's Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues will also go on floors there. "This year we will also start shooting for Shahid's Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues at our Pooja Studios .. maybe in May or June," Bhagnani revealed. Several scenes of Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff-starrer upcoming film 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' have been shot at Bhagnani's UK studio. Bhagnani also shared how the British Film Institute (BFI) has supported them to set up the studio in the UK "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is the first Bollywood production from the British Film Institute (BFI) that has been shot in a grand manner...BFI chief executive Ben Roberts has helped us a lot..he is the main guy," Bhagnani said. (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi paid tribute to Mukhtar Ansari and visited his residence in Ghazipur. Taking to the social media platform X, he expressed grief over Ansari's death and wrote, "Today we went to the house of the deceased Mukhtar Ansari and paid tribute to his family. In this difficult time, we stand with his family, supporters and loved ones." Taking a veiled jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he said, "Insha Allah, the light will break through this darkness. If you are 'Pharaoh' then 'Moses' will also definitely come." Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari was laid to rest at the Kali Bagh burial ground in Ghazipur on Saturday. His mortal remains were buried near the graves of his parents. There was heavy security deployment in Ghazipur on account of his last rites. Police personnel were deployed along the route leading from his residence to the graveyard. Following the postmortem, the body of Mukhtar Ansari was brought to his Ghazipur residence on Friday night. The postmortem report, however, said that Ansari died due to cardiac Mukhtar Ansari died at a hospital in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday. His family, however, claimed that he was "given poison in the food." According to the official release from the hospital, Ansari was brought to the hospital around 8:25 pm on Thursday. A team of nine doctors attended to him before he died, the release added. Meanwhile, a three-member team has been formed that will conduct a magisterial investigation into the death of Ansari. The Chief Judicial Magistrate Banda issued orders concerning the judicial probe. In April 2023, Mukhtar Ansari was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai by an MP-MLA court. He was sentenced to life in prison on March 13, 2024, in a case related to the use of forged documents for obtaining an arms licence in 1990. (ANI)
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh lashed out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government over the unemployment rate. Taking a jibe at Union Minister Anurag Thakur for deriding the ILO's Employment Report as a symptom of India's "slave mentality," the Congress leader said, "Instead, he made the absurd claim of having added 52 million new formal jobs between FY20 and FY23 based on the EPFO, ESI, and National Pension Scheme databases." The Congress leader further stated that, as many economists have since proved, the total job creation between FY20-23 was at best 2.27 crore. These 2.27 crore jobs over three years are a far cry from Modi Sarkar's original promise of creating 2 crore jobs a year. "However, it now appears that even this 2.27 crore figure is an overestimation," he added. Substantiating his argument, he said, "The Supreme Court verdict in 2020 required the EPFO to include contractual workers at any establishment that employs more than 20 people. A substantial number of workers who were already employed are now being reflected in EPFO data; these are not new jobs created." He further said that part of the net increase in EPFO has to do with ease of registration - the process is now online, free of charge, and hassle-free, without requiring a visit to the EPFO office. Subscribers can now transfer their PF accounts while changing employers, without having to submit a claim for final settlement. He argued that establishments with 20 or more employees come under the purview of the EPF Act. Firms that move from 19 to 20 employees in one year will suddenly appear in the EPFO data as 20 new "jobs" even though net job creation is a single new job, he asserted. Taking to social media platform X, he wrote, "Whatever statistical jugglery they engage in to cover it up, the truth remains: the unemployment rate today is the highest it has been in the last four decades." (ANI)
Congress leader Manickam Tagore tore into Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raking up the Katchatheevu issue daring him to take back the island from Sri Lanka if he is so concerned about Tamil Nadu. "Will he take back Katchatheevu if he is so concerned about Tamil Nadu? I challenge PM Modi. They have failed," Tagore said speaking to ANI on Monday hours after Prime Minister's 'X' post on the Katchatheevu island. The senior Congress leader further assured that the Congress will raise its voice to take back the island from Sri Lanka if Tamil fishermen in Ramnad district are attacked. "We are very clear that if our fishermen, our brothers in Ramnad district are attacked, we will raise our voices to take back Katchatheevu. But, in 10 years, PM Modi has failed to do so," Tagore said. Claimin that the BJP had slim electoral chances in Tamil Nadu, Tagore said, "PM Modi should stop such cheap tactics. He is being rejected by Tamil Nadu. They will not get even one seat in Tamil Nadu. Annamalai will not even come in the second place. He is struggling for the third place in Tamil Nadu." Tagore claimed that the BJP is using "diversionary tactics" in Tamil Nadu since people are rejecting them in the state. "The problem with BJP, RSS and PM Modi is that people are rejecting them in Tamil Nadu and they want a diversionary tactic," the Congress leader said. "Their discrimination towards Tamil Nadu is well known. AIIMS Madurai has not even started, all the projects in Tamil Nadu have not even started. There is only the foundation stone, only one brick is there everywhere...For that, they are raising this issue that had its origin in 1974," Tagore added. Explaining the historical context of India giving away the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka, Tagore said, "The government of India headed by Indira Gandhi signed an agreement called the Indira Gandhi-Sirimavo Bandaranaike agreement. At that time, to save 6 lakh Tamils... because they are natives of old Ramnad district, this Katchatheevu island was given by the Government of India to the Sri Lankan government. It was done to save Tamils." (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel's son Abhiyan Patel along with a few others were booked for allegedly assaulting owners of a restaurant in the state capital Bhopal, a police official said. The incident occurred in Gulmohor locality under the jurisdiction of Shahpura police station in the city on Saturday late night. According to information, minister's son Abhigyan Patel was travelling in a car with his friends and during this, the car collided with a scooty of a media person. Following which, a dispute occurred between them and Patel along with his friends, beat up the media person fiercely. The media person entered inside a nearby restaurant to save himself. After that the minister's son entered the restaurant with his friends. Meanwhile the owners of the restaurant, stopped the minister's son after which he along with friends assaulted the couple. Seeing the ruckus, the nearby people gathered over there and informed the police. Habibganj Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mayur Khandelwal told ANI, "The owners of a restaurant registered a complaint that Abhigyan Patel along with few others has physically assaulted them and hence a case has been registered for the same under IPC sections 294, 324, 506 and 34 into the matter." Meanwhile, when asked about four police personnel also suspended after the incident into the matter, ACP Khandelwal added, "Abhigyan Patel and others complained that police personnel had physically assaulted them and acting on that all four police personnel have also been suspended and an investigation is on." The official further said that as the investigation moved forward, more sections would be added (against Abhigyan Patel and others) if needed. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari alleged that it was anarchy and said that suspension of Police personnel was wrong. "This is anarchy. A journalist was assaulted and his FIR complaint was not registered. A woman was misbehaved but her FIR was not registered and a person sustained severe head injuries but section 307 is not imposed... SSP doesn't have the information that four police personnel have been suspended, but it's right there in newspaper headlines. Discouraging police and supporting crime has been the intention of this govt. The CM is the Home Minister also, and when the family of his ministers do something like this, he seems to be helpless." He also said that he would write a letter to CM and would request that justice should be done in the matter. "I will write a letter to the CM and request that justice be done in this case and also that such incidents shouldn't be repeated. Suspension of Police personnel is wrong, it will discourage police, if they do suspend them, we will protest in the favour of the police," Patwari added. (ANI)
Adding fuel to the Katchatheevu row, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi shared an RTI reply of 2015 where it was mentioned that the Katchatheevu island was neither acquired nor ceded and that it lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line. In a post on 'X', Chaturvedi pointed out that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) should be able to address the "discrepancies" in its RTI response in 2015 and its position in 2024. "Maybe @MEAIndia will be able to address these discrepancies in its RTI response in 2015 vis a vis 2024," Chaturvedi said. "This did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India since the area in question had never been demarcated. Under the Agreements, the Island of Katchatheevu lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line," the RTI reply which Chaturvedi said was from the MEA in 2015 read. Chaturvedi claimed that the RTI reply was given when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was serving as the country's Foreign Secretary. Alleging a difference in opinions she said, "Today the Foreign Minister and yesterday the PM claimed it has been 'ceded' So is the change in stance for their election politics or has Modiji made a case for Sri Lanka?" Earlier in the day, Jaishankar had criticised the historic attitude of the Congress party towards the Katchatheevu island and said that Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru saw it as a 'nuisance'. "This is an observation by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in May of 1961. He says, he writes, I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like this pending. Indefinitely and being raised again and again in parliament. So to Pandit Nehru, this was a little island. It had no importance. He saw it as a nuisance," EAM Jaishankar said in a press conference. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur and state party chief Rajiv Bindal held a meeting with Kangana Ranaut on Monday ahead of her meeting various party workers. Kangna Ranaut is scheduled to meet the party-workers at Mandi today. Earlier on Sunday, the former Himachal CM Jairam Thakur had met Kangana at her residence in Mandi. On meeting Kangana Jairam Thakur said "Met BJP candidate from Mandi-Kullu parliamentary constituency Kangana Ranaut ji today at her residence Bhambla. During this, issues related to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections were discussed. Certainly Kangana ji is going to achieve a big victory in the Lok Sabha elections with the blessings of the people of Mandi Lok Sabha." Thakur had earlier appealed to voters to endorse Kangana's candidature saying "This is a fight for the self-respect of Mandi. This fight is to honor the women of Devbhoomi. Come, let us be a partner in sending Mandi's daughter Kangana Ranaut to the grand temple of Lok Sabha by winning with an overwhelming majority." Meanwhile, on Friday, actor Kangana Ranaut held a roadshow in the city to prepare for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024. The 'Queen' actress was warmly greeted as she waved to the gathered crowd during the event. "You can see the large gathering here. A lot of people have come here. They are all proud that the daughter of Mandi, the nationalist voice from Mandi, will represent the constituency in this election," said the BJP Mandi candidate, ahead of her roadshow. "Development is the main issue for the BJP. The people of Mandi will show what is in their hearts," Kangana added as supporters around her welcomed her with 'Jai Shri Ram' chants. Himachal Pradesh has four Lok Sabha seats: Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, and Kangra. The BJP had won all four seats in 2019. The elections to the four Lok Sabha seats of Himachal Pradesh and bypolls to the six assembly constituencies that fell vacant with the disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs will be held on June 1. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh BJP president VD Sharma hit out at the Congress party in the state on Monday and said that senior Congress party leader and former Chief Minister Kamal Nath has been "exposed" in Chhindwara seat and that the people of the constituency had decided to put the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in power in the ensuing elections. "I welcome Mayor Vikram Ahake and all the other leaders who joined the BJP. Kamal Nath has been exposed in Chhindwara. In the reports of the IT department, everyone is corrupt in Congress office. The people of Chhindwara have decided to put BJP in power in the upcoming elections. People will answer them (Congress) in the upcoming polls after their comments on tribal communities," said the State BJP chief. In a major setback to the Congress ahead of Lok Sabha elections, former Congress leader and Chhindwara Municipal Corporation Mayor Vikram Ahake joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and State BJP President VD Sharma on Monday morning. Speaking to ANI, Vikram Ahake said, "The country and the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav are working towards bringing all sections together, "Sabka Sath Sabka Vishwas". Inspired by the actions, policies, and welfare schemes I have decided to work under their leadership. It is a matter of great happiness that the BJP welcomed us wholeheartedly." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also spoke on the occasion and alleged that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Kamal Nath had caused huge "damage" to Chhindwara. He also claimed that Vikram Ahake had joined the BJP due to the objectionable comments passed on to the tribal communities by Kamal Nath and his son and Congress leader Nakul Nath. Although the Congress failed to emerge victorious in the Madhya Pradesh legislative assembly elections, former Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath secured a win from the Chhindwara assembly constituency. According to the figures released by the Election Commission, Kamal Nath managed to garner 1,32,302 votes, defeating the BJP candidate Vivek Bunty Sahu by a margin of 36,594 votes. Chhindwara is one of the assembly seats and districts of Madhya Pradesh and is also one of the 29 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Last month, Congress leader Syed Jafar, a close aide of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, joined the BJP. Jafar took the membership of the BJP party in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP state president VD Sharma and others at the state BJP office in Bhopal. The election will be held here in Chhindwara in the first phase on April 19 with five other parliamentary seats which include Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla and Balaghat in the state. The nomination for the first phase was started on March 20 and March 27 was the last date to file papers for these six parliamentary seats. Besides, the last date for withdrawal of candidature will be March 30 for the first phase of polls. The Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled to be held in the first four phases of the total seven phases dated April 19, April 26, May 7, and May 13. (ANI)
China's Ministry of Public Security on Monday issued an early warning for road traffic safety risks during the upcoming Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on Thursday this year.

As the festival is an important occasion for the Chinese to visit cemeteries, pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors, the ministry expects greater traffic risks due to concentrated traffic flow around the tomb areas during the period.

The ministry warned of traffic safety risks involving tourist vehicles and around scenic spots brought about by holiday travelers, as well as higher risks in rural areas, as spring sowing also begins around the period.

The ministry said the festival may see an increase in highway traffic accidents, and it also reminded people of the impact of the rainy weather.

The ministry also called on people not to drive under the influence of alcohol, and to avoid speeding and overloading.
With more than two weeks to go for the Lok Sabha elections, the Bhartiya Janta Party will celebrate the party's foundation day with the slogan '400 Paar' on April 6. The party has issued an official circular to its office bearers--right from the central leadership to the teams on the ground working at the booth level--detailing the various programmes that need to be conducted to celebrate the foundation day. "Each worker on the ground who is busy gearing up for the election needs to take a resolve that the party must come back with a decisive mandate. 'Abki Baar 400 Paar' and 'Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar' are what we need to work on," says the circular issued by the party. On the occasion many types of programmes, including meetings with beneficiaries, door-to-door interactions, Padyatras, bike rallies, and felicitations of senior workers, will be organised across the country. As per a BJP source in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a rally in Saharanpur and a road show in Ghaziabad on the foundation day. Formed on April 6, 1980, the BJP is the world's largest political party at present. The origins of the party date back to the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, which was formed in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Over the years, the party has had big names as its president, including former deputy prime minister LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Venkaiah Naidu, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah. At present, JP Nadda is the national president of the party. The foundation day celebration will also come a few days before the Lok Sabha polls that will take place in 7 phases from April 19. The result of the LS polls will be declared on June 4. In 2019 the BJP won 303 seats with a vote share of 37.7 percent. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tamilisai Soundararajan on Monday hit out at the Congress and the DMK, the ruling party of Tamil Nadu, over the Katchatheevu Island issue, accusing them of "donating it for their personal gains". South Chennai BJP candidate also alleged that the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, was 'threatened' of action against him by the Centre if "he would have not donated the island" to Sri Lanka. "Because of the misgovernance of M Karunanidhi, there were allegations of corruption against him. Madam Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister. So there was an inquiry commission that proved that corruption had happened in Tamil Nadu. So to save themselves from the corruption charges they donated the Kachchatheevu for their own interests. The central government was pinpointing that if 'you are not donating the island, the centre will take action against you' and thus they donated sentiments of the Tamilian fishermen only to safeguard themselves," she said. Tamilisai also alleged that the previous governments- both in the state and at the centre failed to safeguard the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. "We are not politicising the issue, we only want to tell the people that the previous government failed to protect the sentiment of Tamil Nadu's people," the BJP leader added. The decades-old territorial and fishing rights dispute around Katchatheevu Island has been brought back into the limelight with the BJP and the opposition engaging in a war of words over the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday targeted the DMK over the Katchatheevu island issue, alleging the ruling party of Tamil Nadu did nothing to safeguard the state's interests. New details emerging on the issue of India handing over the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka have unmasked the DMK's double standards totally, he said on X, citing a news report that said that then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had given his concurrence to the agreement despite his party's public posturing against the deal. "Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK's double standards totally. Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don't care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular," PM Modi tweeted. The media report is based on an RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai to his queries on the 1974 agreement between India and Lanka when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister. Doubling down on PM Modi's charge at Opposition over the Katchatheevu island row, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today said Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's first Prime Minister, wanted to give away the island to Sri Lanka. At the press conference, Jaishankar said prime ministers such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi dubbed Katchatheevu, given to Sri Lanka in 1974 as part of a maritime boundary agreement, as a "little island" and "little rock", asserting that the issue has not cropped up abruptly but was always a live matter. "This is an observation by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in May of 1961. He says, he writes, I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it. I do not like matters like this pending. Indefinitely and being raised again and again in parliament. So to Pandit Nehru, this was a little island. It had no importance. He saw it as a nuisance," EAM Jaishankar said. The island, located between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka, was traditionally used by both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen. In 1974, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory under the "Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement". The 1974 Agreement regarding historic waters between Sri Lanka and India in the Palk Strait and the Palk Bay formally confirmed Sri Lanka's sovereignty over the Island. (ANI)
In a bid to provide uninterrupted power supply to consumers and prevent the shutdown of power lines during maintenance, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd has decided to import and deploy two additional insulated aerial work platform vehicles for transmission lines and substations up to 400 kV voltage in the Mysore and Gulbarga regions. "Karnataka has taken adequate steps, chalked out all remedial measures, and is fully geared to meet the state's energy requirements during the upcoming summer months. I have instructed Energy Department officials to ensure uninterrupted power is supplied to students preparing for exams and a seven-hour uninterrupted power supply to farmers in the state," Energy Minister KJ George said. The Karnataka Power Transmission Company Limited, KPTCL, already has three such Insulated Aerial Work Platform vehicles operating in Bengaluru, Chitradurga, and Hubli. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Managing Director of KPTCL, said today that these vehicles will enable uninterrupted power supply to consumers and save crores of rupees for KPTCL. Traditional maintenance needs to shut down the power line. The minimum time needed to restore the power is 5 hours post-shutdown, thereby causing inconvenience to these consumers. With the hot (Live) line maintenance technique, KPTCL intends to carry out the maintenance activity without shutting down using state-of-the-art tools like an insulated bucket van, an insulated bucket, and insulated scaffolding, thus not only ensuring the power supply to the consumers but also keeping the ESCOM's financial position intact, Pandey added. KPTCL has also identified 15 personnel, who have received professional training to operate and maintain the Insulated Aerial Work Platform vehicles bare-handed. To ensure the power supply is uninterrupted, KPTCL MD Pankaj Kumar Pandey also visited the 220 KV Nelamangala plant, inspected the Insulated Aerial Work Platform vehicle at work, and interacted with KPTCL personnel. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party filed a complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner on Monday against Trinamool Congress leader Piyush Panda for making derogatory remarks about the Prime Minister. In its complaint, the BJP alleged that the remarks by the TMC leader were serious violations of provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Representation of People Act, 1951 and Model Code of Conduct. "Calling a Prime Minister of the country 'Madman' and 'Fraud" is most unbecoming of any leader and is a symptom of plummeting levels of political discourse. The derogatory statement not only amounts to vicious abuse and personal attack but also a character assassination and defamatory with a clear intent to harm his reputation and mislead the public," the BJP said in its complaint. "The TMC leader Piyush Panda has taken objectionable recourse to demean the OBC community. He has made a public statement that polishing shoes is a befitting job for the members of the OBC community. Since he made this unacceptable statement in a public rally, thus, it cannot be construed as an isolated incident. The TMC has given instructions to its leaders to unleash highly derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the OBC community," it said. The BJP has also alleged that the TMC leader has committed an unpardonable act by bringing religion into the elections. "He claimed in the video that only Brahmins have the right to inaugurate the Ram Mandir and the Teli community is just meant to do meagre jobs of polishing shoes. Considering the religious and casteist remarks and comments, it appears that these statements have been made with the primary intention of garnering votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections by vowing the particular community to create a divide among them," the complaint said. Further, the BJP requested the Election Commission to order the post to be removed from all social media platforms. "To direct lodging of an FIR against Piyush Panda, pass prohibitory orders against him and ban him from campaigning for the rest of the period," it said. Earlier, the All India Trinamool Congress filed a complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP's Krishnanagar candidate Amrita Roy over their telephone conversation on March 27. In its complaint, TMC has alleged that the statements made by both leaders are violations of the Model Code of Conduct. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief VD Sharma reacted to the incident involving state Health Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel's son, Abhiyan Patel, who was booked for allegedly assaulting the owners of a restaurant in the Bhopal. "No one has the right to commit hooliganism. The law and the administration are doing their work. The administration will take action against whoever is at fault," the Madhya Pradesh BJP chief said while speaking to reporters here. The incident occurred in the Gulmohar locality under the jurisdiction of Shahpura police station in the city late on Saturday night. According to reports, the Minister's son Abhigyan Patel was travelling with his friends when their car collided with a two-wheeler belonging to a media person. A dispute ensued, leading to Patel and his friends assaulting the media person. The media person sought refuge inside a nearby restaurant. Subsequently, Patel and his friends entered the restaurant, where the owners tried to stop them, resulting in Patel and his friends assaulting the couple. Onlookers gathered and informed the police. Habibganj Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mayur Khandelwal said, "The owners of the restaurant registered a complaint that Abhigyan Patel, along with a few others, physically assaulted them. Based on the complaint, a case under IPC sections 294, 324, 506, and 34 was registered against the accused persons." Regarding the suspension of four police personnel after the incident, ACP Khandelwal added, "Abhigyan Patel and others complained that police personnel had assaulted them. Acting on that, all four police personnel have also been suspended, and an investigation is ongoing." He further mentioned that more sections might be added against Abhigyan Patel and others as the investigation progresses. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party has written a letter to the Election Commission of India alleging that Trinamool Congress has violated fundamental rights of privacy of party candidate Rekha Patra by putting her personal details on social media. Demanding action, it has called for TMC's 'X' handle to be suspended for the remaining campaigning period and demanded an 'unconditional apology'. BJP in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, alleged that TMC's Social Media Incharge Debganshu Bhattacharya and the party's official X handle posted the personal details of Patra her personal phone number and her bank details, which is a "clear violation of her right to privacy." "The post carried personal details of the BJP Candidate- Rekha Patra from Basirhat and mocked her for being a beneficiary of a health Scheme, Swasthya Sarthi and Duare Sarkar Scheme of the State Government in a malicious and mala fide manner with the sole intent of showing her in poor light," the letter stated. BJP also raised concerns over how TMC, has "unlawful access" to the confidential private data of the beneficiaries that is in exclusive custody for the State Government. "The right to privacy of Rekha Patra has been violated by the AITC and its office bearers In addition the access to the government data by AITC, prima facie violates the provisions of The Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023," the letter added. It further said that in the letter that it is a violation of Election Laws, with Model Code of Conduct in place; violation of constitutional right to privacy. It is also a crime under defamation as per Section 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the party said. BJP has urged the Election Commission to direct West Bengal Chief Secretary to stop any breach of data security of central or state government schemes and to set up a high-level enquiry committee to find out how the data was breached. It has also demanded the X handle of TMC to be "suspended for the rest of the campaigning period." The party has also demanded an "unconditional apology" from Bhattacharya and TMC to Rekha Patra. Patra, a resident of Sandeshkhali, was named a candidate by the BJP in Basirhat. It was she who first raised the voice for the women of Sandeshkhali and all three accused in the case, namely TMC MLA Sheikh Shahjahan, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar, were arrested later. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a telephonic call to Rekha Patra to convey his best wishes for the elections last week. (ANI)
In a sharp critique of the opposition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that those who point fingers at Modi are hindering India's development. Speaking at the 'Prabuddh varg Sammelan' in Hathras, CM Yogi said, "These individuals are obstacles in the journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat.' We must eliminate these obstacles and strive to achieve the vision of a secure and prosperous India under the leadership of Modi ji." Emphasizing that 'Viksit Bharat,' all-round development is Modi's guarantee, the Uttar Pradesh CM added that in a developed India, every individual, regardless of their caste or community, should receive respect and opportunities to progress without discrimination. Where the rule of law prevails, not anarchy, and equal protection is ensured for daughters and traders alike. "Development must be inclusive with no room for casteism or nepotism. This forms the foundation of the idea of a 'developed India.' We have seen Modi's guarantee work on the ground and hence, the entire country has faith in it," he said. The Chief Minister appealed to the public to support the state government minister and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Hathras, Anup Valmiki 'Pradhan'. Emphasizing that Hathras serves as the gateway to the Braj division, Yogi Adityanath remarked, "In 2020, PM Modi spoke about 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). The people of Hathras, Kasganj, Aligarh, Moradabad, Agra, Mathura, etc., had already achieved self-reliance centuries ago. When we formulated the ODOP policy to promote products from every district in the state, it was based on the brass work of Moradabad, hardware of Aligarh, asafoetida of Hathras, glass items of Firozabad, etc. Handicrafts and skills have always been integral to our heritage. Your ancestors here exemplified social self-reliance through the pursuit of self-reliance." CM Yogi also called upon intellectuals and told them to actively participate in the upcoming elections and contribute to the NDA's target of achieving 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh to form the Narendra Modi-led government at the centre. "Intellectuals give voice to the beliefs and opinions of the society. Through your guidance, you can help shape public opinion, thus sharing in the responsibility. You have witnessed the transformation of India - from the turmoil before 2014 to a more prosperous nation thereafter. Security, prosperity, livelihood, and respect for faith have all improved," he said. CM Yogi said that this election is 'family first versus nation first.' It represents a critical decision between appeasement and the preservation of India's faith. "We have to make a choice between those who promote anarchy, incite riots, and enforce curfews and the Modi's government, which ensures a riot-free, curfew-free, and secure environment. Our governance schemes have been implemented without bias; regardless of caste, creed, region, or language, everyone has been equally entitled to the benefits of development initiatives," he said. (ANI)
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud on Monday, termed the three new criminal laws passed by the Parliament as a 'significant' step towards modernising the justice system. The CJI said that the new laws encompass "substantive crime, procedure and evidence" and keeping a digital record of every stage of criminal investigation ensures a seamless flow of information. He was speaking at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Raising Day in the national capital on Monday. He also praised CBI holds a huge responsibility and the country's judiciary has played an instrumental role in strengthening the body. Addressing the event, CJI Chandrachud said, "A public institution is expected to show the highest regard for the public good and to be open to public accountability by showcasing its performance. The CBI is being increasingly asked to delve into a diverse array of criminal cases beyond its role as an anti-corruption investigative agency. This places a huge responsibility on the CBI to live up to its motto of 'Industry, Impartiality, and Integrity.'" "Courts have been instrumental in strengthening the CBI. Initially, its jurisdiction was primarily focused on cases related to corruption, economic offences, and serious crimes that crossed state borders," he added. The Chief Justice further said that as the years progressed, the CBI saw a significant expansion in its jurisdiction which empowered the agency to investigate diverse cases, ranging from economic frauds and bank scams to financial irregularities and terrorism-related incidents. Emphasising on the digital era, he said that the current challenges mean that the law enforcement agencies like the CBI face new and complex challenges that demand innovative solutions. "In an era of digital transformation, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The interplay between law and technology holds immense potential to shape the course of crime detection at all three phases and going beyond it, in addressing wider perspectives in criminal justice reform. The landscape of crime is evolving at an unprecedented pace as our world becomes increasingly interconnected through the expansion of digital technologies," Chandrachud said. "From cybercrime and digital fraud to the exploitation of emerging technologies for illicit purposes, law enforcement agencies like the CBI are faced with new and complex challenges that demand innovative solutions. The investigating agencies have to keep up with the radical change in crime in a digitally connected world, to solve complex crime patterns," he added. Speaking about the three new criminal laws passed by the Parliament, he said that the new laws aim at digitising various aspects of criminal procedure. "The new criminal laws enacted by Parliament encompass substantive crime, procedure and evidence. These laws aim at digitising various aspects of criminal procedure. This is a significant step towards modernising the justice system. From the initial registration of a First Information Report to the final delivery of judgement, every stage of a criminal investigation is slated to be recorded digitally under the purview of the proposed legislation," Chandrachud said. "This comprehensive approach ensures a seamless flow of information and is intended to facilitate better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders involved in the investigative and adjudicatory processes," he added. The three laws -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita -- were passed by the Indian Parliament, on December 21, 2023, which there upon received Presidential assent on December 25, 2023 and was published in the official gazette on the same day. The Ministry of Home Affairs notified in February that the three laws shall come into force on July 1, 2024. Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice further said that the challenge remains for CBI to dispose cases in a 'time-bound' manner despite enormous challenges present. "The challenge now lies in disposing of CBI cases in a time-bound manner despite the enormous challenges of complexification, pendency, and examination of witnesses," he said. "Delay in prosecutions is one of the common and grave concerns of the justice delivery mechanism." Speaking about the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, CJI Chandrachud said that the technology can be effectively used by the law enforcement agencies. "Artificial intelligence stands out as a game-changer in revolutionising criminal investigations. By leveraging AI algorithms, law enforcement agencies like the CBI can analyse vast amounts of data rapidly, identifying trends, anomalies, and potential leads with unprecedented accuracy," Chandrachud said. "Furthermore, AI aids in the de-complexification of crimes, breaking down intricate cases into manageable components for analysis and resolution," he added. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister addressed Prabuddhvarg (Intellectual) Sammelan in Gautam Buddha Nagar stating that there is no greater joy than seeing the people content. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that the happiness of the people is of paramount importance to the current government Addressing the Prabuddh Varg Sammelan held at GL Bajaj Auditorium, Knowledge Park, the CM remarked, "Some say we fearlessly take action against criminals. However, I assert that my security is intertwined with the safety of the public. While there were governments that imposed curfews, ours is dedicated to organizing grand Kanwar Yatras. They favoured curfews; we prioritize public welfare." "The positive transformation witnessed within the country over the last decade is truly remarkable. On one hand, there's a selfish family that has brought a curse upon Gautam Buddha Nagar, while on the other, there's Modi's family tirelessly working towards development in Noida." He added. The CM appealed to the voters to ensure the re-election of Mahesh Sharma from Noida to the House for the third consecutive term. Yogi Adityanath reflected on the past, stating, "This is the same district that was once considered cursed for Chief Ministers before 2017. I couldn't comprehend why Gautam Buddha Nagar, despite being a part of UP, was associated with such negativity for Chief Ministers. Upon investigation, I realized that it was cursed due to the bureaucracy exploiting the people and enriching itself and its associates." "Arriving here in 2017, I witnessed the challenges firsthand. Public representatives diligently presented all the issues before me, emphasizing that if solutions were found, Gautam Buddha Nagar could not only carve out a new identity but also propel UP as a growth engine for the nation," Yogi remarked. The CM recounted his interactions, saying, "Wherever I went, certain officers would approach me, expressing their grievances. They mentioned having invested in flats in Noida for their elderly parents years ago, yet despite the passage of 10, 12, or even 15 years, they hadn't received possession. We instructed the authorities to promptly implement the committee report and ensure that every buyer receives their rightful property. The result of everyone's positive efforts is evident today, with Uttar Pradesh being recognized in a new light." Highlighting the exemplary conduct of BJP public representatives, the CM remarked, "They serve as role models for those who uphold the principles of democracy." The CM recounted an incident during the pandemic, stating, "Land was allocated to an establishment amidst their challenges of Covid. Towards the end of 2022, they approached me for the inauguration. I was astounded by how quickly the Center, which incurred costs amounting to thousands of crores, was completed. Upon inquiry, I discovered that it was indeed ready. Its completion will pave the way for new investment proposals worth Rs 40 thousand crore and provide employment opportunities for thousands of individuals." The CM elaborated, "I instructed to invite all public representatives before my arrival, to which the individual from the establishment expressed surprise, remarking that there are MPs and MLAs in Noida as well. I was taken aback, and he explained that in the state and region where I have spent my entire life if I had made such a significant investment, people would have made my life miserable. However, in Gautam Buddha Nagar, no MP or MLA approached him to take credit for the work. This underscores the importance of electing competent and honest public representatives, as they foster a positive environment." The CM highlighted the shift in investment trends, noting that while investments previously migrated from the region, over the past seven years, investments have been flowing in from across the globe. "If Modi ji is given a third term, within three years, we will position India as the third-largest economy globally. Uttar Pradesh and Noida will play pivotal roles in achieving this objective," he asserted. The CM further highlighted the significance of the Jewar airport, the largest in South Asia, which is set to catalyze economic growth. He remarked, "Before 2017, the mere mention of 'jewellery' instilled fear. However, with the advent of the Jewar airport, the narrative has shifted. This airport is now attracting investments and is projected to boost Uttar Pradesh's economy by Rs 1 lakh crore within a few years." Emphasizing that Gautam Buddha Nagar is a district flourishing with positive momentum, the CM said that everyone here will have to become Dr. Mahesh Sharma, they will have to fight the elections, but they should not be overconfident. "Wars and elections demand complete vigilance, strength, and caution," he stated. "Every vote must be cast in favour of Dr. Mahesh Sharma. Among the 80 constituencies of Uttar Pradesh, symbolizing beads in Modi ji's garland, Gautam Buddha Nagar should contribute the highest number of votes. With maximum investments pouring in and comprehensive economic progress, the district offers abundant opportunities." The CM highlighted the multitude of developments in Noida, including the Metro, Dedicated Freight Corridor's Eastern-Western Junction, Airport, Medical Device Park, Film City, and the district's distinction of having the highest per capita income. He urged residents to break the past curse by participating in the electoral process and casting their votes. (ANI)
Amid mounting scrutiny of Congress party's financial dealings, former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam lashed out the Congress party on Monday stating that the 'money of the country has been looted' and hence the party has to deal with investigations. On the Income tax notice of about Rs 1,700 crore to the Congress party, Pramod Krishnam said, "The Congress leaders should tell why have they got such a big notice. Where did all this money come from? A criminal never accepts his crime. The nation's money has been looted and this is a fact. What is the problem when this loot is being investigated? If they are true patriots, they should face the investigation. They should have faith in the judiciary. India's judiciary functions independently and away from government interference". He expressed concerns over perceived double standards within the party, stating, "When the judiciary gives a verdict in favour, then it is fine, but when it gives an order against our interest, then it's not. These double standards will not work." The Income Tax Department issued demand notice of about Rs 1700 crore to the party last week. Accusing the Income Tax Department of double-standards, Congress on Friday alleged that while it has been penalised for "a violation of Rs 14 lakh", the income tax authorities were completely silent on "Rs 42 crore violation" by the BJP and that the violations by the ruling party at the Centre entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore. Addressing a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken said there was an attempt to stifle the party financially during the Lok Sabha polls. "We have received notices from the time of Sitaram Kesari, from 1993-94... We have been demanded to pay Rs 53 crores from the time of Sitaram Kesari," Congress leader Ajay Maken said. (ANI)
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, campaigned for the BJP candidates in three pivotal districts - Hathras, Bulandshahr, and Gautam Buddha Nagar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and urged intellectuals to engage in grassroots outreach within their respective constituencies, elucidating the significance of each vote to the populace. Commencing his whirlwind election tour with a Prabudha Sammelan in Hathras, CM Yogi fervently appealed for support towards the party candidate. Subsequently, he addressed Prabudhha Jan Sammelan in Bulandshahr and Gautam Buddha Nagar, urging the intelligentsia to engage in grassroots outreach within their respective constituencies, elucidating the significance of each vote to the populace. Furthermore, CM Yogi admonished previous governments for fostering state-wide anarchy through their divisive 'riot policy'. He asserted that upon securing victory across all 80 seats', Prime Minister Modi would be adorned with a garland embellished with' 80 beads'. Speaking to intellectuals in Hathras, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath affirmed, "Under Modi's leadership, a developed India with comprehensive progress is assured. In this envisioned developed India, every individual, regardless of caste or community, should be respected and provided equal opportunities for advancement without bias". Adityanath stressed the need for equal protection for women and traders as well as the rule of law. He advocated eradicating casteism and nepotism and emphasized inclusive development as the cornerstone of a developed nation. Asserting that Modi's assurances have materialized at the grassroots level, Adityanath highlighted the nation's widespread trust in 'Modi's Guarantee'. He argued that those who point fingers at Modi, impede India's advancement by putting barriers. Adityanath called for removing such obstacles, urging collective efforts to realize the vision of a secure and prosperous India under Modi's leadership. Additionally, the Chief Minister appealed for support for party candidate Anup Valmiki 'Pradhan' in the upcoming elections. Addressing intellectuals in Bulandshahr, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed confidence in winning all '80 seats' in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections for Uttar Pradesh. He declared that Prime Minister Modi would be honoured with a symbolic 'garland of 80 beads' this time. Adityanath lamented the state's past turmoil, attributing it to the riotous policies of previous administrations. He highlighted the pervasive sense of insecurity stemming from frequent riots, curfews, and lawlessness, which endangered both women and business interests. Adityanath pointed to Bulandshahr as emblematic of this chaos and terror. However, he noted a significant shift, asserting that under current governance, the once-dominant fear among ordinary citizens has shifted to criminals and thugs. He appealed to the electorate to support party candidate Bhola Singh in the upcoming elections. Addressing the enlightened citizens of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that he finds contentment in people's happiness. There is no greater source of joy for him than the welfare of the people. CM Yogi asserted that his safety is intertwined with the populace's safety. Contrasting the previous administration's imposition of curfews with the current government's organization of the grand Kanwar Yatra, Adityanath emphasized a shift from prioritizing curfews to prioritizing public welfare. "The positive transformation witnessed in the country over the past decade is remarkable. On the one hand, some self-serving families bring curses upon Gautam Buddha Nagar. On the other, Modi's family engages in developmental activities in Noida without being concerned about political power", he stated. The CM appealed for the election of Dr Mahesh Sharma from Noida for the third consecutive term. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases starting April 19. The votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI)
In a post on X, the Congress General Secretary said that after vast deliberations with people from across the country, the Congress will be releasing its vision document, the manifesto.

"After vast deliberations with people from across the country, the Congress will be releasing its vision document, the Manifesto, on 5th April at AICC HQ," Venugopal posted on X.

He also announced that the party will hold two subsequent mega rallies in Jaipur and Hyderabad on April 6.

"Subsequently, we will hold two Mega Rallies on 6th April - in Jaipur and Hyderabad!" he added.

"In Jaipur, INC President Mallikarjun @kharge ji, CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji, Sh. @RahulGandhi ji and Smt. @priyankagandhi ji will be launching the manifesto addressing the Mega Rallies Rahul ji will also be addressing the Manifesto launch mega rally in Hyderabad!" the Congress General Secretary said.

The Congress General Secretary further reaffirmed the grand old party's focus on welfare and their 'pro-development vision.'

"Our focus has always been on giving the country a welfare-oriented, pro-development vision and that will be presented to the people for this election as well!" he said.

The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19, with counting to be held on June 4. (ANI)
After a Delhi Court on Monday extended the custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until April 15 in the alleged excise policy scam, Bharatiya Janata party leader and Supreme Court lawyer Bansuri Swaraj said that the court believes that prima facie evidence of corruption against the AAP leaders has been established by now. Bansuri Swaraj, the BJP's candidate for the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat and daughter of former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, criticized the Aam Aadmi Party as the court extended the custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Bansuri Swaraj, while speaking to ANI, said, "Today, the court felt that this was a fit case to send the honourable CM to custody. Again and again, the bail of AAP leaders is getting rejected as the court believes that prima facie evidence of corruption cases against AAP leaders has been extablished." Regarding the recent rally organized by the INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan, Bansuri Swaraj dismissed it as a "flop show of corruption." She pointed out, "During Rahul Gandhi's address, the attendance was notably lacking. It's unclear whether the INDIA alliance is a coalition or a collusion. They themselves seem unsure of the rally's purpose. While AAP claims it was to protest Kejriwal's arrest, the Congress insists it was for the entire INDIA alliance." The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in an alleged money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy case. The Enforcement Directorate, while seeking direction to send Kejriwal to judicial custody, said the arrestee has even given false and contrary evidence vis-a-vis other members of the AAP. When he was confronted with the statements given by his party leaders, he called them confused. The Delhi Chief Minister was arrested by the ED on March 21, in the money laundering case, filed in connection with the now scrapped Delhi excise policy. (ANI)
All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal on Monday said that Congress is responsible for the abysmal socio-economic plight of the Muslims. "UDF will win the Karimganj seat. Congress has tortured the Muslims for 70 years; they have not given anything and reduced them to beggars. Seeing all the sorrows, people are being attracted to the BJP. If they'll speak against mosques, in favour of temples, against talaq, in favour of UCC. Why will the Muslims vote for them?" Badruddin Ajmal told ANI. The AIUDF chief alleged that the BJP is trying to get support from Muslims by giving money. "They will collect votes by giving money, otherwise why Muslims would give a vote? Those who talk against Mosque and will talk in favour of temple, will talk against talaq and will talk in favour of UCC, will talk to demolish Madrasa, will talk against Azan, marriage, why Muslims will vote in favour of them," he said. "Paisa Phenko Tamasha Dekho (throw money and watch the show). They will throw money and people will show the drama and people will not vote in favour of the BJP. Our people are not foolish now," Ajmal added. Badruddin Ajmal claimed that, in Assam, the Muslims will vote in favour of AIUDF. AIUDF is contesting in 3 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats - Dhubri, Nagaon and Karimganj. "We will win all three seats. We have given away the other 11 seats for Congress, but they (Congress) give a walkover of all 11 seats to BJP. They said that we are the B team of BJP, but the Assam Congress is the A-Z team of BJP," Badruddin Ajmal said. The AIUDF chief visited Karimganj on Monday and attended several party meetings. Assam has 14 Lok Sabha seats. The polling will be held in three phases. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (ANI)
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today likened Congress leader Sowmya Reddy to his daughter and called upon the voters of Bengaluru South parliamentary constituency to elect her with a huge margin.Congress candidate from Bengaluru south, Sowmya Reddy participated in a roadshow with Shivakuamar before filing nomination. Speaking at a rally, Shivakumar said, "Sowmya is my Daughter. She is a very creative and hardworking person. You all have to strengthen her hands in Bengaluru South. All Assembly constituencies including Bommanahalli, Basavanagudi will give her big margins. There is no Modi wave or BJP wave in the State. There is only one wave and that is Congress Guarantee wave". The Congress leader highlighted that the party has given ticket to six women for the upcoming elections. "Of the 28 seats, we have given tickets to 8 Vokkaligas including a Reddy and a Bunt. Giving tickets to 8 Vokkaligas is our answer to the criticism that Vokkaliga was not made a Chief minister. We have also given tickets to six women," Shivakumar said.Meanwhile, Congress candidate Sowmya Reddy asserted that people want to see a woman MP in Bengaluru."People are fed up with the BJP government at the Centre. Women, youth and farmers in the state are extremely pleased with the support being provided by the Congress government in Karnataka," Reddy said. The Karnataka Congress on Thursday announced the names of 17 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections The second list of 17 candidates announced by the party include the children of five state Cabinet ministers. This distribution of tickets has emerged as a topic of debate among party members regarding the choice of candidates with political backgrounds. Most of the tickets have allegedly been allocated to "dynasty" candidates to face the BJP-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka. The Bengaluru South ticket has been given to Soumya Reddy, who is Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy's daughter. She lost the 2023 assembly election from Jayanagar against BJP Candidate Ramamurthy. The powerful "Jarakiholi family" in the Belagavi region already holds many key posts in Karnataka. Priyanka Jarakiholi whose father is Satish Jarakiholi a Cabinet Minister for PWD, has been given a ticket from Chikkodi. It's her first election, and she has received a Lok Sabha ticket. The JDS stronghold Hassan Congress ticket has been allotted to Shreyas Patel, who is Puttaswamy Gowda's grandson. The Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka are scheduled to take place in two phases. The first phase, involving 14 constituencies, will be held on April 26. The second phase, also involving 14 constituencies, will take place on May 7. (ANI)
Launching a scathing attack on the central agencies, Assam Congress leader Jakir Hussain Sikdar said on Monday that the ED, CBI and Income tax Department are the branches of the Bhartiya Janata Party. Assam Congress Working President Jakir Hussain Sikdar, while speaking to ANI, said, "ED & CBI are putting leaders behind bars who raise their voices against BJP's corruption. The people of the country know that ED, CBI & I-T have only one work & that is to arrest leaders who speak against the BJP. One branch of BJP is ED, one is CBI and the other is Income tax". Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, earlier alleged that ED, EC and CBI are now not the institutions of the country but the weapons of the BJP and RSS. "The institution of the country, whether it is ED, Election Commission of India or CBI, now they are not the institution of the country but the weapons of BJP and RSS. The ED, CBI and I-T are responsible for the current state of affairs. If these institutions had done their work, this would not have happened. They should think about this one day when the BJP government changes, then action will be taken and the action will be such that these things will not repeat again, I guarantee," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said. Following Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of forcing the probe agencies to send summons to the AAP chief. "The summons are politically motivated. ED and CBI sends summons due to the pressure from BJP. Delhi CM has time and again said that it is illegal...ED approached the court saying that the summon was legal. The court granted bail to him (Arvind Kejriwal). Why are they so restless to send summons again and again. Let the court decide if it is illegal or legal," Gopal Rai said. (ANI)
Days after five Chinese nationals were allegedly attacked and killed in Pakistan, the Karachi commissioner has imposed a two-month ban on the use of drone cameras in the port city's south district, citing "threats to vital installations, and Chinese consulate," Geo News reported on Saturday. The Karachi administration has issued an order in this regard under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), banning the use of drone cameras across the district. "It has been reported that there are serious threats to vital installations and Chinese Consulate, Karachi by anti-state elements/hostile agencies in the wake of recent attacks on Chinese nationals, therefore, it is necessary to take immediate measures to avoid any mishaps & to maintain law and order in the city," said a notification issued by Muhammad Saleem Rajput, Commissioner Karachi Division, on Saturday. Therefore, the top officer exercised his powers delegated by Sindh's home department to impose restrictions on drone cameras in Karachi's district south for a period of two months, effective from March 30 to May 29, as reported by Geo News. Station House Officers (SHOs) of the police stations in the district have also been authorised to lodge complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in case of any violation. Earlier, at least six people, including five Chinese nationals, were killed after their vehicle was attacked in Shangla's Besham city on March 26. According to Geo News, this incident underscores a concerning trend, as it is not the first time Chinese nationals have been targeted in Dasu. Earlier, 13 individuals, including nine Chinese nationals, were killed in an explosion in 2021. Chinese engineers are currently working on a number of projects in Pakistan, with Beijing investing over USD 65 billion in infrastructure works as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under Beijing's wider Belt and Road initiative. No one has so far claimed responsibility for Tuesday's (March 26) attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla district, nor was there any claim for the 2021 explosion incident. (ANI)
Attacks on army establishments in Pakistan's Gwadar port have yet again intensified. A recent attack on an army establishment in Gwadar resulted in the deaths of two defence personnel. Other than the defence personnel, four civilians were reportedly injured in the attack, according to The Balochistan Post. According to the report, the attack was an ambush orchestrated on the bomb disposal squad of Pakistan in the Siyaji area of Gwadar. The same report quoted police officials who confirmed that the attack was done on the squad while they were travelling towards their dedicated outposts. However, no claims were made about the identity of the attackers. In a post on X, similar information was revealed by the Balochistan Post which stated, "Attacks against Pakistani military have intensified in Balochistan. Since yesterday Mari Petroleum, a subsidiary of Fauji Foundation, FWO, a military engineering organisation, and an outpost of Pakistani military have been targeted in Bolan. Several casualties have been reported." https://twitter.com/tbpenglish/status/1774362902163542141?s=46&t=nbusnwoIYo9hUrDuoWfhwQ Previously, at least two Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists were killed in the fighting that erupted after multiple blasts and gunfire were reported at Pakistan's Gwadar Port Authority Complex on Wednesday, Dawn News reported, citing the military's media wing. Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations informed in a statement that a group of eight terrorists attempted to enter the Port Authority Colony. "A large quantity of arms, ammunition, and explosives was also recovered," the ISPR said.The Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Majeed Brigade is opposed to China's investments in the province of Balochistan and accuses China and Pakistan of exploiting the region's resources. Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani said that multiple blasts were also reported in the attack. A large contingent of police and security forces had reached the scene when the intense firing was ongoing, he added. Gwadar Senior Superintendent of Police Captain (retd) Zohaib Mohsin initially said that eight armed assailants were gunned down but later revised the count to seven. The statement added that there were no immediate reports of casualties, elaborating that seven personnel from three UN agencies based in Gwadar and two UN agencies on missions were "safe and accounted for." The Gwadar port, which is controlled by China, is significant to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It includes multi-billion-dollar roads and energy projects and is also a part of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).(ANI)
The individuals responsible for the death of Maksim Kuzminov evidently aimed to convey a strong message, a fact apparent to investigators in Spain even before they identified the victim. In a parking garage in southern Spain, they shot Kuzminov six times and callously ran over his body with their vehicle, The New York Times reported. The presence of shell casings from 9-millimeter Makarov rounds, standard ammunition in the former Communist bloc, provided a vital clue to the killers' identity, according to investigators. "It was a clear message," remarked a senior official from the Guardia Civil, the Spanish police force leading the investigation. "I will find you, I will kill you, I will run you over and humiliate you." Kuzminov, who defected from Russia to Ukraine, committed an act deemed unforgivable by Russian President Vladimir Putin: treachery. Last summer, he flew his Mi-8 military helicopter into Ukrainian territory, delivering the aircraft and a cache of secret documents to Ukrainian intelligence operatives, according to NYT. His brutal killing in the seaside town of Villajoyosa last month raises concerns about the continued operation of Russia's European spy networks, despite efforts to dismantle them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian intelligence services have reportedly escalated their activities both domestically and internationally, displaying a level of aggression reminiscent of the Stalin era, according to Andrei Soldatov, an expert on Russia's military and security services. "This goes beyond traditional espionage," Soldatov stated. "It involves operations, which may include assassinations." In Spain, Kuzminov lived conspicuously, frequenting bars popular among Russian and Ukrainian clientele and spending lavishly. He drove a black Mercedes S-Class around Villajoyosa. The method by which the assailants located him remains uncertain, though two Ukrainian officials claimed he had contacted a former girlfriend in Russia, inadvertently revealing his location. "This was a grave mistake," one official remarked, as reported by NYT. Senior police officials, speaking anonymously, noted similarities between Kuzminov's killing and other attacks associated with the Kremlin, such as the assassination of a former Chechen rebel commander in Berlin in 2019 and the poisoning of former Russian military intelligence operative Sergei V Skripal in Salisbury, England, in 2018. The two hooded killers captured on surveillance footage from the parking garage were evidently skilled professionals who executed their mission swiftly before vanishing without a trace. "This level of violence is uncommon in Spain," remarked Chief Pepe Alvarez of the Villajoyosa Police Department. "It suggests involvement of organised crime or a criminal organisation." While direct Kremlin involvement has not been substantiated, Russia has openly expressed its desire for Kuzminov's demise. Shortly after his defection, a Kremlin news program featured pilots and commandos from Russia's military intelligence service vowing retribution. "We'll find this person and punish him, with all the severity of our country's laws, for treason and for betraying his brothers," declared one commando. Kuzminov's defection to Ukraine, orchestrated by a covert unit within HUR, Ukraine's military intelligence arm, marked a significant victory for Ukraine. The unit specialises in recruiting Russian fighters and conducting sabotage missions on Russian soil. The success of Ukraine's recruitment efforts remains difficult to gauge. While thousands of Russian citizens have joined volunteer units fighting alongside the Ukrainian military, their impact on the balance of power remains minimal, as reported by CNN. Kuzminov, disillusioned by Russian actions, embarked on his daring flight from western Russia to Ukraine in August 2023. Despite encountering Ukrainian fighters who shot him during the escape, he successfully delivered the helicopter and its cargo to Ukrainian forces. Following the defection, Kuzminov became a vocal critic of Russia's war policies, touring media outlets and urging others to follow his lead. Despite Ukraine's attempts to protect him, Kuzminov ultimately relocated to Villajoyosa, a town with a notable presence of Russian organised crime figures. On February 13, Kuzminov met his demise in the parking garage of his apartment building. As he approached his vehicle, two assailants emerged from a white Hyundai Tucson, opening fire and fatally injuring him before fleeing the scene. The murder weapon, a white Hyundai Tucson stolen two days prior, was discovered burned several miles away. Despite the evidence, Spanish authorities have not publicly confirmed Kuzminov's identity, facing challenges in contacting Ukrainian officials for assistance. However, within the Russian and Ukrainian expatriate communities in Villajoyosa, there's little doubt regarding the culprits behind Kuzminov's death. "Everyone believes the services were involved," remarked Ivan, a Ukrainian expatriate. Amidst suspicions of heightened Russian intelligence activities in Spain, concerns persist regarding the safety of defectors and critics of the Kremlin. The murder of Kuzminov serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with opposing the Russian regime, leaving Ukrainian officials wary of the potential consequences for future defectors. "Russia will spread propaganda, threatening to find all traitors," noted a senior Ukrainian official. "This sends a message to Russian citizens, especially military personnel, that betrayal will not go unpunished," The New York Times reported. (ANI)
The IDF described him as a key operative and leader in the anti-tank unit of the Redwan force in the Hezbollah terrorist organisation.

The Redwan force's mission is to infiltrate northern Israeli territory for the sake of terrorism.

Ismail Ali Elzin, said the IDF, is responsible for dozens of anti-tank attacks aimed at IDF forces and the Israeli rear.

However, no word was given as to whether or not he was harmed in the attack.

Also Sunday evening IDF fighter jets attacked a number of military buildings belonging to Hezbollah where terrorists were staying in the area o Meiss El Jabal and in the area of Leyda, both in southern Lebanon.

Iraeli fighter jets also attacked additional launch positions of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the Merkaba area, as well as an observation post of the organization in the Kfarkela area, in southern Lebanon.

The attacks came after earlier on Sunday a number of launches from southern Lebanon were identified that crossed into the areas of Mount Dov and Arab al-Aramshe in Israel.

Israel's air defence fighters intercepted some of them. (ANI/TPS)
The session will focus on discussions pertaining to both national and international importance

According to sources, call attention notices on smuggling, under-invoicing, and mis-declaration of steel imports are part of the agenda.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the July-December 2021 report in the session on the implementation of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

Additionally, a call attention notice against overseas employment promoters for non-redressal of complaints will also be part of the agenda, as per Dunya News.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has recently announced that it has finalised all arrangements for the upcoming nationwide Senate elections, scheduled to be held on April 2, ARY News reported.

Polling is set to take place in the National Assembly as well as in all four provincial assemblies, running from 9 am to 4 pm.

Distinctive ballot papers in four different colours have been printed for the Senate elections, signifying various categories of seats. White papers will denote general seats, green for technocrat seats, pink for women, and yellow for minority seats, as reported by ARY News.

The transportation of election materials to returning officers has been successfully completed, ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process. Returning officers have already issued the final list of candidates contesting for the 48 vacant Senate seats.(ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday that India has been investigating the alleged assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on the basis of "certain information" provided by the United States. Jaishanker was reacting to the 'red line' comment made by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti on the issue. "The US ambassador, as an ambassador, will say what he thinks is the position of his government. The position of my government is that in this particular case, there has been certain information provided to us that we are investigating, Jaishankar said while addressing a press conference in the national capital. In an interview with ANI, Garcetti acknowledged that India and the United States are working together in the investigation of the alleged foiled assassination plot against Khalistani terrorist Pannun. The US Ambassador to India said that a 'red line' should not be crossed between the two countries. "When people do step over the line, they say something will be bombed, as opposed to saying somebody shouldn't fly. The United States freedom of speech, we want success for anybody if there's a criminal accusation to actually reach the threshold that would have a successful outcome," Garcetti told ANI in an interview. He said no government employee of any country can be involved in an assassination plot of a foreign citizen. "I think that's absolutely critical. For any of us, just abstractly, that has to be a red line. No government official or government employee can be involved in the alleged assassination of one of your own citizens. That's just an unacceptable red line," Garcetti said. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is an India-designated terrorist who holds American and Canadian citizenship. He has repeatedly issued threats against India. Last year, Pannun threatened that Air India would not be allowed to operate on November 19. Following this, he also threatened an attack on the Indian Parliament on the anniversary of the Parliament attack on December 13. As per the US Justice Department indictment, an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who is currently in custody, has been charged with the murder-for-hire of Pannun. The US Justice Department had claimed that an Indian government employee, who was not identified in the indictment filed, had recruited Gupta to hire a hitman to allegedly assassinate Pannun, which was foiled by US authorities. The US envoy also appreciated that India set an inquiry commission to look into the matter."I was very pleased that India put together this commission of inquiry, put senior people who are experienced in law enforcement on that, and that they have been digging in on this side domestically to uncover any evidence that would show a murder for hire plot that included anybody who was from the Indian government," he said. "I think, strongly, but so far, everything that's been asked of the Indian government has been done. And I would say vice versa. Whenever there is accusations the other direction, we take that incredibly seriously," Garcetti added. In December last year, US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the plot to allegedly kill Pannun in the US. (ANI)
Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Adoong Pan-Lam, received the Guard of honour on Monday at the National War Memorial, South Block. Earlier in the day, the Royal Thai Navy commander also laid a wreath at National War Memorial in New Delhi. Earlier in December 2023, the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) conducted their first bilateral exercise, named 'Ex-Ayutthaya.' The exercise symbolised the significance of 'Ayodhya' in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, which hold historic legacies and have rich cultural ties. "The Indo-Thai Bilateral Exercise 'Ex-Ayutthaya' translates to 'The Invincible One' or 'Undefeatable', and "symbolises the significance of two of the oldest cities, Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, the historic legacies, rich cultural ties and shared historical narratives dating back several centuries," the Ministry of Defence said in a press release. The exercise between the two navies was conducted from December 20 to 23 last year. The Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 participated in the inaugural edition of the exercise. The Royal Thai Navy side was represented by His Thai Majesty's Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan, according to the statement. The 36th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also conducted along with the maiden bilateral exercise. Moreover, the maritime patrol aircraft from both navies participated in the sea phase of the exercise. By holding such bilateral exercises, both navies have taken a step towards boosting operational synergy and progressively increasing exercise complexity. "During the maiden edition of the exercise, the participants from both navies conducted surface and anti-air exercises, including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres," the press release said. Additionally, as part of the Government of India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with countries in the Indian Ocean Region towards enhancing regional maritime security. The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy have maintained a close and friendly relationship that has strengthened over the years." the press release added. The conduct of the maiden IN-RTN bilateral exercise along with Indo-Thai CORPAT is a testimony to the growing bilateral relations between the two maritime neighbours and has strengthened interoperability between the two navies. (ANI)
Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), highlighted ongoing efforts within "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3" to prepare aid packages specifically for children and women to meet their needs.

These aid packages form a crucial component of the daily humanitarian relief efforts and food aid dispatched to the Gaza Strip, with a particular focus on the northern region.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Junaibi said, "The distribution of these food baskets is part of the holistic relief endeavours initiated by the UAE to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza. This is facilitated either through airdrop operations, or via UAE aid convoys entering through the Rafah Border Crossing."

Al Junaibi reiterated the UAE's dedication to supporting all Palestinians, particularly women and children, by supplying essential relief and food provisions. He stressed that these specialised aid packages are provided alongside comprehensive relief efforts that include a wide range of essential items.

The significant contributions to Gaza reflect the UAE wise leadership's directives to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people during this challenging time, showcasing its global leadership in humanitarian endeavours.

Al Junaibi noted that plans are underway to provide Eid clothing to Gaza citizens, underscoring that the ERC and all relevant state institutions are working closely to continuously provide the necessary humanitarian support to the Palestinian people. (ANI/WAM)
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested over ten "terrorists" and their facilitators involved in last week's attack on Chinese engineers, Geo News reported on Monday. The news outlet citing sources said that a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-affiliated outfits is believed to be involved in the March 26 deadly attack in Shangla's Bisham city According to Geo News, five Chinese citizens, including a woman, and a Pakistani driver were killed when a suicide bomber crashed his explosive-laden vehicle into the car carrying them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir condemned the heinous act, promising to hold the perpetrators accountable. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase paid tribute to the victims, with a 30-second silence observed as their bodies were airlifted back to China, as per Geo News. Floral wreaths were laid on behalf of the country's president, prime minister, army chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. In the aftermath of the attack, Chinese companies overseeing operations at the sites of the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha Dams, temporarily suspended the civil work at both sites owing to security concerns. An official involved in the projects confirmed to the publication that approximately 991 Chinese engineers were engaged in both projects. Meanwhile, local staff members have been instructed to remain at home until further notice. A Chinese investigative team arrived in Pakistan last week to probe the incident, following China's military expressing readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in bolstering their collective capacity to address security threats, including terrorist attacks. "The terrorist commander, responsible for bringing the suicide bomber to Pakistan from Afghanistan, has also been arrested, as have four other facilitators," as per the CTD sources. Furthermore, the investigation has revealed that the explosive-laden vehicle used in the deadly attack was prepared in Afghanistan and was subsequently transported to Dera Ismail Khan's Darazinda via the Pak-Afghan Chaman border crossing in Balochistan. From there, the vehicle was transported to Chakdara in Lower Dir via a smuggler of non-custom paid vehicles, for which the driver was paid Pakistani currency (PKR) 250,000. However, security forces have also arrested the facilitator responsible for transporting the vehicle from Chaman to Chakdara. "The car was then brought to the incident site on the day of the attack after being parked for 10 days at the cost of PKR 500 per day," as per the investigation team sources. The mastermind of the attack, Hazrat Bilal, is also wanted by the security forces for his involvement in the Dasu dam attack, the sources added. With two accomplices of the suicide bomber already in custody, CTD expects that it will soon arrest Bilal as well. The arrests, as per the CTD sources, have been made by utilising the mobile and SIM data of the suicide bomber, which he had procured through a third party. (ANI)
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that seven people have died and nearly 400 families have been affected by the heavy rains and floods across Afghanistan, as reported by TOLO News. According to the OCHA's report, 1500 acres of agricultural land have been destroyed. Moreover, the residents of Faryab, Nangarhar and Daikundi provinces suffered the most damage, the report stated. "This is the third time that the northern region has experienced flooding in less than a month, with seven people killed and 384 families affected by heavy rains that occurred on March 21 and 26-27," the report noted, according to TOLO News. "Recently, due to the rains, there were floods that harmed a number of our farmers, and the provinces that have been affected by these floods should work together and projects should be implemented for them," Mirwais Hajizada, deputy head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, said. Many affected people in Faryab province have appealed for more assistance from the Taliban and relief agencies, reported TOLO News. Ziauddin, an affected individual, said, "The flood came just a few days ago, destroying our agricultural lands." According to the Ministry of Disaster Management, in the past month, due to snow and rain, more than 1,600 homes have been destroyed, and more than 177,900 livestock have also died. The OCHA reported that this is the third time that floods have occurred in the northern region of Afghanistan in less than a month, according to Khaama Press. Moreover, the government authorities have also announced that in the past year, 1,129 people have lost their lives, and 941 others have been injured due to natural disasters in the country. (ANI)
Participants held placards and blasted smoke clouds into the air while there was music and dancing at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

While one guy ceremoniously rolled a joint in front of TV cameras, another was observed riding through the crowd with an artwork of a massive cannabis leaf on a trailer behind their bike, according to CNN.

Germany's lower house of parliament, last month voted to legalise cannabis for 'limited recreational use' following a controversial national debate about the advantages and disadvantages of allowing easier access to the drug.

The country's health minister, Karl Lauterbach hailed the move in a post on X on Monday. "Cannabis use already existed yesterday, but it's increasing. Now it's exiting the taboo zone," he wrote.

"This is better for real addiction help, prevention for children and young people and for combating the black market, for which there will soon be an alternative," he added.

Adults may now own tiny amounts of the drug for personal use, but those under 18 years of age are still not allowed to use it. (ANI)
Notably, an Indian Air Force team visited Guyana to deliver the HAL-228 aircraft.

In a post on social media platform X, the High Commission of India in Guyana wrote, "High Commissioner welcomed IAF team visiting Guyana to deliver the HAL-228 aircrafts as part of Line of Credit from India to Guyana."

"A new chapter in India-Guyana partnership begins," it added.

The President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali stated that the planes arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Sunday evening.

"The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited @HALHQBLR delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force. The planes arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport last evening aboard two Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport planes," the Guyanese President wrote on X.

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1774789371696443811?s=20

India and Guyana share close and cordial relations based on strong people-to-people ties, economic linkages and commonalities of approach on multilateral issues.

"A new chapter in - bilateral relations! Two aircrafts manufactured by @HALHQBLRwere delivered to Guyana. These would help in connecting remote areas, medical evacuation and disaster response," the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X.

India and Guyana are separated geographically, however, the two nations have many aspects in common, including their colonial past, predominantly agricultural and rural-based economies, and multicultural societies.(ANI)
On relations between India and the UAE, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that in the last 10 years, the perception of India has changed to quite an extent in the Gulf country. Speaking at the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce -- Corporate Summit 2024 in Surat on Monday, Jaishankar said, "In the last 10 years, the perception about India has changed in the UAE. They signed a free trade agreement with us and today the trade with the UAE has reached about 80 billion dollars." "Our request to build a temple there has been accepted...PM Narendra Modi went to UAE in 2016 and the last PM to go to the UAE was Indira Gandhi and after her, no PM went there till 2016" he underlined. The iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir, which is the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, was inaugurated on February 14 by Mahant Swami Maharaj in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the eminent Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan. Earlier in 2022, India and United Arab Emirates signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). CEPA was signed during a meeting between the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and UAE delegation led by Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri and Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. Meanwhile, Jaishankar also underlined how India currently is in the top 5 economies and very soon we will be the third-largest economy in the world. "Today we are in the top 5 economies and very soon we will be the third-largest economy in the world. You all know whose guarantee this is. We have full confidence that in the next 25 years, we will make India a USD30 trillion economy..." the EAM said. He also spoke at length of the time when French President Emmanuel Macron visited India on Republic Day this year. "When French President Emmanuel Macron visited India on Republic Day, I welcomed him at Jaipur airport. It was his first visit to Jaipur and he said I see that you have other airports besides the airports of big cities," he said. "I said Mr President, you should also know that in the last 10 years, 8-9 new airports are being built every year in this country. In 2014 there were 75 airports and today this number has doubled..." Jaishankar added. The French President visited India as the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Macron was warmly greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi upon arrival at Kartavya Path. French contingents marched alongside Indian forces during the parade. The French President acknowledged the exceptional welcome and recalled the five years since his last state visit, expressing his pleasure at returning to India after the resounding success of India's G20. Macron recounted his visit to Jaipur, with Prime Minister Modi showcasing the symbolic moments that resonated with historical significance. Moreover, India and France adopted a roadmap for the defence-industrial partnership during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit for Republic Day celebrations. (ANI)
What is 110-foot tall red device that just arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?

KITTERY, Maine  A bright red, 110-foot tall steel structure capable of lifting 4,000 metric tons arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Monday.

The lifting device was transported on a barge from Cianbro Corporation's Modular Manufacturing Facility in Brewer, Maine, according to a shipyard press release. It was highly visible as it traveled down the Penobscot River to the Atlantic Ocean, then along the Maine coast to the mouth of the Piscataqua River.

A heavy lift crane arrives at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Monday, April 1, 2024.

The 111-foot wide structure is now temporarily stationed at Henderson's Point on the west side of Seavey Island, which is home to the shipyard.

The lifting device was brought to the shipyard to support the Multi-Mission Dry Dock 1, a seven-year project already in progress.

Word War II-era Dry Dock 1 at shipyard is being modernized

A heavy lift crane arrives at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Monday, April 1, 2024.

The work is being completed by 381 Constructors in a joint venture of The Industrial Company (a Kiewit Corporation subsidiary), Maine-based Cianbro Corporation and The Middlesex Corporation.

Previous story: Sen. Shaheen says billions to help fund Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's 'most critical piece'

The device will be assembled and erected in the shipyard's Dry Dock 1, a process set to conclude in early May, according to the shipyard press release. Once operational, it will lift 27 4,000-ton concrete monoliths being constructed by Cianbro Corporation at its Brewer facility.

The project will modernize the historic dry dock, originally constructed during World War II.

Shipyard expanding capacity for submarine overhaul work

By increasing its capacity, the shipyard will be able to accommodate three Los Angeles or Virginia class attack submarines for repair, maintenance.

Shiyard's economic impact $1.4 billion: Local NH and Maine cities and towns with most workers, payroll listed here

The work is part of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program at the Navy's four public shipyards. It integrates facilities, utilities, and industrial plant equipment investments to meet nuclear fleet maintenance requirements, according to a shipyard press release.

SIOP's multi-decade effort currently has over $6 billion of construction under contract and $577million of equipment in procurement, marking a significant investment in the Navy's infrastructure.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 110-foot device at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to lift 4,000-plus tons
13-year-old fatally stabs mom in home, Pennsylvania cops say. I deserve to be in jail

A 13-year-old girl is being charged as an adult following the fatal stabbing of her mother, according to Pennsylvania police and news reports.

The death of the 44-year-old woman happened around 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, at a home in Wilkes-Barre, according to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department.

The woman, who had injuries to her torso and head, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Authorities said it was the womans 13-year-old daughter who called 911, according to The Citizens Voice. The publication reported the girl stabbed her mother during an argument.

Im the reason my mom is dead, the girl said while in custody, WYOU reported.

A second victim, who the Times Leader reported is an 11-year-old boy, was also injured during the incident, police said.

The 11-year-old was stabbed in the back, according to the Times Leader, but his injuries are considered non-life threatening.

Police said the 13-year-old was charged as an adult with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and other related charges.

I deserve to be in jail, she told police, as reported by The Citizens Voice.

Wilkes-Barre is about a 110-mile drive northwest of Philadelphia.

14-year-old kills mom and injures stepfather in shooting, Mississippi sheriff says

Man kills mom and asks police when he can collect life insurance, Pennsylvania cops say

Pregnant mom stabbed multiple times and her 11-year-old son killed, Illinois cops say
Abortion access will be on Floridas ballot. How have the laws changed through the years?

What does the future of abortion access look like in Florida?

This time, voters will have the power to decide.

On Monday, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that an amendment on abortion access can go on the 2024 ballot, while also upholding the states current 15-week abortion ban. The courts decision paves the way for a more restrictive six-week abortion ban lawmakers approved last year to go into effect May 1 after Mondays ruling, according to the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau.

The Florida Legislature tends to take up new abortion restrictions nearly every legislative session. But this year, abortion rights are set to be a hot election topic, not just in the Sunshine State but across the country.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision that made abortion a constitutional right in the U.S., each state has had more power to decide its own abortion policy, including outlawing the procedure or providing more protection to abortion rights.

In Florida, abortion access has become more restrictive through the years. Heres what to know:

What is Floridas current abortion law?

Florida bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for pregnancies that are the result of rape, incest or human trafficking Women can still have an abortion in Florida after 15 weeks of pregnancy if doctors determine the womans life or health is threatened, excluding psychological conditions, or if there is a fatal fetal abnormality.

And Florida is set to restrict abortion access even more in the near future. A ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy is expected to go into effect in May. There will be exceptions for rape, human trafficking and incest up until 15 weeks of pregnancy, though documentation showing evidence of the crime will be needed, such as a police or medical report or court records.

READ NEXT: FDA says pharmacies can now give abortion pills by prescription. What about in Florida?

However, while the states more restrictive six-week ban is expected to go into effect soon, voters could choose to overturn it in November. At least 60% of voters are needed to approve the amendment on abortion access.

The ballot amendments text in part reads that no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. Viability is estimated to be around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

While we wait to see what Florida voters will decide, lets take a dive into the Miami Herald archives to see some of the abortion laws Floridas Legislature has passed through the years:

Floridas abortion law before Roe v. Wade

In February 1972, a year before Roe v. Wade became the law of the land, Floridas Supreme Court declared the states 104-year-old abortion law unconstitutional, saying, We emphasize that the emotional and explosive question on whether an abortion should be prohibited or permitted is a matter entirely within the discretion of the legislative branch of government, subject only to constitutional limitations.

At the time, Florida law prohibited abortions except if it was necessary to preserve the life of the mother. Justices determined the law was vague, indefinite and uncertain, according to Miami Herald archives. The justices also struck down a statute that criminalized abortion as manslaughter, according to Herald articles published in 1972.

The court gave lawmakers 60 days to make a new law. If they didnt, Florida would revert to the rules of English common law, which would permit abortion for any reason, including the mothers choice, in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Lawmakers met the deadline, and in April 1972, the Legislature passed a new law that would prohibit abortion with exceptions for women who met one of the following criteria:

 A doctor determines the pregnancy would substantially impair the womans life or health.

 A woman was a victim of rape or incest, or is carrying a child that is likely to have a serious physical or mental defect.

The woman would also need to get permission from a doctor, and if married, from her husband before having an abortion. If single and under 18, she would need the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

The procedure would have to be performed in a licensed or approved hospital (the bill also noted that not every hospital would do abortions and that doctors and hospitals would not be required to perform the procedure).

The bill was a compromise between liberals who wanted so-called abortion-on-demand and conservatives who wanted to add a requirement that two or three doctors would need to determine that grave and serious risks existed to the mothers life or physical/mental health before a woman could have an abortion.

READ MORE: Yes, no and nuanced: What Miami religious leaders are saying about Roe v. Wade ruling

When Roe v. Wade became law, what happened to Floridas abortion law?

After the 1973 Roe vs Wade ruling, questions arose on whether Floridas abortion law was now unconstitutional. After reviewing the Supreme Courts 100-plus page ruling, Florida Attorney General Robert Shevin determined that only some of Floridas restrictions were struck down.

Now, lets fast-forward to October 1989, when Floridas Supreme Court struck down a law requiring parental consent for abortion.

The ruling came from a case involving a 15-year-old Lake County girl, known in court records by the initials T.W., who asked a circuit judge in early May for permission to get an abortion without her parents consent. A recently passed law at the time required minors who wanted an abortion to get parental consent. The alternative would be to get permission from a judge, who would have to determine that the girl was mature enough to make her own decision or that she had legitimate fear of physical or emotional abuse if she sought her parents consent.

The judge denied the teens request, saying the consent law was unconstitutionally vague and didnt let judges hold proper hearings, according to a Miami Herald article. Within two weeks, her case had gone to the U.S. Supreme Court and back to the states justices on a variety of emergency appeals. Eventually, she got an abortion in late May, after both state and federal Supreme Courts dissolved stays.

Since this 1989 ruling by state justices, abortion has been viewed as a fundamental legal right under Floridas Constitution although conservatives have long argued that the privacy clause shouldnt apply to abortion, as the Miami Herald has previously reported.

What happened in Florida after U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade?

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in June 2022. A week later, on July 1, Floridas 15-week abortion ban went into effect.

While the states 15-week abortion ban was challenged in court, legislatures moved to restrict the procedure even more and in April 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning most abortions in the state after six weeks of pregnancy. However, the bill could not go into effect unless the Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of the states current 15-week abortion ban.

On April 1, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the privacy provision of the states constitution does not protect access to abortion, upholding the states 15-week abortion ban and clearing the way for the states more restrictive six-week ban to go into effect later this year.

What are Floridas recent abortion laws?

The Florida Legislature tends to take up new abortion restrictions nearly every legislative session. In 2003, courts struck down a law requiring parental notification, but voters in 2004 approved a constitutional amendment to re-create a similar law requiring parents to be notified when a minor gets an abortion, according to a 2020 Herald article.

Yes, theres a lot of back and forth when it comes to laws in Florida. Heres a look at some of the recent abortion bills the Florida Legislature has made into law.

 April 2024  On April 1, the Florida Supreme Court decides to uphold Floridas 15-week abortion ban, paving the way for the states six-week ban to go into effect May 1. The court also rules that Florida voters can decide on the future of abortion rights in the upcoming November elections.

 April 2023  in April, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning most abortions in the state after six weeks of pregnancy. The new law will replace the states previous law that allows abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. The 6-week ban cannot take effect unless the Florida Supreme Court upholds the states current 15-week ban.

 April 2022  In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning most abortions in the state after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The new law, which takes effect July 1, was passed by the Legislature in March. It will replace the states previous law that allows abortions until the third trimester  about 24 weeks of pregnancy. Floridas new law is based on Mississippis 15-week abortion ban.

 Also in April: Leon County Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey approved a 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Florida, ending a lengthy legal challenge that began in 2015, when then Gov. and current U.S. Sen. Rick Scott signed the bill into law. Under the law, women are required to wait 24 hours after an initial doctor visit before having an abortion.

 2021  A bill that would prohibit doctors from performing abortions because a disability was detected in the fetus passed in the House in April but died in the Senate.

 June 2020  A bill requiring parental consent before minors can have an abortion was passed into law. Florida law at the time already required notifying parents if a minor planned to get an abortion. Under the new law, parental notification and consent would be required for minors. To get around the requirements, a minor would need to obtain a judicial waiver.

Lawmakers had initially attempted to pass the parental consent bill during the 2019 legislative session, but while it passed the House, it stalled in Senate committees.

 2019  Members of Floridas Legislature showed interest in passing a heartbeat bill, which would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, similar to a Texas bill. By the time the bill hit the floor, it had developed into the 15-week abortion ban, which will go into effect July 1, 2022.

Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau staff writer Romy Ellenbogen contributed to this report.
COSHOCTON  Hes on a path he never imagined.

I grew up working on a farm, enjoying sports and the outdoors, hunting and fishing, recalled Tom Crawford. Growing up in a small town, I had little exposure to the rest of the world. I knew I was good at math so I was told engineering would be a good career. I never dreamed Id end up doing what Im currently doing.

Today, Crawford is vice president/general manager at McWane Ductile Ohio.

Tom Crawford is the vice president and general manager of McWane Ductile in Coshocton.

Im the leader of three businesses in our campus, he explained. Ductile iron pipe, fabricated pipe products and ductile iron poles.

Im proud that we manufacture iron strong products that build America and contribute to making peoples lives better, he added. Im fortunate to be part of a group of hard working employees who make a difference in our country, but, more importantly, our community. What motivates me is being able to make a difference in our community and our employees lives. It excites me to see our people grow and be the best version of themselves.

Crawford, 56, grew up in a small town in southwest Iowa called New Market, population 500. He graduated from New Market High School in 1986 with 13 students in his class. He went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University, then a masters in business administration from The University of Iowa.

After graduating from Iowa State, he said, I worked in the glass industry as an electrical engineer, specializing in process controls and power distribution systems. I then made a career change into the chemical industry where I was the engineering manager for that facility.

I was given the opportunity to join Clow Water Systems in Coshocton in 2002 as the plant manager of our foundry and flange fabrication business, he continued. I was excited to have the opportunity to be the leader of a business.

Crawford then started with McWane Ductile in Coshocton in 2002.

After a year, he said, I was given the opportunity to manage a McWane Foundry in Anniston, Alabama. A year later, I was given another opportunity to manage a pipe plant in Birmingham, Alabama, which continued through 2011. In 2012, I came back to Coshocton and continue to be the vice president and general manager of McWane Ductile Ohio.

Jolinda Kistler is the human resources manager at McWane Ductile Ohio.

Tom is very proud of our hard-working employees and successful growing businesses, assessed Kistler. He inspires us to be the best version of ourselves, consistently offers tremendous support and shows unwavering belief in our abilities. I admire and appreciate Toms leadership, dedication, and generosity to all of us at McWane Ductile Ohio.

My path is one I would have never imagined, Crawford responded. Im very fortunate to live in our community and work with a great group of people.

I always cheer for the underdog, he concluded, and I feel like our community and our business have been viewed as the underdog. It makes me happy to see both being successful and growing in spite of those views.

For more information about McWane Ductile, log on www.mcwaneductile.com.

Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs  whether theyre unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: McWane VP is rooting for the underdog, his community and business
Ahead of first rally in Wisconsin, Trump repeats false claims that he won the state in 2020

President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign appearance Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville.

Former President Donald Trump repeated familiar false claims ahead of his first visit to Wisconsin this campaign cycle: that he actually won the state in 2020 and there was widespread voter fraud.

On April 1, 2024  a day before Wisconsins presidential primary and Trumps first 2024 rally in the state  Trump appeared on WISN-AMs Dan ODonnell show.

Trump incorrectly said he won Wisconsin in 2020. He did win the state in 2016, but lost in 2020.

We had a reelection the second time. We actually did much better than the first time. We won in Wisconsin, as you know, the first time. The second time we did much better, Trump said.

Trump also falsely claimed that he won after wrongdoing was discovered in the 2020 election.

But I guess it was delayed, Trump continued. They found out a lot of wrongdoing. And after the wrongdoing was found, people said, Well, he actually did win.

ODonnell, a conservative talk radio host, did not push back on Trumps false claims that he won the state in 2020 or that there was wrongdoing in the presidential election.

PolitiFact Wisconsin has checked these claims before. But ahead of Trumps rally in Green Bay lets take a trip down memory lane.

Trump did not win Wisconsin in 2020, though he did win the state in 2016

Lets tackle the first part of Trumps claim: That he performed better in Wisconsin in 2020 than he did in 2016.

That is unequivocally false. And its something PolitiFact Wisconsin has checked on multiple occasions, including back in 2021.

We noted then, and well repeat here, that President Joe Biden won Wisconsin in 2020. Biden took 1,630,866 votes compared to Trumps 1,610,184 in the state, so Trump lost by 20,682 votes.

Trump did win the state in 2016, taking more than 22,000 votes over Democrat Hillary Clinton. He netted 1,405,284 votes in Wisconsin in 2016.

So, while Trump picked up more raw votes in 2020, his performance was not better because he ultimately lost by about 20,000 votes.

PolitiFact Wisconsin reached out to Trumps campaign for backup but did not hear back by deadline.

Bottom line: Trump did not win Wisconsin in 2020. PolitiFact Wisconsin has repeatedly rated that claim Pants on Fire.

Recounts affirmed Bidens victory, no widespread fraud or wrongdoing

In the second part of Trumps claim, he says that he won after a lot of wrongdoing was discovered.

Lets look back again. In 2020, PolitiFact Wisconsin explained that recounts Trump requested upheld Bidens victory.

The net pickup for Biden was 74 votes in the heavily Democratic Milwaukee and Dane counties. So, Trump actually fell further behind.

So, again, recounts affirmed that Biden won the election.

PolitiFact Wisconsin has also debunked several claims that there was wrongdoing or pervasive voter fraud.

That includes clarifying that late returns for Biden were because of how Milwaukee counts its absentee ballots, not fraud.

Weve also debunked his claim that absentee ballots were being dumped in rivers or creeks.

On top of that, a probe led by former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman  who has aligned with Trump and promoted his false claims  turned up no evidence the election was incorrectly called.

The conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty also found no evidence of widespread fraud. State auditors also found voting machines worked properly.

Weve said it before and well say it again: Even reviews led by conservatives found no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

PolitiFact Wisconsin found false Trumps claims of pervasive wrongdoing many times before, and the same applies here.

Pants on fire!

Our ruling

In a radio interview, Trump repeated familiar false refrains.

That is, that he won Wisconsin in 2020 and after the wrongdoing was found, people said, Well, he actually did win.

Biden won the state in 2020. Recounts actually expanded Bidens margin, and multiple reviews  including by conservatives  found there was no widespread voter fraud.

PolitiFact Wisconsin has checked these claims before, and well continue doing so if Trump airs them as he hits the ground in Wisconsin ahead of November.

Weve given a Pants on Fire rating for similar Trump claims in the past, and we do the same again here.

Sources

PolitiFact Wisconsin, Deja vu all over again as former President Trump wrongly claims Wisconsin victory, July 6, 2021.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2020 Wisconsin President Election Results, Dec. 2, 2020.

New York Times, Wisconsin Presidential Race Results: Donald J. Trump Wins, Aug. 1, 2017.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Recount confirms Trumps victory in Wisconsin, Dec. 12, 2016.

PolitiFact Wisconsin, 9 key fact-checks about the 2020 presidential election in Wisconsin, Jan. 4, 2021.

PolitiFact Wisconsin, Recount finds Trump did not win Wisconsin, despite his victory claim, Dec. 9, 2020.

PolitiFact Wisconsin, Trump again flat wrong with claims about Wisconsin voter fraud, Nov. 20, 2020.

PolitiFact Wisconsin, Trump whiffs describing Wisconsin ballot case, Oct. 9, 2020.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 'An incompetent circus': Michael Gableman's 2020 election review reaches 1 year and the $1 million mark with little to show, Jan. 16, 2023.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Conservative group finds no signs of widespread voter fraud in Wisconsin but urges changes to election processes, Dec. 7, 2021.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Auditors find voting machines work properly, say election officials should adopt formal rules on drop boxes, Jan. 7, 2022.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ahead of rally, Trump repeats false claims he won Wisconsin in 2020
American sniper in Ukraine says he couldn't care less about expensive weapons like tanks. 'Give me artillery' and ammo, he says.

Ukraine needs artillery and ammunition rather than tanks, a US veteran there said.

He said Ukraine had been rationing supplies and not hitting targets.

While vehicles are "important," shortages mean Ukraine needs what can keep soldiers alive now.

An American veteran fighting in Ukraine said soldiers were desperate for artillery and ammunition. He doesn't care about getting more expensive equipment like tanks right now because that isn't what they need most, he added.

Jonathan Poquette told Business Insider that Ukraine's ammunition shortages meant its soldiers had to become much pickier about which targets to hit, even sometimes not engaging groups of advancing Russians that they would have hit earlier in Russia's invasion.

And as he watches Ukraine's allies debate what further aid to give the country, he has a clear plea.

"With the West, you see so much stuff about, 'Oh yeah, they're donating these vehicles, these vehicles, these vehicles,'" he said. "And it's like, bro, I don't give a fuck about the vehicles, to a certain extent.

"Give me bullets. Give me mortars. Give me artillery. Give me things that'll allow the individual soldiers to fight and kill the Russians."

Poquette is a sniper with Chosen Company  an international force within the Ukrainian army's 59th Motorized Brigade that's officially designated as a recon unit but often used more for frontline assaults and defensive missions  and has been recovering from an injury in Kyiv since the end of January.

He said that long-running shortages of weaponry and equipment meant the weapons that could keep soldiers alive and stop Russia from taking territory were needed more urgently than anything that could help longer-term planning or aid long-distance attacks.

A Ukrainian battle tank fires on the Russian troops' position on January 9 in Donetsk. Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

He said that while expensive vehicles like tanks "do matter, I think it overshadows the complete picture."

What matters right now is "ammunition, grenades, claymores, or other types of mines, rockets, various different rocket systems," he added.

"What can one tank do?" he asked rhetorically, saying: "Not as much as 50,000 artillery shells, 5,000 mortar shells."

Not enough ammunition

With enough ammunition, he said, "we could literally just smash them to pieces" when Russia sends waves of men.

But, he added, there simply is not enough. He said that when turning over a position to another group, the soldiers taking over from him would ask for his ammunition and grenades.

"That's how desperate it was getting, to where literally just before we leave, we're taking all our magazines and out all the bullets and then putting empty magazines back in our kit and then taking all our grenades, and it's like, 'Here, you guys need it.'"

Ukraine has received tanks and armored vehicles from allies, but they arrived after long debates over whether to send them. Many war analysts have said the delay meant Russia had more time to prepare for their arrival, making them less effective for Ukraine.

Artillery and ammunition have had a much more decisive impact on the battlefield.

Insufficient help from allies

Ukraine is suffering from critical shortages as House Republicans in the US stall $60 billion worth of further aid to Ukraine. That package includes nearly $14 billion for Ukraine to purchase weapons and munitions.

And while help from European nations continues, many say they don't have enough equipment in their arsenals to remedy Ukraine's dearth.

Germany announced this week that it would give Ukraine 10,000 artillery rounds in the coming days, but that's a tiny amount of what Ukraine needs: Conflict analysts said last month that Ukraine "needs around 75,000-90,000 artillery shells per month to sustain the war defensively, and more than double that  200,000-250,000  for a major offensive."

Some wider plans are also underway, including a Czech Republic-led plan to source ammunition from outside the European Union, which sources told The Guardian would start delivering shells to Ukraine before June.

But the effect of the shortages, Poquette said, is that soldiers are rationing their ammunition.

Ukraine has to pass on some targets

He said they stopped firing on small groups of advancing Russian soldiers like they would have earlier in the conflict.

"It started getting to the point to where if the group was small enough that was assaulting, then the Ukrainians would evaluate it and be like, 'Well, it's only two or three guys, maybe four. Is that really worth an artillery round or a mortar round?'" he said.

Instead, they would consider whether the infantry could take them on. That strategy puts greater risks on Ukraine's soldiers.

He said his unit had to become far choosier when it came to hitting targets with US-provided HIMARS, a game-changing weapon when it first arrived in Ukraine.

Ukrainian troops fire M142 HIMARS rockets toward Bakhmut, Ukraine, in May. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Getty Images

Ukraine would be in "a much better place" if it weren't dealing with the shortages, he said.

He said the US was "somewhat responsible for our lack of ability to hold ground," though he added that he thought some poor Ukrainian tactics and actions had at times hampered its progress.

And the problem is widely known: European officials have spent months acknowledging the continent's insufficient ammunition production. The European Commission earlier this month announced $540 million to fast-track arms manufacturing, including artillery ammunition.

Can't plan for the future

Poquette said the issue with Western aid was that it came in "tidbits," with long debates before certain equipment got sent and different levels of support arriving in different packages.

He asked "how much more would we have been able to achieve" in the summer 2022 offensive in which Ukraine was successful at taking back swathes of territory before it was "stalled" because of a lack of equipment?

He said: "It feels like everything that we've been getting has been either too late or it's just enough to barely hold on to where it feels like whenever they donate things, it's kind of just enough to keep Ukraine standing but without thought of the long term."

That means Ukraine's soldiers often have to plan for survival, rather than long-term success. That's where they're at right now.

He described Ukraine as trapped in a cycle of not getting enough Western help to plan for when new aid arrived: "These rounds are going to be good for two months, but what about five months from now and then five months later goes by and it's just right back to the same thing. Well, we're short again on rounds."

It is an issue many in the West point to, including the prime minister of the Ukrainian partner Lithuania, who told BI last month it was "so sad" to watch the same scenario repeatedly play out.

This includes, she said, when Ukraine's allies say they will not give it an advanced type of weaponry it's asking for, afraid of provoking Russia, only to do so months later, when many Ukrainians have died and the weapon may not be as relevant anymore.

Poquette's concerns about ammunition echo the deep problems Ukraine is facing.

Destroyed buildings of Avdiivka in October. Kostya Liberov / Libkos via Getty Images

Ukraine pulled out of the town of Avdiivka in February, giving Russia its first major victory in months. The White House said it was because Ukraine's soldiers had to ration ammunition "due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction."

In January, Ukraine's defense minister said his forces could fire only one-third of what Russia could fire every day.

Ukraine has been increasing its own weapons manufacturing, but Russia has, too. Experts say Russia has a lot of personnel, materiel, and industrial advantages here, with a much-larger population and far more resources.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Analysis: Millions of acres of NC wetlands can be developed due to SCOTUS, NC law

When North Carollna lawmakers passed a provision in last years Farm Act that prevented development only in wetlands protected by the federal government, they couldnt answer a key question: How many acres of wetlands here would lose protection?

A new Environmental Defense Fund analysis uses a U.S. Fish and Wildlifes National Wetlands Inventory and flooding data to try to answer that question for all 50 states in light of the U.S. Supreme Courts rollback last year of which wetlands are protected under the Clean Water Act.

For North Carolina, the answers range from bad to worse, with the analysis determining that anywhere between 14% and 100% of the states non-coastal wetlands could be open to development. Those wetlands cover 490,000 to 3.6 million acres, many of them in the low-lying coastal plain.

The wide range of risk in the analysis is due to ongoing litigation about what constitutes a federally protected wetland, said Adam Gold, the reports author and an EDF manager for climate resilient coasts and wetlands in North Carolina and Virginia

The Supreme Court used really unclear language and this leaves the door wide open for potential interpretations, Gold told The News & Observer.

What do Farm Act supporters say?

The timing of the North Carolina bills passage was just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Courts 2023 Sackett V. EPA decision, a rollback of federal wetlands protections.

The decision narrowed which wetlands the federal Clean Water Act protects to those continuously adjoining streams, oceans, rivers and lakes in the U.S.

The Triangle Land Conservancy bought 665 acres of forest and wetlands along the Cape Fear River in Lee County in 2023. Protections have narrowed for North Carolina wetlands not directly connected to federally protected waterways.

The N.C. Home Builders Association was a key force behind last years rule change in North Carolina, arguing that the change was introduced to prevent state environmental officials from regulating some isolated wetlands no longer protected by federal rules.

North Carolina has other state and local rules that will protect many wetlands that could lose federal protections, Chris Millis, the Home Builders Associations director of regulatory affairs, told The News & Observer. He pointed to riparian buffer rules, vegetated areas near streams; watershed protection overlays that limit development and require stormwater controls in areas that are important to drinking water supplies; and floodplain protections that curb development in flood-prone areas.

When all the dust settles, when we look at our state regulatory framework I think a lot of these claims of millions of acres of wetlands being able to be developed are not going to come true, Millis said. Not only are we not interested in developing in wetlands, theres other regulatory schemes that are already in place to protect any type of hydric areas that might be of concern.

Millis also pointed to a March 2024memo from Assistant Secretary of the Army Michael Connor to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers directing the agency to continue including wetlands that are no longer federally protected due to the Courts decision in Corps mitigation projects. That means that even though a wetland might no longer be federally protected from development, the Corps could restrict development there.

Citing reduced protections for some North Carolina wetlands, Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the 2023 Farm Act. The Southern Environmental Law Center applauded, saying the act threatened ecologically important wetlands such as mountain bogs, Carolina Bays, swamps and pocosins here. But legislators overrode Coopers veto.

The Farm Act provision was necessary, Millis said, due to a 2011 state law that said environmental regulations cannot be stricter than federal rules. As the Trump Administration was leaving office in 2020, it created new rules around what is considered a protected water, and North Carolinas Department of Environmental Quality responded with a state rulemaking effort that attempted to enshrine what had been protected before the Trump-era changes.

But the Rules Review Commission decided that state rule, which DEQ officials was said was intended to fill a gap created by the misalignment of state and federal policies, went further than the federal policy.

If anyone believes those are areas of environmental significance that need to be protected, then youve got to have permission of the legislature, Millis said.

Why do wetlands matter?

Wetlands are a key point of regulatory conflict, with businesses and developers arguing that protections are applied too broadly, stymieing building projects that should move forward with ease.

Environmental groups say wetlands are key to a clean environment because they filter pollutants out of water and protect against flooding. An acre of wetlands can hold between a million and 1.5 million gallons of water, according to the EPA.

Thats particularly important in isolated wetlands found in the Piedmont or North Carolina mountains, Gold said. By retaining water, he said, those wetlands reduce the amount of floodwater flowing downstream, helping everyone in the stream or river basin below.

But because they arent sitting next to or flowing into a federally protected stream, the Courts decision and North Carolinas law leave them open for fill, he said.

The wetlands that are most at risk after this decision are the ones that are most critical for flood storage because they are towards the headwaters of watersheds, Gold said.

Venus Flytraps, like those found in the Green Swamp of North Carolina, are native to the carolina bays regions of the Carolinas.

Appearing on a panel about wetlands at last weeks N.C. Water Resources Research Institute, John Dorney, a former manager for North Carolinas wetland permitting program, predicted that the new rules will result in a net loss for wetlands in the state, with effects like degraded water quality and increased flooding.

Therell be more development in what are scientific wetlands, especially near developing areas: Wilmington, Greenville, New Bern, Brunswick County, Dorney said.

Potential NC impacts

To better understand the possibilities, Gold ran eight different scenarios, each representing a different potential definition of the continuous-surface connection.

Were kind of along for the ride with the Supreme Court on this. So whatever the federal definition ends up being, North Carolina will be adhering to, Gold said.

Heres what those scenarios were for wetlands to be federally protected and what they meant for North Carolina:

No wetlands excluded, in which wetlands were not omitted from federal protections for being too dry: Between 8 and 19% of NC wetlands lose protection, ranging from 285,200 to 676,7000 acres.

Wetlands must have seasonally water-logged soils: Between 27 and 37% lose protection, ranging from 983,600 to 1.3 million acres.

The soil in a wetland must always be wet: 63 to 66% lose protection, ranging from 2.3 to 2.4 million acres.





A wetland must be flooded seasonally: 63 to 66% lose protection, ranging from 2.3 to 2.4 million acres.

Wetlands must flood seasonally and always have saturated soils: 87 to 88% lose protection, about 3.2 million acres.

A wetland must almost always have surface water: 88 to 89% lose protection, about 3.2 million acres.

A wetland must always have surface water, except during extreme droughts: 100% lose protection, about 3.6 million acres.

A wetland must always have surface water: 100% lose protection, about 3.6 million acres.

Could new rule lead to pollution?

Another concern environmental lawyers have about the Farm Act is that it goes further to roll back protections than previous rollbacks, which were primarily focused on permitting the filling in of certain wetlands for development activity.

Robin Smith, an environmental lawyer who was previously the assistant secretary for the environment, said the Farm Acts language also means that other environmental protections no longer apply to wetlands that are now outside of federal jurisdiction.

For example, those wetlands are no longer protected by state rules limiting the discharge of pollutants into water, Smith said in an interview.

There are just all sorts of ramifications of that that Im not sure anyones really worked through, and I dont think that was an impact that anyone likely intended or particularly wanted, but it was the result of a very broadly worded piece of legislation, said Smith, who was was twice chair of this states Environmental Management Commission.

Legislative action?

With the new information in hand, environmental advocates hope to start making the case for additional wetlands protections when lawmakers return for the short session next month.

David Kelly, EDFs North Carolina president, wrote in an email that lawmakers either have to find a way to convince developers to avoid the losses of wetlands or significantly ramp up funding for wetlands conservation and restoration.

We believe its important that science helps inform the policy discussion on wetland conservation in North Carolina and beyond, with the consequences of the Sackett decision providing a clear example of the kind broad ambiguity and uncertainty that can result when policy making is not rooted firmly in science, Kelly wrote.

The Home Builders Association is willing to entertain further conversations about protecting wetlands, Millis said, as long as the General Assembly gives regulators explicit permission to do so.

We stand ready; if there are any areas of environmental concern that are affected, were open-minded and were not trying to develop in areas that are truly wetlands, Millis said.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story. Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com.

This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and Green South Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. If you would like to help support local journalism, please consider signing up for a digital subscription, which you can do here.
Austrian spy accused of selling ministers phone data to Russia after British tip off

An Austrian spy with suspected links to a fugitive former executive has been arrested on suspicion of selling confidential information to Russia after a British tip-off.

Egisto Ott was arrested on Friday, accused of cloning the phones of senior interior ministry figures and transferring sensitive data to people linked to Russian intelligence.

The three smartphones were allegedly handed to another Austrian agent, who has also been arrested, for water damage repair, when the senior advisers to whom they belonged capsized on a departmental canoeing trip in the summer of 2017.

The phones were cloned and their information passed to Ott, a former agent of Austrias now-dissolved security service the Office of Constitutional Protection. He sold the information to Martin Weiss, a former department head of the same agency.

Weiss, in turn, is believed to have been on the payroll of Jan Marsalek, the disgraced former head of collapsed German payment firm Wirecard, Austrian broadsheet Der Standard reports.

Red Square: Ott is alleged to have sold information to Russia - iStock

The phones belonged to Michael Kloibmuller, a former head of the cabinet of the Austrian interior ministry, Michael Takacs, a director of federal police, and Garnot Maier, the director of the federal office for immigration and asylum.

Information from Mr Kloibmullers phone was sent to prosecutors and Austrian media, leading to now-dropped corruption investigations against Wolfgang Sobotka, the president of the Austrian parliament, a former interior minister, and Kloibmuller himself.

Ott is now in protective custody. The information leading to his arrest initially came from a British investigation into a Bulgarian spy ring Marsalek allegedly set up in the UK.

Marselek reportedly spied for the GRU, Russias military intelligence agency, for decades, according to chats seen by the British investigators.

Seven years of suspicion

Ott has been suspected of selling secrets for around seven years now, with the case file reportedly thousands of pages thick.

The former spy admitted to Der Spiegel, the German magazine, that he complied with a request from Weiss to provide the address of Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian-born investigative journalist at Bellingcat.

I only went to the registration office and paid 3.40 [2.90] for the information about where [Grozev] lives, he claimed.

Ott and Weiss may even have played a role in the sabotage and dissolution of their own intelligence agency by forming a cell that released secrets about the forging of North Korean passports, on Marsaleks orders.

The leak led to a scandalous raid on the agency by Herbert Kickl, the then-interior minister, now leader of the far-Right Freedom Party (FPO).

The governing Greens accused the FPO of collaboration with Moscow. The FPO have in reality been working for Russia and its unscrupulous dictator rather than Austria for years, a senior Green MP said.

Karl Nehammer, Austrias chancellor, called a national security council meeting next week to address the grave allegations.

On the one hand, these allegations have to be addressed by the judiciary. On the other hand, an evaluation and clarification of the security situation of the republic is needed, Mr Nehammer said in a statement. We have to avoid having Russian spy networks threaten our country by infiltrating or instrumentalising political parties and networks.

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Actor Michael Stuhlbarg has been attacked by a rock-wielding man near Central Park in New York.

The Boardwalk Empire star was the victim of what appears to be a random assault by a homeless man near Central Park on the Upper East Side of the city on Sunday night (31 March), police confirmed to the New York Post.

Xavier Israel, 27, is alleged to have attacked 55-year-old Stuhlbarg in the back of the neck with the weapon, causing an abrasion and other injuries, police confirmed on Monday (1 April).

The Call Me By Your Name star chased his assailant after the attack. Mr Israel was apprehended by police stationed outside the Russian consulate at the time, before being taken into custody and charged with assault.

Stuhlbarg, who also starred in the movie A Serious Man, was reported to be walking near East 90th and East Drive around 7.45pm on Sunday (31 March) when the incident took place.

The attacker had previously been arrested for two assaults as well as a robbery, incidents which took place in January 2022, police said. He had been on parole for a burglary offence at the time of the attack on the star.

The actor declined medical assistance for the pain and bruising to his neck, according to police and other sources present at the time of the incident.

Witnesses present at the scene claim they saw Mr Israel pick up the rock and throw it in to a crowd of people.

Michael Stuhlbarg was attacked by the man on Sunday (31 March) (Getty Images)

It comes in the wake of a spate of random violent attacks in the city which has led to the deployment of the National Guard to subway stations. Multiple women have reported being punched in the face and have warned each other to stay aware of their surroundings as a result.

A 40-year-old man who has repeatedly run for elected office in the city has been arrested over the attacks.

Last week, a commuter was killed after being shoved on to the tracks of an oncoming subway train by a man with multiple prior arrests and an apparent history of mental illness.

Last month Brooklyns District Attorney said that an alleged shooter from a Brooklyn subway train confrontation, that escalated from a verbal exchange to a shooting that left a man critically injured  would not be charged given evidence of self-defense.

Stuhlbarg was attacked less than two miles from where his Boardwalk Empire character, Arnold Rothstein, was fatally shot. The period crime drama TV series aired on HBO for five seasons between 2010 and 2014.

The show was produced by Killers of the Flower Moon director Martin Scorsese and Ted actor Mark Wahlberg. It starred Steve Buscemi, known for his breakout role as Mr Pink in Quentin Tarantinos movie Reservoir Dogs, and Ghost in the Shell actor Michael Pitt.

Emmy nominee Stuhlbarg is due to return to Broadway this month to portray Boris Berezovsky in the play Patriot.

The Independent has reached out to representatives for Stuhlbarg for comment.
Caleb Rowden only has a few more months left as a Missouri lawmaker, and he wants to leave a legacy in his hometown of Columbia.

The Senate president pro tem will leave office this year because of term limits, and before hes done he wants to change state law to allow charter schools in the local district. And even though nearly every school district in his county opposes the change, Rowden knows this might be the last chance to get it done.

My stated goal is not to abolish public education and just make everything private. That is never going to happen, he told reporters Thursday. I want public education to be functioning, hitting on all cylinders. I want those schools to be museums where people can go and get the best education that they can get anywhere in the world, in a public school in Missouri, that would be incredible.

Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden speaks at a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol Building on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.

Rowdens district was redrawn for this election, with population growth in Columbia requiring Boone County get its own Senate seat. That gives Democrats a major advantage, and the frontrunner in the race to replace Rowden in the seat  former Democratic state Rep. Stephen Webber  is not on board with the charter school expansion.

Suzette Waters, president of Columbia Public Schools Board of Education, said Rowden referred to the situation as they talked about her opposition to authorizing charter schools in the county. Rowden, she said, didnt think the incoming senator would have the same appetite for charters.

This was his last chance to get something done in Boone County, because with Stephen Webber coming in, it wasnt gonna go, Waters told The Independent.

Waters met with Rowden after the Senate approved a 153-page education bill that coupled charter school expansion in Boone County with myriad other provisions, from an expansion of a private school tax credit scholarship to a change to the formula that funds public schools.

Currently, Missouri only has charter schools in Kansas City and St. Louis. Charter schools, according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, are independent public schools that are free from some rules and regulations that apply to traditional public school districts.

Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican, prepared an amendment to the legislation that would have required a vote of Boone County residents to authorize charters. After a brief meeting in Rowdens office, he ditched the idea.

State Sen. Denny Hoskins speaks to reporters at a press conference on Feb. 1, 2024 at the Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City.

Hoskins is currently running for Secretary of State, and was expecting to run against Rowden, who had announced his candidacy but had not yet filed at the time of their conversation.

Hoskins told The Independent that the meeting with Rowden didnt include talk of the Secretary of States race nor any promises or deals. Less than a week after that meeting, Rowden announced his withdrawal from the race, saying a retirement from politics is what is best for his family.

There were rumors and speculation that had been going on for several days because he had not yet filed, Hoskins said, but his decision to not run for Secretary of State had nothing to do with me not offering (my amendment).

Hoskins has spoken negatively about Rowdens role as president pro tem this session, especially after Rowden removed Hoskins and other members of the Senate Freedom Caucus from key committee positions. But when Rowden asked him not to offer the amendment, Hoskins agreed.

Sen. Rowden has been an advocate for charter schools, and hed like to see those going in Boone County, Hoskins said. This is his last year as well as my last year. I have supported charter schools in the past and ultimately decided not to offer that amendment.

Rowden, who has represented Columbia since being elected to the Missouri House in 2012, has long called himself a supporter of education reform.

His advocacy for charter schools and K-12 tax-credit scholarships has earned him hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from like-minded donors, most notably retired investor Rex Sinquefield. Since 2020, Sinquefield and his wife have donated $625,000 to Rowdens political action committee, Missouri Forward PAC.

Yet as the charter expansion makes its way through the legislative process, some critics have even begun to question Rowdens motives.

Jeanne Snodgrass, vice president of Columbia Public Schools Board of Education, during a public hearing on the legislation Thursday in a Missouri House committee, voiced her opposition and wondered aloud, without naming names, whether someone with a sister that runs private schools might want to expand to charters and then get public taxpayer money for that.

Rowdens sister, Rebekah Jouret, is the principal of Christian Chapel Academy in Columbia, a private Christian school with students grades K-8.

Rowden balked at the accusation, telling reporters his support for charters is not based on any personal or familial benefit.

Their Christian school would never become a charter school because theyd have to give up a tremendous amount of autonomy and their ability to teach things that are grounded in faith. I cant imagine that they would ever do that, he said. I, frankly, never had that conversation with my sister.

My support for education reform has been well-documented and has been long-running long before my sister was in that role.

The legislation that could bring charter schools to Boone County originated as an expansion of the tax-credit scholarships. Rowden is in support of enlarging the program and told reporters earlier this year he would even be in favor of a state appropriation for the K-12 scholarships.

All but one of Boone Countys superintendents wrote in a letter earlier this month that lawmakers should focus on funding public schools.

In Boone County, our public schools are the heart of our communities. Strong public schools mean strong, thriving communities. Public schools impact economic growth, workforce development, employment, and populations, the superintendents of five Boone County school districts wrote. Dismantling those structures by introducing charter schools will hurt the very fabric of our communities.

Centralia was the only district left out of the signed letter to lawmakers.

Waters told The Independent that districts have concerns that introducing charter schools to Boone County will worsen an already restrictive budget.

If every kid that leaves CPS and goes to a charter school comes from the same building in the same grade level, yes, we can economize by reducing our staff, just for those classes. But thats not how it works, she said. They come from all different grade levels, a couple at this building, a couple at that building.

She worries the district would have to cut services even if just a few hundred children leave Columbia Public Schools. She discussed this with Rowden earlier this month after the Senate approved the legislation.

Rowden described it as a great conversation.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, addresses reporters outside his office about the decision to remove Freedom Caucus members from their committee assignments.

(Rowden) kept saying, Were only talking about a couple hundred kids. It is not going to hurt you guys that much, Waters recalls of their talk.

She told him her concerns, pushing against his lack of fear.

I would say it was a respectful conversation, but at the end of it, we come from polar opposite viewpoints on what is appropriate for Boone County public schools, she said.

Rowden told reporters he hopes the legislation will pass with the inclusion of charter schools in his home county.

I dont think that the implementation of a charter school or two or three in Columbia would in any way keep public education from continuing to flourish and grow and regain the trust in the community, he said.

A Missouri House committee is scheduled to vote on the legislation Tuesday.

This story was first published at www.missouriindependent.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Caleb Rowden addresses criticism of Boone County charter schools plan
Indian gov't orders mandatory declaration of wheat stock position from April

Xinhua) 16:00, March 30, 2024

NEW DELHI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Indian government has ordered the mandatory declaration of the stock position of wheat on a weekly basis from April, officials said Saturday.

It has asked traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers and processors across the South Asian country to declare their stock position of wheat on every Friday from April 1 till further orders, according to a statement issued by the federal Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

The move is intended to "manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation," said the statement.

The Indian government has already issued a similar order for rice.

"Any entity which is not registered on the portal, may register themselves and start disclosing the wheat and rice stock on every Friday. Now, all legal entities have to declare their wheat and rice stock on the portal regularly," the ministry said.

The ministry said its department of food and public distribution has maintained a close watch over the stock position of wheat and rice in a bid to control prices and ensure their easy availability in the country.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu)
An employee collects payment at an Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon store in Livermore, Calif., Thursday, March 28, 2024. He's among hundreds of thousands of California fast-food workers who will be paid at least $20 an hour starting Monday, April 1. | Terry Chea

Starting April 1, fast-food workers in California will now be paid at least $20 per hour, according to a law passed in the state in 2023. This is up 25% from Californias general minimum wage of $16.

According to The Associated Press, the law applies to fast-food restaurants which are part of a national chain with at least 60 establishments nationwide. All fast-food employees are eligible, whether they work for a franchisee or the national brand.

How does the wage increase help workers?

Fast-food jobs are notorious for low wages and carry the public perception of being held predominantly by teenagers in high school and college, not adults supporting themselves full time.

The workers are often women, immigrants and people of color; many live below the poverty line, NPR reported.

Many of the states 500,000 fast-food employees, though, are adults supporting themselves and/or their families, AP reported. In a state known for a high cost of living, this change gives fast-food workers more financial control.

Ingrid Vilorio, a fast-food worker in California, told AP, The $20 raise is great. I wish this would have come sooner. Because I would not have been looking for so many other jobs in different places. She works multiple jobs, one of which is part time at a Jack in the Box.

For many, however, this raise doesnt do enough to meet the states soaring cost of living.

Even though its a big help, people need to realize that $20 compared to the cost of living in Los Angeles, its still not enough to feel secure, Jaylene Loubett told NPR.

Loubett has worked at McDonalds for six years and shares an apartment with her parents, whom she supports. She said the raise will alleviate some financial stress.

Historically, California has often been a leader in progressive business decisions, with other states following suit later. In the coming years, other states may take note and pass similar legislation within and out of the fast-food industry, improving worker pay across the board.

How does the new minimum wage impact the bottom line?

While workers celebrate the wage increase, companies lament it for its impact on their bottom lines. Amid rising operation costs, business owners are discussing shifting the burden of rising wages to the consumer.

According to Brian Hom, who runs two franchise locations of Vitality Bowls, customers are likely looking at a 5-10% increase in prices of their menu items. Im happy that my employees are going to make more, Hom told NPR.

But the impacts to the business are the concern. ... Will I be able to sustain the business?

As wages rise, chain and franchise owners may try to offset these costs by raising prices, adding automation, cutting hours or even closing down, NPR reported.

Alex Johnson, who owns 10 Auntie Annes and Cinnabon franchises in California, said sales have slowed in 2024, prompting him to lay off his office staff and rely on his parents to help with payroll and human resources, per AP.

I try to do right by my employees. I pay them as much as I can. But this law is really hitting our operations hard, Johnson told AP.

Some business owners and workers advocates see it differently, though. Lauren Crabbe, owner and CEO of Andytown Coffee Roasters in San Francisco, told CNBC, If a multinational company making millions in profit cannot afford to pay the people making their product and serving their customers at least $20 (an hour) in 2024, then they do not have a viable business model.

Crabbe is excited by the legislation, but thinks the legislature missed an opportunity to target giants in other industries, such as retail, per CNBC.

Crabbes sentiment is echoed by Joseph Bryant, executive vice president for the Service Employees International Union, which backed the law.

He said livable wages should be a priority for corporate fast-food companies.

Will the fast-food minimum wage affect other industries?

The wage increases wont only impact the fast-food industry in the long run.

For some business owners like Jennifer B. Perez, who runs Growing Roots in Long Beach, California, remaining competitive for workers alongside bigger businesses might become more difficult amid the wage increase.

Most small businesses cant just do a straight 25% increase across the board, or price increases across the board, she said, per CNBC.

Daniel Zhao, lead economist for career site Glassdoor, said, I think we are going to see spillover effects within food service, but beyond that, we should expect to see spillover effects to other industries that are competing for this talent, per CNBC.
California Sen. Laphonza Butler boasts win for crime victims fund despite less money for the state

Reality Check is a Sacramento Bee series holding officials and organizations accountable and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email realitycheck@sacbee.com.

Earlier this month, outgoing Californias U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler boasted that she had secured wins for California, and cited as one of her achievements $1.3 billion for the federal fund to help crime victims.

While that figure is accurate, Butler failed to say the funding is not a win. Its a steep drop from funding the previous year and the year prior to that.

And her claim  which suggested all the money would go to California  was perhaps misleading. The $1.3 billion will go to help crime victims across the country. California will receive only some of those funds  possibly between $80 and $100 million, according to state Office of Emergency Services estimates.

Butlers office says the senator met with advocacy groups and helped win congressional approval of the money.

Its not misleading. The point of our press release is to tout the wins that will go back to California in some way, said Audrey Lopez, the senators communications director. We want to highlight the things that the senator feels passionate about.

Butler listed the funding and other priorities in a March 8 release titled Butler secures billions for California, defeats extreme right-wing policies.

Butlers boasts involved one of the massive spending bills Congress approved last month. The first of those bills, which funded federal Justice Department programs and other departments, won House and Senate approval with strong bipartisan majorities, though many conservatives were opposed.,

In that bill, Congress allocated $1.3 billion for the federal Victims of Crime Fund in this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. The amount was somewhat of a win for advocates since it was $153 million above President Joe Bidens request  but it was less than the funds $2.6 billion in 2022 and $1.9 billion last year.

The drop came because the fund gets its money from penalties for federal criminal convictions and other legal actions. Lawmakers then determine the amount available each year, taking into account incoming deposits, which have been down in recent years.

Less money for crime victims

The crime victim money is distributed in several different ways. One part of the federal funding goes to organizations that help victims, such as those hurt by domestic violence, sex trafficking, street crime and other incidents.

Californias federal Victims of Crime Act assistance grant funds have dropped in recent years from a peak of $397 million in federal fiscal year 2018 to $153 million in the last fiscal year.

California OES estimates that the grant allocation could be reduced during this fiscal year to between $80 million and $100 million, though no final decisions have been announced.

Among those Butler spoke with as part of her push for more money were advocates at the Jenesse Center, a nonprofit domestic violence intervention and prevention center in South Los Angeles.

Alyson Messenger, the centers managing staff attorney, called the federal funding the foundation and backbone of Californias ability to serve victims of crime, which is why the funding cuts are so devastating.

She projected the centers Domestic Violence Assistance Program faces a 30% to 50% cut this summer. Its housing program, which provides temporary shelter and help finding permanent housing, is threatened with big cuts.

Also facing several funding reductions are programs aimed at helping children and legal services for victims.

Butler did not mention cuts in her release. She lists the victims program funding as billions in federal funding she secured to help address Californias most pressing needs.

Butler, a Democrat, was appointed to her seat by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October. She is not seeking election in November.

Touting funding victories in budget bills is a longstanding legislative tradition, though usually lawmakers get more local. Butler herself put out a list of local projects last week that she championed in the latest congressional spending bill.

Lawmakers have been warning of the consequences should the fund continue to be depleted. A group of 42 state attorneys general, including Californias Rob Bonta, last month warned in a letter to congressional leaders that if the fund continues to shrink, many victim service programs across the country may be forced to close.

On Feb. 29, 41 House members wrote to the White House budget office urging it to recommend more funding in the next fiscal year, which begins in October. Among those singing were Reps. Jim Costa, D-Fresno; Judy Chu, D-Pasadena; and Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara.

Without this funding, millions of victims, including survivors of domestic violence, will be left without access to safety, to justice, and to healing, they said.
Centre County ranks in top 15 for PA superintendent salaries. How much does your district pay?

After a year of high administrative turnover in Centre County, several school districts are searching for their next superintendent, drawing more attention to superintendent contracts and salary costs.

According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Educations 2023 Professional Personnel Individual Staff Report, the average salary for superintendents and acting superintendents across the state is $159,333. The average salary for a superintendent in Centre County, including the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District, which includes part of Clearfield County, was $171,173 last year, although most district superintendents did not meet the state average.

Salaries are vastly different from district to district across Pennsylvania, with the states highest-paid superintendent, Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington, recording a base salary of $340,000 in 2023. Centre Countys highest-paid administrator was Penn Valley Areas longtime superintendent Brian Griffith, who ranked in the top 50 for superintendent salaries.

The Centre Daily Times used data from PDE and individual district contracts to put together details about superintendent salaries across the county.

Bald Eagle Area

Bald Eagle is without a permanent superintendent after Curt Whitesel announced in January that he would leave to become superintendent for the Hollidaysburg Area School District.

According to 2023 data from the Department of Education, Whitesels annual salary was $147,500. Salary information was not released when the Hollidaysburg Area board approved Whitesels contract in January.

In March, the board hired former district superintendent Joseph Clapper to fill the position temporarily. Starting Tuesday, Clapper will serve as acting superintendent at a rate of $1,750 per week until Dec. 31 or the position is filled.

Bellefonte

As of 2021, Superintendent Tammie Burnafords contract listed her salary as $142,011. Burnaford announced in October that she would not renew her contract with the district when it expires in June.

Bellefonte Area is narrowing down its final candidates for the position after three finalists were introduced at a March community meeting.

Penns Valley

Griffiths 2021 contract did not include a base salary, but 2023 data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education records his salary as $221,358.

Griffiths 2021 contract also includes a 3.5% annual raise as well as a $1,747.35 per month contribution, which began in July 2022. Griffiths contract extends until the 2027 school year.

Philipsburg-Osceola

Daniel Potutschnigs contract was approved by the Philipsburg-Osceola school board in November, including his base salary of $135,000. Potutschnigs contract includes a 1.5% raise for the 2024-2025 school year and a 3% increase until his contract expires in 2027.

State College

Curtis Johnsons 2023 contract included a base salary of $210,000. Starting in 2024, Johnsons contract includes a yearly 2.5-3.5% raise based on performance, an annual retirement contribution totaling 4.5% of his salary and a 2% retention bonus starting in 2026.
Chad Daybell murder trial in Boise begins. Heres what to know about the case

Another Daybell trial is headed to Boise.

Chad Daybell, an eastern Idaho man accused of murdering two children and his former wife, is scheduled to appear at the Ada County Courthouse in an eight-week trial that will mirror the case against his wife, Lori Vallow Daybell.

Vallow Daybell was convicted of murdering and conspiring to murder two of her children, 7-year-old JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, in May 2023. Three months later, she was sentenced to life in prison. Vallow Daybell has since appealed her conviction, court documents showed.

The Daybells, who had a months-long affair before getting married, were expected to be tried together last year, but 7th District Judge Steven Boyce severed their cases because of new DNA evidence. Vallow Daybells attorneys said their client didnt want to wait any longer, while Daybells attorney wanted to wait for additional testing to be done, East Idaho News reported, leaving Vallow Daybell to stand trial alone.

In August 2019, Vallow Daybell moved to Rexburg, Idaho, from Arizona just months after her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, was shot and killed. Her children went missing less than a month later. The kids were found dead in shallow graves on Chad Daybells property in Salem, Idaho, nine months later in June 2020.

The 55-year-old father is accused of eight felonies, including the murders of JJ, Tylee and his then-wife Tammy Daybell.

This Aug. 4, 2020, file photo shows Chad Daybell during a court hearing in St. Anthony. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Daybell if hes convicted of the first-degree murders of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old JJ Vallow.

Heres what to know about the case. The trial, beginning with jury selection, starts Monday.

Who is Chad Daybell?





Daybell, a father of five, spent the majority of his life in Utah before moving his family to eastern Idaho in 2015. He worked as a cemetery caretaker in Utah, according to East Idaho News, and later authored several fictional books about the end of times and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Tammy and Chad Daybell were married for nearly 30 years before she was killed in October 2019. Chad and Lori Daybell got married on a Hawaii beach just two weeks after Tammy Daybells body was buried.

A member of The Church of Latter-day Saints, Daybell believed he received personal revelations from God that told him certain people  including Vallow Daybells children and Tammy Daybell  were possessed by dark spirits and would need to be cast out, or killed, according to witness testimony during Vallow Daybells trial.

How did police discover remains?

In December 2019, the Rexburg Police Department announced the disappearance of Vallow Daybells children, Tylee and JJ. The kids were last seen in September 2019.

The remains of Tylee and JJ were found on Chad Daybells property in Salem, Idaho.

Rexburg police in a news release said officers attempted to find JJ in November after the boys grandparents were concerned they hadnt heard from him in two months. Police then learned that Tylee had also been missing since September.

Police in the news release also said the disappearance of Tylee and JJ was connected to the suspicious death of Tammy Daybell.

Tammy Daybells death wasnt initially investigated as a homicide, and the county coroner ruled she died from pulmonary edema because of a seizure-like episode. But Tammy Daybells body was exhumed two months later, in December 2019. After Utahs Chief Medical Examiner Erik Christensen performed an autopsy on her, he determined she died from asphyxiation. Christensen told the court during Vallow Daybells trial that Tammy Daybell had bruises that could be consistent with someone being restrained.

By Dec. 31, 2019, the Rexburg Police Department issued an updated news release that said Vallow Daybell had completely refused to assist in the investigation, and that the children were not with either of the Daybells.

Its astonishing that rather than work with law enforcement to help us locate her own children, Lori Vallow (Daybell) has chosen instead to leave the state with her new husband, the Police Department said.

Vallow Daybell was ordered to bring JJ and Tylee to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare or to Rexburg police by Jan. 30, 2020. She missed that deadline.

Vallow Daybell, who was in Hawaii, was arrested in February 2020 and charged with two felonies related to the desertion of a child and three misdemeanors by the Kauai Police Department. East Idaho News reported the Daybells were in Hawaii for roughly a month and staying in a multi-million-dollar gated community.

More than a year later, police excavated Chad Daybells backyard and found the childrens remains buried in a shallow grave.

What are Chad Daybells charges?

Daybell was charged with the first-degree murders of Tylee, JJ and Tammy Daybell, as well as conspiracy to commit their first-degree murders, according to an indictment. Daybell was also charged with two counts of insurance fraud for allegedly increasing Tammy Daybells life insurance policies.

He pleaded not guilty to all eight felonies in June 2021, online court records showed. If convicted, Daybell could face the death penalty.

Vallow Daybell was extradited to Idaho after her arrest in Hawaii. When police found the childrens bodies in Chad Daybells backyard, in June 2020, he was initially charged with four felonies: two counts of conspiracy to destroy, alter or conceal evidence and two counts of destruction, altercation or concealment of evidence.

Lori Vallow Daybell stands and listens as the jurys verdict is read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho on Friday May 12, 2023. The Idaho jury convicted Daybell of the first-degree murders of her two youngest children and Chad Daybells then-wife, a verdict that marks the end of a three-year investigation that included bizarre claims of zombie children, apocalyptic prophesies and illicit affairs.

The Daybells remained in jail on those charges until May 2021, when they were indicted by a Freemont County grand jury on the murder and conspiracy charges.

How was Lori Vallow Daybell involved?

The Daybells met in 2018 at a Preparing a People conference in Utah and began seeing each other. The fringe organization, while not affiliated with the church, is made up of LDS members who were preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Chad was still married to Tammy Daybell, while Lori was still married to her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. Authorities said they believe Vallow Daybells brother, Alex Cox  who died in 2019  shot and killed Charles Vallow.

Investigators also said the Daybells, with Cox, killed or conspired to kill Tylee, JJ and Tammy Daybell.

Vallow Daybell faces two more felony charges in Arizona for allegedly attempting to kill her nieces ex-husband and Charles Vallow. She pleaded not guilty to both charges in December. Vallow Daybell has been at the Maricopa County Jail since November, and shes expected to stay there until her felony cases are resolved, according to East Idaho News.

Chad Daybell confers with defense attorney John Prior during Chad Daybells preliminary hearing in Fremont County on in 2020. Judge Steven Boyce issued a gag order in Daybells criminal case after Prior participated in an interview.

Why is this a death penalty case?

Anyone convicted of first-degree murder is eligible for the death penalty in Idaho, according to the states code, if the state can prove there was an aggravating circumstance  for example, committing more than one murder at the same time, creating a great risk to the public, or murdering someone in an especially heinous, atrocious or cruel way. Prosecutors can also seek the death penalty for conspiring to commit first-degree murder.

Prosecutors announced their intent to seek the death penalty against Daybell in August 2021, East Idaho News reported. They later announced their intent to seek the death penalty against Vallow Daybell, but Boyce removed it as an option two weeks before her trial.

The ultimate decision to seek capital punishment rests with the state, and after completing the entire process, we determined that the nature and magnitude of these crimes warrant the possibility of the highest possible punishment, the prosecution said in a statement announcing Chad Daybells case would be a capitol trial according to East Idaho News.

READ MORE: Lori Vallow Daybell is guilty of 2 murders. Why Idaho wont pursue the death penalty

What can we expect in the trial?

The trial is expected to last eight weeks and will be similar to Vallow Daybells trial, which lasted six weeks.

During Vallow Daybells trial, prosecutors called roughly 60 witnesses, including investigators who presented a trail of messages, recordings and accounts that revealed the couple believed JJ and Tylee were demons who needed to be killed, according to witness testimony.

READ MORE: Lori Vallow Daybell, LDS member, holds extreme beliefs. What role did they play in murders?

While Vallow Daybells attorneys were able to cross-examine all of the witnesses called by the prosecution during her trial, they didnt call any witnesses of their own. Chad Daybells attorney, John Prior, plans to call seven expert witnesses during his clients trial, East Idaho News reported.

The trial is expected to begin at 9 a.m. Monday at the Ada County Courthouse. If Daybell is found guilty of any murder charges, his trial could include an additional portion right after the trial to decide his punishment, since a death sentence must be determined by a jury.

The trial is open to the public, though the courtroom has limited seating. Those planning to attend in person will need to register online. The trial will also be live-streamed from Judge Boyces YouTube page, or watch the livestream below.

There are a lot of people involved in the criminal cases against Chad and Lori Vallow Daybell. Here are some of the key people and who they are.

The Idaho Statesman will have a reporter at the Ada County Courthouse providing live, daily updates at idahostatesman.com. You can also follow criminal justice reporter Alex Brizee on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @alex_brizee or breaking news reporter Sally Krutzig at @sallykrutzig.
A North Carolina fast-food restaurant is eyeing a Boston-based chicken chains old spot in Fayetteville.

Plans were submitted to the city on March 20 to convert the former Boston Market at 1909 Skibo Road into a Cook Out. Documents show a proposed addition of two drive-thru lanes to the 3,000-square-foot building.

Known for late-night hours, low prices, over-the-top milkshake flavors, burgers and corn dogs, the proposed Cook Out would be the Greensboro-based chains fifth in Cumberland County. Others are on Ramsey Street, Owen Drive and Cliffdale Road in Fayetteville and on Bragg Boulevard in Spring Lake.

The former Boston Market is situated on a .8-acre out parcel in Cross Pointe Center, across Morganton Road from Cross Creek Mall. The restaurant served its signature rotisserie chickens and homestyle sides from the site for nearly 30 years.

Boston Chicken restaurant on Skibo Road in Fayetteville on Oct. 12, 1994.

Boston Market long had a roost in Fayetteville

Known as Boston Chicken when the Fayetteville location opened in 1994, the chain changed its name to Boston Market the following year.

In 2012, an episode of the CBS reality series Undercover Boss was filmed at the Fayetteville Boston Market and aired the following year. In the episode, the chains former chief brand officer, Sara Bittorf, pretended to be a new employee and was trained by April Hubbard, a Fayetteville State University student who worked as the restaurants assistant manager.

At the end of the episode, Hubbard was rewarded for her hard work with a promotion to general manager of a Miami Beach Boston Market, $20,000 to help pay off her student loans, $10,000 to help pay for her son's college education and $5,000 toward a vacation, WRAL reported in 2013.

Since then, some publications have described Boston Market as dying a slow death and have predicted that it will cease to operate by the end of the year.

Related: These are the best restaurants in Fayetteville, according to Yelp, Tripadvisor and Eater

Boston Market closes stores as it faces lawsuits from employees, vendors

At its peak, Boston Market had more than 1,200 locations, Mashed reported in December, and now the chain has just 310.

Boston Market closed 30% of its stores across the country last year, Restaurant Business reported in January, and the Fayetteville store was among them. The Skibo Road location is no longer listed on the company website, and it appears to have closed as early as September.

Deputy Health Director Tamra Morris said in an email Thursday that the county health department does not have a record of why the restaurant closed. The department first noted the closure in late October, Morris wrote, and later verified it in mid-November.

Boston Market locations have closed as the chain faces lawsuits from vendors and former employees in several states, Nations Restaurant News reported in August. A Greensboro store closed after employees were paid late or incorrectly and managers were forced to stock the store with food from grocery stores to stay open, WFMY reported in July.

Related: Longtime Fayetteville Mexican chain to close original restaurant, open a new one next door

The chain that may take over the former Boston Market in Fayetteville seems to be thriving.

Cook Outs website lists 10 locations headed soon to Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and its home state of North Carolina. Last year, the chain ranked No. 9 on a list of best fast-food restaurants in the country based on a reader survey by USA Today.

Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com or on Facebook. Want weekly food news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Cook Out plans to take Boston Markets spot in Fayetteville, NC
Members of the Southwest Missouri State University debate team prepare for a match in 1953. Seated from left to right are John Pope, Tom Muskrat, and Duane Cox, while Mildred Wilkerson and John Tadych stand.

Members of the Southwest Missouri State University debate team prepare for a match. Seated from left to right are John Pope, Tom Muskrat, and Duane Cox, while Mildred Wilkerson and John Tadych stand.

These debaters were featured in a 1953 article by Lucille Morris Upton documenting the growing popularity of forensics (now more commonly referred to as speech and debate) among local high schools and universities. The college debate topic that season was: "Resolved: That the Congress should enact a compulsory fair employment act."

This image is part of a much larger collection of historically rich photographs from the News-Leaders photo archive. Each week, the Springfield-Greene County Library will tap into this vast collection and present an interesting image from the darkroom" and share its history. This image is presented in partnership between the Springfield-Greene County Library District and the Springfield News-Leader. For more historical images of the Ozarks, visit: thelibrary.org/fromthedarkroom.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: From the Darkroom: SMSU debaters prepare for 1953 match
For more than two decades, Gloria Satterfield helped to raise Alex Murdaughs two sons Buster and Paul.

And, when she died after falling down steps at the familys home, he claimed to want to return the favour by taking care of her two sons financially.

But, instead, he schemed and conned and stole $4m from them through a wrongful death lawsuit payout.

Now, for a second time in the space of a few months, Murdaugh has been sentenced to a lengthy jail time for these crimes.

On 1 April, the convicted killer and fallen legal dynasty heir was handed an additional 40 year prison sentence for stealing millions from victims including the Satterfields as part of a decade-long, multi-million-dollar fraud scheme.

The sentence will be served concurrently with his state sentence of 27 years on the same financial crime charges, landing him with an additional 13 years when his state sentence is over.

Gloria Satterfield died in a trip and fall at the Murdaugh home in 2018 (Provided)

Regardless of these charges, Murdaugh is already destined to die behind bars after he was handed two life sentences for murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul at his so-called trial of the century in spring 2023.

So what happened to Gloria Satterfield?

Satterfield had worked as the Murdaugh family housekeeper for more than two decades, even acting as a second mom to Buster and Paul.

In February 2018, she was found at the bottom of the steps leading into the Murdaugh family home on their 1,700-acre Moselle estate in Islandton, South Carolina  the same estate where Murdaugh murdered his wife Maggie and son Paul just three years later.

She never resumed consciousness and died from her injuries three weeks later on 26 February.

At the time, Murdaugh claimed that she had tripped over the familys dogs and hit her head, and her death was regarded as an accidental fall.

However, her death certificate cited her manner of death as natural and no autopsy was ever carried out.

Following her death, Murdaugh recommended that her sons hire his accomplice and fellow attorney Cory Fleming to represent them in bringing a wrongful death claim against him so that they could collect from his homeowners insurance policies.

The insurance companies ultimately settled the estates claim for more than $4.3m  two payments of $505,000 and $3.8m.

Murdaugh and Fleming then stole the settlement money for themselves and the housekeepers sons never received a dime.

The scheme came to light in the months after Maggie and Pauls June 2021 murders.

That September, Murdaugh was arrested over the fraud scheme and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced it was reopening an investigation into her death.

Investigators also said they planned to exhume her body, with questions mounting about the nature of her death.

Tony Satterfield addresses the court during Alex Murdaughs state sentencing in November (AP)

While awaiting trial on the fraud charges, Murdaugh sought to claim that he lied about her death originally  saying he invented the story that she fell over their dogs in order to ensure the life insurance company paid up.

However, a 2018 interview poured cold water on his sudden change of story  and victims attorneys said that he was changing tact to avoid paying up.

At both his state and federal sentencings, Satterfields family members delivered emotional statements about the impact he had on their lives.

Speaking at his federal sentencing, Satterfields son Tony Satterfield revealed how his faith gave him hope.

A lot of people say there is no hope, but there is and it starts with the gospel, he said.

Satterfields sister Ginger Hadwin told Murdaugh at his state sentencing in November how her sibling loved his children like his own  and yet he betrayed her in a way she will never understand.

Gloria worked very hard for you for 20 years. She loved Buster and Paul as her own. She loved Maggie and she trusted you wholeheartedly, she said.

She trusted you and your family as her own family. To be betrayed by you, I will never understand. And how you were able to profit from her death, we wil never be able to understand.

To Murdaugh directly, she asked: Do you not have a soul? I dont understand it but then I thank God I dont understand it as maybe I would be in the same positon as you.
The eclipse is one week away! What to know on solar glasses, time, Indiana path of totality

How much do you really know about a solar eclipse?

The 2024 total solar eclipse is only one week away, and there are plenty of tips and suggestions abound for the event.

If you're just now getting into the solar eclipse craze, there are plenty of maps, timelines and other information to help you maximize the 2024 event.

Solar eclipse 2024: Will I have cell service during 2024 solar eclipse? What to know about effects in Indiana

Here's what you need to know about Monday's solar eclipse:

When is the 2024 solar eclipse near me?

The total solar eclipse will take place Monday, April 8, 2024.

What is a solar eclipse?

According to USA Today, any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create an eclipse by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears as the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," when observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, confuses animals  nocturnal creatures stir and bird and insects fall silent.

The day before the eclipse, the moon will come closest to Earth this month. On eclipse day, that means the moon is only 223,000 miles away. That proximity will make the moon appear larger in the sky, resulting in an exceptionally extended duration of sun-blocked darkness. The Earth and moon will be 93 million miles from the sun on the day of eclipse.

Su guia del eclipse solar de 2024: Como mirar el eclipse sin peligro y mas

Where will the April 8, 2024 solar elipse be visible near me?

According to USA Today, an estimated 44 million people  including 32 million in the United States  are expected to witness the 115-mile-wide line of totality that will run from Mazatlan, Mexico to Newfoundland.

How long will 2024 solar eclipse last near me?

The solar eclipse will last 3 minutes, 49.4 seconds in Indianapolis, according to eclipse2024.org. Visit the website for a list of times and durations by city.

Eclipse 2024 solar glasses near me

Solar eclipse glasses can be found at stores all around the path of totality and some businesses are even offering free solar glasses for the event. Visit indystar.com for a list of places to secure a pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses.

Free eclipse 2024 solar glasses near me

Warby Parker is offering free solar eclipse glasses to the public starting Monday, April 1. Here's what you need to know.

Sonic has free glasses, too.

Solar eclipse in Indianapolis: Watch TV reporter take a dive during risky live shot for eclipse story

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality

Indianapolis is among several major cities in the direct line of darkness, including Dallas, Cleveland and Buffalo, N.Y.

What time of day is solar eclipse 2024 near me?

2024 total solar eclipse map

Indiana solar eclipse 2024 watch party: Here are 20+ events where you can watch the solar eclipse in Central Indiana

Where is the best place near me to watch the 2024 solar eclipse?

A total of 13 states will be in the solar eclipse path on April 8.

The weather wildcard could throw a wrench into solar eclipse viewing plans, which is why many people will flock to Texas where cloud cover is not so prominent, according to USA Today.

Here are all 13 states:

Where is the best place to watch solar eclipse 2024 in Indiana?

Indianapolis is one of the best locations in Indiana to watch th solar eclipse. There are multiple locations across central Indiana offering viewing parties.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has 54 sites in line with the solar eclipse path offering camping and other activities.

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What time does solar eclipse 2024 viewing start in Indiana

Total solar eclipse 2024: No, you can't just point your camera at the sun. Learn how to photograph the solar eclipse

What time will the partial solar eclipse 2024 start in Indianapolis?

The solar eclipse's partial phase will begin at approximately 1:50 p.m. ET, April 8 in Indianapolis, according to eclipse2024.org.

What do astronomers call 'V'? Where to find 2024 partial solar eclipse 'first bite'

'V' is consider to be the spot on a sun dail where you would look to find the moon taking it's "first bite" out of the sun if you were trying track it, according to eclipse2024.org. You will need to put your solar glasses on to view the sun at this time. Look around 4:30 in sundial terms to catch the "first bite" and be the first to yell, "First contact!"

What time does the total solar eclipse start in Indianapolis?

The total solar eclipse even you've all been waiting for arrives at 3:06 p.m. ET. in Indianapolis, according to eclipse2024.org. Be sure you are wearing your solar eclipse glasses. The total solar eclipse is expected to last 3 minutes, 49 seconds.

What is the altitude of the sun during the total solar elcipse in Indianapolis?

The altitude of the sun will be 53 degrees during the total solar eclipse, according to eclipse2024.org.

What is the azimuth of the sun during the total solar eclipse in Indianapolis?

The azimuth of the sun will be an angle of 215 degrees, according to eclipse2024.org.

Watch total solar eclipse 2024: Indiana viewing parties

Indianapolis food for solar eclipse 2024

There are multiple ways to tie food into the solar eclipse around Indianapolis. Visit indystar.com for a list of locations offering eclipse-themed food around the city.

What is eclipse sickess?

Scientists and health professionals have long debated the concept of "eclipse anxiety" or "eclipse sickness." Here's what you need to know.

Eclipse sickness?: How to manage stress, anxiety on April 8 solar eclipse

Solar eclipse 2024 weather forecast in Indiana

Reporter Karl Schneider examines the history of precipitation on April 8 and here's a look at what to expect in 2024.

When was the last solar eclipse?

Aug. 21, 2017, according to NASA.

When is the next solar eclipse?

According to NASA, the next solar eclipse that will be visible for people in the U.S. won't happen again until Aug. 23, 2044.

Chris Sims is a digital content producer for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Solar eclipse 2024: When is it? What is the path? Where are glasses?
A former security guard is accused of hiding a 12-year-old runaway in his room in Kennewick for five days and raping her.

Then a neighbor got suspicious and called police.

When officers found the girl in Austin Holbrooks parents home, she also was dehydrated and malnourished, according to court documents.

Holbrook, 20, faces two counts of second-degree child rape with the special allegation of her being a runaway.

He is being held in the Benton County jail in lieu of bail of $500,000.

Holbrook met the Nampa, Idaho, preteen through the Hily dating app, court documents said.

The app users are supposed to be 18 or older, according to the services community rules.

After talking with the girl, he allegedly arranged to pick her up. He drove from Kennewick to Idaho in his fathers Dodge Durango to pick her up on March 15.

Austin Holbrook is accused of taking a 12-year-old girl from Idaho to his parents house in Kennewick. He allegedly raped her.

Holbrook told investigators he parked around the corner while she sneaked out of her house, according to court documents.

The girl told police that Holbrook said he would protect her if her mom filed a missing person report.

He allegedly had inappropriate contact with the girl at an Oregon gas station, and then took her to his home in Kennewick.

He had her hide in his room while his mom was home, and she could only leave to shower and eat after his mom left. He also allegedly sexually assaulted her while in his room, court documents said.

A neighbor noticed Holbrooks suspiciously young girlfriend and called police, court documents said. Detectives found Holbrook and the girl in the East 16th Avenue home.

A medical exam found she was malnourished and dehydrated.

She told investigators Holbrook was speaking with her 13- and 14-year-old friends as well. He told her that once she turned 18, they could move in together.

The Nampa Police Department has issued a notice asking anyone who had contact with Holbrook to reach out to them.

When Holbrook talked to investigators, he was concerned he would get in trouble because the victims mother lied about her age.

He insisted that the girl told him that she was 18, so he chose to believe that. He allegedly admitted to inappropriate contact with the girl.

During the deputys conversation with Austin, he did not mention any moral or legal objection to potentially having a relationship with a 12-year-old girl, but he did state he was horrified of being labeled a pedophile, due to the effect it would have on his new job, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

While the court documents dont say what his new job was, his LinkedIn profile says his most recent job was in Boardman, Ore., as an unarmed security guard. He was no longer working there as of November 2023.
Last month, Texas Education Agency officials announced plans to place IDEA Public Schools, the states largest public charter school network, under state conservatorship after reports of financial mismanagement.

The move comes a year after the state education agency took over the Houston Independent School District, over the objections of local officials and residents. But there are key differences between state conservatorship and an outright state takeover.

IDEA Public Schools operates 143 charter schools across four states, including three campuses in Fort Worth and one in Haltom City. The Weslaco-based charter network came under TEA investigation in 2021, after allegations surfaced of financial mismanagement. Among other issues, IDEA officials drew fire over plans to spend $15 million to lease a private jet, according to reporting by the Houston Chronicle. The network later backtracked on those plans. The network also bought the Inn at Chachalaca Bend, a boutique hotel in Cameron County, in 2019.

On March 6, state education commissioner Mike Morath sent a letter to IDEA officials notifying them that he had appointed Christopher Ruszkowski and David Lee to serve as conservators for the charter school system. Ruszkowski is a former New Mexico education secretary; Lee was previously appointed to serve as the charter networks monitor.

The announcement came a year after TEA officials installed an appointed board of managers to replace Houston ISDs elected school board and removed then-Superintendent Millard House II. TEA officials later brought in former Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles to run Houston ISD, which is the states largest school district.

The biggest difference between a state takeover and a conservatorship lies in whos in charge of the district. Under a state takeover, all decisions related to district operations still happen at the local level, but theyre made by state appointees rather than an elected board.

Under a conservatorship, TEA leaves the school systems leadership in place but sends in conservators to monitor operations. Conservators may direct the school systems operations as needed, but their primary role is to help the school systems leaders, not to replace them. State education officials review conservator placements every 90 days to ensure theyre still necessary for the school system to function effectively.

IDEA charter schools made changes following investigation

IDEA officials declined interview requests for this story. In a statement, officials noted that the charter reported the issues to TEA and invited additional oversight after an internal audit uncovered the violations in 2021. They noted the charter network has already made major leadership changes, including firing JoAnn Gama, the networks founder and former superintendent. In January, the network paid $475,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit Gama filed after she was fired.

Since 2020, IDEA has installed new board members and executive leadership, enlarged the staff responsible for grant management and compliance, and strengthened internal controls and auditing procedures, the statement read. With the additional oversight, IDEA is prepared for a measured and pragmatic approach to future growth while continuing to uphold its record of nearly 100% college acceptance and matriculation.

An IDEA spokesperson also declined to answer questions on the networks growth plans, saying that conversations about those plans are ongoing. But the network has seen fast growth in recent years, expanding beyond Texas into Ohio, Florida and Louisiana. Last November, the network broke ground on a third campus in the Tampa Bay area, which is expected to open this fall. Officials expect to open a third campus in Jacksonville, Florida, next year.
Tarrant County parents are weighing their options for pre-K and child care this fall as enrollment opportunities and fairs are approaching, but theres multiple variables to consider when searching for a familys best fit. Early childhood experts and organizations want to help simplify this process.

For younger children, theres multiple private and public operations ranging from smaller child care homes to larger child care centers to pre-K programs in the school district. Location, price and curriculum are just the start of what must be considered. Additionally, older students are faced with a variety of options involving public, private and charter opportunities. An app encompassing child care and education options in Tarrant County offers a way for parents to filter this information in a more efficient manner with real-time updates.

The free Parent Pass app, created by The Miles Foundation and Best Place for Kids, allows families to search for child care, after-school and summer camp programs in their area while looking at operating hours, child care cost and the number of available slots. It also provides navigation for district, private, charter and other school options from pre-K through 12th grade. The apps FIND tool connects to two online platforms, TOOTRiS and Schoolahoop, that provide this information and puts it in one place. QR codes that give direct access to these various educational resources can also be viewed at this link.

The child care search tool was launched at the onset of COVID-19 and is currently utilized by about 8,800 families, according to Sara Redington, chief philanthropy officer for The Miles Foundation. Its undergoing upgrades that are expected to be rolled out early next week, which will include more information about a facilitys accreditation and teaching styles while allowing parents to message or speak with a specialist about their options.

We have over 70 community partners that are on the app today that have their services listed and every service within the app is fully vetted by our team and by parents, youre never going to end up with a dead end phone number or website, Redington said. Weve tried to make our search tools as customizable as possible to accommodate those needs.

As parents navigate child care and pre-K enrollment, Kara Waddell recommends families visit a facility in-person, ideally when children are present, to get a sense of the environment. The president and CEO of Child Care Associates, one of the largest child development programs in North Texas, also encourages parents to check a facilitys Texas Rising Star rating to determine its level of quality. The state program gives ratings to participating early childhood programs that must operate above minimum regulation standards.

Teacher turnover data and a facilitys licensing and inspection history, which can be viewed on the states Health and Human Services website, are also noteworthy, in addition to a providers communication style with parents.

Theres nothing more important to any young family than where they place their young child, and its really challenging, Waddell said.

Waddell also notes that families who are seeking Child Care Management Services scholarships to help pay for care should sign up as soon as possible, as waitlists are massive across the state.

The waitlist in Tarrant County is extensive. If you sign up today and turn in your paperwork, you are not going to get child care for months. We only serve about 12% of eligible families for this program, and so its going to take a partnership between our government, our employers, our families and our child care providers coming together so that we make it easier for families to find it, and weve also got to make it easier for families to afford it, Waddell said.

Additionally, now is the time for enrollment for those who qualify for Head Start and Early Head Start, Waddell added, which provides free child care for low-income families with children ages 0 to 5. Child Care Associates will be hosting Kid Fest, an enrollment fair for children ages 0 to 5, on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their headquarters located at 3000 E. Belknap Street in Fort Worth.

In the Fort Worth Independent School District, applications for pre-K programs for the 2024-2025 school year open on Monday and can be accessed on the districts website. Although the district accommodates all children who turn 4-years-old on or before Sept. 1, theres limited room for 3-year-olds who live in specific areas of the district. These children qualify by income and must be zoned for the nine available elementary campuses such as Eastern Hills, Morningside and T.A. Sims.

The pre-K day will be extended this upcoming school year to align with the Kindergarten through fifth-grade schedule, running from 7:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., according to district spokesperson Cesar Padilla. The previous dismissal time was at 2:50 p.m.

We made this decision with the goal of better accommodating our families by streamlining pick-up and drop-off times for students. We believe that this adjustment will provide added convenience and support to our school community, Padilla said.
The Florida Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for the state's voters to approve or reject in November a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights.

The decision is a requirement that the state high court review constitutional amendments placed on the ballots to make sure the description is longer than 75 words and that it pertains to a "single-issue" item.

The more than year-long effort was sparked by the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, as well as efforts by Florida lawmakers to enact 15- and six-week bans on abortions. It started with a coalition of organizations that debated the proposed amendment's language before settling on a straightforward wording.

It then shifted into a massive fundraising and petition drive before nail-biting days ahead of the ruling issued Monday afternoon.

Previous coverage: Activists fundraise for constitutional amendment to restore reproductive rights in Florida

A crowd joined a 2021 Bans Off Our Bodies abortion rights protest at Clematis Street and Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach.

Amendment's backers cheer approval as they turn focus to November

A proponent of the amendment hailed the court's approval.

"Today is a huge step forward in our ongoing fight to safeguard a womans right to have an abortion, and to limit government interference in their personal healthcare decisions," said Anna Hochkammer, executive director of Florida Womens Freedom Coalition, in a statement. The overwhelming response from Floridians from every political affiliation, religion, and walk of life signifies that this issue transcends partisan politics; its about healthcare, plain and simple."

Hochkammer added that the focus of the coalition's efforts will now turn to the November vote.

"Now, more than ever, we must double down on our efforts to ensure our message reaches every corner of the state," she said. "Looking ahead, we are confident that when given the chance to vote on this issue, Floridians will prioritize the health and safety of women and girls across Florida.

Congresswoman Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat, said the decision is now in the hands of state voters.

For women to be in charge of their health, lives, and futures, they must have the freedom to make their own decisions about whether or when to start or grow a family, said Frankel. It will now be up to Florida voters to secure this important fundamental right by giving people access to legal abortion.

Will Florida abortion amendment impact races in the November election?

One question going forward is how the amendment will impact voter turnout and other general election races this year.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, in charge of preserving the party's majority in the chamber, immediately said the ballot item would assist the "firing" of Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who is seeking re-election this fall.

DSCC spokesperson Maeve Coyle said in a statement that Florida's abortion restrictions "will shine a brighter spotlight on Rick Scotts long, dangerous record of supporting draconian abortion bans" in the state and across the country.

"In November, Florida voters will stand up for womens freedom to make their most personal medical decisions by rejecting this abortion ban and firing Rick Scott from the Senate, Coyle's statement said.

Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell also blasted incumbent Scott after the high court's opinion became public.

The Supreme Courts decision to endanger the lives of millions of women in Florida by banning abortion before most women know theyre pregnant is outrageous and dangerous, said Mucarsel-Powell, a former Miami-Dade area congresswoman, in a statement. Yet Rick Scott proudly stated he would have signed this ban  a ban with hardly any exceptions  into law if he were governor ... It has never been more important for us to show up this November to put an end to government interference, vote to protect abortion rights in Florida, and stop Rick Scott from passing a national abortion ban.

Mindy Koch, chair of the Palm Beach Democratic Party, agreed.

"We are looking forward to Florida voters coming out in November in BIG numbers to restore women's rights to reproductive health care," Koch said in a statement. "The abortion initiative coupled with the recreational marijuana initiative puts personal freedom on the ballot in November and Floridians will respond YES overwhelmingly."

Supreme Court approved putting measure on the ballot via a narrow vote

The 4-3 ruling ensures abortion will be on voters minds when casting ballots in the 2024 election.

The ballot summary states, "No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider."

There is no lack of candor or accuracy: the ballot language plainly informs voters that the material legal effects of the proposed amendment will be that the government will be unable to enact laws that prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict previability abortions or abortions necessary to protect the mothers health, wrote the majority.

Floridians Protecting Freedom began to campaign for the amendment in May after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the six-week ban in an unannounced late-night ceremony in advance of a short-lived presidential campaign.

Before he suspended his presidential campaign, DeSantis chided pro-life supporters for not aggressively challenging abortion-rights initiatives in their states.

Voters in seven states have approved initiatives protecting access to an abortion in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturned 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and enabled states to set their own regulations.

"Animating the majoritys decision today is the constitutional principle that all political power is inherent in the people," stated a concurring signed by justices Charles Candady and John Couriel. "

"A judges obedience to that principle does not signal personal indifference to the objective justice of a proposition."

Planting constitutional time bombs

The ruling also represents a setback for the Republican establishment in advance of the 2024 election.

DeSantis appointed five of the current seven justices on the Florida high court. They rejected Attorney General Ashley Moody's assertion that the failure to define terms such as "viability" and "healthcare provider" in the ballot summary would mislead voters.

It would "hoodwink" voters into inserting unlimited access to abortion into the constitution, Deputy Solicitor General Nathan Forrester told the justices in oral argument this February.

Without definitions, "viability" and "healthcare provider" become ticking timebombs in the constitution that proponents could activate to argue that the amendment has a much broader meaning than voters would ever have thought, explained Forrester.

The amendments backers told the justices they followed guidelines the court had previously laid out for when viability is the appropriate term in an abortion initiative.

Justice John Couriel explained to the opponents that even if the proposal came as a wolf in sheeps clothing about to attack abortion regulations, then the question is, is this hiding the ball?

Courtney Brewer, the lawyer for Floridians Protecting Freedom, told the court the words in question are commonly understood in an abortion context and won't mislead voters.

Chief Justice Carlos Muniz then wondered if Couriel had asked the right question. He asked if the court could decide the legality of the abortion-rights amendment without considering the impact it will have on the natural persons provision of the Constitution.

The amendment kind of assumes that the Constitution as it exists right now is silent as to any rights of the unborn. And I dont know if that assumption is correct, Muniz said.

Neither the state nor the other opponents had addressed the issue in their briefs and arguments.

"There is no basis for concluding that the proposed amendment is facially invalid under the United States Constitution. Accordingly, we approve the proposed amendment for placement on the ballot," ruled the Court.

Floridians Protecting Freedom Backed by the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, philanthropists and retirees raised $15 million to gather 996,512 signatures in fewer than eight months to qualify for Supreme Court review and clearance for the 2024 statewide ballot.

A separate court victory for abortion rights opponents

At the same time, the justices also handed abortion opponents a big victory.

The justices declared that a 15-week ban (HB 5) on abortion imposed in 2022 is constitutional, striking down a decades old privacy amendment that protected abortion in Florida. DeSantis signed it in April at a private late-night ceremony while he prepared a presidential run.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida had challenged the 15-week ban as a violation of a privacy amendment voters added to the Florida Constitution in 1980.

The move appears to trigger an even stricter 6-week ban, called a "heartbeat law," that was passed by lawmakers in 2023.

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Supreme Court OKs abortion amendment for November ballots
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating a double homicide in Laurens County that also left five people injured early Sunday morning.

Miyori Ellington, 23, of Dublin, and Sacred Brown, 24, of Dublin were found dead after the Dublin Police Department responded to multiple gunshots around 2 a.m. in the 500 block of West Avenue in Dublin.

Investigators have determined that a vehicle stopped near the location of the shooting and people in the vehicle fired multiple shots at a crowd, according to a GBI press release.

Authorities say five victims, in addition to the two who died, were shot and treated at the hospital. Investigators said Sunday they have made no immediate arrests.

The investigation was still ongoing, and more details were expected to be released as they became available.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or the Dublin Police Department at 478-275-080.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear talked with Senate President Robert Stivers in the Capitol rotunda on the first day of the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort, Ky. Jan. 2, 2024

FRANKFORT, Ky.  The good news is, the 2024 session of the Kentucky General Assembly is just about over.

The legislature will return to Frankfort next week to override any vetoes Gov. Andy Beshear issues between now and then. It could pass some more bills, but theres unlikely to be any controversial measures passed that would draw Beshears opposition since the legislature wouldnt have time to override a veto.

In other good news, the legislature didnt pass bills that would outlaw diversity programs that help state colleges and universities recruit and retain Black scholars, nor did it pass a mean-spirited bill that would make it harder to receive SNAP benefits, commonly called food stamps.

But what the Republicans in the legislature did do is spend the session weakening the governors office and the people of Louisville while at the same time increasing the GOP-controlled legislatures power and making it more likely their party will be able to win offices in Louisville, which has been voting more and more Democratic over the last two decades.

Ah yes, a good old fashioned power grab by the Republicans  led by state Rep. Jason Nemes, who may be the most power-hungry of all the state House members.

If you cant win the governor's office or practically any office in Louisville, simply change the rules and rob the people of their voices. That seems to be his  and their  mantra.

Republicans took their shots at Beshear by stripping him of the power to appoint a successor if Mitch McConnell dies or retires while still in office, and they weakened his state Public Service Commission by requiring it to listen to a new body dominated by the fossil fuel industry if a power company seeks to close a power plant.

They limited Beshears spending to respond to natural disasters, and they stripped his state Historic Properties Commission of the right to remove or install statues in the state Capitol  likely so they can put up a bronze of Mitch McConnell where Jefferson Davis used to be in the rotunda.

But the most damage they did was in Louisville, as a bunch of rural legislators and Nemes are forcing their will on the people here.

In Nemes House Bill 388, the General Assembly hamstrung Louisville with a bill that, among other things, makes it harder to discipline rogue police officers  this less than a year after the Department of Justice issued a scathing report on the Louisville Metro Police Department.

The bill also freezes an ongoing effort to change the land-development code to allow more townhomes and duplexes on land that had been set aside for single family homes. This is at best classist and at worst racist.

It requires the city to pay suburban fire departments for any runs they make into Louisvilles urban services district, where property owners pay more in taxes for greater services, but it doesnt allow the city to charge the suburban fire districts when city firefighters are dispatched to homes that are supposed to be serviced by the suburban fire department.

But the biggest change  and perhaps the most indefensible  does away with the system of government that Jefferson County residents approved when they voted for merger in 2000.

Going forward, Louisville will elect its mayor and metro council members in non-partisan elections.

Theres really no reason to do this other than Republicans desire to get elected in Louisville and their realization thats not going to happen as long as they're tainted by their party.

In a non-partisan election, voters who havent been paying real close attention to the election wont be able to walk into the voting booth and look for the words Republican Party below a candidates name and think, Gee, he probably opposes abortion rights for women, doesnt want equity for African Americans and wants to shove his Christian religion down my throat. I think Ill vote for the other candidate.

You wont be able to look at a ballot and with a pretty good degree of certainty be able to predict which candidates supported Donald Trump and which ones supported our Constitution during the 2020 election.

None of this is really how government was meant to be.

When people elected Beshear as governor  twice  it was with the understanding that he would have all the powers that traditionally have gone with that office.

And when people voted for merger, they didnt intend for the state legislature to usurp the local governments power and force its right-wing fanaticism on them, which is what Nemes and the GOP are doing here.

Thankfully, legislators cant pass any other bills this year without the risk of a veto they cant override.

The bad thing is, as soon as it ends, theyll go back to wherever they go after the General Assembly recesses and start cooking whatever fresh hell theyll feed us next year.

Joseph Gerth can be reached at 502-582-4702 or by email at jgerth@courierjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Good riddance to the Kentucky legislature and its shameless power grab
Kaylee Gains family gives new update on her condition after fight near Missouri high school

A teenager who was critically injured in a fight outside a school in Missouri is now taking steps towards recovery, but she cannot remember the incident that put her in intensive care.

In an update on Friday, the attorney for Kaylee Gains family said she had been able to have limited verbal conversations after weeks in a hospital bed.

The 16-year-old was left with a skull fracture and bleeding and swelling on the brain following the attack in St Louis on 8 March, which was caught on video and shared widely online.

She then spent some weeks in a critical condition, making it out of the intensive care unit around a week ago.

Now attorney Bryan Kaemmerer says the teen has now been able to have some limited conversations.

"Kaylee also recently began speech therapy, and has gone on a few short walks with the assistance of hospital staff as she is still unable to ambulate on her own," the attorney told NBC News.

"However, Kaylee does not have any recollection of the altercation that led to her hospitalisation."

Kaylee Gain is said to have begun speech therapy (Bryan M Kaemmerer)

The fight happened near Hazelwood East High School, at the intersection of Norgate and Claudine Drives, with footage showing Kaylees head being slammed into the ground by another teen.

Shortly after the incident, police arrested a 15-year-old girl, who has been held by the St Louis County Family Court on assault charges.

Last week, St Louis County Police Department said it had referred eight more juveniles to the court.

The three 16-year-old males, one 17-year-old male, one 14-year-old female, two 16-year-old females, and one 17-year-old female were not in custody, the department said.

There have been reports on social media that Kaylee had been involved in a fight with another girl the day before the one which put her in the hospital. Mr Kaemmerer confirmed this and said both were suspended as a result.

The attorney also addressed rumours that Kaylees mother had driven her to the location of the fight on 8 March, which he denied, saying she was at work at the time.

St Louis County PD has faced two violent incidents involving teenagers in recent weeks, with a middle school student stabbed to death.

The departments Colonel Kenneth L Gregory said in a press release that parents and citizens needed to talk to children about violence and its consequences.

We, along with our community, are saddened by the loss of life and severe injuries these young people have suffered, Colonel Gregory said. We also cannot ignore the life-changing circumstances affecting the families of those responsible for these heartbreaking events.

There is a disconnect between our children and acceptable conflict-resolution behaviours.

The Colonel urged kids to think about the grave consequences of fighting over issues, rather than talking or asking for help.

The Independent has approached Mr Kaemmerer for further comment.
What to know about the Mississippi District 2 Republican runoff. See details

Tuesday is the congressional runoff election for District 2, and candidates Andrew Scott Smith and Ron Eller are vying for the last few votes to take the Republican nomination.

Last month, Eller won 14,735 votes, garnering him only 46.5% of the total ballots cast, while Smith received 11,374 votes, consisting of 35.9%. Taylor Turcotte, who came in third place last month, winning 5,570 votes, will not be on the ballot. But Turcotte did affect the election.

In order to win an election, a candidate needs at least 50% of the vote plus 1, which neither Eller nor Smith received last month.

The winner of Tuesday's primary will face longtime Democratic incumbent Bennie Thompson in the November general election.

Who can vote in the runoff?

Voting in Tuesdays Republican primary runoff is available to anyone who voted in the March 12 Republican primary election as well as any registered voter in District 2 who did not make it out to the polls in any partys primary on March 12. However, anyone who voted in the March 12 Democratic primary cannot vote in the Republican runoff.

How to find your voting precincts:

Along with providing access to other information, registered voters can use the secretary of state's My Election Day tool to locate their polling place. My Election Day also provides voters with a sample ballot, a list of current office holders and contact information for local election officials.

Voters can also contact the secretary of state's website to find more information about polling locations and contact information of election commissioners.

Voting precinct addresses in District 2, include 664 S. State St., 886 N. Farish St. and 1133 Pleasant Ave., to name a few. People can also visit the secretary of state's website to find other polling locations and which ones they should show up to vote.

Who is on the ballot?

"I voted" stickers sit ready for voters to take after casting their ballot in the primary election at Precint C1 in the Olde Town Depot Building in Clinton, Miss., Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

District 2 stretches along the Mississippi River on the border of Arkansas and Louisiana, and it comprises about 40% of the state, including most of Jackson.

Eller and Smith will be the only candidates on the ballots.

Smith, who works in Jackson as an insurance agent, told the Clarion Ledger he wants to help create more economic development in his district and also work on education issues.

"All my voters are super energized," Smith said. "I've been out there pounding the pavement, meeting people where they are and making sure that they know about the runoff and get them back to the polls."

To win, Smith will need to pull votes from the Jackson metro-area, which came out in support for Eller last month. Smith won many voters in Panola and Grenada counties, and he will need to maintain those areas as well.

Eller said he is focusing his campaign toward improving education standards in both schools and in prisons, conservative policies on immigration and creating an environment in which people can be educated and get more jobs.

"I feel good going into the runoff," Eller said. "I won by 10.6%, and if we have a good fair turnout, we will be victorious tomorrow once again."

Despite the positive words toward Tuesday's runoff, Smith appears to be attacking Eller's reputation as a conservative politician, Eller said.

Smith said to the Clarion Ledger that he received and has been circulating copies of Eller's voting record, which show he voted in Democratic primaries in 2016 and 2020 but do not say which candidate he voted for specifically.

Smith said he circulated Eller's voting record to be "transparent" with Eller's voters.

"All I did was put Ron(Eller)'s voting record out there, and I think that speaks for itself," Smith said.

Eller said he voted in those primaries not to support Democratic candidates, but to try and vote in an opponent who would lose to Republican candidates on the general election ticket, such as former President Donald Trump. In 2016, Eller said he voted for Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders, who was running against Hilary Clinton, because he believed Trump could beat Sanders easier than he could defeat Clinton.

Otherwise, Eller said he has been actively campaigning to try and close his narrow 3.5% gap to receive the Republican nomination.

"The times that I've voted across the party was not to vote for a Democrat per se," Eller said. "It was to increase the likelihood for a Republican candidate to be victorious."

When do polls open?

Polls will open Tuesday at 7 a.m. and close Tuesday at 7 p.m. Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. can still vote as long as they stay in line.

What should you bring the polls?

Mississippi voters are required to provide photo identification when voting, commonly known as Voter ID. Below are acceptable forms of Voter ID:

A driver's license (including a Digital ID provided by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety)

A photo ID card issued by a branch, department, or entity of the State of Mississippi

A United States passport

A government employee ID card

A firearms license

A student photo ID issued by an accredited Mississippi university, college or community/junior college

A United States military ID

A tribal photo ID

Any other photo ID issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the United States government or any state government

A Mississippi Voter Identification Card

A voter who does not have photo ID on election day will be asked to vote via affidavit ballot. They will then have five business days to show an acceptable form of photo ID or apply for a Mississippi Voter ID Card, at their local circuit clerks office.

Voters should also consider bringing water and a cell phone with them to the polls in anticipation of lines. Voters who have difficulty or questions can contact the secretary of state's elections division at 1-800-829-6786.

What if I voted absentee or affidavit?

Absentee and affidavit voters can track the status of their ballots through the My Election Day tool as well. There is a new tracker for both absentee and affidavit ballots. All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day to be counted.

How can I follow the results?

Preliminary results will begin to be announced shortly after the polls close at 7 p.m. The secretary of state will not release official results on primary night, but preliminary statewide figures will be posted live to the Clarion Ledger's Mississippi Election Results page at www.ClarionLedger.com.

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What to know about Mississippi's Republican primary runoff election
A man was struck in the head with a weed whacker after he and four other men were accused of robbing a lawn care crew, Texas police said.

A group of men arrived in two cars and stole equipment from a workers vehicle on March 29 while he was weed whacking at a nearby property, according to an April 1 Facebook post from Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4.

Video footage of the incident shows the suspects driving directly at the lawn care worker as he tried to intervene. Police said the suspects also displayed a gun.

The worker threw his weed whacker at the car, striking one suspect  a 23-year-old Houston man  in the face, causing him to fall out of the vehicle, the video shows.

The suspect was kind of incoherent from being hit in the head with the weed eater, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Capt. Daniel Garza told KPRC.

The worker picked up the weed whacker and continued to chase the suspect before he fled on foot, video shows.

The suspect, found at a local hospital, suffered minor injuries, according to police.

He was arrested March 30 on a charge of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, court records show. His bond was set at $50,000.

McClatchy News reached out to the mans attorney for comment on April 1 but did not receive an immediate response.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and they are searching for four other men connected to the robbery.

Man guns down landscaper for blowing leaves toward his truck, Texas police say

Baby spends all night outside after mom is accused of abandoning him, Texas cops say

Mom shot dead in front of her two sons when men open fire into her car, Texas cops say
NEWARK  A candidate for Licking County commissioner argues that pictures and a video screen in the front lobby of the county building amounts to political advertising and should be removed during voting at the adjacent elections board office.

The photos show incumbent commissioners Tim Bubb, Duane Flowers and Rick Black, all Republicans. The video screen shows various county government activities, including audio and video of the commissioners.

The Licking County Board of Elections office is located next to the lobby, and lines during early voting sometimes stretch into the lobby in front of the photos and video screen. Bubb and Flowers are candidates on the general election ballot.

Jim Snedden, a Democrat running against Bubb in the November general election, filed the complaint Monday with the elections board. The other commissioner race pits Flowers against Democrat Bryn Bird.

"It was brought to my attention during the March primary election that pictures of the three county commissioners were within feet of a voting area," Snedden states in his complaint. "Two of the commissioners are candidates for the general election.

"Also, there is a monitor outside of the Board of Elections providing video of the commissioners. I am requesting at this time that the videos and pictures of these candidates be removed before the general election."

A video screen shows Licking County commissioners speaking Friday in the lobby of the county administration building.

Ohio Revised Code states, "During an election and the counting of ballots, no person shall do any of the following: (1) Loiter, congregate, or engage in any kind of election campaigning within the area between the polling place and the small flags of the United States placed on the thoroughfares and walkways leading to the polling place, and if the line of electors waiting to vote extends beyond those small flags, within ten feet of any elector in that line."

ORC also states, "No person shall solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any elector in casting the electors vote.

Snedden said the photos and video screen provide influence just before people vote.

"If thats not free advertising, Im looking at something totally wrong," Snedden said. "I dont feel theyre going to allow me to put any pictures of me up.

Tess Wigginton, deputy director of the Licking County Board of Elections, said the board will consider Snedden's complaint.

"There are several issues involved here, and we want to be sure we consider all aspects of the question and that were complying with the ORC in both the spirit and the letter of the law," Wigginton said.

The elections board's next meeting is set for 11:30 a.m. April 9, when it will certify the primary election results. Early in-person absentee voting begins Oct. 8.

Flowers said he talked to Board of Elections Director Brian Mead and expects the board will discuss the issue at its April 9 meeting.

"I want to make sure we're doing the right and proper thing," Flowers said. "It's not like we're promoting ourselves. We'll let the Board of Elections look at it. If they decide they need to come down, we'll shut it down during voting. He brings up a good point."

Bryn Bird, a Democrat running against Flowers, said she does not share Snedden's view of the photos and video screen.

"This is the first time I've heard of this complaint," Bird said. "I think that's just a part of their current position and job. You still have continue the work of the people. It's not saying anything like vote for me or endorse my candidacy."

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

740-973-4539

Twitter: @kmallett1958

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County commissioner candidate wants incumbents' images removed
A man is accused of planting a hidden camera in his neighbors apartment, and Pennsylvania authorities say he may have done the same to others.

The apartment resident told Upper Merion Township Police Department detectives she found a suspicious device in her home Sunday, March 24, according to a news release. She showed officers a small phone plug charger plugged into an outlet in her bedroom, but the device was not her own.

It wasnt a phone charger either, officers said. It was a hidden camera, which had several files on it, police said.

As an officer examined the devices files, he found a video of 27-year-old Ryan Selleny lying in the victims bed, police said. The detective said the video shows Selleny recording himself as he committed a sex act in her home.

Police said Selleny, who lives in the same King of Prussia apartment complex as the victim, broke into her home on several occasions and planted the hidden camera.

Evidence found on the device depicted the victim in various stages of dress, undress and full nudity, police said in the March 29 news release.

Detectives executed a search warrant on Sellenys apartment March 28, collecting additional evidence that led to his arrest, according to police.

Evidence collected at his apartment leads detectives to believe that there are potentially several more victims of Selleny and this type of behavior may have been occurring for some time, police said.

Selleny was charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, indecent assault, intercepting communications, recklessly endangering another person, theft and invasion of privacy.

Upper Merion police encouraged anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behavior or interactions involving Selleny to contact officers at 610-265-3232.

Upper Merion Township is a northwest suburb of Philadelphia.

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Metal detectorist stumbles on worn tool  and finds 5,000-year-old artifact. See it

In a village of eastern Poland, Pawe Makowicz organized a metal-detecting rally. Before the event, Makowicz did a preliminary search and left some extra metal items for participants to discover.

But one participant found something unexpected  and surprisingly ancient.

Krzysztof Gajos attended the metal-detecting rally in Matcze last August, the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments said in a March 28 Facebook post. During the event, the metal detectorist stumbled on a dusty tool.

Archaeologists identified the tool as a 5,000-year-old copper ax head from the Trypillya culture.

A photo shows the fan-shaped ancient artifact. It measures about 3 inches in length and has a stone brown coloring with some greenish spots, officials said.

The 5,000-year-old ax head found in Matcze, Poland.

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Archaeologists said the ancient ax head was a surprising discovery because of its age and location.

The copper ax dates between 4000 B.C. and 3000 B.C., possibly making it the oldest copper product ever found in Poland, the conservator said.

The 5,000-year-old ax head found in Matcze, Poland.

Additionally, the ax head was linked to the Trypillya culture, a Neolithic culture that thrived in modern-day Ukraine between 5000 B.C. and 4000 B.C., according to Britannica. Ruins from Trypillya settlements have been found primarily in Ukraine, Romania and Moldova.

Only a few artifacts linked to the Trypillya culture have been found near Matcze where Gajos discovered the copper ax head, archaeologists said. Matcze is a village about 180 miles southeast of Warsaw and along the Poland-Ukraine border.

The ancient ax was given to officials and sent to a museum for further study.

Google Translate was used to translate the Facebook post from the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments.

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Minnesotas Supreme Court is set to decide the fate of voting rights for felons on supervised release, with oral arguments scheduled Monday in a conservative groups challenge to the new law.

Last year Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill restoring the vote to around 55,000 Minnesotans with felony convictions who had been released but are still on probation. The change came after decades of effort at the Capitol and an unsuccessful American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit to challenge the previous restriction.

Lawmakers moved quickly last spring to restore voting rights after the Supreme Court ruled against the ACLU challenge, and said the issue was up to the state Legislature. But soon after the bill became law, a conservative legal group filed a challenge in Anoka County.

The Minnesota Voters Alliance argued the law couldnt stand because the state Constitution says people can vote once their civil rights are restored, meaning they need to complete their entire sentence, including probation.

An Anoka County judge dismissed the conservative groups challenge in December 2023, ruling the Minnesota Voters Alliance didnt have standing to intervene. The group appealed the case directly to the Supreme Court, and in January justices said theyd grant the case accelerated review.

Twenty-three states restore voting rights upon release from incarceration, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Maine, Vermont and Washington, D.C. allow incarcerated people to vote.

Minnesota was one of 16 states, including South Dakota and Wisconsin, that only allowed people with felony convictions to vote after completing their entire sentence, including probation.

The Minnesota Voters Alliance lawsuit was one of two challenges to the felon voting rights law since it went into effect last year.

In October, a Mille Lacs County judge told people convicted of felonies in his court that they could not vote as part of their sentencing.

The Mille Lacs County judge said the law was unconstitutional, but the Minnesota Court of Appeals said he did not have the authority to make that ruling.

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Two lawsuits seeking to stop the opening of what would be the nation's first public religious charter school figure to see movement in the coming weeks, one because of new court filings and the other because of a significant hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

The lawsuits concern St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which says on its website its already accredited by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The schools initial application period, which began March 1, runs through Wednesday. St. Isidores faculty are to report on Aug. 1, with the first day of school set for Aug. 12, according to court documents.

One case is being heard in the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which has assumed original jurisdiction. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board on Oct. 20 after the board, by a 3-2 vote, approved the creation of the St. Isidore school. Drummond has warned that approval of the Catholic charter school might eventually force Oklahoma to fund other religious schools, including possibly those teaching Sharia law.

State schools Supt. Ryan Walters speaks to Nellie Sanders, now Oklahoma's Secretary of Education, after a meeting of the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board last year.

One of the three votes approving the school was cast by Nellie Tayloe Sanders, then a member of the virtual-school board and now Oklahomas education secretary.

On Tuesday, each side in that case will be given 30 minutes to speak during an en banc hearing before the full state Supreme Court. Theres no indication on when the court might rule on the lawsuit.

Three times, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters  who supports the idea of a publicly funded religious charter school  has tried to insert himself, the Oklahoma State Department and the Oklahoma State Board of Education into the case, and the court has rejected each request.

Ruling in Drummond's lawsuit likely will affect other case involving St. Isidore

The result of any decision in Drummonds lawsuit could affect the other lawsuit involving St. Isidore, filed in Oklahoma County District Court in July by the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee (OPLAC), a non-partisan public school advocacy group. Nine other parents, faith leaders and public education advocates joined in filing the lawsuit.

They contend a Catholic charter school would contradict state law and asked a district judge to block St. Isidore from opening and receiving state funds. They are represented by local attorneys and national groups  the American Civil Liberties Union, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

More: Oklahoma AG sues state board over virtual Catholic charter school

The case already has seen legal tumult. The original judge assigned to the case, Oklahoma County District Judge Brent Dishman, declined to recuse himself from the case due to a conflict of interest. The plaintiffs appealed and in January, District Judge Amy Palumbo, the countys chief district judge that month, ruled Dishman should be removed.

Dishmans sister-in-law is the co-founder of the OPLAC. Dishman also serves on the board of College of the Ozarks, a private religious school in Point Lookout, Missouri, that previously hired several of the defense attorneys in a separate case with similar issues.

What do recent filings in Oklahoma County case say?

After Palumbos ruling, District Judge Richard Ogden now is presiding over the case. Last week, he received dueling filings from each side, with three requests for dismissal and another to force St. Isidore to agree to provide representatives to be deposed by attorneys for the plaintiffs.

Attorneys for the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board said the lawsuit should be dismissed, providing four arguments as to why. Primarily, they said the lawsuit lacked subject-matter jurisdiction, because they believe the plaintiffs lack standing to file the case and the board is immune from lawsuits. They said the case was filed by the wrong plaintiffs with the wrong claims at the wrong time.

They also said the lawsuit fails to state a claim, the Oklahoma Constitution doesnt prohibit religious virtual charter schools and the virtual-school board couldnt enforce a non-sectarian provision of the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act.

Likewise, attorneys for St. Isidore also asked Ogden to dismiss the lawsuit, using similar arguments, as did attorneys for Walters, the state education department and the state Board of Education. Ogden has set no timeline for when he might rule on those requests.

Ogden seemed to treat more urgently a filing by OPLAC, which asked for the judge to order St. Isidore to allow OPLAC attorneys to begin depositions of St. Isidore personnel. Hes set a May 1 hearing on that request.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs claimed in the filing that St. Isidore has declined to make anyone available for a deposition, which the lawsuit said is required 30 days after respondents received the lawsuit. The lawsuit said St. Isidore has taken the position that it will not produce its officers or staff for any depositions until after a decision is issued on its motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

OPLAC attorneys said their lawsuit, unlike Drummonds, targets not only the religious nature of St. Isidore but also St. Isidores willingness to comply with all applicable laws, concerns about whether the school would discriminate in admissions, discipline and employment based on religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally prohibited grounds and concerns that St. Isidore has not committed to fully serving students with disabilities.

OPLAC attorneys said they plan to file for a temporary injunction prohibiting St. Isidore from receiving state funds unless the Attorney Generals lawsuit soon results in a ruling toward that end. They said they would file for the injunction if a ruling in Drummonds case isnt issued by the end of April.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma religious charter school court cases soon will see movement
Netanyahu says nothing will stop offensive on Rafah as Israeli protesters call for his removal

Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas and press ahead with a ground offensive in Rafah as thousands of protesters called for his removal.

The Israeli prime minister delivered a televised address to the nation on Sunday before undergoing hernia surgery, saying he would do everything he could to secure the release of hostages abducted by Hamas.

Mr Netanyahu said his army would move civilians from Rafah before launching an offensive on the southern city.

Nothing will stop us, once we do that [evacuate civilians], not American pressure and nothing else, he said. If we do not destroy those battalions of Hamas there we cannot actually win because otherwise it is an existential threat against the state of Israel.

Several of Israels allies and humanitarian groups have warned that a ground offensive in Rafah, on the border with Egypt, would result in a human catastrophe.

And on Sunday, protesters gathered in Jerusalem to urge the government to reach a deal to free dozens of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and to hold early elections.

Nearly six months of war have renewed divisions in Israeli society about how to respond to the ongoing hostage situation.

Hamas killed some 1,100 people during its cross-border attack on 7 October and took about 250 others hostage. More than 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces according to the health ministry in the strip, with the majority of victims being women and children.

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to raid Rafah against overwhelming international opinion (AP)

Roughly half the hostages were released during a weeklong ceasefire in November, but repeated attempts by international mediators to broker another ceasefire deal have so far failed.

After six months, it seems like the government understands that Bibi Netanyahu is an obstacle, said demonstrator Einav Moses, whose father-in-law, Gadi Moses, is held hostage.

Like he doesnt really want to bring them back, that they have failed in this mission.

The crowd of protesters stretched for blocks around the Knesset, or parliament building, and organisers vowed to continue the demonstration for several days.

They urged the government to cancel an upcoming parliamentary recess and to hold new elections nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Thousands of Israeli protesters on Sunday call for Netanyahu to resign (Getty)

In his address, Mr Netanyahu also said he understood the pain of the hostages families. I will do everything to bring the hostages home, he said.

He also said calling new elections  in what he described as a moment before victory  would paralyse Israel for six to eight months and would freeze the hostage talks.

Also on Sunday, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp in the courtyard of a crowded hospital in central Gaza, killing two Palestinians and wounding another 15, including journalists working nearby.

An Associated Press reporter filmed the strike and aftermath at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where thousands of people have sheltered.

The Israeli military said it struck a command centre of the Islamic Jihad militant group.

Tens of thousands of people have sought shelter in Gazas hospitals, viewing them as relatively safe from airstrikes.

Israel accuses Hamas and other militants of operating in and around medical facilities, which Gazas health officials deny.

Israeli troops have been raiding Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest, for nearly two weeks and say it has killed scores of fighters, including senior Hamas operatives.

Only a third of Gazas hospitals are even partially functioning, while Israeli strikes kill and wound scores of people every day.

Doctors say they are often forced to operate without anaesthetic and other crucial supplies.
Long after dark, there was an air of festivity and fun outside the Oklahoma State Department of Education building despite temperatures hovering near freezing.

Someone had hooked up a portable heater, powering it by bootlegging power from the state building. Someone else had commandeered another outlet to operate a movie projector and was using the buildings wall as a makeshift movie screen to project Mean Girls.

As 11 p.m. approached, a woman was enthusiastically live streaming her experiences and thoughts.

Over a dozen people  all who oppose state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters policies  were already lined up ahead of the State Board of Education meeting set to begin nearly 14 hours later.

But there was also an air of uncertainty and fear as word spread that the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety was considering booting  or even arresting  people waiting in line.

A DPS security official had already tied the doors shut for the first time in recent memory using an extension cord and zip ties, and someone had hung a sign in the window with a specific provision of state law highlighted in yellow that noted the area was closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

People were confused because it would have marked the first time in at least a year that DPS had decided to enforce a law ahead of the meeting that prohibits unauthorized people in the park after hours.

A public park. At the peoples state Capitol complex.

The group watches Mean Girls to pass the time while wait ing in line outside the doors to the Oliver Hodge building to be sure they get a chance to sign up for public comments at the March Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Thankfully, common sense prevailed and 11 p.m. came and went with troopers leaving people be.

Because had they arrested people peacefully waiting in line for a public meeting, it would have been a black eye for all Oklahomans, made us a national laughing stock and raised serious questions about the state of our democracy.

But DPS is right to be concerned about security issues, and theres a reason laws exist that prohibit people from the complex afterhours. And theres also a reason why its a bad idea to start arbitrarily enforcing provisions about who gets to stay in the park after hours.

More: Oklahoma voters have been decisive with initiative petitions. Lawmakers should show some respect | Opinion

Weve reached a point where its time to rethink how these meetings are being handled.

For close to a year now, people have been camping out ahead of these meetings. At first, it was to secure a seat in the board meeting.

And thats still part of the issue, but now, Walters supporters and detractors are engaged in some bizarre competition to wrap up all 10 public speaking slots.

The State Board of Education awards the speaking slots to the first 10 people who sign up as the meeting is preparing to begin. So now, each month, people are lining up earlier and earlier, setting up chairs and making a night of it in an effort to outdo each other. This month, they began lining up at 4 p.m. Wednesday for a 1 p.m. meeting Thursday.

One thing thats uniting Walters supporters and detractors unlike anything else is frustration over people with extremely similar viewpoints rigging the system so that they get access to all the speaking slots.

I also spoke with someone in the crowd who questioned whether the current overnight process violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides federal protections for those with disabilities.

One person mentioned they suffered from the sleep disorder narcolepsy, and said waiting in line for one night means a string of bad days afterward.

One woman had to take a day off from work. She also had to secure overnight child care.

Another left her daughters home in Checotah at 3 a.m. By the time she arrived at 5 a.m., all speaking slots were taken.

The current sign up process locks out the voices of people who have a vested interest in our public schools, but dont have the time or luxury of sleeping outside all night.

It locks out people who live in rural parts of the state, parents with school-age children, those who have a job, people with disabilities and those who work night shifts.

They have just as much right to speak their truth as everyone else.

Its time for Walters team to rethink how theyre handling this public comment section.

The resulting clown show is not healthy for anyone.

And, the solution is not to add more slots. The board already allots 21 minutes to people who want to speak to matters on the agenda and nine minutes for those who want to speak on random issues.

Thirty minutes seems like plenty of time, particularly when there are other pressing issues already on the agenda that need to be considered.

More: Why would you not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? Political division has made problems worse: Opinion

The best idea, I heard outside the meeting, was to implement a raffle-type system. Everyone who is waiting 15 minutes before and wants to speak gets a number. State education officials then randomly draw 10 numbers, determining the speakers.

A similar raffle could also be held if the number of people wanting to attend the meeting unfortunately exceeds the available space, though a better long-term solution is to move the meeting location to a large venue.

That would eliminate the ridiculous need to spend the night and the one-upmanship thats currently going on. It would also solve the security problems.

The suggestion actually generated considerable enthusiasm by people on all sides of the political spectrum who didnt have the luxury of camping out. Even some of those who were camping out were also supportive.

Such a change would guarantee that everyone has an equal chance to speak and perhaps diversify the voices that the state board hears from each month.

Because, right now, Oklahomans are understandably concerned about the future of our education system. And, everyone deserves the right to participate in government and to address their leaders regardless of economic status, disability, life circumstances or political belief.

Janelle Stecklein is editor of Oklahoma Voice. An award-winning journalist, Stecklein has been covering Oklahoma government and politics since moving to the state in 2014.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Camping out at OSDE not the answer for concerned Oklahomans
Police are set to scour the deleted social media of an Australian woman alleged to have murdered three family members by poisoning a home-cooked beef wellington.

Erin Patterson, 49, hosted a reconcilliation lunch for her estranged in-laws and another couple at her home in the small, rural town of Leongatha, Australia, in July 2023.

But the next day all four people who attended the meal fell ill and were taken to hospital for symptoms similar to food poisoning - which medics later said was consistent with poisoning from death cap mushrooms.

Ms Pattersons former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gails sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, all died days after. Mrs Wilkinsons husband Ian Wilkinson, 68, survived.

Now, police will search Pattersons deleted social media and internet history for the tiniest clue that could be used in a potential court case.

Erin Patterson, 49, is accused of murdering three family members by poisoning a home-cooked beef wellington (News International)

A police source told the Herald Sun: Its not easy but its doable on most occasions. She might be involved in conversations or narratives where she has talked about this stuff on online forums. It could be the tiniest thing.

Ms Patterson was arrested at her home and charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder on 2 November last year.

The mother-of-two allegedly created several profiles under different names. She was known to delete her accounts and start new ones sporadically, according to the same newspaper.

Don and Gail Patterson died after eating poisoned mushrooms at Erin Pattersons home in Victoria, Australia, on 29 July (Supplied)

Investigators discovered five iPads, two secure digital cards, a smartwatch and a trail camera among several hidden items at her house.

Death cap mushrooms, which grow in the Leongatha area, are highly toxic and account for about 90 per cent of mushroom-related fatalities globally.

Detectives said the deaths could be very innocent and warned the case was extremely complex.

Heather, 66, and Ian Wilkinson, 68, became ill after eating poison mushrooms at a lunch cooked by Patterson (The Salvation Army Australia Museum/Facebook)

Last year, Ms Patterson said: I didnt do anything. I loved them and Im devastated they are gone. Theyve lost their grandmother. Im so sorry that they have lost their lives.

She also claimed she fed her children the leftovers from the wellington on the day after the fatal meal - but took the mushrooms out because her kids dont like them.

Ms Patterson will return to Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court via video link on 22 April for a special mention ahead of a committal mention on 3 May.
Wild Eggs, a popular contemporary breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain in the region, announced it will open four new restaurants in Lexington in the future, according to a press release.

The restaurant said it was egg-cited to announce the significant expansion in the press release. Specific locations for the new restaurants have yet to be released but the first new restaurant is scheduled to open in August or September, with the other three restaurants opening shortly afterwards.

We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of expansion alongside Travis (Hall), said Andy Abbajay, CEO of Wild Eggs, in the press release. His unwavering dedication and belief in our brand have been instrumental in our growth, and we are confident that these new locations will further solidify our presence in the Lexington community.

Wild Eggs agreed to a new four-restaurant deal with Hall, a Wild Eggs franchisee who has worked with the company for 11 years, according to the press release. The restaurant described the expansion as pivotal moment as it evolves under new leadership and direction.

We are incredibly proud to be part of this expansion with Wild Eggs, Hall said in the press release. Our decision to expand our presence with four new locations in Lexington reflects our confidence in the direction and leadership of the company.

Wild Eggs Lexington locations

There are currently 15 Wild Eggs locations in three states, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Kentucky has the most restaurants with eight locations.

Less than a year ago Wild Eggs decided to target eight states, including Kentucky, for potential expansion. The other seven states are Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

There are already two Wild Eggs restaurants in Lexington: One on Justice Drive in Hamburg and another on Palomar Centre Drive in Palomar.

The new restaurants will be positioned in and around Lexington in an effort to make it easier for customers to visit, the press release said.

Were excited to bring the exceptional experience of Wild Eggs to even more patrons in Kentucky, Hall said in the press release.

Wild Eggs is headquartered in Louisville and was founded in 2007, according to the press release. In January 2023 the chain was acquired by a private equity fund.

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Remember when  President Reagan and others were shot by John W. Hinckley Jr

President Ronald Reagan waving to the crowd on March 30, 1981, just before the assassination attempt on him, after a conference outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.. Also seriously injured was press secretary James Brady (just behind the car).

An attempted Presidential assassination shook Central Jerseyans  and the nation  when President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest on Monday, March 30, 1981, by John W. Hinckley Jr., 25.

But, Reagan wasn't the only victim. James S. Brady, White House press secretary, was critically injured. Also wounded were Timothy J. McCarthy, a Secret Service agent, and law enforcement officer Thomas K. Delahanty.

'Sounded like firecrackers'

Jim Grogan of Belleville, who was president of the New Jersey State Union Building and Construction Trade Council at the time, was standing just inside the Florida Avenue entrance to the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the shooting occurred. Grogan said the six shots that wounded Reagan and the three others "sounded like firecrackers."

Police and Secret Service agents reacting on Monday, March 30, 1981 during the assassination attempt on then US president Ronald Reagan, after a conference outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Reagan underwent surgery at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and survived. He was released from the hospital on Saturday, April 11, 1981, according to the Associated Press.

More: Remember when ... Clarence Thomas confirmed to US Supreme Court amid allegations

Vice President George Bush, after a flight back to Washington, took over Reagan's official duties on Monday, March 30, 1981, beginning with a short appearance on TV to "reassure the nation that the government is functioning fully and effectively."

As for the other shooting victims, Brady suffered brain damage and was permanently disabled. McCarthy and Delahanty also survived the attack, according to the AP.

Hinckley was arraigned on Monday, March 30, 1981, with an attempt to assassinate Reagan. That night, Hinckley's parents said that he had "been under recent psychiatric care," but had no indication of "the seriousness of his condition."

Hinckley

According to the AP, Hinckley's motive for the assassination attempt was to impress actress Jodie Foster.

Central Jersey reacts

Central Jerseyans were not without opinion on the matter.

"I don't know what anybody can do when a deranged person decides to do something like this," said Dale Olson of Clinton Township. "There's too much of this sort of thing."

"Everybody is scared," said Ann Greenberg of East Brunswick. "But nobody knows why. I've always been against guns, but there are always nuts around."

Shoppers and employees at Sears in Bridgewater gather around a television display area to watch reports on the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.

"I think it's terrible, a disgrace to our country," said Eve Emery of Bridgewater. "I don't care what president it is or who it is. It's a disgrace."

Lynn Kamer of East Brunswick said, "I was in school when Kennedy was shot and I thought, 'Oh no, here we go again.' "

Kamer said she was opposed to gun control as a way of deterring violent crime. "People with bad intentions would get guns, but people without guns would still be the victims," Kamer said.

"No matter how lousy or good a president is  and this is not a personal judgment of him  people shouldn't resort to violence," said Anthony Ianniello of Branchburg. "This is a democratic system and things should be done in a democratic way. You shouldn't try to shoot the president if you don't agree with him."

"The death penalty may be an answer," said Dick Miller of Spotswood. "It would do a lot to control all these shootings."

"They get away with murder now," said Miller.

More: Remember when ... President Reagan ate spaghetti at an NJ Italian festival

Alberta DeSepio of Piscataway said the assassination attempt left her "sick, really sick. I'm sad for this country. The office of president means a lot to me.

"I may not agree with (Reagan) personally," DeSepio said, "but the gunman had no right to shoot him. The nut who went after him wants attention. He deserves whatever he gets, even capital punishment."

DeSepio said gun control would not stop the shooting of public figures in the U.S. because "anyone with money can buy a gun."

The Rev. Edward Wanat celebrated a special Mass at St. Stanislaus R.C. Church in Sayreville on Monday, March 30, 1981, leading the congregation in prayers for the health and well-being of President Ronald Reagan and others wounded in Monday, March 30, 1981s assassination attempt.

"It was a relief to hear the president survived," said Art Griffin of East Brunswick. "But we have to find answers."

"There are radicals in this world who are afraid that they'll be hurt by the government cutbacks and people with sick minds who react this way (by trying to kill the president)," said Phyllis Barnes of Bridgewater.

Prayers and songs in remembrance of President Ronadl Reagan and other shooting victims rang out on Monday, March 31, 1981s service at the Pentecostal Holiness Temple in the Somerset section of Franklin Township. One member of the audience, 3-year-old Timothy Lynch of the Somerset section of Franklin Township, stands in prayer.

"We must try to convince those people that might be hurt that there are other ways to get help," Barnes said. "This saddens me, but it's always been this way for our presidents, living with the threat of assassination."

Walter Pearson of Old Bridge.

Walter Pearson of Old Bridge, spoke of President John F. Kennedy. "I was in Bayonne at the time Kennedy was shot. I was completely shocked to hear about it. There hadn't been an assassination for many years. Yeah, I'm shocked about this. But, this one didn't hit me the same way. This president is still new. We hadn't gotten used to him yet."

"I feel bad that an attempt was made," said Kelly Franklin of Franklin. "But right now (Reagan's) cutting back a lot of government spending and taking away a lot of jobs. That could be a reason."

Prayers and songs in remembrance of President Ronadl Reagan and other shooting victims rang out on Monday, March 31, 1981s service at the Pentecostal Holiness Temple in the Somerset section of Franklin Township. Patricia Chapman leads the congregation.

"One of the hazards of the trade," said Fran Murdock of Dunellen. "You can't please all the people all the time."

"Mine was a mixed reaction," said Irma Goldman of Bridgewater. "At first I was stunned. But my second thought was about the business of how all the presidents elected in years that end in zero died in office."

Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated in office, elected in 1860. Each president elected at 20-year intervals after that had died in office.

Anthony Stella of Bloomfield said, "People are just crazy."

Andrew Mignano leads his first- and second-grade class from Irving School, Highland Park, to the post office on Thursday, April 2, 1981, to mail a big envelope full of get-well messages to President Ronald Reagan.

For Karen Steckowich of Edison, the news "didn't sink in when I first heard it. I remembered having the same feeling when I was in the third grade and (John) Kennedy was shot."

At the Monday, March 30, 1981, Somerville Borough Council meeting, Mayor Phillips S. Heathcote called for a moment of silent prayer for Reagan and the three others who were shot in Washington that day.

More: Remember when ... Richard Nixon announced on TV he would resign

Bernadine Kanaly of Manalapan said, "I was at work when I heard about the shooting," she said. "My initial reaction was disbelief. Everyone in my office talked about the '60s and the 20-year cycle.

"It's upsetting," Kanaly said. "After all, he's a president in a democratic society. It's terrible that there's people with such a mind set they have to settle problems with a gun."

Insanity acquittal and release

Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity on charges of attempting to assassinate the president.

In July 2016, a federal judge ruled Hinckley was not a danger to himself or the public and could live full-time at his mother's house in Williamsburg, Virginia. Hinckley was released from St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, according to Gannett and wire reports.

Reagan died on Saturday, June 5, 2004. Brady died on Aug. 4, 2014.

What do you remember about this event? Visit This Week in Central Jersey History/Remember When at bit.ly/3IyzE1G.

Brad Wadlow is a staff writer for MyCentralJersey.com

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: President Reagan assassination attempt: a look back
This column is part of a weekly round-up of notable grand jury indictments and court decisions, following through on cases reported by Savannah Morning News public safety reporter Drew Favakeh. If there are cases you're curious about, email Drew at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com.

Hearing held for Leilani Simon

On March 26, Leilani Simon, the mother charged with malice murder in the death of her son, 20-month-old Quinton Simon, appeared in Chatham County Superior Court.

According to media reports, Chatham County Superior Court Judge Tammy Stokes said at the hearing that she hopes that the case is tried before the end of the year, but the construction of the new courthouse may delay future hearings.

Forensic toxicology of materials recovered by law enforcement, including a pillow case, still needs to be tested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), according to the same media report.

According to court documents, former Chatham County prosecutor Tim Dean will continue in the case as the lead prosecutor. In November 2023, Dean left the Chatham County DAs office to work as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorneys Office Southern District of Georgia.

A motion hearing is scheduled for April 16.

More: In Session: Chatham County Jail Officer indicted for smuggling drugs

More: In Session: Chatham County Superior Court Judge denies motion to withdraw guilt plea

Defense attorney for witness requests reasonable bond

On March 14, the defense attorney for a witness in the Ahmad Moore murder trial requested the Chatham County Superior Court set a reasonable bond for her client.

Moore was charged with the January 2021 shooting death of Darian Clark Jr., who was 19 at the time. According to previous reporting by the Savannah Morning News, Savannah Police, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) and the Effingham County Sheriffs Office, arrested Moore in Guyton in February that same year.

The witness, Harvey Fennell, was present when Ahmad Moore used a firearm to shoot Darian Clark, Jr., according to a court filing by the Chatham DAs office, which issued a subpoena for Fennell, who "failed or refused" to contact the state regarding the subpoena to appear in court Feb. 26.

The attorney for Fennell, Skye Musson, a former assistant district attorney, argued in the latest court filing that Fennell poses no risk to flee from the jurisdiction of the court, no risk to harm anyone in the community, and poses no risk to commit a felony prior to the trial.

Jury trial is scheduled for June 24.

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

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: chatham county ga court updates for week of April 1 2024
Severe weather, possible tornadoes headed toward Heartland and Midwest: What to expect

Severe weather is in the forecast for the Heartland and the Midwest, with damaging winds, large hail and even a few strong tornadoes possible.

On Monday, severe thunderstorms are expected from Texas to West Virginia, with the greatest tornado threat from Oklahoma to Missouri.

The Ohio River Valley from Louisville, Kentucky, to Cincinnati could also see tornadoes, but the threat there is not as high.

PHOTO: Severe weather forecast for Monday. (ABC News)

On Tuesday, as the storm moves east, the severe weather will concentrate from Mississippi to West Virginia, with the highest tornado threat from Tennessee to Kentucky.

Meanwhile, a flood watch has been issued from Indiana to Maryland, where some areas could see up to 5 inches of rain over the next few days.

PHOTO: April storm forecast. (ABC News)

Some of that rain will then spill into the rest of the Northeast.

The heaviest rain will reach the Interstate 95 corridor, from Philadelphia to New York City to Boston, on Wednesday. Flash flooding is possible.

PHOTO: Rainfall forecast. (ABC News)

3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood

By Wednesday, snow is in the forecast for Indianapolis, Chicago and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

On Wednesday evening, snow will hit inland Pennsylvania, upstate New York and New England. More than 1 foot of snow is possible from the northern Great Lakes into the New England mountains by Thursday.

PHOTO: Spring snow forecast. (ABC News)

Severe weather, possible tornadoes headed toward Heartland and Midwest: What to expect originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The primaries are over, and Cincinnati-area voters can now look ahead to November's drama. And there will be plenty when it comes to local political races.

A former sheriff switched parties and will face the sheriff who ousted him four years earlier. A former state representative hopes to become the first Democratic prosecutor in Hamilton County in 92 years. And a county office that wasn't supposed to be on the ballot suddenly is.

Here are races to watch in the Cincinnati region for the November election.

Hamilton County Dems look for first prosecutor in 92 years

Republican incumbent prosecutor Melissa Powers, left, faces Democrat Connie Pillich for prosecutor in the general election in November.

During the past two decades, Democrats have taken control of Hamilton County politics, winning all but two countywide seats. Hamilton County prosecutor, one of the most powerful political positions in the region, has eluded them for a long time. Republicans have controlled it since 1932.

Democrats hope Connie Pillich, a former state representative and Air Force veteran, will become their first county prosecutor in 92 years.

Ohio Supreme Court: How Joe Deters ended up on the state's highest court without any judicial experience

She will face Republican incumbent Melissa Powers, who has served as prosecutor since January 2023 when Republicans appointed her to replace longtime prosecutor Joe Deters. Deters served as prosecutor for 24 years, winning reelection multiple times as the county around him turned blue.

This year, the Republicans will have to keep the seat with someone not named Deters after Gov. Mike DeWine appointed him to the Ohio Supreme Court in January 2023.

Prior to her appointment as the county prosecutor, Powers had served as a judge for 16 years in Hamilton County, first on the municipal court then as a juvenile court judge. She did not run for reelection in 2022. Powers worked as an assistant prosecutor in Hamilton County from 1991 to 1998.

Pillich, of Montgomery, served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014. She also worked six years as a Hamilton County Public Defender and was co-chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party for a short time in 2018.

Rematch for Hamilton County sheriff

Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, left, a Democrat, faces Republican Jim Neil, a former sheriff.

Jim Neil wants his job back, this time as a Republican. The race for Hamilton County sheriff is a rematch of 2020 between Neil and the incumbent, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, 66, a Democrat from Columbia Tusculum.

Four years ago, both Neil and McGuffey were Democrats and Neil was the incumbent sheriff. Since he won election in 2012, Neil and the Democratic Party grew apart, particularly after Neil appeared at a Donald Trump rally in 2016. The Hamilton County Democrats in 2020 opted to endorse McGuffey in the Democratic primary, a rare circumstance of an incumbent failing to get the party's endorsement.

After losing the Democratic primary, Neil, 65, of Sayler Park, switched from Democrat to Republican in 2022.

McGuffey's election in 2020 made national headlines. She's the first openly LGBTQ and woman sheriff in Hamilton County history.

2020 Ohio Election: Charmaine McGuffey beats Jim Neil in Hamilton County sheriff's race

Both McGuffey and Neil have a long history with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department. Neil joined the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department in 1981, McGuffey in 1983. Neil promoted McGuffey to major in 2013, a year after he was elected sheriff.

The relationship went south from there. It culminated in Neil firing McGuffey in 2017. McGuffey sued her boss, claiming she was fired for raising concerns about the use of force and her orientation as an openly gay woman.

Neil claims he fired McGuffey for creating a hostile work environment.

The county settled the case in December 2020 just before McGuffey took office as sheriff for $474,999 in attorney fees and lost wages and benefits paid to McGuffey. The county did not admit wrongdoing.

How competitive will Ohio's 1st Congressional District be?

Rep. Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Mount Washington, faces Republican challenger Orlando Sonza from Springfield Township.

U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman flipped Ohio's 1st Congressional District seat for the Democrats two years ago and will defend it for the first time this year. He faces Orlando Sonza, 33, a Republican from Springfield Township.

Republican Rep. Steve Chabot held the seat for all but two of the previous 28 years before losing to Landsman in 2022.

Sonza hasn't held elected office before but has worked as an assistant prosecutor in Hamilton County. Landsman, 47, of Mount Washington, was on Cincinnati City Council prior to his election to Congress.

The district is still one of the more competitive in the state but leans Democratic by about two percentage points, according to Dave's Redistricting, a website that compiles voter statistics in various political subdivisions.

Republican lawmakers, under constitutional reforms passed by voters, had to include all of the predominantly Democratic Cincinnati in the district. The Republican stronghold of Warren County remained in the district.

As a result, the race has drawn the attention of national Democrats and Republicans. On the night of the primary after Sonza became the official Republican nominee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released a statement slamming Sonza's support for a national abortion ban, legislation that would ban in vitro fertilization and same-sex marriage as being "wildly out of step with Southwest Ohio."

The National Republican Congressional Committee released a statement calling Landsman "flawed and extreme."

Sonza has appeared to soften his stances on a national abortion ban. Sonza posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the issue of abortion is settled federally and that "it's up to the states to govern themselves accordingly."

Sonza, in an emailed response to The Enquirer, also said he "fully supports protecting and increasing access to IVF and fertility-related services for families." As for same-sex marriages, Sonza also said the Respect for Marriage Act, which protected same-sex marriage across the country and was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, is the law of the land. "I respect the law," Sonza said in the email.

Ohio 1st congressional district

Auditor's death leads to an open sea in Hamilton County

Jessica Miranda

The death of former Hamilton County auditor Brigid Kelly on March 26 from esophageal cancer shocked the local political world and left an unexpected open seat for a major county office.

Days before her death, Kelly recommended Democratic state Rep. Jessica Miranda, of Forest Park, as her replacement. The Hamilton County Democratic Central Committee, made up of about 300 people, will decide in April whether to appoint Miranda or someone else as auditor. That person, or someone else of the Democrats' choosing, will have to run for election in November.

The Hamilton County Republicans will also have an opportunity to nominate a candidate to run for auditor on the November ballot. The deadline to get a candidate on the ballot is Aug. 12.

A group of state House races up for grabs

Several state House races could provide interesting matchups.

28th House district, Hamilton County

The vacancy in the Hamilton County auditor position might leave an open seat in Hamilton County.

If Miranda becomes Hamilton County auditor, Miranda's seat in the 28th House District is up for grabs. The 28th District includes Forest Park, Sharonville, Blue Ash and other communities in northern Hamilton County.

It leans slightly Democrat, which accounted for 53% of the voters, according to Dave's Redistricting.

If the Democrats appoint Miranda to auditor, Miranda has recommended Symmes Township social worker Karen Brownlee take her place in the Ohio House. Brownlee ran for Symmes Township trustee in 2023 and lost.

Brownlee, or whomever the Democrats choose, will face Republican Jenn Giroux, a Symmes Township nurse who owns the Catholic Shop in Madeira and is an ardent anti-abortion activist. Giroux lost a state House race in 2022 against Democrat Rachel Baker.

27th House district, Hamilton County

Baker, who is finishing her first term as a state representative in the eastern Cincinnati suburbs of the 27th District, also has a race against well-known Republican Curt Hartman, an Anderson Township Republican, attorney and former Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge.

47th House district, Butler County

Two pastors will battle each other for the state House in Butler County. Republican Diane Mullins faces Vanessa Cummings for House District 47, which covers the city of Hamilton and the northern part of Butler County.

What Mullins has said from the pulpit could draw attention to this race.

Mullins has referenced antisemitic conspiracy theories in her sermons at Calvary Church and told her congregation not to read or watch secular news.

She also implied that a communist cell was responsible for placing sculptures in the city of Hamilton and falsely claimed that the sculptures are taxpayer-funded.

Mullins unseated incumbent Rep. Sara Carruthers in the Republican primary March 19. Carruthers was one of the 22 Republicans who voted with Democrats to elect Republican Jason Stephens as Speaker of the House in 2023, prompting a rebuke from the Ohio Republican Party. Carruthers was one of four of the "Blue 22" Republicans who lost their seats on March 19.

Cummings, her Democratic opponent, is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer and pastor at Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hamilton. She served on Oxford City Council from 1994 to 2000.

The GOP candidate in this race has a significant advantage, with 62% of the voters being Republican, according to Dave's Redistricting. Trump won the county with 61% of the vote in 2020.

Tough time for tax levies

The increase in property values and tax bills might spell doom for any property tax levies on the ballot this November. Levies on the March 19 primary ballot didn't fare well, with only four of the 15 levies and bond issues passing in Hamilton County and the surrounding counties. Deadline for any levies to get on the ballot is Aug. 7.

The general election is Nov. 5.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What are the big Cincinnati races in the 2024 general election?
State Rep. John Macco will not seek reelection to the 88th Assembly District of Wisconsin Legislature

John Macco

GREEN BAY  State Rep. John Macco, R-Ledgeview, is not seeking reelection to the Assembly in November, the legislator announced Monday.

Macco represents 88th Assembly District. The district leaned Republican, but after new electoral maps were signed into law in February, the district is considered competitive. It no longer includes Denmark or the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay but gained De Pere.

"Thank you to the people of the 88th who have continued to trust me to represent them in Madison," Macco said in a news release. "It has been an honor and I am proud of the investments I have been able to deliver to the district over the past 10 years."

More: State Sen. Eric Wimberger to switch from Senate District 30 and run for District 2

With the new maps, Macco was drawn out of his district but he told the Press-Gazette in February that he planned to move back in it to continue to serve 88th District.

I have been blessed to be remarried a year ago," Macco said in Monday's media release. "My wife Lynn and I look forward to enjoying a Wisconsin summer, spending quality time with family, working to grow her new business and seeing that Republicans remain the majority party in the Wisconsin Legislature."

Macco was first elected to the Assembly in 2014 and is the chair of the Committee on Ways and Means and vice chair of the Committee on Audit.







See the new state Assembly districts

This map shows Wisconsin state Assembly districts under the previous 2022 map on the left, and the new 2024 map on the right. Each district is colored according to whether itleans Democrat, leans Republican, or is acompetitive district (within 5%).

Old maps (2022)

New maps (2024)

Note: The partisan lean of districts is calculated based on voting data from national and local elections from 2016 to 2022. Districts with less than 5% difference in Republican and Democratic votes are considered competitive districts.

Map by Andrew Hahn and Eva Wen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at dduclos@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: State Rep. John Macco isn't seeking reelection to Assembly District 88
 Flash

Two civilians were injured in an Israeli attack targeting several military points in the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday night, according to the Syrian Defense Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry stated that Israel launched an aerial attack from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, wounding two civilians and causing material losses.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel targeted the scientific research sites in the Jamraya area in the western countryside of Damascus with four rockets, causing fires.

The Britain-based watchdog group noted that the presence of Iranians and their proxies at Syrian military sites may have been the reason for the attack, as Israel continues to monitor their movements in the region.

This latest Israeli attack marks the 29th such attack this year, following Israel's Friday attack on military sites in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, which killed 42 military personnel, according to the observatory.
The anti-abortion movement in Texas has adjusted courseand its headed toward putting abortion and IVF patients on death row.

Leaked video footage of an Abolish Abortion Texas function shows Hood County Republican Party officials in attendance at a meeting supporting the death penalty for women and minors who seek out either procedure. The meeting took place in January, but the video was only shared to X (formerly Twitter) last week.

Theres no difference in the value of born people and preborn people, said Paul Brown, the groups director. In short, abortion is murder. And thats starting at the moment of fertilization even prior to implantation. So that Plan B pill, or whats known as the morning-after pill, which is used to terminate or kill a baby prior to implantation, that is an abortion.

This is false. Emergency contraception such as Plan B prevents fertilization from occurring.

Other forms of abortion in this category include what happens in IVF, when a fertilized egg is created and is oftentimes destroyed, Brown continued. Those that do are terminating or destroying human life.

Brown also added that abortions provided for victims of incest or rape will never be OK, noting in his speech that [womens] lives dont matter any more than the babies they are killing.

This is video I put together from a 2 hour meeting held in Granbury. If you want to know where the  pro-life movement is headed, watch this. Warning, it is disturbing. Many of our elected officials were in attendance. Including school board, constables and at least one county pic.twitter.com/vHPl5aZQBn  Adrienne Quinn Martin (@MrsAMartini) March 28, 2024

Hood County Constable Scott London, Hood County GOP Chair Steve Biggers, and Hood County GOP chair candidate Greg Harrell attended the meeting, but many more GOP hopefuls have signed a pledge with the anti-abortion group and received its endorsement. That includes state Representative Jay Dean and former Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick, as well as more than a dozen Texas state House candidates.



The fact that Texas Republicans are meeting with people willing to send pregnant women and doctors to Death Row should terrify every person in Texas. Make no mistake: Texas Republicans will strip women of their basic healthcare rights and will not stop at just banning abortion, said Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa in a statement.

They will punish women and doctors for seeking and performing basic health care, they will ban IVF and they will create a hostile and inhumane state. All of these candidates should be ashamed of themselves. This isnt Texas, but this is the Republican party of Texas.
The mansion was converted into offices in the mid-1970s.

The stately house at Elm and West streets was built in 1913, the work of noted Worcester builder E.J. Cross Co.

Before lawyer Francis Henshaw Dewey II commissioned a mansion on Elm Street, blocks from downtown Worcester, the spot was home to Edward L. Davis.

Like his father, Davis was a mayor of Worcester, first elected in 1874. His father, Isaac Davis, ascended to the corner office in 1856.

Edward Davis, a lawyer, built an estate at Elm and West streets with riches from his standing as a director of the Boston and Albany Railroad. He was a major stockholder.

His home, at 71 Elm St., was in a neighborhood of stately houses. It was there that he died in March 1912.

Within a year, another prominent Worcester attorney, Francis Dewey II, purchased the Elm Street property from the Davis estate.

Dewey II had grand ideas for the land once owned by Edward Davis. And he had the means. Like Davis, he was involved in the railroad (director, Springfield Railways Co.) and for 32 years he served as president of Mechanics National Bank of Worcester.

Dewey II hired Little & Browne architects of Boston to design a replacement to the Davis house. E.J Cross Co. of Worcester built the Flemish Revival style mansion in 1913.

The stately home was filled with panel-walled rooms, with mahogany, oak and gumwood detail. There were seven fireplaces and an elevator.

Francis Dewey II and his wife, the former Lizzie Davis Bliss, eventually moved to Elm Street from their home on Main Street. Francis died in 1933 (warranting an obituary in The New York Times) and his widow remained in the home until her death at 94 in 1950.

A son, Francis H. Dewey Jr., lived in the house from 1950 to 1974. His four children, including his namesake, Francis H. Dewey 3rd, had no interest in keeping the house after the death of their parents.

(The noted Worcester law firm of Bowditch & Dewey is tied to Henry Dewey, known as Harry, a brother of Francis Dewey 3rd. Dewey Street in Worcester, between Pleasant and May streets, is named for the first Francis Henshaw Dewey.)

In 1975, the Elm Street property was sold to William V. Masiello, who ran Masiello and Associates architects. He soon sold it to restaurateur Carl Schwarzer. Other sales followed, with the property most recently held by a trust, 71 Elm Street Nominee Trust.

Eventually, a carriage house at the rear of the mansion was razed. The building was noted for the turntable used to reverse the position of cars.

The old mansion remains an office building, its many tenants now including law and health offices.

Thank you to David Dewey, great-grandson of Francis H. Dewey II, who built the mansion, for his assistance with this story.

Last week Then & Now: Hooper Street Apartments, Worcester

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Then & Now: Dewey Mansion, 71 Elm St., Worcester
Ukrainian forces low on just about everything they need shut down a large Russian mechanized assault in a telling front-line fight

Ukraine says it repelled a Russian battalion-sized mechanized assault over the weekend.

It's the largest assault of that type since Russia started its efforts to seize Avdiivka last fall.

War experts say Ukraine's ability to defend while it runs low on ammo and supplies hints at what it can do with more.

Ukrainian forces in a priority section of the front line near Avdiivka appear to have defeated a large Russian mechanized assault involving tanks and fighting vehicles over the weekend.

The apparent win is a promising indicator that troops can repel future Russian offensives this year, war experts say, despite currently scraping the bottom of the barrel on ammunition and other war supplies.

On March 30, Ukrainian troops outside occupied Avdiivka fought off a Russian battalion-sized mechanized assault, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said.

ISW cited a Ukrainian serviceman who, on March 31, said that elements of Russia's 6th Tank Regiment sent 36 tanks and 12 BMP infantry fighting vehicles into a battle on the front line near Tonenke, a village east of Avdiivka.

The serviceman said Ukraine destroyed 12 tanks and eight IVFs. Footage shared by Ukraine showed some of the assault, including Russian tanks being destroyed by anti-tank guided missiles, according to open-source intelligence accounts on social media.

On Saturday, Russian forces attempted a sizeable armored assault west of Tonenke, Donetsk Oblast.



They ran directly into a Ukrainian ATGM free fire zone led by the 25th Airborne Brigade, losing multiple armored vehicles. pic.twitter.com/bLz5Y9Kuzy  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 1, 2024

"This appears to be the first report of any elements of the 90th Tank Division participating in assaults following the Russian seizure of Avdiivka," ISW said in its latest update.

It added that the assault appeared to have failed, "suggesting that elements of Russia's uncommitted operational reserve near Avdiivka may be too degraded or otherwise unable to lead further Russian advances westward in the short term."

A photo posted on social media by open-source information accounts, what appears to be a screenshot from drone footage, showed the supposed aftermath of the assault, with destroyed tanks scattered across the battlefield.

The scale of the recent assault is significant, ISW explained, as Russia hasn't launched an assault this large since it began efforts to take Avdiivka last October. At that time, Russia was losing vehicles at astonishing rates  almost 50 tanks and over 100 armored vehicles just from October 19-20.

The fighting around Avdiivka continued well into the winter and new year, and Ukraine's defenses became overwhelmed. In February 2024, it lost ground, retreating from the war-torn town. In the aftermath, experts attributed Ukraine's withdrawal to their depleted ammo and supplies due to dwindling aid from Western countries.

In the US, officials and leaders, like President Joe Biden, blamed inaction in a deeply divided Congress for the loss of Avdiivka, calling on lawmakers to "urgently pass the national security supplemental funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces."

Soldiers on the Armored Infantry Vehicle 2 (BMP-2). The road to the city, the outskirts of Avdiivka on February 14, 2024 in Avdiivka district, Ukraine. Vlada Liberova/Libkos/Getty Images

The situation has only gotten more dire since then, as Republicans in the House have been unable to reach a consensus on passing more aid. Just Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested in an interview on Fox News that a vote on an assistance package was next after Congress got back from Easter recess.

As Ukraine's forces fell back from Avdiivka, Russia pushed forward, exploiting weak or limited Ukrainian defenses for gains. Ukraine had successfully built fixed defenses in other areas, but areas around Avdiivka were underprepared.

Ukraine has managed to strengthen some positions, but it continues to grapple with a lack of key supplies, ammunition in particular.

The recent win may have come at a cost for Ukraine, ISW noted, saying that "Ukrainian forces may have had to expend a significant amount of material to defend against the Russian assault."

It said that were this the case, it would highlight "Russia's ability to conduct assaults that force Ukraine to expend outsized portions of its already limited material and manpower reserves to defend against." Nonetheless, it is telling about what Ukraine could accomplish if adequately armed.

According to ISW, Ukraine's ability to repel a large Russian mechanized force, "particularly near Avdiivka where Ukrainian forces have been forced to quickly withdraw to new, defensive positions following the loss of the settlement" while running low on ammo and troops, "suggests that Ukrainian forces can achieve significant battlefield effects if they are properly equipped."



Read the original article on Business Insider
How vast swarms of drones could transform the future of war

How vast swarms of drones could transform the future of war

A small group of nations are developing plans to deploy drone swarms in war.

The drones could be used to take out air defenses, or for massed attacks.

Some experts want the technology to be restricted.

In the doomsday scenario where tensions between China and the US erupt into conflict, the first hours of war may well look like a sci-fi movie.

Thousands of drones operating in a coordinated "swarm" could be deployed over China, hoovering up targeting information for US heavy weapons.

The scenario was sketched out in a recent document issued by the RAND Corporation, a US think tank.

The autonomous drones would use AI to inform US officials as they seek targets for precision missile strikes.

Though the scenario is speculative, and far from official US military doctrine, it is a glimpse of a plausible future, and one other countries are thinking about too.

In China, Israel, and Europe, military experts are devising plans for drone swarms that could transform the nature of conflict.

Drone swarms use cutting-edge technology derived from studying bird flocks and fish shoals to coordinate their movements across a potentially vast area.

They could enable militaries not just to surveil the enemy but be used as weapons to launch huge coordinated bombing attacks. But work remains to be done on identifying their most effective use.

"Drone swarms are useful for a broad range of military operations from finding and destroying submarines to blowing up tanks and cleaning out enemy air defenses," said Zak Kallenborn, an analyst who specializes in drones and weapons of mass destruction.

Kellenborn is the top researcher at Looking Glass USA, a counter-drone consultancy, and is also affiliated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Exactly which mission drone swarms are best suited to is unclear, but their potential is huge," he said. "The challenge is separating where drone swarms really matter from where they're mostly cool sci-fi stuff."

The threat they pose to militaries is so intense that military experts are already working on ways to counter their capabilities.

Ukraine supercharged drone combat

The invasion of Ukraine has transformed the way drones are being used in war. In the conflict, cheap, airborne drones have been deployed for tasks from surveillance to bombings and even directing the surrender of enemy soldiers.

Drones have also proved their worth at sea and on land.

US military planners are studying the conflict for clues about how to deploy drones for the wars of the future.

"Everybody in the Western military establishments is eagerly trying to understand and digest insights coming out of the war in Ukraine," said David Ochmanek, an analyst at the RAND Corporation.

"This sounds awful this way, but we don't have very many opportunities to learn from real-world, large-scale combat," he told BI.

Until recently, some military experts argued that drones were too easy to shoot down, and would likely only feature in wars between poorer nations without the resources to counter them.

But the lesson from Ukraine, Ochmanek believes, is that drones will feature in conflicts involving even the most powerful nations  on an even larger scale in Ukraine.

Instead of deploying individual drones, each of which is controlled by a single human operator, as in Ukraine, the US could field massive swarms of drones operating autonomously.

In the early hours of a conflict with a major power, such as China, they could help the US secure a key advantage, said Ochmanek.

"We have to find a way in the opening hours of a conflict with China, not weeks or days, but hours, to characterize what's happening in that battlespace, identify the targets of greatest interest, track those targets, and engage them to destroy them," said Ochmanek.

China seeks to neutralize US war plans

For years, a problem has bedeviled US military planners.

Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, the US developed tactics to rapidly wipe out an enemy's command systems and air defenses using a combination of satellite surveillance and precision-guided missiles.

The tactics were deployed to devastating effect by the US against Iraq in both 1991 and 2003. The US obliterated Iraqi air defenses in a matter of hours, giving it control of the battlefield and air space.

China, which was rapidly gaining economic and military might, was watching, and urgently upgraded its military and refined its tactics.

It found ways to move or conceal its air defense systems and other potential targets, making them difficult for the US to locate and potentially destroy, said Ochmanek. It also developed technology to shield the location of weapons and other key sites from satellites by "dazzling" them, say US military analysts.

The US was sent back to the drawing board, seeking to regain its advantage. And that, says Ochmanek, is where drones could come in.

A drone swarm offers key advantages in identifying targets in the early hours of a conflict.

They can deployed in such vast numbers that they overwhelm air defense systems. Once there, they can relay live data to human operators who would use it to guide precision missile attacks.

Even though the US uses drones far more expensive than the ones in Ukraine, they are still very cheap compared to a lot of military gear, like fighter jets.

"The drone swarm looks to us like a robust way to do what we need to do to gain the information we need so that the limited lethality we can generate in those opening hours and days of war is applied effectively and efficiently," said Ochmanek.

Killer robots

But critics are warning that the drone swarms could usher in a terrifying future .

Under the drone swarm plans envisaged by military experts, the machines rely on humans as decision-makers before any actual attacks are made. The drones only give information.

It would not be a big technological leap to give the drones power to make those decisions themselves too.

But the prospect of crossing that moral boundary is raising the alarm.

At the United Nations last year, several countries called for restrictions on the development and use of autonomous drones capable of making life-and-death decisions.

The US and China both opposed that plan, arguing that current restrictions on using any weapons to indiscriminately target civilians were sufficient to preclude a future of killer robots.

Kallenborn, the analyst, does support more explicit restrictions, arguing that drone swarms could be considered weapons of mass destruction and therefore need to be banned.

A key problem, he said, is that the technology can make mistakes. And because the drones communicate with each other, one mistake could rapidly spread and multiply.

"Autonomous, armed drone swarms should have restrictions on their use, especially drone swarms targeting humans. We know that autonomous weapons are prone to mistakes; a drone swarm scales that risk a thousandfold," said Kallenborn.

"A sensor drone might misidentify a school bus as a tank, and tell 10 other drones to blow it up too," he said.

Ochmanek stressed that targeting decisions for drone swarms should still be made by humans, with AI only synthesizing the data.

"As long as there's a communication link between the mesh and human operators in the rear, humans will be evaluating for themselves the extent to which the mesh is making accurate assessments," he said.

Countering the swarms

As well as developing plans to deploy drone swarms, defense companies are working on a playbook for countering them.

Research is underway on how to take them out using lasers or microwaves, though both approaches have drawbacks of their own.

Another possibility, said Ochmanek, is that drone swarms could be programmed to target other drone swarms.

So far, he added, no magic bullet had been found to counter the swarms. And despite fears about their autonomy, they seem poised to play a central role in the wars of the future.

Read the original article on Business Insider
How do you vote on stadiums tax in Jackson County for Kansas City Royals, Chiefs?

Kansas City and Jackson County residents are headed to the polls.

Tuesday is Election Day, and voters will decide whether to issue a 40-year, 3/8th-cent sales tax to help pay for a new Royals stadium in the Crossroads and renovations to the Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium.

Voters are eligible to cast their ballot in person until 5 p.m. today. This is officially called no-excuse absentee voting. In Kansas City, you can vote early at two locations:

For the rest of Jackson County  like in Raytown or Independence  you can go to the Jackson County Election Boards Absentee Office at 110 N. Liberty, Independence, until 5 p.m. today.

If KC gets a downtown stadium, where will everyone park? Royals say its not an issue

If you are waiting to vote on Election Day, heres what you need to have with you before you go to the polls.

How can I vote in Tuesdays election?

You can vote in Tuesdays election if you are registered to vote in Jackson County.

If you live in Kansas City, check your voter status on the Kansas City Election Board website to find your polling place. For those who live elsewhere in Jackson County, input your information in the Voter ID Lookup section in the election boards websites sidebar.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Registered Missouri voters will need a government-issued photo ID to vote. Accepted forms of photo ID for Missouri include:

A non-expired Missouri drivers license or a state ID

A non-expired military ID, including a veteran ID card

A U.S. passport or another form of photo ID issued by the U.S. government or the state of Missouri that has not expired
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  6,000 miles away a South Korean community erected a replica of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in recognition of a local park that turns 30 this year.

In 1994, the City of Las Vegas finished building Ansan Sister City Park in respect of the sisterhood relationship with the port city of Ansan, South Koreaa partnership Former Mayor Jan Jones Blackhurst recalls first spearheaded in 1987 by a Las Vegas city councilman.

I have to give credit to Councilman Arnie Adamsen, she said. He had initiated a very vibrant sister city program, and now we have sister cities in the Philippines, China, Thailand, and in Korea.

Ansan Sister City Parks commemoration ceremony in 1999 was underscored by the establishment of a plaque at the foot of a 10-foot pergola in the style of a traditional Korean gate.

In 1994, the City of Las Vegas finished building Ansan Sister City Park in respect of the sisterhood relationship with the port city of Ansan, South Koreaa partnership Former Mayor Jan Jones Blackhurst recalls first spearheaded in 1987 by a Las Vegas City Councilman Arnie Adamsen. (Credit: UNLV Collections)

At the center of the park, a statue was built of Mudong, which personifies the future view of Ansan Citys hope.

According to the plaque, Mudong was modeled after a modern sense with the sun on the right which symbolizes a sun that does not set forever.

You try to bring their culture into your culture, in a meaningful way, Jones Blackhurst said.

Jone Blackhurst pointed out that the sister city program brought with it commercial relationships and business connections that Las Vegas did not have before.

According to the plaque, Mudong was modeled after a modern sense with the sun on the right which symbolizes a sun that does not set forever. (Kim Jong-hwi)

We were successful in attracting businesses back then, she said.

Following the sisterhood Jones Blackhurst made a diplomatic visit to Ansan meeting with business leaders and local representatives.

They were very respectful and very honored that we took the time to visit their city, she said. I felt very honored in the respect and the attention with everythingthey took the time to show me about what it is like to live in Ansan.

In 1999, Jones Blackhurst completed her term as Las Vegas mayor, the first woman to do so, and said the sister city program started to wane under the tenure of the next mayor, Oscar Goodman.

They felt the sister city program wasnt a useful expenditure of public money, she said. We could debate that forever, but I think the cultural exchange is about understanding.

6,000 miles away a South Korean community erected a replica of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in recognition of a local park which turns 30 this year. (3 Kim Jong-hwi)

6,000 miles away a South Korean community erected a replica of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in recognition of a local park which turns 30 this year. (3 Kim Jong-hwi)

6,000 miles away a South Korean community erected a replica of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in recognition of a local park which turns 30 this year. (3 Kim Jong-hwi)

In 1994, the City of Las Vegas finished building Ansan Sister City Park in respect of the sisterhood relationship with the port city of Ansan, South Koreaa partnership Former Mayor Jan Jones Blackhurst recalls first spearheaded in 1987 by a Las Vegas city councilman. (KLAS)

6,000 miles away a South Korean community erected a replica of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in recognition of a local park which turns 30 this year. (3 Kim Jong-hwi)

6,000 miles away a South Korean community erected a replica of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in recognition of a local park which turns 30 this year. (3 Kim Jong-hwi)

Ildong Park

In 1995, the City of Ansan built a copy of Las Vegass Angel Park with two towers covered with Las Vegas iconography as part of the cultural exchange.

The park was named Ildong Park which translates to English as All Park, a name meant to emphasize the unity between two different cultures.

Kim Jong-hwi, a citizen journalist from Ansan, replied to 8 News Now with photos and video of the childrens park which shares a relationship with Las Vegas.

The people who live here have long called it Rabe for short, Kim wrote. Thats because the park is nicknamed Las Vegas Park.

Teachers take students from Hodong Elementary outside to the nearby park to enjoy the playground equipment and hold classes, according to Kim.

It is a space that helps elementary and junior high school students on their way to and from school, as well as after school games and activities, Kim wrote. It is a space that helps elementary and junior high school students on their way to and from school, as well as after-school games and activities.

The walkways are also paved with cushioned concrete, which is surrounded by Oak, Walnut, and Zelkova trees, foliage specifically added due to their relationship with Nevada nature.

Oak trees are known to be abundant in Las Vegas, Kim said.

In 2019, residents in Ansan formed the Revitalization Promotion Group to renovate Ildong Park which resulted in a new commemorative sculpture in the shape of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign.

A stone tablet the shape of the state of Nevada reads:

To commemorate the close sisterhood between Las Vegas and Ansan, the citizens of Las Vegas donate them to the citizens of Ansan. The park is a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two cities.

The tablet was originally located in the middle of the park but was moved underneath the new sign which also has a map to show residents where Las Vegas is located in the United States.

Jones Blackhurst reacted to photos of Ildong Park, hoping the impact of the relationship between the two cities continues to bring joy and connections.

Think for a young Korean child, who may never leave Korea, but they have a place they can go, and they can see icons of Las Vegas that they see on their TikTok or their Instagram. She said. Its meaningful, it brings the world closer together.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Western Michigan University students practice touch-and-goes on the runway at Battle Creek Executive Airport on Thursday, March 10, 2022.

BATTLE CREEK  Aviation enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft this weekend in Battle Creek.

Alpha Eta Rho Theta, the professional aviation fraternity at Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, will host its annual "fly-in" open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at WMU's Aviation Education Center, 237 Helmer Road North. Attendees will be able to get a closer look at WMU's training aircraft as well as aircraft from industry partners, including a passenger airliner.

"This is a great opportunity just to experience aviation up close and be surrounded by people who love aviation," Brady Noble, a WMU junior and event coordinator for Alpha Eta Rho Theta, explained Thursday. "This (event) allows us to get the community more involved with what we do, and to show off the College of Aviations operations to the local community."

State Rep. Jim Haadsma tours a 737 student flight simulator at Western Michigan University College of Aviation in Battle Creek on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase during the event starting at 11 a.m. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase seat time in WMU's flight simulators.

All proceeds from Saturday's event will help cover the cost of experiences for Alpha Eta Rho Theta members. Past trips have included tours of Delta Airlines in Detroit and United Airlines in Chicago.

Those interested in attending the fly-in are encouraged to RSVP online.

"If you have a plane, feel free to bring it," Noble said.

For more information, visit ahptheta.squarespace.com.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: WMU aviation fraternity hosting fly-in open house Saturday
When Colleen Jaeger and her husband found out they were pregnant with their second baby in 2021, she remembered seeing a Facebook post in a local mom groups about a new freestanding birth center, Trillium House, in town.

I did a quick internet search, found Trilliums website, and contacted them for a tour. I was excited that Lynchburg had its first freestanding birth center to provide as a resource to our community, she said.

She knew she wanted a midwife when she got pregnant with her first baby, and has continued to choose a midwife as her provider for subsequent pregnancies.

Midwives go through extensive training and education to become a midwife, so I felt confident choosing this path, she said. Trilliums midwives are credentialed as Certified Professional Midwives (CPM), licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and regulated by the Virginia Board of Medicine.

Her experience was so positive and impactful that she plans to give birth at Trillium again this summer and is currently receiving prenatal care for this pregnancy through midwife and owner Leslie Payne.

Trillium House, located at 3105 Fort Ave., came to be a reality when Payne decided she wanted to create a sustainable model for midwifery practice while expanding access to quality care within the community.

Being a midwife is not just a profession, its a calling, Payne said. However, financial sustainability and accessibility remain significant challenges in our field. I wanted there to be a space where midwives can collaborate, share resources and make midwifery care more accessible to families.

Through sharing rental expenses and facility fees among midwives, Payne has created a supportive ecosystem that fosters professional growth while ensuring affordability for clients.

The dream was to make midwifery care better available to the entire community, she said. By addressing financial barriers and promoting collaboration, we can elevate the standard of care and empower more families to embrace the journey of childbirth.

Payne has devoted her career to empowering women through childbirth and ensuring safe, personalized care for mothers and their babies. With an understanding of the history and evolution of midwifery, Payne said its been a journey from traditional practices to modern-day regulations.

Tracing back to the late 90s, Payne said there was an emergence of licensing for midwives, particularly in Virginia.

The credentialing for out-of-hospital midwives was a novel concept back then, she said. For centuries, midwifery was rooted in tradition and apprenticeship, serving communities across diverse backgrounds.

In Virginia, midwifery found its footing with the issuance of permits by the state health department, a milestone dating back to 1918. However, it wasnt until the late 20th century that formal training and licensing gained traction. Payne said there was a transition period marked by the coexistence of traditional midwives and the emergence of nurse midwives with advanced degrees in midwifery.

The landscape shifted with the rise of hospital births and the perception of safety associated with them, Payne said. While nurse midwives became prominent in hospital settings, a niche persisted for out-of-hospital midwives, especially among communities valuing personalized, home-based care.

The narrative of midwifery took a turn with the resurgence of interest in community birth attendants, thanks in part to pioneers such as Ina May Gaskin, an American midwife described by many as the mother of authentic midwifery. However, this resurgence was not without challenges, as medical societies advocated for hospital births, leading to the cessation of permits for many midwives across the country.

Midwifery is inherently political, she said. We sought a voice in shaping regulations to ensure that our unique approach to maternity and newborn care was respected.

In Virginia, three types of licensed midwives exist: nurse midwives, certified midwives and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). Payne said there is a distinction, particularly regarding the specialized focus of CPMs on maternity and newborn care during the childbearing years.

For CPMs, our training is tailored specifically for out-of-hospital midwifery, Payne said. While nurse midwives and certified midwives encompass a broader scope of womens health throughout their lifespan, CPMs specialize in the journey of childbirth.

She said becoming a CPM is a process that demands both practical experience and academic study.

Midwives often do work with doulas, who are valuable members of the team, Payne said.

Their focus is solely on providing emotional and physical support to expectant mothers and their families. They dont engage in clinical care or medical procedures but instead offer guidance, comfort measures and childbirth education, she said.

At Trillium, doulas play a significant role, often collaborating closely with midwives to enhance the birthing experience for clients.

Doulas bring a wealth of knowledge in comfort techniques and coping strategies, she said.

At Trillium, there is an increased sense of control that expectant mothers have over their birthing experience.

People have more control over the things that are controllable, she said.

Recognizing that childbirth is inherently unpredictable, Payne said its important to create an environment conducive to relaxation, as she believes that a relaxed state facilitates the physiological process of labor. She said midwifery care at Trillium House focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the birthing process to unfold naturally whenever possible.

I tell women to really think about where you feel the safest. Start there. And I mean, 99% of women in our country have their babies in the hospital so somebody feels safer there and thats fine, she said. If you feel safer in the hospital, thats where you should have your baby. Thats where its going to go the best for you.

She added the areas medical community is well-established and well-run and she doesnt want to disturb that.

We have worked really hard to get a working relationship and we now trust each other and that goes so much better than anything else, she said.

She advocates for a less intrusive approach to childbirth, suggesting women should be empowered to choose the setting where they feel most comfortable and supported.

Jaeger said she appreciated a more natural and holistic approach during her pregnancies than what is generally available in the average hospital using an OB-GYN.

I wanted a provider who would be supportive and respectful of that throughout my prenatal care and during my labor and delivery, she said. A holistic approach provides support that looks at the whole person. Specifically in pregnancy, a midwife provides education and individualized support with the mothers nutrition, wellness, emotional well-being and physical well-being.

She said at Trillium, all of her birthing preferences were respected and honored. When she arrived at the house during her labor and delivery, she entered into the birth suite she had selected and discovered its calming, peaceful atmosphere that was prepared in advance specifically for her.

I had autonomy to move freely, eat and drink, and move into various positions all while feeling supported in a peaceful and safe environment, she said.

Prenatal and postpartum care provided by midwives at Trillium diverges from the standard practices in medical settings. Midwives offer more frequent and personalized visits, often conducting home visits in the postpartum period to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

Jaeger recommends anyone wanting to know more about using a midwife and their approach to prenatal care and birth to take a tour of Trillium House.

This will help facilitate a more informed decision regarding their care, she said. Ultimately, a woman should birth where she feels safest. She should feel supported, empowered, and respected throughout her pregnancy, during her labor and delivery, and in her postpartum period.
TOKYO, Apr 01 (News On Japan) - In an unexpected move, the SCP Foundation has ventured into the movie industry, announcing the production of "SCP-682: The Unkillable Menace."

The trailer showcases the terrifying visage of SCP-682 and the foundation's fervent struggle against it, setting the stage for a cinematic exploration of one of the SCP universe's most formidable entities.

Source:  
 Flash

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday.

During the visit, Liu met and exchanged views with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party President Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and other leaders of political parties in the ruling coalition.

Liu also attended an exchange event with Thai youth and met with Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group.

The two sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, take the opportunity of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on experience in governance, advance practical cooperation in various fields, enhance mutual understanding between the people, promote the development of China-ASEAN relations, and work together to build a China-Thailand community with a shared future.
TOKYO, Apr 01 (News On Japan) - On the last day of March, various locations across Japan recorded summer-like temperatures, impact cherry blossoms, which have bloomed later than usual.

More than 100 locations nationwide experienced "summer days" with temperatures exceeding 25C. In Tokyo, the mercury hit 28.1C, marking the highest March temperature in roughly 150 years of observations. Runners around the Imperial Palace were seen sweating profusely.

The unusual warmth led to expectations that cherry blossoms might bloom faster. However, visitors along Meguro River, a popular cherry blossom spot, found many trees still budding.

Last year, Meguro River was in full bloom by March 29, but this year, the late February and early March cold snap has delayed the blossoms' growth. This year has seen the latest cherry blossom opening in a decade.

A baked sweet potato stand along Meguro River, operating for the sixth year, lamented the unusual situation caused by the delayed bloom. The owner, Mr. Kawashima of IMOS cafestand, mentioned having an excess stock of about 1,000 sweet potatoes due to the bloom's delay and sudden warmth.

Despite the heat, traditional hot sweet potatoes are now being served at room temperature to adapt to the weather. Meanwhile, Ueno Park saw the usual scenes of heavily intoxicated cherry blossom viewers, with police having to assist some revelers.

Foreign tourists, looking forward to the cherry blossoms, found themselves "people watching" instead due to the lack of blooms. Yet, some visitors are pleased with the delay, hoping for blossoms to coincide with the school entrance ceremonies, allowing for beautiful photos during this significant time.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Apr 01 (News On Japan) - The eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Princess Aiko, has officially joined the Japanese Red Cross Society, expressing her aspirations as she steps into her role.

Princess Aiko shared her feelings about beginning her career: "I felt a sense of solemnity realizing that I have taken a step forward as a working adult. My parents sent me off with words of encouragement, telling me to 'do my best.' As I start my days as a member of the workforce, I hope to quickly become accustomed to my workplace and do my best to be of service to everyone."

On Monday morning, just before 9:30 AM, Princess Aiko, along with other new employees, received her assignment notification from the president at the Japanese Red Cross Society's headquarters located in Minato, Tokyo.

Princess Aiko will work as a "contract employee," and her attendance will not be daily. She plans to balance her duties at the Japanese Red Cross with her responsibilities as a member of the Imperial Family, coordinating with the organization as needed.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Apr 01 (News On Japan) - Companies across Japan held their entrance ceremonies on April 1st, welcoming new employees who have weathered the coronavirus pandemic into their first steps in professional life.

The ANA Group celebrated the induction of 2,848 new employees in a ceremony held at Haneda Airport's hangar, the first such large-scale event in five years, including cabin crew members joining for the first time in four years.

Convenience store giant Lawson, in line with the enforcement of the revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities, taught its 107 new employees basic greetings in sign language. Additionally, an avatar, already in use in stores to address labor shortages, played the role of the master of ceremonies.

A new employee at Sompo Japan expressed concerns about recent misconduct within the industry: "Although I felt somewhat anxious about the consecutive incidents of misconduct, I've come to take it personally. It's important for me to sincerely engage with each customer as I step into society."

At Big Motor, a major used car dealer faced with orders for business improvement due to insurance fraud and cartel issues, approximately 170 new employees attended their entrance ceremony.

The Daiwa Securities Group, buzzing with the excitement of a buoyant stock market, welcomed 486 new employees, who approached their entrance ceremony with nervous anticipation.

Source: ANN
Industry minister Ryad Mezzour expects the production capacity of Moroccos automotive sector to increase to 1.5 million cars by 2026.

We will hit the 1 million car milestone next year as Stellatis doubles its production capacity, Mezzour told Medias24 in an interview.

By 2026, Morocco would be able to double its current production capacity to 1.5 million cars, he said.

Morocco is home to Renault factories in Tangier and Kenitra and Stellantis plants in Kenitra. It also has a vast network of local suppliers that enabled increasing the locally made parts in the cars it exports.

The country is also preparing its automotive clusters to the transition to electric vehicles. A first step has been taken with the setting up of an industrial zone in Casablanca dedicated to EV battery making.

The first investment in a cathode plant, key EV battery ingredient, is already underway by Chinas BTR New Material Group in Tangier.

The plant would cost 300 million dollars and produce 50,000 tons of cathode annually.
Once a model of urban development in Africa, Johannesburg has come to represent all that is wrong with urbanization in the continent due to the failure of the ruling party, ANC, to provide basic services and upgrade infrastructure.

The city came to the spotlight of several international media outlets such as the Financial Times and most recently the Telegraph, which described the South African industrial powerhouse as a city in decay.

Roads littered with potholes. Broken traffic lights not repaired for months. Rotting rubbish in the streets, said The Telegraph in a scant criticism of the ANC which controls the citys municipality.

From taps regularly running dry to daily four-hour power cuts  known locally as load shedding  life for many people in Joburg has declined dramatically, it said.

The city, Africas most insecure metropolis, has also been hit by endemic unemployment that increased grievances. The situation is set to cast a shadow over the countrys upcoming elections where the ANC is expected to have a tough challenge.
In this era of geopolitical competition and realignment, India recognizes Africa as a key component in its pursuit of superpower status and the continent is thus becoming a crucial player in New Delhis ambitious quest for global economic dominance.

Indias multifaceted relationship with African countries is set for a fundamental transformation, as the continent is becoming a crucial player in New Delhis global ambitions. A case in point was a naval exercise IMT Trilat held on 21-29 March involving India, Mozambique, and Tanzania that has been hailed as a testament to the strengthening ties between the participating nations. The Indian navys recent activities off the northeast coast of Africa, particularly in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the threat of piracy, underscore its commitment to regional security. In the latest move, Ethiopias ambassador to India has recently revealed that the two countries are in the final stages of clinching defense cooperation.

But beyond boosting its strategic military partnerships, India has also used strong trade investments and expanding diplomatic relations to gain a substantial foothold on the continent as part of its broader global economic strategy. India is Africas third-largest trading partner behind the European Union and China and Indias trade with African nations has grown 18% annually over the past 20 years, hitting US$103 billion in 2023. As Africa houses three-fourths of humanity and over 39% of the global GDP, India needs to centre African countries in its engagement with the developing world, according to Veda Vaidyanathan, associate fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP). In a recent opinion, Vaidyanathan argues that as Indias aspirations for the Global South take shape, leveraging historical partnerships with African countries remains imperative.
 Flash

A survivor is rescued from rubble after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Health Ministry in Gaza announced on Sunday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,782.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 77 Palestinians and wounded 108 others, the ministry added in a press statement.

This brings the total death toll to 32,782 and injuries to 75,298 since the current Israel-Palestinian conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the ministry.

Israeli media outlets reported that fighting is continuing in the Shifa Complex area in Gaza City, noting that army forces are waging battles while avoiding harming civilians, patients, and medical staff.

It added that Air Force planes attacked several buildings in the Al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City to foil anti-tank missiles and sniper attempts against Israeli army forces.

It explained that dozens of militants were killed during the past 24 hours throughout the Gaza Strip, and the Air Force attacked about 80 targets, including military buildings and other military infrastructure.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.
The security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has further deteriorated, despite the recently held peaceful elections, as M23 rebels continue to expand its territory, the United Nations has warned.

The armed group M23 is making significant advances and expanding its territory to unprecedented levels, Bintou Keita, the head of the UNs DRC peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, told the UN Security Council last week, warning of a rapidly deteriorating security situation and a humanitarian crisis reaching near catastrophic levels. More than 7.1 million people have been displaced in the country. That is 800,000 people more since my last briefing three months ago, said the head of the UN mission as it begins its phased withdrawal after 25 years of its presence in the country.

The situation in the eastern DRC is at a breaking point, as the M23 has intensified its fighting with the Congolese army, expanding the war to the outskirts of Sake, a village 25km from the regional capital Goma. With hundreds of thousands of civilians pushed from their homes, the DRC is the country most affected by food insecurity, she pointed out, noting that one Congolese person out of four faces hunger and malnutrition. Plagued by violence for 30 years, the DRCs Eastern region has seen more than 200 armed groups roaming the area, vying for control of its precious minerals, including cobalt and coltan, two key elements needed to produce batteries. Kinshasa, alongside the UN and the United States and other Western powers, have accused neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23, a claim that Kigali has denied.
The new European Union anti-deforestation law, which aims at protecting dwindling forests by outlawing products sourced from deforested areas, is closely watched in parts of Africa, with some local traders arguing that the new rules effectively dissuade European companies from purchasing their coffee.

Some industry sources have cautioned that the new rules requiring companies to provide more detailed evidence that the coffee they sell is not linked to deforestation will reorder how the world gets its coffee. In particular, the cost and difficulty of complying with the new law, which comes into force late in 2024, was already having unintended impacts that could in time reshape global commodities markets. Experts also warn the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) could particularly penalize so-called smallholder coffee farmers in Africa, and it will thus effectively create new winners and losers. Already, orders for Ethiopian grown coffee have reportedly fallen, which could also be because the countrys authorities have been slow to react to the new EU rules.

Ethiopia, where coffee makes up about a third of total export earnings, according to a US Department of Agriculture report, rolled out a national plan in February 2024 but it has so far failed to resolve the fundamental issue of how to gather required data from millions of small farmers and provide that information to buyers. That requires a huge amount of resources, said Gizat Worku, head of the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association, adding that orders are falling due to doubts about the countrys ability to comply with the EUDR. With an estimated 25 million smallholder farmers who produce about 80% of the coffee consumed worldwide, many of whom live in remote places with patchy internet, the implementation of the new EU regulation will not be easy.
Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Mustafa, commended King Mohammed VI for his constant positions and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

This came in a phone talk the Palestinian official had on Sunday with Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, reported the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA).

During the talk, Bourita congratulated Mohammed Mustafa on his appointment by the Palestinian president to form a new cabinet, while also entrusting him with the Foreign Affairs portfolio. Bourita also wished the new executive every success in its mission to serve the Palestinian people and defend their legitimate rights, WAFA added.

The two parties reiterated their determination to pursue cooperation and coordination, in line with the shared vision of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, and president Mahmoud Abbas.
A Palestinian family breaks the Ramadan fast in their house in Rafah, which was destroyed by an Israeli attack. Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/Anadolu via Getty Images

For most of March, Anas woke up and went out into Gaza City to look for food. On any given day, the 23-year-old would spend up to eight hours walking through the rubble, searching for anything edible to bring home and divide among the 12 members of his family.

After six months of war, there are no markets left in the city, but that doesnt mean theres nothing for sale. Its like a black market, says Anas, who used to work as a network engineer and spoke on a first-name basis out of fear of being targeted by the Israeli military. You walk around and find people selling stolen stuff. Hell walk a few miles, find nothing, then try looking in another neighborhood. Sometimes hell bring back a can of mushrooms, or maybe two pounds of rice, which can cost $45. Prices have jumped tenfold since October 7. We eat one meal a day in order to sustain ourselves against the scarcity of food, he says. Fresh vegetables are nonexistent. Flour is in short supply and exorbitantly priced. Even for $200, you need to search long and wide and have a special connection to even be able to find a single meal, Anas says. It feels like a miracle when you find anything at all.

Not long ago, he found the miraculous: a can of chicken mortadella, processed with spices and ready to slice, for only $27. He brought it home and prepared it, a tiny feast, as a surprise for his family.

Israel has effectively sealed off the Gaza Strip in its war against Hamas, stanching the previous flow of food, water, and medicine. Now, according to authorities, over 1 million people  half of Gazas population  are in the midst of a famine. Twenty-seven children have reportedly already starved to death in northern Gaza, where the famine is concentrated and where as many as a quarter of all children under 5 are suffering from acute malnutrition, according to the United Nations. In the south, the other half of the population is expected to experience famine by the end of spring in what the U.N. calls a reasonable worst-case scenario. People who dont live near a functional market or cant afford the price gouging mostly rely on aid, lining up to get food from agencies like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and the World Food Program or from disaster-relief nonprofits like World Central Kitchen, and not nearly enough humanitarian relief is making it into Gaza.

When aid is delivered, it is done so at enormous risk. On Monday, an Israeli airstrike on a World Central Kitchen convoy killed seven people. The group said the convoy was leaving a warehouse in central Gaza after delivering more than 100 tons of food aid. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said his countrys forces unintentionally hit innocent people in a tragic incident.

This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war, said Erin Gore, chief executive of World Central Kitchen, according to Reuters. This is unforgivable. The group said it will pause further operations.

Before the war, an estimated 500 trucks entered Gaza each day, carrying commercial food imports and other goods as well as international aid. Six months in, this number has dropped by 80 percent. Israel has rejected some shipments of aid and slowed others with lengthy checks to prevent, it says, Hamas from smuggling in weapons and supplies. (A recent report showed lines of trucks, filled mostly with food, stretching for nearly two miles at one Israeli crossing point as they waited to enter.) Between February 5 and March 5, the U.N. said only ten to 15 trucks of food were allowed into the Gaza City area to feed roughly 300,000 people.

The European Unions foreign-policy chief has accused Israel of provoking famine and using starvation as a weapon of war, which the U.N.s top human-rights official recently said could amount to a war crime. Israeli officials have denied that the inspection process limits any aid, claiming that the U.N. is at fault for failing to distribute food inside Gaza and that Hamas and looters have stolen the aid. They have also said employees of UNRWA, the biggest coordinator of aid within Gaza, have ties to Hamas, and the officials have now told the U.N. they will bar all UNRWA food convoys from entering northern Gaza.

Nonprofits and foreign governments are attempting to work around Israel by delivering aid by air or sea. World Central Kitchen, which distributes food throughout Gaza, has built a jetty to meet aid ships from Cyprus. President Biden has announced the U.S. will also build a pier to allow a larger flow of aid. In the meantime, the proposed solution of airdropping bundles of food is wildly inadequate; besides the fact that airdrops sometimes kill the very people they are intended to help, the drops cant deliver anything close to the amount of food needed.

When food does make it in, it can be extremely difficult for Gazans to reach. In early March, there was the flour massacre, in which Israeli soldiers fired on Palestinians who had come to collect flour from a convoy in Gaza City, with at least 112 people dying between the gunfire and a stampede. The same month, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed multiple people in charge of distributing humanitarian aid, including the chief of Gazas emergency committee. By the end of March, Reuters has reported, half of the aid warehouses used to store food in Gaza have been so damaged by the fighting they are no longer operational.

From left: A baker in Nuseirat. It can be 200 people on top of each other at the bakery, Al-Sammak says. Photo: Haneen Al-Sammak Sacks of flour waiting to be distributed in Nuseirat. From top: A baker in Nuseirat. It can be 200 people on top of each other at the bakery, Al-Sammak says. Photo: Haneen Al-Sammak Sacks of flour waitin... more From top: A baker in Nuseirat. It can be 200 people on top of each other at the bakery, Al-Sammak says. Photo: Haneen Al-Sammak Sacks of flour waiting to be distributed in Nuseirat.

The way it works with food is you have to go and look for it, says Haneen Al-Sammak, a 48-year-old former resident of Gaza City. She worked in disability NGOs until October when she fled the city with her husband and three daughters. They first sheltered near the Nuseirat refugee camp. When we left Gaza City, there was all kinds of food, she says. Cheese, labneh, eggs, vegetables, fruits, meat, chicken, liver, nuts, sugar, oil, dates, juices, sweets, chocolate. Everything was available and accessible.

By November, food was already starting to run low. Al-Sammaks family was out of flour and trying to grind wheat with corn when they heard that UNRWA, or possibly the World Food Program, would be distributing aid. We would go every day and ask when we could sign up, she says. At an aid center, her family was given a number, and after more than a month, it was their turn. Her husband waited in line for eight hours with what she estimates were 10,000 other people. He received three 55-pound bags of flour meant to last two months.

In January, several countries, including the U.S., pulled funding from UNRWA in response to Israels allegations that 12 of the agencys 13,000 members took part in the Hamas attack of October 7. The funding freeze has threatened the organizations ability to provide aid, and Al-Sammak says that while her family was scheduled to get flour again in February, they never received any. They have used savings to buy flour on the black market instead.

A month ago, Al-Sammaks family finally managed to find housing in Al-Zawayda, a town in central Gaza. Now, she travels an hour every day on foot or by donkey cart to whats left of the market there and spends two hours searching for food. Most of what the family eats at this point is canned. We eat a lot of beans, she says. Lentils, lentils, lentils. Like Anas, she and her family eat one meal a day. I make one dish, like bazella. I cook enough for us to eat today and tomorrow. Bazella is usually made with meat; she is forced to make it only with peas.

Every couple of days, she takes two pounds of flour to the bakery, waits in line, and gives the flour to the baker along with a small fee in exchange for bread. The bakery is the only option, she says. When you cook, you need to have either fuel or gas, and we dont always have enough. The lack of reliable fuel also means the food she makes isnt cooked all the way through sometimes, which causes indigestion and pain.

Trying to describe what this kind of hunger feels like, Al-Sammak hesitates. It is exhaustion, she says. Headaches. You cant walk any distance. You feel like you want to sleep all the time. Her familys bodies are showing the toll. When my daughters go to the bathroom, they spend a very, very long time in the bathroom, she says. We can go a day or two without going to the bathroom.

Still, she points out, her situation is better than many. Shes in central Gaza and lives in a building, not a tent. She had some money saved. Anas, in Gaza City, is a different story. Early on, his family pooled their money, trying to stockpile as much food as they could. We tried to collect our resources when we could still find what to buy, he says. But its already been six months with no way to earn an income, so it has been basically impossible to access any food or money. The people of Gaza are not rich. We were not prepared for this kind of loss.

Anas and his family live less than half a mile from Al-Shifa Hospital, where Israeli forces and Hamas fighters have been clashing for two weeks. The fighting has made Anass daylong searches impossible. We are unable to move, neither in search of food nor water, he says. The drones are shooting at anything that moves.

The food his family currently has stored was bought more than a week ago, and theyre running out of water. According to the World Food Program, most people in northern Gaza have access to less than one liter of water per person, per day. Anass family has resorted to drinking water from a nearby well, which he says is contaminated.

But contaminated water matters only if you live long enough to drink it. Hunger is not our main preoccupation, he says. The hunger itself, we feel it, but we are not as concerned with hunger in relation to the fear. What we are thinking about is the next shell. Anas says the constant shooting and explosions are moving closer to his home and growing more severe. He calls March 25 the worst night of the war he has experienced and shares a video in which massive clouds of dust billow through a hazy sky just a few houses away. We are hungry, he says, but whats on our minds is that this might be our last day.

He and his family have moved around within Gaza City multiple times in search of safety, but they havent tried to leave entirely. Even if we reach the south, the basic components of life cannot be found there, he says, a statement with which the U.N.s Famine Review Committee seems to agree. If we had the resources to get out, to leave, we would escape the whole Gaza Strip. But thats not a possibility. When Anas leaves a message, under his quiet voice is the low, heavy buzz of drones.

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Abortion politics have become deadly serious since Roe was overturned. Photo: Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

The relationship between the anti-abortion movement and the Republican Party used to be largely a lopsided arrangement benefitting the GOP. The movement supplied party foot soldiers, vast small-dollar donations, and large blocs of Republican votes, and obtained in return an awful lot of symbolic gestures and a stack of IOUs that could have reached the moon. So long as abortion rights were (more or less) guaranteed as a matter of federal constitutional law, Republicans didnt pay much of a price for being the anti-abortion party in a country where the right to choose prior to fetal viability was not only the law of the land, but was consistently a popular position.

All that changed, of course, when Donald Trump delivered what Republican politicians had teased for all those years: a Supreme Court that would reverse Roe v. Wade. Suddenly abortion was no longer a symbolic issue to most voters but an urgent and impossible-to-avoid priority. And now all those IOUs Republicans cheerfully wrote to the people who believe in using the power of government to force every pregnancy to full term are coming due.

And as GOP politicians are beginning to realize, to their horror, its not just a matter of being on the wrong side of an aroused majority of Americans who would prefer that Roe were still in place. Their anti-abortion allies want laws and policies reflecting their own extreme views on when the right to life begins and womens rights abruptly end. Thats why the Alabama Supreme Court decision in February imposing the doctrine of fetal personhood on IVF procedures was such an important landmark.

As Politico reports, even as Republican politicians (in Alabama and elsewhere) have tripped over each other to affirm their love for IVF treatments and distance themselves from the belief that every fertilized ovum deserves the same legal protections as me or you, anti-abortion activists are girding up their loins for a new battle to reassert control of the GOP:

Anti-abortion advocates worked for five decades to topple Roe v. Wade. Theyre now laying the groundwork for a yearslong fight to curb in vitro fertilization. 

Since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled last month that frozen embryos are children, the Heritage Foundation and other conservative groups have been strategizing how to convince not just GOP officials but evangelicals broadly that they should have serious moral concerns about fertility treatments like IVF and that access to them should be curtailed.

In short, they want to re-run the Roe playbook.

Its true that in the days immediately after Roe was handed down in 1973, the anti-abortion movement was centered among Roman Catholics, with conservative Evangelicals being either disengaged from the battle or even modestly pro-choice. The emergence of abortion bans as a conservative Evangelical political cause celebre didnt really take hold until the 1980s, and it was part of a general mobilization against feminism, non-biblical lifestyles, and the alleged persecution of conservative Christians. Fetal personhood, however, was always a tough sell even among conservative Evangelicals precisely because of the implications for IVF, that most pro-family of medical treatments, not to mention wildly popular methods of contraception that operate by interfering with the implantation of a fertilized ovum in the uterine wall.

Fetal-personhood ballot initiatives in the states (three in Colorado, and one each in Mississippi, North Dakota, and Rhode Island) have uniformly gone down to overwhelming defeat. The most significant test was in Mississippi in 2011, when a proposed state-constitutional amendment that defined as a person every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof. Despite backing from this deep-red states Republican governor and lieutenant governor, the initiative lost by a 58 percent to 42 percent margin, which was in fact the high watermark for such measures.

So how do anti-abortion ultras plan to turn this around? According to Politicos interviews, they plan to work on opinion-leading elites in both the political and religious worlds:

Organizations including Heritage, former Vice President Mike Pences group Advancing American Freedom, and the Southern Baptist Conventions public advocacy-focused Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission have worked behind the scenes over the last few weeks to distribute talking points, circulate policy recommendations and educate Republican officials and their staff about their ethical concerns with how IVF is commonly practiced in the United States. 

At the same time, they have been having conversations within their conservative Christian circles that have revealed how much work they need to do to convince evangelicals that there are ethical problems with the procedure. Most evangelical denominations have not taken firm stances on restricting fertility services like IVF.

Add it all up, and fighting to limit IVF is a big-time political loser:

A CBS News/YouGov poll earlier this month found that 86 percent of respondents thought IVF should be legal, and a survey released in December by a firm run by Kellyanne Conway, former President Donald Trumps former senior counselor and campaign manager, found that IVF had 78 percent support among self-identified pro-life advocates and 83 percent among evangelical Christians.

In other words, those anti-abortion activists who viewed the reversal of Roe as just the first step toward a national regime of fetal personhood are facing a situation where the demands they are placing on the GOP amount to political suicide. No matter how much Republicans owe to the forced-birth lobby, they are going to fight like hell to liberate themselves from its grip, most especially in the 2024 elections, when most GOP politicians would prefer never to hear the word abortion uttered on the campaign trail. Trumps threat to make a 15-week abortion ban part of his own campaign agenda could be the least of their problems.
Photo: Adalberto Roque/AFP via Getty Images

For several years, national-security experts, scientists, and commentators have been locked in an ongoing debate about the nature and causes of Havana syndrome, the mysterious ailment that began affecting diplomats and spies stationed abroad in the mid-2010s, who experienced debilitating headaches, vertigo, and impacted vision and hearing. Were the painful symptoms the result of a directed-energy beam designed to impair U.S. officials? Were they side effects of some sort of device aiming their computers? With multiple studies unable to pinpoint specific physical damage suffered by victims and an intelligence report casting doubt that a foreign adversary was involved, some suggested that the real culprit was a mass psychogenic illness. Regardless of the cause, Congress passed a law in October 2021 guaranteeing medical care for the 1,500 or so bureaucrats and spooks who have reported experiencing Havana syndromes puzzling suite of symptoms.

The conversation around Havana syndrome had quieted down a bit. But a 60 Minutes report brought it back to life. The show collaborated with a Bulgarian journalist named Christo Grozev, who, in 2018, broke the story of a secret Russian intelligence group called Unit 29155, which has been linked to assassination attempts and clandestine attacks. Grozev sourced a 2014 email from an assistant to a deputy commander of the unit claiming that they were researching potential capabilities of non-lethal acoustic weapons in combat activities in urban settings. He told 60 Minutes that he believes this is evidence that this particular unit had been engaged with  somewhere, somehow  empirical tests of a directed energy unit. Grozev, who collaborated on the research with the German newspaper Der Spiegel, also traced the location of Unit 29155 members to locations where Americans were reporting Havana syndrome symptoms just before the events occurred. In the 60 Minutes segment, the retired Army lieutenant colonel who led the Pentagon investigation into the mysterious ailment also claimed he was confident that Russia was behind the phenomenon. Consistently there was a Russia nexus, he said.

CBS also aired the account of an unnamed FBI agent who claimed that she was experiencing intense pain and disorientation while at home in Florida in 2021. At the time, CBS reports that she was investigating a Russian national with a top security clearance named Vitalii Kovalev, who was arrested for evading police during a high-speed chase in which police officers found a suspicious device that would wipe his cars GPS history. After Kavolevs arrest, the FBI agent claims that she began experiencing symptoms. Kovalev has since died in the war in Ukraine.

For the first time, theres evidence of who might be behind the mysterious neurological symptoms known as Havana Syndrome, which has been reported by many American officials. https://t.co/5gpaz2Toy7 pic.twitter.com/vWAc8cv0ef  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 31, 2024

U.S. intelligence officials have cast doubt that an adversary is targeting Americans with some sort of microwave or directed-energy weapon. In March 2023, an intelligence community assessment from seven agencies determined that it is very unlikely that Russia or another country is behind the attacks. Instead, the report claimed it was probably the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary, such as pre-existing conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors. That assessment was backed up by a report from the National Institutes of Health released last month in which researchers did not find evidence of brain injury in people reporting Havana syndrome symptoms.

Experts who spoke with the Wall Street Journal were also doubtful that microwave weapons are ready for deployment. While microwave weapons exist, University of Pennsylvania bioengineering emeritus professor Kenneth Foster said that they would need to be moved around in a shipping container  not exactly the subtle spycraft detailed in victim accounts so far. Field-leading biophysicist Allan Frey also noted that the energy from microwave weapons would be detectable. He claims that the CIA told him that in several cases of Havana symptoms, no energy was detected.

I and my leadership team stand firmly behind the work conducted and the findings, CIA director William Burns said in 2023. I want to be absolutely clear: These findings do not call into question the experiences and real health issues that U.S. government personnel and their family members  including CIAs own officers  have reported while serving our country.

At least Russian intelligence and the CIA can agree on one thing for now. On Monday, Kremlin spokeperson Dmitry Peskov denied the allegations in the 60 Minutes report, claiming that this is nothing more than a baseless accusation.
If you spent any time online Sunday, you probably noticed a small set piece of culture-war theater. The supposed trigger was the Biden administration recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31. Conservatives exploded in indignation. This is an intentional attempt to insult and mock Christians across America, claimed Mississippi governor Tate Reeves. The timing is not coincidental, fumed National Review senior writer Dan McLaughlin.

The timing was, in fact, entirely coincidental. Transgender Day of Visibility has taken place on March 31 for several years, and this year, Easter, whose date changes year to year, happened to occur the same day. The coincidence of timing was enough to set off a whole days worth of outrage chum in the conservative-news sphere. For millions of conservative Christians, fulminating at Bidens latest secular progressive offense was incorporated into the holiday observance.

The War on Christmas has been such a successful event for the conservative politics industry, supplying hours of outrage fodder and fundraising chum, that it was a matter of time until the franchise would expand to Easter. But the episode is also a reflection of the slow merging of Republican politics with political Christianity, a process that has helped create Donald Trumps quasi-religious personality cult.

In the middle of the 20th century, the separation of church and state had grown from a legal concept to a social ethos. My mom was still directed to say the Lords Prayer every morning in her public school, but schools had mostly stopped organizing sectarian religious observance, and public officials generally came to respect the liberal notion that the United States contained diverse religious identities and none would dominate the others.

The rise of the Christian right and its entry into the Republican Party during the Reagan era upset this balance. Right-wing religious activists like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell treated religious neutrality as a form of anti-Christian oppression, infusing the Republican Party with a newfound desire to imbue Christianity into the public sphere. By the George W. Bush administration, with its habitual invocation of divine inspiration for its governing agenda, liberal critics had grown concerned with the prospect of theocracy.

But a more precise definition of the phenomenon would be less the takeover of the state by the church than a slow subsuming of Christianity into right-wing political identity.

The premise of this belief system is that Christianity faces a mortal threat from secular liberalism. (Despite having stood trembling on the precipice of extinction for more than four decades, it has managed to survive nonetheless.) The Republican Party is the political arm and practical savior of the faith, and any enemy of the party is therefore an enemy of Christianity.

One of Donald Trumps few areas of genuine expertise is a shrewd grasp of conservative psychology, honed from endless hours of mainlining conservative media. Trump has progressively incorporated more Christian iconography into his campaign. He has introduced prayers at his rallies, hawked Bibles, and used his social-media account to promote messages by his followers tastefully likening him to Jesus. One recent Trump post quotes a devotee writing, Its ironic that Christ walked through His greatest persecution the very week they are trying to steal your property from you. Another links to an op-ed in the Washington Times (a conservative newspaper founded by Unification Church cult leader Sun Myung Moon) headlined, The Crucifixion of Donald Trump.

To outsiders, it seems bizarre that devout followers of Christianity (or any faith) would respect, let alone virtually worship, one of the worst human beings in America. But it all simply follows from the mistaken but fervently held belief that Christianity is fighting a losing war for its survival against liberalism.

If you hold this to be true, then right-wing politics supersedes any other manifestation of faith. Joe Biden is a devout Catholic who attends church weekly, and he issued a statement on Easter Sunday proclaiming, Easter reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christs Resurrection. As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities. And with wars and conflict taking a toll on innocent lives around the world, we renew our commitment to work for peace, security, and dignity for all people.

As a non-Christian, this is hardly my cup of tea, and I prefer the days when presidents and other public leaders kept their religious beliefs private. Still, it presents a stark contrast with Trumps Easter message:

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL, INCLUDING CROOKED AND CORRUPT PROSECUTORS AND JUDGES THAT ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO INTERFERE WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2024, AND PUT ME IN PRISON, INCLUDING THOSE MANY PEOPLE THAT I COMPLETELY & TOTALLY DESPISE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO DESTROY AMERICA, A NOW FAILING NATION, LIKE DERANGED JACK SMITH, WHO IS EVIL AND SICK, MRS. FANI FAUNI WADE, WHO SAID SHE HARDLY KNEW THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR, ONLY TO FIND THAT HE SPENT YEARS LOVING HER, LONG BEFORE THE GEORGIA PERSECUTION OF PRESIDENT TRUMP BEGAN (AND THEREBY MAKING THE CASE AGAINST ME NULL, VOID, AND ILLEGAL!), AND LAZY ON VIOLENT CRIME ALVIN BRAGG WHO, WITH CROOKED JOES DOJ THUGS, UNFAIRLY WORKING IN THE D.A.s OFFICE, ILLEGALLY INDICTED ME ON A CASE HE NEVER WANTED TO BRING AND VIRTUALLY ALL LEGAL SCHOLARS SAY IS A CASE THAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT, IS BREAKING THE LAW IN DOING SO (POMERANTZ!), WAS TURNED DOWN BY ALL OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES, AND IS NOT A CRIME. HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Compared with Bidens missive, Trumps is ironically far more secular. It begins and ends by acknowledging Easter, but you could cut and paste any holiday into that space, which uses the occasion as a pretext to draw attention to his personal grievances. Trump is observing Easter just as he observes all major holidays, secular or religious. In a sense, this deranged screed is a triumph of the ethos of separation of church and state.

But in the right-wing imagination, it is Biden who is sacrilegious and Trump who is devout. Conservative victimization has become an important aspect of Christian observance. By taking time in his Easter Sunday to marinade in narcissistic grievance, while his godless opponent merely wrote a paean to Jesus, Trump demonstrated his adherence to the authentic faith of his fellow believers.
 Flash

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan casts his vote in Istanbul, Turkiye, March 31, 2024. [Photo/Turkish Presidency handout via Xinhua]

Turkiye's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), led in local elections in key cities, including the country's largest city Istanbul and the capital Ankara, on Sunday, with over 51 percent of the votes, local NTV broadcaster reported, citing initial results.

Turkish Supreme Election Council Chairman Ahmet Yener said 51.2 percent of the total votes were counted and the vote count is still ongoing.

After 79 percent of ballot boxes in Istanbul opened, the incumbent mayor Ekrem Imamoglu representing the CHP garnered 50.53 percent of the votes, while Murat Kurum, the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), got 40.72 percent.

The CHP is also poised to retain its control of the capital Ankara as well, as the incumbent mayor Mansur Yavas from the CHP has kept his post, with 58.98 percent of the votes, against the AKP candidate Turgut Altinok, who got 32.9 percent.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party lost control of both cities in the last local elections in 2019. In May last year, Erdogan was reelected as president and his alliance secured a majority of seats in the parliament.
When OPEC and its partners led by Russia first announced additional oil production cuts last year, the market brushed it off. Prices fell. Forecasts for peak oil demand echoed off news publications.

OPEC+ persevered, however. It persevered to the point where some analysts noted that there was no longer a way back, and the cartel would have to make the cuts permanent if it didn't want to see prices plummet at the slightest sign of production growth. And then something happened. The market caught up.

Brent crude closed above $87 per barrel on Friday and still has higher to go if analysts from some of the biggest banks are to be believed. Of course, analysts are often wrong since they are not immune to errors, and indeed, many made an error this time: they believed the oil demand decline predictions coming from organizations with a vested interest in such a development. And they missed the supply tightening risk.

That tightened supply is already a fact. This is what prices are reacting to, as reports about declines in global oil inventories and lower OPEC+ output come in. McKinsey reported in February that global oil inventories had shed 32 million barrels the previous month, with the tightening especially marked in OECD countries.

LSEG, formerly Refinitiv, also reported an inventory tightening in late February, with Reuters citing a JP Morgan report warning that global oil inventories were at the lowest in seven years, per Kpler data. Related: Who Is Behind Iran-Backed Houthi Threats To Attack Saudi Arabia?

"The market has found a firmer footing with Brent trading above $80 for a while now, supported by what looks like a better-than-expected demand outlook together with the...tanker diversions keeping millions of barrels at sea for longer," Saxo Bank's commodities chief Ole Hansen commented at the time.

Indeed, demand was perhaps the greatest underestimation on the part of analysts and traders. It is the expectation of weak demand that kept prices low for months even as OPEC cut production by over 2 million bpd, and even as forecasts about U.S. shale pointed towards much slower growth this year.

Now that fresh demand data is coming in, prices are climbing higher. Since the start of the year, Brent has gained 11%, according to Bloomberg, which recalled that OPEC had no plans to make changes to its output agreement at its next meeting, on Wednesday.

"The OPEC cuts have been effective," Michael Hsueh, a Deutsche Bank strategist, told the publication. "The global market is either already in deficit or on the verge of turning into deficit."

Indeed, Standard Chartered warned of a deficit back in mid-2023. Yet, at the time, nobody listened. And why would they, when U.S. shale oil production was soaring unexpectedly, despite a lower rig count. Now, the warnings are multiplyingincluding one from the International Energy Agency that just three months ago forecast a comfortable supply situation on global oil markets because of weaker demand that would match the lower OPEC+ supply.

It appears that most forecasters ignored the fact that production curbs amplify the disruptive effects of unforeseen events on market balance. In this case, these effects have come from the Red Sea situation where repeated Houthi attacks on ships have led to a massive reorganization of maritime transport that has added at least 100,000 bpd to global daily oil demand, and, more recently, Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries that have affected fuel supply and raised concern about crude supply.

Had OPEC+ not cut, the effect of these events would have probably been more muted. With the cuts, anything out of the ordinary has the potential to push prices sharply higher. This is why analysts have rushed to revise their forecasts, with Energy Intelligence reporting last week that the dominant expectation is of a deficit. That deficit, according to forecasters, is the result of weaker-than-expected supply and stronger-than-expected demand.

Once again, we see a discrepancy between actual trends in oil fundamentals and expectations of future changes in these trends, based on forecasts with questionable basisand bias. OPEC+, meanwhile, can sit back and relax while it watches prices creep higher still.

"Every month that OPEC discipline remains in-place, Brent flat price will likely continue to catch up with where inventories and time spreads already are," Morgan Stanley analysts said recently.

Meanwhile, those counting on continuous growth in U.S. oil supply that could offset OPEC+ cuts got a reality check from the latest numbers, for January, which showed a decline rather than growth in outputdue to harsh winter weather. While not unheard of and certainly not a sign of a long-term trend, the January output change in the U.S. provided a much-needed reminder that sweeping assumptions can be risky.

The assumption that U.S. production will continue growing at the sameor fasterpace as it did last year and offset the OPEC+ cuts was among the riskier. The assumption that oil demand is in decline because some people somewhere who stand to benefit from such a decline predicted it would decline proved to be an even riskier one. And now everyone is catching up with the actual physical market, which was bound to happen sooner or later.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The United States beat out both Australia and Qatar to become the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2023, with an average of 11.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in exports last year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Monday.

Strong demand in Europe, the return of Freeport to full operations, and high utilization rates helped America raise its LNG exports by 12% annually in 2023 compared to 2022, per data from the EIAs Natural Gas Monthly.

The U.S., with average LNG exports of 11.9 Bcf/d last year was well ahead of its closest rivals, Australia and Qatar, whose exports each ranged from 10.1 Bcf/d to 10.5 Bcf/d annually between 2020 and 2023.

U.S. LNG exports set monthly records at the end of last year, at 12.9 Bcf/d in November, followed by 13.6 Bcf/d in December. The EIA has estimated that utilization of U.S. LNG export capacity averaged 104% of nominal capacity and 86% of peak capacity across the seven U.S. LNG terminals operating in 2023.

Similar to 2022, Europe including Turkey was the top destination for U.S. LNG exports in 2023, accounting for 66%, or 7.8 Bcf/d, of all U.S. exports last year, followed by Asia with a 26% share, and Latin America and the Middle East with a combined 8%, according to the EIA data.

Europe continued to rely on U.S. LNG to replace the lost pipeline gas from Russia and raised significantly its LNG import capacity last year to welcome more cargoes.

The countries that imported the most U.S. LNG were the Netherlands, France, and the UK, with a combined 35%, or 4.2 Bcf/d, of all U.S. LNG exports.

In the medium to long term, however, the U.S. leadership in LNG exports could be challenged by Qatar, which is betting big on major expansion projects to boost its export capacity by 85% by 2030 from current levels, while the Biden Administration has paused new permit approvals to review the current criteria.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The Iranian-backed Houthis will attack Saudi Arabia if it continues to allow U.S. warplanes to use its territory for military strikes against the Yemeni rebel group. Having taken control of the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in 2014, the Houthis are now building up their military presence for a push on the countrys principal oil and gas region of Marib. The group has also been stepping up its attacks on oil ships passing through the key transit routes in and around the Red Sea, including the crucial chokepoint of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. This 16-mile width waterway flows between the west coast of Yemen on the one side, and the east coasts initially of Djibouti and Eritrea on the other, before it joins the Red Sea. The last time the Houthis launched major coordinated attacks against the Saudi Arabian mainland - on 14 September 2019 against the Abqaiq oil processing facility and Khurais oil field - Saudi Arabias oil production was halved, causing the biggest intra-day jump in U.S. dollar terms since 1988. There are two key questions now for the oil markets. First, why would Iran allow the Houthis to make such threats, when only a year or so ago it agreed a landmark relationship resumption deal with Saudi Arabia? And second, will the attacks go ahead?

Iran is in many crucial respects beholden to the wishes of its own two key sponsors  Russia and China  but it remains the case that it would need to be in favour of such attacks on Saudi Arabia for it to allow the Houthis to make such threats. The key reason behind Irans tacit support for this aggression is that it has seen in recent weeks a lowering of tension surrounding the still ongoing Israel-Hamas War  far from the escalation into broader conflict across the Middle East that would almost certainly draw the U.S. military back in scale in the region. Only with significant U.S. forces back on the ground in several Islamic countries  the most notable of all being Saudi Arabia, home to the two holy cities of Islam (Mecca and Medina)  could Iran spearhead the wider Islamic Revolution aimed at supplanting the Judeo-Christian order in the West, as has been its core objective since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. The most recent spark for this broad-based Islamic revolution was to have been the Iranian-sponsored attacks by Hamas on key U.S. ally Israel on 7 October 2023. The beauty of this idea from Irans perspective was that not only would it bring an escalation in U.S. military presence back into the Middle East but also it might result in the end of the state of Israel during the wider regional conflict to come. With the final removal of all U.S. presence from the region an the state of Israel eradicated, Iran could take its place as the leading defender of Islam, uniquely able then to spread its own Shia version of the religion around the world. Related: Against All Odds American Oil Soars Under Biden

To accomplish all this, though, it needs the money and military and political support of Russia and China, with which Iran has broad, deep, and long-running cooperation agreements, as also individually analysed in my new book on the new global oil market order. In Chinas case, tacit support for the threats of the Iranian-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia will not have been as easy to give as it would for Russia. Politically, Beijing has been working on its own special relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since it stepped in with an offer to buy the entire 5 percent stake of Saudi Aramco in 2016 that was due to be sold in an initial public offering, as also detailed in the book. It is this close relationship that enabled China to broker the relationship resumption deal between Saudi Arabia (the key Sunni Islam country in the world) and Iran (the key Shia one) on 10 March 2023. Economically, China has as much to lose from rising oil prices as anyone else. The economies of the West remain its key export bloc, with the U.S. still accounting for over 16 percent of Chinas export revenues on its own. According to a senior source in the European Unions (E.U.) energy security complex spoken to exclusively by OilPrice.com recently, economic damage to China would dangerously increase if the Brent oil price remained over US$90-95 pb for more than one quarter of a year.

However, perhaps outweighing these two factors is that China does not want to lose effective control over the key oil transit routes of the Middle East. Having brokered the stunning relationship resumption agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China cemented the control it had over these critical oil transit routes. Its 25-year deal with Iran gave Beijing influence over the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 30 percent of the worlds oil travels. The same deal also gave China a hold over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (controlled on the Yemen side by the Iran-backed Houthis), and on the other side by Djibouti and Eritrea (both of which owe money to Beijing as part of Belt and Road Initiative-related loans made to them).

Although Xi [Jinping] does not feel the time is right for a confrontation with the U.S., he does want China to stay relevant to whats going on there [in the events adjunct to the Israel-Hamas War] and having a role in this Red Sea problem achieves that, the E.U. energy security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com. A danger sign for China in this context flashed red when the U.S. created Operation Prosperity Guardian to guard against future Houthi attacks on oil shipping in the Red Sea region. This came shortly after the U.S. Department of Defense stated that the initiative was being launched under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153. The Force comprises only countries allied to the U.S., including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. The fear for China is that this U.S. presence may never leave the region and may be expanded in the future, added the E.U. source.

The same fear is held by Russia, which is not only why, according to the source, it fully backs the idea of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, but also why last week saw it deploy its own fleet of warships around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. Additionally, Moscow will see a budget bonanza on any increases in oil prices resulting from attacks on Saudi Arabia. This would allow Russia to sell its own oil at much higher prices, despite the various caps and discounts put into place following its invasion of Ukraine. As also analysed in my new book on the new global oil market order, it earned nearly US$100 billion from oil and gas exports during the first 100 days of the war in Ukraine. Overall, revenues from the higher post-invasion oil and gas prices were much greater than the cost for Russia of continuing to fight the war. However, as prices started to weaken again, Russias finances and its ability to secure an outright military victory have been reduced. Moreover, as reintegrating Ukraine back into Russia (as the first part of re-establishing the full former glory of the Russian Empire) is President Vladimir Putins core priority, any escalation of conflict in the Middle East is seen as beneficial in diverting U.S. focus away from the European military theatre.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Argentina and Brazil are discussing the idea to export natural gas from Argentinas Vaca Muerta shale play to Brazil via pipelines in Bolivia, by potentially reversing the flow northbound to Brazil.

Energy companies from the three South American countries have started talks, but progress has been slow and there are a lot of issues to overcome to make such gas flows happen, industry executives and analysts have told Reuters.

The idea is to reverse the southbound flow of gas pipelines in Bolivia, which used to carry gas to Argentina. The reverse flow would ship Argentinian natural gas to Brazil via the Bolivian pipelines.

Despite being South Americas top crude oil producer, Brazil has faced a shortfall of natural gas as its demand is soaring. The gap in supply has led to Brazil importing more LNG, especially when hydropower conditions arent optimal. For example, the worst drought in nine decades in 2021 forced Brazil to import a lot of LNG. But with the high volatility in LNG prices in recent years, Brazil is looking to avoid being exposed to the wild swings in the market.

The easiest option is arguably imports from Argentinas Vaca Muerta, which is estimated to hold recoverable resources consisting of 16 billion barrels of oil and 308 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Those numbers make the Vaca Muerta the worlds second-largest shale gas deposit.

In July last year, Argentina inaugurated a natural gas pipeline from Vaca Muerta to a town in the Buenos Aires province, as part of its efforts to become energy independent and stop paying billions of dollars for LNG imports.

However, to begin thinking of pipeline exports to Brazil, Argentina would first need to complete projects to bring the Vaca Muerta gas to the Bolivian border and start negotiating about tariffs, executives and analysts involved in the discussions told Reuters.

YPFB, the state company of Bolivia, has recently rejected a proposal from Argentina and Brazil to pay a tolling fee to have Argentinian gas pass across Bolivia, executives from the companies involved in the talks told Reuters.

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Imports of liquefied natural gas into Asia last month hit the highest ever for that month, at 24 million tons, which was a 12% increase on a year earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing Kpler data.

The leaders of the importers pack were China, India, and Thailand, the data showed, with imports expected to continue at elevated levels as ample gas inventories are dampening demand for new shipments and lower prices on the spot market.

Because of that lower demand, shipments of liquefied gas to Europe dropped 20% in March from a year earlier, Kpler also said.

Within Asia, India led with the highest increase in LNG imports, at close to 20%, followed by China, whose LNG purchases increased by 22% in March from a year earlier. Japans LNG intake added 8%, after two months of import declines in a row, the data also showed.

Weak European demand has helped push LNG prices lower, making the fuel more attractive for large Asian buyers. Three months before the March record, shipments of LNG to Asia hit the highest ever for any month: the December total stood at 26.61 million tons, again per Kpler data.

High LNG import levels in China and the rest of Asia could create more competition for LNG supply to Europe at a later point as the continent is now more dependent on the super-chilled fuel for its natural gas supply after the loss of a large part of the Russian pipeline gas supply.

The relative calmness in the LNG market in recent months could turn into volatile turbulence again if fresh supply concerns emerge and if this winter is really cold in Europe and/or Asia.

These lower LNG prices on the spot market could see China break its own LNG import record, set back in 2021, and boost Indias intake of liquefied natural gas by 10% this year. In 2021, China imported 78.8 million tons of LNG.

Asia LNG purchases on the spot market totaled 161 cargoes over the first three months of the year, S&P Global data shows, which was an annual increase of about 33%

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The federal government of Canada is not interested in investing in any LNG projects or subsidizing such plans, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told CTV in an interview aired on Sunday.

The Canadian government doesnt plan to subsidize the electrification of ongoing LNG projects, the federal minister of energy added.

The government is opposed to using government money to fund inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Were the first country in the world to actually do that, Wilkinson told CTV.

Investments in LNG plants is the job of private companies, not of the federal government, the minister said.

We are not interested in investing in LNG facilities. That's the role of the private sector. They need to assess the business case and make the investments, Wilkinson noted.

Germany, Greece, and Japan have expressed interest in buying LNG from Canada, which could benefit from the pause in the approvals of new permits for U.S. LNG export facilities announced by the Biden Administration earlier this year.

But Canadas federal government has said that under its climate plan, all LNG export projects  of which the country doesnt have any at the moment  must run on clean electricity.

You have to do a lot to reduce emissions of methane in the upstream and we're bringing in place regulations to require 75 percent reductions. You have to actually, by using electricity, clean electricity, Wilkinson told CTV.

You can't just burn natural gas in order to liquefy, or the carbon footprint that you leave is far too large, the minister added.

While the federal government is lukewarm about Canadas LNG export prospects, the industry and the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, see an opportunity for Canada to step in amid the U.S. pause in new project approvals.

I hope we dont blow it, Smith said in February.

I hope if the Americans are going to take a pause, that we use this as an opportunity to accelerate some of those (Canadian) projects.

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Chinas latest economic update has added a fresh note of bullishness to oil markets, as it showed the first expansion in manufacturing activity in six months.

The purchasing managers index reading for March stood at 50.8, up from 49.1 for February, Reuters reported, adding that export orders increased as well.

"From the indicators, domestic supply and demand has improved, while homeowner and business confidence is recovering, while willingness to consume and invest are increasing," Chinese Everbright Bank analyst Zhou Maohua told Reuters.

Sure enough, oil prices started to trade this week with a gain, buoyed by the Chinese data, extending the rally from last week, even as several markets remained closed Monday for the Easter holiday.

Crude oil prices have now risen for three months in a row and they may well still have higher to go. Among the factors driving them up, besides OPEC+ cuts, is a Russian supply decline as the country says it will not focus on reducing oil production rather than exports as it did in previous months in a mix of reductions per the OPEC+ agreement.

Meanwhile, some 1 million bpd in refining capacity in Russia is offline as a result of Ukrainian attacks, Reuters noted in its report, citing Energy Aspects as saying that "Geopolitical risks to crude and heavy feedstock supplies add to strong Q2 24 demand fundamentals."

One new factor that helped prices higher was demand, specifically in Europe. Goldman Sachs analysts reported that European demand for oil had proven stronger than expected, adding 100,000 bpd in February from a year earlier, in stark contrast to the banks expectations of a 200,000 bpd contraction.

Demand from China is still expected to be weak, it appears, but the latest PMI reading might lead to revisions in demand forecasts in the worlds largest importer of the commodity.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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As tensions escalate in proxy zones in the Israel-Hamas conflict, six people have been killed in a Monday bomb strike that completely leveled the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, with Tehran accusing Israel of being behind the strike.

According to Agence France Press (AFP), the air strike hit an Iranian embassy annex building, killing six people.

Syrian and Iranian media are attributing the strike to Israel, with a Lebanese security source telling Reuters that a senior commander of Irans Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) was killed in the strike.

"The Israeli attack targeted the Iranian consulate building in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus, Syrias official SANA news agency reported.

Iranian state TV reported Brig-Gen Zahedi, senior commander of the Revolutionary Guards' overseas operations arm, the Quds Force, as among those killed in the attack, along with several diplomats. Israel has not yet officially commented on the accusations, but has targeted Iranian and pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Lebanon repeatedly since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Last week, the independent human rights group, the Observatory, said that Israeli strikes in Syria had so far killed 53 people, including 38 soldiers and 7 pro-Iranian members of Hezbollah, as reported by AFP.

This attack is likely to represent a significant cause for escalation that could add more volatility to oil prices if a spreading conflict is seen to potentially threaten global supply and demand.

At the time of writing on Monday at 1:10 p.m. ET, shortly after the release of reports on the Iranian consulate attack in Damascus, Brent crude was trading up 1.03% at $87.90, while the U.S. crude benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), was trading up 1.45% at $84.38.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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American shale companies are eyeing the benefits of small nuclear reactors to power their Permian Basin drilling campaigns in order to reduce carbon emissions in a reliable and sustainable manner, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

Among those eyeing small nuclear reactors is the largest independent producer in the region, Diamondback Energy Inc, which Bloomberg reports has already signed a letter of intent for a supply of next-generation nuclear reactors.

The letter of intent was with Oklo Inc, whose CEO, Jacob Dewitte, reportedly told Bloomberg that the company was holding discussions with other oil producers, as well. In recent times, American shale producers in the Permian Basin have been retiring their diesel generators and shifting to power from the local grid, which is unreliable at times.

Switching to small nuclear reactors, which do not create carbon dioxide emissions, would be both cleanerin line with climate change goalsand more reliable than overloading the Texas power grid.

Small nuclear reactors could make sense as a low-cost, low-carbon, high-reliability alternative energy source for a company like Diamondback whose energy needs continue to increase, Vant Hof told Bloomberg in an email interview.

The local grid will have to suffice for some time, however, as the next generation of small nuclear reactor technology is still in commercial development and years away from deploying commercially.

Nuclear power has been gaining in popularity recently, with various predictions suggesting that we will not meet our climate change goals without help from nuclear energy.

Okos DeWitte told Bloomberg that while oil is still necessary for our energy security, nuclear energy could be the clearest path towards reducing emissions from oil and gas producers.

These fossil fuels are going to be produced. Do we want to burn carbon to produce them, or do we want to not burn carbon to produce them? DeWitte told Bloomberg. Theres a pretty obvious answer.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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 Flash

The 2024 China-ASEAN Youth Culture Week and 7th China-ASEAN Youth Symposium started at Peking University (PKU) in Beijing on March 28.



Themed mutual learning of civilizations, the event featured academic and cultural exchange activities for youths from China and the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aiming to build a platform for youth exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and promote China-ASEAN relations.

Lu Cairong, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivered a video speech to the launching ceremony. He said that cultural exchanges play an important role in promoting friendly cooperation between China and ASEAN, and are also an important proof of the everlasting friendship between the two sides.

He hoped that the youth cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN could actively build platforms, innovate forms of exchanges, consolidate value foundations, and add youthful color to the joint development of the region in the future.

Svay Nakry, deputy state secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia; Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, executive director of the ASEAN University Network; Liu Ruiqi, chairman of Boya Group; Zhai Kun, deputy director of the Institute of Area Studies and professor at the School of International Studies of PKU, delivered speeches at the ceremony respectively.

They all believed that the younger generation will be the main promoter of China-ASEAN cooperation, and the culture week can effectively promote China-ASEAN people-to-people and cultural exchanges. In addition, they also hoped that the youth representatives would make full use of this precious opportunity to strengthen communication and cooperation and inject vitality into China-ASEAN relations.

Yong Kai Qing, a representative of the 2024 China-ASEAN Youth Culture Week, said in his speech that young people have great power to shape the future of society and promote practical changes. On behalf of the young people attending the event, she issued an initiative: young people in China and ASEAN countries should seek resonance in diversity, promote regional dialogue and cooperation, make a voice in regional affairs and policy formulation, and contribute to cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

This initiative was echoed by the young people attending the event, and was also confirmed in the subsequent I Show ASEAN China-ASEAN Youth Storytelling Event. Thepmoukda Phetsalath and Phouxay Vongphachanh from Laos, Nyar Khant from Myanmar, and Kimpor Huoth from Cambodia shared with the audience about their experiences related to Chinese enterprises, individuals and culture.

Their stories not only reflect the contribution of Chinese enterprises to the local economy and society, but also reflect the people-to-people ties, mutual learning between civilizations, and the shared beauty of China and these countries.

More than 100 young representatives from China and ASEAN countries are expected to deepen their understanding of the cultures of both sides through academic discussions and field visits in four days, and play the role of friendly envoys between China and ASEAN.

This event was jointly organized by the Center for International Cultural Communication of CICG, PKU Southeast Asian Association, the Institute of Area Studies of PKU, and Boya Group. It was a people-to-people and cultural exchange event carried out on the occasion of the "2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges."
Russia is expected to see exports of diesel from its key western ports on the Baltic and Black Seas to decline by 21% in April, industry data seen by Bloomberg showed on Monday, as Russias refining capacity has been crippled by Ukrainian drone attacks.

In April, loadings from the three major western Russian ports are set to drop to around 569,000 barrels per day (bpd), a 21% decline from March levels and the lowest in five months, per Bloomberg estimates of Kpler data.

Seasonal maintenance and a drop in refining capacity due to Ukrainian attacks by drones are holding back Russian diesel exports, potentially exacerbating a middle distillate crunch on the global market.

Russia has seen its refining capacity diminished in recent weeks, due to seasonal maintenance, but most of all due to drone attacks from Ukraine, which have damaged several refineries that have shut down for repairs.

According to Reuters estimates, the amount of Russian oil refining capacity that has been taken offline due to Ukrainian drone strikes is 14% of Russias total refining capacity. Calculations show that 900,000 barrels per day of refining capacity have been taken offline by drone strikes, Reuters reported last week.

Russias government doesnt plan to ban diesel exports again, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday.

Currently, Russia produces twice the volume of diesel than domestic consumption, Novak told reporters, as quoted by Russian news agency TASS.

If we ban exports, we wont have anywhere to put the diesel, Novak said, adding that the Russian fuel market is stable, both in supply and prices.

In the autumn of 2023, Russia banned exports of diesel and gasoline in an effort to stabilize domestic fuel prices in the face of soaring prices and shortages as crude oil rallied and the Russian ruble weakened.

But now Russia suspended gasoline exports from March 1 until August 31, 2024, to ensure supply for the domestic market in peak demand season.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is slashing exports of its Upper Zakum grade as it is diverting more volumes of the medium sour crude to a huge domestic refinery, traders and analysts have told Reuters.

ADNOC, the state oil and gas firm of one of OPECs top producers and exporters, is estimated to have shipped around 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Upper Zakum crude in March, compared to a monthly average of around 940,000 bpd throughout 2023, according to Rystad Energy data cited by Reuters.

At the same time, ADNOC has exported more volumes of the lighter and sweeter grade Murban to replace lower volumes of Upper Zakum, according to traders and analysts.

More Upper Zakum crude is now being run at ADNOCs refurbished Ruwais refinery, which has a capacity to process 837,000 bpd of crude.

Back in 2018, ADNOC said it would invest $3.1 billion to introduce crude processing flexibility at its Ruwais oil refinery. Since then, the refinery has been modified to enable ADNOCs Ruwais Refinery-West complex to process up to 420,000 bpd of Upper Zakum crude or similar crude types. This has freed more volumes of the UAEs Murban crude, which fetches a higher price on the global oil markets, to be utilized for export sales.

Commenting on the refinery modification at the time, ADNOC said that we can maximise the benefit of price differentials to enhance refinery margins, improve the middle distillate products and release valuable Murban crude into the market.

ADNOC began using Upper Zakum at its domestic refinery in September last year, traders told Reuters.

Later in the autumn of 2023, sources familiar with ADNOCs plans told Reuters that the Abu Dhabi firm had already notified some of its term customers that it would reduce the volume of Upper Zakum supply in 2024.

On the other hand, the UAE has said it would boost supply of the more expensive Murban crude, especially as the Middle Eastern producer won a higher quota under the OPEC+ agreement for 2024.

Barrel-for-barrel, Murban brings more revenue for equal compliance, Adi Imsirovic, director of Surrey Clean Energy, told Reuters.

Importers of the UAEs medium sour grade Upper Zakum, most of all China, will now have to scour the market for other sources of heavier crude.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Unlike in South Korea or Bhutan, winter in Okinawa doesnt take a lot of spicy hot-pot-type dishes to get through. That may be one reason why the subtropical island didnt offer many spicy foods in the past. As someone who loves spicy foods, I would have to use a lot of Koregusu, an Awamori liquor savored with islands hot peppers, or try level 10 at a Cocos just to taste some serious spiciness. Recently Ive noticed more and more spicy foods sold at local supermarkets, offering more options to hot food lovers in Okinawa.

Listed below are some of the foods Ive tried and found tasty and interesting. Although none of them would match the burning hot flavors of Blair's Death Sauce or Flamin' Hot Cheetos, these local foods offer something hot and unique to stimulate your taste buds. I picked up these spicy Okinawan foods at a San A Convention City, but you can find them at many Okinawan grocery stores.

Spicy Mimigar Jerky

Mimigar or pigs ear is a signature food of Okinawa where people are said to eat everything that pigs have to offer except their bleat. Although there are several flavors available for Mimigar jerky, this spicy flavor stands out among others because its chewy texture contributes to the spicy flavor by letting the hot flavor linger longer in your mouth as you chew. This is not only a good appetizer or snack food for fun nights, but also a good source of protein.

Shima-togarashi Mame

If you love peanuts and spicy food, this Okinawan hot chili peanut cracker is a no brainer. If you love either of the two, and hate the other, this is still worth a try. Thats my take as a peanut hater. My first bite was met with the taste of peanut coated with brown sugar. But it didnt take long before spicy shima-togarashi (islands chili) kicked in. This interesting mixture of flavors surprised me and I was able to forget my dislike of peanuts, at least for a short while.

Shima Rayu Kaki Pea

Kaki no Tane or Kaki-pea is a popular Japanese snack, which is a pairing of sliver-shaped rice crackers and peanuts. In addition to soy sauce flavor, which is the most common seasoning for this snack, its nationwide popularity led to so many variations in flavors such as picked-plume, chocolate, mayonnaise, etc. Seasoning that with Ishigaki Islands chili oil may not sound like a fresh idea, because the taste is very predictable. Chili oils spicy flavor doesnt last very long because the snacks are hollow. But it is hot enough to offer a good flavor accent, going well with peanuts and sardines packed together.

Rayu Sembei

This is another snack flavored with Ishigaki Islands chili oil. The taste of the spicy oil remains modest with salty flavor taking the lead. I also found a bit of shrimp flavor in the mixture. Obviously, this is targeted to broad consumers rather than die-hard spicy food fans.

Shimatogarashi Ebi Sembei

From the name, you may think that this snack tastes like spicy shrimp. It is only half true. The flavor of shrimp is dominant, but other ingredients such as turmeric, brown sugar and sesame give depth and nuances to the taste. And the hot flavor of islands chili sets the tone to let those different tastes work together. Recently, Ive noticed this food sold at many shops and stores, probably a sign of its popularity among tourists.

Savory & Sweating

For someone, who grew up eating many mainstream spicy snacks, above mentioned foods can be called alternative spicy snacks as many of them are meant to achieve something different by combing spicy flavors and with Okinawan foods. For those who are in need of quick solutions to fill their thirst for hot flavors, listed below are what I think sitting on the top of my list as of now. Some of them are long-time sellers while some of them are relatively new comer. But all of them seems to me relevant to many spicy food enthusiasts. You can find these at most convenient stores. I purchased mine at Lawson and Family Mart.

Kara mucho (Spicy Mucho)

Kara Mucho is probably the king of spicy snacks for many Japanese. I have been enjoying this long-time seller since I was a kid. It comes in either shoestrings or potato chips. Written on each package is its catch phrase, Why potato tastes so good if spicy? Ive had this food so many times, and still wonder what an answer to this question would be.

Bokun Habanero

Bokun Habanero, or Tyrant Habanero, is probably the second most well-known spicy snack after Kara Mucho. As if to differentiate itself from the king of spicy snack, this food mostly comes in rings. Its official website says, Although this food is targeted to all ages, little kids and those who are allergic to spicy foods need to be careful.

Wazano Kodawari Umakara Togarashi

It may be the least spicy among the five, but this rice cracker can be the most addictive. The mixture of soy sauce, Gochujang, cooking rice wine and more contribute to its well-seasoned taste. Senbei (rice cracker) generally comes in a round shape. But for this one, each disk is cracked into uneven pieces, which allows the spicy taste permeate deep inside each piece. The tasty and spicy flavor can be quite gripping.

Moeyo Togarashi

Fried hot chilies to enjoy straight forward spiciness. No sweetness, or sourness are there to console your taste buds. Moeyo Togarashi, which translates to let the chili burn, is completely opposite of the tasty rice cracker mentioned above. With one bite, you will note this is a food for a serious test, not a joke. Needless to say, the hot flavor intensifies as you bite more.

Otokogi Hot Chili Beef

On the package, this claims to be one of the hottest. I found the phrase well-deserved. On the surface, this seems to be just regular potato chips. Of course, you can see red chili powder sprinkled over, but the look presents nothing crazy. Your interpretation would stay that way until a couple of bites. Beyond that point, you might regret it if you dont have anything to drink by your side. Although Otokogi means manhood in Japanese, this is a food for any spicy food lovers, whether for man or woman, who have the guts to try.
The Omaha Police Department has identified the two officers involved in last weeks fatal shooting of a dog in a downtown apartment building.

Officer Bradley Bornhoft, a 15-year veteran of the department, and Officer Steven Barnes, a 16-year veteran, went to the building at 305 S. 16th St., near the intersection of 16th and Farnam Streets, in response to an unrelated trespassing call at 11:18 a.m. last Wednesday.

While waiting in the buildings lobby, officers heard a loud disturbance from upstairs that involved people yelling and dogs fighting, according to authorities.

Barnes and Bornhoft climbed the stairs to the second story and observed two dogs fighting. Two women and a 16-year-old girl were attempting to separate the dogs.

One of the women, 37-year-old Whitney Brown, told The World-Herald the two dogs names were Sharkbait and Fishbone. Brown brought Fishbone and another dog, Meatball, to play with Sharkbait, who lived with Browns cousin at the apartments.

Barnes ordered the women to move out of the way after one of them pointed to one dog indicating that dog as the aggressor. Barnes aimed his police-issued handgun downward and fired two shots, striking the dog Brown said was Sharkbait. Sharkbait died at the scene.

Brown said she did not intend the incident to unfold as it did.

I did not intend for them to shoot that dog, she said Friday.

The teenage girl was hit in the lower leg by a ricochet, police said.

The two other women, which Brown said were her and her 44-year-old cousin, suffered minor injuries. Police investigators could not determine whether they were injured by a dog bite or a ricochet, according to authorities.

The women and girl were treated for their injuries at the Nebraska Medical Center. They have since been released.

The police department has briefed the Douglas County Attorneys Office.
HARTINGTON, Neb.  Maybe a jury to hear Jason Jones homicide case can be found in Cedar County, maybe not.

But prosecutors said the only way to find out is to leave his trial here and begin the process.

The best way to determine if you can pick a fair and impartial jury is you have to try. I dont think time-consuming, tedious and difficult is the standard we use to change venue, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Sandra Allen said during a hearing last week in Cedar County District Court.

The August 2022 shooting deaths of four Laurel residents has left potential jurors with strong feelings about the case and Jones.

After nearly 70% of the 200 potential jurors who received a supplemental jury questionnaire said they believed Jones is guilty with many saying he deserves the death penalty, his attorney filed for a change of venue, saying it would be impossible to choose a jury to give Jones a fair trial.

Todd Lancaster, of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy in Lincoln, reiterated his argument, citing responses that referred to his client as a fruitcake, nutjob, psychopath and scumbag. Some said they could set their opinions aside, but it would be up to the defense to prove Jones is not guilty, rather than the state prove his guilt.

There is a deep and bitter hatred toward Mr. Jones in this community, Lancaster said. There are a number of people who already in their mind believe Mr. Jones is guilty and have expressed that opinion to other people.

Lancaster also cited extensive media coverage the case has received as a reason to move the trial.

Allen said media coverage has not been sensational or biased against Jones, who did not attend last weeks hearing.

I dont recall ever reading anything that was misleading, she said.

District Judge Bryan Meismer said hed issue a ruling at a later date. He asked both sides for location preferences if he were to order the trial moved.

Allen prefers it to remain in the Sixth Judicial District, suggesting Blair in Washington County or Fremont in Dodge County.

Lancaster said Dodge County could work and suggested Aurora in Hamilton County in central Nebraska.

He and Allen both said Dakota County could be a possibility, but Lancaster said its in the Sioux City media market, which has seen extensive coverage of the case.

Though its not certain where it will take place, Meismer scheduled trial for Sept. 9 so he and the attorneys could block the expected three weeks for trial on their schedules.

Jones, 44, has pleaded not guilty to four counts each of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of first-degree arson for the shooting deaths of Michele Ebeling, 53, in her home and Gene Twiford, 86, his wife, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, in their home and setting both houses on fire. Prosecutors have filed notice they would seek the death penalty if he is found guilty of first-degree murder.

Authorities responded to a fire in the early hours of Aug. 4, 2022, at 209 Elm St., where they found Ebelings body with two gunshot wounds. A second fire at the Twiford home at 503 Elm St. was reported soon after, and responders found the family members bodies, all with gunshot wounds.

Jones, who lived across the street from Ebeling, was arrested at his home about 24 hours later and airlifted to a Lincoln hospital for treatment of serious burns. Hes being held without bail at the Nebraska Department of Corrections Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln.

Investigators found empty .44-caliber shell casings near Ebelings body and a Ruger handgun registered to Jones, plus credit card receipts for gas and gas cans, in the Twiford home.

Jones wife, Carrie, 44, has been charged with and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory to a felony. She is accused of aiding and abetting the death of Gene Twiford.

Carrie Jones had been scheduled for a pretrial hearing last week, too, but the hearing was continued upon the request of her attorney. She will be tried separately from her husband, and a trial date has not been set. She remains in custody in the Antelope (Nebraska) County Jail.
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The Lagos State Government on Thursday shutdown 45 unapproved schools and buildings on Lagos Island following collapse of a three-storey building at Ita-Faji which killed several pupils.

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) deplored its officials across the nooks and crannies of the state to enforce the sealing up and removal of all illegal and distressed structures and unapproved schools.

The General Manager, LASBCA, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde said the sealing of distressed structure came up as a follow up to the building collapse which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at Ita Faji, Lagos Island where pupils were part of occupants and affected victims.

Shodeinde stressed that the sealing up of the illegal buildings within the metropolis became necessary to prevent further occurrence of calamities of such magnitude.

He said the agency would work with the Office of Education Quality Assurance under the Lagos State Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies of government to achieve the desire result of conducive, safe and secure environment for learning for the teeming population of students in the state.

Shodeinde stated that the era of illegal conversion of buildings would soon be a thing of the past as the Agency would come out hard on all building owners using residential buildings for commercial purposes without going through proper procedure.

The General Manager, however, appealed to all Lagosians to work together with the government by informing the agency about distressed buildings and illegal construction or conversion within their area of residence.

We need to be our brothers keeper by doing the needful to avert unavoidable calamities and invariably saving lives and properties of fellow Lagosians, he stated.
An Indonesian man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorizing a mosque and destroying its public address system, an action that was allegedly motivated by his frustration at the mosque for disturbing his sleep during the holy month of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, the mosque holds tadarus (Quran recital) sessions, which it broadcasts using its loudspeakers, late every night and often into the morning.

On Sunday at around 3 am, the man who lives close to the mosque, stormed the mosque during a tadarus session while holding a machete, scaring the congregation out of the mosque, before destroying the mosques loudspeakers.

When he was apprehended, NS told the authorities he snapped after days of being kept up by the mosques late night activities.

We are still questioning the suspect, Meulaboh Police Chief Budi Eka Putra said when asked by reporters about updates on the case yesterday.
The Presidency has announced plans by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to offer loans to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

Bashir Ahmad, media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed this on his official Twitter page.

Ahmaad said Governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele is presently making arrangement to start giving loans to corps members.

According to him, the loan will be repaid in seven years.

Ahmaad wrote: The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele discloses that the Bank has completed arrangements to offer loans to NYSC members to commence small and medium scale enterprises.

 The loan which is conceived out of the need to reduce unemployment rate in the country will be repaid in 7 years.
 Flash

The 2024 Lancang-Mekong Basin Fisheries and Aquatic Life Protection Seminar took place in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on March 25. This seminar is part of the 2024 "Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Week" Celebration, which the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs hosted in Wuxi from March 20 to 25 with the theme of "fishery resource protection and green development." The "LMC Week" celebrates the eighth anniversary of the LMC mechanism.

During the seminar, researchers, officials, practitioners, and international students from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries engaged in discussions about the progress, outcomes, and future prospects related to Lancang-Mekong aquatic life protection and fishery cooperation. International students from Lancang-Mekong countries shared insights into their own nation's fishery resources, their experiences in fishery and aquatic life protection during their stay in China, and their perspectives on exchanges, cooperation, and common development within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Simultaneously, the 2024 Lancang-Mekong Basin Fisheries and Aquatic Life Protection Cooperation Achievements Exhibition showcased significant advancements in relevant fields since the 2018 Lancang-Mekong Basin Biological Resources Conservation Forum. Notable highlights included the effectiveness of joint law enforcement actions between China and Laos, scientific investigations of river dolphins in the Lancang-Mekong Basin, and the application of China's "rice-fishery co-cropping" technology in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries. Additionally, the exhibition featured major freshwater fish species collaboratively developed and bred by China and Laos.




According to police sources, the suspect was apprehended around 3pm on Saturday, March 31, at Ijegun, a riverine community notorious for pipeline vandalism and safe haven for vicious criminals.

Police officers from the Isheri-Osun Police Division have apprehended an individual identified as Femi Balogun, who was allegedly posing as a fake Sergeant Major (RSM) while dressed in full military camouflage attire.

According to police sources, the suspect was apprehended around 3pm on Saturday, March 31, at Ijegun, a riverine community notorious for pipeline vandalism and safe haven for vicious criminals.

The police sources mentioned that the suspect, alleged to have been on the wanted list of the Nigerian Army, was arrested by operatives on visibility patrol along Fagbile Estate in Ijegun.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the military had been contacted and Balogun was confirmed to be a fake soldier upon interrogation.

Hundeyin said the suspect would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.
The Nigerian police declined to release the detained social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, commonly known as VeryDarkMan, on Sunday, attributing the delay to the Easter break.

According to SaharaReporters, it was learnt on Sunday that VeryDarkMan was supposed to regain his freedom on Easter but the police claimed there were no personnel available to process his release due to the Easter celebration.

A source privy to the matter told SaharaReporters on Sunday that even though the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr Solomon Arase had said the lawyers representing the social media influencer could go and get him, the Investigating Police Officers initially met on duty said there was no instruction to that effect.

SaharaReporters later learnt that the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Criminal of Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, Mr Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, said the lawyers could return on Tuesday to get their client.

I heard that the IPOs the lawyers initially met said they had not received any instruction to release VeryDarkMan but later when they were able to reach DIG Alabi, he said there was no one available to process the release because of the Easter break.

So he asked them to come back for VeryDarkMan on Tuesday after the Easter break is over, the source said.

SaharaReporters had reported that VeryDarkMan was arrested by the police over claims that they had received a series of petitions against his conduct online.

The socialite had shared a video where he alleged that controversial cross-dresser Bobrisky was sleeping with many Nigerian lawmakers and police chiefs.

He said Bobrisky would have been arrested for openly claiming to be gay and being a trans woman if not that the socialite was sleeping with lawmakers and top police chiefs.

He said, Make dem start by arresting Bobrisky. The lawmakers wey put this law, make dem first arrest Bobrisky because we watched Bobrisky from being a man, e turn woman for our eye like this. E do breast, e do yansh, e dey wear wig, e dey go party, e dey do everything, nobody arrest am. (They should start by arresting Bobrisky. The lawmakers who made the law should first arrest Bobrisky because we watched Bobrisky, a man, turned to a woman. He did surgeries to turn himself into a woman and no one has arrested him).

And you know why nobody arrest am? Because the lawmakers, plenty of them dey doke am. I dare them to arrest Bobrisky for Nigeria. Shey dem say na 14 years? I dare anybody to arrest am, I dare anybody because Bobrisky dey come out talk say e carry man, man carry am, na man dey spend for him, I dare Nigerian government to arrest Bobrisky if e no go cast! We dey country wey be say dem say na 14 years but Bobrisky dey fly (Do you know why no one has arrested him? It is because the lawmakers sleep with him. There is a law in this country that says people who engage in same-sex relationships will be jailed for 14 years but Bobrisky is a free man).

The day they arrest Bobrisky na that day una go know how many people dey run this thing for this country. Down to plenty of them for the north, down to plenty of them for the east and down to plenty of them for the wet and the south (Any day they arrest Bobrisky, you will know how many gays and lesbians we have in Nigeria).

#RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore last Tuesday lamented that the Nigeria Police Force had decided not to release VeryDarkMan on bail despite meeting the conditions.

Giving an update on the issue via his X handle, the human rights activist explained that VeryDarkMan was being held hostage because the leadership of the police force felt he should be punished for accusing them of homosexuality.

Sowore added that the police force intended to hold him in detention till when he was arraigned in court.

He wrote: Regarding @thatverydarkman, hes being held hostage by the highest authorities at the @PoliceNG; after meeting stringent administrative bail conditions yesterday afternoon, they met and decided to teach him a lesson by holding him in indefinite detention until they charge him to court, possibly after the Easter Holidays. (Theyre currently shopping for a judge to do their bidding).

This is because they claimed he accused them (Police DIGs) of homosexuality. Theyre taking laws into their own hands, he added.

SaharaReporters had reported how VeryDarkMan was previously summoned by the police over the alleged cyberbullying of Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh.

VeryDarkMan made this known in a viral video in January where he raised concern about his safety as he walked into the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Abuja, the nations capital.
A 30 year old man, Isyaku Babale has allegedly stabbed his elder brother to death after a heated argument about taking dangerous drugs.

The unfortunate incident happened on Sunday at Anguwan Dawaki within Bauchi metropolis as contained in a statement by the Command PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili made available to Journalists late Sunday night.

The PPRO stated that the suspect was arrested by the Commands Operatives attached to Township Police Divisional headquarters for an alleged culpable homicide.

He stated further that the suspect was arrested following a report received by the Divisional Police Officer, Township Police Station Bauchi as Detectives from the division were drafted to the scene immediately.

They rushed the victim to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) but he was certified dead on arrival by a medical doctor.

He added, that the development prompted the Detectives to initiate a manhunt for the suspect who was consequently traced and apprehended near Kasuwan Shanu area of Bauchi metropolis.

READ ALSO: Police arrest physically-challenged drug suspect

Preliminary investigations conducted by the detectives revealed that the suspect used a knife and stabbed his biological elder brother on the 31st March 2024 at about 0400hrs after an argument that ensued between them.

The altercation started when the younger brother (suspect) asked his elder brother (victim) to stop taking Cold Patch liquid popularly known as Sholi in their room because of the unpleasant odour of the liquid.

Both of them became furious with each other and began fighting. Shortly after a mediation, the suspect ran and picked a sharp object suspected to be a knife and stabbed the victim in his stomach.

Further investigations revealed that both the suspect and the victim used to engage in fighting with dangerous weapons against each other.

The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident to unravel more motives behind the action of the suspect and be charged to court for prosecution.
Hajiya Maryam Mai-Rusau, the women leader of All Progressives Congress in Badarawa/Malali ward of Kaduna has been suspended for taking sides with the former governor of the State, Nasir El-Rufai in the controversies over over the debt he left behind for his successor, Uba Sani.

Speaking Uba at a town hall meeting in Kaduna on Friday Sani had blamed the high debt he inherited from El-Rufai as one of the reasons he couldnt pay salaries and meet other obligations to the people of the state.

Sani, who took over from El-Rufai on 29, May 2023 told the people at the town hall meeting that his predecessor left a debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities behind for him.

However, Mai-Rusau had in a viral video clip released on 30th March, 2024 via social networks; Facebook, Whats-app, and Tiktok, criticized the Governor over the claims against his predecessor.

Reacting to her action, the APC in a letter co-signed by the Ward Chairman and Secretary, Ali Maishago and Zakka Bassahuwa, respectively and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Kaduna accused her of breaching article 21.2 (v) of the partys constitution.

READ ALSO: Abducted school children in Kaduna regain freedom

The party also accused Mai-Rusau of defaming Governor Sani in a social media post, which, according to it, went viral.

It said: The Badarawa/Malali Ward APC Executive Committee after due deliberations and careful examinations on the viral video clip released on 30th March, 2024 via social networks; Facebook, Whats-app, and Tiktok, which is against the constitution of our dear party, APC as stated in article 21.2 (v).

In view of the above, below are the gross misconducts where the subsequent suspension relied upon:

Defamation of the character of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Uba Sani. Unauthorized publicity of the partys dispute that discredited the personality of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State.
It was a frightening narrow escape on Good Friday night for travellers on board an Abakaliki-bound 59-seater luxury bus, when armed robbers attacked them at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and set the vehicle ablaze with all the passengers on board.

The dare-devil robbers had earlier stripped them of their belongings, and locked the vehicle from outside before torching it

But, what would have been the most horrific robbery scene in recent time turned out not to be, as the passengers were said to have smashed the glass windows, and climbed out of the bus before it was completely consumed by the raging inferno.

The management of Ifesinachi Transport Nig Ltd, confirmed on Easter Sunday that the ill-fated bus belonged to the company, and that the vehicle took off from Maza Maza in Lagos, on Good Friday, March 29, enroute Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Speaking of the attack on Sunday, the Managing Director/CEO of Ifesinachi, Prince Emeka Mamah, said he was still in shock over this new dimension to armed robbery which is now accompanied by terrorism.

Also reacting to the incident, the National President of the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), Mr. Nonso Ubajaka, bemoaned the rising cases of robbery and kidnapping targeted at members vehicles on various routes across the country lately.

READ ALSO: Go after Nigerians collaborating with bandits, Bishop Kukah tells Tinubu

But, robbing and burning a luxury bus with 59 passengers on board is unprecedented. This is no longer robbery. It is terrorism, Ubajaka said on Sunday.

A passenger who narrated the incident early Saturday morning in a video recording that showed parts of the long bus still burning, confirmed that no life was lost, though, according to him, some of them sustained injuries.

The passenger, who like many other victims, lost his shirt and other belongings to the robbers, narrated, This is the night bus (showing the charred remains of the 59-seater vehicle) in which we were travelling home for Easter on Friday.

The armed robbers attacked us at Ijebu Ode, and dealt with us: They stripped us of our dresses and belongings and beat us mercilessly. Some of us have Matchett wounds

They forced us back into the bus and set it ablaze. But, we are grateful to God that nobody was burnt to death, because we all managed to escape from the burning vehicle alive.

Though some of us sustained only injuries, we all lost our belongings because the robbers took everything with them, including even the clothes some of us were wearing.

We have been stranded here since 2 am (Saturday morning): Men, women and children who are innocently travelling to the east to celebrate Easter.

To the Managing Director of Ifesinachi, that armed robbers now operate like terrorists is a terrifying dimension that should worry all and sundry, including the government, because nobody knows who will be the victim next time.

Prince Mamah lamented, I cant imagine the motive behind the burning of the bus after robbing the passengers of all their phones and valuables, plus the limited cash on hand.

It is a very dangerous trend which needs to be investigated and a stop put to it. If nothing is done now, we may not be lucky next time as no casualty was recorded Friday night, but anything could happen to anyone when next they strike.

Also speaking further, Ubajaka appealed to the Federal Government and the various security agencies to urgently devise new strategies to tackle the rising insecurity in the country, and particularly make the highways safer for transporters and travellers.

The ALBON National President stated, Something very drastic has to be done urgently to arrest this ugly dimension to highway robbery. The passengers whose bus was set ablaze at Ijebu Ode were lucky to have escaped. Who knows what next the robbers would do? Maybe they will use dynamite next time.

And that is why everybody should be worried, including the government and the security agencies. These days when air fares are going out of the reach of average Nigerians, many people are now using the comfortable, long distance buses instead. But, how can people feel safe when the buses are frequently attacked these days.

Thats why I said the government should do something before it is too late.
Nigerian music producer, Samklef has mocked social media activist, VeryDarkMan following the latters release from police custody.

KanyiDaily recalls that VeryDarkMan was released on Sunday evening, March 31, after spending nine days in police custody.

VeryDarkMans arrest stemmed from a petition filed by Nollywood actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo, along with Samklef, accusing him of cyberbullying and cyberstalking.

Reacting to VeryDarkMans release on his Instagram page, Samklef taunted him about his weight loss, humorously noting the activists slimmer appearance.

The music producer jokingly welcomed him out of prison and urged him to share his cell experience with Nigerians.

Playfully referring to him as a newborn again, Samklef reminded VeryDarkMan of the necessity to regularly report to police stations.

He wrote, Make him come share with us wetin him learn. Him come slim o! Now this is Martins. New born againWelcome back to reality son @verydarkblackman remember you go still Dey go report yourself for police station. Waka jeje.S amklef from the 7th heaven. You play.

KanyiDaily recalls that actress Lizzy Anjorin had expressed her unwavering support for VeryDarkMan following his arrest
The investigation revealed that the suspect stabbed the victim, Mr Shamsu Jamilu of Danja, aged 28, at Kuje Area Council of Federal Capital Territory

A motorcycle thief identified as Sani Nafiu has been arrested by the Kaduna State Police Command after he was reported to the authorities by his father.

The Commands spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Monday in Kaduna.

Hassan said, On March 29, we received information from the father of the suspect that he saw his son, Sani Nafiu, with a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen, that the motorcycle was stolen from Abuja.

He explained that on receipt of the information, police operatives arrested the suspect of Tijjani Kaya quarters in Giwa Local Government Area.

He disclosed that the investigation revealed that the suspect stabbed the victim, Mr Shamsu Jamilu of Danja, aged 28, at Kuje Area Council of Federal Capital Territory.



The suspect collected the motorcycle of the victim lying unconscious.

The suspect Nafiu has been arrested and the motorcycle recovered, he said.

Hassan said an investigation was ongoing and after completion, he would be charged to court for prosecution.
A US-based Ghanaian couple has been arrested in connection with the murder of their 5-year-old son who was badly beaten and succumbed to his injuries.

The couple, identified as Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae, were convicted on March 22, 2024 nearly three years after Owusus son, King, was found dead in a home in Brentwood, New York City.

District Attorney Raymond Tierney in a press release said: This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries.

According to witnesses, prosecutors alleged Owusu and Addae beat the child with at least four different instruments over a three-day period in 2021. The boys condition deteriorated, and he eventually lost consciousness.

Neither Owusu nor Addae called 911 or provided medical care for King, prosecutors said.

On April 1, 2021, the boy was brought to a family members house, where Addae and Owusu left him. When the family member returned home, prosecutors said, King was found dead.

Authorities determined that the boy had suffered numerous injuries from head to toe as part of the beatings.

Owusu and Addae face up to life in prison and are scheduled to be sentenced on May
A suspect has confessed that two Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) providing humanitarian services in Borno State paid him and his partners to burn down Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the Monguno area of the state. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, in a statement on X, said the suspect who appeared in a

A suspect has confessed that two Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) providing humanitarian services in Borno State paid him and his partners to burn down Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the Monguno area of the state.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, in a statement on X, said the suspect who appeared in a viral video was arrested by Civilian JTF.

The suspect added that he was among the four people who were contracted by the unnamed NGOs to carry out several arsons in different camps with each of them to be paid N10,000 once they had successfully carried out the job.

Zagazola said that he independently tried to verify the allegations made by the suspect against the NGOs but the Borno State Police Command stated that it had not confirmed the involvement of any NGOs in the allegation.

He said the Borno Police Commissioner, Yusuf Lawal, confirmed the arrest of four suspects who are currently at the Commands crime investigative units but it was yet to be authenticated if NGOs were involved.

Lawal said that there were two incidents with one of them taking place in Monguno where a suspect was recorded in a video claiming that he was contracted by two NGOs to carry out arson and another one in Mafa where three people were arrested in connection with the same crime.

We are yet to establish if the two incidents were related but those we arrested have already confessed that they were contracted by a fire wood seller in the Muna general area to set fire in places, said the Police Commissioner.

We have arrested him and are currently undergoing investigation at the Crime Investigation Department.

Lawal further issued a warning to people against spreading unsubstantiated rumors, noting that the police will investigate the matter and make its outcome known to the general public.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said the Borno Government has received reports from reliable sources regarding suspected cases of fire outbreaks in some IDP camps within the State.

Tar said the recent increase in frequency of infernos in IDP camps has been a matter of concern while he added that all hands are on deck to forestall any further occurrence of fire outbreaks in the State.

He stated that the Government has been investigating the occurrence of the infernos on a case-by-case basis, with a view to establishing the remote and extant causes, and developing a strategy to stem future occurrence.

On 29 March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Internal Security received a report in which a suspect admitted that he and his co-conspirators were hired by some NGOs (names withheld) to set IDP camps on fire, said Tar.

This matter is under investigation and further necessary action shall only be taken on the basis of the outcome of the investigation.

Those arrested are in detention undergoing intensive interrogation, while the NGOs who were pinpointed in the alleged violent practice have been summoned for preliminary interrogation.

Tar said that the Government has assured members of the public of appropriate attention on the matter and threatened legal action against culprits.
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to attend the inauguration of Bassirou Faye as the President of Senegal.

In a statement on Monday, Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, disclosed that Tinubu would depart from Abuja on Tuesday for Dakar, the capital of Senegal, where the inauguration will take place.

Ngelale clarified that the Presidents visit is at the invitation of Senegal.

Faye, aged 44, secured victory by garnering over 54 percent of the votes in the countrys delayed presidential election.

Last week, Senegals constitutional council confirmed the opposition candidates victory in the presidential election.

President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will join other regional leaders to witness the inauguration at Diamniadio Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.

The president will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and other senior government officials, the president reads.

The spokesperson added that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria following the inauguration.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Minister of Works, David Umahi had expressed his belief that President Bola Tinubu will lead Nigeria for eight years.